The holidays are a joyful time of year with family and friends to celebrate.
Christmas is just a little over a week away, Hanukkah begins the evening of December 18th and New Year’s is right around the corner, there is plenty to be excited for. One thing all of these holidays has in common is the exchanging of gifts and getting dressed up to look
our best. Brand International Perfume is here to help you with both of these holiday chores. The friendly staff will help you find the perfect fragrance or gift set for your loved one and while you’re shopping they will assist you with finding a fragrance for yourself as well. We all know that finding that new signature scent or a gift for the special people in your life can be a challenge, so why not take all the guesswork out of it and let the professionals help you. This holiday sale will have you smelling great and you can knock out your holiday shopping at the same time, win win!
With many of us trying to avoid the malls, since they are packed with shoppers. Brand International Perfume is the place to go for bargains and has certainly earned the reputation for being the place to go for fragrance gifts for every member of the family and you can guarantee that there will be plenty of convenient parking. You may also be interested in out-of-
stock, or hard to find fragrances from your favorite designers. The supply chain issue hasn’t affected Brand International, they have all the modern and hard to find fragrances you are looking for at discounted prices. In addition to designer fragrances, you can find some new designer eyewear for that special someone.
When it comes to trendy fragrances and fashionable eyewear, nobody has the selection and quality that Brand International Perfume in Hallandale Beach does. From the time you walk in, you are greeted by the most knowledgeable and friendly team that Jacqueline Kels has put together.
This sale will have you smelling great. The fragrance experts at Brand International can help you find that scent that defines you, all at huge discounts. Plus while you are at Brand International, selecting your perfect scent, check out the fabulous designer eyewear and sunglasses, you’ll be ready for the holidays and looking great as well. They can even gift wrap your purchase!
At Brand International Perfume this month they will be hard at work to bring you big savings, owner Jacqueline Kels and her knowledgeable staff are making it easier than ever to shop for your special scent and designer eyewear.
Jacqueline and her staff have quite a selection of fashionable eyewear in the latest styles. When it comes to frameseveryone is searching for that perfect look that fits their personality. Maybe you saw someone wearing a style that you felt would look great on you - or flipping
through a magazine - that pair of glasses happened to be just what you were looking for. Come by and Jacqueline will help you with your selection. “What we want to give our customers is a great selection at lower prices and something that everyone will notice,” Jacqueline explained. “Your eyes are so important - and we make it easier than ever for you to come in, bring your prescription and we will find the perfect frame and will have you looking and feeling great about yourself.” You don’t need to be a fashion expert to find eyeglass frames that look great on you.
From designer brand name sunglasses to those frames that everyone is talking about, Brand International has it all - and there is really no reason to waste your gas and drive all over south Florida. Among the trendy frames that everyone is wearing these days - include: Vera Wang, Prada, Chanel, Dolce, Burberry, Oakley, RayBan, Dior, Tiffany, Versace and many more. So with the vast selection of trendy eyewear, and thousands of brand name perfumes, the staff will be able to help you find exactly what you are looking for. When it comes to having the best deals, with savings on perfume sets to designer brand name sunglasses, there is really no reason to drive all over. With the guidance from her late husband, Elliot, Jacqueline has put her own signature into this very popular business, creating a vision that
both had some years ago.
A Large Selection
Brand International Perfume prides itself on getting anything the customer wants. If it is still out there, if it is still being made, Jacqueline will get it. Even if it’s not being made and very hard to find, she probably has it. Living by Elliot’s motto: “If you can’t find it, we may have it.” this is certainly a destination that shoppers head to.
The
It’s not often that you can purchase quality fragrances at such discounted prices. At Brand International Perfume, high-end items that go from $150, $200, $300 retail - such as Creed, Flower Bomb by Victor & Rolf - are not found in most discount perfume shops, but Jacqueline carries them at significant discounts, along with the other big names - such as Dolce & Gabbana and Thierry Mughler’s to name a few brands.
Brand International Perfume’s customer service is second to none. Come on by and check out top names such as: Maison Francis, Kurkdjian Paris, Amouage, Montale and Juliette Has A Gun to name a few. They are open 7 days, with over two decades of experience Jacqueline and her staff can fit your style and your budget.
Circle Memorial Chapel 4351 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33021 At the Corner of North 44th Avenue
24 Hours (954) 454-6464 (954) 438-8222 (954) 989-9112 (305) 945-7737
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“Countdown to Christmas” holiday movies with delicious desserts like Apple Custard Sponge Trifle and Brown Butter Apple Pie.
Apple Custard Sponge Trifle
Servings: 8-10
• 6 Envy Apples
• 2 Tablespoons of Golden Caster Sugar
• 1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon
• 1/2 Cup, plus 2 tablespoons of water
• 1 Tablespoon of Corn Flour
• 1 Large plain Sponge Cake
• 2 Cups of Vanilla Bean Custard
• 1/2 Cup of Caramel or Butterscotch Sauce, plus additional for garnish, divided
• 1/2 Cup of Cream
• Fresh Apple Slices
• Fresh Strawberry Slices
Peel, core and dice the Apples; place in a large saucepan. Add Caster Sugar, Cinnamon and 1/2 cup water. Simmer Apples 5-8 minutes until tender. Combine Corn Flour and remaining water. Stir Corn Flour mixture into the Apples until the Apples are syrupy. Cut Sponge Cake into 2-centimeter diced pieces. Arrange 1/3 of sponge pieces in the base of the serving bowl. Add half of the Cinnamon Apple pieces, including syrupy juices. Add 1 cup of Custard and drizzle with 1/4 cup of Caramel Sauce. Repeat with remaining ingredients, finishing with Sponge Cake; chill. Whip cream and spoon dollops over the Sponge Cake to cover the top.
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• Free standing elements
• Light based artworks/projections
• Artworks adhering to social distancing guidelines
• Landscape-based artworks or earthworks
Interested artists can submit their qualifying materials electronically by visiting: https://forms.monday.com/forms/ a26d4201274160d5f55c4d37e6592edf?r= use1
The deadline for submission of art projects is January 8th, 2023 by 11:59 p.m.
For more details on the process and to
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invaluable experience as a financial audi tor in one of New York’s major accounting firms. After gaining hands-on experience as an auditor, he realized that more sat isfaction was found in helping clients pre pare accurate books/financial reports, while preparing the return with the most advantageous and beneficial tax results. Over the years, Oren has acquired crucial knowledge working with small and midsized firms, especially during the tough financial times of COVID-19. He helped struggling businesses secure the funding they needed to continue operations during the Pandemic, relieving their fear of hav ing to close their doors.
Growing up, Oren spent his vacations in Aventura, Florida and therefore consid ers it his second home. In the early part of 2022, he decided to relocate his family to Aventura from Queens, New York. Oren has a broad ethnic background; a mosaic of Jewish, Israeli, Syrian and Egyptian roots, which, along with his Hebrew speaking abilities, make him a great asset to the local community. One of his favorite things about Florida is its ethnic diversity, which he states, “Makes it beautiful and unique - something I grew up with in NY and feel that it is what makes these cities just so special. People here are great -
Garnish with Apple slices, Strawberry slices and Caramel Sauce.
Apple Wreath Salad Recipe courtesy of “The Produce Moms” (@theproducemoms)
Balsamic Dressing:
• 1 Tablespoon of Honey
• 1 Tablespoon of Dijon Mustard
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Fine Sea Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Black Pepper, finely ground
• 1 Large Garlic Clove, minced
• 1/4 Cup of Balsamic Vinegar
• 3/4 Cup of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Salad:
• 10 Ounces of Baby Arugula
• 3 Envy Apples, sliced
• 9 Ounces of Goat Cheese, crumbled
• 3 Ounces of Pomegranate Arils
• 3 Ounces of Pecans, toasted
To make Balsamic Dressing: In a small serving bowl, whisk Honey, Dijon Mustard, Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil. Place the dressing bowl in the center of a large board or platter. Arrange Arugula around the dressing bowl in wreath shape. Place Apple slices on top of Arugula. Sprinkle on Goat Cheese, Pomegranate Arils and Pecans.
Streusel Topping:
• 1/2 Cup of Flour
• 1/4 Cup of chopped Pecans
• 2 Tablespoons of Light Brown Sugar
• 4 Tablespoons of Butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
view important dates, please visit: https:// mocanomi.org/2022/12/2023-art-on-theplaza/ and for information about past Art On The Plaza commissions, please visit: https://mocanomi.org/category/exhibitions/past-exhibitions/
MOCA North Miami Exhibitions and Programs are made possible with the continued support of the North Miami Mayor and Council and the City of North Miami, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, the MiamiDade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council and the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners. MOCA North
• 4 Tablespoons of Butter
• 2 Pounds of Envy Apples, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 1/2 Cup of Light Brown Sugar
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Cinnamon
• 1/8 Teaspoon of grated Nutmeg
• 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt
• 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla
• 3 Tablespoons of Flour
• 1 Deep dish frozen Pie Shell
Preheat the oven to 375 F. To make the Streusel Topping: Mix Flour, chopped Pecans and Light Brown Sugar. Stir in Butter using fingertips until incorporated with small lumps of Butter visible. Refrigerate. To make the filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt Butter until amber, stirring often. Set aside to cool. In a large bowl, stir sliced Apples, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Salt, Vanilla and Flour using spatula. Pour browned Butter over Apples and mix, scraping skillet with rubber spatula to incorporate brown Butter bits. Place frozen Pie Shell on a baking sheet. Add 2 cups of Apple mixture into the shell, gently pressing Apple slices for even base. Add remaining Apple slices and gently press. Sprinkle the Streusel Topping evenly over the Apples. Bake 30 minutes then reduce oven temperature to 350 F and bake 35-45 minutes until topping is golden and Apples feel tender when pierced with a fork.
Roasted Apple Macaroni and Cheese
• Salted water
• 1 Pound of Macaroni Noodles
• 4 Tablespoons of Butter
Miami also thanks its Board of Trustees, Curator’s Circle and MOCA Members for their meaningful support.
About the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami MOCA North Miami presents Contemporary Art and its historical influences through Exhibitions, Educational Programs and Collections. Inspired by its surrounding communities, MOCA connects diverse audiences and cultures by providing a welcoming place to encounter new ideas and voices and nurturing a lifelong love of the Arts. MOCA developed from the Center of Contemporary Art which was inaugurated in 1981. The establish-
• 1 Envy Apple, peeled and diced
• 4 Tablespoons of Flour
• 2 Cups of Heavy Cream
• 2 Cups of Milk
• 3 Cups of Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
• 1 Cup Romano Cheese, grated
• 1 Cup of Gruyere Cheese, grated
• 1 Tablespoon of Kosher Salt
• 1 Teaspoon of Worcestershire
Topping:
• 2 Tablespoons of Butter
• 1 Cup of Panko Breadcrumbs
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add Noodles and cook until just tender. Drain and set aside. In a large pot over high heat, melt butter then saute diced Apple until caramelized and tender. Sprinkle in Flour and stir. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Whisk in Heavy Cream and Milk; bring to boil, whisking frequently so Milk doesn’t burn. Once boiling, turn heat to low and whisk in Cheddar Cheese, Romano Cheese, Gruyere Cheese, Salt and Worcestershire. Continue whisking until the cheese is melted thoroughly. Carefully pour mixture into a large blender and blend on high until smooth. Pour Cheese sauce over Noodles and stir. Pour Macaroni and Cheese into a 9-by-13-inch pan and spread evenly. Heat oven to broil. To make topping: In a medium bowl, melt Butter and stir in Panko Breadcrumbs. Sprinkle bread crumbs over macaroni and cheese; broil until golden brown.
Find more memory-making recipes at: EnvyApple.com
ment of the permanent collection coincided with the institution’s move into their current building designed by Charles Gwathmey of GSNY in 1996.
The Museum is located at 770 Northeast 125th street in North Miami. Free Parking is available immediately east, west and south of the museum. Handicapped Parking is located behind the museum, enter Northeast 8th Avenue and make the first right into the parking lot. For more information, call: (305) 8936211.
albeit at a young age, the Financial Crash Of 2008, COVID-19 and other times of economic hardship, people need to have a responsible and competent accountant for their business and personal finances, so they can sleep well at night, with the comfort of knowing that they are in good and capable hands.”
With the belief that Florida has a strong place in the future of America, Oren made the decision to move his growing family to Aventura and invest in the community. Oren says, “There is no better place to raise a family than Florida, with the warmth of the people, the diverse culture, the opportunities and of course the amazing weather.” It had been a lifelong dream
The professionals at Dayan & Associates, PLLC provide a personalized plan which caters to the clients’ needs, while keeping their best interests in mind and achieving optimum results in all aspects of taxation and long-term financial planning. Dayan & Associates, PLLC has the experience and expertise to ensure tax and financial needs are met at the very highest levels. The company provides an array of business services which include: Bookkeeping, Income, Payroll & Sales Tax, Financial Reports, SBA Loan Services, as well as Comprehensive Business/Tax Consulting for various scenarios. Additionally, they assist individuals with their personal tax preparation as well as any financial consulting. The customers’ needs always come first at Dayan & Associates, PLLC with caring, friendly and professional customer service, all done in a timly manner.
“COVID-19 was a tough period in everyone’s lifetime, I’m glad I can see the silver lining that the Pandemic brought me to Florida,” Oren explains. “Living through,
Drivers Can Take An Electrified Holiday Road Trip tions.
Experts say solutions like FPL’s can help turn “range anxiety” into range confidence and encourage more travelers to opt for an EV.
Imagine traveling for the holidays, spending nothing on gas and taking a clean energy road trip!
As “the most wonderful time of the year” is approaching, many are getting into the festive spirit and looking to get to their seasonal destinations. Most will drive over the holidays, with an estimated 49 million people traveling by car, according to AAA.
For electric vehicle drivers planning their itinerary in the Sunshine State, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) has rolled out an interactive tool to help map out a holidaythemed journey that allows them to power up, using FPL’s EVolution public charging network, as they make special memories.
The website helps you build your own road trip on FPL’s “EV Expressway” or choose a pre-planned itinerary with fun recommended seasonal activities. Drivers will be able to see which of FPL EVolution’s 1,000+ charging ports are situated closest to their points of interest, while discovering new destina-
“This time of year has traditionally been an important time for drivers to map out holiday travel plans,” said Crystal Stiles, FPL’s Executive Director Of Development, Distributed Technologies and Mobility at Florida Power & Light Company. “With the FPL EV Expressway, you can reach your destinations and find convenient charging locations along the way.”
FPL EVolution helps drivers choose to go electric by installing charging stations throughout the state. Drivers can find them located in hotspots like parks, zoos and shopping plazas.
Around Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, you can find FPL EVolution charging stations at hotspots like: Gateway Park in Sunny Isles Beach, Biscayne Boulevard in Aventura, Oakland Park Blvd. and more! The most widely used location to charge-up has been the Turnpike Service Plaza in Pompano.
To plan your own holiday trip, visit: evexpressway.com
Shelter pets should not have to spend the holidays alone, so the Humane Society of Broward County is hoping you’ll open your heart and home and give a furry friend in need, a cozy place to spend the holidays. According to Cherie Wachter, VP of Marketing, “sleepovers are normally five days long and give potential adopters the opportunity to see how the pet they choose will blend in with their family. For the holidays, select pets will be available for holiday sleepovers for two weeks starting December 19th!
This gives the pets a break from being in the shelter and lets them get spoiled.
Of course, the ultimate goal is for the pet to spend not just this holiday season in their sleepover home, but many more future holidays as well. We started doing sleepovers during the Pandemic and since then more than 30
cats and dogs have found their permanent families as a result.”
There are more than two dozen dogs, cats and rabbits who are candidates for a holiday sleepover that can last up to two weeks; sorry puppies and kittens are excluded.
Pets available for the extended sleepovers include several who have been passed by for no apparent reason. Once in a home environment they relax and just want to be part of the family. Look for the animals with the special ribbon on their photos starting December 19th by visiting: www.hum anebroward.com Complete the Pre-Adoption Application on the website and then stop by. The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Griffin Road and opens daily at 11:00 a.m. Call: (954) 9893977 Extension#: 6 with questions.
Whatever holiday you celebrate, a holiday sleepover could be what you and a shelter pet need to make this special time of year sparkle!
has rolled out an interactive tool to help map out a holidaythemed journey that allows drivers to power up along the route
ric simplicity and cutting-edge technology, this next-gen gam ing phone is a high-tech com panion for journeying through space and time. With power and performance enhancements from the Qualcomm Adreno GPU and Kryo CPU, users experience amped-up gameplay. A classleading thermal system improves stability for demanding games and a 165Hz display offers a revolutionary visual experience that supports low-latency gaming and ultra-responsive input. For total control, there’s the AirTrigger 6 system and the Armoury Crate app and for marathon gameplay, there’s a 6,000 mAh1 battery. What’s more, players can personalize the lighting with a huge selection of colors and several preset moodlighting schemes.
Find A Whole New (Virtual) World Grab a ticket to the metaverse (and so much more) with the Meta Quest 2 VR headset. Whether gaming, meeting up with friends or enjoying immersive experiences in virtual reality, users can experience industryleading graphics and immersive audio. With 1832x1920 pixels per eye, everything from multiplayer games and productivity apps to 360-degree videos look incredible. Every detail is engineered to make virtual worlds adapt to player movements, allowing for awe-inspiring games and expe-
riences with unparalleled freedom. The redesigned controllers feature improved ergonomics and intuitive controls that transport gestures, motions and actions directly into virtual reality. No PC or console is required and with backward compatibility, players can explore new titles and old favorites.
Tackle The Day With A 2-In-1
The Surface Pro 9 5G with Microsoft SQ3 enables fast performance and connectivity plus
up to 19 hours of battery life with Snapdragon power. Whether its job is work, stream or play, this 2-in-1 has the flexibility of a tablet with the performance of a laptop. Unique Artificial Intelligence features such as Voice Focus and Portrait Background Blur take video calls to the next level while Windows 11 makes it simple to organize apps for expressing creativity, accessing favorite games and relaxing with streaming entertainment, all in one ultra-portable device. A virtually
edge-to-edge 13-inch touchscreen and built-in kickstand make it easy to sign, sketch or navigate whatever work or play comes along. Accessories like the Surface Slim Pen 2 and Surface Pro Keyboard help complete the experience.
A phone that can carry you through the day regardless of
what your schedule brings is a powerful tool for crossing tasks off that to-do list. With a longlasting 3700mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is the phone that claps back, giving you plenty of power for group video chatting, flexing your photo skills and sharing via social media. This sleek, pocket-sized smartphone allows you to snap hands-free photos with Flex Cam, makes checking notifications a breeze with its cover screen and comes in a wide array of colors. Plus, you can take selfies with the rear camera while the cover screen gives you a real-time preview.
As the next generation of wireless listening, you can enjoy a solution that’s perfectly yours with Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. A strong combination of sound with noise cancellation offers high-quality listening behind CustomTune technology, which auto-adjusts sound to your ear’s liking. Additionally, Quiet Mode provides pure bliss when you silence background noise while Aware Mode is perfect when it’s time to pay attention, allowing enough transparency to hear your surroundings or engage in friendly conversation. Maintain energy throughout the day with up to six hours of battery life in a single charge paired with a charging case that holds three additional charges.
Bring the family out to enjoy beachside skating, live entertainment, music from EASY 93.1 & HITS 97.3, holiday activities, festive refreshments, and more at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort - Winter Wonderville. Winter Wonderville is open to the public! Skating, refreshments, and select services are available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting charity.
Visit the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort website for event hours and more info https:/ /www.margaritavilleholly woodbeachresort.com/winterwonderville. The event will take place Dec. 17 – 18 at the Johnson St. Hollywood Bandshell.
The holidays are a joyous time to spend with loved ones and many of us enjoy exchanging gifts and donating to charitable causes. While we continue to navigate the pandemic, many people have chosen to stay home and shop online, however with shipping deadlines creeping up, many people are hitting the stores to finish up their holiday shopping. Unfortunately, crowded stores aren’t all that shoppers have to be aware of. There are a high volume of thieves and scam artists who want to take advantage of the holiday spirit of giving. Here are some tips from the Hollywood Police Department to help you ensure your purchases and donations don’t end up costing you more than you expected:
• Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking someone with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.
• Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as one-time or multi-use disposable credit cards or money orders.
• Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.
• Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies if you are using mass transit or walking to and from your car.
• Deter pick-pockets. Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.
• Carry only the credit cards you need and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• When shopping with small children, keep them close to you and make a plan in case you are separated from each other. Select a central meeting place and teach them how to identify mall personnel or security if they need help.
• Teach children to never leave the store until you find one another.
• When parking your vehicle to go shopping, remember where you parked it! Always park in a well-lit and welltraveled area. Do not park in a remote dark area.
• Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. You will be ready to unlock the door and will not be delayed by fumbling and looking for your keys.
• When you return to your vehicle, scan the interior of your car to be sure no one is hiding inside. Check to see if you are being followed.
• Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. When storing items purchased at the stores, place them out of sight. The best place is in a locked trunk or if possible, take them directly home.
• Do not leave any valuables (i.e. your purse, wallet, Holiday gifts or cellular telephone) in plain view in your vehicle unattended.
• Lock your vehicle and put up your windows, even while you are driving.
• If you go to an automatic teller machine for cash, check for people around you and make sure it is well lit and in a safe location.
• Drive defensively. Traffic is heavier during the holidays. Drivers may also have indulged in too much holiday spirits.
• When shopping online, it’s wise to pay with a credit card instead of a debit card if possible. Both allow you to dispute a charge if the merchandise never arrives or is different from what was ordered. However, with a debit card, the price will have already been deducted from your bank account and it will take time to get your money back.
• When ordering online, look to ensure that your browser is a secure connection. In the address bar, a padlock should appear if your browsing session is secure.
• Some credit card providers offer onetime card numbers to be used for online transactions to further protect your financial information. Contact your financial institution to see if they offer such a service.
• Keep your personal information safe. Never provide your credit card, bank account information or social security number to a stranger. No reputable vendor or service provider will ever initiate a call and ask you for this information over the phone.
• Save all receipts. Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases. Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit card or bank statements as they come in.
• Beware of the “good deal” scams. Things are not always what they appear to be.
• Be sure the charity is legitimate. Check to see if they are a registered charity with the State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at https://www.fdacs.gov/ConsumerResources/Charities or by calling 1.800.HELP.FLA. While there, be sure you check to understand how much of the donation will actually go toward
the work of the charity as opposed to administrative expenses.
• Contact the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance at http://give.org or by calling 703.247.9321 to determine if the charity you are donating to has any complaints against them.
• Watch for similar sounding charities. It’s not unusual for scam artists to choose names that sound like the names of legitimate, widely known charities.
• Never give your credit card number or bank account information to a caller on the phone or someone who sent you an unsolicited email. If you are interested in donating to a charity that has initiated contact with you, ask them to send you a pledge form and information about the charity in the mail. Legitimate charities should have no problem with this request.
• Most tax-exempt organizations are also required to file an annual return or notice with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS Code requires automatic revocation of a charity’s tax-exempt status (some charities are exempt from this requirement) if it fails to file a return for three consecutive years. Publication of an organization’s name on the Auto Revocation list on the IRS website helps potential donors determine the status of a charity. To learn more about the taxexempt status of a charity, go to www.irs.gov and search the Charities and Non-Profits topics. Being mindful of these important tips to safeguard your identity, avoid scams and shop safely can help ensure you have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. For more safety tips and information from the Hollywood Police Department, visit www.hollywoodpolice.org
There is plenty of holiday spirit going on around Hallandale Beach. If you are like me, no matter whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa it is wonderful to be able to help those less fortunate and spread cheer.
This past Saturday, Chief Michel and members of the Hallandale Police Department gathered to do their spin on Shop With A Cop. Since COVID-19, rather than actually going shopping with the children, they hosted a special celebration at Foster Park. In the past, each child was given $125 Dollars to pick out gifts at Walmart. While it was always a wonderful event, when COVID-19 struck, there needed to be a workaround. This new spin allows PAL to select the most needed children to have a special day.
They share what gift they want from Santa. PAL and Kiwanis Volunteers set up Foster Park. The children got a chance to spend time with officers and volunteers building Gingerbread Houses and then got the chance to meet Santa and receive their favorite gift.
On Monday, I had the oppor tunity to host Hope For The Holidays! This was the second year that I along with the NonProfit had the chance to spread cheer to our local students. Hope For The Holidays! was an event that was held at Foster Park. Originally Sandy Atkins and her church family put the event together. After years of com munity service, Sandy retired. I always loved the event and decided to adopt it.
In partnership with many Donors and Volunteers, Hope For The Holidays! was able to hold the second event serving our children from the community, The Hepburn Center and PAL.
Gulfstream Park opened the Flamingo Room this year and
always do an amazing job organizing and putting on events. Eve Paul, who is one of the owners and a Hallandale Beach resident, is one of the most dedicated and creative event planners. I had the fortune of meeting Eve when I was looking for an assistant to
In addition to her involvement, we had many business partners step up and donate with contributions, toys and volunteering.
Rodriguez Charities, Big Easy, PAL, Crosstown Towing, Dr. Harry A. Cooper Hallandale Beach Orthopedics, Florida Horseman Benevolent Association, Chef Holmes Foundation, Smatt Tennis who hosted a Doubles Round Robin, The Civic Association, Sharon’s Dream,
The lights are finally on the boulevard. While it is a smaller display than years past, at least we got it done this year.
Commissioner Lazarow, Vice Mayor Lima-Taub and I also met to discuss placing a Menorah and Manger Display at city Hall and those will be up soon too.
The Hepburn Center hosted their Multicultural Holiday Show on Tuesday. The Hepburn Center provides an After-School Program for school age children up to Middle School. This pro-
gram was created many years ago by Former Mayor Lanner and his wonderful wife. They also created Friends Of The Hepburn Center which raises funds to help offset the costs of the program. The program is a recognized success and while the City helps to fund the educational services, the City also receives funding from the State.
Hallandale Beach - Aventura Rotary will continue with their annual tradition of the holiday sled. The Rotary Club has celebrated over 65 years of service. The Santa sled goes around the city on Christmas eve. They go to every area of the city so be on the lookout for Santa and Mrs. Claus who’ll be sharing goodwill and candy. You can visit their Facebook Page for the schedule.
Do not forget we have right here in Hallandale Beach been voted one of the best Christmas Displays. The Symphony Of Lights has free shows on the hour at Gulfstream Park every evening until Christmas Eve.
So, while we are all gearing up for the holidays, take some time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Holiday! Sharing the spirit is as simple as a warm smile and being courteous. It seems that many of us have forgotten civility and that we are all one community. If you are struggling, please reach out. The Hepburn Center has social workers and can connect you with services. Our CRA also has Rental Assistance Programs to help if you are dealing with increased rents. Visit the City’s website or the Hallandale Beach CRA’s website for more information.
As always, I am available for your questions, concerns and ideas to help make our City a better place! Please feel free to reach out to me at my office: (954) 457-1318. On my Cell/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or email me at: jcooper@cohb.org
You can reduce your risk of Heart Disease, Stroke, Heart Failure and even Death with lifestyle changes and medication.
High Blood Pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it typically has few, if any, noticeable symptoms but can lead to Heart Attack, Stroke, Heart Failure and even Death. Many people with High Blood Pressure don’t even know they have it. Some overlooked symptoms can include: Dizziness, Facial Flushing and Blood Spots in the Eyes.
The only way to know if you have High Blood Pressure is to regularly take an accurate Blood Pressure Measurement. Understanding your results is key to controlling High Blood Pressure. Blood Pressure numbers of less than 120/80 mm Hg are usually considered within the normal range, yet it is important to talk to a doctor about your healthy range. Even if you fall within a healthy range, it can be beneficial to stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
While many risk factors for High Blood Pressure may be related to your age, gender and family history, there are also risk factors you can change to help
Pressure. People at added risk may be those who engage in lower levels of physical activity, eat a diet high in Sodium (particularly from packaged, processed foods), may be overweight or Obese, drink excessive amounts of alcohol and may
Whether you’re making changes in your own life to combat High Blood Pressure or helping someone else, positive feelings and confidence are longerterm motivators to making health
friends, loved ones or your doctor, be prepared to ask openended questions. Be curious and kind to yourself and others you may be helping.
Watching your weight, especially if you are overweight or Obese, can bring health gains; losing as little as 5-10 pounds may help lower your Blood Pressure. Managing your stress by relaxing for short periods during your workday, at night and on weekends is another productive practice.
If you have Diabetes, it’s important to work with a doctor to manage the disease and reduce your Blood Glucose Levels.
If you think you could have Sleep Apnea, getting screened for and treating the condition can also reduce your risk for developing High Blood Pressure.
When you have High Blood Pressure, medication may be an important part of your treatment. Follow the recommendations carefully, even if it means taking medication every day for the rest of your life. When you’re discussing High Blood Pressure concerns with your healthcare provider, also be sure to talk to your doctor about over-the-counter pain relievers that may raise your Blood Pressure. Talking with your doctor can help you identify over-the-counter pain medications that won’t raise your Blood Pressure to ensure you’re not creating a Blood Pressure problem while treating other concerns.
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