Category: Community

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How do You Talk to Your Children About Grief and Loss?

When the mass shooting occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, parents were lost as what to do and where to begin in efforts to support their grieving children. Many parents were just as traumatized as their children. Children can be silent sufferers and all have to have to learn how to deal with a roller coaster of emotions. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have a few helpful solutions to uncomfortable conversation easier.

Attempt to have an open discussion about the shootings with your child. Not talking about it can make the tragedy even more threatening in their mind. It is very likely that they’re having daily reminders of the tragedy from media, peers at school, and even by physically being at school. Initiating a conversation will allow the opportunity to voice their feelings and fears rather than hold them in. When communicating with them avoid clichés like, “I know how you feel” or, “Everything will be alright.” The goal is to ease the suffering by being compassionate and providing a sense of safety. Maintaining open communication is key. Persuade your children to ask questions, and try to answer those questions directly. In hard times, share one piece of good news a day and encourage them to do the same.   

Continue to remind your children that these are natural feelings, and they aren’t alone. Be a positive role model and consider sharing your feelings about the event, but at a level they can understand. Express sadness and empathy for the victims and their families. Suggest ways you and your children together can be helpful in the community by supporting local causes and advocating to make change. Role-model ways to be more in the moment. For example, enjoy a television show or game night together as a family, or even a fun outing. This will help alleviate anxiety and tension triggered by the tragedy. It also provides a sense of relief and family unity. Social media, cellphones, and gaming are just distractions. It takes our children away from facing the reality of the world around them, which suppresses the grief. If they hold in and suppress these painful feelings, it can come out in negative ways. Our jobs as parents are to provide them with a platform to grieve in order to help them heal and develop their own coping skills.  As the one year anniversary of the terrible tragedy at MSD approaches, it is essential that we reintroduce conversations. There is no right or wrong way or normal length of time for grieving. The family as a whole should understand that each person is going through a personal journey. Remind them that their deep-rooted feelings are normal reactions to an abnormal event. Be patient with your child as they may experience moodiness, anger, sadness, guilt, and/or irritable behaviors.  When attempting to bond with your child be mindful of their current feelings so that your tone of voice and demeanor can be more soothing. To support them in their sorrow and through the healing process, motivate them to attend local support groups and community outreach events. Encourage your child to attend memorials and vigils. These healing events offer the community a chance to come together and mourn as one and help them feel unified. If you or someone in your family is struggling with a painful loss, please call, First Call for Help of Broward(954) 537-0211 or dial 211 on your cellphone for community resources to assist your family.

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The Doctor Is In

Pets have become an extremely significant piece of the standard school curriculum. Whether teachers are beginning to use them to help with peer counseling classes or to further enhance science courses, there is no mistake that our furry and scaly friends have become important teaching tools.

While animals have been cuddled, admired, and learned about in schools for many years, no one has offered a course on how to care for these animals… until now. Dr. Jeffrey Sands is a practicing veterinarian in Parkland and owner of the Parkland Animal Clinic. In the field for more than 35 years, his passion for animals is evident when speaking with him. His goal is to help instill his love of caring for animals to the next generation.

Dr. Sands wanted to help students who share his love for animals and learn what life as a veterinarian is like. He felt that an after-school club would be the best fit. He approached the principal of Westglades Middle School and proposed starting an after-school club for future veterinarians once a week. After the principal accepted the idea of the club, he needed to secure a sponsor. Ms. Hughes was happy to oblige and has been very supportive. The Future Vets Club of Westglades Middle was ready for business.

Dr. Sands did not want this club to be a show and tell. Students would not be bringing in their pets and demonstrating the tricks they do. This club was going to be informative, functional, productive, and fun. Students would be learning the medical side of their pets and discovering how and why animals act and react the way they do. The club would be accessible to all who want to participate and would be an eight to ten-week session.

Students have watched a video of an extraction, learned about parasitology, participated in role-play as a veterinarian explaining a diagnosis, and learned about the anatomy of a dog by examining its skeleton. These lessons have enriched each student and they are all gaining such an incredible compassion for animals and insight into the daily life of a veterinarian.

Dr. Sands is happy to come each week to Westglades and help educate the middle school students, but his hope is to expand his program to reach the students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. His goal is to reach as many students as possible and help them develop a love for animal care with the ultimate goal of becoming a veterinarian.

While most of the education has taken place on campus, Dr. Sands hopes to include field trips in his program. He would like to bring the students to the Wildlife Care Center and have them care for the injured animals. Each hands-on experience will help the students learn more about being a veterinarian more than any book could teach.

Students took the knowledge they gained and constructed projects, which were recently presented at the Pet Adoption Fair at Pine Trails Park. This was a great way for them to showcase what they learned while helping to educate local residents on animal adoption. Dr. Sands and his future veterinarians are spreading the love of animals, one class at a time.

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A Book About Differences and Similarities

When Erica Bayes’ golden parrot, Noodle, escaped from her Wellington home last year, little did Bayes know that Noodle’s adventure would help spark the idea for Noodle Makes New Friends, an innovative children’s book about accepting each other’s differences.

That memorable incident occurred in May of 2017, when Bayes was at home playing with the golden parrot she had adopted as a very young bird. When Bayes’ Rhodesian Ridgeback jumped on a sliding glass door that was slightly ajar, the door opened. The dog trotted out, and Noodle flew out after him. Even though Bayes put up 500 posters with a picture of Noodle, posted on a neighborhood app, alerted The Palm Beach Post, and organized search parties to look for her beloved parrot, Noodle was missing for four days before she was rescued. When found, she was very ill. Fortunately, Noodle made a complete recovery.

The second inspiration behind the book derives from the author’s work doing yoga with children who have disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism, and physical handicaps. A certified yoga instructor since 2009, Bayes found that making children comfortable with their bodies and providing them with the one-on-one acceptance and intimacy they don’t often get was a very moving experience. “With the muse being Noodle coming off her escape and her healing, and being so touched when I worked with these children, writing the book merged all sorts of passions for me,” recalled Bayes.

Noodle Makes New Friends is a colorful, happy-hearted book with the message that kids can learn from and celebrate each other’s individual distinctions instead of being afraid and shying away from them. “I have seen parents usher their children past a child or an adult in a wheelchair and say, ‘Don’t ask, don’t look,’” Bayes said. “I want the conversation to be open. Children are naturally curious. I think when you deny them answers; you’re actually invoking fear. They learn to be trepid of someone who’s different. Instead of, ‘Hey this person might look different from me, but we may actually have things in common and get along just fine.’”

In Noodle Makes New Friends, it’s the first week of school and Noodle feels shy about meeting new people until the teacher has students present a little bit about themselves. Olive Owl has a glittery eyepatch and loves to sing and dance. Lemon Leopard has a crumpled paw but enjoys painting. Mango the Macaw has a fake wing yet plays basketball. Sam the Frog has autism and likes to cook. Noodle learns that although her classmates have had accidents or were born with a disability and look a little different, they’re not scary at all. On the inside, they all have a lot in common and can have a wonderful time together. Available on Amazon, Noodle Makes New Friends is the first in the series of Noodle books. For more information, visit www.EricaBayes.com or email enbayes@gmail.com.

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Slipping Through the Cracks

The issue of mental health care is one of the most ongoing, divisive, troubling topics in our country today. Included in that issue is the question of how it relates to gun control. But let’s start with the basics.

In several articles regarding studies done on mental health issues in this country in 2016, this startling fact comes to light: One in five people in this country suffer from some sort of mental illness. That means in 2016, there were 44.7 million people with some sort of affliction. Here are some of those mental health issues that are recognized: Autism, Major Depression, PTSD, Bipolar, OCD, Schizophrenia, Suicide, Eating Disorders, ADHD, and Personality Disorders. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services states that out of that number, 9.3 million have serious issues and that most of them start at the age of 18 and move upward. Also, states that didn’t expand Medicaid under Obamacare, refused service to about 4 million people due to lack of insurance.

So, what is contributing to this problem? In corresponding with Dr. Julio Busciolano, PsyD he and his associates at the Partial Hospitalization Mental Health Program feel that the stigma or attitude towards mental health is a major roadblock. Cultural, religious, and family perceptions are at the forefront because of a lack of compassion and understanding. Of course, there is also the fact that those afflicted with mental health issues often feel that they don’t need help and are “strong enough” to combat this on their own. It’s what society has taught people over the years … that one must be “strong,” “no talking of such feelings,” or “forget it and move on,” that anything less is an admission of failure as a person when the opposite is the reality.

One of the major setbacks in correcting this is money, or more to the point, the lack thereof. Without proper financing, there are far too few professionals, causing burnout because of the hours worked, and paperwork required as some of the reasons. Also, the lack of resources and access to mental health professionals is worse than those for other types of doctors. Limited resources mean fewer outpatient programs, with our youth being primarily affected. It’s a Catch-22 with cost leading to financial distress, leading to more mental distress, leading to more financial stress … money spent, debt acquired, followed by financial hardships.

There is the option of Involuntary Commitment. In Florida, a state representative, Maxine Baker (1963-1972) sponsored a bill enabling involuntary admittance for mental health issues. This was titled the Florida Mental Health Act of 1971 but is commonly referred to as the Baker Act. To Baker Act, a judge, law enforcement official, doctor, or mental health professional must deem the individual to have a “substantial likelihood that without care or treatment, the person will cause severe bodily harm to themselves or others, in the near future.” One cannot be committed because of past behavior or actions and alcohol or drug abuse may not be considered but only a mental instability. However, after 72 hours (or before, depending on the circumstances) the patient will be released.

How does all this relate to gun control? It seems the sound byte of the day is that with better mental health background checks, gun control via the ability to buy a gun, will limit the sales of firearms. However, after doing research, it seems almost all our states have some sort of provision in their laws that say (and I’m paraphrasing) “if anyone is found to have had mental health issues of any sort, they will be prohibited from purchasing a firearm.” However, anyone that has had a problem will not list it on the application and health records aren’t allowed to be entered into national databases due to doctor/patient confidentiality, so there is no reliable way to detect such issues. Also, were we to be able to have mental health professionals doing exams, how would we know where they stand on gun control?

So, what are the answers? The bottom line, as I see it, is that some help is better than none. If, by getting someone in to counseling, getting them some sort of medication to balance them, giving them some time sort out emotions, showing them there are people who care and want to help, we may give them the chance to restore their lives to some semblance of normalcy, which is far better than what they had been living. Dr. Renae Lapin, a local psychologist, said: “stress is a major contributor to mental health problems and that our youth are being affected in far greater numbers these days.” Lapin said that research based on studies has shown there are several other ways that may help besides counseling. Some of these ways are nutrition, exercise, good sleep habits, and focusing on the positives in our lives.

One place that offers this type of program is the 9 Muses Art Center of The Mental Health Association of Southeast Florida. Dr. Julie Bruno, PsyD, feels there is a need for more long-term facilities for those with chronic mental illnesses. Insurance needs to be revamped to allow the ability to get into those facilities, state or private, and receive the proper medication. With all of that, many of those falling through the cracks might not.

The truth is, they aren’t cracks they are gaping chasms. Mental health isn’t considered a priority at the same level as general health. The money isn’t there to allow for proper help, the law doesn’t allow an indefinite commitment. Those who are committed (short term), may not really want help or recognize their need for such. What to do? First, we need to address this issue with our government officials. If enough people speak out, maybe a change can take place. Second, we all need to be more aware of those around us and pay attention to changes in personality or habits, no matter how small. If you see changes that alarm you, act on them by talking to the person. Hopefully, you can convince the person to seek help voluntarily. If not, then with the right circumstances, you can do it yourself. Just know that it is likely going to be a short-term solution, but any step forward is better than one going back.

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Preventing Addiction and Other Calamities

Preventing Addiction

No parent wants to learn that their child is addicted to drugs, yet millions find themselves in this situation. No parent wants their child to be a victim of discrimination, bullying, child abuse, sexual harassment, and other dangerous situations, but it happens every day. Every parent should ask, “What must I do to protect my children? What can I do to prepare them for the future?”

Parents need to equip their children with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle situations of potential danger. From birth on, children and adults are constantly learning new and important life skills. For example, a toddler will master the art of using eating utensils and dressing oneself and over time will learn more needed life skills.

Spending quality time with children has been shown to be most advantageous. Many parents are overloaded because of work, family, and household commitments, but time must be put aside to spend with children in the family, even if it’s only 30 to 60 minutes a month. The infant and toddler can be exposed to lullabies, fairy tales, and stories of family members. As verbalization develops, encourage the child to give a simple analysis of what was presented. For example, after telling the fable of the Three Little Pigs you can ask the child, “What was the story about? What materials would you use to build a house and why?” The parent must be patient and ask age-appropriate questions. The atmosphere of their time spent together should be non-threatening and enjoyable.

After the age of six, life-protecting skills can be introduced, such as the dangers of addiction, how to manage relationships between friends, how to handle discrimination and prejudice, what to do when bullied, sexually molested, and so forth. The information should be repeated and reinforced as the child matures. Some topics may be uncomfortable to discuss and can be tabled to a future time if need be.

For a child from the ages of six to 11, it is easier to convey the necessary feelings and attitudes about a particular subject. An adolescent child may be less prone to have an in-depth discussion with the parent, especially if the teen is rebellious. Parents may initiate discussions on their own, doing basic research beforehand so as to have the correct information.

If giving important life-saving information to our children saves anyone from addiction, physical and sexual abuse, discrimination, bullying, and decreases the number of teenage pregnancies, then the art of parenting will have taken an important step forward and will place our children on the path of achieving a successful and rewarding life.Melvin S. Rosh, MD FAAP www.RewardingLifeInc@gmail.com.

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The Loss of a Leader

Walter “Skip” Campbell
Coral Springs Mayor
1948 – 2018

We at theParklander were profoundly saddened when we received the news that Coral Springs mayor,Walter “Skip” Campbell, passed away recently at age 69.

Mayor Campbell had been a friend and long-time contributor to our magazine since his election in 2014. His monthly column reminded us of the ‘goings on’ in our community, keeping us abreast and raising public awareness for the issues he felt so compassionate about. Under his leadership, the City of Coral Springs achieved gold-level certification for its commitment to protect and conserve natural resources. Coral Springs is one of only three cities in Broward County to accomplish such a feat.

Campbell spoke about his vow to providing a safe environment for students and educators, and how this issue rose to the top of his agenda after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy. “I want you to know from those of us who serve you from the City of Coral Springs, that the safety of our children is our number one priority,” he said. Campbell worked diligently with the police department to increase the number of school resource officers assigned to each public school.

Throughout his time in office, he remained fervent on important issues, everything from recycling to hurricane preparedness to business development. He prided himself on running a cost-effective government that was connected to its residents. When the new Municipal Complex opened its doors early this year, Mayor Campbell described it as a “one-stop shop,” housing the Chamber of Commerce, local elected officials’ offices, and all city services under one roof… perfect timing as the City of Coral Springs celebrated its 55th anniversary.

Prior to becoming mayor, Skip was a distinguished trial attorney who brought respect and integrity to each case he worked on. Additionally, he spent ten years in the Florida Senate helping to pass more than 100 bills benefitting children, families, and other worthy causes. Moreover, you could find him on the weekends coaching youth soccer or little league. Even his spare time was used to help others.  

Michael Goodrum, Coral Springs city manager, said of Skip, “He was a dedicated public servant, a man of the people, and a pillar of our community. While his professional accomplishments should be applauded, it is the family that he raised in Coral Springs that he treasured most. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children.”

Mayor Walter “Skip” Campbell is survived by his wife, two children, three grandchildren, two sisters, and a brother, as well as many extended family and friends.

Skip’s monthly column will be missed by all of us here at the Parklander. His impact has truly touched our community and brought about positive and much-needed change. Mayor Campbell created a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.

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Parkland Hearts Project

In an effort to remember the victims of February’s massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, an area nonprofit organization has partnered with family and friends to organize service projects based on the victims’passions.

HandsOn Broward has worked with loved ones and friends tocreate 17 unique service projects, one for each victim. While details about the projects are mostly private to protect the privacy of family and friends, thecommunity can play its own role in remembering those who did not survive.Specifically, people can participate in the Parkland Hearts Art Project. Thosewishing to become involved can create paper heart cutouts with thoughts,feelings, hopes, and messages. Those close to the victims will be able to readthese messages. For more details, visit handsonbroward.org/ParklandHearts.

Kristina DaSilva, HandsOn Broward’s chief operating officer, said immediately following the February 14 tragedy at MSD, people called the organization looking for ways to help in whatever capacity they could. It wasn’t long after calls came pouring in that the Parkland Hearts Art Project was born. HandsOn Broward began receiving paper hearts with messages from all over the country.

In creating the project, HandsOn Broward followed a model from one of its affiliates, HandsOn Orlando. The latter helped organize “ThePulse Scrolls,” in the aftermath of the June, 2016 massacre inside Pulse Night Club in Orlando. A gunman killed 49 people and wounded 53 in whatauthorities described as, “The deadliest mass shooting by a single gunman inthe country at the time.” Also, the Pulse attack was the deadliest terroristattack in the U.S. since the September 11 attacks in 2001. Meanwhile, the MSD massacre was the deadliest shooting at a high school in U.S. history. Itsurpassed the  Columbine High School mass shooting in 1999.

The mass shooting spawned an outpouring of gun control activism from our community and around the country. The Parkland Arts Project and the planned community service projects are among the many efforts at healing following the February rampage. DaSilva said, “The projects present opportunities for healing through service.”

Keeley McBee, marketing and events manager of HandsOnBroward, said that volunteers, the majority of whom are Parkland residents, have “selflessly given of their time” to see the projects through. “They are amazing and awesome,” she continued. “We are reaching out to the community to gather supplies that will be donated directly to each project.” Visit www.parklandhearts.org/contributeto see how you can help. A wish list exists of specific needs. Click the link on the aforementionedwebsite to see the list and shop. Those wishing to bring items in person cancall Zakiya Becca at 954-233-1300 to set a drop off time.

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Canines Making a Difference

Cheryl Krause-Parello is an animal lover. Her spouse, a marine veteran and detective with the NYPD, was involved in the rescue and recovery efforts of September 11. He did not grow up around pets, but had a cherished relationship with the couple’s dachshund, Samantha. “I watched every night from a distance and the dachshund really saved him; he pet his stress away,” Krause-Parello said. Krause-Parello could not sit and watch quietly anymore when she knew other animals could make the same difference. The couple came up with the name C-P.A.W.W.; a program to pair canines with wounded veterans.

The mission is on its sixth year and Krause-Parello cannot imagine anything she would rather be doing. “I am blending my passion for nursing, science, human-animal interaction, military, and veterans to bring some hope to this population that sometimes does not feel they have the support they need,” she said. Florida Atlantic University’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is now home to C-P.A.W.W. “We want to be able to connect veterans with companion animals, especially for injuries that are not quite as visible like posttraumatic stress disorder, but it’s not reimbursed by health insurance and can cost as much as $30,000 for up to two years just to train the animal,” said Gisele Galoustian, media relations director at Florida Atlantic University. This is where community volunteers and financial support are imperative.

C-P.A.W.W. is responding to the research that shows protective factors are needed against suicide in the military population as well as an improved understanding of palliative effects of animal-assisted interventions. “There are physical and psychological benefits when a veteran goes to a therapy session with an animal present. The dogs decrease a patient’s stress and they feel less anxious,” Krause-Parello said. The impact of social connectedness is even revealed in studies. “With our research using biomarkers to look at stress indicators to see what the body is doing and how it reacts when a person is with the dog, we find there are stress reduction biomarkers happening with cortisol and immunoglobulin A and the animals can support positive health, which is fantastic,” Krause-Parello continued. 

A wide range of canines lend their paws to this initiative… from St. Bernard’s to huskies. They may be service dogs, therapy dogs, companion animals, or simply personal pets. “A larger dog is more for physical help, for example if someone has a prosthetic and needs help with balance, since it can brace them when walking, as opposed to a smaller dog for emotional support that someone can have on his lap,” Krause-Parello said. There is no one-size-fits-all approach and dogs can be trained regardless of whether the need is psychological or physical. 

Since the launch is so fresh at Florida Atlantic University there is a website and Facebook to gain social media presence. If you or a beloved veteran can benefit from this program, do not hesitate to reach out and make contact. “The suicide rate is so high and sometimes veterans do not feel there are any options out there for them so some seek out a service animal that gives them a sense of purpose,” said Krause-Parello. If you feel inclined to donate, your money can go toward supporting the research that may eventually encourage lawmakers to make a public policy change. It is truly amazing what these dogs can do. For more information and ways to get involved, contact Krause-Parello at cpaww@health.fau.edu or visit nursing.fau.edu/cpaww.

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Parkland Poets Take the Stage

Poetry is loosely defined as ‘a beautiful expression of feelings and ideas.’ Whether written or spoken, it is a thought-provoking and meaningful way for your voice to be heard. Poetry can be personal or public, and the definition of the word could not be more fitting than for a group of young students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School known as the Parkland Poets.

The Poets consist of a diverse group of teens and their teacher, all with a similar interest – to address the pressing issues of our day using a positive and artful approach. By sharing their stories, they seek to empower their fellow youth. The Parkland Poets were profiled this year during the annual Louder Than a Bomb: Florida poetry festival comprised of teens from the Florida Keys to Jacksonville. This forum provides a safe space for individual and collective expression. To better explain the events’ title, co-founder Kevin Coval said, “We feel that what young people have to say about the world they inhabit and hope to construct is more useful than any armament, more complex than prison industrial systems, and louder than any bomb.” The Poets’ graceful approach in describing the tragic events of February 14 will draw you in from the students’ very first breath. With a recurring theme of, “I don’t know if I’m doing this right,” they speak openly about that devastating day and how it has changed them forever. These special young people choose to cope with their grief by turning to the spoken word and deliver a gripping performance through the eyes of those who were there.

While some adolescents shy away from public speaking, the Parkland Poets thrive at it. This platform allows them to express their raw emotion, their fears, their angst… themselves. Their tremendous stage presence is especially evident in a scene where individual Poets stand on stage as one and share, “I’m adrift in a sea of complacency. I couldn’t even bring myself to bring myself to the funerals, to look at the pictures of the victims… I’m heartless and cold; at least, that’s what I’m told. But I don’t know how to feel. I don’t know if I’m doing this right!” Presented by NBC 6 and the Jason Taylor Foundation, you can view this compelling 30-minute performance now on YouTube.

Legendary Miami Dolphin defensive end, Jason Taylor, has a success story of his own. While homeschooled from grades 10 to 12, he remained on his high school’s football team. In college, he was a four-year letterman and also starred on the school’s basketball team. As a junior, he earned National Defensive Player of the Week honors and was drafted the following year by the Miami Dolphins. He established the Jason Taylor Foundation in 2004 with the hopes of giving back to our local community. Admittedly from humble beginnings, Taylor had great ambition to provide South Florida’s less fortunate youth with better opportunities than he had growing up. This objective has led him to a mission of understanding, compassion, and support. He’s created programs that empower children by focusing on improved health care, education, and simple quality of life. With clear goals in mind, the NFL Hall of Famer set out to build on the impact that the Omari Hardwick bluapple Poetry Network created and became involved with Louder Than a Bomb: Florida. Now in its fourth year, the event is stronger and the poetry is more influential than ever. Taylor told NBC 6, “It’s spoken word poetry in a very raw, organic, real way that’s leaving a big impact on kids. Words can be cutting and uplifting, they can be inspiring, and that’s what we have here.”

It’s extremely powerful to watch these amazing youngsters perform, but when you think about why this group came about, and the dreadful reason for where their poetry was spawned, it really hits home. So how do we end the violence? We may not have all the answers quite yet, but coming together and taking a stance, as the Parkland Poets do, is unquestionably a great beginning.

To learn more about the Jason Taylor Foundation and Louder Than a Bomb: Florida, visit the website at https://jasontaylorfoundation.com/programs/louder-than-a-bomb-florida/.

“Teach your child poetry; it opens the mind, lends grace to wisdom and makes the heroic virtues hereditary.” — Walter Scott

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MSD Mom Wins Election to Broward County School Board

Next month, the Parkland community will have one of its own representing them on the Broward County School Board when the mother of a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting victim takes her oath of office and her place on the dais.

Lori Alhadeff, a former classroom teacher whose daughter Alyssa was one of 14 students killed last Feb. 14, avoided a runoff when she was elected with an overwhelming 64 percent of the vote in August, beating Tennille Decoste and Michael Kottler for the District 4 seat, which includes Parkland, Coral Springs, and Tamarac. She replaces Abby Freedman, who did not run.

“While this journey has been long, this is only the beginning. I will now use the mandate that the voters have given me to go and ensure that all kids and teachers are safe in all schools,” Alhadeff said in a statement after her victory.

“I will fight for our amazing teachers to ensure that they have a larger role in the major decisions that the School Board makes, and to make sure that they have the resources they need to do their job. I will provide the transparency and accountability that this district has been lacking for far too long,” said Alhadeff, who has master’s degree in education.

“The forces to maintain the status quo organized to defeat me, but they themselves were defeated. I look forward to working with every stakeholder who has the best interest of our kids, our teachers, and the district in mind. This community deserves nothing less.”

Her addition to the nine-member school board weakens the solid support that Superintendent Robert Runcie has enjoyed in recent years. She has criticized his response to the shooting and the slow progress of an $800 million bond that voters approved four years ago to improve crumbling schools. Freedman, the school board member Alhadeff replaces, typically supported Runcie.

Alhadeff told the Sun-Sentinel after she was elected that she ran to honor her daughter, Alyssa, a 14-year-old freshman who played soccer.

“Her death empowered me to want to run,” Alhadeff said. “I know Alyssa would be so proud, and I want to make sure what happens to my daughter doesn’t happen to another family.

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The Journey of a Thousand Miles

While this title may seem incongruous to the subject matter, I feel it fits perfectly into the goals and objectives of FAMSVARPAC and other organizations of similar ilk. What is FAMSVARPAC? The acronym stands for Families Versus Assault Rifles Political Action Committee. This organization was founded after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (MSD) to fight for better and stronger gun control from our legislators at all levels of government; local, state, and federal. Their ultimate goal is the elimination of semi-automatic rifle sales to the general populace, stronger background checks focusing on mental health, and the elimination of the NRA as a major force in the political arena as well as in our American way of life. How do they propose to move forward with their ideas?

I met with and interviewed three of the men on the board of this organization: Jeffrey A. Kasky, president; Sergio Rozenblat, national financial chairman; and Steve Wind, treasurer. All three come from diverse backgrounds and occupations. Despite their differences, they have something in common – all three men had children who not only attended MSD at the time of the mass shooting, but who also survived the horror. Their fathers’ united belief that there must be a stop to this type of violence led them, along with many others, to form this group. To say they are passionate and determined in their goals would be an understatement. While I sat there listening (and interacting) with these men, I found it interesting that even though they have the same common goals, they have different opinions on how to achieve them. As an apolitical organization, they hold no set stance against either party, and they do not advocate against any one politician or group of politicians. What they want to achieve is to elect politicians who have the same objectives toward gun safety as they do, and replace those who don’t. What they also believe is that weapons, such as the AR-15 and similar weapons of military grade, should not be sold to and do not belong in the hands of the American public; they simply serve no purpose. Yet, in most of the mass shootings we have seen in recent years, these are the weapons of choice; and sadly, purchasing one of these “weapons of mass destruction” is easier than buying a car.

Let me be even clearer about their feelings: None of the three are against the Second Amendment. None of them want to take guns out of the hands of gun owners. In fact, there are gun owners in this group, along with those who have proudly served in military and law enforcement agencies, and they believe in the right to defend self and property, if necessary. The revocation of the Second Amendment is not their calling. What they are doing is putting their money where their mouths are… they are tired of hearing “sound bytes,” empty words, promises, condolences, and seeing very little being done by our leaders and politicians. They are tired of hearing all the rhetoric after every shooting… until the next shooting. They want politicians who listen for a change… to listen and then effect change. “Never Again” should be more than a slogan.

Will their goals be met? They aren’t sure, but they are determined to keep on trying, now and into the foreseeable future. While the reality of the difficulties they face isn’t lost on them, it is also not deterring them. I think that is what ultimately counts. Nothing great, or of major importance, has ever been accomplished without strife and struggle.

If you feel the same way and want to help this organization, visit www.Donate17.org. You can also go to www.FAMSVARPAC.ORG and see how you can offer your support.

Remember, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

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Chabad of Parkland is breaking new ground

Serving as the regional headquarters for Chabad of North Broward and South Palm Beach Counties, the Chabad of Parkland Center for Jewish Life is getting a facelift.

The interior design has been completed and construction is well underway. The designer incorporated a Feng Shui style showcasing natural elements such as earth, metal, water, and wood using muted colors of blues, grays, silvers, whites, and ivories to accentuate this stunning new temple’s facade.

The Center will feature a wall honoring one of the most influential Jewish spiritual leaders of our time, Rabbi Menacham Mendel Schneerson. Rabbi Schneerson is widely recognized as the drive behind the universal progression of the Chabad movement. The focal point of the sanctuary will be the Holy Ark, where the synagogue’s Torah scrolls are kept. After a lengthy permitting process, ground was finally broken for the new house of worship in 2015 and since then there has been a tremendous response from our community to see this project to its fruition.

The building’s architect, Kobi Karp, said of the design, “I used the community as inspiration for a sculptural building using indoor/outdoor spaces for congregation, assembly, and play. A key element in the design of the Chabad was orienting and placing the site to maximize natural light indirectly into the spaces.”

The Hebrew acronym ChaBaD, standing for wisdom, understanding and knowledge, is a way of life for some Jewish people of faith. Its philosophy that we must work together in an effort to make the world a better place by promoting acts of kindness is based on the teachings of Rabbi Schneerson.

The Center was founded in 1998 by the parents of current Rabbi Shuey Biston. These visionaries set out to enrich our daily life experience through development of the spiritual inner-self of each person. They created an environment of love and acceptance by teaching tolerance and awareness for all. Decades later, Chabad of Parkland has blossomed into a large and thriving community.

The campus at 7170 Loxahatchee Road, functions as a meeting place for social, religious, educational, cultural, and family friendly events. Congregates can partake in Hebrew school programs and weekly Kiddush luncheons that follow Shabbat morning services, along with numerous other activities taking place throughout the year for worshipers of all ages.

With custom doors, silver-leafed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and fresh landscape, the new site is scheduled for completion in early 2019. To contact the Chabad of Parkland Center for Jewish Life, call 954-970-9551 or visit ChabadofParkland.com.

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