PIN January 2016 by Our City Media

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Happy New Year Everyone!

he holiday season has come to an end and we have returned to our daily work routines. As we try to recover from all the festivities, the get-togethers with friends and families and the holiday feasts, we now wonder what the year of 2016 has in store for us. For Our City Media, the New Year brings another expansion. On behalf of my staff, I am excited to announce that we are once again growing our family of publications. Starting in March, we will be expanding our local community news magazines to reach an additional 20,000+ homes and businesses in the City of Aventura as well as Sunny Isles Beach. The new Our City Aventura magazine will provide our readers with important and timely community and school news stories while allowing local and regional businesses to reach the residents of those communities. As we embark on a New Year and new ventures, let me take this opportunity to wish all of our readers and advertisers a happy and healthy New Year from all of us at Our City Media!

Publisher/Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SVEN BUDZISCH Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debby Teich sales manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Koval Account Representatives . . . . . . . . . . Joyce Bak, Mariem Garcia,

Patricia Maiello, Marcela Fuxman, Tracy Hill, Tatiana B. Prudencio Office manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gabriela Moscoso Graphic Design & photographY . . . . . . . Barry Stock, Grace Umlauf Web Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grace Umlauf

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Our City Media, Inc. publishes FREE monthly, local community news magazines covering Weston, Davie/ SW Ranches/Cooper City, Sunrise, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Miramar and Hollywood & Hallandale. Total

Sven Budzisch Publisher/Owner

circulation is 20,000+ per edition or a total of 140,000+ copies per month. Our City Magazines are direct mailed monthly to affluent single-family homes, condos and businesses in their respective communities covering all of Southwest Broward County. Monthly mailings are verifiable by USPS statements available at www.OurCityMedia.com. Additional free copies are available at selected locations throughout their respective communities and upon request by contacting this news magazine. Opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our City Media, Inc. reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our City Media, Inc. 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 2014 by Our City Media, Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.

Contents

inspiring individuals 24 Pembroke Pines Teen Completes Eagle Scout Project

School News 26 Captain Barrington Introduces Flying Classroom to Pines Lakes Students 26 Franklin Academy’s Young Journalists Received Awards at the FSPA Convention 28 Student Ambassador Program Fosters Local Government Awareness 28 Sagemont Students Accept Great Kindness Challenge

Calendar 8

January 2016

Community News 10 Master Chef Chocolate Challenge Returns 12 American Legion Post 385 Presents Boy Scouts with a Check 14 Hundreds Attend the Pembroke Pines Veterans Day Ceremony 16 Glass Gallery Displays Children’s Holiday Artwork 16 Snow in Pembroke Pines 18 Special Olympic Team Participates in NSU 5KRun/Walk Sallarulo’s Race 20 DEO Director Tours R & R Veterans Village 22 Rotary Club of Miramar-Pines Makes Sure that Students Are Not Hungry

30 PPCS Students and Conductor Are Hitting High Notes 30 PPCES-FSU Students Cheer Up Navy Veteran

Ask the Mayor 32 Pembroke Pines Update

Ask the Expert 34 Beware of Underground Cosmetic Surgery 38 Ankle Ligament Injuries 44 Signs & Symptoms of Vein Disease

Legally Speaking 36 No Easy Answer 40 Estate Planning for Blended Families 42 How to Defend Against and Eliminate Deficiency Judgments

Real Estate 41 Looking at Real Estate in 2016

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Calendar January 2016

17th Tommy – Inside Out Theatre presents the musical “The Who’s Tommy” in partnership with The School of Rock of West Broward and funded in part by FAB!, at 5pm, at the Alfred and Rose Miniaci Theatre, 3100 Ray Ferrero Blvd. in Davie, on the Nova Southeastern University Campus. For information and to reserve tickets, call 954-385-3060 or visit www.insideouttheatre.org.

www.ppines.com, click on Departments and select Community Services.

23rd Photography Workshop – The Southwest Focal Point Community Service Department and New Way Photography will host “Explorers of Light,” a free workshop featuring award winning photographer Rick Sammon, from 10am to 1pm. Sammon, who represents Canon, USA through their “Explorers of Light” presentations, is the first speaker in a series of several workshops to be scheduled at the Center in 2016. For information, call 954-450-6888.

24th Bingo – Don’t miss Bingo Nights with the Knights at 6pm, at SWFP Community Center, which is located at 301 NW 103rd Ave. Free refreshments. Packets start at $15. For information, call 954-450-6888 or visit www.ppines. com, click on Departments and select Community Services.

22nd

Chocolate Challenge – Attention Chocoholics! The Master Chef Chocolate Challenge is returning to Pembroke Pines. Bring in your favorite cakes, cookies, pies, brownies, cupcakes and other desserts and you may be leaving with a prize. The event will be held from 10am - 11:30am, at the Southwest Focal Point Community Center, 301 NW 103rd Ave. There is no cost to enter. For information, call 954450-6888 or visit www.ppines.com, click on Departments and select Community Services..

6th Pancake Breakfast – Don’t miss Boy Scout Troop 224’s Pancake Breakfast fundraiser from 8am-2pm, at St. Edward Church, located at 19000 Pines Blvd. Jazz Concert – Enjoy a relaxing afternoon as you listen to jazz at William B. Armstrong Dream Park, 1700 Dykes Road (NW 160 Avenue), from 3pm to 5pm. Weather permitting. Bring a chair or blanket. For information, call 954-435-6525.

Tropicana Dinner Dance – Dance the night away at this Cuban themed party at SWFP Community Center, which is located at 301 NW 103rd Ave. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Tropicana is the nightclub where Ricky Ricardo worked in the “I Love Lucy” TV show, and prizes will be awarded to the best “Ricky” and “Lucy” lookalikes! Bring your camera to take snapshots in front of the photo backdrop! $10 per person - Buffet dinner at 5:30pm (reservations required). Dance starts at 6:30pm. For information, call 954-450-6888 or visit

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JANUARY 2016 | Our City Pembroke Pines

Garage Sale – The Pembroke Pines Charter School Central Campus, 12350 Sheridan Street, will host its 12th Annual Garage Sale from 8am - 1pm, in the school parking lot. Proceeds benefit the Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School Central Campus Washington D. C. Delegates program. Food and beverages will be sold by Central Campus students. To purchase a space or for information, send an email to naltimore@pinescharter.net or call 954-322-3300.

On-Going Weston Miracle League – The Weston Miracle League gives South Florida children with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball. Players can join the league throughout the season, which runs through January

31. The Weston Miracle League serves any disabled child, between the ages of 5 and 18, who has a desire to play baseball. There is no cost to participate and baseball experience is not needed. All practices and games take place Sundays, from 4 to 5pm, at Rose G. Price Park’s Miracle League Baseball Field in Pembroke Pines. For information, visit www. westonmiracleleague.com or call 954-478-9694.

Children’s Art Show – Through January 11, the artwork of young Pembroke Pines residents will continue to help set the tone for a festive holiday season. Paint, crayons, feathers, macaroni, chalk and other materials were used to create approximately 200 pieces based on the theme, “How Do You Celebrate the Holidays?” The artwork, on display in the City of Pembroke Pines Glass Gallery, is part of the Annual Children’s Holiday in the Pines Art Exhibit, which is hosted by the City of Pembroke Pines Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. For information, call 954-986-5027.

Broward League – Through February 12, the Broward League of Cities is accepting scholarship applications for 2016. Annually, the Broward County League of Cities and its contributing Associate Members sponsor four individual $1,000 scholarships for expenses associated with academic endeavors at a college or university for students studying public administration, political science, or a government related field. For an application or information, visit browardleague.org.

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Master Chef Chocolate Challenge Returns By Debby Teich

ttention Chocoholics! The Master Chef Chocolate Challenge is returning to Pembroke Pines. Bring in your favorite cakes, cookies, pies, brownies, cupcakes and other desserts and you may be leaving with a prize. The event will be held on February 4, from 10-11:30am, at the Southwest Focal Point Community Center. There is no cost to enter. “All we need is love…and a little chocolate!” said Helen Daniels, Recreation Division Supervisor. “This challenge gives home ‘chefs’ the chance to showcase their culinary skills and possibly win a cash prize. Remember to be creative. Judges are not only looking for the best tasting dessert, they are also looking for the dessert that is beautiful to look at!” All desserts must be home baked and contain one key ingredient … chocolate. No store bought entries are allowed. Prizes will be awarded for the top three decadently delicious desserts and visually stunning desserts. All entries will be judged based on appearance, texture and overall flavor. Cash prizes include 1st ($50), 2nd ($30), and 3rd ($20). Winners will also receive bragging rights as “Master Chef.” Once the judges have tried all of the entries, audience members

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will have an opportunity to sample them. Last year, Kayla Cook was declared the winner for her chocolate silk pie. Second place was awarded to Marilda Beneirdes for her flan with chocolate and third place was presented to Teresa Acosta for her double chocolate cake. Daniels says that they are planning several other Master Chef Baking Challenges and the next one will be in May or June. In addition the Chocolate Challenge, last year’s challenges included Crazy Cupcakes, Mango Madness, and Holiday Cookies. Participants must be a member of the SW Focal Point Community Center, which is located at 301 NW 103rd Ave, in Pembroke Pines. It is free to join. For information, call 954-450-6888 or visit www. ppines.com, click on Departments and select Community Services.

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American Legion Post 385 Presents Boy Scouts with a Check Community News

By Debby Teich

support programs and present medals embroke Pines American Legion Post 385 and ribbons, support the Boy Scouts recently presented Boy Scout Troop 224 with a and more. check for $200 to support their youth activities. Scoutmaster Brad Capuozzo, who Later that week five officers and their family members started Troop 224 in 1999, says he turned out for the troop’s Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser appreciates American Legion Post held at St. Edward’s Church. “The money helps the troop fund their activities and 385’s support. “The money they provide us is an campouts, such as the Geocaching campout and the essential part of our annual budCommunity Service campout,” said Yolanda Viscardi get and helps the boys be able to Santos, Air Force Veteran and public relations officer participate in our many activities,” for American Legion Post 385. said Capuozzo. “We appreciate the The American Legion Post gives the troop a check Members of American Legion Post 385 enjoy a spaghetti dinner. interaction with American Legion on an annual basis. The Post is also paying regisan entire year. Every year, the troop joins forces with Post 385 as their leaders attend many tration costs for ten scouts and four scout leaders to St Edward Catholic Church to help make Christmas of our events, have offered to sponsor attendance attend next year’s American Legion Cracker Trail, a special for the children and families in South Bay at their events, and make sure timed skill competition hosted by Migrant Camps. As one of only a few entities allowed to provide the boys that reach the American Legion. by federal law to “retire” a U.S. flag, the troop collects our highest rank, Eagle Scout, Founded in 2005, American tattered flags from churches, cities, and individuals with certificates to honor their Legion Post 385 has more throughout the year. achievements.” than 240 member Veterans from Matthew Cuoco, 17, who has been in the troop for There are 18 active boys in all branches of the U.S. Armed seven years, says there are many things that he loves Troup 224. In addition to weekly Forces. They are committed to about scouting. “I am proud of what Troop 224 does meetings, they participate in mentoring and sponsorship of monthly campouts, summer camp, for the community,” said Matthew. “I also love campyouth programs in the community, ing, hiking and backpacking, as well as doing high fundraisers and a variety of advocating patriotism and honor, adventure stuff that I would not have the opportunity community service projects. The promoting a strong national to do otherwise.” Troop volunteers for a Feed My security, and continued devotion Jim Tewes, commander of Pembroke The troop’s next fundraiser is a Pancake Breakfast Starving Children event, where to fellow service members and Pines American Legion Post 385, on January 24, from 8am-2pm, at St. Edward Church, they pack enough food to feed veterans. Members work closely presents Brendan Blanchard, assistant Scoutmaster Troop 224, with a check located at 19000 Pines Blvd. 312 children around the world for with four area high schools to for $200.

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Hundreds Attend the Pembroke Pines Veterans Day Ceremony SECTION HEAD Community News

By Debby Teich

n November 11, hundreds of veterans, from WWII, Korea, The Cold War, Vietnam, Operation Urgent Fury (Granada), Operation Just Cause (Panama), the War’s on Terror and Iraqi Freedom were honored by The City of Pembroke Pines at two special events – the Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at City Center and Annual Veterans Day Appreciation Barbeque at the Southwest Focal Point Community Center. “We are grateful to the brave men and women, living and deceased, who have served our great county as a member of the United States Military,” said Mayor Frank C. Ortis to the crowd seated at City Center in front of the Pembroke Pines Veterans Memorial. “Pembroke Pines has a long history of honoring our veterans and currently employs many veterans in the building of our City Center project.” The PPCMS – West band performed patriotic music, Katie Harmon sang the National Anthem, the Pembroke Pines Police and Fire Department Honor Guard presented the colors and guests were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Boy Scout

Troop 460 and Pack 183. Mayor Ortis; Commissioners Carl Shechter (a World War II Army Veteran), Angelo Castillo, and Jay Schwartz; Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and State Representative Richard Stark presented reflections and comments. Following the Benediction by Pastor Peter Tokar, veterans took their annual photo in front of the Memorial and then enjoyed a hot dog lunch. At the SWFPCC, there was nonstop entertainment as the veterans enjoyed a barbeque lunch cooked by the Knights of Columbus and served by the young Marines. Lady Pines winner Jamie Danger presented her one-woman show, veterans from the recent Honor Flight were recognized and DJ Tom “The Tall Italian” Caminiti played tunes from all genres. Commissioners Shechter and Schwartz joined the veterans on the dance floor. “It is nice to be here enjoying time with friends, entertainment, and a good ole’ fashion American style barbeque,” said Commissioner Shechter, who was on the recent Honor Flight.

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Glass Gallery Displays Children’s Holiday Artwork Community NEws

By Debby Teich

hrough January 11, the artwork of young Pembroke Pines residents will continue to help set the tone for a festive holiday season. Paint, crayons, feathers, macaroni, chalk and other materials were used to create approximately 200 pieces based on the theme, “How Do You Celebrate the Holidays?” The artwork, on display in the City of Pembroke Pines Glass Gallery, is part of the Annual Children’s Holiday in the Pines Art Exhibit, which is hosted by the City of Pembroke Pines Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. “The exhibit allows children to nurture their ideas and creativity and provides a way for the community to see their artistic talents,” said Holly Bonkowski, Cultural Arts Coordinator for the City of Pembroke Pines. “It is the perfect time for each of us to stop, take a breath, and see the holidays through the eyes of children, as we celebrate our city’s talented children.” Hundreds attended the opening reception. Children and adults enjoyed singing and dancing to holiday songs and the evening concluded with each child receiving a gift from Santa Claus and a snow storm. Santa brought one of his elves to visit, sing, and hand out presents to the children. Santa also posed with Pembroke Pines officials Mayor Frank C. Ortis, Vice Mayor Iris Siple and Commissioner Jay Schwartz. Art teachers were presented with certificates of appreciation for their assistance in guiding the children to develop the art. The City of Pembroke Pines Glass Gallery is located at 10100 Pines Boulevard. The exhibit is open from 8am - 6pm, Monday thru Thursday. For information or to become a sponsor for cultural events, call 954-986-5027.

Snow in Pembroke Pines By Debby Teich

ast month, Pembroke Pines children took out their winter jackets, hats and gloves for the annual Snowfest, presented by the City of Pembroke Pines and the Cultural Arts Department at the Pines Recreation Center. For many, it was the first time they had seen snow. Children had an opportunity to play in 75 tons of snow, divided into three piles (North Pole, South Pole, Center Pole), and skate on a special rink. They visited with Santa in his decked out sleigh, played reindeer games, wrote letters to Santa and attended Santa’s Toyland and Workshop. They also enjoyed musical entertainment, watched holiday performances, indulged in treats from the Food truck Round Up, and participated in a variety of activities, including face painting, rides, games, arts and crafts and more. Maria Lopez brought her three daughters to the event. “They had so much fun playing in the snow and skating,” said Lopez. “It is their only chance to see snow and they look forward to it every year.” Pembroke Pines residents had many other opportunities to celebrate the holidays, including the 19th Annual Santa’s Express Children’s Holiday Toy Delivery Program, presented by Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue, Annual Holiday Open House and Sundaes with Santa. For information, call 954-435-6525 or visit www.ppines.com.

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Special Olympic Team Participates in NSU 5KRun/Walk Sallarulo’s Race SECTION HEAD community news

By Debby Teich

thletes from the City of Pembroke Pines Special Population program, along with friends and family, recently put on their walking shoes and participated in the Annual 5KRun/Walk Sallarulo’s Race for the Champions, benefiting the Special Olympics of Broward County. Pembroke Pines entered a team of 45 participants and raised $711. “This was an awesome day for our Pembroke Pines Special Olympic athletes, many of whom participate in our training programs,” said Mary Palacios, CTRS Special Population Coordinator for Pembroke Pines. “Increasing the size of our Pembroke Pines team to include family, friends, and residents made this day extra special. Every participant supporting this fundraiser is a winner.” Palacios was one of two team members that took home an award. She placed third in the 50-59 category. Robert “Bob” Aguirra, Systems Supervisor for the Pembroke Pines Finance Department, placed first in the 50-59 category. All of the participants enjoyed breakfast and danced to the DJ. They also received a T-shirt. Special Olympics Broward County provides a free program that enriches the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Special

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DEO Director Tours R & R Veterans Village community news

By Debby Teich

ity of Pembroke Pines officials recently took Jesse Panuccio, Executive Director Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), on a tour of R & R (Reenergize and Reconnect) Veterans Village to see first-hand the renovations underway and to meet an R & R Veterans Village resident. In 2015, the DEO provided $250,000 to the City of Pembroke Pines to renovate five homes that are part of a transitional program for veterans. The homes are located on a quiet, oak-shaded cul-de-sac on the Howard C. Forman Health Campus. Jesse Panuccio and his staff were greeted by Pembroke Pines City Manager Charles Dodge and Commissioner Carl Shechter, a WW II Army Veteran. In addition to touring the R & R Veterans Village, Panuccio toured the Southwest Focal Point Community Center, where Veterans gather for City sponsored functions. Jay Shechter, Director of Community Service and Housing for the City of Pembroke Pines and son of a WWII Veteran, is responsible for renovating the homes. According to Shechter, there are over 300 homeless Veterans living in Broward County who could use some help.

“R & R Village will be a new beginning for qualified Veterans and their families,” said Shechter. “The homes provide a perfect opportunity for Veterans and their families to become a family again and begin the process of mainstreaming into the community. They will be provided a sense of security in a well maintained safe and clean home.” The City of Pembroke Pines is working with the Veterans Administration to create a social service component to assist and educate Veterans about benefits, services and how to navigate the opportunities available. The City’s goal is to provide housing, case management, employment, education and financial assistance to Veterans in need. For information or to make a donation to R & R Village, call Jay Shechter at 954-450-6888 or send an email to jshechter@ppines. com.

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Rotary Club of Miramar-Pines Makes Sure that Students Are Not Hungry Community News

By Debby Teich

hildren who are hungry often have a difficult time learning and concentrating in school. Members of the Rotary Club of Miramar-Pines are making sure that this does not happen by providing needy students at Palm Cove, Sunshine and A. C. Perry Elementary Schools with enough food to eat on the Rotary Club of Miramar-Pines members display some of the food that will go in the sacks. weekends. They provide approximately 60 children with weekly bags of food through the Pack-A-Sack Program. All of the kids in the Pack-A-Sack program receive free lunch and/or breakfast, but have little to eat when school is not in session. To supplement, every Friday they receive bags of food with healthy options that will serve them at least three meals a day with two snacks for two days. Some of the items include: peanut butter, cereal, milk, apple sauce, fruit, pudding, and more. During holidays and on long weekends, they receive some extra protein and sides. “It is sad to see the kids come running into the cafeteria to eat,” said Gail Quigley, who has been a member of the Rotary for 18 years. “We waste so much food in this country. No child should go hungry. It is critical that they get the proper nutrition in order to be successful.” Rotary members provide funding, help purchase the food, and deliver the bags to the schools. Volunteers from the New Horizon United Methodist Church help them fill the bags. The church also provides some funding.

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Over the holidays, the Rotary provided families with extra food for the Thanksgiving, as well as a toy. “During the Thanksgiving holiday, the children are home for five days instead of just the two for a regular weekend,” said Quigley. “We need to provide food for those additional days. The toy is for the Christmas holiday. All children should have a toy for the holidays.” For the past six years, the Volunteers help pack sacks at New Horizons United Methodist Church Rotary Club has also been providing all students at A.C. Perry Elementary with a book for the holidays. In December, they purchased 1,800 books to make sure that each student could have at least two books to read. “The kids cannot develop a love of reading if they only read at school,” said Quigley. “By the time they graduate, they may have received as many as nine books from the Rotary.” Rotary Club of Miramar-Pines meets every Thursday, 12:15pm, at Pembroke Lakes Golf and Racket Club, 10500 Taft Street, in Pembroke Pines. The club has approximately 25 members that are dedicated to Rotary’s motto, “Service above self.” They participate in community service, both locally and internationally, and are committed to eradicating polio. To volunteer for Pack-A-Sack effort or to make a donation, call 305-528-6413. For information on the Rotary Club of MiramarPines, visit www.rotaryclubofmiramarpines.com.

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Pembroke Pines Teen Completes Eagle Scout Project By Debby Teich

oshua Hatch, 18, is on his way to sharing a prestigious title with notables like Neil Armstrong, Michael Bloomberg, Gerald R. Ford, Bill Gates Sr., James A. Lovell Jr. and many others. Last month, he received his Eagle rank from Troop 224. “Scouting builds boys mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually,” said Joshua. “It fosters self-esteem, a sense of value and belonging, a sense of accountability, and teamwork. The skills boys learn in scouting help them overcome obstacles and challenges with courage and character throughout their lives.” Joshua joined the Boy Scouts of America in 2009 and has been working his way toward becoming an Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in the program. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges, as well as completing an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages. Joshua’s troop meets on Tuesdays at Southwest Ranches Equestrian Park. When he to r) Steve Hatch; Joshua Hatch; Brendan Sexton, patrol leader; and David Sexton, assistant realized that visitors did not have a place to sit (l Scoutmaster, enjoy the new bench in Southwest Ranches Equestrian Park. while watching the horses in the stadium, he knew that he had found the perfect project. He continue with Scouts to become an Assistant Scout Master. decided to build a bench surrounded by a garden. The project took a total of three “I want to help my friends throughout their journey in Scouts and show new months to complete, from getting the project approved to finishing the bench. Nine Scouts what Scouting is all about.” Scouts helped him build and place the bench in the park. Joshua lives in Pembroke Pines and attends Flanagan High School. He plans to For information on Troop 224, visit www.sftroop224.com.

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Captain Barrington Introduces Flying Classroom to Pines Lakes Students

SECTION News School HEAD

By Debby Teich

n 2007, 23-year old Miami native Irving Barrington forward to where he will of mobile devices. made history when he became the youngest perAt Pines Lakes, stube next.” son and only African-American to fly alone around dents in fourth and fifth Superintendent the world. Arriving by helicopter, Captain Barrington grade will travel on Robert Runcie, Pembroke recently visited Pines Lakes Elementary to introduce expeditions that include Pines Commissioner students to his “flying classroom.” He shared STEM North America, Asia and Jay Schwartz, Captain (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) stories Oceania, as well as a Barrington, and from around the world and talked to them about the mystery trip. They will Schoolboard members importance of STEM. While he was there, the school research and discuss Laurie Levinson and Patti hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open an upcoming expedition, Good helped Principal and celebrate its new STEM lab. watch Captain Barrington Susan Sasse cut the “The flying classroom aligns perfectly with our explain a related activPrincipal Susan Sasse, Superintendent Robert ribbon for the school’s STEM goals,” said Sophia Whittaker, fifth grade ity in a video, and then Runcie, Pembroke Pines Commissioner Jay Schwartz, Captain Barrington, Schoolboard teacher. “It is hands-on, minds-on. Since it is literanew STEM lab, where complete an engineering members Laurie Levinson and Patti Good. ture based, it also ties into English Language Arts.” project. After the students 4th and 5th grades will The Flying Classroom continue to follow Captain “traveled” to Montana to is a STEM and literacy learn about a bionic chef, for Barrington around the globe. Students had an opporsupplemental curriculum example, they created their tunity to share some of the things they had already developed by Barrington own robotic limb. learned in the lab with their guests. with help from NASA. A team “Students will get to take “In the STEM lab, the children feel relaxed and of Geographic Explorers a virtual visit to places they free to create, inquire, discover and imagine,” said and other STEM professionwould not have the opportuWhittaker. “Each time a class enters the lab, whether als engage the students as nity to visit,” said Whittaker. it is their first or their tenth time, their eyes pop open problem-solvers applying “It is an amazing way to get and you hear them say, “Wow!” STEM knowledge and skills them out of their comfort through 24 expeditions zones and circle the globe. Pines Lakes Elementary is located at around the world. Daily The students love to see 10300 Johnson Street. For information, dispatches on the website the adventures of Captain visit pineslakes.browardschools.com or promote learning anytime, Barrington and they look Irving Barrington and 5th grade student Mya Aly call 754-323-7100. anywhere, on a broad range

Franklin Academy’s Young Journalists Received Awards at the FSPA Convention By Debby Teich

t the recent Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA) District 7 Convention, more than 1,000 high school and middle school students competed in different areas of journalism. Four sixthgrade, journalism students from Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines Middle School received awards at the convention. Ashley Myrick received 1st place in the category Middle School News Writing; Emily Henao, Mia Nepola and Lyhannah Oreo received 2nd place in the Middle School Candid Photo competition; Mia Nepola, Lyhannah Oreo, Emily Henao and Ashley Myrick received 1st place in the category Middle School Live to Tape. During the convention, Franklin Academy students had an opportunity to participate in 24 workshop sessions in different areas of journalism, and also compete on the spot in different contests. After receiving a prompt, they had an hour and a half to create and submit their final product. “This is the first time we competed as journalists

and I am very happy with the results,” said Henao. Mia Nepola also received a 3rd place award for the film Nonna in the category “Middle School 1 in 8 million,” which had 330 entries from students throughout the state. The challenge was to create a max 1:30 narrated slideshow similar to The New York Times’ 1 in 8 million series. In her film, she narrated the story of her Italian immigrant grandmother.

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“I was completely shocked and happy to receive this award at the convention,” said Nepola. Advisors Patricia Cantore and Elizabeth Svilar attended the convention along with the students. “I am extremely proud of these students,” said Cantore. “They were the only four interested in participating in the convention. With just two months of journalism instruction, they were able to place their names in the field. I can’t imagine what the future holds for them.” “I am grateful to the FSPA for the opportunity they provide to middle school and high school students,” said Svilar. “It is special moment to see inspiration come to life and dreams realized. I believe that is what happens through the FSPA.” Twenty-four students from 6th, 7th and 8th grades are enrolled in Journalism, which is considered an elective at the school. They create monthly newsletters, morning announcements, public service announcements, and produce videos for different school events.

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School News

By Debby Teich

hen the City of Pembroke Pines’ Mayor, Commissioners and staff make Offices - personnel, IT, Finance, City Clerk, Administration, Parks and Recreation, decisions, they directly impact the people who live there. This month, Fire Prevention, Building Department, and Planning Department; Southwest ten students will have an opportunity to learn what it takes to run their Focal Point Community Center; Code Enforcement; Police and Fire Departments; city. They were selected by their schools to participate in the Education Advisory Water Waste/Utility Plant; Howard Foreman Park and the 911 Memorial. The Board’s (EAB) Student Ambassador Ambassadors will have lunch with Program. On January 27, the City will Mayor Frank C. Ortis and other city host the Ambassadors by introducing officials. They will take notes on the day them to different departments, facilities and present a report to their individual and personnel to teach them about the schools. various roles and responsibilities. The EAB is a board made up of five “The Education Advisory Board felt regular and two alternate members that it was important to re-introduce who are appointed by the Mayor and students to ‘civics’ - the understanding City Commission. The Board advises of the governance and operations of a the City Commission on educational city,” said Dr. Susan Lycett Davis, EAB issues affecting all early development vice-chair. “We made a proposal to centers through to the post-secondary the City commissioners, who agreed educational level in Pembroke Pines that to partner with us to accommodate the will impact the quality of education for Ambassador initiative.” residents as well as other City educaThe EAB, in conjunction with the tional facilities. Last year’s Ambassadors visit with City Managers. City of Pembroke Pines, created and The EAB usually meets on the fourth implemented the Student Ambassador Tuesday of each month at the Southwest Program during the 2014-2015 school year. It is open to all high school juniors Focal Point Senior Center. They often invite persons from the Broward County from the City of Pembroke Pines that attend West Broward High, Flanagan School Board, City personnel and other educational institutions to make presentaHigh, Academic Village Charter, Somerset Academy and McArthur High. Each tions on matters important to and/or affecting students and educational progress school selects a male and female representative. As part of the criteria, they in the City. Meetings are open to the public and teachers, parents and all intermust be solid citizens who attend school regularly and strive to learn more about ested individuals are encouraged to attend. government. For information, visit www.ppines.com or send an email to kborgDuring the all-day event, the students will have an opportunity to visit: strom@ppines.com. Commission Chambers; Office of the Mayor; Office of the City Manager; City Hall

Sagemont Students Accept Great Kindness Challenge By Stacey Bomser

t’s not uncommon to see older students walking younger ones to class or children holding doors for their teachers at the Sagemont Lower School Campus. These simple acts of kindness are part of the school culture. During the week of January 25th-29th, the entire school will commit to completing 15,000 acts of kindness as students, teachers, and administrators accept the Great Kindness Challenge, a proactive and positive bullying prevention initiative that improves school climate and increases student engagement. Maritza Zea, Guidance Counselor of the Sagemont Lower School Campus, says The Sagemont School supports the Great Kindness Challenge as it strives to create a bully-free, safe and caring school environment. “The Great Kindness Challenge helps fulfill Sagemont’s mission statement of creating a school culture of acceptance, tolerance and respect. Sagemont takes pride in embracing the diversity of the student body and in offering a safe, supportive learning environment to each and every one of our students.” Ms. Zea says Sagemont’s overall goal is to spread kindness school-wide, which will create healthy relationships. “Positive relationships allow students to ease anxiety, bring a sense of belonging to the school, and to focus and engage in learning. Researchers have found that students who performed acts of kindness with their peers, families, and in the community had greater academic success than those who simply recorded seeing acts of kindness.” To kick-off the Great Kindness Challenge, Sagemont has invited the Broward

JANUARY 2016 | Our City Pembroke Pines

Sheriff’s Office to greet students in the morning carpool lane, along with Student Council and National Elementary Honor Society members. Every student, teacher and staff member has pledged to perform ten acts of kindness every day for one week, for a total of 15,000 acts of kindness. To help students achieve this goal, each grade will engage in a different activity. For example, Early Childhood Education students will color pictures for the front office staff, maintenance workers, and bus drivers; first graders will make cards of well-wishes for patients at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital; and fifth grade students will make new friends by adopting a “Kindness Pen Pal” at one of Sagemont’s sister schools, The Honor Roll School in Houston, Texas. Students will also be able to participate in Kindness Stations during recess. Ms. Zea says the hope is that Sagemont students will continue performing acts and words of kindness not just during this particular week, but the whole year. “As kindness becomes a habit, this can effect real change in their learning environment. The ‘living kindness’ conditions will enhance the students’ understanding and their ability to think critically about ways to generate more kindness on an individual and global level.” The Great Kindness Challenge was created by Kids for Peace to provide schools a tool for creating a positive school environment. For more information go to www.greatkindnesschallenge.org.

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PPCS Students and Conductor Are Hitting High Notes

School News

By Debby Teich

his month, three middle school students and a band director from the City of Pembroke Pines Charter School System will perform at the 2016 Florida Music Educators Conference in Tampa. They will represent the PPCMS Central and West campuses. Two eighth grade students from the PPCMS-Central campus will perform in the Florida 7th & 8th Grade All State Band. Nicholas Pizzo will play the oboe and Dante Harrison will play the tuba. The students, along with 126 band students from throughout Florida, will perform under the direction of a conductor from Polk County. “This is the first time in the history of our campus band program to have not just one, but two students selected into this prestigious band,” said Edith “Edie” Shendell-Frankel, Band Director, who will accompany the students on the trip along with some parents. PPCMS – Central campus Principal Sean Chance commended the band director for her efforts. “Our talented Ms. Shendell-Frankel works with our students to prepare them to be successful in the instrument of their choice,” said Chance. “Her dedicated efforts are showing additional dividends. Our students have achieved a great accomplishment.” Lauren Fadel, 8th grade student at the PPCMS – West campus, was selected to play the French horn in the Florida 7th and 8th

(l to r): Dante Harrison and Nicholas Pizzo

Grade Honor Band. Dayna Cole, band director at the school, was selected to conduct the 2016 Florida 7th and 8th Grade Honor Band. Since the Florida Bandmasters Association’s Clinics Committee selects conductors for the All State Bands several years in advance, Cole’s invitation came over two and a half years ago. “Dayna Cole’s work at PPCMS and the outstanding performance of her bands over the past 17 years is what has brought her this prestigious honor,” said Michael Castellano, PPCMS-West (l to r): Lauren Fadel and Dayna Cole principal. Cole has been a band director for 29 years. In addition to conducting this year’s Honor Band, Cole serves the Florida Bandmasters Association as the Junior High/Middle School Representative on the FBA Executive Board. She grew up in Broward County and played the flute at Lauderhill Middle School and Piper High School before attending both the University of Miami and Florida State University. Over the years the West Campus has had five students in the All State Band and seven students selected to the Honor Band. Students from the Central and West Campuses have achieved additional recognition when they were selected to perform at the Senior High School All State Ensembles. “This honor is especially significant when you consider just 128 band students and one band director from around the State of Florida are selected for each band,” said Castellano. For information about the City of Pembroke Pines or its Charter School System, visit www.ppines.com.

PPCES-FSU Students Cheer Up Navy Veteran By Debby Teich

orty students and teachers from the Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School – FSU campus made Veterans Day extra special for Pembroke Pines resident Tony Roppo, a homebound United States Navy Veteran. They visited his home to present him with cards, balloons and a video. Roppo, who has been a Pembroke Pines resident since 1970, is a frequent visitor at the FSU campus, where his daughter, Karen Rodriguez, is a 4th grade teacher. He often visits the school to talk about history and how he invented the first car door side lock.

During the Colonial Fair, he typically speaks about his love of the Navy. He served on the USS FDR in the 1950’s, where he was the helmsman for the Navy “My father has always loved his Navy, from their service unit to their football team,” said Rodriguez When the students learned that Roppo was in hospice care, they wanted to do something special for him. “The students wanted to let him know they were thinking about him and thank him for all he has done for our school and country,” said Olga Perez, school

JANUARY 2016 | Our City Pembroke Pines

counselor at PPCES – FSU campus. On Veterans Day, an official day off from school, students visited Roppo at home to present him with a video of them singing patriotic songs, cards, handwritten letters and colorful balloons to decorate his bedroom. “It was a beautiful Veterans Day for everyone, especially Mr. Roppo, who showed his appreciation with a great big smile,” said Perez.

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By Mayor Frank C. Ortis, City of Pembroke Pines

Happy New Year! It’s always very exciting to start a new year with hope, resolutions and the knowledge that changes are inevitable, but can also be exhilarating. This is an election year, both for our city and our country, so change is in the air. I have optimistic hope that this will be a year of positive growth and change. I encourage everyone to vote this year and make your voices heard, so this year and those in our future are the best they can be. My annual “State of the City Address” will be on February 24. I look forward to focusing on our city’s achievements and the challenges that we may face. Looking back at last year, we basked in many awards and acknowledgements, saw our City Center rise from a dream and we even grew as a city. Did you know that our municipal boundaries actually grew by approximately 60 acres, when the annexation of the former Broward County Women’s Correctional Institute parcel became official? I know that 2016 will be an even better year for all of us. I am happy to say that we, as a city, are communicating more effectively with all of our residents and businesses through an active website, our City Connect newspaper, OCTV, and social media such as Facebook. These avenues allow us to be more in touch with our residents’ needs and provide information on a more timely basis, so that we can flourish as a city and continue to achieve great things. By being connected, we open up new possibilities in our community, and social and economic development. With our City Center getting closer to completion this year, it is my hope that we bring the creativity, innovation and goodwill of all of our residents into a joint process of ensuring the greatness of Pembroke Pines. This is a perfect time to remind everyone that this month is ideal to begin sprucing up our yards to enter into the Natalie Belmonte Great Yards Award Contest before the application deadline in April. The award was created in memory of Natalie Belmonte, a well-known resident, business woman and nature-lover, who tragically lost her life in July of 2011. As part of the contest, five Pembroke Pines yards will be selected, one yard from each City Commission District and one at-large yard. Be sure to visit our website at www.ppines.com and click on the Landscape Advisory Board page to get an application and more information so you can enter. Wishing you all a great, safe and prosperous New Year! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 954-450-1020, or by e-mail at fortis@ppines.com.

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The Aviation Program at Miramar High: ▶ Provides students with instruction and opportunity in one of the fastest growing job markets in the country. ▶ Introduces students to careers in aviation including; Pilot, Airport Management, Aviation Safety, Air Traffic Control, Flight Attendant, Meteorology, Aviation Law, Sky Marshall and many others. ▶ Miramar Aviation graduates are attending some of the top aviation programs in the United States. ▶ The simulator technology is the finest offered in a high school classroom setting.

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Our City Pembroke Pines | JANUARY 2016

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outh Florida is often the focus of controversy because of the frequency of unlicensed individuals performing cosmetic surgery. More than 15.6 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2014. Americans spent 12.9 billion dollars on face lifts, Botox injections, breast augmentations and other purely aesthetic and technically unnecessary cosmetic procedures. Because of the overwhelming desire to look and feel better, people will often choose their plastic surgery based on cost and availability. Unsuspecting patients will respond to a billboard advertising cheap buttock enhancement or breast augmentation without considering the qualifications of the person performing the procedure. Family practitioners, internal medicine physicians, dentists, and general surgeons are not plastic surgeons. Furthermore, taking a weekend course taught by a poorly trained or minimally qualified physician does not suffice for an accredited surgical residency program and board certification by an American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) certifying organization. It is important that any cosmetic surgical procedure be performed by a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is not a board accredited by the ABMS, and therefore, its members do not have the documented training or certification as a physician certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial and Plastic Reconstructive Surgery. No patient should ever undergo any surgical procedure by a physician who doesn’t have hospital privileges to perform that procedure. Hospital committees review credentials, experience, and recommendations of physicians prior to granting privileges to perform surgery in their facility. No procedure, whether it is noninvasive or an actual surgery, should be performed in someone’s house, hotel room, or garage, as is often reported after a disastrous complication occurs. Patients should be evaluated and treated in licensed, accredited facilities, and anesthesia should only be administered by either a board certified anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). When a potential patient is told that their procedure should be performed only under local because anesthesia is not safe, you should beware. Practitioners will advertise procedures under local only for two reasons. First, they don’t have privileges to perform the procedure in an outpatient center or hospital, or the facility is not accredited. In that case, only procedures under straight local anesthesia can be performed. A word of caution about synthetic injections to enlarge or enhance the buttocks, underground centers will inject silicone or other unknown substances into the buttocks. The quality and potential toxicity of these chemicals can have life threatening complications. Accredited facilities are more likely to use only FDA approved fillers and are required to maintain specific standards of care to ensure patient safety. Always remember to research your physician. Require board certification by only an ABMS certifying organization. Look for membership in selective societies, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, which require documented experience in cosmetic surgery. All board certified physicians should participate in the Maintenance of Certification or MOC and document that they’re continuing their medical education to compete with today’s advancing medical technology. Finally, remember that you may cut costs by getting a good deal at a subpar center, but in the long run, it may end up costing much more than a few extra dollars. 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 consultant for Allergan Medical and has achieved the Black Diamond Award as one of the top 1% of plastic surgery practices in the country by volume. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Messa, call 954-659-7760.

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have been practicing law for over 36 years. I realized many years ago that allowing a judge or jury to make a decision in a case is always a last resort. Cases that ultimately proceed to trial involve either issues that cannot be compromised or individuals who can be unreasonable in their expectations. If you proceed to trial, your ability to control your destiny is severely compromised. You are allowing a third party to dictate the terms and conditions of your future. I can assure you that Judges much prefer to approve a settlement reached by the parties than to decide the fate of individuals. Judges often tell the respective parties that they will always be better off deciding the case between themselves, rather than have he/she decide some of these issues. They are further informed that a judge’s job is to be fair and equitable, which means that after the trial is over both parties usually leave the courthouse unhappy, neither obtaining what they were seeking. Of course that is not always true. There are obviously times when parties’ expectations are within reason and the results obtained at trial are satisfactory.

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So how do you know when you should settle versus the alternative of going to trial? That is sometimes a very difficult question to answer. A lawyer can never guarantee results. A lawyer can advise a client about the law as it applies to the facts of his/her case. Often times judges have a great deal of discretion in their decision making, which makes any kind of prediction that much more difficult. Lawyers also assume that a judge will interpret the law as the lawyer interprets it. That is not always the case. When offers or counter-offers are unreasonable and one-sided, it is somewhat easy to make a decision. If you have nothing to lose by going to trial, and your worst result in court is still better than the offer being made, it is an easy decision. The cases which present the more difficult decisions are the ones which result in offers which are perhaps fair, but not quite what a person may envision as their end result. Perhaps the time sharing schedule with the minor children is not quite what was envisioned or the alimony amount is more than you expected to pay. Do you compromise or litigate? There is no easy answer. Each case needs to be looked at independently. A party must consider all possibilities. Cost and time are two important factors. A case which proceeds to trial will always take longer to conclude. The cost will always be greater. I suggest hiring an experienced trial attorney who can assist you in deciding the best way to conclude your case. There really is no substitute for experience. 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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Standard Professional Installation includes typical installation of one single-dish antenna configuration, typical hook-up of an eligible receiver configuration and equipment testing. More complex installations may require additional fees; other installation restrictions apply. Prices valid at time of activation only; additional fees will apply to upgrade after installation. Any unreturned equipment fees will automatically be charged to your DISH account or credit or debit card provided to DISH. DISH shall determine eligibility for this offer in its sole and absolute discretion. Programming and other services provided are subject to the terms and conditions of the Digital Home Advantage Customer Agreement and Residential Customer Agreement, available at www.dish.com or upon request. Blackout and other restrictions apply to sports programming. All service marks and trademarks belong to their respective owners. ©2015 DISH Network L.L.C. All rights reserved. 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Ankle Ligament Injuries

JANUARY 2016 | Our City Pembroke Pines

he ankle is a complex joint allowing the foot to move primarily up and down. When the foot turns down and in excessively, an injury to the ankle ligaments has likely occurred. Twisting the ankle can come not only from participating in sports but also falling off of a high-heeled shoe or stepping down off of a step and turning the foot under. When an injury to a ligament occurs it is important to have immediate care so that the ligament heals and chronic pain and instability are voided. GRADE I (MILD) – The ligaments have stretched, even partially torn. Pain and swelling are present on the outside of the ankle and discoloration may develop. Low-grade diffuse tenderness is present all around the outside ankle bone. Treatment for this includes rest, ice and compression with an ankle brace or boot. When minor, this injury may allow the athlete to return to sports but if pain is present with weight-bearing, immediate care is important. GRADE II (MODERATE) – Usually due to a more partial or even complete tear of one of the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. More swelling, discoloration and difficulty weight-bearing are present. Treatment should be immediate and includes immobilization in a boot or a cast to allow the injury to heal. These injuries can take from three to six weeks to improve. If untreated this can turn into a more chronic condition. GRADE III (SEVERE) – More severe injury with complete tearing of the ligament or ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Diffuse swelling, discoloration and pain are present on the outside and the inside of the ankle. Tenderness is diffuse and there is usually great difficulty weight-bearing as soon as the injury occurs. Treatment should be immediate and includes immobilization in a cast or boot for four to six weeks. Physical therapy and prophylactic ankle bracing is necessary to prevent recurrence. UNTREATED – Untreated injuries usually cause chronic swelling, stiffness and instability. If present, treatment includes aggressive physical therapy. If unresponsive, surgery to clean out the ankle arthroscopically and/or repair the ligaments will allow the athlete to return to full activity. Carlo A. Messina, DPM, is a Board Certified Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Diplomate American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is a Foot and Ankle Surgeon with the Foot, Ankle and Leg Specialists of South Florida and specializes in treating infants, children, teens and adults. His partners are Dr. Robert Sheinberg, Dr. Al DeSimone, Dr. Fernando Moya, Dr. Alexander Bertot, Dr. Mark Fishman, Dr. David Shenassa, Dr. Nathan Vela and Dr. Michael Cohen. The South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine in Weston is located at 1600 Town Center Blvd., Suite C, (954) 389-5900 and in Pembroke Pines at 17842 NW 2nd Street, (954) 430-9901. The practice website is www.SOUTHFLORIDASPORTSMEDICINE.org.

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South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine Foot, Ankle, and Leg Specialists of South Florida > Pediatrics: Flat feet, High arches, Toe Walker,

Fractures, In Toe, Out Toe, Limping, Growing Pains

> Fractures: Why go to an Emergency Room? All Foot, Ankle, and Leg Fractures in Children and Adults!

> Foot and Ankle Arthritis: Total Joint Replacement,

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> Reconstructive Foot, Ankle and Leg Surgery: Flat Foot, Bunions, Hammertoes, Ligament Repair, Achilles Tendon Tears, and Reconstruction

> Sports Medicine: Tendon and Ligament injuries, Heel

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Our City Pembroke Pines | JANUARY 2016

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JANUARY 2016 | Our City Pembroke Pines

BY BRUCE IDEN, ESQUIRE

ours, mine, and ours. Sadly, in America the average marriage lasts only seven years, with one out of two marriages ending in divorce. As over seventy-five percent of divorced individuals eventually choose to remarry, blended families now outnumber traditional nuclear families. And while this family dynamic has become the new normal, it’s a far cry from what was portrayed on the classic television series, “The Brady Bunch.” If you are part of a blended family, you face some unique estate planning challenges. These include providing for your current spouse if he or she survives you, and making sure that when your spouse dies your children will be taken care of. Obviously, after the first spouse passes, the family dynamic can change dramatically; what the surviving spouse ends up doing with his or her assets can often be unpredictable. As we all know, blood is thicker than water. Let’s explore just a few possible estate planning options. Your spouse. A simple, albeit not wise, approach would be to leave everything to your spouse. As your spouse adores your children, you have no doubt that he/she will take care of your children after you are gone, right? Keep in mind that an unintended consequence of this approach might be totally disinheriting your own children! Consider this: After you are gone, if your spouse becomes incapacitated it is very likely that your spouse’s children will take over the financial affairs of the family. You don’t need a vivid imagination to see how that might turn into a disaster. What happens when your spouse dies? Or remarries? Without thoughtful planning, your assets may ultimately be inherited by your stepchildren, or even by the person who marries your spouse! Proper legal planning can avoid this potential pitfall. Your children. Another solution is to leave assets to your spouse and your children. Of course this guarantees that your children will not be disinherited, but here too this path may lead to unintended consequences. Leaving assets outright to your children opens up a wide range of concerns, including the possibility that they may squander their inheritance by spending or investing unwisely, or lose most or all in a nasty divorce, an untimely lawsuit, or through bankruptcy. Even if your children are adults, shouldn’t you still protect them from future creditors and predators? Your ex-spouse. You probably don’t consider your ex, but your former spouse plays a role in your estate planning. Think about it. If you leave money to your minor children, it is likely that your ex-spouse will be appointed by the probate court to manage your children’s property. What happens if a child dies while single and childless? Who would inherit their assets? As the nextof-kin of your children, that individual can be your ex-wife or ex-husband! Planning effectively for a blended family requires creativity, experience, and know-how. Consult with an estate planning professional to formulate a plan that is right for you and your family. Estate planning is a deliberate, premeditated act of love. 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 area of estate planning and probate and trust administration for over 30 years. For more information, or to schedule a complimentary estate-planning consultation with Mr. Iden, please contact Iden Law Offices at (954)885-0085.

REAL STORIES. REAL CLIENTS.

SERIOUS WEIGHT LOSS.

Looking at Real Estate in 2016 By Patrick Simm

Patrick Simm, Managing Director of the Simmsational Group at Keller Williams Realty Partners SW, can be contacted at 954-709-8258 for all your Real Estate related questions and/ or inquiries.Visit www.PatrickSimm.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/OneCoolRealtor.

SHELIA LOST

Real Estate

hat a phenomenal comeback it has been for the Real Estate Market within the last few years! Interest rates are still at historically low levels. Home sales have been up year after year with home values recovering and almost at par with what they were prior to the Real Estate Meltdown in the mid to late 2000’s. Just a few years ago, there seemed to be no hope for homeowners who had negative equity in their properties and were attempting to live the American dream of homeownership. Let’s fast forward to 2016. So what does the future hold for Real Estate for this year? The buying frenzy that has brought us to this point in time has certainly “cooled off” and home sales are now at a moderate level at this point in time. For the record, this trend didn’t just appear, but was mostly prominent throughout the mid to latter part of 2015. What is my premonition for 2016? Home appreciation, hovering around 10% for most of 2015, will stabilize to historical rates, approximately 4% to 5% annually. In my opinion, this is absolutely good for Real Estate as a whole. If home prices were to continue to appreciate in double digits for much longer, we could have found ourselves in another severe meltdown. So, welcoming the gradual shift to a more normal and stable real estate market is a positive rather than a negative change. Sellers will no longer have the edge over buyers the vast majority of the time. There are exceptions to every rule, of course. Sellers with homes in truly pristine condition and a desirable location (pertaining to specific lots and not general areas) have the edge. The bottom line is that in order to sell, you have to price it right. The average days on market in the Miramar/Pembroke Pines area has risen to approximately 90 plus days, with most listed properties experiencing one or two price reductions prior to selling. The market hasn’t yet dictated that sellers need to offer incentives to • Affordable programs that fit your budget! buyers in order to sell. It is presently• Increase energy with B12 injections dictating that sellers no longer are • Prescription strength appetite suppressants able to demand a premium above and beyond what the fair market value of the property is. If this were the case, buyers would be moving on to purchase other available properties that are being sold at fair market value. New construction sales within the area, to include condos and single family homes will also slow in 2016. Although not common, they exist in the Miramar/Pembroke Pines area to a small extent. Again, in my opinion, builders will be offering numerous incentives in order to get their target buyers excited. This will be interesting to see as the year progresses. In summary, I strongly believe that there is no need to worry about how healthy our Real Estate arena is here in South Florida. The phase that we are about to enter hasn’t been experienced by anyone in South Florida within the last fifteen to twenty years. Welcome to what is historically, the Normal Real Estate Market!

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Our City Pembroke Pines | JANUARY 2016

Legally Speaking

How to Defend Against and Eliminate Deficiency Judgments By Omar J. Arcia, Esq. Foreclosure Defense and Bankruptcy Protection Attorney

he most recent trend of cases coming into our office is “deficiency judgment” actions brought against homeowners after a foreclosure, short sale or deed in lieu. If you were foreclosed out of your home, completed a short sale or returned your property to the bank through a deed in lieu, the bank may still sue you for the difference between what you owe under the mortgage and the value of the property in question. That is called a deficiency judgment, and if not properly defended, can lead to garnishment of wages, levying of bank accounts and repossession of vehicles. There are several key ways you can defend against or eliminate deficiency judgments altogether. The first and most effective way of defending against a deficiency judgment is based upon a recently enacted law in Florida which requires that as of July 1, 2013 a deficiency judgment action be brought within one year of a final judgment, short sale or deed in lieu, instead of the previous law that allowed up to five years to bring a deficiency judgment action. If properly presented in court, the new one year law can be used to stop a deficiency judgment action in its tracks. The second line of defense against a deficiency judgment is to challenge the right of the party bringing the action to collect on the judgment. Lenders often sell the right to a deficiency judgment to collection agencies, but the transfer may be entirely ineffective for failure to comply with legal formalities. If properly challenged, the new “pretender lender” may voluntarily dismiss their deficiency judgment action, and you may even be entitled to a refund of your attorney’s fees. Of course, one sure-fire way to eliminate any deficiency judgment is to file for bankruptcy protection at the first suggestion anyone is attempting to seek a deficiency against you. Once you file a bankruptcy, not only will all legal proceedings stop instantly, but when you receive a discharge in bankruptcy, your mortgage deficiency, all credit card, medical, and all other unsecured debt is forever eliminated.

Defending a foreclosure, deficiency judgment and filing for bankruptcy are NOT do-it-yourself propositions. The attorneys at the Arcia Law Firm have over 25 years combined litigation and trial experience, and we are privileged to successfully represent hundreds of homeowners in our community. We have foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy departments all in the same office. We will gladly refer you to our satisfied clients, so you can be confident in your decision to hire our Firm. Detailed explanations of different options available to homeowners are also discussed in a new DVD developed by the Arcia Law Firm entitled “Fight For Your Home.” If you mention that you heard about the DVD through this magazine, you will receive a complimentary copy during your free consultation to discuss your case in detail. If you are struggling to make your monthly mortgage payments, if you are in the middle of a frustrating loan modification process, or if you just received a foreclosure summons, contact the Arcia Law Firm today at 954-437-9066 to schedule a free personal consultation with Omar Arcia, or visit www.arcialawfirm.com for more information about our case results, testimonials from dozens of satisfied clients, and helpful information.

JANUARY 2016 | Our City Pembroke Pines

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