WES March 2016 by Our City Media

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Helps Children Achieve Healthy & Beautiful Smiles See Story Pg. 40

Your LocaL communitY news magazine!

march 2016

Phone: 954-358-6010 robert@robertcoalla.com

24-Hour recorded Information for Price & address · Call (800) 214-2138 Enter Four-Digit Code g diN PeN

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New iN westoN Hills CC

feature listiNg

Perhaps the most Spectacular View in Weston Hills! 19,159 SF Point Lot with Golf and Lake Views, Resort style pool/patio area with stunning Outdoor kitchen. Interior featuring fine craftsmanship throughout, Master with sitting room. For more Information & Price Dial 1-800-214-2138 Enter Code 2162

New iN tHe laNdiNgs

What a Location! Courtyard home situated on an 18,078 sf Cul-de-Sac Water Point Lot featuring 6 beds plus Office and 5 Full baths. For more Information & Price Dial 1-800214-2138 and Enter Code 2472.

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westoN Hills – first time oN tHe market Elegant and Highly upgraded Residence is ready for entertainment. 5BR, 3.5BA with 15,165 S/F private Lot . For More information and price Dial 1-800-2142138- Enter Code 2432

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sPeCtaCular Home iN faBulous loCatioN

Amazing 3BA+ Loft with custom designed Pool-Patio all nestled on an Expansive Lake View Lot. For More Information & Price Dial 1-800-214-2138 Enter Code 2142

Popular Juniper model featuring 5 bed, 3.5 baths and Supersized Family Room sits on deep Cul-de-sac Lot. For more Information & Price Dial 1-800-214-2138 Enter Code 2192

Spacious corner Unit Townhouse with 4BD, 2.5 BA. Title floors in living areas, new carpet upstairs & Screened patio. For More information & Price Dial 1-800-214-2138 Enter Code 2282

New iN saVaNNa

Great location on oversized Cul-de-sac lot with very private Lake Views. Wonderful family home with Open Floor Plan featuring 4bd/2.5ba, Screened Pool/Patio has been recently painted inside/out. For more information & Price Dial 1-800-214-2138 and Enter Code 2462

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PlaNtatioN aCres

Contemporary Sophistication at its finest. 7BR+Loft+Office+ Gym+ Billiards/Game Room, 9.5BA and over 9,000 s/f. For More Information & Price Dial 1-800-214-2138 Enter Code 2102

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New iN tHe ridges

Beautiful lake Views

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luxury CoNdo iN westoN

The Palms Upscale Living. Popular C Model with 2BD, 2.5BA and large balcony. For More Information & Price Dial 1-800-214-2138 Enter Code 2792

Custom built 6 Bed plus Office, 5 all en-suites Baths. Gourmet Kitchen, Builder’s Acre with pool all set in a Tropical Oasis. For more Information & Price Dial 1-800-214-2138 and Enter Code 2032.

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Great family home features 4bd, 3 full baths, Open Floor Plan and oversized pool with lush landscaping and beautiful water views. For more Information & Price Dial 1-800-2142138 and Enter Code 2462

Over 2000 Homes Sold with Over $900 Millions in SalesExperience and Results www.Martinez-Coalla.com

MARCH 2016窶ポ窶グUR CITY WESTON

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WESTON

Gorgeous lakefront pool home in gated community featuring impact windows thru out the home, marble floors, wood cabinets, theatre room, chef’s kitchen, library, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms. Offered at $2,495,000. Call Jean Kachik - (954) 646-0777

AVENTURA

This impeccable two story home features: 4 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, marble floors, open spaces, pool, oversized closets, over 2200 sqft of living area. Definitely a must see. Offered at $950,000. Call Flor Blanchett at (305) 439-3320 or Robert Lopez at (786) 493-6652

MIAMI

One story 3 bedroom/2 bath home on huge 1.14 acre lot. Home features in-ground pool, 30+ mature fruit trees, quiet established neighborhood, and plenty of space to build your dream home or renovate existing structure. Offered at $1,110,000. Call Flor Blanchett at (305) 439-3320 or Robert Lopez at (786) 493-6652

WESTON

Spectacular courtyard home on a cul-de-sac fully upgraded contemporary Modern interior. Guest House, Gazebo, Beautiful garden with cascading waterfall and beach entry pool. Offered at $1,199,888. Call Patricia Woods from The Rosen Team – (954) 478-3668

AVENTURA

Exquisite home in the private gated community of Island Way in the City of Aventura. Enter throught the private gated courtyard ontothe foyer and living area. Home features: 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, over 2,700 sqft of living area. Offered at $995,000. Call Flor Blanchett at (305) 439-3320 or Robert Lopez at (786) 493-6652

PLANTATION

Foyer leads to a great room with wood burning fireplace. Formal dining room. Pool & canal views through impact windows & doors. Home features: 5 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, over 3600’ sqft of living area. Offered at $639,900. Contact Emily Byers from The Rosen Team – (305) 775-1906

Interested in a Real Estate Career? Please Contact… Sherry Clodgo

District Sales Manager

(954) 315-6900

SherryClodgo@keyes.com

WESTON

This lakefront estate boasts over 4700’ sq. of living area, including 5 bedrooms, 5 ½ bathrooms, Office, Playroom and Home Theater. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters, wood cabinetry, gas range, stainless appliances, walk-in pantry. Marble & wood flooring. Jacuzzi, pool & landscape lighting. Offered at $1,499,000. Call Holly & Bob Catania at (954) 614.6207

SW RANCHES

Palatial 3 story private gated estate on 7.5 acres. Featuring, Library, office, stained glass windows, gourmet kitchen, 12 seat theatre, game room, bar room, bowling alley, 4 fireplaces, elevator, 9 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, 4 ½ bathrooms, and so much more… definitely a must see.. Offered $ $12,900,000 Call Jean Kachik – (954) 646-0777

MARINA DEL REY AT SAND KEY

Ocean side home includes: 4beds, 3.5 baths, a 2 car garage, 2 balconies,2 deeded boats and a patio right at your dock. Furniture could be available. Kitchen, baths and floor were remolded 2013. It is a nice and quiet neighborhood. Ready move in. Offered at $ 880,000. Call Claudia Georgiopoulos – (954) 805-1103

DAVIE

Beautiful home with split floor plan, gourmet kitchen, office and space for a pool. Home features 4 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, over 4,300 sq ft of living area. Offered at $850,000. Call Barbara Crockett - (954) 465-3041

WESTON

SW RANCHES

Rare four acre lot on a Cul De Sac. Located on a street with remarkable homes. Land has been cleared and de-mucked and ready to build your home. Offered at $682,000 Call Filippo Vespa – (954) 540-2806

WESTON

This beautiful home is located in Weston Hills on an oversized corner lot with rooms for a pool. Spacious floor plan. Ceramic tile throughout living area. Home features 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, over 3400 sqft living area, great amenities, grade A schools, all this and more in a very exclusive neighborhood. Offered at $525,000 Call Filippo Vespa – (954) 540-2806

This home is located in the gated community of North Lakes. Home features: 5 bedrooms, gourmet updated kitchen, formal dining and living rooms. Offered at $500,000 Call Barbara Crockett – (954) 465-3041

WESTON

HOLLY WOOD Located in Orangebrook Estates, this waterfront 2BR/2BA/Den & Florida Room, fireplace, circular driveway and 1 car-garage is waiting for the new owner to update and make their own. The property is beautifully maintained with seawall, dock and 2 Mango Trees. All windows have electric rolldown shutters, new hot water heater and A/C. Offered at $250,000. Call Holly and Bob Catania (954) 614-6206

Charming 3BR/2BA home in gated community of Laguna Springs I. Fully fenced & private backyard & swimming pool. Nicely updated kitchen with wood cabinets, granite counters & stainless steel appliances. Laminate flooring in the living areas and carpeting in the bedrooms. Offered at $450,000 Call Holly & Bob (954) 614-6206

  ·   ·  ·   

WESTON

Beautiful home in Weston. Home features high ceilings in foyer, formal living/dining room, double French doors in family room to patio, pool, cabana, 5 bedrooms, 5 full bathrooms, over 4000 sq ft of living area. Offered at $749,988. Call Helen Fried from The Rosen Team – (954) 588-2146

DAVIE

This beautiful home sits on a builders acre within the Davie Equestrian Trail system. Home features: 5BR, 2.5 BR, detached 3 car garage plus 2 additional covered carport space, excellent school zone, hurricane panels and impact windows and so much more.. definitely a must see. Offered at $510,000. Call Aaron Smith - (305) 998-9122 or Robert Lopez – (786) 493-6652

PEMBROKE PINES

Immaculate updated townhome located in Pembroke Isles, home features: 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, pen and bright kitchen. A resort style gated community, with clubhouse, pool, tennis & basketball courts and so much more. Offered at $260,000. Call Mirtha West (305) 773-0308

THE KEYES COMPANY 1535 Three Village Rd, Weston, FL 33326

954-389-3459 www.Keyes.com

Contents

Positive Parenting

Publisher’s Page

Legally Speaking

52 Healthy Adults Make For Healthy Children

76 Is This the Right Time? 82 One Mission - Three Alternatives The Secret to Saving Homes in South Florida 83 The Peanut Diet

12 Spring Is Just Around The Corner

Calendar March 2016 14 March 2016

Tee to Green

Community News

84 Are You Able to Tame the Wind On the Golf Course?

16 Symphony of the Americas Performs Free Outdoor Concert 16 Upcoming Events Celebrate Community’s Cultural Diversity

86 Your Pet Could Be Our Pet of the Month!

18 Egg Hunts Offer Hopping Good Time For All

pet of the Month

20 Weston Rallies for Relay For Life 22 Park Improvement Projects in Full Swing this Spring 22 Weston Recognized as Two-Time Healthy Weight Community Champion 26 Weston University Students Continue Quest to Learn City’s Inner Workings

26 Weston BSO Explorer Post Prepares To Host Competition

86 “Agatha”

Pet Care 88 The Overweight Pet

Rotary News 90 Weston Rotary Club Continues International Literacy Initiative

feature story 40 Pediatric Dentistry of Weston Helps Children Achieve Healthy and Beautiful Smiles

Can do Kid 42 Weston Figure Skater Sets Sights On Olympics

Health and Wellness 44 Is Anxiety Linked to Dementia? 72 Can Acupuncture Treat Colds and Flu? 77 If I Am Married To An Addict, Do I Have To Get A Divorce? 78 Yoga -- Not Just Exercise 80 Advanced Technology in Optometry

Ask the Expert 46 Do Your Hands Give Away Your Age?

Photo of the month 91 The World’s Favorite Newspaper™

business spotlight 92 Lingua Language Center Returns to Weston

It’s their business 93 Century 21 KoRes Serves All Your Real Estate Needs 94 Camp Sagemont Allows Campers to Pursue Academic Interests with New Educational Camp Programs

snapshots from school 96-98 Class Acts!

seen on scene 100,102 Community Snapshots

70 Would My Child Benefit from Sedation Dentistry? (Part 1) 71 Pain in the #*%! Key Stretches for Better Golf 28 Weston Library Starts Book Club for People with Developmental Disabilities 28 FISP HOPE Gala Honors Founders 34 Smoke Alarms Save Lives 36 Broward County Yellow Dot Program Available in Weston 38 Register Now for Weston 3v3 Blast Soccer Tournament 38 Students are the Big Winners in Rotary Club’s Golf Classic

Mayor’s Message 30 March Madness – Plenty To Do This Month In Weston

Legislative Look 31 Beware – Tax Season Is Here And So Are The Scams!

Real Estate 32 Make Buyer’s First Impressions Truly Count

MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

74 Pediatric Foot and Ankle Sprains May Be a More Complex Growth Plate Injury

School news 50 Sagemont Students Spread Kindness Around Campus and Community 54 Eagle Point Elementary School Celebrates Literacy With Author Visit 56 Indian Trace Elementary Students Bring Famous Floridians To Life 58 Gator Run Principal Sees Failure As First Step To Success 60 Tequesta Trace Middle School Students Lead the WAY to be Drug Free 60 Cypress Bay Tops County Graduation Rates 62 Everyone Matters at Tequesta Trace Middle School 64 Manatee Bay Elementary PTA Takes Care of Their Own 66 Cypress Bay Robotics Team Inspires Greatness 68 Cypress Bay Coffee House Supports Literary Club

Come for your child’s first dental visit! Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Academy of Pediatrics recommends first visit no later than 6 months after first tooth erupts. First children visits stresses the importance of prevention of decay by having the preventive information of taking care of children’s teeth: • Brushing with a soft brush as soon as first tooth comes in. • Importance of good oral health on all family members since cavities are a multifactorial familial disease. • Information on cessation of nonnutritive habits and how they affect developing teeth. • How to be ready for a dental emergency (traumas). • Determination of caries predisposition based on many factors (oral hygiene, diet, genetic predisposition, etc). • When to use fluoride and monitoring it’s ingestion. • And much more...

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4401 S Flamingo Rd, Suite 109 • Davie, FL 33330 • Tel: 954-236-3434 • www.grosmandental.com

Welcome. w w Vis i w.o t u urc s o ityh nl olly ine wo at od.c o

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140,000 Copies Distributed

EVERY MONTH!

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It’s Not Just Weight Loss, It’s A Way of Life ut Feature story Pg. 14 o b A e o Smil t g n i h 2016 ome. 1t4 rch S a s t m n ie torY pg ! ir PastecommunitY e inemagazine! h es z T a e Your LocaL news march 2016 g a s Giv ws m e n Alway itY

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On behalf of our staff at Our City Media, we would like to welcome our new readers in Hollywood and in Aventura to our family of Local Community News Magazines.

Publisher/Owner

Publisher’s Page

Spring Is Just Around The Corner

he arrival of the spring season is welcomed as a sign of renewal and progress all around the world. While we watched news reports of snow and ice storms ravaging our neighbors in the Northern states, we are fortunate that our Florida winter season did not bring any significant cold-weather periods. Now, as the temperatures start to climb, the ocean is slowly warming up and the beaches are calling our names again. We remember why Florida is the place we choose to live. With Spring Break approaching, why not spend some time enjoying the splendors of our Sunshine State. Now is also the time for Weston residents to recognize their favorite restaurants, stores, doctor’s offices, etc. by voting in our Best of Weston contest. Entry forms are available in this issue as well as online at www.OurCityMedia.com. Winners will be announced in the special Best of Weston 2016 issue next month. This month marks the inaugural issue of our newest publication, Our City Aventura. It reaches 20,000+ affluent homes and businesses in Aventura, Golden Beach and Sunny Isles Beach. Welcome to our family! We hope all of our readers enjoy learning about what’s happening in your community and schools, and provide us with story leads on what makes our life in Florida so enjoyable. On this happy note, let’s enjoy all that Florida has to offer and let’s have some fun.

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

Marcela Fuxman, Tracy Hill, Tatiana Prudencio, Silvia Silva, Karla Iniguez Office manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gabriela Moscoso Graphic Design & photographY . . . . . . . Barry Stock, Grace Umlauf Web Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grace Umlauf

Visit us online: www.OurCityWeston.com

1960 N Commerce Parkway, Suite 3, Weston, FL 33326

Ph: 954-306-1007 • Fax 954-306-1008

editorweston@ourcitymedia.com • graphics@ourcitymedia.com Our City Media, Inc. publishes FREE monthly, local community news magazines covering Weston, Davie/ SW Ranches/Cooper City, Aventura, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Miramar and Hollywood & Hallandale. Total 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

Sincerely,

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

Sven Budzisch Publisher/Owner

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.

Bad Things Happen to Good People, LeT Us HeLP

Steven M. Falk | Eric A. Falk Attorneys at Law

• Personal Injury • Wrongful Death • Car Accidents

• Insur ance Claims • Hurricane Claims • Civil Litigation

• FREE ConSuLtAtion • No RecoveRy • No Fee • No cost

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MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

(305) 279-0999 · (954) 687-9100 Se Habla Español

Calendar March 2016

5th

13th

19th

28th

WestonNights Latin Explosion – The WestonNights Outdoor Concert series concludes with Tito Puente, Jr. and Marlow Rosado Y La Riquena. Enjoy an evening of music under the stars from 7-10pm at the event stage in Weston Regional Park. Admission is free. Pack a picnic dinner or enjoy the food trucks. For more information call 954-389-4321.

B’nai Aviv Purim Carnival – The Weston community is invited to attend this fun-filled event, featuring food, rides, games, crafts, and vendors. The cost is $12 for unlimited rides. Other activities include balloon making, face painting, and hair braiding by Just Air. The Purim Carnival takes place from 11am to 2pm at B’nai Aviv Synagogue, 1410 Indian Trace.

Children’s Easter Celebration – St. Paul Lutheran Church invites children in the Weston community to come hear the story of Easter and take part in an egg hunt. There will be a special appearance by the Easter Bunny. The event takes place at 10am. St. Paul Lutheran Church and Preschool is located at 580 Indian Trace.

Weston Art Guild Meeting – This month’s meeting will feature a demonstration by Melanie Margolis on how to make customized silk scarves. These stunning works of wearable art are created with a white silk scarf, tissue paper, water and heat. The meeting is free and open to the public. It takes place from 7-9pm at Rick Case Hyundai. Call Barbara Burk at 954-3826397 for more information.

6th

Weston World Fest – Travel the world without leaving Weston. This new event, presented by the Arts Council of Greater Weston and City of Weston, will offer country booths, authentic cuisine, and cultural entertainment. The free event takes place at Weston Regional Park from noon to 4pm. For more information visit www.1weston.com.

10th Weston Friends Club Outing – Join the Weston Friends Club for a tour of the Flagler Museum followed by lunch in the Palm Beach area. For more information call Diana Whitfield at 954-217-5027.

12th Free Magic Show – Magician Dave Kaplan presents two free magic shows for children at the Weston Community Center. The show features card tricks, magic ropes, rings and scarves. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Show times are at 1:30pm and 3pm. For more information, please call 954-389-4321. “The Peanuts Movie”– Bring the blankets, lawn chairs and plenty of popcorn, it’s time for Moonlight Movies in the Park. In this animated film, Snoopy embarks upon his greatest mission as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their arch-nemesis, while his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest back home. The free, family event takes place behind the Event Stage in the Weston Regional Park. The movie begins at 7:30pm. For more information, please call 954-3894321 or visit www.Westonfl.org.

Free Symphony Concert – The Symphony of the Americas, under the baton of Maestro James BrooksBruzzese, will perform a free concert of symphony classics and the best of Broadway. The show takes place from 6:30-8pm at Weston Town Center. For more information visit www. westonphilharmonic.org.

Yin Yoga – Weston Yoga offers this deep stretch class from 4:30-6:30pm. Through yin yoga experience greater ease of motion with less effort as the connective tissue (fascia) is safely and therapeutically stretched, stimulated and strengthened. Weston Yoga is located at 2600 Glades Circle, Suite 400. For more information visit www. westonyoga.com.

21st Weston Friends Club Bunko – This group meets the third Monday of the month at 1pm in a member’s home. For more information about this activity or about Weston Friends Club, please call Georgia Spry at 954-349-0009.

14th

26th

“The Concert” – The Weston Foreign Film Series presents this French film about the former renowned conductor of the Bolshoi orchestra and his attempt to arrange a reunion. The film is shown with English subtitles. Show times are at 4:45pm and 7:30pm at AMC Weston 8. The Weston Foreign Film Series is presented by the Arts Council of Greater Weston and the City of Weston. For ticket information visit www.1Weston.com or call 954-389-4321.

18th Gentle Yoga with Live Music – Weston Yoga offers this class from 10-11:15am. The practice includes asanas (postures) for balance and strength incorporated with Pranyama (breathing techniques) to promote stress relief, peace and tranquility. No previous yoga experience necessary. Weston Yoga is located at 2600 Glades Circle, Suite 400. For more information visit www.westonyoga.com.

MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

Royal Egg Hunt – Children, ten and under, are invited to join the fun of scrambling to collect candy-filled eggs. The egg hunt begins promptly at 10am at Weston Regional Park. Children should bring their own basket. There will also be bounce houses and photos with the Royal Bunny. For more information contact the Weston Community Center at 954-389-4321.

27th Resurrection Run – St. Paul Lutheran Church hosts its fourth annual 5K run/ walk through Tequesta Trace Park at 7am, preceding its Easter Morning service. Money raised will help send youth to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. To register or for more information visit www.westonrezrun. com.

April 9-10th Relay For Life – Show your support in the fight against cancer. This free, family-friendly event takes place on the Cypress Bay High School track. Stop by anytime and enjoy the entertainment, activities and food. Opening ceremonies begin at 4pm and the event runs throughout the night. To make a donation or to learn more, visit www. relayforlife.org/westonfl.

April 10th Weston Philharmonic Society Salon – Enjoy an afternoon of outstanding entertainment as the Weston Philharmonic Society presents its Platinum Circle Award to Roger Lander and Joe Friedman and the Al Jolson Humanitarian Award to Maestro James Brooks-Bruzzese and Sharon Brooks. The event is from 2-5pm at Weston Hills Country Club. For ticket information visit www.westonphilharmonic.com.

Symphony of the Americas Performs Free Outdoor Concert Community News

By Stacey Bomser

Photo courtesy Dr. John Lister.

eston Town Center will transform into an open air concert hall for the Symphony of the Americas on Sunday, March 13th. The City of Weston, Weston Town Center and the Weston Philharmonic Society, in partnership with the Arts Council of Greater Weston, are pleased to present this free outdoor concert. The “music under the stars” program will feature symphony classics and the best of Broadway performed by the full Symphony of the Americas orchestra, under the baton of Maestro James Brooks-Bruzzese. “Having Symphony of the Americas, a premier South Florida orchestra, appear free in Weston Town Center is a real coup for our community,” states Weston Philharmonic Society President Victoria Jolson. “We are delighted to partner in bringing this world-class music event for the enjoyment of our residents, from toddlers to seniors and everyone in between.” This concert is a wonderful opportunity to introduce the community to the beauty of classical music and a world-class symphony orchestra. The outdoor venue is especially nice for families with young children who may not be ready for the traditional theater experience. “Weston Town Center is a wonderful venue for this outdoor concert and the Symphony of the Americas never fails to deliver a great show,” states Don Decker, Weston’s Director of Parks and Recreation. “This free concert is an excellent opportunity to be introduced, or rein-

troduced, to the sounds of symphony music in a relaxed setting.” The Symphony Classics and Best of Broadway III concert will feature many familiar songs. The performance will include tunes from: My Fair Lady, The Producers, Mamma Mia, as well as a Miss Saigon medley and Jesus Christ Superstar medley. The orchestra will perform selections from Phantom of the Opera including Think of Me, Angel of Music, All I Ask of You, Masquerade and Music of the Night. Hits from Rocky Broadway include Gonna Fly Now, Eye of the Tiger and Fight from the Heart. The evening will also include a Salute to Rodgers and Hammerstein including My Favorite Things, Some Enchanted Evening, Surrey with the Fringe on Top and You’ll Never Walk Alone. This outdoor concert is one of several programs supported by the Weston Philharmonic Society. Just last month the Weston audience enjoyed the Symphony of the Americas’ Opera to Broadway III. That concert featured famous operas and Broadway selections performed by four internationally-acclaimed singers, joined by the full symphony orchestra. The Symphony of the America’s outdoor concert takes place on Sunday, March 13th from 6:30-8pm at Weston Town Center (behind the Clock Tower). The concert is free. Seating is limited; guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to enjoy the fabulous performance. For more information go to www. westonfl.org or call 954-389-4321.

Upcoming Events Celebrate Community’s Cultural Diversity By Stacey Bomser

eston is a multi-cultural community with residents representing nearly every nationality. Our melting pot of cultures will be celebrated with two upcoming events – the Latin Explosion concert and Weston World Fest. The popular WestonNights Concert Series concludes on Saturday, March 5th with Latin Explosion starring Tito Puente, Jr., and Marlow Rosado y La Riquena. Tito Puente, Jr., son of the legendary “Mambo King,” will perform at Weston Regional Park, bringing tropical, Latin Jazz and club/dance style music onstage in a high voltage celebration. He will be joined by Grammy-winning producer, composer and pianist Marlow Rosado y La Riqueña, who incorporates elements of rock, hip-hop, reggaeton, and bachata into his salsa performance. Don Decker, Weston’s Director of Parks and Recreation, predicts Latin Explosion will have a huge turnout, based upon the popularity of last year’s Latin Nights Stage Show. “We are excited to present Latin Explosion featuring the incredibly talented Tito Puente, Jr. This free, family-friendly event will be a high energy affair that will have everyone dancing to the Latin beat.” The following day, Sunday, March 6th, the Arts Council of Greater Weston and the City of Weston will host the inaugural Weston World Fest at Weston Regional Park. Guests can take a trip around the world without leaving Weston. Weston World Fest will offer tastes of international cuisine, booths from 20 countries presenting cultural displays and activities, and live entertainment featuring Tito Puente, Jr. will headline traditional and contemporary artists, dancthe Latin Explosion concert.

MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

ers, singers and musicians. The event includes an educational opportunity to learn about other countries and cultures. The passport challenge will allow kids to get their “passport” stamped as they travel from country to country.

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The Latin Explosion concert takes place on March 5th from 7-10pm at the event stage in Weston Regional Park. Concert-goers should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to sit back and enjoy the music under the stars. Guests are welcome to bring picnic dinners; alcohol is not permitted. Food trucks will be on site selling a variety of food and beverages. The park’s largest playground will be open to entertain children before the concert. Weston World Fest takes place from noon until 4pm on March 6th at Weston Regional Park. There is no entry fee. Area restaurants will be selling sample-size portions of authentic cuisine and non-alcoholic specialty beverages from around the world will also be available for purchase. For more information on the Latin Explosion concert call 954389-4321 or visit www.westonfl.org. To learn more about Weston World Fest visit the Arts Council of Greater Weston website at www.1weston.com.

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Egg Hunts Offer Hopping Good Time For All SECTION HEAD Community news

By Stacey Bomser

The Royal Egg Hunt is a long-standing tradition in Weston. Photos courtesy City of Weston.

op on over to Regional Park for Weston’s annual Royal Egg Hunt. Thousands of children are expected to take part in the fun-filled scramble to collect 30,000 candy-filled eggs. “There’s not much in life cuter than the anticipation filled faces of hundreds of children dressed in their spring finery at the Royal Egg Hunt,” shares

says be on the lookWeston Mayor Daniel Stermer. “I out for the special stress that parents should plan to arrive early in case of unforeseen “golden” eggs, which delays as these hunts really do go can be redeemed for off right on time and we hate see- small prizes. After the egg ing any disappointed pouts.” hunts, children can Weston’s Royal Egg Hunt has take pictures with become a time-honored tradition the Royal Bunny in this community. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, and enjoy bounce houses until noon. March 26th at 10am sharp at For more informaWeston Regional Park, baseball tion on the Royal Egg fields one through four. Parks Hunt, call the Weston and Recreation Director Don Decker recommends arriving Community Center at (954) 389-4321 or visit by 9:15am to allow ample www.westonfl.org. time to park and find your On Sunday, March age appropriate field. 27th, hop on over to The egg hunt is free and Weston Town Center open to children, ages ten for its annual Easter and under. There are sepaChildren can meet the Easter Bunny at Weston Town Center’s Egg Hunt. This funrate egg hunts for different annual Easter Egg Hunt. Photo filled afternoon, from age groups; parents are courtesy Weston Town Center. 2-6pm, will feature permitted on the fields only an egg hunt along with the five and under age with live entertainment, face painting, a bounce house, group. pony rides, and, of course, a visit from the Easter Children should bring Bunny. Children should bring a basket for gathering their own baskets or bags eggs. For more information, visit www.westontowncento collect some of the 30,000 ter.net and click on “Events.” candy-filled eggs. Decker

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Weston Rallies for Relay For Life

Community news

By Stacey Bomser

nce again the Weston community is rallying together to support Relay For Life, the American Cancer Society’s signature event and fundraiser. The 14th annual Relay For Life of Weston takes place April 9th-10th at the Cypress Bay High School football field and track. With your support, Relay For Life of Weston could retake its spot as the #1 Relay in Broward County. The goal is to raise $200,000 this year. Funds raised through Relay support programs for research, education, advocacy and service; programs that can reduce cancer deaths and incidence and improve the quality of life for those touched by cancer. Weston Relay’s Bring the People Lead Celia McCoy says this includes community-based programs to provide both physical and emotional support to those with cancer and their families. Her co-lead, Barb Marcus, adds, “The money raised in our community stays in our community, so it funds cancer patients at Cleveland Clinic getting rides to and from treatment, the Look Good Feel Better program located in the Cleveland Clinic lobby, as well as other programs.”

Party Kidz Zone, bounce house, food vendors, and tons of games and activities going on for the entire event ending with a gentle wake-up and yoga class before closing ceremonies. This is an event for the entire family to bring everyone out and help us paint Broward purple!” Among the highlights of this year’s entertainment include the Ninja Lounge, a super-strength obstacle course, Improv Comedy Club, hip hop performance by Dance Labz, music by School of Rock, and a special appearance by Latin soap opera star Ricardo Chavez. Relay For Life begins with the Survivors’ Victory Lap. After which, supporters and teammates join in walking in “relay” fashion around the track throughout the night. After dark, hundreds of luminaria candles are lit during the Ceremony of Hope. At this time, a more somber mood is cast as a bagpiper plays. “It is so moving,” states Weston Relay Online and Social Media Chair Edyth Trucks. “We celebrate what survivors have overcome, remember people lost to the disease, and honor people who have fought or are fighting cancer. Fight back, against a disease that has taken too much!”

Latin soap star Ricardo Chavez will make a special guest appearance at Relay For Life of Weston.

Because the Weston Relay helps fund programs right in our backyard, 2016 Weston Relay For Life Chair Loretta Arroyo encourages everyone to get involved. “It’s as simple as forming a team, joining an existing team, or just coming out to support the event.” Relay is a family-friendly evening with teams creating themed-tents and hosting fundraising activities. Arroyo says this year’s Storybook theme goes along with the idea of “Once upon a time in a land where there was no cancer…” She says teams are embracing the concept with plans to depict popular children’s stories such Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz. In addition to the themed activities, Weston Relay offers non-stop entertainment including singers, dancers and other performers as well as a special children’s area. Weston Relay Entertainment Chair Erika Vallina says this year’s Relay promises to be bigger and better than ever with “stage entertainment, the Smarty Fit

MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

Throughout the entire night, team members continue to walk the track signifying that cancer never sleeps. Weston Relay concludes with the Fight Back Ceremony. That’s when everyone walks the final lap together in a pledge to take action and spread awareness about cancer research, treatment and prevention. Weston Relay organizers invite everyone to get involved and show their support. “By participating, you are helping friends, family members and neighbors in their fight against cancer,” shares Trucks. “The money raised supports cancer survivors and also goes towards research, in hope that one day people will not hear the words ‘You have cancer.’” Relay For Life of Weston takes place from 4pm on Saturday, April 9th through 8am on Sunday, April 10th at the Cypress Bay High School track. To learn more about how you can support Relay For Life of Weston visit www.relayforlife.org/westonfl

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Park Improvement Projects in Full Swing this Spring Community News

By Stacey Bomser

eston’s Parks and Recreation Department has been busy overseeing several park improvement projects, most notably the conversion of hockey rinks at Weston Regional Park into multi-purpose courts. Work is wrapping up on the conversion of four outdoor hockey rinks to artificial turf courts. Not only will this expand the usable playing areas, it should also save the City money over time. Artificial turf courts have numerous benefits including: they can be played on during wet conditions; they require far less maintenance than grass; they will not develop holes and divots which can cause injury; and they increase capacity. The Parks and Recreation Department put a great deal of thought and time into the decision to convert the under-utilized hockey rinks into multi-purpose artificial turf courts. Staffers spent almost six years researching the best available products and visiting turf field installations. Parks and Recreation Director Don Decker says the product selected is of the highest quality and meets all of the safety, performance and environmental considerations set in place for the best interest of Weston residents. The highquality artificial

turf being installed is the same product used in the renowned AC Milan training center. The artificial turf is organic. The infill is composed of a combination of cork, rice husk and coconut fiber. Not only is this safer for players and the environment, it also drastically reduces the temperature of the surface while maintaining a green standard. Public safety and aesthetics were also considered when planning renovations at Country Isles Park, which is receiving new walkways. Last month, crews removed all of the existing asphalt Photos courtesy City of Weston. paths that surround the perimeter of the park. New concrete walkways are now being installed. When finished, the park will feature 1,600 linear feet of 8-foot wide concrete walkways and 185 linear feet of 5-foot wide concrete walkways. During construction, almost 500 linear feet of root barriers were installed to protect the new walking paths. When planning the park renovation, the City chose concrete walkways because they have a longer lifespan, require less maintenance over time, can be cleaned easier, and provide for a safer, sturdier walking surface. Weston has always been at the forefront of innovation and will continue to utilize the best products on the market to protect public safety at the City’s wonderful parks and recreation facilities.

Weston Recognized as Two-Time Healthy Weight Community Champion By Stacey Bomser

t’s no secret that Weston is an active community. Each and every day, the streets are filled with cyclists and runners and the parks are packed with children playing every sport imaginable. So it should come as no surprise that Weston was once again recognized as a Healthy Weight Community Champion. Weston was one of only 80 communities in the State of Florida to be awarded this honor by the Florida Department of Health. Its Healthiest Weight Florida initiative aims to help Florida’s children and adults make consistent, informed choices about healthy eating and active living. “We are honored to again be recognized by the State Surgeon General for our efforts to provide residents with access to infrastructure and programs that encourage a healthy lifestyle,” stated Weston Mayor Daniel Stermer. “We will continue maintenance and upgrades to recreational facilities, bike lanes and sidewalks and communicate programs and educational information on healthy lifestyle choices. Many of our programs target children to encourage a lifetime of healthy habits and an active body from an early age.” One of the many ways the City encourages this is through its annual Mayor’s Get Fit Challenge Cup, which encourages elementary school children, their families and school faculty, to take part in a one-mile health walk as part of the Get Fit Weston festivities. Other best practices and policies initiated by the City include

MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

active parks and recreational programs and events, with 13 City-maintained parks, in addition to the Weston Tennis Center; maintaining 83 linear miles of sidewalks that provide a safe route for walkers and runners, as well as children riding their bikes to and from school; almost 50 miles of paved bike paths, which helped Weston earn the Bicycle Friendly Community designation. In addition, the City of Weston offers personal safety programs for neighborhoods such as Citizens on Patrol and Crime Prevention on Your Corner, whereby residents feel safe walking and biking throughout the community; street lighting and sidewalk maintenance; and other criteria to promote an active and healthy lifestyle. To further promote health and wellness in Weston, the City provides monthly tips and topics in its online Newsday Tuesday magazine on ways adults and children can lose weight, eat healthier, exercise, stay fit, and protect their heart. To access the latest edition of Newsday Tuesday go to http://www.westonfl.org/departments/Communications/ NewsdayTuesdayReader.aspx. To sign up to have it delivered to your inbox each week, register at http://www.westonfl.org/ EmailSubscriptions.aspx.

Chiropractic? Why Not? “A Doctor’s Confession to West Broward”

Dear Friend,

write one for a lesser amount for chiropractic. When you bring in this article (by 03/31/16) you will receive my entire new patient exam for $55. That’s with x-rays, biomechanical exam, history and consultation…the whole ball of wax. This exam could cost you $250 elsewhere. The law says that I must tell you THAT YOu OR AnY OTHeR peRSOn ReSpOnSIBLe FOR pAYMenT HAS THe RIgHT TO ReFuSe TO pAY, cAnceL pAYMenT, OR Be ReIMBuRSeD FOR TReATMenT, WHIcH IS peRFORMeD AS A ReSuLT OF AnD WITHIn 72 HOuRS OF ReSpOnDIng TO THe ADveRTISeMenT FOR DIScOunTeD, OR ReDuceD Fee FOR SeRvIce, eXAMInATIOn, OR TReATMenT.

want to give credit where credit is due. So, perhaps a confession can help clear the air so there’s no misunderstanding. Before I talk about my confession, though, let me say a few other things first. Let me start by explaining the photo in this letter. You know, when I meet people in town they usually say, “Oh, yeah, I know you, you’re Dr. Rick. I’ve seen your ad with that picture of you and your family.” Well, I’m the guy on the right. Twenty-five years ago something happened to me that changed my life forever. I was a junior in high school and I started getting migraines. I had suffered from intense headaches since childhood. Over the years, I consulted many medical doctors, and specialists. I went through all kinds of tests, MRIs, and treatments. I tried every drug in the market; our medicine cabinet looked like a hospital’s infirmary. And still, nothing helped. But there’s more… A friend of mine convinced me to give a chiropractor a try. The chiropractor examined me, took X-rays, and then “adjusted” my spine. The adjustment did not hurt; it actually felt good. And guess what…I started feeling so much better! From daily migraines, I went down to three a week, and then to once in a great while. That’s when I realized that I wanted to become a chiropractor and help others. That’s how it happened! It’s strange how life is, because now people come to see me with their migraines. They also come to me with their chronic pain, neck pain, shoulder/arm pain, whiplash from car accidents, backaches, ear infections, asthma, allergies, numbness in limbs, athletic injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, just to name a few. Here’s what some of my patients had to say: “Due to an auto accident, I suffered from severe neck pain, vertigo and I could not raise my arm to comb my hair. Now I am symptom free with no medication and I can do everything I could not do before.” – E. Heaney, Hollywood, FL “Thanks to the DRX 9000 and the doctors, I no longer have chronic sciatic pain. It’s been a long time since I have taken pain medication.” – J. Walker, Miramar

Several times a day patients thank me for helping them with their health problems. But I can’t really take the credit. My confession is that I’ve never healed anyone of anything. What I do is perform a specific spinal adjustment to remove nerve pressure, and the body responds by healing itself. We get tremendous results. It’s as simple as that! Forty-five million Americans no longer have health insurance, and those who do have found that their benefits have been greatly reduced. That’s where chiropractic comes in. I have a significantly lower fee plan so that more people are able to afford the care they need. An entire week of care in my office costs what you could pay for one visit elsewhere. Another way to save…studies show that chiropractic can double your immune capacity, naturally and without drugs. The immune system fights colds, the flu, and other ailments. So you may not be running off to the doctor as much. Studies show that people actually pay less for their long-term overall health care expenses if they are seeing a chiropractor. You benefit from an amazing offer. Look, it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg to correct your health. You are going to write a check to someone for your health care expenses, you may as well

great care at a great fee…please, I hope that there’s no misunderstanding about quality of care just because I have a lower exam fee. You’ll get great care at a great fee. My qualifications…I’m a graduate of Life college and have been practicing for over 10 years. I’ve been entrusted to take care of tiny babies to pro athletes that you may know. I am constantly going to seminars and updating my knowledge so I can give my patients the latest information and techniques of my profession. My assistants are Annie and Melissa – really great people. Our office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have a wonderful service, at an exceptional fee. Our office is called Windmill Health center and it’s at 17160 Royal palm Blvd., Suite 1 in the Windmill professional plaza. Our phone number is 954-217-4881. call Melissa or Annie for an appointment. We can help you. Thank you. For more information regarding our services please visit our website www.WindmillHealthcenter.com. If you would like to email us with your questions, you may reach us at WindmillHealth@ att.net – Rick Behar, D.C. P.S. I am also offering the second family member for only $47. p.p.S. Your time is as valuable as mine. That’s why I have a no-wait policy. You will be seen within minutes of your appointment.

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Community News

Weston University Students Continue Quest to Learn City’s Inner Workings By Stacey Bomser

Photos courtesy City of Weston

tudents enrolled in Weston University left the quaint confines of our community to visit the offices of Calvin, Giordano & Associates, the City of Weston’s contract provider for planning, zoning and engineering services. The field trip was part of a program day focused on Weston’s Development Services. At Calvin, Giordano & Associates (CGA), students were divided into groups to learn about the firm’s different departments and the services each provides to our City. While working alongside CGA employees, the students were able to explore various career opportunities that are vital to running a city such as landscape architecture, civil engineering, traffic engineering, 3D graphic multimedia design, and many more. The cornerstone of the Weston University program is hands-on learning. For this particular lesson, students learned the legislative process for site plan approval. Each student was paired with a CGA professional in order to gain more insight about their daily job functions and to present their positions on the mock subject.

Before heading back to Weston, students got the chance to see one of CGA’s unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in action. The drones are used mostly for marketing and promotional uses, with footage posted on the company website. This month, the Weston University curriculum will focus on local government and finance. The students will learn how local taxes are figured, explore sources of City revenues including non-tax revenues and user fees, and examine the Weston Budget. The students will also be assigned their roles for the City Commission Simulation. That is the culminating activity for Weston University when students must utilize all of the knowledge of local government they have gained throughout the program to carry out a mock city commission meeting. The topics covered during the eight-month program have included Local & State Government, Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Community Services/ Public Works, and Law Enforcement Services.

Weston BSO Explorer Post Prepares To Host Competition By Stacey Bomser

his month, BSO/Weston Explorer Post 44 will host the Learning for Life encourages the Explorers to compete, not for the awards but for the experience. “It Explorer Competition at Cypress Bay High School. They will compete is important to participate in these competitions in order to challenge each other against about 20 to perform at their best. other Explorer posts It’s also a chance to from Broward and Dade meet new Explorers, counties. learn new things and At last year’s Learning just have fun. These are for Life South Regional the three main things I Explorer Competition, have always preached Post 44 took home top to them. I tell them the honors. That included the awards will follow, and trophy for the 2nd Place last year that came true.” Team Overall. The BSO Explorer The Learning for Life Program allows teens competition evaluates and young adults, ages Explorers on how they 14-21, to learn and experespond to various law rience lawful citizenship enforcement scenarios, as they participate, such as In-Progress side-by-side, with certiCrimes, Domestic fied BSO deputies in Violence, Search & ongoing training and Weston Explorer Post 44 traveled to Orlando to train in various areas of law enforcement. Photo courtesy City of Weston. Seizure, Felony Traffic community service projStop, Crime Scene, and ects. Explorers receive a Crisis Intervention. The team tied for 1st Place in Crisis Intervention, took 3rd Place wide variety of training, including basic and advanced Law Enforcement Explorer in In-Progress Crimes and 3rd Place in the Domestic Violence scenario. Academy training, self-defense, patrol procedures, traffic stops, report writing, To prepare for the upcoming competition, Weston Post 44 trained in Orlando Florida law, and arrest procedures. along with several other agencies. The 18 Explorers practiced new areas of death For more information on the BSO Law Enforcement Explorers investigation and economic crimes such as identify theft. They also trained in trafProgram or to access an online application, visit http://www. fic stops and domestic violence. sheriff.org/about_bso/dle/explorers/index.cfm. The Weston Explorer Program is supervised by Deputy Kevin Maccagli. He

MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

Cutting Colon Cancer Out of the Family Tree About five of every 100 people with colon or rectal cancer have the disease because of a gene Giovanna DaSilva, MD passed down through their family. Researchers at Cleveland Clinic Florida are investing in specialists and resources to identify these families at risk, with the goal of preventing inherited colorectal cancer from ever developing at all. The focus is on familial adenomatous polyposis, or FAP. “Familial” means inherited, or passed down through families. Adenomas are specific types of polyps that can become cancer. People with FAP have a 100 percent chance to get colorectal

cancer, and parents with FAP have a 50/50 chance of passing it down to their children. “We want to get the word out about our program, so we can let as many people as possible know if they’re at risk, educate others in their family and offer each one the latest medical care, education and support,”says Giovanna DaSilva, MD, a Cleveland Clinic Florida colorectal surgeon and researcher. The centerpiece of the program is the Jagelman Registry, a database of patient information of families with FAP. Using this data, physicians at Cleveland Clinic Florida work with teams elsewhere to research the condition and share the latest medicines and other treatments. Besides colon polyps, FAP can also cause growths or

cancer in the stomach, pancreas, bone and other areas. The earliest preventive care ranges from medicines that stop the growth of polyps to simple colonoscopies to remove those that have not yet become cancer. “Using the registry, we’re able to let patients know what screenings they should have and how often. That can save their lives and those of their family members,” Dr. DaSilva says. “We’re definitely very proud of our program, and we’re looking forward to helping more and more patients through it.”

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Community News

Weston Library Starts Book Club for People with Developmental Disabilities By Stacey Bomser

he Weston Branch Library has started a new book club for teens and adults with development disabilities. Designed for all reading levels, the Between Friends Book Club is serving the needs of this special population. “Everyone can benefit from reading,” states Taja Alkoriji, Branch Manager of the Weston Branch Library. “Whether it be from the simple enjoyment of escaping to a different world, or gaining knowledge. When you love to read you empower yourself.” Alkoriji says the literacy program does not teach reading, but rather how to learn from reading. “Not everyone who attends the Between Friends Book Club can read, some just listen. Some read a paragraph and others just repeat after the volunteer. It is a literacy program in the fact that just by attending, listening or following along in the book to a story increases your literacy skills. She says the book club is also a social program. “People are getting together becoming friends and they feel like they belong to a community. This helps

fulfill the Broward County Library’s mission to provide convenient access to a full range of innovative and cost-effective services that satisfy the changing needs of the people of Broward County for information, education and recreation.” The Between Friends Book Club was inspired by the success of the Weston library’s Sensory Storytime, a special program for children with autism and sensory integration disorders. “After I started that program, I wanted to reach out to the older community members who have developmental disabilities,” notes Alkoriji. Between Friends is facilitated by a librarian with support from adult volunteers. Additional volunteers are needed. Caregivers also attend the program. The book club meets once a month; typically the third Wednesday, from 6-7pm. This month’s meeting will be on March 16th in the multi-purpose room. The first book the club read was Great Illustrated Classics’ The Call of the Wild by Jack London. The Weston Library offers two other adult book clubs. One in English and one in Spanish. New members can join at any time. For both book clubs, attendees can pick up the book of the month at the reference desk. For more information on the Between Friends Book Club, or other library programs, contact the Weston Branch Library at 954-357-5420.

FISP HOPE Gala Honors Founders By Stacey Bomser

lorida Initiative for Suicide Prevention (FISP) Founders Jackie and Harry Rosen were the honorees at the 11th annual FISP HOPE Gala. Proceeds from the fundraiser help FISP provide services for survivors of suicide loss, education programs, and prevention programs including HOPE Sunshine Clubs in area schools. The Rosens received the FISP Humanitarian Award because they were two of the founders of the non-profit organization and have devoted themselves to this cause since they lost their son, Mitchell, to suicide in 1986. Harry Rosen, the first mayor of Weston, has served as President of FISP since 2000, and Jackie has been the Executive Director/CEO for the last eleven years. For over two decades, the Rosens have worked tirelessly to create awareness and initiate prevention programs. Through their efforts, FISP has educated, advocated and supported thousands of people throughout Florida. “FISP is a pivotal force in saving lives in Florida and needs your support to change the fact that suicide is the third leading cause of death for ten to 24-year-olds in the United States and the tenth leading cause of death in Florida,” stated Jackie Rosen. Concerned over the growing number of suicides among teens and young adults, under Jackie’s leadership FISP created the FISP HOPE Sunshine Clubs, formerly called the HOPE (Helping Overcome Problems Effectively) Club, in 16 Broward County high schools, as well as one near Tampa.

MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

“FISP has partnered with the Weston family of Debbie and Dave Schopp who started the Dylan Schopp Foundation and through this partnership together we will be able to support many more clubs, including two middle schools in Weston,” added Jackie. Students from the HOPE Sunshine Clubs at Jackie and Harry Rosen (center) accept the FISP Cypress Bay and Western Humanitarian Award from Broward County Mayor high schools volunteered at Martin Kiar, HOPE Sunshine Club Coordinator Douglas the gala. Six of the students Russell, and FISP HOPE Gala Co-chairs Beth Tache and Renzo Barredo. Photos courtesy Zfoto.net. took part in a stage presentation telling the audience in one sentence each what HOPE means to them and what they want to accomplish with the HOPE Sunshine Club at their school. That was a very impactful moment in the evening, along with a candle lighting ceremony to honor and remember loved ones. The evening also included Mardi Gras-themed entertainment, cocktails, fabulous food and a silent auction. The HOPE Gala is FISP’s largest fundraiser. “This memorable evening helps support all of FISP’s programs,” explained Jackie. “Each year, FISP touches the lives of 40,000 people with services to further our mission of preventing suicide through support, education, advocacy and research.” To learn more about the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention (FISP) or to make a donation, visit www.fisponline.org.

Kristi and I have over 31 years experience and remained in the top 1% of Real Estate sales “nationally and have graced EWM Realty International’s Chairman’s Club year after year. “We

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section head Mayor’s Message

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MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

By Daniel J. Stermer, Mayor, City of Weston

ur winter weather has been unusual to say the least. Record rains have washed out several of our planned community events. The rain outs are a disappointment for all, especially our Parks and Recreation staff that work so hard to put together a spectacular event, only to see it canceled at the last minute due to Mother Nature’s fury. Yet, we all get a dose of perspective when we see the impacts of one blizzard on other parts of our nation, which makes us appreciate our tropical climate, even with our unpredictable weather. That being said, we will try, try again, as there are many more events planned for your

enjoyment this year! March is certainly a great month for music lovers. The City will experience a “Latin Explosion” at the next WestonNights Concert Series event, which will feature Tito Puente, Jr. and Marlow Rosado y La Riqueña. These internationally known music stars will transform the night on March 5th at Weston Regional Park. Tito Puente, Jr. carries on the legacy of his father and mixes in powerful new music for a departure from the past. Grammy Award winner, Marlow Rosado, will showcase his diverse musical style that makes him a driving force in the tropical music industry. If classical and Broadway are more your style, a free Symphony of the Americas Concert will be offered in Weston Town Center on March 13th. The next day’s Weston Foreign Film presentation follows suit with the French film, The Concert, on March 14th. The new Weston World Fest will provide an experience of unique foods and music from around the globe which will come together at Weston Regional Park on Sunday, March 6th. And what’s Spring in Weston without the annual Royal Egg Hunt? This is one of the most colorful and just downright cute events of the year. Children in their spring attire, donning hats or bunny ears anxiously await a chance to scoop up over 30,000 candyfilled eggs. My tip of the day: DON’T be late. The event begins at 10AM SHARP on March 26th. There are lots of cars trying to get into the park at the same time, so arrive early and get your place. We don’t want disappointed toddlers, just beaming children. In March and April, we also offer a free professional magic show and a puppet show for children and free Moonlight Movies in the Park each month. Over the last few months, our parks have had several upgrades that will continue to be phased in, including: renovations to all of the City’s park restrooms; several hockey rinks have been converted to organic turf for a variety of sports; additional parking at Peace Mound Park; new and wider walkways in Country Isles Park; new fencing at Town Center Park; and new playground equipment at Emerald Estates Park. We hope that everyone enjoys the upcoming Passover and Easter holidays and for students looking forward to Spring Break, both here and those away at college, have fun and be safe. Until next time… Mayor Stermer can be contacted via email at dstermer@ westonfl.org or 954-385-2000.

Beware – Tax Season Is Here And So Are The Scams!

ax season is here, and so are the scams. I would like to pass along some important information regarding theses tax scams. If someone calls you claiming to be an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent and insists that you send money immediately, hang up. This is one of the largest telephone fraud scams of IRS impersonators targeting innocent taxpayers. According to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the recent IRS impersonation phone scam has claimed nearly 3,000 victims, who have together lost more than $14 million. Many individuals have received aggressive and threatening calls from individuals claiming to be employees of the IRS. These scammers can sound convincing when they call. They use fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers. Scammers can even spoof the IRS toll-free number on your caller ID to make it appear legitimate. The caller informs the intended victims that they owe taxes and must pay using a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. They often threaten the victim with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or driver’s license. The caller may even claim to know the last four digits of your Social Security number and provide you with follow up emails claiming to be from the IRS. Once the scammers have made their threats, they are known to call the victims back from a different number, claiming to be an officer with the police department. Victims may also be told they have a refund due to try to trick them into sharing private information.

It is important for people to be aware and keep in mind that the IRS will never: ▸▸ Call to demand immediate payment, nor will the agency call about taxes owed without first having mailed you a bill. ▸▸ Demand that you pay taxes without providing you with the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they claim you owe. ▸▸ Request your credit or debit card numbers over the phone. ▸▸ Threaten to issue a warrant for your arrest due to non-payment. It appears tax preparers are also being targeted by phishing. Another scam being reported by the IRS involves a bogus email asking tax professionals to update their IRS e-services portal information and Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs). The links that are provided in the bogus email to access IRS e-services appear to be a phishing scheme designed to capture your username and password. This email was not generated by the IRS e-services program. Tax preparers should disregard this email and do not click on the links provided. It is very easy to fall victim to these devious practices, but a well-informed consumer is one step ahead in protecting their identity. Keep your tax information safe! State Representative Richard Stark (D-Weston) represents House District 104 which includes all of Weston. You can reach Rep. Stark at Richard.Stark@myfloridahouse.gov or by calling his legislative office at 954-217-0287.

Legislative section head Look

By Representative Richard Stark

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By Holly & Bob Catania

Real Estate

June 13th - august 18th

hen selling your home, particular attention should be made to the Buyer’s first impression of your home. That doesn’t just mean opening the front door for them. You actually have three opportunities to make a good first impression to a potential Buyer: Online, Curb Appeal and Entry Appeal. All three are crucial, and all three are subject to their own particular errors. 1) Online – since over 90% of buyers choose to view properties online before ever seeking the assistance of a Realtor®, it is extremely important to ensure that your home makes a strong visual first impression online. All too often, insufficient effort goes into ensuring that the listing photos are of high quality. Professional photography is of the utmost importance to ensure that your property makes the buyer’s list. The better you prepare your home for a photo-shoot, the better the photographs will look. If Buyers don’t like the poor quality photos, or there are not enough photos, they most likely will bypass your property and move on to the next one. Photos that look bad don’t sell well, whereas good photos will tease the buyers and make them see the good qualities of your home. 2) Curb Appeal – assuming that your property has made it onto the Buyer’s list, the next threshold is curb appeal. For minimal expense, sellers can create fresh edges where grass meets mulch. Adding color with annuals like impatiens can brighten up your landscaping. Pressure cleaning your roof and driveway, trimming the shrubbery and adding fresh mulch to the garden beds, fertilizing the grass and shrubs all will improve your curb appeal. Does your front door need painting? Is the front door hardware pitted? If so, replace the hardware and have the front door repainted professionally. Synchronizing your front entry hardware, house numbers, the lockset, overhead light fixture and mailbox can add style and interest to the exterior of your home. 3) Entry Appeal – drives the Buyer’s first impression of the interior. Make sure that the interior is free of clutter, especially personal items that may distract the Buyer from envisioning themselves in your home. Pay attention to the sense of smell. Eliminate any potential sources of mold or mildew. Focus on the kitchen and bathrooms. Eliminate as much of the small appliances on the kitchen counters as possible. Bathrooms should look like a just cleaned hotel room, new soaps, clean towels and maybe some cut flowers. All personal objects should be removed from the counters. Also, consider a home stager who can rearrange furniture and furnishings or bring their own to make the house look as appealing as possible. Of course there is much more that can be done to improve a buyer’s first impression than what we have written in this article, which we would be happy to discuss with you in person. Just as important as creating a good first impression is pricing the property correctly. And that’s where the value of experienced Realtors® come in. Holly & Bob Catania are full-time, full-service Realtors® at The Keyes Company Realtors in Weston. They have a strong business background and have over 35 years of combined real estate experience here in Weston and surrounding areas. They have consistently ranked as one of the top real estate teams in Weston, specializing in the sales and marketing of Luxury Homes and Relocation. For more information, Holly and Bob can be contacted at 954-614-6206 or emailed at info@HollyandBob.net.

MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

Selling the Weston Lifestyle

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MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

Community News

Smoke Alarms Save Lives By Weston District Fire Chief Harris Bouchillon

ith daylight savings upon us once again, we are reminded of two things: we are going to lose an hour of sleep and, much more importantly, it is time to change your smoke detector batteries! Fire departments from across the country recommend that every time you change your clock, you change your smoke detector batteries, and there are some very important reasons why. According to the National Fire Protection Agency almost two-thirds of deaths that occurred during residential structure fires resulted from fires in homes with either non-working smoke alarms present or no smoke alarms present at all. During a fire, toxic smoke is generated and can spread very quickly, easily overcoming sleeping occupants. Working smoke alarms alert occupants and can allow them enough time to evacuate. The risk of dying in a residential structure fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. Here are some tips on smoke alarm safety: 1. Not all smoke alarms are created equally. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to install a “dual sensor” which recognizes both smoke and visible flame. 2. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home and both inside and outside of bedrooms. Some people, especially children and older occupants, can sleep through the loud alert of a smoke alarm. Take a few minutes to create an escape plan with your family and ensure that someone is designated to help children and others escape when a smoke alarm is activated. Make sure your children know what the smoke alarm sounds like and teach them what to do in case they hear the alarm sound. 3. Test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button. If your smoke alarm does not activate, check the power source or change your smoke alarm. 4. Smoke alarms need new batteries twice a year. Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years, if not sooner, or immediately if the smoke alarm does not function properly. 5. If there is a fire in your home, leave immediately by crawling low under the smoke. Never go back inside once you evacuate. People often lose their lives in structure fires by re-entering their homes to retrieve items or pets. The City of Weston has a smoke alarm battery replacement program for our elderly and disabled residents. This free program is designed to assist the highest fire risk population segments who, due to age or disability, may not be capable of properly maintaining their smoke alarms. If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact Mary Ann Caporrino at Fire Station 81 at (954) 389-2015 to schedule this service. For more information please contact District Fire Chief Harris Bouchillon at (954) 389-2015 or via email at Harris_ Bouchillon@Sheriff.org.

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Broward County Yellow Dot Program Available in Weston SECTION HEAD Community News

By Stacey Bomser

n an emergency, every minute matters. That’s why Weston BSO Fire Rescue is encouraging residents to get your Yellow Dot. Broward County’s new Yellow Dot program is designed to assist first responders in the event of a car crash or other medical emergency involving the participant’s vehicle. The program can help save lives during the critical moments after an accident by improving communication at a time when accident victims may be unable to communicate for themselves. A Yellow Dot decal displayed on your car’s rear windshield, or in a clearly visible location on your motorcycle, alerts emergency responders to look for the Yellow Dot pamphlet in your car’s glove compartment, or a compartment attached to your motorcycle. The information you provide on the pamphlet may help emergency responders decide how to treat you if you are unable to communicate effectively following an accident. It takes only a few minutes to fill out the Yellow Dot pamphlet, but it could help save your or your loved one’s life. The information you provide is intended to be disclosed only to law enforcement, emergency responders and other medical personnel for the purposes of: positively identifying you; determining whether you have a medical condition that might impede your communication; and ensuring that your current medications and pre-existing medical conditions are considered when treating you. The Yellow Dot pamphlet asks your name, birth year, physician’s name and phone number, and emergency contact name and phone number. Registrants are

MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

also asked about their medical history including whether they have heart disease, a pacemaker, Dementia/Alzheimer’s, impaired hearing/vision, cancer, HIV, or allergies. Participants are also asked to indicate any current medications they are taking, recent surgeries, medical conditions, and preferred hospital. If you have any change in your personal or medical information, including medical conditions or medications, you should immediately update your Yellow Dot pamphlet or complete a new one. Program participants should also attach a recent photo to the Yellow Dot pamphlet. The picture is crucial to the success of the program. Yellow Dot is about saving those precious seconds immediately following a serious incident. Having a photo identifying to whom the medical information form belongs to will save time and possibly a life. Enrollment in the program is completely voluntary, quick and easy. Weston residents can pick up a Yellow Dot pamphlet and decal at BSO Weston Fire Rescue Station 81 at 17350 Royal Palm Boulevard. For more information on the Yellow Dot program visit www. Broward.org/YellowDot.

January 15-February 15 Weston Single Family Homes www.bettyfloridahomes.com

Savanna 4/3 with a view $475,000

Elizabeth Frongello, Realtor

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elizabethfrongello@yahoo.com 954.801.9839

bettyfrongello@yahoo.com 954-695-6904

Community / Address

BONEVENTURE LAKES 164 GRANADA AVE 16694 SW 5TH WAY COUNTRY ISLES 1622 N NEWpoRT LN 1655 EASTLAKE WAY HAMPTON LAKES 15921 SW 2ND ST ISLES AT WESTON 19155 SToNEBRooK ST 3940 E CoquiNA WAY 19164 N HiBiSCuS ST 4352 W WHiTEWATER AVE 19164 N HiBiSCuS ST 4352 W WHiTEWATER AVE LAGUNA SPRINGS 1145 SpYGLASS SAVANNA 1653 ZENiTH WAY 1014 BLuEWooD TE 1246 CHENiLLE CR 912 NANDiNA DR 1198 GoLDEN CANE DR 713 BALD CYpRESS RD 942 BLuEWooD TE 1300 SABAL TRL 612 BALD CYpRESS RD 713 BALD CYpRESS RD 942 BLuEWooD TE 1300 SABAL TRL 612 BALD CYpRESS RD THE FALLS 873 SAND CREEK CiR

sold PriCe

370000 348000

Beds BAths sq. Ft. GArAGe Pool WAter

5 4

4 2

2070 1869

2 2

Y Y

N Y

442000 460000

3 4

2 2.5

2289 2242

2 2

Y Y

N N

265000

2.5

1582

650000 714000 572250 482000 572250 482000

5 6 5 3 5 3

4 4 3.5 2 3.5 2

3227 5168 3463 2003 3463 2003

2 3 2 2 2 2

Y N Y N Y N

Y Y N Y N Y

555000

2251

305000 305000 579000 490000 440000 390000 385000 390000 375000 390000 385000 390000 375000

2 3 5 4 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 3

2 2 4 2 2.5 2 2 2.5 2 2 2 2.5 2

1842 1879 2908 1940 1918 1662 2331 1982 1609 1662 2331 1982 1609

1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

N N N Y N N N N N N N N N

N N N N N N N N N N N N N

392000

1440

Community / Address

sold PriCe Beds BAths

sq. Ft. GArAGe Pool WAter

542 SLippERY RoCK RD THE ISLANDS

439000

2.5

2599

1341 HARBouR SiDE DR

365000

1800

1450 SEABAY RD THE LAKES

302000

1628

809 VERoNA LAKE DR THE MEADOWS

520000

2990

637 WiLLoW BEND RD THE RIDGES

410000

2.5

1851

4012 CRoSSBiLL LN

541000

3358

4394 FoX RiDGE DR

580000

2770

4030 pALM pL

455000

1560

4249 MAHoGANY RiDGE DR 273000

1609

4138 SABAL RiDGE CR THE SPRINGS

500000

2.5

2398

420 SoMERSET WY WESTON HILLS CC

335000

1692

2674 RiViERA CT

1850000

7.5

10663

2426 poiNCiANA CT

1130000

5.5

4023

1580 ViCToRiA iSLE WAY

925000

4.5

4687

384 MALLARD DR

935000

4773

312 MALLARD RD

820000

3.5

4198

1812 ViCToRiA poiNTE CR

835000

4407

2558 JARDiN DR

815000

3.5

3248

2423 DEER CREEK RD

715000

3.5

3340

2566 JARDiN pL

660000

3.5

3113

2813 oAKBRooK DR

610000

3298

2300 quAiL RooST DR LAGUNA SPRINGS

615000

2.5

2674

493 SpiNNAKER PATIO VILLAGE HOMES

345000

2953

16791 ViLLAGE LAKE DR

322000

1875

Source: Local Multiple Listing System(MLS) and Broward County Tax Records. Information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. If you should have any questions or would like further information, please contact Betty Frongello at 954-695-6904

Complimentary Home Staging for all liStingS!

Community News

alling all soccer players. Registration is now open for the third annual Weston 3v3 Blast. The one-day soccer tournament, for ages five to adult, takes place on Sunday, April 17th, at Weston Regional Park. “AYSO 644 started this tournament as a way to give the players within the organization an opportunity to participate in a soccer tournament on their home fields,” states Regional Commissioner Alan Dagen. “It has grown to become a fundraiser opportunity in order to be able to hire qualified, professional coaches to develop our youth soccer players.” The Weston 3v3 Blast tournament has grown steadily over the years, with more than 720 players last year. Organizers expect a greater turnout this year as the event is drawing teams from all over South Florida, from Miami to West Palm Beach.

Team registration is recommended, with a six-player roster maximum. You do not need to register under your current club or coach. Individual players can register and will be placed on a team if there are spots open or enough individual players available to make a team. Dagen says there will be divisions for all levels from U6 to U19 and an adult league. There will also be a co-ed division. Each team will play a minimum of four games. The tournament uses the GotSoccer ranking system and reward points will be assigned. Any team that comes in 1st through 3rd place in their division will get an invitation to play in the Disney 3v3 Soccer Championship held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex next January. The registration fee is $175 per team. That includes free tournament t-shirts for all players, plus awards and medals for the top three teams. The deadline to register is April 12th. However, it is possible that entries will exceed capacity before the final entry date. In that case, registrations will be cut off sooner. For more information or to register go to www.AYSO644.org and click on the Weston 3v3 Blast link.

Students are the Big Winners in Rotary Club’s Golf Classic By Stacey Bomser

ach year, approximately 50 Weston students are able to attend college thanks in part to the Rotary Club of Weston. For nearly three decades, it has been presenting scholarships to deserving students through funds raised from its annual Scholarship Golf Classic. The 29th Annual WestonLawyers.com Golf Classic takes place on Monday, April 4th at Weston Hills Country Club. The Golf Classic is the biggest fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Weston’s Scholarship Fund. “Last year we provided more than $100,000 in scholarships and we have presented over $1 million in scholarships since we started,” states Rotary Scholarship Committee Co-Chair Steve Goldstein. “The more money we raise, the more students we can help,” adds co-chair Keith Petron. “Helping people in our community is the Rotary’s mission.” According to Scholarship Committee Co-Chair Brad Coren, “The Weston Rotary generally gives out 40-50 scholarships each year, mostly to graduating students from Cypress Bay and Western high schools, but we also award two scholarships to Sagemont Each year, dozens of Weston students receive college scholarships from the Rotary Club of Weston. students, as well as those from HANDY.” In order to be eligible, students must have good grades com“We have enjoyed tremendous success here in Weston and we are honored to bined with a solid record of community service and show a financial need. The give back to the community,” shares Freedland. “The Golf Classic does an excelapplications are reviewed by the Rotary Club of Weston’s scholarship committee. lent job of supporting promising students with financial resources they may not “Help the leaders of tomorrow achieve their dreams,” encourages Rotary Golf otherwise have. We are pleased to be a part of this program.” Classic Co-Chair Michael Freedland. “Join us for a great day of golf where you The 29th Annual Golf Classic to benefit the Rotary Club of will have the opportunity to develop and strengthen your business relationships Weston Scholarship Fund takes place on April 4th at Weston Hills with your clients, prospects, community businesses and civic leaders.” Country Club. It will follow a scramble format with an 8:30am Freedland is a longtime supporter of the Rotary Golf Classic. His law firm, shotgun start, followed by lunch and awards ceremony. For more WestonLawyers.com, has been title sponsor for the past eight years. This year’s information call 954-467-6400. tournament is presented by Broward Collision.

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feature story

Pediatric Dentistry of Weston Helps Children Achieve Healthy and Beautiful Smiles by debby teich

ediatric Dentistry of Weston offers comprehensive dental care for children, from infants to teens, and helps them develop beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Samira Alempour and her experienced staff work together to provide state-of-the-art treatment in a safe, fun, and kid-friendly environment. They understand that visiting the dentist can be difficult for children and make every effort to make them feel at ease. They encourage patients with positive reinforcement, praise, and prizes to help them maintain a positive outlook on oral health for the rest of their lives. Pediatric Dentistry of Weston is located at 2863 Executive Park Dr., Suite 101, in Weston. Dr. Samira Alempour answered some commonly asked questions about her practice. What are the ages of your patients? Our patients include infants, children, and adolescents. We also have special training to comfortably treat patients with specific and special healthcare needs. What services does your practice offer? Our practice offers comprehensive dental care and focuses on preventative treatment modalities and oral health education to prevent the formation of dental caries (cavities). We offer the latest state of the art technology, including digital (lowest radiation) x-rays and the highest quality dental materiDr. Alempour loves children as much as she loves dentistry. als. In addition to rouShe teaches her patients how to take good care of their tine dental exams, we teeth, prevent cavities and promote good oral health. offer sealants to help prevent tooth decay by up to 90%, restorative treatment of cavities, extractions, and counseling for early intervention of harmful childhood habits, such as thumb sucking. What is Dr. Samira Alempour’s background? Dr. Samira Alempour moved to South Florida when she was 13 years old and has lived here ever since. She speaks English, Spanish, and Farsi. She is a published author and a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist. Dr. Alempour obtained her Dental Degree from Nova Southeastern University, where she continued on and earned her Degree in Pediatric Dentistry (specializing in the oral healthcare of infants, children, teens, and patients with special needs). She currently lives in Weston with her husband, Robert; two-year-old son, Riad; nine-month old daughter, Ayla; and dog, Bailey the Boxer. What can patients expect when they visit the office? We treat each child as if they were our own. Our staff has many years of experience working with children and adolescents. We build lasting and trusting relationships with our patients and their families. The office has games, toys, televisions, and a toy tower of prizes in order to create a fun and inviting childfriendly atmosphere. All of our patients are given prizes for their efforts and for being the wonderful patients that they are.

Do you offer sedation dentistry? For children that have dental anxiety, we offer different types of sedation techniques to help them have a more pleasant dental visit. These techniques include nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation, which is administered by a pediatric anesthesiologist. We employ the safest and most effective sedation standards by following the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. At what age should parents bring their children for the first time? One year of age is the ideal time to bring in your child for their first dental visit to establish a dental home, as is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Visits are complimentary for children under the age of two. Why is it important to bring children for early dental visits? Early dental visits create the concept of a dental home, where young patients can learn to trust their pediatric dentist and staff. This helps to create familiar and comfortable dental visits. Also, early visits help detect cavities when they are small and more manageable and therefore much easier to treat. Another great benefit of early dental visits is The ideal age to bring a child for their to ensure that patients first visit is after they turn one. are brushing well and taking all the correct measures to prevent early childhood decay. At what age should children start brushing their teeth? The best time to start brushing is when the first primary tooth erupts to ensure good oral health for all of the years to come. We offer special infant toothbrushes with unique handles to our patients for creating safe and healthy brushing habits from an early age. Is thumb sucking a problem? Thumb sucking and pacifiers provide comfort and a sense of security for many babies. Both are a common way to self sooth. If thumb sucking continues beyond two to three years of age, it may cause malpositioning of the teeth and future discrepancies in the child’s bite. Such habits should be discussed with your pediatric dentist. At what age do most children start losing their teeth? Most children begin to lose their first tooth around the age of six, but every child is different and sometimes it is sooner or later than six years of age.

The office has games, toys, televisions, and prizes, which create a fun, child-friendly atmosphere.

MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

Pediatric Dentistry of Weston is located at 2863 Executive Park Dr., Suite 101, in Weston. For information, call 954- 217-1121, visit www. westonkidsdentistry.com, or send an email to info@westonkidsdentistry.com.

h t o o T Fa c t s • The average human produces 25,000 quarts of saliva in a lifetime. That is enough spit to fill two swimming pools! • The average woman smiles about 62 times a day! A man? Only 8! • Kids laugh around 400 times a day. Grown-ups just 15

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Weston Figure Skater Sets Sights On Olympics By Stacey Bomser

Can do Kid

raceful, talented, persevering. Those are just a few of the words often used to describe Alexa Binder. The Tequesta Trace Middle School seventh grader is a figure skating phenom, who recently competed in the 2016 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships. “I love figure skating because it allows me to express myself, and I love to perform,” states Alexa, who has been skating for the past seven years. She trains for two to three hours a day, six days a week, at the Panthers Ice Den in Coral Springs. She says the most challenging thing about the sport of figure skating is balancing school and skating at the same time. The most rewarding aspect is being able to see how much she’s grown as a competitor. “I like that you get to see how hard you’ve worked and see it pay off,” notes Alexa. This past year, she’s really seen the results of her efforts. “Some of my greatest accomplishments are receiving the Betty Stark Award for winning the Florida Sunshine State Games, winning the South Atlantic Regionals with over 125 competitors in my level, and earning 2nd place at Eastern Sectionals qualifying me for the 2106 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships.” In addition, she won 1st place in the qualifying round and 1st place in the final round of the 2015 Florida Sunshine State Games, 1st place in the 2015 Summer Chiller, 1st place in the 2015 Labor Day Invitational, and 1st place in the 2015 Southwest Fall Classic. Alexa is proud of all of her accomplishments and says it felt amazing to quality for Nationals after not qualifying last season. She placed ninth at Nationals in January, but was not discouraged. Alexa continues to train with hopes of one day qualifying and winning the Olympics. She would also like to coach figure skating at some point in her life. In the meantime, Alexa balances figure skating with other activities enjoyed by typical teenagers. “I like reading books, painting pottery, and baking.” She encourages other children to try figure skating. “It’s an amazing sport!”

2015 bestof weston

Alexa was awarded the Betty Stark Award for Juvenile Division at the Florida Sunshine State Games.

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sectionand Health head Wellness

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement

Is Anxiety Linked to Dementia? By Dr. Jean-Claude Nerette

recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Southern California discovered that “frantic and frazzled people,” otherwise known as people with anxiety, have a 48 percent higher risk for dementia, compared to those who do not frequently experience feelings of anxiety. To determine whether anxiety levels correlated to demential risk, researchers compared those who reported high anxiety with those who reported lower anxiety levels. Those in the high anxiety group were about 1.5 times more likely to develop dementia. It is thought the cause of the dementia is related to the fact that those who have anxiety also have higher stress hormones to include cortisol. Chronically, high levels of cortisol are known to damage parts of the brain, such as the hippocampus, which stores memory, and the frontal cortex, which is liable for high-level thinking. What is more appalling is that most of those coined with a diagnosis of “anxiety” are then prescribed benzodiazepines. These drugs are commonly known as Valium, Xanax, Librium, Ativan and Klonopin. Concerns about these drugs date back to the 1970’s when physician David Knott at the University of Tennessee voiced strong concerns about short term memory loss among clients with anxiety that were prescribed benzodiazepines. Knott stated, “I am very convinced that Valium, Librium and other drugs of that class cause damage to the brain. I have seen damage to the cerebral cortex that I believe is due to the use of these drugs, and I am beginning to wonder if the damage is permanent.” In a documentary in 2002 on the Discovery Channel, In Pills We Trust, Dr. Malcolm Lader an expert on benzodiazepines at London’s Institute of Psychiatry, explained “that patients taking markedly increased doses could get dependent. But (we) thought only addictive personalities could become dependent and that true addiction was unusual. We got that wrong. What we didn’t know, but know now, is that even people taking therapeutic doses can become dependent.” Research continues after the initial clinical trials of these drugs and what is disturbing is that “more serious adverse effects” of these drugs have been seen long after the clinical trials – indicating brain atrophy among long-term users of benzodiazepines. Moreover, in a French study in 2007, it was noted that long-term users of benzodiazepines were 75% “markedly ill to extremely ill…often with marked severity and disability.” This is where functional medicine offers hope to those experiencing anxiety. Rather than masking symptoms with harmful drugs, the focus is more on fixing the root of the problem. As stated earlier, there is an association with anxiety and stress hormones, especially cortisol. The focus would not only be to test cortisol levels, but to achieve overall balance. First, you would need a Doctor who specializes in Functional Medicine to determine where your imbalance lies. Through specialized testing, it might be determined that testing of cortisol, hormones, and neurotransmitters of the brain is necessary. Treatment typically consists of using natural supplements and medications to achieve balance thus decreasing or eliminating anxiety. So you decide…. treat anxiety with a pharmaceutical medication that only masks symptoms and is known to cause damage of the brain or treat the underlying cause naturally using a Functional Medicine Approach? Call us today and schedule your free consultation at 954384-8989. Dr. Jean-Claude Nerette is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Functional Medicine and Stephanie Muniz Nerette is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner and a Diplomate to the Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. Bellissimo Medical is located at 2665 Executive Park Drive, Suite #3, in Weston. For information, visit www.BellissimoMedical.com.

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Do Your Hands Give Away Your Age? By Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

section Ask the Expert head

he focus of anti-aging procedures often rests in rejuvenation of the face. A person’s hands are often neglected, and therefore remain a tell-tale sign of aging. The hands are continuously exposed to environmental elements. There are distinct signs of aging seen in one’s hand appearance. Characteristics that are treatable with minimally invasive procedures include visible tendons, the bony appearance, visible/prominent veins along with skin pigmentation changes and wrinkles. These changes occur as a result of progressive thinning of the skin overlying the back of the hand with increased skin laxity and loss of soft

tissue volume. Rejuvenation of aging hands involves two distinct factors. First is treatment of the overlying skin to remove age spots, pigmentation, and skin wrinkling or laxity. Second is restoration of lost volume through soft tissue volume enhancement. Ideal hand rejuvenation is achieved by replenishing your skin’s lost volume. The only FDA approved injectable filler for volume restoration in the hands is Radiesse. This volumizing filler immediately provides the volume and lift that is necessary to diminish the signs of aging hands because of the calciumbased microspheres and gel that comprise this product. This filler acts as a scaffold BEFORE RADIESSE AFTER* RADIESSE beneath the *Individual results may vary. Female, Age 59, Fitzpatrick Type III skin after it is INDICATION injected providing the structure and stimulating your own natural collagen RADIESSE injectable implant is FDA-approved for hand augmentation to correct volume loss in the dorsum of the hands. See Important Safety Information. Provided courtesy of Merz North America, Inc. to grow. This process continues for several months after Radiesse is injected, extending the initial effect lasting more than a year to achieve long-lasting hand rejuvenation after a single treatment. By adding volume beneath the skin, Radiesse raises the skin level so that tendons, joints and veins lose their prominence. Radiesse is safe, effective and a non-surgical treatment which provides immediate smoothing of wrinkles, scars and replenishes soft tissue volume loss. Radiesse doesn’t require allergy testing. The procedure is done with topical anesthesia, with injections taking between ten and fifteen minutes. There may be minor swelling, redness or bruising at the site of the injection, which typically resolves within one or two days. The Radiesse hand lift is the latest procedure that utilizes microspheres of calcium hydoxyapatite to restore a more youthful appearance to the aging hands. Other procedures can be done in conjunction with Radiesse hand lifts, such as chemical peels and laser rejuvenation to reduce age spots and improve skin texture. Dr. Messa is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, an active member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a recognized expert in cosmetic plastic surgery and has achieved Allergan’s Black Diamond Award as one of the top 1% of plastic surgery practices in the country by volume. Dr. Messa has also achieved Chairman status with Medicis and Mentor Corporation. This award honors distinguished leaders in cosmetic surgery for demonstrating expertise and excellence through a high volume of aesthetic product procedures. The certification is awarded to leaders in the field of medical aesthetics and demonstrates their commitment to innovation, excellence, and the highest level of patient care. ®

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Sagemont Students Spread Kindness Around Campus and Community

School news

By Stacey Bomser

indness is part of the culture at The Sagemont School, which is why students, teachers and administrators at the Lower School Campus accepted the Great Kindness Challenge. “We embraced our culture of kindness through participating in over 15,000 acts of kindness school-wide

ranging from creating cards for children in hospitals, sharing kindness quotes, and exchanging pen pal letters with one of our sister schools,” states Guidance Counselor Maritza Zea. “We tracked our acts of kindness using the Great Kindness Challenge checklist. We are proud to say that students, parents, teachers and staff all came together to help us be a Kindness Certified school once again.” This was the second year Sagemont participated in the Great Kindness Challenge. It’s a proactive and positive bullying prevention initiative that improves school climate and increases student engagement. This year, over 5 million students worldwide committed 250 million acts of kindness. At Sagemont, every student, teacher and staff member performed ten acts of kindness every day for one week, for a total of 15,000 acts of kindness. To help students fulfill their goal of each completing 50 acts of kindness, children were able to participate in kindness stations during recess. In addition, each grade participated in a different kindness activity. For example, Early Childhood Education students colored pictures for the front office staff, maintenance workers and bus drivers, while fourth graders drew pictures with words of encouragement for residents in a local nursing home. Ms. Zea hopes these activities will inspire Sagemont students to continue performing acts and words of kindness throughout the year. “When practicing kind act after kind act, students make kindness a

habit. As kindness becomes a habit, this can affect 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.” To spread awareness about the program and

Sagemont’s efforts to promote kindness across campus and the community, fifth grader Daniel Marmolejo and Principal Monica Vigna appeared on NBC 6’s 6 In The Mix with Roxanne Vargas. Sagemont students are already looking forward to taking on next year’s Great Kindness Challenge. The Great Kindness Challenge was created by Kids for Peace to provide schools with a tool for creating a positive school environment. To learn more, visit www. greatkindnesschallenge.org.

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Healthy Adults Make For Healthy Children By Jodi Kurry Cohen, MS.ED Temple Dor Dorim Early Childhood Director

e are in the midst of an epidemic. Childhood obesity rates have tripled over the past two decades. The blame for the rise in obesity among children is being placed on too much television, video game playing, hours spent at the computer, and on fears we have as parents about the safety of today’s neighborhoods. Parents, think back to your own childhood. As kids, we were naturally attracted to chips, Mountain Dew, chocolate bars and those huge, pink, marshmallow snowballs of sugar. We were kings and queens of the convenient store and we walked or biked to the local spot to get our daily fix of Rock Candy or bag of Funyons. Those key words are walked and biked. On the way home we stopped at the park, played a game of catch, built a fort or played hide and seek in the neighborhood. We burned off calories quicker than we could consume them. It was a different time and place. In today’s world, our children aren’t getting enough exercise just by simply being kids. However, they are kids nonetheless, and kids today are still “attracted” to the same sugary snacks we consumed as children. This new culture of inactivity among children is cause for alarm. Though legislators may argue in support of mandates that would require elementary schools to provide students with physical education every day, the reality is that it’s not happening. Although legislators may agree that physical activity is a critical component in a healthy child’s life, that a healthy body is a healthy mind, budget cuts continue to chop away at physical education programs. What then can we do as parents, to aid in this crusade to fight rising obesity rates? The most effective way a parent can teach healthy habits and being physically active to their children is by practicing those habits themselves. Children learn best when they are taught by example, by seeing words put into action. We can’t simply tell our children what we want; we need to show them through modeling the actions ourselves. Taking the family outdoors is a great way to start. Go to the park to throw a Frisbee, toss a football or run on the playground. Go for a bike ride or walk the family dog together. Plan weekend hikes, trips to the pool or even sign up for walkathons with a cause you can all support together. Just as important as it is to see the family exercising together, it’s also important for children to see parents making exercise a priority in their lives. Make a point of telling your children you are going out for a run, going to the gym or doing a Yoga class. Sharing these experiences with your children let’s them know that as busy as you are that you think it’s important to take care of yourself. Remember…healthy adults make for healthy children. Together with your family, and for the sake of your children, show them the talk by walking the walk. Jodi Cohen has a Masters Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education as well as a Bachelors degree in Psychology. Jodi has led many workshops on parenting, behavior modification techniques, curriculum development, special needs training and crisis management. She has been the Director of Temple Dor Dorim’s Early Childhood Center in Weston for the past 17 years. For more information, please contact Ms. Cohen at the Early Childhood Center at 954-389-1232.

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Eagle Point Elementary School Celebrates Literacy With Author Visit

School News

By Stacey Bomser

scheduled Mr. Whitesides visit during National Literacy Week. “His visit was very special and has inspired so many students, even reluctant readers, to read his books, which is why we try to get authors in to speak to students in the first place. Watching their

faces as they hear the authors speak about their work, you see them get excited about books in a way they haven’t before. It’s the most hands-on experience some of these kids will ever get, and that is what makes them the most excited.” In addition to hearing Mr. Whitesides speak, several students were selected to spend extra time with the author. Nine children were invited to have lunch with him. Mrs. Handler says they asked many questions as well as just sat around the table and talked, allowing

uring National Literacy Week, Eagle Point Elementary School welcomed Tyler Whitesides, author of the popular Janitors book series. During his one-day visit, Mr. Whitesides spoke to third, fourth and fifth grade classes about “Making the Ordinary EXTRA-Ordinary.” According to Media Specialist Sharon Handler, who coordinated the author visit, Mr. Whitesides talked about his childhood and his interests, including sharing that he was actually a music major in college. “He discussed how he started writing and what inspired him to write this series. He actually did work as a janitor in a school!” Mrs. Handler says she strategically

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the children to understand that authors were everyday people just like them. A few other students had the opportunity to join Mr. Whitesides for dinner. Alejandro Yanes, from Mrs. Echemendia’s fourth grade class, was one of those lucky students. “I loved having the opportunity to have dinner with the author because he told me the secret meaning of creatures and characters in each book. I can’t wait to get to finish the series to get to book five.” Alejandro also enjoyed hearing what inspires Mr. Whitesides. “I think it is awesome that his imagination is so big.” Fifth grader Emily Shamoun, from Mrs. Boyer’s class, was also impressed. “It was amazing to meet someone with so many talents. Besides being a famous author, he is hilarious!” During his visit, Mr. Whitesides attempted to give special attention to all the students he met. He chatted with each one as he autographed their books. He also invited a few students to join him during the presentations to help act out scenes from his books.

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Indian Trace Elementary Students Bring Famous Floridians To Life

School News

By Stacey Bomser

ourth graders at Indian Trace Elementary School have a newfound appreciation for Florida’s history. As part of a Social Studies lesson on Florida’s past and present, including its government, students created a living museum. “A living museum is a type of museum which recreates historical settings to simulate past time periods, providing visitors with an experiential interpretation of history,” explained Fourth Grade Team Leader Marla Koche. “Indian Trace Elementary School’s living museum featured students dressed up as a person of significance to Florida and displays of information found while researching the historical figure. “ The children used books and the internet to research their person. They then wrote a ten to 20 second speech that highlighted important facts as well as created a display board featuring additional information about their person’s accomplishments, photos, quotes and awards. The students also dressed as their person.

MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

them. This type of learning will last them a lifetime, and they will never forget what they learned.” Fourth grader Brock Coyle concurs. “It’s really a fun thing to do because you get to be the person. You really know a lot about him and other people get to know about him too.” Classmate Samantha Colby says her favorite part of this project was “that people came up to me and wanted to learn information and watch me Students from other grades, as well as teachers and parents, were invited to visit the living museum. Visitors would walk up to the student and press the “push” button, which would bring the historical figure to life. The student would then deliver the memorized speech and the visitor could read the presentation board. “It’s wonderful to see the students’ efforts come to life as famous Floridians and/or people who have made an impact on Florida. It was a great culmination of their project-based learning,” stated Principal Amy Winder. “The students ‘became’ the persona they were researching and were invested in portraying

give my speech.” Aiden Baron says his favorite part was “dressing up and making the board.” The living museum featured people, past and present, who impacted Florida’s history through their contributions and actions. The museum’s exhibits included environmentalists James Audubon and Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, entertainers Walt Disney and Gloria Estefan, and historical figures such as Jacqueline Cochran, the first woman to fly a bomber across the Atlantic Ocean during WWII, and Charlie Pierce, the first barefoot postman who helped save Florida’s egrets.

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Gator Run Principal Sees Failure As First Step To Success

school news

By Stacey Bomser

t’s not very often that you see a principal encouraging his teachers and students to fail, but that’s exactly what Gator Run Elementary School Principal Keith Peters is promoting. He may singlehandedly be revolutionizing the educational system we all grew up with. He believes failure is the first step to success and that was the topic of his recent TEDx Talk. “Although most people see failure as the opposite of success, failure is actually a key component of success. We often celebrate individuals upon their achievements, but we don’t get to see the struggle

that took place that led up to that moment,” states Mr. Peters. “The more I read about how we learn, the more I believe that failure must be an integral part of the process. Some of our most important innovations have come about because of this pathway.” Within his school he’s creating a culture of failure. Mr. Peters encourages and allows teachers to be risk-takers in the classroom. “Teachers need the freedom to fail. As long as they have their students’ best interests at heart, they are free to try any strategy or idea.” He says students are also encouraged to fail through programs like the school’s monthly STEM Days or the weekly Genius Hour. During his TEDx Talk, Mr. Peters shared the story of a fourth grade class trying to build a zip line to drop a marble on a target. He watched one group attempt this task over and over again, with no success. Although they struggled, the children did not give up. In fact, they asked their teacher for permission to skip recess the following day to continue to attempt to perfect their zip line. Mr. Peters says he was inspired by these students and how they embraced their failure. He says the first step to accepting the power of failure is adopting the

word ‘yet.’ “When a person states that he cannot do something, he is closing the door on the possibility of success. By including ‘yet’ he opens himself up to the possibility that it will happen. I really believe that all of us have the potential to do anything we set our minds to.” Mr. Peters acknowledges the challenge of promoting the widespread acceptance of failure as the first step to success. “The toughest group to change is definitely parents, because they grew up with the system in which failure was seen as a bad thing, and in which letter grades and report cards defined who we were. This is a shame because those things don’t tell the whole story of a person. We are all more than a test score.”

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Tequesta Trace Middle School Students Lead the WAY to be Drug Free

SECTION News School HEAD

By Stacey Bomser

ixth grade students at Tequesta Trace Middle School are leading the WAY to live a drug free life. The United Way of Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse’s Weston Alliance for Youth (WAY) kicked off WAY Week with an assembly for Tequesta Trace sixth graders. Its mission is to empower the Weston community to protect youth and families from risk factors associated with alcohol and other drugs by encouraging emotional wellness. The program began with a message from Prevention Specialist Lois Simpson from the United Way of Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse. The former Tequesta Trace student stressed the importance for students to not be afraid to seek help for themselves or someone they know who is struggling with substance abuse or mental health related issues. Weston Police Chief Kevin Butler then spoke to the students about a serious subject: suicide. In the last year, more than Broward County School Board Member Robin 12 individuals in Weston Bartleman, Weston Police Chief Kevin Butler, committed suicide; half of Commissioners Jim Norton and Thomas Kallman, BSO Deputy Kari Pallotto, and United Way Prevention them were young adults or Specialist Lois Simpson. Photos courtesy City of Weston. teenagers. Too often, drugs are a complicating factor leading to suicide as they increase depression in an already depressed individual. Students then watched a music video by Weston’s own Jake Miller. The singer

wrote and produced w in memory of his childhood friend and to raise awareness of suicide prevention. Weston BSO Crime Prevention Specialist Deputy Kari Pallotto concluded the assembly by leading students in a pledge to lead the WAY by: “learning more about how drugs really harm people; reaching out for help if I am feeling depressed or alone; being committed to being there for others when they need to talk; learning about warning signs of suicide and getting help if I think someone is in danger; living a drug-free life by showing my friends that a drug-free life is the best WAY.” Students then signed a pledge banner. In addition to the assembly, throughout the week students viewed five videos with a strong message on drug prevention developed in collaboration between Weston BSO Crime Prevention Deputies, Tequesta Trace Middle student actors, and Cypress Bay TV students who filmed and edited the videos. The United Way of Broward County Commission on Substance Abuse is a broad based substance use/abuse coalition dedicated to reducing substance use/abuse and its devastating consequences on individuals, families and the community. More information can be found at www.drugfreebroward.org.

Cypress Bay Tops County Graduation Rates By Stacey Bomser

n just a few months, the sounds of Pomp and Circumstance will resonate through auditoriums and stadiums as high school students walk across the stage and accept their diplomas. Here in Weston, students are doing that in record numbers. Last year, Cypress Bay High School had the highest graduation rate in Broward County. The Florida Department of Education tracks high school graduation rates. The Broward County Public Schools’ (BCPS) rate is 76.6% – that includes traditional schools, as well as centers and charter schools. Cypress Bay boasted a nearly perfect graduation rate of 97%. That’s a two percent increase over the previous year. To put that in actual numbers, 1,108 seniors attended Cypress Bay during the 2014-2015 school year, and 1,074 earned their high school diploma. Western High School, which serves Weston residents who live in the Bonaventure area of town, had a 94.7% graduation rate. That’s a five perfect increase over the prior year. Broward County Schools attributes these increasing graduation rates to several strategies and action

MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

their graduation goals. ▸▸ The District redirected targeted resources to schools with students experiencing social/ emotional challenges impacting their ability to graduate. ▸▸ The District worked with students to review and ensure the completion of all graduation requirements. ▸▸ Schools offered course recovery classes for students immediately following the school day. In case you were wondering, Dixie County (Cross City) had the highest graduation rate of 96.9% and Franklin County (Apalachicola) had the lowest at 49%.

plans implemented to improve county graduation rates overall. These included: ▸▸ ACT Day was held in April 2015. It allowed students to take the ACT during the school day. The District is offering SAT Day next month for BCPS juniors. ▸▸ The District opened high schools during Spring Break to offer support and opportunities for students to work toward their graduation. ▸▸ District and school staff monitored student progression toward graduation and offered additional support to help students achieve

To see the complete list of 2014-2015 graduation rates in Florida, visit http:// www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7584/ urlt/GraduationRates1415Final.pdf.

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Everyone Matters at Tequesta Trace Middle School

SECTION School HEAD NEws

By Stacey Bomser

tudents at Tequesta Trace Middle School may feel like they’re being watched while eating lunch. That’s because more than 200 oversized photos of fellow classmates, teachers, administrators and other school staff surround the cafeteria. It’s all part of an international art installation project. In celebration of Broward County’s 100th anniversary, the Inside Out art project was brought to the county. Inside Out gives communities all over the world a platform to express themselves through black and white photographs. It was inspired by the work of Parisian street artist JR and his large format street pastings. “Inside Out gives everyone the opportunity to share their portrait and make a statement,” explains Julie Sikorski, Tequesta Trace Middle School Peer Counseling Coordinator. “Inside Out captures a

collective message through headshots of individuals, which are printed on posters, pasted on public spaces, and archived online.” Since 2007, more than 120,000 people from more than 108 countries have participated. Installations appear on walls, sidewalks, streets, skyscrapers, and historic buildings around the globe -- and now on the walls of a middle school cafeteria. Schools across Broward County were invited to participate. Mrs. Sikorski says the Peer Counselors at Tequesta Trace wanted to take part because Inside Out embraces the school’s message that Everyone Matters. “Everyone that makes Tequesta Trace an amazing school was asked to participate. We had 225 students, teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, secretaries, custodians, teacher’s aides, and our school

resource officer sign up – proving that at Tequesta Trace Middle School Everyone Matters!” shared Mrs. Sikorski. The portraits were hung during the weekend. Mrs. Sikorski says the students were surprised and excited to walk in on Monday morning and see all the pictures hanging in the cafeteria. Eighth grade peer counselor Brianna Silverman appreciates the reactions to this project. “Some people are shy and afraid to step out of their box. It encourages everyone that it is okay to be silly and let your personality shine.” Mrs. Sikorski says the installation has done exactly what it was intended to do – show students that everyone is unique and special. “I believe it took all the differences in every picture to combine into something so beautiful.”

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Manatee Bay Elementary PTA Takes Care of Their Own

SECTION news School HEAD

By Stacey Bomser

Perez gave here’s an expresthese presents sion that it takes to Tommy a village to raise before winter a child. That’s cerbreak. “He was tainly the case here in so excited and Weston, where members couldn’t wait of the Manatee Bay to go to all the Elementary School PTA games,” she have stepped up to help shared. “He a family coping from a said to me, ‘All terrible loss. these people Manatee Bay lost Second grader Tommy gave me these one of its young stuMacDougall is all smiles as he holds the Miami Heat gifts because dents last January, when Roseanne Denham, Tommy’s mother, PTA President Shari Perez helps t-shirt he received from sits on the memorial bench for her son. Tommy show off some of his gifts. of what hapthe Manatee Bay PTA. third grader Johnny pened to my MacDougall suddenly brother’ and I quickly responded, ‘No, they gave you these gifts because you are passed away from a brain aneurysm. The loss was particularly difficult for his such a special boy’ and he really is.” younger brother, Tommy, who is now a second grader at the school. Tommy was not the only one to receive a gift from the PTA. His parents were Knowing that the holiday season would be tough for the family as it was their each presented with a pillow that matches the Johnny Memorial Bench located at first Christmas without Johnny and it would have been his tenth birthday, PTA the school. The pillow says “Even if we’re apart, I will always be with you in the President Shari Perez proposed that the organization do something to help them. heart.” “I wanted to make sure that Tommy had a great Christmas and that his parents The holiday gifts are not the only way that PTA members stepped up to support didn’t have to worry about gifts this year,” explained Perez. this family. According to Perez, a billing error had prevented Tommy from being She reached out to PTA members and the community who all rallied in support able to receive an MRI to test to see if he has the same condition as his brother. of this family. Perez says not only did families from the school donate gifts, but When Perez mentioned this during a PTA meeting, one of the parents offered to all four professional sports teams in South Florida donated tickets and/or memoarrange a low-cost MRI at a facility owned by a business partner. rabilia for Tommy, who is an avid sports fan. This includes Miami Heat tickets The PTA was also able to arrange for in-home counseling sessions for the famdonated by a player whose son attends Manatee Bay. The PTA purchased a ily over the holidays to help get them through this difficult time. Panthers jersey to go along with a set of tickets donated by Perez’s neighbor.

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Cypress Bay Robotics Team Inspires Greatness

SECTION News School HEAD

By Jenna Rabinovitch, student writer

he Cypress Bay robotics team, Greased Lightning, competed in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Championship, winning the Inspire Award with their robot Danny. Danny, named after the main character from the movie Grease, was built from common kit parts to be able to participate in roboticsbased competitions. “Going into the competition we were planning on winning as many matches as we could because we were pretty low in the state rankings,” sophomore Diego Tejada said. “But once we started, it became pretty apparent that we weren’t going to be able to place really high since we still had some problems with the design. We were just about ready to give up until we unexpectedly won the Inspire Award, the highest award that can be given to any team in FIRST.” Club president Jessica Rozen, a junior, said the team had worked on building their robot since the beginning of the school year, but due to software malfunctions they had to create a whole new robot over winter break. “Our design did not work as well as possible due to the small amount of time that we had to completely rebuild everything, but I worked as hard as possible along with the rest of the team who really devoted a lot of time to it,” Rozen said. Senior Nicole Arrieta, spirit and engineering officer, is participating in robotics for the first time this year. She believes the team has progressed greatly since the beginning of the year. “When we first started off, our robot was barely moving and we basically had nothing,” she said. “But now we are moving around, our lift works, and it’s really

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cool to see how far we’ve come.” Although the team does not know if they qualified for the state competition, Danny will be improved and used to entertain people at community service events in the future. “We had hoped that with a lot of work we would get to the point that we needed to be at, but unfortunately it didn’t,” Rozen said. “If we had another week, we definitely could’ve had a better shot at making it to another round.” Robotics teacher Angela Ashley assisted the team by making sure the team was being safe with their tools, answering any questions the team had, and guiding them with her own opinion on the best possible way to do different things. She said she likes to allow the students to take charge and come up with their own designs first, so they can learn as much as they can about engineering from creating their own robot themselves. “They did phenomenal with their community involvement and marketing material, winning an amazing award for having all of the necessary pieces for the competition,” Ashley said. “As far as their ability to go into the community, being active and doing all the other things that the competition requires other than just building a robot goes, they’re really the best.” Jenna Rabinovitch is a junior at Cypress Bay High School. She is the Arts and Entertainment Editor of the online edition of The Circuit, the school’s student newspaper.

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Cypress Bay Coffee House Supports Literary Club

School news

By Stephanie Stone, student writer

Debate teacher Nick Montecalvo sings Miss Jackson by Pani!c at the Disco alongside his former student, Jaynelie Cotilo.

he words of poetry, smell of coffee, and lyrics of songs resonated as Cypress Bay High School’s Literary Club hosted its annual Coffee House event. There, students and teachers performed for more than 300 people. The event raised $2,500, which supports the Club’s literary magazine, Electric Ink. “I was extremely happy that the team worked so hard at putting up murals, the food was amazing and the kids were always well behaved even when it was noisy at times,” Literary Club sponsor Joyce Seigel said. “But overall I think it was great.” Mrs. Seigel began with a Coffee House tradition, reciting an original poem about the night ahead. “It triggers the rest of the night so that everyone knows why we are here. I feel I am a spoken word poet, and

that is my best way of expression.” As the Club’s magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Senior Vicky Luzuriaga coordinated the event planning from start to finish. This included finding performers and gathering community sponsors to donate food. “I was definitely super stressed this entire week and especially during the event, but at the end of the day, it was worth it due to the amazing feedback I received,” Luzuriaga said. “I was so proud of everyone that performed. I remember when I was in their shoes and how nervous I was to share my poetry when I first started writing. Now having to organize such a huge event shows the dedication and growth that I’ve put into it.” Junior Marcelle Zaccour performed All I Want by Kodaline with freshman Meghan Guastella. Zaccour

The band, Vincent Mango, performs an original song.

said she performed this because of the sweet melodies. “The anxiety of doing something, such as singing, that I had never done outside of my small group of friends was overtaking me for a bit, but I knew I had Meghan next to me and all of my friends cheering me on,” Zaccour said. “Performing, though, was surprisingly soothing and exhilarating all at once.” Debate teacher Nick Montecalvo also performed. He sang Miss Jackson by Pan!c at the Disco with junior Jaynelie Cortijo. “I was nervous, of course, like anyone else is before performing, and I was nervous for Jaynelie. But, I felt very fortunate that we got to do it and that she asked me to perform with her,” Mr. Montecalvo said. “I was also happy to be there because Coffee House is such a cool event and is a really unique place for students to go and share art of all stripes.” It was junior Jessica Rozen’s first time at the event. She said it exceeded her expectations because of the good food and quality time with friends. “The Coffee House scene was so much fun. All my friends were going and even one of my friends was performing so I went to see her. I will definitely go back next year.” Stephanie Stone is a junior at Cypress Bay High School. She is Online News Editor of the online edition of The Circuit, the school’s student newspaper.

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Would My Child Benefit from Sedation Dentistry? (Part 1) section Ask the Expert head

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MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

ike the answer to most medical questions, the answer is not so straightforward. There are many factors which go into the decision making process. These factors include maturity/anxiety of the child, type of sedation available and financial resources available to the family. In our experience, the consideration of each of these variables is of upmost importance in consistently making the right decision for the pediatric dental patient. The first step in the process is to gather all of the available information. This is accomplished by performing a complete assessment of the patient. The information gathered includes the obvious dental needs, diet, home care, age, emotional maturity, and dental anxiety. Most decisions regarding the treatment plan can be made at this stage. For example, a two year old who suffers from carious lesions (cavities) on all primary (baby) teeth would likely require a more comprehensive sedation in order to complete the entire dental treatment in a non-traumatic manner. A child at this age does not have the cognitive and emotional ability to complete the treatment without potential long-term negative effects. In other words, without the right approach this child may become an adult with a long-term phobia of dentistry. On the other hand, a 16 year old who has been consistent with regular checkups and has already had dental treatment in the past would unlikely require sedation. Most other scenarios fall somewhere in between. Once the needs are established, the type of sedation would be considered. Types of sedation range from simple anxiolysis with nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) administered in the dental office setting to general anesthesia done in a hospital setting. This is where the experience and intuition of the pediatric dentist is of most importance. Ideally, we would like to use the medication facilitating the completion of the treatment with the least sedative effect. Next month’s editorial will review the various types of dental sedations in more detail. It is at this point, that the parent/guardian must be informed and educated as to the process. For example, inhalation agents like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) completely exit the body prior to the end of a procedure. Other medications, depending on their route of administration, exit the body more slowly and prior arrangements should be made for an adult to sit with the child on the drive back home from the dental visit. Lastly, financials should be considered when making final decisions. Insurance breakdowns provided by the major insurance carriers are usually very specific as to what will be covered in most situations. However, if there is any ambiguity an estimation of benefits (“EOB”) may be requested from the insurance company prior to the start of treatment. Finances may also direct treatment. For example, in a situation where there is a lot of dental work to be completed, doing so under a “deeper sedation” may seem more expensive because of the higher cost of administration. However, if there is a large amount of dental work needed, doing so under a “lighter” form of sedation may result in the need for multiple visits, which might cost more in both time and money. Our advice is to focus on prevention. The sooner healthy habits are established, the less likely extensive treatment will be needed. Additionally, early exposure to the dental office (when dental work is not yet needed) decreases anxiety levels once dental treatment is necessary. There are also many benefits to the development of a relationship. The child is more comfortable and is more easily read by the doctor. Difficult conversations between parent and doctor are easily handled once there is trust. Drs. Maria and Alon Grosman are Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and Orthodontist. Their office is located at 4401 S Flamingo Rd on the NW corner of Griffin and Flamingo Rd. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 954-236-3434.

By Dr. Behar and Dr. Browner

hether you like it or not, if you play golf you are an athlete. An athlete is only as good as their dedication and wisdom towards training. Training smart for any sport involves knowing exactly what exercises to do, how to do them, and when. With this knowledge you will be able to feel better and play better, with less chance of injury. The following key stretches may not only help you stay injury-free, they may even improve your golf game. Make these stretches a regular component of your training routine. They are best done after a brisk walk, and before and after play and practice. These exercises will help to prepare most of the major muscle groups involved in the golf swing, enhancing range of motion and thus reducing chance of injury. They do not require special equipment, and they can be performed virtually anywhere in just a few minutes. When performing stretches, keep these points in mind: ▸▸ Be cautious. Stretch gently and slowly. Hold each stretch for 20 seconds. Do not bounce. Do not force. Do not hurt. Do not rush. ▸▸ If you do not do these stretches within 15 minutes of tee time, be prepared not to play. Your body will not be ready to perform. ▸▸ It is best to stretch when your muscles are pumped with blood. For this reason it is most beneficial to stretch after play or practice, and after a brisk five minute walk. ▸▸ Allow enough time to stretch adequately. Do each stretch four times. Back of Leg. This exercise stretches the large muscles (hamstrings) at the back of your thighs. With your leg supported on a low object, bend forward slightly at the hips until you feel a gentle pull. Hold. Side Bending. This exercise works the muscles on the sides of your back, waist and hips. Bend to the point of a gentle “pulling” sensation, and hold. Hip Rotation. This stretch effects the muscles in your buttocks, hips and pelvis. Pull your knee up and across your chest towards the opposite shoulder. Try to sit upright. Hip Shift. This exercise stretches the lateral hip and thigh muscles. Place your left foot behind your right while supporting yourself against a wall or tree with your left hand. With your right hand push your right hip in towards the wall. Repeat with opposite side. Back Extension. Back extension helps the muscles that bend your spine backward. Place your hands on your hips with your thumbs firmly pressed against your lower back. Bend backward until you feel a comfortable stretch. Look up. Shoulder Stretch. Clasp your hands behind your back with your arms straight. Move your hands backward and upward, as high as is comfortable until you feel a stretch. Be careful not to force your arms up so high that you feel pain. Look up. For a consultation or more information you can reach Dr. Rick Behar and Dr. Marc Browner at Windmill Health Center in Weston at 954-217-4881. They have two additional locations to serve you in Pembroke Pines and Plantation. Contact the Weston location for more information.

Health section & Wellness head

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Can Acupuncture Treat Colds and Flu? By Dr. Monique Bain

old and flu season is upon us and the flu shot has shown not to be effective this year. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine helps to prevent the cold and flu and speeds up recovery if one comes down with symptoms by simply strengthening the body’s immune system and has been doing it successfully since the 17th century. Each year more than 100,000 people are hospitalized due to complications from influenza or “the flu” virus. Unfortunately, most of us get the flu at least once in our lifetime. The associated signs and symptoms are fever, sore throat, fatigue, runny nose, dry cough, congestion, muscle and body ache, sneezing and watery eyes. Colds are much less severe than the flu and cause less severe symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat and headaches. Colds make you feel lousy but it’s a sign that the body’s resources are strong and vital, working to return you to a state of good health. In Chinese medicine, colds and flu are considered to be an external pathogen invading the body. Clinical studies have shown that using Acupuncture as a preventative approach to colds and flu can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and shorten the duration of the illness. Acupuncture works by strengthening each individual underlying weakness and boosting the immune system. Allopathic medicine uses vaccinations to inject a variation of the virus into a person to immunize them from the illness; however with so many variations of the virus, vaccines don’t always work. Studies have also shown that certain blood counts and immune enhancing chemicals stay elevated for at least three days following an acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture treatments can last from 30 minutes to an hour and most patients are pleasantly surprised to discover that treatments involve no pain and are quite relaxing. On average, adults need to be seen four times a year at the change of seasons to increase immunity to the changing environment. It is imperative to receive treatments before feeling the symptoms of the flu or cold. Prevention is the key to everything and patients will benefit more receiving treatment before the onset. If symptoms appear, the earlier the intervention the more effective treatments will be. Acupuncture is a safe, natural and effective way to support your body’s self regulating healing systems. If illness occurs, Acupuncture can help you get back on your feet faster without the use of medications and over the counter drugs.

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▸▸ Eat a healthy diet full of fresh raw fruits and vegetables. ▸▸ Cut out white and brown sugar, corn syrup and high fructose from your diet, they lower your immunity. ▸▸ Wash your hands frequently with regular soap and water. ▸▸ Get outside in fresh air exposing your face to sunshine. You might want to supplement with vitamin D3 this time of the year. ▸▸ Receive acupuncture treatments to strengthen your immunity. ▸▸ Consume eight to ten glasses of water daily.

Monique Bain, L.Ac, Dipl.Ac. graduated from the Academy of Five Element Acupuncture in Gainesville, with her degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and is Nationally Board Certified in Acupuncture. Five Element Wellness Center is located at 17150 Royal Palm Boulevard, Suite 1, in Weston and at 7310 West McNab Road, Suite 107, in Tamarac. Visit the website at www.5ewc.com or contact the office at 954-657-8342.

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By Dr. Carlo A. Messina

njuries to the growth plate in children may cause damage to the structures at the end of the bone that will allow the child’s bone to grow to full adult size. These injuries may be misdiagnosed as a simple sprain of the foot or ankle. However, a more complex injury may be present. X-rays can fail to provide a complete and accurate picture of the diagnosis. Growth plates, which start to close between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, can be damaged in incidents such as simple falls, sports injuries, automobile accidents or other major or minor trauma. If not recognized and treated early, a child’s growth plate injury can lead to shortening of the bone (growth ceases) as the growth plate may close prematurely. Angular deformities of the bone (a curve) may also develop. The severity of these deformities depends on the age at the time of injury, extent of the injury and the part of the growth plate that has been damaged. Certain portions of the growth plate may be injured affecting its growth while other parts grow more normally thus causing a bowing of the bone. Symptoms of a growth plate injury may mimic a sprain. These injuries occur more frequently than realized. There will always be pinpoint tenderness on the bone’s growth plate and a degree of swelling that is proportional to the degree of injury to the area. The child will often limp and try to avoid the body part. Normal treatment for a sprain may involve simple observation and application of an ace bandage or brace. This treatment for a growth plate injury that is severe may be devastating. X-rays are used to evaluate bone and joint alignment. A growth plate can be injured or even fractured with a normal X-ray. In more moderate to severe cases, x-rays will usually show the fracture. When in doubt, a CT scan may be necessary. Treatment options (early diagnosis is crucial): 1. Immobilization in a below-the-knee cast with or without crutches may be necessary if the growth plate is well aligned. These injuries will heal on their own within six to eight weeks. The younger the child, the faster it heals. 2. If the injury has caused misalignment of the growth plate it can sometimes be carefully manipulated back into place and then protected with a cast. The cast would be necessary for a minimum of six to eight weeks. Nonweightbearing would be mandatory. 3. If the misalignment is more severe and not able to be manipulated back into its normal position, surgery would be necessary to restore the growth plate to its proper position. This may help avoid later problems including malalignment or premature growth plate closure that may cause the extremity to be shortened and crooked. The most important thing is immediate diagnosis and treatment. 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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section head Legally Speaking

One Mission - Three Alternatives The Secret to Saving Homes in South Florida By Omar J. Arcia, Esq. Foreclosure Defense and Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney

t is unfortunate that so many South Florida homeowners have surrendered their home to lenders, or have allowed their property to be sold at a foreclosure sale instead of pursuing all available alternatives in order to preserve their home. The secret to saving homes in South Florida is working with a law firm that (1) can aggressively defend a foreclosure proceeding, (2) that has an in-house loss mitigation department to effectively process a loan modification application, and (3) that has proven bankruptcy experience. Foreclosure Defense. To aggressively defend a foreclosure case in South Florida, the attorney you hire must be experienced in the litigation process, the rules of evidence, and must have a clear understanding of the local court rules that alter when and how cases are heard by our local judges. Extensive trial experience is a must, since any given foreclosure action can end up going to trial, and may require presentation of evidence and examination of witnesses. Loan Modification. Some homeowners believe that a foreclosure defense and a loan modification application are mutually exclusive. In other words, they believe that you cannot defend a foreclosure case while attempting to modify your loan. Nothing could be further from the truth. A law firm with a qualified loss mitigation department should organize and submit a complete loan modification application during the course of any foreclosure. In fact, submitting such an application during the foreclosure, improves a homeowner’s chances of obtaining a loan modification. Once a modification is approved, the lender is no longer required to continue paying attorneys to prosecute the foreclosure, and will begin receiving payments on the loan immediately. In short, there are huge incentives for banks to resolve foreclosure cases through loan modification. Bankruptcy. To save your home, the law firm that is assisting you must also have the ability and experience to stop the foreclosure through a timely bankruptcy filing. Even if you have been declined multiple times, presenting a bankruptcy that contains a request to participate in the “MMM Program” can result in a favorable loan modification. The attorneys at the Arcia Law Firm are privileged to successfully represent dozens of homeowners in our community. We have foreclosure defense, loan modification and bankruptcy departments. Through the persistent and effective use of these three alternatives, The Arcia Law Firm was able to save 133 homes in 2015, accomplishing our mission of “Saving Families...One Home at a Time.” You can view videos and testimonials of our satisfied clients at our website under “Success Stories.” Detailed explanations of different options available to homeowners are also discussed in a consumer 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 foreclosure papers, contact the Arcia Law Firm today at 954-437-9066 to schedule a free personal consultation with Omar Arcia, or visit www. arcialawfirm.com to schedule your appointment online.

MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

By Alina Gastesi-de Armas, MA, MEd, LMHC

f you love an alcoholic or addict, you know how terrible this situation is. You have to deal with the person you love behaving irrationally, getting sick, perhaps lying, cheating or any other number of unacceptable behaviors and, on top of that, you are legally bound to this person. That means that you bear the brunt and are on the hook for any damage they may cause. For example, if your spouse drives while intoxicated, you are the one who sits home and worries or has to step up to the law or the medical issues. There is no doubt that addiction is one of the greatest challenges a marriage will face. It is also perhaps one of the most frustrating in the sense that a rational non-addicted person looks at the addict and says, “Can’t you see what you’re doing to us? Why won’t you stop using?” or, “If you really loved me, you’d stop drinking, spending too much, starving yourself.” Tragically, dozens of relationships deteriorate or completely dissolve due to addiction in one spouse or the other. Given that the prevalence of addiction is staggering, this comes as no surprise. ▸▸ 12-13 million alcoholics in the U.S. ▸▸ 1-2 million cocaine addicts in the U.S. ▸▸ 2 million U.S. citizens are estimated to be pathologically problematic gamblers (and 4 - 6 million people might be classified as merely problem gamblers) If they don’t or won’t get help, it seems the only path for the addict and his or her spouse is a downward spiral. The addiction is a condition that tells the addict she/he can handle it. Unlike other hazards, such as cancer that may invoke someone’s survival instincts, the maladaptive coping mechanism of addiction is immune to danger. Given that the addiction takes such a strong hold of the addict, a great deal of suffering develops as a result of living with an addict. Since addiction is seldom a function of their love for their mate, the threat of divorce is rarely enough to get an addict in the throes of their addiction to stop. While the threat of divorce should never be used if you don’t plan on following through with it, divorce can be a bottom for some addicts and can be the impetus for them to seek assistance. One thing is for sure, you are going to need professional advice. It can be helpful to find a therapist who specializes in addictions and recovery. If you have tried all other measures to change the situation and nothing has worked, you may want to look into conducting an intervention. This is a powerful tool that friends and family can use to educate everyone (including the addict) on what addiction is, how the family may be unconsciously helping the addict continue their destructive behavior and what type of treatment plan is recommended. Alina Gastesi-de Armas is the Clinical Director and one of the founders of A Bridge to Growth in Weston. She can answer your questions about addictions and treatment. Visit www. ABridgetoGrowth.com for more information.

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Yoga -- Not Just Exercise By Fabienne C. Grossman, RD, E-RYT

t is often said that yoga means union as it harmonizes the body, breath, mind and spirit. With every yoga practice we come back to our balanced self and feel wonderful. Yoga can be practiced at any age and the benefits of yoga on the body and mind unfold with regular practice. Yoga is more than just exercise, it is medicine for your whole being. It strengthens all aspects of oneself that makes one whole, centered and balanced. Yoga has a healing modality and from the Western viewpoint by systematically placing pressure on the organs, the poses massage and help tone them. The various yoga postures, and sequencing them from one to another, opens and closes different areas of the body. Blood circulation improves and lungs respond with more efficient breath. Increased oxygen affects us at the cellular level – tissues, organs and other systems of the body reap the benefits. As the body is moved and stretched, and inverted, tension is worked out of the body and mind. Eastern medicine addresses the whole person, not just illnesses and symptoms. Health is defined not as “the absence of disease”, but the presence of well-being and vitality on physical, mental and spiritual levels. To be healthy, as the Sanskrit word “svastha” implies, is to be “established in yourself”. Eastern practice reaches beyond physical factors to take into account dimensions called “koshas”, or sheaths. Yoga seeks to harmonize these sheaths so that true balance can occur. The first dimension relates to the body (anamaya kosha) including organs, muscles, bones and all other tissues. The second sheath (pranayama kosha) incorporates the vital force and essential physiological functions that keep our metabolism alive and healthy. The third sheath (manomaya kosha) or astral sheath and covers our mental and psychological state, mental abilities, likes, dislikes and perceptions and includes our subconscious mind and feelings like anger, depression and exhilaration. The fourth sheath (vijnanamaya kosha) is one that pertains to our knowledge, wisdom, deeper understanding from information gathered by our senses and patterns from our past experiences that impact our life in the present. The fifth sheath (anandamaya) relates to our spiritual selves. An imbalance in one of the five sheaths can manifest in any of the others. When there is mental, emotional or pranic imbalance, the stress will tend to appear in the weakest organ or area of the physical body. Yoga practitioners come with different initial areas of focus in mind. The yoga practice will not only affect that area, but the whole system. There are many different types of yoga, but a well-rounded yoga practice that includes pranayama (breathing techniques), asana (postures) and meditation will help balance these five sheaths and have an overall stabilizing effect that may help one prevent injuries, alleviate pain, slow the progression of chronic disease and move towards optimal health. Fabienne C. Grossman is a Registered Yoga Instructor, Registered Dietitian, Relax & Renew® Trainer and Owner of Weston Yoga located at 2600 Glades Circle, Suite 400, offering private and group yoga and meditation instruction on and offsite. For more information visit www.westonyoga.com or call 954-349-6868.

MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

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MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

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Advanced Technology in Optometry By Dr. Jane Therrien

hen was the last time you had an eye exam? At your last appointment, did you notice anything new? Year after year, more and more technological advancements are being made which help us as eye care practitioners provide much better care for our patients. Within the past two decades, the world as we knew it has completely changed since the dawn of computer advancements. Just like we expect to have the latest technology in our own lives, it is also important that we expect those same things from our eye care professionals. The great thing about technology is that it not only makes our jobs quicker and more convenient, but it also allows us to be able to see more than we were ever able to see before. For the patient, this means much more thorough results and more precise diagnosis. When a patient walks through the door there are several key pieces of equipment that are used to determine the final prescription for the patient. One of the first devices used is something called a Lensometer. A lensometer is a piece of equipment similar to a microscope that is used by inserting a pair of glasses into the unit. If used correctly, the provider is able to then determine what prescription is in the current lenses. In the past, manual lensometers were used. Although these worked quite well, they did require the user to turn knobs and levers in order to see with their own eye what the current prescription was, making it so that human error was definitely a major concern in determining the results. Throughout the years, technology has advanced and allowed us to begin using what are called Autolensometers. Although this is a very similar machine, these devices are now able to determine the exact prescription on their own without any possibility for human error. Not only can these devices determine the prescription of the lenses, whether it be single vision, progressive, or bifocal, but, the device is also able to determine the material the lens is made of and what amount of UV transmission is going through the lens. This data clearly helps us Left: An older model phoropter left room for human error.

determine whether the patient is allowing harmful UV light through the lens and into their eye. One of the most important devices used to determine your prescription, the phoropter, has also advanced throughout the years. While in the past many doctors spent time turning dials and adjusting angles to determine New digital phoropters allows eye care the corrective prescription, this professionals to precisely determine also allowed for the chance of the patient’s prescription. human error. Nowadays, digital phoropters can be used without the need to be touched by either the patient or the doctor themselves. When hooked up with an autorefractor, an advanced device that provides an accurate starting point for the corrective prescription the patient would need, it becomes increasingly easier for the patient to receive the exact corrective prescription they need almost immediately. Technology is important, and with it, we are able to provide precise results to make patients happy and seeing better than ever. For a consultation or more information, you can reach Dr. Therrien at Weston Family Eyecare, 4472 Weston Road, 954-888-9393. Dr. Therrien and her staff look forward to exceeding your expectations.

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Legally Speaking

Is This the Right Time? By Evan Baron

I spoke with an individual who had been to see me for a free consultation some time ago. He had a few questions, which he was hoping I could answer for him. In our conversation, he indicated that the reason he had not yet decided to file for divorce is because he was waiting for the “right time.” I explained that in my experience there probably is never a “right time,” but rather a person should want to avoid the wrong time. A person’s initial consultation with my office is free. This often means that an individual may be considering a dissolution, but he/she is not ready to truly begin the process. That “first step,” that decision to actually begin a court proceeding, is sometimes the most difficult of all decisions to be made. It means that the thought of obtaining a divorce is slowly becoming a reality. Some people who come to see me have already decided that they are ready to move forward. Perhaps they have been interviewing other attorneys and are now somewhat familiar with the process. Perhaps they have attempted to mediate the case, but have been unsuccessful. They may have already had their decision made for them by their spouse, who has filed for a dissolution already.

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MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

The majority of the people I see are generally not ready to take that first step at the initial consultation. I truly understand a person’s hesitancy to jump right into the situation. At the consultation, I provide them with a great deal of information, which usually takes some time to digest. I never encourage an individual to begin the process unless they are sure there is truly no other solution. Some people think about it for days. Some people think about it for weeks or months. Some people think about it for years. I was recently contacted by two individuals - one who met with me a year ago and one almost two years ago. Each needed to wait until they found that elusive “right time.” There is usually no harm in waiting, other than the reality that a person may continue to live in an unhappy situation. Of course, waiting can at times result in a changing financial situation in the household. It could also result in a spouse moving or hiding assets in anticipation of the divorce as well. It could affect an alimony award, as additional years of marriage can often determine the eligibility and/or the duration of the support. The only situation in which I will never recommend waiting is if domestic violence exists in the household. That situation must be addressed immediately. Everyone who is moving forward with a divorce has their own individual “right time” to begin. I just tell people that when that time arrives, they will probably know it. 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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eight loss can be a rather eluted concept. Allow me to share a story from the early stages of my career. I came across a senior physician that told me he was going to teach me everything I’d ever need to know about weight loss. “It’s very simple,” he explained. “Just follow the Peanut Diet.” Although I’ve been helping patients lose weight for years, I had never came across that diet. With an attentive ear and my undivided attention, I listened to the most preposterous explanation on weight loss that I had ever heard. The doctor goes on to explain the details of this miraculous diet. He says, patients are guaranteed to lose weight! There are no complicated diet menus, no supplements to buy or rigorous exercise regimens to follow. The more he spoke, the greater my curiosity grew. I was clinging onto every word that came out of his mouth and wondered how I had never heard of this easy weight loss program. The only thing that needed to complete the weight loss program was to buy a jar of peanuts. The rules of the Peanut Diet were as follows. Whenever you felt hungry throughout the day, all you had to do was to take the peanut out of your pocket and place it between your lips. Make sure you push together your lips, so that they can hold the peanut at the tip of your mouth. Once you have accomplished this, you are ready to eat. You can eat anything you want, as long as you do not remove the peanut from your lips. Then, you keep the peanut in place until the hunger sensation goes away. When it does, you can place the peanut back in your pocket. If you ever get hungry again during the day, simply repeat the process. That’s it! My mouth dropped. Was this doctor actually telling me this? This story may sound fictitious and unbelievable, but unfortunately it’s true. The explanation was not only given to me by this physician, but also directed to the poor unsuspecting patient that had just asked the doctor if he can help him lose weight. The reason I like to share this story of the Peanut Diet is because it reveals what a large portion of the population (including many doctors) believe that weight loss is as simple as “calories in equals calories out.” This over simplification of a complex medical issue makes people feel like they are failures when it comes to achieving weight loss. As a physician that specializes in weight loss, I have seen many patients that eat a reasonable amount of calories a day, exercise and still cannot manage to lose weight! So if you are serious about losing weight and you want to achieve long lasting results, it is important to consult with a physician that specializes in weight control. If you find it difficult lose weight following a standard diet and exercise regimen, there may be other factors involved. We are not created equally and what works for one person may not work for the next. A physician that specializes in weight loss will be able to create a custom-tailored diet and exercise plan that will guarantee the best results.

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our city weston | MARCH 2016

Are You Able to Tame the Wind On the Golf Course?

Rose & dean sklar

Real estate Group

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MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

section head Tee to Green

(954) 298-3626

By Dean Sklar, PGA Professional

ne of golf’s biggest challenges is playing in the wind. Certainly, South Florida has its share of wind. If you know how to play in these elements the game can be even more fun. The three wind shots that you must master are: (1) against the wind; (2) with the wind; and (3) the cross wind. Probably, the hardest for the amateur to deal with is the shot into a green against a 15- to 25-mph gusting wind. Here are some things you can do without changing your swing to deal with this. First of all, determine if it is a one-, two-, or three-club wind. Take the club that you think is too much club and use that club. Put more weight on your left side at address, and keep it there throughout your entire swing. I would choke down on the club and play the ball more in the middle to back in your stance. The less-lofted club will cause the ball to go lower and cut down on the backspin. A ball hit with backspin in these conditions will sail more up in the air and come right back at you. You also should narrow your stance for these shots, and try to swing slower. Golfers who try to muscle the ball in this type of wind will send the ball high in the air. You will see many professionals make a three-quarter backswing and a shorter follow-through into a stiff wind. This is called the “punch” shot. In this shot, the hands are well forward of the clubhead at impact. The crosswind is another wind shot you must master. These shots are just a matter of using good judgment. The key is aiming far enough to the right or left to keep the ball on the high side of the green. Most amateurs will not aim far enough to the right or far enough to the left. Ball position here must be more forward. If it is a right-to-left shot, feel like you are swinging out to the right. If it is a left-to-right shot, feel like you are swinging to the left more. The downwind shot is another challenge. Take less club than you think you need to get to the pin, and try to stay short of the hole if possible. Take a wider stance than normal, and put the ball well forward in your stance. Any shots over the green are hard to recover from, so try to stay short of the hole. Good course management would tell you to always keep the pin in front of you. Always think slow tempo in the wind and stay as steady as you can. Any excess movement will create an errant shot. Wind is part of the game. Embrace it as another challenge of this great game. Also, practicing in these kinds of windy situations on the driving range can really pay dividends for you on the golf course. Next time you are practicing on the range and there is a stiff wind in your face try these tips to better prepare yourself for the real time conditions on the course. PGA Professional Dean Sklar is a member of the Quarter Century Club of the PGA of America, an elite group of members who have served the PGA with honor and pride for 25 years. If you would like to talk to Dean about your golf game, contact him at Dean.Sklar@FloridaMoves.com or at the Rose and Dean Sklar Real Estate Group at Coldwell Banker, 1760 Bell Tower Lane in Weston, 954-389-6197 or on Dean’s cell at 954-2983616. Visit him online at www.WestonFloridaUSA.com.

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our city weston | MARCH 2016

pet of the Month

section head

“Agatha” Agatha is a 6-yearold adopted cat. She loves to eat and sleep. She likes to be in the arms of people. She doesn’t like to get dirty. Agatha’s favorite toy is the couch. She loves her big “sister” Luna, a beagle, and they take long naps together. Agatha was last seen in the clean laundry.

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MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

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Your Pet Could Be Our Pet of the Month! Every month Our City Weston randomly picks a pet of the month winner. Enter your pet today! Email entries to editorweston@ourcitymedia.com. Must include the following information to receive your prize. Owner name and email and/or phone number. Please send a high-resolution photo with your entry. Tell us a little bit about your pet… Animal name & breed:______________________________________ Age and gender of animal:__________________________________ Favorite person:___________________________________________ Favorite toy:______________________________________________ Likes & dislikes:____________________________________________ Favorite thing to do:________________________________________ Last seen:________________________________________________

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The Overweight Pet By Miguel E. Cordova, DVM

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recent survey indicated that 40% of America’s pet population is overweight. If you or your veterinarian feel that your pet would benefit from a reduction in body weight, this discussion should help you to understand how to help overweight dogs lose weight. Weight loss for obese cats is more complicated and should not be done without a veterinarian’s supervision. Very simply put, if your pet is overweight it is taking in (eating) more calories than it needs. Set all excuses aside ... excessive weight in an otherwise healthy pet is a direct result of consuming unnecessary amounts of food. If your pet is overweight it should be examined for heart, thyroid or other metabolic disorders. A detailed history should be taken with emphasis on frequency of exercise, amount and type of food being provided, and other parameters relative to calorie requirements.

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MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

The pet food industry has painted the picture for us of the “eager eater.” The impression is that a happy, healthy pet will eat every meal with gusto. Please do not try to entice your pet to eat if it isn’t interested. If you provide a good quality food and a liberal amount of water, your pet will eat when it wants and do better than having to eat when you want. Another common myth maintains that spaying or neutering causes obesity. This is absolutely false. Any pet, neutered or not, will gain weight if it is over fed relative to its energy requirements. Spaying or neutering may slightly slow the pet’s metabolism, as will normal aging, and the animal will then burn calories off more slowly; therefore it may require less food. Keep in mind the surgery doesn’t cause the weight gain, eating too much does and you have control over that. The right nutrition will encourage weight loss while helping your pet feel full. Work with your veterinarian to choose the proper food. Animal Health Center @ Weston is “The Gentle Practice You Can Rely On.” Dr. Miguel E. Cordova and his staff are committed to caring for your precious pets. The practice is located at 2701 Executive Park Drive, Suite 1. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Animal Health Center @ Weston at 954-385-8389 or visit them online at www.animalhealthcenteratweston.com.

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our city weston | MARCH 2016

Weston Rotary Club Continues International Literacy Initiative

Rotary News

By Jorge Brathwaite, Weston Rotarian

International. Hence, the Rotary Club of Weston fully supports the need to lend a helping hand to international communities where opportunities for children to envision promising futures are virtually non-existent because of gangs, drugs, guns, early pregnancy, and likely premature death.

or the second consecutive year, the partnership between the Weston Rotary Club and the Cristobal Colon Rotary Club - Panama implemented a composition contest for elementary school children in the economically depressed city of Colon, Republic of Panama. The goal of this project is “promoting literacy and leadership to change lives.” The composition contest was developed and pioneered by the Panamanian American Academic Network, a 501 c-3, of which I am President. The composition contest is designed to encourage needy but educationally motivated elementary school children to embrace literacy, reading, writing, critical thinking, and leadership, as vehicles to transform the likely trajectory of their lives. More specifically, the Weston Rotary International Literacy Initiative seeks to instill in students from marginalized communities anywhere in the world, the fundamental reality that: ▸▸ Education is perhaps the only avenue open to the economically needy to alter the likely trajectory of their lives. ▸▸ To pursue education and academic excellence marginalized individuals must assume the “Leadership of Their Lives” ▸▸ Literacy, reading, writing, critical thinking, and leadership are core values and objectives of the world wide million-member strong Rotary

MARCH 2016 | OUR CITY WESTON

Being mindful of the need to try and make a difference in the lives of children, the International Literacy Program sponsored by the Weston Rotary Club has been successfully implemented in Colon, as well as Bogota, Colombia, and San Salvador. All in partnership with a local Rotary Club partner. The successful implementation of the Composition Contest in Colon was driven by our local partner the Rotary Club Cristobal – Colon and the current President Mr. Mario Fernandes. Critical to the success of the contest was the need to get the support of school principals. There were 13 schools that participated and they identified 39 winners of the contest. The themes for this year’s contest were developed jointly by the Cristobal Colon Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Weston and were designed to have students think, read, write and express their ideas on either: “Who do I want to be?” or “Education creates new leaders.” Approximately 125 students, parents, and educators attended the award ceremony and were all visibly moved by the tenure and tone of the ceremony. The Rotary Club of Weston meets at 7:30am for breakfast every Thursday at Weston Hills Country Club. To learn more visit www. WestonRotary.com.

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