Sponsored Content – Sun Sentinel https://www.sun-sentinel.com Sun Sentinel: Your source for South Florida breaking news, sports, business, entertainment, weather and traffic Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:13:15 +0000 en-US hourly 30 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://www.sun-sentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sfav.jpg?w=32 Sponsored Content – Sun Sentinel https://www.sun-sentinel.com 32 32 208786665 30th Anniversary of Palm Beach Pride in Lake Worth | PHOTOS https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2022/03/27/30th-anniversary-of-palm-beach-pride-in-lake-worth-photos/ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2022/03/27/30th-anniversary-of-palm-beach-pride-in-lake-worth-photos/#respond Sun, 27 Mar 2022 21:16:30 +0000 https://www.sun-sentinel.com?p=88127&preview_id=88127 Photos from Sunday’s Palm Beach Pride celebration in Lake Worth, Florida, which was hosted by the Compass LGBTQ Community Center.

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https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2022/03/27/30th-anniversary-of-palm-beach-pride-in-lake-worth-photos/feed/ 0 88127 2022-03-27T17:16:30+00:00 2022-03-28T13:13:15+00:00
The omicron BA.2 variant in Florida: What you need to know to stay safe https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2022/03/24/the-omicron-ba2-variant-in-florida-what-you-need-to-know-to-stay-safe/ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2022/03/24/the-omicron-ba2-variant-in-florida-what-you-need-to-know-to-stay-safe/#respond Thu, 24 Mar 2022 16:26:57 +0000 https://www.sun-sentinel.com?p=89480&preview_id=89480 The new omicron subvariant, BA.2, is causing COVID cases to rise in several European countries, and many experts believe the United States — and Florida — will see a rise in cases in the coming weeks.

As of Wednesday, BA.2 accounts for one in three cases in the U.S. and about one in four in the Southeast, which includes Florida. Europe typically is a month ahead of the U.S. in its COVID outbreaks.

In Florida, where positivity rates are low, many people are taking off their masks and returning to indoor spaces such as restaurants and theaters. In addition, Spring Break is drawing crowds of people to local beaches, restaurants, and nightclubs, often from areas where omicron transmission is higher.

BA.2 has caused concern because it is about 50% more transmissible than the original omicron strain.

So, what does the pandemic trajectory look like in Florida and how do residents stay safe this spring and summer? The South Florida Sun Sentinel asked health experts to offer guidance.

Is Florida going to get another omicron surge?

Florida is at a near-historic low in terms of new COVID cases, emerging from its largest peak in January. While the subvariant has been in Florida since January, virus samples sequenced by Helix show BA.2 has become an increasingly larger percentage of COVID cases in the state in the past two weeks.

Dr. Ira Longini, a professor of biostatistics who has created COVID-19 forecast models at the University of Florida, believes even if another omicron wave arrives in Florida, it will be a steady uptick in cases that lasts a while, rather than a sharp rise that peaks and then drops like the recent omicron wave in January.

“Florida had an enormous wave, and we still have cross-protection,” Longini said. “I don’t know how fast that protection will wane but I don’t think we are going to get a massive, explosive wave. I think it will be flatter, but it could last a long time as immunity wanes.”

If I was infected with omicron, can I get the subvariant, BA.2?

In Florida about 1 million people had COVID during the omicron surge.

Experts believe for the most part, people who were previously infected with omicron have protection against being reinfected with BA.2. A preprint study from Denmark found only a minuscule fraction of people were reinfected with BA.2 who had been infected with the original omicron strain — 47 people out of more than 1.8 million recent cases of COVID-19.

While it’s unlikely, Dr. Eric Topol, founder of The Scripps Research Institute, said there is no guarantee against reinfection: “We don’t have adequate data to be certain.” He also notes that it is unclear how long immunity from the original omicron strain will last.

The subvariant is more contagious but is it more severe?

The World Health Organization has considered all the data available from around the globe and concluded there is no major difference in disease severity between the original omicron strain and BA.2 Omicron is considered a milder variant than previous strains such as delta.

In its original strain, omicron has appeared as an upper respiratory-type infection with cold-like symptoms, rather than the lower respiratory infections that can lead toward pneumonia which had been common with delta. Cough, congestion, runny nose and fatigue are reported as the prominent symptoms with omicron.

If I had a booster shot more than six months ago, am I still protected?

Researchers are studying BA.2 in real-time, learning who is protected and who might be at risk.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner and current Pfizer board member, thinks most people who got a booster will be well protected in the months ahead.

“If we’re in a low-prevalent environment, as we’re likely to be this summer, I think most Americans who had three doses of vaccine will have sufficient protection going through the summer,” Dr. Gottlieb told CBS News.

Meanwhile, Pfizer and Moderna have asked the FDA to allow adults in the U.S. to get fourth-dose boosters. So far, their requests have not been approved.

Infectious disease doctors note that current Pfizer and Moderna boosters are not tailored to the COVID-19 variants currently circulating, like omicron, and its subvariant, BA.2.

However, Pfizer is studying an omicron-specific vaccine and a hybrid shot that would target omicron along with earlier variants and is expected to report its findings in April.

Topol says if the level of circulating virus continues to drop as it has in March, then people can wait on boosters until the first sign of a new variant other than omicron. However, if there is a new BA.2 wave, the recommendation would be for people over age 60 or 65 to get a second booster.

In Florida, 95% of seniors are vaccinated, but only a quarter of all 21 million residents are boosted.

Topol says people over 65 without booster shots should be concerned since their protection is substantially lower for hospitalizations and deaths compared with seniors who are boosted.

What about if I never got a booster shot, just the two vaccine doses, do I still have good protection?

Two shots provide protection against severe outcomes from COVID. Three shots provide even more protection. A recent CDC study suggested that vaccine effectiveness against severe outcomes during the omicron wave in January was 88% with two shots, and 94% with three.

Experts say it’s prudent to be prepared for a possible increase in coronavirus transmission by getting up-to-date on vaccinations and boosters. Anyone who got the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shot can get a booster five months after completing the primary two-dose COVID-19 vaccination series. Those who got the Johnson & Johnson can get a booster two months later.

What are the COVID therapies that are thought to work against the omicron subvariant?

Doctors are prescribing oral antiviral pills such as Pfizer’s Paxlovid tablets or Merck’s Molnupiravir to treat COVID-19 in its early stages. “Paxlovid is very potent and practical to use, but the supply is very limited and the block of COVID funds will make this situation much worse if/when another case surge begins,” Topol said.

Certain monoclonal antibodies do not work for omicron but there are some that do. For example, bebtelovimab and sotrovimab are being given as early treatment and Evusheld is being given to protect who are not infected but are immunocompromised.

Scientists have said it’s inevitable that almost everyone will get COVID. If I haven’t had it yet, should I stop worrying and live my life?

Yes and no.

Even people who have had mild cases of COVID are developing symptoms that surface weeks later, doctors report.

“Every wave just increases the spike in the number of outpatient visits related to symptoms that are thought to be associated with COVID,” Shibani Mukerji, an assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School, told the Harvard Gazette.

Yet, even top U.S. infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci says it’s time for the U.S. to start inching back to normal.

In Florida, many are adapting their behaviors to the new normal as case levels drop.

Longini at UF says Floridians should monitor for rising cases in their communities.

“If there is an increase, wear a mask indoors and follow protocol about avoiding indoor crowds. It’s all a matter of taking reasonable precautions and going about our daily lives.”

Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com or Twitter @cindykgoodman.

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https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2022/03/24/the-omicron-ba2-variant-in-florida-what-you-need-to-know-to-stay-safe/feed/ 0 89480 2022-03-24T12:26:57+00:00 2022-03-24T16:57:15+00:00
Get the kids cooking with these easy, fun recipes https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/04/19/get-the-kids-cooking-with-these-easy-fun-recipes/ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/04/19/get-the-kids-cooking-with-these-easy-fun-recipes/#respond Fri, 19 Apr 2019 18:56:00 +0000 https://www.sun-sentinel.com?p=275510&preview_id=275510

Family time spent together in the kitchen has quite a few payoffs. Kids learn life skills, like how to shop for and prepare meals, while everyone learns how to communicate and cooperate. You can read more about the benefits of cooking with the kids in last month’s article.

If you’re already on board with getting kids in the kitchen, you may be wondering whether to start with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or go for the gold with Beef Wellington. Like Aristotle once said, virtue is the mean between two extremes. The best recipes to cook as a family are simple enough to achieve yet challenging enough that everyone feels accomplished once seated at the table.

If you’re eager to encourage the budding cooks in your home, look no further than these five easy recipes from the Publix Aprons chefs.

Overnight Apple-Berry Oats

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but putting together something that is both healthy and delicious can prove a challenge while trying to get out the door. This recipe takes about 10 minutes of active prep time and about an hour in the fridge to chill. The basic steps require measuring and mixing ingredients before pouring into containers to set. Putting this together the night before makes the morning that much easier. Breakfast can be had in minutes at the table or everyone can take theirs to go. Here’s the full recipe.

Blueberry Oat Waffles

When you have a little more time on the weekends, try these flour-free, dairy-free waffles made with oats, applesauce, almond milk and other delicious ingredients. Whipping up the batter and cooking the waffles will take about 30 minutes from start to finish, and the result is brunch-worthy. Find the full list of ingredients and instructions here.

Apples with Peanut Butter Dip

This yummy, creamy dip is a blend of peanut butter, Greek yogurt and honey. It’s packed with protein and makes a perfect snack, side or dessert. Little ones can help measure ingredients, stir or press the buttons on the food processor. Leave the slicing to adults and teens with knife skills or purchase pre-sliced apples. Here’s where to find the recipe.

Turkey and Broccoli Pasta

This recipe combines some kid-friendly favorites like pasta, cheese and broccoli. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare, and there’s something for everyone to do, from browning the ground turkey to putting the pasta to boil and mixing everything together. The meal can be served as is or finished with a little crushed red pepper. This makes for a quick dinner or can be made at night and served for lunch the next day. Learn more about this crowd-pleasing recipe here.

Chicken Caesar Sliders

These sliders start with a slow-cooker and classic flavors. Shredded chicken is warmed up and coated in a mixture of Caesar yogurt dressing and shredded cheese. The meal takes about an hour and half to complete, but just about 20 minutes of active cooking time. Kids can help along the way, and assembly goes faster with a little teamwork. Here’s how to make it.

White Chicken and Broccoli Pizza

Pizza is a family favorite for a reason, and it’s fairly easy (and fun) to put one together yourself. You can make one pizza for the whole family to enjoy, or set up an assembly line with small pizza crusts and a variety of ingredients so each family member can create one to his or her own taste. This recipe has relatively few ingredients and gets in a serving of veggies. However, you can find more sophisticated recipes like this Heirloom Tomato and Herbed Ricotta Flatbread or this fun Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza.

Ready to get cooking with your family? Visit www.Publix.com for store locations near you and to find recipes to try with your kids. This article is published as part of the Sun Sentinel Kids of Character program sponsored by Publix which recognizes kids and staff in South Florida public schools who exhibit the character traits of responsibility, kindness and cooperation. The honorees are recognized at an annual awards ceremony. Visit www.publix.com to find a store near you, discover delicious recipes and learn more about how they support local community programs.

— Jessica Chesler for Publix

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https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/04/19/get-the-kids-cooking-with-these-easy-fun-recipes/feed/ 0 275510 2019-04-19T14:56:00+00:00 2019-04-19T19:20:09+00:00
6 reasons to get cooking with the kids https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/04/19/6-reasons-to-get-cooking-with-the-kids/ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/04/19/6-reasons-to-get-cooking-with-the-kids/#respond Fri, 19 Apr 2019 17:09:00 +0000 https://www.sun-sentinel.com?p=275866&preview_id=275866 They say we’re spending less time with one another and more time in separate rooms doing our own thing. But you don’t have to spend massive amounts of money on theme park visits, expensive hobbies or vacations to get in a little quality time. Families in search of a way to bring everyone together need look no further than their own kitchens.

The next time you’re looking for things to do as a family, consider these reasons you should be cooking with the kids.

Spend quality time together

Instead of mom or dad preparing (or ordering) dinner while the kids hang out in front of a screen, use dinner prep as an an opportunity for quality time together. Younger children can take on age-appropriate tasks like washing veggies or tossing ingredients into a mixing bowl. The older ones can cut, slice and sauté.

Teach life skills

Cooking with your kids is not just a chance to spend time together but also one to instill skills that will benefit your kids throughout their life. Knowing how to shop for and prepare a healthy and delicious meal can help you save money and have control over your diet. While other young adults are ordering pizza and heating up ramen, those who know how to cook can roast a chicken and serve up a salad.

Learn to like new foods

Getting kids to try new foods is a struggle for many parents. Involving kids in the process is a way to encourage curiosity about all kinds of foods. Instead of surprising the little ones with a plate of new foods, they can be part of choosing different ingredients in the store and preparing them at home. This gives kids ownership of the end result and might make them more likely to try it at the dinner table.

Introduce the family to new cultures through food

Food is an important part of every culture and a great entryway to learning about different parts of the world. If your kid is studying world history, it’s a great opportunity to explore the international foods aisle at your local grocery store and try your hand at a new cuisine.

Even foods considered everyday items can offer a glimpse into history and culture. One example is the tomato. While it’s most closely associated with Italian cuisine and sandwich toppings, the tomato is native to South America. In the 1500s, Europeans brought it back to the continent where it became common in Spanish, Italian and Greek dishes.

Pass down family recipes

Cooking together is also a way for kids to connect with their family history and make sure treasured recipes continue through the generations. Even if you haven’t been making them yourself, take some time to dig through your old files or call up older relatives to get the details on Great-Grandma’s famous seven-layer fudge cake. Better yet, invite your older relatives over to teach you and the kids how to cook up their favorite traditional recipes.

Boost everyone’s confidence

Cooking is a practical, accessible activity that can be empowering for the entire family. Responsibility for family meals often falls on just one person. This means others miss out on the joy and pride that can result from serving your family a meal you had a hand in making. When everyone cooks together or takes turns in the kitchen, everyone is learning and honing a skill, the product of which everyone can enjoy — and that’s a great way to boost confidence for people of all ages.

At first, cooking with kids might seem impractical, but the benefits far outweigh any cons. It is true that adults can work much faster, and there are some safety hazards in the kitchen. However, if you give age-appropriate tasks and have patience as kids learn, you can reap the rewards cooking together can bring.

Ready to get cooking with your family? Visit www.Publix.com for store locations near you and to find recipes to try out with your kids. This article is published as part of the Sun Sentinel Kids of Character program sponsored by Publix which recognizes kids and staff in South Florida public schools who exhibit the character traits of responsibility, kindness and cooperation. The honorees are recognized at an annual awards ceremony. Visit www.publix.com to find a store near you, discover delicious recipes and learn more about how they support local community programs.

Jessica Chesler for Publix

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https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/04/19/6-reasons-to-get-cooking-with-the-kids/feed/ 0 275866 2019-04-19T13:09:00+00:00 2019-04-19T18:57:06+00:00
Family DIY project: Indoor herb garden https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/04/19/family-diy-project-indoor-herb-garden/ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/04/19/family-diy-project-indoor-herb-garden/#respond Fri, 19 Apr 2019 16:52:00 +0000 https://www.sun-sentinel.com?p=276536&preview_id=276536 Herbs like rosemary, basil and cilantro not only add flavor and color to some of our favorite dishes but are easy to grow indoors. They thrive in containers, grow fast and typically require little more than adequate exposure to sunlight and water.

Planting an indoor herb garden also makes for the perfect family project, with tasks appropriate for kids of any age. The family gets to spend time together, learn about the life cycle of plants, build nurturing skills and learn how to incorporate the product of their work into the food they eat.

If you’ve been looking for something to do with kids to pull them away from their screens, we can show you how to put together an indoor herb garden of your own.

Laying the groundwork

Make sure there is a place indoors that receives about six hours of sunlight. A window ledge in the kitchen is ideal, but the potted plants can live on a table anywhere in the home near a source of sunlight.

Decide what herbs you want to plant by thinking about what you use (or want to use) most in cooking. Herbs like oregano, rosemary and thyme are commonly used in Italian and Greek dishes. Cilantro is excellent in Latin-based recipes. Parsley and chives are often welcome additions to salads, soups and baked potatoes. Mint is a highly versatile herb that appears in both sweet and savory creations.

You can start with young plants or with packets of seeds purchased at a local home and garden store. In addition, you’ll need to grab a bag of potting soil, containers and a trowel for transferring soil.

The seed of a good idea

Starting from seeds adds an extra thrill to the project as everyone gets to watch them sprout through the soil. The seeds need to be incubated before being planted in their final containers. Repurpose an empty egg carton and washed eggshells to create a perfect home to protect the seeds and keep them warm.

Once supplies have been gathered, it’s time to get to work. Each eggshell will need to be filled with potting soil about one-third to half way. Place two or three seeds into each eggshell and cover with more soil. The seeds need to be covered with about a one-half inch of soil.

Now add a little water so that the soil is moist but not drenched and place in sunny area of the home away from drafts.

Sprouting can take anywhere from 14 days to two months. Continue to check the moisture levels every two or three days. Add water as necessary. Remember that not every seed will necessarily sprout. So, this method is a good way to make sure you’re planting the hardiest of the plants once you’re ready to transfer the seedlings to pots.

Repotting young plants

When your seedlings have started to grow several leaves, it’s time to transfer to larger containers. You can also find young herbaceous plants in the Publix produce department as well as home and garden stores.

Set up a workspace on a table with room for the plants, new containers and potting soil. If working indoors, make clean-up easier by lining the work surface with plastic or newspaper. It will also be helpful to place the potting soil in a shallow tub or tray rather than taking it directly from the bag.

Take your trowel or a large spoon and fill the new containers with enough soil to make sure the topsoil of the plant is about one inch from the top of the container. Carefully remove the plant from the eggshells or its current container. Put the plant into the center of the new container and hold it in place while adding more soil around the base of the plant until the root system is fully covered.

Add water until the soil is moist and place the new containers in an area of the home that gets adequate sunlight.

When you’re ready to get cooking, gently tear or cut off the herbs you need.

This article is published as part of the Sun Sentinel Kids of Character program sponsored by Publix which recognizes kids and staff in South Florida public schools who exhibit the character traits of responsibility, kindness and cooperation. Visit www.publix.com to find a store near you and discover delicious recipes that incorporate herbs from your new indoor herb garden like this Basil Arugula Pesto or this healthy and delicious Lemon Melon Salad with Mint.

Jessica Chesler for Publix

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Design Meets Durability with Wood-Look Flooring https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/01/29/design-meets-durability-with-wood-look-flooring/ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/01/29/design-meets-durability-with-wood-look-flooring/#respond Tue, 29 Jan 2019 05:00:00 +0000 https://www.sun-sentinel.com?p=311495&preview_id=311495

There is a reason wood flooring has been a popular choice for homes around the world. The material is durable and the look adds warmth and texture to any design style.

Earlier this year, flooring manufacturer Mohawk introduced RevWood, a new line of wood-look vinyl flooring matching the visual allure of wood floors with even higher durability. RevWood offers the natural appeal of wood floors while delivering a surface that is resistant to scratches, dents, stains and fading.

RevWood Plus provides even more protection from wear and tear with an impenetrable waterproof surface that can stand up to active families with kids and pets. Spills, mud and debris are easily cleaned with a wet-mop.

Both RevWood and RevWood Plus come in a variety of styles, tones and textures to enhance any design scheme that aims to incorporate the warmth and rich sophistication of wood floors.

Learn more about about RevWood by browsing the Dolphin Carpet & Tile website or visit an Exclusive Mohawk Floorscapes Showroom at any of the ten Dolphin Carpet & Tile retail locations in South Florida.

Fill out the below to receive up to $500 off your next flooring project

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https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/01/29/design-meets-durability-with-wood-look-flooring/feed/ 0 311495 2019-01-29T00:00:00+00:00 2019-01-29T23:27:29+00:00
Conversation starters for the family table https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/01/11/conversation-starters-for-the-family-table/ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/01/11/conversation-starters-for-the-family-table/#respond Fri, 11 Jan 2019 18:08:00 +0000 https://www.sun-sentinel.com?p=310685&preview_id=310685 In many homes, the family dinner has been replaced with quick bites on the way to soccer practice or individual meals eaten in separate rooms in front of a screen. Sometimes, it might feel impossible to get everyone around the same table at the same time (and without their devices), but it’s never too late to start taking advantage of this valuable tradition.

Shared meals can be a time to reflect on the day, learn more about each other and strengthen family bonds. Not every family will be able to do this every day as most did in the past, but carving out time for a family meal at least a few times a week could reap benefits.

Once everyone is around the table, it can be difficult to get a good conversation going. It’s easy to fall back on asking everyone how their day was, but this is one of those questions with an easy one-word answer that doesn’t necessarily lend itself to an exchange with a natural flow.

Below, you’ll find a few helpful conversation starters designed to engage family members at almost any age.

Roses and thorns

This conversation starter is a variation on the “how was your day” question. However, instead of getting an answer in the vein of “good,” “fine” or “whatever,” everyone is encouraged to think about their day in a slightly deeper way. Going around the table, each person is asked to share the rose (or high point) of their day, as well as those pesky thorns (or low points).

It’s a great way for adults to learn about what’s going on in the kids’ world and for kids to learn that adults have bad days, too. The answers can be used as jumping off points for further conversation about how to deal with not-so-good things we encounter during the day and how to appreciate the good things.

3 Wishes (and why)

Another game that can be played at any age, 3 Wishes is a classic conversation starter that reveals each person’s deepest desires in a world of limitless possibilities. The game comes with two ground rules: You can’t use a wish for more wishes and you must share why you want those particular wishes granted.

You might get hints about what everyone wants for their birthdays, but you’ll also get insight into how everyone sees the world, what they value and what they might want to change. Some wishes may range from the fantastical to the impossible, others may be perfectly possible to make come true.

Out of this world

Speaking of limitless possibilities, families can get the table talk going by sparking the imagination. Ask everyone to create a new planet where everything is just as they would want it to be. What does it look like? How do people act differently or the same? What kinds of animals are there? What do people do for work — or do they have to work at all? What is school like? What type of foods do people eat?

#Goals

Everyone on social media sees the aspirational posts of people at the gym, wearing expensive clothes, eating at nice restaurants or generally living their best life. This conversation starter focuses on real goals of all the individuals at the table. Start with a simple question: “So, what are your #Goals this year? What do you want to be really good at?”

You may learn things you never knew about the family members seated next to you. Maybe your daughter wants to make the cross-country track team and Dad can help her. Maybe Mom wants to write a book. You might discover everyone wants to take more trips together.

No matter which conversation starter your family tries out, remember to let everyone have a turn, and try not to force answers. Don’t get frustrated if it doesn’t go as smoothly as you’d hope. Like everything else, it takes time to get into the flow of a new habit.

The point of family conversation is to learn more about each other as individuals, discover how you can support each other and just enjoy being together.

This article is published as part of the Sun Sentinel Kids of Character program sponsored by Publix, which recognizes kids and staff in South Florida public schools who exhibit the character traits of responsibility, kindness and cooperation. The honorees are recognized at an annual awards ceremony. Visit www.publix.com to find a store near you, discover delicious recipes and learn more about how they support local community programs.

– Jessica Chesler for Publix

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5 Fun and Healthy Lunches for Kids https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/01/02/5-fun-and-healthy-lunches-for-kids/ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/01/02/5-fun-and-healthy-lunches-for-kids/#respond Wed, 02 Jan 2019 22:28:00 +0000 https://www.sun-sentinel.com?p=315152&preview_id=315152 Every parent wants their kids to have nutritious and delicious food, but getting kids to eat healthy can be a challenge. If you’re looking for a way to make lunch more appealing, the five ideas below aim for a well-balanced variety of foods and interesting presentations that can be adapted to different tastes and dietary needs.

Nut butter and fruit wraps

Update your PB&J game without the added sugar of jams or the carb count of sliced bread. Spread peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla and add slices of your kid’s favorite fruit. Fold over and cut in half. Add variety by using different nut butters and fruits. Try cashew and sliced banana or peanut butter and sweet slices of strawberry.

Sandwich kebabs

The key to a great kebab is using fresh ingredients and layering like a pro. For this lunchtime treat, you’ll need to cut uniform slices of meat or tofu, cheese, bread and veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes. Starting with a slice of bread, pierce each piece through the center with a wooden skewer, repeating the same pattern of ingredients until the skewer is full.

For younger kids, you might want to skip the skewer and layer the sandwich ingredients inside a plastic container.

Make a scene

Presentation can transform everyday lunchtime ingredients into a whimsical surprise kids can look forward to each day. Think about what your kid likes most. Is it outer space? Animals? Maybe that sandwich becomes a rocket ship with stars made of carrots or the same ingredients come together to make animal faces.

When you’re starting out, keep it simple. Use cookie cutters to make shapes like sandwich stars and veggie hearts.

Better boxed lunch

Bento boxes have become popular in the U.S. in recent years because they’re reusable and help with portion control. The individual compartments can help parents add variety with spaces for meat rolls, veggies, hummus, yogurt, fruits and more. An added bonus for some picky kids, the individual compartments in bento boxes keep ingredients separate until they are ready to be eaten.

Pasta and veggie bake

Make use of pasta leftovers with an easy dish baked right in a muffin tin that will help kids get all the veggies they need. Place leftover sauced pasta in a bowl. Cook more if necessary. Mix in finely chopped vegetables like broccoli, spinach or mushrooms. Add an egg or two, based on the amount of pasta you’re working with. Now fill a muffin tin with the pasta mixture, top with mozzarella cheese and bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes.

This article is published as part of the Sun Sentinel Kids of Character program sponsored by Publix which recognizes kids and staff in South Florida public schools who exhibit the character traits of responsibility, kindness and cooperation. The honorees are recognized at an annual awards ceremony. Visit www.publix.com to find a store near you, discover delicious recipes and learn more about how they support local community programs.

– Jessica Chesler for Publix

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https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2019/01/02/5-fun-and-healthy-lunches-for-kids/feed/ 0 315152 2019-01-02T17:28:00+00:00 2019-01-02T22:31:28+00:00
Jewish Federation of Broward County reaches $2.5 Million fundraising goal for PJ Library https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2018/12/24/jewish-federation-of-broward-county-reaches-25-million-fundraising-goal-for-pj-library/ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2018/12/24/jewish-federation-of-broward-county-reaches-25-million-fundraising-goal-for-pj-library/#respond Mon, 24 Dec 2018 16:57:00 +0000 https://www.sun-sentinel.com?p=314101&preview_id=314101

The Jewish Federation of Broward County is working toward endowing PJ Library to help ensure it will continue to grow, engage and impact families in Broward. PJ Library, a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, sends free Jewish children’s books to families across the world every month, providing a meaningful opportunity for quality enrichment time together as a family, while celebrating the joy of Jewish culture, values and traditions.

“It is a dream that every Jewish child in Broward County can enjoy PJ Library in the future. The endowment was created to ensure this dream comes to fruition,” says Sheryl Greenwald, president of the Sam Berman Charitable Foundation which has provided a $200,000 matching grant to PJ Library.

No matter the Jewish background, PJ Library helps families create cherished Jewish moments through the simple act of reading stories together. Since its local launch in August 2011, PJ Library has delivered almost 160,000 books to 6,200 children in Broward County. Every month, families race to the mailbox to open up that special blue and white envelope with a new Jewish literary adventure inside.

In a recent national survey conducted by PJ Library, 83% of families report that PJ Library has increased their confidence in engaging with their children on Jewish topics. 96% of families say the service supported their family in having conversations about Jewish traditions, values and customs, and 99% of families report that PJ Library has added value to how they think about or practice Judaism.

The Jewish Federation of Broward has met its goal of raising funds by the end of the year, but donations are still being accepted to support the program. Donations can be made by visiting the Friends of PJ Library page here. Donations will help to endow this special program, ensuring that every Jewish family in our community can benefit from PJ Library books, music and community programs.

Interested in donating in support of PJ Library? Visit JewishBroward.org to contribute to and learn more about the program.

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https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2018/12/24/jewish-federation-of-broward-county-reaches-25-million-fundraising-goal-for-pj-library/feed/ 0 314101 2018-12-24T11:57:00+00:00 2018-12-28T21:00:48+00:00
6 Ways to Get Your Business in Shape for the New Year https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2018/12/20/6-ways-to-get-your-business-in-shape-for-the-new-year/ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2018/12/20/6-ways-to-get-your-business-in-shape-for-the-new-year/#respond Thu, 20 Dec 2018 23:53:00 +0000 https://www.sun-sentinel.com?p=312243&preview_id=312243 The end of the year is a time for personal reflection and setting goals for the upcoming year. This is also a good time for business owners to set aside some time to evaluate the past, present and future of their company.

Joseph Stephenson is CEO of EXP35, an IT consulting company in Florida. Stephenson regularly helps CEOs evaluate and meet their business needs. He says, “Businesses should always be self-evaluating, but the end of the year is a great time to do a deep dive into what you’re doing right and what you’re doing wrong.”

If you’re a business owner who’s getting ready for the year ahead, here are six ways to get your business in shape in 2019.

Audit your business

While most business owners try to keep an eye on everything going on in the company, it’s impossible to know what you’re not seeing. Conducting a thorough self-audit or engaging third-party experts could provide insight into your operations that could reduce expenses and streamline operations.

“We see overspending all the time,” says Stephenson. “For one of our clients, we reduced their annual operating expenses budget from $15.2 million to 7.6 in two years. For another, we saved 27 percent in installation services for a network core replacement project. Small changes, research and knowing when to ask for help can make a big difference.”

Look for new software solutions

Software can be a big investment, which means some companies won’t search for newer or better software until they feel the impact of outdated programs. Choosing the right product for the right situation might require some assistance.

“A lot of work involves planning and implementing that new tech and moving them from the old to the new,” says Stephenson. “There are a lot of options when it comes to software, and it’s not necessarily easy to transition your company to the new product even once you’ve decided on one.”

Review your website and social media channels

Online presence is more important than ever. While business owners may be leaving this to the marketing department, the end of the year is a good time to meet with stakeholders and make sure your business is taking advantage of the available platforms. Also, it’s the perfect time to ask whether the company has allocated sufficient resources to its social presence — the first contact with many new customers.

Check in with your employees

Many organizations are top-down, but your employees are a great resource for discovering new ideas that can make your business run better. Try conducting an anonymous survey to get feedback and discover the innovative thinking in your own office.

Give back to your community

If your business doesn’t have an active community giving program, consider making it a part of planning for 2019. Partnering with established nonprofits or implementing a company volunteer program is a great way to raise brand awareness for your business while supporting good causes.

Evaluate staffing needs for the upcoming year

As your business grows or shrinks, consider using a third-party expert who can provide stability, training and expanded resources for a changing company. You may need to create new key roles, or you might be able to avoid the cost of new employees by streamlining or outsourcing certain operations.

No matter what your business goals for 2019 may be, set some time aside to take a hard look at how your business can improve and create an action plan to make it happen.

Is your business ready for 2019? EXP35 helps bridge the gap between project concept and completion by providing expert consulting services that focus on eradicating obstacles, standardizing procedures and streamlining applications at a competitively affordable cost.

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https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2018/12/20/6-ways-to-get-your-business-in-shape-for-the-new-year/feed/ 0 312243 2018-12-20T18:53:00+00:00 2018-12-21T23:01:27+00:00