The students at Cooper City’s Pioneer Middle School have daily reading assignments, but it’s not every day that those readings are in the company of actors, politicians and Holocaust survivors.

It was all part of the school’s 7th Annual Community Read-In, which brings in guests to emphasize the importance of reading to students. The more than 40 guests weren’t just there to read to students, but to start conversations.

“It’s like a career day with a reading twist,” said Principal Linda Arnold.

That’s how things went in one seventh-grade classroom with guest Kirsten Upchurch, a local theater actress. In a desire to expose students to literature they may consider “out of date,” Upchurch performed monologues from Edgar Allan Poe, William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens. In each case, while students at first laughed when hearing unfamiliar language, by the end of each skit, they watched in silent fascination.

“It’s nice to be able to hear good literature that isn’t normally presented for this kind of audience,” Upchurch said.

In another room, Mayor Debby Eisinger stressed the importance of reading with several short stories from the popular “Chicken Soup” series. Commissioners Lisa Mallozzi and Neal de Jesus also represented the city at the Read-In.

“Reading does make you think, and sometimes it has a significant impact on you,” Eisinger said.

Fore more on this, see this Sunday's (April 5) Community News inside the Sun Sentinel.

-- Chris Guanche

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A household hazardous waste and electronics recycling collection will take place from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April 19 at Pine Island Park, 3800 SW 92nd Ave. in Davie.

Residents can drop off fax machines, printers, televisions, motor oil, household cleaners, paint and other items. The town won't take explosives, biohazardous and business-generated waste. You must show proof of Broward County residency.

For more information, visit http://www.davie-fl.gov/Pages/DavieFL_Programms/Hazard2009.pdf

-- Scott Fishman

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The Davie Parks and Recreation Department will present Ship of Fools, a murder mystery and dinner show.

Cost is $22 per person, and the dinner will be catered by the Ark Restaurant. The event will be from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4 at the Pine Island Multipurpose Center, 3801 S. Pine Island Road.

Cruise attire is recommended for this fun, foolish and fabulous fiasco.

For tickets and more information, call 954-327-3940 or 954-327-3941.

-- Scott Fishman

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Pretty soon, the field at the Cooper City Sports Complex will be littered with eggs.

It's all part of the city's annual egg hunt, which will take place at 10 a.m. April 11 at the complex, 10300 Stirling Road. The free event is for children in fifth grade and lower, although toddlers must be able to walk on their own. Children should bring a basket to collect eggs in. The event is open only to Cooper City residents.

Call 954-434-4300, ext. 233.

-- Chris Guanche

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The Kappa Sigma fraternity at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) will host a philanthropic powerlifting competition on Saturday, March 28.

“Kappa Sigma Strongman” will consist of events testing the strength and endurance of its competitors while raising funds and awareness for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Broward County.

NSU’s Kappa Sigma chapter has been impacted by MS as two members of the fraternity have mothers with the disease. Anthony Rando and Steven Reddy have moved back to their homes in New York to be closer to their families and assist their mothers. Kappa Sigma organized the strongman competition in support of their brothers and to assist the MS Society.

Events will include bench press, dead lift, shuttle race, farmer’s walk, and truck push. Men and women will compete, and participants will be divided according to weight class. The event is supported by USA Powerlifting and the MS Society.

The Kappa Sigma Strongman will be held in front of the Alvin Sherman Library on NSU’s main campus at 3301 College Ave. in Davie. The competition will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public; donations will be accepted. All proceeds benefit the MS Society of Broward County.

For more information, contact event coordinator Maurice Brown at 561-929-1760 or kappasigstrongman.oh@gmail.com or visit http://www.ohkappasigma.com/Strongman.html

-- Scott Fishman

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The Davie-Cooper City Relay for Life literally got off to a stormy start.

An initially sunny day was darkened as rain clouds soaked the field at Cooper City High School, where the annual American Cancer Society relay was being held. The rain sent participants scrambling to pack up and leave their cartoon-themed tents for the shelter of the school gym. But inside the gym, you’d hardly know there was any trouble as cancer survivors gathered with caretakers to eat lunch.

“I’m pleasantly surprised, given the way the weather looked,” said Elliot Kleiman, the event chairman.

For Kleiman, raising awareness about cancer and the importance of early detection are some of the main reasons to stage the relays. Cancer is an issue that Kleiman is personally familiar with, having twice battled prostate cancer. Kleiman also lost his first wife to cancer, and his current wife and daughter have had bouts with breast cancer.

Whether it’s talking about cancer or attending a public event like a relay, Kleiman said it’s a sensitive issue for some people.

“A lot of survivors don’t think that they are [survivors],” Kleiman said. “A lot of people don’t like to talk about the fact that they’re survivors.”

Some of the survivors at the event were first-timers, while others had attended prior relays. After having successfully fought breast cancer, Betty Lamach of Hollywood was attending her first relay with several friends, also survivors. Lamach said surviving cancer through successful treatment has given her a new outlook on life, and coming together with other survivors has helped.

“It brings tears to my eyes,” Lamach said of the relay.

For more on this, see this Sunday's (March 29) Community News inside the Sun Sentinel.

-- Chris Guanche

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The Florida Department of Transportation plans to address concerns and questions with an informational meeting on Wednesday for prime contractors, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers and vendors interested in working on the I-595 project or other "shovel-ready" stimulus road projects in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties.

The meeting will be at the Signature Grand, 6900 W. State Road 84 in Davie.

It is open only to company representatives, not individuals looking for work.

The meeting will be split into two sessions. From 8:30 to noon, the focus will be on the stimulus projects in the five counties.

From 1 to 4 p.m., the focus will be on the I-595 project, which is receiving no stimulus funds. Participants must pre-register at www.blackmonroberts.com.

-- Scott Fishman

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Nova Southeastern University will host free health screenings for more than 1,000 children and adults on Saturday, March 28.

The NSU Health Fair for Children & Adults, sponsored by NSU’s Health Professions Division and the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, will offer vision, dental, blood pressure and diabetes (glucose) screenings.

It will also offer the public a chance to get health care advice from doctors, optometrists, physical therapists, dentists, pharmacists, occupational therapists, nurses and other health-care providers.

Also, experts in pediatrics, geriatrics, family medicine, physical therapy, public health, and others will be at the event.

“The health fair is a way for Nova Southeastern University to give back to the community,” said Christopher Siano, D.O., a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine who organized the event.

The Davie Fire Department will be on hand to greet children. There will be a bounce house for the children, music and a blood drive. Memorial Health will have their mobile units there for adult and child health.

There will also be free hot dogs, hamburgers and soft drinks at the health fair, which will take place between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Tower Shops/Home Depot Shopping Plaza on University Drive between Nova Drive and Interstate 595.

For more information, contact Christopher Siano at christopher.siano@yahoo.com

-- Scott Fishman

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Parents in Cooper City looking for summer activities can register their children for the city's upcoming summer camp.

Registration begins April 1 for children who are in first through eighth grades. Parents will need to pay for the first two weeks of camp, as well as a $25 registration fee per child. Registration is limited to Cooper City residents, so proof of residency is required. Parents can register at the Cooper City Community Center, 9000 SW 50 Place.

Call 954-434-4300, ext. 233.

-- Chris Guanche

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Most received free native plants and trees by visiting at least 12 of the event's exhibit booths and have their event program stamped.

Pigeon plums, wild coffee and powderpuff mimosas were among the 3,700 trees and plants available to residents free of charge.

More than 40 educational exhibits - from governmental entities and businesses to not-for-profit organizations - were on hand to help residents learn about water conservation techniques, smart irrigation, native landscaping and what role they play in protecting and conserving the county's water supply.

Festivities included face painting and craft workshops for children; rain barrel workshops and raffles; a variety of giveaways; and the music of environmental folk singer Grant Livingston.

-- Scott Fishman

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The Fischler School of Education and Human Services of Nova Southeastern University will hand out more than $15,000 in scholarships to the winners of the annual Miami Heat/ Fischler School of NSU essay contest, which runs through Wednesday, March 25.

To enter the 2009 contest, submit a 250-word or fewer essay on the theme: “Tell us why you or someone you know would cause an effect and change the world with a college degree.”

Prizes include:
• Grand Prize: $10,000 scholarship to NSU’s Fischler School
• First Place Prize: $5,000 scholarship to NSU’s Fischler School
• Second Place Prize: $2,500 scholarship to NSU’s Fischler School

Winners will be chosen April 1 and recognized at the April 7 Heat game.

The essays will be judged by a panel of Fischler School faculty and administrators on the basis of content and overall theme concept.

Participants can enter as many as five times. All entries must be received online or postmarked no later than March 25.

Further, mailed entries must be received no later than March 27 and must be sent to the following address: “Miami Heat/NSU’s Fischler School” Contest, 1750 NE 167 St., North Miami Beach, FL 33162.

Entrants must be 18 or older and be legal residents of South Florida who reside within a 75-mile radius of the AmericanAirlines Arena.

For more information, visit www.heat.com.

-- Scott Fishman

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Renowned bullying prevention and school safety expert Meline Kevorkian, Ed.D., will be one of the featured authors at LitLIVE!, part of the 21st edition of Literary Feast.

LitLIVE! will bring 24 acclaimed authors to Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 21.

Authors will meet thousands of book lovers throughout the day at panel discussions, lectures, book sales and signings at the library, 3301 College Ave. in Davie. The event is free and open to the public.

This year’s program highlights include Kevorkian, executive director of academic review at NSU. Kevorkian is an expert on bullying and is the author of several books for parents and educators, including "101 Facts About Bullying: What Everyone Should Know."

For more information about Kevorkian’s LitLIVE! session and information about additional featured authors, visit http://www.nova.edu/library/main or call 954-262-4600.

-- Scott Fishman

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The Davie Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments are pleased to announce the official kick-off of the Adopt-A-Park program.

The kickoff event is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 4 at Sunny Lake Bird Sanctuary, Potter Park, Veterans Park, Betty Booth Roberts Neighborhood Park, Wes Griffin Park, Math Igler Citrus Park, Liberty Park, Shenandoah Park and Governor LeRoy Collins Park.

This is a townwide opportunity for volunteer organizations such as neighborhood groups, schools and Scouts to achieve a park sustaining and beautification partnership with the town.

Volunteers are needed to work on a variety of activities. Volunteers will help with activities such as picking up litter, planting and maintaining plants, washing playground equipment, and spreading mulch in planter beds.

To volunteer or obtain additional information, contact Bette Gibson at 954-797-1089 or at betty_gibson@davie-fl.gov.

For more on the Adopt-A-Park, visit http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/davie/sfl-fldcgpark0315dcgmar15,0,7602491.story

-- Scott Fishman

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The Broward County Parks and Recreation Division recently announced that its IT Section has enabled public and private wireless access in the auditorium and classroom at Long Key Nature Center, 3501 SW 130th Ave. in Davie.

The wireless service, commonly known as Wi-Fi, will offer the general public as well as county employees free access to the Internet to retrieve e-mail, perform research, or surf the Web without being connected to network cables. The network, BC-Public, was designed to be scalable for future expansion and was built with assistance from Enterprise Technology Services.

Calls for assistance regarding access to Wi-Fi “hot spots” are handled by the Broward County Call Center, 954-831-4000.

For answers to frequently asked Questions about Wi-Fi, see the county’s information page “Broward County WiFi and the Downtown Hot Spots.”

-- Scott Fishman

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Davie has been named a Tree City USA Community by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forestry.

It is the 18th year that the town has received this national recognition.

Davie is also the recipient of the Tree City USA Growth Award for the first time, demonstrating progress in its community forestry. The award recognizes environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.

“Davie is known as a green oasis in a very urban county. We take great pride in this fact. We are honored that the Arbor Day Foundation recognizes our commitment to the environment via our tree canopy,” said Town Administrator Gary Shimun. “Our canopy is a positive benefit for both the environment and economics. It contributes to a cooler Davie, better air quality, aesthetics, and adds value to our homes and businesses.”

The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, environmental educational organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.

More information on the foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org.

To contact the Davie Urban Forester, Tim Lee, call 954-797-1038.

-- Scott Fishman

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If you've got old electronics around the house you want to get rid of, you can dispose of them for free this weekend in Cooper City.

The disposal service will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Cooper City Sports Complex, 10300 Stirling Road. The traveling disposal service is offered several times throughout the year by Broward County Waste and Recycling Services. Proof of Broward County residency is required (a driver's license or current utility bill are acceptable).

Acceptable electronics include TVs, computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, cell phones and CD/DVD players. Stereos, microwaves and kitchen appliances will not be accepted. You can also dispose of items such as fluorescent lamps, paint, motor oil, rechargeable batteries, household chemicals and propane gas tanks. Explosives, biohazardous waste and waste from businesses will not be accepted.

In addition to the rotating disposal events, the county operates two permanent drop-off sites in southwest Broward:

- 5490 Reese Road, Davie. Open Saturdays only from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

- 5601 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd, West Park. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Call 954-765-4999.

-- Chris Guanche

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Get tips on how to "green" your yard and lower your water bill as you "Learn to Conserve" at the seventh annual Broward Water Matters Day from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 14 at Tree Tops Park in Davie.

Water Matters Day is Broward County's signature water conservation event where residents can get free native plants or trees just for learning how to do the right thing.

Pigeon plums, wild coffee and powderpuff mimosas are among the more than 3,200 trees and plants available to residents free of charge at Water Matters Day. To be eligible to receive two trees and/or plants, attendees will need to visit at least 12 of the event's exhibit booths and have their event program stamped.

More than 40 educational exhibits - from governmental entities and businesses, to not-for-profit organizations - will be on hand to help residents learn about water conservation techniques, smart irrigation, native landscaping and what role they play in protecting and conserving the county's water supply.

Other activities include face painting and craft workshops for children; rain barrel workshops and raffles; a variety of giveaways; and the music of environmental folk singer Grant Livingston.

Event admission is free, but the park's weekend and holiday admission fee of $1.50 per person will be in effect. Children 5 and younger are admitted to the park free. Tree Tops Park is 3900 SW 100th Ave.

For more information, visit www.broward.org/watermatters

-- Scott Fishman

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The Davie Historical Society will present the 11th annual Generations of Taste in the dining hall of the Old Davie School Historical Museum from 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 4.

The tasting includes recipes from all four of the Historical Society’s cookbooks and features dishes from the early pioneers of Davie to the present time.

Tasters will vote for their favorite dishes in each category, which will include everything from appetizers to Kids Cookin. Prizes will be awarded.

Cost is $10, $4 for children under 12. There will be a raffle and door prizes. All proceeds from the event benefit the Old Davie School Historical Museum.

For more information or for tickets, call Patti Koch at 954-797-1044. Visit the Old Davie School on the Web at www.olddavieschool.org

-- Scott Fishman

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The Old Davie School, in partnership with Central Broward Water Control District, will celebrate Earth Day 2009 by bringing awareness to the canals and waterways of Broward County and to the abundant wildlife living in the Everglades.

All elementary school students in Broward County public and private schools are invited to submit their original artwork for consideration in the third annual Everglades Eyes: What Children See Art competition that will be held at the Old Davie School.

Artwork must be original and not a copy of another artist’s work. Artwork must capture images of Broward County waterways and may include canals, lakes and the Everglades. People, pets and wildlife images within this context are welcomed.

(http://crca.caloosahatchee.org/crca_docs/the_everglades_08big.jpg).

Mediums may include oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, mixed media, photography, and collage. Maximum size is 11x17 inches. Work must be clean and ready for framing.

Entries must be submitted to the Old Davie School at 6650 Griffin Road by March 30.

Information including the Entry Form & Rules page is available at the Central Broward Water Control District Web site at www.centralbrowardwcd.org.

The Old Davie School will host an exhibit opening from 7 to 9 p.m. April 17, with an awards ceremony at 8. The exhibit will show through May 29 in the Museum Gallery.

For more information, call Constance Ruppender at the Central Broward Water Control District at 954-432-5110 or Patti Koch at the Old Davie School at 954-797-1044.

-- Scott Fishman

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Young At Art Children’s Museum hosted Dr. Seuss’ Art-Rageous Birthday Party Celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8, in honor of the birthday of Theodor Geisel, best known as the beloved Dr. Seuss.

Festivities included face painting, story time, special games and art activities, meet the Cat in the Hat and more.

The exhibit prominently features the unconventional characters and wacky environments of Dr. Seuss and is on display until May 10.

Young At Art is at 11584 W. State Road 84 in Davie. For more information, visit http://www.youngatartmuseum.org/

-- Scott Fishman

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Nova Southeastern University researchers are using adult stem cells to grow replacement teeth.

As President Obama signs an executive order lifting funding restrictions on embryonic stem cells research, NSU researchers have found a way to make new discoveries without using this type of stem cell.

Instead, researcher Peter Murray, Ph.D., is using adult stem cells from the pulps of teeth and the ligaments that connect the teeth to the jaw to conduct research to grow replacement teeth.

Murray and his team are using federal grants to fund their research.

-- Scott Fishman

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(www.examiner.com)

Nova Southeastern University and the American Academy of Pediatrics released a guide Monday that offers parents and caregivers tips to help children cope with a recession.

“Raising children can be very difficult when you have concerns about not having enough money to take care of your family,” said Deborah Mulligan, M.D., director of NSU’s Institute for Child Health Policy and member of the AAP’s executive council on media and communications.

Available in English and Spanish, the AAP public education guide was developed through contributions by Mulligan and other health care and mental health provider members of the national organization.

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http://www.instablogsimages.com/images/2008/10/21/raising-children_bKphi_18706.jpg

The guidance offers families these suggestions to help children get through tough economic times.

* Take care of yourself: Remember that children depend on the adults around them to feel secure, so it’s important that you take care of yourself. If you are worried or upset, your children will be too. Even very young children can tell when something is wrong.

* Limit TV and other media time: When children overhear news coverage or adults talking about America’s financial problems, like job cuts and people losing their homes, they may become worried, especially because they don’t really understand what is happening. Try to limit your own exposure to the media, especially when you are with children.

* Choose your words carefully. Comments like “We just lost your college savings”; “I might lose my job”; or “We can’t afford that” can be very upsetting to children. In times of uncertainty, try to offer reassuring words. For example, “We have enough money to pay for food and our house, but we may need to spend less on eating out;” or “We saved money for times like these.”

* It’s important to talk to your children because they can sense stress and become anxious or upset if no one communicates to them. All they need is a very basic explanation of why people are upset or worried and what impact it will have on them personally.

* Let your pediatrician know if you think your children are showing signs of stress. It’s natural for children to be concerned if their family has money problems, yet if they are reminded that they do not need to solve these problems, they will feel better. See tips above on how to talk to your children.

Also, watch your children closely for changes in their behavior, mood, friendships, or school performance, and talk to your children’s primary care clinician or other mental health professionals as needed.

* Be sensitive to each child’s needs. It’s important to talk at each child’s level. What and how much information you share depends on the age and developmental level of your children. In general, older children will want and benefit from more detailed information; younger children and those children with developmental delays or intellectual disabilities will benefit from simpler and briefer information. But for all children, start with asking them what they may already have heard or offer a simple explanation at first.

Then ask your children if they have any more questions. Children who already had problems with anxiety or other emotional problems may be particularly upset or worried about the economic situation and benefit from more direct advice and additional reassurance.

* Plan family meetings. Family meetings are a very effective way for families to encourage healthy communication. It can be a time when family members learn how to get along with each other better. Parents can also use the time to share family values and cultural beliefs.

-- Scott Fishman

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Davie’s Fire Rescue Department recently brought its Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/ Automated External Defibrillation Training Program to the Signature Grand.

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Davie firefighter/paramedic Al Lawrence instructing Signature Grand staff members. Submitted photo

Banquet managers and other staff members took part in the comprehensive hands-on training that included: how to recognize and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, rescue breathing, airway obstruction/choking, infant/child and adult CPR, and how to use an AED on an adult.

Chip Stanton, chief engineer at Signature Grand who coordinated the program with Davie and also participated in the training, said, “Assistant Fire Chief Julie Downey provided us with excellent service to ensure that our staff is well trained, and she was also very helpful with the installation process of the automated external defibrillation unit.”

Davie Fire Rescue’s training program has been updated to reflect the standards as outlined by the Emergency Cardiac Care Committee.

Classes are taught by skilled instructors who teach the correct procedures, and students are given the opportunity to practice new skills on a realistic mannequin.

For more information, call 954-797-1213.

-- Scott Fishman

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Over the weekend, Davie's Orange Blossom Parade had a host of parade participants who competed in nine different categories.

Congratulations to the winners listed below:

Best Commercial Float
New River Groves with Al Roth

Best Noncommercial Float
Old Davie School Historical Museum

Best Youth Performing Entry
5 Star Youth of America Flashettes

Best Adult Performing Entry
Jimmy Jam Cloggers

Best Nonmusical Marching Entry
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and Academy

Best Musical Marching Entry
Everglades High School Gator Band

Best Animal Entry
Seminole Tribe of Florida

Best Dressed Vehicle
American Rescue Party 343 Inc.

Best Overall Theme
Town of Davie

-- Scott Fishman

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CHAMPION

CHALLENGER

Incumbent Davie Mayor Tom Truex is being challenged by former Town Councilwoman Judy Paul in the town's March 10 election.

Who are you going to vote for?

Check out a story on the mayoral race at http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/davie/sfl-flbdavieelect0222cwfeb22,0,897136.story

And find out more about the candidates at http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/davie/sfl-flbdaviebiobox0222cwfeb22,0,3611723.story

-- Scott Fishman

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Even though South Florida and the rest of the nation is struggling with a recession, there are still some jobs in high demand. Nova Southeastern University in Davie recently identified 10 of them.

* Occupational Therapist: OTs help people live as fully and independently as possible. Average OT salaries are reported to be $64,200 in the Miami area and $89,750 in the Naples-Marco Island area, according U.S News and World Report.

* Pharmacist: Florida will require another 780 new pharmacists annually through 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau Labor Statistics. The proliferation of pharmacies in stores such as Wal-Mart and Publix is one of the reasons why.

* School Psychologist: These health care providers work within the educational system to help students resolve emotional, social, and academic problems. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that school psychologists will be among the five fastest-growing doctoral level-level occupations through 2012.

* Physical Therapist: PTs help people improve their mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics considers this job to be in high demand and estimates a growth rate of 27 percent for the profession between 2006 and 2016.

* Registered Nurse: Last year, a survey by the Florida Center for Nursing showed that vacancy rates for registered nurses exceeded 9 percent in Florida hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, public health agencies and hospices.

* Physician Assistant: PAs practice medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician. After graduating from a 27-month program with a master’s degree, these professionals can earn an average of $75,000 a year or more.

* Marriage and Family Therapist: These professionals work with individuals, couples, and families by incorporating the family system to address mental and family problems. Today, 50,000 marriage and family therapists around the country treat more than 1.8 million people, according to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

* Mental Health Counselor: The nation will need 30 percent more mental health counselors between 2006 and 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last year, Money magazine included mental health counselors on its list of top 50 professions.

* Special Education Teacher: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics considers this a fast-growing profession that is expected to increase 15 percent between 2006 and 2016. The high demand is due to the early diagnoses of learning disabilities in younger students.

* Anesthesiologist Assistants: AAs work under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. This profession is so hot that graduates from a 27-month program average about 10 to 15 job offers, with a starting salary of $120,000 a year and sign-on bonuses of $30,000 to $50,000, according to Robert Wagner, NSU anesthesiologist assistant professor.

-- Scott Fishman

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At a recent operational readiness evaluation conducted by the state, Davie Fire Rescue’s Light Technical Rescue Team was ranked number one in South Florida and number three in the entire state out of 50-plus teams.

The team was evaluated in three primary areas: operational readiness, logistical readiness and management readiness.

To be operationally prepared, the team has to maintain a minimum of 18 personnel trained and ready to go. The town has 27 trained members trained as technicians, which is the most advanced level.

This complement of personnel has to be specifically trained and must maintain its proficiency in five disciplines: rope rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue, structural collapse, and VMR (vehicle and machinery rescue) operations.

To be logistically prepared, Davie Fire Rescue has to maintain a full cache of equipment for team members. It must also have the necessary transportation resources. Davie Fire Rescue has a state-of-the-art vehicle which enables members to deploy to most locations and allows them to work and live out of the truck.

In addition, it must have a system in place to inventory its resources. Evaluators were so impressed that they used Davie Fire Rescue’s inventory and documentation systems as an example for Best Practices around the state.

Management readiness indicates that training and policies and procedures are in place, as well as other administrative items. All of this documentation enables the team to deploy within a short period of time.

-- Scott Fishman

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University School at Nova Southeastern University's "A Night at the Races" fundraiser is set for Wednesday, March 18 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Christine Lee’s restaurant.

Christine Lee’s is on the third floor at Gulfstream Park, 901 S. Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach.

The evening will feature dinner, an open bar, silent and live auctions, and dueling piano entertainment throughout the night. All proceeds will benefit the Davie school and its students.

To get on the guest list, call 954-262-4475 or e-mail vriling@nova.edu. . Tickets are
$125, and sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information, visit www.uschool.nova.edu or call 954-262-4452.

-- Scott Fishman

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When a week’s worth of events proved popular with the public, the organizers of Bicycle Week opted to expand it to Bicycle Month in 2008.

Bicycle Month 2009 now includes more than 50 events and activities through March 31. The purposes are to promote bicycle safety and education; to provide leisure and recreational bicycling opportunities for all ages and abilities; and to offer competitive/challenging bicycling opportunities throughout Broward County.

Activities include bicycle rodeos, recreational rides, bike-to-work challenges, nature bike hikes, lunchtime rides, bicycle scavenger hunts, and tandem rides for the visually impaired. Times, fees, locations, and registration requirements vary.

For a complete schedule, visit www.broward.org/parks and click on the Florida Bicycle Month logo.

For more information, call 954-985-1960.

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Deals on pre-owned textbooks, fiction and nonfiction hardcover and paperbacks, children’s books, CDs, DVDs, and video cassettes will be available at the 11th Semi-Annual Used Book Sale, hosted at Nova Southeastern University's Alvin Sherman Library, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd.

For more information, visit www.nova.edu/library/main, or call 954-262-4542.

-- Scott Fishman

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