SoFlo BUZZ: Coral Springs names MLK scholarship recipients

The City of Coral Springs MLK Committee, in partnership with the Coral Springs Community Chest, has announced the 18 high school seniors who were awarded scholarship funds for the 2020-2021 academic year.

“The 18 individuals exemplify and embody the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings on peace, racial harmony, community service, and bettering the lives of others,” the committee explained.

2020 MLK scholarship recipients

J.P. Taravella High School: Fabian Landino – in honor of Walter “Skip” Campbell; Boaz Levy – in honor of Walter “Skip” Campbell.

Coral Springs High School: Johann Cifuentes – in honor of Walter “Skip” Campbell; Maham Khan; Zenique Reynolds; Isabella Alfano; Nicole Sanhueza; Dorien King; Tiffany Persaud; Kanksha Parikh.

Coral Glades High School: Cheyenne Levine
Coral Springs Charter School: Gardy Belot; Gianna Rodriguez; Isabella Zolla.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School: Katherine Sharrouf; Mariana Lopez; Daniela Guere; Zareyah Simpson

CORAL SPRINGS COMMISSION

During the last several months, so much has taken place in our nation, state, and here locally in Coral Springs. We never imagined we would approach our “Back to School” season and still face COVID-19 as a global health issue; yet, here we are.

We are stepping into August with an unfortunate rise in positive cases in the State of Florida; these numbers showcase how critical it is for residents and businesses to comply with Emergency Orders in order to mitigate the spread of this virus. We remind the community to follow CDC guidelines, stay informed with all Broward County Emergency Orders, and be vigilant when leaving your homes.

Mark your calendars because the primary election in Florida is on August 18th! As citizens of the land of the free, it is our duty to safeguard our democracy and express our right to vote. If you are not a registered voter, you may still register to vote for the general election and can do so online at www. RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov. For more information visit www. browardsoe.org.

The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season is expected to be busier than in previous years. It is important for our community to be prepared beforehand to stay safe. Here are tips to ensure you and your family are prepared for this year’s hurricane season:

  • Make an emergency plan that includes your evacuation zone and make sure all members of your household know and understand the hurricane plan.
  • Gather supplies ahead of time including medication, disinfectant supplies, cloth face coverings, pet supplies, and anything else you consider to be essential.
  • Strengthen your home by decluttering drains and gutters, bring the outside furniture inside, and consider investing in hurricane shutters.

For more details on how to properly prepare for hurricanes, please visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

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

Our August Commission Meeting will take place virtually on August 5 at 9 a.m., and August 19 at 6:30 p.m.; residents are invited to watch and offer public comment. 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.

As always, if you would like to schedule an appointment with any of your City Officials, please call 954- 344- 5911.

SoFlo BUZZ: Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department recognized again

The Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department is among 348 departments nationwide rated Public Protection Classification (PPC) ISO Class 1.

The PPC program is known to help communities prepare to fight fires effectively through the community’s investment in fire mitigation.

The ISO expert staff analyzes the data collected regarding municipal fire protection efforts in communities and assigns a Public Protection Classification on a scale of 1-10. Superior property fire protection
is classified as Class 1. The classification generally determines the price of fire insurance in a community – the better the rating the lower the price, assuming all other factors are equal.

SoFlo BUZZ: Area seventh-grader wins second place in state essay contest

Isabella Renert, a seventh-grade student at Coral Springs Middle School, has won second place in the Florida League of Cities “If I Were Mayor” essay contest.

Her essay was among 291 submitted state wide. The first place winner was Rithika Shankar from River City Science Academy Mandarin in Jacksonville.

“I am extremely proud of Isabella,” said Bettania Opthof, Isabella’s 7th Grade Teacher. “This young lady is every teacher’s dream student.

“To say that she is highly gifted is undeniable, but what makes her truly special is her kind heart and love of family, friends, and community. With future leaders like Isabella, I feel confident that our great country will be in good hands.”

Isabella’s essay began, “If I were mayor for a day, I would help the homeless, make sure the city is clean, and make sure the schools are safe.”

CORAL SPRINGS COMMISSION

When we started the year, no one knew what 2020 would bring to our nation, our state, or our city. One thing is for certain – this has been an unprecedented year, and the challenges we face are not over yet.

This year, we struggled with the global impacts COVID-19 has had on our health and economy, we have experienced the disappointment of missed milestone celebrations and the grief of losing so many lives as a result of the Coronavirus. We then saw a nation in turmoil, with anger and frustration turning to protest against police brutality as a result of the death of George Floyd, while being placed under arrest in Minnesota.

While this year has been challenging, we also saw our community come together to assist others. Through weekly food distribution events, we provided groceries to nearly 6,000 families. We launched a Give Where You Live Campaign in partnership with the Coral Springs Community Chest to assist struggling families. And, our Economic Development Office launched a grant program, connecting businesses to grants and loans totaling more than $1 million.

When faced with adversity, as citizens we need to remember the very foundation our nation was built upon, freedom. Freedom of speech and the freedom to exercise your right to vote! We urge our residents, especially our young adults, to register to vote and cast their ballots in the upcoming elections in August and November. Also, we remind residents that much of the federal funding we receive for hospitals and schools are a result of the numbers provided by the census. So remember, Coral Springs Counts, please complete your 2020 Census.

All of us who work for the City of Coral Springs are public servants who strive to find solutions to our problems. One of those is the reimagining of events during the COVID-19 pandemic. For Memorial Day, we proudly hosted a virtual ceremony to honor the men and women who lost their lives in service to our nation. As we approach July 4th, one of our greatest traditions is the fireworks display at Mullins Park. Due to social distancing, that event is not possible, so we came up with a new way to honor our nation’s independence, while promoting community spirit.

We invite our residents and businesses to join our Wave & Drive By Parade on July 4th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Festively decorated city vehicles representing each department will visit all of our Coral Springs communities. We will be providing a timeline of arrival so residents can enjoy the parade from their driveways and front lawns. Remember to wave your flags as we pass by. Visit our website for more details and route information, www.coralsprings.org/events.

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

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

Dear Friends!

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a tremendous impact on our daily lives. The public health and economic toll of the virus has been devastating to many residents of South Florida – some even more than others. As we move toward a sense of normalcy, we must remember to look out for one another.

This unprecedented moment in history has renewed our focus on helping one another and solidified our sense of community. Throughout this crisis, I have seen many members of our community answer the call to help others. These heroes, including frontline workers, non-profits, local businesses, and everyday citizens, have displayed tremendous amounts of selflessness and devotion to our community during difficult times. While we must continue to be cautious of renewed outbreaks and be prepared for future challenges, we must continue to stand united as a community to protect the safety and livelihood of our neighbors and friends.

During challenging times, we have shown the potential to unite for a greater cause. As we celebrate the 244th anniversary of our country, let us reflect on the promise of a united nation that strives for freedom and equality.

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office if we can be of assistance.

Warm Regards

Zoom into Coral Springs art camps

 

The Coral Springs Museum of Art kicked off this summer with a digital camp program,“Zoom into the Studio,”which began June 15, and continues through August 14.

Artists ages 6 to 17 will be able to explore a number of studio art classes online on Zoom, where they will meet children with similar interests, and have fun developing their artistic skills in an interactive and engaging atmosphere.

Ninety-minute classes run Monday through Friday. Fees for members range from $54 to $60, with a $5 sibling discount. For registration information, visit museuminfo@coralsprings.org. Upcoming week-long classes include:

JULY 6 – 10

AGES 6 – 9
Pop Art

Instructor: Deborah Gregg

Young artists will jump right into designing colorful POP art pieces inspired by everyday images and comic books.

 

AGES 9+
Comic Book Design

Instructor: Cory Laub

Young artists will learn the finer points of designing comics, including character design, drawing techniques, and plot development. A lively discussion on the history
of comic books and their characters add to the fun.

AGES 12+
Teen Drawing

Instructor:Deborah Fletcher

Young artists will begin mastering techniques of drawing by adding dimension, value, and structure to their work.

JULY 13 – 17

AGES 6 – 9
Life Under the Sea

Instructor: Isabel Perez

This class allows young artists to experiment with different paper and painting techniques. They will learn about color, composition, texture and shapes, all while exploring life under the sea.

AGES 9+
Exploring Watercolor

Instructor: Pamela Keen

Learn about color, composition, texture and shapes in this out of the ordinary watercolor design class. Artists have fun experimenting with paint to make their own masterpiece. Demonstrations, classroom time for Q & A, and individual interaction will help you create beautiful paintings.

 

JULY 20 – 24

AGES 6–9

Art Around the World

Instructor: Deborah Gregg

Young artists will become world travelers as they learn about different cultures and their art. Throughout the week they will explore a variety of techniques and materials as they take a virtual trip to different destinations around the globe.

AGES 9+
Chibi Character Art

Instructor: Simone Spade

Young artists will learn how to create their own “chibi” character and critter using different art techniques like drawing and watercolor.

AGES 12+
Teen Creative Storytelling

Instructor: Cory Laub

In this class young artists
will learn the multiple ways
in which stories can be told. They will read and discuss short stories, create written work of their own, and learn how to adapt those stories into visual media like comics or movies. They will learn the basics of building a writing outline and plotting a story, the important differences between a prose story and a film or TV script, and what needs to be considered when creating a visual storyboard.

AGES 12+
Sketching Animals

Instructor: Simone Spade

Young artists will learn to properly sketch and complete drawings of animals in this exciting class. Young artists will learn how to properly map out proportions of animals and add details to their drawings in their own creative way.

JULY 27 – 31

AGES 6 – 9
The Wild Things

Instructor: Simone Spade

Young artists will take a walk on the wild side as they master the basics of creating animals using pencil and paint, while also exploring the natural world with a different type of animal featured each day.

AGES 9+
Cartooning

Instructor: Cory Laub

In this class young artists will learn how to draw popular cartoon characters step-by- step. They will practice cartoon drawing techniques and learn about anatomy, perspective, movement, how to create their own characters, and world- building philosophies.

AGES 12+
Teen Painting

Instructor: Simone Spade

This class is all about the exploration of painting. Young artists will enjoy learning different step-by-step skills of completing a work of art where both drawing and painting techniques will be covered.

AUGUST 3–7

AGES6–9
Art Studio

Instructor: Isabel Perez

This class is perfect for the budding artist. During this fun and exciting class the young artist will explore all things drawing and painting. They will be encouraged to use their imaginations as they discover their inherent talent.

 

AGES 9+
Art of the Animal

Instructor: Deborah Fletcher

This fun class will help young artists master the basics
of drawing animals as they explore the creative side of
the natural world and develop skills of bringing their creations to life.

AGES 12+
Painting Illustrations

Instructor: Pamela Keen

Explore the world of painting illustrations. Learn how to convert ideas drawn from various sources of texts into stunning, illustrative watercolor paintings.

AUGUST 10 – 14

AGES 6-9
Multicultural Art

Instructor: Isabel Perez

Young artists will spend the week creating art inspired by different cultures, while also learning about different traditions used to make art around the world.

AGES 9+
Exploring Watercolors

Instructor: Pamela Keen

Learn about color, composition, texture, and shapes in this out of the ordinary watercolor design class. Artists have fun experimenting with paint to make their own masterpiece. Demonstrations, classroom time for Q & A, and individual interaction will help you create beautiful paintings.

 

AGES 12+
Teen Drawing

Instructor: Isabel Perez

Young artists will begin mastering techniques of drawing by adding dimension, value, and structure to their work.

Commissioner Michael Udine (3rd District, Broward County)

It has been a long winter/ spring due to the pandemic, and now Broward is getting

used to its new normal. Businesses are taking the appropriate measures to

welcome customers back. Summer camps are opening, sports leagues are restarting, and pro sports are resuming under strict protocols. All our efforts are being made to get everyone back to our daily routines. Get out and experience all that our community has to offer this summer.

This year’s Teen Political Forum, hosted by the City of Coral Springs, utilized Zoom to connect Northwest Broward’s young people with community leaders. Participation in the event was exceptional, and the questions asked ranged from updates on county projects to questions about the direction of the country. This event provides students with a way to apply the civics lessons learned in school with their real-world application. I value hearing the opinions of these young leaders and look forward to seeing them as they grow and bring new ideas forward for our community.

I am proud to support the Broward Arts Relief Supplemental Grant Program to distribute bridge funds to non-profit arts programs. These funds allow the community to continue
to enjoy the arts and protects the great people that work at the various venues. Funds come from license plate fees on vanity plates that support the arts. Whether a museum, a local theater, or a musical ensemble, we are aiding these important organizations of our community during this critical time. Grants are awarded to those partners who have applied under strict parameters based on need for these one-time funds.

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is ready for takeoff, but with a new look and safety precautions to protect travelers. Since the pandemic FLL has instituted its “FLLy Safer, FLLy Smarter, FLLy Better” campaign. When
you visit you will notice new acrylic shields protecting both passengers and gate agents, space markers to promote social distancing, and continuous deep cleaning of high traffic areas throughout the day. All these precautions are meant to help get the public back in the air safely. As flights continue to be added and people feel more comfortable flying, we look forward to seeing you at FLL!

As we return to a new normal this summer please join me by utilizing our wonderful parks and beaches throughout Broward County. Go fishing, sit on the beach, or have a cookout with family. Enjoy life! Have a great 4th of July as we celebrate our nation’s independence.

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

Fourth of July Fun

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By David Volz

The Fourth of July is a time when people get together to honor the nation, spend time with family and friends and to watch fireworks.

Parkland Mayor Michael Udine said he enjoys the Fourth of July. “It is a great celebration of American Independence and a nice holiday.”

Coral Springs Commissioner Larry Vignola said, “We celebrate our independence in on the Fourth of July. Coral Springs will have the best and safest fireworks show. We want people to come to Mullins Park and have a good time and be safe,” he said.

Coral Springs will be offering a large family event at Mullins Park from 6to 9pm. During the early evening, people will be able to enjoy some family time at the park. There will be food trucks and an interactive disc jockey. There will be inflatable slides and a bounce house. Civic organizations will offer hamburgers, funnel cakes and other treats. At 9pm there will be a big fireworks display.

“This is an event that families truly enjoy. We get a big crowd. People should bring blankets and chairs. We are hoping for good weather,” said Joan Dowling, superintendent of the Coral Springs recreation department.

Pompano Beach will celebrate the Fourth of July with live music, featuring Chain Reaction, a Journey Tribute Band. The party starts at 6pm followed by a live DJ and fireworks at 9pm. It will take place at the Pompano Beach Fishing Pier and Public Beach.

Tamarac will host a Fourth July All American Celebration at the Tamarac Sports Complex at 9901 Northwest 77th Street. There will live music by the Free Radicals. There will be food trucks on site and a kid’s area with face painting, inflatable rides, interactive games and arts and crafts. The fun starts at 6 pm with fireworks at 9pm.

Boca Raton will hold a Fabulous Fourth Celebration at 1000 Northwest Spanish River Boulevard at the Spanish River Athletic Facility at Countess deHoernle Park. It will start at 6:30pm with family activities, a live band at 7pm and fireworks at 9 pm.

The City of Parkland does not have a fireworks display or family event on the Fourth of July. Udine encourages residents to attend one of the nearby city’s fireworks displays.

CoralSpringsJuly42011

 

The Fourth of July celebrates the legal separation of the original 13 colonies of the United States from Great Britain during the American Revolution. The actual separation took place on July 2, 1776 when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia declaring the United States independent from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence explained this decision and Thomas Jefferson was the main author. This document was approved on July 4 after Congress debated it and made some revisions. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin wrote that they signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, however most historians believe the Declaration of Independence was actually signed on August 2, 1776, according to Wikipedia.

The Fourth of July also known as Independence Day is a federal holiday. It is also a major summer holiday when many people have family barbecues and enjoy evening fireworks displays. Most of the events take place outdoors. Community leaders will often appear at Fourth of July events and praise the United States and its citizens.