Our City Miramar: December 2018

Miramar Our City

Our Magazines Make A Difference! | December 2018

SEE PAGE 20

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CONTENTS PUBLISHER’S PAGE 10 We Are All In This Together

PUBLISHERS Christy & Terry Jaillet publisher@ourcitymedia.com

CALENDAR DECEMBER 2018 12 December 2018

COMMUNITY NEWS

MANAGING EDITOR Beverly Perkins

14 Get the 411 on Mayor Messam

OFFICE MANAGER Gabriela Moscoso

16 The 2nd Annual Aviation Expo is Ready for Take Off!

ART DIRECTOR Jacqueline Allard

FEATURE 20

Candlelight Vigil for Victims of Haiti Earthquakes

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 22 There Are Many Ways to Celebrate the Holidays with Family and Friends

SCHOOL NEWS

22

24 Miramar Students Received Top Honors in Nationwide Art Contest 26 Speechless – Miramar High School Students Place in National Competition and Debate Coach Earns Prestigious Title

MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE CHIEF 27 Wishing Everyone a Happy and Safe Holiday Season

PET OF THE MONTH 27 Your Pet Could Be Our Pet of the Month!

MAYOR’S MESSAGE 28 Happy Holidays Miramarians!

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Nancy Koval nancy@ourcitymedia.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES John Brodie, Denise Caligiuri, Adrienne Collins, Mariem Garcia, Silvia Silva, Jerry Spielman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stacey Bomser, Debby Teich CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Emily Harris Photography Krushot Photography Lux Images, Mavila Photography PhotographyByLuigi.com Weston Photography Studios GOT NEWS? editormiramar@ourcitymedia.com ADVERTISING INFO sales@ourcitymedia.com

LEGALLY SPEAKING 29 Your 2019 Resolutions

MESSAGE FROM THE POLICE CHIEF 30 Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

24

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tom Rowe

VISIT US ONLINE OurCityMedia.com 954-306-1007 PO Box 267846 • Weston, FL 33326

SEEN ON SCENE 33 Community Snapshots

26 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 mailed monthly to affluent single-family homes, condos and businesses in their respective communities. Monthly mailings are verifiable by USPS statements.

Additional free copies are available at selected locations throughout the communities served and upon request by contacting the publisher. Opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Publisher. Our City Media of Florida, LLC reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our City Media of Florida, LLC is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents copyrighted 2018

by Our City Media of Florida, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.

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PUBLISHERS’ PAGE

We Are All In This Together

I

n the span of just six days, eleven people were murdered at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a man murdered two black shoppers at a grocery store outside of Louisville, Kentucky, and a local man mailed more than a dozen pipe bombs to prominent critics of the President. In summary, it was a horrible week for our country that was driven, in part, by division and hatred.

Shortly after the horrible events in Pittsburgh however, Tarek El-Messidi, a founder of the Muslim group Celebrate Mercy, set up a fundraising initiative in partnership with another Muslim group called MPower Change on behalf of the Tree of Life victims. Their goal was to raise $25,000 to help the Jewish families impacted by the assault. In a matter of days, they had raised more than $250,000, mostly from Muslim donors. Perhaps as important as the financial aid is the message they sent: we are all in this together.

El-Messidi emphasized his motivation to help was driven by a sense of shared humanity, “We are here for you, if you need anything at all. If you need food for the families, if you just need someone to come to the grocery store because you don’t feel safe, we will be there for you.”

In this time of extreme division, we can all learn from the example of the actions of these thoughtful, generous people. When we sit down with our families this holiday season, regardless of whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas or nothing at all, we must all remember that we are in this together, not against each other.

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CALENDAR DECEMBER 2018

1st

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Friends of the Miramar Library Holiday Book Fair and Bake Sale – Huge selection of books, including children’s, fiction, health, fantasy, spiritual and religious, non-fiction, and more. “Spot the Dot” discount pricing, Special Book Collections Sale, Movie and CD promotional pricing, Bake Sale, Raffle and Prizes. All proceeds go to the Miramar Library.

11:00am-5:00pm (Members of the Friends of the Library early shopping at 10:30am) at the Miramar Library – 2050 Civic Center Place, Miramar. For more information, please call 954-357-8090.

Hannukah –The eight-night celebration will begin in the evening of Sunday, December 2th and end the evening of Monday, December 10th.

“Dog Smarts 101” Clas – This pet education class will teach dog owners (or anyone thinking about getting a pet) important information about dog behavior and why dogs do the things they do. This is the perfect class for anyone experiencing behavioral problems with their dog, such as barking, chewing and housebreaking issues. The class is FREE to all residents. Since this is not a dog training session, no pets will be permitted to the program. 6:00pm-7:00pm at the Miramar Library – 2050 Civic Center Place, Miramar.

For more information, please call 954-357-8090.

Clara’s Christmas Adventure & Holiday Gala – BE Dance Studios celebrates 10 years of dance, culture and community with its annual production.

This year features special musical and dance selections, as well as a ceremony honoring distinguished guests. Clara’s Christmas Adventure follows the journey of Clara from her swinging Christmas Eve celebration with family and friends to an enchanting Garden of Sweets where treasures beyond her wildest dreams come to life. Experience the action, adventure, and joy of music, dance, art and entertainment of a holiday traditions in a bold new way. Tickets are $35, $45, $55. Showtime is 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at the Miramar Cultural Center Theater, 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar.

Please contact the box office to purchase tickets at 954-602-4500.

8th Mayor Messam’s Aviation Expo – The 2nd annual expo showcases all of the businesses and exciting opportunities flying into and out of the area. Bring your friends, family and colleagues to see the enthusiasts, air traffic controllers, flight schools, technicians and other members of the aviation industry. Experience all that Aviation has to offer.

9:00 am-3:00 pm at The Amphitheater at Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Pkwy., Miramar. Free and open to the public.

9th

African Suite and How Do I Love Thee by Maude Valerie White. Tickets are $25 adults and $20 Seniors and students.

Children 12 and under are free. Showtime is from 2:00 pm-3:30 pm at the Miramar Cultural Center Theater, 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar.

Please contact the box office to purchase tickets at 954-602-4500.

25th Christmas– The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is the focus of the holiday as well as good will, miracles, and time spent together with family and friends.

12 DECEMBER 2018 | OUR CITY MIRAMAR | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

New Year’s Eve – Wishing all our readers a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year from all of us at Our City Media!

26th Kwanzaa – The week-long celebration honoring AfricanAmerican culture begins on Wednesday, December 26th and ends on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

Academy of Arts presents Holiday Show 2018 – Bring the entire family for an evening filled with music, singing, and dance suitable for all ages.

Including excerpts from the Nutcracker ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and musical theatre numbers. Tickets are $25.

Showtime is 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at the Miramar Cultural Center Celia Cruz All Stars– Celebrate Theater, 2400 Civic Center the iconic Celia Cruz and Place, Miramar. Please contact witness talented musicians as the box office to purchase South Florida Chamber they come together to celebrate tickets at 954-602-4500.

Ensemble – Poverty – The a large part of the Queen annual Spirit of Giving holiday of Salsa’s repertory. Songs program is about poverty like “La Negra Tiene Tumbao”, and features music and lyrics “Quimbara”, “Usted Abusó”, “La

by English composers and Vida Es un Carnaval”, “Bemba writers. Works include Dicken’s Colorá”, among others, are A Christmas Carol with music reinterpreted in honor of

by Alec Rowley, Holst’s St. one of the most influential Paul’s Suite, Edgat’s Light of artists of all time. Tickets are Life, Samuel Coleridge Taylor’s $35, $50, and $60. Showtime

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15th/16th The Nutcracker – The enchanting holiday ballet that has enthralled audiences of all ages for over a century returns with international guest stars and a cast of 100+ dancers. The magical production features lavish sets and scenery, colorful costuming, exquisite lighting, and superb choreography.

Tickets are $30, $40, $50, $60.

Showtime is 5:00 pm-7:30 pm at the Miramar Cultural Center Theater, 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar. Please contact the box office to purchase tickets at 954-602-4500.

is from 8:00 pm-10:00 pm at the Miramar Cultural Center Theater, 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar. Please contact the box office to purchase tickets at 954-602-4500.

28th

Winter Camp – When school is out, camp is in! Children ages 6-12 will enjoy co-ed sports, field trips, arts and crafts, and more. Weekly sessions are December 24th-28th and December 31st-January 4th from 7 am-6 pm. Half days are 12/24and 12/31 (7 am-12 pm) and no camp on 12/25 and 1/1. Residents $72 per week / Non-residents $86 per week. Register early at www.

MiramarFL.gov.

Doing Business with Miramar-Fire-Rescue – Every Wednesday from 7:00am-11:30am Fire Inspectors and Plans Examiners will give their professional advice on how to pass fire inspections on the first try, discuss any life safety related issues, and visit with their guests. Station 84 -14801 SW 27th Street, Miramar. For more information, please call 954-602-4802.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Get the 411 on Mayor Messam

BY BEVERLY PERKINS

T

he City of Miramar is so lucky to have a public servant that loves his city and its people. Mayor Wayne M. Messam is always out and about not only working but playing in the beloved city he calls home. Born to Jamaican parents, he was the firstgeneration American born in the United States. At an early age, he learned the values of hard work, discipline, and pride of culture, community, and heritage. Miramar’s cultural diversity and sense of community attracted the mayor to the growing South Florida city.

Although the devoted mayor has been involved in the City’s local politics for almost a decade, he has lived in Miramar for almost twenty years. He ran for office because he wanted to be involved in helping shape the growing city where families want to live, and businesses want to grow. His goal is to serve his neighbors and bring fresh ideas to make Miramar a national example of economic development, diversity, and innovation.

Besides taking care of priorities such as adding police officers to the police department, constructing the Historic Miramar Police Sub-Station, and

addressing many operational, capital, public safety, and emergency management needs, the Mayor does enjoy a personal life as well.

Mayor Messam recently took some time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions to help get to know him better.

How would your friends describe you if they needed to provide three adjectives?

Visionary, Competitive, and Composed.

When you’re not attending ribbon-cutting ceremonies, attending multiple events, helping students in schools..., what do you like to do?

I like to help residents solve issues they may be facing and lead the Broward County on pressing issues like oil drilling right outside of Miramar in Everglades and Solid Waste Disposal into landfill crisis. I also like working with our staff to solve the challenges and opportunities of our city.

What do you do for fun?

I’m cheering on my Florida State Seminoles, eating anything jerk, and traveling. I’m also always running or jogging many miles on the roadways all over Miramar. If you see me, be sure to honk your horn and wave!

What do you want people to remember about Mayor Messam’s term?

I want to be viewed as a public servant that represented all of Miramar. A mayor who planned by laying

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COMMUNITY NEWS

The 2nd Annual Aviation Expo is Ready for Take Off!

BY BEVERLY PERKINS

L

ast year, Mayor Messam’s inaugural event was such a success that it’s time to fasten your seatbelts and prepare for take off at the “2nd Annual Aviation Expo” on December 8th at the Miramar Amphitheater located in the City of Miramar’s Regional Park.

The Expo will showcase all businesses and exciting opportunities flying into and out of the area. Airplane enthusiasts, air traffic controllers, flight schools, technicians and other members of the aviation industry will be available to meet and discuss all the possibilities for a career in aviation.

Broward and Miami-Dade Counties have become international hubs for aviation with Miramar being a lead city. Miramar is committed to the future of aviation. The need for young, hardworking talent in the industry is a great challenge to overcome and they have extended their invitation for support to companies that share the same commitment.

“We aspire to create a national echo system to inspire curiosity about aviation, drones, aeronautics, innovation, and positions that work hand-in-hand within the industry such as technicians, firefighters, and those in the related technology fields,” explained Mayor Messam.

“We want to help bridge the gap in our country’s availability of certified pilots, air traffic controllers, military

trained aviators, and aviation technicians. We want to broaden the knowledge of our youth in order to show them that there are many avenues that can lead to securing a career in aviation.”

The experience was so amazing that this year STEM careers in aviation will be presented. Miramar supports and promotes STEM disciplines for students across a wide range of events such as summer camps, symposiums, higher education events, job fairs and more.

Over 2,000 Broward County Public School (BCPS) students attended the inaugural event open just for them followed by the Aviation Community Day where all parents and children from elementary to high school were invited. An even larger crowd is expected to this year’s much larger event, as Mayor Messam is hoping to have a Cockpit Career Fair, flight simulators, Engines Robotics Competition, and so much more.

“It’s my distinct pleasure to present you with this opportunity to join me in engaging our youth, parents and our community with the varied opportunities available in STEM careers in Aviation. I want our youth to know that you can achieve anything that you are willing to work for,” added Messam.

The Aviation Expo is free and open to the public on Saturday, December 8th from 9:00 am-3:00 pm at The Amphitheater at Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Pkwy., Miramar. For more information, please call 954-602-3198 or email elaroche@miramarfl.gov.

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS

BY DEBBY TEICH

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his month, families will celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

They will decorate trees; sing carols; and anxiously await the arrival of Santa Claus. They will light Menorahs; play with dreidels; and indulge in festive foods like latkes. They will focus on the seven core values of Kwanzaa; light the Kinara and place a Mkeka on the table.

For many, it is a time for gift giving. The holidays can also be a wonderful time for families and friends to put down their electronics to reconnect and spend quality time together, as they celebrate old traditions and create new ones. It is an opportunity to teach children about their heritage and the true meaning of the holidays.

Every family’s style of celebration is different, and it is those differences that make the holidays so magical. And remember, traditions don’t always have to be traditional; they come in all shapes, sizes and varieties. Below are some simple ways to celebrate both the traditions and spirit of the holidays. ▸ Make holiday foods together. So much of the holidays revolves around cooking and eating traditional foods. It is a great time to pass down a family recipe. Whether it is baking cookies and pies, frying latkes, or cooking brisket and turkey, get as many family members to help in the kitchen. Assign each one a task. Play some fun holiday music to make it even more festive. ▸ Limit your gift giving. Many families save all year to be able to afford a wide range of gifts for every family member. Decide on a designated amount, so everyone gets the same number. One might even be a trip or event that the whole family can do together. Or, skip the gifts and focus on being together and family traditions, instead of unwrapping gifts. ▸ Read a holiday book together. Pull out a copy of one your favorite holiday books from your childhood and read it with your kids. Or, read a new story together. ▸ Be kind to others. Volunteer as a family and do something special for someone else. Visit

T here Are M any Ways to

Celebrate t he Holidays wit h Family and F riends ▸

▸

▸

▸

22 DECEMBER 2018 | OUR CITY MIRAMAR | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

a nursing home; collect food items for a local shelter; work in a soup kitchen or food bank; bring blankets to the homeless; or contact a nonprofit that needs a helping hand.

Recount your childhood traditions. Children love to hear about how their parents celebrated when they were young. Talk about your own family traditions and ask the children to suggest new ones.

Celebrate the holidays with your family long distance. Today’s technology makes it easy to connect with family that live in other places, so you can celebrate the holidays together and continue to make new memories. Wear the same pajamas. Watch the same movie at the same time. Place a group video call for some virtual caroling or a virtual dreidel game.

Make a family recipe together, even if you are not in the same kitchen.

Keep a smile on your face. A smile is often contagious. Try to smile as you go about your errands. Treat each sales clerk and cashier with kindness.

Set the table with festive decorations. Get the kids involved in setting the table with crafts they made and other holiday decorations.

▸ Give a handmade gift. Instead of shopping in the traditional places, come up with something creative and make your own homemade gift. These are often the most meaningful gifts you can give. ▸ Adopt a needy family. There are so many children that long for gifts on the holidays. Adopt a family and find out what they want. You can even deliver the gifts as a family. ▸ Count down to the holidays. Extend the excitement of the holidays and start celebrating before they begin. Create a list of fun activities

that families can do together in the days prior. ▸ Create family rituals. Create a few rituals to observe each year that family and friends will look forward to as the season approaches. ▸ Watch television together. Gather the family together in one room to enjoy a holiday snack and watch a holiday classic. ▸ Make a Giving Tree. Buy a small artificial tree and hang paper ornaments with the names of charities and gifts the needy might want.

Ask each child to select a charity and purchase the gifts. You can even deliver the gifts with the kids. ▸ Create a holiday craft together. Whether it is a Christmas tree ornament, Menorah or Kinara, spend quality time with the kids making simple crafts they can display. ▸ Make a gingerbread house. Explore your creativity (and sweet tooth) by decorating a gingerbread house together. Then display their masterpiece on your holiday table. If that is too difficult or time consuming, decorate gingerbread cookies instead. ▸ Plan a special day together. Plan to spend a day with your family and leave the electronics behind. Go to the beach, zoo, movies or plan a picnic in a park. ▸ Spread holiday cheer with baked goods. Deliver some of your baked goods to friends, family

and neighbors. Wrap them in holiday colors and include a special hand-printed message from the kids. ▸ Deck the halls. The most decorated area of the house is typically the living room. Spread holiday cheer to the bedrooms, hallways and other areas of the house. ▸ Call friends and relatives. Make a surprise call to someone who was not expecting it.

They will be happy to hear from you.

OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY MIRAMAR | DECEMBER 2018 23

SCHOOL NEWS

Miramar Students Received Top Honors in Nationwide Art Contest

BY BEVERLY PERKINS

F

or eight years The Broward Education Foundation (BEF) has been providing free school supplies to Broward County Public School (BCPS) students in need through their partnership with Kids in Need Foundation, local businesses, and community leaders.

Teachers at Title I Broward County Public Schools shop free, twice a year, for their students and their classrooms. Since opening its doors, contributions to the school supply center have benefited almost half a million students and teachers.

But this year in addition to the mass number of rulers, reams of paper, and glue available at the school supply center, some local teachers received even more of

Valentina Prada: 3rd grade, Dolphin Bay Elementary

Alyssa Allen 7th grade, Glades Middle School

the much-needed supplies due to the creativity of three BCPS students. The Kids in Need Foundation partnered with Georgia-Pacific to host “Call to Canvas”. The nationwide art contest had students breaking out their crayons, colored pencils, canvas, and more to participate.

Besides winning recognition and prizes, the students would also win supplies for their school.

“There is a need for supplies throughout the school year,” said Broward Education Foundation Executive Director Shea Ciriago. “With the generosity of partners like Georgia-Pacific and Kids in Need Foundation, we can fulfill that need and equip Broward’s students for success.”

Two of these talented and creative students were Miramar’s Valentina Prada, a third grader at Dolphin Bay Elementary and Alyssa Allen, a seventh-grader at Glades Middle School. Both girls received top three honors in the nation for their unique creations as well as prizes which allowed their schools to receive a large donation of paper and a visit to shop for school supplies at the BEF center.

“We are so proud of Valentina, and her being named the winner of this contest will motivate her to keep pursuing art,” exclaimed her proud father.

“The generous gift of paper means my students will have access to projects, literature and an endless array of

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(L to R) Broward Education Foundation Board Member Ric Green; Mari-Lee Baxter of Broward Education Foundation; Broward Education Foundation Board Member Luz Negron; Hector Javier, manager of the Tools for Schools Resource Center; Susan Fulginiti and Callie Kaszycki of Georgia Pacific; and Kristine Cohn, Kids in Need Foundation.

learning opportunities,” said Dolphin Bay Valentina Prada accepts Elementary School her award with Teacher Jacqueline Lopez. her parents “Students use paper as a platform for creativity and intellectual growth. We are so grateful for the gift of endless possibilities that is paper.”

“It was very exciting to enter one of my students to the art contest, but awesome to have won,” said Dolphin Bay Elementary School third grade teacher Yuberca Sandino. “As teacher, we appreciate everything that we get for supplies because we use it to enhance our curriculum. This help us do more activities with our students. The kids are the most important aspect of our society today in my opinion.”

BEF annually facilitates the distribution of more than $1.5 million in essential supplies for BCPS students.

ASK THE EXPERT

Ankle Ligament Injuries in Teenagers and Adults

BY ROBERT H. SHEINBERG, D.P.M., D.A.B.P.S., F.A.C.F.A.S. associated with a feeling of a crack or a pop, and

T

he ankle is a complex joint consisting of bones, ligaments, cartilage, tendons and joint lining. The primary motion of the ankle is up and down. It has limited side-to-side motion. When excess motion occurs from side to side, ankle liga-

ments can tear.

Ligaments connect bones together. Once the ligaments are torn instability can develop. On the outside of the ankle there are three ligaments. The inside of the ankle has five and connecting the tibia and fibula are three more.

Ankle ligament injuries can occur from stepping off of a step and rolling the ankle, to playing sports and coming down and landing on somebody’s foot.

It is also very common in women who wear heels and roll their ankle to the outside, causing damage to the ligament structure of the ankle.

When ligament injuries occur, it is most often

is associated with pain, swelling, occasionally discoloration and inability to weightbear.

It is always best to evaluate these ankle injuries as soon as possible. A thorough history and physical will allow the doctor to identify the ligaments that have been injured and the extent of the injury.

X-rays are taken and occasionally MRIs if the

suspected damage is significant.

Treatment is then aimed at reducing the damage to the ligaments and giving the ligaments an opportunity to heal primarily. Treatment for these injuries could be as simple as RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation). For a very simple stretching injury to the ankle ligaments, an ankle brace is

used most often. When the ligaments are torn, then immobilization is absolutely necessary. A boot or a cast is applied for two to six weeks. Patients are allowed to immediately weightbear. Cross training is completely allowed. Avoid any type of anti-inflammatory. This will help to reduce the inflammation but at the cost of allowing those ligaments to heal because inflammation is a critical part of the healing process. Physical therapy may be necessary after cast removal. A return to sports could take four to eight weeks.

Chronic instability may develop if treatment has not been initiated immediately. This may be corrected with a ligament tightening procedure.

Long-term prognosis is almost always excellent.

Dr. Robert Sheinberg is a Board-Certified Foot, Ankle and Leg Specialist practicing in Weston and Pembroke Pines since 1988.

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New Patient . . . . . . . . . . .$75-$125 Surgery Consult . . . . . . . . . . . $200 Injections . . . . . . . . . .$75 per shot Casts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$175 Follow Up Visit . . . . . . . . $50-$100 Orthotics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $350 Ingrown Nail . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125 X-Rays . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 per area PRP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $525 Shockwave (3 sessions) . . . . $500 Laceration Repair . . . . . . . . . $250 Wound Care . . . . . . . . . . .$75-$125 (FOR CHRONIC HEEL PAIN & TENDONITIS)

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OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY MIRAMAR | DECEMBER 2018 25

SCHOOL NEWS

Speechless – Miramar High School Students Place in National Competition and Debate Coach Earns Prestigious Title

BY BEVERLY PERKINS

T

welve Miramar High School students from the Speech and Debate team competed in the Florida Blue Key Debate in late October. Seventy-six schools throughout the country attended the three-day national tournament at the University of Florida in Gainesville, and Miramar High School proudly placed 7th as a team in points. Also, during this exciting time, the team’s Speech and Debate Coach Renea Moss was named “Coach of the Year”.

Five of these twelve incredibly talented Patriots broke from prelims to compete in the finals. In Dramatic Interpretation (DI), three placed in the top six: Sophia Williams (6th Place), Warren Forstmann (5th Place) and Alyssa Grant (4th place). Warren Forstmann

Sophia, Samuel, Jadyn, Destiny, Daliss, Milla, Khari, and Alyss) Back row: Kyra, Terry, Miranda, Warren, and Jada.

was also a semi-finalist in Program Oral Interpretation (POI) while two others made it to finals. Samuel Simeon took 4th Place and Daliss Hicks won her second consecutive POI at Blue Key. “I am so proud of their hard work and dedication.

As their coach, I am lucky to cultivate their greatness.

Last month, Superintendent Runcie awarded me with Broward County Public School ‘2018 Debate Coach of the Year’ which was an honor, but I am nothing without my debate babies,” stated Moss. “Their dedication to their craft makes this impressive. The impact that Miramar High School is making as an urban school in the Speech and Debate arena gives inspiration that we indeed do have a voice and we have the ability to go anywhere and speak anywhere without the same advantages. They will change this world.”

By being a finalist at Blue Key, each of the five finalists received their first bid to Tournament of Champions (TOC), an invitationonly national tournament where one has to earn a certain number of bids to compete. Hicks received an automatic bid from placing 2nd in POI last year and now four more are waiting to earn one more bid. The motivated students com-

Warren, Daliss, Samuel, Sophia, and Alyssa

peted at Tradition at Cypress Bay in November and are preparing for the GMU Patriot Games this month where they will have the opportunity to pick up a second bid to secure their spot at TOC. “Debate continues to be a premier program at Miramar High School. Our Debatriots have continued to improve their craft and are extremely dedicated to their personal and team growth. We couldn’t be prouder of our Debatriots,” exclaimed Loli Formoso, Miramar High School Principal. “Ms. Moss truly deserves to be named ‘Coach of the Year’. She works incredibly hard with our students and contributes countless hours to their development. The relationships she has built with our students will last a lifetime. We couldn’t ask for a more amazing debate coach!”

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MESSAGE FROM THE FIRE CHIEF

Wishing Everyone a Happy and Safe Holiday Season

BY MIRAMAR FIRE-RESCUE CHIEF ROBERT E. PALMER

T

he month of December is filled with holidays celebrated through festivities and decorations. With so much joy in the atmosphere, we here at the Miramar Fire Department would like to remind you of a few safety tips to ensure this month will be wonderful.

Holiday lights are a source of beauty throughout the holiday season. Be sure to replace broken or worn strands and loose bulbs, as well as check the number of strands that can be linked together at once. This will help to make sure the circuits are not overloaded and reduce the risk of electrical fires. Not all lights are created for both environments. Please check whether your lights are for indoor or outdoor use.

Holiday trees bring a festive feel to homes and businesses all throughout our community. Please be sure to keep your tree away from sources of heat such as space heaters, candles, and lights. Always make sure to turn off the lights on a tree before going to bed, water your tree and most importantly, NEVER use lit candles to light a tree.

While candles can create a warm and cozy atmosphere, they can also be a quick start to a home fire. Be sure not to use them in bedroom areas or near something that could catch fire. Never leave a child in a room with a candle unattended and if you go out, blow your candles out.

of the

Month

Max born in Miramar in May/04/2018. He is 4 months old and is the most cute and happiest dog in all over the world. He loves to play with his Mom Sofy! All day Long. Pulling her tail to call everyone attention! We love him! Max is immensely Cute!

Your Pet Could Be Our

Pet of the Month!

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

The holiday season is known for the wonderful meals that are used to celebrate. One of the easiest ways to prevent a kitchen fire is to always be sure that the oven and stove have been turned off after use. If a fire starts in a pan, you should put it out by either putting the lid on it or sprinkling baking soda on it.

Occasionally here in South Florida, the temperatures will start to dip a little and bring us relief from the heat. If you use a space heater to keep your home warm, be sure to keep it away from anything that could easily catch fire and if you leave your home, please turn the space heater off.

Finally, some of the most well-known ways to celebrate holidays can also be the most dangerous. If too much alcohol has been consumed, it’s necessary for you to either give up your keys or take someone else’s away. Fireworks should only be operated outdoors and only by adults. Remember, if they go up in the air or explode, leave them to the professionals. Please do not celebrate the New Year by firing guns in the air. Stray bullets are extremely dangerous and life-threatening.

Remember, what goes up must come down.

We at the Miramar Fire Department enjoy watching our community celebrate the holidays in a safe and joyful way. Please remember these tips we’ve shared with you and we will all have enjoyable and safe holidays.

May you, your family, and friends have a happy and safe holiday season.

Miramar Fire Rescue is located at 14801 SW 27th Street, Miramar, FL 33027. For more information please call (954) 602-4802. For emergencies, please call 9-1-1. Also, check us out at Miramarfd.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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/City of residence

GOT NEWS? email editormiramar@ourcitymedia.com

OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY MIRAMAR | DECEMBER 2018 27

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

Happy Holidays Miramarians!

BY WAYNE M. MESSAM, MAYOR OF MIRAMAR irst Lady Angela and I wish everyone Season’s Greetings. The holiday season is one of our favorite times of year in the city. It is when we celebrate our religious and cultural traditions and there is nothing better than visiting or hosting family and friends during this season.

One of the benefits of living in Miramar is that there is always something to do. The City of Miramar has a number of events during this month and I especially would like to invite you to our “Annual Holiday Lighting of City Hall” on December 7th at 6 PM. Over the years, families from all over come to take their holiday family photo in front of our beautifully decorated tree.

The Miramar Cultural Center will have a number of productions this year including Ballet Etudes’ The Nutcracker. Hopefully, you will be able to attend. The Cultural Center is a wonderful place to help celebrate the holiday season. See all the details at MiramarCulturalCenter.org.

I also would like to provide a summary of our city’s accomplishments as presented during my annual State of the City Address. Miramar’s economy continues to thrive.

Did you know our city’s unemployment rate is only 3.0%? Did you know that over 1,600 jobs averaging $65,000 per year are coming to our city again? Pretty amazing when you consider it was only a few years ago cities across the nation struggled to jumpstart their economies after the recession.

I am happy to announce that not only has Miramar recovered but we are adding high paying jobs due to, for example, the arrival of United Data Technologies, one of Florida’s largest privately held IT firms and 3Z Telecom. They both have built their new headquarters in Miramar this year. Adding to our progress are our continued property valuations. For the fourth year in a row, Miramar has averaged 8% in property value appreciation. What this means is that Miramar remains attractive for businesses and our homes are in high demand.

So, as we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and other cultural events during the holidays, let’s give thanks for our blessings and our successes. Our neighbors in the Caribbean and in this state are still suffering from this past hurricane season. The holidays will be different for them this year. Let us all keep them in our prayers and send help whenever you can. It could have been Miramar but for Grace, we were spared and for that I give thanks.

Yours in Service,

F

Mayor Wayne M. Messam The Office of the Commission is located at 2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar 33025. To contact please call, 954-602-3198 or visit www.miramarfl.gov.

28 DECEMBER 2018 | OUR CITY MIRAMAR | OURCITYMEDIA.COM

LEGALLY SPEAKING

Your 2019 Resolutions

BY BRUCE IDEN, ESQUIRE s the holidays approach and the year comes to a close, we naturally begin to think ahead to resolutions intended to change habits, improve our health or make things better for ourselves and our families.

Resolutions are simply promises we make to ourselves.

Perhaps your new year’s resolutions include walking 10,000+ steps each day, eating a cleaner diet or spending more time with your children. Whatever your resolutions may be, consider adding to your list an important one: protecting your loved ones.

Let’s look at some basic questions and see if you can answer the following: ▸▸ Who will take care of me if I can’t take care of myself? Do I have adequate insurance? Is there a clear successor to manage my financial and business affairs?

Are my personal wishes set forth in writing so they are known and accessible when needed? ▸▸ After I am gone, how will my family and loved ones manage the debts, taxes and other legal obligations I leave behind? Have I created a way to reach important family and financial goals? ▸▸ Who will take over my business if I am disabled or gone? What can I do to increase the probability that my business will survive after me? ▸▸ Who will care for my young children if my spouse and I cannot? What financial protection and instructions have I left for their care? ▸▸ When and how will my spouse, children and other loved ones receive their inheritance? How can I be sure they receive their gifts in a manner which maximizes use and enjoyment but protects against creditors, predators or their own possible fiscal mismanagement?

Thinking about these matters can be absolutely overwhelming. But because we care about our families, we are obligated to raise these tough questions and explore the answers. As spouses, we want to provide the resources and safeguards to make our loved ones’ futures more secure. As parents, we want our children to have a happy and secure life, especially if that life does not include us.

Why not resolve to start the process of caring for your family should something happen to you? The ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu wisely said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

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Your first step is to meet with a qualified estate planning attorney to design and put into place a plan which will ensure that these are promises you can keep. If you have already done your estate planning, good for you! Please also make a habit of reviewing your plan, including beneficiary designations for insurance policies, retirement accounts and 401(k) plans. Changes in your financial situation, family circumstances and the law may make the revision and updating of your estate plan essential.

Life can change in an instant. What are you waiting for?

Bruce Iden earned his J.D. from George Washington University National Law Center and his L.L.M in taxation from the University of Miami School of Law. He has been practicing in the areas of estate planning, real estate and business law for over 30 years. For more information, or to schedule a consultation with Mr. Iden, contact Iden Law Offices at 954-885-0085.

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualiications and experience.

OURCITYMEDIA.COM | OUR CITY MIRAMAR | DECEMBER 2018 29

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MESSAGE FROM THE POLICE CHIEF

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

BY CHIEF DEXTER WILLIAMS he Miramar Police Department would like to wish the community a safe and joyous holiday season.

We suggest following these precautionary tips to prevent thieves and other criminals from ruining your holidays: - Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash. Whenever possible, use credit/debit cards. Try to shop with friends or relatives. There is safety in numbers.

- Don’t leave valuables in your car and always make sure to lock your doors. Covering items to hide them does not work and may only draw attention. If you must leave valuable items in your car while out and about, place items out of sight before reaching your destination and make sure you are not followed.

-When returning to your auto (or home), have your keys in your hand, ready to open the door.

- Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps or sitting in a shopping cart. Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “conartists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

- Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused. Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.

- Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.

- Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

For those that prefer online shopping, keep in mind that most deliveries DO NOT require a signature and are generally left at your front door even if no one is home to accept them. These packages, which quickly catch the eye of potential thieves, offer criminals that “Crime of Opportunity” they are looking for.

Safeguard your purchases by: ▸▸ Having packages delivered to your workplace, if possible. ▸▸ Having packages delivered to a neighbor or family member who will be there to accept them. ▸▸ Making sure you have the tracking information for your packages and monitor it. If your packages do not arrive as scheduled, contact the sender immediately. ▸▸ Requesting a signature delivery option if available. This will require the delivery driver to obtain a signature or deliver the package at another time. ▸▸ Requesting a specific drop-off time and date from carrier, if possible. ▸▸ Arranging to have your packages held at the delivery service site for pick up. ▸▸ Asking the delivery service to leave your packages by the side/back door or enclosed porch where packages are out of sight.

As always, if you see suspicious activity call the police immediately.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season, Chief Dexter Williams

T

The Miramar Police Department is located at 11765 City Hall Promenade, Miramar, 33025. For general information, please call 954-602-4000. To report a non-emergency, call 954-764-4357. To reach the Miramar Helpline, call 954-602-HELP (4357).

Stay Connected, Stay Informed @MiramarPD on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

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BOO-tiful Night The annual City of Miramar Halloween, hosted by Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne, was held at River Run Park. The free event was attended by more than 5,000 residents with children who enjoyed inflatable rides, a pumpkin patch, a haunted house and plenty of candy!

For the Love of Vegetables Friends and

families enjoyed themselves at the hands-on cooking demonstration held at the Miramar Community Garden as part of a series sponsored by Baptist Health South Florida. Guests enjoyed making Monster Hummus Rice Cakes guided by dietician Lucette Talamas. A very delicious TuttiFrutti Pizza was then created with the guidance of colorful Ana Banana who dressed to the likes of Carmen Miranda.

Namaste The “Professionally Fabulous Group” and Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne held a free yoga session at the Monarch Lakes Park Pavilion. The event was attended by a group of women from the community who came to stretch their bodies and relax their minds.

Fall Fest

Every year the community of Silver Shores begin their fall season with a festival and Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne was sure to help make it terrific. Families of the community loved pony and train rides, painting, music, food trucks, and a variety of vendors who displayed their specialty items.

Panama Independence Day!

Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne in collaboration with the General Consul of Panama, Adela Chiari de Rey hosted and celebrated Panama’s 115 years of independence on Saturday, November 3rd at the City of Miramar Cultural Center. Attendees enjoyed Panamanian arts and crafts, culinary, music and folklore, and an award ceremony.

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Miramar Fire Rescue had an Open House in October to raise awareness during Fire Prevention Month. Guests go to tour the station, see emergency vehicle displays, try on bunker gear, spray a fire hose, paint a fire truck and meet Bunker the Dalmatian.

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