Our City Weston: October 2023

OVER ONE BILLION DOLLARS IN SALES 3000+

MAKE YOUR MOVE WITH MC GROUP

English, Español & Português

NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR SALE

⊲ Unparalleled finishes & design

⊲ Nearly 9,000 sqft under air

⊲ Price upon request

⊲ Completion early 2024

954-358-6010

• FREE PROFESSIONAL MARKET ANALYSIS

• FREE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY (AERIAL PHOTOS WHERE APPLICABLE)

• FREE VIRTUAL/VIDEO OF YOUR HOME

• FREE INTERNATIONAL MARKETING

• FREE LISTING WITH ZILLOW, TRULIA & REALTOR.COM

• FREE HOME STAGING RECOMMENDATIONS

• FREE “JUST LISTED” ANNOUNCEMENTS (DIGITAL & PRINT)

• OPEN HOUSE TO THE PUBLIC (IF REQUESTED AND/OR ALLOWED)

• ADVERTISEMENTS AS APPROPRIATE

• WORLDWIDE INTERNET PRESENCE

• CUSTOM YARD SIGNS (WHERE ALLOWED)

• NETWORK WITH THOUSANDS OF LICENSED REALTORS®

• SOCIAL MEDIA ADVERTISING: YOUTUBE, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, LINKEDIN, ETC.

• REAL ESTATE INTERNET BLOGS FEATURING YOUR HOME

• PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION & NEGOTIATIONS

• HELP WITH HOMEBUYING PROCESS & WORLDWIDE RELOCATION SERVICES

2816 OAKBROOK MANOR, WESTON

2538 MONTEREY COURT, WESTON

16101 EMERALD ESTATES DRIVE, WESTON

1006 SPOONBILL CIRCLE, WESTON

785 HERON RD, WESTON FL

1135 FAIRFAX LNANE, WESTON

If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.

Phyllis Scarberry

PRESENTS

PRESENTS

tuesday, october 31

5pm – 8Pm

tuesday, october 31 5pm – 8Pm

TRICK OR TREAT

COSTUME PARADE CHARACTERS SHOW AND MORE

TRICK OR TREAT

COSTUME PARADE CHARACTERS SHOW AND MORE

TO REGISTER AS A VENDOR PLEASE EMAIL APAULSON@WESTONLEASINGFL.COM

WESTON LEASING: (954) 349-5900 | 1675 MARKET STREET, SUITE 213, WESTON, FL 33326

TO REGISTER AS A VENDOR PLEASE EMAIL APAULSON@WESTONLEASINGFL.COM

WESTON LEASING: (954) 349-5900 | 1675 MARKET STREET, SUITE 213, WESTON, FL 33326

Palace owners Helen & Jacob Shaham give every resident & family their personal cellphone number and say: “Call us any time you have an unsolved issue.”

Palace owners Helen & Jacob Shaham give every resident & family their personal cellphone number and say: “Call us any time you have an unsolved issue.”

Even though our managers & staff are incredibly responsive, there are times when a request warrants directly speaking to the ultimate decision makers.

Even though our managers & staff are incredibly responsive, there are times when a request warrants directly speaking to the ultimate decision makers.

Like the time our Mr. Arkin told Jacob he wished The Palace had an Oculus (ask any teenager) he could play with his grandsons when they visit. Jacob tried one out, loved the idea and Mr. Arkin got his wish.

Like the time our Mr. Arkin told Jacob he wished The Palace had an Oculus (ask any teenager) he could play with his grandsons when they visit. Jacob tried one out, loved the idea and Mr. Arkin got his wish.

Or the time our Mrs. Martinez called Helen about the health benefits she enjoys from the hyperbaric chamber she used in a healthcare facility nearby. Helen was so intrigued she tried one herself, and ordered two — one for The Palace at Coral Gables and one for The Palace at Weston.

Or the time our Mrs. Martinez called Helen about the health benefits she enjoys from the hyperbaric chamber she used in a healthcare facility nearby. Helen was so intrigued she tried one herself, and ordered two — one for The Palace at Coral Gables and one for The Palace at Weston.

Senior living isn’t really luxurious if you get bogged down in bureaucracy or if you have to wait for corporate headquarter response.

Senior living isn’t really luxurious if you get bogged down in bureaucracy or if you have to wait for corporate headquarter response.

At The Palace, we have the antidote to corporate-run senior livings — owners you can talk to any time.

At The Palace, we have the antidote to corporate-run senior livings — owners you can talk to any time.

Scan here. Luxury Living for Seniors

You’ll be surprised!

“At The Palace, your request goes right to the top.”

PUBLISHER PAGE

16 Pink October: Honoring Resilience & Care

SCHOOL NEWS

18 Cypress Bay Senior Turns the “Sound Of Sweets” Into a Scholarship

24 Sagemont Prep + Sebastián Yatra, Alumnus & GRAMMY Winner, Celebrate New Conservatory of the Arts

CALENDAR

20, 22 October 2023

COMMUNITY NEWS

26 ACGW Weston Foreign Film Series Returns With 5 Exciting New Offerings

30 Calling All Chalk Artists

32 Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Marvel: Dive into the 2023 International Boat Show

34 Arts Council Of Greater Weston Wins Florida Recreation & Parks Award

61 Celebrate the Fall at Flamingo Gardens’ Harvest Festival

SPECIAL FEATURE

HEALTHCARE HEROES

44 Heroes Among Us 45 Andrea Bretal, MD 46 Alvin Martinez, DO 47 Anand Vakharia, MD 48 Jane Therrien, OD

49 Laura Gonzalez, DMD

LEGALLY SPEAKING

29 Estate Planning's Ghostly Gotcha: When Ownership Haunts Your Final Wishes

ASK THE EXPERT

38 Glaucoma

40 The Desire-Driven Housing Market: A New Era in Real Estate

54 Pediatric Foot & Ankle Sprains Can Be a More Complex Growth Plate Injury

ROTARY NEWS

28 Rotary Club of Weston's Commitment to Global Polio Eradication is Stronger Than Ever!

ASK THE SHERIFF

36 Placing Emphasis on Mental Health

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

56 McKinnon Legal Your Father's Rights Lawyers

SAFETY CORNER

59 Cooking Safety in the Home: A Recipe for Accident Prevention FROM TEE TO GREEN

60 Looking for the Opening Straight Drive Down the Middle of the Fairway?

ANIMAL HEALTH

62 Skin Problems

FROM THE STATEHOUSE

63 Down Syndrome Awareness Month

PET OF THE MONTH

58 Meet “Storm”

PUZZLE PAGE

64 Crossword & Sudoku

58 Answer Key WESTON CHAMBER

65 Greetings From Your Chamber President!

Rose & Dean Sklar Team

#1 Agents in Weston for 15 Consecutive Years

We Sell 3x More Than Any Other Agent or Team in Weston!

Rose and Dean Sklar live, work, play and network in Weston, and have for over 20 years. Thinking of Selling your property?

We may already have your Buyers, and your new home. We know of listings before they hit the markets, and we have Buyers ready to jump into your property.

GET IN TOUCH WITH US

Rose: (954) 298-3626

Dean: (954) 298-3616

rose@sklarteam.com

www.sklarteam.com

2690 Weston Road, Suite 101

Weston, FL 33331 Follow Us @SklarTeam

Install new flooring, remove curtains, and did a new paint job.

A new paint job, furniture removal and replacement with staging, and depersonalization.

Pink October: Honoring Resilience & Care

October heralds the arrival of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every year, the world witnesses unexpected bursts of pink, from high school footballers donning pink socks in tribute to their mother’s battles to colleagues sporting pink ribbons on their attire. The global movement for Breast Cancer Awareness has not only illuminated the challenges of breast cancer but also fueled immense strides in research funding.

The Our City Media family is no stranger to the shadows of breast cancer. Some of us have watched loved ones grapple with a diagnosis and eventually overcome it, while others have faced the pain of loss. Throughout these experiences, one constant remained: the relentless dedication of healthcare professionals. Their unwavering commitment to ensuring optimum health is truly commendable.

As highlighted by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, nearly 1 million Floridians have chosen the noble path of healthcare. This includes 83,000 doctors, 190,000 nurses, 66,000 EMTs, and Paramedics, alongside hundreds of thousands in support roles.

Over the past three years, these “front line” heroes have faced unparalleled demands, responding with grace and strength. This edition of Our City magazine celebrates some of these “Healthcare Heroes.” Dive into page 45 to discover the stories of individuals who continue to uplift our community. Their steadfast presence reassures us, especially in moments of need.

A heartfelt thank you to all the healthcare warriors from everyone here at Our City Media for guiding us towards healthier and brighter tomorrows!

Christy & Terry Jaillet

OUR CITY MEDIA PUBLISHERS

PUBLISHERS

Christy & Terry Jaillet publisher@ourcitymedia.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Christy Jaillet

ART DIRECTOR

Tom Rowe

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alana Brodie

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Nancy Koval nancy@ourcitymedia.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

John Brodie, Denise Caligiuri, Adrienne Collins, Mariem Garcia, Kenny Rodgers, Silvia Silva

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Terry Jaillet, Ivis Mateos, Patty Archer, Dean Sklar, Rose Sklar, Dr. Katya Pizarro, Dr. Jane Therrien

Andrea L. Jakob, Esq., Melanie Brocato

Dr. Carlo A. Messina, Sheriff Gregory Tony, Miguel E. Cordova, DVM, Rep. Robin Bartleman

Valentina Valderama, Leslie Courtney, Melanie Brocato, Alexis Peart

PHOTOGRAPHER

Tom Dean moonwalkphotography.com

ADVERTISING INFO sales@ourcitymedia.com

VISIT US ONLINE ourcitymedia.com

954-306-1007

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

READON LINE

and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our City Media of Florida, LLC 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 2023 by Our City Media of Florida, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.

Cypress Bay Senior Turns the “Sound Of Sweets” Into a Scholarship

Sara Gonzalez is a 17-year-old senior at Cypress Bay. She was born in Mexico, and moved with her family to the US at age 7, settling in Weston. She is bilingual and headed to college next year where she will major in math. She is a member of the Math Honor Society which tutors Cypress Bay and Falcon Cove students in math.

An outside passion for her has always been cooking, which she learned at a very young age from her grandmother, Barbara Velasco. A favorite project is Christmas cookies. She also loves ethnic cooking of all flavors.

Early last spring, she decided she wanted to give back in some way. She has volunteered with the Weston Music Society for many years, at events and by aiding with computer projects. She was introduced to the WMS by Barbara, who is a Board member. WMS has a matching scholarship program; a donation of $250 is matched by the organization

for a scholarship for graduates who will be continuing their music studies in college. She decided her plan would be to sell cookies to earn $250. She thought it would take all summer and most of the school year to complete the task.

She created “The Sound of Sweets” along with a flyer to advertise the effort, and started taking orders. She and her whole family soon found themselves baking 120 cookies a session because of the deluge of orders they received. By summer’s end, she had raised over $500. She baked her last batch on September 3 and retired to devote her attention to her senior year schedule of all AP courses.

Lou Marett, WMS President, commented. “We always knew Sara was sweet, but this effort to support scholarships is more than sweet, it’s heartwarming. Not to mention how delighted the purchasers were for the very delicious cookies.”

OCTOBER 7

Mayors’ Chess Challenge

It’s Your Move! Join Mayor Margaret Brown and members of the Weston City Commission at this friendly open competition. Chess players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in this event which is part of a series of events hosted by Mayors throughout Broward County in support of Scholastic Chess. 10:00 am - Noon at Weston Community Center, 20200 Saddle Club Road. For info visit www.WestonFL.org/Events.

OCTOBER 6 Artisan Market

Head to Weston Town market for this wonderful outdoor monthly event. Local artisans and craftsmen will showcase their handmade products ranging from ranging from jewelry, crafts, art, food, and more. 6:00 pm - 10:30 pm at Weston Town Center, 1675 Market Street. For more info, call 954-349-5900.

OCTOBER 7

Moonlight Movie in the Park Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Enjoy the family-favorite Halloween film, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” under the stars. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Coolers are welcome (no alcohol permitted). When a single mother and her two children move to a new town, they soon discover they have a connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. Show starts at 8:00 pm at Weston Regional Park, 20200 Saddle Club Road. For more call 954-389-4321.

OCTOBER 7-8

Harvest Festival Weekend

Flamingo Gardens celebrates the arrival of fall in South Florida with Harvest Festival Weekends. Each Harvest Festival weekend in October is themed and will feature entertainment, fun activities, and specialty Fall foods. This weekend’s theme is Pirates! Dress up in your best pirate’s garb and enjoy music provided by DJ Digital Anarchy. There will be a Pirate Encampment available from Noon - to 3:00 p.m. 10:30 am4:30 pm at Flamingo Gardens. Scan the QR code for more info or tickets.

OCTOBER 7

Work Out & get Motivated!

Celebrate summer with an outdoor workout. Led by personal trainer Susan Malinski, this session will get your blood flowing and set you off with a positive mindset. Led by personal trainer Susan Malinski, these sessions will get your blood flowing and set you off with a positive mindset. Boot camps are held at Peace Mound Park at 10:00 am. For more info visit www.SusanMalinski.com or call or text 954-245-2071.

OCTOBER 20

Chillin’ with the Cops

Chill out with your BSO Weston District Crime Prevention Unit at Weston Regional Park basketball courts. Join us for basketball, snow cones and tons of fun! Get to know your hometown deputies. Parents must attend with their child or teen. 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Weston Regional Park, 20200 Saddle Club Road. For additional info,contact Deputy Danielle Quinones at danielle_quinones@sheriff.org.

Mariana Fontanarrosa Eva Hajmassy Kara Walter Audrey Gordon Tara Hoffman Lisette Hampton Lisa Calle Ron Resha Dianne Denis

October 2023 Calendar

OCTOBER 21 Trick or Trot

Hit the road for the seventh annual Halloween-themed 5K and Kids' Dash! Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome, and costumes are encouraged! Participants will receive our coveted Trick or Trot treats: a commemorative medal and a t-shirt. Hosted at Markham Park. Race starts at 7:30 am sharp! Scan the QR code to register! Call 954-7474600 for more info.

OCTOBER 25-28

Bulk Trash Pick Up

OCTOBER 28

Brazilian Festival

Since its inception in 2012, the Main Stage of the Annual Brazilian Festival in Florida has become a beacon of Brazilian heritage and culture. Every year, the festival pays tribute to iconic performers, bands, composers, music genres, and styles that have revolutionized and marked Brazilian Popular Music. This year we celebrate the 12th annual event from noon till 11:00 pm at the Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek, 5550 NW 40th Street. Scan the QR code for more info & tickets.

OCTOBER 25-29

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the greatest boat show on the seven seas. Located steps from the beach in sunny South Florida, FLIBS spans nearly 90 acres across three million square feet of exhibit space that is connected by an intricate network of water and ground transportation services. The five-day show attracted over 100,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors representing 52 countries with more than 1,300 boats on display in 2021. Products range from sunglasses to superyachts and everything in between. For tickets & more info visit www.flibs. com or scan the QR code.

Free bulk pick-up will take place on your regularly scheduled garbage collection day, which is Wednesday, Thursday or Friday for single-family homes and Saturday for multi-family units with dumpsters. All items should be curbside by 7am on your collection day. For questions regarding bulk pickup, please call the City of Weston Public Works Services Center at 954-385-2600.

OCTOBER 31

Happy Halloween

Trick or Treating will likely be a bit different this year than in years past. Kids will still be dressing up, playing games, and maybe even playing a trick or two on a friend or family member. We remind everyone to have fun and stay safe!

OCTOBER 26-29

Saint David’s Carnival

St. David Catholic Church welcomes everyone to the annual fall carnival. Patrons are invited to advertise and attend the 4-day event at 3900 S. University Drive in Davie. Rides, live entertainment, shopping, freshly prepared food, and more. Discount tickets are now on sale. For more info, call 954-475-8046 or visit www.saintdavid.org.

butterflies and the arrival of hummingbirds to South Florida!

We’ve got all the plants that will bring them to your yard. Join us at The Butterfly Garden and we will help you select the best host and nectar plants!

Over 100 varieties and sizes of tropical fruit and citrus trees! We’ll show you how easy it is to grow them in your South Florida garden. Enjoy a fresh fruit smoothie and a slice of tropical mango-banana bread.

Ready, Set, Grow!! Now is the time to plant your tomato and vegetable gardens! We’ve got an extensive selection of heirloom, beefsteak, cherry and sauce tomatoes. Take home a sack of vine ripe tomatoes from our farmers market!

Get inspired with a beautiful assortment of herb, succulent, mixed flowers, foliage, fairy gardens and bonsai. Ready-made or do-it-yourself with advice from out staff & Tyler the Bonsai Guy!

Sagemont Prep + Sebastián Yatra, Alumnus & GRAMMY Winner, Celebrate New Conservatory of the Arts

Sagemont Preparatory School, a leading educational institution, recently joined forces with illustrious alumnus Sebastián Yatra to inaugurate the Sebastián Yatra Conservatory of the Arts. The grand opening featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony where Yatra, a two-time Latin GRAMMY winner, shared fond memories of his educational journey at Sagemont, from third grade through his 2013 graduation.

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, Sagemont’s student performing groups, including the Show Choir and Synergy Rock Band, showcased performances inspired by Yatra's work. Mellesia Nelson, the Head of School, highlighted how the conservatory would enhance the school’s ongoing commitment to foster creativity and curiosity among its students.

The Conservatory aims to be a multifaceted platform for artistic growth,

offering a range of disciplines from visual to performing arts. The institution will not only serve its student body but also extend private art lessons to the local community. For more information, you can visit www.Sagemont. com.

As for Sebastián Yatra, he’s a global sensation in the music world, achieving top chart placements and multi-platinum certifications. Recently nominated for a Grammy for his "Dharma" album, Yatra continues to break records and boundaries,

including his Oscar-nominated song "Dos Oruguitas" from Disney's 'Encanto.' At just 28, Yatra has garnered billions of streams and a worldwide following, solidifying his status as a groundbreaking, international artist.

With 5 Exciting New Offerings

Irene Carraway, Director of the WFFS, is delighted to announce the 20232024 foreign films. “Our Committee views many, many films from multiple countries so we can handpick the best 5 films for our Weston audience”, she notes. “It is time-consuming, but so rewarding to hear the positive responses we get each month.”

This year’s offerings include pictures from Bolivia, France, Denmark, Japan and Italy. They feature social issues, emotional issues, hidden secrets – all the plots that will intrigue you. The films are subtitled in English and shown at the AMC Weston 8 Theater with two starting times, 4:45 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The first film from Bolivia, in Spanish, is “Utama”. In the Bolivian highlands, an elderly Quechua couple has been living the same daily life for years. During

an uncommonly long drought, Virginio and Sisa face a dilemma: resist or be defeated by the environment and time itself.

Tickets will go on sale October 2 at these locations: Weston Community Center, checks only; the Weston Friends room in the Weston branch library (afternoons only), checks only, and online at www.1weston.com.

Ticket prices are – five series tickets for November 2023 – March 2024 are $40; four series tickets for December 2023-March 2024 are $35; single tickets, pending availability, at the ACGW table in the theater lobby.

Laura Dobrzanski, ACGW President, comments, “It is such a pleasure to partner with the City of Weston and the AMC Weston 8 Cinema to bring such a well-attended event. There is clearly a

desire for foreign films and our community has taken the series to heart year after year.

▸ For further details, please visit www.1weston.com.

Rotary Club of Weston's Commitment to Global Polio Eradication IS STRONGER THAN EVER!

to cause significant disability, paralysis, or even death.

In the 35 years since Rotary International made a promise of “A Polio Free World,” more than one million Rotary members have helped advocate and raise funds for Polio vaccines, including going to the most remote places to administer the vaccine. Polio eradication is currently the signature cause for Rotary International due to the magnitude of the challenge and the historic importance of eradicating this debilitating and sometimes fatal disease.

This crusade started in 1985 when Rotary International decided to start this fight and partner with governments and international organizations. At the time, the world was facing more than 350,000 Polio cases per year, affecting primarily children under 5 years of age, and the disease was present in more than 122 countries. Now, after years of worldwide initiatives and millions of hours of volunteer service, more than 2.5 billion children have received the Polio vaccine. As a result, more than 16 million people can live normal healthy lives because they were protected from Polio and its potential

Though the world is currently 99.9% Polio free, Polio is still present in 2 countries: Afghanistan & Pakistan. These countries continue to remain endemic and unable to eradicate the virus, facing pockets of infection and circulating wild Poliovirus. The total number of wild polio virus cases in these two countries is small, however, with fewer than 10 cases during 2023. The strategy is to reach the most remote places with a goal of reaching the “zerodose children” – children who have never received a dose of the Polio vaccine and are therefore at a higher risk of contracting the virus.

Polio is a distant memory for many people given that it was eradicated in the United States in the 70s and in many other countries in the 80s. However, Rotary International has kept Polio’s history relevant by making it a priority as one of our most important humanitarian causes. The strategy is very clear, and a group of affected and neighboring countries are following a successful model. Rotary has formed a successful partnership with The World Health Organization, Unicef, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the

local governments that covers everything from vaccine production and distribution, surveillance, and geographical data analysis to the last step, a trustable vaccine carrier. This is where an “accepted” member of the local society, local women, and health workers work together to handle cultural barriers. Volunteers have climbed mountains and traveled in boats and on animals in their efforts to reach all children!

Every year Rotary International commits $150 million to the Polio Eradication effort, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation matches $2 for every $1 that is raised. It is estimated that at least one million Rotary Members directly contribute toward funding the Polio eradication effort. Locally, Rotary Club of Weston has remained highly supportive of the Polio eradication cause, raising thousands of dollars for this effort every year. Last year alone we raised more than $19,000 for Polio, which, after factoring in the matching contribution from the Gates Foundation, resulted in the creation of over 95,000 Polio vaccines.

Our work as Rotary members will continue until Polio is completely eradicated. Rotary Club of Weston will stay committed to these efforts until we are a Polio Free World!

ESTATE PLANNING'S GHOSTLY GOTCHA: WHEN OWNERSHIP HAUNTS YOUR FINAL WISHES

By Andrea L. Jakob, Esq.

You've written your will, created a trust, and you're feeling as secure as a locked crypt. But wait! A phantom hitch might be lurking in the shadows, ready to haunt your family: the alignment between your estate plan and the way you own your assets. Spooky, right?

The Ghost in the Legal Machine

The skeleton key to ensuring your estate plan goes off without a hitch is understanding the importance of asset ownership. A will is like a spell; it only has power over assets that are solely in your name or without designated beneficiaries. Say you co-own a haunted mansion with a friend, complete with survivorship rights. When you journey to the other side, your co-owner inherits the eerie abode, bypassing your will. Basically, if you wanted your will to control the fate of the mansion, you should've held the title differently.

Trusts and Treats

Trust instructions work like a magic circle, but they only protect assets that are within it—those owned by the trust or with the trust designated as the beneficiary. If the asset isn't within the circle, your trust's magic has no power over it.

A Tale from Beyond the Grave

Picture Gomez Addams with a will and a trust naming his beloved Morticia as the beneficiary. He co-owns the family mansion with Uncle Fester and also has a life insurance policy, naming Wednesday and Pugsley as beneficiaries. After Gomez's spectral exit, Uncle Fester becomes the mansion's sole proprietor, and Wednesday and Pugsley divide the life insurance booty. Because of the ownership and beneficiary designation mix-up, Morticia ends up empty-handed, like a kid with a torn trick-or-treat bag.

Trick or Treat Safely

Don't let your estate plan turn into a house of horrors for your loved ones. It's critical to make sure your asset ownership aligns with your estate plan's goals. So if you want your estate plan to be more treat than trick, consult with professionals like us to ensure everything is in order.

When it comes to estate planning, don't get spooked. With the right guidance, you can avoid any ghoulish mishaps.

▸ Andrea L. Jakob, PA is located at 12401 Orange Drive, Suite 219 in Davie. They can be reached at 954-862-1479 or on the at www.jakoblegal.com.

CALLING ALL CHALK A RTISTS

The Arts Council of Greater Weston announces the return of Chalk in the Park, a growing community favorite. It will be held Saturday, November 4th from 11 am-1 pm at Library Park.

The theme this year is "The Great Outdoors" so start thinking now about what draws you to enjoy the fun and beauty of outdoors from Florida to the Smoky Mountains to the North Pole.

Prizes will be awarded in various categories.

To round out the day, there will be a DJ and a live 3D chalk artist. There will be a DJ and live 3D chalk artist who has always provided a great photo op.

Annalisa Walker, Special Events Manager for the City of Weston, comments, “As this community event continues, we look forward to seeing all the chalk art masterpieces come to life showcasing the creativity of our

community. This event, begun during the pandemic, grows each year, and we are happy to continue our partnership with the Arts Council of Greater Weston to ensure a successful event that can be enjoyed by all.”

The event is free but registration will be required. Chalk will be provided but feel free to bring your own as long as it complies with the Chalk in the Park Rules and Regulations. For more details and to register please visit our website at www.1weston.com .

Laura Dobrzqnski, President of the ACGW, states, “We are ecstatic to work with the City of Weston once again to welcome in the fall season with a creative, outdoor event that provides families and their neighbors an opportunity to come together to share their artistic talents and create something heartfelt and unique.”

Inna’s

• Convenient school pickup if needed.

• Dedicated homework help.

• Up to 15 Performing Arts classes per week.

• Classes include Theater, Dance, Music, Fine Arts, and more.

• Auditions are available for 3 Shows and competitions.

Inna Maor

Founder, Executive Artistic Director Dancer, Choreographe, Pianistr & Teacher

Hall of Fame Performing Arts Conservatory offers one of the most sought-after after-school programs in the area.

SCAN ME

Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Marvel: Dive into the 2023 International Boat Show

The Best Boat Show on the Seven Seas is set for October 25 - October 29. This year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is set to be bigger and better than ever, with thousands expected to attend. While it will be impacted by the considerable amount of construction at Pier 66 and the Broward County Convention Center, however, it will still feature six venues.

Show locations include the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, 17th Street Yacht Basin, Pier 66 Marina, and Super Yacht Village at Pier 66 South.

FLIBS spans nearly 90 acres across three million square feet of exhibit space that is connected by an intricate network of water and ground transportation services. The five-day show attracted over 100,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors representing 52 countries, with more than 1,300 boats on display in 2022. Products

range from Super Yachts to sunglasses and everything in between.

The annual event is the centerpiece of Fort Lauderdale's yachting life. Affectionately referred to as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” Fort Lauderdale boasts numerous marinas that can accommodate a vast number of yachts, including some of the largest and most luxurious in the world. It also hosts a concentration of marine-oriented businesses, easy-to-navigate waterways, and some of the world's most capable boat repair, maintenance, and construction providers.

FLIBS has a rich history that dates back to 1959. Over the decades, it has grown exponentially in size and reputation, attracting exhibitors and attendees from all over the world.

Aside from showcasing boats and marine products, the show usually features various seminars and workshops for both novice boaters and seasoned professionals. Topics might range from

fishing techniques to yacht maintenance.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is more than just a boat show; it's a significant event in the marine industry's calendar and a testament to Fort Lauderdale's pivotal role in the global yachting scene. If you're interested in the marine world or just want to witness the grandeur of modern yachts, it's a mustvisit event.

Residents are encouraged to get tickets early and to avoid the beaches on days they are not planning on attending.

▸ Scan the QR code for information and tickets to the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

ARTS COUNCIL OF GREATER WESTON WINS FLORIDA RECREATION & PARKS AWARD

opportunities to learn and earn community service hours, in addition to, offering scholarships to high school seniors that have worked with the organization. Annually, the Arts Council provides over 400 volunteers to help plan, organize, and execute arts and cultural events for Weston residents and visitors. Volunteers include students, adults, and the Arts Council Board Members. With well over 5,000 volunteer hours, they are a true asset to the city.

The Arts Council of Greater Weston is an organization that places high importance on diversity and endeavors to establish an atmosphere in which people from diverse backgrounds feel embraced and reflected. The ACGW Board consists of members from various cultures, ethnicities, age groups, and abilities.

of planning and implementation of the numerous events they put together (i.e., Weston Foreign Films Series, Chalk in the Park, Celebrate the Arts Day, Weston World Fest, Student Artist Showcase, and Summer Instagram Photo Contest)." Over the past 20 years, the board and what it does has grown. Don Decker states “They are a critical component of what makes Weston special and unique.”

The FRPA named the Arts Council of Greater Weston as the winner of its 2023 Voluntary Service Award Group.

The Arts Council of Greater Weston, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the community by ensuring that there are a wide variety of cultural and educational opportunities available locally.

Its mission is to help the City of Weston provide diverse arts and cultural events and activities that will place Weston among the pre-eminent South Florida communities; assist existing arts and cultural organizations in their efforts to bring high-quality events and programming to enhance the quality of life for all residents and neighboring cities; assist the city in reviewing requests to sponsor or provide venues for arts and cultural events; be a liaison between the community, the City of Weston and the Broward County Cultural Affairs Division; and raise awareness for the current issues affecting the arts and culture within our community. In short terms, “Building Community Through the Arts”.

The Arts Council of Greater Weston provides planning and oversight of diverse cultural activities, highlighting the spaces offered by the many beautiful parks and facilities in Weston. Among those events are Weston World Fest, Chalk in the Park, Celebrate the Arts Day, The Weston Foreign Film Series and The Student Artist Showcase.

The Arts Council of Greater Weston’s success is due to its ability to nurture student volunteers, inviting them to assist and participate in many events giving them

Due to the City of Weston’s unique contract form of government, the City relies heavily on community partnerships to make many of its events possible. Per Weston City Manager Don Decker, “The Arts Council board brings tremendous value in that they have the skills, experience, and commitment to manage all aspects

Laura Dobrzanski, Arts Council President, stated, “We are incredibly delighted to receive such a prestigious award from the Florida Recreation and Park Association (FRPA) amongst the many other well-deserving applicants. This award represents the countless hours, hard work, and dedication of our volunteers who over the past 20 years continue to endlessly pour their passion into arts and cultural events without whom these events would not be possible. We are very grateful for these individuals as well as our unique partnership with the City of Weston who continue to be strong advocates for superb art and culture experiences to enhance the quality of living for our community.”

PLACING EMPHASIS ON MENTAL HEALTH

n innovative BSO crisis response pilot program has been changing lives, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community and setting a new standard for effective mental health support.

Launched last year in Deerfield Beach, the BSO Co-responder Program pairs a licensed mental health clinician with a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained deputy. When a call for service involving a mental health crisis comes in, the team promptly responds to the scene together. The team further conducts follow-up wellness checks with individuals and their families who have recently experienced a mental health crisis, providing guidance, support and assistance with referrals for behavioral health services.

This combination of proficiencies enables us to provide enhanced de-escalation assistance and connect individuals with community-based social services and mental health treatment. When appropriate, we can divert individuals from the criminal justice system, ensuring they receive the care they need. We further provide deputies on patrol with timely and easily accessible clinical expertise as they encounter individuals with varied symptoms of behavioral health deterioration. This approach is built on the

By Sheriff Gregory Tony

Abelief that helping individuals experiencing mental health crises benefits them and our entire community.

The results we have achieved over the past year have been remarkable. The positive outcomes include:

Reduced arrests: By addressing the root causes of mental health crises, we have seen fewer arrests related to these situations.

Diversion from the criminal justice system: Our efforts are diverting individuals from unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system, allowing them to receive the help they need.

Significant increase in mental health referrals: We have substantially increased referrals to mental health services, ensuring individuals receive ongoing support.

Reduced repeat encounters: By providing comprehensive support, we reduce the likelihood of repeat crises.

Putting de-escalation into practice: In 100% of the co-responder's direct contacts with individuals in crisis, de-escalation techniques have been utilized to facilitate cooperation and preserve the dignity of all involved.

Zero use of force: We are proud to report that this approach has resulted in zero instances requiring the use of force.

Daniel Gelpi is a licensed therapist assigned to the

Co-responder Program. When he joined the sheriff's office in August 2022, he brought 25 years of mental health care experience. Working alongside Deputy Marcus Hall, a deputy in our Homeless Outreach Team, he immediately saw the benefits of this unique pairing. This method allows Daniel to provide quicker response and intervention for calls in progress compared to previous positions. Furthermore, he can engage in constructive discussions, allowing him to better connect with individuals who may otherwise be hesitant to seek behavioral health support.

"The value of this program is immeasurable," says Daniel. "Using the Co-Responder Model, law enforcement and mental health professionals are better serving the community."

Since its launch in Deerfield Beach, the program moved to Dania Beach for several months and is now being utilized in Cooper City. The idea is to move it around the county to gather data and information from a cross-section of the community to streamline and improve operations. As we continue to witness the positive impact of this program, we are eager to expand its reach and extend its benefits to even more members of our community.

Together, we are establishing a standard for empathetic crisis response that places the needs of our community members at the forefront.

GLAUCOMA

By Dr. Jane Therrien, Optometric Physician

What is Glaucoma?

• A group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve

• Primary open-angle – most common, develops slowly and painlessly

• Acute angle-closure – sudden blockage of drainage channels, is an emergency

Why should I know about Glaucoma?

• More than 3 million Americans have glaucoma

• Nearly half don’t know they have it

• Vision loss often occurs before individuals are even diagnosed

• Loss of vision is permanent -it cannot be reversed

How does Glaucoma damage my eyes?

• The Optic Nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain

• Optic Nerve cells degenerate and die slowly

• As nerve cells die, vision is slowly lost

• Vision loss begins in the peripheral, or side vision

Vision loss is not recognized until a significant amount of nerve damage

occurs! That’s why glaucoma is known as the “sneak thief of sight.”

In a healthy eye/optic nerve…

• The Aqueous Humor, a clear fluid inside of the eye, is continuously produced anddrained out of the eye

• If production increases, or draining decreases, glaucoma develops due to increased pressure

In an eye with Glaucoma–

• Fluid drains too slowly as it exits the eye

• This causes pressure inside the eye to rise

• Higher pressure leads to deterioration of optic nerve fibers

• Result is loss of vision

What are the symptoms?

• No pain or symptoms are present in the early stages

• Loss of peripheral vision typically is the first indication

Am I at risk?

You are at HIGH RISK for glaucoma

IF you are:

• African American and over age 40

• Over age 60

• Have a family history of glaucoma

How is it detected?

• Tonometry – measurement of pressure in the eye

• Ophthalmoscopy – examination of the back of the eye to look at the health and appearance of the optic nerve

• Pachymetry – measurement of the thickness of cornea

• Visual field test – measurement of peripheral vision

• Laser imaging – OCT

What precautions can I take?

• Yearly (or more frequently if you’re at high risk) comprehensive eye exams are your best defense against eye disease

• Though not a cure, early detection and treatment of glaucoma can slow its progression

Does insurance cover examinations?

• Most major medical insurance policies, including Medicare, cover annual dilated eye exams for patients at risk for glaucoma

• Yearly exams assist in early detection and treatment of glaucoma

▸ For a consultation or more information, you can reach Dr. Therrien at Weston Family Eyecare, 4472 Weston Road, or call 954-888-9393. Dr. Therrien and her staff look forward to exceeding your expectations.

At Oakmonte Village of Davie, our every effort is dedicated to the safety, comfort, and care of our residents. Our entire staff is continuously practicing infection-control procedures to ensure that both residents and staff stay healthy and happy.

Oakmonte Village of Davie’s beautiful 199-unit boutique-style Luxury Senior Living Community offers a continuum of care for seniors including Catered Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. We also offer restaurant-style dining, luxurious accommodations, washers and dryers in each apartment, a wellness center, 80-foot pool, activities & more. If you are ready, your new home awaits! Please call 954-982-2323 or visit us online at www.OakmonteVillageDavie.com

THE DESIRE-DRIVEN HOUSING MARKET: A NEW ERA IN REAL ESTATE

he real estate landscape is transforming, redefining the motivations behind home purchases. Traditionally, necessity, demographic shifts, and economic trends have influenced the housing market. However, buyers are rewriting the rulebook, opting for homes that fulfill their desires rather than just their needs.

The Rise of Desire-Driven Purchases

We are living in a consumer-centric era where desires often eclipse needs. This trend is not confined to trivial purchases; it has also permeated the realm of real estate. The surge in desire-driven home buying is a testament to a society prioritizing lifestyle, personal aesthetics, and comfort over mere shelter. Various factors contribute to this shift, including

By Rose Sklar

Tincreased disposable income, societal status, and media influence.

The Ripple Effect on Home Prices

As the demand for homes that cater to individual desires grows, so does the price tag. Properties that feature stateof-the-art amenities, exceptional design, and prime locations are commanding premium prices. These homes are no longer just spaces to reside in; they are seen as extensions of the owners' personalities and aspirations.

The New Standard: Renovations and Upgrades

A functional home is no longer enough to entice buyers in this evolving market. Modern consumers seek properties that mirror their personal tastes and lifestyles, compelling sellers and developers to invest in renovations and upgrades. Outdated kitchens and bathrooms are passé; today's buyers demand modern amenities, open floor plans,

smart home features, and high-quality finishes. A well-renovated home can fetch a considerably higher price than a similarly situated but outdated property.

A Boon for the Renovation Industry

The growing appetite for upgraded homes has had a domino effect on the renovation industry. Home improvement stores, interior designers, and contractors are witnessing unprecedented growth as homeowners strive to enhance the value and appeal of their properties.

The shift from necessity-driven to desire-driven home buying has far-reaching implications for the real estate market. The criteria for a "desirable" home have evolved, compelling all stakeholders— homeowners, sellers, and developers— to adapt. As the market continues to be steered by consumer desires, we can anticipate an increasing focus on design, luxury, and innovation in the homes of tomorrow.

Breast cancer can strike at any age. In fact, 5% of all breast cancer cases occur in women under 40.

Cleveland Clinic in Florida offers the personalized screenings you deserve, close to home. With traditional and 3D mammograms at convenient locations from South Florida to the Treasure Coast, our breast health experts are here for you. For empowerment. For peace of mind. For every care in the world.

Coral Springs | Weston | West Palm Beach

Schedule your mammogram today. Call 877.463.2010 or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Mammogram

Heroes Live Amongst Us!

They live in our community. They are our nextdoor neighbors, moms at the PTA meeting, dads who coach football, and young professionals who volunteer at the harvest drive. They do all the everyday things we all do. They go to the grocery store, plan vacations, exercise at the gym, and dine at their favorite restaurants.

They also save lives. Our community is filled with HEALTHCARE HEROES. They all help us to live healthier lives. Whether it’s the EMT who responds to 911 calls, a nurse at the hospital, the oncologist treating cancer, your family dentist, or your local eye doctor. These heroes treat what ails us and help us live better quality lives. We’ve included a selection of some of the heroes from our community who are making an impact, enjoy!

Andrea Bretal, MD

Owner & Medical Director

Weston Medical Health & Wellness

Dr. Andrea Bretal opened Weston Medical Health & Wellness with one goal in mind: to help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives. It only made sense to locate the holistic clinic, which focuses on obesity medicine in Weston.

Dr. Bretal’s practice combines nutritional counseling with integrative medicine to help men and women of all ages achieve success with lasting weight loss. She understands the role hormones play in weight loss and specializes in balancing hormones, from thyroid and adrenal to estrogen and testosterone, to set your body up for weight loss.

Patients with chronic health conditions like diabetes can find management techniques and even achieve

disease regression at Weston Medical Health & Wellness. By helping you lose weight and keep it off, Dr. Bretal believes you’ll live a healthier, happier life.

While the practice is known for weight loss, they offer much more. “Our services include Mental Wellness through Epigenetic and Nutritional imbalances, Hormone therapy for Men and Women,” said Dr. Bretal, “I am dedicated to educating and enhancing the lives of my patients.”

■ Dr. Andrea Bretal practices at Weston Medical Health & Wellness 1605 Town Center Blvd, Suite D, Weston, FL 33326. To make an appointment please call 954-389-1800 or visit www.WestonDiet.com for more info.

2023

Dr. Alvin Martinez

Obstetrician/Gynecologist

D

Women’s Center of West Broward offers a full range of services, including most high-risk obstetrics and gynecological care from a woman’s adolescent to postmenopausal years. Additional services include minor and major gynecological surgeries, including minimally invasive procedures.

Dr. Martinez has an incredibly positive outlook on life. “I try to remember that a bad day doesn’t make a bad life,” he said, “I feel confident in my knowledge and training and appreciate the community that supports and encourages me. Bringing new life into this world and being able to assist someone in the journey to parenthood is incredibly rewarding. It is fulfilling to help a woman navigate the different milestones and challenges that come with age and life.”

46 / Our City Weston / October 2023

r. Martinez’s mission is to provide compassionate, attentive, and professional medical care and customer service to women in South Florida. He believes in quality over quantity, meaning every patient will receive the time, consideration, and care they deserve during their visits.As much as he enjoyed the opportunity and years working for a large practice in Pembroke Pines, his desire to have continuity of care with his patients pushed him to become a solo practitioner. “When you make an appointment at my office, you will be seeing me each and every time and will not be handed off to a nurse practitioner or other physician.”

Dr. Martinez is inspired by his fellow practitioners, “One of the best things I can say about my field of medicine is how supportive and collaborative other OB/GYNs are. I have been surrounded by smart and insightful doctors and colleagues who give valuable feedback and advice.”

Anand Vakharia, MD

Primary Care Physician

Broward Community Medical Center

Dr. Anand Vakharia is a board-certified primary care physician with extensive experience in both inpatient hospitalist medicine, as well as outpatient family practice. He has practiced medicine in Wisconsin, North Carolina, and New York. Most recently, he served as Medical Director at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston NY, where he was also named Regional Medical Director of the Year for all of Western NY.

Dr. Vakharia had always dreamed of returning home to serve the community he grew up in, while working alongside his father. Dr. Vijay Vakharia, a board-certified physician in both internal medicine and cardiology, has practiced medicine in Broward County for over thirty years. Taking care of patients and helping people live their healthiest lives is a family affair. Together their practice strives to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to the local community.

In a world where healthcare can often feel impersonal and rushed, Dr. Anand Vakharia stands as a shining example of a primary care physician who goes above and beyond to deliver personalized care. He strives to address not only the physical aspects of health, but also the emotional and individual needs of each patient. Dr. Vakharia’s patients describe him as more than just a physician - he is a trusted partner, an advocate, and a source of unwavering support on their healthcare journey.

Broward Community Medical Center offers comprehensive primary care, EKG, echocardiogram, ultrasound and laboratory services, as well as same day appointments.

■ To make an appointment with Dr. Anand Vakharia call 954-747-7373 or visit bcmcf/.com to schedule an appointment today.

2023

Dr. Jane Therrien

Optometric Physician

Weston Family Eyecare

Dr. Jane Therrien grew up grew up in the Netherlands and immigrated to South Florida in 1984. In 1990, after graduating from South Plantation High School, her family moved to Weston.

Dr. Therrien is the owner and Optometrist at Weston Family Eyecare. She and her staff have been caring for members of the Weston Community since she opened her optometry practice, Weston Family Eyecare, in 2005.

Dr. Therrien specializes in serving her patients with the latest technology in vision correction techniques, lens treatments, contact lenses, and ophthalmic equipment. She was the first provider in Florida to offer the Neurolens, which provides relief of eye strain from digital devices, and has extensive experience with orthokeratology (Orthok). Orthok is the science of reshaping the cornea of the eye without surgery to improve vision and virtually eliminate the need for daytime contact lenses and glasses.

“One of my favorite parts about being in a medical profession like optometry is that I get to help improve people’s quality of life by improving their vision and eye health,” said Dr. Therrien, “Optometry is also a very social profession and I love being able to interact with and learn about so many different people every day.”

Dr. Therrien’s practice offers patients exceptional eyecare. She is dedicated to providing the highest level of service so her patients can have the vision they deserve. She recommends scheduling a comprehensive eye exam once every year to ensure your eyes remain healthy.

Compassion and professionalism are extremely important to Dr. Therrien, and patients can expect to be treated as a member of her own family.

2023

Dr. Laura Gonzalez, DMD

Cosmetic Dentist Best Smile Cosmetic Dentistry

Dr. Gonzalez graduated from the prestigious Facultad de Odontologia de la Universidad Autonoma de Mexico and then completed her studies at the Nova Southeastern University School of Dental Medicine.

With this exceptional training and experience behind her, Dr. Gonzalez opened her practice to provide excellence in dentistry with outstanding aesthetic results. To stay on the leading edge of her profession, Dr. Gonzalez also completed extensive hours of post-graduate training both at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and the world-renowned Laser Institute.

As soon as you walk through the doors at Best Smile Cosmetic Dentistry, you realize that this practice differs from others you may have been to. The calm, inviting ambiance makes you relaxed. That is a big difference from a typical dentist’s office!

Dr. Laura Gonzalez and her cosmetic dentistry team are passionate about bringing their patients state-ofthe-art dental care and outstanding aesthetic solutions.

We create beautiful, healthy smiles that not only meet the highest standards of beauty but also transform patients’ lives by improving their confidence. All of these services are delivered in an exquisite environment that feels more like a spa than a dental office. Her practice is multidisciplinary and includes an Endodontist, Oral Maxillo-facial surgeon, Orthodontist, Periodontist, and Cosmetic Dentist, ensuring that every patient receives the most advanced and complex solutions for their dental needs.

“We consistently invest in cutting-edge technologies to keep you ahead. This includes intra-oral cameras for detailed images of teeth and gums, digital X-rays, imaging, advanced lasers for diverse dental care, and a TENSing Unit. This unit enhances Neuromuscular care by determining the most comfortable jaw position through gentle facial muscle stimulation.”

■ To make an appointment with Dr. Gonzalez or learn more about Best Smile Cosmetic Dentistry, call 954-248-2601 or visit www.bestsmile.us.

“Changing lives, one smile at a time!”

Dr. Ivonelia Moncada and Carola Vargas

co-founded M&V Weston Laser and Wellness Center, offering treatments that enhance the management of health conditions. They support health providers, making patients feel radiant through laser, nutritional, and skin care treatments.

Ivonelia and Carola assist patients in achieving ideal weight with realistic expectations and protocols for obesity consequences. Our vaginal rejuvenation treatments alleviate perimenopausal symptoms, enhancing well-being and quality of life.

Ivonelia, a foreign physician in gynecology and an experienced nurse practitioner, designs tailored treatment protocols for each patient.

“There is no better feeling than helping patients reach their goals,” Ivonelia said, “Through personalized care and understanding of noninvasive treatments,

I see improvements in both beauty and health.”

Carola focuses on anti-aging and feminine rejuvenation, offering tailored laser and cosmetic treatments and personalized nutritional plans.

“I am inspired by our patients’ joy,” said Carola, “I love being part of that esthetic process and contributing to the mindset change about the importance of self-care.”

Both underscore the importance of knowledge: “Our role as healthcare providers includes sharing knowledge to educate patients. Empowered with knowledge, they practice better health habits.”

■ To make an appointment with Ivonelia or Carola or to learn more about M & V Laser and Wellness Center, call 954-530-8756 or visit www.mvlaserweston.com.

Ivonelia Moncada, IMG, RN, MSN, FNP Carola Vargas, IGP, RN, LDN M&V

Maria Isabel Clemente, MD

Dr. Carlos Barbosa, MD

Dr. Angela Rodriguez, MD

For the care of your child, nothing less than the best will suffice. At One Source Pediatrics, children and adolescents from birth up to 18 years of age receive quality, individualized care, and expectant mothers can take advantage of free prenatal visits.

Dr. Carlos Barbosa, Dr. Maria Isabel Clemente, and Dr. Angela Rodriguez are committed to ensuring that all patients, as well as their parents, feel at ease and well taken care of. One Source Pediatrics offers comprehensive “well” services such as

One Source Pediatrics

health check-ups, vaccines, back-to-school, and sports physicals.

The clinic can even accommodate sick children with same-day appointments, and features separate waiting areas for “sick” and “well” patients. Along with full-service pediatric care, this practice offers ear piercing, and its doctors and staff are fluent in both English and Spanish.

“Our job is to teach parents and ensure the well-being of their children,” said Dr. Clemente, “We love what we do and that’s key to keep a positive attitude. We guide parents and kids so they adopt a healthy lifestyle and see over time that they do!”

■ To make an appointment or learn more about One Source Pediatrics, call 954-659-8550.

2023

Lisa Lanza, AuD, CCC-A

D

Dr. Lanza earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University and earned her Doctoral Degree in Audiology from Nova Southeastern University and has served the South Florida Community for the past 11 years. Dr. Lanza focuses on Audiology Best Practices, including utilizing real ear measurements through speech mapping for optimal hearing device fitting.

One of the most rewarding parts of Dr. Lanza’s job is her patients first reaction when she programs their hearing devices and “hear” for the first time.

“It is an amazing feeling to see their smile,” said Dr. Lanza, “Hearing is a range of complex steps that transfer sound waves in the air into electrical signals and then carry these signals to the brain. Most of my

r. Lisa Lanza’s role as an audiologist is to identify and treat hearing, balance, tinnitus, and other auditory disorders. She prescribes, fits, programs, and manages hearing aids. Dr. Lanza also helps people with hearing loss to better communicate and connect with the world around them.patients don’t understand the hearing process and I love to explain it to them, so they have a better idea of their hearing loss and why it’s so important to wear their hearing devices. Another rewarding part of my job is the connections I make with patients.”

Hearing loss can be associated with several other comorbidities. Because of this, Dr. Lanza frequently consults with other medical professionals. “I always ask my patient’s for their PCPs so i can develop treatment plans with their other health care providers. Untreated hearing loss is associated with other health problems such as isolation, loneliness, depression, heart disease, chronic renal failure, diabetes, and cognitive decline. This is why it’s so important to visit these medical professionals to discuss the importance of diagnosing and treating hearing loss.”

■ To make an appointment with Dr. Lanza or learn more about Better Life Hearing, call 754666-8981 or visit www.betterlifehearing.net

Trujillo Medical Center

Yaneth Trujillo Founder & Physician

Dr. Yaneth Trujillo founded Trujillo Medical Center with a vision of superior, compassionate care. Today, from their offices in Miramar, Coral Springs, and the new Weston location, the center offers an extensive range of healthcare services, including annual wellness exams, vaccinations, sports physicals, Immigration Physical Exam I-693, lab analyses, IV therapy, and aesthetic procedures.

Trujillo Medical Center is at the forefront of healthcare, integrating innovative technologies, expert professionals, and personalized attention. This blend ensures enhanced quality of life with minimal discomfort and affordable costs.

For enhanced patient-physician communication, the center provides a 24/7 HealthCare Support Portal, allowing access from anywhere.

What sets the center apart is its seasoned healthcare team. Dr. Trujillo, with a vast 25-year experience, spear-

heads a holistic approach to patient care. Alongside Dr. Trujillo, the exceptional team comprises Dr. Jorge Camilo Mora, Dr. Carlos Romero, Dr. Francisco Cuevas, Xochil Echeona A.R.N.P., Tanisha Dawkins A.R.N.P., and Dayrelis Sardina P.A.

Central to their philosophy is Family Medicine, where patients are treated holistically, considering both physical health and emotional well-being in the context of family and community. The team caters to all family members, from toddlers to the elderly.

Recognizing the challenges of obesity, Trujillo Medical Center specializes in weight loss management, offering a comprehensive range of treatments and plans to foster healthier living.

■ For comprehensive family healthcare, contact Trujillo Medical Center at 954-436-8036 or visit www.TrujilloMedicalCenters.com.

Dr.

PEDIATRIC FOOT & ANKLE SPRAINS Can Be a More Complex Growth Plate Injury

By Dr. Carlo A. Messina

X-rays can fail to provide a complete and accurate picture of the diagnosis.

Injuries to the growth plate in children may cause damage to the structures at the end of the bone that will allow the child’s bone to grow to full adult size. These injuries may be misdiagnosed as a simple sprain of the foot or ankle. However, a more complex injury may be present.

Growth plates, which start to close between the ages of thirteen and eighteen can be damaged in incidents such as simple falls, sports injuries, automobile accidents or other major or minor trauma. If not recognized and treated early, a child’s growth plate injury can lead to shortening of the bone (growth ceases) as the growth plate may close prematurely. Angular deformities of the bone (a curve) may also develop. The severity of these deformities depends on the age at the time of injury, extent of the injury and the part of the growth plate that has been damaged. Certain portions of the growth plate may be injured affecting its growth while other parts grow more normally thus causing a bowing of the bone. Symptoms of a growth plate injury may mimic a sprain. These injuries occur more frequently than realized. There will always be pinpoint tenderness on the bone’s growth plate and a degree of swelling that is proportional to the degree of injury to the area. The child will often limp and try to avoid the body part. Normal treatment for a sprain may involve simple observation and application of an ace bandage or brace. This treatment for a growth plate injury that is severe may be devastating.

X-rays are used to evaluate bone and joint alignment. A growth plate can be injured or even fractured with a normal X-ray. In more moderate to severe cases, x-rays will usually show the fracture. When in doubt, a CT scan may be necessary. Treatment options (early diagnosis is crucial):

1. Immobilization in a below-the-knee cast with or without crutches may be necessary if the growth plate is well aligned. These injuries will heal on their own within six to eight weeks. The younger the child, the faster it heals.

2. If the injury has caused misalignment of the growth plate it can sometimes be carefully manipulated back into place and then protected with a cast. The cast would be necessary for a minimum of six to eight weeks. Non Weight Bearing would be mandatory.

3. If the misalignment is more severe and not able to be manipulated back into its normal position, surgery would be necessary to restore the growth plate to its proper position. This may help avoid later problems including malalignment or premature growth plate closure that may cause the extremity to be shortened and crooked.

▸ Carlo A. Messina, DPM, is a Board Certified Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Diplomate American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is a Foot and Ankle Surgeon with the Foot, Ankle and Leg Specialists of South Florida and specializes in treating infants, children, teens and adults. The South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine in Weston is located at 1600 Town Center Blvd., Suite C, (954) 389-5900 and in Pembroke Pines at 17842 NW 2nd Street, (954) 430-9901. www.SouthFloridaSportsMedicine.com

The most important thing is immediate diagnosis and treatment.

OFFERING SAME DAY & EARLY MORNING APPOINTMENTS & CONSULTATIONS

Pediatrics: We treat flat feet, high arches, fractures, growing pains, warts, toe walkers, in & out toe, limping, and ingrown nails in children.

OFFERING SAME DAY & EARLY MORNING APPOINTMENTS & CONSULTATIONS

Fractures: We can diagnose all foot, ankle & leg fractures in children & adults.

Cartilage Injuries: Microfractures, cartilage transplants, osteochondral grafting.

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

Reconstructive Surgeries: Flat foot, bunions, hammertoe, Achilles tears, more!

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

Foot & Ankle Arthritis: Total replacement, arthroscopy, fusions, realignment.

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

Sports Medicine: Tendon & ligament injuries, heel pain, shockwave therapy, PRP & stem cell injections, arthroscopy, tendonoscopy, and more!

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

Serving Our Patients for Over 30 Years!

Foot, Ankle, or Leg Injury Questions? Email the Doctor at DrJohnGoodner@Gmail.com (Don’t Send Protected Health Information)

MEDICARE | BLUE CROSS | DEVOTED-HEALTH NETWORK ONE | UHC | AV MED | AMBETTER | TRICARE | WORKERS COMP | ACCIDENTS/LOPS

SEMINOLE TRIBE | MICOSUKEE | SIMPLY | SUNSHINE | OSCAR

Weston 1600 Town Center Blvd. 954.389.5900

Pembroke Pines 17842 NW 2nd St. 954.430.9901

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

Pembroke Pines 209 SW 84th Avenue 954.720.1530

SIMPLY | SUNSHINE | OSCAR | MEMORIAL PHO

When it comes to treatment for all foot, ankle, and leg injuries, trust us to provide the care and expertise you deserve to get back to your best!

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

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

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

ORTHOTICS $400 | CASTS $200 | LACERATION REPAIR

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

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

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

Sports Medicine Associates (Self Pay Rates Do Not Apply)

Dr. Al DeSimone, M.D. SHOULDER & KNEE SPECIALIST

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

Dr. Alexander Bertot, M.D. SPORTS MEDICINE SPECIALIST

Dr. David Shenassa,

Dr. Franz Jones, D.O. SPINE AND INTERVENTIONAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST

Dr. Carlo Messina | Dr. Christina Garcia | Dr. John Goodner | Dr. Michael Cohen

Dr. Carlo Messina

MCKINNON LEGAL

YOUR FATHER'S RIGHTS LAWYERS

others and fathers should not be subject to archaic stereotypes, such as men working and women staying home to raise their children. Children benefit from having both parents fully involved in their lives, and fathers are equally capable caregivers.

Our McKINNON LEGAL father’s rights lawyers believe both parents should play a substantial role in their children’s lives from the beginning. McKINNON LEGAL attorneys are committed to helping fathers seeking to spend time with and parent their children.

Establishing Paternity for Fathers

The first step in creating a relationship between a father and his child is ensuring paternity is established if the parents of the child are not married. Historically, without the mother’s agreement or a formal paternity order, a father technically had no right to timesharing with his child. After July 1, 2023, once the Father signs the birth certificate

By Dr. Christina McKinnon, Esq.

Mor executes a joint stipulation of parentage with the Mother acknowledging paternity, legal paternity is deemed established.

McKINNON LEGAL will work diligently to establish paternity and protect a father’s right to share time with his children and ensure he gets his entitlement to all the joys of child-rearing.

A Father’s Right to Parenting Time

Under Florida Statutes §61.13, every child should have frequent and continuing contact with both parents, and there is now a presumption of equal timesharing, meaning both are capable of caring for their child. As such, parenting plans are based solely on a child’s best interests, not on a parent’s gender. The new provisions signed into law also provide that all the statute’s best interest factors are analyzed when establishing, modifying, or enforcing timesharing arrangements.

Fighting for Fathers’ Decision-Making Rights

A father’s right to be involved in his child’s life does not end with timesharing. He also has the right to make decisions about the child’s life. For example, a father

should have input on where his children attend school and what type of medical care they receive.

Without an active role in deciding what is best for his children, a father may be relegated to a ‘paying visitor’ role—someone who sees their child on a set schedule and pays child support but is not afforded equal status with the mother. An experienced lawyer at McKINNON LEGAL will work tirelessly to ensure a father’s voice is heard in major decisions relating to his child. Our Father’s Rights Attorneys Are Ready to Help

Changes in Florida law have made it possible for fathers to fight for their parental rights. Our legal team understands that the judicial system has historically favored mothers and could assist you in moving past that bias.

▸ If you are a father whose rights to your children are threatened in any way, call our law firm today. A father’s rights lawyer could help you protect your relationship with your children.

Cooking Safety in the Home: A RECIPE FOR ACCIDENT PREVENTION

By Melanie Brocato Life Safety Educator

Cooking is not only a fun activity enjoyed by many, but it is also an essential life skill. Whether you are a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, it is crucial to prioritize safety in the kitchen. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and injuries. Accidents can happen to anyone, but following some simple precautions can help you create a safer cooking environment in your home.

Cook with caution. One of the most crucial aspects of cooking is to stay focused on the task at hand. Avoid distractions like cell phones or excessive multitasking. Being present while cooking can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, including fire. Keep flammable items like dish towels, oven mitts, food packages, and cooking utensils away from open flames and hot surfaces. Always use oven mitts when handling hot cookware.

When cooking with hot oil, use extreme caution. Never fill a pot more than one-third full to prevent it from overflowing when food is added. Be sure to always have a properly fitting lid nearby and turn off the burner in case of a grease fire. For oven fires, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed. When in doubt, do not attempt to fight a fire by yourself. Instead, get out of your house, go to your family meeting place, and call 9-1-1.

If you have kids in the house, be sure to designate a kid-free zone around all cooking areas that can get hot. The kid-free zone should be a 3-foot area around areas such as the stove, oven, and BBQ grill that is free from kids, toys, and playing.

Cooking can be fun! It is important to prioritize safety in the kitchen. By staying alert in the kitchen and following some simple safety tips, you can reduce the risk of fire and injury and enjoy your culinary adventures.

Looking for the Opening Straight Drive Down the Middle of the Fairway?

It’s a great feeling to stride off the first tee knowing you have hit your ball straight down the middle of the fairway. It’s a huge boost to your confidence and any self-doubt you may have had immediately disappears. It’s a given that when you hit it straight from the very start you set up great momentum for the rest of your round.

Realistically speaking it’s a fallacy to think you can hit dead straight golf shots all of the time. Here are some tips and drills to help you hit a straight shot.

Try to avoid being too tense – Work on removing tension from your wrist and forearm muscles and learn instead to swing freely. A cluttered mind will always add tension and therefore start to improve by reducing the number of different swing thoughts in your head. It is far easier to release the club through impact without tension because a relaxed muscle is faster than a tense one. In addition, less tension makes it far easier to rotate your shoulders and hit the straight shot you are looking for.

Swing with a neutral grip – The key to hitting it straight comes from maintaining a neutral grip. Focus on some of the key check points including counting the number of knuckles you can see when you address the ball. Ideally you will see only two knuckles on your left hand; anymore and you are likely to hook the ball. Equally, check the

By Dean Sklar, PGA Professional

number of knuckles visible on your right hand. You should see no more than three; anymore and you are likely to slice the ball. In conclusion, the right hand controls the swing path and the left hand controls the angle of the clubface.

Set up correctly to the ball –Line up your feet, hips and shoulders parallel to the ball to target line at address. In lining up square to the ball to target line, make your life easier by picking a spot about six feet out in front of the ball to represent this imaginary line. Check that your left shoulder faces the target, perhaps the flag stick on a par 3. Check the direction of your divots – Check your divots to determine whether you are hitting the ball with a square clubface. Your divots will clearly tell you the angle at which you struck the ball. If they are pointing directly at the target you need to go back to basics making sure your feet and shoulders are lined up properly. Determine the correct ball position for each club – It varies for each club and therefore it is critical you set up your ball position correctly at address. For pitching wedges and short clubs, the ball should be positioned in the middle of your stance.

Always see your local PGA Professional for lessons as they are the ones to help you have more fun out on the course.

▸ PGA Professional Dean Sklar is a member of the Quarter Century Club of the PGA of America, an elite group of members who have served the PGA with honor and pride for 25 years. If you would like to talk to Dean about your golf game, contact him at Dean@SklarTeam.com or visit Rose and Dean Sklar at Coldwell Banker online at www.SklarTeam.com.

Celebrate the Fall at Flamingo Gardens’ Harvest Festival

Flamingo Gardens celebrates the arrival of fall in South Florida with Harvest Festival Weekends. Each Harvest Festival weekend in October is themed and will feature entertainment, fun activities, and specialty Fall foods; guests are encouraged to dress up to each week’s theme.

Harvest Festival is a time to celebrate the cooling weather and enjoy the wonderful our wonderful environment. There will be hayrides, pony rides, farm animal encounters, costume contests, and much more.

Guests may also enjoy viewing Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats which will be on display in the Gallery at Flamingo Gardens through January 28, 2024. Often misunderstood as large, blind, squeaky, creatures who suck blood and get tangled in your hair, this exhibit debunks myths and opens your eyes to the wonderous world of Bats.

Harvest Festival Weekend Activities:

October 7 & 8: Pirates Weekend. Music provided by DJ Digital Anarchy Noon – 3pm, live interactive Pirate Encampment with fun family activities all day.

October 14 & 15: Cirque de Flamingo Weekend. Live entertainment provided by the Florida Children’s Theatre Circus Spectacular from Noon – 3pm. Watch thrilling feats of balance and skill and then try your hand as you learn from the performers.

October 21 & 22: Cowboys & Cowgirls Weekend. Live entertainment by the South Florida Cloggers from Noon – 3pm. Learn from the dancers in between their performances. Visit with a real Rodeo Cowgirl and her horse from 10:30am-4:30pm and hear all about rodeo life and the cowboy/ girl lifestyle.

October 28 & 29: Halloween Weekend. Music provided by the Sekond Nature Band

from Noon – 3pm and visit with some of Flamingo Gardens’ own not-too-spooky Animal Ambassadors. Times TBD.

▸ Harvest Festival will be hosted at Flamingo Gardens at 3750 South Flamingo Road and is included with Flamingo Gardens admission. For more info visit www.FlamingoGardens.org or call 954-473-2955.

Skin Problems

By Miguel E. Cordova, DVM

wide variety of skin and coat conditions can cause your dog to itch and scratch, but pinpointing the problem can sometimes be difficult because many skin disorders cause similar outward signs. Following are four major categories of skin conditions seen in dogs.

Bacterial Skin Infections

The most common bacteria identified in bacterial skin diseases in dogs are Staphylococcus. Not contagious to people or other pets, these bacteria commonly cause a condition called “pyoderma” that results in itchy, yellow pustules; reddened skin; ulcerations; and/or hair loss.

Bacterial skin infections are usually diagnosed based on the patient’s history as well as the location and appearance of the affected area. Your veterinarian may also perform blood tests and skin tests to determine the origin of the problem. Many bacterial skin infections have an underlying cause, such as parasite infestation, hormonal or immune system disorder, or allergy. If the underlying cause is not treated appropriately, the skin infection will likely return. Treatment involves an antibiotic shampoo followed by application of an antibiotic ointment and oral antibiotics.

Fungal Skin Infections

The most common fungal skin infection in dogs is ringworm, which causes circular patches of hair loss usually on the head and legs. Diagnosis is best made via a fungal culture, where your veterinarian will pluck a few hairs from the edge of the circular patch and grow the fungi to see exactly what it is. Treatment for ringworm involves bathing the dog in a special fungicidal shampoo and administering antibiotics. Complete eradication of the infection can take a month or longer.

Ringworm is quite contagious to both people and other pets. Therefore, children and other household pets should be kept away from an infected dog during the treatment period. Anyone coming into contact with the affected dog should wash their hands regularly.

Allergic Skin Diseases

Allergies develop when your pet’s immune system overreacts to certain substances, causing tissue irritation. Skin conditions caused by allergy are challenging to diagnose and difficult to treat. Your veterinarian will first rule out all other types of

Askin irritation before making a diagnosis of allergy. Allergic dermatitis can be triggered by natural and artificial fibers, drugs, plants, dust, and food ingredients.

Treatment of allergies in dogs varies from ointments and sprays to injections and oral medication. A steroid called cortisone is sometimes used to ease the itching, but it can cause other health problems if used long-term. Although there is no cure for allergies, they can be controlled. The best remedy is to avoid whatever it is that sparks the allergy.

Parasitic Skin Diseases

There are a number of parasites that can infest dogs, all of which irritate the dog and cause self-mutilation from excessive scratching and biting. Fleas are one of the biggest culprits. Repeated infiltration by fleas can cause an immediate skin reaction to even one bite. If your dog is allergic, he will scratch excessively, causing redness, bumps, pustules, scabs, and hair loss in the affected areas. Other small bugs such as chiggers, deer flies, and gnats can also

bother dogs, but they don’t typically cause extensive skin problems.

Sarcoptic mites, also called “scabies” or “red mange,” inflame the skin and create numerous small scabs. Because they burrow under the skin, they are intensely uncomfortable for the dog but are often difficult to diagnose. Demodex mites are commonly found in small numbers in all dogs, but a percentage of dogs can experience an extensive infestation that leads to skin problems.

Help Is Available

Most skin conditions can be controlled but not cured and therefore require frequent, sometimes lifelong, treatment. No matter the cause of your dog’s skin irritation, it is possible to ease his pain and suffering. When you do, it will be a relief for both of you.

▸ If you would like further information please feel free to contact us here at Animal Health Center @ Weston (954)385-8389 or visit our website Animalhealthcenteratweston.com

DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH

n October, we celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month; a time to recognize the unique abilities and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome while challenging stereotypes. Having served as Chair of the Broward Children’s Services Council Special Needs Advisory Coalition, I understand the importance of bringing awareness, but most importantly, educating ourselves and creating a culture of acceptance.

It is important to highlight ongoing efforts to support individuals with Down syndrome through meaningful legislation. I’m proud to report that my bill, Public-School Student Progression for Students with Disabilities passed unanimously on the House and Senate floors and was signed into law by the Governor.

This legislation, which came from a

By State Representative Robin Bartleman

Idiscussion in a living room in Southwest Ranches, was inspired by Ana, an amazing young lady with Down syndrome. Thanks to Ana’s mom, and her fierce advocacy, I was able to craft legislation to change the State Pupil Progression Plan to give parents of students with disabilities more options to make the best educational decisions for their children.

This bill now allows the parent of a student with disabilities who is enrolled in pre-kindergarten at the age of 4 and is fully funded through the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) to retain their child in consultation with the individual education plan team. This retention will count towards good cause promotion in the pupil progression plan, the same as if a student is retained in kindergarten through grade 3.

Ultimately, this bill gives parents of students with disabilities an expanded choice and the ability to retain their child in

Pre-K to ensure that their child has a strong foundation before entering kindergarten. Although Down Syndrome Awareness Month is only celebrated one month out of the year, we must remember that inclusivity is a year-round commitment. By embracing diversity, educating ourselves, and advocating for equal opportunities, we can create a world where every individual is valued, respected, and included.

▸ It’s an honor to serve you and we’re here to assist with any issues or concerns you may have. Please reach out anytime at (954) 668-3662 or robin.bartleman@ myfloridahouse.gov.

GREETINGS FROM YOUR Chamber President!

By Patty Archer

If the number of ribbon cuttings we celebrate is any indication of the state of the local economy, we can see that small businesses are emerging from the pandemic recovery period with determination and innovation. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the unique character of our area. As we navigate toward brighter days, it is our collective responsibility to support them in every way possible.

How Can We Help?

Shop Local: Whenever possible, choose to spend your hard-earned dollars at local businesses. Whether it's dining at a neighborhood restaurant, shopping at a new boutique, or seeking services from a local provider, your support makes a tangible difference.

Spread the Word: Share your positive experiences with local businesses on social media and review platforms. Positive reviews and recommendations can significantly boost a business's visibility.

Participate in Local Events: Attend community events, fairs, and markets where local businesses showcase their products and services. These events foster a sense of belonging and stimulate economic growth.

Advocate for Policies Supporting Small Business: Stay informed about local policies that impact small businesses. The chamber, and its members, advocate for measures that create a conducive environment for business success.

Our local businesses have been there for us. As we embrace the coming holiday season, let us reciprocate by showing our unwavering support for their success. Together, we can ensure that our South Broward area remains a thriving, diverse, and prosperous place to call home.

▸ For more information and our calendar, visit www.westonflchamber.com.

Yours in Service,

Patty Archer