Our City Fort Lauderdale April 2018

Your Community News Magazine | April 2018

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Q&A: Ready for a run? There’s much to know before you go.

According to recent statistics, U.S. participation in running and jogging has grown 70% over the past decade.

In 2017, it was Farah Tejpar, MD estimated that over 60 million Americans were involved in the sport. The number of people running in non-traditional events like warrior and color runs has increased dramatically in the past five years.

Running properly is of utmost importance, regardless of whether you’ve been running for years or just getting started, or if you’re running just for recreation or are serious about the sport and have goals to break personal bests. And sometimes it requires some trial and error to figure out what will work best for you. We asked Farah Tejpar, MD, Medical Director for the Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon and Half Marathon, to answer key questions about running, and how runners of all types can prepare.

Q. Is running good for everyone?

A. Running is a great way to boost your metabolism, burn calories and improve your cardiovascular health.

But it’s important to run with proper technique and incorporate warm up and recovery exercises.

Q. Are there different types of runners?

A. Runners can fall into two groups.

• Endurance athletes who are always training for their next marathon or striving to improve their performance • Weekend warriors who enjoy running for recreation and fitness Q. What are typical running injuries?

A. Runners typically present with overuse injuries. Overuse injuries result from increased demand over time on the muscles, bones and tendons.

Q. Is running bad for your joints?

A. Running can help with weight maintenance and weight loss. This actually decreases the load on your joints and helps to prevent arthritis.

Q. How can a sports health specialist help?

A. During your consultation, a sports health physician will address structural and functional issues that can lead to injuries. These include your individual capabilities; such as muscle strength and flexibility, as well as external factors; such as environmental conditions, running surfaces and shoe wear.

For an appointment with Dr. Tejpar or any other Cleveland Clinic Florida sports health specialist, call 800.639.DOCTOR or visit clevelandclinicflorida.org/sportshealth.

April

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CONTENTS PUBLISHER’S PAGE

CO-PUBLISHERS Christy & Terry Jaillet

10 South Florida Takes Pride in Historic Significance

MANAGING EDITOR Beverly Perkins

CALENDAR

OFFICE MANAGER Gabriela Moscoso

12 APRIL 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS 14 Beach Sweep Helps Keep Our Beaches Beautiful 16 Broward County Main Library Hosts Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit Featuring Lieutenant Colonel Leo Roger Gray

26 City of Fort Lauderdale Offers Business Academy

18 Sip, Sample, and Celebrate for a Cause – It’s Time for the 23rd Annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival

COVER STORY

23 Yo-Ho-Ho and a Sack Full of Fun! Fort Lauderdale Rotary Holds 1st Annual Pirate Festival Fundraiser

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

26 Volunteers to Give Back During Fort Lauderdale Cares Day

SCHOOL NEWS

23

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Tom Rowe, Barry Stock ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Nancy Koval Nancy@ourcitymedia.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Joyce Bak, John Brodie, Denise Caligiuri, Paula Montesarchio, Silvia Silva, Jerry Spielman

21 Beautiful Windows

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stacey Bomser, Helen Penland, Debby Teich

22 Hello April!

23 Floranada Elementary Robotics Team Earns Spot at National Competition

HEALTH & BEAUTY

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Krushot Photography, Lux Images, Emily Harris Photography, Mavila Photography, Barry Stock Photography, Weston Photography Studios 1960 N Commerce Parkway | Suite 3 Weston, FL 33326 Ph: 954-306-1007

GOT NEWS?

25 Hair to Flip for this Season

SPECIAL FEATURE EDITORIAL 28 End School Shootings with Real Solutions

publisher@ourcitymedia.com

ADVERTISING INFO: sales@ourcitymedia.com

Visit us online: www.ourcityfortlauderdale.com

SEEN ON SCENE 30 Community Snapshots

26

ART DIRECTOR Jacqueline Allard

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 31 A Shade Above Makes It Easy to Select Window Coverings

14

Our City Media of Florida, LLC publishes FREE monthly, local community news magazines throughout South Florida. Total circulation is 20,000+ per edition or a total of more than 190,000 copies per month. Our City Magazines are Our City Media Welcomes Fort Lauderdale mailed monthly to affluent single-family homes,News condos and businesses in their to our Family of Community Magazines. respective communities.

Monthly mailings verifiable by &USPS Your Source For School News,are Community News More!statements.

Additional free copies are available at selected locations throughout the communities served and uponwww.OurCityFortLauderdale.com 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.

8 APRIL 2018 | OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM

eTailors

PUBLISHER’S PAGE

South Florida Takes Pride in Historic Significance

O

n an early April day, a bit more than 500 years ago, Spanish Explorer Ponce De Leon landed near what is now Saint Augustine and claimed it for the Spanish crown. He subsequently sailed down the east coast surveying the land in what is now Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. It is amazing how far we’ve come since those fateful days.

At the time of Ponce De Leon’s arrival, the only residents of South East Florida were a Native American tribe known as the Tequesta. The region’s total population at the time is estimated to have been between 800 and a few thousand inhabitants.

The population remained largely unchanged for the next 400 years.

Shortly after its founding, Broward County had a population just over 5,000 people and consisted mostly of uninhabitable wetlands.

Today, Broward and Miami-Dade Counties are home to more than five million people; few areas in the world have grown faster over the past century. We have the fifth and sixth largest school districts in the United States.

The region also boasts a vibrant economy and diverse culture.

The area’s rapid growth and unique climate have brought unique challenges: Will we be able to continue to create jobs for continued immigration and the maturation of the huge population of school-aged kids? How will we manage rising sea levels in a region so dependent on tourism? Can we continue to integrate the varied backgrounds and perspectives of residents and newcomers? How can we guarantee freedom and safety for all?

We are optimistic. South Florida is a young, dynamic region that has solved difficult problems in the past and will do it again in the future. Our brightest days are still ahead. We, for our part, are proud to be part of this community and can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Sincerely,

Terry and Christy Jaillet Co-Publishers

10 APRIL 2018 | OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM

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CALENDAR APRIL 2018

5th Big Dog Men’s Invitational Golf Tournament – The 6th annual event to benefit the Humane Society of Broward County begins with an 11:00am check-in and lunch, followed by a 12:30pm shotgun start, and concluding with cocktails, dinner and awards presentation. Fort Lauderdale Country Club, 415 E. Country Club Circle, Ft. Lauderdale. To register or for more details, visit www.humanebroward. com/bigdoggolf or contact Malory Kimble at 954-266-6816.

Concert Under the Stars – Tonight’s concert features the Dillard Jazz Ensemble. Enjoy live performances on the beautiful Bonnet House Veranda with complimentary wine, cookies, and coffee. 7:00pm-9:00pm at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, 900 N. Birch Road, Ft. Lauderdale. For more information and tickets, please visit bonnethouse.org.

challenge that will showcase the best taco culinary skills and brew masters of South Florida. Free for the entire family. Good food, great drinks, live music, lively taco eating competition, local vendors, kids zone, and more. For more information, please visit www. ftltacobattlecraftbeerfest.com.

20th Las Olas Wine and Food Festival –Guests will be able to sip, sample, and enjoy dishes from 50+ restaurants and sip samples of 200+ wines from more than 30 wineries, spirits brands, and breweries. Plus, guests will have VIP access into all lounges, among other giveaways available throughout the event while giving back to the American Lung Association. The event is 7:30pm-10:30pm on Las Olas Boulevard between S.E. 6th Avenue and S.E. 11th Avenue. For a complete line-up of events, tickets and more information, please visit lasolaswff.com or call 954-727-0907.

6th-8th Tortuga Music Festival 2018 – The most anticipated festival is back on Ft. Lauderdale Beach, 1100 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale with a huge lineup.

Florida Georgia Line, Keith Urban, Eric Church, Snoop Dogg, and more. Visit tortugamusicfestival.com for tickets and more information.

28th

Flager Village / FTL Art Walk (FAT village+MASS District) – Join us the last Saturday night of the month every month (except December) for the FTL Art Walk in Flagler Village (which encompasses FAT Village, MASS District, The Hive, & Flagler Uptown!) Local artists and galleries keeping their doors open late in our art districts, live music, food trucks, activation’s & installations in the warehouses amongst other fun filled community building activities. 6:00pm-10:00pm

29th

6:30pm for a 5k run or walk ending at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort for a complimentary social with beer and refreshments. A free shuttle is available to bring participants back to Running Wild. For more information, please call (954) 565-9400.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep – Volunteers, ages 8 and up, are always needed the second Saturday each month to help clean up the beach.

Meet at The Fort Lauderdale Beach Hub at Las Olas & AIA, 300 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale.

8:00am-10:00am. Limited volunteer parking is available just northeast of the Las Olas Intracoastal Bridge at 240 Las Olas Circle, Ft. Lauderdale, until 11am. Community service credit given to students. For more information, please call 954-797-7793.

Loco Rio 8k Race Series – The 2nd annual event is fun and fast. The journey starts from Florence Hardy Park (25 SW 9th St. Ft. Lauderdale) through the Historic neighborhoods of Tarpon River & Rio Vista. The running course is mostly flat with a slight elevation.

For more information and to register, please visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/ FortLauderdale/LocoRio8kTheCup.

Guided tours of History Fort Lauderdale – Explore the stories of South Florida pioneers where the River meets the Railroad with a guided tour at History Fort Lauderdale. This historic village is the largest concentration of historic buildings remaining in Broward County. Recurring daily tours at 1,2, & Taichi & Qigong – Join wellness 3:00pm, Admission: $15 adults, $12 instructor, Kathryn Keating-Kay every seniors, $7 students – 219 SW 2nd Ave., Monday from 9:30 am-10:30 am at Hugh Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. For more Taylor Birch State Park for Taichi & information, please call 954-463-4431.

Qigong in the Park. Enjoy your morning with us so you can relax, rejuvenate, regenerate and revitalize in nature. As we go through these ancient gentle movements you will gain balance, focus, strength and flexibility. You will feel the energy filling your whole being, so you can feel calm and at peace anything and anywhere you choose. $5 Members / $10 Non-Members. For more information, please call 954-566-0660.

Ongoing:

21st 14th Ft. Lauderdale Taco Battle & Craft Beer Fest – The 2nd annual event returns to Esplande Park-400 SW 2nd Street, Ft. Lauderdale from 1:00-6:00 pm. The annual battle brings together local restaurants and craft breweries for a 12 APRIL 2018 | OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM

5k on AIA – The 9th annual Covenant House Florida event hosted by the Young Professionals for Covenant House begins at the World-Famous Parrot Lounge, 911 Sunrise Lane, Ft. Lauderdale at 7:00am. Raise funds and awareness for homeless youth at Covenant House. Register at www.5KonAIA.com

Funky Fun Run – Always free, just show up at Running Wild Thursdays at

Tour the Historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens – Tour the historic artists’ estate Tuesday – Sunday, 9 AM – 4 PM – Admission: $20 for adults, $16 for kids ages 6 – 12 – 900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. For more information, please call 954-563-5393.

IT'S THEIR

BUSINESS

Varicose Veins? Might be More than Meets the Eye

BY JOHN BRODIE

S

offer Vein and Vascular, a division of the Soffer Health Institute, specializes in treatment for varicose and spider veins.

Dr Ariel Soffer is a Nationally Recognized Vein Expert and board certified Cardiovascular Specialist.

If you experience restless legs, numbness, tingling, cramping, burning, swelling or an achy feeling in your legs the Soffer vein experts can help. It is quite common for these symptoms to develop as men and women age.

Besides the discomfort it can make you want to hide your legs as spider veins and varicose veins become very visible.

Lymphdema (a condition that occurs when the network of vessels, veins and arteries that circulate fluids through is not functioning properly) will cause swelling and damage to the skin. Fortunately these conditions are all

treatable. For many years people have had to go to Soffer’s facility in Miami for treatment but Soffer Vein and Vascular now has a locationsin Deerfield Beach, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Aventura, North Miami Beach and Hialeah/Miami Lakes.

Dr. Soffer is a clear leader in his field. For several years he was featured in the ABC News Health segment called “Dr. Soffer’s Second Opinion.” Adam Kustin, a company spokesperson commented, “In this field, he is as good as it gets, yet the man is so kind, so warm and so approachable, it has spawned the growth of this practice. You want the best,” said Kustin. “Two people can walk in with the same bulging vein issue, but there’s no way to tell if either has any real underlying health issues. It’s more than just cosmetic.” This is why it is so important to see someone with the appropriate expertise and not someone merely offering a cosmetic fix. “Sometimes people aren’t bothered by the bulging vein but they experience achy, very tired legs, numbness or restless legs and they never associate these “symptoms” with varicose veins. That’s why seeing a doctor as qualified as Dr. Soffer and his staff becomes so vital.”

Treatment is usually simple. “And painfree,” Adam added. “Most procedures involve closing the vein, sometimes repairing it. The new lasers are very low risk, super accurate and extremely effective. We can also inject saline.

It depends on the severity.” Adam continued stating that Dr. Soffer “wants to help people prevent these life-threatening issues BEFORE they take a toll. Before they compromise how a patient lives life. He SEES people pain free,

enjoying life again who didn’t even know it was possible for them. They never connected the dots, he does.”

If you are experiencing any pain or swelling in your legs or want to get back more youthful looking beautiful legs, Soffer’s signature minimally invasive vein treatments are a great solution. Soffer Vein and Vascular with six locations will provide a Complimentary vein screening available by appointment only for new patients 18 and older. Patients can discuss their concerns with the Soffer medical staff and review their best options for treatment. There is no obligation to pursue treatment. Most insurances are accepted. Dr. Soffer plans to open a Weston location next. Members of his staff speak Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, Creole and Portuguese.

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954.246.4555 OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM | APRIL 2018 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

Beach Sweep Helps Keep Our Beaches Beautiful

BY STACEY BOMSER

S

urf, sand and sun. What better way to spend a Saturday than relaxing on the beach.

Before you spread out the towels, why not spend a couple hours helping keep our beaches looking beautiful. The Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep welcomes volunteers on the second Saturday of every month.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep started in September 2015. The non-profit group works in partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and Kids Ecology Corp, which teaches children about waterway environmental issues.

“Our mission is to provide clean beaches for our environmental, recreational and economic well-being,” states Barry Levy, vice president of Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep.

He says on a typical Saturday morning, anywhere from 80 to 250 volunteers will fan out along Fort Lauderdale Beach picking up approximately 100 pounds of trash, 20 pounds of small plastic recyclables, and about 8,000 to 12,000 cigarette butts. While the garbage is disposed of, Levy says local environmental artist SusieQ (Susan Q. Wood) uses the small recyclables, such as bottle caps, to create beautiful works of art.

All are welcome to participate in Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep.

Volunteers are provided with pickers, buckets and gloves. In addition to environmental advocates like Levy, Beach Sweep volunteers often include families (minors must be accompanied by an adult), corporate groups, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, as well as mitzvah projects. Students can receive community service hours credit.

Volunteers are advised to wear appropriate attire, which includes closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops) and a hat. Volunteers should also bring water and wear sunscreen.

Levy says this month’s Beach Sweep, which takes place on April 14th, will spread a special message promoting Earth Day. Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep is committed to environmental awareness, which is why it also participates in the Ocean Conservancy’s annual worldwide beach clean-up each September.

In addition, Beach Sweep will take part in this month’s Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival. It was part of the Ecology Village at the Riptide Music Festival in December.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep takes place the second Saturday of every month. Volunteers can arrive any time from 7am until closing at 11am. Registration is at the Hub, 300 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard (where Los Olas meets the ocean). For more information contact Jorg Hruschka at the City of Fort Lauderdale Neighbor Volunteer Office at 954-828-5568.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Broward County Main Library Hosts Tuskegee Airmen Exhibit Featuring Lieutenant Colonel Leo Roger Gray attended flight school at the he Broward County Main Tuskegee Army Airfield and graduLibrary hosted an exhibit ated as a Second Lieutenant. He honoring the original then completed combat training Tuskegee Airmen and their hisat Walterboro Army Air Field in toric breakthrough in the world South Carolina. The Lieutenant of military aviation. The exhibit, was deployed to Ramitelli, Italy loaned to the Library by the during World War II. In that time, Miramar Cultural Trust, was on Gray flew 15 combat missions with Lt. Col. Gray’s uniform jacket, shirt, display from January 31st through the 100th Fighter Squadron, 332nd hat, and the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor presented to him February 27th.

Fighter Group, the famed Red

by President George W. Bush As the first group of AfricanTails in the in the P-51 Mustang.

American military aviators in the U.S. Air Corps, they The group’s responsibility was to escort bombers over flew and fought with distinction during World War highly-defended German airspace.

II. Their service to the country paved the way for the Lt. Col. Gray logged 750 flight hours during his time integration of black aviators armed forces into the U.S. of active duty service, earning him multiple citations, military. The unit was formed in 1941 helping win the ribbons, and medals. Among them are the Air Medal war and change our nation. with one oak leaf cluster, a Presidential Unit Citation, The display featured one of the original Tuskegee the Mediterranean Theatre of Operation ribbon with Airmen, Lieutenant Colonel Leo Roger Gray. Many three battle stars, and the American Theatre and World items in the exhibition belonged to this brave and War II Victory ribbons. He remained in the United highly-decorated fighter pilot including a shadowbox States Air Force Reserves until 1984. with his several medals and the Congressional Medal Not only was Gray an honored war hero, he was a of Honor he was awarded by President George W. Bush. successful Agricultural Economist. Subsequent to the After enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Gray war, he continued on to college in 1950 and completed

BY HELEN PENLAND

T

his studies to receive a Bachelor of Science degree and Master degree. He conducted his post-graduate work at the University of Massachusetts. Gray worked as a Technical Assistant with the United States Department of Agriculture and was an agricultural economist and director of the Program Planning Office of the Food Safety and Inspection Service during his tenure at the USDA. Lt. Col. Gray founded the Tuskegee Airmen of Miami and the Forum on Blacks in Agriculture. In addition, he served as president of both organizations as well as a lifetime member of the Military Officers Association of America.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Sip, Sample, and Celebrate for a Cause – It’s Time for the 23rd Annual Las Olas Wine and Food Festival

BY BEVERLY PERKINS

T

he Las Olas Wine and Food Festival (LOWFF) is back and promises to entertain thousands of foodies with a fabulous culinary experience while raising funds for the American Lung Association (ALA).

The highly anticipated event will not only feature five blocks of sips and samples from nationally recognized wineries and notable South Florida restaurants, but also include a “Best of the Best” chef competition, live music, DJs, dancing, and incredible interactive experiences for all VIP guests to enjoy.

Guests will be able to sip, sample, and enjoy dishes from 50+ restaurants and sip samples of 200+ wines from more than 30 wineries, spirits brands, and breweries. Plus, guests will have VIP access into all lounges, among other giveaways available throughout the event.

As guest stroll along the iconic boulevard, they will learn a little bit about each Greater Fort Lauderdale neighborhood before entering the luxury tasting pavilions. Each area will serve a taste of their best cuisine along with the perfect pairing of wine.

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People, promise this festival will be one for the books as they infused the planning process with experience and passion.

Supporting this event will assist in funding research and educational programming for the American Lung Association (ALA). For over 20 years, the festival has been benefitting the prominent organization which works tirelessly to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through Education Advocacy and Research.

Those who join in “the fight for healthy lungs and healthy air will help save lives today and keep America healthy tomorrow”. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit ALA in an effort to fight against the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Admission is $150, but early discounted tickets are available leading up to the week of the show. All food and drinks are included in one inclusive ticket price.

The 23rd Annual Las Olas Wine & Food Festival is presented by Breakthru Beverage, Fleur de Mer, J Vineyards, Coopers Craft, and New Amsterdam Vodka.

The Las Olas Wine and Food Festival takes place on April 20th from 7:30pm-10:30pm on Las Olas Boulevard between S.E. 6th Avenue and S.E. 11th Avenue. For a complete line-up of events, tickets and more information, please visit lasolaswff.com or call 954-727-0907.

OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM | APRIL 2018 19

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COVER STORY

There’s Nothing Shady About Beautiful Windows

BY BEVERLY PERKINS

B

uilt on reputation, the design team at Beautiful Windows prides themselves on creating the finest quality projects with the highest of integrity.

Besides competitive pricing, an incredible 4,000 square-foot showroom, experienced interior decorators, expert installers, and a full selection of Hunter Douglas window treatments, customer satisfaction is what has made the locally owned and operated business such a success in South Florida.

Although Beautiful Windows specializes in unique window treatments, they do so much more than windows. From custom cornices, draperies, skyline panels, plantation shutters and blinds to rugs, lamps, wallpaper, and more, it’s a one-stop shop for all home interior décor needs. Their showroom carries a wide selection of accessories in addition to a large assortment of wall and floor coverings.

For over 15 years, Beautiful Windows have had clients raving about the inviting and comforting spaces created by the design team. The professionals will guide each client through the process to find what suits Before them and their home best. There certainly is a product for every budget and every individual taste.

At the helm of Beautiful Windows is Faryal Ali. She has been meeting the design needs of the community for both residential and commercial clients for over 18 years. Her knowledge and experience as a professional interior designer allows her to provide full service to achieve the desired results for her clients.

Faryal has been known to solve space planning issues which avoids costly mistakes and, most importantly, she creates attractive affordable spaces designed specifically to meet a clients’ needs. Her designs always incorporate the newest and best quality materials as well as the most current colors and fabric selections to achieve the best look Before for their home.

Faryal recently took the time to answer some questions about her business and the interior décor industry.

What is trending currently in the interior design market? Clients are wanting an updated clean look. They want what we call understated elegance. They love the neutrals but are moving into saturated neutrals from greys and taupes to khaki. We are seeing neutral blues, soft greens and mauves coming onto the palette as well. The best thing is that we have Hunter Douglas blinds and drapery fabrics and wall papers

that coordinate with the trend.

What sets Beautiful Windows apart from others in the industry?

We pride ourselves on our customer service and give complimentary professional advice. We treat each client like family. Our designers are all experienced and we have a “no worry & install guarantee”. Our Hunter Douglas team measures and installs blinds for a risk-free purchase. Our in-house workroom fabricates all curtains and draperies because we know the business from start to finish which also translates to savings to our clients. We also speak Spanish.

Decorative Grilles

Tell us about Beautiful Window’s installation services.

We pride ourselves on the caliber of people we send to your homes. Our installers are Hunter Douglas trained and certified for all window treatments including motorized blinds, shades and shutters, and

offer you 20+ years of solid experience. Our installers can troubleshoot on site if necessary and may even be able to perform minor repairs. Rest assured our services and repairs will be perfect every time!

Why is Hunter Douglas one of your top selling brands?

Hunter Douglas has been developing great window treatments for over 60 years. They are located worldwide and they bring the best fabrics from all over.

What we love about Hunter Douglas is that they keep

innovating and introducing new designs and products.

There is always something exciting for your windows.

They also offer the best Limited Lifetime Warranty on the market. To offer such a lifetime warranty you have to put out a solid product. They always back up their clients. So, if something needs fixing, we certainly take care of it.

How is technology impacting your window treatments? It’s amazing, you can control your After blinds through your smart phone. We invite everyone to see how “Alexa” turns on our blinds. We can integrate window coverings with one’s home automation system. We even have drapery rods with rechargeable batteries. We truly have it all, you must come see the latest in motorization.

Do you offer any other products or services? Yes, we offer blinds repair and cleaning, wallpaper installation, and custom upholstery.

Are there any current promotions? At Beautiful Windows we feature “Everyday Savings Pricing”. Plain and simple - we guarantee a great deal every day. On top of that we have WHOLE HOME SOLUTIONS DEALS where clients get to enjoy extra savings when they turn over the entire After project to us. Hunter Douglas has a great rebate promotion on right now where clients get back $100 for every 2 Silhouettes and $100 back for every Luminette.

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know? Beautiful Windows is built around a great philosophy: SERVICE, SOLUTIONS & SAVINGS for our clients. Bring us your sizes and pictures for an in-store quote. Our showroom is conveniently located in Davie, and we proudly serve Weston, Davie, Plantation, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, and all surrounding areas including Aventura, Ft Lauderdale, Dania, Hollywood, Sunny Isles Beach, Coral Springs, Wellington, Parkland, Boca Raton, Aventura, Lighthouse Point, and Palm Beach.

Beautiful Windows is located at 10220 W. State Road 84, Suite 16, Davie, 33324 at the corner of Nob Hill Road and 595. Exit 595, head south on Nob Hill and go right at the gas station and right on service road. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 9:30-5:30 and Saturday 10:00-4:00. No appointment necessary. For more information, please call 954-499-1000 or visit beautifulwindowsblinds.com.

OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM | APRIL 2018 21

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22 APRIL 2018 | OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM

COMMUNITY NEWS

Yo-Ho-Ho and a Sack Full of Fun! Fort Lauderdale Rotary Holds 1st Annual Pirate Festival Fundraiser

BY HELEN PENLAND

T

he Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club announced it is holding the very First Annual Pirate Festival fundraiser on May 12th at Esplanade Park downtown Riverwalk.

It promises to be a fun and exciting day and is free to the public! In previous years, the Club has held Piratethemed raft races but this year, they are going all out! Events promise to be even more exciting and fun this year!

Volunteers from the Rotary have been passing out flyers and sending out media alerts to inform visitors and residents. This is Spring’s signature fundraising event the Rotary holds in the City of Fort Lauderdale. Patrick McNamara, Chairman of the committee organizing the events, said this day promises to far surpass the raft races in past years. The Pirate Festival will have something for everyone. Families, millennials, pirate enthusiasts, residents, visitors- everyone will find something fun to do!

The Festival will kick off at 11 a.m. and revelries will continue until 7p.m.

Throughout the day, live bands will be playing for the attendees. A variety of food trucks will be on hand for those who are hungry or thirsty. And, we can’t leave out what they call the “beer garden.”

Kids will be able to enjoy a bounce house, face painting, and games. Vendors will be selling their arts and crafts to the public. One of the highlights of the occasion will be a Pirate Encampment. McNamara said, “These are people who like to ‘play Pirate.’ There will be an area where they set up the encampments and show how Pirates used to live.”

Two of the volunteers have been regular performers during enactments at the well-known Renaissance Fair in Deerfield Beach each year.

The most important features of the day will be a raft race and a paddleboard race. The Rotary is working with the Coast Guard to confirm when they will be able to close the New River to traffic and are taking direction from them. Their best estimate is the races will commence about 3:00 pm. So, join the fun, enjoy the food, games, and festivities on May 12th at Esplanade Park!

The event is sponsored by iUniforms (outfitting your business), Park Row Printing, and Mad 4 Marketing.

For more information, check out https://www.ftlpiratefest.com/.

SCHOOL NEWS

Floranada Elementary Robotics Team Earns Spot at National Competition

BY STACEY BOMSER

T

he inaugural year was a huge success for Floranada Elementary School’s Robotics Club, with one of its teams qualifying for the national competition this month in Iowa.

Robotics Team Advisor Elyse Brunt says she could not be more proud of her students, who have been working hard, including after school and Saturday mornings, to prepare for the U. S. Open Robotics Championship tournament. Sponsored by the CREATE (Competitive Robotics Enhancing and Advancing Technology Education) Foundation, the event has categories for students from fourth through twelfth grade.

The Floranada Robotics Club team is comprised of about 15 fifth graders. They work with VEX IQ robots. Ms. Brunt says the school received its first robot kit as part of a Broward District grant from NASA. She says students are learning a variety of skills through this program. “First, they are really learning the design process: evaluate a problem, brainstorm ideas, develop designs, build, test, redesign, test, repeat! They have built multiple robots since we started and are constantly redesigning it based on the lessons they learn from practice, competitions and watching videos.”

Ms. Brunt says another important skill the children are learning is that of teamwork. “This was probably the most challenging skill. There are many parts to the team and everyone has a different role, so they had to learn to separate the roles and cooperate, listen to each other’s ideas, and support each other.”

Research is another important part of the robotics program curriculum. Ms. Brunt says the students are reading, investigating, asking questions, and creating videos for this project. A design notebook is one component of the competition.

The students are learning what an engineering notebook should include and the technical drawings that go into it.

Ms. Brunt says she is impressed with the dedication and eagerness of the students to learn and do more. “We have one student who is learning coding to have the robot run autonomously. In the future, this will be a larger team, but coding really takes a lot of commitment and perseverance that is very challenging for a ten-year-old.”

The Robotics Club is fostering partnerships within the community. Ms. Brunt says the Fort Lauderdale Police Bomb Squad has come in with its bomb disposal robot to meet with the kids and teach them about robotics.

Ms. Brunt also credits the many individuals and local businesses whose financial donations made it possible for the team to travel to Iowa for the U. S. Open Robotics Championship, as well as the parent volunteers who gave hundreds of hours of time helping the kids prepare.

OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM | APRIL 2018 23

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24 APRIL 2018 | OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Hair to Flip for this Season

BY MIA PARK OWNER OF INSPIRE SALON BY MIA & MASTER HAIR STYLIST

2

017 was full of exotic colors, from the Balayage to the mermaid trend! These gorgeous colors were not only eye catching but also damaging. Damages were not only due to the high volume of blonding, but also the excessive use of flat irons and curling irons.

So, here we are in 2018, and with the new year comes new trends. This is the year we can strut some short hair

because we don’t care!

Thanks to a recent influx of technology, information is more readily available than ever. At times, this large amount of data can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate through. Finding your perfect style can be extremely difficult especially if you don’t know where to even start looking.

It’s always great to search the web for images, but the most important step to finding your new style starts with a detailed consultation. Make sure you tell your stylist exactly what you like and dislike. The more information you give, the better they can give you the service you desire.

It is important to not only state what you want but also ask as many questions to the professional that is helping you. Make sure you have reasonable expectations, stylists are still human and will try to give the best service they can provide.

Being a stylist and a customer of the hair industry has opened my eyes to new insights. In order to have the perfect hair experience, meeting the right stylist and having clear communication skills are key. Experienced and caring stylists will listen and look out for your best interest.

Understanding both perspectives, I believe finding and embracing your own beauty is the most beautiful style of all.

Here are seven simple yet chic picks for the new season:

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Inspire Salon by Mia is an upscale hair salon located in Ft. Lauderdale. The salon offers quality and professionalism with every service. From haircuts to color and nails to beauty treatments, clients always leave feeling their best.Inspire Salon by Mia is located at 1416 S.E. 17th Street, Fort Lauderdale, 33316.

To schedule an appointment, please call 954-234-2728.

Come relax and unwind in our upscale Fort Lauderdale salon. Our stylists are passionate about helping you look your best and feeling confident. No matter what beauty services you need, the goal is to inspire your personal beauty on the inside and out!

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InspireSalonByMia.com OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM | APRIL 2018 25

COMMUNITY NEWS

Volunteers to Give Back During Fort Lauderdale Cares Day

2017 Ft. Lauderdale Cares Day

BY DEBBY TEICH

J

oin the City of Fort Lauderdale, your neighbors and friends for a day of volunteering in the city.

Create or pick a project, lend a hand and make a difference during the 5th Annual Fort Lauderdale Cares Day. Communities throughout the City are encouraged to do a small service project that is important to them in their neighborhood, as well as raise awareness for the need of community service and the impact “one hour” can make. It will be held on April 28, from 9am to 11am.

Fort Lauderdale Cares Day is one of four major quarterly service days implemented by the Fort Lauderdale Neighbor Volunteer Office in 2014. They are all designed to empower civic associations to execute neighborhood beautification projects, engage new neighbors, and strengthen existing

boards. The other events are Fort Lauderdale United Day on MLK Day (January), Fort Lauderdale Ready Day (June), and Fort Lauderdale Make A Difference Day (October). The sequence provides a continuous series of events which civic associations can participate in to recruit new members and promote the great work they are doing in their community. The Neighbor Volunteer Office supports participating organizations with logistics, volunteers, promotion, material and supplies.

This year, the Neighbor Support division will also award volunteer points for participating civic and business associations that can be used toward future Neighborhood Community Investment Program (NCIP) grants. The NCIP may award up to $450,000 in funding per year based upon the quality of the projects. Some examples of community improve-

ment projects that have been completed with the help of the funding include neighborhood entranceway monuments, neighborhood identification signs, enhanced neighborhood parks, and streetscapes. By participating, officially recognized neighborhoods can earn 500 points toward future NCIP grants.

Rotary Club also offers support through minigrants. For the past two years, the Rotary Club has awarded $4,000 per year in the form of seven to 10 association grants, ranging from $100 to $1,000 dollars. The grants have been used to purchase paint, tools, trash cans, plants, lumber to build a trellis for weddings at Stranahan Park, and much more.

To sign up, contact Jorg Hruschka at 954-8285568; email jhruschka@fortlauderdale.gov; or visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/volunteer.

City of Fort Lauderdale Offers Business Academy

BY DEBBY TEICH

T

he Business Academy is one of the many ways that the City of Fort Lauderdale supports businesses at all levels, from start-up to successful growth and expansion. In April and June, it is offering a variety of classes for Fort Lauderdale residents or businesses that are located in the city. The classes are held from 6pm to 8pm, at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. There is no charge.

The classes are offered through BEAMs (Business Engagement Assistance and Mentorships), which is part of the city’s Economic and Community Investment Division (ECI). The Spring 2018 Series started last month with “Solid Foundation” for new and start-up businesses. This month, it is offering classes for established businesses. In June, classes are for businesses trying to reach international markets.

There will be a new BEAMs Academy Series in the fall.

“The ECI for the City of Fort Lauderdale established BEAMs as a comprehensive program to give our businesses an edge for success,” said K. Michael Chen, Economic and Business Development Manager, City of Fort Lauderdale. “ECI gathered the top regional and national experts to teach our businesses how to recognize and maximize their opportunities.”

During “Build on Success,” existing businesses will learn how to expand their vision, generate a competitive advantage and recognize opportunities; access capital markets; and implement effective sales 26 APRIL 2018 | OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM

First BEAMs Academy graduating class - December 2017

and marketing strategies. The classes are as follows: ▸▸ April 12: What is your competitive advantage? ▸▸ April 19: What are your opportunities? ▸▸ April 26: How to capitalize on your opportunities ▸▸ May 3: BIZ Talk: Taking Business to the Next Level During “Global Commerce,” businesses looking to expand into international markets will learn how to: determine if their business is export ready; prepare an export plan; develop international marketing strategies; find the right logistics partner; use the right method of payment to export Federal and State resources available to support their needs. The classes are as follows: ▸▸ June 7: Why Export? Where to Start? ▸▸ June 14: Country Policies/Free Trade Agreements Logistics US/Foreign Regulations ▸▸ June 21: Methods of Payment • Export Financing

& Advice Resources Available ▸▸ June 28: BIZ Talk: Overcoming Global Challenges BEAMs also helps businesses in many other areas.

Representatives make face-to-face site visits with established City businesses in order to introduce ECI as the primary point of contact for all of their business development needs and concerns. They assist Fort Lauderdale businesses in establishing one-onone mentoring relationships with some of the most experienced business development professionals in the region. They also help Fort Lauderdale businesses to become a part of the global import/export community by helping them to make the necessary international connections.

Classes are held from 6pm to 8pm at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, 512 NE 3rd Avenue. To sign up, visit www.fortlauderdale.gov/beams.

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Equipment comparison based on equipment available from major TV providers as of 4/1/17. Watching live and recorded TV anywhere requires an Internet-connected, Sling-enabled DVR and compatible mobile device. Other: All packages, programming, features, and functionality and all prices and fees not included in price lock are subject to change without notice. After 6 mos., you will be billed $8.99/mo. for DISH Protect unless you call to cancel. After 2 years, then-current everyday prices for all services apply. For business customers, additional monthly fees may apply. HBO®, Cinemax® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. SHOWTIME is a registered trademark of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company. STARZ and related channels and service marks are property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. With PrimeTime Anytime record ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC plus two channels. With addition of Super Joey record two additional channels. Commercial skip feature is available at varying times, starting the day after airing, for select primetime shows on ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC recorded with PrimeTime Anytime. Recording hours vary; 2000 hours based on SD programming. Equipment comparison based on equipment available from major TV providers as of 4/1/17. Watching live and recorded TV anywhere requires an Internet-connected, Sling-enabled DVR and compatible mobile device. All offers require credit qualification, 2-Year commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay.

OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM | APRIL 2018 27

SPECIAL FEATURE - EDITORIAL

End School Shootings with Real Solutions Marjory Stoneman Douglas Senior, Richard Doan, Shares His Account of the Horrific Parkland Tragedy and Demands Action to Keep Schools Safe verybody looks forward to senior year. After three years of high school (some after just one or two), many people can’t wait to leave and head off to college. Personally, I was looking forward to prom, graduation and infamous senior year shenanigans.

I had hopes and dreams of attending a university and embarking on a future career in finance.

Preparing for graduation and college was all that was important to me, but within a matter of minutes, all of those beloved goals and aspirations vanished.

It was Valentine’s Day. It was supposed to be a day of love and joy, and for most of the day, it was.

Up until 2:20 p.m., when the fire alarm went off.

I was in the newspaper room when it all happened. We followed the traditional protocol and walked to our designated evacuation zones. We were on our way downstairs when I saw kids running back inside. Teachers yelled at us to run as well. I ran as directed, but in the back of my mind, I thought it was just a drill. Ever since the school board has implemented stricter safety policies this year, there was a rumor going around that we’d have an active shooter drill on campus. For many of us, that’s what we thought it was. The teachers said it was a code red, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t all a drill.

We rushed back to the newspaper room, shut the lights off, and huddled into the corner of the classroom. I heard sirens wailing and choppers echoing in the distance.

Soon enough, we saw a tweet from the Coral Springs PD to stay away from Stoneman Douglas. That was

24 MONTH 28 APRIL 2018 20XX| |OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM OURCITYMAGAZINES.COM

when we realized it was not a drill.

It was real.

Eventually, we transitioned to the classroom closet where we stayed for about an hour and a half. We were scared. We were worried. We were in disbelief. We followed the news as it unraveled online. We watched live streams and kept a close eye on Twitter. It was hot and cramped in the closet, but none of that mattered in this life-ordeath situation.

We hear voices in the hallway. “Police reporting,” they said. It was multiple voices. Then with a faint rattling of what I presumed to be keys, our classroom door was opened. I recall someone asked if anyone was there.

We didn’t move. We didn’t know who it was. It could’ve been the shooter for all we knew, but my teacher’s intuition told her otherwise. She opened the closet door to the three men in our room. At that moment, I didn’t know if I was going to be shot or be saved. Thankfully, it was a rescue mission.

They were SWAT — heavily armed and heavily protected. Their flashlights shone upon our faces, and we were ordered to step out with our hands up. The SWAT team then secured our room and the building.

Eventually, they escorted a large number of students and faculty from neighboring classrooms to our room.

One hundred sixty-seven students and teachers in total gathered in this one room.

Later, we were moved to the media center where we sat and were given directions about evacuation for a few minutes. Then with our hands up and tears streaking down our face, we fled the building and exited the school. I saw papers scattered all over Courtesy: Suzanna Barna

E

BY: RICHARD DOAN

the floor along with Valentine’s Day flowers and stuffed animals. When we stepped out, our eyes met a sea of law enforcement, ambulances and media surrounding our school. I was in utter shock. This is my school. This all happened here.

Initially, I was in complete disbelief. I didn’t process it all yet. I am probably still processing it. This is my hometown: Parkland, Florida.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas is my school. This is supposed to be a safe place. Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, Las Vegas. This is the stuff we hear on the news, but no one ever thought it could happen here. If a mass shooting like this can happen here, it can happen absolutely anywhere.

I am frustrated. There were signs. As with any mass shootings or suicide, there were signs. Yet they were overlooked, and because of that, 17 beautiful and innocent lives were taken away too soon.

As for my mom, she’s been through the Vietnam War as a young child, yet she says that nothing compares to what she felt this past

Wednesday. It may sound cliché, but this truly was a parent’s worst nightmare. There is no greater fear than not knowing whether your children are safe, whether they will make it out alive, whether you’ll ever be able to tell your child that you love them again.

In all the chaos, I forgot to return my mother’s messages for an hour.

She tells me that was the worst hour of her life as she feared for her boy, not knowing if she would ever see me again.

We are taking our time to grieve and to pray. People from around the world send their thoughts and prayers to us, and for that, we are truly appreciative. But frankly, thoughts and prayers themselves don’t do much. We must turn our thoughts and prayers into action.

Our community feels distraught yet invigorated. The media is here. The whole world is watching, and this is our chance to be heard and make a difference. That way, something like this will not happen anywhere else.

No one deserves to feel the

Courtesy: Suzanna Barna

this nation. demand action.

Immigration and economic policy We created our movement simply are important issues in today’s world, to bring awareness to gun control in but they dwindle in importance when our nation. After eight school shootings it comes to the loss of innocent lives. since the start of this year, I believe Our representatives in office must gun reform of any sort is something learn to move past their differences the United States severely needs. I to unite for the common cause believe in baby steps. Gun reform is not of the people. something that will happen overnight.

It can take months, perhaps even years for major legislative change. But we’ll "What this nation take each victory as they come, whether needs is not a heated it be the outlaw of bump stocks, the political argument, but increase of the legal age to purchase a a respectful discussion firearm or the limitation of magazine about guns and mental sizes. I consider any progress with regards to gun reform a win. health. Each side What this nation needs is not a needs to be willing heated political argument, but a to hear and listen to respectful discussion about guns and mental health. Each side needs the opinions of the to be willing to hear and listen to the other side." opinions of the other side.

My friends and I have started the #NeverAgain movement to ensure that nowhere else has to endure a tragedy like this, that nowhere else do people have to suffer the pain that we feel. Unfortunately, however, our cause has quickly been twisted into a partisan debate.

Far-right conservatives argue that we students are in fact not students, but crisis actors, travelling to scenes of tragedies to push some liberal anti-gun agenda. We wish we are acting. We wish this is all a hoax. We wish these deep emotions of misery, anger and frustration aren’t real. But it’s not.

We are students. This is real and we

Richard Doan is a senior at Marjory Stonham Douglas In addition to a heavy academic work load, he writes for Douglas' school newspaper, The Eagle Eye

Courtesy: Suzanna Barna

torment that we are experiencing right now. No one deserves to lose a loved one this way, and we are taking steps to ensure that this never happens again.

Mass shootings in America aren’t anything new. Gun violence isn’t something rare, but it definitely cannot be something we get used to. Here in Parkland, we are turning our mess into a message and our pain into power.

We are the voices for change.

This is our moment to be heard.

The media is here now, and they’ll probably be here for the next few days or weeks. But after that, they’ll be gone, and our story will probably just become a passing memory.

So the time to act is now. My classmates and I are just children.

The people in D.C. are the adults, and they must step up and do their jobs – protect and preserve this nation that we all hold so dear. Let our voices reach the legislative offices up in D.C. and get our congressmen and women to act.

My friends are dead. Children are dead. Blood is spilled on the floor of our classrooms. We must do everything we can to ensure that Marjory Stoneman Douglas is the last school to suffer from a mass shooting.

This isn’t an issue of red vs. blue.

This is an issue about life and human suffering. It is rather a moral issue that can be solved through political action. Legislators and the people in office must do all they can to preserve life and protect the people of

Through bipartisanship and working across the political aisle, I believe it can happen. I believe in compromise. Practically everyone recognizes that there is a need for change. Though people have their own views on how to enact such change, there is nothing wrong with a difference of opinions. Such divergence can in fact foster intelligent discussion and the exploration of all possible options, but we must let all viewpoints be heard and acknowledged.

I believe most feel we need to pass some common-sense gun laws. I believe we can agree that we must keep guns out of the hands of those who show signs of malicious intent. I believe we can agree upon widening the information stored in background check databases and increasing restrictions on the acquisition of firearms for the mentally ill. From there, we’ll work upwards to ensure the safety of our nation’s children without sacrificing the liberties the foundation of America grants us.

Change is new and change can be daunting. Not all changes work but doing nothing isn’t going to solve anything. Let us set aside our political differences to work together. Let us initiate change for the common cause of the preservation of life. Let us use our hindsight as foresight and shape our way to a better future.

It didn’t happen after Columbine in 1999, but it will happen now, and the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas will be the ones behind it. It is all to save a life – maybe even 17, hopefully more.

OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM OURCITYMAGAZINES.COM | MONTH | APRIL 2018 29 20XX 25

SEEN ON SCENE

Owner of Plantation Ford Mike Hooley and Chairman of South Florida Ford Allan Young

MSD STRONG

David Founds and Chairman of South Florida Ford Allan Young

Chairman of South Florida Ford Allan Young joined Paul Castronovo and BIG 105.9 at “Meatballs and Martinis: Stoneman Douglas Edition” event to benefit the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy. During the starstudded event, Mike Hooley, Owner of Plantation Ford, committed to donating

Chairman of South Florida Ford Allan Young, Lisa Scott Founds, JP Villanueva of South Florida Ford

$50,000 and later Chairman of South Florida Ford matched the donation with an additional $50,000 on behalf of the South Florida Ford Dealers Association. The fundraiser was Presented by Plantation Ford and held at Anthony’s Runway 84 in Fort Lauderdale. (Photos courtesy of Product 81)

ALL ABOARD

Ali Soule, Director of Public Affairs for Brightline, shared great information about the new train which runs from Ft. Lauderdale to Palm Beach at the Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club.

GREEK LIFE

The Fort Lauderdale Alumnae Panhellenic held its 51st Annual Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show last month at the Fort Lauderdale Country Club. Fashions were presented by Sondro’s East, Kendra Scott and Pisidia Purses. Over 100 guests were in attendance and more than $7,000 was raised to support scholarships administered by the Community Foundation of Broward.

ORDER IN AND OUT OF THE COURT

For attorney Marcus Susen, his work is more than just legal aid. He has stepped out of the courtroom to become involved in helping his clients advocate for change by recently making a trip to D.C. to support his clients’ efforts and join them in the fight for change.

30 APRIL 2018 | OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM

WELCOME HOME

Moishe House officially dedicated the first home for Jewish young adults in Fort Lauderdale. The new house will serve as a hub for young Jewish life in the Miami metropolitan area. The official dedication of the new house began with a ceremony in which the residents, joined by supporters, partners, community members, and family members, affixed a mezuzah – a case containing Jewish prayers – to the home’s doorpost.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

A Shade Above Makes It Easy to Select Window Coverings

BY DEBBY TEICH

A

Shade Above Window Fashions provides a unique experience for consumers shopping for window coverings. Their interactive showroom allows customers to operate more than 100 different shades and blinds.

Bruce Abramson, president of A Shade Above Window Fashions, has been in the window covering industry for more than 30 years. He recently answered some questions about his business and what differentiates it from the competition.

Describe your showroom. We’ve been serving South Florida since 1984. In 2000, we were selected as the nation’s plantation shutters, roller and first Hunter Douglas Window Fashions patio shades, honeycomb and Gallery. Our state-of-the-art gallery roman shades, horizontal and features an array of products offered vertical blinds, and specialty

by Hunter Douglas, the world’s premier items, including Luminette, window coverings manufacturer. We Silhouette and Pirouette. Most also offer a wide variety of shades and of our shades have blackout or blinds from other top national brands. Bruce Abramson, president room darkening options and We provide both full service and self-service out of can be motorized. Our full-service package our 2,500 square-foot showroom. We have products includes professional measuring and instalto fit all budgets. lation. Our self-service customers receive an What products and services do you offer? We offer additional 20 percent discount off our already many of the top products on the market, including competitive prices.

How do you help customers make decisions? When customers visit our showroom, they receive a tour of the newest shades and blinds available today. We recognize that it can be difficult to make decisions from small samples. That’s why our business model is special. Our full-size displays are available for the customer to view and operate just as it will appear in their home.

A Shade Above is located at 5967 S University Drive (NW corner of University Drive & Stirling Road) in Davie. For information, call 954-434-8701 or visit www.ashadeaboveflorida.com.

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Our City Media 4/18 Crossword

Crossword Puzzle Solution Answer Key

“COUPER & BELLA”

of the

Month

Our boy Couper (left) and our girl Bella (right) are both 7 year old Chihuahuas. Couper loves his daddy best and Bella loves her mommy or anyone with food. Couper loves going on walks. Bella likes them as long as she gets a treat when they’re done. Both like having their fur blow dried each morning and dislike having their toenails clipped. They were last seen riding in the car to McDonald’s for an ice cream cone treat.

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

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OURCITYFORTLAUDERDALE.COM | APRIL 2018 33

THE WORLD’S FAVORITE MAGAZINE™

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Should anything happen to your some“bunny”...

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