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J A N U A RY 1 1 , 2 0 2 4 • 1 2 PA G E S • V O L U M E 2 1 • I S S U E 1 7
AVENTURA • BAL HARBOUR • DANIA BEACH • FORT LAUDERDALE • HALLANDALE BEACH • HOLLYWOOD • NORTH MIAMI BEACH • PEMBROKE PINES • PEMBROKE PARK • SURFSIDE • SUNNY ISLES BEACH
Remembering Emily
Embrace The Spirit Of Community
Tragic Loss Drives Family To Advocate For The Flu Vaccination Emily Lastinger
Join Aventura’s Winter Adult Softball Season Jeff Rothenberg Won The 2022 Andrew Gross Mvp Award For The Aventura Softball League Facebook.com/aventurasoftball As the air gets a bit cooler, the City of Aventura beckons all Softball enthusiasts to gear up for an exciting and invigorating season ahead. The muchawaited Coed Adult Softball Winter Season is officially open for registration, offering an opportunity for individuals aged 18 and above to indulge in the thrill of the game while fostering a strong sense of community. Scheduled to kick off from January and extend through April 2024, the season promises an array of action-packed moments at Waterways Park. It’s not just about sports; it’s about creating connections, embracing teamwork, and reaping the benefits of physical activity in a supportive and encouraging environment. Participation isn’t limited to expertise on the field; it’s about bringing a positive attitude and a commitment to nurturing a sense of camaraderie among fellow players. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a novice eager to Softball Season, Page 9A
explore a different book and theme each week in this Introductory Drama Class and embark on an epic adventure using props and dramatic play. Young performers learn to use their body, voice and imagination as they take epic journeys, explore new lands and meet exotic characters and animals from around the world. Intro to Musical Theater is offered in age-appropriate classes for grades K-2 and 3-5 as each explores the dynamic world of musical theater to develop the basics of singing, dancing and acting using songs and choreography from a wide range of popular Broadway musicals in a supportive environment. Additionally, students learn stage directions, basic dance steps, ter-
“Influenza took our child Emily from us.”Joe Lastinger and his wife had no idea how serious the Flu could be. When their 3-yearold daughter Emily got sick, they took her to the doctor right away where a test confirmed she had Influenza (Flu). They brought her home and kept her hydrated and ensured she was rested, but it got progressively worse over the weekend. Within three days of her diagnosis, Emily passed away. “Her absence is a constant in our lives,” Joe said. “Every milestone - whether hers or those of our other children - is missing something. While we experience the joy of such occasions, there is almost always a time when I catch my wife’s eye and know that we both are thinking of Emily.” Flu can impact anyone of any age, Race and Gender. While some people may be at higher risk for serious complications such as young children, pregnant women, people 65 and older and people of any age with certain Chronic Medical Conditions such as: Asthma, Diabetes or Heart Disease - anyone can become seriously ill due to the Flu. For this reason, Pharmacist
Get Creative, Page 8A
Emily, Page 7A
2. Exceptions To The Exemption: It’s important to note that items exceeding the specified price limits will not qualify for the Tax Exemption. For instance, if a single item
costs more than $100 for clothing or $50 for school supplies, it will not be eligible for the TaxFREE Benefit.
These classes are available to any performing arts lover wishing to simply get in on the fun
Get Creative In 2024 Performing Art Programs For Adults & Children Start January 20th, 2024 A new and exciting semester of Performing Arts classes for all ages and skill levels kicks off soon at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Enrollment is now open for Winter/Spring classes that begin on Saturday, January 20th, 2024. The Broward Center’s Performing Arts Programs, voted Favorite Arts Program by South Florida Family Magazine from 2018 through 2023, allow participants to learn something new, try something different, explore their creative side from a talented team of theater professionals. Skills-Building and Performance Classes in Singing, Dancing, Acting and Improv are designed to encourage artistic expression, develop skills in all areas of the Performing Arts and help students build Self-Confidence in a fun and Supportive Environment.
Many classes end with showcases and performances at the Broward Center. Financial need-based Full and Partial Scholarships are available for the 2024 Winter Theater Classes for Kids, Tweens and Teens. Scholarship Applications will be accepted until Thursday, January 4th, 2024 and families in Broward, Palm Beach and MiamiDade Counties are encouraged to apply. All dates, times, teaching artists and instructors are subject to change and current openings are limited. Classes for K through High School Kindergarteners learn about story structure while increasing their Vocabulary, Confidence, Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills in Dramatic Play: Epic Explorations & Travels. They will
Back-to-school Savings Your Comprehensive Guide To Florida’s Sales Tax Holidays This Holiday can translate into significant savings while ensuring a smooth transition back to school
underway until the 14th, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of these advantageous periods.
Florida gears up for an annual event that has become a crucial window of opportunity for savvy shoppers—the Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday. These designated periods offer consumers the chance to snag essential items without shouldering the burden of Sales Tax, helping families save significantly on their Back-To-School Shopping. With the 2024 Tax Holiday currently
1. What Items Qualify For Exemption?: During the Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday 2024 starting on Monday, January 1st, 2024 and ending on Sunday, January 14th, 2024, specific categories of items enjoy Exemption from Sales Tax and these include:
• School Supplies: With a Sales Price of $50 or less Per Item. • Learning Aids And Jigsaw Puzzles: Valued at $30 or less. • Personal Computers and Related Accessories: For Non-Commercial Home or Personal Use, up to $1,500 Per Item. • A comprehensive list of exempt items is provided by the Florida Department of Revenue including: Personal Computers, School Supplies like Pens and Notebooks, Clothing Items, and Learning Aids.
• Clothing, Footwear And Accessories: Priced at $100 or less Per Item.
For more items on the list, visit: www.floridarevenue.com
Hollywood Renourishment Project Update, 7A
Can Money Buy Happiness? A New Study Says, Yes, 4A
Back-to-school, 9A
Kodner Galleries Antiques and Much More, 2A