Business, Organizations and Cities Hold Events Commemorating Stoneman Shooting Victims

Photo by Sharon Aron Baron

By: Sharon Aron Baron

Thursday, February 14 marks one year since the community was devastated by the unthinkable: the horrific school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School which took the lives of 17 students and faculty members. The City of Parkland is observing it as a “Day of Service and Love.”

Many events are being held being held in memory of those who were lost including those by various Broward County cities, and Broward County Public Schools, and even as far as Orlando and Santa Fe, Texas.

Broward County Public Schools
Pine Trails Park Location:
10559 Trails End, Parkland, FL 33076
12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas will have a non-academic school day ending at 11:40 a.m. All other Broward County Public Schools will run on a normal school day schedule. Contact your child’s school for more information regarding activities.

Broward County School Board will be sponsoring a Day of Service and Love at Pine Trails Park. The day will include a service project partnering with Feed My Starving Children. To sign up to volunteer, visit fmsc.org.

City of Parkland
Pine Trails Park 10559 Trails End
Parkland, FL 33076
12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

At 2:21 p.m. on February 14, the City of Parkland will honor a moment of silence at all city facilities and throughout Parkland. The city will also host a brief Interfaith ceremony for the community at 5:45 p.m. This ceremony is intended to last approximately 30 minutes. The park will be open both before and after the ceremony. Therapy dogs and counselors will be onsite throughout the day.

In lieu of mementos (cards, flowers, pictures, etc.) or other such expressions of condolences they ask that you bring a canned food item to support our efforts in this day of service.

To volunteer as part of the Feed My Starving Children project sign up at fmsc.org.

City of Coral Springs

Temple of Time- By Artist David Best
9551 West Sample Road, Coral Springs
7 a.m. – Dusk
Admission: Free

The artist worked with victims, grieving families, community members and first responders to create a 35-foot-tall Temple, with no religious affiliation. The Temple is meant to serve as an object of great beauty built out of tremendous loss. The Temple is not meant to be a memorial or permanent structure, but rather a place for the community to leave their pain. In past work with grieving parents, students and first-responders, the artist has found that the process and resulting Temple helps people rebuild hope and release grief.

The Temple will be open to the public beginning February 14, 2019 from 7 a.m. to dusk every day until mid-May, when it will be burned in a ceremonial fire. The burning will be a closing ritual, a cathartic experience that allows people to let go of difficult emotions and make room for remaining positive emotions and loving memories to be made stronger.

The art installation is part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies: “Inspiring Community Healing After Gun Violence: The “Power of Art” which is a curated series of five large-scale temporary public art installations, designed to be created with community members.

Coral Springs Museum of Art
Location: 2855A Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: Free

Last February, the Coral Springs Museum of Art (CSMoA) began the Healing with Art program, which has proven to be a source of respite and relaxation for those who have been so deeply affected.

The CSMoA will be open on February 14, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide a cool, safe space for students to hang out. Activities planned include:

Relaxing Art Making Projects
Massage Chairs
Food
Mini Petting Zoo
K-9 Love and Hugs
Wishing Tree
Current Vibe Music
Coral Springs Rocks – mementos to take
Community Canvas – painting project
Cozy Lounges with Chill Décor – bean bags, pillows, etc.

Coral Springs Open Play
Coral Springs Gymnasium
2501 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs
12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: Free ($2 per person for students who do not attend MSD)

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students interested in using the Coral Springs Gymnasium for Open Play may do so from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. with student identification. All other participants may participate in Open Play for a fee of $2 per person.

Sawgrass Nature Center “Green Team”
Sawgrass Nature Center
Sportsplex, 3000 Sportsplex Dr., Coral Springs
Must register in advance

Spend time helping the animals at Sawgrass Nature Center. The SNC has 15 spots available to work in the afternoon with their “Green Team” – which will involve gardening, pulling weeds, raking leaves, and other tasks to help keep the outdoor landscapes and animal areas looking their best. You must register in advance, dress in appropriate clothing with closed-toed shoes/sneakers, sunscreen and a hat. Contact Heather Nelson, Volunteer Coordinator, 954-752-9453 volunteers@sawgrassnaturecenter.org.

Beach Clean Up for Alyssa Alhadeff

Alyssa Alhadeff Beach Clean Up at Deerfield Beach Pier at 2:00 p.m. Meet under the main pier.

Congregation Kol Tikvah

Congregation Kol Tikvah will open their doors for visitors from 12 – 5 p.m. located at 6750 N. University Drive, For information contact (954) 346-7878.

Mary Help of Christians

Holy Hour for Peace and Healing from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at 5980 N University Drive Parkland FL.

Evolution Yoga

Evolution yoga is opening its doors for MSD students, faculty and staff. Join them for a day of healing through yoga and fitness. For more information contact (954) 421-0589.

Jacob’s Shoes

For volunteer opportunities at Jacob’s Shoes, please contact info@jacobsshoes.org or contact (954) 905-2505.

The Salt Box

The Salt Box invites all MSD faculty, students and their families to enjoy a complimentary salt therapy session. To schedule your appointment contact (954) 906-5985.

Wattland II

Wattland II is opening their doors for MSD students. Spend a day, an hour, or five minutes with one of their horses who will offer their love and acceptance. The barn, located at 8000 NW 84 Avenue, will be open all day for those who would like to visit. There is no cost to cuddle with mini donkeys or the foal. For more information contact Dawn Watt at (954) 520-5561.

Yoga4Life

Yoga4Life is hosting a Yin Yoga class for MSD faculty and students from 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. Proof of employment and/or student ID is required. For more information contact (754) 307-9489.

Cook & The Cork

“Open Kitchen Open Hearts” from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Free comfort food buffet. Donations accepted for Parkland cares and Safe Schools for Alex. Located at 9890 W. Sample Road Coral Springs FL.

Broward County Cities

City of Coconut Creek

The City of Coconut Creek will plant a Tree of Life on with a short ceremony beginning at 10:00 a.m on the grounds of the Government Center at 4800 West Copans Road. A moment of silence will take place at 10:17 a.m. followed with the planting of an 11 foot Lignum Vitae tree (Tree of Life) in memory of the 17 lives lost. They are also working with Hands on Broward to create a mural in memory of Jaime Guttenberg at our North Recreation Complex.

Cooper City

The City of Cooper City will observe a moment of silence at 10:17 a.m. Additionally, a short commemoration event will be held at Memorial Park. The City Commission will place a wreath at the MSD Memorial Brick Walk and observe a period of silence from 2:21 – 2:27 p..m.

Dania Beach

On February 14th, The City of Dania Beach will be observing a moment of silence at noon and lowering our city government flags to half-staff to commemorate the one-year mark of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. To further show our support and share their solidarity with Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School as well as their entire community, they have invited city staff and residents to wear white and share selfies on social media with hashtags #daniabeach #parkland #solidarity. Please also email your photos to kbordy@daniabreachfl.gov.

Davie

The Town of Davie will host a brief ceremony in front of Town Hall and observe a district-wide moment of silence at 10:17 a.m.

Deerfield Beach

The City of Deerfield Beach will be co-sponsoring a Day of Service Beach Clean-Up from 10:00 a.m to noon with beach yoga at 9:00 a.m. Meet by the pier.

The Deerfield Beach Center for Active Aging will be opening the center to MSD students who wish to volunteer. Students can assist with the annual Valentine’s Dance from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.; help build a float for the Pioneer Days parade which takes place on February 16; or volunteer with both the pre-school students and seniors at the Center with their daily activities. The Center will also be observing a moment of silence before the dance.

Fort Lauderdale

The City of Fort Lauderdale plans to join with Broward County Public Schools to observe the district-wide moment of silence at 10:17 a.m. on Thursday, February 14.

Hillsboro Beach

Hillsboro Beach will fly flags at half-mast and observe a moment of silence with residents.

Hollywood

The City of Hollywood will observe a moment of silence and they will lower City government flag to half-staff. Also, an Inaugural Chris Hixon Memorial 5K run will take place at the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk on Saturday, February 16, by the Chris Hixon Athletic Scholarship Fund.

Lighthouse Point

The City of Lighthouse Point will lower flags to half-mast from noon until sundown. They will also observe a moment of silence at 10:17 a.m.

Margate

Margate will honor the 17 beautiful lives that were taken, their families and everyone whose lives forever changed on that day by ringing the City’s Clock Tower bells in Downtown Margate. The bells will sound 17 times beginning at 2:21 p.m., the time the gunman entered the school building, followed by a moment of silence by all city staff. After the moment of silence, the bells will sound again 17 times at 2:28 p.m., the time the gunman ran from the school building.

Miramar

The City of Miramar will host a candle light vigil at City Hall at 2:00 p.m. During the ceremony, the flags will be at half-staff and the fire bell will be tolled 17 times.

North Lauderdale

The City of North Lauderdale will follow the request of the Broward County School Board and the City of Parkland by holding a low-key Wreath Laying Ceremony at the North Lauderdale Memorial Garden, 6101 Kimberly Blvd – this garden was dedicated to the 17 Douglas Eagles in August of 2018. They will be closing city hall so all employees can attend the event. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and feature the laying of a Red Rose Wreath with 17 White Roses around the display. They will be giving members of the public that come to the event a carnation to leave at the memorial should they choose to do so. The only other part of the ceremony will be a benediction by our Fire/Rescue Chaplin – as the chaplin concludes, we will honor the victims with a moment of silence at 10:17 a.m.

Oakland Park

In remembrance of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas tragedy last year, on February 14, 2019, at 10:17 a.m., the employees of the City of Oakland Park will be invited to observe a moment of silence to honor the lives of the students and staff who were lost or injured and the families who were impacted.

Pembroke Pines

The City of Pembroke Pines will host a Prayer Vigil to commemorate the one-year mark of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy at 6:30 p.m. at the Charles F. Dodge City Center 601 City Center Way. For more information, contact (954) 392-2116.

Pompano Beach

The City of Pompano Beach will observe a moment of silence at 10:17 a.m.

Tamarac

Tamarac will be observing a moment of silence at the beginning of Wednesday night’s commission meeting in honor of those lost in the MSD tragedy. According to City Spokesperson Elise Boston, “As many in our Tamarac family were impacted in some way, we are offering staff the opportunity to observe a moment of silence for reflection and respect on the afternoon of Feb. 14 between 2:21 and 2:28 to honor the victims, the families and all of those affected.”

Boston said that Nicholas Dworet was a beloved member of the Tamarac Swim Team and they’ll be dedicating a starting block in his honor when the pool at the Caporella Aquatics Complex reopens.

West Park

They planning the following activities as part of the City of West Park’s support to the victims’ families and communities:

Moment of Silence at 10:17 a.m.: they plan to observe a moment of silence at 10:17 a.m. on the city hall front lawn. Following the moment of silence, they will release doves in memory of the 17 victims of last year’s tragedy.

Living Mural Activity: they also plan to create a living mural on the lawn, with the participation of all attendees, along with banners and artwork, to illustrate the MSD Strong@2getherInServiceandLove symbol, along with the city flag and logo. They have also arranged for a drone to capture the image of the living mural on the lawn.

Weston

The City of Weston observed a Moment of Silence at the beginning of their commission meeting this past Monday – they will also observe a moment of silence this Saturday night at the beginning of their WestonNights Concert in the Park which is a free community concert being held in Weston Regional Park.

Elsewhere

Orlando

The onePULSE Foundation will be honoring the lives of the Parkland victims and survivors with a ceremony at the interim memorial at 1912 S. Orange Ave. on Thursday at 2:15 p.m. According to Orlando Weekly, the vigil will include a reading of the 17 victims’ names as well as a moment of silence at 2:21 p.m., which is the time the Parkland shooting began. The organization also plans to tie 17 ribbons – one for each Parkland victim – on trees at the Pulse memorial. The ribbons will each bear the name of one of the victims, and will be colored silver and burgundy in honor of Stoneman Douglas’ school colors.

The First United Methodist Church of Orlando will toll the bells 17 times during the ceremony to honor the 17 lives taken. Local officials, including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and onePULSE executive director Barbara Poma, will also be present.

Santa Fe, Texas

A gathering will be held at the Santa Fe Resiliency Center to honor those who were lost in Parkland on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Author Profile

Sharon Aron Baron

Editor of Talk Media and writer for Coral Springs Talk. CST was created in 2012 to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Coral Springs and the rest of South Florida.