In response to the recent rash of slaughtering horses for their meat in both Miami-Dade County and Miramar, Davie Mayor Judy Paul is taking action by organizing a Community Barn Watch Program.

All equine owners are encouraged to attend the meeting to kick off the program. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26 at Town Hall, 6591 Orange Drive.

The program encourages horse owners as well as concerned citizens to keep a watchful eye and immediately report suspicious persons or activity to law enforcement.

Program participants will receive a “community barn watch” sign to post in their neighborhood. Officials and residents will discuss community ideas, concerns and solutions.

Call 954-797-1163.

-- Scott Fishman

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The Davie Town Council and Edith Lederberg. (submitted photo)

Davie received the Florida Department of Elder Affair’s Communities for a Lifetime Award at last night’s Town Council meeting.

The award was presented by Edith Lederberg with the Area Agency on Aging. Davie was one of only four communities recognized in the state.

“We are extremely proud of the efforts that we have made to make Davie an excellent community for children, adults and seniors. The wisdom and experience that our seniors bring to the town is a valuable asset for all us,” said Mayor Judy Paul.

The town’s Senior Citizen Advisory Committee is an active group that focuses on issues such as transportation, housing, health and wellness, volunteerism, employment, and intergenerational relations.

The committee recently distributed a town-wide survey to garner more information about town services.

“We, seniors, add wonderful color to the town’s landscape,” said board member Janet Nilsen. “Young and old can work together to accomplish great things."

The Senior Citizen Advisory Committee has also been helpful in various town programs, including the bus, recreational and cultural programs.

-- Scott Fishman

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This month, Ruben Gonzalez of Davie is taking part in Texas Lutheran University’s Lone Star Scholars Academy 2009, which introduces academically gifted high school students to college life.

Gonzalez is one of almost 50 students taking part in the program. Each student takes two courses taught by select faculty and other educators, earning two hours of college credit. Students live in residence halls and participate in community service activities and social events.

LSSA is held each summer, and this year’s program continues through Aug. 1.

-- Scott Fishman

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Beginning Aug. 1, Nova Southeastern University’s Health Care Centers will offer South Florida schoolchildren an opportunity to get their required physicals at a low cost before school starts.

The centers will offer back-to-school physicals at a flat fee of $25, which will include a medical checkup, eye exam, dental exam and more.

The physicals will begin 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 1 at NSU’s Sanford L. Ziff Health Care Center, at the corner of University Drive and Southwest 30th Street.

Children must be there Saturday in order to receive the full components of medical, dental, optometry, etc. However, medical physicals will be available throughout August.

Children from preschool through 12th grade will receive screenings from all medical disciplines, including dental, optometry, speech and audiology, and physical and occupational therapy.

In addition, immunizations will be offered for $15. Parents and guardians are required to bring current immunization records for their children, and appointments are required. Parents are also required to pay out-of-pocket because health insurance will not be accepted as payment.

To schedule an appointment, call 954-678-2273.

-- Scott Fishman

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Registration for Davie flag football, flag cheerleading, fall baseball and fall girls softball has been extended until Sunday, August 2.

Fore more information, visit http://www.davie-fl.gov/Pages/DavieFL_ParksRcrtn/programs/fees.

-- Scott Fishman

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The Davie Utilities Department is alerting residents that there will be a force main (sanitary sewer) shut down tomorrow from 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. for Southwest 61st Avenue from 41st Place to 41st Street.

Should you have any questions, call Jim at Craven and Thompson & Associates at 954-254-2273.

Other useful numbers:
Davie Utilities Department: 954-327-3741
Davie CRA: 954-797-1232
Conquest Engineering: 305-216-3573

-- Scott Fishman

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Visit http://www.schakolad.com/store20, davie@schakolad.com or call 954-472-6155 for more information. The cost is $9.50 per child.

Look for a story on the workshop in the Aug. 9 Community News section of your Sun Sentinel.

-- Scott Fishman

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Planning is under way for the second annual Back to School Bluegrass and Bar-B-Que.

The Old Davie School is teaming up with the South Florida Bluegrass Association to bring a fun-filled day of bluegrass music, arts and crafts vendors, a farmer’s market and plenty of barbecue with all the fixins.

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Road.

Admission is $1 per person or $5 per carload to park on the site. Plenty of sponsorship and vendor opportunities are still available. All proceeds benefit the Old Davie School Historical Museum.

Call 954-797-1044.

-- Scott Fishman

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(submitted picture)

The Davie Broncos Girls’ fast-pitch 12-under softball team won the Independent Softball Associations’ B Division state tournament in whirlwind fashion.

Early in the event, things looked gloomy as Davie went 0-1-1 in its seeding games. The results placed them seventh out of the 10 teams heading into the winners’ bracket.

Then, a complete turnaround occurred, with the girls smashing the ball at the plate averaging .319 and scoring 7.8 runs a game. At the same time, the starting pitchers fashioned a 2.07 ERA as the Broncos went on to finish the tournament with a 5-0 record.

In the championship game, Gwen Svekis hit a towering two-run home run as part of a 4-for-4 performance as the Davie Broncos' 12U team cruised past the Lutz Lightning, winning the title with an 11-4 victory.

Some other key players during the championship include Chastity Velez, who went 3 for 4 and added impressive defensive skills at first base, and Sarah Maloney, who pitched seven innings for the victory, shutting out the Lightning over the final four innings after they had tied the score 4-4.

The Broncos (39-14-4) are coached by Kevin Asher and have a roster of 11 girls. Due to injuries, the team played with the bare-minimum nine players. Asher has been assisted by Steve Collins, Mike Cunningham and Rich Russo.

-- Scott Fishman

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Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine is offering a master’s program that teaches, among other things, how to develop and implement electronic medical record systems.

The Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics program trains in dealing with the effective use of information technology in health care, including the development and implementation of an electronic medical records system. The 43-credit program, which is the only such program being offered at a Florida medical school, also offers certificates in clinical medical informatics and public health informatics.

NSU’s Biomedical Informatics Program is designed to meet the needs of a health care community that is going paperless. Mandated by former President George W. Bush, patient records nationwide must become standardized and electronic by 2014.

NSU-COM’s biomedical informatics program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals by offering an online curriculum that uses state-of-the art technology.

Students and graduates of this program are already working in various hospitals, clinics, and e-health companies to help doctors and hospitals convert their patient records to an electronic medical records system.

For more information, contact Dr. Jennie Lou at 954-262-1619 or jlou@nova.edu or Scott Colton at 954-262-5147 or scottc@nova.edu.

-- Scott Fishman

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(submitted photo)
Assistant Chief Downey with Dr. Jennifer Bencie

The Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services recently recognized Assistant Chief Julia Downey, of the Davie Fire Rescue Department, with an EMS Disaster Preparedness and Response award.

This is the first time this award has been given. It honors individuals who show exceptional proficiency in developing response plans and have made significant contributions to help prepare Florida for health and medical responses to significant emergencies or disasters.

“Assistant Chief Downey is an asset to Davie Fire Rescue. We’re very proud of her efforts in the EMS area,” said Fire Chief Joe Montopoli.

Downey has worked diligently, locally and at the state level to prepare standards and training for the betterment of fire rescue personnel during a disaster.

She serves in a leadership role on the Disaster Response Committee for the State of Florida Department of Health which developed the following:

* Standardized mass casualty plan
* Standardized triage procedures
* Ambulance deployment plan
* Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) trailer and equipment
* Strike team leader training

“I am honored to have received this award. My first concern is always the safety of the public and our first responders,” said Assistant Chief Julie Downey.

- Scott Fishman

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Sign your child up for Davie baseball, girls' softball, flag football and cheerleading for the fall by July 26. Seasons start in August.

For registration information, visit http://www.davie-fl.gov/Gen/DavieFL_RecCalendr/.

Additional information about any of the city's sports programs is available by contacting the sports division staff at 954-327-3928 or 954-327-3929 after 10 a.m.

- Scott Fishman

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The Young At Art Children’s Museum welcomes the Broward Sheriff’s Office bomb squad at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30 to demonstrate its bomb surveillance robot.

The robot will test its mettle at bomb surveillance and detection. These high-tech robots not only identify the type of bomb but are designed to disrupt and disarm explosives without risk to members of the bomb and canine squads.

Visitors have a chance to make artistic designs for their own robots.

Cost is $8 per person. Children under 2 get in free. The museum is at 11584 W. State Road 84 in Davie.

For more information, call 954-424-0085 or visit YoungAtArtMuseum.org.

-- Scott Fishman

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While the heat took a toll on bicyclists at Brian Piccolo Park’s Firecracker Criterium race, Carlos Laborde was happy to have the sun out.

“Every day it’s been raining so much, it’s unbelievable,” said Laborde, the park’s special programs coordinator.

After an entire week of daily storms, bad weather was a concern ahead of the park’s annual post-Fourth of July bicycle race. But there were no rain clouds in sight during five hours of racing. In the morning, cyclists gathered for a series of races divided by age, gender and skill level. By mid-morning, riders were engaged in the longest race around the park’s twisting track for 45 minutes plus three laps.

Winning that race wasn’t easy, said Weston cyclist John Durango of the Santo Cycling Team.

“It’s pretty technical,” said Durango, a professional cyclist originally from Colombia. “There’s a lot of turns, so you have to be careful.”

In addition to avoiding accidents by having a pedal touch the ground on a tight corner, Durango said it was important to fight off dehydration by regularly drinking water. The race’s top riders split a $700 cash purse, but Durango said money wasn’t the motivation to race.

“It’s not for money; it’s more for fun,” he said.

The course’s layout makes for interesting races, Laborde said. With only one short straightaway, riders spend the rest of the time tackling sharp turns and finding the right spot to get ahead from the group. One particular turn on the course’s southern end allows a rider to get ahead by a few seconds – but only if they have the endurance to stay ahead of the group.

“Every lap has different leaders, and they’re constantly on the attack,” Laborde said.

For more on this, see this Sunday's (July 12) Community News inside the Sun Sentinel.

-- Chris Guanche

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The AMC 8 at Ridge Plaza served as the neighborhood theater for movie-goers in Davie and surrounding areas for 25 years.

Nearly a month ago, this longtime relationship came to an end as the the chain played its last film at that location and closed up shop.

Liebe Entertainment Group is taking over the facility and making renovations in time for a reopening later this year, leaving memories of the plaza's former tenant behind.
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From doorman to general manager, Cooper City resident Howard Hauser worked in the movie theater business for more than 15 years. Hauser is no stranger to theater closings, as he had the same thing happen to him in 2001 at the United Artists he was running in Pembroke Pines.

Big companies opting out of smaller facilities in favor of the big multiplexes has been an ongoing trend for many years.

"What bothers me most is that first taste of freedom," said Hauser.

"The small local theater where you could safely send your children to on the
weekends are gone or closing."

"At one time, Ridge Plaza was innovative. It had the Midnight Express where I brought my children if I thought it was a movie they would enjoy and even key pads on the seats so the viewer could direct to future course of the movie by majority vote.

"The multiplexes do not engender the same feeling of safety, security and hometown friendliness as the local theater does."
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Aside from the theater makeover, LEG hopes to maintain the community aspect when it opens in the fall.

For more on this, check out the Community News section inside the Sun Sentinel this Sunday (July 12).

-- Scott Fishman

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Broward County's Mosquito Control Section will spray for mosquitoes in the south-central portion of the county, including areas of Davie and Cooper City, on Wednesday, weather permitting.

The aerial spraying will be conducted between 4:30 and 6:30 a.m. Residents with breathing difficulties should remain indoors.

The area to be sprayed includes Southwest 14th Street to the north, Sheridan Street to the south, Southwest 92nd Avenue to the east, and Southwest 148th Avenue to the west.

The Mosquito Control Section sprays areas of the county by truck and plane, based on requests received from residents.

To request service online, visit www.broward.org and click on ''Mosquito Services'' under Top Online Services. Requests can also be made by calling 954-765-4062.

-- Scott Fishman

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It may not be snow, but it sure looks like it. Davie Fire Rescue provided a blanket of fun foam for children of all ages to enjoy. The event took place at Davie’s Fourth of July Celebration at Pine Island Park.

The fun foam splash has become an annual tradition, as kids of all ages can play in the foam then rinse off in the wash-off area.

“It’s a wonderful time for all. We’re very happy to provide this service for our residents,” said Fire Chief Joe Montopoli.

The foam is specially made to be harmless and non-irritating to people, as well as environmentally friendly.

-- Scott FIshman

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Potter-maniacs can rejoice because Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth film in the series modeled after J.K. Rowling’s hugely successful books, is being released on Wednesday, July 15.

To celebrate, ages 12-18 are invited to Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library for a two-day Harry Potter movie marathon and Potter Pot Luck.

The schedule is:
* July 15 – Harry Potter Party Part 1, from 2:30-9 p.m.
* July 16 – Harry Potter Party Part 2, from 12:30-9 p.m.

The parties are free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring friends, dress up and bring their favorite Hogwarts snacks to share during the movies.

The Alvin Sherman Library is on NSU’s main campus at 3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr. Blvd. in Davie.

For more information, visit www.nova.edu/library/main or call 954-262-5477.

-- Scott Fishman

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This summer, as a part of the Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts based at Nova Southeastern University, young adults from around the country have been working to write, compose and choreograph thought-provoking original theatrical productions.

The Lovewell Institute will premier this year’s productions during its Festival of New Works by Young Artists held through July 31 on NSU’s main campus, 3301 College Ave. in Davie.

The schedule includes:
• July 24 at 7:30 p.m. and July 25 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Title and content to be determined by students who are currently in the workshop. This Lovewell Teen performance will take place in NSU’s Don Taft University Center’s Black Box Theatre.

• July 29-31 at 7:30 p.m.
Title and content to be determined by students who are currently in the workshop. This Lovewell Junior performance will take place in NSU’s Don Taft University Center’s Performing and Visual Arts Theatre.

Tickets are $12, and $8 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 954-270-6452.

The Lovewell program pairs preteens and teens with professional artists and graduate students to provide a forum for collaboration amongst peers and mentors during its annual summer workshop series. Lovewell Junior performers are pre-teens entering fifth through eight grades, and Lovewell Teen performers are students entering ninth through 12th grades, or exiting their first year of undergraduate studies.

-- Scott Fishman

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The Davie Town Council recently voted to create and implement the Green Energy and Environmental Committee. This committee was created to advise the Town Council about environmental protection, resource conservation, and energy-efficiency matters, as well as promote environmental programs and to educate the community.

“Davie has always been green, with our parks and open space. Now we want to take a look at being more energy-efficient and conservation-conscious," said Town Administrator Gary Shimun.

The first GEEC meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. July 9 in the Davie Town Hall Council Chambers at 6591 Orange Drive. Members of the Town Council may be present.

-- Scott Fishman

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Recently, Davie Fire Rescue graduated its first Community Emergency Response Team class.

About 25 residents took the 10-week course, which included units in disaster preparedness, CERT organization, fire safety, light search-and-rescue operations, disaster medical operations and terrorism.

To graduate, students participated in an exercise that required them to combine all the knowledge they learned in class and to apply it in a disaster scenario. CERT members had to put out a small fire, conduct a light search-and-rescue operation, and triage patients and provide first aid.

“We’re very proud of our graduates. They have worked diligently to make it through CERT training,” said Fire Chief Joe Montopoli. “We hope they never have to use it, but if there is a need, now they have the training.”

To register or to get more information about Davie’s CERT program, call 954-797-1213.

-- Scott Fishman

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Cooper City residents can swim at the city's pool by day and listen to live music at night.

The city's "Twilight Jazz by the Pool" event will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 10 at the Cooper City Pool and Tennis Center, 11600 Stonebridge Parkway. Admission is free, and refreshments will be sold on site.

For information, call 954-436-7300.

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(Long Key Nature Center)

The Broward County Parks and Recreation Division is the recipient of several awards from annual special issues of local publications. In the “Best of” issue of New Times Broward and Palm Beach, three parks were honored: Barkham at Markham for Best Dog Park, Fern Forest Nature Center for Best Nature Trail and Ski Rixen at Quiet Waters for Best Place To Get Wet.

South Florida Parenting’s Kids Crown Awards issue singles out C.B. Smith Park’s Paradise Cove as Best Water Park for Any Age, Long Key Natural Area and Nature Center in Davie for Best Nature Encounters and Preschool Nature Programs, Plantation Heritage Park for Best Park Playground for Kids, and T.Y. Park as Best “Old” Park That’s Like Brand New.

-- Scott Fishman

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Davie government offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. The following is a list of multipurpose center and pool operating hours for the weekend.

* Pine Island Multipurpose Center, 3801 Pine Island Road
July 3: Open 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
July 4: Open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open 6 to 10 p.m. as a rain facility for the Fourth of July event. No regular programs from 6 to 10 p.m.
July 5: Open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

* Pine Island Aquatics and Fitness Center, 3800 SW 92nd Ave. (in Pine Island Park)
July 3: Pool open 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Fitness center open 6 to 9 p.m.
July 4: Pool open for Fourth of July Splash Party 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fitness center open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (lobby will be open until 9 p.m. for fireworks display)
July 5: Pool open 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Fitness center 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

* Betty Booth Roberts Pool, 4200 SW 61st Ave.
July 3: Open 9 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
July 4: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
July 5: Open 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

* Potter Park Multipurpose Center (PAL programs), 4300 SW 57th Terrace
July 3: Closed
July 4: Closed
July 5: Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Davie Independence Day Family Splash, Craft, and Fireworks show will be at Pine Island Park. Activities begin at 10 a.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. To see the schedule of events, visit www.davie-fl.gov.

- Scott Fishman

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