Aventura News - April 14, 2010 - Online printed Edition - Local, Sports, Columns, Newspaper

Serving Aventura, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor, Golden Beach, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside

April 14 - 20, 2010

Excitement builds for Aventura Arts & Cultural Center June Summer Theatre Camp paves the way for October 23 Grand Opening Aventura's newest and most exciting landmark, the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, is nearing completion on the waterfront at the easternmost point of NE 188th Street.

This beautiful new state-of-the-art 325-seat theatre features a high-tech light and sound system and recycled and green building materials in Aventura's continuous efforts to maintain and encourage sustainability. Even before the doors open this summer, the community has a unique

Overseeing plans for the Center are Eric M. Soroka, Aventura City Manager (left) and Steve Clark, Gen. Mgr.

Front row (L-R) Aventura Commissioners Michael Stern, Teri Holzberg, Billy Joel; Vice Mayor Luz Weinberg; Comm. Bob Diamond; Mayor Susan Gottlieb; City Manager Eric Soroka; Kelly Shanley, Pres. & CEO, Broward Center; 2nd row: Steve Clark with team from Broward Center for the Performing Arts

chance to be a direct part of this historical event with two fundraising projects: "Walk of the Arts" and "Founders Honor Roll". Residents and businesses can purchase a personalized brick or nameplate on the Honor Roll to support local cultural programming in their own neighborhood.

Eric M. Soroka, City Manager, said, "The City Commission is very excited that the dream of an Arts & Cultural Center for the City of Aventura that will provide a variety of performing arts and cultural programming for all age groups will become a reality in just two more months. We're very proud to say that this project is on time and on budget!"

Steve Clark, General Manager for the AACC, added, " The excitement builds as we move closer to announcing our performing art center's season which includes dance productions, a number of cabaret shows and off-Broadway series beginning in January, and from July 9th - 18th, we'll feature Avi Hoffman performing: "Too Jewish", and "Too Jewish, Too". We just launched our new website www.aventuracenter.org , and information on all productions and the Center itself will be on the website."

The state-of-the-art Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on NE 188th Street

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April 14 - 20, 2010

Aventura Marketing Council Internet troubles solved by the "dynamic duo" of IT Doctors and AT&T Late one afternoon last week, the Internet simply stopped working at the Aventura Marketing Council (AMC) , the community's premier not-for-profit business organization. With meeting and newspaper deadlines fast approaching, the AMC needed to be operating at full speed‌quickly!

A phone call to AMC members Eric Beck of IT Doctors and Vladimir Agres from AT&T had the problem solved within the hour, bringing a sigh of relief and the AMC office back to business as usual.

Eric Beck, partner in IT Doctors, said, "Having somebody as professional as Vladimir Agres from AT&T made all the difference in the world. My client didn't have to wait the usual 48-hour period for trouble shooting because Vladimir was able to handle the problem directly and immediately. I will continue advising my clients to

use AT&T Internet for their office and personal needs as I work directly with Vladimir to bring about the best solution for them."

Vladimir Agres, Senior Account Executive with AT&T, noted, "As the original telecommunications provider, AT&T is able to give its customers the best possible service. I am dedicated to giving my customers service 'above and beyond', and when they call me, they know they will be well taken care of. My goal is to make sure that every single AT&T customer who interacts with me is extremely satisfied. I also handle business wireless and help my clients choose the best plan for their needs."

For more information on IT Doctors, visit itdoctors.com or call 305-944-9404. To contact Vladimir Agres at AT&T, call 954-958-0557 or 786-303-4949

Eric Beck, IT Doctors

Vladimir Agres, AT&T

Aventura Marketing Council recognizes Ofc. JC Gonzalez and Ofc. Belinda Alvarez

Boys Town: Seated (L-R) Howard Usher, Paul Kruss, Gary Arnowitz and Rose Nagler; Standing (L-R) Kenneth Schwartz, Yechiel Levenson, Daniel Halberstein, Alex Halberstein, Morris Deakter, Sandra Joel and Aventura Comm. Billy Joel

Supporters of Boys Town Jerusalem recently gathered to hear alumnus Yechiel Levenson speak of how the school provided him with the educational tools to succeed in life. Today Levenson is a Senior Product Engineer & Technical Leader at the Intel Corporation in Israel. Boys Town Jerusalem is one of Israel's premier institutions for educating the country's next generation of leaders in the fields of technology, commerce and public service. To get involved with Boys Town Jerusalem please contact Gary Arnowitz at 954-321-5618 or garnowitz@boystownjerusalem.org

Ofc. Gonzalez

Ofc. Alvarez

April 14 - 20, 2010

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Wanderings & Ponderings Rats

Away from work she has found that she petrifies most men she meets. Things go well till they ask her what she does. She Thelma has done quite a bit in her 28 used to say she worked with rats and most years. Graduated college and spent three men thought she was putting them on. years in the Peace Corps. Was sent to a When she explained that she works on lab rats, the man she would be talking small village in a small country in to, would turn a few colors and the Far East, teaching youngsters drift away. in the little village. When she She found one man in the past came home she spent a six that she thought was a potential months travelling all over Europe. keeper. All went well till she found When she decided to go after a out he was also keeping a wife and profession, she realized she was two kids back home in another interested in research projects. city. She also felt that those around Connected to a large pharmaceuher age level felt that they had to tical firm and engaged in various Dan Palmer –––––––––––––– compete with her intellectually projects involved with lab rats.

Of late she is wondering where she is where she was thinking physically.

Of late she has met a few in the 40, 50 going professionally and even more so, age that seem successful business wise, socially. Most of the men in her field of work look and really are nerds. Very bright secure in themselves and not petrified by in their workout but totally uninformed and her profession. Trouble here is finding one backward in attempts at to deal with that isn’t married, successful and not gay. women socially. She finds that as long as It’s a bad situation when she finds her lab she dresses very simply and talks only of rats more interesting than the males she’s her work, she gets along with her co-work- been meeting. She figures that somewhere ers quite well. As soon as she puts on the she can find a rat of the human variety that she can tame but the trouble is where is he? female bit, they panic get tongue tied.

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April 14 - 20, 2010

Excitement builds for Aventura Arts & Cultural Center June Summer Theatre Camp paves the way for October 23 Grand Opening Cont’d from page 1

through the perceptive and hopeful eyes of Irving Berlin, described in The first program will be the this way by his friend Jerome Kern, 2010 Summer Theatre Camp in June "He has no place in American music; for children ages 7 - 18 presented by he is American music." the Broward Center for the "Time After Time", The Songs Performing Arts and The of Jule Styne will be featured Performance Project School of the February 7 -13. Styne has penned the Arts. They've teamed up to provide music for some of America's bestcampers with the ultimate theatrical loved and most enduring songs, speexperience where they will learn cializing in songs suited for particular about musical theater, dance, voice, Broadway divas like Carol Channing, music, technical production and actEthel Merman and Barbra Streisand. ing as they experience the joy of per"A Grand Tour", The Songs of forming onstage. This summer's Jerry Herman takes center stage repertoire consists of timeless clasMarch 7 - 13. Jerry Herman has the sics, with performances open to the distinction of being the only compospublic. The shows consist of hip er-lyricist in history to have had three new sensations such as Annie Jr., musicals that ran more than 1,500 Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr., consecutive performances on Oklahoma and Disney's High School Broadway. The grand finale will be Musical 2. Summer camp registra"The Night Is Filled With tion information is available on the Music"…The Music of the RKO website. And then, the much Groups such as Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida have already booked AACC for numerous performances Pictures Era running April 11 - 17. awaited grand opening on Saturday, This program salutes Irving Berlin, October 23, “An Evening Patti Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, Dorothy LuPone”, a two-time Tony Award Fields, George Gershwin and many winner who has dominated the Broadway stage for Performing Arts. Four "enchanted evenings" of glo- others who created the lasting legacy of RKO. decades playing larger-than-life leading ladies in sig- rious music will feature an elite group of talented The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is operatnature roles from Evita to Gypsy. A variety of musicians and singers joining Barry Levitt, former ed by the City of Aventura and managed by the sponsorship opportunities are available for this very Artistic Director of the 92nd Street Y's smash hit Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and the special evening of entertainment that is sure to have a series, "Lyrics and Lyricists". These four spirited majority of funding for construction of the facility is productions celebrating America's great theater and provided by the Miami-Dade County's GOB sell-out crowd.

Beginning in January and running through movie music will cover everything from Tin Pan Program.

April, the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center will be Alley to Broadway and Hollywood. Opening the For more information on the Aventura Arts & hosting "The Melodies and Memories Series"….Gold series January 10 - 16 will be "Say It With Music", Cultural Center sponsorships or programs, call Steve Standards of the American Songbook presented by the songs of Irving Berlin, a new musical journey Clark at 305.466.8002 or e-mail him at Mazel Musicals, Inc. and the Broward Center of the spanning seven decades of American history as seen sclark@aventuracenter.org

Tours of the AACC were offered through construction phases

Lobby offers panoramic views of the waterways

April 14 - 20, 2010

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FPL suggests ‘Six ways to save on your taxes and help the environment’ Florida Power & Light Company "Earth Day Is Every Day" environmental awareness campaign focuses on helping customers preserve financial and natural resources. FPL reminds customers to take advantage of energy-efficiency incentives that can save money and help the environment at the same time and remember that “Earth Day Is Every Day”.

FPL's six ways to save on your taxes and help the environment

• File your taxes online and save paper by using IRS e-file. FPL also offers online bill payment. Sign up for FPL's E-Mail bill, and we will plant two trees in Florida in your honor.

• Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) reduce overall carbon emissions by up to 70 percent and lower fuel costs by up to 80 percent. You can go electric, too, with a variety of tax credits ranging from $2,500 to $7,500, depending on the size of the battery in the car.

• Insulation can help you keep the heat out and the savings in by reducing how hard your A/C has to work to cool your home. Federal tax credits can cover 30 percent of the cost of qualified materials up to $1,500.

Learn more at www.energystar.gov/taxcredits.

• Did you make qualified energy-efficiency improvements to your home in 2009? If you did, don't forget to file IRS Form 5695 for qualified Residential Energy Credits.

• Your taxes are due! Let the sun shine and tap the

FPL is committed to purchasing hybrids for all new fleet vehicles.

For Aventura residents that go hybrid, there are some great tax benefits

power of tax credits of up to 30 percent of the cost of installing solar panels.

• Time to start thinking about your 2010 taxes!

Check out Florida's Energy Star appliance rebate program, which starts today. State residents can receive a 20-percent rebate off a new Energy Starqualified appliance. You can also learn more about FPL rebates for a variety of residential and business energy efficiency upgrades at FPL.com For more information on FPL's "Earth Day Is Every Day" campaign, the full list of tips and links to videos and other information, visit FPL.com or www.twitter.com/insidefpl

April 14 - 20, 2010

Aventura Hospital partners with Curves for a women's health series on robotic surgery Aventura Hospital is pleased to announce a special new partnership with Curves Gym to educate on robotic surgery and women's health. Guests have three separate opportunities to learn from medical experts how minimally invasive surgery using the da Vinci S HD Robot can benefit women in need of treatment for a wide range of gynecologic conditions.

The series begins Saturday, April 17th at noon, featuring Dr. Frank Cirisano, Gynecological Oncologist, and continues on Saturday, April 24th, with featured guest Dr. Daniel Levin, Obstetrics and Gynecology. Both seminars will take place at the Curves Gym in Dania Beach, located at 410 E Dania Beach Boulevard, Suite #2, Dania Beach, FL 33004.

The series concludes on Tuesday, May 25th at 6 p.m. with Dr. Jacob Tangir, Gynecological Oncology. This health seminar will take place at Aventura Hospital's Biscayne Medical Arts Center at 21110 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 101 in Aventura. The da Vinci S HD Robot will be placed on display during this session for the audience to view and ask questions.

Guests attending any one of the three upcoming health seminars will receive free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings and be entered for a chance to win a free 30-day membership to Curves Gym in Dania Beach.

For more information and to register for these and other upcoming healthcare events, call toll-free 1-888-256-7692. To learn more about da Vinci S HD Robotic Surgery offered at Aventura Hospital, visit aventurahospital.com

It's a Gulfstream Park Superfecta: Stakes Races, Derby Prep Watch, $80,000 "Shower of Cash" and World Series of Poker satellite tournament With stakes race excitement, the casino's $80,000 "Shower of Cash" drawing, and the only World Series of Poker satellite tournament in the state of Florida, there truly are more ways to win at Gulfstream Park.

This Saturday, April 17th, three-year-old fillies compete on the turf in the Boynton Beach, named for the location of Palm Meadows, the state-of-the-art training center developed by Gulfstream Park parent firm Magna Entertainment Corp. to advance the sport of thoroughbred racing. Since its inception in 2003, Palm Meadows has been the winter training grounds for eventual Kentucky Derby winners Funny Cide, Barbaro, Street Sense, and Big Brown as well as Horses of the Year Ghostzapper, Saint Liam, Invasor and Curlin.

This year, Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth stakes winner and Derby favorite Eskendereya will put in his final preparations for the Run for the Roses at Palm Meadows.

Attendees to the Gulfstream Park races can also watch and wager on top Derby prospects racing in the $300,000 Coolmore Lexington Stakes simulcast live from Keeneland, the final prep race before the Kentucky Derby, to be held May 1st in Louisville.

Casino fans are in for just as much excitement.

This Sunday, April 18th at 10 p.m., members of the casino's Good Luck Player's Club will have a chance to win up to $20,000 in cash in the $80,000 "Shower of Cash" drawing.

In addition, Gulfstream Park will once again host the only World Series of Poker satellite tournament in

the state of Florida as part of its World Series of Poker Challenge, where players will compete for one of three seats and an all expense paid trip to the World Series of Poker Main Event which begins July 5th at the Rio AllSuite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and offered over $15 million in prize money in 2009.

Now through Friday, June 4th, guests playing in the nightly multitable tournaments or the all-day Sit-nGo tournaments can earn tournament leader board points for the World Series of Poker Challenge.

The top 50 tournament leader board point earners will receive free entry in the Gulfstream Park Main Event, which will be held Sunday, June 6th. The top three finishers in the Eskendereya, shown winning the Fountain of Youth here, is back in South Florida training Gulfstream Park Main Event will be for the Kentucky Derby awarded with a free seat in the World Series of Poker Main Event, valued at ing, poker and casino action is the newly opened $10,000. The Grand Prize winner will also receive an Village at Gulfstream Park, a Mediterranean inspired all-expense paid trip to Las Vegas, including airfare walking village complete with world-class shopping, and accommodations. a variety of international dining experiences and all Additional cash prizes totaling $11,000 will also the nightlife you can handle. The Village is connectbe distributed to the top 10 Gulfstream Park Main ed to the racetrack and casino through a series of balEvent finishers, along with the top five overall tourna- conies, walkways and staircases-truly a one of a kind, ment leader board point holders. one-stop shopping and entertainment mecca.

Providing the perfect complement to all the racFor more information, visit gulfstreampark.com

April 14 - 20, 2010

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Merry-Go-Round brass ring

Patricia Frank FRANKLY SPEAKING Life has been called many things and life can be compared to many things. One of the most inspiring comparisons is to view life as a ride on an old-fashioned merry-go- round with the chance to get the brass ring.

A merry-go-round is a circular platform that rotates. The platform consists mostly of horses mounted on posts. Some of them are stationery and some go up and down to simulate a galloping horse. Some rides had a stationery device that was situated at a certain place near the side. Every time the carousel came around to that spot you could reach out and put your finger through the ring and it would release into your hand.

There were many iron rings but only one brass ring. You had to anticipate and plan your approach. You had to be in the right position to be successful. To have a chance at the brass ring you had to be on one of the outside horses and your horse had to be on the rise as you approached it. The outside of

the carousel moved faster than the inside which increased the difficulty.

If you missed the brass ring you could always try again. Each time you missed the brass ring you would probably adjust your position. You might have to take more risk to be successful. Life also gives you many opportunities and the chance to try again.

Just like the ride, you may have to make certain adjustments to achieve your goal.

The prize for getting the brass ring was a free ride which was nice but the real prize was the sense of accomplishment and the thrill of success. The brass ring represents the ultimate prize. It means living life to the fullest and striving for the highest prize.

One of the most important lessons you can learn from the merry-go-round is to be merry as you go around in your life. A carousel ride is an amusement your life is also supposed to be an amusement. If something is amusing it delights, cheers, pleases, entertains, and interests you. It causes you to laugh and be lighthearted. Your life is supposed to be merry just like the title of the ride. You are supposed to be happy and in good spirits as you go around in your life.

You are supposed to be joyful, and full of gaiety. You are supposed to enjoy yourself.

Ride the merry-go round of life and keep trying for the brass ring.

Never Pay Another Expensive Repair Again

Ly Espinol

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April 14 - 20, 2010

Vice President Louis Pincus helps lead Continental Group into its third decade

BY LYNN CARROLL

PROVOCATIVE QUESTIONS FOR PROVOCATIVE PEOPLE LC: Who are The Continental Group's clients, and what services do you provide them?

LP: The Continental Group is the largest manager of multifamily rental communities and condominium and homeowner associations in the state. We manage about 1,600 communities statewide.

Right now, as with any business or household, the focus is on the economy, and fiscal management is part of what we do. As an organization, we can leverage our size to bring cost containment to our clients for everything from elevator services and utilities to banking and insurance. Because we're able to systematically reduce costs and bring value to our clients, the net result is that maintenance fees at the condo level do not increase.

The other aspect is onsite collections.

We're working with unit owners in some cases, along with Board of Directors, to incorporate payment plans to make sure those fees are coming in so the condo asso-

Meet the authors, Good Manners Are Contagious Wednesday, April 21st, 6:30 p.m., Books & Books Are you sick and tired of people's lack of credibility and that it's getting worse every day, or a new business interest says "I'll call you by the end of the day and then you don't get a call back? Or, a new acquaintance promises, "I'll call you next week to play tennis" and‌ Lack of credibility is, simply, lack of respect and lack of good manners.

Learn how you can be more authentic in all of your relationships - business, friendships and family and enjoy a discussion with authors Dr. Jodi Dr. Jodi Stoner Stoner and Lori Gersh Weiner, Good Manners Are Contagious, Wednesday, April 21st, 6:30 p.m. at Books and Books in Coral Gables (265 Aragon Avenue) cocktail reception follows book discussion. To RSVP, email docjodi50@aol.com For more information or to reach the authors, call 305-389-6854.

ciation can get paid and have no liens or foreclosures on the property.

LC: We hear that The Continental Group reached a major milestone this year.

LP: Yes, this year we are celebrating our 20th anniversary. It's interesting that most of the properties I work with are located geographically are in the Sunny Isles Beach Aventura area. In fact, the second office we opened was in Aventura. And since Aventura was founded with the premise that it would be a highrise condo community, we have a lot in common with the city. It almost feels like we have grown together.

LC: How else are you linked with the City of Aventura?

LP: We recently partnered with the city to host a symposium at City Hall through which we were all able to share best practices and share the knowledge base in order to make more buildings LEED-certified. We worked

with City Manager Eric Soroka on this; it was a great partnership. The city has embraced the idea of going green, as has The Continental Group.

We have a program offering LEED training and certification to our staff. One of the highlights of our business is our people. We make a great investment in training and education, because we know that much depends on the ability of our onsite managers to disseminate information.

LC: What is your background with Continental and before?

LP: For most of my career I've been involved in some way or another in highrises.

Initially it was vacation ownership properties.

I joined Continental ten and a half years ago.

The Continental Group's corporate headquarters are located at 2950 N. 28th Terrace, Hollywood. For more information, call 954925-8200.

Chiropractic: It does a body good... says Dr. David Muransky

BY LYNN CARROLL

philosophy of wellness.

Chiropractic adjustments We're living longer, but are increase circulation and help we living better? asks Dr. David restore flexibility and nerve Muransky, director of the functions. The nervous system Aventura Chiropractic Care controls and coordinates the Center. organs and structures of the Citing the ever-increasing human body; who does not use of emergency rooms, the endneed a normally functioning less prescription refills and nervous system?" climbing cost of medication, the While he says he's heard tremendous list of side affects, all the reasons people don't use adverse reactions, precautions chiropractic, he finds none are and warnings -- along with a valid. reported 100,000 deaths annually "I have an answer to any from patients taking the wrong concern a patient might have," medication -- Dr. Muransky wonthe doctor says. "I'd love the ders why anyone wouldn't conopportunity to discuss how chiDr. David Muransky sider chiropractic. ropractic can benefit you. If "Chiropractic has been you'd like a one-on-one consulproven safe and effective for many conditions," tation, don't hesitate to call my office." he says. "Most notably neck and back pain. But Dr. Muransky, who has done many radio there is so much more that the public is not and TV shows, says he's available to lecture to aware of. For one thing, chiropractors don't have clubs or other organizations; call him to make advertising and marketing ties to the pharmaceu- arrangements. "I've been in practice for more tical industry." Typically, he says, satisfied chi- than 31 years," he says. "Experience counts." ropractic patients refer other patients.

Aventura Chiropractic Care Center is "Research supports the validity and located in The Promenade Shops at 20475 scientific principals of chiropractic," Dr. Biscayne Blvd., Suite G6, Aventura. Call Dr. Muransky says.

Muransky at 305-937-3700 or visit muransky"Chiropractic is a science as well as a chiropractic.com

April 14 - 20, 2010

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Free health screenings and physician lecture offered at Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center In recognition of be available to answer April being National any questions and assist Stroke Awareness in the interpretation of Month, the Aventura test results, which Turnberry Jewish include cholesterol, Center is partnering blood glucose and blood with Mount Sinai pressure.

Medical Center to offer Stroke is the third the community free leading cause of death in health screenings and a the United States, behind physician lecture on heart disease and cancer.

Sunday, April 18th, Mount Sinai Medical from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Center has earned desigat the synagogue, locatnation as a ed at 20400 N.E. 30th Comprehensive Stroke Avenue in Aventura.

Center by the Florida Antonio Gandia, MD Refreshments will be Agency for Health Care served.

Administration (AHCA), Antonio Gandia, only the second hospital M.D., an Emergency Medicine physi- in Miami-Dade County and one of just cian at the Mount Sinai / Aventura 16 in the state to achieve this distincEmergency Department, will discuss tion. As part of its community wellthe prevention of stroke, its signs, ness initiative and outreach efforts, symptoms and risk factors, and the lat- Mount Sinai is pleased to partner with est diagnostic techniques and treat- leading organizations to provide free ments. Following his lecture, which health screenings and physician lecbegins at 11:30 a.m., Dr. Gandia will tures.

Aventura North Miami Beach Lions Club golf tournament benefits a host of causes

BY LYNN CARROLL

It's time to play a few rounds and sink a few putts for the Aventura North Miami Beach Lions Club.

The organization is sponsoring its Fifth Annual Charity & Golf Tournament on Friday, April 23rd at the Pembroke Lakes Country Club, 10500 Taft Street, Pembroke Pines.

Tee time is 1 p.m.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Lions Club Back-toSchool Shopping Spree and underwrite scholarships as well as assisting the elderly in getting glasses -- the club has long directed some of its efforts toward sight preservation.

With such a broad set of programs needing support, says Carmen Gomez, 2010-11 secretary for the local Lions Club, an alliance has been formed among all District 35-A Lions Clubs to make this year's tournament as successful as possible.

"With everyone bringing family, relatives and friends," Gomez says, "it promises to be a day full of fun, food

and camaraderie."

Sponsorship packages start at $250 for a T-sign and $1,000 for an individual; corporate sponsors are $2,500 - $10,000.

Cost is $135 per golfer; $540 for a foursome. Dinner is $35. Individuals will be assigned to foursomes onsite.

To get into the full swing of things, register before the deadline on April 16th.

The Aventura North Miami Beach Lions Club welcomes new members.

"Join us for lunch," Gomez suggests.

"We meet every Tuesday at 12 noon at Tony Roma's, 18050 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach. We hope you'll have the opportunity to visit and hear about the fruits of our labor."

For information about the golf tournament, contact Chairperson Carol Castaneda, 954-394-8899; Marvin Berman, 305-778-9898; Clarice Fanning, 954-401-2607, or email aventuragolf@hotmail.com For more information about the Lions Club or to RSVP for the next luncheon, call 954-850-1407.

April 14 - 20, 2010

Alzheimer's Care Committee / Notables of Douglas Gardens host 24th Annual Luncheon to Remember Sponsored by the Rowland and Sylvia Schaefer Family Foundation, Miami Jewish Health Systems' Alzheimer's Care Committee / Notables of Douglas Gardens will host its 24th Annual Luncheon to Remember on Friday, April 16th at the Tatiana Restaurant & Cabaret located at 1710 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd. The event will honor the Cypen Family and the first lady of Douglas Gardens, Hazel Cypen. Notables Founder and Chairman Bella Goldstein promises an exciting day Hazel Cypen, featuring a Vegas-style cabaret show, first lady of cocktail reception, silent auction, rafDouglas Gardens fles and more.

Chaired by Sookey and Robert S. Event chairs Robert and Sookey Schwartz of Wells Fargo Advisors, Schwartz this year's luncheon includes the 7th Annual Ultimate Raffle drawing in loving memory of Carolyn Rosen Miller and sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Miami.

Lavish raffle prizes include a two-year lease on a 2010 C300 Mercedes-Benz, a marvelous Mercedes package of elegant gifts and exquisite diamond and sapphire earrings. Raffle tickets are $100 each, three for $200, or 18 for $1000. The grand drawing of the Ultimate Raffle will be announced by guest emcee Carey Cobb, TV personality and CBS news anchor for WFOR-4.

The 'Playbill' of generous Show Stopper Underwriters for the Luncheon to Remember Event sponsors Sylvia and Rowland includes Lorraine Cooperman, Joan Gale, Madeline Schaefer Hillsberg & Hildine Potashnick, Helen Gaulkin, Lila & Harold Menowitz, Carole & Marshall Langer, Martha Mischcon & Betty Brandt, Pinki & Allan Wesler and Elaine & Neal Slansky who donated in honor of Notables President Mickey W. Dworkin.

The Luncheon to Remember is $50 for Notables members and $125 for guests. All proceeds benefit crucial programs and services of the Alzheimer's Care Committee/ Notables of Douglas Gardens.

In 1987, Bella Goldstein and her brother, the late Louis C. Fischer, realized the need for an Alzheimer's care support group. Now there are hundreds of Notables members ensuring that "until there's a cure, there's care."

For more information on how to join the Notables organization, contact Ricki Diamond at 305-762-1371 or rdiamond@mjhha.org

Not happy with your tax return this year?

Pad your pocket with extra Bonus Play on Mardi Gras Casino Mardi Gras Casino celebrates Tax Day, Thursday, April 15th, with the Jester's Tax Day Jamboree Hot Seat Give-Away. Visit the casino between 4:40 p.m. and 10:40 p.m. for a chance to win $1,040 in Bonus Play. Winners will be announced every hour starting at 4:40 p.m. Participants must be Player's Club members and have their player's card properly inserted into a slot machine at the time of the drawing to be eligible to win. Membership to the Mardi Gras Casino's Player's Club is complimentary. For more information, call 954-924-3200 or visit playmardigras.com Mardi Gras Casino is located at 831 North Federal Highway on the corner of US1 and Pembroke Road. The casino offers over 70,000 square feet of casino excitement featuring 1,300 Las Vegas-style slot machines including new linked Progressive slots, video roulette, and virtual blackjack; 24-hour action packed poker; simulcast and greyhound racing; and various dining options.

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Elements Bistro at Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach hosts ' place to meet ' networker

BY BARI AUERBACH

Aventura Young Professionals were recently invited to share elements of success during a networking event hosted by Elements Bistro at Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach - renowned as "The Place to Meet."

AYP chair Michael Yavner of Northern Trust helped welcome a great turnout of under-45 business and community leaders gathered at the resort, ideally located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami on the picturesque Intracoastal waterway.

Leaders from Williams Island POA, Marksman Security, BKR Media and All in 1 Productions appreciated discovering "a taste of the good life" at Elements Bistro, featuring contemporary Asian/Caribbean cuisine and scenic waterfront dining with panoramic views of the Intracoastal and the resort's tropical infinity pool.

Colleagues from Stern Bloom Media, Filene's Basement, County Line Chiropractic and Circle of Lifesaving had rave reviews for Elements variety of gourmet entrees such as Hollywood Tropical Grilled Chicken, Sunshine Salsa Mahi-Mahi, Indian Summer Salmon, Sunset Sea Bass, prime meats including a 14-oz. Ribeye and and vegetarian selections like Pan Fried Gnocchi with mushrooms and sage butter.

Power lunch pros from Dr. Nancy Bacher & Associates, Executive National Bank, the Office of Dr. Richard Galitz and Seo4anyone.com noted Elements also offers a great lunch menu with exceptional sandwiches and bountiful salads like the Crunchy Chicken Caesar Wrap and Sublime Salad with fresh fruit and vegetables tossed in a poppyseed and lemon honey vinaigrette.

Early risers from JGB Bank, EWM Realty, Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm and Aventura USA also agreed it would be great to wake up to Elements breakfast specialties including French Toast with Country Raisin Bread and Mixed Vegetable Frittata.

Friends from Equinox, IT Doctors and Indigo Events made plans to meet at Elements for Happy Hours and light bites like Blackened Tuna with Crunchy Noodles, Red Stripe Mussels, Crab and Corn Fritters, Duck Gyoza, Exotic Mushroom Bisque, Mediterranean Tapanade Flatbread and Seared Scallops with Summer Corn Succotash.

AYP members concurred, "Elements is the place to eat - and Crowne Plaza Hollywood

Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach team gather with AYP Chairman Michael Yavner of Northern Trust (L-R) Catering Manager Pamela Presley; Director of Sales Misty Polihronakis; Sales Managers Jessica Speirs, Loretta Hardial and Michele Leyden

Amy Stone, Dan O'Connell, Chris Barbosa, Williams Island POA

Beach is the place to meet!" Showcasing the most creative settings for special events and banquets, the resort features over 10,000 square feet of flexible function space and superb catering services that can be customized to be ultimately "YOUnique."

While touring the resort, everyone was especially impressed by "Hollywood's brightest star" attractions: • Over 300 well-appointed rooms with expansive balconies overlooking the ocean or Intracoastal • Spectacular waterfront infinity-edge, free-form pool and fully-equipped fitness center • Perfect venues for special events and business functions including six meeting spaces plus state-of-the-art presentation equipment, certified corporate event planners, a 24-hour Business Center and free high-speed Internet access • Beachside events…arrange lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, and cabanas right on Hollywood Beach for unforgettable get-togethers • Signature programs like "Sleep Advantage" - a dream come true boasting palatial beddings, unique quiet zones, guaranteed wake-up calls and a physician-designed sleep CD • Luxurious in-room spa services including therapeutic massages and body wraps using products with organic and hypoallergenic ingredients • Great value with very reasonable rates and innovative packages Before "the place to meet" networker was over, David Burney of NationwideGoToBilling.com won a weekend stay at Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach and now, you can register to win too - just visit the website cphollywoodbeachresort.com Elements Bistro at Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach is located at 4000 South Ocean Drive.

For more information, phone 954-454-4334 or for reservations, phone: 800-227-6963. To learn more about Aventura Young Professionals, phone: 305-932-5334.

Jason Katz, Circle of Life Saving, Life Fitness; Tammy Wagner, Velocity Processing; Tiffany DiPanni, Countyline Chiropractic; Kevin Moreau; Ira Haber, All In One Productions

Maysa Barrial, Filene's Basement; David Burney, NationwideGoToBilling.com; Jennifer Becker, BKR Media Consultants

Maya Oshins, Stern Bloom Media; Candy Smith and Lilly Quintana, Ofc. of Dr. Richard M. Galitz

Leslie Stein, JGB Bank; Ben Launerts, Marksman Security; Nicole Simmons, EWM

Eric Beck, and Maiko Del Bel, IT Doctors flank Jessica Safie, Executive National Bank

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AVENTURANEWS.COM

April 14 - 20, 2010

Spring Style Watch

Jeannie Roberts DOINGS AT THE VILLAGE The Container Store, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel — all are convincing reasons to frequent The Village at Gulfstream Park. But with Spring in full swing, the outdoor oasis also offers a coterie of chic shops chockfull of Spring’s savviest styles.

When it comes to fashion, say “auf wiedersehen” to shopping at huge department stores and “hello” to the customized service found at The Village at Gulfstream Park’s specialty boutiques. Both frugalistas and fashionistas will find Spring’s biggest trend — savings — here as well.

So read on and discover the looks of the moment and where to snag them.

MINIMALISM Less is more. Score the tailored yet feminine feel at boutiques such as Next, Martier by Anel Verna, The Pacific Paradise and Martier. The minimalist trend calls for stark, architectural silhouettes and a palette of neutrals, cream, white, black and blush. Think classic, too, in the form of double-breasted jackets, linen suits and Panama hats.

MILITARY It’s a battle out there! Salute Spring with combat chic clothing. Rock and Roll Religion, Apricot Lane and Valhalla Menswear, all boast army-inspired looks.

Slip on some cargo pants, military jackets and epaulets for that let’s-get-ready-torumble appearance.

ROCKSTAR So you want to be a rock star? Roll on over to Rock and Roll Religion, Next and A-Brand for motorcycle jackets, distressed denim, oversized bracelets, zippered headbands, chain-link necklaces, studded clutches and more. Rock on!

EIGHTIES The ‘80s are ba-aaack and we aren’t talking Wigwam socks, feathered hair and jelly bracelets. Get into the groove by wearing

sequined mini dresses, leggings, crystalencrusted jeans, silk rompers, colorful berets and larger-than-life accessories.

Boutiques like Claudio Milano, Apricot Lane, RJC, Lilly McKay and Next are feeling the ‘80s vibe.

BOLD PRINTS Don’t go for the gold, go for the bold this Spring. Mix and match intrepid prints this season. Printed tunics, dolman-sleeved dresses, gingham men’s shirts, floral maxi dresses and more can be discovered at Next, Lilly McKay, A-Brand, Bobby Chan and Valhalla Menswear.

FEMININE Lingerie-inspired looks and feminine draping are rampant this season. Gamine and gorgeous, Claudio Milano, Martier Lingerie, Lilly McKay, Martier and ABrand house a menagerie of feminine looks, ruffles, bustier tops, cut-out dresses, nude chiffon mini dresses and draped fulllength jersey gowns.

STATEMENT SHOES Heel-aholics, listen up: wedges and platforms are de rigueur. Score some sky-high style at Claudio Milano Shoes and Scene.

Lastly, don’t forget to recharge your batteries. Order up an espresso at Café Martier and people watch while soaking in the sun.

Or dress up and dine at any of The Village’s invigorating restaurants such as Brio Tuscan Grille, Cantina Laredo, Texas de Brazil or many others.

You’ll see, a jaunt to The Village at Gulfstream Park is unquestionably en vogue and fun! And don’t forget to check out The Village’s weekly live music series every Friday through May 28th. Music on the Plaza showcases a multicultural mix of worldly sounds. See you at The Village!

Jeannie Roberts is the Director of Marketing for The Village at Gulfstream Park, south Florida’s newest open-air shopping, dining and entertainment destination, anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino. Ms. Roberts’ column runs the third Wednesday of each month. The Village at Gulfstream Park is located at 501 South Federal Highway in beautiful Hallandale Beach, Florida. Visit thevillageatgulfstreampark.com for details.

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April 14 - 20, 2010

AVENTURANEWS.COM

Are you properly paying your employees?

BY JEFFREY M. GOODZ Determining the Overtime Rate Over the last two months we explored which employers are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), which requires that certain employees be paid a minimum wage, and be paid time and onehalf of their regular rate of pay (overtime compensation) for all hours worked in excess of 40 in a week, and fundamental causes of liability under the FLSA. In this article we explore employer misconceptions affecting the amount an employer must pay an employee for his overtime compensation.

One of the most common misconceptions is that an employer does not have to include a shift differential in its calculation of overtime compensation. Certain employees who work less desirable shifts, such as the graveyard shift, are paid at a higher rate than their co-workers (shift differential) as incentive to get them to work those less appealing shifts. The calculation of time and one-half for such an employee must be based upon his/her actual rate of pay, not the rate of pay given to the other employees working the more desirable shifts. So, for example, if a nursing assistant works the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift, and is paid $10.00 per hour while her daytime counterparts are only paid $9.00 per hour, the overtime compensation for the assistant working 11-7 is not based on $9.00 per hour, but $10.00 per hour.

A second common misconception is that an employer does not have to include commissions or bonuses in the overtime calculation. To the contrary, commissions

must be included as part of an employee’s regular rate of pay when calculating overtime compensation due to an employee. A discretionary bonus for going above and beyond the call of duty need not be included in a calculation of overtime compensation. A non-discretionary bonus given to an employee who meets certain goals or requirements, however, must be included.

This is a particularly important misconception which could result in substantial liability since oftentimes employees make far more in commissions and bonuses than they do in regular pay.

A third misconception on the part of employers is that if they elect to pay employees a salary, as opposed to an hourly rate, for all hours worked, then the employer has paid the employee all that he is entitled to even if the employee works more than 40 hours in a given week. In truth, however, the employee is still entitled to overtime compensation for any hours over 40. Because the employee has been paid a straight salary for those overtime hours, however, he would only be entitled to half time for each hour over 40.

The importance of ensuring that employees are being paid properly cannot be underscored. Not only is a prevailing employee entitled to two times their unpaid compensation and attorney’s fees as damages, the FLSA permits individual liability against business owners and/or managers. Employers experiencing wage and hour issues, or any other employmentrelated issues, should not hesitate to consult an employment lawyer.

Jeffrey M. Goodz is an employment lawyer with the employment law firm of Remer & Georges-Pierre, PLLC located at Biscayne Centre, 11900 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 288, North Miami, Florida 33181, (305) 416-5000.

www.communitynewspapers.com ATTORNEY Y / ABOGADO Alll Typess off Cases In Spanish & English G. WALTER R ARAUJO 102 East 49 Street, Hialeah, FL 33013 • walter@gwaraujo.com OFF: (305)231.9281 FAX: (305)698.7251

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AVENTURANEWS.COM

April 14 - 20, 2010

VIEWPOINT Monopolies Are Killing Our Farms

BY TIMOTHY A. WISE Has Big Ag gotten too big? And do consumers really benefit from the low prices farmers earn for selling livestock and grain to food giants like Cargill, Smithfield, and Tyson? After two decades standing idly by while those companies and seed behemoth Monsanto swallowed their competitors, a new Department of Justice anti-trust team is vowing to bust up companies that have gotten so big they're thwarting competition.

And a new sheriff is taking the issue to the people.

In the first of five public hearings, Justice took its anti-trust rodeo to Ankeny, Iowa. The unprecedented public process has struck a nerve in the heartland, where family farmers and independent ranchers have watched as corporate mergers and takeovers left them with fewer buyers for their crops and animals, and fewer suppliers of basic inputs like seeds and fertilizer.

Justice received more than 15,000 public comments before the hearings, and some 800 farmers jammed the community college auditorium in Ankeny on March 12, for a session that took aim at Monsanto and the seed conglomerates.

Monsanto is a textbook case of monopoly selling power. It controls seeds globally, including an estimated 93 percent of the U.S. soybean seed market. U.S. seed prices overall have risen an astounding 146 percent since 1999, and 64 percent in just the last three years. An Iowa grain farmer told the crowd that he had no choice but to buy Monsanto's genetically modified seeds, and that their rising prices eroded any gains he gets from higher output. Other farmers told of legal threats from Monsanto for planting its patented seeds without a license.

These hearings are also highlighting a more insidious type of monopoly power: the kind that drives down farm prices.

"When agribusiness purchasing power is reduced to a small number of companies, does that create such an unlevel playing field that it compelthose in the middle to either get bigger or get out?" asked U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in Iowa.

U.S. anti-trust law has always recognized buyer power as an anti-competitive practice, but authorities have rarely taken

the issue seriously when reviewing the agribusiness mergers that in the last two decades have placed the majority of the world's food in the hands of a small number of corporations. Wal-Mart and other everlarger supermarket chains force down prices from their giant suppliers, which in turn demand rock-bottom prices from theirs.

Farmers are at the bottom of this food chain. This race to the bottom squeezes the life out of farms, particularly the smallest farms. And it hurts rural communities not just by lowering farm prices, but by forcing down wages for agricultural laborers, packing workers, and others in the food industry.

The issue is particularly urgent for independent livestock farmers, who have seen the meat conglomerates gobble each other up with the government blessing the carnage. The Justice Department did a proforma investigation of pork giant Smithfield's 2007 takeover of Premium Standard Farms, a merger that fattened the largest U.S. hog producer and pork packer by feeding it the country's second-largest producer and sixth-largest packer. In the Southeast, the merger left 2,500 independent hog producers with just one regional buyer. Smithfield could say to the hog farmers who weren't under contract to the company: Here's the price and, if you don't like it, good luck selling your hogs.

Despite Agriculture Department studies showing that Smithfield already wielded excessive buyer power in the region even before the merger, Bush-era Justice officials ruled that "the merged firm is not likely to harm competition, consumers or farmers." Bon appétit, Smithfield.

Is there a new anti-trust sheriff in town? Let's hope so. Our farmers shouldn't be gouged by input suppliers and buyers.

Small businesses shouldn't be run out of town. Consumers shouldn't see grocery prices go up while farm prices go down, as they have with dairy products. By putting the teeth back in anti-trust enforcement, Obama can strike a blow for free and fair capitalist competition.

--

Timothy A. Wise is the policy research director at the Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University.

www.communitynewspapers.com

Church’s Sex Abuse Scandal Reflects Deep Flaw

BY DONALD KAUL The Catholic Church didn't just celebrate Easter this year, it re-enacted it. The main difference between the Church's ordeal and The Passion of the Christ is that the Church's wounds are largely self-inflicted.

The sexual abuse scandal that began in Boston eight years ago, involving the Church hierarchy's widespread refusal to protect youngsters from child-molesting priests, spread inexorably around the world--Canada, Brazil, Australia, Ireland, Germany--until it finally reached the heart of the Mother Church, the Vatican, where it now rests at the feet of the Pope himself, Benedict XVI. It's increasingly apparent that the problem isn't isolated. There's a systemic flaw in the way the Church does things, involving hundreds of priests and thousands of victims of abuse, mainly children, throughout the world.

Which would be bad enough--middle-aged victims tell harrowing stories of the anguish they've suffered throughout their lives as a result of sexual abuse--but recent news reports show that until very recently, the Church did little or nothing to protect those victims. Instead, it protected itself.

When it became impossible to ignore the actions of an abuser, church officials would merely transfer him to another parish and tell him not to do it again. Very often, he did it again.

The children were ordered not to talk about it.

As one writer put it, "Nobody at the Vatican did more to confront abuse than Benedict."

The problem is, that sets the bar very low.

Although Cardinal Ratzinger did something, he didn't do enough.

He was known in Vatican circles as "God's Rottweiler," for the sure and swift punishments he handed canonical lawbreakers. But when dealing with priests who were child molesters, he

became "God's Labrador." With them, he was understanding.

If you believe that, I've got a nice cathedral I can sell you. It's been going on for decades, centuries even, and so has the cover-up.

Defenders of the faith have mounted a counterattack.

The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights ran an ad in The New York Times, in which its president, Bill Donohue, wrote: "The Times has teamed with Jeffrey Anderson, a radical lawyer who has made millions suing the Church…so they can weaken its moral authority. Why? Because of issues like abortion, gay marriage, and women's ordination.

That's what's really driving them mad, and that's why they are on the hunt."

Well, last time I looked it was neither illegal nor unethical to sue wrongdoers on behalf of victims. That's what lawyers do. And if they can make millions in the process, more power to them.

As for what's driving people like me mad, he may have a point there, but it's a badly bent one. I disagree with the Catholic Church on the matters mentioned by Mr. Donohue, but I tend to disagree with most churches on most matters, particularly authoritarian churches. Church policy, however, is a matter of indifference to me so long as it stays within the church.

But when that church sets itself up as a moral arbiter, is accepted as such by millions, and moves out into society influencing legislation and the laws non-members live by, then it's worthwhile knowing whom we're talking to.

And what the Catholic Church is revealing itself to be, at its core, is a cynical boys' club, more interested in preserving its reputation than doing the right thing.

Pope Benedict isn't the issue. It's bigger than that.

-Minuteman Media columnist Donald Kaul lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

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April 14 - 20, 2010

AVENTURANEWS.COM

What has happened to Florida’s school funds?

Al Sunshine 4 YOUR MONEY Education funding is getting a lot of attention once again as state lawmakers wrestle with how to pay for Florida’s School Systems. It’s a battle between balancing our growing education needs against shrinking tax rolls and doing more for Florida’s students with less money.

While the budget problems hit us every year, it’s important to remember that this is not a new problem. The compromises state lawmakers make will come back to hit us again next year. And the cycle will likely continue as it has. What’s missing is a meaningful fix that’s been too long in the making. There needs to be a consistent, sustained funding source that’s independent of property taxes.

So what is the solution?

Here is what I discovered last year, and the scenario hasn’t changed at all.

Kathy Hargreaves didn’t like how South Florida’s public schools were slashing employees and cutting back classroom programs last year. She knew the problem was due to inadequate school funding by Florida lawmakers. The Broward mom worried about her daughter’s public school education and the deteriorating classroom experience thousands of other Florida kids will face this year.

She told me she has been hearing for years about the $18 billion the lottery earned last year to improve Florida’s education system.

Kathy wondered where the money was going, so she asked CBS4 News. It turns out that when the lottery was approved by voters in 1986, it was supposed to enable the people of the state to benefit from significant additional moneys for education. According to the Florida Lottery’s own figures, it has generated $9.1 billion in direct aid to schools statewide, including some $2.2 billion to South Florida Schools.

Still, Kathy doesn’t trust how the lottery money is being spent and why more isn’t going directly into classrooms. That’s why she thinks it’s a scam that they aren’t putting it towards education like they said they were going to.

In 2009, Florida’s college system got about $2 billion from the lottery and it has gone directly to local college students from the “Bright Scholars” Program. That includes some $442 million for South Florida college students. The rest of the $18 billion has gone to school renovation and construction projects statewide, as well as to Florida’s public

colleges and universities.

Robbing Peter to pay Paul?

Critics say the lottery may have been approved originally by voters to enhance and improve education, but that state lawmakers instead used the money for basic funding.

“To put in very simple layman’s terms, new dollars came in, but they took the money they were getting before and used it for something else,” State Rep. Julio Robaina said. “They took from one place and gave it to another. It doesn’t matter what the people of Florida wanted when they supported the lottery.”

Robaina said there still is a movement statewide to allow public school funds to be used for private schools, with conservative lawmakers pushing a constitutional amendment in the fall.

He said opponents of public education are unwilling to mandate that public education be fully funded in the first place…independent of the lottery.

“Kids and schools are suffering,” Robaina said. “There are no new dollars, and the lottery is not bringing home the money.”

A POSSIBLE SOLUTION So what is the answer to better funding local schools? One possibility would be a bill requiring state lawmakers to pass an adequate education budget independent of using lottery moneys, but some local lawmakers say that’s not about to happen.

The other option is a statewide constitutional amendment mandating state lawmakers to fully fund education without lottery money…and mandate that the lottery money be used to enhance and improve education. Go back to the clause in the original measure that states, “Enable the people of the state to benefit from significant ADDITIONAL moneys for education” as it originally was approved

by Florida voters some 20 years ago.

For now, there is no move anywhere in the state to try and organize support for a statewide education amendment requiring lottery moneys be used to enhance and improve Florida’s public schools, and not just substitute that money for real, full-time funding the state’s been avoiding for years.

My guess is, if it doesn’t happen, history will repeat itself this year. We’re facing yet another round of teacher/classroom/staff and curriculum cuts — and more questions about how we approved a program to fix our schools and somehow it was never put in place like we wanted it.

The voters spoke, but most state lawmakers apparently could care less.

Watch Al Sunshine’s “4 Your Money” reports Monday-Friday beginning at noon.

You may find Al’s blog at <www.cbs4.com/4yourmoney>.

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April 14 - 20, 2010

1101 Brickell hosts stone crab lunch for top RE brokers

BY YAFFA MIZRACHI

An exclusive group of commercial real estate brokers gathered recently in the penthouse at 1101 Brickell for a special stone crab lunch hosted by developer Florida East Coast Realty (FECR) and property leasing agent Taylor & Mathis.

The brokers were invited to tour the premier property that recently underwent a $12million renovation and beautification project.

Located on a four-acre site in Miami’s financial district, 1101 Brickell is home to two office towers, retail stores and a parking garage.

“We’re pleased to have such an elite group of the area’s top real estate professionals join us and experience, first-hand, all of the improvements and upgrades that 1101 Brickell has implemented over the last year,” said Brian Gale, managing director of Taylor & Mathis.

Available offices at 1101 Brickell range from 1,000 to 20,000 square feet and amenities include on-site property management, tenant representatives and security; covered parking, lobby shops and conveniences, including the Brickell Deli, Internet Café and Sundry, BankAtlantic and a U.S. Post Office branch.

Through a unique partnership with Hotwire Business Solutions (HBS), 1101 Brickell is the first “smart building” in downtown Miami to offer tenants reduced occupancy costs based on savings on technological tools, including high bandwidth, video confer-

encing and electronic off-site storage of critical records.

FECR’s investment to enhance and modernize the property includes extensive renovation and upgrades, including reconstructing the 10 elevators into state-of-the-art, microprocessed systems; upgrading the air-conditioning systems with more efficient chillers; updating the life-safety systems and installing new generators; resurfacing and repainting the garage and adding plantings along the west

Carol Ellis-Cutler with Luis Espinoza, director of marketing for FECR.

facade; updating all fixtures with energy-efficient lighting; and modernizing the bathrooms.

All common areas, such as the lobbies, are undergoing a complete redecoration, including new stone floors, carpet, paint, ceilings and tiles. New shade trees and landscaping are being added around the property. Future plans include construction of new space for a signature restaurant and additional retail.

Atlanta-based Taylor & Mathis Brickell is a real estate services firm with offices in South Florida and Tampa and represents 3-million square feet of office space in Miami-Dade County. The firm provides management, leasing, sales, development, and brokerage services in the office and industrial real estate sectors. Taylor & Mathis has been in operation since 1967 and has developed more than 12-million square feet, including Perimeter Center in suburban Atlanta, the largest suburban office park in the country.

For more information, go to <www.taylormathis.com> or <www.fecr.com>.

Pictured (l-r) are Jeanette Mendoza, Brian Gale, Tibor Hollo, Nicole Gamarra and Ryan Holtzman.

Pictured (l-r) Matthew Cheezem, Vincent Bonfante, Brian Gale, Chris Dekker and Ryan Holtzman.

April 14 - 20, 2010

AVENTURANEWS.COM

Page 17

Avoiding a Universal Life Catastrophe

BY NICHOLAS GNAD QIf you are the owner or expect to be the beneficiary of a Universal Life insurance policy this may be one of the most important short reads you come across.

To understand the problem that may be lurking, it is first important to understand how this type of policy works. Unlike other insurance products that have a locked in premium for a specific time, Universal Life uses a planned contribution (premium) to achieve a specific goal. This premium is based on a certain set of projected assumptions. The three key assumptions include; mortality risk (life expectancy), insurance company and other expenses, and rate of return. As long as original projections hold true or improve the policies are likely to perform as planned and there is little to do but stay the course. The problem arises when the variables have not stayed the same. As a matter of fact, due to bottomed-out interest rates and underperforming equity markets, most policies that were originally issued using “current assumptions” are likely way off their longterm projections. To add to this dilemma, many insurance companies are being

required to increase their reserves due to poor returns in their general accounts. This loss of investment opportunity is typically made up by increasing premium expenses.

To know the health of a Universal Life policy, a new illustration similar to the one that was used when the policy was purchased should be reviewed. Since so much has changed recently, my recommendation is to review any Universal Life policy that is two years old and an absolute must to review anything older than five years.

The good news is that the flexibility within these contracts provides for a litany of fixes. If realized and applied early enough, the corrections can be minor, if ignored for an extended period of time, your policy may be heading for a Universal Life Catastrophe.

Universal Life is a unique product that even many agents have trouble fully comprehending. If you are inclined to take the time to know the health of your contract, be sure to seek the help of an independent insurance broker with the experience and knowledge to adequately explain the details of your policy as well as the options provided within. Our clients always sleep better after such a review.

Nicholas Gnad, Managing Partner of Beachwood Financial Group, an independent insurance brokerage, can be reached at 877-683-9200 or nickg@bwfg.com

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April 14 - 20, 2010

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April 14 - 20, 2010

AVENTURANEWS.COM

Weight Watchers promises ‘Dream Girl’ body

Designed with the goal to put an end to yo-yo dieting, Weight Watchers explains that instead of teaching you how to diet, the mission is to inspire and help you adopt a healthier way to live – for life so you can successfully learn how to lose weight and keep it off. The program takes

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BY BARI AUERBACH In the latest commercials for Weight Watchers, celebrity spokesperson Jennifer Hudson extols the benefits of following the Weight Watchers program while showing off her new “Dream Girl” body.

In her online blog, Hudson writes, “One of the things I am most excited about in my life right now is that I can finally tell everyone what I have been doing to lose weight…I decided to join Weight Watchers because I wanted to make healthy changes, and I needed a plan that would fit in with my busy life…I had been working at weight loss on my own with a lot of the same beliefs and healthy principles of Weight Watchers. Then I realized I could learn something from the structure and accountability it offered me…I’m learning so much about healthy living, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”

With obesity statistics in the U.S. continuing to soar, more and more people are signing up for weight-loss programs— but according to an analysis of 31 longterm diet studies conducted by researchers at the University of California, about twothirds of dieters wound up regaining more weight within four or five years than they initially lost.

“Desperate for quick results in a culture of instant gratification, [people] try to lose weight on diets with too few calories,” says Judith Beck, Ph.D., director of the Beck Institute of Cognitive Therapy and author of “The Beck Diet Solution.”

“If you lose weight on 1,200 calories a day, the minute you go up to 1,300 is the minute you start gaining weight.”

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an integrated approach emphasizing good eating choices, healthy habits, a supportive environment and exercise.

In keeping with the motto “Simple, Satisfying and Smart,” Weight Watchers allows you to eat what you like, focusing on nutrition, providing advice on staying satisfied by choosing foods you enjoy and offering flexible food plans that can adapt to any lifestyle or unique needs.

The Weight Watchers “Momentum” program facilitates permanent healthy lifestyle shifts. According to the website, “There’s no need to feel deprived while losing weight. This isn’t a ‘fad diet’— there are no required foods, and the very best nutritional research is behind the program…We know you want to keep weight off for the long haul. What you eat is important, and the Momentum program will help you to make smart choices and keep hunger in check. What you learn will stay with you for a lifetime.”

People who want to follow the Weight Watchers plan online at their own pace and on their own time are encouraged to “see how Weight Watchers Online can make losing weight click for you.” To sign up, visit www.weightwatchers.com.

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Invite you and a guest to an advance screening of Tuesday, April 20th at AMC Aventura For a chance to win passes , please call the Community Newspapers office, at 305-669-7355 on THURSDAY, APRIL 15TH at 2:00pm.

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April 14 - 20, 2010

Keep a trophy — save a fish FWC REPORT

BY RODNEY BARRETO Chairman, Florida Freshwater Fish & Wildlife Commission

Few things beat the satisfaction you get from landing a big saltwater fish or catching a type of fish you’ve never caught before. It’s also natural to want to preserve your special moment, and sometimes you want something more than just a photo of your catch to commemorate your experience and be able to share it with family and friends.

Today, it’s possible to do just that and still do your part to conserve Florida’s precious marine resources. Professional fish taxidermists produce high-quality, anatomically accurate fish mounts for anglers; they can even capture the size, shape, markings and colors of your fish. Best of all, they don’t need the fish to reproduce its likeness, so the fish can be returned to the water to help maintain healthy fish populations and provide exciting angling experiences for others to enjoy.

One of my all-time favorite stories illustrates the point that “real fish” aren’t needed to make a mount. A very good friend of mine went out on a fishing trip off Key Biscayne to catch sailfish and took his brother-in-law and the brother-in-law’s son.

They had a very enjoyable day of fishing and happily returned to shore with two beautiful sailfish.

My dear friend, uplifted by the day’s success and feeling a great sense of generosity, kindly arranged to have the fish professionally mounted by a taxidermist as a keepsake for his two fishing companions.

About eight months later, my friend got a call from the taxidermist, who told him that the two fish mounts were ready and he could come by and pick them up. My friend then called me and asked if he could borrow my truck to haul his fish mounts home.

It was around the time of the holidays and he said he really wanted to get the trophies before Christmas, that his son was real excited about seeing them.

So my friend took my truck to the taxidermist and pulled in to the docking space where customers park to pick up their completed

mounts. Soon enough, a couple of fellows appeared out the back door with the sailfish and carried them to the back of the truck.

Unfortunately, as they were loading one of the mounts onto the truck bed, something went wrong and they accidentally broke off its beak. My friend was horrified!

It was right before Christmas and he’d waited eight months to finally get his prized fish souvenirs, only to have one of the most prominent features of the fish break off.

“Wait, don’t worry; it’s no problem,” said the man who broke the beak as he turned back to the loading dock and yelled out: “Hey, Louie, bring out another No. 84 for this man!”

Obviously, there is more than one lesson to be learned here. Not only is it wise to know who you’re doing business with, but it simply isn’t necessary to kill the fish you caught to get a realistic representation of your exciting catch.

Fish taxidermists have several options available to anglers to produce realistic replicas of trophy fish. Usually, all they need is an accurate description of the fish, including the species and its length and girth. It’s also a good idea, if possible, to take a few pictures to show the uniqueness of your special fish as you carefully release it back to the water.

Many taxidermists today use fiberglass mounts to make beautiful representations of marine fish. These talented artists can even reproduce the specific colors and markings of your fish, and fiberglass mounts are durable and retain their beauty for years to come.

So go out and enjoy your next trophy catch, and remember that you can preserve the excitement of your fishing experience and still practice marine conservation at the same time.

Rodney Barreto may be contacted by calling 305-444-4648 or by email at <rodney@thebarretogroup.com>.

www.communitynewspapers

April 14 - 20, 2010

AVENTURANEWS.COM

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April 14 - 20, 2010

April 14 - 20, 2010

AVENTURANEWS.COM

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2010 Range Rover gets new engines, more luxury Ron Beasley AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR

LET’S TALK CARS Range Rover is the flagship vehicle of the Land Rover line — sold by Ford last year to India’s Tata Motors — and for 2010 it has more power, luxury and off-road capability.

Two new 5.0-liter LR-V-8 engines — the 510-hp supercharged unit (12/18 mpg) and the 375-hp naturally aspirated V-8 — are offered this year and both deliver more power and refinement without any increase in gas consumption and emissions. The result is a pair of lightweight, direct-injection engines that provide more usable lowend torque and much better response.

The new LR V-8 engines are built around an all-new aluminum block with cast-in iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. The engines also have aluminum heads with four valves per cylinder and spheroidal-graphite cast-iron crankshafts with steel connecting rods.

One of the key features of the new engines is a centrally mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system that delivers fuel directly to the cylinder. The positioning of the injectors ensures that fuel is precisely delivered to the center of the combustion chamber, maximizing air-fuel mixing and improving combustion control.

The performance of the LR V-8 is a virtual match for the outgoing 4.2-liter supercharged engine. The new naturally aspirated vehicle clocks 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds, and that’s only a tenth of a second off the pace of the old supercharged model.

At the same time, the new supercharged model notches 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 5.9 seconds. A sixth generation Eaton twinvortex supercharger is fitted to the 510-hp engine. It feeds air through twin watercooled intercoolers, which reduce the temperature of the pressurized intake air. The high-helix rotor design improves efficiency by 16 percent. It also improves noise quality to the point where the unit is almost silent.

Other improvements to Range Rover for 2010 include discrete changes to the headlights, grille and bumper, while the interior gets more luxurious materials and finishes that further refine the luxurious cabin.

Range Rover also has state-of-the-art

Minor changes to the headlights, grille and bumper mark the 2010 Range Rover, while the interior includes more luxurious materials.

Adaptive Dynamics technology (optional on the naturally aspirated Range Rover) to further improve the big SUV’s ride.

All-terrain performance is enhanced by updates to the Terrain Response and Stability Control systems. There also is a series of enhanced active safety aids, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Emergency Brake Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, available Automatic High

Lower cost, higher reliability, cleaner energy Florida Power & Light’s typical residential customer bill is not only lower than the national average, it’s the lowest out of all 55 electric utilities in the state.* Our reliability is 46 percent better than the national average. And our emissions are 35 percent lower than the national average.

Why? Because we’re always working to make our infrastructure stronger, smarter, cleaner and even more efficient. For you.

We’re committed to delivering affordable, reliable, clean energy, now and in the future. * Florida Municipal Electric Association and Florida Public Service Commission, based on a typical residential 1,000 kWh monthly bill.Edison Electric Institute’s Typical Bills and Average Rates Report for summer 2009.

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Beam Assist (AHBA) and an available Surround Camera System.

The base price on our 2010 Range Rover Supercharged SUV was $94,275.

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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AVENTURANEWS.COM

April 14 - 20, 2010

Cadillac Ranch: Popular destination for all BY

BY LEE LEESTEPHEN STEPHEN

Cadillac Ranch, an All American Bar and Grill, brings a new kind of rock and roll inspired atmosphere to the casual dining experience. Steaks, chops, BBQ, burgers, cocktails, and the baddest mechanical bull in town!

The brand new Cadillac Ranch location, a first for South Florida, is determined to be the entertainment centerpiece of the brand new Villages at Gulfstream Park.

Cadillac Ranch is prepared to dazzle any diner with delicious AllAmerican cuisine and a rockin’ good time.

From Las Vegas to Miami, Cadillac Ranch operates eleven locations across the country, with future plans to open venues in the Channelside Mall in Tampa, and another in Kendall.

Located in the heart of the newly constructed Village at Gulfstream Park, Cadillac Ranch offers multiple bars serving up happy hour specials, delicious signature cocktails, a sizeable late night menu, and a nightlife scene you won’t find anywhere else this side of South Beach. Just steps from Gulfstream Park and Casino, Cadillac Ranch offers endless entertainment options. Come in for dinner and stay for stay late night entertainment. Cadillac Ranch offers daily dinner specials including Surf & Turf, Barbeque Platter, Strip Steak, Prime Rib, and a Sunday Brunch Menu. Cadillac Ranch features live music weekly and your favorite music spun by our house DJ. Sure to be a popular destination for all ages, locals and tourists, happy hour connoisseurs and families, Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch

offers 17,000sq ft. of American dining, outdoor bars and patios, a huge indoor fireplace, and open-air fire pits. The décor alone will surely draw you in and keep you wandering. Adorned with two large Blue Cadillacs, hand painted sky ceiling, faux finish walls, stained concrete floors, mosaic tiles, antler chandeliers, stacked stones, rich woods, license plate and hubcap accents.

More than just a restaurant, Cadillac Ranch offers ample space for any event, from corporate lunches to custom private events of up to 1,000 people. The in-house events coordinator will make sure all of your needs are fulfilled. Perfect for birthdays, office parties, luncheons, wedding receptions, holiday parties or any other special occasion. Cadillac Ranch will work with you to accommodate any specific requests and customize details to suit your guests and your budget.

Located at 921 Silks Run Road in Hallandale Beach. Call (954) 456-1034 for more information or email Events.CadillacRanch@gmail.com.

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April 14 - 20, 2010

AVENTURANEWS.COM

Are you properly paying your employees?

BY JEFFREY M. GOODZ Determining the Overtime Rate Over the last two months we explored which employers are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), which requires that certain employees be paid a minimum wage, and be paid time and onehalf of their regular rate of pay (overtime compensation) for all hours worked in excess of 40 in a week, and fundamental causes of liability under the FLSA. In this article we explore employer misconceptions affecting the amount an employer must pay an employee for his overtime compensation.

One of the most common misconceptions is that an employer does not have to include a shift differential in its calculation of overtime compensation. Certain employees who work less desirable shifts, such as the graveyard shift, are paid at a higher rate than their co-workers (shift differential) as incentive to get them to work those less appealing shifts. The calculation of time and one-half for such an employee must be based upon his/her actual rate of pay, not the rate of pay given to the other employees working the more desirable shifts. So, for example, if a nursing assistant works the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift, and is paid $10.00 per hour while her daytime counterparts are only paid $9.00 per hour, the overtime compensation for the assistant working 11-7 is not based on $9.00 per hour, but $10.00 per hour.

A second common misconception is that an employer does not have to include commissions or bonuses in the overtime calculation. To the contrary, commissions

must be included as part of an employee’s regular rate of pay when calculating overtime compensation due to an employee. A discretionary bonus for going above and beyond the call of duty need not be included in a calculation of overtime compensation. A non-discretionary bonus given to an employee who meets certain goals or requirements, however, must be included.

This is a particularly important misconception which could result in substantial liability since oftentimes employees make far more in commissions and bonuses than they do in regular pay.

A third misconception on the part of employers is that if they elect to pay employees a salary, as opposed to an hourly rate, for all hours worked, then the employer has paid the employee all that he is entitled to even if the employee works more than 40 hours in a given week. In truth, however, the employee is still entitled to overtime compensation for any hours over 40. Because the employee has been paid a straight salary for those overtime hours, however, he would only be entitled to half time for each hour over 40.

The importance of ensuring that employees are being paid properly cannot be underscored. Not only is a prevailing employee entitled to two times their unpaid compensation and attorney’s fees as damages, the FLSA permits individual liability against business owners and/or managers. Employers experiencing wage and hour issues, or any other employmentrelated issues, should not hesitate to consult an employment lawyer.

Jeffrey M. Goodz is an employment lawyer with the employment law firm of Remer & Georges-Pierre, PLLC located at Biscayne Centre, 11900 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 288, North Miami, Florida 33181, (305) 416-5000.

www.communitynewspapers.com ATTORNEY Y / ABOGADO Alll Typess off Cases In Spanish & English G. WALTER R ARAUJO 102 East 49 Street, Hialeah, FL 33013 • walter@gwaraujo.com OFF: (305)231.9281 FAX: (305)698.7251

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AVENTURANEWS.COM

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Call 877-276-5508 now Services subject to availability. Please contact Atlantic Broadband for details. Offer expires April 22, 2010. Offer only available to residential customers who do not currently subscribe to Atlantic Broadband Phone and/or High-Speed Internet service. At end of six month promotional period, the Preferred High-Speed Internet price will revert to the then standard retail rate. If Phone service is cancelled within promotional period, the High-Speed Internet service price will go to the then standard retail price. Atlantic Broadband Phone service includes one phone line with direct dialed, unlimited local and long distance calls from your home phone to anywhere in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico plus 16 calling features. All international calls are billed at additional per minute rate. Number portability not available in all areas. EMTA equipment rental required for Phone service. Installation, equipment, activation, taxes, fees and surcharges not included. High-Speed Internet speeds may vary and are not guaranteed as many factors impact speed. © Atlantic Broadband 2010.

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AVENTURANEWS.COM

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April 14 - 20, 2010

UFC® 112 World Middleweight Championship Viewing Party at Mardi Gras Casino What: Mardi Gras Casino <http://www.playmardigras.com/> hosts a viewing party for UFC® 112 <http://www.ufc.com/> as middleweight titleholder Anderson “The Spider” Silva faces the extraordinary BJJ of Demian Maia. Lightweight champion BJ Penn looks to continue his dominant reign when he takes on Frankie Edgar in the double main event of UFC® 112. Also, two legends meet for the first time when future UFC® Hall of Famer™ Matt Hughes battles ground fighting master Renzo Gracie.

There is no cover charge for the viewing party, but seating is limited and will be offered on a first come first serve basis. Food specials running all night, plus $2 drink specials, $1.75 Domestic Bottled Beer, $7.50 Domestic Buckets, $2.75 Import Bottled Beers, $11.50 Import Buckets.

When: Saturday, April 10, 2010, at 10:00 p.m.

Where: Mardi Gras Casino, 2nd Floor 831 North Federal Highway Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 Ph: 954-924-3200 About Mardi Gras Casino Mardi Gras Casino is located at 831 North Federal Highway on the corner of US-1 and Pembroke Road. The casino offers over 70,000 square feet of casino excitement featuring 1,300 Las Vegas-style slot machines including new linked Progressive slots, video roulette, and virtual blackjack; 24-hour action packed poker <http://www.playbigeasypoker.com/> ; simulcast and greyhound racing; and various dining options. For more information, call 954-924-3200 or visit www.playmardigras.com <http://www.playmardigras.com/> .

FREE CONSULTATION LEARN ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF LIVING TRUSTS; STRATEGIES TO PROTECT YOUR ASSETS; MEDICAID PLANNING FOR A NURSING HOME; AND SPECIAL DISABILITY TRUSTS FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN (Also Wills, Tax Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Living Wills)

Dean S. Bress, Esq., MBA (taxation) Bress Law Firm, PLLC Certified Elder Law Attorney* 1041 Ives Dairy Road, Suite 238 Aventura, Florida 33179 (Just West of I-95 on Ives Dairy)

305-654-5757 • www.bresslawfirm.com Social Workers, Financial professionals and Accountants are encouraged to telephone us with questions. We also offer free coffee and cookie seminars for groups having a sufficient number of attendees. *Certified by the National Elder Law Foundation, the only ABA approved designation of an Elder Law Attorney.

April 14 - 20, 2010

AVENTURANEWS.COM

• EDUCATIONAL AND TEEN ADVICE • Toby Rose ASK TOBY My daughter told me that she needs to take her own paper, computer paper and other items to school because there is no money for many of these items this year. Is this just in Miami-Dade County or is this happening elsewhere?

This is happening all across the country.

More and more schools are turning to parents and PTAs to cover the costs of books, supplies, musical instruments, paint, teacher aides, and more. The list is endless.

We really need to get our priorities straight in this country and education should be at the top of the list.

Is it true that the university of Florida ranks number47 in the ranking of the top 50 universities in the nation?

Yes, U.S. News and World Report released its oft-debated rankings of colleges and universities and UF was number 47. Number 50 went to the University of Miami and I find that is pretty spectacular.

UM has gone from being known as “Suntan U” to being a highly-respected academic institution.

With the recent economic troubles facing the U.S., how have you changed your college advisement of students and parents in regards to finances?

One of the most important things that I do, and have always done, is to start college counseling early. I have always made my families aware of the different costs of colleges and the variety of finances available to them through the aid process. Today we not only have problems concerning the United States, but the whole world.

Students who are planning to do semesters abroad or take a gap year are finding it is not economically possible. I advise them to make the highest possible SAT scores and the highest grades and be eligible to attend one of our top schools in Florida and be eligible for scholarships. Many of my top seniors have already received scholarships for at least half of their entire room and board. I advise kids to look at schools that they would normally never consider. I also ask students and parents to not look only at

the next four years, but at the next 10 years of their lives. Do they really want to go to law school or medical school; what are their postgraduate plans? We now have much less money to be loaned from our government and students applying to graduate schools must determine early where this money will come from. I am currently working with four families whose students cannot afford to go to medical school. They are out of school, working two jobs just to pay for tuition, and will be going back in three years to begin medical school.

My daughter is deciding on a major for college. Do you help students with their career choices?

Absolutely. It is through talking with the students and learning about their likes and dislikes, both in classes and activities, that I help them determine and focus on possible careers. Many times it is impossible to force oneself to decide on a career. If so, my next advice is that the student go to a liberal arts school and take different courses in order to find out exactly what he or she likes. I also follow my kids through college and help them through their first years, giving them the proper advice while they are in college.

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Barbara Buxton, J.D., LL.M. Florida Attorney

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I heard that the College Board has a new policy for SAT scores. What does it entail?

Starting in March, students can take the SAT as many times as they would like, but they must select one, and only one, complete test to send to colleges. This means that the colleges will not be able to pick the best scores of each section and combine all three to get a higher score. This makes it a lot tougher for the students.

I have a daughter who is a sophomore at UF and my son is chomping at the bit to go there as well. Is it a good idea to have siblings attend the same college?

It depends on the relationship. One of my current students refuses to be at the same college as his brother. Another family with twins decided that separating the siblings was preferable. That was the only separation for twins that I have had in 20 years. Most siblings have a good relationship while in college and find comfort in knowing that they have someone they can count on and talk to. The University of Florida is a huge school with over 40,000 students attending and siblings will not need to see each other, if so desired.

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April 14 - 20, 2010

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April 14 - 20, 2010

AVENTURANEWS.COM

SAVE YOUR MARRIAGE OR RELATIONSHIP! Are you in a relationship that has lost its pleasure and excitement?

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AVENTURANEWS.COM

April 14 - 20, 2010

Local banker recognized for career achievements

Pictured (l-r) are Mark Rosenberg, FIU president; Octavio Hernandez, vice chairman, president and CEO of U.S. Century Bank; Jose Perez de Corcho, FIU Alumni Association president, and Bill Draughon, FIU Alumni Association executive director.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY ILEANA PORTAL

Octavio Hernandez, vice chairman, president and CEO of U.S. Century Bank, recently received the 2010 Torch Award for Outstanding Career Achievement from Florida International University (FIU).

Hernandez received the award during the FIU Annual Torch Awards Dinner and Gala, which recognizes the university’s outstanding alumni. FIU president Mark B. Rosenberg, along with FIU Alumni Association president Jose Perez de Corcho, and FIU Alumni Association executive director Bill Draughon, presented the award.

“I’m thrilled to be recognized by Florida International University and I am proud to have been part of the university’s first graduating class of 1974,” Hernandez said.

“When I walk through the university’s campus now, it’s amazing to see how it has grown and continues to excel in offering a good, quality education.

“So many of our community’s leaders are FIU graduates who are truly making a difference in South Florida and spearhead-

ing the region’s future,” he added.

Hernandez has been a leader in Miami’s banking community for more than 35 years. He is co-founder of U.S. Century Bank, one of the strongest financial institutions in South Florida. Under his leadership, the bank has supported FIU through a generous gift to the Athletics Department, which resulted in the naming of the university’s arena (U.S. Century Bank Arena), as well as providing student scholarships to both the College of Law and the Honors College.

U.S. Century Bank is one of the 10 largest community banks headquartered in Miami, with assets of $2 billion. Through its network of 25 branch locations and its online banking platform, it offers South Florida’s business community a wide range of financial products and services. The bank received the 2008 Beacon Award in Financial Services and recognition the 2009 and 2008 Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Top 100 Minority Businesses.

For more information or to find a U.S. Century branch near you, call 305-715-5200 or visit online at <www.uscentury.com>.

www.communitynewspapers.com

April 14 - 20, 2010

AVENTURANEWS.COM

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AVENTURANEWS.COM

April 14 - 20, 2010

Corporate Run scheduled Apr. 29 at Bayfront Park

BY GARY ALAN RUSE

The Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run in downtown Miami, organized by FootWorks, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with its annual event on Thursday, Apr. 29.

Beginning at 6:45 p.m. in Bayfront Park, 305 Biscayne Blvd., the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run Series is a tri-county 5K (3.1 mile) Run/Walk that attracts more than 800 South Florida Companies each year. With more than 25,000 runners and walkers expected to participate in the 2010 series, the run continues to grow.

The husband and wife team of Hans and Laurie Huseby, founders of the Florida Corporate Run Series, opened their FootWorks running shoe store in South Miami in 1976 because they were avid runners themselves and wanted to provide South Florida runners with a retail location that provided the personalized feeling that their

Pictured are Hans and Laurie Huseby, co-founders of FootWorks, and JP Huseby, event director.

shoppers desired. Their training and eventoriented organization TeamFootWorks followed, and with a quarter-century of the Corporate Run to their credit they have no plans of stopping now.

“For more than 25 years, TeamFootWorks has organized and produced the Corporate Run with one goal in mind — to promote health and fitness at all levels and provide a venue to boost company morale and encourage camaraderie in the workplace,” said Laurie Huseby, TeamFootWorks president. “The idea behind the run is to encourage and support one another toward a goal of living a healthier life — an ideal we hold close to our hearts.”

The run provides an opportunity for coworkers from area companies to get together and work as a team in the spirit of a friendly competition outside of the workplace. It attracts individuals from all walks of life, ages and ability levels.

“Our reward is watching employees take the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle and having fun with their company in a non-threatening atmosphere” Huseby said.

“We give employees one night where they can come together as a group and express pride in their companies. For those who’ve never exercised, the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run is a great way to get people interested in a long-term fitness program and something we are extremely proud to be a part of, especially after 25 years.”

With a portion of the proceeds from the tri-county race series benefiting the South Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross, the event is open to employees of businesses, corporations, government agencies, financial institutions and nonprofits, no matter how big or small.

Everyone is encouraged to participate and may enter an unlimited number of employees to walk or run as a group.

FootWorks has become the unofficial runners’ headquarters in South Florida, and because of the continued efforts of Hans

Runners and walkers prepare for the start of the 2009 Corporate Run. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

and Laurie Huseby, who also founded the Miami Runners Club, the store continues to grow in the local running scene. Directing the Florida Corporate Run series allows them to continuing promoting their message of health and fitness on a much larger scale.

For registration information or to reserve a registration packet, contact FootWorks at

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April 14 - 20, 2010

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April 14 - 20, 2010