A Message from Broward County Commissioner Dr. Barbara Sharief
Happy New Year to you and your family!
It has been an honor to serve as your District 8 Broward County Commissioner for the past 8 years. We have worked together to build a stronger community full of thriving families, businesses, and amazing travel destinations for tourists. Broward County remains one of the most sought-after geographical locations to call home. With a spirit of gratitude, I thank you for your continued support and service to Broward County.
As I embark upon my final four-year term as your Broward County Commissioner, I do so with an attitude of service. It is a privilege to work every day to make a difference in the lives of our residents. I wish all of you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2019.
Barbara
I welcome your comments and want to hear which issues are important to you. Send an email to me at Bsharief@Broward.org or call my office at 954-357-7008. Also, check out the Barbara Sharief Facebook page at Facebook.com/barbara.sharief or follow Barbara Sharief at Twitter.com/bestmom39.
Set Goals For the New Year
It’s not too late to create an amazing year for 2019! In fact, now is a great time to create exciting goals to challenge every aspect of your life. To help you get started, take a look at an excerpt from MindTools.com:
You have probably heard of SMART goals. But do you always apply the rule? The simple fact is that for goals to be powerful, they should be designed to be SMART. There are many variations of what SMART stands for, but the essence is this – goals should be:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Relevant
• Time Bound
Set Specific Goals
Your goal must be clear and well defined. Vague or generalized goals are unhelpful because they don’t provide sufficient direction. Remember, you need goals to show you the way. Make it as easy as you can to get where you want to go by defining precisely where you want to end up.
Set Measurable Goals
Include precise amounts, dates, and so on in your goals so you can measure your degree of success. If your goal is simply defined as “to reduce expenses,” how will you know when you have been successful? In one month’s time, will you have a 1 percent reduction or in two years’ time will you have a 10 percent reduction? Without a way to measure your success, you miss out on the celebration that comes with knowing you have actually achieved something.
Set Attainable Goals
Make sure that it’s possible to achieve the goals you set. If you set a goal that you have no hope of achieving, you will only demoralize yourself and erode your confidence.
However, resist the urge to set goals that are too easy. Accomplishing a goal that you didn’t have to work hard for can be anticlimactic at best, and can also make you fear setting future goals that carry a risk of non-achievement. By setting realistic yet challenging goals, you hit the balance you need. These are the types of goals that require you to “raise the bar” and they bring the greatest personal satisfaction.
Set Relevant Goals
Goals should be relevant to the direction you want your life and career to take. By keeping goals aligned with this, you’ll develop the focus you need to get ahead and do what you want. Set widely scattered and inconsistent goals, and you’ll waste your time – and your life – away.
Set Time-Bound Goals
Your goals must have a deadline. Again, this means that you know when you can celebrate success. When you are working on a deadline, your sense of urgency increases and achievement will come that much quicker.
For more, visit mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_90.htm.
Black History Month
January brings the celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and February is African-American/Black History Month. This is a time when we reflect and celebrate the contributions made by some of the most influential African American thinkers and inventors in American history. As we pause to recognize their outstanding achievements and talents, we also acknowledge the hardships and sacrifices that many of them endured to make life more efficient and functional for all Americans.
I encourage you to participate in the many events around the County, and to take a moment to explore the rich history of America. There are wonderful MLK Day programs, parades, and activities that cities in District 8 offer as well. If you are looking for something enjoyable to do, here are some websites you can visit:
Hallandalebeachfl.gov, Miramarfl.gov, Townofpembrokepark.com, Ppines.com, Cityofwestpark.net.
As you explore little known facts about our history, I’m sure you will discover a roadmap for perseverance, determination, service, and success!
Heart Awareness Month
As the month of February approaches, we expect to get inundated with images of hearts, love, and cupid. That’s right! Many of the stores that we visit regularly will begin displaying cards, gifts, teddy bears, and candy prompting us to remember those we love. Around this time, we know that Valentine’s Day is in close proximity. While Valentine’s Day is widely recognized as a time to acknowledge loved ones, February is also Heart Awareness Month. And, the ideal time to speak with family, friends and members of your community about maintaining a healthy physical heart. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cardiovascular disease also called heart disease, is the leading cause of death in the United States, killing more than 600,000 people each year. Cardiovascular disease consists of heart conditions that include diseased vessels, structural problems, and blood clots. The most common types of heart disease are coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, peripheral artery disease, stroke, and congenital heart disease. February 1, 2019 is National Wear Red Day For Women’s Heart Health, but all are encouraged to wear red and educate themselves to enjoy a healthy new year! For more information, visit cdc.gov/heartdisease/about.htm.
Commissioner Dr. Barbara Sharief Awarded Alumni Award from FIU
I was honored to receive the FIU Medallion, Outstanding Alumni Award at the 2018 Commencement Program at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center. I was blessed to be surrounded with family and friends to witness such a monumental moment. Tonight brought back great memories of my years attending FIU and walking the stage to get my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing and my Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Degree. I know how hard the 2018 graduates worked to achieve their educational goals. My message to everyone is: “Do not spend a lifetime wishing you could achieve someone else’s dreams, get busy achieving your own.” Your dream will be better because no one else’s dream can compare to yours.
Broward Commissioners Approve Living Wage Increase
Contracted workers employed by companies at Broward’s Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport can look forward to salary increases next year. Service employees perform numerous tasks that are essential to the airport and seaport and its millions of passengers, such as wheelchair service, passenger assistance, custodial duties, luggage transportation, retail sales, and food and beverage service. Broward Commissioners raised the living wage to $13.27 per hour. The current living wage is $12.38 per hour. The increase goes into effect January 1, 2019 for new and renewed vendor contracts and no later than April 1, 2019 for existing county service contracts.
Broward 365 Food Drive
Hunger affects people from all walks of life, including children and seniors. A growing number of residents in our community count on local food pantries year-round to help feed their families. I welcome you to join Broward’s 365 Food Drive campaign. There are food collection boxes at all Broward County Libraries, Courthouses and Governmental Centers. To help fill the food collection boxes, we encourage you to check your weekly sale flyers from your favorite grocery store and partake in the BOGOs (Buy-1-Get-1-Free) promotions. All donated items must be non-perishable and no glass containers. More information, please call 954 357-6990 or visit Broward.org/FoodDrive.
Watch Out for Manatees
Manatee season began November 15th and runs through March 31, 2019. Boaters should be on the lookout for greater numbers of manatees throughout the County’s waterways (including Intracoastal, canals and natural waterways) during the cooler months. Vessel operators should obey all posted speed limits, wear polarized sunglasses and watch for the large, tell-tale circular slicks on the surface of the water caused by the tail that indicate the presence of manatees. Violators may be fined. If you see a manatee in trouble call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Alert Number (888) 404-3922, text *FWC or # FWC on a cell phone. You can also download Broward’s “I Spy a Manatee” mobile app available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Serving on County Boards
We are seeking residents with an interest in public service to represent the needs of the district. If you are interested in being considered, please forward a detailed resume to Bsharief@Broward.org. Be sure to include your permanent address, phone number and email address; whether you are a registered voter; whether you are a registered lobbyist; whether you serve on any other board, authority or agency (dual office holding); whether you are related to any Commissioner; and whether you have any potential conflicting business relationship. For a description of Boards, visit www.Broward.org/Intergovernmental and select BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.
Helpful Resources
Broward County Family Success Administration Division assists individuals and families with accessing the services they need to build a stronger, healthier and self-sufficient family unit. The centers provide assessment and case management, and, if eligible, rent/mortgage and utility assistance. If you have recently had a loss of income, received an eviction notice/mortgage default letter, or a water/electricity shut off notice, visit Broward.org/HumanServices/FamilySuccess or call 954-357-5650 or 954-357-5001 to find out how they can help you. The South Family Success Center is located in Commission District 8 at 4733 S.W. 18 Street, West Park, 33023 (Broward County Transit Route 5). If you are over 60, or are a veteran, contact the Elderly and Veteran’s Services Division at 954-357-6622.
2-1-1 Broward is available 24 hours a day to help you find food, housing, health care, senior services, child care, legal aid and much more. For a complete list of services, dial 2-1-1 or 954-537-0211, TTY 954-390-0492 211, or go to 211-broward.com.
To receive communications (such as this newsletter) from my office via email, or to arrange for myself or my Community Outreach Liaison, Terressa Franklin to attend your neighborhood or homeowner association meeting, please contact Terressa at 954-357-7008 or tefranklin@broward.org.
Other Resources
For Access to Healthcare or Relief from Homelessness:
Broward.org/HumanServices/CommunityPartnerships
954-357-8647
Emergency Financial Assistance:
Broward.org/FamilySuccess
954-357-6367
Legal Aid Services of Broward County, Inc.
legalaid.org/broward
954-765-8950
If you or anyone you know is experiencing homelessness, the Homeless Helpline is 954-563-HELP (4357) and offers a friendly voice that can help you get the information, service or assistance you need to get back on your feet. Mon - Fri: 8AM to 6PM • Sat - Sun: 8AM to Noon. Visit Broward.org/Homeless.
