By Rachel Galvin

On September 11, Zion Lutheran was the site of a Community Health & Wellness Fair. Tents took over the parking lot filled with plenty of health information and other information on everything from children’s services to Hospice care. The Kiwanis Club and their Key Club was there as well. Mayor Bill Ganz and Commissioner Drosky were among those in attendance at the opening ceremony as the event began. 

The event was held in memory of Alexis J. Marion, who took her life in February 2020. Her parents, Mari and Michael were at the fair. Mari said that when Alexis was struggling, the city and Broward Sheriff’s Office were there for them, something for which she is very thankful, but she found that certain other mental health organizations and services were not. That is something that they continue to bring up — the need for there to be services available when needed. “When kids need help, show up,” she said. “All kids just want to be heard.” She said they wanted to make sure this never happens to another family. 

That is a reason they support Deerfield Beach Community Cares. Executive Director of the group, Joel Smith, said his goal to be at events like this one is to listen to the community and determine what the people’s needs are and how he can match providers with those who need the services. He had people fill out a survey asking what types of programs they would like to see and how they handle situations like stress in their life.

See photos on the Observer Newspaper Online Facebook page.

 The Fort Lauderdale Concours (FTLC) is pleased to announce Lotus Cars USA, the innovative sports and racing car manufacturer, as the presenting sponsor of its 1st annual event.

Showcasing an elegant display of classic cars, lifestyle curations, fine art and live music, the FTLC will be held on Friday, October 29, from 5-10 p.m. on the rooftop event space of the Las Olas Parking Garage at the Intracoastal Waterway (200 Las Olas Circle, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316). Tickets are now on sale. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Lotus, a daring company that has been mavericks in the automotive industry,” states Maria Jannace, founder and CEO of FTLC & The New York City Concours (TNYCC), which had its immensely successful premiere in September 2019. “Lotus values the history and heritage of the automobile while continually pushing to innovate and that forward thinking vision mirrors our own mission to honor the concours d’elegance universe through reinvention.”

“The FTLC is creating a bold, electric event that speaks directly to our audience of passionate car enthusiasts and we just had to be a part of it,” explains Geoff Dowding, executive director, Sales and Aftersales of Group Lotus. “Maria’s rooftop concours series is at the forefront of reimaging a new standard for classic car exhibitions for future generations.” 

Ticketing for the limited capacity FTLC is comparable with concours events, while offering added entertainment experiences. From now until September 30, Advanced VIP tickets are $125 and $150 starting October 1st. Additionally, in collaboration with the renowned Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS, running  October 27-31), a discounted combination ticket can be purchased for the FTLC and FLIBS Windward VIP Experience (Friday only) for $420 — offering a unique confluence of the automotive and recreational marine enthusiast in an ambiance of grandeur not previously presented. 

Admission to the FTLC’s reinvented “classic car show” includes:

• Classic Automobiles: 35+ rarely-seen, iconic cars including the Lotus Emira
• Cocktails and Canapes: Denison Yachting Sunset Rooftop Lounge, including specialty spirits and wine tastings
• Sneaker Curation: Mixed media artist Matt Senna will curate a high-end collectable sneaker display that will match select cars on display
  Sweepstakes: Premiere online watch magazine HODINKEE will host a sweepstakes for a $5k watch, attendees can opt in at time of ticket purchase
• Fine Art: Acclaimed automotive custom artist Ray Drea will be creating a stylized art piece of the Lotus Emira painted live during the event and will feature a gallery of his completed works plus other fine and pop artists
• Live Music and DJ: Valerie Tyson Band, an eight piece electrifying band specializing in top 40 popular music, Jazz, Classic Rock, R&B and Reggae, and international DJ Anna de Ferran aka ADF
• Fashion: Zaddy fashion component
• Stunning Venue: Rooftop with 360º view of the city’s picturesque beach, Intracoastal waterway, marina and downtown skyline  

Charitable partners are the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) and the RPM Foundation, which will have a presence at the event. Go to https://www.ftlconcours.com/tickets to purchase.

For further details on the FTLC, including exhibits, sign up for updates at ftlconcours.com. 

The City of Pompano Beach Parks & Recreation Department in collaboration with Pompano Beach Fire Rescue, The Broward Sheriff’s Office and the Pompano Beach Historical Society invite you to “9/11: A Day for Honoring Our Heroes.” The virtual event will be held on Saturday, September 11th at 9 a.m. The ceremony will be a special morning of remembrance, recognition and celebration featuring guest speakers, musicians and a special performance by the Ft. Lauderdale Symphonic Winds, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your home.

The September 11th Remembrance event will be accessible to view on the City’s Youtube Channel, website www.pompanobeachfl.gov, Facebook page, and Channel 78.

For more information call 954-786-4111 or visit https://parks.pompanobeachfl.gov.