West Park News 3.2012 by Community Newspapers

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WEST PARK NEWS It’s Amazing What We Can Do MARCH 2012

• The CIP serves as a source of information about the city’s physical development and capital expenditures. • The CIP allows management staff to plan for future operating requirements to coincide with completed capital projects. • The CIP provides mechanism for coordinating among projects with respect to funding location and timing, and ensures that the most crucial projects are developed first. • The CIP is a tool for implementing the City’s Comprehensive Plan. • The CIP also focus on preserving the investment of the City’s infrastructure while ensuring the efficient use of public funds. The features of the CIP include the following information: • The description of the project or equipment to be purchased. • The justification for the project or equipment to be purchased. • Identified funding categories, such as unfunded or partially funded or funded. • The projects are ranked in order of priority. • A timetable for the completion of the project is provided.

The master plan is intended to address the feasibility of introducing an intensive athletic and community environment with

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OFFICIALS

The City of West Park, a relatively young, but thriving, municipality, founded in 2005, has made one of its missions to develop a city with high community involvement with a keen interest in creating playground and recreational facilities for its residents and surrounding communities to enjoy, thus contributing to their maxim as a City of Positive Progression. The city was recently awarded a ‘Playful City USA’ designation recognizing their efforts in increasing play opportunities for children. In keeping with this commitment, the city has identified the 18.5-acre McTyre Park to be evaluated for improvements documented in the attached Master Plan report. The park property is located at 3501 SW 56 Avenue, immediately north of Watkins Elementary School; its bounding communities are: City of West Park to the West and Town of Pembroke Park to the east and north. The site now hosts a variety of scheduled sport activities for the City’s youth and adult population as well as senior, youth and community programs in its highly used, but gravely undersized community center, located in the NW corner. The majority of the existing Park is dedicated to open field sports activities and includes 4 outdoor basketball courts, 1 football field, 1 outdoor sand volleyball court; 3 rental pavilions, a covered tot lot area and a walking path. It also has a small community center which is highly used by the community, as well as a concession stand with restrooms and a press box, which are all non-ADA compliant.

CITY

A. McTyre Park Master Plan:

PARK

ne of the all-time greats in baseball was Babe Ruth. He had a lifetime batting average of 342 and his record of 714 home runs remained unbroken until Hank Aaron came along. In time age took its toll and his popularity slipped. Finally the Yankees traded him to the Braves. In one of his last games against Cincinnati, Babe Ruth began to falter. He struck out and made several misplays that allowed the Reds to score five runs in one inning. As the Babe walked toward the dugout, chin down and dejected, there rose from the stands an enormous storm of boos and catcalls. “Loser! Get off the field! You bum! You has-been!” Some fans shook their fists. Just then a boy jumped over the railing onto the playing field. With tears streaming down his face, he threw his arms around the legs of his hero. Ruth didn’t hesitate for one second. He picked up the boy. He hugged him, set him down on his feet, and patted his head gently. The two of them walked off the field together and a hush fell over the entire park. I love what that boy did because he was nice when everybody else was mean. He was loving and supportive even though it wasn’t acceptable or popular. There’s a Proverb that says that “A friend loves at all times.” There is also a song entitled, “Greater things are still to be done.” How true that is. You don’t need great people to do great things when they work together great things happen. I am reminded daily of the need for strong, and dependable people. Great things are still to be seen in this city. Greater things are still to come and greater things are still to be done. As we continue to pursue our individual goals this year, please keep yourself informed of the many projects and events that will be underway in your city of West Park. Our website is an easy and convenient way to explore your community while obtaining information about many subject matters. The City’s 2012 Capital Improvement Plan and many other items

are easily accessible through our interactive website. You will be able to follow the progress of the city through the Capital Improvement Plan section which is an official statement of public policy regarding long range physical development in the City. CIP is a multi-year scheduling of major purchases, infrastructure improvements and construction of public facilities. The most common definition includes: “new or expanded physical facilities that are relatively large in size and cost and permanent in nature.” The CIP will be updated annually to add new projects, reevaluate programmed and projected priorities and to incorporate recommendations, taking into account new requirements and available funding. The annual capital programming process provides the following benefits:

In City Government

WEST

BY MAYOR ERIC H. JONES JR.

WHO’S WHO

Mayor Eric H. Jones, Jr.

Vice Mayor Felicia M. Brunson

Commissioner Thomas Dorsett

Commissioner Sharon Fyffe

Commissioner Rita “Peaches” Mack

City Manager W. Ajibola Balogun

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March 2012

For more information please call City Hall at 954-989-2688

March 2012

WHAT WE,

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– al improvement plan.

C.NNeighborhood Traffic Calming Study Area “B”:

various support facilities including expanded surface parking. With these interests in mind, the City has engaged the services of MC Harry Associates to develop a coherent and consolidated master plan for their 18.5acre McTyre Park that could be implemented in phases as funding becomes available. Initially, the planning study focused on broadbrush scope issues which assisted in defining primary site constraints; key among them is adequate parking facilities to match the scale of proposed development as well as designing around the existing WLRN/MDCPS communications towers and related support structures in the northeast section of the property.

B. Traffic Calming Study Area “A”: The City of West Park retained Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to assess traffic conditions within the neighborhood bounded by SW 56 Avenue to the east, SR 7 (US 441) to the west, Hallandale Beach Boulevard (SR 858) to the north, and NE 215 Street (County Line Rd) to the south. The objective of this study is to determine if improvements are necessary to enhance the quality of life for the residents by managing traffic concerns in a manner to minimize through-traffic intrusion into the residential neighborhood and to maintain vehicle speeds at suitable levels. This report presents input from the residents and City staff, field observations, traffic counts, vehicle speed measurements, an analysis of existing traffic conditions, and a conceptu-

The City of West Park retained Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to assess traffic conditions within the Carver Ranches neighborhood generally bounded by SW 38 Avenue to the east, SW 58 Avenue to the west, Pembroke Road (SR824) to the north, and Hallandale Beach Boulevard (SR-858) to the south. The objective of this study is to determine if improvements are necessary to enhance the quality of life for the residents by managing traffic concerns in a manner to minimize through-traffic intrusion into the residential neighborhood and to maintain vehicle speeds at suitable levels. Again, this report presents input from the residents and City staff, field observations, traffic counts, vehicle speed measurements, an analysis of existing traffic conditions, and a conceptual improvement plan. As you can see the City is continually progressing and making plans for the future. The Great Wall of China is the largest wall ever built in the history of the world. It took 1800 years to build it. They started in 220 BC and they got finished some time during the Ming dynasty in the 1600s. When it was completed, it was 6000 miles long. At one point, 800,000 people were working on that wall day and night. Some people spent their entire lives working on it. Not only did the wall keep the enemies of China from attacking but the wall stands as a great symbol of what can be accomplished when people work together. GOD BLESS WEST PARK AND GOD BLESS AMERICA. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 954.889.4153 with any questions you may have.

Barbara Buxton, J.D., LL.M. Florida Attorney

Nursing Home Medicaid • Elder Law & Estate Planning Florida Medicaid Planning & Eligibility Asset Protection • Wills, Trusts, Living Wills Powers of Attorney • Guardianships Probate: Estate Administration

Serving Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties Tel.: 305.932.2293 Miami-Dade County 954.760.7077 Broward County www.buxtonlaw.com

Never Pay Another Expensive Repair Again

Ly Espinol

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March 2012

• • • Women’s History Month • • • Celebrating real and profound women BY VICE MAYOR FELICIA M. BRUNSON

A real and profound woman, she moves through the world with a sense of confidence and grace. Her once reckless spirit now tempered by wisdom. Quietly, yet firmly, she speaks her truth without doubt or hesitation and the life she leads is of her own creation. She now understands what it means to live and let live. How much to ask for herself and how much to give. She has a strong, yet generous heart and the inner beauty she emanates truly sets her apart. Like the mythical Phoenix, she has risen from the ashes and soared to a new plane of existence, unfettered by the things that once that posed such resistance. Her senses now heightened, she sees everything so clearly. She hears the wind rustling through the trees; beckoning her to live the dreams she holds so dearly. She feels the softness of her hands and muses at the strength that they possess. Her needs and desires she has learned to express. She has tasted the bitter and savored the sweet fruits of life, overcome adversity and pushed past heartache and strife. And the one thing she never understood, she now knows to be true, that it all begins and ends with you. March is Women’s History Month, and many across this city, county and state will host programs that offer positive, empowering messages for women. From body image, to relationships, from leadership to health issues, from women’s safety to self-defense—a woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform. West Park, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, we pay tribute to the lives of countless real and profound women who have made great sacrifices, embarked upon meaningful endeavors, and torn down historic barriers of prejudice. Confucius once said, “Study of the past if you would define the future”. As women pioneering the future it is imperative that we study the incredible women of our past. From the undaunted courage of Amelia Earhart and the unrelenting fortitude of Susan B. Anthony to the unquenchable spirit of Annie Oakley and the quiet strength of Rosa Parks, our nation’s past holds a great wealth of real and profound women heroes who inspire us and provide us with examples of how to make a difference. As a woman in a political career, I have benefitted greatly from the example set by many impressive real and profound women. I am cognizant of the fact that the fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world. I am even more convinced that the influence of an army of godly women is and will always be

incalculable—in our homes, our churches, our culture, our community and in the world. For there is in every real and profound woman’s heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.

Many may question—why is Women’s History Month important? And my answer to that is….Women’s history isn’t just about women or for women—it’s an important part of understanding history as a whole. Real and profound women have played an important role in West Park’s history (Mary Saunders and Susie Daniels-to name a few), helping to shape our laws and culture to what it is today. Progress has not come easily—women have had to fight for their rights, including the right to go to school, to own property, to earn and keep their wages, to have a say in forming laws, and to vote in elections, also known as suffrage. For many of you, I know you have your own personal story of the women who have encouraged and helped you in your life and career. And I believe that we have a responsibility to continue that cycle and to do our part to foster and encourage the careers and development of the next generation of women leaders. We must commit to give them critical messages that will challenge, empower and motivate them. We must show them that a real and profound woman is true to herself. She will always hold her head up high. She doesn’t waddle in pity; or sit back and cry. She is a survivor- standing on her own feet with God by her side, knowing that she

can’t be beat. We must show them that a real and profound woman has courage; she always has spunk and grace. Even when she’s down, she has a smile upon her face. She lifts her sister up when others may tear her down. A real and profound woman will make it. A real and profound woman will excel. A real and profound woman will keep on striving, whether she wins or fails. Lastly, women’s history is important because the progress of a real and profound woman is a path that we must chart - a path that has its foundation and beginnings in the richness of the past and its future in the efforts of each of us. We must renew our commitment to charting that course and embark boldly on our work pioneering the future. For we must always remember, that the eyes of the future are looking back at us and praying for us to see behind our own time. West Park let’s celebrate all the real and profound women of the past, present and the future! All of us, no matter how big or how small, whether male or female — we all owe our lives to a woman. I encourage you to learn more about the real and profound women in history and take advantage of the events planned throughout the rest of this month that will recognize the sacrifices, past achievements, and ongoing contributions made by women to the history and heritage of our great country, our state, our county and most importantly our beloved city. Remember to contact me at City Hall with your ideas, suggestions or concerns. I represent you and appreciate your input into the continued success of our beloved city. I can be reached at (954) 889-4164 or email fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org.

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FROM THE DESK OF COMMISSIONER FYFFE A lot is happening in our City. Coming up very soon are the RED LIGHT CAMERAS that are presently being installed right now at six different intersections in West Park. We hope the RED LIGHT CAMERAS will change driving behaviors in West Park. According to the IIHS, 651 people were killed and over 100,000 were injured in crashes that involved red light running in 2010. And about half of the deaths were pedestrians, bicyclists and innocent occupants of other vehicles. LET’S KEEP OUR INTERSECTIONS SAFE here in West Park. Some people are saying the red light cameras will cause more rear-end collisions. When you drive a motor vehicle, you must keep your vehicle under control at all times. If you rear-end someone, whether at a red light or at any other time, you get a ticket. You are responsible for the collision; you are cited. It means you were driving too close and too fast and you lost control of your vehicle. So, please remember to drive with care at all times and also remember when you are driving in other neighboring cities and cities around the state, they too have RED LIGHT CAMERAS flashing at violators. Slow down or you will be paying RED LIGHT CAMERA fines in other cities too. The fine for a RED LIGHT CAMERA citation is $158.00 Let me now introduce you to Ebony Jackson, a West Park resident. Ebony is deaf. Here is her story (reduced from the original): “My name is Ebony Jackson. I am married and I have two wonderful kids ages eight and fifteen. We are now residents of West Park. We moved here from Dade County about a year ago and we love it here living in West Park. I was born and raised in Miami. I became officially deaf at the age of two. It was due to severe fevers. After my diagnosis, my mother took several sign language classes just so she could communicate with me and she also bought me a hearing aide. My mother insisted I attend regular school with hearing kids so I would receive a regular high school diploma. She did not enroll me in special education classes. I also took speech therapy and sign language. Growing up and in school, I felt like an outcast. I was bullied. Kids would call me every name in the book. I used to come home crying every day until one day my mama sat down and had a talk with me about

“life”. She explained to me that not everyone will accept me, that I would have to work extra hard and that I will be discriminated against for three reasons: I’m black, deaf and a woman. Here’s when reality sat in with me. She blind folded me with a scarf and strapped me into a wheelchair. Then she took out my hearing aide so that I couldn’t hear. Then after that, she asked me to get a glass of water. Being strapped in a wheelchair and blindfolded, I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t see to find a glass nor could I get up from the wheelchair. I began to understand where she was coming from. She asked me about how I felt about the whole ordeal and which disability do I prefer to be. I told her that I felt trapped and that I prefer to be deaf. Mama went on to say, no matter what, you are blessed to be able to see, walk and to be able to have some hearing abilities. She also said that GOD blessed me with hands to communicate, be thankful. Some people are blind and paralyzed and some may not have hands. Never forget that, she said. From that point on I began to feel good about “self”. I quit hiding my hearing aide with my hair, I wore a ponytail, and I put my shame aside and stood tall. It didn’t matter to me what anyone thought of me, I was to be on a mission to be proud of myself. In high school I was known as “the only deaf girl in school” and/or “deaf girl”. I hated that but thank God for my teachers. I say this because I had three high school teachers that loved me. They were always there for me in time of need. They assigned a sign language interpreter for me all through high school, that made my life a lot easier. How cool was that! I graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1995. After that I went to Broward Community College. Mama found out that there was a deaf college in Washington, D.C., Gallaudet University. I applied and was accepted. I learned this was the only deaf university in the world. When I first came to Gallaudet University, I had a cultural shock. It was like a whole new world for me. It was so different, awesome and unique! Everyone on campus signs. I fell in love with life and my deaf culture. I began to feel good about myself. I didn’t want to come back to Florida for nothing! I stayed in Washington, D.C. for six years I worked on campus and I majored in deaf studies and minored in criminal justice. I endured hardships and homelessness. But I knew somehow I wanted to be a

mouth for the deaf and that I was going to make it one day no matter what. When my time in D.C. was over, I came back to Miami. When I started hanging out with deaf people in Miami, I began to see their hardship. I heard their cry. I saw how their families abandoned them. I saw women have four and five children with no father in the household. I believe that deaf people deserve the same rights as the other people. I believe the deaf should be serviced properly. I believe they should be treated equally. I prayed to God to show me the way but it would take time and faith. I learned the history of the deaf, I learned our deaf ancestors had hardships too. I also learned that our deaf ancestors fought for causes and for our rights. I found that several organizations and agencies marched to the White House and protested as well. I learned a lot about my deaf culture. But what I didn’t know was where and how to get resources. In 2010 I moved to West Park. The first thing I asked myself was, where are the deaf? What services does West Park provide for the deaf? Who do I speak to? I am thinking about establishing a deaf ministry, providing interpreting services for the deaf, scholarship services and more. I am proud to say I am a deaf resident of West Park. Although I do not now have many resources, I will do whatever I possibly can for our deaf community. God will direct my path. I just know he will.” And now let me introduce you to another West Park resident, Mr. Cupid, Don Sutherland. Don writes: “I am a single man who wants all the single women to be my Valentine. I plan to run for Mayor of West Park in 2017 on a sinner’s platform.” Don has lived in our area for forty years. He at one time owned a machine shop in Miami for twenty-five years before coming to the West Park area. Don lives in the Lake Forest area of West Park. He attends the City Commission meetings, and City events and also the senior breakfasts at the Resource Center. Each year on Valentine’s Day he dresses up as Cupid and hands out heart-shaped boxes of chocolates (about 100 of them) to the people of our community. Thank you, Don, for your community spirit and your thoughtfulness! Do you have questions or concerns about bulk trash, speeding, barking dogs, loose dogs, etc? Give me a call. As always, I am at your service. 954-963-7745.

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March 2012

West Park – A City Where Young People Thrive BY VICE MAYOR FELICIA M. BRUNSON One of West Park’s top priorities is ‘community collaboration for youth well-being,’ an important goal for all of us. Yet we see daily how our young people are struggling in many ways. Some of our children feel burdened by pressure, academic and otherwise, as they strive to achieve in a community where achievement is a significant cultural influence. What are these children doing when they are not in school? Is a caring adult available to supervise them during the nonschool hours? Are they participating in enriching activities-activities that can develop their potential, build their confidence, and help them in their schoolwork? We, in the City of West Park, are blessed with an array of resources, many dedicated to our young people. Our kids attend top-

notch schools. Our summer camps program is an annual sell-out. We are home to two phenomenal parks- McTyre and Mary Saunders. And we also have the Carver Ranches Boys and Girls Club in our city. We offer hands-on programs for children and many enrichment activities through the City. Once the last school bell rings, under the leadership of your City Commission and staff, we have committed to ensuring the success of our youth. As a community we recognize that our youth are a large percentage of our population but 100% of our future. The City of West Park is committed to our area youth in all age ranges and has programs and offerings to support and grow our future leaders. Resources available to youth in West Park include but are not limited to: 1. Youth Council 2. Education Advisory Board 3. Scholarships

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(USPS 699-310) (ISSN 1060-782) 6796 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355, Fax (305) 662-6980 PUBLISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grant Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael Miller WRITERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron Beasley, Robert Hamilton, Gary Alan Ruse, Lee Stephen, Al Sunshine, Richard Yager ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Albie Barnes, Roberta Bergman, Beatriz Brandfon, Celia Canabate, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Diane Chasin, Enrique Chau, Sharon Christian, Lori Cohen, Amy Donner, Cecile Fanfani, Dianne Maddox, Denzil Miles, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann Robbins-Udel, Fara Sax, Diane Sedona Schiller, Georgia Tait, Walter White LEGAL ADVERTISING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Enrique Chau PROOF DEPARTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Vavrek PRODUCTION GRAPHIC ARTISTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Ortega, Cristian Ortiz, Catalina Roca, Marie Scheer, Isabel Vavrek PUBLISHER EMERITUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Miller POSTAL INFORMATION: Community Newspapers is published by Your Hometown Newspaper, Inc. 6796 SW 62 Ave., S. Miami, FL 33143. Periodicals Postage Paid in Miami, Florida, and additional mailing offices. Published weekly. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Community Newspapers, P.O. Box 43-1970, South Miami, FL 33143. Subscription rates: $27.50 a year. GENERAL PROVISIONS: Every issue of Community Newspapers is fully copyrighted, and all property rights, including advertisements produced by Community Newspapers. Artwork and/or typography furnished or arranged for/by us, shall be the property of Community Newspapers. No such ad or any art thereof may be reproduced without the prior consent of Community Newspapers. Editorial e-mail: cneditor@gate.net • www.communitynewspapers.com

4.Community Service hour projects: Relay for Life, Thanksgiving and Holiday Toy Giveaway 5. Carver Ranches Boys and Girls Club 6. McTyre Park 7. Mary Saunders Park 8. Hurricanes Athletic Association 9. Martial Arts 10. Spring Break Camp 11. Winter Break Camp 12. Non-School/ Teacher Planning Day Camp 13. Knights of Pythagoras 14. Sisters of Tomorrow 15. Shani Speaks 16. Summer camp program 17. Basketball leagues 18. Carver Ranches library 19. PreCision Summer Mentoring program for teenage girls Yes, the opportunities for our area youth can be improved. Many things that do not exist now for our youth will be created in the future. Enhancing the quality of existing youth programs and increasing the number of programs available will involve all elements of our community. Whether it is an artist coming into an after school program to teach kids pottery or if it is a policeman playing football with 3rd graders on the field after school, the mis-

sion is all the same: the adults in our community are connecting with the children of our community and they are working to provide our children with the best experience in life. The opportunities to create a wonderful world of experiences for our youth are endless when many hands are put to the plow. So what will the future look like in relation to the programs available to our youth now? What could we develop in our young people that is not presently in place? The answer does not lie with just one person: it is our whole community that can pool its resources to create the best. It is the weaving of a strong fabric in our community by creating connections and relationships between organizations, corporations, adults and youth doing meaningful activities together. Through the work and diligence of many partnerships, the abundant resources our community offers, and the commitment of each of us, West Park will and continue to shine as a community where young people thrive. Remember to contact me at City Hall with your ideas, suggestions or concerns. I represent you and appreciate your input into the continued success of our beloved city. I can be reached at (954) 889-4164 or email fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org.

March 2012

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Senior Social FROM THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

On Monday, February 13, 2012 the Parks and Recreation Department held a February social event with members of our Senior Program. The festivities included a partial sponsorship of the breakfast by Ester’s Restaurant which included eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, and biscuits. As part

of the event we also held a bingo tournament with all participants. Everyone had a great time and went home happy and eagerly awaiting our next event. For more information on our Senior Program or any other program, please call the Parks & Recreation Department at 954-985-1990.

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PharmaGO/Rx celebrates grand opening of its newest store On Monday, February 6, 2012 PharmaGO/Rx celebrated its grand opening within the heart of West Park’s brand new DEAL$ store located at 1959 S. State Road 7 next to West Park City Hall. “We’re excited to provide a much needed service to West Park and the surrounding communities,” said Director of Pharmacy Jeffrey Kahn, Rph. “Our model is unique, yet old-fashioned, because it embraces the time tested philisophy of an old neighborhood drugstore - providing personalized customer service to build and established long-term relationships with our customers.” PharmaGO/Rx, concentrates solely on filling prescription medications and providing a comprehensive line of diabetic supplies. The objective of PharmaGO/Rx is for their highly trained pharmacists and knowledgeable pharmacy support staff to satisfy prescription needs quickly while providing customers with the important health and wellness information they are looking for. As part of the grand opening celebration, customers who transfer or fill a new prescription at PharmaGO/Rx will receive a DEAL$ gift card, courtesy of PharmaGO/Rx. “We’re going back to the basics because that’s what people want and need,” said Mr. Kahn. “It’s about immediate attention and care. This is a competitive market and we are striving to make the aspects of convenience, relationships and expertise the main reasons why clients select PharmaGO/Rx for their prescription needs, and more importantly why they choose to come back again and refer their family and friends.”

March 2012

What Parents Should Know About Bullying From the Police Department Bullying among children is aggressive behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power or strength. A child who is being bullied has a hard time defending him or herself. Usually bullying is repeated over time. Bullying can take many forms such as physical, verbal, emotional and cyber bullying. Signs that your child might be bullied: • torn clothes • loss of appetite • mood changes • reluctance to go to school • bruises or injuries that can’t be explained Signs that your child might be engaging in bullying behavior: • impulsiveness • no empathy for others • a desire to be in control • may be an arrogant and boastful winner and poor loser in competitive games Broward County School’s Anti-Bullying Policy The Broward County School District now has an Anti-Bullying Policy that prohibits bullying of or by any district student or employee. It is important that parents become familiar with the policy. For a copy of the policy or to ask any questions, please contact your child’s school or the Broward County School Board at 754.321.0000. What to do if you suspect your child is being bullied: Talk with your child. Be supportive and gather information about the bullying. Report suspected bullying to your child’s school. You may make an anonymous report by using the anonymous reporting box located inside your school’s main entry, area or district site anonymous reporting box or by going to www.browardschools.com. Anonymous reports can also occur by calling the school district’s emergency hotline at 754-321-0911. What Parents Should Know About Cyber Bullying Cyber bullying occurs when children or teens use the internet, cell phones or other devices to send or post text or images

intended to hurt or embarrass other children or teens. This can include sending mean, vulgar, or threatening messages or images; posting sensitive, private information about another person; or pretending to be someone else in order to make that person look bad. Children and teens can cyber bully each other through e-mails, instant messaging, text messages, web pages, blogs or chat rooms. Tips to help prevent cyber bullying: • keep your computer in easily viewable places • talk regularly with your child about online activities that he or she is involved in • tell your child that you may review his or her on-line communications if you think there is reason for concern • consider installing parental control filtering software and/or tracking programs • educate your child about the consequences of inappropriate use of his or her electronics, such as losing internet access or use of their cell phone Tips for dealing with cyber bullying that your child has experienced: • strongly encourage your child not to respond to the cyber bullying • do not erase the messages or pictures (save these as evidence) • try to identify the individual doing the cyber bullying • consider filing a complaint with your service provider • contact your child’s school • contact the police if cyber bullying involves acts such as threats of violence, extortion, obscene or harassing phone calls or text messages, harassment, stalking, hate crimes or child pornography

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Pain Clinic Ordinance BY SARAH SINATRA GOULD Planning Department Manager

Prescription drug use and the proliferation of pain management clinics in the state of Florida received extensive press coverage. Often pain management clinics become “pill mills” which often have adverse impacts on communities. On August 3, 2011, the City Commission approved a moratorium on the opening of pain clinics and directed City staff review a potential ordinance regulating the operations and locations of future pain clinics. Several other Broward cities adopted ordinances related to locating pain clinics away from drug stores, pharmacies, places of worship, schools and day care centers in order to prevent the creation of “pill mills.” The City of West Park adopted its own ordinance on February 1, 2011 to regulate the location and operations of pain clinics. The ordinance specifies where pain clinics can be located. It states that a drug store or retail pharmacy cannot be located within the same shopping center or within a thousand feet of any pain management clinic. Additionally, no pain management clinic can be located within: • One thousand feet of another pain management clinic. • The same shopping center or within one thousand feet of any drug store or retail pharmacy. • One thousand feet of a place of worship, child care center, educational center or school. The ordinance also puts additional requirements on a pain clinic’s Certificate of Use. equired for all businesses operating in the City which states that the use of building is consistent with the City’s code. Any pain clinic applying for a Certificate of Use in the City of West Park must provide the following: • An anual update of owners and operators of the facility. • Provide proof of registration with the Florida Department of Health and the professional license number of the medical

director including the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) number. • An affidavit by the medical director stating that no employee of the business has been convicted or has pled guilty to a felony in Florida or in any other state involving the prescribing, dispensing, supplying, selling or possession of any controlled substance. • The pain management clinic shall be fully owned by a physician or a group of physicians each of whom are Florida licensed physicians in good standing. • Monthly update of clinic management staff including name and title, current home address, telephone numbers and date of birth, current Florida driver’s license and all drug-related criminal convictions. The pain management clinic is prohibited from having an obn-site prescription drug dispensary for the most addictive controlled substances. The ordinances reflects the City’s desire to ensure the safety of West Park residents, schools, and community facilities. A safe community is also a better place for existing and future businesses.

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KEEPING WEST PARK BEAUTIFUL From The Public Works Department For the second year, Because I’m Beautiful Girls Club, Inc. partnered with the City of West Park in our annual beautification project – Cash For Trash. Thank you to the volunteers, B.I.B girls from Watkins Elementary Magnet School for rolling up their sleeves and partaking in this year’s street clean-up along S.W. 56 Avenue from Pembroke Road to McTyre Park. Everyone was enthusiastic and rearing to go at 9:00 a.m. With everyone equipped with the necessary tools of picker, gloves and safety vests all happily went to work. Because I’m Beautiful is a 501(c)(3) non-profit girls club established in 2004 serving Broward and Miami-Dade County Title One Public Schools. This year-round program operates in conjunction with Sunshine State standards and concentrations in etiquette, life skills, community service and building confidence/selfesteem. With recent issues concerning bullying, the program’s curriculum has added this component to meet the needs of the times. The program teaches the girls that community service is essential to the survival of neighborhoods within the community and serving others at every age builds character and pride. Coming up in mid-May, B.I.B will host its first conference entitled, Healthy U, Healthy Me: Mind, Body & Soul on Miami-Dade campus on Saturday, May 19,

2012 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. If you are interested in attending, please feel free to contact aliette@bibgirlsclub.org for further information. To learn more about B.I.B, please the website at www.bibgirlsclub.com at your leisure. We look forward to years of collaborative projects in the future with the City and the B.I.B organization.

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FIRE SAFETY FOR SENIORS From the Fire Department Americans over the age of 65 have a fire death rate nearly twice the national average. For those over 75, this jumps to three times the national average. Whether living independently or in a care facility, there are steps seniors can take to remain safe from fire.

house keys close by the bed. • Check to be sure that any space heaters are turned off and heat is turned down. • Close your bedroom door while sleeping. Be Prepared: • Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home.

Kitchen Caution: • Don’t leave food unattended on the stove. If you must leave the kitchen, take a wooden spoon or potholder as a reminder. • Wear short or close fitting sleeves and an apron to avoid catching clothes on fire.

• Check smoke alarms monthly. If you need a smoke alarm, call the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue Station 27 at 954 964-0225.

• When cooking, keep a pot lid close by. In case of a pan fire, use the lid to smother the fire.

• Plan your escape routes (two from every room, if possible) in case a fire does strike. Locate two

• Clean the stove and toaster regularly to avoid grease and crumb buildup. • Use potholders, not towels, to handle hot pans and dishes. • Don’t use the oven to heat your home.

• Exit stairways from your apartment building. Never use elevators in a fire. Calling 9•1•1: • Place a 9•1•1 sticker on your phone so that you will always have the number at your fingertips during an emergency.

Heating Hazards: • Keep everything at least one foot from any heat source.

• Call 9•1•1 from a safe location for any fire, medical or police emergency.

• Unplug electrical appliances and heaters when not using them.

For more information, contact: www.sheriff.org or call Station 27 at 954-964-0225.

• Never hang clothes near a heater to dry them. • Don’t leave portable heaters alone or go to sleep while they are on.

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NOTICE TO RESIDENTS Neighborhood Traffic Calming Construction Project Area “A” / Phase 1 Traffic calming construction work is scheduled to commence soon and is expected to last for approximately 90-120 days in Area “A”. Residents can look forward to a reduction in speeding, improved aesthetic appearance, and safer streets overall in the areas where traffic calming features will be installed. ****** Diagrams on this page and the next page show the traffic calming features that will be installed on the relevant streets.

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NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING CONSTRUCTION FOR AREA “A” The City retained Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to assess traffic conditions within Area “A” - the neighborhood bounded by SW 56 Avenue to the east, State Road 7 (US 441) to the west, Hallandale Beach Boulevard (SR 858) to the north, and NE 215 Street (County Line Road) to the south. Several community meetings were held to discuss the traffic calming study. The primary purpose of the meetings were to gather input from residents regarding existing traffic and safety issues so the data collection and proposed improvements would be well targeted to address their concerns. Based on the analysis of traffic data, field observations and concerns raised by residents, an improvement plan was prepared to address traffic issues and deficiencies. Traffic calming improvements to be incorporated during construction include the following: Speed tables: Speed tables: are elongated speed humps with a flat top section. Speed tables are typically long enough for an entire wheelbase of a passenger car to rest on top. Brick pavers or other textured materials can be included to improve the aesthetics of the speed table. Raised intersections: A raised intersection is essentially a speed table through an entire intersection. Inclines are provided on approaches to ramp up onto the raised portion of the intersection. The crosswalks on each approach are also elevated as part of this treatment. Neighborhood Roundabouts: Neighborhood roundabouts are raised circular islands constructed in the center of local residential street intersections. These devices reduce vehicle speeds by forcing motorists to maneuver around them and are sometimes used instead of stop signs. Neighborhood roundabouts are commonly landscaped to enhance the aesthetics and visibility. Advanced warning signs are required on all approaches. The objective of these improvements is to enhance the quality of life for residents by managing traffic concerns in a manner that minimizes through traffic intrusion into the residential streets and to maintain vehicle speeds at acceptable levels. Speed tables are proposed for Harvard Road as shown below:

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RECENT EVENTS MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY CELEBRATION The first event to take place in the City this calendar year was the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration organized by members of the Martin Luther King Committee. Events were held on January 13, 14 and 16 beginning with a Friday night church service at Star of Bethlehem Church on 24 Street. On Saturday morning a free breakfast for seniors was held at Mary Saunders Park, and on Saturday evening youth activities took place at Star of Bethlehem Church. On Monday, January 16 residents came out for a fun-filled parade on the streets of West Park followed by a special commemorative ceremony in honor of Dr. King. The festivities ended with a free lunch at Mary Saunders Park. It was a great time for all who participated!

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RED LIGHT CAMERA ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: What is a red light running violation? A: A violation has occurred if, when while facing a steady red traffic signal, your vehicle proceeded into such an intersection without stopping and standing until an indication to proceed was shown or your vehicle made a right hand turn, or a left hand turn from a oneway street onto another one-way street, while facing a steady red signal without first coming to a complete stop and not proceeding until it was safe to do so and yielding rightof-way to pedestrians lawfully in an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection. Q: Why install red light cameras? A: Traffic studies show that red-light running is a problem at many intersections throughout the County. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 20 percent of all drivers do not obey intersection traffic signals. Red light cameras help us to enforce traffic laws by automatically photographing vehicles whose drivers run red lights. The City of West Park is committed to the safety of its community and dedicated to reducing red light violations and their potential for crashes and injuries on our roadways. Q: How do intersection safety cameras work? A: First rear image: The “A” shot is captured from the rear approach showing: the scene of the violation including the back of the violating vehicle in front of the violation line; one or more visible red light signals; and a clear image of the license plate of the offending vehicle, all from the single, base image. Second rear image: The “B” shot is also captured from the rear approach showing: the scene of the violation including the back of the violating vehicle after the rear axle has crossed the stop line and the vehicle has illegally entered the intersection; one or more visible red light signals; and a clear image of the license plate of the offending vehicle, all from the single, base image. License plate crop: For the court and police department this is the most significant innovation in photo enforcement. The Axsis™ Violation Processing System will create a magnified “crop” of the license plate from one of the images for easy viewing. The cropped license plate close-up is not a separate image, but rather a close-up view of the original violation image. This image can be taken from either of the two images captured. Q: Where will the red light cameras be located in West Park? A: Cameras will be installed at the following intersections in the City. Each approach will be clearly marked with signs. 1. Westbound West Hallandale Beach Blvd. @ US 441/State Road 7 2. Northbound US 441/State Road 7 @ Pembroke Road 3. Eastbound Pembroke Road @ SW 56 Avenue 4. Southbound US 441/ @ West Hallandale Beach Blvd. 5. Northbound US 441/State Road 7 @ West Hallandale Beach Blvd. 6. Westbound County Line Road/SW 41 Street @ US 441 State Road 7 Q: What if the light was yellow? A: The Automated Safety System only becomes active once the red light is showing. It will not capture a vehicle if the vehicle enters the intersection prior to the light changing to red. If you entered the intersection on yellow, it is legal to clear the intersection if the light turned red while you were still in the intersection.

Q: Why did I receive this Notice of Violation? A: Based upon images captured by the automated system, your vehicle was determined to have committed a red light violation. As the owner of the vehicle, the Notice of Violation is mailed to you. Q: What if I am not the driver/owner of the vehicle at the time of the violation? A: If your vehicle was stolen or sold at the time of violation, or was being test driven by another person, you may submit a sworn statement to that effect to the Court to rebut the presumption, that you were driving the vehicle at the time of the violation. A Declaration Of Non-Liability form may be downloaded from www.ViolationInfo.com or obtained from the Court. The form must be filled out, accurately and in its entirety. The form must be mailed or hand-delivered in-person to the Court prior to the Notice due date before any additional actions can be taken. If you are a rental car company or you leased your vehicle, send your letter identifying the driver along with a copy of this Notice within 30 days after the date of the Notice of Violation is received to Violation Processing Center, PO Box 22091, Tempe, AZ 852852091. Q: What happens if I ignore the Notice of Violation? A: Failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability prior to the 45th day after receipt of the notice is an admission of liability, and failure to appear at an administrative adjudication hearing after having requested a hearing is an admission of liability and constitutes a waiver of the right to appeal. Failure to pay the civil penalty within 45 days after receipt of this Notice of Violation shall result in the imposition of a late-payment fee of $25. If the second notice remains unpaid, collections proceedings and entry of judgment against you may proceed, and a request will be made to the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles to place a State hold on the registration renewal of the vehicle. Q: Will I receive any points on my driving record for this violation? A: No, this is a civil infraction that is not reported to the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles. Q: Will my insurance rates be affected? A: No, this is a civil infraction that is not reported to any insurance agencies. Q: Is this only a revenue generating program? A: No. This is a safety program. Red Light Camera Enforcement programs have been shown to reduce red light violations and intersection crashes. Numerous studies from the United States and worldwide, as well as the experience of many other cities, indicate significant decreases in red light running violations and collisions after cameras were installed. Other intersections not monitored by automated enforcement may also experience a decrease in violations and accidents as a result of the presence of this automated enforcement in other areas of the community. Q: What if I was issued a Notice of Violation from an Officer for the exact same offense? A: The Traffic Ticket issued by the officer takes precedent over the Automated Safety

March 2012

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Red-Light Safety Cameras to bring lifesaving benefits to West Park Starting in March, 2012 West Park will join the more than 80 other Florida communities currently using red-light safety cameras to enhance road safety. West Park will work with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office to deploy cameras at their most dangerous intersections. Florida was the third most deadly state in the nation for red-light running fatalities in 2009. Across the United States, redlight runners killed an average of 885 people and injured 165,000 each year for the past decade. Now, through its road safety camera agreement with American Traffic Solutions, West Park joins more than 500 communities across the nation using this lifesaving program. “Although some have complaints with regard to red light cameras, I do believe that many lives have been saved because of the added awareness of being fined for running those lights,” said Mayor Eric Jones. “Those who stop when the light is red won’t be affected, only those who violate. It’s cheaper to pay a fine than to pay for a funeral.” This year, the Insurance Institute for

Highway Safety found red-light safety cameras in 14 large U.S. cities saved 159 lives in a five-year period, and determined 815 more lives could have been saved if all 99 large cities had used these cameras. “This program will free up deputies to focus on other crimes. Our resources are already stretched, any technology that allows us to do more with less is welcomed,” stated Broward County Sheriff’s West Park Chief Nichole Anderson. For more information on the City’s red light camera safety program, please call 954.989.2688.

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WEST PARK CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Lexus IS sport sedan is a ‘sweet’ automobile Grant Miller Car Corner Last week, I picked up my son and his two friends while I was driving the hip new Lexus IS250. When they saw the car, their facial expressions were priceless. All three of them walked around the car and looked it over, carefully inspecting it from all angles. They opened the trunk and checked out the space, looked under the hood and inspected the engine, took turns sitting in both the driver’s seat and the front passenger seat, then moved to the back seat and checked out the legroom. In the end, these high school kids labeled the IS250 as “the bomb” which I later determined was a compliment of the highest order. As they headed off to baseball practice, they were all talking about how comfortable the seats were, the smooth ride and the “great” 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound audio system in

the car. I could only agree with their assessment; the Lexus IS250 sport sedan is a sweet automobile. But, for 2012 both the Lexus IS250 and IS350 are virtually unchanged after receiving numerous changes last year, including revised front and rear styling, minor interior updates, an IS 350 all-wheel drive (AWD) model and an F Sport Package for the IS 250/350 rear-wheel drive (RWD). They continue with a distinctive sporty look, a wide stance and long wheelbase, a tight body and sophisticated styling. Carefully shaped body contours, a subtle ducktail-curved trunk lid and “air kick” tail lights contribute to a sleek profile. The IS 250’s 2.5-liter V-6 engine delivers 204 hp at 6,400 rpm and 185 poundsfeet of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. The IS 350’s 3.5-liter V-6 offers a more potent 306 hp at 6,400 rpm and 277 pounds-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The IS 350 RWD model clocks zero-to-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. Both engines have dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which controls timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. Aside from its larger displacement, the 3.5-liter V-6 also differs in that it aids the

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One of society’s current hot button topics is the danger of distracted driving, but perhaps equally as troublesome is the growth of injuries to distracted pedestrians. Many blame the increased use of mobile technology as the culprit. Similar to using handheld devices while driving, pedestrians can be fatally injured when they are distracted from their surroundings. A recent study by Dr. Richard Lichtenstein, director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Research at the University of Maryland Hospital for Children in Baltimore found that deaths are on the rise for pedestrians using headphones. Whether it’s a story of a pedestrian walking into oncoming traffic or not hearing horns from vehicles or even trains, the results for distracted pedestrians can be tragic. Among the results, Dr. Lichtenstein’s study found that “the number of deaths of people wearing headphones increased from 16 in 2004-2005 to 47 in 2010-2011.” Perhaps most surprisingly is that the majority of vehicles involved were trains. The key to this alarming new trend is that it affects all populations. While the majority of cases studied involved people under the age of 30 in urban counties across the United States, this is an issue that everyone on the road needs to be aware of. In South Florida we are graced with beautiful outdoor weather throughout the year and so we are a city of runners, bike riders, walkers, etc. Whether cell phones or music devices such as iPods, it is commonplace to see pedestrians wearing headphones. What can we do to limit injuries to distracted pedestrians? First and foremost pedestrians should keep the volume low enough that they can hear what is going on in their surroundings. If you can’t hear someone talking to you, your volume is too loud. Secondly, pedestrians should be looking up at all times while in motion. If you look down to change a song or to use that fun new app, be sure that you are standing still in a safe spot out of traffic’s way. Last but not least, both pedestrians and motorists need to slow down and be aware of their surroundings before entering an intersection or crossing a crosswalk. Never assume the pedestrian will stop for you just like pedestrians shouldn’t assume that vehicles will stop for them. Source: U.S. News on msnbc.com, “Fatal distraction: Deaths of headphone-wearing pedestrians on the rise,” by Sevil Omer, 17 January 2012 CBS News, “Deaths on the Rise for Distracted Pedestrians,” by Jim Axelrod, 27 January 2011

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