Due to the pandemic, halloween will look different this year. Instead of the traditional dressing up and trick-or-treating, we will be celebrating Halloween safe at home.
There is no reason to cancel Halloween, instead, alter your plants to fit the health and safety precautions for your area.
Here is a list of 5 ideas to still have a spooky spectacular night:
Decorate your house with pumpkins, lights, and spooky sights. Go crazy with orange, black, and white decor.
Spooky Halloween movie marathon- grab some popcorn, candy corn, and get cozy. Time to gather all your favorite Halloween spooky movies with family.
Halloween Hunt- create clues and scour the scene for items featured in a photo scavenger hunt. Make it a competition or work together as a family. Make sure you have candy prizes!
Drive-by-Trick-or-Treating- have people drive by and gently throw candy at costumed kids in their yards like your car is a parade float. Blast some music and have fun lights around your car to get into the spirit.
Zoom Halloween parties- have a dress up party via zoom. Pick a theme, plan a zoom-like fashion show to show off your creation.
A couple of years ago, I read a book titled, “When God Winks at You” by Squire Rushnell, and the concept has remained with me.
Godwinks (Rushnell’s term) are coincidences that, when we think about them, make us pause, smile, or just say aha. An example we probably have all experienced is when you are thinking about someone and the phone rings, and it is that person.
Another example is when you lose something important and just as you are giving up on ever finding it – it turns up in a place you think you searched thoroughly before.
To me, Godwinks are messages the universe is sending me when I am open to receiving that information. Well, this morning I received a Godwink.
For the past few months, my columns have focused on my feelings and behaviors during the pandemic. I am still staying at home and still only dreaming of getting on a plane to see my family in New York.
I have tried to find positive things to do, but life feels a bit bland and sad. And then this morning I received a strong message, or as I would term it, a Godwink. The first message (Godwink) came as I watched the “CBS This Morning” show. One of the daily segments is when the anchors discover/find a story, news segment, or video and want to share it with all of us.
This morning, co-anchor Tony Dokoupil read about a recent poll centered on the Coronavirus’ effect on peoples’ feelings. He stated that according to the poll, two-thirds of Americans believe they are better people due to the pandemic and 70 percent said they learned a lot about themselves as a result of the pandemic. Hmmm.
The second message (Godwink) came to me in email form. I received a group text from a friend that I read just after the morning show ended. The gist of it is in this one stanza of the much longer message: “Let’s put some color in our grey…And despite everything, we must continue to enjoy with serenity this time we have left.
“Let’s try to eliminate the afters…I’m doing it after…I’ll say it after…I’ll think about it after…So let’s leave nothing for later because still waiting we can lose the best moments.” Two positive and strong statements on making the most of our life during this time filled with frustration and waiting. A Godwink certainly meant for me.
I am in need of an attitude adjustment. I must again learn to appreciate and love the time as it is now. I have worked to make my days better, fuller and more fun. I have received the love of a wonderful puppy and been reawakened to the beauty of the world through his eyes but I have not gone the extra mile to welcome this time into my emotions. Instead, I have resented it, gotten angry, and felt cheated. So I projected this dissatisfaction and have not been the optimistic and hopeful person I certainly can and have tried to be.
So I am now beginning to think about how to give myself an attitude adjustment. What are the positives that have come out of all these months? How can I take those positives and gain a new perspective on my life under COVID-19? I need to lose “The Afters.” My goal this coming month is to understand how this time has made me better and learn more about myself. My goal this month is to be happier, more giving and more positive. I’ll let you know if the Godwink worked its miracle.
Annuals/Bedding plants:Even though temperatures are still warm, begin planting for the cooler months ahead. Impatiens, alyssum, and dianthus are good plants for the fall/winter garden.
Bulbs: Plant agapanthus, rain lily, and Clivia lily now for blooms next spring or summer. Add organic matter to the planting bed for the best results.
Herbs:A wide range of herbs can be planted from seed or transplants this month. Some to try include dill, fennel, parsley, and cilantro.
Vegetables:Easy crops that can be grown now include beans, broccoli, carrots, collards, lettuce, green onions, peppers, radishes, spinach, and tomatoes.
What to Do
Lawns:Control winter weeds in lawns before they appear. Pre-emergence herbicides must be applied at the right time to be effective. Apply when nighttime temperatures are 55°F–60°F for 4–5 days.
Ornamental trees and shrubs:
Fertilize plants that are not performing as desired. This is the last month of the year to fertilize shrubs and trees. Controlled-release fertilizer provides nutrients over a longer period of time.
Lawn fertilization: Fertilize lawns if needed.
Strawberries: Prepare beds and set strawberry plants this month. Strawberries also make colorful and tasty container planting. Either way, water daily until plants are established.
Palms: Palms have unique nutritional needs. Select a fertilizer that contains controlled-release nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium.
Oleanders: Control the oleander caterpillar, which is a year- round resident in South Florida, without harming beneficial insects by pruning off infested leaves or spraying with BT (Bacillusthuringiensis).
Twig girdlers: Control twig girdlers by cleaning up and destroying fallen branches that young twig girdlers can use for harborage.
In keeping with social distancing requirements, this year’s Parkland Dash will allow participants to choose their own routes. Runners will be able to view live results online throughout the race day as participants submit their times.
On Saturday, October 18th, just run and track your 5K (3.1 miles) or 5 miles while using the RaceJoy app on your cell phone. The deadline to submit your time is 3:00 p.m. race day. Once the countdown clock reaches zero, no more times will be accepted and the race will be finalized.
Each $30 registration helps support Canine Assisted Therapy, the mission of which is to improve the health and well-being of children and adults by achieving specific physical, cognitive, social, or emotional goals through the use of certified pet therapy teams.
Canine Assisted Therapy has provided ongoing services to MSD, The Parkland Library, Riverglades Elementary, and Aston Gardens. They work with isolated seniors, pediatric patients, individuals with special needs, veterans, those suffering from grief or loss, and many others. Founded in 2009, this non-profit organization has the goal of improving the safety, effectiveness, and efficiency of pet therapy services in South Florida.
Foundation distributes 41,000 school supply kits
Broward Education Foundation, dedicated to serving students and teachers in Broward County Public Schools, recently distributed more than 41,000 safely sealed 18-piece basic school supply kits to 41,000 students from 69 Title I elementary schools in Broward County.
More than 90 percent of students in Broward’s top 40 Title I elementary schools are enrolled in free and reduced lunch programs.
The foundation pivoted from a physical school supply drive to a virtual one. Thanks to the generosity of the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, Jim Moran Foundation, Wells Fargo, Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, Ultimate Software, Hamilton Group Funding, Inc., People’s Trust Insurance, Harmony Development Center, Inc., State Farm Insurance, Pride Center at Equality Park, Centennial Bank, Broward County Public Schools, BrightStar Credit Union, Pirtle Construction, and many more generous corporations and individuals, the campaign was a success.
“Ordinarily, Broward Education Foundation’s School Supply Drive would help to stock the shelves at our school supply center where teachers from Title I schools shop free for their students in need,” said Shea Ciriago, executive director of the foundation. “We knew we had to be proactive in light of COVID, so we orchestrated the online fundraising campaign.”
The month of October means elections have begun throughout Broward County. The Broward County Supervisor of Elections Office is working diligently to ensure safe, efficient, and transparent elections.
Remember that if you plan to vote by mail, request your ballot as soon as possible and return it via mail prior to election day, or at a designated drop box location. Additionally, these are the key dates to remember:
Deadline to register to vote is October 5
Early Voting will take place October 19 through November 1
Election Day is November 3
Be sure to check https://Browardsoe.org or call (954) 357-7050 for more information on registering to vote, polling locations, or to find an early voting site near you!
Students are back in school and we are working towards everyone returning to campus safely. No matter what the case, we must make sure that all precautions are taken. Throughout all this, our teachers, administrators, and parents have been the backbone of the process and will continue to be on the frontline. Making necessary adjustments has not been easy for anyone, especially our kids, and everyone is going the extra mile to make sure students are put in the best possible position to learn. We all cannot wait to get our children back with their friends and teachers at school so they can enjoy being kids in a safe learning environment.
In addition, Broward County Libraries continue to be open virtually throughout this time as a resource to kids and adults alike. When you visit https://Broward.org/library, all you need is a library card to access resources such as eBooks, movies, online classes, and more, just like you would at your local library. Be on the lookout for special virtual events that the library will be hosting during October. The Broward Library is truly a gateway to the world and will open new possibilities for learning.
Broward County recently agreed to work with the Army Corps of Engineers for additional beach re-nourishment. The federal government through the Army Corps will fund the project completely at no cost to Broward County taxpayers! This will augment the current program that protects our county’s treasured beaches. With the Corps bringing in sand to return certain beach zones to pre-Hurricane Irma levels, we will not only save the county money now, but also later. Maintaining our beaches will ensure that they remain pristine for residents and visitors to enjoy, and combats the environmental impacts from beach erosion.
Finally, Halloween festivities will look a bit different this year. Traditional trick-or-treating and big parties may not be possible; however, we should not miss this opportunity to have a little fun. So put on your favorite costume, carve a jack-o-lantern, and get creative with the decorations while we stay safe and healthy.
My staff and I have made staying connected with the residents of District 3 a top priority. We are available by phone and email while we work on getting out the most up to date and accurate information. As always, I can be reached at MUdine@Broward.org or my office at (954) 357-7003. Follow me on social media @CommissionerMichaelUdine on Facebook and @MichaelUdine on Twitter or Instagram to receive important updates and see what is happening in our community. I look forward to connecting with you.
I have always been the Kalick family veterinary consultant, regardless of where my family lives. My family who lives in Ohio will always consult with me via the phone when there is a problem, and typically I will tell them they need to see their local veterinarian. Their veterinarian and I have become friends and she sends me all the records, digital x-rays, and bloodwork as soon as she gets them, it saves her a phone call from my aunt asking to send them to me.
One interesting thing that has changed since the pandemic is that my aunt and uncle have become very adept with Facetime and Zoom.
Today’s issue is with Titus, their cat. Titus is a geriatric tabby cat that my aunt thought was depressed because her kids moved out of the house. I would never contradict my aunt, but I think Titus is happy the kids moved out. Titus took back control of the big house, and because the kids took the dog with them, Titus gets to sit in the large bay window watching the world pass by.
However, today my aunt was concerned that Titus had a urinary tract infection because he was urinating in a closet on my uncle’s shoes.
My aunt sat in the room during the Facetime call, switching my view so I could watch Titus sleeping in the window. She wanted me to see the closet that Titus was using as his new litterbox, so she swung the camera around the room so I could see the hall closet. She told me he never used that closet before and now he never wants to leave the room.
Then she walked down the hall with her iPhone because she wanted to show me Titus’s litter box. My aunt, God bless her, talked the entire way from the front room to the bathroom, bouncing her phone the whole time. She got into the bathroom and showed me Titus’ litterbox crammed between the bathroom vanity and the toilet. It looked like it hadn’t ever been used. It. left no room for the cat to move in the box if he ever wanted to use it.
The craziest part of the story was that the bathroom door was closed like Titus could open it with his paws if he needed to.
When I mentioned that the bathroom door was closed and no one was using it, my aunt started to talk about changing the brands of kitty litter or playing music in the house. I even mentioned that if someone is using the bathroom or taking a shower, the door will never be open.
She said that she never thought of that.
Titus’ litterbox was always in the room where he slept, easily accessible, and near his food. I told my aunt that the rule of thumb is that you should have one extra box in the house.
This means: one cat equals two boxes and one of the boxes should be in the front room where he sleeps and spends most of his day.
After she thanked me and was about to hang up, I heard my uncle in the background yelling to my aunt, “What does he think of the new kitten?”
New kitten? My aunt winked at the phone and said it was a topic for another day.
The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in Fort Lauderdale will host a “Virtual Save Our Seas Distinguished Speaker Series” via Zoom on the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m.
The series invites scientists and conservationists of all ages to learn from internationally acclaimed biologists, scientists, conservationists, researchers, and educators about new ways of thinking and marine-related preservation topics.
It is sponsored by Save Our Seas Foundation, which funds and supports research, conservation, and education projects worldwide, focusing primarily on threatened wildlife and their habitats.
The live events are free but space is limited. Register at mods.org/saveourseas. Unique Zoom links will be sent in the morning on the days of the presentations.
The following first Thursday topics and speakers are scheduled through the rest of the year:
October 1— Sea Turtle Conservation in South Florida: Challenges and Triumphs Panel Discussion
Kelly Martin, Program Coordinator for the Marine Environmental Education Center and President of Florida Leatherbacks Inc
Kelly Stewart, Ph.D., Biologist with The Ocean Foundation
Katie Mansfield, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Director of the Marine Turtle Research Group at the University of Central Florida
November 5— Manta Rays: Exciting Discoveries
Guy Stevens, Ph.D., Chief Executive and Founder of the Manta Trust
Jessica Pate, Marine Biologist and Project Manager, Florida Manta Project
December 3— 2020 Save Our Seas MODS Shark Expert Panel Discussion
Stephen Kajiura, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Atlantic University
Mike Heithaus, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences & Education (CASE) and Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida International University
Dean Grubbs, Ph.D., Associate Director of Research/Research Faculty III at Florida State University Coastal & Marine Laboratory
Marianne Porter, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at Florida Atlantic University
Aging in South Florida
The South Florida Institute on Aging (SoFIA) will host the Aging in South Florida Virtual Symposium presented by AARP on Wednesday, October 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The virtual event will explore “the new normal” in a post- COVID world, presenting innovative ideas and solutions to employment, healthcare, and diversity challenges faced by older adults. The event will be a forum to encourage conversation and collaborative problem solving to better help older adults thrive as they age while providing information on community efforts and resources.
SoFIA’s virtual experience also includes opportunities to attend seminars of personal interest, while sponsors and vendors will benefit from a virtual booth and AI technology.
Visit https://thesofia.org/aisf for more information on sponsorship or to purchase tickets. The event is open to any business, government entity, or member of the community interested in creating a more age-friendly community, general admission tickets are $10.
As we head into the month of October, we are so proud of how Coral Springs and its residents have proven to be resilient and have unified in strength. We are fortunate to see a downward trend in COVID-19 cases within the state and county allowing certain restrictions to be lifted. However, it is important to remember there are still patients battling this virus and we must remain vigilant to prevent further spread in our community.
Certainly, how we meet, gather, and celebrate has changed due to the pandemic; however, city staff believes it’s important to continue traditions and celebrations, leading us to reimagine events. This season, we are planning for events such as, ‘Monster Splash,’ ‘Far out Flicks’ Drive-in Movie, and, sponsored by the Coral Springs Police Department Foundation, “Cops and Kids Drive-Through Trick or Treat.” Residents can learn more about all the city events by visiting https://coralsprings.org/events.
The General Election is on November 3 and early voting in Florida kicks-off on October 19th through November 1st. Your nearest early voting location is the Northwest Regional Library, hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We encourage all residents to exercise their right to vote. If you are not a registered voter, you have until October 5 to register. If you prefer to Vote-By-Mail please request your ballot before the deadline of October 24, 2020. All information regarding the upcoming election can be found at https://browardsoe.org.
This month, we also highlight Fire Prevention Week from October 4th through October 10th. This year’s emphasis is kitchen safety. The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department shares important safety tips to help prevent fires and protect your family:
Never leave cooking food unattended. Remain in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly and use a timer.
Alertness is important when cooking. If you are sleepy, taking medication that makes you drowsy, or consuming alcohol, refrain from cooking.
Keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire ignites, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame, turn off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool. Never use water on a grease fire. Consider installing a small fire extinguisher in an easily accessible place in the kitchen.
Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drinks are prepared or carried.
The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department offers additional information on their Facebook page, follow them at @coralspringsfd for more safety tips.
We are excited about our 2nd Annual Restaurant Week – Savor the Springs, which takes place on October 9-18, 2020. Sponsored by the Economic Development Office, the event features local restaurants offering great deals with prefixed menus featuring delicious dining options. For a full list of participating restaurants and culinary offerings, please visit https://SavorTheSprings.com. When you participate with friends and family, share on social using the hashtag #SavorCS, or tag us @CoralSpringsEDO.
You can stay informed and up to date by visiting https://coralsprings.org, following our city social media accounts, and through text message: text the keyword CORALSPRINGS to 888-777.
Our October Commission Meetings will take place virtually on Wednesday, the 7th at 9:00 a.m., and Wednesday, the 21st at 6:30 p.m.; residents are invited to watch and offer public comment by calling (954) 344-5900. Meetings are aired on CityTV, Blue Stream Channels 25, 25.2, 725, and on AT&T U-Verse channel 99. Meetings are also live-streamed at https://coralsprings.org/citytv.
As always, if you would like to schedule an appointment with any of your City Officials, please call (954) 344-5911.
Freshman year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School was difficult
for Daniel Tabares, then 17.
It was the year of the worst tragedy in the school’s history when 17 students and staff were murdered and Tabares lost friends.
He was sad and depressed and only when he became involved with the
Parkland March For Our Lives rally on Mar. 24, 2018 as a featured speaker, did he find his calling.
“I may seem serious,” says Tabares. “But once you get to know me, I’m
funny, outgoing, and always kind. Sometimes people have preconceived notions about people who look different, but don’t always trust your first impressions and give people a chance.”
Born with achondroplasia, a bone growth disorder, Tabares is not unfamiliar with the unkindness of strangers.
Achondroplasia is the most common type of dwarfism. It is a genetic
condition that affects about 1 in 15,000 to 1 in 40,000 people.
Emmy-award winner Peter Dinklage, who portrayed Tyrion Lannister on the wildly popular TV series, “Game of Thrones,” has the condition.
“I’ve been through so much,” he says, noting that he’s been called names, been excluded and stared at, not to mention undergone more than 10 surgeries.
“It’s no fun,” he says.
At the rally, Tabares spoke about how he was feeling and says he was quoted on CNN as saying, “Give yourself a hug like there’s no tomorrow.”
His inspirational words had an effect on those around him and boosted his morale and confidence.
From that day on, Tabares was a changed person and no longer depressed.
He had found his voice.
Daniel Tabares
“It’s a crazy world,” he says, “and maybe someone is going through a lot, and a kind word is all they need to get through their day.”
He has taken to sharing his kind words and inspirational messages on his social media and with the residents of Parkland as he rides from one end of Holmberg Rd. to the other on his bike showcasing his inspirational signs.
He counts his dad, Luis, as a role model (and for his good looks) and says he’s inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and Mother Theresa.
“You’re amazing,” proclaims one sign. “Be the change you want to see in the world,” says another, paraphrasing Gandhi. His LinkedIn page states, “Dreams and dedication are a powerful combination.”
Another sign declared not only black lives matter, but Latino, disabled, and LGBTQ lives as well.
He took Gandhi’s message to heart and challenges himself to be the change he wants to see.
Now, in his senior year at MSD and co-president of the Student Board of The Friendship Journey and Ambassador of Wings of Friendship, Tabares hopes to be a speech- language pathologist or a motivational speaker, and his dream since second grade is to attend the University of Florida.
This summer he was a lead counselor and student ambassador in an 8-week virtual camp for people with disabilities and was inspired by the students’ empathy for others.
The camp, sponsored by Dylan’s Wings of Change (DWC), is a non-profit foundation dedicated to the memory of Dylan Hockley, a student killed in the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 along with 19 other first-graders and six teachers.
They partnered with the locally-based The Friendship Journey, with its mission to educate, empower, and include individuals across all cognitive and physical abilities.
Tabares said coming to the camp allows participants to be fully themselves and share their true colors with others.
“I’m thankful for that,” he says.
After the Parkland shootings, Tabares was invited to Pittsburgh to receive the first Loving Kindness Award from the Pittsburgh JCC’s Center for Loving Kindness, where 11 people lost their lives and six were wounded in a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Oct. 2018.
Rabbi Ron Symons, the director of Pittsburgh JCC’s Center for Loving Kindness, says Tabares was selected for the award “because he exudes kindness in every way.”
“When we met him after the shootings in Parkland and Pittsburgh, we met a person with a depth of optimism and soul that few adults have,” Symons says. “No matter what he does throughout his life, I am confident that my friend and teacher, Danny Tabares, will inspire thousands.”
In November, Americans will be participating in one of our country’s most cherished democratic traditions. As we enter election season, I encourage you all to make your voices heard, whether that be in-person, by mail, or by early voting. To check on your registration, ballot status, and voting locations, please visit your county’s Supervisor of Elections website at https://browardsoe.org.
You can help ensure every voice is heard in our democracy and protect the health and safety of our community by signing up to be an election poll worker. Because of COVID-19, we are already facing a critical shortage of these essential workers. Our local elections officials are working hard to establish safe voting protocols, train workers, and supply election sites with enough PPE to make voting in-person safer. But they need your help. Sign up to be a poll worker on November 3rd at https://powerthepolls.org.
“I welcome these announcements that Israel will normalize relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The historic agreements will usher in a new era of regional cooperation and help provide greater stability in the Gulf, which is in the United States’ national security interest.”
I have long hoped to see the day that common ties between Israel and its regional neighbors would be able to advance, and I look forward to working to support these growing relationships. I am glad that these announcements include a commitment to finding a just, comprehensive, and enduring solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. It is only a two-state solution resulting in a safe and secure Israel living side by side in peace with a viable Palestinian state that can ensure long-term peace and prosperity for both Israelis and Palestinians.
As always, please stay safe and reach out to my office if we can be of any assistance.
This time of year, elections are all over the news and the airwaves. While the national elections get so much attention, there are many other elections and charter and constitutional amendments on the ballot this year that deserve your close attention.
In our City of Parkland, four seats are on the ballot – the Mayor’s seat and Commissioner’s seats for districts 1, 2, and 4. While City Commissioners must live in the district they represent, every registered voter in the City of Parkland votes in every race regardless of which district they live in. So please do your research and remember you will have the opportunity to vote for all four seats up in the city election.
Some of the other seats that are also on the ballot include school board, judges, state attorney, supervisor of elections, state representative, state senator, and U.S. Congress.
Additionally, there are six state constitutional amendments on the ballot. Amendment 1 adds language to the state Constitution that only U.S. citizens can vote in federal, state, local, or school elections. Amendment 2 raises Florida’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026. Amendment 3 establishes a universal, open primary system for state office primary elections. Amendment 4 requires voter-approved constitutional amendments to be approved by voters at a second general election. Amendment 5 increases the transfer period for “Save Our Homes” benefits to a new homestead property from two years to three years. Amendment 6 allows a deceased veteran’s homestead property tax discount to be transferred to the surviving spouse. It is important to read all the ballot initiative language carefully since it can be misleading sometimes. Also, please do your research to learn the implications of a yes or a no vote on any of these items.
Broward County also has two questions on the ballot. The first deals with enabling the County to continue to act as the manager and auditor of all county funds instead of requiring those duties to be transferred to the Clerk of Courts in 2025. The second is a charter amendment, which would allow the County to develop/build surtax-funded transportation system improvements (such as a Park and Ride) on County-owned
or leased property without city input even if it conflicts with municipal ordinances.
Vote-By-Mail ballots will be sent out around September 24. If you would like to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot, please visit https://browardsoe. org. Vote-By-Mail ballots can be tracked online so you can verify when they are mailed out and when they are received and counted. October 5 is the last day to register to vote for the November 3 election. Early voting takes place from October 19 through November 1 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Broward County registered voters may vote at any Broward County early voting location. On Election Day, you must vote at your precinct. Visit https://browardsoe.org for early voting locations or to find your precinct for Election Day. Please do your homework and make a plan to vote either by mail, during early voting, or on Election Day.
As always, please reach out to me at chunschofsky@cityofparkland.org with any questions or concerns you may have. I look forward to hearing from you.
South Florida is home to a large Hindu community, and every fall, various celebrations fill the local temples and community centers.
Navratri (nine nights) marks a vibrant and joyful Hindu celebration, and this year, it will begin on October 17th. The festival is a celebration of the divine feminine principle Shakti. One of the core beliefs of Hinduism, pluralism, exemplifies that the divine can manifest itself in different forms as is exemplified during Navratri.
The first three days are dedicated to GoddessDurga, the next three to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth; and the last three days are for Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning and wisdom. The last day, the tenth, Dussehra, is for celebrating the triumphs of good over evil.
During the evenings, Hindus get together and dance. Garba, Gujarat’s traditional folk dance, is performed, and so is Dandiya-raas. In Garba, dancers move in a circle around a picture or representation of Durga (creative energy).
Garba involves vigorous movements such as jumping, fl ailing the arms, rhythmically clapping, twirling, and stepping in sync. Dandiya-raas involves two circles moving in opposite directions. The outer circle moves counterclockwise while the inner circle moves clockwise. Each woman strikes her dandiyas, wooden sticks, with those of the woman in the other circle, then they both move on.
Dancing helps express joyousness, togetherness, and reverence for womanhood. Many women fast and pray throughout the nine days to Goddess Shakti. Many also place books, instruments, and tools before Goddess Saraswati as they wish for her to bless them with talent, knowledge, and inspiration.
Although the celebrations this year will be different and may not be as community-centered as previous years, Hindus will still feel together and spread spiritually as they celebrate on their own to show persistence against the current challenges, like Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
