Mervyn Hurwitz, president of the Coral Springs Camera Club and a member for 18 years, says he can give solid reasons why photography buffs in and around Coral Springs should give joining the club a thought.

“You get news tips from fellow members and experts; you are always learning,” Hurwitz said. “The people you meet are very friendly, too. A new member invariably feels welcome.”

Hurwitz, who is from South Africa, loves nature and photography, not necessarily in that order. “I have been interested in photography since I was a kid. I love photographing birds; there are a lot of opportunities for that in Florida. We have a very diverse membership. My wife, Melanie, for instance, specializes in taking photos of flowers.”

Besides Coral Springs, the club has members from cities like Parkland, Tamarac, Margate, Delray Beach and Boca Raton. “The annual membership fee is just $30. We meet twice a month."

The club, which is always looking to do something different, recently had an exhibition of our works at the Coral Springs Museum of Art. On Jan. 20, the club will have its annual banquet and the end-of-the-year contest.

The club meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of ever month at the Sartory Hall in Mullins Park, NW 29th Street in Coral Springs. Visit www.cscc.us or call 954-510-1323.

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Patients in the cardiology ward of the Fort Lauderdale-based Florida Medical Center had a few surprise visitors recently.

When the members of the Coral Springs Woman’s Club left the hospital, they took home heartfelt words of gratitude in exchange for the heart shaped pillows they had given the patients.

Joann Black, leader of the heart pillow project, said it felt wonderful to be at the hospital. “We delivered 48 pillows," she said. "The hospital authorities allowed us to go to the ward and present a pillow to one patient. It is a great feeling to know that we are helping make someone’s recovery just a little bit better.”

Club members have been working to make life better for patients at the Coral Springs Medical Center and the Northwest Regional Medical Center in Margate, said Ruth Ann Gillooly, club vice president. “We gave stuffed teddy bears to patients in the children’s ward of the Coral Springs Medical Center and pillows to patients in the cardiology wing of the regional medical center. Another batch of pillows will be ready to go out by March.”

The club also donates books to two elementary schools in the county and the library in Coral Springs, said Bert Alberti, president. “Our club was honored by ‘Heart of America’ for the donation of books to schools in deprived areas. We partnered with Broward College to donate clothing, toys and supplies to hurricane-hit Haiti.”

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Coral Springs is getting ready to reward people in the community who purchase green vehicles.

The city attorney is now putting together an ordinance that will give drivers of eco-friendly vehicles preferred parking spaces in buildings within the city. It is the first such initiative among cities in Broward, although neighboring Parkland provides cash incentives for hybrid vehicles.

Vice Mayor Vince Boccard, who brought the idea forward, is scheduled to have a meeting with city staff in the next few weeks. “This is something new and goes well with the other green initiatives that we have in the city. The idea is to reserve parking spaces for owners of eco-friendly vehicles, like what we have for the handicapped. It might come up at the next commission meeting.”

Buildings would benefit by reserving parking spaces for green vehicles, Boccard said. “We have the LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) program in the city and setting aside parking spaces for such vehicles will give the building extra points that go toward getting certification” criteria, he said.

Mayor Scott Brook said he supports the idea. “It makes a lot of sense. We are trying to go as green as we can. We have a lot of initiatives that encourage people to take care of the environment.”

Salt Lake City, San Antonio, and New Haven, Conn., are among the American cities that offer free parking at meters to hybrids and other eco-friendly cars.

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The J.P. Taravella High School band is hoping that the community will come forward to help collect the $150,000 needed to make the trip to Washington D.C. for the Presidential inaugural parade. No other band in Florida has ever participated in the parade.

“About 160 band members will be going. All those who make the trip will need to pay for themselves,” said Neil Jenkins, band director. “We are trying to get donations. We need the money by Jan. 6 at least.”

More than 100 high schools in Florida applied to take part in the parade, Jenkins said. “We were looking at the possibility of applying for the parade since March. There were 1,400 schools from all over the country. One high school band was each state was picked.”

Band captain Ethan Morrison said he was happy the band’s hard work had been recognized. “We have been working really hard. I’m sure we will put in extra hours in the coming days. I’ve never seen snow. It’s something I am looking forward to. Seeing Obama will be an awesome experience, too.”

School principal Shawn Cerra said he hoped the band would be able to reach its target. “Luckily, we have a nice wave of momentum now. Ever since the news spread, we have lots of people donating very generously. Every dollar will be appreciated.”

To donate, visit www.jptmusic.org or call 754-322-2359.

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It has been thirteen years, but Ryan Gebauer vividly remembers the day life changed for him.

“It was June 19, 1995. I had completed my sophomore year at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. We were into the summer and I was in my friend’s backyard, having fun with my friends,” Gebauer said. “I climbed up a tree and jumped down from a 36-foot high branch into a lake. I landed head first, injured my spinal cord, and spent the next six months in hospital.”

The accident left Gebauer paralyzed from the neck down, unable to even turn a page in a book. The teenager who had no intention to pursue college needed to have a change of plans.

“I came home just before Christmas,” recalled Gebauer, now 30. “I did not want to go back to school, but my mother encouraged me. I finished high school and then joined Broward Community College. Until then, I did not think I was college material. A year into BCC, I started focusing more on studies. I was able to see life differently; it wasn’t fun and games anymore.”

Early this month, Gebauer graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a master's degree in business administration. He now thanks the accident for helping him “stay out of trouble”.

These days, Gebauer uses his time to speak to middle and high school students about disabilities and how it is to live with a spinal cord injury. “It is something I really enjoy. I am involved with a couple of city committees. I am also on the County Consumer Protection Board. Mayor Stacy Ritter appointed me. I do a lot of civic stuff for fun.”

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Ron Catronio, Coral Springs resident and founder of the Big Bike Riders Association of South Florida, loves one thing even more than riding his two Harley-Davidson motorcycles – helping less fortunate children.

“Nothing beats the feeling of doing all I can to help needy children in the community, Catronio said. “Although our association is five years old, we have formed alliances with various children’s charities. All our efforts are focused on raising funds to help children.”

The association now has two projects underway in Coral Springs, Catronio said. “We also have Christmas Trees for sale at Sample and University Drive; it is one of the five locations we have in west Broward. We also have a toy drive, with boxes at Coral Springs Auto mall. The toys will be given to children at SOS Children's Village and Children's Home Society.”

The club was able to raise about $25,000 a year the last two years. “This October, we did a charity event and raised $10,000; the money was given to five charities. We have recently formed the Big Bike Riders Children's Foundation of Florida and hope to step up our efforts for children even more.”

The association hopes to raise anywhere between $6,000 and 10,000 from the sale of Christmas trees, said Bill George, who is in charge of fundraiser. “We plan to really get into high gear next year. The foundation we have formed will help us. We also have ‘smile miles,’ a program that allows bikers to raise money just by logging miles. Bikers donate a per mile amount for every mile they ride.”

Visit www.bbrafla.com for details.

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PHOTO: Chaya Denburg, 17, of Coral Springs, right, works on a project while Akiva Schulman, 8, of Coral Springs looks on at the Chabad of Coral Springs' Hanukkah festival. The event included the lighting of a menorah, food, music and activities for the family.
Staff photo/Marta Mikulan Martin
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Looking for a job? The US Census Bureau is looking for part-time workers for the 2010 Census.

The local office has started giving application tests at local senior centers to fill the hundreds of positions that will be available in Broward County.

Those hired will work for up to two years for a $15/ hour minimum salary.

To be considered, applicants must first pass a 30-minute test consisting of multiple-choice questions that test number and organizational skills, clerical skills and reading skills.

Available positions include census takers, crew leaders, crew leader assistants, recruiting assistants and census clerks. They will help examine the nation’s population and demographics.

Visit the 2010 US Census site to find testing locations and for additional information, such as test examples.

You can also call the local US Census Bureau office at 954-302-3960.

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Students from Laurie Rosenberg and Robin Rosenberg’s Kindergarten, first and second grade writing classes at the Imagine Charter School at Broward gathered at the Northwest Regional Library in Coral Springs recently for a “writing celebration.”

The students’ festive holiday writing will remain on display at the library throughout the holiday season. School Principal Kevin Sawyer congratulated the students on their fine creative displays. The Imagine Charter School at Broward is in its inaugural year as a public charter school for children in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

Registration for the 2009-2010 academic year will begin in January. Call the school office at 954-255-0020 or visit www.imagineatbrowardpto.org.

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Mary Help of Christians School, which has had a boys’ varsity basketball team for only three years, has won its first district championship.

The MHOC Panthers’ Varsity Basketball team played in the All Broward Catholic Conference and ended the regular season with a 9-1 record. The Panthers won the district championship defeating St. Andrews Catholic School. After that, the team continued on to the county playoffs where their record was 5-1. The Panthers beat St. Anthony’s to win the county championship.

The Panthers were led by Brandon Diaz who had 33 points, 13 rebounds and 10 steals in the championship game, giving him a triple double. John David Brady added to the win with 10 points and 8 rebounds. Member of the team include seventh-graders Kyle Lewis, Garrett Middleton, Kevin Novak, Brian Novak, Joe Swiderski and Nick Ferngren, and eighth-graders Zach Sammons, Tanner Knight, John David Brady, Brendan Collins, Christopher Delinois, Austin Kramer, Cameron Reynolds and Brandon Diaz. School Physical Education Coach Marc Kiar was the head coach while Jon Lewis, a parent, served as assistant coach.

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The Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce Ambassador committee recently raised over $1,000 to fulfill the “holiday wish list” of two families: a single mom with three children and a disabled single mom with six children. Both families reside in Coral Springs. It is the third year in a row that the committee has given back to the community by adopting working families in need.

The committee helped in the purchase of bicycles with helmets for children. Other gifts included educational games and books, a DVD player, cars, dolls, blocks, diapers, pots and pans, and gift cards.

The adoptive families were chosen for the chamber by Family Central, a nonprofit organization that serves children and families from all socioeconomic backgrounds and provides technical assistance and training to nearly 1,200 child care facilities in Broward, Palm Beach and Dade counties.

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Waste Management will not provide garbage or recycling pick-up on Christmas Day in Coral Springs.

For residents with Monday and Thursday garbage service, the next pick-up day will be Monday, Dec. 29. For residents with Thursday recycling collection, recycling will be picked up on Thursday, Jan.1. Waste Management will resume its normal work schedule on Dec. 26, including New Years Day.

Call 954-974-7500.

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Coral Springs recently became a Commit 2B Fit community. As part of this commitment, the Tennis Center will be offering residents free tennis lessons at the center in February. “Play Tennis Coral Springs” is a joint effort with the United States Professional Tennis Association. Classes are geared to children and adults who would like to give tennis a try, and for those who’d like to get back in the game.

Adult classes will be offered on Feb. 2 from 10 to 11 a.m., Feb. 3 from 7 to 8 p.m., and Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to noon.

Children between the ages of six to 18 can sign up for classes on Feb. 2 from 5 to 6 p.m. or Feb. 7 from 9 to 10 a.m.

These lessons will only be offered at Cypress Park, located at 1300 Coral Springs Drive.
Registration is requested. Tennis rackets and balls will be provided. The Tennis Center is located at 2575 Sportsplex Drive. Call 954-344-1840.

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Don't leave the tap open this Christmas.

The South Florida Water Management District has issued a list of five tips to save water during the holidays.

A typical holiday turkey dinner for eight needs more than 42,000 gallons of water in food growth and preparation, the report states. That is enough to fill a 30-foot by 50-foot swimming pool.

These are the five tips to conserve water:

1-Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator the night before and not under running water.

2-Rinse vegetables and fruits in a pan filled with water instead of under running water.

3-Select the proper size pans for cooking.

4-Scrape food scraps into the garbage can instead of rinsing them into the sink's garbage disposal.

5-Run the dishwasher only when it's fully loaded.

Visit the South Florida Water Management District for more information.

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PHOTO: The Kosher Cuisine Club of Temple Chabad in Parkland is selling its recent cookbook to raise money for several building projects at the temple. Visit www.chabadofparkland.com and click on kosher cuisine for more information. Above, from left, are chairperson of the committee Sharon Phillips, and members Ronit Pollack, Eileen Fruithandler, Marie Muna Gosser and Linda Versil.
Staff photo/Jackie Genera
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City of Parkland offices will be closed Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 in observance of Christmas. The offices will also be closed Jan. 1 in observance of New Year's Day.

This will affect City Hall and libraries. Parks will close at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. Solid Waste and Recyclables will operate under the regular schedule.

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The Coral Springs Police Department reminds residents to remove all personal belongings from your car – leaving items in plain sight could attract a thief.

With the holiday season here, it’s easy to get too busy to notice you left the video game box in the back seat or that bag of clothes on the front seat.

For more information, call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 954-344-1800.

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Coral Springs Police Department will recognize local teenagers who go without a traffic citation or an “at-fault” accident during the school year as part of its Safe Teen Driving initiative.

Students are eligible to apply for recognition if they live in Coral Springs and attend Coral Glades High School, Coral Springs Charter School, Coral Springs Christian Academy, Coral Springs High School, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School or J.P. Taravella High School.

Teenagers must submit driving records from August 2008 to April 2009 to their School Resource Office by April 20. Douglas High School students may submit their driving records to the Coral Springs Police Department Youth Liaison Unit. Copies of driving records are available online at www.hsmv.state.fl.us or through one of the Broward County courthouses.

Students who meet the criteria will receive gift certificates to a local cinema and video rental store, along with a certificate of recognition from Police Chief Duncan Foster and a cord for seniors to wear during graduation. For more information, call 954-346-1200.

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If you are traveling from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport this week, you'll notice something harmonious amid the hectic holiday travelers.

This year's Winterfestival of Music is here, where a variety of school bands, orchestras, choirs and choruses play holiday music for travelers in the airport’s four main terminals.

Overall, more than 1,500 elementary, middle and high school students representing 29 Broward County Public Schools will perform.

This is the schedule of schools, performance times and locations:

Thursday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:
Hollywood Hills Elementary Chorus perform at Terminal One (Ticketing)
North Andrews Gardens Elementary Instrumental/Music/Dance perform at Terminal One (Baggage Claim)
Cresthaven Elementary Chorus perform at Terminal Two (East)
Driftwood Middle School Band perform at Terminal Three (Baggage Claim)
Dillard High School Chorus/Strings perform at Terminal Three (South)
Pioneer Middle School Band perform at Terminal Four (Baggage Claim)

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2 to 6 p.m.:
Hallandale High School Jazz Band perform at Terminal Three (Baggage Claim)

Friday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:
Sunrise Middle School Strings/Drama perform at Terminal One (Ticketing)
Ramblewood Middle School Band perform at Terminal One (Baggage Claim)
Ramblewood Middle School Orchestra perform at Terminal Two (East)
Silver Trail Middle School Band perform at Terminal Three (Baggage Claim)
Dolphin Bay Elementary Chorus perform at Terminal Three (South)
Tradewinds Elementary Chorus/Dance perform at Terminal Four (Baggage Claim)
Parkway Middle School Chorus perform at Rental Car Lobby

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Coral Springs officials are making a concerted effort to make sure residents spend their money within the city.

Mayor Scott Brook recently kicked off the city’s Buy Coral Springs campaign at the Coral Square Mall. “The more you spend here, the more small businesses will be supported. Let us keep the businesses and money local. It will help us diversify our tax base. The economy is hurting; we want to make a positive impact. We don’t want you to go to Boca, Margate or other cites for your purchases.”

Brook is also in favor of giving local businesses “an iota of extra weight” when it comes to awarding work on city projects. “We shouldn’t choose somebody just because they are local, but I do want us to look a little bit harder at local businesses.”

Commissioner Tom Powers said he liked the concept.

Brook also advocated including a member of the City Commission on the city’s construction review committee. Commissioner Roy Gold, however, said he was against the idea.

“We are five different people,” Gold said. “I like the independence of the process we now have. I will be hesitant to support the idea.”

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While Coral Springs will get more than $3.4 million from the federal department of Housing and Urban Development under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, Parkland’s share of the pie will be only $35,000.

The money is to be used to offset the effect of foreclosed homes within the city. While six cities in Broward County will get the money directly, the amount set aside for smaller cities such as Parkland will be distributed throughout the county.

The Parkland City Commission recently discussed the issue.

“The amount for each municipality is decided based on population and the number of foreclosed homes in the area,” said City Manager Caryn Gardner-Young. “Some of the municipalities have said they want direct control of the money, but that carries considerable administrative costs.”

Mayor Michael Udine said he is in favor of the city getting the money through the county. “Since our city is so small, it doesn’t pay for us to hire an administrator [to implement the program]. The money will still be spent in Parkland; they will listen to our ideas.”

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