Learning locally - City of Coral Springs

The Magazine for the Premier Community
in Which to Live, Work and Raise a Family
Spring 2010
Learning
locally
College and University Partnership thriving
Day in the Life: Balancing family, work and school Firefighters help in Haiti
Economic Development Foundation Fire Station 80 now open EarthFest
and more inside...

Your Coral Springs City Commission and Charter Officers
Samuel S.
Vincent M.
Roy
Scott J.
Claudette
Tom
Michael S.
Goren
Boccard
Gold
Brook
Bruck
Powers
Levinson
City Attorney Commissioner Commissioner Mayor Vice Mayor Commissioner City Manager
The City of Coral Springs is home to inviting
neighborhoods, a diverse business community, top-rated
schools and beautiful parks, and operates in a responsive and
fiscally responsible manner. Looking back at the past year
and the City’s accomplishments, there was a lot to celebrate
at the recent “State of the City 2009.”
During the event, the City Commission and City Manager
Michael S. Levinson recognized the dedication and
hard work of the many committees and volunteers
who contribute thousands of hours to, and save
thousands of dollars for, the City each year.
This year’s theme of “Live, Work, Play, Learn”
highlighted important initiatives from
the past fiscal year within these four
main categories, showcasing our
community’s numerous assets and
illustrating why the whole is greater
than the sum of the parts. City staff also
interviewed residents and heard why Coral
Springs was a great place for their families and
businesses.
Michael Singer, a teacher at Coral Springs Charter
School, said he chose to live in Coral Springs based on
considerable research. “The cost of homes, the resale value
of homes, the neighborhoods, the parks, the schools,
the shopping, the culture. In a comparison of several
communities throughout the United States, Coral Springs
rated at the top of our own personal matrix,” Singer said.
Ron Daratany, who owns a career planning practice in
State of the City 2009
live work play learn
live
play
the City, said he opened his business here because it’s a
very business-friendly community. “The City is very much
in the community, and because I’m involved with the City, I
understand what City officials are doing for businesses and
I’ve been impressed with all of it,” he said.
Coral Springs is also a great place to play. With 49 parks
and numerous activities, there is something for everyone
to enjoy. “I would tell other teenagers that there are a ton
of things to do here. I’ve been in the soccer league
for over 10 years and I love it, and there are also
volunteer activities that are a lot of fun,” student
Sangitha Palaniappa said.
Chelsea Stahl, who lives and works
in Coral Springs, is also furthering
her education here. She is taking
advantage of the Coral Springs
College and University Partnership and
will soon have her master’s degree. “I love
work
learn
the fact that I work nearby, that we have her
school nearby, and even now, I get to go to
college nearby. I’ll have a master’s degree in less
than two years and not have to drive more than a
few minutes for every class that I go to,” she said.
Whether you live, work, play or learn in Coral Springs,
City officials hope you are proud to call Coral Springs your
Community of Excellence. To view videos from State of
the City or view our Annual Report, visit our web site.
CoralSprings.org/stateofthecity
Coral Springs • Spring 2010
Visit CoralSprings.org

The Magazine for the Premier Community
in Which to Live, Work and Raise a Family
Spring 2010
features
A Day in the Life: Balancing family, work and school...........................Page 2
University Partnership offers classes close to home.............................Page 3
Helping in Haiti ..................................................................................................................................Page 4
city
City’s annual financial report receives top marks................................................................Page 6
Fire Station 80 first LEED building in Coral Springs...........................................................Page 7
Homebuyers assistance funds available in new areas of City...............................Page 8
environment
business
City hosts
EarthFest
event
Page 13
community
Local Volunteers crochet items for charity........................................... Page 10
Embrace diversity, peace at National Day of Prayer................. Page 10
Begin hurricane season preparation early............................................ Page 11
EDF attracts businesses despite sluggish economy.................. Page 12
City creates video series to help local businesses....................... Page 12
culture
Museum hosts
Great Art Affair
Page 14
recreation
Around the Town
Page 17
What’s Happening?
Page 17
WorldFest brings
international flair
Page 15
On the cover:
9551 West Sample Road
Coral Springs, Florida 33065
954-344-1000 • CoralSprings.org
Want to know more
about Coral Springs?
Visit our web site at CoralSprings.org
Call Citizens’ Services at 954-344-1001.
TTY for the hearing impaired: 954-344-1022.
Watch In the Loop on CityTV 25
at various times daily, and visit
CoralSprings.org/citytv25 to view
the program guide and to link to streaming
video and podcasts of the channel.
Register at CoralSprings.org
for the CityeNews monthly newsletter.
is produced quarterly by the City of Coral Springs
Communications and Marketing Department.
If you have questions or comments regarding this publication,
e-mail editor@coralsprings.org, call 954-344-1197 or write to
Coral Springs magazine at the address to the left.
Communications and Marketing Director
Christine Verdi
Creative Services Coordinator
Christine Parkinson Jahrsdoerfer
Writer/Media Relations Coordinator
Maria Fuentes-Archilla
Writer
Staci Zavattaro
Photography
Maria Fuentes-Archilla • Ann Grossman
Christine Parkinson Jahrsdoerfer • Valmiro Táscon
These residents live, work and
are continuing their education in
Coral Springs. Find out how you
can pursue a higher education.
See story page 3.
Watch CityTV 25 Spring 2010 • Coral Springs • 1

features
University Partnership
offers classes close to home
The City’s Fiscal Year 2010 strategy focuses on three key areas
most important to our residents – public safety, education,
and aesthetics. This is the final article in a three-part series
that highlights each area, explaining how the City is directing
its limited resources to where customers want them most.
The Coral Springs College and University Partnership, formed
between the City of Coral Springs, Broward College and Barry
University five years ago, continues to expand, offering students
more options closer to home. Strayer University also joined
the partnership in Spring 2009 and is offering graduate and
undergraduate courses right here in Coral Springs.
The University Partnership is geared toward adults of
all ages who have an interest in returning to school to
get or complete a degree or certification, but even new
and current college students can register for the courses
offered. The programs will also provide an opportunity for
high school students who are qualified for dual enrollment.
College credit courses are offered at the Coral Springs
Charter School and Heron Bay and currently enroll 2,000
students per year. Classes are offered in business, public
administration, technology, education, and professional
training and certifications.
Due to this impressive performance, the City and
Broward College are in preliminary discussions to bring
daytime classes, including nursing, to Coral Springs.
With the potential addition of programs supporting the
targeted industries of medical, information technology, and
distribution and logistics, opportunities for local learning
could continue to increase.
CoralSprings.org/csup
954-796-9922
A
Day
in
Life
the
City employee balances
family, work and school
Chelsea Stahl considers herself lucky.
Lucky to be able to provide her niece
with a great education, work only minutes
from home, and to earn her Master’s
degree all within Coral Springs.
Stahl has worked for the City for more than 10 years but
became a full-time employee within the Budget Division in
2002. Since then, her position has morphed dramatically.
As Senior Financial Analyst, she is part of a team that
supports the financial health of the City, making sure
department budgets are on track and stay in the black.
When she started, Stahl became the informational guru
of performance measures. For a few years, she managed
the performance measures and worked with department
After a busy day
at City Hall, Stahl
usually finds
time to study
for her college
courses after
she picks up her
niece Sydney
from school.
2 • Coral Springs • Spring 2010 Visit CoralSprings.org

“It’s been a fantastic experience to
drive just a few minutes away from
my house, and learn a lot from a
really good group of teachers and
professors, alongside students
who are doing the same thing I
am: working, raising a family and
trying to finish my education.”
– Senior Financial Analyst Chelsea Stahl
features
directors on making sure their initiatives aligned with the
City’s strategic priorities. Most recently, she worked on a
major process improvement, which was to implement the
use of ActiveStrategy within the organization to keep track of
the City’s performance measures.
The Budget season is in full swing, which means Stahl
and the rest of the budget team are extremely busy. Excel
wallpapers her computer screen daily as she works on the City’s
environmental scan. These projections examine the present and
future factors that may influence the City’s direction and goals.
“We provide structure to the big picture by analyzing small
details, in order to keep everything we do aligned with the
City’s strategy,” Stahl said.
All these projections are vital in developing the City’s
Strategic and Business Plans, the key documents that guide
overall operations. The end result of the long planning cycle
is the annual operating budget, which funds the initiatives
found in the City’s annual Business Plan.
“We make sure departments have the resources they need
to carry out their important initiatives,” Stahl added.
Sharing best practices
Coral Springs is reputable among its peers, and the Budget
Division is often asked to share how they do things. “We’ve
been interviewed by people as far away as New Zealand and
Japan and as close as our neighboring cities,” Stahl said.
In the past, Stahl has presented at the Malcolm Baldrige
National Quality Award Quest for Excellence XX Conference
in Washington D.C. and ActiveStrategy’s Fourth Annual Client
Conference in Philadelphia.
Aside from her day-to-day tasks, she also works on
special projects, such as coordinating the data collection
for ICMA Center for Performance Measurement and
Florida Benchmarking Consortium, revising the employee
satisfaction survey, assisting the Coral Springs Charter School
with its Sterling journey, analyzing financial scenarios for the
City, and various other research projects.
Stahl has also served as the Baldrige Application Writing
Team Category 7 lead, participated in a pilot test of the
Common Community Measures for Obesity Prevention
developed by the CDC in Atlanta, worked with a team to
develop the first “A Guide to Doing Business in Coral Springs”,
served on the Steering Committee for the Visioning Summit,
and provided support for grants and award applications.
“Special projects are exciting since I never quite know
what I will be working on next,” she added.
One-stop education
The Budget Division also participates in the Adult and
Continuing Education (ACE) Academy at the Charter School,
a program developed in collaboration with the School’s
academic staff and the City’s top CEOs. As part of this
program, Budget is currently sponsoring a student intern
who wants to gain experience working on executive level
projects. “We’ve been able to work with very bright and
motivated young people,” Stahl said.
After work, she picks up her niece, Sydney, who goes to
Coral Springs Charter School and lives with Chelsea and
her husband, Jon. “Coral Springs has the best reputation for
schools. Both my husband and I attended schools here, so we
knew first hand that the schools were really good,” she said.
And she isn’t just saying that. She believes it so
wholeheartedly that she decided to pursue her Master’s
degree within the Coral Springs College and University
Partnership.
“When I found out Coral Springs had a College and
University Partnership, I jumped at the opportunity to go.
I was thrilled at the idea of being able to drive only a few
minutes to finish my degree.”
Stahl is currently taking Barry satellite classes in Heron Bay
and will receive her degree in May, less than two years after
starting the program.
CoralSprings.org/budget
Watch CityTV 25 Spring 2010 • Coral Springs • 3

features
Helping
in
Haiti
USAR team showcases
heroes among us
Four of our very own firefighters were recently deployed
to Haiti after the devastating earthquake struck the island on
January 12. Battalion Chief Michael McNally, Captain Michael
Caldaro, Captain Joseph Russoniello and Captain Michael
Moser are four of 18 Coral Springs firefighters who are
volunteer members of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)
team.
The days following the devastating earthquake in Haiti,
Americans were bombarded with news, and many heard
about the Caribbean Market rescue in which rescuers from
South Florida, New York and Turkey saved five people who
had been trapped in the rubble for about five days. The fivestory
supermarket was one of the largest in Port-au-Prince.
These four Coral Springs firefighters were part of that rescue
mission.
“It took us 26 hours to get the first person out,” McNally
said.
Although the Caribbean Market was a successful mission
for the USAR teams, few people heard about the rescue
mission the night prior, where these Coral Springs firefighters
became part of history.
On Friday, January 15, just a day after the team arrived on
the island, McNally, Caldaro and Russoniello, along with other
USAR members, saved the lives of two young women at a
church site.
One of the girls had an arm pinned under a cement beam.
She had been trapped for three days and was crying out
for help. The team worked five hours just to get to her and
once they reached her, the only way to save her life was to
amputate her arm. In the end, she was happy and thankful to
Battalion Chief Michael McNally, Captain Michael Moser, Captain
Joseph Russoniello and Captain Michael Caldaro spent 12 days
in January helping with the search and rescue efforts in Haiti.
be alive.
Only a few feet away from her was another 26-year-old
girl who was found trapped in a confined space. She too
was saved and was lucky to have been able to walk away
practically unharmed.
“It was the first time since the inception of the USAR team
in 1991 that we made live rescues,” Caldaro said. “It was
exciting to be part of the team’s history.”
Caldaro and Russoniello are two of the original eight Coral
Springs firefighters to join USAR in 2002. Russoniello decided
to join after the tragedies of September 11, 2001.
“When you have a disaster of such magnitude, it
overwhelms firefighters and I wanted to help,” he said.
These men train extensively to be part of USAR and are
often deployed to assist during natural disasters, such as in
the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Ike.
“There is no comparison between this mission and that
of a hurricane. It was different circumstances with building
construction … concrete was heavier. This was much more
serious and much more dangerous,” Russoniello said.
USAR members are all rescue technicians, also known as
Rock Movers, but some of them specialize in certain areas.
Moser is a Communications Tech, so he deals with setting
up a satellite center at the mission site to ensure that the
team can communicate with the base. He’s also in charge
of leading the team to their destination with the use of a
GPS, while still navigating through the destruction. Caldaro
is a HAZ-MAT tech and he ensures that the site is safe for
rescuers to go in and do their job. He monitors air in the
atmosphere to make sure that it’s breathable and that there
are no explosives or gas leaks on site. Lastly, Russoniello is a
Search Tech. He deals with cameras and listening devices to
help find trapped victims.
“Without these tasks, the USAR team as a whole can’t
function,” Moser said.
In turn, deployments such as this one also benefit Coral
Springs’ residents because the team also brings its skills back
to the community.
“It gives us hands-on experience so that if we had
anything like that happen here, we’re now better suited to
deal with it,” McNally said.
Despite it being the most dangerous mission they’ve
ever been on, these Coral Springs firefighters don’t see
themselves as heroes.
“The idea of getting killed was in the forefront, but I don’t
see myself as a hero,” Caldaro said. “Just somebody that had
the opportunity to be part of a rescue team.”
They returned home to their families safely after working
non-stop for 12 grueling days. Despite the dangers, they’d
do it all over again. “We’d all go back in a heartbeat,” McNally
said. “We’d do the same thing without any reservations.”
Whether they think so or not, they are truly heroes in our
4 • Coral Springs • Spring 2010 Visit CoralSprings.org

features
City offers wide range of committees
Bobbie Lewis-Solar has a passion for giving back. She
devotes countless hours each year to various community
boards and committees. Several years ago, Lewis-Solar’s
generosity was instrumental in bringing the successful
Festival of the Arts to Coral Springs.
As a volunteer for the Friends of the Museum, Lewis-
Solar recalls chatting with
other volunteers about ways
to bring more art to Coral
Springs. If an outdoor festival
took place, a non-profit
organization was necessary
to host it. She recalls asking
how much money that would
cost. The answer: $750. On
the spot, she took out her
checkbook and donated the
money to get the process
started.
“Every time I see that event
I think, ‘That’s my little
baby,’” she said.
Lewis-Solar moved to
Coral Springs 15 years ago and wanted to be involved with her
community. Her interests began with the Garden Club, which
opened the door to service on her first City committee, the
Neighborhood and Environmental Committee. Today, she also
donates her time to Friends of the Museum, Customer-Involved
Government Committee, Special Events Funding Committee,
Public Art Committee, and several groups at the Coral Springs
Medical Center.
“I live here, and I want to make the City the best it can be,”
she said. “It’s very rewarding.”
The City offers myriad committees and ways for
people to get involved. Committee meetings are
open to the public, and anyone is welcome to attend.
Some City boards and
committees require
applications, and the City
announces on its web site
when vacancies become
available. The City’s boards
and committees address
everything from art to
construction, education
to finance, and history to
diversity.
For Lewis-Solar,
volunteering means being
involved with the place
she calls home. She said
she always encourages
people to attend meetings
or meet with elected and City officials because they all
genuinely want to listen to what citizens want and need.
“I feel like it’s my community, and if something can be
done, it starts with me,” she said. “Anyone can volunteer, and
it’s so rewarding.”
City Manager Michael Levinson thanks the City’s dedicated volunteers at this
year’s State of the City event, which highlighted 2009 accomplishments.
CoralSprings.org/committees
Watch CityTV 25 Spring 2010 • Coral Springs • 5

city
City’s annual financial report
receives top marks from external auditors
The City recently received top marks on its annual financial
report from its external auditors, McGladrey & Pullen. Brett
Friedman, CPA, reported on the firm’s audit of the City’s
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the year
ended September 30, 2009.
“The best possible opinion you can receive from us is
an unqualified opinion, and you did receive an unqualified
opinion with regard to your report,” Friedman said.
The City’s annual CAFR captures the organization’s
financial position and activities as required by local
ordinances and State statutes, but it also provides an
informative narrative of City operations. Friedman listed
numerous areas in which the CAFR demonstrated the City’s
fiscal responsibility and transparency of accounting practices.
These included the auditors’ findings of no significant or
unusual accounting transactions; no findings contrary
to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); no
significant audit adjustments or uncorrected misstatements;
and no disagreement with management over application of
accounting principles.
In addition, the auditors did not identify any deficiencies
in the City’s internal controls over financial reporting that
would result in more than a remote likelihood that a material
misstatement of the financial statements would not be
prevented or detected.
“The audit findings demonstrate that the City respects the
trust our residents place in us to manage the dollars they
provide in the
most responsible
manner,” City
Manager Michael
S. Levinson said.
“Particularly in the
current economic
climate,
credibility is the
most precious
currency, and a
clean audit from
an independent
firm that showcases the City’s fiscal discipline
is one more way we honor our promises to the community.”
The audit findings continue to validate the City’s business
model, which matches its willingness to preserve service
levels in the community with the ability to focus on
long-term financial success. The Coral Springs way of doing
business has long been recognized by Wall Street. When
major credit rating agency Fitch Ratings recently reevaluated
the City’s financial condition and awarded Coral Springs
the highest possible rating, AAA with a Stable Outlook,
Fitch noted that “the City’s financial profile remains strong.
Financial operations are very well-managed.”
CoralSprings.org/budget
Remember
vote
to
Special Election on April 13
The City encourages all voters to make their voices heard at
the polls during all elections at every level.
Voters residing within the 19 th U.S. Congressional districts
may participate in the April 13 special election. Applicable
precincts for the special primary election are as follows: E001,
E002, E005, E006, E008, E009, E010, E011, E012, E013, E016,
E017, E019, E020, E025, E026, E027, E030, E032, E033, E034,
E035, E036, E038, E039, E041 and E045.
Early voting for the special primary election will be
available at the Northwest Regional Library on Monday, April
5 through Friday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday,
April 10 from from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
April 13
Information for voters
regarding registration,
absentee ballots,
upcoming election
details, and other general
information is available
from the Broward
County Supervisor of
Elections Office.
browardsoe.org
954-357-7050
6 • Coral Springs • Spring 2010 Visit CoralSprings.org

Fire Station 80 first LEED
building in Coral Springs
city
The new Fire Station 80 is now open. On February 26, City officials hosted
a ribbon cutting ceremony and an open house. More than a hundred people
attended and children gleefully toured the station.
Construction on the $2.6 million facility began in January 2009 and was
completed on schedule and under budget. Station 80 is 13,400 square feet with
four apparatus bays and serves as the fire department’s main station, housing
a Battalion Chief, Advanced Life Support Rescue Truck, Quint/Aerial Device,
Air Support Unity, Several Reserve Apparatus, and other pieces of specialized
equipment. Constructed using LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design) certification criteria, the station will be the first building in the City of
Coral Springs and the first fire station in South Florida to be LEED Certified by the
U.S. Green Building Council.
“This new fire station will help us provide even faster response times and
enhance customer service,” Fire Chief Mark Curran said.
Governor Charlie Crist also toured the facility earlier that afternoon.
“This is a magnificent facility,” Governor Charlie Crist said. “Thank you for the
sacrifices you make for all of us and for protecting lives. You are the finest of
public servants.”
The station is located at 2825 Coral Springs Drive, just north of Royal Palm Blvd.
CoralSprings.org/fire
CoralSprings.org/gogreen
Governor Charlie Crist (middle left and right)
toured the City’s first LEED building earlier
in the day, and spoke with City officials including
City Manager Michael Levinson, who emphasized
that the facility came in on time and under budget.
The flag outside the new Fire Station 80 was raised
for the first time during the February ceremony
(top right), which included a ribbon cutting by
City Attorney Samuel S. Goren, City Manager
Levinson, Commissioner Vincent M. Boccard, Vice
Mayor Claudette Bruck, Mayor Scott J. Brook,
Commissioner Roy Gold, Commissioner Tom
Powers, former Commissioner Ted Mena, and Fire
Chief Mark Curran (right).
Watch CityTV 25 Spring 2010 • Coral Springs • 7

city
Homebuyers assistance
funds now available
for new areas of City
The City still has funds available to assist eligible lowand
moderate-income individuals with the purchase
and rehabilitation of foreclosed homes in Coral Springs.
Previously, the program offered funds toward the purchase
of foreclosed homes in the 33065 ZIP code. Recently, the
City Commission voted to expand the existing target area
of foreclosed homes to include properties in ZIP code
areas 33076, 33071 and 33067.
“With the slow housing market recovery and increased
job loss, these areas are equally impacted by foreclosed
and abandoned properties,” Community Development
Coordinator Vickki Placide said. “The expansion of the
target area will allow the City to reduce the number of
residential foreclosures in the City.”
Applications can be downloaded at CoralSprings.org
and will be available until all $2.6 million of the remaining
funds are exhausted.
Financial assistance will be provided in the form of a
5-year, 10-year or 15-year, 0% interest, deferred payment
loan secured by a second mortgage and promissory note.
Applicants do not have to be first-time homebuyers, but
may not own any other property. Applications will be
accepted by appointments only.
CoralSprings.org
954-431-7866
crafla.org
CSPD hosts prescription
drug collection in May
As part of the City’s initiative to target and deter the
use of illicit prescription drug use within our City, the
Coral Springs Police Department is hosting a prescription
drug collection on Saturday, May 22 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Residents are asked to drop off any unused, unwanted
or expired prescription medication at City Hall, 9551 W.
Sample Road. This drop-off location will be set up as a
drive-through, making it easy, quick and convenient.
“By providing a safe and legal place for the public to
dispose of their unused, unwanted or expired prescription
medication, we hope to keep prescription narcotics out
of the wrong hands,” Lieutenant Clyde Parry said.
Participants who turn in prescription medication will
receive a $5 Wal-Mart gift card.
CoralSprings.org/events 954-346-1792
Children can learn life-saving
skills at Safety Town
Children will learn valuable, life-saving skills during the
City’s 24 th annual Safety Town of Coral Springs program.
Safety Town is a comprehensive, early childhood, hands-on
safety education program that introduces children ages 4½
to 6½ to real-life safety situations.
Registration for Safety Town is set for Saturday, May 1 from
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Safety Town in Kiwanis Park. The cost is
$60, and participants must meet the age requirement as of
June 2010. Proof of age, such as birth certificate or passport,
is required at registration.
The tentative schedule for Safety Town is as follows:
Session 1: June 21 to July 2, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Session 2: June 21 to July 2, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Session 3: July 12 to 23, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Session 4: July 26 to August 6, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Parents must register their own children. No more than
two children, including siblings and friends, can be grouped
together. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis
because of limited class size.
CoralSprings.org/SummerFun
Kiwanis Park, 520 Ramblewood Drive
954-344-1811
New study circles
kicking off
If you have innovative ideas and are looking for a place
to discuss safety and security with your neighbors, bring
them to the City’s upcoming Study Circles. The forum
discussions will take place during the first two
weeks in May and are hosted by the Coral Springs
Customer-Involved Government
Committee (CIGC). These forums
will give Coral Springs residents
and business owners a chance to
discuss safety security measures
in our community, and ideas may
be included in a report to the City
Commission for their consideration
and planning. The CIGC is looking
for people who are passionate
about the subject and are
interested in becoming more
active in our community. Please
call to register in advance.
954-344-1148
8 • Coral Springs • Spring 2010 Visit CoralSprings.org

Teen Political Forum connects government, youth
For the third year in a row, City teens brought together
their peers, elected officials and government leaders to
discuss issues important to the City’s youth population.
Teens from all the local high schools collaborated on the
event, which included all City Commissioners, Fire Chief Mark
Curran, Police Chief Duncan Foster, State Senator Jeremy
Ring, State Representative Ari Porth, and School Board
member Stephanie Kraft.
The event was the brainchild of Commissioner Roy Gold,
who several years back saw a similar program at Stoneman
Douglas High School and wanted the City to get involved on
a larger scale. The idea was to give the programming control
to teens to let them express which issues and ideas are
important to them – then pose those to government officials.
This year, several hundred teens attended the event,
and survey responses
indicated the event
was a success. Ninetyeight
percent of survey
respondents said they
would recommend
the event to a friend.
Another 96 percent of
respondents said they
would like an elected
official to come speak in
their government class to
better connect elected
officials with students.
Finally, 91 percent said
they felt the Teen Political
Forum is helpful to
their understanding of
government.
“During the three years of this event, the program has
become a great opportunity for the elected and
appointed officials, the students leading the program,
and the students in the audience observing and asking
questions,” Gold said.
city
Code Ranger volunteers
needed to keep City beautiful
The City is looking for volunteers to assist the Code
Enforcement Division in enhancing our community’s
aesthetics. Volunteers will be assigned to specific neighborhoods
to check on homes with reported code violations.
Volunteers will also leave friendly reminders for residents
to address the issue reported, urging voluntary compliance.
Be a part of the solution to keeping Coral Springs
beautiful by joining this exciting new program.
CoralSprings.org/volunteer 954-346-4430
volunteer@coralsprings.org
Watch CityTV 25 Spring 2010 • Coral Springs • 9

community
Local volunteers crochet
items for charity
For Arleen Walls, crocheting is more than a hobby – it is
self-described mental therapy.
Walls, sitting in the crochet class she started at Sartory
Senior Center more than two years ago, explains that she is
a self-taught stitcher and wanted to share the craft with her
community. As a dialysis patient, Walls felt that she was not
using her off-treatment time constructively, so she called the
City to suggest the crochet sessions.
The group of about 15 men and women meet each
Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon at Sartory Senior Center and
create everything from blankets to hats. Recently, the group
made blankets for Kids in Distress and stitched pouches and
slippers for seniors in a local assisted living facility.
The current project is crafting helmet liners for troops
serving overseas. The liners go underneath helmets to
keep troops more comfortable. Walls said the group needs
donations of cotton or wool thread and, of course, volunteers
are welcome to come stitch. Walls anticipates the group will
make between 600 and 1,200 helmet liners. Donations can
be dropped off to Sartory Senior Center.
“One of my proudest achievements is this group, and to
not sit around and do nothing,” Walls said. “It’s become a very
congenial group. Sometimes we talk more than we crochet.
George Felos, so far the only male member of the group,
joined two years ago to reconnect with his background in
fabrics. Felos owned a weaving and knitting shop five years
ago in New York. For Felos, the most enjoyable part is sharing
his creations with others in need.
“It’s a great feeling knowing you’re giving back,” he said
before sitting down to reveal the red, white and black plaid
blanket around which he crocheted a border.
Also in the group are sisters Eleanor Dingus
(affectionately called Ellie), Ann Lundy and their 99-year-old
mother Anna Sindelar. Lundy said the women saw an ad in
a local newspaper and decided to join the group to have a
family activity.
“It’s a fellowship, it really is,” Dingus said as her mother
worked to crochet a green helmet liner. “It is the camaraderie
that holds the group together.”
Anyone can join the group, and no experience is
necessary. People must bring their own supplies.
“The people in this group are volunteers,” Walls said. “Every
single stitch that they make is a volunteer effort.”
CoralSprings.org/seniorprograms
954-345-2203
10150 N.W. 29th St.
Embrace diversity, peace at National Day of Prayer
The City embraces diversity in many ways, and the
successful National Day of Prayer celebration highlights the
strength in diversity found in our community.
Every house of worship in Coral Springs and adjoining
cities are invited to participate. Youth from participating
congregations lead the prayers. This nondenominational
event, hosted by
the City’s Multi-
Cultural Advisory
Committee, brings
together people
from all faiths to
pray, sing or chant
together, fostering
an understanding
of the world’s
different religions.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, May 6 at 7 p.m. in the
front lawn of City Hall. There is no cost to attend.
CoralSprings.org/events
954-344-1005
9551 W. Sample Road
10 • Coral Springs • Spring 2010 Visit CoralSprings.org

Begin hurricane season
preparation early
Hurricane season is quickly approaching, and residents
are advised to start preparation early. It is important to have
supplies on hand despite the quiet season last year.
The City offers many resources for residents to use before,
during and after a storm.
CodeRED is the City’s automated phone alert system that
will send notifications about weather conditions, boil water
alerts, evacuation orders and more. Residents and business
owners can sign up for this free service
City media provides extensive coverage of hurricanerelated
information before, during and after a storm. Visit
CoralSprings.org for the latest updates, and be sure to tune
into CityRadio 1670a m for up-to-date emergency information.
CityTV, on Advanced Cable channel 25 or on AT&T U-Verse
channel 99, also will broadcast emergency information.
After a storm hits, the City opens its Hurricane Call Center
and volunteers answer City-specific questions. The number
to reach the Call Center when it is activated is 954-344-1001.
Broward County also provides valuable hurricane safety
information, including creating a family plan, establishing
an out-of-town emergency contact, stocking up on food,
supplies and medicines for your family and pets, and
securing homes and properties.
CoralSprings.org/hurricane 954-344-1001
Broward.org/hurricane
Student chefs to participate
in Teen Cook Off
Student chefs have
signed up and spatulas
are ready to fly for the
Teen Cook Off on
Saturday, April 17
from 9 to 11 a.m.
Residents are invited
to watch as these local
teens showcase their culinary
talents. Teams will be given the same ingredients and they
must whip up a savory meal using those components. The
winning team will be awarded “The Plate,” which will be
passed down annually to the winning team.
Residents are invited to attend and support their favorite
team. The competition will be held at Coral Springs Country
Club, located at 10800 West Sample Road.
een
Cook off
CoralSprings.org/events 954-345-2204
My
Coral Springs
Photos submitted by our readers
Coral Springs invites residents to submit their best photos
of life in Coral Springs. Submitted photos may be featured in an
upcoming issue of this magazine, on CityTV 25 or on the City’s
web sites. Please e-mail your full-resolution photographs to
editor@coralsprings.org. Don’t forget to include your name,
description of the people or places pictured, as well as a sentence
about why Coral Springs is your Community of Excellence.
“Throughout this whole ordeal, the administration,
teachers and students from Sawgrass Springs Middle School
quickly put together items and raised over $4,000 in cash
to send to various organizations. “
-Linda Derogene
Reading Teacher at Sawgrass Springs MIddle
BiKE Broward helps cyclists
map our their rides
Cyclists are now able to find out the best way to
reach their destination with the help of BiKE Broward.
The Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
launched this innovative Internet-based bicycle route
planning tool to help riders plan their trips. Cyclists only
need to enter their start and end locations to receive
turn-by-turn directions.
BiKE Broward users are also able to select from five
types of routes: short, fast, least interaction with traffic,
simple and scenic. In addition, riders may enter multiple
travel points along their journey.
The concept was born in March 2008 and is a
joint effort between Broward MPO, FIU’s Geographic
Information System Center and UF’s GeoMatics Program
at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center.
bike.browardmpo.org 954-357-6641
community
Watch CityTV 25 Spring 2010 • Coral Springs • 11

usiness
EDF attracts businesses despite sluggish economy
For the past 16 years, the Coral Springs Economic
Development Foundation has been attracting business
enterprises to the City to better diversify the tax base. Most
recently, three new businesses relocated to Coral Springs,
helping push the non-residential tax base to $1.7 billion for
Fiscal Year 2010.
The Welcome Wagon, which has been welcoming new
homeowners for more than 80 years, has chosen to relocate
from Long Island, NY to Coral Springs. The company is now
leasing 8,000 square feet at the Heron Bay Office Complex on
Coral Ridge Drive.
One of the largest distributors of orthopedic and
prosthetic devices has also set up shop here. With its recent
acquisition of SureFit, Southern Prosthetics Supply is another
great addition to our Corporate Park.
Lastly, Vutec, which also recently moved into the
Corporate Park, is bringing a 33-year record of growth
and industry accomplishments to the City. This leading
international manufacturer of video projection screens and
lighting industry products is now occupying a property of
more than 100,000 square feet with 100 employees.
“This increases the assessed value of properties as
vacancies are filled and projects are completed, which in turn
helps keep the tax burden off of the residents,” EDF Executive
Director Paul Cawley said. “There is also the potential of
employment opportunities.”
CoralSpringsEDF.com
954-346-6996
City creates video series to help
local businesses gain a competitive edge
As a result of input from
the Coral Springs business
community, the City and
the Coral Springs Economic
Development Foundation are
creating a video-on-demand
series to help local business
owners navigate the current
tough economic environment.
The series is part of the City’s CSBizAssist program, a
comprehensive business sustainability initiative undertaken
in Fiscal Year 2009 to help improve the overall performance
of the local business community. The related web site,
CSBizAssist.org, provides tailored information for City
businesses seeking support resources from the City and its
partner organizations. The new video-on-demand series,
developed in partnership with numerous local subject
matter experts, will feature topics geared toward helping
local businesses and entrepreneurs survive and thrive in this
financial climate.
The first video discusses strategies to help businesses
gain a competitive edge and is now available for viewing
online. Future video topics include practicing self-care during
stressful times, e-commerce, retaining human capital, sound
fiscal management and team building.
CSBizAssist.org 954-346-6996
Coral Springs proposing multi-tenant signage
After extensive research and a public forum, the City
Commission has given the go ahead for Community
Development to amend the Land Development Code to
allow multi-tenant monument signs for certain commercial
properties.
On November 9, 2009, the City held a signage forum to
have an open discussion regarding signage and the current
economic environment. A number of business community
members, including representatives from the Chamber of
Commerce, attended and provided input. Staff conducted
additional research on temporary signs and multi-tenant
monument signs and presented their findings at a January
26 City Commission workshop.
After deliberating these signage options, the Commission
directed staff to create regulations that will provide more
visibility for tenants and property owners by allowing multitenant
monument signs for certain commercial properties.
In addition, the Commission requested to see the cost of
a capital improvement program that would develop the
University Drive, Sample and Wiles Roads corridors with
additional indexing signs in the public rights-of-way. The
sign code amendment is tentatively scheduled to go before
the City Commission on April 20.
954 344-1040
12 • Coral Springs • Spring 2010 Visit CoralSprings.org

City hosts EarthFest event
To celebrate Earth Day, the City is again hosting its
annual EarthFest celebration on Saturday, April 17 at Sandy
Ridge Sanctuary from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. EarthFest features
wildlife exhibits, guided tours of Sandy Ridge, plant giveaways
for Coral Springs residents, children’s activities and
refreshments. This year’s event also will include information
for residents on how to live more sustainable lives, reduce
their carbon footprints and save money in the process.
A highlight of EarthFest is the “Flight of the Raptor” show,
a bird of prey exhibit offering visitors a chance to see birds of
prey up close and in action during the flight demonstrations.
Sandy Ridge Sanctuary, 8501 N.W. 40th St.
CoralSprings.org/events 954-344-1117
CoralSprings.org/environment
Hundreds turn out for
annual Waterway Cleanup
Once again, volunteers turned out in droves to help
remove debris and trash from the City’s waterways.
Volunteers removed everything from small boats to
household furniture, from aluminum cans to paper
products.
A record of 523 volunteers participated in Coral Springs,
which accounts for almost 30 percent of the total 1,800
county-wide volunteers. An estimated 15 tons of trash
were removed from Broward’s waterways this year.
“The 15th year was another great success for Coral
Springs,” said site leader Commissioner Roy Gold. “The
value of the program is in the volunteerism, the building of
a stronger sense of community and the cleaning up of our
waterways.”
Gold, a long-time environmental activist, brought a
Broward Waterway Cleanup Site to the City 15 years ago,
and each year, the site is consistently one of the largest
in the county in terms of volunteer power. The Marine
Industries Association of South Florida sponsors the annual
event. Site sponsors for Coral Springs included Coral
Springs Improvement District, North Springs Improvement
District, Kilwin’s Chocolate and Ice Cream, Lowe’s Home
Improvement, Adopt-A-Mile, Coral Springs Forum, and
Whole Foods Market.
“I so appreciate the 10 volunteers who help organize
our site and help the volunteers move quickly through the
registration process,” Gold said. “We are extremely fortunate
to have the hundreds and hundreds of volunteers come to
our Coral Springs site.”
Watch CityTV 25 Spring 2010 • Coral Springs • 13

culture
Museum hosts 11 th Annual
Great Art Affair
All art lovers and baby boomers especially won’t want
to miss Flower Power Rock - The 11th Annual Great
Art Affair on Thursday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Coral
Springs Museum of Art. Celebrity guest Rick Shaw from
Majic 102.7 FM will be at the event and will serve as
Master of Ceremonies to help relive the 60s and 70s.
Drink, eat and boogie your way through raffles and
auctions for a cruise, a trip to the Bahamas, weekend
getaways, sports memorabilia and original art by
renowned international and national artists. Patrons can
also try their luck at winning goods and services from
local establishments with Chinese auction tickets.
Local restaurants will be at the event with delicious
specialties to sample and there will be entertainment in
the Museum.
Tickets for Art Affair will be $50 in advance and
$75 at the door. Sponsors are Vista BMW, Parkland Life
Magazine, Patron Spirits Company, Hertz Jewelers, and
Andrews & Company.
Current Exhibits
All Sides of the
Parthenon and
Collaborations in Clay
and Wood will be on
exhibit from May 6
through August 21. All
Sides of the Parthenon
will feature largescale
photographs of
the Greek Parthenon
reconstruction project
by Peter Yalanis, four
replicas of Elgin friezes
from the Parthenon,
artifacts from the New
Acropolis Museum and
a video of the restoration
project.
Collaborations in Clay
and Wood by artists Jan
Kolenda and Bob Bagley
is an exhibition of sculptures
where both artists
have created individual
pieces and then collaborated on large sculptures.
The opening reception will begin at 6 p.m. on
Thursday, May 6 and admission for the opening is free
for Museum members and $10 for the general public.
Summer Camp and Classes
The Coral Springs Museum
of Art is offering Summer
Camp ArtShops for children
and teens ages 6 to 18. Art
Camp begins June 14 and
runs for 10 weeks. Children
may sign up for one, two or
more weeks.
Summer Camp ArtShops
consist of either a threehour
morning or afternoon
ArtShop. Children may attend
both sessions. The Museum
offers lunchtime supervision
for $10 a week, but students
must bring their own lunch. ArtShop fees are $110 and up.
ArtShops are divided by age and subject, some of the
workshops offered are Ceramic Hand-Building or Wheel
Techniques for Clay, Exploring Sculpture, Art of the Animal,
Drawing, Acrylic Painting, Cartooning, Comic Book Design,
Papiér Mache, Green Art Explorations, Adventures in Art and
much more. Classes are taught by professional artists.
2855 Coral Springs Drive
954-340-5000
csmart.org
City offers full range of
summer programs
Summer is almost here, and
that means kids will be out of
school and looking for ways to
stay busy. Look no further than
the City’s many offerings for
summer camps and activities
that are sure to appeal to
every interest.
The popular Kamp Kool
is great for kids of all ages,
while interest-specific
camps, such as science,
dance and acting, also
are available. For a complete list,
Your Source for City Camps,
Activities and Classes
Parks and Recreation Department
pick up your copy of the Summer Fun Guide or
download it at our web site.
CoralSprings.org/summerfun 954-345-2200
2 0 1 0
14 • Coral Springs • Spring 2010 Visit CoralSprings.org

Project CS hosts
annual car show
There will be something for the entire family to enjoy at
the City’s Car Show on Saturday, May 15 from 11 a.m. to 4
p.m. The show, sponsored by Project CS Teen Car Club and
co-sponsored by Auto Works Collision and Paint, Inc., will be
at the Sportsplex, across from the Tennis Center. Admission is
$2 for adults and $1 for children.
The show will feature cars of all types and models.
There will be vendors, bounce houses and entertainment
throughout the day, including a DJ the entire time.
Anyone who thinks his or her car has what it takes and
would like to enter it in the show should call 954-345-2204.
Cost to enter is $20. Trophies will be awarded to winners in
multiple categories.
Any business interested in setting up a 10’ x 10’ booth for
$40 should also call 954-345-2204.
All proceeds from the event will go toward Project CS and
the group’s efforts toward customizing confiscated vehicles.
954-345-2204
2575 Sportsplex Drive
Fireworks and fun
for the Fourth
Watch fireworks fill the night sky
as the City hosts its annual Fourth of July
celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 4 at Sportsplex.
There is a nominal parking fee, but admission is free.
Attendees can enjoy family friendly activities and events, as
well as purchase refreshments. The dazzling fireworks display
begins promptly at 9 p.m.
Personal fireworks are prohibited. The City reminds
residents to practice fireworks safety during the holiday
season. Fireworks injuries send thousands of people to
emergency rooms each year, and half of those victims are
children. The Coral Springs Police Department would like
to remind people that any device that explodes is generally
considered illegal and may be confiscated.
WorldFest brings
international flair to City
A festival of nations will take place in Coral Springs,
offering families a chance to experience global
entertainment, cuisine, crafts and more without ever
leaving the City.
WorldFest 2010, hosted by the Coral Springs Multi-
Cultural Advisory Committee, will take place Sunday,
April 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Sportsplex. Admission
to this outdoor festival is free, but there is a $3 parking
fee. Attendees can sample delicious cultural food, take
in international entertainment, and salute the diverse
population in Coral Springs. Amusements and games will
be a, including a children’s activity tent with a puppet
show and international arts and crafts.
“You will not want to miss this amazing event filled
with culture, outstanding live performances, a variety
of foods from many lands and native dress,” Vice Mayor
Claudette Bruck said.
This year, as a new attraction,
WorldFest is looking for
talented amateurs to
compete in “Coral Springs
has Talent.” The competition
is open to Coral Springs residents only, and talents of
all kinds are welcome. Those applicants who qualify
in March will perform at Worldfest at 2 p.m. at the
Sportsplex. Trophies will be awarded to first, second and
third place winners. First place winner has a chance of
receiving a VIP pass to a taping of “America’s Got Talent.”
“We are especially excited this year about a new facet
to the Worldfest entertainment program called ‘Coral
Springs Has Talent,’” said former City Commissioner and
Worldfest Committee chair Ted Mena. “This will be the
first year that we are showcasing local residents’ abilities
to play an instrument, sing, dance, etc. Bring your family
for a day of fun, fresh air, and forget your problems for at
least a few hours!”
2575 Sportsplex Drive
954-344-1005
CoralSprings.org/worldfest
recreation
954-345-2204
2575 Sportsplex Drive
Watch CityTV 25 Spring 2010 • Coral Springs • 15

ecreation
Family entertainment at Center for the Arts
Comedy Club
While the Center for the Arts season is coming to a close,
the Comedy Club is still going strong. The Comedy Club
brings national acts to an intimate setting inside the Center
for the Arts. Tickets are $25, which includes admission and a
buffet by Doris’ Italian Market.
Summer Theater Camp Set
Budding thespians can take part in acting camps right in
Coral Springs at the City’s own Center for the Arts.
The Coral Springs Institute for the Performing Arts
is currently accepting applications for its Next Stop
Broadway Camp, which pairs actors with trained
instructors at Center for the Arts. Campers attend a variety
of classes in acting, dance, stagecraft and more. Camp
sessions are offered for ages 6 to 13, and ages 13 and up.
Camp begins Monday, June 14. Session costs range from
$600 to $900. Discounts are available online, but must be
redeemed by April 15.
The camp schedule is as follows:
Youth Sessions (ages 6 to 13)
• Session 1: June 14 to July 2; show is Rugrats on July 2
• Session 2: July 5 through July 30; show is Disney’s Beauty
and the Beast on July 30
• Session 3: August 2 to August 20; show is Bye Bye Birdie
on August 20
Teen Session (ages 14 and up)
• July 5 to August 13; show is The Wedding Singer
CoralSpringsCenterfortheArts.com
954-344-5990
Enjoy island music
under the stars
Jam to some reggae
grooves as band Fourth
Dimension takes the stage
at the upcoming Family
Concert, scheduled for 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 24 at Betti
Family
Stradling Park. Admission
Concert
is free. Blankets, chairs and
Series
coolers are welcome. Please
refrain from bringing pets, glass containers and alcohol.
Refreshments also will be available for purchase.
954-345-2200
10301 Wiles Road
Sawgrass Nature Center
offers a Wild Time
Children are bound to have a fierce time at Camp Wild this
summer at the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital.
The camp, geared for children ages 6 to 12, allows campers
to interact with plants and animals, while also participating
in outdoor exploration and nature craft projects. Activities all
focus on science, nature and the environment.
Camp sessions run from June 14 through August 6
and cost $200 per week or $180 per week for Sawgrass
Nature Center members. Camp fees include all activities
and supplies. Certified science teachers and environmental
educators make up the camp’s staff. Interested participants
must register in advance as space is limited.
Registration forms are available online and at the Center.
The Sawgrass Nature Center is open Mondays through
Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 3
p.m. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
954-752-WILD
SawgrassNatureCenter.org
3000 Sportsplex Drive
16 • Coral Springs • Spring 2010 Visit CoralSprings.org

Around
theTown
Students
participated
in roundtable
discussions
with the City
Commission and
peers during
the Youth
Empowerment
and Diversity
Summit.
around the town
Governor Charlie Crist, here with Fire Chief
Mark Curran, visited the City’s new Fire Station 80.
City Commissioners and local sponsors celebrate the opening of the Rotary
Community Garden. Participants are currently planting 20 garden beds.
What’s
Happening?
Family Funday • Wrap it in Plaster
Saturday, April 10 • 3:30 p.m. • $4 • 354-345-2204
Coral Springs Museum of Art • 2855 Coral Springs Drive
WorldFest
Sunday, April 11 • 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. • Free, $3 Parking
Sportsplex • 2575 Sportsplex Drive • 354-344-1005
Rape Aggression Defense Class Begins
Tuesday, April 13 • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. • Free• 954-346-1227
Northwest Regional Library • 3151 N. University Dr.
EarthFest (see page 13)
Saturday, April 17 • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Free
Sandy Ridge Sanctuary • 8501 N.W. 40 St. • 954-344-1117
Family Concert Series • reggae by Fourth Dimension
Saturday, April 24 • 7 to 9 p.m. • Free
Betti Stradling Park • 10301 Wiles Road • 954-345-2200
Always visit CoralSprings.org/events for the latest
updates and additions to this list of events happening
in Coral Springs in the coming months.
Family Funday • Wild Thing
Saturday, May 8 • 3:30 p.m. • $4 • 354-345-2204
Coral Springs Museum of Art • 2855 Coral Springs Drive
Project CS Teen Car Show (see page 15)
Saturday, May 15 • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sportsplex • 2575 Sportsplex Drive • 354-344-1005
Prescription Drug Collection (see page 8)
Saturday, May 22 • 9 a.m. to noon •
City Hall • 9551 W. Sample Road • 954-346-1792
Memorial Day
Monday, May 31 • 9 a.m. • open to the public
Veterans Park • 8601 Royal Palm Blvd. • 954-345-2200
calendar
Watch CityTV 25 Spring 2010 • Coral Springs • 17

9551 W. Sample Road
Coral Springs, FL 33065
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So. Florida, FL
PERMIT #1401
Learn
live work play learn
Coral Springs makes the grade by featuring some
of the best schools in the country, with the majority
receiving A-ratings.
live
work
And the learning doesn’t stop there. Our College
and University Partnership, acclaimed Fire Academy
and numerous customer-involved government
educational opportunities allow our residents
to continuously expand their horizons.
85
percent of our public schools received
an A-rating in 2009, including our own
Coral Springs Charter School
39
bachelor’s or master’s classes available
in Coral Springs through the College and
University Partnership
1,265
students have graduated
from the Coral Springs Fire Academy
258
classes are offered at the Coral Springs
Museum of Art for all ages and skill levels
play
learn
Visit CoralSprings.org
to experience
all the attributes
that make our City a
Community of Excellence.
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The nation’s premier community in which to live, work and raise a family.