Together we welcome the beautiful season of Spring!

As your District 8 Broward County Commissioner for the past 8 years, I thank you for your continued service and support of our local communities. Together we are making a difference and positively shaping the neighborhoods that we live in. It is your voice at the voting poll, participation in home owner’s association meetings, and kindness shown toward neighbors that helps us build stronger communities.

As we embark upon a brand-new calendar season, I encourage you to take advantage of all the exciting things that Broward County has to offer.  There is an abundance of things to see and do right here in your hometown.  Please visit Sunny.org for more information on shopping, art, fine dining, and more.

It is a privilege to work every day to make a difference in the lives of our residents. I wish you a joyous and prosperous season.

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.

Easter

Spring is in full swing, and Easter is swiftly approaching!  Easter is a time of celebration with family and friends.  While Easter is celebrated in numerous ways from religious ceremonies to arts and crafts and outdoor community events, the commonly known Easter Egg Hunt is a timeless tradition that family and friends look forward to every year and this year is no exception! During Easter weekend, Broward County will host numerous Easter Egg Hunt Celebrations.  For more information on event times and locations, please visit Easteregghuntsandeasterevents.org/FLbrowardcounty.php

First Time Home Buyer

If you are a first-time home buyer looking for a manageable mortgage, the First Time Home Buyer Program can provide you with the necessary resources to navigate the home buying process. With the loan partnership between the Housing Finance Authority of Broward County and local home mortgage lenders, it’s possible for first time home buyers purchasing in Broward County to own a home at below-market mortgage rates. To learn more about eligibility requirements and to take a Homebuyer Education class from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved counseling agency, visit Floridahousing.org/ or call 202-708-1112 (TTY 202-708-1455).

Mother’s Day

On May 12th, we will observe Mother’s Day. It’s a special day to remember and honor all mothers young and old. Take time to celebrate a mother or a special woman who has graciously fulfilled the role of a mother. Consider ways to create memories that will last a lifetime. Great activities that you might enjoy include scrapbooking, storytelling, pedicures, or brunch, to name a few. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, and the memories will last forever!

Work For The Census Bureau

Earn extra income while helping your community by working with the Census Bureau.  Recruiting has begun for census taker positions for Address Canvassing, which is the first major field operation of the 2020 Census. Applicants selected to work on this operation will work mostly daylight hours, updating address lists and maps. ​

Memorial Day

On May 27th, we will take time as a country to observe Memorial Day. During this time, we will remember and honor the servicemen and women who have lost their lives serving our country. While many of our Broward residents will visit cemetaries to acknowledge friends and loved ones, I encourage you to also contact your local city to inquire about possible tributes and ceremonies to commemorate our local heros.

100 Successful Women Conference & Expo

It was a pleasure to participate with the City of Pembroke Pines in presenting a proclamation at the 100 Successful Women in Business Conference & Expo on March 16th. I was recognized as an award honoree. I enjoyed meeting the other honorees not only from Broward County, but throughout Florida and from around the world. I also had the wonderful opportunity to meet and support several of the local small business vendors at the event. What an awesome event in the beautiful City of Pembroke Pines!

Father’s Day

Father’s Day did not become a permanent national holiday for many years. The first bill was introduced in Congress in 1913, but in spite of encouragement by President Woodrow Wilson, it did not pass. In 1966, Lyndon Johnson issued a proclamation designating the third Sunday in June to honor fathers.

Finally, in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed a law declaring that Father’s Day be celebrated annually on the third Sunday in June. It has been an official, permanent national holiday ever since. Father’s Day on June 16th is the perfect time to fire up the grill, whether it’s in your backyard, at the beach or a Broward County Park. Take time to celebrate with your entire family. Hope you enjoy this recipe:

ISLAND TERIYAKI

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

In a shallow glass baking dish, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, ginger, pepper, and garlic. Add the beef, turning until it is well coated with the marinade. Set aside to marinate for 2 hours at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator. Cook on a grill to desired doneness.

Commissioner Dr. Barbara Sharief Day

It was an honor to receive a proclamation and to have a palm tree planted on my behalf in the City of Pembroke Park designating March 20, 2019 as Dr. Barbara Sharief Day!  The ceremony was held in the Town’s Orchard at the Raymond P. Olgesby Preserve. As I reflect on the kind words and acknowledgments from my colleagues within District 8, I am reminded of the importance of public service and community. I am humbled and honored to have been acknowledged with a heartfelt ceremony. The Raymond P. Olgesby Preserve and Community Garden in the Town of Pembroke Park are beautiful sites to see.  Please take an opportunity to visit!

Text To 911

Broward County has an enhanced 911 system which now includes the capability of receiving text messages. This technology directly benefits members of our community who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired.  Texts to 911 should be used by members of the public ONLY in situations where it may be unsafe to make a phone call such as in the case of an active shooter, home invasion or domestic violence situation.  Remember to CALL 911 if you can; and TEXT ONLY if you can’t. Do not send pictures, videos, emoji’s, abbreviations or slang.  For more information, please visit Broward.org/911.

Women’s Hall of Fame

It was an honor to be inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame on March 31st, by the Broward County Women’s History Coalition for impacting women and girls in our community. Mentoring others is an awesome opportunity to empower our community. It’s important that we take a moment to share our experiences of perseverance and success with others who are seeking personal and professional guidance.

I encourage you to mentor a young man or woman in our community to help make a difference. I congratulate all the other women who were also graced with this prestigious acknowledgement.