Sun Times Issue 03 07 24

Melissa Errico Crowns The Season

Aventura Broadway Concert Series Finale

“She’s so sexy you won’t believe your eyes and sings so beautifully you won’t believe your ears”

The City of Aventura presents the finale to the Aventura Broadway Concert Series as Broadway, TV and Film Star Melissa Errico performs The Life & Loves of a Broadway Baby this Sunday, March 10th at 7:00 p.m.

the stated business location

During this incredible show, Errico sets her own life to the Broadway songs that she has sung and offers both a sensational set of beloved standards and a series of witty and some-

times wicked stories about an ingenue’s life on the Great White Way. This show is a sexy, sublime study of American songs from Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Lerner & Loewe, Taylor Swift and more.

Her Life

As a Musical Theater Actress, Errico is a Tony AwardNominated Broadway star — an Actress, Singer and Author who contributes regularly to The New York Times. In summer 2023, she sang a concert in Paris which was broadcast internationally and nationally on Radio France,

followed by a sold-out cabaret at the historic Le Bal Blomet. Also last summer, she opened for music icon George Benson at the Montreal Jazz Festival. A knocked-out writer from London Jazz News wrote of Montreal: “Errico was energized, making sure with every breath that she would get the audience in the 3,000-seater Pelletier really on her side. Every high note was heroically held, and she got a standing ovation from this audi ence. Montreal audiences always want to show their warmth and

Concert Series

If you’re struggling to find a way to pay for college there are some local opportunities available

If you know a student who could use some extra funds for college or may be looking towards a career in municipal government then here are two opportunities for them to apply for from the Broward League of Cities and The Rotary Club of Hallandale Beach - Aventura.

The Rotary Club of Hallandale Beach - Aventura scholarship is available to a student who plans on attending college, who is in need financially, and has made a difference in the community.

Student must be a legal resident of the United States, attend a High School in Hallandale Beach or Aventura, and/or be a resident of Hallandale Beach or Aventura communities for more than 1 year at the time of application.

What Does A Rotary Do?

this one made her deservedly welcome.”

In November of 2022, she made her Carnegie Hall debut in the concert Broadway Blockbusters with The New York Pops, where her performance included three Sondheim numbers including: “Losing My Mind,” and “Move On.” As she entered to begin with a song from “My Fair Lady,” Steven Reineke, Principal Conductor of New York Pops, introduced her with flair: “Melissa Errico is a unique force in the musical life of New York City: a Broadway star, a concert artist and an author who regularly contributes essays to The New York Times. There’s really no one like her!”

First known for her starring roles on Broadway, including My Fair Lady, High Society, Anna Karenina, White Christmas, Dracula, and Les Misérables, Melissa has had a wide ranging career from television and film to recording. She starred in the CBS show “Central Park West,” and played roles on “Blue Bloods,” “The Knick,” and more, as well as “Billions” on Showtime. She has starred in many nonmusical roles by Shaw and Oscar Wilde, including “Dear Liar” in the spring of 2023, playing George Bernard Shaw’s original Eliza Doolittle.

Though a constant in the New York theater, she has become equally known for her music and concert work worldwide. Her 2018 album, Sondheim Sublime, called by The Wall Street Journal “The best all-Sondheim album ever recorded,” led to sold-out concerts dates from Ravinia to Caramoor and Wolftrap — San Francisco to Singapore to London, and including the 92 Street Y, Joe’s Pub, Town Hall, and Lincoln Center’s Allen Room. Errico’s history with Sondheim began when he selected her to star as Dot in Sunday In The Park With George at The Kennedy Center, then as Clara in Passion at Classic Stage Company; then in the New York City Center Encores! production of Do I Hear A Waltz? In 2020, she sang “Children And Art” in the Sondheim 90th Birthday Concert “Take Me To The World,” and was featured on PBS Television in a documentary special in which she sang “Finishing The Hat” and joined Adam Gopnik and Raul Esparza on Poetry in America. She was also featured in The New York Times Tribute to Sondheim in November 2021 as the top ten interpreter of his work. Her second Sondheim album, “Sondheim In The City” was released on February 16th, 2024.

In addition to Sondheim, nothing in her work has been more constant than her association with Composer Michel Legrand. Having starred in his sole Broadway show, Amour, she went on to collaborate with him on the iconic album Legrand Affair. After his death in 2019, she was asked to write his eulogy by The New York Times and was then invited to be the sole American performer in the extraordinary two-day memorial to Legrand held in April, 2019 at Paris’ Le Grand Rex Theatre. Warner Music/Ghostlight Records also reissued her symphonic album, which Legrand arranged & conducted, as Legrand Affair (Deluxe Edition). Her most recent album Out Of The Dark: The Film Noir Project was released by Warner Music/Ghostlight Records, which garnered rave reviews, the 2023 Bistro Award, and was supported by coast-to-coast noir concerts, including

Technocensorship

When Corporations Serve As A Front For Government Censors

By John & Nisha Whitehead

Social Media censorship runs the gamut from content blocking, throttling, and filtering to lockouts, shutdowns, shadow banning and de-platforming

“Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear.” — Harry S. Truman

Nothing good can come from allowing the government to sidestep the Constitution.

Unfortunately, the government has become an expert at disregarding constitutional roadblocks intended to protect the rights of the citizenry.

When these end-runs don’t suffice, the government hides behind the covert, clandestine, classified language of national security; or obfuscates, complicates, stymies, and bamboozles; or creates manufactured diversions to keep the citizenry in the dark; or works through private third parties not traditionally bound by the Constitution.

This last tactic is increasingly how the government gets away with butchering our freedoms, by having its corporate partners serve as a front for its nefarious deeds.

This is how the police state has managed to carry out an illegal secret dragnet surveillance program on the American people over the course of multiple presidential administrations.

Relying on a set of privacy loopholes, the White House (under Presidents Obama, Trump and now Biden) has been sidestepping the Fourth Amendment by paying AT&T to allow federal, state, and local law enforcement to access—without a warrant—the phone records of Americans who are not suspected of a crime.

The government used a similar playbook to get around the First Amendment, packaged as an effort to control the spread of speculative or false information in the name of national security. As the House Judiciary Select

Subcommittee on Weaponization of the Federal Government revealed, the Biden administration worked in tandem with Social Media companies to censor content related to COVID-19, including humorous jokes, credible information and so-called disinformation.

Likening the government’s heavyhanded attempts to pressure Social Media companies to suppress content critical of COVID Vaccines or the election to “an almost dystopian scenario,” Judge Terry Doughty warned that “the United States Government seems to have assumed a role similar to an Orwellian ‘Ministry of Truth.’”

Restricting access to Social Media has become a popular means of internet censorship.

Dare to voice politically incorrect views in anything louder than a whisper on Social Media and you might find yourself suspended on Twitter, shut out of Facebook, and banned across various Social Media platforms. This authoritarian intolerance masquerading as tolerance, civility and love is what comedian George Carlin referred to as “fascism pretending to be manners.”

Social Media censorship runs the gamut from content blocking, throttling, and filtering to lockouts, shutdowns, shadow banning and de-platforming.

In fact, these tactics are at the heart of several critical cases before the U.S. Supreme Court over who gets to control, regulate or remove what content is shared on the internet: the individual, corporate censors or the government.

Yet what those who typically champion the right of corporations to be free from government meddling get wrong about these cases is that there can be no free speech when corporations such as Facebook, Google or YouTube become a front for—or extensions of—government censors.

This is the very definition of technocensorship.

On paper—under the First Amendment, at least—we are technically free to speak.

In reality, however, we are now only as free to speak as a government official—or corporate entities such as Facebook,

Feinstein’s/54 Below, with the Ronnie Scott’s Band in London, and at New York City’s Birdland Jazz Club for in a sold-out 10 performance Valentine’s Week residency. “Melissa Errico’s new album, “Out of the Dark: The Film Noir Project” gives us noir music the way we imagine it…melancholy, bittersweet tales of isolation and loneliness, beauty and betrayal—especially relevant at the height of the COVID19 Pandemic.” – The Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal applauded her talents, reporting “She’s so sexy you won’t believe your eyes and sings so beautifully you won’t believe your ears and talks so charmingly you won’t believe it’s happening!”

She is currently working on expanding her collected New York Times essays into a book. She has 3 daughters and is married to Tennis Player and Journalist Patrick McEnroe.

Tickets

Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m., Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 NE 188th St., Aventura, FL 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @aventuracenter / #aventuracenter.

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-square-foot, 330-seat waterfront complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages.

Google or YouTube—may allow.

Clothed in tyrannical selfrighteousness, technocensorship is powered by technological behemoths (both corporate and governmental) working in tandem to achieve a common goal: to muzzle, silence and altogether eradicate any speech that runs afoul of the government’s own approved narrative.

Thus far, the tech giants have been able to sidestep the First Amendment by virtue of their non-governmental status, but it’s a dubious distinction at best when they are marching in lockstep with the government’s dictates.

As Philip Hamburger and Jenin Younes write for The Wall Street Journal: “The First Amendment prohibits the government from ‘abridging the freedom of speech.’ Supreme Court doctrine makes clear that the government can’t constitutionally evade the amendment by working through private companies.”

It remains to be seen whether the Supreme Court can see itself clear to recognizing that censorship by Social Media companies acting at the behest of the government runs afoul of the First Amendment.

Bottom line: either we believe in free speech or we don’t.

The answer to the political, legal and moral challenges of our day should always be more speech, not less.

That’s why James Madison, the author of the Bill of Rights, fought for a First Amendment that protected the “minority” against the majority, ensuring that even in the face of overwhelming pressure, a minority of one—even one who espouses distasteful viewpoints—would still have the right to speak freely, pray freely, assemble freely, challenge the govern-

ment freely, and broadcast his views in the press freely. He understood that freedom for those in the unpopular minority constitutes the ultimate tolerance in a free society.

The government has no tolerance for freedom or free speech of any kind that challenges its chokehold on power.

At some point or another, depending on how the government and its corporate allies define what constitutes “disinformation,” “hate” or “extremism, “we the people” might all be considered guilty of some thought crime or speech transgression or other.

Yet as I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, it’s a slippery slope from censoring so-called illegitimate ideas to silencing truth.

Eventually, as George Orwell predicted, telling the truth will become a revolutionary act.

Ultimately, the government’s war on free speech—and that’s exactly what it is—is a war that is driven by a government fearful of its people.

As President John F. Kennedy observed, “[A] nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people.”

Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an attorney and author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of constitutional law, human rights and popular culture. John Whitehead’s commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org. Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org

Steibs/Cohen Buying Event

ART: old oil paintings, old watercolors, old etchings, lithographs, old movie posters, cartoon art, & more!

STATUES: old bronze, carved jade, wood, marble, alabaster, pottery, porcelain.

OLD TOYS: old toys, trains, old comics and baseball cards (prior to 1960), old Japanese toys, robots, old banks & old dolls.

ORIENTAL ITEMS: jades, statues, figurines, netsuke, old swords, oriental glass and porcelains.

HISTORICAL ITEMS: letters, autographs (movie stars, presidents, political, etc.), old photos, political pins and ribbons, old fountain pens, old pocket knives, swords, military items, American, Japanese, German medals, advertising items, old stamps, old badges (police, fire, military).

All Things Gold, Silver, Sterling & Platinum Jewelry

We buy all types of Gold Jewelry, new, old, and broken. Rings (class rings, mother’s rings, wedding rings, etc.) Bracelets (charm, tennis, bangles, etc). Earrings do not need to be a matching pair. Chains and Pendants, broken is ok. We even buy old Yellow Gold teeth and crowns. Brooches, company year pins. We buy Diamonds, Emeralds, and Rubies. Any item made out of Sterling Silver. Silverware, forks, spoons, bowls, dishes, trays, tea sets, statues, Sterling and .999 Bars, Sterling and .999 Rounds, frames, candle sticks, trophies, salt and pepper shakers and Jewelry. Broken and smashed is ok. House Calls Available Monday Through Friday

Old or New Jewelry • Broken, Antique, & Costume Jewelry • Engagement Rings • Charms, Pins & Chains • Gold/Silver Bars • Sterling Silverware • All Things Gold/Silver • Belt Buckles • Old Clocks • Glassware • Cut Glass • Depression Glass • China • Waterford Crystal • Crystal Items • Hummels • Royal Doultons • Oriental Rugs & Glass • Russian Enameled Items • Cartoon Art • Old Banks • Old Crocks • Old Door Stops • Old Pottery Items • Oriental Pottery • Oriental Glass • Old Advertising Items • Old Carousel Figurines • Buck Rogers Items • Old Disney Items • Cigar Store Indians • Slot Machines • Old Coin Operated Machines • Currier & Ives Prints • Old Prints • Paintings • Collector Prints • Old Fire Department Items • Flash Gordon Items • Whirligigs • Wood Carvings • Antique Lamps • Old Dolls • Old Teddy Bears • Old Bird Decoys • War Memorabilia • War Models • War Pictures • War Weaponry • Old Knives • Old Swords • Old Stamps • Autographs • Old Letters • Old & New Tools • Automobiles • Entire Estates • Icons • Old Ink Stands • Leaded Windows • Old Beer Steins • Old Judaica • Tiffany Items • Lone Ranger Items • Old Maps • Old Globes • Old Paperweights • Old Napkin Rings • Old Nautical Items • Old Political Items • Historical Items • Old Pictures • Old Powder Horns • Old Quilts • Old Railroad Items • Franklin Mint Items • Old Fountain Pens • Old Weather Vanes • Old Perfume Bottles • Unique Items • Lladro Statues • Vintage Native American Items/Artifacts • Swarovski • World’s Fair Items • Vintage Foreign Paper Money

Embark On An Out-Of-This-World Journey

Embark on an out-of-this-world journey with the diverse array of activities offered by the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in March! Guests will delve into topics ranging from aviation and rocket science basics to solar eclipses and Hubble telescope photos. The lineup includes specialized events like Camp STEAMology, engaging IMAX documentary films, and the delightful Egg-splorations Annual Egg Hunt.

“The beauty of humankind is our curiosity to explore and imagine beyond,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “This month’s MODS STEAM programming invites kids of all ages to investigate and learn the basics of the technology that keeps us reaching for the stars. Between our immersive experiences and stunning IMAX® 3D film choices, we aim to nurture interest in the fields of aviation, astronomy and astrophysics.”

Kids can suit-up for an otherworldly adventure during MODS’ Sky and Space Weekends, presented by JetBlue and JetBlue Foundation, on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Sundays, from noon – 5 p.m. Dive into Earth’s atmosphere and explore the galaxy. Unveil the science of solar eclipses and prepare for the upcoming North American eclipse. Learn rocket basics, build a LEGO® moon base, discover space station secrets and take a cosmic journey in the MODS planetarium. For young astronauts (ages 0-6), craft a spacecraft and create a moon phase necklace. It’s a stellar day of learning and fun, where the universe awaits your exploration!

engineers. This film, presented by MacGillivray Freeman Films and the American Society of Civil Engineers, unveils the groundbreaking innovations shaping our world. Deep Sky brings the awe-inspiring images captured by NASA’s Webb Telescope to IMAX® taking audiences on a journey to the beginning of time and space, to never-before-seen cosmic landscapes and to recently discovered exoplanets, planets around other stars. Hubble 3D takes moviegoers on an unprecedented voyage through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mystery of our celestial surroundings. Experience never-before-seen 3D flights through the farthest reaches of the universe and accompany spacewalking astronauts on some of the most difficult and important endeavors in NASA’s history. Showtimes for these films can be found at mods.org/showtimes.

School is out, but MODS’ Camp STEAMology for children ages 5 –10 is in! March has two fun-filled opportunities for kids to explore from the earth to the moon and beyond! On March 22, kids will dive into MODS’ newest traveling exhibit Voyage to the Deep! Underwater Adventures, presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. “Seas” the day and learn undersea stories about Captain Nemo and his nautilus submarine, explore Jules Verne’s imaginary world and discover real-life wonders of the ocean. Then, during spring break, from March 25 – March 29, kids will spread their wings during Camp Aviation Academy! Campers will join MODS’ very own Aviation

camp cost $60 per child for MODS members and $70 per child for non-members. The five-day camp cost is $300 per child for MODS members and $350 for nonmembers. For a multi-child discount, save $10 off the total by using code “10off” at check out. Registration is required at:

where smart cities thrive on total sustainability in watching Cities of the Future. Renewable energy powers our world and space-based solar power ensures continuous energy supply. Electric flying vehicles have replaced traffic jams, making this vision a reality planned by today’s

Families looking for traditional terra firma activities will also find eggs-citement with MODS’ signature Egg-splorations Annual Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30, beginning at 8:30 a.m.! It’s a day filled with curiosity and creativity as MODS delves into the fascinating world of animals that hatch from eggs. Then join the engineering challenge that’ll leave you eggstatic, as you attempt the ultimate egg drop from a dizzying height, all while ensuring your precious cargo (an egg) stays intact. It’s an eggsplosive day of learning, adventure and tons of fun! The grand prize for the egg hunt will be a Squishmallow basket. Cost is $10 per child for Museum members; $30 per child for non-members (includes Museum admission). Accompanying adults pay regular Museum admission. Space is limited. Registration is required. Onsite registration will not be available. The Museum celebrates diversity and welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at: 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit: mods.org or call: 954.467.MODS (6637).

For more information about MODS’ March programs and special events, visit: mods.org.

Cities of the Future showcases a flying car landing pad.

Immerse yourself in MODS’ Sky and Space themed activities in March and view Deep Sky, a new feature at the Museum’s AutoNation® IMAX® Theater

The Rotary Club of Hallandale BeachAventura gives you an opportunity to join leaders to take action on important issues affecting our community, our nation, and the world. They also have a lot of fun –whether they’re socializing or working together on service projects.

Members of the Rotary Club connect at weekly meetings and learn from business experts, political and civic leaders, and entrepreneurs, who help us stay informed on topics that are relevant to our community. Together, they are able to make great things happen. They have a structure that focuses on action to empower youth, improve health, promote peace, and advance our communities in all corners of the globe. With 1.2 million members in 34,000 clubs worldwide, the Rotary’s global community’s impact has never been greater — and it continues to grow.

Information and scholarship applications for Hallandale residents are available at: www.rotaryclubhallandaleaventura.comPlease email the completed application along with essay and supporting documents to: rotaryfoundationhba@gmail.com. Or mail to: Hallandale Beach-Aventura Rotary Foundation, Post Office Box#: 1097, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33008.

Applications must be received by April 1st, the scholarship award will be presented at the Senior Awards Ceremony of the student’s high school (when possible) and confirmation mailed to the student.

BLOC 2024 Scholarship Program

The Broward League of Cities is a NonPartisan, Non-Profit Organization dedicated to raising awareness and resolving issues facing Broward County’s 31 cities and municipalities at the local, county and state level. The organization’s dedicated committees conduct research and suggest policies for current topics affecting residents, including education, housing, economic concerns and municipal services.

The Broward County League of Cities is pleased to announce the 2024 Scholarship Program to promote and provide financial assistance to those pursuing areas of study that benefit municipal government professionalism. Originally chartered in 1957, The Broward League of Cities is a Non-Partisan, Non-

work together to promote awareness of municipal services, concerns, and accomplishments. Supporting the educational endeavors of students who plan to seek a career in municipal government is aligned with the League’s belief that by working together on common goals, municipalities can be more successful in resolving the issues affecting the welfare of Broward County residents at the local, state and federal levels, particularly in challenging times.

The Broward County League of Cities and its contributing Associate Members will sponsor four (4) individual $1,000 scholarships for expenses associated with academic endeavors at a college, university or technical institution for students pursuing studies with a career focus in a government related field. The name of the scholarship is the Broward County League of Cities Scholarship for Government Studies. It is not transferable.

To be eligible for this scholarship, a student must be a 2024 graduating senior in a Broward County high school, and a permanent resident of Broward County. They also must be pursuing a major in public administration, political science, or a government related field at any accredited college, university or trade school in the United States and have a minimum cumulative unweighted grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale), verified by a school transcript.

The League’s Youth Leadership Committee will be the scholarship award selectors and is composed of local elected officials along with local business leaders. The Committee reviews all submitted (complete) applications. Semi-finalists selected after the first qualifying round will be contacted by email to arrange for a personal interview by the Committee. Upon completion of the interviews, the Committee makes the final selection. The selection and awarding of scholarships are entirely at the discretion of the Committee, and their decision is final.

The application deadline is

Preferential consideration will be given to students who demonstrate a dedicated pursuit towards a career in public administration, political science, or a government-related field, involvement in work, volunteer service, or internships in public, government, community, and/or legislative environments. It helps if the applicant has a familiarity of programs & mission of the Broward League of Cities. The applicant must demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills and show maturity in judgment and purpose.

The applicant must provide a completed application including:

• One (1) essay and one (1) personal statement (as outlined on Scholarship Application form).

• Two (2) written letters of recommendation from a high school staff member, i.e., counselor, teacher, coach, or administrator, or from a member of the community who is familiar with the applicant’s

Friday, March 15th for the program, here are some important dates:

March 15th, 2024 Deadline for receipt of applications

April 6th, 2024 Interviews and Selection

April 18th, 2024 Awards Dinner Recognition of Recipients

For more information about this opportunity, please contact the League Office at: (954) 357-7370.

Broward Education Foundation Scholarship Fund

The Broward Education Foundation raises money to provide scholarships for deserving graduating seniors from Broward County Public Schools to help them realize their dreams of attending college. Generously funded by donors and with support from Broward Advisors for

An estimated 42+ million Americans have student loan debt

college, university or vocational school. Since its creation, Broward Education Foundation’s Scholarship Fund has provided more than 5,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors, valued at more than $13M.

Who Can Apply Student selection is based on unmet financial need and additional criteria when specified. Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who have exhausted all other avenues for financial aid and still fall short of the financial means necessary to attend state or community college, university or vocational school. Broward County Public Schools graduating seniors are encouraged to apply for the many different scholarships that are offered through Broward Education Foundation. Applications are accepted from October to April of each school year.

Throughout the year, BRACE Advisors encourage students to apply for scholarships. Community and business leaders, together with BRACE Advisors comprise the committee that conducts the review and selection of scholarship

Ushering In The Arts

But

For those eager to become a part of this extraordinary team, the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is now accepting applications for new members. On Wednesday, March 13th at 6:00 p.m., the venue will host a two-hour orientation session, offering prospective volunteers a glimpse into the enriching world of ushering.

During the orientation, new members

will discover the ins and outs of the ushering role, learning how to greet patrons with warmth and professionalism and guide them to their seats with grace and efficiency. Whether they choose to join an evening shift or a matinee, volunteers become integral members of a supportive team dedicated to ensuring that every visit to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is memorable.

To embark on this rewarding journey, interested individuals must first complete an online application available at: www.aventuracenter.org/support/volunteer - Once submitted, applicants can

expect to be contacted by the volunteer coordinator, who will provide further details and confirm attendance for the orientation session.

Beyond the thrill of contributing to the cultural tapestry of Aventura, volunteering at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center offers a unique opportunity to forge meaningful connections and foster a sense of belonging within the community. As ambassadors of art and culture, ushers not only guide patrons to their seats but also serve as ambassadors of goodwill, embodying the spirit of hospitality that defines the Aventura experience.

The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation on: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter.

Opening Coconuts with the Gardener and my Brother

By Ira Liebowitz

Let’s go back, back through a mist of time to dreamy nostalgia.

I am in bright sunshine surrounded by lush greenery - crotons, hibiscus - the pink-green elephant ear plants - not from the Serengeti - outside a South Florida apartment. Look up high, higher to the tops of Sabel Palms with frondly foliage of dark, lush green enshrouding its fruit: varying shades of maturity: yellow, gold, and olive-green Coconuts.

Alongside me is a vital, vivacious, ebullient and keen - yes, wise despite his youth - that was, he was, my twin brother, Alan. Now, Alan was brilliant, having an insight into human nature far beyond his chronological years. Say, thirty years, his astral age. His actual age: six.

Oh, back to coconuts. By the white sidewalk lining our garden stood tall, stately those bundles - like over-sized verdant grapes - prized epicurean treats of which patties are covered in chocolate and sold in two-packs at five-and tens and tourist souvenir shops. Sometimes these enviable edibles, these coveted coconuts (how’s that for alliteration?!) fell to the ground - kerplunk! - for the taking.

Again, Alan was beyond his years. Probably all of four-foot and, say, threescore pounds. “Could you open this for us?” politely he’d ask the gardener, with no small degree of reverence. Probably Gene was clad in blue overalls - not like Captain Kangaroo’s sideman, Mr. Greenjeans. This strong, thoughtful man whose lean fingers perhaps with calluses borne from great toil; his skin, nearly as close to jet black as imaginable.

From a leather tool belt Gene disengaged first, if memory is right, a solid

steel wrench. A second tool, his trusty clawed hammer with which in delicate, graceful swipes, flick the pink-brown husks, the pithy pulp, from the coconut. Five or six such swipes freed the enveloped fruit.

The ease at which Gene performed this arduous task held the two little boys spellbound. I don’t recall the details of this gentleman, except for a lanky physique and a white, broad smile in contrast, in relief, to skin which took on a sheen of polished ebony.

Did I mention that Alan had not a prejudiced bone in his little body? And an innate common sense. “Don’t ask mom to buy that bow and arrow, Ira. We can’t afford it,” he confided. He, who’d tied his shoes before I could, who’d instructed me in kindergarten where to find the puzzles and toys and start me coloring.

From nowhere, out of the blue, the worst form of brain cancer had struck and ravaged my brother. Years later mom confided to me how Alan had worn a luminous smile after awakening from a monthlong coma after surviving surgery. “Why are you smiling?” she then inquired. “Don’t be sad, mom,” this valiant boy responded. “I smile because I want you to be happy!”

There are those few angelic beings who walk among us. Those tapped into the crucible of love and kindness and goodness to all. Those who stand stalwart for unity and brother/sisterhood. Like Mother Theresa, Ghandi, Martin Luther King .. Like Gene, the gardener, and like Alan. May we learn from the legacy of such quiet heroes and, during Black History Month, reflect on the goodness that unites us all.

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in 1999 to provide financial and technical assistance to qualified small businesses that are approved for funding. This program has allowed small owned and operated businesses the opportunity to interact with the local government under favorable conditions, and this relationship will ultimately bridge the gap between the two entities.

• The program provides financial assistance to further the economic viability of recipients. Funding can be used to purchase inventory/supplies, business equipment, marketing/advertising, building/business insurance, minor interior/exterior renovations, security systems (commercial property only), work vehicle (pick-up truck or cargo van must be registered in the business name) professional services, (CPA, business training, seminars, and events), or commercial property lease or mortgage only.

• Technical assistance is made available at no charge, to small businesses to create a better working and business environment, promote

economic development opportunities, educate owners about various county-funded programs and projects, form/foster better-working relationships among small business owners, retain and eventually create more jobs, offer the necessary training that small business owners so desperately need to become more efficient and competitive, etc.

The program is offered in each of 13 Miami-Dade County Commission Districts, as a result, they recognize that the needs of each district are different and their goal is to address this diversity. To

receive the correct guidelines to be con sidered for funding, you must apply in the county district where your business is located. To locate the district where your business is located, please call 311 or visit: https://www.miamidade.gov/global/ government/commission/home.page under “Who is my Commissioner?” enter your business address and submit. Applications and start dates for each district may differ, therefore, please be sure to pick up the appropriate application.

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We are part of what is called the Hallandale Innovation Zone which is comprised of seven schools within parts of Hollywood, West Park and Pembroke Park

Over the last month the School Board of Broward County announced its goal to address the under enrollment in schools. The announcement that some schools could possibly close sent a chilling effect throughout every school. Parents, community stakeholders and all elected officials all have been outraged, afraid their school would be shuttered, and children transferred to another school.

With state and national laws pushing for vouchers and charter schools popping up everywhere the public schools have been under strain for years. Broward County Schools lost over 50,000 students to charter and private schools. That is down from 250,000. The board still counts all the 286 since funding for them comes directly out of their budget as pass throughs. With the student drain from traditional classrooms there are direct budget implications which are tied to student seats. On average Broward receives $9,000 Dollars per student seat. This equates to $450,000,000 Million

As Superintendent Licata states “everything is on the table.” Hallandale Beach actually has 2 schools within our boundaries and 2 centers. We are part of what is called the Hallandale Innovation Zone which comprises seven schools within parts of Hollywood, West Park and Pembroke Park. These include: Colbert Lake Forest and Watkins which are elementary schools. McNicol Middle,

Lanier-James Education Center which serves all of Broward south from I-595 and is a school for students that have been suspended and or have other behavioral issues. Gulfstream Early Learning Center is not listed as a school but has become a south area location leased out to various organizations. It was created as an educational center for ages 6 months – PreK 4 and training for teachers. It also provides Adult Education in the form of English as a Second Language and GED services. It also provides services for the District and other Social Services.

I cannot cover every aspect of this issue as it will be ongoing over the next year. I wanted to at least share some information so readers could understand the education landscape here, in our city. More importantly, what is at stake? I will focus first on Hallandale High School.

This school according to school student seats has a capacity for 1,600 students. Currently they have 1,100. As a note these numbers fluctuate. The school was built in 1973. The state stopped rebuilding older schools, so the school never received much in the way of improvements. This is not unique to our school but the same for most eastern schools.

It is important to note that when the schools were segregated in the sixties until 1970 our High School students went

areas. In 1963 MacArthur was built just west of 441 and South Broward built in 1938, it was the only High School and was not integrated until 1968.

When news was released that Hallandale High was on the under enrolled list and was going to be discussed everyone including me was dismayed. It became an all-hands-on deck issue. There were three meetings scheduled for residents to find out about this issue. This created controversy by itself as everyone had to travel to attend either in Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, or Coral Springs.

I did some asking about the format and heard it was really not a public meeting but set up as a workshop. Residents that attended were split up into small groups then reported out. I am not saying this was a waste of time or effort, but it was not as informative as attendees expected.

As Mayor I was invited to a separately held meeting with all of the mayors and city managers from each city. We were informed of the vision and necessity for this “Redefining Our Schools.” From a strict budgetary standpoint many of us understand the board’s challenges. We understand the turmoil that the board has gone through over the past decade. Many in the group were happy that it was held and cautiously optimistic the board had turned a corner and was ready to truly focus on the new realities.

During the meeting, Mayors shared their concerns and ideas about our

ess where schools were built out west, some with 4,000 seats only to see eastern schools neglected. This combined with school choice gutted many principals’ budgets which meant many programs were cut.

My biggest comment was that we need to look at going back to the basics. School cannot be everything and need to be focused on students K-8 Education. Embedded resources at the schools children need. Every school should have at a minimum the right size classes, Certified Educators, Mental Health Counselors, Guidance Counselors, Academic Coaches and Permanent School Nurses. High School should not have a singular focus on college graduation or testing. Life skills and trades need to be provided to those students that may not be ready to go right to college but want and/or need to work to support themselves. More importantly, students without transportation get to the one of three technical schools in the district.

I heard last week the closing of Hallandale High was off the table which was a relief. The question now becomes what next? What schools will remain open? What programs will be added, moved or taken away? I will continue as always to keep our readers abreast of what transpires.

As always feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas to make our city better! I can be reached at: jcooper@cohb.org. Or: joycooper@aol.com. Or call my office at: (954) 457-1318. Or Call/Text

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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

With Traditional Irish Dishes & Some Not So Traditional

(Family Features) If St. Patrick’s Day inspires feelings of hearth and home rather than leprechauns and green beer, you can celebrate tradition with warm, filling meals that harken back to Irish heritage. Soups, stews and unique treats are certain to conjure up some nostalgia while soft, delicious cake is a perfect way to honor tradition regardless of your ancestry. This Irish Sl·inte Stew offers a warm welcome to guests with your own way of toasting to the holiday - Sl·inte is “cheers” in Gaelic. This hearty meal is perfect for a crowd with traditional Stew Meat slowcooked in a Dutch oven with Beef Broth, Spices, Carrots, Potatoes, Herbs and an Irish Draught Beer. Serve alongside Crusty Bread that’s ideal for soaking up each delicious drop.

Share a sweet way to complete the meal in style with Irish Apple Cake, a classic dessert to top off a filling celebration. This version is easy enough to prepare with a handful of everyday ingredients for the cake, a crumbly topping and homemade custard for the finishing touch.

If you’re looking for additional ways to honor tradition this St. Patrick’s Day, consider a few other cozy Irish dishes: Boxty (Potato Pancakes, similar to Latkes), Boiled Cabbage, Irish Soda Bread, Shepherd’s Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Potato Soup, Irish Coffee, Colcannon (Mashed Potatoes and Greens), Coddle (typically including Pork Sausage, Potatoes and Onions) or Seafood Chowder.

Irish Sl·inte Stew

• Oil, for drizzling

• 1 Pound of Stew Meat

• 1-2 Pinches of Salt, plus additional to taste, divided

• 1-2 Pinches of Pepper

• 3 Tablespoons of Flour

• 48 Ounces of Beef Broth

• 1 Cup of Carrots, diced

• 1 Cup of Celery, diced

• 3 Cups of Potatoes, diced

• 1/2 Onion, diced

• 2 Tablespoons of Garlic Pepper

• 1 Tablespoon of Dried Thyme

• 1/2 Tablespoon of Dried Rosemary

• 1 Tablespoon of Dried Chives

• 1 Bottle of Irish Draught Beer of choice

• Crusty Bread, for serving

In a Dutch Oven over medium heat, drizzle the Oil and the Brown Stew Meat with the Salt and Pepper. Sprinkle the Flour over the Meat.

Add the Beef Broth, the Carrots, the Celery, the Potatoes, the Onion, the Garlic Pepper, the Thyme, the Rosemary and the Chives and add the Irish Draught Beer.

Bring it to a boil, stirring it for 5 minutes. Simmer it for 2 hours, stirring it occasionally.

Serve it with the Crusty Bread.

Irish Apple Cake

Cake:

• 3 Cups of Self-Rising Flour

• 1/2 Tablespoon of Cinnamon

• 1/4 Teaspoon of Cloves

• 1/4 Teaspoon of Nutmeg

• 1/4 Teaspoon of Ginger

• 1 Stick of Butter, cubed

• 3/4 Cup of Sugar

• 4 Apples of choice, peeled and cubed

• 2 Eggs

• 1 Cup of Half-And-Half

Topping:

• 1/2 Stick of Butter

• 3/4 Cup of Flour

• 1 Cup of Brown Sugar

Custard:

• 6 Large Egg Yolks

• 6 Tablespoons of Sugar

• 1 1/2 Cups of Half-And-Half

• 2 Teaspoons of Vanilla

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round springform pan.

To make the cake: In a large bowl, sift the Flour with the Cinnamon, the Cloves, the Nutmeg and the Ginger. Using a fork, cut the Butter until the mixture resembles crumbs. Add the Sugar and the Apples and mix them well. Stir in the Eggs and the Half-And-Half until the mixture reaches a thick, dough-like batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

To make the Topping: In a bowl, mix the Butter, the Flour and the Sugar to create a crumbled mixture. Sprinkle the batter on top of the batter in the pan. Bake it for 1 hour. Check it with a toothpick to make sure that the middle is completely done. If not, bake it for another 5-10 minutes. Let it cool on the rack.

To make the Custard: Whisk the Egg Yolks and the Sugar. In a saucepan, bring the Half-And-Half to a boil. Add one spoonful of Half-And-Half at a time to the Egg Mixture, whisking while adding. Once whisked together, return it to the

saucepan and stir it over medium heat until it has thickened, for about 4 minutes. Remove it from the heat and whisk in the Vanilla.

Serve the Custard over the Cake.

A St. Patrick’s Day Sandwich

In honor of the day when everyone is Irish, welcome family and friends to a traditional St. Patrick’s Day lunch with this Reuben Sandwich recipe.

Reuben Sandwich

Servings: 2

• 2 Tablespoons of Butter, softened

• 4 Slices of Rye and Pumpernickel Swirl Bread

• 4 Slices of Swiss Cheese

• 6 Ounces of Corned Beef

• 2 Tablespoons, plus 2 Teaspoons of Thousand Island Dressing, divided

• 4 Tablespoons of Sauerkraut

Heat the nonstick skillet over medium heat.

Spread 1 Tablespoon of Butter on one side of two Bread Slices. Place the Buttered side down in a heated skillet. Add two slices of the Swiss Cheese to each Bread Slice. Spread 2 Tablespoons of the Dressing over the Swiss Cheese Slices. Add 3 Ounces of Corned Beef to each Bread Slice.

Spread 2 Teaspoons of the Dressing over the Corned Beef. Spread 2 Tablespoons of the Sauerkraut over the Corned Beef.

Spread the remaining Butter on one side of the remaining Bread Slices. Place the Buttered side up on top of the Sauerkraut.

Cook 4-7 minutes each side, flipping once, until it is golden brown and the Swiss Cheese is melted.

Lucky Mint Brownie Perfection

How lucky you must be to come across this recipe just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. This one is a twisted combination of Mint and Sweet Chocolate that’s sure to have almost anyone’s taste buds screaming “yum.” This dessert might just be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this year.

These Mint Brownies have three delicious layers. First, a supreme Brownie on bottom. Then a fluffy, Green Mint layer that’s full of flavor and color. Last, but definitely not least, a Chocolate layer on top made with Chocolate Chips, Butter and a little Whipping Cream.

All of these layers create a smooth, sweet, Minty, bite-sized dessert perfect for any occasion but especially St. Patrick’s Day. The Green Mint color really pops off the plate, giving it some extra flare and an appetizing glow.

To start, create a soft, Chocolate filled Brownie. Combine the Brownie Mix, the Vegetable Oil, one Egg, the Water and the Chocolate Syrup Pouch. Bake it and then cool it completely.

Then it’s time for some colorful, festive fun. Make the Filling with the Powdered Sugar, the Butter, the Whipping Cream, the Softened Cream Cheese, a splash of Peppermint Extract and a few drops of Green Food Coloring. Beat and pour over the cooled Brownie Pan.

The last layer is simple. In a saucepan, melt the Whipping Cream, the Chocolate Chips and the Butter until it is smooth. When it’s cooled to lukewarm, pour it over the Filling for the final layer. Refrigerate the Mint Brownies for two hours before serving. Cut them into bitesize pieces for small chunks that will melt in your mouth.

Lucky Mint Brownies

Servings: 9-12

• Nonstick Cooking Spray

• 1 Box of Supreme Brownie Mix with Chocolate Syrup Pouch

• 3 Tablespoons of Water

• 1/3 Cup of Vegetable Oil

• 1 Egg

Filling:

• 3 1/2 Cups of Powdered Sugar

• 1/4 Cup of Butter, softened

• 1/4 Cup of Whipping Cream

• 5 Ounces of Cream Cheese, softened

• 1/2 Teaspoon of Peppermint Extract

• 5 Drops of Green Food Coloring

Topping:

• 1/2 Cup of Whipping Cream

• 1 Bag, 12 Ounces of Chocolate Chips

• 1/2 Cup of Butter

Heat the oven to 350 F. Spray the 8-by-8-inch pan with Nonstick Cooking Spray.

In a large bowl, mix the Brownie Mix, the Water, the Oil and the Egg until they are combined. Pour it into the prepared baking pan. Bake them for 35 minutes. Cool them completely for about 1 hour.

To make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the Powdered Sugar, the Butter, the Whipping Cream, the Cream Cheese, the Peppermint Extract and the Food Coloring. Spread over the cooled Brownies. Refrigerate them for 1 hour, or until they are set.

To make the Topping: In a saucepan, melt the Whipping Cream, Chocolate Chips and the Butter until it is smooth. Cool until they are lukewarm, for about 10 minutes. Pour over the Filling and spread it to cover. Refrigerate for 2 hours, or until set. Before serving the Brownies, let them

set for 10 minutes at room temperature.

Tips: Cut the Brownies with a wet knife for cleaner cuts. Store them covered in the refrigerator.

Luck o’ the Irish Mint Pie

Even if you’re not Irish, a green treat like this Luck o’ the Irish Mint Pie can get you and your guests into the festive spirit. With enough seasonal flavor to go around, this recipe makes two pies, so be sure to cut every leprechaun a generous portion. Find more festive recipes at: www.Culinary.net

Luck o’ the Irish Mint Pie Makes: 2 pies (9 inches each)

• 3 3/4 Cups of Heavy Whipped Cream, divided

• 8 Ounces of Cream Cheese, softened

• 1 1/4 Cups, plus 2 Tablespoons of Powdered Sugar, divided

• 5 Drops of Green Food Coloring

• 1 1/4 Teaspoons of Vanilla Extract, divided

• 1/4 Teaspoon of Mint Extract

• 1 Bag of Mint Chocolate Candies, chopped, divided

• 2 Chocolate Cookie Crusts (9 inches each)

• 1 Bag of Mint Chocolate Candies

To make the Filling: In a bowl of a stand mixer, whisk 2 1/2 Cups of Heavy Cream until stiff peaks form. Transfer it to a bowl.

In a separate stand mixer bowl, beat the Cream Cheese on high for 2 minutes. Gradually add 1 1/4 Cups of Powdered Sugar and the Green Food Coloring and mix it until it is smooth. Add 1/4 Teaspoon of Vanilla and Mint Extract and mix well.

Fold the prepared Whipped Cream into the Cream Cheese Mixture. Fold 1 Cup of Chopped Mint Chocolate Candies into the filling.

To make the Frosting: In a bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the remaining Heavy Cream and the remaining Powdered Sugar. Add the remaining Vanilla Extract and mix it until stiff peaks form. Pour filling into crusts and smooth tops. Fill the decorating bag with the Frosting and pipe thick bands around the edges of the Pies. Then, pipe circular dollops evenly around the edges of the Pies.

Scatter 1 Cup of Chopped Mint Chocolate Candies in the middle of the Pies. Place the whole Mint Chocolate Candies into each dollop of frosting around the edges of the Pies.

Refrigerate it until it is firm, for about 56 hours.

You can find some of these dishes and others to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, by visiting: www.Culinary.net

Irish Sl·inte Stew

Irish Apple Cake

Reuben Sandwich

Lucky Mint Brownies

Luck o’ the Irish Mint Pie

Dog Grooming Advice to Keep Pets Healthy

Trimming Nails: When your dog’s nails nearly touch the ground, it’s time for a trim, typically every 3-4 weeks. Trimming the part of the nail that turns down helps prevent pain and damage to paws.

If your dog has white nails, avoid cutting the “quick,” the pink part that’s visible on white nails, which bleeds when cut. For dark nails, simply trim a bit at a time until evidence of the quick is visible.

• Dog-friendly nail clippers

• Rubber-bristled brush

• Dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste

• Dog-friendly shampoo and conditioner

• Cotton balls & Microfiber towel

• Blunt-ended shears or small clippers with guides

Bathing and Brushing: Frequency for baths and brushing depends on your dog’s coat type - be sure to research optimal grooming schedules based on his or her breed. In general, The Humane Society of the United States recommends these guidelines:

• Short, smooth or wiry coat: Brush once a week with a rubber-bristled brush.

• Long, silky or curly coat: Brush once a day with a rubber-bristled brush or wire slicker brush. Use a steel comb to prevent tangles or mats, if necessary.

• Double coat: Use an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool to gently de-shed once a week in addition to regular brushing routines. When it’s bath time, use a shampoo formulated for dogs and a damp cloth or cotton ball to clean around the eyes and ears without pushing anything into the eyes or ears. Dry with a microfiber towel or hair dryer on a low setting.

Cutting Fur: Be careful and work slowly to avoid mistakes and keep your dog calm

and comfortable. Brush, bathe and completely dry prior to cutting fur with bluntended shears or small clippers with guide combs. Specifically trim hair covering the eyes and private areas and between your pup’s paw pads. It may be helpful to watch a tutorial online to ensure success.

Brushing Teeth: You can prevent gum disease and plaque buildup by brushing your dog’s teeth with a soft toothbrush and dog-friendly toothpaste, but you can find many of them on Amazon or other pet retailers. Make sure your pet is comfortable and start slow, staying on the outside surfaces of teeth and gently rubbing back and forth. Focus on the area where the tooth surface meets the gum. Visit eLivingtoday.com to find more pet health advice.

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