Parkland Marjory Stoneman Douglas Parkland

Photo by Sharon Aron Baron

By Jill Fox

On February 14, the lives of the 17 students and faculty members who lost their lives in the horrific school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School will be remembered.

On the two-year commemoration of this devastating tragedy, multiple local events have been scheduled for the community to attend.

Community Installation of ‘PEACE & LOVE’

Unveiled on Valentine’s Day, the public art installation created by Behar, Marquardt, and members of the Coral Springs and Parkland communities was commissioned by a $1 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies and is the last in the Power of Art: Inspiring Community Healing After Gun Violence. Details here.

City of Parkland

On Friday, February 14, the City of Parkland is having a Marjory Stoneman Douglas community commemoration. Food For The Poor will hold a special food packing event, which will provide an opportunity for residents to put together meals for starving families in Latin American and Caribbean countries.

There will be two sessions to choose from: Session 1, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Session 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Parkland Recreational and Enrichment Center at Pine Trails Park, 10559 Trails End. If you are unable to attend but would like to support the event, please donate here.

Coral Springs Museum of Art

The Big Picture: Resilience will be on display as well. This public art installation is a multi-faceted photo-documentary project developed by artist Carl Juste and collaborators for the Power of Art as part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Public Art Challenge. Details here.

Art Paper Scissors

A special rock painting event will honor the victims. This free session will take place on February 8, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and all decorated rocks will be placed inside of the community garden.

Art Paper Scissors is located at 6600 Parkside Drive #6654. Visit www.myartpaperscissors.com for more information.

The Coach Feis Foundation

The Coach Aaron Feis Foundation is having its Second Annual Mid-Year School Supply Drive and bookbag packing event at Eagles Haven on February 8 at 11 a.m. The foundation honors Coach Feis by helping the youth get to a better place in life through education, including school supplies, food, and clothing.

Donations will be accepted before the event, as well as the day of. Volunteers will help pack bookbags with school supplies for Title 1 schools in Broward County. Service hours will be provided.

For more information, email CoachAaronFeisFoundation@gmail.com.

Eagles Haven

On February 14, Eagles Haven will feature extended hours and licensed clinicians from JAFCO, in addition to regular staff for extra support during their Day of Service and Love.

“The park can be overwhelming for some, and this way, there’s a place for each person’s needs,” said Assistant Director Halle Solomon.

Each hour will begin with different meditations, from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. In the afternoon, they will have various outside activities, including art projects and essential oil making.

Solomon said they wanted to offer something very low key, and everyone is welcome to attend. Participants can sign up online, but if not, Eagles Haven will not turn anyone away; everyone is welcome.

“If a child didn’t sign up for anything, but they wake up in the morning, and that’s what they need, then we’ll support them,” said Solomon.

Eagles Haven, located at 5655 Coral Ridge Drive, will also be open on Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 17, so students can have a place to go when school is closed.

Author Profile

Jill Fox

Jill Fox is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer. She has worked in public relations and television for over 20 years. Fox lives in Parkland with her husband and their two children.