POWER OFBY MAYOR ERIC H. JONES JR. President Richard Nixon presented the fol- lowing Proclamation on November 26, 1970: In 1863 Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President, lifted the downcast view of a war-weary nation to see the evidence of God’s bounty. He proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving to be observed by each American in his own way. President Lincoln wisely knew that a man’s declara- tion of his gratitude to God is, in itself, an act which strengthens the thanks giver because it renews his own realization of his relationship to his God. As thanksgiv- ing enriches the individual it must bless his home, community, and his country. It is, therefore, appropriate that we set aside such a day this year. All about us doubts, and fears threaten our faith in the princi- ples which are the fiber of our society; we are called upon to prove their truth once again. Such challenges must be seen as opportunities for proof of these verities; such proof can only strengthen our nation. Although some may see division, we give thanks that ours is one nation, of many diverse people, living in unity under the precept E Pluribus Unum. The fulfillment of this national principle, every day, is our task and privilege; although some may only see strife, we give thanks that this Nation moves each day closer to peace for all its citizens and all the world; and we give thanks for God’s strength and guid- ance upon which we confidently rely today and every day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICHARD NIXON, President of the United States of America, in accordance with the wish of the Congress as expressed in Section 6103 of Title 5 of the United States Code, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 26, 1970, as a day of national thanksgiving. I call upon all Americans to give thanks in homes and in places of worship for the many blessings our people enjoy. We should not forget that for many older citizens, Thanksgiving Day may be less meaningful than it should be because it might be spent alone. For this reason I urge all public officials, voluntary organi- zations, private groups, and families in every part of the country to welcome our senior citizens as special participants in their Thanksgiving Day festivities.” Let me begin this month’s article by saying Thank You to the residents of West Park for demonstrating your commitment to the betterment of our community. It is with great pride, honor, and dedication that I serve you. As we face challenging eco- nomic times, it is imperative that we focus our energies on making the most efficient and effective choices for growing, stabiliz- ing, and improving our great city. I wel- come the challenges before us and am con- fident that with the teamwork of your elected Commission and City Staff, we will realize our common goals for making West Park the best community. We have arrived at this point in our pursuit of des- tiny because we kept faith in God and each other. At this point I’d like to thank those Community Newspapers DECEMBER 2011 www.communitynewspapers.com WEST PARK NEWS The Power of Giving Thanks W E S T P A R K C I T Y O F F I C I A L S WHO’S WHO In City Government Mayor Eric H. Jones, Jr. Vice Mayor Felicia M. Brunson Commissioner Thomas Dorsett Commissioner Sharon Fyffe Commissioner Rita “Peaches” Mack City Manager W. Ajibola Balogun –––––––––––––––––––––––––– See POWER, page 3 On behalf of Mrs. Mary Kendrick, the Thanksgiving Feed the Needy Committee and Staff extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all who participated at this year’s Thanksgiving luncheon on November 22 at Mary Saunders Park. More than five hundred seniors and children were served hearty Thanksgiving meals prepared by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. The event was a huge success thanks to the generous support of sponsors includ- ing: Kiwanis Club of West Hollywood; Representative Joe Gibbons; Calvin Giordano & Associates, Inc.; Eric Wilson Mortuary; Twin Lakes Homeowners Association; STAN, Inc.; Community Newspapers of South Florida and other 2011 Holiday Events –––––––––––––––––––––––– See EVENTS, page 6
Transcript
POWER OFBY MAYOR ERIC H. JONES JR.
President RichardNixon presented the fol-lowing Proclamation onNovember 26, 1970:
In 1863 AbrahamLincoln, the 16th
President, lifted the downcast view of awar-weary nation to see the evidence ofGod’s bounty. He proclaimed a day ofThanksgiving to be observed by eachAmerican in his own way. PresidentLincoln wisely knew that a man’s declara-tion of his gratitude to God is, in itself, anact which strengthens the thanks giverbecause it renews his own realization ofhis relationship to his God. As thanksgiv-ing enriches the individual it must bless hishome, community, and his country. It is,therefore, appropriate that we set asidesuch a day this year. All about us doubts,and fears threaten our faith in the princi-ples which are the fiber of our society; weare called upon to prove their truth onceagain. Such challenges must be seen asopportunities for proof of these verities;such proof can only strengthen our nation.Although some may see division, we givethanks that ours is one nation, of manydiverse people, living in unity under theprecept E Pluribus Unum. The fulfillmentof this national principle, every day, is ourtask and privilege; although some mayonly see strife, we give thanks that thisNation moves each day closer to peace forall its citizens and all the world; and wegive thanks for God’s strength and guid-ance upon which we confidently rely todayand every day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICHARDNIXON, President of the United States ofAmerica, in accordance with the wish ofthe Congress as expressed in Section 6103of Title 5 of the United States Code, dohereby proclaim Thursday, November 26,1970, as a day of national thanksgiving. Icall upon all Americans to give thanks in
homes and in places of worship for themany blessings our people enjoy.
We should not forget that for manyolder citizens, Thanksgiving Day may beless meaningful than it should be becauseit might be spent alone. For this reason Iurge all public officials, voluntary organi-zations, private groups, and families inevery part of the country to welcome oursenior citizens as special participants intheir Thanksgiving Day festivities.”
Let me begin this month’s article bysaying Thank You to the residents of WestPark for demonstrating your commitmentto the betterment of our community. It iswith great pride, honor, and dedication that
I serve you. As we face challenging eco-nomic times, it is imperative that we focusour energies on making the most efficientand effective choices for growing, stabiliz-ing, and improving our great city. I wel-come the challenges before us and am con-fident that with the teamwork of yourelected Commission and City Staff, wewill realize our common goals for makingWest Park the best community. We havearrived at this point in our pursuit of des-tiny because we kept faith in God and eachother.
On behalf of Mrs. Mary Kendrick, theThanksgiving Feed the Needy Committeeand Staff extend a heartfelt TTHHAANNKK YYOOUUto all who participated at this year’sThanksgiving luncheon on November 22at Mary Saunders Park. More than fivehundred seniors and children were servedhearty Thanksgiving meals prepared byLe Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.The event was a huge success thanks to
the generous support of sponsors includ-ing: Kiwanis Club of West Hollywood;Representative Joe Gibbons; CalvinGiordano & Associates, Inc.; Eric WilsonMortuary; Twin Lakes HomeownersAssociation; STAN, Inc.; CommunityNewspapers of South Florida and other
2011 Holiday Events
–––––––––––––––––––––––– See EVENTS, page 6
Page 2 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM October 2011
RED LIGHT CAMERA SAFETY PROGRAM
Starting in January, 2012 West Parkwill join the more than 80 other Floridacommunities currently using red-lightsafety cameras to enhance road safety.West Park will work with the BrowardCounty Sheriff’s Office to deploy cam-eras at their most dangerous intersec-tions. Florida was the third most deadlystate in the nation for red-light runningfatalities in 2009. Across the UnitedStates, red-light runners killed an averageof 885 people and injured 165,000 eachyear for the past decade. Now, through itsroad safety camera agreement withAmerican Traffic Solutions, West Parkjoins more than 500 communities acrossthe nation using this lifesaving program.
“Although some have complaintswith regard to red light cameras, I dobelieve that many lives have been savedbecause of the added awareness of beingfined for running those lights,” saidMayor Eric Jones. “Those who stop whenthe light is red won’t be affected, onlythose who violate. It’s cheaper to pay afine than to pay for a funeral.”
This year, the Insurance Institute forHighway Safety found red-light safetycameras in 14 large U.S. cities saved 159lives in a five-year period, and deter-mined 815 more lives could have beensaved if all 99 large cities had used thesecameras.
“This program will free up deputiesto focus on other crimes. Our resourcesare already stretched, any technology thatallows us to do more with less is wel-comed,” stated Broward County Sheriff’sWest Park Chief Nichole Anderson.
For more information on the City’sred light camera safety program,please call 954.989.2688.
Red-Light Safety Cameras to bringlifesaving benefits to West Park
QQ:: WWhhaatt iiss aa rreedd lliigghhtt rruunnnniinngg vviioollaattiioonn?? AA:: A violation has occurred if, when while facing a steady red traffic signal, your vehi-cle proceeded into such an intersection without stopping and standing until an indicationto proceed was shown or your vehicle made a right hand turn, or a left hand turn from aone-way street onto another one-way street, while facing a steady red signal without firstcoming to a complete stop and not proceeding until it was safe to do so and yielding right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully in an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully usingthe intersection.
QQ:: WWhhyy iinnssttaallll rreedd lliigghhtt ccaammeerraass?? AA:: Traffic studies show that red-light running is a problem at many intersectionsthroughout the County. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 20percent of all drivers do not obey intersection traffic signals. Red light cameras help us toenforce traffic laws by automatically photographing vehicles whose drivers run red lights.The City of West Park is committed to the safety of its community and dedicated to reduc-ing red light violations and their potential for crashes and injuries on our roadways.
QQ:: HHooww ddoo iinntteerrsseeccttiioonn ssaaffeettyy ccaammeerraass wwoorrkk??AA:: First rear image: The “A” shot is captured from the rear approach showing: the sceneof the violation including the back of the violating vehicle in front of the violation line;one or more visible red light sig-nals; and a clear image of thelicense plate of the offending vehi-cle, all from the single, base image.
Second rear image: The “B”shot is also captured from the rearapproach showing: the scene of theviolation including the back of theviolating vehicle after the rear axlehas crossed the stop line and thevehicle has illegally entered theintersection; one or more visiblered light signals; and a clear imageof the license plate of the offendingvehicle, all from the single, baseimage.
License plate crop: For thecourt and police department this isthe most significant innovation in photo enforcement. The Axsis™ Violation ProcessingSystem will create a magnified “crop” of the license plate from one of the images for easyviewing. The cropped license plate close-up is not a separate image, but rather a close-upview of the original violation image. This image can be taken from either of the twoimages captured.
QQ:: WWhheerree wwiillll tthhee rreedd lliigghhtt ccaammeerraass bbee llooccaatteedd iinn WWeesstt PPaarrkk??AA:: Cameras will be installed at the following intersections in the City. Each approachwill be clearly marked with signs.
1. Pembroke Road / SH 824 @ SW 40th Avenue2. W Hallandale Beach Blvd. @ SW 40th Avenue3. Pembroke Road / SH 824 @ SW 56th Avenue4. County Line Road / SW 41st Street @ US 4415. W Hallandale Beach Blvd. @ US 4416. US 441 @ Pembroke Road / SH 8247. Hallandale Beach Blvd. @ SW 56th Avenue8. County Line Ro
QQ:: WWhhaatt iiff tthhee lliigghhtt wwaass yyeellllooww??AA:: The Automated Safety System only becomes active once the red light is showing. Itwill not capture a vehicle if the vehicle enters the intersection prior to the light changingto red. If you entered the intersection on yellow, it is legal to clear the intersection if thelight turned red while you were still in the intersection.
RED LIGHT, from page 2 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
QQ:: WWhhyy ddiidd II rreecceeiivvee tthhiiss NNoottiiccee ooff VViioollaattiioonn??AA:: Based upon images captured by the automated system, your vehicle was deter-mined to have committed a red light violation. As the owner of the vehicle, the Noticeof Violation is mailed to you.
QQ:: WWhhaatt iiff II aamm nnoott tthhee ddrriivveerr//oowwnneerr ooff tthhee vveehhiiccllee aatt tthhee ttiimmee ooff tthhee vviioollaattiioonn??AA:: If your vehicle was stolen or sold at the time of violation, or was being test driv-en by another person, you may submit a sworn statement to that effect to the Court torebut the presumption, that you were driving the vehicle at the time of the violation.A Declaration Of Non-Liability form may be downloaded fromwww.ViolationInfo.com or obtained from the Court. The form must be filled out,accurately and in its entirety. The form must be mailed or hand-delivered in-personto the Court prior to the Notice due date before any additional actions can be taken.
If you are a rental car company or you leased your vehicle, send your letter identify-ing the driver along with a copy of this Notice within 30 days after the date of theNotice of Violation is received to Violation Processing Center, PO Box 22091,Tempe, AZ 85285-2091.
Q: What happens if I ignore the Notice of Violation?A: Failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability prior to the 45th day afterreceipt of the notice is an admission of liability, and failure to appear at an adminis-trative adjudication hearing after having requested a hearing is an admission of liabil-ity and constitutes a waiver of the right to appeal. Failure to pay the civil penalty with-in 45 days after receipt of this Notice of Violation shall result in the imposition of alate-payment fee of $25. If the second notice remains unpaid, collections proceedingsand entry of judgment against you may proceed, and a request will be made to theFlorida Division of Motor Vehicles to place a State hold on the registration renewalof the vehicle.
Q: Will I receive any points on my driving record for this violation?A: No, this is a civil infraction that is not reported to the Florida Division of MotorVehicles.
Q: Will my insurance rates be affected?A: No, this is a civil infraction that is not reported to any insurance agencies.
Q: Is this only a revenue generating program?A: No. This is a safety program. Red Light Camera Enforcement programs have beenshown to reduce red light violations and intersection crashes. Numerous studies fromthe United States and worldwide, as well as the experience of many other cities, indi-cate significant decreases in red light running violations and collisions after cameraswere installed. Other intersections not monitored by automated enforcement may alsoexperience a decrease in violations and accidents as a result of the presence of thisautomated enforcement in other areas of the community.
Q: What if I was issued a Notice of Violation from an Officer for the exact sameoffense?A: The Traffic Ticket issued by the officer takes precedent over the Automated SafetySystem Notice of Violation. You must appear in court with the traffic ticket and theNotice of Violation and the Adjudicative Hearing Officer will take the appropriateactions.
***A SAMPLE Notice of Violation is provided on this page.***
December 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 3
who have given me the opportunity toserve our City for the next five years asMayor. I would also like to congratulateCommissioner Fyffe and CommissionerMack on their re-election. Surely we allrecognize that we did not get where we areon our own. I recall a caption I read undera picture that Alex Haley, the author of"Roots," had hanging on his office wall. Itwas a picture of a turtle on top of a fencepost. When asked, "Why is that there?"Alex Haley answered, "Every time I writesomething significant, every time I readmy words and begin to feel proud ofmyself, I look at the turtle on top of thefence post and remember that he didn’t getthere on his own. He had help."
As we celebrate Thanksgiving and theupcoming holiday season, we have theopportunity to spend time with our fami-lies and reflect on the many blessings inour lives. This is also time to think aboutthose less fortunate than ourselves. TheCity of West Park, with the help of sur-rounding communities, businesses and
sponsors, continues to feed hundreds dur-ing Thanksgiving week. This is the alsotime to consider offering our time to vol-unteer in our community or making adonation to our favorite charity. I encour-age you to also think about our communi-ty's needs and find the time, or the moneyto give back. This is the basis of thankful-ness - to remember that we got here withthe help of God, and that He is the providerof every blessing we have.
In conclusion I would like to reiteratethat the economic outlook for West Park ispositive, but it requires all of us workingtogether to make it a good year. Please joinme in supporting West Park businesses tomake our City a great place to live. I wantto thank all those who have volunteeredtheir time and energy to make our City awonderful place to live. Volunteers are theheart of a community.
On behalf of the Vice Mayor,Commissioners, City Administrator, CityAttorney, and Staff, we wish all a happy,healthy and prosperous Holiday Season!
If you wish to speak with me at anytime, please feel free to call me at954.889.4153.
––––––POWER OF GIVING, from page 1
www.communitynewspapers.com
Page 4 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM December 2011
BY VICE MAYOR FELICIA M. BRUNSON
I send greetings to allthose in West Park cele-brating Hanukkah, thefestival of lights.
During Hanukkah, peo-ple of the Jewish faith
around the world mark the triumph ofJews against tyranny and oppression morethan two millen-
nia ago. With courage and unfailing faith,the Maccabees secured the Jewish peo-ple’s freedom and reclaimed the HolyTemple in Jerusalem. As they prepared torededicate the Temple, there was onlyenough oil for one day, but the light con-tinued to burn for eight days. Today, thelighting of the Menorah represents thisancient miracle and brings a message ofhope and freedom to the Jewish people.
The first day of Chanukah is the startof a celebratory period in which a four-sided toy called dreidel is used for games.The dreidel is a toy that is popular duringthe Chanukah celebrations. It is a spinningtop with a different Hebrew letterinscribed in each of its four sides – thefour letters form an acronym meaning “agreat miracle happened here”. The firstnight of Chanukah (or Hanukkah) startswith special blessings at sunset the daybefore the 25th of Kislev. ManyAmericans of Jewish faith also eat foodfried in olive oil, such as potato cakes, anddifferent fried breads. Chanukah dishesinclude sufganiot (Hanukkah donuts),potato latkes (pancakes), mandelbrot (thiscan be sliced like a hard bread), andrugelach (pastry that with different fill-ings). The first night of Chanukah is also anight when people sing traditional songs tocelebrate Chanukah. Gift-giving is alsopopular at this time of the year.
The hanukiah (or chanukkiyah) is atype of candelabrum that holds eight can-dles to commemorate the eight days thatthe oil burned and a ninth candle that sitsapart, known as the shamash, or servantcandle that lights the others. One candle islit on the first night, another on the second,and so forth until all candles are lit on thelast night.
As West Park families and friendsshare in the joyous traditions ofHanukkah, we recognize the power of
faith to accomplish miracles and bringlight from the darkness. We join in givingthanks for the blessings God has granted toour City. May the joy of Hanukkah and thepeace and goodwill of the season fill ourhearts and inspire us to lead lives of com-passion. Wishing all residents of WestPark- Happy Hanukkah!
HAPPY KWANZAA!
I send greetings to those in the City ofWest Park observing Kwanzaa!!!
Celebrated by millions across theworld, Kwanzaa honors the history andheritage of Africa. Kwanzaa is a holidayhonoring the culture and traditions of peo-ple of African origin. It is celebrated bypeople from a range of African countriesand their descendants. Kwanzaa consists ofa week of celebrations, which ends with afeast and the exchange of gifts. During thecelebrations, candles are lit and libationsare poured. A libation is the name given toa ritual pouring of a drink as an offering toa god. During Kwanzaa, a wooden unitycup is used to pour the libations.
A Kwanzaa ceremony often alsoincludes performance of music and drum-ming, a reflection on the Pan-African col-ors of red, green and black and a discussionof some aspect of African history. Womenoften wear brightly colored traditionalclothing. Some cultural organizations holdspecial exhibitions of African influencedart or performances during the period ofthe celebrations. Originally the peopleobserving Kwanzaa did not mix any ele-ments of other festivals into their celebra-tions. However, in recent years, it hasbecome increasingly common for people tomix elements of Kwanzaa with Christmasor New Year celebrations. For instance, afamily may have both a Christmas tree anda Kwanzaa candle stick on display in theirhome. This enables them to include bothChristian and African inspired traditions intheir lives at this time of year.
The main symbols of Kwanzaa are amat, on which to put the things needed forthe celebration, the unity cup used to pourlibations, a candle stick holding seven can-
dles, the seven candles, ears of corn, theKwanzaa flag and a poster depicting theseven principles of Kwanzaa. The sevenprinciples of Kwanzaa are: unity; self-determination; collective work andresponsibility; co-operative economics;purpose; creativity; and earth.
The colors of Kwanzaa are red, blackand green. The Kwanzaa flag consists ofthree blocks, one in each of these colors.Three of the seven candles are red, threeare green and one is black. Each candlerepresents one of the principles ofKwanzaa. The candle holder is carvedfrom a single piece of wood and its shapewas inspired by the form of the Ashantiroyal throne.
During this joyous time of year, resi-dents renew their commitment to hope,understanding, and the great promise ofour City. In honoring the traditions ofAfrica, Kwanzaa strengthens the ties thatbind individuals in West Park, our countryand around the world. Wishing all resi-dents of West Park- Happy Kwanzaa!
MMEERRRRYY CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASS!!
As Christmas Day is draws closer andwe prepare to end another year, I wish you
a happy and safe holi-day season. We are
truly blessed to livein a wonderful Citythat continues toaccomplish muchand move forward.
We have faced disap-pointments and difficult
times this past year—asindividuals, as families, and as a City. Thebeauty of Christmas helps us find a calmand inner peace and bring to life thewords, “Silent Night, Holy Night, all iscalm, all is bright.” Christmas instillswarmth in the hearts of people every-where. For many, 2011 has brought themmore than their fair share of trials. As sooften in our lives at times of tragedy, justas on occasions of celebration, we look toeach other to bring solace. We cometogether as a city, as a community of fam-ily, friends, and neighbors. I believe thatstrong and open communities matter bothin good times as well as bad. We all havesomething to learn from one another,whatever our faith whatever our back-ground, whether we be young or old.
I hope that over the coming days, youwill be able to slow down and rememberthe true meaning of this season. Once allof the hustle and bustle is put aside, fami-ly, friends, and those we love are what isreally important and add real value to ourdaily lives. As families and friends gather
to celebrate Christmas, we remember allthe blessings that fill our lives, beginningwith the great blessing that came on a holynight in Bethlehem. For Christians aroundthe world, the birth of Jesus is a centralevent – an example of God’s profoundlove for humanity; and the pathway tohope and to new life. Today, the Christmasstory still speaks to every generation.
I would like to pay tribute to many ofyou who work selflessly for others withinour City. Christmas is the perfect opportu-nity to recognize the valuable work under-taken by so many people in service to ourcommunity. Our police and fire depart-ment and City staff make a difference inthe lives of our residents. We also pray forour brave men and women in uniform asthey sojourn back home to us. We aregrateful for their service to our country,and for the support and sacrifice of theirfamilies. And we thank you West Park forbeing the caring and giving communitythat you are. I thank each and every one ofyou for your dedication.
There is an important lesson for all ofus to learn during this festive season.Christmas marks a moment to pause, toreflect and believe in the possibilities ofrebirth and renewal, which remains a pow-erful symbol of hope for a better future – atime to take a moment as we face the chal-lenges and opportunities which lie ahead.So as we come together among family andfriends, I look forward to the coming year.I hope that in the months to come, we shallbe able to renew our pride within our City,a sense of sharing a common heritageenriched by the cultural diversity of ourcommunity. I, as well as your Commissionand Staff, hope that each of you findpeace, hope, happiness, and health, as wecontinue to serve you to the best our abili-ties each and every day.
I am hopeful that you and your lovedones have a joyful and blessed Christmasand that the New Year brings peace, andhappiness. I look forward to the New Yearwith optimism and a true sense of duty tocontinue working with my fellow CityCommission members and staff to ensurethat West Park continues to be prosperousand progressive.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year2012!
Remember to contact me at City Hallwith your ideas, suggestions or con-cerns. I represent you and appreciateyour input into the continued success ofour beloved city. I can be reached at(954) 889-4164 or email [email protected]..
HAPPY HOLIDAYS WEST PARK
December 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 5
businesses. Over 100 individuals fromlocal organizations and churches gracious-ly volunteered their time servingmeals while the Fire Departmentdelivered dozens of meals to homebound residents.
Be sure to join us for our upcom-ing Holiday Toy Drive on TTuueessddaayy,,DDeecceemmbbeerr 2200,, 22001111 at Mary SaundersPark starting at 5:30 p.m. We look for-ward to more support from volunteersand sponsors and have alreadyreceived a generous contribution fromthe Children’s Services Council.
If you wish to donate toys orgames for the toy drive, please contact
our Parks and Recreation Department at954.985.1990. Donations may be deliveredto City Hall, 1965 S. State Road 7 or MarySaunders Park, 4750 SW 21 Street, Westpark no later than Monday, December 19.
Page 6 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM December 2011
BY COMMISSIONER RITA ‘PEACHES’ MACK
MI am profoundlygrateful to representyou once again as I con-tinue learning on thispolitical journey. I wantto thank you for the re-election to my positionand say I am grateful
that you continue to trust my judgmentwith your vote, your voice, and your con-cerns. If I can go additional miles to servethose of you who may have any doubtabout my commitment to you, I invite youto come in or give me a call.
The only way true change can takeplace is through positive conversation. Itake great pleasure in serving residents andlistening to your concerns. I have givenservice as a career all of my adult life. Myfamily values include providing outreachto others in need and giving back to mycommunity. I consider West Park to be a
family oriented city and hope you feel thesame.
During my next term in office, I willbe focusing on student government andworking to make sure we have a studentgoverning body of our children learningthe process. We are growing and lookingvery healthy. At this time I am recruitingmiddle and high school students who areseeking community service hours. If youor your child has an interest, please giveme a call. We will make an appointment tostart the service process. These hours are arequirement for graduation. It is my pas-sion to see our youth achieve a good edu-cation and become successful adults.Again thank you for your vote of confi-dence. As family gatherings take placeover the next few weeks, have a happy andhealthy holiday and best wishes for a pros-perous new year.
If you have any questions or wish tomeet with me to discuss any matter ofconcern, please call me at 954.889-4156.
Greeting West Park FamilyHappy Holidays!
FROM THE DESK OF COMMISSIONER MACK
––––––––––––––––––––––––EVENTS, from page 1
December 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 7
From the Parks and RecreationDepartment
Every Saturday during fall the OrangeBowl Committee honors participatingparks of the OOrraannggee BBoowwll YYoouutthh FFoooottbbaallllAAlllliiaannccee pprreesseenntteedd bbyy SSppoorrttss AAuutthhoorriittyy as
“Park of the Week”. Selected parks arepresented with a plaque to commemoratetheir efforts to provide quality programs forthe community.
On Saturday, October 1, 2011, theOrange Bowl Committee members visitedthe Hurricanes during its Park of the Week
program. As a reward for the hard work anddedication of the Hurricanes athletes,coaches and Parks and Recreation staff, theOrange Bowl and POWERADE partneredto surprise the Hurricanes with a POWER-ADE Takeover, which awarded the parkwith new coolers and water bottles to ensure
proper hydration throughout the season.McTyre Park was honored to receive a
“Park of the Week” designation this yearand we hold this honor in high regard.
Pictured (R to L): Orange Bowl Youth Sports Manager Jose Regalado, Ambassador Geary Scott, TeamMom Alfreda Weaver, Coach Jimmy Willis, Coach Ronald Strong, Coach Theo Freeman, Obie and
MMI am proud and hon-ored to have been re-elected to Seat 3 on theWest Park CityCommission. I am readyand eager to move for-ward and work on
addressing your needs and concerns in myupcoming term of office. I want to recog-nize all of you who supported me in myre-election campaign. Thank you for yourtireless hours of work, thank you for yourencouragement, thank you for your vote.To my opponent, I offer best wishes andhope in the future we can work together onprojects of mutual interest for our City.
In the course of my campaigningthroughout the streets of West Park lastmonth, I met many new faces, residentsthat have not been actively involved in anyof the activities of our City. In someinstances I informed them of informationthat might have been of help to them.Campaigning was an opportunity for meto encourage folks again to attend theHomeowner’s meetings and theCommission meetings and be involved in
the activities that go on. Some residentsvoiced complaints about this and thatwithout knowing anything about the cur-rent status of the issue. Then there werefolks who expressed wishes for variousthings; some wanted speed bumps, somewanted noise abatement, one lady wishedfor a community fax machine. To them Isay the same words: Come out and speakup; attend City Commission andHomeowner Association meetings andvoice your concerns and express yourwishes.
I wanted to inform you of the electionnumbers. There are approximately 8,100registered voters in West Park. Only 798of those registered to vote turned up at thepolls to vote this election period.According to the Broward CountySupervisor of Elections Office, there were238 voters from Lake Forest area, 102 vot-ers from Miami Gardens and 458 votersfrom the Carver Ranches area.
Holiday season is upon us and I wishyou all a wonderful time with your fami-lies!
The West Park Hurricanes FootballRegular Season came to a close inNovember and all seven teams made it tothe playoffs of the Miami Extreme YouthFootball League. The competition wasfierce and 5 teams made it to the finalround. We were able to have three of thoseteams reach the championships; all threeteams represented the City and its residentswith pride. Not only did they make it butthey all won! The Pee-Wee’s were namedthe Miami Extreme Invitation Championsand the 75lb and 90lb teams won theirrespective Miami Extreme Championships.Each will represent the League as we playin the Orange Bowl Championship game.
At the culmination of the season, thebest of the best can look forward to the
OBYFA Championships presented bySports Authority and the right to play forthe famed Orange Bowl Trophy at FIUStadium on the campus of FloridaInternational University. The stadium seats45,000 people and is the only on-campusDivision I stadium south of Orlando inFlorida. The two-day championship event,televised by FSFlorida/Sun Sports, pitschampions from the different leaguesagainst each other to crown winners ineight weight-class divisions. This year’sevent is scheduled to be held on December10 and 11.
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954.760.7077 Broward Countywww.buxtonlaw.com
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December 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 11
• When you park your car at astore or mall, rememberwhere you are parked. Afteryou finish shopping, you’ll beable to return directly to yourvehicle, instead of wanderingaimlessly through the crowd-ed parking lot.
• Do not park in a remotearea, or a place that is not welllighted. When you return toyour car, check the interior tobe sure that no one is hidinginside. If anything is wrong,return to the store and reportthe problem.
• As you approach your parked car, have your keys in hand so that you can quickly unlockthe door and get in. Someone standing in the middle of a mall parking lot, fumbling forcar keys makes a tempting target for a purse-snatcher or mugger.
• You should never leave your new purchases, or anything else of value, sitting on yourcar seat in plain sight. The best place to store items is in your car trunk.
• Don’t resist if someone tries to take your purse or wallet. Scream for help and call 911immediately.
• Keep your car doors and windows locked, even while you are driving.
• Avoid using ATM machines in remote locations, or at night.
• Carry small amounts of cash and only the credit cards you will need to use.
• Be cautious when driving. During the holidays, there are more vehicles on the roadwaysand in parking lots.
Short Sale AssistanceBuyer & Seller Representation
Independent Closing Agent.
Presentation to your organization, group or associationYou have rights, but you MUST claim your rights or
you will lose your rights.Contact our office for further details
The law office of Dennis R. Haber P.A. has been providing legal services to our community for over 25 years, however thisinformation is of a general nature and is not intended to answer any individual’s legal questions. Do not rely on informationpresented herein to address your individual legal concerns. If you have a legal questions, you should consult an attorneyexperienced in that area of the law. Moreover, the hiring of an attorney is an important decision that should not be basedsolely upon advertisements. Before you hire an attorney, you should request information about attorney’s qualificationsand experiences.
You can hear them each Saturday -cheering, clapping, chanting and energizingentire parks! Cheerleaders of the OOrraannggeeBBoowwll YYoouutthh FFoooottbbaallll AAlllliiaannccee pprreesseenntteedd bbyySSppoorrttss AAuutthhoorriittyy motivate the tacklers andperform for crowds every Saturday. Thesededicated squads practice during the week
while trying to balance schoolwork, socialactivities and family life.
This year, the spotlight shifted fromthe gridiron to the stage at the OOBBYYFFAACChheeeerr && DDaannccee CChhaammppiioonnsshhiippss pprreesseenntteeddbbyy SSppoorrttss AAuutthhoorriittyy on Sunday, November6, 2011. The doors opened at 8:00 a.m. atNova Southeastern University’s Don TaftCenter, as the Orange Bowl Committee
WEST PARK HURRICANES CHEERLEADING UPDATE
(OBC) hosted an estimated 1,300 cheer-leaders and dancers. The 300,000 square-foot facility hosted competitions through-out the day and saw our cheerleaders bringhome a first place and a second place tro-phy after bringing home two first place tro-phies at the Miami Extreme YouthCheerleading Competition held the previ-ous week at the University of Miami BankUnited Center.
Cheerleaders and dancers performed infront of judges, who are current and formercheerleaders and cheer coaches, and werethen scored based on projection, fundamen-tals, dance/choreography, team precision,overall appeal and sportsmanship.
The Boys & GirlsClubs of Broward Countybegan its Snack & SupperProgram to benefit allClub members onSeptember 12, 2011. Thisprogram goes through theentire school year whichends on June 8, 2012. Themain funding source forthis program is the U.S.Department ofAgriculture and is admin-istered by the FloridaDepartment of Health.This afterschool nutritionprogram at BGCBC alsoreceives United Way of BrowardCounty funding to assist in serving ourmembers at each club.
Supper is served Monday throughFriday (during the school year) at allclubs from 5:15 pm - 7:15 pm. Whenschools are closed supper serving timeis from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Recently,West Park City Commission membersvisited the Carver Ranches Club alongwith County Commissioner BarbaraSharief and Representative JoeGibbons to show support for this pro-gram.
Nutritionally balanced meals areprovided to all children regardless ofrace, color, sex, disability, age, ornational origin during the school yearat the Clubs. All children, ages 6 -17,must be a registered Boys & GirlsClubs member to be eligible for snacks
and suppers at no charge and there willbe no discrimination in the course ofthe meal service. The program is onlyapproved for geographical areas ofneed where 50 percent or more of thechildren qualify for free and reducedprice meals during the school year.
In the first eight weeks of this pro-gram, Boys & Girls Clubs of BrowardCounty has served more than 40,000snacks and suppers. Several parentshave expressed gratitude and excite-ment about the Snack & SupperProgram. More than 50 percent arefrom single parent, female headed ormale headed households and work longhours. Parents can now spend qualitytime with their children instead of wor-rying about what to prepare for dinner.They know their child has already hada nutritious supper while at the Club.
December 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 13
Boys and Girls enjoy K.I.S.Ssnack & supper program ATTORNEY AT LAW
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Page 14 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM December 2011
From the Parks and RecreationDepartment
On Saturday, November 05, 2011the City of West Park and BrowardCounty Animal Care hosted a PetLicense & Rabies Vaccination Clinicat Mary Saunders Park as a service topet owners in our community. Theclinic gave families the opportunityto vaccinate their pets against rabiesand get them licensed with theCounty. A total of 339 animals weretreated between 9:00am and 2:00pm!The event was open to all BrowardCounty residents and attendeesranged from as far as Weston andMargate.
For more information about thenext vaccination clinic or othersoffered throughout the County pleasecontact: Broward County Permitting,Licensing and Consumer ProtectionDivision - Animal Care and AdoptionSection by visiting www.broward.org/ani-
mal, or go in person to: 1870 SW 39thStreet, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, or byphone at 954-359-1010.
Pet Rabies Vaccination ClinicDriving safely in school zones
School is back in session, and so is the unnerving task of driving
in school zones. Do you know how to safely drive in school zones?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Tips for driving in school zones
DON'T assume anything: children can run across the street at any
second, be prepared.
Know your surroundings: It's easier to anticipate what will happen
next, if you observe where the kids and parents are around you.
Obey all laws: Don't travel over 15 miles per hour, and travel
slower if there are a lot of children around.
Don't get distracted: Put down the coffee, cell phone, and keep
both hands on the wheel.
Remember! Be careful, attentive, and most important-patient!
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
“Serving Our Community For More Than 20 Years”305-662-6178
Let's face it, driving in school zones is a task thatrequires an extraordinary amount of patience. Sounds easy, but during those mornings when you'refifteen minutes late to an important meeting, it is a daunting task. Number one rule is patience, without it,accidents are bound to happen.
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Recent City Events Recent City EventsPage 16 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM December 2011 December 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 17
Recent City Events Recent City EventsPage 16 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM December 2011 December 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 17
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FFRROOMM TTHHEE FFIIRREE DDEEPPAARRTTMMEENNTTAs the holidays approach, the
Broward Sheriff’s Office of Department ofFire Rescue and Emergency Services isurging people to look for and eliminatepotential dangers from holiday lights anddecorations that could lead to fires and
injuries. Each year, hospital emergency rooms
treat thousands of people for injuries, suchas falls, cuts, and shocks related to holidaylights, decorations, and Christmas trees. Inaddition, Christmas trees are involved inhundreds of fires each year, resulting indeaths, injuries, and property loss anddamage. Keep your family safe this holi-day season by following these safety tips:
TREESWhen purchasing an artificial tree,
look for the label “Fire Resistant.”Although this label does not mean the treewon’t catch fire, it does indicate the treewill resist burning and should extinguishquickly.
When purchasing a live tree, check forfreshness. A fresh tree is green; needles arehard to pull from branches and when bentbetween your fingers, needles do notbreak. The trunk butt of a fresh tree issticky with resin, and when tapped on theground, the tree should not lose many nee-
dles. When setting up a tree at home, place
it away from fireplaces and radiators.Because heated rooms dry live trees outrapidly, be sure to keep the stand filledwith water. Place the tree out of the way offoot traffic and do not block doorways.
LIGHTSIndoors or outside, only use lights that
have been tested for safety by a recognizedtesting laboratory, which indicates confor-mance with safety standards.
Check each set of lights, new or old,for broken or cracked sockets, frayed orbare wires, or loose connections, andthrow out damaged sets.
Use no more than three standard-sizesets of lights per single extension cord.
Never use electric lights on a metallictree. The tree can become charged withelectricity from faulty lights, and a persontouching a branch could be electrocuted.
Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees,house walls, or other firm supports to pro-tect the lights from wind damage. Use onlyinsulated staples, not nails or tacks, to holdstrings in place. Or, run strings of lightsthrough hooks (available at hardwarestores).
Turn off all lights when you go to bedor leave the house. The lights could shortout and start a fire.
For added electric-shock protection,plug outdoor electric lights and decora-tions into circuits protected by ground faultcircuit interrupters (GFCIs). Portable out-door GFCIs can be purchased where elec-trical supplies are sold. GFCIs can beinstalled permanently to household circuitsby a qualified electrician.
DECORATIONSUse only non-combustible or flame-
resistant materials to trim a tree. Choosetinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or non-leaded metals. Leaded materials are haz-
ardous if ingested by children. Never use lighted candles on a tree or
near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candleswhere they will not be knocked down.
In homes with small children, takespecial care to avoid decorations that aresharp or breakable, keep trimmings withsmall removable parts out of the reach ofchildren to avoid the child swallowing orinhaling small pieces, and avoid trimmingsthat resemble candy or food that maytempt a child to eat them.
Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irri-tation while decorating with spun glass
“angel hair.” Follow container directionscarefully to avoid lung irritation while dec-orating with artificial snow sprays.
FIREPLACESUse care with “fire salts,” which pro-
duce colored flames when thrown on woodfires. They contain heavy metals that cancause intense gastrointestinal irritation andvomiting if eaten. Keep them away fromchildren.
Do not burn wrapping papers in thefireplace. A flash fire may result as wrap-pings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
Enjoy your Holidays and Be Safe!Kenneth Kronheim, District Fire ChiefOffice (954) 635-3301; Fax (954) 359-6964
HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS
Since its launch in 2008, the HyundaiGenesis sedan has captured honors fromjust about every automotive association inthe country — including the Miami-basedSouthern Automotive Media Association— and it continues to draw rave reviewswith the 2012 model.
Hyundai engineers keep improving thebeautifully styled car, this year adding newdirect injection technology to the standardLambda V-6 engine, a new eight-speed auto-matic transmission and enhanced chassistuning. They have even added a new poweroption, a 5.0-liter direct injection Tau V-8engine available on the 5.0 R-Spec model.
The new Tau V-8 is the most powerfulHyundai engine ever, producing 429 hp at6,400 rpm and 376 pounds-feet of torque at5,000 rpm, and the cylinder bore wasincreased for a total displacement of 5.0 liters.At the same time, direct injection technologyhas been added to dramatically increase
power and torque, while reducing fuel con-sumption and emissions. Compression ratiohas been increased from 10.4 to 11.5:1 forgreater efficiency and output.
The Tau also has a revised bedplate forimproved block rigidity and less noise, aswell as camshaft carriers and a roller timingchain to improve valvetrain stability. Thisnew V-8 still offers all of the premiumengine technology from the 4.6-liter V-8,including Dual Continuously VariableValve Timing (D-CVVT), a tuned variableinduction system, and low-friction dia-mond-like coatings (DLC) on piston skirts,rings and tappets.
Even with these power increases, fuel econ-omy is 16/25 mpg, almost matching the 4.6-liter engine (17/26 mpg).
The Tau 5.0-liter V-8 is mated to a neweight-speed transmission. This new Hyundai-developed transmission adds two more ratiosfor better acceleration, shifting smoothnessand efficiency over the old six-speed gearbox.All eight-speed transmissions includeSHIFTRONIC manual shift capability and thisnew eight-speed transmission is the firstoffered by a non-luxury branded manufacturer.
Hyundai engineers have made furtherrefinements to the 3.8 and 4.6 model sus-pension damping calibrations. These pre-
cise adjustments minimize the compromis-es between handling precision and ridecomfort. In addition, body roll control forthe 3.8 model is enhanced with a larger rearstabilizer bar, while diameter increasingfrom 17 mm to 18 mm.
Braking also is improved with rotor sizeon the 3.8 model increasing from 12.6 inch-es to 13 inches and the addition of higherperformance four-piston brake calipers,and the 4.6 model front brake rotorsincreasing from 13 inches to 13.6 inchesfor better fade resistance.
There is little change to the exterior; the
grille has been enhanced and the headlightshave been redesigned with the addition ofLED accents and daytime running lights, whilethe taillights have been redesigned and newdual asymmetrical exhaust tips are more clean-ly integrated with the new bumper fascia.
Pricing on the 2012 Hyundai Genesisranges from $34,200 to $46,500.
Ron Beasley is the automotive editor forMiami’s Community Newspapers. He maybe contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext.261, or by addressing email correspon-dence to <[email protected]>.
Hyundai Genesis gets new Tau V-8 engine option
LET’S TALK CARS
Ron BeasleyAUTOMOTIVE EDITOR Hyundai Genesis
grille has beenenhanced for 2012and the headlights
have beenredesigned with the
addition of LEDaccents and day-
time running lights.
Page 20 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM December 2011
Be happy.TV & InternetAT A PRICE THATWILL MAKE YOU SMILE
Services subject to availability. Please contact Atlantic Broadband for details. Offer expires January 15, 2012 and is available for new residential customers only. Atlantic Broadband Essential 2.0 Double Play includes Digital Value Video & MAX InternetService. Price includes one digital receiver. Modem not included. DVR service included on primary set only. Additional services, receivers and any additional equipment, installation fees, taxes, fees and other surcharges are not included. Price shownis for months 1-12; price will go up by $15.00 for months 13-24. Monthly price goes up an additional $15.00 for months 25–36. Price reverts to then current retail rate in month 37. Credit check and/or deposit may be required. Actual Internet
On Monday, October 31 the Parks andRecreation Department hosted our annualHalloween Spooktacular event. Despiterainy weather earlier that day, the eventturned out to be a huge success. Everyoneinvolved had a fun and exuberant attitudeduring the celebration. Activities includedfield games, a haunted egg scramble, trick-or-treating, a chilling haunted house, a peprally for the West Park Hurricane Footballand Cheerleading Programs, and contests
for hula-hoop and best costumes.The event gave children a safe place to
spend Halloween night with family andfriends as they enjoyed all the festivities.Proceeds and sponsorships were made pos-sible by the West Park Hurricanes, Phi BetaSigma Fraternity, the Broward CountySherriff’s Office, the Carver Ranches Boys& Girls Club, and the City of West Park.
Red Ribbon Week is a United Statesinitiative of prevention and education aboutthe dangers of drugs and alcohol. Celebratedon October 23 to 31 every year, students allover the country make pledges to live drugand alcohol free. The City of West Parktook part in this year’s festivities as children
who participate in our after school programlearned about the dangers of drugs and alco-hol the entire week. As part of the culminat-ing event, children proudly made a sign atthe entrance of McTyre Park letting every-one know that we are a Drug Free facility!
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• Loans as high as $467,248• Pay off current mortgage, eliminating monthly payments• Pay off credit card debt• Establish grandchild education fund• Repair the home: New roof? Paint?• Establish an emergency "cash" fund• Pay medical bills• Take a vacation
