PLA January 2015 by Our City Media

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A Happy & Healthy 2015

he holiday season has come to a close . A s we

recover from all the festivities of the season, we wonder what is in store for us in this year of 2015. While we make resolutions to better ourselves, we should remember that the most important improvement to our daily lives is to spend more quality time with our family and friends. To enjoy each other’s company and companionship, to truly listen to each other’s concerns, to offer understanding and a helping hand are resolutions all of us can easily achieve. Therefore, let me offer one last toast to 2015: “Appreciate your family and friends!” Happy New Year from all of us at Our City Media.

Publisher/Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SVEN BUDZISCH Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jill Sharpe sales manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Koval Account Representatives . . . Joyce Bak, Mariem Garcia, Ada Rivera,

Alan Schneider, Patricia Maiello, Marcela Fuxman Office manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gabriela Moscoso Graphic Design & photographY . . . . . . . Barry Stock, Grace Umlauf Web Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grace Umlauf

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

Ph: 954-306-1007 • Fax 954-306-1008 editorplantation@ourcitymedia.com • graphics@ourcitymedia.com Our City Media, Inc. publishes FREE monthly, local community news magazines covering Weston, Davie/ SW Ranches/Cooper City, Sunrise, Plantation, Pembroke Pines and Miramar. Total circulation is 20,000+ per edition or a total of 120,000+ copies per month. Our City Magazines are direct mailed monthly to affluent single-family homes, condos and businesses in their respective communities covering all of Southwest Broward County. Monthly mailings are verifiable by USPS statements available at www. OurCityMedia.com. Additional free copies are available at selected locations throughout their respective communities and upon request by contacting this news magazine. Opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our City Media, Inc. reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our City Media, Inc. is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents copyrighted 2014 by Our City Media, Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.

Sincerely, Sven Budzisch Publisher/Owner

Contents

feature story

CAN DO KIDS

14 Raw Energy Fitness Takes Personal Training To a Whole New Level 16 American Heritage Students Collect Socks for Kids In Need

Inspiring Individual

18 Plantation Resident Named A “Champion for Children” By Florida’s Children First

Ask the expert

20 Transplant of Knee Cartilage Through Small Incisions 24 Thinking About Buying a Car?

12 SCHOOL NEWS

22 American Heritage Stages A Hilarious Production of “Baby”

calendar 6

Photo of the month

January 2015

27 The World’s Favorite Newspaper™

Community News

8 Annual Holiday Parade Delights Plantation Residents 10 Firefighters Feed and Entertain More Than 6000 At Annual Barbeque 10 Christmas Tree Exhibit Delights Plantation Historical Museum Visitors 12 ChildNet Circle of Supporters Raise Awareness and Funds for Children in Foster Care 12 ChildNet Celebrates The Adoption of 37 Children on National Adoption Day

pet of the month 28 “Nod”

January 2015 | Our City Plantation

business spotlight

30 Tires On Site Is Revolutionizing the Tire Purchasing Experience

seen on scene 32 Community Snapshots

calendar January 2015

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

5th, 12th, 20th & 26th Christmas Tree Pick Up – The City of Plantation Public Works Department will begin picking up Christmas trees on January 5th, 12th, 20th and 26th. Private or Gated communities must select a centralized location within their development for residents to drop trees off and call Public Works at 954452-2535 when ALL trees are ready to be picked up. There is a one-time pick up in Private or Gated Communities. Residents not wanting to wait for their pick-up day are welcome to drop off their undecorated Christmas trees – FREE OF CHARGE- at the Public Works transfer station located at 750 NW 91st Avenue, Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

19 20

Chess Club – A chance for casual practice and play. Raffle prize! Ages 5-18, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. Call 954-765-1560 for more information.

23 24

26 27 28 29 30 31

Become A Power Shopper – Meet “Coupon King” Keith Sims (Former Miami Dolphins 3x Pro-Bowler) and get great deals through Couwalla, a new smartphone app. 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Westfield Broward Mall, Dining Court, 8000 W. Broward Blvd. Download the app by texting “Couwalla” to 30231. You will receive a link to download it. For more information call 954-358-3001.

12th Tween Book Club – Book discussion, crafts & treats. Ages 8-12, 6:30 p..m. – 7:30 p.m. Preregistration required., West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. Call 954-7651560 for more information.

13th Snakes Alive! – Presented by Sawgrass Nature Center and

Share A Pony – Equestrian Kids’ Day Off – Children ages 4-16 can sign up for Share-a-Pony at the Plantation Equestrian Center, 1451 NW 119th Avenue. 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Bring lunch, drink and snack. Extra drinks are available for purchase. Residents – $65/session, Non-Residents – $75/ session. For more information call 954-476-4316.

27th Taste of Plantation – Enjoy a bitesized selection of appetizers, desserts and main courses found on the menus of some of Plantation’s favorite restaurants, bakeries and cafes. Try

January 2015 | Our City Plantation

Village with train, animated & musical figurines. Special Holiday hours are Tuesday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. , Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays and from Noon – 1:00 p.m. daily for lunch. The Museum is closed on New Year’s Day. Special tours for schools, clubs and organizations are available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call the museum in advance. The Plantation Historical Museum is located at 511 North Fig Tree Lane, Plantation. Call 954-7972722 for more information. Bedtime Stories – Every Tuesday. Stories and crafts, all ages, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. Call 954-7651560 for more information.

Doggie Palooza – A Dog Expo from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., 6600 S.W. 16th Street, $1 entry fee to benefit a local animal rescue group. Best dressed dog contest, rescue and adoptions, pet friendly vendors, K-9 demonstrations, agility track, social areas. This event provides dog owners with information on products and services local companies have to offer. Dogs must be leashed in the vendor area. For more information call 954-452-2510. Afternoon Movie – Come to the library and bring your friends to watch a movie. Popcorn & drinks served. Ages 6-11, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd, Plantation. Call 954-765-1560 for more information.

10th & 24th

out a few new local food vendors who will be onsite offering delicious samplings to whet your appetite. There is no charge and reservations are not required. Covenant Village of Florida, 9215 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. For more information call 877-670-0889 or visit www.CovenantFlorida.org.

31st

Used Book Fair – Book lovers – Don’t miss this! New releases, textbooks, magazines and DVD’s. Donations accepted. Proceeds support children’s reading programs and the purchase of new books. Helen B. Hoffman Library, 501 N. Fig Tree Lane. Call 954-797-2140 for more information.

17th

19th 9th, 10th, 23rd & 24th

sponsored by Friends of the Library, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library, 501 North Fig Tree Lane, Plantation. Call 954-797-2145 for more information.

Ongoing

Wiggleworm Wednesdays – Every Wednesday. Stories, finger plays and song, ages 24-40 months, with caregiver, 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. & 11:15 – 11:45 a.m. Preregistration required for each monthly series. West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. Call 954-765-1560 for more information.

Storytime Fun – Every Thursday, except New Year’s Day. Stories and crafts, ages 3-5, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation. Call 9541560 for more information. Kids’ Corner – Every Thursday, expect New Year’s Day. Stories, songs and crafts, ages 3-6, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd. Call 954-765-1560 for more information.

Winter Wonderland – The Plantation Historical Museum presents their Winter Wonderland exhibit thru January 10th. The exhibit features 40 themed holiday trees and cultural displays, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa exhibit, Victorian Dollhouse, Porcelain

Reading Buddies – 20 minute reading practice with the libraries teen volunteers. Ages 6-10. Every Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 10th and 24th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., West Regional Library, 8601 W. Broward Blvd. Call 954-765-1560 for more information.

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Community News

Annual Holiday Parade Delights Plantation Residents BY JILL SHARPE

housands of Plantation residents packed the streets for the 46th Annual “It’s A Wonderful Life” Holiday Parade on November 22nd. Put on by the Greater Plantation Chamber of Commerce and the City of Plantation this year’s parade, presented by Westfield Broward, helped to get residents in the holiday spirit. The parade, which included walking units, marching bands, choruses and floats, moved westbound from the intersection of Broward Boulevard and 441, turned north on NW 69th Avenue, then west on 4th Street to City Hall. Thousands

January 2015 | Our City Plantation

of people lined the streets to cheer on their friends, children and co-workers. There were City leaders, businesses, civic and social groups and lots of entertainment. As always, the parade ended with a visit from Santa Claus who met with his admirers at the Fountains Shopping Center. “Everyone loves a parade and our Plantation holiday parade is an event that residents look forward to every year,” said Cheryl Greenberg,” publicity coordinator for the Plantation Parks and Recreation Department. “It’s always a great day.”

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Firefighters Feed and Entertain More Than 6000 At Annual Barbeque BY JILL SHARPE

he Plantation Volunteer Fire Association hosted yet another successful barbeque event on November 2nd as visitors enjoyed chicken, ribs, and corn on the cob while listening to live music by the Boogie Brothers. The Plantation Fire Department’s award winning honor guard displayed the colors during opening ceremonies accompanied by the Black Pearl Pipers of Broward County and a “Parade of Characters” which included cast members from Disney’s Frozen, courtesy of Westside Regional Medical Center and the Plantation General Hospital. Sparky, the firefighter mascot, posed for pictures with residents and the kids enjoyed pony rides and bounce houses. Plantation firefighters demonstrated vehicle extrication techniques and the Channel 10 news helicopter featuring Emmy Award winning video journalist and Plantation volunteer firefighter Robin Russell paid a visit. “Our 68th Annual Barbecue was another huge success,” said Jon Hatch, Association President and Barbecue Committee Co-chair. “It’s always exciting to see the continued support from our residents. And, it’s especially rewarding to work with our many sponsors and vendors who help make this event so special, every year.”

Christmas Tree Exhibit Delights Plantation Historical Museum Visitors BY JILL SHARPE

hile the weather may

feel like springtime, it’s definitely a ‘Winter Wonderland’ at the Plantation Historical Museum. Before the exhibit ends on January 10th, about 6,000 people will visit the museum to see the roughly 40 holiday-themed trees on display. The trees were decorated and donated by a variety of organizations and featured themes like ‘Wild, Wild West’, ‘Butterfly Beauties’, and ‘Victorian Christmas’. “Christmas is a very special time here,” said Betty

January 2015 | Our City Plantation

Cobb of the Plantation Historical Society. “My favorite part is working with all of the students who volunteer. Local high schoolers help us make things for this exhibit and put up all of these Christmas trees.” Santa Claus visited the museum and gave away hand-crafted wooden toys made by the Lauderdale West Woodworkers Club. Families enjoyed the train layout provided by the Florida Citrus Model Train Society while listening to a piano recital given by Wanda Wiranis’ students. “My family has been coming here for the last three years. It’s like a tradition,” said Joseph Amirthasamy of Plantation. “My daughter plays the piano here, my son loves anything involving cars, but their favorite part is seeing Santa.” The Plantation Historical Museum is located at 511 North Fig Tree Lane. They can be reached at 954.797.2722 and online at http://www.plantation.org/Museum/.

STARTS OFF WITH AN AMAZING OFFER - ONE FREE MONTH OF UNLIMITED YOGA CLASSES Q. Is yoga mostly a women’s practice? A. There are statistics that show

his New Yoga Institute is centrally located at 12900 West State Rd. 84, parallel to 595, serving the City of Davie, Plantation, Cooper City, Weston, Pembroke Pines and Miramar with their Grand Opening scheduled for January 17th. We took the time to interview the managing partner and one of 6 full tme instructors, Stephanie Cabrera, to ask several questions. The first one being... Q.WHY 1 FREE MONTH OF UNLIMITED YOGA CLASSES? This is unheard of.” A . Most, if not all yoga studios, offer 1 free class. In reality it is very difficult to get a true sense or feeling for what yoga is in one class. We want everyone interested in getting into yoga, from the beginner as well as those already enjoying and practicing yoga to get acquainted with our studio, staff and for beginners to see what yoga is all about. When I got into yoga I took advantage of the free class offers and to be honest I was not sure if yoga was for me. I had a real purpose and goal to practice some ongoing type of exercise having started with Kempo Karate at a very early age and attaining my Jr. Black Belt at the age of 8. I later went on to become a dancer and member of the Somerset Academy dance team and the FIU Dazzlers. Always looking for the best exercise and activities to be healthy. I continued to pursue my goal and am truly glad I did, since there are many types of yoga styles and had I not continued I would have most likely not fallen in love with yoga as I did.

Q. When you say different types of yoga, what do you mean? Isn’t yoga just yoga? A. No, most definitely not. There are many styles of yoga, hot power yoga which can be heated or non-heated, there is Vinyasa which is a flow etc. and not all studios offer different types of yoga. So finding the right style that fits you is very important. If you take a class and that specific type of yoga does not fill your heart and soul, it is difficult and you get discouraged, you might never bring yoga into your life. You would have missed out on one of the best practices and lifestyles that an individual can enjoy. Q. So you offer different types of yoga? A. Yes, we offer different types during different days and hours. We have two large studios which allows us to do so without having the students feeling crowded and uncomfortable. Our classes start at 6:30 am and go on throughout the day unti 7:30 pm. Our institute is designed to accommodate our students’ needs and schedules.

this fact and the perception is that it is, but Yoga is for all genders and ages. It offers many benefits such as flexibility, relaxation, breathing and control of mind and body which is beneficial to all. We also offer a UNIQUE and NEW style of MARTIAL KRAMA YOGA which combines the movements and flow of yoga with the cardio and extensive martial arts movements. It is not to be confused with martal arts. It is yoga with the teachings of self defense rolled into one practice. This Martial Krama Yoga is truly unique and exciting, it allows for all genders of all ages to enjoy a full enriching practice not offered by any other yoga studio or studios in general. Our institute is designed whereas a couple can come in and practice different styles during the same time. Moms and their daughters can attend the yoga class and fathers and their kids can attend the Martial Krama Yoga classes or just sit and relax in our comfortable lobby.

Q. The 1 MONTH of FREE UNLIMITED YOGA applies to all types of yoga including this new Martial Krama Yoga class? A. Yes, you can attend any of our classes at any of the times they are scheduled at your convenience. This offers everyone the opportunity to find the right type of yoga that best fits them. Q. Are there any costs involved, like having to rent or buy a yoga mat etc.? A. No, Other studios offer rentals of mats which we also offer but during the Free Month of Unlimited Yoga we provide the mats at no charge and if you decide to become a member of our institute we offer class packages in which we include our branded high quality mats as part of the package and/or offer great discounts on the same. This also includes our custom made dry fit attire and yoga pants which are offered to our students at incredibly discounted prices. Wow, I wish we could continue talking about yoga and your new institute forever, you are so passionate when you talk about yoga that it makes me want to be a part of your institute. Well, you can take advantage of our 1 Free Month oF UnliMited yogA. I am sure if you come in, you will fall in love with yoga and see why our slogan is Healthy Body Quiet Mind. Come by and meet our instructors during our GRAND OPENING on January 17th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

www.kramayogainstitute.com 305- 853-6681 • 786-238-6043 email: info@kramayogainstitute.com

Community News

ChildNet Circle of Supporters Raise Awareness and Funds for Children in Foster Care BY JILL SHARPE

(From L to R): Bob Rodriguez, Nanci Campbell, Nick Alonso

(From L to R): Mark Solomon, SOS Children’s Villages; Derrick S. Roberts, ChildNet General Counsel; Marissa Kelley; Eric Gabrielle

(From L to R): Cheryl Huey, Shanna Lantz, Michelle Sweeting, Trudy Spence

ore than $11,000 was raised during the recent Child N et

Circle of Supporters reception at YOLO’s O-Lounge to benefit abused, abandoned and neglected children. ChildNet Circle of Supporters, an annual giving society, raises funds to give kids in foster care a chance to be a kid. One hundred percent of these funds go to giving these kids the opportunity to make happy childhood memories, like going on a school field trip, enjoying summer camp, or playing on a sports team. The event also celebrated AT&T’s $300,000 grant award to support ChildNet’s Grounded for Life program. “What we do as advocates for children in foster care is vitally important and changes the lives of vulnerable kids who need love, support and stability,” said ChildNet Board Chairman Jeffrey Dwyer, Esq. “Through the support of Circle of Supporters and the generosity of companies like AT&T, our youth will develop and flourish. Working together, we can offer these children the opportunity to become well-adjusted adults who will make a positive impact on our community.” AT&T’s community investment to ChildNet’s Grounded for Life program will

(From L to R): Donna Biase, Best Foot Forward; Jeffrey Dwyer Esq., ChildNet Board Chairman; Maria Johnston, AT&T; Debbie Ellman, Best Foot Forward; Emilio Benitez, ChildNet President & CEO

help improve educational outcomes for local youth in foster care. It is designed as a comprehensive intervention to improve foster care youth’s engagement in learning and in high school through relationship building, problem solving and persistence. “Today we are celebrating the Grounded for Life program by presenting ChildNet with a grant for $300,000,” said Maria Johnston, AT&T regional manager of external affairs. “This grant will help children in foster care focus on their education and allow more than 50 youth to graduate from high school.” As the single private non-profit entity responsible for administration of the local child welfare system, ChildNet brings years of dedication to protecting abused, abandoned and neglected children in the communities it serves. For more information about getting involved with ChildNet Circle of Supporters, please contact Elizabeth Wynter at 954-414-6000, ext. 8036. Visit www.ChildNet.us and ChildNet on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ ChildNet.

ChildNet Celebrates The Adoption of 37 Children on National Adoption Day BY JILL SHARPE

he B roward County Courthouse

Claus. Kids got their face painted while their parents enjoyed the lunch donated by Chickis a somber, cavernous building that is fil-A. Staff members from the Department of easy to get lost in. One wouldn’t usually Children and Families, Broward County, Heart hear laughter and dance music in the courtGallery, and Guardian ad Litem mingled house, but November 22nd was no ordinary among the crowd and danced to the music day. National Adoption Day was a cause for provided by Rhythm City DJs. celebration and following the sound of new While a great time was had by all, child ‘forever families’ laughing together would lead advocates pointed out that there is still more one right to the happy occasion. work to be done. “There are lots of great chilThe event was hosted by ChildNet, a nondren out there looking to be adopted, includprofit agency based in Plantation that assists ing kids with special needs, sibling groups children who have been neglected, abused, and teenagers. People just need to open or abandoned. The organization has been their hearts to them,” said Elizabeth Wynter, holding National Adoption Day events for over Director of Community Relations for ChildNet. 12 years. The group celebrated the fact that 37 “You see so much emotion here as people children in Broward County, ranging in age are taking care of kids who may otherwise from one to 17, had found 29 permanent homes. be abused or neglected. These families are Tijwuan Edwards was one of those chilgiving the kids a second chance with their dren, having just been adopted by his cousin, forever family. Where else would these kids go Theara, and her husband, Victor Edwards. The Honorable John Bowman is happy to see Tijwana Edwards give a kiss to his new mom Theara Edwards following his adoption. for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or to celebrate couple has been looking after Tijwuan since their birthday?” he was ten days old. “I can have him all to myself, and don’t have to share him with the courts,” said Edwards. “Before Tijwuan, life was meaningless and now life has purpose. I just love him and having this new addition to our family.” ChildNet was founded in 2002 and is responsible for 4,500 children in foster care. The group is hosting a The event brought together a diverse group of people and organizations. Nova cruise for donors who enroll in their annual giving program. These donors help support services that canSoutheastern University students in the Marriage and Family Therapy program not be covered by state funding, like graduation photos for children in need. For more information about volunteered their time to make sure that children there got to visit with Santa supporting ChildNet’s work, contact the agency at 954.414.6000 or visit their website at www.childnet.us.

January 2015 | Our City Plantation

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Our City Plantation · feature story

Raw Energy Fitness Takes Personal Training To a Whole New Level BY JILL SHARPE

f your N ew Year ’ s resolution involves anything that has to do with health and fitness and you are looking for help from experts who will customize a program to fit your individual needs, look no further than Raw Energy Fitness in Davie.

What types of services do you offer? • Personal Training/ Group Personal Training • Massages • Kickboxing

Raw Energy Fitness owner Teodora Katelieva talks about her innovative personal training business and how it can help you achieve your goals starting today.

• Kids Karate

What is Raw Energy Fitness? Raw Energy

• Corporate Fitness

Fitness is a personal training studio. It is a place of RESULTS, a place of ACHIEVEMENT. It is a place of TRANSFORMATION. Regardless of your goals, lifestyle, or personality we adapt to you. We are here to get you exactly to where you want in the best way for you because we are all different. We understand that we all have different bodies, situations, and goals, whether you want to lose weight, gain strength, improve confidence, rehabilitate, or just continue your healthy lifestyle in an uplifting and supportive atmosphere. Raw Energy Fitness is not just a place, or trainers. Raw Energy Fitness is you because you have the raw potential to get exactly what you want. We are here to simply give you the opportunity to make it happen.

What distinguishes your facility and trainers from everyone else? We are just as unique

as you are. Our strength lies within our ability to tailor your training specifically for you. You come in with your own personality, medical setbacks (if any), life situation, emotional state, and fitness level that is unique and personal to you. Our services are built to link all of these parts together in order to achieve an overall improvement of your life. As a result, your goals are not limited to simply weight-loss and body image. When it comes down to it, our services are not easily described with words by us, or our clients. They are ones that are seen, felt, and lived. Ones that must simply be experienced to be understood.

• Rehabilitative Services

We also have special signature services that include the Iron Lotus Fitness Program, RawEdge Fitness, and Namaki Yoga. The Iron Lotus Fitness Program was designed specifically to empower women through a unique set of routines and nutrition tips. RawEdge Fitness is a bootcamp style group class that involves high intensity routines in and out of the studio. Namaki Yoga is our signature yoga class designed specifically to move around the energy, and feel a sense of peace, relaxation, and healing at the end.

Who is your typical client? We are very

versatile and can take on any client with a desire to achieve a goal ranging from weight-loss to improving health, from sports specific training to fitness beginners, from stay at home moms to CEO’s of companies, and from kids to seniors. We are here on this journey with you, so we continue learning new and interesting things because of our diverse clientele. As you transform, so do we. We are proud to say that we become better when you come in and help to challenge us as we try to come up with the best way to give you exactly what you want and need. One challenge, or problem, has many solutions, and for your convenience those solutions come from one source. US.

What training/ certification do your instructors have? Our trainers are licensed

January 2015 | Our City Plantation

and have specializations that allow them to narrow down the best possible way to achieve your goals. We have trainers that specialize in rehabilitation, while others specialize in sports specific training, and preparing clients for competitions. We also have trainers that work with kids and seniors, while others help clients to gain or lose weight. The owner is also a trainer, and she has developed the Iron Lotus Fitness Program specifically for empowering women, while also working one on one with clients that have health challenges to help strengthen their bodies. Every trainer has been in charge of their own studio, and now they have all come together under one roof to bring the best and most versatile training in South Florida.

What types of results can clients expect to see? Results vary as do our clients and trainers. Many of our clients have experienced an overall change that has transformed their bodies as well as their everyday lives. You may expect to see a release of stress, a loss of weight, gained strength, gained muscle, improved confidence, improved agility and improved endurance. All of this can assist you in reaching that next level in life, achieving your dream career, etc. The list ends with your imagination.

Raw Energy Fitness is located at 595 Corporate Plaza, 10368 State Road 84, Suite 105 in Davie. They are open every day from 5:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., however the studio operates only by appointments. For information, visit www.rawenergyfitness.com or call 954-608-9009.

CAN DO KIDS

American Heritage Students Collect Socks for Kids In Need BY JILL SHARPE

wo juniors at American H eritage

School in Plantation are spearheading a sock drive in the hopes of providing many children with a necessity that most kids take for granted. Robby “Billy” Pink and Anabel Zohar, both juniors at American Heritage, also happen to be Harry Potter fans and are members of the Harry Potter Alumni club at their school. In one of the beloved books in the J.K.Rowlings series, Harry Potter gives Dobby his freedom by gifting him a sock. Pink and Zohar felt that socks might provide that same sense of freedom to children experiencing periods of instability at JAFCO and Women in Distress. Pink said the whole idea is to make kids’ lives easier. “We knew we wanted to do something for our community but went through a lot of ideas before we came up with kids’ socks,” he said. “Nobody ever thinks of the simple things that often mean a lot.” Zohar said once they settled on the idea they set to work looking for a sponsor .”We were so excited when Triumph Hosiery agreed to generously match the first 1000 pair that we collect.” The students are collecting only new socks complete with their original packaging. The organizations they are aiding have told them that socks are needed mostly for babies and elementary school children, however donations of socks for older kids

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and teenagers are welcome as well. The drive will take place from January 12-30th. Students at American Heritage may drop off donations at the school. Everyone else in the community may drop off their donations at the following locations: ▸▸ My Florida PC 10077 Cleary Blvd Publix Promenade Shopping Center Plantation ▸▸ Psychological Strategies, LLP 7500 NW 5th Street, Suite 111, Plantation ▸▸ Liriano’s Kitchen 9763 W. Broward Blvd, Plantation ▸▸ MAMA Asian Noodle Bar 4437 Lyons Road Promenade at Coconut Creek ▸▸ Salon Ink 5, 8960 Cleary Blvd, Plantation ▸▸ Gill’s Sub Shop 2804 N. 29th Avenue, Hollywood ▸▸ Hairendipity Salon 6855 Stirling Road, Davie Anabel Zohar and Robert Pink

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Plantation Resident Named A “Champion for Children” By Florida’s Children First BY JILL SHARPE

lantation resident H oward Talenfeld,

one of the nation’s preeminent children’s rights attorneys, recently received an award for being a Champion for Children from the organization he founded, Florida’s Children First (FCF). Comprised of advocates from throughout the state of Florida, FCF works through multi-forum advocacy before the executive branch, the Florida Legislature and the Florida Courts to protect children who are at risk in foster care and in the delinquency system in Florida. Talenfeld has served as FCF President since 2002. FCF Executive Director Christina Spudeas said Talenfeld’s efforts in the past decade have improved the lives of thousands of children. “He realized long ago that there were problems across Florida affecting children in care, and that without an organized effort to make positive systemic changes, he could only help one child at a time,” Spudeas said. As a litagator, Talenfeld, who recently launched Talenfeld Law, the first law firm in Florida to focus exclusively on protecting the rights of physically and sexually abused, medically fragile, foster and other at-risk children, has been instrumental in changing Florida’s laws and policies regarding this population and his advocacy has changed how governmental and private institutions care for children and the disabled.

Talenfeld said he was honored to receive the award form FCF. “It’s a privilege to work with FCF’s talented board of directors and child advocates, like former State Senator Nan Rich, State Senator Eleanor Sobel, Statewide Guardian ad Litem Executive Director Alan Abramowitz, Representative Erik Fresen and so many others across the state who work tirelessly helping at risk, injured and disabled children,” he said. Earlier this year, Talenfeld was instrumental in the passing of a measure that will provide attorneys to protect dependent children with special needs who are in the legal custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)-Florida’s most vulnerable. He co-chaired Citizens for Broward’s Children, the group that successfully advocated for the permanent reauthorization in November of the Children’s Services Council of Broward County. He also was on the original steering committee that advocated for the creation of this organization, which funds approximately $62 million a year to 100 not-for-profits that protect children such as the YMCA, JAFCO and HANDY. “Talenfeld’s history of defending the most vulnerable children speaks volumes about his character,” said Senator Eleanor Sobel, Chair, Florida Senate Committee for Children, Families and Elder Affairs.

Talenfeld accepting the Champion for Children award. (L to R): Debby Beck, FCF Development Coordinator, Christina Spudeas, FCF Executive Director, Howard Talenfeld, and former State Senator Nan Rich.

FCF is responsible for most of the legislation in the last ten years protecting Florida’s foster children including educational, independent living legislation, right to records and protecting the budget for this population. Through the organization, Talenfeld was instrumental in the passage of landmark legislation, including the Foster Children Bill of Rights, Florida’s pilot project on representation of foster children in Dependency Court, and Florida’s breakthrough interagency education bill for foster children.

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Ask the expert

Transplant of Knee Cartilage Through Small Incisions By Fernando A. Moya, M.D., Ph.D.

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ne of the most difficult things that

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January 2015 | Our City Plantation

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SCHOOL NEWS

American Heritage Stages A Hilarious Production of “Baby” BY MORGAN MARQUEZ, STUDENT WRITER

merican H eritage’ s N ovember production

of the musical “Baby” followed the plight of three couples navigating through the trials of pregnancy each with their own completely different, humorous outlook. The entire production took place on one intricate set, containing a three story wooden platform with stairs running along it and a bed in the forefront. With the brilliant addition and removal of props, the platform allowed the couples to act out their separate stories at the same time, really making it so the audience could be immersed in not one plotline, but three. The three couples were Danny and Lizzie (played by sophomore Elliot Mahon and junior Mikayla Cohen,) Nick and Pam (played by junior Tyler Flanzer and senior Chloe Nadon-Enriquez,) and Alan and Arlene (played by seniors Jonah Stabinski and Casey McDonell.) Each couple was in a different stage of life. Danny and Lizzie worried about bringing a baby into the world as they struggled through college. Nick and Pam were desperately and unsuccessfully trying to have kids. While Alan and Arlene, a couple in their 40s about to coast into empty nester freedom, were suddenly surprised by a fourth child on the way. The actors and actresses, who began preparing for the musical in August, did an impeccable job. Mahon delivered a riveting performance with a wide variety of music from soft numbers to belting vocals. Cohen was equally amazing, with a great portrayal of a scared young mother and the ability to hit and hold high notes with

ease. Although McDonell and Stabinski are just high school students, they were really able to perfectly portray a disgruntled middle-aged couple. Nadon-Enriquez and Flanzer had great chemistry coupled with fantastic vocals. Nadon-Enriquez took on a role in the musical she wasn’t quite used to. Her nine years of classical ballet and dance experience from the school landed her spots as dancers in past school productions such as “Phantom of the Opera” and “Merrily We Roll Along” but for “Baby” she performed as a singer instead. “It was an amazing experience. It was my first time performing as a singer rather than a dancer, so it was definitely a learning experience and I loved every second of it,” she said. Not only was the singing and acting great, but also the dialogue and plot was superb as well. Infused with witty dialogue, “Baby” was consistently funny with plays on words and songs that poke fun at society such as a song where Lizzie sings about how weird it is to have women fawning over her burgeoning belly. “Baby” had heartbreaking scenes and hilarious ones and showed the trials of love and of starting a family. With a great cast and fantastic music, “Baby” was a hit at American Heritage. Morgan Marquez is a senior at American Heritage School and is the Co-Editor-in-Chief for the school’s newspaper, the Patriot Post.

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Ask the expert

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January 2015 | Our City Plantation

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Our City Plantation | January 2015

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Take your latest copy of Our City Plantation on the road with you and you could be our lucky winner. Send us your “The World’s Favorite Newspaper™” photo and you could win a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Happy trails!

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editorplantation@ourcitymedia.com Please send hi-resolution original digital photos as attachments only. Include name, address, phone number and where photo was taken.