LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEK

Audra Berg, president and CEO, Jewish Federation of Broward County. The Jewish Federation of Broward County and partner agencies from across South Florida will join the Keshet Leadership Project, a year-long cohort-based program that gathers, trains and supports Jewish organizations to move toward LGBTQ equality and belonging. Those of us in positions of communal leadership must ensure a welcoming landscape that will endure into the future.

Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of Broward County. School is back in session, and after a few years of uncertainty due to COVID, our students need our support. In the 20202021 school year, only 53% of Broward County students were at grade level in English language arts by third grade. By becoming a ReadingPals volunteer, for only one hour a week, you can improve their reading/literacy skills and help them build a strong social-emotional foundation. You can change a child’s story. I encourage you to join the movement, virtually or in-person. Visit UnitedWayBroward.org/ReadingPals to become a mentor today.

Lamar Fisher, vice mayor, Broward County. Broward County Transit rolled out a new program aimed at those in our community that work the late-night shift. Late Shift Connect is a new program that provides on demand and direct transportation for late-shift workers when the regular transit service is not in service. Bus service is generally unavailable between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. If you work during these hours and need transportation, the Late Shift Connect will assist by providing a card that can be used once daily during these hours for up to five trips per week. For more information, please visit LateShiftConnect.org.

Marlon A. Hill, of counsel, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, P.L. The deep Floridian sea is approaching a parting of epic proportions as to who we are and who we want to be as Floridians. The essential tension is grounded in who determines the freedoms of, for example, what we learn, how we train, when we make health choices, among other liberties impacting our daily lives. Though some may say those powers come from a higher being, the reality is that those who govern us are the ones making policies impacting all of us. If democracy is the determining factor balancing these freedoms, then the sacred responsibility of the voter is a daunting one on Nov. 8.

Charlotte Mather-Taylor, executive director, Area Agency on Aging of Broward County. Celebrated every year in September, Senior Center Month is a wonderful time to shine a light on senior centers and the vital services they provide for the health and well-being of our community. Our Area Agency on

Aging of Broward County Senior Centers connect older adults to vital community services and provide a great place to socialize and engage in activities with their peers. Services include nutritional, educational and recreational activities. To find a senior center close to you, visit our website at adrcbroward.org/day-care-and-senior-centers.

Michael Udine, mayor, Broward County.

The Florida Department of Transportation, in partnership with Brightline, accepted a $25 million RAISE Grant from the federal government for safety improvements. The grant will allow the rail line to upgrade measures such as Rail Dynamic Envelopes, delineators, fencing and signage. Establishing better protection will hopefully prevent tragedies from collisions with vehicles and trespassers. Keeping everyone safe while transportation infrastructure is upgraded is key to success. Remember, never drive around rail gates or try to outrun a train. When you see red lights, stop! Do not gamble your life.

Sheryl Woods, CEO, YMCA of South Florida. As we marked the solemn 30th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew last week, which changed South Florida forever, National Preparedness Month in September is a good time to raise awareness about the importance of continuing to ensure our readiness for disasters like hurricanes and other emergencies. It’s also a good reminder that we’re at peak hurricane season, which often escalates through October. Take this time to review your storm preparations, stock your pantry and make whatever plans you need to keep you and your family safe. Recommend that your friends and family do the same.

Ina Lee, owner, Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Having just finished the primaries and moving into the general election in November, political campaigns have become so ugly and divisive we seem to have lost our common decency and our nation will become even more polarized.