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 9 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 geographic locations to call home. Did you know that we have 26 miles of certified beautiful, blue beaches in Broward County? I am also proud to report to you that the State of the County is excellent. Our economic indicators are strong and, in many cases, leading the state. We are experiencing above-average economic growth, and our unemployment rate has dropped to 2.8 percent - the lowest it’s been in more than a decade. Broward’s Port Everglades, Airport and Tourism industries are also thriving and setting records. And, we successfully passed a balanced budget for FY2020.
We look forward to an exciting year ahead working hard to hold true to our promise of “our best and nothing less.” 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 2020.
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
/barbara.sharief.3 or follow me at
Twitter.com/bestmom39.
Setting Measurable “Goals” Not Resolutions for the New Year
A new year is a fresh start that motivates us to try something new or to recommit to those tasks you have put on hold. It’s a great time to start thinking about the plans and goals you will be working on accomplishing in the next year. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started on your journey towards reaching your goals:
Write your goals down and review them periodically.
Create goals for different areas of your life.
Set goals that are realistic and attainable.
Make goals that are measurable.
Create a vision board and look at it everyday.
Reward yourself for achieving your goals.
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On January 20th, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man of faith and action who saw a world of possibilities and invited us to bring them into reality by taking concrete action. Dr. King was devoted to helping form a respectful and diverse community. Take the time to get out of your comfort zone and interact with people you may not be involved with on a daily basis.
I encourage you to participate in the many events around Broward County, and to take a moment to explore the rich history of America. There are wonderful MLK Day programs, parades, and activities that our cities in District 8 offer as well. If you are looking for something enjoyable to do, here are some websites you can visit:
City of Hallandale Beach -
hallandalebeachfl.gov
City of Miramar -
www.miramarfl.gov
Town of Pembroke Park -
www.townofpembrokepark.com
City of Pembroke Pines -
www.ppines.com
City of West Park -
citywestpark.com
Black History Month
February is dedicated as Black History Month, honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. History, including the civil rights movement and their artistic, cultural and political achievements.
The Black History Month 2020 theme, “African Americans and the Vote,” is in honor of the centennial anniversary of the Nineteenth Amendment (1920) granting women’s suffrage and the sesquicentennial of the Fifteenth Amendment (1870) giving black men the right to vote.
White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon brandy
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup dried cranberries
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and brandy. Combine the flour and baking soda; stir into the sugar mixture. Mix in the white chocolate chips and cranberries. Drop a heaping spoonful onto prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in a preheated oven. For best results, take them out while they are still doughy. Allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2019 Allrecipes.com
National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Every year on March 10th — and throughout the month of March — local, state, federal, and national organizations come together to shed light on the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls and show support for those at risk of and living with HIV. This year marks the 15th annual observance of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
We've made tremendous progress against HIV and AIDS in the U.S., but women remain vulnerable to infection — especially African American and Hispanic women. Anyone who is sexually active can get HIV, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, or sexual orientation. Currently, nearly 1 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with HIV, and nearly 1 in 4 of them are female. Everyone — women, men, community organizations, health care professionals, those who are HIV-negative, and those living with HIV — has a role to play in HIV prevention. There are steps you can take to protect yourself, your partner, your patients, family, and friends from HIV infection.
Annual Mary Kendrick Thanksgiving – Feed the Needy Feast
On November 26th, I attended the Annual Mary Kendrick Thanksgiving – Feed the Needy Feast. Ms. Kendrick, the City of West Park and many volunteers served hundreds of hearty meals and Thanksgiving cheers to seniors, children and the community at large. I was humbled to be able to personally hand out 100 turkeys in partnership with the Corcel Corporation.
Feeding South Florida Honors Broward County
On December 4th, I presented the keynote address at Feeding South Florida’s 5th Annual Happy Harvest Donor Recognition Breakfast. Broward County was presented with the Hunger Action Month Partner of the Year for going above and beyond during Hunger Action Month. The Broward County Commission turned the county and commission orange! The County changed their website, wore orange during the commission meeting, issued a proclamation, hosted 8 food drive collection sites throughout the county, and included Feeding South Florida in their South Florida 100 column. Feeding South Florida is an amazing organization and has many opportunities where you can participate and help by donating money, food, volunteering, and advocating. Find out how you can be part of the solution at
https://feedingsouthflorida.org/
REMINDER…Census 2020 is coming
April 1st is Census Day, and every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Once the invitation arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three ways: online, by phone, or by mail. When completing the census, you will include everyone living in your home, regardless of their citizenship. Census Day will be celebrated with events across the country. The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and our community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. Please help Broward County and respond to the Census questionnaire which arrives in your mail in Mid March, 2020.
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 Broward.org/Intergovernmental and select BOARDS AND COMMITTEES.
Helpful Resources
Many people have financial difficulties during this time of the year. Here are a few numbers and contacts that may be of assistance: 2-1-1 Broward is the live 24-hour help-line providing all people with crisis, health and human services support and connecting them to resources in our community. 2-1-1 Broward is your first call for help.
For Access to Healthcare or Relief from Homelessness
Community Partnerships
954-357-8647
954-357-6622
Foreclosure Prevention and Advocacy
954-765-8950
Hunger
End Homelessness
Financial Assistance with lights, water, rent
Family Success954-357-6367
Emergency Financial Assistance
954-357-6367
Legal Aid Services of Broward County, Inc.
954-765-8950
To receive communications (such as this newsletter) from my office via email, or to arrange for myself or my Community Outreach Liaison Suzanne Bailey to attend your neighborhood or homeowner association meeting, please contact Suzanne at 954-357-7008 or
sbailey@broward.org.
