Sun Times 09 17 26

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Royal Dames Of Cancer Research, 6A Beyond The Sticker Price...............12A Classified........................................12A Covering Basic Expenses..............10A Hallandale Beach.............................8A

Hollywood........................................8A Notice Of Sale..................................3A Puff ’n Stuff......................................9A Teaching Kids Lessons....................9A

S E P T E M B E R 1 7 , 2 0 2 6 • 1 2 PA G E S • V O L U M E 2 4 • I S S U E 1

AVENTURA • BAL HARBOUR • DANIA BEACH • HALLANDALE BEACH • HOLLYWOOD • MIAMI-DADE • PEMBROKE PINES • BROWARD • SURFSIDE • SUNNY ISLES BEACH

Shingles Raises Heart & Stroke Risk:

Miami Spice 2026 Dining Guide

Protect Yourself With Vaccination

A 25th Celebration Running Through Sept. 30th At An Irresistible Price

(Feature Impact)

If you have Shingles, you can stop the spread by covering the rash and avoiding touching or scratching it.

Shingles isn’t just a painful rash and nerve pain. It’s also linked with a higher risk of serious Cardiovascular events, including Heart Attack and Stroke, especially in the weeks to months after infection.

However, Shingles is largely preventable with vaccination.

The world’s leading NonProfit Organization focused on changing the future of health for all, the American Heart Association, reminds eligible adults to protect themselves by getting vaccinated and staying on top of their heart health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. will get Shingles in their lifetime. If you’ve had Chickenpox, the virus that causes Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is already inside you. It can “wake up” years later, causing painful blisters and nerve pain that can last for months or longer.

After a Shingles episode, one large study published in the “Journal of the American Heart Association” found the risk of Shingles, Page 3A

Chicken Satay CHO Funky Asian Bistro

tory for future generations.

The festival will feature food trucks, beer and wine vendors, games, live music and activities designed for guests of all ages.

Complimentary Water Taxi rides will also be provided, offering festivalgoers a uniquely Fort Lauderdale way to arrive at the event and experience the city from the water.

With the New River as the backdrop, the setting is particularly fitting.

Long before Fort Lauderdale became a city known for its beaches, waterways, tourism and downtown skyline, the New River was central to the development of the small settlement that would eventually become

From beloved neighborhood gems to award-winning dining rooms, it’s your chance to savor Greater Miami and Miami Beach’s world of flavors at an irresistible price.

Miami Spice is back for another season of dining deals, giving food lovers a delicious reason to explore the city’s restaurants from Miami Beach to downtown and Sunny Isles Beach. With multi-course menus designed to showcase each restaurant’s personality, the annual dining program is an opportunity to sample everything from funky Asian flavors and PeruvianJapanese creations to classic Italian comfort food—all at a set price.

For summer 2026, three restaurants stand out for diners looking to turn Miami Spice into a culinary adventure: CHO Funky Asian Bistro, Toro Toro, and Rose Cafe & Restaurant. Whether you’re planning a lively dinner with friends, a special date night, or a leisurely weekday lunch, these menus offer plenty to tempt the appetite.

CHO Funky Asian Bistro: Bold, Playful and Packed With

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Miami Spice, Page 2A

rugged, working waterfront that feels nothing like Maine’s busier coastal stops. The town is marked by historic buildings, fishing boats, and beautiful views over Passamaquoddy Bay. The Tides Institute & Museum of Art anchors it culturally, and the

surrounding waters open up whale watching, scenic boat trips, and those famously powerful tides. Its isolation has kept its profile low, but that’s also what’s kept it quiet and

The Stranahan House is recognized as the birthplace of Fort Lauderdale. Photo by Kahlil O Connor

Stranahan House To Celebrate Fort Lauderdale’s Founding Families At Fourth Annual Fall Festival More than a century after Fort Lauderdale was taking shape along the New River, the city’s history will once again come alive at one of its most important historic landmarks.

The Historic Stranahan House Museum will host its Fourth Annual Founding Families Fall Festival on Friday, September 25th, 2026, bringing residents, families and visitors together for an evening of music, food, games and history on the banks of the New River.

The festival will take place from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stranahan House, 335 Southeast 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. A special ceremony honoring Fort Lauderdale’s founding families is scheduled for 6:15 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults, while children will be admitted free.

Organizers describe the annual festival as a celebration of the families who helped establish Fort Lauderdale and shape the community that would eventually become one of South Florida’s best-known cities. The event also serves an important purpose for the museum: All proceeds will support the Historic Stranahan House Museum’s year-round historic preservation and educational programs.

For an evening, the oldest surviving house in Fort Lauderdale will serve not simply as a museum, but as a gathering place where the community can celebrate its past while supporting the preservation of that his-

Three Hidden Florida Gems Under-The-Radar Towns With Stunning Scenery Or Fascinating Histories America’s tourist hotspots seldom have to work hard to attract visitors. But journey a little off the well-trodden paths, you will find under-the-radar towns with stunning scenery or fascinating histories, with independent businesses that are worth far more attention than they get.

Some sit in the shadow of a flashier neighbor, whereas others have become places you pass through. However, if you give them the right investment, a bit of promotion, or just a shift in where people choose to stop, plenty of them could be the destinations everyone’s talking about a few years from now.

AI-powered business growth platform Hostinger surveyed 3,000 travelers to identify the

towns they think have the most untapped tourism potential. The top 10 were: #1. Lake Placid, Florida The top spot nationally went to Lake Placid in tourism-heavy Florida. Bright murals and an easy lakeside pace give Lake Placid a character all its own, a world away from Florida’s big resorts. The compact center acts as an open-air gallery, with public artworks tracing local history, wildlife and daily life. The town is also caladium country, a growing heritage it celebrates through local displays and events. If you head beyond downtown, you can find a handful of freshwater lakes made for fishing, boating or just relaxing. Marketed together, its

You Are My Angel Maternal Wellness Event, 5A

Lake Placid, Florida murals, independent stores and waterfront could turn the town into a leading day-trip destination in its own right. #2. Eastport, Maine Right at the far eastern edge of the country, Eastport has a

Pediatric Cancer Goes Beyond A Victory Bell, 10A

Florida Gems, Page 7A

Get Wild, Get Messy And Get Creative At MODS, 11A

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Miami Spice From Page 1A Flavor Located on 17th Street in Miami Beach, CHO Funky Asian Bistro brings a colorful, modern approach to Asian cuisine. Its Miami Spice dinner menu is available Monday through Sunday from 6:00 p.m. until close, making it one of the most flexible options for a Spice-season night out.

Priced at $50 per person, plus tax and gratuity, for three courses, the menu offers a wide range of choices, making it easy for returning diners to build a different meal each time.

The appetizers immediately set the tone. The Scallop Crudo, finished with red curry oil and kaffir lime, offers a bright and delicate opening, while the Chicken Satay pairs a Madras curry rub with galangal Thai peanut sauce. For something lighter, the Mango Coconut Salad combines tamarind vinaigrette, herbs and cucumber.

There’s also a Wasabi Cabbage Salad with Korean pear, apple-wasabi vinaigrette and shallots, as well as a tempting Duck Bao featuring honey-soy-glazed duck and pickles.

For the main course, diners can choose among dishes such as Shrimp Nasi Goreng, packed with sambal, green beans and kecap soy sauce; Pad See Ew with beef and Chinese broccoli; or Kung Pao Chicken with cashews, sweet peppers and Shaoxing wine. The Pork Ribs with applewood-smoked gochujang sauce promise a particularly indulgent option, while vegetarians can opt for Green Curry Tofu with bamboo shoots and Thai basil.

Dessert keeps the adventurous spirit going with Chocolate & Coconut Pani Puri, featuring crispy semolina shells, hazelnut praline and dark chocolate milk, or an Ube Cheesecake with salted ube cream.

CHO is located at 1209 17th Street, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. Reservations and additional information are available at: https://www.choasianbistro.com Toro Toro: A Latin American Journey in Downtown Miami For diners craving something with Latin American flair, Toro Toro offers a $60-perperson, plus tax and gratuity, threecourse dinner menu Monday through Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Located on the lobby level of the InterContinental Miami at 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, Florida 33131 the restaurant makes an appealing destination for a downtown dinner before a night out—or a memorable meal in its own right.

The appetizer lineup showcases Toro Toro’s international influences. The Nikkei Tuna Ceviche combines tuna with sweet potato, red onion, serrano peppers and avocado, all topped with cancha corn and leche de tigre. The Surf & Turf Empanadas bring together shrimp, lobster and lomo saltado, finished with yuzu avocado puree. Another standout is the Taco Asada, featuring corn tortilla, avocado, red onion, roasted pearl onion and salsa tatemada.

For entrees, the choices range from Kimchi Salmon with seasoned and grilled avocado to a 6-ounce Beef Tenderloin topped with creamy poblano and served with truffle risotto. The Chicken BBQ Mole Cusco, accompanied by pickled onion and house-made creamy coleslaw, offers another flavorful route.

Dessert brings a sweet finish with Grilled Pineapple Upside Down Cake, served with vanilla ice cream and cherries, or a Dulce de Leche Eclair topped with cream cheese mousse and Maldon salt.

Advance reservations are encouraged through OpenTable. More information is available at: https:// www.torotoromiami.com/ Rose Cafe & Restaurant: Italian Comfort in Sunny Isles Beach Over in Sunny Isles Beach, Rose Cafe

Kimchee Salmon - Toro Toro

Eggplant Parmigiana - Rose Cafe & Restaurant & Restaurant offers Miami Spice diners two opportunities to indulge: dinner and lunch.

The dinner menu, available Wednesday through Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., is priced at $50 per person, plus tax and gratuity, for three courses.

The meal begins with Mediterraneaninspired selections including Mediterranean Salad, Carpaccio Di Salmone and classic Eggplant Parmigiana. Entree choices range from fresh Tagliolini al Branzino, featuring Mediterranean branzino, garlic, cherry tomatoes and capers, to Gamberoni al Curry, shrimp simmered with coconut milk, garlic, ginger and warm spices and served with jasmine rice.

For a more traditional Italian experience, the Scaloppine Vitello al Limone pairs veal with a fresh lemon-butter sauce and creamy mashed potatoes, while

Costolette di Agnello alla Griglia offers grilled lamb chops with roasted potatoes and seasonal mushrooms.

Dessert includes classic Tiramisu or the restaurant’s plant-based Amore di Avocado, a creamy avocado dessert with a refreshing lime touch.

During the week, Rose Cafe also offers a $40-per-person, plus tax and gratuity, three-course lunch menu Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Lunch highlights include Zuppa di Zucca, Burrata Caprese and Eggplant Parmigiana, followed by dishes such as Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Pollo al Curry or Branzino alla Griglia.

For dessert, diners can choose between Tiramisu and Sorbetto Gelato, with lemon, strawberry or coconut flavors.

Rose Cafe & Restaurant is located at 16690 Collins Avenue, Suite 102, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida 33160. Visit: https://

www.rosecafeandrestaurant.com/ Your Miami Spice Table Awaits The beauty of Miami Spice is its ability to turn a restaurant-hopping summer into an affordable culinary exploration. From CHO’s inventive Asian-inspired combinations and Toro Toro’s bold Latin American flavors to Rose Cafe’s Mediterranean and Italian specialties, these menus offer three very different takes on the Miami dining scene.

So grab your reservation calendar, bring an appetite and make this summer a season of discovery. With three-course menus at $40, $50 and $60 per person, Miami Spice 2026 is serving up plenty of reasons to get out, explore and eat well.

To see all the Miami Spice Restaurants and begin your dining adventure, visit: https:// www.miamiandbeaches.com/restaurants

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About 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. will get Shingles in their lifetime.

Shingles From Page 1A Heart Attack and Stroke was nearly 30% higher in the short term and may persist over time.

“Shingles can be very painful and knock you down for weeks,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association’s Chief Medical Officer for Prevention. “It’s also associated with a higher chance of Heart and Stroke problems afterward. If you’re 50 or older, or have a weakened Immune System, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the Shingles Vaccine. It’s a simple step that can keep you healthier.”

Knowing your risk is the first step toward prevention. Age is the most important risk factor for developing Shingles. As people age, their Immune Systems naturally weaken, making it easier for the virus to reactivate. People over 50, and especially those living with Heart Disease, Diabetes or other chronic illnesses, are more likely to develop Shingles.

The risk of serious complications from Shingles increases: • As you get older • If you take drugs that keep your Immune System

from working properly, like Steroids and drugs given after an Organ Transplant • If you have medical conditions that keep your Immune System from working properly such as certain Cancers like Leukemia and Lymphoma, or HIV Infection Heart Health Made Simpler In addition to ensuring you’re up to date on your vaccines, talk to your health care professional about ways you can improve your overall Heart Health.

According to the American Heart Association, Heart Disease remains the leading cause of death, taking more lives in the United States than any other cause.

Following healthy lifestyle guidance like Life’s Essential 8 can make inroads toward preventing Heart Disease and Stroke, and improving brain health. The set of four health behaviors (eat better, be more active, quit tobacco and get healthy sleep) and four health factors (manage weight, control Cholesterol, manage Blood Sugar and manage Blood Pressure) are key measures for improving and maintaining Cardiovascular Health.

How to Get the Shingles Vaccine 1. Check eligibility: Recommended by the CDC for adults 50-plus and adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that Storage King USA will sell the contents of the storage units listed below at a public auction to satisfy a lien placed on the contents (pursuant to Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes). The sale will take place at the website storageauctions.com on behalf of the facility’s management. Units will be available for viewing prior to the sale on storageauctions.com. Contents will be sold for cash only to the highest bidder. A 20% buyer’s premium will be charged as well as a $100 cleaning deposit per unit. All sales are final. Seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale or to refuse any bids.

The property to be sold is described as “general household items” unless otherwise noted.

Storage King USA at 16200 SW 137th Ave. Miami, FL 33177 will list storage units on the website StorageAuctions.com on Sept. 24th, 2026, at 9:30 AM. Baldera, Francisco............................................................................................................Unit 1017 Ramirez, Miguel................................................................................................................Unit 4065 Ludeiro, Vanessa..............................................................................................................Unit 2032 Deacon, Cheveral.............................................................................................................Unit 4096

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that on October 20th,2026 at 10:00 AM the following vehicles may be sold at public sale for cash for the amount owed on each vehicle to satisfy the lien for repairs, services, storage charges, and any administrative fees allowed pursuant to Florida Statute 713.585.As is. Where is. Title is not guaranteed CASE:48334 2013 VOLV VIN: 4V4NC9TH6DN141462 Total Lien $4070.00 CASE:48335 1997 MACK VIN: 1M2AD62C2VW005672 Total Lien $5217.25 Lienor information & Sale Location:REYES TRUCKING OF PALM BEACH INC.MV86494. 311 TALL PINES RD. WEST PALM BCH, FL 33413. Ph:561-3589218 The customer/owner or any other person claiming an interest, or a lien may redeem the vehicle by satisfying the amount due in cash on or before the sale date and time. The customer/owner or any other person claiming an interest, or a lien has a right to file for a hearing prior to the date of sale with the clerk of the courts in the Palm Beach County where the vehicle is held to determine whether the vehicle has been wrongfully taken or withheld from him or her. At any time before the date of sale Owner/Lienholder may recover the vehicle without instituting judicial proceedings by posting a bond as per 559.917 F.S. Net proceeds in excess of lien amount will be deposited with the clerk of courts pursuant to 713.585 F.S.

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2. Find a location: Most national pharmacies, many primary care and specialty clinics and local health departments offer it. Search your pharmacy’s app or website, or call your clinician’s office.

3. Book it: Make an appointment online or by phone. Same-day or walk-in options may be available at pharmacies.

4. Bring what you need: Photo ID, insurance card and a list of medicines and allergies. Wear a short-sleeve shirt, if you can.

5. Plan for two doses, 2-6 months apart: When you schedule dose one, set a reminder or book dose two before you leave.

6. Cost and coverage: Many health plans, including Medicare Part D, cover Shingles Vaccination at low or no cost. Check your benefits or ask the pharmacy to verify coverage.

7. After your shot: A sore arm, fatigue, headache or mild fever are common and usually go away in 2-3 days. Call your clinician about severe or persistent symptoms.

8. If you’ve had Shingles before: You can still get vaccinated after you recover. Ask your health care provider about timing.

spread by covering the rash and avoiding touching or scratching it. You should also wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, and avoid contact with people who may be at heightened risk until your rash scabs over, including:

Protect Yourself (and Others) from Shingles If you have Shingles, you can stop the

Learn more at: www.heart.org/shingles. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

• Pregnant women who never had Chickenpox or the Chickenpox Vaccine • Premature or low-birthweight infants • People with weakened Immune Systems Signs and Symptoms of Shingles Symptoms to watch for: tingling, itching or burning on one side of the body or face; a stripe-like rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters; headache; fever; or chills.

Act fast: If you think you have Shingles, contact your health care professional right away. Treatment works best within 72 hours of the rash appearing. If the rash is near your eye or you have eye pain or changes in vision, seek urgent care.

Lasting impact: The rash typically scabs over and clears within 2-4 weeks, but the pain in the rash area can last about a month. The duration of pain seems to increase with age.

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Stranahan House From Page 1A the city. Stranahan House stands as one of the most tangible reminders of that early history.

Built in 1901, Stranahan House is widely recognized as the birthplace of Fort Lauderdale. The building was originally constructed as a trading post and later served as a post office, town hall and residence for Frank Stranahan and his wife, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan.

Frank Stranahan is remembered as Fort Lauderdale’s first businessman and one of the community’s most respected pioneers. Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, meanwhile, became the area’s first schoolteacher and an influential advocate for civic, educational, social service and environmental causes.

Their lives were closely intertwined with the development of the early community, and their home became a gathering place and important institution during Fort Lauderdale’s formative years.

That history is central to the museum’s mission today.

The Historic Stranahan House Museum seeks to tell the story of the birth of the community through the lives of Frank and Ivy Stranahan and the homestead they created. The museum also works to preserve, interpret and promote the house, its historic site and the broader story of Fort Lauderdale’s founding family.

The Founding Families Fall Festival provides a natural extension of that mission.

Rather than presenting history solely through exhibits, artifacts and guided tours, the festival gives the community an opportunity to experience the historic property as a living part of Fort Lauderdale.

The event is also an important fundraiser for the museum, helping support programs that operate throughout the year.

Stranahan House opened as a museum in 1984. Since then, it has become one of Fort Lauderdale’s leading cultural attractions and an important destination for both tourists and local residents interested in learning more about the city’s origins.

Each year, more than 3,000 fourthgrade schoolchildren visit the historic site as part of educational programming, while approximately 30,000 tourists and locals visit the House and museum.

For those students, Stranahan House can provide a tangible connection to lessons about local history. Instead of learning about Fort Lauderdale’s early development only from textbooks, they can walk through the same historic structure where some of the community’s earliest civic and commercial activities took place.

For tourists and longtime residents alike, the property offers a glimpse of a Fort Lauderdale that existed long before the modern skyline, high-rise buildings and busy downtown streets became familiar features of the city.

That connection between the past and present is expected to be a central theme of this year’s festival.

The Founding Families Fall Festival is particularly focused on honoring the people and families who played a role in establishing the community. Their contributions helped create the civic institutions, schools, businesses and traditions that would become the foundation of modern Fort Lauderdale.

While the city has changed dramatically since the early 1900s, the stories of those early residents remain part of its identity.

Frank Stranahan’s role in the community began with his trading post along the New River. His business became an important meeting point in a developing settlement, and his work placed him at the center of the community’s early commercial life.

Ivy Stranahan’s influence extended into education and civic engagement. As the area’s first schoolteacher, she played an important role in the education of local children. Her later involvement in environmental, social service and civic causes further established her as a significant figure in the region’s history.

Together, the Stranahans represent two important dimensions of Fort Lauderdale’s beginnings: the practical work of building a community and the civic commitment required to help that community grow.

Their legacy is one reason the museum continues to place education and preservation at the center of its work.

The festival’s fundraising component will help ensure that the historic property remains available to future generations.

Preserving an early structure such as Stranahan House involves more than maintaining an old building. It also requires preserving the stories, traditions and historical context associated with the site.

The museum’s programs allow visitors to understand not only what the House looks like, but why it matters.

The September festival will give the public another opportunity to support that work while enjoying an evening of community entertainment.

Sponsors are also playing an important role in the event. The Historic Stranahan

1915 (courtesy of FLHS)

1930s (courtesy of FLHS)

1972 House Museum has expressed its appreciation to its generous sponsors, including Amazon and Tripp Scott.

Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in supporting the festival can also participate through sponsorship and underwriting opportunities.

Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $5,000.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Executive Director Jennifer Belt by email at: director@stranahanhouse.org. Or email: director@stranahanhouse.org. Or by telephone at: (954) 524-4736.

For festival attendees, however, the evening will be about more than fundraising.

The combination of food trucks, live music, games and vendors is intended to make the event accessible to the entire community. Families can attend together, children can participate in activities and adults can enjoy food and beverages while taking in the atmosphere of the historic property and waterfront.

The complimentary Water Taxi rides add another distinctly local element to the celebration.

Fort Lauderdale’s waterways have always been central to its identity, and the Water Taxi offers visitors an opportunity to experience the city from the same network of waterways that played such an important role in its early development.

The New River, in particular, has been a defining feature of Fort Lauderdale’s his-

tory. Its waters provided transportation and helped connect the community during the city’s earliest years. Today, the river remains one of the most recognizable elements of the downtown landscape.

Having the festival on the riverfront therefore creates a physical connection between the event and the history being celebrated.

The 6:15 p.m. ceremony will provide the evening’s most formal moment, when founding families are honored for their contributions to the development of Fort Lauderdale.

The ceremony is expected to highlight the individuals and families whose efforts helped transform the area from a small settlement into the thriving community it is today.

For a city that has experienced extraordinary growth, such recognition serves as a reminder that Fort Lauderdale’s history was built by generations of residents whose contributions may otherwise be forgotten.

The museum’s role is to make sure those stories remain part of the community’s collective memory.

That responsibility has become increasingly significant as Fort Lauderdale continues to grow and change. New development has transformed the city’s neighborhoods and downtown, while an expanding population and tourism industry have brought new generations of residents and visitors to the area.

Historic landmarks such as Stranahan

House provide a link between that rapidly changing present and the community’s earliest days.

The museum’s work ensures that the history of Fort Lauderdale is not simply something that belongs in the past. It remains a resource for understanding how the city developed and why the community looks the way it does today.

The Founding Families Fall Festival reflects that philosophy by bringing history into a community celebration.

The event will be held at Stranahan House, located at 335 Southeast 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301.

Complimentary parking will be available at the Riverside Hotel, located at 620 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301.

Visitors should plan to arrive between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., with the special founding families ceremony taking place at 6:15 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults, and children can attend free of charge.

Additional information and tickets are available through the Historic Stranahan House Museum’s website at: https:// stranahanhouse.org/ffff/.

The museum itself is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., giving visitors who want to learn more about the site an opportunity to explore it outside of the festival.

The September event is also an inviStranahan House, Page 6A

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‘You Are My Angel Maternal Wellness Event’ Offering Awareness And Healing To Families For Infertility And Loss The 2025 ‘You Are My Angel Maternal Wellness Event.’L to R: Rader Law Group Founder Andrew Rader, Esq., Dr. Marline C. Duroseau, Dania Beach Mayor Joyce L. Davis. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Rader Law Group October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. In recognition of both, Dr. Marline C. Duroseau, Esteemed Fertility and Women’s Health Advocate, TEDx Speaker and Author, will host the 3rd Annual You Are My Angel Maternal Wellness Event in Dania Beach on Thursday, October 15th, 2026 bringing together families, advocates and experts for a day focused on infertility, pregnancy loss, infant loss, maternal wellness and healing.

The event is dedicated to elevating the stories of those impacted by infertility and infant loss while providing community, expert guidance and actionable tools for healing and moving forward.

“As someone who has been directly impacted by infertility, including the incredibly painful loss of my daughter Angel Grace, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find resources for emotional recovery and how essential community is to healing,” said Dr. Marline, Author of the memoir It’ll Happen By 30, which chronicles her journey through infertility, loss and rebuilding with purpose.”

“I created ‘You Are My Angel’ as a way to not only commemorate the loss in my own life, but to give a much-needed voice to those who may feel like they are drowning in grief and deserve support, as well as provide an outlet for people to share their experiences and connect with those in the same boat.”

Presented through Dr. Marline’s 501(c)(3) NonProfit Organization, Angel’s Grace Foundation, Inc., this year’s event will welcome attendees from across South Florida, with Dania Beach Mayor Joyce L. Davis expected to attend alongside the announced speaker lineup: Keynote Speaker: Naomi Rosenkranz, M.S., M.S.ED, PMH-C is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Mental Health Provider through the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. She brings expertise in Grief Counseling, Reproductive Mental Health, Birth Trauma, Pregnancy After Loss, and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.

Keynote Speaker: Zoran J. Pavlovic, M.D.: Board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and board-eligible in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

Hailing from IVF Florida, Pavlovic will showcase his expertise in a wide range of

areas, including Reproductive Surgery, IVF, Fertility Preservation, Third-Party Gestation, and Genetics.

Speaker/Moderator: Nava Dimer is Bioethics-Certified in Assisted Reproductive Technologies, with training focused on the legal, medical and ethical issues surrounding reproductive technologies and genetics. She serves as Director of Strategy, Growth, and Development for Rader Law Group and IVF Law Group, bringing together expertise in patient advocacy, fertility care and the ethical issues surrounding assisted reproduction.

An active member of SEEDS Ethics and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Dimer is closely engaged with the evolving ethical and practical issues in this space.

Speaker: Donnie Milton will speak on his loss from the man/father’s perspective, offering resilience, compassion and the importance of support.

Speaker: Donna Brown will discuss her work as a Women’s Health Advocate as well as Endometriosis Awareness.

Speaker: Chavalia Mwamba will speak about her experience with loss and creating a legacy. She is the Founder of Pink Mahogany, developing fragrances in honor of her son Kenji as well as a maternal wellness advocate.

“I am incredibly excited for this year’s event, especially as we welcome experts who can guide these important conver-

sations,” said Dr. Marline. “My priority has always been to provide a space rooted in empathy, understanding and practical knowledge. This year’s lineup allows us to address a wide spectrum of experiences and concerns related to Fertility, Pregnancy Loss, Infant Loss and Maternal Wellness.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to receive gift bags with products and resources from event supporters including Pink Mahogany, Tropical Skyn, Skin Leaf Cosmetics, Black Bow Gift Co., Mom Daily Ideas, Harbor House Living,

The Fertility Class, Navigating Parenthood, Marigold Life, Bold & Bloom, Violet & Ivy Wellness Co., Herplum, Olive & Sage Wellness, Perseve Hair, ERIA, The Baby Fairy Shoppe, Kerstin Tracy, The Continental DRIFTER, Giftada, IceCream Sunscreen, Vivoo, and Rader Law Group/ IVF Law Group.

Event Information: Thursday, October 15th, 2026 I.T. Parker Community Center 901 Northeast 3rd Street Dania Beach, Florida 33004 To learn more, visit: https:// www.angelsgracefoundation.org/.

To RSVP, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ you-are-my-angel-maternal-wellness-eventtickets-1993505289986

Dorone M. Manasse,

D.M.D, P.A.

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About Angel’s Grace Foundation: Angel’s Grace Foundation Inc. is a Florida NonProfit founded in memory of Angel Grace, the beloved daughter of Founders Kevens and Dr. Marline Duroseau. The foundation offers compassionate support to families facing Infertility, Pregnancy and Child Loss, career hardship and emotional struggles.

Through community programs focused on grief support, maternal health awareness, youth empowerment and career readiness, Angel’s Grace Foundation offers hope, healing and practical tools to those in need. Its work honors the belief that grace should be given freely, especially during life’s most vulnerable moments.

About Dr. Marline Duroseau: Dr. Marline C. Duroseau, widely known as Dr. Mar, is a Fertility and Women’s Health Advocate, Resilience Expert, TEDx Speaker, Coach and Award-Winning Author whose work empowers women navigating personal and professional adversity. A seasoned Financial Leadership Executive and Managing Director of HR & Leadership Development at Brandon Hall Group, she gained national attention for her TEDx Raleigh talk, “The Secret Battle Behind Powerful Women Leaders,” which exposed the hidden struggles of highachieving women and championed vulnerability as a catalyst for stronger, more empathetic leadership.

Her memoir, It’ll Happen By 30, chronicles her journey through Infertility, Loss and rebuilding with purpose, while her children’s books and coauthored leadership work with Kevin Harrington, The Impact Leaders, further showcase her commitment to storytelling that heals and inspires. Dr. Mar’s Doctoral Research on the Infertility experiences of women in leadership, along with her Annual Maternal Wellness Events, have positioned her as a trusted voice at the intersection of Women’s Leadership, Maternal Mental Health and Resilience.

A frequent Speaker and Media Contributor, she has been featured across podcasts, magazines and television, including WSFL’s The Morning Rush, and continues to lead national conversations on overcoming invisible barriers, redefining strength and transforming pain into purpose.

Website: www.mcdbe.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mcdbe/ Insta: www.instagram.com/mcdbe/?hl=en @mcdbe / @angelsgracefoundation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ @marlineduroseau2293/videos

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Royal Dames Of Cancer Research To Kick Off 2026 Tiara Ball Season Annual Luncheon Will Bring Together Fashion, Friendship And Philanthropy In Support Of Cancer Research Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Inc. will launch its 2026 Tiara Ball season with the annual Royal Dames of Cancer Research Fall Luncheon & Fashion Show on Thursday, October 1st, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lauderdale Yacht Club in Fort Lauderdale.

The Fall Luncheon will kick off the organization’s “Dancing Queens”-themed Tiara Ball season, which will culminate with the 56th Annual Tiara Ball on Saturday, November 14th, 2026 at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. The Tiara Ball, chaired by Bonnie Mitten, is Royal Dames’ primary annual fundraiser in support of its mission to fund Cancer Research.

The luncheon and fashion show will celebrate fashion, friendship and philanthropy while supporting the Royal Dames’ mission of funding Cancer Research.

Professional models will take to the runway for a true fashion show experience, showcasing high-end couture and elegant fashions from renowned luxury designers, presented by The Colonnade Outlets.

“The Fall Luncheon is a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together as we begin another Tiara Ball season and continue the important work at the heart of the Royal Dames,” said Sophia Mylona, President of Royal Dames of Cancer Research.

Guests will also have opportunities to support the mission through raffles and live and silent auctions featuring an array of experiences and packages. Highlights include a three-hour private yacht cruise for up to 10 guests aboard My Amore 59, complete with champagne, fine wine and gourmet hors d’oeuvres, as well as a full event-planning package for up to 50 guests in South Florida, including event design, budget planning, vendor coordination, floor plan design, itinerary creation and day-of-event management, and more.

Royal Dames of Cancer Research traces its history to Dr. Joel Warren’s request for $250,000 to support Cancer Research. Warren approached Fort Lauderdale resident Theresa Castro, who was inspired to create an organization dedicated to funding Cancer Research.

One hundred of Castro’s friends each pledged $2,500, leading to the creation of Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Inc. in 1969. Since its founding, Royal Dames has contributed more than $7.68 Million in

The Fall Luncheon will kick off the organization’s “Dancing Queens”-themed Tiara Ball season.

support of Cancer Research at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). The organization continues to support Cancer Research in pursuit of a cure.

The Royal Dames of Cancer Research Fall Luncheon & Fashion Show will take place Thursday, October 1st, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lauderdale Yacht Club, 1725 Southeast 12th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316.

Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available at: https://

rdfall26.givesmart.com. For more information about Royal Dames of Cancer Research, visit: https://royaldames.org. Or call: (954) 546-0868.

Editors’ note: To access high-resolution photos from last year’s luncheon, visit: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/u6zo44ij ee9e6qhy9jqlr/AD7Frvm7kxwkgEPQSj F_J78?rlkey=sjy2nrfgegp8bl2g1srommevv&dl=0 Photo Credit: Al Evans, Downtown Photo Fort Lauderdale

About Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Inc. Founded in 1969, Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Inc. is dedicated to funding research to find a cure for Cancer.

The organization has raised millions of dollars in direct support of Cancer Research at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). A community of volunteers, Royal Dames advances its mission through fundraising, philanthropy and community engagement. For more information, visit: https://royaldames.org

closely tied to its waterways and its history, the setting could hardly be more appropriate.

The Founding Families Fall Festival is ultimately an invitation to remember where Fort Lauderdale began while helping ensure that its earliest stories remain available to those who will call the city home in the years ahead.

How: For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://stranahanhouse.org/ffff/.

Stranahan House From Page 4A tation to residents who may have lived in Fort Lauderdale for years but have never visited the historic property.

It can be easy for people who live near a historic landmark to take it for granted.

Stranahan House, however, is not simply an old building sitting among modern Fort Lauderdale. It is a surviving piece of the city’s earliest history and a place where the story of the community can be experienced firsthand.

The House has witnessed generations of change.

When it was built in 1901, Fort Lauderdale was a very different place. The city that residents know today—with its major tourism industry, extensive canal system, downtown development and international reputation—was still decades away.

The Stranahan family was part of the small community that laid the groundwork for that future.

Today, the House stands as a reminder of their work and of the many other families whose contributions helped shape the city.

That is the significance behind the Founding Families Fall Festival.

It is a celebration, but it is also an act of preservation. By bringing people together at the historic site, the museum hopes to strengthen the community’s connection to its past and generate support for the programs that keep that history accessible.

The festival also illustrates how historic preservation can be a community experience rather than simply an academic pursuit.

A child playing a game on the grounds, a family arriving by Water Taxi, a visitor listening to live music beside the New River or a longtime resident attending the founding families ceremony may all experience the historic site differently. Yet each is participating in the continued life of a place that has been part of Fort Lauderdale for more than 120 years.

For the museum, those experiences

1984 are part of the preservation effort.

The goal is not only to maintain the physical structure, but to ensure that future generations understand why it matters.

The Fourth Annual Founding Families Fall Festival will provide another opportunity to do exactly that.

As the sun begins to set over the New River on Friday, September 25th, 2026 Fort Lauderdale residents and visitors will gather at the city’s oldest house for an evening that combines the past with the present.

There will be food, music, games and festivities. There will be a ceremony honoring the people who helped build the community. And there will be the historic Stranahan House itself—a reminder of the people, businesses, schools and civic institutions that formed the foundation of modern Fort Lauderdale.

For a community whose identity is so

When: Friday, September 25th, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Ceremony: 6:15 p.m.

Where: Stranahan House 335 Southeast 6th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 Cost: Adults: $5 Children: Free

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available and range from $500 to $5,00. For more information, please contact Executive Director Jennifer Belt by email at: director@stranahanhouse.org.

Or call: (954) 524-4736.

Complimentary parking is available at the Riverside Hotel, located at 620 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301.

The Historic Stranahan House Museum is located at 335 Southeast 6th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 and is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. More information about the museum, its history, programs and upcoming events is available at: https:// stranahanhouse.org.

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Florida Gems From Page 1A distinctive. For day trippers open to travel that extra distance up the coast will result in an experience that is less commercial and more intimate than other parts of maritime Maine. #3. Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina Sitting right on I-95, Roanoke Rapids already sees plenty of travelers, most of whom never make it past the exit ramps.

However, attractions such as the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail are a genuinely rewarding introduction to the area: river scenery, engineering history and a walking route that follows a canal once used to skirt the rapids on the Roanoke River. The wooded stretches are good for walking and cycling, and the museum fills in how the canal shaped the place. Add in the old neighborhoods and locally owned businesses, and there’s a real town here, not just a convenient break in a long drive. #4. Amsterdam, New York The Mohawk River passes straight through Amsterdam, and this former mill city is slowly making it the centerpiece of the town’s nascent tourism industry.

The Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook connects both banks with a raised walkway and wide views over the water and the city beyond. Amsterdam Castle has breathed new life into one of the most striking old buildings in town, while the surviving factories and commercial blocks keep its industrial past visible. There’s a varied local food scene too, which is reason enough to wander past the riverfront into the surrounding neighborhoods. Lean into what’s already here, and Amsterdam could become one of the Mohawk Valley’s more interesting stops.

watching and rural day trips to the mix.

Build out the visitor experience around all that, and there’s every reason for people to stay the night rather than just show up for the big events. #9. Paris, Idaho Nestled into the Bear Lake Valley, Paris pairs pioneer history with quick access to one of Idaho’s prettiest recreation areas.

The Paris Tabernacle is a striking architectural landmark and a direct link back to the settlers who built the valley. A short drive away, Bear Lake draws people

Forests, small-town streets and access to Florida’s quieter Nature Coast shape Perry’s sense of place. The restored railroad depot and annual Florida Forest Festival reflect the timber, transport and community traditions that have helped define the town. Perry can also serve as a practical base for trips toward the Gulf Coast, nearby wildlife areas and the less developed landscapes of northern Florida.

Its appeal lies less in a single headline attraction than in the combination of regional history, outdoor access and an unhurried atmosphere. With stronger links

start where they always have. More than a third (35%) find these lesser-known towns through Google or another search engine, with word of mouth close behind at 28%, a good reminder that a personal recommendation still counts for a lot.

Social Media takes 15%, and AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini now sit at 6%, already ahead of travel blogs, Tripadvisor and forums, if still well behind search and friends.

Getting someone to stop for lunch is a win. Getting them to stay the night is a much bigger one for the local economy,

between these elements and its local businesses, Perry could become a more natural stopping point for travelers seeking a less commercial side of the state.

and it turns out a single business can be enough to swing it. Asked what would turn a drive-through into an overnight stay, respondents put strong reviews and photos first (26%), with a standout local hotel, restaurant or shop just behind (25%). You don’t necessarily need a long list of attractions. Sometimes one memorable inn or one genuinely odd independent store is the whole hook, as long as people can find real proof of it before they arrive.

The good news for smaller places is that none of this takes a big budget or a fancy agency. Travelers surveyed say they are not concerned with how a website got built: in fact, 1 in 3 say they would trust one made with AI. “Most of these towns don’t have a character problem, they have a visibility problem,” says Gabriele RacaityteKrasauske, Global Public Relations Lead at Hostinger. “Travelers decide where to stop long before they arrive, and that decision happens on a phone screen. A simple website with clear opening hours, a few good photos, and directions is often the difference between someone driving through and someone booking a room.

The towns in our research already have what travelers want. It just isn’t easy to find online.”

Arcadia, Florida

#5. Turners Falls, Massachusetts On the banks of the Connecticut River, Turners Falls combines industrial history with a genuinely artsy, independent streak you won’t find in more established New England tourist towns. The Great Falls Discovery Center walks you through the natural, cultural and industrial story of the river’s watershed, while the old canals and mill buildings nearby make the manufacturing past hard to miss.

Downtown, galleries, cafes and creative businesses have given the place a modern edge without papering over its roots. With river views, walking routes and easy access to the countryside, you have the ingredients of a New England getaway that feels a little rougher around the edges in the best way. #6. Lake Arthur, Louisiana In Lake Arthur, everything comes back to the water. The lakeside park, the open views, and the quiet shoreline make an easy setting for fishing, boating, or a slow weekend. The whole place comes alive at sunset or when the community gathers by the lake. Regatta Seafood and Steakhouse lets you eat right by the water and taste the seafood and Cajun cooking that define the Perry, Florida area. Out past the town, the wetlands and rural backroads are good for spotting wildlife or just a scenic for boating, swimming, fishing and drive. It’s laid-back and small in the best summer vacations, which keeps a steady sense, a gentler alternative to Louisiana’s flow of traffic through the wider area. Paris busier coastal spots. offers the quieter, historical counterpoint to all that shoreline activity, though right #7. Big Spring, Texas now, most people breeze through without Big Spring State Park rises over the really stopping. Connect the heritage West Texas plains, and the views go on sites, the local businesses, and the lake a seemingly forever. Its scenic road, trails, bit better, and it could be far more than a and overlooks give you the sheer scale of stop on the way to the water. the region without having to stray far from town. Downtown, the restored Hotel #10. Ontario, Oregon Settles brings a touch of old grandeur, On the Snake River, right where and Settles Grill offers tasty meals inside Oregon meets Idaho, Ontario has a one of the city’s most recognizable cultural mix and farming identity that set it landmarks. The older architecture and apart from towns further west. The Four local businesses round out the character. Rivers Cultural Center digs into the Native Between the big scenery and that American, Japanese American, Basque, landmark hotel, Big Spring has a lot more Hispanic and European communities that personality than most people expect, one shaped the western Treasure Valley with a that many consider no more than a museum, art spaces and a Japanese highway stop. garden all in one spot. Downtown, the murals, shops and restaurants reflect that #8. Arcadia, Florida same diversity, and the nearby Ontario Arcadia is a window into old Florida State Recreation Site adds river access, with a historic downtown, antique stores, wildlife and a peaceful place to break up a and a ranching culture that runs deep. The drive. As Oregon’s eastern gateway, it streets are lined with independent shops, could easily be a town people explore which has made it a favorite for anyone rather than just a practical roadside chasing antiques and collectibles rather pause. than the usual resort fare. The Arcadia AllFlorida Championship Rodeo pulls in the 1 other small Florida town has crowds when it’s on, but the town’s also been named among America’s Western identity and farming heritage are overlooked travel gems: on show all year round. Nearby rivers and open country add paddling, wildlife #20. Perry

Why Great Towns Still Get Passed By The frustrating thing for many of these under-the-radar towns is that they already have the scenery, the history, and the independent businesses travelers say they want. What they are usually missing is the one thing that turns a highway exit into an actual decision to stop: a presence online that people can find. Hostinger asked travelers how discovery really works on the road, and the answers go a long way toward explaining why so many deserving places stay off the radar.

The first hurdle is just being noticed.

Nearly a third of respondents (32%) said that in the past year, a good local business website had convinced them to stop somewhere they would have otherwise driven right past. And losing them is easy. The turn-offs are strikingly ordinary: no photos (14%), out-of-date information (11%), no website at all (11%), and no clear way to tell whether a business is even still open (10%).

Travelers are not necessarily demanding drone footage or a virtual tour. They just want to see what a place actually looks like, confirm it’s open, and get the practical details to plan a visit.

When people do go looking, they still

For more information, visit: https://www.hostinger.com/blog/mostunderrated-us-travel-destinations/

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Hallandale Beach State Of The City Part 4

By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper

Last week was Part 3 of my State of the City Address hosted by the Hallandale Beach Chamber of Commerce. This week in Part 4, let’s talk about flooding & resiliency- preparing for the water.

There will be flooding. That is an uncomfortable statement, but it is an important one. We cannot engineer our way out of every extreme weather event.

We have experienced storms capable of dropping extraordinary amounts of rain in less than 24 hours.

No drainage system can guarantee that every street will remain dry under every circumstance. Think of the first hurricane that creates a 10-foot surge. What we can do is prepare. Last year, I updated you on the steps we have taken to address these emergencies. We have reevaluated our entire emergency response systems and protocols. These protocols include all types of events, from storms and masscasualty incidents to cyberattacks, not just weather events. Not only did we reevaluate we expended money to make sure that we have an Emergency Notification System for floods, but we also have high-water rescue vehicles and a

multitude of other resources to help our community through emergencies.

I’m extremely proud to say that our Staff continues to do an excellent job of keeping us safe. As South Floridians, we understand hurricane preparedness. We focus on shutters, impact windows, generators, and roofs. But increasingly, we must think about water.

As a Former Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Water Council, I have spoken nationally about these issues. My greatest concern has always been flooding. King Tides have become more noticeable. Extreme rainfall events are becoming more disruptive. And addressing flooding isn’t simply about installing another pump. It means drainage. It means pumping capacity. It means seawalls.

It also means helping homeowners and businesses understand how to make their properties more resilient. There are now products and programs for waterproofing.

In fact, just this July a new state law that waives all permitting fees core these types of improvements was just implemented.

Hallandale Beach, due to my request, is now part of A1A regional resiliency pro-

jects. Water doesn’t recognize city boundaries. The Project is being implemented by the Florida Department of Transportation in partnership with Broward County, Hollywood, and Hallandale Beach.

Our neighbors have faced similar challenges. Hollywood and Dania Beach have experienced significant flooding in areas surrounding A1A and their waterways.

These projects take years to plan and implement and are expensive. Vital and also necessary to sustain our economy.

National lending agencies are looking at cities and evaluating if they’re taking measures to invest in resiliency. Without these types of programs projects in the pipeline, it directly impacts our economy.

Hallandale Beach cannot solve regional flooding alone. Water coming from surrounding communities ultimately affects us, which is why cooperation with Hollywood, Broward County, FDOT and our other regional partners is so important.

Two years ago, I talked about beginning what I called our “Year of the Shovel.” Today, approximately $330 Million in projects are underway through-

out the city. For those of you who live or work here, sometimes it feels like there is construction on every street. I understand the frustration.

But we aren’t tearing up Hallandale Beach to tear it up. We are rebuilding Infrastructure that must serve this city for decades to come. Our drainage planning includes connecting Existing Pumping Infrastructure while identifying areas where additional pumping capacity will be necessary.

Residents understandably wanted these improvements yesterday. But resilience requires tremendous investment and takes time. That does not mean we wait to address problem areas. We continue implementing targeted improvements and projects throughout the city while the larger systems are being designed.

As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our city a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at: MayorJoyCooperHB. Like! Follow! And share!

Make A Night Of It In Downtown Hollywood This Saturday Looking for a reason to spend a Saturday night Downtown?

The Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk returns Saturday, September 19th, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., bringing art, live music, shopping, entertainment and plenty of reasons to explore everything Downtown Hollywood has to offer.

Held on the third Saturday of every month, the ArtWalk is a great opportunity to rediscover Downtown Hollywood.

Come for the art and entertainment, then stay for dinner, grab a drink, browse the shops or stop into a business you haven’t visited before.

Start the evening early at the Hollywood Art and Culture Center, 1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood, Florida 33020 with a free Champagne Welcome and Curated Gallery Tour at 5:00 p.m. The tour begins with a bubbly toast before exploring the Center’s current exhibitions.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m., stroll through the Artisan Market along 20th Avenue between Harrison Street and Hollywood Boulevard, featuring pop-up shops, local artists, handmade items, vintage finds, boutique goods and more.

ArtWalk also offers several free ways to experience Downtown’s creative side. A guided Mural Tour begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Information Tent at 20th Avenue and Harrison Street, sharing the stories behind the colorful works of the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project. At 7:00 p.m., Evan Snow of Choose954 leads a curated Gallery Tour, giving participants an opportunity to visit Downtown galleries and meet local artists.

Live entertainment continues throughout the evening on the Main Stage at 20th

Come for the art and entertainment, then stay for dinner, grab a drink, browse the shops or stop into a business you haven’t visited before.

Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard. DJ Tony Tiru kicks things off at 6:00 p.m., followed by Karaoke Night at 6:30 p.m. and the Mojo Ike & Lady Val Experience at 8:00 p.m. At 9:00 p.m., “Magic Jack” Maxwell brings his sleight-of-hand performance to Twisted Roots Kava Brewery, 2037 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33020.

Movie lovers can get in on the fun too, with a buy-one-get-one movie ticket offer all day at Cinema Paradiso, 2008 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33020.

And while ArtWalk offers plenty to see and do, don’t forget about the many res-

taurants, bars, cafes, boutiques and other locally owned businesses that make Downtown Hollywood worth exploring. Try someplace new for dinner, stop for dessert or a cocktail, do a little shopping and make an evening of it. Supporting Downtown businesses helps keep the district vibrant long after ArtWalk ends.

Parking is available throughout Downtown, including on-street metered spaces and the municipal parking garage at 251 South 20th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33020 between Harrison and Van Buren Streets. Weekend rates are $2 per hour in the municipal garage and $3 per hour for metered parking. Hollywood resi-

dents can save 50% on metered parking in Downtown by registering their vehicle annually with the City’s Parking Division.

Valet parking is also available Friday and Saturday evenings for a $15 flat rate at 1920 and 1925 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Florida 33020.

The Downtown Hollywood ArtWalk takes place Saturday, September 19th, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and returns on the third Saturday of every month. For more information, call: (954) 924-2980. Come for ArtWalk, stay for the food, shopping and nightlife, and see what you discover Downtown.

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Puff ‘n Stuff Catering Expands Into Miami, Bringing Full-Service Catering And Event Design To South Florida Offerings range from butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, interactive chef bars, elegant plated dinners, and late-night culinary moments.

Puff ’n Stuff Catering, one of Florida’s leading full-service catering and event companies, today announced its expansion into Greater Miami, bringing more than four decades of experience producing standout events across Florida to the South Florida market. From luxury weddings and milestone celebrations to galas, corporate events, meetings and largescale social functions, Puff ’n Stuff has built its reputation by pairing chef-driven food and beverage with elevated design, polished service and the operational expertise to execute events at scale.

Joining the team in Miami is acclaimed Chef Dewey LoSasso, who brings more than three decades of hospitality experience and deep ties to the local dining community.

Since establishing its Florida roots in Tampa and Orlando more than two decades ago, Puff ’n Stuff has grown into one of the state’s most established offpremise catering and events companies, with operations across multiple Florida markets. The company was named Orlando Magazine’s Best Caterer, earned six The Knot Best of Weddings awards and was inducted into The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame.

Supporting its expansion into the market, Puff ’n Stuff has established a new commissary kitchen in Coral Gables, bringing the culinary talent, trained staff, equipment and production capabilities to serve events of all sizes, while maintaining the high-touch approach of a boutique event partner. At the heart of the Puff ’n Stuff experience is food and beverage designed to be part of the celebration.

Offerings range from butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, interactive chef bars and action stations, elegant plated dinners, abundant displays, sophisticated bar programs and late-night culinary moments. Behind the scenes, chefs, captains, servers, bartenders, planners and production teams work together to manage the full experience, from menu development and staffing to decor, tablescapes, branding, signage and service flow.

“Miami is a natural next chapter for Puff ’n Stuff,” said Tracy Vessillo, President of Puff ’n Stuff Catering. “It’s a dynamic market with an incredible hospitality culture, a world-class events scene and clients who value creativity and memorable experiences. We’re excited to bring the level of culinary excellence, personalization and service our clients have come to expect to events throughout South Florida.”

In South Florida, that culinary experience will be led by LoSasso, a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef and member of Miami’s pioneering “Mango Gang.” Throughout his distinguished career, he has served as a personal chef

to Donatella Versace and helmed the kitchens of some of the region’s most acclaimed restaurants including The Forge, North One 10 and Tuscan Steak, as well as New York City’s Hudson Hotel. He has also created exceptional dining experiences for notable guests including Bill Clinton, Alicia Keys, Gloria Estefan, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Al Pacino.

“Miami has been an important part of my culinary journey, and after working in the catering business for over a decade, I’m excited to help introduce Puff ’n Stuff to this market in a meaningful way,” said

LoSasso. “There’s an incredible energy to events here. You have to deliver outstanding food, but you also have to create an unforgettable experience. With Puff ’n Stuff, we have the culinary talent, service expertise and operational strength to do both—whether we’re creating an intimate private dinner or serving hundreds of guests at a major celebration.”

Puff ’n Stuff is now booking events throughout South Florida. Clients and planners can connect with the Puff ’n Stuff team to begin planning a customized culinary and event experience at: https:// puffnstuff.com.

About Puff ’n Stuff Catering Founded in 1971, Puff ’n Stuff Catering is a Florida-based full-service catering and event company specializing in customized culinary experiences and event design. From elevated social celebrations and weddings to corporate events and large-scale functions, Puff ’n Stuff combines culinary innovation, thoughtful planning and professional service to bring each client’s vision to life. The company has built its reputation through decades of hospitality experience, long-term client relationships and a commitment to creative excellence.

Top 5 Tips For Teaching Kids Modern Money Lessons In The Digital Age (Feature Impact)

Helping kids feel confident about money can start with simple, everyday experiences. That can be especially important today, when children may hear different messages about money from parents, friends and financial influencers on Social Media. Giving kids opportunities to practice earning, saving, spending and making choices with money can help them build skills and confidence, even as more of their financial lives become digital.

Parents don’t need to be financial experts to help children develop healthy money habits. Starting conversations early and giving kids opportunities to practice skills like budgeting, saving and investing can prepare them to make thoughtful financial decisions as they grow. Consider these tips from the experts at Charles Schwab, which provides a full range of brokerage, banking and financial advisory services, to help build kids’ financial knowledge and confidence.

1. Start with Hands-On Activities As children grow, the way parents teach them about money should grow with them. Young kids can start by filling piggy banks or savings jars with coins and cash. As they get older, help them open bank accounts to see how their balances change over time. Introduce budgeting by

As children grow, the way parents teach them about money should grow with them. letting kids make some of their own spending decisions, such as choosing a snack or deciding whether to go to a movie or save for new headphones. Older kids can get involved in family decisions, such as planning a weekend trip within a set budget.

2. Encourage Smart Saving and Investing Habits Learning to save and invest early can help kids see how financial decisions pay off over time. Start with a savings account and show them how compound interest can help their money grow. As kids enter their teen years, look for ways to give them hands-on experience with investing.

A teen investing account can give young people a real-world opportunity to research investments, make decisions and learn how to manage money with a parent’s guidance and oversight, helping them better understand risk and reward while building financial skills and confidence.

3. Teach Teens About Debt and Credit Before teens begin using credit themselves, help them understand what borrowing actually costs. A credit card may make a purchase feel easy in the moment, but interest and fees can make that purchase more expensive if the balance isn’t paid off. Talk about the importance of living within their means, how credit scores work and how interest and late fees can cause debt to grow. Real-life examples, such as comparing the cost of paying for something now versus the cost of carrying a balance, can make these lessons easier to understand.

4. Introduce Kid-Friendly Digital Tools For today’s kids, learning about money also means learning how to manage it digitally. When children are old enough to have their own devices or use a parent’s device with supervision, introduce them to age-appropriate banking and budgeting tools. Show them how to check a balance, track spending and follow progress

toward a savings goal. These everyday experiences help connect the money lessons they learn at home with the tools they’ll likely use as adults.

5. Keep Talking About Money Building financial confidence doesn’t happen through one conversation. Make money an ongoing, age-appropriate topic by asking kids what they think about spending and saving, and what short- and long-term goals matter to them. Invite them to ask questions and, when appropriate, include them in everyday household money decisions. Giving kids a safe place to learn and make choices (and sometimes mistakes) can help them become more comfortable managing money.

Learn more modern strategies for teaching kids and teens financial literacy at: www.SchwabMoneywise.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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Breaking the debt cycle becomes especially difficult without emergency savings.

Covering Basic Expenses With Credit Cards Adds To The Growing Debt Cycle (Feature Impact)

For many Americans, credit cards were once reserved for emergencies, major purchases or added security when shopping online. However, today, people are increasingly relying on credit cards and unsecured debt to cover basic everyday expenses like groceries.

According to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Accredited Debt Relief, a Debt Consolidation Company specializing in unsecured debt relief, credit cards are no longer just a financial convenience but a tool for managing the rising cost of everyday necessities.

In fact, 66% of respondents reported having used a credit card to cover the cost of groceries within the last year.

Other essentials aren’t far behind: 47% said they’ve used it for gas or transpor-

tation, 45% for utilities and 33% for rent or housing costs.

How Everyday Expenses Turn into Long-Term Debt Debt builds over time when credit becomes part of monthly operations. For those struggling with cost-of-living pressures, using a credit card to cover groceries or utility bills may seem manageable in the moment. When the unexpected happens - a car repair, medical bill or unusually high energy bill - however, the balance adds up for the 46% of respondents who take on additional debt at least most of the time an emergency occurs and, without an executable plan for repaying it, could shorten the runway for taking care of such expenses in the future.

Because nearly 3 in 10 survey respondents rely on credit or borrowing just to get through a typical month, the data sug-

gests what may have been a stopgap has become a routine part of managing personal finances. In fact, one-third of survey respondents said they depend on credit more than they did a year ago.

Lack of a Financial Cushion Makes Paying Down Debt Difficult Breaking the debt cycle becomes especially difficult without emergency savings. Only 28% of respondents say they can cover expenses and save.

Additionally, 45% reported their income is enough to get by but not get ahead. Many said they’ve even put off taking a vacation or saving for the future due to their financial situations. When each paycheck is already committed to existing bills - 29% of respondents listed the cost of everyday expenses as the biggest barrier to reducing debt - making meaningful progress toward paying down

debts becomes more difficult.

The Emotional Cost of Carrying Debt Financial stress affects more than just the household budget. The survey found 25% of respondents are concerned about their financial future, with 12% worried they’re facing long-term financial instability. What’s more, nearly 7 in 10 said their current debt situation has negatively affected their mental well-being.

Without meaningful changes, whether through increased income, debt relief or financial support, these households may continue to rely on unsecured credit as a necessity rather than a strategic financial tool or occasional supplement. To learn more and find support to regain financial stability, visit: www.AccreditedDebtRelief.com. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Pediatric Cancer Goes Beyond A Victory Bell: How Research And Innovation Improve Survivorship Rates (Feature Impact)

According to the American Association for Cancer Research, children who survive Cancer face several long-term physical and psycho-social challenges due to their Cancer and treatment.

For every tear-jerking video found online of a child ringing a bell that signifies a Cancer journey victory, there are dozens, if not more, people working behind the scenes. From leading minds in Cancer Research to doctors, nurses and support staff, a vast network of people and decades of medical advancements make those moments possible.

In fact, in the last 10 years, the FDA approved 10 new immunotherapies and 20 molecularly targeted therapies to treat Pediatric Cancers, according to the American Association for Cancer Research. Those breakthroughs - and the children they impact - come with a cost, which is why Hyundai Hope on Wheels has served as a pioneer in increasing survival rates by investing $303 Million in Pediatric Cancer Research over nearly three decades.

Those funds have supported more than 1,600 grants to 210 institutions, leading to new insights into Cancer biology, clinical trials and new drug development while bringing hope at all stages of a child’s Cancer journey.

However, there remains work to be accomplished. According to a survey conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Hyundai Hope on Wheels, 46% of U.S. adults believe that a child ringing a hospital bell after Cancer treatment signifies the child is Cancer-Free and their medical journey is largely over. The reality is more nuanced than that. In fact, more than one-

third of respondents said they’re not familiar with the term Cancer survivorship or they have heard the term but don’t fully understand what it means.

Many health care organizations define survivorship as beginning at the time of diagnosis and continuing through treatment and beyond. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, children who survive Cancer face several long-term physical and psycho-social challenges due to their Cancer and treatment, including planned surgeries, additional rounds of radiation or other forms of medical treatment to address common physical challenges stemming from chemotherapy.

Survival rates continue increasing with scientific and technological breakthroughs, up from 75% to 85% in nearly three decades, representing roughly 40,000 more children surviving their diagnoses. More than 3 in 4 U.S. adults are encouraged by that progress.

For survivors, treatment is just the beginning. Research, follow-up care and long-term funding determine what comes next, and every grant funded and every survivorship program backed means more children reaching adulthood.

According to the survey, more than 80% of adults said they’re more likely to support organizations that fund survivorship services, creating opportunities to

fund crucial research and support for children facing Pediatric Cancer.

Collaboration among leading minds, made possible by funding from organizations like Hyundai Hope on Wheels, has led to the development of comprehensive approaches to help children thrive during life after cancer, including enhanced medical records, AI integration, socioemotional support and combatting long-term side effects.

Find more information and ways you can join the fight by visiting: https://HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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Get Wild, Get Messy And Get Creative At The Museum Of Discovery And Science This Fall Get ready to explore wildly, create boldly and discover differently this fall at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS).

From stepping inside the colorful world of renowned Wildlife Artist Charley Harper and getting ooey-gooey with Messy Science, to dreaming, creating and testing with MAGNA-TILES, MODS is filling the season with hands-on experiences that turn curiosity into discovery.

September kicks off with the debut of the immersive I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit, inviting guests to explore nature through famed Artist Charley Harper’s iconic bold colors, playful geometry and distinctive artistic lens. The month also brings Messy Science Weekends, Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and Nickelodeon’s Our World: Worldwide Day of Play 2026, and a buy-one-get-one admission offer during Broward Attractions & Museums Month.

In October, imagination clicks into place with the debut of The Original MAGNA-TILES Experience, a new traveling experience created by MODS that will launch locally before traveling to museums nationwide. The month culminates in a milestone evening as the Museum celebrates the 30th Annual Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration.

“Discovery at MODS begins with curiosity and comes to life through play,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “This fall, guests of all ages can explore nature through an artist’s eyes, get messy with science, test ideas through hands-on experimentation and use creative play to make meaningful connections with the world around them. Whether interpreting a Charley Harper image or building something entirely new, every experience is designed to inspire learning through play, spark curiosity and encourage discovery.”

I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit Friday, September 18th, 206 – Monday, January 11th, 2027 Experience the natural world through bold colors, playful geometry and hands-on experiences with the artwork of Renowned Wildlife Artist Charley Harper in I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit, presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and in partnership with Brightline and Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans. Guests can explore six distinct habitats, create their own Harper-inspired artwork at The Art Studio, interact with multisensory interpretations of his iconic work in the Interactive Habitat Poster Kiosk, play hide-and-seek among animals in The Woodland Ball Run and much more. For more information, please visit: https:// mods.org/IAMWILD.

experience the explosive live KaBoom Show. For more information, please visit: https://mods.org/dayofplay.

The Original MAGNA-TILES Experience Friday, October 9th, 2026 – Monday, January 4th, 2027 Get a first look at the new traveling MAGNA-TILES Experience, created by MODS, debuting locally before traveling to museums nationwide. The Original MAGNA-TILES Experience invites learners to dream big, build boldly and put their ideas to the test while exploring magnetic forces, engineering and creative problemsolving. Through hands-on challenges and

30th Annual Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration Friday, October 23rd, 2026 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Raise a glass to 30 years of exceptional cuisine, fine wines and philanthropy at MODS. Presented by Bank of America, the 30th Annual Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration marks its pearl anniversary while honoring Founders Steve Halmos and Keith Koenig. Guests can enjoy the Honoree Pearl Reserve Cocktail Hour, VIP and Grand Tasting experiences, Beer Garden, Food Truck Experience and an after-party beneath MODS’ iconic Great Gravity Clock.

Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 Square Foot facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) NonProfit Organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades. MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 21

Guests get hands-on with ooey-gooey experiments during Messy Science Weekends, exploring the science behind textures, mixtures and reactions. Photo courtesy of MODS.

Broward Attractions & Museum Month Tuesday, September 1st, 2026 Wednesday, September 30th, 2026 September is Broward Attractions & Museums Month (BAMM). Mention BAMM at the MODS box office to receive a free adult or child ticket with the purchase of a regular adult ticket. For more information, please visit: https://mods.org/BAMM. Messy Science Weekends in September Saturdays: 10:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. | Sundays: 12:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m.

Science is about to get seriously messy! Dive into a slimy, ooeygooey adventure as guests investigate the science behind textures, mixtures and reactions through hands-on experiments. Meet animal ambassadors that dig, crawl Get a sneak peek at The Original MAGNA-TILES® Experience at MODS. and slime their way through life and discover why sometimes the messiest experiments lead to the biggest open-ended play, guests can investigate Proceeds benefit MODS’ STEMobile discoveries. For more information, please how magnets attract and repel while outreach programs, bringing hands-on visit: https://mods.org/messyscience. transforming their ideas into buildable science education into the community. For creations. For more information, please more information, please visit: https:// ACM and Nickelodeon’s Our World: visit: https://mods.org/magnatilesexperi- mods.org/30wine.

Worldwide Day of Play 2026 ence.

Saturday, September 26th, 2026 Baby’s First Halloween 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Dream, Create & Test Weekends in October Saturday, October 31st, 2026 As part of Messy Science Weekends, Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Make baby’s first Halloween a celebraMODS joins the Association of Children’s Sundays: 12:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m. tion of discovery! Baby’s First, presented Museums and Nickelodeon for Our World: Watch imagination click into place dur- by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, creWorldwide Day of Play, to fill the Museum ing special weekend programming ates memorable first experiences through with even more active adventures, crea- inspired by The Original MAGNA-TILES themed stories, sensory-rich exploration, tive challenges and hands-on science. Experience. Guests can tackle fresh build helpful parent tips and a festival photo Guests can make Oobleck and elephant challenges, experiment with magnetic booth perfect for capturing the moment. toothpaste, create bubble slime paintings, forces and discover how creativity, engi- For more information, please visit: https:// join coding dance parties, investigate neering and problem-solving come mods.org/babysfirst.

Everglades soil, build catapults, make together through play. For more inforslime, encounter animal ambassadors, mation, please visit: https://mods.org/ About the Museum of Discovery and Science embark on a virtual panther prowl and dreamcreatetest.

Opened in 1977 as the Discovery

museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service.

The Museum welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit: https:// mods.org. Or call: (954) 467-MODS. (954) 467-6637.

Like us or follow us on Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/modsftl X (formerly Twitter): www.x.com/modsftl Instagram: www.instagram.com/modsftl

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Identifying The Most Affordable New Vehicles To Insure

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For most households, buying a new vehicle is one of the largest financial decisions they’ll make.

The purchase price is only the beginning, however.

Fuel, maintenance, depreciation and insurance all contribute to the total cost of ownership, making affordability a consideration that extends well beyond the showroom.

To help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions, Mercury Insurance recently released its annual rankings of the most affordable new 2026 model year vehicles to insure, identifying the top-performing SUV, truck, sedan and electric or hybrid vehicles in four of today’s most popular categories.

“Consumers naturally compare purchase price, fuel economy, safety ratings and technology features before buying a vehicle,” said Chong Gao, Director of Research and Development for Mercury Insurance. “Insurance is one of the few ownership costs drivers can estimate before making a purchase. Factoring it into the decision gives consumers a more complete picture of what that vehicle is likely to cost over the years they own it.”

While every driver’s premium is unique, this year’s rankings also revealed a broader trend: Practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest long-term insurance value.

“Vehicles designed for everyday drivers often strike the best balance between safety, repairability and replacement costs,” Gao said. “That’s reflected in this year’s rankings, where familiar models from manufacturers like Hyundai, Chevrolet, Honda, Kia and Volkswagen rose to the top. It reinforces the idea that choosing a practical vehicle can pay dividends well beyond the purchase price.”

A Cost You Can Plan For Unlike unexpected repairs or fluctuating fuel prices, insurance is a predictable ownership expense consumers can research before purchasing a vehicle.

Comparing insurance costs alongside purchase price, fuel economy, maintenance expenses and expected repair costs can help shoppers better understand the long-term financial commitment of vehicle ownership.

Factors Influencing Insurance Costs Insurance costs are influenced by many factors, but repair complexity, parts availability, vehicle

Hyundai Santa Fe

safety systems and historical claims experience all contribute to how a vehicle is insured. While advanced safety technology can help reduce accidents, vehicles that are easier and less expensive to repair can also help improve long-term affordability. Among the considerations insurers evaluate are: • Repair and replacement costs • Historical claims experience • Vehicle safety features and crash performance • Theft frequency • Availability and cost of replacement parts • Vehicle performance characteristics The Most Affordable Vehicles to Insure This year’s rankings show practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest insurance value. The top spot in both the SUV and electric and hybrid categories was claimed by Hyundai while Chevrolet led the truck category and Volkswagen topped the sedan rankings. Rounding out Mercury’s rankings were several familiar nameplates recognized for balancing insurance affordability with everyday value.

SUVs: 1. Hyundai Santa Fe 2. Chevrolet Blazer 3. Honda Pilot

4. Kia Sportage 5. Honda Passport

Trucks: 1. Chevrolet Colorado LT 4. Hyundai Santa Cruz SE 2. Chevrolet Silverado C3500 5. Toyota Tundra CrewMax 3. Ford Maverick and Ranger Sedans and Coupes: 1. Volkswagen Golf R 2. Acura Integra 3. Honda Prelude

4. Kia K4 5. Mazda3

Electric and Hybrids: 1. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 2. Chevrolet Blazer EV 3. Kia Sportage Hybrid

4. Ford Escape Hybrid 5. Honda CR-V Hybrid

“The smartest vehicle purchase isn’t always the one with the lowest sticker price,” Gao said. “It’s the one that delivers the best overall value over time. Comparing insurance before buying gives consumers another tool to make a more informed decision.”

Visit: www.MercuryInsurance.com to see the full rankings and request a quote to get a more complete understanding of long-term ownership costs. Photos courtesy of Hyundai America (Hyundai Santa Fe) & Shutterstock (couple using laptop)