A Brush with History - City of Coral Springs

Code Enforcement has new citation guidelinesThe City of Coral Springs might be one of the cities withthe most codes and courtesies, but it’s what keeps our Cityclean and beautiful.When code violations occur, the Code EnforcementDivision has several actions it may take and as of April 1, codeofficers will follow new administrative citation guidelines,which allow certain violations to be taken to a specialmagistrate at City Hall rather than a county court.“This new program is intended to encourage a fastervoluntary compliance,” Chief Code Enforcement Officer KenMaroney said.If a code officer finds a violation, the first step of actionwill be a warning notice with a time to comply. If you receivesuch a notice, it is important that you contact the officerVolunteerSpotlightShe’s the Fire Department’sfavorite baker, and the staffalways looks forward to herunexpected visits and herexquisite angel food cakes andsnickerdoodle cookies.“After the attacks onSeptember 11, I started bakingfor all of the fire stations anddispatch,” volunteer LynneJohnson said. When a localPublix found out what she wasdoing, they were kind enoughto donate the cake covers. “I live near Station 64, and I alwaystell the firefighters this is in case you carry me out and I can’tsay thank you.”Johnson, 83, has been volunteering with the City sinceJanuary 1998, and she drives proudly with a bumper stickerthat says “I love my career. I’m a volunteer.”A native from Ohio, Johnson moved from SouthCarolina to Florida in 1996 to be closer to her daughter andgrandchildren. To make friends, she decided to get involvedin local groups, such as Seniors and Law EnforcementTogether. That’s when she met City staff and soon gotinvolved with Safety Town. Since then, she has volunteeredfor nearly every City department, putting in at least 40 hoursa month. She has a deep love for reading and music, butenjoys getting out and volunteering.“I plan to volunteer until I can’t anymore,” Johnson said. Sheproudly wears her City badge and when people ask whereshe works, she smiles and tells them, “I volunteer for the Cityof Coral Springs.”For more information on volunteer opportunities, contactVolunteer Coordinator Kim Sanecki at 954-346-4430.to find out what you need to do to reach compliance. Thecode officer will then show up to reinspect the property anddetermine if the violation has been corrected.If the property still does not meet compliance, CodeEnforcement will take the person to a special magistrate,who will determine a fine for each day the property is not incompliance.Depending on the severity of the violation, code officerswill now have the authority to determine if the hearingshould be conducted at the county court.For more information on violations and fines, please visitcoralsprings.org/code or call 954-344-5964. Business ownersand residents may report potential code issues by visitingcoralsprings.org/servicerequest or by calling 954-344-1017.Police Department cracksdown on graffitiThe Coral Springs Police Department launched aproactive initiative this fiscal year to help combat graffiti inthe City.Each member of the Department’s patrol unit has graffititracking forms to fill out when they spot graffiti, whichcould be anything from a painting on a building to smallwriting on a Florida Power and Light box. The form includesinformation about where and when the officer saw thegraffiti, along with the property owner’s name.According to City Ordinance 8-24, property owners thenhave 120 hours to remove the graffiti, be it by cleaningor painting. Capt. Rich Nicorvo said the patrol officer whoreports the graffiti is responsible for ensuring propertyowner compliance.“We want to make sure the graffiti is cleaned up as soonas possible,” Nicorvo said. “Studies show that the sooneryou clean up graffiti, the less of a chance there is for repeatoccurrences.”City ordinance defines graffiti as “any writing, drawing,painting, inscription, figure, or mark of any type on anystructure, public or private, or any other property, real orpersonal, that has been made without the consent of theowner of the property.”Since January 1, patrol officers turned in almost 50graffiti tracking forms. But Nicorvo said that does not meanthere are that many large murals; it ranges from unlawfullypainted walls to illegal writing on poles or benches.The Police Department began the initiative after officersnoticed an increase of graffiti along Sample Road. Thistracking system is meant to help property owners anddeter offenders, who, if caught, could face state first degreemisdemeanor charges that carry punishment of up to oneyear in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.cityWatch CityTV Channel 25Spring 2007 • Coral Springs •

communityCoral Springsnamed one ofBest Communitiesfor Young PeopleAsk your neighbors why they chose to live in CoralSprings, and most of them will tell you that it’s a greatplace to raise their children. Well, they’re not exaggerating.In January, America’s Promise named our City one of the100 Best Communities for Young People for the secondconsecutive year. Former Secretary of State Colin Powellfounded America’s Promise in 2005 to increase the healthand success of young people from birth to 21 years of age.More than 750 applicant cities were judged on criteriaregarding the community’s commitment to fulfill fiveessential promises critical to the well-being of youngpeople: caring adults who are actively involved in theirlives; safe places in which to learn and grow; a healthystart toward adulthood; an effective education that buildsmarketable skills; and opportunities to help others.Coral Springs was selected for many attributes, includingyouth leadership opportunities through the StudentAdvisory Council (SAC), a “junior commission” that meetsto discuss issues affecting the entire community. OtherCity programs that distinguished Coral Springs are DigitalDivide, which provides online access to disadvantagedyoung people; and our Study Circles, which allowed focusgroups to brainstorm on how the City could get youth tobecome more involved.Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook said he wasextremely proud to be a repeat winner. “Our City remainsextraordinarily committed to our youth and provides themwith numerous opportunities for growth. As the Mayor, Iam grateful to our employees and countless volunteerswho contribute so much to our community’s future. As afather of five, there is nowhere else I would want to raise mychildren.”A Waste Management employee was recently injured whilelifting a 50-gallon trash can. As a result, Waste Managementwill enforce the 32-gallon trash can requirement in singlefamily, duplex, triplex, and those multi-family buildings withcan service. Although 32-gallon containers have always beenthe requirement, Waste Management was kind enough tocollect residents’ trash even if it exceeded the limit.As of April 1, Waste Management will no longer pick upresidents’ trash if it is not in the right size container.Coral Springs offers the highest service level for wasteCity working with neighboringgovernments to evaluatecasino expansion proposalCoral Springs is cooperating with neighboring cities andBroward County to evaluate the potential regional impactof a proposed Seminole tribe casino expansion in CoconutCreek.The City is working with Margate, Coconut Creek, Parklandand the County to determine the effects of the casinoexpansion project, which, upon approval from the governor’soffice, would include Las Vegas-style gaming, retail space, a6,500-vehicle parking garage, and a 1,000-room hotel.A casino with category 2-type gaming already exists inCoconut Creek along State Road 7 and Sample Road, directlyeast of Coral Springs. The proposed Seminole expansionseeks to make 53 acres of land sovereign – immune to UnitedStates laws – upon which the tribe wants to install category3, Vegas-style gaming that Gov. Charlie Crist must approve.Category 3 gaming already exists in Broward County,including at Pompano Park.Assistant City Manager Erdal Dönmez said the City wantedto have a unified stand with Margate, Coconut Creek andParkland when asking the Seminole tribe for resources tohelp mitigate additional impacts on the cities, including morepublic service personnel and infrastructure improvements.Further, the South Florida Regional Planning Council isapplying its comprehensive development impact model tothe preliminary casino plans to assess the direct impact ofthis major development on the surrounding communities.The cities plan to present their recommendations tothe governor’s office so he can take those into accountwhen signing legislation to make the land tribal. Even if thegovernor does not approve a conversion to sovereign landand Category 3 gaming, the Seminole tribe already owns theproperty and can develop it in any other way they see fit.Donmez emphasized that Coral Springs is not attemptingto halt the project; rather the City, he said, wants to make sure“any and all potential negative impact is being identified andproperly mitigated.”Waste Management will now enforce 32-gallon trash canscollection at the lowest rate of any city in Broward County.Side door service is included in residents’ solid waste fee, andresidents are entitled have two garbage cans collected perpickup. Anything in excess of two cans should be taken outto the curb. Waste Management also offers bulk pickup twicea week on regular collection days for those residents withside yard or curbside pickup.For more information on proper disposal, visit coralsprings.org and click the ‘Garbage and Recycling Guide for Residents’under the ‘Publications’ Section. • Coral Springs • Spring 2007Visit coralsprings.org

Dr. Paul’s memory lives on atdog park named in his honorLocal veterinarian Dr. StevenG. Paul, who was a lifelongnon-smoker, succumbed to anaggressive form of lung cancer atthe early age of 50. In remembranceof him and all his love anddedication to pets, the City of CoralSprings gave a special proclamationthe day before Dr. Paul passedaway renaming the dog park asDr. Steven G. Paul Dog Park.At age 10, he knew he wantedto become a veterinarian, but littledid he know that he would becomesuch an asset to his community. Tothe City of Coral Springs, he was a collaborator and a goodfriend. Even during his battle against cancer, he attendedcommission meetings and fought for what he believed.“We love you and appreciate everything you’ve done,”Mayor Brook said to Dr. Paul, as he and his family watched thecommission meeting from his hospital room at Coral SpringsMedical Center.Dr. Paul founded the state’s first dog park in 1997 right hereat Sportsplex. He was also involved with the Coral SpringsPolice and Fire Departments, leading pet CPR training andproviding pet oxygen masks for every transport vehicle in ourCity and Parkland.“Dr. Paul was a valuable asset to our City,” Fire DepartmentPublic Information Officer Mike Moser said. “The City of CoralSprings has lost a dear friend.”Years ago, Dr. Paul served as an active member of the CivicCulture and Education Cultural Foundation, which was thepredecessor of the Coral Springs Museum of Art Board ofDirectors. He also participated in Vision 20/20 and servedfor the Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce and the CoralSprings Economic Development Council.“He has helped plow the way for much of what we havebeen able to accomplish in recent years, and for that we areeternally grateful,” City Manager Michael Levinson said.Dr. Paul is survived by his loving wife Jill, his sons Jordanand Kevin, and his golden retriever and best friend, Parker.Visit peoplehelpingpets.org for details on how you canhonor Dr. Paul’s legacy by helping local pet charities.Watch CityTV Channel 25Dr. Steven G. Pauland family at the2005 Dog Day RunMyCoral SpringsPhotos submitted by our readersCoral Springs is inviting residents to submit their bestphotos of Coral Springs. Submitted photos may befeatured in an upcoming issue of Coral Springs Magazine,on CityTV 25 or on the City’s website. Please e-mail yourfull-resolution photographs to editor@coralsprings.org.Don’t forget to include your name, description of thepeople or places pictured, as well as why your photosignifies what Coral Springs means to you.Congratulations tomembers of CoralSprings Girl ScoutTroop 842, whocollected the mostdonations for the“Feeding BrowardTogether” annualfood drive.Pictured left to rightare: top row – MarniShabash, E’lan Cole,Arianna Ruiz, FloridaPanthers mascotStanley C. Panther;standing – Chelsie Hall, Amanda Van Wettering,Samantha Moroney, Aviva Edrich, Samantha Rabucha,Kayla Wymann; and bottom row – Jordan Roimi,Jenna Cohen, Gaby Roimi, Bailey Moroney.City is ready to go greenClimate change is a major concern and greenhousegases, resulting from human activity, are accumulating at anunprecedented rate. Research has shown that Florida releasesthe most of these gases in the nation.The City of Coral Springs has been involved in initiativesto reduce our local impact on climate change. Our City alsopassed a resolution in January to support the U.S. Conferenceof Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement, and as a result, theCity plans to develop policies for Green building and Greenmaintenance. Currently, the City has nine hybrid vehicles anduses biodiesel fuels for all trucks, back hoes and lawn mowers,as they are cleaner than gas and diesel.In the future, Downtown Coral Springs will create a morepedestrian-friendly place for living, in hopes of decreasingthe use of vehicles. By 2014, Coral Springs also plansto reach a citywide 30 percent tree canopy increase toreduce carbon dioxide and the urban heat island effect, inwhich a metropolitan area is significantly warmer than itssurroundings.For more information on how you can help, visit epa.gov.Spring 2007 • Coral Springs • community

communityBe prepared for hurricanesEven though Florida escaped a direct hit during last year’shurricane season, residents should be vigilant and prepare forthis year. A good first step to getting ready is to stock up onenough supplies to last at least three days.With only two months before the start of hurricane season,the City also is alerting residents to the myriad programs andspecial services offered before, during and after a hurricane orother emergency.The City of Coral Springs Hurricane Call Center will beavailable to assist residents with vital information before andafter a storm. Residents can reach the call center at 954-344-1001. Staff at the Call Center are available to answer questionsabout City-related issues and not concerns such as canals,cable television or electricity.City TV 25, on Advanced Cable Communications, will airthe latest community updates, including curfew information,business openings and closings, debris removal and otheremergency preparedness instructions.Coral Springs residents will soon be able to tune theirdials to 1670-AM as the City prepares to launch its ownradio station. Coral Springs CityRadio will deliver informationabout City services, upcoming events, weather updates, andemergency bulletins when necessary.The City’s Web site, coralsprings.org, will be constantlyupdated with detailed information. Before the storm,residents can register for several e-newsletters designed togive not only storm information but regular notices from theCity as well. Go to coralsprings.org and scroll to the E-CoralSprings Section where you can click on “Sign up for e-News”to register. Residents also have the option of signing up for aCommunity Awareness e-mail, which provides informationabout domestic security and tropical updates. To beincluded on the list, send an e-mail to csdomesticsecurity@coralsprings.org.Monarch High School, 5050 Wiles Road in Coconut Creek,serves as Coral Springs’ primary shelter. The American RedCross is responsible for opening this and other shelters asneed demands. The media and various alter programs willannounce shelter openings. It is important to note that CoralSprings is not considered an evacuation area.Help for SeniorsThe City of Coral Springs has a program to assist theCity’s senior and physically challenged communities. TheFire Department maintains a database to alert fire rescuepersonnel of any special needs required by a senior ordisabled resident during an emergency. Visit coralsprings.org/assistance to register your information with the FireDepartment. Those needing to go to a Broward CountySpecial Needs or Red Cross shelter during an emergencymust pre-register with Broward County Elderly and VeteransServices Division’s Evacuation Transportation AssistanceProgram. Transportation to the shelter also is available. ToHurricane Preparedness TipsFor more hurricane preparedness tips or informationduring a storm, call the Broward County Hurricane Hotlineat 954-831-4000 or visit the following Web sites:coralsprings.org/hurricane • Broward.org/disasterFloridadisaster.org • Mysafeflorida.org • Ready.govreceive more information or to register, call 954-537-2888.CodeREDResidents and business owners alike are encouraged tosign up for CodeRED, a voice messaging system used to alertresidents about events or concerns in their area including:local criminal activity, weather emergencies, missing persons,evacuation orders and other situations requiring immediateattention. Those who sign up can enter multiple phonenumbers, including cell phones and non-local numbers aslong as a Coral Springs address is registered to the number.To register or obtain more information, visit coralsprings.org/police/codered.cfm.SavingMinutesThe Coral Springs Fire Department recently launchedSavingMinutes, a program that allows City residents to entercritical information about their home that first responderscan use during an emergency to help save minutes.Residents can fill out on online form with the informationfeeding directly and securely to the Fire Department. Signup by going to coralsprings.org/savingminutes. For help orfurther information, e-mail savingminutes@coralsprings.orgor call 954-344-5934.Join the CERT teamThe Community Emergency Response Team is madeup of residents like you specially trained in emergencyresponse procedures. Those taking part in the 25-hour CERTcourse receive training in disaster preparedness, basic firesuppression, medical treatment strategies for life-threateningconditions, search-and-rescue techniques, and coping withpost-disaster stress. CERT members are called upon to helpthe community during many types of events. No previousexperience or training is necessary. Interested participantsmust be at least 16 years old. For more information call954-346-1774 or visit coralsprings.org/cert, where thoseinterested also can download an application.Hurricane Pet ShelterIn case of an evacuation order in Broward County, residentswith pets have the option of going to a pet-friendly hurricaneshelter. The nearest pet-friendly shelter is Millennium MiddleSchool, 5803 N.W. 94th Ave., in Tamarac. Those wanting to usethe shelter during an emergency must pre-register becauseof space limitations. Owners are required to show proof thatthey reside in a County evacuation zone and that their petshave up-to-date vaccinations, including a rabies shot.10 • Coral Springs • Spring 2007 Visit coralsprings.org

Guide to Doing BusinessAre you doing business or want to do business in CoralSprings? Our City is a vibrant community with a diversepopulation with growing retail and commercial needs. Ofcourse, there are City policies, procedures and regulationsthat affect your business. Check out our Guide to DoingBusiness in Coral Springs, an easy-to-understand handbookthat answers some of the most frequently asked questionsabout the City of Coral Springs Community Development,Building, Licensing, Code and Fire Inspection procedures, aswell as our Land Development Code and Municipal Code.In this guide, you will find important information on how tomake doing business in our City a pleasant experience. Toview the guide online, visit coralsprings.org/business andclick on ‘Guide to Doing Business,’ or pick up a copy at theBuilding Department, 9530 West Sample Road.What’s Going Up?Two more Publix Supermarkets are springing up in CoralSprings. One store, which will open soon, is located on thecorner of Sample Road and Coral Ridge Drive. That store,said Stephen Brandon of Brandon Partners, is approximately35,000 square feet, making it a mid-size Publix. Publix stores,he said, range anywhere from 28,000 square feet to 62,000square feet.“It’s their newest prototype,” Brandon said about the CoralRidge store.Another Publix is under construction on the opposite sideof the City on Sample Road close to Turtle Run Boulevardnear Target. When the two sites are complete, that will bringthe total numbers of Publix stores in Coral Springs to eight.There are approximately 50 development areas in CoralSprings. To view the list, visit coralsprings.org/goingup.One Charter Place to open soonWhat was once an empty parking lot will soon becomea vibrant pedestrian downtown. Downtown Coral Springs,located in the heart of the City, will become a reality whenit opens this Spring.Back in 2004, more than 100 residents gathered at aVisioning Summit to discuss where they saw the Cityof Coral Springs in the next 10 years, and a thrivingdowntown was one of their top priorities.After years of planning and construction, One CharterPlace is now a $26 million office and retail center set on a3.9-acre site at the southeast corner of Sample Road andUniversity Drive. The distinctive buildings curve aroundthe intersection and include approximately 96,000 squarefeet of commercial office and retail space, and a 423-spacemulti-purpose parking garage.While most of the City’s shopping plazas have parkinglots in front of the buildings, One Charter Place is the exactopposite with no visible parking lots.The Coral Springs Charter School’s faculty and staffwill have access to the top floor of the parking garageand an exclusive elevator. Amera Corp., the developer ofDowntown and The Walk, has also enhanced the school’sparking lot with landscaping.In February, the school broke ground for its new FineArts Wing, which should be completed by next schoolyear. The City contributed more than $1.5 million of theproceeds of the sale of the downtown project site towardthis educational enhancement.The Fine Arts Wing will include a band room, practicerooms, vocal room, and a small auditorium with a capacityof 300.“This Wing will truly enhance the quality of education weprovide our students, and we’re very thankful to the City ofCoral Springs,” Principal Billie Miller said.Confirmed One Charter Place tenants include a regionalState Farm office, Merrill Lynch, SouthTrust Bank, WachoviaBank, GMAC Realty and Starbucks, among others.“This corner gives residents a flavor of urbanarchitecture,” Assistant City Manager Erdal Dönmez said.The other quadrants will have the same urban feel, andsome will include residential units. Negotiations are stillpending, but Amera is ready to move on any of the threeremaining corners.businessWatch CityTV Channel 25 Spring 2007 • Coral Springs • 11

cultureMuseum of Art to host Great Art AffairThe Coral Springs Museum of Art will host TheGreat Art Affair: An Evening of Art and Fantasy,on Friday, April 20 at 7pm. This event brings peopleto the Museum for an evening of art, food andentertainment.Patrons will also participate in a liveauction of original art by Romero Britto,Royo and other art notables, plus a sevendayCaribbean cruise for two from RoyalCaribbean Cruise lines and airfare for twoon Spirit Airlines. Original ceramic art plates andvessels will be bid on during the silent auction.A Chinese auction of small artworks, giftcertificates and services from local businesseswill take place early in the evening, along withfood sampling and wine tasting.This year’s special highlights will be celebrity artistPablo Cano and a concert by Work Release, a localrock and roll band. This major fundraiser helps the Museumsupport exhibitions and educational programs throughoutthe year.All original pieces donated by the artists will be on displayduring the Great Art Exhibition April 9 through April 20,Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. The artwork willthen be available for purchase by silent auction the eveningof The Great Art Affair.Great Art Affair tickets are $75 per person and space islimited. The Museum would like to thank its event sponsorsHertz Jewelers, CHCS Services, Parkland Life Magazine,Bacardi, Trinchero Estates, WXEL, WLRN, Our Town News,Coral Springs Nursery and Hearts & Flowers Florist. For moreinformation or to purchase tickets, please call the Museum at954-340-5000.Current exhibitsExperience Marionettes as Sculpture, a collectionof Pablo Cano’s artwork. His exhibit will be on displayMatilda Hippoby Pablo CanoWhat are you reading?through Saturday, May 19. Since his childhood,marionettes have always fascinated Cano, andhe creates them using debris from everydaylife, including signs and violins. Cano, bornin Havana, Cuba, incorporates his family’sculture and traditions, along with his ownAmerican childhood. Aside from being apuppeteer, Cano is a painter, sculptor, andset designer.Cano will perform with his musicalmarionettes at Family Funday at the CoralSprings Museum of Art on Saturday, May 12 at3pm. Admission is $3 per person, but moms arefree. An art project of Pretty Puppets will follow theperformance.Sculpture: Then and Now will also be on displayuntil Saturday, May 19. Sig Lichterman’s sculpturesare created from laminated wood and Shelley Parriottwill feature an installation of powder coated mesh called“Color Fields.”Summer campsThe Coral Springs Museum of Art is offering Art Camp forchildren and teens ages 6 to 15. Art Camp begins June 4and runs 10 weeks. Children may sign up by the week. Thecamp consists of either a morning or afternoon session. Themorning sessions run from 9am to noon and the afternoonsession runs from 1 to 4pm. Children may attend bothsessions. The Museum offers lunchtime supervision for $5 aday, but attendees must bring their own lunch.Art Camp Workshops fees are $110 and up. Workshops areby age groups and media, and some workshops offered areCeramic Hand-building, Exploring Sculpture, Comic BookDesign, Drawing, Acrylic Painting, Cartooning, Papiér Mache,and much more. Classes are taught by professional artists andclass size is limited. Call the Museum at 954-340-5000 or visitcsmart.org for more information.Ryan Mash4th gradeCountry HillsElementaryHoles by Louis Sachar“My favorite part is whenthe warden makes the boysspend all day, every day, digging holes. Ithought the book was better than themovie because it had more details.”ElizabethWhitton10th gradeCoral SpringsCharter SchoolFlowers for Algernonby Daniel Keyes“It’s a psychological book about anexperiment in which a man’s IQ dramaticallyimproves. The author did an amazing jobin narrating the story because it’s writtenthough the eyes of the main character.”Kilee Machado12th gradeCoral SpringsCharter SchoolCrazy for Youby Jennifer Crusie“This book is about a woman who realizesshe’s living a life she doesn’t want to live,and she wants to change that, but her exboyfriendturns psychotic because he isliterally crazy for her.”12 • Coral Springs • Spring 2007 Visit coralsprings.org

ecreationLearning toDefendYourselfIt’s dark. The parking lot is empty, except forone flickering light. You walk quickly towardyour car. Are those footsteps you hear overyour pounding heart? Is someone else here?Suddenly, a figure rushes behind you. Now what?The Coral Springs Police Department offers a RapeAggression Defense class that teaches women how to answerthat question while empowering them to avoid becoming atarget of violence.Officers began teaching the RAD curriculum two yearsago after people who participated in the Department’ssuccessful SAFE defense program wanted additional training.Five officers are certified RAD instructors, with three moreexpected to join the team.“It really is about empowering women to use their body asa tool to survive an attack,” Training Officer Karla Hines said.The Department offers the program free, which is unusual,because Police Chief Duncan Foster champions the courseand what it teaches female Coral Springs residents. Womenmust be 12 or older to participate.Courses are offered in four-week sessions from 5:30 to8:30pm at the Northwest Regional Library, 3151 N. UniversityDrive, as follows: April 3, 10, 17 and 24; June 5, 12, 19, and 26;and August 7, 14, 21 and 28.Families with younger children are encouraged to travel toParkland for the Broward Sheriff’s Office-sponsored RAD Kidsprogram. For information, call 954-753-5050.Even though the RAD course offers many opportunitiesfor hands-on training, no previous self-defense experienceis required. Courses are tailored to meet each individualparticipant’s needs and fitness level.For more information, visit coralsprings.org/police/rad.cfm,or call 954-346-1227. Pre-registration is required.Experience EarthFest at Sandy Ridge SanctuaryCome experience one of the City’s hidden treasuresfirsthand during this year’s EarthFest. Each year, Coral Springscelebrates Earth Day by hosting EarthFest, a communityevent putting residents in touch with the nature at SandyRidge Sanctuary, 8501 N.W. 40 Street, which is just east ofUniversity Drive between Sample and Wiles roads.EarthFest features wildlife exhibits, guided tours of thesanctuary, plant giveaways and refreshments. Also returningthis year is Master Falconer Ray Pena. Pena runs Flight of theRaptor, a private organization that strives to raise awarenessabout birds of prey in our environment. Pena will bring birdsfor a demonstration, as well as offer educational informationabout the birds’ history, nesting habits, wildlife adaptationsand more. The program kicks off at 9am April 21 at SandyRidge and lasts until 1pm. For more details, call 954-344-1117.14 • Coral Springs • Spring 2007 Visit coralsprings.org

The Unitown experienceJessica Klein’s best friend just moved away and she hadnever felt so alone, but after attending Unitown, she now hasmade some great new friends.In February, more than 50 high school students decidedto go along for the ride, but Unitown turned out to bemore than just a weekend getaway. Now that it is over, theywish they could go back because they all feel it was a lifechangingexperience.All of them admit that during the bus ride to the camp,each high school stuck together and thought there would beconflict. Within two hours, the students quickly got to knoweach other. Now, they are inseparable.“I would have never talked to some of these people, butwe turned into a family,” Matthew Lumpkins, a junior at NovaHigh School, said.At Unitown, the teens participated in bonding exercises tohelp them open up to one another, share their experiencesand discuss diversity. The teens came clean and admittedthat they used to laugh at discriminating jokes and gossipedabout their classmates, but now they are more open-minded.“We may not share the color of our skin, but now I look atthe inside and I don’t judge people automatically,” CassandraBooker, a junior at J.P. Taravella High School, said.Unitown also changed their perspective on their parents.“I have so much more respect for my parents because if itwasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here,” Saul Sanchez, a freshmanat Coral Springs Charter School, said.At a Unitown reunion, the teens jumped into each other’sarms and said a heartfelt “I’ve missed you,” although they allkeep in touch through MySpace.com.They all can’t wait for next year and this time they’re tellingeveryone they know that they shouldn’t miss it.“I thought it was going to be some boring weekend, butit turned out to be more than I expected,” Gardimy “Dimy”Jospitre, a sophomore at Stoneman Douglas High, said.The Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee sponsors theprogram, which is available to local high school students andother participating schools from Lauderhill. Coral Springs isthe only city in Broward that hosts this event and offers it atno cost to the students. Keep your ears open for details onnext year’s Unitown.Keep your family safe thisupcoming Fourth of JulyThe personal use of fireworks in our neighborhoodshas prompted the Coral Springs Police Departmentto take a firmer stance in addressing illegal fireworks.Last year alone, fireworks caused four brush fires and oneinjury in Coral Springs. Anyone caught possessing illegalfireworks will have them confiscated. Setting off illegalfireworks could result in criminal charges against the user.Please keep in mind that any firework that explodesor flies in the air is illegal. As for the legal fireworks,please follow these tips to ensure the safety of yourloved ones:• Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.• Always have a bucket of water or fire extinguishernearby.• Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.• Stand several feet away from lighted fireworks.• If fireworks do not go off, do not stand over them.• Supervise children around fireworks at all times.Police recommend attending a professional fireworksdisplay instead, such as the one scheduled at the Fourthof July Celebration at the Sportsplex Athletic Complex. Fordetails as the event nears, visit coralsprings.org/events.Ready to Rock?The City is looking for performers to showcase atupcoming teen concerts. All genres are welcome. Show uswhat you’ve got! Send your demo to: Jacqueline Gouge,Parks and Recreation, 2501 Coral Springs Drive, CoralSprings, Florida 33065.Get wild this summerat Sawgrass Nature CenterThe Sawgrass Nature Center is sponsoring its CampWild summer program focusing on science, nature andthe environment. The camp, for children ages 6 to 12,provides a hands-on learning experience where campersinteract with plants and animals, while also participating inoutdoor exploration and nature craft projects.Camp sessions are in June and July and cost $200per week or $180 per week for Sawgrass Nature Centermembers. Camp fees include all activities and supplies.Certified science teachers and environmental educatorsmake up the camp’s staff.For registration or further information, call the Centerat 954-752-WILD or visit the new Sawgrass Nature Centerand Wildlife Hospital in the Sportsplex, at 3000 SportsplexDrive. Space is limited.recreationWatch CityTV Channel 25 Spring 2007 • Coral Springs • 15

ecreationNow is the time to registerfor summer programsThe City of Coral Springs offers an abundance ofexciting adventures for campers. Many programs breakaway from traditional summer camps by taking kids onjourneys they’ll treasure forever. Sign up now for one ofthe many camps available, including Kamp Kool, dance,etiquette, sport, or special needs camps. Make a splashin the aquatics, learn to swim, or even take a swing attennis. The City offers something for everyone, includingextended hours camps.Get your 2007 Summer Fun Guide and applications atthe Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501 Coral Springs Drive;City Hall in the Mall, Coral Square Mall; the Coral SpringsAquatic Complex and Tennis Center of Coral Springs, 2575Sportsplex Drive; and the Cypress Park Tennis Center, 1301Coral Springs Drive. Guides are also available at City Hall,located at 9551 W. Sample Road.To view and download the Summer Fun Guide andapplication forms, visit coralsprings.org/summerfun. Formore details, call 954-345-2200.Safety Town teacheschildren valuable skillsMore than 1,600 kindergarten students in Coral Springsparticipate in Safety Town each year, and the chance iscoming up again soon to have your child learn valuablesafety skills that will remain with them and your family fora lifetime.In a hands-on learning environment, children willdiscuss a variety of topics including stranger danger andfire, water, bicycle and traffic safety.Celebrating 21 years in Coral Springs, Safety Town catersto children between the ages of 4 ½ and 6 ½. Registrationfor upcoming programs is Saturday, April 28 from 9am to1pm at Kiwanis Park, 520 Ramblewood Drive just north ofRamblewood Middle School.The coast is $45, and participants must be 4 years old byDecember 31, 2006. Proof of age such as a birth certificateor passport is required at the time of registration.Upcoming Safety Town sessions are as follows:• June 4 to 15: 9:30 to 11:30am• June 4 to 15: 12:30 to 2:30pm• June 18 to 29: 9:30 to 11:30am• June 18 to 29: 12:30 to 2:30pm• July 23 to August 3: 9:30 to 11:30amParents must register their own children. No more thantwo children, either siblings or friends, can enroll as agroup. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.For more information, call 954-344-1811.Child drownings:What you can do to prevent themIt takes an instant and just several inches of water to drowna child younger than one. Any amount of water that cancover their mouth and nose is potentially dangerous, be it ina bucket, bathtub or toilet.Toddlers are also often at risk as they follow their naturalcuriosity and can be out the door and in the pool withinminutes.Sixty-nine percent of the time, one or both parents arein the immediate area. And in more than 77 percent ofdrowning deaths, the child had been seen five minutes orless before being missed and found in the pool. If your childis missing, check the pool immediately.“Drowning is not caused by a lack of supervision, but by alapse in supervision,” Coral Springs Aquatic Services DirectorMike McGoun said.Pool safety seems obvious but is often neglected. Asidefrom alarms, fences, pool covers, etc., the best security isconstant adult supervision. Be sure your children know howto swim and, as a parent, learn CPR.The Coral SpringsMedical Center, theCity of Coral Springsand the American RedCross have also joinedtogether as the PediatricDrowning Prevention Task Force to help prevent pediatricdrowning. The Coral Springs Fire Department regularly offersCPR classes. To sign up for the City’s CPR classes, please call954-346-1774.Also this month, don’t missApril Pool’s Day on Sunday,April 15, from noon to 4pmat the Coral Springs MedicalCenter. The hospital will becelebrating its 20th birthday, and the Fire Department willoffer drowning prevention demonstrations.For more information, visit watersafekids.org.Register for Learn to Swim Classes Beginning May 5Registration for summer Learn to Swim classes will beginon Saturday, May 5 from 7:30am to 5pm at the Coral SpringsAquatic Complex, located at 12441 Royal Palm Blvd. As ofMay 6, registration will be taken at the respective pools whereclasses will be offered. The Cypress Park Pool is located at1300 Coral Springs Drive, and Mullins Park Pool is located at10180 N.W. 29th Street.Most summer class sessions consist of eight, 45-minuteclasses and cost $45. Weekday and weekend classes areavailable. For more information, visit coralsprings.org/summerfun, get a copy of the Summer Fun Guide at any Cityrecreation facility or call Aquatic Services at 954-345-2121.16 • Coral Springs • Spring 2007 Visit coralsprings.org

AroundtheTownaround the townWorldFest 2007Coral Springs Charter School Fine Arts Wingground breakingNew Fire Engine Ceremonial Hose-downMartin LutherKing, Jr.CelebrationWaterwayCleanupFestivalof the ArtsWhat’sHappening?Hoppin’ Into SpringSaturday, April 7 • 9am to noon$5 per child • Sportsplex Athletic Field • 954-345-2200Police Motorcycle RodeoSaturday, April 14 • 8am to 4pmCoral Square Mall • southeastpolice.comCoral Springs Police Car ShowSunday, April 15 • Noon to 4pm$12 • Coral Square Mall • 954-344-1833Free Family Concert featuring the BulldogsSaturday, April 21 • 7pmBetti Stradling Park, 10301 Wiles Road • 954-345-2200Always visit coralsprings.org/events for the latestupdates and additions to this list of events happeningin Coral Springs in the coming months.Unity in the CommunitySunday, April 29 • 4pm • $8 admissionopunited.org • Center for the Arts • 954-340-2115National Day of PrayerThursday, May 3 • 7pm • City Hall, 9551 W. Sample RoadFree and open to all faiths • 954-344-1063Masters Basketball National ChampionshipSunday, May 13 to Saturday, May 19 • 954-345-2200Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501 Coral Springs DriveVisit mastersbasketball.org for game schedulesMemorial DayMonday, May 28 • 9am • FreeVeterans Park, 8601 Royal Palm Blvd. • 954-345-2200calendarWatch CityTV Channel 25 Spring 2007 • Coral Springs • 17

Spend the summer at theCenter for the Arts’ theater campThe Coral Springs Institute for the Performing Arts iscurrently accepting registrations for the exciting 2007Summer Session of Next Stop Broadway Summer Camp.Our first-rate youth theater program has its permanenthome at one of South Florida’s finest performing arts centers– the Coral Springs Center for the Arts.Campers attend a variety of classes including acting,music, dance, and stagecraft. All staff members are selectedfor their talent and experience and ability to teach withcompassion and patience.Youth Camp (ages 6–13)Session 1: June 4–22 • Once Upon A Mattress • $595Session 2: June 25–July 20 • High School Musical • $900Session 3: July 23–August 17 • Grease is the Word • $780Teen Camp (ages 14 & up)Session 1: June 25–August 3 • High School Musical • $1170Session prices include: tuition, 2 tickets to the show,1 DVD of the performance, costume fee, pizza party.Coral Springs Center for the Arts2855 Coral Springs Drivewww.coralspringscenterforthearts.comFor more informationcall the Box Officeat 954-344-5990.City of Coral Springs9551 West Sample RoadCoral Springs, Florida 33065PRSRT STDECRU.S. POSTAGEP A I DSo. Florida, FLPERMIT #1401