Our City Miramar: September 2023

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Full

SENIORS GOOD NEW

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, 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

Celebrate Local Culture

Ponce de Leon, the famed explorer, laid claim to Florida for Spain when he discovered it in 1513. Even after five centuries, Florida continues to be a home for settlers from Spanish-speaking nations. Broward County’s population is nearly 30% Hispanic, and in Miami Dade, the figure rises to almost 70%. This significant Hispanic presence lends a special resonance to National Hispanic Heritage Month in South Florida.

Observed from September 15th to October 15th, is a festive occasion that honors the history, culture, and contributions of American citizens with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The month is filled with various events and celebrations, such as the Festival de la Salsa 3 at Miramar Regional Park on September 9th, and the Hispanic Heritage Month Festival at the Pembroke Pines Branch Library on October 6th. These events will feature food, music, crafts, and storytelling, reflecting the rich cultural heritage.

For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, Our City magazine’s calendar section is an invaluable resource. Each month, the magazine includes a handpicked list of diverse community activities and events that cater to a broad spectrum of tastes and interests. By engaging with these events, you can truly experience the unique cultural offerings of the region.

Christy & Terry Jaillet

SEPTEMBER 2

Kid’s Corner at The Frank Bring your little ones for this month's imaginative storytime as we read A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston followed by a guided art activity. Story time is from noon till 1:00 pm and is free to the public. Hosted at the The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery and Exhibit Hall, 601 City Center Way Pembroke Pines. Scan the QR code for more info.

SEPTEMBER 4

Labor Day

SEPTEMBER 9

Davie Pro Rodeo

If the Davie Arena could talk it would tell some tall stories! Grab your boots and hat and head on over to “Cowboy Town” for fantastic fun. The even begins at 7:30 pm at the Davie Arena, 4271 Davie Road. For more info or tickets, visit www.davieprorodeo.com

SEPTEMBER 3

17th Annual King of the Hill 5K

The little race that started with only 60 people now has 1500! Bring in Labor Day weekend in style and party like runners do. Conquer the might hill at Vista View Park with a thousand of your closest friends. As tough as the event may sound, it is really for anyone to participate! The race starts at 7:15 am. Scan the QR code to register today!

Labor Day is a commemoration of the American labor movement and the invaluable contributions made by laborers to the growth and success of the United States. Back in 1894, President Grover Cleveland officially established this holiday by signing it into law. It serves as a significant milestone, signaling the end of summer and the start of the new school year. In South Florida, where the weather becomes more temperate, Labor Day offers a wonderful opportunity to gather with loved ones and friends, making it a perfect time for bonding and enjoying each other's company.

SEPTEMBER 9

Festival de la Salsa 3

SEPTEMBER 7

The Elastic Mind curated by Kohl King

This exhibit showcases a variety of digital and video artworks by selected artists from around the globe, which creatively address and/ or relate to the theme based on the psychological term of the same name. The Elastic Mind refers to the ability to think non-linearly and be fluid to survive in times of rapid change and uncertainty. Hosted at the South Gallery at the Judson A. Samuels South Campus, 7200 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Admission is free. Scan the QR code for more info.

This year’s festival features Latin music icon Andy Montañez and Bobby Valentín and his Orq. Also, for the first time in South Florida, the great Jeremy Bosch and Herman Olivera - El Sonero del Siglo XXI paying tribute to Cheo Feliciano. To reserve VIP tables or get info call 786-835-4170. Show is hosted at the Amphitheater at Miramar Regional Park. For tickets, scan QR Code.

September 2023 Calendar

SEPTEMBER 11

Patriot Day / Remembrance Day

Join people around the nation in honoring and remembering the victims, their families, first responders, and rescue and recovery workers who answered the call in the aftermath of the attacks of 9/11. We will never forget!

SEPTEMBER 15

Teen Art Club

The Frank’s program for teenagers holds monthly workshops for middle and high school students to explore artistic mediums and creative expression with artist and educator Melanie Oliva. Free for teens ages 13 – 16. 4:30 - 6:30 pm at The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery, 601 City Center Way. For more info, call 954-392-2120.

SEPTEMBER 16

Crafty Kids

Hispanic Heritage Month

Creative and fun art & craft ideas designed and inspired by Hispanic Heritage Month. The class is hosted at Miramar Branch Library and Education Center in the Multipurpose Room, from Noon - 1:00 pm. Class size is limited. Be sure to register using the QR code.

SEPTEMBER 23

Touch A Truck

Those in attendance will have the opportunity to get up close and explore, climb, and touch trucks, emergency response vehicles, heavy machinery, construction vehicles, and all sorts of other equipment used for transportation. Guests will also get a chance to meet the personnel who serve and protect the community, including Fire and Police Officers. 10:00 - Noon at the Charles F. Dodge City Ctr. For more info, call 954-392-2116.

SEPTEMBER 16

Miramar Latin Music Festival

Celebrate summer with an outdoor Enjoy live music and dance the night away at the 2023 Miramar Latin Music Festival. Enjoy live Music, and Dance the night away at this FREE event and concert! Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Reggaeton, Rumba, Samba and more! Food and beverages from top vendors will be available. And parking is free! The concert starts at 7:00 pm at the Miramar Amphitheater, 16801 Miramar Parkway. Admission is FREE. Scan the QR code to register. For more info call 954-602-3178.

SEPTEMBER 23

Chess Club for Teens & Tweens

Solve chess puzzles and play casual games of chess. The PE Chess Club is for young players of all skill levels. Come learn the game of chess and make new friends! Please bring a game clock if you prefer to play timed chess matches. We hope you can check(mate) it out!

Hosted at the Pembroke Pines/Walter C. Young Resource Center from 11:00 amNoon. For more info or to register, scan the QR code.

SHOEBOXES OF HOPE: South Florida’s Back-to-School Mission for the World

As the school year approaches, shoebox packers are making use of backto-school prices to purchase gifts and essential items for children in need around the world. Residents in Weston are collecting school supplies, along with personal care items and fun toys, to pack in shoeboxes. Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, will deliver these gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries.

For many children, access to these simple items is essential to an education. This was the case for Justin Thomas, a shoebox recipient in Southeast Asia whose parents could not afford the supplies needed for school. Thomas remembers the specific day he received a gift-filled shoebox from Operation Christmas Child and found it filled with toys and most exciting to him—school supplies!

Growing up with hand-me-down clothes and used items, Thomas used to write with a pencil so short that he held it using a pen cap. Having an entire packet of new pencils and a pencil sharpener all his own was a treasure to him. This simple gift made a life-changing impact for Thomas because it opened the doors for him to receive an education.

For more information, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. National Collection Week is Nov. 13-20. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million giftfilled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, Operation Christmas Child will celebrate its 30th year of ministry!

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

South Florida Express Coach Offers Daily, Direct Service to Downtown 2 3

Getting to and from Miami is easy with the South Florida Express Coach. The service offers direct travel from the NEW Miramar Park-and-Ride, the park-and-ride at Miramar Regional Park, or the park and ride at C.B. Smith Park to Downtown Miami or the Miami Medical District (Civic Center). South Florida Express Coach is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), is operated by Broward County Transit, and continually receives rave reviews.

Fast, Comfortable, and Convenient

The Express Coaches 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. The coaches over free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, charging stations, and comfortable seating. The coaches travel in the express lanes for faster, more reliable travel times. And park-and-ride parking is FREE!

Commuters can also 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 an Uber, Lyft, or taxi ride if the Express Coach is unavailable, and you need to either leave work early for an emergency or have to stay late for unscheduled overtime.

A Better Way to Commute

This premium transit service is designed to get commuters from Western Broward County to their places of employment in Miami-Dade County quickly and reliably. The coaches have two service times: in the morning, to get to work and in the evening to get back home. Morning service starts as early as 5:10am, and afternoon service runs from 3:05pm to 8:43pm.

The Express Coach system is a core component of the express lanes along I-95, I-595, and I-75 (I-75 is coming soon). The

express lanes are multi-modal facilities designed to reduce traffic congestion and promote choices in how and when residents commute. Instead of paying high tolls, Express Coaches allow riders to now enjoy the time-saving benefits of the express lanes for low cost of the Express Coach fare.

Try It FREE For a Week!

Scan the QR code below or visit ExpressCoach.org

Lightning Strikes in Miramar THE UNVEILING OF THE USAIN BOLT LEGACY STATUE

The City of Miramar was recently graced by the presence of Track & Field legend and celebrated Olympian, Usain Bolt. The visit marked the grand unveiling of a sculpture capturing his likeness, the inaugural piece in the City’s Art-in-PublicPlaces program, located at the Ansin Sports Complex. The idea of honoring Bolt with a statue was conceived by Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis. She emphasized, “Beyond inspiring our residents, this statue of Usain Bolt will undoubtedly become a magnet for visitors. As admirers flock to view this masterpiece, they will encounter the rich tapestry and vibrancy of our city, amplifying tourism and providing economic boost to our local businesses. This statue stands as a testament to our dedication to excellence, sportsmanship, and the grandeur of human accomplishment.”

The festive series of events commenced with a banquet on Friday, graced by dignitaries from the Jamaican Government, including Ms. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, along with members of the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA). The entertainment-filled banquet, highlighted by performances from comedian Johnny Daley, singer Nadine Sutherland, and poet Sharon Corinthian, also featured a silent auction to support two worthy causes: the Usain Bolt Foundation and Do the Right Thing of Miramar, Inc. Cherished memorabilia from Bolt's illustrious career were auctioned to eager fans.

Saturday's proceedings saw hundreds of supporters converging to meet Bolt. He generously hosted a mini-training session, imparting wisdom about the nuances of racing to emerging track stars, including Special Olympics hopefuls.

Though the Ansin Sports Complex momentarily echoed with sirens, signaling nearby lightning activity, the spectators remained resolute in their enthusiasm to witness the grand reveal of the statue symbolizing the iconic Lightning Bolt. Their patience was rewarded as Bolt, visibly moved, appreciated the exquisite creation by renowned sculptor, Basil Watson. In honor of the occasion, Dr. Usain Bolt was bestowed with a proclamation declaring July 14, 2023, as Usain Bolt Day in Miramar by Mayor Wayne M. Messam,

followed by the presentation of the City's keys. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz graced the occasion with her remarks.

The event concluded with a press interaction, where the media, both local and international, probed Bolt about his

legendary journey. Humbly receiving the community's adoration, he asserted, “Faith in oneself and relentless determination are imperative. Despite the challenges, when you consistently nurture your talent, the results are rewarding.”

2023

BEST OF PEMBROKE PINES

DEDICATE SEPTEMBER TO REFLECTION AND RAISING AWARENESS OF SUICIDE PREVENTION

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and September 10 – 16, 2023 is National Suicide Prevention Week. Did you know… Suicide ranks as the 10th leading cause of death and is the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults aged 15-24. This is all in the face of increased attempts to die by suicide, incidents of self-harm, and increased levels of depression and anxiety. The impact of a death by suicide affects more than the individual who tragically dies including the family, friends, and even the first responders who respond to these calls.

When a person is experiencing challenges to their mental health, it is important they have the help, resources, and support necessary to guide them through. Please take a moment to reflect and know the warning signs of suicide. These signs include feelings of despair, hopelessness, loss of interest in things that used to give them joy, excessive drug/alcohol use, becomes withdrawn or isolates themselves, or recently experienced or sustained traumatic life events. The best way to find out if someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts is to ask them directly.

Mental health challenges can affect a person’s moods, behaviors, and even their cognitive functioning. The norm in some cultures may be to avoid talking about problems, feelings, or mental health concerns. While some individuals can have healthy coping mechanisms, many people often struggle to find proactive methods for their emotional turmoil or unresolved trauma. For any stressful situation, talk about the feelings you have, provide an open dialogue, and promote the fact that it is OK to talk about feelings of stress, isolation, and anxiety.

Help is here! United Way of Broward County partnered with the Broward Behavioral Health Coalition, and the Department of Children and Families to prioritize mental health struggles in its county-wide “It’s OK to not be OK” initiative and the 9-8-8 hotline. The goal

is to provide an outlet of support to the community facing challenges with mental health, or any feelings of stress, isolation, and anxiety.

Call the 9-8-8 hotline for support! Trained counselors provide each caller with guidance and free resources that will help in most situations.

Suicide prevention resources:

• Dial 9-8-8 if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts.

• The 211 Broward Crisis and Suicide Care Support – www.211-broward.org/ crisis-and-suicide-care

• United Way of Broward County’s Commission on Behavioral Health & Drug Prevention’s website, drugfreebroward.org, also provides a support and prevention resource center with tool kits that provide support for mental and behavioral health issues.

• Postvention Support for Suicide Survivors is available through the Local Outreach for Suicide Survivors (LOSS) Team and provides survivor support groups and a Purple Packet Resource Guide. For more information, please feel free to call: 954.746.2055 X134 or email LOSS@mhasefl.org

Miramar's Haven for Health, Harvest, and Harmony

Do you have a green thumb? Want to learn more about gardening? Or, would you like some free veggies? Join the Miramar Community Garden!

Located in Historic Miramar, the 7,400 square foot Miramar Community Garden is an award-winning “micro urban farm” offering a social network where members learn about growing fresh organic produce and healthy living.

The garden is maintained by volunteers and serves as an educational resource for the community to learn about the sources of fresh produce and healthy living, participate in community service, and hands-on healthbased learning.

The City of Miramar garden won nationwide recognition in the “Sustainable Park, Recreation or Open Space Project” category, one of eight winners from across the country representing extraordinary achievements in Sustainable Planning.

Since the garden’s inception in 2010, it has gained valuable partners who want to

contribute to the City’s commitment to health and wellness education. Partners include Slow Good Glades to Coast, HandsOn Broward, Baptist Health South Florida, and Feeding South Florida.

“The Garden’s community-building formula is about inviting any and all to do something together; to share a quality moment and feel good about it. At the Miramar Disco Soups, strangers ‘chop to the beat’ to slice, dice and boogie, transforming blemished veggies into a deliciously prepared meal; at the Taste of the Garden events elementary school guests are invited to savor new flavors and explore the garden,” said a local resident.

The Intergenerational Fruit and Vegetable Garden was created to address higher-than-average levels of preventable chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity and heart disease. While working with partners and encouraging civic engagement, Miramar is actively fostering an environment for better health while providing low-cost nutritious food alternatives.

▸ The Miramar Community Garden is located at 2200 Civic Center Place and is open Monday - Thursday from 8:00 am till 6:00 pm. To learn more, contact Rita Brown at 954-602-3268 or rlbrown@miramarfl.gov. Scan the QR code to visit the garden’s Facebook page!

MIRAMAR’S YOUTH & POLICE OFFICERS WRAP UP ANOTHER YEAR OF HANGIN’ WITH 5-0 SUMMER CAMP WITH BEACH CLEAN UP

Each summer, sponsor Sunbeam Properties & Development along with the Miramar Park of Commerce, the Miramar Police Athletic League (PAL) and Hangin’ with 5-0 campers gather to celebrate the end of another successful summer camp season and enjoy the camaraderie of the Miramar community. The group recently spent a day at the beach, cleaning up the environment, playing in the waves and enjoying an all-American barbeque served up by Sunbeam Properties & Development.

Hangin’ with 5-0 is an annual not-forprofit summer camp program organized by Miramar PAL and the City of Miramar to support underserved youth. Nearly eliminated by the city in 2008, Sunbeam Properties and Development and the Miramar Park of Commerce stepped in to help keep the free, one-of-a-kind summer camp program running and has continued to do so for the past 14 years.

“Sunbeam Properties & Development and the Miramar Park of Commerce have in many ways developed right alongside the City of Miramar, so it’s very meaningful for us to support those families that call Miramar home and bring impactful and memorable experiences to the next generation,” said Ryan Goggins, Vice President, Acquisitions, Leasing and Marketing for Sunbeam Properties and Development. “This year we wanted to do things a little differently by engaging in a group-oriented volunteer activity during our annual celebration. We value this time getting to know the campers and learning about their summer experiences.”

Many of the nine to 14-year-olds who participate in Hangin’ with 5-0 are selected by school resource officers and guidance counselors for the program. The campers participate in a weekly summer camp free-of-charge, which includes trips to the movies, excursions to the beach, live animal shows, airboat rides and more alongside Miramar’s dedicated police officers. Each day, breakfast and lunch are served.

“We have anywhere from 40 to 50 kids participate in this summer program,

often repeatedly, which is great because it helps us to establish that bond from elementary through high school,” said Miramar Police Athletic League Executive Director Scott Hadley. “The connections that are forged between officers and campers are really impactful and often it’s the kids who resist coming the most who are the ones who keep coming back to enjoy the camp year after year.”

Each May, Miramar PAL in cooperation with the Miramar Police Department and the City of Miramar begin to register students for summer camp. The organization provides educational, athletic, civic and crime prevention activities for youth in a safe environment through a cooperative partnership between the police and the community. More information about the camp and its programs is available at www.miramarpal.org.

In addition to Hangin’ with 5-0, Sunbeam Properties and Development supports the City of Miramar through other nonprofit organizations, having donated resources for the Ansin Sports Complex and the Ansin Family Gallery in the Miramar Cultural Center. The Miramar Park of Commerce has also been the site for supply drives for America’s Moms for Soldiers, several holiday toy drives for Miramar children in need with the Miramar Police Department, a school supply drive for children who have a military parent on deployment and a food drive for United Way of Broward County.

Police Officer Leslie Harris and Police Officer Austin McWhorter at the movies with 5-0 campers

Police Major Shaw and camper Khavar Smith enjoying a camp ice cream social

Campers and officers cleaning up the beach

Scott Hadley of the Miramar Police Athletic League, Ryan Goggins and Peter Apol of Sunbeam Properties & Development with campers and police officers

Yah Mon! Miramar Celebrates Jamaica Emancipendence Ole Time Fair!

vocals, Bushman's classic reggae rhythms, Leroy Sibbles' timeless hits, Gem Myers' passionate tunes, and Frisco Kid's energetic beats collectively ensured that there was never a dull moment. Attendees, young and old, swayed to the music, with many breaking into spontaneous dance, embodying the freedom and joy the event celebrated.

teeming with energy. Skilled artists, with their brushes in hand, transformed little faces with vibrant face paintings, ranging from the colors of the Jamaican flag to popular animals.

Miramar's "Jamaica Emancipendence

Ole Time Fair" was more than just an event; it was a vivid tapestry of Jamaica's rich heritage, commemorating its Independence and Emancipation from British rule. Held on the sunlit day of Saturday, August 5, 2023, the picturesque Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater in Florida transformed into a hotspot of Jamaican culture and festivity. Music, being the lifeblood of Jamaican spirit, resonated deeply throughout the day. The amphitheater was alive with the soul-stirring beats and melodies of iconic Jamaican reggae artists. Gyptian's profound

For those looking to tantalize their taste buds, stalls serving authentic Jamaican cuisine beckoned. From spicy jerk chicken to the flavorful curry goat, the aroma itself was enough to transport one straight to the heart of Kingston. Simultaneously, the adjacent farmers market was a hub of activity. Here, enthusiasts gathered for valuable lessons in beginner gardening and sustainable practices like composting, ensuring the event catered not just to entertainment but also to education.

Children's laughter echoed from the dedicated kids' zone, where their faces lit up with excitement. The shimmering water activities provided a refreshing retreat from the sun, while the bounce houses were

SEXTORTION”

The fair was more than just a celebration; it was an immersive journey into Jamaica's past and present. Attendees left with not only memories of a day filled with fun and frolic but also a deeper appreciation for Jamaica's resilient spirit, history, and rich cultural tapestry.

UNMASKING THE GROWING THREAT TO CHILDREN

Sextortion is when someone threatens to share intimate details, sexual images, or videos of a victim if they don't meet their demands for money or sexual favors. There has been an explosive rise of sextortion crimes, targeting children, all over the country. A few cases have even been reported in Miramar.

Predators, who usually are impersonating teenagers, typically meet their victims on social media sites. They befriend victims and groom them, establishing an emotional connection with the child to lower their inhibitions and eventually coerce them into sending sexually explicit images. Once an image is sent, these predators blackmail or extort victims.

Traditional sextortion offenders typically target girls between the ages of 10 and 17. Financial sextortion offenders typically target boys between the ages of 14 and 17. Victims are generally too scared, ashamed, or embarrassed to tell anyone what is occurring.

The Rise of Financial Sextortion Cases

In 2022, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations received more than 7,000 reports of online financial sextortion of minors. The sextortion involved at least 3,000 victims –

primarily boys – and led to more than a dozen suicides.

What Can Parents or Caregivers Do?

Educate yourself by familiarizing yourself with your child’s social media use. Have clear rules on social media use and total access to your child’s devices. Know their passwords, approve apps, and monitor online activity.

Know who your children are communicating with. Randomly check your children’s friend list or followers. Adults send friend/follow requests to children every day. They also pose as children. Speak with your kids about not communicating online with individuals they have not met in person. Remember to sporadically check your children’s text messages and direct messages (private conversations) on social media.

It is also critical that you speak with your kids about this scam. Tell them if it happens to stop responding, take screenshots, report and block the user, and to TELL SOMEONE! Children need to know they should NOT send more images, pay any money, respond to demands or continue the conversation. There is help. Sextortion should be reported to law enforcement immediately.

Reporting Crime

If anyone online talks to your child about sex, shares or asks them to share sexual images, or if your child is a victim of sextortion or other crimes, contact your local police department and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at CyberTipline.com or 1-800-THE-LOST.

THE DONOWAY CENTER

Pancreatic NanoKnife Tumor Ablation for Advanced and Oligo-Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. Donoway is using multi-modality therapy combining Pancreatic NanoKnife Tumor Ablation with chemoimmuno-radio therapy to treat advanced-stage cancer patients worldwide after they have stopped responding to the standard of care therapy and have been left with few options for further treatment.

With over 32 years of experience performing pancreatic surgery in south Florida, Dr. Donoway recognized that because of late diagnosis, up to 85% of patients treated for pancreatic cancer already had metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. This fact limited the benefit many patients might receive from pancreatic surgery, which is problematic as surgery has long been held to be the only reproducible therapy for a cure. In reality, surgery is currently more likely Palliative in almost 80% of the cases. Recent evidence shows that when even advanced disease is treated aggressively in an integrated approach, incorporating NanoKnife surgery with chemotherapy and now supplemented with immunotherapy, long-term survivorship can be achieved, especially when compared to chemotherapy alone.

Dr. Donoway has been a pioneer in using pancreatic NanoKnife, especially for complex cases. During the past decade, patients worldwide have traveled to benefit from this

groundbreaking treatment by Dr. Donoway, which is FDA-approved. Dr. Donoway also treats other advanced cancers, such as liver, Breast, and sarcomas, using NanoKnife Surgery based on its FDA-approved guidelines. Patients experience a brief recovery, which means the patient can start chemotherapy and radiation much sooner.

Dr. Donoway feels that “we are long overdue to revise our approach to treating Pancreatic cancer. The treatment history has been largely unchanged for over 80 years and has just broken the 10% five-year survivorship barrier. Only thru thinking outside the box will we accomplish the positive. Otherwise, we’re all confirming Einstein‘s definition of insanity.”

Dr. Donoway is involved in ongoing research in identifying the best chemo-immuno therapy and sequencing to be used along with Pancreatic nanoKnife/ IRE. Dr. Donoway states, “the results so far have been very encouraging, and we have begun using it for other select cancers. Among his longest survivors are now patients over nine years without evidence of cancer recurrence. In the past, without IRE, they would have lived a little over a year, so this technique opens a new avenue for treating those eligible patients in a more targeted fashion.”

Dr. Donoway presented his results of pancreatic ablation at the recent annual meeting of the American Pancreatic Association. For more information about Dr. Donoway and the pancreatic IRE/NanoKnife program, call 954-986-6366 or visit www.atlasoncology.com.

If you are being treated for advanced oroligometastatic pancreatic cancer, you may want to contact Dr. Robert Donoway at ATLAS ONCOLOGY in Hollywood, Florida.

ATLAS ONCOLOGY

Robert B. Donoway, MD, FACS, FSSO

Surgical Oncology & Pancreatic Surgical Oncology

Dr. Donoway is a Board Certified Sloan Kettering trained Pancreatic surgical oncologist who received his MD and surgical training at the University of Pennsylvania.

At Sloan Kettering, he was the General Motors Pancreatic Cancer Research Fellow.

Specializing in cancer of the Pancreas, Liver, GI Tract, Sarcoma, Adrenal, Thyroid, Parathyroid, & Melanoma. Laparoscopic and Image Guided cancer surgery, IRE/NanoKnife for Non-Resectable Pancreatic & Liver Cancer.

Dr. Donoway is a former Director of the Memorial Cancer Institute and Chairman of the Cancer committee for the Memorial Healthcare System as well as a former Chief of Surgery and Surgical Oncology at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida.

Dr. Donoway served on the American Cancer Society and Gildas Club Board. He has also served as past president of the American Cancer Society Broward chapter and serves on the board of trustees of the Ancient Spanish Monastery.

Dr. Donoway is active in the American and International Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Associations, The Pancreas Club, the Society of Surgical Oncology, and the American Pancreatic Association. His accomplishments include being the first surgeon in Florida to perform radiofrequency ablation and laparoscopic major liver resection. He is the former recipient of the South Florida Health Award for using micro-endoscopy to detect early-stage breast cancer.

Dr. Donoway has been repeatedly named in the Top Doctors in America by Castle Connolly. Dr. Donoway is one of only a few international surgeons performing advanced multi-modal pancreatic and liver ablation therapy for non-resectable tumors.

Robert B. Donoway, MD, FACS, FSSO Medical Director, ATLAS ONCOLOGY: Institute for Pancreatic Ca IRE NanoKnife Ablation Former Medical Director Memorial Cancer Institute Board Certified

GROWING PAINS IN CHILDREN OR MERELY FLAT FEET?

By Dr. Carlo A. Messina

Foot, ankle and leg problems in the growing child are often considered to be “Growing Pains” in the bone and muscles of the lower extremity. While in a small number of cases this might be true, in a majority of the cases the pains that plague these children and teenagers may be caused by lower extremity malalignment problems. Growing pains are often seen in children who are excessively flatfooted or whose feet point to the outside. Children may also appear very knock-kneed. Tight calf muscles can not only cause but significantly aggravate the pain that these children are experiencing, especially at night.

Leg pain is most commonly seen, especially at night after a long day of activity. Pain with activities, especially along the inside of the knee, lower leg, ankle and foot, may also be seen. This is often associated with a general avoidance of activities and sports and premature fatigue with many activities. Many children can also develop lower back pain.

Treatment is important early on. Changing a child’s shoe gear to add more support to the foot and ankle may provide immediate help. Avoiding barefoot and flat shoes is necessary. Custom molded orthotics (shoe inserts) will immediately help to realign the foot and the entire lower extremity. This will almost overnight eliminate the problem. Physical therapy may also help to decrease overall muscle tightness and to improve muscle strength and coordination. If the foot is flat and associated with tight calf muscles, stretching the calf muscles in a walking cast is critical to not only eliminate the problem but to prevent a recurrence. If the flatfoot deformity is severe, there is a small percentage of children that will benefit from a procedure to realign and “correct” the flatfoot.

An excellent prognosis is always seen when the cause is identified and the problem treated.

▸ 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. 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. www.SouthFloridaSportsMedicine.com

Pet of the Month

Greetings From Your Chamber President!

By Patty Archer

With the back-to-school season upon us, our community has a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on both our local economy and the education of our children. While the convenience of big-box stores and online retailers is undeniable, let's not overlook the tremendous value that local businesses bring to our community.

Meet Winter Rose our English Cream Golden Retriever and Violet Rose our Siberian cat. They are best friends and love hanging out together. They love treats and will do tricks like sit and rollover for them. They bring so much joy into our hearts.

When we choose to shop at local retailers for back-toschool supplies, we're doing more than just checking items off our lists - We're investing in the future of our community! Local businesses contribute significantly to our economy, providing jobs and generating tax revenue that supports essential services. Moreover, these businesses often offer personalized service and a connection to the community that goes beyond mere transactions. Many small businesses are the sponsors that support our little leaguers, cheer squads and relay teams.

By supporting local businesses, we create a virtuous cycle of economic growth. The revenue generated stays within our community, helping other local businesses to thrive. This, in turn, fosters a vibrant business landscape that enriches Miramar and Pembroke Pines and beyond.

As we shop for backpacks, notebooks, and school outfits, let's consider the impact of our choices. Let's choose to strengthen our community by supporting the businesses that have been here for us year-round, and in doing so, let's ensure that our community's future is as bright as the minds of our students.

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 calendar, visit www.miramarpembrokepines.org.

Yours in Service,

Patty Archer Chamber President

“Winter & Violet”