Jean-Marie Massaud’s Brera sofa system for Poliform is a masterpiece of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending clean lines with exceptional comfort. Designed as a versatile statement piece, Brera adapts to various spaces with configurations ranging from classic linear arrangements to striking curved compositions ideal for expansive lounge areas. The design prioritizes relaxation, featuring plush cushions crafted with advanced comfort technology. Every detail reflects Poliform’s signature craftsmanship, from the refined leather accents to the exquisite fabric selection, where meticulously stitched seams become sophisticated design elements. The result is a sofa that embodies contemporary luxury with an artisanal touch. Denying trend and fashion, Jean Marie prefers questioning the existing, working out on progress and eventually proposing answers to contemporary stakes. It is this symbiosis between Man, his creations and his natural environment, that Jean Marie Massaud strives to reach, as a catalyst to innovation, as an economic model and as a life project. Connect with Poliform Email: info@poliformusa.com Website: www.poliform.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/PoliformUSA   Facebook: www.facebook.com/PoliformSpa Instagram: www.instagram.com/Poliform_official Poliform Miami Showroom Poliform Miami 4100 NE 2nd Avenue Suite 101 - 102 Miami, FL 33137 By ML Staff. Images Courtesy Poliform

We had a few great days up at Lake Jovita's North Course, and the great conditions lead to some stellar scores across the board. The format for this event was Modified Stableford, as opposed to traditional stroke play, so this is one of the few formats where the higher total score, the better. Mid-Amateur Division The Mid-Amateur was a close one from start to finish, as it seemed like the name at the top was changing just about every hole. After Round 1, Kyle Martin, stood at the top with a one point lead over both Nilo Sanchez & Austin Bagshaw. Martin's opening round was highlighted by 6 birdies (4 points each) which lead to a total of 46 points for the day. Making the biggest charge in the final round was Thad Hudgens. Hudgens was rolling the rock early with birdies on 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, & 13, to leap 11 spots up the leaderboard, and grab a tie for the lead mid-way through the round. Cortland Schofield also made a bit of push in the middle of round with birdies on 6, 7, 8, & 10 to tie Hudgens at 72 points through 13 holes. Coming down the stretch, our first round leader made sure his wire-to-wire lead wasn't spoiled. Martin made birdies on Holes 13 & 16, to jump back into the lead, and even after a small hiccup on Hole 17, he pared the last to win by one shot. Schofield finished one shot behind with a total of 86 points, and Bassett rounded out the top 3 with a total of 83 points. Senior Division Brian Keenan shot out of cannon on Monday, as he was collecting points left and right. Keenan, the Tampa native, carded 6 birdies & one eagle to shoot -6 on the day, and tally up 50 points. Rounding out the top three were the familiar Winter Series Champions, Charles Kirk (43 points) & Chad Ibbotson (41 points). Both had a tall task to catch the scorching hot Keenan on Tuesday. As anticipated, Keenan didn't take his foot off the gas and made two early birdies on Holes 10 & 11, and rounded out the back nine with two more birdies on Holes 15 & 16. John Barry, made the biggest push of the day, by catapulting up the leaderboard, but unfortunately he was too far behind after Round 1 to put the pressure on leader. Keenan ended up going wire-to-wire, and finished 14 points ahead, and had a two day point total of 94. Super-Senior Division The Super-Senior division was a tight race after Monday's round. Cory Walker, took control early with a bogey free opening nine of 34 (-2). Walker stumbled a bit on the early part of the back nine, but balanced things out with late birdies on Holes 15 & 16 to finish with 41 points on the day, and two points clear of anyone else. Earl Lanoue (39 points) & Kevin Macy (38 points) were looking to play spoiler on Tuesday, and complete the comeback victory. Cory Walker didn't let any pressure get to him as he was steady as can be in the final round. Starting on the 12th hole, he carded two early bogeys on holes 14 & 16, but steadied the ship after making his way to front, and capitalized on both Par 5's by making birdies on Holes 1 & 6. Despite bogeying 8 & making a double on 9, Walker was able to hold onto the lead, and capture the title with 76 points. Rounding out the top three were Kevin Macy & Mike Corbin who finished 3 points behind with a total of 73 points. By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of FSGA

Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls unveiled new liveries for the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 season in London as part of the historic live launch of F1’s 75th anniversary season. For the first time in the sport's history, all 10 F1 teams presented their new cars and drivers for the season together at the F1 75 launch event inside the British capital’s O2 arena. F1 fans packed the famous venue and tuned in live around the world, getting a first look at the new RB21 and VCARB 02 cars that will be driven by defending F1 champion Max Verstappen, Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda and Isack Hadjar during 2025. Building on Oracle Red Bull Racing’s iconic look, Christian Horner introduced the new car with a video celebrating car culture of all kinds as petrolheads from across London joined the convoy carrying the RB21 to the O2. “We’re all here because we’re car fans heart and what we’re celebrating in our team this year is car culture and the people who love it," said the Team Principle and CEO. "This year, we've got a new lineup and Max is joined by our young Kiwi, Liam Lawson. Liam brings a very exciting new dynamic to the team and we look forward to racing against some amazing competition this year in what is going to be a very close World Championship." Sticking with tradition when it comes to the 2025 livery, the RB21 features a subtle redesign of the blue, red and yellow palette that’s become a classic on and off track as it carried Max Verstappen to four Drivers’ Championships. Driving the RB21 alongside the defending and four-time F1 champion Verstappen during 2025 is New Zealander Lawson, who debut's in the team after winning the berth following his performances in the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls team last season. Boasting a new name and look, the rebranded Visa Cash App Racing Bulls won approval from the F1 fans in London for their 2025 livery, which is one of most radically different designs and features a majority white car and suits for the team’s drivers. Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda returns for his fifth F1 campaign with the team, while new to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls is 20-year-old Isack Hadjar. One six F1 rookies on the grid for 2025, the French driver has established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in motorsports and becomes the 19th driver to be promoted to F1 from the Red Bull Junior Program. “It’s been a life-long goal of mine to become an F1 driver, so it’s surreal to be here and living out my dream. I’m not expecting it to be easy and there’s a lot to learn, but I’m so happy to be learning from Yuki, who’s a seasoned pro in the sport. I can learn from him everything that a rookie needs to know,” said the runner-up in the 2024 F2 championship. Tsunoda was particularly happy with the VCARB O2’s new look in London. “I would say it’s one of the best liveries I’ve seen in my life from a team. It’s bright, it’s white and it’s really cool,” said the 24-year-old on stage. Talking on the new driver lineup, Team Principle Laurent Mekies said: “I’m super excited about our drivers. Yuki made a very big step forward last year. He really surprised us with the progress he made in terms of raw speed, as well as his technical qualities. He was an integral part of all the changes that we initiated last year and with Isack embarking on his rookie season, Yuki will be very much the team leader, and is a vital component of our plans for the coming season. "With Isack, he has shown great speed in all categories on his way up to F1 and we're keen to see what he can do. It’s always been a cornerstone of this team’s role to bring on young drivers for the Red Bull family and over the years we’ve definitely succeeded in that. I look forward to seeing how the two of them work together on track to bring great success for VCARB this year." Explore more F1 content HERE . By ML Staff. Content/Images courtesy of RedBull

Miami, in the state of Florida, is a place that tourists flock to. It’s highly scenic, offering plenty of routes if you like to take out the wheels for a cruise. The city and the wider Miami-Dade County boast amazing Art Deco architecture, and you can admire it from the sidewalk or the many Miami eateries. If beaches are your thing, Miami spoils you with them (South Beach is one of the most famous). If you like water, you can visit the Miami Seaquarium and swim with dolphins, or you can combine your love of water with one of nature and take a tour of the Everglades. Miami is an exciting place to visit and has lots of stunning architecture. Below is a look at some of the most attractive architecture in Miami.  Freedom Tower The Freedom Tower, iconic in the downtown Miami skyline, was built in 1925 by the prestigious New York architectural firm Schultze and Weaver. It is modeled on the Giralda bell tower of the cathedral of Seville in Spain and has links with the Cuban American community. Standing 289 ft high, the tower is so tall that ships once used it to navigate. The tower stands as a beacon of hope, freedom, and opportunity. From 1962 to 1974, the tower served as the Cuban Assistance Center, a refuge for Cubans fleeing communism and political persecution. This entryway for immigrants from Cuba would see them transform Miami and make an outstanding contribution to the country. Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts This Center for the Performing Arts is an iconic cultural building and was designed by Argentine architect  Cesar Pelli. The center consists of three different buildings: the Ziff Ballet Opera House, the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall, and the Carnival Studio Theater. From the outside, it looks a little like a wedding cake, but when you’re inside and witness how the floors jut overhead, you’ll enjoy the striking sense of depth.  The Adrienne Arsht Center is one of the largest Performing Arts centers in the US and is built partly on the site of a former Sears store built in 1929 in downtown Miami. The silhouette of the building is one of the most dramatic in Miami’s skyline. 1111 Lincoln Road Architecture is so impressive in Miami that even some of the parking lots are transformed from what could be mundane concrete constructions into magnificent feats of architecture. 1111 Lincoln Road, in South Beach, is one example. Designed by Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron , this attractive parking facility draws office, retail, and parking all under the same roof. Not only do people shop, park, or work here. 1111 Lincoln Road also serves as a venue for parties. Locals will even come to do some yoga while enjoying the fabulous views from the facility.  Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino  Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, which sits in the Miami suburb of Hollywood, in Broward County, Florida, is an outstanding piece of architecture. In keeping with the musical theme, the Guitar Hotel is designed to resemble back-to-back guitars. Then there is the Oasis Tower, which offers 168 rooms for guests, and the Hard Rock Hotel, which has a choice of 465 luxury, music-themed rooms.  Casinos like this one, where players can engage in poker in one of 45 rooms; play on more than 2,500 slots, including slots in a high-limits room; or play classic table games such as roulette, baccarat and blackjack, and variations of them, at one of nearly 200 tables; have come under heavy competition from online casinos. Online casinos such as Betrivers Casino run lots of promo codes to attract new players. Visit a casino review website and you’ll see Betrivers has codes to use  as a method to beat the brick-and-mortar casinos. The high level of competition that casinos like Seminole encounter persuades them to focus hard on the customer experience, especially on entertainment, and have such fantastic facilities. Pérez Art Museum Miami The Pérez Art Museum Miami is as famous for its architecture as for the modern and contemporary art housed between its walls. The museum is Miami-Dade’s flagship museum and devotes itself to 20th and 21st-century art. Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron is also behind the design of this airy, modern building. The museum spoils guests with a beautiful back patio open to the public. It’s a nice place to watch the boats go by or sit down with a summer read.  There are many reasons to visit Miami ranging from the hospitality of the locals and the shops. But there are also even more architectural wonders of Miami  to see if ever you visit.  Other major architectural marvels include the Fontainebleau Hotel, the Museum Garage parking lot, and, famous from its appearances in “Scarface” and the legendary TV show “Miami Vice,” The Carlyle.  By ML Staff

Miami Living Magazine presents three carefully selected destinations in Costa Rica, each offering luxurious accommodations. Our first stop is Hacienda AltaGracia, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, situated in San José Province at the country’s center. Next, we journey to Makanda by The Sea, located in Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast. Finally, we conclude our tour at the Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo, nestled in the Guanacaste province in the northwestern region of Costa Rica. Image by Atanas Malamov, Unsplash With its convenient proximity to major US cities, including Miami and Fort Lauderdale, accessing Costa Rica is effortless. Two international airports, in San Jose and Liberia, cater to travelers, with multiple airlines offering direct flights. From Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, and Minneapolis, reaching San Jose is equally convenient. Image by Jeremy Bishop/Unspalsh Costa Rica, a country spanning only 19,700 square miles (about the size of West Virginia), boasts global recognition for its biodiversity, happiness index, and Blue Zone designation. Situated between two oceans and adorned with towering mountains and over 200 volcanic formations, Costa Rica harbors 12 distinct ecosystems, offering visitors an unparalleled natural experience. Image by Zdenek Machacek, Unsplash TRAVEL WITH US Explore our luxury Costa Rica travel stays and experiences below: Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection Makanda by The Sea Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo Costa Rica By Markin Abras and Adriana Garuolis

North Star shined the brightest at the USPA Women’s Gold Cup, securing an 8-5 victory over BTA and solidifying its place at the top of women’s polo. For Meghan Gracida and her team, the win was a milestone, but they are not resting on their laurels. As the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship approaches, Gracida sees even greater potential for the team to continue rising to the top. North Star's Meghan Gracida with a neckshot. ©David Lominska How would you describe the final match? "The final game was tough. It was unfortunate to see Malia [Bryan] have a fall. She’s a very important player for BTA and it’s something you never want to see—a player going down. But BTA is a strong, four-player team. They’re well-mounted and know how to play polo, so we had our hands full against them. I have a lot of respect for BTA and I especially admire that they are four American players. It’s amazing to see." “Winning the [Women's] Gold Cup is probably the greatest win of my career because it's the second most prestigious tournament in the United States after the U.S. Open.”  – Meghan Gracida North Star - Jennifer Buchan, Meghan Gracida, Micaela Saracco, Hazel Jackson. ©David Lominska How did you celebrate winning the USPA Women’s Gold Cup? "After our win on Saturday, Memo and I took our employees out for a nice dinner to celebrate with them. They’re the unsung heroes, the true heart of our team, so it was important to celebrate with them." What are North Star’s strengths? "The strengths of North Star lie both on and off the field. On the field, we are a versatile four-player team that can adapt to different opponents. Off the field, we are supported by great organizations and have incredible horses, which are vital at this level of women’s polo. Having Memo on the sidelines is also a huge advantage. He’s passionate about making the team perform well. Our operation, La Herradura, brought 30 horses to Wellington to mount Hazel and me, as well as support Jen [Buchan] and Micaela [Saracco]. Luis Saracco’s breeding operation in Argentina has contributed 14 horses to our efforts and, of course, Jen’s involvement has been a cornerstone of our team’s success." How was the team built? "Jen, Hazel and I played together last year in the WOW [Women of Wellington] Polo Series and had great camaraderie. When I learned Hazel was available for the U.S. Open, she was my top pick. Hazel is not just a top player but an excellent captain. We approached Jen and Mica is an incredible young player with the potential to reach 10 goals. Together, I knew we could succeed individually and function cohesively as a team. Jen is a huge supporter of North Star, and I’m grateful to represent her team." North Star's Meghan Gracida on a breakaway. ©SC Equestrian Media “To win it alongside such incredible teammates, with special horses, and under the guidance of Memo [Gracida], backed by an amazing organization, makes it a truly special achievement.”  – Meghan Gracida What are your expectations for the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship? "Our expectations are high. We have added more horses and are constantly looking to improve. While we played well in the Gold Cup, I don’t think we have had our best game yet. The beauty of our team is our ability to adapt, with each player contributing equally. It’s a true team effort. I’m excited to see how we perform and how the horses do, especially with two new teams entering the competition. The U.S. Open will be an exciting challenge." By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of United States Polo Association

Fans will get twice the number of statistics and insights from this week’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, as every shot from both Pebble Beach Golf Links and – for the first time – Spyglass Hill Golf Course will be available on TOURCAST on the PGA TOUR app and website. Investing and delivering ShotLink powered by CDW across both courses is another example of progress from the “ Fan Forward ” initiative, which aims to create more fan engagement by accelerating enhancements and innovations that give fans more of what they want. The TOUR launched the initial Fan Forward survey in 2024, with over 50,000 respondents representing casual and core golf fans of all ages. When asked about enhancements that would most likely increase fan engagement with PGA TOUR broadcasts, “Greater integration of stats and data,” was one of the top responses from the youngest demographic of Fan Forward participants (age 18-34). “Fan Forward has given us tremendous insight into who loves the PGA TOUR, why they love our tournaments and players and how we can give them more of what they want each and every week,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Launching TOURCAST at both courses at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is an investment that will make the tournament even more engaging for our fans, giving us all a deeper way to understand how the top players are tackling the challenge of Spyglass Hill.” The comprehensive course maps on TOURCAST are the result of mapping done on foot and by drones. The mapping is accurate to four centimeters of density, which provides a precise, detailed experience in TOURCAST and enhanced scoring and statistics on the PGA TOUR app and website. Fans will also get more data and visualization as they watch this year’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on GOLF Channel, CBS and ESPN+. ShotLink data will help inform decision-making for the live broadcast, providing comprehensive, real-time statistics that lead to a more complete story about how a player reached his position on the leaderboard, regardless of which course he is playing. Additionally, this technology will allow broadcasters the ability to trace any shot they choose and offer more detailed analysis tools for use in all of the broadcasts the TOUR provides. Since the first full year of ShotLink in 2003, ShotLink has collected data on more than 25 million shots from 197 unique golf courses, and data from both Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill will be added to those totals this week. About PGA TOUR By showcasing golf’s greatest players, the PGA TOUR engages, inspires and positively impacts our fans, partners and communities worldwide. The PGA TOUR, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, co-sanctions tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Americas and administers PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry and PGA TOUR University. TOUR members represent the world’s best players, hailing from 28 countries and territories. Showcasing the biggest moments in the sport with history and legacy on the line, the PGA TOUR has long-term domestic distribution partnerships for broadcast coverage on CBS, NBC and Golf Channel and video streaming service on ESPN+. Internationally, PGA TOUR coverage is available across 200+ countries and territories in 30 languages via 39 broadcast and digital partners. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations to maximize charitable giving, and to date, tournaments across all Tours have generated more than $4 billion. Fans can follow the PGA TOUR via: the PGA TOUR app and PGATOUR.COM ; social media channels, including YouTube , Facebook , Instagram  (in Spanish , Korean  and Japanese ), LinkedIn, TikTok, X (in English, Spanish and Japanese); the PGA TOUR Channel on Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) platforms such as the Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, PlutoTV, Xumo, LG Channels, Tubi, Amazon’s Freevee, FireTV and Alexa devices; and WhatsApp (in English  and Spanish ), WeChat , Weibo , Toutiao  and Douyin . By ML Staff. CContent/Image courtesy of PGA

American Heritage Schools, named the number one Private K-12 School in Florida   by Niche, is pleased to announce its upcoming lineup of events for students and families, which includes the 5K for a Better Day and Heroes 2025. Photo by Fitsum Admasu, Unsplash 5K for a Better Day | Feb. 22 at 8 a.m. Details:  American Heritage Schools invites the community to join them for its 17th  Annual 5K for a Better Day on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 8 a.m .  Organized by the dedicated Pre-Med students, this event promotes wellness, unity and hope while raising funds for the Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital at Broward Health Medical Center. For over 25 years, the Pre-Medical Program through the Pre-Med Society has led impactful service projects benefiting pediatric cancer patients. The 5K for a Better Day is one of four key events, alongside the Superhero Party, Pre-Med Gala and Holiday Party, that create lasting joy and support for these courageous children battling cancer. Funds raised from the 5K and the Gala help fulfill holiday wish lists for young patients, bringing smiles when they need it most. Date/Time:  Feb. 22, 8 a.m. Location:  American Heritage Schools, 12200 West Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33325 Cost:  $20 RSVP here 5K Run for the Everglades| May 3, at 8 a.m. Details: American Heritage Schools invites the community to the Second Annual AHS Run for the Everglades 5K. The family-friendly event is not just a race – it's a celebration of community and environmental stewardship. Join AHS on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 8 a.m. at Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park. This event is more than a run; it's a meaningful opportunity to support the Everglades Foundation, an organization dedicated to the restoration and protection of America's precious Everglades through science, advocacy and education. By participating, guests are contributing to a cause that goes beyond the finish line. Open to all American Heritage Families, community members and Everglades enthusiasts, the Second Annual AHS Run for the Everglades 5K promises a morning of fun, fitness and a shared commitment to environment. Date/Time: Saturday, May 3, 8 a.m.  Location: Burt Aaronson South Country Regional Park, 20130 Reginal Park Dr., Boca Raton, FL 33498 Cost: $35 RSVP here Heroes 2025 | Saturday, May 3, 6-9 p.m. Details: American Heritage Schools , in partnership with Lighthouse of Broward ,   presents its 5th Annual Heroes event, a fundraising concert and auction to benefit the blind and visually impaired in Broward County, at American Heritage Schools’ Center for the Arts auditorium on Saturday, May 3, at 6 p.m. The event will be a 50s-themed prom night to remember featuring live music by Clay Cartland and American Heritage Schools’ Fine Arts Students. The Lighthouse of Broward is the only private, non-profit organization in Broward County that provides comprehensive educational, rehabilitation, and counseling services to blind and visually impaired children and adults. Through their work, the Lighthouse of Broward enhances the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired in Broward County and empowers them to live independent, healthy, employed and fulfilling lives. All of the funds from the benefit concert and auction will ensure that the Lighthouse of Broward can continue to provide vital services to over 2,590 people throughout Broward County each year. Attendees can enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening and participate in a live and silent auction benefiting the Lighthouse of Broward. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their best 50s style. Sponsors include American Heritage Schools, Law Offices of McCullough & Leboff, P.A., MFO Worldwide, Leo Goodwin Foundation, and Centennial Bank. American Heritage Schools’ student orchestra, National Art Honors Society, Pre-Med and Pre-Engineering programs will be on-site to help make this event a success. Date/Time : Saturday, May 3, 6-9 p.m. Venue : American Heritage Schools Center for the Arts Auditorium Address:  12200 West Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33325 Cost:  $25 per person, which includes admission, hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. RSVP here By ML Staff. Images/American Heritage Schools

ATR Luxury Homes Group Coldwell Banker Realty , led by founder and CEO  Ana Teresa Rodriguez , was once again ranked by Coldwell Banker as one of its top worldwide teams with its prestigious 2024 year-end awards. The awards recognize the top-performing professionals within the network for their outstanding achievements in helping clients with their real estate needs.  Showcasing the ATR team’s commitment to excellence in the luxury real estate market, below are the recognitions it achieved in 2024:  No. 1 small team in Southeast Florida  Top 1% of all teams worldwide   Top 25 teams worldwide   No. 5 small team in Florida   No. 6 small team in rentals nationwide   ATR has won the No. 1 small team in Southeast Florida award for four years.   ATR Luxury Homes Group  specializes in luxury properties, residential sales, waterfront estates, new constructions, high-end rentals, investment portfolios and more. The team is a top producer for South Florida’s key markets, including Bay Point, a gated community in Miami’s Upper Eastside neighborhood, and Fisher Island, a private residential island in Miami Beach only accessible by ferry and one of the most expensive zip codes in the country.    “We are extremely proud to have achieved these prestigious rankings within Coldwell Banker,” said Rodriguez. “Our team takes a boutique approach to all that we do, ensuring personalized service, tailored market insights, and enduring client relationships. We are particularly proud of the specific insight we provide our clients into the evolving landscape of luxury sales and the rental market.”  “This recognition is the result of a great team that knows how to leverage their market expertise, as well as a testament to their commitment to their clients and knowledge of the South Florida luxury market, said Nancy Corey, regional vice president, Southeast Florida, Coldwell Banker Realty. “It is a privilege to have such a remarkable team be part of Coldwell Banker Realty.”  For more information, please visit  atrluxuryhomes.com  or call (786) 723-6041.  By ML Staff. Photo courtesy of ATR Luxury Homes Group

Broward Children’s Center – a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving infants, children and young adults who are developmentally disabled and medically fragile and their families – is proud to unveil a brand-new playground and basketball court at its BCC Academy in Dania Beach. To celebrate the opening of the new facility, Broward Children’s Center hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 13. Broward County dignitaries, including the Mayor of Dania Beach Mayor Joyce L. Davis , Broward Children’s Center’s team, board members and families along with representatives from Delta Pilots Charitable Fund, The Batchelor Foundation, Children’s Opportunity Group and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), who sponsored the transformational project, were in attendance.  Guests enjoyed refreshments and breakfast bites while listening to remarks from Broward Children Center’s CEO Marjorie Evans and School Director Edith Moore. Dania Beach Mayor Joyce L. Davis and Dania Beach Commissioner Luis Rimoli addressed the crowd about the importance of the Broward Children’s Center’s new playground and the impactful role the Center plays in the community. Representatives from the playground sponsors, including FPL Director of External Affairs for the Broward and Southwest region & NextEra Energy Inc. Director of Corporate Philanthropy Juliet Murphy Roulhac, Esq, and Delta Pilots Charitable Fund Pilot Director Captain Chris Hazleton spoke about their common goal of building up the community and investing in the future of Broward County children.   The $117,000 enhancement project was made possible through generous donations from community partners including the Delta Pilots Charitable Fund ($72,000 donation), The Batchelor Foundation ($30,000 donation) and Children’s Opportunity Group ($10,000 donation) whose combined funds supported the playground, and FPL ($5,000 donation) whose donation contributed to the basketball court.  The new, state-of-the-art playground replaces an aging and damaged structure and will be more adaptive for the children that Broward Children’s Center serves. The playground includes a slide, ramps that make it wheelchair adaptive, an adaptive wheelchair spinner, sensory toys and more for children to enjoy during the school year and summer camp. It also includes artificial turf and shade to provide safety and protection from the sun and volatile weather.  The enhanced basketball court features new asphalt, a basketball hoop and basketballs. FPL’s logo is painted on the center of the court.  “We recognize the importance of supporting the Broward Children's Center and the work it does. Together, we are enhancing the quality of life for children and families in South Florida – powering stronger communities,” said Juliet Roulhac, FPL director of external affairs for the Broward and Southwest region & NextEra Energy Inc. director of corporate philanthropy.  “Playgrounds are the cornerstones of our community. We’re tremendously grateful for Delta Pilots Charitable Fund, The Batchelor Foundation, Children’s Opportunity Group and Florida Power & Light for their generous donation of a brand-new state-of-the-art playground and basketball court at our BCC Academy,” said David Perez, M.B.A., director of development at Broward Children’s Center. “This impactful gift will help provide a safe and secure environment for our students. This transformational project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the sponsors who are committed to bettering the lives of infants, children and young adults who are developmentally disabled and medically fragile.”  BCC Academy provides educational, therapeutic and behavioral services for children with special needs, pre-kindergarten through seventh grade. The nonprofit private school is specifically designed to meet the unique developmental and educational needs of children with moderate to severe disabilities, through research-based instructional strategies and a thematic-based curriculum. With parental input to optimize a student’s educational experience, various assessments and observations are used to set educational goals for each child. The classrooms are designed for each child to receive the personal attention needed to achieve their goals. By ML Staff. Photos/BCC

Claws for a cause!  Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade  will once again celebrate its 14th Annual “Claws for Kids” in memory of Judy Kramer at  Joe’s Stone Crab  in Miami Beach on Tuesday, May 6. Registration and reception begin at 11 a.m., followed by entertainment and dining at noon. Guests will delight in Joe’s world-famous stone crabs and signature items without the wait. The fundraising lunch is one of the last chances to enjoy stone crabs before stone crab season ends. Belkys Nerey, Channel 7 News Anchor and journalist, returns as master of ceremonies, alongside mother-daughter duo Co-chairs, Lisa Mendelson and Lindsey Mendelson Pearson, and Special Events Chair, Olga Guilarte. “Claws for Kids” is held in memory of Judy Kramer, a longtime Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Board member, who helped conceptualize the event and chaired it since its inception until her passing in 2021. Proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s crucial programs and services at its six Clubs and sites combined, including its educational after-school programs, tutoring and homework assistance, STEM, recreation, dance, arts and crafts, mentoring and summer and athletic programs. These programs help children realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade supporters who cannot attend the event can still enjoy Joe’s famous stone crabs  at home or on a date of their choice with the purchase of a gift card, just in time for Mother’s Day.  To participate, guests must purchase sponsorship gift cards on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s website to benefit “Claws for Kids.” “We’re excited to return to Joe’s Stone Crab to celebrate our 14th Annual ‘Claws for Kids’ to support great futures for Miami-Dade area youth. The luncheon is always a favorite among our supporters,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “The annual event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our long-time partner Joe’s Stone Crab, Special Event Chair Olga Guilarte, returning Co-chairs Lisa Mendelsonand Lindsey Mendelson Pearson, our board members, sponsors and donors. The funds will support Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s educational after-school programs, tutoring and homework assistance, STEM, dance, arts and crafts, mentoring and summer and athletic programs. These programs help children realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.”   The Claws for Kids host committee includes Lisa Mendelson, Lindsey Mendelson Pearson, Olga Guilarte, Jackie Gonzalez, Lily Pardo and Rae Stein. Tuesday, May 6, at 11 a.m. Joe’s Stone Crab 11 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, Florida 33139   “Claws for Kids” sponsorship opportunities are available and range from $500 to $30,000. Individual tickets are available to purchase for $350. To purchase sponsorships, please visit:  https://bgcmia.org/event/14th-annual-claws-for-kids-in-memory-of-judy-kramer . For more information, please contact Rhia Hunter at (305) 446-9910 ext. 108, or via email at  rhunter@bgcmia.org .

Red Bull Skydive Team member Max Manow has redefined the boundaries of aerial adventure in a stunning world-first. Over the dramatic landscapes of the Little Colorado River Tribal Park, Navajo Nation - a side arm of Arizona’s iconic Grand Canyon - the German skydiver leapt from a helicopter, latched onto a nosediving plane in mid-air, and ascended out of Hell Hole Bend canyon. From there, he embarked on what he calls his “endless skydive,” an achievement that is as daring as it is unprecedented. Watch the full video now on YouTube. The 80/20 Snapshot: The Feat: Manow leapt from a helicopter, tailed a moving plane, and attached himself to it with a custom-designed hook, allowing him to be towed in his wingsuit out of the canyon before releasing into freefall. The Innovation: This marks the first time a skydiver has demonstrated the ability to continuously skydive without landing to repack a parachute. The Equipment: Manow used a specially modified wingsuit and harness, while the Cessna 182 plane was equipped with an airbrake and hook system. The Vision: "In theory, I could repeat the process over and over again – an endless skydive," said Manow, hinting at how this could revolutionise the sport. Deep Dive: - Manow’s unprecedented flight began at 10,000 feet above Arizona's dramatic Hell Hole Bend canyon. After exiting a helicopter, he manoeuvred his wingsuit to close the gap with a nosediving Cessna 182, piloted by Red Bull Air Force legend Luke Aikins. - Precision was key: as the plane descended, Manow attached himself to a hook on the aircraft, allowing him to ascend back to a safe altitude of 2,500 feet before releasing into another freefall. - “It's all about trust,” Manow explained. “The first big challenge was to get together with Luke and meet him in the air. The first time I was able to attach to the handle, it was so difficult. The airflow was very different, and it was throwing me around. I had to learn a lot of different ways of flying.” - The logistics required months of preparation. Manow spent five months training, including sessions in a Stockholm wind tunnel, to master the techniques needed for mid-air connection. Meanwhile, Aikins modified his aircraft to ensure the feat was safe and repeatable. - The Little Colorado River Tribal Park, nestled in the Navajo Nation, provided a stunning yet unforgiving backdrop for this endeavour. Hell Hole Bend’s dimensions - just 240 metres wide and 427 metres deep - left no room for error. With glide angles of 1:2.2 and speeds of up to 150 kilometres per hour during the approach, every moment demanded precision and trust. - "What makes this project unique is that we are taking things that exist but are not meant to fly together, like wingsuits and planes," said Aikins. "When Max called and asked if I could tow him on a plane, I thought he might be a little crazy.” - Once connected to the plane, Manow spent three minutes being towed out of the canyon, ascending at a rate of 500 feet per minute. The custom rigging included an airbrake controlled via a winch inside the cockpit and a rope housed in a carbon fibre tube to provide stability in turbulent air. - “We had radio communication, so I was always updating him on altitude and position,” Aikins added. “He was on his back and couldn't see where we were going, so he had to have so much trust that I was going to take him to the right spot.” - Manow’s "endless skydive" opens the door to a new vision of skydiving, where athletes could remain airborne without ever needing to land. Reflecting on the experience, Manow said: “Who knows where this will take the future of the sport?” - The project also highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation. The helicopter supporting the mission was piloted by Aaron Fitzgerald of the Red Bull Air Force, with aerial footage captured by Red Bull Skydive Team member Marco Fürst. Key Stats from the Flight: Helicopter exit altitude: 10,000 feet (3,048 metres) Climb rate while attached to the plane: 500 feet/min (2.54 m/s) Speed flying alongside the plane before connection: ~80 knots (41 m/s) Dimensions of Hell Hole Bend: 240 metres wide, 427 metres deep By ML Staff. Content/Image courtesy of RedBull