AROUND TOWN.....................7

As the Dog Days of Summer draw to a close we start making plans for our kids to return to school. New clothes, new school supplies, and new classes raise everyone’s excitement level just a little bit. And for those just starting school, what a fantastic opportunity to get them on the right track from the very beginning.

While the Covid outbreak has given us much to think about, and some complex answers, here are a few safety tips we are sure of to help your children get the new school year started off right.

If your child is walking to school, ensure they are comfortable with the route. Walk it with them before school starts or maybe for the first couple of days. Teach them to cross the streets only at guarded crosswalks and when possible travel with a friend or in a group.

Teach the little ones about Stranger Danger. Don’t talk to or approach anyone they don’t know, even if they claim to be a friend, offer them something, or ask them for assistance. Immediately walk away and yell for help.

As summer ends the days become shorter. Your children may find themselves walking home during dusk, when visibility is low. Ensure they are wearing something reflective so drivers can see them.

If they are riding bicycles to and from school, make sure the bike is in good working order. Ensure your child wears a bicycle helmet, and secures the bike properly while in school. Any child riding their bike should know the rules of the road regarding bicycle operations. A headlight and reflectors on the bike are essential.

Travels to and from school can be hectic, especially if you have several kids to watch for. Unfortunately, amidst the chaos, sometimes little ones have been forgotten, ending in tragedy. Always check the car before you lock it to ensure you have everyone accounted for. Remember to “Look before you lock!”

Children will still want to soak up the remainder of the summertime fun by playing outside after school. Ensure they are wearing something reflective and encourage them to avoid playing in the streets after sundown. The weather is still fairly warm in September so remember to keep them hydrated.

Finally, the start of the new school year is special for us, in the Fire Department, as we introduce the students to our annual Fire Prevention Art & Literature contest. Every school aged child in K through 5 is encouraged to participate. Children are encouraged to submit their best artwork interpretation of the annual fire prevention theme in the form of a poster, essay, relief art, photography, video, or digital art. The winners receive trophies and some great prizes. Your child should check with their school’s art teacher for details and entry requirements.

Let’s ensure our children have a great start to the school year and we give them every opportunity to succeed.

Stay well,

Don Todd, Fire Chief and your neighbors at the Plantation Fire Department

By Nick Sorta, Nick Sortal is a member of the Plantation City Council. Nick may be reached at NSortal@Plantation.org.

You likely have seen big dusty trucks working at Pine Island Park, just east of Pine Check the calendar at Plantation.org Island Road. Work is continuing and the goal is to reopen the park in November, in time for the recreational soccer season.

Parks and Recreation Director Phil Goodrich provided an update on the project at a summer Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting.

The park is receiving a complete makeover, with new soccer fields, including one with artificial turf. That field can be used for festivals and concerts, with the city’s mobile stage available as an elevated spot for musicians or masters of ceremonies.

A sidewalk will encompass the fields, providing a walking course for those looking for an open-air stroll or parents who want to exercise while their children are at the soccer fields. The project also will combine two parking lots into one, with entry now being from the side closer to the Westfield Broward Mall.

Special emphasis has been placed on improving the field drainage, which has prompted all-too-often closures. Goodrich noted that the land originally was used as a drainage area for the mall, so making fields playable after a significant rainfall has always been problematic. By the way, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meetings, which are held quarterly, are open to the public, and are especially useful for getting a “big picture” look at our parks. (Those with complaints or issues are better off contacting parks staff in a timelier manner.) for meeting dates and times.

ACCREDITATION FOR PARKS

Our parks department has earned accreditation from the National Recreation and Park Association, a lofty recognition that is rare among municipalities. Only 183 municipal parks departments nationwide have such an accreditation. Of those, 24 are in Florida and only five are in Broward County. The formal announcement was made on Oct. 26, 2020. The National Recreation and Park Association created the “Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).” CAPRA provides quality assurance and quality improvement of accredited park and recreation agencies throughout the United States by providing agencies with a management system of best practices. The agency says CAPRA is the only national accreditation of park and recreation agencies and is a valuable measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management and service to the community. “Achieving CAPRA accreditation is the best way to demonstrate that your agency and your staff provide your community with the highest level of service,” the FRPA web site reads. The process started about four years ago and a 182-page guidebook spells out the expectations. The department is asked to meet 154 standards, such as communicating with the public about recreation programs, a recycling program, ADA compliance and defined plans to replace equipment as it ages. Cities don’t have to be perfect, but they do have to be about 90 percent of the way there. Members of the accreditation committee visit the city’s parks before granting a successful application. Parks and Recreation Director Phil Goodrich says the process provided an opportunity to “fix some gaps and modify some minor things,” which help provide better services to the public.

AUGUST

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27

SENIOR PAINTING PARTY

2:00PM-4:00PM. Jim Ward Community Center 301 NW 46th Avenue, Plantation 33317. Seniors ages 55+ will create a beautiful canvas painting with an art instructor. Refreshments included. Space limited. Registration required. Cost is $10 per person. Registration: (954) 585-2344.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 29

MIAMI DOLPHINS V. ATLANTA FALCONS

4:00PM. Preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami. Tickets at www.miamidolphins.com.

SEPTEMBER

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

2021 ART SEARCH

The City of Plantation is hosting an annual visual arts competition for grades K-12. The theme for 2021 is “Art Wild”. All winning pieces of art will be displayed in Plantation community centers for one year. Entry forms available at Plantation Central Park, Community Centers & all Plantation Schools thru Friday, October 8th, 2021. (954) 452-2510.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9-12

DISNEY ON ICE

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party at the BB&T Center in Sunrise. See your favorite Disney characters like never before. World-Class Skating. A Brand New Adventure. A Magical Celebration. Tickets available at www.disneyonice.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

DAVIE PRO RODEO

7:30PM. Gates open at 5:00pm, rain or shine. Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, 4271 Davie Road, Davie. Produced by The Weekley Brothers. Adult $22, Children 3-12 years $10, Free for age 2 and under, VIP tickets $50. Tickets and info at www.davieprorodeo.com. (754) 816-3183.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 & 12

PAW PATROL LIVE! THE GREAT PIRATE ADVENTURE!

SATURDAY 10:00AM, 2:00PM & 6:00PM SHOWS, SUNDAY 10:00AM & 2:00PM SHOWS. It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay, and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration! Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft. Lauderdale. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

MAJESTY OF ROCK

8:00PM. Majesty of Rock is a mega talented group of musicians who banded together to faithfully re-create the sound and feel of the three super groups: Styx, Toto and Journey. Held at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

MIAMI DOLPHINS V. BUFFALO BILLS

1:00PM. First regular season home game at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami. Tickets at www.miamidolphins.com.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

9:00AM-10:00AM. The City of Plantation is seeking volunteers. Get involved & become a volunteer! Earn volunteer hours and make a difference in your community. Central Park Multi-Purpose Building, 9151 NW 2nd Street, Plantation. RSVP (954) 452-2510.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

MAYORS’ CHESS CHALLENGE IN SUNRISE

10:00AM-12:00PM. Join families from across Broward County as The City of Sunrise kicks off a new season of fun and FREE chess play. New to the game? Our instructors can help! Sunrise Civic Center, 10610 W Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise 33351. (954) 747-4600. www.sunrisefl.gov/chess.

OCTOBER

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2

H2O LIVE!

7:00PM. The music of Hall and Oates. Held at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3

MIAMI DOLPHINS V. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

1:00PM. Home game at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami. Tickets at www.miamidolphins.com.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 4

MIAMI HEAT V. ATLANTA HAWKS

7:30PM. American Airlines Arena, Miami. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9

TEEN MOVIE NIGHT

6:00PM-9:00PM. The City of Plantation is hosting a teen movie night for teens ages 13-17 at the Central Park Gymnasium. It’s time to catch a flick with friends! Movie starts at 6:30pm. Light refreshments available for purchase.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 11

MIAMI HEAT V. CHARLOTTE HORNETS

7:30PM. American Airlines Arena, Miami. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15

MIAMI HEAT V. BOSTON CELTICS

8:00PM. American Airlines Arena, Miami. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16

FAMILY HALLOWEEN & SAFETY FESTIVAL

10:00AM-2:00PM. Join the City of Plantation for a fun day with lots of activities at Volunteer Park, 12050 Sunrise Blvd. Children’s carnival • Games & Activities • Inflatables • Food • Costume contests • Pony rides • Haunted house • DJ • Arts & Crafts Police and Fire exhibits • FREE Halloween bags for kids. Admission is $5 per person ages 2+. (954) 452-2510.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16

FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL

1:00PM-4:00PM. Celebrate autumn at this City of Sunrise special event, featuring a petting zoo, games, vendors, tractordrawn carriage rides, and more! Admission: $5. Location TBD. (954) 747-4600. www.sunrisefl.gov.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16

SIMPLY TINA

8:00PM. A world class Tina Turner tribute band composed of talented musicians, singers & dancers. Held at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17

PLANTATION’S COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. ESSAY CONTEST

City of Plantation middle and high school students are invited to participate in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest! Submit an essay following the guidelines on www.plantation.org/ parksandrecreation. Submission deadline Friday, November 19th. Winners will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card. (954) 452-2510.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22

L.O.L. SURPRISE! LIVE

6:00PM. The L.O.L Surprise Dolls are embarking on their first ever live concert tour! See Lady Diva, Neonlicious, Swag, and the rest of the Surprise crew rocking out right before their eyes. Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft. Lauderdale. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23

TRICK OR TROT 5K AND KIDS’ DASH

7:30AM. Our fifth annual Halloween-themed race is open to participants of all ages and abilities – and costumes are encouraged! 5K registration: $15 until October 1, $30 starting October 1. Kids’ Dash for kids 10 and under: $10. Markham Park, 16001 W State Road 84, Sunrise 33326. www.sunrisefl.gov/5k

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24

MIAMI DOLPHINS V. ATLANTA FALCONS

1:00PM. Home game at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami. Tickets at www.miamidolphins.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29

WINE JAZZ & TASTE OF PLANTATION

5:00PM-9:00PM. Presented by The Plantation of Commerce held at the Renaissance Plantation Hotel 123 S. Pine Island Road. Tickets $75 in advance, $85 at the door. www. tasteofplantation.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31

TRUNK OR TREAT IN PLANTATION

6:00PM-8:00PM. Join us for a fun & spooky Trunk or Treat on Halloween at The Plantation Community Center, 5555 Palm Tree Road. Enjoy trick or treating, a costume contest, a spooky selfie room, arts & crafts and more! (954) 797-2180.

NOVEMBER PREVIEW

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5

ROCK THE PARK IN PLANTATION

6:00PM. Rock the Park Plantation Concerts are free, outdoor live musical events held on the first Friday of the month, November through April. Each event features live music and food trucks. Central Park, 600 Central Park Drive. FREE. (954) 452-2510.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7

ANNUAL VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER’S BBQ

12:00PM-5:00PM. Location TBD Enjoy chicken & ribs covered in the famous Veltri Secret Sauce! There will also be fun activities including a bounce house, slides, children’s activities and special exhibits and demonstrations. Attendees will be able to view Fire/Rescue and Police vehicles on display as well as meet Plantation’s SWAT and K-9 Officers.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7

MIAMI DOLPHINS V. HOUSTON TEXANS 1:00PM. Home game at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami. Tickets at www.miamidolphins.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11

PLANTATION ATHLETIC LEAGUE (PAL)

UPCOMING SPORTS SEASONS

For more information, visit the sports directory of this publication or visit the PAL website at www.palsports.org.

UPCOMING SPORTS SEASONS:

• BASEBALL - RECREATIONAL

Registration November, Season February – June • BASEBALL – TRAVEL

Registration November, Season Year Long • BASKETBALL 10ft. – RECREATIONAL

Registration November, Season February – May • LACROSSE – TRAVEL

Registration November, Season Spring • SOCCER – RECREATIONAL

Registration August, Season December - February • GIRLS SOFTBALL – RECREATIONAL

Registration November, Season February - May

ONGOING REGISTRATIONS:

SWIMMING, DIVING, TENNIS, GOLF, HORSEBACK RIDING

Plantation Parks & Recreation Facilities

ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBERS AQUATICS COMPLEX Central Park, 9151 NW 2nd Street 954-452-2525 CENTRAL PARK 9151 NW 2nd Street 954-452-2510 PLANTATION WOODS PARK 5555 Palm Tree Road 954-797-2180

EQUESTRIAN CENTER 1451 NW 118th Avenue 954-476-4316 VOLUNTEER PARK 12050 W. Sunrise Blvd. 954-452-2558 VELTRI TENNIS CENTER Central Park, 9101 NW 2nd Street 954-452-2530

JIM WARD COMMUNITY CENTER 301 NW 46th Avenue 954-585-2346

CITY OF PLANTATION UPCOMING EVENTS

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (954) 452-2510

SEPTEMBER

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9

2021 ARTSEARCH GRADES K-12

Art Search is a visual arts competition for students in grades K-12, sponsored by the City of Plantation Parks & Recreation Department and the Plantation Junior Woman’s Club. First, second and third place winners in each grade level will be presented with award ribbons and gift cards at a formal awards ceremony. All winning pieces of art will be displayed at various Plantation Community Centers for one year. All other entries will be returned to each school (the City of Plantation is not responsible for lost or damaged artwork). Any medium may be used with the exception of sculptures. All entries should relate to the 2021 theme, “Art Wild”. Artwork must be 12” x 18” (mounted size), must be labeled on the back side with the entrant’s name and phone number and must be submitted with an entry form. Please do not frame artwork or use stretcher frames. Only one entry per person. Entry forms will be available Tuesday, September 7 through Friday, October 8 at Plantation Central Park, Community Centers and Plantation schools. All entries must be received at Plantation Central by Friday, October 8th. For more information call (954) 452-2510.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9

TEEN MOVIE NIGHT AGES 13-17

6:00 PM- 9:00 PM The City of Plantation is hosting a teen movie night for teens ages 13-17 at the Central Park Gymnasium. It’s time to catch a flick with friends! Movie starts at 6:30 pm. Light refreshments will be available for purchase.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16

FAMILY HALLOWEEN & SAFETY FESTIVAL

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Join the City of Plantation for a fun day with lots of activities at Volunteer Park, 12050 Sunrise Blvd. Children’s carnival • Games & Activities • Inflatables • Food • Costume contests • Pony rides • Haunted house • DJ • Arts & Crafts Police and Fire exhibits • FREE Halloween bags for kids. Admission is $5 per person ages 2+. (954) 452-2510.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. ESSAY CONTEST

Submission deadline Friday, November 19th. City of Plantation middle and high school students are invited to participate in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest! Submit an essay following the guidelines on www.plantation.org/parksandrecreation. Winners will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card. (954) 452-2510.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31

TRUNK OR TREAT IN PLANTATION

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Join us for a fun & spooky Trunk or Treat on Halloween at The Plantation Community Center, 5555 Palm Tree Road. Enjoy trick or treating, a costume contest, a spooky selfie room, arts & crafts and more! (954) 797-2180.

NOVEMBER PREVIEW

FRIIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2021

ROCK THE PARK IN PLANTATION

6:00 PM Rock the Park Plantation Concerts are free, outdoor live musical events held on the first Friday of the month, November through April. Each event features live music and food trucks. Central Park, 600 Central Park Drive. FREE. (954) 452-2510.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7

ANNUAL VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER’S BBQ

12 Noon - 5:00 pm Location TBD Enjoy chicken & ribs covered in the famous Veltri Secret Sauce! There will also be fun activities including a bounce house, slides, children activities and special exhibits and demonstrations. Attendees will be able to view Fire/Rescue and Police vehicles on display as well as meet Plantation’s SWAT and K-9 Officers.