Broward Family Life November 2017 by Broward Family Life

COMPLIMENTARY

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Grand PARENTS INTRODUCING OUR NEW SPECIAL SECTION

birthday BASHES GIVING YOUR CHILD A PARTY TO REMEMBER

FAMILY volunteering RAISING KIDS FROM THE HEART UP

NOVEMBER 2017

Tune in to our NEW PODCAST

HEALTHY PARENTING HY PARENTING FEATURING: Our very own Dr. Latanya Benjamin and Jason Grant-Henriques

EALTHY PARENTING

Bringing parents helpful tips and valuable insights from pediatric specialists and a variety of representatives from South Florida organizations about current trends parents should be aware of and ways to keep your children healthy, safe and well, including: • Peeing in swimming pools • Applying sunscreen at school

VISIT

JDCH.com/Podcast and subscribe on iTune, Google Play or your favorite podcast app.

• How NOT to burn your house down • Parents oversharing on social media • Mommy shaming • Water safety tips • Maternal addiction and treatment

THERE IS A PLACE FOR KIDS WITH EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS

PHYSICAL THERAPY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SPEECH THERAPY ABA THERAPY CHIROPRACTIC ACUPUNCTURE

With 5 clinics in South-Florida, Therapies 4 Kids is the leader in pediatric intensive therapy for children with neurological and developmental disorders, such as Cerebral Palsy or Autism, or suffering injuries resulting of a car accident, sport practice, or a slip & fall.

WESTON • PEMBROKE PINES • CORAL SPRINGS • MIAMI • BOCA RATON

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 (954) 633-5507

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May this be the only broken bone this holiday.

YOUR GO-TO

FOR SURGERY

When you need any type of surgery, turn to the experts at HCA East Florida Hospitals of Broward County. Our experienced surgeons are ready to help you live your life to the fullest again, as quickly as possible. To speak to a registered nurse 24/7 or for a FREE physician referral, call Consult-A-NurseÂŽ at 954.724.6349. Visit HCAEastFlorida.com for average ER wait times.

24/7 Kid-Friendly Care

Parenting Place

AT NSU’S MAILMAN SEGAL CENTER FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

The Parenting PlaceTM offers programs for families and children (6 week-5 years) to learn, play and grow together. n Parent/Child Classes n Just for Kids! Enrichment Classes n Transition to Preschool n Parent Resources n Program Schedule: 12-Week Sessions Fall Semester: September 18th–December 16th, 2017 Winter Semester: January 16th–April 17th 2018

n Rolling Enrichment n NEW CLASSES - JUST ADDED

www.nova.edu/parenting • (954) 262-7127

Not just urgent.

Care.

Holy Cross Hospital has been one of Florida’s most renowned hospitals for over 60 years. Now, with 3 convenient locations, we’re bringing compassionate, world-class urgent care and state-of-the-art imaging technology, right to your neighborhood. If you need care in a hurry, we’ll see you soon.

Urgent Care & Imaging Center

Offering $20 school and sports physicals

West Boca Raton • 23071 State Road 7(441) • Phone: 561-477-6000 East Boca Raton • 1799 S. Federal Highway • Phone: 561-347-7933 Rio Vista • 1115 S. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale • Phone: 954-764-6646 WALK-IN URGENT CARE - Weekdays 9AM-9PM • Saturday 9AM-5PM • Sunday 9AM-4PM IMAGING CENTER SERVICES - Weekdays 7:30AM-6PM • Saturday 9AM-1PM • Same day weekday appointments available PHYSICAL THERAPY - West Boca Only • Weekdays 7AM-6PM

HolyCrossUrgentCare.com

contents

NOVEMBER 2017

RAISING CHILDREN FROM THE HEART UP

BIRTHDAY BASHES

Grand PARENTS MEET the

Our new special section is dedicated to today’s grandparents — their role, their lifestyle and their enduring love for their grandchildren.

ON THE COVER Sienna Molinari, 5, of Coconut Creek, with her grandmother, Shari Allen Photographer: Lisa Nalven

DEPARTMENTS 14 Broward and Beyond News about the people, places and events in our community. This month: helping the hungry; Storybook Festival; and beautifying Broward parks.

38 Family Man How a grandson bridged the generations.

The Perfect Holiday Gift… A hoRSE to lovE! Sponsor a Horse

and your child can ride, bathe, and groom their “own” horse $175 for 15 days or $300 for a full month

Magical Mini Program Perfect for that special little animal lover. Ages 6-10. $35

42 Home Tech Surveying your family’s tech habits.

44 Calendar of Events Entertaining and noteworthy things to see and do in every corner of Broward County.

46 Words of Wisdom The magic (and sadness) of growing up.

WIN A

FREE BIRTHDAY PARTY at one of these fun-filled venues:

Membership Program

Join for as little as $15 a year and get the opportunity to volunteer and learn more about horses.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Broward’s Oldest & Largest Horse Rescue 19801 Sheridan Street, Southwest Ranches • 954-609-5943

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization established in 1987 and relies solely on the generosity of the community, trusts, foundations and grants.All donations are tax deductible.

SUMMIT-QUESTA MONTESSORI SCHOOL

OPEN E HOUS18

We pt Acce ! VPK

1-7--3pm

• Montessori Education • Montessori Teacher Training Center • Small Class Size • Low Student/ Teacher Ratio • Hands-on Learning • Art, Music, Spanish, & Peace Curriculum • Field Trips, P.E., Recess • Before Care, After Care • Gymnasium and Pool • Tutoring • Sports Teams • Summer Camp & MORE!

1pm

Monkey Joe’s Monster Mini-Golf See page 24 for details

for

Toddler – 8th Grade

25 years

A high quality Montessori education with nationally certiﬁed Montessori teachers. Our students enjoy learning and consistently gain entrance into the ﬁnest schools: St. omas Aquinas, NSU University School, American Heritage, Cardinal Gibbons, International Baccalaureate Programs, South Plantation Environmental Science Magnet Program.

www.summitquesta.com 954-584-3466 5451 SW 64th Avenue, Davie, Florida

Accredited by AISF, Advanced ED/SACS, Ai, NCPSA, MSA, Full Member of AMS, Recipient of Gold Seal of Excellence Award

Judy Dempsey, Owner, Principal, Recipient of the 2016-2017 AISF Distinguished Educator of the Year Award & author of Turning Education Inside-Out

November 2017 | B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

MEET OUR

NEW KOALA KATHERINE

Our mission is to enrich family life in Broward County by offering the highest quality publication and an unparalleled commitment to our readers and our community. PUBLISHER Lisa Goodlin ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Stacey Jacques EXECUTIVE EDITOR Michelle Liem

www.palmbeachzoo.org

ASSISTANT EDITOR Greg Carannante CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Beach • Carolyn Jabs Malia Jacobson • Gregory Keer Heidi Smith Luedtke, PH.D. ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Anina Venuti CREATIVE DIRECTOR Carrie B. Weeks PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Toni Kirkland

Town of Davie

Holiday Craft Show

and Green Fair

November 18 & 19 • 9am-4pm Handmade crafts perfect for holiday gifts. Bring the family! Children’s activities and entertainment throughout both days

Facebook Like Button

Bergeron Rodeo Grounds 4271 Davie Rd. 954-797-1181 www.davie-fl.gov Print & Packaging / CMYK / 150 dpi / .psd

For information on where to find Broward Family Life, or to become a distributor, call 954-424-7405 or e-mail info@browardfamilylife.com Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Broward Family Life is published twelve times per year by Broward Family Life, Inc. It is distributed free of charge throughout Broward County. Broward Family Life is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information we print, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. All photography and letters sent to Broward Family Life will be treated unconditionally, assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is forbidden.

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LETTER From the Editor Change is good. That’s what it said beneath the picture of the butterfly I bought to hang in my daughter’s first apartment. She was excited to spread her wings and I knew it was time for her to soar on her own. Still, it was hard to let go. Resisting change is typically how I roll. I like the status quo and staying in my lane feels safe and comfortable. Even simple adjustments such as rearranging my furniture or parting with an old pair of shoes present a challenge for me. But, I am proud to say I have learned to embrace those three simple words because I finally get it — change is good because it affords us the opportunity to grow. For more than a decade we have been publishing Broward Family Life and during

CHANGING FOR THE BETTER

that time so much has changed. We have expanded the magazine with a vital online presence. And we have continually strived to provide relevant and local information to guide you on your parenting journey, from the latest technology tools for connecting with your kids to the best places for family fun. As we look around our community we can’t help but notice how so many of today’s families rely on grandparents to help care for the kids. For that reason we are debuting Today’s Grandparents, a special section devoted to illuminating, educating and entertaining South Florida’s grandmas, grandpas, nanas, poppas and everyone else who fits the bill. In our first feature story you’ll meet three local grandparents who are all doing their part to pitch in. You’ll also find stories on today’s social media channels, a light-hearted look at the good old days, local classes for fun and fitness and more. There’s one more change I am excited to share with you. In an effort to keep up with the latest parenting trends and emerging

information we have expanded our team and are delighted to introduce Lisa Goodlin as our new publisher. Lisa is a veteran in our industry and will continue our mission to enrich family life in Broward County by providing the highest quality publication and an unparalleled commitment to our readers and our community. And in case you’re wondering about me, I’ll be right here, comfortably changing my role to executive editor. We’re planning lots of great stories to bring your way as well as new monthly columns to fill some special needs. If you have any ideas or story suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Send me an email: mliem@browardfamilylife.com After all this time there’s one thing that hasn’t changed — our gratitude to you, our readers (and our advertisers) for taking us into your homes and into your hearts. We look forward to many more years of continued growth … and dare I say it — MICHELLE LIEM changes! Executive Editor

Nov. 17, 2017

visit by santa movie night: frozen (pg)

8pm

ON-STREET PARKING FOR INFORMATION CALL 954-921-3500 HollywoodFl.org

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FREE FIRST THURSDAYS

STARRY NIGHTS PRESENTED BY

FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 4 – 8 PM 2-for-1 specials in the Museum Café, and hands-on art projects for all ages.

Tour the Museum and Create Artworks Inspired by Exhibitions on View FREE admission every First Thursday Also join us December 7 and January 4! 954-525-5500 | nsuartmuseum.org One East Las Olas Boulevard Fort Lauderdale Educational programming and initiatives at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale are supported by major funding from the David and Francie Horvitz Family Foundation, The Joseph & Winifred Amaturo Education Foundation, Inc., Lillian S. Wells Foundation Inc., Jerry Taylor & Nancy Bryant Foundation, Hudson Family Foundation, The Related Group, Beaux Arts, Community Foundation of Broward, Wells Fargo, the Wege Foundation, Charles F. and Esther M. Frye Foundation, PNC Foundation, MAI Foundation, BBX and Friends of NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale.

60th Anniversary presented by

Exhibitions and programs at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale are made possible in part by a challenge grant from the David and Francie Horvitz Family Foundation. Funding is also provided by The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Nova Southeastern University, Hudson Family Foundation, Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. NSU Art Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

indulge your appetite for discovery

shopping dining fitness entertainment SW Corner of Copans Rd. & Federal Hwy. www.pompanociticentre.com

9Round Fitness • Bitelicious Brazilian Snacks • Cold Stone Creamery Edible Arrangements • Hallmark • Macy’s • Panera Bread • Petsmart Ross Dress For Less • Sephora inside JCPenney • Shishka Lebanese Grill Very Drone • Yoga hOMe... & More November 2017 | B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

BROWARD and Beyond

Pruning Our Parks

alling all environmentally minded high-schoolers — or even those simply looking for a great way to pile up those community service hours. EcoAction Days are offered for free at five Broward County parks this month, where volunteers ages 13 and older are invited to help beautify the park grounds by clearing natural areas of garbage and invasive and/or exotic plants and plant as needed. Volunteers are asked to bring gloves, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and drinking water, and should dress appropriately with long pants and sleeves and closed-toe shoes. Preregistration is required, and all participants

must fill out a workday volunteer application before participating. For volunteers under 18, parental signatures are required, and those under 16 may need a parent present during the event. Check with the park for details. EcoAction Days are offered Saturdays: • Nov. 4, 9am-noon, Fern Forest Nature Center, Coconut Creek, 954-357-5198; and Miramar Pineland, 954-357-8776 • Nov. 11, 9am-noon, Secret Woods Nature Center, Dania Beach, 954-357-8884; and 8am-2pm, Quiet Waters Park, Deerfield Beach, 954-357-5100 • Nov. 18, 9am-noon, Anne Kolb Nature Center, Hollywood, 954-357-5161

HELPING THE HUNGRY Nearly 800,000 South Florida residents don’t know where their next meal is coming from — and there’s more of them in Broward, 15.5%, than in the other three area counties. According to Feeding South Florida, that includes seven percent of the county’s children. During the Thanksgiving season and all year long, Broward’s 365 Food Drive works to help feed the county’s hungry. Donations of nonperishable items — such as peanut butter and jelly, soups, cereal, pasta, rice, beans, baby food and formula and canned meats, fish, fruits and vegetables — can be dropped off at these collection box locations: • Downtown Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale • Government Center West, 1 N. University Dr., Plantation • Main Courthouse, 201 S.E. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale • North Regional County Courthouse, 1600 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Deerfield Beach • South Regional County Courthouse, 3550 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood • West Regional County Courthouse, 100 N. Pine Island Rd., Plantation • Water and Wastewater Services, 2555 W. Copans Rd., Pompano Beach • Port Everglades, 1850 Eller Dr., Fort Lauderdale • Aviation Department, 2200 SW 45 St., Dania Beach • Broward County Main Library and all branch libraries For more info, please call 954-357-6990 or visit broward.org/fooddrive

STORYBOOKS COME TO LIFE A Fantasy Forest where kids interact with their favorite storybook characters and a “Swappin’ Ground” where they spin their own tales are just two of the enchanting attractions of this month’s 16th Annual Storybook Festival at Southwest Regional Library in Pembroke Pines. The free festival, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, offers ongoing entertainment on three stages. Tales by origami storyteller Kuniko Yamamoto and storyteller Donna Washington, as well as music, dance and children’s performances are just some of the fun-filled activities planned for this year’s event.

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Children are encouraged to come in costume and join the Storybook Parade — and the first 1,000 to arrive will receive a free book. There will also be face painting, an arts and crafts tent and food trucks. This year’s theme, “It Takes a Village,” honors the 50th anniversary of author and illustrator Leo Lionni’s book, Frederick. The award-winning book, which explores the nature of community, was one of the “Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children” in a 2007 National Education Association poll. The library is located at 16835 Sheridan St. For more information call 954-357-7406 or visit broward.org/library.

Light Up the Holidays Light Up L aUderdaLe

Thursday, November 9, 2017 • 6:00 - 8:30 pm

esplanade park • 400 sW 2nd street • and along the downtown riverwalk

Light Up the Beach

WedNesday, November 22, 2017 • 5:30 - 9:00 pm holiday Lighting Ceremony • a1a and Las olas boulevard

Light Up SiStrUnk

Friday, deCember 1, 2017 • 5:00 - 9:00 pm

historic sistrunk boulevard from NW 9 avenue to NW 11 avenue

For complete details, visit www.fortlauderdale.gov. /playfortlauderdale

@playlauderdale

November 2017 | B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

WHERE TO CARE: VOLUNTEER RESOURCES • familycares.org is sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network. It provides project ideas, educational materials, inspirational stories and fun and games for family members looking for hands-on opportunities to help others in their local neighborhoods and beyond. • volunteerresource.org is a virtual library with updated information on volunteering information. It also contains several resources specific to family volunteering in its library, bookstore and marketplace. • 1800volunteer.org is a national website providing volunteers with direct connection to local volunteer opportunities that match interests and skills.

For more reading on family volunteering, check out these books: • Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues that Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing by Michele Borba. • The Busy Family’s Guide to Volunteering: Doing Good Together by Jenny Friedman. • Raising Kids Who Will Make a Difference: Helping Your Family Live With Integrity, Value Simplicity and Care for Others by Susan V. Vogt. • Teaching Kids to Care: How to Discover and Develop a Spirit of Charity in Your Children by Deborah Spaide.

B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

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RAISING

CHILDREN FROM THE HEART UP BY DENISE YEARIAN

Family volunteering is a multi-faceted way to cultivate civic-minded children, promote character values and incorporate quality time. This results in strong individuals, solid families and stable communities. With the many benefits family volunteering affords, the question is not if parents and children should volunteer: It’s when to start and what to do.

ynn Henshaw believes getting children involved in volunteering early on lends itself to participation later in life. “When Katie was 6 and Kim was 4, we worked with others once a week to provide a lunch program for needy families,” says the mother of children now 13, 11 and 6 years old. “Even though the girls were young, they would help with simple things like setting up condiments, greeting people and cleaning up at the end.” To make family volunteering a satisfying and rewarding experience, experts suggest considering your child’s interests. “When I talk with families, I always ask, ‘What are your interests and what are you curious about?’ Then we work from there,” says Susan Eggert, a volunteer service administrator. “If your child likes animals, find an organization that needs help with animals. If it’s nature, tap into one of our state parks. This can lead to a greater passion for that interest. It may even open the door for a future career.” This was the case with Matt Halterman. At age 12, he began volunteering at a local state park for one reason: He liked animals. “I had gone to a program on reptiles and amphibians at the bookstore,” recalls the now 19-year-old. “While I was there I learned about youth programs at the park, so I started volunteering. The more I worked there, the more my interest in that field grew.” Halterman eventually got his parents on board with volunteering, and within a year the entire family was serving at the park. Today Halterman works as an AmeriCorps volunteer, training other youth volunteers. Organizations may have age requirements. But that doesn’t mean younger family members can’t get involved. “A child may be able to help his parents organize feed bins at an animal shelter, take a display to a local community fair or participate in a fundraiser walk,” says Eggert. “All of this is important work and benefits the organization.” Often volunteering stirs up feelings of empathy that causes families to extend themselves beyond normal limits. Cindy Greene, mother of Emily, 14, and Chet, 11 found this to be true. “When Chet was nearing 10, a hurricane hit the Gulf Coast and he wanted to help,” she recalls. “He knew his birthday was coming up so he decided to have a party. But instead of receiving gifts, he asked guests to make a donation to hurricane victims.” Greene reports the party was a success. But for Chet, the true gift was the gratification of knowing he made a difference in others’ lives. Emily’s recent hunger drive served up a feast of self-fulfillment too. “Not too long ago, Emily did a 30-hour famine with our church youth group to raise money for World Vision,” Greene continues. “While they were fasting, I drove the kids around to neighborhoods and they asked for nonperishable food donations for the homeless. That night just before the fast was broken, we had a knock at the door and there stood a homeless couple looking for food. We gave them some of what we had collected that day. In that moment it all hit home.” Henshaw and Greene both believe experiences like these are cultivating caring, community-minded children who will become active adult volunteers. Halterman thinks so, too. “When I first started volunteering years ago, it wasn’t a passion of mine — animals were. But the work has brought direction to my life and has created a feeling of self-fulfillment and satisfaction,” he says. “Volunteering benefits the community, the environment, the individual and the family. From any vantage point, it’s a win-win situation.”

LENDING A HAND ON VACATION Family volunteering vacations present opportunities for parents and their children to experience different cultures while helping others in need. There are a number of volunteer travel organizations that welcome families. Here are a few: • Global Citizens Network, a nonprofit organization based in Minnesota, offers trips for volunteer families ranging in age from 8 to 80. Volunteers are led by a team leader and serve in areas such as New Mexico, Arizona, Washington, Mexico, Nepal, Guatemala, Kenya and Tanzania. globalcitizens.org, 800-644-9292. • Cross-Cultural Solutions, open to families with children age 8 and up, sends volunteers abroad to assist with their Volunteer Work Programs in Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Peru, Tanzania, Thailand and Russia. Volunteer opportunities last from two to 12 weeks, and internships abroad are also available. In addition, one week “Insight Programs” are also offered. crossculturalsolutions.org, 800-380-4777. • Oceanic Society is an organization that takes over 5,000 individuals and families with children 10 and older on participatory research and natural history expeditions and other volunteer activities. oceanic-society.org, 800-326-7491. • Volunteers for Peace provides information on international work-camp opportunities for adults, college students, teens and families. Over the past 20 years, they have placed over 20,000 volunteers in international work camps. The majority of the programs are for adults or teens over the age of 15, but family work camps are offered. vfp.org, 802-259-2759. For more reading on family volunteer vacations, check out Volunteer Vacations: Short-term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others by Bill McMillon, Doug Cutchins and Anne Geissinger.

November 2017 | B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

“Our restaurant is our home, where flavors and family come together, and we welcome each guest into it.” – Chef Franco • A la carte dining and family-style menu available • Wood-fired brick oven • Full bar service • Private dining room available for special events

Located in the Regency Lakes Village Center, 6370 N. State Rd 7, Coconut Creek (between the Sawgrass Expwy. and Hillsboro Blvd.)

orn in Palermo, Sicily, and raised in New York, Chef Franco knows quality food. “Eating for us was always a way of life,” says the chef, whose career started as a youngster helping his father, a chef himself. Chef Franco has expanded his artistry from New York to South Florida. Now regarded as one of South Florida’s highest-rated chefs, his eye for detail and impeccable culinary skills have paid off. From their award-winning fine-dining restaurant, Sette Bello in Fort Lauderdale, Chef Franco and his wife, Rita, bring a whole new way of dining to Coconut Creek — Sette Mezzo, a restaurant that celebrates Italian food and family. Their new concept is all about food, fun and family — Italian food the way it’s supposed to be. The dining room is filled with arches and columns reminiscent of Italian architecture. With a wood-burning oven and a marble-laced bar, the feeling created is of elegant dining in Italy. In the kitchen tradition of Sette Bello, Chef Franco cooks like he is cooking for his own family. Rita heads the dining room to ensure all guests receive the service and dining experience bestowed upon family.

Open at 5pm, Tuesday-Sunday • 954-531-6362 • settemezzofla.com

BIRTHDAY BASHES GIVE YOUR CHILD A PARTY TO REMEMBER FOR YEARS TO COME BY DENISE YEARIAN

FOR KIDS, A BIRTHDAY IS BIG. IT COULD BE THE BIGGEST DAY OF THE ENTIRE YEAR. YOU WANT TO MAKE IT SPECIAL, MEMORABLE AND MOST OF ALL FUN. BUT A GREAT BIRTHDAY PARTY IS NOT ALWAYS EASY TO PULL OFF. AND YOU SURE DON’T WANT TO MESS IT UP. HERE’S HELP.

oday parents have many options to choose from: entertainers who come into the home; local facilities that offer a variety of packages; and a plethora of do-it-yourself books and websites for the brave-at-heart. In fact, the biggest decision parents have to make is where to have the party and what the theme will be. Several weeks before his big day, ask your child how he would like to celebrate it. Tell him what the options are, based on your time, budget and preferences. Brainstorm together and consider his interests and hobbies. Can the party be centered on one of these? Whether you have the party at home or in a venue, you can incorporate something that lets your child’s personality shine.

PARTY PLANNERS If you want to have a party at home but don’t have the time or energy to plan it, consider hiring a party planner to help with the details. “A party company can help alleviate the stress of having to coordinate everything from the decor and rentals to the entertainment as well as helping to plan the proper flow of the party for all of the guests,” says Jennifer Wilson, owner of All About Entertainment, a South Florida party planning and event company. They can also help to take the party theme to the next level. “Once we did a Safari-themed party for twin 10-year-old girls and one of the main parts was a Safari-themed scavenger hunt,” Wilson says. “Each time they found a clue they would get a gift for their birthday, for a total of 10 gifts since they were turning 10. “Another fun party we did was a dinosaur theme. We created a dinosaur dig with sand and excavating tools, where the kids could dig and find dinosaur eggs. Inside each dinosaur egg there was a baby dinosaur and the kids could keep all of the dinosaurs that they found.” To find a reputable planner, ask friends and relatives who have used one. Were they happy with the services they received? Also, check local resources such as parenting magazines, and search online or contact a local party retail center to ask for referrals. Once you have a few names, call the organizations and ask: • What services do you offer? • What ages do you typically cater to? • Can the party be tailored to a particular theme? • What exactly do you provide? (games, activities, refreshments, cake, invitations, decorations, party favors) • How long do the parties run? • How much do you charge? • What am I expected to do? Finally, ask for references of several people who have used their services recently and could vouch for them. Because entertainers are often called upon for special library, festival and fundraising events, ask if they have any upcoming appearances where you could watch them perform. If so, bring your child so he or she can get a feel for the entertainment you are considering.

AT-HOME PARTIES One way to theme a party according to your child’s interests is to have it at home. Here you have two options: Do it yourself or hire outside help. If you have time and the desire to host the party at home, the possibilities are unlimited. After deciding on a theme, make a guest list. The recommended number of children will depend on whether the party will be held inside or outdoors. If, weather permitting, you’d like to have the party outside, you could easily invite 15 guests. However, if the party is indoors, it’s best keep it to no more than 10. Another way to determine how many children to invite is to consider the birthday child’s age. Some experts recommend using a formula where the number of guests attending is equal to one to one-and-a-half times the child’s age. For example, a 4-year-old’s party would have four to six friends; an 8-year-old’s would have eight to 12 guests. Whatever number you choose, keep it manageable. Unless the party is a sleepover, keep it to two or three hours (one-and-a-half hours for children 4 years and younger). Make a list of activities you are planning and the approximate length of time each one will take. Remember that a well-planned party allows for both quiet activities and active play. Guests should be given time to warm up to the setting, release energy during the party and calm down before heading home. Since the children will be arriving at slightly different times, plan a simple but flexible activity that keeps them busy while freeing you to welcome other arriving guests. When selecting games, consider the number of children, their ages and whether the games will be held inside or outdoors. Choose ones that are easy to explain, fun to play and involve all the children. Cooperative games are best because they take the spotlight off any one child and focus on the team as a whole. Whatever activities you choose, remain flexible. If the children aren’t enjoying themselves, move on to something else. And always plan more activities than you need. When it comes to food, stick with serving kid-friendly basics: sandwiches, pizza, veggie strips and pretzels. If you want to spruce it up, cut the sandwiches into interesting shapes, or turn the pizza into a clown face with pepperoni eyes, a cherry tomato nose and a strip of green pepper for the mouth. The cake can be special, too, by allowing the children to ice and decorate their own cupcake. Simple decorations go a long way, too. A few helium balloons and crepe paper can make any room look festive. Choose party favors that are fun but inexpensive, such as a toy related to the party’s theme or a bag filled with fun but healthy treats. For those wishing to spend a bit more, there are fun activities like painting T-shirts or planting flowers in pots — or maybe select an activity that reflects the theme. The idea is to be flexible and creative without busting your budget. If you are hosting the party yourself, get help on the big day. An extra pair of hands (or two or three!) is essential no matter what age the children are. As you prepare a guest list, ask a few close friends or relatives to come and help. continued on page 24

Month 2017 | B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

2017 PARTY

hands-on

science+art for kids

Beakers & Bugs provides exciting hands-on science experiments and unique art projects for kids.

• Live animals and insects • Gem and dinosaur digging • Custom slime & chemical eruptions We specialize in:

• After school enrichments • In school specials • Birthday parties

954-563-0259 Ask about our newest stage shows

“Tiki’s Holiday Show” “Emoji” and “Sing”

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Choose from our extensive S.T.E.A.M. portfolio • Engineering • Robotics • Coding

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2017 PARTY

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PARTY PLACES If you want to give your child a memorable birthday celebration but don’t want to have it at home, there are plenty of establishments available. Local businesses that offer packaged events may cost a bit more, but the benefits might be well worth it — no setup, cleanup or activities to plan. Choose a location based on your child’s interest. The Perfect Party Guide at browardfamilylife.com can help you find the right venue. Because every establishment’s offering is a bit different, call and get specific answers to these questions: • How long do the parties run? • What activities are included? • What about food and refreshments? • Are there free refills on soda or juice? • Do they supply the cake? • Do they require a minimum or maximum number of children to attend? • Is there a host or hostess that does the work (or do you)? • What is the cost and is a deposit required? Before making the final decision, stop by the facility and check out a party underway: • How smoothly does it run? • Is the facility safe and clean? • Are the bathrooms easily accessible? • Are the guests enjoying themselves? • Is the host or hostess friendly and good with kids? • Do the guests have plenty of time to enjoy the activities, or are they rushed from one to another? • Does the food look appealing? By taking the time to stop by, you’ll learn a lot more about the venue than if you’d just made a phone call. Finally, remember: Your child’s birthday comes only once a year. It deserves recognition. Whatever you decide, make it special.

Inside our new special section: • A Love Letter • Meet the Grandparents • Staying Connected to the Grandkids • Fun & Fitness for Seniors • The Rotary Phone • The “Grand” Scheme

Month 2017 | B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

A Love Letter

BY KELLY SUELLENTROP

Dear Grandparents, You are not who you used to be. The moment my husband entered the waiting room and smiled the words, “It’s a girl,” you became something new and different, while being altogether exactly the people we had grown up with. Before that moment, you were our parents. Nothing more. Nothing less. You were the ones who provided for us, comforted us, bailed us out, held us to consequences, and loved us unconditionally, whether we cared or not (though we usually did). You were either the gateway or the obstruction to everything we wanted to do and be — depending on the day. It was easy for us to find you annoying, or call you unfair, or roll our eyes, or take you for granted. Because we were your kids and you were our parents. Nothing more. Nothing less. But then you became grandparents … to our children. Now we are you, and you have suddenly become something magical. I know this because my own grandparents are magical, and I see my children look at you the same way I looked at mine. To them, you are as safe, and as good, and as much like home as mom and dad, but with more patience and a “lot” more sugar. You have a way of being right when “mom and dad just don’t understand”— even if you are basically saying the exact same thing. You keep little secrets with them, which are harmless but feel very important and empowering. You teach them the arts of “unplugged” hobbies, like sewing or gardening or baking, which seem fascinating done by your hands, yet totally old-fashioned by ours. And nothing in the world seems better than another dinner at that same Chinese restaurant, followed by a trip to “the ice cream store,” because that is how it works when they are with Grandma and Grandpa. It is expected and special all at the same time, which is how magic is made. Those parts of you that were our favorites growing up, those are the ones our children see in you all the time. The laughing part, the whispery kissing part, the fun and games part, the tickle-bug part, the snuggly part, the indulgent part. Of course you couldn’t show those parts to us all the time; you had the very daunting task of raising us to be good, responsible people after all. But now that task is ours to undertake, leaving you free to show your favorite parts as much as you want. It makes us happy to see them, and to see our children enjoying them as we did. Witnessing you as grandparents helps us see with new eyes how blessed we are to call you Mom and Dad. Having our own children makes us really understand for the first time every decision you made, every line you towed, every tear you shed. And we are finally capable of fathoming exactly how much you have loved us through it all, because it is the same love we feel for your grandchildren. We can only hope that one day they will be able to see us as we see you now. Yes, you are not who you used to be. But neither are we. Our new titles fit all of us well. Kelly Suellentrop is an illustrator and an author who has a book (Absolute Mayhem), a website (kellysuellentrop.com), a blog (Are You Finished Yet?) — and two children who have two magical grandparents.

B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

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Grand MEET the

PARENTS They’re redefining grandparenting – in record numbers I never really knew my grandparents. Coming from the old country long before I was born, they were like foreigners to me. They spoke broken or no English, were very old and lived a long drive away. Let’s just say, there was not a lot of bonding going on. It’s been a different story for my two sons — each blessed with meaningful grandparent relationships — as well as for me, now grandfather of a 6-year-old with whom I’ve already spent more quality time than all my grandparents combined. Most of us are probably as different from our own grandparents as, say, Grandma Moses is from Grandpa Mick — Jagger, that is, who has five grandkids and one great-grandchild! One of those differences — and a major distinguishing feature on the face of today’s grandparents — is how invested they are in the lives of their grandchildren: 72% take care of the grandkids on a regular basis and 81% have them for at least a part of their summer vacation, according to grandparents.com. Additionally, 55% play video games with them and 92% have changed their diaper. How many of your grandparents changed your diaper? What’s changing the role of grandparenting? Not surprisingly, it’s got a lot to do with the influx and influence of the baby-boom generation — you know, the one that was never supposed to grow old but has now aged into the grandparent-boom generation, swelling the ranks of the demographic by historical proportions. That’s right, there are now more grandparents than ever in this country — about 70 million, according to the latest census. That’s a 24-percent increase since 2001. As recently as 2014, more than 1 in 3 adults over 30 were grandparents. The same boomers who in younger days famously detonated cultural shockwaves are now shaking up the grandparent landscape. For one, whether near or far, today’s grandpa and grandma are easier to connect with — because they’re online, or at least 75% of them are, says grandparents.com, and 45% of them use social media. And the percentage keeps increasing. And just as they did with their own, they are doting on their children’s children — 25% of grandparents have spent more than $1,000 in a year on the grandkids, according to an AARP study. Even more than money, they’re giving their time and energy. They’ve got a lot more of both to give, too, as the health-conscious boomer generation keeps on keeping on with longer and more active lives. They may be getting a nice return on their investment, as well. “Grandparenting is healthy for us,” says Lillian Carson, author of The Essential Grandparent. “Being in touch with the younger generation literally beefs up the immune system.”

BY GREG CARANNANTE

7 Surprising Facts About Grandparents 1. The average American will be a grandparent for half of his or her adult life, about 30 years. 2. 37% of grandparents say spoiling grandchildren is part of their role, but almost as many — 30% — believe no one should spoil children. 3. 10% of American children live with a grandparent. 4. 75% of grandparents between ages 45 and 64 are in the job force. 5. Grandmothers outnumber grandfathers by about 124 to 100. 6. About 25% of grandparents provide regular day-care for their grandchildren. 7. The grandparent demographic is less diverse than the younger population, 40% of whom are African-American, Hispanic or Asian — as opposed to only 20% of grandparents. Sources: legacyproject.org, U.S. Census Bureau, AARP’s Grandparent Study, MetLife Report on American Grandparents

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November 2017 | B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

Meet the Grandparents continued from page 29

Sharon with her granddaughter, Kaitlynn

David with his grandson, Kris

Shari with her granddaughter, Sienna

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If that’s so, Sharon Milch, of Pembroke Pines, gets a daily dose of immuneboosting, courtesy of her 2-½-year-old granddaughter, Kaitlynn, who lives nearby. “I pick her up from school every day when I’m in town,” says Sharon, 66. “I’m with her about two hours every weekday and sometimes on the weekends for babysitting or if there’s something going on that I can take her to. “The best part is watching her learn. She’s like a parrot — everything you say and do she wants to do. We bake, go swimming; we get to enjoy so many things together.” Sharon, an avid traveler, will join the 66% of grandparents who travel with their grandkids when she accompanies her daughter and granddaughter on a January trip to Jamaica. UNDER THE SAME ROOF Shari Allen is another grandparent who’s involved day-to-day with her grandkids — Sienna, 5, and Logan, 2, (She and Sienna are this issue’s cover girls.) “Now that Sienna started school, I see them six or seven hours a week. They’ll come over after school and hang out a little bit during the week,” says Shari, 57, who moved to Boca Raton in April. “They used to live around the corner from me in Coconut Creek, so I used to see them all the time — in fact the first year of Sienna’s life, they lived with me.” In so doing, she was part of a growing trend: grandparents who live with or raise the grandkids. Last year, there were 2.7 million grandparents raising grandchildren nationwide, reports The Associated Press, and census figures show the number is up 7% from 2009. In Florida, over 157,000 grandparents are householders responsible for their grandchildren, according to grandfamilies.org David and Jane Olinsky of Cooper City know well the responsibilities of helping to raise a grandchild. Now in their 60s, they’ve had grandson Kris, 12, with them since he was 4. He and his dad, Scott, moved in with the Olinskys after Scott received full custody in a divorce settlement. “Scott’s occupation makes it difficult to be available for all Kris’s needs for school,” says David, a local podiatrist and foot surgeon. “So he moved in with us so

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we could help out. Jane and I love having continuous visitation with our grandson, getting to experience all his life’s ups and downs. And, yes, we do feel like parents, but at the same time we realize our place as grandparents and the importance that plays in Kris’s life. Kris gets to maintain a loving caring family environment and we get to enjoy him!” ‘A DIFFERENT KIND OF LOVE’ Whatever is redefining the roles of grandparents —and whether they’re raising their grandkids or seeing them only occasionally — one thing seems not to have changed: the love factor. “My mother loved my son,” says grandparents.com columnist Barbara Graham, “but there was nothing like the level of obsession my friends and I have for our grandchildren.” In last year’s Becoming Grandma, The Joys And Science of the New Grandparenting, veteran TV reporter Lesley Stahl describes the impact of grandparenthood as a life-defining moment. “Throughout my career,” she writes, “I worked at suppressing both my opinions and my emotions. I was out on the streets of New York on 9/11 and held myself together. … I’ve sat opposite mothers of dying children, teenagers who had been abused, and grown men and women who had suffered the indignities of injustice — without breaking down in tears or exploding in outrage. I thought I had become the epitome of self-control. “Then, wham! My first grandchild, Jordan, was born on January 30, 2011. I was jolted, blindsided by a wallop of loving more intense than anything I could remember or had ever imagined.” Shari Allen of Boca expresses it in similarly dramatic terms: “It’s so true when they say that you really don’t know what it feels like to be a grandparent until you become one. Of course you love your children, but I feel like my granddaughter — I would lay in front of a train for her. “It’s like a different kind of love. For some reason, it’s so much more intense. Maybe it’s because you don’t have the control like you do over your own children. You can just enjoy them.”

TECH Talk

Staying Connected to the Grandkids 5 CYBERSPACE SITES THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BY GREG CARANNANTE

ou see them almost everywhere these days, assuming the position as they walk, head bowed, shoulders slumped, eyes glued to the device planted in their hand and plugged in to their ears — mystifyingly sidestepping anything in their path out here in the real world. There’s even a medical term for such posture: Text Neck. Their umbilical-like attachment to their devices makes it all too obvious that these kids — our children and grandchildren — are much different beings than we are when it comes to using technology, especially for social media. Teen-aged or younger grandkids may have never known a world without social media, and they use it in vastly different

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ways than their grandparents use it — if they use it at all. To help bridge the grandparents’ gap, here’s a little social media primer on five sites that are helpful to know to stay connected to the grandkids. INSTAGRAM In its seven years, Instagram has become very popular with the younger set. Originally a simple app for sharing photos on mobile devices, it has gained fans by offering a variety of photo filters and adding features like the ability to post videos. Referred to as the new Facebook, the site has attracted converts seeking to sidestep the political posts, notifications and hacking that have recently plagued the older site. Grandchildren are likely to be on Instagram, so it’s a good idea for their grandparents to be there, too. An account is needed to use the app, but it’s not necessary to post to it, which can only be done from a mobile device. However, posts can be viewed on your computer. With the

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search feature, you can follow celebrities or other interesting accounts, or you can keep it a more personal experience by just following close friends and family — like those hyper-connected grandkids. SNAPCHAT Having not grown up with hand-held devices, the senior set can have difficulty using this mobile-devices-only app, whose texts and images disappear seconds after being received. Users must be at least 13 years old, but Snapchat scored quickly with teens, who like knowing their images and messages won’t hang around in cyberspace. Adults use the icon-driven app, too, but not many are over 35 — and it doesn’t seem to be gaining popularity with grandparents. A new feature, Snap Maps, shows users where their friends are. The location feature can be easily turned off but it’s still worrisome to parents who fear for their kids’ privacy. TWITTER As Americans are reminded almost daily,

President Trump is one senior who is a “bigly” fan of this app. Twitter lets users “tweet” messages of no more than 140 characters, with images. Although there is a direct messaging feature, all tweets are public. Other social media platforms are more suitable for keeping up with the grandkids, but grandparents might find it fun to tweet along with a grandchild during a sports game, TV show or other event about which users can share their opinions and check those of others. Twitter is also a good way to follow breaking news or follow a favorite celebrity. TUMBLR This blogging platform/social network is good for posting photos, links, quotations and audio and video files but isn’t especially good for connecting with grandchildren. The site is recommended for ages 17 and older and much of its available content is inappropriate for kids. A new Safe Mode does give viewers the option to hide explicit posts — but since it’s the user who’s required to make the choice, it’s not as “safe” as parental controls. With its own ready-made community,

Tumblr is big on sharing, reblogging and letting users find online friends with shared interests while remaining anonymous. FACEBOOK Launched 13 years ago, the granddaddy of social-media platforms remains popular with all ages, although its demographic has steadily trended older. It’s been transforming over the years from a tool for sharing personal posts to one that feeds

you info on your preferred topics. Most posts come from your friend pool but some are sponsored. It’s likely that if you’re grandchildren are old enough to be on Facebook — 13 in most places — you may be seeing fewer posts from them lately because they’re probably on Snapchat and/or Instagram. But since their folks are no doubt on The Social Network, it’s still a good way to at least keep connected with your own kids.

Facebook? HELP! Not sure how to “friend” on Facebook? Maybe you’ve “liked” something you shouldn’t have? Broward County Libraries’ social-media classes may be just the thing for you. The Hollywood Branch Computer Technology Center offers a couple: FACEBOOK 1: The Starter Kit (Active email account and basic computer skills required.) FACEBOOK 2: I’m on Facebook, Now What? (Active Facebook account and basic computer skills required.) For available dates, call 954-357-7791 or check the online events and classes listings at browardlibrary.org

Find Fun, Friends and Fitness at…

Town of Davie’s Adult & Senior Programs

• Field Trips • Zumba • Tai Ji Quan • Beading • Quilting • Arts & Crafts • Mahjong • Lunch & Bingo • Card & Board Games Davie Pine Island Multipurpose Center 3801 S Pine Island Rd. 954-327-3941• davie-fl.gov November 2017 | B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

GRAND Activities

Fun & Fitness for Seniors Today’s seniors are not content to rest on their… laurels. More than one-third of them exercise or engage in physical activity every day, according to the AARP’s 2012 United States of Aging Survey of Americans aged 60 and older. And at this stage of their lives, many of those active seniors find they have the time and opportunity to more fully pursue their interests or hobbies. Catering to those fun and fitness interests, several county schools and cities offer a variety of programs specifically for seniors. Here is a sampling:

Broward Community Schools

Municipalities

Lifelong Learning Classes run for eight weeks. Although the current session started October 23, you may still enroll provided space is available. browardcommunityschools.com

Programs are open to all seniors, including non-residents.

DANCE: Beginners will learn the basic steps to Latin rhythms, including salsa, merengue, mambo, rumba and tango. No partner needed. $62. Thursdays, 7:30-9pm, Oct. 26-Dec. 21, Plantation Community School, 6901 NW 16 St., 754-322-1950 BAKING & PASTRY: Bread making, cakes, cookies, éclairs, Puff Pastry, Key Lime pie and more. $120. Wednesdays, 6-9pm, Oct. 23-Dec. 22, Dillard Community School, 2501 NW 11 St., Fort Lauderdale, 754-322-0900 CUPCAKE/BUTTERCREAM CREATIONS: Make beautiful cupcakes and cakes. Learn to use fondant, make holiday/ event-themed projects. Taught by a master with decades of experience. Additional materials may be required. $123. Mondays, 6-9pm, Oct. 23-Dec. 11, Piper Community School, 8000 NW 44 St., Sunrise, 754-322-1800 FAMILY HISTORY BASICS: This comprehensive class for beginners focuses on research techniques and strategy in tracing your family, taught by professional genealogist Mark Fearer. $65. Mondays, 6:30-9pm, Oct. 23-Dec. 11, Northeast Community School 700 NE 56 St., Oakland Park, 754-322-1650 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY I: Acquire the art and skill of taking beautiful pictures. Shutter speed, aperture, ISO settings combined with artistic and technical composition will be explored. Learn Basic Photoshop editing. Supply fee includes 16x20 framing kit for final project. This course is taught by a certified instructor. Includes fun field trips. Digital camera required. Bring your Point and Shoot or SLR camera, blank memory cards and extra camera batteries. $98-$130. Oct. 23-Dec. 21 at four locations: • Mondays, 3-5pm and 6-9pm, Fort Lauderdale Community School, 1619 NE Fourth Ave. 754-321-1325 • Wednesdays, 6-9pm, Plantation Community School, 6901 NW 16 St., 754-321-7600 • Thursdays, 6-9pm, Taravella High Community School, 10600 Riverside Dr., Coral Springs, 754-322-2400 • Thursdays, 6-9pm, Nova Community School, 3600 College Ave., Davie, 754-321-7600 34

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DAVIE: Beading, quilting, art, Mahjongg, exercise, field trips and more. Most classes free for all seniors. Davie Pine Island Multipurpose Center, 3801 S. Pine Island Rd., 954-327-3941, davie-fl.gov DEERFIELD BEACH: Computer lessons, open clay sculpture, woodcarving, gardening, painting, Tai-Chi, Zumba, hula, line and ballroom dancing and more. Free or donation accepted Deerfield Beach Senior Center, 227 NW Second St., 954-480-4449, deerfield-beach.com MIRAMAR: Health and wellness services and recreational activities for seniors 60 years old and older. Free. Multi-Service Complex Senior Services, 6700 Miramar Parkway, 954-889-2707, and Sunset Lakes Senior Services, 2801 SW 186 Ave., 954-602-3347, miramarfl.gov SUNRISE: Cooking, dancing, art, fitness (Tai Chi, aerobics, Zumba, yoga, kick-boxing, belly dancing) and more. Some classes require a membership fee of $15/year for residents; $25/year for non-residents. Sunrise Senior Center, 10650 W. Oakland Park Blvd., 954-746-3670, sunrisefl.gov

CITY OF MIRAMAR

SOUTHCENTRAL/SOUTHEAST FOCAL POINT

SENIOR CENTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

THANKSGIVING DINNER Thursday, November 16th, 6:00 p.m. Multi-Service Complex ยน 6700 Miramar Parkway Cost: $18 members, $20 non-members

Join us for our 37th annual Thanksgiving celebration as we come together to celebrate all that we are thankful for at this formal evening event.

SENIOR HOLIDAY PARTY Thursday, December 7th, 11:00 a.m Multi-Service Complex ยน 6700 Miramar Parkway Cost: $18 members, $20 non-members

The annual Holiday Party is one of our most exciting events of the year. Join us this holiday season for a tasty lunch, raffles and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS CONFERENCE February 20 - 22, 2018

Includes a Senior 1K walk, educational sessions, as well as preventive screenings. Please call Multi-Service Complex for more information 954-889-2707.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Persons 60 years of age or older are eligible for FREE membership. Stop by the center or call us to learn more about the benefits of membership. Multi-Service Complex 954-889-2707 Sunset Lakes 954-602-3347 For current programs, special events, assistance programs, health and wellness and additional information on the programs available at the Senior Centers, please visit: www.MiramarFL.gov/VOTACalendar

ADULT DAY care center NOW OPEN!

State-of-the-art adult day care center that provides supervised care to adults 18 years of age or older in a supportive and safe setting. The program provides services that include, but are not limited to, therapeutic activities, nutrition, health and personal care. For More information, visit 8915 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, Fl 33025 or call (954) 883-5220.

BACK Day in the

The Rotary Phone A TRIBUTE TO GIGGLING, GOSSIPING AND REALLY GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER BY KARA MARTINEZ BAHMAN

hen I was young, we spent the greater part of our afternoons and evenings in idle gossip. My friends and I would lie on our respective living room couches, or on the carpeted bedroom floors of our suburban ranch homes, and press telephone receivers up against our ears. We’d giggle into what was, back then, a rotary phone, or a fancy new push-button model. Those telephones are not like what we have now. They were connected to the wall by a long cord that seemed, to us, like some kind of social lifeline. And those plastic-wrapped bundles of wire were social lifelines. What traveled along those wires were our complaints, our gossipy stories, our hopes, our mistakes and our dreams. They were not just words, but heartfelt vibrations that started in the receiver, traveled down the coiled handset cord that looked like a slinky, and went straight into the hearts of our girlfriends —

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and, if we were lucky, into those of our boyfriends as well. We literally heard those we were communicating with. We heard the guffaws and the wisecracks, the long-winded sighs that would have been impossible to translate into any words. We heard when a friend’s voice was about to crack, so we knew when to back off or stray to another topic. We heard not just the words of our friends, but we heard the tone of their souls. We were in no rush. Now, we rarely talk to people this way. Most of us rarely, if ever, lie on the bedroom floor for hours, chatting about nothing in particular while unconsciously twisting the phone cord around a pinkie finger. In this age of smart phones and social networking, it seems that sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have completely replaced our time spent listening. More than anything, social media is not so much about listening as it is about talking. We use bytes and blips and screens and fonts to isolate and compartmentalize our relationships into something that resembles business. Nowadays, we just want to cut to the chase. We don’t want to waste our time. Or our words. As with the 140-character

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limit of Twitter, we are inadvertently encouraged by the technology to say as little as possible as quickly as possible. This is not how real relationships are built; this is how business is streamlined. We are mechanizing our relationships; we are bringing them to bare bones. What fun is there in reading quirky comments on an electronic page, where the guffaws and voice inflections and all-telling sighs are lost somewhere among the pixels? What fun can be found in the swiftness and concision of a text message? What things are we missing hidden between the lines? The sad answer is that we will never know. Will kids raised on social media ever really grasp the subtleties of meaningful yet idle conversation? There are no texts or Facebook posts, however clever, that can compete with the creative conversational meandering that leads a friendship into new, and unexpected, territory. Not to mention the most important part: It is totally impossible to paint our toes while we tweet. Kara Martinez Bachman is the author of the women’s humor essay collection, Kissing the Crisis: Field Notes on Foul-Mouthed Babies, Disenchanted Women and Careening into Middle Age.

Grandparents Play Time

Come play at the J with your little one.

Wednesdays Sloppy Totts with Miss Nava (Baby & Me) Sing, dance, color, play. Each class is a new adventure with your grandchild.

Thursdays

Cooking with Bubbe

Kids love cooking with Grandma or Grandpa. Each week you work together to create a new culinary masterpiece.

For times and prices: dpjcc.org or call 954-434-7038

David Posnack JCC

The J is open to everyone in the community.

On the Nina & Louis Silverman Campus

5850 S. Pine Island Rd. | Davie, FL 33328 Dpjcc.org | 954-434-0499

November 2017 | B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

FAMILY Man

The “Grand” Scheme A HOW A GRANDSON BRIDGED THE GENERATIONS BY GREGORY KEER

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mong the many things that have changed since we became parents more than 19 years ago is the grandparent landscape. We lost my father almost four years ago, my father-in-law passed in April, and my 99-year-old grandmother left us two months go, leaving huge voids in our family configuration but lots of wonderful memories, laughs and lessons for our kids. Three amazing grandmothers — my mom, my step-mom, and my mom-in-law — now carry the mantle of spoiling and helping to guide our boys. For years before Wendy and I had our first son, my wife and I debated moving to another city. One reason was to get away from our respective families. We were perplexed by their persistent requests (implied or direct) to see us more. And we were exhausted in our efforts to give them equal time. Soon enough, we learned why they kept up the attack. They were waiting for a bigger prize — they were waiting for grandchildren. When our firstborn arrived, everyone hit the jackpot. Benjamin got three sets of adoring grandparents (my parents had been divorced and remarried). As a result we got “parents lite,” new versions of the people who raised us. They were more fun, more relaxed and so infatuated with this little “prince” that we sometimes felt left out — before we came to our senses. A year after Benjamin was born, we moved from the city to the suburbs, leaving the protection of a mountain range that kept the extended family at bay. Part of our intent for this bold change was to bring our son closer to his grandparents.

But geographic closeness did not mean sameness. Each set of grandparents was different and no one highlighted that better than Benjamin. Three days of the week, one pair of grandparents picked him up from day care. On Mondays, he saw Bubbie and Zaydie (Yiddish for Grandma and Grandpa). With them, he became a dog-lover, walking their dog by the time he was a year old. He went on sailboats with them and took grandparent-and-me classes. He also got them in trouble. One time, Benjamin came home and announced, “I want to be a judge!” “Where’d you get that idea?” we asked. “I want to be a judge like Judge Judy,” he explained. We tried to imagine how he became familiar with the verbally pugilistic jurist with the famously low-life show participants. Our son answered, “Zaydie lets me watch it.” Immediately, we phoned the culprit and chastised Zaydie Sheldon and his accomplice, Bubbie Cindi. Unbowed, they thought the whole thing was a laugh riot. On Tuesdays, Nana Fran and Papa Ken took their turn. Benjamin went to library events with them and made banana milkshakes. He reveled in the toy collection of Nana, who kept a wide array in her speech therapy office. He equated Papa with car snacks (usually pretzels or pistachios) and baseball games. On Thursdays, he liked to sing with Grandma Judi and Great-Grandma Jenny. Then there were the food feasts with these two. Whatever our son lacked in nutritional fortification during the rest of the week he got from his “party” of up to a dozen culinary items, from roast chicken to spumoni ice cream. We have pictures of him in front of tables that would shame Caesar. As the years have passed, the grandparents have adapted to the changes brought on by loss and our sons’ maturation. In fact, although the grandmothers still treat the grandkids to special times, the boys have begun to provide inspiration and support right back at them in many ways. Because of all of this, Wendy and I are grateful for all the “grand-ness” in our lives. Gregory Keer is an award-winning syndicated columnist and teacher. He and his wife have three sons.

Museum of Discovery and Science

Giant MAZE Exhibit

NOW THROUGH JANUARY 8, 2018

Funded in part by

401 SW Second Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 954.467.6637

www.mods.org

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Affairs Council.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS ON EARTH

ON DISPLAY OCTOBER 14, 2017 TO APRIL 22, 2018

SFScienceCenter.org · (561) 832-1988 4801 Dreher Trail N, WPB, FL 33405 DESIGNED AND PRODUCED BY

November 2017 | B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

16th Annual

Saturday, November 18 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Southwest Regional Library 16835 Sheridan Street Pembroke Pines, FL 33331 954-357-6733 40

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Looking for Family Fun?

Send us your email address and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll deliver our list of upcoming activities and events right to your phone, tablet or computer. Visit browardfamilylife.com to sign up today!

Nova Southeastern University Alvin Sherman LIbrary GRAMMY-WINNER for best children’s album! Combining the excitement of hip hop with the magical world of childhood. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo is a one of a kind, standout star in the family music scene.

The Nurtury Montessori at Riverland • Montessori Certified Infant/Toddler and Primary Teachers • Infant program (6 wks old – 18 mos. old) • Toddler program (18 mos old – 3 yrs old) • Primary Program (3 yrs to 6 yrs old) • Spanish Lessons & Music Movement • Infant Massage & Baby Sign Language

Show your child’s Alvin Sherman Library cart to check-in early and get their face painted like a rock star before the show begins! Sign-up for a library card today: public.library.nova.edu/card

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 1- 3 PM 1:00 PM: Creative holiday crafts at the NSU Alvin Sherman Library 2:00 PM: Live Concert at the Miniaci Performing Arts Center

RSVP: lib.nova.edu/skidoo or call 954-262-5477 For oPEN ENroLLMENT CALL

954-587-2285

www.thenurtury-montessori.com info@thenurtury-montessori.com

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED SIGN-UPS BEGIN NOVEMBER 1 public.library.nova.edu 954-262-5477 Parking is $1 per hour

3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr. Blvd. Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Florida 33314 A joint-use facility between Nova Southeastern University and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners

November 2017 | B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

HOME Tech

Technology Dos & Don’ts SURVEYING YOUR FAMILY’S TECH HABITS BY CAROLYN JABS

ot long ago, a search-engine company called ReportLinker surveyed 670 families with children under 15 to better understand the relationship between American kids and their devices. The results are a snapshot of how technology has been integrated into our families. In many ways, parents are following recommendations from experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics. But in a few key areas, parents seem to be ignoring best practice and following the path of least resistance. To get an idea of where your family falls, answer the following questions and compare your family’s tech habits to those of other families as well as recommendations from AAP.

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HOW MANY SCREENS DO YOU HAVE AT HOME? When you count TVs, computers, tablets, smartphones and game consoles, the average number of screens per family is 7.3. Most households own a TV (94%) and about half have a video-game console. Just over three-quarters of the families had at least one smartphone in the household, and 62% of parents said their kids spent three to five hours a day using a smartphone. The average age when kids get their own phone is 13 and a half. For computing, families are more likely to use laptops (78%) than desktops (63%). The researchers also noted that among families with kids under 10, tablets are very popular — 58% of children under 5 use them — and they may eventually rival television as the device of choice. Perhaps the most interesting statistic is about technology in bedrooms. The AAP recommends that bedrooms be device-free and children “avoid exposure to devices

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or screens for one hour before bedtime.” Despite that advice, about two thirds of the families with five or more devices allow kids to have one in the bedroom and, not surprisingly, those kids are more likely to use devices before they sleep. HOW MANY HOURS PER DAY DO YOUR KIDS INTERACT WITH TECHNOLOGY? Having more devices in the household also increased the amount of time kids spend with technology. Half the parents said they limit “plug in” time to less than two hours a day, but that rule is more likely to be enforced in families that have fewer devices and keep them out of bedrooms. The AAP recently revised its guidelines to say that “parents must develop personalized mediause plans” based on each child’s age, health, temperament and developmental stage. They also point out that parents must be sure technology doesn’t squeeze out other healthy activities, including sleep, physical play and time away from media.

WHEN DO YOUR KIDS USE TECHNOLOGY? Over 80% of families said kids used devices during their spare time; only 6% allowed them to be used at mealtime. That’s consistent with the AAP recommendation that mealtimes be media-free. IS TECHNOLOGY A POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE INFLUENCE ON YOUR KIDS? Experts continue to argue about whether technology is changing childhood, but three-quarters of parents believe devices are good for kids. Half say technology creates more benefits than risks, and 25% believe being comfortable with technology is essential for kids in the 21st century. For the 25% who feel technology has a negative impact on children, 11% believe technology creates more harms than benefits and 14% feel that technology “ruins the essence of

with devices made kids more isolated and less social. Only 10 percent worried about kids being less creative and 4% were concerned about increased aggression. To those concerns, AAP adds sleep disruption, the risk of obesity because of too much sedentary time and problematic internet use like online bullying. WHAT ARE THE MAIN ADVANTAGES? When asked about benefits of technology, parents were clear: 40% felt technology promotes cognitive development and school readiness. About a quarter agreed that technology expands a child’s horizons, and another quarter thought access to devices makes kids more savvy about using technology of all kinds. AAP guidelines also note the social benefits of devices, including the opportunity to interact with distant friends and family

perfectly good job of time management. On the other hand, if you sometimes find it difficult to manage screen time, you’re not alone. 42% of parents admitted they feel the same way. HOW OFTEN DO YOU KNOW WHAT CONTENT YOUR KIDS ARE WATCHING? Even though parents vary a lot in how much access they give kids to technology, they agree with the AAP on one thing — it’s important to monitor what kids are consuming. Eighty-three percent say they keep an eye on what kids watch, and 71% claim to have activated parental controls. Of course, one survey isn’t definitive, but it does reveal places where parents are on the right track — and improvement is possible. In the end, every family has to devise a device policy that works for them. To help, the AAP offers an interactive tool

childhood.” WHAT ARE THE MAIN DISADVANTAGES OF USING TECH DEVICES? Twenty percent of parents couldn’t think of any disadvantages. One-third worried that technology kept children from more traditional childhood activities, such as playing, going outside or reading. Thirtyone percent were concerned that time

members. DO YOUR CHILDREN MANAGE THEIR OWN TECH TIME? Over half of parents (58%) believe their kids can manage their own time on electronic devices. Ironically, in the households where children use screens more than five hours a day, 43% of parents think kids are doing a

Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing about families and technology for over 20 years. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart.

called Create Your Family Media Plan. Find it by looking for Media Plan at healthychildren.org.

ROAR IS ®

Come see what all the roar is about!

NOW OPEN 980 macarthur causeway, miami, fl 33132 · 305.373.KIDS(5437) ·

miamichildrensmuseum.org

Miami Children’s Museum receives both private and public funding. MCM is sponsored in part by the City of Miami; the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

November 2017 | B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

HOW TO SUBMIT CALENDAR LISTINGS

Please e-mail listing information to events@browardfamilylife.com by the 5th of the month prior to the event date. Include the name of the event, location, address, date, time, brief description, price and telephone number for the public.

NovemberEvents

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER

It’s Showtime!

FALL FESTIVITIES Native American Tipi Art Station FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3-4

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by learning about dwellings people build in different regions and make your own small tipi to take home. Included with paid museum admission of $12/ Broward resident. 10am-2pm, YOUNG AT ART MUSEUM, 751 SW 121 Ave., Davie, 954-424-0085 youngatartmuseum.org

Fall Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch

THROUGH SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Free activities featuring a children’s craft and activity area, harvest market, hayrides, pumpkin painting, live music, barbecue and more. FLAMINGO ROAD NURSERY, 1655 Flamingo Rd., Davie, 954-476-7878 flamingoroadnursery.com

Dreamcatcher Crafternoon WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

For Native American Heritage Month, make the craft that is believed to catch good dreams. 4:30-5:30pm, CARVER RANCHES LIBRARY, 4735 SW 18 St., West Park, 954-357-6245 broward.org/library

So You Think You Can Dance

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2

With original performances created specifically for this nationwide tour, the stage spinoff of the TV show also captivates with the season’s most popular dancers and routines. Tickets start at $34.50. 8pm, BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort

Lauderdale, 954-462-0222 browardcenter.org

Tarzan The Stage Musical THROUGH SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

Based on Disney’s epic animated musical adventure about a high-flying boy raised by gorillas, Tarzan features Academy Awardwinning music by rock legend Phil Collins. $47-60. BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort

Lauderdale, 954-462-0222 browardcenter.org

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I TUESDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7-12

Two worlds collide in the Lincoln Center Theater production of this breathtaking and exquisite musical. Set in 1860’s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous

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relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. $28-99. KRAVIS

Cinderella

CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 701 Okeechobee Blvd.,

Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-0222 browardcenter.org

West Palm Beach, 561-832-7469

Peter and the Starcatcher

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26

Winner of five Tony Awards, this wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s best-selling novels upends the Peter Pan story. $45. BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS,

201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-0222 browardcenter.org

Miss ARC Broward Pageant SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12

This fifth-annual pageant to empower young women ages 6-17 with developmental disabilities features 20 contestants. $15. 3pm, PARKER PLAYHOUSE,

707 NE Eighth St.,Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-0222 parkerplayhouse.com

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SATURDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18-19

Fort Lauderdale Children’s Ballet Theatre presents the timeless fairy tale. $25. 11:30am and 4:30pm, BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, 201 SW

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25

Daniel learns what it takes to be “King for a Day” in this touring production based on the popular PBS TV series. $26.50$79.50. 2pm, CORAL SPRINGS CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 2855 Coral Springs Dr., 954-344-5990 coralspringscenterforthearts.com

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25

Cars fly, trees fight back, and monsters are on the loose in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This concert features the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in high-definition, on a giant screen, while a live orchestra performs John Williams’ unforgettable score. $39-$105. 2pm and 8pm, ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER,

1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-949-6722 arshtcenter.org

Family Hayride & Campfire FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Take a hayride around the park and roast marshmallows around a campfire to make s’mores. 7-9:30pm, QUIET WATERS PARK, $3.50/person, advance tickets required. 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, 954-357-5100; 6-9pm, T.Y. PARK, $3.50/person, cash only. 3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood, 954-357-8811 broward.org/parks

Thanksgiving Crafts SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Get creative for Turkey Day. Ages 6-11. Registration required. 2-3pm, WEST REGIONAL LIBRARY, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation, 954-765-1585 broward.org/library

Turkey Puppets Art Station WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24-25

Celebrate the fall season by creating a cute turkey puppet with an array of colorful feathers. Included with paid museum admission of $12/Broward resident. 10am-2pm, YOUNG AT ART MUSEUM, 751 SW 121 Ave., Davie, 954-424-0085 youngatartmuseum.org

Tamarac Turkey Trot THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Put your running shoes on and get moving on Thanksgiving morning for the Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run. Runners receive t-shirt and finisher medal. 7:30am, TAMARAC CITY HALL, 7525 NW 88 Ave., Tamarac, active.com

Turkey Trot

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Shed some calories before the big meal at this 5K walk/run at 7:30am, with a kids’ dash at 8:30am, CORNER OF SE FIFTH STREET AND A1A,

Fort Lauderdale, turkeytrotftl.com

FAIRS, FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

Camelot Days

Displays of yachts and marine accessories, plus fishing clinics for kids. VARIOUS SITES IN FORT LAUDERDALE, 954-764-7642 flibs.com

A kingdom full of musicians, artisans, eateries, knights and jesters, living chess game, rides, games, jousting and more. $15/adult, $3/child. 10am-5:30pm, T.Y. PARK, 3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood, 954-357-8811 camelotdays.com

WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1-5

Day of the Dead Celebration THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2

This Mexican tradition includes family activities, workshops, a craft crypt, music, dance and an outdoor skeleton processional. 4-10pm, VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN DOWNTOWN FORT LAUDERDALE,

dayofthedeadflorida.com

Santa’s Enchanted Forest OPENS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Lights, rides, food, games, entertainment and more make this holiday wonderland glow. TROPICAL PARK, corner of Bird Road and the Palmetto Expressway, Miami, 305-559-9689 santasenchantedforest.com

SwampFest Bluegrass Music Festival SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Festival features all things Everglades. $19.99/adult, $12.95/ages 3-11. 9:30am-5pm, FLAMINGO GARDENS, 3750 S. Flamingo Rd., Davie, 954-473-2955 flamingogardens.org

to inspire the imagination. Free. 10am-4:30pm, SOUTHWEST REGIONAL LIBRARY, 16835 Sheridan St., Pembroke Pines, 954-357-6580 broward.org/library

SATURDAYS-SUNDAYS, NOVEMBER 11-12 & 18-19

Chinese Lantern Festival

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23-26 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30

Jamaican Jerk Festival SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12

A celebration of authentic Jamaican traditions, featuring a jerk cook-off, cultural displays, domino tournament, live entertainment and kids’ fun zone. $30. 10am-10pm, MARKHAM PARK, 16001 W. State Rd. 84, Sunrise, 754-273-9166 jerkfestival.com

This eight-week event features “wild” animal displays, performances, authentic Chinese food and handmade items by Chinese artisans. $25/adult, $15/ages 3-17. Children under 3 free. Discount tickets available online. 5:30-10pm, CENTRAL BROWARD REGIONAL PARK AND STADIUM, 3700 NW 11 Place, Lauderhill, 954-357-5400 chineselanternfestival.com

Panthers in the Park Winterfest Family Fun Day

Holiday Fantasy of Lights OPENS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26

A spectacular drive-through display of illuminated trees and animated figures. $11-16/vehicle. 6-10pm, TRADEWINDS PARK, 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek, 954-357-8870 holidaylightsdrivethru.com

Storybook Festival

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18

A children’s wonderland of storytelling, character appearances, live shows, crafts and more

Celebrate the coming winter with free activities, such as Polar Express, Fair Superslide, kids town, face painting and photo opps with Supercon Superheros, mascots and Santa. Plus skate on a real ice rink from the Florida Panthers (fee to skate). 10am-3pm, HUIZENGA PLAZA, 32 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-767-0686 winterfestparade.com

Community Activities Moon Rock Celebration WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the moon rock exhibit, featuring a speech by Apollo 15 astronaut Al Worden. Free. 5:30-7:30pm, BROWARD COUNTY MAIN LIBRARY, 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, 954-357-7444 broward.org/library

Free First Thursdays Starry Nights THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Enjoy free admission to exhibitions and hands-on art projects for all ages, such as Micro Mini Muse, in which families with children ages 3-5 are invited to create art together and take childfriendly exhibition tours. 4–8pm, NSU ART MUSEUM FORT LAUDERDALE,

1 E. Las Olas Blvd., 954-262-0258, nsuartmuseum.org

Be a Good Angler SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5

For those that wish they could fish, this workshop teaches what fish eat, how to use a rod, tie on a hook and catch and release, followed by fishing from the pier. Pre-registration required. $2/donation. ANNE KOLB NATURE CENTER, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood, 954-357-5161 broward.org/parks

Light Up Lauderdale THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9

This family-friendly kickoff to the holiday season features live holiday

music, train rides, kids crafts, face painting, vendors and more. Bring an unwrapped toy for less-fortunate children of the community. 6-8:30pm, ESPLANADE PARK, 400 SW Second St. and along the downtown Riverwalk, Fort Lauderdale, fortlauderdale.gov

Veterans Day Celebration

Light Up the Beach

This program honors veterans past and present with a color guard, guest speakers and patriotic music performed by Everglades High School Gator Band. 11am-1pm, MIRAMAR

Frogs, Bugs & Dancing Slugs

BRANCH LIBRARY AND EDUCATION CENTER, 2050 Civic Center Place,

This annual event features a beach holiday-lighting ceremony, including a larger-than-life snowman display, live holiday music, a parade and a Kids’ Zone with bounce houses, slides and pony rides. 5:30-9pm, A1A AND LAS OLAS BOULEVARD, Fort Lauderdale, fortlauderdale.gov

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Kids can make big bug shadow puppets with colored gel, learn shadow puppetry and perform the traditional song, “The Ugly Bug Ball.” Recommended for ages 6 and up. Younger siblings welcome with caregiver. Free. 2-3pm, NSU ALVIN SHERMAN LIBRARY, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Davie, 954-262-5477 public.library.nova.edu

Want to Get a Job: Holiday Edition

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Teens can learn skills to help land a job. Ages 14-18. Registration required. 1-2:30pm, WEST REGIONAL LIBRARY, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation, 954-765-1585 broward.org/library

Veterans Day Open Mic SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Share your thoughts on “What Does Veterans Day Mean To Me?” at this teen program. 3-4pm, NORTHWEST BRANCH LIBRARY, 1580 NW Third Ave., Pompano Beach, 954-357-6599 broward.org/library

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Miramar, 954-357-8090 broward.org/library

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22

Christmas on Las Olas

Tree Lighting

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Santa will join the festivities that include the tree lighting ceremony (7pm,) Funtastic Friday (5-8pm), and a movie night showing of Frozen (8pm). Free. ARTS PARK AT YOUNG CIRCLE, Hollywood Blvd and U.S. 1, Hollywood 954-921-3500

Teen Recycled Fashion Show

Kick off the season at this 55th-annual winter wonderland featuring live entertainment, snow sledding, ice skating, holiday movies, Santa’s village, vendors, music, magic and more. Free. 5-10pm, ALONG E. LAS OLAS BOULEVARD,

Fort Lauderdale, 954-258-8382 lasolasboulevard.com/events

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Volunteers from Young At Art Museum and girls from the PACE Center for Girls take to the runway to showcase original designs created by teen volunteers and fashioned from recycled and repurposed materials. Proceeds support Young At Art’s Teen Volunteer Program and its Girls ‘N Power initiative serving at-risk teens. $25-50. 7pm, YOUNG AT ART MUSEUM, 751 SW 121st Ave., Davie, 954-424-5051 youngatartmuseum.org

Every effort has been made to provide accurate information. Changes and cancellations do occur. Please double check the details before setting out on your adventure.

WANT MORE

FUN? For additional local events, check our online calendar at browardfamilylife.com

November 2017 | B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

WORDS of

Wisdom

Birthday Eves THE MAGIC (AND SADNESS) OF GROWING UP BY SARAH BROUSSARD WEAVER

ast night was my son’s Magical Night. It comes once a year; the night that he goes to sleep one age and wakes another. This year’s Magical Night was the bridge from 6 to 7, crossed alone as he dreamed in his cocoon of velvety blankets and Star Wars pajamas. He came up with the term himself, inspired by his older sister (by two years) whom he overheard explaining to me that birthdays are like magic. “You wake up different from when you went to bed, and all you did was sleep!” Sophia explained. “And it can only happen on your birthday, so it must be that birthdays are magic!” Every year they release a little more information about the nature of Magical Nights to me. Yesterday, Eli told me that on his Magical Night, he gets to choose his dream. “A kid can always choose what they want to dream on their Magical Night, but only on that night! Other nights, they just have to dream whatever and have no choice,” he said, his green eyes brimming with the wonder of it all. I’m glad to have one night to blame for this; before he let me in on the secret, I blamed every night — these nights that pile up, stretching his bones and growing his flesh. He was chubby just the other day, I swear it, and now he is a lean stripling reaching further and further for the sky. I’ve threatened for at least a decade to lock my children in a box every night, “because that’s when you grow, and I can’t allow it anymore.” When they crowed about “becoming a first-grader” or “turning double digits” or “being a preteen,” I wanted to run for the hills with my babies on my back and in my arms where they belong. We could and should live up there, where time maybe goes slower or stops completely. My children laughed and mocked me, saying they would kick the box open with their strong legs, warning me that

B R O W A R D F A M I LY L I F E

| browardfamilylife.com

stopping them was impossible. They were right, and it’s not really want I wanted to do. I just wanted each night to stop stealing a little more time from me. It’s slow and insidious, unnoticeable until you look at a picture of your son from two months ago and see the baby fat of his cheeks has evaporated just a little more. We moved to the actual hills two years ago, and it hasn’t done a thing. Now I know — it’s the annual Magical Nights changing my cuddle babies into real people, tall and strong and with their own ideas and personalities. Eli’s Magical Nights are the worst because he’s our youngest child. One Magical Night will eventually come, and be the one that removes his last vestige of childhood, leaving us with a grown man. It’s how the world works. This is how mothers work: We smile with joy as a son explains the nature of Magical Nights, as our hearts crack open a little; we hug and kiss our daughters and sons goodnight, and slip out the door, leaving them to an ancient and unstoppable process that we can’t help but hate. We hide the tears because it’s not right to burden little hearts with the selfish desire to keep them young and tender forever. Now we understand our own mothers so much more. Now our hugs goodbye with our mothers reflect not just how much we will miss them, but acknowledge what they lost as we gained freedom, wisdom and strength with each Magical Night. Sarah Broussard Weaver is a writer with four children who, against her wishes, continue to grow up.