Plenty of activities, many by nonprofits

So I started mapping out my calendar for the fall, fueled by an excellent buffet of events provided to me by our Parks and Recreation Department. Then I added events that I’d like to attend to support our volunteer groups in this city. (One thing that has floored me is the abundance of volunteerism we have here; we are blessed.)

Then I realized there are probably a lot of people out there like me, who are cobbling together flyers, email notices, etc., and figuring out the next few months’ activities. (Hint: The Dolphins won’t be in the playoffs, so that clears up your January weekends some.)

So I want to share my list with you. If I missed your nonprofit activity, email me at NickSortal@BellSouth.net with the details and I will consider adding it.

Get your planners:

Firefighters Chamber breakfast: October is fire prevention month, and our firefighters are honored at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Jacaranda Lakes Country Club. It’s $17 for members, $20 for those who have yet to join. Go to PlantationChamber.org.

Free Flu Shots (OK, technically this isn’t “fun”): 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 at Central Park Gym, 9151 NW 2nd St. The flu shots are for those 55 and older and those chronically ill. Proof of residency and age required. Call 954-452-2510.

Family Halloween & Safety Festival: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 19 at Volunteer Park,  12050 W. Sunrise Blvd. Admission is  $5 per person (2 years and older)  and includes a Children’s carnival,  Petting Zoo,  Games and activities. There also will be food, costume contests, police and fire exhibits and free candy and Halloween bags for children. Also featured: the Plantation Puppeteers of the Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library. Call 954-452-2510.

High tea: The Plantation Garden Club Is hosting its seventh annual High Tea from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20 at the Renaissance Hotel. Proceeds go for scholarships to Plantation students and garden/environmental projects in our local schools. It’s $45. Email PlantationGardenClubFL@Gmail.com.

The 52nd Annual Art in the Park: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26-27 at Rae Carole Armstrong Liberty Tree Park, 7421 NW Fifth St. Admission is free and includes artwork, musicians, special events and hands-on projects for children.  Call 954-797-9762 or 954-452-2510. Sponsored by the Plantation Junior Woman’s Club.

Broward County Plant Affair: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 26 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 27 at Heritage Park, 1100 S. Fig Tree Lane. Garden art, local plants, orchids and children’s activities. Presented by the Plantation Historical Society. Go to BrowardCountyPlantAffair.com.

Concerts: The successful “Rock the Park Plantation” concert series returns on the first Friday of the month, starting in November. Food trucks start serving at 6 p.m. and the music begins at 7. Bring your lawn chair or blanket to the main field at Central Park, 9151 NW 2nd Street. The schedule: The Wolfepak Band, Nov. 1; The Long Run, Dec. 6; Chain Reaction, Jan. 3; Classic Rock Therapy, Feb. 7; Valerie Tyson Band, March 6 and Across the Universe, April 3.

Barbecue: The annual Volunteer Firefighters BBQ is from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at Pine Island Park, 320 S. Pine Island Road. Fire/rescue exhibits, police SWAT and K-9 units and other offerings.

Lauderdale West Casino night: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Lauderdale West Clubhouse. Cost is $25 to benefit Kids in Distress and includes casino chips, food and entertainment. Call  954-472-1652.

“Not Your Mama’s Craft Fair” from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 10 at Volunteer Park. The GFWC Plantation Woman’s Club event promises “unique handmade and seasonal treasures.” Call 954-321-6987.

Veterans Day Service: 9:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 11 at Plantation Veterans Park, 1776 Lauderdale West Drive. Elected state, local officials and local veteran organizations join together to honor our American veterans.

Winter Wonderland runs from Nov 16 through Jan. 4 at the Plantation Historical Museum, with 50 trees, holiday displays and a miniature train village. Go to Plantation.org/Museum or call 954-797-2722.

Winter camp: If you’ve read this far and you’re thinking of winter camp, start the process now.  Activities will include field trips, special guests and various games and activities. It runs 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for children ages 5-11 Week 1: December 23-27 (No camp Dec. 25). Week 2: December 30-Jan. 3 (No camp Jan. 1). Both Weeks: $185.00/Res or  $235/Non resident. Each Week: $110/Res or  $160/Non resident

Holiday parade: “It’s a Wonderful Life in Plantation!” returns at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. The parade begins westbound at the intersection of Broward Boulevard and 441/State Road 7. It turns north on NW 69th Avenue, then west on Fourth Street to City Hall. The Holiday Parade is sponsored by the Plantation Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please contact the City of Plantation, Parks & Recreation Department at 954-452-2506.

Table tennis: The 19th Annual Forrest Gump Table Tennis Tournament starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7  at the Plantation Central Park gym, 9151 N.W. 2nd Street Entry fee: $20 per person This is a double elimination format.  All participants are eligible for door prizes. Registration begins Friday, November 15.  Deadline to register is Friday, December 6. For more information, call 954-452-2510 or 954-585-2344.

Light Up City Hall: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7  at City Hall, 400 NW 73rd Ave. Selfies with Santa, a holiday movie, music by local schools, games, food trucks and vendors. New event.

Santa’s Visit:  Christmas Eve, 5-10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24.Santa and his elves will be coming down Plantation’s streets, with sirens blaring announcing their arrival. Santa will be giving out candy canes to all the boys and girls waiting for his arrival. Children should listen for the sirens and be outside waiting curbside with parents.  Call 954-452-2510 for more information.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration:  New event. The city will offer a day honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., featuring inspirational speeches, musical performances, family activities, delicious food and more.  Free with the exclusion of food and beverages. The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jim Ward Community Center,  301 NW 46 Ave.

Doggie Palooza: A Dog Expo runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at Happy Tails Dog Park, 6600 SW 16th St. $2 entry fee to benefit a local animal rescue group. Best dressed dog contest, rescue and adoptions , Pet friendly vendors, K-9 Demonstrations. This event provides dog owners with information on products and services local companies have to offer. Dogs must be leashed in the vendor area.  For more information call 954-452-2510

Personal note: I try to get out in the community as much as I can, and post on my Instagram, which I try to make “all-Plantation.” Follow me @NickSortal. Also note that I know almost every religious institution has some kind of notable fall activity that is worth a visit. I hope to get a list from our clergy organization and share it separately.

This newsletter originates on NickSortal.com and is shared via various platforms. The best way to get it is to subscribe to my Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/NickSortalPlantationCityCouncil. Sharing is encouraged. My city email is NSortal@Plantation.org and my phone is 954-498-5337.