Category: Community

If Park Trails Elementary School students are ready to help change the world through kindness, they share a goal with the Parkland school’s new principal.

Charles McCanna, who has worked for Broward County Schools for all 32 years of his educational career, plans to implement a spreading kindness theme for the upcoming school year. Kindness is what endeared McCanna to a fifth-grade boy at another school. He recalled the youngsters were walking to class when the boy stared at McCanna. He wasn’t annoyed, but wondered what the boy was thinking.

“Mr. McCanna, why are you so nice?” he recalled the student asking him. “I never expected that answer and it was really great to hear,” McCanna said. “It made me feel like I was doing something right. I really try to lead by example.”

McCanna said he explains to children that being kind to people all the time is hard. “It’s easy to lash back at somebody if he or she was mean to you. But in the end, being nice pays off,” the administrator said. “Being kind to people is really the way to go. It can change the world, actually.”

Since December 2002, McCanna served as principal of Nova Blanche Forman Elementary in Ft. Lauderdale. He said an atmosphere of peacefulness pervades the halls and classrooms. McCanna added he can only recall three or four fights in 15 years.

McCanna has won several accolades during his time at Nova Blanche. He was voted by his peers to represent 139 elementary schools as chairperson of The Elementary Principals’ Organization. Apple Computers honored McCanna with a Distinguished Program Award in 2012 and 2013 for serving on a discussion panel regarding Strategies for iPod Use in Schools.

As principal of that school, he “led one of the most diverse elementary schools in Broward County,” according to his résumé. The ethnic breakdown of the school’s 756 K-5 students is as follows: 23 percent White, 43 percent Black, 24 percent Hispanic, 7 percent Asian and 3 percent Multi-Racial. Among the student body, 7 percent are English language learners, 55 percent are on Free or Reduced Lunch and 10 percent are in an Exceptional Student Education program.

McCanna said having a diverse student body benefits them. “They have the chance to learn about other cultures, and while they may be different from one another, they can not only get along but become friends. A diverse environment offers many opportunities to practice acts of kindness,” he said.

McCanna said he accepted the opening at Park Trails Elementary because he was ready for a new challenge. He will be in a less-diverse, larger environment; Park Trails has 1,300 students. But the soft and pleasant-spoken McCanna didn’t sound fazed during a phone interview. “It’s going to be fine,” he said.

Throughout his career, McCanna has taught for about four years, served as mathematics supervisor for three years, assistant principal for 10 years, and principal for 15 years. He said he has no desire to become a district superintendent.

His decision to enter the education field was cemented in high school in his home state. The teacher handed out dittos and gave the class “busy work.” McCanna thought he could do better as a teacher. He received an elementary education degree for his bachelors and a graduate degree in science education. McCanna said he soon felt his heart belonged in elementary school.

“They’re very honest, usually,” he said, referring to students that age. “Some of them have very few filters. They’ll tell you exactly what they think about things, especially (the) youngest ones. It’s just hilarious. And they just want to make the teacher happy at that age.”

The best wine in the world is the wine you like best. By reading the last statement you have just been liberated from any of the antiquated ideas about wine that you may have had. We are in the 21st century and if you have not noticed, it is a brand new world. The rules, regulations, habits, and snobbish traditions about wine and food pairing of the past are hereby declared null and void.

Let’s start by knocking out that “written in stone” commandment that red wine must be served at room temperature. The rooms in question were in Europe and centuries old. Think about it, no central heating, no artificial lighting, and no air conditioning, nothing but four walls, a fireplace, a couple of windows. and a door. Today, our homes have lots of light and a broad range of temperatures; so what the heck do they mean by room temperature? Have I made my point? Now that you have been liberated from the constrictions of the past, where do we go from here? Wine was developed as a safe beverage to accompany food in ancient times. In the past, water was a dangerous beverage to drink because of the diseases it often harbored, so it was wine or beer that became the mealtime beverages of preference.

The last statement certainly makes the legal requirement of the warning label on the back of a bottle of wine concerning the effects of wine on pregnant women seem a bit foolish. Wine was imbibed by one and all in past centuries, even pregnant women and children; there are not too many malformed individuals whose problem was caused by drinking wine in Europe today. In the immortal words of W.C. Fields, a film actor of the early days of movies noted for consuming copious amounts of alcohol, “I don’t drink water … fish urinate in it.” Now we come to what wine goes with what food. It is not an edict that came down from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments, “thou shall serve red wines with red meat, white wine with everything else.” I do not believe that sushi, sashimi, Cashew Chicken,

Big Mac’s and their ilk were very well known in the Europe of old, so there are no fixed rules about what to serve with them. The next time you go out to a better restaurant and the server asks you if you would want wine with your dinner, answer with “Moscato” or “blush Zinfandel” and watch his/her face distort. But, if that is your choice, who has any right to tell you that it is or is not the “proper” wine to go with the fare you have ordered. Look at it this way: who is going to drink the wine, you or them, and who is paying for it? Also, look at your plate … a meat, a vegetable, and a starch. By my count, there are two non-meat products to the one piece of meat.

Doing the math, that means that white wine wins two to one. Next time you order a steak, it’s OK to order a Chardonnay, Viognier, or Pinot Grigio, if that is what you like; it’s your choice. We are living in what will probably be among the greatest centuries of all time. We have cell phones, computers, and soon, maybe vacation trips to the Moon or Mars, so there is no reason to be living in the past, and there is also no wine police to punish you for your choice of a wine. We got where we are today by building on the past and not following it and by investigation, experimentation, and innovation. If you do not believe that, rent any one of the movies of the ’40s or ’50s and you will see how far we have come in our daily lives. We end this with the statement we began with … The best wine in the world is the wine you like best.

Whether you followed my suggestions in the January issue for accomplishing goals or stuck to the traditional resolutions, how are you doing with that? At the halfway point – July – it’s time for mid-course corrections and a fresh start.

If you’re like most people, you made resolutions on January 1 regarding how you were going to change, how you were going to improve yourself, in the new year. And, again if you’re like most people, it didn’t take long at all before you gave up — stopped going to the gym, started smoking again, drank too much.

The three most common resolutions are usually:

• I will stop smoking.
• I will lose weight. I will go to the gym (or work out at home) regularly.
• Other popular resolutions include: I will stop biting my nails.
• I will stop eating junk food (or I will stop eating so much junk food).
• I will be more helpful around the house (for men).
• I will try to be gentler with my husband/wife.
• I will try to spend more time with my kids.
• I will drink less (or I will drink only on weekends).

But whether any of these were among your resolutions, or whether yours were different ones entirely, now that we’ve passed the halfway mark, how are you doing?

Many people who fail to keep up with their resolutions slough it off for another year. But that’s unfortunate. There is really nothing magical about January 1. There is no reason that new resolutions—or a renewed resolve of a failed resolution— can’t be made on February 5, October 12, or March 23—in other words, any random date.

Now, at the halfway point of the year, is as good a time as any. But let me ask you this: Do you really want to change—to stop the bad habit or start the good new habit—or is it only a case of your feeling you should? There is more motivation in the former than in the latter. If you really want to change, and you’re looking for that kick in the pants to spur you into doing it, consider that now, the “half-past New Year’s” point, is as good a time as any and perhaps a better time than most.

It will resonate with people who want a “meaningful” or auspicious start date…although, as I said earlier, there is no real reason to have to start on a particular date, whether that is January 1, July 1, or some other date. Now here are some helpful hints to aid you in sticking to your resolution(s). Don’t make too many resolutions. It’s easier to make one life change, or a couple, than to stick to a myriad of changes. Leave yourself visual encouragement, negative or positive or both. You can tape pictures to the fridge, the bathroom mirror, or any other place that works for you. For someone who wants to start running, a picture of a gold medal. For someone who wants to lose weight, a picture of you at your heaviest, next to a picture of that bathing suit you want to fit into.

For someone who needs to lower their cholesterol count, perhaps a print-out of a lab report or, if your doctor offers this as mine does, a print-out of the summary of your last office visit. Repeat your resolutions out loud daily, 10 times, in affirmation style, while looking into a mirror: “I will never have another cigarette.” “I will become a more thoughtful person.” “I will never drink and drive again.” Remember, the most powerful motivator is wanting to see this change in yourself. Doing it because you feel you ought to or, even worse, doing it to please someone else is not helpful

Everywhere you look you see someone using a cell phone. Whether it is a “snap chatting” millennial or an older adult searching Google for information, our attachment to the cell phone is evident.

Cell phones are now a major means of communication, and in the last six years, the demographics have skyrocketed. Moreover, cell phones are being introduced to children even earlier, the average age being between 10-12 years.

Whether for entertainment or emergency situations, cell phones play an important role in our daily lives. Nearly half of the millennial population owns a smart phone. Are they really making us smarter? Quite possibly, they are making us less thoughtful and diminishing the respect and common courtesy with which we treat one another.

Where have our manners gone when it comes to cell phone usage? There are times when using a cell phone is rude, inappropriate, and even harmful. We have become so accustomed to using the cell phone to communicate; we don’t even realize when we are offending those around us. It may seem like common sense, but looking at your phone rather than engaging in face-to-face interactions can make the person or persons you are with feel like they are not as important as your phone.

In order to combat the denigration of our social graces, some rules come into play for proper cell phone etiquette. Here are a few tips

• Lower your voice when talking in a public place.
• Allow for a distance of 10 feet from the nearest person when talking on your phone. • Ask to be excused from a face-to-face conversation, if you must take an urgent call.
• Put your ringer on silent when in a public space.
• Do not discuss personal matters within earshot of an innocent bystander.
• Don’t use your phone in a theater or at a formal ceremony for talking or texting.
• Most important of all, do not talk or text on the cell phone while driving. The National Safety Council reports that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year.

Other harmful effects of cell phone ownership include increased anxiety and stress. Many individuals unconsciously and compulsively check their cell phones dozens of times throughout the day. People are becoming so attached to these electronic devices, they find it nearly impossible to disconnect and relax.

July is Cell Phone Courtesy Month, so be mindful of the people around when using your cell phone. Why not put the phone away while visiting with friends and loved ones.

Enjoy time away from all electronic devices; disconnect, watch a sunset, or revel in the beauty of your natural surroundings.

Lately, I’ve been extremely weary of all these Facebook games that I’m seeing. The ones that start with “let’s have some fun…

” I’m like oh no, no fun please. I’m so grateful for the yellow face “eye roll” emoji which I am tempted to put in the comments. I don’t want to recall details in a “yes or no” format about the birth of my children. Or all the daredevil things I’ve ever done, which are basically a long list of “no’s” because I have an aversion to pain and early death. Seriously, no one cares. So I have no tattoos and have never been skydiving.

Recently, I did see a “let’s have fun” post asking me to list 10 things I hate that everyone else seems to love. Okay, finally now this is a useless waste that I can get behind.

So here’s my list:

1. The Beatles
2.  

   Summer/the beach

3. Peep toe shoes/ flip flops
4. Nutella
5. Watermelon
6. Pinterest
7. Movies
8. American Idol/The Voice
9. Jeans
10. Seinfeld

Of course, I can’t expand on all these. But I’ll hit a few of them.

The Beatles — They’re a bit before my time but they just seem very average. Four dorky, nondescript guys singing catchy tunes. Heck, the Osmond’s had more pizzazz than them. Or the Monkees! Maybe they weren’t really singing but gosh, their hijinks were entertaining.

Jeans — No matter how many pairs I buy and how great the fit is, they are just not comfortable. I long for the day they’re on the “don’t” page of a fashion magazine.

While we’re discussing fashion – peep toe shoes! Ugh. I guess you’re sensing a general theme here: I don’t like uncomfortable clothing and/or shoes. Wearing them is like shoving all your toes through a tiny hole that really could only accommodate one toe. And flip-flops, I just do not enjoy something stuck between my toes while I’m walking. It’s like feast or famine between the peep toe and the flip-flop, too much coverage or not enough, but they are both a source of walking woes to me.

Watermelon — It’s not really fair to single out the poor watermelon because it’s actually all fruit that I hate. I know it looks so tempting and colorful and I really want to like it. I want to like it but one bite and the consistency just does me in. People really get crazy though when you dislike watermelon – like you’re spitting on an American pastime.

Does anyone in the entire world not like Nutella besides me? I just don’t care for it. I love hazelnuts. I love peanut butter. The facts say I should love it. Try as I may, I just don’t.

Pinterest — This whole concept drives me crazy. I’ve been out of the frenzy for a while but when I was first trying to be all trendy with it and I tried to access the app, my request went into some type of holding status and I was told they would contact me when I was given access. Eventually, I got access. I became bored quickly, and it was clogging up my email box so I deactivated it.

Yet, it still haunts me because every single time I Google anything the answer is always on someone’s Pinterest page and guess what? I can’t see it because I am not an elite member of the Pinterest. Maybe I could make my hatred list into a Pinterest page? Seinfeld – just not funny. Singing shows and reality TV – redundant and boring. Movies – too much of an investment of my time to keep me caring. In closing, fortunately, our little quirks, dislikes, interests, fashion choices are what makes us different. You’ll probably never see me dressed in jeans and flip flops, hanging out at the beach eating watermelon but that’s what makes us all unique.

So, in the cheesy words of the Beatles, regardless of whether you agree or disagree with me, “Ob la di ob la da life goes on bra! La la how the life

There’s a lengthy stretch of forested land just north of Hillsboro Boulevard on the east side of U.S. 441 that will transport you back to a time when wild rivers meandered here between the Everglades and what is now the Intracoastal Waterway.

Thanks to the county’s foresighted 1989 Environmentally Sensitive Lands Bond Acquisition program, the 56.3-acre Hillsboro Pineland Natural Area survives as the last remnant of what once was a vast landscape of marshes broken by wet prairies and upland pine flatwoods. It is one of the most diverse ecosystems left in northern Broward.

Once the location of the headwaters of the historic, meandering Hillsboro and Cypress Creek rivers, today water is pumped from the C-5 canal into the prairie, depression marsh, and cypress tree dome to keep them wet. Without this artificial rehydration to replicate natural seasonal flooding, these critical habitats would not be able to sustain plants and animals that have lived here for centuries.

The peaceful preserve is home to species including red-shouldered hawks, wood warblers, owls, woodpeckers, squirrel treefrogs, spotted skunks, gopher tortoises, wading birds, and multiple species of butterflies that feast on numerous native wildflow mixed vegetation includes towering old slash pines, saw palmetto, myrsine, gallberry, staggerbush, beautyberry, cypress trees, swamp fern, sword fern, wax myrtle, and muhly grass. Colorful flowers include yellowtop, coreopsis, firebush, starrush whitetop, and rarely seen tarflower.

Two trails and an elevated boardwalk totaling more than 2,000 feet were designed for hikers of all skill levels. A third trail – actually an old gravel and tar road – winds through pineland bordering a residential area. Admission is free and it is directly accessible on U.S. 441.

Pets are not allowed, as this is a passive use preserve for the study and appreciation of nature. No bicycles, inline skates, or skateboards are permitted on the two trails and boardwalk. But do bring your baby strollers.

Take an eNaturalist Tour

Photo signage on the walk provides fascinating information on the history of the Hillsboro River and identifies some of its myriad wild inhabitants.

The unique Broward County eNaturalist video- and audio-guided tour QR codes on other trail signs can be scanned with your smart phone to enhance your onemile loop walk. These signs also contain Braille for the visually impaired.

Other amenities include covered overlook shelters for respite and bird watching, restrooms, and benches.

Night Hiking

For children 8 years and older, these hikes led by a county naturalist awaken your senses to reveal the site’s distinctive wild nightlife such as owls. Sturdy shoes are recommended. The fee is $5 per person. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Call 954- 357-5100.

Environmental and Scouting Programs

Appreciation of nature is the focus of the programs at Hillsboro Pineland. Opportunities include activities for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, children’s programs, school group field trips, private group tours, and more. Call 954- 357-5113 for more details and to make reservations.

EcoAction Days

During October through May on the fourth Saturday of the month, from 9am until noon, volunteers clear Hillsboro Pineland of garbage and invasive plants. Children 13 to 17 must have a parent or guardian’s signature; children under 13 may participate if accompanied by an adult. Call 954-357-5100 or visit broward.org/parks for workdays registration form.

Sandy Manning is the vice president of the Zonta Club of Greater Deerfield Beach. She refers to herself as “a chronic volunteer.” She spent several years in the Bahamas volunteering with the Special Olympics and School for the Handicap, and served as an Aquatic Director for the YMCA.

When Sandy relocated to Boca Raton, joining Zonta International was a natural decision. “It’s a women’s organization but they serve women that are underserved, or are trying to advance. It’s advocacy and service. That’s something I’ve always held close to my heart because it’s what I like to do,” Sandy said.

Zonta International is a classified service organization of professionals intent on empowering women and improving their circumstances. Although Sandy has been a member of Zonta since 1978, the club has been around for nearly 100 years. Since its 1919 inception under journalist and playwright Marian De Forest, the club has sustained its mission to forge a world where women’s rights are human rights; every woman can achieve her full potential; women have access to all resources and are represented in decision-making positions; and women do not have to live in fear of violence.

Committed to local action, Zonta of Greater Deerfield Beach, which was established in 2012, hosts several events throughout the year to support its vision. Through sponsorships and annual fundraisers like the Cabaret Brunch in March, and the Festifall Arts and Craft Show in September, Zonta encourages the community to give so the organization can too.

One of the Deerfield Chapter’s largest partnerships to date is a $25,000 endowment given to Broward College for Non- Traditional Students.

“One of the major things in Zonta is for the advancement of women. We picked Broward College because it has three campuses and they were very keen on the idea of the non-traditional student because they have a lot of them. Community colleges especially open their doors to women going back into the workplace and trying to improve themselves. It takes a lot of courage and determination for a woman to do that and I certainly take my hat off to them. It’s not an easy road,” Sandy said.

On June 20, Zonta of Deerfield released the second installment of the Broward College endowment and honor college selected recipient. Zonta also awarded its annual charitable contributions to Women in Distress, PACE, Center for Girls, Sylvester Cancer Clinic in Deerfield Beach, Senior Services North East Focal Point, and Ronald McDonald House.

With legacies like Amelia Earhart and Sandra Day O’ Connor, Zonta International has grown to 66 countries and 30,000 members. “I certainly am proud to be a Zonta. I think it fills a niche in society where women of like mind can get together no matter where they came from or what they do for a common goal,” Sandy said.

Zonta of Greater Deerfield Beach meets on the third Tuesday of every month at Deerfield Beach Hilton Hotel and is always looking for more business women willing to serve and enhance the community.

Every year, during the month of June, we allow one day out of the year to celebrate a person who means so much to us— Dad. This Father’s Day, celebrate what you have built—a beautiful family who needs and adores you. Sure, some days are hectic and stressful, but remember to look at your children and view them as they see you. You are their hero, their idea of what a man is, and the man that makes their world fun. Kids crave to spend time with their fathers. You are most likely exhausted by the time you come home from work, so create realistic goals as far as what you are able to do. Throw a ball around outside, watch a movie before bed, or play a game together on your tablet; whatever it is, your kids will enjoy it because they are spending individualized time with you.

On the weekends, splurge. You could camp outside in your backyard or even check out Groupon deals for some fun, local adventures. With everything going on, remember to also take time for yourself and try to relax. Go watch a game, grab a drink with a buddy of yours, or go for a run to clear your mind. Stress can get to us, which may cause us to react negatively at times. The more relaxed you are, the more patient and understanding you will be, which will positively impact those around you, especially your children. Parenting may have changed over the years, but you will never forget the lessons you learned as a kid. Consider how you want your kids to think of you as a father and be that way for them.

Reflect on what you would like to pass on to your kids; perhaps certain qualities that you believe are essential. In addition, tell them stories about your life; ones that will help them to understand and relate to you on a deeper level, as their memories of you will last a lifetime. Think of all the sacrifices you have made and know they are all worth it. It requires a strong drive to get up every day and go to work. It requires discipline to be present as a father, which is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your children. Perhaps at times, you may raise your voice more often than you would prefer, or you might not always say or do the right things. Nevertheless, remind yourself that parenting does not come with a magical handbook. You are still learning as a father and even though you may not have it all figured out, your kids will always love you unconditionally.

What do we love about living in South Florida? The year-round, summer-like weather is a good reason. However, with the blessings also come the responsibilities. With access to pools, oceans, and canals we are in an environment where those who are not “Water Smart” can suffer serious consequences.

Drowning is one of the two top causes of death for children 5 and younger in Broward County (the other is unsafe sleep practices). For every child who dies from drowning, four more suffer life-long injuries that cause severe emotional and financial stress. Most importantly, drowning is preventable. That is why the SWIMS Foundation, the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, SWIM Central, the Department of Health, the YMCA, Pediatrics Associates, and many others integrate the Water Smart Broward Campaign. Each one of these organizations brings resources that help children and adults be safer in and around water.

What are the most important things to remember about water safety? First and foremost: adult supervision. Taking ownership of one’s child’s safety is the best thing any parent or responsible caregiver can do to avoid a drowning incident. Anyone who has taken care of a toddler, however, knows that constant supervision is nearly impossible. Being water smart includes creating barriers between the child and the body of water, such as:

• Installing child proof doors and locks, with handles at least 5’ high
• Installing alarms on access doors to all water environments
• Installing a four-sided pool fence
• Learning CPR and other rescue techniques.

Often, when a child is missing, the caregiver will search many locations, while the most important thing to do is to “Check the Water First!” When a drowning occurs, seconds count. So, whether it’s the pool, lake, canal, or even the tub… checking the water first is the rule of thumb. If a child is found submerged, immediately call 9-1-1. If more than one person is available to help, one should call 9-1-1 while another administers CPR.

Tragically, drownings often occur at a pool or other waterfront activities like children’s parties where everyone assumes someone else is watching. It is imperative to always appoint a water watcher, a responsible adult who will focus on the children in and around the water and make sure they are carefully supervised. Never trust another child with that responsibility or devices such as arm bracelets or rings. The latter are toys, not lifesaving devices.

Drowning accidents can happen to anyone. Many parents who lost a child to drowning never thought it could happen to them. Children, especially toddlers who easily and quickly leave a safe, supervised area unnoticed, need capable, close, and constant supervision.

Through funding from the CSC, Broward County residents can take advantage of low or no-cost water safety instruction for children 6-months through 4-years-old. By simply going to www.watersmartbroward.org anyone can ask for a coupon worth $40 redeemable at any number of aquatic centers in Broward. The SWIMS Foundation provides similar $50 value coupons for adults who wish to learn how to swim. These can also be redeemed on the Water Smart Broward website, as well as www.swimsfouondation.org.

Children who attend public schools can take advantage of the Swim Central program available to all kindergarten and first-grade students. Parents or guardians should look for a permission slip being sent home, sign off and make sure that on designated days the child goes to school with proper swimwear and a towel. With CSC funding, bus transportation provided by Broward County Schools and the support of Broward County Parks & Recreation, this program is free and it is available to all children in public school. It would be foolish not to take advantage of it, even if for this simple reason: since its start in 1999, more than three million lessons were given and only one child who has participated in the program has drowned.

For more information on the Water Smart Broward program and Swim Central, call 954-377-SWIM or 2-1-1. Let’s all be smarter about living in South Florida, enjoy the benefit of year-round beautiful weather and learn lifesaving skills that can help avoid needless tragedies.

Andrew Leon is the assistant director of Communications and Outreach, CSC Broward President, SWIMS Foundation.