My belief is that to be a community requires us to regularly get together and share some time. Community-wide events nurture this sharing, and brings us closer together. That is why many of us are looking at ways to bring back special and cultural events. Presently, three new events are being developed: Flavor-Fest, Lauderhill’s 50th Anniversary Celebration and the one I have initiated, Jazz Picnic in the Park.

With the opening of the Ilene Lieberman Botanical Gardens, which contains a small amphitheatre, an opportunity was created to stage musical events. With a much appreciated grant from Florida Medical Center to cover the costs, and a supporting sponsorship from Inverrary Vacation Resort Hotel, we will be presenting a series of 3 Sunday Jazz Concerts. Running from 10 AM to 2 PM on the second Sunday of November, January and March, you will be able to come with your picnic baskets, blankets and chairs, and listen to free performances by local jazz groups. Please note that there will be no cooking allowed. However, if you prefer, we are planning to have food available for purchase at the park for your convenience.

I hope you will be able to attend, and I look forward to seeing you there. For more information, check with my web page: www.elauderhillnews.com, or the city’s web site: www.lauderhill-fl.gov.

On a different note, I am actively monitoring the mortgage foreclosure problems in order to seek relief for those residents impacted by their current financial difficulties. At this time, there are remedies that residents can seek, such as calling your lender as early as possible to seek help, or call the HOPE NOW ALLIANCE HOTLINE at 888-995-HOPE (www.hopenow.com) .

If you wish to contact me, you can e-mail me at: mayor@lauderhill-fl.gov, or call me at: 954-752-1732(w); 954-742-6967 (h); or at City Hall 954-730-3016. You can also write me at Lauderhill City Hall, 3800 Inverrary Blvd., #301, Lauderhill, FL 33319.