Category: Community News

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One Year Later After Fatal Heart Attack Patient Returns to Hospital to Thank Caregivers

Coral Springs, Florida – With much appreciation, Parkland resident Lisette Caro, 50, and her family paid a visit to Broward Health Coral Springs to reunite with doctors and nurses, but this time with happy tears of gratitude for saving her life.  

Caro was brought in to Broward Health Coral Springs’ Emergency Department last year in full cardiac arrest. Her 14-year-old daughter performed CPR that bought Caro time to get the medical care she needed. A full medical team worked on her with aggressive treatment trying to save her life.  

Gary Lai, D.O., Chief of Emergency Medicine at Broward Health Coral Springs, recalls this as a moment in his medical career that he will never forget. “What stands out to me most is the miraculous turn around that she made,” he said. “Once we were able to get her family at her bedside, it really was a miracle how she turned around. She has amazing kids who were able to jump into action and save mom.”  

Caro said that she never thought she’d suffer a cardiac incident, because “my blood pressure was usually low, I don’t have history of cardiac disease in my family, and I never had a problem with my heart. It was very unexpected.”

Today, Caro says she appreciates and loves her family a little more after beating the odds. 

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Rabbi Rappaport installed at Temple Beth Orr

Rabbi Laura M. Rappaport, rabbi of Temple Beth Orr in Coral Springs since July 1, 2020, was officially installed at Shabbat services on Friday, June 25.

Rabbi Rappaport received her B.A. in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. She received her M.A.H.L. and rabbinic ordination from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (Jerusalem and Cincinnati campuses).

Rappaport most recently served as associate rabbi and educator at Temple B’nai Shalom in Fairfax Station, Virginia. Originally from northwest New Jersey, Rappaport spent most of her adult life in Boise, Idaho, where she focused on serving small congregations around the Pacific Northwest, including Sun Valley, Idaho; Great Falls, Montana; Bainbridge Island, Washington; and Bend, Oregon, in addition to working as an adjunct rabbi at her home congregation in Boise. While in Idaho, she was founding director of the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund, a statewide child abuse prevention foundation. She taught Introduction to Judaism classes at the College of Idaho. For 10 years she worked as a board-certified chaplain at both of Boise’s acute care hospitals and the physical rehabilitation facility. She loves working with children and youth and has spent many years teaching and leading programs and special Shabbat and holiday services for children of all ages.

Rabbi Rappaport believes in a values-based approach to Judaism and Jewish life. In her words, “The major lesson we draw from the Torah, our people’s earliest book, is that each of us is responsible for more than just ourselves. Each of us has a holy responsibility to go out of our way to help create an environment for all that is just and compassionate, one that is safe for and respectful of every member of society.”

Rappaport’s approach to Jewish life is one of both joy and meaning. “My ideal Jewish program, service, or event is one that is fun and creative and leaves you with a slightly different perspective. You should leave with excellent questions to mull over: questions that you didn’t have when you arrived. Judaism encourages us to wonder about and question everything. This is how we move forward individually and as a society.”

Rabbi Rappaport has loved getting to know the very special Temple Beth Orr community over these past months and looks forward to continuing to build on the decades of warmth, inclusiveness, and caring that have marked Temple Beth Orr as a Coral Springs Jewish institution since 1972. You may find out more about TBO at templebethorr.org or on the Temple Beth Orr Facebook page.

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Honor with Action Coalition seeks community support on school safety

The Alyssa’s Legacy Youth in Schools Safety Alert Act, commonly called the “ALYSSA Act,” is legislation on school safety created in memory of 14-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff, one of 17 victims who perished during a mass shooting at Parkland’s Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018. The quiet city has now been added to a growing list of other memorable mass shooting sites that include Columbine, Sandy Hook, Blacksburg, Pittsburgh, Tucson, Aurora, Las Vegas, San Bernardino, Orlando, and El Paso.

Mass shootings, homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings accounted for 43,542 gun-related deaths in 2020, but gun sales remain at an all-time high. Every day, nearly 119 people die from gun violence in this country, according to Heather Chapman, a co-founder of the grassroots organization Honor with Action Coalition. The coalition was started when a group of Moms Demand Action volunteers branched off to start their own organization. “As Moms volunteers, we were limited to the legislation we could pursue, so we started Honor with Action and now have the dual focus of school safety and gun violence prevention,” said Chapman.

The group works with local organizations and also connects with leaders from larger ones to provide opportunities and resources. The coalition also connects volunteers with local and national groups and shares educational opportunities, updates, calls to action, training, and events.

The ALYSSA Act is a two-part legislative initiative that involves the installation of silent alarm systems in elementary and secondary schools and funding for school resource officers. The panic alert system can notify emergency services, staff, and students, and it provides two-way communications about specific information in a life-threatening emergency.

“Seconds save lives, and the ALYSSA Act does just that,” said Angela Weber, Honor with Action Coalition co-founder.

Alyssa’s Law was designated HB23/SB70 and passed in the 2020 legislative session. It was sponsored by Rep. Michael Gottlieb, Rep. Dan Daley, and Sen. Lauren Book. This bill is only for the state of Florida and requires mobile panic alert systems in public and charter schools. Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, school staff are required to activate the mobile panic alert system (Alyssa’s Alert) in the event of an emergency. Alyssa’s Law was signed into law in February 2019, and similar legislation is being debated in New York, Nebraska, and Arizona.

The Honor with Action Coalition was formed less than a year ago, yet it’s made excellent progress. State-level priorities for the coalition include a notification of a “threats in schools” bill, HB951/SB1284, proposed by Rep. Daley and Sen. Shevrin Jones, which provides requirements for reporting specified threats and incidents in schools. Another piece of legislature, HB7035 by Rep. Christine Hunschofsky and Rep. Chip LaMarca, is moving through the legislative session. Additional bills include SB836/HB455 by Sen. Jones and Rep. Omari Hardy to establish an urban core crime and violence task force, while HB167/SB428 sponsored by Rep. Hunschofsky and Sen. Tina Polsky focuses on safe gun storage. On the federal level, the coalition is working to help pass the ALYSSA Act for school safety alerts, Ethan’s Law for safe firearm storage, and HR8/HR1466 requiring background checks on all gun sales and a ban on assault weapons.

Chapman had a poignant message to lawmakers: “Our country has seen staggering numbers in death tolls due to a pandemic, yet I would like to remind Congress that we have an epidemic that is uniquely American — gun violence. After the attack on the Capitol in January, I would hope lawmakers now understand the fear our children face in schools across the country,” she said. “The problems of school safety and gun violence can be significantly reduced if they would pass federal legislation to turn the corner on the intolerable numbers of dead, injured, and traumatized citizens.”

U.S. Rep. Joshua Gottheimer of New Jersey will reintroduce the ALYSSA Act to a new Congress, with the co-sponsorship of Rep. Fred Upton, Rep. Elise Stefanik, and Rep. Carlos Jimenez. According to Chapman, New Jersey elected to install a hard-wired alert system but Florida decided that a mobile phone app alert system was more practical and cost-effective.

“The app is a good solution because if a student is in between classes, on a playground, or on a soccer field, he or she has access to both receiving and sending information,” said Chapman. “School districts have the option of choosing the system that works best for them and how it will be utilized.”

Formed less than a year ago, the Honor with Action Coalition has made excellent progress. Its steering committee meets regularly, and a campaign of public education and information on contacting representatives is ready to launch, but it remains on hold until the bill is formally reintroduced. “It takes a while for the process to unfold; we’re being patient but we are moving forward,” Weber emphasized. “We’ve made corrections to the text of the bill and know the committees it will be sent to. When it’s officially filed, we’ll be ready to go.”

The local coalition continues to seek the support of lawmakers in Washington, D.C., but communicating is difficult because many legislators work remotely. Where it was once possible to speak with a legislative aide or legislative director, messages are now forwarded to a voice mailbox. “This political limbo stalls the process, but it doesn’t stall our efforts,” Weber said. “Locally, the pandemic has limited the number of events we attend, but our Facebook page is updated frequently, making it easy for people to engage in our efforts and provide opportunities for calls to action.”

The Honor with Action Coalition has united with local and national groups to promote gun safety and school safety bills at both the state and federal levels. “The goal is a focus on legislative policies that promote safe firearm ownership, school safety, and support for victims of gun violence,” said Weber.

Follow the Honor with Action Coalition on Facebook and sign up for updates and calls to action at honorwithaction.com.

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Actors 50 and over examine dementia and death

The Show Must Go On | Pigs Do Fly Productions

Actors 50 and over examine dementia and death

By Jan Engoren

With the emphatic moniker, Pigs Do Fly, Ellen Wacher, founder and producer of Pigs Do Fly Productions, wanted people to know, women (and men) of a certain age are still relevant.

“When pigs fly,” might be an ironic comment meant to convey the unlikeliness of something happening, but Pigs Do Fly stands for people over 50 living interesting, active lives, according to Wacher, a 60-something who founded the theatre company in 2014.

With a mission is to produce plays that highlight the actor over 50 as a viable, fully involved, full of life character, Wacher says she wants to engage the 100 million plus Americans who are over age 50 and are under-recognized by the marketers of other popular culture.

“We don’t do plays about dementia or death,” says Wacher from her home in Miami.  “I’m interested in vibrant, active people living their lives and pursuing their passions.”

All of the company’s plays focus on this demographic and feature actor over 50.  The company is a professional theatre company and all employees are paid.

Seven years ago, Wacher presented her first production, title, “Fifty Plus — A Celebration Of Life . . . As We Know It,” a collection of short plays featuring actors 50+, and focused on active folks of the same age group.

On March 6, 2020, Wacher’s latest production, “Helen on Wheels,” an original play by Oregon-based playwright Cricket Daniel premiered at the Empire Stage in Ft. Lauderdale, but was indefinitely postponed as theatres shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’d give my eye teeth to be back live,” says Wacher who is gauging things on a daily basis as to when the theatre might resume.

She’s also concerned, about whether her audience – also people of a certain age – will return.   Noting that many theatres and other arts venues have moved their programming on-line, Wacher defers, saying, “By definition, theatre is meant to be shared live and in person.”

A native of Miami, Wacher worked for the state of Florida as a teacher and lobbyist and retired with 30 years under her belt.

“I always wanted to be an actress,” Wachter remembers, “but didn’t have the courage to starve.  Eating and dressing nicely were always at the top of my list.”

So, once she retired, she decided to pursue her passion and appeared in local productions of Neil Simon’s “Rumors,” “The Sisters Rosensweig,” “Joseph Andrews” and “The False Witness.”

“Now I can do what I always wanted to do and not worry about the money,” she said.

However, it was a shock to learn that she had aged out of the commercial acting market.

“I didn’t fit the stereotype of what they wanted for older women,” she remembers.  “I got really mad and decided to start my own theatre company.  I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, but I was committed to the idea.”

“I was headstrong and determined,” Wacher says.  “I lucked out, found the right people and in spite of not knowing what I was doing, managed to get it done.”

“We picked plays, held auditions and the audiences came,” she says.  “I got positive feedback from my audience.”

Currently, Wacher is vice president of the SAG-AFTRA Miami local and as chair of the women’s committee, works on the need to better recognize actors (and audiences) over 50 in theater, television and film.

During the quarantine and pandemic, Wacher, despite eating what she says is a bit too much ice-cream, attended SAG Zoom meetings, watched reruns of Seinfeld (her favorite), Friends and Everyone Loves Raymond and founded the Miami Radio Players, a group of professional actors based in Miami, who perform live radio shows.

Once she gets the all-clear to resume productions, Wacher is ready to go with re-launches of two of her most popular productions – Daniel’s “Helen on Wheels” and an original comedy by playwright Jerry Mayer titled, “2 Across,” about the New York Times crossword puzzle and a chance encounter aboard a San Francisco BART train.

She also has her eye on mounting “The Savannah Sipping Society,” a comedy by Nicholas Hope, Jessie  Jones and  Jamie Wooten.

As one audience member proclaimed to Wacher, after a previous show, “Thank god someone’s doing something for people like us.”

 

Visit pigsdoflyproductions.com

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New rabbi comes to Margate’s Temple Beth Am

Rabbi Michelle Goldsmith will become the rabbi of Temple Beth Am in Margate in June.

Most recently, Goldsmith was rabbi of Congregation Beth Emeth in Herndon, Virginia, where she served since July 2013.

Prior to Beth Emeth, Goldsmith was rabbi at Temple Beth-El in Birmingham, Alabama, from 2009 to 2013. She also has served as associate rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom in Sarasota, Florida (2001-2009), and at Beth Shalom Congregation in Jacksonville (1998-2001).

Goldsmith graduated from American Jewish University in Los Angeles in 2013 with a Rabbinic Management Institute certificate. She received her rabbinic ordination (M.A.) in 1998 from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City. She also earned a master’s in Hebrew letters from American Jewish University in 1994 and her B.A. in 1993 with a concentration on the Hebrew Bible.

Goldsmith describes her style as “marked by sensitivity to tradition and the spiritual needs of my congregants.” She strives for her “timeliness … humor and intellectual breadth.”

At her latest position in Virginia, Goldsmith stepped boldly into the 21st century, undertaking active shooter response and “Stop the Bleed” training, following attacks on Jewish institutions across the country. Her congregation became a national model for synagogue security.

During the pandemic, Goldsmith worked with congregants and staff to adapt the offerings of the synagogue to the reality of COVID-19, including holding Zoom services, streaming the high holidays, and moving the early childhood center, religious school, and adult education programs online.

 

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Coral Springs Commission

In the blink of an eye Spring is upon us. With an increase in COVID-19 vaccines available at more distribution points and greater eligibility for the general population, we are starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel from this public health crisis. As a result, we began looking at planning for in-person events and meetings.

In April, our Commission Meetings will be held as a hybrid, with some in-person and others attending virtually. Members of the Commission, key city staff and those who are being honored, will be inside of Commission Chambers at City Hall. Since social distancing requirements limits space inside of chambers, residents are encouraged to participate by attending the meetings remotely. You can learn more about viewing options at coralsprings.org/citytv. The April meetings are scheduled for the 7th and 21st at 6:30 p.m.

In the City of Coral Springs, we are incredibly fortunate to have one of the best Public Safety Communications Divisions in the state, if not the nation. During the second week of April, we honor the men and women who serve our community as call-takers and dispatchers, in celebration of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. We are grateful to have such dedicated staff, who are passionate about protecting and serving our residents, and ensuring effective communication with their colleagues in Police and Fire. If you have ever called our non-emergency number or had to dial 9-1-1, you know they are the lifeline to vital services, and for that, we are truly grateful for their service.

Also deserving of recognition this month, and all year long, are our amazing volunteers who we celebrate during National Volunteer Week from April 18 to 24. Our city has 430 monthly active volunteers,
who dedicate their time, talent and compassion to the Coral Springs community. Follow the city’s social platforms as we highlight the men, women and young adults making a difference in our community.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate Mother Earth during our annual EarthFest plant distribution event on April 24, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Sportsplex. For details, visit our website www.coralsprings.org/events.

The city is excited to announce the expansion of our drop-off recycling program for residents who would like to ensure non-contaminated recycling. A recycling container is now located at Mullins Park (2501 Coral Springs Drive) next to the Coral Springs Gymnasium and is open for drop off 24/7. This new collection point is in addition to the recycling option at the Waste Transfer Station, which is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. (12600 Wiles Road). The container only allows for the drop off of plastic material with the number 1 or 2 on the containers, metal and aluminum cans, newspaper and mixed paper, and broken-down cardboard. We ask residents who utilize this container to please refrain from contaminating it with non-recyclable materials. P

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Congressman Ted Deutch

Dear friends!

The COVID-19 crisis has taken so much from Floridians in the past year. No family or business has been untouched by the pandemic. Now, help is finally on the way for Americans nationwide in the form of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan.

The American Rescue Plan is a victory for all Americans. It puts money in American pockets and vaccines in their arms; it safely sends children back to school and workers back to their jobs; and will crush this virus and get Americans back on their feet.

This bill will send direct payments of $1,400 to 85% of American households. It will help lift 27 million children out of poverty. It enhances assistance for unemployed workers and small business owners. It expands ACA healthcare coverage, funds housing assistance and food security programs, and much more.

Congress can help save lives from gun violence, keep guns out of the wrong hands, and prevent mass shootings. But eight years after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, three years after the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and after countless other gun violence tragedies, Congress has waited too long and wasted too much time when we could have saved lives.

We can’t have safe communities until we fix the background check system. The Bipartisan Background Checks Act builds on federal law by ensuring that all gun purchases and transfers require background checks regardless of the vendor. Additionally, the Enhanced Background Checks Act will close the Charleston Loophole that lets individuals with incomplete background checks purchase firearms by allowing more time for the FBI to clear them.

In March, President Biden expanded Temporary Protected Status to roughly 320,000 Venezuelans living in the US after fleeing the humanitarian crisis brought on by Nicolás Maduro’s government. The TPS status offers legal protections for 18 months, alleviating some fears of deportation and allowing Venezuelans to continue living their lives in the United States.

The corrupt Maduro regime has devastated Venezuela, creating dire economic and humanitarian conditions that have made the country unsafe and unlivable for millions of people. Congress and the White House must do more to punish the brutal Maduro regime and stand with the Venezuelan people.

As the pandemic continues to impact our daily lives, I am ready to work with Congress to pass legislation to meet the needs of our community. Please feel free to reach out to my office if we can be of any assistance.

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Broward County Vice Mayor Michael Udine

April has arrived, the weather is getting warm, and people are ready to travel again safely. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is ready to go as people take to the skies. From new amenities like lounges, local restaurants, and a library, the airport will be working to meet your needs every time you fly. At a recent workshop, Director of Aviation, Mark Gale, showed the new stats indicating that passenger traffic is growing and has landed FLL in the top 15 airports nationwide. Wherever you decide to go in the post pandemic world, choose FLL for flying the friendly skies.

I have been working towards sustainable economic development for Broward County. By working with our small businesses, and recruiting others, our economy will continue to grow. A wide range of industries means a diverse offering of jobs and business opportunities for residents. Whether you are a tradesperson, an administrative worker, or brand new to the work force, Broward County will have the right opportunities. Expansion of a wide array of industry means investment in our community, and growth for all.

Broward County is learning more about what happens beneath the waves. Along with Miami-Dade and Palm Beach, Broward County has approved a grant that will fund the Marine Research Hub for local oceanographic institutions. Funds will go toward determining oceanic sustainability, and the effects that climate change has on our ecosystems. This exciting project will help us understand the continuing effects and protect our shores for generations to come.

Tax season is upon us. The deadline to file or process an extension is now moved to May 17th. For simple tax returns, check out local approved providers via irs.gov. Additionally, if you have not received your stimulus benefits for the previous year, this is your opportunity to claim any funds you are entitled to that have not yet been distributed. Using a tax pro to file your return this year will help you navigate all your questions and ensure your return is submitted correctly.

To all who celebrate, I would like to wish you and yours a Happy Easter and Passover. As we head in a positive direction, many of us are looking forward to seeing family after many holidays apart. Let’s enjoy this time as we move towards safer gatherings.

The top priority for my staff and I is staying connected with the residents of District 3. We are available by phone, email, and social media. Reach me at MUdine@Broward.org or at my office at (954) 357-7003. Follow on social media @CommissionerMichaelUdine on Facebook and @MichaelUdine on Twitter or Instagram to receive important updates and see what is happening in our community. Let’s connect!

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Parkland Mayor Rich Walker

Happy April, Parkland. With April upon us, our City Commission enthusiastically steps into our Strategic Planning Session. This is an opportunity that enables our commission an ideal setting to discuss the multitude of ideas presented by our residents. We utilize these subject matters to set the stage for our Budget for the next year (which begins in October). We also set the stage for years moving forward. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to collaborate as a team and discuss important things together, ultimately setting out a course for our beautiful city. We always welcome ideas and look forward to these valuable discussions.

Unfortunately, last year with the onset of COVID-19, our strategic planning session was canceled. However, we continued our progress with capital projects that will be happening later this year such as the drainage repairs in Pine Trails Park for Fields 6, 7, 8, and 9.

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. We need to be mindful
of the multitude of stresses impacted upon our youth growing
up in today’s unprecedented environment. The combination of social media, the pandemic, and an overall decrease in personal interaction can be incredibly overwhelming. This is stressful for all of us, but even more so for our children.

As a community, we can encourage and motivate one other with positive relationships, kind hearts, support, and love.

Child Abuse Prevention Guidelines:

• Never discipline your child when your anger is out of control.
• Participate in your child’s activities and get to know your child’s friends.
• Teach your child to use their voice to allow them to prevent abuse in their own life. • Listen to them and believe what they say.
• Be aware of changes in your child’s behavior or attitude and inquire into it.

Report abuses or neglect:

1-800-962-2873, Florida Relay 711 or TTY: 1-800-955-8771

On a lighter note, Let’s Play Ball!

April 1st is the start of the Major League Baseball season. To me, this is the start of the BEST season (Go Phillies!). Some of my favorite childhood memories center upon watching a baseball game with my father and younger brother. These are the traditions that I enjoy sharing with my very own family.

Upcoming Events:

Saturday April 3rd, we have our Family Eggstravaganza. We will begin at 5:30pm with fun-filled activities and culminate with a movie at 7:45pm. We also have our fabulous Farmers Markets on Sunday, April 11th and 25th from 9-1.

Meetings:

Our Commission meetings this month are Wednesday, April 7 and Wednesday, April 21 at 7PM in City Hall. For information and agendas for our meetings, please visit our website. https://www.cityofparkland.org/1434/Agendas-Minutes

Your thoughts matter to me. Communication with our residents is vital to the overall success of our City.

I encourage you to reach out to me.

I can always be reached via email at rwalker@cityofparkland.org or via cell phone 973.390.1453.

Thank you.

 

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One year anniversary of COVID-19

Believe it or not, March marks a year since our lives changed drastically. At the beginning of March 2020, COVID-19 spread throughout the world, requiring individuals to forgo their usual routines and adapt to a new lifestyle. Now, a year later, we are living our lives very differently.

Not only are we more conscious of our surroundings, but we are more hygienic. For example, if you go to a store or a gym, you will see employees or trainers sanitizing equipment and merchandise every few minutes. We spend more time washing our hands and taking care of ourselves than we ever did before.

“I forgot my mask!” is a common phrase you catch yourself saying, and traveling out of the country or state is an all-too-real distant dream. With all the isolated time we have been given during the pandemic, we have learned how to slow down, organize our homes and closets way too  many times, bake banana bread, and enjoy the outdoors.

With all these new hobbies we have acquired, all we want to do is to continue living our lives the way we did a year ago, but it is not that simple.

University of Michigan senior, Donna Neuman, longs for an in person graduation ceremony more than anything. “I really just want a graduation and nothing else right now is important to me. My friends and I have turned a lot of negatives into positives; for example, instead of going out with friends we hang in together. Those things are replaceable, but graduating is not.”

Our lives have changed in many more ways than one. As we sit and reflect on the one-year anniversary of COVID-19, it is hard to believe that it has only been a year.

When I think about the timeline it almost feels like a century. Masks are a part of our uniform and getting tested for COVID is the new trend.

Since it is risky for older adults with health restrictions to spend time with their younger loved ones, we have utilized FaceTime or Zoom to still get our personal family time.

Fortunately, the vaccine has been distributed to many essential workers, and soon to the rest of the world.

With the new year, all we can hope for is to say goodbye to COVID-19 and hello to living. By March 2022, I hope for good health, love, and for our lives to be more adventurous and spent with the ones we love most.

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End of an era – Greyhound racing hits finish line in Florida

As the ball dropped in Times Square on New Year’s Eve, at  the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31, 2020, in addition to being the end of a very turbulent year, the practice of greyhound racing in the state of Florida came to an end thanks to Amendment 13,  when the Palm Beach Kennel Club in West Palm Beach ran its last race.

All the more reason to celebrate, according to those who worked tirelessly for more than a decade — including advocacy groups such as The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Grey2KUSA Worldwide and even the Doris Day Foundation, to end this century-old “sport,” which its opponents characterize as antiquated, out of touch, inhumane, and down-right cruel.

A fixture in Florida since 1931, the state was the largest state to have greyhound racing, with 13 tracks at its peak in the 1980s. Currently, tracks remain for now only in three states – West Virginia, Arkansas, and Iowa.

Kate MacFall, Florida state director for the HSUS, says, “The issue of greyhound racing has been put to rest in the state of Florida. We’re very pleased that the amendment was created, placed on the ballot, and passed by almost 70 percent of the voters in Florida.”

MacFall notes that her group, along with other animal rights organizations, worked tirelessly and diligently on this issue to raise awareness for more than 10 years. She says greyhound racing fell out of favor with constituents and attendance dropped at the venues.

“We brought this issue front and center to the public,” she says,
“and they responded.”

“When voters heard that these dogs were dying and spent their days confined in small cages, got frequent injuries, and were living sad lives, it was a no brainer,” MacFall said from her office in Tallahassee.

Now that this issue has been put to rest, MacFall is focusing her agency’s efforts on retail stores in Florida selling puppies from out-of-state puppy mills.

It is estimated there are more than 10,000 puppy mills operating in the U.S. and two million puppies are sold each year from these mills. Noting that the HSUS is not going after responsible breeders, MacFall says, “We’re working to create a more humane model and moving away from retail and storefront sales of these puppies.”

The non-profit, Grey2KUSA Worldwide, and the chief sponsor of Amendment 13, which passed 69 percent to 31 percent on Nov. 6, 2018 and was designed to prohibit dog racing and close down the twelve remaining tracks in Florida.

Flagler Greyhound Park in Miami closed before the vote, seeing the writing on the wall.

Carey Theil, executive director of Grey2KUSA Worldwide, which is based in Arlington, MA, said there were systemic problems within the racing industry and called them out for their treatment of the animals.

He says the racing dogs were kept confi ned in small, stacked cages for 20-23 hours a day and fed a diet of raw 4-D meat, (meat derived from dying, diseased, disabled, and dead livestock). He says that over the past decade, over 400 greyhounds tested positive for a variety of drugs and when let out of their cages to race, many were injured or even died.

In 2018, when 11 tracks were operating in the state, a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) report revealed that a greyhound died every three days.

At the sport’s peak in 1991, according to a report in the Tampa Bay Times, Americans wagered $3.5 billion at tracks across 19states. By 2018, the amount had fallen below $500 million. , not everyone agreed with the impetus to shut down the tracks and the industry, including the American Kennel Club, the NRA, and the Farm Bureau. Many racing families had been in the business for generations and lost their livelihood.

Boynton Beach resident, Barbara Masi, was not in favor of shutting down the industry and blames out of state lobbying interests for closing down the tracks.

President and founder of Awesome Greyhound Adoptions, a volunteer-run, nonprofi t agency dedicated to fi nding homes for retired racing greyhounds, Masi also runs a program called Hounds & Heroes which provides retired racing greyhounds to veterans as full service dogs.

“These are not emotional support animals or therapy dogs, but fully trained service dogs,” she says. “They can help veterans with mobility issues, or those with MS, brain injury, PTSD, and Parkinson’s Disease. We call them “battle buddies,” and they are allowed full access to restaurants, buildings, and airplanes. They cannot be refused.”

She has been placing trained greyhound service dogs with veterans since 2011 and says, “Greyhounds sleep a lot and make the most awesome pets.”

Each dog trains for approximately 6-8 months to become a full-service dog and Masi says she currently has 11 dogs in training.

All the racing dogs here in Florida have been placed, Masi says, or are with adoption approved groups across the U.S. waiting to find homes. Others have gone on to race in other states.

And while Thiel and Masi are on opposite sides of the racing issue, Thiel credits Masi with helping the dogs and says “she does great work.”

Theil says that in Florida, both sides made their cases known, and disparate political interests joined together, even former governor and senator Rick Scott (R) and former mayor of Tallahassee Andrew Gillum (D) were united in their opposition to the tracks.

“I wasn’t surprised at all,” he says about the outcome of the vote. “Floridians love dogs.”

“This is a victory for Florida and a victory for everyone who cares about the dogs,” says Theil. “We are working to put ourselves out of business – that would be a good day.”

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Sandler Center hosts virtual Jewish film festival

This year, the Levis JCC’s SandlerCenter goes on-line with more  than 50 Jewish-themed films from around the world – from historical dramas to documentaries and shorts in its virtual Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival (BRJFF), running through May 16, 2021.

In addition, there will be Q&A webinars with filmmakers, cast members, and community lecturers, as well as the opportunity to view each film up to 72 hours after its scheduled time.

“Our strong relationship with the film industry has allowed us to present our patrons with a high-quality line-up of films and speakers year after year, in turn, we are able to continue to inspire, educate, and connect with our community year after year,” said Lesley Rich, BRJFF program & production director.

Making its Florida premiere on Mar. 22 is the Israeli documentary, “Shamir, His Way,” by filmmakers Igal Lerner and Erez Friedman, a one-hour documentary film about Yitzhak Shamir, former Israeli Prime Minister and one of the founding members of the State of Israel who has impacted the entire Middle East region for decades.

Shamir passed away in 2012 at the age of 97 and left a deep and on-going legacy in Israel, the state he helped to found. Shamir was the country’s third-longest-serving prime minister after David Ben-Gurion and Benjamin Netanyahu.

Born in Poland, Shamir was a soldier and politician who was elected to the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) in 1973 and again in 1977. He became Prime Minister in 1983–84,1986–90, and again from 1990–92. Before Israel’s statehood, Shamir was a leader in the LEHI, an underground movement against the British Mandate in Palestine and was a member of the notorious Stern Gang. In 1946 he was exiled to Eritrea by the British but escaped and made his way back to Israel. Shamir was also the head of an elite and secret unit in the MOSSAD

– Israel Secret Intelligence Service where he had served for more than 10 years before entering politics.

His son Yair Shamir, a former Colonel in the Israeli Air Force and now a philanthropist and venture capitalist says, “My father had a unique personality, and we try to show this in the film. He was a leader – a leader of people, a leader of the state, a fighter, and father.”

“Despite his accomplishments, he was a very modest person with zero ego,” he says. “On the other hand, he was always a leader with a unique style – very open and a team player.”

“Shamir’s story is intertwined with the story of Israel,” says Noa Cacharel, the film’s international sales agent. “Through the film, you are able to see how Israel has survived and gotten to where it is today. Shamir cared deeply about his country and is an icon in the state of Israel.”

“We owe him a lot,” she says.

The filmmakers decided to focus on the period in 1991 when Iraqi
missiles launched on Israel, and Shamir, then prime minister, made the decision not to retaliate against Iraq. They wanted to explore his decision-making process and ability to withstand pressure from both the United States and Russia.

Later that year, in September 1991, Shamir represented Israel at the Madrid Peace Conference, which brought about direct negotiations with Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and the Palestinians. He brought with him, a then-unknown young politician by the name of Benjamin Netanyahu and introduced him to the world stage. The film intertwines exclusive and behind-the-scene insights illustrating the unique path between the terror of war and the hopes of peace. It includes rare interviews with influential people such as Ehud Barak and Ehud Olmert, both Former Israeli Prime Ministers, in addition to Ya’akov Peri, Former Head of the Israeli Security Agency Shin Bet, and Shabtai Shavit, Former Director Director General of the Mossad, Israel’s Secret Agencies. All of whom have worked closely with Shamir through the years.

Lerner, a director and producer, is known for his documentary films about Natan Sharansky, and about the murder of an Israeli Jewish-Palestinian political activist, Juliano Mer.

Says Lerner, “Shamir kept his distance from the media and was one of the most ‘mysterious’ prime ministers of Israel. Our greatest challenge was to define and understand his way of thinking. He was a true chauvinist for Israel, an attitude he developed during WWII when his family was murdered by Poles in their village in Poland.”

It was that experience and way of thinking that led him in later years to advocate for both the emigration of Russian Jews to Israel as well as the later absorption of the Ethiopian Jews to Israel, as part of “Operation Solomon” in 1991.

“It was one of his missions in life to bring as many Jews as he could to the Land of Israel,” says Yair Shamir.

“For me, my father is a role model,” he says. “But, not only for me, but for my kids and nieces and nephews. He was a beacon shining a very focused light and providing a feeling of safety and lighting the way to overcome obstacles.”

“He is the beacon for our family,” he says. “It’s a challenge to live up to his ideals.”

“The name ‘Shamir’ means a very strong rock,” says Shamir. “My father lived up to his name.”

In 2012, Shamir was given a state funeral and buried amongst Israel’s other war heroes and prime ministers on Har Herzl in Jerusalem.

“Yitzhak Shamir was a tremendous beacon for all Israel,” says Cacharel. “So many people look up to him and admire him. We have schools and hospitals named in his honor. He stood for something and was steadfast in his ideals and principles – you don’t find that in many politicians these days.”

Other film screenings in March include Michael Lopatin’s “Code Name: Ayalon,” a David and Goliath story during Israel’s War of Independence, Jacek Borcuch’s “Dolce Fine Giornata,” a story about a clash of great creative intellect and femininity, with the backdrop of eroding democracy in Europe, and Oren Jacoby’s “On Broadway,” with Broadway legends including Helen Mirren, Christine Baranski, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, and Viola Davis sharing their experiences On Broadway lifting the curtain to show behind the scenes, with glimpses into the world of live theatre.

Visit Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival (bocajff.org)

Tickets range from $4.99-$12 and film pass packages range from $59-$299 (prices are per household); tickets and packages are available for purchase online at Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival (bocajff.org). Movie rentals can be enjoyed on various platforms by downloading the Eventive TV app which is available on Apple TV, Roku, Firestick, Chromecast, etc.

The film will be screened in Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival on March 21-23. Together for a Q&A with Yair Shamir (son of Yitzhak Shamir) and filmmakers Igal Lerner and Erez Friedman on March 23.

Find a link to the film’s page at bocajff.org.

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