Our City Weston: December 2019

Weston Our City

WE CONNECT COMMUNITIES | DECEMBER 2019

A WORLD OF LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

Your Child’s First Step to a Lifetime of Learning

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUIGI

FEATURE STORY PAGE 43

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CONTENTS

PUBLISHERS PAGE

CALENDAR

16 Happy Holidays

44 December 2019s

COMMUNITY NEWS

SCHOOL NEWS

18 City Manager Welcomes Weston Residents’ Input

46 Weston Schools Score Straight A’s

20 Rotary Run for Tomorrow is Day of Health and Wellness 22 Mayors’ Chess Challenge Checks In At Weston Community Center 26 Weston BSO Schedules Shred-a-Thon

48 Weston Christian Academy Named National Blue Ribbon School

HOME & DESIGN 73 Jingle All the Way

ROTARY NEWS 74 A Kind Spirit from Thailand Joins the Weston Community

51 Gator Run First Graders Dress for Academic Success 55 Drone Racing Club is Flying High at Falcon Cove Middle School 56 Manatee Bay Issues Kindness Challenge 58 Indian Trace Elementary Dual Language Students Enjoy Literary Feast 59 Principal’s Book Club Sparks Passion for Reading at Eagle Point Elementary 60 Imagine Kindergarten Students Celebrate Holidays Around the World 62 Tequesta Trace Middle School PTA Tackles Teen Vaping Issue

22

and Operation Medicine Cabinet 30 City Hall is First Stop for Weston University Program 32 JAFCO Spirit of Life Luncheon Celebrates the Magic of JAFCO 36 Weston Branch Library Benefits from Broward Public Library Foundation Donations

65 Student Activists Educate Through Climate Trainings

POSITIVE PARENTING 49 Shared Holidays

REAL ESTATE 52 Rent vs. Buy – An Age Old Financial Battle

ASK THE EXPERT 64 Impingement Syndromes in Dancers

HEALTH & WELLNESS

75 Startling New Research On Headache

LEGALLY SPEAKING 76 Holiday Time Sharing

TEE TO GREEN 77 The Mental Game of GolfMonth!

PET OF THE MONTH 82 Meet Bella

72 Do your hands give away your age?

PET CARE

83 Can Chewing Gum Prevent Cavities in Your Child?

SNAPSHOTS FROM SCHOOL

CAN DO KID

82 Helping Your Itchy Pet 84-85 Kids in the Community

36 Sklar Team Event Aids Hurricane Victims in the Bahamas

68 Cypress Bay Senior Takes On Global Food Insecurity Issue

SEEN ON SCENE

38 BSO Safety Tips to Keep your Holiday Season Merry and Bright

70 Creative Student Launches Jewelry Line with a Cause

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

LEGISLATIVE LOOK 33 Do’s and Don’ts of Gift Cards

HEALTH AND WELLNESS 34 Staying up Late on Weekends is Detrimental to Your Health

SAFETY CORNER 40 Holiday Safety Tips

ASK THE EXPERT 41 Early Detection and Treatment is Key in Protecting Vision from the Effects of Glaucoma

FEATURE STORY 43 Gymboree Play & Music Is Your Child’s First Step to a Lifetime of Learning 14 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

56

87 Pics from Around Town 88 Our City Weston Travels to Italy

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PUBLISHERS’ PAGE

Happy Holidays!

BY CHRISTY & TERRY JAILLET

T

he holiday season is upon us. Living in such culturally and religiously diverse communities, the winter holidays can have very different meanings to all of our readers. One thing that seems to be constant, regardless of faith or heritage, is our tendency to celebrate with friends and loved ones.

Our family tradition is to celebrate on Christmas Eve Eve (two days before Christmas) with an extended family dinner, followed by a white elephant gift exchange. If you’ve never played, it’s quite simple and entertaining. Participants bring a wrapped gift. Each player, in turn, gets to unwrap a new gift or “steal” one that someone has already unwrapped. Feel free to adopt our family’s holiday tradition as your own. It is always great fun.

Speaking of adopting holiday traditions… Our kids beg us each year to celebrate Festivus, the secular holiday made famous on the sitcom Seinfeld. Coincidentally, it is also celebrated on Christmas Eve Eve. Our 16-year-old son is particularly interested in adopting Festivus’ “airing of the grievances”; so far we have successfully resisted!

Our family, along with our extended family at Our City Media, wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season. We hope you enjoy this treasured time with loved ones regardless of whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or even Festivus!

Best wishes for a festive and safe holiday season.

Christy & Terry Jaillet

Christy & Terry Jaillet Publishers

PUBLISHERS Christy & Terry Jaillet publisher@ourcitymedia.com MANAGING EDITOR Stacey Bomser OFFICE MANAGER Gabriela Moscoso ART DIRECTOR Jacqueline Allard GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tom Rowe ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Nancy Koval nancy@ourcitymedia.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES John Brodie, Denise Caligiuri, Adrienne Collins, Mariem Garcia, Silvia Silva, Jerry Spielman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Beverly Perkins, Ivis Mateos, Representative Richard Stark, Dr. Jean Nerette, Stephanie Muniz -ARNP, Fire Chief Todd Draizin, Dr. Carlo A. Messina, Holly & Bob Catania, Dr. Maria Grosman, Terry Jaillet, Dr. Behar, Dr. Browner, Dr. Jane Therrien, Dr. Tamy Faierman, Evan Baron, Dean Sklar, Rose Sklar, Mayor Daniel J. Stermer, Miguel E. Cordova, DVM CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kim Ruoff, Krushot Photography, PhotographyByLuigi.com, Weston Photography Studios

GOT NEWS? editorweston@ourcitymedia.com ADVERTISING INFO sales@ourcitymedia.com VISIT US ONLINE OurCityMedia.com

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Our City Media of Florida, LLC publishes FREE monthly, local community news magazines throughout South Florida. Our City Magazines are mailed monthly to affluent single-family homes, condos and businesses in their respective communities.

Monthly mailings are verifiable by USPS postage statements. Additional free copies are available at selected locations throughout the communities served and upon request by contacting the publisher. Opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher. Our City Media of Florida, LLC reserves the right to edit 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 2018 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.

16 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

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COMMUNITY NEWS

City Manager Welcomes Weston Residents’ Input

BY STACEY BOMSER

M

Photo courtesy City of Weston

The transition has been seamless, with Decker stepping up to his new role ayor Daniel Stermer, members of the Weston City Commission and city without hesitation or concern. “I wouldn’t characterize the job as harder than I workers took great pride in watching longtime friend and colleague thought, but the speed by which information, requests, and action items come Donald Decker take the official oath of office as Weston’s City Manager. across the Manager’s desk is more dynamic It was beautifully administered by Renee Smoley, the than I expected.” so-called “Mother of Weston”.

Of course, it’s nothing he can’t handle.

Decker had been Director of Parks and Recreation When it comes to service, quality and efficiency, for almost 20 years and has lived in the City even Decker learned from the best. “Having worked longer. That extensive experience and personal at the Magic Kingdom when I was younger, I connection provides Decker with a unique perspecam a student of Walt Disney. At the dedication tive in the City Manager role. It has also allowed for of the opening of Disneyland in 1955, Walt said a smooth transition into his new position. He says that the park would never be finished. He knew one of the things he likes best is now having an office that it would always have to be reinvented to in City Hall; his previous office was in Regional stay relevant. The same can be said for Weston.

Park. “A real joy of the job is being closer to more of Whether we are renovating a park, repaving a the City staff and getting to know all of my talented With his wife Laura by his side, Don Decker took the official oath of office as City Manager, administered by Renee Smoley. roadway, or planting new trees, we will have staff better.” to continually look for ways to maintain and As City Manager, Decker is, in essence, the Chief enhance our City so that future generations have the same ‘wow’ experience that Executive Officer of this municipality. Weston operates under the Commissionnew residents did when they were arriving in the 80s and 90s.”

Manager form of government making Decker responsible for the day-to-day And just like Disney World, Decker wants to make Weston the happiest place operations of the City and the implementation of the policies established by the on earth for its residents. “I am surrounded by talented, dedicated people. The City Commission.

City staff is exceptional. Our elected officials are engaged. Our residents are “My job is to focus on the most pressing issues as determined by our City passionate about the community. Put all of that together and it is easy to see why Commission,” states Decker. “I suspect one of the priorities on their list is Weston receives so many accolades.” the smooth transition between our first and second City Managers, Mr. Flint Decker encourages residents to reach out with questions or concerns. He can be reached at and myself. And that is something I’m thinking about every day in these ddecker@westonfl.org. first months.”

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Rotary Run for Tomorrow is Day of Health and Wellness

BY STACEY BOMSER

N

o need to wait until next month to make a New Year’s resolution to get in shape. The first step to fitness starts on Sunday, December 8th at the Rotary Club of Weston’s 22nd annual Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Run for Tomorrow. The event features a 5K and Half Marathon, along with the Mayor’s Get Fit Challenge 1-Mile Family Health Walk, followed by the Fitness and Health Festival.

Not only is this the largest health and wellness event in Weston, and the community’s largest sanctioned run, the Run for Tomorrow is Weston Rotary’s primary charity fundraiser. Over the past two decades, it has generated well over $1 million for local charities and non-profit organizations, such as Harvest Drive, Hope Outreach, LifeNet4Families, Sandy Nininger Jr. State Veterans’ Nursing Home and Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center, as well as The Rotary Foundation. The Weston Rotary has always come to the aid of those in need and that includes victims of natural disasters. It most recently provided support to victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. To continue its efforts, the goal is to net $100,000 from this year’s Rotary Run, as the need is greater than ever in our community and around the world.

The Weston schools are also a huge beneficiary from this event. The City of Weston started the Mayor’s Challenge Cup program nine years ago to encourage parents and schools to join together in teaching children the importance of fitness and healthy eating for improved physical and mental health. Each year, Weston elementary schools compete to see which school will have the largest number of participants in the 1-Mile Family Health Walk, as a percentage of its total enrollment. As an incentive to increase participation, this year every school that has at least 10% of the student population participate will receive $1,000, thanks to the financial support of Rotary sponsors. The coveted Commission Cup trophy will be presented to the school with the highest participation rate.

Mayor Daniel Stermer says he looks forward to walking alongside students and families in the 1-Mile Family Health Walk. “This has become one of my favorite events of the year. The Mayor’s Get Fit Challenge Cup represents an initiative to begin healthy habits early in life. It is a win-win situation for all – fitness, fun and financial rewards.”

All ages can create new healthy habits at the free Fitness and Health Festival, which takes place from

9am to 12pm. Event organizers anticipate about 100 vendors and exhibitors featuring an array of health and wellness products and services, sports, gyms, personal services, and more. There will also be booths showcasing the charities supported by Run for Tomorrow proceeds.

Activities include live music, stage performances, obstacle courses and fitness competitions, a dunk tank, and more. A Children’s Fun Zone will feature face painting, balloon twisters and the chance to paint a BSO vehicle.

The Rotary Club of Weston’s Run for Tomorrow takes place at Cypress Bay High School on December 8th. The half marathon starts at 6:20am sharp, followed by the 5K at 7:30am sharp. The 1-Mile Family Health Walk begins at 9am.

For more information or to register for any of the 22nd annual Rotary Run for Tomorrow events go to www.westonrotaryrun.com.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Mayors’ Chess Challenge Checks In At Weston Community Center

I

t’s your move on Saturday, January 11th when the Mayors’ Chess Challenge returns to Weston.

Players of all ages and skill levels will come together at the Community Center to enjoy a friendly game of chess.

The Mayors’ Chess Challenge was originally started by Sunrise Mayor Mike Ryan to promote scholastic chess and its academic benefits. It has grown over the years to now include 21 municipalities throughout Broward, as well as Boca Raton. One or more cities host the event each month during the school year. Players receive a Mayors’ Chess Challenge Passport to log their participation. Those with perfect attendance receive a prize at the end of the season.

Mayor Daniel Stermer says he is excited to welcome this open competition back to Weston. It is an opportunity for novices, experts, and all ranges in between to join in the fun. “This event is not just about playing chess, but about using the mind for critical thinking and sociability which we are onethousand percent supportive of.”

One of the great achievements of the Mayors’ Chess Challenge is that there are no barriers due to

age, physical ability or economic status. “Chess knows nor sees any boundaries,” states Mayor Stermer. “Chess brings students from all areas of the county together with adults of all backgrounds and careers for a great interchange. Chess breaks down barriers and benefits students with skills and focus that they will carry with them their entire lives.”

With the program just about a month away, Mayor Stermer says he is busy brushing up on his chess moves, acknowledging that while always a joy, playing against children can be a challenge. “I cross my fingers and try not to lose in less than ten moves.”

Mayor Stermer will be joined at the Mayors’ Chess Challenge by members of the Weston City Commission, BSO officers and principals from Weston schools.

“This is always a popular and fun day because everyone comes together for a common passion, and in the case of little ones, a game they love,” notes Mayor Stermer.

The event takes place from noon to 2pm on

Photos courtesy City of Weston

BY STACEY BOMSER

Saturday, January 11th at the Weston Community Center. The City will supply chess boards, but players are welcome to bring their own. There will be chess board cookies for all players to enjoy.

Two other Mayors’ Chess Challenges are scheduled for next month: City of Coral Springs on January 18th and City of North Lauderdale on January 25th.

There are eleven additional events scheduled for February through May. To view the schedule of upcoming events, visit www.sunrisefl.gov/chess.

For more information contact the City of Sunrise Leisure Services Department at 954-747-4600.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Weston BSO Schedules Shred-a-Thon and Operation Medicine Cabinet

BY STACEY BOMSER

Y

Mayor Stermer lends a hand during BSO Shred-a-Thon.

Photo courtesy City of Weston

help prevent prescription drug abuse and protect ou can do your part to help the Broward children from accidentally ingesting pills by safely Sheriff’s Office prevent prescription drug disposing of these medicines. abuse and identity theft. On December “Proper disposal is a vital step in preventing 14th, BSO is hosting a Shred-a-Thon and Operation prescription medications from getting into the Medicine Cabinet at the BSO District Office in wrong hands,” explains Deputy Danielle Quinones, Weston. Residents are encouraged to drop off papers Weston BSO Crime Prevention Specialist. “We want and pills to be safely destroyed. to dispose of the prescription drugs properly to avoid The Broward Sheriff’s Office says shredding any unintentional exposure or intentional abuse sensitive documents is a proactive step to reduce from others.” Operation Medicine Cabinet is just one the risk of identify theft. During the Shred-a-Thon, way BSO is helping fight the opioid epidemic.

Weston residents can safely dispose of personal Deputy Quinones cautions that flushing documents, check stubs, credit card offers, receipts unwanted medicine is not a safe form of disposal. and other material that might contain personal and “Flushing is not recommended because of the sensitive data. potential impact to our water systems. Drugs can be Shred-a-Thon is a free and convenient way to introduced into our drinking water and waterways, safeguard your identity. Set up like a drive thru, potentially affecting our health along with the health BSO Officers and Explorers will help residents of local wildlife.” unload boxes from cars. While there is no charge Operation Medicine Cabinet is a no-questions to participate, there is a five box maximum per car. asked service by the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Boxes can be no larger than 15 inches long, 12 inches Residents can drop off any unused, unwanted wide and ten inches high. or expired medications for safe disposal, just no At the same time, BSO deputies will be accepting needles or sharps. Participating residents turning unused, unwanted and expired medications in prescription medication will receive a $5 gift card, through Operation Medicine Cabinet. Its goal is to while supplies last.

BSO’s Shred-a-Thon and Operation Medicine Cabinet will take place on Saturday, December 14th from 10am to 1pm in the parking lot of the Weston Police Services Center at 17300 Royal Palm Boulevard. For more information call 954-831-8902.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

City Hall is First Stop for Weston University Program

BY STACEY BOMSER

Photos courtesy City of Weston

L

ocal and state government was the focus of the first lesson of Weston University. This one-of-a-kind civic education program allows select high school students to explore the various departments and agencies that make up our local government. The Class of 2020 is comprised of 24 students from Cypress Bay High School, Western High School and the Sagemont Upper School.

During the seven-month course, city leaders will welcome Weston University students into their offices one day each month. Each lesson focuses on a different area of local government, so it was only fitting the program began during Florida City Government Week. The program’s goal is to provide students with first-hand insight into the work that goes into running a city.

The first session began with an overview by City Manager Don Decker, who talked to the students about Weston’s status as a premier municipality and its award-winning operations. The class then met with Mayor Daniel Stermer. He spoke to students about politics, their future, and his personal passion and commitment to our community. The program concluded with City Attorney Jamie Cole providing a brief education in ethics training and legal perspectives.

Each month, the Weston University program focuses on a different aspect of government. Program days consist of instruction, conversations, observations and hands-on activities exposing students to the numerous City services and functions provided to Weston residents. Last month, students explored Weston’s Fire and Emergency Medical Services and this month they will learn about Community Services and Public Works, including tours of the city’s pump stations.

Future programs include lessons on Development Services: Planning & Zoning

and Engineering; Law Enforcement Services; and Finance and Technology Services.

The program culminates with a mock City Commission meeting during which students play the roles of city leaders and residents while carrying out an actual city agenda. The program also includes a one-day trip to Washington, DC., to help students connect the relationship between local government and our federal government services.

“Weston University opens students’ eyes to various career opportunities in local government as well as the inner workings of city government,” states Weston’s Director of Communications Denise Barrett-Miller, who coordinates the Weston University program. “All of us at the City of Weston enjoy giving students a look into the ‘day in the life’; whether it be a firefighter, police officer, engineer or parks director.”

To learn more about the Weston University program go to www.westonfl.org/government/ city-commission/civic-education/weston-university.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

BY STACEY BOMSER

M

Photos courtesy Dream Focus Photography

JAFCO Spirit of Life Luncheon Celebrates the Magic of JAFCO agic was in the air as the Weston/West Broward Chapter of JAFCO hosted its 17th annual Michelle Goldstein Spirit of Life Luncheon. Nearly 300 people attended the program, which recognized the tireless work JAFCO does to support abused and neglected children and those with developmental disabilities in our community.

This year JAFCO honored former Weston resident Sharon Gilbert, DMD, with the Spirit of Life Award.

A fourth generation dentist, Dr. Gilbert supports JAFCO by providing orthodontic care to the children living in the JAFCO Children’s Village. As an adoptive parent herself, she strongly believes the work JAFCO is doing to help children in need is priceless and considers it her privilege to be able to give back in this way.

Dr. Gilbert was introduced by one of her patients, Austin. Although safe and nurtured at JAFCO, Austin wore the scars of his tumultuous childhood in the form of his chipped and crooked teeth. He was Dr. Gilbert’s first JAFCO patient. Through her generous orthodontic treatment, Austin was able to regain both his smile and his self-confidence. Today, he is a senior at the University of Florida, with plans to go into a career in the medical field.

The award presentation was followed by the

bers of its Godparent Circle, who spiritually adopt JAFCO children through their financial commitment. The Circle of Hope supports families and children receiving services at the JAFCO Children’s Ability Center with a similar commitment. During the luncheon, two attendees were pinned, and two others recommitted. More than 100 Weston residents serve as JAFCO Godparents, with 37 in attendance at the luncheon.

Luncheon Co-Chairs Holly Honoree Dr. Sharon Gilbert The program concluded with an amazing Stracquadaine and Ruth Molina with patient Austin. performance by magician and illusionist Gary lighting of the Candle of Hope, a five-wick candle Goodman. The audience was spellbound as which represents the five children who die sensehe levitated a table and made it “snow” inside lessly each day in this country from abuse or the ballroom. neglect. A memorial candle was lit by Ingrid Jaffe Our City Weston is proud to serve as media sponfor her daughter, Michelle Goldstein, whose life was sor of the Michelle Goldstein Spirit of Life Luncheon. tragically ended on 9/11. The luncheon is named Since 1992, JAFCO has been committed to caring in her honor to celebrate her spirit and love for the for children in need. The non-profit agency serves children of JAFCO. abused and neglected children as well as those with Guests then viewed a touching yet inspiring developmental disabilities. This past year JAFCO video presentation. Imagine shared the story of was chosen to oversee the Eagles’ Haven Wellness three children whose lives were forever changed Center to support the Parkland and Coral Springs

by JAFCO, which has saved the lives of over 6,500 communities following the tragic shooting at children in its 27-year history.

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LEGISLATIVE LOOK

Do’s and Don’ts of Gift Cards

BY REPRESENTATIVE RICHARD STARK he holiday season is well under way and consumers are scurrying to both retail establishments and the internet to find just the right gifts for family and friends. The following are a few tips to make your shopping experience easier and safer.

Gift Card Giving Gift cards are expected to be the most requested item this holiday season. Their versatility allows recipients to select their own items, which ensures that they get exactly what they want.

There are two types of gift cards, retail gift cards and bank gift cards. It is particularly important for consumers to understand the differences.

Retail gift cards are sold by retailers and restaurants and can typically be used only with those merchants. While these cards may have certain purchasing exclusions as defined in their individual terms and conditions, by Florida law they shall not have an expiration date or any post-sale charge or fee.

Bank gift cards carry the logo of a payment card network, such as American Express, VISA, MasterCard or Discover, and their major advantage is that they are able to be used at any location that accepts those cards. Money on a gift card cannot expire for at least 5 years and no inactivity or “service fees” (such as a balance inquiry fee or an ATM fee) can be charged unless the card has not been used in 12 months. Even after 12 months of inactivity, only one such fee can be deducted from the balance per month.

Both retail gift cards and bank gift cards are required to include key terms and conditions on the card including fee information, expiration information, a toll-free number for additional information and a website, if available.

Traditional Gift Giving If your preference is to purchase a gift that you feel is more personalized to the recipient, there are some things to consider, especially if you’re buying children’s toys. ▸ Be cautious when it comes to sharing your personal information.

Don’t give your credit card or other financial information for a chance at the newest tech gadget, free gift card or holiday vacation rental. Your personal information can be stolen and used to commit identity theft. ▸ Save your receipts. When you’re shopping online, keep copies of your order number, the refund and return policies, shipping costs and warranties. Stores may offer a limited time to receive returned items, so always make sure that you know the return policy. ▸ Check for recalls. Numerous toys are recalled every year and many parents are unaware. The only way to protect your children from these hidden hazards is to stay informed. Toy and other child-related product recalls can be found by visiting the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) website at SaferProducts.gov or by calling CPSC’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-638-2772. Report defective toys that may result in an illness, injury or death, at SaferProducts.gov. As long as the report meets the minimum required information, it will be made available for others to view on the website and will be submitted to the manufacturer for product evaluation.

Best wishes for a healthy, happy holiday!

T

State Representative Richard Stark (D – Weston) represents House District 104 which includes all of Weston. You can reach Rep. Stark at RichardStark@myflorida.gov or by calling his legislative office at 954-217-0287.

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Staying up Late on Weekends is Detrimental to Your Health

BY DR. JEAN-CLAUDE NERETTE & STEPHANIE MUNIZ, ARNP

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f you take advantage of your weekends by going to bed late and sleeping in, you may be jeopardizing your health without even knowing it. This common practice, known as “social jet lag,” has become an important circadian marker for health outcomes.

Those individuals who are habitually following disordered sleep patterns by going to bed late on the weekends and waking up much later than they do during the week are more likely to experience sleepiness, fatigue, worse mood and poorer health overall, according to research.

How is that possible?

If you think about traditional jet lag, you may realize fatigue and sleepiness are common symptoms because your sleep schedule is disrupted by long hours of travel and time-change. It could take a couple of hours or days for your body to adjust.

Now imagine doing that every week! Even though you may not travel every weekend, going to bed late and waking up later than usual, puts your body through the same experience by disrupting your sleep pattern. What’s even worse is that for many people, this is a weekend habit, so they are literally jetlagged every week. Putting your body through those symptoms on a consistent basis, whether it be because you are out drinking or even at home watching TV, will definitely have you feeling less than ideal and will take a toll on your health.

Keep in mind sleep duration does not matter when it comes to the negative adverse effects of social jet lag. Sleeping more hours on the weekend is not a way to catch-up for missed sleep during the week and it will not help you recover from going to bed late as much as setting a consistent sleep schedule.

In fact, each hour of social jet lag may increase a person’s likelihood of heart disease by 11 percent.

Sleep is crucial for recovery. This is the time your body uses cells to repair damage; it also creates antibodies to fight infections and keep you healthy. In addition, sleep time provides for new learning and memory pathways to be formed in the brain.

There are numerous studies linking lack of sleep to undesirable outcomes.

Because sleep plays a significant role in our health, experts recommend adults get a minimum of seven to eight hours every single night as consistency is better than trying to catch up at the end of the week.

The most important goal in functional medicine is the optimization of health and balance, which cannot happen without adequate sleep. If you are going to bed on time and following a sleep schedule and/or routine but are still unable to rest, at Bellissimo Medical we can help you find the root of the problem as well as guide you into making lifestyle changes that will restore your good health and well-being.

Call us today and schedule your free consultation at 954.384.8989. Dr. Jean-Claude Nerette practices Functional Medicine and is Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine and Stephanie Muniz Nerette is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner and a Diplomate to the Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. Bellissimo Medical is located at 2665 Executive Park Drive, Suite #3, in Weston. www.BellissimoMedical.com

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Weston Branch Library Benefits from Broward Public Library Foundation Donations

BY STACEY BOMSER

T

he Weston Branch Library is more than just a place to borrow books. It offers a complete menu of programs appealing to all ages and interests, and many of these offerings are made by possible by the Broward Public Library Foundation (BPLF).

Broward County Library Founded in 1982, the BPLF is the fundraising arm for the Archivist Erin Purdy Broward County Library system. Weston is home to one of its demonstrates how to use the Memory Lab. 38 branch locations.

“Libraries are well known for their place in the community as a center of culture and learning,” explains BPLF Director of Philanthropy Robert Ahlness. “County funds provide the brick and mortar, circulation, and related services. The funding through the Foundation creates the robust programming that impacts library communities on a deeper level. Donations to the Library Foundation allow us to serve the community in a more meaningful way than through public funding alone.”

During this season of giving, when many people are making charitable donations, Ahlness encourages Weston residents to support the BPLF as it directly benefits our community. “The Weston Branch Library is home to many of our programs.

One program to take special note of is the Memory Lab,” he explains, noting that this program is unique to the Weston Branch Library. “The Memory Lab provides digitization options for the public to transform their treasured old photos, negatives and VHS tapes into digital records for preservation. It is part of a national archival initiative aimed at preserving family historical records for future generations. The service is free to use, and the library’s archivist regularly hosts free seminars on how to utilize the system.”

This past August, the BPLF funded three Ready for College workshops at the Weston Branch Library. Each workshop tackled a different part of the college application process: Scholarships and Naviance; Financial Aid Planning; and Applying for College. The free college readiness programs were geared toward high school juniors and seniors and their parents and were facilitated by Broward County Public Schools BRACE advisors.

Younger Weston students benefit from the Summer Learning Program, which is also funded by the BPLF. According to Ahlness, “It aims to fight the ‘summer slide’, when students no longer attending school see a dramatic dip in their reading and writing levels, through reading challenges and exciting educational programs held in library branches.”

Of course, none of these programs would be possible without donations from members of the community. For as little as $35 per year, you can join the BPLF at the Bookworm level. A $100 annual donation would classify you as a Bibliophile. Membership at this level entitles participation in the Wednesday’s Women Book Club. The West chapter meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Weston Branch Library. Its selection for this month is Educated by Tara Westover.

BPLF donations also support countywide programs such as the Books N’ Bears holiday program, which provides thousands of books and teddy bears to children in need, as well as the annual Literary Feast event series which includes the LitLUNCH! and Night of Literary Feasts. n For more information on how you can support the Broward Public n Library Foundation visit www.BPLFoundation.org.

Sklar Team Event Aids Hurricane Victims in the Bahamas

BY STACEY BOMSER

I

t’s been months since Hurricane Dorian devastated Abaco and Grand Bahama Island. While the heartbreaking images of destruction are no longer featured on the nightly news, residents of the island nation are still in desperate need of support. Rose and Dean Sklar and the Sklar Team of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Florida are helping lead the relief efforts here in Weston.

The Sklar Team has teamed up with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), a Miami-based nonprofit organization, to deliver disaster aid to the Bahamas. Realtor Alison Pusey sits on its Advisory Board. As the wife of CBS 4 Meteorologist Dave Warren, she is passionate about helping others who are in dire need after catastrophic weather events. GEM was one of the first aid organizations to step in after Hurricane Dorian. It has also aided Hurricane Maria victims in Puerto Rico, earthquake victims in Haiti, volcano victims in Hawaii and Guatemala, victims of California’s wildfires, and too many others to name.

“To date the mission has collected 675,000 pounds of aid and evacuated 859 people from the Bahamas,” states Pusey. “Global Empowerment Mission is now on to the second phase of its relief efforts, working to help people throughout the northern Bahamas stabilize their communities by 36 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

repairing their homes and reopening schools and essential businesses.”

Locally, Pusey assists GEM by organizing donations through Coldwell Banker’s CB Cares Foundation. In October, the Sklar Team hosted a spooktacular Halloween Home Showcase, which raised funds to support GEM’s recovery efforts in the Bahamas. That event showcased two of its luxury home listings in Windmill Reserve. Costumed guests were able to tour these magnificent estates while sipping signature cocktails and sampling Halloween-inspired treats. They were shuttled between properties in an electric MOVE vehicle.

With the holiday season upon us, Pusey is calling on the generosity of the Weston community to help brighten the holidays for children living in the hurricane-ravaged Bahamas. She has organized a toy donation drive and will personally deliver these toys to children in Cooper’s Town who would otherwise get no Christmas presents this year. “We will hand out holiday gifts at the community center just as we handed out candy there for Halloween,” shares Pusey.

She says GEM is also in dire need of building supplies such as plywood, roofing paper and shingles, drywall, cabinets and generators to help rebuild homes, as well as fishing boats, lobster/

crab traps and fishing nets to help Bahamians return to work.

Toy donations, as well as building supplies, can be dropped off at Global Empowerment Mission’s drop off location at American Horse Trails, 4928 SW 198th Terrace, in Southwest Ranches.

For more information on the Global Empowerment Mission and its relief efforts or to make a monetary donation visit www.

GlobalEmpowermentMission.org.

Dementia Primer: Alzheimer’s Disease

Facts and the Ongoing Search for a Cure

Dr. Ricardo Castaneda is the Director of Clinical Research and Business Development at Miami Jewish Health, which is the newest State-designated Memory Disorder Clinic in South Florida.

Many times, the terminology used by clinicians can be difficult for patients and their families to understand, especially when it comes to how we describe the diseases that can afflict our aging brains.

Even though memory disorders may present with very similar symptoms, it is important to understand their differences.

Join us

for this free event

During this talk, Dr. Castaneda will give an introduction to dementias, describe what they are, review some of the most common forms and discuss who may be at risk. Additionally, he will give an update on Alzheimer’s research and the work being done at Miami Jewish Health to help find a cure.

Tuesday, December 10th

5:30 - 6:00 p.m. Registration & Refreshments 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Presentation Come get to know The Artis Way—exceptionally personalized, respectful, caring and secure Memory Care in a custom-designed community that honors and supports each resident as the unique individual they are.

Please RSVP by Friday, December 6 th

Being held at: Artis Senior Living of Davie 2794 S. Flamingo Road Davie, FL 33330

To RSVP, or for more information, please call 877-340-8649 or visit www.TheArtisWay.com/Weston Check out our other nearby community in Boca Raton Assisted Living Facility License #AL13320

OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | DECEMBER 2019 37

COMMUNITY NEWS

BSO Safety Tips to Keep your Holiday Season Merry and Bright

BY STACEY BOMSER

T

he holiday season is upon us and sadly this is also peak season for thieves. The Broward Sheriff’s Office Weston District is offering some simple safety tips to keep in mind to keep you and your possessions safe while you are shopping or traveling.

Crime Prevention Specialist Deputy Danielle Quinones says when out shopping be aware of your surroundings. She recommends parking in well-lit areas at night. “Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash and multiple credit cards; only carry what is necessary.”

Just as you don’t want to become a crime victim, you don’t want your car to either. “Always keep your vehicle locked and do not store shopping bags inside,” cautions Deputy Quinones. “Thieves are watching mall parking lots and shopping plazas for shoppers that place their purchased merchandise inside their vehicles before heading to their next location. If possible, bring your shopping bags with you or drop them off at home, before heading out again.”

If your holiday shopping involves a purchase from Craigslist, eBay, Letgo, or another online classified ad website, consider completing your transaction

at the BSO Weston District Office (17300 Royal Palm Boulevard). It is a Safe Transaction Zone designed to help deter thefts and robberies.

“Always be sure to ask questions before buying or selling an item. Trust your instincts!” warns Deputy Quinones. “And if you’re shopping online, only shop on secure sites. Pay with a credit card, not using your bank account; you’ll get better liability protection. Always check your statements for unauthorized transactions.”

The holiday season is a time many Weston residents travel. Deputy Quinones offers the following tips to secure your home before leaving for vacation: ▸ Maintain regular lawn maintenance while you are away. Don’t let your grass grow like a jungle!

If burglars are staking out houses, they’ll notice these little things. ▸ Put a hold on your mail and newspapers or have a trusted friend, neighbor or family member stop by to collect these items. Having a full mailbox is a dead giveaway that you are not home.

Don’t forget to remind them to pick up packages and deliveries by the front door. ▸ If possible, leave a vehicle in the driveway. Have

▸ ▸

▸ ▸

a neighbor park his/her vehicle there to give burglars the impression someone is home.

Keep a low profile on social media. Do not post/ broadcast that you are on vacation or away.

Keep outdoor lights on during the evening/overnight hours. Indoor lights can be set with timers.

Lighting can give the impression that someone is home and possibly deter those ‘unwanted’ guests.

Do not store garage remotes inside vehicles that are left behind while you are on vacation. Install a padlock on the interior of your garage.

Finally, take advantage of the free BSO Home Watch Program. A deputy will check your home for signs of break-ins or suspicious activity while you are out of town. You can pick-up a form at the BSO Weston District Office.

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38 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

Animal Health Center @ Weston “The Gentle Practice You Can Rely On”

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Give The Gift Of Exceptional Food This Holiday Season!

Purchase your Zona Blu gift card in person or online at www.zonabluweston.com

Enjoy 10% off our catering menu during the month of December* * Must mention this ad when placing catering order to receive the 10% discount

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Not valid with any other offers or discounts. One offer per visit, per table.

No cash value. Excludes catering, take out, alcohol, delivery, gratuity & purchase of gift cards. Valid for Dine-In only after 4pm. Only original coupons from the magazine will be honored. Offer Expires 12/31/19.

Not valid with any other offers or discounts. One offer per visit, per table.

No cash value. Excludes catering, take out, alcohol, delivery, gratuity & purchase of gift cards. Valid for Dine-In only after 4pm. Only original coupons from the magazine will be honored. Offer Expires 12/31/19.

www.zonabluweston.com 954.617.7999 | Shops on the Green | 189 Weston Road (Next to Walgreens) OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | DECEMBER 2019 39

SAFETY CORNER

Holiday Safety Tips

BY DISTRICT FIRE CHIEF TODD DRAIZIN inter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. Decorating is one of the best ways to get into a holiday mood as we add the ornamental finishes to our castles. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, hospitals see thousands of injuries caused by falls, cuts, burns, and shocks due to holiday decorating.

While decking the halls, the Weston District of The Broward Sheriff’s Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services is urging people to look for and eliminate potential dangers from holiday lights and decorations that could lead to fires and injuries.

Here are some tips that will help ensure you and your family enjoy the holiday season safely: Plants and Trees can transform a home into a holiday wonderland. ▸ Keep potentially poisonous plants – mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis – away from children and pets. ▸ If using an artificial tree, check that it is labeled “fire resistant” and if prewired lights are UL rated. ▸ If using a live tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched.

Before placing in the tree stand, cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption and remember to water it every day. Remove it from your home when it is dry. ▸ Place your tree at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways Lights and Lighting make your home the showpiece of the neighborhood. ▸ Only use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors, and choose the right ladder for the task when hanging lights. Stretching the limits of a ladder can end with a visit to the Emergency Room. ▸ Replace light sets that have broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. ▸ Never nail, tack or stress wiring when hanging lights and keep plugs off the ground away from puddles. ▸ Follow the package directions on the number of sets that can be plugged into one socket. ▸ Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.

Cooking and Candles create the aroma from which memories are made. ▸ Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires and the related injuries, with most involving the stovetop. Stay in the kitchen while you’re frying, grilling or broiling food; turn it off any time you leave the kitchen. ▸ Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. If a fire occurs, slide the lid over the pan, turn off the stovetop and call 911. ▸ Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. ▸ If burning candles, keep them at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow the candles out when you leave the room or go to bed. ▸ Avoid using candles in the bedroom – where more than one third of home candle fires begin – or other areas where people may fall asleep. ▸ Never leave a child or pet alone in a room with a burning candle.

From our home to yours, the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services wishes you and your family a happy and safe holiday season and healthy New Year.

W

Hector Fabregas, MD

Yul Lopez, APRN

Humberto Paez, APRN

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www.healthstonePCP.com 40 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

For more information, please contact District Chief Todd Draizin at Fire Station 81 at 954-389-2015 or by email at Todd_Draizin@Sheriff.org.

ASK THE EXPERT

Early Detection and Treatment is Key in Protecting Vision from the Effects of Glaucoma

BY DR. JANE THERRIEN

G

laucoma affects 2.7 million people in the United States and is the second leading cause of blindness yet understanding and awareness of the disease is low. In fact, 72 percent of Americans don’t know that glaucoma typically has no early warning signs or symptoms, according to the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) 2014 American Eye-Q® consumer survey.

Often referred to as the “sneak thief of sight,” glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that can damage the optic nerve and impair peripheral vision. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to complete loss of sight.

While the disease does not have a cure and is not preventable, it is treatable and can be detected in a comprehensive eye exam provided by your optometrist.

A common misconception is that glaucoma only affects older adults when, in reality, it can happen at any age. In fact, it’s most commonly detected in people in their 40s. The key is to identify and diag-

nose the disease early in order to promptly treat and slow the progression of vision loss.

Americans are also largely unaware of the factors that put them at greater risk for developing glaucoma. Only 13 percent of Americans know that a person’s race increases their chances for developing

the disease. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, glaucoma is six to eight times more common in African Americans than Caucasians.

Additional factors that put someone at greater risk for glaucoma include those who have a family history of glaucoma, diabetes, hypothyroidism, are over age 60, or individuals who have had severe eye trauma.

Treatment for glaucoma includes prescription eye drops and medication to lower pressure in the eyes.

In some cases, laser treatment or surgery may be effective in reducing pressure.

In addition to yearly, comprehensive eye exams, the following tips will help you maintain overall eye health and clear, comfortable vision: ▸ Eat green, leafy vegetables and foods rich in nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin C and zinc to protect eyes from disease. ▸ Cut down on those bad habits such as smoking and consuming alcohol or excessive caffeine, which can all be harmful to the eyes. ▸ If you work in front of a computer, practice the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away to help avoid digital eye strain. ▸ Wear sunglasses with UV-A and UV-B protection year-round.

To make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam and to learn more about ways to help prevent vision loss from glaucoma contact Dr. Jane Therrien at Weston Family Eyecare, 954-8889393. The practice is located at 4472 Weston Road.

WESTON FAMILY EYECARE We provide our patients with the best vision and eye health care using the latest state-of-the-art technology in a warm, caring, and professional atmosphere.

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FEATURE STORY

Gymboree Play & Music Is Your Child’s First Step to a Lifetime of Learning

BY STACEY BOMSER

G

ymboree Play & Music has been a global leader in child development and positive parenting for over 40 years. The one of a kind play-based program prepares babies, toddlers and preschoolers for a lifetime of learning. Through its carefully constructed curriculum, parents and little ones play, learn and share magical moments as a family.

Gymboree Play & Music of Weston Owner Helen Ramos explains some of the exciting changes taking place at Gymboree and how you and your child can benefit from its generations of expertise.

Please explain Gymboree’s “play-osophy”.

Our research-based play programs were designed by experts. Play is critical to your child’s brain development, as well as their social and physical growth. That’s why our play programs are researched, tested and expertly executed to provide a unique play experience for children and parents.

Our leading-edge programs are also designed to support your needs as a

parent. With parent involvement at the core of our philosophy, we provide a safe environment where your child can be challenged, learn and thrive; and where you have the opportunity to celebrate their milestones, ask questions and meet other parents just like you.

Speaking of milestones, can you please explain why Gymboree is regrouping its play classes by milestone rather than age.

Gymboree Play & Music’s new play classes are uniquely and intentionally designed around your child’s early development, which happens organically and differently for every child. Because of this, our new class groupings are not designed by age, but rather by milestone to give parents more flexibility and the opportunity to choose the class that is right for their child. When we look at the development of a child, it is not linear. There are breakthroughs and setbacks, huge leaps forward and things that take time. We want a parent to look at who their child is, not by comparing them to others, but by being in tune with their child’s specific needs.

So, what are the new play classes?

The Gymboree program begins with Babies and then as children develop they can advance to Crawlers, Walkers, Runners, Explorers, and finally our School Readiness program.

Please tell us more about the School Readiness program.

It’s a preschool alternative program. It offers a specially designed curriculum for kids ages three to five in a loving, nurturing, homey environment with a small group size. Our School Readiness program builds confidence and curiosity for kids. This drop-off class includes both independent and

group learning activities that require cooperation and self-awareness while encouraging communication with peers. Children are working on prewriting skills such as cutting, pasting and learning the proper way to hold a pencil, and many more. Math and science are also introduced. Children enjoy plenty of story time and many opportunities for creative expression through music and arts as well. This class builds important developmental and social skills that help prepare your child for Kindergarten and eases the transition for both children and parents. Parents are welcome to stay on site and chat with other parents or catch up with some work on their laptop while their children are in class.

Why are parents such an integral part of the Gymboree program?

One of the most distinguishing features of Gymboree Play & Music, and a key philosophy on which it is based, is our unique approach to parent involvement, which encourages participation in and understanding of your child’s development. The reason is simple – children learn best when parents enter their world of play and imagination.

Parents are their child’s first teacher as well as role model. Parental support is also important to a child’s healthy emotional development, building trust between parent and child and helping kids to feel more confident to explore and learn. Our intimate setting allows parents to meet and share information with each other and to introduce their children to new concepts, skills and playmates. New parents particularly appreciate the support that Gymboree provides as they help their child explore new experiences and gain new skills. We strive to educate our parents on the importance of participation during class by having them sing along to the songs and model the activities.

Why does Gymboree stress that it is a parent-child program not Mommy & Me? We are continually seeing more dads involved in our classes. Whether it is for play classes, open gym time, Music or Art classes, fathers are choosing to be more involved in their child’s education. Typically, our play-based

programs were referred to as “mommy and me” but with many mothers going back to work, fathers are stepping up to the plate and wanting to participate and support their child as he/she accomplishes new tasks both physically and cognitively. It is very rewarding to see fathers singing, dancing and being silly with their children all while strengthening the bond with their child and meeting other like-minded parents.

Why are Gymboree birthday parties ideal for a first birthday?

First birthdays are a must at Gymboree because it is the most age-appropriate venue to host such an important milestone. With a playscape specifically designed with babies in mind, a one-year-old who may or may not be crawling will still enjoy themselves on their special day. Other centers tend to cater more to older children and may have a limited area for babies. Here at Gymboree, we have a space with over 1,500 square feet of age-appropriate equipment and toys children will be delighted to use. With activities such as bubbles, parachute time and kidfriendly songs to dance to, everyone is guaranteed to have tons of fun. Most importantly, your party will be private for you and your guests. We take care of everything, so parents can actually enjoy their child’s birthday.

Anything else you would like readers to know?

I encourage parents to set aside everyday pressures and have fun with your little ones. No hurries, no worries – just play. Visit Gymboree Play & Music of Weston for a day filled with games, art, music and magical moments as a family. Try a free class today and see for yourself how wonderful and engaging our facility truly is.

n Gymboree Play & Music is conveniently located in the Indian Trace Shopping Center at 1314 SW 160th Avenue. For more information visit www. gymboreeclasses.com or call 954-900-2799.

OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | DECEMBER 2019 43

CALENDAR DECEMBER 2019

1st

8th

second Wednesday of the Davis. Copies are available at month from 11:30am-1pm at the information desk. This MCafe, inside the Midtown book club meets the second Athletic Club. For more Wednesday of the month from Tree Lighting – Usher in the Rotary Run For Tomorrow and information visit www.

6:30-7:30pm at the Weston holiday season at the annual Health & Fitness Festival – apbweston.com or call Branch Library. Call 954-357Christmas Tree Lighting at The Rotary Club of Weston 954-557-4318.

5304 for more information.

Weston Town Center from hosts its 22nd annual Run 4-8pm. The festivities include For Tomorrow 5K and Half “Les Choristes” – The Weston a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Marathon followed by the Foreign Film Series, presented For more information go to Mayor’s Get Fit Challenge by the Arts Council of Greater www.WestonTownCenter.net.

One-Mile Family Health Weston and City of Weston, Memory Lab: Preserving Walk. The day culminates continues with this French Photographs – This class with the free Health & Fitness film about a new teacher at a focuses on archival tips for Festival. It all takes place at severely administered boys’ Cypress Bay High School. To boarding school who positively preserving your photographs.

Participants will learn good register for the race or learn affects the students’ lives practices for handling and more about the day’s events, through music. Show times storing paper photographs visit www.westonrotary.com/ are at 4:45pm and 7:30pm and how to save digital run-for-tomorrow. at AMC Weston 8. Tickets, if available, are $8 at the theater photographs for the future.

Weston Miracle League – It is from 10:30am-12pm at on the night of the show.

Children and young adults the Weston Branch Library For more information visit with disabilities, ages five to 18, computer center. Please www.1Weston.com or call are invited to join this special preregister by calling 954-389-4321. program which provides the 954-357-5420.

Memory Lab Orientation opportunity to play baseball, – Learn how to use the Weston Friends Club Book regardless of their abilities.

Memory Lab at the Weston Club – The Bookmarkers’ Volunteer Buddies, age 13 and Branch Library. It contains Holiday Potluck Lunch older, are needed and students professional-grade Memory Lab: Introduction will take place at 1pm at a can earn community service equipment to transfer VHS to Digital Storage – This member’s home. The book credit. The pick-up games are tapes, audiocassette tapes, introductory class to will teach discussion will be A Gentleman scheduled for December 8th photographs, and slides to in Moscow by Amor Towles. For and 15th, as well as January 5th, you what you need to know digital formats. The class to protect your digital files more information about this 12th, 19th and 26th at Rose G. is from 10:30am-12pm book club or about Weston Price Park in Pembroke Pines. for today and for the future. in the computer center.

Friends Club, call Mary For more information call 954- It is from 10:30am-12pm at Please register by calling the Weston Branch Library Sedlak at 954-389-3605.

667-7174. To register a player 954-357-5420. computer center. Please or to volunteer go to www. preregister by calling WestonMiracleLeague.com.

954-357-5420.

Night, Night Preschool BSO Shred-a-Thon & Operation Storytime – From 6-7pm Cirque de la Symphonie – The Medicine Cabinet – Help children, ages three to five, City of Weston, in collaboration prevent prescription drug can enjoy a bedtime story at with the Weston Music Society, abuse and identity theft. the Weston Branch Library. presents this holiday program Drop off unused, unwanted The free program will include featuring the acrobatic stars or expired medications and stories, songs and activities. It of Cirque de la Symphonie shred personal documents is sponsored by the Weston performing to music by the containing sensitive data Friends of the Library. For Symphony of the Americas at the BSO Weston District more information call Orchestra. The program takes Office, 17300 Royal Palm 954-357-5430. place at 7:30pm in the Cypress Blvd., between 10am and 1pm.

Weston Friends Club Men’s Bay High School Auditorium.

For more information call Group – “Weston Guys Meet Tickets are on sale at the 954-831-8902. & Eat” will gather at Lester’s Weston Community Center “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” – Bring Diner at 9am for breakfast. and Mia of London Jewelers.

Memory Lab: How to Organize the blankets, lawn chairs Hank Sanchez, a local For more information call Papers and Photos – Learn and plenty of popcorn for nonagenarian (a person who 954-389-4321 or visit www. archival tips for organizing Moonlight Movies in the Park. is from 90 to 99 years old), will WestonFl.org/events. and preserving family papers, All ages will love this new speak on “the more things photographs, slides, and take on the classic cartoon change, the more they remain other collections. It is from about a grumpy Grinch who the same.” Contact Mike 10:30am-12pm at the Weston plots to ruin Christmas for Callahan, Chair, at 954-298Branch Library computer the village of Whoville. This 8724 or mjcallahan@comcast. free, family event takes place net for more information or to center. Please preregister by calling 954-357-5420. at the Event Stage in Weston make a reservation.

Regional Park at 7:30pm. For Weston Library Book Club – All APB Networking Luncheon – more information, please call The Association of Professional are welcome to a book talk 954-389-4321 or visit www. on The Masterpiece by Fiona Businesswomen meets the westonfl.org.

12th

4th

10th

14th

7th

9th

11th

44 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

Weston Art Guild Juried Exhibit – There is only one month left to view the award-winning artwork on display at the Weston Branch Library. The 11th annual Juried Art Exhibit runs through January 14th.

Artwork is on display during regular library hours. For more information visit www.

WestonArtGuild.com.

16th Weston Friends Club Bunconeers – This Bunco group will enjoy a holiday party with lunch and gift exchange at the home of a member. For more information on this funloving group or about Weston Friends Club, please contact Bunconeers Chair Elena Hajek at 954-802-6720.

19th Happy Holidays Storytime – Toddlers, ages 12-35 months, and their caregivers can enjoy a special story time session celebrating the winter holidays, Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.

It takes place from 11:30am-12pm at the Weston Branch Library. Call 954-3575430 for more information.

22nd Weston’s Chanukah Festival – Chabad of Weston Center for Jewish Life invites the community to celebrate the Festival of Lights with the lighting of a giant menorah at Weston Town Center at 5:30pm. Guests at the free event will also enjoy delicious treats, music and more. Visit www.ChabadofWeston.com for more information.

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Weston Schools Score Straight A’s

BY STACEY BOMSER

T

he City of Weston celebrated the fact that all of the Weston area public schools earned an “A” Grade in the Florida Standards Assessments school grading system for the 2018-2019 school year.

The eleven Broward County public schools serving the Weston community were formally recognized for this outstanding achievement. Weston Mayor Daniel Stermer, on behalf of the City Commission, presented each principal with two coveted crystal book awards; one for themselves and one for the school.

In presenting the awards, Mayor Stermer said

Mayor Stermer honors retired Cypress Bay Principal Scott Neely.

each principal should be commended for his/her dedication and outstanding The Weston City Commission, along with School Board Member performance. He also congratulated Robin Bartleman, recognized the Weston public school principals for achieving “A” grades. the students, parents, teachers and administrators of each school who principal’s award and new Principal Kassandra Fried worked together to achieve this amazing accepting the crystal book award on behalf of the accomplishment.

Accepting the crystal book awards were Principal school. Western High School Principal Jimmy Arrojo was unable to attend the presentation.

Mindy Morgan from Country Isles Elementary, City leaders took this opportunity to formally Principal Christine de Zayas from Eagle Point Elementary, Principal Eliot Tillinger from Everglades recognize retired Cypress Bay Principal Scott Neely for his dedication and service. Mr. Neely oversaw Elementary, Principal Keith Peters from Gator Run construction of the school that opened in 2002 Elementary, Principal Amy Winder from Indian and quickly grew to become one of the largest high Trace Elementary, Principal Heather Hedmanschools in the country and one of Florida’s top DeVaughn from Manatee Bay Elementary, and Principal Paul Micensky from Tequesta Trace Middle schools. Because of his leadership, Cypress Bay excels in academics, athletics and activities with School. For Falcon Cove Middle School, former over 70 student clubs. It offers 33 AP courses, a dual Principal Dr. Mark Kaplan accepted the princienrollment option, the Cambridge AICE Program, pal’s award and new Principal Steve Carruth was Honors courses and it served as the pilot school for presented with the school’s award. Imagine Weston the FBI Cyber/STEM program.

Assistant Principal Theresa Sumner, who served as Mayor Stermer presented Mr. Neely, who was the interim principal last school year, received the affectionately known as The Big Kahuna on camprincipal’s award, while the new principal, Kristin pus, with a blue crystal wave award as a token of Sorokin, accepted the school’s crystal book award. It appreciation for all he did for Weston students and was a similar situation for Cypress Bay High School, with retired Principal Scott Neely accepting his final the community.

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SCHOOL NEWS

SCHOOL NEWS

Weston Christian Academy Named National Blue Ribbon School

BY STACEY BOMSER

W

eston Christian Academy has received the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School Award for 2019, having been honored as an “Exemplary High Performing” school. It is the only school in Weston, and one of only 57 schools statewide, to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Additionally, Weston Christian Academy (WCA) is one of only 50 private schools nationwide to earn this designation.

Upon hearing the news, Weston Christian Academy Principal Bobby McCann says the reaction was quite celebratory, as the school had been working on this goal for six years. “We announced it in a special assembly for students, parents and staff with a video clip of U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos congratulating the Blue Ribbon recipients and then we cut to the Blue Ribbon’s online site that showed Weston Christian Academy. The students and faculty were thanked for their hard work and we shared our appreciation to our families for their dedication in supporting WCA’s academic goals.”

Principal McCann describes WCA as a classically inspired school with an education that includes Bible, logic, rhetoric, science, mathematics, history and attention to classic literature, with heavy emphasis on reading and mathematics. Its students are continually recognized for their high academic achievements.

“In recent years, a majority of WCA students have been eligible for Johns Hopkins and Duke TIPS due to critical thinking subtest scores in the top five percent nationally. The school has been awarded first place in the Association of

Christian Schools International (ACSI) Florida Regional Math League in Algebra 1 and Prealgebra,” notes Principal McCann. “In addition, a WCA student won the State of Florida ACSI Spelling Bee and represented Florida in the national spelling bee. In recent Latin examinations with 22 countries participating, 100% of WCA students tested above the international average garnering summa cum laude status.”

While the school leans towards the classical, Principal McCann says faculty embrace researchbased best practices and integrative instructional opportunities in technology. Lower grades have regular critical thinking instruction with IMACS (Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science).

“Our students operate comfortably in the spheres of the classic and modernity.”

The school’s strong core curriculum is augmented by its fine arts program, with music class beginning in preschool and advancing to instrumental education in elementary school. “Weston Christian Academy has something rare even on a national scale: a full elementary orchestra,” boasts Principal McCann.

In addition to academics, as a parochial school, students are encouraged to live a life that contributes to societal good. “Whether delivering a truckload of food to a neighboring school community in need, raising funds to build a clean water well in Liberia, or supporting orphans and widows in Uganda, students are taught to care,” shares Principal McCann. “Our parents share this worldview which creates a continuity between home and school. This is the tipping point to our success.”

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Shared Holidays

BY IVIS MATEOS hen we are divorced parents or separated parents, the holidays can be quite different and difficult. We must learn to restructure the way we organize our shared time in a way that is fair for both parents and, more importantly, for the child to feel loved and secure.

First priority is ensuring that the child will be in a conflict-free environment. The holidays are naturally filled with chaos as parents are running around buying gifts, planning parties, and perhaps traveling to a different place to meet up with family or friends. Therefore, being mindful about your environment, and the environment in which the child will be, is essential in making the holidays less stressful and more memorable for the child.

Instead of focusing on the time that you will not be spending with the child if this is the holiday when they are away, plan and focus on the time you will be with them once they return. Avoid interrogating the child and/ or critiquing the other parent’s holiday plans. Encourage them to enjoy their time with the other parent and when they return, make sure to put your child first, help them feel welcomed, plan a mini holiday with them, and encourage them to share their favorite moments with you.

W

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Divorcedparents.com suggests you start new family traditions instead of trying to replicate your old ones. Here are a few ideas: take your kids to help serve meals to the homeless; adopt a family that is less fortunate than you; have a potluck dinner in place of your regular holiday meal; have a winter picnic; have a family pajama day. (You get the idea – break out of old thinking and get creative.)

One important tip to remember this holiday season is to be empathetic and kind to yourself, your child and others around you. Focus on creating long lasting memories every day. The holidays are just another opportunity you have to enjoy this moment in time. We never know how far reaching a kind word or gesture could go. A little love is never a waste.

Ivis Mateos is a mother of two boys and has more than 22 years combined experience in educational consulting and management. In addition to earning her National Administrator Credential, Mateos has lead workshops on curriculum development, teacher development and parenting.

She has been the General Manager at Tiny Planet Preschool and an Educational Consultant for Graven International Group for the past three years. For more information, please contact 954-384-4884.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Gator Run First Graders Dress for Academic Success

BY STACEY BOMSER

I

t’s not uncommon to see students in Isel Figueredo’s first grade class at Gator Run Elementary School playing dress up. Whether it be donning a chef’s hat for a Proper Noun Pizza Party or a surgical mask and gloves for Sentence Surgery, Mrs. Fig, as her students call her, finds children learn better when they are actively engaged in the lesson.

“Young learners become motivated and excited when they enter a classroom that has been transformed for an engaging lesson,” explains Mrs. Figueredo. “Whether transformed into a pizza parlor or hospital, students become thrilled and enthusiastic to engage in the activity that will be instructed. I find that students continue mentioning these types of activities throughout the year, which means I have created a memorable learning experience for them.”

Learning is the ultimate goal and Mrs. Figueredo finds these immersive activities are successful for students with all types of learning styles. “Some students learn best by listening, others by watching, and others by doing it. Although there are audio, visual and kinesthetic learners, I feel students learn best when the three modalities are incorporated in teaching, which is why I create these types of activities for them.”

Mrs. Figueredo says one of her students’ For another lesson, Mrs. Figueredo had stufavorite activities was the Proper Noun Pizza Party. dents dress like doctors and pretend they were in a She decorated the classroom like a pizza parlor hospital performing surgery on sentence structures complete with checkered tablecloths and pizza using Band-Aids. “Students’ memory and brain boxes and played Italian restaurant music. “After becomes engaged during dress-up play, even if it’s reviewing and understanding nouns and proper just wearing a hat or pair of gloves. They can build nouns, students were to identify proper nouns their vocabulary, engage in lessons, solve problems, found around the room on charts, in books and emotionally develop, socialize and use their imagimagazines, and on labeled items. Students were to nation while learning.” differentiate between common and proper nouns Mrs. Figueredo is a strong proponent of taking and write the proper nouns on pieces of ‘pepperoni’ lessons out of the textbook and into the classroom. to use in making their ‘pizza’. Afterwards, the class “Students are tactile learners and benefit from handsdiscussed their findings and reviewed the lesson on activities. It makes their learning significant, for understanding.” engaging, and creates positive experiences.”

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BY PHYLLIS SCARBERRY esidential real estate home values have increased since the housing market started its recovery in 2012. However, little has been reported about what has taken place with residential rental prices.

The Apartment Rent Report, RentCafe, explains how rents have continued to increase over the last twelve months because of a large demand and a limited supply. “Continued interest in rental apartments and slowing construction keeps the national average rent on a strong upward trend.”

Zillow, in its latest Rent Index, agreed that rents are continuing on an “upward trend” across most of the country, and that the trend is accelerating: “The median U.S. rent grew 2% year-over-year, to $1,595 per month. National rent growth is faster than a year ago, and while 46 of the 50 largest markets are showing deceleration in annual home value growth, annual rent growth is accelerating in 41 of the largest 50 markets.” The Zillow report went on to detail rent increases since the beginning of the housing market recovery in 2012.

What About the Weston Rental Market? ▸ Single Family Homes for Rent -- Up 38.3% compared to last year ▸ Single Family Homes “Rented” -- Down 13.6% compared to last year ▸ Rentals – price per square foot -- Up 8.2% compared to last year ▸ Single-family homes are renting within 98% of their originally listed rental price. ▸ Months of Inventory based on Closed Rentals -- Up 60.9% compared to last year How does that stack up to single-family homes for sale? ▸ Average For Sale Price: $962,000; that’s UP 9.6% compared to last year ▸ Average Sold Price: $622,000; that’s UP 5.1% compared to last year It is true that home prices have risen over the past seven years, thus, increasing the cost of owning a home. However, the cost of renting a home has also increased over that same time period. The deductions of homeownership help you as well – from homestead exemption to mortgage interest – there are no rental deductions unless you are the landlord! At the end of a five-year period, you would have made substantial rental payments with literally nothing to show for it – except for the fact you did have a place to live.

A few of my clients sold their properties because they were tired of the repairs – and felt they could get a bigger place at a portion of the cost with no maintenance responsibilities. Unfortunately, they “ran through their home-sale money” spending their savings on incidentals and vacations – which left them with nothing. In fact, when they tried to buy another home after tiring of living in rentals, they had no money for a down payment and were forced to remain in the rental cycle.

Yes, a home can act as a safe savings account – but it should never be treated like a “bank” – with home equity loans that never seem to get paid off. With the historic low mortgage rates, now is the time to jump into the homeowners’ circle. Before you realize it, your equity and wealth will build. Why are you lining the pockets of your landlord?

R

n Phyllis M. Scarberry, CRS, CLHMS, SRES, E-pro, Certified Relocation Specialist, Realtor® is affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty. She has been licensed for 23 years and has assembled a team of highly trained professionals to help take care of the many details that come with buying, selling and leasing your property. To learn more, call 954-980-3385, e-mail Scarberry.p@ewm.com, visit www.PhyllisMScarberry.com, or check out her blog at www.ScarberryGroup.com.

Chiropractic? Why Not? “A Doctor’s Confession to West Broward”

Dear Friend,

write one for a lesser amount for chiropractic. When you bring in this article (by 12/31/19) you will receive my entire new patient exam for $55. That’s with x-rays, biomechanical exam, history and consultation…the whole ball of wax. This exam could cost you $250 elsewhere. The law says that I must tell you THAT YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR TREATMENT, WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR DISCOUNTED, OR REDUCED FEE FOR SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT.

I

want to give credit where credit is due. So, perhaps a confession can help clear the air so there’s no misunderstanding. Before I talk about my confession, though, let me say a few other things first.

Let me start by explaining the photo in this letter. You know, when I meet people in town they usually say, “Oh, yeah, I know you, you’re Dr. Rick. I’ve seen your ad with that picture of you and your family.” Well, I’m the guy on the right.

Twenty-five years ago something happened to me that changed my life forever. I was a junior in high school and I started getting migraines. I had suffered from intense headaches since childhood.

Over the years, I consulted many medical doctors, and specialists.

I went through all kinds of tests, MRIs, and treatments. I tried every drug in the market; our medicine cabinet looked like a hospital’s infirmary. And still, nothing helped. But there’s more…

A friend of mine convinced me to give a chiropractor a try. The chiropractor examined me, took X-rays, and then “adjusted” my spine. The adjustment did not hurt; it actually felt good. And guess what…I started feeling so much better! From daily migraines, I went down to three a week, and then to once in a great while. That’s when I realized that I wanted to become a chiropractor and help others. That’s how it happened!

It’s strange how life is, because now people come to see me with their migraines. They also come to me with their chronic pain, neck pain, shoulder/arm pain, whiplash from car accidents, backaches, ear infections, asthma, allergies, numbness in limbs, athletic injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, just to name a few.

Here’s what some of my patients had to say: “Due to an auto accident, I suffered from severe neck pain, vertigo and I could not raise my arm to comb my hair. Now I am symptom free with no medication and I can do everything I could not do before.”

– E. Heaney, Hollywood, FL “Thanks to the DRX 9000 and the doctors, I no longer have chronic sciatic pain. It’s been a long time since I have taken pain medication.”

– J. Walker, Miramar

Several times a day patients thank me for helping them with their health problems. But I can’t really take the credit. My confession is that I’ve never healed anyone of anything. What I do is perform a specific spinal adjustment to remove nerve pressure, and the body responds by healing itself. We get tremendous results. It’s as simple as that!

Forty-five million Americans no longer have health insurance, and those who do have found that their benefits have been greatly reduced. That’s where chiropractic comes in. I have a significantly lower fee plan so that more people are able to afford the care they need. An entire week of care in my office costs what you could pay for one visit elsewhere. Another way to save…studies show that chiropractic can double your immune capacity, naturally and without drugs. The immune system fights colds, the flu, and other ailments. So you may not be running off to the doctor as much.

Studies show that people actually pay less for their long-term overall health care expenses if they are seeing a chiropractor.

You benefit from an amazing offer. Look, it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg to correct your health. You are going to write a check to someone for your health care expenses, you may as well

Great care at a great fee…Please, I hope that there’s no misunderstanding about quality of care just because I have a lower exam fee. You’ll get great care at a great fee. My qualifications…I’m a graduate of Life College and have been practicing for over 10 years.

I’ve been entrusted to take care of tiny babies to pro athletes that you may know. I am constantly going to seminars and updating my knowledge so I can give my patients the latest information and techniques of my profession. My assistants are Annie and Bianca – really great people. Our office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. We have a wonderful service, at an exceptional fee.

Our office is called Windmill Health Center and it’s at 17160 Royal Palm Blvd., Suite 1 in the Windmill Professional Plaza. Our phone number is 954-217-4881. Call Annie or Bianca for an appointment.

We can help you. Thank you.

For more information regarding our services please visit our website www.WindmillHealthCenter.com. If you would like to email us with your questions, you may reach us at: WindmillHealth@att.net – Rick Behar, D.C. P.S. I am also offering the second family member for only $47.

P.P.S. Your time is as valuable as mine. That’s why I have a no-wait policy. You will be seen within minutes of your appointment.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Drone Racing Club is Flying High at Falcon Cove Middle School

BY STACEY BOMSER

F

alcon Cove Middle School launched a drone racing club this year and it has taken off.

The club meets every other week before school for students to practice racing LocoDrones.

“LocoDrone stands for Low Cost Drone and they are manufactured specifically with education in mind,” explains Computer Science Teacher Jaymi Feller. “The drones are used in a special extended curriculum that teaches Python coding, which is

currently offered in the High School Advanced Information Technology course at Falcon Cove. The drones were made with no yaw (twisting or oscillation) and have a flight height of ten feet to be used inside a classroom.”

The school’s micro-computer tech specialists Raphael Maass and Farith Nader sponsor the Falcon Cove Racing Drone Club. It currently has 14 pilots and new members are welcome.

According to Mr. Maass, during the club meetings members race drones in courses set up around the school. “We also instruct and monitor drone performance optimization, repair, and of course, flying.”

Although for many people flying drones is hobby, much like remote control vehicles were decades ago, Mr. Maass says students are learning important STEM skills from this club. “Through the activity of drone preparation, maintenance and flying, students will acquire knowledge of electronics and coding and will put those skills into real world effect right away. The way their modifications, including coding, impact flight behavior in a very real and almost

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Falcon Cove is part of the Broward County Drone League, which sponsors competitive races between schools. Mr. Maass says the league also provides technical support and guidance on equipment and activities. The team is currently practicing for its first competition, which will take place next month at Miramar High School.

Falcon Cove is one of six Broward County Public Schools middle schools to offer a LocoDrone program this year. Loco Robo Drone offers a complete robotics and coding ecosystem that provides industry standard skills, including aerial technology and space application that use science, physics and computer coding.

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153 Weston Road • Weston, FL, 33326 OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | DECEMBER 2019 55

SCHOOL NEWS

Manatee Bay Issues Kindness Challenge

BY STACEY BOMSER

K

indness is the theme this year the staff and to our students was to at Manatee Bay Elementary. It continue to model that kindness but take the kindness challenge – to be was a unanimous choice as kind to those that are more the school is welldifficult to be kind to and known for its genergo the extra mile, it might osity and empathy, make someone’s day!” having most recently That’s exactly what collected donations third grader Alexis to send to victims of Brownley did when she Hurricane Dorian in gave her book fair money to the Bahamas. friend Gaby Littman, who “We are always Alexis Brownley (right) the first to give and received a Kindness Coin for had forgotten her money lending book fair money to at home. That kind gesture to support each other her friend Gaby Littman. earned Alexis a Kindness as well as others Coin. Teachers can hand out these around us,” states Principal Heather tokens to students they observe doing Hedman-DeVaughn. “My message to random act of kindness; in turn, students are encouraged to pass along their Kindness Coins to other students they catch performing an act of kindness. The purpose of the coins is to reinforce positive behavior Mrs. Wolk’s class poses next to their Random throughout the school.

Acts of Kindness bulletin board.

Teachers are also recognizing kindness within their classrooms.

For example, Mrs. Citelli’s third grade dual language class created a Kindness Tree, complete Mrs. Citelli’s class with their Kindness Tree. with messages of kindness written on leaves. Mrs. Wolk’s fifth grade subject. “Kindness is a trait that all class has Random Acts of Kindness people can utilize to ensure cooperabulletin board where students can tion and the feeling of togetherness post descriptions of the in our society. It pulls acts of kindness they people together in complete. The children times of sadness, grief, are also tracking their and happiness. To be good deeds in kindness kind is to give somefolders. Mrs. Ramos’ fifth thing to someone that grade class built a kindness is beyond material.” rock garden.

Ms. Harriott says In addition to these the kindness theme special kindness projects, extends beyond the the theme is being inteschool grounds into Mrs. Ramos’ students created a kindness grated into classroom learnthe community. “I chalrock garden. ing through literature and lenge everyone to do a activities that encourage cooperation random act of kindness each week to and empathy. spread the importance of this trait School Counselor Nichole Harriott to our children. Kindness is maksays teaching children kindness is ing everyone feel appreciated, loved just as important as any academic and welcomed.”

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SCHOOL NEWS

Indian Trace Elementary Dual Language Students Enjoy Literary Feast

BY STACEY BOMSER

D

ual language students at Indian Trace Elementary School took part in a Spanish book tasting, “Saboreando Libros.” The children, from kindergarten through fifth grade, were able to sample books of different genres.

“Book tastings allow students to expand their palates by learning about and reading different genres such as fiction, non-fiction, biography, poetry, fairy tales, and graphic novels, all in Spanish,” explains Second Grade Dual Language Teacher Uvi Delgado, who came up with the idea which was immediately embraced by the dual language team.

With the help of creative room parents, the art room was transformed into a Hispanic-style restaurant, complete with colorful flowers and relevant artifacts from South America. To add to the ambiance the lights were dimmed, and Flamenco guitar music played in the background.

The students rotated from table to table sampling books of different genres. After skimming through the book selections, the children had to fill out their “menu”, recording the genre and title and answering questions such as “What did you think of the book?” and “What did the author do to spark interest in the book?”. Finally, the students had to rate the book from one to five stars.

Second grader Alejandro Colmenaras declared the experience “a book fiesta!”

With their appetites whet, the students are now reading many of these books in class. The dual language teachers are calling this Spanish book tasting a huge success; plans are already in the works for the next one.

“It was so refreshing to have students complete a lesson outside the classroom and pique their appetite for a good read, not to mention a wonderful way to

celebrate the end of Hispanic Heritage Month,” states Mrs. Delgado.

The Spanish book tasting also made an impression on representatives from Broward County Public Schools. Cadre 9 Director Sandra Shipman and Dual Language Directors Idalina Orta and Gloria Rodriguez all visited the book tasting and commented that they were impressed with how highly engaged the students were and how the children were collaborating.

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58 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

SCHOOL NEWS

Principal’s Book Club Sparks Passion for Reading at Eagle Point Elementary

BY STACEY BOMSER

E

agle Point Elementary School Principal Christy de Zayas is an avid reader and now she is passing along her love of books to students through her new Principal’s Book Club. Each Monday before school, approximately 20 students in grades four and five gather to discuss that week’s assigned chapters or take part in an activity related to the chosen book.

The Principal’s Book Club is currently reading Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling. Principal de Zayas says she chose that title because she wanted a book that would engage students and appeal to both boys and girls. So far, everyone is loving her choice, with many students having read ahead to see how the story ends.

“During the meetings we usually read a chapter together, discuss the events in the book and make connections to things we’ve experienced, or thoughts and ideas we have on the subject,” explains Principal de Zayas.

She also tries to incorporate a fun activity. “At a recent meeting, we tried writing our names with our feet (no hands allowed) just like Aven, the main character. Aven was born with no arms, however she is able to do most things people with arms are able to do, including write.”

Principal de Zayas ends each book club meeting by posing a reflection question.

Since this book deals with disabilities, she has encouraged students share feelings about the exclusion and inclusion of children with disabilities. “I created an online course in CANVAS for students. When they leave the book club, I post the question online. During the week, they can post their thoughts on that question, answer another student’s post, and keep the discussion going outside of the book club.”

Although new, Principal de Zayas considers the Principal’s Book Club a huge success, saying she’s getting just as much, or more, out of the experience as the children. “It is an opportunity for me to spread my love of reading while also connecting with my students and learn more about them and what they are thinking about.” Plans are in the works to launch a book club for students in first through third grades.

Principal de Zayas says this special time with the children reminds her of why she went into education. “Prior to becoming an administrator, I was a teacher for 17 years. Regardless of my current position, I am always a teacher.

Book club reminds me of my love of teaching.”

It also allows her to share her love of reading. Principal de Zayas comes from a family of readers and writers. Her grandfather wrote the Happy Hollisters series, which is based on her mother’s family, and wrote many of the Hardy Boys and Bobbsey Twins books under pen names.

“Needless to say, books were aplenty in my home and reading for pleasure was always encouraged,” shares Principal de Zayas. “I want to spread my love of reading and encourage all of my students to read for pleasure.”

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SCHOOL NEWS

Imagine Kindergarten Students Celebrate Holidays Around the World

BY STACEY BOMSER

K

indergarten students at Imagine Charter School Weston are getting into the holiday spirit by studying how children in other countries celebrate the holiday season. One of the school’s goals is to encourage students to become global thinkers and citizens. Kindergarten teachers are helping fulfill this initiative by teaching children to make connections between countries, cultures and celebrations through its annual Holidays Around the World Day. To begin, each teacher picks a different country that represents a family in their class.

This year, students will be learning about Israel, Venezuela, Germany, Mexico, Spain and the United States. Each day the teacher presents a different country’s flag and then the children locate the country on the globe.

“After a week of exploration, we conclude our study with a day of special activities created by our teachers to further discovery of each country,” explains Kindergarten teacher Lina Leon. “During Holidays

Around the World Day, our students take their passport and suitcase, as travelers would, to visit each classroom and complete the activity. They place in their suitcase the completed craft or project and parent volunteers stamp their passport.”

While visiting each country (classroom), the children are presented with its flag, map, traditions, food and holidays. For instance, while visiting Mexico students will experience Posadas, a Christmas tradition that reenacts the bible story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem trying to find a place to stay. Students will learn about Spain’s Three Kings Day, which celebrates the three wise men and is the day most children in Spain receive their gifts.

In addition, the kindergarten students will likely learn to dance the horah when visiting Israel and listen to music played on a cuatro, four-stringed instrument similar to a ukulele, when visiting Venezuela.

“At the end of the week of exploration, each teacher discusses with her class what they have learned,”

explains Mrs. Leon. “The children make connections to their own family traditions and begin making new ones including some of their favorite holidays presented during the unit.”

In addition to studying different countries’ cultures, Imagine kindergarten students take part in a community service project each holiday season. They will be collecting pajamas for the Scholastic Pajama Drive. Mrs. Leon says last year kindergarten collected 98 pairs of pajamas, which Scholastic paired with a book to donate to families in need.

“This year, we are including our school in the collection to ensure we can help as many families as possible spreading kindness and warmth during the holiday season,” shares Mrs. Leon.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Tequesta Trace Middle School PTA Tackles Teen Vaping Issue

BY STACEY BOMSER

W

e’ve all seen the stories on the nightly news – young people developing lifethreatening lung illnesses caused by vaping (smoking e-cigarettes). It is tragic and totally preventable. With statistics gathered by the National Institute on Drug Abuse showing that 18% of eighth graders have vaped in the past year, the Tequesta Trace Middle School PTA is taking action to educate parents and help protect students.

PTA President Juan Sierra says the parentteacher organization decided to present a program on vaping because it is becoming a trend that can be legally problematic and lead to health issues. “It is becoming a social trend and its repercussions need to be demystified with awareness, as children and parents are not always aware of its dangers.”

During a recent PTA general meeting, Tequesta Trace Middle School Assistant Principal Ed Gomez and BSO Deputy Lynn Gariboldi presented “The Dangers Of Vaping and The Warning Signs”. The PowerPoint presentation explained what vaping is, what substances can be vaped, and signs to look for to determine if your child might be vaping, including physical evidence and specific terminology they

62 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

might be using in text messages or on social media.

The presentation also addressed the health effects and how to talk to your child about vaping and other drugs.

Sierra says parents were appreciative of the PTA’s effort to educate them on this important issue.

“Some asked when there will be more talks like this.

Many expressed being grateful the school PTA is putting together educational talks about relevant topics and were happy about setting aside time to come and learn about the risks of vaping.”

This was the first of a series of presentations the PTA is planning to educate parents about raising children in today’s world. Next semester it will offer two sessions addressing mental health concerns.

“Our children are living in interesting times,” shares Sierra. “We are now at the door of the fourth industrial revolution where data and automatization are taking the lead. Children that are at middle school age were born in the Wi-Fi era. Ideally, society should evolve at the same rate as technology, yet children cope with multiple realities, simultaneously attending more than one community that demands their immediate response and attention.

As the human brain only processes one idea at the time, they struggle to keep up with this multitasking demand, and parents need to be aware, understand and help them deal with this. The January 15th General Meeting will be about mental health where a panel will talk about Tech, Family and Youth. Our May 13th General Meeting will be about Recognizing the Signs of Mental Health.”

Sierra believes programs such as these firmly support the PTA’s mission for the 2019-2020 school year: “To serve as a support channel for teachers and parents, so our young adults succeed in school and in life. To support parents in creating a balanced family life.”

For more information on the Tequesta Trace Middle School PTA and its programs go to www.ttms.my-pta.org.

ASK THE EXPERT

Impingement Syndromes in Dancers

BY DR. CARLO A. MESSINA

P

ain in the front or back of the ankle can occur from a dancer standing “en point” or “demi point”. Pain behind the ankle is due to a bone prominence that pinches the soft tissue or due to a fractured bone or cartilage in the back of the ankle (Os Trigonum). A deep pain in the back of the ankle is felt and is made worse if the foot points down.

Treatment includes rest, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. If the pain does not improve, a Cortisone injection is given to decrease inflammation and scar tissue.

Unresolved pain may be treated surgically, thus allowing a full return to dance. The back of the ankle is cleaned out and a small piece of bone may be removed with arthroscopic surgery to allow the dancer to return to full activity.

Rarely an open procedure is needed.

Pain in the front of the ankle is usually caused by thickening of the ankle joint lining and can cause pain while moving the leg forward on the foot. This impingement syndrome is usually associated with an ankle ligament injury and can become very painful, especially the first thing in the morning when getting out of bed to walk or after sitting for a short period of time and getting up to walk.

The inflammation and soreness usually lessen with activity but return later on in the day. Physical therapy and a short course of anti-inflammatory medication may be necessary to reduce the inflammation in the ankle joint. If that does not improve, a Fluoroscopic Guided Cortisone injection may be necessary to reduce

the thickening of the soft tissue. If conservative measures fail, a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection can be given into the joint to improve healing potential.

In some cases, the impingement in the front part of the ankle does not improve and arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to completely regain ankle mobility without discomfort. In some cases, a small spur is present on the front part of the lower leg bone. This can cause chronic pain and stiffness in the ankle. If present, arthroscopic removal of the bone spur is also performed to allow the dancer to resume activity.

Prognosis is excellent with full return to dancing with proper treatment.

Carlo A. Messina, DPM, is a Board Certified 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. His partners are Dr. Robert Sheinberg, Dr. Al DeSimone, Dr. Fernando Moya, Dr. Alexander Bertot, Dr. David Shenassa, Dr. Michael Cohen, Dr. Franz Jones and Dr. John Goodner. 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. The practice website is www.SOUTHFLORIDASPORTSMEDICINE.org.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Student Activists Educate Through Climate Trainings can do,” Maraone said. hile the fight against climate change expands to a global level, several Marine Science teacher Jeannine Rendon, who was supposed to be the adviser students at Cypress Bay High School are taking action to inform the com- for the climate strike, says she hopes students can organize a successful strike in munity about the rising issue. Junior Jordana Rockley said she became the future. She said she hopes they will have the opportunity to organize it in a informed on the climate crisis last year, when she was taking Advanced Placement safer environment.

Environmental Science. She said she immediately became invested in taking “I think a climate strike is such a great idea,” Rendon said. “I think the students action against climate change and encouraging others to do the same. should be able to voice their opinion and save our dying planet.”

“As students, we’re the future voters and we’re the generation that is going to Rockley said she became more involved in fighting against climate change once have to take climate action in order to see our Photo courtesy Nick Montecalvo she realized that it directly affects her, and it isn’t just future,” Rockley said. “It’s really important to happening far away. She said she protested every Friday make as many people aware as possible.” during the summer, and she realized that being an activIn order to promote this cause to the students ist is her passion. at the Bay, senior Andres Maraone, along with “As soon as I became informed about climate change, I Rockley and other student activists, held climate knew there had to be something I could do to be involved,” literacy trainings for over 2,000 students.

Rockley said. “Once I saw how climate change was personMaraone said they had over eleven trainings, ally going to affect me and my family, I became more and each lasting about 45 minutes, during all study hall periods, where they presented more passionate about the topic.” a PowerPoint, played a “Kahoot” and had a question session.

Rendon said she thinks the climate literacy trainings were an amazing idea on “A lot of people don’t know or just deny the fact that climate change is happenbehalf of the students, and she is proud that the students are so passionate about ing,” Maraone said. “We held [the climate literacy trainings] in order to change the climate change. She said the climate literacy trainings should become a schoolthoughts going inside people’s heads about climate change and to create awareness wide event for all students, and they should involve teachers and professionals to and make people realize that this is urgent.” help them promote this cause.

Maraone said students had planned for a climate strike field trip, but it ulti“I think [the climate literacy trainings] are a great idea and should be emphamately fell through, resulting in them hosting the literacy trainings instead. He sized more at our school,” Rendon said. “I think it’s great that students are more said because they couldn’t strike, he wanted to make a difference in another way, aware of climate change and are taking action against it.” so he negotiated with administration to host an assembly.

Jenna Friedman is a senior at Cypress Bay High School. She is the Print Editor-in-Chief of w the “We wanted to teach people why [climate change] is happening and what they school’s student-run newspaper.

BY JENNA FRIEDMAN, STUDENT WRITER

W

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OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | DECEMBER 2019 65 10/17/19 08:58

Maintain, Don’t Gain, This Holiday Season While the holidays are usually not the best time to try and lose weight, it is possible to avoid gaining weight. Here are 10 tips to help you prevent packing on the pounds from all the food and drink that’s plentiful during the holiday season.

5. Get Enough Zzzzs. It’s a busy time of year.

Adequate sleep is often the last thing on your mind, but it’s important to know how sleep affects your weight. “When the body is tired, it has higher levels of ghrelin – the eat-more hormone,” said Cathy ClarkReyes, a registered dietitian with Baptist Health Primary Care.

6. Move. Don’t let the “busyness” of the holidays sidetrack exercise. “Holiday time does not need to be synonymous with weight gain,” said Amy Kimberlain, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator with Baptist Health South Florida. “After a big meal, encourage family and friends to participate in movement-centered activities, such as going for a group walk or playing a friendly game of football instead of sitting and watching football on TV.”

1. Weigh Yourself. Weigh yourself regularly to keep yourself accountable and steadfast on the goal of maintaining your current weight.

2. Track What You Eat and Drink. Use a food journal or mobile app to track everything you eat and drink each day. Studies show that tracking your food and drink intake leads to better weight management.

3. Scratch Screen Time at Meal Time. Encourage more mindful meals by banning cell phones at the table. Focusing on meaningful conversations and connections with friends and family can help slow down the pace of eating, increasing the likelihood of making mindful decisions about what to eat and, ultimately, fewer calories consumed.

4. Snack Easy. Eating between meals can easily pack on the pounds. Before you grab a quick bite, try drinking no-calorie water first. Hunger is often mistaken for dehydration.

66 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

7. Limit Alcohol. Liquid calories can add up quickly.

And consuming too much alcohol lessens impulse control, which can lead to overeating. To keep calories at bay, limit how much alcohol you drink. Cut a drink’s sugar content by pouring half alcohol and half club soda or tonic.

8. Watch the Sugar. Staying away from soda, fruit juice, sports drinks and other sugary beverages can save hundreds of calories a day. Instead of eating sweet baked goods and other sugar-laden foods that are bountiful this time of year, load up on healthy fruits and vegetables.

9. Feature Fruits and Vegetables. Each plate should be made up of two-thirds fruit or vegetables. Keep a basket of fruit on the counter and make it your go-to when you need a snack.

10. Be Grateful. Work a few quiet minutes into the end of each day during the holidays to reflect on all you have to be thankful for. This is, after all, the focus of the holiday season.

With a little thought and focus it is possible to maintain, and not gain, weight this holiday season.

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CAN DO KID

Cypress Bay Senior Takes On Global Food Insecurity Issue

BY STACEY BOMSER

M

aria Duran in on a mission. The Cypress Bay High School senior is working to help end the global food insecurity issue and her fight starts here at home.

“After taking AP Human Geography my freshman year, it opened my eyes to the disparities in the world,” explains Maria. “Additionally, I volunteer at my church’s Saturday Market, where families from around the county can obtain nutritious fruits and vegetables for free. Observing the issue firsthand ignited my passion to end food insecurity around the globe.”

Over time, Maria became more passionate about the environment and food insecurity, so she began searching for a pre-college program that would allow her to continue her commitment. This past summer she participated in the University of Florida’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ Florida Youth Institute, where she learned about the interdisciplinary approach to food insecurity.

“It is not just science. It is connecting community agriculture, government and economic policies,” Maria discovered. While at UF she learned how composting strategies can effectively reduce food waste and how the school’s Field & Fork Farm and Gardens are improving food security for students,

Maria Duran with Keegan Kautzky, World Food Prize Director of Global Programs and Partnerships, at Florida Youth Institute’s graduation banquet.

staff and faculty.

In October, Maria had the privilege of representing Florida at the Global Youth Institute. “It was very refreshing to be with like-minded young people who wish to be the generation that ends food insecurity and hunger.”

Maria says her takeaway from both programs is that the solution to food insecurity lies in education, advocacy and passion. “Education when we teach

others about the global food insecurity our world goes through. Advocating for the reduction of food wastage and for the battling of food insecurity. Passion would be employed to be the catalyst to unite the world in the fight for ending hunger.”

For Maria, that fight starts here at home, both in her school and the Weston community. “At the Florida Youth Institute and the Global Youth Institute, we were encouraged to be the leaders of change in our local communities,” she explains. “I encourage all in Weston to limit the food we throw away because a large problem in world hunger is that food that can be used to feed others is thrown away. It is not a matter that we do not have enough food, it is the fact that there are food disparities around the globe.”

She is hoping to empower fellow students to take up her cause. “We will be the ones who will be living when the population reaches 9.7 billion people,” states Maria. “As young people, it is in our hands to change the outcome of the future and to make sure that all will have adequate access to nutritious foods.”

Maria believes the solution is simple if we all act now. “Do your part! Volunteer at food banks. Find creative ways to use all of the food in your fridge instead of throwing it away. Change is in our hands, so let’s begin now to give the world a better future.”

CAN DO KID

Creative Student Launches Jewelry Line with a Cause

BY STACEY BOMSER

A

sia Redhead has always had a strong sense of creativity. As a young child she would make dolls out of paper towel rolls and collect seashells on the beach, paint them different colors and turn them into necklaces for her friends. Now, as a high school senior, this enterprising teen has launched her own jewelry line with proceeds benefiting a cause near and dear to her heart.

Asia says she was first inspired to start creating jewelry after a visiting relative purchased a bag of beads. “I was drawn to them and excitedly started putting together some designs.

After she left the excitement continued,” she shares. “It took several weeks to convince my mom to purchase some supplies. I looked at every single ‘how-to’ YouTube video I could find. Once the

supplies were delivered, I started makfeatures genuine Swarovski crysing bracelets, then necklaces, and I have tals and pearls. been making a new design almost every Asia calls her jewelry line day since then.”

Hannahliya, which is her middle name.

Asia strives to create pieces that cater It is also a tribute to her cousin. “I went to a wide range of ages and sizes. While back and forth about what I should the jewelry leans toward a boho-chic name my business, but after losing style, there are several my cousin Hanna to suicide last year, collections that feature I wanted to do something that would modern, trendy and always remind me of her and keep her contemporary styles. memory alive.”

“There are large and To further honor her cousin, Asia small natural stone donates a portion of proceeds to the pieces, designs using National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. different chain, “They need more funding and resources leather, suede, and in order to continue to operate and grow. crystals,” notes Asia.

I felt that since I have the opportunity “Dainty sterling silver to earn money from what I love doing, I earrings, necklaces, would donate to this cause. My deepest anklets and bracedesire is that no one should feel alone. lets. Lots of layering We all belong in this world.” must-haves and one of Asia officially launched Hannahliya a kind pieces.” with a friends and family trunk show She says her favorite collection at Bonaventure Golf Club. It is now sold is called Blackpink, inspired by her online at www.Hannahliya.com. favorite Korean Pop group. The De Luxe When not busy making jewelry or collection is entirely 14K gold filled and running her business, Asia is active

68 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

in her school and the Weston community. She volunteers for the City of Weston, helping with various events including the Student Artist Showcase, Volunteer Appreciation reception and promoting concert events. When she attends college next year, Asia says she hopes to earn an Arts Degree, possibly in the area of architecture or fashion and business.

PUZZLE PAGE

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ASK THE EXPERT

Do Your Hands Give Away Your Age?

BY CHARLES A. MESSA, III, M.D., F.A.C.S. he focus of anti-aging procedures often rests in the rejuvenation of the face. A person’s hands are often neglected, and therefore remain a tell-tale sign of aging. The hands are continuously exposed to environmental elements. There are distinct signs of aging seen in one’s hand appearance. Characteristics that are treatable with minimally invasive procedures include visible tendons, the bony appearance, visible/ prominent veins along with skin pigmentation changes and wrinkles. These changes occur as a result of progressive thinning of the skin overlying the back of the hand with increased skin laxity and loss of soft tissue volume.

Rejuvenation of aging hands involves two distinct factors. Firstly, treatment of the overlying skin to remove age spots, pigmentation, and skin wrinkling or laxity, and secondly restoration of lost volume through soft tissue volume enhancement.

Ideal hand rejuvenation is achieved by replenishing your skin’s lost volume. The only FDA approved injectable filler for volume restoration in the hands is Radiesse®. This volumizing filler immediately provides the volume and lift that is necessary to diminish the signs of aging hands because of the calcium-based microspheres and gel that comprise this product.

This filler acts as a scaffold beneath the skin after it is injected providing the structure and stimulating your own natural collagen to grow. This process continues for several months after Radiesse® is injected, extending the initial effect lasting more than a year to achieve long-lasting hand rejuvenation after a single treatment.

By adding volume beneath the skin, Radiesse® raises the skin level so that tendons, joints, and veins lose their prominence. Radiesse® is safe, effective and a non-surgical treatment that provides immediate smoothing of wrinkles, scars and replenishes soft-tissue volume loss. Radiesse® doesn’t require allergy testing. The procedure is done with topical anesthesia, with injections taking between ten and fifteen minutes. There may be minor swelling, redness or bruising at the site of the injection, which typically resolves within one or two days.

The Radiesse® hand lift is the latest procedure that utilizes microspheres of calcium hydoxyapatite to restore a more youthful appearance to the aging hands. Other procedures can be done in conjunction with Radiesse® hand lifts, such as chemical peels and laser rejuvenation to reduce age spots and improve skin texture.

T

n Dr. Messa is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, an active member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a recognized expert in cosmetic plastic surgery and has achieved Allergan’s Black Diamond Award as one of the top 1% of plastic surgery practices in the country by volume. Dr. Messa has also achieved Chairman status with Medicis and Mentor Corporation. This award honors distinguished leaders in cosmetic surgery for demonstrating expertise and excellence through a high volume of aesthetic product procedures. The certification is awarded to leaders in the field of medical aesthetics and demonstrates their commitment to innovation, excellence, and the highest level of patient care.

72 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

HOME & DESIGN

Jingle All the Way

BY NEVINE GROULX, ETHNICA DESIGN

W

hen decorating a home for Christmas, some creativity goes a long way. Be inspired to decorate your home a little bit differently and make it something special that will stand out from everyone else’s.

The best way to make sure your holiday décor is unique is to add your own touch.

Personalize a wreath since it will be the first thing your guests will see when they arrive at your front door. The circular shape symbolizes the eternal nature of love that never fails so it can be decorated tastefully with ribbons, globes, and/or painted pinecones.

Many people like sticking to the standard red and green colors, and while it does have its charm a little bit of deviation is always a good thing especially when it comes to décor. Others prefer using colors with a lot of bright elements, however, recent trends prove that simple decorations can sometimes be better. If you are choosing a theme of colors, stick to only those colors and don’t add more.

A Christmas tree decorated in the same color scheme with the rest of the room gives a stylish aspect and fits perfectly in the entire design. Simple decorations along with light neutral colors and natural materials are often one of the best decors.

Using metal pieces as decor has proven to be a viable choice. The metallic look goes best with darker interiors where it can be accentuated. Grey mixed with some gold and silver also does wonders in a room. It combines comfort and luxury while looking timelessly elegant while creating a familiar and warm atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Christmas.

Another important décor item are lights as they are the star of the holiday.

Use LED string lights to give your windows, door frames, walls, or anything you choose for a festive look. They can be shaped in multiple forms, so the possibilities are endless. Adding candles is another important element that should not be absent from a home. Not only are they pretty and ambient, but they also smell good.

Lastly, don’t forget to transfer the holiday spirit to dinner too. Decorating the dinner table with matching colors ties the spaces together and gives everyone seated at the table a great big smile.

Regardless of skill, these collections of ideas will help you find the best design for creating the perfect atmosphere in your home for you and your family to enjoy.

Warm wishes for a happy holiday.

Nevine Groulx for Ethnica Designs has been designing interiors for 15 years. She received her interior design certification from Smart Majority School of Design in England and has been a prominent and well-known designer in Canada for the past 15 years. She now resides permanently in South Florida and can be reached at 954-600-0401 or by email ethnicadesigns@hotmail.com.

Nevine Groulx

Certified Interior Designer

Interior Design • Renovations • Home Staging 954-600-0401 ethnicadesigns@hotmail.com Ethnica Designs OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | DECEMBER 2019 73

ROTARY NEWS

A Kind Spirit from Thailand Joins the Weston Community

BY VERN CAMERON, ROTARIAN

T

he Rotary Club of Weston welcomes Sarunrat Ngaothong to our family. Cindy, as she goes by, traveled to South Florida in early August from Thailand to participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) program. Her exchange is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Siquare in the town of Nakhonsawan, which means “Heavenly City” in Thai.

Cindy’s hometown is about 150 miles north of Bangkok and is the capital of Nakhon Sawan Province.

Cindy is the second sibling to spend an entire school year learning another culture and perfecting another language.

Her older brother went on exchange to France in 2018 through the RYE program. “When my brother returned he was more confident and mature,” Cindy observed. She hopes to gain more confidence, too, while improving her English during her stay in Weston.

“I have more responsibilities,” replied Cindy when asked if she has changed since coming to Weston. “In Thailand, my mom does everything for me and my brother. Now I have more freedom and I like doing things for myself.”

Cindy is staying with a blended Rotarian host family, where she’ll experience the best of American and Brazilian cultures with sprinkles of additional customs as the diverse membership of the Rotary Club of Weston shares family outings with Cindy. Her host mother was born in Brazil and has visited 41 countries. Her older twin host brother and sister were born and raised in Brazil and lived in Switzerland and Boston. Her host father and younger host brother were born and raised in South Florida. While English is the main language spoken in her host home, conversa-

tion in Portuguese is also normal. At dinner, French, Spanish and occasionally Korean are heard. Now the family adds Thai to the list of languages!

Cindy attends Cypress Bay High School and participates in normal teenage activities. She shows her school spirit by attending home football games with friends, although she does not understand the game yet. Cindy also participates in the local and regional RYE gatherings—the first being a fun-filled RYE Florida Orientation weekend held at the Lake Yale Conference Center in central Florida with dozens of other inbound RYE students from around the globe. So far, Cindy has visited South Beach, Wynwood, Shark Valley in the Everglades, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Seminole Museum in Clewiston and Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights. She is looking forward to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards weekend at Sea Base in the Florida Keys with other teens from around the state.

“The hardest part of my visit so far is speaking English,” said Cindy. “But my host family is so amazing and helps me a lot. All of my new friends are so funny and crazy and keeps me laughing all the time. The exchange program allows me to do something I never did before and I am thankful!”

If you know a high school student who would like to live in another country to learn a new culture and language, or if your family would like to host a student from far away, contact Terrell Manyak at terrell@ryeflorida.org.

The Rotary Club of Weston meets weekly at 7:25am on Thursdays at Weston Hills Country Club.

Visit www.westonrotary.com to learn more.

For Life’s Most Precious Moments Kim Ruoff | 954.260.7810 | kimruoff.com

74 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

HEALTH & WELLNESS

2016 bestof weston

Startling New Research On Headache

BY DR. BEHAR AND DR. BROWNER n recent years, several major scientific studies and discoveries have been published that, together, appear to challenge the traditional medical model of headache: ➤▸ In 1995, the respected research journal Spine published a European study that established cervicogenic headache (headache caused by neck problems) was equally as common as migraine. Only recently has the medical community even acknowledged that neck problems may contribute to headache. Also in 1995, one of the foremost medical journals in the field of headache, Cephalalgia, reported on a British study that found almost half of headache patients in fact suffer from cervicogenic headache. This supports the results of another study where 48 percent of patients diagnosed as having migraine actually had cervicogenic headache. ▸ Knowledge of the mechanisms involved in cervicogenic headache has ➤ improved dramatically in recent years. One example is a research paper published in the medical journal Headache, in which two American neurosurgeons describe the various structures most likely involved in cervicogenic headache. Most important of these are the three uppermost nerves in the neck, and the joints, muscles, ligaments and other structures these nerves innervate. Another example involves a dramatic new discovery of an anatomical connection between muscles of the upper cervical spine and the spinal cord. These medical “discoveries” reinforce what chiropractic doctors have said for years: many headaches are the result of spinal problems that can be corrected or improved through chiropractic adjustments. ➤ ▸ Recent medical research from Syracuse University in New York has identified the trigeminal nerve (a major nerve in the head which descends to the upper levels of the neck and spinal cord) as being a key factor in many headaches. They discovered this nerve can be irritated by problems with the joints and other structures in the neck.

Commenting on this research, a Toronto anesthetist and pain specialist acknowledged in Canada’s largest daily newspaper that “Chiropractors were right - many headaches are caused by damaged structures in the neck, and scientific evidence proves it.” Many headaches, perhaps as high as 80 percent, previously thought to be tension or migraine headaches, are actually rooted in neck problems.

Where there is a structural or biomechanical problem that will respond to spinal manipulation, this medical doctor refers the patients for chiropractic care. ▸ In the Journal of the Neuromusculoskeletal System (1995), a joint medical and ➤ chiropractic research team from Italy reported on management of cervicogenic headache using chiropractic care. The study revealed frequency, duration and intensity of headaches, as well as consumption of pain medication, began to decline immediately upon initiation of chiropractic treatment. These results were maintained even one month following the end of treatment.

I

For a consultation or more information you can reach Dr. Browner and Dr. Behar at Windmill Health Center in Weston at 954-217-4881. They have an additional location in Pembroke Pines; contact the Weston location for more information.

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OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | DECEMBER 2019 75

THE TUG OF WAR ENDS

LEGALLY SPEAKING

Holiday Time Sharing

BY EVAN BARON ost people think of the holiday season with gleeful anticipation of time with family. For couples who have been through a divorce, the holiday season can often be a very stressful time. This stress can also be felt by the children of a divorced couple. It is not uncommon for holiday visitation issues AWARDED 9 YEARS to surface during this time of year. Hopefully, the parTM ties’ settlement agreement or Parenting Plan is specific as to time sharing. Over the course of approximately 35 years of practice, my clients have experienced many issues concerning holiday visitation. The biggest obstacle to solving an issue in court during this time of year is the reality that court time is very difficult to schedule. Last minute issues will usually will not be addressed. Of course, the parties are always able to try and work things out on their own or with the help of attorneys and mediators. I would certainly suggest not waiting until the “last minute” to address any concerns.

TRAINED IN THE The best way to ensure there will be no conflicts during the holidays is to COLLABORATIVE LAW PROCESS anticipate potential problems ahead of time and address them in the marital settlement agreement and/or Parenting Plan. The more specific your agreement is, the more likely you will not experience conflicts along the way. For couples with minor children Parenting Plans have been mandatory. These Parenting Plans are designed to be very specific as to time sharing in an effort to head off any trouble in years to come. Unfortunately, these Parenting Plans were not used prior to the latter part of 2008 and therefore many existing agreements do not Continuing to serve the include this provision.

I believe the most important thing to remember is that any time-sharing Weston, Davie and Pines areas with arrangement should always keep the best interest of the children as a priority. over 30 years of experience.

Children want to spend time with both parents and this is especially true during the holidays. They also want to be a part of any family gatherings.

Sometimes that is not always possible, but advanced planning may be able to achieve this goal. Often parents divide the entire winter break in half, with Christmas day being the “exchange day”. As an example, in odd-numbered years such as 2015 perhaps Dad has the children from the day school ends until noon Christmas Day. Mom will pick up the kids and keep them until school begins again. Next year they can reverse the schedule. In some cultures, Christmas Eve is more of a celebration, so perhaps one parent can celebrate every Christmas Eve and the other Christmas Day. Also remember that “gift giving” is not a competition, with the winner being the parent who spends the most money. Often times the finances of each parent may not be the same and one must buy gifts within his/her budget. For a parent to embarrass the other by purchasing a more expensive and lavish gift is only going to lead to hard feelings and potential problems. Hopefully, the parents can discuss this issue beforehand and plan together.

Often parents wish to visit family out of town. Consider the feelings of your former spouse and the children in the planning such a trip. Children have the need to be with extended family during the Holidays. Perhaps holiday trips out of town can be rotated from year to year between parents.

Mom and Dad can certainly make the holiday season a joyous time for their children or they can focus on themselves and make it a time that everyone would like to forget. If you need any further questions answered, please feel free to contact my office.

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76 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

n The law firm of Evan H. Baron and Associates is located at 1655 North Commerce Parkway, Suite 201, in Weston. If you have any questions concerning this issue or any other family law matter, call the office at 954-385-9160.

The Mental Game of Golf

BY DEAN SKLAR, PGA PROFESSIONAL olf is a sport where players can get consumed by emotions, distractions and negative thoughts. These factors can make a golfer feel “out of control” resulting in two reactions: giving up (going through the motions to just finish the round) or forced play (trying harder by adjusting mechanics or over-analyzing their play).

The most optimal mindset for peak performance requires that you avoid engaging in over-thinking and over-analyzing while playing. In the heat of the moment, pressure and mistakes can seem overwhelming but if you can commit to adopting the right mindset and spend the time to train your mind, your golf game will soar. Always remember, your emotional reaction, your thoughts and your focus are 100% within your control – you just need to learn how to do it.

Here are four tips on how to adopt the right mindset.

TIP #1: Competitive Routine Your pre-shot routine is the key to calm your mind and body. The last part of your routine should signal your mind and body that you are fully ready and committed to THIS shot. Try including the word “Ready!” at the end of your routine for emphasis.

TIP #2: Focus on Task Always focus on the process of performing a task… not the outcome. Ask yourself, “What exactly do I need to do in this moment?” Choose your strategy for the shot, align your shot, perform your pre-shot routine, trust and swing.

Anything more than that is useless noise.

TIP #3: Thought Control You will have thousands of positive, negative and neutral thoughts throughout a round of golf. You may not be able to control which thoughts come into your mind, but you can control what thoughts you grab on to and buy in to.

I like this analogy. Imagine your mind is like a fish tank. Different fish swim into your awareness like thoughts. It is up to you to decide which ones you want to focus on. The cute small blue and yellow spotted one or the ugly grey and black fish. Tell yourself that just because a thought comes through your mind, it is your choice whether you stay with this thought or not. Let go of self-defeating thoughts and choose self-enhancing thoughts. Try to do this in your next practice round.

TIP #4: Anxiety Management Begin to recognize your troublesome thoughts that lead to worrying before and during your performances. Train yourself in relaxation techniques (ie: deep breathing, imagery) to reduce your stress levels. It is important for you to equip yourself with diverse strategies to regain the calm, clear mind and automatic execution required for peak performance, especially in critical moments during a tournament. You wouldn’t just bring one golf club to a tournament because you know you will face many different shot situations; you bring a variety of clubs to best attack each shot. The same should be true for your mental game. Having a selection of optimal mindset tools and strategies at your disposal prepares and arms you to face the various challenges that you will come across during a round of golf.

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n 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.Sklar@FloridaMoves.com or the Rose and Dean Sklar Real Estate Group at Coldwell Banker, 1760 Bell Tower Lane in Weston, 954-389-6197, or online at www.WestonFloridaUSA.com.

OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | DECEMBER 2019 77

THE DONOWAY CENTER NEW HOPE FOR PANCREATIC CANCER PATIENTS Patients diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer have few treatment options. However, a new procedure called Irreversible Electroporation or IRE for short has changed that for many patients who are seeing a doubling and tripling of their life expectancies. Dr. Robert Donoway, who has one of the largest International experiences for performing this procedure on the pancreas and liver is a Hollywood based, Sloan Kettering trained Pancreatic Surgical Oncologist, and former medical director of two of the local cancer programs remains among a very small handful of Pancreatic surgeons who perform the procedure which is done in the operating room as an outpatient.

Robert B. Donoway, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.S.S.O. Diplomate American Board of Surgery Diplomate, Society of Surgical Oncology Former Medical Director Memorial Cancer Center Medical Director, Atlas Oncology: Institute for Pancreatic Cancer IRE/NanoKnife Ablation

During the procedure, Dr. Donoway places fine needle probes under direct ultrasound guidance into and around the pancreatic tumor while carefully avoiding critical structures. High voltage current up to 3000 volts is then delivered in 90-microsecond pulses synchronized with the patient’s heart rhythm to avoid any cardiac problems.

The pulses destroy the cancer cell membranes which then causes the tumor to die and be absorbed by the body. The average procedure lasts approximately 1-2 hours and the patients may be discharged the following day. A brief recovery means the patient can start chemotherapy and radiation that much sooner.

Dr. Donoway is participating in several clinical studies identifying the best chemotherapy and immunotherapies to be used along with IRE. Dr. Donoway states, “The results so far have been very encouraging and we have begun using it for other select cancers. The longest survivors are now out over 5 years and without evidence of cancer recurrence. In the past, without IRE they would have been likely to have only lived a year and so this technique opens the whole new avenue for treating those eligible patients in a more targeted fashion.”

For more information about Dr. Donoway and the Pancreatic-IRE/NanoKnife Program and clinical trials call 305-682-1995 and visit www.AtlasOncology.com

Presidential Circle 4000 Hollywood Boulevard • Suite 160 North Hollywood, Florida 33021

ATLAS ONCOLOGY Robert B. Donoway, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.S.S.O. Surgical Oncology & Pancreatic Surgical Oncology Practice specializing in Cancer of the Pancreas, Liver, GI Tract, Sarcoma, Adrenal, Thyroid, Parathyroid, and Melanoma. Laparoscopic and Image Guided Cancer Surgery, IRE/NanoKnife for Non-Resectable Pancreatic and Liver Cancer.

D

r. Donoway is a board certified Fellowship-trained Surgical Oncologist who received his MD and Surgical training at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his fellowship in Surgical Oncology at Sloan-Kettering where he was the General Motors Cancer Research Fellow. He has taught on the faculty at Penn, Sloan-Kettering, University of Miami and Nova Southeastern. Dr. Donoway is the former Medical Director of the Memorial Cancer Institute and Chairman of the Cancer Committee for the Memorial Healthcare System as well as Chief of Surgery and Surgical Oncology at Memorial Regional in Hollywood. Dr. Donoway served on the Board of the American Cancer Society & Gildas Club. He has also served as past President of the American Cancer Society Broward County Chapter.

Dr. Donoway is active in the Society of Surgical Oncology and the American Pancreatic Association.

His accomplishments include being the first Surgeon in Florida to perform Radio Frequency Ablation as well as Laparoscopic Liver Resection. Dr. Donoway is a recent recipient of the South Florida Health Award for the use of Micro-Endoscopy for the detection of early stage Breast Cancer. Dr. Donoway is the Medical Director of the Institute of Breast Cancer Prevention and has been repeatedly named to “TOP DOCTORS IN AMERICA” by Castle Connolly. Dr. Donoway is the ONLY surgeon in Florida performing specialized Pancreatic and Liver ablation therapy for non-resectable tumors. Dr. Donoway is the Former Chair of the Aventura Cancer Committee at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center. Dr. Donoway has privileges and operates at Aventura Hospital, Memorial Regional, Memorial South and Memorial West.

Phone: 954-986-6366, 305-682-1995 • Fax: 954-986-4355 www.AtlasOncology.com

OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | DECEMBER 2019 81

“BELLA BELLA””

PET CARE

Helping Your Itchy Pet

BY MIGUEL E. CORDOVA, DVM

I

Pet

of the Month

Bella, she’s a kelpie mix, & 5 years old. She’s a rescue from the Humane Society, we adopted her about 2 years ago and she came from Puerto Rico after the hurricane. Her favorite people are definitely my mom and I. She has a pink piggy which is her favorite toy, and also a red alligator.

She loves to watch tv shows with me and sniff around the entire neighborhood while we’re on walks. And she dislikes when u wake her up too early haha! And her favorite thing to do is definitely sit by the table and wait for us to give her a bite.

Enter Your Pet and Win

ONE COMPLIMENTARY ANNUAL VACCINE PACKAGE Sponsored By:

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954.385.8389

2701 Executive Park Dr., Suite 1 Weston, FL 33331 www.animalhealthcenteratweston.com

Your Pet Could Be Our Pet of the Month!

Every month Our City Media randomly picks a pet of the month winner.

Enter your pet today!

Email entries to: anna@ourcitymedia.com.

Must include the following information to receive your prize.

Owner name and email and/or phone number.

Please send a high-resolution photo with your entry.

Tell us a little bit about your pet…

Animal name & breed / Age and gender of animal / Favorite person Favorite toy / Likes & dislikes / Favorite thing to do / Last seen

82 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

tching can make pets absolutely miserable, but it is actually a sign of an underlying problem. For example, if the pet has an allergy, exposure to the allergen causes a series of events to happen within the animal’s body causing certain cells in the pet’s skin to release a chemical called histamine. When released into the skin, histamine is very irritating and leads to itching. Medications that target histamine are called antihistamines.

However, histamine is only part of the story. In pets, allergic reactions also cause the release of several other chemicals that contribute to irritation, inflammation, and itching, but antihistamines can’t counteract the effects of all these other agents. Some bacteria and fungal organisms (which can be introduced into the skin during scratching) also release chemicals that irritate nerve endings in the skin and cause itching. If an itchy pet doesn’t respond to an antihistamine, it may be because histamine is not playing a large role in the itching that the pet is experiencing.

How Is Itching Diagnosed?

Itching is a response to another condition, so identifying the cause of the itching is as important as treating the itch. Your veterinarian will likely begin the process with a complete medical history and physical examination of your pet. Your veterinarian may also recommend diagnostic testing that can include the following: combing your pet to look for fleas; taking samples of hair and skin cells to look for mites and other skin parasites; culture testing to identify bacteria or fungal organisms; allergy testing; and blood work to look for underlying medical issues that can affect the skin.

How Is Itching Treated?

Managing an itchy pet can involve combining several approaches, because multiple factors can be contributing to the problem. For example, if a pet has an underlying allergy problem that is complicated by a flea infestation in addition to a bacterial or fungal infection, all of these issues may need to be addressed. ▸ Topical Products: Your veterinarian may recommend a topical product if your pet has mild or localized itching, or as supportive therapy for more generalized conditions. Examples may include moisturizers, ointments, and lotions. These products may need to be applied frequently to help ease itching. ▸ Shampoos: Medicated shampoos can help some pets suffering with itchy skin. The effects of medicated shampoos may last for a few days; some shampoos can be used along with a leave-on conditioner to extend the effects. ▸ Medications: For many pets, corticosteroids provide more relief from itching than many other forms of treatment. A variety of products are available, and they can be given as pills, liquid, or by injection. However, corticosteroids have some side effects, and not every pet is a candidate for this treatment. ▸ Supplements: Fatty acid and other nutritional supplements can help some pets with skin itching. Various formulations are available using fish oils, vegetable oils, and other combinations, and effectiveness can vary.

Treatment for an itchy pet can require a long-term commitment. Because pets respond differently to medications, your veterinarian may need to revise the treatment plan as therapy is progressing. It is important to maintain communication with your veterinarian, especially if a treatment doesn’t seem to be helping, or if your pet seems to be responding negatively to a treatment.

Animal Health Center @ Weston is “The Gentle Practice You Can Rely On”. Dr. Miguel E. Cordova and his staff are committed to caring for your precious pets. The practice is located at 2701 Executive Park Drive, Suite 1. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact 954385-8389 or www.animalhealthcenteratweston.com.

Can Chewing Gum Prevent Cavities in Your Child?

ANSWER KEYS

ASK THE EXPERT

BY DR. MARTA GROSMAN ver the last 5 decades, fluoride has been added to community water supplies across the country. As a result, we have seen a 50% reduction of cavities in these communities as well as a 50% reduction in dental healthcare costs for children. The numbers are even higher when its use is combined with proper diet, oral hygiene techniques, and use of topical fluorides. Still, the dental community searches for other methods of reducing the incidence of “caries” (cavities). Such a finding would be most helpful to those unable or unwilling to make use of fluoride. One of the more promising substances is xylitol.

Xylitol is a sugar substitute derived from agricultural products. It has been around since the 1960’s but has not been tested for use in humans for the purpose of oral health until the 1990’s. Most of the studies use chewing gum as the delivery system of choice. Optimal results are gained with three daily uses. This dosing achieves a reduction in plaque formation, reduces acid production, and interferes with the production of the specific bacteria which initiate cavity formation. Cumulatively, these attributes result in cavity reduction.

What seems most promising is the use of xylitol by new parents to reduce cavity formation in their newborns. Babies are not born with the bacteria which cause cavities. These bacteria are naturally transmitted to the mouth of a child by a parent or caregiver. This usually occurs through everyday contact such as sharing of food or blowing on a hot spoon. The use of xylitol has been shown to delay the transmission of some of the most deleterious

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bacteria and resulted in a decreased incidence of cavities for these children.

In one particular study, xylitol chewing by mothers beginning three months after the delivery of a child for a period of two years resulted in a decreased incidence of cavities in the children till an average age of six years.

Of course with such positive results many new xylitol products have been launched into the marketplace. Companies are manufacturing a number of products such as mints, mouthwash, and toothpaste. However, the only method of delivery clinically proven to have these effects is chewing gum.

Personally, I can’t wait to bite into the first xylitol infused ice cream sundae!!!!!!!

Drs. Maria and Alon Grosman are Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and Orthodontist. Their office is located at 4401 S Flamingo Rd on the NW corner of Griffin and Flamingo Rd. For more information or to schedule an appointment call (954) 236-3434.

OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | DECEMBER 2019 83

SNAPSHOTS FROM SCHOOL

KINDNESS COUNTS

Representatives from the KIND Foundation spent part of their annual Day of Service at Gator Run Elementary helping redesign and rebuild the school’s butterfly garden.

MASTER DEBATERS

Congratulations to the Country Isles Elementary Debate Team. It was awarded ten medals from its first competition of the school year.

PEACEFUL MOMENT

During Peace Week, third graders at Country Isles Elementary decorated tags with messages of peace for the Peace Tree in the guidance counselor’s office, while fourth and fifth graders decorated coffee sleeves with images of peace for local Starbucks patrons.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Students in Patty DeBiase’s and Dara Koch’s third grade classes at Indian Trace Elementary listened intently as State Representative Richard Stark explained how bills are introduced in committee and how a bill becomes a law.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Students in Maria Alejaldre’s and Patricia Dedeschi’s dual language kindergarten classes at Everglades Elementary completed a Character Storybook Pumpkin Project (Proyecto de la Calabaza). The students decorated pumpkins to look like their favorite characters from books in Spanish and English.

READING COUNTS

Tequesta Trace Middle School students registered 163,010 minutes in the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge. Students who logged 500 minutes or more received certificates and a doughnut party. On Book Character Day Annual Celebration of Literacy, teachers and staff dressed as characters from their favorite books.

84 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

DANCE FOR A CAUSE

Indian Trace Elementary School’s Relay for Life team raised almost $5000 for the American Cancer Society from its annual Halloween Dance.

SNAPSHOTS FROM SCHOOL

SMART SHOPPERS

Students in Roni O’Hara’s third grade class at Gator Run Elementary learned first-hand about supply and demand and economics during Market Day. Each student made a product to sell to their classmates.

BUENOS NOCHES

Eagle Point Elementary School dual language teachers hosted Noche Hispana, an evening for families to celebrate the culture of Spanishspeaking countries with food, music and dancing.

CULTURAL CONNECTION

Weston Christian Academy students celebrated their heritage on “Culture Day” during Spirit Week.

SAFE PASSAGE

The Broward Sheriff’s Office Weston District joined students from Country Isles Elementary for Walk (and Bike) to School Day. It promotes road safety and exercise.

LUNCH BUNCH

During School Lunch Week, Representative Richard Stark helped serve meals to students at Indian Trace Elementary before joining children for a bite. The event celebrates the benefits of the National School Lunch Program.

OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | DECEMBER 2019 85

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SEEN ON SCENE

Spirit of Life Honoree Dr. Sharon Gilbert and husband Dr. Mark Gilbert

Spirit of Life Committee

SPIRIT OF LIFE

The Weston/West Broward Chapter of JAFCO hosted the 17th annual Michelle Goldstein Spirit of Life Luncheon. This event raises funds and awareness for this a one-of-a-kind nonprofit agency serving abused and neglected children as well as those with developmental disabilities. Our City Weston is proud to have been a luncheon sponsor.

JAFCO Mom Squad President Haley Gober Walker with her Mom, Founding Weston Chapter President Mara Gober

Committee Member Tanja Ylenius, Weston City Commissioner Mary Molina-Macfie and Co-Chair Holly Stracquadaine

THINK PINK

The Pink Angels of the Memorial Foundation hosted its inaugural Pink Angels Tennis Tournament at Midtown Athletic Club. The Pink Angels collaborate with the Memorial Breast Cancer Center to provide resources to heal the spirit for today and provide hope for tomorrow. The fundraiser included a round robin tennis tournament, food donated by local restaurants, live music, raffle and more.

LADIES’ NIGHT

ART APPRECIATION Nine members of the Weston Art Guild entered the 15th annual Art Competition at Studio 18 in Pembroke Pines. Lifrancis Rojas won Best Mixed Media and Judy Nunno won Best Watercolor.

Members of the Weston Friends Club’s “Ladies Night Out” enjoyed dinner and friendly conversation at a local restaurant.

MEN’S HEALTH GIFT

Weston City Commissioners presented a proclamation in honor of the establishment of the Craig M. Zinn Distinguished Chair in Men’s Health at Cleveland Clinic Florida. Pictured here are Craig M. Zinn (left), Commissioner Margaret Brown, Lawrence Hakim, MD, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Mayor Daniel Stermer, Commissioner Thomas Kalman and Commissioner Mary Molina-Macfie.

OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | DECEMBER 2019 87

THE WORLD’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE™

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

EMAIL PHOTOS TO: editorweston@ourcitymedia.com Michael and Sofia Hagen brought their copy of Our City Weston to read during a family vacation to Italy. This photo was taken in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. The beautiful Italian Renaissance church is one of the world’s holiest Catholic shrines. It is located in Vatican City, the papal enclave within the city of Rome.

88 DECEMBER 2019 | OUR CITY WESTON | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

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

OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY WESTON | DECEMBER 2019 89

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Tree of Life

court that replic ican Airlines Ar curriculum, and Tree of Life has Facility’ award.

Happy Holidays The faith-based preschool grows with the addition of Kindergarten A Brand New Kindergarten

Remarkable Campus & Facilities

from Weston’s Premier PreSchool!

by JASON ZAUDER

For centuries, children have learned about the ‘Tree Of Life’ from the Book of Genesis. At the Tree of Life Christian Academy • Accelerated Reading Program Preschool in Weston, children are learning • STEAM Program many of life’s lessons in a thriving, mod- That magic will expand to Tree of Life’s (Science-Technology-Engineering-Art-Mathematics) ern school. As Tree of Life approaches their brand-new kindergarten program. Their student towill teacher one year anniversary, owners Gabriel •andLowkindergarten be in ratio a separate room Marcy Buitrago are celebrating what they that will not be attached to the preschool, • Bilingual curriculum (English/Spanish) have accomplished while looking ahead to and they are looking to reach a 9-1 stu• Computers and iPads® the future. dent-to-teacher ratio. With kindergarten starting on August 18th, Tree of Life has al• Organic & natural lunches ready reached fifty percent enrollment, and • Weplacements teach moral & family values will be filling up quickly. There • Nurse & clinicwaitonlistspremises are already for two- and three-year olds who want to enroll those programs, • 1,200 sq ft indoor play inarea and administrators are confident that kin• Latest in highwillsecurity & surveillance dergarten also prove quite popular.

Kindergarten will be open to all children, • 13,000 sqft building on 2 acres regardless of whether or not they attended • 4 outdoor preschoolplaygrounds at Tree of Life.

VOTED

Best Preschool in Weston 6 YEARS IN A ROW!

• Armed Security Officer

“We feel like our formula for success is to be different than all the other preschools.

Our intention was to create a feeling so that when a child enters our school, there’s a sense of wonder,” said Gabriel Buitrago.

“The children are still going SW to be learning 1250 160th a lot, but we also wanted them to feel like they are in a magical place.”

20

Tree of

The perfect Christmas list for your child...

The faith-based with the additio

Kindergart Tree of Life’s campus has been thoughtful- A Brand NewAnniversar ly laid out to make the most of the 13,000 As Tree of Life square foot building. The classrooms surting plans togeth by JASON ZAUDER round an indoor play area where a custheir own celebr tom-made wooden Tree of Life serves as the For centuries, children have learned about events for the n hub.

Every classroom has their own private the ‘Tree Of Life’ from the Book of GenToys for Tots in bathroom and drinking fountain, as well as esis. At the Tree of Life Christian Academy to the commun in Weston, children are learning an Preschool exit to the playground.

Students can take theTree schoo many of life’s lessons in a thriving, modThat magic will impact expand to advantage of a bilingual curriculum, learn ern school. As Tree of Life approaches their brand-new kindergarten living up to our program. sign language, and utilize the latest computone year anniversary, owners Gabriel and kindergarten willoften be incry a separate at the Marcy Buitrago are celebrating what they that will not be attached to the pre ried that their p have accomplished while looking ahead to and they are looking to reach a 9 cryingWith because the future. dent-to-teacher ratio. kindert

starting on August 18th, Tree of Life ready reached fifty percent enrollme placements will be filling up quickly are already wait lists for two- and thre olds who want to enroll in those pro and administrators are confident th dergarten will also prove quite p Kindergarten will be open to all ch ers and iPads. All of these features are proregardless of whether or not they at tected by a state-of-the-art security system, preschool at Tree of Life.

which includes security cameras throughout and two separate passcode-protected doors one must pass through before entering the building’s interior.

“That kindergarten transition is very When students need a break from tough on both the parents and the kids,” said learning, they will find organic lunches “We likeday our to formula for success Buitrago. “Many parents have been asking us brought infeel every provide the fuelis they Tree of Life C to be different than all the other preschools. to start aWeston, kindergarten; FL and with such a low need to explore the expansive outdoor area.

Ave. 33326 • 954.440.0174 ed at 1250 S Our intention was to create a feeling so “That kindergarten transition i student/teacher ratio, our teachers will have A miniature soccer field was just completed canthebe treeoflifeacademy.com that when a child enters our school, there’s tough on both theThey parents and kid more than enough time with each child.” to aadd to oftheir four said playgrounds and sport at www.tree sense wonder,” Gabriel Buitrago.

Buitrago. “Many parents have been as

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“The children are still going to be learning

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TOour ADVERT a lot, but we also wanted them to feel like student/teacher ratio, ISSUE #304 • AUGUST 2014 • CELEBRATING 25 YEARS DRWMAG.COM teachers w