Our City Miramar: April 2023

Welcome to Pines Palm Dental!

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Feel free to visit our website for more information or to schedule an appointment. We’re here for you, and we’re ready to help you achieve your best smile yet!

Dr. Juan Gobo Dr. Sandra Oilar Dr. Fernando Gutierrez

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PUBLISHERS

Christy & Terry Jaillet publisher@ourcitymedia.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Christy Jaillet

ART DIRECTOR

Tom Rowe

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alana Brodie

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Nancy Koval nancy@ourcitymedia.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

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

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Terry Jaillet, Dr. Robert Donoway, Jon Duka, Amelis Lopez, Wayne M. Messam, Dr. Isabel Suate

ADVERTISING INFO sales@ourcitymedia.com

VISIT US ONLINE ourcitymedia.com

954-306-1007

400 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway Suite 200C • Sunrise, FL 33325

GOT NEWS? EMAIL THE EDITOR! editor@ourcitymedia.com

PUBLISHER’S PAGE

Spring Returns Making Old New Again

As we enter the fourth month of the year, we can feel the energy of new beginnings and fresh starts that come with the arrival of spring.

The start of spring represents a time of renewal, growth, and rejuvenation. The sun shines brighter, the flowers bloom, and the air feels lighter. It is a time to let go of the old and embrace the new, to take a deep breath and start afresh.

As poet and writer, Rainer Maria Rilke once said, "And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been." This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of spring - a time for new experiences, new beginnings, and new possibilities.

As publishers, we believe that spring is the perfect time to start something new. Whether it's a new hobby, a new project, or a new goal, this season offers the perfect opportunity to turn over a new leaf and embark on a new adventure.

The coming of spring reminds us that summer is just around the corner. South Florida offers a plethora of summer activities for kids of all ages. Be sure to check out Our City’s Summer Camp Guide in this issue for a curated list of camp options for your kiddos!

We hope that this issue will motivate you to start something new and to embrace the beauty of the season. Let this be the month that you shed the old and welcome the new. After all, as Rilke reminds us, "spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems." Let us embrace the poetry of the season and revel in the joy of new beginnings.

Sincerely,

Christy & Terry Jaillet

OUR CITY MEDIA PUBLISHERS

APRIL 1

Historic Miramar Aquatic Complex Re-opening

The City of Miramar Parks and Recreation Department offers the finest swimming facilities in Broward County. The Historic Miramar Aquatic Complex and Miramar Regional Park Aquatic Complex offer Olympic-sized pools which are heated during the fall/winter months, children’s water playground, men & women locker rooms, umbrella rentals for parties, tables, chairs, and more! This annual tradition kicks off the summer season with fun and games. Meet Sandy the Pelican! 10:00 am till 1:00 pm. For more info call 954-602-3367.

APRIL 5-13

Passover

Wishing a happy Passover holiday to all of our Jewish readers. Passover is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is celebrated for seven or eight days, depending on the Jewish tradition. The holiday is marked by a number of rituals and customs, the most well-known of which is the Seder. The Seder is a festive meal that takes place on the first night of Passover, during which the story of the Exodus is retold and special foods, such as matzo and bitter herbs, are eaten. The holiday is a time for family gatherings, reflection, and gratitude for freedom and deliverance.

APRIL 8

Easter Eggstravaganza

Hop, Skip, and Jump over to Miramar's annual Egg Hunt! This year’s celebrate will take place at Miramar Regional Park. In addition to the hunt there will be a Kid’s Zone, singing and dancing talent shows, live music, a DJ food trucks and more. The FREE event kicks off at 2:00 pm and the Eggstravaganza continues till 8:00 pm. For more info call 954-6023178.

APRIL 1-2

Rhythms of Africa 2023

The power of percussion! African/Caribbean rhythms of Reggae, Blues, Soca, Samba, Ska, Dance Hall, Calypso, Latin, NOLA jazz, Funk, Pop, Afro-Beats & more in an array of sight & sounds that have astonished & delighted audiences as diverse as the earth itself. With a hat-tip to iconic international Third World Band, Willie Stewart leads Everglades High School students & 20 other professional international artists & dancers in an epic, pulsating performance to bring you out of your seat up on your feet! Shows start at 7:00 pm and 6:00 pm respectively, at The Miramar Cultural Center. For tickets and info, scan the QR code.

APRIL 8

Outrun Hunger 5K

Calling all Runners and Walkers! Take steps to raise funds and awareness to end hunger in South Florida. Prepare a company team, your running group, and social club to work together to Outrun Hunger or participate for your own personal best. This course takes you along Hollywood’s Charnow beachfront park that overlooks the ocean. This scenic run is a must-do in support of a great cause. The race kicks off at 7:30 am at Charnow Park, 300 Connecticut Street, Hollywood. Scan the QR code to register or for more info.

APRIL 9

Easter Sunday

Happy Easter to all of Our City’s Christian readers. Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. For Christians, the holiday represents the triumph of Jesus over death and sin and the promise of eternal life. The week leading up to Easter Sunday, known as Holy Week, includes special services and observances such as Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Good Friday.

APRIL 14-16

Tortuga Music Festival

Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival returns to Fort Lauderdale Beach. 46 artists and bands will hit the stages over Tortuga’s three days. Headlines Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett and Morgan Wallen are sure to bring the house down. Passes and more info are available at www.TortugaMusicFestival.com.

APRIL 22

Earth Day

Join more than 1 Billion people around the world! Take action to make our planet better for generations to come. Gather with neighbors to remove trash from local wetlands, reduce your carbon footprint, support a worthy charity or join a “beach keepers” group. Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 and is now celebrated by people from every walk of life.

APRIL 18

Federal Income Tax Filing Deadline

Don’t forget to file your tax return (or request an extension). All United States taxpayers are required to file a return with the Internal Revenue Service that shows their income from last year. Did you know that the Federal income tax was first introduced in 1861 as a way to help pay for the Civil War? The original law was subsequently found to be unconstitutional and revoked. The Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reinstated the national income tax in 1913.

APRIL 27

Free Zumba

The City of Miramar offers Free Zumba classes with Mayor Messam every Thursday from 6:30 pm till 7:30 pm at the Sunset Lakes Community Center. The FREE sessions are a great way to stay healthy and enjoy time with other members of the community. Hosted at the Sunset Lakes Community Center, 2801 SW 186th Ave. For more info, visit www.miramarfl.gov.

APRIL 29

Healthy Kids Day

The Pembroke Pines YMCA Family Center will host its annual Healthy Kids Day. The free community event is a chance for children and parents to explore the many opportunities available at the Y this summer to keep kids’ minds and bodies active. 9:00 am till Noon. For more info turn to page 18.

APRIL 29-30

Fort Lauderdale Air Show

If you “feel the need for speed” then head to Fort Lauderdale Beach on the last weekend of April and look to the skies. The Fort Lauderdale Air, one of the most anticipated aviation events in the country, will be on full display. It showcases the best of military and civilian aircraft, as well as thrilling aerobatic performances and skydiving stunts.

State Farm Agent Ava Stewart

Gives Miramar Home Owners Peace of Mind

By Terry Jaillet

When disaster strikes, there is almost nothing more important than knowing you have an insurance partner that will be there for you. State Farm agent Ava Stewart has been there for Miramar residents for almost her whole life. Backed by one of the industry’s largest catastrophe response teams, Ava has been there before and will be there again the next time a disaster strikes.

Ava’s steadfast commitment to her clients was exemplified when she was voted Best Insurance Agent by the readers of Our City Miramar. They commended her for her deep understanding of the insurance industry and her knowledge of what products and solutions matter most for her clients.

Ava received State Farm’s Chairman Circle Award and is one of the top 150 new agents in the entire country. She is also a Small Business Premier Agent and is an expert at helping small business owners manage risk so they can focus on growing their businesses.

Agent for the Entire Community

Ava considers herself a citizen of the world. She is a woman of Jamaican descent who is a second-generation State Farm Agent. Ava began her insurance career working in her father’s office as a teenager. She learned the importance of putting clients first from a young age and is

Her agency includes staff members from a broad variety of backgrounds with team members speaking English, Spanish, Creole, and Jamaican Patois. In fact, one of her life goals is to help women and minorities better themselves and their communities by providing employment opportunities.

Funds When You Most Need Them

State Farm is the only company that offers draft authority. In the event of a catastrophe, Ava can write policyholders a check on the spot. She was a child during hurricane Andrew and knows how important it is to families to have access to funds quickly after a major storm.

By helping customers manage the risks of everyday life, Ava and her team enable them to focus on their dreams to build a legacy of generational wealth and prosperity.

Giving Back

Ava D. Stewart Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. has supported local charities from day one. They provide support to local organizations like Broward Outreach, Kiwanis Club, Caribbean Film Festivals, and the Miramar Police.

Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam won his third term in a decisive victory in last month’s Mayoral election. With all precincts reporting, Messam had more than 90% of the vote, with political newcomer Rudy Theophin getting just over 9%.

Messam has a storybook background that is clearly appealing to a large portion of the Miramar electorate. He played wide receiver on the Florida State University football team from 1993 till 1996 and was a member of the 1993 national championship team. He is also a first-generation American. Messam’s parents are both Jamaican immigrants. His father worked as a migrant laborer in sugarcane fields when Messam was a youngster.

Messam’s political endeavors have not all been blowouts. In March 2019 he announced his candidacy for President of the United States. He was a relatively unknown candidate,

and his campaign struggled to gain traction.

Messam's campaign focused on issues such as student debt, gun control, and climate change. He proposed a plan to cancel all student loan debt and called for stronger gun control measures, including a ban on assault weapons.

However, Messam's campaign faced several obstacles. He failed to qualify for any of the Democratic primary debates, which limited his exposure to voters. Additionally, he struggled to raise funds and build a strong campaign infrastructure.

Messam ultimately ended his presidential campaign in November 2019, citing a lack of resources and support.

The municipal elections also officially returned Alexandra Davis to City Commission Seat 4. She was unopposed.

JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS

Justice is inconvenient because it requires sacrifices that one finds uncomfortable. However, it is crucial to understand that, in the end, securing justice may be rewarding and empowering. Justice helps to heal wounds and validate experiences. Then again, it may also be traumatizing and draining.

At times, victims/survivors may feel or want to give up and understandably say, "I do not want to do this?" It is important to know you are not alone and that your strength could help others. Not only have victims participated in the system, but many have taken charge of changing laws. For example, Marsy's Law resulted from a murderer confronting Marsy Nicholas’ family, a week after he killed the college student. Marsy’s brother was outraged and embarked on a mission to change laws.

The U.S. Constitution guarantees constitutional rights for offenders but does not address any rights for the victims.

By Valerie Menard, M.S.

The actions of Marsy Nicholas’ murderer resulted in the most comprehensive victims' rights changes. Although this movement started in California, it spread to other states. Florida, and most states, have included or enhanced victims' rights in its constitution. A victim now has the right to a speedy trial and has the right for his/her information to remain confidential. Marsy's Law is just one of many other laws that have impacted the judicial system and its treatment of victims. Amber Alerts were also created because a victim’s family decided change was needed. Does a victim/survivor have to embark on a mission to change laws? Of course not! What is needed is participation—being present and being heard. Conversely, a victim/survivor's lack of participation speaks volumes about the difficulty one feels. If a survivor/victim pursues justice, it will be inconvenient, and one must endure to secure justice. Yes, victims/survivors may need to go to

the courthouse several times, change locks, or even move. Survivors will have to participate in the system. It is unfair. It is not correct. It is inconvenient, but it is necessary. The victim's cooperation and contribution are the most potent pieces of any case. It would only be fitting that this year's Victims Right Week theme is Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.

The Broward Victim’s Rights Coalition will hold a vigil on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 5:30 P.M., at the Long Key Nature Center, located at 3501 SW 130 Ave. Davie, FL 33330 (The Garden of Reflection). This tribute will honor crime victims and survivors as part of the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The event is open to the public.

▸ Valerie Menard is the Miramar Police Department’s Victim Advocate Program Coordinator. She can be reached at vmenard@miramarpd.org. To reach the Miramar Police Department’s Victim Services Unit, call 954-602-4130.

2023 FORT LAUDERDALE AIRSHOW IS SET TO TAKE FLIGHT

Fort Lauderdale Beach, April 29 & 30

If you “feel the need for speed” then head to Fort Lauderdale Beach on the last weekend of April and look to the skies. The Fort Lauderdale Air, one of the most anticipated aviation events in the country, will be on full display. It showcases the best of military and civilian aircraft, as well as thrilling aerobatic performances and skydiving stunts. If you are a fan of flying machines and adrenaline-pumping action, you won’t want to miss this spectacular show over the Atlantic Ocean.

The Fort Lauderdale Air Show will take place on April 29th and 30th. The show will start around 11:45 am and end around 3:00 pm each day. The center of the show will be located at Sunrise Boulevard and A1A, but you can enjoy the aerial displays from anywhere along the four miles of Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Some of the performers that have been announced so far include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the F-22 Raptor Demo Team, the Red Bull Helicopter, the Red Bull Air Force, Kirby Chambliss, the SOCOM Para-Commandos, the Air Force Heritage Flight, the T-38 Talon and Michael Goulian24. More performers will be added as the show date approaches, so stay tuned for updates.

If you want to have the best viewing experience, you can purchase tickets for one of the VIP or premium viewing areas. These areas offer reserved seating, shaded tents, catering, beverages, private restrooms, and other amenities. You can also opt for a sandbox, which is a private area on the beach for up to six people with chairs and umbrellas.

Parking for the Fort Lauderdale Air Show can be challenging due to limited

spaces and high demand. The best option is to use public transportation or ride-sharing services to get to the beach. You can also park at one of the designated parking garages or lots and take a shuttle bus to the show site. Parking passes are available online for advance purchase.

The Fort Lauderdale Air Show is more than just a show. It is a celebration of aviation history, technology, and skill. It is also a tribute to the men and women who serve in our armed forces and protect our freedom. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness some of the most amazing flying machines in action over one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.

▸ To learn more about the Fort Lauderdale Air Show and to purchase tickets visit www.fortlauderdaleairshow.com

Everglades HS Student Takes Top Honor in State Debate Championships

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) congratulates students who competed in the Florida Forensic League's Varsity State Championship in Orlando, with four BCPS students taking top honors. The event took place March 4–5, 2023, in Orlando. Students qualified for the competition by placing at the top of their Regional Tournament in a variety

of events that showcase their skills in rhetoric, persuasion, and argumentation. The District qualified more students for the state championship than any other region in the state, with 96 BCPS students earning the right to compete. Of those, 25 BCPS students distinguished themselves by making it to the final round of competition, and four

students won the state championship titles for their event. The four champions representing BCPS are:

• Lisa Kolley, 12th Grade, Western High School – Dramatic Interpretation Champion

• Emily Stevens, 10th Grade, Western High School – Congress Champion

• Siddarth Sudhakar, 11th Grade, Nova High School – Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking Champion

• Caitlin Williams, 12th Grade, Everglades High School – Program Oral Interpretation Champion BCPS has the largest debate initiative in the country, with programs in 120 elementary schools and in every middle and high school, with more than 15,000 students actively competing.

▸ To learn more about The Debate Broward initiative, visit browardschools.com/debate.

Emily Stevens & Lisa Kolley

Siddarth Sudhakar

Caitlin Williams

ooking for a way to keep your child engaged and active during the summer months? Look no further than Summer Camp! With a variety of programs available, Summer Camp provides an excellent opportunity for children to socialize with peers, try new activities, and build self-confidence. And for busy parents, summer camp also offers the chance to enjoy some much-needed downtime. Our City's Summer Camp Guide is the ultimate resource for finding the perfect camp for your child. With a wide range of options and expert recommendations, you can trust that your child will have a blast and make lasting memories.

AIM High (Achieve in Medicine)

www.osteopathic.nova.edu/ community/aim-high/ 954-262-1143

AIM-High is an intensive medical school immersion experience for high school students (rising sophomoresseniors) who want to actively explore a career in medicine, or any health care profession. Enjoy action-packed weeks, interact with faculty, practice clinical skills and hear from current students and residents to get a real-life jump on your future journey.

A World of Knowledge Camp WOK

www.AWorldofKnowledgeKids.com 954-430-7707

A World of Knowledge Preschool

offers summer camp programs for kids ages 1-8. Little ones enjoy “journeys around the world,” water days, field trips, arts & crafts, dance, face painting, play time, academic reviews, and much more. Your child will celebrate their creativity and playfulness as well as learn about all the wonderful places around the world.

LAmerican Tigers Martial Arts

www.AmericanTigersMartialArts.com

954-529-8619

Give your children a balanced, yet fun summer break. American Tigers Martial Arts’ summer camp focuses on athletics and academics. Tutors will help children improve reading and math skills. Certified instructors will teach anti-bullying and self-defense education, with an emphasis on Taekwondo martial arts training. Camp activities also include tie-dying camp t-shirts, games, music appreciation and lots of fun.

Apple Tree Montessori Summer Camp

www.appletreemont.com

954-252-9250

Children can build their minds and bodies at Apple Tree Montessori’s Summer Camp. The program combines traditional summer camp activities like playtime, field trips, and arts & crafts with the school’s individualized learning environment. Certified, experienced teachers work with campers to help them grow emotionally, academically, and socially.

American Top Team

www.attbaga.com

954-349-4900

At American Top Team, campers will be introduced to the benefits of martial arts, learning the basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Sanshou, Muay Thai, and mixed martial arts (MMA). The program focuses on building the child’s coordination and motor skills combined with life skills such as discipline, focus and team work. Campers will build dynamic martial arts capabilities while gaining courage and confidence.

Academy of Arts

www.AcademyOfArtsInc.com

954-704-0068

Academy of Arts offers exciting classes for all ages and skill levels. The dance studio provides a creative outlet for preschool through high. The dance-intensive summer camp is a perfect venue for dancers to hone their skills and gain confidence and discipline. The skills learned during the summer will help campers both on and off the dance floor.

Bill Clark Tennis Academy

www.BillClarkTennis.com

954-275-9991

Are your kids nuts about tennis?

There is no better place to become masters of the game than the Bill Clark Tennis Academy. Tennis training includes drills, point play and match-specific situations that focus on the development of competitive strategy and mental toughness. Fitness training is included in the on-court drills. Each player’s speed, agility, balance, and quickness will be improved through the use of tennis-specific footwork drills and plyometrics.

Bar-B-Ranch

www.Bar-b-ranch.com

954-424-1060

At Bar-B-Ranch kids ages 7-15 can learn to ride and care for horses. They have programs for all skill levels. Every aspect of horsemanship is included in the program. Summer Camps and year-round programs are available.

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

www.BrowardCenter.org

954-462-0222

Discover the star within! Don’t miss the fun when the curtain rises for a summer filled with the excitement and magic of live musical theater. The camp offers students the chance to study singing, dancing and acting while rehearsing for a theatrical production will culminate in a final performance on stage at the Broward Center. Students will also enjoy theater games, arts & crafts.

Camp Cardinal

www.CampCardinal.com

954-381-2335

Camp Cardinal allows your child to explore the world around them. Each session has a theme, with activities centered around that theme. Your campers will enjoy swimming, canoeing, science, arts & crafts, sports, fishing, movies, talent shows, and theater every session. There are different activities rotating on various days during each week.

Camp ExplorerCreative Child

https://camps.endeavorschools.com/ 954-389-8245

Give your child a fun and productive summer camp experience at Creative Child Learning Center. Each week, our camps offer a whole new theme where children get to participate in activities and games to learn about a new topic. From arts and sports to science, children get the chance to see, experience, and learn while making new friends in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Weekly themes include topics

such as Friends of the Rainforest, Mad About Meteorology and It’s Showtime.

Camp Lingua

www.CampLingua.com

954-642-2267

Camp Lingua is a unique Language Immersion Summer Camp Program where children enjoy an enriching, fun experience while developing language and critical thinking skills. Camp activities include language classes and cultural experiences, as well as arts and crafts, sports, horseback riding, water days, exercise classes, field trips and much more.

Camp Live Oak

www.CampLiveOakFl.com

954-563-4880

Camp Live Oak is the only American Camp Association (ACA) accredited camp in Broward County. The Environmental Day Camp, held at Birch State Park, offers various water sports such as swimming, paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking, as well as fishing, arts and crafts, and more, while the Marine Science Day Camp, held at Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, focuses on conservation, including an in-depth sea turtle curriculum.

Camp Nova

www.USchool.Nova.edu/summer

954-262-4506

Camp Nova at NSU University School provides campers with a summer full of smiles, laughs, fun with new friends, and plenty of good memories. If offers programs for students in kindergarten to grade 11. Shark Camp and Minnow Camp offer a traditional day camp experience, but children can also try one of Camp Nova’s numerous specialty camps such as Drobots, Marine Science, Sports, Musical Theatre and more. The Summer Scholars program provides learning

experiences in Reading, Mathematics, Foreign Language, Writing, and Language Arts within a challenging and supportive environment.

Funky Fish Ocean Camp

www.FunkyFishKidsDay.com

954-712-9900

Quench your kids’ thirst for curiosity. Funky Fish offers an extraordinary week filled with snorkeling, boogie boarding, skimboarding, eco-art and marine science. Geared towards children aged 4-17 and a ratio of 1 Instructor – 7 kids.

Florida Children’s Theatre

www.FLCT.org

954-763-6882

Florida Children’s Theatre serves as an educational center for theatre arts serving children and families across South Florida. The oldest documented children’s theatre in the state of Florida, FLCT was founded in 1952 by two mothers in a garage. The theatre quickly grew to be the first children’s theatre organization to perform at Parker Playhouse, the Broward County Main Library Theatre, and Dillard Center for the Arts. Each summer, FLCT hosts a vibrant summer camp for children interested in theatre at the Fine Arts Theatre at Broward College Central Campus in Davie. The summer camp is open to children in grades 2-10 and will feature productions of Shrek The Musical Jr., and The Little Mermaid Jr.

Museum of Discovery & Science

www.MODS.org

954-713-0930

Give your child a S.A.F.E. (Science. Affordable. Fun. Educational) and unforgettable STEM experience at Camp Discovery’s multi-day camp program for children ages 6 through 12

(entering grades 1–6). MODS provides campers with interactive exploration and immersive learning opportunities.

School of Rock

www.SchoolofRock.com

954-252-7625

Every kid dreams of starring on The Voice or American Idol at on time or another. School of Rock teaches kids how to play music in the most fun way possible: by performing. They are offering online and in-person programs this summer on virtually every instrument your child might be interested in. Check out the “ultimate music school” today.

Tree of Life

www.TreeofLifeAcademy.com

954-842-2238

Tree of Life Christian Academy Preschool offers “A Higher Level of Care & Education” to its campers. Their All Day Summer Camp offers great child care, healthy organic meals, and exciting fun themed in-house activities & special guests for ages 1–5 years old. Discover fun, grow, and learn this Summer with us at Tree Of Life Christian Academy!

Ankle Ligament Injuries in Teenagers & Adults

By Dr. John Goodner, D.P.M

The ankle is a complex joint consisting of bones, ligaments, cartilage, tendons and joint lining. The primary motion of the ankle is up and down. It has limited side-to-side motion. When excess motion occurs from side to side, ankle ligaments can tear.

Ligaments connect bones together. Once the ligaments are torn instability can develop. On the outside of the ankle there are three ligaments. The inside of the ankle has five and connecting the tibia and fibula are three more.

Ankle ligament injuries can occur from stepping off of a step and rolling the ankle, to playing sports and coming down and landing on somebody’s foot. It is also very common in women who wear heels and roll their ankle to the outside, causing damage to the ligament structure of the ankle.

When ligament injuries occur, it is most often

associated with a feeling of a crack or a pop, and is associated with pain, swelling, occasionally discoloration and inability to weightbear.

It is always best to evaluate these ankle injuries as soon as possible. A thorough history and physical will allow the doctor to identify the ligaments that have been injured and the extent of the injury. X-rays are taken and occasionally MRIs if the suspected damage is significant.

Treatment is then aimed at reducing the damage to the ligaments and giving the ligaments an opportunity to heal primarily. Treatment for these injuries could be as simple as RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). For a very simple stretching injury to the ankle ligaments, an ankle brace is used most often. When the ligaments are torn, then immobilization is absolutely necessary. A boot or a cast is applied for two to six weeks. Patients are allowed to immediately weightbear. Cross training is completely allowed. Avoid any type of anti-inflammatory. This will help to reduce the inflammation but at the cost of allowing those ligaments to heal because inflammation is a critical part of the healing process. Physical

therapy may be necessary after cast removal. A return to sports could take four to eight weeks.

Chronic instability may develop if treatment has not been initiated immediately. This may be corrected with a ligament tightening procedure. Long-term prognosis is almost always excellent.

▸ Dr. John Goodner is a Board Certified Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgeon with the Foot, Ankle and Leg Specialists of South Florida and specializes in sports medicine foot and ankle injuries, foot and ankle arthroscopy, lower extremity trauma, and lower extremity deformities in infants, children, teens and adults. The South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine is located at 17842 NW 2nd St Pembroke Pines, FL 33029-2806

Tel: (954) 430-9901 The practice website is SouthFloridaSportsMedicine.com.

Instagram @SouthFloridaSportsMedicine and Twitter @SFLSportsMed

OFFERING SAME DAY & EARLY MORNING APPOINTMENTS & CONSULTATIONS

NEW PATIENT $300 | FOLLOW UP (WITHOUT X-RAY) $100

SURGERY CONSULT $350 | X-RAYS $50 PER AREA | PRP $800

STEM CELLS $1200 | SHOCKWAVE (5 SESSIONS) $600 | INJECTIONS

ORTHOTICS $400 | CASTS $200 | LACERATION REPAIR $550

| BLUE CROSS | BRIGHT | UHC | CIGNA | AETNA | AV MED AMBETTER | TRICARE | WORKERS COMP | ACCIDENTS/LOPS

SIMPLY | SUNSHINE | OSCAR | MEMORIAL PHO

NEW PATIENT $300 | FOLLOW UP (WITHOUT X-RAY) $100

SURGERY CONSULT $350 | X-RAYS $50 PER AREA | PRP $800

STEM CELLS $1200 | SHOCKWAVE (5 SESSIONS) $600 | INJECTIONS $100

ORTHOTICS $400 | CASTS $200 | LACERATION REPAIR $550

Dr. Carlo Messina

Rhythms of Africa Comes to the Miramar Cultural Center

The power of percussion! African/ Caribbean rhythms of Reggae, Blues, Soca, Samba, Ska, Dance Hall, Calypso, Latin, NOLA jazz, Funk, Pop, Afro-Beats & more in an array of sight & sounds that have astonished & delighted audiences as diverse as the earth itself.

With a hat-tip to the iconic international Third World Band, Willie Stewart leads Everglades High School students & 20 other professional international artists & dancers in an epic, pulsating performance to bring you out of your seat up on your feet!

Stewart is a Jamaican-born musician, educator, and cultural ambassador. Rhythms of Africa is a non-profit organization that promotes cultural awareness and education through the arts, specifically the music, dance, and folklore of Africa and the African diaspora.

Stewart is known for his expertise in African and Caribbean percussion and

has performed with a number of wellknown musicians and groups, including Bob Marley and the Wailers, Third World, and Ziggy Marley. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the arts and culture of South Florida, receiving numerous awards and honors, including a proclamation from the City of Miramar for his work with Rhythms of Africa.

In addition to his work with Rhythms of Africa, Stewart is also an adjunct professor of music at Broward College and has conducted workshops and masterclasses on percussion and world music at universities and cultural institutions around the world.

The event will feature a special guest appearance from international recording artist, Julian Marley. Julian, who is the son of legendary Bob Marley, grew up surrounded by music and was exposed to a variety of genres, including reggae, ska, and rock. He began playing music at a young age and learned to play

several instruments, including the guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard.

Marley began his music career in the late 1980s, performing with his siblings in the Melody Makers, a reggae band formed by his father. In 1996, he released his debut album, "Lion in the Morning," which featured a mix of roots reggae and dancehall influences.

Pet of the Month

Greetings From Your Chamber President!

By Patty Archer

Thank you for choosing the Miramar Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce as Our City’s Best Organization in Miramar! For over 50 years, our Chamber of Commerce has been the premier networking organization for the business community. But do you know all that a chamber offers? It’s much more than networking! It’s also celebrating new businesses with ribbon cuttings, coming together to pool marketing resources and cost saving programs, and creating skills and leadership development opportunities. It’s also advocating on behalf of the best interests of our businesses, especially our small businesses and entrepreneurs.

With the current Florida legislative session at its halfway point, the Chamber is staying abreast of the proposed bills making their way through committee. In anticipation, our Government & Legislative Affairs committee has been updating the Chamber’s legislative agenda, with priority focused on education, taxes, tort reform, economic development and affordable housing. We are staying in touch with our elected officials, and will make sure they visit our events to report on the progress of our priority issues when they return to South Florida next month.

By making your business our business, the Chamber of Commerce is engaged in the priorities of our membership, businesses, community, and future generations of professionals and their business needs. Now and in the future, the Chamber is dedicated to being a Convener of Leaders, a Catalyst for positive change, and a Champion for a strong business community. For more information and our event calendar, visit www. miramarpembrokepines.org.

Yours in Service,

Patty Archer Chamber President

“Minnie Bubbles Quan”