Spring 2011 - City of Plantation

Plantation
AN OFFICIAL CITY OF PLANTATION PUBLICATION
Spring
2011
Quarterly
Then & Now
A look at
Plantation’s
history

PLANTATION:
Then & Now Exhibit
AT THE PLANTATION HISTORICAL MUSEUM
March 4 – July 2
Don’t miss this new and exciting exhibit featuring the City of
Plantation past and present; photos of Plantation, early
residents, buildings, neighborhoods, parks, businesses,
groups and organizations, artifacts and articles of
historical significance.
Plantation Historical Museum
511 North Fig Tree Lane, Plantation, FL 33317
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 954-797-2722.
Arts of Plantation
A Cultural Arts Celebration
BRING YOUR FAMILY! v BRING YOUR FRIENDS!
Thursday, May 12 v 6:30 P.M. – 8:30 P.M.
Plantation Library & Historical Museum Campus
501 North Fig Tree Lane
v An enchanting
evening of family
entertainment
v Entertaining &
Creative
Performances
v Historical Displays
v Children’s
Puppeteer Show
v Refreshments
P
R
Poetry Under the Stars
Thursday P April 7
R
Teddy
Bear
Picnic
at the Helen B. Hoffman
Bring your teddy bear.
Bring your lunch & a blanket or chair.
Bring Grandma, Mommy or Daddy and
Come have a picnic!
X Animated Storytelling where
children become part of the show!
X Teddy Bear Parade
X Puppeteers Puppet Show
X Refreshments
ADMISSION IS FREE– JOIN US!
7:00 P.M.
Plantation Library
Saturday X May 7
11:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.
HELEN B. HOFFMAN PLANTATION LIBRARY
501 NORTH FIG TREE LANE
Come read your original poetry or
a selection from your favorite poet.
All ages are welcome to participate
or just come listen. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.
COME ENJOY AN EVENING OF POETRY
P

MAYOR
Rae Carole Armstrong
CITY COUNCIL
Jerry Fadgen, President
Sharon Moody Uria, President Pro Tem
Diane Veltri Bendekovic
Dr. Robert A. Levy
Peter S. Tingom
Table
City of Plantation
400 NW 73rd Avenue Plantation, FL 33317
954-797-2200
www.Plantation.org
AskCityHall@Plantation.org
OF CONTENTS
Helen B. Hoffman Library: Then & Now 4
CITY DEPARTMENTS
Daniel Keefe, Assistant to the Mayor
Diana Berchielli, Landscape Architecture Director
Hank Breitenkam, Utilities Director
Brett Butler, City Engineer
Robert Castro, Information Technology Director
Frank DeCelles, Public Works Director
Danny Ezzeddine, Design & Constr. Mgmt. Director
Joe Harris, Fire Chief
Howard Harrison, Police Chief
Herbert Herriman, Financial Serv. Director
Monika Knapp, Library Director
Laurence Leeds, Planning, Zoning & Econ. Dev. Director
Margie Moale, Human Resources Director
James Romano, Parks & Recreation Director
Jeff Sabouri, Building Director
Susan Slattery, City Clerk
SPECIAL FEATURE – Plantation: Then & Now 5
Green Day Environmental Expo 6
Public Safety: Police & Fire 6, 7
Tree of the Quarter 8
Mosaic Theatre 8
Plant Awards: Then & Now 9
@ the Library 10
Grants & Sponsorships 10
Parks & Recreation Director’s Corner 11
Summer Camp & Recreation Classes 11
Building & Zoning: Then & Now 12
Plantation Receives National Recognition 13
Mayor’s Business Visit Recap 14
Recycle Info 15
Bulk Pickup Schedule 15
PLANTATION QUARTERLY
and RECREATION QUARTERLY STAFF
Susan DiLaura, Editor
Ginette Fogel, Graphic Designer
Ken Boyce, Recreation Editor
Cheryl Greenberg, Assistant Recreation Editor
Plantation Quarterly is printed on recycled paper.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE.
ON THE COVER: PLANTATION FIRE RESCUE - THEN & NOW
An early photo of the Plantation Fire Department (1957) shows a small
group of devoted volunteers and a single truck. Today, the Department
has grown to over 200 members and has over 20 fire and rescue
vehicles. Pictured are a few members of the Fire Department with
Ladder 62 at Station #3.
For City of Plantation publications in alternative format, please contact the Purchasing
Division at 954-797-2648. The City of Plantation will provide reasonable accommodations
for disabled individuals requesting special assistance in order to attend or participate in
City functions. Request for assistance must be made to the Office of the City Clerk at
954-797-2236 at least five calendar days prior to the meeting (three calendar days
prior to a City Council meeting).

LIBRARY
THEN & NOW
THE HELEN B. HOFFMAN PLANTATION LIBRARY
“THE PICTURE LADIES”
In 1976, volunteers from what is now the Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library started “The Picture
Ladies.” They visited classrooms at local elementary schools with copies of art masterpieces from
the Library’s framed print collection. Each school has its own chairman in charge of the group. The
ladies explained the artist’s life and information about the medium, genre and historical period.
Volunteers Alma Blake and Betty Surprenant researched the information and found that approximately
35 Picture Ladies headed out to the local public and private schools from October
through mid-May.
TODAY, the Broward County Public Schools “Meet the Masters” program recruits volunteers
from the community who have an interest in bringing fine art to young people. The trained
volunteers make presentations at participating schools on the lives of the masters in 20-30
minute classroom visits. For more information: www.getinvolvedineducation.com.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALES
The Friends of the Plantation Library formed in December of 1970.
Their first project was a book sale. Residents were asked to donate their
used books. The Library kept some for the collection and the rest were sold
in order to purchase new books. The sale was held at the Towne Mall in
what was soon to be Tom Ritesman’s Plantation Towne Furniture. The
Friends made almost $300 at that first sale. A newspaper clipping from
April of 1971 says 3 copies of Jacqueline Susann’s The Love Machine
were snatched up at $1.50 each as soon as the doors opened.
TODAY, the Friends of the Helen B. Hoffman Plantation hold their
book sales in their own space on the west side of the Library four
days a month to eager buyers who line up at the door waiting to get
in. The store is stocked with hard and soft cover books of all types,
a special “antiquarian” book section, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, games,
greeting cards and more. The book sales are the Friends major
fund-raiser and all funds are donated to the Library to purchase
new materials and fund all special Library events and programs
for adults and children.
2011 BOOK SALES
are the 1st & 3rd Friday & Saturday of each month, all year
HOURS: FRIDAYS ..........9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SATURDAYS....9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
USED BOOK SALES: FEBRUARY TO SEPTEMBER
FEBRUARY 4, 5 &18, 19
MARCH 4, 5 & 18, 19
APRIL 1, 2 & 15, 16
MAY 6, 7 & 20, 21
JUNE 3, 4 & 17, 18
JULY 8, 9 & 22, 23
AUGUST 5,6 & 19, 20
SEPTEMBER 9, 10 & 23, 24
4 Plantation Quarterly Spring 2011

PLANTATION : Then &Now
DATES ARE APPROXIMATE
1959
PLANTATION CITY HALL
1973 NOW
Plantation’s first City Hall was inside a warehouse/feed store. Pictured at above (L to R) is the City Hall facility that was built in 1958 to
house City of Plantation offices and the Plantation Police Department. It was on 5th Street, northeast of where City Hall is today.
In 1973 a new City Hall was built on 73rd Avenue, where it is today. It has been renovated, updated and landscaped since opening in
1973, but still serves as the cornerstone of the City.
FRIENDS OF HELEN B. HOFFMAN
PLANTATION LIBRARY
BRICK ENTRY WAYS
1948
Today, the brick entry way
sign has become a
Plantation trademark. It
marks the boundaries to
the City limits as well as
the entrance to many
neighborhoods.
1965
NOW
Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library opened in the late 1950s.
It was supported by Friends of the Library volunteers, a
dedicated group that is still active today. They host many
events and hold a Used Book Sale two weekends each month.
NOW
INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE
1951
PAL ATHLETICS
NOW
1960 NOW
The first Independence Day Parade
was in 1950, and has become a
City tradition.
The Plantation Athletic League started with
just a few boys’ baseball teams. The first all
Girl teams were formed in the early 1960s.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
1968
NOW
Plantation Quarterly Spring 2011
In 1955, City Council
approved a plan for
professional police
protection. They
purchased one police
car and hired a
professional lawman
to be on call 24
hours a day. Today,
the Plantation Police
Department has a
staff of approximately
322 employees.
Pictured at left are
members of the
Plantation Police
Special Weapons
And Tactics (SWAT)
Team and their
Bearcat vehicle.
5

GREEN Day! PLANT Awards
& Environmental Expo
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Liberty Tree Park, 7421 N.W. 5th Street
A FAMILY FESTIVAL OF EARTH-FRIENDLY PROPORTIONS!
{ Food { Music { Prizes { FUN!
Something for everyone! FREE family outdoor fun!
_ Tree City USA & Growth Awards
_ PLANT Awards
_ Bicycle Environmental Rodeo & Awards
_ Environmental programs
_ Native plants Recycling
_ Smart & sustainable information
_ A ‘Kids Eco-Corner’ with free exhibits and fun crafts!
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 954-797-2246
PLANTATION POLICE DEPARTMENT TEENAGE POLICE ACADEMY
The Plantation Police Department Teenage Police Academy
is offering its eight week course starting March 1, 2011.
This ongoing course is free of charge and open to young
adults, ages 13-18, who live, work or attend school in
Plantation. This program is specially designed for teens
who are interested in a career in law enforcement, and
includes K-9 demonstrations, firearms
instruction, Explorer program info,
crimes scene investigation, participating
in a DUI scenario, gang
awareness and more. The objective of
the course is to create a partnership
between teens and the Police
department and its operations. If you
know a teen who would be interested
in the Teenage Police Academy, or for
more information, please call Lynn or
Katy at 954-916-5601.
FIRE THEN & NOW – A NEW CHAPTER IS WRITTEN
The year was 1957. A handful of community
minded visionaries set a plan in motion that
would help mold Plantation for years to come.
Seventeen men, including future Mayor
Frank Veltri, organized the Plantation
Volunteer Fire Department.
Engine One was stationed in an old
warehouse on a site very close to where
Station One is today, at 5200 West Broward
Boulevard.
Today, Engine One sits in the Plantation
Historical Museum and Station One houses
two engines, a rescue vehicle, and the Dive
Rescue truck.
Today the Department boasts more than
200 active members operating out of six fire
stations with more than 20 pieces of
apparatus making it the largest volunteer fire
department in the State of Florida.
In 1957, its first year of operation, the Fire
Department only ran a handful of calls for
service.
In 2010, the department answered nearly
3,000 fire calls, more than 7,000 rescue calls
and performed more than 6,000 fire inspections.
2010 represented a year of major change
and transition within the Fire
Department. First was the installation of
the new fire chief Joseph Harris, who
replaced, long-time, iconic fire chief
Robert Pudney.
As well as the modernization of
uniforms and upgrading of Fire
Administration, the department added
four Rescue Shift supervisors and
changed its patch to better reflect how
the department operates today.
The new Fire
Department
patch will begin
to appear on
uniforms and
documents over
the next several
months.
Then and Now: The original Engine One on the right, as it
appears today, positioned next to one of the modern Rescue
trucks.
6 Plantation Quarterly Spring 2011

OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2010
DETECTIVE MICHAEL MOBERG
A life long resident of Broward County, Detective Michael Moberg
graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1985 and attended the
University of Florida where he earned a degree in criminology in
1990. Following a professional baseball career with the Montreal
Expos he was hired by the Plantation Police Department in October
1994.
Reclassified to a Police Officer in March 1995, Detective
Moberg’s commitment to excellence was first recognized by his
peers and academy class supervisors when he was selected to
receive the Honor Medallion, a tribute that is reserved for the
outstanding member of the graduating class. Detective Moberg’s
level of commitment to duties have continued ever since.
Detective Moberg is dedicated, approachable and always
available to offer his assistance. He has volunteered for added
duties including SWAT, Rappel Instructor, Less Lethal Weapons
Instructor and Gas Munitions Instructor. In addition to his current
primary responsibilities as a fraud investigator, he has the
additional responsibility as a lead detective on the Major Crimes
Team.
It was Detective Moberg’s initiative in organizing a multi-county
investigation that earned him Officer of the Month in January 2010.
The suspect’s familiarity with fitness centers allowed him the
opportunity to commit burglaries in locker rooms where he
targeted identification and credit cards. The suspect then
committed numerous organized
frauds in the tri-county area. This
investigation resulted in the arrest
of a convicted felon being charged
with an additional 29 felony
charges.
As noted in his personnel files,
Detective Moberg’s accomplishments
have repeatedly reflected a
high level of service to the
Department and community. He has
been the recipient of the Meritorious Service award, the Unit
Citation award, Distinguished Performance award, Broward County
Crime Stoppers award and six previous nominations for Officer of
the Month with five awards. In 2006 he was the second runner up
for Officer of the Year and in 2008 he was the first runner up for
Officer of the Year.
Detective Moberg’s continued level of dedication has contributed
to the safety and quality of life for the residents of Plantation.
Balancing his personal and professional responsibilities, his
diligence and day-to-day efforts serve as the benchmark of excellence
to all of his peers. We are honored to recognize Detective
Michael Moberg as Plantation Police Department’s 2010 Officer of
the Year.
APRIL POOL’S
SWIM SAFETY DAY
FOR ALL AGES = FREE!
LEARN WATER SAFETY
FROM THE EXPERTS
MONDAY, APRIL 4
10:00 A.M. – 12:00 NOON
Plantation Aquatic Complex at Central Park
9151 N.W. 2nd Street, Plantation
Sponsored by: City of Plantation, Parks &
Recreation, Fire & Police departments,
Broward County Swim Central, The American
Red Cross. For more information call the
Plantation Fire Department
954-797-2150.
Get a Safety Plan
Hurricane season begins June 1. While
South Florida was only minimally impacted
by tropical storms last year, there is no
guarantee this year will be the same.
History has proven the best way to
survive a hurricane is to have a plan. You
and your family need a detailed plan
which includes how you will protect your
home and property, whether you will stay
at home or evacuate and to where. If you
evacuate, who will be notified? Where and
when you are going?
In a major disaster, emergency workers
may not be able to reach everyone right
away, and in some cases it may take three
days or longer for help to arrive. What
would you do if you had no electricity, no
gas, no water, and no telephone service?
Having a plan for your family and their
needs will help ensure their safety and
comfort during these difficult times.
The State of Florida, Division of
Emergency Management has a website that
k
k
will guide you and your family through the
process of building an emergency plan.
The plan will help you answer critical
questions including:
k Recommended amounts of food and
water based on your family information.
Contact information for your local
emergency responders and maps of
your local Evacuation Zones.
Checklists of important steps to take
before, during, and after a disaster.
Remember, the best way to make your
family and home safer is to be prepared
before a disaster happens.
Creating your plan is easy and only takes
about 10 to 15 minutes. To begin, go to
Floridadisaster.org, click “Start My
Family Disaster Plan” and follow the
simple instructions!
Remember to stay informed by listening
to Plantation Information Radio, 1620 AM
for all your storm and emergency information
or go to our website at
Plantation.org.
Plantation Quarterly Spring 2011
7

TREES OF PLANTATION PARKS
Wild Lime or Prickly Ash
Zanthoxylum fagara
In its most usual form, the Wild Lime or Prickly Ash (Zanthozylum
fagara) is a multi-branched, rather unruly shrub, although with
dedication it can be held to a small number of trunks as a tree that
could reach 20 feet in height.
Working with this Florida native tree will make it obvious that there
are spines along the branches, which could be useful as a deterrent to
unwanted visitors on a property.
The compound leaves have small leaflets connected along the petiole
by shallow wings. They are a rich glossy green, lighter when first
opening or occasionally with a reddish cast that soon fades.
Flowering can happen at any time of year. The flowers are a
greenish-white and not strongly fragrant.
Fruits are dry, brown berries about an eighth of an inch in diameter.
The main value of the plant to the home gardener is that it is a larval
host to a number of swallowtail butterflies.
Culture is very simple, with the plant comfortable in a wide range of
light and soil conditions. Water well until the plant is established and
thereafter only in prolonged dry spells. The shrubs will survive
drought well, but stop growth and flowering. No fertilizer is needed in
most gardens. There are medicinal uses of twigs, leaves and bark in
the West Indies.
Stop by Plantation Woods at the Plantation Community Center, 5555
Palm Tree Road, to see the Wild Lime installed there.
The Wild Lime will grow in a wide
range of light and soil conditions and is
host to swallowtail butterflies
The compound leaves have small leaflets
connected along the petiole by shallow
wings.
8 Plantation Quarterly Spring 2011
MOSAIC THEATRE:
CELEBRATING TEN YEARS OF THEATRICAL EXCELLENCE
Mosaic Theatre, the professional theatre-in-residence at the American Heritage School in
Plantation, is Broward County’s “dramatically dominant company” (Miami Herald) and may also
be its best kept secret. Mosaic is an Equity theater (featuring the same actors you’d see on
Broadway) and is currently in its tenth season of staging quality productions on par with theaters in
New York and Chicago. Yet many people don’t know this regional theater exists right here in their
own backyard!
The first two shows of Season 10 had audiences taking notice – first, the season opener
“Completely Hollywood (Abridged),” a side-splitting comedy the critics praised as “hilarious” and
“a hearty tribute to the cinema,” (Florida Media News); and second, the Pulitzer nominated
“Collected Stories,” unanimously praised by critics as “mesmerizing” and “one of the year’s best!”
In 2011, Mosaic presents the recent Off-Broadway hit “The Irish Curse” by Martin Casella
(February 10 – March 8), a new comedy about guys with one tiny problem, followed by a
wonderful production of “Dusk Rings a Bell” (March 31 – April 24) by celebrated author
Stephen Belber. The season concludes with “Ages of the Moon” by Pulitzer Prize Winner
Sam Shepard (June 2 – June 26), a poignant and honest drama by “one of this country’s
most important dramatists” (NY Times).
On February 26, Mosaic Theatre will host “A Taste of Ireland Gala & Auction 2011,” a funfilled
evening of fine dining, live music, open bar, fantastic auction items, and an exclusive
performance of The Irish Curse. Proceeds from this event will benefit Mosaic Theatre’s
theatrical and educational programming. Opportunities to support include donation of
auction items and/or purchasing advertisement in their Gala Showcase program.
If you haven’t already, discover Plantation’s hidden cultural jewel for yourself, then help us
spread the word!
For information visit www.mosaictheatre.com or call 954-57-STAGE (954-577-8243).

THE THEN & NOW OF
PLANT Awards
PLANTATION LANDSCAPE AWARD FOR NURTURING OUR TOWN
The Plantatation Department of Landscape
Architecture’s “PLANT Awards” was started to
honor businesses and residents who provided
environmental inspiration. It has been running
for 27 consecutive years, since April 27, 1984,
and has an interesting and deeply rooted
history.
In 1980, the City of Plantation applied for
and was awarded the prestigious TREE CITY
USA certification by the Arbor Foundation.
Spurred on by pride in Plantation’s developing
urban forest, along with continuing concern
with the City’s aesthetics, the City’s Landscape
Department in collaboration with the
Landscape Planning and Review Board
sponsored the very first PLANT Awards
ceremonies to celebrate Arbor Day and the
environment.
The PLANT Awards ceremonies were originally
held in City Hall’s Council Chambers, and
provided many years of joyful and deserving
awards along with planting a traditional Arbor
Day tree, with help from local school children.
“Plantation Juniors Launch Environmental
Campaign,” was the headlines as reported in
the Times. An active member of the Plantation
Juniors, Rae Carole Armstrong stated, “Our
objective is to make small areas environmentally
attractive for the people of the City. We are
attempting to start something that will be a
continuing project and benefit people of all
ages.” The Plantation Juniors initial project was
funding the installation of trees and shrubs
near the Plantation Community Center tennis
courts on Palm Tree Road. Members of the
Junior Miss Club, a service organization
consisting of 6th, 7th and 8th grade girls, aided
the project with volunteer help and money
raised for the trees and shrubs through bake
sales, a bazaar, and candle sales.
According to the 1997 Florida Urban Forestry
Council Awards Program, “A partnership
between the City of Plantation and the
Plantation Junior Woman’s Club began in 1975
when Mayor Frank Veltri met with three of the
Plantation Juniors, Rae Carole Armstrong,
Marsha Levy and Gail Capp on a treeless
median on the newly widened Broward
Boulevard.
“The partnership established one of the first
street-tree programs in Broward County and
developed a landscape/tree ordinance, which
served as a model for countless other municipalities
throughout Florida. Some accomplishments
of the partnership include funding
for many tree planting projects, stimulation of
new ideas in urban forestry related issues,
funding for educational materials, development
of one of the City’s premier neighborhood
parks, and participation in the City’s
annual Arbor Day celebration.
“The long lasting partnership between this
government and civic organization has helped
develop the City’s urban forestry philosophy
and policy of preserving and enhancing its
natural urban forest; thus, providing a quality
of life which makes all of the citizens of
Plantation proud.”
In 2006 the Landscape Department formed
yet another partnership with resident volunteers
and Plantation Shade Brigade members,
Marilyn & Wain Barber, Linda Avery, Jim
Crawley, Alex Schore, and Barbara Dewitt to
initiate a campaign to secure another prestigious
designation, to become a National
Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat.
That campaign was known as Operation
habitat! In October 2007, with the help of
hundreds of residents, businesses and schools,
Plantation became the 24th city in the nation
and the 3rd in Broward County to proudly
secure the NWF designation.
With environmental concern about conservation
and sustainability gaining momentum,
the time was at hand to expand the long held
PLANT Awards tradition at City Hall – stepping
out of the box so to speak – by taking the
celebration outdoors with the purpose of
educating as many citizens as possible and
exploring ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
On April 26, 2008 the 1st GREEN Day environmental
expo was held at Liberty Tree Park, and
included City and county departments, City
officials and emerging eco-entrepreneurs. The
result was ta splendid family festival; the
combined PLANT Awards and GREEN Day event
was instantly enjoyed by hundreds of citizens of
all ages, and the consensus was to make it an
annual event.
That is the story behind the PLANT Awards.
An understanding of this beloved tradition
provides a deeply-rooted portrait of our City.
We hope you will join us to celebrate, cheer-on,
and become an important part of history in the
making under a ceiling of blue sky in the green
heart of Plantation.
A partnership between the City of Plantation and the
Plantation Junior Woman’s Club began in 1975
when Mayor Veltri met with members of the Club to
discuss a median tree program for Broward
Boulevard.
In 2006 the Landscape Department formed a
partnership with resident volunteers called Plantation
Shade Brigade.
PLANT stands for “Plantation Landscape Awards for
Nurturing our Town.” PLANT Award Ceremonies are
held every year. The photo of the staff, above, was
taken at the awards ceremony in 2005 in City Hall.
Today the awards are held outside during Green Day,
usually in February.
Now that you know about them, don’t miss
this year’s PLANT Awards and GREEN Day
Environmental Expo on Saturday, February 26.
It’s tradition!
Call 954-797-2246 if you would like more
information about the GREEN Day festivities or
to nominate some deserving business or
resident to receive a coveted PLANT Award.
Plantation Quarterly is printed on recycled
paper. PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE.
Plantation Quarterly Spring 2011 2010
9

@ the Library with Miki Ostendorf
Parents often ask us for tips on helping their children become good readers. The very
fact that you bring them to the library and encourage their desire to read is the first step
to helping them enjoy reading and become proficient readers. Here are some simple
ways to help children become good readers:
k Have them read every day.
k Let them read out loud to someone.
k Encourage them to read about subjects they like.
k Make sure they have a book handy wherever they go.
k Practice “environmental reading,” such as signs menus, maps, labels, etc.
k Talk with them about what they read.
k Keep a reading log of titles and authors.
k Recognize their accomplishments and let them be proud of themselves.
The Plantation Library was founded to help the community’s children with homework
and to encourage reading. This is still a major part of the Library’s mission today. See
you @ the Library.
Are You Listening?
Did you know the City of Plantation has its very own Radio Station?
Did you know you can get the latest information about City
sponsored activities, events, road closures, public notices and more?
Did you know when a storm threatens PLANTATION
INFORMATION RADIO is on the air with the latest severe weather
information specific to Plantation?
Tune to WQFL 1620 AM, Plantation Information Radio for the
latest news in, about, and around Plantation.
Give us 10 minutes – we’ll give you the “Keys to the City.”
Plantation Information Radio, where the grass IS greener!
PLANTATION RADIO
SET YOUR RADIO DIAL TO
WQFL 1620 AM
For daily news and events or when severe weather threatens,
tune to 1620AM for City specific updates on serious situations,
evacuations and more.
STAY TUNED.STAY INFORMED.
Grants AND SPONSORSHIPS
To find out how you can sponsor a program or a park contact
Priscilla Richards, Resource Development and Grant Manager at
954-797-2723 or via e-mail at prichards@Plantation.org.
GRANTS
The Fire Department was successful in obtaining $200,295 in
Assistance to Firefighter grant funding to purchase six defibrillators for
use on emergency calls.
SPONSORSHIPS
FORREST GUMP TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT
Gold: Plantation Woman’s Club
Silver: Plantation General Hospital
Plantation Ford
Bronze: Park East Homeowners Association
Delta Education and Life Development
PLANTATION HISTORICAL MUSEUM
WINTER WONDERLAND
Tree Sponsor: Brinwo Development Corporate
SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Calvert Giving Fund (Marti & J.D. Terziu Philanthropy Fund)
PLANTATION:
Then & Now Exhibit
at the
Plantation Historical Museum
March 4 – July 2
This new and exciting exhibit features past and present;
photos of the City of Plantation,
early residents, neighborhoods, parks, businesses,
groups and organizations, artifacts and
articles of historical significance.
Plantation Historical Museum
511 North Fig Tree Lane, Plantation, FL 33317
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 954-797-2722.
10 Plantation Quarterly Spring 2011

Parks&Recreation
PARKS & RECREATION: THEN AND NOW
DIRECTOR’S CORNER
James S. Romano, CPRP
Back “then” in the early 80s, the City fathers decided to develop a park system that would be
second to none in South Florida. Can you imagine living in Plantation “now” without these great
facilities?
When Central Park was first built, it was anything but central. Other than corn and tomato
fields, there wasn’t much around. Today, our forefathers would be proud to see how the City has
developed its western area, and that now Central Park is truly “central” within the City of
Plantation.
The development of Plantation Central Park (pool, tennis, and athletic fields), Pine Island Park
(soccer), and Sunset Park (baseball and softball) provides facilities for our PAL youth organization
and for adults who still enjoy their sport. From these humble beginnings, these facilities
today host and attract hundreds of teams and individuals who partake in their specific sport.
Some of our most popular events are the Thanksgiving Soccer Tournament which hosts 4,000
participants (275 teams); the Orange Classic with 5,250 participants (375 teams); and the Girl’s
14 & Under Tennis Tournament with 200 players. We also host a multitude of other tournaments
including swimming, softball, baseball, equestrian, etc.
As these sporting events provide an effective outlet to help keep children active, happy and
healthy, they also have a direct, positive impact to our economy as many families will stay in
Plantation hotels, eat in its restaurants, and shop in its malls.
Yes, looking back “then” to our small beginnings, the success of this City, local businesses and
park system, a special “thank you” needs to be said to our forefathers who had the foresight to
plan these facilities which “now” make the City of Plantation one of the top 100 communities in
America.
Originally, called the Plantation Horse Arena, it
consisted of a fenced ring with a small spectators
pavilion.
Today, the Plantation Equestrian Center has
paddocks, cleaning stations, performance rings and
holding areas, and a social center complete with
snack-bar and enclosed judges booth.
PARKS & RECREATION
SUMMER CAMP 2011
Where has the school year gone? Yes, it is time to
start thinking about your camp plans for the summer.
We are happy to announce that the Parks &
Recreation Department will be operating the City’s
Summer Camp Programs this year. Your children can
expect to see some familiar faces and experience days
full of fun activities.
We will be offering Day Camps at Central Park,
Volunteer Park, and Kennedy Community Center for
5-11 year-olds, and Adventure Camp at Central Park
for 12-14 year-olds.
This year we are introducing a new camp to the Jim
Ward Community Center, at a reduced rate, for 5-11
year-olds. This new on-site Day Camp will include arts
& crafts, sports, special events, special guests and
swim trips. This camp will not be going on the off-site
field trips offered in the traditional day camps; but
you can be assured they will be having a great time
with games and other planned activities.
The Parks & Recreation Department is looking
forward to providing this service for you and can’t
wait to see your children again this summer.
Registration forms are available March 28, at all of
our community centers and local elementary schools.
For more information, consult the Recreation side
of this Quarterly, or call 954-452-2510.
HOW TO GET A CLASS OR PROGRAM THAT INTERESTS YOU
Can’t find a Parks & Recreation class or
program that interests you?
You signed up for a class, but it was
cancelled? Here’s what you need to know.
We cancelled because we didn’t know
you wanted it! Register early.
Sometimes excellent courses with super
instructors and great programs are
cancelled when interested residents wait
until the last minute to register. We need
a minimum number of participants
enrolled before a class or program will
make the cut. To avoid inconvenience to students or participants, we reserve the right to
cancel under-enrolled courses/programs 1 to 2 days ahead of deadline. So, DON’T
WAIT! Register early.
HOW TO GET A CLASS ESTABLISHED
Call 954-452-2517 and give us an idea. If we feel that residents would be interested,
or if several others have made the same request as yours, we will see what we can do
about finding an instructor and getting it into the next Recreation Quarterly!
Plantation Quarterly is printed on recycled paper.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE.
Plantation Quarterly Spring 2011
11

BUILDING DEPARTMENT:
Then & Now
The Building Department has changed over the years
with the onset of new technology and office renovations.
Our computer system was not always as customer
friendly as it is now. What once was done by hand is
now all computerized. The first computer system was
designed solely for the Finance Department, not the
Building Department, and there was duplication of a lot
of handwritten copies.
THEN the Building Department was located on the
first floor of City Hall. Customers stood in line and the
clerks called the customers up to the counter. The main
building permit was taken in before the subcontractors. The clerks
would check for completeness after submission. Sometimes the
contractors would have to come back several times before the applications
were accepted. In 1990 the department moved to a new building
which was called the Annex building. At that time there was a waiting
area for the customers to sit in. Customers would sign in on a log sheet
and be called in sequence.
NOW the building is called Development Services. The customers
still log in on a sign in sheet, but they sit at a counter with the customer
service clerk and submit their applications. The applications are
reviewed at that time, and completed and submitted for permit all in one
visit. In 1999, the process for taking in applications was changed. All of
the subcontractors have to be included with the original application.
There is a waiting area with an informative slide presentation for
customers to view regarding procedures, requirements and services
offered by the Building Department. Customers can check the status of
their permits with our online permitting features on the city website.
Permits can be downloaded and submitted from the website. Other
various forms required during the permitting process are also on the
website.
THEN inspection appointments were taken over the telephone and
handwritten tickets were generated by the customer service clerks. The
clerks would put the inspection tickets in piles and passed out to the
inspectors randomly each day. The inspections were listed on the back
of each permit application, as were the results of each inspection. When
the computer system was updated, inspection tickets were printed out on
the computer by the chiefs and distributed to inspectors.
NOW inspections can be called in or cancelled on the telephone
through our automated inspection line or taken over the phone by one
of the clerks and entered in the computer. If you are registered online,
you can schedule your inspection on the computer. A print out sheet is
now generated for the inspectors rather than individual tickets.
Inspection results are entered directly into the computer upon
completion, making it accessible for viewing by co-workers and
customers.
THEN Certificates of Occupancy were recorded in a log book. The CO
was a form that was filled in by hand and signed by the Building Official.
When the CO was issued, all the papers relating to the file were pulled
from the drawers, put in a folder and placed in a box. The boxes were
labeled by month and year and placed in a storage room. Slowly, a clerk
would go through the boxes and take out the permits and reclassify
them. They were then sent to be put on microfiche rolls. Records from
Customers can check on the status of their permits with our online permitting features on the City
website. They can request copies of plans, CO’s, surveys, etc. and receive them that same day,
OR, they may be given access to a self viewing station where they can do their own search.
inception until 1999 are digitized. Since 1999 the records are scanned
and stored electronically. There was no separate microfilm division.
NOW Certificates of Occupancy are generated from the computer
and a sealed copy is signed by the Building Official. The complete file is
put in a box labeled by date. The boxes are now disseminated as they are
finalized and sent to microfilm for scanning.
There is a separate microfilm division manned with a clerk on a daily
basis. Customers are able to walk in and request copies of plans, COs,
surveys, etc. and receive them that same day at a charge of $3 per copy,
OR, there is a self viewing station at a counter designed for customers to
look up the address or addresses they are searching. Research is also
done in this area upon filling out a microfilm request form. Customers
will be called when ready for pick up.
THEN Plan Review was done on a first come, first serve basis. Plans
were taken in and stored in order of receipt. They were reviewed in
sequence: Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fire, Utilities, Landscape,
Zoning and Structural. The plans were physically sent to each
department by courier. A log book went with the plans for tracking
purposes. Many problems were encountered with this system. A
computer system was developed to have some control over the plan
review and inspection process, but was still not totally developed for the
Building Department.
NOW Plan Review is performed and the results are entered in the
computer. Each department will review the plan at their assigned desk in
the plan review area. The plans never have to leave the department,
alleviating a lot of dilemmas. Plan review time is much shorter. There are
even several walk-thru permits that can be completed while the
customer waits.
In 2003 the City purchased Acella, a permitting software program for
building departments. Of course, as creatures of habit, we are opposed
to change of any sort and this certainly was a big change, but a needed
one. As time went on, additions were done to the program making it
even more versatile and customer friendly. The Building department
under went renovations in 2007.
NOW, here at Plantation, we are known for our customer friendly
service. The Building Department is computer friendly, customer service
oriented and “Eco” friendly due to the onset and application of new
technology. Who knows what the future holds.
12 Plantation Quarterly Spring 2011

PLANTATION HISTORICAL MUSEUM
WINTER WONDERLAND
Receives National Honor
The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge has selected the Plantation
Historical Museum’s Winter Wonderland exhibit as a recipient of this year’s
George Washington Honor Medal. The National Awards Program, the
Foundation’s first activity in 1949, was initiated to recognize individuals
and organizations that promote our country’s rich heritage and unique
freedoms. The projects are judged on quality and content and must
promote community involvement, patriotism, and responsible citizenship.
The annual exhibit at the Plantation Historical Museum includes trees
and artifacts highlighting the culture and customs of the American holiday
season.
The Honor Medal was presented to Members of the Historical Society
during the Broward Freedoms Foundation Chapter dinner on January 14,
2011, at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club.
Parks & Recreation
CONTROL
THE FLOODS
The weather was not looking good for the weekend of September 10 –
12. Families were arriving from out of state for their children’s participation
in the Triple Crown Baseball Tournament, scheduled to take place at
Plantation Central Park and Sunset Park. Approximately 1,500 children
were expected to play.
As luck would have
it, heavy rains
drenched the fields the
night before the
tournament. Park
Supervisor, Nikki
Burbank assembled 13
members of her Parks
& Recreation
Maintenance Crew and
they went to work to
restore the fields to
good playing condition. They dug trenches on the sides of the fields to
drain standing water and used RolliDrys to sponge the remaining puddles
on the fields. Field conditioner was applied to any muddy areas and then
the fields were raked. This is a one to two hour process, and the workers
had 13 fields to prepare. They worked diligently though mud, rain and bad
weather – never giving up. The procedure had to be repeated several
times, as rains continued through the weekend.
The Triple Crown Baseball Tournament ended successfully and families
were thankful that the games were not cancelled due to unplayable field
conditions. Nikki Burbank wrote a letter to the CARE Force, commending
her staff by stating that “the efforts of the Maintenance Crew and their
teamwork went a long way to achieving an almost impossible task.”
In turn, the City of Plantation “CARE Force” customer service task force
(CARE is an acronym for “Commitment, Attitude, Respect. Everyday.”
encourages and honors outstanding customer service) presented Nikki and
her Maintenance staff with a CARE Force award. Their group effort
succeeded in providing excellent customer service to the many families
who traveled to Plantation for the Triple Crown Baseball weekend.
Cornerstone Corporate Center recognized for
MANAGEMENT, ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Congratulations to Cornerstone Corporate Center which was
named as the best managed 2010 Suburban Mid-Rise Office Park in
South Florida by the Ft. Lauderdale/Palm Beaches chapter of
Building
Owners and
Managers
Association
(BOMA)
International.
In addition,
two of the
office park’s
Class A office
buildings,
Cornerstone One and Cornerstone Two, were also awarded an
ENERGY STAR by the Environmental Protection Agency.
“The EPA’s ENERGY STAR and the BOMA TOBY awards are some
of the most prestigious and coveted honors in the commercial real
estate business,” said Owen Duke, executive managing director and
head of the southeast region for Crimson Services. “It is immensely
gratifying when
our dedication
to providing
state-of-the-art,
environmentally-conscious
real estate is
recognized and
applauded by
such respected
organizations.”
Cornerstone
Corporate Center is a 58-acre Class A business campus that consists
of 800,000 square feet of master-planned office space. It is located
at the northeast corner of Interstate 595 and Pine Island Road in
Plantation, Florida. and will consist of five buildings surrounded by
a lush, landscaped 11-acre lake.
The 2010 award for Suburban Mid-Rise Office Park is the fifth
consecutive TOBY (The Outstanding Building of the Year) Award
received by the park. Having won the Suburban Mid-Rise Office Park
TOBY for four consecutive years from 2007-2010, Cornerstone One
also won Best Mid-Rise Office Building in 2006. These awards are
the result of BOMA’s comprehensive evaluation of the office park’s
site management, community involvement, and environmental
policies.
In recognition of its commitment to energy efficiency and environmental
leadership, Cornerstone One and Two, located in
Cornerstone Corporate Center, were awarded an ENERGY STAR by
the EPA. To earn an ENERGY STAR, a building must utilize 35
percent less energy per square foot than the average building, while
still providing quality service and comfort to occupants. Cornerstone
One is an eight-story, 170,000-square-foot Class A office building.
Cornerstone Two is a five-story, 110,000-square-foot office building.
Plantation Quarterly Spring 2011
13

As a means of staying in touch with our
business community, Mayor Rae Carole
Armstrong has been taking the time to visit
various businesses in the City of Plantation. The
purpose of the Mayor’s visits is to listen to the
businesses’ concerns and ideas that can
improve business throughout the City. Helpful
and creative ideas from business owners cannot
easily be addressed from an office in City Hall.
We realize that if you have built a business, plan
to expand, or are considering launching a new
business that you may know a thing or two
about successful business practices and
economic development. We are listening,
reacting and assisting. These economic times
demand cooperation as never before.
MIDTOWN DISTRICT
Aztec Title Corporation, located at 2 South
University Drive, has been in business since
1975, and is a private company in the real
estate title insurance industry. It is a family owed
business operated by Billy Wadley and his son,
Cochise. Cochise has diversified the business
operations expanding into mobile home recreational
leasing, as well as looking into other
avenues of entrepreneurship.
The Artful Framer Gallery is just south of
Aztec Title Corporation, located at 206 South
University Drive. Artful Framer Gallery is a retail
art picture framing shop, owned and operated
by Steve Koch and his wife, Patti since 1974.
Here, heartfelt valuables, such as memorabilia,
artwork, family portraits and needlework are
framed for display.
GATEWAY DISTRICT
Massey Yardley is another Plantation
business that has been the City over 40 years.
Herbert Yardley owner opened the business in
1967 and is now celebrating 43 years in
business. Massey Yardley, located at 777 North
State Road 7, is a Five Star Dealership, selling
and servicing Dodge, Jeep and Chrysler vehicles.
This family owned business has a great
foundation in Plantation with a management
staff consisting of the Sales, Service, Parts, and
Offices Managers having over 100 years of
combined experience working for the Yardleys.
American Plumbing has been in business
since 1974 at its location in the Plantation
Merchandise Mart at 4361 West Sunrise Blvd. in
Plantation. American Plumbing is a full service
plumbing store offering a range of 20,000 parts
and products for residential and commercial
MAYOR’S BUSINESS VISITS
projects, and provides a variety of services from
sewer and drain cleaning, electronic leak
locating, and emergency repairs and installation.
It also sells at the retail and wholesale
level major bathroom fixture brands such as
Kholer, Delta, Moen and American Standard,
and the sale of vanities and marble tops at its
store showroom. With a large fleet of service
vans, American Plumbing serves 12 cities in and
around Broward County and prides itself for
staying true to its motto “Honesty & Integrity is
the Backbone of our Business” for 36 years and
counting.
You can visit American Plumbing at
www.a-1americanplumbing.com.
All Uniform Wear is a family business that
started in 1980 out of a small kiosk at a local
flea market in the Miami area, and became a
full fledge business 25 years ago in 1983 with
the opening of their first store in Hialeah. “My
father-in-law, our company’s founder and CEO,
originally started out selling jeans and fashion
clothing but by 1983, he recognized the niche in
uniform apparel and decided to open our first
store in the Hialeah area. Shortly thereafter, he
recognized another niche in custom embroidery
and quickly purchased our first embroidery
machine. The rest, as they say, is history” said
Oliver H. Garcia, Director of Marketing & Public
Relations for All Uniform Wear.
Over the last 25 years, All Uniform Wear has
established itself as a leading supplier of
uniform apparel and in the last 10 years alone,
has gone on to open 11 retail locations that
represent over 50,000 sq.ft. of retail space. All
Uniform Wear offers a complete line of uniform
apparel fitting needs: be it industrial work
uniforms, medical uniforms, school uniforms,
hospitality uniforms, flame resistant uniforms,
custom embroidered uniforms or corporate
image wear. All Uniform Wear is a certified
distributor for manufacturers such as Cherokee,
Dickies, Red Kap, Bulwark, Edwards, Horace
Small, Universal plus many other manufacturers
of quality products and all uniforms can be
personalized with professional custom
embroidery by simply adding your name or
company logo.
All Uniform Wear local retail store is located
in the Plantation Merchandise Mart at 4379
West Sunrise Boulevard.
You can also shop online at their new Web
site www.alluniformwear.com.
ARTS Graphics & Printing is located in the
Plantation Plaza at 739 S State Road 7 or online
at www.artsgraphics.net. It has been there
since 1986 and its owner Jorge “George”
Paneque is currently celebrating 24 years of
business in Plantation. They offer creative
marketing solutions for businesses. They are a
full service commercial printer and design
studio that offers full service printing, graphic
design, Internet and multimedia development.
They are also affiliated with Fast Eddies
specialties, which offer a full range of promotional
items like pens, cups, key chains and
magnets as well as signs and banners of all
sizes.
Should you have any questions about the
Mayor’s Business Visitation Program, please
contact Charity Good at the City Economic
Development office at 954-797-2768 or Carlos
Andres Gonzalez at the Gateway Development
District office at 954-585-2330.
Remember to give back to your community
and shop local!
"Recycling a ton of 'waste' has
twice the economic impact of
burying it in the ground. In
addition, recycling one
additional ton of waste will
pay $101 more in salaries and
wages, produce $275 more in
goods and services, and
generate $135 more in sales
than disposing of it in a
landfill."
– Quote from: California EPA, CalRecycle,
Good for the Economy,
Good for the Environment.
Plantation Quarterly is printed on recycled
paper. PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE.
14 Plantation Quarterly Spring 2011

The Recycle Bin
Sue Reed, Plantation Climate Change Task Force
ST. JUDES RANCH FOR CHILDREN
RECYCLE HOLIDAY & ALL-OCCASION
GREETING CARDS, YEAR ROUND!
Over thirty years ago, wishing to show donors appreciation for making St. Jude’s
Ranch for Children possible, the idea was conceived for turning the previous year’s
Christmas cards into “new” cards for the coming season. The recipients were so
delighted with their unique “thank you,” they suggested that the children sell the
special cards. And so, the St. Jude’s Ranch Recycled Card Program was born.
Since then, the program expanded to include all occasion greeting cards. People
from all over the world send their used cards.
The program is operated by Kids, Corp., a program for children at St. Jude’s Ranch
to learn entrepreneurship skills. Children remove and reuse the front and attach a
new back. The result is a beautiful new card made by the children and volunteers!
The benefits are two-fold: customers receive “green” holiday cards and the children
receive payment for their work and learn the benefits and importance of “going
green.”
The ongoing support for the Recycled Card Program has been overwhelming! They
have since redesigned the process to more efficiently manage the increased
production from the increased volume and they welcome submissions.
You can mail your donations to: St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, Recycled Card
Program, 100 St. Jude’s Street, Boulder City, NV 89005. For more information call
877-977-SJRC (7572).
You may also order recycled greeting cards from St. Judes Ranch for Children by
calling 1-877-977-7572 and they can take your order over the phone.
RECYCLING GUIDELINES
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS MAY BE MIXED
TOGETHER IN THE SAME CLEAR
PLANTATION RECYCLING BAG:
w #1- #7 plastic bottles (narrow neck only),
aseptic containers (OJ containers and juice
boxes), glass bottles (except blue) and tin,
metal and aluminum cans. Please remove
all caps and rinse containers.
w Newspapers may be mixed with other
recycling (glass, plastic, etc.). As an alternative,
you may continue to place them in a
separate clear recycling bag, if you wish.
w Junk mail, newspaper inserts, chip board
(cereal/Kleenex boxes), catalogs, phone
books, office paper and magazines.
#5 PLASTIC RECYCLING OPTION: Residents
can drop their clean #5 plastics in a "Preserve
Gimme 5" bin at the Plantation Whole Foods
market, located at 7720 Peters Road. Common
#5 plastics include packaging for yogurt,
ketchup, butter and hummus; medicine bottles;
and food storage containers. The plastics can be
verified by a recycling symbol with the number
5 on the bottom of the container. Whole Foods
has a partnership with a company that uses the
#5 plastic to make recycled toothbrushes.
BULK PICKUP SCHEDULE: MARCH – MAY 2011
The solid waste and recycling brochure, which includes the bulk pickup schedule for the year, is mailed to residents each year.
For a copy go to: www.plantation.org/Public-Works/solid-waste/bulk-yard-waste.html, click on “Bulk Pickup Schedule.”
WEST OF UNIVERSITY DRIVE
Single Family Residences: Multifamily,
March 7, 8, 9 &12 Apartments & Condos:
April 11, 12, 13 &16 Wed. March 16
May 9,10,11 & 14 Wed. September 14
EAST OF UNIVERSITY DRIVE
Single Family Residences: Multifamily,
March 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Apartments & Condos:
April 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Wed. March 9
May 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Wed. September 7
WASTE MANAGEMENT DOES NOT PICK UP BLACK BAGS. PLEASE FOLLOW PLANTATION BAG REQUIREMENTS.
WEST
Single family residents: Locate where you live
on the map – either WEST of University Drive
or EAST of University Drive – and find the
corresponding pick-up day for your specific
area. Subsequent months will be printed in
future editions of Plantation Quarterly.
EAST
PLEASE NOTE: Bulk items should not
be placed curbside any sooner than
the Saturday prior to your scheduled
pick-up day.
Plantation Quarterly Spring 2011
15