Author: Carma Henry

Carma Lynn Henry Westside Gazette Newspaper 545 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 Office: (954) 525-1489 Fax: (954) 525-1861

       On this past weekend neighbors from across Fort Lauderdale joined forces to celebrate 2025 Make A Difference Day, coming together to clean, paint, and plant throughout the city. From Dorsey Riverbend to Downtown Civic Association, Durrs, Imperial Point, Lake Ridge, and Twin Lakes, volunteers of all ages rolled up their sleeves to care for the places they call home. Seeing so many familiar faces working side by side was a glowing reminder of the strength, spirit, and unity of this community. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who participated and helped make a visible difference in our neighborhoods.

     Funding Arts Broward (FAB) a dynamic, privately funded membership nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the arts, launched its 23rd season with a celebratory and widely attended reception at Northern Trust on Las Olas on October 9. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a warm welcome from newly appointed board chair Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., and an exclusive performance by Carbonell Award-winner Tim Davis, Executive Artistic Director of New City Players.

       I’ve learned that doors don’t always open the way we expect. Sometimes they’re pushed wide open through blessings and answered prayers. Other times, they creak open after seasons of struggle, doubt, or discomfort. Yet truth be told, there have been times when I stood in front of an open door, hesitant, unsure if I had what it took to walk through.

A true pioneer in Florida’s judicial history, Retired Judge Melvia Green received a heartfelt tribute as South Dade residents and members of the legal community gathered to unveil Judge Melvia Green Terrace in Richmond Heights the same neighborhood where she grew up.

   Starting Nov. 1, millions of Americans will have the chance to review, renew, or change their health insurance coverage. Whether you’re a full-time employee, a freelancer, or an entrepreneur running your own business, understanding your options can save you money, stress, and headaches all year long. Check out this video with JP Financial founder and CEO Joyce Palmer to learn more about the changes in U.S. health insurance law and how it will impact Americans.

   The numbers are stark: Black women are about 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer compared to white women, even though they are diagnosed at similar rates. This isn’t just a statistic; it represents systemic barriers that Susan G. Komen is fiercely working to tear down.