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Cutler Bay SERVING SOUTH DADE
JUNE 28 - JULY 11, 2011
July 4 fireworks return to Black Point Marina
BY GARY ALAN RUSE
A
rea residents looking forward to the annual July 4 fireworks display at Miami-Dade County’s Black Point Park and Marina won’t be disappointed as the celebration is set again for this year, thanks to an ongoing team effort. The Village of Palmetto Bay, the Town of Cutler Bay and Miami-Dade District 8 Commissioner Lynda Bell’s office have joined forces to cover the costs of the spectacular celebration, with help from major sponsors Publix Super Market Charities, Black Point Ocean Grill and a
Caribbean Music Club names scholarship winners for 2011
BY LEE STEPHENS
I
Pictured (l-r) are club president Arlene Weyrick; scholarship winners Anthony Rueda, Brenda Warger, Grace Sievert, Pio Molina, and scholarship chair Jean Welsh. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY GARY ALAN RUSE
T
A fireworks burst over Black Point Park and Marina in 2009. (Photo from Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Dept.)
––––––––––––––– See
FIREWORKS, page 4
Red-light cameras installed, warning period underway
he winners of the Caribbean Music Club scholarships for 2011 were announced at the end of May by club president Arlene Weyrick and scholarship chair Jean Welsh. The winners are Brenda Warger, Grace Sievert, Pio Molina and Anthony Rueda. After an audition in March, the students were selected by a panel of judges including pianist and vocalist Sally Ford and Janet Nelson, according to Pat Tiemeyer, who has been involved with club programs and publicity for almost 40 years.
“The winners performed at the Cutler Bay home of Dottie Simon surrounded by a huge crowd of family, friends and club members,” Tiemeyer said. “This group of extremely talented young musicians was introduced by Jean Welsh, scholarship chairman. After the performances, Mrs. Welsh presented each of the winners with a scholarship check to be used to further their music education. The club congratulates these outstanding students who live in Miami, Palmetto Bay and Homestead.” Brenda Warger, 16, is a pianist. She is
–––––––––––––––––––––– See
MUSIC, page 4
n an effort to reduce accidents at dangerous intersections, the Town of Cutler Bay has begun the implementation of a multifaceted program to make driving safer. One of the most important components of this program is the installation of cameras at select intersections the intent of which is to enhance its ability to reduce the number of vehicles running red lights. The Town of Cutler Bay has announced that its intersection safety cameras have begun taking photos of red-light runners at designated intersections. Cameras will capture still images and video of red-light violations. During a 45-day warning period, which began on May 31, a warning notice will be issued to the vehicle’s registered owner. There will be no fine during the warning period. At the completion of the warning period, citations will be issued. The cameras are located at six intersections: • Caribbean Blvd at S. Dixie Highway;
––––––––––––––– See
CAMERAS, page 4
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
June 28 - July 11, 2011
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Cutler Bay-Whispering Pines parade, picnic slated July 4
Homebuilt floats are a popular element of the town’s July 4 parade. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY GARY ALAN RUSE
The 44th annual Cutler Bay-Whispering Pines Fourth of July Celebration will take place on Monday, July 4, at Whispering Pines Park. Sponsored by the Town of Cutler Bay, the Whispering Pines Civic Association and the Whispering Pines Woman’s Club, the yearly event celebrating America’s birthday returns with its parade of local groups, homebuilt floats, decorated bikes and colorful patriotic costumes. There also will be hamburgers, hotdogs, drinks, popcorn, snow cones and other treats available following the parade, and there will be live music, a water slide and a bounce house. Whispering Pines Park is located at Ridgeland Drive, one block west of SW 87th Avenue. Parade registration begins at 8:15 a.m. in the school parking lot, with parade staging and judging at 8:45 a.m. The parade starts at 9 a.m. and follows its usual route around Whispering Pines Lake, concluding back at the park about 10 a.m., at which time the parade awards will be presented. The live music begins under the gazebo at 10 a.m. and by 10:30 a.m. food and drinks will be available and the water slide and bounce house will be open. There will be a karate demonstration at 10:45 a.m. and, weather permitting, a United States Air Force Flyover at 11 a.m. At noon, there will be watermelon and prizes. Cutler Bay Mayor Ed MacDougall says that this is one of his favorite yearly events and a great community get-together. “God bless America is still alive and well
in Small Town USA,” MacDougall said. “We look forward to a long tradition of the neighborhood of Cutler Bay being shared by local residents who can come out and enjoy the celebration of this great country. Everyone is welcome to our celebration; it’s not just for Cutler Bay residents.” Jennifer Kelley, secretary of the Whispering Pines Civic Association, is one of those who now are organizing the event, and her first year has given her a new appreciation for the task and the job done by Louise Lockwood, an area pioneer who founded the parade and has kept it going every year. “I have to give Louise a lot of credit because it is a lot of work, and she’s done so much for our community,” Kelley said. “Our group’s president, Mark Zipay; vice president Andy Moss; our treasurer Fidelma Farinas, and I are sharing the responsibilities, and it’s coming along. We’re doing our best.” Kelley also confirmed that Lockwood will be riding the parade route this year as the grand marshal. Lockwood was reluctant to accept the honor, but agreed and wishes the best for the new organizers. “I started it 43 years ago,” Lockwood said. “Jean Welch and I decided it was time to find a young group of people that love the Fourth of July event and would promise to continue it. We found those people. “And our parks director, Alan Ricke, has done wonders for our Fourth of July. We never had from the county tables and chairs for people to sit on and eat. It’s just a real hometown function. It’s wonderful,” Lockwood said.
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DELEGATES,
June 28 - July 11, 2011
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our delegates and alternates.” They will leave by bus from Post 133 at 3 a.m. on Friday, July 8, arriving in Tallahassee by early afternoon to settle into dormitories on the campus of Florida State University. During the weekend they will join girls from other areas in forming 25 “cities” of 25 girls each, run for city and state offices, attend “law school” and workshop sessions, and form two parties, the Nationalists and Federalists. Monday is their day for primary elections, a pep rally and bill writing. Tuesday is for regular elections and committee hearings. On Wednesday they go to the Capitol for inauguration day, photos, a mock trial in the state Supreme Court and a mock disaster plan. That work continues on Thursday, followed by a spirit showcase. Friday also is at the Capitol and is capped by a dinner and awards night at FSU. On Saturday, July 16, at 8 a.m., they all board buses again for the return trip home. Florida Girls State is a program dating back to 1947, designed to instill an understanding of the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship and public service. Each year 300 young women are given the opportunity to learn about America’s democratic form of government through firsthand experience. Some Girls State bills have been adopted by legislators and become state law. The Women’s Auxiliaries of the 17 American Legion districts statewide fully fund the costs for the girls attending Girls State, paying for everything from transportation to food and laundry. The total cost for the yearly program is $130,000. While on the trip the delegates have constant supervision and strict rules regarding cell phone use, curfew times, the clothing they can wear — especially
FIREWORKS,
while in the Capitol Chambers — and many other details. Five scholarships will be given out by the end of the session, covering two years at Tallahassee Community College and two years at Florida State University. Additionally, the delegates will compete for a $25,000 national scholarship provided by Samsung. Delegate Linda Davio, who attends Coral Reef High School and lives in Palmetto Bay, is excited about going to Tallahassee for the sessions. “I’m honored to be chosen to be a part of this,” Davio said. “It’s a very prestigious event. I’d love to be a state representative or any office in government, so I’m hoping this will help me.” Victoria Valdes, a St. Brendan’s High School student who lives in the Pinecrest area, shares her enthusiasm for the opportunity. “I’m really interested in learning more about government on the state level, as I have already learned something about the national level,” Valdes said. “I’m definitely looking forward to this.” Bianca Gutierrez, a resident of the Westchester area, also views it as a chance to learn and make a difference. “I go to St. Brendan’s High School and they selected us,” Gutierrez said. “It’s very exciting to get involved in government and create something of your own. I want to contribute back to the community.” Rose Nepa of the Girls State program gave the primary briefing to the delegates, going through the pre-trip paperwork with them. She is an enthusiastic supporter of Girls State. “We look forward to a session that gives these girls an opportunity to experience government hands-on,” Nepa said. “There aren’t many other opportunities like this for just girls, without distractions, and I’m always very proud of them.”
from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Sheree Courtney of the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department says it will be a great event. “We’ve got fireworks at 9 p.m.,” Courtney said. “People are free to come and park throughout the day and picnic, they can bring their grill and food and drinks. A lot of people arrive around 10 or 11 a.m. to pick a spot, and then their neighbors come and join up with them and more neighbors join them. It’s a great chance for families and friends to get together.”
A Coast Guard flyover is scheduled for 7 p.m. before daylight fades. In years past, thousands of people have attended the free show. Parking is free as well. Any proceeds remaining from corporate sponsor donations beyond the fireworks costs will benefit the Perrine Baseball and Softball Association. Black Point Marina is located at 24775 SW 87 Ave. in Cutler Bay. For more information call 305-258-4092.
June 28 - July 11, 2011
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Food Truck Fridays to be ongoing thing Michael Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR
AROUND TOWN If you’re looking If you’re looking for something different to do on Friday nights, here’s something to add to the list of options. Every first and third Friday the Palmetto Bay Village Center, which is located at Old Cutler Road and 184th Street, on the dividing line between Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay, is hosting “Food Truck Fridays” from 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. The next one is July 1, and with the beautiful setting, the bay breeze, live music and picnic areas, the food trucks offer a variety of great items for area foodies. The list of participating food trucks includes Aaron’s Catering Express, Atelier Monnier, Catered Bliss, CheeseMe Mobile, Chef On 4 Wheels, Dim Ssam a
Gogo, Divan Bakery & Coffee, Dog Eat Dog, Dolci Peccati, The Fish Box, The Flying Saucer, Kitchen Kabab, Kona Ice, Latin Burger & Taco, Mac’n, Metro Deli Express, Miso Hungry, Mr. Good Stuff, Papa’s Tapas, The Red Koi, El Rey De La Paella, ShaoRoma Romanian Freshfood, Snow Caps, Sugar Yummy Mama and Yellow Submarine, so odds are you’ll find something you like. In fact, maybe you’d better skip lunch! Parking is $5. If you miss this one, the next one should be on July 15, with a full moon rising over the bay. For more event Light info there,the callcandles... 786-249-0946. Light the candles... We just missed announcing Palmetto Bay Mayor Shelley Stanczyk’s birthday, which was on June 15, so belated B-Day wishes to her. Likewise, former PB councilman Dr. Ed Feller and his wife Arlene just celebrated their anniversary on June 21, so congratulations and best wishes to them as well. Village Manager Ron Williams’ birthday is June 30th, so
The happy Farmers Market many returns to him, too! The Farmers Market in Cutler Bay is still a happening place every Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., so if you’re looking for fresh produce from local growers or any of their other products and activities, you can find them at Old Cutler Road and Southwest 87 Avenue. You can also check them out on Facebook at Cutler-Bay VOTE! Farmers-Market. VOTE! If you haven’t voted yet and you’re reading this no later than Tuesday June 28, what are you waiting for? Get out there and vote. Democracy only works A great when peoplestart participate. A great start for the arts! The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center had a “soft” opening and some events already, but there’s a lot more on the way. Check them out at their website: http://www.miamidadearts.org/smd_culLooking for a turalcenter.aspx Looking for a community service niche? The Miami-Dade Community Action Agency (CAA) is accepting appli-
cations to fill nine vacancies for two-year, non-compensated terms on the CAA Board which represents community interests and organizations in business, industry, labor, religion, law enforcement, social welfare and education. Applicants selected for interviews will be subject to a background check before County Commissioners fill vacancies by appointment. Application forms available online at www.miamidade.gov with a submission deadline at 4 p.m., Friday, July 8. For information, call 786-469-4600 or on the web at Thought for the Day: www.miamidade.gov/caa. Thought for the Day: Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. — Albert Einstein Gary Alan Ruse and Richard Yager 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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PUBLISHER .................................................................................................................................. Grant Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR .....................................................................................................................Michael Miller EDITOR.................................................................................................................................. David Berkowitz WRITERS, COLUMNISTS.............................................................. Ron Beasley, Kenneth Bluh, Robert Hamilton, Linda Rodriguez-Bernfeld, Gary Alan Ruse, Lee Stephens, Al Sunshine, Richard Yager ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES..........................................................Albie Barnes, Beatriz Brandfon, Roberta Bergman, Ana Caceres, Celia Canabate, Diane Chasin, Henry Chau, Sharon Christian, Diane Maddox, Denzel Miles, Ann Robbins-Udel, Fara Sax, Lori Schwadron, Diane Sedona Schiller, Walter White LEGAL ADVERTISING ..................................................................................................................... Georgia Tait BOOKKEEPING ............................................................................................................................ Jesus Toledo PROOF DEPARTMENT....................................................................................................................Isabel Vavrek
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
More than one way to cut Medicare and Medicaid fraud R. Kenneth Bluh KENNETH’S COMMENTARY I am, I confess, a senior citizen. I’m on Medicare. I would hate to see my benefits reduced. I would hate to have a co-pay on my high blood pressure medication. But, I also know that America can’t go broke making sure I don’t have to pay a $20 co-pay for my meds. We have talked before about fraud in the payment of Medicare and Medicaid benefits to bandits that are stealing billions every year with fraudulent claims. We have talked about seniors who “rent” out their Social Security numbers to doctors and drugstores that use them to steal billions from the government. We have read about medical service providers stealing seniors’ Social Security numbers to file fraudulent claims. Congress, in its effort to accommodate physicians, pharmacies and equipment suppliers, requires that claim payments be disbursed in 15 to 30 days to encourage those assisting seniors to continue and not with-
draw from medically supporting the elderly. The result is thousands of medical supply companies and pharmacies sprung up submitting illegal claims knowing that they will be paid and then checked to determine that the claims are legit. Unfortunately, by the time the government gets around to checking the validity of the claim, the illegals have pocketed the money, closed up shop, moved across the street and opened up a new fraudulent medical supply company or pharmacy. Good news. The Miami Herald headline read, “New tech to help fraud fight.” Finally, after watching banks and credit card companies use screening technology to detect patterns of fraud, Washington has decided to join in the hunt for Medicare and Medicaid deceit. The example cited in the article describes a “local” medical equipment supply company in Los Angeles having lots of clients in San Francisco more than 100 miles away. For sure, no one in Jacksonville will rent a wheelchair from a company in Miami when there must be hundreds of rental companies between the two cities. Unfortunately, VISA, MasterCard, the banks, etc. have been using such screening techniques for more than 40 years. Here is a simple suggestion, Medicare and
VIEWPOINT Medicaid administrators. Take the time to investigate a sampling of claims, say 20 percent of filings. Pay an extra 10 percent to all suppliers so audited as compensation for waiting. Eliminate 50 percent of the fraud by checking before paying and you will have accomplished your goals: rooting out a big segment of the fraud, saving billions in unwarranted claim payments and compensating the audited suppliers for waiting. Want a simple way to stop seniors on Medicare and Medicaid from “renting” out their Social Security numbers? First time you catch seniors pocketing money from renting out their number cut off their benefits for 180 days. Catch them the second time and they lose their benefits for life. First, make sure seniors are aware of the penalties for renting out their Social Security numbers. Second, make sure that they rented out their numbers and not stolen by their MD or medical supplier. Every day we read about “waste” in Washington. We must accept the fact that there always will be some degree of waste.
But, the number of lost dollars due to fraud and waste is staggering. The same edition of the Herald that carried the article about Medicare printed an article telling the story of billions of dollars in faulty aid given to Afghanistan. Bad enough that billions and billions of taxpayer dollars are wasted, but the article goes on to tell that the people of Afghanistan surely will fall into a major depression once we pull out of their country and stop sending them billions that have been ending up in the wrong hands or currently are providing technology that Afghans will not be able to maintain after NATO forces leave. If we only were able to eliminate the bulk of waste on federal, state and municipal levels we would go a long way in eliminating the deficit. And, you and I, the taxpayers, would feel much better about paying our taxes. 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.
June 28 - July 11, 2011
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I just can’t seem to throw things away BY ERNIE SOCHIN
Vice Mayor I think I can… I think I Can… I think I can. That was said by the Little Engine that Could in the famous children’s book by the same name. I really can’t… I really can’t … I really can’t. That is my mantra. I just can’t seem to throw things away. I guess growing up poor might have contributed to it. My wife thinks I am just plain nuts. I have a garage full of nuts and bolts, none of which match, boxes of rusty nails, some bent, but fixable, and spare parts for just about anything in my house. One problem… I never have exactly what I need and end up going to Home Depot every time I need to fix something. Oh yes, over the years I have disposed of stuff that I thought would be of no value. What about my beautiful collection of baseball cards that would now provide for my retirement? My comic books probably would have sent one of my grandkids to college. I got rid of two beautiful sets of Lionel and American Flyer electric trains that collectors would kill for today. You think I am losing my marbles? You are right. I lost my collection of marbles that I had as a kid and which I now see at antique shows selling for many dollars each. They came in little net bags of about a dozen for a dime per bag back when I was a kid. During World War II, all my relatives sent me souvenirs of the war, which all kids had back then. So somehow I lost or misplaced an SS Dagger, a German naval officer’s hat and tons of medals and decorations that would also pay for my retirement if I had the sense to keep them. When I first got interested in electronics, I would salvage old radios and strip all the parts out of them for future use. I had boxes of
capacitors, resistors, transformers, and lots of tubes (remember them?). Now everything is disposable. I recently went to the local dump to dispose of a microwave oven that wasn’t quite working right. I gingerly placed it atop a pile of other appliances, carefully boxed so that the next owner might make use of it. I was told by the trash superintendents that it had to go into one of the dumpsters. I heaved it over the railing and heard it crash to the bottom. It brought tears to my eyes. On the way out, I looked at the pile of computer stuff and TVs that people just leave there. (See photo). I just can’t believe that some of that stuff can’t be fixed or salvaged by someone. My wife says firmly, “No! You can not take any of it home.” I already have a closet full of old computer stuff with which I refuse to part. Maybe someday CRT monitors will become collector’s items. What about my old wired keyboards? Does nobody want them? I have boxes full of old printer cables. Does no one see the possible future use of these once USB is considered old fashioned? Are old dot matrix printers not worth keeping as spares? I have lots of clothes that might fit me again someday. Several Nehru jackets and shirts that might come back into style like my father’s neckties did. All right, my wooden frame tennis racquet may be outdated but it must have some value. Perhaps I’ll hang it on my wall. Oh…there’s no room. Darn! Anyone need boxes of floppy disks? They still work. My Eight-Track tapes are still good except I have nothing to play them on. I know my vinyl 78 rpm records must be worth something by now. Does anyone still use Zip Drives? It seemed yesterday that they were “The Thing!” I know my old black telephone must be valuable by now. I guess I could run a garage sale and net about $50 for all that stuff but… I really can’t… I really can’t… I really can’t.
There must be a use for old computers, monitors and printers.
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Start July 4th Holiday Weekend With an Entertainment ‘Bang’ at Cauley Square Historic Village On Friday, July 1 with ‘Viva’ Classic Rock and On Saturday, July 2 Live Jazz -Free entry/no cover charges/free parkingGoulds, Fla. – July 4th Holiday Weekend starts with an entertainment ‘bang’ at Cauley Square Historic Railroad Village with ‘Viva’ Classic Rock n Roll playing Friday, July 1st from 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm on the Main Patio in the center of the Village. There’s no entry fee and no cover charge with free parking. ‘Viva’ July Buffet will be served on the Main Patio with hot dogs, hamburgers, potato and macaroni salads and chili beans with desserts of apple pie alamode and key lime pie. Please make reservations for the ‘Viva’ July Buffet by calling direct to The Village Chalet at 305-258-8900. Cash bar is available all evening. Dress is summer cool casual. Live Jazz Nights on Saturday, July 2nd at the newly decorated Village Chalet Restaurant celebrates the holi-
day weekend with a special outdoor barbecue with Live performance from 7 pm to 10 pm. There is no entry fee, no cover charge, no minimum purchase with free parking. The July Live Jazz Night Barbecue will feature BBQ chicken, ribs and beef cooked outdoors on Village Chalet grills, Summer fresh corn on the cob, veggies and green garden salads will be served along with special summer homemade desserts. Reservations may be made by calling direct to 305-258-8900.
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
Bell backs budget cuts, downsizing operations BY RICHARD YAGER
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Lynda Bell is determined to make the county a better place for both her constituents and her eight grandchildren. “I work for them so that one day they might be able to say, ‘There, that’s where my grandmother made a difference,’” she told members of the Miami-Dade Police Hammocks District Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) on May 25. Bell, 54, the former Homestead mayor who replaced Katy Sorenson, said, “I’ve been told I began county service at one of the toughest economic times our county has ever seen, but I see it as a great opportunity to turn things around. “This is my third meeting of the day — after honoring Jessica Davis this morning at a Red Cross meeting in Dadeland and addressing a Rotary-Kiwanis meeting at noon. People ask me if I get tired of this, and I tell them, “never,” just as you are take time to be the eyes and ears for your community. “That’s the way we improve where we live, and that’s what I want to do for you and my own eight grandkids in District 8.” In a free-wheeling commentary about county affairs and issues, the new chair of the Finance Committee said her biggest job was steering a $7 billion county budget for fiscal 2011-12, estimated to need another $400 million saving after a similar reduction a year ago. “How do you eat an elephant, because this county is as big as an elephant in that regard,” she laughed. “But one thing we’ve done is institute a line budget to help us spot areas where we can reduce costs. “It may seem like a little thing to pick one item here or there but we are going to do everything we can do to avoid duplica-
Miami-Dade Commissioner Lynda Bell (standing) is greeted by Hammocks CAC members Elisabeth Boggs, Sara Matos, and Officer Gina Hogen-Lopez. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
tion where it exists in county services.” As a member of the commission’s Economic Development Committee, Bell wants “to help turn this down economy around by jump starting business, the backbone of our county, especially small business that gets overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork and regulations with the county,” she said. “We need to revise much of the language business people encounter to make it easier to deal with county government,” she proposed, noting Homestead was able to open 150 new businesses in two years by streamlining regulatory requirements during her service as mayor. Bell, as a member of the commission’s Public Health and Safety Committee, designated Jackson Memorial Hospital
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finances as “our most pressing problem, now helped by replacing the overseeing trust with too many conflicting opinions and now operating with a seven-member board and a new chief executive.” “We need at least six months’ time to see how the new structure operates,” Bell said, urging every citizen to help by utilizing JMH facilities when possible. “I, for one, am going to Jackson South for foot surgery in the future,” she said. “It’s only a small thing, but every time we use JMH facilities, we help those who otherwise could not afford hospital treatment.” Urging a similar “people partnership with government,” she noted that media in recent coverage of JMH “buried in one story that the hospital is actually rated No. 1 in Florida in overall services. We can turn
JMH around with action, not just printing the bad news to have it become a self-fulfilling prophecy.” On charter reform proposing at-large commission seats, Bell stated the present commission should remain with 13 members to represent 2.5 million people countywide. “I have 250,000 in District 8 alone, and if we approve two at-large seats, you are simply diminishing representation for every district,” she reasoned, adding that campaign war chests for at-large candidates that necessarily could “go up to a million dollars or more will wind up having someone in office who would only answer to wealthy people.” Downsizing by eliminating overlapping services is “the only answer” to operating the county without sacrificing primary duty of the commission to protect the safety and security of county residents, she said, noting a newly appointed independent negotiator for the county will assist in union contract issues instead of leaving matters to attorneys who represent different sides. “We hope it will make a difference,” she concluded. “No one is targeting the police or firemen for staff reductions. Public safety is paramount and I don’t think any commissioner will compromise public health and safety in seeking savings in the coming fiscal year budget.” Recently moving her district office to Suite 101 at 14707 S. Dixie Hwy. in Palmetto Bay, Bell noted she promised residents that if elected, she would remain accessible to constituents residing in Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead, as well as portions of Kendall, The Falls and Redland. The commissioner can be reached by telephone at 305-378-6677 or by email at <District8@miamidade.gov>.
June 28 - July 11, 2011
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
Riviera Preparatory School prepares for fall opening BY NANCY EAGLETON
As students throughout Miami enjoy the summer, the students, families, administration and faculty of Riviera Schools look ahead with anticipation to the 2011-12 school year and the opening of its new, stateof-the-art preparatory school campus. Riviera Preparatory School now will provide high school students with the same commitment and excellence that Riviera Schools has offered to younger students in preschool through eighth grade since 1950. The new campus, located on SW 87th Avenue, is nearing completion and will feature nearly 100,000 square feet of facilities on the 10.5-acre site. “We have been working to make this high school a reality since 1998,” said Peter Cohen, Riviera Schools’ associate director. “It is a dream come true to be opening this fall. This school is a natural part of Riviera’s evolution and serves to further our mission of creating a unique educational institution and environment for our students.” During the 2011-12 school year, Riviera Preparatory will open to students in grades six through nine and during each subsequent year, a grade level will be added. Students in
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grades six through eight who currently attend Riviera’s campus in Coral Gables will relocate to the new facility, while the Coral Gables campus will continue to serve students in preschool through fifth grade. New students have joined the Riviera Schools family and enrollments are being processed daily. “We have our team in place and we have been working hard to prepare for this new school year,” said Cohen, who has been with Riviera Schools since 1996 and whose father, Lawrence Cohen, has served as Riviera Schools’ director since 1972. “It will be exciting for these students to be the first to move in to this new facility. And our ninth grade class — the class of 2015 — will have the proud honor of being the very first graduating class at Riviera Preparatory.” Cohen said that although Riviera Preparatory’s physical, tangible elements are incredible; its best resource continues to be its administration and faculty. Patrick Snay, who has served the educational community of South Florida for more than 35 years, will serve as headmaster. Dr. Linda Grant, known for her expertise in curriculum and instruction, will serve as associate headmaster. And finally, Dr. Carole Repensek, an educator since 1970, will be the director of academic
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The Riviera Schools leadership team includes (l-r) Lawrence H. Cohen, director; Peter E. Cohen, associate director; Al Glicksberg, Day School principal; Dr. Ana Rodriguez, Day School assistant principal; Patrick W. Snay, Prep School headmaster; Dr. Linda Grant, Prep School associate headmaster, and Dr. Carole Repensek, Prep School director of academic advancement. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
advancement. “This is a dream team. They all have incredible credentials and together, they have more than 115 combined years as educators,” Cohen said. “We are very proud of the educational team we have assembled. Our teachers are extraordinarily talented, qualified and dedicated.” The Riviera Preparatory campus will include state-of-the-art classrooms, media center/library, cafeteria, auditorium, fine arts facilities, science labs, full indoor gymnasium, fitness room, dance studio, multi-purpose fields, aquatics center and more. Technology will play an important role in the educational process. Interactive whiteboards, immediate response systems, lap-
tops, document cameras and other technologies will be incorporated into the curriculum. Extracurricular activities offered at Riviera Preparatory such as student clubs and organizations, and sports teams including basketball, football, soccer, baseball, softball, cross country, volleyball, wrestling, tennis, golf, swimming, water polo, dance and cheerleading, will enrich the student experience and allow children to pursue individual interests and develop additional skills. Riviera Preparatory School is located at 9775 SW 87 Ave. in Kendall and Riviera Day School is located at 6800 Nervia St. in Coral Gables. To learn more about Riviera Schools, call 305-666-1856 or go online to <www.rivieraschools.com>.
June 28 - July 11, 2011
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Zoo Miami to celebrate opening of Wacky Barn BY LAUREN VANDENBERG
Zoo Miami’s new Wacky Barn will provide visitors with a petting zoo experience in a colorful, non-traditional barn featuring a new collection of animals including miniature and Shetland horses, goats, alpaca, sheep, and other animals. To celebrate this zany addition, from July 2 to 4 Zoo Miami’s guests will be treated not only to meeting these special animals, but also to special admission prices, country music, giveaways, and more. All guests who would like to attend the “Hoe Down” from July 2 to 4 or visit the zoo anytime in July are invited to relive their wacky youth by obtaining a coupon at <www.facebook.com/zoomiami> and <www.zoomiami.org>. This coupon will enable them to only pay the child’s admission price of $11.95 plus tax, good for up six people in their party. Aside from the special admission price, the first 1,000 guests visiting July 2-4 will be treated to great giveaways. Each day during Independence Day weekend, collectable, custom, limited edition Wacky Barn lapel pins, souvenir cups and bandanas will be given away. On July 2, Blue Bell will be on hand distributing ice cream snacks from noon to 2 p.m., to help raise funds for the Scoops for Conservation Fund, a partnership between the Zoological Society of Florida and Blue Bell Ice Cream that encourages donations for wildlife conservation. Singer/songwriter Buddy Brown will be performing original and popular country music July 2-4 from noon to 1 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. His songs have been picked up by radio stations in Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, and New Mexico, and he has opened for country music artists Colt Ford
Aside from the special admission price, the first 1,000 guests visiting July 2-4 will be treated to great giveaways. Each day during Independence Day weekend, collectable, custom, limited edition Wacky Barn lapel pins, souvenir cups and bandanas will be given away.
Page 11 Providing Excellence in Girls Soccer since 1998
GIRLS SOCCER Tryouts! Dade County’s oldest ALL GIRLS soccer club invites committed players to attend tryouts for the 2011 - 2012 Season MPS offers competitive teams for girls ages U9-U18. All teams participate in FLUGSA and some play at the State Cup level. MPS teams regularly attend National tournaments. All teams are coached by licensed soccer professionals.
JULY Saturday 07.09.11
and John Anderson. For more details on Buddy Brown visit <www.BuddyBrownCountry.com>. Between Buddy Brown’s performances there will be performances by Shane Duncan and Rough Shot, and line dancers will be performing. On July 2, Kiss Country FM’s Darlene Evans will be live from 1 to 3 p.m. Also during the three-day weekend, the first 1,000 people who make a purchase in the Island Trader Gift Shop will receive a complimentary eight-pack of Sierra Mist Natural soda, courtesy of Pepsi. Other great offers that will be taking place inside the park include $1 hot dogs and drinks, and carousel rides. In addition, monorail rides will be free for the entire weekend. The new Wacky Barn will be unveiled officially to dignitaries, media and VIPs on the morning of Friday, July 1, during a private reception. Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 St. General zoo admission is $15.95 per adult and $11.95 per child (3-12), plus tax. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; ticket booths close at 4 p.m. For details, visit online at <www.zoomiami.org> or call 305-251-0400.
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Page 12
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
June 28 - July 11, 2011
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
June 28 - July 11, 2011
June 28 - July 11, 2011
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
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Page 17
Celebrate America’s Birthday at Miami’s Bayfront Park Celebrate the birth of our great nation with one of the largest fireworks displays in South Florida on July 4 at Miami’s Bayfront Park, located at 301 N. Biscayne Blvd. The spectacular fireworks display can be seen from anywhere in the park. Enjoy food and beverages, and a free Kids’ Zone with inflatable slides, a “kiddie carousel,” hoops, face painting and more. Bring the whole family for a free fun-filled day. For information, call 305-358-7550.
CONCERNED CITIZENS OF CUTLER BAY SCHEDULES NEXT MEETING ON JULY 5 The Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay will hold its monthly meeting on July 5, 7-9 p.m., in the Jim Shiver Community Center at Cutler Ridge Park, 10100 Cutler Ridge Dr. All are invited. The chair of Cutler Bay’s Educational Advisory Committee, Rosi Alvarez, will update residents on the progress towards a high school in Cutler Bay. Ralph Casals, Cutler Bay’s director of Public Works, will speak about hurricane season preparations. Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay is a non-profit civic organization with a purpose to “Promote Community Awareness and Citizen Involvement.” This meeting is an opportunity to discuss issues of interest with your friends, neighbors, and
town officials in a friendly roundtable environment. For more information, call Fred Ambrose at 786-252-2798.
COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS
MIAMI ART MUSEUM OFFERING FREE ADMISSION TO MILITARY The Miami Art Museum, 101 W Flagler St., has launched Blue Star Museums, a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and more than 1,300 museums across America to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families now through Labor Day. Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The free admission program is available to active-duty military and their immediate family members (military ID holder and five immediate family members). Active duty military include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and active duty National Guard and active duty Reserve members. For more information, call 305-375-4073.
South Florida Inc. (CIASF), a non-profit organization of business leaders involved in the development, design, construction, sales, and leasing of Industrial and Commercial Real Estate in South Florida, will be hosting the “Intermodal Center and other MIA Initiatives” event on July 15, taking place at the Country Club of Coral Gables, 990 Alhambra Circle. Miguel Southwell, Deputy Aviation Director of Development, will serve as the guest speaker of the day. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. with ticket prices starting at $35 for members and $45 for non-members. RSVP by July 11 via email to <info@ciasf.com>. For more information, send email to <info@ciasf.com> or fax your questions to 305-662-6115.
C.I.A.S.F. EVENT TO DISCUSS INTERMODAL CENTER, M.I.A. The Commercial Industrial Association of
‘BACK TO SCHOOL SPLASH’ EXHIBITORS BEING SOUGHT The Falls, one of the largest open-air shop-
ping, dining and entertainment complexes in the United States, has teamed up with South Florida Parenting to present the seventh annual “Back to School Splash” on Aug. 6 and 7. The Falls, located at S. Dixie Highway (US1) and SW 136th Street, currently is seeking exhibitors to promote products and services that aim to make back-to-school time a smooth transition for all South Florida families. The mall is searching for kid-friendly exhibitors and merchants that want to access the mall’s heavy weekend traffic. The event consistently draws many children and parents who look forward to enjoying a splash of summer thrills while shopping for their back-to-school needs at The Falls. To participate in the “Back to School Splash” or to receive more information about the event, contact Dailen Rodriguez at 305255-4571 or via email at <DRodrigu@simon.com>.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
June 28 - July 11, 2011
Retail to replace college; Cadillac Ranch opening BY RICHARD YAGER
Pictured are the new owners of Lots of Lox (l-r) Steve, Jimmy and Nick Poulos.
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The latest change scheduled at The Palms at Town and Country is the demolition of a 40,000-square-foot structure that housed Keiser College. The freestanding building will be replaced by new structures in The Palms featuring updated architecture matching the existing Mediterranean design unveiled in 2009 for the Loehmann’s and Nordstrom Rack stores. Redevelopment also will include locating a new traffic “round-about” just east of the site of the former Keiser building. Keiser College opened a new location at the Crossroads at Dolphin Commerce Centers professional building campus in March. Keiser College’s site will be replaced by new buildings with “leasing-driven” size, according to Deborah Blackford, spokesperson for The Palms, owned and operated by TIAA-CREF in association with Flagler Development Corporation, the development entity. The new design for a retail complex will provide guests with direct access as well as additional curbside parking areas, she said. Redevelopment plans “include further enhancement of The Palms at Town and Country’s outdoor dining and entertainment options, in addition to an array of exciting new retail stores,” Blackford added. Scheduled to open at The Palms in June is Cadillac Ranch, an American-styled bar and grill featuring a rock ’n roll atmosphere with a diverse menu ranging from homemade meatloaf to pasta dishes, she said. Classic rock, modern rock and similar sounds will play through a state-of-the-art
Redevelopment plans “ i n c l u d e f u rt h e r e n h a n c em e n t o f T h e P a l m s a t To w n a n d C o u n t r y ’s o u t d o o r d i n i n g a n d e n t e rt a i n m e n t o p t i o n s , i n a d d i t i o n t o a n a rr a y o f e x c i t i n g n e w re t a i l s t o re s . ” sound system with multiple large-screen televisions located throughout a 7,000plus-square-foot facing with outdoor dining facing The Palms lakefront. CG Burgers opened its 3,485-squarefoot space on May 17 at 8525 Mills Dr., across from the Blue Martini restaurant, with lakefront patio seating. It is the third location for the expanding firm offering antibiotic-free chicken, turkey and bison burgers as well as a dozen varieties of prime beef hamburgers with sides and salads. A new Carmine’s La Trattoria restaurant featuring Italian specialties is anticipated to open by fall of 2011, she noted. The 75-acre Town and Country site includes other major components, the strip shopping center west of Mills Drive that includes a Publix, CVS/Pharmacy, Marshall’s, 24-Hour Fitness Center, plus a Professional/Medical Arts Building on the northeast corner of the property at SW 84th Street and 117th Avenue.
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 19
Day of Smiles provides free surgeries for children Nineteen South Florida children, teens and young adults received the gift of a happy smile at Baptist Children’s Hospital during its recent annual Day of Smiles. Doctors from various specialties volunteered their time to help correct cleft lips and palates and perform nose revisions, hand surgery, ear reconstruction and scar revisions. This is the 10th year the hospital has donated its facilities and provided free surgeries for children whose families couldn’t afford the operations. (Photos by Mabel Rodriguez)
Plastic surgeon Tal Roudner, MD, marks the area where he will revise a scar on the forehead of patient Elio Cases, 8.
Blanca Talavera, RN, comforts Gerald Miranda Callejas, 13, while he waits for surgery.
Plastic surgeon Rafael Gottenger, MD, checks on Iara Barrera, 10, before performing additional surgery to correct her cleft lip and palate. This is the fourth year Iara has received reconstructive surgery during Day of Smiles at Baptist Children’s Hospital.
Yvonne Barbato, RN, helps prepare Sagine Atis, 4, for surgery to remove a growth on her ear. Her parents, Bernadette and Massenet Atis, are shown in the background.
Conchita Espinosa Academy Bringing out the extraordinary in every child
Applications are now available for the K-4 through 8th grade 2011-2012 academic year. New K-4 and K-5 Learning Center. Call for a private visit.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
June 28 - July 11, 2011
Stings gather to mark 50-year Class Reunion BY ROBERT HAMILTON
More than 350 Stingarees from the Miami Senior High (MHS) Class of 1961 came from all over the world to join the festivities for their 50-year Class Reunion the weekend of June 10. The three-day event, celebrated at the Doral Country Club and Spa, offered a flurry of activities, dances, dining and a good deal of tears and hugs. The theme “Golden Moments” set the tone for the weekend event. A rousing Friday night rock and roll sock hop dance kicked off the festivities. As a deejay spun “oldie goldies” Stingarees browsed a winding 180-foot long “Memory Lane” display made by Arlene Miller of Kendall. The display pictorially presented the history of
this generation from the start of WWII to the end of Osama bin Laden, along with lots of pictures and school memorabilia. On Saturday, with former Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick (Class of ’61) as their tour guide, a busload of Stingaree alumni took a trip to their childhood neighborhoods and their junior high school campuses. The highlight of the trip was the final destination — the historic Miami Senior High School, built in 1928. There they were greeted by Miami-Dade School Board member Racquel Regalado, activities director Barbara Quintero and former activities director Richard DeAguero (a ’61 alumnus). They were treated to a tour of the school with its new additions and shown the beginnings of the historic restoration of the
Sharing a joyful moment are reunion committee members (l-r) Mark Buchbinder, Cookie Lamet, Eva Finkel, Don Slesnick and co-chair Louise Norris. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Enjoying the evening are (l-r) Jeannett Slesnick, Marsha Figura, Diane Chew, Cookie Lazar and Cerita Lane. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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old building to its former glory. MHS is considered one of the finest architecturally unique high schools in the country. Proceeds from the bus trip will be given to the MHS Million Dollar Band for uniforms. The formal banquet Saturday night was emceed by Gables resident Tim Anagnost, and featured a poignant video created and produced by Kendall residents Ann and Dave Torchon. The video, set to the music of the times, featured a retrospective of the school, the classmates, and many of the major events of the past 50 years, and ended with a tribute to the classmates who served in the military and the singing of the school alma mater.
Reunion co-chairs Louise Norris and Kendall resident Howard Sherman were honored for their leadership. Helen Realini (South Miami) and Cerita Lane (Broward) were recognized for their creation of the class directory. South Miami resident Mark Buchbinder was applauded for his work in coordinating all activities with the hotel. The Fabulons band played dance music for the remainder of the evening. The Sunday brunch ended the weekend festivities with tearful goodbyes, promises to keep it touch and hearts filled with golden moments to remember. ––– See
more photos next page
June 28 - July 11, 2011
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 21
Stings gather to mark 50-year Class Reunion
Committee member Henry Pollock (right) with his wife, Sharon, describes plans for the ongoing historical restoration of Miami Senior High to alumni Ross Coslow and his wife, Marlene.
Committee members (l-r) Sandy Loevner, Cathee Poulsen and Ann Williams help register more than 300 attendees.
Julie Ziska (left) and committee member Linda Matthews enroll Stingarees in the MHS Alumni Association.
• • • • •
Co-chair Louise Norris shares the “Golden Moment” with Scott Greenberg.
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
County’s film, entertainment director Peel to retire July 1 BY ROBERT HAMILTON
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After 17 years at the helm of MiamiDade’s Office of Film and Entertainment, Jeff Peel will be retiring from the county on July 1. Peel’s career began in the film office in 1993, with the blockbuster True Lies, and he has worked with thousands of films, TV shows, commercial and still photo productions over the years, including such iconic “Made in Miami” films as Birdcage, Bad Boys I and II, Out of Sight, There’s Something About Mary, Miami Vice, Analyze This, Marley and Me, and Rock of Ages. Miami-Dade’s Office of Film and Entertainment will continue to offer location and permitting services to its film and television production clients under the supervision of Tony Ojeda, director, Miami-Dade County’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Peel’s tenure with the office also assisted in Miami’s historic growth into the U.S. Hispanic and Latin American television production capital that it is today, hosting the headquarters for Univision and Telemundo, Venevision, Discovery Latin, MTV and Nickleodeon Latin, and dozens of other Spanish-language television production and post-production companies and networks. A recent resurgence in U.S. domestic television series work also has occurred on Peel’s watch, with USA Network’s Burn Notice, A&E’s The Glades, Starz Network’s Magic City, and ABC’s reboot of Charlie’s Angels shooting in MiamiDade County this year. One of Peel’s lasting contributions to Miami-Dade County’s success with the film and television production industries
was the creation in 2005 of FilMiami.org, an online portal to film permitting and locations information, and access to local crews and vendors, which allowed producers from around the world to find anything they needed to produce in the county. FilMiami also incorporated the cities of Miami and Miami Beach into its film permitting protocols, creating a virtual onestop shop for all things related to production in the area. The film and entertainment industry has grown exponentially during the time Peel has overseen the county’s film program, from an estimated $2.5 billion gross revenues in 1999 to more than $3.2 billion in 2009. An estimated 18,000-plus workers generated more than $1 billion in wages in the film, television, commercial advertising and still photo industries in MiamiDade in 2009. More than 1,000 location filming shoots are handled annually by the Miami-Dade Office of Film and Entertainment, which alone accounts for $100 million to $150 million spent into the local economy each year. A recent analysis by the Governor’s Office of Film and Entertainment shows that nearly 70 percent of all productions receiving Florida incentives will be shot in Miami-Dade County, generating more than $800 million in local expenditures between 2010 and 2015. Peel has plans to remain active in Miami-Dade’s film community after his retirement, in particular with Film Florida, the statewide industry trade organization he helped create in 1998. He and his wife, Cathy Grimes Peel, the retiring director of the county’s Consumer Services Department, also will look forward to some travel and relaxation in the coming months.
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
DSWM announces holiday schedule for garbage and recycling pickup BY LEE STEPHENS
Customers of the Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) should note the following schedule for garbage and recycling collection services, disposal operations and the department’s Administrative Offices for the upcoming Independence Day holiday on Monday, July 4.
CURBSIDE GARBAGE AND TRASH COLLECTION SERVICE There will be NO collection of garbage or trash. DSWM customers who are serviced on Mondays are reminded not to place their waste carts at the curb on Monday, July 4. Garbage collection for these customers will take place on their next regularly scheduled collection day, Thursday, July 7. Customers are reminded to place their waste at the curb by 7 a.m. that day. Please note garbage collection on Thursday, July 7, may take place later than customers are used to; residents are asked to be patient as all garbage will be picked up that day.
CURBSIDE RECYCLING SERVICE Recycling WILL be collected as normal on Monday, July 4. DSWM curbside recycling customers whose scheduled recycling day falls on July 4 should place their recycling carts at the curb by 7 a.m. on Monday, July 4. NEIGHBORHOOD TRASH AND RECYCLING CENTERS The department’s 13 Neighborhood Trash and Recycling Centers will be closed. RESOURCES RECOVERY FACILITY, LANDFILLS AND TRANSFER STATIONS The department’s Resources Recovery Facility and the South Dade Landfill will be OPEN during normal operating hours. The North Dade Landfill and Transfer Stations will be CLOSED. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES The department’s administrative offices will be closed on Monday, July 4. For more information on the department’s Independence Day holiday service schedule, call 3-1-1 before Monday, July 4, or visit online at <www.miamidade.gov/dswm>.
June 28 - July 11, 2011
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
La Ley Sports promotes youth sports in S. Florida BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD
When John H. Ruiz traveled he had to miss his son’s baseball games. That bothered him because watching his son, Johnny, play was very important. So he started La Ley Sports, an avenue for other parents and families who can’t attend a game to watch their children play. Ruiz already had a media production company that he had put together to broadcast his law program that runs nightly. “He figured now I’m going to get into broadcasting Little League and high school games, and bring youth sports to the Internet, TV sets or smart phones,” said Henry Vilar, La Ley’s director of sports marketing and stadium operations. There’s even a La Ley Sports application that you can download for free onto your iPad, iPhone or Android. The concept took off and in just a year La Ley Sports is in the midst of an expansion by taking over the Homestead Sports Complex and hosting major youth baseball tournaments this summer. La Ley Sports also purchased the Hardball Training Center in the Falls, renamed it the La Ley Sports Training Center and brought in former UM great Mike Tosar to run the operation. “We are coming up on our one year anniversary in August,” Vilar said. “The main focus is youth sport, from 8 to 18.” La Ley wants to make it easier for athletes to be discovered so they created <www.laleysports.com>, a database of sports minded students that includes athletic profiles and school information as well as community service commitments. Vilar said this is so high schools, college recruiters and pro scouts in a variety of sports have a central place where they can see an athlete’s sports history.
In addition to the database, La Ley Sports provides coverage of all sports. La Ley Sports broadcast as many games in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties as it can. “We have more events than we can handle,” he said. “We cover lacrosse, baseball and football just to name a few. For all the girls that cheerlead, those are also covered. We broadcast more than 4,000 games across the world.” Currently, baseball is the core of La Ley Sports. “That’s how we got started,” Vilar said. “We just took over the Homestead Sports Complex.” They refurbished the fields, making them ready for summer tournaments that began in June leading to World vs. States International Baseball Classic during the week of July 22, under the guidance of Ruiz, La Ley president; Vilar, and tournament director Enrique (Kiki) Fernandez. “Teams from all over the world as well as the United States, from 8 to 18 years are going to try to qualify and win the tournament,” Vilar said. “Once those three qualifying weeks are over, a tournament team is going to be selected from each state.” Players from all over the world will try to qualify to participate in the Youth World Baseball Classic, July 22-28, at the La Ley Sports Complex. La Ley also is offering summer camps in girls softball and boys baseball for ages 10 to 18. The campers can be dropped off at the Homestead complex or they can be taken to the indoor baseball facility at the Falls to be bused to Homestead. Campers will be taught by experienced softball and baseball coaches, and there will be surprise guest speakers including former Major League Baseball players. For more information about La Ley Sports, go online to <www.laleysports.com>.
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
Inaugural ‘Geek Film Festival’ debuts at Florida Supercon BY GARY ALAN RUSE
The inaugural “Geek Film Festival” debuts in Miami at Florida Supercon 2011, a pop culture convention that takes place July 1-4 at the Miami Airport Convention Center. The festival includes more than 50 films, several made in Miami by local producers, as well as guest filmmakers, filmmaker panels, Q&A’s, premieres, parties, and other film-related events. Kathleen “Kat” Anderson is Geek Film Festival director and in charge of communications for Florida Supercon. She also is a film director in her own right, went to high school in Miami and attended Florida International University. “Miami has seen a recent explosion of venues to see independent film including O Cinema, Tower Cinema, Miami Beach Cinematheque, Borshct Film Fest, and others, and now the Geek Film Festival is joining the ranks,” Anderson said. “There is a Miami-based film team called Ginnungagap Filmwerks that is made up of two scientists who complete all their films with no-to-low budget. We are presenting the world premiere of their Planeta Desconocido at the fest.” Local group Creature Entertainment also is screening one of its films, and attending film and TV celebrities include Cary Elwess (The Princess Bride, Saw, Robin Hood: Men In Tights, Psych, and more), Bruce Boxleitner
Pictured is last year’s Florida Supercon as attendees chat with artist Deleon Walters (seated).
(Tron, Tron: Legacy and Babylon 5), Todd Stashwick (Heroes), Dorian Gregory (Charmed) and Cindy Morgan (Tron). Florida Supercon also attracts comic book aficionados, pop music enthusiasts and fans of Japanese pop culture such as anime and manga. There are lots of contemporary artists and writers and some “Golden Age” stars such as Florida resident Allen Bellman, who was one of the artists for the 1940s’ Captain America comic book that inspired the new big budget film. Deleon Walters, an artist based in Hollywood, is back again for Florida Supercon, which is now in its sixth year. “I’m definitely looking forward to the whole shindig, with added glee since there’s been an extra day added this year,” Walters said. “The one thing I would say that uniquely drives Florida Supercon is the fact that there is always something going on. “If you are so inclined, you could watch Cobra Commander pummel the Geico Caveman in the wrestling events, or forget that entirely and learn the finer details of costuming at one of the many informative panels. It’s an event that’s just chock full of goodness, and the vibe is a giant weekend long pop culture party.” Miami Airport Convention Center is located at 711 NW 72 Ave. Florida Supercon 2011’s official website is <www.floridasupercon.com>. For information on tickets, which start at $15, visit online at <http://fsc2011.eventbrite.com>.
June 28 - July 11, 2011
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 31
JAM Foundation spreading word on suicide prevention BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD
Justin Menendez lost his little brother, Jason, to suicide in April 2009. Jason was just a month shy of his 14th birthday and still in middle school when he committed suicide. “I was 15. It was freshman year,” Menendez said. “We were like 16 months apart.” It was a devastating blow to the entire family. Investigators told the family a break-up had apparently led the teen to take his life. The suicide affected Menendez so much he transferred from Killian to Archbishop Carroll High School, where he is an incoming senior. Today, Menendez is working to keep other families from going through the same pain he felt. A year after his brother’s death, he created the JAM Foundation. “We try spreading awareness and giving out the warning signs to prevent it from happening,” he said. “We have a brochure that tells red flags and what parents and teachers should look for.” Menendez wants to be sure that despondent kids can get help so they can go on and finish high school. “People say that you discover yourself in high school,” he said. “But if you don’t make it through middle school…” Because middle school is such a time of emotional highs and lows, parents often don’t realize their child is struggling emotionally more than normal. “They just think ‘oh, it’s the middle school age, the middle school attitude,’” he said. He hopes that by becoming educated about the warning signs, parents can seek help before their child takes the drastic step of attempting suicide.
Pictured at a suicide prevention awareness walk are (l-r) Beverly Medina, Justin Menendez and Geraldine Medina of the JAM Foundation. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Menendez said the top warning signs include the withdrawal from friends and family, rebellious behavior and difficulty in getting along with others. There also are hidden warning signs — including changes in eating habits and running away. When Menendez began to learn more about suicide, he was blown away by how common it is and how it’s not discussed. He wants to help others talk about it because talking can be
therapeutic. So far, JAM has participated in walks for suicide prevention groups and the group has reached out to the public, sponsoring booths at the Taste of Pinecrest and St. Louis Catholic Church Festival for the Poor. Menendez also made the trek to Tallahassee for National Suicide Prevention Day. He is planning to start speaking to kids about suicide prevention and even had a session scheduled at Devonaire K-8 this year, but had to postpone in order to go to Tallahassee to meet with legislators and representatives of Florida’s suicide prevention office. It was an important meeting because the legislature sought to close down the suicide prevention office but opted instead to move it to Department of Children and Families. In the meantime, JAM is ramping up its efforts. Members want to work with the Miami-Dade School District on youth suicide prevention programs. The foundation also is making an effort to do something to mark National Suicide Prevention Day on Sept.10. Last year Menendez tried to convince schools to make Sept. 10 a no uniform day so kids could wear yellow in honor of National Suicide Prevention Day, but the efforts began too late to be effective. His goal is to make it happen for Sept. 10 of this year. “Our foundation is trying to focus on youths,” he said. “Once you go off to college, there are a lot of different programs for college students.” But suicide prevention programs for middle and high school kids are lacking and he’s hoping to change that. For more information, go online to <www.thejamfoundation.org>.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
June 28 - July 11, 2011
Deering Estate at Cutler to offer free admission on selected dates BY ROBERT HAMILTON
The Deering Estate at Cutler will offer free admission on the following Saturdays: July 16, Aug. 20 and Sept. 17, as part of its annual Fee-Free “PLAY” Days. Bring your family and friends and enjoy complimentary admission as well as hands-on eco-art activities, science discovery programs, and historic house tours — all for free. Guests can stroll through the Artist Village where the Deering Estate’s Artistsin-Residence create and display works of art. The Grove House Artist Exhibit also will be on display in the Richmond Cottage and Stone House through Aug. 31. Spend the entire day and have a picnic on the main lawn facing Biscayne Bay. The Fee-Free “PLAY” Days were created to honor the Deering Estate’s partner organizations and the community. On July 16 the estate will honor the Village of Palmetto Bay; on Aug. 20 it will honor teachers and environmental educators, and on Sept. 17 it will honor
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
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Page 33
Congressman presents flag to Alper JCC preschoolers
Pictured at the flag presentation are (l-r) Shayna Littman, Tia Diaz-Balart, U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart and Rosi Manrique. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart recently presented a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol to the graduating 4-yearolds at the Alper JCC’s Glen Greenstein Early Childhood Development Center. His son is a member of the preschool graduating class that enters kinder-
garten in the fall of 2011. The ceremony took place on Tuesday, June 7, at the Alper JCC Robert Russell Theater. The program’s theme, “The Places You’ll Go” was celebrated through song and dance performances by the 4-year-olds, and then the students walked to receive diplomas in honor of their graduation. A delicious ice cream social followed.
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ANNOUNCEMENT! Tonkinson Financial is pleased to announce that we will be featured on the TV show,
Today in America with Terry Bradshaw Today in America covers exceptional stories on unique business and individuals. It captures the era of changing economic times and digs into the knowledge and passion of each of its featured guests. These stories are about experts who have the ability to share first-hand insights with viewers. Today in America will televise their coverage of Tonkinson Financial July 2 at 4 pm Eastern Time on the FOX Business Network. We encourage you to tune in, be entertained and perhaps learn something new. We are thrilled to let you know of the upcoming airing and look forward to your response.
Tonkinson Financial, Inc 2398 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33133 Phone: 866-323-8326 Fax: (305) 858-1627 www.TonkinsonFinancial.com Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, Rick Tonkinson, Margarita Tonkinson, Steven Tonkinson, Registered Representatives. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc., Rick Tonkinson, Margarita Tonkinson, Steven Tonkinson, Investment Advisor Representatives. Tonkinson Financial and the Securities America companies are not affiliated. The text of this communication is confidential, and use by any person who is not the intended recipient is prohibited. Any person who receives this communication in error is requested to immediately destroy the text of this communication without copying or further dissemination. Your cooperation is appreciated. Trading instructions via e-mail may not be honored. Please contact my office at 305-858-1628 or Securities America, Inc. at 800-747-6111 for all buy/sell orders. Please be advised that communications regarding trades in your account are for informational purposes only. You should continue to rely on confirmations and statements received from the custodian(s) of your assets. Please be advised that the use of the internet is not a fully secure system and while we accept non-financial data through email as well as questions we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of information that is sent via email. We strongly discourage you from sending any private or confidential information in an email.
June 28 - July 11, 2011
Bowling for Rhinos returns to Bird Bowl on July 15 BY LAUREN VANDENBERG
The annual bowling fundraiser by the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK), Bowling for Rhinos (BFR), takes place on Friday, July 15, at Bird Bowl; 9275 SW 40 St. Registration opens at 6:30 p.m. with the Bowl-a-thon from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Organized by Zoo Miami and the South Florida Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, the event benefits the South Florida Chapter of AAZK’S rhino conservation projects. With its goal of helping rhinos worldwide, 100 percent of all funds raised by BFR benefit rhino conservation projects for four species of rhino, their habitats, and hundreds of other endangered plants and animals. BFR helps preserve the black, white, Javan and Sumatran rhinos. The world’s rhino population has decreased 90 percent since 1970 due to poaching. The AAZK and Zoo Miami invite everyone for a night of excitement that includes: bowling, raffles, a “Keep the Rhinos Horny”
T-shirt sale, and a much-anticipated silent auction. Open to the public, teams of five to six bowlers may register for a night full of strikes and spares. Register before July 5 and pay $30 per bowler. After July 5, the registration fee increases to $35. Bowlers with $200 or more in sponsor money will be eligible to enter for the grand prize. Make sure you collect all the money you can because in 2008 the highest money raiser won a 15-day trip to Indonesia. More than 60 AAZK chapters participate in BFR throughout the U.S. raising over $200,000 annually. The South Florida Chapter of AAZK has been active in Bowling for Rhinos since 1990. To date, they have raised over $40,000 toward the rhino conservation effort. For more information, call Zoo Miami at 305-251-0400 ext. 84921; send email to the South Florida Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers at <sfaazk@yahoo.com> or visit online at <www.aazkbfr.org>.
June 28 - July 11, 2011
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 35
MDPLS, Miami Dolphins Foundation present Summer Reading Program BY VICTORIA GALAN
The Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) and the Miami Dolphins Foundation are teaming up for another exciting summer of reading for people of all ages. The 2011 Summer Reading Program continues through Saturday, July 23, with a number of special events and programs in branches throughout the county. The program is divided into three themes: “One World, Many Stories” for children 12 and younger; “You Are Here,” for teens 13-18, and “Novel Destinations,” for adults. Children and teens are encouraged to read for two or more hours each week, which qualifies them to receive an entry ticket for the Grand Prize drawing. Grand prizes include a Miami Dolphins VIP Training Camp Experience; Miami
Dolphins VIP Game Day Experience; Miami Dolphins Memorabilia; gift cards to Barnes and Noble, Gamestop, Best Buy, Toys ‘R Us, among many others. For adults, the weekly challenge is to “travel” to a novel destination through books, ebooks or VHS/DVDs. Prizes include a Barnes & Noble Nook eBook Reader and $100 gift certificates to Publix, Barnes and Noble, or Olive Garden restaurant. Special summer programs include magic and juggling shows, sing-a-longs, a manga workshop and much more. Everyone is invited to register at their nearest branch. The Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Miami Dolphins Foundation with additional support by the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library. For more information, call 305-375BOOK (2665).
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
Coconut Grove getting ready for July 4 events BY LILIANA DONES Soon the flags will be unfurled and once again be lining the streets of downtown Coconut Grove as the village readies for its favorite holiday celebration — Independence Day. As in previous years, the events start early and end late, beginning with the traditional picnic at The Barnacle, and culminating with a big bash and fireworks display at Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Rd. The board of directors of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce is excited to be coordinating the fireworks extravaganza at Peacock Park, and especially looking forward to teaming up with returning sponsor, the Boston Beer Company. Sam Adams once again is the official beer for July 4 at Peacock Park, and nothing goes better with beer than an assortment of some of the city’s top gourmet food trucks, including, as of this date: CheeseMe Mobile, Dim Ssam a gogo, Gastropod, Latin Burger and The Fish Box, plus Fireman Derek’s World-Famous Pies and a Snow Caps stand. Soft drinks, cocktails and Zico Coconut Water will round out the menu. Free Entertainment includes performances by The Ramblers Band, Pit Bull of Blues and Joel Zoss. There also will be a Children’s Fun Zone. Festivities in the park get going around 5 p.m. and are expected to last until 10 p.m. As per tradition, the Coconut Grove Independence Day celebrations begin at 11 a.m. with an old-fashioned picnic at The Barnacle Historic State Park. Lawn games, board games, kite making, crafts, and a treasure hunt will keep the whole family entertained and in a sporting mood. Live music from Joel Zoss adds atmosphere to a park already decked out in traditional Fourth
of July bunting. Bring a picnic or treat yourself to hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs and burgers, popcorn, soft drinks and ice cream available for purchase. The Barnacle Historic State Park is located at 3485 Main Hwy. in downtown Coconut Grove, across the street from the Coconut Grove Playhouse. Admission to the park on the day of this event is $5; $3 for ages 6-12; children under 6 are free. The park opens at 9 a.m. with activities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Park closes at 5 p.m. The Barnacle welcomes blankets, lawn chairs and picnics, but alcohol and fireworks are not permitted. For additional information call 305-4426866 or visit online at <www.TheBarnacle.org>. The fun continues in downtown Grove, with the Merchants Group Scavenger Hunt which starts around 3 p.m., followed by the Hotdog Eating Contest at CocoWalk. Once the winner is announced, it is time to head to the park and stake out a spot to relax and enjoy a variety of food with ice cold Sam Adams, and let the fireworks begin. The entire weekend is filled with festivities. Many of the Grove hotels will be having weekend specials, and the Grove BID once again will feature all manner of street theater — from flame throwers, to tightrope dancers and acrobats, performing daring feats along Grand Avenue. The chamber is in need of volunteers to help at the vending booths in the park. It is a lot of fun and a great way to make sure you have a spot to see the fireworks. For more information, contact Lisa Shallenberger at <lmshall@hotmail.com>. For up-to-the-minute info and event itinerary as it unfolds, check out the events calendar on the chamber website at <www.coconutgrovechamber.com>.
June 28 - July 11, 2011
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Aspiring vocalists, musicians get the chance to hone their craft BY TARNELL CARROLL
Aspiring vocalists and musicians will get the chance to hone their craft this summer when Miami Dade College (MDC) and the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami host Free Summer Reading Sessions on Tuesdays, July 12 and Aug. 2, 7-9 p.m., at the Kendall Campus, 11011 SW 104 St., Building 8, Second Floor, Room 8-247. The sessions will allow participants to get acquainted with the Civic Chorale during its informal rehearsals, where they will be able to fine tune their sight reading skills and improve their vocal technique. The singers of the Civic Chorale also will perform selections from various musical genres during the rehearsals. The sessions are free and open to the public. Attendance at both sessions is not required. The Summer Reading Sessions will be led by MDC’s Dr. Kenneth Boos, the Civic Chorale’s artistic director; Robert Gower, assistant conductor; Donald Oglesby, Alec Schumacker, Ryan Ellis, and Karen Gentry as guest conductors.
The revamped Civic Chorale of Greater Miami’s mission is to provide an opportunity for amateur and professional singers to study and perform a variety of choral literature, to enhance the cultural life of the community through public performance of choral music, and to provide ongoing community service and outreach. Under the direction of Boos, the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami has been a vital part of the South Florida musical community since 1970. Founded by Lee Kjelson, the group is comprised of students and adult members of the community who share a love for singing and musical excellence. In January 2010, the Chorale began its affiliation with Miami Dade College with the guidance of Rodester Brandon, chair of the Kendall Campus’ Music, Theater and Dance Department. For more information about the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami, contact Civic Chorale’s artistic director Dr. Kenneth Boos at 305-237-2394, email at <kboos@mdc.edu> or Phee Price, Civic Chorale’s executive director, at 305-4905930, email at <pheeprice@gmail.com>.
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Hector Wiltz, M.D., CPI
Board Certified Dermatologist • FXM Research Miami Do you or someone you know have “Tinea Pedis/Athlete’s Foot”? Do you or someone you know have “Tinea Cruris/Jock Itch”? Do you or someone you know have “Tinea Corporis/Ringworm”? FXM Research in Miami is looking for males and females 12 years or older that suffer from Tinea Pedis, Tinea Cruris, and/or Tinea Corporis to participate in an Open Label eight [8] study-visit clinical research study with the opportunity of recurrent study medication for one year. Medical Insurance is not required for study participation. Qualified participants will receive:
• Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist. • Investigational Study Medication at no cost. • Reimbursement for time and travel up to $350.00. ¿Tiene usted o alguien que usted conozca “Hongos Entre Los Dedos De Sus Pies/Pie De Atleta”? ¿Tiene usted o alguien que usted conozca “Tinea Cruris u Hongos Entre Sus Piernas/Muslos”? ¿Tiene usted o alguien que usted conozca “Tinea Corporal o Tinea En Forma De Anillo En Su Piel”? FXM Research en Miami está buscando hombres y mujeres entre las edades de 12 años o más que sufran de Hongos Entre Los Dedos De Sus Pies, Hongos Entre Sus Piernas/Muslos, y/o Hongos En Su Piel para participar en un estudio de investigación clínico que requiere ocho [8] visitas con la oportunidad de medicamentos del estudio recurrentes por un año. Seguro Médico no es requerido para su participación en el estudio. Los participantes que califiquen recibirán:
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BGR: One Restaurant that’s Here to Stay – And Here’s Why: With the recent surge of upscale burger places in the area, South Florida is undergoing a hamburger revolution. Many chefs have been going gourmet by adding inventive toppings and creating new ways to order burgers, but in the Coral Gables area, BGR The Burger Joint is taking this contemporary burger concept to a whole new level of obsession. With juicy burgers, rich milkshakes and a hip rock n’ rock vibe, BGR is a one-of-a-kind gourmet destination, perfect for families, adults, kids and the burger-lover in all of us. Opening his first location of the DC-based gourmet burger brand just over three years ago, Founder and Vice Chairman Mark Bucher has been focused on setting his
burger apart from the crowd; “This isn’t your typical burger restaurant,” he says. And it’s hard to argue with burger creations like the 9 Pounder, a nine pound patty topped with two heads of lettuce, eight tomatoes, a "river of mojo sauce" and four pickles that’s on the house if you’re able to gulf down the largerthan-life burger in one sitting. One of the secrets to Bucher’s specialty burger creations can be attributed to grainfed prime aged beef and fresh produce, giving the burgers a more refined and gourmet taste. Their mouthwatering menu includes creations like the Cuban Burger topped with slow-roasted pork, Serrano ham, sweet pickles and Swiss and the Greek burger, a lamb patty with cumin, mint, and garlic that’s covered in tzatziki, feta, red onion, and cucumber. Also
a favorite at BGR is the Wellington, which drips with blue cheese and is topped with deep-roasted mushrooms, caramelized onions, black truffles, garlic and foie gras. Their extensive menu also offers a variety of other nonburger staples such as veggie, turkey, Ahi tuna, and even a lobster burger. As you can see, just like the Coral Gables area, the burgers at BGR are influenced by a wide range of cultures and tastes (with something for everyone). Not only are all of the burgers unique, but so is the atmosphere. With a diehard allegiance to rock n’ roll, the restaurant’s nostalgic décor includes walls lined with vintage record covers, Beatles-covered tabletops, flat screens playing “old-school” music videos, and a celebrity signed guitars from the likes of Steven Tyler and Gloria Estefan. This hip and down-toearth establishment is also attracting quite a following. With a recent appearance by former Miami Heat player Juwan Howard just last week, BGR is already on its way to be-
coming a true celebrity hotspot. Just three weeks after its Sunshine State debut, BGR has established itself as a mainstay in the Coral Gables community. BGR’s creative burgers and milkshakes, affordable prices, and rocking atmosphere make for a winning (and immensely tasty) combination. BGR The Burger Joint 232 Miracle Mile Coral Gables, Florida 305-461-9989 www.bgrtheburgerjoint.com
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
June 28 - July 11, 2011
Cutler Bay Business Association Luncheon June, 2011
Anna Marie, Alina, Janet, and Carol
JoAnn Parns, Amanda Watson, Deloris Triana, Angie and Camryn Cortez and Cyndi Rogg.
Members and guests listen to the speaker, Rick Tonkinson while enjoying a wonderful lunch from Steve’s Pizza
Diane Superville, and Maxine & Granval Turner
If you own a business, think like an owner, not like an employee. That’s the advice of Rick Tonkinson of Tonkinson Financial, passed along at the monthly luncheon of Cutler Bay Business Association at Palmetto Bay Village Center. Noting that Miami is an entrepreneurial city, built on small businesses, the financial advisor focused on ways to improve a business’ bottom line. The mistake that owners make, when they think like employees, is that they focus on what they earn, on their assets, rather than on the accounts payable. “If you start with a dollar and add a dollar, then you’re richer,” Tonkinson said. “But if you start with a dollar and spend a dollar, then you’re broke.” Owners should target paying the bills, being careful not to run out of cash because “cash is king”. His advice to new business owners was to inspire the trust of potential customers by posting one’s code of ethics at the business site. The speaker’s personal story is testimony to bringing debts under control and heading toward financial independence: at 37 he was fired from a job and loaded with credit card bills. In five years, he was out of debt and in five more years, he was a business owner showing a profit. Tonkinson, a former Peace Corps worker, says he still practices giving to others; his initial consultations with clients are free of charge. A delicious Italian lunch was catered by Steve's Pizza, located on South Dixie Hwy in Palmetto Bay.
Ed Ludovicci, Darryl Boyette and Grant Miller
Sharon Krutelis, Georgia Tate and Roberta Bergman
Jean Tong Noon, James Thomas and Bill Theile
JoAnn Parns, Rick Tonkinson, Michael Kesti and Bobby Brown
June 28 - July 11, 2011
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Students get scholarships from Salute to Education BY LEE STEPHENS
Salute to Education Inc., a scholarship program created and funded by the South Florida Ford and Lincoln dealers and Ford Motor Company, has awarded $1,000 scholarships and laptop computers to 70 high school seniors in Miami-Dade County. Each student applied in one of four main categories in which he/she qualified. The categories are Athletics, Arts (Language Arts/Foreign Language and Performing/ Visual Arts), Leadership/Service, and Sciences (Mathematics/Computer Science and Natural Science). A Scholarship Committee comprised of community, civic and educational leaders then judged the applications and selected winners from Miami-Dade County. Along with the scholarship check, each of the scholarship winners also received a new laptop computer. There also were 70 winners chosen from Broward County. “We recognize the tremendous potential in the students within the South Florida community and we are committed to helping them pursue their dreams of a higher education,” said Victor Benitez, president of Salute to Education and vice president of Gus Machado Ford. “With the consistent rise in college tuition, students have come to rely on scholarships like ours to help fund their schooling,” Benitez added. “Although we live in challenging economic times, the South Florida Ford and Lincoln dealers are still committed to continuing granting scholarships and assisting high school seniors in South Florida with their educational goals.” The scholarship winners were recognized during the 17th annual Salute to Education Scholarship Awards Luncheon on Saturday, June 11, at the Graham Center Ballroom at Florida International University. Salute to Education Inc., established in 1994, is a non-profit organization funded through dealership contributions and corporate support from Ford Division, Lincoln Division, Ford Credit and Ford Customer Service Division. In addition, the program receives support from a Scholarship Committee composed of Ford and Lincoln dealers and business, educational and civic leaders. Community volunteer participa-
tion has been an integral part of the campaign’s success. Salute to Education is one of the largest private scholarship programs in South Florida and has awarded more than $3.5 million in scholarships to more than 3,400 deserving public and private high school seniors in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Following are the names of the area Salute to Education Scholarship winners separated by school and the category in which they won the scholarship: Coral Reef High — Raquel Laing, Athletics; Kelly Wells, Arts: Performing Arts and Visual Arts. G. Holmes Braddock High — Jessica Caceres, Arts: Foreign Language and Language Arts; Anais Rodriguez, Arts: Performing Arts and Visual Arts. Homestead High — Natasha Mathurin, Leadership/Service. John A. Ferguson High — Geisy Sanz Maspons, Leadership/Service; Miguel Sotolongo, Sciences: Mathematics/ Computer Science. MAST Academy — Laura Herrera, Sciences: Natural Science; Ryan Leibowitz, Leadership/Service. Miami Palmetto High — Kelly Hsu, Leadership/Service; Alexandra MaddenBeatley, Arts: Performing Arts and Visual Arts. Miami Southridge High — Miguel Amezcua, Sciences: Natural Science. Miami Sunset High — Maria Barrios, Arts: Foreign Language and Language Arts; Jenniffer Guerrero, Leadership/ Service; Yingxin He, Sciences: Mathematics/Computer Science; Rachel Taylor Sciences: Natural Science. New World School of the A rts — Luna Goldberg, Arts: Performing Arts and Visual Arts. South Dade High — Laura Tarancon, Arts: Foreign Language and Language Arts. South Miami High — Amy Diaz, Leadership/Service; Diana Martinez, Sciences: Mathematics/Computer Science; Jackeline Zelaya, Arts: Performing Arts and Visual Arts. Southwest Miami High — Andres Casas, Sciences: Mathematics/Computer Science; Liana Guerra, Leadership/ Service; Yelena Orrelly, Arts: Foreign Language and Language Arts.
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Hats off to America July 4th reminds us of pic- Green,, a “Star-Spangled” concert nics, barbecues and spending featuring America’s best-loved time with family. The Palms at music followed by a Fireworks w by The Lake at 8:45pm. Town & Country brings families Show together for a fun-filled celebraStart off the weekend by tion featuring with kids’ crafts, food, entertainment and fire- watching a team of renowned sandd sculptors who will create a works. patrioticc masterpiece at the cenThe Palms at Town & ter on Saturday, July 2nd – Country’s All-Americann Cele- Monday, July 4th. Saving is brationn takes place on Monday, always in style so stop by the 4th July 4 and features a Freee Picnic off Juu lyy Weekendd Sale on Lunchh compliments of Publix Saturday, July 2 - Monday, July 4 and Kids’’ Craftss both from noon where participating stores and to 4:00pm. There will be Prize restaurants will offer deep disDrawingss Everyy Hourr from noon counts and special promotions. until 7:00pm . For more information about From 7:00pm to 8:30pm The The Palms at Town & Country: Palms at Town & Country will 305-274-7982 or www.thephost a Popss Concertt onn The almsshops.com.
June 28 - July 11, 2011
New Panthers on the prowl get to meet Simon Cowell
Friends and incoming Palmetto Senior High School freshmen pictured (l-r) Maggie Thomas, Jessie Kaplan, Kate Eagleton, Mia Ersoff and Francesca Stein rocked with Simon Cowell at the X Factor auditions, held recently at the BankUnited Center in Coral Gables.
June 28 - July 11, 2011
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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As part of the SUMMER
June 28 - July 11, 2011
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ONE FREE WEEK PASS & 3 PERSONAL TRAINING $100! SESSIONS FOR FROM BEGINNER TO ADVANCED, THE PINECREST COMMUNITY CENTER
IS FULLY EQUIPPED TO ASSIST ANYONE PURSUING A HIGHER LEVEL OF FITNESS. The Pinecrest Community Center now offers more than 4200 square feet dedicated solely to get fit. The facility proudly provides the latest equipment from industry leaders Precor, Lifefitness, and Hampton. Village of Pinecrest • Parks and Recreation Department, Pinecrest Community Center
5855 Southwest 111 St. Pinecrest, FL 33156 • 305-284-0900 You can register online for all classes and programs at: www.pinecrest-fl.gov/parks
June 28 - July 11, 2011
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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June 28 - July 11, 2011
Toyota previews the Prius v hybrid in Charlotte, NC
New Toyota Prius v is more aerodynamic and larger than its Liftback sibling. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
normal, Eco, Power and EV — as the current Prius, and produces 66 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle. The larger vehicle causes fuel efficiency to drop a bit at 44 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway and 42 mpg combined. As for the interior, designers incorporated efficient weight-saving materials in the new Prius, including the optional Panoramic roof made of a lightweight resin that is 40 percent lighter than conventional
glass roofs of similar size. Prius v seats are trimmed in SofTex, a unique material that looks like leather, but weighs about half as much and has more durability. Pricing on the 2012 Prius v Hybrid has not been announced. 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 to <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.
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would reduce U.S. oil consumption by about 2.4 billion barrels per year,” Gartsbeyn said. “Think of it another way — if everyone drove a Prius, we could reduce our use of imported oil by 70 percent.” That said, the first new member of the Prius family is the Prius v, a midsize vehicle that Toyota calls “a perfect fit for young families who value space, comfort, fuel efficiency and technology.” The Prius v shares the same Hybrid Synergy Drive System as the current generation Prius Liftback, but has been designed to deliver the comfort, convenience and flexibility that Toyota thinks young American buyers want. To achieve that goal, Prius v engineers focused on two key areas — aerodynamics and weight reduction — to help boost the Prius v’s fuel economy and performance. The end result is a vehicle that resembles a small SUV, one that is larger than its Liftback predecessor and with 58 percent more cargo space. There’s a 60/40-split rear seat that slides and reclines for passenger comfort and maximize cargo space at 34.3 cubic feet. Aerodynamic design measures optimized the Prius v’s shape and resulted in an excellent 0.29 coefficient of drag (or Cd). Prius v has the same four drive modes —
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