Spring 2007 - City of Plantation

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Marge andFred ARE BACK FROM VACATION Fred and I are so happy to be in back in Plantation – the Tree City. We celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary in the Fiji Islands, and while there, marveled how well the forest floor provided cover and protection for the trunks of the tropical canopy. Getting back to “reality” here in Plantation, it struck Fred when he noticed how naked our trees looked in comparison to those in Fiji, “Plantation residents….hold onto your trunks!” “What are you talking about Fred?” I asked. He replied, “We have to protect a tree or palm just like we protect our skin at the beach.” Fred is right. The trunk on a tree or palm is like skin. It is an essential element to the protection of the internal parts of the tree, and if not protected, is susceptible to damage that could lead to the death of your tree or palm. Here are some “trunk tips” to pass on to your lawn maintenance company, property manager or anyone else who may maintain your property. PROBLEM: Posters, yard sale signs and the like, nailed, stapled or otherwise driven in the trunk really hurts the tree or palm. The lifeblood of a tree is just below the bark where the uptake of water and nutrients occur. Nails and staples hamper the transport system on canopy trees and scar the exterior of palm trees. Did you ever see the stains around the nails? It is also an entryway for insects and disease to “break” the surface and enter the tree. SOLUTION: Don’t nail signs into your trees. Chase away anyone with signs, nails and staplers. Instead, use tape or lightweight twine, and don’t forget to remove the sign, and the twine or tape, as soon as possible. FRED’S ADVICE…HOLD ON TO YOUR TRUNKS! Shade Brigade UPDATE Patrice Sonnelitter, Associate Landscape Architect PROBLEM: Tree straps, black strapping, stakes and banding material left on the tree too long is like a 10-year-old wearing a 5- year-old’s clothes. They pinch and pull and squeeze and choke the trunk. Banding on palms restricts growth and leave scars after removed. SOLUTION: These materials need to be removed after the first growing season. Watch the trees: if the straps become very tight or cut into the tree, remove them immediately. PROBLEM: String trimmers (such as Weed-Eaters) are a great invention, but a curse for trees and palms. Can you imagine a string trimmer coming after your leg? Ouch!!!!!!! String trimmers that touch a trunk also cut into it its bark and cut off its water and nutrient transport system. Do this often enough and say goodbye to that tree. It won’t fall over. It will just die. SOLUTION: Your best defense is a wide mulch ring. Mulch keeps weeds in check and helps the soil retain moisture. But remember – mulch piled up against the trunk is a cozy place for moisture and insects. Trunk tissue is different than root tissue. It should not be covered. If you went up to any tree with mulch up against the tree and pulled the mulch aside you would most likely find ants chopping away at your tree. Keep mulch a minimum of three inches away from the trunk and only two inches deep. Spread the word to all everyone who handles your trees … handle with care. You can contact Marge & Fred through the City website at www.plantation.org. A wonderful, talented and energetic group of residents started meeting last year to share information about their interest in, and dedication to, trees. The City-directed group began by naming themselves the “Shade Brigade.” They marched off fearlessly, eager to begin their first planting at the City’s Development Services Building. Under a grant awarded by the Florida Wildflower Foundation they planned, purchased and installed the Birds, Butterflies and People Garden. Beginning in April of 2006, the Shade Brigade met monthly, eager to learn about trees. Speakers presented talks with an emphasis on tree care: pruning, planting, invasive species, butterfly gardening, design and history of the City’s landscape. The group organized several fund raisers, including a plant sale at the City’s annual TreeDay! event and several trunk plant sales from members’ gardens. One of the highlights of the year was meeting at the home of one of the members who graciously shared her home and plants. What has emerged in its first year is a group that recognizes its talents and love of trees, and is busy setting goals to share their stewardship for another exciting and productive year. One of the goals the group has set for 2007 is “expansion and growth.” The Shade Brigade is looking forward to introducing more Plantation residents to the care of their canopy trees. Anyone with an interest in sharing his or her devotion to trees – regardless of skill level – is always welcome to join. Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month at the Development Services building, 401 NW 70th Terrace, east of City Hall. The monthly speaker series this year may include topics such as: Backyard Spice Trees, Champion Trees, Bugs and Botany, Weird and Unusual Trees, Environmental Program for Children, Nursery Practices, Tree Pruning, Update on Broward County Tree Trimmers, Outstanding Trees of Plantation, and Soils and Fertilizers. In addition, each meeting will be dedicated to a particular tree. Noted horticulturist, Dr. Derek Burch, will lead this study and provide literature and discussion of the month’s tree. The City, in turn, will provide the “tree of the month” to be planted within the City. This year, the group looks forward to perusing City parks and neighborhoods looking for examples of outstanding trees. We are working on developing a City website link to the Shade Brigade, providing online information on the speaker agenda, date and location of meetings, and educational material. For more information, contact Patrice Sonnelitter, Associate Landscape Architect, at 954-797-2639, psonnelitter@plantation.org or Shade Brigade representative, Melissa Garvey at 954-472-0363. “Look Up, Touch Trees, Grow Trees for Tomorrow” and as always, HAPPY BOTANIZING! 6 Plantation Quarterly Spring 2007
I-Zone PLANTATION INNOVATION ZONES There are five Plantation schools within the Plantation Innovation Zone. Each follows the Broward County Schools’ policies and guidelines. All schools’ programs are unique to their population. We would like to share a little something about the schools and encourage you to view the individual web sites which may be accessed through www.browardschools.com. The Plantation High School administration, faculty and staff have identified and implemented practices that encourage the kind of caring relationships and shared experiences indicative of a successful high school. They offer incoming ninth graders a high quality educational program that makes learning more rigorous and personal. All ninth grade students will be part of an interdisciplinary team where instruction will be tailored to each student’s needs. Students will participate in rigorous theme-based projects in a personalized setting. Dedicated counselors and administrators work with students to develop a four-year plan of study and to ensure success in high school and beyond. 2006 graduates have been accepted at prestigious colleges and universities such as Duke, Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, Smith and Dartmouth, many with full scholarships. Plantation High has recently been named a College Board Florida Partnership School. The support and funding from the College Board will include offerings of Pre-AP workshops, scholarships to Advanced Placement workshops and institutes, opportunity grants, in-depth support in SAT readiness, and Pre-AP/AP summer camps. Plantation Middle School is dedicated to promoting academic excellence. Its one-of-akind partnership with The U.S. Library of Congress’s Center for the Book gives students the opportunity to learn from the best writers of our time, including Plantation Middle School’s resident author, Christine Kling. Advanced programs in math such as the GEM (Great Explorations in Math) program, science and the humanities prepare students for the most rigorous high school programs available. At Central Park Elementary, the staff strives to create an enriched educational program that develops each child’s social, emotional, and academic potential. Teachers build on students’ strengths and have high expectations for all to succeed. Opportunities such as Meet the Masters, Hear the Music, Accelerated Reader, Math Superstars and Owl Publishing enhance the core curriculum. Parent volunteers coordinate many of the enrichment programs and are highly involved in the educational process through parent nights, performances, conferences and communications. Central Park has received the Golden School Award every year in recognition of its strong volunteer program. The partnership among the school staff, parents, and the community creates an optimum learning environment for students. Mirror Lake Elementary is a small school with a very diverse population. Many students from surrounding schools attend the ESE (Exceptional Student Education) and ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) programs. The staff speaks eight different languages and there are several Pre-K classes. Students benefit from academic instruction but also develop caring and tolerance for others. This is also evident in the staff as the most frequent compliments from guests focus on just how much the staff care for children and how welcome guests feel when they visit. Teachers strive to create an enriched educational program that develops each child’s social, emotional and academic potential. Peters Elementary has an experienced group of teachers who are committed to the school and to the individual development of each child. The school offers the latest technology housed in facilities boasting traditional Florida architecture in a beautifully landscaped environment. The core curriculum is supplemented with enrichment programs and character development opportunities including gifted classes, chorus and art club, step team, academic exhibitions, monthly spirit assemblies and evening family activities. Active parental involvement, combined with dedicated teachers and an experienced and caring administrative team, help create an ideal place for learning. Plantation schools offer accelerated classes, gifted programs and exceptional student education opportunities. The Plantation Innovation Zone strives to meet the needs of all students and works continuously and collaboratively to enhance all offerings for students so they may to take an active role in the community, both as students and as members of the work force. There are great things happening in these schools. Check them out through www.browardschools.com or call to schedule a tour. Tips FROM THE GOLF PRO Brian Schuler, Plantation Preserve Head Golf Pro BACKSWING TRANSITION IS CRITICAL TO DRIVING CONSISTENCY A critical point in the golf swing is at the top of the backswing. It is here that the club changes direction from backward to forward. This transition must be smooth and gentle. I see many golfers who get to the top of the swing and make a violent first move into the forward swing in an effort to hit the ball hard. This quick motion to hit the ball hard with the hands throws off the timing in your arm swing and weight transfer to the left side. In effect, your hands get ahead of your arms and legs, resulting in your getting out of position. This will lead to very inconsistent shots. To overcome this “hit it hard” impulse, the next time you are at the driving range try this helpful tip. Start with a 6- or 7-iron, and try to hit consistent shots that travel a comfortable distance for you. Now take out your driver and swing using the same speed as you were with the iron. Learn to swing within yourself, and not to try to overpower the ball with a hard, violent motion. By learning how to make smooth, evenly paced swings, you will make solid contact more often, which will result in better overall driving. For more help with your golf game, see Brian Schuler or any of the golf pros at Plantation Preserve Golf Course and Club. Call 954-585-5020 for more information. Plantation Quarterly Spring 2007 7
Page 1 and 2: Spring 2007
Page 3 and 4: MAYOR Rae Carole Armstrong CITY COU
Page 5: FAREWELL FormerMayorFrank Veltri AP
Page 9 and 10: Automated INSPECTION LINE The City
Page 11 and 12: WhatHappens IF A POLICE OFFICER STO
Page 13 and 14: Leveraging CAPITAL STRATEGICALLY Wa
Page 15: WorkForce ONE COULD YOUR BUSINESS U

Spring 2007 - City of Plantation

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