When we ask Amber what she and husband Scott enjoy about Parkland living, she doesn’t hesitate to reply, “We love the feeling of living back-in-time. Our children both ride their bikes to school, play out in the neighborhood for hours; and we happily house tons of neighborhood children any time or day.” The energetic mom of Amarah, 12, and Evan, 10, is clearly thrilled to have settled here almost 7 years ago. “Everyone’s doors are always open – whether it’s a playdate for the kids, to borrow a few eggs, or to have a group therapy session,” Amber tells us with seemingly boundless energy. “Our friends all truly feel and believe that we are ‘in this together!’ IT TAKES A VILLAGE and we couldn’t pick a better village if we tried!”
When he’s not busy with 5th grade at Park Trails Elementary, Evan plays Parkland Rec Baseball, Parkland Rec Basketball, and Parkland Flag Football. He says, “When I make the NFL Hall of Fame, most of my money will be going back to Parkland to help make it a better place.” Amarah, in the 6th grade at Westglades Middle School, has loved dancing for 4 years and playing at the Parkland Tennis Center for even longer. She is an active member of the Best Buddies Club, and is a vital part of the fundraising committee. Both siblings attend Hebrew School classes twice weekly.
Scott is Vice President of a large beverage company, and is integral in their community outreach. He is highly involved in the Miami Dolphins Cancer Challenge, Junior Achievement, The American Lung Association, and Wings For Life World Run.
Amber identifies as a stay at home mom, but her track record shows that she’s out volunteering more than the average homemaker. “Community outreach and volunteering are what feeds my heart and soul,” she tells us. In addition to being room mom for both children, she helps organize annual collections that benefit local charities such as Kids in Distress, HOPE South Florida, The SOS Children’s Village, and the Gina Rose Montalto Memorial Foundation, to name a few. Amber feels that the greatest community work she has ever done is near and dear to her heart, and a result of the Hersh family friendship with the Montalto family. “Gina Rose Montalto will forever be missed,” Amber says thoughtfully. She most recently helped organize and run The Hands on Broward – Parkland Hearts Project in honor of Gina. Gina’s artwork was displayed at the Parkland Library as their Artist of the Month for January. The project continues with a total transformation of the Kids in Distress Library. Over 3,000 books were collected at Gina’s art reception and are being donated to KIDS. Scott tells us where he stands regarding Amber’s involvement. “Parkland is a community of individuals that have come together to take care of each other during these incredibly difficult times of need. I’m so proud of my wife to be a leader in that arena.”
Cancer Research is another cause that the Hersh Family focuses on. Amber says, “Our family has also participated in the Miami Dolphin Cancer Challenge for the past several years. We fundraise to help find a cure.” They run a 5K in honor of Amber’s dad, “Papa” David Coyne, and her grandmother, “Nanny” Evelyn Pazienza, who both passed away recently after terminal cancer diagnoses.
Despite their busyness, the Hersh family loves attending concerts and south Florida professional sports games, rooting for the Miami Dolphins and Miami Marlins. Amber says, “For a more relaxed outing, we like bringing our dog Jersey to Barkland. What a clever name!”
Clearly enamored with the town they call home, the Hershes are thrilled with their choice to settle here. Amber and Scott agree when she tells us, “Parkland is a small town – but close enough to bigger cities. We love being able to jump in the car and get to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Delray Beach pretty easily.”
The Hersh family attends services at Kol Tikvah Synagogue.