Doral Tribune December 2012 by Community Newspapers

DECEMBER 2012 Runoff Winners Ruiz, Fraga Join Aguilera on Council

Boria Becomes Mayor with Three New Members BY RICHARD YAGER

Luigi Boria, an entrepreneurial computer firm executive and ordained Hispanic minister, was sworn into office Nov. 28 as the City of Doral’s second Mayor since incorporation in 2003. By a narrow 432-vote margin of 4,712 ballots cast in the Nov. 27 runoff election, Boria became the first native-born Venezuelan to head a Florida city, defeating challenger Frank Bolanos, former Chairman of Miami-Dade County’s School Board, 2,372 to 2,140. Just over 25% of Doral’s 17,606 registered voters took time to vote for both a new Mayor to succeed Juan Carlos Bermudez who has served since July 2003, the city’s year of incorporation. Bermudez who did not seek reelection due to term limits has since announced his association with the Miami law firm of Akerman Senterfitt as part of a real estate practice group. In addition, three of four Council members began four-year terms including Sandra Ruiz and Christi Fraga, both needing runoff victories Nov. 27. In the Council Seat 1 runoff, Ruiz polled 2,317 to Elena Ortega-Tauler’s 2,049 while Christi Fraga with 2,533 votes won over Robert Van Name with 2030, both 55-to-44% of total votes cast in those two races. Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera had won the Council 3 seat without a runoff by besting Clemente Vera by a slim 50.5 to 49.4% margin in the Nov. 6 election. The swearing-in ceremony of Mayor

HEALTH CARE CORNER Treating Veins By DR. MANUEL E. ABELLA

A 45-year veteran in the public sector, Stierheim successfully supervised a $5 billion countywide infrastructure expansion as Manager of Miami-Dade County from 1976 to 1986. Among that decade’s highlights were construction of Miami Metro Zoo, the downtown library and cultural complex,

n innovative, minimallyinvasive procedure, more advanced than laser, now resolves Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) without the need for painful surgery and long recovery. When CVI develops, the valves which pump blood to the veins are damaged and the blood, instead of flowing in only one direction to return to the heart, flows back or becomes stagnant. The problem usually begins to present itself as varicose veins. Many patients with varicose veins that go untreated may develop CVI. The solution to CVI is eliminating the vein difficulty, so that the blood flows only through healthy veins. The vein which most commonly presents CVI is the saphenous vein, which travels the length of the leg. Until very recently, the way this problem tended to be resolved was by means of a very invasive operation, which consisted in making a large incision in the leg to tie, cut, and remove the vein (ligation and stripping). Recovery was very painful: the patient’s quality of life was severely impaired. The development of catheter technology allowed for the cauterization from within making the vein inoperative, rather than removing the vein itself, turning it into a simple fibrous cord. Initially, this was achieved using laser energy. A new technology now exists using radiofrequency energy, which is more comfortable and convenient. The procedure consists of a catheter inserted into the vein through a tiny incision below the knee. Unlike painful vein stripping surgery or laser ablation, the catheter delivers uniform, consistent heat to each segment and temperatures do not exceed

MANAGER, page 6

––––– See HEALTH CARE CORNER, page 6

Luigi Boria sworn in as City of Doral’s second mayor. –––––––––––––––––––––

Boria and Council members Ruiz, Aguilera and Fraga was followed Dec. 4 by the Council’s first meeting with the three newly-elected women joining Ana Maria Rodriguez. Boria entered the runoff against Frank Bolanos after a three-way Nov. 6 race eliminated Council member Pete Cabrera who lost to Bolanos by 77 votes in a close battle for second place. A native of Caracas, Venezuela, born of Italian parentage. Boria graduated from the Universidad Catolica Andres Bello, earning an accounting degree, and marrying his college sweetheart, Garciela, in 1982. Now married 27 years, the Borias have two children, Alexander

and Maria Lorena. They moved to the U. S. in 1989 where Boria expanded his TMC-The Magic Computer business by locating in Doral and opening a second company, TWC-The Wise Computer with more than 30 employes in Doral, distributing computers, parts and accessories throughout Latin America. Boria recently continued his expansion by opening a third company, The Magic Computer in Colombia. His community positions include President, Fairways Home Association, 2004-2009; President, Westport Association, 1996-2009; Pastor, Alpha and Omega Church since ordained in 2009 and a bible teacher since 2007.

Stierheim Named City Manager Veteran public official Merrett R. Stierheim was named Doral’s interim City Manager by unanimous vote of the City Council during a special Dec. 4 meeting, the newly-formed Council’s first formal action since the election of Mayor Luigi Boria. Stierheim, 79, temporarily replaces Yvonne Soler-McKinley who informed the Council by letter that she would leave as City Manager concurrent with the departure of former Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez.

–––––––––––– See

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DBC Forum Visits Rancho Norris for Holiday Party

Some of many DBC Forum members seen here at Holiday BBQ. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The Doral Business Council Forum, a networking group under the umbrella of the DBC, returned to Rancho Norris (the Davie home of Joe and Norris Perez, of Halo Branded Solutions) for yet another great BBQ to celebrate the holidays. Members came with their families to enjoy food, fun and lots of games from dominoes and Jenga to more strenuous activities such as volleyball mostly played by the younger set. As DBC Forum Chair Gloria Burns, of Miami Christian School and Miami’s Community Newspapers, completes her year, she applauded this year’s Steering Committee for their tireless efforts including Forum’s Vice Chair, Max Fleischer, of Send Out Cards; Secretary, Norris Perez; Treasurer, Marti Bueso, of Home Financing Center; Forum Membership Chair, Lizz

Wiegandt, of Mary Kay; Registration, Reza Ray, of Minuteman Press; Historian, Armando Fernandez, HBW Securities; and Attendance, Theresa Gonzalez, of AirTech. Incoming DBC Forum Chair, Lizz Wiegandt, expects to double the size of this group during her term and has a lot of exciting plans for the coming year. DBC members interested in joining this category exclusive networking group, may contact Gloria Burns for more information at 305 968-3090 or the DBC office at 305 470-9597. The group meets the 1st and 3rd Wed. of every month for a breakfast meeting; however, because of the holidays, in January, 2013, the meetings will be the 2nd and 4th Wed. the following month will revert to the 1st and 3rd Wed. at Tropico Restaurant on NW 84 Avenue and 12th St.

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Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Outreach Helping Many BY GLORIA BURNS

The generous congregation of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Doral contributed two tons of food and more than $1,000 in cash and gift cards to help make the Thanksgiving Day dinners for those less fortunate a good one. As always, the Boy Scouts were also on hand after mass helping collect donations while many others helped orchestrate this very successful food drive. Fr. Israel Mago,pastor, gave thanks to David Iglesias and Palmetto Ford for providing trucks and helping deliver collected food donations to those in need. For a congregation without a physical church building, you would never know it by all its members have accomplished from participating in Emmaus Retreats to organizing CCD Classes, Bible Study, Choir and more. In addition, the church has just organized a Youth Group that promises to offer teens of age14-18 live music, activities, camps, faith formation, retreats and more. The group meets every other Thursday from 7 – 8:30 p.m. For more youth details, visit <www.facebook.com/guadalupe.doral>. The Our Lady of Guadalupe Knights of Columbus is also a very active group. After

could not have been better for this first time fundraiser. Fr. Mago was among the men on hand to help out that morning and as an added bonus, provided a blessing for the trees as they were trimmed and loaded into waiting cars of his many parishioners. Among those helping were Luis Ochoa and Tony Samito, two of several K of C’rs orchestrating this great kickoff to the Christmas season, so successful it’s now expected to become a tradition. For more information on all church activities, call 305-593-6123.

Knights of Columbus group at Christmas tree sale.

a successful golf tournament, the male group tackled another new venture that proved a success: pre selling more than 150 Christmas trees and wreathes, all delivered the day after Thanksgiving. The weather

Tony Samito (left), Luis Ochoa and Father Israel Mago help trim tree the morning after Thanksgiving at Doral Charter High School.

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Time for Giving at Miami Christian School Ramirez and Matthew Diaz assisted during the Spiritual Emphasis week chapels by utilizing their vocal and instrumental talents to enrich the services.

MIAMI CHRISTIAN

UPDATE

Plan ahead to visit MCS on January 24 for the Admissions Open House. Call to schedule a tour with Donna Gehring at 305221-7754, ext. 773..

BY GLORIA BURNS Thanksgiving Day festivities marked the beginning of the holiday season of giving at Miami Christian School, blending history with creative fun as elementary students in costume presented a re-enactment of the first Thanksgiving for their parents. The event provided a way for students to learn about the historical foundations of the first day of appreciation celebrated by the Pilgrims and Native Americans who helped them through their first rough winter in America. *** Of course, holiday drives are now underway. A food drive held by the High School National Beta Club for Thanksgiving was the first of many as MCS students are also collecting shirts and organic seeds for the Sunil’s Home Orphanage in India. In addition, a school-wide effort with “Soles 4 Souls” is collecting shoes for those

Miami Christian’s Junior and National Honor Society Induction. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

and officers who are already members. This year’s inductees were: National Junior Honor Society:: Jacqueline Gonzalez, Sophia Granado, Christine Rosillo, and Muhammad Salem; National Honor Society: Alina Andrews, Jose Campos, Lazaro Diaz, Carlos Fernandez, Ralph Fernandez, Daniel Galarza, Naomi Granado, Sonali Khiyani,

year’s team competing at the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club included: Julianne Arista, Nina Beam, Amin Salem and Sumara Shute. *** The Fine Arts Department will stay busy throughout the semester-in between with concerts at the weekly chapels. Jonathan Ortet, Christopher Tamez, John

Jonathan Ortet (left), Christopher Tamez, John Ramirez, Matthew Diaz perform during Chapel. ––––––––––––––––––––––

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

2012 Christmas Schedule

Nathan Hernandez (left), Joshua Ortet, Mrs. Joanna Clark, Yaneliz Lopez, Angelin Vazquez and Zoe Campos celebrate the First Thanksgiving. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

in need. Any individual or company wanting to participate in these drives may bring contributions to the front office of the school located at 200 NW 109 Ave. *** On the academic front, the National Honor Society and Junior National Honor Society held their annual induction ceremonies that recognized students for excellence in academics, service and on campus leadership. Students are voted upon by faculty and are inducted into the Society by their peers

Daniel Lesteiro, Sheila Linares, Rudy Marquez, Elizabeth Rosillo, and Khalid Salem. NHS Sponsor, Mr. Gentry and NHS Officers, Michael Santiago, Melissa Gonzalez, Rosa Castro and Andrea Sinclair helped to make the event a memorable one. *** Miami Christian School is a member of the Independent Schools of South Florida, and participates in its annual Fifth Grade Spelling Bee with the other independent, accredited schools in the county. This

Lunes 24 de Diciembre / Monday, December 24th: Nochebuena / Vigil of Christmas 5:30 Ingles / English • 6:30 Español / Spanish 12:00 Medianoche / Midnight - Bilingue / Bilingual

Weekly Mass Schedule Saturday Vigil

Martes 25 de Diciembre / Tuesday, December 25th Navidad / Christmas 10:30 Ingles / English • 12:00 Español / Spanish

5:30pm (English) 6:30pm (Spanish)

Lunes 31 de Diciembre / Monday, December 31st: New Years Eve 5:30 Ingles / English • 6:30 Español / Spanish

9:00am (English) 10:30 & 12:00 Noon (Spanish)

Martes 1 de Enero / Tuesday, January 1st Maria Madre de Dios / Mary Mother of God 10:30 Ingles / English • 12:00 Español / Spanish

Sunday

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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HEALTH CARE CORNER from front page –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––—–––––– 120°C. As a result, the procedure causes less bruising and less post operative pain and allows for rapid patient relief and recovery. The Venefit procedure eliminates the need for groin surgery and general anesthesia. The procedure also results in little to no scarring and is generally performed

using local anesthesia in a vein specialist’s office or an outpatient surgical facility. Dr. Manuel Abella, certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the Board of Cardiovascular Diseases, is affiliated with Kendall Regional Medical Center. To contact Dr. Abella, tel. 305221-6161.

MERRETT STIERHEIM from front page –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––—––––––––– the Government Center, several regional parks, libraries, water, sewer and solid waste facilities, and the county’s mass transit system, Metrorail and Metromover. Stierheim also dealt with events with national repercussions as Miami-Dade assimilated more than 160,000 refugees from Cuba during the Mariel exodus and Haitian arrivals. In 1980, he helped restore law and order after severe civil disturbances, joining community leaders to address the social inequities that sparked the disturbances. Many of those programs are still in place today. Serving as interim Manager for the City of Miami in 1996, Stierheim led a recovery effort by enlisting over 40 probono private and public sector executives

in 13 task forces to present a financial recovery plan for the City. Asked to return to Miami-Dade government in 1998 to manage a scandal-ridden and demoralized county, he successfully administrated a $4.5 billion budget with 28,000 employees and 42 departments, working in that capacity until 2001. Mr. Stierheim was named Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools in October 2001 where he served until June 30, 2004. Among other public sector positions, he also served as interim Town Manager of Miami Lakes in 2001 His private sector experience included CEO positions with the Women’s Tennis Association (1986-1989) and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (1990-1996).

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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

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American Welding Society and Carolina Ale House Host DBC Holiday Party BY ANN LINO

American Welding Society opened their beautiful new offices on Dec. 11th for the Doral Business Council’s Holiday Party. More than 140 guests gathered on the huge second floor lobby area of the Society’s new building and enjoyed a delectable buffet of ribs, chicken wings and more donated by Joe Marouf and Carolina Ale House , the great bar and

restaurant located on the first floor of that same building. In keeping with the holiday spirit, guests also brought in lots of toys that will be distributed to children in need by the Casimiro Foundation. DBC Executive Director Ron Mann, DBC Chair Eli Panell, and new City of Doral Council members Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera, Sandra Lopez and Christi Fraga were among the many attending the affair.

L to R: Joe Marouf, Ana Hedman, Lucy Tamajon, Gloria Burns, Ron Mann, and Theresa Gonzalez at DBC party.

Folks from American Welding Society enjoying the DBC Former Vice Mayor Mike DiPietro with Barbara party seen here (L to R) Ray Shook, Ruben Lara, Nathalia Romani and Dr. Alejandro Badia. Swain, Martica Ventura and Gesana Villegas.

Lucy Tamajon with Gladys Llanes and Karen Ramirez as they show off gifts for guests donated by Gloria Burns, of Miami Christian School and Miami's Community Newspapers.

Mark Sarabia (US Army- Southcom), Marilyn Cheng, Stan Johnson(Carlos Albizu University) and Carlos Rivero (Regions Security)

Gabriel Fraga, Lizz Wiegandt, John Burns, Councilwoman Christi Fraga, Alex Wiegandt and Raul Pino at DBC Holiday Soiree.

Marly Q, of PARK, with Shannon T.

Ariel Ramos, of SunTrust Bank, with Jonathan Rasch Ron Mann is seen here with Lucy Tamajon while calling out door prizes and Richard Lopez, of the Miami Stephen Musolino with Councilwoman Bettina and Lazaro Suarez, of Intermedia Touch. Dolphins, holding the Dolphins’ Super Bowl Trophy. Rodriguez Aguilera.

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• Fitness & Defense • Walk Proud & Safetly During the Holidays

Julio G. Anta GET FIT WITH ANTA Since I started writing my column, every year starting with Halloween thru New Year’s I advise how to survive the holidays by staying safe, crime-free and healthy by not gaining weight. My first article was written in October 2000 on Halloween safety, and last year, I wrote an article entitled “Stay Safe and Healthy for the Holidays” with ten safety tips and five strategies to combat holiday weight gain. (You can find this article archived at the Doral Tribune’s website). This year, I’m writing about awareness for the holiday season which is always filled with expectations of warmth and carefree good times. It’s a time to take vacations and to celebrate with family and friends, a time of preparation and giving. Criminals also love the holidays by preparing to steal your joy. Since most of us rarely think about crime prevention during the holidays, let’s learn to be aware of both actions and surroundings when shopping, out for dinner and on vacation. If you have children, be aware of their presence, where they are and what they’re doing. Also be aware of predictable body changes when eating everything around us and failing to exercise. As a martial arts and fitness instructor, I always try to observe my surroundings carefully at a restaurant or movie, and while driving and shopping. I’ve learned anti-crime awareness from 10 years’ duty at a maximum security prison, as an officer, in the US Marine Corps and as a Krav Maga IDF (Israeli Defense Force) Self Defense instructor. To be academy-certified to work at a prison, you’re taught how to be constantly aware of your surroundings simply because a convict is always planning to be one step

ahead of you, and having 24 hours to think about deceiving an otherwise alert guard. When hardened criminals go to prison, they learn newer strategies to ruin the holidays thru surveillance, robbery attacks and sophisticated stealing techniques. Upon leaving prison (or what I call “Thug University”), they’ve become even better at committing a crime. Parris Island (N.C.) boot training for U. S. Marines instills awareness instinct under stress for 16 hours or more hours a day, seven days a week for 12 weeks. Boot camp graduates not only walk and talk differently, they’re confident, sharp, lean and mean and totally aware of their surroundings. But you don’t have to enlist in the Marine Corps to stay safe this holiday season. For most adults I recommend learning Krav Maga as taught to the Israeli military. It’s a way to get fit, learn crime awareness and gain the confidence to defend yourself and your family. A few tips to help you stop making it easy for the criminal mind to make you a victim: Predators seek easy targets so those appearing alert are less likely to become victims. Body language combats the attacker picking the victim, so learn to walk like a predator, not the prey. If you have a poor body image, it will show in your posture, movements and the way you handle yourself. Carry yourself confidently, upright and purposefully. Low self-esteem shows in facial expressions and tone of voice. That’s bait to a shark – so learn to act with mannerisms of the shark—not a goldfish. This holiday season, walk proud, be aware and alert, and you shall walk in peace. Have a safe and joyous Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year. Julio Anta has owned and operated Anta’s Fitness and Self Defense in Doral since 1998. You can contact him at 305 599-3649 or via the internet at AntaMartialArts.com

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Kendall Regional Gets an ‘A’ Kendall Regional Medical Center was honored with an “A” Hospital Safety Score by The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit run by employers and other large purchasers of health benefits. The A score was awarded by A thru F scores assigned to U.S. hospitals based on preventable medical errors, injuries accidents, and infections. The Hospital Safety Score was compiled under the guidance of the nation’s leading experts on patient safety and is designed to give the public information they can use to protect themselves and their families. “We are proud to have been recognized for this accomplishment, as it is a true reflection of the hard work and dedication

of our physicians, nurses & staff. Quality and patient safety are our utmost priority”, said Scott Cihak, Chief Executive Officer of Kendall Regional Medical Center. “Hospitals like this that earn an A have demonstrated their commitment to their patients and their community,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “I congratulate Kendall Regional Medical Center for its safety excellence…” To see KRMC scores as they compare nationally and locally, visit the Hospital Safety Score website at <www.hospitalsafetyscore.org> which also provides information on how the public can protect themselves and loved ones during a hospital stay.

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Enrolling Int’l Students Into Our Local Schools BY JUANITA WELLS

MSouth Florida has long been an international crossroads. MBesides the obvious challenges of having to acclimate to a different culture, families who move here from other countries face a sometimes daunting list of school requirements when seeking to enroll their children in local schools. As Admissions Director of Divine Savior Academy in Doral, I work with families from all seven continents who desire admittance into our academy, from preschoolers through Grade 12. All schools require certain forms and documentation before a student can begin attending classes. Private schools require an application for admittance, a valid birth certificate, official transcripts from previous schools attended, and usually an admissions test that includes math, language, and ability skills components. Students who have attended international schools need to provide elementary school transcripts (through Grade 3) and, if applicable, official high school transcripts including evaluation and validation of grades by a recognized International Education Consultant Agency, such as WES, Josef Silny and Associates, or another reputable agency. They must also present any past standardized test scores. Some schools participate in the Student Exchange Visitor Program and may issue a Form 1-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student” which can result in a student obtaining an F-1 visa. As with any culture, knowing the native language is extremely beneficial. If a parent is able to enroll a child into

English programs prior to moving, then the transition into American schools will be much easier. If a student is coming from any other school, national or international, the family will need to supply a recommendation letter from the most recent school attended. (Usually these forms are available on school websites.) For all public or private schools, Florida law requires the submission of current health forms as well. Both the DH 3040 school entry health exam form (yellow/white) and the DH 680 certificate of immunizations form (blue/white) must be submitted. Parents can obtain these signed forms from any licensed healthcare provider. Additionally, for athletic participation, the Florida High School Athletic Association requires all ninth graders to supply original transcripts complete with validated grades from their Grade 8 school year, in addition to updated physical forms The education of these new members of our community is vital to continue what has long been one of South Florida’s and, specifically Doral’s, greatest strengths—the varied and cultural richness of our population. Juanita Wells with Divine Savior Academy for the past seven years currently serves at the Admissions Director. She has 32 years of experience as a teacher/school administrator in both the United States and Colombia.

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DCS Elementary Players Form Football Successes

Coach Tommy Valentine huddles DCS “Warriors” elementary team. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY JENNIFER MARTINEZ composed of three teams that provide a feed-

They run, tackle, and strive for success! No, not the Dade Christian varsity football team but the DCS tiny but mighty intramural elementary gridders who have taken the football program “Grow to be a Pro” to a whole other level. “Even though I’m little, my dad says I play big! I always try to make touchdowns and do my best.” said Tyler Sonneborn. “The best part is that I get to play with all of my friends and we all have the same goal— to win. “What pushes me the most is when I go to be the water boy at the varsity football games. I like seeing them win and I hope to be like them one day.” The DCS elementaryfootball program is

er for the varsity program with a goal of preparing them at a young age for the rigorous varsity sport. Dade Christian’s varsity team, ranked one of Florida’s top teams in Division 2A, finished its regular season undefreated to enter the state semi-finals undefeated. “As a former elementary football player, I like to be an example for the elementary footballers,” said Alex Perera, varsity junior. “It was a long time ago that I was playing elementary football, but I remember every game. “I’m glad to have been a part of the elementary program and continue hope to continue being a role model for the younger kids well beyond my years as a student. Once a Crusader, always a Crusader!”

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Coral Gables Woman’s Club Helps Families in Doral

Doral residents Gloria Burns (left) and Lizz Wiegandt with Thanksgiving food baskets donated before the holidays by Coral Gables Woman’s Club.

BY ANN LINO The giving spirit is ever apparent in South Florida during this time of year. Several residents of Doral are among a group of dedicated women who are members of the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club. This club maintains a beautiful historic building with two ballrooms as well as a free children’s dental clinic that the club also owns and operates year around. This Clinic provided more than $230,000 in fee dental care to disadvantaged children in Miami-Dade County last year alone. The club also participates in countless other charitable outreach efforts including charity walks in Doral. Most recently the club collected food and delivered 35 huge Thanksgiving food baskets to families of children being treated at the club’s clinic, in addition to providing large gift bags of wrapped toiletry items for the women at Agape. While some clubs are losing members, the Gables Woman’s Club has

increased its membership base with women of all ages who wish to give back to their community while making new friends and serving others. Several new members from MiamiDade County were installed at the club’s Dec. 5 annual holiday party, an affair that also thanked the dental clinic staff and major donors supporting the May Van Sickle Children Dental Clinic over the years, including the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation, the Health Foundation of South Florida, and Bacardi USA. Past President Barbara Lapsley, who writes the annual proposal for funding from the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation, reports that over the last 20 years, more than $400,000 in donations has helped thousands of children have a healthy smile. Doral women interested in participating in this dynamic club may contact Mary Ann Etkin at 305-392-1782. More information is available at the club’s web site, >www.coralgableswomansclub.org>.

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Dade Christian Marine Divers Head to Disney

Justin Martinez (left), Carolina Gonzalez, Sophie Garcia, Andrew Socarras, Kesley Piedra, and Jonathan Urdaneta prepare for first dive into “The Caves.” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The Marine Biology class members at Dade Christian School are hardly afraid of water in one of the most exciting classes DCS has to offer. Students have the opportunity to become scuba certified, allowing them to go safely on dives throughout the year. Because of its challenges, the program is only open to seniors. “Growing up at DCS, I’ve looked forward to taking this class forever and it has been no disappointment sharing these amazing experiences with my classmates,” said Olivia Webb, a senior. “Marine Biology has made me love the ocean and enjoy God’s creation on a more in-depth level.” Students not only get to experience the

dives, but they also learn in the classroom about ocean life and how magnificent our underwater world is, added Cathy Cryer, teacher who has 28 years logged at DCS. In December, the class will be diving at Disney Park’s Epcot Center, enjoying its “Living Seas” underwater adventure with everything from squid to sharks in a tank that holds 8,500 marine inhabitants in aquarium of 5.7 million gallons of water. To prepare for the Disney dive, students recently went down a 30-foot off the Fort Lauderdale coast in an area known as “The Caves.” “I’ll admit I was nervous but as soon as I got into the water, I felt so grateful for being part of this class,” said Justin Martinez, a senior.

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December 2012

How brain functioning Advice for getting through a divorce affects learning BY DEBBIE MARTINEZ

By Fabian Redler, PsyD, LCSW Learning involves filling our knowledge bank with information, and teaching does just that. However when a student is struggling to learn or when students want to expand how much they can learn, teaching has its limitations because it does little to expand the brain’s capacity to hold more information. It’s like trying to fit six gallons of water into a five-gallon tank. A more logical approach should involve increasing the brain’s capacity to handle information in terms of quantity and even speed. Brain training research is exploding in the area of education and neuropsychology, and educators are finally starting to understand the role that overall brain ability has on our children’s education, specifically as it relates to mathematics, reading fluency, comprehension and the student’s overall motivation to learn. But brain ability is not so much about what they learn, as much as it is about how much they can learn. Processing skills, also known as brain skills, are the “muscles” of the brain. They are responsible for how information enters the brain, which information enters and how much of it enters. Therefore the development of these underlying brain skills are an essential part of every student’s learning potential, yet teaching or tutoring alone do little to influence growth in these areas. Attention and memory are just some of the brain “muscles” responsible for how kids (and adults) learn. Consider what difference it would make in your own life if you were able to increase your focus and memory capacity by three years in just weeks. When these muscles are weak, they limit a student’s academic performance and are the cause of most learning deficits, but when they are strong, they can make the difference between being an average student or an above-average one. Teaching is essential in the learning process, but it is often limited in the way it can help students reach their potential. Next time your youngster is studying their spelling words, practice having them spell the words in their head backwards. This will do more than just challenge them, it will force them to visualize the words with more intensity, since without visualizing the words it would be close to impossible to do. This is a brain skill known as visual processing that is essential for good reading comprehension. Since “brain muscles” determine how much a student can lift, it makes perfect sense to have a professional measure your child’s brain skills at the start of the school year so they can identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and create an individualized training plan to strategically improve their ability from the start. Dr. Fabian Redler is president of What’s On Your Mind, Inc. (LIFT Learning Centers), helping kids reach the stars since 2000. He may be contacted by calling 305-937-6463.

School is in full swing and I am getting more and more frustrated. This is the first school year since my divorce and my ex is making it very difficult. Any ideas on how to make this easier for me? I can’t imagine a solid year of this aggravation. Here is an article that I wrote a while back, but it’s worth reprinting for all newly divorced parents faced with the challenges of exes and schools. TIPS FOR NAVIGATING THE SCHOOL YEAR WITH YOUR EX SPOUSE Navigating the school year is tough enough, but when you are divorced and trying to co-parent with an uncooperative ex spouse, your job as the primary parent gets even more difficult and stressful. Here are some tips to lessen the stress of dealing with your ex: • Make sure the school has your ex’s email and mailing address so that they can mail things directly to him. This takes you out of the picture. • Any school papers that need to be given to your ex should be scanned and emailed or mailed. Don’t get the children involved by making them the messenger. Provide the teachers and coaches your ex’s email so they can email him directly whenever possible. • Make sure the child has a set of uniform clothes at your ex’s house, even if you have to buy them. That set becomes his responsibility and it’s one less thing for you to worry about. • Money is always an issue with exes. If you are dealing with an ex who feels that since he pays you child support, you should cover all costs right down to book fair money, accept it and move on. Don’t make the child feel uncomfortable because he/she has to ask for book fair money. If the child will be staying with your ex on the night before the book fair, make sure they have money before they leave.

• Set up a calendar with your ex that clearly outlines days the children will be with him and times of pick up and drop off. This avoids any daily confusion. It’s best to have a calendar set for at least three to four months. • Have a set of books and school supplies at your ex’s even if you have to buy them. This way your child doesn’t have to worry about remembering where a certain book is or lug things back and forth. • Try to plan school projects ahead so that they are at one parent’s home and you’re not realizing the night before it’s due that your child will be with your ex. • Take the emotion out of any emails or texts or phone conversations. Don’t get caught up in what is “right” or “fair.” The goal here is that your child is not worried or stressed and that the school year runs smoothly for you. It’s the daily dribs and drabs that can unravel us as primary parents. With a little planning and acceptance of the way things are, it will be a better school year for you and your child. • Talk with your ex regarding the consistency of staying in one home during exam weeks. NOTE TO SELF: Today’s challenges are only stepping stones to my growth. I will take them one at a time. DEBBIE’S LIBRARY: What Happy Women Know by Dan Baker and Cathy Greenberg Debbie Martinez is a Certified Life Coach specializing in divorce, relationships and women’s issues. She has given workshops on various topics and has offices in South Miami. For more information, go to <www.thepowerofdivorcecoach.com>.

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Special Programs for Doral Youths Teacher Planning Day Camps Dates: Friday, January 18, 2013 Times: 7:30am-6:00pm Location: Morgan Levy Park Community Center Fee: Resident: $ 22 Non-Resident: $ 27 ($4 T-Shirt Fee *required for all participants) Ages: 5-13 Description: Give your child something to do on Teacher Planning Day. This is a one day camp that offers exciting and eventful indoor/outdoor activities, games, movies, and more! This program is unique in that it integrates educational and fun components. Price includes lunch and snack. Story Time Dates: Tuesday, January 8, 2013 Location: Morgan Levy Park Community Center Ages: 1-5 years old Times: 11:30am-12:30pm Fee: FREE Description:

Join us for Story Time! Children and parents will enjoy stories, songs, characters and visual tales that delight and entertain as well as encourage the love of reading.

Winter Break Camps

Dates: Dec. 26 - Dec. 28, 2012 Jan. 2- Jan. 4, 2013 Doral Soccer Club Camp Ages: 4-16 Times: 8:30am-4:30pm Fee: Resident: $125 Non-Resident: $150 Location: Morgan Levy Park Alex Othonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Baseball Camp Ages: 5-15 Times & Fees: 9:00-12:00pm (Half day option) Resident: $75 Non-Resident: $90 9:00am-4:00pm (Full Day Option) Resident: $105 Non-Resident: $126 Location: Doral Meadow Park

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City of Miami Springs Aquatic Center Programs & Services 1401 Westward Drive, Miami Springs, FL 33166 HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday - Friday 11:00am-1:00pm - Lap Swimming 3:00pm-8:00pm - Open Swim Saturday 1:00pm-5:00pm

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Levels 4-6 (45 Minute Class) 6:00pm, 7:00pm Fee: $45/2 Weeks Tiny Tots (30 Minute Class) 6:00pm, 7:00pm Fee: $45/2 Weeks

MEMBERSHIPS Membership covers lap swim and open swim for an entire year Adults (18+): $80, Children (17 & under) & Seniors (60+): $40 For more information on aquatic programs and fees including swim lessons, private lessons, special needs, aqua aerobics, events and pool party rentals please visit www.miamisprings-fl.gov or call 305-805-5078. **DORAL RESIDENTS MUST REGISTER AND CHECK-IN AT THE MIAMI SPRINGS POOL FRONT DESK **

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Join us for Story Time! Children and parents will enjoy stories, songs, characters and visual tales that delight and entertain as well as encourage the love of reading.

Winter Break Camps

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City of Miami Springs Aquatic Center Programs & Services 1401 Westward Drive, Miami Springs, FL 33166 HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday - Friday 11:00am-1:00pm - Lap Swimming 3:00pm-8:00pm - Open Swim Saturday 1:00pm-5:00pm

CLASSES Levels 1-3 (45 Minute Class) 6:00pm, 7:00pm Fee: $45/2 Weeks

Levels 4-6 (45 Minute Class) 6:00pm, 7:00pm Fee: $45/2 Weeks Tiny Tots (30 Minute Class) 6:00pm, 7:00pm Fee: $45/2 Weeks

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