Our City Miramar: July 2023

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, Carlos Medina, Kenny Rodgers, Silvia Silva

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Terry Jaillet, Jon Duka, Wayne M. Messam, Todd Delmay, Patty Archer

Edward Otto Zielke, Mitchell Zahn

PHOTOGRAPHER

Tom Dean moonwalkphotography.com

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

This Independence Day We Remember Our Heroes

As Independence Day approaches, we want to give a “shout out” to the 2.2 million men and women serving in the United States military. While we don’t see them often, it is reassuring to know that these brave people are across the globe serving their country.

It is a little-known fact that our Navy, Army, and Marine Corps are older than the country itself. The Continental Congress formed all three service branches after hostilities began against England in 1775. In fact, the very first military unit of the United States was essentially a bunch of farmers.

The “shot heard round the world” at the Battle of Lexington and Concord occurred 15 months before the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The battle was fought by local militia members known as Minutemen. They were mostly farmers, tradesmen, and ordinary citizens who took up arms to defend their rights and resist British forces. They were also the beginning of what would become the most powerful force in human history.

The minutemen were quite the rag-tag group. Each man (they were all men then) brought his own musket, clothing, and gear. They elected their Captain, John Parker, who famously said, “Stand your ground. Don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.”

The minutemen have few similarities to today’s high-tech and highly disciplined armed forces. Today’s forces, however, do hold the same values of selflessness, honor, loyalty, duty, patriotism, and courage that those few hundred men from Massachusetts held 247 years ago.

With the war in Ukraine, violence in the Balkans, and increasing tensions with China, today’s service members are asked to deal with complex situations in distant lands. About 173,000 people are serving abroad, and about 50,000 Marines and Sailors are at sea. When you grab a cold one this July 4th, raise your glass to the minutemen and today’s Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Coast Guardsman, and Guardians.

Happy Independence Day!

Christy & Terry Jaillet

JULY 1

Family Films - Spiderman

Bring the whole family for FREE select viewings of hit movies throughout the summer. The Susan B. Katz Theater at the River of Grass Arts Park will show Spide-man: Into The Spider-Verse. Bitten by a radioactive spider in the subway, Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales suddenly develops mysterious powers that transform him into the one and only Spider-Man. When he meets Peter Parker, he soon realizes that there are many others who share his special, high-flying talents. The film starts at 10:00 am, 17195 Sheridan Street. For info, call 954-743-1799.

JULY 6

LL Cool J

Don’t Call it a Comeback! Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, two-time Grammy Award-winning Hip-Hop icon, recording artist, actor, author, NAACP Image Award winner, entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder and CEO of “Rock The Bells,” LL COOL J has created one of the most multifaceted careers and brands in entertainment and continues to display his wide range of talents with every project. See him at the Hard Rock Hotel.Show starts at 8:00 pm. Scan the QR code to register or l earn more.

JUNE 10-11

U.S. Passport Applications

Need to apply for or renew a passport? The City of Miramar’s City Clerk’s Office is offering walk-in passport services to U.S. citizens from 9:00 am - Noon on these two days. It will take place at Miramar City Hall, 2300 Civic Center Place. For more info call 954-602-4357.

JULY 4

Independence Day Celebration

Celebrate an evening of music, rides, kids activities, food trucks and more, with a grand finale of incredible fireworks. The FREE event is open to all families. Gates to Miramar Regional Park open at 6:00 pm. Personal fireworks & alcohol are not permitted. 16801 Miramar Parkway. For more info call 954-602-4537.

JULY 9

Summer Symphony Series

The City of Pembroke Pines presents the Summer Symphony Series on Sunday, July 9th from 4-6pm at the Charles F. Dodge City Center. South Florida Symphony Brass Quartet performs a mix of patriotic, popular and classical selections. For more info, call 954-392-2122

JULY 14

Somos America

An unforgettable sensory journey that will take us on a journey through the music of these American nations that coincide in their independence month: USA (July 4th), Venezuela (July 5th), Argentina (July 9th), Colombia (July 20th) and Peru (July 28th). We want to highlight the greatness of our countries through their people, a living and constant example of freedom, self-improvement and progress. The values that unite us and find us in our common patriotic feelings. Those sounds, flavors and colors that identify us and that at the same time are integrated through immigration, because we definitely "SOMOS AMERICA.” Concert begins at 8:00 pm at the Miramar Cultural Center. Scan QR for tickets and more info.

July 2023 Calendar

JULY 13

Summer Soiree @ The Frank

Join The Frank after hours and Embrace art, music, and tasty treats. Enjoy walking through the pages of Oliver Jeffers: 15 Years of Picturing Books! Free –Complimentary Refreshments and Hors D’Oeuvres. 6:00 - 8:00 pm. For more info, call 954-392-2120.

JULY 15-16

Nature POP®! Art Weekend at Flamingo Gardens

This event will showcase art and the animals of the Nature POP®! Exhibit by Sean Kenney. Watch Plein Air and Chalk Artists create beautiful works before your eyes and kids can design their own chalk art masterpieces on the sidewalk and in the Art Reaching Today’s Kids Art Bus. Hosted at Flamingo Gardens., 9:30 am - 5:00pm. For more info, visit www. flamingogardens.org or call 954-473-2955.

JULY 15

Miramar Comic Expo

Come out for a day of comic cosplay, Superhero films, and festival fun. Family Fun Festival including: face painting, comic books, art classes, comic vendors, video games, guest speakers and much more! 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Miramar Cultural Center. For more info, scan the QR code.

JULY 21-23

Rolling Loud

The largest hip-hop festival in the world is a three-day event that started in Miami, Florida. Some of the biggest names in the business have already played this newcomer to the Florida festival scene including Kendrick Lamar, Future, Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, Young Thug, Lil B, Post Malone, Migos, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Lil Yachty, and more. Hosted at Hard Rock Stadium. Scan the QR Code for more info or tickets.

JUNE 22

The Salvation Army of Broward County’s Kettle Krush

5K at Markham Park

Same reason, different season! Whether it’s traditional bells in our hands or on your feet. The Salvation Army of Broward County invites you make some pre-Christmas noise this summer while you run, walk or roll to “krush” poverty and homelessness at its Kettle Krush 5K. Call 954-7122431 for info and register by scanning the QR Code above.

JULY 29

Music In the Park

Gulfstream Park Village Center Stage will come alive every Friday and Saturday night with fantastic music from 6:30 pm till 9:30 pm. DJ Chris Cruz and FM Duo will keep your body moving while you enjoy all that Gulfstream Village has to offer. Hosted at Gulfstream Park. For more info visit www.gulfstreampark.com.

Commuting to Miami is as Easy as 1–2–3

South Florida Express Coach Offers Daily, Direct Service to Downtown 1 2

Getting to and from Miami is easy with the South Florida Express Coach. The service offers direct travel from the Park & Ride at CB Smith Park to Downtown Miami. South Florida Express Coach is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and operated by Broward County Transit and continually receives rave reviews.

3

Fast, Comfortable, and Convenient

The Express Buses are used primarily by riders who own their own cars but welcome the convenience, comfort, and cost savings of commuting in coach-style buses. One-way fares are as little as $2.25. Coaches offer free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and comfortable seating and will travel in the express lanes for faster, more reliable travel times. Park and Ride Parking is FREE.

Commuters can take comfort in knowing that life’s little emergencies are not an issue, thanks to FDOT’s Guaranteed Ride Home program. This government-funded program will cover the cost of Lyft or taxi rides home if the Express Bus is unavailable and you need to leave work early for an emergency or have to stay late for unscheduled overtime.

A Better Way to Commute

The premium transit service is designed to get commuters from West Broward County to their places of employment in Miami-Dade County quickly and reliably. Morning service begins as early as 5:30 AM. The afternoon commute begins at 3:20 pm, with the last bus leaving the Miami Airport Station at 6:50 pm.

The Express Bus system is a core component of the express lanes along I-75, I-595, and I-95. The express lanes are multi-modal facilities designed to

reduce traffic congestion and promote choices in how and when residents commute. Instead of paying a toll, riders can now enjoy the time-saving benefits of the express lanes at no additional cost.

Try It FREE For a Week!

Raising Mindful Humans WITH THE MONTESSORI APPROACH

At Small World Montessori, we aim to prepare the “whole” child for life. What does this mean in our fast-paced world today? As Montessori suggests: “Personal health is related (..) to the worship of life in all its natural beauty.”

It means empowering children with a foundation of wellness practices that can help them build resilience by boosting their physical, emotional, and mental health. Well-being is a universal human aspiration, and healthy habits can be learned. Yet teaching them, like building muscle, takes intentionality. Here are three areas where Montessori meets wellness.

Physical Wellness

Movement takes a centerstage position in Montessori as a foundation for child development and well-being and as a cornerstone of learning. In The Montessori Method, Montessori dedicated a whole chapter to physical education, which she called “muscular education.” Montessori believed movement to be a catalyst for cognitive development. The pioneering idea that led her to advocate for bringing movement to the spotlight in education was that children actually need to move to learn because learning happens through movement. In her book The Secret of Childhood, Montessori stated, “Movement, or physical activity, is an essential factor in intellectual growth.”

Spiritual Wellness

Spiritual well-being is often said to be fostered through mindfulness, which entails being non-judgmentally aware and fully engaged in the present moment. In Montessori, we can find two elements straightforwardly linked to the concept of mindfulness. First, being attentive to what is happening here and now involves focus. Montessori likewise emphasized concentration as the basis for a child’s inner discipline, tranquility, and happiness.

Next to sensorial work, we can find different Montessori lessons that align with mindfulness practices. Walk on the Line, for example, this activity can be conceived as a moving meditation, which happens when we reach a meditative state while doing simple movements. Likewise, the Silence Game, where children need to practice self-control to sit quietly and listen attentively, can be considered an exercise in mindfulness.

Social Wellness

A Montessori environment is also a place where children are both empowered through choice and independence and, at the same time, actively encouraged to collaborate and contribute to class life. This sends the message that every individual is essential to the community. In The Discovery of the Child, Montessori explains: “Through practical exercises

(…) the children develop a true ‘social feeling,’ for they are working in the environment of the community in which they live, without concerning themselves as to whether it is for their own, or for the common good.” In this sense, practical life activities promote community building and social wellness.

Moreover, the fact that students in Montessori typically remain in the same classroom for three years supports the development of long-lasting relationships. This enables the formation of tight bonds and helps foster a sense of fellowship that inspires collaboration. In Montessori, a strong focus is placed on respect for peers, teachers, and even the classroom materials. At the same time, values like kindness and service are celebrated. Through Grace and Courtesy lessons, for example, children get to practice social skills and build positive relationships with other classroom community members. Likewise, Circle Time activities contribute to socio-emotional learning.

*This article was inspired by a article from the American Montessori Society.

SPECTACULAR Art of the Contemporary Caribbean Diaspora on Exhibit

The Ansin Family Art Gallery at the Miramar Cultural Center is hosting a contemporary art exhibit featuring artists Charo Oquet, Corrine Stevie, Dudley Alexis, Francisco Maso, Herve Sabin, Jaime Grant, Jessica Gispert, Mark Delmont, Nyugen Smith, Serge Toussaint, Sonia Baez-Hernandez, Warren Bailey and, Yanira Collado.

Vernacular Spectacular: Art of the Contemporary Caribbean Diaspora celebrates the aesthetics of Caribbean art and culture through a collection of works by artists across geographies and generations.

This exhibition seeks to explore the diverse range of artistic productions that are rooted and have evolved through shared histories of colonization, ecology, and resilience. Furthermore, the project chronicles events that bring together this unique region that holds within it an undefinable juxtaposition of bounty

and disparity and the compactness of lands interplaying with a vast ocean expanse.

The constant of a shared fluidity and sense of adaptability is often expressed through creative means that include, architecture, culinary arts, music, literature, fashion, and the visual arts. These are alchemic productions that defy any set of standard rules and disrupt the status quo.

The Ansin Family Art Gallery was established in order to honor the memory of its namesakes, Sidney and Sophie Ansin. It is a tribute to all that they provided and their love of art and culture. Sidney and Sophie were Andrew Ansin's grandparents, and Andrew Ansin now works for Sunbeam Properties as vice president.

The gallery was dedicated in April of 2009. Since its opening, it has been used to showcase works that have been gathered from world-renowned artists. Much thought and care are put into selecting only the best works for this gallery, and much of the art is known and studied by artists all over the world. These exhibitions are in partnership with Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern, BOCA Museum, Art Serve, Latin American Arts Pavilion, Miami Dade College, The White House and many more.

▸ The Miramar Cultural Center is located at 2400 Civic Center Place. The Ansin Family Art Gallery is open from Thursdayform 9:30 am till 4:30 pm.

PINES THEATER

The Pembroke Pines Theater of the Performing Arts (PPTOPA) was founded in 1993 to provide low-cost, high-quality live theatre. The theater group routinely features local professional and non-professional actors in its productions.

The community theater offers Broadway classics for all to enjoy and will be featuring “Broadway Through the Years” at the Susan B. Katz Theatre at the River of Grass Arts Park. Eight shows will be presented between July 14th and July 23rd.

"Broadway Through the Years," a musical cabaret directed by Del Marrero, will feature actors and actresses who have starred in past PPTOPA productions, and will include selections from a variety of popular musicals including "The Music Man," "Wicked," "Mary Poppins," "The Little Mermaid," "Chicago," "Beauty and The Beast" and many others.

PPTOPA is committed to providing the community with theatrical productions that inspire, entertain and celebrate the artistic process while incorporating diversity,

cultural awareness and outreach through high-quality live theater and education that is available to everyone.

The 2023-2024 season will feature ‘Twelve Angry Men’, ‘Barefoot in the Park’, ‘Deathtrap’, ‘Spelling Bee,’ and the world’s longest-running musical, ‘The Fantasticks.’

PPTOPA is always looking for enthusiastic theatre lovers to get involved in their productions! Whether your interest

Years

is onstage, backstage, front of house, or in some other capacity behind the scenes, if you love theater, it is a great way to get involved.

▸ Performances are held at the Susan B. Katz Theatre, 17195 Sheridan Street, in the River of Grass Artspark. For information, to order tickets or to volunteer, call 954-437-4884, visit www.pptopa.com or send an email to info@pptopa.org.

2023

BEST OF PEMBROKE PINES

Run For A Cause At The Kettle Krush 5K on Saturday, July 22, at Markham Park

The Salvation Army of Broward County on Saturday, July 22, as we come together to combat poverty and homelessness in South Florida. The sixth annual Kettle Krush 5K, held at Markham Park in Sunrise, promises to be a holiday-themed event that welcomes participants of all ages and encourages teams to take part. We are delighted to announce that WPLG Local 10's Roy Ramos will be returning as our special guest host. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families in need by registering now.

Over the past five years, our event has seen over 500 participants raise awareness and funds to tackle homelessness and hunger in South Florida. The funds we raise provide vital resources to impoverished families, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty and achieve financial stability. With over 50,000 residents of Broward County relying on our services each year, it is the community's support, including individuals, groups, and businesses, that fuels our mission, accounting for more than 70% of our funding.

The Kettle Krush 5K derives its name from our iconic Red Kettles, which are manned during the holiday season to collect donations for families in need. Each year, The Salvation Army raises hundreds of thousands of dollars and distributes over 7,000 gifts to families living below the poverty line in Broward County.

The racecourse at Markham Park is officially sanctioned by the USATF, and AccuChipUSA, Inc. will provide professional timing for the race. We encourage participants to embrace the holiday spirit by dressing up in festive attire and bringing their pets decked out in their finest. Awards will be presented to the top three runners, various age groups, and those with the most creatively wacky holiday outfits for both themselves and their pets. Our event caters to all ages and will feature a kids' zone with art, crafts, and a bounce house.

To secure your spot, take advantage of our early registration fees: $10 for children up to 9 years old, $25 for students aged 10 to 17 and seniors aged 60 and above, and $30 for registrants aged 18 and over.

Team registration is available at $25 per person for teams of five or more. As a token of our appreciation, each registrant will receive a complimentary commemorative race t-shirt. Additionally, participants in the Kettle Krush 5K will enjoy waived entry fees for Markham Park, and parking will be provided free of charge, conveniently located across from the Runner's Pavilion area.

▸ For more information or to pledge additional monetary and/or sponsorship support, please contact Robert Beasley at (954) 712-2480 or email Robert. Beasley@uss.salvationarmy.org.

Essential Tips for a Bite-Free Summer

It's that time of the year again—mosquito season is upon us. With the arrival of summer rains, it's important to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your home from these pesky insects. One effective measure is to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds by removing standing water in and around your property. Mosquitoes have a relatively short life cycle of around seven days, and they can breed even in small amounts of water found in containers like bottles, cans, cups, buckets, hoses, planters, drains, and in certain plants such as bromeliads.

Make it a habit to regularly empty any water-holding objects. If there are larger items that cannot be emptied, consider applying larvicide to prevent mosquito larvae from developing. It's worth noting that certain mosquito species, including those that carry diseases like Zika Virus and Yellow Fever, can breed both indoors and outdoors and bite at any time of the day or night.

On evenings when mosquitoes are particularly active, protect yourself by wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves when outdoors. Additionally,

apply an insect repellent containing DEET or other approved ingredients to your skin and clothing.

Draining standing water remains the most effective method for preventing mosquito reproduction. Dr. Paula Thaqi, Director of the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, advises practicing the "drain and cover" approach. By eliminating standing water, you eliminate the breeding grounds for mosquito larvae, effectively stopping their multiplication and reducing the likelihood of being bitten.

It's important to note that mosquito eggs laid in shallow water can hatch within a day or two. The larvae develop rapidly, transforming into pupae that quickly mature into fully grown mosquitoes. The entire life cycle, from egg to adult mosquito, takes about eight to ten days, with pupae emerging as flying mosquitoes within two to three days.

Mosquito Service Requests

Broward County Mosquito Control will consider spraying your neighborhood if you have a large number of mosquitoes. Call 954-765-4062 or scan the QR code to submit a request.

MIRAMAR POLICE EXPLORERS

The Miramar Police Explorer program began in 1975 as a way for our department to further connect with the youth in our community and to teach them about police work. Nearly 50 years later our Explorer program, an outgrowth of the Boy Scouts of America and Learning for Life, still teaches responsible citizenship, physical fitness, character development, teamwork, problem-solving and more.

Police Explorers are young men and women, 14 to 21 years old. Explorer applicants must, however, enroll before the age of 18. Police exploring educates and involves youth in police operations. Although many explorers have an interest in becoming a law enforcement officer, the program is designed to educate youth about police work regardless of the career they want to pursue. Explorers will leave learning how law enforcement functions in their community and have a better understanding of the complexities of police service.

Explorers are in direct contact with members of the Miramar Police Department and are involved in weekly training sessions. These sessions cover all aspects of law enforcement, including patrol procedures, traffic stops, arrest procedures, traffic and criminal law, traffic crash and criminal investigations, firearms safety, CPR, and other life-saving skills. Additionally, during these training sessions, explorers review scenarios that resemble actual calls that police officers handle. They may also participate in the ride-along program and compete in local and state competitions.

Explorers contribute to our community by volunteering in several areas throughout the city, ranging from city events to summer youth programs. The city of Miramar and other local community organizations also call upon the police explorers to assist with traffic direction and parking control at events. Explorers are not used in assignments requiring police authority but are used to assist the community and police department, under the direction and supervision of police department employees.

There is no cost to join the Police Explorer program. Successful applicants also receive uniforms free of charge. Explorers must be of good moral character and maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in school. A GPA of 2.5 is required for the ride-along program.

Explorers must also pass a background check (not have a criminal record). For more information, visit miramarpd.org and click on the Community Programs tab.

The Police Explorer program has been an integral part of our organization for decades. Past explorers have been hired by the department, received sponsorship to the police academy and have gone on to become chief of police or other high-ranking members of our agency. It’s more than just an instructional program. Our explorers are part of the Miramar Police family.

Home Renovations in South Florida THAT MAXIMIZE YOUR SELLING PRICE

By Rose Sklar, The Sklar Team

hen it comes to selling your home in South Florida, strategic renovations can significantly enhance its value and attract potential buyers. With the region's unique architectural styles, climate considerations, and buyer preferences, knowing which renovations to prioritize is crucial. Let's explore a few home renovations that can help maximize your selling price in South Florida.

Kitchen Remodeling:

The kitchen is often considered the heart of a home, and a well-designed and updated kitchen can make a significant impact on potential buyers. In South Florida, where outdoor living and entertaining are popular, consider an open-concept design that seamlessly integrates the kitchen with the dining and living areas. Updating countertops, cabinets, and appliances with sleek and modern options can enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the space, making it more attractive to buyers.

WOutdoor Living Spaces:

South Florida's pleasant climate makes outdoor living spaces highly desirable for homeowners. Invest in creating inviting outdoor areas such as a patio, deck, or screened-in porch that seamlessly blend with the indoor living spaces. Consider adding features like an outdoor kitchen, a pool, or a landscaped garden to enhance the appeal. These additions not only create a relaxing oasis but also add value to your home and increase its overall marketability.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades:

With South Florida's hot and humid climate, energy efficiency is a key consideration for homeowners. Upgrading your home with these features can be an attractive selling point. Install energy-efficient windows and doors to improve insulation and reduce cooling costs. Consider replacing old appliances with energy-star-rated models, which not only save energy but also appeal to environmentally conscious buyers. Adding solar panels to the roof can also significantly increase your home's value, as it demonstrates a commitment to

sustainability and offers potential savings on electricity bills.

Bathroom Updates:

Bathrooms are another crucial area of focus for home renovations that can maximize your selling price. Consider updating fixtures, faucets, and lighting to give the space a fresh and modern feel. Opt for neutral colors and timeless designs that appeal to a wide range of buyers. Upgrading the bathroom's functionality, such as adding dual sinks, a spa-like shower, or a luxurious bathtub, can also increase its appeal and overall value.

When it comes to selling your home in South Florida, strategic renovations can be a game-changer. Best strategy: Keep the focus on the kitchen, outdoor living spaces, energy-efficient upgrades, and bathroom updates that can make your home more appealing to potential buyers. Remember to choose renovations that align with the region's climate, architectural style, and buyer preferences to maximize your selling price and attract a broader pool of interested buyers.

Is It Time to Replace Your Roo F ? MAYBE NOT

One of the defining characteristics of South Florida neighborhoods is the sea of terracotta roofs that cover so many homes. The Spanish-style roofs are a popular choice for builders and homeowners alike because of their beauty, long life, and relatively low maintenance requirements. They are also, unfortunately, a source of anxiety. This anxiety is driven by the state of Florida’s home insurance market.

The expected useful life of a tile roof is about 30 years. After that period of time, the effects of the hot sun and years of storms tend to degrade the grout holding the tiles together, causing cracked tiles and leaks. Replacing a roof can cost as much as 10% of the value of a home.

Florida Home Owners Insurance

South Florida is particularly susceptible to hurricane damage. It is also an area that has had particularly high roof-related insurance claims over the past decade. Many people within the insurance industry blame many of these claims on fraud or unnecessary replacements.

Since early 2022, many insurance companies and the re-insurance companies

who back their policies have announced they are either scaling back their business or discontinuing coverage in Florida entirely. An increasing number of Florida insurers have also fallen into insolvency.

The result has been a sharp escalation in insurance policy rates for many Florida homeowners and uncertainty over the future solvency of more of the state’s providers. There is also a new focus on the age and condition of a roof, with most insurance companies requiring at least five years of roof life.

“Anything over 20 years tile is becoming an issue,” said M&L Insurance owner David Vaandering, “with some carriers, as long as they can prove the roof has five years life expectancy, you should be ok, but again it depends on the insurer.”

Home Value Impact

Homeowners planning on selling in the next few years should think carefully about if and when to replace a roof.

“A new roof definitely adds value to a home,” said Keyes Real Estate Agent Mariem Garcia, “Buyers are more inclined to make an offer on a newer roof.”

She added that if an existing roof still has life, home sellers may be better off investing their money elsewhere, “As long as it (the roof) has at least four to five years left of life, and if it’s insurable, then you’re good. If the roof has reached its life limit, then you may have to replace it unless you find a cash buyer who doesn’t mind the old roof.”

To Replace or Not

Deciding to replace a roof proactively is a decision every homeowner must consider at some point. Perhaps the most important, sometimes overlooked criterion to consider is your roof’s condition. Roofs that are structurally sound, not leaking, and fully intact are likely good to go, regardless of age. Most reputable roofing companies offer roof inspections to evaluate your roof. If your home has a roof that is more than 20 years old, it is advisable to contact your insurance agent to ensure you don’t have any upcoming issues.

In short, if your roof has five years of life expectancy and is insurable, there are likely other places to invest your money than buying a new roof.

Building a Greener Future

ECO-FRIENDLY HOME IMPROVEMENTS

In today's world, where environmental concerns are paramount, making ecofriendly choices is crucial. One area where we can make a significant impact is in our homes. By incorporating sustainable home improvements, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also create a healthier living space for ourselves and future generations. In this article, we will explore some inspiring ideas for transforming your home into an eco-friendly haven.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

One of the easiest ways to reduce energy consumption is by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. Look for products with an ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency standards. Efficient refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers can save both electricity and water, reducing utility bills and environmental impact.

Solar Panels

Harnessing the sun's power is an excellent long-term investment for sustainable living. Solar panels can generate clean, renewable energy for your home, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Depending on your location, you may even be eligible for government incentives or tax credits to help offset installation costs. With technological advancements, solar panels have become

more affordable and efficient, making them an attractive option for homeowners.

Green Insulation

Enhancing your home's insulation is not only a cost-effective measure but also an eco-friendly one. Proper insulation reduces heat transfer, keeping your home cooler. Consider using natural and sustainable materials like cellulose insulation, made from recycled paper, or sheep's wool insulation, which is both renewable and biodegradable. These alternatives provide excellent thermal performance while minimizing environmental impact.

Water-Saving Fixtures

Conserving water is essential for sustainable living. Upgrading to water-saving fixtures such as low-flow toilets, aerated faucets, and showerheads can significantly reduce water usage without sacrificing comfort or functionality. These fixtures use innovative designs to maintain water pressure while consuming less water, making them an eco-friendly choice for every home.

Sustainable Landscaping

Extend your eco-conscious efforts beyond the four walls of your home by embracing sustainable landscaping practices. Plant native species that require less water and maintenance, reducing the need for

chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Implement rainwater harvesting techniques to collect and utilize rainwater for irrigation purposes. Additionally, consider creating a composting system to recycle kitchen scraps and yard waste, enriching the soil naturally.

Smart Home Technology

Integrating smart home technology can enhance both convenience and sustainability. Install programmable thermostats that adjust temperature settings based on occupancy, reducing energy waste. Smart lighting systems can automatically turn off lights in unoccupied rooms, further conserving electricity. These innovations allow homeowners to monitor and control their energy usage, optimizing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Incorporating eco-friendly home improvements not only benefits the environment but also enhances your quality of life. By implementing energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, green insulation, water-saving fixtures, sustainable landscaping, and smart home technology, you can create a truly eco-friendly haven. These sustainable choices will not only reduce your carbon footprint but also save money on utility bills in the long run. Let's take responsibility for our homes and contribute to building a greener future for generations to come.

Earth Tones & Texture are the BIGGEST TRENDS IN HOME DECOR

By Valentina Valderrama

Updating your home is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life. With so many choices, it is helpful to learn what the latest trends are before pursuing a home improvement project. We sat down with Valentina Valderrama, Architect and designer at Weston Floors and Remodeling to learn more.

What is important when making home decor design decisions?

Home decor doesn’t undergo change as fast as other things because it’s very expensive to switch home design from season to season. Therefore, the pieces that make up the harmony in interior design need to be timeless and well-preserved. So, the key is always to find interior solutions to renovating and elevating spaces that will last years and still be relevant.

Great point! What is popular right now?

Earth tones have been dictating color schemes, textures, and lighting in the past years and are still popular today. Earth-tone materials possess calming effects that are associated with nature, which are often preferred for aesthetic purposes in homes, pushing away anything that involves the color gray, shiny fixtures, and overly graphic printing of materials.

Brutalist style is something that is still very popular this year and will be in the year to come; the use of concrete-like materials and the choice of raw textures, materials, and colors are present in all aspects of design. This style won’t disappear soon since it incorporates natural elements such as wood, stone, and plants that go into a more calm

aesthetic than other styles. It sounds like people love tex ture in their home decor.

Yes! Textured materials are another big trend this year. From varied flooring materials like porcelain, ceramic, wood, and floating floors to textured cabinetry and accent fixtures, the texturizing of home elements brings depth and dimension to any space. Gold and bronze accents have been replaced. Homeowners are now opting for more matte silver and black fixtures that contrast better against earthy tones and texturization of materials.

▸ Valentina Valderrama is an architect and designer and Manager at Weston Floors & Remodeling. To learn more about how you can change the look and feel of your home, call 954-533-4369.

Meet The Winners

Pet of the Month

Greetings From Your Chamber President!

By Patty Archer

One June 1st, the Chamber celebrated its 27th Annual Pinnacle Awards and Board Installation Dinner. To represent our growing organization, we installed a newly-expanded 21-member board to begin their term on July 1st.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:

• Dean Piper - City of Pembroke Pines

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD:

• Francie Santana Dueno - City of Pembroke Pines

• Mercy Santana Woodall - South Broward Drainage District

• Leanne Santana Longsworth - 3 Lil Divas Photography

CORPORATE STEWARDSHIP AWARD:

• Vera Cadillac

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:

• Florida Immigration Law Counsel

PINNACLE AWARDS:

• Atley Joseph - Digital Reputation & Reviews

• Connie Thomas - Sam's Club

• Linda Lombardi - Sports & Activities Directory

• Melanie Sierra - Advantage PA Public Adjusters

These businesses have shown a record of growth and success over the last year and have demonstrated a direct impact to our community. The individuals recognized are strong supporters of our business community and represent its interests at every turn. And for these things and so much more, we celebrate them!

Thank you to our sponsors Calvin Giordano & Associates, Memorial Healthcare, City of Miramar, City of Pembroke Pines, WestCare Foundation/Village South, and TSS Photography.

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.

Service, Patty Archer Chamber President

Yours in

These are one-year old sisters. Calliope (left) and Chaos (right). Callie is Queen of the house that loves bread and cuddling. Chaos loves to play fetch and watch wildlife through the windows.

“Calliope & Chaos”