APRIL 2013
Committees Key DBC Success BY NELSON PEÑALVER Chairman Doral Business Council
T
he DBC engines are running at full speed. We are working aggressively on the different committees, each of which plays an integral role in this organization. One of the best ways to grow your business and maximize your membership is by getting involved in one of the 11 working committees of DBC that form the life-blood of our organization. With dedicated Chairs, serving in a leadership capacity, each committee does significant work to support the strategic mission of the DBC. Each year the committees convene to set goals for the upcoming year, laying out those priorities that will keep the organization well-positioned as the voice for the Doral business community. Most committees meet monthly on a set day and time. Choose a committee to grow your business and choose one to grow professionally. The current committees are Education, DBC Forum, Financial Services, Small Business, Healthcare, International Business, Trustees, Ambassadors, Women’s Alliance, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, and Commercial & Industrial Real Estate. The Education Committee had its first event of the year on March 12 at a Signature Breakfast in the Doral Golf Spa Resort, sponsored by Florida National University (FNU). We had an excellent turnout for the event, due in part by the presence of the keynote speaker, Miami Dade School Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. Mr. Carvalho impressed the audience as he eloquently described the remarkable progress achieved during his five-year tenure as leader of the nation’s fourth largest school district. The event was a
––––––––––––– See SUCCESS, page 5
6 Women Recognized as Doralian Women Leaders
HEALTH CARE CORNER The Power of Older Americans.... BY BLANCA CEBALLOS, Manager Caregiver Resource Center United HomeCare
O
Doralian Women Leaders include (l-r) Maria “Toni” Bilbao, Gloria Burns, Lizz Wiegandt with Doral Vice Mayor Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera, Mayor Luigi Boria, Councilwoman Ana Maria Rodriguez, Emily BelloPardo and Carolina Sivoli, . (Not in photo: Mariela Romero). All received a Proclamation from Mayor Boria and were honored at a luncheon catered and served by DIVIETO Italian-American Fusion. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY LEE STEPHENS
In honor of Women’s History Month, Doral Mayor Luigi Boria and the City Council created a special Women’s History Month Proclamation entitled “Transcending Boundaries – Creating Brilliance” to recognize Doralian Women Leaders. Winners in the 26-plus years category were: Business: Elizabeth (Lizz) Wiegandt, Cadillac Director of Mary Kay; Arts: Tied between Mariela Romero, writer of telenovelas, and Maria A. Bilbao, retired from Miami Dade College involved in Doral arts and culture; Communications: Gloria Burns, Columnist and Marketing Representative
of Miami Community Newspapers and the Doral Tribune; Community: Carolina Sivoli, civic activist. The 25 and under honor was awarded to Emily Bello-Pardo, FIU student; a posthumous award was named in honor of Andrea Nicole Castillo. Runners-up included Gisela Thomas, Dilia Melean Tomassetti, Tailleen Arias, Jessie López, Becky Miller, Elena Ortega-Tauler, Esq., Carmen Gómez, Liana Hernández, Manuela Guardia, Malexys Morales and Dominique Barbara. Nominations were opened to women residents of Doral in two age cat-
––––––––––– See WOMEN LEADERS, page 5
lder Americans play an incredibly important role in our community, sharing their talents, wisdom, and life experiences with families, friends and neighbors. They are productive, active and influential members of society, and their numbers are growing. There are more than 41 million people aged 65 and older in the United States. By 2025, that segment of the population is expected to nearly double. Some 17 percent of Florida residents are seniors, highest of any state, according to U.S. Census data. Here in Miami-Dade County, seniors currently make up 14 percent of the population. Since 1963, May has been designated Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate the vitality and aspirations of older adults and their ability to make a real difference in our communities. This year’s theme, established by the Administration on Aging, is “Unleash the Power of Age!” to highlight the significant contributions made by hundreds of thousands of older Americans across our nation. Seniors volunteer throughout our community as mentors, coaches or companions to people in need. They contribute their job skills and expertise to community projects and organizations. At United HomeCare, seniors volunteer to help some of the nearly 5,000 elderly and disabled adults we care for, by assisting them with shopping and light chores or just making a friendly visit. One of our volunteers in her 60’s has contributed a few hours each month for the past 10 years, helping a UHC client who is in her 80’s. This beautiful friend-
––––– See HEALTH CARE CORNER, page 5
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Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Plans for 1,300 BY GLORIA BURNS
The week before Easter, Fr Israel Mago, Pastor, treated the congregation of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church to the recently revised draft renderings of the congregations’ new church. For most of the parish members, the story behind this building campaign is nothing short of a miracle. It seems every obstacle turned out to be God saying “not yet, I have a better plan”. And so it happened that an anonymous donor from Mexico devoted to the Virgin of Guadalupe, learning of the efforts of this parish, offered a two-forone match of funding to help build a church that would be able to accommodate what is quickly becoming one of the
largest parishes in the Miami Dade County. While the original design for the temporary church was would have held 900, the new design for a Marian Sanctuary permanent church building will hold 1300. Architects from Mexico will be visiting soon to unveil the final plans to an excited congregation that has managed to form a beautiful church family, despite having to rent space from Doral Charter High School where for weekly masses, and use office spaces for other meetings. In fact, the Youth Group so quickly outgrew its space that the group now meets at a donated warehouse space on 114th Ave. For more information of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, visit <www.olgdoral.org>.
NW 114 Avenue Project Begins Doral Public Works Department has begun a roadway construction project along NW 114th Avenue from NW 39th Street to NW 41st Street that involves lane closures and detours. For safety measures, traffic lanes and sidewalks may be closed at times with lane closures occurring from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Affected roadways are NW 114th Ave. and NW 41st St. The project is anticipated to take
approximately 75 calendar days. Scheduled work may change due to bad weather or other unexpected conditions. For more information, contact Project Administrator Wilfredo Suarez Mulkay at <WSMulkay@apcte.com> or City of Doral Public Works Department, Tel. 305-5936740.Email: <publicworks@cityofdoral. com> or visit the City of Doral website <www.cityofdoral.com> for additional details.
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SUCCESS from front page ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––—–––––––––––––––––––—— tremendous success, well represented by local schools and many members of the DBC. The Committee Chair, along with the entire Education Committee, presented a fabulous program and provided an excellent networking opportunity for the participants. There are exciting new plans in the works, such as the Fourth Annual Overseas Chinese Gala, Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, at the
Intercontinental Hotel, May 18. We’ve already sent out SAVE THE DATE notices and we are getting ready for wonderful evening of fun and networking. More to come, so stay tuned! Once more, words cannot express my gratitude to our members for their loyalty and support. On behalf of the members of our Board, thank you for making our job easier — as we GROW TOGETHER…. ONE CONNECTION AT A TIME!
WOMEN LEADERS from front page –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––—––––––––—–––––– egories: 26 years and over, and 25 years and under, with judging based on achievements that transcended the city limits in four areas of impact: the arts, business, communications, and community. Final judging by Mayor Boria, ViceMayor Bettina Rodriguez-Aguilera and Councilwoman Christi Fraga Mar. 18, 2013, preceded announcement of winners at the City of Doral Council meeting,
Each received a framed proclamation acknowledging their endless work and dedication to the City of Doral that has ‘transcended boundaries and created brilliance.’ All finalists received certificates of acknowledgment. Doralian Women Leaders Initiative was presented by Vice Mayor Rodriguez Aguilera to bring about community awareness for Doral’s women leaders.
HEALTH CARE CORNER from front page –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––—–––––– ship bloomed from a simple act of caring and compassion. In celebration of Older Americans Month in May, United HomeCare invites Doral residents to participate in United Friends for Seniors, United HomeCare’s volunteer program. Volunteers can make a difference in the life of a senior by visiting with those who live alone and providing friendly companionship and social contact with the community.
Our next monthly Volunteer Open House, where you can learn about the program, will be on Thursday, April 25, between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the UHC Caregiver Resource Center, located at 8400 NW 33rd Street, Suite 400, Doral, FL 33122. For more information, contact Blanca Ceballos at 305-328-0875 or at<bceballos@unitedhomecare.com.>
Doral Tribune
6769 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355, Fax (305) 662-6980 www.communitynewspapers.com 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, Celia Canabate, Diane Chasin, Henry Chau, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lori Cohen, Diane Maddox, Denzel Miles, Ann Robbins-Udel, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fara Sax, Diane Sedona Schiller, Walter White LEGAL ADVERTISING ..................................................................Georgia Tait BOOKKEEPING .......................................................................Jesus Toledo PROOF DEPARTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Vavrek GRAPHIC ARTIST ............................................Denise Cebrero, Isabel Ortega, Cristian Ortiz PUBLISHER EMERITUS ..................................................................Ron Miller Aventura News, Biscayne Bay Tribune, Coral Gables News, Cutler Bay News, Doral Tribune, Kendall Gazette, Miami Beach News, Miami Gardens Tribune, Palmetto Bay News, Opa-Locka News, Pinecrest Tribune, South Miami News, Sunny Isles Beach Sun, West Park News
www.communitynewspapers.com
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Doral Business Forum
Speak Up! Small Businesses Should Support Stadium (The following comments are excerpted from testimony in Tallahassee by Marti Bueso, a business woman owner supporting Sen. Bill 306 to allow a one-cent tourist tax increase in Miami-Dade County for Sun Life Stadium expansion). Modernization of Sun Life Stadium will positively impact your business! But you have to go after the business! People will not come to you asking to help you increase your sales. This project will help attract future Super Bowls, including the 50th Anniversary Super Bowl in 2016, College Football Championship games, Pan Am games, international soccer, etc. But how will that impact you? For me, the “Power of One” was highlighted the week between Christmas/New Year’s, a typically slow business time, by recounting how a positive impact of just one event affected one small business: Trias Flowers. (One week, one game: the historic New Year’s Day Orange Bowl game, Northern Illinois vs. FSU). Not waiting for business to trickle down, we contacted the two universities and local organizations directly. The universities hosted events for their alumni and supporters, and the University of Miami also held events around the city during Orange Bowl week. Trias provided flowers for several of these events, grossing dollars that wouldn’t have been available if these events were not brought to Miami. It allowed Trias, celebrating 100 years in business; to keep the workforce at full staff, without temporary hourly cutbacks, Drivers worked full shifts; a few earned overtime pay. The results: one employee took his pet to the veterinarian; another took children
Maria Bueso, Past Chair, DBC Forum testifies.
to see Cinderella at Actor’s Playhouse, a third took his mother for an MRI; and fourth paid for family haircuts. Still another visited ZooMiami; one visited Jungle Island; another went to the dentist. A lot of money? No. But small business owners know how we survive day by day, one sale at a time, one connection at a time; $1 spent with another. The Miami Dolphins, the first professional sports team in Florida, has grown up with our community, supporting us with their various philanthropic donations and service projects. They’ve backed tourism and jobs by attracting Super Bowls and National Championship games and by moving their corporate headquarters to Miami-Dade. I encourage you to become informed about this potential project and its impact on small businesses. Over 80% of businesses in Dade are small companies with fewer than 20 employees. Without opportunities from additional venues, we can only continue selling to each other. That’s why I applaud this great nation of opportunity; creating ways to assist people with their eagerness and enthusiasm in their quest for success... For more information on the modernization plans for Sun Life Stadium, visit <MiamiFIRST.com>.
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Former WestVest Team Launching Doral Firm Hector Catano and Frank Trelles, former executive vice president and vice president of WestVest Associates respectively, are teaming up to launch Cornerstone International Realty (CIR) of Doral. ` The pair combines over 20 years of commercial real estate experience and more than $500 million in closed transactions. “The last two years have seen our Hector Catano market quickly rebound,” said Catano. “Vacancy rates are at a five-year low and the purchasing market is also improving. We felt that the timing was right to make this move.” CIR, a brokerage and advisory firm
representing property owners, investors and tenants in South Florida, will also add development, financing and property management divisions to provide a full spectrum of services. “Our focus is to provide the highest level of service to our clients,” said Trelles. “By adding these services our clients will benefit greatly by having all these services under one umbrella and Frank Trelles simplify the transaction process.” While CIR’s Miami headquarters will be in Doral, the company plans to establish offices in Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil.
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MCS Students Shine in Scholastic Competitions MIAMI CHRISTIAN
UPDATE BY GLORIA BURNS Miami Christian Scholar students Alina Andrews, Joey Campos, and Andrea Sinclair competed in the MCS History Day competition, under the direction of Scholars and AP Instructor, Mr. Wayne Williams, each winning first place in their respective categories. Alina and Andrea then competed in the All-County History Day competition in which Alina again took first in the AllCounty “Documentary” category while Andrea also won first in the “Research Paper” category. The next step for these two county-wide winners: competing in a statewide “National History Day” to be held this May in Tallahassee. In addition, 15 MCS students received honors in this year’s Scholastic Writing Competition. Congratulations to these stellar students: Alina Andrews (Poetry and Personal Essay/Memoir), Joey Campos (Person Essay/Memoir), Damon Carrazana (Science Fiction/Fantasy), Luis Castro (Poetry, Personal Essay/Memoir), Rosa Castro (Flash Fiction), Elisha Cordeau (Poetry, Personal Essay/Memoir), Daniel Galarza (Poetry, Personal Essay/Memoir), Christopher Gonzalez (Poetry, Personal Essay/Memoir), Melissa Gonzalez (Personal Essay/Memoir), Naomi Granado (Poetry, Personal Essay/Memoir), Sonali Khiyani (Poetry, Personal Essay/Memoir), Joshua Mishaan (Flash Fiction), Alejandro Queija (Personal Essay, Memoir), Elizabeth Rosillo (Poetry, Personal Essay/Memoir), and Andrea Sinclear (Poetry/Personal Essay/Memoir).
First place winners in History Day competition include (l-r): Alina Andrews, Joey Campos, Andrea Sinclair.
AmTrust Bank in Doral Plaza held a multi-school contest on “What Valentine’s Day Means to Me” with Miami Christian’s elementary students entering the contest
with student drawings reflecting “What the Holiday Means to Me.” Branch Manager Maria Mendez visited the MCS campus to award the first place prize to Janelle Diaz (Grade 5); second place to Zoe Campos (Grade 1). The MCS “Intro to Engineering” class with instructor Margot Youssef visited the Engineering Department at Florida International University, interacting with FIU engineering students, participated in chemistry and physics experiments, and checking out student projects in robotics and biomedical developments. As a result, the students have been invited to participate for FIU credit in a special summer course related to computer programming and engineering.
Top prize winners Janelle Diaz (left) and Zoe Campos (right) display Valentine’s Day messages with Maria Mendez, of AmTrust Bank.
Plant gifts from Miami Dade County Commissioner Jose Diaz received by Dr. Lorena Morrison, MCS Principal.
As part of his “14 Days of Neighborly Love”, former MCS student and Miami Dade County Commissioner, Jose ‘Pepe’ Diaz, included a gift of plants from Costa Farms for campus landscaping. Placed in strategic locations, the plants have enriched the look of the campus.
Next Admissions Open House at MCS is Thursday, April 11, 4- 6 p.m., a great opportunity for prospective families to meet the MCS staff and tour the facilities. Call Donna for more information at 305-221-7754 ext.773.
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Latin Builders Honor Adonel Concrete Adonel Concrete was recently named â&#x20AC;&#x153;Concrete Supplier of the Yearâ&#x20AC;? by the Latin Builders Association of Miami, and presented at the LBA Awards Gala at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Founded in 1984 by Luis Garcia, the company maintains nine plants in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Fort Pierce. In January 2010, Adonel expanded its operations to Haiti
Luis Garcia, President/CEO Adonel Concrete
to help rebuild its earthquake-damaged areas and now operates two plants in that country, supplying concrete for several projects in Port-Au-Prince. Adonel has more than 210 employees and a fleet of 120 trucks. The LBA is a non-profit organization associated with the construction business throughout South Florida.
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Ourr Lady y off Guadalupe Catholicc Church Invites you to join us for Mass Mass Location: Doral Academy High School 11100 NW 27th Street, Doral, FL
Weekly Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil
School Business Leaders Raise $1400 in March BY JENNIFER MARTINEZ
Dade Christian School chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) raised an impressive $1,400 during March of Dimes week, March 18-22. Dade Christian School has been involved many years through FBLA and its advisor, Mrs. Linda Virtue, now in her last year as sponsor. Club members sold wristbands with proceeds targeted for research and education to prevent birth defects and promote healthy pregnancies. A special chapel program was held on Mar. 19 informing students about March of Dimes. A video made by a DCS senior student, Linda Flores, told stories of several
families affected by premature birth, bringing tears to the eyes of many. The week culminated in a March for Babies Mar. 22 when students clad in white and purple gathered in front of the school, holding flags and banners with the March of Dimes logo emblazoned on the front. Students from elementary to high school bolstered the cause as FBLA officers led a cluster of students who marched twice around the school with children proudly holding supportive signs aloft. Learning to work for the benefit of others was a valuable experience, and the efforts made at DCS during the March of Dimes week enriched the lives of all.
5:30 pm (English) 6:30 pm (Spanish)
Sunday 9:00 am (English) 10:30 & 12:00 Noon (Spanish)
Confession 15 minutes prior to Mass
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Daily 7:00 am - 10:00 pm Parish Center: 11402 NW 41 Street, Suite 221 Pastor Reverend Israel E. Mago For information on marriage and baptism, call 305.593.6123
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DBC Signature Breakfast features Carvalho At the March 12 DBC Signature Breakfast, Miami Dade County School’s Superintendent, Alberto Carvalho, provided members of the Doral Business Council with an inspirational talk during which he reiterated the importance of our
children’s education to the economic progress of our community. The DBC thanks Florida National University for sponsoring the March breakfast. The DBC meets monthly at the Trump Doral Golf Resort and Spa.
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho seated here with School Board Member Susie Castillo. (Photos courtesy of SnapHappy)
Seen here at DBC breakfast are Raul Pino, Ginger Poulos, Rene Negron and Peter Jude. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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“A Better Way” says Venezuelan-American Ex-Sgt. Acosta
Caregiving Ordeal Sparked Birth of Hialeah Comfort Care Clothing BY MARK SELL
In late 2010, John Acosta, a 27-yearold Venezuelan-American sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, hit upon the idea for his Miami adaptive pajama top company when his family was plunged into the world of end-of-life caregiving. Acosta’s grandfather, William Ronald Biggs, then 78, was losing a 12-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. The family physician made the difficult choice to initiate home hospice care. Not so many years before, Biggs had been an advertising and PR powerhouse in his native Michigan, whose company board included lifelong friend and mentor NFL football coach George Allen and esteemed economist Paul McCracken. Biggs was an avid golfer and author of two popular books, dedicating the proceeds to scholarships. Now he was bedridden and helpless. Acosta’s grandmother and Biggs’ wife of 57 years,- Ruth Ann, found herself the main caregiver, charged with keeping Acosta’s father clean, dignified and free of bedsores and other afflictions as he faced his final journey. Dressing was, surprisingly, one of the most painful things. Changing a shirt was agony. Never one to complain, Biggs would endure the sharp pain, especially when his family members tried to dress or undress him with his arms stiffened from Parkinson’s. John helped as he could, and his younger sister worked particularly hard. He was frustrated by the lack of products and resources to make life easier for both the caregiver and the patient. “It struck me that there just had to be a better way,” Acosta said. So Acosta hit upon his idea. Why not create tasteful sleepwear with soft, breatheable cotton that unbuttons in the front with snaps all up and down the sleeves? With an open back, dressing and undressing could become, as it were, a snap. An estimated 1.4 million Americans participate in hospice care every year, and that number is only expected to grow. Add to that the number of paraplegics, quadriplegics and others permanently or even temporarily deprived of mobility. With open backs and quick snaps down the sleeves of the garments, caregivers can change clothes without avoidable lifting or removal of intravenous devices or monitoring systems, saving time and injury on hospital floors. Soon thereafter, Acosta gave birth to his company: Comfort Care Clothing Co., lodged in a Hialeah factory and reached at
John Acosta of Comfort Care Clothing Company
<www.comfortcareco.com>. Now 29, Acosta has since left the Air Force after eight years’ service, and is embarking on his journey as a Miami entrepreneur, as he and his wife are expecting their first baby. The business is still in its early stages but maturing steadily, with Central American and Asian manufacturers ready to produce the adaptive pajama tops on demand. The garment lists for $35.99 and comes in blue for men and pink for women. Demographics are on Acosta’s side. The population of those 85 and older has grown from just over 100,000 in 1900 to 5.5 million in 2010. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that population will more than triple to 19 million by 2050, when Acosta will be 66 and perhaps getting ready for retirement. By 2030, 20 percent of America will be 65 or over. By 2050, the American Health Care Association projects that 27 million people will use long-term health care services. Acosta is convinced that he is onto something: “As the business grows, I look forward to expanding the offerings,” he says. Comfort Care Clothing Co. investors have provided $150,000 in seed money. Those investors include: Gabor Marquez; Cesar Rodriguez; Mikel Aramburu, and Carlos and Enrique Gill. The group has extensive experience in financing and investing in businesses, which including food factories, art dealerships, broadcasting enterprises and the medical device industry, among other businesses. For critical care nurse Audra Austin
of Chicago, the adaptive clothing, particularly with the snap-on sleeves, comes at the right time. “I have seen end-of life issues both as
a caregiver of grandparents and as a critical care nurse,” says Ms. Austin. “As a society, we place so much emphasis on extending and preserving life, but the everyday and very real human concerns are often overlooked. “Something as simple as the right kind of garment does more than ease back strain and cut workers’ comp claim for caregivers. It helps preserve the ideals of honor, dignity, and respect to individual patients and families both during their lives and when nearing the end of life.” For John Acosta, it’s not just a business, but a mission: “There’s a sandwich generation out there of people in their 40s, 50s and early 60s. They are raising children and caring for parents. “That trend is only going to continue for the coming decades. And it is a passion of mine to build a company founded on dignity for the patient and ease for the caregiver. “As someone about to become a new father, I‘d like to create something that does my children and children of parents everywhere proud.”
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Rep. Joe Garcia honors Columbus High School
U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia (right), pictured with Brother Kevin, recently visited Columbus High School to present a copy of a Congressional Record statement that honors the school for 55 years of service to the community. Rep. Garcia entered the statement into the Congressional Record on Feb. 12. During his visit to Columbus, the congressman talked with students and was interviewed by reporters from the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CCNN TV station and other local news media. Garcia also toured Columbusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mas Technology Complex accompanied by two alumni who now work for him, district manager Raul Martinez Jr. and director of communications Giancarlo Sopo.
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MCS Special Report
Technology Transforming MCS Educational Systems
Instructor Juan Delgado at Smartboard with (l-r) Elizabeth Rosillo, Lukas Velasquez, Rex Magann, physics students. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY CHRISTOPHER GONZALEZ
We live in the twenty-first century, a time where almost anything and everything is technologically based. This is an age where technology has been incorporated into nearly every facet of life, replacing older ways and simplifying our daily lives in a multitude of ways. Over the last two decades, during which we have experienced the largest growth in daily technology, we have seen the changes in every area and in an unprecedented way in education field. Students no longer have the need to spend countless hours at the library searching through piles of books in order to study for an upcoming test or finding the material needed for a research paper. Students are now capable of directly accessing whatever they need through the Internet, a world literally at their fingertips. The school environment has forever changed and the way everything was done just ten years ago is a thing of the past. Miami Christian School has taken advantage of technology in a big way. Students
participate in an integrated laptop program and teachers perform daily lessons using SmartBoard technology. Several classes are offered that do not even require textbooks because the class involves the use of a virtual books, capable of being accessed through the Internet which allows the security of always having the books accessible. Miami Christian is also invested through the online software program called Edline, allowing students and parents alike to check for upcoming events and homework assignments as well as weekly grades and report cards. Through the same website, parents may communicate with teachers regarding questions about assignments or other matters. As technology continues to grow and improve, one can be certain that quality educational institutions like MCS will keep its technology up to date, providing its students with the best learning experience available. (Christopher Gonzalez is a junior at Miami Christian School)
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Former Bank Lawyer Fights for Miami Homeowners By Ann Lino Should I pay the mortgage on my home? What about the taxes and condo fees? What’s the worst that can happen if I don’t pay? What’s the best I can hope for? There are so many people offering advice. Realtors will tell you to sell. Bankruptcy attorneys will tell you to go bankrupt. Loan modification services will tell you to ask nicely for a loan modification. One attorney who spent years representing banks in foreclosures, Bruce Jacobs, will tell you to negotiate from strength. Bruce Jacobs is not only a former bank lawyer, he is also a foreclosure defense client. “I didn’t want to go bankrupt or spend the rest of my life paying for this mortgage mess,” said Bruce. “I had five mortgages on two properties underwater by almost $500,000.00. I stopped paying and put up a fight. Now, I have one property with one mortgage.” There are plenty of reasons to fight. Banks got a bailout of $7.7 Trillion in almost interest free loans from our taxpayer dollars. They pay out billions in bonuses to Wall Street executives while Main Street is left to fight for themselves. The loan modification programs are not working. Homeowners run in circles before getting denied or offered a deal that only helps the bank make more money. Bruce is part of a national group of dedicated lawyers fighting back against banks. They train at seminars around the country and online to share resources and develop cutting edge strategies in foreclosure defense. Many of the attorneys are former bank lawyers who, like Bruce, are passionate about fighting for meaningful help for their clients. Bruce has lectured on foreclosure defense at continuing legal education seminars for other attorneys and realtor offices so more homeowners have access to his strategies. “The goal is either a meaningful loan modification with a principal balance reduction, a release from the debt, or to fight to clear the mortgage off the property,” said Bruce about most of his clients. “There are reasons banks filed ‘robo-signed’ fraudulent documents in foreclosures all over the country. Many have serious paperwork problems which makes proving the right to foreclose in a courtroom difficult.”
To schedule a free consultation with Bruce Jacobs at his downtown Miami office please call (855) BANK-LIE (226-5543) or watch their free webinar: “Strategies for an Underwater Mortgage” at www.negotiatefromstrength.com. “Not paying your mortgage is only a strategic default if you have a strategy.”
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ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION LOW TESTOSTERONE • LOW LIBIDO • Fertility and sexual dysfunction (male and female) • Male urinary disorders: Chronic prostatitis, BPH, Overactive bladder • Female urinary disorders: Interstitial cystitis, Dyspareunia, Urge urinary incontinence, Overactive bladder • Integrative Functional Diagnostic Medicine and Acupuncture • Musculoskeletal complaints • Chronic pelvic pain syndrome • Wellness and Rejuvenation (male and female)
Holistic Urology Specialists LLC
www.holisticspecialists.com • Login or Call for a free consultation 2140 W. 68th Street - Suite 302 - Miami, FL 33016 Phone: (954)394-9952 • info@holisticspecialists.com
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Divine Savior Academy Begins Major Expansion
Front Entrance of Divine Savoir Academy
Southwest corner in elevated view
Moss & Associates of Fort Lauderdale and Lebolo Construction Management of Boynton Beach has been awarded a $15 million contract to supervise the construction and design of a three-story high school expansion at Divine Savior Academy in Doral. Design and permitting work has begun on the 108,000-square-foot facility with construction scheduled to start July 1 with a completion date of August 2014. The new addition will include a threestory classroom, an auditorium/chapel, gym and fitness center along with athletic fields, courts and new parking. The architect of the building is Somerville, Inc., of Green Bay, WI Moss-Lebolo will manage
other key design team members while coordinating with Somerville on architectural aspects. The Divine Savior Academy serves 500 students grades PK3 through high school. The fully-accredited school includes 31 teachers, 9 paraprofessionals, a full-time ESL teacher, full-time resource teacher, an admissions director, a guidance counselor, a college counselor, and two school administrators. The three-building campus is located near the intersection of N.W.58th St. and N. W.102nd Ave. in Doral, and is headed by School Pastor and Superintendent Carlos Leyrer and Senior Pastor Carl Leyrer
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Latin Builders Host Apr. 20 School Benefit The inaugural ‘Los Carnavles of the Latin Builders Association has been scheduled as a fund-raising event for the organization’s non-profit Children and Families Foundation Saturday, April 20 at a Star Island estate off Miami Beach. The Foundation has been expanded to benefit The LBA Construction & Business Management Charter High
School, 13835 N. W. 97 Ave. in Hialeah. Entertainment by Miami’s Senalo and DJ Alex Hernandez will highlight a catered party with beverage and catered food service from several premiere area restaurants. For reservations and information, tel. the LBA office 305-446-5989 or visit <www.lbaorg.com/party> for tickets.
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April 2013
PATCHES joins Leadership Miami for kickball fundraiser BY DONNA SHELLEY
A breezy March day at Miami’s Tropical Park sets the stage for a kickball tournament organized by a Leadership Miami class to raise funds for PATCHES, an acronym for Pediatric Alternative Treatment, Care, Housing & Evaluation Services, a prescribed children’s extended-care organization. Leadership Miami is sponsored by the Miami area Chamber of Commerce designed to educate and develop community leaders in a nine-month program. Nurses Kyle Smith and Joanie Ippolito are the founders of Patches and serve as chief officers. “In our community, my fellow nurses and I saw a need to establish a care facility devoted to children who are medically fragile, said Smith. “So we decided to start such a facility ourselves.” In 1999, Smith and Ippolito maxed out their credit cards, took loans using their homes as collateral, cashed-in their 401K funds and, with their husbands helping, cleaned, painted and outfitted the first PATCHES facility in Homestead. They cleared the hurdles with licensing, permitting and establishing their non-profit status. By 2005, they opened the doors, providing daily nursing care, 12 hours per day, Monday through Friday for children in need from birth to 21 years. The purpose of PATCHES is to provide nursing care to children with medical conditions that prevent them from being left alone or without some kind of medical supervision in a professionally staffed, safe and caring environment. The facilities are licensed by the state. Fostering self-esteem and self-confidence in the child is of the priority at PATCHES. They provide a nurturing home-like place where children can play and socialize with other children in a setting that is more cost-effective than hospitals or nursing homes. Parents can rely on Medicaid and other insurance to assist in the costs associated
with their child’s stay. If they have no way to pay initially, a way will be found. In any case the philosophy at PATCHES is simple. “We are not going to turn a child away,” said Ippolito. And so, here on an idyllic South Florida day, an organized adult kickball tournament made up of 350 participants comprising 18 teams of 12 members was played. Members of the teams paid to compete
and raise money for a worthy cause. Thanks to the efforts of Paul Wilson, the visionary behind the event, this Leadership Miami class raised $21,000, enough money to fund a large portion of for establishing a “snoozling” room at the Florida City PATCHES facility. A snoozling or (Snoezelen) room provides a multi- or single-sensory experience for children by using lighting, color, sounds, music and
scents for stimulation that does not rely entirely on verbal communication. The room reduces stress and aggression, and fosters relaxation. PATCHES also received a large boost from Baptist Hospital in Homestead when it funded new cribs. They also donated a day of service in which 100 Baptist Health employees help to spruce up the grounds and paint the Florida City facility. Jessica Berrin, Government and Community Relations for Baptist Health, reports that the much-anticipated opening of the snoozling room is scheduled for Apr. 26. For information, go to <www.patchesppec.org> or call 305-242-8122.
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DBC Committees:
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Arts Culture and Entertainment (ACE)
‘Engage & Lead’ (Following is a summary of Doral Business Council Committees missions, meeting dates and contacts). Internationall Business The international committee is unique and covers a wide array of industry sectors and business opportunities. Its main goal is to provide a forum for its members to meet and interact with companies and individuals working within the International community in Doral. It also functions as a platform to identify and seek business opportunities and address issues that affect international trade and commerce in our region. The international committee produces the International Awards each November with honors presented to various companies and individuals for their accomplishments in this sector over the past year. Open for members and invited guests only Chairperson Email Meetings Location
Email Meetings: Location:
Email: Meetings: Location:
Email: Meetings: Location:
Small Business
Nelson Penalver
Trustee
Peterr Judee Kendall Regional Medical Center Peter.jude@hcahealthcare.com April 16, May 23 United Home Care, 8400 NW 33rd St.
Ambassadorss Committee The Ambassadors Committee includes some of the more active members of the Doral Business Council. Its primary goal is to focus on the acclamation of new members into our organization as well as retention of existing members. Committee members take a leadership role at all events, assisting in the coordination of meetings, seminars and other DBC related activities. Ambassadors are the eyes and ears of the organizations and are considered to be a valuable resource in attaining new members. Chairperson:
Mara Falero
Elizabethh Wiegandtt Mary Kay wiegande@bellsouth.net April 3, 17; May 1, 15. El Tropico Restaurant
Healthcare The Healthcare committee is one of the oldest and most established within the DBC. The primary mission is to promote and create awareness for the Healthcare community in the City of Doral. Industry sectors covered are varied and include hospitals, physicians, diagnostic centers, homecare and other medical related facilities. Major initiatives for 2013 include a focus on the changes affecting businesses with the enactment of the Affordable Healthcare Act and panel discussions on corporate Wellness Programs. The Healthcare Committee produces the Annual Healthcare Breakfast each October as well as quarterly panels and networking events. Open for members and invited guests only Chairperson:
Financial Services
Efrainn E Soraa Soral Global esora@soraglobal.com April 24,May 29 Intercontinental Hotel
DBC C Forum The DBC Forum is one of the most effective ways to build intimate and long lasting relationships for its members. Using the popular “industry protected network environment” model, the DBC forum meets several times a month to share business leads, referrals and key information while also enhancing personal business development goals. The DBC Forum members are some of the most active among our group with many also serving on other committees and boards. Interested businesses should contact Event Chair Chairperson
Cesar Murillo
Carloss Riveroo Jrr President, Regions Security crivero@RegionsSecurity.us April 2, 16; May 7, 22 DBC Office Continued on next page
Nubielena Medina-Gomez
Education
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International Business
Artss Culturee and d Entertainmentt (ACE)) The primary purpose of the ACE Committee is to foster cultural activities for the DBC as well as the City of Doral. The focus is to bring together those organizations and individuals who work in or support the arts and showcase them in a setting that is available for members and non-members alike. The Doral Business Council feels strongly that the development of cultural venues in the City is vital for a strong and diverse community to thrive. The ACE committee provides a window for our members to gain access to the rich cultural activities that are available in the City of Doral. Open for members and invited guests only Chairperson: Email: Meetings: Location:
Efrain E Sora
DBC Forum
Email: Dates: Location:
Email Dates Location
Peter Jude
Ambassadors Committee
Nelson n Penalver Logistical Outsourcing npenalver@loimiami.com April 2, May 7 Marriott Villas, 4101 NW 87Ave.
Trustee The Trustee Committee represents and coordinates all activities, events and membership opportunities for Doral Business Council Trustee members. The Trustee membership level of the DBC represents its highest level of involvement in terms of cost, commitment and amenities provided. The Trustee Committee assists its members in building strong relationships with other area executives and decision makers that help further expand their influence in the community. The Trustee committee also plans and coordinates exclusive Trustee only luncheons, special events and private introductions. Open for Trustee and DBC Board Members only Chairperson: Email: Meetings held: Location:
Carlos Rivero Jr
Maraa Falero Jet Stream Financial Mfalero@jetstreamfcu.org April 5, May 2 JetStream Federal, 7975 NW 12 St.
Smalll Business The DBC Small Business Committee will support the small business community by generating new business opportunities and solutions for the common challenges facing this group today. This group of members will strive to provide opportunities to create new relationships generate exposure and develop a strong network of partners to serve the largest segment of the DBC member companies. Open for members and invited guests only Chairperson
Healthcare
Cesarr Murillo cesar.murillo42@hotmail.com Second Friday of each month Contact DBC office for details
Financiall Services The Financial Services Committee provides its members with an outlet for most finance and regulatory related topics. Its participants are derived from the membershipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finance, banking and insurance industries, with most having been affiliated with the Doral Business Council for many years. In addition to providing regular updates on the issues that affect the finance industry as a whole, the committee also provides a series of networking events, private tours and privileged access to those members who may be interested in getting involved. Open for members and invited guests only Chairperson:
Elizabeth Wiegandt
April 2013
Nubielenaa Medina-Gomez President, NMG Consulting nubielena@nmgconsulting.com April 5, May 3 Marriott Villas, 4101 NW 87 Ave.
Education The Doral Business Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Education Committee provides a direct resource for those members who are looking to build relationships within the education and learning sectors of the organization. Primary focus of the committee is to foster growth and create awareness of education related initiatives and programs in the region with a specific interest in the City of Doral. Participants regularly inform DBC members about the programs, courses and facilities available for continued and executive related classes. The education committee is comprised of business partners / chamber members of the community, education personnel members who work within the numerous public and private colleges, uniContinued on next page
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
versities and specialty programs and this hands-on knowledge provides a valuable resource to the group. Open for members and invited guests only Chairperson: Email: Meetings: Location:
Arlenee Martinez Miami-Dade County Public Schools asmartinez@dadeschools.net April 30 (Last Tuesday of the month) West Campus, Miami Dade College
Womanss Alliancee Group p (WAG) The DBC has a long history of supporting woman related issues and initiatives in the business community and the Womans Alliance Group is focused on support, guidance and most of all enhancement for woman in the workplace. The WAG Committee presents a regular series of seminars, panel discussions and an annual luncheon all designed to promote and bring woman together in the business community. Open for members and invited guests only Chairperson: Email: Meetings: Location:
Christiee Fraga Councilwoman, City of Doral cfraga@mycityselect.com Contact DBC office for dates Marriott Villas, 4101 NW 87th Ave.
Commerciall and d Industriall Reall Estatee (CIRE) The Commercial and Industrial Real Estate sector is booming in Doral and the DBC is at the forefront of this vibrant and vital industry. Creating awareness, building relationships and education initiatives are the goals of the CIRE Committee with many of its members having extensive experience in real estate, banking, construction and design. Open for members and invited guests only Chairpersons: Email: Meetings: Location:
Jason n Timmons Great Florida Bank jtimmons@greatfloridabank.com April 24, May 29 Contact DBC office for location
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April 2013
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Garay Kitchens & Baths, Inc.
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April 2013
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