July/August 2023 Edition

Carolina Bryce Real Estate Services

YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS TO SELL A HOME WITH a first

Styling a property can dramatically transform a home without major home renovations. Style to Sell has proven this model.

According to the National Association of Realtors, 83% of buyers agents said that a styled home is easier for a buyer to visualize. These homes also sell for 6% more than a un-styled home.

JULY 18

out

JULY 3-4

& 4th of July Festivities

Ignite the Spirit of Freedom is the theme of this year’s Weston Hometown Fourth of July Celebration. The festivities begin on July 3rd with a fun-filled evening at Weston Regional Park. From 6-9 pm, there will be children’s activities, interactive photo stations, and non-stop entertainment including a DJ and performance by #NoFilter, culminating with a fabulous Fireworks Finale. On July 4th Weston Town Center is the place to be. Lace-up your shoes to participate in the 5K Run/Walk starting at 7:15 am. It is followed by the annual Hometown Fourth of July Celebration Parade, beginning at 10:30 am. Show your patriotic pride while you cheer on local performing groups, community organizations, businesses, and emergency personnel as they march through the streets of the Weston Town Center. Westonfl.org/events

Pop Music

JULY 27

The Weston Music Society is pleased to present Pops Goes the Symphony featuring the Symphony of the Americas’ Jazz Symphony under the direction of Artistic Director Pablo Mielgo. The five-piece ensemble will perform a selection of jazz tunes and pops favorites followed by a dessert reception. The concert takes place at the Bonaventure Town Center Club at 7 pm. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $10 for students and are on sale now at Mia of London Jewelers and online (WestonMusicSociety. org) or for purchase at the door. Alzheimer’s

The Brain Bus rolls into town to bring awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Stop by City Hall from 2-4 pm to learn about the importance of early detection, early diagnosis, brain health, and risk reduction. Special thanks to State Representative Robin Bartleman, of Weston, for arranging this visit. The Brain Bus was in Weston in August 2021. Westonfl.org/events

Photo courtesy City of Weston

&Picture Perfect

about

THROUGH JULY 31

Get your camera ready. It’s time to start submitting photos to the Arts Council of Greater Weston’s Summer Instagram Photo Contest . “Shades of Blue” is this year’s theme. Judges will be looking for images that best capture the beauty and versatility of different shades of blue, from deep navy to baby blue. Post your pictures to Instagram by the end of July using #ACGWSUMMER23 and be sure to tag @1westonfl. For official contest rules and registration, visit 1weston.com

Back to School Bash

AUGUST 12

Get the new school year started on the right foot at the Weston YMCA Family Center. As part of its Wellness Weekends program, the Weston Y is featuring fun fitness challenges to prepare children and families to go back to school. From 9 am to 12 pm, the Y’s certified trainers will offer stretching demonstrations as well as fitness assessments and personal training consultations. www.ymcasouthflorida.org/event/ back-to-school-bash/

Photo courtesy Lifrancis Rojas, ACGW

The Weston Y is planning a fun-filled morning focused on fitness and well-being. Photo courtesy YMCA of South Florida.

Scholarships Support Students’ Academic Pursuits in Arts and Sciences

BY STACEY BOMSER

HIGHER EDUCATION IS EXPENSIVE.

Fortunately, several of the cultural and civic organizations in Weston are helping alleviate some of that financial burden through their scholarship programs.

The Weston Music Society is privileged to present financial scholarships to Weston-area performing arts students wishing to continue studying music and/or theater in college, while the American Association of University Women – Weston Branch awards scholarships to female students entering the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field.

Advancing Music Education

Thirteen 2023 graduates from Cypress Bay High School and Western High School plan to continue their music education this fall thanks to the Weston Music Society Scholarship Program. Through a matching initiative between the Weston Music Society (WMS) and generous benefactors, financial scholarships allow Weston’s talented young musicians and thespians to pursue their passions in performance, music education, and the music industry. Sixty-five scholarships have been awarded over the past six years.

Teachers from the band, chorus, and drama departments at each school nominated deserving students. Members of the Weston Music Society Scholarship Committee were then challenged with selecting scholarship recipients from the highly talented pool of nominees.

“Listening to the students’ recordings and reading through their essays were both delightful and humbling moments,” shared Stephanie Bescherelle, WMS board member and scholarship

program coordinator. “These talented artists have so much to give.”

Congratulations to Gianna Gomez, Adrian Graff, Connor Lirio, Sophia Marrero, Lauren Naccarato, Santiago Rios, and Daniela Pafumi from Cypress Bay High School and Darragh Geraghty, Nelson Bernal, Sol Cristano-Ojeda, Carolina Nadorfy, Liam Friend, and Ciara Ponce from Western High School.

Connor Lirio, a tenor/baritone who plans to continue choral studies at the University of Hartford, says he is grateful for the scholarship. “I am blessed to live in a community that values the arts and to have a society that will fund and care for the future generations of those involved in music to continue to show and educate and provide for others in this endless cycle.”

Beyond presenting scholarships, the WMS is committed to supporting music education and enrichment within the Weston schools through its In-Schools Program and bringing fine music of all genres to the community, including the upcoming Summer Pops Concert.

Supporting Women in STEM

As part of its mission to empower women and girls, the Weston branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) presented scholarships to eight Broward County students who are planning to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

“The realization that women are underrepresented in STEM careers has prompted AAUW and its branches, including the Weston branch, to

encourage and reward young women to pursue STEM careers,” said Dr. Kamala Anandam, AAUW Weston president.

The STEM Awards Presentation was well attended with distinguished AAUW members, Weston city commissioners, and representatives from local businesses sharing the honor of introducing the scholarship recipients and presenting their certificates and checks.

Two Cypress Bay High School graduates were among the recipients. Congratulations to Victoria Capparelli, who will attend the University of Florida, and Sahana Thayagabalu, who will attend Harvard University.

For more than 15 years, the AAUW Weston Branch has been committed to recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of women and girls and helping train and support women and girls to achieve their full potential.

AAUW STEM Award recipients Sahana Thayagabalu and Victoria Capparelli with AAUW Weston President Kamala Anandam. Photo courtesy AAUW Weston

2023 Weston Music Society Scholarship Award recipients Santiago Rios (left), Darragh Geraghty, Nelson Bernal, Sol Crisanto-Ojeda, Sophia Marrero, Daniela Pafumi, Lauren Naccarato, Carolina Nadorfy, Adrian Graff, Gianna Gomez, Connor Lirio, and Liam Friend (not pictured: Clara Ponce). Photo courtesy Weston Music Society

WESTON NEW LOCATION

4448 Weston Rd, Davie, FL 33331 crumbl.com

2023

Season Dates:

Y -

BASEBALL LEAGUE REGISTRATION OPEN!

Program to include:

Season Dates:

• 10 Regular season games + single elimination playoff.

August 21 st – 1 st Week of Practice

• One practice and minimum one game per week.

Opening Day – September 9 th

• Games will be scheduled on weekdays and weekends. (Sundays may be included for makeup games due to weather)

League Registration Fee’s Member/Non-Member

• Player draft will be hosted at each division. No coach or player requests.

T-Ball: $225/$255

Rookies: $225/$260

WESTON YMCA FAMILY CENTER

Minor: $235/$270

20201 Saddle Club Road Weston, FL 33327 ymcasouthflorida.org

Majors: $255/$290

Babe Ruth: $265/$300

Program to include

August 21 – 1st Week of Practice

Opening Day – September 9

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Thomas Rowe 954.424.9622 EXT 1313 | TRowe@ymcasouthflorida.org

• 10 Regular season games + single elimination playoff.

Hurricane Season Is Here. Are You #WestonReady?

BY STACEY BOMSER

THE 2023 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON is predicted to be “slightly below average.”

While that sounds like positive news, keep in mind it only takes one storm to completely devastate a community. Just look at the damage and devastation Hurricane Ian caused throughout the Fort Myers area last year before leaving behind a path of destruction as it crossed the state.

Should a storm come our way, the City of Weston is prepared. City staff are trained in the National

Incident Management System (NIMS) for emergency operation activations. Should a storm threaten our area, the City would activate its Emergency Operations Center and prepare for the possible impacts the storm would have due to high-velocity winds, excessive rain, etc.

Hurricane Preparedness

The City urges homeowners and business owners to be prepared as well. As part of its #WestonReady

campaign, it created a hurricane preparedness digital brochure, available online or for download. It includes sections on how to create a family plan, what to include in your emergency supply kit, how to prepare your home, and what to do after the storm passes. Its checklists are informative and invaluable. There is also a wealth of information available on the City website (westonfl.org/hurricane).

To encourage residents to prepare in advance of storm season, Weston hosted a hurricane preparedness workshop in May. Emergency experts from BSO Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services and the City of Weston Public Works Department educated homeowners on how the City prepares for hurricane season, what occurs during an activation, and

Continues on page 10

In the event of a hurricane, Weston city leaders and emergency personnel will activate the Emergency Operations Center, where they can monitor the situation and provide residents with timely information as they did during Hurricane Wilma. Photo courtesy City of Weston

Weston Car Owners, is your car lacking shine? Or, would you like to preserve your new ride in its best condition? Did you know that washing a ceramic-coated car is at least 50%* easier? Let us coat your vehicle so you can have ease of washing & unmatched shine for years to come! Starting at $499!

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You’ll Flip for TAG USA Gymnastics’ Summer Camp and Aftercare Programs

KEEPING CHILDREN ENTERTAINED DURING the summer or after school can sometimes be a challenge. But that’s never the case at TAG USA Gymnastics. There’s simply no time to be bored when you’re engaged in nonstop activities and that’s exactly what TAG specializes in with its award-winning day camp and aftercare programs.

“Our summer sports camp is legendary,” boasts TAG General Manager A.J. Zoldan, who has been working alongside his father, Michael Zoldan, to continue to grow the gym and its program offerings. “Children love the all-action, all-sports curriculum, while parents appreciate the affordable pricing and flexible scheduling with daily, weekly, and multi-week options.”

Boys and girls will flip for all the activities as they rotate throughout the enormous gym space. At 36,000 square feet, it’s South Florida’s best and largest facility.

Certified coaches instruct children in traditional gymnastics stations such as trampoline, tumbling, bars, and beam. These rotations are interspersed

with fun-filled activities such as obstacle courses, inflatables, and even Color War games. Besides learning gymnastics skills, campers can also play sports such as indoor soccer and basketball or participate in dance routines and cheerleading. And, for families seeking a more specialized sports day for their children, TAG USA offers afternoon clinics in intense tumbling, stunts and flips, and stretch cardio fitness.

TAG’s summer camp, which is for children ages five to 14, runs through August 18. It also offers a day camp program during Thanksgiving Week, Winter Break, and Spring Break, as well as on no-school days.

ACTIVE AFTERCARE

That same balance of engaging, action-packed activities and structured instruction that serves as the foundation of its popular day camp program was used to create TAG’s after-school curriculum. Catering to elementary and middle school families, the aftercare program offers van pick-up from schools in Weston, Davie, Cooper City, Pembroke Pines, and Southwest Ranches. Parents also have the option of picking up their child from school and dropping him/her at TAG for an afternoon of activities.

TAG’s aftercare program starts with a “team coached” stretch and warm-up class followed by a general trampoline and tumbling workout. Then there’s time to complete homework and socialize. Afterward, children can take part in recreational activities, games, and trampoline fun until parent pick-up by 6:00 p.m.

CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION

Back-to-school means back to the birthday party circuit and parties at TAG USA Gymnastics are a favorite among children and parents alike.

Each two-hour party features private use of the gym and a celebration in the enormous party room. In addition to entertaining the kids, two coaches will help set up, serve, and clean up, allowing parents to enjoy their child’s special day and spend quality time with their guests.

Speaking of quality time. Parents can enjoy an evening out every Saturday night knowing their children are well cared for by TAG’s highly trained and certified coaches. During Open Gym, which runs from 6:30-10 p.m., children can enjoy supervised activities in a safe and secure environment.

TAG’s huge gymnastics playground is open for kids, ages five to 14, to enjoy the trampolines, beams, bars, tumble tracks, spring floors, and all the other gymnastics equipment in a non-instructional evening of fun.

“It’s cheaper than a babysitter and a whole lot more fun,” jokes Michael.

GYMNASTICS POWERHOUSE

TAG has the equipment and coaching staff necessary for a young athlete to train for recreation or to grow into a nationally-ranked gymnast or college athlete.

TAG’s training program begins with recreational gymnastics classes for ages two and up. Children learn fundamental gymnastics skills while progressively improving and advancing through the levels. More serious and talented gymnasts can progress

PHOTOS COURTESY FOR THE PICTURE OF AJ

into TAG’s competitive gymnastics program. TAG is home to nine National Champions, two National Team members, one Olympian (Czech Republic), and numerous college athletes.

A.J. points out that every child has a path at TAG. “A recreational path for introduction to the sport. A pre-team path to experience high skills and awards. And a team path for State, Regional, and National aspirations in gymnastics, tumbling, and trampoline.”

To inspire gymnasts of all levels, TAG often invites former Olympians to visit the gym. Superstars such as Aly Raisman, Alicia Sacramone, Nastia Luikin, Shawn Johnson, Jordyn Wieber, Jonathan Horton, and Sam Mikulak have stopped by to train, pose for pictures, and provide the young gymnasts with words of encouragement.

Michael points out that TAG is privileged to have a few former foreign Olympians on staff. That’s because the gym requires its team coaches to have at least ten years of coaching experience and be

former high-level gymnasts. Its recreational coaches are also extremely talented, as well as passionate about what they do.

“No matter what level, rest assured that TAG’s coaches are the best of the best and undergo a rigorous training program,” said Michael. “Additionally, all instructors possess USA Gymnastics certification and undergo a mandatory Level 2 FBI background check.”

THE TAG DIFFERENCE

TAG USA Gymnastics has a 55-year history as the leader in regional gymnastics training and that is evident in everything it does.

“We invite you to stop by and visit our ‘Home of Champions,’ to see our incredible athletes in action, feel the energy, and meet our amazing staff and renowned coaches,” encourages A.J.

TAG USA Gymnastics is located at 15900 West State Road 84 in Weston. For more information please visit www.taggymnastics.com or call 954-384-9191.

TAG General Manager A.J. Zoldan

Photo courtesy Ludmillo Pierre Photography

CONSEQUENCES OF UNTREATED GUM DISEASE

GUM DISEASE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF TOOTH LOSS. Patients without any natural teeth live 7 years less on average and look 10 years older.

DON’T LET GUM DISEASE RUIN YOUR SMILE

Gum disease often goes unnoticed because it typically does not cause any pain. However, it can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums, leading to loose teeth, trouble chewing, and eventually tooth loss. It is also linked to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, lung disease, pregnancy issues and more. But there’s good news –our periodontal practice can help. Our experienced team of dental professionals use the latest techniques and technologies to treat gum disease and restore your oral health. Trust and comfort is of the utmost importance to us.

We offer a range of services, in our luxurious, technology-driven, state-of-the-art facility located right here in Weston to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.

Don’t let gum disease ruin your smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.

GUM

OR PERIODONTAL DISEASE, AFFECTS

85% of adults! Because the disease progresses slowly and symptoms show up gradually over time, it is called a ‘silent’ disease. Gum disease isn’t just a normal part of aging - it is a disease that can affect your entire body.

• Teeth Cleanings

• Painless Procedures

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• Same Day Appointments w/ No Waiting

Patients of All Ages Welcome

Personalized

DELIVERING MODERN FOR WOMEN

Care

BY STACEY BOMSER PHOTOS BY LUDMILLO PIERRE PHOTOGRAPHY

MODERN OBGYN CARE IS A STATEof-the-art obstetric and gynecological practice dedicated to serving women through every stage of life. Doctors Marcela and Miguel Torres provide personalized and compassionate comprehensive women’s health care beginning in adolescence with the initial well-women’s care exam, then throughout the childbearing years with prenatal and postnatal care, and finally post-menopause and beyond, helping patients manage symptoms with therapeutic treatments.

The couple, who met during medical school and are now partners in marriage and medicine, were purposeful when naming their practice: Modern OBGYN Care.

As Marcela Torres, M.D., explains, “Modern reflects our state-of-the-art office equipped with the latest technology and treatment options. OBGYN is our chosen area of expertise. And Care because we treat our patients with respect and love.”

Careful thought was put into designing the office, beginning with the site selection. Modern OBGYN Care is located just minutes away from Memorial Hospital Miramar. Women travel from Weston and throughout West Broward seeking the assurance of a medical practice located in such close proximity to a hospital with a labor and delivery unit and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This means the doctors are easily accessible in the event of an emergency.

Technologically Advanced

The office itself evokes a relaxing spa-like atmosphere, yet it is fully equipped with the most advanced technology available.

“For our prenatal patients, we offer ultrasound equipment that not only does 3D but also 4D and 5D,” states Miguel Torres, M.D. “We have a colposcope

and a new loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) machine to diagnose and treat abnormal or cancerous conditions. To complement that, we offer cryotherapy for cervical precancerous lesions. We are also pleased to provide patients with the Votiva FormaV for vaginal rejuvenation and Morpheus 8, a non-surgical treatment for facial rejuvenation and skin tightening.”

Both physicians are highly experienced in performing robotic surgery using the daVinci Surgical System, which allows patients undergoing hysterectomy to recover faster with less intraoperative blood loss, smaller incisions, and less postoperative pain. They are also pioneers in a new FDA-approved radiofrequency ablation therapy, which treats fibroids laparoscopically using ultrasound guidance.

Every day is Mother’s Day

While well-versed in the use of state-of-the-art medical technology, Dr. Marcela Torres and Dr. Miguel Torres are equally adept when it comes to delivering exceptional patient care. It’s one of the reasons they decided to become OBGYNs.

“This is the best medical specialty because we bring life into the world. Our patients become like family since we are part of this special moment of their life,” shares Dr. Marcela Torres, noting that obstetrics and gynecology are also unique in that doctors get to see patients through various stages of life. “Establishing a long-term relationship with your doctor is important because we not only know you as a patient but also as a human. We are able to consider your past history to better care for your current needs.”

Personalized Care

Dr. Miguel Torres is in total agreement, adding that since OBGYN is also a surgical specialty, the

doctors can perform low- and high-risk surgical procedures in the operating room without having to refer the patient.

In addition to delivering babies and performing surgery and other minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of abnormal bleeding, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis, Modern OBGYN Care’s services also include fertility testing, hormone replacement therapy, as well as providing family planning and birth control methods including intrauterine devices and subdermal implants.

Delivering Better Outcomes

Having completed medical school and their residencies together, there is a bit of a friendly rivalry between the two doctors.

“We have a competitive spirit, so each of us strives to be better than the other, in a way pushing for better outcomes for patients, better deliveries, better recoveries from surgical procedures, and overall benefitting patients,” explains Dr. Marcela Torres. “Being spouses helps us improve our office daily. Having that person to discuss a hard case at home, bringing two brains together for better care and understanding of our patients’ problems and treatments.”

Both doctors treat patients with respect and compassion and truly care about their health and well-being. They welcome new patients to experience Modern OBGYN Care and look forward to caring for their complete well-woman needs throughout the various stages of life.

Modern OBGYN Care is located at 12600 Pembroke Road, Suite 302, in Miramar. For more information or to request an appointment call 754-217-4181 or visit www.modernobgyncare.com

Weston Woman Is Making a Difference for Digestive Disease Patients

BY STACEY BOMSER

LYNN WOLFSON JOKINGLY calls herself the “Bionic Woman.”

Born with Hirschsprung’s disease, a rare genetic disorder where the nerve cells in the intestines do not fully develop, Wolfson has undergone numerous surgeries and had 18 feet of intestines and organs removed. As a result, she is fed intravenously and eliminates through an ostomy, an opening in the abdomen. Despite these challenges, Wolfson is committed to living life to the fullest and helping other people, especially those with digestive diseases like herself.

Lately, she’s been traveling to promote Lynn’s Law, legislation that would require public restrooms to be more accessible to individuals with digestive diseases. She would like to see handicapped stalls equipped with a shelf at a seated level near the toilet to place ostomy and catheterizing supplies and a hook about five feet above the floor to hang medical feeding backpacks.

“Additionally, all handicapped stalls should have a sink and paper towels because ostomies can be messy

and catheterizing needs to be a sterile process,” explains Wolfson, who has lived in Weston for more than 25 years. Lynn’s Law also calls for a red sharps container to be placed in all public restrooms (where there are four or more stalls) to safely dispose of used syringes and medical waste.

Her advocacy efforts caught the attention of City Commissioner Chris Eddy. Wolfson credits him with helping facilitate the City of Weston to mandate that all municipal handicapped public restroom stalls provide a hook, shelf, and sink with paper towels to accommodate the needs of residents and guests with medical conditions such as ostomy or catheterization.

From Weston to Washington, D.C.

Wolfson is now on a mission to expand Lynn’s Law from the local level to the state and national stage. She has been working with State Representative Robin Bartleman, of Weston, to introduce this legislation in Tallahassee. Wolfson has also made several trips to our nation’s capital to lobby lawmakers and speak before the Digestive Disease National Coalition and International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Diseases.

In addition to her efforts to advocate for patients and enact Lynn’s Law, Wolfson also serves as founder and president of The Ostomy and Feeding Supply Bank. Friend and fellow Weston resident Dr. Jorge Lopez is the vice president.

The supply bank grew out of a support group Wolfson launched. The South Florida Ostomy and Tube

Feeding/HPN Support Group meets both in-person here in Weston as well as virtually, with members logging in from around the world for informative presentations and discussions.

“When we started the support group five years ago, members would bring their unwanted supplies which would be placed on a table for any other member to take,” explains Wolfson, noting that two national organizations started referring her to people inquiring about how to donate unwanted ostomy and feeding supplies. “At first, I accepted everything that was brought to my home, but quickly ran out of space in my spare bedroom. I contacted LNS Medical,

which is an ostomy and catheter supply company, and they offered to pay rent on a warehouse unit. That’s how the Ostomy and Feeding Supply Bank was founded.”

In addition to ostomy supplies and accessories, the Ostomy and Feeding Supply Bank also accepts nutritional formulas for feeding tubes, as well as walkers, canes, wheelchairs, and other medical supplies. Items are given to individuals in need as well as distributed to emergency shelters throughout South Florida for free.

Despite the challenges Wolfson has faced throughout her life, she is determined to make a difference for herself and others with digestive diseases. “There is a quote that one human being can change the world. I want to be that one person!”

To donate medical supplies to the Ostomy and Feeding Supply Bank or to learn more about the South Florida Ostomy and Tube Feeding/HPN Support Groups, please contact Lynn Wolfson at 954-562-7417 (English) or Dr. Jorge Lopez at 954-394-9699 (Spanish). To learn more about Wolfson’s legislative efforts to require better-equipped public restrooms, visit www.lynnslaw.org

Lynn Wolfson with Weston City Commissioner Chris Eddy, who was instrumental in getting Lynn’s Law enacted in Weston.

Lynn Wolfson, President of The Ostomy and Feeding Supply Bank, displays the generous donations of medical supplies ready for distribution.

Dr. Andrew Ukleja, Director of the Center for Human Nutrition at Cleveland Clinic Florida, and Lynn Wolfson visit the U.S. House of Representatives to advocate for digestive disease patients.

helping families businesses for over 20 years

Attorney Mery Lopez has been helping families and businesses with Real Estate and Probate matters for over 20 years. The Law Office of Mery Lopez has facilitated South Florida with an excellent Real Estate & Probate Attorney that cares about the community.

Attorney Mery Lopez is knowledgeable in all areas of real estate law and probate law. She has participated in over 2,500 real estate transactions.

The firm is focused and dedicated to providing 5 Star service for all clients.

Some of the services our office handles:

• PROBATE LAW

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Attorney Mery Lopez

Law Offices of Mery Lopez

305-882-2739

lopezlawfl.com

Around Town

GAME NIGHT

Everyone was a winner at Family Bike Safety BINGO Night hosted by the Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue and Safe Kids of Broward County. Children learned important bicycle safety rules in a fun way. Certified bike helmet fitters passed out new helmets and checked to make sure each child’s helmet fits correctly.

STELLAR STUDENTS

Many of the Arts Council of Greater Weston’s most dedicated volunteers are students. Each year, the organization acknowledges graduating students for their service to the community. The 2023 Student Service Award recipients are Megan Sin and Valentina Bonfante from Cypress Bay High School. The honorees were recognized during a Weston City Commission meeting for their exemplary personal character, superior leadership, and maximum volunteer hours.

Photos courtesy BSO Fire Rescue, Arts Council of Greater Weston, City of Weston

Megan Sin with her parents, HP Sin and Fun Lee.

ACGW President Laura Dobrzanski, Secretary

Vicki Rosen, Board Member Claudina Fernandez, and Immediate Past President

Jami Rahn

PLUG AND PLAY

The City of Weston has installed a total of six electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for residents to utilize through a partnership with Florida Power & Light (FPL). Under the FPL EVolution program, FPL provides Weston with EV charging equipment, including installation and maintenance, in exchange for Weston offering charging as a free amenity. The chargers are level 3 (slow chargers). Each is capable of charging two vehicles at the same time. The EV charging stations at Vista Park are already operational, while the Weston Regional Park and City Hall charging stations should be activated soon.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

The all-volunteer-led Arts Council of Greater Weston is busy preparing for the 2023-2024 cultural arts season, which includes popular programs such as Weston World Fest, Celebrate the Arts, Chalk in the Park, Weston Foreign Film Series, and more. These programs would not be possible without the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who provide their time, talent, and energy to put on these incredible events. A reception was held to celebrate these critical members of our community.

Arts Council President Laura Dobrzanski poses with Valentina Bonfante, her mother, Lucrecia Bottazzi, and her grandfather, Angelo Bottazzi.

Weston World Fest Volunteers

Vicki Rosen, Isabelle Magette, Event Director Carol Lema, Julissa Parisi, and Aurora Rivera

Weston World Fest Volunteer

Aurora Rivera with Weston Art Guild Directors

JoAnn Heyer and Melanie Margolies and art teacher

Lourdes Jasper

Let Tower Deli Cater To Your Every Need

TOWER DELI AND DINER HAS BEEN A favorite breakfast and lunch spot for more than 30 years, with Weston residents happily driving to Davie to get their fix of authentic New York-style delicatessen fare such as fresh bagels with cream cheese and lox, matzo ball soup, corned beef on rye, and homemade rugalach. While its deli platters have long been staples at parties and family gatherings, Tower Deli is now going beyond the basics to offer a full-service catering menu.

“Our sandwich platters, salad platters, and smoked fish platters have always been popular for birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, as well as your shiva needs,” said Tower Deli Owner Bennet “Ben” Wajsblat. “But many people do not realize that we can also cater for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, anniversary parties, and other special occasions. We offer a full menu of delicious, house-made specialties such as Grilled Rosemary Filet Mignon, Chicken Francese, or Pepper Crusted Salmon accompanied by a selection of side dishes including Oven Roasted Herb Red Potatoes, Sauteed Spinach and Escarole, and Rice Pilaf.”

Catering from Tower Deli is not only a delicious crowd-pleaser, but also super simple for the host with menu options available for all tastes and budgets.

“We do it all,” states Wajsblat. “Everything is made fresh in our kitchen, and we deliver it to you hot and ready to serve. We set it up

so there’s really no fuss for the customer. We can even provide servers if you need them.”

Rest assured, no matter what you order from Tower Deli, either dine-in or catering, it’s prepared fresh and with love.

“We are a family-owned business. That’s evident in our attention to detail. You can sense it when you walk through the doors,” boasts Wajsblat. “We take pride in what we serve our customers. We make our chicken soup, matzo balls, knishes, potato pancakes, and all the salads. Customers rave about our tuna salad. It’s hard to find the grade of tuna we use, and it goes through a special process to prepare so it’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.”

Tower Deli offers an extensive menu. Breakfast choices include staples like eggs, omelets, Benedicts, bagels, pancakes, waffles, and its legendary Crunchy Challah French Toast. It also serves a few specialty items such as Matzo Brie, Cheese Blintzes, and Avocado Toast.

If you’re craving a smoked fish platter, then Tower Deli is the place to go. “Our smoked salmon and white fish are fresh, never packaged. We hand slice it here in the restaurant,” notes Wajsblat.

While breakfast is served all day, it’s hard to pass up sampling Tower Deli’s deli options, including corned beef, pastrami, and brisket piled high on your choice of fresh-baked bread and served with house-made coleslaw, potato, macaroni, or pasta salad, along with a crisp

pickle. The menu also includes several specialty sandwiches, as well as paninis, melts, and classic club sandwiches. For those looking for lighter fare, Tower Deli has an extensive salad menu as well as a create-your-own salad option where you can choose from more than 35 different toppings with your choice of greens.

No matter what you order, be sure to save room for dessert. Tower Deli’s cookies are a real treat in every bite. The rugalach is made in-house, while the black & white cookies are brought in fresh from New York. The bakery items are extremely popular, especially the bagels made from its own recipe.

“Our commitment has always been to provide an authentic New York-deli style experience,” states Wajsblat. “My former partner Alan Goldstein, who retired a few years ago, and I are both from Brooklyn and shared similar backgrounds in the restaurant industry. We’ve always strived to create a restaurant that’s not just about the food, but also the experience. Tower Deli is family, tradition, and authenticity.”

Tower Deli is located at 2315 S. University Drive in Davie, just two blocks south of I-595. It is open daily from 7 am to 3 pm. To schedule catering service, please call 954-452-8202. To view the menu or place a take-out or delivery order, please visit www.towerdeli.com

4Ever Young Weston Grand Opening

4Ever Young staff, patients, and guests mixed and mingled while enjoying the grand opening celebration.

4Ever Young Weston Owners Dina Shehadeh (left) and Doug Scott (right) pose with 4Ever Young Brand Ambassador JB Brown at the grand opening of their new anti aging clinic and medical spa in Weston Commons.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

If you have gum disease, you have multiple treatment options. You can choose to do nothing, you can have regular deep cleanings or traditional osseous surgery.

Another option is the LANAP protocol, a minimally invasive laser treatment that can help you regrow bone and tissue lost to gum disease.

Cementum is hard surface layer of the tooth that anchors the periodontal ligament and helps it attach firmly to the tooth.

Periodontal Ligament is a group of specialized connective tissue fibers that connect the tooth to the bone to hold it in place.

LANAP

• A healthier mouth

• Keep your natural teeth

• Teeth Cleanings

• Painless Procedures

• LANAP

• Same Day Crowns

• Clear Aligners

• Implants

• Tooth Whitenings

Alveolar bone is the bone in your jaw that holds the teeth. It can vary in density (how strong it is), and can be eaten away by gum disease.

• No Cut, No Sew, No Fear®

• Increased confidence Patients

• Same Day Appointments w/ No Waiting