Our City Fort Lauderdale: December 2022

The Nutcracker

For generations, families worldwide have celebrated the start of the holiday season with their beloved ballet, The Nutcracker. This best-loved holiday classic wows young and old with its delightful tale, unforgettable classical music score by P. Tchaikovsky, and magnificent dancing.

The story of the young Clara, who is magically transported to the Kingdom of the Sweets, is followed by a captivated audience who asks the question: “Was this really all a dream?” Our full-scale professional theater production features stunning costumes, grand scenery, and magical stage effects; snow falls from the sky, Clara’s bed floats on clouds of smoke, and dancers from all around the world dance with joy and happiness.

The Nutcracker promises excitement and enjoyment for the entire family!

Each performance showers the audience with joy and lifts the spirits of all.

A great way to start the Holiday Season!

A

Presented by

Cindy Farache Photography

Publishers

Christy & Terry Jaillet publisher@ourcitymedia.com

Managing Editor

Christy Jaillet Art Director

Tom Rowe

Graphic Designer

Alana Brodie

Account Executives

John Brodie, Denise Caligiuri, Adrienne Collins, Caleb Furlong, Nancy Koval, Mariem Garcia, Carlos Medina, Kenny Rodgers, Silvia Silva

Contributing Writers

Terry Jaillet, Dr. Michael Cohen, Dr. Robert Donoway, Amelis Lopez, Dean Sklar, Mayor Dean Trantalis Advertising Info sales@ourcitymedia.com

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Be a Point of Light This Holiday Season

Small acts of kindness can be contagious. A few years ago, when our kids were in Elementary School, Christy dropped them off at school and decided to go to the drive-through at a coffee shop. When she got to the window, with her credit card in hand, the barista told her that the driver of the car in front of her had already paid for her order. Christy looked up, but the other car had already sped off, having accomplished their covert act of goodwill. Christy decided to pay the kindness forward, as did the car behind her. A chain reaction of friendly gestures began as the next car carried on giving the gift of a cup of cof fee as well.

We visited Deerfield Beach this weekend. We saw a mother, who was busy with twin young girls while her older son played in the surf. The tide slowly carried the boy down the beach, as it tends to do. The mother tried to get his attention over the sound of the surf to no avail. Seeing the distress on the mom’s face, a couple offered to watch the girls while she went to retrieve her son. All was well when they returned. We were grateful the kind couple was there to help the mom.

These simple gestures of doing good remind us of President George H. W. Bush’s 1989 inaugural address. He spoke about a thousand points of light. Individuals across the country do “good deeds” for the betterment of all.

Let’s make this holiday season a time when we all look out for each other. Be one of those points of light with an act of kindness.

Sincerely,

December 2022 Calendar

DECEMBER 2

Light Up Sistrunk

Get ready to dance in the streets at the hot test holiday light-up event in town with Light Up Sistrunk. This one-of-a-kind celebration features the lighting of a giant holiday tree, live bands, outstanding entertainment, a free toy giveaway, a health fair, food trucks, a kids zone complete with Santa, a reptile exhibit, bounce houses, slides, and arts and crafts plus a teen area with a DJ, activities, and more. 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Sistrunk Blvd between NW 9th Ave and NW 11th Ave. For more info visit www.parks.fortlauder dale.gov.

DECEMBER 3&4

Audacy Beach Festival

It’s good vibes and better music! Come rock out on Fort Lauderdale Beach to music by Machine Gun Kelly, Muse, The 1975, Jack White, Jimmy Eat World, The Used, Phoenix, Dashboard Confessional, YUNGBLUD, The Struts, and more. Tickets are available for Saturday, Sunday or both days. For a full list of artists or to purchase tickets visit www.audacybeachfestival.com

DECEMBER 10

Winterfest Boat Parade

The 51st annual Winterfest Boat Parade will kick off in downtown Fort Lauderdale at 6:30 pm. The Parade starts at Stranahan House, traveling East along the New River in Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway as it continues North to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. It’s 12 Miles from the “Best Show on H20.” The Parade takes approxi mately 2 and 1/2 hours to view from one loca tion (starting locations stagger as you travel north). For more info, visit www.winterfestparade.com.

DECEMBER 3

Candy Cane Parade

The Candy Cane Parade is one of the lon gest-running holiday parades in the country. It started back in the mid-1950s by a group of Hollywood merchants as a way to draw patrons to their shops and businesses. To day it features dozens of lighted floats and vehicles with parade participants tossing out candy canes and starlight mints all along the parade route to the thousands of spectators who line the Broadwalk. The pa rade begins at 7:00 p.m. on the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk at Scott Street and heads south to Harrison Street. Complimentary bleacher seating will be available at various locations along the parade route from Gar field Street Polk Street. Parade emcees will be stationed at Charnow Park at Garfield Street and at the Hollywood Beach Theatre at Johnson Street.

DECEMBER 8

Movies by Moonlight

Take the whole family to Las Olas Oceanside Park to watch a free viewing of the classic holiday comedy “Elf.” Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and favorite movie dates to Movies by Moonlight: Holiday Edition on the Main Lawn at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Enjoy complimentary popcorn courtesy of movie night sponsor, JOLLY TIME Pop Corn, and holiday shopping in our vendor marketplace under the stars. 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm at Las Olas Oceanside Park. For more info visit www.theloopflb.com/events

DECEMBER 16

John Patti Calyp-Soul Christmas

A CALYP-SOUL CHRISTMAS kickstarts your holiday season… Island style with exciting new takes on some favorite Christmas clas sics. Steelpan artist JOHN PATTI combines the unmistakable sounds of the islands with jazz and soul music, creating unforgettable versions of your Christmas favorites! You’ve never heard holiday music like this! Classics such as Silent Night, I’ll be Home for Christ mas, and Baby It’s Cold Outside take on new life with smooth vocals, funky bass, and melodic steel drum. These energetic grooves and new arrangements create a fresh Christmas sound unlike any other. 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Scan QR Code for more info.

December 2022 Calendar

DECEMBER 16-18

The Nutcracker

Christmas music embodies the spirit of the season. Treat your ears to classical Yuletide tunes and buy your tickets to see The Nut cracker, presented by the International Bal let Company. More than 130 cast members pirouette across a wintry stage to recreate the classic, fantastical children’s ballet tale that has drawn sold-out crowds for the last 12 years to the Coral Springs Arts Center. Matinee and evening shows are available. For tickets, visit www.thecentercs.com.

DECEMBER 22

Santa on the Beach

Don’t miss Santa Claus’ traditional candy giveaway along Fort Lauderdale Beach each December! With twinkling eyes and smiling faces, Santa and his elves will begin spreading holiday cheer along Fort Lauderdale Beach Park heading north, distributing candy canes with glee. 11:30 am at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, 1100 Seabreeze Blvd. For info visit www. parks.fortlauderdale.gov.

DECEMBER 28-29

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

DECEMBER 18

Menorah Lighting

Honor the first night of Hanukkah with us as we host the Menorah Lighting Celebration. Highlights include the traditional menorah lighting and delicious customary treats. Free event will be held at Las Olas Oceans ide Park, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. For more info visit www.theloopflb.com/events/meno rah-lighting/

DECEMBER 25

Christmas Day

The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is the focus of the holiday as well as good will, miracles, and time spent together with family and friends.

Bring the whole family to this awe-inspiring & eye-popping family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical with contemporary circus artistry! As lights dim and music plays, a fantastical cast of holiday charac ters come to life presenting an elaborate wonderland. Reindeer, penguins, elves, jesters and ethereal aerialists, balance, juggle and stretch imaginations. Audiences of all ages will marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity-defying feats and lively theatrical production numbers while artists and cirque acts perform original music. Hosted at the Broward Center for Performing Arts. Scan QR code for info or tickets.

DECEMBER 29

Kwanzaa Ujamaa

Bass Park hosts this event full of cultural, family fun. Pay homage to the 4th day of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa Ujamaa is the fourth principle of Kwanzaa and it means cooper ative economics to build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together. 2:00 pm6:00 pm at Bass Park. 2750 NW 19th Street. For info visit parks.fortlauderdale.gov.

DECEMBER 31

City of Fort Lauderdale Downtown Countdown

Touted as one of the best New Year’s Eve celebrations in Florida, the Fort Lauderdale Orange Bowl Downtown Countdown pre sented by T-Mobile is a free street festival full of fun and excitement for children and adults. Each year revelers pack downtown to ring in the New Year and see the mag nificent lighted drop at midnight. Festivities for kids include bounce houses, inflatables, face painting, games, contests, dancing with the DJ, and a special kids countdown. When night falls, the party begins for adults with live music! 4:30 pm - 1:00 am

ALEX BRUNO

As both one of the top producers & owner/agent of two state of the art Re/Max 5 Star Realty offices in Broward county, Alex Bruno, The Selling Machine, is affiliated with one of the largest brokerages in the world. Re/Max has a presence in over 100 countries & over 142,000 agents worldwide, you can trust that you are receiving the absolute best real estate services. Alex Bruno has an impressive collection of accolades, including Circle of Legends, proving his unparalleled service to all clients in the Broward real estate market. With a background in interior design & certification in luxury properties, Bruno is able to maximize the results of selling your property. He is always available to answer client calls around the clock, & personally attends all showings. Bruno takes exceptional pride in being knowledgeable, competent & in having integrity when working with all types of sellers & buyers. His number one priority is to provide superior service to all of his clients. Alex Bruno is dedicated to always going the extra mile & staying involved throughout the entire process.

Fort Lauderdale Recovers From Flooding After Hurricane Nicole

Fort Lauderdale was spared of the worst damage when Hurricane Nicole made landfall. However, pouring rains and a strong storm surge caused significant flooding along the coast. A portion of A1A was blocked by flooding and sand the day after the storm but was quickly cleaned up.

The storm made landfall near Vero Beach as a Category 1 Hurricane and moved across and up the state from there. Gusts along the

coast in South Florida were around 40 miles per hour and were accompanied by up to four inches of rain.

Robert Molleda, from the National Weather Service office in Miami, commented, “From a rain and wind standpoint, it was not too bad. Coastal flooding was the biggest impact from the storm.”

The most significant damage to public prop erty in the area was caused by wave damage to two of Broward County’s most popular fishing piers. Anglin's Pier in Lauderdaleby-the-Sea suffered the worst of it, with several sections of the concrete pier falling into the sea. In addition, The Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier suffered damage to its wooden railings.

Shifting sands and flood damage has mostly already been restored. Repairs to the piers are expected to begin this month.

Local Sailor Selected for Elite Navy Honor Guard

By Megan Brown

Anative of Sunrise, Florida, recently com pleted an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.

Airman Noah-Michael Criscella, a 2017 Piper High School graduate and a 2020 graduate of Broward Community College high school, joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Criscella

serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman. “I joined the Navy to serve my country and create a stable career for myself,” said Criscella.

Established in 1931, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard is the official honor guard of the U.S. Navy and is based at Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex in Washington, D.C.

According to Navy officials, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard’s primary mission is to rep resent the service in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital. Members of the Navy Ceremonial Guard participate in some of our nation’s most prestigious ceremonies, including Presidential inaugurations and arrival ceremonies for foreign officials.

“I have learned in the Navy the importance of attention to detail and looking out for my shipmates,” said Criscella. “I also have learned how vital it is to take responsibility and account ability for my actions. Lastly, I learned to always give my all and to work hard in everything I do. That fills me with a deep sense of pride.”

Sailors of the Ceremonial Guard are hand selected while they are attending boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. Strict military order and discipline, combined with teamwork, allow the Ceremonial Guard to fulfill their responsibilities with pride and determination. They are experts in the art of close order drill, coordination and timing.

The Ceremonial Guard is comprised of the drill team, color guard, casket bearers and firing party.

“I most enjoy seeing all the hard work and dedication that my fellow shipmates embody paired with the strong sense of camaraderie we have at this command,” said Criscella.

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers.

“I am proud to have made it through boot camp and Alpha Company training,” said Criscella. “I’m also proud to have the opportunity and honor of joining the elite ranks of the Ceremonial Guard.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Criscella, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“To me, serving in the Navy means creating stability in my life and giving my life a sense of order,” added Criscella. “Serving in the Navy means making my family proud and moving toward my dreams.”

Photo Credit: Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sang Kim, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

Kid Hero 5K - Be Someone’s Superhero

Dress up as a superhero, put on your running shoes, and hit the road! The 19th Annual KID Hero 5K is set for January 28th at Vista View Park in Davie. The family-friendly run/ walk will raise funds for Kids In Distress (KID) and is much more than your average road race.

Participants are encouraged to release their inner superhero by dressing up in their best costume solo or as a team! The day will also include a “Smallville” Kids Fun Run and Fun Zone, Gotham tent, a Power-Up Breakfast and family-friendly entertainment.

All funds raised from the race will benefit Kids in Distress. KID has been carrying out our mission to prevent child abuse, preserve the family, and treat children who have been abused and/or neglected for more than 42 years. They manage a five-acre multiple program campus in Fort Lauderdale and a four-acre campus in Southwest Ranches, that includes two family foster group homes.

KID’s services include individual, family, and group therapy and counseling; preschool, after care and summer camp programs; recruitment, training, and support of foster/adoptive homes; and prevention, reunification, family preservation and maternal and child health services.

The Sklar Team

#1 Coldwell Banker Team: Broward County 2018, 2019, 2020, & 2021

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The Sklar Team work, play and network in South Florida, and have for over 20 years.

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■ We rank among the top luxury teams in the world as we have a track record of representing some of the most significant properties in Broward County.

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ArtServe Celebrates Hispanic Heritage With Latin “Narratives” Exhibit

Adark and rainy night didn’t keep artists, art lovers and their friends from round ing out their Hispanic Heritage Month at ArtServe’s opening reception for “Narratives in Latin-American Art” on Thursday, Oct. 13. The art was original and provocative, with a host of over 300 international guests who had come to celebrate the exhibiting Latin and Hispanic artists from 12 nations represented by the show.

Curated by the Latin American Art Pavilion, which is dedicated to promoting Latin American and Caribbean emerging and mid-career contemporary visual artists worldwide, “Narratives” is free and open to the public Monday through Saturdays until Dec. 30 at ArtServe, which is located at 1350 E. Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.

Experiencing Memory Loss?

Narratives artist Guillermo Gambini Swedish Honorary Vice Consul Anette Lemmel ArtServe Executive Director Jason Hughes

ArtServe Narratives Exhibit Curator Maria Napoles; Adriana Van Epps-Bracamontes; Ronald Scott Greenwood

Andrea Echeverry, Ph.D

Historic Stranahan House to Host Victorian Christmas Tours

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD) welcomed 15 new officers to the force on October 15th. The newly sworn officers will support the mission and vision of the City Commission to enhance public safety.

Historic Stranahan House Museum will be decking the halls, the walls and more with spectacular Victorian era décor for the Victorian Christmas Tours in December.

“This is a favorite holiday tradition,” said Christine Yates, president of the Stranahan House board of directors. “The Victorian Christmas Tours are magical and take us back to the holidays in another era. The décor is truly breathtaking.”

Stranahan House will be transformed to capture the grandeur and glamour of a traditional Victorian Christmas. Costumed tour guides in fabulous gowns and waist coats narrate the origins of many holiday traditions and demonstrate how pioneers celebrated Christmas as they take guests on a whimsical journey of Christmas past amid picture-perfect Victorian era décor.

Built in 1901, the Stranahan House is the oldest and most historically significant surviv

ing structure in Broward County, Florida. Built by founding father of Fort Lauderdale, Frank Stranahan, the structure served as the pioneer wilderness' trading post, post office, bank, and gathering place.

After marrying the area's first school teacher, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, the building became their home and later a boarding house, a restaurant, and now a museum. Sitting on its original location in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Historic Stranahan House Museum remains a connection to the past while operating as an educational center, cultural destination, and community event space.

Tours are one hour and are scheduled from FridaySunday, December 16-18 and Friday, December 23. There is a maximum of 10 visitors per tour. Tickets are $25 for non-members and $20 for museum members

and can be purchased at www.stranahanhouse. org/events.

▸ Stranahan House is open for daily guided tours and offers virtual experiences and in-person events throughout the year. To stay updated with events, visit www.stranahanhouse.org

Enjoy a Pint at Tarpon River Brewing Where Everyone Feels at Home

Tarpon River Brewing is a unique new gastropub with a full line of craft beer made on-site, and a mouth-watering, beer-in spired food menu. The brewery is nestled between the Tarpon River and the New River, which have served as the lifeline of the Fort Lauderdale local community for generations.

Tarpon River Brewing was born three years ago as a partnership between Julian and Lisa Siegel of the Riverside Market and Adam and Jill Fine, owners of Native Brewing and Fresh Beer. Building a brewery was but a dream in those days and as a group, they came together, unconventionally, yet successfully to open up Tarpon River Brewing. To this day, unconventional has served them well and has become a part of their mantra!

The building was originally an 11,000-square-foot horse barn, called the Snyder Stables built in 1929. Within the historic space, there is a 1,000-square-foot house that serves as a taproom, tasting room, brewery, and kitchen.

This home away from home, built by locals, for locals includes a complete brewing system just outside the tasting room. Guests can enjoy the welcoming atmosphere with a beer in hand, and see precisely how their drink was made. Tarpon River’s tap list is as diverse as the owners of the brewery are. It ranges from golden ales to hoppy IPAs, dark lagers to fruited sours, and big stouts to wild ales. They offer brews to satisfy everyone from the beginner beer drinker to the eccentric beer snob.

Special Events

Tarpon River Brewing is a fantastic place to host an event. The private room is spacious yet comfortable and offers a casual

atmosphere to visit with friends. The launch party for Our City Fort Lauderdale was held there. Visit their website, www.tarponrivery brewing.com to book your party today.

The brewery also frequently hosts fun events. A couple of our favorites are Thursday night trivia and their Monday evening “Gears & Beers” bike ride. The bike ride is for beer lovers and bike lovers. It is a 10-15 mile ride around Fort Lauderdale that begins and ends at the brewery. Participants get a free beer!

Happy Hour

Happy Hour is 4:00 pm till 6:00 pm at Tarpon River Brewing’s bar. All draft beer is $2 off and all glasses of wine are $1 off. They also offer beer-inspired “bar foods” to snack on including onion rings, hummus & pita, loaded french fries, or a giant pretzel.

Sunday Brunch

Sunady brunch is served 11:30 am - 4:00 pm. In addition to their regular menu items, a number of brunch specials are on offer. Our favorites are the Chicken and Waffles with maple drizzle, shrimp & grits and breakfast burrito. In addition to their extensive selection of beers, Mimosa and “Beerosa” are available by the glass or, for $15, unlimited.

■ Tarpon River Brewing is located at 280 SW 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale. They are open 11:30 am - 10:00 pm MondayWednesday, 11:30 am - 11:00 pm Thursday, 11:30 am - Midnight, Friday, 11:00 am - Midnight Saturday and 11:00 am - 10:00 pm on Sundays. Visit them at www. TarponRiverBrewing.com or call 954-353-3193 for pickup.

HOME WATCHING

Above & Beyond the Call of Just Watching your Property!

ast month we intro duced you to the inter nationally recognized Association of Home Watch professionals (NHWA, IHWA) to make sure you have an expert looking over obvious issues that can go wrong while you’re away! The important peace of mind for both you and the insurance companies is that no more than one or two weeks go by without a human presence in your property, and that said human presence is also trained, insured and bonded to cover any other legal problems that can go wrong!

Remember: UNLICENSED CONTRACTING is a FELONY in FLORIDA.

STORM Preparation and planning with property owner… Remembering IAN and NICOLE

Unfortunately, storm occurrence is on the rise and we must expect a storm to happen! Here are a few stats of the trend: Days between Billion dollar disasters have drastically gone from an average of 80 in the 1980s to 20 days

By Russell Miller

Lin any given year here in the 2020s! Hurricanes cost an average of 20.5 billion dollars per event.

Source: NOAA/NCEI

Having a plan, (keep inventory, take pictures in each room) and having tested all the material (ie: shutters and generator, etc…) that would need emergency set up is of extreme importance as no one wants to be stuck 2-3 days before a hurricane strike and be overcharged for products and services!

Above and beyond just home watching

Do you know that a professional home watch person can be your advocate and oversee all types of projects while you’re away? They can coordinate house cleaning teams, receive deliveries, open the door for Pest control and AC technicians, and do any other task that needs to be done while you’re away! Not only Snowbirds can benefit from the services of Home Watch professionals.

Tricks for making sure vendors and techni cians show up and get the job done!

Make sure your availability is virtually ALWAYS THERE so that you are on Top of the list of deliveries and jobs to be done by vendors. Your Home Watch professional will be there for you! Here are the tips to not be stuck at the mercy of Vendors: 1. Be available all days of the week. 2. Ask for the name of the person organizing the appointment for later confirmation (makes them accountable!!). 3. Get email confirmation from them as proof of their commitment. 4. Call back the vendor and use the name of the person who booked the original appointment, 2 days prior because the day before, you might get the run-around! 5. Call and email 24 hours ahead and ask that drivers or technicians call you 30 minutes before their arrival as a reminder and for security purposes.

▸ Russell Miller, contributing author and CEO of Ice Palm International Concierge and Consulting. Russell is also a Florida licensed Realtor, part of the Sklar Team at Coldwell Banker Realty.

Ice Palm is a one-stop shop for modern concierge services based in Fort Lauderdale. We provide a wide array of services for Snowbird Owners and Investors. Ice-Palm does HomeWatching while property is vacant, supervises house cleaning, renovations and other vendors. For peace of mind while you’re away, the Ice-Palm Team is there while you’re not!

Call 954-239-7176 or Canada 514-827-3666 www.ice-palm.com

Bennett Elementary School and Hollywood Park Elementary School were designated as National Banner Unified Champion Schools by Special Olympics. The national honor recognizes schools for having inclusive school cli mates that exude a sense of collaboration, engagement, and respect for all students and staff.

Receiving the National Banner distinc tion means that Bennett Elementary and Hollywood Park Elementary meet 10 national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect. These standards were developed by a panel of leaders from the Special Olympics and the education community.

The primary activities within these stan dards include Special Olympics Unified Sports® (in which students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates), inclusive youth leadership, and whole-school engagement. The schools also demonstrate they are self-sustainable or have a plan to sustain these activities.

“This national recognition is a huge win for Bennett Elementary School, Hollywood Park Elementary, and our District,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright. “The award carries a message that our schools are places where everyone belongs. It represents the commitment our students, teachers and staff have for providing the message of inclusion.”

Bennett Elementary and Hollywood Park Elementary are two of 13 Florida schools to receive this national distinction. The schools received a banner to display on campus and are included on a list of schools around the country that have achieved this status.

A Special Olympics Unified Champion School celebration and presentation of the prestigious banner was held at Bennett Elementary and Hollywood Park Elementary. Mark Thompson, regional director of Developmental Sports Programs, Southeast Florida Special Olympics, presented the banner to the school community.

School-aged children living in Broward County are assigned to a school based on their home address and grade level. Parents can, however, apply for their child to attend a school other than the one their child is assigned school. The period where parents can apply for their child to attend a different school, or the school choice application window, opens on December 1 and will be closed on February 3.

School Choice

By state law, students may apply to attend any public school that has not reached capacity, regardless of their home address. To determine which schools are accepting applications, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) reviews enrollment data and projected students.

Parents may request a school that is accepting applications by complet ing a School Choice Application during the application window.

School Choice Applications are awarded using a computerized random selection process. If more seats at a school become available during the School Choice process, additional selections from the application pool will be made. There is no guarantee that a child’s application will be granted.

How to Apply

There are three alternative options available for families. These options include Magnet

Programs, Nova Schools, or a reassignment School. Parents can submit one application for each option per child. Applications must be submitted on BCPS’ website prior to February 3.

Parents will be notified if their child was selected on February 10 for NOVA, March 3 for Magnet schools and March 17-24 for reassignment.

The Mental Game of Golf

By Dean Sklar, PGA Professional

olf is a sport where players can get consumed by emotions, distractions and negative thoughts. These factors can make a golfer feel “out of control” resulting in two reactions: giving up (going through the motions to just finish the round) or forced play (trying harder by adjusting mechan ics or over-analyzing their play).

The most optimal mindset for peak performance requires that you avoid engaging in over-thinking and over-an alyzing while playing. In the heat of the moment, pressure and mistakes can seem overwhelming but if you can commit to adopting the right mindset and spend the time to train your mind, your golf game will soar. Always remember, your emotional reaction, your thoughts and your focus are 100% within your control – you just need to learn how to do it. Here are four tips on how to adopt the right mindset.

TIP #1: Competitive Routine

Your pre-shot routine is the key to calm your mind and body. The last part of your routine should signal your mind and body that you are fully ready and committed to THIS shot. Try including the word “Ready!” at the end of your routine for emphasis.

TIP #2: Focus on Task

Always focus on the process of performing a task… not the outcome. Ask yourself, “What exactly do I need to do in this moment?” Choose your strategy for the shot, align your shot, perform

Gyour pre-shot routine, trust and swing. Anything more than that is useless noise.

TIP #3: Thought Control

You will have thousands of positive, negative and neutral thoughts throughout a round of golf. You may not be able to control which thoughts come into your mind, but you can control what thoughts you grab on to and buy in to.

I like this analogy. Imagine your mind is like a fish tank. Different fish swim into your awareness like thoughts. It is up to you to decide which ones you want to focus on. The cute small blue and yellow spotted one or the ugly gray and black fish. Tell yourself that just because a thought comes through your mind, it is your choice whether you stay with this thought or not. Let go of self-defeating thoughts and choose self-enhancing thoughts. Try to do this in your next practice round.

TIP #4: Anxiety Management

Begin to recognize your troublesome thoughts that lead to worrying before and during your performances. Train yourself in relaxation techniques (ie: deep breath ing, imagery) to reduce your stress levels. It is important for you to equip yourself with diverse strategies to regain the calm, clear mind and automatic execution required for peak performance, especially in critical moments during a tournament. You wouldn’t just bring one golf club to a tournament because you know you will face many different shot situations; you bring a variety of clubs to best attack each shot. The same should be true for your mental game. Having a selection of optimal mindset tools and strategies at your disposal prepares and arms you to face the various challenges that you will come across during a round of golf.

▸ 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 www.SklarTeam.com.

THE DONOWAY CENTER

Pancreatic

NanoKnife

Tumor Ablation for Advanced and Oligo-Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

If you are being treated for advanced or oligometastatic pancreatic cancer you may want to contact Dr. Robert Donoway at ATLAS ONCOLOGY in Hollywood, Florida.

Dr Donoway is using multi-modality therapy combining Pancreatic NanoKnife Tumor Ablation with chemo-immunoradio therapy to treat advanced stage cancer patients from around the world after they have stopped responding to standard of care therapy and have been left with few options for further treatment.

With over 32 years of experience performing pancreatic surgery in south Florida, Dr Donoway recognized that because of late diagnosis, up to 85% of patients treated for pancreatic cancer already had metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. This fact limited the benefit many patients might receive from pancreatic surgery, which is problematic as surgery has been long held to be the only reproduceable therapy for cure; whereas in reality surgery is currently more likely Palliative in almost 80% of the cases.

Recent evidence shows that when even advanced disease is treated aggressively in an integrated approach, incorporating NanoKnife surgery with chemotherapy and now supplemented with immunotherapy, long-term survivorship can be achieved, especially when compared to chemotherapy alone.

Dr Donoway has been a pioneer in the use of pancreatic NanoKnife, especially for complex cases. During the past decade, patients from around the world have traveled to benefit from

Dr Donoway feels that “we are long overdue to revise our approach to treating Pancreatic Ca. The treatment history been largely unchanged for over 80 years and has just broken the 10% five year survivorship barrier. Only thru thinking outside the box will we accomplish the positive. Otherwise, all we’re doing is confirming Einstein‘s definition of insanity.”

Dr Donoway is involved in ongoing research in identifying the best chemo-immuno therapy and sequencing to be used along with Pancreatic nanoKnife/IRE . Dr Donoway states, “the results so far have been very encouraging and we have begun using it for other select cancers. Among his longest survivors are now patients over nine years without evidence of cancer recurrence. In the past, without IRE they would have lived a little over a year, and so this technique opens a whole new avenue for treating those eligible patients in a more targeted fashion.”

Dr Donoway has presented his results of pancreatic ablation at the recent annual meeting of the American Pancreatic Association. For more information about Dr Donoway and the pancreatic IRE/NanoKnife program call 954-986-6366 or visit www.atlasoncology.com

this groundbreaking treatment by Dr Donoway, which is FDA approved. Dr Donoway also treats other advanced cancers, such as liver, Breast, and sarcomas, using NanoKnife Surgery based on its FDA approved guidelines. Patients experience a brief recovery, which means the patient can start chemotherapy and radiation that much sooner.

Robert B. Donoway, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.S.S.O. Surgical Oncology & Pancreatic Surgical Oncology

Dr. Robert Donoway is a Board Certified Sloan Kettering trained Pancreatic surgical oncologist, who received his MD and surgical training at the University of Pennsylvania. At Sloan Kettering he was the General Motors Pancreatic Cancer Research Fellow. Dr Donoway is a former Director of the Memorial Regional Cancer Center (now the Memorial Cancer Institute) and Chairman of the Cancer committee for the Memorial Healthcare System as well as a former Chief of Surgery and Surgical Oncology at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, South Florida.

Dr Donoway served on the Board of the American Cancer Society and Gildas club. He has also served as past president of the American Cancer Society Broward chapter and serves on the board of trustees of the Ancient Spanish Monastery.

Dr Donoway is active in the The American and International Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Associations, The Pancreas Club, 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 major liver resection. He is the former recipient of the South Florida Health Award for use of micro-endoscopy for the detection of early stage breast cancer.

Dr Donoway has been repeatedly named to Top Doctor‘s in America by Castle Connolly. Dr Donoway is one of only a few international surgeons performing advanced multi-modal pancreatic and liver ablation therapy for non-resectable tumors.

Robert B. Donoway, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.S.S.O.

Medical Director, ATLAS ONCOLOGY: Institute for Pancreatic Ca IRE NanoKnife Ablation

Former Medical Director Memorial Cancer Center (Now- Memorial Cancer Institute) Board Certified

Pet of the Month

Deadly Disease from

By Jaye Abbate

On a recent Thursday night, several dozen folks gathered at Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza in Fort Lauderdale to enjoy “Pizza with a Purpose.” More called in to pick up pizza, wings, and other trademark Anthony’s dishes for lunch or dinner. The purpose? Supporting the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale’s efforts to raise funds and awareness for their global effort to eradicate Polio from the planet.

Though the United States eliminated the paralyzing and potentially deadly infectious disease in 1979, it is crucial to continue vaccination efforts to keep other countries polio-free, as it could easily return. Since Rotary’s first eradication initiative vaccinating children in the Philippines in 1979, the organization has helped reduce polio cases by 99.9% globally.

Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Locally, Rotary members have joined annual vaccination trips to India and other countries where funds, medical personnel, and supplies are limited, but the debilitating effects of the disease rage on.

Today, polio remains endemic in just 3 countries. But the pandemic paused the annual vaccination trips and cases worldwide have spiked up and spread, including a young unvaccinated man in New York who contracted the disease and developed paralysis.

“The reality of Polio re-occurring in our own country was eye-opening. It highlighted how vigilant we must be to eliminate it,” said Jaye Abbate, president of the Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club. “With generous support from Anthony’s, who contributed a portion of orders referenced by “Rotary” that day to our cause, we were able to add some visibility to the End Polio Now campaign and raise funds for international inoculation trips resuming in 2023.”

Known as “people of action,” the 100-year-old all-volunteer group supports dozens of local charities as well as global projects addressing clean water, education, economic development, and disease prevention.

This is Chowdah. 8 months before my husband passed, he adopted this bundle of joy. Chowdah is the best and kindest being I know.

“Our motto is ‘service above self.’ We are just regular folks trying to do good locally and globally,” says Abbate. “From disaster relief and water well projects, to our support for the International Wheelchair Foundation, our club has given the gift of clean water and mobility to thousands globally, while our local service projects touched 35,000 people in our own community last year. That’s a lot of impact for a small band of volunteers!”

Anyone older than Generation X has little memory of the devastating effects of polio. “That’s why it’s important to keep awareness high,” says Abbate. “And it’s important to have fun. So Pizza with a Purpose accomplished both.”

To learn more about Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale or become a member contact RotaryFtLaud@gmail.com or visit RotaryFortLauderdale.com.

PEOPLE WERE DRESSED TO IMPRESS AT THE 2022 FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

SUN AND FUN FOR ALL AGES WAS ON TAP AT THIS YEAR’S FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW.

IF IT FLOATS, IT’S PART OF THE SHOW, FROM DINGHIES TO PLEASURE CRAFT OF ALL SIZES.

SOUTH FLORIDIANS HONORED LOST LOVED ONES AT THE DAY OF THE DEAD