DOES MY HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AUTOMATICALLY RENEW? After your initial application for Homestead Exemption has been approved, it automatically renews each year unless there is a change of ownership or eligible use of your homesteaded property. Each January, our office mails a Homestead Renewal Notice and “Change Card” to all Homesteaded properties. Florida law requires the property owner to notify the…

1.  Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): Social Security benefits will increase by 2.5% in 2025 due to lower inflation, compared to 3.2% in 2024. Average monthly retirement payments will rise by $49, from $1,927 to $1,976 starting in January. COLA applies to all types of Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for those with low incomes or…

Greetings Hillcrest Residents, Happy New Year! As we prepare to ring in 2025, residents in communities like Hillcrest are going to have an important role to play in making the next year one of unity and progress for our home. In divisive times for our nation, I have faith that our residents will handle the…

BY: David Treece, MBA, AIF®, CLTC® Whether you are celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s, or other winter holidays that are important to you—the trimmings and celebrations of the season create a perfect atmosphere for all to enjoy.* It truly is the most wonderful time of the year—and the economy agrees! The festive mood brings bustling airports…

10 oz. plant based, high fiber rice Paella seasoning (or mix 1 lb. shredded or chopped chicken (Aldi sells a pound of shredded chicken for $8.13) or I buy a cheap Rotisserie Chicken, remove the skin and bones and chop it up. I always have a pound of chopped chicken  in the freezer. 1 lb….

Managing a 12-story condo building with 163 units is no small task, but at Hillcrest 26, it’s a labor of love. The Board members combine their unique talents, life experiences, and unwavering dedication to create a smooth-running building that residents are proud to call home. At the center of it all is Board President Michael Newman, whose diverse…

by Aruna Ladva BRAHMA KUMARIS UK, ENGLAND submitted by BK  Etta Stevens Life is complex and we are accustomed to doing many things at one time … we call it multi-tasking.  But did you know that many things are also ‘simmering’ on the backburner of your mind as you go about your day?  Let’s take…

With a Crispy French Fried Onion Crust.  2 large chicken breasts pounded ¼” thick 3 oz. softened cream cheese 1/4 cup shredded cheese 1/4 cup bacon crumbles 2 chopped green onions 1 TBS chopped fresh parsley or ½ TBS dried 2 TBS drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes blotted dry and chopped 1 cup packaged French fried onions 1 TBS plus ¼ cup…

Thank you to the residents of Hollywood’s District 6 for your continued trust and for allowing me to remain as your representative in our city’s governance. I am excited about the things that we can accomplish together in the next four years. I often reflect on the ways that Hollywood’s people, our neighborhoods and our…

Big Medicare changes in 2025 will prompt Floridians to carefully review plans. The 5.1 million eligible Floridians have from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 to choose original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. Changes include a $2,000 cap on Part D drug costs, a payment plan for expensive meds, and potential adjustments to Medicare Advantage…

18.4 oz Brownie mix ½ cup Canola oil 2 eggs ¼ cup water ½ cup packed brown sugar ½ cup light corn syrup (I used agave syrup, or you can use light maple syrup or honey) 2 eggs 1TBS bourbon (hey that’s what the recipe said but I used 2TBS) 2 tsp vanilla extract ½…

The Nova Singers are a community choir of over 100 voices. Nova University is our patron, and the choir are ambassadors for the University. We are beginning our 49th year bringing a variety of choral music to South Florida.  We have sung several times at Carnegie Hall, Europe, including the Vatican and our National Cathedral in Washington…

While many board members are already informed about the new laws, some may not be, so this article serves as a helpful reminder. If you believe your board may not be fully compliant with the new laws, consider raising your concerns respectfully and privately with board members. Addressing matters one-on-one helps avoid any unintended embarrassment…

Cindy Abraham, HLC Secretary, opened the Nov. 7 Hillcrest Leadership Council meeting at 6:01 PM. The first topic concerned Hillcrest condo owners and associations continuing to feel pressure from state laws that mandate more inspections and reserve financial requirements. The meeting was at Clubhouse 2 at 1151 S. Hillcrest Court.  District 6 Commissioner Idelma Quintana and Jamie Hernandez were the first to address the building leaders. Commissioner Quintana, who…

“Lying is the obvious form of dishonesty but, actually, making excuses is worse. While falsehoods are usually noticeable, it can be a long time before I realize that I am making excuses. A lot of life can be wasted by this deception.” – Dadi Janki “Where there is honesty there is no fear.”  When I heard this point from a spiritual class, I thought, how true and deep.  I never quite saw the connection like that. We often don’t realize the deep correlation between honesty and fear.  But where does honesty begin? And what if we were to turn…

Peeling a hard-boiled egg: one of the most annoying things ever. Cut the egg in half and scoop each half out with a spoon. Thin sliced onion: my knife skills are not that great, so I use a vegetable peeler – works perfectly! Melting butter in a microwave. So fast and easy until it pops…

Florida law requires our office to assess all property based on the market data on January 1 of each year. We also grant tax-saving exemptions to qualified applicants. The Property Appraiser’s Office does not set your tax rates, collect property taxes, or determine how the tax revenue is allocated by local government. The property tax bills…

Greetings Hillcrest Residents, Fall is here, and while the leaves do not change color here in Broward County, our home continues to go through immense changes during autumn. With a critical election rapidly approaching, now is an opportune time for all of us to consider how we work together and find common ground as neighbors….

A large egg, 2 TBS milk 1 TBS confectioner’s sugar (plus some for dusting) 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ tsp ground cinnamon Dash salt 4 slices wheat sandwich bread lightly toasted *2 TBS raspberry jam or cranberry sauce 4 slices Swiss cheese *4 oz. ham or turkey, 4 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 TBS butter Heat…

Dear friends and neighbors, As this issue of Inside Hillcrest reaches your hands, our state has experienced two major hurricanes in the span of two weeks. While those of us on the southeast coast were spared direct impact, we are indirectly affected in many ways, both immediate and in the long term. There is something…

by BK Sr. Chirya Risley, Peace Village, Haines Falls, New York, submitted by Etta Stevens   Life is all about choices. Every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It’s…

2/3 cup panko crumbs 1 TBS unsalted melted butter 2 oz. Gruyere or Swiss cheese cut into 2.5 X 1.5 sticks 4 thin slices deli ham  2 large thin chicken breasts 4 tsp Dijon mustard 1 large egg lightly beaten Preheat oven to 400 degrees with rack in upper middle.  Toss panko with melted butter,…

Sellers are often reluctant to reduce the list price of their property for several reasons: Emotional Attachment: Many sellers have a strong emotional connection to their property, which can make it difficult for them to objectively evaluate its market value. They may feel their home is worth more due to memories. Perception of Value: Sellers often believe…

Our physical bodies are made up of what we feed them – food, water, the air we breathe. Likewise, our minds are made from everything we read, converse about, listen to, and watch. Today, in the name of knowledge and entertainment we are absorbing negative information through social and print media, cinema and television. This…

As the 2024 election season continues full throttle, financial markets are preparing for a riveting yet nerve-wracking ride. Historically, elections have significantly impacted the stock market, and this year is no different. This economic uncertainty, political divisiveness, and upcoming policy changes can make navigating the money market stressful, leading to emotional and impulsive financial decision…

Is paying the buyer’s agent worth it for you? Traditionally, most home sellers have compensated both the selling agent and the buy-side agent from the proceeds of their home’s sale. Today, homebuyers must sign an agreement to guarantee payment terms with their agent before they begin touring homes. Many buyers still look for home sellers who…

2025 Homestead Exemptions If you applied and were approved for Homestead Exemption for tax year 2025, this exemption will post to your property record online in December. Once approved, Homestead Exemption automatically renews each year provided there is no change in the ownership or use of the property. Once approved, you do not need to reapply as…

Greetings Hillcrest Residents, School is back in session. Summer is winding to a close, as students go back to class, and the entire Broward County community joins them in preparing for a very busy remainder of the year! I know our Hillcrest residents of all ages are excited for what these next few months will…

Marcia Skupeika, Hillcrest 23, our Hillcrest Angel Team Leader makes it happen. Marcia emailed the City and the folks at the Circuit shuttle service to see about getting rides for Hillcresters to the polls on November 5th. Here is the reply:    “Thank you for your email and interest in our micro-transit system.  We are very happy to be able to assist our…

1 lb. jumbo shrimp head on 1/2 cup Worcestershire Juice of 2 medium lemons 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 2 tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning 1 TBS hot sauce (Crystal or tabasco) Pinch white pepper 2 TBS chopped garlic ½ cup cubed butter (or butter/oil/white wine) Chopped parsley Crusty bread Rinse shrimp and snip the…

Dear friends and neighbors, September has been a busy month. I had the privilege of attending the groundbreaking ceremony of our new Hollywood Police Department Headquarters, located less than two miles from Hillcrest. Construction has begun. This state-of-the-art facility will go a long way in achieving our goal of being a safe, clean city that…

We had a problem with small roaches, mainly in our kitchen area. Regular pest control did not seem to be effective, so Brian started spraying diatomaceous earth underneath the kitchen appliances and behind the cabinets with great success.  What is Diatomaceous earth? According to the Internet, it is made from the fossilized remains of tiny,…

At the Sept. 5 Hillcrest Leadership Council meeting at 1151 Hillcrest CT, in Rec Room 2, Cindy Abraham, Secretary of the HLC introduced our new City of Hollywood Police Chief, Jeffrey Devlin, she outlined his wealth of experience in his 26 years with the HPD: Devlin held leadership positions within the Patrol Division, Canine Unit, Detective Bureau, Training division, Neighborhood Team…

Have you heard that phrase made famous by Benjamin Franklin when he said, “in this world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes?” Most of us agree that paying taxes is something we do not enjoy but hopefully we do find joy in our lives. Our taxes pay for many of…

Greetings Hillcrest Residents, Summer is supposed to be a time to relax. But with the pace of historic news events hitting us like a storm, this summer may have felt a little more tense than usual. Despite the tensions many of us are experiencing, I hope that residents in Hillcrest have found plenty of time…

1 lb. white bread torn into chunks  1 can evaporated milk (shake well) 12 oz. regular milk 4 oz. butter softened  5 eggs lightly beaten 1 cup sugar  2 tsp vanilla extract 2 tsp cinnamon  ¼ cup brandy 1 cup raisins  2/3 cup caramel sauce  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Place bread chunks into large…

3 TBS olive oil 1 lb. boneless pork shoulder steaks 1 TBS Steak Seasoning ½ tsp black pepper 2/3 cup thinly sliced onion or ¼ cup sliced shallots 12 oz. sliced mushrooms 3 cloves garlic minced 3 TBS flour 1-1/2 cups chicken stock ½ TBS tomato paste ½ TBS white wine vinegar 1/4 cup heavy…

Close to 70  Hillcrest leaders and residents attended the Town Hall Meeting in Rec Room 2 at 1150 Hillcrest Court on July 17.  They listened to speakers discuss ways to ease the burden for more than 100 Hillcresters hit hard by inflation and increased structural building inspection requirements.  A new state law mandating condo Associations…

In recent years, navigating the real estate market has been challenging, partly due to the prevalence of less experienced and less knowledgeable Realtors. Although this often meant that we did a significant amount of the work and shared the commission offered by the seller equally, it frequently allowed us to negotiate better terms for our…

4 lamb chops, ¼ cup dried cherries and ¼ cup dried apricots , ¼ cup port 1 clove garlic, peeled and halved  1/4 cup flour , 1/4 cup olive oil  ½ cup diced red onions  ¼ cup chopped or shredded carrot  ¼ cup chopped celery rib, 1 bay leaf 2 cloves garlic minced  1tsp minced…

District 6 neighborhoods are celebrating some long-awaited attention. Our neighborhoods and our people are what makes Hollywood a special place. Parts of Beverly Park will soon enjoy nearly five miles of new sidewalks, where none had existed before. Washington Park will see significant changes to the industrial park with the replacement of 167 septic tanks,…

by David Treece, MBA, AIF®, CLTC® You’ve worked hard to save and make a plan to ensure you have income for life throughout your retirement.  However, I’ve learned in my 30+ years of helping clients plan for retirement that an unexpected accident, injury, or medical condition can result in forced early retirement, a reduction in income,…

New state laws governing condo Association operations took effect July 1, Hillcrest leaders were informed at the July 11 Hillcrest Leadership Council meeting held in Rec Room 2 on Hillcrest Ct. One prominent change mandates that associations conduct quarterly Board meetings, said Gregory R. Eisinger, a partner with nearby Eisinger Law. Asked about possible loopholes in the meeting requirement, the attorney said association…

The Sun Shuttle Circuit on-demand service provided by the City of Hollywood ended a pilot test in Western Hollywood at the end of June.  The end of the pilot test means the City no longer provides a promotional code to offset the $2 a ride charge, according to Mark Johnson, a City official who oversees…

2 large, pounded chicken breasts or 2 half inch thick pork chops or sliced pork loin  Flour (seasoned with salt and pepper) 2 tbs. oil , 2 tbs. minced shallot  ½ cup seedless grapes, halved ¼ cup dry white wine 2 tsp. brandy (any dark whiskey will do) , ¾ cup chicken broth  2 tsp….

Recharge the spiritual battery of the soul and nothing can shake you. BY BK CHIRYA RISLEY, submitted by BK Etta Stevens   A very important and influential aspect of our lives is living every thought and word in our actions. It is often said, ‘Practice what you preach’ and ‘Walk your talk’. Although we have…

(I use the little cups of brown minute rice) I used to buy white miso at the Thai market, but they stopped carrying it, so I order online. ¼ cup maple syrup ¼ cup white miso ¼ cup soy sauce ¼ cup rice vinegar ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes 3 TBS extra-virgin olive oil 2 skin-on salmon fillets 2 cups rice Green…

Condo Associations can apply for a state grant worth up to $175,000, community leaders learned at the May 2 Hillcrest Leadership Council meeting.  The grant is part of a pilot program to help condo associations to harden the buildings which will will protect their building structures and possibly lessen insurance costs in the future.  Individual…

Greetings Hillcrest Residents, Happy Birthday to the Broward County Library! The Broward County Library celebrated the 50th anniversary through a series of celebrations at each library branch. This programming was an opportunity for patrons and staff to interact and share in the joy of the library – and share some cake! The celebrations were part…

1 large avocado, halved lengthwise – remove pit 14 oz can salmon drained (leave the skin on) 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt 1/3 cup diced celery 2 TBS chopped fresh parsley or 1 TBS dried 1 TBS fresh lime juice 2 TBS mayo 1 tsp Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste Chopped fresh chives…

(Ms. Uden will be answering more questions in upcoming issues of IH) – by Steve Schneider Catherine “Cat” Uden is running for Hollywood mayor against incumbent Josh Levy, who is seeking his third and final term in office.  A third candidate, Eduardo Flores, 28, has also declared his intention to run in the non-partisan race for mayor.  Election Day is Nov. 5.  The job of Hollywood mayor is officially…

– By Aruna Ladva, Brahma Kumaris London, England, Submitted by Etta Stevens “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” – Willie Nelson I am grateful for the sun and for the light and warmth the sun provides.  If there is no sun, I am grateful for the clouds that give us rain and enable us to grow our food. I am grateful for the…

It was a full house as Hillcrest Leadership got a peek into the future at the April 4 Hillcrest Leadership Council meeting, held at Clubhouse II on Hillcrest Court. And the view wasn’t great. Kimberly Newman, Secretary, Hillcrest 26 revealed the results of their Structural Integrity Reserve Study Report.  This mandatory Survey costs several thousand dollars and…

Courtesy of Brian Gaiefsky, Keller Williams A Team Florida The new laws and statutes regarding safety inspections and Reserve Studies not only affect our condominium finances and the membership as a whole, but also impacts what we are now required to provide buyers when they make an offer on one of our units. In the past, not only was a signed offer along…

If you don’t have an oven proof skillet, after browning the pork loin, just transfer to a lined baking sheet before placing in the oven. 2 slices or 2 TBS chopped bacon or prosciutto 1 cup peeled chopped Granny Smith apple ¼ cup sliced shallot ½ tsp fresh thyme ½ cup shredded Gruyere cheese 1-…

SUMAC CHICKEN WITH YOUR TWO FAVORITE VEGETABLES (For Two) 3 TBS olive oil, divided 1 tsp. Sumac ½ tsp light brown sugar ½ tsp paprika ¼ tsp ground red pepper 1 cup each of two: carrots, zucchini, squash, Brussel sprouts, sliced ½ red onion cut into 6 wedges 2 large bone-in chicken thighs  1/2 lemon halved lengthwise and sliced thin 3 TBS…

Fellow Hollywood Residents, Thank you for the opportunity to present the State of the City Address to the Hillcrest/Parkview Community on Thursday, March 14th. And many thanks to Dr. Frank Gaines and the Championship Academy of Excellence for providing the venue.  In this year’s address, I highlighted the many ways we are working to achieve…

Greetings Hillcrest Residents, Happy spring! We have officially moved the clocks forward an hour, but Broward County is always taking even bigger steps ahead as we continue to work together to make our home the best place to live, work, and play. Residents in Broward County do not long for the warmth of spring quite…

When I first moved to Hillcrest, I noticed there was a us vs. them attitude between the high rises and the low/mid rises. I guess it is human nature to want to “feel special” but unfortunately, some people’s idea of “feeling special” is to look down on others. And that is what is happening between…

 – by Aruna Ladva – Brahma Kumaris, London, England, submitted by Etta Stevens Don’t Let Your Emotional Wounds Define You. We have forgotten that we are all responsible for our thoughts and feelings.  We are the only ones who live in our heads, not others.  There is no other driver in the driver’s seat.  It’s…

2024 Homestead Exemption/Save Our Homes Cap Set by the State The Florida Department of Revenue has set the 2024 Save Our Homes (SOH) cap at 3%.  This SOH assessment cap limits increases to the Assessed/SOH Value for properties receiving Homestead Exemption to no more than 3% per year or the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) regardless of increases to the just value…

You and your life partner have probably talked, dreamed, and planned about how you’ll be spending your retirement years. However, in some cases, when the relationship doesn’t go the way you planned, life can often find you on a path that you didn’t necessarily plan for.  According to the American Psychological Association, about 36% of…

Leonard “Lenny” Schneider, 95, died on Jan. 31, 2024.  He passed away at the Memorial Regional Hospital Emergency Room in Hollywood, Fl.  He was born on April 14, 1928. Lenny had lived in South Florida since 1966, when he moved his family from the Bronx, N.Y. It was the start of a years-long journey for…

 – by Aruna Ladva, Brahma Kumaris London, England – Submitted by Etta Stevens Our world today needs so much light. Amid all the darkness there seems to be in the world, all of us are trying to hold on to the light we have inside. That does not seem a very easy thing to do….

A condo insurance policy covers the fixtures and personal belongings inside your unit for scenarios such as theft, fire, and wind damage. Below are the types of coverage your condo policy will typically include. Dwelling coverage is the part of a condo policy that covers your unit’s built-in fixtures. Under Florida law, an association’s master…

Remember all the tips I gave you in the last issue? Guess what I didn’t know and probably all of you already know – the dull side of aluminum foil is the non-stick side. Duh. Anyway, if you took advantage of some of those tips from last month, grab your cooked rice and canned apple…

Greetings Hillcrest Residents, Happy New Year! 2024 is shaping up to be a critically important year for both our county and our country. We face a major presidential election that will have generational ramifications for our democracy. On the local level, Broward County faces critical decisions on issues ranging from commuter rail to solid waste…

Sometimes the “small stuff” matters. Building leaders got this lesson reinforced at the Feb. 8 meeting of the Hillcrest Leadership Council, when Idelma Quintana, our District 6 Commissioner who represents us at City Hall, lauded two of our Hillcrest leaders for their efforts. She applauded Hillcrest 3 President Jim Bowers for working with Hollywood officials to save an old tree…

“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last, you create what you will”. – George Bernard Shaw Inside Hillcrest launched its website last month. The monthly newspaper, serving thousands of Hollywood condo dwellers, hitched a ride on the digital highway with the help of a Higher Power, in a sense. That’s because Hillcrest resident Leon Cortez, a former U.S. Marine combat veteran, is a Hillcrest 24 resident and owns/operates…

FAST, EASY, AND DELICIOUS SPAGHETTI SAUCE 1 lb. Italian ground turkey sausage Black pepper to taste ½ cup chopped onion 15 oz low sodium tomato sauce ¼ cup tomato paste 1 tsp Italian seasoning 1 TBS dried parsley flakes 1 tsp garlic powder ¼ tsp red pepper flakes 1 TBS Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp sugar or ½ tsp monk fruit…

Where are the best deals in Real Estate right now?  Anything that is priced to market value or even a little higher. The cash buyers are finally easing out of the market and families with mortgages now have a chance to buy the home or condo of their dreams. Appraisers are doing their best to…

 – by Aruna Ladva Brahma Kumaris, London, England, submitted by Etta Stevens “Words are things. You must be careful, careful about a calling people out of their names, using racial, pejoratives and sexual pejoratives and all that ignorance. Don’t do that. Someday we’ll be able to measure the power of words. I think they are things. They get on the walls. They get in your wallpaper. They get in your rugs, in your upholstery, and your clothes, and finally into you.” – Maya Angelou Maya Angelou understood the power of words and she knew that “words are things”.  Anyone who came to Maya’s home who was abusive, swore or used racist language were shown the door and kindly asked to leave.  She…

– by Cindy Abraham, Keller Williams Realty Professionals A Team Florida We have gotten several calls lately from people who live in condos, especially on the beach. Many have been doing fine up until now. But the hike in maintenance fees as well as assessments in condos has made it impossible to make ends meet. IF you think you have no choice but to sell…

Don’t flight attendants always tell you to place the oxygen mask on YOURSELF first before helping anyone else? Well, this advice also applies if you are a primary caregiver. You can have the best care plan in place for your loved one, but what happens if you don’t have a solid financial plan in place…

At this time of year, many of us are hopeful for better things to come. A good life is one where you never stop learning. I learned something new just this past Holiday season. Does it ever seem to you that no matter how much you cook, there never seems to be enough dishes to…

We are recognized as Medicare, Life, Disability, and Long-Term Care insurance experts and our passion for helping beneficiaries, business owners, and families of the Broward communities we serve run deep, procuring insurance policies that make sense and provide quality benefits to you and your loved ones. We investigate every insurance company in the State of…

Greetings Hillcrest Residents,  Happy New Year! 2024 is set to be a crucially important year for our country – and for Broward County. This year will see a Presidential election, as well as critical elections up and down the ticket. The results of this election will have ramifications for generations to come, with lasting impacts…

  Laughter is a universal language but did you know that laughter also has numerous health benefits?    From boosting your mood to strengthening your immune system, the healing power of laughter is undeniable. When was the last time you had a good laugh Stress Relief: Laughter is nature’s stress buster. When you laugh, your body…

When District 6 Commissioner Idelma Quintana opened the meeting, Michelle Delvecchio, President of Hillcrest 24 asked if she could officially thank Commissioner Quintana and the City of Hollywood staff for their neighborly and fast action after a broken water main left her residents without water over the New Year’s Day weekend.  Commissioner Quintana sprang into action after…

Courtesy of Brian Gaiefsky, Keller Williams A Team Florida The following is a short list of inexpensive projects we have done for clients to add value to their property. Sometimes the smallest touches can make a big impact when you are selling your property. 1. SCREEN ENCLOSURES: Do your old brown or silver oxidized screen enclosures have a worn-out tired look? We can change the…

 – by Aruna Ladva  Brahma Kumaris  London, England, submitted by Etta Stevens Contrary to popular opinion, millionaires (these days, only those who have accumulated 25-30 million are considered to be rich) have not inherited their wealth, they are self-made, often come from ordinary families, many dropped out of school, and they work very hard, up…

The Burden of Guilt: Understanding and Overcoming Our Inner Struggles Copyright © 2023 Vella Coaching, All rights reserved. Guilt, a complex and often overwhelming emotion, has the power to eat away at our happiness and peace of mind. Feeling guilty seems to be what we do arising from our sense of morality and our perception of having done something wrong. Whether it stems from a specific action or even an imagined…

{Ed Note: Eric Glazer has a weekly radio show on Sunday mornings where you can call in with your questions about condo law. Tune in to WFTL AM from 11AM to 12 Noon. Or go to https://condocrazeandhoas.com/blogs/ and type in a key word to find blogs on any subject relating to condominiums or HOAs. That’s…

Garbage disposals work hard to make our lives easier with a flip of a switch, but the name “garbage” disposal can be misleading. It does not mean you should treat your disposal like a garbage can. Any non-food items including paper or plastic can spread through your drainage system and deposit into your local water…

1/4 cup hoisin sauce, 3 TBS fresh lime juice  3 TBS olive oil, divided 1 TBS minced ginger 1tsp minced garlic 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper 1 cup ¼” inch thick sliced brussels sprouts 1 cup ¼” inch thick zucchini or yellow squash 1 cup thinly sliced red onion Salt & Pepper 12- 16 oz. skin-on…

DOES MY HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AUTOMATICALLY RENEW?   After your initial application for Homestead Exemption has been approved, it automatically renews each year unless there is a change of ownership or eligible use of your homesteaded property.  Each January, our office mails a Homestead Renewal Notice and “Change Card” to all Homesteaded properties.  Florida law requires the property owner to notify…

Greetings Hillcrest Residents,    It’s always the most wonderful time of the year when we are here in Broward County! The holiday season is here, and with the joy of the season also comes feelings of renewal and community as we approach a new year the only way we know how – together. As we…

As many of you know, Marie attends as many of our HLC meetings as she can. She has been our biggest advocate when it comes to any and all of our issues including insurance ratees, rising maintenance costs, and possible huge assessments for the buildings who may need to satisfy the ELSS requirements. I do…

The City of Hollywood has programs to help financially struggling residents, Hillcrest leaders learned at the Aug. 3 Leadership Council meeting.  It was held at Rec Room 2 on Hillcrest Court. The programs are based on income.  And disabled people may get moved ahead on a waiting list based on their condition and need.  Steven Hurtig, President of Hillcrest 25, chaired…

We found another pan roasted Salmon recipe. Salmon cooks fast which is another reason why we love it. You may have to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the salmon. One day I will try it in the air fryer. I heard you can insert a cake pan and it works like…

In previous issues we featured numerous desserts made with apples, including Sandy Jacobson’s delicious Apple Cake. Autumn is apple season and apples are good for you. There are more than 7,500 varieties in the world and the US grows 2,500+ of those varieties. Apples are rich in quercetin which may protect against cataracts, glaucoma, and…

Building presidents continue dealing with a confusing maze when they try to get property insurance coverage for their condo Association properties.  Community leaders learned more details about this ongoing drama at the Oct. 5 meeting of the Hillcrest Leadership Council, which was held at Rec Room II on Hillcrest Court. According to the president of…

Get one! It saves you a lot on electricity and clean-up is a breeze! Whenever we make ANYTHING, we ask ourselves if we should try cooking it in the air fryer. Vegetables are a big “hell yes”! And not just French fries. Any kind of fish is great in it. The drawer styles are the…

When entrusting the sale of your home or condo, a significant financial transaction for most, to a real estate agent, the quality of service you receive is paramount. Selling a property involves both an art and a science. The artistic aspect encompasses staging and marketing, while the scientific side entails profound market insights and negotiation…

Condo Association leaders discussed their unsatisfying relationship with the City of Hollywood Fire Marshal and his inspectors at the Nov. 9 Hillcrest Leadership Council meeting.  It was held in Rec Room II on Hillcrest Court. The conversation followed an announcement from Cindy Abraham, the HLC secretary.  She informed the audience that the Fire Marshal had…

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I got into a cooking frenzy and tried a couple recipes that are usually not my forte but here goes.  If you have an afternoon that you would like to spend creating a special dish, this one is for you.  I can’t believe it myself but I actually made Beef Wellington…