Pigs Do Fly Productions To Present Better Late By Larry Gelbart Oct 8, 2025 Pigs Do Fly Productions Will Present Better Late, Larry Gelbart’s (M.A.S.H.) ‘Breezy Entertainment On Serious Themes’ (Variety) At Empire Stage In Fort Lauderdale from Friday, November 7th - Sunday, November 30th. A bitingly funny December-December-December romantic triangle, Better Late focuses on former actress Nora, her not-always-faithful husband of 25 years, Lee, and her ex-husband Julian, who needs a place to stay while recovering from a recent illness. Once Julian moves in, the question becomes: how long will Julian have to remain with them? Gelbart’s clever script is filled with one-liners and sharp repartee, yet “explores love, divorce, aging and death with a mature sensibility and in a decidedly comedic tone.” (Variety) “We are now into our ninth year of operations,” says Pigs Do Fly Productions’ Founder and Executive Producer Ellen Wacher. “When we started, we weren’t sure how our concept of focusing on characters (and employing actors!) over a ‘certain age’ who are living real and interesting lives would resonate with audiences. But we have found that people want good theatre, no matter what their age or demographic - our full houses reflect that. “It has sometimes been a challenge to find plays that fit our mission,” she continues, “But with both Better Late, and our upcoming March 2026 production, Bonnie and Claire, we know we have chosen pieces that will provide great theatre and fit that mission perfectly!” “Two husbands. One wife. Under one roof. What could possibly go wrong?” says Better Late director Deborah Kondelik. Gelbart has given us a story that’s funny, sharp, and surprisingly tender. It reminds us that love is never simple. We can love more than one person in different ways, and the past doesn’t always stay neatly in the past. “Love is rarely tidy,” she continues. “It’s layered with jealousy, guilt, old affections, and unexpected loyalties. But in the end, forgiveness - sometimes grudging, sometimes hard-won-emerges as the saving grace.” Kondelik has cast Carbonell Award-winner (and current 2024 nominee) Patti Gardner as Nora, Geoff Freitag as Lee, Peter W. Galman as Julian, and Chad Raven as Lee’s son Billy. The Stage Manager for Better Late is Patrick Vida. Dean Landhuis is the show’s Scenic Designer, David Hart will do the Sound Design, and Preston Bircher will create the Lighting Design and serve as Technical Director. Director Kondelik will serve as both production’s the Costume Coordinator and Property Designer, and MNM Theatre Company will build the sets. Jessica Kaschube is the Company Manager, and Luis Roberto Herrera will handle the Box Office. Tickets for Better Late are $45 and are available online at: www.pigsdoflyproductions.com - Or by calling: (954) 678-1496. Performances are on Fridays at 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 5:00 p.m. All performances will take place at Empire Stage, 1140 North Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. Ellen Wacher, Pigs Do Fly Productions Founder And Executive Producer Previous Next

Holly-Go, Hollywood’s Free Community Shuttle Service Thu Sep 26 2024 16:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Hub – A Dynamic Addition To Temple Beth Am South Florida Sun Times Aug 27, 2025 Step Onto The Vibrant Campus Of Temple Beth Am, And You’ll Immediately Sense Something New, Something Extraordinary. At The Heart Of It All Is The Hub – A Dynamic, State-Of-The-Art Addition That Redefines What It Means To Build Jewish Community In The 21st Century. Designed With Intention, Innovation, And Inclusivity, The Hub Is More Than A Space – It’s An Experience. From cultural events and social gatherings to recreation and learning, The Hub brings together the essence of Temple Beth Am’s mission: to connect, inspire, and support Jewish life at every stage and age. A Space for Every Purpose Walk through The Hub, and you’ll find a seamless blend of functionality and warmth. Inside the Cultural & Activity Center, there’s truly something for everyone: Outdoor Culture, Year-Round One of the most exciting aspects of The Hub is the Outdoor Cultural Life Center, home to Temple Beth Am’s own Ben Yehuda Street and Zion Square. This space is purpose-built for festivals, lifecycle events, and cultural programming under the South Florida sky. It’s a place where Jewish culture lives and breathes through music, art, celebration, and community interaction. Performing Arts Meets Spiritual Center The Performing Arts Center and Chapel is a true gem of The Hub. With flexible seating for up to 550 attendees, this space is uniquely designed to support both the spiritual and cultural life of the congregation. It easily converts into a more intimate chapel setting for 300, allowing for a wide range of uses—from concerts and plays to prayer services and life cycle events. Movement and Wellness The Athletic Facility at The Hub is a powerhouse for physical activity and fun. Whether it's indoor or outdoor courts, this space supports everything from youth sports and camp activities to family fitness and community-wide tournaments. It's also the perfect setting for assemblies, birthday parties, and casual pick-up games that bring people together in movement and play. More Than a Building What makes The Hub truly special is not just its facilities, but the spirit it fosters. It’s a place where children learn, teens connect, adults engage, and families grow together. Whether you’re attending a lecture in the reading room, cheering your child on during a basketball game, catching up with a friend over coffee, or celebrating a lifecycle milestone under the stars—it all happens here. Located at The Janet z”l and Richard Yulman Campus, The Hub is the new center of gravity for Temple Beth Am. It reflects the synagogue’s deep commitment to providing spaces that serve the present while investing in the future of Jewish communal life. Come experience The Hub for yourself. There’s something here for everyone—and everything here is for you. Check out the What's Happening This September at The Hub: Summer Sweat Sundays With Parker Sloane Sunday, September 7th, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Get ready to glow all summer long with our feel-good fitness series at The Hub, Summer Sweat Sundays! Each session features a playful, low-pressure vibe led by inspiring instructors to help you move, breathe, and feel amazing—whether on the mat or in the pool. Join us for sunshine, community, and a sweat sesh you’ll look forward to. Bring your sunscreen, your crew, and let’s sweat the summer away. For tickets visit: https://www.tbam.org/the-hub/ An Evening With Emma Heming Willis Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. An Evening with Emma Heming Willis, Presented in Partnership with Books & Books. Join friends and neighbors at The Hub for an evening centered around caregiving, community, and compassion with Emma Heming Willis, presented in partnership with Books & Books. Heming Willis will speak in conversation with actress Gabrielle Anwar. The moment Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, his wife Emma Heming Willis was left with nothing but a pamphlet and paralyzing fear. Shocked, alone, and desperate for answers, Emma left the doctor’s office feeling her world had shattered. Now, Emma is turning her pain into purpose with her upcoming book The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path. This is the guide she desperately needed but never received— a deeply personal, compassionate roadmap for anyone facing the heartbreak and confusion of caring for a loved one with dementia. Writing with the same passionate voice that underpins her advocacy for FTD awareness and women’s brain health, Emma weaves her own raw, transformative journey with insights from leading dementia and caregiving experts, offering practical wisdom for navigating the emotional chaos, advocating for your loved one, and—crucially—caring for yourself. The Unexpected Journey is more than a guide–it’s the essential companion for anyone facing the unimaginable, offering strength, hope, and a way forward when life changes in an instant. For tickets visit: https://www.tbam.org/the-hub/ Does This Make Me Funny? An Evening With Zosia Mamet Sunday, September 14th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Join in the fun at The Hub as we celebrate the release of Does This Make Me Funny? Written by Zosia Mamet, presented in partnership with Books & Books. You may know Zosia Mamet from her role as Shoshanna on Girls, or for being one of Hollywood’s original nepo babies (or as she says, “So if I’m a nepo baby I’m like a B minus one at best and maybe not even a full one. I’m like a nepo baby lite, a nepito baby, if you will”). What you might not know is that as a toddler she visited theaters where her mom was rehearsing and crawled around on the floor, scrunching herself between seats; that she earnestly believed in Santa Claus for way too long; that she spent years navigating body image issues in hopes of finding elusive self-love; and that she was so overwhelmed and overjoyed when finally meeting her idol David Sedaris that she hid in the bathroom and melted into a “glitter puddle.” The essays in Does This Make Me Funny? introduce us to Zosia Mamet in all her glory—from her early days growing up in literary and dramatic circles, to her years as a young adult pining for acceptance and love, to her first attempts to make it as an actor, to where she and Shosh are now. A gripping, funny, and earnest look at what it means to be a girl in the world and how to define yourself amid the bustle of show business, Does This Make Me Funny? is a captivating debut from a natural-born storyteller. Socol Speaker Series: Yaakov Katz Monday, September 15th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Meet up at The Hub to learn about Yaakov Katz’s most recent book, While Israel Slept, a powerful indictment of the political and military decisions that lead to October 7. A reception and signing will follow the talk. While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East by Yaakov Katz and Amir Bohbot tells the gripping inside story of how Hamas, Israel’s weakest enemy, succeeded in launching a surprise attack on one of the world’s most powerful militaries. In While Israel Slept, Katz, Former Editor-In-Chief of The Jerusalem Post, and Bohbot, military and defense correspondent for Walla, through a detailed examination of the events leading up to October 7, 2023, expose the intelligence and strategic failures that enabled this devastating invasion. While Israel Slept takes readers back in time, showing how years of complacency, mistaken intelligence analysis, and a misguided policy of containment enabled Hamas to prepare for an assault that Israel did not believe was possible and that would change the Middle East. While Israel Slept unveils the dramatic events of the night before the attack, highlighting the cracks in Israel’s military and political leadership. Katz and Bohbot provide unprecedented details on how key warnings were missed, and how Israel ignored the growing threat from Hamas, believing that the group was weak and deterred. By exposing these failures, While Israel Slept offers a stark, sobering account of how overconfidence and complacency paved the way for disaster, while underscoring the critical lessons Israel must embrace to safeguard its future. The Hub is located at: The Hub at The Janet z”l and Richard Yulman Campus at: 5950 North Kendall Drive, Pinecrest, Florida 33156. For more information and event tickets, visit: www.tbam.org - Or call: (305) 540-0700. (Credit: https://www.tbam.org/the-hub/) Previous Next

"The Growth And History Of The Broward County Sheriff's Office," An Insightful New Exhibit, Now Open At History Fort Lauderdale South Florida Sun Times Oct 29, 2025 History Fort Lauderdale, Proud Steward Of Our Community’s Past By Making Our Heritage Accessible And Engaging To Residents And Visitors, Recently Celebrated The Opening Of Its Newest Exhibit, “The Growth And History Of The Broward County Sheriff’s Office,” With A Special Public Preview, Opening Reception And Book Signing. This Insightful Exhibition Takes A Close Look At The Department’s Progress Over The Years, From 1915 To The Present, While Also Highlighting The Sometimes-Scandalous History That Has Shaped Its Story. The Exhibit Features Images And Narratives From The Department’s Origins To The Prohibition Era, Organized Crime, Gambling And Outlaws, To Mid-Century Racial Tensions And Finally, The Expansion, Modernization, And Professionalism Of Today. As part of the opening festivities guests had a chance to meet Joe Williams, a decorated BSO Deputy Sheriff, author, and major contributor of artifacts and photographs to the new exhibit. Willams graciously signed copies of his latest novel, Unearthed, which captures the dark history of Broward County in the 1940s. “History Fort Lauderdale is honored to continue sharing the stories about the development of our beloved city and county which includes people, places and organizations like the Broward Sheriff’s Office,” said Patricia Zeiler, Executive Director of History Fort Lauderdale. “This exhibit provides a rare glimpse into the organization’s impressive growth and development and how it has evolved to serve the community today.” “The Growth and History of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office” is funded, in part, by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council and Visit Lauderdale. History Fort Lauderdale hosts a variety of engaging multicultural experiences, year-round. It seeks to bring awareness to the community through both traveling exhibits and multiple permanent exhibits including “Women Trailblazers,” “Fort Lauderdale – the Early Years,” “Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward,” “From Dugouts to Dream Yachts: the story of boatbuilding along the New River,” Seminole Arts & Culture,” “New River Archaeology,” “Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture,” and “Take PRIDE, a retrospective on LGBTQ life in South Florida.” History Fort Lauderdale is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with docent guided tours, daily, at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Group walking tours are available upon special request. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and $7 for students (through age 22 with a valid student ID). Admission is free for members, military and children ages six and under. Tickets are available online at: https://HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets . For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit: https://historyfortlauderdale.org . History Fort Lauderdale Since 1962, History Fort Lauderdale has been committed to preserving our collective heritage, promoting historical literacy, and fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for the vibrant tapestry of our region's history. Through dynamic exhibitions, engaging educational programs, and meaningful community initiatives, we strive to connect individuals of all ages and backgrounds with the stories, artifacts, and experiences that shape our shared past, present, and future. Guests to Fort Lauderdale are invited to explore the city’s rich past that is housed in historic buildings on a lushly landscaped campus - the History Museum of Fort Lauderdale situated in the 1905 New River Inn, the 1907 Pioneer House Museum, the 1899 Ivy Cromartie Schoolhouse Museum and the Hoch Research Library, South Florida’s foremost history center housing print resources and newspapers from 1910 - present plus 400,000 archival photos, 2,500 maps and 5,000 architectural blueprints. History Fort Lauderdale is located at 231 Southwest Second Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Museum tickets are available online at: https://HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets . History Fort Lauderdale is a nonprofit agency supported by memberships, grants and charitable contributions. For more information, call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit us online at: https://historyfortlauderdale.org . Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ftlhistory - And on Instagram: @ftlhistory. Subscribe to us on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/user/FTLhistory . Previous Next

Following Old Footsteps - World Traveler Reconstructs Family’s Fascinating History Aventura Digest January 22, 2025 Share The thrill of a new place fades quickly for Caroline Topperman when she moves from Vancouver to Poland in 2013. As she delves into her family’s history, tracing their migration through pre-WWII Poland, Afghanistan, Soviet Russia and beyond, she discovers that the layers of their complex experiences mirror some of what she felt as she adapted to life in a new country. How does one balance honoring both one’s origins and new surroundings? Coaxing memories from photographs and relying on voices from the past to guide her in her search for identity and belonging, Topperman takes an emotional and fascinating journey as she explores where personal history intersects with global events to shape her family’s identity. The result is her new book, Your Roots Cast a Shadow: One Family’s Search Across History for Belonging. “While writing Your Roots Cast a Shadow, I relied upon old letters and a book written by my grandfather,” Topperman said. “During one of my deep dives, I found that his book is referenced at The Holocaust Museum and the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.” From the bustling markets of Baghdad to the quiet streets of Stockholm, Topperman navigates the murky waters of history as she toggles between present and past, investigating the relationship between migration, politics, identity and home. Her family stories bring history into the present as her paternal grandmother becomes the first woman allowed to buy groceries at her local Afghan market while her husband is tasked with building the road from Kabul to Jalalabad. Topperman’s Jewish grandfather, a rising star in the Communist Party, flees Poland at the start of WWII one step ahead of the Nazis, returning later only to be rejected by the Party for his Jewish faith. Topperman herself struggles with new cultural expectations and reconciling with estranged relatives. A study in social acceptance, Topperman contends with what one can learn about an adopted culture while trying to retain the familiar, the challenges of learning new languages and traditions even as she examines the responsibilities of migrants to their new culture, as well as that society’s responsibility to them. “This is a well-written book that reads in some parts like an action-packed thriller, and in others as an introspective search through history and ideology to uncover the truth about her family and herself,” said Award-Winning Author Dr. Nora Gold in her review of Topperman’s book. “Readers will find much to learn and enjoy as they follow Topperman on this personal and multi-layered journey.” The Author Born in Sweden and raised in Canada, Caroline Topperman returned to her ancestral roots in Poland in 2013 to live and to explore her love of traveling and experiencing different cultures. From sampling authentic Neapolitan Pizzas in Naples, to photographing a piano, frozen in a river in Užupis, an independent artist’s republic in Lithuania, to pitching Poutine as a great comfort food to a local French baker in Poland. She speaks fluent English, Polish and French and holds a BFA in Screenwriting from York University (Toronto). Her book credits include Tell Me What You See: Visual Writing Prompts for the Wandering Writer (One Idea Press) and a complementary guide to her blog, FitWise: Straight Talk About Being Fit & Healthy. Topperman has written a column for Huffington Post Canada and was the beauty editor for British MODE. For more information, please visit: https://www.carolinetopperman.com/ < Previous News Next News >

FPL Is Upgrading Hollywood: Analyzing Data from Past Hurricanes To Strengthen The City May 31, 2023 Share The Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is planning to make a number of upgrades in Hollywood as part of its ongoing effort to improve resiliency in the face of severe weather. Part of these investments include moving more power lines underground, strengthening overhead lines and installing more intelligent devices along the energy grid to help detect potential problems and restore power faster when outages do occur. The investments have the added benefit of improving day-to-day reliability for customers as well. With Hurricane Season approaching it's a good time to plan for the future and that's exactly what FPL is doing. Florida Power & Light has multiple projects to make the electric grid in Hollywood more resilient during and after a store as well as for the future. One of their plans is the 'One Storm Secure Underground Program (SSUP) Project.' The program started in 2018 to replace more overhead neighborhood power lines with underground service. The Storm Secure Underground Program analyzes data from past hurricanes, vegetation-related service interruptions and other reliability metrics to identify areas in Hollywood and the surrounding communities that would most benefit from having power lines placed underground. Another storm related project is to strengthen 10 main power lines in the area, including those that serve critical services that are necessary for communities to recover faster after major storms. Part of this plan includes maintaining trees and vegetation which is a common cause of power outages, particularly during hurricanes and severe weather along 252 miles of power lines. FPL is not just focusing on the lines themselves, but they will also be inspecting 3,267 power poles in Hollywood as part of an eight-year inspection cycle. If needed they will strengthen or replace those that no longer meet FPL’s industry-leading standards. Along with upgrading power lines and poles, FPL will be installing smart grid technology, including 32 automated switches on main and neighborhood power lines to help detect problems and restore service faster when outages occur. Sometimes you can't see every potential problem with the naked eye, so FPL will be inspecting 96 main power lines and equipment using infrared technology. Infrared cameras can find otherwise undetectable issues with power lines and equipment. This infrared camera technology helps FPL locate many potential problems and address them before they cause an outage. When the planned 2023 work is completed, FPL will have made the following improvements in and near Hollywood since the historic 2004-2005 hurricane seasons: • Strengthened 56 main power lines, including those that serve critical services. • Inspected and maintained vegetation near 2,982 miles of power lines -- an average of 175 miles per year. • Inspected all 20,351 power poles every eight years. • Installed smart grid technology, including 1,940 automated switches on main and neighborhood power lines. • Inspected 162 main power lines and equipment using infrared technology. “No energy grid is hurricane-proof and storms will continue to cause power outages, but detailed assessments following 2022’s Hurricanes Ian and Nicole showed FPL’s investments to storm-harden its energy grid continue to benefit customers, speeding restoration,” said Manny Miranda, Executive Vice President of Power Delivery for FPL. Strengthening power poles, managing trees and vegetation near power lines, installing smart grid technology to fix problems before they affect customers and using robots and drones to regularly inspect equipment have all helped FPL improve its service reliability by 41% since 2006. These upgrades have helped reduce both the number and duration of outages, as well as the number of momentary interruptions or power flickers. SSUP is a concerted effort to place more neighborhood power lines underground. It is designed to help speed restoration efforts, reduce restoration costs and reduce customer outages. FPL completed more than 1,200 SSUP projects since SSUP started and will expand the program in 2023, with about 750 projects planned across the state. “We are committed to investing in innovative solutions and technology,” said Ben Wesley, Local External Affairs Manager for FPL. “We work year-round so our customers across Florida can resume their normal lives safely and as quickly as possible after storms.” In 2022, for the seventh time in eight years, FPL was awarded the ReliabilityOne® National Reliability Award. Presented by PA Consulting, the award is widely regarded in the energy industry as one of the most prestigious honors and reinforces FPL’s commitment to provide customers with the nation’s most reliable service. FPL is America’s largest electric utility, Florida Power & Light Company serves more customers and sells more power than any other utility, providing clean, affordable, reliable electricity to approximately 5.8 million accounts, or more than 12 million people. For more information about FPL and NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com Or: www.FPL.com Or: www.NextEraEnergyResources.com < Previous News Next News >

South Floridians Invited To Free Alzheimer’s Educational Conference South Florida Sun Times Oct 15, 2025 The Alzheimer’s Foundation Of America (AFA) Will Host A Free Alzheimer’s & Caregiving Educational Conference For South Florida Residents On Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 From 10:00 a.m. To 1:00 p.m. E.T. At The Boca Raton Marriott At Boca Center, Located At 5150 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, Florida 33486. The Free Conference Is Open To Everyone And Will Allow Participants To Learn From Experts In The Field Of Alzheimer’s Disease, Brain Health, And Caregiving. Register By Visiting: www.alzfdn.org/tour. Advance Registration Is Highly Recommended. “Knowledge is a useful and powerful tool that can help make any situation easier to navigate, especially something as challenging as caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO. “Connecting families with useful, practical information and support that can help them now and be better prepared for the future is what this conference is all about. Whether Alzheimer’s is affecting your family, you are a caregiver or just want to learn more about brain health, we invite you to join us on November 19.” Sessions during the AFA conference will include: Brain Health and Alzheimer’s Disease: Trials, Treatments, and Prevention– Taking proper steps to maintain brain health is essential to maintain optimal cognitive function as we age. Dr. James Galvin will discuss healthy brain aging and how to build a better and healthier brain as we age. He will talk about Alzheimer’s Disease risk factors, signs and symptoms, and current symptomatic and disease modifying therapies, as well as novel clinical trials with emerging treatments and prevention strategies. Dr. Galvin is a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, and the Alexandria and Bernard Schoninger Endowed Chair for Memory Disorders at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders: Strategies for Interpreting and Addressing Behaviors – Behaviors often are forms of communication among individuals living with Dementia-related illnesses, especially as the disease progresses and language and memory decline. When they can no longer express needs or feelings clearly with words, they may communicate through actions, body language or emotional outbursts. Dr. Karen L. Gilbert and Blake Davis will address how behaviors become forms of communication and how caregivers can interpret and best address challenging situations with the person for whom they are caring. Dr. Gilbert is the Vice President of Education and Quality Assurance for Alzheimer’s Disease Community Care, based in West Palm Beach. Ms. Davis is the Education Program Manager for Alzheimer’s Disease Community Care and teacher of the Alzheimer’s Disease/Lost on Foot Crisis Intervention Training for the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Sheriff's Offices. The Road to Better Treatment: A Caregiver’s Guide to Clinical Trials – Clinical trials test new ways to detect, prevent, treat, or manage Alzheimer’s Disease and other Dementia-related illnesses. New treatments and medications are not possible without first completing the clinical trial process. Dr. Jeremy Koppel will explain the basics of clinical trials, how people can participate, and factors to consider before deciding to enroll in a clinical trial . Dr. Koppel is a Geriatric Psychiatrist and the Co-Director of Northwell's Litwin-Zucker Research Center for the Study of Alzheimer's Disease. He is also a member of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Medical, Scientific, and Memory Screening Advisory Board. For more information or to register for the free Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 conference in Boca Raton, visit: www.alzfdn.org/tour . Those who cannot participate in the conference or have immediate questions about Alzheimer’s Disease can connect with licensed social workers seven days a week through AFA’s Helpline by calling: (866) 232-8484. Texting: (646) 586-5283. Or web chatting at: www.alzfdn.org by clicking the blue and white chat icon in the right-hand corner of the page. The web chat and text message features are available in more than 90 languages. About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is a Non-Profit Organization whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and related Dementias nationwide and to fund research for better treatment and a cure. Its services include a National Toll-Free Helpline: (866) 232-8484 staffed entirely by licensed social workers, caregiver support groups, educational programs and publications for caregivers, Dementia-care training for healthcare professionals, the National Memory Screening Program, and more. For more information about AFA, call: (866) 232-8484. Or visit: www.alzfdn.org - Or connect with us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, or LinkedIn. AFA holds Charity Navigator’s top 4-star rating. Previous Next

Thinking of Selling Your Boat? June 11, 2021 Share Record-Low Inventory has buyers on the lookout for their dream boat (BPT) - The best time of year to sell a boat fast and for the most money is before the height of the boating season, plus any time when demand for boats is strong and supply is low. That means, if you're looking for cash and have a boat you're willing to sell, now is a great time to get top dollar. According to boating marketplace Boat Trader, sales of used boats remain on the rise nationwide in 2021 after the pandemic set in motion a wave of new enthusiasts buying boats. Early spring transactions for used boats under 36 feet jumped 41% over the same period last year. However, because of how fast boats are selling, this year's boat buyer is facing record-low inventory. Inquiries sent to sellers through the platform offer one way to measure increased demand for boats, and the number of leads submitted per boat shopper has grown by 64% over 2020. Experts say the dramatic rise indicates competition is fierce among consumers and will last beyond summer. For some shoppers, squeezed selection makes decision-making quick and easy, but for others, it keeps the boat search dragging on until more boats become available. What has helped relieve some of the supply strain is current boat owners recognizing the opportunity for a quick payday and privately listing their boats for sale. When it comes to selling a boat online, people are drawn to the fast and efficient way to cash in on their boat's worth. However, listings that are positioned properly get the best price. List where the fish bite A selling platform's geographical scope is a key determining factor in ensuring that your boat will get as much coverage as possible. Regardless of whether you want the convenience of a local buyer, the more people that view your ad, the more likely you are to find the right buyer. Boat Trader's search filters let sellers reach interested shoppers who are able to find and locate the vessels they're looking for within a range of specified geo-targeted locations. When you list a boat as a seller, local buyers get notified if the boat matches their criteria, helping you sell your boat faster. Listing tips that have the biggest impact Here are three tips to sell your boat quickly: • List your boat on the right platform by considering boating marketplaces first. • Add a detailed description, including engine hours, electronics, upgrades, trailer and regular maintenance performed. • Include high-definition photos and include a video to enhance your listing. When considering selling platforms, social marketplaces may sound convenient, but they are often less focused, with a diluted boating audience. These sites have a lot of yard sale noise and are less likely to have serious boat buyers. As stated by Boat Trader, the portal's rate of overall lead conversion is 19.4%, meaning that 1 out of every 5 leads converts to a boat sale. High-quality images are really important when selling a boat, so include many photos or videos at many different angles. In addition, consider offering live video walk-throughs with potential buyers, and try to schedule video chats back-to-back to save yourself time. Why sell now? In summary, demand for used boats is high, but supply is low. You can reach the largest audience by selling on a specialized targeted website, keeping in mind that boat searches on Boat Trader are up 55% over last year, where 75% of privately listed boats sell within 12 weeks. Learn more at www.boattrader.com/sell. < Previous News Next News >

Doggie Decoding: Understanding Canine Body Language South Florida Sun Times Mar 20, 2025 Without The Gift Of Gab, Dogs Are Left To Rely On A Bark, A Tail Wag, Or, Sometimes, Even A Snarl To Communicate With Their Two-Legged Companions. However, As We Attempt To Connect With Our Canine Friends, Understanding The Unspoken Becomes Immensely Important In Recognizing Their Wants And Needs. “Understanding our dogs’ basic body language allows us to gain insight into their thoughts and feelings about the world around them and what they are experiencing,” said Harmony Diers, a Veterinary Technician and Project Manager for the Dog Aging Project at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. To help owners “decode” their dog, Diers describes the meaning behind some common body language signals that dogs use to communicate. Reading The Relaxation Happy dog, happy life is a wonderful sentiment to live by. But how do owners know when their dogs are happy? “Happy and relaxed dogs offer us a great deal of body language intel,” Diers said. “The ears of these dogs can range from forward and relaxed to pointed back and relaxed. Dogs that are happy and submissive may even fold their ears back. But the takeaway is ‘relaxed.’” A key sign is found in circular wags — if your dog is wagging its tail in a circle, it is showing you that it is very happy and joyful, Diers said. Other body language-based observations of a content and calm dog include: Eye squinting Soft, yet direct gaze Leaning on you Laying down Rolling over Open/panting mouth “It is important to recognize a calm and content dog's body language to determine whether he or she is comfortable with the current environment and circumstances,” Diers said. “When we learn to recognize our dog's communication, we can set them up for success within their boundaries and also identify situations where they may need more support or training.” Personal Space Advised On the other hand, discontented body language refers to behaviors that raise concern — reflecting defensive or submissive signs. This can be influenced by a multitude of variables, such as overstimulation, new environments, or unfamiliar individuals. Once again, a key source of information lies in a dog’s tail; for example, a frightened dog may tuck his tail, while an alert or nervous dog will carry its tail high and possibly wag it vigorously. “A dog experiencing an uncomfortable situation may also turn his body away from the threat to present his back,” Diers said. Similar to shaking off water from the pool, dogs also give a shake to reduce tension or stress from their bodies. Other signs of a nervous or alerted dog include: Upright and forward ears — shows an attempt to be ready for “fight or flight” Pinned back ears near the head — shows the dog is attempting to make itself look smaller Alerted eyes — often in a fixed stare “Giving you the whale eye” — averting direct eye contact or showing the whites of the eyes indicates a scared dog Tense lips — often pulled back/lifted over the teeth Licking lips — often accompanied with yawning Being able to recognize the signs of a discontented dog is vital for your furry friend to feel a sense of security at home as well as encountering unfamiliar dogs outside of the home. Diers notes that while these are common signs, some breeds’ natural characteristics may appear alarmed upon first glance. For example, German shepherds’ natural ear shape means they’re often upright, husky and malamute breeds have curled-up tails, even when relaxed. “When these dogs are in alert mode or feel threatened, the tail may go higher and stiffer and wag quickly,” Diers said “Look at our pugs. They always have big open eyes, but if a wide-eyed pug is giving the whale eye, he may be experiencing a threat or feeling nervous.” Trouble In Paradise In understanding your dog’s body language, you can also be better prepared to recognize potential health concerns. “An ill dog may sleep more, be grumpier and not want the normal interaction he usually gets excited about,” Diers said. Other “red flag” indicators that can indicate pain or tension include: Limping Head-hanging Tense posture Tucked belly Arched back Whimpering Lip-smacking (precursor to nausea) Diers notes that lip-smacking can also indicate a self-soothing method for stress or anticipation of a snack. “Ultimately, if your normally active and happy dog starts to isolate and show lethargy and/or decreased appetite, this is a sign that something has changed with their overall health and seeking the care of a veterinarian is a suggested course to take,” Diers said. Reading, understanding and responding to your dog’s body language is a key part of the companion-to-owner relationship. By understanding their cues and appropriately advocating for your dog, owners can continue to ensure their dogs remain happy, comfortable and safe while also guaranteeing the safety and well-being of those around them. 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 Next

Sanitation In Hallandale Beach By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper Aug 20, 2025 Last week, we held a special budget workshop. One of the main topics of discussion during the workshop was our Sanitation Division. Our City continues to provide this service in-house successfully while keeping our rates competitive. While that is great news we have not looked at any rate increase for over 8 years while operational costs and tipping fees, and the rate we are charged for disposal, have increased. Last year, we began the goal of making the sanitation fund sustainable. For years, the large corporations have been trying to convince our elected officials to contract the service out. This means selling the franchise so the private company can make money. I like to say that while we do not want to lose money, we are not for profit, we are for people. Cities once locked into these contracts end up being locked in to increases with little or no control. Our sanitation division is set up by a financial model called an enterprise fund. The best way to describe it is just like a separate business. Employees’ equipment and the fees we pay to deliver the trash for processing are all paid for through the fees we charge. While all operational costs have gone up the fee has remained flat. The fund pays the city a franchise fee that goes to our general fund. Last year, we stopped this practice which cut the funds. While this helped, we still remained focused on ways to maintain and improve service delivery without large increases. The first steps were to re-evaluate all our operations. The division is actually regulated through an ordinance that spells out what our services are to be and the fees we are to charge for each service provided. Staff found that we were not following the ordinance as was intended. The first major glaring discrepancy is our recycling. 30 years ago, our City was 1 of 5 first cities in Broward to establish commingled recycling. We went to automated trucks with large green bins. For years, we delivered our waste to the Reuters Plant in Pembroke Pines where the trash was sorted then processed. Originally, this system was to include converting the composited waste into pellets. That never occurred and trash was just composted and shipped out. The rest of the cities were sending their waste to either the landfill or the Waste to an energy plant. The system located in the far west was in operation for years. Then residential homes were springing up. Soon there were complaints of odors from the composting. The recycling market was also failing. The plant stopped its recycling and the five cities sued. 4 of the cities settled by entering into a 20-year contract. We held out and ended up in a settlement which included a favored nation’s disposal rate. At that time, I used to joke that we were the LeBron James of Broward County. We then had to set up recycling. We established the service with blue bins and added a two-dollar recycling fee. This had worked for some time but the market for recycling dried up and the new plant would not accept any recyclables that were commingled. This means garbage mixed with accepted glass, plastic, and paper. These loads would simply get dumped with the regular garbage. This has been Broward County’s trashy secret. Many cities are not truly recycling. All the trash is going to the same place. Recycling has basically become a feel-good thing. I am not saying I do not believe recycling is not important, I have done it for years. After finding all the effort was a waste, I stopped. At our meeting, we collectively agreed to stop the program. Having extra vehicles, separate bins and double routes only to have the trash end up in the same place is futile. It is also disingenuous to our citizens. Broward cities have been negotiating a sanitation plan for over four years. They just released their plan with the goal of recycling but most of the plan will take many years to implement. They stopped short of focusing on incineration as a 1st tier solution. The stigma around incineration plants of years past has put a chilling effect on this trash solution. The new modern plants are safer, and many countries utilize them along with other methods. For now, we will be collecting all the blue bins and going back to green bins only. The operational cuts make sense and will help the bottom line. I will continue to review the other programs and rate changes in next week’s article. As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org . Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share! Previous Next

Dania Beach 2nd Annual 'You Are My Angel Maternal Wellness Event' Merges Loss, Recovery And Hope With Insights From Powerful Community Leaders South Florida Sun Times Oct 29, 2025 This Past Week, South Florida’s Community Came Together In Dania Beach To honor National Pregnancy And Infant Loss Awareness Month, A Period Recognizing The Trauma Experienced By Many Families And The Struggle To Move Forward Amidst Darkness. Led By Dr. Marline C. Duroseau And Held At The Paul DeMaio Library, The 2nd Annual ‘You Are My Angel Maternal Wellness Event’ Welcomed Grieving Parents To Tell Their Stories And Share The Legacies Of Their Lost Angels, As Well As Spotlighted Powerful Community Leaders To Provide Resources And Hope To Attendees. “I am absolutely in awe at the support our event received, and I could not be more grateful for all involved,” said Dr. Marline C. Duroseau. “This day was a true labor of love, one that transformed heartwrenching experiences into an opportunity for growth and inspiration.” Duroseau was motivated to launch the annual event following her own experiences with infant loss after struggling with infertility for 10 years, she gave birth to a daughter named Angel Grace who tragically passed away after only a few days. Wracked with grief as well as love, Duroseau set out to create a safe space for all parents who struggled with the same pain, opening the door for unmatched connection and support. The day opened with a moment of silence before segueing into an array of experienced key speakers and guests, including: • Andrew Rader, Rader Law Group Founder, a pioneering IVF Litigation Attorney whose groundbreaking work helped Florida become one of the first states to recognize emotional damages for the negligent destruction of embryos. • Clayton Anderson, Chairman of the SHINE with Joy Foundation dedicated to advocating for maternal health equity, STEM Education for Women of Color, and community wellness honoring his late wife Krystal Anderson. • Megan Joseph, Founder of Cured Heart Candles in memory of her late grandmother that discussed the intersection of creativity, comfort, healing, and connection. • Dr. Natasha Evans, Co-Founder of Heavenly Matched Partners (alongside her husband) and emcee of Hawt Hosting who empowers women to embrace faith and clarity as well as God-centered relationships in their path to emotional recovery. • Denise Castro, Founder of both Neucor Construction and Virtual Mom Collective dedicated to empowering mompreneurs and fostering leadership in the workplace. She is also author of ‘Womb of a Mother: The Odyssey of Motherhood,’ which details her journey of strength. • Diane Hernandez, a Trauma Psychologist specializing in trauma-informed care and reproductive healthcare trauma who explored mind-body-spirit approaches to healing from loss and anxiety while supporting balance and resilience. • Dr. Kertia Duga, a naturopathic medical doctor as well as Founder of She Does Medicine: Integrative Women’s Health & Fertility who discussed the importance of accessible, holistic care prioritizing nutrition, exercise, and natural therapies before pharmaceuticals. She also teaches sacred dance to support women battling menstrual, reproductive, and fertility challenges. • Brittany Alphonse, an Environmental Services official who has survived the loss of two babies and has dedicated herself to speaking about steps families can take to protect future pregnancies. • Sandra Elidor, CEO and Founder of Non-Profit Filling Empty Wombs - Bringing Awareness to Infertility whose organization provides support for people encountering infertility and loss. • Mariah Tuffy Joseph, CEO of Fertility Support Now, who began the organization to support people on their family-building journeys and is working to re-write the narrative by referring to it as Fertility vs. Infertility Support as she navigates her own journey with her husband. The event was also attended by Dania Beach’s own Mayor Joyce L. Davis, who offered tremendous support to grieving families, strengthened the community’s bond, and provided additional resources for those in need. “The energy of the room was one I’ll never forget, and I’m truly honored I could be part of such a moving day,” said Andrew Rader, who recently launched IVF Law Group to better assist families overcoming reproductive health malpractice as well as is the focus of the first IVF Litigation course on platform LawPracticeCLE (LPCLE). “I hope that all attendees took with them a renewed sense of knowledge, as well as understanding as they navigate the next steps of their family journeys." Following each of the speakers as well as open panel discussions that enhanced the event’s goals of unity and light, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a candle dedication ceremony and create personalized tokens of remembrance. A memorial wall was also set up, leaving a space for families to leave photos, notes, and other memories of loved ones. Duroseau added, “Each year, I dedicate this event to the memory of my daughter- despite her short time on this Earth, she taught me pure love, joy, and misery, experiences that have shaped my everyday life for the better. I’m so glad I could create a space where so many felt comfortable in their vulnerability, a core part of healing and moving forward. Next year’s ‘You Are My Angel Maternal Wellness Event’ is in the works, with updates to be made available on: https://www.mcdbe.com/ . Previous Next

Hollywood's Small Business Assistance Center Supports 120 + Businesses And Growing City Of Hollywood Oct 1, 2025 Since Launching In The Summer Of 2024, The City Of Hollywood’s Small Business Assistance Center (SBAC) Has Quickly Become A Trusted Hub For Entrepreneurs And Business Owners Looking For Practical, Personalized Guidance. To Date, More Than 120 Businesses Are Benefiting From The Center’s Support Through A Mix Of Monthly Office Hours, Expert Advice And Direct Connections To City Services. The SBAC is hosted by the City’s Economic Development team with support from Planning, Building, Code Compliance and Financial Services. Together, these departments provide hands-on assistance with common business needs such as licensing, permitting, local business taxes and funding opportunities. Beyond one-on-one guidance, recent sessions highlight valuable City programs including the Commercial Property Improvement Program, Resident Rewards Wednesdays and the Legacy Business Recognition Program. The Center’s impact is already visible: new businesses have been able to open their doors more smoothly, while existing businesses are tapping into City programs to expand, renovate or reach new customers. The goal is not only to answer questions but also to create a clearer path for growth and long-term success. Monthly office hours take place on the second Thursday of each month from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on the second-floor lobby of City Hall. No appointment is needed, and both startups and long-established businesses are encouraged to stop by. Whether you are developing an idea, scaling your operations or simply seeking clarity on City processes, the SBAC is here to help you every step of the way. To learn more about the SBAC and upcoming sessions, visit: https://choosehollywoodfl.com/240/Small-Business-Assistance-Center Dream Car Classic Car Show This Sunday, October 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Downtown Hollywood the Dream Car Classic Car Show featuring dozens of classic cars, trucks and other vehicles of interest will be held. Bring your entire family, there is Free admission and to participate vehicle registration is $25. For more information, visit: www.CobraJoeProductions.com - Or contact Joe Bevelacqua at: (954) 825-1027. Or: jbevsr@msn.com . Previous Next