Libraries Goes to the Dogs…and Cats!

The Libraries Division played a key role in the success of the Pet "Snack Shack" Drive in August. The donation drive encouraged employees as well as members of the public to donate dog and cat food, treats and cat litter to help Animal Care feed and shelter homeless pets at the Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach animal adoption centers. Two van loads of food totaling 1,681 pounds were delivered. All branch libraries participated in the drive, and their contributions accounted for a significant portion of the total donation.

Loading up donated dog and cat food for delivery to the Animal Care adoption center in Fort Lauderdale are library staffers (l-r) Catherine McElrath, Christopher Francois (summer intern) and Pamela Smith.

Cheryl Cayer

Cheryl Cayer, Parks and Recreation, is the new business operations manager for the Administrative and Financial Services Section of the division’s Administrative Offices. Cayer has a bachelor of science degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Florida International University and a master’s of business administration from Nova Southeastern University. She began her Park’s career in 1990. Through the years, she has been promoted and held several management positions, including Parks Manager I and II, assistant superintendent and also served as interim director of Animal Care and Regulation.

Celina Saucedo

Celina Saucedo, formerly of Public Works, has joined the staff at the Aviation Department. She will be working with Angela Newland on Airport capital improvement projects.

Michael Mills with his winning photo from the Starving Artist Competition and Exhibit, which was inspired by chain-link fencing.

Parks & Recreation Division’s marketing development associate, Michael Mills, recently took eighth place in the 10th Annual Starving Artist Competition and Exhibit, and he also took third place in the Broward Art Guild’s “Summer Exhibit.” His winning photographs were both taken in the Central Maintenance area at the division’s 38th Street facility. Mills finds inspiration in this location and often scouts for photo opportunities during breaks. His third place photo, Marquee Moon, was part of an old scoreboard from an athletic field.

Southwest Regional Library Turns 10

On August 24, the Southwest Regional Library celebrated its 10th year of serving residents in Pembroke Pines and the surrounding areas. Just like any 10-year-old, the library celebrated with pizza, birthday cake, balloons and plenty of friends. Of the original staff on opening day, eight are still with the Southwest Regional Library assisting residents.

Southwest Regional Library staff takes time out of their celebration to pose for a group photo.

Jerome Davis

It is with deepest sympathy that Libraries Division announces the passing of Jerome Davis, on August 15. Davis was a key staff member at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center. He was a member of the programs and exhibits staff.

Davis had recently celebrated his 30th anniversary with Broward County. Over those many years, he worked at several library branches, including Tyrone Bryant, Collier City, and Roy Mizell (now the site of African-American Research Library and Cultural Center).

A multi-talented artist, Davis was a painter, illustrator and graphic designer, raised in Fort Lauderdale and was a graduate of Dillard High School. He worked as a digital artist combining his skills as a photographer with his training as a painter and illustrator. His work has been exhibited throughout the Fort Lauderdale community at festivals, libraries and private homes. He became a member of African World Artist Collective of South Florida (AWAC) in 2001.

He will be deeply missed by co-workers, friends and family.

Sam Sohal

Sam Sohal, Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division, has retired after more than 23 years of service to Broward County. Sohal began his career at the Engineering Division in 1987 and came to Highway and Bridge Maintenance in 1990. His engineering knowledge has been an asset to the division for many years. He was responsible for the maintenance of 90 Broward County bridges. Sohal was blessed with the arrival of his first grandson in April, and his retirement plans include spending time with family and exploring new ventures. His Highway and Bridge Maintenance family wishes him the best of luck.

Molly Taylor, Parks Naturalist II at Secret Woods, and husband, Chris Leeman, celebrated the birth of their son, Coreopsis (Corey) Ross Leeman, on July 12. Corey was born 7 pounds 4 ounces and 18 inches long.

Molly Taylor and husband Chris Leeman with baby Corey.