Ever thought about writing the next great novel?

Nova Southeastern University's Alvin Sherman Library, 3301 College Ave. in Davie, is hosting two free events for aspiring writers in celebration of National Novel Writing Month.

* “One Day I’d Like to Write A Novel” Jumpstart Meeting for age 18 and older
2-4 p.m. Sunday Nov. 1

Andrea Shaw, a fiction writing professor in NSU’s Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, will be sharing advice and writing tips to help participants reach their goals. The kickoff is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Sign up by visiting www.nova.edu/library/main.

* “Take the Teen Novel Writing Challenge” Kickoff Meeting for ages 13-17
1-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7

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

Each November, the organization (www.nanowrimo.org) has a month-long challenge for budding writers to complete a 175-page novel by midnight on Nov. 30.

The goal of the event is to promote creativity by focusing on writing quantity, not quality, to help overcome the dreaded writer’s block.

-- Scott Fishman

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The eighth annual South Florida Construction Career Days spotlighted career and training opportunities in the highway and bridge construction industry earlier this week at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie.

Davie Mayor Judy Paul joined others in a ribbon-cutting ceremony with high school and career/training students in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties looking on. Those who attended were able to learn about opportunities in the highway and bridge construction fields.

Students experienced more than 30 hands-on learning labs presented by South Florida construction industry professionals including engineers, field managers, equipment operators, technicians and surveyors.

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-- Scott Fishman

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At a recent award ceremony, Davie Fire Rescue recognized the winners of the annual Fire Prevention Poster and Essay Contest.

Children from various local Davie schools participated.

In the picture are Mayor Judy Paul, Fire Chief Joe Montopoli, and Davie Elementary School winners.

For pictures of other winners, visit www.davie-fl.gov.

-- Scott Fishman

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Sean Kingston's scheduled Oct. 31 Boo Bash concert at The Arena at Don Taft University Center in Davie has been canceled.

Refunds are available at point of purchase.

Call the box office at 954-262-5565 or Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.

Visit www.Universitycenterarena.com for more details.

-- Scott Fishman

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The Old Davie School Historical Museum has a new view to the world.

Custom-made and historically accurate windows have replaced the deteriorating windows damaged by Hurricane Wilma.

The Davie School Foundation, the town, its Community Redevelopment Agency and Broward County worked together to complete the almost $250,000 project.

The Old Davie School, 6650 Griffin Road, was built in 1918 and was the first permanent school in the Everglades. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

-- Scott Fishman

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Models present recycled-to-wear fashions during last year’s show.

In coordination with the "Pop Art: The Andy Warhol Studio" exhibition (running through Jan. 10), the Young At Art Children's Museum (11584 W. State Road 84) in Davie presents its fourth annual recycled-to-wear fashion show “Junk2Funk,” 7-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13.

The fashion event with a green theme features models hitting the runway in garments made from newspaper, plastic bottles, aluminum, bubble wrap and other stylistic elements that make up a variety of edgy originals designed by Young At Art’s teen volunteers.

Mary Giuseffi, a renowned fashion/image consultant who has appeared on Oprah, 48 Hours, The Montel Williams Show and ABC News, will emcee the show.

The evening’s retro atmosphere, inspired by the disco era’s most famous club, Studio 54, will include music, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from 7-8 p.m. During that time, guests can also participate in “Green2Wear” activities, such as making prints reminiscent of famous pop artist Andy Warhol and creating their own recycled fashion accessories.

The fashion show begins at 8. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the museum’s teen and at-risk youth programs.

Tickets are $50, and advance reservations are required. Sponsorships are available from $500 and include VIP seating and sponsorship recognition.

For tickets and more information, call Mary Lynn Perrino at 954-424-0085, ext. 23.

-- Scott Fishman

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Davie’s Community Redevelopment Agency assisted in the opening of the Flashback Diner and Coffeehouse, 4125 Davie Road. Its grand opening is set for 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28.

The business, in the former Lums site, participated in two programs through the Davie CRA. The first, the Commercial Grant Loan Assistance program, paid a third of the cost of renovation.

The second was the Commercial Loan Subsidy program, where the CRA buys down the interest of a certain loan by 5 percent for a period of five years. The new diner benefited from the two CRA programs by receiving $157,000.

Davie Mayor Judy Paul will attend the opening, along with other town officials and community leaders.

For more information about the Davie CRA, call 954-797-2093.

-- Scott Fishman

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The Field of Flowers at 5101 S. University Drive in Davie is having a floral design contest at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7.

Participants have 30 minutes to create a design, with the winner having their work showcased and sold in the store throughout the Thanksgiving holiday. They also win a $100 Field of Flowers gift card.

For more information, visit http://www.fieldofflowers.com/design_contest.htm?source=20091025

-- Scott Fishman

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NSU’s Phi Beta Sigma fraternity performs at last year’s step show.

Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc. at Nova Southeastern University is holding a step, stroll and salute competition at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd. in Davie.

The Brown & White Jump Off show will feature fraternities and sororities from across the state, including the University of Miami, Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University, University of South Florida, Florida Memorial University and NSU. The winning team will receive $750 in prize money.

NSU students will be admitted free. Cost is $10 in advance for the general public at http://www.miniacipac.com/ and $15 at the door.

Proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association.

-- Scott Fishman

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South Florida children, including several with disabilities, will have a unique Halloween experience at "Trick-or-Trunk" at Nova Southeastern University.

NSU students will decorate their cars in a Halloween theme and give children a safe and easily accessible area to trick-or-treat. Games, food and a DJ will also be part of the festivities from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27.

"Trick-or-Trunk" is being held in a parking lot of a residence hall to allow easier access for children with disabilities. NSU’s disabilities office has invited several local schools and groups that work with children with disabilities to come out for the event.

-- Scott Fishman

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Below are the local lane closures local motorists should be mindful of when heading out of the house through Oct. 30:

- Westbound I-595 will undergo one rolling lane closure between 136th Avenue and Hiatus Road, nightly, from 9:30 p.m.-5 a.m. beginning today and ending Wednesday.

- One westbound lane of State Road 84 between Commodore Drive and 125th Avenue will be closed from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Tuesday.

- One westbound lane of S.R. 84 between 136th Avenue and Commodore Drive will be closed from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday.

- Eastbound I-595 will undergo one rolling lane closure between the I-75 overpass and State Road 7, nightly, from 9 p.m. -5 a.m. beginning today and ending Thursday.

- Nova Drive at 84th Avenue will undergo a complete closure, nightly, from 9 p.m.-6 a.m. beginning today and ending on Friday.

During the closures, motorists will be able to access residential areas off Nova Drive from either side of the closure. Nova Drive through traffic, between University Drive and Pine Island Road, will be detoured to Stirling Road.

-- Scott Fishman

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The 2009 Diversity Summit is designed to engage participants in dynamic discussions on complex issues related to racial, cultural, gender and religious identities.

The South Florida Diversity Alliance event will be from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Ave. in Davie.

Phillip J. Bowman Ph.D., founding director of the National Center for Institutional Diversity at the University of Michigan, will be the keynote speaker.

The summit is open to the public, and registration is necessary to attend.

Cost is $20 before Oct. 30 and $30 thereafter. Group registration of five or more will receive a $5-per-person discount. Students, faculty and staff of Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University and NSU can register for free.

Registration is available at www.nova.edu/studentleadership/ma/diversity.html.

-- Scott Fishman

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-- Scott Fishman

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With winter on its way, Cooper City will be hosting the last of three "Sunday Fun Days at the Pool" events.

The last Sunday pool day will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Pool & Tennis Center, 11600 Stonebridge Parkway. Families can bring small floats, toys and masks. Admission is $1 for children age 12 and younger, and $1.50 for ages 13 to 18. Adults get in for $2, seniors over age 62 for $1.50 and non-resident guests for $3.

For more information, call 954-436-7300.

-- Chris Guanche

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A free concert from country sensation Joe Diffie will be one of the highlights of the Southeastern Circuit Pro Rodeo Finals at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at the corner of Davie Road and Orange Drive.

Parking will be available at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, 4271 Davie Road, for $3 per vehicle.

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Diffie has recorded numerous country hits like "Love on the Rocks," "There Goes My Heart Again," "If You Want Me To," and "A New Way (To Light Up an Old Flame).".

The rodeo runs from Nov. 5-7. For more information, visit http://www.davieprorodeo.com/

-- Scott Fishman

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Nova Southeastern University's main campus, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Drive in Davie, is hosting a unique job fair from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at the Carl DeSantis Building. The actual job fair will run from 1-3 p.m.

With up to 15 companies on hand, the Connections Career Fair will cater exclusively to people with disabilities.

Some employers include NSU, Ability Medical Supply, Broward County Schools, Florida Power and Light, Holy Cross Hospital, Sun Trust Bank, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Workforce One and Manpower.

The event’s keynote speaker is Dr. Susanne Homant, president and CEO of the Able Trust. She will be announcing the “Look at my Abilities” campaign, a statewide initiative that raises awareness of the value of hiring people with disabilities and brings awareness to and educates the public about the Florida Business Leadership Network.

For more information, contact Howard Watson at 954-722-6400 or hwatson@browardbln.org.

-- Scott Fishman

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Country superstar Luke Bryan joins Love and Theft for a "No Dough Show" at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the Round Up, 9020 W. State Road 84 in Davie.

Bryan, known for hits like "All My Friends Say," released his new album earlier this month.

The popular venue is also hosting two Halloween weekend $1,000 costume contests Oct. 30 and 31. The first 1,000 trick-or-treaters also get a shot at opening Dracula's tomb for $25,000.

For more information, visit www.roundupcountry.com..

-- Scott Fishman

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At Nova Southeastern University's medical school, students are practicing their trade a on lifelike robotic human simulator.

This $65,000 device looks, feels and responds to treatment like a real human, but it is filled with high-tech computerized sensors instead of real organs.

The METI I-Stan Simulator is being used by NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine to train first- and second-year medical students in the classroom before they see real patients during their clinical rotations at hospitals, health clinics and doctor’s offices during their third and fourth years.

Among its key features are pupils that automatically dilate and constrict in response to light, variable lung compliance and airway resistance, automatic control of urine output and more.

I-Stan can simulate just about anything that can happen to a real patient — from common problems to severe events such as malignant hyperthermia, anaphylaxis, tension pneumothorax and cardiac tamponade.

The simulator also allows students to learn to prescribe the right amount of medication to patients. Using barcode technology, the device requires learners to scan a given drug, providing the instructor and learner the ability to track the thought process as it pertains to the development of a plan of care.

-- Scott Fishman

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Dive into more than $1 million worth of electronic resources for free during the third annual Passport to Information Day, set for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at Nova Southeastern University's Alvin Sherman Library, 3301 College Ave. in Davie.

Save money, access better research tools and learn to go beyond books mastering digital information including databases, e-books and more.

There will also be almost $600 worth of prizes and giveaways. For more information, visit www.nova.edu/library/passportday/ or call 954-262-4542.

-- Scott Fishman

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Residents are invited to come out for the Vista View Park expansion dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13. The park is at 4001 SW 142nd Ave. in Davie.

After its days serving as a landfill, the park opened to the public in 2003 and has since offered walking and equestrian trails, hills for walking, running and biking, two small picnic shelters, a fishing pier and lots of open space.

Vista View's estimated 65-foot twin hills are among the highest elevations in Broward County.

In 2002, 60 additional acres were acquired for $12.8 million, half of which came from a Florida Communities Trust grant and the other half from the 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond program. The park also embarked on a nearly $7.2 million expansion for new amenities including six picnic shelters, two restroom facilities, two basketball courts, a second fishing pier; a paved fitness trail with 12 exercise stations, an additional multipurpose trail and a park office.

There also are two new playgrounds, the larger of which, Caitlyn’s Corral, is accessible to children of all levels of ability. The Corral is named for Caitlyn Munson, who died of spinal muscular atrophy in 2002 at the age of 9 months.

Additional equestrian amenities include a gate off Orange Drive that provides access to trailer parking for large group trail rides and other special events, and a corral with a universal-access mounting block.

Like other regional parks, the newly revamped park will begin charging the Parks and Recreation Division’s regular weekend and holiday gate entrance fee of $1.50 per person (children 5 and under free).

To RSVP for the ceremony, call 954-357-8114.

-- Scott Fishman

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Below are lane closures that could affect your commute this week through Friday, Oct. 23:

* One lane of Nova Drive between University Drive and Pine Island Road will undergo intermittent closures from 9 p.m.- 6 a.m. today and Tuesday.

* One lane of eastbound State Road 84 between Nob Hill Road and Evergreen Place will undergo intermittent closures, daily, from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., through Friday.

* Westbound S.R. 84 will undergo one rolling lane closure between 136th Avenue and Hiatus Road, nightly, from 9:30 p.m.-5 a.m. beginning today and ending Wednesday.

* One eastbound lane of S.R. 84 between Paradise Way and 125th Avenue will be closed from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Tuesday.

* Nova Drive at 81st Avenue will undergo a complete closure, nightly, from 9 p.m.- 6 a.m. beginning Wednesday and ending Friday. During the closures, motorists will be able to access residential areas off Nova Drive from either side of the closure. Nova Drive through traffic, between University Drive and Pine Island Road, will be detoured to Stirling Road.

* One eastbound lane of S.R. 84 between Flamingo and Hiatus roads will be closed from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

* Eastbound S.R. 84 will undergo one rolling lane closure between 136th Avenue and Hiatus Road, nightly, from 9:30 p.m.-5 a.m. beginning on Wednesday and ending Friday.

* One westbound lane of S.R. 84 between Hiatus Road and Flamingo Road will be closed, daily, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.

* One left turn lane of eastbound S.R. 84 and one through lane of northbound University Drive will be closed at the intersection from 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday.

-- Scott Fishman

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Nova Southeastern University has announced that its Fischler School of Education and Human Services was awarded a $2.7 million Title V Grant to further enhance the school’s program and academic opportunities for its graduate students.

Recipients of this grant are Hispanic-serving institutions of higher education. The funds are intended to provide support for the development of research-based programs to increase student engagement and retention.

This is the first time the U.S. Department of Education has provided funding for graduate programs. NSU is one of only 22 schools in the nation to be awarded this funding and one of three Florida schools to receive the grant.

-- Scott Fishman

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Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library, 3301 College Ave. in Davie, will be hosting a series of free events that are open to the public this Halloween season.

The Halloween-themed schedule includes:

Children & Tweens:

* Eeeew, Gross!
2-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 (ages 9-12)
Featuring gross facts, games, make slime and more.

* Miss Meagan’s Storytime Fun: Silly Spooky Stories
10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 (ages 3-5)
Join for silly and spooky jokes, songs and stories. Stay for Little Learners Open Lab to explore silly, spooky stories online.

* Miss Meagan’s Tiny Tots Storytime: Boo! Baa! Silly, Spooky Animal Stories
10:30-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 (ages 0-36 months)
Join for silly and spooky jokes, songs and stories.

* La Hora de Cuentos/The Day of the Dead with Miss Rebecca
7-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 (all ages)
Celebrate the Day of the Dead and make your own skeleton! Cookies will be served!

Teens:

* Graveyards & Cemeteries
6-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19
Hear terrifying trivia and all about the spooky ways we commemorate the deceased.

* Fantasy Writing Workshop
5-6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20
Learn how to create magical realms of faeries, warlocks, vampires and more with Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences writing professor Shanti Bruce.

* Funeral Rituals
6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20
Hear the creepy secrets behind one of society’s most taboo topics.

* Haunted Fort Lauderdale
6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21
Explore with ghost hunter, historian and author John Marc Carr, with a chance to win a gift certificate for two to his Fort Lauderdale ghost tour.

* Twilight Movie on the Lawn
7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22
Watch "Twilight" on a giant screen outside the library. Bring your own blanket. In case of rain, the movie will be moved inside the library.

* Monster Bash
7-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23
Come to the NSU Open House at the Don Taft University Center from 4-7 p.m. and stay for the Monster Bash with goodies and a DJ. The party will begin at 7 and will also be at the University Center. Call 954-262-5477.

Adults:

* Series of Classic Horror Movie Matinees
3-5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29
5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30
1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
Call 954-262-5477 for title. First Floor, Room 1017.

* Genealogy: Exploring Cemeteries
1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
Reserve your spot today. Call 954-262-4575 or register at www.nova.edu/library/genealogy

* Genealogy: The History of Funerals for El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead)
1-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1
Reserve your spot today. Call 954-262-4575 or register at www.nova.edu/library/genealogy

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

-- Scott Fishman

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Cooper City children can pick up treats and dress up at an upcoming Halloween costume contest.

The contest will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 31 at the Countryside Shops, 5630 S. Flamingo Road. The contest will be divided up by age for children not yet in kindergarten, as well as by grade for kindergarten and up. Parents and children should be in the south parking lot five minutes before their scheduled time to receive an entry number.

For more information and the contest schedule, call 954-434-4300, ext. 233 or visit the Cooper City website.

-- Chris Guanche

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The Schakolad Chocolate Factory is hosting the second annual holiday preview day Tuesday, Oct. 27.

“This community has embraced us as the premier European-style chocolate shop, and we are absolutely thrilled," said co-owner Adriana Schaked. "What better way to show our heartfelt appreciation than to open our store and shower our customers with chocolate.”

For more information, call 954-472-6155 or visit www.schakolad.com/store20.

-- Scott Fishman

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The University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities will host its second annual Autumn Moonlight Cocktail Reception at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at Grande Oaks Golf Club in Davie.

The gala event helps raise autism awareness, funds and recognizes local community leaders.

Susan Goldstein, former Florida state representative and mother of a child with autism, and State Rep. Ari Porth, who helped lead passage of the Florida Autism Insurance Bill in 2008, will be honored.

It's the major fundraiser for the organization, based at the center’s Clinic for Speech, Language and Communication at NSU’s Fischler School of Education and Human Services, 6100 Griffin Road in Davie.

Proceeds will help fund free programs, services and research initiatives for the more than 2,500 individuals with autism, their families and the professionals who serve them in Broward County.

The gala evening will feature an open bar with hors d’oeuvres and sweet nibbles; a silent and live auction, and live jazz performed by Kawan DeBose. Honorary chairs include Jeff and Rachel Ireland, Miami Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano and his wife Jeanette.

Tax-deductible sponsorships are available from $500-$2,500, and individual tickets are $125. For more information, call 305-284-9126 or visit www.umcard.org.

For more information, call 954-262-7111.

-- Scott Fishman

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It's never too early to start your holiday shopping.

With this in mind, University School hosts its 12th annual Merchandise Mart from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Nova Southeastern University’s H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship’s DeSantis building, 3301 College Ave. in Davie.

The event is free and open to the public. There will be more than 50 vendors selling merchandise such as dinnerware, home accents, jewelry, handbags, apparel and sports memorabilia.

The food court will be serving an array of salads, sushi, pastas and other dishes from local restaurants and caterers. The “USchool Sweet Shop” will be serving up brownies, cookies, pies, cakes and candy.

For more information, call 954-262-4475.

-- Scott Fishman

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Officials from the Federal Bureau of Corrections, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and police departments from Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach are participating this week in an annual training symposium at Nova Southeastern University.

The focus this year is on hostage negotiation. Nationally recognized faculty experts, speaking on subjects such as hostage negotiation techniques, various aspects of suicide, post-traumatic stress, pharmacology and toxicology, will be presenting and leading open discussions.

The conference runs through Oct. 16 on NSU’s main campus in Davie and includes presenters from its Center for Psychological Studies and Criminal Justice Institute, along with experts from various law enforcement divisions throughout South Florida.

-- Scott Fishman

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Cooper City residents lined up outside the Community Center for the most recent installment of the city’s biannual Community Book Swap.

Prior to the event, the city collected used books from residents for several days and issued tickets for each donated book. Residents could then trade in tickets for books during the swap.

That makes for some difficult choices when you’ve got more books than tickets. It was a problem for resident Joni Ostroff, who came to the event with 50 tickets.

“I have about 70 books that I want,” Ostroff said.

A devoted reader, Ostroff is a member of two book clubs and was thinking of delaying a trip to China in March because it conflicted with the first book swap of the year. In addition to children’s books, Ostroff was hunting for mysteries and found some by writer Janet Evanovich, as well as an old children’s mystery from 1949. Usually, Ostroff has a lot more to contribute to the swap.

“I usually bring in a suitcase,” she said. “This is the least amount I’ve ever brought in.”

While adult fiction and children’s books took up most of the tables in the room, there was also a sizable collection of nonfiction subjects, including biographies, sports, religion, history and computers. Entire tables were cleared off as residents grabbed books and left them in piles along the wall. Some children also picked over a table of VHS tapes and a smattering of DVDs.

For more on this, see this Sunday's (Oct. 18) Community News inside the Sun Sentinel.

-- Chris Guanche

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The Builders Olympiad and Family Festival, Rebuilding Together Broward County's signature annual fundraising event, will take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, 4271 Davie Road in Davie.

The festivities will feature competitive events designed to be challenging for the teams and entertaining for the spectators.

There will also be opportunities for prizes and awards in a variety of events, including the Tool Toss, Nail Driving Force, Wheel Barrow Assembly, and Material Monument Madness.

For more information, visit www.RebuildingTogetherBroward.org.

-- Scott Fishman

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Davie residents are asked to participate in the Mayors Challenge Water Pledge in which 102 cities throughout South Florida are competing for the title of Most Water Wise.

Take the water pledge; then see how Davie stacks up.

Residents of the winning city will be invited to the South Florida Living Green Fair, Nov. 14-15, at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park in Dania Beach for a chance to win an eco-friendly scooter!

Just log onto www.livinggreenfair.com and click on Take The Mayors Challenge Water Pledge. Get your tickets today for free by completing the pledge.

The Living Green Fair will act as an event that brings together vendors, ideas and practices that can help protect our environment.

For more information, visit www.livinggreenfair.com.

-- Scott Fishman

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The Davie Economic Development Council will host a guest speaker from Jacobs Engineering at noon Tuesday, Oct. 20 to discuss the Central Broward East-West Transit Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Jacobs Engineering is the consultant for the Florida Department of Transportation on the project.

Topics will include:
* General information about the study.
* Why a study is needed.
* What a draft EIS is.
* Current route and vehicle options.
* Next steps.

The meeting is open to the public and will take place at Nova Southeastern University's Health Professions Building, on the fifth floor, Room 1596, in the Chancellor's Dining Room.

Guests are asked to bring $5 for lunch. For more information about the meeting, call 954-797-1045.

-- Scott FIshman

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Can't wait for "New Moon" to hit movie screens in November?

Then check out the first Twilight movie under the stars on a giant screen at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 on the lawn of Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library in Davie.

The screening will be done to help celebrate Teen Read Week Oct. 18-23.

Participants can also sign up for a free Alvin Sherman Library card by visiting www.nova.edu/library/card before Teen Read Week to enter for a chance to win four tickets to the "Twilight: New Moon" movie.

For more information on this and other events, visit http://blogs.library.nova.edu/teenroom/ or call 954-262-5477.

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The Old Davie School Historical Museum, in partnership with the Humane Society of Broward County, is hosting Reading to the Dogs.

The free program starts at 4 p.m. and will be held on Oct. 15, Nov. 19, Dec. 17 and Jan. 21.

Children ages 6-12 are invited to join certified animal assisted therapy and education dogs to read their favorite animal story to them. These animals are accompanied by their human companions, who are volunteers with the Humane Society.

The museum is at 6650 Griffin Road. For more information, call Patti Koch at 954-797-1044.

-- Scott Fishman

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People with disabilities across South Florida are invited to attend an exposition filled with health information, educational seminars, exhibits, sports and art from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at Nova Southeastern University's Alvin Sherman Library and Don Taft University Center.

The 30th annual DisAbilities Expo is free and open to the public.

It will feature the latest services, resources, products and information for individuals with developmental, sensory, emotional or physical disabilities. More than 60 exhibitors will be on hand, as well as entertainment and educational activities.

Activities for children include performances, appearances by pirates and arts and crafts with a professional art therapist from the Able Trust. The Miami Heat Wheels, a wheelchair basketball team, will play two games against their rivals, the Orlando Magic Wheels.

Free seminars include “Transition from School to Life,” which explores employment and school options, as well as obstacles young adults with developmental or physical disabilities might face once high school is completed.

Another seminar, “Planning for the Future: Wills, Trusts, Guardianships, and Financial Planning,” will examine disability rights, special-needs financial planning, guardianships, wills and trusts.

It will also feature an art exhibit by local artists with disabilities. The exhibit will be on display through Oct. 21.

-- Scott Fishman

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Kristi Krueger, anchorwoman for WPLG Local 10, will share highlights from her recent Amazon trip and discuss the Miami Metro Zoo exhibit “Amazon and Beyond" from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11 at Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library, 3301 College Ave. in Davie.

She will also bring cast members from “Bye, Bye Birdie” for a sneak peek of the Pembroke Pines Theater of the Performing Arts’ upcoming production.

The discussion is the first of three hosted by the Culture Vultures, a local group dedicated to bringing art, culture and thought-provoking programs to the residents of Broward County.

All programs are free and open to the public.. For more information, visit www.cvultures.com or call 954-262-5477.

-- Scott Fishman

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Division One Pro Wrestling celebrates three years in business with a card of action at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Davie PAL Gymnasium, 4300 SW 57th Terrace.

"The Living Legend" Larry Zbyszko headlines against Francisco Ciatso, while D1PW Champion Bruce Santee defends against Prince Iaukea.

Tickets are $12 at the door, $10 advance.

For more information, visit www.d1pw.com..

-- Scott Fishman

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Residents, get your costumes ready for the Davieween festivities, set for 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Pine Island Park Multipurpose Center, 3801 Pine Island Road.

The event will feature a free costume contest presented by the South Florida Trail Riders for ages 5-12, a climbing wall, bounce houses, petting farm, hayrides, games and spooky music with DJ Jeff. Food and Halloween pumpkin patch will also be available for a fee.

For more information, call 954-797-1166.

-- Scott Fishman

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Nova Southeastern University will hold a university-wide open house for prospective students on Oct. 23 and 24 at the Don Taft University Center, 3301 College Ave. in Davie.

Prospective students will have an opportunity to meet admissions advisers, faculty, current students and get information on the more than 140 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs offered by NSU.

Attendees can also attend free financial aid information sessions conducted by counselors and experts.

Guided tours of NSU’s 300-acre Davie campus, including the residence halls, will be available.

The open house will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 23 from 3-7 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 24.

Visit http://www.nova.edu/openhouse or call 866-432-2002 for more information.

-- Scott Fishman

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If you've got old books that are stacking up, you can trade them in at a Cooper City community book swap.

Between now and Thursday, residents can drop off books in good condition at the Cooper City Community Center, 9000 SW 50th Place. A ticket will be provided for each donated book. On Friday, residents can trade in those tickets for other books at the Community Center from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 954-434-4300, ext. 233.

-- Chris Guanche

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Nova Southeastern University will have a panel discussion to discuss Tequesta Trace Middle School U.S. history teacher Rafael Giraldo's recent three-month biking expedition across America at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8 at NSU's Don Taft University Center, 3301 College Ave. in Davie.

Giraldo rode his recumbent bicycle this summer from San Francisco to Weston and will be showing photographs he took during the journey. He will also display his recumbent bike.

Other panelists will include Timothy Dixon, professor of history and legal studies at NSU's Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences; Daniel Markarian, program professor for social studies at NSU's Fischler School of Education and Human Services; and Tim Petraitis, advanced placement U.S. history teacher at Cypress Bay High School.

Call 954-262-2150.

-- Scott Fishman

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