masks Archives -

March 1, 2021February 22, 2021

Parkland Vice Mayor Bob Mayersohn

The month of March is usually the time when we think about springing
forward as daylight savings time commences giving us an extra hour of sunshine. Spring centers around “Spring Cleaning,” “Spring Break,” and the religious holidays of Passover and Easter, which symbolize hope and renewal.

This year, however, March will be different for all of us as it is marked by the anniversary of the first reported COVID-19 case in Florida. Some have called it the “COVID Crisis,” while others call it the “COVID Catalyst.” Whatever lens you look through, the impacts of the virus have been devastating on the health and well-being of our families, our educational system, and our local economy. Yet, we need to be thankful and applaud the painstaking efforts of our frontline health care workers, first responders, educational professionals, and all those essential workers who were and still are critical to help us adapt to mitigate the crisis and create innovative opportunities.

As we strive for “herd immunity,” the work to distribute and administer the vaccines is an indication of hope. Yet, we still must be vigilant in preventing the spread by wearing our masks, social distancing, and washing our hands. For COVID-19 updates and resources, please visit our website at https://www.cityofparkland.org/coronavirus.

On a positive note, this month we are bringing back some of our extremely popular events such as Eats n’ Beats on March 13th and Movies in the Park on March 26th. We still have our incredible Farmers’ Market on March 7th, which will showcase our community awareness and business expo. On March 21st we include our health and wellness vendors.

Not to go unnoticed, March is also Women’s History Month. This is a time we reflect on the often-overlooked contribution of women to United States History and the City of Parkland.

Our City Commission meetings this month will be on Wednesday, March 3rd and March 17th starting at 7pm. You can see our agendas at https://www.cityofparkland.org/cc. and watch our meetings livestream at https://www.cityofparkland. org/1304/Live-City-Commission-Meetings.

Finally, I want to thank Mayor Walker for passing the pen to provide me the opportunity to be a guest contributor this month. Thank you, Mayor.

February 5, 2021January 25, 2021

Marjory Stoneman Douglas memorial events

February 12
Day of Service and Love

Only students and staff will be allowed on the grounds. It will be very similar to years past. This year’s seniors were freshmen when the shooting occurred on Valentine’s Day, 2018. There will be community service and campus projects, including campus beautification of Marjory’s Garden at the back of the school. There will also be a first responder’s breakfast.

February 14
Spreading The Love

10 a.m. to 5 p.m, Eagles’ Haven Wellness Center, 5655 Coral Ridge Dr.,Coral Springs.

Events will be outside in the parking lot, socially distanced. Masks are mandatory. Events will be centered on healing and “spreading the love” within the community. There will be arts and crafts, such as rock painting for the MSD Rock Garden, along with therapeutic activities like meditation and yoga. The families and community will have a space for grieving and remembering, with a candle lighting ceremony and benches. All clinicians will be present for individual counseling should the need arise. At the end of the day there will be a healing circle before transitioning to Pine Trails Park where the City of Parkland’s events will take place.

Pine Trails Park, 10555 Trails End, Parkland

The City of Parkland’s planned events will begin at 5:30 p.m. by the amphitheater. Social distancing and masks will be required. In lieu of an in-person service project as part of the Community Commemoration event, the City has collaborated with Food for the Poor on a fundraiser to build a home in an impoverished area of Honduras.

Therapists and the very popular therapy dogs from Canine Assisted Therapy will be available. 17 Memory Boards will be set up for people to write messages, with volunteers standing by to sanitize the permanent markers.

Spiritual Leaders will be taking the stage at 6 p.m., followed by a video presentation that focuses on the memory of the 17 people lost in the tragedy.

Virtual events
Run 4 Beigel – 5k Run/Walk
February 6 – February 14, 2021
https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Parkland/Run4Beigel

NSU – 3 Years Later #MSDStrong
12 p.m., February 12
https://www.nova.edu/alumni/events/index.html

Make Our Schools Safe – #LIVEFORALYSSA Benefit
7 to 8:30 p.m. February 11
https://makeourschoolssafe.org/2nd-annual-live-for-alyssa-benefit/

Chris Hixon Memorial 5k Run/Walk
February 20, 2021
https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Hollywood/ChrisHixonMemorialRun

December 9, 2020December 2, 2020

Delray mom writes kids book on wearing masks

Delray Beach resident Shannon Q. McDonald, a mom of two young children, wanted to find a way to tell her kids about face masks in kid-friendly language, while also making them laugh at the same time.

To do so, she wrote Remember to Smile, a children’s picture book for kids ages 2-6 years old that describes and illustrates different styles of masks and when to wear them.

“I have a 3- and 5-year-old, and as a parent, I look for ways to explain some of the new COVID-related realities they are seeing in an age-appropriate way,” McDonald says. “I wanted something that was fun, but still carried a message about one of the most visual changes they are encountering in schools and daycares – face masks.”

As more and more places require masks, and young children have to experience so many new, confusing, and sometimes scary things, Remember to Smile adds playfulness and laughs around masks. With the help of some giggles and an adorable wiener dog based on the author’s family pup, Remember to Smile will help children become more comfortable with the idea of face masks, and encourage them to keep smiling, even if it has to be hidden from sight at times.

“Things look a bit different these days as we go out and about, especially for those little ones that are attending daycare or school this Fall,” McDonald said. “As our kids start to see and wear masks, it can be somewhat confusing. I hope that regardless of the various viewpoints about mask-wearing right now, people understand that this is a reality for our children. The most helpful thing we can do as parents is helping them to feel more comfortable and at ease when seeing anyone wearing them.”

The book is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon as a paperback, hardcover or e-book.

June 26, 2020July 15, 2020

Top 5 Advice for Wearing Masks for an extended period

It has now been a few months since most of us first laid hands on our masks. During the lockdown, they were used while we ventured out to Publix, and to other stores that were still open. Now as we have a wider range of activities to draw us out of our homes, the use of masks is increasing.

Masks were not initially designed for continual use. Now, with more and more activity, and COVID-19 still a threat, work environments are mandating masks. A lot of folks are facing 8 hrs or more of mask use. It is a challenge to keep a mask on for a whole day, so we want to share some of the top advice regarding mask use:

Protect your Ears

Masks that hook around your ears are now a common sight around the community. The ear hooks eventually irritate the back of your ear after using it for a couple hours; you can relieve this by getting a mask with straps that tie behind your head vs your ears, or with a single tie behind the head. You can also get ear guards that will protect your ears.

Comfort

Now that you have protected the back of your ears, it’s time to consider the materials of which the mask is made of; polyester and synthetic material traps more heat vs cotton. The N95 masks are typically made with thin synthetic fibers, but may not be as comfortable as a cotton mask. Other moisture can also get trapped behind the masks, so one suggestion is to put a tissue on your nose behind the mask, it may help with some irritation. If you feel suffocated with your mask, you can try mints or chewing gum, as they will help regulate your breathing.

Also, try out your masks at home before you use them for an extended period of time. This will help you figure out the more painful areas and give you a chance to address it.

Make it Smell Better

You will be spending a bit of time with your mask when you venture out. So, if you are sensitive to smells, consider using Menthols, or scented antibacterial sprays inside your mask. These will give it a pleasant smell, and reduce germs accumulating inside your mask. You may also consider a few drops of essential oils. For example, lavender oil is used to relieve anxiety; peppermint may help with mental focus; eucalyptus will help open your lungs, and bergamot has antioxidant properties, and can be a herbal option to ward off germs.

Foggy Glasses

For the 64% of Americans wearing glasses, especially in the South Florida humidity, foggy glasses are another annoyance you will face with masks. First, make sure you have a tight fit on top of the mask. If you have a metal strip in your mask, make sure it sits snugly on your nose and skin. You can also try to wear your glasses lower, and thus down your nose. For masks that tie behind the head, criss-crossing the straps can also be used to keep the fabric pressed closely against your face.

Style

Since you are already customizing your masks to make them more comfortable, you might as well personalize it with your style. The choice of masks now is ever expanding, and you can get them custom made for you. You can choose a different mask based on your mood or outfit.

In Closing

Living with a mask on your face is now a part of everyone’s daily routine, you might as well try to make it as comfortable as possible. There are masks for every purpose and occasion, so get a few styles and use them based on your activities.

Personally, I enjoy taking mask breaks when I can, but please wear a mask when you can not be socially distant in public. You are protecting me by wearing a mask, and I am protecting you by wearing mine.

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