SUN December 2014 by Our City Media

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publisher's page

The True Meaning of the Holiday Spirit

t is hard to believe , but winter is at our door .

While we generally do not get the snowflakes or the frosty winter temperatures, we do get the holiday season. The upcoming holidays may have different meanings to many of our readers due to our diverse cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs, but for all of us this should be a time to reflect on the year gone by. It’s the season to gauge our own conduct. Have we reached out to our neighbors to lend a helping hand to those in need? Have we made enough time to truly spend with our children, our parents, our family and our friends? This is the time to mend minor disagreements, to forgive and forget. This is also the time to think of those less fortunate than ourselves. We should teach our children to share our good fortune with our loved ones, as well as those in need. There are families right here in our communities who need our assistance. Help make the season brighter for them by giving generously. Consider giving your children gifts they will cherish for a lifetime; the gift of love and the gift of giving. The holidays are the perfect time to teach your children to be thankful for what they have and to help others. For that is truly what the holidays are about. Happy Holidays!

Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jill Sharpe sales manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Koval Account Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joyce Bak,

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Visit us online: www.OurCitySunrise.com 1960 N Commerce Parkway, Suite 3, Weston, FL 33326

Ph: 954-306-1007 • Fax 954-306-1008 editorsunrise@ourcitymedia.com • graphics@ourcitymedia.com Our City Media, Inc. publishes FREE monthly, local community news magazines covering Weston, Davie/ SW Ranches/Cooper City, Sunrise, Plantation, Pembroke Pines and Miramar. Total circulation is 20,000+ per edition or a total of 120,000+ 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.

Sincerely, Sven Budzisch Publisher/Owner

Contents

calendar 6

Publisher/Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SVEN BUDZISCH

December 2014

pet of the month 24 “Cody”

25 The World’s Favorite Newspaper™

it’s their business

Families Enjoy All The Traditions of the Season at Annual Fall Festival

26 Family Owned and Operated Floor Solutions Group Offers Customers Knowledgeable Service, Top of the Line Flooring, and Installation

10 Gator Dogs and Their Owners Have a Doggone Good Time at Markham Park 12 Celebrate the Season with the Magic of The Nutcracker – A Stunning Full-Length Theatrical Extravaganza Not To Be Missed!

seen on scene 28 Community Snapshots

14 JAFCO Day of Beauty on Target to Raise $16,000 for Children in Need

SCHOOL NEWS

24 BSO Receives Help in Giving Back to the Community

Photo of the month

COMMUNITY NEWS 8

ask the Sheriff

SCHOOL NEWS 18 Village Elementary Students Learn Science Alongside Their Parents at Family Science Night

16 Hands-on Experiments Make Science Enjoyable For Students

message from the mayor 17 Savoring The Holidays in Sunrise

Legally Speaking 20 Holiday Cheer?

Ask the expert 21 Pinched Nerves in the Foot 22 Finding a Mortgage Loan that Works for You

MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE CHIEF 22 Holiday Safety Tips

December 2014 | Our City Sunrise

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Our City Sunrise | December 2014

calendar December 2014

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5th

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Lyrical Lounge – Teen Open Mic Night from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm in the Sunrise Civic Center Art Gallery, 10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard. Poets, singers, musicians, comedians, actors and other talented teens are invited to perform. In order to go on stage, you must put your name on the sign-up sheet by 7:15 p.m. The Lyrical Lounge is presented in partnership with the Jason Taylor Foundation, the Omari Hardwick bluapple Poetry Network, the SPEAK! Collective, and the Community Foundation of Broward. For more information, call (954) 747-4662 or email sdiaz@sunrisefl.gov.

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

to handmade crafts, Woodstock features international foods, roving entertainment and children’s rides and games. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm on Saturday, the 6th and 9:00 am – 4:00 pm on Sunday, the 7th. Log on to www.woodstockartfest.com for more information.

13th

holiday photo op, too. Holiday concert in the Amphitheater from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Call 954-747-4600 for more information. Admission is $5 per participant. For more information, contact the Leisure Services Department at (954) 747-4600.Winter Wonderland is sponsored by Baptist Health Urgent Care – Sawgrass.

21st Sunrise Pops in Concert – This talented group plays Broadway, classical, jazz, Pops and contemporary favorites. 2:00 pm in the Sunrise Civic Center Theatre, 10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Call 954-747-4646 for more information.

12 The Elves and the Shoemaker – The classic Brothers Grimm story takes center stage as an original musical. New lyrics are set to traditional holiday melodies to tell the story of an elf who helps a poor shoemaker in this Atlantic Coast Theatre production. Recommended for ages 5-10. 2:00 pm in the Sunrise Civic Center Theatre, 10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Tickets are $7 general admission. Call 94-747-4646 for more information.

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

6th

14th

Jingle Bell Jog – This 5K run and fitness walk begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Sawgrass Technology Park and welcomes entrants in a range of age categories – including kids 12 and under, teens 13 to 14 and adults in five-year increments up to 80 plus. Visit www.gflrrc.org for information and registration locations or call 954-461-5515.

6th&7th Woodstock Arts & Crafts – According to some annual festival-goers, Woodstock marks the beginning of the holiday season in Sunrise. Held at Welleby Park, 1100 NW 44th Street, this popular City-sponsored event was founded in 1980, and draws approximately 15,000 visitors and 150 vendors each year. In addition

Winter Wonderland – Sunrise Civic Center, 10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Children’s activities will take place from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Join your neighbors for a magical winter wonderland, complete with snow and ice skating! Decorate your own gingerbread man, play holiday games, and bring your camera for a

December 2014 | Our City Sunrise

SSymphonic unrise Pops Orchestra

a developmental disability. Dads will have a place to talk with one another and learn new strategies for day to day challenges. The first Tuesday of every month, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm, JAFCO Children’s Ability Center, 5100 North Nob Hill Road, Sunrise. Call 954315-8681 for more information. Coping With Life’s Changes – Laura Durant teaches seniors how to turn their challenges into opportunities, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month from 10:30 am – 11:30 am. Daniel D. Cantor Senior Center, 5000 N. Nob Hill Road, Sunrise. Call 954-742-2299 for more information. Chess Club – Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. free. Lobby of the Sunrise Civic Center Theatre, 10601 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Sunrise. Wheelchair Basketball – Ages 12-16, Sundays, 10:00 am – 12 pm, Ages 16 + Tuesdays and Thursdays , 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, FREE, Village Multipurpose Center, certain physical skills required. For details contact Fran Wade at 954748-3084 or SunriseSuns1@gamil.com.

Ongoing Support Group for Parents of Developmentally Disabled Children – This group will provide an opportunity to share common feelings, fears and experiences that only parents or caregivers of a child with a developmental disability could understand. In addition, the group provides support and community resources. Every Thursday and Friday from 9:45 am – 11:00 am and on the first Thursday of the month from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm., JAFCO Children’s Ability Center, 5100 North Nob Hill Road, Sunrise. Call 954-315-8681 for more information. Support Group for Dads of Developmentally Disabled Children – This group provides a special opportunity to discuss the unique concerns of fathers who are raising a child with a developmental disability. It is facilitated by a male Psychologist who also is the father of a child with

Earth-Air-Water Exhibit – featuring the work of Melanie Kane Brewer. A “naturalist in fiber,” nature has always been an important theme in Brewer’s artwork and her life. It provides an endless supply from which to choose when creating. With so many species on the road to extinction each piece she creates is a way to preserve nature for all to enjoy. On exhibit at the Sunrise Civic Center Art Gallery until December 27th, 10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard. Call 954-747-4600 for more information.

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Families Enjoy All The Traditions of the Season at Annual Fall Festival By Jill Sharpe

hile the leaves on the palm trees

may not be turning red and brown and the weather barely cools off, one sure sign that autumn is upon us is the arrival of the Fall Harvest Festival. A production of the City of Sunrise, the festival took place on October 19th at Welleby Park. The event, which is in its 20th year, features activities for residents of all ages. One of the highlights of the festival was the costume contest for children. Pirates, monsters, ninjas, zombies, and princesses all competed for prizes in their various age groups. Skyler Delerme celebrated her first Halloween by winning the two years-old and under category with her ‘Supergirl’ costume. Emily Rosato won first prize out of the two to five year-olds as ‘Zarina the Pirate Fairy’. Olga Yordane beamed with pride after seeing her son Jimmy win the six to eight year-old division for his firefighter costume. “We come every year. There are so many nice things for our family to do. We love the costume contest and the hayrides.” Horse drawn hayrides from Little Critters Corral loped along a spooky trail and past a makeshift graveyard. Across the park, families searched for the perfect gourd to take home in an old-fashioned pump-

kin patch. The sunny weather provided a perfect backdrop for the bounce houses, climbing walls, and face painting. “We always come out here because we love this neighborhood and the city is very family-friendly,” said Elsy Descadres, as she lined up with her family for a carrot patch game. “We love all the different activities, and it’s inexpensive family fun.” Kids were trying their luck at a variety of carnival games, from apple bobbing to finding a needle in the haystack to pumpkin bowling and a scarecrow ring toss. Arts and crafts activities included decorating a Halloween tote bag and creating a scarecrow or necklace. Food trucks from Zombie Ice, Hot Dog Hound, and TJ’s Funnel Cakes fed the hungry crowd, while people perused the booths from vendors advertising everything from jewelry to youth sports leagues. “The bottom line is no one walks away without feeling like a winner here,” said Rosemarie Marco, Assistant Director of Leisure Services for the City of Sunrise. “Everyone has a great, full day of activities, as there is so much to choose from.” Having more than three thousand people in one place gave some public service agencies the chance

December 2014 | Our City Sunrise

to inform, as well as entertain the crowd. The city’s Leisure Services Department educated people about the upcoming bond vote and how that would affect local parks and facilities. Members of the Sunrise Fire Department encouraged attendees to be safe by regularly cleaning their clothes dryer vents, and carefully minding their stovetops and ovens with holidays around the corner. “Dryer vents are the number three cause of house fires in the city of Sunrise,” said Deputy Fire Chief Todd Draizin. “While this is a problem, there is a solution. Keeping people safe is what we do.” Event planners from the City of Sunrise are certainly not slowing down for the holidays. The Woodstock Arts and Crafts Festival takes place at Welleby Park, 11100 NW 44th Street, on Saturday, December 6th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday, December 7th from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This is a great place to find holiday gifts and admission is only $5 or a donation of six cans of food. The Sunrise Civic Center will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland on Sunday, December 14th with a Santa’s Village, synthetic ice skating rink, and a performance by the American Legion Symphonic Band. For more information, please visit www.sunrisefl.gov or call the Leisure Services Department at 954-747-4600.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Gator Dogs and Their Owners Have a Doggone Good Time at Markham Park By Jill Sharpe

ogs and gators may not always mix ,

but canine companions were a featured guest of the Broward County Gator Club at their Gator Dog Park Day. The local chapter of University of Florida (UF) alumni got together on October 25th at Markham Park for a day of food, fellowship, and fun with some furry friends. Guests from the Sunrise Police Department were also there to educate the group about the department’s K-9 unit. “The biggest thing the club does is raise money for scholarships for kids from Broward to go to UF,” said Jenna Van Pelt, President of the local group. “We’re a nice way to stay connected with other Gators. The events are great for networking in addition to being fundraisers for the scholarships we provide.” The Gator Club has held Dog Park Days at Markham Park before and decided to hold a Halloween-themed event where people and animals could dress up. In addition to the familiar orange and blue of UF, dogs were dressed up in preparation for a

costume contest where they could win dog toys and PetSmart gift certificates. Three officers from the Sunrise Police Department also spoke to the club about their K-9 unit and the roles dogs play in law enforcement. Rocky, a Belgian Malinaois, and Karma, a Czech Shepherd, demonstrated their detection and attack skills. In order to be a police dog, training can start when the dogs are as young as eight weeks old. These dogs typically cost a law enforcement agency between $10-$15,000 depending on how much training the canines already have. While preparing a dog to be part of a K-9 unit takes a lot of time and money, the dog’s natural senses play a large part in how they can be successful in sniffing out crime. “The best analogy is to think of ordering a pizza. We can smell the whole pizza, but a dog’s olfactory sense is so strong that they can smell each part of the pizza, categorize it, and retain it forever,” explained Officer Marc Plunske.

December 2014 | Our City Sunrise

Police dogs can be trained on skills like narcotics detection, building searches, scent discrimination, water exposure, explosive detection, apprehension, and tracking. The dogs undergo 480 hours of training and must be certified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. After this initial training, one day each week is set aside for ongoing lessons for the dogs. K-9 units are often used for violent dispatch calls, and not for everyday disturbances. Going through these challenging situations often forms a tight bond between the handler and their dog. “These dogs are a part of our family,” said Sergeant Kevin Sweat. “They often come back to our house with us, and they’re always with us. This is a passion for us.” Anyone interested in joining the Broward County Gator Club can come to their Gator Get Together on Thursday, December 11th at 6:00 PM at the Tilted Kilt restaurant, 219 South Andrews Avenue, in Fort Lauderdale. More information about the group can be found at https:// www.facebook.com/BrowardCountyGatorClub.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Celebrate the Season with the Magic of The Nutcracker – A Stunning Full-Length Theatrical Extravaganza Not To Be Missed! Cindy Farache

For generations, families have celebrated the start of the holiday season with this beloved ballet. The International Ballet Company (IBC) brings this spectacular holiday classic to the stage on Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts. Tickets are on sale now. Don’t delay, this fabulous production is always a sell-out. This is the 15th outstanding performance of IBC’s holiday spectacle which promises to be bigger, better and even more magical than ever. The full-scale professional theater production will feature stunning costumes, extravagant scenery and magnificent stage effects

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December 2014 | Our City Sunrise

he Nutcracker is a time - honored tradition .

COMMUNITY NEWS

including a fierce battle between the giant Rat King and the handsome Prince! Guaranteed excitement and enjoyment for the entire family! This best-loved holiday classic wows both young and old with its delightful tale, unforgettable classical music score by P. Tchaikovsky, and magnificent dancing. The story of a young girl 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?” Each performance showers the audience with joy and lifts the spirits of all generations. Whether this will be your first time seeing a Nutcracker production or it’s a time honored holiday tradition with your family, make the International Ballet Company’s 15th annual performance of The Nutcracker ballet part of your holiday

festivities. Call now to book your seats. The International Ballet Company will perform The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts. The theater is conveniently located just off the Sawgrass Expressway; simply head east on Sample Road and turn right on Coral Springs Drive. Tickets are on sale now for the Saturday matinee at 2:00 pm, Saturday evening show at 8:00 pm, and the Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm. All Matinee tickets are only $25 each and the Gala Performance is $35 per ticket. Call the theater box office at (954) 344-5990 or visit www.coralspringscenterforthearts.com to purchase tickets to the spectacular holiday classic, The Nutcracker, presented by the International Ballet Company. There will be a special performance for Girl Scouts on Friday, December 12th at 7:00pm. Girl Scouts and leaders can call (954) 224-0024 for ticket information.

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Our City Sunrise | December 2014

COMMUNITY NEWS

JAFCO Day of Beauty on Target to Raise $16,000 for Children in Need BY JILL SHARPE

he Plantation/Central

Broward Chapter of JAFCO hosted its sixth annual Day of Beauty where women pampered themselves for the day at the Heaven & Earth Salon in Sunrise while benefiting abused, neglected and developmentally disabled children in South Florida. The staff of Heaven & Earth Salon, led by salon owner Larissa Kline (event co-chair), donated their time and energy by inviting guests to participate in a multitude of services. Guests paid for their services rendered, but instead of the money going to the salon, 100 percent of the proceeds went to the children of JAFCO. So far, the event raised more than $14,000. Totals are expected to reach $16,000 due to donations still coming in. Throughout the day, guests took advantage of haircuts, conditioning treatments, manicures, pedicures, gel manicures and one-dollar per minute chair massages. In addition to the relaxation and style, event goers had the chance to participate in silent auctions and raffles. Prizes included Miami Heat tickets, Florida Panther tickets, SeaWorld Parks packages and three day/two night hotel package at the Dorchester Hotel in South Beach. “Everyone loves a salon day so the Day of Beauty event was a great chance for women all around South Florida to be pampered for a good cause,” said Sarah Franco, JAFCO executive director. “I can’t believe six years have gone by since we began this event,” said salon owner and event co-chair Larissa Kline. “None of this would be possible without my co-chairs Lisa Simon and Fern Schneider who spent 6 months securing generous sponsors including: ABC Technology Group, Alpine Jaguar, American Generators, Holman Automotive Group, The Original Pancake House, Prestige Imports and WHOA Networks.” JAFCO serves abused, neglected and developmentally disabled children in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. For more information or to donate to JAFCO please contact Shelli Gold at 954-315-8671.

December 2014 | Our City Sunrise

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Our City Sunrise | December 2014

SCHOOL NEWS

Hands-on Experiments Make Science Enjoyable For Students By Jill Sharpe

ifth grade students at Sawgrass

sion has significantly increased with the use of STEM projects/experiments. “The students are able to apply the scientific method into authentic practice,” said Veliz. In a recent project, students learned about physical and chemical reactions by watching what happened when mentos were mixed with soda. They saw that the ones with the highest amount of carbonated gas had the largest eruption. Students hypothesized,

Elementary are learning important Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts by participating in hands-on experiments that help them relate what they are learning in their textbooks to the real world. Students participate in the experiments about once a month and the results have already proven to be beneficial. Assistant Principal Marlen Veliz said comprehen-

observed and made conclusions based on their findings. Fifth grader Madison Maitre enjoyed watching the explosions. “Learning like this brings science to life,” said Maitre. Future experiments will include creating models that emulate real world objects and practice such as building a structure to withstand wind, which will be tied to a unit on weather and hurricanes.

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message from the mayor

Savoring The Holidays in Sunrise BY MICHAEL RYAN, MAYOR OF SUNRISE

For many of us, the end of the year is a whirlwind of activities. There are friends and family members to host, gifts to buy, meals to cook, and holidays to celebrate. I encourage you – in the midst of all this – to focus on enjoying the season: celebrating the people in your life. December boasts some of the best weather Sunrise has to offer, with clear skies and temperatures dipping below 80! For a true “up north” experience, your family can take part in our Winter Wonderland event, complete with snow and ice skating for children. Be sure to decorate cookies in Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, and take pictures with The Man in Red. Afterward, stay for the free Holiday Concert in our Amphitheater, featuring the American Legion Symphonic Band. This month, you can also visit the Sunrise Civic Center Theatre to enjoy an interactive musical production of “The Elves and the Shoemaker,” a hit with kids, parents and grandparents. Our very own Sunrise Pops orchestra will take the stage in December with guest vocalist James Perkowski, and there will no doubt be seasonal songs on the program. Teens will have an opportunity to express themselves at our Lyrical Lounge open mic night in the Sunrise Civic Center Art Gallery – a free, bi-monthly event that attracts talented students from high schools countywide. If Black Friday didn’t cure you of your shopping impulses, you won’t want to miss the Woodstock Arts & Crafts Festival, an annual two-day event featuring handcrafted items, festival foods and local entertainment. In lieu of the admission fee, bring canned goods that will be used to help stock the City’s crisis pantry. (To donate nonperishables at any time of the year, please call the Sunrise Senior Center: 954-746-3670.) No matter where your year-end adventures take you, focus on the people you treasure. That’s the best way to ensure a happy holiday, and make memories for years to come. For more information about our great city, including the events and programs I’ve mentioned here, be sure to visit us online at www.sunrisefl.gov and www.facebook.com/sunrisefl. Have a wonderful month, and a happy and healthy New Year!

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▸▸“The Elves and the Shoemaker.” Saturday, December 13, at 2:00 p.m. in the Sunrise Civic Center Theatre (10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard). (954) 747-4646.

▸▸ Winter Wonderland. Sunday, December 14, at the Sunrise Civic Center

(10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard). Children’s activities from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Holiday concert from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (954) 747-4600.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Village Elementary Students Learn Science Alongside Their Parents at Family Science Night BY JILL SHARPE

fter the last bell has rung and the last bus has shut-

tled all the children home from school, things usually start to quiet down as the afternoon turns to night time at Village Elementary School. However, the school was buzzing with the sounds of science on the evening of November 5th as they hosted their third annual Family Science Night. “We want to expose students and their parents to hands-on experiments, have them work together to see these scientific lessons resonate, and then get an end result,” said Principal Deborah Peeples. “It’s exciting for the kids, but parents also really love it. The parents get to work with their children and help them understand the scientific method.” Teachers and volunteers ran fifteen different experiments that were set up in the school’s cafeteria and guided students through the process. After completing an experiment, students would get their “passport” stamped and turn in their “passport” for a prize. The Broward County School District teamed up with Reading is Fundamental to distribute free books to the families in attendance, with most of the books having a scientific topic like meteorology and wildlife. The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in Fort Lauderdale brought all of the equipment that was used for the experiments. “We love working with MODS because they share hands-on experiments that complement what the students are learning in the classroom,” said Lauren Brown, a math coach at Village Elementary. “It’s fun to watch the kids realize, ‘oh, that’s what my teachers are talking about’ when they’re doing an experiment about optical illusions or mechanics.” The event takes place in the middle of a school-wide emphasis on science with their Science Fair coming up. This year’s theme is environmental science so the students have been learning about topics ranging from the weather to energy use. Display boards from previous science fairs greeted visitors as soon as they walked in and provided ideas that students attending the science night could build on. Experiments included “Hidden Rainbows”, which taught students about light and prisms, “The “Speed of Sound” experiment looked at how sound waves travel in and out of water using a tuning fork, and the “Chromotography” experiment asked the question which objects are water- soluable and demonstrated the science behind tie-dying. The “Disappearing Cup” experiment looked at acetones and how substances can be dissolved. “Build A Bridge” involved engineering and structural strength, and students learned about the force of a magnetic field at “Magnet Madness”. “We came because my kids want to get some hands-on experience, and also see their teachers” said Jessica Burnett of Sunrise, who brought her two daughters. “People don’t get to do these kinds of science experiments at home.” Electricity was a popular topic at the science night. The “Roll A Can” experiment showed the effects of static electricity, “Energy Stick” compared open and closed circuits, and participants got an interactive lesson at the “Electricity & Snap Circuits” table. Two other experiments seemed like they were right out of a magic show but contained important lessons. “Floating In Air” demonstrated air pressure using a hair dryer, bathroom tissue roll, and ping pong balls while another station allowed students and parents to see dry ice up close while learning about carbon dioxide. “We take part in events like this so parents and kids can get involved in science activities together,” said Emerline Dieudonne, an Educator with MODS. “The best part is seeing the reactions from the parents, because they may not always think that their children are learning about science, but here they can actually see the results.” Dieudonne encouraged people to visit MODS and see the recent additions to the “Runways to Rockets” aviation section. The museum also recently opened a new “Black Holes: Space Warps and Time Twists” exhibit that is only being featured there until January 5, 2015. Upcoming events on Village Elementary School’s calendar include a Math Night where students travel to a local grocery store to learn about minding their dollars and cents, a Holiday Show, and a Toys for Tots drive where students will sort donated toys that go to children in need.

December 2014 | Our City Sunrise

Legally Speaking

Holiday Cheer? By Evan Baron

Continuing to Serve the Weston, Davie and Pines areas with over 25 years of Experience. President of Weston Bar Association

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The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

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ost people think of the holiday season with

gleeful anticipation of time with family. For couples who have been through a divorce, the holiday season can often be a very stressful time. This stress can also be felt by the children of a divorced couple. It is not uncommon for holiday visitation issues to surface during this time of year. Hopefully the parties’ settlement agreement or Parenting Plan is specific as to time sharing. Over the course of approximately 30 years of practice, my clients have experienced many issues concerning holiday visitation. The biggest obstacle to solving an issue in court during this time of year is the reality that court time is very difficult to schedule during December. As such, last minute issues usually will not be addressed. Of course, the parties are always able to try and work things out on their own or with the help of attorneys and mediators. I would certainly suggest not waiting until the “last minute” to address any concerns. The best way to insure there will be no conflicts during the holidays is to anticipate potential problems ahead of time and address them in the marital settlement agreement. The more specific your agreement is, the more likely you will not experience conflicts along the way. For couples with minor children, who have been divorced in the past five years, Parenting Plans have been mandatory. These Parenting Plans are designed to be very specific as to time sharing in an effort to head off any trouble in years to come. Unfortunately, these Parenting Plans were not used prior to the latter part of 2008. Therefore, many existing agreements do not include this provision. I believe the most important thing to remember is that any time sharing arrangement should always keep the best interest of the children as a priority. Children want to spend time with both parents and this is especially true during the holidays. They also want to be a part of any family gatherings. Sometimes that is not always possible, but advanced planning may be able to achieve this goal. Often parents divide the entire winter break in half, with Christmas Day being the “exchange day.” As an example, in odd numbered years, such as 2013, perhaps Dad has the children from the day school ends until noon Christmas Day. Mom will pick up the kids and keep them until school begins again. Next year, they can reverse the schedule. In some cultures, Christmas Eve is more of a celebration, so perhaps one parent can celebrate every Christmas Eve and the other Christmas Day. Also, remember that “gift giving” is not a competition, with the winner being the parent who spends the most money. Often times the finances of each parent may not be the same and one must buy gifts within his/her budget. For a parent to embarrass the other by purchasing a more expensive and lavish gift is only going to lead to hard feelings and potential problems. Hopefully, the parents can discuss this issue beforehand and plan together. Often parents wish to visit family out of town. Consider the feelings of your former spouse and the children in the planning such a trip. Children have the need to be with extended family during the Holidays. Perhaps holiday trips out of town can be rotated from year to year between parents. Mom and Dad can certainly make the holiday season a joyous time for their children or they can focus on themselves and make it a time that everyone would like to forget. If you need any further questions answered, please feel free to contact my office. The law firm of Evan H. Baron and Associates is located at 1655 North Commerce Parkway, Suite 201, in Weston. For information or a free consultation, call 954-385-9160.

December 2014 | Our City Sunrise

Ask the expert

Pinched Nerves in the Foot By Dr. Robert Sheinberg

provide sensation and/or give the signal to muscles to move. Some nerves may be susceptible to injury because of their location in the foot or ankle. The most commonly injured nerves are on the ball of the foot, located at the base of the second, third and fourth toes. These nerves provide sensation only to the middle three toes and may be compressed by a ligament that runs over it. Here is a look at the symptoms, causes and treatment options for pinched nerves in the foot. Symptoms: ▸▸ Pain on the ball of the foot. ▸▸ Numbness, burning, shooting or tingling sensation in the toes. Some or all of these symptoms may be present. ▸▸ Cramping in the toes. ▸▸ Aggravated by running, aerobics or activities that put stress on the ball of the foot. ▸▸ Pain may be lessened by taking the shoe off and rubbing the foot. ▸▸ Driving may aggravate the ball of the foot. Causes: ▸▸ Compression of the nerves against a tight ligament. ▸▸ Arthritis or bone spurs from the adjacent joints. ▸▸ Soft tissue cysts causing nerve compression. ▸▸ Trauma to the ball of the foot. ▸▸ Nerve may become irritated from tight shoes or sports that put stress on the ball of the foot, especially tennis and running. The goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammation around the nerve and prevent further trauma to it. Treatment options include: ▸▸ Anti-inflammatories may be used to lessen inflammation; oral medication or cortisone injections may be beneficial. ▸▸ Changing to wider shoes without a heel. ▸▸ Changing activities temporarily from weight bearing exercises to biking and swimming. ▸▸ Physical therapy may be of benefit in reducing inflammation. ▸▸ Metatarsal pads. ▸▸ Orthotics to correct faulty biomechanics. They can be used in small heels and all sports shoes. ▸▸ Localized injections into the nerve to stop the nerve from functioning. Removing the nerve surgically may be necessary if conservative treatment fails. This is an outpatient procedure. A local or twilight anesthesia is used. The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes. One or two days off of work is needed. A surgical shoe is worn for four to five days and then a sneaker may be used. Postoperative pain is minimal. The patient progresses to regular shoes over a two to four week period. Certain activities such as biking and swimming can be done in a week; sports may take three to eight weeks to resume. Robert Sheinberg, DPM, is a Board Certified Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Fellow American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Diplomat American Board of Podiatric Surgery. He is a partner in Foot, Ankle and Leg Specialists of South Florida and specializes in treating infants, children, teens and adults. His partners are Dr. Al DeSimone, Dr. Fernando Moya, Dr. Alexander Bertot, Dr. Mark Fishman, Dr. Carlo Messina, 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.

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Our City Sunrise | December 2014

MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE CHIEF

Ask the expert

Holiday Safety Tips

Finding a Mortgage Loan that Works for You

By THOMAS DIBERNARDO, SUNRISE FIRE CHIEF

olidays are a time for families and friends to

get together and celebrate. The Sunrise Fire-Rescue Department wishes you a joyous holiday season. Although these occasions are filled with laughter and joy, this is also a time for a greater risk of fire and injuries. Following these simple safety tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

Home for the Holidays

Home is where the heart is, but nothing says home for the holidays better than families gathering together and sharing a festive meal. Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and injuries. Please take a few moments to review some stay safe measures in the kitchen while cooking. ▸▸ It is important to “Watch What You Heat” and be attentive to heated stovetops and ovens ▸▸ Never walk away when frying, grilling or broiling food ▸▸ Use a timer to remind you while cooking ▸▸ Keep flammable things away from the stovetop such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, and towels

By Nancy Rappaport, President and CEO of PriorityONE Credit Union of Florida

hat makes your morning coffee just right ?

Is it the extra cream, sugar or maybe both? You know exactly what you like in your coffee. Shouldn’t it be that easy to find the mortgage loan just right for you? Whether you are refinancing or purchasing, getting a mortgage is one of the largest financial transactions most of us will ever make. Make your mortgage loan process easier. Ask your lender the following questions: What types of loan programs are available? – This is a very important question to ask. Not all borrowers are the same, so a lender that offers a wider selection of loan programs, which include a mix of conventional and government loans, will be able to match your financial profile to the perfect loan program.

Holiday Decorating

▸▸ Decorations are festive and add to the holiday spirit. However, there are some important safety tips to remember.

▸▸ Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. ▸▸ Use the right lights for

the right areas. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, not both. ▸▸ Check your lights and decorations for any loose connections or broken cords as they can deteriorate over time making them more susceptible to catch fire ▸▸ Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets together, or a maximum of 50 screw-in bulbs ▸▸ Use a power strip with a surge protector to avoid overloading a single outlet or circuit ▸▸ Make sure to turn off all lighted decorations when leaving your home or going to bed including blowing out candles. ▸▸ Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep ▸▸ Keep candles or open flames at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. ▸▸ December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. Roughly onethird of home candle fires started in the bedroom, and half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle.

Christmas Tree Safety

▸▸ The smell of a freshly cut tree can add tremendous fragrance, but can be dangerous if you are not careful.

▸▸ Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched ▸▸ Water daily to prevent from drying out. ▸▸ Keep the tree at least three feet away from any heat source like fireplaces, candles, heat vents, or lights.

▸▸ Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. ▸▸ Use approved indoor lights and lit decorations that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

▸▸ One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical fail-

ures. Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur they are more likely to be serious. We urge you to follow these simple safety tips we’ve provided to keep you and your family safe. On behalf of The City of Sunrise and Sunrise Fire-Rescue, we wish you a very happy, safe, and magnificent holiday season!

December 2014 | Our City Sunrise

How much can I afford? – Your lender will be able to tell you the amount you qualify for based on your income and the debts that appear on your credit report. While this information is very important, you must consider your other monthly expenses, such as food, electric and water. To get a true picture of what you can afford, work with a lender that has your total financial well being in mind. What is the interest rate? Is it fixed or adjustable? – This is the most important figure to obtain as you will most likely have this loan for a number of years. A loan with a fixed interest rate affords you a predictable amount of interest expense for your home. An adjustable-rate mortgage may be lower; however, the payment can be unpredictable. Discuss this with your lender. How much money will I need to close on the loan? – Mortgages can include down payments and fees for various services that lenders and other parties involved in the transaction provide. Ask for a good faith estimate up front so you can plan accordingly. Mortgage rates are now historically low and houses are still favorably priced. Whether you are refinancing or purchasing a home, enlist the help of a professional in the industry. Mortgage professionals will help you find the right mortgage loan; Realtors offer the expertise on the housing market and will guide you through the process of purchasing the right home for the right price. Title Agents will ensure that you are the rightful owner of the property and Inspectors will ensure that your property has no hidden hazards or defects. Work with the best local professionals to ensure a smooth, easy, and fulfilling transition into your new home. Congratulations-you’ve earned it! Nancy Rapport is the CEO and President of PriorityONE Credit Union of Florida. For additional mortgage information, please call 954-335-5100, visit our website at www.priorityonefl.org or stop by one of our offices located at 3000 N. University Dr; in Ft. Lauderdale, at 1900 W. Oakland Park Blvd; or Coral Springs at 1700 N. University Dr. Suite 100.

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BSO Receives Help in Giving Back to the Community

pet of the month

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By Sheriff Scott J. Israel

he Broward Sheriff’s Office is deeply involved

in supporting our community, especially during the holiday season. What many people don’t know is that much of our generosity would not be possible without two volunteer organizations. The Broward Sheriff’s Advisory Council, Inc. and the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County, Inc. are two local non-profit organizations that not only provide year-round support to public safety in Broward County, but also to our community. The generosity of these outstanding organizations is demonstrated through fundraising efforts to nonprofit groups as well as the less fortunate to improve the quality of life for all Broward residents. The primary mission of both the Broward Sheriff’s Advisory Council and the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County is to provide needed and compassionate support to the families of law enforcement officers and firefighters who are killed or become permanently disabled in the line of duty. This includes all law enforcement officers and firefighters from any local agency in Broward County, not just from BSO. However, their support does not stop there. The Broward Sheriff’s Advisory Council was established in 1985 and has since provided community support to a myriad of causes. Among a number of initiatives, it has supported organizations such as HANDY (Helping Abused Neglected Disadvantaged Youth) and has provided for the holiday feeding, where more than 2,000 complete dinners were provided to needy and under privileged families in Broward County. The Broward Sheriff’s Advisory Council sponsored the 2013 Bicycles for Champions Christmas Extravaganza, where 200 bicycles, helmets, locks and other items were provided to needy children in our community. This year’s Bicycles for Champions event is growing even larger to provide more than 300 children with bicycles and other gifts. The Broward Sheriff’s Advisory Council has also supported BSO through the purchase of a much-needed canine that can sniff out unauthorized cell phones and other contraband that may be found in our county jails. The use of unauthorized cell phones by inmates that are smuggled into our jails allows them to facilitate the commission of new crimes, including attempts to intimidate witnesses who are scheduled to testify against them in court. Most recently, the Broward Sheriff’s Advisory Council assisted BSO by financing public service announcements that are directed at our children and their parents, including crime prevention tips and positive guidance to our youth. As I like to say, our youth are 100 percent of our future! The Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County, established in 1999, has also been instrumental in giving support to those who need it most. It plays a vital role in the annual holiday Shop with the Sheriff, along with many other charity events, to ensure the neediest children have school supplies, clothing and nutritious meals. Members also contribute time and resources to the Anti-Defamation League, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Hispanic Unity, HANDY, 2-1-1 Broward and many other organizations to support educational and public awareness programs. Among its many initiatives, the foundation has an at-risk scholarship fund to provide scholarships to students with financial needs. Last year, it established the BSO Community Partnership Initiative, which supports grassroots community programs, including organizations that assist people experiencing homelessness and those with mental health needs. Fire rescue and law enforcement personnel protect and serve the community, not for recognition, but because it is their job, their passion, their chosen field of public service. Likewise, both the Broward Sheriff’s Advisory Council and the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County provide essential services without expecting acknowledgement in return. I do want to commend both organizations for their commitment to all residents of Broward County. I would also encourage you to learn more about these outstanding organizations by visiting their websites at browardsheriffsadvisorycouncil.org and sheriffsfoundationofbroward.org. Please consider making a donation to the Broward Sheriff’s Advisory Council or the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County or consider joining as a member. Happy holidays! For information, visit www.sheriff.org.

December 2014 | Our City Sunrise

Cody Jones is an eleven-year-old Yorkie. His favorite person is his mommy. His favorite toy is his stuffed white bunny. Cody loves his wife Heidi and is always looking after her. He sleeps in the bed between Mommy and Heidi every night with his head on the pillow just like a person.