9.10.2012 Pinecrest Tribune

Pinecrest www.pinecresttribune.com Phone: 305-669-7355

TR R II B BU UN NE E T

ONE OF MIAMI’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

SEPTEMBER 10 - 23, 2012

Readers have questions about the Beacon Council

BY GRANT MILLER

Publisher The final hearing on the Miami-Dade County budget is Sept. 20.

We all know that the Miami-Dade County Police budget is getting cut.

The Parks Department budget is being trimmed, and so is pay for longtime county employees. Miami-Dade County must be transparent, efficient, and fiscally responsible to all the people of our community.

We have received hundreds of calls, emails and texts in response to my first column about the Beacon Council. Only one supported the Beacon Council — Merrett Stierheim, whom we all know and respect as a veteran of county government.

While we all are in favor of sustaining a strong business development effort on a countywide level, it’s time for us to become more familiar with how our tax dollars are being invested in this effort.

Here are some of the questions Community Newspapers received from readers, the people of Miami-Dade County, asking us about the relationship between the county and the Beacon Council. We publicly ask our county commissioners to help

–––––––––––––––––– See BEACON, page page 97

This Dog’s for You! This is Bailey. He’s an American Bulldog puppy and just a terrific guy, very playful and friendly with people. Bailey came from a house where there were about 30 other dogs, so he has a lot of energy and loves to find things to keep him entertained; he’s a great candidate for learning tricks. Bailey would love to find a home with a nice yard where he can run and explore things.

Bailey strives to please and would make someone a very loyal companion. If you would like to give Bailey a good home, call the Born Free Pet Shelter at 305-361-5507 or go to <www.bornfree.petfinder.com>.

Vice Mayor Harter reflects on her time in office

BY RAQUEL GARCIA

Because she is term limited, Village Council Vice Mayor Nancy Harter will step down in November after eight years in office. Harter reflected on her years of service and discussed the issues that lie ahead for Pinecrest’s next elected leadership.

VICE MAYOR NANCY HARTER

Pinecrest Tribune: How did you get involved in local politics and what is your relevant background?

Nancy Harter: I was encouraged by ––––––––––––––––––––– See See –––––––––––––––––––––

Positive PEOPLE

HARTER,page page97 HARTER,

in Pinecrest

These Positive People help add to the quality of life in Pinecrest. Look inside for their stories.

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September 10 - 23, 2012

September 11 - 23, 2012

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September 10 - 23, 2012

Positive PEOPLE in Pinecrest

EMILIO LAMAR During the summer, Ransom Everglades School senior Emilio Lamar passed the Series 7 Examination and broke the Guinness World Record to become the world’s youngest licensed stockbroker.

The previous world record was set in 1993 by a slightly older 17-year-old from New Jersey.

The Series 7 Exam, administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), is the most comprehensive financial securities exam. Lamar prepared for the six-hour, 260-question test by studying the 700-page FINRA manual on his own for almost three hours each day for seven weeks and taking several practice tests prior to the exam date.

“When I started studying, I quickly realized that it was not going to be easy,” said Lamar, who was introduced to economics during a Ransom Everglades course.

“However, I know how to pace myself, and I enjoy the material. I’m fascinated by the world’s financial markets.”

Lamar also gained insight into the financial world during his summer internship at Sutter Securities in San Francisco. Lamar’s uncle serves as vice president of the firm, which sponsored Lamar’s efforts to take the rigorous exam. He also received plenty of inspiration from his father, Emilio Lamar, Sr., a former managing director at Merrill Lynch, New York, who is now semi-retired.

“I developed a new found admiration for

my father,” said Lamar. “I discovered he was a walking encyclopedia on all financial topics. When I was studying and questions arose, I would pick his brain.”

Lamar not only passed the exam; he scored 90 percent. He has since sent the required notification to Guinness World Records.

“I see this as a stepping stone to hopefully making a future impact and contribution in the financial world,” he said.

The accomplishment, along with his high academic grades and scores, will surely look impressive on his college applications. Not surprising, Lamar plans to study economics in college. His top three schools of choice are Harvard, Columbia and Stanford. His career goal is to work in the Federal Reserve.

Whatever college Lamar attends, he hopes to walk-on the school’s rowing team. He took to the sport instantly after joining the newly-formed Coconut Grove rowing club during his junior year. He’s spent the past two summers rowing with the Miami Rowing Club and is a varsity member of his crew team.

“I’m tall, and it’s a sport that suits me well,” said Lamar. “I only wish I had found it earlier!”

Whatever Lamar’s future has in store, he will take his music with him. He is an accomplished trumpet player who has been chosen to play first-chair trumpet for three years in the District Honor Band and University of Miami Honor Band.

He released his first album with the All Star Jazz B entitled “With A Swing,” which was produced and recorded by Gloria Estefan’s producer and is available on iTunes and Amazon. He also played during a live jazz series broadcast on WDNA 88.9 FM. Through his community service efforts, Lamar shares his musical talent with local jazz lovers. He plays lead trumpet in the Greater Miami Youth Symphony and Jazz Band, earning 120 community service hours each year, and with the Coral Gables Congregational Church All-Star Jazz Band.

“Over the years, I’ve played Taps to honor our military on Veterans’ Day at events sponsored by the Chamber South Military Affairs Committee,” said Lamar. “These have been memorable performances.”

By Nancy Eagleton

LINDSAY KERDYK Palmer Trinity graduate Lindsay Kerdyk is enjoying her college classes at Auburn University where she is majoring in interior design.

“Auburn has the best interior design program,” Kerdyk says. “That’s why I chose it. It’s a lot different than being at Palmer, but I like it.”

This first semester, Kerdyk is taking general education courses and one interior design class. She didn’t have room for an art course, although art is one of the passions in her life.

While in high school, Kerdyk was a board member and vice president of the Symphonettes, an organization that raises money for music organizations and provides volunteers to usher at concerts. Her position as vice president included overseeing the members’ community service.

“I set up the community service events and made sure that they took part,” Kerdyk says.

She organized events at Fairchild Tropical garden, turned in necessary paperwork and then had the girls sign up. When an event occurred, she made sure they all showed up and that all the girls met their service-hour requirements.

“I actually ran the fashion show in the ninth grade,” she says. “It was when we had the huge recession and everything was crashing. I think we made $20,000.”

Kerdyk says being in Symphonettes

taught her responsibility. She also realized there was a domino effect.

“I have to do what I have to do so everyone else can do their part,” Kerdyk says.

Being a student at Palmer, Kerdyk had the opportunity to go on the mission trip to Nicaragua each year. She says she went twice, in 10th and 11th grade.

“It was such a great experience. I’m so glad that Palmer has that. If not, I don’t think I would have ever gone; it was such a great experience,” she says. “I have been to bad places, impoverished places in the world. Being there for so long and meeting people and hearing the stories affected me.

You make connections with people who live such different lives than you.”

Kerdyk says she doesn’t have the words to describe the visits to the Managua Dump.

“It was so hard, having what all of us have here, then seeing the dump; but they were so happy,” she says.

At Palmer, Kerdyk was involved in Operation Smile. She was in charge of making posters for the fundraisers – the bake sales and garage sales.

When the Japanese earthquake happened, she and a friend started Junior Golfers for Japan. They used their connections in the golf world to raise $20,000. They had connections because their fathers have the Toyota World Junior Golf Team Championships, a junior golf tournament in Japan.

She says her dad was involved the Junior Orange Bowl and then he and his friend came up with the idea of having countries compete against each other.

“A lot of really good golfers have played there. There are around 15 countries that participate. Through those connections we sent letters and called them and those organizations donated money,” she says.

The money was sent to the Toyota Relief Fund.

Golf is important to Kerdyk. She played golf for Palmer, both on the men’s and women’s teams. Originally she was playing with the guys because there was no girl’s team, but this past school year a girl’s team was added.

Kerdyk decided against playing in college because she would rather concentrate on her studies. Playing golf is not unusual in her family; she has an aunt that played professionally.

By Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

September 10 - 23, 2012

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

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Positive PEOPLE in Pinecrest

MATTHEW ELGART Gulliver Prep senior Matthew Elgart paid close attention to the American men competing in the Olympics gymnastics earlier this summer. Elgart is a Level 10 gymnast who

trains at South Miami Gymnastics. He not only works out there, but also helps coach some of the younger kids as well.

“It’s kind of fun,” he says. “When you look at something, rather than doing it, it helps. Having the experience makes it easier to teach.”

Elgart has been participating in gymnastics since he was in kindergarten. His elementary school offered gymnastics in physical education and he loved it so much he continued even when he moved on to middle school and high school. He enters six or seven gymnastics events each year.

Most of the competitions are in state, but he did participate in two outside of Florida during the last school year – one in Las Vegas and another in the Bahamas.

“In the Bahamas, it was a small meet and I finished second overall,” he says. “The best event I have been in was Tampa’s Gasparilla Classic. I got second all around in my age group.”

Elgart won third place in his age group in the event in Las Vegas. That event was open to any gymnast in the nation and is a place where people outside the state can take notice of gymnasts that are not on the

Olympics track.

Elgart says he participates in gymnastics for fun – that fun includes two-and-a-halfhour practices five days a week – and although he loves the sport, he doubts that he will compete when he goes off to college.

As a high school student, Elgart is committed to completing his community service. He volunteers helping kids at summer camp and he collects uniforms from the kids in the middle school and lower school.

“We know a priest in Haiti and we send the uniforms there,” he says. “We send them through St. Augustine Catholic Church once a year, at the end of school year.”

The volunteers put up flyers around the campus in advance and they alert the administrations so they can send out announcements.

“They have collections and they put them in the front office,” Elgart says. “On the last day of school, we picked up the bags and held them a while, then we sent them to Haiti.”

Elgart is involved in Health Interested Students of America (HISA). The group hosts fundraisers, including two walks, one for breast cancer and one for diabetes.

They also organize blood drives during the school year. Elgart joined HISA on the recommendation of his biology teacher. He is also on the chess team. That club meets every Monday after school hours.

“The club members go to a couple of tournaments every year,” Elgart says. “You play from five to seven games at a tournament and they’ve done pretty well. There was one tournament I didn’t go to where they were very close to winning the whole thing.”

Chess is another sport that Elgart says does just for fun. He took a chess class in middle school and that hooked him on the game.

Elgart is also in the National Honor Society and the Cum Laude Society, a club for the top academic students.

Now that he’s a high school senior, Elgart will begin developing his list of colleges that he would like to attend. He is interested in science as a major and in Duke University.

“My bother goes to Duke, so I’ve been there a couple of times; I checked it out and it’s cool,” he says. “I already know that I’m going to apply to Duke.”

By Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

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Ransom Everglades School Middle School Admission Open House Wednesday, October 17th at 3:30pm Ransom Everglades School Upper School Campus 3575 Main Highway in Coconut Grove RSVP Required by Monday, October 15th to 305.250.6875

Our Open House is for those candidates interested in grades 6, 7 and 8.

September 10 - 23, 2012

September 10 - 23, 2012

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September 10 - 23, 2012

September 10 - 23, 2012

BEACON,

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

from page 1 ––––––

us get answers to these questions, and we will publish them in a future issue 1. Is the Beacon Council, which receives revenue from the county (public funds), required to adhere to the policies and regulations that all community-based organizations must abide by in order to compete for and receive county funds for rendering services to our local communities and businesses?

2. Should the Beacon Council, which has received approximately $20 million from the county in just the past five years, be able to spend it without having its expenditures preapproved and reviewed by county commissioners? What input does the county commission have in setting yearly goals or performance benchmarks for the Beacon Council?

3. Does the Beacon Council co-mingle public funds with private funds? Should its accounting principles be transparent? Should it be held to the same reporting and monitoring requirements to which local communitybased organizations are held?

4. Is it fair that in a county in which more than 80 percent of small business owners (minorities, mom and pops, etc.) are required to pay the economic development surcharge on the Local Business Tax (of which a high percentage goes directly to the organization), yet are told they do not qualify for services from the organization and instead should contact another county department or other economic development groups directly?

5. Should such an organization of just 28 staff members who reportedly work 37.5 hours per week on average have a budget of approximately $6 million and have more than 20 percent of its staff making six-figure salaries with some apparently receiving “other compensation,” including incentives and bonuses every year? How many county employees are receiving bonuses? Should the county seek to trim the Beacon Council, its employees and expenditures, to the same level that county departments and its employees have recently undergone?

6. Should the CEO’s compensation (including a wide range of benefits) far exceed that of our own county mayor who is charged with overseeing more than 25,000 employees and a budget of $6 billion? What is the salary for the mayor versus the salary for the CEO of the Beacon Council? Is there a “golden parachute” put aside for the CEO? 7. When the county leadership decided to freeze hiring, administer 5 to 20 percent salary cuts and eliminate positions resulting in some layoffs, should the organization have kept giving many of its staff raises and “other compensation?”

8. Should the Beacon Council be able to use membership’s in-kind contributions for its benefit? For example, golf membership to Doral Golf Resort, Miami Heat tickets,

Marlins tickets, etc. What do county commissioners do with their in-kinds?

9. Who pays for spouses and prolonged stays when the organization travels (for years) to the Paris Air Show in France and on missions to Italy (every other year)?

10. Should the process of becoming a member of the board of directors of this organization be transparent?

11. Do county commissioners have the authority to appoint board members who could best represent the interests of their communities and oversee the organization’s expenditures? Do the board members represent all businesses, areas of the county and all commission districts fairly?

12. Did the Beacon Council spend approximately $1 million to remodel its one story office in a building it doesn’t own? Who paid for this? Was it tax money? Or was it private money? Was there a public bidding process for all the work? Did local companies benefit from this project?

13. Who is the Beacon Council hosting in its newly renovated million-dollar offices?

Does the office help mitigate travel expenses?

14. Who pays for the legal services provided to the Beacon Council? Was the firm selected through a competitive bidding process? Are the legal bills available for public viewing?

15. How are the services provided by the Beacon Council evaluated each year? If so, is this a public process? Are goals set and, if so, who sets the goals? Are there competing groups who are available to provide the same services? Who performs the evaluations and are the evaluations available for the public to view?

16. How do county commissioners ensure that all businesses and areas throughout Miami-Dade County receive a fair share from the Beacon Council rather than just Downtown as well as in Doral and Coral Gables? All businesses pay in regardless of where they are located; what input does the average business have in determining where the focus of the Beacon Council is placed?

Times have changed and everyone, every organization that receives tax dollars should step up and demonstrate that it provides the best return on the public dollar, rather than receiving funding merely because it has in years past.

Isn’t it time that county leadership changes or updates its own mandated Resolution R-106688 and allow for other organizations or agencies in Miami-Dade County to receive or compete for some of the funds to oversee economic development strategies that will best serve their local communities.

Times have changed drastically since 1986, but for an organization that seems to have been enjoying the fruits of another’s labor, that may not be so apparent.

Commissioners, thank you for serving our community. You may contact me any time by emailing me at <grant@communitynewspapers.com>. We look forward to your addressing our readers’ concerns this budget year.

HARTER, from page 17 ––– outgoing members of the council in 2004 to step up and get involved as a continuation of my community service.

Politicians tend to be heavy in the legal profession, but you also need individuals with a business or financial background, so I was encouraged to get involved. I have a bachelor’s from Wellesley College and an MBA from The Citadel.

I’ve worked in fidelity research mutual fund management and banking for many years and I am vice president of my husband’s business (Kerry’s Bromeliad Nursery).

PT: How did you make your way to Pinecrest?

NH: I moved to Miami in 1980 and lived in an apartment complex in Pinecrest on Southwest 67th Avenue and Kendall. It has since been replaced with nice townhouses. I also lived in Miami Beach and Kendall; then we moved to the Keys after Hurricane Andrew. When it was time for the kids to go back to school, I would only live in the Pinecrest area, as they have the best schools.

PT: What are some highlights that stand out for you from the past eight years?

NH: The Village of Pinecrest operations is complex business. There are many services and operational elements that go into a city running smoothly. I think my business background was very helpful in getting the master plan going, fixing up the abandoned Parrot Jungle. I am conservative financially and when budget and finance issues would come up (I believe) the village benefitted from my experience. I usually like to go off in a different direction to get consensus from the council on whatever is in front of us. I am a problem solver.

Through the years I tried to approach (issues) differently; to not just give staff direction, but to have them pursue other possible avenues for solutions as well.

PT: What are some of the biggest chal-

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lenges ahead?

NH: Water issues. With the old council we tried to do it differently and get it done quickly, but we were not successful. In 2004, it became a big campaign issue for the mayor. We got down the road with it but it stalled because of a lack of outside funding. I was very disappointed by that, but understand all sides. I feel the water problems are a bit bigger than Pinecrest. If water problems of South Florida end at the coast, and we are very close to the coast, anything that goes down to the aquifer that is not perfect goes into our wells. There are a lot of people in Pinecrest who probably don’t drink well water. The Culligan guy does well around here. We have very hard water and high calcium levels. It’s tough on the pipes and tough on human pipes as well.

We need some creative ideas (to get all residents online with water). Maybe we can do some sort of franchise fee agreement, at least for a period of time, until we recover our costs; some kind of off the wall solution might work. I would push for it if I had more time on the council.

PT: What about the FPL undergrounding of lines issue?

NH: One thing that bothers me about politics in general is that many institutions try to ignore us and do an end-run around us. FPL can be a bit heavy handed. They want to do what they want to do and they want to do it their way. They will pay lobbyists to make sure it happens and we cannot afford to pay lobbyists as much as they do. I think (the lines) should be undergrounded at their expense. The problem is the US1 corridor is very unique and they don’t look at it as unique; they look at it as the straightest distance between two points. The meetings are still going on and the vision committee process has been very useful there.

PT: What is ahead for you after November?

NH: I will be working full time and I will continue to be engaged. I’m not leaving town.

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September 10 - 23, 2012

Kmart scheduled to close 104th St. store Sept. 23

BY RICHARD YAGER

A Kmart store open for 25 years in Kendall is scheduled to close its doors on Sept. 23. The Kmart on S. Dixie Highway, at 7900 SW 104 St., is holding final sales before shutting down as the major tenant of three buildings in the 18-plus-acre property.

Before becoming a Kmart in 1986, the store space was occupied by Builders Square. The store adjoins a Winn-Dixie outlet and a third free-standing restaurant building at the corner of S. Dixie Highway and SW 104th Street.

“Our option to renew our lease was denied,” said Kim Freely, spokesperson for the giant retail corporation in Hoffman Estates, IL, adding she could not provide any additional details. “The Sept. 23 date is the closing listed, but it could vary by a day or two.”

The store has about 40 employees, all of whom will be given the opportunity for transfer to other Kmart locations, depend-

ing upon existing vacancies, she said.

Meanwhile, one store manager said a “Super Target” store (along with a new Office Depot) is scheduled to replace Kmart. A Target corporate spokesman would not confirm that information.

Ownership of the property is listed as Suebert Corporation, headed by Bertram J. Goldsmith/CEO, who could not be reached for comment before publication.

In 2012, the property carried a total market value of $24.7 million, a $5 million assessment increase over its $19.5 million value in 2011. Building market values also increased from $3.6 to $8.5 million in the same 12-month period. The shopping area originally was built in 1963.

The third building, once occupied by Fuddrucker’s, was reopened as “Betty’s Best Burgers” which closed its doors leaving the current building unoccupied. A new Fuddrucker’s outlet subsequently was opened at 14875 S. Dixie Hwy. in Palmetto Bay, some 40 blocks south of its former location in Kendall.

September 10 - 23, 2012

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• • • Village Council Candidates • • • SEAT 1 – CANDIDATE JENNIFER WOLLMANN Motivation to run for office: I would like to see a distinctive look for Pinecrest, a branding, to give the community a sense of identity.

MiamiDade County is one big connecting line of communities, you cannot tell one from the next. We can promote our boundaries with coral rock walls and trees as there are on Southwest 57th Avenue. Change happens whether you want it or not. If you get involved beforehand you get to shape it, if you don’t get involved, it may not be what you wanted for your community.

Pressing issues and strategies for resolution: There is lots of stuff going on with our borders, like what the council is working on with the FPL lines. I agree with what the council is doing to underground the lines or find a route that is not disruptive to so many communities. I prefer underground lines. The other thing has to do with the possibility of the Florida Department of Transportation putting in express lanes. I think the preliminary study is horrible for Pinecrest and all the communities around us.

Personal/professional: I have been involved with the community since I moved here. I am a Realtor and do lots of real estate in Pinecrest and Miami-Dade County. It helps to know the community you live and work in. I have three kids and all of them graduated from the Pinecrest public schools. I love how involved the community is in the schools; I have volunteered with all of the schools since my first son became enrolled. I am currently on the US1 steering committee and building and zoning. I sit on the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Parent Advisory Budget Committee and I am going into my fourth year (of service).

Future vision: There are so many great amenities in Pinecrest, such as the community center, and not every resident may be aware. We need public relations for Pinecrest within the limits for the residents. Being involved with the workshops and the various entities and making your opinion known is important. Informing and communicating with people in charge of

changes and lobbying for the interests of the Village is also important and the council is good at that.

Accessibility to constituents: I am super technologically connected with Twitter and Facebook, and I also have a blog, which is mostly on Pinecrest. As a Realtor, I am used to being available 24/7. I can be reached at 305-776-2792 or by email at <Jennifer.wollmann@gmail.com>.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

SEAT 1 – INCUMBENT BOB ROSS Motivation to run for office: I’m interested in back-to-basics values for our community and reconciling the new with the old. I want to make progressive changes, but at the same time make certain residents are comfortable and we can accommodate them. What does a council do when you have such a high approval rating? It is a delicate balancing act we deal with every day, where and how we draw the line.

Pressing issues and strategies for resolution: To continue to improve the quality of life while preserving the values that led us to incorporate and too maintain the essential character of the community by providing efficient and cost effective services and supporting our policies.

We have a long history of fighting for the maintenance of residential zoning, not up zoning or multi-zoning like when we fought to stop the 39story tower in Dadeland and it held up in court. We got them to agree to a settlement and reduce the height to protect the zoning.

I continue to oppose the red light cameras. I think I have a reputation for working hard on the council. My objective is to study the issues and make really good decisions.

Personal/professional: I have lived in the area since 1987 with my wife Karen and two (now grown) sons, Chris and Mark. I have a home-based public relations and marketing business. As a council, we work pretty well together.

When we do something, I think it is a group accomplishment. I am proud to say we have kept things relatively drama free compared to other communities. One thing we did with the strategic plan is that

we made sure to do an opinion survey to guide our decisions in the future. The results showed that 91.5 percent of residents are satisfied or very satisfied with the value of services received for the tax dollars. We place great emphasis on the continuity of good management and we have had very little staff turnover.

Future Vision: Maintain the strategic plan, especially organizational excellence and financial stability, security and pedestrian safety. As revenue declined, we were able to maintain a full complement of 51 sworn police officers. We need to evaluate the need for new sidewalks and other safety enhancements.

We approved the transportation study and hope to add more bike lanes on streets.

Maintain our highly respected Wall Street status with Standard and Poor’s upgraded credit ranking. We are in one of the top percentages of ranking for municipalities, which is critical for future bonds.

Accessibility to constituents: I get more personal calls than anyone except the mayor. I spend a lot of time on constituent service. In the last campaign I walked to 2,800 homes. If there is a problem I will go out and take a look. I spend a lot of time talking to residents and trying to work things out (to contact Councilmember Ross, call 305666-0012 or email bobrosspr@bellsouth.net).

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

SEAT 1 – CANDIDATE GERMAINE BUTLER Motivation to run for office: To bring awareness to the residents and the rest of the community about what is going on in the village. Taxation, impact fees and future projects coming down the pike concern me, along with highway, sidewalk and potable water fees.

Pressing issues and strategies for resolution: Rather than lowering fees, they are creating more fees. We need more relief and reform rather than higher water fees, new water fees, new impact, sidewalk and potable water fees. I find it disturbing that the economic downturn has affected everybody and yet, instead of giving us relief, they are giving us more hardship. I

would like to see senior relief, to allow those of us who want to build small in-law or granny quarters or a boomer bungalow some tax relief; property tax credits for home additions, to put it simply. I would also like to see some of the permitting eliminated.

Personal/professional: I have been a Pinecrest resident for 30 years. I raised four kids on 96th Street.

Seven years ago I was appointed as one of the original members on the Pinecrest Foundation. I served as secretary for several years and was an original appointee of the Pinecrest Gardens advisory committee.

I have been a social, civic and soil activist for 20 years. I have been involved in the Pioneer Luncheon for 18 years, serving and protecting our seniors.

Future vision: As a very familiar face at city hall, I hope to encourage civic involvement so people know what is going on. It is vital to the health of any community and municipality for the community to be informed.

Pinecrest needs more people to throw their hat in the ring and get involved. We have enough attorneys sitting up on the dais.

We need more common folk, humble folk who also need to be heard. I am hoping and praying there will be some kind of debate before the election. I have been walking the neighborhood with my cart and sign. I have my mom’s manifesto and scroll letter “lettuce grow better” where I encourage more time spent on our soil and less on our buildings.

Accessibility to voters: Anyone is welcome to phone me, email, or stop by my front door any time to sit on my front porch and talk. I welcome the opportunity to talk anytime.

To contact Germaine Butler, email <germroses@aol.com> or call 305-6138282.

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!

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PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

• Village Council Candidates • SEAT 3 – BOB HINGSTON

SEAT 3 – JAMES McDONALD

Motivation to run for office: I was a councilmember in the past and want to go back to continue the tradition of making government responsible to the community. I have institutional knowledge since 1996 of the Village Council (1996-2006) and have been monitoring (city business) throughout the years. There are a lot of issues that are still being talked about. One of the things we tried to do as a council before was set up real departments to respond to the community. We’ve put together real good infrastructure for Village government and it needs some fine tuning. So far we’ve been pretty successful and the residents are happy with it.

Pressing issues and strategies for resolution: One of the things we dealt with early on was Parrot Jungle, now Pinecrest Gardens. I want to work on the progress there, longterm redevelopment to make it a very usable part of the community. The water distribution system is a problem. Many of the homes in the north do not have county water and operate on wells. I want to try to get county water for all. We got it started, but there are still a number of homes that need it. I find that financial problems are getting very expensive, wherever we can get money seems dried up now. It is not so easy to obtain funding as it used to be; this is a long term goal I would like to continue to address.

Personal/professional: I have been in the Village for 30 years, since 1982. I’m active — and have been for many years — with the Howard Palmetto Khoury League and Optimists Club in Suniland.

Baseball and basketball take up a lot of my time.

I like to go to Dolphin games, and to see the Marlins and the Heat play. I am an attorney and my primary area is construction matters. I have been with the law firm Welbaum Guernsey since 1974 and our office is in Coral Gables.

Future vision: I would like to continue to do what we started with, (efforts that) have been very successful and positive. One of the things we attempted to do is help community residents solve problems without a lot of red tape. I don’t want us to become a city with a lot of restrictions and rules that prevent people from living a comfortable life.

Accessibility to constituents: Because I have been a part of this community for over 30 years and also served as a former councilman, as well as being involved in the Howard Palmetto Khoury League, many residents know me. For those who want to reach me they can contact me at my work phone number, 305-441-8900 or <votehingston@yahoo.com>.

Motivation to run for office: To be perfectly honest, Cindy Lerner asked me to do it. She came up to me at a Transportation Advisory Committee meeting (which I chair). I thought it out and said “okay let’s do it.” I have been very active since moving to the community 36 years ago, 31 in the same house. I view serving on the council as a way to give back.

Pressing issues and strategies for resolution: I have no specific goals and no agenda. As I work my way through the Village, there is no one thing; I have learned people are pleased with Pinecrest government and think this is a good place to live. Since April, I have been going out (into the community) every day and have covered almost half the Village so far. One thing I say is “keeping Pinecrest a good place to raise kids.” I have raised four kids here. One objective is to keep government responsive to the people, to keep honest and efficient government working with the mayor and others.

Personal/professional: I am a former FBI agent, a former prosecutor, I was a staff attorney for the U.S. House of Representatives; I was a member of the Citizen’s Crime Commission board early on.

My wife Susan is a dietician for the UM Medical School; we have been married for 44 years and raised four children here; Jennifer is 41, Kristin is 40, Jamie is 31 and James is 25.

I have enjoyed being around government as a lawyer and worked for government select committees. I worked for Claude Pepper and have represented clients in front of government agencies. I like to bike, sail, read.

Future Vision: I would want to make a positive contribution to the community. I don’t know the issues and I don’t make promises. I want a dog park for example. I will objectively look at the facts presented and do the best job I can for what is in the best interests of the people.

There are two sides to everything and I will be objective and fair and honest as best I can.

Accessibility to voters: I am always available through my work phone office and email. This is why I am walking the neighborhood now, to meet people. (So constituents can say) “I know that guy, let me give him a call and try to get advice.” Walking the Village is keeping me in shape in these hot days. I head out at 5:45 p.m. for two hours. It is a draining process, but I have enjoyed it. It is very interesting to knock on doors and meet people.

To contact McDonald, go to <www.mcdonaldforpinecrest.com>.

September 10 - 23, 2012

• Village Mayor • MAYOR – INCUMBENT CINDY LERNER Mayor Cindy Lerner went unopposed before the deadline to submit candidates for the Village Council November election.

As a result, she is considered automatically re-elected. Mayor Lerner spoke to the Pinecrest Tribune regarding accomplishments achieved while in office and challenges ahead for her administration.

Pinecrest Tribune: What are some of your successes while in office?

Mayor Cindy Lerner: The feedback I have gotten from residents is that they are really happy with the progress we have made, how well a lot of the initiatives such as Pinecrest Gardens and the Community Center are doing, and the operating responsiveness of the council and staff to the concerns of the community. We have several advisory groups, so we want to engage the community more and people seem happy with all of these initiatives. We are also getting good feedback on the people mover and some other new programs like Earth Day, Bike Day and more family friendly events.

The whole tone of the council has become much more collegial and hopefully participatory for the residents. So they feel more comfortable about being involved. Although I have to say very few people come to the council meetings anymore, compared to what I see in other municipalities, there is a level of comfort and trust. One of the first things I did was start a newsletter that I write myself, we do not have a Public Information Officer.

Everywhere I go and speak, I try to encourage readership. It is important to be able to communicate to the Village what is coming up on the agenda here and get their involvement. So they feel very much up to date, the newsletter comes out every month, the first of the month (via pinecrest-fl.gov).

PT: What pressing issues will be coming up this fall?

MCL: There is a big project coming up to finally bring a new restaurant food service to Pinecrest Gardens. We engaged a consultant to help with the

process and we are about to go out for an RFP. Hopefully by next year we will have restaurant and food service at Pinecrest Gardens.

Another big project is the US1 visioning steering committee. We began the work a few months ago and it is a continuing process. Some buildings are approaching the end of their useful life.

If a property owner is looking to sell or redevelop, we want to make sure the vision which will come next is a community vision and not an outside owner of a shopping center that is not responsive to local needs.

Since incorporation we have not taken a comprehensive look at the commercial corridor or made changes to what had been given to us by the county zoning and land use plan. I want to be more responsive to the community vision and beautify some run down and shoddy areas. I’m excited about attracting new businesses and hopefully more mixeduse office space so more people can work closer to home.

I am also crossing my fingers and hoping we can bring a dog park to Pinecrest. It is still a priority for me and for many residents who ask “where is the dog park?”

PT: What about upcoming water issues?

MCL: It is an ongoing effort to bring people up to water. In the good old days of federal earmarks we could bring infrastructure into the local community when the funds were there. We have looked under every rock and not a penny, no federal or state dollars. We are trying to work with the county. In the meantime my recommendation to council in this new budget is to start putting away some money each year for water-allocation funding. This year will be $75,000. We need $12 million to complete the water project for 500 homes. We also just created a water line impact fee for new development, so that will go into the water fund also. So between attempts to access county money and impact fees and allocation, we are doing what we can to be able to do capital improvements going forward.

PT: Congratulations on your unopposed re-election; that must make you feel good?

MCL: It is amazing, I don’t have to campaign. I never imagined I would be so lucky. Now I can roll up my sleeves and keep working without being distracted by a campaign.

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‘Exceptionalism’ made America the greatest nation

BY DAN GELBER

I listened to the speakers at the recent Republican National Convention in Tampa who seek to reclaim our nation and protect “American Exceptionalism.”

I am not sure whom they are reclaiming or protecting America from, but I think they want to reclaim it from me, or those like me.

I am the grandson of immigrants who came here to avoid war-torn Europe and seek the promise of freedom and better days for their children. My parents grew up in the Great Depression – bed sheets hanging throughout the apartment so that the borders in their small quarters had some semblance of privacy. My dad spent five years in WWII – his barracks taught him that no man is better or worse than another.

He became a prosecutor – defending the rule of law. My mother became a public school teacher who believed unleashing the potential of a child was the greatest gift of all.

They raised children who became prosecutors and teachers and embraced their example of public service as a calling.

But somehow we have become the enemy

to members of a loud and angry mob who hold rallies purporting to reclaim our nation and maintain that “American Exceptionalism” is imperiled. They scream from the top of their hill that we worry too much about those that have fallen behind. They disguise their smallmindedness with grandiose political theories and doctored statistics.

Theirs is a flawed political theology tragically hijacked by a powerful and elite political establishment intent on obtaining or preserving their political power and money.

They are only now worried about America’s finances, blaming and demonizing a president who inherited policies that they created, supported and embraced. So many in their great hall – including the elite of Florida’s political establishment – supported and used the stimulus dollars they now deride to balance our state budgets and keep teachers and firefighters on the job.

They don’t want people to have a free ride, but despise a health care reform that requires everyone to insure their own health so that others won’t have to pay.

They want free markets and no regulation, but seem to forget the excesses that exploited the lack of regulation to create our economic maladies.

They abhor taxes, but refuse to consider that it is tax money from everyone that funds special-inter-

OPINION est giveaways for a select few.

And worst of all, their political philosophy has become a self-serving rationalization for their own self-advancement. Give the “job-producers” more money and they will create more jobs. Like its forbearer – trickle down economics – it is a failed, tired old excuse, more a public relations gimmick than an economic theory.

It is not that American Exceptionalism is being lost, it’s that they have lost sight of what has made America exceptional. It has not been our wealth that makes us exceptional – rather it has been our charity and our commitment to raising all the boats in the harbor and building a middle-class. It has not been our intellectual capacity that elevates us among nations. Rather, it has been that so much of that innovation has ushered in improvements of the human condition. It has not been our military – the most powerful in the history of the world — that sets us apart, but that we have used that force to protect freedom and fight tyranny.

Capitalism alone isn’t what makes America special – rather it is the freedom

that is intrinsic to a capitalistic system that is exceptional. Our nation is special not because God made us special, but because we exercised the free will he gave us to become a moral beacon in the community of nations. Once we relinquish that mantle we lose our “exceptionalism.” We lose what has made us the greatest nation in the history of the world.

The truth is so much of the noise that came from the RNC is no more than the clamoring of partisans seeking to exploit true challenges for political gain. What has made America exceptional, however, is that whenever that does happen, Americans ultimately see through it and track a course consistent with the greatness and higher purpose that has defined our nation.

Here’s hoping we stay exceptional.

Dan Gelber is a former state senator and house Democrat leader from Miami. This column first appeared in Florida Voices. For more information, go to <www.floridavoices.com>.

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September 10 - 23, 2012

New dentist in Kings Creek Plaza clinic

BY CASSANDRA WILLIAMS

Determined to keep those pearly whites at their whitest, but afraid of going to the dentist?

Then make an appointment with Dr. Ravi Ramjit, who says that going to the dentist is less painful than it used to be and so is talking to your dentist.

Dr. Ramjit practices from the dental clinic of Dr. Paul Plasky, 8100 SW 81st Dr., in the Kings Creek Shopping Plaza. The clinic has been open for 35 years and has a friendly staff, a tranquil environment and a dentist’s chair that practically welcomes you into it.

Once your dental work is complete, relax just outside the office in a mini picnic area where colorful parrots fly overhead. The location offers the convenience of a spacious parking area and a wide array of choices for shopping and dining in the plaza.

Ramjit received his BS degree Dr. Ravi Ramjit examines a patient. from the University of Miami –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– with a major in chemistry and minors in math and biology. He business. He decided to make a commitwent on to pursue a career in dentistry and ment to the oral health of the public in procompleted his training at Howard viding safe and durable dental work.

University in Washington, D.C., where he “One of the most important things to graduated with awards in removable consider when you choose a dentist is prosthodontics, restorative dentistry and whether you feel comfortable with that community dentistry. person,” said Ramjit. “Are you able to Born and raised in the Miami-Dade explain symptoms and ask questions? Do County, Ramjit is no newcomer to the you feel like the dentist hears and underneighborhood. From age five, his keen stands your concerns? It is crucial that the interest in baseball led him to participate in patient feels comfortable expressing their the Howard Palmetto-Khoury League and fear or anxiety, or asking questions about a he continued to do so for 10 years. Later, at procedure.”

14, he umpired for the league until he was Most people know how important it is to 22. He has volunteered at numerous hospi- brush and floss daily, and seeing a dentist tals in Miami-Dade and over the years has periodically. However, Dr. Ramjit’s developed a personal understanding of the emphasis on modern dentistry being all needs in the community. about the long-term oral health care partRamjit grew up under the guidance of nership helps to put things into perspective his father, Ravi Ramjit Sr., an entrepreneur for his patients, while rendering it easy to and owner of a well-known body shop, make those once dreaded trips to the denEuropean Auto Collision. As a child, he tist reassuringly pleasant. was inspired by his father’s dedication, For more information or to make an hard work and success in establishing his appointment, call 305-274-3730.

September 10 - 23, 2012

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

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DREWKERN

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Lovely 3 bdrm/ 2 bath family home in Custom built 3 bdrm/ 2 bath home in the Pine Shores community. Bright and The Redland. Tucked away on half an acre surrounded by lush landscaping in- spacious kitchen with lots of storage and room for a large eat-in area or den. cluding fruit trees. Master bedroom has Formal living & dining rooms. Private wood burning fireplace & balcony. Two bdrms on the first floor. Quiet neighbor- fenced backyard with covered patio and pool. 2 car garage . hood, situated on a corner lot on a $399,000 dead-end street. $299,000

205088 SW W 1400 Ave Custom built 2008 home available in the Redland. Bank owned property, 8,704 sq ft, 5 bdrm/6 bath. 5 acre property. Needs investment and restoration, but has lots of potential. In addition there are 3, five acre adjacent lots available to purchase separately or together $750,000

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Drew’s Recently Sold Homes 20020 Cutler Ct (Seller) 15995 SW 240 St (Seller) 4218 Braganza Ave (Seller) 15305 SW 77 Ct (Buyer) 605 W Flagler St TS6 (Buyer) 1155 Brickell Bay Dr #505 (Buyer) 935 Palermo Ave #2B (Seller and Buyer) 9394 SW 77 Ave #F9 (Buyer) 2020 SW 99 Ave (Seller and Buyer) 4990 SW 64 Pl (Buyer)

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PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

September 10 - 23, 2012

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September 10 - 23, 2012

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September 10 - 23, 2012

September 10 - 23, 2012

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Nothing is impossible for Sandy Paster

BY NANCY EAGLETON

For Sandy Paster, team captain of Mission Not Impossible, raising money for the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Relay for Life of East Kendall is a yearround job. The next event, March 9, 2013, marks the Relay for Life of East Kendall’s 15th year, and Paster has been there since the beginning. In fact, she and Jill Jennings were founding members of the ACS’s signature event in Miami-Dade Central.

“The first Relay for Life was held at Tropical Park,” said Paster. “We had 11 teams participate and raised $14,000. In 2012, our Relay event had 48 teams and reached our goal of $270,000.”

Miami-Dade County now boasts 28 Relays, all raising money for the same cause.

After serving as chair for a few years of the original Relay, which has now morphed into the East Kendall Relay for Life, Paster co-founded the team Mission Not Impossible in 2002. Since then, Mission Not Impossible has raised more than $237,000 for the fight against cancer.

Paster began her volunteer relationship with the American Cancer Society in 1994 after serving as her father’s caregiver during his battle with melanoma – a battle he ultimately lost. “It had a profound impact on my life,” she said. “I knew I had to do something to help fight this disease.”

Paster has not only helped family and friends battle the disease; she is also a twotime ovarian cancer survivor. Her surgery and treatments in 2005 did not keep her away from that year’s Relay event; she was welcomed with a banner that read “Nothing is Impossible for Sandy Paster.”

Paster and Mission Not Impossible work tirelessly year round to raise money for the annual Relay. On Wednesday, Sept. 12, 510 p.m., the group will host Girls’ Night Out at The Melting Pot, located on Sunset Dr. The event is open to the public and

Sandy Paster (far right, yellow T-shirt) and team Mission Not Impossible have raised more than $237,000 for the fight against cancer.

reservations may be made by calling 305279-8816.

In addition to hosting fundraising events, team members make and sell platters of homemade baked goods “lovingly made by Mission Not Impossible,” and handmade bracelets made of Swarovski crystals and sterling silver. The team has also published a 365-page cookbook entitled Cooks With a Mission, which is full of recipes and tributes, The items are all available for sale at the team’s events and on its website, <www.TeamMNI.com>.

For the last nine East Kendall Relay events, Mission Not Impossible has ranked first in most funds raised by an individual, non-business team. The team has also consistently placed in the top three for best-

decorated tent. At events, the group raffles gift baskets, jewelry, make-up, spa packages and gift certificates generously donated by sponsors, while the local classic rock band Deck 52 entertains the crowd.

“Deck 52 has become our signature band,” Paster said. “They are Baby Boomers like me and a few are also cancer survivors. Their support has been so important to our success.”

Paster attributes Mission Not Impossible’s success to the many supporters and sponsors who have joined the team members in their fight against cancer.

“We’re like a freight train chugging along, adding cars, picking up people along the way and building up steam,” said Paster.

“It’s important to find something in life that

makes you smile every day, and this is one of those things that make me smile.”

And Paster has found yet another way to fight cancer. Through the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, she volunteers to speak with local medical school students about the signs and symptoms she experienced prior to her cancer diagnosis. She said the organization is seeking other volunteers.

“Because ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, this knowledge will help the students better diagnose and treat patients,” Paster said.

To learn more about Mission Not Impossible, make a donation or purchase the team’s items to benefit the American Cancer Society, visit <www.TeamMNI.com>.

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September 10 - 23, 2012

CHABAD CENTER KENDALL / PINECREST

Which candidate are we endorsing?

BY RABBI YOSSI HARLIG Director, Chabad ofKendall/Pinecrest

As America gears up for Election Day, another “election” is taking place.

This Rosh Hashanah, as on every other one, God will be voted in for another year-long term. The vote is cast through simple acts of devotion, goodness and kindness and belief in His ultimate rulership.

Throughout the year, our calendar is filled with holidays commemorating key historic milestones in Jewish history.

Passover recalls our flight from Egypt; Shavuot receiving the Torah on Mount Sinai, Purim the saving of the Jewish nation. One might wonder as Rosh Hashanah approaches, what happening, what key event in Jewish history do the Days of Awe celebrate?

The Talmud tells us that Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of, not the first day of creation, but rather the sixth, the day of creation that brought us Adam – mankind. It is poignant that it does not celebrate the creation of the physical world, which actually occurred five days earlier.

Mystical thought explains the focus on people, rather than the world, on these holiest of Days this way. God created the world not to have static, lifeless planetary matter, but rather a dynamic changeable world whose material crassness could be transformed into vehicles for good and meaning. This is

accomplished through the positive actions, thoughts and words of people.

Furthermore, our sages teach us that the reason Adam/man was created a single being (unlike other species which were created in large numbers) was to demonstrate how one person equals a whole world. Every individual, regardless of personal status, has the capacity to rise and attain the highest degree of fulfillment for his/her self and the rest of the world.

So when Rosh Hashanah arrives, we commit ourselves to a more meaning-oriented and spiritual lifestyle, and to a deeper relationship with God. We don’t need a specific event to be the focus of Rosh Hashanah; for the holiday commemorates the very purpose for which we are here. May we all merit to be written and sealed in the Book of Life for a happy, healthy and meaningful year.

Join us for services at Chabad of Kendall/Pinecrest in our spacious sanctuary where prayers are warm, the people friendly and everyone feels at home.

We offer a welcoming service to all, regardless of background or affiliation.

Our Children’s Program for grades K-3 and 4-8 and teen services will include stories, songs, refreshments, contests and prizes. The program is taught by our loving and engaging teachers, who will explain the meaning of some of the prayers. No membership is required to attend the services. However, a donation is suggested and reservations are required.

To reserve your seat, call 305-234-5654 or go to <www.chabadofkendall.org>.

September 10 - 23, 2012

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

Aspiring actors join Area Stage Company for professional experience Scene from the production of Hair by the Area Stage Company.

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

The Area Stage Company is an awardwinning professional theater company located in South Miami.

“We do professional theater for young actors,” says founder Maria Rodaz. “We have a conservatory. No matter how young the actors are, these are professional productions.”

Rodaz developed the conservatory with her husband, John. Initially, they catered to students in their late teens to early 20s, but they had so many requests to accept younger students that they opened it up to elementary school kids. Auditions are mandatory for admittance and she says this raises the bar, even for the summer program.

“Our program is more specialized,” Rodaz says. “Our classes are small and personalized.”

Rodaz says the groups are very unconventional.

“The groupings have little kids and big kids,” she says.

The company does not have a one-sizefits-all approach.

“I audition the kids and then I will craft an approach, depending on how much the parents want to invest in their children’s progress,” Rodaz says. “If a parent can invest, if a child can come here four or five times a week, they will progress faster than a child who comes one time a week.”

Scholarships are available for financially challenged families.

“I’m always fundraising,” she says.

Area Stage Company has fall, spring and summer sessions. The only difference is that in the summer she has the students coming in for three weeks of intense work, instead of three times a week during the school year.

The company used to have a theater on Lincoln Road, but had to close it in 2000.

“Gentrification pushed all of us off Lincoln Road,” she says. “It was a very cool arts district. Then the rents were hiked. We were homeless for about seven years.”

In 2008, they moved to their present location at 1560 S. Dixie Hwy. This summer, the company produced two shows, Hair and The Phantom Tollbooth. She cast 23 students in Hair and 28 in Tollbooth.

Even though the children are young, Rodaz says they don’t dumb down the play’s language.

“The same language is the same that is used in the college,” she says. “The approach to the craft is a very mature approach. We prepare our kids professionally. It’s important that we understand that distinction.”

She warns parents that being a part of the conservatory is not easy.

“It’s a disciplined approach,” she says.

“You are not going to be sitting down, except for the half hour for lunch. The kids love it.”

Not only do the kids love the program, so do the parents.

“As a parent, it has been so gratifying to see how Makhi has embraced Area Stage as a second home with the support and nurturing of Maria and John and their wonderful staff,” says Delle Joseph, whose son attends Coral Reef Elementary.

“His interest in theater has turned into a true passion.”

Makhi Joseph was in both plays over the summer and will be in the production of Dear Edwina, Jr. Nov. 2-4.

The program has had several students who have gone on to fame, including Oscar Isaac, who played King John in the Russell Crowe adaptation of Robin Hood and will star in the next Coen Brothers Film.

For more information, call 305-6662078.

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September 10 - 23, 2012

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BY DEBBIE MARTINEZ

Divorce Coach Ladies, don’t be so quick to shuffle out of one relationship into another without first looking at your relationship with yourself. The relationship you have with yourself is the most important and the first step to having a meaningful relationship with someone else.

A lot of women make the mistake of going from one relationship to another without taking the time to get centered and know who they are first. They are under the assumption that the man or the relationship is what is going to fill that sense of loneliness or unhappiness they feel. It is, in fact, their lack of connection with themselves that brings on that sense of longing that they mistakenly associate with a man.

Here are 14 sure-fire ways to shuffle your relationship with yourself: • Have a willingness to change — Take an honest inventory of yourself and know that change is good.

• Change from negative thinking to positive thinking — Your thoughts dictate your life, not the other way around.

• Overcome self doubt — You have all the answers inside of yourself; you can do it.

• Trust your inner wisdom — Listen to that still, small voice; very rarely is it wrong.

• Have your own purpose/passion — Be clear on who you are and what you want your life to look like.

• Reconnect with your inner child — Acknowledge the pain of your childhood and regain the playfulness and innocence of a child.

• Go inward to your spirituality — Connect to the divine that resides in all of us.

• Let go of all beliefs that no longer serve you — As we grow, we recognize false beliefs we have told ourselves or been told by others.

• Let go of the outcome and live in the moment — Don’t be so invested in the outcome that you lose the joy of the process or the flexibility to go in a different direction.

• Step outside of yourself and do for others — A random act of kindness will bring a smile to someone’s face and a smile to your heart • Do what makes you happy — Life is too short to do otherwise.

• Keep moving forward — Don’t dwell in the past.

• Keep your heart open — Don’t let the challenges of life harden your heart; love begets love.

• And last, but certainly not least, believe in miracles!— Miracles come in all sizes and sometimes not as you expected. Once you “get right” with yourself, step back and brace yourself for an amazing ride through this journey we call life.

Debbie Martinez is a Certified Divorce Life Coach. She has given workshops on divorce and women’s issues and has offices in South Miami. For more information, call 305-984-5121 or go to <www.thepowerofdivorcecoach.com>.

September 10 - 23, 2012

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Page 23

Original international design for your home at Tile Options

By Conchita Smith The catalog photographs of completed jobs by Tile Options, 13200 SW 87 Ave, look more like images from Architectural Digest magazine rather than remodeled kitchen and pool projects. Marble, granite, glass mosaics, or porcelain tiles are arranged with an artisan’s eye for detail and landscape while maintaining an elegant and classic appeal. One glance at the finished product and it is clear why clients have been choosing the experts at Tile Options for over 25 years now.

“We have the experience and know-how,” said business owner Isaac who specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling. “We are dedicated to ultimate customer service and we use only top quality materials. We can help our clients with whatever they need for their home.”

Isaac travels to exclusive merchandising shows all over the world to find the unique design styles Tile Options clients have come to expect. Italy, Spain, Turkey, and locations all over the United States provide the select inventory Tile Options is known for.

“We are also now specializing in Jerusalem stone,” said Isaac. “We have an amazing resource in Israel where we can import from on a special order basis.

Owner of Tile Options Isaac in his showroom at The Falls The odd size design mosaic look is very popular and really makes a house look unique.”

In addition to a wide and custom inventory to fit any budget, Tile Options also specializes in being the one place to go for a customer’s complete remodeling needs.

“With our help the customer only needs to talk to one person-us,” said Isaac.

Isaac “Instead of a lot of contractors coming to the home for cabinets, or fixtures or tiles, we streamline and can do it all for them.”

Isaac and his team of experienced experts have all the access a client needs to design their dream home space. “Clients do not have to splinter any of the work they need done. We can help them find suppliers and

take them there directly. We also have showroom models and catalogs available to complete any design.”

Big size porcelain is another new trend in the market Tile Options has responded to with porcelain tile sizes in 12 x 24, 18 x 36, 20 x 40, and 32 x 32. “Everything we have is top quality, we do not deal with any low quality and we are fully guaranteed, licensed and insured,” said Isaac.

So whether the desire is for a contemporary or traditional new home look in natural stone, granite, quartz, glass, glass and stone mosaic, the artisan specialists at Tile Options have the answer.

To find out more about Tile Options visit tileoptions.com, call 305-253-9901 or email tile_options@yahoo.com.

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What is success?

BY PAT MORGAN

How do you define success? It is interesting how many people are unclear about what success means to them.

Uncertain about what they want in life, they drift with the current and stray from their vision for a successful life.

Success is different for each of us. The majority of people share some common desires for success, like a safe, comfortable home, happy relationships, a fulfilling profession and a healthy lifestyle.

What would your life look like if you were clear about what would truly make you happy? What if you then made it a priority and started taking action on it? What if you created a life centered around wellness, longevity and inner peace? What if you had support in creating a less stressful lifestyle, inspiration and guidance to set and reach more fulfilling goals, and you had better skills and the ability to sustain these changes easily?

One of the greatest successes in life is good health. Without our health, nothing else matters very much. When we don’t feel well, lack energy, have pain or discomfort in our bodies, it is impossible to be our best at work, at home or in our relationships. Life lacks vibrancy and joy without good health.

The importance of good health was driven home recently when Karen, a client I have worked with this past year, found herself facing a serious health challenge. After 25 years as a super successful sales professional, wife and mother of two beautiful children, Karen’s perspective on success was suddenly changed.

Her stressful lifestyle, poor dietary choices and lack of exercise had finally caught up with her. She was overweight,

undernourished, tired and now sick. Karen decided to make changes to strengthen her body and improve the odds for overcoming a disease that could eventually require surgery or invasive treatment to correct. She chose a healthy diet and added a good supplement to ensure proper nutrition. She started walking every morning and made exercising a priority. She began to have more energy and feel better about herself as a result. When she returned to the doctor for follow up testing, all results were excellent and her health was much improved.

I have found over the years that when I make my health and well-being a priority along with good nutrition, I not only feel better, more energized and happier, but every aspect of my life seems to work better. I am much better at work, more focused and productive; I enjoy each day more, my relationships work better, I attract new business more easily and I like myself much more.

Without good health, it is impossible to be your best. What changes will you make for your health and well being? The trick to success in any endeavor is daily choices that take you step by step in the direction of your goal. Here’s to your success!

To schedule your discovery session, call or email me.

Pat Morgan, MBA and professional coach, works with busy professionals to help them become more profitable and productive by capitalizing on their strengths and taking focused action to create powerful change. Call her at 305-458-2849, email <PatMorgan@SmoothSailingSuccess.com> or visit her website at <www.SmoothSailingSuccess.com>.

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September 10 - 23, 2012

JCC photo, poetry exhibit interprets Jewish life cycles Linda K. Landy ALPER JCC NEWS And then there was one.

Last month I travelled to Dallas for the funeral of a wonderful woman. She and her sister grew up in a small Texas town with my late mother-in-law. Though technically cousins, the three were closer than most sisters and, as her obituary fondly read, they were “a trio of women that created havoc wherever they went.”

Although there were only a handful of Jewish families (and no Temple) in this small east Texas city, their Jewish roots were strong. The entire Jewish community gathered for Passover Seders in a church basement. Shabbat services were held in rotating living rooms, and High Holy Day services meant a two-hour drive to the nearest congregation. A mohel was imported from Houston for the bris when my husband was born, the first Jewish male child born there

in more than 21 years.

My son travelled with us to the funeral, and upon arrival he was hugged tightly by the remaining sister. “This is what I came for,” he told her. It made him feel like he was in grandma’s arms again.

The day before we left for the funeral, there was a baby shower for my son’s very pregnant wife. When I mentioned my travel plans to a friend, she quoted the circle of life, “a life taken, a new life begun.” I was comforted by the thought.

I was reminded of this exchange when I was told this week’s column would be about a new exhibit opening next month at the Dave and Mary Alper Jewish Community Center.

Circles Within Circles – Jewish Time Frames, a collaboration of photography by Lloyd Wolf and poetry by Sherri Waas Shunfenthal. The innovative and beautifully thoughtful exhibit explores aspects of time as understood and expressed in Judaism.

According to Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Torah sees the world in the dimension of time. While Western philosophy contends that time is linear, Jews live in circles – the circles of seasons, of histo-

ry, traditions and family that connect us through the generations. We complete the reading of Torah each year and begin again at Simchat Torah – a complete circle.

Ordinary time is separated from sacred time on Shabbat and Havdalah, and there is the constant daily cycle of prayer.

Significant life events such as bris, b’nai mitzvah and death, also mark our evolution as individuals, as Jewish people in time.

Using photos and words, Wolf and Shunfenthal interpret these cyclical events, with themes that celebrate Jewish life, holidays and prayers.

Wolf is an award-winning photographer based in Arlington, VA. He has had more

than 100 national and international solo and group exhibitions, and has work included in the collections of numerous noted museums and archives. According to her Amazon web page, “Shunfenthal is a committed poet, a frequent speaker, a speech therapist, and she wants to fill the whole word with poetry.”

The opening reception is on Sunday, Oct. 14, in the Futernick Family Art Gallery at 10:30 a.m. The exhibit runs through Nov. 18.

For hours and more information, call 305271-9000, ext. 268, or log on to <www.alperjcc.org>.

(Photo by Lloyd Wolf; poetry by Sherri Waas Shunfenthal)

September 10 - 23, 2012

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September 10 - 23, 2012

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Studies Don’t Lie:

Patients Benefit from a Strong PCP Relationship

A

senior from Broward County is rushed to the emergency room because she mixed medications that are contra-indicated. Another bounced around from specialist to specialist, undergoing duplicate tests and procedures.

All of this could be avoided.

More than 100 studies document the critical role primary care physicians (PCPs) play in patient care. PCPs can be many things for a patient — their cheerleader, advocate and even their medical interpreter — but most importantly, the studies prove that having a strong relationship with a PCP leads to better quality of life, more productive longevity, and lower costs as a result of reduced hospitalization, improved prevention and better coordination of chronic disease care.

AvMed Health Plans, one of the oldest Medicare providers in South Florida, has embraced a more PCPcoordinated approach to healthcare. The company recently introduced CenteredCare®, which puts the PCP at the center of every member’s care.

According to Dr. Edwin Rodriguez, Medical Director at AvMed, this coordinated approach will lead to better health outcomes for patients.

“Some 15-20% of Medicare hospital admissions are due to medication complications,” said Rodriguez. “By

by Christine Bucan

developing a strong relationship with your PCP, you can avoid this.”

Louise Schendel, a senior from Margate who visits her PCP every three months, admits she would be lost without the lasting relationship she has built with her PCP over the years.

“When I have a problem, I call him and he tells me exactly where to go and what to do. I feel like I have someone out there rooting for me,” said Schendel, an AvMed Medicare Advantage plan member for two years. “Without my PCP I wouldn’t have the confidence on where to go and what specialists to visit.”

William Pena, M.D., a primary care physician who practices in Hollywood, often acts as an interpreter for patients who don’t always understand what a specialist recommends: "They want us to explain procedures. The best way to get better results is when a patient clearly understands what they have and how to interpret tests. They need to understand their options for treatment and they rely on their PCP to help."

To learn more about the importance of building a strong relationship with your PCP, visit AvMedMedicare.org.

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September 10 - 23, 2012

Deering Estate regains lost wetlands HAL FELDMAN Canals are what make much of South Florida habitable. When constructed, primarily in the 1950s, our canal system allowed man to drain certain areas for housing and handle heavy rainwater run-off. In our neck of the woods, the Cutler Drain Canal runs 13.5-miles and is numbered the C-100 canal system (C-100, C-100A, C-100B, and C100C). It stretches from around SW 104th through 217th Streets and has its main outflow to Biscayne Bay at SW 173rd Street.

After significant study, it was found that the outflow of the C-100 canal was upsetting the natural balance of Biscayne Bay, due to high-volume, rushing water exiting at one concentrated point. In essence, man had destroyed the naturally occurring wetland that was once the Cutler Glade.

In the spring of 2010, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) broke ground on the Deering Estate Flow-Way. The intent was to replenish the wetland area that once surrounded the Deering Estate. The estimated $4.2 million project was officially completed in March 2012 and ended up costing $4.3 million. The project was financed 50/50 with federal and state funds.

Located on the west side of Old Cutler Road at approximately Southwest 160th Street, the manufactured wetland can hold approximately 820,000 gallons of water and gently distribute it to the wetland preserve on the east side of Old Cutler Road.

The project restores much of what Mother Nature had originally intended for the area, allowing rainwater to more gently enter Biscayne Bay after passing through natural

earth and vegetation filtration, mimicking historic conditions.

“Much like nature itself, the mechanics of the waterway system are simple, but effective,” said Jorge Jaramillo, principal engineer for the SFWMD. Dig a very large, shallow hole and allow water to seek its own level. At the southwest corner of the project, connect the hole to the C-100A canal extension. Water flows in and fills the man-made hole. Then, based on water levels in the canal system and conditions in the wetland preserve, the pump house can move water to the natural wetland and rehydrate as needed. Nature then delicately trickles water out to Biscayne Bay in a distributed manner.

Three automated and remotely monitored pumps, controlled by the SFWMD in West Palm Beach, can distribute an impressive 65 million gallons of water per day into the Deering Estate wetland, via the Cutler Creek drain (re-established on the east side of Old Cutler Road as part of the overall project).

The result is lower pressure when they do release from the canal gate and a much happier ecosystem. We see the effects of this nearly immediately because improved salinity distribution allows nature to re-establish productive wildlife habitat, including nursery habitat for shrimp, shellfish and fish. The project also provides improved recreational opportunities in Biscayne Bay and adjacent wetlands.

Beyond the ecological benefits for the area, the project also incorporates education opportunity. Soon, the Deering Estate will steward site visits where people can see the wetland in action and learn the history of the land. The county also will beautify the area by removing the chain-link fence that now surrounds the flow-way and put in a more appropriate natural barrier.

HAL’S HOMEOWNER HELP If you’re ready to sell your home, make

View of C-100 canal water inflow to the Deering Estate Flow-Way. BELOW: Outflow drain directs water to the Deering Estate wetlands.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

sure to clear any open permits and violations.

Gone unchecked, these will hold up your closing. Did you know that not renewing a dog license or failure to give your pooch a rabies shot will stop your home sale? Odd, but true.

I’m always looking for interesting people and events for consideration in upcoming issues. Contact me with your ideas at <www.MiamiHal.com>,<Hal@MiamiHal. com> or <www.facebook.com/MiamiHal>.

Hal Feldman is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advance Realty. He is always available for any real estate questions you may have. On Sundays, from 10 a.m.-Noon, he is outside Wagons West in the Suniland Shopping Center to talk real estate.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BELOW: SFWMD HQ controls the Deering Estate Flow-Way from West Palm Beach.

Pump station can move 65-million gallons of water per day.

September 10 - 23, 2012

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Batteries Plus charges ahead Pictured are (l-r) Batteries Plus employees Felipe Pelaez and Roxana Soler, with owner Carlos Quinones.

BY JESSE SCHECKNER

The first thing a person will notice after walking into Batteries Plus, located at 6400 S. Dixie Hwy., is how welcoming it is. The shelves are well stocked with batteries and light bulbs, but everything is conveniently within reach. Interactive displays comparing the cost benefits and energy efficiency of their light bulbs are all over the store and there is every imaginable kind of battery available, from cell phone and laptop batteries to ones for motor vehicles and cordless tools.

This is all part of the design that has allowed the company, which presently has 517 stores nationwide, to grow in such a difficult economy. It is one of the many things which attracted Carlos Quinones, a vital and friendly husband and father of two, to purchase a franchise two years ago.

One doesn’t just buy a Batteries Plus franchise, order inventory and set up shop, however. There is a considerable amount of preliminary work to be done before the doors ever open.

“Part of the reason we’ve been so successful is that we go through an intensive training program which includes three weeks of battery and bulb ‘boot camp’ and 53 hours of online work,” says Quinones.

All five of the people employed have gone through the process, making for a very well educated and informative staff.

With the advancement of both battery and light bulb technology, purchases may be more costly, but are fewer and further in between. It is natural to assume that a business such as Batteries Plus would consider every sale to be important – and they do – but they also are very much interested in creating a lasting relationship with their clientele.

“Before we sell someone a battery, we try to do a full analysis of the device to make sure the purchase is necessary and

that the problem doesn’t exist elsewhere,” Quinones says. “We try to educate the customer by asking important questions and give them the bulb or battery that best suits their needs.”

This particular Batteries Plus franchise is also involved with the community in other ways apart from commercial retail. In addition to participating in a national battery recycling program that is free to local residents, the store is also taking part in an ambitious program – assisted by government grants and incentives – to re-lamp local businesses with CFL (compact florescent light) bulbs.

“Companies used to have to pursue these deals,” Quinones says. “Now we and the government are proactive about it.”

The company is very aware of the immediate needs of the surrounding area as well.

This was exemplified in the days leading up to what fortunately wound up being much-ado-about-nothing in Hurricane Isaac. When many businesses were burying their heads in the sand, Batteries Plus was not only open, but was receiving an emergency delivery full of hurricane necessities.

With such positive community relations and an equally honest and straightforward approach to their business practices, Batteries Plus appears to be headed in the right direction for success. Though it took them 13 months to find the right location for their first store, Carlos Quinones is eager to begin branching out.

“As the business takes off, hopefully within the year we’ll start looking for more locations and grow at that rate,” he says.

Batteries Plus is open seven days a week.

For more information, call 305-6614567, email <carlos.quinones@batteriesplus.net> or go online at <www.batteriesplus.com>.

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Breastfeeding your baby has many benefits

BY BRODES H. HARTLEY, JR.

President/CEO, Community Health of South Florida It is a little known fact that the road to lifelong health begins with breastfeeding.

The important health, social and economic benefits associated with breastfeeding are endless.

Aside from providing a special experience for mothers to bond with their newborns, breastfeeding reduces mortality for infants more than any other intervention.

This translates into healthier children who are more likely to grow into healthier adults.

The joy and excitement of parenthood also comes along with many daunting questions for new parents. They are often faced with an abundance of information on promoting the health and safety of their children.

However, something as simple as breastfeeding during the first six months of infancy can have a lasting impact on the health of their children. Research shows that breastfeeding can help prevent a wide range of diseases and conditions including ear infections, diarrheal diseases, asthma, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and respiratory illnesses. Breastfeeding even has benefits to new mothers, decreasing their risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

Economically, these benefits make breastfeeding one of the most cost-effec-

HEALTH tive measures for decreasing disease and saving healthcare dollars. In fact, studies show that breastfeeding can save the lives and lower the healthcare costs of about 2 million children around the world each year.

In today’s fast paced world, many working mothers may seek alternatives to breastfeeding in order to avoid interruptions to their busy schedules. We at CHI hope to empower new and expectant mothers in the community with the tools and information to help them make informed decisions about the health and well being of their families. Whether you are a seasoned parent or only beginning to think about starting a family, we urge you to consider the wealth of long-term benefits breastfeeding provides for both mother and child.

As always, talk to your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about whether or not breastfeeding is the right option for you.

Brodes Hartley, Jr. has served as President & CEO of Community Health of South Florida (CHI) for 27 years. The nonprofit organization provides affordable quality health care to south Miami-Dade and Monroe County. For more information, go to <www.chisouthfl.org>.

September 10 - 23, 2012

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‘Breakthrough’ helps students succeed in school, preps them for college

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

During the summer, students from across Miami-Dade go to eight-week Breakthrough Miami programs at schools such as Palmer Trinity to help them get a jump start on learning for the next grade.

“Breakthrough provides out-of-school academic enrichment for students from low income families,” says Ariel Edwards, senior site director, who heads the program at Palmer Trinity School. “We recruit them in fourth grade, hopefully giving them academic skills, social skills and leadership skills.”

The long term objective is to help the students to go on to college.

“We provide tutoring, mentoring, the sixweek summer institute as well as the Saturday classes we offer from October to April during the school year,” Edwards says.

“Our goal is for them to do well in school so

they have the opportunity to go to any college of their choice.”

Breakthrough officials also look for ways to send the students to a top preparatory high school.

“So they can enter International Baccalaureate programs, Advanced Placement and Honors classes. So they can be successful at those schools so they can go on to thrive in college,” she says.

The students attend programming as they enter fifth grade and receive academic help through middle school. When they become rising ninth graders, the programming switches to College Bound, which includes SAT and ACT prep classes, plus workshops.

They are also coached on how to apply to college and they take college tours.

As juniors and seniors, they are able to become volunteers for Breakthrough Miami.

“They volunteer as teachers, but they can

Breakthrough Miami senior site director Ariel Edwards with members of the local professional community on visitor’s day.

Breakthrough Miami teachers dress in costume for “Wacky Tacky Dress Day.” –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– come back for tutoring at any grade level,” summer at Palmer Trinity. They instructed Edwards says. “We recommend a lot of 120 kids from fifth, sixth and seventh grades. breakthrough juniors and seniors for the “My goal was to recruit new rising fifth Posse program.” graders,” Edwards says.

Posse is a college scholarship program.

One of the advantages of being at Palmer One of the unique aspects of the six-week is the school has the look and feel of a colsummer program is that students are teaching lege campus. students.

“They don’t want to leave when the sum“We bring in high school junior and sen- mer is over,” Edwards says. iors and college students,” Edwards says.

Breakthrough Miami was started by alumSome of the teachers this summer came ni from Ransom Everglades. The first profrom Palmetto Senior High, Coral Reef Senior gram was conducted at Ransom under the High, Ransom, FAMU, Barry University, the name Summer Bridge. There are now severUniversity of Miami and a student from a col- al campuses in the program that has evolved lege in Iowa. They received stipends of $1,500 into Breakthrough Miami. to $2,000, depending on whether they are in In the summer, the children take math, scihigh school or college. ence, social studies and language arts. They “We provide a dorm at the University of may also choose electives such as journalMiami and some of the parents provide their ism, dance, theater, chess, robotics, speech, homes for the eight weeks,” Edwards says. debate and karate. They also have an hour of This was Breakthrough Miami’s second physical education.

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Hyundai Veloster Turbo, Elantra GT target youth market Ron Beasley LET’S TALK CARS Hyundai Motor America recently invited me to Austin, TX, to preview a pair of new 2013 models — the Veloster Turbo and the Elantra GT. Both are key elements of in Hyundai’s ambitious 7/11 product initiative, which will see seven new or redesigned models produced in the next 11 months.

When I first drove the Veloster last year, my biggest complaint was that it was underpowered. Now, with the addition of the new 1.6-liter 201 hp Turbocharged-Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI) engine mated to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission, that complaint no longer is valid. The added power makes all the difference in the performance of this little threedoor coupe, transforming it into a powerful, high-tech and fuel-efficient vehicle.

With its precise power-to-weight ratio, unique sport-tuned steering and suspension

hardware set, the Veloster Turbo will compete very well with the likes of the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper/Clubman S. Extras such as unique 18-inch alloy wheels with chrome inserts, projection headlights with LED accents, side mirrors with turn signal indicators, unique LED taillights and leather seating surfaces will help make the Veloster Turbo a big hit with the next generation of young buyers.

The Turbo exclusive Graphite Black interior with blue accents and headliner graphics only adds to its attractiveness to the youth market.

ELANTRA GT DEBUTS I also test drove the all-new 2013 Elantra GT during my visit to Austin. The lineup now includes the Elantra Coupe introduced earlier this year and the popular Elantra Sedan, voted as the 2012 North American Car of the Year.

The Elantra GT is based on Hyundai’s new-generation i30 model designed for the European market. With its five-door functionality and European driving dynamics, it is indeed a fun-to-drive compact hatchback.

Veloster Turbo has unique 18-inch alloy wheels with chrome inserts, projection headlights with LED accents and side mirrors with turn signal indicators.

New Elantra GT represents evolution in Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ streamlined design technology.

The 2013 Elantra GT will compete with the Ford Focus, Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf, but has more interior room and better fuel economy.

Powered by an advanced 1.8liter148 hp four-cylinder engine mated to Hyundai’s six-speed automatic or manual transmission, it delivers 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.

The new Elantra GT represents even more evolution in Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design technology. The Elantra GT has a slippery .30 coefficient of drag and everything about the vehicle is aerodynamic, from the aggressive profile and low overall height, to the sleek side mirrors. Even the tire gaps have been minimized and the rocker panels are streamlined to help lower wind resistance, which translates into better fuel economy and a smoother ride.

Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext.

261, or by addressing email correspondence to <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.

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September 10 - 23, 2012

FPL CORNER FPL Marks Hurricane Andrew Anniversary as a Time to Remember, Learn and Prepare

On Aug. 24, Florida and the nation will observe the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew, one of the most dramatic and devastating natural disasters in modern history. For those who lived through the storm and witnessed its incredible destruction first hand, this month is a time of solemn remembrance. And for everyone across the state of Florida and all along the Eastern seaboard and the Gulf Coast, Andrew’s anniversary is an occasion to learn from the past and to recognize the unpredictable and powerful nature of hurricanes, along with the absolute necessity of good planning and preparation throughout every hurricane season.

When Andrew struck just south of Miami, it made landfall with peak sustained winds of 165 miles per hour, and gusts of up to 175 mph. Now classified as a rare Category 5, the hurricane pushed a massive storm surge up Biscayne Bay, and delivered more than 7 inches of rain along the core of its path. Damages from the storm totaled more than $25 billion dollars throughout the Bahamas, Florida and the Gulf states, with thousands of homes lost and many more damaged.

FPL’s storm preparedness and recovery processes were also significantly challenged

by Hurricane Andrew. As crews worked feverishly to restore power after the storm, FPL developed and perfected some of the systems now in place to map storm damage and to estimate restoration times.

“At FPL, hurricane preparation is now part of our daily operations, every day we’re not in a storm we’re preparing for one. On this anniversary, we urge our customers to prioritize disaster planning too,” said Keith Hardy, FPL’s vice president of Distribution.

“We are always working to help the communities we serve prepare for the next storm.

Every year we make multi-million dollar investments in our infrastructure to make it more resilient.”

In the past two decades, advances in technology have changed every step in the hurricane preparation and recovery process. New forecasting tools allow for more frequent assessments of a storm’s path and intensity, and better computer modeling has improved accuracy, especially on the intensity front. At the same time, technology has altered the way that information is communicated before, during and after a hurricane.

Today, storms can be tracked online, on mobile devices, through social media outlets, and of course through traditional media sources.

FPL has harnessed technology to enhance the way that it communicates with customers before and after hurricanes, and the way that it pre-positions restoration crews and models the damage to its system from a storm. To help with preparation, FPL offers customers a wealth of information and tips on its website, www.FPL.com. After a hurricane, FPL offers constant updates and information about the power restoration process through its website, which is mobile friendly, and through Twitter (www.twitter.com/insideFPL), Facebook (www.facebook.com/FPLconnect) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/FPL). FPL’s blog (www.FPLblog.com) is also an important source of news.

“But the fact is, while much has changed since Andrew reached our shores,” said Hardy, “one simple truth remains the same: hurricanes carry with them a potentially overwhelming destructive power, and when a major storm hits, power will be interrupted, trees will fall and water will rise. Floridians must understand this fact and make every preparation for it.”

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September 10 - 23, 2012

First Woman President elected of Southeast Rabbinic Organization Jaime Klein Aklepi, rabbi at Bet Breira Samu-El Or Olom in Kendall, and Pinecrest resident is the first woman elected as President of the Southeast Central Conference of American Rabbis, (SEACCAR), the regional professional organization of Reform Rabbis which includes Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and parts of Tennessee.

SEACCAR is a region of the CCAR, the oldest professional Rabbinic Organization in the United States, founded in 1890. The mission of SEACCAR and the CCAR is to foster excellence in Reform Rabbis through professional development, personal growth, Torah study and additional education opportunities.

“I am honored to serve as president of such an important and distinguished organization and to help further my colleagues in their roles as rabbis and spiritual leaders. There are increasing challenges facing synagogues and religious institutions today and the rabbi, as leader must be prepared as never before. Not only do we serve as spiritual leaders, teachers and pastoral counselors, we must

PEPE SAL SAYS WE NEED YOU……

also be competent in leadership management and even in the use of the newest technologies.”

As for being the first woman president, Rabbi Aklepi says, “I’m very happy to be the first woman in this role. Sometimes in the rabbinic organizations it can feel like a Jewish good ole’ boys network, but that’s changing. It’s important to acknowledge and celebrate the impact of women in religious life. I am always conscious of my ability to be a role model to other women.”

Rabbi Aklepi has never been reluctant to be the first at something or to develop new programs or ideas. While she was the Hillel Director at the University of Miami, Rabbi Aklepi created and launched the first Birthright Program, the most popular Israel experience for young Jewish men and women. She is also a past president of the Rabbinic Association of Greater Miami, where she was the second women president.

Today, Rabbi Aklepi serves one of the first combined Reform and Conservative congregations in the country. “Bet Breira Samu-El Or Olom is mov-

ing from an experiment in a new style of synagogue to its own special niche in the community. As we begin our fourth year as both reform and conservative we continue to embrace each tradition and offer multiple worship styles. At the same time, we are one institution and therefore for most of our activities and events, outside of worship, there is a seamless unity.”

Rabbi Aklepi is looking forward to the challenges and rewards that will accompany her new role of president of SEACCAR.

Did you know that we kill 20,000 adoptable dogs and cats every year in miami dade county?

The Problem Is OVERPOPULATION It costs Miami Dade County taxpayers $300 to kill each dog or cat, and will cost less than $65 to spay and neuter All photos: Liam Crotty www.liamcrotty.com

THERE IS A SOLUTION….. Pets’ Trust Miami. www.PetsTrustMiami.com Here is how: Two large high volume free/low cost, spay/neuter clinics that can perform up to 100,000 surgeries per year, compared to the current 15,000.

Low cost veterinary care for families that qualify.

Education programs Help families keep their pet through hard times

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Mark Buehrle

YOU CAN HELP WIN THIS CAMPAIGN:

To make this happen, we need Volunteers, Fundraisers & Donations

Donate on Line:

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Mayor Gimenez

Xiomara Gonzalez

THE VOTE FOR SAVING OUR ANIMALS IS NOVEMBER 6th.

Please send your check to:

Pets’ Voice 8845 S.W. 132nd St. Miami, FL. 33176

Miss Florida Laura McKeeman

Pepe Sal Pets’ Trust Spokes Dog

For volunteers, to create fundraisers, or for sponsorship opportunities…. contact Michael Rosenberg at

mike@imagineyourphotos.com

September 10 - 23, 2012

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

“LET ME BRING YOU HOME!”

Pam Mayers

FOR SALE

Page 49

Featured Listings PINECREST

FALLS AREA

6131 SW 128 ST - $ 2,199,000

13231 SW 105 AVE - $474,000

6131 SW 128 St, Pinecrest ....................Short Sale.......... $2,199,000 7/9 Mansion with the best schools, elaborate everything 10903 N. Kendall Drive, Apt. 112 .........Under Contract.......$125,000 3.2 at Castle Condo’s - 2 steps from pool 9390 W. Flagler Street, Apt. 221B.........Under Contract......$99,000 Gated community - open layout/tiled

PAM MAYERS “LET ME BRING YOU HOME!” Your referral is my biggest compliment!!

3024 Center St .................................Under Contract..........$199,900 Coconut Grove - 2/2.5 with roof top patio 9055 SW 73 Ct, #1009, Metropolis ..........Short Sale.........$199,000 3/2 Granite Kitchen

PINECREST/PALMETTO BAY OFFICE

13231 SW 105 ave, Falls Area ..............................................$474,000 4/2.5 with 2 car garage/pool/large yard/Updated .

11048 SW 154 Pl ...............................Under Contract........$149,000 Fabulous 3/2 Townhome with Garage, screened patio, tankless water heater

CHAIRMAN’S CLUB,

12312 SW 148 Terrace ......................Under Contract..........$99,000 2/2 townhouse in Villas of Deerwood

TOP 2% IN THE NATION

7740 Camino Real G205 ...............Aproved Short Sale........$67,000

PAMELA MOSELEY MAYERS, PA, GRI EWM REALTORS, INC.

305-216-5864 WWW.ELUXURYHOMESMIAMI.COM SEND ME AN EMAIL AT: MAYERS.P@EWM.COM

One of a kind 7/9 Pinecrest, Short Sale with granite baths, kitchen, fireplace, elaborate moldings. Very distinctive home for South Florida.

Cabana and tree play house for your parties.

Regardless of age!

KENDALL

Updated 4/2.5 home that is 2700 sq ft and 18000 sq ft lot. Really great layout-granite kitchen, breakfast area, 2 car garage, inside laundry area, tile and oak wood floors, hurricane shutters, great street centrally located to jump on turnpike extension or US 1. Everything is done! Just move in!

WEST FLAGLER

1025 Alton Road .....................................For Sale.................$135,000 Unit 309-short sale-1/1 renovated with impact glass 12745 SW 116 Terrace ..............................For Sale..............$250,000 Waterfront lake property in Kendall. 11,000 sq. ft. vacant land. Comes with a beach not a house! Build your own dream house - only by appt.

FOR RENT 15300 SW 106 Terrace ......................................................................... $ 900 Unit 534--1/1 ground floor unit with washer/dryer and large screened in porch

I work with Buyers, Sellers and Rentals! Please look for more details on these wonderful homes at Pammayers.com

List with the best!

EWM sells a million dollar home every 18 hours!

You can’t afford to list with anyone else!

What's your neighborhood really worth?

I know a customer is getting serious when they ask "How much a square foot is this house?". If you are looking on line, EWM's website breaks it down for you-homes actively for sale and the closed ones . When an appraiser looks at the house under contract he also puts a price per square footage-under air getting a higher number than your back porch.

Yes, your $50,000 kitchen and $10,000 bathrooms help make the price jump but probably not as much as you might expect. So when is it worth it to put money into your home? I am going to say--look at the comps in the neighborhood. Yes, it goes back to location, location, location.

Here are some figures by neighborhoods that we all drive through all the time. These figures are from facts and trends, who pull them from the multiple listing service. It is interesting to notice the difference from people's expectations of the price they want to get for their house and truly what it sold for. Also,

where are yor neighborhood trends heading?

Pinecrest is a wonderful place to live with oversized lots and great schools. I sent my kids to private and public schools and loved them both. The average house is listed for $1,604,000, up 10% from last

10903 N KENDALL DR - $125,000 Great for investment as a rental or to live. Has screened in porch going along property that looks directly at pool. On ground floors with no steps too.

Freashly painted 3/2 with huge rooms and huge closets. Located at Castle Condo's out Kendall and 109th.

year, but selling for $760,000 down 14% from June of 2011. If you are selling do not over price your home. There are now 143 homes for sale , down 14% from last year, with 28 homes pending-up 21% from last year and 29 that sold in June-up 31% from last June. The average price per square is $225, which is down 9% .

So the inventory is going down but prices are still competitive with sales on the way up. If you want this neighborhood better buy soon before prices start to rise.

Palmetto Bay likes to be known as the village of parks. The schools are also very good through high school. Here the average price is $139 per square foot and it was only $146 last year, very consistent. There are 112 homes for sale , down 15% from last June. The sales are down 11%, with 24 selling June of 2012 and 27 selling in June of 2011. Pending sales are up 3%. The average home for sale is listed for $675,000, up 18%, but selling for $368,000, down 10% from last June. I have sold lots of young families homes ther including my sister Christy and her husband Jeff who have 2 babies under 18 months and just bought a short sale. We could see inventory was getting smaller and put a contract on the home within 24 hours. I sell a lot of homes in Palmetto

9390 W FLAGLER ST - $99,000 Wonderful 2/1 at super price. Modern, clean, regular sale and in gated community with pool.

Located between Palmetto and Turnpike - super investment or live there.

Bay because it is very affordable and has the whole package of schools, police, libraries, and of course their parks.

Coral Gables is close by and overlaps Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay. I grew up in the Gables and have always loved their architecture . Gables homes list at an average of 1,945,000, up 15% from 2011, but sell for $915,000, up 11% from last June. The inventory is consistently going down with 401 for sale compared to 573 last year, a 30% reduction. Sales are up 10% but pending sales are down 6%.

The average square foot price in June being $357, up 20% from last June.

There are alot of rules in Coral Gables and the lots are small. But you can tell from the prices the community has wonderful amenities and has always kept their resale values very well.

Hoped this article was not too boring with all these facts. Every home owner should be aware of what homes are selling for in their communities . If you need any additional information about selling your home or buying please give me a call.

Pam Mayers 305-216-5864 Pmmewm@gmail.com

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If you have 15-20 hours a week available and you want to earn $300 - $500 per week on a part-time basis, then e-mail Michael Miller at Michael@communitynewspapers.com or call 305-669-7355 ext. 249.

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Restaurant Corner For advertising information call (305) 669-7030 Wings

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restaurant.com 305-663-2100

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Two Brothers Pizzeria • Panini • Bar (305) 595-7559

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September 10 - 23, 2012

What’s The Difference? Don’t be confused Education Training Accountability • 25 years in Tree and Landscape Care, disease control, nutritional programs, interior and exterior pest management and tree trimming services.

Buon Appetito The culinary staff and the service personnel of Romanza Trattoria are dedicated to making your dining a classic, unique experience. The highest quality of foods are perfectly blended with the meticulous care of the kitchen staff.

For your meal to reach its ultimate richness of taste, it must be done in a manner that cannot be rushed. We pride ourselves on excellence.

Private Parties + Conference Rooms 14501 South Dixie Highway

• Fully licensed, insured, State Certified Pest Control Operators and ISA Certified Arborist.

• On-going,in-house, twice a week technician’s training.

• Quality control personnel conducting on-site property evaluations • All vehicles have GPS for routing efficiency and tracking.

• One Two Tree is a drug free work place and all employees undergo background checks.

• Family owned company you can trust.

We’re the innovators.. not the imitators!

Tree & Landscaping Care Certified tree and palm trimming

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Dinner: Tues. - Sun. 4:30pm to 10:30pm Fri. - Sat. 4:30pm to 11:00pm

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