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Here We Grow, Again!

ith the start of spring this month , we wel-

come the new growth that comes with this season. The flowers are blooming, trees are budding, and we are introducing a new magazine. I’m thrilled to announce that with this issue we are expanding our local community news coverage to the City of Sunrise. Sunrise Town Times is the newest addition to our family of publications which have been serving readers in West Broward for over ten years. Each month Our City Weston and our Town Times magazines deliver award-winning, family-related, local news editorials to keep you informed on everything that is going on in your hometown. The pages are packed with interesting and informative articles about community events, school programs, new businesses and much more. Sunrise Town Times reaches 20,000 homes and businesses located between the Sawgrass Expressway and University Drive. This expands our overall coverage area from the Broward/Dade County line in the south all the way to Commercial Boulevard in the north. Combined with our other five monthly community news magazines serving the cities of Weston, Davie/Cooper City/ Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Miramar and Plantation, we now provide locally focused news to 120,000 households throughout West Broward, reaching an estimated 400,000-plus readers each and every month. All of our publications are available online on our interactive website at www.ourcityweston.com. I invite you to check it out and read about what’s going on in your neighboring communities. Please join me in welcoming Sunrise Town Times to the family and I thank you all for your continued readership. Sincerely,

Publisher/Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SVEN BUDZISCH Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Levin sales manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Koval Account Representatives . . . . . . . . . . Garry Isabelle, Joyce Bak,

Vanessa da Rocha, Kim Mills, Mariem Garcia, Ada Rivera Office manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gabriela Moscoso Graphic Design & photographY . . . . . . . Barry Stock, Grace Umlauf Web Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grace Umlauf

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

Ph: 954-306-1007 • Fax 954-306-1008 editor@SunriseTownTimes.com • graphics@OurCityWeston.com Total circulation is 20,000. Quantum International Corporation, DBA (OCW), is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes in the city of Weston verifiable by US Postal statements. Additional free copies are available at locations throughout the city of Weston and upon request by contacting this newspaper. Opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Quantum International Corporation, DBA OCW reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. OCW 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 2010 by OCW, Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.

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Contents

14 Great Tunes in the Great Outdoors

ask the expert 15 Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture in the Young Athlete

calendar 6

22 Brushing Can Improve Your Child’s GPA

Community News 8 8 10 12

Earth Day Festival to Offer Green Ideas and Fun Daniel’s Dash is Step Forward for Concussion Awareness A Day for the Dogs Free Workshop Connects Baby Boomers with Volunteer Opportunities 12 Salsa Takes Center Stage at New Event

21 Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

March 2014

School News

16 Renaissance Fair Helps Kick-off Black History Month 16 New Principal On the Job at Piper High School

feature story 18 Stressed? Massage Envy Provides Relaxing and Affordable Massage Treatments

Legally Speaking 20 Dissolution and Financial Disclosure 25 What Homeowners Need to Know about Florida’s New Speedy Foreclosure Law

Photo of the month 26 The World’s Favorite Newspaper™

pet of the month 27 “Lucy”

it’s their business Message From The Fire Chief 23 Check Smoke Alarms When Changing Clocks

MAyor’s Message 24 Enjoy All the City of Sunrise Has to Offer

March 2014 | SUNRISE town times

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calendar March 2014

1 2 3

9th Sunrise Bike Rodeo – Join us for a edit author BMX stunt show, helmet fitting, bike safety checks, an obstacle course, and more. Whether you are learning about bicycle safety, enjoying the BMX show, or just want to appreciate a beautiful day in the park, you won’t want to miss this event. Open to all ages. 10:00 a.m. Free. Sunrise Athletic Complex, 11501 N.W. 44 Street.

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Sunrise Pops Concert – Enjoy Cristina Fontanelli performing Opera and Italian favorites. Now in its 27th season, the Sunrise Pops is renowned for its renditions of Broadway tunes, light classical, popular and dance music, opera and movie themes. 2 p.m. Sunrise Civic Center Theater. 954747-4646. Box Office hours: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Wednesday and Thursday from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm; and one hour before show times.

19 20 21 22 23 24

14th

Through 3/15 A Celebration of Black History Month – “Faces of Time: Expressions of the African Diaspora”-works by Jean Desimots, Louis Louissaint and Terri Meredith. View the works of three South Florida African-American and Haitian-American artists, whose common threads of struggle, fear, hope and spirit express the experiences of people of the African Diaspora. Sunrise Civic Center Art Gallery. 10610 W. Oakland Park Boulevard. 954-747-4600.

as a singing and rope twirling cowboy, horse trainer, professional engineer, author, publisher, and businessman. He now travels as a cowboy performer, sharing tales of his experiences and lessons he’s learned along the way. Cummins, also an author, launched a publishing business specializing in what he calls “Celebrity Authors” and in the process created a workshop program that brings the “celebrity” authors out to help and entertain would-be writers. Sunrise Dan Pearl Library, 2-3 p.m. 10500 W Oakland Park Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33351. 954-357-7440.

15th

24th-28th

RumpleStiltskin – The familiar story of a man who can spin straw into gold is transformed into an Italian Renaissance Comedy. A fun-filled performance by Atlantic Coast Theatre recommended for children 5-13. $7 per person. 2 p.m. Sunrise Civic Center Theater. 954-747-4646. Box Office hours: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Wednesday and Thursday from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm; and one hour before show times.

Reimagine Your Future – A free workshop designed to help engage baby boomers-those born between 1946 and 1964--find new and enriching civic engagement efforts. Sunrise Civic Center Ballroom, located at 10610 W. Oakland Park Boulevard from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The registration deadline is March 12. There’s no charge for Baby Boomers, all others are $10. For information or to register, call 954-484-7117.

26 27

29 30 31

Want to catch a free movie? – Join the City of Sunrise for their Outdoor Movie Series. The March movie is Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free. 7:30 p.m. Sunrise Civic Center Amphitheatre. 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd.

Ongoing Family Story Time – Ages 3 and up, 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. Hear stories, music, play games and make a craft. Tuesdays. 4th – Dr. Seuss celebration. 11th– St. Patty’s story & craft time. 25th – Cat and Mouse Story Time. Sunrise Dan Pearl Library, 10500 W Oakland Park Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33351. 954-357-7440.

19th

Spring Mini Camp – Kids and teens will love participating in our exciting activities and field trips during their school break. Bring a lunch, and plenty of drinks and snacks every day. Drop off and pick up children at the Sunrise Civic Center Art Studios. Drop off and pick up teens at the Sunrise Civic Center Game Room. Space is limited. 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. $150/Resident, $200/Non-Resident. 954-747-4600.

with Disabilities: Collaborative, Multidisciplinary First Response” by Presenter Brandy Macaluso, MSW, Coordinator of Victim Services, Coalition for Independent Living Options, Inc. Sunrise Civic Center Grand Ballroom, 10610 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Sunrise, FL 33351. For more information, contact Bridget Schneiderman at 954-602-4348 or bcschneiderman@miramarpd.org.

22nd Cowboy Bill – Come listen to the tales of William A. Cummins aka “Cowboy Bill,” who has had a full life

March 2014 | SUNRISE town times

28th Art Exhibit – Opening reception for “Metamorphic Impressions”-Works by Maya Schonenberger. Inspired by nature and with textiles as her medium, Maya Schonenberger uses her artwork as a language to express concerns and bring attention to certain aspects of our environment and social issues. 6:30 p.m. Exhibit runs through May 17. Sunrise Civic Center Art Gallery. 10610 W. Oakland Park Boulevard. 954-747-4600.

April 8th Awards Luncheon – The Broward Victim’s Rights Coalition will host its annual Training and Awards Luncheon. This year’s topic: “Victims

Teen Reading Mentor Program – Children ages 5-12 have the opportunity to practice their reading. Times and days subject to teen volunteer availability. Please call library for more information. Sunrise Dan Pearl Library, 10500 W Oakland Park Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33351. 954-357-7440. Toddler Story Time – For children ages 18 months to 3 years, and their parent/caretaker. The story time includes brief stories, songs, marching with instruments and an occasional very easy craft. Thursdays. 10:30 a.m. Sunrise Dan Pearl Library, 10500 W Oakland Park Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33351. 954-357-7440.

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Community News

Earth Day Festival to Offer Green Ideas and Fun By Julie Levin

Thousands of people are expected for the City of Sunrise Earth Day Festival, which will be held April 5 at Sawgrass Sanctuary Park (photo credit Mindy Duncan)

n an effort to better connect residents

with nature and environmental issues, the City of Sunrise is hosting a free event centered around almost anything “green.” They’re hosting their 6th Annual Earth Day Fest, a day-long event loaded with environmentally sensitive activities, vendors and entertainment. “It’s important to keep Earth Day in the forefront to remind people of the importance of conservation and continuously try to educate our children,” said Beth Zickar, the Leisure Services Director for the City of Sunrise.

Set for April 5 at Sawgrass Sanctuary Park, the Earth Day Festival is expected to draw close to 2,000 people. They’ll have a chance to enjoy music, great food, unique vendors and exhibitors, all of whom will share information on environmental efforts in the community. Young environmentalists can check out the Kids’ Korner, which will be loaded with arts and crafts and hands-on activities, like planting their own seedlings. “They’ll get to do some small hands-on experiments where they will learn about nature and science,” Zickar said. Sponsored by the City of Sunrise Utilities Department, All Service Refuse and Baptist Health Urgent Care - Sawgrass, the first 1,000 people through the gates will receive a reusable shopping tote, along with a BPA-free water bottle that can be filled throughout the day at the City’s complimentary Water Station. For more than two decades, people around the world have been celebrating and taking action for Earth Day, which is officially April 22. People come together to clean up their communities, plant trees and learn new ways to be more environmentally conscious. Zickar says the City hosts its festival to make

sure residents are doing all they can, and they picked a setting that reinforces that. “We need to do what we can to help nature and our earth,” she said. “So the Sawgrass Sanctuary, a recreated wetlands, is a perfect place to do that.” The Earth Day Festival will be held April 5 at Sawgrass Sanctuary Park, located at 237 North New River Circle in Sunrise. The event runs from 10 a.m. - 4p.m. Admission and parking is free. No coolers, bottles, pets or bicycles will be allowed in the park during the event. For more information, call 954-747-4662.

Dozens of ecofriendly vendors will be on hand selling recycled and natural items (photo credit Mindy Duncan)

Daniel’s Dash is Step Forward for Concussion Awareness By Stacey Bomser

oncussions account for almost one

in ten sports injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even more alarming, research shows that when high school athletes suffer concussions, more than 40% of them return to action prematurely and set themselves up for more severe injuries. Sadly, that was the case with Daniel Brett. His first day as starting linebacker for the Cypress Bay Lightning JV football team was also his last. His dream of one day playing college football was sidelined after he was pulled off the field due to a possible concussion. It turns out that was one of many he had

Many students participate in Daniel’s Dash. Pictured here are Kelsey Lynch from St. Thomas Aquinas, Randi Venditti from Cypress Bay, and Marissa Brett and Brooke Thompson from West Broward. Marissa wore a Cypress Bay shirt in honor of Daniel.

suffered during his young football career. A concussion is a short-lived brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. Because there is no outward sign of injury, it often goes unnoticed by players, parents, coaches and trainers. Diana Pilar Brett feels that had she been aware of all of her son’s injuries and how to best treat them she might have been able to save him. Since his passing, she has made it her mission to educate everyone about the very real dangers of concussions. “Concussion awareness is more than just ‘being aware,’ it is the continuation of training and guidelines to educate officials, administrators, athletic coaches, and youth athletes and their parents or guardians of the nature and risk of concussion and head injury,” states Brett. The third annual Daniel’s Dash for Concussion Awareness 5K Run/Walk takes place on Saturday, March 8th at Markham Park. In addition to raising awareness, it will also raise funds to again sponsor the Sports Legacy Institute’s Advanced Concussion Training (ACT) multimedia presentation at the two Florida High School Athletic Association Compliance Conferences this summer. This is just one more step to protecting student athletes. Brett considers the passage of Florida’s Concussion Law to be one of the Foundation’s greatest accomplishments. It bars young athletes who endure concussions from returning to practice or play

March 2014 | SUNRISE town times

Dr. Frank Walters of Broward Health, Broward County School Board Member Laurie Rich Levinson, Dr. Stephen Russo of NSU, and Diana Pilar Brett, founder of The Daniel Brett Foundation.

until they have been cleared by a physician trained in the diagnosis, evaluation and management of concussions. Brett also worked with the Broward County School Board to establish a concussion management program for all public high schools. Student athletes must undergo a mandatory baseline neurological test before they can even step foot on the practice field. Daniel’s Dash for Concussion Awareness 5K Run/Walk takes place on Saturday, March 8th at 7:30am at Markham Park. The race is sanctioned by Split Second Timing. You can register online at www. DanielsDash.org; the cost is $20.

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Community News

A Day for the Dogs By Julie Levin

Take me home: a dog from the Broward County Animal Care and Adoption waits to find a family

“Titino” gets a ride through Woofstock

Dogs had a chance to roam free in the off leash areas

hey came on two legs and on four , on

leashes, in strollers, and some even in their owner’s arms. In all, a huge number of dogs and their humans turned out for Woofstock, one of the City’s most eagerly-anticipated annual events. The free event was held February 1 at Sawgrass Sanctuary off North New River Circle. Guests had a chance to browse among vendors offering all sorts of dog-related services, pet rescue groups looking to find great dogs new homes, entertainment, demonstrations by the Sunrise Police Department K9 squad and food. The dogs also had a chance to compete in the Grooviest Threads Costume Contest, Gnarliest Trick, and Most Righteous Kisser, good-naturedly hosted by Magic 102.7 DJ Mindy Lang.

“Milo” takes a minute to cool off in a Woofstock watering hole

“Max” races through a timed doggie obstacle course

Magic 102.7’ DJ Mindy Lang explains the rules of the Most Righteous Kisser Contest...

... then tries to coax a kiss out of one of the competitors

March 2014 | SUNRISE town times

Love to run! Dogs ran free in the play zone

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Community News

Free Workshop Connects Baby Boomers with Volunteer Opportunities By Julie Levin

ou ’ ve raised your family, retired from your full-time career

and are maybe now looking for what the next 20-30 years will bring. A free workshop set for Sunrise this month is designed to help engage baby boomers-those born between 1946 and 1964--find new and enriching civic engagement efforts. “Our workshop is an introspective look at yourself, it at your past, where you’ve been, where you are and where you would like to go,” said Sue Pollack, Program Coordinator of Encore Connect. Today’s baby boomers, believed to number 77 million people, as a group are healthier and more highly skilled than previous generations, and will spend more active years in retirement. Encore Connect is helping boomers match their interests and skills with opportunities for civic engagement through a series of Re-imagine Your Future Workshops, which are offered in a variety of locations each month. The next one will be held on March 19 at the Sunrise Civic Center Ballroom from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. “Most people consider the financial aspect of retirement, but not what they will do with their time,” said Pollack.“They are looking for a good reason to get up each day, besides golf and lunch.” The free five-and-a-half hour workshops are limited to 25 participants. Through a variety of introspective exercises that build on each other, participants have an opportunity to review, reflect, and make a plan for the “encore years” after fulltime employment. “The workshops encourage individuals to find personal fulfillment and explore creative options,” said Pollack. ““It brings back things you had forgotten about, passions you might have, causes you might believe in and it helps give you a direction.” By the end of workshop, participants are able to put the pieces together to determine a path forward. If it involves a desire to volunteer, the Encore Connect

Baby Boomers attend a Re-imagine Your Future Workshops

staff will set up a separate one-on-one meeting to find opportunities that make the most of their talents and skills, and support a cause they love. They will be placed in positions in nonprofit organizations and government agencies throughout Broward, such as Take Stock in Children, Guardian Ad Litem, and Broward County Library. “It is another opportunity for people to get together to socialize and network,” said Pollack. “They make connections and help each other.” Encore Connect is a Re-engage for Good program made possible by support from the Antoinette Sherman Fund and Julia C. Baldwin Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward. The Re-imagine Your Future Workshop will be held on March 19 at the Sunrise Civic Center Ballroom, located at 10610 W. Oakland Park Boulevard from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The registration deadline is March 12. There’s no charge for Baby Boomers, all others are $10. For information or to register, call 954-484-7117.

Salsa Takes Center Stage at New Event By Julie Levin

uoyed by tastes of traditional ethnic food, and a few sips of

sweet sangria, hundreds of residents recently laced up their dancing shoes for a brand new event in Sunrise. They turned out January 15 for a chance to try out their Salsa moves at a two-hour event called Salsa and Sangria. Hosted at the Sunrise Senior Center, City organizers say the event proved to be popular one. “We sold it out, so we were very happy about that,” said Amanda Tomlinson, the Division Director of Community and Special Support Services for the City of Sunrise. Though open to anyone over the age of 21, the event drew plenty of seniors who organizers readily predicted would not want to leave after the two hour event was over. “We will have to almost push them off the dance floor when the two-hours is up,” Tomlinson said. For just a $5 ticket for members and $7 for non-members,

guests danced to the music of David Lucca y Los Clasicos de la Salsa and tried out new moves taught by professional Salsa dancers. Before the dancing began, there was also food available. Tapas were provided by Bahama Breeze and included chicken empanadas, mini pulled pork sliders, jerk chicken pasta, spinach dip and more. Each guest also sipped a complimentary glass of sangria. The idea for the first ever Salsa and Sangria event came courtesy of the City’s Cultural Advisory Board, said Beth Zickar, the City’s Leisure Services Director. “The purpose of the Cultural Advisory Board is to focus on diversity within the city of Sunrise and this celebrates one of the many cultures in Sunrise,” Zickar said. Opened in 1995, the Sunrise Senior Center offers a wide variety of leisure and educational programs, support groups, special events and trips. It is dedicated to encouraging personal growth, fostering active participation in the community, and helping residents age 55 and up achieve and maintain an independent, healthy lifestyle. The center is located at 10650 West Oakland Park Boulevard. For more information, call 954-746-3670.

Left: Laying down the Salsa sound: David Lucca y Los Clasicos de la Salsa kept the crowd moving with a two-hour performance Center: Making their moves: a couple takes to the dance floor at the Salsa and Sangria mixer Right: A server ladles up a cup of house-made sangria

March 2014 | SUNRISE town times

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SUNRISE town times | March 2014

community news

Great Tunes in the Great Outdoors By Julie Levin

undled in a blanket and sipping a hot

drink, Jocelyn Ramirez was anxious to get up and start dancing. It was an unseasonably cool night in South Florida and the 43-year old woman was one of many that turned out for the start of the City’s newest outdoor concert series. “I’m ready for some good music,” she said. “I love the music of Billy Joel and I have heard this group does his songs really well.” The group Ramirez was waiting for was Turnstiles, the Billy Joel tribute band that was the featured act January 17 for the return of the City’s free seasonal concert series, this year known as Tunes ‘N Trucks. Held at the Sunrise Civic Center Amphitheater, the

Fans bundled up during a chilly evening January 17 for the debut of the Tunes ‘n Trucks Series at the Sunrise Civic Center Amphitheater.

series is designed to showcase top tribute bands January through May. The Long Run, a band that recreates the music of The Eagles, performed in February. The Tunes ‘N Trucks series is formerly known as “Sunrise at Sunset. In addition to the tribute bands, music lovers enjoy a selection of food trucks. Here’s the schedule for the remainder of the Tunes “N Trucks lineup: On Friday, March 7, it will be Never Stop Believin’a Journey tribute band captures the look, the music and the excitement of the Steve Perry years. On Friday, April 11, come enjoy the music of The Caribbean Chillers, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band.

Hungry patrons line-up in front of food truck with a lobster-inspired menu. The truck was one of several at Tunes ‘N Trucks.

On Friday May 9, the series will feature Orange Sunshine, which will take music-lovers back to the sights and sounds of the 1960’s. If you’ve some 60’s garb still lying around, you might want to dig it out. The May 9 show will also feature a “Hippie” costume contest. Prizes will be awarded to those who dig out the best tie dye shirts, fringe vests, go-go boots and mini-skirts. The Sunrise Civic Center Amphitheater is located at 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd. in Sunrise. The trucks are open at 6:00 p.m., and the music begins at 7:00 p.m. Bring your lawn chair or blanket.

In addition to food, guests have the option of purchasing beverages at the Tunes ‘N Trucks series

Warming up: Turnstiles, a seven-piece tribute band that recreates the music of Billy Joel.

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March 2014 | SUNRISE town times

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Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture in the Young Athlete By Dr. Al DeSimone

nterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) ruptures

remain one of the most devastating injuries to the young competitive athlete. The ACL is the major supporting ligament within the knee joint providing stability to the knee during running, cutting and twisting sports. Though a traumatic collision with another athlete can cause a rupture to the ACL, a sudden alteration in speed and/or change in direction can also predispose an athlete to this injury. The athlete will often describe a loud popping sensation within the knee joint and experience severe pain, swelling and weakness combined with an inability to ambulate. Diagnosis is usually made by obtaining a proper history of injury and by performing a thorough clinical examination of the involved knee. X-rays and MRIs are extremely beneficial during this evaluation and will often help rule-out concomitant injuries to the adjacent ligaments, menisci and/or cartilage.

The goal of treatment is to return the athlete back to his or her prior level of activity, including competitive sports. Rarely, one may consider conservative/nonoperative treatment for those patients that are extremely sedentary and inactive in athletics. In this incidence, treatment may include rehabilitation, bracing and restriction to certain activities. For those individuals who are competitive athletes and participate in high-demand twisting sports, surgical ACL reconstruction is the treatment of choice. Over the last several years, I have seen numerous patients with surgical failures from prior ACL reconstructions that have been referred to my office for further consultation and revision surgery. Having performed over 1,700 Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstructions and over 200 revision surgical procedures, I remain convinced that this procedure is extremely technical and should be treated with state-of-the-art surgical technique and attention to detail. Though re-injury may be a common cause of failure subsequent to ACL reconstruction, technique related failures are commonly seen and can often occur from improper graft selection, tunnel placement, graft tensioning, and/or methods of fixation. Timing of surgery and proper postoperative instructions, including return to athletics, also play a significant role in prevention of re-injury. In concordance with the literature barring any anatomical or growth related considerations, I prefer to utilize bone-patella tendon-bone autograft for the young, high-demand athlete. Treatment of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament rupture continues to be a challenging problem for the high school, collegiate and community athletes. It is imperative that young individuals (and parents) understand the importance of pursuing treatment by an experienced surgeon, preferably with a subspecialty interest in knee ligament reconstruction. Failure to do so may predispose an athlete to additional surgery and prevent return to sports in a timely manner. Al DeSimone, MD, is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine. He specializes in Complex Knee Ligament and Shoulder Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. DeSimone is the Director of Sports Medicine at Sports Medicine Associates of South Florida P.A. He practices at the South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine at 1600 Town Center Blvd., Suite C, Weston, FL 33326. To schedule an appointment, please call (954) 389-9178. For more information visit www.draldesimone.com or email info@draldesimone.com

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SUNRISE town times | March 2014

School News

Renaissance Fair Helps Kick-off Black History Month By Julie Levin

1. Decked out in school colors of red and black, students in costume took part in a live chess show 2. Math Coach Lauren Brown and Guidance Counselor Jhanel Davis in Renaissance garb 3. Nicole Yeggy and Ivonne Coronado 4. The King and Queen of Village Elementary: Assistant Principal Trevor Roberts and Principal Deborah Peeples

T Beautiful Maiden: 8-year old Ciara Vazquez

the role and achievements of blacks during the here were fair maidens , jug time of the Renaissance, an avenue of black glers and artists and even a sprinhistory not often studied, Roberts said. kling of royalty at an unique event in Throughout the Renaissance Fair, the Sunrise recently. Village Elementary, located at 2100 N.W. 70 Avenue, recently held its first students and their families enjoyed food and games, dancing around a maypole and a forever Renaissance Fair as a way of bringmal dance. Several young students also had a ing history to life for their students. “The chance to show off their chess moves during a students can actually live it and have some fun doing it at the same time,” said Assistant live chess show. Using the school’s basketball Principal Trevor Roberts, who came dressed court turned chess board, students dressed as chess pieces had to move themselves to as the king. the correct spot when a move was called out. The fair, held February 1 in the school’s courtyard, was also designed to help kick-off “Everybody got to move, even if they were capBlack History Month. Students learned about tured a second later,” said Ivonne Coronado,

the event organizer. The students had been preparing their chess move for the past four months. Village Elementary is one of three Sunrise schools that are part of the City’s “First Move” initiative, which provides 2nd and 3rd graders with chess instruction as part of the school curriculum. Roberts said the program is not only fun, but vital to student’s critical thinking skills. “The emphasis is not so much on playing chess, but learning the background to chess, learning the moves, and thinking two and three moves ahead,” he said.

New Principal On the Job at Piper High School By Julie Levin

midst a busy school year , Piper H igh School welcomed a new

Principal. But the new man at the helm, Angel Gomez, says the change did not disrupt business as usual for the Sunrise school. “This is a school that has committed to its students by not stopping during this transition,” Gomez said. “The staff and faculty stayed on focus and on course and continued doing what they continue to do for students. There are great processes in place in terms of academics and that’s a testament to the hard work of the administration and staff.” Gomez assumed the post on January 23rd, replacing longtime Principal Enid Valdez who moved on to become the District Career and Technical Education Director. Since then, Gomez has been getting to know the staff, faculty and administrators at the school, located at 8000 N.W. 44th Street, and meeting as many students as possible. He says the Piper community can expect a very visible principal who gets things done. “They can expect a principal who is out in the community, who is out all around the school, who is in direct contact with their children. I’m someone the kids can talk with, and they will see me plenty out there. They can also expect someone who values education, who

March 2014 | SUNRISE town times

will make sure Piper High School is in the business of education where students will get a great experience that will make them college and career ready,” Gomez said. Gomez is a longtime educator with nearly 20 years experience in schools, and has been with the Broward School District since 2000. He began his Broward career as a math teacher at Plantation High School. Following that, he moved up to assistant principal at Coconut Creek High School, and then to West Broward High School for a short time at the beginning of the school year. Piper High School is his first post as principal. “I have worked really hard for it, and all of a sudden, here I am,” he said. One of his goals for the years, bringing Piper High School back on to an “A” rating, following its slip to a “B” this past year. He says the mission is to make sure everything they do within the Bengal nation is in alignment to academic excellence. He’s instilled a policy he calls “R.I.D.” or “respect, integrity and dignity.” “If something passes all three of those marks, then it is something we should be doing. Everything else will follow,” he said. Piper High School Principal Angel Gomez

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SUNRISE Town Times · feature story

Stressed? Massage Envy Provides Relaxing and Affordable Massage Treatments By Julie Levin

hether you are looking for a great

way to relax or to soothe those nagging aches and pains, make sure you visit Massage Envy of Plantation. Thanks to their affordable memberships, anyone who visits Massage Envy can enjoy a relaxing and therapeutic massage, without paying traditional day spa prices.

Gary Hirsch, who co-owns and operates five Massage Envy Clinics in South Florida, recently answered a few questions about his business.

technique, areas of focus and desired outcome. Every visit is a chance to find your new favorite massage.

What are some of the massage services you offer? We offer Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, Prenatal Massage, Reflexology, Trigger Point Therapy, and Cranial Sacral Therapy.

How long have you been in your current location and what brought you to this area?

We opened this location in 2007. We felt that the Sunrise/Plantation area needed an affordable massage therapy establishment. After receiving many requests from member guests who were familiar with Massage Envy, we were able to secure our location in the PetsMart Plaza and open.

What can customers expect when they

$150.00 massage for the value price of $49.99.*

Why is “massage” such an important part of a healthy lifestyle? There are many benefits of massage: stress relief, encourages relaxation, improves posture, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure and helps manage pain.

Anything else you’d like us to know? We

offer Enhanced Therapies to customize your massage experience starting at $10. These include: Aroma Therapy with various fragrant essential oils to enhance well-being, Deep Muscle Therapy using warming and cooling thermal treatments, and Sugar Foot Scrub to soothe and refresh tired feet. Come in and join and anyone else in your household will receive an additional discount on their wellness program.

What is Massage Envy? At Massage Envy,

massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. These time-honored services not only relieve stress and treat physical conditions; they also provide physical and emotional benefits. The mission of Massage Envy is to make customized massages available to everyone. With affordable memberships, flexible hours and convenient locations, Massage Envy is an accessible alternative to traditional day spa massage therapy. Massage Envy offers a variety of massage types to choose from with variations in pressure,

Massage Envy is located at 12101 W. Sunrise Boulevard in Plantation. They are open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone them at 954-370-ENVY (3689) or online at MassageEnvy.com MM#22769

visit Massage Envy? Massage Envy believes

everybody deserves a great customized massage, so we’ve made relaxation convenient and affordable.

*Prices subject to change. Price shown based on member and/or first-time guest rates. Session includes massage and time for consultation and dressing. Charges for Enhanced Therapies are additional to massage therapy session. Rates and services may vary by location and session. Additional local taxes and fees may apply.

What’s the mood and ambience like? The ambience at Massage Envy

resembles a spa, in that it is tranquil and very peaceful. Many guests come in feeling stressed and leave feeling relaxed. The feeling that you get from Massage Envy is an experience and joy that will have you coming back whenever you feel stressed or just need some quite and relaxation.

What kind of training does your staff go through? All of our Massage

Therapists have passed the State Board and are Licensed Massage Therapists. Massage Envy is easy to find at 12101 W. Sunrise Boulevard in Plantation

What sets you apart from other businesses offering massage? We offer a

Welcome to Massage Envy, which offers a variety of relaxing and therapeutic massages

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Legally Speaking

Dissolution and Financial Disclosure By Evan Baron

lients who are going through a D issolution

of Marriage are often surprised to learn how much personal financial information they must reveal. The laws of this state require complete financial disclosure. Most people get overwhelmed with this requirement, since it can be very time consuming. Since Florida is a “No Fault” state, the primary area of dispute between a husband and wife is usually financial. The following is a list of the financial information required pursuant to Florida law. All parties MUST complete a Financial Affidavit. This Affidavit list a party’s income, expenses, assets and liabilities. It is a sworn document, signed under oath by the client, swearing to its truthfulness. A financial affidavit must be filed in all dissolution proceedings, even in the most simplified uncontested matter.

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March 2014 | SUNRISE town times

In addition to the financial affidavit, certain documentation must also be exchanged between the parties within approximately six weeks from the date of filing. If it is a simplified divorce this requirement can be waived by both parties. The Financial Affidavits must be produced however. The documents that are required include: ▸▸ Income tax returns ▸▸ Pay stubs for the past three months ▸▸ Statement of income ▸▸ Loan applications and financial statements prepared during the preceding 12 months ▸▸ Deeds, leases and promissory notes executed during the past 12 months ▸▸ Checking account statements for the past three months ▸▸ Bank statements (other than checking) for the past 12 months ▸▸ Brokerage account statements for the last 12 months ▸▸ The most recent statements showing value of retirement accounts, profit sharing or deferred compensation accounts ▸▸ Life insurance documentation ▸▸ Credit card statements for the past three months The above list is just a partial list of what might be required. Requests often require documents dating back three years. It is not unusual that clients often become quite anxious when assigned the task of gathering this information. Here are a few words of advice: ▸▸ Do not wait for the last minute to gather these items. Time deadlines are extremely important and any delays could result in sanctions. ▸▸ Don’t try and do everything at once. Give yourself enough time to “pace yourself”. ▸▸ Be as accurate as possible in filling out all Financial Affidavits. Please remember that it is a sworn document and your answers (if incorrect) can be used against you. ▸▸ Do not ignore items or questions you feel are not relevant. If you have an attorney, don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek his/her advise. It can make this task a lot less stressful for all concerned. The law firm of Evan H. Baron and Associates is located at 1655 North Commerce Parkway, Suite 201, in Weston. For information or a free consultation, call 954-385-9160.

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Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft By Nancy Rappaport, President and CEO of PriorityONE Credit Union of Florida

ecent breach of personal data at local

stores has placed us all on high alert as identity theft rises. Let’s power-up our day with a strong cup of coffee and review some key information about Identity Theft.

What is Identity theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. In many cases, the victim is unaware of the activity until months after the incident.

Identity Theft can happen in various ways:

▸▸ Stealing your purse/wallet ▸▸ Stealing financial statements from the mail ▸▸ Diverting mail from its intended recipients by submitting a change of address form. ▸▸ Rummaging through trash for personal data. ▸▸ Obtaining information transmitted electronically. ▸▸ Skimming or electronic device theft of card numbers.

What can you do to prevent identity thieves from accessing your information?

Here are a few practices that will minimize unauthorized access to your personal information: ▸▸ Contact your financial institution if you do not receive a monthly statement/bill. ▸▸ Review account statements carefully to ensure all transactions were authorized by you. ▸▸ Do not leave bill payment envelopes in your mailbox. Deposit them in a post

office collection box or at the local post office. Promptly remove incoming mail. ▸▸ Review your free annual credit reports at www.annualcreditreport.com ▸▸ Don’t leave your Social Security Card in your wallet/purse and ask why when someone requests your social security number. ▸▸ Never click on links sent to you by an unsolicited email. ▸▸ Don’t give your account number to anyone on the phone unless you’ve made the call to a company you know to be reputable. ▸▸ Shred personal and financial documents when you no longer need them. ▸▸ Don’t write your account number on the outside of an envelope.

What should I do if it happens to me?

If you’ve detected fraudulent activities on your account contact your financial institution immediately. Make a note for your file of what institution was contacted, who you talked to and the date/time your call was made. Determine whether you will need a police report or take further action. In response to concerns over identity theft, numerous companies and financial institutions have stepped in with identity theft protection services that can help you monitor your accounts. These services may also include fraud alerts and freezes on your credit reports. Many people find it valuable and convenient to pay a company to keep track of their financial accounts, credit reports, and personal information. Others choose to do this on their own. Ask your financial institution about their identity theft program and see if it’s right for you. Nancy Rapport is the CEO and President of PriorityONE Credit Union of Florida. For more information, please give us a call at 954-335-5100; visit us at www.priorityonefl.org or stop by one of our branches conveniently located in Sunrise, at 3000 North University Drive; in Fort Lauderdale, at 1900 West Oakland Park Boulevard or Coral Springs at 1700 North University Drive; Suite 100.

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SUNRISE town times | March 2014

Ask the Expert

Brushing Can Improve Your Child’s GPA By Dr. Michael Maruri

f you want to improve your child’ s GPA, brush

for two minutes, twice each day! Did you know that tooth brushing can impact your child’s grades, school attendance and affect your work as well? In the U.S., oral disease causes children to miss over 50 million school hours and their parents to lose 24 million work hours each year. Dental decay is the most common chronic disease in children—five times more common than asthma. Yet with good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, cavities are largely preventable. Recent research shows that children with poor oral health are more likely to have below average grades than kids who have good oral hygiene. According to a recent study in the American Journal of Public Health, researchers found students who experience tooth pain are “four times more likely to have a low grade point average – below the median GPA of 2.8” than their classmates. February is Children’s Dental Health Month. There are some simple things you can do to keep your children’s teeth from interfering with their education: ▸▸ Brush your child’s teeth yourself until age 6 and supervise brushing until age 8. Children may not have the dexterity to do it on their own effectively. ▸▸ Make sure your child brushes twice a day for at least two minutes--top, bottom and sides--not just the front teeth. ▸▸ Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Remember to replace your child’s toothbrush every 3-4 months. ▸▸ Be sure to clean between their teeth once a day with floss to remove plaque and food where a toothbrush can’t reach. ▸▸ Visit the dentist twice a year beginning at age one. ▸▸ The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children

March 2014 | SUNRISE town times

receive an exam by an orthodontic specialist by age 7. This evaluation will help to diagnose any problems with their bite. The goal is for every child to have a healthy and beautiful smile for a lifetime.

What Role Does Orthodontics Play in Oral Health?

Straight teeth make for a beautiful smile and they are also easier to keep clean. Crowded and improperly positioned teeth are more difficult to brush and floss. This can lead to a higher risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Orthodontics is often necessary to help improve the stability, function, and health of an individual’s teeth. Children, who receive compliments on their beautiful teeth, smile more. More smiles translate into a friendlier demeanor and higher self-esteem. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, “It has been clinically proven that a beautiful smile leads to higher self-esteem. Confidence generates success.” I am a firm believer that children are our highest priority. All children need and deserve a good smile. An uncorrected problem can adversely affect an individual’s speech, general health and self-esteem. A person’s self-confidence almost always increases when his or her smile and appearance are improved. The value of a beautiful smile cannot be underestimated.

Dr. Michael Maruri and his staff at Clear Orthodontic Solutions understand your child’s smile is just as important as their performance in school, which is why they offer convenient early-morning, afterschool, and Saturday appointment times. Dr. Maruri offers a variety of treatment options to meet the unique needs of his patients, including traditional metal, clear ceramic braces, lingual braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen. Contact Clear Orthodontic Solutions at 954-473-6900 for your free consultation or visit www.DrMaruriOrtho.com. The office is located behind the Fountains Plaza at 815 S. University Dr., Suite 100, in Plantation.

Message From The Fire Chief

Check Smoke Alarms When Changing Clocks By Thomas DiBernardo, Sunrise Fire Chief

aylight Savings Time begins S unday, March 9.

Sunrise Fire Rescue reminds you to check your smoke detectors and change the batteries when you change your clocks. Changing the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is a simple step you can take to help protect your home and your family. When testing your smoke alarms, make sure they are placed near the bedrooms in your home. The primary function of these alarms is to wake and alert you of smoke in the house while you are sleeping. Always read the manufacturer instructions when installing your smoke alarms. When you change the clocks, take the time to also create and practice escape routes with your family. Drawing a map of your home and identifying all doors and windows may help young children visualize their escape route more easily. Always remember to include two ways out of each room where possible. It is important to check all windows and doors to ensure they open easily. Before going through a door, test for heat by placing the back of your hand against the door. If it is hot, there is likely fire on the other side and it would be best to use the alternate means of escape. If you have to escape, remember the phrase “Get Low and GO.” Smoke rises and is toxic when inhaled. The smoke itself is silent, fast and deadly. When inhaled, it can cause damage to your lungs and can cause death. Crawl below the smoke, quickly and safely, to your way out. Designate a safe meeting place outside to wait until help arrives such as a tree, mailbox, neighbor’s house or street sign located a safe distance away from your home. Once outside safely, call 911 and wait for the fire department to arrive. Sunrise Fire Rescue reminds you to “Get out and stay out!” Never go back into a burning building. Here are some safety tips on smoke detectors from the National Fire Prevention Association: ▸▸ Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. ▸▸ Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the “test” button. ▸▸ Smoke rises. So, install smoke alarms following manufacturer’s instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling. Save manufacturer’s instructions for testing and maintenance. ▸▸ Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least twice a year. If an alarm “chirps,” warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away. ▸▸ Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are 10 years old (or sooner if they do not respond properly). ▸▸ Be sure the smoke alarm has the label of a recognized testing laboratory. ▸▸ Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices use strobe lights. Vibration devices can be added to these alarms ▸▸ Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan. Make sure you have a plan in case of fire.

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SUNRISE town times | March 2014

MAyor’s Message

Enjoy All the City of Sunrise Has to Offer By michael Ryan, Mayor of Sunrise

’ m honored to be part of the inaugural issue of the Sunrise Town Times, and happy to have another means of sharing news about our great city. I encourage you to take part in the many fantastic events we have coming up in Sunrise. Our next “Tunes ‘N Trucks” concert, set for Friday, March 7, features the music of Journey, performed by tribute band Never Stop Believin.’ Our Outdoor movie series continues on Friday, March 14, with a screening of “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.” Both events are free, and take place at the Sunrise Civic Center Amphitheater. Another family favorite, the city’s annual Earth Day Festival, will return to Sawgrass Sanctuary on Saturday, April 5. This outdoor celebration has it all: hands-on children’s activities, live music, great food, unique vendors and exhibitors, and eco-friendly giveaways. Once again, admission is free. In addition to hosting top-quality entertainment events, Sunrise is proud to put a strong emphasis on education. We are at the forefront of scholastic chess in south Florida. As part of an America’s Foundation for Chess pilot program, every 2nd and 3rd grade student at three Sunrise elementary schools is receiving chess instruction as part of their curriculum. All of our schools have chess clubs, and we host all-ages, open-play chess sessions every Saturday in the lobby of the

Sunrise Civic Center Theatre. Do we do it because chess is fun? Of course! But we also know that chess has been shown to be powerful tool to sharpen the mind and help develop academic prowess in your students. To get a bigger picture of what Sunrise has to offer, I encourage you to visit our website, www.sunrisefl.gov. We work hard to provide programming for residents of all ages and interests, and to promote the sense of family and community that’s so important in our city.

2014 NEW Specialty Camps

Junior Lifeguarding Camp, Creative Writing Camp, Drama/Vocal Camp, and Camp Clubs.

Join us for nine weeks of summer fun from June 9th-August 8th! Camp Sagemont offers something special for all campers preschool age through 8th grade! Visit campsagemont.com for all the details.

Camp Sagemont

Art Camp

Travel Camp

LIT-Leadership Program

(PreK3 - 3rd grade) ~ 9 weekly sessions Enjoy a wide variety of fun-filled weekly activities, shows and field trips.

(3rd - 8th grade) ~ One 4-week session Great for campers with an artistic or a creative flair or those who just want to have fun learning how to create different styles of art, offered from 6/9-7/3.

(4th - 8th grade) ~ 9 weekly sessions Discover the tri-county area’s recreational and educational hotspots 2-3 days a week. Join in exciting camp life on non travel days.

(9th - 10th grade) ~ Two 4-week Sessions 6/9-7/3 & 7/7-8/1 Is there a leader in you? Learn the skills necessary to become a future camp counselor.

Sports Camp

Adventure Camp

(2nd - 8th grade) ~ 9 weekly sessions Play basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball & more. Field trips twice per week.

(5th - 8th grade) ~ One 4-week session Challenge yourself during adventurous outdoor fieldtrips and team building activities, offered from 7/7-8/1.

Science Camp

Summer School & ESL

(3rd–8th grade) ~ Two 4-week sessions Explore the world of Marine Science (Session I ~ 6/9-7/3) or investigate extreme experiments in All Things Science (Session II ~ 7/7-8/1).

(1st-5th grade) ~ Two 4-week sessions 6/9-7/3 & 7/7-8/1. Students will review and/or fill in educational gaps in reading, reading comprehension, writing and mathematics, while enjoying a relaxed academic setting.

Our camp is conveniently located in the heart of Weston and just minutes from I-75, I-595 and the Sawgrass Expressway.

1570 Sagemont Way • Weston, FL 33326 phone: 954.384.1894 • email: camp@sagemont.com

March 2014 | SUNRISE town times

Legally Speaking

What Homeowners Need to Know about Florida’s New Speedy Foreclosure Law By Omar J. Arcia, Esq. Foreclosure Defense and Consumer Bankruptcy Protection Attorney

fter a two year effort, Florida legislators approved a new

foreclosure law that significantly affects the rights of homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages. Under the veil of “helping Florida’s economic recovery,” Governor Rick Scott signed House Bill 87 into law on June 7, 2013. Unless this new law is overturned by the courts, it is expected to have a profound impact on the foreclosure process in favor of the banks and homeowners’ associations. The new law permits a lender or its servicer to file a foreclosure action and, instead of being required to prove its right to foreclose, it unfairly shifts the burden on the homeowner to “prove” that the lender “does not have the right” to foreclose. This new procedure is time sensitive, and if the homeowner does not provide the necessary evidence, a final judgment of foreclosure is entered. In as quickly as 45 days, the property could be sold at a foreclosure auction. The new law also provides homeowners’ associations with same expanded rights to quickly evict non-paying homeowners through this new expedited foreclosure process. For homeowners that are behind on their mortgage or HOA payments (but not yet in foreclosure), it is imperative that you immediately consult with a legal professional about your case. There are a number of “pre-foreclosure” steps that must be taken in order to defend yourself and your family from this new speedy foreclosure law. Remember you will only have a limited amount of time (20 days) to prove that the party suing for foreclosure does not have the legal right to do so. This means that the evidence needs to be gathered before the foreclosure process starts, and there are critical requests for information that must be presented to lenders prior to a foreclosure to avoid losing your home. The new speedy foreclosure law also states that if your house is foreclosed on fraudulently, you cannot get it back. You will only be entitled to file an action for damages against the lender or other party that obtained the wrongful foreclosure. We all know that in foreclosure cases there are a disturbing number of mistakes being made by banks and their attorneys. For those homeowners currently in foreclosure, it is critically important that any mistakes in the process be identified and brought to the attention of the court BEFORE a final judgment. In short, this new speedy foreclosure law is wrong, and it clearly violates the due process rights of the good citizens of Florida. It will force many more homeowners into bankruptcy as the only reliable means of saving their home. More detailed explanations of different options available to homeowners in foreclosure, at risk of foreclosure, or considering bankruptcy are discussed in a new consumer-friendly DVD developed by the Arcia Law Firm entitled “Fight For Your Home,” available for purchase on our website. If you mention that you heard about the DVD through this magazine you will receive a FREE copy during the appointment to discuss your case in detail with a member of our qualified legal team. Contact the Arcia Law Firm today at 954-437-9066 to schedule a free consultation, or visit www.arcialawfirm.com for more information.

SUNRISE town times | March 2014

Photo of the month

The World’s Favorite Newspaper™

We Want Your Photo! Take your latest copy of Sunrise Town Times 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!

Email photos to: editor@SunriseTownTimes.com Alyssa Lauren took a copy of the Sunrise Town Times with her to the Epcot Theme Park and the “Test Track” attraction at Disney World in Orlando.

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

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March 2014 | SUNRISE town times

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