Friends for Life: The Secrets to Living Longer
Has anyone found the “Fountain of Youth”? A study reported in National Geographic (November, 2005) suggests that some centenarians may have the answer. Japan, Italy and California were found to have some of the largest populations of healthy people living to 100. While good genes play a role, there are some habits that these individuals have in common. They are nonsmokers, have strong family bonds, are physically active and are socially engaged.

Research has shown that there is a strong link between social interaction and physical health. People who are physically active and who also have rich personal networks such as marriage, close family and friends, and those active in social and religious groups, may have at least found the “Fountain of Longevity.”

We are living in an age where isolation is on the rise due to the convenience of the Internet and the fact that more Americans than ever are separated from at least some family members by 50 miles or more. While we are well aware of the importance of diet and exercise in living a healthier life, we may want to take some advice from the centenarians and make sure we incorporate social time into our busy lives.

The keys to living longer are eating right, exercising and connecting with others. Set a goal to connect with at least three people this month, or say “Hi” to at least two neighbors this week. Do it as if your life depends on it!

The Employee Assistance Program provides employees assistance in resolving problems in areas such as depression/stress/anxiety, work-related problems, food disorders, marriage and family issues, parenting issues, bereavement and loss, alcohol and substance abuse, coping with illness and anger management To schedule a confidential appointment, call 754-322-9900.

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Palm Cove Elementary
Celebrates Opening of Classroom Building

Palm Cove Elementary’s chorus sings during the school’s dedication ceremony.

Palm Cove Elementary School in Pembroke Pines recently celebrated the completion of a new, 12-classroom building project. Hosted by Principal Dorothy A. Cain, participants at the dedication and ribbon-cutting included School Board Chair Beverly A. Gallagher, Deputy Superintendent, Chief of Staff Samuel Gregg (task assigned), South Area Superintendent Steve Friedman (task assigned) and numerous other District and city of Pembroke Pines officials. The ceremony included a tour of the new facility and a reception at which the student chorus and the Palm Cove Steel Drum Band provided entertainment. The school’s new, state-of-the-art technology classroom building houses 318 student stations and accommodates second and third grade classes.

Bit Of History
In 1949, South Broward High School opened at its present location and in the fall of 1952, both Colbert Elementary School in Hollywood and Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach opened.

Letters written by parents, teachers and students resulted in Hollywood naming its new school for Paul F. Colbert. Mr. Colbert served Broward County Public Schools as a Principal, Supervising Principal, Assistant and Associate Superintendent. Pompano Beach named its new school for Principal Blanche G. Ely, who had so positively impacted students in the community.

Learn more about the history of Broward County Public Schools at
(www.browardschools.com/history)

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School Board In Action
Negotiations Could Bring Dunkin’ Donuts With Healthy Menu To K. C. Wright Administration Center
The Board gave its approval for the District to begin negotiations with Keith Sims of Dania Donuts, Inc., who operates 12 Dunkin’ Donuts locations in South Florida. If an agreement can be reached, a Dunkin’ Donuts with an expanded menu that includes healthy breakfast and lunch items will open at the K.C. Wright Administration Center. The KCW location would employ students with disabilities, as well as disabled students transitioning from high school to the workforce.

Board Approves Negotiations For Administration Buildings
Board members approved the authorization for staff to pursue negotiations with N/S Sawgrass Office Associates, LLC, for the purchase of two administrative office buildings at the Sawgrass Technology Park in Sunrise. The office complex would provide approximately 135,000 square feet of office space at a proposed cost of $26 million to the District. After extensive review and discussion, it was determined that two buildings would be best to meet current needs instead of three buildings that had previously been considered. The new plan will save the District approximately $18 million. The two-building complex would house about 400 employees, including those working in the South Central Area Office, which is currently located on the Fort Lauderdale High School campus. The office relocation will make way for the completion of an expansion project at the school.

Board Approves Renaming Of Nova Training Center
The School Board approved renaming the Nova Middle School Training Center the Edward F. Lisowski Training Room. Lisowski, an administrator at Nova Middle School who always put the interest of his teachers and students before his own, dreamed of providing teachers, staff and the community with a dedicated room that would serve as a technologically advanced learning area. In honor and memory of his dedication, compassion and vision, the School Advisory Council at Nova Middle approved and requested the name change.