Our City Davie - October 2022

Tree of Life

The faith-based preschool grows with the addition of Kindergarten

A Brand New Kindergarten

JASON ZAUDER

from the Book of Gen esis. At the Tree of Life Christian Academy Preschool in Weston, children are learning many of life’s lessons in a thriving, mod ern school. As Tree of Life approaches their one year anniversary, owners Gabriel and Marcy Buitrago are celebrating what they have accomplished while looking ahead to the future.

“My daughter in kindergarten is excelling in reading & writing, she loves learning and I know it’s because of Tree of Life. Their amazing school brings a balance of nurture and structure, giving students the best preparation for school years ahead! We are blessed to have Tree of Life in our community!”

Remarkable Campus & Facilities

feel like our formula for success is to be different than all the other

magic will expand to Tree of Life’s brand-new kindergarten program. Their kindergarten will be in a separate room that will not be attached to the preschool, and they are looking to reach a 9-1 stu dent-to-teacher ratio. With kindergarten starting on August 18th, Tree of Life has al ready reached fifty percent enrollment, and placements will be filling up quickly. There are already wait lists for two- and three-year olds who want to enroll in those programs, and administrators are confident that kin dergarten will also prove quite popular. Kindergarten will be open to all children, regardless of whether or not they attended preschool at Tree of Life.

- Cruz Family

Tree of Life’s campus has been thoughtful ly laid out to make the most of the 13,000 square foot building. The classrooms sur round an indoor play area where a cus tom-made wooden Tree of Life serves as the hub. Every classroom has their own private bathroom and drinking fountain, as well as an exit to the playground. Students can take advantage of a bilingual curriculum, learn sign language, and utilize the latest comput

ers and iPads. All of these features are pro tected by a state-of-the-art security system, which includes security cameras throughout and two separate passcode-protected doors one must pass through before entering the building’s interior.

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“Our City” Salutes Healthcare Heroes

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Each year, we see the color pink in unexpected places. Whether it’s high school football players wearing pink socks to salute a mom’s struggle or a coworker adorning their shirt with a pink ribbon, the global Breast Cancer Awareness campaign has shone a light on breast cancer and helped raise billions in research funding.

Breast Cancer has impacted the Our City Media family as well. We have had family members struggle with a diagnosis and recover and have seen others succumb to the disease. One thing we saw again and again, however, was the tireless efforts of healthcare workers. These men and women have dedicated their lives to help people live as healthily as possible.

According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, there are almost 1 million Floridians employed in the healthcare sector. There are 83,000 doctors, 190,000 nurses, 66,000 EMTs and Paramedics, and hundreds of thou sands of support staff.

These “front line” workers have been asked to do more in the past three years than at any time in a generation. We decided to recognize a few of these “Healthcare Heroes” in this month’s Our City magazine. Turn to page 27 to learn more about some of the people who are making an impact in the community. It is nice to know they are there for us when we need them. Thank You to all of the healthcare professionals who are helping us live our best lives from all of us at Our City Media.

OCTOBER

America’s Everglades

Meet the renowned photographer Clyde Bucher while you take in his exhibit, Ameri ca’s Everglades: Through the Lens of Clyde Butcher. Enjoy wine and small bites as you stroll through the Gallery, followed by a lecture in the newly-finished Mary N. Porter Learning Center and a book signing with Mr. Butcher. Hosted at Flamingo Gardens, 3750 South Flamingo Road. For more info visit www.FlamingoGardens.org or call 954473-2955.

OCTOBER 8

Flamingo Gardens Harvest Festival Cowboys & Cowgirls Weekend

Celebrate the arrival of fall in south Florida every weekend during October. Each Har vest Festival weekend will have a theme of its own and guests are encouraged to dress up in costume to fit the week’s theme. Each weekend will feature hayrides, pony rides, entertainment, fun activities, and food. Admission to Flamingo Gardens is required. Scan the QR code for more info.

OCTOBER 10

Flamingo Gardens Orchid Society

Flamingo Gardens Orchid Society in the Learning Center at Flamingo Gardens. This month is Orchid Bingo! Come and have a fun evening playing Bingo and winning Or chids or orchid-related supplies along with a raffle where you will have another chance to win prizes. Whether you are a beginner or a more seasoned grower you are wel come to attend the meetings. Hosted at the Mary Porter Learning Center at Flamingo Gardens, 3750 S. Flamingo Rd., Davie, FL 33330. Doors open at 7:00 pm, the pro gram begins at 7:30 pm. For info visit www. flamingogardensorchidsociety.com.

OCTOBER 7

Paranormal Investigation

Have you ever hunted for ghosts? Get into the spooky mood at The Old Davie School. WAR Party Paranormal Investigators will lead a small group on an investigation at the school house. Who knows what you may find. 7:30 - 10:30 pm at the Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Road. Scan the QR code for tickets and info.

OCTOBER 8-9

11th Annual Brazilian Festival

“A Love Letter to the Amazon Forest and the many Cultures of Brazil.” Florida’s most tra ditional multicultural festival is back at Sny der Park, in Fort Lauderdale. International Concerts, Samba Dancers, Carnival Rides, 100 Exhibitors, and Food Vendors. The Amazing Journey into Brazil’s Art, Culture, Tradition and Cuisine, From the traditional Brazilian “Rodizio, Churrasco, Vatapa, Pao de Queijo e Pastel” to the Sweet Dream of “Brigadeiros, Cocadas, Doce de leite, e Pamonha”. This is the taste of the Brazilian Cuisine featured by all the small business es of Broward in tents especially created to offer a dream day in Brazil’s Flavor-land. Hosted at Snyder Park, 3299 SW 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale. For tickets and more info visit www.brazilianfestival.org.

OCTOBER 13

Tipsy Tour

Enjoy light snacks and a beverage (or two) before embarking on a guided tour through history, highlighting the story of Prohibi tion-era Davie. This event is a “slightly tam er” version of the popular Comedy Central “Drunk History” show. Must be 21 or older. 7:00 - 9:00 pm at the Olde Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Road. Scan the QR code for tickets or info.

October 2022 Calendar

OCTOBER 22

Trick or Trot 5K

Hit the road at the sixth annual Hallow een-themed 5K and Kids’ Dash! Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome, and costumes are encouraged! Runners/walkers will receive the coveted Trick or Trot treats: a commemorative medal and a t-shirt. (Shirts are available in youth medium, youth large, and adult sizes.) The gun will go off to start the race at 7:30 am at Markham Park. Follow the QR code to register. For more info call the Sunrise Leisure Services Department at 954-747-4600.

OCTOBER 27-30

Saint David’s Carnival

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

OCTOBER 30

Haunted Hot Rods Car Show

Put away your broom and grab the keys!

The Old Davie School Historical Museum will host this Halloween car show and family fund day. Any decorated vehicle is welcome, from a unicycle to a hearse or even a school bus. Prices will be give for best car costume in a number of categories, including most spooky, most spirited, most bewitching and more! 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Road. For more info and tick ets scan the QR code.

OCTOBER 31

Happy Halloween

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

OCTOBER 26-30

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

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

OCTOBER 29

Trick or Treat Shop to Shop

Put on your best Halloween costume and heave over to the Countryside Shops for a fun, safe trick-or-treat experience. Make sure to dress your best and bring a big Halloween bag for all that candy. Hosted at the Countryside Shops, 5524 S Flamingo Road from 10:00 am - Noon. For more info call 954-434-4300.

Comprehensive cancer care in your community

After a century of caring for patients, including more than three decades in Florida, Cleveland Clinic knows what matters most to patients facing a cancer diagnosis. Patients want to have access to high quality, comprehensive cancer services close to home.

Cleveland Clinic Florida is part of a global, physicianled organization that provides outstanding patient care guided by a “Patients First” philosophy. The nonprofit, multispecialty, academic medical center integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education.

Commitment to industry standards

Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Maroone Cancer Center harnesses the full resources of the Cleveland Clinic enterprise, including collaboration with the Taussig Cancer Institute in Cleveland, Ohio, which is one of the top cancer centers in the country and part of the NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Maroone Cancer Center has earned recognition for providing quality cancer care, including accreditation by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer®, and Cleveland Clinic Florida has been recognized as High Performing in Colon Cancer Surgery and Lung Cancer Surgery by U.S. News & World Report for 2022-23.

Collaboration across specialties

Cleveland Clinic Florida’s multidisciplinary team of cancer specialists works together to address malignancies in virtually every part of the body using evidenced-based modalities and the latest research. Teams of specialists conduct weekly cancer conferences to review and discuss cases and develop personalized treatment plans that may include:

• Expert surgical care with access to minimally invasive and robot-assisted approaches

• Chemotherapy or immunotherapy treatments delivered in infusion suites focused on patient safety and comfort

• Advanced radiation therapies using state-of-the-art technology, including intensity modulated radiation therapy and intraoperative radiation therapy

• Participation in clinical trials and cancer research under the direction of leading physician scientists

Research-driven, personalized breast cancer care

The introduction of targeted precision therapy and immunotherapy has led to a new era of tailored breast cancer therapies that considers a patient’s genetic makeup; tumor composition at the detailed biological level; medical history; and response to therapy. Many drugs have been developed in the last decade that target specific types of breast cancer, including Hormone Receptor positive, HER2-positive or triple negative breast cancer with several subtypes within each group.

“We now know we can achieve better outcomes by treating patients at the molecular level based on the specific genetic mutations of the tumor and unique characteristics of each individual patient,” says Zeina Nahleh, MD, FACP, Regional Institute Chair for Cancer at Cleveland Clinic Florida and Center Director of the Maroone Cancer Center. “Advances in personalized therapies have led to a paradigm shift in the management of breast cancers and hold promise of more to come.”

Compassionate, holistic care Patients have access to an array of cancer support services that promote well-being during treatment and beyond. These services include:

• Patient navigator services

• Cancer support groups

• Art therapy

• Beauty/body image services

• Massage therapy

• Music therapy

• Nutrition services

• Social work services

• Wig boutique

Cleveland Clinic Florida provides patients the compassionate, comprehensive care they deserve close to home. And that makes all the difference. Visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Cancer to learn more.

housing,

and

aid,

YOUR FIRST CALL TO GET HELP

Bilingual staff and telephone interpreter services ensure that callers can talk with us in the language of their choice.

211 offers people access to a variety of resources including:

• Crisis and Suicide Care

• Mental Health Services

211 Broward is the only 24/7 comprehensive agency in the county that provides individuals and families with all of the critical connections to health and human service services they need in just one call, chat, email, or text. This 24-hour helpline is available to every individual and family in Broward County!

211 is a free, anonymous, 24-hour helpline offering listening support, information, referral, and crisis services. Their professional, degreed staff connects people in need with nearly 3,800 programs and services that are available to help

• Substance Abuse Treatment

• Military and Veteran Services

• Health and Wellness Referrals

• Sexual Health Services

• COVID-19 Assistance

• Confidential Help for Teens

• New Parent Help

• Older Adult and Adult Caregiver Services

• Much more…

211 is available to help people in almost any circumstances. 211 Broward was established

as a 501(c)(3) in 1995. Every hour of every day, someone in Broward searches for help or services. Knowing where to go is the first step to getting your needed help.

▸ If you need help for any reason, dial 211 on your mobile phone today

High

Applications are now open for The Soroptimist International of Davie Youth Leadership Award 2022. This one-time cash award recognizes outstanding contributions young women from Broward County make to their communities through volunteer and leadership actions. The award program underscores the Soroptimist’s commitment to young high school women leaders of the future between the ages of 14 and 18 who have demonstrated initiative in both identifying a problem and in trying to solve it through volunteer action.

This award is based solely on the applicant’s volunteer and leadership qualities and is an opportunity to honor a girl who might not otherwise receive recognition. She may not be the best student, best athlete, or most popular girl in school, but she is committed to making the world a better place.

Soroptimist International of Davie annually selects a winner and presents her with two cash prizes, $500 for the young lady to use however she wishes and a $250 donation to the charity she volunteers with. Applications are available now with a deadline of December 15, 2022. The cash award will be presented in the Spring of 2022.

If you know a student who wishes to apply for this award, the application can be obtained at www.sidavie.org/projects-awards/

▸ The Soroptimist clubs help women and girls live their dreams. It is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empow erment. For more info about the Leadership Award contact MaryAnna Giordano at maryannagiordano@gmail.com or call 954-649-0566.

Halloween is going to be spooky again this year! The South Florida Cloggers are sponsoring a 2-day scary haunted house event called "Nights of Fright!" The haunted house will be held at Bamford Multipurpose Center in Davie on October 27th through 29th. It is not for the faint of heart!

Have you ever heard the legend of the Bamford Sports Center? Many years ago, long before the Town of Davie even existed, a family lived on the grounds where the sports center now sits. Their youngest daughter, Robbin was said to be a lovely girl.

One Halloween night, a terrible accident occurred. Over time, the area became abandoned. Rumor has it, The Bamford Multipurpose Center has been haunted ever since, and every once in a while, on a cool October night, you can still hear Robbin's screams for help. Join us to find out what horrors still lurk in the darkness.

For those looking for a fun Halloween event with a little bit less fright, the group will also host a “G” rated event on Sunday, October 30, from 1-5pm at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds. The “not so haunted” maze will be a great opportunity for the kids to show off their costumes and maybe get a little candy!

Children, ages 12 and under, are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes to participate in the costume contest. James-Crichton says prizes will be awarded for the Spookiest, Cutest and most original costumes in three age categories: five and under, six to eight years, and nine to 12 years.

Western High School Students came together to pay homage to the thousands who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Since 2002, the school has marked this day with a student-constructed memorial, which has served as a symbol for Western High students to host the ‘We Will Never Forget’ ceremony. The monument replicates the Twin Towers, surrounded by the Pentagon, with a flagpole placed in the outline of the state of Pennsylvania.

Local fire departments and law enforce ment members participated in the “We Will Never Forget” ceremony alongside Western High JROTC, choral singers, band, and the Student Government Association.

“Today Western High School kept its promise that it made 20 years ago,” com mented Western High School Principal Jimmy Arrojo, “we treat this event with great reverence and respect. This monument was

designed and built by students.”

He highlighted the fact that this was the first time in three years the school was able to hold the ceremony because of covid restrictions.

Davie Mayor Judy Paul was also on hand, “Through all that devastation and all that destruction, these colors waived brightly in the air,” she commented, “and gave us the hope and the strength to continue.”

The memorial was built in 2002 by sixteen students from Davie, Weston, and Southwest Ranches as part of an engineer ing class. The ceremony takes place annu ally on September 11th or the closest school day to that date.

Every aspect of the monument has signif icance. The seating area is in the shape of a pentagon, with two concrete pillars centered inside representing the World Trade Center towers. Behind the towers is a flagpole, its base imprinted in the shape of Pennsylvania.

Heroes Live Amongst Us!

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

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

Meet a Wellpath Healthcare Hero from Broward County

What is your Wellpath career path?

I started in 2015 as a floor nurse with the maximum custody patients. Sounds scary, doesn’t it?! It wasn’t at all. From the first day they were kind and respectful. I built rapport with them, and it made my job easy and enjoyable from the start. In seven years, I have gone from LPN to Health Services Administrator where I get the privilege of making a difference in the lives of our patients and team. During my time with the Wellpath Broward team I have worked in many different areas like intake, infirmary, mental health, detox, and charge nurse.

What gets you up every day to do this important work?

What myth did you assume about correctional healthcare that you found not to be true?

Like many, I assumed correctional healthcare was going to be scary, but the truth was the complete opposite. I love it here and I have fun every day I come to work. I love my staff, co-workers, and patient interactions.

What is the best part about your work?

I think the best part is the ability to make a change in someone’s life who may not even know they needed it.

Patricia Keathley Wellpath Health Services Administrator Broward County Main Jail

“You never know what someone has been through and the impact you may be able to have on their life.”

How did you get into healthcare and what are you like outside of work?

I am 37 years old, and I grew up here in Florida. I knew at a young age I wanted to be a nurse because I loved caring for people. Seven years ago, I had children and went to nursing school. I became an LPN and applied at the Broward Main Jail where I fell in love with correctional nursing. Since then I have never looked back. In my spare time I love to go to the beach and play with my dog Simba.

Every day I think about the difference I make in someone’s life. Not only by giving them medical care and medication but treating them with kindness which then they reciprocate back. I love people. I love to care for people and especially those who may not be able to care for themselves or may need guidance. You never know what someone has been through and the impact you may be able to have on their life. In addition, Wellpath is a great company that believes in culture and building a family environment where you feel safe and enjoy coming to work.

Is it unsafe to work in a jail?

I’ve worked in this environment for years with all levels of inmates at a maximum custody facility. I have never felt scared or unsafe. My patients are normal people like you and me. Every day we say good morning, ask how each other is doing, and then send a wish for a nice day. These patients are appreciative of our care and very respectful toward our team.

What would you say to someone considering a job here?

I would tell them to jump in with open arms. If you love nursing, you will love correctional nursing. It’s an amazing place to grow your skills while making a difference in people’s lives. I feel correctional healthcare is the best kept secret in healthcare. It sounds intimidating at first, but once you start you will never want to go anywhere else. I come to work every day hoping to make this environment a better place and a happy work environment.

Andrew Small

“Ms. Keathley is not only a great clinical nurse, she is a great leader. Keathley leads with passion to improve company culture and make Wellpath a great place to call home.”

Wellpath Florida Regional Vice President

Anand Vakharia, MD

PRIMARY

Broward Community Medical Center

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

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

Dr. Anand Vakharia was drawn to primary care at an early age. He shadowed his father often, and witnessed first-hand the trust and respect that his patients gave him, and the quality of care that was expected. He also had the privilege of attending several medical missions which further reinforced the impact of empathetic health care on not the patient but their entire family. “These experiences were enriching and humbling, and I returned from each with a broader perspective in treating patients at home.”

Today, Dr. Vakharia practices Primary Care at Broward Community Medical Center in Plantation.

■

To make an appointment with Dr. Anand Vakharia call 954-747-7373 or visit www.bcmcfl.com.

Andrea Bretal, MD

OWNER & MEDICAL DIRECTOR Weston Medical Health & Wellness

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

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

Patients with chronic health conditions like diabetes can find management techniques and even achieve disease regression at Weston Medical Health & Wellness. By helping you lose weight and keep it off, Dr. Bretal believes you’ll live a healthier, happier life.

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

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

Jose

It is hard to imagine a more frightening moment in a person’s life than receiving a brain or spinal cancer diagnosis. Hearing those words would cause anx iety and fear in virtually any patient. Luckily there are new innovative treatments for these types of diseases. Dr. Jose Valerio is one of those pioneering surgeons treating these diagnoses. His offices are right here in South Florida.

Dr. Valerio is a board-certified neurosurgeon. He has completed a post-doc fellowship in cerebrovascular neurosurgery at the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center (affiliated with Case Western Reserve University) and a clinical fellowship in neurosurgical oncology and spine at the Cleveland Clinic Ohio.

He trained and worked as a staff neurosurgeon at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and Florida for eight years until 2013. After that, Dr. Valerio joined the Miami Neuroscience Center. His primary focus is on complex spine pathology and spine tumors. He has received multiple awards for treating brain tumors, including the American Brain Tumor Association Young Investigator Award, the Musella Foundation Award, and the Cleveland Clinic Clinical Research Award.

Dr. Valerio opened the first Radiosurgery Suite in Florida. This state-of-the-art facility uses real-time tumor tracking technology and motion management capabil ities to ensure precision that is not attainable in almost any other way.

Dr. Valerio is an expert in treating brain metastasis. Any cancer can lead to brain metastasis when cancer from other parts of the body spreads to your brain. Therefore, surgery to remove the brain tumor may be part of your treatment for metastatic brain cancer.

At his practices in South Miami, Hialeah, and Weston, Dr. Valerio performs many surgical treatments for brain metastasis. He also treats meningioma, the most common type of primary brain tumor, and glioblastoma, an aggressive type of cancer that affects the brain and spinal cord.

Dr. Jose Valerio is a unique type of neurosurgeon. He combines a proper patient-centered approach to care with his extensive skill and training to help his patients achieve the desired outcomes. His practice accepts most health insurance plans.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Valerio call 954-907-9447

Nova Southeastern University Graduate

Serves Aboard Floating Airport USS Carl Vinson

By Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez

A2018 Nova Southeastern University graduate and native of Piti, Guam, serves the U.S. Navy aboard one of the world’s largest warships, the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson.

Lt. Cmdr. Kamille Pizarro, a 2008 Department of Defense Education Activity Guam High School graduate, joined the Navy 10 years ago.“I was inspired to join the Navy by my dad,” said Pizarro.”He's a retired electrician's mate senior chief. I saw all the gifts that the Navy provided my family. This is my way to give back.”

Today, Pizarro serves as a training officer.

A training officer is responsible for making sure that sailors are trained to be able to take the ship on deployment. Pizarro relies upon skills and values from lessons learned in Piti to succeed in the military.

“My hometown taught me to treat everyone as if they're family,”said Pizarro. “I see the people who are serving on the ship as if they're family.”

Homeported in San Diego, California, USS Carl Vinson is the United States Navy's third Nimitzclass supercarrier. She is named for Carl Vinson, a Congressman from Georgia, in recognition of his contributions to the U.S. Navy.

Aircraft carriers provide unique capabilities and survivability. They are a powerful exhibition of the American Navy's legacy of innovation, technological evolution, and maritime dominance, according to Navy officials.

Vinson, like each of the Navy’s aircraft carriers, is designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft – all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea.

With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, Vinson is a self-contained mobile airport.

Aircraft carriers are often the first responders in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely from anywhere on the world’s oceans. Carrier strike groups are uniquely mobile, which makes them far more strategically advantageous than fixed-site bases. No other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier's speed, endurance, agility and the combat capability of its air wing.

Since USS Langley's commissioning 100 years ago, the nation's aircraft carriers – such as Vinson – and embarked carrier air wings have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.

"The aircraft carrier is our U.S. Navy's center

piece, our flagship, and a constant reminder to the rest of the world of our enduring maritime presence and influence," said Rear Adm. James P. Downey, Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Aircraft Carriers. "These ships touch every part of our Navy's mission to project power, ensure sea control and deter our adversaries."

Serving in the Navy means Pizarro is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy is our first line of defense,” said Pizarro. “The depth and breadth that the Navy has and how we can cover all the areas around the world makes us such a strong asset for the nation.”

More than 90 percent of all trade travels by sea, and fiber optic cables on the ocean floor carry 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic.

Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to ready sailors and a strong Navy.

“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an invest ment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations.

“The U.S. Navy – forward deployed and inte grated with all elements of national power – deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”

Sailors like Pizarro have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My proudest accomplishment is seeing my sailors get promoted or reenlist,” said Pizarro.

As Pizarro and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” added Pizarro. “It's a blessing to be able to give back to my country and to have a second family away from home.”

very name, are crimes that remain unsolved.

these cases takes patience, tenacity and innova tive thinking. At the Broward Sheriff's Office, unsolved

will never be placed on the shelf or forgotten, and the passage of time will not delay our quest for justice.

2019, BSO created a full-time Cold Case Unit, whose primary function is to investigate unsolved homicides and sex crimes. The cases date back to 1963; today, about 350 remain open.

trails of these investigations might have gone cold, but the pain for the families never goes away. The detectives investigating these crimes work tirelessly for the victim's loved ones, never giving up the search for that one clue that could help lead us to solve these crimes.

Making progress on these cases can be challenging; however, significant technological

By Sheriff Gregory Tony

advances have helped immensely. Thirty years ago, DNA testing was in its infancy. Today, we can retest physical evidence to identify potential suspects and link them to a crime. Progress in fingerprint identification has also come a long way. Even minute, unique details of an individual fingerprint can be discerned by new programs, leading to faster and more accurate identification.

Last year, the BSO Cold Case Unit, working with the Miami Police Department, Brazilian National Police and U.S. federal agencies, tracked down the man responsible for the brutal murders of three South Florida women decades ago through DNA and fingerprint technology. The resolution of the case received worldwide attention. However, it is only one of the eight cases the BSO Cold Case Unit has solved since its inception.

To bring more exposure to these investi gations, we launched a cold case video series to uncover possible new leads. The first epi sode details a North Lauderdale mother and daughter who were shot and killed in their bed in 2017. In another, a Pompano Beach-based American Airlines pilot was shot nine times

at his front door in 2011. The latest episode explores the brutal murder of Jerri Emken in 1985, who was found dead at the Pompano Beach bar where she worked. While the mur ders remain unsolved, detectives hope the series will jog a memory and result in new leads bringing resolution to these cases. I encourage you to take some time to view this series on the Broward Sheriff's Office YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/BrowardSheriffsOffice.

You, too, can help bring a critical clue to one of our cold cases. Broward Crime Stoppers is a vital resource for submitting tips resulting in successful outcomes. Even the most minor clues, something someone saw, heard or remembered, can result in a new lead. Anyone with information on unsolved cases is asked to contact the Broward Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at (954) 321-4200 or Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS (8477) to report a tip anonymously.

Service Equals Reward Sheriff Gregory Tony

In Honor of Halloween: CELEBRITY PROBATE NIGHTMARES

By Andrea L. Jakob, Esq.

ecently, we heard about the tragic passing of Anne Heche. I was astounded to read she did not have a will, although the mother of minor children.

Earlier this year, I spoke at the Broward County Library regarding "Probate Nightmares." While I used recent stories you may be familiar with as examples of what not to do, I think it shows us what we ALL must do! And I hope that Anne Heche’s legacy will not end up as a topic of my next speaking engagement.

Nightmare 1. Rockstar Prince’s Intestate Estate. Without a will, your wishes are determined according to state law. The court may make the decision as to who will receive your assets. If you have minor children, a guardian may not be the one you would have chosen.

Prince died intestate. His full sister, five half-siblings, and hundreds more individuals claimed to be entitled to his funds. The IRS then fought with his family for about six years to determine the value of his taxable estate. Lesson learned: avoid a nightmare by consulting a trusted attorney to plan for the future.

Nightmare 2. Aretha Franklin’s improperly completed wills.

Suppose you do not clearly and unequivocally complete your estate plan documents according to state law. In that case, your family may end up with a mess like Aretha’s Family. They assumed she had no will, but a few handwritten documents were found. Then her attorneys found a draft "Will of Aretha Franklin" that was never signed. She had four improperly completed "wills" that forced her estate and assets to remain stuck in court years following her passing. All to await a judge to rule on the validity of those documents. Lesson learned: Ensure your documents are properly signed and executed according to state law.

Nightmare 3. Jerry Garcia’s ex-wives: Selecting the right "fiduciaries" or persons to handle your matters.

Jerry Garcia's family dealt with a complex probate estate. His decisions led to a family and court battle. His third wife was named the Executor (Personal Representative) responsible for the ongoing alimony payments to his second wife. Lesson learned: choose the right people to fulfill your responsibilities and wishes.

Nightmare 4. Robin William’s “Stuff."

The family of Robin Williams was lucky his estate plan was well prepared; except for one major issue: the plan for his collectibles, photographs, and memorabilia, including one Academy Award, six Golden Globes, two Emmys, and five Grammys, was left unresolved. His family ended up in a bitter feud over these unique and treasured items.

Lesson learned: personal property, "our stuff," may have emotional or financial worth. You don't want your family fighting over your personal belongings.

Although each celebrity discussed likely had agents, managers, and attorneys heavily involved in their careers, none had an ideal estate plan.

Given the constantly changing laws and the inherent complexities in today's families, everyone—famous or not—needs to take time to protect their loved ones with a complete, updated estate plan.

▸ Andrea L. Jakob, PA is located at 12401 Orange Drive, suite 219 in Davie. They can be reached at 954-406-5239 or on the web at www.jakoblegal.com.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Use in the Foot & Ankle

ealing after an injury involves a well-orches trated and complex series of events where proteins in the blood act as messen gers to regulate the entire process. Many proteins involved in the healing process are derived from small cell fragments in the blood called platelets.

Platelets are small, colorless, cell frag ments present in the blood.

They are formed in the bone mar-row and are freely passing through the bloodstream in a resting state. However, when an injury occurs, the platelets become activated and start to gather at the injury site to release beneficial proteins called growth factors. This is the beginning of the healing process.

For many years, blood components derived from the patient and then delivered to the site of injury have created growing interest for use in orthopedic procedures. New research and technology have expanded the application of this therapy for use in orthopedic procedures.

By Dr. John Goodner

HWhat is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)? Platelet Rich Plasma is a concentration of platelets and growth factors created from a small amount of your own blood. Increased levels of growth factors have the potential to improve signaling and recruitment of cells. What conditions can it treat? PRP can be used to treat Arthritis (foot or ankle), Ligament Injuries (acute or chronic), Tendon Injuries (acute or chronic), Joint Pain, Chronic Inflammatory Conditions, Achilles Tendonitis, Plantar Fasciitis, Chronic Nerve Irritation (Neuritis), Shin Splints and Heel Spurs.

How does the PRP process work? Our doctors will recover a small amount of blood from your arm using a small needle and a specially designed syringe. The blood then goes through a rapid spinning process that separates and concentrates the platelets and other beneficial growth fac-tors from the blood. The entire PRP production process is usually done in less than 20 minutes.

What happens after that? The injected area will be anes-thetized with a local anesthetic (Lidocaine). The blood with its PRP will be injected into the area directly or with the aid of ultrasound or x-ray.

Am I a candidate for treatment with PRP? Speak with our doctors and ask if PRP is right for you. We will perform an exam ination to determine if the use of PRP will benefit you. If you are on anti-inflammatory medications or blood thinners, your physi cian may temporarily discontinue the use of these until your treatment has taken place. What are the risks associated with this treatment? PRP uses your body’s own natural properties to treat your injury. Side effects utilizing PRP systems are very uncommon.

▸ Dr. John Goodner is a Board Certified Re constructive Foot and Ankle Surgeon with the Foot, Ankle and Leg Specialists of South Florida and specializes in sports medicine foot and ankle injuries, foot and ankle ar throscopy, lower extremity trauma, and lower extremity deformities in infants, children, teens and adults. The South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine is located at 17842 NW 2nd St Pembroke Pines, FL 33029-2806. You can reach the office at (954) 430-9901.

SouthFloridaSportsMedicine.com. Instagram @SouthFloridaSportsMedicine Twitter @SFLSportsMed.

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

Serving Our Patients for Over 30 Years!

Just A Baby Tooth

By Dr. Maria Grosman

You are accompanying your child for their regularly scheduled visit to the dentist and you hear those dreaded words “your child has a cavity.” Initial emotions

treatment is sure to become more difficult, longer in time, and likely more expensive.

There are situations in which the tooth is too compromised and extraction is the only option. However, if there is an option to “save” the tooth, I would more likely consider it an opportunity. It is an opportunity to maintain esthetics, speech, and in most cases save money (if considering long term saving). When I speak to my patients as well as my own children, I like to speak of the baby teeth as being just as important as permanent teeth. We must do this if we expect them to learn good habits which will reward them into their adulthood.

▸ The office of Dr. Maria Maranzini-Grosman (Board Certified Pediatric Dentist) and Dr. Alon Grosman (Specialist in Orthodontics) is located at South Flamingo Road on the NW corner of Griffin and Flamingo Road.

For more info or to schedule an appointment, call 954-236-3434.

A Culture Of Caring

Davie,

of Davie, our every effort is dedicated to the safety, comfort, and care of our residents.

Oakmonte

entire staff is continuously practicing infection-control procedures to ensure that both residents and staff stay healthy and happy.

Oakmonte Village of Davie’s beautiful 199-unit boutique-style Luxury Senior Living Community offers a continuum of care for seniors including Catered Living

Assisted Living and Memory Care

We also offer restaurant-style dining, luxurious accommodations, washers and dryers in each apartment, a wellness center, 80-foot pool, activities & more. If you are ready, your new home awaits! Please call 954-982-2323

visit us online at

Davie Update

By Mayor Judy Paul

As you are well aware, I am a patron of the arts and love all types of music from classical to jazz, from southern gospel to bluegrass and country, and from the big bands to rock and roll. This makes it very exciting to see the emergence and success of the Davie Jazz Society which is a private group that has set out on a wonderful mission.

According to the Society’s website: Culture is not an add-on to daily life or the economic work of the region, it is a critical support to both. The major challenges we face, regionally and globally, will be solved by creative people and the economic opportunities that follow the pandemic will be grasped by those who can see beyond the immediate and imagine a different path. The pandemic rocked the creative and cultural industries to the core, but the unprecedented support from Steglich Ross & Associates producer of (Davie Jazz Festival), the Town of Davie, International Jazz Day Committee combined with the amazing businesses we are recovering and able to achieve greater reach than before. We look forward to a cohesive relationship with the Broward County Cultural Arts Division for 2023 and beyond. The Davie Jazz Society has developed the Cultural Corridor Compact which sets out themes for strategic focus and a series of ambitious proposed initiatives to deliver on these themes. Currently, we have planned events monthly for the remainder of the 2022 calendar year all taking place in the downtown Davie area.

Davie offers a unique confluence of creative and digital companies. The areas of interest crossover, from nurseries, music stores, coffee shops, book cafes, eateries, video gamers, universities, health, and wellness, and of course our cowboys and legacy Davie residents. This makes it an interesting place to work, worship, live, and play. There’s lots of energy and new creative endeavors, new markets, and connections here.” The Compact will be partnerships designed to support the local cultural sector and enhance its contribution to development, with a special emphasis on cross-sector engagement beyond the cultural sector itself and the local township.

We started our Cultural Corridor Compact at Zona Village to bring education and the role history plays in downtown Davie. The help and support from every business, organization, agency, and resident is vital. The first presentation on Saturday, August 20th, 2022 brought an unprecedented experience to downtown Davie. The second mini concert on September 24 at Parc 3400 featured a performance by OSG(Old Skool Gang) singing songs of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s and special guest Ginetta Silvi for a nostalgic evening. Coming on Oct 15 at Sweet Alchemy on Davie Rd is Nathan Mitchell. Nathan Mitchell, an accomplished American contemporary jazz/soul composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist whose name is synonymous to passion, innovation, and vision has become one of the most respected “musical storytellers” in the industry.

Nathan’s music has captured the hearts of musical innovators, listeners, and lovers all over the world. This top Billboard charting artist is known best for his amazing showmanship. His visibility has been enhanced with two NAACP Image Award nominations for Outstanding Jazz Album.

“Cultural diversity is what drives innovative ideas and initiatives. When people from different backgrounds come together, they are able to draw on a variety of experiences, upbringing styles, cultures, stories, and customs. All this helps develop new ideas that would not have been thought of otherwise.” - Lidia D. The Davie Jazz Society is the epitome of cultural diversity at its highest point.

The society hopes to capture your interest and asks for your support and word of mouth as they grow our Cultural Corridor Compact. For more information and to share your interest, send an email to Daviejazzfest@gmail.com.

The Mayor’s Public Affairs Academy will commence in October. This gives high school students who reside in Davie an opportunity to learn, firsthand, about municipal government and partake in one on one experiences with our department directors and their staff. For information, contact me at jpaul@davie-fl.gov.