Our City Fort Lauderdale: October 2023

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PUBLISHERS

Christy & Terry Jaillet publisher@ourcitymedia.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Christy Jaillet

ART DIRECTOR

Tom Rowe

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Alana Brodie

EAST ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Denise Caligiuri

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

John Brodie, Adrienne Collins, Mariem Garcia, Carlos Medina, Kenny Rodgers, Silvia Silva, Chris Koval

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Terry Jaillet, Rose Sklar, Cmdr. Anthony Falvo

Amelis Lopez, Dean Sklar, Valentia Valderrama

PHOTOGRAPHER

Tom Dean

moonwalkphotography.com

ADVERTISING INFO sales@ourcitymedia.com

VISIT US ONLINE ourcitymedia.com

954-306-1007

400 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway Suite 200C • Sunrise, FL 33325

GOT NEWS? EMAIL THE EDITOR! editor@ourcitymedia.com

READON LINE

Pink October: Honoring Resilience & Care

ctober heralds the arrival of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every year, the world witnesses unexpected bursts of pink, from high school footballers donning pink socks in tribute to their mother’s battles to colleagues sporting pink ribbons on their attire. The global movement for Breast Cancer Awareness has not only illuminated the challenges of breast cancer but also fueled immense strides in research funding.

The Our City Media family is no stranger to the shadows of breast cancer. Some of us have watched loved ones grapple with a diagnosis and eventually overcome it, while others have faced the pain of loss. Throughout these experiences, one constant remained: the relentless dedication of healthcare professionals. Their unwavering commitment to ensuring optimum health is truly commendable.

As highlighted by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, nearly 1 million Floridians have chosen the noble path of healthcare. This includes 83,000 doctors, 190,000 nurses, 66,000 EMTs, and Paramedics, alongside hundreds of thousands in support roles.

Over the past three years, these “front line” heroes have faced unparalleled demands, responding with grace and strength. This edition of Our City magazine celebrates some of these “Healthcare Heroes.” Dive into page 24 to discover the stories of individuals who continue to uplift our community. Their steadfast presence reassures us, especially in moments of need.

A heartfelt thank you to all the healthcare warriors from everyone here at Our City Media for guiding us towards healthier and brighter tomorrows!

Christy & Terry Jaillet

OUR CITY MEDIA PUBLISHERS

OCTOBER 7

Fall Garage Sale

The city of Cooper City invites you to the biggest garage sale around! The annual event brings sellers and buyers together to find hidden treasures. 7:00 am - 11:00 am at Flamingo West Park, 6201 South Flamingo Road. Fore more info, call 954434-4300.

OCTOBER 14

Movie in the Park Hotel Transylvania Transformania

The Las Olas Art Fair is ranked as one of the top 100 art festivals in the nation and continues to be one of the most anticipated art events in the area. Meet the creators of the art on display; commission a specific piece; ask questions about techniques; learn the sources of their inspirations; and purchase fine works of art at affordable prices. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find it on Las Olas at this always anticipated, juried art fair. Hosted at Las Olas Blvd,10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Scan QR Code for more info. Scan the QR code for info.

OCTOBER 21

Trick or Trot

Hit the road for the seventh annual Halloween-themed 5K and Kids' Dash! Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome, and costumes are encouraged! Participants will receive our coveted Trick or Trot treats: a commemorative medal and a t-shirt. Hosted at Markham Park. Race starts at 7:30 am sharp! Scan the QR code to register! Call 954-747-4600 for more info.

OCTOBER 7-8

Harvest Festival Weekend

Flamingo Gardens celebrates the arrival of fall in South Florida with Harvest Festival Weekends. Each Harvest Festival weekend in October is themed and will feature entertainment, fun activities, and specialty Fall foods. This weekend’s theme is Pirates! Dress up in your best pirate’s garb and enjoy music provided by DJ Digital Anarchy. There will be a Pirate Encampment available from Noon - to 3:00 p.m. 10:30 am4:30 pm at Flamingo Gardens. Scan the QR code for more info or tickets.

OCTOBER 21

Step Back in Time Halloween Edition

Step Back in Time to the early 1900s at the Old Davie School House. Learn to write with a dip ink pen, wash laundry on a washboard, squeeze oranges for juice, tour the museum, the packing house and the pioneer village. SPECIAL FUN HALLOWEEN EVENTS! Visit anytime starting at 11am with last entry at 1:15pm. Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Road. For more info or tickets, scan the QR code.

OCTOBER 25-29

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the greatest boat show on the seven seas. Located steps from the beach in sunny South Florida, FLIBS spans nearly 90 acres across three million square feet of exhibit space that is connected by an intricate network of water and ground transportation services. The five-day show attracted over 100,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors representing 52 countries with more than 1,300 boats on display in 2021. Products range from sunglasses to superyachts and everything in between. For tickets & more info visit www.flibs. com or scan the QR code.

October 2023 Calendar

(CONTINUED)

OCTOBER 25-29

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the greatest boat show on the seven seas. Located steps from the beach in sunny South Florida, FLIBS spans nearly 90 acres across three million square feet of exhibit space that is connected by an intricate network of water and ground transportation services. The five-day show attracted over 100,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors representing 52 countries with more than 1,300 boats on display in 2021. Products range from sunglasses to superyachts and everything in between. For tickets & more info visit www.flibs.com.

OCTOBER 27

Nightmare in the Park

Enjoy a terrifying drive through a haunted park brimming with suspenseful scares. WARNING: This event includes flashing lights, special effects, and depicts scenes of violence which may be unsuitable for children. Parental discretion is advised for children under 13 years of age. Enter at your own risk! 7:30 - 9:30 pm at Snyder Park, 3299 SW 4th Ave. For more info, call 954-828-7275.

OCTOBER 27

LauderBOO

A free spooktacular event for the whole family with trick-or-treat stations with carnival games throughout the park. Enjoy arts and crafts, bounce houses, candy and treats, contests and prizes, music, and the Native Village animal exhibition. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Snyder Park. For details, call (954) 828-4585.

OCTOBER 28

Fort Lauderdale Art Walk

Join us as the streets of MASS District come alive with a collaboration of art, music, food, vendors, and local businesses. Explore the diversity of local art showcasing unique and stunning collections of original creativity. Listen to the eclectic sounds of South Florida’s variety of music. Taste the culinary explosion of local restaurants and food.. Scan the QR code for more info & tickets.

OCTOBER 31

Happy Halloween

Trick or Treating will likely be a bit different this year than in years past. Kids will still be dressing up, playing games, and maybe even playing a trick or two on a friend or family member. We remind everyone to have fun and stay safe!

OCTOBER 28

Brazilian Festival

Since its inception in 2012, the Main Stage of the Annual Brazilian Festival in Florida has become a beacon of Brazilian heritage and culture. Every year, the festival pays tribute to iconic performers, bands, composers, music genres, and styles that have revolutionized and marked Brazilian Popular Music. This year we celebrate the 12th annual event from noon till 11:00 pm at the Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek, 5550 NW 40th Street. Scan the QR code for more info & tickets.

Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Marvel: Dive into the 2023 International Boat Show

The Best Boat Show on the Seven Seas is set for October 25 - October 29. This year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is set to be bigger and better than ever, with thousands expected to attend. While it will be impacted by the considerable amount of construction at Pier 66 and the Broward County Convention Center, however, it will still feature six venues.

Show locations include the Broward County Convention Center, Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Hall Of Fame Marina, Las Olas Marina, 17th Street Yacht Basin, Pier 66 Marina, and Super Yacht Village at Pier 66 South.

FLIBS spans nearly 90 acres across three million square feet of exhibit space that is connected by an intricate network of water and ground transportation services. The five-day show attracted over 100,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors

representing 52 countries, with more than 1,300 boats on display in 2022. Products range from Super Yachts to sunglasses and everything in between.

The annual event is the centerpiece of Fort Lauderdale's yachting life. Affectionately referred to as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” Fort Lauderdale boasts numerous marinas that can accommodate a vast number of yachts, including some of the largest and most luxurious in the world. It also hosts a concentration of marine-oriented businesses, easy-to-navigate waterways, and some of the world's most capable boat repair, maintenance, and construction providers.

FLIBS has a rich history that dates back to 1959. Over the decades, it has grown exponentially in size and reputation, attracting exhibitors and attendees from all over the world.

Aside from showcasing boats and marine products, the show usually

features various seminars and workshops for both novice boaters and seasoned professionals. Topics might range from fishing techniques to yacht maintenance.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is more than just a boat show; it's a significant event in the marine industry's calendar and a testament to Fort Lauderdale's pivotal role in the global yachting scene. If you're interested in the marine world or just want to witness the grandeur of modern yachts, it's a mustvisit event.

Residents are encouraged to get tickets early and to avoid the beaches on days they are not planning on attending.

▸ Scan the QR code for information and tickets to the 2023 Fort Lauderdale Internation- al Boat Show

South Florida weather is typically fantastic. Unfortunately, sometimes, the weather is just right for a type of algae that could be harmful to people, wildlife, and pets. Blue-green algae have been present in some of the waterways and canals in the Fort Lauderdale & Hollywood areas. While there is no reason for alarm, it is prudent to be on the lookout!

There are several species of blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) that can occur in Florida’s fresh or brackish waterbodies, many of which have the potential to produce toxins. If people or animals splash in the water or if boats create wakes, the algae cells can be broken apart, and the cyanotoxins can be released into the air.

This algae is blue, bright green, brown, or red and can have a strong odor like rotting plants. Pets can become sick from blue-green algae, so keep them out of those areas and away from contaminated marine animals and fish.

Not all algae are bad! Algae are plantlike organisms that sustain marine life. They contribute to the food chain and to the oxygen that keeps water bodies healthy, but sometimes, when conditions are right—often warm water and increased nutrients—certain algae can quickly grow and overpopulate. These foam- or scumlike masses are called blooms and can be pushed to the shore by winds, waves, tides, and currents. Some blooms release toxins that make ecosystems, animals, and people sick; scientists call these harmful algae blooms (HABs). In Florida, HABs can be found among our saltwater, freshwater, and brackish water bodies.

While water from areas with blue-green algae can make people and animals sick, FDEP sample results demonstrate that the observed blue-green algae (as of this writing) do not pose a threat related to toxins sometimes associated with these organisms.

As a precaution, neighbors should not swim in or around blue-green algae. If you come into contact with blue-green algae, wash off with soap and water, especially if your skin is easily irritated.

Resident and visitor reports are an important tool in helping the Florida Department of Health identify potential harmful algal blooms in public waters. To report a bloom, contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at 855-305-3903 or make a report online at www.reportalgalbloom. com. To help them quickly and accurately respond to your report, please provide as much information as you can and be as descriptive as possible.

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Las Olas Boulevard to Host 36th Annual Art Fair

Fort Lauderdale will host the 36th annual Las Olas Art Fair on October 14th and 15th. Whether you are looking for a unique item to round out your personally curated art collection or a hand-made bracelet to round out your favorite outfit, you will find what you need at the annual event.

This festival combines longtime favorites with some of the newest names in the contemporary art scene. The festival, which began decades ago as a small block festival, now stretches along the Boulevard and includes three weekends throughout the year.

Considered an annual tradition in South Florida, the Las Olas Art Fair offers the opportunity to meet with the artists, ask about techniques, commission a specific piece, and discover the inspiration behind each magnificent creation. The iconic event occurs from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on both days. Las Olas Boulevard has everything for a wonderful evening out, or a relaxing day window-shopping and dining at one of the fabulous sidewalk cafes.

The Las Olas Art Fair is ranked as one of the top 100 art festivals in the nation and continues to be one of the most anticipated art events in the area. Learn the sources of the artists’ inspirations, purchase fine works of art at affordable prices or just browse the incredible creations on display. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find it on Las Olas at this always anticipated, juried art fair.

▸ The Las Olas Art Fair is an outdoor Art Festival on E. Las Olas Boulevard. The festival takes place October 14th and 15th from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Scan the QR Code for more info.

Stranahan High School, part of Broward County Public Schools, is buzzing with anticipation as the construction of its state-of-the-art cafeteria and food service kitchen continues to make considerable progress.

The Stranahan High School community has been eagerly awaiting the completion of the new cafeteria, which is scheduled to be finished in Fall 2024. This $21 million investment will accommodate more than 800 indoor and outdoor seats, along with a separate faculty lounge. The excitement among the school’s staff is evident, particularly about the modernized kitchen and digital display menus.

"As we know food fuels the brain, and having the new space will give the students more seating in the dining area – more space

will allow all the students to take a well-needed lunch break," said Lakeisha Neely-Williams, Stranahan High School cafeteria manager. “I'm looking forward to preparing healthy and nutritious meals in the new kitchen, and the digital displays are a cool and futuristic addition."

For students, seeing the construction's weekly progress has been exciting because it means being one step closer to enjoying the new, more spacious cafeteria.

Although this project is not funded by the SMART Bond, it is funded through the District’s Capital funds, the SMART Bond Program's social media platforms are still actively documenting the construction process. You can follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @ BCPS_SMART to stay updated on the progress.

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THE DONOWAY CENTER

Pancreatic NanoKnife Tumor Ablation for Advanced and Oligo-Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

Dr. Donoway is using multi-modality therapy combining Pancreatic NanoKnife Tumor Ablation with chemo-immuno-radio therapy to treat advanced-stage cancer patients worldwide after they have stopped responding to the standard of care therapy and have been left with few options for further treatment.

With over 33 years of experience performing pancreatic surgerynin south Florida, Dr. Donoway recognized that because of late diagnosis, up to 85% of patients treated for pancreatic cancer already had metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. This fact limited the benefit many patients might receive from pancreatic surgery, which is problematic as surgery has long been held to be the only reproducible therapy for a cure. In reality, surgery is currently more likely Palliative in almost 80% of the cases.

Recent evidence shows that when even advanced disease is treated aggressively in an integrated approach, incorporating NanoKnife surgery with chemotherapy and now supplemented with immunotherapy, long-term survivorship can be achieved, especially when compared to chemotherapy alone.

Dr. Donoway has been a pioneer in using pancreatic NanoKnife, especially for complex cases. During the past

decade, patients worldwide have traveled to benefit from this groundbreaking treatment by Dr. Donoway, which is FDAapproved. Dr. Donoway also treats other advanced cancers, such as liver, breast, ano-rectal and sarcomas, using NanoKnife Surgery based on its FDA-approved guidelines.

Patients experience a brief recovery, which means the patient can start chemotherapy and radiation much sooner.

Dr. Donoway feels that “we are long overdue to revise our approach to treating Pancreatic cancer. The treatment history has been largely unchanged for over 80 years and has just broken the 12% five-year survivorship barrier. Only thru thinking outside the box will we accomplish the positive. Otherwise, we’re all confirming Einstein‘s definition of insanity.”

Dr. Donoway is involved in ongoing research in identifying the best chemo-immuno therapy and sequencing to be used along with Pancreatic nanoKnife/ IRE. Dr. Donoway states, “the results so far have been very encouraging, and we have begun using it for other select cancers. Among his longest survivors are now patients over eleven years without evidence of cancer recurrence. In the past without IRE, they would have lived a little over a year; so this technique opens a new avenue for treating those eligible patients in a more targeted fashion.”

Dr. Donoway presented his results in pancreatic ablation and ablation margin status at the recent Specturm 2023 and the American Pancreatic Association meeting.

If you are being treated for advanced or oligo-metastatic pancreatic cancer, you may want to contact Dr. Robert Donoway at ATLAS ONCOLOGY in Hollywood, Florida.

ATLAS ONCOLOGY

Robert B. Donoway, MD, FACS

Surgical Oncology & Pancreatic Surgical Oncology

Dr. Donoway is a Board Certified Sloan Kettering trained Pancreatic surgical oncologist who received his MD and surgical training at the University of Pennsylvania. At Sloan Kettering, he was the General Motors Pancreatic Cancer Research Fellow.

Specializing in cancer of the Pancreas, Liver, GI Tract, Sarcoma, Adrenal, & Melanoma. Laparoscopic, robotic and image guided cancer surgery, IRE/NanoKnife for Non-Resectable Pancreatic & Liver Cancer.

Dr. Donoway is a former founding Director of the Memorial Regional Cancer Center (now Memorial Cancer Institute ) and past Chairman of the Cancer committee for the Memorial Healthcare System as well as a former Chief of Surgery and Surgical Oncology at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida.

Dr. Donoway served on the American Cancer Society and Gildas Club Board. He has also served as past president of the American Cancer Society Broward chapter and serves on the board of trustees of the Ancient Spanish Monastery.

Dr. Donoway is active in the American and International Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Associations, The Pancreas Club, the Society of Surgical Oncology, and the American Pancreatic Association. His accomplishments include being the first surgeon in Florida to perform radio-frequency ablation and laparoscopic major liver resection. He is the former recipient of the South Florida Health Award for using micro-endoscopy to detect early-stage breast cancer.

Dr. Donoway has been repeatedly named in the Top Doctors in America by Castle Connolly with over 1,500 5-star reviews. Dr. Donoway is one of only a few international surgeons performing advanced multi-modal pancreatic and liver ablation therapy for non-resectable tumors.

Robert B. Donoway, MD, FACS

Medical Director, ATLAS ONCOLOGY: Institute for Pancreatic Ca IRE NanoKnife Ablation

Former Medical Director Memorial Cancer Institute

Board Certified

Lisa Lanza, AuD, CCC-A

Doctor of Audiology

Better Life Hearing

Dr. Lisa Lanza’s role as an audiologist is to identify and treat hearing, balance, tinnitus, and other auditory disorders. She prescribes, fits, programs, and manages hearing aids. Dr. Lanza also helps people with hearing loss to better communicate and connect with the world around them.

Dr. Lanza earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University and earned her Doctoral Degree in Audiology from Nova Southeastern University and has served the South Florida Community for the past 11 years. Dr. Lanza focuses on Audiology Best Practices, including utilizing real ear measurements through speech mapping for optimal hearing device fitting.

One of the most rewarding parts of Dr. Lanza’s job is her patients first reaction when she programs their hearing devices and “hear” for the first time.

“It is an amazing feeling to see their smile,” said Dr. Lanza, “Hearing is a range of complex steps that transfer sound waves in the air into electrical signals and then carry these signals to the brain. Most of my

patients don’t understand the hearing process and I love to explain it to them, so they have a better idea of their hearing loss and why it’s so important to wear their hearing devices. Another rewarding part of my job is the connections I make with patients.”

Hearing loss can be associated with several other comorbidities. Because of this, Dr. Lanza frequently consults with other medical professionals. “I always ask my patient’s for their PCPs so i can develop treatment plans with their other health care providers. Untreated hearing loss is associated with other health problems such as isolation, loneliness, depression, heart disease, chronic renal failure, diabetes, and cognitive decline. This is why it’s so important to visit these medical professionals to discuss the importance of diagnosing and treating hearing loss.”

■ To make an appointment with Dr. Lanza or learn more about Better Life Hearing, call 754666-8981 or visit www.betterlifehearing.net

2023

Dr. Alvin Martinez

Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Women’s Center of West Broward

Dr. Martinez’s mission is to provide compassionate, attentive, and professional medical care and customer service to women in South Florida. He believes in quality over quantity, meaning every patient will receive the time, consideration, and care they deserve during their visits.

Women’s Center of West Broward offers a full range of services, including most high-risk obstetrics and gynecological care from a woman’s adolescent to postmenopausal years. Additional services include minor and major gynecological surgeries, including minimally invasive procedures.

Dr. Martinez has an incredibly positive outlook on life. “I try to remember that a bad day doesn’t make a bad life,” he said, “I feel confident in my knowledge and training and appreciate the community that supports and encourages me. Bringing new life into this world and being able to assist someone in the journey to parenthood is incredibly rewarding. It is fulfilling to help a woman navigate the different milestones and challenges that come with age and life.”

As much as he enjoyed the opportunity and years working for a large practice in Pembroke Pines, his desire to have continuity of care with his patients pushed him to become a solo practitioner. “When you make an appointment at my office, you will be seeing me each and every time and will not be handed off to a nurse practitioner or other physician.”

Dr. Martinez is inspired by his fellow practitioners, “One of the best things I can say about my field of medicine is how supportive and collaborative other OB/GYNs are. I have been surrounded by smart and insightful doctors and colleagues who give valuable feedback and advice.”

■ To make an appointment with Dr. Martinez or learn more about the Women’s Center of West Broward, call 954-510-5454, Ext. 3. You can also visit www.wcwb-obgyn.com or @dr_alvin_martinez on Instagram.

2023

Anand Vakharia, MD

Primary Care Physician

Broward Community Medical Center

Dr. Anand Vakharia is a board-certified primary care physician with extensive experience in both inpatient hospitalist medicine, as well as outpatient family practice. He has practiced medicine in Wisconsin, North Carolina, and New York. Most recently, he served as Medical Director at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston NY, where he was also named Regional Medical Director of the Year for all of Western NY.

Dr. Vakharia had always dreamed of returning home to serve the community he grew up in, while working alongside his father. Dr. Vijay Vakharia, a board-certified physician in both internal medicine and cardiology, has practiced medicine in Broward County for over thirty years. Taking care of patients and helping people live their healthiest lives is a family affair. Together their practice strives to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to the local community.

In a world where healthcare can often feel impersonal and rushed, Dr. Anand Vakharia stands as a shining example of a primary care physician who goes above and beyond to deliver personalized care. He strives to address not only the physical aspects of health, but also the emotional and individual needs of each patient. Dr. Vakharia’s patients describe him as more than just a physician - he is a trusted partner, an advocate, and a source of unwavering support on their healthcare journey.

Broward Community Medical Center offers comprehensive primary care, EKG, echocardiogram, ultrasound and laboratory services, as well as same day appointments.

Dr. Ivonelia Moncada and Carola Vargas

co-founded M&V Weston Laser and Wellness Center, offering treatments that enhance the management of health conditions. They support health providers, making patients feel radiant through laser, nutritional, and skin care treatments.

Ivonelia and Carola assist patients in achieving ideal weight with realistic expectations and protocols for obesity consequences. Our vaginal rejuvenation treatments alleviate perimenopausal symptoms, enhancing well-being and quality of life.

Ivonelia, a foreign physician in gynecology and an experienced nurse practitioner, designs tailored treatment protocols for each patient.

“There is no better feeling than helping patients reach their goals,” Ivonelia said, “Through personalized care and understanding of noninvasive treatments,

I see improvements in both beauty and health.”

Carola focuses on anti-aging and feminine rejuvenation, offering tailored laser and cosmetic treatments and personalized nutritional plans.

“I am inspired by our patients’ joy,” said Carola, “I love being part of that esthetic process and contributing to the mindset change about the importance of self-care.”

Both underscore the importance of knowledge: “Our role as healthcare providers includes sharing knowledge to educate patients. Empowered with knowledge, they practice better health habits.”

■ To make an appointment with Ivonelia or Carola or to learn more about M & V Laser and Wellness Center, call 954-530-8756 or visit www.mvlaserweston.com.

Ivonelia Moncada, IMG, RN, MSN, FNP Carola Vargas, IGP, RN, LDN

M&V Weston Laser and Wellness Center

Pompano Beach Native Serves Aboard USS Makin Islan in San Diego

By Lt. Cmdr. Chris Donlon, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Airman Marc Lormeus, a native of Pompano Beach, Florida, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of San Diego, California.

Lormeus joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Lormeus serves as an aviation boatswain's mate (fuel) aboard USS Makin Island.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to forge my own path, a path none of my family has taken,” said Lormeus. "I wanted to be the first to leave that trail behind for others to follow."

Growing up in Pompano Beach, Lormeus attended Deerfield Beach High School and graduated in 2020.

Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in Pompano Beach.

“Important advice that was given to me was take pride in what you do, show dedication, be motivated and make the best of it,” said Lormeus. "I try to remember this advice in all I do for the Navy."

These lessons have helped Lormeus while serving aboard Makin Island.

Makin Island is an amphibious assault ship. According to Navy officials, these types of warships embark, transport and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions.

Because of their inherent capabilities, these ships have been and will continue to be called upon to support humanitarian and other contingency missions on short notice.

As a member of the Navy, Lormeus is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy contributes to national defense by being a show of force,” said Lormeus. "The Navy helps keep the world safe."

With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the Internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

Lormeus and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“So far, I am most proud of being on top of my qualifications and receiving the highest evaluation you can earn,” said Lormeus. "I’m also proud of earning an Air Warrior of the Quarter award."

As Lormeus and other sailors continue to train and perform

missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me, it gives me purpose and a lot of opportunities to better my future.,” added Lormeus.

Lormeus is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I am originally from Haiti but moved to Florida when I was about 10 years old,” said Lormeus. "As a child in Haiti, I quickly learned the value of respect which has been helpful in my Navy career."

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist

2nd Class Jordan Jennings

By Dawn Hanna

World Polio Day is a time for Rotary members, public health advocates, and all who want a world free from polio to come together, recognize the progress in the fight to end polio, and talk about the actions needed in order to end polio for good. It was just 35 years ago that polio paralyzed 350k children annually. Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a paralyzing and potentially deadly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. The virus spreads from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can then attack the nervous system.

In 1985, Rotary International launched the “PolioPlus” program, which later evolved into the “End Polio Now” campaign. The campaign’s strategy revolves around immunization, surveillance, and public awareness. It works in partnership with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The crux of the effort lies in delivering oral polio vaccines to children in high-risk areas. The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale raises awareness and funds to end polio during the month of October.

Rotary members throughout the world have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort.

Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries poliofree. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.

⊲ For information about World Polio Day: https://shorturl.at/mruA7

⊲ To donate: https://shorturl.at/gJL67

Your tax-deductible donation helps Rotary and its partners reach every child with the polio vaccine. Thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, your contribution will be tripled, getting us even closer to a polio-free world.

⊲ To learn more about Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale or become a member contact RotaryFtLaud@gmail.com or visit RotaryFortLauderdale.org

Looking for the Opening Straight Drive Down the Middle of the Fairway?

It’s a great feeling to stride off the first tee knowing you have hit your ball straight down the middle of the fairway. It’s a huge boost to your confidence and any self-doubt you may have had immediately disappears. It’s a given that when you hit it straight from the very start you set up great momentum for the rest of your round.

Realistically speaking it’s a fallacy to think you can hit dead straight golf shots all of the time. Here are some tips and drills to help you hit a straight shot.

Try to avoid being too tense – Work on removing tension from your wrist and forearm muscles and learn instead to swing freely. A cluttered mind will always add tension and therefore start to improve by reducing the number of different swing thoughts in your head. It is far easier to release the club through impact without tension because a relaxed muscle is faster than a tense one. In addition, less tension makes it far easier to rotate your shoulders and hit the straight shot you are looking for.

Swing with a neutral grip – The key to hitting it straight comes from maintaining a neutral grip. Focus on some of the key check points including counting the number of knuckles you can see when you address the ball. Ideally you will see only two knuckles on your left hand; anymore and you are likely to hook the ball. Equally, check the

By Dean Sklar, PGA Professional

number of knuckles visible on your right hand. You should see no more than three; anymore and you are likely to slice the ball. In conclusion, the right hand controls the swing path and the left hand controls the angle of the clubface.

Set up correctly to the ball –Line up your feet, hips and shoulders parallel to the ball to target line at address. In lining up square to the ball to target line, make your life easier by picking a spot about six feet out in front of the ball to represent this imaginary line. Check that your left shoulder faces the target, perhaps the flag stick on a par 3. Check the direction of your divots

– Check your divots to determine whether you are hitting the ball with a square clubface. Your divots will clearly tell you the angle at which you struck the ball. If they are pointing directly at the target you need to go back to basics making sure your feet and shoulders are lined up properly. Determine the correct ball position for each club – It varies for each club and therefore it is critical you set up your ball position correctly at address. For pitching wedges and short clubs, the ball should be positioned in the middle of your stance.

Always see your local PGA Professional for lessons as they are the ones to help you have more fun out on the course.

▸ PGA Professional Dean Sklar is a member of the Quarter Century Club of the PGA of America, an elite group of members who have served the PGA with honor and pride for 25 years. If you would like to talk to Dean about your golf game, contact him at Dean@SklarTeam.com or visit Rose and Dean Sklar at Coldwell Banker online at www.SklarTeam.com.