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July 15, 2021July 12, 2021

Sunshine, Wildlife, and Cane Toads: My First Year in the South

A year ago, I moved to southeast Florida from northern Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C. Besides arriving in a new part of the country in the middle of a pandemic, which presents its own set of challenges, I encountered a lot of new and different things to contend with in my adopted state.

Born and raised around Chicago, I moved to the D.C. area after college, got married and raised kids there, and then decided to move to Florida after a divorce and job layoff last year. Why not start fresh in a new place, where I wouldn’t have to deal any longer with snow and ice? The lingering image that had always been in the back of my mind was to someday live in a warm and subtropical place, surrounded by palm trees, and somewhere near the ocean. And so that’s what I ended up doing when the opportunity unexpectedly presented itself.

I took the settlement checks from both my divorce and my full-time job and put them toward the purchase of a nice “villa” home in Florida. And so in July 2020, I suddenly found myself moving still further south and east from where I had originally started (cold, windy Chicago). My dog Lex, a Pomeranian mix, and I arrived last summer to this sunny and humid part of the country and began to put down roots, and I soon discovered a lot of differences here.

I have no regrets, but here are some observations from my first year in Florida:

Lizards in the house. I didn’t know that there would be so much wildlife around my new neighborhood. While I appreciate all the birds, geese, ducks, and rabbits lollygagging around my lakeside community, and I’ve gotten to enjoy the various lizards darting around the lawn, I didn’t expect to be sharing my home with the geckos. These quick creatures like to sneak into the house and creep around the rooms, hang out on the ceiling, and pop out and startle me.

Cane toads that could kill my little dog. Of all the animals I’ve encountered in southeast Florida, including alligators at the wetlands reserves, the scariest for me are the ugly toads that secrete powerful toxins that could take out Lex, horribly and painfully, within 30 minutes if I’m not constantly vigilant outside.

Hurricanes! Two weeks after I moved to Florida last July, Hurricane Isaias hurdled in from the Atlantic and joined me here. I got a very quick lesson on preparing for tropical storms and securing my hurricane shutters. While my windows were tightly covered for a couple tumultuous days, it was dark and depressing in my house. I was so happy when Isaias finished up his visit and rolled away.
Gated communities. Yes, I live in a secure, gated community, and as a single woman residing alone, I am relieved to have that protection. But what I have found in this part of the country is that there are so many gated communities that it’s not easy to just drive through neighborhoods here and explore. When I lived in Virginia, I could run through any neighborhoods I felt like. Here, I can’t do that. I have to keep to my own community or on the busy roads around it.
More tattoos than I’ve ever seen before. I didn’t know before my move that Florida was the land of full-body tattoos. While I have had friends and family in my life who have sported one or two small tattoos, I was in for a surprise when I arrived here and saw that they are etched all over people’s faces and limbs, in every corner of the region.

Like the colorful tattoos, I am getting used to all the differences in southeast Florida. I enjoyed my first warm winter here, although I missed the changing of the seasons in the fall and the spring. But I am glad my winter coat is packed far away in a bin in the closet, and I don’t ever have to shovel out my car again. I’ll take it.

March 15, 2021February 23, 2021

Organize your work area at home

Creating an organized work area at home is essential to make your space productive and efficient. Here are a few tips to help you achieve your goals:

If possible, set up your workspace where you have ample natural light. Surround yourself with things that make you comfortable and happy such as pictures, candles, and plants. Simplicity is key – try to keep your workspace simple and uncluttered by placing your office essentials in desktop organizers. To keep power and network cables at bay, use power strips and cable wraps or ties to keep them out of sight. Move valuables and keepsakes to shelves so they are out of harm’s way.

Utilize a filing cabinet, rolling file cart, desktop sorter, or file box to store important documents. Organize your paperwork by type and category so they are easily accessible. Also consider the frequency of access when creating your filing system. To maximize the usefulness of your system, consider scanning and storing your documents electronically in a secure online service for universal access.

Set the mood for your workspace to inspire productivity and your creative juices will start to flow!

Lisa Haubenstock is a professional organizer and the owner of LisaTheOrganizer, LLC. Serving Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties.

August 7, 2020July 28, 2020

SWAT Mosquito Systems’ managers discuss the SWAT difference

The Florida lifestyle is one to envy; moreover, it is one many aspire to obtain. Endless sun-drenched days, balmy breezes, and abundant access to the outdoors makes it an ideal place to live, work, and play. However, it is also no secret that this way of living includes high heat and humidity, making Florida a paradise for mosquitos, flies, and the annoying “no-see-ums.” For residential and commercial property owners alike, these pests can wreak havoc on the quality of outdoor experiences. For many, the answer to their pest control issues lies in the hands of SWAT Mosquito Systems.

SWAT Mosquito Systems was opened in 2006 in Miramar, Florida, under the leadership of Founder and C.E.O. Steve Jenkins. In no time, this congenial entrepreneur assembled a world-class team who specializes in the installation of a one-of-a-kind pest control system, and his firm has become the uncontested leader in Florida’s mosquito and no-see-um control industry.

The organization’s service area is impressive. Their coverage areas reach from Vero Beach south to the Keys and from Marco Island north to Naples. Brent Ball serves as the firm’s Vice President of Project Management and has been with the company for over a decade. Ball states, “The key differentiator between our systems and others involves the delivery mechanism. SWAT Mosquito Systems, unlike their competitors, utilize a system that eradicates the mosquito population instead of repelling them.”

SWAT Mosquito Systems apply a misting solution versus the more traditional fogging spray applications. Why? Foggers cannot sustain sub-tropical climates and they break down when exposed to the elements, whereas mists are ecologically sustainable. Their mist consists of pyrethrum, which is derived from chrysanthemums as well as other compounds that include a 100 percent USDA National Organic Compliant alternative, a rosemary-based solution made up of essential plant extracts and other oils. The mist is applied by custom-built sprayers strategically placed around the perimeter, and they are designed to blend seamlessly into the landscaping.

As part of their service, SWAT monitors all mist release timers and tank levels right from their office on a daily basis. Their automated monitors will generate immediate email alerts if there is a system leak. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a SWAT Mosquito Systems technician to arrive at a property to do a repair before the owner even knows there’s a problem. Technicians also routinely check nozzles, make sure that the system is refilling itself automatically, and clean the filters.

The average single-family homeowner will consult with a project manager for approximately twenty minutes, the installation, depending on the size of their property, will take one to two days. SWAT Mosquito Systems are then programmed to release mist two to four times per day based upon individual needs. Ball explains, “All SWAT systems are set to release mist daily at sunrise and sunset as those are peak periods for activity. While Florida has insect issues all year, May to October see a rise in insect levels annually, which is why we allow for additional daily misting should we deem it necessary or should the Owner choose to mist more frequently.”

All owners are trained to operate their system both on-site and remotely. Virtual access to your SWAT system is done via a proprietary app that allows the possessor to monitor, activate, or turn-off the system based on individual demand, travel, or changing external conditions.

In late 2019, industry veteran Robert Mackey joined the company as a Project Manager. Mackey states, “The quality of the SWAT Mosquito systems is beyond anything currently available in the marketplace. In addition, the employees’ dedication to doing whatever it takes, without exception, provides an unparalleled level of customer service,” which he believes makes SWAT Mosquito Systems the “Bentley of its field.” He explains, “There is no other company, in this space, I would rather work for or recommend more highly to property owners.”

Jenkins and his team take great pride in their offerings and have adopted the very apt motto “You’re either SWAT or You’re not!” To learn more about SWAT Mosquito Systems, or why they are the leading provider of insect control in Florida, visit swatmosquitosystems.com. To schedule your complimentary consultation, call 1-866-900-SWAT.

By Jill D. Kaplan

August 3, 2020July 28, 2020

Keeping a safe roof over your head

Unless it’s leaking, a roof is typically a portion of a home that is out of sight and out of mind. Maintaining a roof is important, but homeowners sometimes do not take into consideration that they can, themselves, be causing damage to the roof. Avoiding the behaviors listed below will not only reduce the number
of leaks on your roof but will extend and protect the integrity of the roof for many more years.

Pressure washing your roof will make your homeowners association happy but will cause unnecessary stress and, often damage to the roof. A pressure washer forces a stream of water that often reaches a speed of 243 mph. This pressure will decrease the longevity and life expectancy of roofing materials up to three times more than their actual life span.

Walking on the roof usually causes tiles to crack or break, often leading to additional costs after an annual pressure washing. A better solution is to treat the roof with preventative products known as Roof-A-Cide or Spotless Roof Solutions after pressure washing to avoid future pressure washing damage. These products are applied using a very light spray every two years, which will eliminate the need for pressure cleaning ever again. For new roofs, the products can be applied one year after a new roof is installed so that pressure washing is never needed.

If someone is not trained to walk on a roof, they shouldn’t be on the roof at all. From air conditioning companies to roofing contractors, many people may need to walk on the roof to provide estimates for repairs or to diagnose a problem. Limiting the number of people walking on the roof will reduce the amount of damage the roof sustains and, ultimately, prevent any damage from occurring in the first place. A homeowner who gets ten estimates for a repair is actually causing more damage by tradespeople walking on the roof.

If the roof is older, it tends to have a brittle underlayment. In this frail condition, the underlayment allows leaks to occur due to water damage from storms, pressure cleaning, or even a simple rainfall. Once a leak begins, the potential for other structures to become damaged increases significantly. It is not uncommon to see
a roof leak that has spread to damage nearby fascia, trusses, and soffits.

A roof leak can sometimes be seen on the interior of a home and appear as a ceiling stain, down the wall, or through a light fixture. Allowing a leak to go unrepaired for any length of time causes many other costly repairs that would have otherwise been avoided if it was promptly repaired. It is recommended to have a roof leak taken care of as soon as there are signs of a leak to ensure any future damage is mitigated.

Who doesn’t love to have their house decked out for the holidays? Most people do, but homeowners often do not think about the damage they are causing to their roofs when hanging holiday lights. Attaching the lights incorrectly or with the wrong fasteners can cause unintended harm to the roof. Hire a professional
who is trained to walk on the roof and understands how to fasten lights without causing damage.

Keeping foliage away from the roof and fascia is an excellent way to extend the roof’s life and keep costs down. Overhanging trees have leaves that hang, or touch, the roof which keeps moisture on the roof instead of away from it. The moisture causes damage to the roof covering and often deteriorates the underlayment and roof sheathing. The leaves from the trees also clog the gutters, which make the water back up onto the roof. This causes fascia damage and, above that, often roof leaks.

Tamara Chase is the owner of Chase Roofing and Shine of Fort Lauderdale.

By Tamara Chase

July 8, 2020July 8, 2020

Business Spotlight: Start kitchen makeover with a clean slate

ShelfGenie is the only nationwide franchise designing, building, and installing custom pull-out shelving solutions into existing cabinets. Founded in Richmond, Virginia, in 2000, ShelfGenie has expanded across the U.S. and into Canada, fueled by local franchisees.

Bryan Dahn, owner of the Fort Lauderdale location, has a few suggestions for organizing your kitchen and how ShelfGenie can help. It might seem like a daunting task, but whether you are sheltering at home or stuck inside due to the rain, it’s actually something that can get done over an afternoon. And right now, they are offering complimentary design consultations and clients can receive 50% off their installation.

The first tip Bryan suggests is to pull out everything in your kitchen cabinets and shelves, where you can see your kitchen as an empty space, similar to a blank canvas and get inspired like an artist. Put similar items together and stack them on top of each other, such as with pots, Tupperware, or bowls that will be easy to access when you’re making the next recipe you saw on Facebook or YouTube. When you need a spice or a measuring cup, he recommends clients install ShelfGenie Glide-Out drawers or floating shelves to create a streamlined effect. You can also consider adding a lazy susan to the counter to hold smaller items, or a magnetic wall pendant for your metallic utensils.

The second thing Bryan suggests is color. Pick a few colors in a palette to incorporate throughout the kitchen. You can pick out colored glass jars or containers to house your pastas and other dry goods to transform them into a decor point that blends form, function, and beauty. Monochromatic kitchens have been trending, but he prefers using pops of color with colorful art or plants to add texture and mix up the space.

The last thing Bryan recommends is that you consider getting unnecessary items off the surfaces and make them into easy- to-reach display items that can be used time after time. This can be done by adding a bar between the kitchen shelves and adding metal hooks to display your collection of coffee mugs, for example.

ShelfGenie’s main website is shelfgenie.com, and Bryan’s Fort Lauderdale location has a Facebook website at facebook.com/ShelfGenieofFortLauderdale. You can call him at (954) 737-1679 for your complimentary design consultation.

July 6, 2020July 13, 2020

A family affair

Continuing our profiles of folks connected to the Parklander during the past 30 years, we talked to Bobbi Mechler, from the Mechler Group.

Thirty years ago, when the Parklander published its first issue, the city was already known as a place where young families raised their children in a park-like environment. That’s one of the reasons that attracted Bobbi and her husband to the area after relocating from Long Island.

Parkland was an idea. Surprisingly though, Parkland at the time, had no public parks. The first park in Parkland, Quigley Park, was dedicated in 1989. Over the years, as the city grew, more and more parks were added. Now it is hard to imagine Parkland without all of its playgrounds, sports facilities, and trails.

Bobbi, working in the real estate industry, has always enjoyed meeting the residents and potential new residents moving to the area. She shared some of her interesting experiences in the Parklander™ magazine back in 1991. One story about the perfect seller, a homeowner baking cookies for potential buyers, is still good advice today.

Her love for her work had a strong impact on two of her children. Her son, Brent, and daughter, Courtney, joined their mom soon after college. They have been working together for 21 years.

Even though real estate can be a very competitive industry, Mechler’s family enjoyed working together, and there was much laughter. Brent and Courtney were quick studies, and inherited the same charm from their mom. Soon, clients were feeding back how much they loved working with them.

Having her kids working with her was a boon for Bobbi. She was able to give them hands on training and advice from her years in the business. Courtney, who always wanted to work with her mom, helped the team adopt new technology, and market effectively over the years.

These days, real estate marketing is recovering in the “new normal”. After a period of time with no face to face meetings, recently rules with masks have been adopted. Property owners can now set the rules for buyers. Some advice from Bobbi, if you are showing your house, is to keep your lights on, so it minimizes potential buyers from touching the switches.

Looking forward, Bobbi would like to see the area continue to retain the park-like atmosphere, so she can continue to enjoy her tennis, bike rides and walks. Considering how Parkland went from no parks in the 80s, to now, with the right planning, we can continue to improve our neighborhood. Someday, perhaps, one of her grandchildren will be helping new residents finding their home in Parkland.

by Li Pan

June 4, 2020June 4, 2020

Hurricane Season Starts June 1

While you may already feel flooded by unsettling news regarding the coronavirus pandemic, weather forecasters are predicting an above-average hurricane season.

Even though hurricanes can happen at any time, the official season, like always, began June 1 and lasts through Nov. 30. The Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project team is predicting 16 named storms. Out of those, researchers expect eight to become hurricanes, and four to reach major hurricane strength, packing wind speeds of 111 mph or greater.

A hurricane is a storm with winds of 74 mph or greater, typically accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning. By contrast, a tropical storm features winds of more than 39 mph, but less than a hurricane.

A tropical depression is a cyclone with sustained surface winds of less than 39 mph. While national disasters such as earthquakes occur without warning, forecasters provide multiple notices before a hurricane strikes. “Whenever a tropical cyclone (a tropical depression, tropical storm, or hurricane) or a subtropical storm has formed in the Atlantic or eastern North Pacific, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues tropical cyclone advisory products at least every six hours at 5 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m., and 11 p.m. EDT,” according to weather.gov/safety/hurricane-ww.

Also, when tropical storm, hurricane watches or warnings are in effect, the NHC and Central Pacific Hurricane Center (CPHC) issue Tropical Cyclone Public advisories every three hours. Websites to follow include hurricanes.gov for the Atlantic and eastern North Pacific or weather.gov/cphc for the Central Pacific. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an average hurricane season features about 12 named storms.

The Colorado State team bases its predictions on various models. They are built on 25 to 40 years of historical hurricane seasons and evaluate such conditions as Atlantic sea surface temperatures, sea level pressures, vertical shear levels and El Niño. The shear levels refer to the change in wind direction and speed with height in the atmosphere. Meanwhile, meteorologists associate El Niño with the appearance of unusually warm, nutrient-poor water off northern Peru and Ecuador, typically in late December. The Climate Prediction Center recently released its findings on El Niño. In particular, this year it’s producing weak westerly winds blowing to the east. The lack of wind production means low wind shear and a stronger possibility for pressure to build in the warm water-heavy Atlantic. These conditions resulted in an above-average hurricane season last year. It marked the fourth year in a row with above-average activity in the Atlantic.

Continue reading “Hurricane Season Starts June 1”

May 15, 2020

To shutter or not to shutter

Florida has one of the country’s strictest building codes because of its climate, location, and history of destructive hurricanes. The Florida Building Code (FBC) requires windows to be impact-resistant or protected if located within one mile of the coast where the wind speed is 110 mph or greater. Those of us living inland in Parkland and Coral Springs probably also want to look into this, not just for protection but also the possible discounts available from insurance agencies (fancily called “Wind Mitigation Discounts”).

The most cost-effective options are panel shutters. Plywood panels are ½” thick. Storm panels are polycarbonate, steel or aluminum. Both can be screwed into place over windows and doors. This can be labor intensive, but the panels are easily stored afterwards. Unfortunately, there is little to no wind mitigation discount available for this type of protection. Both of these types of panel shutters are available at your local home improvement stores.

Accordion shutters are a permanent home addition that are custom installed around your windows and doors, therefore they are more expensive than panel shutters, but can still be quite reasonable. They are made of aluminum and are easily closed before a storm and opened again afterwards. Insurance companies will provide wind mitigation discounts for accordion shutters.

Colonial and Bahama shutters are also permanent home additions, and custom installed around windows and doors. As they are functional and aesthetically pleasing, they are slightly more expensive than accordion shutters. Bahama shutters hinge on the top of the window or door, and colonial shutters hinge on the sides. Both are easily closed and opened, and can be made from multiple different materials. Insurance companies also provide wind mitigation discounts for these types of shutters.

Rolling shutters are a high-tech, permanent home addition that are custom installed and made of high quality aluminum or steel. They deploy and retract with the press of a button. They are the most expensive shutter-style option but are offset by high wind mitigation discounts from insurance companies.

Accordion, Colonial, Bahama, and rolling shutters are all available from specialty shutter stores, and it’s recommended you do your research to see what options are best for you and what your own insurance company offers in terms of wind mitigation discounts.

The final option is, of course, not to have shutters at all but to go with impact resistant glass for your windows and doors. Those would be a permanent home addition and custom installed, however, once installed, they would never need to be removed or replaced unless they are damaged. They are quite expensive (usually running around three times the cost of regular windows), but again this is offset by the highest wind mitigation discount. These types of windows and doors are widely available, but it is highly recommended to do your research on the levels of protection and quality as not all impact-resistant glass is built the same.

July 1, 2019July 10, 2019

More Than a Job

Tragedy drives county health official

Casey McGovern is the Florida health department’s Drowning Prevention Program Manager for Broward County —raising awareness about water safety is her job.

But preventing deaths by educating people about the possible consequences of not being aware of water-related dangers is her passion.

Nine years after McGovern’s daughter drowned in a backyard pool, the mother of three is still haunted by what she didn’t know then and driven by what she wants parents to know today.

On Aug. 3, 2009, McGovern found her 19-month-old, Edna Mae, floating face-up in the pool where “Em” had been playing in just hours earlier. The toddler died eight days later.

“You think you are going to hear it — people think they are going to hear flailing and splashing and yelling,” McGovern said.

But the unthinkable can happen quicker than you think, she said. “A drowning can occur in as little as 60 seconds.”

Mom to three girls, who were then ages 10, 3, and 19 months, McGovern placed Em in a chair in the family room, across the counter from where she was putting away groceries.

McGovern stepped away to chat with her husband. She was only gone a minute.

Today, McGovern, of Coral Springs, talks openly about the experience, acknowledging some of the ways Em’s death might have been prevented. She needs other parents to know how such a tragedy happens.

At the time of her daughter’s death, the family pool was encircled by a child safety fence, but McGovern said the fence gate was not latched that day.

McGovern also said there was nothing in place at the time to raise an alert to potential trouble, such as chimes on the sliding door leading to the pool deck. “Drowning is silent,” she said, encouraging parents to find ways to put sound to danger.

McGovern said she also wasted precious minutes searching for her daughter inside the house.

Whether you have a pool or you’re at the pool or the beach, she tells parents today, check the water first.

“We thought we were doing everything right,” McGovern said. “There are so many things I didn’t think about, wasn’t educated on.”

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, In the past two years, 12 children ages four and younger drowned in Broward County. The deaths occurred in family pools, community pools, lakes, the ocean, and in canals. With its 125,000 backyard pools and miles of waterways, Broward offers ample risk of drowning.

“Because our county is covered in water and it’s swim season all year long, year after year our statistics show we are one of the highest counties in state of Florida for drowning fatalities,” McGovern said.

Among her high-priority recommendations, McGovern said children should start swim lessons as soon as they start to crawl.

The county Children’s Services Council backs that advice by providing a $40 swim voucher to Broward kids ages six months to four years. The voucher is available annually, up until the fifth birthday.

“I think knowledge is power and I think the more people who relate and connect to my story may cause changes,” McGovern said.Sallie James writes for the Florida Department of Health in Broward County.

June 1, 2019June 7, 2019

Family Guide to Cool Summer Fun

If you’re not up for braving the South Florida heat this summer, these local venues offer family-friendly activities available during the quiet — and less hot — afternoon and evening hours.

OUTDOOR FAVORITES

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Gumbo Limbo’s environmental complex in Boca Raton is an indoor / outdoor nature center with several aquariums and exhibits. A variety of group programs, including guided nature trail walks, sea turtle talks, and animal feedings, are offered throughout the week. A popular activity that only takes place on summer nights is the Turtle Walk and Hatchling Release, where participants have the opportunity to learn about Florida’s native sea turtles, walk to the nearby beach, and watch a nesting Loggerhead or see baby turtles race for the sea.

View Gumbo Limbo’s calendar of events for information on how to register.

Where: 1801 N. Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton

When: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free ($5 suggested donation); free parking

Details: GumboLimbo.org

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Favorite activities at Birch State Park range from live animal presentations to guided mangrove and trail walks, and all are excellent opportunities for families to explore Florida’s natural ecosystems and wildlife, and learn about the history behind this local state park. The two-mile loop surrounding the natural habitat is bike- and rollerblade friendly, while the Intracoastal Waterway allows for easy access to fishing and makes for a perfect sunset-viewing picnic spot. Birch State Park offers paddleboard rentals for those looking to visit Fort Lauderdale’s stretch of beaches along A1A. In addition, the park is home to Camp Live Oak, an immersive nature program for children ages 5-13, as well as a variety of scheduled tours, educational classes, and events.

Where: 3109 E. Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

When: Every day, 8 a.m. to sunset

Cost: $6 per family/group vehicle

Details: FloridaStateParks.org/HughTaylorBirch

Bark Beach at Spanish River Park

Release the leash and let Fido roam free on the sands of Spanish River Park’s beach! Bark Beach is sectioned off from the rest of the park to ensure dogs don’t run too far and other park visitors remain unscathed by licks or wet paws. Summer hours are conveniently scheduled in the early morning and late afternoon. Bark Beach is open to all families of Boca Raton who have purchased a dog permit at their nearest community center. A single weekend pass is also an option, allowing unlimited access to Boca’s best dog-friendly beach from Friday through Sunday.

Where: 3001 N. State Rd A1A, Boca Raton

When: Friday through Sunday, 7-9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to sunset

Cost: Bark Beach dog permit required; $11 weekend pass; parking $17 weekdays, $19 weekends OR free with annual beach pass

Details: MyBoca.us

INDOOR DESTINATIONS

Children’s Science Explorium

Located inside Boca’s Sugar Sand Park, the Children’s Science Explorium is a must-visit attraction. Activities during the summer include a variety of interactive, science-geared exhibits and exciting educational programs. The Grab ‘n’ Go Eco Pack gives young children and their families the opportunity to embark on a scavenger hunt throughout Sugar Sand’s nature trails and explore the park’s plants, birds, and insects. Kids-only activities include the one-week Summer Science Camp — open to youngsters in grades kindergarten through 5th — and the after-hour Friday Nights @ the Museum, featuring a cool experiment and movie night! Check the events calendar in early June for a list of summer exhibits and more info on registering.

Where: 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton

When: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free ($5 suggested donation); free parking

Details: ScienceExplorium.org

Young At Art Museum

What’s one thing that makes the Young At Art Museum unique? Through its program YAA for ALL: Access to Lifelong Learning, the museum has developed special programs and events for children and adults with autism and other disabilities. In addition to its pre-scheduled classes and exhibits, the YAA opens one hour earlier every second Sunday of the month, giving exclusive access for families with disabled children. Specialized activities include the Sensory Studio Art Class, which creates a warm and friendly environment of hands-on art-making alongside specially trained staff members.

Where: 751 SW 121st Ave, Davie

When: Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cost: $14 for adults/children; $12 for seniors and Broward County residents; $11 for military families. Membership and group rates available.

Details: YoungAtArtMuseum.org

Museum of Discovery and Science

In addition to its array of science exhibits and children’s Discovery Camp, a distinctive feature of the Museum of Discovery and Science is its in-house IMAX 3D theater, which presents a number of documentaries and Hollywood films. With numerous showtimes throughout the day, as well as wheelchair-accessible and sensory-friendly screenings, this theater is a great pick for families. This summer, the Museum’s featured exhibit, Hall of Heroes, immerses visitors in the superhero world of crime-catchers, Batmobiles, spy gadgets, and more.

Where: 401 SW Second St, Fort Lauderdale

When: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Cost: $17 for adults; $16 for seniors; $14 for military families and children ages 2-12; free for children ages 1 and under; parking $6-$10. Museum membership rates available.

Details: MODS.org (Note: The IMAX 3D Theater has its own hours and admission fees. Please visit the MODS website for details.)

October 1, 2018November 19, 2018

Project 1841 Brings Smiles to Foster Care Teens

The year was 2007, and Robin Miller sat in a living room watching TV. It was December, a time for family and friends, but the teenage girl sat in a chair isolated and alone, wondering what her life would be like without the safety net of foster care. The 18-year-old had aged out of the system, and admitted to being both “excited and scared.” The look of uncertainty on her face was captured by photographer Mike Stocker for a story written by Mike Mayo of the Sun-Sentinel. It was titled, “Her Independence Day.”

After reading the story, Weston high school freshman Alexandra “Alex” Rubin contacted ChildNet, Broward County’s foster care agency, to see how she could help. The answer was unexpected, but poignant. She was told teens aging out of foster care needed luggage or duffle bags so they could leave with dignity, and not resort to putting their belongings in trash bags.

She called three freshman friends, Ilana Wolpert, Alli Weiss, and Alexandra Kaplan. Each attended a different school, but all shared the same caring spirit. Out of their bond Project 1841 was created. The “18” was for 18 year-olds, “4” recognized the group’s four female members, and the “1” stood for one cause—to help foster teens transition into independence. As seniors, the founder received three Miami Herald Silver Knights Awards for community service.

After months of fundraising to buy essentials, members of 1841 delivered its first set of duffle bags to ChildNet in April 2008. Each was packed with a bed pillow and pillowcase, a towel, washcloth, toiletries, household items, snack bags, and a personalized birthday card wishing each teen a bright and successful future.

Kaydion Watson, the aftercare supervisor at ChildNet, called Project 1841 a “phenomenal source of support” and said the duffle bags tagged and delivered to the agency are extremely important. “It’s more than a goodwill gesture because it enhances their self-worth during a very difficult time of transition,” he said. “As trivial as a duffle bag may seem to some, it’s likely the first tangible, practical item they’ve ever owned.”

“We are a non-profit resource arm of ChildNet, and work in conjunction with the agency’s Independent Living Department,” said Dori Kaplan, mother of co-founder Alexandra, and program advisor. “I’m proud that in some small way we’ve been able to help, but I’m even prouder that 1841 is still going strong 10 year after it was founded.”

When members leave the group after four years, others wait in the wings. “This was such a great cause that when the original members left we didn’t want to see the program end,” Kaplan said. The torch was then passed to Kaplan’s daughter, Caroline and three of her friends formed the second generation of Project 1841. When it was their time, Kaplan’s niece, Amanda Richard and three of her friends ushered in the third generation. The fourth generation of Lexis Ofstein, Andrea Hengber, Sami Ofstein, and Julia Glacer are all students at Stoneman Douglas High School—the first time all four members have been from the same school.

Lexi, now a senior will have her spot filled by her younger sister. “I’m excited she’s getting involved because this is a terrific program,” Ofstein said. “It taught me to see the world with a different point of view, and not take the little things for granted.” She recently attended graduation ceremonies for many of the foster care teens she and her group had helped. “The smiles on their faces were genuine appreciation,” she said. “It really made me realize that small bags of basic necessities can make a huge difference in someone’s life.”

All the donated items are stored at the Kaplan home and once a month Project 1841 members gather to prepare the bags. The group is provided the first names of those that are to age out the following month. “We appreciate the generous donations that make these purchases possible,” Kaplan said. “Without the community’s support this program would not be what it is today.”

At any given time, about 600 youths between 18 and 23 will have exited foster care in Broward County, and another 120 are getting prepared to transition out on their own. Kaplan said that members of Project 1841 prepared more than 1,000 bags since the program began. “With the starter kits, there’s also a lot of hugs, words of encouragement, and best wishes for the next chapter of their lives,” Kaplan added. “We hope to inspire others from different counties or even other states to find out how they can help foster teens who age out in their communities.”

In a world of daily news cycles that are filled with anxiety, stories of good people doing great things are refreshing. Four generations of Project 1841 is a shining example.

June 1, 2018August 2, 2018

A Homeowner’s Dilemma: To Love or To List?

A home in a great location within a quality school district, friendly neighbors, and a short commute to work is utopia. But there comes a time when homeowners needs to decide when its time to love or list their home.

If you’re a homeowner that wants to move into a more upscale neighborhood, or doesn’t want to spend thousands on renovations for more space, listing is a no-brainer. If you love it, remodeling is the smartest choice. But, before knocking down any walls, first think about space requirements and the types of changes needed to make a home more livable. The end result may not be a “dream home,” but a definite step up from what you’re accustomed to. And, if space is not an issue, minor renovations work wonders.

“The urge to remodel hits about every 6 to 10 years,” said Bobbi Mechler, founder of the Mechler Group, realtors of luxury homes in Parkland and Coral Springs. “My advice is to go classic, not trendy, and to avoid bold colors. Homes with a classic look sell better than ones with a trendy, dated look.” A Homeowner’s Dilemma: To Love or To List?
It’s all about money, so the first decision is how much can be budgeted, including a few thousand dollars for any overages. A fear of blowing the budget–and work not living up to expectations–is the biggest stress factor when renovating. Am I overextended? How long will it take? Am I willing to have my home look like a war zone? Will I be happy with the outcome? If there is any anxiety at all, consider smaller projects rather than major renovations.

Remodeling costs vary depending on square footage, so it’s hard to pinpoint “average” cost, but Mechler offered this: “To do the floors, kitchen, and a bathroom on a 3,000-square-foot home is easily $20-$30,000. Smaller homes can be done for under that amount, but upgrades to larger homes can be anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000.”

Housewire Magazine reported that 40 percent home sales in the U.S. were from May through August, but South Florida isn’t on that time frame. “It’s all about locale here, so the peak selling period for condos on the beach is September and October, while inland family communities list their homes no earlier than mid-February or mid-April at the latest,” Mechler said. “Most homes won’t sell immediately, so timing can be a real balancing act.”

When listing, most realtors use marketing resources including presentations on social media and pay a fee for premium placements on Web sites such as Zillow and Realtor.com. “My responsibility is to keep clients informed and aware of what’s in the market, and what’s needed to reach their goals,” Mechler said. “Constant communications and honesty is a must.” She said many clients want to “try high” but it’s the wrong strategy. The home should be listed at the price its actually worth. According to Zillow Talk: The New Rules of Real Estate, “a house priced right sells in about half the time of one that is overpriced.”

Make no mistake, moving is hard, and renovations have its own unique set of problems. Whether you love it or list it, the bottom line is budget, comfort level, and long-term vision.