Issue 29 — Sept/December 2023
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
with the dynamic duo behind Broward's #1 implant center FEATURED ON PAGE 11
LIFE-CHANGING SMILE MAKEOVERS
NEW YEAR, NEW SMILE! SEE PAGE 11
DR. FABRIANNE COHEN, DDS, DABP DR. CARLOS VILLANUEVA, DDS
Message from the Mayor Wayne M. Messam Greetings Miramarians:
As your Mayor, I'm filled with pride reflecting on what we've achieved together for Miramar in 2023. It's truly been a year of growth, learning, and community empowerment. Here's our year in review, capturing the strides we've made for our 150,000+ strong family. In a significant political milestone, I am honored to have been re-elected for a third term with an overwhelming majority of 90.6% during the March 14 general election. This victory is a testament to our shared vision and the trust placed in me by the wonderful residents of Miramar. It's a clear mandate to continue the work we've started, and I am deeply humbled and invigorated to carry this responsibility forward. We've also made great strides in economic development. Miramar continues to attract large corporations, with more businesses choosing our city as their headquarters than any other in South Florida. Companies like Royal Caribbean Cruises, Comcast, and Spirit Airlines have found a home here, contributing to our reputation as a hub for business and innovation. Our efforts in economic empowerment took a significant leap forward in April. With the African American Mayors Association, I joined the Economic Mobility Leadership Institute, and Miramar was spotlighted with a $30,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This sparked the launch of our Knowledge of Financial Education (K.O.F.E.) program, which promises a brighter financial future for our residents and employees. We didn't stop there. I have been working all year with the youth in our city and took our Youth Advisory Council to Atlanta to peel back the layers
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of governance and inspire them with a first-hand look at public service. The experience was nothing short of invaluable for our future leaders. In our commitment to honor and remember, the 911 and Veteran's Memorial at Miramar Regional Park stand as solemn reminders of courage and sacrifice. These memorials serve as places of reflection and gratitude for our residents and visitors, paying respect to those who have served and those we have lost in tragic events. Furthermore, Miramar is dedicated to a sustainable future with our 'Race to Zero' initiative, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. We are steadfast in our commitment to clean energy, working diligently to implement renewable energy solutions, and green policies that will safeguard our environment for generations to come. This initiative is a promise to our children and to the planet that we will be leaders in the transition to a sustainable future. Our cityscape is thriving, too. In October, during the State of The City address, I unveiled the future of our city under the theme ‘Your forever city’ at the Universal Technical Institute. We have everything in our beautiful city from the time you are born to when you retire. Our city’s growth is evident with new housing, businesses, and amenities, making us the 13th largest city in Florida. Our Aviation Expo was a spectacular success, highlighting aerospace career opportunities to our community and further fueling the aspirations of our youth. We will continue to create events that inspire and connect our residents to future possibilities. Looking to the horizon, my commitment to you remains steadfast. We'll continue to welcome new residents and businesses with open arms because, as you know, everything you're looking for is "Right Here in Miramar!" Let's fly even higher in 2024.
INSIDE MIRAMAR/PEMBROKE PINES - THE MAGAZINE
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Proud to support the neighborhood As your local State Farm agent, I'll be there whenever you need me with Good Neighbor service you can count on. Give me a call. ®
CONTENTS MAYOR WAYNE MESSAM 4 Our 2023 Year In Review COMMISSIONER ALEXANDRA P. DAVIS / MIRAMAR 7 2023 Comings and Goings with Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis
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PUBLISHER’S INSIGHT 10 Why Pines Next Mayor Should Be Iris Siple DR. BARBARA SHARIEF 12 Your Wellness Update From The Desk of Dr. Barbara Sharief APRN, DNP, FNP.
Henriquez Ins and Fin Svcs Inc
Brenda Henriquez, Agent 18401 Miramar Parkway Miramar, FL 33029-5802
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MIRAMAR POLICE DEPARTMENT 14 Meet Hope, A Great New Addition To The Police Department
McKINNON LEGAL - ALWAYS IN YOUR CORNER 18 4 Key Reasons Why You And Your Future Spouse Should Consider A Prenuptial Agreement WORD SEARCH FUN 20 Can You Find The Animal Words? BUSINESS INSIDER 22 SMP Designs - Clean & Classy
State Farm Bloomington, IL
WORD SEARCH ANSWERS 22 How Many Did You Get Right? BUSINESS INSIDER 22 Welcome To Pediatric Associates
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GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN 25 A Look Back At Who We Lost MAYOR FRANK C. ORTIS / PEMBROKE PINES 27 "Change Is Inevitable But Can Also Be Exhilarating" BUSINESS INSIDER 29 Omnia Weight Training
ISSUE 29 — SEPT/DECEMBER 2023 PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER
Chris Koval ckoval@insidemiramar.com
ART DIRECTION
JGP Media, Inc. art@insidemiramar.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Mayor Wayne Messam Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis Mayor Frank C. Ortis Dr. Barbara Sharief, APRN, DNP, FNP Attorney Christina A. McKinnon
The views and opinions in any of the published adverts or articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Inside Publications, LLC. and reflect no endorsements. For rates and information, call or email Chris Koval at
954-562-7682 | ckoval@insidemiramar.com
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Message from Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis Greetings esteemed residents and business owners of Miramar! My commitment to the well-being of our residents and the growth of our businesses has been unwavering, and I am thrilled to share some of the exciting initiatives I have implemented this past year.
First, we made history with the erection of the Usain Bolt Statue, a magnificent tribute to the world's fastest man at our Ansin Sports Complex. The coverage of the erection of the Bolt statue surpassed $1 million in publicity value, with a reach of over 34 million people worldwide. Our Ansin Sports Complex has become a breeding ground for exceptional athletes such as 14-year-old Miramar resident, Arianna Woolcock, the fastest 200-meter runner in the US in her age category to the hosting the fastest woman at this year’s world track and field games, Sha’Carri Richardson who participated in the Miramar Invitational held earlier this year at Ansin. I am dedicated to implementing innovative ideas for community policing, to this end I introduced the City’s first Police Social Worker. This groundbreaking initiative, the first in our State, ensures that our law enforcement agency is equipped with the tools and resources needed to address complex social issues. Empowering our youth has always been a priority, which is why I have partnered with Honey Shine Inc. to enhance the minds, bodies, and well-being of young girls in Miramar. By investing in their future, we are building a foundation for a stronger and more inclusive society.
Recognizing that our seniors make up a significant portion of our community I recently held the Annual Senior Resource Fair & Food Distribution event. This provided seniors with essential resources including access to various vendors from sectors such as housing, healthcare, and home improvements. We have expanded my apprenticeship program and now have opportunities in IT, theater production, marketing and economic development & housing as well as more positions in public works & utilities. By investing in apprenticeships, we are fostering a skilled workforce that will drive our city's growth and prosperity. I partnered with the Fire Department to implement our Save A Life Day which empowered our residents with the knowledge and skills to take action and save lives. I am proud to announce the establishment of the Elderly Affairs Advisory Board and the BID Construction & Professional Services Advisory Board. These boards are a testament to my commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the voices of our community are not only heard but represented. The state of our beloved city, Miramar is good! Together, we will continue to build a city that thrives on innovation, celebrates achievements, and supports the well-being of all its residents! To contact my office regarding any concerns, please feel free to call (954) 602-3155 or email me at apdavis@miramarfl.gov. You may subscribe to receive email updates from my office, sign up at www.miramarfl.gov/Davis.
02/28/24
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PUBLISHER’S INSIGHT Why Pines Next Mayor Should Be Iris Siple
I
trust everyone is enjoying the Holiday's with their loved ones and attempting to get in a little rest and relaxation. Some residents that will not be resting anytime soon or at least until March 20th are the many candidates running for District Commission Seats and the much-contested Mayor's race in Pembroke Pines between current Commissioners Iris A. Siple, Angelo Castillo and new comer Elizabeth Burns. Living in Miramar keeps me from voting in the March 19th election in Pembroke Pines but as someone who spends plenty of time in Pines with my business, attending church, visiting countless friends along with spending tons of money on shopping and dining, I have a really good understanding about what's going on in the city. I would without hesitation cast my vote for Iris A. Siple to lead the City now that current Mayor Frank C. Ortis is retiring. Iris is a wonderful woman, a South Florida native and a skilled city leader with many years of experience. One thing that she isn't is a political hack like her opponent Angello Castillo. What seems like a tradition at this point with Angello, resigning his commission seat two years early every four years so he can run for Mayor with the outcome always being the same. He loses and the city must hold a special election to fill the seat that he leaves vacant. This has more to do in my opinion with him wanting to progress his political career and less to do with helping the residents of Pembroke Pines and being a true civil servant. I will not
PUBLISHER’S INSIGHT
get into the Angelo's political career baggage since he got involved in politics decades ago but by doing several simple Google searches using his name along with, Scott Israel, or his name with Broward House job or WPLG Local 10 and "How politician's sophomoric satire blew up on him." I hope you do some research before voting as I am suggesting. He also has a knack for posting on the Nextdoor Neighbors App to the residents in his District. Those posts have plenty of spin and are always laden with attacks towards his fellow elected officials. Don't attempt challenging him however because your comments will be taken down from those protecting him especially during an election year and his third run at Mayor, that's right his third. He shuts out all of the other candidates from getting their message out to the residents that live in Century Village every four years whether it's running for his commission seat or for mayor. He knows that if you capture Century Village and their huge voting population your pathway to victory is much easier and the less you have to knock on other doors throughout the city but my guess is that he is going to have a harder time beating Vice Mayor Iris A. Siple and the leadership she brings to the table. Good Luck Iris, you will make a wonderful Mayor because you are an honest and decent person and those qualities should still count for something. Speaking of honest and decent people, I would be remise if I didn't thank Mayor Frank Ortis for his years of public service in Pembroke Pines. He has also been contributing to my publication for 6 years now and it has been much appreciated. Good luck in retirement Frank, much deserved.
Reaching all of Miramar and Print Isn't Dead
I
n the last issue I kind of teased everyone with the pending news that Inside Miramar was going to be mailed to every home and business in Miramar starting with the next issue. Well, the next issue is here and we are now reaching all of Miramar. For the first time, all of the residents in the City will be received an informative, timely, entertaining, and business driven magazine at the same time. Ι am so thrilled that so many of the staple businesses that started with us a year ago continue to advertise in the magazine. We also added 13 new businesses to this issue. The need to advertise and promote your company is alive and well. There is a misconception that print is dead or on it’s last leg and that online is the end all be all for advertising. I say, “not so fast”, print in particular is extremely important because in many cases it becomes the trigger point for you to read, research and react. A reader sees an advertisement or something going on in the City and then follows up by going to that particular company or City website and getting more information and then hopefully becoming a customer or attending various City events. It’s also vital to hear from our key City officials. They will continue to use Inside Miramar as a resource with the intent of bringing you the information you need to know every 45 days.
As always, I kindly ask that you support the local businesses that advertise in my magazine. They are spending money to promote their goods and services to you, the local residents. Use the coupons or the QR Codes and tell them you saw their ad in Inside Miramar Pembroke Pines. One final request, please go to our new website, dreamformiramar.com and check out our attempt to change the city charter in Miramar so that we can move away from being an at large city when it comes to elections and transition into a districted city with equal representation from east to west Miramar and finally for hometown Commissioners that actually Beforeallowing we know it, school will be out and summer will be here. Enjoy haveand toMother’s live in the the spring Day District feel to thisthey issuerepresent. of Inside Miramar in the city you call home. Enjoy the Holiday's in the two cities you call home and
GO DOLPHINS!
I hope you take the time to read up on the great things happening in the City as well as all of the Summer Camps you will find in this issue.
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Your Wellness Update from the Desk of Dr. Barbara Sharief DNP, APRN, MSN, FNP
Demystifying Weight Loss With Semaglutide
T
here have been many ads on TV and the internet advertising this miracle drug called Semaglutide. There are several common brand names of the drug such as Wegovy and Ozempic. Recently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Wegovy (Semaglutide) injection (2.4 mg once weekly) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity.
Some are skeptical but for most who are lining up to try it, there has been a long struggle with weight loss, and they see this as their saving grace. This drug is known to treat people with diabetes which is primarily caused by issues with insulin production issues that cause diabetes, weight gain, and cardiac issues. Others have insulin use issues whereby the body doesn’t get rid of enough of the insulin they are producing, which results in increased weight gain, cardiac issues, and the inability to keep weight off. So, what is Semaglutide and why is it effective where other drugs do not work? Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide help to control your blood sugar, but people taking them also tend to lose weight. GLP-1, the key hormone involved, slows down how fast your stomach empties food (called gastric emptying). In addition to causing your pancreas to release insulin, Semaglutide also blocks a hormone that causes your liver to release sugar (glucagon). Together, these functions can help you feel less hungry, causing you to eat less food and lose more weight. The most common side effects of Semaglutide include nausea, constipation, abdominal (stomach) pain, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia (indigestion), flatulence (gas buildup), gastroenteritis (an intestinal infection), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (a type of digestive disorder). It's given by injection in the subcutaneous fat of the abdomen, behind the arm, or thigh once a week. Yes, some people have experienced these side effects but for the vast majority, they get through the 20-week ramp-up just fine. The important thing to remember about this medication is that you need to follow the instructions set up by the drug manufacturer. This means you start low and go slow. This means you start at the lowest dose and every 4 weeks you gradually increase until you get to the 2.4 mg dose. This process takes 16 weeks to reach the 2.4 mg dose then you continue at that dose for the 4 weeks after. At that point, if you have achieved your weight loss goal you and your health provider can determine what dose you stay on to maintain.
It's given by injection in the subcutaneous fat of the abdomen, behind the arm, or thigh once a week. Some commonly asked questions are:
WHAT’S THE AVERAGE WEIGHT LOSS?
Over the course of the program, eligible patients can expect to lose up to an average of 23% body weight. On average a patient loses 20-60 lbs.
WHO’S NOT A CANDIDATE?
This medication is not recommended for those with a personal or family history of certain endocrine or thyroid tumors, specifically, medullary thyroid cancer.
HOW DO I START?
You must have an Initial consultation: The consultation starts with an initial visit to assess your current health. This is an individualized evaluation to assess your readiness for the program, it includes: • • • •
A full medical history Before photos Body Mass Index of greater than 27 Baseline Weight
You will receive a prescription for a comprehensive lab panel, A1C, CBC with diff., TSH, T3, and T4 (except if labs provided are within less than 90 days and no significant past medical history. If you are cleared to start the Semaglutide you will come into the office and receive instructions and training on how to selfinject the medication at home. At that point, the medication will be ordered and shipped to your home. If you do not wish to self-inject you can come into the office and receive the injection from our qualified staff. If you have more questions or need further information, please visit my website at: beautyandbalancespot.com and call 954-967-1900 to schedule your free consultation today! Happy trails! Dr. Barbara Sharief DNP, APRN, MSN, FNP
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Meet Hope , A Great New Addition To The Police Department safely. They have 300 million smell receptors, a third more than German Shepherds. Scientists have found that bloodhounds can track a scent that is more than 300 hours old. After a rigorous review process, the purebred puppy has been partnered with K-9 Officer Heidy Arias, a seven-year veteran of the force. Officer Arias not only has a distinguished law enforcement career, but also earned the coveted Black Belt in Judo at the age of 17, and in 2003 qualified for the US Olympic Judo Team. After obtaining a degree in education, Officer Arias became a teacher and found great joy in teaching students with autism. Six years later, she joined the Miramar Police Department and spent several years protecting our youth as a school resource officer. Officer Arias also serves as one of the department’s defense tactics instructors.
T
he residents of the city of Miramar have a lot to feel safer about thanks to an exceptional addition to the police force—a fourlegged one.
“We are honored and proud to welcome Hope Ryce to Miramar,” says Police Chief Delrish Moss. Hope is a forty-pound bloodhound that was donated to the Miramar Police Department by the Jimmy Ryce Center for Victims of Predatory Abduction. The four-month-old puppy was bred specifically for tracking by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, who are strong advocates for utilizing bloodhounds and works closely with the Jimmy Ryce Center. Bloodhounds have a remarkable innate ability to follow scent and will be used to locate missing children and adults, to bring them home
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“This puppy is going to be a warrior and make us all very proud. Like her name, she will provide hope to families searching for their loved ones,” Arias says. Since its inception, the Jimmy Ryce Center has championed establishing a four-legged search and rescue network and given more than 700 bloodhounds to law enforcement agencies around the country. The center is named after 9-year-old Jimmy Ryce, who was abducted, raped, and murdered at the hands of a sexual predator in 1995. “We are thrilled that a new bloodhound is now in the Miramar Police Department. We know that Hope and Officer Arias are going to be a remarkable team,” said Terri Lynn, co-managing director of the Jimmy Ryce Center. Out of an unspeakable tragedy, the Jimmy Ryce Center has given the Miramar community Hope.
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McKinnon Legal / Always in Your Corner
4 Key Reasons Why You and Your Future Spouse Should Consider a Prenuptial Agreement
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hances are that you have fire insurance on your home. It would be unwise not to, wouldn’t it? You’re not expecting the house to ever be damaged by fire, but the insurance is there “just in case.” If it does happen, your losses are minimized.
Prenuptial agreements follow the same principle. Critics have decried them as evidence that future spouses don’t trust each other and accused them of being tools that enable a monied partner to protect his or her assets from future division. While it’s true that some relationships are based on mistrust and there are greedy individuals who want to share their lives but not their money, prenups are not an indicator of expected marriage failure. On the contrary, they can make a loving and committed relationship even stronger. Here are four key reasons why you and your spouseto-be should consider a prenuptial agreement.
ENCOURAGES OPEN COMMUNICATION While prenups are often seen as the beginning of the end for a couple, they can actually make your relationship stronger by requiring you to discuss and agree on important matters in advance. For example, if you plan to have a family, your agreement could establish whether or not one parent will stay at home with the kids or, if you will both continue to work, how childcare costs are covered. These discussions can reduce the likelihood of future conflicts by getting you both on the same page from the beginning, if you hadn’t already done so.
ENABLE FINANCIAL UNITY Couples probably fight about money more than anything else. A prenuptial agreement can establish ground rules about how money will be handled, such as whether or not
you will keep your separate bank accounts or merge them after marriage. By talking through these issues and reaching an accord before walking down the aisle, you actually set the marriage up for success.
PROVIDE REASONABLE TERMS FOR DIVISION OF PROPERTY Chances are that both of you have personal property that you want to keep separate from the marital estate. This could be a summer home your grandmother left you, an antique sports car that you love, or anything else that has strong sentimental value. A prenuptial agreement can help you retain ownership of these assets in the event that you decide to divorce, provided that such an arrangement is not unfair to the other party.
PROTECT THE FINANCIAL FUTURE OF YOUR CHILDREN If this is a second (or third, or fourth!) marriage for you and you have children from a previous relationship, your spouse could deprive them of a large portion of their inheritance by claiming half of your assets during a divorce. While you probably don’t anticipate such an event, signing a prenuptial agreement that protects your children’s rightful interests is one of the most responsible things you can do as a parent. Most people get married with every intention of spending their lives with one another, but the future is never guaranteed. While it can establish ground rules and encourage communication prior to the marriage, a prenuptial agreement also ensures that important protections are in place in the event that the relationship goes awry. Think of it as a form of insurance for your financial well-being. If you are planning to marry in Florida and want to have a prenuptial agreement drafted, contact McKinnon Legal. We have extensive experience in both negotiating and drafting these sensitive agreements, and we will show you how to protect your respective interests without harming your relationship.
To learn more about our McKINNON LEGAL team, visit: https://mckinnon-legal.com/about-us/
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WORD SEARCH FUN AKITA BASSET HOUND BEAGLE BOXER BULLDOG CHIHUAHUA CHOW CHOW COLLIE DALMATIAN GREAT DANE MALAMUTE MALTESE MASTIFF PEKINGESE POMERANIAN POODLE PUG ROTTWEILER SAINT BERNARD SHARPEI SHIH-TZU WEIMARANER
Can You Find The Animal Words?
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Business Insider / SMP Designs SMP Designs is a full service design firm that specializes in residential interior designs. Our role as designers is to help clients to understand their unique style. This is accomplished by first getting to know each client and asking precise questions about their needs, budget, and preferences. We also listen carefully, so that we have a clear understanding of their request before we start any project. Business is conducted with integrity and honesty and the final product is always Clean & Classy. SERVICES OFFERED: • • • • • • • • • •
Full Bathroom Remodeling Art and Wall Decorations Consultation Interior Lighting Design Custom Closet Design Furniture Consultation and Acquisition Accent Wall Design Custom Closet Interior Decorating Color Consulting Interior Design
For more information, contact us at: smp@smpdesign-concept.com 754-364-0626
WORD SEARCH ANSWERS: How Many Did You Get Right?
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INSIDE MIRAMAR/PEMBROKE PINES - THE MAGAZINE
Business Insider / Welcome to Pediatric Associates
P
ediatric Associates is Florida’s largest privately owned primary care pediatric practice, with more than 200 providers and 34 convenient locations extending from Jacksonville to Miami. Our facilities offer families comprehensive services, including X-Ray and state certified laboratories. We are open 365 days a year with weekend, evening and holiday hours for your convenience. Our mission is to enhance the lives of all children and their families by delivering the highest quality pediatric healthcare in a compassionate and healthy environment. Founded in 1955, Pediatric Associates opened its first office in Hollywood, Florida. Since then, our physicians have cared for generations of families with our first patients now bringing their children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren to our practice. We were one of the first medical groups to introduce satellite office locations staffed by multiple physicians and one of the first pediatric groups to embrace managed care in the 1970s. Pediatric Associates will continue to bring the best possible healthcare service to its patients well into the 21st Century. Ease of access, prompt courteous service and responsiveness to our patients’ concerns will always be our primary goal. We realize that patients are the reason we exist and we strive to treat them professionally with compassion, respect and dignity.
Pediatric Associates’ mission is to enhance the lives of all children, their families, and communities by delivering the highest quality of pediatric healthcare and service in a compassionate and healthy environment. For more information schedule an appointment today or visit: pediatricsassociates.com
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Gone but not Forgotten brought to you by Bell Funeral Home & Cremation For more information call: 954.974.3155
MATTHEW PERRY
SUZANNE SOMERS
RYAN O'NEAL
American-Canadian actor. Known for his performance as Chandler Bing on NBC TV sitcom Friends (1994-2004).
American actress, author, and businesswoman in the health and wellness industry. Known for her TV role as Chrissy Snow on Three's Company.
American actor, most known for the soap opera Peyton Place and the romantic drama Love Story.
Born: Died:
August 19, 1969 October 28, 2023 (Age: 54)
Born: Died:
October 16, 1946 October 15, 2023 (Age: 76)
Born: Died:
To Advertise in Inside Miramar/Pembroke Pines, Please call 954-562-7682
April 20, 1941 December 8, 2023 (Age: 82)
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HELP YOUR CHILD LIVE LIFE TO THE MAX
With Proactive Myopia Management No glasses. No daytime contact lenses.
If one or more of the following apply to your child, Proactive Myopia Management may be the right treatment option for them. ⊲ Your child is active in sports or high energy activities ⊲ Your child is reluctant to wear glasses ⊲ One or both parents wear glasses, contact lenses, or had LASIK ⊲ Your child needed glasses before age 8 ⊲ Your child’s prescription has changed more than -0.50D in the past year ⊲ There is a family history of macular degeneration, glaucoma, or retinal detachment
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New patient special
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FAMILY EYE CARE CENTER
OPEN MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY CLOSED EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY
16359 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33027 (Shoppes at Silver Isles, Next to Chili’s)
www.provisionmiramar.com
954-517-9041
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• COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMS • CONTACT LENS EXAMS • MEDICAL EYE EXAM • OCULAR DISEASE SCREENING (GLAUCOMA, DIABETES, MACULAR DEGENERATION, ETC.) 03/31/24 EXPIRES 9/30/23
Stop in & Check Out Our Special Promotions On All Glasses & Second Pair Specials
"Change Is Inevitable But Can Also Be Exhilarating" Dear Readers: Happy New Year! It’s always very exciting to start a new year with hope, resolutions and the knowledge that changes are inevitable but can also be exhilarating. This is an election year, both for our city and our country, so change is in the air. I have optimistic hope that this will be a year of positive growth and change. I encourage everyone to vote this year and make your voices heard, so this year and those in our future are the best they can be. Please join the City of Pembroke Pines in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 15, 2024, between the hours of 10 am -12 pm (noon) at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, located at 601 City Center Way. This will be a morning filled with poetry, speeches and performances honoring the man who had a dream. Winners of the Student Poetry Contest will also recite their winning entries during the event. Local officials will pay tribute to Dr. King, as well as local dancers and performers. A special concert performance will be held by Voice of Liberty. A RISE and SHINE light breakfast will be served as we celebrate kindness, acceptance, and compassion together. For more information about the Student Poetry Contest, please visit The Frank Gallery at https://www.thefrankgallery.org/p/getinvolved/ poetrycontest. For further details on the January 15 event and how you can be involved, please contact the Special Events Office at 954-392-2116.
The City of Pembroke Pines will once again be recognizing yards with the Natalie Belmonte Great Yards Award (NBGYA), however, a few changes have been made. There will be monthly nominations by each District (i.e. January – District 1, February – District 2, March – District 3, April – District 4, etc.). This award was created in memory of Natalie Belmonte, a well-known resident and businesswoman who had a love for nature and who tragically lost her life in July of 2011. It helps capture the beauty of nurturing a butterfly garden and the love Natalie had for gardening. With this in mind, the city wants to recognize the hard work that each resident puts into maintaining a beautiful front yard that displays Florida-friendly landscape practices. All residents within the city boundaries are invited to enter their front yard area for this Natalie Belmonte Great Yards Award contest or nominate a property (with the property owners’ consent). For more information, please call 954392-2100 or visit https://www.ppines.com/1043/Natalie-BelmonteGreat-Yards-Award. I know how popular Pickleball has become. Did you know that the City of Pembroke offers Pickleball at the Pembroke Lakes Tennis Center, located at 10500 Taft Street? The center is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 9 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, from 8 am to 6 pm and the Pickleball equipment is available for rent. For more information on playing Pickleball at the Pembroke Lakes Tennis Center, please call 954-431-4146. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 954-450-1020, or by e-mail at fortis@ppines.com.
To Advertise in Inside Miramar/Pembroke Pines, Please call 954-562-7682
From your Mayor, Frank C. Ortis City of Pembroke Pines
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Business Insider / OMNIA Weight Training
A
t OMNIA we have programs for kids of all ages and levels. We teach kids how to lift weights safely and build their strength and mental resilience. OMNIA is more than a gym because the work your kids do here will make all the difference in their social lives, grades, and more. Classes focus on stability, coordination, balance, and building a good physical foundation for any journey your child follows.
IS LIFTING WEIGHTS SAFE FOR KIDS? Weightlifting IS safe and very beneficial for kids under the right conditions! Our coaches are certified in youth coaching by the American Council of Exercise and United States Weightlifting Association. Our program is evaluated according to the Mayo Clinic and American Association of Pediatrics for safety and efficacy. WHAT ARE THE AGES FOR CLASSES? We have different programs that serve different ages. The LITTLE LIFTERS program is for ages 5-7. The OMNIA BARBELL AND TEAM OMNIA programs are for ages 8-17. 1-1 coaching is for kids from ages 3 and up. WILL THIS PROGRAM HELP MY CHILD DO BETTER IN SPORTS? Yes! Athletes who learn to snatch, clean and jerk learn to move using their whole body to coordinate powerful and explosive movements. For a child with an aptitude for sport, weightlifting can build strength and power in the lower body to improve jumping ability. Well-rounded athletes can train harder, longer, and get injured much less. They need lots of agility, flexibility, mobility and a good mix of endurancebased training to become a well-rounded athlete. Olympic weightlifting is a sport and training modality that will improve results in all other sports. WILL THIS PROGRAM HELP MY CHILD LOSE WEIGHT? Yes! Many children are not as active as they should be and many don’t enjoy sport. Non-competitive Olympic weightlifting provides an amazing alternative to get kids active, and help form exercise habits to carry into adulthood. The weightlifting environment is an inspiring place that can help get sedentary children more active, develop confidence and enjoy personal success. DO YOU PROVIDE MEAL PLANS? We teach our athletes about calories, macronutrients (protein, carbs, and fats) what kinds of foods they should eat and how to balance their diet and hydration to be strong and healthy. For specific meal plans they need to work 1-1 with a coach to make a plan for them.
To Advertise in Inside Miramar/Pembroke Pines, Please call 954-562-7682
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SINCE 2018 WE HAVE DONATED $1.4 MILLION DOLLARS WITH YOUR HELP!
We are proud to continue partnering with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and The Humane Society of Broward County for the 2023 Subaru Share The Love Event. From now until January 2, 2024, Subaru and Subaru of Pembroke Pines will donate $300 to the charity of your choice during the 2023 Subaru Share the Love Event. Subaru will donate $250 and Subaru of Pembroke Pines will contribute an additional $50 to the charity of your choice.
Subaru of Pembroke Pines...More Than A Car Dealer
A M A Z I N N AU TO M OT I V E E X P E R I E N C E S
AMAZINN AU TO M OT I V E
EXPERIENCES
16100 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, FL 33027
954-283-0247 SubaruofPembrokePines.com
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