Tag: Coral springs

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Always that perfect something

Pizazz is a women’s jewelry and gift boutique in Coral Springs, offering unique gifts for every occasion.

Traditional gift shops are mostly a thing of the past, but Pizazz, at 10724 Wiles Road, has been in business for 12 years. A testimony to the success of its goal of making shoppers feel welcome from “the moment a customer is greeted coming in our door until they leave,” asserts owner Brent Brewster.

“It is our pleasure to offer our beautiful and complimentary gift wrap for every purchase,” Brewster adds. “Our goal is to make the customer service at Pizazz stand out tremendously. We hope that everyone who shops with us feels welcome and cared for because they are,” she adds.

Pizazz offers gifts for every occasion: Babies, graduations, weddings, holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, bar and bat mitzvahs, and more. And you’re likely to find something for yourself as you browse.

Go ahead. Treat yourself.

The store also includes a large selection of Fair Trade items, products that give back to communities in need all over the world. You can find out what they do at fairtradecertified.org.

“I had always wanted to open a gift shop,” Brewster explains. “When my second daughter went off to college, I really wanted to try something new. My very supportive husband said, ‘Give it a try.’ And we did!

“We opened in the Promenade in 2008, just as the economy was crashing. Pizazz was able to weather that storm though, and in a few short years we had quite a few loyal customers.”

Brewster says there are two things she enjoys most about her business. The first is “the joy that comes from providing my customers with products and service that I, myself, enjoy.” The second, but just as important, she emphasizes, is that “Pizazz is a local, family business. I love that.

“I love being part of what this country is supposed to be about. I love knowing that I can do something that I enjoy and make a positive impact on my community at the same time.”

The last few years in retail have been incredibly difficult,
especially for small businesses, Brewster notes, and “the past
few months have seen a tremendous strain on the entire retail community.

“We feel the best future for Pizazz is to go small and offer online services which we have not been able to do in the past. Our goal is to press forward and hopefully see the resurgence of mom and pop businesses,” Brewster says.

“What is most satisfying about Pizazz,” Brewster believes, “is that I get to be a part of the lives of women.” The store’s line of Fair Trade items helps “provide safety and jobs to women around the world. This is the heartbeat of Pizazz.

“I also get to be part of women’s lives in South Florida. It doesn’t matter if you’re a student looking for a gift for your teacher, a young mom who is looking for a special pick-me-up for herself or a grandmother who is excited to welcome her new grand baby, Pizazz has that perfect something.”

Pizazz, 10724 Wiles Road, Coral Springs, 954-688-9895, www.pizazzflorida.com. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Private shopping hours available by appointment.

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Commissioner Michael Udine (3rd District, Broward County)

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.

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CORAL SPRINGS COMMISSION

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.

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Coral Springs man speaks, writes on family’s triple tragedy

Limelight – an intense white light created by heating a cylinder of quicklime, used for dramatic effect in 19th century theater.

As an actor and producer, Coral Springs resident Joseph Velez, 57, never expected that one day his own family would be the focus of such an unforgiving glare.

With film credits ranging from Robert De Niro’s 2019 “The Irishman” to the
2010 locally filmed A&E TV series “TheGlades” to the hit Netflix show “Stranger Things,” Velez was used to seeing himself on-screen playing fictional roles.

But in a kind of twisted triple indemnity motivated by insurance fraud, Velez found himself in the middle of three very real deaths — one his own mother — all allegedly plotted by his half-brother.

They were deaths with a gun, a plastic bag, and the killer’s own two hands. They were deaths with a common motive — insurance money. They were deaths of people all known by the suspect, the half-brother, who is now serving a life sentence, but only for one of the killings, that of his own 15-month-old son, Prince.

Velez, a former Marine who served three tours in Afghanistan during Operation Desert Storm, is writing a book and producing and hosting a podcast about the cases.

The story unfolds over the span of a decade, beginning on Mar. 19, 2003, when a young mother, Shawn Katrina Mason, was shot and killed in her Manassas, (Prince William County) VA., condominium.

Five years later, in Nov. 2008, an older woman, Alma Rosa Collins, also of Prince William County, was found dead with a plastic bag over her head. The death was ruled a suicide but Velez doesn’t believe it.

Alma Rosa Collins was his mother.

Police had one person in custody after the killing of Mason, the half-brother of Velez, Joaquin Rams, born as John Anthony Ramirez. He was released for lack of evidence.

Prince Elias McCleod Rams was found dead in Manassas in October 2012, at the home of his father Joaquin. Rams and the boy’s mother, Hera McCleod, were divorced and a court had granted Rams unsupervised visits.

Rams was Mason’s ex-boyfriend. He was the son of the second victim and the father of the third. It was later learned Rams had life insurance policies with his name as the beneficiary of all three of the victims.

Hera McCleod, now an activist for children’s rights in Seattle, wrote in a
blog, “Trusting the Virginia police ended up being one of the biggest mistakes of my life. Instead of helping to keep my family safe, they helped my abuser.”

It’s inconceivable to Velez that authorities ruled his mom’s death a suicide. Velez and his mother’s sister, Elva Carabello, strongly dispute the finding.

In the death of Collins, Rams collected insurance of more than $150,000. He had taken out three policies totaling half-a-million dollars on his then, new-born son, and was receiving Social Security benefits from the death of Mason, the mother of his first son, Joaquin, Jr.


Rams, now 48, was arrested in 2013 for the murder of his son, Prince. After a 12-day bench trial, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. He is serving time in the Red Onion State Prison, a supermax facility in Virginia. Authorities are taking another look at the other two deaths.

For Velez, writing a book and producing the podcasts has been a journey tougher than his three tours in Afghanistan.

The book is titled, “Shadows Of My Soul – Objects in the Mirror are Closer Than They Appear.” The podcast for iHeart Radio, Spotify, and Apple iTunes is called “The C.O.D.E. (Cause of Death Explained) of Silence.”

Velez also founded The B.A.R.E. Project (Butterflies/Angels/ Rescue/Echo) to honor his mother, Alma Rosa Collins, Mason, and Prince McLeod.

“We must honor them and the countless other innocent lives that have been taken that never had a chance to speak out for help,” he says.

Visit Shadows of My Soul on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest news. The book will be available on Amazon.com. The podcast, “The C.O.D.E. (Cause of Death Explained) of Silence” will be available on iHeart Radio, Spotify, Apple iTunes, and other streaming services.

 

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Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL, 22nd District)

Dear Friends!

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.

 

 

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If only mosquitoes sucked fat instead of blood

One fact might remove some of the sting from this year’s mosquito season: Health officials have no data to suggest that mosquitos transmit coronavirus to people. Still, mosquitos can transmit potentially deadly diseases to humans. And so, like every mosquito season, county officials are working to control the
population.

This year, Broward County has temporarily suspended mosquito home inspections as part of social distancing protocols. However, “we continue to provide truck-dispersed mosquito control products,” said Ahn Ton, director of the Broward County Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division and Mosquito Control.

The county’s seven inspectors apply products, collect traps, test water for larvae, and participate in public outreach. The county’s call center received about 50-80 calls per day in May, Ton said. By July that grew to 150-200 calls, County residents can call 311 or (954) 831-3940.

Ton said the mosquito problem this year is no greater or less than previous years. “Thankfully, we are not currently experiencing a mosquito-borne illness pandemic as we did with the Zika Virus,” Ton added.

However, from March 9 through July 28 of this year, as of press time, Palm Beach County had experienced one case of West Nile Virus in a human. In Miami-Dade County, that number is 24. Also, the Florida Department of Health has confirmed a case of West Nile in a horse in Northern Broward County.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease that affects birds, but mosquitos, through their bites, can also transmit the condition to humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States.

Cases of WNV occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. Most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. Roughly one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.

“Mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus bite during the day and night,” according to information on the county’s website. “People can avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent (formulated with Permethrin, Picaridin, or DEET), by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and by treating clothing and gear.” The website also advises people with horses to ensure the animal is vaccinated against the virus. “When possible, keep your horse stabled and spray it with a horse mosquito repellent.”

Broward County officials are educating people about methods to lower mosquito populations such as removing standing water from their properties. Also, the county is providing materials and non-toxic larvicide tablets at special events and doctors’ offices.

Trapping is another control method, said Ton.

“Traps are used for surveillance so that we know the quantity and species of mosquitos in an area so that we can tailor our treatment technique to maximize effectiveness and minimize any waste,” Ton said. “Traps have the added benefit of removing adult mosquitos from the environment.”

Officials place traps throughout Broward County and collect them weekly for “counts.” On a regular basis, the county biologist traps mosquitos, separates them by species, and detects any potential viruses. Findings determine the chemical application that county workers will use and the type of treatment required.  Aerial spraying traps provide another control method. But under
Florida law, counties must show a 10-fold increase in their mosquito population before the state approves aerial spraying. Ton said the last time Broward County conducted aerial spraying was July 2019.

In Palm Beach County, mosquito control program supervisor Chris Reifinger said he deploys 17 traps around the county. This year, several traps caught more than 1,000 mosquitos in 24 hours. “That indicates a mosquito problem,” Reifinger said. Therefore, he’s had to conduct aerial spraying. Reifinger added the county usually uses a helicopter for that purpose an average of six times every year.

In early August, Reifinger said the mosquito problem in his county was “pretty calm.” By contrast, in June, mosquitos were a “big problem.” He’s had to conduct aerial spraying west of Military Trail on 270,000 acres of land which tends to flood. Reifinger said his team has also used a spray truck to try to kill West Nile Virus-carrying mosquitos.

For information on how you can avoid getting sick from viruses spread by mosquitos, visit cdc.gov/features/stopmosquitoes/index.html.

 

By Aaron Krause

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Youth sports persevere in spite of pandemic

There’s a reason why “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” is one of the most easily recognized songs in America. As a tribute to our national pastime, the tune holds relevancy as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens sports across the country.

From leagues as large as the NFL, to as small as Parkland’s Little League, players and fans recognize the impact sports have on wellbeing, education, and morale. The quarantine we all struggled with has proved the importance of sports as parents tried to find ways to entertain children without organized team activities.

This fall, Parkland hopes to deliver to the community a sports season that incorporates a variety of social distancing practices.

Richard Walker, a Parkland city commissioner, is spearheading the plan to accommodate new guidelines throughout a variety of Parkland leagues.

“Kids need social interaction and the opportunity to listen and learn from their coaches. There’s an element of learning outside the classroom that is definitely valuable,” Walker said.

While he maintains the situation is “fluid,” Parkland plans for fall leagues to continue under Broward County guidelines. This includes socially distancing viewers around the field, as well as spreading individual games farther apart across fields.

Local baseball has continued successfully this summer during the pandemic, and Parkland parents proved they were willing to follow all necessary steps to allow their children to compete.

However, if schools choose to reopen classrooms this fall, it may become more of a challenge for sports to continue if cases rise, specifically with indoor contact activities like basketball and wrestling.

What’s so threatening about a potential shutdown isn’t just the loss of everyday structure, but also how young athletes may have to work even harder next year just to return to the level they competed at before their training time was interrupted.

Demi Snyder, a South Florida local and member of the Harvard women’s tennis team, recently received news that all fall sports at her institution would be canceled. The cancellation affects her preseason training while she awaits a decision for the 2021 spring season.

“Because we missed our last season due to the pandemic, I may only get two seasons with my team to represent my school. After putting so many hours into my sport, it’s hard to know I might not play my first tennis season until I am a junior. It’s tough because there’s no one to blame. It’s just the situation that we’ve been dealt.”

As the future of sports has been threatened indefinitely, it remains important to listen to the voices of our sports community, who all convey their determination and willingness to adapt during tough circumstances.

So long as our community is willing to listen and propose new solutions, athletes this fall can be given the opportunity to prove they are capable of tremendous endurance, beyond the physical feat of passing home base.

 

By Madison Smith

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CORAL SPRINGS COMMISSION

It has been six months since Florida had its first official reported case of COVID-19 and since then we have seen cases increase to over half a million. As summer comes to a close, we look towards the remaining months of 2020 and are hopeful that through science, medicine, and proper hygiene we will soon resume some sense of normalcy.

We recognize that during times of great adversity, it is imperative to reflect on the past to realize that this too will pass. September serves as a historic reminder of hope. As a nation, we have overcome challenges by leaning on personal responsibility, unity, and hard work. We must apply these qualities to solve and overcome our current hardships.

Personal responsibility. We must emphasize the power in personal responsibility as this is the most critical action taken to overcome the difficulties we are faced with today. The responsibility you have to ensure your safety, health, and wellbeing are actions that will protect you and your loved ones. In addition, it will help protect doctors, nurses, first responders, essential workers, all others on the frontlines, and local businesses. Do your part, wear your mask when in public, and practice safe social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Unity. Nineteen years ago, unity was essential after our nation and its people were attacked on September 11, 2001. We must honor, remember, and never forget the lives we lost on that day, as well as the families they held dear. As one American family, we must come together in service and remembrance that we must never let others divide our nation. The city will host its annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, albeit virtually, at the September 11th Memorial located at the Northwest Regional Library. Details for times and speakers will be located on our website, coralsprings.org.

Hard work. On September 7th we honor and recognize the hard work and contributions of laborers across our country as we celebrate Labor Day. The COVID-19 crisis has made us truly recognize the value of hard-working Americans. We honor, thank, and appreciate every hard-working woman and man that make Coral Springs, the best city to live, work, and raise a family.

On September 15th we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, a month that pays tribute to the positive influences, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. Their history, culture, and successes undeniably enrich our nation and society. Make sure to commemorate this national month by thanking and appreciating Hispanic Americans in our city. We will be featuring city staff and sharing their stories of Hispanic pride on our social media platforms.

Stay tuned and up to date by visiting coralsprings.org, following our social media accounts, and texting the keyword CORALSPRINGS to 888-777 for important updates.

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Commissioner Michael Udine (3rd District, Broward County)

Summer is officially over, and we are heading into a fall season unlike any before. Broward County has many services available for residents during these uncertain times. Utilize the virtual library or classes through Broward County Libraries, enjoy the outdoors at our Broward County Parks or check out the online events hosted by Broward County’s Cultural Division. Resources are available today for you! In September there are several important deadlines to keep in mind.

The deadlines to complete the 2020 Census and register to vote in the general election are as follows:
Census: September 30th
Register to Vote: October 5th

Being counted in the Census is important to District 3, and your local community. Federal funding for hospitals, schools, infrastructure, and many other services are all determined by the Census. It is quick, safe, easy to fill out, and can be done by visiting Census.gov or calling 844-330-2020. Likewise, registering to vote is the only way you can participate fully in our democracy, and in the upcoming General Election in November. Check out BrowardSOE.org for more information. No matter who or what you support, everyone should have their voices heard on the issues important to you!

Do you have a small business in need of a CARES Act loan? The South Florida Regional Planning Council is administering over $5,000,000 in Economic Development Administration CARES Act Recovery Assistance. Applicants can apply at CARESActRLF. org, and check out information as it comes available. Small businesses, Sole-Proprietors, and 501(c)(3) organizations located within Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, or Monroe County are eligible.

During September we recognize National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Mental health conditions can affect anyone and too often those who are struggling do not receive the support they need. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to Broward County’s suicide prevention helpline by dialing 211. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, and getting assistance is always confidential. During these trying times, #Let’sTalk and continue to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. It’s important to know you are supported by our community, and we are here for you no matter what.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day. Additionally, for all who celebrate, I would like to wish you and your family a happy Rosh Hashanah and blessed Yom Kippur. While we may not be able to gather with family, friends, and our community like in previous years, I hope that you have a special holiday.

• Email: mudine@broward.org
• Phone: (954)357-7003
• Facebook: @CommissionerMichaelUdine
• Twitter and Instagram: @MichaelUdine

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Disinfecting in the age of coronavirus

  • Proper cleaning and disinfection are now more important than ever. COVID-19 has caused people to reevaluate the effectiveness and frequency of their cleaning procedures.

It is important to note that cleaning a surface – simply removing dirt and particles – is not the same as disinfecting it to kill viruses
and bacteria. And while cleaning high-traffic surfaces to remove contaminants and debris is critical, you still need to disinfect those surfaces.

Choosing the right products

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has compiled a list of disinfectant products that have been proved effective against COVID-19, including ready-to-use sprays, concentrates, and wipes. The list (published on www.epa.gov) also provides the contact time that is required to effectively kill viruses.

Selecting the right method

While using effective products is key, it is equally important to follow the proper techniques to thoroughly disinfect both hard and soft surfaces. As a result, many are turning to the use of disinfecting services to ensure the safety of their families and staff as well as their own personal safety. Before hiring a company, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure you are getting the most effective method with proven kill claims.

There are three common types of disinfecting services:

Spray/wipe methods

This standard method utilizes trigger sprays and disinfectant wipes like Lysol, Clorox, and soapy water and vinegar. The EPA advises letting the solution sit and remain wet on surfaces or objects for at least 10 minutes in order to kill 99.9 percent of germs.

This method is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and provides the least consistent coverage. It is also difficult to obtain complete coverage underneath tables, chairs, and shelves and soft surfaces like upholstery, carpets, and drapes.

Misters/fogging

This method involves saturating an area with a fine mist of disinfectant solution that deposits on surfaces based on the direction of spray and the effect of gravity. After treatment, it takes approximately one to two hours for the mist to dissipate and the air in the room to return to breathable levels.

Fogging can be highly effective; however, it is critical that the person performing the service is a trained professional that delivers absolute and even coverage of all surfaces.

Electrostatic

This method applies an electric charge to a solution to create a 3-D wrapping effect. Because the particles in the spray are positively charged, it allows the disinfectant solution to wrap around and evenly coat both hard and soft surfaces for complete coverage from top to bottom. The result is a uniform coating of sanitizer or disinfectant on sprayed objects, including hard-to-reach areas that other methods miss.

Electrostatic sprayers can cover a large area in minutes, and people can enter the room within five to ten minutes after service is completed.

Safety compliance regulations

As businesses re-open their doors, they now have new responsibilities and requirements to ensure they are complying with COVID-19 safety regulations, which includes providing a disinfected and safe environment for employees and customers.

Health and wellness companies like LiveWell 1440 (www.livewell1440.com) in Fort Lauderdale are available to guide business owners through the myriad of safety requirements to make sure they comply with the orders and avoid citations or shutdowns.

Regardless of the method you choose, routine cleaning and disinfecting are a necessary part of reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Using the CDC’s recommended best practices and maintaining safe daily habits will help reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and keep the community safer.

 

By Spiro Edgos

Spiro Edgos is the owner and operator of The Bin Doctor located
in Coral Springs. The Bin Doctor provides commercial and
residential interior disinfecting services as well as dumpster and
bin sanitizing services. Visit bindoctorUSA.com to learn more.

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PETTALK: OK, who’s the stupid one now?

To my wife, I am probably getting a little judgy, but I literally had a Clint Eastwood moment from Gran Torino when he tells everyone to “get off my lawn.” To better explain, I was walking on Juno Beach and maintaining a 6-foot social distance as my wife and I walked on the sidewalk along the road. It was one of those days that said it was 88 degrees but the RealFeel index said 107. We brought water and, probably every 1⁄4 mile, there was a shower under which we kept wetting our baseball caps.

It was nice to be outside and see something other than the same houses on the block, then we heard someone behind us, but could not see him. He had one of those booming voices. I knew he was from New York from the accent and it took nearly 30 minutes for him to catch up to us. There he was, wearing a t-shirt without sleeves, a Yankees hat, mirrored sunglasses, and walking a 6-month old Boxer pup. Over the thirty minutes it took him to catch up to us, I heard about his life, his girlfriend, his frustration with the pandemic, and the stupid dog he bought. It wasn’t until he was close enough that I realized it was a puppy.

When Mr. Yankee was right behind us, I could see that the puppy was thirsty. He was hyper salivating, and when he walked by the showers you could see him try to lick the puddles on the sidewalk, but Mr. Yankee pulled on the leash because he was walking and having an intense conversation on his phone. For the next quarter mile, the puppy kept walking on the grass and Mr. Yankee pulled him back on the pavement making comments on his phone to whomever he was talking to about the puppy being stupid. I made sure that we stayed close. Mr. Yankee was about to walk by the next shower when I stopped and decided to tell him that the puppy was thirsty. Mr. Yankee told me that he didn’t bring a bowl and I told him to cup his hands and fill them with water which he did, and the puppy drank three handfuls of water.

He looked at me and asked me if I was a vet or something.
I told him that I was. He asked me if I could look at his dog’s weird walk. His last dog was a German Shepard and he had to put him to sleep because of hip dysplasia and this puppy never walks straight. I said that I would but I told him that hip dysplasia is a radiographic diagnosis. I asked him what the puppy’s name was and he said it was Aaron, after Aaron Judge, the Yankee superstar. Figures. I watched Aaron walk and he kept getting off the pavement and walking onto the grass. Mr. Yankee kept pulling him onto the sidewalk. This happened multiple times and finally Mr. Yankee stopped and said to my wife and I that this dog either has hip dysplasia, needs extensive training which his German Shepard never needed, or is stupid.

I looked at Mr. Yankee and saw that he was wearing sneakers. I asked him to take off his shoes. He asked me why. I told him it was a training trick. I was so surprised that he listened to me and when he stepped on the pavement, he jumped off the pavement and onto the grass. He told me that it was “f****n hot”. I agreed. Aaron is not stupid he has probably burned his pads and wanted to walk on the grass because it is cooler. He picked up his puppy and saw that the puppy’s pads were raw. It was great watching Mr. Yankee carry Aaron back home.

 

By Dr. Glen Kalick

Posted on

SoFlo BUZZ: New rabbi at Temple Beth Orr

Temple Beth Orr in Coral Springs welcomed its new rabbi July 1.

Rabbi Laura Rappaport’s first service at Temple Beth Orr was held via Zoom on Friday, July 3.

Michael Koss, President of Temple Beth Orr, said that Rabbi Rappaport has been described as “very caring, welcoming, and gets involved with each member of the congregation”.

Rabbi Rappaport served as the Associate Rabbi and Educator at Temple B’nai Shalom in Fairfax, Virginia. She has a background as a pulpit rabbi, a director of congregational learning, a board-certified hospital chaplain, a director of non-profits, an adjunct college faculty member, and the mother of two.

Rabbi Rappaport grew up in rural Northwest New Jersey and received her B.A. in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. She received her M.A.H.L. and rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (Jerusalem and Cincinnati campuses). She has also completed masters’ level courses in bioethics from Rush University and University of Washington and doctoral level courses in Jewish studies from Spertus College in Chicago.

Rabbi Rappaport is immensely proud of her two daughters, Tanya and Rosa. Tanya is a registered dietician, working for a non-profit in Seattle. Rosa is an environmental resource engineer, currently living in Tel Aviv. Rabbi Rappaport enjoys running/working out, indie/alternative music, listening to The Moth and This American Life, hiking, and occasionally playing the hammered dulcimer.

Temple Beth Orr is a multi-generational and multi-ethnic community, made up of singles, couples, interfaith, and gay and lesbian families. It is located at 2151 Riverside Drive, Coral Springs.

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