Posts filed under 'Local Info'
In recognition of September as Library Cards Sign Up Month, the Read SmART program will reward students who have a Broward County Library card with:
- FREE admission to the Museum of Art, Fort Lauderdale, from September 8-30 and at special storytelling events on December 8, 2007 and February 9, 2008.
- Also, pick up a Borders’ Read SmART coupon at a Broward County Library or the Museum of Art in September, and redeem it during Library Benefit Days, October 18 & 19, 2007, for a 10% discount at participating Borders stores. (Borders will donate a matching sum to the Broward Public Library Foundation.)
Florida State Parks are also joining in to celebrate literacy in September by offering:
- Free admission to state parks in September
- with library card
- with library book
- with donation of new or gently used family appropriate book
- Educator/Learner Benefits
- Free educational programs
- Free admission for school groups
- Free admission for reading groups and book clubs
- Access to natural, cultural, and historical resources in state parks
Your library card is your ticket to a world of FREE information and entertainment.
September 16th, 2007
At Miller’s Ale House, kids eat free (with the purchase of an adult entree). Here are the locations and nights that kids eat free.
- Hollywood
3215 Oakwood Blvd.
954-925-7275
Every Wednesday night
- Pembroke Pines
11795 Pines Blvd.
954-438-0111
Every Tuesday from 5:00 p.m.
- Davie
2080 S. University Drive
954-236-0062
Every Monday night
- Coral Springs
1915 N. University Drive
954-825-0574
Every Tuesday night
Kids also receive a FREE raffle ticket with each visit to WIN an iPod or XBOX360!
To find out more about their locations and menu, please visit the Miller’s Ale House website.
April 22nd, 2007
For Christmas, we went skiing in Vermont. It was a lot of fun and having the right clothing made a big difference. In order to get the right stuff, I went all over Broward County, Florida.
Here’s a list of the stores I found with ski apparel:
- Burlington Coat Factory (in Sawgrass Mills) – This place was great. The selection and pricing was amazing. I was able to get my daughter’s ski outfit (ski bibs, jacket, and hat) for $49 and my son’s ski outfit (ski pants and jacket) for $35. I also got a great deal on the kids waterproof boots. In general, Burlington Coat Factory is a good place to find ski jackets, ski pants, adult ski gloves/mittens, and snow boots. I suggest going here first.
- Sports Authority (check yours, but definitely in Pembroke Pines and Sawgrass Mills) – The selection was okay and the pricing was full retail. I was able to get good winter socks (not ski socks), Columbia ski jackets (for my husband and myself), ski pants, ski hats, and waterproof Timberland boots. You pay full price, but you get a little bit different selection. Sports Authority carries ski jackets, ski pants, waterproof boots, winter socks, ski gloves, ski hats, and base layers. Availability for these items is seasonal. Sports Authority is a good place to go after you’ve been to Burlington Coat Factory.
- Target (check yours, but definitely at Miramar and Sawgrass) – I was rather surprised, but I was able to pick up a few things and the pricing was very reasonable. I bought kids’ neck gaiters, boy’s ski gloves, a boy’s ski hat, kids’ thermals, and men’s base layers. Target turned out to be a good place for children’s ski accessories and for men’s thermals and base layers. Availability for these items is seasonal.
- Peter Glenn Ski & Sports ( 2 locations in Ft. Lauderdale and many other locations) – This store has it all. The staff is very knowledgable and friendly. The selection is overwhelming. The prices can get high, depending on how fancy you want to get. I purchased goggles, ski socks, kid’s ski mittens, adult neck gaiters, and adult headbands. Peter Glenn is where you go to get the hard to find items, i.e. goggles and ski socks, especially for kids. Of course, if your budget allows, Peter Glenn can be your one stop shop for all your ski apparel.
- Consignment Shops – I tried one kids’ consignment shop and they had a small section of ski apparel, just ski pants and jackets. Availability for these items is seasonal. I found their prices similar to Burlington Coat Factory’s. I didn’t end up buying anything. However, consignment shops can be hit or miss, you may have better luck.
Some other options are shopping online, borrowing from friends & family, or renting your ski apparel.
I hope you find everything you need and have a wonderful time on your ski trip.
February 4th, 2007
Private and public shelters are filled with lost or abandoned pets. They are all hoping for a new, loving home. 
Unfortunately, most of these pets will not get a new home. This year eight million unwanted dogs will be euthanized/gassed in the USA. Save a life by adopting a pet from your local animal shelter.
Here are some excellent places to start looking for local pets.
- Petfinder.com allows you to search based on ZIP code, breed, age, size, and gender.
- The Broward County Humane Society generally cares for dogs and cats. Check out their website or give them a call at 954-989-3977.
- Abandoned Pet Rescue (APR) is one of the largest non-profit, no-kill animal shelters in Ft. Lauderdale. They house over 300 pets including dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, and iguanas.
- Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, in Palm Beach county, generally cares for dogs and cats. You can visit their website or call them at 561-686-3663.
- Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary & Hospital, in Jupiter, is a no-kill shelter open to the public. They generally care for dogs and cats. To contact them, please visit their website or call 561-747-1598
- Elite Greyhound Adoptions, in Loxahatchee, finds caring homes for retired racers and other greyhounds in need. Please visit their website or call them at 561-795-7072.
If you are thinking about adopting a dog, the American Kennel Club is an excellent resource. It has several sections you may want to read (before getting a dog), including; Are you ready for a dog?, The right dog for you, Finding your dog, and Being a responsible dog owner.
October is adopt-a-pet month, but there are many ways to help a pet in need. Shelters always appreciate donations and volunteers.
I hope you have a happy October and maybe a happy new pet.
October 27th, 2006
There are some great halloween/fall festival events going on in South Florida this year. I’ve pulled together a list of events for Saturday, October 28th and Tuesday, October 31st.
Halloween Fun Fair
presented by Muggsy’s Meadow
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 28th from Noon – 3:00 p.m.
- Location: Broward Mall (in the Center Court)
8000 W. Broward Blvd., Plantation, 954-473-8100
- Ages: 1 to 12
- Admission: Free
- A fun-filled afternoon including pumpkin painting & decorating, a costume contest, face-painting, and trick-or-treating throughout the mall. Enjoy music, entertainment, giveaways, and more!
Fall Harvest Festival & Halloween Safety Expo
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 28th from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Tequesta Trace Park
600 Indian Trace, Weston, 954-389-4321 or 954-276-5985
- Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun and learning including: live entertainment, rock climbing, bounce house, inflatable slide, arts & crafts, food, DJ music, pumpkin patch, teddy bear clinic, bloodmobile, and free health screenings. There will also be the following:
- Children’s Halloween Costume Parade – 2:15 p.m.
- Pet Costume Contest – 4:00 p.m.
- Kids’ Ice Cream-Eating Contest – 4:30 p.m.
- Free cotton candy and snow cones!
Spooktacular
Presented by Math Monkey and BB&T Bank
- Date & Time: Tuesday, October 31st, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Weston Town Center
At the corner of Royal Palm Blvd., (old Arvida Pkwy.) & Bonaventure Blvd., 954-349-5900
- Annual children’s Halloween Festival featuring live music, a costume contest with prizes, Halloween characters, and many more surprises.
Halloween Celebration
- Date & Time: Tuesday, October 31st, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Aventura Mall in the Macy’s Court, JCPenney Court, & the Fountain Court
19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 305-933-1110
- Ages: All
- Admission: Free
- An evening of face painters, balloon artists, haunting music while you take a photo of your little goblin (fees for photos), or view the bubbling cauldron. Charlie Brown will read The Great Pumpkin and other stories. There will be candy stations manned by costumed characters.
Spooktacular Halloween
- Date & Time: Tuesday, October 31st, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Location: Town Center
2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar, 954-704-1631
- Admission: Free
- South Florida Parenting Magazine will entertain the children with a spooktacular magic show, music, crafts, Halloween themed games & prizes, and a balloon artist. Also enjoy the costume parade (begins at 7:30 p.m.) and the trick or treat stations.
Boo-Ville
- Date & Time: Tuesday, October 31st, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Location: Pines Recreation Center
7400 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, 954-435-6525
- Admission: Free
- An evening of Halloween activities, costume contests, pumpkin patch, halloween shows, and spooky strolling characters. Also, enjoy rides, trick or treat stations, and many more surprises.
Halloween at Sawgrass Mills
Date: Tuesday, October 31st
Three events:
- Rainforest Cafe
- Times: from 4:00 p.m. to close
Ages: 12 and under
Kids in costume eat free on Halloween, with the purchase of an adult entree.
- Wannado City Court
- Times: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The first 200 Muggsy members get their photo taken and a scrapbook page.
- Trick-or-Treat
- Times: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Put on your spookiest costume for a fun, safe evening of trick-or-treating at participating stores, while supplies last.
Whether you decide to go out or stay home, I hope you have a safe, enjoyable evening.
October 25th, 2006
If you’re over the whole halloween thing and want something different to do, you’re in luck. The Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show and Art in the Park will be going on. Here are the details.
Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show
It’s the world’s largest boat show featuring more than a billion dollars worth of boats, yachts, superyachts, electronics, engines and thousands of accessories. The show encompasses over 3 million square feet of space, both on land and in water, at six sites (all connected by the Show Transportation Network).
- The six locations are:
- Dates & Hours:
- Thursday, October 26th (Preview) – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 27th – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, October 28th – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, October 29th – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Monday, October 30th – 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Admission:
Art in the Park
A juried art show featuring appoximately 130 artists, specialty foods, snacks and beverages for purchase, live entertainment, and a separate KIDS KORNER with entertainment by & for kids, activities, and crafts. (For a schedule of kid’s entertainment, please click here.)
- Location: Liberty Tree Park
Corner of NW 5th St. & NW 74th Ave., Plantation
954-797-9762
- Dates & Hours:
- Saturday, October 28th 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, October 29th 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Admission: Free
Personally, I think boats and art are always fun to look at. If you think along these lines, then one or both of these events might be for you.
October 24th, 2006
Every Friday, I start thinking about what to do over the weekend, besides all the obvious chores and kids’ birthday parties. Here’s what I found for this weekend in South Florida.
Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) – This world-renowned festival attracts thousands of movie lovers annually, from the U.S. and around the globe. And you might even see or meet a celebrity. The festival runs from October 16th – November 14th, 2006. Here are the event details for this weekend:
- Venue: Cinema Paradiso
503 SE 6 Street, Fort Lauderdale
954-525-FILM (3456)
- Date: October 21st
- Date: October 22nd
- Other Dates: Please refer to FLIFF’s site.
- Ticket prices per film:
General Admission: $8.00
Seniors and Students: $7.00
FLIFF Members: $5.00
West Palm Beach Home & Garden Show – Over 450 exhibits featuring the latest trends in home improvement, decorating, and gardening. Here are the event details:
- Venue: South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center
9067 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach
561-793-0333
- Show Dates & Hours
Friday,October 20th 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday,October 21st 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday,October 22nd 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Pet Adoption Zone
- Admission
Adults: $8.00
Children 6-12 years:$3.50
Children 5 years and under:FREE
Buy tickets online.
No matter what you decide to do this weekend, I hope you have fun.
October 20th, 2006
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