Cutler Bay News 11.9.2010

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One of Miami’s Community Newspapers

NEWS

Phone: 305-669-7355

Cutler Bay

NOVEMBER 9, 2010

SERVING SOUTH DADE

MacDougall elected mayor; Mixon wins seat on council BY GARY ALAN RUSE

Fruit and Spice Park to host Great Green Family Festival

A

lthough county election officials won’t issue the definitive results until Nov. 14, the balloting from all precincts indicate that in the Nov. 2 election Ed MacDougall won his race for mayor of Cutler Bay and newcomer Mary Ann Mixon captured Seat One on the town council. MacDougall got 4,216 votes (53.27 percent) to Tim Meerbott’s 3,154 votes (39.85 percent) so no run-off is needed. Kevin Woitke, who also ran for mayor, got 545 votes (6.89 percent). Mixon garnered 4,051 votes (55.78 percent) to her opponent Steve Zarzecki’s

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COUNCIL, page 4

BY CATHY GUERRA

T

ED MacDOUGALL

MARY ANN MIXON

Ceremony marks completion of SW 208th Street improvements BY GARY ALAN RUSE

M

bicyclists and even cars attempting to cross it. Residents also said it affected the quality of life in the neighborhood. Outgoing Mayor Paul Vrooman said he was glad to see the project completed on his watch because of the positive impact it made for residents and the way it came about with everyone working together to accomplish it. “I really appreciate everything that the staff did on this, working with the citizens,” Vrooman

embers of the Cutler B a y Town Council and staff joined with residents on Thursday, Oct. 28, for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a major roadway makeover on SW 208th Street between 87th and 92nd avenues. Begun in early August, Town officials, staff and residents gather for the ribbon cutting formally opening the project was launched the improved street. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– at the request of residents living along 208th Street who com- was likened by some to an airport runplained about the existing road as devel- way, and by others to a drag strip where –––––––––––––– See oped by the county. The five-lane street speeders posed a danger to pedestrians,

CEREMONY, page 4

he Fruit and Spice Park will host the third annual Great Green Family Festival on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Fruit and Spice Park, 24801 SW 187 Ave. in Homestead. The environment-friendly event will introduce patrons to “eco-friendly” living by showcasing “green” vendors promoting everything from alternative energy vehicles from Largo Honda, to green or natural health and beauty products. Educational presentations — including free classes, lectures and workshops for children and adults of all ages — will be conducted by Lowe’s Garden Center associates throughout the weekend. Other highlights of the Great Green Family Festival include entertainment by “Merlina” the magician; medicinal herbs, oils, and teas; culinary plants and natural foods, and much more.

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FESTIVAL, page 4

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Knots of Hope teens volunteer for Miracle Walk/Run fundraiser BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

The 22 teens from Knots of Hope, the community service organization started by Priscilla Suzal-Wright, will be volunteering at the Transplant Foundation’s 5K Miracle Walk/Run, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 14, from 8 a.m. to noon, at Zoo Miami. Registration begins at 7 a.m. “It’s really fun,” Suzal-Wright said. “There’s a deejay; there are games; there’s a raffle.” Last year the Miracle Walk/Run attracted 750 participants and this year the organizers are expecting 800 while hoping for a thousand. The walk raised $70,000 last year and is a major fundraiser for the foundation, which helps transplant patients pay for medication, housing and transportation. The foundation also invests in research and works to educate about transplants. Since 1987, the foundation has helped more than 5,000 transplant patients by granting special requests that help them cope with the burdens of the transplantation process. The foundation’s materials say that an average of 17 people die each day waiting for a transplant. That’s more than 6,000 a year. Suzal-Wright has been involved with the Transplant Foundation since she was a preteen and is familiar with the Walk/Run.

Volunteering at the 2009 Miracle Walk/Run are: (l-r, top) Nati Aguirre, Nicole Aguirre, Lauren Martin, Nikki Baralt; (bottom) Priscilla Suzal-Wright, Leah Singer and Gaby Baralt.

“We do it every year,” she said. “I’ve done it past four years. For Knots of Hope, this is going to be our second year.” The Knots of Hope girls were volunteer workers last year for the event, but this year, Suzal-Wright said they are not only volunteering but walking as well.

“We have a Knots of Hope team and we are raising money,” she said. “We have plenty of girls to do both.” She’s expecting most of the girls to attend along with their parents. “We help out with anything we possibly can,” Suzal-Wright said. “We set up, we dec-

orate the place. We set out the bagels in the morning. It’s always so much fun. It’s always a great turnout.” The teens also help the walkers do prewalk stretching exercises and help get them motivated to walk. Throughout the morning, some of the girls will sell raffle tickets while others will operate the station where they will be making personalized friendship bracelets. “We will also be selling some bracelets we already have as well as giving out information about what Knots of Hope is,” she said. After the walk, they will help remove the decorations. Some might even stay and go to the zoo, which is one of the perks of being involved in the event. There also will be a bounce house, arts and crafts and face painting for the kids. It’s been a busy season for Knots of Hope. The members recently conducted a successful private gala in Pinecrest that raised $21,000. Plans call for next year’s event to be open to the public. “The gala was amazing,” Suzal-Wright said. “It was such a magical night.” To register for the walk, go online to <www.miraclewalkrun.kintera.org> or call 305-817-5645. Registration tickets are $35 in advance and $60 onsite.

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COUNCIL, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 3,212 votes (44.22 percent) and also was elected without the need for a run-off. Erin O’Donnell, assistant to the town clerk, explained the day after the election about the other seats on the council. “Peggy Bell was re-elected unopposed, and Ernie Sochin wasn’t up for re-election this year, but we have to appoint a vice mayor now,” O’Donnell said. Mary Ann Mixon, when reached for comment on Nov. 3, was recuperating after an active campaign of meeting and greeting voters. “I’m exhausted,” Mixon said. “I’ve been at the polls every day for the last two weeks. After the polls closed I breathed a sigh of relief and then when I went to a watch party and the early results were released and it showed me way ahead, it was at that point that I all of a sudden got nervous. “It was really exciting. I’d never done anything like this before. It was a lot of work, but being positive and working hard

CEREMONY, from page 1 ––––––– said. “The citizens said ‘please help us — it’s a five-lane road in front of a residential area,’ and the staff was able to take that and run with it and make something magnificent out of it for them.” The previous number of travel lanes was reduced from four to two, a landscaped center median was constructed and on-street parking was created for homeowners along SW 208th Street. Additionally, 38 live oak trees were planted along the route and a “dedicated” east-west bike lane was installed that connects to the existing bike paths from Old Cutler Road to SW 87th Avenue. Several public input meetings were conducted with area homeowner associ-

FESTIVAL, from page 1 ––––––––––– On Saturday, Nov. 13, at 11 a.m., park volunteers will be planting 50 fruit trees donated by Edy’s Fruit Bars and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation’s “Communities Take Root” initiative. The foundation coordinates the establishment of public fruit orchards worldwide. Admission is $8 per person and children under 12 years of age are admitted free.

paid off. I’m looking forward to the job ahead.” MacDougall said he was glad that the elections were over with a clear win and that he could focus on the important matters of his new role as mayor. “We can move forward now with the work at hand,” MacDougall said. “I’m going to be an active mayor, not just showing up for the council meetings, but taking an active role in the day-to- day business of our town government. “I want to be sure that things continue to improve for our residents, and I hope that we can ease up a bit on some of the code enforcement issues. I’m looking forward to the next four years. I think they’re going to be good ones for the Town of Cutler Bay.” The newly elected mayor and council members likely will be sworn in on Monday, Nov. 15, with the next regular monthly council meeting scheduled for Nov. 17.

ations before the final project design was developed by town staff and traffic engineers, and the final plans were approved through Miami-Dade County. With the slow economy making construction companies more competitive with their pricing, the town was able to bring in the completed project not only ahead of time but also $200,000 under budget. Public Works director Rafael Casals was pleased by how well things had worked out with the road makeover and was optimistic about the success of achieving its purpose. “Town staff and traffic engineers are confident that the completed improvements will act as a traffic calming mechanism,” Casals said. “Additionally, area residents will be able to enjoy SW 208th Street by both pedestrian and bicycle traffic.” Doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. For more information, call the Fruit and Spice Park at 305-247-5727. Located 35 miles south of Miami in the historic Redland community, the Fruit and Spice Park is a 35-acre park filled with more than 500 varieties of fruits, herbs, spices, nuts and other exotics. The park, located at 24801 SW 187 Ave. in Homestead, is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the park’s website at <www.fruitandspicepark.org>.

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Bell-ringer or recount? That remains to be seen Michael Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR

AROUND TOWN Many southwest Dade folks were surprised by the apparent victory, narrow as it was (395 votes), by which Homestead’s Lynda Bell overcame her favored opponent, Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn, for Katy Sorenson’s District Eight seat on the MiamiDade Commission. At this writing, the count of 21,403 for Bell to 21,005 for Flinn did not include over 6,000 absentee ballots which were still being hand-counted for all Miami-Dade precincts by the Election Department last week. At that point, the math necessitating a recount (one-half percent or less difference in total balloting had not been reached. Thus it doesn’t take a slide rule to figure out that if the final margin of victory for Ms. Bell goes under the 212 mark, a recount should be in order. Which left candidate backers and constituents alike waiting for the final verdict as we went to press with each absentee ballot creating a count-down for Flinn backers. If Ms. Bell’s lead holds up, the best guess among second-guessers attributes her victory to her Republican party affiliation, meaning sufficient GOP’rs simply voted the “party line” to give her sufficient advantage to overcome Gene Flinn’s recognized popularity in most of southwestern Dade, if not Homestead itself. That was the Herald’s conclusion as well as that of local TV commentator Michael Putney. Of course, the pundits rarely rely on anything more than an educated guess, as do most politicians as well.

Cutler Bay folks are being spared a runoff election since mayoral candidate Ed MacDougall got more than enough votes to win flat-out, as did Mary Ann Mixon in the race for the town council’s Seat 1. The council will have to pick a new vice mayor, though, either from amongst themselves or from potential outside candidates. Then that person will have to run for the seat at the next country-wide election, which might be sooner than you think given Norman Braman’s recall move against County Mayor Carlos Alvarez. Stay tuned, folks! Palmetto Bay on the other hand will have a run-off election, probably on November 16, run by the county election officials, for both the mayor’s race and the District 1 seat. It will be Stanczyk vs. England for mayor, and Fiore vs. Gerald for Seat 1. With four people running for mayor and three for seat one in the Nov. 2nd election, a run-off isn’t surprising. Just when those good folks who’ve been wearing out their shoe-leather campaigning thought they rest a bit, some of them find out they aren’t done yet. The numbers of folks who get out to vote for run-off elections usually drops compared to those who turn out the first time around, due to reduced enthusiasm and to the fact that many supporters of failed candidates lose interest. But it’s still just as important for good representative government that the majority of people take part in the election process, so be sure you get up, get out and go vote. ‘Nuf said. Energy-conscious Commissioner Joe A. Martinez has proposed a resolution directing the County Mayor to use energy-efficient roofs in all solicitations for the construction of new public and affordable housing with a contract value over $1 million in the county. Requirements are to be based on the U.S. Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards. Better hurry if you want to enter “The

Cutler Bay News

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Aventura News, Biscayne Tribune, Coral Gables News-Tribune, Doral Tribune, Kendall Gazette, Cutler Bay News, Palmetto Bay News, Pinecrest Tribune, South Miami News, Sunny Isles Beach We will not return solicited or unsolicited editorial material including stories, columns and or photographs. Please make sure that you have duplicate copies of the material.

Perfect Side Dish” holiday recipe contest hosted by Simon Malls in Florida as a preview to “What Can You Do?,” a statewide food drive Nov. 20-Dec. 14 in collaboration with the Florida Association of Food Banks. At-home and professional chefs are invited to submit their favorite holiday side dish recipes using canned ingredients by Wed., Nov. 10 for the chance to win a $100 American Express® Simon Giftcard®, plus a $100 gift certificate from Pollo Tropical. Recipes for “The Perfect Side Dish” can be submitted via email at recipes@bitnergoodman.com. Recipe submission forms can be found at Guest Service desks of participating Simon Malls (like Dadeland) or can be downloaded online at www.bitnergoodman.com/perfectsidedish.htm . All entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 10, 2010. For detailed contest rules and additional information, call 1-800-9986753 or visit www.bitnergoodman.com/perfectsidedish.htm. The County’s MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) which gets its share of flack in news stories is holding its annual PSA (Public Service Announcement) in to inform citizens in 2010 about the county’s Bike & Ride Program, assisting cyclists on

extended trips just about anywhere in Miami-Dade on Metrobus, Metrorail and Metromover routes. For details to enter a 30-second PSA to educate the community, call 305-375-4507 or visit miamidade.gov/mpo. Smile-of-tthe-day. We regularly troll for news leads and herewith, the news of the week from an always-reliable West Kendall source: “…not sure what else is new. We don’t have the non-zoning meetings, and miss the information we would get from them. Just visited the park with my two little ones, saw a little snake, and one little girl was doing a park visit for her second grade class and she took the snake home.” Thought of the Day: We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from life. — Sir William Osler

Richard Yager and Gary Alan Ruse contributed to this column. Got any tips? Contact me at 305-6697355, ext. 249, or send emails to <michael@communitynewspapers.com>.

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November 9 - 15, 2010

My question: What did any candidate stand for? R. Kenneth Bluh KENNETH’S COMMENTARY For the life of me I am having a hard time remembering one thing positive any major candidate said during this campaign season. What proposals did any candidate make? Sure, they all said they will create more jobs, reduce the deficit and make Miami, Florida and America a better place in which to live. But how? I do remember that Alex Sink said Rick Scott ran a Medicare fraud hospital. And, I remember that Scott said Sink fired hundreds of employees when she ran a major bank here in Florida. I just don’t remember anything about how they would make Florida a better place to live. What I wanted to hear were proposals on how the state would generate more revenue, would cut expenses, how our school system would hire more teachers and keep the number of students in our public school classroom at a manageable size and their opinions on the constitutional amendments.

But I didn’t hear any of this — other than fivesecond sound bites like: “Let’s get to work!” Now that is what I call a plan. What I did hear, over and over and over again, were useless commercials about what was wrong with the other guy. He or she stole money, didn’t pay their taxes, was a stockholder in a defunct bank, stole from Medicare and only God knows what else. Every candidate sounded so bad that it would appear that our elected officials running for reelection and candidates wanting to replace them must all be candidates for Raiford (one of our state prisons). Now thanks to the United States Supreme Court, unidentified contributors can fund, without a dollar limit, money to support a candidate, or better said in the spirit of our “knock the other guy” style of campaigning, fund commercials that run down an opponent. We saw the beginning of this during this election cycle. Just wait until the presidential election in two years. Then all the big guns with the big bucks will be out in full force running our elections. Unless you can spend $72 million of your own dollars to run a campaign or have the connections to big spending corporations or unions you might as well forget about running for public office.

–– VIEWPOINT –– Like a former governor of New York said, when talking about redrawing political districts, it is politicians selecting voters not voters selecting politicians. We have lost control. Is there a solution? What would be the perfect world? I have a suggestion, but I know it cannot be implemented on a “national level.” Here it is: (1) Limit the time a candidate can go before the voters — no TV, no radio, no newspapers, no nothing until 120 days before Election Day. (2) Limit the dollars that can be spent by any candidate, or by third parties, to “X” dollars per registered voter in the candidate’s district. (3) No political party, or “issue” campaign expenditures until 120 days before Election Day, with the same dollar limits as for the candidates. Don’t plan on proposing a United States Constitutional Amendment to create these rules. Proposals to create a U.S. Constitutional Amendment must be initiated by members of Congress or by the individual

state legislatures. This will never happen. Then, how do we do it? By amending each state’s constitution. Most states, like Florida, have citizen initiated amendment procedures that put proposing amendments to the constitution in the hands of the voters. It is a gargantuan project, but a workable plan. Citizen groups in each state would have to hit the streets seeking signatures from citizens who are sick and tired of the way our elected politicians and political wan-a-bees have taken over our government. It’s a plan. Your thoughts please. Elections are only two years away.

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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Triathlon, trick or treat make for busy weekend in our town BY ERNIE SOCHIN

Councilmember Everyone that knows me knows that I try hard but unsuccessfully to be a lean, fit athlete. A lot of my exercise comes from running up and down the cookie aisle at Publix looking for some old favorites and hoping to find something new as well. How do you think I felt watching 2,100 trim, conditioned athletes riding their bicycles through my town during the recent triathlon? I’ll bet there wasn’t an ounce of body fat among them. Their bikes and beautiful Spandex outfits looked great. It is a shame that they don’t make Spandex clothes in my size. I might look trim too in one of those outfits. Their helmets looked like they were going 25 miles per hour by themselves. Mine just makes me look like a dork. Am I angry or just jealous? Yes. I am jealous. Now let me address the anger. I had a tennis doubles match on the morning of the Ironman Miami Triathlon. Three of the four players (me included) were unable to get to our courts because of the race. We all came from different directions and none of us were successful. No matter what route we attempted, “you couldn’t get there from here.” Once I decided to head home in disgust I found that I couldn’t get there either. I finally found a cop who told me that if I was quick on the accelerator I might make it across 87th Avenue, if I started immediately after he gave me the go ahead. I made it! Whew! I think the Ironman is a great thing for South Florida but someone has to find a better route that doesn’t tie up three or four cities for an entire morning. Let’s hope. I was expecting another tough part to my weekend when I decided to see for myself what so many (four or five?) people were complaining about regarding the Halloween event that takes place around Whispering Pines Lake each year. I missed the last two because I was out of the country at the time, but I heard about drunken beer drinkers, gang toughs, hooliganism, etc. Being trained in Mu Du Kwan Karate, I

was prepared to defend myself and fight off the villains. Unfortunately all I saw were tons of kids in unbelievably beautiful costumes with bags full of candy and some incredible homemade haunted houses and other displays at people’s homes. I finally spotted an older guy lugging a cooler behind him in a Radio Flyer wagon. Aha, I thought…I finally caught one of those beer drinking troublemakers red handed. I followed him closely by several houses until a couple of cute little girls in costumes ran up, opened the cooler and each took out a bottle of cold water. Foiled again. In truth, this Whispering Pines event was absolutely fantastic and something that made me proud to be a part of the community. Yes, I am sure there were people there who did not live in our town but I’ll bet they were saying to themselves, “What a great place to live!” I would. Things have changed. The Town of Cutler Bay did a great job by hosting a Haunted House and using the track at Cutler Ridge Park to set up trick or treat stations sponsored by local merchants. This was done pre-Halloween so as not to deter from other events taking place. The one negative…I left a ton of candy in front of my house and when I got back later in the evening, not a piece had been taken. My accomplice saw the look in my eyes and decided that she had better give it all away before I gobbled it up, so we made a run back to Jordan Arutt’s house near the lake and donated it all to the overwhelming hoard of kids being attacked by a giant spider falling from a tree in front of his house. I noticed a few houses around the lake with no lights on. The kids seemed unconcerned and simply bypassed these homes. Maybe these folks were away or maybe they just don’t like kids in scary costumes. Some of the young women’s costumes were not quite so scary, but that is another column. It did cost the town a few bucks for the security etc. The cops were giving out little flashlights and glow sticks, so even they got into the spirit. I can’t think of town money better spent than for this fabulous event, and I for one hope it continues.

Previous articles by Councilmember Sochin are available on line at <www.sochin.com>.

Please Join Us for lunch November 11th, 2010 The CBBA will be hosting their

Monthly Luncheon in the Palm Room, on the 3rd floor of the

Palmetto Bay Village Center between 11:00AM and 1:00 PM. Members $10

Non-Members $20

Ourr speakerr for Nov 11, 2010

Susan n Amat,, Ph.D.,, M.B.A. Executive Director The Launch Pad University of Miami

WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US. To R.S.V.P. visit www.cbba.biz or call 305-609-1096

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November 9 - 15, 2010

‘Redland Raised’ project promotes locally grown agricultural products BY LEE STEPHENS

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Miami-Dade County will be producing a “Redland Raised” specialty crop cookbook, in-store displays, as well as promotional and educational materials to encourage shoppers and retailers to buy local produce. It is doing so thanks to an award from the USDA through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Department of a Specialty Crop Block Grant in the amount of $142,557 for the “Redland Raised: Fresh from Florida Project.” “This program will greatly increase our efforts to better inform Miami-Dade County residents of the benefits of purchasing our fresh local farm products,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez. “This new funding will allow us to expand an already successful program to more retail outlets.” The Redland Raised program was begun in October 2009 by the county’s agricultural manager to showcase local produce at more than 1,000 Publix Supermarkets. It’s a two-year countywide “buy local” program to support and reinforce the Redland Raised brand. It also educates and encourages resi-

dents to invest in local produce and in turn, stimulate the local economy. Miami-Dade County’s agriculture industry is No. 2 in the state and 18th in the country, generating an estimated $2.7 billion for the local economy. “While local retailers continue to support our local agriculture industry, shoppers who walk the produce aisle can now look for special labeling and displays that show when green beans, zucchini, avocados and more come from our very own backyard,” said Charles LaPradd, Miami-Dade County agricultural manager. Grocery stores, restaurants and other retail outlets are encouraged to partner with Miami-Dade County’s Agricultural Manager’s Office to establish sustainable buy local programs through marketing and promoting the local “Redland Raised: Fresh from Florida” brand. Redland Raised produce is grown in the southernmost farming region of the continental United States, Miami-Dade County. For more information on this program call the Agricultural Manager’s Office at 305-971-5091.

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Epiphany School students conduct hurricane exercise BY LEE STEPHENS

As Hurrivac computer images of Category 3 Hurricane Monica got closer to South Florida’s coast, Mayor Gabriel Figueredo barked orders to his fellow Epiphany Catholic School students over the telephone. A fire in an evacuation center needed to be extinguished and 1,000 people relocated to other evac centers in the area — right away. Figueredo and Emergency Management directors Daniela Clavijo and Carolina Ortega were shouldering the responsibility to supervise Emergency Support Functions (ESFs in emergency management parlance) managed by their classmates — firefighting, transportation, law enforcement, urban search and rescue, health and medical, food and water, and mass care, to name some — to ensure that the dispossessed people were properly relocated to other shelters and safe from the approaching storm. “Put the fire out first,” Figueredo ordered firefighters. “Then start removing the people,” he directed those in charge of transportation. As soon as the fire in the evacuation center was resolved, a gasoline truck overturned on a major evacuation route, leaving thousands of motorists stranded. Gas from the truck was spilling all over the road and motorists were overheated and thirsty with tempers flaring. Again, Mayor Figueredo had to depend on his ESFs to resolve this perilous situation. “We need to remove the truck, contain the spill and get bottled water out to these people as soon as possible,” he demanded. “Get Hazardous Materials, Resource Management and Mass Care on the phone. We need to move fast.” After Monica’s passage, it got even worse.

The students faced equally challenging emergencies such as several hundred senior citizens stranded on an island by a washedout Intracoastal bridge. “We’ve sent boats, helicopters and anything we can,” Figueredo said. In the meantime, a hospital was overcrowded with storm victims, medical resources virtually exhausted and basic water and food provisions also were depleted. The hospital was on auxiliary power, making it difficult to perform basic surgical procedures. Also, parts of the city were virtually underwater from rain and storm surge, with people and their pets perilously stranded on rooftops and dangling from trees. Eighty students spent Tuesday morning, Oct. 12, at the Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management participating in a special hurricane preparedness exercise called StormZone, a Miami-based non-profit program where they planned for and recovered from Category 3 Hurricane Monica. StormZone, sponsored by Turnberry

StormZone has been taught in MiamiDade, Broward and Palm Beach County schools throughout hurricane season, which ends Nov. 30. John Farach At the conclusion of the exercise, stu(left) and dent Mayor Figueredo conducted a press Christopher conference assisted by public information Diaz-Silveira coordinators Sebastian Abarca and Sarah review their Medina to inform student reporters on ESF resources preparedness measures that were taken during a before the storm and recovery efforts after its passage. challenge at The first question asked was, “Were any the Miamilives lost?” Dade EOC “No,” answered a relieved Figueredo. exercise. “Through this interactive exercise, students learn about emergency management, make the decisions necessary to respond to a disaster in their community and develop a recovery plan,” said Bay Proby, Bank and the American Red Cross, is a StormZone director. “This classroom expefree online hurricane science education rience also lets students learn about the and preparedness program offered to importance of individual responsibility, public and private schools. The program organizational collaboration and project specifically helps students understand management skills when confronted with a the importance of advance preparation hurricane.” when confronted with a natural disaster For more information about StormZone, such as a hurricane. For five years, visit online at <www.stormzone.us>.

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November 9 - 15, 2010

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Rare opportunity to customize existing 3/2 or build dream home, 2,956 sq. ft., on an oversized lot in Gables by the Sea. 110 ft. sea wall.

Formal, two story, 4 bdrm/ 3 bath. 3,067 sq. ft., gated home in Groves of Old Cutler community. Expansive pool and patio. 2 car garage.

$1,550,000

$545,000

8505 SW 109 St.

20000 Cutler Ct.

Unique home, total of 6 bdrm/ 4.5 bath, 4,565 sq. ft, essentially two separate homes connected. Perfect for family with in-laws or live in nanny. Screened pool/patio. 2 car garage.

3 bdrm/3 bath, updated kitchen, large family area with room to create fourth bedroom. 2,732 sq. ft, 13,019 sq ft lot, screened patio. 2 car garage.

$699,000

$315,000

15980 SW 79 Ave.

8104 SW 158 Te.

Reduced price! Charming, 4 bdrm/3 bath, 2,788 sq. ft., set on 1.25 acre, large bdrms, wood floors, pool/patio, tennis ct. Detached 2 car garage.

Back on the market, reduced price! Fantastic 5 bdrm/ 4 bath family friendly home, 3,724 sq. ft., spacious living areas, screened pool and patio, located on dead end street. 2 car garage.

$439,000

$545,000

550 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY, CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA 33146 305.329.7744 • KERN.D@EWM.COM

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November 9 - 15, 2010

Rotary Club joins SMH to donate clothing, supplies to island kids BY CHARLES RUIZ DE CASTILLA

The Rotary Club of South Miami recently partnered with South Miami Hospital for the Caribbean Charity for Children service project at the SOS Village in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and the Home for Children in Nassau, Bahamas. These are government-run homes for children without guardians. While employees of South Miami Hospital donated new clothing, shoes, basic hygiene items and school supplies, the Rotary Club of

South Miami contributed funds and coordinated the distribution of the items to the children living at the home. Additionally, the Rotary Club worked with Rotary clubs in Montego Bay so that those clubs could also support the effort with donations and volunteers. A joint contingency — led by Rotarian Karen Vassell, Special Projects and Community Relations manager of South Miami Hospital, and Rotarian Linda M. Kaplan, Service Committee chair of Rotary Club of South Miami — traveled to Jamaica in July to deliver the items to more

than 200 children living at the SOS Village. The distribution took place at a Fun Day picnic where the children also got to participate in games and other activities. Vassell and six volunteers from South Miami Hospital also attended a picnic in Nassau. They brought care packages for 100 children who live in three government-run homes. Charity for Children initially began in 2004 as a South Miami Hospital Employee Activity Committee to help hurricane relief efforts. Today the program is coordinated and run by the Rotary Foundation of South Miami Inc. and South Miami Hospital. This partnership has become extremely beneficial for all involved, especially the children. This international service project will not only benefit Rotary Club of South Miami, it also will give Rotarians the satisfaction of knowing that their contribution is touching the lives of these children who desperately need their help.

Rotarians Linda Kaplin (left) and Karen Vassell are pictured with Jamaican children in Montego Bay. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

November 9 - 15, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 13

Mieke S. • a Vi Community Resident

Another Senior Moment

There’s a place that gives you the freedom to do what inspires you. A place for creating a new kind of senior moment. Start writing your next chapter at Vi at Aventura. Call 305.692.4501. Visit ViLiving.com/aventura. 19333 West Country Club Drive • Aventura, FL 33180 FAC #88173 • Assisted Living Facility #10382 • Skilled Nursing Facility #130471038 • CC-Aventura, Inc., d/b/a Vi at Aventura, is the sole entity responsible for the performance of the continuing care MCN080110 contracts at Vi at Aventura.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

YOU CAN HAVE BETTER TEETH NEW PATIENT SPECIAL!

November 9 - 15, 2010

Coral Reef Nursing/Rehab Center earns EDC Beautification Award

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$

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305.667.0306 www.agdental.com

Mario Kenneth Garcia, DDS, FICOI 6641 - A South Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33143 (next to Tony Romas) Early and late appointments available upon request.

Pictured (l-r) are Frieda Brown, vice president of Total Bank; I. Perdomo, Coral Reef Nursing and Rehabilitation Center administrator; Jaime Rivera, assistant administrator, and Paul Neidhart, Economic Development Council executive director. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY LEE STEPHENS

Coral Reef Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 9869 SW 152 St., was designated the recipient of the Beautification Award for the month of September by Total Bank and the Economic Development Council (EDC). Paul Neidhart, EDC executive director, and Frieda Brown, vice president of Total Bank, presented the award on Sept. 21. Sponsored by Total Bank, this monthly award is designed to promote awareness of business owners’ pride in their establishments, as well as to foster a sense of pride in the aesthetic aspects of the community. It recognizes those businesses in South Miami-Dade County that help to make the community a more attractive place to live and work through careful attention to their

physical facilities and landscaping, excellent maintenance, and attractive overall design. Nominations for this award should be forwarded to Frieda Brown at 305-9644365 and to the EDC’s Community Development Committee. Founded in 1992, the Economic Development Council is a public/private not-for-profit economic development corporation. The council’s overall objective is to implement an economic development program that will foster a positive image for the community, attract new businesses that create quality jobs for area residents, while diversifying and strengthening the economic base consistent for the future of South Miami-Dade. For more information about the EDC and how the council may help your business, call 305-378-9470.

November 9 - 15, 2010

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Financial Planning During the Holidays? Are you a spender or a saver during the holidays? To a lesser or greater degree, we are either savers or spenders. The commercialization of the Holiday season is certainly there to constantly remind us to spend as much as we can. May I suggest that you keep your bearings with your financial condition during these frenzied shopping days. What you have minus what you owe equals what is left over. If the left over is a positive number then you are still on track toward financial stability. How do you approach holiday gift giving? In terms of gifts, does the person you are buying for really need another sweater in Miami? Perhaps

a gift of letting them know how special they are to you and how they make the world a better place would stay in their heart long after the sweater is worn out. As for saving, I suggest that you can be kind to yourself by improving your financial condition by opening or adding to your IRA as a Holiday present to yourself. There’s more excitement in paying down on those credit cards rather than adding to their balances. There’s no one there to say thank you for doing it, but your peace of mind should not need the compliments of others. The road to financial independence is unfortunately the road that is less traveled, especially in the “spending season”. How will your gift giving give “meaning to the season”? May I respectfully suggest that you look beyond your needs and

desires to think of a person less fortunate than you. You do not have to think a lot to realize that your life would be happier if you stopped your routine to provide someone some kindness. Then you will have a real gift that no store or online service can provide. Rick Tonkinson is a Certified

Financial Planner (CFP™). The family business office is located at 100 Almeria Ave, Suite 310, Coral Gables, FL 33132. Tel #305-4476617. Securities offered through Securities America Inc member of FINRA/SIPC. Rick Tonkinson Registered Representative. Advisory Services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Rick Tonkinson Investment Advisor Representative. Rick Tonkinson and Associates, Inc. & Securities America companies are not affiliated.

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November 9 - 15, 2010

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Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida seeking volunteers A performance by Johnny Holiday will take place on Nov. 12, from 6 to 9 p.m., and a Piano Bob’s 88’s performance will sure draw a large crowd. For more information, call 305-255-4570.

The Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida is seeking volunteers in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties to facilitate the Girl Leadership Experience for girls in grades K-12. The program helps young girls discover what they can do, learn to connect with others, and take action to improve the world around them. Volunteer opportunities are available to adults 18 and over, pending background checks. The council offers many ways in which you have the freedom of tailoring your level of involvement to fit your schedule and lifestyle. To learn more about volunteering opportunities with Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida, call 305-253-4841 or send email to Maria Santos at <msantos@girlscoutsfl.org>.

POPULAR FALL FEST CARNIVAL COMING TO M.D.C. KENDALL The fourth annual Fall Fest at Miami-Dade College’s Kendall Campus will take place Nov. 3-19. The carnival, taking place at 11011 SW 104 St., will feature a wide variety of activities for children and adults. There will be amusement rides, games, music, arts and crafts, face painting, balloon art, food and prizes. Admission to the carnival is only $1. For more information call 305-237-2321.

THE FALLS WELCOMES FRIDAY WINTER MUSIC CONCERT SERIES A series of free music performances at The Falls, 8888 SW 136 St., will take place every Friday in November and December. The Falls winter music series is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay, allowing music lovers to enjoy and experience a multicultural mix of free, open to the public performances under the moonlight.

CAST OF “THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA” STREAMING LIVE FROM HOLLYWOOD The Dolphin Mall, 11401 NW 12 St., will transform into a magical winter wonderland on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. to welcome the stars from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. They will be streaming live from Hollywood to give shoppers nationwide a sneak peek at their holiday motion picture

COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS event and lead families in waving magic wands to usher in the holiday season and arrival of Santa Claus at Dolphin Mall’s enchanting new holiday display, The Ice Palace. The Ice Palace exhibit features highlights from this holiday season’s highly anticipated move, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader from 20th Century Fox and Walden Media. Shoppers can continue to experience the groundbreaking, multi-sensory Ice Palace exhibit from Nov.12 through Dec. 24. For more information, call Marilyn at 305445-7550.

PESKOE ELEMENTARY TO HOST FUNDRAISER AT POLLO TROPICAL Peskoe Elementary will be holding a Benefit Night at the Pollo Tropical, located at 3094 NE 41 Place in Homestead. The Benefit Night will take place on Nov. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m., to raise funds for the school’s Parent Teacher Association.

That night, 20 percent of the sales generated from the school’s guests will be donated to the PTA. For more information on Pollo Tropical’s Benefit Nights Program, visit online at <www.pollotropical.com>.

CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULED FOR NOV. 17 The Miami-Dade Police Department’s Hammocks District Citizens’ Advisory Committee will be meeting on Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m., at the Hammocks District Station, 10000 SW 142 Ave. There will be parking just north of the station and there will be a police car in the area if you have any questions. Guest speaker Jack Galindo, Customer Service Supervisor of the Miami-Dade Animal Services Department, will be in attendance. The meeting is open to the public. Please

––––––– Continued on next page

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NEWS,

November 9 - 15, 2010

from previous page ––––

note that the November meeting will be on Nov. 17 because of Thanksgiving. For more information call 305-383-6800.

WHITEFLY WORKSHOP TO BE HOSTED BY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION DIVISION Following the recent announcement of a new whitefly infestation in South Florida, the Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension Division will be offering a free workshop on Nov. 19 to educated homeowners and landscapers on how to protect their homes and plants. The workshop will take place at the John D. Campbell Agricultural Center, 18710 SW 288 St., from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The event will focus on the gumbo limbo spiraling whitefly that has infested a wide range of landscape plants. Registration for this workshop is free but space is limited. Participants must fill out a form and send it back to reserve their seat. For more information, visit <miamidade.ifas.ufl.edu> and click the “gumbo limbo spiraling whitefly” link. BAYSIDE ROCKS FESTIVAL BRINGS THE WOODSTOCK OF REGGAE The annual Bayside Rocks Festival, a nod to the nostalgic era of the Bob Marley movement, will take place on Nov. 20, from 3 p.m.

to midnight, at Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is expected to have over 15,000 attendees to enjoy a day filled with a throwback to the musical energy and community spirit of Woodstock. This highly anticipated cultural event was designed to cater to all genuine cultural expressions. Bayside Rocks Festival is also a “party with a purpose,” giving a portion of its net proceeds to Voices United, a Miami-based non-profit youth organization. For more information, call 305-763-4509.

ALPHA-1 FOUNDATION TO CONDUCT ‘ALPHA-1 5K WALK MIAMI,’ NOV. 20 Looking for a way to do good in the community and have fun? Come to the second annual “Alpha-1 5K Walk Miami” on Nov. 20 and create awareness about Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a genetic condition that may cause lung disease in adults and liver disease in infants, children and adults. The event will take place at 9 a.m. at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne. Come enjoy live entertainment by DJ Harry, a group of freestyle dancers, and quick demonstration by Equinox personal trainer John Cianca who has volunteered to teach everyone proper muscle stretching techniques prior to the walk. For more information, visit online at <www.firstgiving.com/alpha-1foundation>.

November 9 - 15, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Miami-Dade Transit celebrates first anniversary of EASY Card Pictured (l-r) are the winners of free transit: Anna Gutierrez, Brian Hartley and Gloria Maldonado.

BY KARLA DAMIAN

Dade Transit (MDT) celebrated the one-year anniversary of its EASY Card at noon on Friday, Oct. 29, with a Birthday Bash complete with birthday cake and a jolly rendition of Happy Birthday. The event took place at the Transit Service Center area on the second floor of the Stephen P. Clark Government Center at 111 NW First St. The event celebrated the successful implementation and use of the Transit Department’s automated fare collection system by awarding the rider who made the 42 millionth “tap” a full year of free ridership. The top five most frequent users of the EASY Card also were acknowledged with a free month of transit, beginning Nov. 1. “This Birthday Bash celebrates the fact

that the EASY Card has made using our transit system such a convenient and efficient choice for so many of our county residents,” said Mayor Carlos Alvarez. In October 2009, MDT’s EASY Card automated fare collection system became Florida’s first transit smart card system, following a record-fast 15-month installation. The EASY Card system offers unprecedented convenience and flexibility by allowing customers to pay their fares with a single reloadable EASY Card or EASY Ticket. “Today’s celebration marks not only the system’s recorded 42 million EASY Card taps at its Metrorail fare gates and Metrobus fare boxes since the system’s 2009 launch, but the resounding success of the program and its popularity with transit riders,” said Transit director Harpal Kapoor.

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‘Shop to Stop’ event to aid multiple sclerosis research BY ALEX FRANK

The second annual Shop to Stop MS event will raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis patient care and research. The event will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Saks Fifth Avenue in Dadeland, 7687 N. Kendall Dr. Miami Magazine, the South Florida chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the University of Miami MS Center of Excellence are sponsoring this year’s event. Shop to Stop will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, sweet treats, musical entertainment and 15 percent off purchases throughout the store. Five percent of all sales go directly to the UM MS Center of Excellence and the South Florida MS Society. “Shop to Stop will be an evening where guests in an informal setting will be able to meet the MS doctors at the University of Miami and shop for a good cause,” said Susan Fox Rosellini, senior director of development in the Department of Neurology at the UM Miller School of Medicine. The event aims to raise money for research and awareness of MS, a chronic, sometimes disabling disease of the central nervous system, the brain, spinal cord and the optic nerves. The disease affects more than 400,000 people in the United States. The fundraiser specifically raises money for the MS Center of Excellence at the University of Miami, which offers services in a state-of-the-art-clinic, an infusion lab for patients, a MRI imaging system so patients can track the disease and education in medication management, physical therapy and occupational therapy. This program is unique, advancing in genome research and the development of new medications. Research into better diagnosis and treatment of the disease is ongoing

as well as working toward a cure. “It is a very exciting time because of the recent breakthroughs for a cure for the disease,” Rosellini said. “It was recently announced that the first oral drug for patients is coming out in early January or February. Until now all the disease treatments have been infusions and injectables.” Rosellini is the professional advisor of the Shop to Stop MS committee that also includes Nicki Friedland, Jamie Rubenstein, Frankie Linsky, Jennifer Gould and Melissa Weingarden. The committee works together to plan the occasion, find sponsors and make sure the event runs smoothly. Shop to Stop MS allows community members to have an active role in raising money and awareness in a fun and exciting way. “Battling multiple sclerosis and it being such a personal cause, I am working hard to promote the event and have the best turnout possible,” said committee chair Friedland. The committee hopes to double last year’s attendance and raise more than $10,000. “With donations from local businesses like Joanna’s Marketplace, Joelle’s Desserts, Southern Wine and Spirits, Hot Cookies, Wendy’s Chocolates and Marilyn Lapidus, it is sure to be an amazing event,” Friedland said. “We brought Saks to the event with other sponsors and partners along with marketing and production support to help such a great cause,” said Leslie Wolfson, president of Miami Magazine. Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. A ticket includes entry to the event and a $25 Saks gift card. To purchase tickets, call 305-243-1388 or go online to <http://neurology.med.miami.edu/>. Alex Frank is a student at the University of Florida.

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You never know whom you’ll run into at Hole in the Wall BY LEE STEPHENS

When you walk into Hole in the Wall in Kings Bay Shopping Center in Palmetto Bay, chances are you’ll run into a friend, neighbor or an old classmate. These impromptu reunions are music to pub owner Sam Diedrick’s ears. “This area really needed a neighborhood tavern,” Diedrick said. “I was born on this street [SW 144th Street] and have been coming to the businesses in this center for the past 40 years. It’s a dream to own a place in the neighborhood that you grew up in.” Diedrick and his partner, Craig Erickson, opened Hole in the Wall on New Year’s Day 2010. Tucked in the southeast corner of the center, this neighborhood secret has a hometown vibe, complete with a friendly back-door entrance and its own convenient parking. “New customers will come in through the front door, but when they come back, they come through the back door,” Diedrick said. “When some people discover us, they say ‘I’ve been looking for you all year.’ There’s really a great feeling in here.” The secret is out and on game days the pub is packed. There are plenty of flat screens inside to watch the ball games and one on the front patio. Be warned, when you come to Hole in the Wall, you’re entering Canes territory. Diedrick has even taken a Hole in the Wall fan bus to a recent Hurricanes home football game and has plans to do more. “Twenty five dollars gets you to and from the game and a great tailgating party with friends, beer and burgers,” Diedrick added. Both Diedrick and Erickson attended the University of Miami. Many will recognize Erickson from his football career with the Canes and the NFL. He was the starting

quarterback of Miami’s 1989 national championship team and played in the NFL for seven years as quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears. Many also will recognize Diedrick, because he has been in the restaurant business in Miami since he was 19 and spent 18 years serving locals at Keg South in Pinecrest. Hole in the Wall offers 12 beers on tap, $6 domestic pitchers during the Hurricanes and Dolphins’ games and $1 domestic drafts Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The pub’s menu features game day favorites like burgers, fries, dolphin sandwiches and wings, as well as healthy salad options. Diedrick’s famous grilled wings come mild, medium and hot in flavors such as barbecue, honey, garlic. “The wings are definitely a crowd favorite,” Diedrick said. “We fill large togo orders for parties, events and tailgating every weekend.” Hole in the Wall also is taking its menu “on the road” to cater upcoming elementary school festivals at Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay schools. As a hometown boy and sports fan, Diedrick said it’s important to him to support the local school events and sports programs such as Palmetto softball, volleyball and baseball teams; South Dade High School baseball and Howard Palmetto baseball. Hole in the Wall is now open for lunch, Monday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sundays at noon and remains open until “last call” each night. The grill keeps cooking each evening until 11 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 10 p.m. on Sunday. Hole in the Wall is located at 14421 S. Dixie Hwy. in the southeast corner of Kings Bay Shopping Center and the phone number is 786-227-6058. For more info, go online to <Facebook/HoleintheWall>.

Sam Diedrick is owner of Hole in the Wall. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Buon Appetito The culinary staff and the service personnel of Romanza Trattoria are dedicated to making your dining a classic, unique experience. The highest quality of foods are perfectly blended with the meticulous care of the kitchen staff. For your meal to reach its ultimate richness of taste, it must be done in a manner that cannot be rushed. We pride ourselves on excellence.

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

Village of Palmetto Bay, FL T: 305-278-9027 • F: 305-278-9026

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November 9 - 15, 2010

Ken Fairman has ideas to promote Howard Palmetto Baseball-Softball BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

FRESH SMOOTHIES FRESH FOOD eat better ~ feel better ! FREE WIFI

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Ken Fairman is the new president of the Howard Palmetto Baseball Softball Association. He was on the board last year and he has managed teams for five years. He says that thus far he has had a lot of fun. He sees Howard Palmetto is everybody’s community baseball league. “There are so many people to help and do stuff,” he said. “We’re going to promote it a little bit more to get more people.” He said he has been impressed with the organization from the first. “Everybody cares. We have our disagreements about how competitive we should be, but everyone cares,” Fairman said. Over the years, Fairman has found a way to manage his time as a pavement maintenance contractor for Driveway Maintenance and his volunteer work. “I really feel fortunate. There are a lot of parents who want to do stuff. A lot of them can’t,” he said. But for him the idea you only get that age once with your child is a driving force behind his coaching. “It’s really what I want parents to understand. Manage, coach — you’ll have the best season of your life doing that,” he said. “There is so much good that comes from volunteering. This is not hard work.” Fairman has an 11-year-old son, William, who is playing baseball in the league. He also has a 14-year-old daughter, Lauren, who just started at Coral Reef. “We’re trying to step up the parental involvement,” he said. “We’d like to really push the softball program and get more girls to play softball. Too large a group of people don’t think about putting their daughters in softball. It’s a shame.”

Playing softball has benefits for girls as well as boys. It’s not only fun for the kids, but Fairman said it also is fun for the moms and dads. He says he knows that there are a lot of choices for girls including dance, cheerleading and soccer that compete for the limited time the girls have after school. “We’re trying to make playing more fun,” he said. “We’re going to try to grow the number — even if they only play to age 11 or 12.” Another goal for his time as president is increasing coaching clinics so the coaches are better prepared. He also likes to get more kids playing time. Fairman wants to have kids playing several sports instead of picking a sport at age 5 and never trying anything else. “I’ve been coaching soccer through the ‘Y’ for about 10 years,” he said. “I like my kids to do soccer, play baseball. We’re going to try flag football.” He said some parents believe their child will only excel if they immerse themselves in one sport. “Next thing you know they are on a travel team playing year round and soon they are tired of it,” Fairman said, adding that that happens with girls as well. “The parents who are really driven, they only want their kids to play with the best kids.” But at Howard Palmetto and other community leagues, that concept goes against the grain. The community leagues have rules requiring all kids play. The idea is to have fun while learning the game. Fairman said he wants the kids to be competitive, but with good sportsmanship and respect for each other. “They’re just little kids,” he said. “That’s why we’re trying to promote it in the school. It’s fun; the kids do like it.”

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Local girl headed to Germany for world dance competition Isabella “Bella” Cosio has been chosen to compete and represent “Team USA” at the International Dance Organization World Show Dance Championships.

BY LEE SABAG

Isabella “Bella” Cosio, who attends South Miami Middle School Magnet program, has been chosen out of thousands of young dancers to compete and represent “Team USA” at the prestigious International Dance Organization World Show Dance Championships taking place in Germany this November. More than 3,000 dancers representing 35 countries will compete and Bella is very proud to have been selected to represent our nation’s

colors. Her involvement with Team USA is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The dancers range in ages from 7 to 21 and will be competing in the Children, Junior and Adult divisions. Bella was the national winner of three finalists that were selected to perform a solo in the Junior division for Team USA. She, along with 130 dancers, was selected to represent their communities and country. Bella dances under husband and wife choreographers Manny and Lory Castro at Dancetown Studios in Doral.

It’s Not Fast Food. It’s Healthy Food!

CAJUN SPICED

BARBECUED

(305) 235-5335 12305 S.W. 137th Ave. PLEASE CALL 20 MINUTES PRIOR TO PICK-UP

(In the London Square Mall)

November 9 - 15, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Indulge your sweet tooth!

Join us at The Shops at Sunset Place for an amazing evening of delicious tastings featuring lavish displays of all-you-can-eat desserts, live entertainment and a kid zone with family-friendly activities.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 • 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM THE SHOPS AT SUNSET PLACE (1st level by Niketown) 5701 SUNSET DRIVE, SOUTH MIAMI Tickets $20 (Children 10 and under are free) A portion of the event proceeds will benefit these local charities:

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (305) 663-0482 or visit www.TheShopsAtSunsetPlace.com

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November 9 - 15, 2010

15!

Flu shots $

for just

Florida Blue makes it easy and affordable to fight the flu. Simply stop by the Florida Blue center 11:30 am – 6:30 pm any Thursday, Friday or Saturday through November 20, and get a $15 seasonal flu/H1N1 shot while supplies last. While you’re there learn more about your health insurance options, even learn how to reach your personal health goals. If you’re a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Member, you may be eligible for a no cost flu shot. It’s just one more way Florida Blue can help you choose well, spend well and live well.

Florida Blue center Across from The Falls shopping center 8895 SW 136th St. Miami, FL 33176 Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 8 PM 1-877-FL-BLUE-0 (1-877-352-5830) We’re always open at floridablue.com

Dates and times subject to change. Seasonal flu/H1N1 vaccinations are administered by Maxim Health Systems and will be distributed while supplies last. Individuals must be 4 years or older to receive a flu shot. The Florida Blue center is brought to you by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 70461-1010

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OB/GYN opens day spa as adjunct to practice BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

Imagine being able to visit your OB/GYN and then walk a few feet across the waiting room to get to your massage appointment. That’s possible for patients of Dr. Randy Fink, OB/GYN, who also houses the Sky and Sea Spa in his offices. Why marry a doctor’s office and a medspa? “I always wanted to have a medical practice that was unique, that stood out,” Dr. Fink said. “We try to change the notion of what a doctor’s office feels like. It’s less about being doctored and more about being taken care of. That’s why we feel we are different than most doctors.” Fink moved his practice to 8700 N. Kendall Dr., Suite 208, where he had the space built out to include the spa. The practice includes a certified nurse mid-wife and a nurse practitioner. They deliver 20-30 babies a month. “We’re all about people feeling good,” Dr. Fink said. “The better you feel about yourself, the better you feel physically.” The spa gives Dr. Fink’s patients the opportunity to relax and let someone else take care of them. “One of the things that happens when they have a baby; they stop being themselves and they become mom,” he said. “In the end it’s all about making patients happy and all about making them healthier.” Patients undergoing certain tests, such as glucose testing, are given coupons for discounts on services. Some procedures are not done while a patient is pregnant. Spa services include massage, pre-natal treatments, manicure and pedicures, laser hair removal, laser rejuvenation, laser vein removal, Botox, waxing and facial treatments. When patient Judi Gilbert, a labor delivery nurse at Baptist Hospital, first heard that Dr. Fink planned to open a spa connected to the gynecologist’s office, she thought it sounded a little weird. “But it works,” she said. “It’s a nice benefit.” Despite her job, Gilbert said she’s like many other people who get nervous going to the doctor, so she appreciates being able to go to the spa afterward to relax. She’s been Dr. Fink’s a patient since 2007. She thinks he’s an excellent doctor, very warm and caring. “He has a great manner about him,” she said. The spa is not limited to Dr. Fink’s patients. It is open in the public and is often used by men.

Dr. Randy Fink is pictured in the Sky and Sea Spa massage room. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Dr. Fink and his wife, Stephanie Fink, a certified nurse practitioner, do the medical spa services such a Botox and other injectibles. Both are certified and have experience. “I’ve been doing some of the other procedures for many years,” he said. “Many of our patients are comfortable with us and we offer it at a lower price in an environment they are comfortable with.” The laser work is done by an esthetician with 15 years of experience. “She’s exquisite and very exacting in her work. She takes a great deal of pride in her work,” Dr. Fink said. They also invested in the most up-todate laser for the Sky and Sea Spa. Dr. Fink said the Cutera laser is more efficient in hair removal and rejuvenation. The technology in the OB/GYN practice also is the most up-to-date available. It includes computerized medical records and an ultrasound in 3D and 4D. For more information, call 305-2743139 for the OB/GYN office or 786-4765484 for the spa.

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November 9 - 15, 2010

Hell’s Kitchen to conduct Miami area casting calls BY ROBERT HAMILTON

<hkcasting2010@yahoo.com>. Hell’s KItchen will follow the chefs 24/7 Fox’s hit unscripted series Hell’s Kitchen through the perils of working in Chef is back again as Chef Ramsay’s pressure-filled Gordon Ramsay looks for restaurant, capturing the Casting is searching the “best of the best” to work wrath, emotion and adrenaline for Chefs, 21 and older, beside him in the hottest rush that comes with cooking kitchen on earth. in a top-notch restaurant. who are outspoken, The nationwide casting Contestants will have to prove competitive and can call in search of America’s they have the endurance and stand the heat in one of culinary elite who not only skills to work with Chef have the skills but the stamiRamsay as they are pushed to the most exclusive and na to cook alongside the their limits. toughest kitchens infamous Chef Ramsay will Casting is searching for in the world. be in the Miami area on Nov. Chefs, 21 and older, who are 15 and 16. outspoken, competitive and There will be an open call on can stand the heat in one of the most excluMonday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., at sive and toughest kitchens in the world. Hard Rock Café-Miami, 401 Biscayne Applicants must be passionate, skilled at Blvd., and Tuesday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m.-4 their craft and aim to become the next winp.m., at the Florida International ner of Hell’s Kitchen. University School of Hospitality and If you think you have what it takes to Tourism, 3000 NE 151 St. smoke the competition, then visit For information contact Lisa <www.fox.com/hellskitchen> or <www.theJackson or Elaine Nunez, 1-310-482- conlincompany.com> for open call locations 0502 (cell phone), or by email at and general casting information.

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November 9 - 15, 2010

Lupita’s Howloween Extravaganza leaves tongues and tails waggin’

These costumed canines are enjoying Howloween festivities. (Photo by Nami Dadlani Photography) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY ROBERT HAMILTON

Lupita’s Closet Pet Boutique and Spa in The Falls shopping center had its first “Howloween� party this year and it was a spooktacular! Pets of all breeds and sizes ranging from 3 to 20 pounds came to enjoy the wonderful festivities. All in all about 50 guests plus dogs attended the party creating a packed house, but the staff at Lupita’s Closet enjoyed meeting all the new friends. In attendance was Lupita as well as her partner in crime, Joepee, who came as a witch and a police officer. Among other puppies that attended were some close friends: Papi the Chihuahua, Hans the Biewer Terrier a La Pon Pon, Bebe the Long Hair Chihuahua, and Vera the Yorkie. Everyone came dressed to impress — even some owners. Lupita’s Closet started the afternoon with a hearty welcome to all the pets and owners and the socializing and games began. The first game was Bob 4 Bones and the idea behind Bob 4 Bones is much like Bobbing for Apples but instead the dogs would attempt to rescue a bone from the bowl one at a time and if they

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succeeded they get a healthy treat. All treats given are from Lupita’s Closet and are of high nutritional value containing no corn, wheat, soy or by-products. The second event was Scavenger Hunt where treats are set out around the room. Four dogs go at a time and the dog that finds the most treats out of the group wins. Winners each received special treats from the doggie gourmet line that consists of peanut butter with yogurt topping which are delicious and all dogs love. At Cake Time, humans were served pumpkin cupcakes, Halloween sugar cookies, Hawaiian Punch and chips. Dogs had a dog friendly cake made by Doggie Gourmet in a cute Halloween Pumpkin design with purple and orange frosting. Then came the Halloween costume contest for people and dogs. There were eight categories in which there were eight separate winners. There was sexiest costume, scariest, most original, funniest, cutest, etc. Everyone who attended the party left with a doggie and people goody bag filled with fun and exciting treats for everyone.

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November 9 - 15, 2010

Local man helps Alzheimer’s patients retain mental acuity BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

Alberto Fernandez was the activities director at Greenbriar Nursing Home in Kendall for 22 years and in that time he noticed there was a need for books on activities for seniors in Spanish, especially those with Alzheimer’s. “There are lots of books in English but not in Spanish,” he said. “I find so many friends who didn’t know what to do. In 20 years I had a lot of materials and I thought why don’t I put it together in a book?” So he wrote Activities En Español, a book of games and exercises for those who provide care to senior adults suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorders. He put in tips based on his many years of experience. He wrote the book so it can be used by an activities director in a facility or by family members working with someone one to one. Fernandez pulled money together and had the book published. “These are things that I did experience over the years. I know they work,” he said. “They have activities that keep the patients cognitively active. Activity of the brain is the best medication. Beside all of the drugs we can give these patients.” is going to fail. Everything is Fernandez said the brainfun.” teasers are particularly While the games sound like important for those patients fun for everyone, Fernandez said who are being taken care of you can’t apply them to kids. at home. “It’s based for the elderly. For “So many of the Latin people who were around,” he culture, they leave the eldsaid. “There are genetic things.” erly in the home,” he said. While Activities En Español can The upside is the love Alberto Fernandez help those in early Alzheimer’s, its and attention the seniors ––––––––––––––––– not applicable for patients who are get. But he says the downside can be faster deterioration because they in their last stages of the disease. Although Fernandez is retired as an aren’t getting some of the activities that can activities director, he still goes to nursing help slow down the Alzheimer’s. “I have a few things for Cubans specifi- homes and senior centers as a musician. cally that have to do with their history,” he When he’s not performing, he’s selling his said. “I added a lot of jokes by sections. book to nursing homes, home healthcare services and other adult assisted living They are nursing home approved.” The jokes can be put together into a rou- facilities. “Day care centers are using them too; tine to get the seniors into the right frame of nursing homes, of course,” he said. mind to do the mental activities. He has set up a website to sell the publi“I think the sense of humor is one of the last things that we lose,” he said. “It works cation, <www.activitiesenespanol.com>. “Online is the information on how to to reach somebody.” The book has word games as well as math order it by sending check or money order.” games. It even has a simple crossword puz- he said. For more information go to the website zle using three-letter and four-letter words. or send email to <alberto@activitiesenesOne chapter covers blackboard games. “These are failure free,” he said. “No one panol.com>.

FOOTNOTES

November 9 - 15, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 37

Nissan LEAF is plug-in electric vehicle that works Ron Beasley AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR

LET’S TALK CARS I finally got a chance to drive it — the 2011 Nissan LEAF, I mean. It is, quite frankly, an amazing automobile. Nissan invited me and a few hundred more automotive writers from around the world to come to Nashville and get an upclose-and-personal look at their new baby, one that Nissan is chortling as being “the world’s first affordable zero-emission car.” The new LEAF design is a “fusion of sophisticated aerodynamics to deliver a smooth, elegant flow of the body.” All that aside, it is an attractive vehicle. It has a low compact hood, patented bulging headlights and a large rear spoiler. Nissan engineers designed the LEAF specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis. It’s a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults. It’s powered by 48 laminated compact lithium-ion battery modules and a high-response 80kw AC synchronous electric motor that generates 107 hp and

207 pounds-feet of torque. It’s highly responsive and fun to drive. The LEAF is an “urban” vehicle; it’s made to go 100 miles or less on a single charge. The Nissan folks make no bones about that and say the LEAF is intended to take people to work and back or to transport them on their daily errands. It is not a vehicle for cross-country trips or to haul heavy cargo or pull a boat. That’s just not what it was made for. Nissan ran a test competition during the recent press preview to see just how many miles a LEAF would get on a single charge. One of my colleagues and a Nissan executive set out from the factory outside Nashville and finally exhausted the batteries after traveling 118 miles. Not bad, and they say the battery technology will improve with amazing rapidity in the coming years. Expect a LEAF to travel 200 miles on a single charge in the not too distant future. The LEAF can be charged up to 80 percent of its capacity in 30 minutes using the quick charge port and a DC fast charger. Charging at home through a 220V outlet will take about eight hours. The advanced lithium-ion battery pack carries an eightyear or 100,000-mile warranty.

Nissan LEAF has a hatchback design with a low compact hood, bulging headlights and a large rear spoiler. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

As for performance, I found the LEAF to be amazingly responsive. Low-end torque is surprisingly good. This car gets off the line with all the power of a hot four-cylinder gasoline engine. And it really moves along on the highway, too. My driving partner topped out the LEAF at 95 mph, though there’s not a lot of get-up-and-go at high speeds. But even that will improve as this

technology advances. Base price on the 2011 Nissan LEAF is $33,000. 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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November 9 - 15, 2010

Cirque Du Soleil to open new production, Kooza BY JOSE BOZA

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ously, but it’s very much about ideas, too.” The show starts with the Trickster burstCirque du Soleil made its first visit to ing onto the scene like a jack-in-a-box right Miami more than 20 years ago. This year, in front of the Innocent, and that is just the Cirque du Soleil brings its critically first of many surprises to follow. The acclaimed new Big Top production Kooza Innocent’s journey brings him into contact to Miami, the last stop of its North with panoply of comic characters such as the American Tour. King, the Trickster, Presented by the Heimloss, the iShares, Kooza will Pickpocket, the premiere on Friday, Obnoxious Tourist Nov. 12, for a limitand his Bad Dog. ed engagement Several of the 53 under the trademark performing artists blue and yellow in the show have Grand Chapiteau received awards (big top) at from important cirBicentennial Park. cus arts competiIt’s your last chance tions. The show to see Kooza in presents an North America unprecedented before it heads to approach to the Japan. High Wire and a Tickets are now breathtaking Wheel available online at of Death — an act < w w w. c i r q u e d u that Cirque du soleil.com/kooza> Soleil has never or 1-800-450-1480. before presented A VIP Tapis Rouge under the big top. package also is The show available and brings together the includes one of the The show Kooza is a return to the origins of Cirque following team of best seats in the du Soleil that combines two circus traditions — 13 Creators, severhouse, and access acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. al of whom are –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– to the VIP Suite working with one hour before the show and during Cirque for the first time: David Shiner, intermission. writer and director; Serge Roym director The name Kooza is inspired by the of creation; Stéphane Roy, set designer; Sanskrit word “koza,” which means “box,” Marie-Chantale Vaillancourt, costume “chest” or “treasure,” and was chosen designer; Jean-François Côté, composer; because one of the underlying concepts of Clarence Ford, choreographer; Martin the production is the idea of a “circus in a Labrecque, lighting designer; Jonathan box.” Deans, co-sound designer; Leon The show Kooza is a return to the origins Rothenberg, co-sound designer; Rogé of Cirque du Soleil that combines two cir- Francoeur, props designer; Danny Zen, cus traditions — acrobatic performance acrobatic equipment and rigging designand the art of clowning. The show high- er; André Simard, acrobatic performance lights the physical demands of human per- designer, and Florence Cornet, makeup formance in all its splendor and fragility, designer. presented in a colorful mélange that iShares is Presenting Sponsor of the U.S. emphasizes bold slapstick humor. Tour as well as CGI, Wyndham Hotels & “Kooza is about human connection and Resorts, Infiniti, Sun Life Financials and the world of duality, good and bad,” said American Express as the Official Sponsors. David Shiner, the show’s writer and direcFor more information about Cirque du tor. “The tone is fun and funny, light and Soleil, visit online at <www.cirqueduopen. The show doesn’t take itself too seri- soleil.com>.

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