Category: Community

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Another busy storm season predicted

By Aaron Krause

Hunker down for yet another hectic hurricane season this year, say AccuWeather forecasters. However, in 2021, the period of intense storm activity from June 1 to Nov. 30 won’t quite match 2020’s record-breaking season of practically nonstop action.

AccuWeather’s team of tropical weather experts, led by veteran meteorologist Dan Kottlowski, predict that this year, 16 to 20 named storms will form, including seven to 10 hurricanes. Of the storms expected to reach hurricane strength, weather experts believe three to five will become major hurricanes. Such storms are Category 3 or higher that carry maximum sustained winds of 111 mph or greater.

Experts consider a normal season to be one carrying 14 storms ⎯ with seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. Last year’s season produced 30 storms, including 13 hurricanes. Six of those reached the major hurricane threshold.

It was a record year with 12 named storms making landfall in the U.S., overtaking the previous record of nine direct strikes in 1916.

In fact, forecasters had to turn to the rarely used Greek alphabet for just the second time to name the storms. Forecasters use Greek letters as names when they have exhausted the list of a year’s assigned proper names.

But the weather service will no longer use Greek letters, instead developing an alternate overflow name list. Journalists and the public were asking more questions about the names than the storms themselves.

Also, say goodbye to Dexter, Dorian, Leah, and Laura. Officials have permanently retired these names, following the tradition of not reusing the names of particularly destructive storms.

Forecasters this year will step up to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration’s Global Forecast System weather model, which should improve predictions on tracking, intensity, and landfall locations.

According to a statement from the National Hurricane Center, the start of the 2021 hurricane season remains June 1. Weather experts had been considering changing the start to May 15, due to an increase in tropical activity in the Atlantic basin over the past decade.

Since 2011, 10 named storms have formed in the Atlantic before June 1. Eight of those happened since 2015. The years 2012, 2016, and 2020 featured seasons that not only saw storms before June but experienced more than one storm before the official season start.

While the 2021 hurricane season’s official start date will remain the same, there has been at least one change. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center started issuing tropical weather outlooks on May 15, two weeks earlier than normal.

To determine how active a hurricane season will be, weather experts consider factors such as the strength or weakness of systems like El Niño and La Niña, short-term climate fluctuations caused by the warming or cooling of waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. When the water in the equatorial Pacific is warmer than average, forecasters typically declare it an “El Niño.” When the reverse is true, weather experts call it a “La Niña.”

Locally, ongoing work by Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) will help speed electricity restoration following major storms for Coral Springs residents.

“Florida Power & Light Company customers in Coral Springs continue to benefit from the company’s ongoing work to strengthen the energy grid and improve service reliability,” company officials wrote in a press release.

“FPL investments, which include strengthening power lines and poles, trimming trees near power lines, installing smart grid technology, and undergrounding power lines in select areas, help make the grid more reliable day-to-day and speed restoration following major storms,” according to FPL.

“For more than 15 years, FPL has been improving the energy grid, making it stronger, smarter, and more storm-resilient to keep the lights on for customers in good weather and bad,” said Eric Silagy, FPL’s president, and CEO.

Improvements in place last season, for example, prevented some 150,000 potential outages, Silagy said.

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Parkland Life- Unconditional love and friendship

Last night we celebrated the first birthday of Michelangelo Booboo Vogel (aka “Mickey”). My regular readers know that he is my COVID puppy, a mini goldendoodle, ours since he was eight weeks old. He is loving, bright, active, and joyful. I have credited him with saving my sanity during the pandemic when he brought love and purpose into my life.

Dog owners know that the first 18 months of puppyhood can be challenging. Between the teething, the frequent bathroom walks, training, and the general need for activity and attention, puppies consume a lot of patience and energy. Mickey was no exception. What makes it all doable is that the puppy is so very cute. Those little balls of fur with a big belly just melt your heart. It is always love at first sight. However, to form a successful human−dog relationship, life after cuteness needs to be defined and built.

Mickey and I were lucky. He was willing to try us out and I certainly wanted him to be happy. So we worked out the pee runs in the middle of the night, the early-morning face lickings, the chewed shoes, and his picky eating. I look back and laugh as we have moved beyond all of those things except for the early-morning wake-up calls. What I have gotten in return is unconditional love and friendship. He cries when I leave, he is waiting at the door with kisses when I return, and when we have a tiff he can’t wait to make up.

Mickey has opened my world to many new experiences. I have met all the local dogs and their owners. During the pandemic, we have congregated outside and provided the caring that we all need to face another day working at home while the kids are on the computer for school. Mickey has also reminded me that people and dogs are made for each other. He is cuddly, protective, and a great walking companion. We walk about seven miles a day together and watch flowers grow, birds fly, and ducks swim. Together we love our beautiful Parkland neighborhood.

I have become a proud mom all over again, showing his picture, introducing him to all my friends and neighbors, and believing he is simply the best dog in the world. In return, I give up the freedom to do what I want, when I want, and instead, I compromise on timing that is better for him. Mickey is a good listener and enjoys talking back, as anyone who knows him will affirm. He has trained me to cook for him and lets me know when he is unhappy with the menu. He swims, and he smiles every time I ask if he wants to go into the pool. He puts up with my need to have him groomed and to comb him daily. He has learned to be patient when I am on the phone or computer. In other words, we accommodate each other mostly with good humor

As Mickey turns one, he looks like a fully grown dog. I am not sure where the time went. He is everything I could hope for in a companion and worth the time, effort, and angst that goes along with any relationship. I have been blessed, and I hope if you have ever contemplated adopting a dog that you do so knowing that the time and effort spent are rewarded many, many times over.

Happy, happy birthday, Mickey. The presents you give me daily far exceed anything I could ever imagine.

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New rabbi comes to Margate’s Temple Beth Am

Rabbi Michelle Goldsmith will become the rabbi of Temple Beth Am in Margate in June.

Most recently, Goldsmith was rabbi of Congregation Beth Emeth in Herndon, Virginia, where she served since July 2013.

Prior to Beth Emeth, Goldsmith was rabbi at Temple Beth-El in Birmingham, Alabama, from 2009 to 2013. She also has served as associate rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom in Sarasota, Florida (2001-2009), and at Beth Shalom Congregation in Jacksonville (1998-2001).

Goldsmith graduated from American Jewish University in Los Angeles in 2013 with a Rabbinic Management Institute certificate. She received her rabbinic ordination (M.A.) in 1998 from the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City. She also earned a master’s in Hebrew letters from American Jewish University in 1994 and her B.A. in 1993 with a concentration on the Hebrew Bible.

Goldsmith describes her style as “marked by sensitivity to tradition and the spiritual needs of my congregants.” She strives for her “timeliness … humor and intellectual breadth.”

At her latest position in Virginia, Goldsmith stepped boldly into the 21st century, undertaking active shooter response and “Stop the Bleed” training, following attacks on Jewish institutions across the country. Her congregation became a national model for synagogue security.

During the pandemic, Goldsmith worked with congregants and staff to adapt the offerings of the synagogue to the reality of COVID-19, including holding Zoom services, streaming the high holidays, and moving the early childhood center, religious school, and adult education programs online.

 

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Business Spotlight – Office Evolution Coral Springs

Working from home isn’t new, but the pandemic has brought seismic changes in where we work and who works from offices. Professionals and businesses everywhere are asking these questions: “Can my business really succeed from my kitchen table?” “Can I downsize my office?” “Should I renew my lease?” “Where can I meet my clients now that I am working from home?”

Local entrepreneur Mark Mendel and his company, Office Evolution Coral Springs, can help with those issues. Office Evolution is part of a growing national network of locally owned and operated workspaces that are close to home, affordable, safe, and inspired. This fast-growing trend in the workplace is sometimes referred to as flexible workspaces or coworking.

Flexible workspaces have numerous advantages:

• Cost and time efficiency. Membership at Office Evolution helps businesses preserve capital by eliminating the need for typical long leases and purchasing furniture and equipment, and it provides phone and internet services.

• Inspiration, collaboration, and networking opportunities. Working at home can be lonely and unmotivating. Working among diverse businesspeople can spark creativity and offer connection.

• Work-life balance. Working from home, you may be distracted or unable to disconnect from work. Coworking gets you out of the house into a productive work environment and mindset.

• Flexibility. You can effortlessly scale and access more or less space. Do you want private offices, or a dedicated desk for a year, a month, or even two days per week? That’s easily arranged.

• Project professionalism. Have your client meetings in a receptionist-staffed business venue, not in a coffee shop or hotel lobby.

Office Evolution Coral Springs is close to home, located on the first floor of the Charter Place office building at University Drive and Sample Road, and is expanding by 35 offices early this summer. It will have a beautiful café as well.

A guiding philosophy at Office Evolution is “Ohana” — a culture of family in a supportive, full-service work environment. “I want to be of service to the business community and provide them with the space, amenities, and service they need,” Mendel said. “As a small business, we understand the needs of other businesses and professionals and can help you get that right space.”

Offices are fully furnished with contemporary furniture, telephones, and business-class secure internet. They range from one-person offices to large executive spaces, team offices, and conference rooms. Office Evolution Coral Springs offers concierge-level service, professional reception, and a café with free refreshments.

Office Evolution Coral Springs
3301 North University Drive, Suite 100 Coral Springs, FL. 33065 Phone: 754.203.0004
WEBSITE: www.officeevolution.com/locations/coral-springs FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ Office-Evolution-Coral-Springs-103536181634831

HOURS: Business center is fully staffed Monday-Friday 8am-5pm and open to members 24/7/365

 

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May the Fourth be with you!

By Sheryl Dunn

Stories from the Star Wars universe have been delighting and enthralling fans young and old alike since “A New Hope” first debuted in 1977. “May the force be with you” became a catchphrase, and eventually, as with many things on the internet ⎯ a pun and a holiday were born.

May the Fourth be with you! Regardless of your opinions on the prequels (Episodes I through III) and sequels (Episodes VII through IX), the popularity of the Star Wars franchise continues with the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando and with “The Mandalorian,” the TV show on Disney+.

However, you don’t have to travel all the way to Orlando and brave the crowds just to have some Star Wars−themed fun. Even though May 4th is a Tuesday this year, you can still have fun dressing up at school, at work, or at home and having watch parties with your friends and family.

What can hard-core Star Wars fans do if they want to up their costume game or meet other diehards? There are, in fact, international, nonprofit social clubs ⎯ the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion ⎯ with local chapters in South Florida. Founded in 1997, the 501st Legion is an international, 501(c)(7), nonprofit social club first organized by Albin Johnson. As of April 2, 2021, they have 14,188 members in 69 countries. In Florida, there are 602 members who make up the Florida Garrison. The garrison is further divided into five squads with South Florida covered by the Everglades Squad, which was first founded in 2003.

Since then, the 501st has participated in thousands of events and currently has 101 active members in its service. Active members are defined as those members who participate in at least one event, or “troop,” per year; complete their annual organizational census; and own, via building or commissioning, at least one screen-accurate costume that has been reviewed and approved according to specifications listed in the costume reference libraries (CRLs). These CRLs include not only stormtroopers, but also any antagonist or morally gray character from the Star Wars galaxy.

In January 2000, in response to the rise of the 501st, and wanting to celebrate the heroes of the Star Wars galaxy, the Rebel Legion was officially founded by Tony Troxell, Richard Fairbrother, Doug Fesko, and Ed O’Connell.

The 501st Legion and the subunits thereof have three primary missions: (1) to promote interest in Star Wars, (2) to facilitate the use of costumes, and (3) to contribute to a variety of charitable causes. To accomplish these missions, they attend various private and community events throughout the year at no charge to event organizers. For private events, they generally encourage organizers to donate any amount to a charity of the organizer’s choosing in the 501st Legion’s name. This request is by no means mandatory, though. For public events, the 501st Legion visits libraries, schools, children’s hospitals, fundraising initiatives, weddings, birthday parties, comic conventions, municipal parades, movie premieres, select Disney events, and many more. In 2019, prior to the pandemic, the Everglades Squad attended approximately 142 different events in South Florida throughout the year.

For more information, visit the following websites:

The 501st Legion is a worldwide Star Wars costuming organization comprised of and operated by Star Wars fans. While it is not sponsored by Lucasfilm Ltd., it follows generally accepted ground rules for Star Wars fan groups. Star Wars, its characters, costumes, and all associated items are the intellectual property of Lucasfilm.©™ Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under authorization.

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Let’s Fiesta! – A Cinco de Mayo collaboration

Let’s Fiesta! – A Cinco de Mayo collaboration

By Rachel Hunter

Owner of Celebrate You Events offering bespoke party planning for all occasions.

Tel: 305.389.0550

CelebrateYou2020@gmail.com

While Cinco de Mayo originated as an historic battle won in the city of Puebla, Mexico, here in the US, it has become a celebration of Mexican heritage. So, grab your sombreros and get ready to party! Here are some family-friendly ideas to liven up your hump day.

A few days before the holiday, get the kids involved in creating the decorations. The local dollar store has tons of seasonal, inexpensive crafts. Make them together, or give them the tools and enjoy a few minutes of downtime. (Wishful thinking, I know!)

On the actual day, I like to set up a festive kids table with more activities. Don’t put the Easter eggs away just yet! Save a few for them to make their own maracas. Simply have them put dried beans inside the egg, grab a couple spoons and secure the egg in the spoons with some colorful tape. They’ll enjoy decorating them as well as dancing around afterwards with their new musical instrument. I also found a free, downloadable Cinco de Mayo themed “I Spy” for them to play. Throw in some adorable avocado cookies, and you’ll have some happy kids!

While the kids are busy with their crafts, make yourself a well-earned margarita. Instead of a salted rim try using Tajin for extra bite. Order food from your favorite Mexican restaurant, or whip up some quick fajitas like we did. But be sure to treat yourself to some almost-too-cute-to-eat sweets like these festive cookies and stunning cakes. Believe me, these coconut lime cactus cupcakes will not disappoint.

 

Stay safe and enjoy your Cinco de Mayo!

 

For information on any of these activities contact:

Rachel Hunter of Celebrate You Events (IG: @celebrate.you.events) – Concept creation, party styling & banners

Kelley Jomant of Caked with Love by Kelley Inc (IG: @cakedwithlovebykelleyinc) – Custom cakes

Ana Ortiz of AO Craft Décor (IG: @aocraftdecor) – Extra-large paper flowers

Claudia Ovalle of Claumellows (IG: @claumellows) – Custom cookies

Crystal Aguila of Riley Black Designs (IG: @rileyblackdesigns) – Custom signs & acrylic lime wedges

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Tips from Florida Power and Light Company

Save energy and money this spring with simple tips from FPL

By Andre Sowerby-Thomas

While spring is the season of new beginnings, it is also the season of more sunshine and as the weather heats up, spring also brings increased energy usage – especially as many of us continue to spend more time at home.

To help you save energy this spring, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is offering some simple tips.

  • Check windows for air leaks: Check your windows for drafts. Re-caulking and using weather strips can help to keep the warm air outside.
  • Leave incandescent bulbs behind: LED bulbs are 85% more efficient than incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer.
  • Try to block out the sun: Use thermal-backed drapes for your windows and sliding doors and keep them closed during the sunniest parts of the day to help keep your home cool.
  • Always turn off your fan: Ceiling fans cool people – not rooms. Turn ceiling fans off when you leave a room. Leaving them on in an empty room can drive up energy costs.
  • Never leave your A/C filter dirty: Be sure to change the filter and make a habit of doing so within the timeframe recommended for your model.
  • Inspect the ceiling for duct leaks: If the ceiling is dirty around your A/C vents, that is a good indication of leaks in your ducts. Contact an A/C contractor to perform a duct test if that’s the case.
  • Consolidate electronics with power strips: Easily turn off a group of electronics at once when they’re not in use by consolidating several plugs onto a power strip. This could save you up to $100 a year.
  • Get energy savvy: Install a smart thermostat and control the temperature of your home from anywhere. When used appropriately, these can help a single-family home save about 3% of total energy costs.

Looking for more ways to save this spring? Check out FPL’s various energy saving programs, like our ceiling insulation and A/C rebates, no cost On Call program and free Energy Analyzer tool at fpl.com/save/programs.

 Andre Sowerby-Thomas is FPL’s Home, Business and Energy Solutions expert and residential contributor to Watt’s Happening, a blog by FPL focused on helping residential and business customers become energy savings pros. For more than 15 years, Andre has helped customers improve their energy efficiency and lower their home/business energy costs.

 

 

 

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SOFLO Gardening – May

What to plant

Annuals/Bedding Plants: Plants that can take summer heat include salvia, angelonia, wax begonia, and ornamental pepper.

Bulbs: Planting early-, mid-, and late-blooming varieties of daylily ensures months of color from these low-maintenance plants.

Herbs: Continue to plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, oregano, Mexican tarragon, and rosemary

Vegetables: Swiss chard will take the heat as well as okra, southern pea, and sweet potato.

What to do

Pests: Insects become more active in warm weather. Watch for thrips, scales, and mites on ornamental plants.

Gardenias: Yellowing of older leaves is usually normal; yellowing of new growth usually indicates a micronutrient deficiency

Oleanders: Inspect chewed or ragged leaves for oleander caterpillars at work.

Lawn insects: Watch for damage from chinch bugs in St. Augustinegrass and begin scouting for newly hatched mole crickets in bahiagrass lawns.

Tomatoes: Watch for pests, disease, and nutritional disorders on tomato plants.

New plants: Produce more plants by air layering, grafting, division, or cuttings. See Seeds and Propagation (Lawn and Garden):

Trees: Prepare for hurricane season by checking trees for damaged or weak branches and pruning if needed. Hire an ISA-certified arborist.

Lawn Mowing: Encourage healthy growth and discourage insects, weeds, and diseases by mowing correctly.

 

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Luxury Real Estate with Douglas Elliman

Douglas Elliman is a leading Real Estate Brokerage Firm with $28.9 Billion in sales this past year, and counting, throughout the nation. Caroline Rannazzisi, Luxury Realtor Associate, and Traci Klein, Realtor Associate, are the Rannazzisi —Klein Team for South East Florida.

Douglas Elliman specializes in Luxury Real Estate, including the Professional Sports and Entertainment Division, high-end confidential Sales, and Residential Sales and Investments. They also have an exclusive partnership with a global company, Knight Frank, which makes them the world’s largest privately-owned global property network, with the stature and presence that attracts buyers worldwide.

The daughter of a contractor in New York, Rannazzisi grew up watching and learning from the family business, giving her a complete understanding of real estate from the building process through the final sale. While successfully investing in homes, land, and hospitality deals with her husband who is a VP/Certified Financial Adviser, she earned her real estate license and today takes pride in helping others realize their own real estate dreams. Rannazzisi worked alongside an elite real estate auctioning company that averaged sale prices of $6 million in specialty properties, where she fell in love with luxury real estate sales. She has been with Douglas Elliman since 2017.

Originally from New Jersey, Traci lived in New York and Maryland before purchasing a vacation home in Palm Beach County 15 years ago. Making the move to Florida full time, they relocated to Parkland and have lived in the Parkland Golf and Country Club for nearly 12 years. Klein’s knowledge of sales, marketing, and private investments of her own has made her the perfect agent to understand the needs of their buyers and sellers, and she has recently teamed up with Rannazzisi at Douglas Elliman.

Not only are Rannazzisi and Klein work partners, but they have been friends for over 12 years. “We know Parkland in and out and are deep-rooted in this community. We have watched it grow with our children and have been here through thick and thin,” Rannazzisi said.

If you are looking for a team that feels like family, with a highly successful Real Estate background, contact Rannazzisi | Klein of Douglas Elliman.
RANNAZZISI | KLEIN TEAM of
DOUGLAS ELLIMAN
440 East Palmetto Park Road
Boca Raton, FL 33432
Caroline Rannazzisi, Luxury Realtor Associate
M: 561.414.7697
Caroline.Rannazzisi@Elliman.com
www.CAROLINERANNAZZISIREALTOR.com

Traci Klein, Realtor Associate
M 301.806.8982
Traci.Klein@Elliman.com
www.DouglasElliman/TraciKlein.com

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Earth day celebrations

Multiple local events mark the 50th year of Earth Day celebrations.

Just to be clear, the first Earth Day was held April 22, 1970. That means the 50th Earth Day was April 22, 2020. But this April 22, 2021 marks the 50th year of observations.

It’s like those folks who thought the 21st century began in 2000, when, in fact, that was the last year of the 20th century. Get it?

According to earthday.org, “Senator Gaylord Nelson, a junior senator from Wisconsin, had long been concerned about the deteriorating environment in the United States. Then in January 1969, he and many others witnessed the ravages of a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California.

“Senator Nelson announced the idea for a teach-in on college campuses to the national media, and persuaded Pete McCloskey, a conservation-minded Republican Congressman, to serve as his co-chair.”

They chose to choose April 22, a “weekday falling between spring break and final exams, to maximize the greatest student participation.”

By 1990 Earth Day became a global event. But, sticking
close to home, here are Earth Day events in South Florida.

April 22
Coconut Creek: Earth Day Arts and Crafts Fair
3:00 to 5 p.m. Recreation Complex, 4455 Sol Press Boulevard. $15 for Coconut Creek residents, $20, non-residents.

Participants will learn about the origin of Earth Day, read a related story and create fun recyclable green crafts. All activities are structured, safe, and meet the CDC guidelines.

Broward Lotus Sangha (Virtual) Earth Day 2021: Participate from wherever you are in easy steps. Details at https://www.meetup.com/fr FR/LotusSangha/events/270198561/

Lotus Institute for Mindful Living (Virtual)
Details at https://www.meetup.com/ru-RU/MindfulLiving/events/270197490/

April 25
Heal the Planet Day
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd St., Fort Lauderdale Heal the Planet Day celebrates Earth Day by bringing together the South Florida community for a day of fun, family-friendly activities. The focus is on small, local acts that have a global impact. Heal The Planet Day offers an array of activities. (Free admission)

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A thank you to our furry friends

By Julie Rosner

Over the past year, the increased amount of stress has taken a toll on many people. Our normal support network is reduced and we are no longer out and about socializing with our friends and loved ones. Thankfully, during all this uncertainty, we do have individuals we can always rely on for love, support, and entertainment; our pets.

Anyone who knows me or spends at least five minutes with me knows how special my 1-year-old Siberian husky Ellie is to me. She is not just my dog, but truly a member of my family. Ellie has helped me through good times and bad. Not only has she helped reduce my stress and anxiety during this new transition, but she keeps me active and on a schedule.

According to Matt Bershadker, President and CEO of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), “This year the ASPCA saw a nearly 70 percent increase in animals going to foster care compared to the same period last year.” Due to the new norm of working from home, more dogs are finding homes, meaning few are left at shelters. If you are looking to adopt a pet, now is the time.

Ask anyone, the bond between furry or even feathered friends and their owners and loved ones is like no other. You always have a companion when you’re sad, lonely, or just want someone around to make you smile. Pets know when something is wrong and are ready to provide love, licks, and snuggles. When it is time to get up in the morning, no need for an alarm because your pet will wake you with barks, licks, or even some meows. Need I say more?

Besides all the added benefits of owning a pet, think about the emotional support they provide us and we provide them. No matter when you got your pet, chances are they have changed your life for the better. And for them, you have welcomed them into your family, bought them way too many toys, and given them the best life they could ever have.

According to Orlando resident Maddison Moak, “My 2-year-old German Shepherd named Ivey helps me in those moments where I need to be reminded that I am never actually alone. I’ve never understood true companionship until I had her around.”

People battling any health issue or requiring emotional support can apply to have an Emotional Support Animal by their side wherever and whenever they travel or go out in public. An emotional support animal can be a dog, cat, or any animal that helps ease the symptoms of emotional or mental disability.

According to adata.org, an emotional support animal is “any animal that provides emotional support alleviating one or more symptoms or effects of a person’s disability.” Emotional support animals do not have special training to perform tasks that assist people with disabilities, but rather provide companionship, relieve loneliness, and help with mental or health issues.

“In return, I bring Ivey comfort when she is scared and constantly show her unconditional love,” Moak said.

In the same regard, dogs can rely on their owners or loved ones for emotional support too. They need us like we need them. They may not be able to verbally tell us how much they love and appreciate us, but some signals like wagging their tails, licking your face, or cuddling up against you prove the mutual respect and love they have for you.

Our pets, no matter the breed, type of pet, or age, need us to survive. Beside the basics of feeding and caring, some pets have anxiety with other dogs, certain house appliances, certain people that visit, and more.

Even though adopting a pet might seem glamorous and loads of fun, which it is, there comes a heavy amount of personal and financial responsibility. For example, if an individual decides to adopt a puppy, they need to be aware of the training and the commitment needed to teach the dog right from wrong. Before making any decisions, be aware that time and money are things that should be considered.

In the end, pets need us like we need them. Ellie knows that she can count on me for belly rubs, to protect her from the occasional thunderstorm or fi rework show, and to provide love to her each and every day. As for me, Ellie knows when to comfort me when I am stressed or overwhelmed and greets me with kisses and licks any chance she can. During these times, Ellie has only made me a more active and happy human being. The more time I spend with her, the
happier I become. Ellie, thank you for bringing so much meaning to my life, I woof you!

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Jump in! Summer camps abound

These camps are planning to offer your children loads of enrichment, athletics, art and old-fashioned fun this summer. With COVID-19 things can change rapidly. Please be sure to check with camps concerning cancellation and refund policies. We’ll let the camps speak for themselves.

Pineview camp adventure
Get ready for the summer S.T.E.A.M Camp adventure! The learning never ends at Pineview Preschools. S.T.E.A.M summer program is designed to enhance the learning experience with age-appropriate activities for all age groups. Ages 12 months- 5 years are welcome to come join in on the fun sensory games, science labs, and animal shows all summer long. Check out pineviewpreschools.com to schedule a tour.

Evert Tennis Academy
For children who like to play tennis, check out the Evert Tennis Academy! The camp runs throughout the whole year, following health and safety protocols. For details on how to sign up and general questions, email or contact a camp consultant at (561) 488-2001. evert@evertacademy.com.

Broward Center theater camp
Discover the star within! Don’t miss the fun when the curtain rises for a summer filled with the excitement and magic of live musical theater. The in-person camp offers students the chance to study singing, dancing and acting while rehearsing for a theatrical production which will culminate in a final performance on stage at the Broward Center. Students will also enjoy theater games, arts & crafts, and much more. We are offering three 3-week sessions June 14 – August 13. Capacity is limited with enhanced safety protocols in place in accordance with local conditions and CDC guidelines. browardcenter.org

Camp Osprey
Camp Osprey is a Christian based, family run, Kid’s Overnight Adventure Camp located 9 miles N. of Parrish, FL on US Hwy 301. Activities include horseback riding, paintball, zipline, giant swing, archery, BB guns, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, arts & crafts, games, camp fi res and more. Come as Campers, leave as Family! 204 acres along Little Manatee River. Weekly Overnight Sun 4p.m. – Sat 9:30a.m. is $525. camposprey.com

American Heritage Schools
Whether online or in-person, American Heritage Schools is offering a summer experience for all ages. For the online courses, the teachers will design specific courses for each grade and age level, including exciting electives and reinforcement classes to make the experience fun and educational. As for in-person courses, both the Palm Beach Campus and Broward Campus will be open and ready to engage your child. Together, children will continue to learn and achieve success, whether it be in person or online. https://online.ahschool.com/

Moonlighter Makerspace
All of your child’s favorite maker experiences… engineered to be done safely at home with Moonlighter Makerspace’s virtual summer camp. A new project theme each week challenges your young maker to think critically, curiously, and creatively. Camp is ideal for children ages 7-12 and their day will be a balance of on-screen time, with 1-on-1 time with Lead Instructor, as well as real hands-on activities. All tools and materials will be delivered to your home. moonlighterfablab.org

Museum of Discovery & Science
Camp Discovery at the Museum of Discovery & Science has summer fun down to a science! Give your child a S.A.F.E. (Science. Affordable. Fun. Educational) SCIENTASTIC SUMMER STEM experience at MODS’ summer camp program, sponsored by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, for children ages 6 through 12. At Camp Discovery, we’ve crafted the ultimate age-appropriate camp experience, providing campers with interactive exploration and hands-on  learning opportunities in the coolest camp environment, including a weekly IMAX immersion on South Florida’s BIGGEST screen! Awesome themes abound at our multi-day camps. From “Game On” to “Chillin’ Like a Villain,” “Hogwarts Summer School,” and more. Your child will have a spectacular summer of science! Call 954.713.0930, email booking@mods.net or visit mods.org/summercamp to register. Space is limited to ensure social distancing and masks are required. mods.org

Souce: Munchkin.com

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