Our City Weston July 2020

Weston OUR CITY

Photography by Luigi.com

We Connect Communities | July 2020

Extraordinary Service in Our Beautiful Showroom!

LEARN MORE ON PAGE 23

OurCityMedia.com

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Welcome Back!

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CONTENTS PUBLISHER’S PAGE

POSITIVE PARENTING

14 Speaking with Our Kids

42 Quaren-Time Was Family Time

COMMUNITY NEWS 24 Kettle Krush 5K Is On Track For Saturday, July 25, At Markham Park 38 What’s in Your Bag? 48 Temple Dor Dorim Welcomes New Rabbi 52 Healthy Mothers of Broward 62 Weston is Home to America’s FastestGrowing Rugby Football Club

SCHOOL NEWS 20 Flo Rida & Broward Grads ‘Going Down for Real’ In Augmented Reality 26 Virtual Chess Championship Sets Records in Participation 30 Summer of STEAM: Take the “MODS Challenge” All Summer Long 44 Broward County Students Bring Home National Merit Scholarships 60 “Drive-In” Graduation Gives Calvary Christian Academy Seniors A Safe Memorable Experien

ROTARY NEWS 50 A New Year for the Rotary Club of Weston

LEGALLY SPEAKING 19 Estate Planning from the Comfort of Your Own Home

ASK THE EXPERT

20

22 SARS-CoV 2 / CoVid-19 from a Pediatric Perspective 34 Developmental Flatfoot in Children 56 What is BII? 63 Keeping an Eye on Your Visual Health

SAFETY CORNER 40 July 2nd - Indepedence Day

55 Parenting Plans: What To Do When One Parent Is Not Following The Agreement 57 The Revocable Living Trust

TEE TO GREEN 58 Great Putting Tips to Build Confidence & to Lower Your Score

CAN DO KID 64 Heart Hero Teaches Peers That Kindness Counts 70 STRIDE

INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS

64

66 Weston Artists’ Work Hand-Picked for New Senior Living Community

REAL ESTATE 68 Real Estate Matters

PET CARE 72 CBC and Chemistry Profile 73 Pet of the Month - Meet “Henry”

PHOTO OF THE MONTH 74 The World’s Favorite Magazine™

PUZZLE PAGES 76 Crossword and Seduko

SEEN ON SCENE 78 Cypress Bay’s 2020 Graduates were Celebrated with a Parade

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 81 Teresa Santana Named Top 20 Hispanic Realtor Team Nationwide

24

WESTON’S NEXT GENERATION

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PENDING SALE

304 Mallard Road, Weston THE LANDINGS $725,000 4/3.5/Office - Pool - Waterfront

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1551 Maple Island Way, Weston THE ISLANDS $899,000 5/4/Office/Bonus Room - Pool - Waterfront

3501 N. Ocean Drive #4C, Hollywood VILLAS OF POSITANO $1,495,000 1000sf terrace overlooking the ocean 2/3.5/Den

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3101 S. Ocean Drive #2403, Hollywood OCEAN PALMS $2,100,000 3/3.5/Den

Jamie Fenster

PUBLISHERS’ PAGE

Speaking with Our Kids

R

aising children is, in many ways, the most rewarding thing an adult can do. It is frequently challenging and can even be a harrowing task. The events of the past two months haven’t made things any easier. Parents everywhere went from trying to explain why school was canceled and why you really need to wear a mask, to grappling with how to discuss the death of George Floyd with their kids.

We found that the best thing to do is simply to start a conversation. Kids these days have incredible access to information. They are often better informed on trending topics than adults. What they frequently are missing, is context. Without understanding the past, it is impossible to comprehend why millions of people would take to the streets after the killing of a single man.

We are not the right people to give advice on how to help kids grapple with the subject of systemic racism. Nor will we tell you what political remedies we favor. We will, however, encourage every parent to talk with their kids.

And, to listen to their perspective.

The isolation forced on us by the pandemic has given every parent an opportunity to speak with their kids. We don’t plan on missing it.

Sincerely,

Christy & Terry Jaillet

Christy & Terry Jaillet Publishers

PUBLISHERS Christy & Terry Jaillet publisher@ourcitymedia.com MANAGING EDITOR Christy Jaillet ART DIRECTOR Jacqueline Allard GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tom Rowe ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Nancy Koval nancy@ourcitymedia.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES John Brodie, Denise Caligiuri, Adrienne Collins, Mariem Garcia, Kenny Rodgers, Silvia Silva, Jerry Spielman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Beverly Perkins, Ivis Mateos, Representative Richard Stark, Dr. Jean Nerette, Stephanie Muniz -ARNP, Fire Chief Todd Draizin, Dr. Carlo A. Messina, Holly & Bob Catania, Dr. Maria Grosman, Terry Jaillet, Dr. Behar, Dr. Browner, Dr. Jane Therrien, Dr. Tamy Faierman, Evan Baron, Dean Sklar, Rose Sklar, Mayor Daniel J. Stermer, Miguel E. Cordova, DVM, Kalai Ramu CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kim Ruoff, Krushot Photography, PhotographyByLuigi.com, Weston Photography Studios

GOT NEWS? editor@ourcitymedia.com ADVERTISING INFO sales@ourcitymedia.com VISIT US ONLINE OurCityMedia.com

954-306-1007 400 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway Suite 200C • Sunrise, FL 33325

Our City Media of Florida, LLC publishes FREE monthly, local community news magazines throughout South Florida. Our City Media Magazines are mailed monthly to affluent single-family homes, condos and businesses in their respective communities. Monthly mailings are verifiable by USPS postage statements. Additional free copies are available at selected locations throughout the communities served and upon request by contacting the publisher. Opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher. Our City Media of Florida, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our City Media of Florida, LLC is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents copyrighted 2020 by Our City Media of Florida, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.

14 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

You’re Paying HOW MUCH to Sell Your Home?

Phone: 954-727-8218 Mobile: 954-470-3444 Brian@HelpUSellBroward.com *Paid at closing. Other Broker / Co-op fee may apply. Fees may vary with luxury properties, condos, land, etc. If your property is listed with another brokerage this is not a solicitation for your listing. Savings are compared to a 6% commission. Commissions are negotiable and are not set by law.

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OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | JULY 2020 15

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LEGALLY SPEAKING

Estate Planning from the Comfort of Your Own Home

BY BRUCE IDEN, ESQUIRE

A

s an attorney who has practiced in the area of estate planning for many years, one of the biggest challenges has always been getting potential clients to accept the importance of completing their estate plans now, rather than adding it to the list of things they might eventually need to take care of. It’s human nature to believe that creating a will or trust is not something you might need. After all, you’re not old, or sick, so there’s plenty of time to take care of these things later. Seriously, who wants to think about what may happen after you die? Or that you may die.

But proper estate planning is much more than a plan to distribute assets after you pass away. It includes planning for incapacity or extended illness. It should designate and empower someone to make financial and health care decisions for you, should you not be able to. It should designate who will care for and support your children, or continue your business after you are gone.

For me, nothing will ever replace the energy I derive by meeting clients in person. But our current normal requires that attorneys take a new approach. So I, like other attorneys, have had had to adapt. I have been able to continue to provide estate planning advice and counsel via Zoom meetings. And although businesses are beginning to “open,” many clients are not yet comfortable meeting in person. Nor are we. So we are taking things slowly.

While Zoom has allowed me to continue initial consultations, have planning meetings and present final documents, properly executing documents has remained a challenge. A testamentary document such as a will or trust must be executed in person before two witnesses and a notary. To accomplish this, our mobile notary has traveled to clients’ homes, maintaining proper social distancing and when requested to do so, witnessed document signings by looking through a window. But the legal requirement for executing these documents in person is changing.

Effective July 1st, Florida wills and trusts can be signed, witnessed and notarized virtually. Notaries who are certified to perform RON (remote online notarization) can facilitate the virtual execution of testamentary documents from the comfort of your home. The notary can even provide the necessary witnesses.

So, if you have do not have an estate plan or have one in need of updating, reach out to your attorney now. If you don’t have an attorney, find one. There are many qualified estate planning attorneys in the area and most offer complimentary initial consultations. Look for someone who has experience, competence, and compassion. And be sure they offer the option of virtual notarizations.

The pandemic has changed our world and once again reminds us of the fragility of life. No matter what your age or health situation, now is the time to create an estate plan.

Life can change in an instant. What are you waiting for?

Bruce Iden earned his J.D. from George Washington University National Law Center and his L.L.M in taxation from the University of Miami School of Law. He has been practicing in the areas of estate planning, real estate and business law for over 30 years. For more information, or to schedule a consultation with Mr. Iden, contact Iden Law Offices at 954-885-0085.

OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | JULY 2020 19

SCHOOL NEWS

Flo Rida & Broward Grads ‘Going Down for Real’ In Augmented Reality

B

roward Education Foundation teamed up with ImagineAR to create #2020gradsecret - an immersive augmented reality (AR) mobile experience for students graduating from Broward County Public Schools. Using the free ImagineAR app, grads are recording themselves in their homes accepting diplomas from Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie, joining international music superstar Flo Rida for a congratulatory message or dancing with either one of them-and instantly sharing the videos on social media. The interactive AR videos make it appear that Superintendent Runcie and Flo Rida are inside the graduate’s actual home.

“This futuristic ImagineAR augmented reality technology is a trip,” said Flo Rida. “I’m happy to help these graduates define a new way of celebrating and social interaction as they move on to the next chapter in their young lives.”

“In these unprecedented times of quarantining and social distancing, Broward Education Foundation wanted to make the Class of 2020’s graduation a very special and memorable experience,” said Shea Ciriago, executive director of Broward Education Foundation. “Keeping the #2020gradsecret launch under wraps for a

20 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

month and a half has been a challenge because our grads are making history!”

An AR industry leader, ImagineAR’s advanced technology and free mobile app allows students to move, talk, and interact with AR images of Superintendent Runcie and Flo Rida. The AR experiences are geo-targeted only to Broward County and grads choose from four customizable interactive experiences.

“ImagineAR’s mobile app allows graduates to view and record their own diploma presentation using AR. It literally looks like the Superintendent or Flo Rida are right next to these graduates, whether they’re in their living rooms, back yards or anywhere,” said Alen Paul Silverrstieen, CEO and president of ImagineAR. “We were thrilled to partner with Broward Education Foundation to bring this immersive technology to life- for the first-time ever and- for Broward’s graduating seniors.”

“When Broward Education Foundation proposed this idea that would allow students to video themselves receiving their diploma and more, in their own homes, it occurred to me how truly great things are often born from challenging situations,” said Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie. “This technology is mind-blowing. Thank you to Broward Education Foundation, ImagineAR, BrightStar Credit Union, MetroGroup Miami, and Think First Consulting Group for making the #2020gradsecret a reality.”

In addition to the custom immersive experiences, using the ImagineAR app, grads can point their phones at the #2020gradsecret social media sign to launch a very special video message from NBA legend and longtime Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade. Each of the more than 18,000 graduating seniors received a special Class of 2020 sign with their cap and gown packages, courtesy of Broward Education Foundation’s legacy partner and longtime supporter BrightStar Credit Union.

Dustin Jacobs, VP of marketing for BrightStar Credit Union said “Graduating from high school is an important right-of-passage. It’s very exciting to help Broward’s seniors experience it a whole new way.”

Metro Group Miami CEO Bruno Dede also has a long-standing relationship with Broward Education Foundation and stated “When the Foundation placed an order for graduation banners, we started brainstorming about social media signs and a light-

bulb went off. I immediately connected them with ImagineAR, Flo Rida and Dwyane Wade.”

“Bruno set the wheels in motion and we ran with it,” said Pejay Ryan, director of marketing for Broward Education Foundation. “Since something like this has never, ever been done before, we created our own AR launch roadmap. We designed social media signs, QR codes, 2020gradsecret. com website, instructions, and crafted scripts and copy. With the help of the great team at BECON, we directed and shot the green screen footage of Mr. Runcie and Flo Rida for the AR content available only in Broward County with the ImagineAR app.”

Broward County Public Schools graduates are encouraged to post their videos on social media tagging their school and #2020GradSecret. One student in each of the four AR experience categories will be awarded $200 from Broward Education Foundation in a “who did it best” contest.

About Broward Education Foundation: The nonprofit Broward Education Foundation aligns with Broward County Public Schools by providing grants for teachers who develop innovative curriculum that increases student outcomes; vitally needed school supplies for students and teachers in Title I schools; scholarships for qualified high school seniors; and support for programs and initiatives like Debate, Scholastic Chess, TurnAround Arts, STEM and more. Each year, Broward Education Foundation contributes more than $3 million to Broward County schools, serving as the catalyst for educational excellence.

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Dreams.THEDelivered.

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PELICAN LANDING Offered for $899,900 3600 sq. ft. | 4BR | 4BA Office | 3-car garage Saline chlorinated pool Scan the code to view the 3D virtual tour

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ASK THE EXPERT

SARS-CoV 2 / CoVid-19 from a Pediatric Perspective DR. MARIA ISABEL CLEMENTE MD FAAP

C

oronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some cause common cold during late Winter and early Spring in people, while others cause illness in certain types of animals.

According to the CDC “ We do not know the exact source of the current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 ( CoVid -19), but we know that it came from an animal source”.

The disease is spread airborne, through respiratory droplets, close contact, and contaminated surfaces.

In pediatrics, the disease presentation has a variety of symptoms including; fever higher than 100.4 F, cough, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, trouble breathing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, unspecific rashes, loss of taste and smell.

Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 15 days post-exposure.

Infants in the first year of age and children

with serious underlying medical problems are at the highest risk: Moderate or Severe Asthma, Chronic Lung Disease, Heart Disease, Weakened Immune System, Diabetes, Obesity, Kidney and Liver Disease.

In pediatrics, the appearance, as well as the severity of the disease, is less dramatic due to: ▸ The repeated viral exposure in children prepares the immune system to be better armed to fight infections. ▸ Their immune system is still “learning” therefore less likely to react aggressively. ▸ Children have less Chronic Diseases.

It is crucial to keep our immune system working perfectly. We recommend a good nighttime sleep from 8-12 hours, have balanced nutrition including vegetables and fruits (high in vitamin C and antioxidants), and exercise daily if possible.

What can we do to protect our kids?

1. Wash our hands and fingers for 20 seconds with soap and water.

2. Use a face mask for ages 2 and older.

There are 3 types of masks: ▸ N-95: which blocks 95 % of small particles ▸ Surgical: which stops large particles ▸ Cloth: slows the spread of disease by protect-

ing others in case you are ill or incubating the disease 3. Social distancing 6 feet away/2 meters 4. Avoid touching face, eyes, or nose 5. Respiratory hygiene by coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow or use tissue 6. Help your child cope with stress 7. Schedule routine health appointments 8. Contact your Pediatrician via Telemedicine for any health concerns and advice We want to reassure parents that most children are not affected by SARS CoV2 and seriously ill cases are rare.

The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to continue child immunizations, as it is to prevent further epidemics that can arise.

Families rely on pediatricians for trustworthy and accurate anticipatory guidance, a need that is only heightened during times of local and national stress.

One Source Pediatrics has remained open and we are taking extra steps to make sure you and your children are safe and healthy, we are here for you!

One Source Pediatrics is located at 1625 N Commerce Pkwy Suite 205, Weston FL, 33326. (954) 659-8550

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OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | JULY 2020 23

COMMUNITY NEWS

Kettle Krush 5K Is On Track For Saturday, July 25, At Markham Park

R

un for a reason at The Salvation Army of Broward County’s third annual Kettle Krush 5K set for Sawturday, July 25, from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m., at Markham Park (16001 W. State Rd. 84 in Sunrise). This annual “Christmas in July” summer fun run is a family event designed to raise money and awareness to “krush” poverty and homelessness in Broward County. The racecourse will be timed by AccuChipUSA, Inc. and awards will be given to runners within the “top 3” categories and age groups. A FREE race t-shirt will be given to all registrants.

“Now is a great time to dust off those running shoes to train and safely get some fresh air while most of us are under homestay orders,” said Major Stephen Long, area commander for The Salvation Army of Broward County. “We hope to see a downturn in the COVID-19 progress that will allow our individual runners and corporate teams to, once again, embrace each other in unity and support for our area impoverished. The Salvation Army of Broward County is proud to be on the frontlines and we’ll diligently continue to ‘Fight for Good’ to reach underserved Broward residents.”

The race is named after The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettles which are staffed during the holidays to collect funds for families in need. Last year, The Salvation Army of Broward County raised $213,205 in just five short weeks in November and December. In addition to the Kettle Krush 5K and the holiday Red

24 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

Kettle program, The Salvation Army of Broward County feeds hundreds of families through its annual free Thanksgiving meal initiative in partnership with The Cheesecake Factory, and distributes over 8,000 gifts to over 2,100 children though its Angel Trees and Holiday Toy Shop.

Advance registration fees for the Kettle Krush 5K are $10 for kids ages 2 – 8 (100 m - Kid’s Fun Run), $20 per participant 18 and under and $25 for registrants 19 and over. A month prior to the event, prices will increase. Individuals and teams can sign-up at https://tinyurl. com/KettleKrush2020.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please call Alyse Gossman at (954) 712-2431 or email alyse.gossman@uss.salvationarmy.org.

About The Salvation Army The Salvation Army is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to “meeting human needs without discrimination.” Since 1926, The Salvation Army has been active in Broward County serving thousands of our most needy community members. Today, it offers a number of vital programs including its Economic Stability Program, the Open Door Project emergency shelter, a food pantry, transitional family housing, New Beginnings for pregnant homeless women and disaster services.

For more information, visit www.salvationarmyflorida.org/fortlauderdale or call (954) 524-6991.

SCHOOL NEWS

Virtual Chess Championship Sets Records in Participation

B

roward County Public Schools (BCPS) first Virtual Chess Championship set a record in participation as 167 students in elementary, middle and high school put their chess skills to the test, competing in more than 300 games.

BCPS partners with chess organizations, such as Chess4Life, to incorporate chess into the school

day for elementary students, as well as after school chess clubs for students of all ages. Due to school closures as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the Spring Chess Championship, which had previously attracted as many as 150 students for face-to-face mental bouts, was moved to a virtual landscape.

The tournament, held Friday, May 15, was divided into four categories by grade level: kindergarten through second, third through fifth, sixth through eighth and ninth through 12th.

At the end of five rounds of competition, the winners emerged: kindergarten through second grade - Matthew Dunlop from Eagle Point Elementary School; third through fifth grade: Miles Rosner from Beachside Montessori Village Academy; sixth through eighth grade - Alice Wu from Falcon Cove Middle School tied with Vladimir Bershanskiy from Parkway Middle School; and ninth through 12th grade - David Reyes-Tobar from Fort Lauderdale High School.

“Chess is an important part of our District’s plan for preparing students for success,” said BCPS

Superintendent Robert Runcie. “It helps to enhance students’ problem-solving skills, concentration, and creativity and provides great lessons in patience and sportsmanship. I congratulate all the winners and competitors for challenging themselves by participating.”

Aspiring chess experts can continue to hone their chess skills during distance learning by accessing the Chess4Life platform through the District’s Clever portal. For more information, contact the Applied Learning Department at 754-321-1851 or visit chess4life.com.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

5 Easy Things Families Can Do to Save the Ocean ALISHA OBER, FOUNDER OF SEVEN SEAS ILLUSTRATION

T

he ocean is a wonderful place to explore! Not only is it fun and fascinating, but learning about the ocean helps us to develop care and concern for it as well.

Did you know: The ocean covers 71 percent of our planet and amazing new creatures are being discovered every day. It is thought that an estimated 50-80 percent of all life that is found on earth is under the ocean’s surface and it contains 99 percent of the living space on the planet. And yet less than 10 percent of that space has been explored by humans.

Isn’t that amazing?

Whether you live by the coast or you’re miles from the nearest ocean, there are still things families can do to protect a favorite beach and the animals that call it home.

Volunteer for a Beach Cleanup Recruit volunteers- even if it’s just your friends and family- and clean up a local beach, lake, river, stream, or wetland. By spending part of a day picking up litter, we realize the trash in our local water sources will eventually make its way to the ocean.

Reduce Your Use of Plastic This is the most threatening issue in our oceans: Most of the trash picked up on shores is plastic, which harms sea animals. Turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, birds get entangled in fishing line, and animals get stuck in plastic wrappings. Trade in those plastic water bottles in favor of reusable tumblers with lids.

Reduce Your Energy Use Climate change is linked to sea level rise and ocean acidification, both of which could drastically affect marine ecosystems. By energy-proofing your home, making sure to insulate properly, keeping your heating and cooling system maintained, and switching to energy efficient light bulbs you’ll help reduce the effects of climate change, and save some money in the process!

Eat Sustainable seafood Another way to help the ocean is by paying attention to where your seafood comes from. Overfishing is a global problem, and many common fishing and farming methods result in major habitat damage.

One of the simplest things you can do is ask your local grocery stores and restaurants if they sell sustainable seafood. If consumers make it known

28 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

that sustainable food is what they are going to buy, eventually that is what stores will sell!

Share with friends One person can make a difference, but think how much greater an impact you’ll have if you recruit your friends to the cause! Tell your friends about the issues and use your social media platforms to raise awareness.

About The goal of Seven Seas Illustration is to create beautiful and whimsical illustrations of creatures from the seven seas for children and adults with a conservation twist. Learning about the many species, such as where they live and what they eat, is a great way to understand their place in the chain of life and how we can help them thrive. Sign up online to receive a free set of printable stickers!

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SCHOOL NEWS

Summer of STEAM: Take the “MODS Challenge” All Summer Long

T

hanks to a partnership between the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) and Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), students across the District can continue to use their critical thinking skills and creativity to tackle an array of unique FREE STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) learning activities all summer long.

MODS developed eight weeks of fun, innovative and STEAM project-based learning units with multiple science activities students can do at home and share on social media.

The slate of activities that comprises the MODS Challenge was part of the District’s transition to distance learning due to the coronavirus pandemic and aimed to engage students with hands-on learning opportunities. The MODS Challenge offers a STEAM curriculum aligned with core educational standards. Through the challenges, students also have access to some of the IMAX® films in MODS’ extensive library of documentaries. All

MODS Challenge modules are available for students to access for free all summer long. Parents and students can pick the theme(s) in which they are interested in learning.

Over the final week of the school year, MODS launched, the science behind hurricanes and climate.

This final challenge was particularly timely as the start of hurricane season began June 1st. The virtual Eye of the Storm series was a collaboration of MODS, Florida International University’s (FIU) International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC) and was sponsored by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and IHRC. “As an epicenter for STEM in South Florida and a longstanding educational partner of the District, we were excited to engineer a project-based weekly curriculum that connects students to inspiring and relevant science,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. “Through the MODS Challenges, we are engag-

ing students with unique learning opportunities to spark their imaginations and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills – all while having fun,” said BCPS Superintendent Robert W. Runcie.

“We appreciate the ongoing collaboration with the Museum of Discovery and Science in providing these challenges. It’s an example of the positive impact we can have on our students by working together through community partnerships.”

The MODS Challenges are accessible by BCPS students via Canvas and on the MODS website, mods. org/modschallenge.

MODS Challenge themes include: ▸ Environment and Nature ▸ Engineering ▸ Physical Science ▸ Ecosystems ▸ Health and Wellness ▸ Space ▸ Animals ▸ Eye of the Storm: Hurricanes and Climates Students can share their projects with MODS and BCPS through Twitter using @browardschools and @modsftl with #MODSChallenge. Special thanks to Wells Fargo and Ultimate Software for sponsoring the MODS Challenge.

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OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | JULY 2020 31

Florida Youth SHINE Cheers Grads from Foster Care

The path to graduation is challenging for youth from foster care. Only 50% obtain a high school diploma and less than 5% nationally earn a college degree. Yet a dynamic group of kids, members of Florida’s Children First’s youth advocacy group Florida Youth SHINE, beat the odds by graduating this June. Despite years of trauma, abuse and neglect, some even received a master’s degree. But, without families or a support network they had no one to mark this milestone with. Due to COVID-19, many have also lost their jobs and lack funds for food, housing, remote learning and other basic necessities.

Florida’s Children First, the acclaimed non-profit dedicated to advancing rights of youth in the foster care system, threw a virtual celebration for these extraordinary 2020 grads.

Complete with a gift box for each student, the celebration featured inspiring words from their youth mentors, and surprise videos congratulating them from celebrities including former foster youth and Olympic Gold Medal gymnast Simone Biles, actor Woody Harrelson and child advocate and legislator Senator Lauren Book.

Above: Florida Youth Shine member and class of 2020 graduate; Right: Florida Youth SHINE members visit legislators in the State capitol to share their stories about life in foster care and advocate for change

Committed to making big, systemic changes to the child welfare system that improve long term outcomes for kids in care, one of Florida’s Children First’s biggest achievements was securing passage of legislation providing paid instate college tuition to foster youth through age 28. That provision, along with ongoing training and support from Florida Youth SHINE, enabled these kids to overcome their difficult beginnings and prove to others that Florida’s foster youth truly do SHINE.

For more information on Florida’s Children First, go to: FloridasChildrenFirst.org | 954.786.0860

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Chill out with fine wines shipped to you, to support our work helping vulnerable youth in Florida’s foster care system and our youth advocacy organization, Florida Youth SHINE. Napa comes to you as we deliver wine to your door, then take you on a curated private tasting of premium (90+ rated) wines. Learn what it takes to create these acclaimed varietals as a master wine expert leads us through select wines from some of Napa’s most renowned vineyards.

Can’t attend? Enjoy the wine at your leisure, while supporting Florida’s Children First • General tickets $150 / $275 (2 or 4 bottle sets) • Sponsorships start at $500 (2, 4 & 6 bottle sets)

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ASK THE EXPERT

Developmental Flatfoot in Children BY: CARLO A. MESSINA

D

evelopmental Flatfoot Occasionally associated with inner knee is one of the most pain and lower back pain. common conditions Signs include lowering or complete affecting the musculoskelcollapse of the arch. The front part of the etal system of children and foot is turned out relative to the back part and put it in its proper position. In most cases this teenagers. There is a tenof the foot and the arch bulges towards will overnight correct fatigue and leg pain that the dency for the child’s flatfoot the inside of the ankle. Knock-Knees is common child experiences. It will also help to allow better to be ignored or treated with which exasperates the deformity. The feet, ankles, performance in activities of daily living or sports. benign neglect. The facts are and legs just do not appear right upon examinaIn some cases when conservative treatment fails, that it is NOT normal, the tion or if the patient is standing. The child can surgery can be done to help with the problem. The majority of children do NOT outgrow it and there IS be overweight and lacks athletic ability, General appropriate treatment plan can be a life-changing cause for some concern. inactivity or avoidance of activity in children is Flatfeet are a genetic problem. Ligaments in the common. Abnormal shoe wear, as well as a child or experience for the child! Prognosis is excellent, especially with timely management of the problem. arch which connect the bones together are loose, teenager that does not run correctly, occurs due to allowing the arch to collapse. Congenital bone the deformity Carlo A. Messina, DPM, is a Board Certified Reconstructive abnormalities as well as trauma to the tendons and Treatment begins with a complete physical Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Diplomate American Board of Foot and ligaments in the inner arch can cause flattening of examination of the lower extremity and spine to Ankle Surgery. He is a Foot and Ankle Surgeon with the Foot, the arch and foot. A common cause of developmen- find the underlying cause. This includes examAnkle and Leg Specialists of South Florida and specializes in tal flatfoot is tightness in the calf muscles, which ining the child’s gait (walking pattern). Physical treating infants, children, teens and adults. His partners are aggravates the severe foot deformity. therapy to strengthen weak muscles and loosen Dr. Robert Sheinberg, Dr. Al DeSimone, Dr. Fernando Moya, Dr. Symptoms include young children constantly tight muscles and help to improve overall coordina- Alexander Bertot, Dr. David Shenassa, Dr. Michael Cohen and preferring to be carried by a parent or be put in a tion. Occasional immobilization of the extremity to Dr. Franz Jones. The South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine stroller due to fatigue in their legs. Leg pain, espeloosen up tight muscles with a walking cast is necin Weston is located at 1600 Town Center Blvd., Suite C, (954) cially at night and premature fatigue with activity, essary to decrease the deforming force of the calf 389-5900 and in Pembroke Pines at 17842 NW 2nd Street, (954) especially in young children or teenagers. Inner muscle on the flatfoot. Custom molded shoe insoles 430-9901. The practice website is www.SOUTHFLORIDASPORTSMEDICINE.com. leg, ankle, and foot pain with activity is common. (orthotics) to help permanently support the foot

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34 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

What’s In Your Bag?

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s we enter hurricane season, it’s essential that every family have a fully-stocked emergency supply kit. After a hurricane, or other emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days until aid can arrive. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that everyone have enough food, water and necessities to last for three to five days.

A basic emergency supply kit should contain one gallon of water per person per day to use for drinking and sanita-

tion. You should also have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for each person, along with a can opener. That includes baby formula and baby food. You also want to include mess kits or paper goods and plastic eating utensils. Every emergency kit should have a battery-powered or hand crank radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries. Flashlights and lanterns with extra batteries are also essential. Other necessities include a first aid kit, whistle to signal for help, and household cleaning supplies including garbage bags. You may need to go several days without running water, so it’s good to stock moist towelettes along with other personal hygiene items.

Be sure to include a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Photo courtesy www.nhc.noaa.gov

and make sure you have charcoal or propane for the grill.

While that’s what you need for a basic hurricane supply kit, FEMA does have a list of extra items you should consider adding. Be sure to include eyeglasses and any prescription medication you or someone in the family needs. If you have a baby, your kit should include baby care items such as disposable diapers and wipes. Don’t forget to prepare for your pet’s care as well with pet food and extra water.

It’s a good idea to include sleeping bags or blankets and pillows for each member of the family. Your kit should

also contain a change of clothing for every member of the family, including sturdy shoes as there may be a lot of debris.

Emergency kits should also include an extra set of car keys, cash because ATM’s and credit card devices might not work without power, and books, games, puzzles and other activities to keep entertained if there is no TV or internet.

Lastly, make sure to gather all important documents in waterproof containers. This includes emergency contact numbers, insurance policies (home, auto, life, etc.), medical records, bank account numbers, etc.

FEMA recommends you store items in airtight plastic bags and put the entire hurricane supply kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. n For more tips on what to include in a hurricane supply kit visit www. ready.gov/build-a-kit.

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SAFETY CORNER

July 2nd - Indepedence Day

BY CHIEF TODD DRAIZIN ost people would agree that July 4th represents the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. To some extent, they would be correct, but a lesser-known fact is that the actual date The Continental Congress decided to declare independence was July 2, 1776 and that July 4, 1776, was the date the Continental Congress approved the final edits and changes to The Declaration of Independence signed on August 2, 1776, in the building now known as Independence Hall.

As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day with daytime barbeques and evening festivities, in this time of social distancing and cancelled commercial celebrations, we at the Broward County Sheriff’s Office urge residents to use caution and to leave fireworks to the professionals.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage.

It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. The severity of injuries ranged from minor to severe burns, lost finger, lost eyes, severe blast trauma, and lost lives. People forget that fireworks are really small explosives or miniature bombs with a large destructive force. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2018 Fireworks Annual Report revealed that hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,100 people for fireworks-related injuries.

Children and younger teens accounted for more than one-third of the estimated injuries and are especially at risk for the potentially devastating burns and blast trauma. Even seemingly harmless sparklers which alone account for almost 2,200 injuries can reach temperatures up to 1200° as they burn. As an alternative to fireworks, the NFPA recommends glow sticks, which glow in the dark and are safer than sparklers. ▸ If you still choose to use fireworks, be sure to follow these safety tips: ▸ Never allow young children to handle fireworks ▸ Older children should use them only under close adult supervision ▸ Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol ▸ Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear ▸ Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands ▸ Never light them indoors ▸ Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material ▸ Never point or throw fireworks at another person ▸ Only light one at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting ▸ Never ignite devices in a container ▸ Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks ▸ Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding ▸ Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire ▸ Never use illegal fireworks The Men and Women of the Broward Sheriff’s Office of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services wish you and your family a Happy and Healthy Independence Day!!!

M

For more information, please contact District Chief Todd Draizin at Weston Fire Station #81 at 954-389-2015 or by email at Todd_Draizin@Sheriff.org.

40 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

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POSITIVE PARENTING

Quaren-Time Was Family Time

BY IVIS MATEOS he world as we knew it was completely turned upside down this spring. Almost overnight, parents went from being caregivers to becoming educators, entertainers, and work at home employees.

The community came together – from a distance – as we all rallied to obey the “Stay at Home” orders.

It was not easy. For many, it may have been the most difficult time of your life, but, hopefully, we can all say we came out stronger as individuals and family units. My wish is that we look back on this time as a blessing, not a burden.

As our country begins to heal from the coronavirus pandemic, both literally and figuratively, now we must make every effort to see the good in all things – that includes being quarantined. That word that will forever be attached to 2020, but it doesn’t need to have a negative connotation.

The one thing humans hold on to the most, and have the greatest struggle accepting, is the loss of freedom – the loss of choice to do what you want to do and have the things you want to have when you want them. But life has a silly way of taking those freedoms from us when we least expect it. That is what happened to all of us.

As we struggled to make sense of what was happening in our world, our lack of physical and material freedoms pushed our limits and opened our minds to conceive new life lessons and opportunities. What a blessing in disguise that we could finally “see” our children. I mean really see them! With our families safely nestled together, we could watch our children while they slept peacefully, see them wake up gently and joyfully start their day – loving every minute of our attention 24/7.

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42 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

This will all be over sooner than later, and before you know it, our hectic routines will return without a doubt, so cherish the memories you made and the connections you made with your children. Like my wonderful editor shared with me, it was a joy to have her college senior back home and she loved their time together knowing that when the social distancing ceased, and we all went back to our “normal” lives, her daughter would leave home to officially begin her adult life and they would never again get this type of quality time together.

So, in the future, when we reflect on the spring of 2020 as the time we sat in our homes binge-watching TV, ate two weeks’ worth of snacks in just two days, and considered putting on a clean pair of sweats as “dressing up”, savor the memories of this precious time you spent with your children. Who knows, maybe one day we will long for a “stay at home” order as an excuse to stay home from work and school and spend time together.

Ivis Mateos is a mother of two boys and has more than 24 years combined experience in educational consulting and management. In addition to earning her National Administrator Credential, Mateos has led workshops on curriculum development, teacher development, and parenting. She has been the General Manager at Tiny Planet Preschool and an Educational Consultant for Graven International Group for the past three years. For more information, please contact 954-384-4884.

SCHOOL NEWS

Broward County Students Bring Home National Merit Scholarships

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he National Merit Scholarship Corporation named 17 Broward County seniors recipients of the prestigious National Merit Scholarship. The National Merit Scholarship Program was founded to identify and honor scholastically talented American youth and to encourage them to develop their abilities to the fullest. Only 1% of the 1.6 million entrants are selected as Semifinalists each year. The Semifinalists are students who achieve the highest scores on the PSAT/NMSQT in their respective states.

Fewer than 8,000 of the Semifinalists go on to win scholarships. The winners are selected on a state-by-state basis and are judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. NMSC winners receive a $2,500 scholarship and the honor of being a Nation Merit Scholar.

Broward’s winners include: ▸ Javier Pratdesaba of Everglades High School ▸ Hannah Quintal of Nova High School ▸ Kam Cheung of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School ▸ Talia Rumsky of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School ▸ Karen Villancio-Wolter of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School ▸ Grant Cooper ofNorth Broward Prep ▸ Ronni Shashoua of NSU University High School ▸ Blake Kravitz, Pine Crest School ▸ Ara L. Johnson, Pembroke Pines Charter High School ▸ Jackson Arnberg of American Heritage School Angela Li

Doug Sandler

Hannah Quintal

Karen Villancio-Wolter

44 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

Michael Sun

Kam Cheung

▸ ▸ ▸ ▸ ▸ ▸ ▸

Carol Jiang of American Heritage School Arnav Kumar of American Heritage School Aamir Lacewala of American Heritage School Valentina Ortega of American Heritage School Kristen Quesada of American Heritage School Flora Ranis of American Heritage School Viviana Wei of American Heritage School In addition, three Cypress Bay High School seniors were named National Merit Corporate-sponsored Scholarship winners: ▸ Angela Li is the recipient of the National Merit Motorola Solutions Scholarship ▸ Douglas Sandler is the recipient of the National Merit W.W. Grainger, Inc. Scholarship ▸ Michael Sun is the recipient of the National Merit Walgreen Co. Scholarship.

Corporate sponsors provide National Merit Scholarships for finalists who are either children of their employees, residents of communities the company serves, or finalists who plan to pursue college majors or careers the sponsor wishes to encourage.

By the conclusion of this year’s competition, about 7,600 academic champions will have won National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million.

Congratulations to all the 2020 National Merit Scholarship winners!

You make us proud!

Talia Rumsky

Javier Pratdesaba

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“My experience working with BTS was very helpful. They taught me simple tricks that turned my scores around in no time. They encouraged me to work hard and dedicate time to improving not only my ACT but myself. I’m very grateful for BTS and all that they’ve done for me.”

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our Weston & Davie locations before too long! Be well.

“I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Eldeiry for working with me over FaceTime. Without his expertise and patience, I doubt I could have ever gotten a perfect score. I felt confident in my abilities to handle anything the ACT, SAT, or PSAT threw at me.” Charlie R. Perfect PSAT & ACT. Attending the University of Pennsylvania.

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THE DONOWAY CENTER NEW HOPE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER PATIENTS

Robert B. Donoway, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.S.S.O. Diplomate American Board of Surgery Diplomate, Society of Surgical Oncology Former Medical Director Memorial Cancer Center Medical Director, Atlas Oncology: Institute for Pancreatic Cancer IRE/NanoKnife Ablation

Patients diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer have few treatment options. However, a new procedure called Irreversible Electroporation or IRE for short has changed that for many patients who are seeing a doubling and tripling of their life expectancies. Dr. Robert Donoway, who has one of the largest International experiences for performing this procedure on the pancreas and liver is a Hollywood based, Sloan Kettering trained Pancreatic Surgical Oncologist, and former medical director of two of the local cancer programs remains among a very small handful of Pancreatic surgeons who perform the procedure which is done in the operating room as an outpatient.

During the procedure, Dr. Donoway places fine needle probes under direct ultrasound guidance into and around the pancreatic tumor while carefully avoiding critical structures. High voltage current up to 3000 volts is then delivered in 90-microsecond pulses synchronized with the patient’s heart rhythm to avoid any cardiac problems.

The pulses destroy the cancer cell membranes which then causes the tumor to die and be absorbed by the body. The average procedure lasts approximately 1-2 hours and the patients may be discharged the following day. A brief recovery means the patient can start chemotherapy and radiation that much sooner.

Dr. Donoway is participating in several clinical studies identifying the best chemotherapy and immunotherapies to be used along with IRE. Dr. Donoway states, “The results so far have been very encouraging and we have begun using it for other select cancers. The longest survivors are now out over 5 years and without evidence of cancer recurrence. In the past, without IRE they would have been likely to have only lived a year and so this technique opens the whole new avenue for treating those eligible patients in a more targeted fashion.”

For more information about Dr. Donoway and the Pancreatic-IRE/NanoKnife Program and clinical trials call 305-682-1995 and visit www.AtlasOncology.com

4000 Hollywood Boulevard • Suite 160 North • Hollywood, Florida 33021 Phone: 954-986-6366, 305-682-1995 • Fax: 954-986-4355 www.AtlasOncology.com

ATLAS ONCOLOGY Robert B. Donoway, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.S.S.O. Surgical Oncology & Pancreatic Surgical Oncology Practice specializing in Cancer of the Pancreas, Liver, GI Tract, Sarcoma, Adrenal, Thyroid, Parathyroid, and Melanoma. Laparoscopic and Image Guided Cancer Surgery, IRE/NanoKnife for Non-Resectable Pancreatic and Liver Cancer.

D

r. Donoway is a board certified Fellowship-trained Surgical Oncologist who received his MD and Surgical training at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his fellowship in Surgical Oncology at Sloan-Kettering where he was the General Motors Cancer Research Fellow. He has taught on the faculty at Penn, Sloan-Kettering, University of Miami and Nova Southeastern. Dr. Donoway is the former Medical Director of the Memorial Cancer Institute and Chairman of the Cancer Committee for the Memorial Healthcare System as well as Chief of Surgery and Surgical Oncology at Memorial Regional in Hollywood. Dr. Donoway served on the Board of the American Cancer Society & Gildas Club. He has also served as past President of the American Cancer Society Broward County Chapter.

Dr. Donoway is active in the Society of Surgical Oncology and the American Pancreatic Association.

His accomplishments include being the first Surgeon in Florida to perform Radio Frequency Ablation as well as Laparoscopic Liver Resection. Dr. Donoway is a recent recipient of the South Florida Health Award for the use of Micro-Endoscopy for the detection of early stage Breast Cancer. Dr. Donoway is the Medical Director of the Institute of Breast Cancer Prevention and has been repeatedly named to “TOP DOCTORS IN AMERICA” by Castle Connolly. Dr. Donoway is the ONLY surgeon in Florida performing specialized Pancreatic and Liver ablation therapy for non-resectable tumors. Dr. Donoway is the Former Chair of the Aventura Cancer Committee at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center. Dr. Donoway has privileges and operates at Aventura Hospital, Memorial Regional, Memorial South and Memorial West.

Continuing to care for our patients during the Coronavirus cirsis

• Now Offering Telemedicine • Office maintains strict disinfection protocol • Dr. Donoway is still operating on patients four days a week

COMMUNITY NEWS

Temple Dor Dorim Welcomes New Rabbi

T

emple Dor Dorim has announced the arrival of a new Rabbi. Rabbi Marci R. Bloch has joined the congregation on July 1st. Prior to coming to Dor Dorim, Rabbi Bloch served as the Senior Rabbi of Temple Beth Orr in Coral Springs and was involved in all aspects of congregational life. At Beth Orr, she developed innovative Shabbat worship and created “Kesher” (a high school program for 8th -12th graders). After the Parkland shooting, she was

active in bringing healing to the community. She is especially proud of having integrated L’Taken, a Religious Action Center Social Justice program for teens, into their Confirmation experience, and of helping Temple Beth Orr become a Brit Olam congregation—a community committed to Social Justice.

Rabbi Bloch also served as the Associate Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca Raton for twelve years. Prior to that she served as the Assistant Rabbi at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation in Indiana for two years after her ordination from Hebrew Union College Jewish Institute of Religion, New York, in 2003.

Rabbi Bloch is a board member for Hillel of Broward and Palm Beach counties. Her innovative programs have been published in Reform Judaism Magazine as well as the URJ Outreach Manual.

Rabbi Bloch’s Good Night Shabbat, Mommy Minyan, and Young Adult programs have earned her national recognition as a three-time URJ Belin Award recipient. In addition, she has won the URJ Incubator Grant.

Rabbi Bloch enjoys movies, traveling, exercising, and Broadway musicals. More than anything,

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she loves spending time with her daughters who are her constant teachers. She looks forward to sharing her passion and love for Judaism with all in the community.

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ROTARY NEWS

A New Year for the Rotary Club of Weston

BY JESUS “JAY” SANCHEZ, PRESIDENT 2020-21

S

o, here we are, starting a new Rotary year on July 1. In past months, we’ve all dealt with difficult times associated with a pandemic and the subsequent negative economic impacts. As Rotarians — people of action who see a need and fill it — we responded with a Feeding the Front Line program, serving meals to our healthcare and essential workers as well as families in need. To help support our local businesses, we sourced 100 percent from restaurants in Weston.

Despite having to cancel our annual golf tournament to raise scholarship funds, under the leader-

50 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

ship of our outgoing president John Cross and an incredibly dedicated team, we still managed to raise and distribute over $100K worth of scholarships to deserving high school seniors using virtual events. Our thanks to the generous Rotarians, partners, sponsors, and vendors who supported us is unending.

We’re facing the challenge of serving others in the NEW NORMAL and it calls us to navigate with congenial creativity. We’re looking at novel solutions to the same old problems. Needs haven’t changed; if anything, they are even more critical. And so Weston Rotarians will continue inventive fund-raising projects to sustain our traditional programs, and expand those that demand an even higher level of engagement to address the times.

We’ll also focus on leaving a legacy to the community. One project in the works in creating food gardens for our Weston schools. Students will learn about sustainable food cultivation that is completely organic, water efficient and environmentally friendly. Another project will document and celebrate the past 35 years of our club’s history as an institution deeply ingrained in the City of Weston.

Together, we’ve grown and have a story to tell of

mutual support, stepping up in disasters, meeting the needs of our friends and neighbors, and celebrating the great community that is Weston.

The Rotary Club of Weston will continue to emphasize involvement with our Rotaract and Interact clubs in colleges and high schools to inspire leadership and social responsibility in young adults.

We’ll continue our exemplary scholarship program, because we believe the future generation holds the answers to societal conflicts.

We’ve learned to find social solutions by way of virtual connections and make the best of that experience during our weekly breakfast meetings. Now we can expand our reach without geographical limitations to include incredible guests and speakers. We started an evening satellite club for those who want to be a part of the dynamic service club that is The RCW, but who cannot attend breakfast meetings.

As we start our 35th Anniversary year, we invite you to join us in working to turn uncertainty into positive results. For more information, email us at westonrotary@gmail.com.

The Rotary Club of Weston meets weekly at 7:30 AM on Thursdays at Weston Hills Country Club. Visit www.westonrotary. com to learn more.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Healthy Mothers of Broward

BY TERRY JAILLET

T

here are guardian angels in Broward County. These angels are not the kind with wings. In fact, they are ordinary people like you and me. They are, however, looking out for the most helpless of us all: infants. These angles help disadvantaged pregnant women and new mothers through their pregnancies and the first year of their babies’ lives.

Local charity Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County, has been helping up to 4,000 local families at a time for over 20 years. The 501(c)3’s mission is to reduce infant deaths by strengthening families through a comprehensive approach to prenatal care, parenting, education, and support services.

About 1 of every 200 babies born in Broward County don’t make it to their first birthday. For minorities and economically disadvantaged groups, the data are even worse. Black babies are four times more likely to die in their first year of life than white babies. Poor mothers are less likely to seek and have access to prenatal care than wealthier mothers.

Healthy Mothers focuses its work on the five Broward zip codes with the highest infant mortality rate. One of the organization’s signature programs, The Mahogany Project, provides intensive case management services to in-need mothers, including: ▸ Prenatal Support ▸ Childbirth Education ▸ Breastfeeding Education ▸ Nutrition Education ▸ Support Groups ▸ Individual Counseling ▸ Medical Case Management The organization is led by Executive Director, Linda Cichon, who started with the Healthy Mothers 23 years ago. “My involvement in this effort is personal. I had a baby that was stillborn. I stayed connected with a nurse that helped me through that moment in my life and began to volunteer. I guess, I never left.”

Cichon also highlighted one of the group’s most successful programs, its Teen Leadership Council. The Teen Council is comprised of dedicated teen volunteers from many area high schools. The young people lead Healthy Mothers’ Grab N Go Lunch program. They have delivered more than 2,000 meals to in-need families during this unprecedented time. The students truly embrace their mantra of Saving Lives, Guiding Futures and Inspiring Hope.

In addition to meals, mentorship and education, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies offers pregnant women and new moms classes on how to make healthier meals ,as well as ,supplying healthy produce to the families.

It is a comfort to know that the families most in need are being watched over by guardian angels from Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies.

To learn more or if you would like to volunteer or donate to Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County visit their website at www.hmhbbroward.org.

52 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

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LEGALLY SPEAKING

Parenting Plans: What To Do When One Parent Is Not Following The Agreement BY: FERNANDA PEDROSO arenting Plans are the agreement that parents enter into either during a dissolution of marriage involving minor children or during a paternity action where the parents share a child or children in common. The goal of this agreement is to provide both parents and more importantly—the child—clarity as to when the child will be spending time with each parent. In order for a Parenting Plan to truly assist families with their co-parenting, this document should be very specific and address all children-related topics with as much detail as possible. Ambiguities can and often do lead to issues and disagreement between parents, resulting in the need to submit the matter to court.

However, sometimes even if these documents are properly drafted and specific, one parent may still fail to comply with his or her responsibilities as stated within the parenting plan. One example of this non-compliance is related to the timesharing and/or holiday schedule—wherein one parent is not exercising the time he/she agreed to exercise; or alternatively, one parent is taking more time than they are entitled to.

If you find yourself in the situation where one parent is not fulfilling their portion of the timesharing schedule, this would constitute, a substantial change in circumstances, since the time of the entry of the Final Judgment thereby entitling you to seek a modification in order for the agreement to illustrate the timesharing schedule actually being exercised by both parents.

The filing of a modification will open the door for other child-related issues to be re-addressed, if necessary. Therefore, it is important you consider whether you truly want to proceed down this route. Consequently, a modification in timesharing may also impact the child support obligation as that obligation is, in part, impacted by the percentage of timesharing each parent is exercising.

If on the other hand, you are in a situation where one parent is constantly interfering with your timesharing such as keeping the minor child extra time or failing to execute drop-offs on time, you are entitled to seek an enforcement of your agreement. This is done by filing a Motion for Contempt and Enforcement. You may also request that the non-compliant parent be responsible for your attorney’s fees and costs related to the filing of this motion, since absent their actions, there would likely be no need to address this matter in court.

Ultimately, it is always best that parents attempt to remain civil and respect one another and the agreement they have entered. This is always beneficial for children as it limits their exposure to the negative effects and dynamics of litigation. However, when the non-compliance is such that it begins to disrupt the minor child and results in a willful disregard for the Parenting Plan established in the family case, it becomes necessary to address.

P

n The law firm of Evan H. Baron and Associates is located at 1655 North Commerce Parkway, Suite 201, in Weston. If you have any questions concerning this issue or any other family law matter, call the office at 954-385-9160.

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ASK THE EXPERT

What is BII?

BY CHARLES A. MESSA, III, M.D., F.A.C.S. reast Implant Illness (BII) is a term used by women who have breast implants and who self- identify and describe a variety of symptoms including autoimmune issues, muscle aches, joint pain, fatigue, hair loss, headaches, photosensitivity, chronic pain, rash, anxiety, brain fog, sleep disturbance, depression, neurologic issues and hormonal issues that they feel are directly connected to their saline or silicone breast implants.

The recent increase in patients reporting Breast Implant Illness (BII) symptoms appears to be related to increased awareness based on social media and presence of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). There is one Facebook group alone with more than 50,000 members, all of whom report Breast Implant Illness (BII) symptoms. This is not to say that social media is the cause of Breast Implant Illness (BII) however, it may account for the rapid increases in patient reporting. BII is not an official medical diagnosis.

There is no diagnostic testing specifically for Breast Implant Illness (BII).

This is one of the current areas of focus for the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation, the research arm of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. There are tests for autoimmune diseases that can be performed to evaluate for potential causes of a patient’s symptoms. There are patients who have symptoms they attribute to Breast Implant Illness (BII) with positive immune testing and others with all laboratory tests which show no abnormalities.

In 1999, The Institute of Medicine Committee on the Safety of Silicone conducted an extensive review of the available literature and concluded there was no demonstrated clear link between silicone implants and any systemic illness. There have been studies of many different sizes and design to look at the safety of breast implants themselves. These have looked at specific autoimmune disorders and diseases. These studies show little to no links between breast implants and any disease. Studies of patients who have symptoms that they have related to their breast implants have not shown consistent laboratory abnormalities to define a distinct syndrome. To date, there has been very little in the way of research into this entity that has been labelled Breast Implant Illness (BII) by women with breast implants.

Does implant removal improve the patient’s symptoms or cure a patient who has a medically diagnosed disease entity like an autoimmune disease?

Various studies show different degrees of improvement in patient symptoms after removal of their breast implants, some of which are temporary, and some showing permanent resolution of symptoms. There are no studies which specifically show which symptoms may or may not improve with implant removal with or without capsulectomy.

There is no current definitive epidemiological evidence to support a direct link between breast implants and any specific disease process. There are many factors that can affect the interaction between a patient and her breast implants.

Further study is required to determine the best way to potentially screen patients prior to breast implant surgery and to determine which of the multitude of reported symptoms might improve with implant and capsule removal.

A lack of a direct, proven scientific link does not mean that the symptoms experienced by these patients are not real. Some patients have legitimate concerns about a potential link between breast implants and symptoms. For individuals who have breast implants and complains of Breast Implant Illness (BII) symptoms options can include: further medical workup with or without the consultation of a rheumatologist, observation without medical workup, implant removal without capsulectomy, exchange with or without capsulectomy, removal with total capsulectomy, or removal with en bloc capsulectomy.

As there is no definitive link between the often subjective and divergent list of symptoms, and no means for testing, there is no ‘known’ risk. Many of the symptoms described by breast implant patients are experienced by the general public on a regular basis with or without implants.

There are many medical inaccuracies perpetuated by the internet. BII patients tend to believe that a total capsulectomy is necessary to remove all caus-

B

56 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

ative agents and they prefer it en bloc, oftentimes without having a full understanding of what size incision is necessary for en bloc.

If a patient wishes to undergo capsulectomy, it is important to explain that it is not always possible to remove all of the capsule. Sometimes a portion of the capsule must be left behind or is disintegrated with the use of electrocautery to prevent significant damage to muscle, rib or lung. If a patient had an axillary approach or periareolar approach for breast implant placement, an en bloc capsulectomy cannot be performed through those incisions. It is recommended to reinforce that there are increased surgical risks associated with en bloc capsulectomy which requires a complete dissection of all the tissues surrounding the breast implant and, that we do not have enough collective data to guarantee any improvement in their symptoms they have labelled Breast Implant Illness (BII).

Dr. Messa is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, an active member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a recognized expert in cosmetic plastic surgery and has achieved Allergan’s Black Diamond Award as one of the top 1% of plastic surgery practices in the country by volume. Dr. Messa has also achieved Chairman status with Medicis and Mentor Corporation. This award honors distinguished leaders in cosmetic surgery for demonstrating expertise and excellence through a high volume of aesthetic product procedures. The certification is awarded to leaders in the field of medical aesthetics and demonstrates their commitment to innovation, excellence, and the highest level of patient care. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Messa, please call our office at (954) 659-7760.

LEGALLY SPEAKING

Estate Planning 101: The Revocable Living Trust BY: WENDY HILL ELDEIRY, ESQUIRE ELDEIRY & ELDEIRY, P.A.

T

oday we’re spotlighting one of our favorite estate planning tools: the revocable living trust. One of the best things about revocable living trusts is that they allow you to have some power over how your descendants or other loved ones utilize the money they inherit from you after you die.

What are the benefits of a revocable living trust? ▸ Because it is revocable, you are still in control of the assets as long as you’re alive. You can make changes to the trust as you please. ▸ The assets in the trust get to skip the probate process, which is great news for your loved ones because probate can be expensive and time-consuming. ▸ Your privacy is protected. (Probate matters become public record.) ▸ You still get to have income earned by the trust’s assets.

Are there any less-desirable factors at play with revocable living trusts? ▸ Unlike some other estate planning tools, revocable living trusts don’t help with taxes. Income from the assets in the trust will be taxed as well as subject to legal action by creditors. ▸ It may be a slight hassle to have to re-title all of the property in the name of the trust once the trust is established.

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How do I create a revocable living trust?

You can create a revocable living trust by first appointing a trustee in writing. The person you name trustee will be responsible for managing and administering the property and assets in the trust. For instance, they might disperse a certain amount to beneficiaries per year or per month as you instruct in your written agreement. There are many different ways for a trust to be managed, and you will be able to make the decisions. Your trustee can be any trusted adult, or even a bank or trust company. However, if you choose a bank or trust company, there will be significant fees.

Next, you transfer whatever assets you want, from real estate to stock investments, into the trust. As mentioned above, this will involve retitling them. Once they are in the trust, you are no longer the owner of them.

Instead, they are owned by the trust.

With a revocable living trust, you maintain control of the assets until you die. At that point, the trustee will begin dispersing the assets to your beneficiaries as per your instruction.

Who can help me create my revocable living trust?

You need an experienced estate planning attorney to guide you through the process of creating your trust. It is important that every detail is correct so that the trust will be legal and efficient. I imagine you have already made the decision as to whom you would like to leave your assets, why not do so without your beneficiaries going through the probate process.

Call or email our team at ElDeiry & ElDeiry, P.A. today about a Revocable Living Trust. With our combined experience of 40+ years, and having lived in Weston since 1998, we are here to help you with all of your estate planning needs, including the creation of revocable living trusts. Give us a call at (954) 670-2800 to get started.

Mo N. ElDeiry

ATTORNEY AT LAW

Wendy Hill ElDeiry ATTORNEY AT LAW

WILLS • TRUSTS ESTATE PLANNING PROBATE ADMINISTRATION

(954) 670-2800 ElDeiry & ElDeiry, P.A.

480 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway, Suite 110 Sunrise, Florida 33325 (Near IKEA on NW 136 Avenue)

www.eldeirylaw.com OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | JULY 2020 57

TEE TO GREEN

Great Putting Tips to Build Confidence & to Lower Your Score

G

ood putting requires Next, when you stroke the putt, complete conviction. Here’s keep your head down for a count a simple drill to inspire of at least one second after the ball confidence for holing more putts. is gone. You might want to think It’s also a good lesson for beginners to yourself one-thousand one to get a feel for the ball going in the before looking up, especially on a hole. Start by holing a one-foot putt. must-make putt.

Then increase the distance by one You would be surprised how foot until you miss: go to two feet, often these two fundamentals are three feet and so on. neglected. But sticking See how far back to them will make you a you can go until you better putter. miss. When you do miss, Get Low and Keep start over at the oneYour Eyes Level foot distance. Try it on on Long Putts breaking putts as well Have you ever had the as uphill and downhill feeling you’re going to putts. If you get out make a long putt—and to eight feet without then made it? Sometimes missing, pat yourself you’re unsure of how a on the back. putt will break, but you If you’re struggling still have to pick a line

BY DEAN SKLAR, to get past two or and stroke the ball on that PGA PROFESSIONAL line with assurance. Check three feet, try to clear your mind of too many a putt from behind the hole, thoughts, and just concentrate on from the side, and finally from making a firm, decisive stroke— behind the ball. I try to get as low accelerating the putter head as I can and keep my eyes level. through the ball. The more shots The No. 1 reason for missing you make, the more confident putts is poor alignment of the you’ll be when you leave the putter face. I would always want to practice green. visualize not only seeing the line Make Center Contact and Keep but build confidence in my mind Your Head Down of seeing the ball rolling into the Short putts are all too easy to hole. That’s why visualizing the ball miss, at any level of the game. But tracking on your line will improve two simple things can help you your chances of making a putt. make more of them.

I highly recommend spending First, try to hit the middle of more time on the practice green the ball in the middle of the putter prior to going out on the course face. To make center contact, align to build your confidence and not the side-stamp of the ball with the have to warm up on the golf course aim mark on your putter. Almost after putting on the first few holes all putters today are designed and thus scoring higher than you with the sweet spot behind that should have if you practiced prior alignment aid. to teeing off. n PGA Professional Dean Sklar is a member of the Quarter Century Club of the PGA of America, an elite group of members who have served the PGA with honor and pride for 25 years. If you would like to talk to Dean about your golf game, contact him at Dean@SklarTeam.com or visit Rose and Dean Sklar at Coldwell Banker online at SklarTeam.com

58 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

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SCHOOL NEWS

“Drive-In” Graduation Gives Calvary Christian Academy Seniors A Safe Memorable Experience

C

alvary Christian Academy (CCA) seniors drove to school one last time the evening of Friday, May 22 for a “drive-in” graduation experience that marked the end of their high school journey. Each senior student had the opportunity to walk across an outdoor stage and have their moment of recognition while maintaining social distancing protocol.

The Class of 2020 and their closest family members and friends parked their cars on a large grass field to experience the live ceremony. To hear and see the program, they tuned into an FM frequency on their car radios and turned their heads toward the large screens on each side of the stage.

CCA seniors were parked closer to the stage. When it was their turn to walk across it for the conferral of diplomas, they were chauffeured to the stage, exited their vehicle, walked across the stage when their name was called, had their picture taken, and re-entered their vehicle to return back to their parking spot.

60 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

“We wanted to give our seniors the most authentic, safe, and memorable graduation experience possible considering the circumstances,” said CCA’s Head of School, Dr. Jason Rachels. “This is an exceptional class that deserved an exceptional send-off.”

CCA’s Class of 2020 was accepted to more than 50 colleges and universities throughout the country, earned more than $2 million in scholarships, completed more than 41,000 community service hours, and included three National Merit Finalists, four Miami Herald Silver Knight nominees, 21 AP Scholars, 12 committed collegiate athletes, four international students, as well as one United States Air Force Academy Cadet. The valedictorian and salutatorian had the opportunity to address their peers in person from the stage’s podium.

“I didn’t think I’d be able to share my speech from a live stage with everything going on,” said Kaitlyn Tully, CCA’s Class of 2020 valedictorian. “I was so surprised and excited when I found out that I would be able to experience a memory I was really looking forward to having.”

The formal ceremony was followed by a car parade recessional. As the graduates and invited guests exited the school’s property honking the horns of their decorated vehicles, their faces beamed with joy.

“There was no shortage of excitement and your traditional pomp and circumstance at this commencement ceremony,” said Aaron Mills, CCA’s high school principal. “The creativity and collaboration of our dedicated faculty and staff at CCA and our parent church, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, made all of the event logistics a successful reality. We’re delighted to have received such positive feedback from our graduates and their families. They not only felt loved, but also sensed God’s presence throughout the event.

We ultimately thank Him for giving us great weather and allowing this in-person graduation experience to happen. It will be one for the history books, that’s for sure,” Mills said.

Event plans were designed in accordance with City of Fort Lauderdale social distancing guidelines.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Weston is Home to America’s FastestGrowing Rugby Football Club BY: JOHN DUKA

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ugby Football has a rough and tough reputation. While this reputation is undoubtedly deserved, the sport, when played properly, places a much higher priority on teamwork and discipline. Given this fact, it is no wonder that Weston is home to the Okapi Wanderers Rugby Football Club: the fastest-growing club in the entire country.

Rugby originated over 150 years ago in England.

The objective of the sport is to obtain more points than the opposition through scoring tries or kicking goals over a fixed period of playing time. Players score tries by carrying the ball up the field. The opposing team can stop the movement of the ball into their territory by tackling the ball carrier.

Unlike American Football, however, players are not allowed to block other players or tackle players without the ball.

62 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

One of the unique aspects of Rugby is the culture that goes along with the sport. Opposing teams have “socials” after every match where comradery is celebrated, regardless of the outcome. The Okapi Wanders believe this aspect of the game helps them instill rugby’s core values: integrity, respect, solidarity, passion, and discipline.

The club was founded just five years ago and is already the 12th largest program in the nation. They have teams for players as young as six all the way up to their Old Boys team with players as old as 60!

Youth teams are structure by age and skill level. No experience is required to join the club. There are more than 20 qualified coaches helping players maximize their potential.

One common concern many parents have when evaluating sports for their children is the potential injury risk. We asked Maria Vanegas, who heads up communications and recruitment for the club, about this.

“All contact sports carry some. At Okapi Wanderers RFC we focus on safety above all,” Vanegas commented, “Our coaches are either former or currents players and are all trained USA

Rugby coaches. When taught the correct technique, the risk of injury is significantly minimized. In fact, even NFL teams have noticed the benefits of utilizing the rugby-style tackle. The Seattle Seahawks hired a rugby coach to teach their players how to tackle properly.”

The club plans to capitalize on its recent success and to keep growing the game in South Florida.

They have recently added an all-star team called the Florida Jaguars and are looking forward to launching girls and women’s teams in the near future.

For information on how to join the Okapi Wanders Rugby Football Club visit www.okapiwandersrugby.com or call 954-870-4241.

ASK THE EXPERT

Keeping an Eye on Your Visual Health

BY DR. JANE THERRIEN he eye is arguably the most intricate and distinguishing feature in our bodies. It contributes to making each of us undeniably unique. It is second to the brain in being the most complex organ, yet each weigh just under an ounce. One example of the amazing intricacy of the eye is the cornea, the outer most layer. The cornea is composed of tissue which contains no blood. This blood-less tissue (the only tissue of its kind) allows light into your pupil. One deep anatomical dive and you would find that the cell structures within our eyes -- for example, rod-shaped cells allow us to see shapes, and cone-shaped cells allow us to see color -- are just as unique as our fingerprints.

In fact, a fingerprint is made of 40 unique characteristics, but an iris has 256!

This sophistication makes it important to “keep an eye” on your optic health.

The most common eye syndrome, at roughly three million U.S. cases per year, is dry eye. An adequate and consistent layer of tears on the surface of the eye is essential to keep your eyes healthy, comfortable and seeing well. There are different categories of dry eye, depending on which component is affected.

For example, if the meibomian glands don’t produce or secrete enough oil (meibum), the tear film may evaporate too quickly – a condition called “evaporative dry eye”.

A common symptom of dry eye includes a foreign body sensation – the feeling that grit or some other object or material is “in” your eye. And as odd as it may sound, watery eyes also can be a symptom of dry eye syndrome. This is because

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dryness on the eye’s surface sometimes will over-stimulate production of the watery component of your tears as a protective mechanism.

Thankfully, there are effective treatment options if you suffer from chronic dry eye. In many cases, routine use of preservative free artificial tears, as well as minor behavioral modifications (taking frequent breaks during computer use, for example) can significantly reduce dry eye symptoms.

If you’re not experiencing any visual problems or eye discomfort, it may be hard to rationalize a trip to your eye doctor. “What’s the big deal?” you may be thinking. “I can see fine. I don’t need an eye exam.” While that may well be the current case, you want that to be the case for years to come. The majority of eye diseases are asymptomatic until they reach later stages and become serious, threatening overall vision. A comprehensive annual eye exam will allow your eye doctor to evaluate the health of your eyes and make recommendations based on their current state.

If you would like a comprehensive eye examination to evaluate the health of your eyes, contact Dr. Jane Therrien to schedule an appointment. Her practice, Weston Family Eyecare, is located at 4472 Weston Road. Call 954-888-9393 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Therrien and her staff look forward to exceeding your expectations.

WESTON FAMILY EYECARE We provide our patients with the best vision and eye health care using the latest state-of-the-art technology in a warm, caring, and professional atmosphere.

Comprehensive Eye Exams | Contact Lens Evaluations | Corneal Molding (OrthoKeratology) | Pediatric Optometry Treatment Management of Ocular Diseases | Ocular Emergencies | Laser & Cataract Surgery Co-Management

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2017 bestof weston Dr. Jane Therrien OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | JULY 2020 63

CAN DO KID

Heart Hero Teaches Peers That Kindness Counts

BY STACEY BOMSER

B

y all accounts, Sophie Kander is your typical second grader. She loves to dance (especially tap), read, and do arts and crafts. But, there is something special about this little girl.

Sophie was born with a congenital heart defect and underwent open heart surgery when she was only five years old. While she is healthy today, and doctors do not anticipate her needing any future surgeries, her pediatric cardiologist continues to monitor her heart to make sure there are no changes.

Appreciative of the excellent medical care she has received, Sophie serves as a representative for the American Heart Association (AHA) and as Heart Hero at Manatee Bay Elementary School. A Heart Hero is someone who has suffered from a heart defect or condition and shares their story to raise money for the AHA. It’s a role Sophie was more than happy to take on for her school.

“It’s my job to talk about my surgery and my special heart. I want to raise money to help kids who don’t have money to go to the doctor.

And I want to tell my friends so they can help. I want to help heal every heart!”

To help raise awareness and funds for Manatee Bay’s Heart Challenge, Sophie made appearances on the morning news with Principal Heather Hedman-DeVaughn, educating students about children with special hearts and encouraging students to donate money for this important cause.

“It is important for children to learn about heart health in order to develop healthy habits and put them in place at a young age,” explains

Heart Hero Sophie Kander with Principal DeVaughn before the morning announcements.

Heart Hero Sophie Kander with her sister, Savanna, and Juliana Llanes 64 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

Sophie’s mom, Stephanie. “At Manatee Bay Elementary, we focus on giving back to our community and showing kindness to others.

Learning about people with heart conditions creates empathy with the students. We strongly encourage giving back in order to spread kindness, which is the school’s mission for this year.”

One of the ways students give back is through fundraising. This year, the school raised approximately $11,000 for the American Heart Association through its Heart Challenge. In addition to soliciting online donations, students were encouraged to bring in spare change for the Heal a Heart program.

Not only was this a way to collect money but it helped bring the student body together. When a student donated change, their name was written on half a paper heart. When another student donated enough change to make a dollar, their half of hearts were joined together to make a whole. All of the “healed hearts” were hung together in the hallway.

Unfortunately, the school’s Jump Rope event and “Pie Day”, when students who raise $50 or more get to “pie” a favorite teacher, were cancelled due to the COVID crisis school closing.

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INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS

Weston Artists’ Work Hand-Picked for New Senior Living Community

BY STACEY BOMSER

A

lthough their artistic styles are drastically different, Weston artists P.L. “Pat” Brooks and Judy Nunno have a lot in common. Not only are they both members of the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of the National League of American Pen Women (NLAPW), a non-profit organization for women in arts, but each has artwork that was selected to grace the halls of Belmont Village Senior Living, a new luxury senior living community opening near the Galleria Mall.

Coincidentally, Belmont Village Senior Living became aware of these talented local artists through a networking connection made by fellow NLAPW artist Lois Perdue. All three women are also members of the Weston Art Guild.

Perdue invited Stephanie Zeverino, Director of Development for Belmont Village Fort Lauderdale, to a gallery show by members of the NLAPW – Fort Lauderdale Chapter. Upon viewing the impressive artwork, Zeverino thought a selection of Florida-themed artwork would work well in the new facility. Director of Interior Design Danielle Lavallee agreed, purchasing ten pieces.

She chose pieces that represent the robust color and wildlife Florida has to offer. “Some of the pieces are more classic representations, while others are more whimsical and edgy, which lends to great conversation between residents and guests.”

P.L. “Pat” Brooks’ artwork could definitely be described as whimsical, depicting a grinning alligator or fancy frog. She has three unique pieces on display.

“Florida wildlife has such vitality and makes wonderful subjects in my whimsical contemporary work. Having my beloved relatives living in a senior living facility, Lunchtime by Judy Nunno

66 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

Belmont Village Director of Development Stephanie Zeverino (center) with featured artists P. L. “Pat” Brooks, Judy Nunno, Donna Sallee, and Tammy Seymour

I know firsthand how important it is to have vibrant, cheerful surroundings. So, as thrilled as I am to have my work selected for display, I am particularly thrilled that the residents and visitors of the Belmont Village Senior Living will get to enjoy my Florida inspired works for a long time to come.”

Judy Nunno’s two pieces on display are more traditional watercolor paintings.

She, too, is grateful to have been selected as one of the four NLAPW members to have her work featured in Belmont Village Senior Living.

“I am thrilled and honored to have my paintings selected for permanent display at this beautiful facility,” shares Nunno. “I hope the residents and visitors enjoy them as much as I enjoyed creating them.”

Bluetooth 3.0 by P. L. “Pat” Brooks

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REAL ESTATE

Real Estate Matters

BY PHYLLIS SCARBERRY here’s never been a more exciting time to participate in our ever-changing Real Estate market.

Money Matters In response to the global economic uncertainty due to the impact of the coronavirus, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates to near zero in March.

Bankrate.com says this was the largest emergency reduction in the Fed’s more than 100-year history.

Even though the Fed’s benchmark rate is not directly tied to mortgage rates, it often influences them. Additionally, mortgage rates may possibly go lower due to the Fed’s mortgage bond buying effort. The Fed announced additional measures to make money available for families and businesses. It will (hopefully) inject billions into the bond and mortgage-backed securities markets in an effort to lower costs to all Borrowers. The Fed will allow banks to loan out money normally held in required reserves and make more funds available to banks by extending the time banks can borrow discount funds.

There is no reason to panic. The U.S. economy has the ability to remain resilient against the slowdown caused by the coronavirus. There is no need to put off buying or selling a home. In fact, with record low interest rates, now might be the perfect time.

Location Matters With its “no-state income tax,” homesteaded properties, amazing ocean and water views, gentle climate, beautiful beaches, affordable housing, luxury lifestyle, local and international events, restaurants, shopping, mass transportation, and, of course, theme parks, Florida remains a top destination spot for the entire globe and a place packed with livability with more and more people choosing to move here.

T

68 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

Florida welcomed the largest number of one-way U-Haul trucks -making Florida the No. 1 do-it-yourself mover state for the first time in four years – placing Texas in second position.

Taxes Matter Many wealthy and famous New Yorkers have now made Florida their permanent residence – because the taxes were killing them. More than 40 percent of these transferees have incomes of $150,000 or above. That’s up from 31 percent in 2015. With our tax structure, these transplants will enjoy more of their income.

Foreign Buyers Still Matter The share of Latin American buyers has risen to 43%, comprising the largest group of buyers. The top countries of origin were Canada (23%), Brazil (9%), Venezuela (6%), Argentina (6%), and Colombia (6%). Most foreign buyers were concentrated in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach by 53%.

Weston Matters Of the 67,314 current residents, Weston is a “salad bowl” of residents from all over the world. A young city formed in 1996, the median aged individual is just 38 years old. With its A-rated schools, Weston is highly desirable, and the properties have held their value.

Currently, the price per square foot is holding at $233, and the average listed price is $960,000; while the average sold price is $618,000. With only 6.2 months of inventory, Weston remains a seller’s market.

If you are NOT a part of the Weston Real Estate market, with the low interest rates and desirability of our area, now is the time to take the plunge.

Phyllis M. Scarberry, CRS, CLHMS, SRES, E-pro, Certified Relocation Specialist, Realtor® is affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty. She has been licensed for 23 years and has assembled a team of highly trained professionals to help take care of the many details that come with buying, selling and leasing your property. To learn more, call 954-980-3385, e-mail Scarberry.p@ ewm.com, visit www.PhyllisMScarberry.com, or check out her blog at www.ScarberryGroup.com.

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CAN DO KID

STRIDE

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BY: SUZANNE KOSHY

trong winds hurtling around My blurry memory to reface the past Hurricane Katrina, a Category of five, Unswerving, yet we overcame

Next, I remember tornadoes Catastrophic in all its might Tearing down trees and houses Disastrous, yet we prevailed Then was Hurricane Irma The basis for scary days ahead Loud sirens in the darkness of my home Cataclysmic, yet we triumphed Suzanne Koshy recently completed her Freshman year at Cypress Bay High School.

She enjoys soccer, baking, and being adventurous. She is also an accomplished poet! Her poem, STRIDE, is particularly poignant given the challenges we face today.

Now we face COVID-19 A global silent killer With quarantine and social distancing Be fearless, yet cautious for our combat ahead Each challenge makes us stronger To face future calamities Persist with hope And let us STRIDE!

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PET CARE

CBC and Chemistry Profile

B

BY MIGUEL E. CORDOVA, DVM

lood testing is commonly used to help diagnose disease or pinpoint injury in animals. It can also help determine the state of your pet’s health during regular physical exam visits.

Although a CBC or a chemistry profile can be performed separately, these tests are frequently done at the same time; when the results are interpreted together, they provide a good overview of many of the body’s functions. As with any other diagnostic test, results of a CBC and chemistry profile are not interpreted in a vacuum. Your veterinarian will combine this information with physical exam findings, medical history, and other information to assess your pet’s health status and determine if additional testing should be recommended.

How Is a CBC and Chemistry Profile Performed?

To perform a CBC and chemistry profile, your veterinary team must first obtain a small blood sample from your pet.

This procedure is usually very quick; it may take only a few seconds if the patient is well behaved. For patients that are very frightened or not well behaved, your veterinary team may want to use a muzzle, towel, or other gentle restraint device. In some cases, such as in patients with very thick fur, it may be necessary to shave the hair from the area where blood will be drawn. This is often a good way to find the vein quickly, and the hair will grow back.

Some veterinary offices have in-house blood analysis equipment, so they can perform a CBC and chemistry profile in the office and have results the same day. Other offices send blood samples to an outside laboratory for these tests to be performed. If an outside laboratory is used, results are generally available within one to two days.

Because a recent meal changes the blood and may affect the results of a chemistry profile, your veterinarian may recommend that your pet not receive any food for eight to 12 hours before blood is drawn. In most cases, water can still be offered.

Please let your veterinarian know if this temporary fast will be a problem for you or your pet.

Also, be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications or supplements that your pet is receiving, as some products can alter the results of a chemistry profile.

What Is a CBC and Chemistry Profile Used For? A CBC and chemistry profile is an important component of wellness blood work. Your veterinarian may recommend wellness blood work during your pet’s regular exams. Even if your pet is young and healthy, performing this testing periodically

72 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

helps establish “normal” values for your pet. The next time blood work is performed, your veterinarian can compare the results with previous results to see if anything has changed.

Depending on your pet’s age and health history, additional tests (such as thyroid testing or urinalysis) may also be recommended as part of wellness testing. For seniors or chronically ill pets, your veterinarian may recommend blood work more frequently. Wellness blood work screens for many medical conditions, including diabetes and kidney disease. In many cases, early diagnosis and management can improve quality of life and the long-term prognosis for pets with chronic illnesses.

Performing a CBC and chemistry panel poses minimal risk for your pet, and in many cases, the information your veterinarian gains from this testing is invaluable.

Animal Health Center @ Weston is “The Gentle Practice You Can Rely On”.

Dr. Miguel E. Cordova and his staff are committed to caring for your precious pets. The practice is located at 2701 Executive Park Drive, Suite 1. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact 954-385-8389 or www. animalhealthcenteratweston.com.

“HENRY”

Pet

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Your Pet Could Be Our Pet of the Month!

Every month Our City Media randomly picks a pet of the month winner.

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Email entries to: anna@ourcitymedia.com.

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Owner name and email and/or phone number.

Please send a high-resolution photo with your entry.

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Henry is 3 1/2 years old. I’m not sure what type of breed he is but he sure is handsome. I adopted Henry from the Clay County Animal Shelter in December 2017. When I first saw this boy I knew I wanted him to be apart of my family . Unfortunately he was a stray in my neighborhood and I wasn’t able to get close to him because he was so scared. A few days after I saw him, I read a post on Facebook that an individual was able to get him in their car and take him over to the shelter. After reading the post I immediately contacted the shelter and put an adoption hold on him. On December 28, 2017, I received a call from the shelter saying that if I still wanted to adopt him, I could pick him up on the 29th. So, needless to say I adopted my boy Henry on December 29, 2017. Of course I’m his favorite person. His second favorite is his big sister Lola.

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N O R E T T O X I S T E S T A Y R U E A T A O N O R M S A M O S H I R E A T E N

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4 9 1 2 6 5 3 8 7

9 6 3 4 5 8 7 1 2

2 1 7 6 3 9 8 5 4

8 5 4 1 7 2 9 3 6

1 8 9 5 2 4 6 7 3

5 4 6 3 1 7 2 9 8

7 3 2 8 9 6 1 4 5

OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | JULY 2020 73

THE WORLD’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE™

We Want Your Take your latest copy of Our City Weston on the road with you and you could be our lucky winner. Send us your “The World’s Favorite Magazine™” photo and you could win a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Happy trails!

EMAIL PHOTOS TO: editor@ourcitymedia.com Lori Madeo brought along her copy of Our City Weston to keep up with what’s going on at home while enjoying picturesque Positano, Italy. The cliffside village on southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a popular vacation destination with a pebble beachfront and steep, narrow streets lined with boutiques and cafes. This trip was taken before the coronavirus outbreak.

Please send hi-resolution original digital photos as attachments only. Include name, address, phone number and where photo was taken.

N O O PE W N NOW OPEN

o.com 74 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

PUZZLE PAGE

Our City Media 7/20 Crossword Across

PuzzleJunction.com

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12 1 Tibetan monk 5 House of Lords 15 member 9 Behave 18 12 Sonata, e.g.

21 22 13 Sonja Henie’s birthplace 25 14 Neither’s partner 32 15 Porgy’s woman 16 Dagger 36 37 18 Bills 20 Take up space 40 21 Holding device 44 45 46 23 Bud holder 25 Furrow 48 26 Seed coat 28 Command to 54 Fido 57 32 Sorbonne summer 33 The Crucible 55 Post setting 56 Charter 35 Regret 57 Female sheep 36 Whip mark 58 Hastened 38 Nile queen, 59 Egyptian solar informally deity 39 One ___ time 40 Offshore Down 42 Almsgiver 44 Family Affair 1 Court ploy actor Sebastian 2 Gorilla 47 Skirt lines 3 Fortified wine 48 LiquoriceOur Cityflavored Media 7/20 Sudoku4 Indian state liqueur 5 Upscale 51 Biblical prophet 6 NY minutes?

54 Stroke

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9

13 16

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53

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20 23

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7 Inventor Whitney 8 Cameos, e.g.

9 Opposing 10 Small beds 11 Jog 17 Alimony receivers 19 Watering holes 21 Work party 22 Guitar relative 23 Fancy home 24 Toward shelter 27 Marathon, e.g.

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2

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SEEN ON SCENE

Cypress Bay’s 2020 Graduates were Celebrated with a Parade

I

t was an honor for the City of Weston to have the ability to step in and provide this unique accommodation to the usual graduation this year.

The Class of 2020 deserved something special after all they had been through and had been denied.

They wanted to be able to see one another again, but in a safe way, and the car parade provided that.

It happened to be perfect timing as Regional Park was still closed so it provided the ability to have a full-fledged event for the seniors and their parents – who by the way I think were just as touched.

Daniel J. Stermer, Mayor City of Weston

Photo Credit to City of Weston 78 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | JULY 2020 79

80 JULY 2020 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Teresa Santana Named Top 20 Hispanic Realtor Team Nationwide

T

eresa Santana at Compass Realty FL was recently recognized by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals as one of the top 20 real estate agent team in the United States.

18 years ago, when Teresa started her real estate career, she didn’t set out to lead one of the top-20 realtor teams in the nation, she just wanted to help her clients buy and sell homes.

Teresa Santana is the top real estate agent in Weston and team leader of The Santana Group. She combines years of real estate experience with local expertise that only comes with living and working in the city they serve. She gives clients a level of assistance they seldom expect.

We sat down with Teresa to learn more about The Santana Group and Compass.

Congratulations on your most recent award! Tell us what makes your team and yourself different?

Thanks! We believe there is a multitude of things

that set us apart. Teresa has been doing this for 18 years, and we have done it with success. Beyond that, we have access to technology and a national network, through Compass, that allows us to virtually reach potential buyers around the nation. We know Weston; it is our home and we love it here. We find it easy to sell anyone on this great community. Our focus is selling our listings first and foremost by bringing the buyers to these listings as soon as they are contacted.

You and your team are bilingual; how does this help someone selling their home?

One of the keys to selling a home is marketing it to the largest group of potential buyers possible. In a place like South Florida, and Weston in particular, that means having a team that speaks Spanish as well as English. We attract buyers from all parts of the world with multiple backgrounds and cultures.

How does being part of Compass help?

Compass offers products like Compass Concierge: an interest-free equity line of credit for staging, repairs, and/or home updates, which doesn’t have to paid until the house is sold. No other Broker offers anything like that at this time. It’s plain to see that we offer the most advanced and diversified products and services available today.

What else would you like to let the community know?

We are a family business and committed to selling homes. We don’t wait for the buyers to come to our listings, we do our best to bring the buyers ourselves.

We have the largest database of buyers in the City of Weston. We are invested in our clients and hope to continue working and growing in Weston for a long time. n To Contact TERESA SANTANA call: 954-873-1586.

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A New Direction in Weston Teresa Santana 954.873.1586 santanagroupre.com tere@santanagroupre.com

#1 Team in Weston!

We are proud to announce that The Santana Group was ranked the #20 real estate team in the United States in the 2020 NAHREP Top 250 Latino Agents Award list!

Teresa Santana’s 18 years of experience and leadership have continuously allowed the Santana Group to prosper as Weston’s top team.

We are truly honored by this achievement and look forward to continuing to grow as Weston’s #1 Agent Team.

Not intended to solicit currently listed property. © Compass Florida, LLC. Equal Housing Opportunity. All information furnished regarding property for sale or rent or regarding financing is from sources deemed reliable, but Compass makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy thereof. All property information is presented subject to errors, omissions, price changes, changed property conditions, and withdrawal of the property from the market, without notice.

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WESTON’S #1 PRESCHOOL - A Higher Level of Care & Education During these challenging times we all must come together.

The children in ourof community are at the Tree Life heart of what we do and whygrows we do it.

The faith-based preschool

court that replicates what the ican Airlines Arena. Between curriculum, and dedicated st Tree of Life has already garner Facility’ award.

with the addition of Kindergarten

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Their precious lives have been affected and disrupted long enough!

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For centuries, children have learned about the ‘Tree Of Life’ from the Book of Genesis. At the Tree of Life Christian Academy Preschool in Weston, children are learning many of life’s lessons in a thriving, modern school. As Tree of Life approaches their one year anniversary, owners Gabriel and Marcy Buitrago are celebrating what they have accomplished while looking ahead to the future.

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Registration Celebrat & UnifAnniversary orm

That magic will expand to Tree of Life’s Tree of Life’s campus has been thoughtfulbrand-new kindergarten program. Their ly laid out to make the most of the 13,000 As Tree of Life gears up for t kindergarten will be in a separate room square foot building. The classrooms surting plans together for their o that will not be attached to the preschool, round an indoor play area where a custheir own celebration, the sch and they are looking to reach a 9-1 stu- tom-made wooden Tree of Life serves as the events for the non-profit Wom dent-to-teacher ratio. With kindergarten hub. Every classroom has their own private Toys for Tots in December. Te starting on August 18th, Tree of Life has al- bathroom and drinking fountain, as well as Accelerated Reading Program • STEAM Program (Science-Technology-Engineering-Art-Mathematics) • Low student to teacher ratio • Bilingual curriculum to the community is just one ready reached fifty percent enrollment, and an exit to the playground. Students can take (English/Spanish) • Computers and iPads® • Organic & natural lunches • We teach moral & family values • Nurse & clinic on premises • 1,200 sqhas ft made. “ impact the school placements will be filling up quickly. There advantage of a bilingual curriculum, learn living up to our mission is whe indoor play area • Latest in high security & surveillance 13,000 sqftandbuilding 2 acres • 4 outdoor • Armed Security Officer are already wait•lists for twothree-yearon sign language, and utilize playgrounds the latest computoften cry at the end.

But they’ olds who want to enroll in those programs, court that replicates what the Miami H riedAirlines that their ican Arena.parents Betweenare thegoin top and administrators are confident that kincrying because they love it her curriculum, and dedicated staff, it dergarten will also prove quite popular.

(new families)

INFANTS THRU PRE-K Included in monthly tuition:

Tree of Life

Kindergarten will be open to all children, The faith-based regardless of whether or not they attended preschool grows preschool at Tree of Life. the addition of Kindergarten with A Brand New Kindergarten

Tree of Life has already garnered a ‘Be Facility’ award.

Remarkable Campus & Facilities

ers and iPads. All of these features are protected by a state-of-the-art security system, which includes security cameras throughout The Security & Protection For centuries, children have learned about and two separate passcode-protected doors thechildren ‘Tree Life’ from of“Weyour precious feel like our formula forOfsuccess is the Book of Genone must pass through before entering the esis. At the Tree of Life Christian Academy to is be different than all the other preschools. building’s interior. a Top Priority!

Preschool in Weston, children are learning Our intention was to create feeling so in a thriving, “Thatmodkindergarten transition is tovery When need has a been break from manyon ofa premises life’s lessons That magic will expand Tree of Life’s Treestudents of Life’s campus thoughtful• Armed security officer that when a child enters ern ourschool. school, As there’s Tree of Life tough approaches their thebrand-new on both parents and the kids,” said learning, they will find organic lunches kindergarten program.

Their ly laid out to make the most of the 13,000 • Bulletproof entry doors one year anniversary, owners Gabriel“Many and parents a sense of wonder,” said Gabriel Buitrago. kindergarten will beasking in a separate room in square foot building.

The the classrooms surBuitrago. have been us brought every day to provide fuel • HD security surveillance camerasare celebrating what they that will not be attached to the preschool, round an indoor play area where they MarcytoBuitrago a cus“The children are still going be learning to start a kindergarten; and with such a low need to explore the expansive outdoor area. have accomplished while looking ahead to and they are looking to reach a 9-1 stu- tom-made wooden Tree of Life serves as the a lot, but we also wantedthethem to feel like student/teacher ratio, our teachers will have A miniature soccer field was just completed future. dent-to-teacher ratio. With kindergarten hub. Every classroom has their own private they are in a magical place.” more than enough timeon with child.” their four andassport starting Augusteach 18th, Tree of Lifeto hasadd al- tobathroom and playgrounds drinking fountain, well as

by JASON ZAUDER

VOTED BEST PRESCHOOL

7 YEARS IN A ROW!

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ready reached fifty percent enrollment, and an exit to the playground. Students can take 1250 SW 160th Weston, FL 33326 ISSUE #304 • AUGUST 2014 •Ave. CELEBRATING 25There YEARS DRWMAG.COM placements will be filling up quickly. advantage of a bilingual curriculum, learn are already wait lists for two- and three-year sign language, and utilize the latest comput954.440.0174 • treeoflifeacademy.com olds who want to enroll in those programs, and administrators are confident that kin-

Anniversary Celebration &

As Tree of Life gears up for their fall Tree of Life Christian A ting plans together for their one-year ed own at celebration, 1250 Southwest their the school will They be reached events forcan the non-profit Women ina Toys Tots in December. Teaching at for www.treeoflifeacade to the community is just one way t impact the school has made.

“What 9 m TO ADVERTISE CALL living up to our mission is when child often cry at the end. But they’re not c ried that their parents are going to le