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Cutler Bay NOV. 27 - DEC. 10, 2012
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New high school main focus of State of Town Address BY GARY ALAN RUSE
Busway toll lane meeting attracts MDX plan critics
ayor Ed MacDougall’s State of the Town Address on Nov. 8 was presented appropriately at Cutler Bay’s new high school, Centennial, which was the main focus of the event. More than 250 people — including town officials, Centennial principal Yamila Carballo, teachers and other school staff members, students and parents — packed the auditorium of the school, located at 8601 SW 212 St., for the 7 p.m. event. Mayor MacDougall skipped a prepared speech and spoke extemporaneously about the school and other subjects. “We had two of the high school students there, the first year — ninth
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TOWN, page 6
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BY RICHARD YAGER
Mayor Ed MacDougall is pictured giving his address in the auditorium of Centennial High School. (Photo by Denise Cebrero)
Old Cutler Academy students get ready for Thanksgiving Pictured at Old Cutler Academy Learning Center, 20222 Old Cutler Rd. in Cutler Bay, are (l-r) VPK students (4- and 5-year-olds) Angel Irizarry, Damion Guzman and Jacob Rogers, as they get ready for the annual Thanksgiving luncheon for students and parents. Besides making their own decorations, students were each asked to say for what they were thankful. (Photo by Jessie Gomez)
he first in a series of town meetings to examine local issues drew more than 200 to Pinecrest Gardens to discuss Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) plans for managed toll lanes using the South Dade Busway along US1. The controversial issue brought a halfdozen MDX staff members to display charts and explain potential lane conversions before Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner officially opened a two-hour discussion to explain the study and field questions about the project. Moderated by former Miami-Dade Commissioner Katy Sorenson, the meeting provided an opportunity for area residents to air their objections to an MDX plan that would elevate the Busway over east-west through streets. Others objected to
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BUSWAY, page 6
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Nov. 27 - Dec.10, 2012
Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
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Dr. Zambrano to head cardiology at Jackson South Community Hospital BY JENNIFER PIEDRA
School of Medicine. He directed the vascular section of the interventional cardiology proJuan Pablo Zambrano, MD, has joined the gram and has trained seven generations of medical staff at Jackson South Community cardiovascular specialists. He was a part of the UM team for stem cells in cardiovascular Hospital as the director of cardiology. Dr. Zambrano is board certified in cardiol- regeneration and is one of the only two operators with experience in direct carogy, interventional cardiology diac administration of stem cells in and nuclear cardiology. His South Florida. interests focus on cardiac and Dr. Zambrano received his medvascular interventions, carotid ical degree from Universidad and lower extremities intervenCatólica de Santiago de Guayaquil in tions to improve circulation, as Ecuador and subsequently completwell as new devices for minied an externship at the University of mally invasive cardiac and vasMiami through the William J. cular procedures. Harrington Medical Training “Dr. Zambrano has estabPrograms for Latin America. He then lished himself in our community completed his post-graduate training as a leader in cardiac and vascular care,” said Martha Garcia, Juan Pablo Zambrano, MD in internal medicine, served as a chief –––––––––––––––– medical resident, and completed carRN, MBA, MSN, chief administrative officer at Jackson South Community diology and interventional cardiology fellowHospital. “We are thrilled to have him as part ships at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial of the Jackson South family and to be able to Medical Center and Miami VA Medical Center. Dr. Zambrano has authored a number of offer his unparalleled expertise to Miamiwell-received abstracts, textbook chapters, Dade residents.” Prior to his appointment at Jackson South, and papers in his areas of expertise and lecDr. Zambrano was an assistant professor of tures in medical forums nationally and intermedicine at the University of Miami Miller nationally.
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South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center (SMDCAC) presents “Silent Night: Seraphic Fire’s Candlelight Christmas Concert” on Sunday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. SMDCAC is located at 10950 SW 211 St. in Cutler Bay. Tickets are $30-$15. For tickets the public should visit online at <www.smdcac.org> or call 786-573-5300. Free parking is available. This is a spectacular holiday program by South Florida’s acclaimed “All Star” ensemble of professional choral singers. Last year’s concert was sold out, so get your tickets now. Entering its second decade, Seraphic Fire has become one of South Florida’s most important performing arts organizations and has a national reputation for choral music excellence. Led by founder and artistic director Patrick Dupré Quigley, Seraphic Fire brings the best ensemble singers from around the country to South Florida to perform repertoire ranging from Gregorian chant to newly
commissioned works. This past year, the ensemble’s recordings Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem and A Seraphic Fire Christmas were nominated for two 2012 Grammy awards. Seraphic Fire was the only choir in North or South America to be nominated, and the only classical ensemble in the world to be nominated for two separate projects. The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, designed by an internationally acclaimed design team that includes Arquitectonica International Inc. (architects), Fisher Dachs Associates Inc. (theater design), Artec Consultants Inc. (acoustics), and AMS Planning & Research Corp. (theater management), provides, for the first time, a state-of-theart cultural venue and community gathering place in the southern part of MiamiDade County. The center features prominent works of art created by Miami artist Robert Chambers who was commissioned by Miami-Dade County’s Art in Public Places program to design a kinetic light wall and sculptures for the theater.
Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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The Hometown Harvest Bike Ride returns Dec. 9th Michael Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR
AROUND TOWN Biking alert! We hear from Jean TongNoon of the Cutler Bay Business Association that Cutler Bay will host its sixth annual Hometown Harvest Bike Ride on Sunday, December 9 at Lakes By the Bay Park, 8551 SW 216 St. “The riders are escorted on a 10 mile scenic ride throughout the town by the Cutler Bay police,” says Jean. This great family ride is a popular event each year and conditions are usually ideal now that the weather is cooler. It begins at 10 a.m. with registration, followed by a safety demonstration. Riders must be at least ten years of age and everyone must wear a helmet. Free helmets will be given out to the first riders, age 10 – 16, to sign up, while supplies last. Riders will be provided with water and maps. Halfway through the ride the group stops at Saga Bay Park for a snack, baked by the Whispering Pines
Ladies Club and the Cutler Ridge Womens Club, both of whom are known for their great cookies and treats. For information visit the town website at <www.cutlerbay-fl.gov/> or call the Parks & Recreation Department at 305-2384166. Pets’ Trust goes forward as “we are writing the manual (for lack of a better word) for how it would work,” reports Michael Rosenberg of the solidly-supported county referendum for the animal-saving project. “We are also creating a National Advisory Board with the top people in the country that will review our plans to make sure we are doing it right. Then, we’ll take that finalized plan to the commissioners. I have also been contacted from Orlando to see how to create an Orlando Pets’ Trust,” he continued. “I’ve received many calls from around the country stating how proud they are of the people of Miami. It’s very heartwarming what we have done. Almost 65 percent of the vote (near 500,000 votes). Our community has spoken. We have the love no matter what anyone says!” Karen Peterson and Dancers staging a “Meet the Artist” wine and dessert
benefit performance Saturday, Dec. 1 from 7-9 p.m. at the Excello Studio, 8700 SW 129 Terrace in The Falls industrial area. Renowned statewide dance group provides a chance for personal contact for this mixed-abilities dance program. Ticket sales will support a new “Talent Showcase” 15-week dance program for 225 middle and high school teens with special needs in the Miami-Dade Public Schools. Tickets are $35 in advance, available via PayPal at <www.karenpetersondancers.org> and $40 at the door. For details, visit that website. Special concert news! We hear from Jessica Wade Pfeffer that last year’s popular art event, Pop-Up Piano Miami, is back again this year, with a special fundraising concert on Wednesday December 5th at The PERRY South Beach Hotel (formerly the Gansevoort). The funds that the project raises from the auction and ticket sales will be donated to Friends of the New World Symphony, the nation’s leading orchestral academy, and Kimbanguist Symphony Orchestra, Central Africa’s only symphony orchestra (recently featured on CBS’s 60 Minutes). Fundraiser guests will
be able to enjoy special performances, a silent auction, and view the artistically transformed pianos before they hit the streets the following morning for Art Basel week. Hors d’oeuvres courtesy of The One Group and cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka. Guests will receive goodie bags with a surprise gift from Hallandale’s newest wine shop, Mas Vino, and nibbles from KIND Healthy Snacks. The event runs from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. December 5. The PERRY South Beach Hotel is located at 2377 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. Tickets are $100 and are available at <popuppianomiami2012.eventbrite.com>. For information, visit <popuppianomia.com>. Thought of the Day: The trust of the people in the leaders reflects the confidence of the leaders in the people. — Paulo Freire
Gary Alan Ruse and Richard Yager contributed to this column. Got Tips? Call 305-669-7030 or email <michael@communitynewspapers.com>.
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TOWN, from page 1
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grade,” MacDougall said, speaking a few days after the event. “They put up all of the AV; they did all the videos; they emceed it; they did the tours, did the food. They virtually did everything. It was amazing. It was choreographed by their teacher, Justin A. Koren, who is the lead teacher for magnet programs there. He’s just fantastic.” Some of the expected topics of the address were touched upon, including work on Old Cutler Road and Caribbean Boulevard, crime, what the town’s reserves are, what the millage rate is, and taxes, but the main thing was the new high school. “Just a general conversation about everything,” MacDougall said. “We don’t have any controversies.” Miami-Dade County Commissioner Lynda Bell was there and a few other dignitaries. Marshal Ruffo, who heads the Centennial Ocean Academy of Science and Technology (COAST) program attended and participated. “He was in the first graduating class of the MAST Academy in Key Biscayne and he showed the COAST program here,” MacDougall said. “He’s a just fabulous guy. Probably to me the most interesting part of the night was the kids and where they came from. All of them are from Cutler Bay. One of them had been headed for MAST Academy, had been on the list for two years and they had to do the interviews. And there was a young girl in ninth grade and she said she had to get up at 5 o’clock in the morning just to get there on time and didn’t get home until after dark.”
MacDougall said that the Cutler Bay girl found out about the new school and transferred in, along with other students from the MAST Academy, from Palmetto, Southwood, and all of the different schools that are outside of Cutler Bay. That was the point of creating a community high school, the mayor said. “The school is geared toward academics,” MacDougall said. “We have no sports; it’s strictly academics. It’s a school choice because there are great sports programs at Southridge and great swimming programs at other schools. If someone is geared toward academics, then this is their school. Then our next focus, of course, is Cutler Ridge Middle School. We have a lot of great plans for that one.” MacDougall said that the next task that he will personally take on is to make sure the town provides a school for those kids who are not college bound, with good trades backgrounds. To that end he is working with a number of industries that can hopefully be brought in to partner with Miami-Dade County Schools to create a good trade school with environmental sciences for trades. “Our focus is on environmental issues, with PACE and all the other environmental programs we have set up, and education,” MacDougall said. “That’s our main focus. Anything else — parks, roads, police — that’s our duty as far as I’m concerned. We’re supposed to do a good job with those. But Cutler Bay’s main focus is better schools.”
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Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
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MDX’s concentration on expanding the road rather than opting to fund a promised southern link of Metrorail using the bus route’s way right-of-way. Sorenson traced the Busway history back to opening of its first link between Dadeland and Caribbean Boulevard in 1977 before extension to its near 20-mile distance to Florida City in 2007 under $32.6 million in federal funding. Fielding most questions about MDX’s current role was consultant Alan S. BrickTurin, PE, of Gannett Fleming. He explained its current two-year Project Development and Environmental (PG&E) study with a Power-Point presentation. The project, coordinated with MiamiDade Transit, to evaluate use of managed lanes along the 19.8-mile Busway between Metrorail’s Dadeland South Station and Florida City, is intended to provide alternative uses to improve mobility, enhance mass transit and relieve congestion on the US1 corridor, he said. The PD&E Study began with a public kickoff meeting in September 2011 and now has reached an approximate midway point of screening alternative methods for Busway improvement, Brick-Turin explained. “We are not the decision maker,” he emphasized in answer to a pointed query about MDX not concentrating its efforts on long-range heavy or light rail projects as Mayor Lerner said originally was visualized when the federal government allotted $80 million toward transit in 2002. “This particular study was asked by the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) as part of its long-term projection for transportation improvements throughout Miami-Dade County,” Brick-Turin explained. The current traffic and engineering
studies are under a schedule to provide alternative uses, including managed lanes, by April or May 2013, he added. Appearing on a panel with Brick-Turin was University of Miami Professor Andrew Georgiadis, an expert in urban studies, who urged integration of MDX planning with a goal of inter-connecting the historic string of South Dade communities that have become population centers south of Dadeland. Expressing concern her over “creating bridges that could destroy the neighborhood characteristics of long-established village areas” was Continental Park’s Homeowner Association president Holly White, a third panelist. Other homeowners criticized the “humps” that an elevated US1 toll road would create to allow unblocked movement of cross-traffic of major east-west arterials. As the session drew to a close, a prepared question asked, “What is the point of holding public meetings if you do not follow the public’s will?” Answered Brick-Turin: “Public opinion is vital to whatever we do; that’s why we have a Community Advisory Committee appointed to monitor our reports at designated intervals during the study timeline.” MDX representatives referred audience members to the mdxway.com website which provides details of the US1 Busway study and all other MDX projects. Mayor Lerner said the communities of Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay cooperated to bring about the meeting, one of several she said will be planned to explore issues common to those municipalities, as well as neighboring areas in Kendall and southwest Miami-Dade County.
Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
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Adiós, Governor Scott, time to leave Tallahassee R. Kenneth Bluh KENNETH’S COMMENTARY It was a good try, governor. But it seems you don’t have the touch for politics. Democrats and few Independents ever supported you. Now, Republicans don’t want to be seen with you. Time to go. I strongly suggest you do not run for reelection — it would be embarrassing. Let a fresh face, like Marco Rubio, run for the office. It would be a good pre-presidential warm up for his 2016 race for the White House. Just in case you don’t believe me, let’s run over some of the boo boos you have committed in the last year. You so strongly believe in the extreme right that you gave your blessing to an effort to remove three justices from the state Supreme Court. You defied all precedent by backing an advertising campaign to have the public vote to “do not retain” justices Barbara Pariente, Peggy Quince and R. Fred Lewis. It backfired on you. The three justices received more “retain” votes than if you left it alone.
Both Democrats and Republicans asked, many begged, to return to the two-week early voting procedure. You knew that the ballots in Miami-Dade and other counties would be super long. The voters needed time to understand the ballot. You felt, I believe, that with long lines only the dedicated supporters of your political philosophy would stay in line, brave the many hours in the sun, and vote for your goals. You knew that many members of our black churches voted, in large numbers, following their Sunday services proceeding Election Day. So you cut off Sunday voting. It backfired on you, didn’t it? Education: You know that an educated Florida is a strong Florida. Yet you cut back funding education so you would have the room to cut corporate taxes. Teachers and parents reacted by voting against everything you support. Then on top of that, you wanted to divert public education funds to fund private charter schools. The concept of charter schools is good — but not at the expense of public education. Did you really think the voting public is so dumb they would not see through your cutting funding to schools and then trying to look like a hero by putting half the cut back? Education cuts backfired on you, Mr. Governor.
• • • VIEWPOINT • • • We all know cutting taxes does not put the saved dollars into hiring new employees. The only thing that increases employment is public demand for more goods and services than the current workforce can produce. Then employers hire. I understand you want to increase corporate profits, but don’t use the thin guise of increasing job opportunities to put more profits into corporate bank accounts. Again, it backfired on you. Why did I say backfire, Mr. Governor? Just look at how popular you were during the last presidential campaign. I saw many pictures of Governor Romney surrounded by well-liked and well-respected local elected and former office holders in Florida. I saw Marco Rubio, in many pictures, standing next to Romney, accepting accolades from the public. Former Governor Jeb Bush, respected on both sides of the aisle, accompanied Romney around the state encouraging voters to support him in his race for the White House. Where were you? I think, really I am sure, that the Romney campaign knew that many
Republican voters, and for sure the Democrats and Independents, do not believe in you. Standing next to Romney would only lose him votes. Why, even Senate hopeful Connie Mack didn’t invite you to join him in campaigning. As a matter of fact where were you during the Republican National Convention held here in Florida? I think a retirement party would be more useful in your near future than a reelection committee. Sorry, governor, I have supported and voted for many Republicans — starting as far back as Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan. But I just know you are definitely not looking out for the best interests of most Floridians. We appreciate your opinions on this column whether in agreement or disagreement. Please send your comments to (fax number) 305-662-6980 or email to <letters@communitynewspapers.com>. The opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of this newspaper, its editors or publisher.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
Many residents expressed views on town during recent election BY ERNIE SOCHIN Vice Mayor
Hopefully the best man won the presidential race. As I have written in previous articles, I honestly don’t think that the major problems facing our country can be solved by a president. The problems that we are seeing here in the United States are the same as we see in other countries throughout the world. I think we all need to realign our thinking and expectations and adjust to a world economy that is in a state of flux right now. As one letter writer wrote to another newspaper after visiting the Omaha Beach Cemetery in Normandy, none of the gravestones were marked Republican or Democrat. Now let’s look at local politics, in particular Cutler Bay. I seldom use this column to discuss local politics but please grant me this one exception. Yes, I won the election for vice mayor by a large majority, perhaps the largest ever given a Cutler Bay candidate. Of course I am proud of that, but what I took away from the election was even more valuable. Because of the long lines at the polling places, with people waiting for hours and
hours to vote, I was able to meet, face-toface, literally thousands of voters. I got to hear their views of our town on a one-toone basis. The large majority seemed extremely happy with the progress that has been made in our wonderful town. There were a few, very few, who had a few complaints. Most of them were relatively easy to address and correct, which I was able to do with the help of our fine staff at Town Hall. A few were simply beyond help. Nothing was right in our town. One complained that it was better when we were Cutler Ridge. Point of Information: We were never Cutler Ridge. Cutler Ridge Is a fine community within the Town of Cutler Bay which includes Lakes by the Bay, Whispering Pines, Saga Bay, Bel Aire and many other sections of our town that combine to make it what I think is a wonderful place to live. One person called me early in the campaign to complain about virtually everything. He was upset that we have Hispanics working at Town Hall amongst other things. He complained about some construction at a neighbor’s house. When I asked for his name so that I could address his problems, he promptly hung up. I learned later that the same person continually calls our Town Hall
“Breast Milk Baby” is latest doll for younger set. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
and complains to anyone who will listen. I am often asked, in fact I ask myself, why I work so hard for so little compensation. I got my answer during my campaign. As a matterof-fact my head began to swell a bit from all the thanks and adulation that I received while campaigning. It was most gratifying. The biggest complaint that I received while campaigning was the huge number of questions at the end of the ballot. The state, coun-
ty, and even our own town, burdened people with ballot questions and referenda that in my mind should have been resolved by the people elected to govern. There were a few items that perhaps needed public approval but most were far beyond the comprehension of the average person and simply served to waste a great deal of time and cause extremely long waiting times at the polls. On the other hand, I felt proud to see this many people, some on crutches, carrying babies and otherwise burdened, willing to wait in line for up to five hours for their chance to vote. As the saying goes: “Only in America.” We can all be proud to be Americans and to live in Cutler Bay. Thank you all for your support and contributions and I hope that I can live up to your expectations.
FOLLOWUP ON PREVIOUS STORY ABOUT AMERICAN GIRL DOLLS: A company in Spain is now marketing “Breast Milk Baby” with which the child wears a little halter top with nipples attached that have sensors in them which sets off a sucking noise when the doll’s mouth makes contact. After feeding, you can actually burp the baby. Folks, honestly I wish I was clever enough to make this stuff up.
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Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
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Third annual Walk-A-Thon event a success at Whispering Pines
Whispering Pines Elementary School students participate in third annual Walk-A-Thon. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY LEE STEPHENS
Whispering Pines Elementary PTA hosted its third annual Walk-A-Thon in October and school principal Tamela Brown was pleased with how the Walk-AThon turned out this year. “Our PTA did a fantastic job organizing this year’s Walk-A-Thon. Over 300 students and volunteers participated in walking a mile around the Whispering Pines neighborhood,” Brown said. “Participants enjoyed refreshing cool sips of water and healthy snacks during the event as the focus of the Walk-A-Thon is to promote physical, mental and social wellness. This truly was a great way to start the day.” Taking this event to the community was a vision that Rachel Blackburn, Walk-AThon chair 2012, had from the beginning. “Seeing our sea of white shirts walking through our neighborhood was incredible,” Blackburn said. “We had neighbors helping with water stations for our walkers and our police directing traffic, which made the event even more special than years past. Our hope was to teach our students that
walking a mile with teachers and friends can be a lot of fun and great exercise. The students did a fabulous job fundraising for educational programs that are funded through our PTA. Our efforts this year far exceeded the last two years.” The Walk-A-Thon would not have been nearly as successful without the support of the Cutler Bay Policing Unit, Zoo Miami\Zoological Society of Florida, Target, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Publix, Fresh Market, Miami Science Museum, Miami Seaquarium, Jungle Island, My Gym, Rodbender’s Raw Bar & Grill, Palmetto Mini Golf, Propspeed, Splish Splash Auto Sales, Hann Corp, Sunstate Bank, Heyer & Associates, Tunebash, South Dade Family YMCA Center, Kaplan Chiropractic, Brilliant Eyecare Inc., Miami Fitness Gallery, Vanguard Solutions, South Dade Crossfit, Kabat Schertzer DeLaTorre Taraboulos & Co., Kendall Toyota Collision, UPS Store, and Florida Blue. “I think we have started a great tradition that will benefit the Whispering Pines Elementary PTA for years to come,” said Michael Callahan, PTA president.
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Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
More than 700 families participate during Thanksgiving Food Giveaway
Miami-Dade Commissioner Lynda Bell gives turkeys to persons participating in the Thanksgiving Food Giveaway. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY MAURICE R. HERNANDEZ
The spirit of Thanksgiving is alive and well as Miami-Dade Commissioner Lynda Bell, in collaboration with the volunteers from Farm Share, distributed turkeys, chickens and food suitable for a complete holiday meal to more than 700 underprivileged families during the commissioner’s second annual Thanksgiving Food Giveaway on Saturday, Nov. 10, at Cutler Ridge Park in Cutler Bay. “It was so gratifying to see so many volunteers from Homestead Job Corps, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, as well as resident volunteers from all corners of District 8,
give so much of themselves to help distribute much-needed food so that many needy families in District 8 will be able to celebrate Thanksgiving Day like the rest of us,” Commissioner Bell said. “Because of their selfless efforts maybe, just maybe, it will give these needy families a little more hope and confidence for a better new year.” Commissioner Bell and her staff were aided in the distribution of food by Girl Scout Troops 85, 156, 307, and Boy Scout Troop 711, Homestead Job Corps, as well as Town of Cutler Bay Mayor Edward “Ed” MacDougall, Vice Mayor Ernie Sochin, and Councilmember Sue Ellen Loyzelle.
Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
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CRHS student’s antibullying video entered in HHS contest BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD
than one type of bullying in middle school. “I’ve also been through the isolation bulDavid Scherker’s dream is to go to film lying,” he said. “I’ve never been physically school in California — UCLA is his top bullied but I’ve seen it in the halls. You can choice. So when he learned about the Stop always find bullying in middle school.” In most cases, adults say the child needs Bullying Video Challenge put out by the Department of Health and Human Services, to tell the teacher, but that often just leads to he decided to enter although the deadline increased bullying. Scherker said that usually doesn’t help except in the was less than a week away. case of extreme physical bulAnd although the process was lying. fast, the results were terrific. The Coral Reef High “I didn’t win the contest yet, School junior said as soon as but out of 900 applicants, my he found out about the convideo made it to the top 25,” test, he came up with his idea Scherker said. “On Dec. 3, we and wrote an outline. find out the five finalists and “I figured who I wanted those go to popular voting.” and made sure they could be Because the topic is bullyin it,” he said, adding that he ing and Scherker had the used fellow students from his experience of being bullied in drama class for the actors. middle school, he was able to Then, just a couple of days come up with an effective before the entry was due, he sat video in that short time frame. David Scherker down with his TV production “Since I did, in fact, go to ––––––––––––––––––– teacher to plan out how to middle school, I have experienced bullying,” he said. “Every middle frame the shots to make editing easier and the video smoother looking. school has bullying.” “If you frame the shots badly, it looks very In the film, he shows the three different type of bullying — verbal, physical and choppy and distracting,” he said. “We filmed Friday and when I got home Friday I edited isolation bullying. “I started off with the isolation bullying, until late at night. Saturday, I edited all day then physical and verbal,” he said. “All and added tints and colors to the videos.” He also went over the rules and doubled without dialogue. This entire video is under a minute. You see multiple things happen- checked to make sure he followed them so his entry qualified. ing at once through split screen.” The video should be posted online withThe message of how to stop bullying was highlighted by the tag line “It starts with in the next few weeks. Scherker said he has been working hard one, where one person does the right to become a good filmmaker. As a student things.” “One kid sees one girl do the good deed in the Visual and Performing Arts magnet at and he goes to help. Another kid sees them Coral Reef, he takes television production do the good deed, that inspires him to help and drama. He currently is interning at the Borscht Film Festival, doing some acting the kid who was bullied,” he said. Scherker said he was subjected to more and helping prepare some of the movies.
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NICU event at Baptist reunites former patients, medical staff
Neonatologist Ernesto Valdes, MD, (left) is happy to be reunited with his former patient Zoe Troillard, 3, and her parents, Jean Marc and Guadalupe Troillard, during the 20th annual NICU Reunion at Baptist Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital. Zoe was born at 24 weeks, and weighed only 1 pound, 9 ounces. She spent the first 130 days of her life in the George Batchelor/Gloria Vasta Lewis NICU at Baptist Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital. The hospital throws a party every year to reunite former patients and their families with the doctors, nurses and staff that cared for them during their stay in the NICU. The Level III NICU, which is certified to care for the tiniest preemies, like Zoe, (Photo by Fareed Al-Mashat) care for approximately 400 premature or critically ill infants each year.
Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
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Gulliver’s Swim-A-Thon raises $55K for Miami Project, school
Pictured (l-r) are Woody Beckham, a Gulliver alumnus confined to a wheelchair after a tragic rugby accident; Connor Kuci, student chair for the third annual Swim-A-Thon, and Mark Buoniconti, president of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY ROBERT HAMILTON
More than 200 swimmers of all ages, including ages 5 and up, raised more than $55,000 at Gulliver’s third annual “Make a Splash” Swim-A-Thon at the Preparatory Campus Aquatic Center in Pinecrest. Proceeds raised from the recent SwimA-Thon will support the school’s Annual Fund, benefiting the Gulliver Booster Club and the Performing and Visual Arts departments. A special gift will be made to KiDZ Neuroscience Center at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Connor Kuci, a senior, was once again the student chair for the third annual Swim-A-Thon. “I have been involved with the inception of this event since my sophomore year and watched its tremendous growth,” Kuci said. “The support and enthusiasm that students and parents alike share for the SwimA-Thon is amazing and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve accomplished.” Many participants, including Gulliver swim and water polo teams, students, parents, faculty and alumni joined in the event. More than 200 families working and attending the event cheered the students on as they each earned money by swimming a maximum of 72 laps — a mile. The top fundraisers were Awwal, Hayaat and Kamal Kay-Ramos, who raised $6,795. Among the other top fundraisers were Shannon Signorello, Connor Kuci,
Giovanni Romeo, Kiara Kamlani, Ricky Hermida, Mekayla Frazier, the Buttrick boys, Niles and Emily Miller, and Lucie and Ryan Gibeau. Sponsors for the Swim-A-Thon were: Backstroke Sponsor — Florida East Coast Industries; Breaststroke Sponsor — The Lopez Family; Butterfly Sponsors — Amazon Beverages, Children’s Skin Center, Coconut Grove Bank, Cool de Sac, Jennifer Leesfield ’91 and The Leesfield Family Foundation, and Oceana Cruises; Relay Sponsors — Adrian Legaspi MD; Billbough & Marks PA Camp Specialists; Dr. Juan, Kara and Damon Diez; the Haskett Family; Hollub Homes; Dr. Muriel Iwanowski, and Ronin Advertising; Platform Sponsors — 3400 Coral Way Ltd., Center for Excellence in Eye Care, and The Woody Foundation. Participants received a reusable goodie bag that included fabulous items and enjoyed food and refreshments courtesy of the Bagel Emporium, Blue Q, the Catering Shop, Charley’s Grilled Subs, Chicken Kitchen, Cool De Sac, CrepeMaker, Joanna’s Marketplace, Mountain Valley Water, Nothing Bundt Cakes, R&T Signature Grill, Ready. Set. Cupcakes!, Rob’s Really Good Beverages, Whole Foods and Yogurt by U. For more information about Gulliver Schools visit online at <www.gulliverschools.org>.
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Health Foundation announces new CGHS baseball greats returning grant cycle for non-profit funding for Softball Challenge, Dec. 15 BY NANCY EAGLETON
BY SHARI GANTMAN
Health Foundation of South Florida announces the availability of funding to nonprofit organizations working to improve health in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. The Foundation’s focus areas include: Healthy Eating, Active Communities, Oral Health, Primary Care, and Preventive Health Measures. Investing in projects in these areas furthers the Foundation’s efforts to create healthier communities and make a measurable impact in ensuring access to affordable, quality health for all residents, especially the underserved. To apply for a Health Foundation grant, submit an electronic preliminary proposal application form to the Foundation by Monday, Dec. 3. Applications are available
on the Foundation’s website at <www.hfsf.org>. For information, contact Jakes Cargille at 786-888-5497 or send email to <jcargille@hfsf.org>. Health Foundation of South Florida, a nonprofit grant-making organization, is dedicated to improving health in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. By advancing health solutions, the Foundation makes a measurable and sustainable impact in ensuring access to affordable, quality health services for all residents. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $95 million in grants and program support. For more information, call 305-374-7200 or visit the website at <www.hfsf.org>. For information on the Healthy Aging Regional Collaborative, visit <www.healthyagingsf.org>.
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Coral Gables High School’s baseball stars of the early 1990s will return to the fields of their alma mater for a Softball Challenge on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. Three former Cavaliers — Mike Lowell, Juan Alvarez and Eli Marrero — went on to play Major League Baseball (MLB) and are among the alumni scheduled to play in the friendly competition. The event will celebrate the rich tradition of Cavalier baseball and honor longtime athletic director Harold Cole for his many years of service to the school’s athletic program. Phillip Wisser, Coral Gables High School assistant athletic director and head baseball coach, has partnered with Bertha Lowell, wife of Mike Lowell, to organize the one-of-a-kind Softball Challenge. “We have players flying in from around the country to play in the game,” Wisser said. “It will be a great event for the school’s students and families, alumni and anyone who would like to see these baseball greats take to the field.”
Many baseball fans will know that Lowell, Class of ’92, played with the New York Yankees, Florida Marlins and Boston Red Sox; Alvarez, Class of ’91, was a member of the California Angels, Texas Rangers and Florida Marlins, and Marrero, who graduated in ’93, was a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, Kansas City Royals and other MLB teams. “My years at Gables were some of the best years of my life, and I cannot wait to reconnect with former teammates on Dec. 15,” Lowell said. Immediately following the nine-inning game, Lowell, Alvarez and Marrero will sign autographs for fans who attend. Admission to the event is a $5 donation at the gate. Children age 5 and under are free. Burgers, hot dogs, snacks and icy cold drinks will be available at the concession stand. Proceeds from the family-oriented event will benefit the Cavaliers’ baseball program. For more information, contact Phillip Wisser by email at <PWisser@DadeSchools.net>.
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Miami Sunset High School to host Feeder Pattern Curriculum Expo BY LEE STEPHENS
Miami Sunset Senior High School, 13125 SW 72 St., will be hosting the Miami Sunset Feeder Pattern Curriculum Expo and STEM Fair on Monday, Dec. 3, from 6:30 until 8 p.m. The newest Medical Magnet in MiamiDade County Public Schools will offer hands on activities and demonstrations in the three strands of the program. Miami Sunset’s eight academies, including the four National Academy Foundation mem-
bers, will offer STEM activities for all age levels. All of Miami Sunset’s activities and athletics will be represented at this unique event. Feeder pattern elementary and middle schools will be present and offer valuable information regarding curriculum, innovative programs and school activities. This is an opportunity to see what the South Region of Miami-Dade County Public Schools has to offer. For more information, contact Rachel Horowitz at 305-385-4255.
Annual Christmas Bazaar features items made in Redland community BY BOB JENSEN
It would not be Christmas in the Redland without the Silver Palm United Methodist Church annual Christmas Bazaar. ‘On Saturday, Dec. 1, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., the ladies of the church will offer the public their handmade items, homemade tropical fruit jellies, home baked items, fresh Redland-grown produce, plants, nuts and an eclectic offering of items from Aunt Lydia’s Attic. A “scoop” luncheon of items from their new cookbook will be available at noon.
Buy a scoop of whatever looks good to you. And buy the cookbook at $10. What better time to purchase specialty Christmas gifts? The bazaar will take place in the Fellowship Hall, toward the back of the campus at 15855 SW 248 St. (not 232nd Street) next to Redland Middle School and across from the famous Knauss Berry Farm. Parking is available on the east and west sides of the campus with handicap access from both of the parking lots. The church’s telephone number is 305247-3769.
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Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
Free workshop to educate public on steps needed to open business BY ALEJANDRA CASTRO-NUÑEZ
In an effort to promote economic growth and development, the Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) will continue its series of free workshops to educate the public on the steps required to open a business in Miami-Dade County. The workshop will take place on Thursday, Dec. 6, 12:30 p.m., at the Miami-Dade County Permitting and Inspection Center, 11805 SW 26 St. County staff members will be available to answer questions and share their expert-
ise on the necessary tools to start and operate a successful business. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn the ABC’s of opening a business, including how to obtain a Certificate of Use, Local Business Tax receipt, Home Business License, Permits and Registration, and essential insurance coverage for all small businesses. In addition, find out about the Green Business Certification Program and the county’s Commercial Rebate Program. Seating is limited and will be given on a first come, first served basis. Call 305-3753677 to reserve a seat.
Movies on Plaza to present The Phantom of the Opera BY ROBERT HAMILTON
Movies on the Plaza — a free, familyfriendly event sponsored by Brickell World Plaza — will present The Phantom of the Opera on Friday, Nov. 30, starting at 8 p.m. Brickell World Plaza is located at 600 Brickell Ave. The Phantom of the Opera is the story of a disfigured musical genius who haunts the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera, waging a reign of terror over its occupants. When he falls fatally in love with the love-
ly Christine, the Phantom devotes himself to creating a new star for the Opera, exerting a strange sense of control over the young soprano as he nurtures her extraordinary talents. Admission is free and parking is free in the surface lot. Chair rentals are available. Bring dinner; bring snacks. Coolers are allowed, but no glass or bottles. Movies nights are subject to favorable weather conditions. The next movie, A Christmas Story, is Friday, Dec, 21. For information call 305-384-7170.
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Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Ronald McDonald House Charities nets $140,000 from celebration
Pictured (l-r) are Alex Rodriguez, president, RMHC South Florida; Soraya Rivera-Moya, executive director, RMHC South Florida; Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Ronald McDonald. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY BRAD SIMON
Pictured are the new owners of Lots of Lox (l-r) Steve, Jimmy and Nick Poulos.
THE ORIGINAL LOTS
OF LOX • Catering Available • Dine In or Take Out
•
BREAKFAST SPECIAL
$6.45
INCLUDES COFFEE OR TEA MON. THRU FRI. 7AM TO 11AM
14995 South Dixie Hwy.
Tel: 305-252-2010 • Fax: 305-232-7560
NEW HOURS Open Monday thru Friday 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Dinner Specials from 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM Saturday and Sunday 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida (RMHC) ended its 30th Anniversary Celebration in Miami’s Design District in true style, netting $140,000 to continue the charity’s mission of helping South Florida’s children live happier and more productive lives. The celebration culminated a yearlong fundraising campaign, which raised more than $500,000 for the charity. More than 450 guests packed the Moore Building on Saturday, Nov. 3, which was proclaimed “Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida Day” in both Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Two South Florida favorites — DJ Bounce from the AmericanAirlines Arena’s Grey Goose Lounge and the high octane Latin fusion of Locos Por Juana — helped keep the energy level high all night long for the
event guests and families staying at the two South Florida Ronald McDonald Houses. While the money raised from the 30th Anniversary Celebration will help RMHC get closer to its goal of building a third Ronald McDonald House in South Florida, RMHC executive director Soraya RiveraMoya said the event also was able to connect the charity’s donors and sponsors with the families they support through RMHC’s various programs. “The greatest reward from our 30th Anniversary Celebration was seeing the joy and gratitude on the faces of the families staying at our two houses,” RiveraMoya said. “We thank our yearlong and event sponsors and corporate partners as they truly believe in our mission. The Heart Chain Celebration on Saturday was all about the families, volunteers and donors together as one big family.”
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Seniors can sample East Ridge Some 4,500 participate in lifestyle during weekend visit Miami Light the Night Walk BY SHARON GALLER
Much as college-bound teens tour campuses, growing numbers of consumer-wise seniors now visit retirement communities to test both lifestyle and living accommodations. “Offering overnight stays began being used in the early 1960s,” said William E. Becker, a national marketing consultant for real estate development of active adult communities. “They were first known as ‘fly and buy’ programs, heavily used in Arizona and Florida to attract retirees. Most recently, active adult and resort communities find them an excellent incentive to experience both a lifestyle and a future home.” It’s also why upscale East Ridge at Cutler Bay hosts growing numbers of retirees as the only South Florida life care community with a new “Mini-Retirement Sampler.” The complimentary program encourages singles or couples to spend three days and two nights during a convenient weekend to enjoy community amenities and experience distinctive East Ridge living accommodations. “The most important ingredient is having visitors meet and talk to residents while getting a firsthand sense of community life here,” explained Rick Drew, marketing director. “Residents understand the anxieties experienced in determining what community is the best fit for a newcomer to senior community life. They’ve become our best ambassadors, encouraging first-time visitors to sample a weekend of living at East Ridge.” Drew added that “we feel our timing is perfect for today’s economic times. That’s why we also include educational programs, providing advice on selling a home, downsizing and making the move here.” While some communities charge a nominal fee, Drew said it was important to make East Ridge visits complimentary so that people do not feel obligated to become a resident. “There are no strings attached. We want visitors to experience what it’s like to live in an
East Ridge residence, participate in activities and sample our full dining menu, always wellregarded here,” he said. Visitors are even provided with a golf cart, the community’s most popular form of transportation, to roam freely around the 76 acres of tropical grounds and amenities that create East Ridge’s unique lifestyle. The community’s wellness and fitness center, heated swimming pool and putting green are available for use as well as the simplicity of a relaxing view of the community’s exotic foliage and roaming peacocks from a back porch home. “They’re an effective marketing tool to bring a community to life, differentiating one from another,” Becker added. “If a prospect enjoys their experience, it helps enormously in during the highly sensitive decision-making time.” Becker also said the program greatly assists adult children of retirees who can say to otherwise-reluctant parents: “Just try it out and see if you like it. Remember, too, we’re close by and visiting you is easy.” Drew agreed. “For many South Florida families, weekend visits at East Ridge are proving the perfect ‘try me’ opportunity,” he said. Celebrating over 50 years serving MiamiDade County, East Ridge at Cutler Bay is the area’s only life care community incorporating eight components of wellness: social, vocational, intellectual, spiritual, physical, emotional, and environmental and health services in every facet of its lifestyle. The community draws from the rich neighborhood charm of suburban Cutler Bay and the vibrancy of Miami in a lush tropical environment of 76 acres. East Ridge, located at 19301 SW 87 Ave., offers a continuum of care, including independent and assisting living, respite care and skilled nursing care and rehab. For more information about the community or the “MiniRetirement Sampler,” call 305-256-3564 or visit <www.EastRidgeAtCutlerBay.com>.
Pictured is the Top Corporate Team representing Baptist Health South Florida. (Photo credit: V. Sands Photography)
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BY BRITTANY NGUYEN
Some 4,500 people participated in the recent Miami Light the Night Walk by the Southern Florida Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raising $850,000 which doubles the amount raised in 2011. Seventy eight percent of all moneys raised goes directly to research for cures for blood cancers. The Miami Tower was lit in gold, red and white — the colors of the balloons carried by the Walkers: gold for those walking in memory of loved ones lost to cancer, red for supporters and white for survivors. The Walk was led by Lisa Gaeta, national board chair of the Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society, and by Light the Night Miami Walk chair Ralph E. Lawson, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Baptist Health South Florida. The Top Friends and Family team was Team Luke and the Top individual fundraiser was Larry Kahn with Lowell Homes. The Top Corporate team was Baptist Health South Florida. The Walk included food and activities for children and families, music by DNR, a band featuring local physicians, a Remembrance Ceremony for loved ones lost to cancer, and the Walk itself followed by fireworks, dessert and dancing. For more information, visit online at <www.lls.org/sfl>.
Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
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‘Walls of Artseen’ to come alive during Art Basel fair Rafael Domenech plans his contribution to the “Walls of Artseen” project.
(Photo by Maggy Cuesta, courtesy of NWSA)
BY MARIA M. FLORES
“Walls of Artseen” exhibition highlights the work of six New World School of the Arts visual students during the Art Basel Miami Beach international fair in a unique show where inside structures become blank canvasses for each of the artists. Charged with the task of incorporating the actual walls of the gallery into their work of art, each artist will utilize the allocated space to execute his or her work. “I wanted the students to conceptualize a subject meaningful to them,” said Maggy Cuesta, dean of visual arts at NWSA. “When we first met to brainstorm about the project, they all displayed strong feelings about different and unique topics — issues that resonate in some passionate way with each one of them. The operative word was “emotions” and the challenge — how to use bare structural space to illustrate this
concept in a meaningful way in order to shape their work and propel their ideas.” Walls of Artseen will be on display from Dec. 6 through Dec. 9 at Artseen Gallery, 2215 NW Second Ave. in Wynwood. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Participating college students Kayla Delacerda, Junli Kato, Sebastian Duncan-Portuondo, Rafael Domenech, Stefanie Lopez, and Jeffrey Noble were selected by Dean Cuesta based on their work, dedication and ability to conceptualize and deliver their work. The artworks, which are in their embryonic stage at the moment, will be comprised of painting, digital media, installation, sculpture and found objects. More information regarding NWSA’s visual arts program is available by calling 305-237-3649. More information about New World School of the Arts is available at 305-237-3135 or at nwsa.mdc.edu.
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Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
Autumn Moonlight event raises over $75,000 for UM-NSU CARD BY AIMEE ADLER
The fifth annual Autumn Moonlight fundraising event at Specialty Automotive Treatments (SAT) in Fort Lauderdale took place on Friday, Nov. 9. The event raised over $75,000 for the University of MiamiNova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD). Generously hosted by Rafael Jorge, owner of Specialty Automotive Treatments, Autumn Moonlight honored two of UM-NSU CARD’s most devoted supporters — Dr. Glenn Parker, co-founder of NationsHealth, and Carmen Zaldivar, a former CARD Constituency board member and CARD legislative chair — for all of the hard work, commitment, and support they have contributed to the organization and to the autism community in South Florida. Last year’s honorees, Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland and his wife, Rachel, served as the event’s honorary chairs. Autumn Moonlight, an annual festive fundraising celebration, is designed to raise awareness of autism and support the
programs, services and research initiatives of UM-NSU CARD. “While CARD has made an enormous impact on improving the lives of all those affected by autism, there is still much work to be done to ensure that people with autism are included, valued and treated with the dignity and respect that their remarkable gifts deserve,” said Dr. Michael Alessandri, executive director of UM-NSU CARD. During the presentation ceremony, Jeff Ireland also spoke about his relationship with UM-NSU CARD and how critical the organization was with helping his family when he relocated to South Florida almost five years ago. “Fifteen years ago when our girls were diagnosed with autism, there really weren’t any organizations able and ready to provide the type of early intervention and care that families dealing with autism really need,” Ireland said. “UM-NSU CARD has changed all that. Being a part of Autumn Moonlight has provided Rachel and me with a purpose to fight for other families that need help. “Combining Rachel’s passion and my
Pictured (l-r) are Jeff and Rachel Ireland; Maria Huete; Lisa Crawford, CEO SitInMySeats VIP Tickets & Travel, and her husband, Ken Crawford. (Photo credit: Downtown Photo) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
competitive spirit with a great organization such as CARD, has driven us to raise as much money as possible to help South Florida families who have children with autism. As general manager of the Miami Dolphins, I’m proud to use this platform to bring awareness to autism and the UMNSU Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD).” The inspiring evening featured music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres from The Capital Grill, cocktails from Bacardi USA, smooth sounds from DJ 1 Tre (aka Michael
Marino) and a fabulous silent and a live auction which featured an exclusive Chopard watch donated by Weston Jewelers, a fabulous Miami Dolphin charter package to an away game, a Super Bowl Package courtesy of SitInMySeat VIP Tickets, Travel & Concierge Services, plus other fantastic excursions, luxuries and memorabilia. Will Manso, Local 10’s sports director, served as emcee for the evening. For more information about UM-NSU CARD, visit online at <www.nsucard.org>.
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‘Wild About Kids’ gala raises more than $115K for Boys & Girls Clubs BY DUREE ROSS
Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade hosted its sixth annual “Wild About Kids” blacktie optional gala on Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Four Seasons Hotel Brickell. Net proceeds from the gala, totaling more than $115,000, will benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade and its many positive programs for 10,000 area children who need them the most. Danell Leyva, who earned a bronze medal for men’s gymnastics at the London 2012 Summer Olympics, was honored with Boys and Girls Clubs’ Hometown Hero award during the event. Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Youth of the Year, Ahbria Marshall, was honored and spoke as an alumna of the organization about what she accomplished thanks to Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. The gala was emceed by Lynn Martinez of WSVN’s Deco Drive and celebrity chef Ralph Pagano. Guests enjoyed a unique “live” red carpet welcome (a model was attached to the end of the red carpet) as they entered the cocktail reception and silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind items. The gala included a dinner program, live music, dancing and much more. Miami’s own South Florida celebrity artist David “LEBO” Le Batard, who previously cre-
Pictured (l-r) are Olga Guilarte, Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade events chair; Eris Thomas, gala co-chair; Lana DeSimone, gala co-chair; Danell Leyva, Bronze Medal Olympic Gymnast, and Irene Korge, gala co-chair. (Photo courtesy Rubberboots Photography)
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ated a “Wall of Art” for Kendall Boys and Girls Club with LeBron James, donated a piece of his original artwork inspired by the organization’s mission statement to the silent auction. Fourteen-year-old Elizabeth Elias — Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade alumna and singer, dancer and model — sang the National Anthem to begin the dinner pro-
gram and wowed attendees with her vocals following the official program. Children from the Hank Kline Club performed a choreographed dance routine to Celebration. Attendees, including South Florida’s top community leaders, had the opportunity at the event to sponsor a child through donations. For the first time, Boys and Girls Clubs of
Miami-Dade held an after party at the Four Seasons Hotel Brickell, which included music, dancing, a full bar, tapas-style food and entertainment by a Frank Sinatra impersonator who “jazzed up” the wee hours. The party continued until 3 a.m. Members of Club Blue, Young Professionals for Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, enjoyed the after party and encouraged other young people to participate. “The sixth annual gala was the best we have hosted yet,” said Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Board of Directors chair Barry Stein. “We are very thankful to all attendees for raising a great amount of funds to support our programs.” The gala was chaired by Lana DeSimone, Irene Korge and Eris Thomas, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade chair of special events Olga Guilarte. Sponsors included: Presenting Sponsor Miami Marlins; Gold Sponsor Carmen Rebozo Foundation Inc.; Silver Sponsors DeSimone and Academica, and Bronze Sponsors James T. Bernhardt, Irene Korge, Bermont Advisory Group/Raymond James/Morgan Keegan, Comcast, Matty’s Sports, Ocean Bank, Coral Gables Executive Physicians, Jorge Luis Lopez Law Firm, and Discovery Latin America. For more information, visit online at <www.bgcmia.org>.
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Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
Everglades National Park topic of Peskoe Lunchtime Lecture BY BOB JENSEN
Dick and Kathleen Konicek-Moran will present “The Everglades: Through the Eyes of Explorers, Exploiters, and One Often Overlooked Preservationist,” the Bea Peskoe Lunchtime Lecture, on Monday, Dec. 3, at the Capri Restaurant, 935 N. Krome Ave. in Florida City (opposite the Florida Pioneer Museum). This is a presentation not to be missed and the talk is open and free to the public. The Everglades, a land that is harsh and often dangerous, is one of the last places in our country explored by scientists, yet it holds unexpected beauty, fascinating plants and the often-beautiful animals that depend on them. In this presentation, Kathleen and Dick Konicek-Moran will tell the stories of the people who ventured into the Everglades, what they found and sometimes stole, and eventually how one man helped fight to preserve it. Dr. Dick Konicek-Moran is a professor emeritus from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. He holds bachelor and master’s degrees in biology, and a doctorate from Columbia University. He has been a volunteer in the Everglades National Park for the past 12 years. During that time he developed a personal interest in Ernest Coe, often referred to as the “Father of the Everglades” and has depicted him during various programs in
the park. He will reminisce about Coe’s leading role in the creation in 1947 of the Everglades National Park. Most historians agree that without Coe’s persistence, there would never have been a national park in South Florida. Dr. Kathleen Konicek-Moran also is a retired professor with an avid interest in plants. She is an award-winning botanical illustrator who has been featured in a number of solo and group exhibitions. She also has volunteered for the Everglades National Park for the past 12 years, the last nine of which have been devoted to botany. There she has developed trail guides, trail signs and several exhibits featuring botanical illustrations. She currently is working on an exhibit about botanical exploration in the park that will appear in 2013 at the Ernest Coe Visitor Center. Lunch will be available by reservation only for $10 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Call Barbara at 305-230-9185 before 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30. Handicapped access is excellent. This lecture series is named for the late Bea Peskoe who was an advocate for social justice, education and culture. The series is presented with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, Cultural Affairs Council, Miami-Dade Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.
The Everglades, a land that is harsh and often dangerous, is one of the last places in our country explored by scientists, yet it holds unexpected beauty, fascinating plants and the often-beautiful animals that depend on them.
Miami Women’s Panhellenic Association to ‘Celebrate the Season’ with brunch BY ROBERT HAMILTON
Miami Women’s Panhellenic Association is getting its usual early start on the holidays with its Saturday, Dec. 8, “Celebrate the Season” Brunch at Coral Reef Yacht Club, 2484 S. Bayshore Dr. at 11:30 a.m. The history of this group reaches back 95 years with its roster filled with names of
prominent women whose college years and sorority affiliations bound them into a busy group providing philanthropic and social events. Today, Panhellenic still provides three young women, two at UM and one at FIU, with scholarship money. For brunch reservations, call Janet Festinger, 305-667-6706 or send email to <jqf616@bellsouth.net>. Price is $25.
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Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
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Biscayne Bay Kiwanis honor Barreto as ‘Citizen of Year’
Rodney Barreto (right) accepts the 2012 Mike Shores Citizen of the Year Award from Will Reich, president of the Biscayne Bay Kiwanis Club. Barreto, chair of the Super Bowl Host Committee, was honored with the award for his community service during the recent 33rd annual Biscayne Bay Gala at Jungle Island. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY LEWIS C. MATUSOW
South Florida business leader and community activist Rodney Barreto, chair of the Super Bowl Host Committee, recently accepted the 2012 Michael Shores Citizen of the Year Award from the Biscayne Bay Kiwanis Club during its highly successful 33rd annual Biscayne Bay Gala. The Oct. 27 event at the Jungle Island Treetop Ballroom attracted more than 400 and raised more than $150,000 for the club’s many philanthropic activities. Past recipients of this award include Dolphins founder Joe Robbie; Coach Jimmy Johnson; broadcaster Ralph Renick; Miami Commissioner Athalie Range; U.S. Rep. William “Bill” Lehman; former Miami Herald publisher David Lawrence Jr.; Baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson; Richard Baron; Joseph Klock Jr., and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients Dr. Pedro Greer Jr., U.S. Rep. Dante B. Fascell, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas. “We are fortunate to have an individual such as Rodney Barreto as our Citizen of the Year,” said Will Reich, Biscayne Bay Kiwanis president. “He has done so much for the South Florida community and is an incredibly community-oriented person who makes South Florida a better place.”
The award is named for Michael Shores, who as a philanthropically minded attorney, made numerous contributions to the Miami-Dade County community throughout his life. In addition to serving on the board of directors on several of South Florida’s major community-oriented corporations, Barreto has been involved for 23 years with five different Super Bowls — twice chairing (2007, 2010) the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee. During his tenure, Barreto helped raise more than $50 million and in-kind contributions for the Super Bowls to ensure that South Florida shined in front of the thousands of dignitaries and media. “I am honored to be recognized by the Biscayne Bay Kiwanis Club, which has served our community — particularly children — since 1950,” Barreto said. “This means a great deal to me and my family because we have always believed that you must give back to your community and leave it a better place for generations to come.” For more information on the Biscayne Bay Kiwanis Club — including joining as an individual or corporation — contact Reich at 305-733-0062 or <www.biscaynebaykiwanis.org/membership.php>.
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Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
Conchita Espinosa Academy’s track team places at Walt Disney World
Conchita Espinosa Academy’s senior track team participated in Disney’s ESPN Cross Country Classic, Oct. 5 and 6, in Walt Disney World. The boys took third place overall and the girls’ team placed fourth. Both teams qualified for the Florida Middle School State Championships. Pictured with Coach Carlos Salvat are (l-r) Fabiana Solanilla, Alejandra Moros, Victoria Baez, Olivia Gonzalez, Karen Chakour, Hector Mata, Nicholas Aixala, Nicholas Salvat, Andre Alonso, and Henrique Souza.
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Miami Children’s Chorus to spread holiday cheer BY ANALY MENDEZ
MCC choristers to come to the realization that even the most difficult tasks are easily As South Florida begins to buzz with accomplished when approached as a team holiday preparations, shopping, and festiv- with discipline, focus, passion, and joy. ities, the youngsters of the Miami “Voices of Angels” beautifully captures Children’s Chorus (MCC) are hard at work the spirit of the holidays, and the magic, preparing for their annual holiday concert, which shines most powerfully when a cho“Voices of Angels,” to be prerus sings as one. sented on Sunday, Dec. 16, 4 After the concert, stroll The concert will p.m., at the First United down to Miracle Mile and feature Methodist Church of Coral enjoy a tasty treat at a few Gables. local establishments. recognizable The MCC has been preAudience members will holiday favorites senting this exuberant holihave an opportunity to day performance in the heart enjoy a discount or complisuch as Carol of of Coral Gables for almost item courtesy of the Bells and Hark mentary two decades, and it has the MCC Holiday on the become a staple of December Restaurant the Herald Angels Mile cultural celebrations within Partnership. Now in its secSing, in addition the City Beautiful. ond year, this partnership to some multiThe concert will feature allows MCC to show its recognizable holiday favorites audience how much they cultural holiday such as Carol of the Bells and appreciate their steadfast choral pieces. Hark the Herald Angels Sing, support. Most importantly in addition to some multi-culthis partnership makes a tural holiday choral pieces. bold statement that MCC is Selections include: Tis the Gift to Be an active member of the Coral Gables Simple; Hashivenu, a traditional Israeli community and is dedicated to the city’s folksong; Go Where I Send Thee, an growth and success. African-American Spiritual, and a few other Who knows, you might even get a surselections that represent the vast cultural prise visit from some MCC carolers as you diversity of South Florida communities. sit and eat your tasty treats. Audience members will be thrilled by Be a part of this exciting concert event the 150-plus children’s voices of the MCC on Sunday, Dec. 16, 4 p.m., at the First and they even will have an opportunity to United Methodist Church of Coral Gables, join in the holiday singing festivities. 536 Coral Way. Tickets are $20 for adults “Voices of Angels,” presents MCC cho- and $5 for children, students, and seniors. risters with an opportunity to share their For more information about the Miami artistry and talent with an audience of Children’s Chorus and its complete concert approximately 1,000 South Florida visitors schedule, call 305-662-7494 or visit and residents. More importantly, it allows <www.miamichildrenschorus.org>.
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Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
Magic City Casino to host premiere of ESPN ‘Friday Night Fights’ season BY SANDRA M. RODRIGUEZ
Magic City Casino, Miami’s first casino to offer Las Vegas style slot machines, will host the 2013 season premiere of the popular professional boxing series, ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights,” live from Stage 305 on Jan. 4, 2013 at 8 p.m. The evening will be headlined by a 12round super featherweight bout featuring Cuban dynamo Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (17-0, 11 KOs) who will look to continue his undefeated run against fellow undefeated prospect and AfghaniCanadian Arash Usmanee (20-0, 10 KOs). The event is being hosted in partnership with Warriors Boxing and Bad Dog Productions. “Magic City Casino is thrilled to host the season opening event of ESPN’s ‘Friday Night Fights’ from Stage 305. The new venue will be packed, and the main event featuring two world-ranked undefeated fighters is sure to be a battle to remember,” said Scott Savin, chief operating officer of Magic City Casino. The series may be viewed on ESPN2 and ESPN3 and online at WatchESPN.com. Tickets can be purchased at <www.magiccitycasino.com> or at the Magic City Casino Players Club. Ticket prices range from $35 to $100. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the first bell rings at 8 p.m. In the co-featured televised bout, junior middleweight contenders will tangle when young Puerto Rican powerhouse Jonathan “Mantequilla” Gonzalez (15-0-1, 13 KOs)
takes on highly regarded Philadelphian Derek “Pooh” Ennis (23-3-1, 13 KOs). “We are really excited to start off our 16th season of ‘Friday Night Fights’ on Jan. 4 with a solid main event down in Miami, which will be a hub of excitement leading up to the BCS a few days later,” said Doug Loughrey, director of Programming and Acquisitions at ESPN. “It is an honor to be putting on this year’s premiere broadcast and, clearly, it’s a solid night of action-packed boxing between four world-class fighters hungry to step up to the next level. The Magic City Casino is a beautiful destination in Miami, and we’re looking forward to putting on an unforgettable night of boxing,” said Leon Margules, president of Warriors Boxing. “We are delighted to showcase ‘Kid Blast’ in Miami once again and to inaugurate the first sporting event at the spectacular new venue, Stage 305, at Magic City Casino,” said Richard Dobal, managing member of Bad Dog Productions. “Barthelemy has had success at their outdoor facility, but the new indoor arena is a sight to behold. Bad Dog and Warriors Boxing expect Stage 305 at the Magic City Casino to become the ‘Mecca for boxing’ in Miami.” For more details, visit <www.magiccitycasino.com> or call 305-649-3000, ext. 3507. Magic City Casino, located at 450 NW 37 Ave., offers complimentary self parking and valet parking is available as well.
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Cruise line sparks romance with new ‘Weddings at Sea’ BY JANET DIAZ
Engaged couples now can experience the romance of being joined at sea by the captain aboard a Royal Caribbean International ship through the Royal Romance weddings and vow renewal program. The Commonwealth of the Bahamas has cleared the cruise line to conduct legal weddings aboard the world’s most innovative cruise ships while they are at sea. A Royal Caribbean ship is an ideal option for a “multi-destination” wedding, able to cater to large parties, attended by family members and friends, to smaller — but still unforgettable — affairs. Couples wishing to share this special moment with friends and family can enjoy the Sweethearts at Sea promotional offer, inclusive of a ceremony performed by the captain, photography and more, when booking 12 or more staterooms on a 2013 Royal Caribbean International sailing during the special introductory offer. “Thanks to the support of the Bahamas, our guests can now be married during the course of their Royal Caribbean cruise and bask in the romance of the sea as they exchange their vows,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “Royal Caribbean’s staff and crew will cater the affair with our world-renowned friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service to help make the day extra
CRUISE NEWS special for the couple and their guests.” “The Bahamas is happy to participate in this venture with Royal Caribbean International,” said Senator Allyson Maynard-Gibson, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Bahamas. “This premier cruise line has been bringing visitors to our beautiful country for many years, and we know that the Royal Romance weddings and vow renewal program will encourage even more visitors to our beautiful shores.” The Royal Romance team of wedding specialists are poised to assist couples during this momentous occasion in their lives and are eager to help create a beautifully personalized event that reflects the bride and groom’s desires. From Day One, the Royal Romance team assists in wedding planning services, including any legal requirements pre-departure, and once onboard, the Royal Romance Coordinator ensures every last detail is taken care of for the special
moment. Brides and grooms looking to marry onboard a Royal Caribbean ship will be married in a manner that is legally recognized by the Bahamas through the newly passed Marriage Act. The act allows for marriages while in international waters, which is defined as outside the 12-mile limit of the territorial waters of any nation. The actual location of the ship when the marriage takes place is then recorded in the Marriage Record Book of the Bahamas. Couples have several customizable Royal Romance Package options that celebrate their big day and include all the essentials for creating the perfect wedding. For example, the Royal Romance at Sea package includes: the ceremony performed by the ship’s captain, a groom’s boutonniere, a rose bouquet for the bride, freshly made cake, recorded music and a live soloist during ceremony, wine at the ceremony, dinner for the bride and groom at an onboard specialty restaurant, photography services, plus champagne and strawberries in the couple’s stateroom. The Sweethearts at Seas promotion offers couples a complimentary Romance at Sea package when they share their happy memories with family and friends and their wedding party books 12 or more staterooms on a 2013 cruise of five nights or longer. Those couples booking 25 or more staterooms can enjoy the above, plus a complimentary stateroom upgrade, bar service and an hors d’oeuvres reception.
Royal Romance also offers vow renewal packages, symbolic services and customized proposal packages. Complementing Royal Romance’s packages is Royal Caribbean’s Honeymoon Registry which continues the romance with friends and family contributing to a couple’s ideal Royal Caribbean honeymoon cruise. Instead of the standard pots and pans, the couple’s family and friends can contribute to a dinner at a specialty restaurant, a couple’s massage, or an excursion. Couples can add all of the onboard activities they’d like in the registry, where their family and friends can even contribute to the cruise fare and help make the dream of vacationing to far-off places a reality. The Sweethearts at Seas is now available to be booked for cruises starting Jan. 1, 2013. For more information about the Royal Romance Program contact your preferred travel agent, visit at <www.RoyalCaribbean.com/weddings> or call 1-888-WED-RCCL (1-888-933-7225). Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 innovative ships, calling on more than 270 destinations in 72 countries across six continents. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit <www.RoyalCaribbean.com> or call 1-800ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.
Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
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SAMA taps top vehicles during Miami International Auto Show
Pictured are the auto manufacturers’ representatives who accepted the 2012 SAMA awards during the Miami International Auto Show. They are (l-r) Alvaro Cabal, Ford Motor Co. Multicultural Communications manager; Mike Gray, South East Toyota Regional Area Sales Manager; Fred Diaz, Ram president and CEO, and Derek Joyce, Hyundai Motor America manager of product public relations. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY LEE STEPHENS
The Scion FS-R, Hyundai Santa Fe and Ford Fusion Hybrid were named the top vehicles on display during the 42nd annual Miami International Auto Show (MIAS) by the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA). The nine-member SAMA judging panel awarded the sporty Scion FS-R the sixth annual “Star of the Show” trophy after deciding that it was the single vehicle on display at the show that South Floridians will most want to see. At the same time, the judges picked the Hyundai Santa Fe as the “Best Utility Vehicle” in the show because its all-new design, technological innovation and fuel efficiency, while the Ford Fusion Hybrid was tapped as “Best Green Technology Vehicle” for its outstanding design and superb fuel economy of 47 mpg. Camp Jeep was awarded the new “Best Interactive Display” trophy for its ability to allow consumers attending the auto show to experience a Jeep vehicle’s off-road capabilities. “We considered about a dozen vehicles for the Star of the Show award,” said Ron Beasley, SAMA judging committee chair. “That list included the Lincoln MKZ, the Cadillac ATS, BMW3 Series, Honda Accord and the Audi All Road. But, in the end, the judges felt that the new Scion FS-R was just the most exciting vehicle on the floor.” The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe earned the judges’ vote as the “Best Utility Vehicle” in the MIAS. The judges said they liked the fuel-efficient character of the Santa Fe and the fact that it incorporated so much of the latest automotive industry technology. The Santa Fe bested the Mercedes Benz GL, Buick Encore, Lincoln MKT and the Ford Explorer to win the SAMA trophy.
In the Green Technology category, Beasley said the judges considered 10 vehicles, including the Kia Optima Hybrid, Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, before deciding to award the trophy to the Ford Fusion Hybrid. Both the Volt and the Leaf previously won the award. “Ford clearly has a pace-setting automobile with the Ford Fusion Hybrid,” Beasley said. “At 47 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway, it’s the most fuel-efficient sedan in America and our judging panel thought it was worthy of receiving the designation as ‘Best Green Technology Vehicle’ in the Miami International Auto Show.” This is the sixth consecutive year that SAMA has given the awards at the MIAS, which marks its 42nd anniversary this year. A prestigious panel of SAMA members walked the floor of the show and reviewed the vehicles prior to the opening and determined which vehicles would receive the coveted SAMA awards. The 2012 panel of judges included SAMA founding president and automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers Ron Beasley; Automundo webmaster and SAMA founding member Jose “Pepe” Delfino; auto writer and SAMA founding member Paul Borden; auto writer/photographer and SAMA founding member Angelica Willard; nationally known automotive radio personality Joe Castello; veteran automotive writer and track announcer Ric Green; bilingual automotive journalist Juan Robbin; auto writer and sports car racer Dr. Ray Mummery, and FAMA Magazine publisher Al Vazquez. The awards were announced and presented during the annual auto show luncheon sponsored by Hyundai and hosted by SAMA for members of the auto industry on the opening day of the MIAS.
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Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
Annual ‘Rides ’n Smiles’ event brings joy to ailing youngsters BY LANCE JOSEPH
goody bags, make sure everything happens on schedule and drive the cars all day. The fifth annual “Rides ’n Smiles” event More than two dozen of the most luxurirolled into the Homestead-Miami ous and desirable sports cars imaginable Speedway on Nov. 10 and once again it from Chevrolet Corvettes and Dodge lived up to its name — putting happy Vipers to Nissan GT-Rs and Mercedes smiles on the faces of deserving children Benz SLKs and even a few bonafide racing faced with serious medical problems. machines — are donated for the day by The event is organized by the Southern auto manufacturers, racing teams and even Automotive Media Association (SAMA) in private owners. an effort to bring a few hours of joy and The ailing children and the Wounded happiness to the lives of children fighting Warriors are given three laps around the cancer and other debilitating diseases. Homestead track at breakneck speed, “Rides ’n Smiles” was effectively transporting them to an exotic world of the brainchild of SAMA More than two speed and excitement and vice president and racing taking their minds away legend Bill Adam, who dozen of the most from their illness and expanded this years’ luxurious and injuries. event not only to include Adam’s connections invitations to 170 childesirable sports with the U.S. Air Force dren from Baptist cars imaginable even ensured that a Children’s Hospital and squadron of F-16 fighter Miami Children’s are donated for jets would make a flyover Hospital, but also to vetthe day by auto of the Homestead-Miami erans and soldiers Speedway during the through the Wounded manufacturers, lunch break to add just Warrior program. racing teams one more element of Nothing can describe speed and excitement to and even private the feeling that you get the day’s events. when you see the owners. From a Fiat 500 and expression of pure joy Mazda Miata convertibles on the faces of the kids after their first ride. One driver had a to a Nissan GT-R and a Porsche Carrera young girl strapped into his car by one of GT, there was an exotic car available to satthe Army Ranger volunteers who also was isfy anybody’s automotive desire. Adam’s attending the event for the day. Noticing racing pals even brought in several actual that she appeared autistic, he tried to make racecars and ran a few demonstration laps, even taking a few guests for very quick conversation. “Do you have a favorite car?” he asked. rides around the track. One car owner who had planned on sim“Are you having fun?” The girl did not respond. Oh well, he thought, this will be a ply displaying his classic 1970 quiet ride. By the third corner she turned Lamborghini Miura S — worth about $4 and looked at him with a wide grin and million to collectors — actually took a few simply said, “Faster, please!” That smile lucky kids for rides in the car. I wonder if anyone appreciated the sound of those was what the day was all about. SAMA members volunteer their time to Weber carbs singing at full song as much organize the event, fill a few hundred as he did.
SAMA member Juan Robbin is all smiles as he and a young passenger make a lap around the Homestead-Miami Speedway track. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
It was a great day and a wonderful event. Each child left with an official certificate from the Homestead-Miami Speedway certifying that he or she had joined the 100 mph club on that special day. They also left with some great memories and stories to tell their friends. Rides ’n Smiles traditionally has been held after the last NASCAR Cup race at Homestead Speedway. This year it was moved up to the weekend preceding the race. Whether it was genius planning or just luck, that meant it took place during the Miami Auto Show when most of the manufacturers’ representatives were in Miami. So, for the first time, many of them were able to experience what Rides ’n Smiles was all about. Lisa Barrow from Chrysler, Steve Parrett from Nissan and Araba Dowell from General Motors were all in attendance, while Hyundai Motor America representatives brought coffee and donuts in the
morning, then provided a delicious catered lunch for everyone — event volunteers, soldiers as well as the kids and their families. Of course, Rides ’n Smiles would not happen without the support and assistance of the people at the Homestead-Miami Speedway who believe this event is important enough to provide the free use of the track and facilities for the day. In addition to the donation of the track, Rides ’n Smiles was made possible this year by the generosity of auto manufacturers Hyundai, Nissan, Chrysler, Porsche, GM, Ford, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes Benz, as well as many individuals and professional racing teams who provided vehicles for the event. The toughest part of the day was that it had to end. But, one thing was certain — everyone was making plans to return to the Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2013 and do it all over again for the sixth edition of Rides ’n Smiles.
Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
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SAMA honors Paul Borden with Terry Jackson Memorial Award BY LEE STEPHENS
Paul Borden, a founding member of SAMA (Southern Automotive Media Association) and past two-term president of the organization, is the 2012 recipient of the Terry Jackson Memorial Award. The award, named for the late automotive journalist, recognizes a member for outstanding service to SAMA and for contributions to the auto industry in South Florida. The announcement and presentation of a commemorative plaque were made at the annual SAMA luncheon sponsored by Hyundai at the Miami International Auto Show in Miami Beach. “Paul’s work on behalf of SAMA is invaluable to the success and continued growth of our organization,” said SAMA president Jaime Florez. “Paul has always been our ‘go-to’ guy when we need something done and he has been instrumental in keeping the association on an even keel when times got rough. We owe Paul a lot and he deserves a lot of credit for keeping this organization moving ahead.” Borden is a veteran newspaper journalist and automotive writer, formerly with several newspapers, including the Miami Herald, Arkansas Gazette, Jackson (MS) Clarion-Ledger and Louisville CourierJournal. He was a senior editor with AMI AutoWorld and has written on a freelance basis since then, and is a regular contributor to Examiner.com. Borden also is the founding vice president of SAMA. Borden and his wife, Virginia, reside in Kendall. The Terry Jackson Award is named for the late auto journalist who was a nationally known figure and also a founding member of SAMA. He succumbed to cancer in January 2009. Previous recipients of the Terry Jackson
Paul Borden is pictured with his award. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Award have been Marcello Serrato, president and founder of Prestige Auto Specialists; Rick Baker, president of the South Florida Automobile Dealers Association, and Jose “Pepe” Delfino, webmaster and media manager for SAMA.
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Is your student brain-ready for this school year?
By Fabian Redler, PsyD, LCSW Students may not have finished their school year quite the way they had planned. They may have had all the good intentions and supportive teachers, but brain science tells us that motivation and education are only one piece of the intricate puzzle. As students move through the maze of education, school alone does little to develop the underlying ability to process information beyond routine memorization. The commencement of a new school year, however, brings with it the promise of a fresh start if a student is helped to develop the “brain muscles” responsible for learning. A simple task such as riding a bicycle requires precise and complex brain skills that allow an individual to ride without conscious effort. Therefore, to ignore the importance of brain skills for a more complex task, such as mathematics or reading, would be ludicrous if our goal is to make it second nature. A student, for example, can practice geometry until they are blue in the face and still continue to have difficulty. The ability to visualize the shapes and give meaning to these figures is managed by a specific brain skill that is not developed by the typical process of teaching, since teaching itself does not develop a student’s brain skills. The first quarter’s report card is a good indicator as to whether a student is brain-ready for the rest of the challenges that lie ahead. An intensive brain training regimen can lay the foundation to help a student reach new heights beyond the ordinary for a successful school year. Dearest Dr. Redler, I felt it important to write you this letter and share what a positive impact the LIFT program has made on the beginning of Anthony’s tenth grade year. Just last year, we came to you, looking for guidance and assistance as Anthony was struggling with areas such as focus, organization and attention. Although his grades were above average, homework took hours and hours, and weekends were consumed with playing catch up and trying to stay ahead of things. He was frustrated and mad-at-the-world a lot. After following What’s On Your Mind’s very specific, targeted plan to develop Anthony’s dormant brain skills, I am very happy to say that Anthony is now able to finish his homework in a reasonable amount of time, work independently, and best of all, his confidence in his own ability to accomplish his goals has increased tremendously. My husband and I are grateful to have crossed paths with you and What’s On Your Mind. Anthony is a happier, more productive student and has his sights set on college and a challenging career. Most sincerely, Nora P. Dr. Fabian Redler is president of What’s On Your Mind, Inc. (LIFT Learning Centers), helping kids reach the stars since 2000. He may be contacted by calling 305-937-6463.
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Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
Chevy Spark mini-car introduced in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District BY RON BEASLEY
Chevrolet picked Miami’s blossoming Wynwood Arts District to introduce the new 2013 Spark, the brand’s first mini-car ever marketed in the U.S. and Canada. The Spark is a sporty and maneuverable four-passenger, five-door hatchback with bold styling and in-your-face colors. It is aimed at the next-generation youth market and comes with a lot of extras that today’s young people are looking for, including MyLink Radio — a seven-inch color touch screen radio capable of displaying smartphone-based music, videos, photos and contacts for hands-free calling. MyLink Radio comes with two embedded apps for Pandora Internet radio and Stitcher Smart Radio and BringGo, an embedded app for GPS navigation available for purchase. Anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak electronic stability control and Hill Start Assist are standard. The Spark looks small on the outside, but it is surprisingly roomy on the inside, with more passenger and cargo room than other mini-cars. It’s powered by GM’s 84 hp Ecotec 1.25-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission and gets an EPA-estimated 38 mpg on the highway. The Spark already is being sold in other countries and Chevy says it is a popular fam-
Pictured during the Miami introduction of the new Chevy Spark mini-car at Wynwood’s Morgen Restaurant are Chevrolet marketing manager Mike Weidman (left) and color-and-trim designer Joe Lombardi. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
ily vehicle. It is available here in LS, 1LT and 2LT models. “Spark is ideal for active city dwellers because it is easy to drive, easy to park and easy to own,” said Mike Weidman, Chevrolet marketing manager. “With its maneuverability, Spark is ideal for city driving.” Spark has a tight turning circle of only 32.5 feet (9.9 meters), which makes it ideal for
around-town driving. In spite of its small size, Spark has a solid stance and, while it looks like a three-door hatch, designers have cleverly disguised the rear doors by integrating the handles into the C-pillar. The technique gives Spark a sporty appearance without sacrificing five-door comfort and utility. An integrated spoiler over the rear hatch door enhances Spark’s look and
improves aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency. Spark has a prominent two-tier grille and bowtie logo, a “wheels-out, body-in” stance, a stretched windshield, body-color front door handles and standard 15-inch aluminum wheels. Numerous bins are located throughout the cabin and there is plenty of storage space. With the 60-40 split rear seat folded, long items, such as skis or surfboards, may be carried along with a rear-seat passenger. Color is a big part of the Spark marketing and it is available in a variety of brilliant new colors with names like Jalapeño, Lemonade, Denim, Salsa and Techno Pink. “Since the Spark is targeted toward a younger, fun generation, we have some really fresh and expressive colors for the vehicle,” said Chevrolet’s color and trim designer Joe Lombardi. “Being a small vehicle, it’s perfect for these fun, youthful colors. We tied the exterior color into the interior to give it an overall harmonious, cohesive feel.” Spark’s body-frame-integral structure is tight and stiff for sportier driving dynamics. The electric power steering and MacPherson strut front suspension deliver tight handling characteristics and provide overall stability. Spark also comes with vented front disc and rear drum brakes.
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Christine Stiphany, CRS REALTOR
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R FO
Gated Snapper Creek Lakes.............................Coral Gables 5505 Arbor Lane - Traditional Elegance and Southern Charm nestled on 1.18 acres. Three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2-car garage, gorgeous pool/patio, totally updated in 2007. www.5505ArborLane.com. Offered at $2,499,000.
E AS E L
14540 Sailfish Lane…..........................................…Coral Gables Gated community “King’s Bay” – New marble and wood floors Available Dec. 15 – 2-Story home with 5 Bdrms, 3 Baths, family room, breakfast room, fireplace, pool, 2 car garage. Offered at $4,250 per month.
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Boat Slip.....................Cocoplum Yacht Club - Coral Gables 40 ft. slip can accommodate a 44 ft. boat. Intrepid #15. No bridges to bay, great location in highly sought after marina. Offered at $205,000.
12550 Moss Ranch Road……..................................….Pinecrest Lush Tropical Acre surrounded by multi-million dollar properties! Build your dream home or remodel this 1955 2-Story Ranch home w/pool & fireplace. Sales Price $775,000
•
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6740 SW 94 Street...........……..................................….Pinecrest Unique 2-story home on half acre in Pinecrest Elementary school district with 4 Bdrms, 3.5 Baths, new roof, granite kitchen, fireplace, resort style pool and loaded with mature oaks and fruit trees. Offered at $855,000
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Coral Reef Medical Park Office/Condo…..near Jackson South Hospital. 9299 SW 152 Street, Unit 206 – Pediatrician’s office – Over 1,230sf with 4 patient rooms, 2 bathrooms, exec office, junior office, lab, file room, administration. Offered at $225,000 for sale or $3,000/mo. Lease.
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LOOKING FOR BACK-UP OFFERS - Opportunity Knocks! 1621 S Bayshore Drive ............................................... $1,450,000 On the Bluff…Across from Mercy Hospital. Large lot of 33,275 sf. 1921 house ready for renovations or build new! Sales Price $1,250,000
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5880 SW 87 Street..........................................................$665,000 Dante Fascell Charmer on Snapper Creek canal in the City of South Miami! 3/2 split bedroom plan w/screened pool/patio, close to Sunset Place and fine restaurants.
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335 Candia Avenue…..............................................Coral Gables Cozy Cottage with 2Bdrms, 1Bath, screened pool/patio, garage, new roof, wood floors, charm galore! Sales Price $385,000
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610 Valencia Ave...............................................Coral Gables The New French Village. Exquisitely furnished apartment w/2 Bdrms, 2.5 Baths, 2 covered pking spaces, luxurious master suite opens to patio, approx. 2,000 sf. Offered at $3,500/mo. or $499,000
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Happy Holidays to All Original Cuban Flavor Follow Us on Facebook and Twitter
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Nov. 27 - Dec. 10, 2012
Old Cutler Presbyterian Church Hosts Free Christmas Concert Palmetto Bay, Florida– Old Cutler Presbyterian Church (OCPC) www.ocpc.org hosts its 36th Annual Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 1st with two showtimes at 4:00pm and 7:30pm. Old Cutler Presbyterian Church invites the city of Miami to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas during its annual concert performed by an array of musicians and vocalists from their church choir, orchestra, worship band and children’s choir. “We invite every family in Miami to get together and join us for this beautiful Christmas concert. It’s free and it’s our gift to the community,” says Senior Pastor Dr. Stephen Clark. “The musical talent we have at our church is amazing and we wanted to share their talents with the community as we celebrate Christmas.” The Old Cutler Christmas concert is directed by two graduates of the University of Miami Music program and a current professor. U.M. graduates, Shawn Sutta and Jamie Sutta
Dr. Dennis Kam, the chair of the Department of Music Theory and Composition at the University of Miami, also a staff member at Old Cutler Church, plans on delivering a healthy blend of traditional orchestra, modern jazz pieces, Christmas favorites and sing-a-longs. Performances will include selections from Handel’s Messiah, selections from the Nutcracker Suite, “Dreaming of a White Christmas”, “Joy to the World” and many others. “We’re hoping this concert brings families together, both young and old,” says Shawn Sutta. “We are excited for this opportunity to get some of the city’s greatest musicians together, perform amazing Christmas music, and celebrate a day that is truly special. ” Located at Old Cutler Presbyterian Church in the Worship Center. 14401 Old Cutler Rd. Miami, FL 33158. who are on staff at Old Cutler Church, lead the worship band and choir and plan on injecting the Saturday, December 1st at 4:00pm and 7:30pm. concert with soulful jazz, beautiful solos, and Free! For more information, please contact church office, 305-238-8121. powerful orchestral pieces.
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2013 Honda CR-V is a functional, fun-to-drive vehicle Ron Beasley AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR
L E T ’ S TA L K C A R S The all-new, fourth-generation Honda CR-V debuted late last year with upscale styling, excellent fuel efficiency, and a host of standard convenience features. It continues much the same in 2013 as one of the most fun-to-drive and functional compact SUVs in the U.S. Compact on the outside and roomy inside, the CR-V is an excellent balance of size and capability in the entry SUV segment. With its car-like interior comfort, smooth and quiet ride, plus innovative features, the versatile CR-V is a great fit for families or anyone with an active lifestyle. The interior is roomy and comfortable, with five-passenger seating and plenty of storage space, including the large center console. The CR-V model lineup carries over for 2013, starting with the exceptionally wellequipped CR-V LX with standard air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth
HandsFreeLink, rearview camera, color iMID display, remote entry, 160-watt fourspeaker audio system and Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS). The CR-V EX adds a number of features including an upgraded six-speaker audio system, power moonroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. The CR-V EX-L adds more features including a leather-trimmed interior, 10way power driver’s seat, automatic dualzone climate control, and a 328-watt sevenspeaker audio system with XM Radio. Available features for the CR-V EX-L include the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition and FM Traffic, or a DVD Rear Entertainment System. Real Time AWD (all-wheel drive) with a swift-acting electronic Intelligent Control System is available on each model. The CR-V has a sophisticated powertrain with a nice balance of performance and fuel efficiency. All CR-V models are powered by a 2.4-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine (23/31/26 mpg) with 185 hp and 163 pounds-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a standard fivespeed automatic transmission that works in conjunction with the engine’s Drive-ByWire throttle control to smooth shifting
Honda CR-V has an aerodynamic look with deep sculpting of the bodyline, a bold front fascia, a rear spoiler and large five-spoke wheels.
action, and Honda’s unique Grade Logic Control system can intuitively hold the most appropriate gear on hilly roads, reducing unnecessary shifting. The Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System is available. The Honda CR-V body is designed to contribute to high fuel efficiency and vehicle safety while enhancing the functional aspects of the entry-level SUV. It has an aggressive, aerodynamic stance with deep sculpting of the bodylines and a bold front fascia. The highly rigid unibody construction combines with lightweight suspension components, noise insulation and aerody-
namic features, including underbody covers and a rear spoiler to enhance a quiet and quality ride. Large five-spoke wheels (17inch alloy for the CR-V EX and EX-L, and 16-inch steel for the CR-V LX) and bold fender flares emphasize the dynamic look and capability. Pricing on the 2013 Honda CRV starts at $22,695. 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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A Message from Dr. Marino E. Carbonell Marijuana: The real story Heavy marijuana use is associated with cognitive decline in about 5% of teens, according to a new study, which suggests that the heaviest users could lose 8 IQ points. As a certified psychotherapist and addiction specialist, my message to young and old is the following: beware marijuana’s potency no matter the issue. Whether one discusses the medical merits or legal ramifications, one must also consider the real life implications. The medical issue: The medical merits of THC, the main ingredient in marijuana, have been identified and THC is available in pill-form as Marinol and Cesamet. However, according to proponents of legalizing medical marijuana, the medical merits of THC are best experienced by smoking it-absent FDA approval or review. I quote William H. Foster, CASA President and CEO, as a society we are “authorizing prescription medicines through the ballot box.” The legal issue: Although several states recently legalized marijuana use, still the legal merits of marijuana cannot be supported. For one, the Controlled Substances Act considers marijuana as a schedule I narcotic (along with heroin.) Second, taxing and collecting revenue does not resolve the economic issue. According to Joseph Califano, Jr. CASA Founder and Chairman, for approximately every $1 of tax revenue, there could be as much as $7 incurred in medical costs. Califano also points out that legalizing marijuana means easier availability to children and a factor in contributing to teens’ softening attitude about drugs-- specifically marijuana (NIDA). The real issue: Today’s marijuana is not the pot of the 1970s. Its’ THC potency, the amount of psychoactive ingredient found in the drug, has more than doubled since 1983. This decade has brought a 175% jump in pot potency. According to a 2008 analysis from the University of Mississippi’s Potency Monitoring Project, the drug’s potent effects have severe consequences. Its growing potency not only affects the risk of addiction and increase experimentation to harder drugs such as cocaine and heroin, but also the “risk of psychological, cognitive and respiratory problems.” Another very important statistic reported in the study must be taken very seriously as well—marijuana abuse increases the risk of developing mental disorders 40 percent. This is another serious side effect that rarely gets mentioned. Finally, heavy marijuana use is associated with cognitive decline in about 5% of teens, according to a new study, which suggests that the heaviest users could lose 8 IQ points. The report, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showed that teens, who started smoking marijuana before age 18 and were diagnosed as being addicted to cannabis by age 38, experienced an IQ drop in early adulthood. Dr. Carbonell is a licensed psychotherapist and certified addiction professional who has earned a reputation of excellence in his field with more than 20 years of experience. He is APA Board Certified and a National Certified Counselor. For additional information please visit www.marinocarbonell.com
Marino E. Carbonell, Ed.D., LMHC, CAP, FAPA, ICADC, BCPC, NCC 7344 SW 48 Street, Suite 104 • Miami, Florida 33155 305.447.2882
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