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ENDALL GAZETT E K communitynewspapers.com
305-669-7355
JUNE 12 - 25, 2012
MDX projects criticized during KFHA meeting BY RICHARD YAGER
A
doubleheader session on recycling and expressway projects largely turned into a gripe session about MDX expenses and tolls during a Kendall Federation of Homeowner Associations (KFHA) public meeting on May 29. “We understand people have issues with us and they have a right to express their views,” Mario A. Diaz, PIO for the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX), said after the sometimesstormy session. “All we can do is try to explain how we operate and answer their questions.” Diaz was one of four MDX representatives appearing by invitation of the
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Cabaret Concert Series returning for summer at Deering Estate at Cutler
Oscar Gonzalez explains SR 836/ SR 826 Interchange details during KFHA meeting on May 29.
BY CATHY GUERRA
T
MDX, page 6
Maria ‘Mar y’ Abreu remembered during Tropical Park dedication BY RICHARD YAGER
A
crowd of several hundred MiamiDade County Parks Department co-workers along with friends and family paid tribute to administrator Maria “Mary” J. Abreu on June 2 by dedicating one of Tropical Park’s first buildings in her name. Described as “the person behind the scenes who kept everything in order” by Parks Department director Jack Kardys, Abreu died after two battles with cancer during an 11-year period prior to her passing on Oct. 31, 2011. MARIA “MARY” ABREU
“Her tireless passion and commitment to improving our Miami-Dade County community has left an enduring legacy for residents of all ages,” said County Commissioner Javier Souto. “For many years, she was crucial to the successful development of the county park system we all enjoy today.” Souto, who sponsored the dedicatory resolution to honor Abreu, joined Kardys and Juan Abreu, her widower, to remove a banner from lettering that now designates a one-story pavilion as “The
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ABREU, page 6
he Deering Estate at Cutler’s Cabaret Concert Series, which features intimate concerts inside the historic Stone House Ballroom, begins its 2012 summer series on Saturday, June 23, with multi-award-winning jazz duo Davis and Dow. All concerts begin at 8 p.m. and the main gate opens at 7 p.m. It is recommended to arrive early for preferred seating. Guests are welcome to bring refreshments and snacks to enjoy during the show. Single tickets are $20 or $55 for the three-concert series. Limited seating is available. Advance tickets are recommended. Tickets can be purchased online for an additional fee or by calling the Deering Estate Ticket Office at 305-235-1668, ext. 233. In addition to the June 23 concert,
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CONCERT, page 6
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
June 12 - 25, 2012
June 12 - 25, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
June 12 - 25, 2012
Commissioner Bell inspects Metrorail Operations Center BY MAURICE R. HERNANDEZ
As part of her successful “Work Days” program designed to provide invaluable insight into the day-to-day challenges of small businesses in her district, and to ensure that county government operations run on a cost-effective basis, Miami-Dade Commissioner Lynda Bell recently toured the William Lehman Metrorail Operations Center to evaluate its daily activities. “As chair of the commission’s Internal Management and Fiscal Responsibility Committee [Budget], it is my responsibility to ensure that county residents get the most value for their government services,” Commissioner Bell said. “By keeping most of the county’s rail system’s maintenance work housed in this general operations facility, county residents literally save millions of dollars each and every year. “The dedicated staff at the Lehman Center guarantees that our county’s Metrorail system runs as smoothly and as efficiently as possible. Any problems that may arise are dealt with as quickly as possible to ensure that any disruption in rail service is kept to an absolute minimum.”
Miami-Dade Commissioner Lynda Bell tours the William Lehman Metrorail Operations Center during one of her “Work Days.” –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The Miami-Dade County Transit Department operates the 14th largest public transit system in the United States, and runs 24.2 miles of elevated rail track with a fleet of 136 heavy rail vehicles. With an annual ridership of 1,515,462 residents and visitors, the department ensures that its passengers travel in relative comfort and safety. The William Lehman Metrorail Operations Center, named after former U.S. Congressman William Lehman, maintains most of Metrorail’s vehicle inspections and in-house repairs of vehicle components. The center also is responsible for the performance and corrective maintenance on traction power equipment as dictated by approved maintenance procedures and schedules. For more information on Miami-Dade County’s Transit and Metrorail System, visit the department’s website at <www.miamidade.gov/transit/>. If you are a business owner and want to invite Commissioner Bell for a “Work Day,” or if you want more information on the program, contact Commissioner Bell’s office at 305-378-6677.
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June 12 - 25, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 5
About those $8,000 palm trees again! Michael Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR
AROUND TOWN Kendall folks can’t seem to swallow a $3 million landscaping cost for the new Shula/SR 874 interchange at SW 104 Street and SW 107 Avenue that included a charge of $8000 for each new palm tree. MDX spokespersons took the heat from vigorous opponents of Miami Dade Expressway (MDX) tolling and project development at a special Kendall Federation of Homeowner Associations meeting, just a couple of weeks ago. Explanation for the seemingly high cost then was that the state requires 1.5 percent of each contract go for landscaping. When a certain project can’t absorb that amount, the MDX transfers the “overage” to use elsewhere. As we understand it, somewhere in the hierarchy of MDX, an accumulated excess made the Shula interchange a beneficiary of more landscaping than it would otherwise have. However, complaints like one E-mailed to MDX in just the past week still asked: “Why are $8,000 palm trees planted by the landscaper in this time of layoffs and pay cuts? Why are we doing this? Couldn’t these monies have been better spent?” For the record, the latest response from MDX’s Mario Diaz, PIO: “The cost for all landscaping on the MDX system includes cost for materials, installation, final cleanup and maintenance and warranty for one year from the landscaping contractor. Once the landscaping contractor’s (Manuel Diaz Farms) maintenance and warranty has
expired, our system-wide asset maintenance contractor (Transfield Services) assumes all maintenance and warranty responsibility at no additional cost to MDX. “The Phoenix dactylifera ‘Medjool’ palm…is used to give the interchange a gateway feel and look. We believe that this provides the area with the highest possible aesthetic presence, and fulfills a commitment MDX made to the community prior to the start of construction. “As mentioned at the meeting Florida State Statute requires us to spend at least 1.5 percent of our work program on landscaping throughout our roadway’s county wide. There are several areas that cannot be landscaped due to space and safety constraints, so MDX decided to reallocate these materials to areas where there is enough space. The contract for this landscape materials and services went through a normal procurement process where the lowest bidder (Manuel Diaz Farms) was awarded the contract.” Most MDX ciritics are unsatisfied with such answers and their challenges to MDX continue unabated, until its appointed Board takes specific action to change its method of operations. And that’s hardly likely for a government agency that answers to no one but itself. Continental Park folks (and cops) on the lookout for a dark blue Camaro whose driver stopped a young lady on US 1 at SW 98 Street (near the Staples) and got mugged in broad daylight on June 3. “She was pulled over by an unmarked police car with lights on in grill and a guy in a brown uniform,” reports her father. “He asked for her license and registration then made her get out of the car to open the trunk. He then asked her for all of
Kendall Gazette
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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, 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 GRAPHIC ARTISTS ............................................................ Denise Cebrero, Isabel Ortega, Cristian Ortiz PUBLISHER EMERITUS .......................................................................................................................................... Ron Miller MIAMI COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Aventura News, Biscayne Bay Tribune, Coral Gables News, Cutler Bay News, Doral Tribune, Homestead News, Kendall Gazette, Miami Beach News, Miami Gardens Tribune, Palmetto Bay News, Opa Locka News, Pinecrest Tribune, South Miami News, Sunny Isles Beach Sun We will not return solicited or unsolicited editorial material including stories, columns and or photographs. Please make sure that you have duplicate copies of the material.
her money, told her to get back in the car and don’t look back. “I know many of you live in the area. Please be aware.” Commissioner Lynda Bell wants constituents to know that her “Mobile Office Hours” will now come to you each Wednesday, starting June 13, at the Miami-Dade Co-op Extension Conference Room in its Homestead office. Thereafter, on the second Wednesday of each month, she’ll continue hosting office hours at different locations in District Eight. To learn of upcoming visits, call 305-378-6677 or email her at <district8@miamidade.gov>. Photo hobbyists should enjoy “The Light of Florida” exhibit of works by 65 of the world’s top professional photographers, on display at “Ave 74 – A Miami Art Gallery,” just opening its doors in the Bird Road Art District at 4472 SW 74 Ave. First ‘look’ occurs during the Bird Road Art Walk from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 16. For information, contact the gallery at 305-666-3355. H arlem Globetrotters arriving at 24Hour Fitness in The Palms (Town & Country Center) with a “Summer Skills
Clinic” teaching “Globetrotter Soul,” meaning three attributes that make a Globetrotter ‘great’: skills, entertainment and role model characteristics. Clinic at $59 per young’n (boy or girl) is scheduled at 8400 Mills Drive from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Monday, June 18. They’ll also appear at the 24-Hour Fitness at 20851 South Dixie Highway the next day, Tuesday, June 19, same hours, before heading up to Broward for clinics in Pembroke Pines and Sunrise. For details, visit <www.harlemglobetrotters.com/clinics> or call 1-800-641-4667. Thought for the Day: Nothing is all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. — Dr. Martin Luther King
Richard Yager contributed to this column. For news tips, call 305-669-7030, or send emails to: <Michael@communitynewspapers.com>.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
MDX, from page 1
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KFHA to comment on current MDX and FDOT-related projects. Others included Cindy Polo-Serantes, communications manager; Juan Toledo, assistant engineering director, and Stephan P.Andriuk, deputy executive director of toll operations. Leading the criticisms were Roll Back Tolls co-chairs Carlos Garcia and Miller Myers, along with former KFHA president Lee Zimmerman, each turning questions into short speeches that primarily criticized project operations. Garcia charged MDX had “rubberstamped” a landscaping project on SR 874 (Shula Expressway) reconstruction by spending $3 million or “$8,000 per tree” on a $71 million contracted project. “While one can’t argue the work doesn’t look very nice, there are South Florida toll payers who believe that’s excessive, especially in an economy with so many out of work, with high gas prices plus the cost of tolls,” he said. “Florida statutes require 1.5 percent of any project go for landscaping,” Diaz explained. “MDX spreads that figure over all ongoing projects since bridgework and other factors simply don’t allow even minimum landscaping in each case. “The result is that SR 874 got a higher commitment of what is required to be spent in all projects,” he said, noting MDX also could justify higher landscaping expense since costs for SR 874 improvements “wellexceeded the $71 million contract.” To Garcia’s questioning about not replanting trees, Diaz said that during MDX-homeowner meetings residents primarily sought noise walls to reduce sound and well as visual pollution. “Investigating costs to replant existing trees, we found it not only cost-prohibitive but there was no guarantee the trees would survive replanting,” he added. Myers, along with KFHA’s Marvin Stein, expressed concern that a new MDX connector on SW 128th Street to Florida’s Turnpike/Shula Expressway would neces-
sarily increase already congested traffic on SW 137th Avenue. “No one has yet been able to provide an answer to that question,” Myers declared. MDX engineers have begun studying areas where the traffic problems may arise due to the connector, Toledo said. “The project is still in its pre-design phase and “part of the engineering phase in any ongoing MDX project is to study and make recommendations to alleviate traffic issues,” he stated. “We design and develop a physical plan based on projected traffic as it effects all roads involved.” Zimmerman said he opposed tolls on all MDX expressways “because that wasn’t the way our country developed (no one asked for tolls when pioneers went west),” adding that an appointed MDX Board of Directors “wasn’t answerable to the people.” “Let’s not be abrasive in discussing how to solve our traffic problems,” Andriuk advised after explaining open road tolling, noting the average traffic speed of 15 miles per hour will increase to 25-30 miles per hour, once the SR 826/SR874 redevelopment is completed. A progress report by Oscar Gonzalez, FDOT public information specialist, on the $568 million SR 836/SR 826 interchange redevelopment said it is due for completion in 2015, replacing 42 with 95 new traffic lanes, ramps and connector roads to improve traffic congestion. The project is the final and largest section of the 12-part Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) Improvement Program, which consists of major construction along a 16-mile corridor. The SR826/SR 836 Interchange, used by more than 430,000 motorists daily, will carry a predicted flow of 535,000 daily vehicle trips by 2035, he said. Earlier, a lively recycling talk by Jeanmarie M. Massa, Solid Waste Department recycling manager, preceded the discussion of traffic issues. Massa urged “emptying all liquids from bottles” and not placing plastic shopping bags in recycling bins. “You have no idea how the puddles accumulate and plastic bags ‘gum up’ the automated recycling equipment,” she said.
JUMPS FOR KENDALL GAZETTE
ABREU, from page 1
June 12 - 25, 2012
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Parks Department director Jack Kardys addresses attendees at dedication.
(Photo by Marcus McIntyre)
Mary Abreu Community Center.” “This is especially appropriate since Mary worked at this building during her early years after she joined the department in 1989,” Kardys told a seated audience and more than 200 others standing and seated in a grandstand erected for the occasion. “She would have been especially proud that so many people came to this dedication,” Juan Abreu said. “She loved her family, too; she was the glue that kept us together during all of her years with the Parks Department.” Also participating in the program was Pastor Alan Sielk of St. Paul Lutheran Church who gave the invocation prior to the unveiling of the banner, dedication of a plaque and ribbon cutting at the pavilion’s entrance doors. During her Parks Department service, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Professional Administration from Barry University while working fulltime and caring for a growing family. Her near quarter-century career, which began on Dec. 26, 1989, as a Park Service Aide at Kendall’s McMillan Park, saw her rise through several positions to become the
department’s intergovernmental affairs coordinator and assistant to director Kardys for 14 years. Her service with the department was highlighted by her administrative support for the Children’s Trust grant sites, serving more than 400 youth at Miami-Dade parks, and her leadership of several boards and committees, including the department’s Citizens Advisory Committee, USA Track and Field Youth Athletic National Championships and National Junior Olympics. A Miami native, she was born May 31, 1963, at Jackson Memorial Hospital where one of her three daughters, Melissa, now serves as a nurse. Her early schooling began at Shenandoah Elementary School before graduation from Miami Senior High School. Her marriage on June 17, 1983, to Juan Abreu, a Miami Realtor, followed the raising of her family at the couple’s Kendall home near Royal Green Park just south of Coral Way. In addition to her husband, her survivors include her parents, Julius and Maria (Saunders); five children, Cynthia Dominguez; Jennifer Mila; Juan, Melissa, and Christina Abreu, and four grandchildren.
CONCERT, from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– other programs are Saturday, July 28, featuring Jazz saxophonist Jesse Jones Jr., and Saturday, Aug. 25, featuring the Gary Thomas Jazz Ensemble. The Deering Estate at Cutler, a MiamiDade County park, is located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. This 444-acre natural and archeological preserve and historic site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a center for
education, culture and recreation. Historic house tours are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Natural areas tours are offered daily at 12:30 p.m. (OctoberMay). EcoAdventure Tours are offered throughout the year for an additional fee. For more information on the Deering Estate’s educational and cultural programs, visit online at <www.deeringestate.org>.
June 12 - 25, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Scott out to remove three Florida Supreme Court justices R. Kenneth Bluh KENNETH’S COMMENTARY Presidents, historically have appointed justices to the Supreme Court and the lower federal courts as well, with nominees who share the same philosophical outlook toward government. The same is true for the governors of our 50 states — Florida included. Having a court that is politically in tune with the elected official’s political ideology makes the creation and retention of new laws that much easier. Florida Governor Rick Scott is taking the process one step farther and is attempting to find a technicality to remove three Florida Supreme Court justices who were appointees of former Governor Lawton Chiles, a Democrat. His targets are Barbara Pariente, Peggy Quince and R. Fred Lewis — all of a liberal political persuasion. Behind the gov-
ernor’s action is Restore Justice 2012, a Tea Party-backed conservative group. Supreme Court justices are not elected by the voters of Florida. Rather, they are appointed by the governor. Our state constitution requires that all appointed judges must, once every six years, appear on the ballot for a “yes” or “no” retention vote. Part of the retention process calls for the appointed justices to complete the appropriate retention forms, which require the notarization of their signatures. It seems that in the middle of the court’s deliberations on the redistricting of political boundaries, the three justices took a one hour break to complete the retention forms and be able to file them in a timely fashion. The forms were signed by the three justices and notarized by staff — salaried employees of the state. The governor is considering calling for an investigation as to whether the three justices are guilty of a misdemeanor by having a salaried state employ notarize the forms, a non-governmental action, on state time. The Miami Herald reported that Rep.
VIEWPOINT Scott Plakon, a Republican, sent a letter to the governor asking for a probe. The governor is considering having the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigate their actions. Plakon in his letter to the governor pointed out that the three justices took what is a rare break in the middle of the court hearing to complete the forms. Dan Stengle, an attorney working with the three justices on the completion of the retention forms, said that the use of state employees to notarize such forms is standard procedure and pointed out that during working hours Chief Justice Charles Canady and Justice Ricky Polston did the same in 2010. The difference is Chief Justice Canady is a Republican as well as is Justice Polston. State law prohibits candidates for public office from using services of government
staff “in the furtherance of his or her candidacy.” Notwithstanding, Stengle points out that the Division of Elections allows staff to notarize documents for candidates during working hours. If Governor Scott persists in pursuing an investigation of Justices Pariente, Quince and Lewis, I would strongly recommend that he add the chief justice and Justice Polston to the list. After all what is good for Democrats is good for Republicans.
We appreciate your opinions on this column whether in agreement or disagreement. Please send your comments to (fax number) 305-662-6980 or email to <letters@communitynewspapers.com>. The opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of this newspaper, its editors or publisher.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
June 12 - 25, 2012
Learning to manage your money important in today’s economy
Al Sunshine CBS MONEY WATCH When students go off to college for the first time, many have no idea how to budget, how to look for sales or how to get the best bargains. These are not uncommon situations, especially when someone doesn’t have a lot of practical experience with handling money. Credit cards get maxed out and student loans accumulate and it’s often hard to keep up. Sometimes however, a school advisor can help advise a student how to manage his or her money and show how to budget. There is a relatively easy way to manage money and pay off bills. For starters, pay bills on a bi-weekly basis. For example, take the minimum payment and split it into two payments. Send the first payment in once the bill is received and then two weeks later send the other payment. This cuts down on the interest that is accrued on the 28-day cycle on which most credit cards base their percentage rates. Some financial consultants suggest that their clients take a piece of paper and draw a triangle on it. On the left hand corner, starting at the base write $10, then working your way up double the amounts — $20, $40, $80, $160, $320. If $320 is the most you can afford to save, then write it at the top of your pyramid. Then on the right side, work backwards — $320, $160, $80, $40, 20, $10. If you keep doing this consistently, in three months you can save up $1,500 or more. This style of saving is
good if you get paid on a weekly or biweekly basis. It doesn’t work for monthly pay periods. Limiting spending also is very important for young adults to keep in mind when managing money. Make everything last longer; nearly everything can last an extra week or more. Getting help from an outside source can also be useful in helping to choose when and where to spend cash. Accountants are great, especially for business-related issues. However, their fees can be fairly high, so a consultation can be expensive. Investment advisers also are good, but they are going to want you to open an account and their fees are often based on what you buy. Continuing education classes run by your town or county also can provide guidance in money management issues. If your questions are tax related, help can be found at tax advisors like HR Block. Teens can learn about saving as early as high school, and someone who saves 10 percent of their income now and continues through the future will be well equipped for life. Teens should start a simple money market account in which they can start investing money. A small amount taken out of a checking account every month — say $25 to $50 — can be put into the money market fund, proving a way to work savings into a monthly budget. A small amount saved on a regular basis accumulates over the years. It also is wise to avoid credit cards, at least initially, and to substitute a debit card instead. Better yet, pay cash as much as possible. Building an emergency fund of three to six month to live on is a good idea, especially in times like these where unemployment is especially prevalent.
June 12 - 25, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Detective explains Internet dangers for children, teens BY RICHARD YAGER
Increasing sex-related dangers through Internet access by children and teens were described by a Miami-Dade Police detective to a West Kendall audience on May 30. “Remember there’s a difference between two types of those seeking to reach your kids,” Det. David Invernizzi advised members of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for Miami-Dade Police Hammocks District. “Pedophiles normally seek youngsters below the age of 12. Predators entice teenagers from 13 to 17. That’s an important difference when talking about Internet safety with family youngsters.” This is a topic Det. Invernizzi constantly advises as one member of a two-man countywide police team, assigned to Internet investigations. As a member of the Special Victims Bureau of MDPDs Criminal Investigations Unit, the team investigates computer child pornography, transmission of pornography by electronic device or equipment, soliciting a child for a sex crime and exposing minors to harmful motion pictures. The Bureau also conducts proactive and undercover online investigations related to child pornography and solicitations of a
Det. David Invernizzi fields Internet queries from Hammocks CAC. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– child for a sex crime, working closely with age and involves any type of electronic the National Center for Missing and device,” Det. Invernizzi said. Exploited Children, a partner of a South “Our primary mission is to teach how you Florida Task Force commonly known as can keep young people safe from sex “Law Enforcement Against Child Harm.” exploitation while they use the Internet.” “We investigate any Internet violation that Noting that identification theft is the most is sex-related to a minor under 18 years of commonly used contact, Det. Invernizzi said,
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“Most people have little idea of the extent of information pedophiles and predators gain from something as innocent as a YouTube contact or an email address. “In one case involving a teen girl in the Hammocks area, we found innocent contacts by her on Facebook eventually led to over 430,000 hits on her site over a four-year period by potential offenders.” In addition, Det. Invernizzi warned that all commercial solicitations on the Internet “will involve selling whatever information you or your youngsters input to a third party. That is how Internet businesses make their money.” Among key precautions advised: • Make sure passwords are not genderspecific; • Read details of Internet “Terms of Service” offers, and • Check youngsters’ habit changes for signs of cyber-bullying. Parents especially need to be aware of detecting changing attitudes of children and teens to spot hidden contacts that their offspring may be too embarrassed to mention. For extensive guidance on parental awareness, he advised logging onto a national network at <NetSmartzResources.org>. For potential sex exploitation cases involving juveniles, call 305-715-3219.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
June 12 - 25, 2012
Miami Soccer Festival returns to Kendall park in September BY EDITH TORRES
“It is an exciting time for us at Soccer 5 as we continue to expand our business in The Miami Soccer Festival returns Sept. Miami built on the success of our 29 and 30 to Kendall Soccer Park, 8011 public/private partnership with MiamiDade Parks,” he added. SW 127 Ave. Net proceeds of the event will support Presented by Soccer 5 USA and MiamiSoccer 5 Foundation Dade Parks, the two-day festival will fea- The ture a full range of youth and adult soccer (www.soccer5foundation.org) and the tournaments, in a festival ambience featur- Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade ing music, Soccer 5 Live tricks, juggling, (www.miamidade.gov/parks_foundation), working together to create soccer walk, get-in-themore spaces to play and game fitness and fun, as “It is an exciting time learn the world’s most popwell as a full variety of ular game. food from around the for us at Soccer 5 “I cannot thank the world, all contained within as we continue to Miami-Dade Parks team the soccer village. Soccer merchandise, expand our business enough for helping make Miami Soccer Festival soccer games, and the in Miami built on possible,” said Alan return of the crossbar Georgeson, president of challenge also will be the success of our the Soccer 5 Foundation. available to fans. Special public/private “I am so proud of all the guest appearances by probenefits the soccer festival fessional athletes and partnership with brings to our community.” coaches are expected Miami-Dade Parks.” Allison Diego, director throughout the weekend. of Business Development, The event is free to the — Scott Georgeson, Fundraising and Advocacy general public. To particifor Miami-Dade Parks, pate in the tournament, Recreation and Open team costs range from $200 to $550. To register for the tourna- Spaces Department, said, “The Parks ment or for more information, visit Foundation of Miami-Dade is delighted to < w w w. m i a m i s o c c e r f e s t i v a l . o r g > , partner with The Soccer 5 Foundation’s <www.soccer5usa.com/miami> or contact vision to provide an outstanding experience for this community through soccer. Scott Georgeson at 1-888-575-2976. If you want to become a partner, sponsor We are happy to be a part of this annual or to volunteer, contact Alan Georgeson at celebration.” Kendall Soccer Park, a Miami-Dade 305-393-5230 or <alan.georgeson@conCounty Park, is one of South Florida’s structive4.com>. “We are pleased to sponsor the festival leading soccer complexes with five fullagain in 2012. Almost 3,500 people visited sized soccer fields, four state-of-the-art in 2011 and having Abby Wambach with us 5v5 soccer fields, walking trail, stage on Sunday was terrific for all,” said Scott area, soccer village, bleachers, and car parking. Georgeson, Soccer 5 Miami president.
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June 12 - 25, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 11
Zoo Miami announces opening LATIN AMERICAN of new Playworld Playground Enjoy a variety of coffees and everything from paninis to pastelitos, as well as a selection of wines to complement your meal.
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The same quality & tradition as the Latin American of 57th Avenue Recreational area features new “wet” and “dry” playgrounds for kids to enjoy. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY CINDY CASTELBLANCO
Zoo Miami has announced the opening of its new Playworld Playground that contains two play areas — Jungle Journey and Ocean Voyage. With more than 1.5 acres of play and picnic space, kids ages 12 and under have plenty of room to explore the splashing water features and jungle gym while parents supervise in comfortable shaded seating. In the Jungle Journey playground, children have 11 play features to help them create their own adventures. While the jungle gym could keep them busy for a while, kids can find themselves making their way past a wobbly bridge, through a hollow log and escaping life-size gorilla and hippo figures. Their imaginations may take them on a wild journey, but kids remain safe on spongy floors as they bounce around the playground. After their jungle adventure, kids can cool down by splashing through spouting blow holes and overflowing buckets of water in the Ocean Voyage playground. This water-themed area includes 28 features that are guaranteed to get kids dripping wet. It would be hard to stay dry around water shooting cannons, a whale tail waterfall, and touch-activated rods spraying water. The ocean theme comes to life with shells and glossy starfish on the
floor as guests walk in. “This $1 million state-of-the-art playground has been a highly anticipated addition to Zoo Miami,” said Eric Stephens, Zoo Miami director. “We are so excited to open it and offer our guests a top-notch play experience.” Directly next to the playgrounds are two new shaded pavilions that are available to rent for special events like birthday parties or picnics. With parents and kids sure to work up an appetite, the Playworld Playground is conveniently located next to the new and improved Oasis Grille. There guests can chow down on everything including hotdogs, salads, fruit, burgers and refreshing drinks in the shade of the African outpostthemed area before heading to their next adventure in Zoo Miami. Speaking of adventures, now guests can rent pedal boats, water tricycles and kayaks on the lake at Amazon and Beyond on weekends (Friday-Sunday) and holidays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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. Children under 2, zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m; ticket booths close at 4 p.m. For more information visit <www.zoomiami.org> or call 305- 251-0400.
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June 12 - 25, 2012
Gulliver students’ dance program benefits underpriviledged kids BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD
Meaghan Sylver and Meagan Adler met in their first dance class when they were age 4 and became fast friends. Now they are incoming juniors at Gulliver Prep and still dance buddies and best of friends. The girls dance at Artistic Soul Studios in Palmetto Bay and compete in the studio’s company. “We’ve both began dancing when we 4 years old and we’ve been dancing ever since,” Adler said. “We dance 10-15 hours a week.” When they started ninth grade, they decided they wanted to share their love of dance — particularly tap dancing — with underprivileged children. “Meagan [Adler] and I started talking about how we wanted to teach a group, not necessarily at our studio,” Sylver said, adding they wanted to teach somewhere the kids didn’t have access to dance classes. “We’ve always wanted to share our passion for dance.” So they started Tap Kidz and began teaching a free weekly tap class at the Boys and Girls Club in Kendall. In 2011, they expanded and began teaching at the
Meaghan Sylver and Meagan Adler met in dance class when they were age 4. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Now at Gulliver Prep, Meaghan Sylver, of Cutler Bay, and Meagan Adler, of Pinecrest, still dance together –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Homestead YMCA as well. By the end of this school year, they had earned approximately 115 community service hours each through the program. “We do it one day a week,” Adler said. “We go to the Boys and Girls Club first and then we travel to the YMCA.” The girls said that they had been dancing a long time and they really wanted to give other children the opportunity to express themselves and see how much fun dancing can be. They also are aware that with rising childhood obesity rates, they are helping kids stay healthy by helping them exercise in a fun way. “We start teaching the most basic steps,” Sylver said.
While teaching the children to dance fulfills their community service requirements, Adler said the classes they teach mean much more than going to club meetings at school. “Seeing the excitement on their faces, it’s so fulfilling,” Adler said. The children they teach range in age from 5 to 11 at the YMCA and 6 to 13 at the Boys and Girls Club. The classes also draw some boys. In order to dance, the children need tap shoes, so the girls collected tap shoes from friends and various dance studios for the children to use. “The kids really like to dance with them,” Adler said. The girls also are planning on fundraising for the Dizzy Feet Foundation, which gives out dance scholarships to underprivileged kids. The foundation was started by So You Think You Can Dance producer Nygel Lithgoe and others, including actress Katie Holmes. “We plan to continue this program throughout high school,” Sylver said. They have a few students who have been in the program both years and are interested in continuing to dance. For those children who were in the program before, they added more difficult moves and used those children to demonstrate the steps. At the beginning of the school year, the girls expanded the scope of Tap Kidz and began tutoring kids in the homework program. Next year they hope to incorporate information about nutrition into the program. “We would teach about health and a healthy lifestyle, and how tap is a lifestyle that is healthy and is good for expressing yourself,” Adler said. At the end of each school year, the youngsters take part in a mini-recital so the parents can see what their children learned.
June 12 - 25, 2012
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June 12 - 25, 2012
Grand Prize Chevrolet delivers customers winning experience BY NANCY EAGLETON
Taking care of the customer is not a new thing, but at Grand Prize Chevrolet, owner Ralph Sifford and his team take customer service to the next level. “I want people to have that Grand Prize experience — the feeling you get when you’re winner,” said Sifford, who has owned the dealership since 1992. “That’s why I chose the name Grand Prize Chevrolet. And that’s what we do here – we deliver that winning experience.” This commitment to going above and beyond customers’ expectations has paid off with used car sales at Grand Prize up 44 percent and new car sales up 11 percent over last year. Sifford said the key to success is delivering excellent customer service every step of the way — from the customer’s shopping experience to sales, service, operations, financing and product delivery. High standards are top priority at both of Sifford’s privately owned dealerships. He also owns a Chevrolet/Cadillac and GMC/Buick dealership in Nanuet, NY. His vast business experience of 37 years operating General Motors dealerships, 20 years
Grand Prize Chevrolet recently completed an extensive renovation to better serve customers. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
running a service station, and experience in commercial banking, commercial real estate and community political service, has molded the savvy business owner. But Sifford isn’t complacent. He looks forward and changes with the times. The service experience at Grand Prize Chevrolet often begins before the cus-
tomer even visits the showroom. A highly proactive Internet department maintains inventory listings online and connects with customers 24/7 on Facebook, Twitter and at GrandPrizeAuto.com. “Customers begin their search online, so it’s important that we reach out to them and start the service process at this time,” Sifford said. “We are always looking for new ways to provide our customers with excellent service.” Once at the dealership, customers will find an updated, state-of-the-art facility. Grand Prize Chevrolet was one of the first in the country to complete a renovation to meet the new GM brand standards. The dealership is sleek, modern and comfortable. The customer waiting area features a computer lounge with Wi-Fi, TVs, snacks and a playroom for children. Grand Prize now has a new building entirely devoted to pre-owned vehicle sales, which are seeing an upswing during this economic downturn. “Our pre-owned vehicles are all certified and come with a maintenance plan and
extended warranties,” Sifford said. “It’s like getting a new car, but it’s more economical.” Sifford is especially proud of the Chevy lineup. In recent years, Chevrolet has introduced more vehicles that get 30 mpg or more than any other brand — an important feature considering the rising gas prices. All new vehicles have three- to five-year warranties, with 100,000-mile powertrain warranties. On Star — the high-tech system that provides drivers with automatic crash response, navigation, roadside assistance, remote unlocking and hands-free calling — comes standard on all new vehicles. “In my 37 years in the automotive industry, On Star is one of the most revolutionary developments I’ve seen,” Sifford said. Grand Prize offers new car owners free maintenance for one year, including tire rotation, oil change and filter. Vehicles are serviced by GM certified technicians in one of the dealer’s 44 modern service bays. The collision center repairs all makes and models and works with customers’ insurance companies to make the process simple and easy. And when customers’ vehicles need repairs or maintenance, Grand Prize offers free drop-off and pick-up. “That’s how we create the Grand Prize experience,” Sifford said. “We treat our customers like family.” It’s important to Sifford to support the community that has supported his business. Grand Prize is the sponsor of the Sunshine Corvette Club and the Dade County Farm Bureau. The dealership proudly supports youth sports programs such as the Kendall Hammocks Optimists Club and educational programs at Robert Morgan Educational Center. Grand Prize Chevrolet is located at 11701 SW 152 St., right off Florida’s Turnpike. For more information, call 305235-8200 or visit online at <www.GrandPrizeAuto.com>.
June 12 - 25, 2012
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June 12 - 25, 2012
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June 12 - 25, 2012
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June 12 - 25, 2012
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Resident’s marine aquarium hobby turns into business BY RICHARD YAGER
ReefSmart Aquariums is a dream come true for Maria Campos. “We’ve always had fish tanks in our home,” said the proprietor of one of the area’s newest business ventures, tucked amid a row of storefronts on the south side of Hammocks Plaza off SW 147th Avenue in West Kendall. “We knew it would be a risk to start up a business in a down-economic cycle,” she said. “But I talked it over with my son, George, and we both agreed. Why not; let’s take the chance. “With his help and that of other friends, we put together display racks, painted and installed them, purchased our inventory and did everything we could by ourselves to start up,” she recalled. “We opened our door in May 2011, just one year ago.” International trading in colorful marine organisms from coral reefs has become big business over the past 15 years, according to a New York Times article, noting: “New lighting and filtration technology [has] enabled hobbyists to set up saltwater aquariums at home. According to the federal Fish and Wildlife Service, one million of the world’s 1.5 million aquarium hobbyists live in the United States and Americans buy more than half of all marine aquarium fish sold globally.” With that popularity, ReefSmart has attracted a growing clientele of veteran saltwater aquarium owners not only for needed supplies but exotic tropical fish. It also attracts newcomers who want a 10-gallon tank to try out the hobby. “We’re serving collectors who need supplies and look to expand to larger tanks and different species of tropicals,” Maria said. “A driver’s license bureau
Maria Campos inspects 175-gallon aquarium at year-old ReefSmart. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
just a few doors from us is giving us walk-in traffic, too.” A 175-gallon tank brilliantly lighted by a fluorescent fixture displays vibrantly colored corals and brightly iridescent reef fish to greet visitors to the 1,700square-foot store, lined with rows of tanks housing fish of all colors, shapes and sizes. “We’ve always loved having tropical fish in our home,” Maria added. “Going home, pouring a glass a wine and just sitting in front of tropicals in their tank is perfect relaxation for me. It’s the joy of my life.” That dedication and professional expe-
rience guides clients at ReefSmart, essential for a new owner, who needs to know what species are compatible, as well as advanced collectors. Recalling his first aquarium as a youngster, George Campos, now 28, said, “I brought home a bowl and put my first two freshwater Betta fish inside and watched them fight to a bitter end.” With his career planned in emergency medical services, George Campos attended the Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue Academy and has recently received certification as an emergency team member, spending spare hours at the store. A married sister, Alejandra, also helps when she can.
While environmental restrictions prohibit reef fish or coral collecting from Atlantic or Gulf waters, local tropicals are “really not very hardy survivors,” Maria Campos explained. “Sad to say, offshore waters carry too much pollution for harvesting healthy reef tropicals, even if it was legal to do so.” Most stock at ReefSmart is supplied by a Los Angeles complex of dealers who keeps Maria on “red eye” flights from MIA to LAX at least once a month, replenishing inventories. “LA distributors have the most varieties from locations overseas,” she said. “Tropicals in demand largely come from Indonesia and Australia, many very rare and costly.” Among more than 1,000 tropical varieties swimming in ReefSmart tanks, George points to an orange-and-black striped Tang, about three inches long, lazily basking in a display tank. A chalked price on the aquarium glass lists it for $200. “People into tropicals like rarer fish,” he said. “Especially younger ones because you will see the colors change as they grow to adults.” For the curious, a free quarterly magazine, titled Reef Hobbyist, is available at Campos’ store describing species that vary from “New & Unusual Corals from Western Australia” to “Caribbean Angelfish.” For the first-time hobbyist, a range of saltwater tanks, colorful but inexpensive tropicals and corals as well as maintenance items and food supplies are available at ReefSmart, open Tuesday-Saturday (closed Monday) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For information, visit <www.reefsmartacquariums.com> or call 305-752-3511.
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June 12 - 25, 2012
Globetrotters offering youngsters Summer Skills Clinics at local sites BY GLYNNIS RICHARD
For the first time ever, the Harlem Globetrotters are partnering with 24 Hour Fitness to offer Summer Skills Clinics at 24 Hour Fitness locations across the U.S., including Kendall and Cutler Bay. Boys and girls will learn the three attributes that make a Globetrotter — great basketball skills, great entertainment skills, and great role model characteristics. This combination is called “Globetrotter Soul.” Whether basketball fans or not, each child is sure to have a fantastic time and learn valuable lessons from the Globetrotter players. Kids in Miami will get a chance to be coached by Harlem Globetrotter Blenda Rodriguez. This dribbling sensation and star ball handler will be coaching and teaching some of his famous moves. You can check out Blenda’s skills on the Globetrotter YouTube channel. Local clinics will take place from 8:30 to 11:30 Globetrotter Blenda Rodriguez will be coaching kids in Summer Skills a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. ($59 Clinics. per session) at the follow––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ing 24 Hour Fitness locaFor more information, visit online at tions: 8400 Mills Dr. in Kendall on June 18 and 20851 S. Dixie Hwy. in Cutler Bay on <www.harlemglobetrotters.com/clinics> or call 1-800-641-HOOP (4667). June 19.
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Switchboard of Miami earns $20K during charity bachelor auction BY AMY CRISMOND
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Switchboard of Miami has announced that the organization’s Women’s Leadership Council raised more than $20,000 during their first charity bachelor auction on May 17. The event, held at The Stage in Miami’s Design District, featured more than 40 eligible professional men from South Florida who were auctioned off for a date to benefit Switchboard of Miami. Approximately 300 attendees enjoyed food, drinks and music as they bid on their favorite bachelors, some of them going for over $1,000. “We were extremely pleased with our first bachelor auction,” said Erbi BlancoTrue, chair of the Women’s Leadership Council. “The event was fun, exciting and very different from the typical fundraiser. We had an amazing group of women who worked tirelessly to insure that this event was a success and thanks to them, the sponsors, the bachelors and the Switchboard
staff, we received rave reviews from those who participated.” The vision of the Women’s Leadership Council is to strengthen the social landscape of the community by engaging women leaders to inspire others in taking action and creating long-lasting change in the community by supporting Switchboard of Miami. “This was the event everyone had been talking about for weeks and we at Switchboard were all very pleased with how successful it turned out” said Catherine Penrod, president and CEO of Switchboard of Miami. “I’m proud to say we accomplished one of the main goals for the event which was, not only to raise money, but to inform professionals from South Florida about Switchboard of Miami and some of the great work we do in the community. We also had a wonderful time!” For more information visit online at <www.switchboardmiami.org>.
June 12 - 25, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
New book offers a look into autism from insider BY GLORIA BURNS
pies in Philadelphia completed, Sybil used every single moment as a teachable one Voracious readers often will forget the while his dad was his best friend and put him contents of a book unless it meets certain to work. To this day Sybil continues this misconditions that make it memorable. Playing sion and recounts, “My mouth never stops into that mix, as a rule, is it being especially with Marc and I am not a big talker. I am surwell written and entertaining or something prised the kid didn’t put a gag on me. To this that touches one’s very soul and imparts day when we go shopping to buy our own something of value they may things, I constantly discuss be shared with others or put and point out things as we into use in one’s everyday life. shop. Afterwards, he will Living Life with Autism: The make a comment like ‘thanks, World Through My Eyes, a Mom, I had a good time and book written by Marc William learned a lot today.’” Pulver with Robert Shostak, is In this book, Marc shares the latter. While it is intentionhis experiences — good and ally not well written, that is bad — with amazing recall, part of its charm. With the help something not uncommon for of a retired education profesthose with autism spectrum sor, Shostak, Pulver tells the disorder. The reader learns story of his life dealing with how the positive influence and Marc William Pulver and growing up with minimal incredible efforts of his loving –––––––––––––––– brain damage later diagnosed as parents and siblings impacted autism when he was applying his life and how grateful he is for an insurance policy as an adult. Spelling for that support. mistakes and other noticeable errors are left While Marc’s words have a child-like qualas written effectively giving the reader a bet- ity, he ultimately comes across as a person ter understanding of how Marc’s mind with good common sense who has an incredworks. ible appreciation for his family who gave him The book is an insightful journey with into the platform to conquer his challenges: from the world of autism that leaves one with a receiving his driver’s license, writing his bar better understanding of how parents, like mitzvah speech, being a water boy for the Marc’s, have navigated unknown waters and football team when he couldn’t make the prevailed against all odds. You see, Pulver team, to volunteering to help the homeless suffered oxygen deprivation at birth result- and taking great trips with his parents. ing in developmental problems. After reading this book, you will be enamWhen doctors suggested that he be institu- ored of this fine man and feel a kinship to this tionalized, his courageous and amazing parents remarkable family. Those dealing with or looked elsewhere and turned to the Institute for who have friends, relatives or children with the Achievement for Human Potential in autism spectrum disorder will find this book Philadelphia. His mother, Sybil Pulver, began inspiring and full of useful information. with countless hours of therapy one of which Marc’s book is available at Ingram, was an exercise for his eyes to perfect stereo- Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and fine scopic vision making trips to Philadelphia bookstores everywhere for $10.95. For addievery three months for three years. tional information, visit online at As Marc was growing up with his thera- <www.marcpulver.com>.
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The Tootsie Rolls are winners of the basketball playoff championship at the Beth Am Junior League. This championship, the first for all of the eight girls on the team, was the perfect closure to an amazing, undefeated season (12-0). Pictured after winning the championship are Isabel Solorzano, Alexa Ucar, Jessie Berman, Coach Paul Berman, Abby Siegel, Klara Solar, Sofia Iglesias, Coach Rich Siegel and Ilana Reiser. (Not pictured is Chloe Cohn.)
June 12 - 25, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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‘Light of Florida’ exhibit opens June 16 in conjunction with Bird Road Art Walk
The photos featured in the exhibit highlight the unique and varied natural light that makes Florida a great place to photograph and produce imagery of all kinds. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY LEE STEPHENS
Sixty-five of the world’s top professional photographers showcase their work featuring unique Florida lighting and outdoor locations on June 16. This highly acclaimed “Light of Florida” exhibit, which was four years in production, makes its Miami debut at Ave 74–A Miami Art Gallery.” Ave 74 is the area’s newest art gallery located in Miami’s Bird Road Art District at 4432 SW 74 Ave. The American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) is the most prestigious organization of photographers worldwide who produce images for publication. This exhibit comes off a highly acclaimed showing at the Studio at Key West in February, and opens in conjunction with
the Bird Road Art Walk 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, June 16. For more information contact the gallery at 305-666-3355 or Matthew Pace of the ASMP Fine Arts Committee at <matthew@matthewpace.com>. “Light of Florida” is a collaborative project created by the South Florida Chapter of American Society of Media Photographers with the support from the Central Chapter to produce a premium coffee table book, Internet portfolio and a traveling exhibit. The images feature people and places captured in the unique and varied natural light that makes Florida a great place to photograph and produce imagery of all kinds. All submissions were made by members of ASMP in Florida and judged by an impartial panel of media professionals.
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June 12 - 25, 2012
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Community Association Beat
Cooperative Extension Div. earns Everything you wanted to know 2012 NACO Achievement Award about collections - but didn’t ask! BY ALEJANDRA CASTRO-NUÑEZ
The Miami-Dade County Cooperative Extension Division of the Regulatory and Economic Resources Department (RER) has been awarded a 2012 National Association of County’s Award (NACO), for its educational program on Whitefly Management. NACO recognizes effective and innovative programs that contribute to and enhance county government in the United States. Immediately following the announcement of a new whitefly infestation in South Florida, Extension began offering homeowners and landscapers the opportunity to learn more about the pests and how to protect their plants. Educational efforts included: workshops, field consultations, office visits, plant/pest identification clinics, production of YouTube videos, updates to the Extension website, newspaper articles, and radio and TV interviews. Written educational materials and Power Point presentations also were developed in English and Spanish. The program targeted the entire county including: residents, Pest Control Operators, landscape professionals and ground maintenance employees from county, cities, and municipalities. The objective was to teach the communi-
ty how to identify whiteflies and their damage to plants, and to educate landscape professionals and pesticide applicators on how to treat whiteflies without damaging the environment. “The importance of this highly successful program cannot be underestimated,” said Mario Goderich, assistant director of the Regulatory and Economic Enhancement Department. “Extension has been instrumental in combating the spread of whitefly by educating the pesticide industry and general population about this serious issuem” Goderich added. “Without their efforts, the economic loss would be far beyond the actual numbers to date.” The Cooperative Extension staff demonstrated dedication and commitment to develop and conduct a variety of educational activities and provided information in English and Spanish for the entire community. NACO recognized Extension for putting together an innovative program that contributes to and enhances county government. The Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension is a partnership of the Miami-Dade Business Affairs Division of the Regulatory and Economic Enhancement Department and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Community Newspapers
BY MITCH DRIMMER, CAM Community Association Manager
Boards of directors, managers, and even attorneys in Florida are more confused today about the complexities of community association collections than ever before. So how should an association approach the problem and devise the right solution? There’s so much disparity in opinions given by association attorneys regarding collections that boards need to first establish a procedure and move forward confidently in the knowledge they have chosen wisely. So who do you believe — and how can you choose “wisely” when authorities don’t agree on a standard of what can or cannot be done? Or even worse, what should or should not be collected? Answers lie in the questions boards should ask their collection solution, whether an attorney or collection agency. Among those questions: • How is the association being charged for services rendered? • How are the fees structured by your collection solution? • Does the collection solution defer fees, or is the association required to pay as they go? • Will your attorney defer costs for court actions? • Has your collection solution proposed that if they don’t collect their fees from a delinquent owner, subsequent purchaser, or foreclosing bank, will they then forgo their fees? Those just begin the kind of questions your board needs to ask. Others: • How does your correction solution define “statutory cap?” • Does it believe the association is only entitled to recover the lesser of 12 months
or 1% of the first mortgage, or does it believe the association is also entitled to recover all late interest, late fees, collection costs, and reasonable attorney fees? There’s a tremendous spectrum of opinion on answers to such questions and the company you choose that believes an association is entitled to more will invariably collect more. That’s why the collection solution should be carefully questioned about what entitles a foreclosing entity to “safe harbor” provisions. Some maintain that a first mortgage forecloses is entitled to receive a write off. Others say that a bank needs to comply with a stringent procedure to qualify for “safe harbor,” i.e., the lesser of 12 months or 1 % of the first mortgage. Boards should know whether the entity collecting money is going to put up a fight by reviewing service, notices and assignments to uncover defects, and then negotiate a settlement beyond the paltry amount a “safe harbor”allows. Answering a question with a question has been dubbed by some as the “Socratic Method” but clearly, boards of directors cannot make decisions unless they have solid answers to those questions. If you ask your collection partner: “What will happen if that is done?”, they may give you various scenarios. So perhaps it would be best to rephrase the question this way: “Do youu believe that if we do this, the result will be that?” The only way to best do this is to know the right questions to ask in the first place, and understanding what the various answers could mean. Mitch Drimmer is a licensed CAM, an instructor at FCAP, and is the Vice President of Association Financial Services, an accredited collection agency and specialty finance company specializing in community association collections. For more information, visit www.associationfinancial.com, Tel: 305-677-0022, ext. 804.
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June 12 - 25, 2012
Shula’s 347 Grill takes iPad menus beyond just wine lists BY KRISTIN SIMMONS
Uptown Network recently announced that Shula’s 347 Grill, 6915 Red Rd. in Coral Gables, has expanded its iPad Wine List well beyond wines. The upgraded app now allows guests to explore food such as desserts and cocktails, beer and martinis. There even is an extensive selection of single malt scotch. “We have definitely seen an uptick in wine sales based on our introduction of the Uptown Network iPad Wine List,” said Francesco Balli, nanaging partner of Shula’s 347 Grill in Coral Gables. “One of the biggest advantages of rolling out this app is the ‘wow’ factor that patrons will remember. We completely eliminated our traditional paper printed wine lists and only use the iPad Personal Sommelier. We have now
expanded its benefits to so much more.” In addition to being available in the restaurant, the Shula’s 347 Grill app is available for free to anyone with an iPad. The app can be downloaded by searching “Personal Sommelier” on Apple’s App Store. “People love it! Because of its versatile search ability, it helps give all of our wines a great chance of being purchased, not just the big movers,” Balli said. “It’s another item that makes dining with us that much more special, not just another night out to dinner.” “We are excited to see our customers expanding the value of our app and network,” said Phil Turner, vice president of Research and Development at Uptown Network. “Shula’s 347 Grill wisely has increased their offerings to over 70 million iPad users.”
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Youngsters can have fun with food at Dadeland Mall BY LAUREN BROWN
Pint-sized food lovers and even the pickiest eaters will have a blast getting crafty with cuisine as Super Duper Mini Chefs makes its annual spring appearance at some 100 Simon malls nationwide, including Dadeland Mall in Kendall. Hosted by the popular Simon Kidgits Club and sponsored by Nickelodeon, participating kids will be encouraged to play with their food. Super Duper Mini Chefs will take place on Friday, June 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Dadeland Mall in the Saks Fifth Avenue Corridor. At the event, aspiring young cooks and little foodies can explore the creativity of cuisine through a combination of demonstrations and interactive activities. Kids can learn to play Nickelodeon’s new iCarly: Groovy Foodie! game, based on the hit Nickelodeon television series iCarly, available exclusively for the Nintendo DS on June 12. In iCarly: Groovy Foodie!, players can help Carly and Sam get out of trouble by serving wacky dishes to crazy customers in a fast paced, action puzzle game that dishes out all the random hilarity from the show. Super Duper Mini Chefs attendees who try out iCarly: Groovy Foodie! will receive an exclusive GameStop coupon to use on their next purchase. Other food-focused activities that will be hosted include chocolate chip cookie sandwich-making with Nestle Toll House Café; pizza creation with Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen; mini cupcake decoration with Candy in a Cupcake; create yogurt parfaits and sample chicken nugget with Chick-fil-A, along with a special visit with the Eat More Chikin Cow; mini ice cream sundae creation with Haagen-Dazs; pretzel twisting and pretzel stix samplings with Auntie Anne’s, make desert crepes with BannaStrows,fruit smoothie creation with Starbucks Coffee. Young visitors also can keep learn the
Top and bottom: Participating kids will be encouraged to play with their food.
importance of keeping hands clean with an antibacterial hand-cleaning station provided by Bath & Body Works. Additional activities will be provided by Johnny Rocket’s, Assure A Smile, Churromania, Banna Strows and Macaroni Kids. In addition to sampling their delicious creations, children will be able to enjoy an instructional, nutritional magic show performed by Amy the Magic Chef where table manners and healthy eating habits will take center stage. All participants are able to create their own chef’s hat and will receive an apron to wear while they are creating their delicious treats. Event attendees also will receive a special recipe card for Spaghetti Tacos, an imaginative meal made well-known among children by Nickelodeon’s iCarly television series, and a colorful Simon Kidgits Club plate to continue the culinary creativity at home. Also as part of the event, kids are encouraged to lend a hand to those in need by bringing a non-perishable food item to Dadeland Mall to be donated to Feeding South Florida. Jayne Stilson, assistant vice president of business development for Simon Brand Ventures, the business-to-consumer division of Simon Property Group, said, “Super Duper Mini Chefs provides kids an outlet to express their imagination and have a good time being inspired by the art of food.” The Simon Kidgits Club is a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children ages 3-8. Since 2003, the Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games. For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club and Super Duper Mini Chefs events, visit <www.simon.com/kidgits>.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
June 12 - 25, 2012
Baptist Health graduates inaugural class of Nurse Executive Academy BY STEPHANIE ROJAS
opportunity to work on individual career development plans through Baptist Health South Florida organizational projects. graduated the inaugural class of “Many of the participants in its Nurse Executive Academy on our Nurse Executive Academy May 14. have made great advancements in The talent management protheir careers at Baptist Health,” gram was launched in 2010 to said Marlly Cadavid, Baptist reinforce Baptist Health’s goal of Health’s director of Nursing developing and promoting nursWorkforce Development and ing leaders from within the organcoordinator of the inaugural ization. The Academy aims to Nurse Executive Academy. mold the future of Baptist Health “Seven of our academy graduates by creating a talented pool of canhave already been promoted to didates for chief nursing officer assistant vice president and direcand other executive positions. tor positions, which speaks to the “The Nurse Executive caliber of our participants.” Academy is just one example of Baptist Health South Florida is how Baptist Health strives to prothe largest faith-based, not-formote exceptional leadership in profit healthcare organization in nursing,” said Deborah S. the region. Baptist Health Mulvihill, MSN, RN, FACHE, includes Baptist Hospital, South Baptist Health’s corporate vice Miami Hospital, Baptist Pictured are members of the first class of Nurse Executive Academy graduates. president and chief nursing offiChildren’s Hospital, Baptist –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– cer. “We are very proud of our Cardiac & Vascular Institute, inaugural class and we look forward to the academy’s inaugural class. The exec- porates human resources talent manage- Mariners Hospital, Homestead Hospital, seeing the academy graduates continue to utive training program includes mentor- ment and leadership development best Doctors Hospital, West Kendall Baptist ships, projects and formal classes with practices to enhance the participants’ Hospital and Baptist Outpatient Services. succeed at Baptist Health.” Fifteen nurse leaders were selected participation from Baptist Health execu- leadership capacity. For more information, visit online at The academy members also had the <www.BaptistHealth.net>. from across the organization to make up tives and managers. The academy incor-
June 12 - 25, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
FIU Health unveiled during ribbon-cutting ceremony
Page 39
FPL CORNER How we can energize economic opportunity
Pictured at the FIU Health ribbon-cutting ceremony are (l-r) Pedro J. Greer Jr., MD, clinical chair of Humanities, Health & Society, FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine; Yolangel Hernandez Suarez, MBA, MD, chief medical officer, FIU Healthcare Network; Douglas Wartzok, PhD, executive vice president and provost, Florida International University; John A. Rock, MD, founding dean, FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine; Fernando Valverde, MD, CEO, FIU Healthcare Network; Mayi de la Vega, FIU Board of Trustees; Mark Rosenberg, PhD, president, Florida International University; Herbert Wertheim, OD, founding chair, FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine; Nicole Wertheim; Ora Strickland, RN, PhD, dean, College of Nursing and Health Sciences; Albert Dotson Sr., chair emeritus, FIU Board of Trustees, and Jeffrey Horstmyer, MD, clinical chair of Neurology, FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY ANN BRIGGLE
Physicians with the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University now are available to see patients through FIU Health, a unified system that provides access to world-class care. Unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony to community leaders, FIU Health includes many of the best doctors in South Florida, in addition to nationally renowned medical faculty recruited by FIU to teach in the College of Medicine. “When we made the case for this medical school, we said that it would help our community by educating new doctors and providing expanded access to medical services,” said FIU president Mark B. Rosenberg at the launch ceremony in April. “The first part of that promise we will fulfill next year when we graduate our first class of physicians. Today, we honor the rest of the promise by inviting members of our community to come receive excellent care from FIU Health providers.” FIU Health is a gateway for coordinated access to some of South Florida’s top specialists and providers at leading hospital affiliates including Baptist Health South Florida, Jackson Health System, Mercy Hospital, Miami Children’s Hospital, and Mount Sinai Medical Center. “FIU Health physicians meet the highest standards in their fields,” said Dr. John A. Rock, senior vice president for medical
affairs and the founding dean of the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. “We have recruited them to teach our students and now we offer them to our community under a unified system that will produce excellent quality of care.” Currently, FIU Health’s main office is the Faculty Group Practice, located at FIU’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus, 885 SW 109 Ave. in West Miami-Dade, where patients can see family physicians and various specialists. As FIU Health grows, plans are underway to expand on-campus services through a 100,000-square-foot complex that will house an ambulatory care center, an ambulatory surgery center and a medical office building, scheduled to open in 2014. Additional clinical sites are planned. “FIU Health is the umbrella under which we will provide our community all the services and health expertise that FIU faculty have across disciplines,” Dean Rock said. “We are creating an environment that will assist our community in preventing disease and will provide culturally sensitive care of the highest quality.” FIU Health also will include services provided by FIU faculty from College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and College of Arts and Sciences. To make an appointment with an FIU Health physician, call 305-FIU-DOCS/ 305348-3627.
In one way or another, we’ve all been asking a simple question: “How can we energize economic opportunity?” That’s the same question people are asking here in Florida, across America, and really – around the world. Our collective answers to that question will define the future. And the good news is: there are lots of ways we can answer that question constructively. I believe we should energize economic opportunity in three simple ways: 1. Investing in infrastructure 2. Expanding educational opportunity, and 3. By working together more effectively. Over the three-year period from 2011 through 2013, FPL is investing approximately $9 billion here in Florida to strengthen and improve the state's electric generation and delivery system, and to maintain our strong reliability, all while helping to keep customer bills low over the long term, and all through the use of fuel-efficient generation and innovative technologies. The combined fuel savings are tremendous. By 2016, our customers will save about $1.2 billion in fuel costs every single year. And every dollar we save our customers on fuel is a dollar that stays in their pocket. Saving money for our customers is extremely important to us, but there are other benefits as well. FPL’s investments in new infrastructure also reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and not in a small way. In 2001, we burned more than 40 million barrels of fuel oil to generate electricity, almost all of it imported from overseas. This year, we’re projecting that we will burn less than 600,000 barrels. That’s a reduction of more than 98 percent in just 10 years, which is a great benefit to our customers, when the price of oil once again is more than $100 a barrel. The second way we can energize economic opportunity is by investing in education. For grade school children, FPL sponsors science shows that visit about 100,000 students a year. For older students, we’ve created a solar education in schools program. Through this program, FPL has installed on-campus solar demonstration systems in a dozen schools, and we’re still doing more. And for young men and women ready to enter the workforce, we’ve created a Nuclear Power Plant Skilled Worker Pipeline Program. In fact, 76 employees at our two nuclear plants are graduates of this program. Third, we can energize economic opportunity by recognizing that we are all in this together. To that end, and with the support of our regulators, FPL now offers a special “Economic Development Rate” for FPL business customers that commit to bringing jobs to the state (www.PoweringFlorida.com <http://www.PoweringFlorida.com> ). I am also personally encouraged by several of our business customers who have told me recently that they see Florida’s economy turning the corner, and gaining strength and momentum. None of us knows what the future will bring, but working together for the common good can bring out the best in all of us. Despite the headwinds we can all see before us, FPL remains incredibly optimistic about the future of our state, our country and our global economy. That’s why we’re doing everything we can to keep our electric bill the lowest in the state, and among the lowest in the nation. Eric Silagy is President of Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) and one of the largest investor-owned electric utilities in the nation.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
June 12 - 25, 2012
Chapman Partnership collecting school supplies, uniforms for homeless kids BY LEE STEPHENS
Every year the Chapman Partnership provides all school supplies for every child living at either one of its centers. “It takes a great load off parents’ shoulders knowing that their kids will have what they need on the first day of school,” said Patricia Vila, marketing director of Chapman Partnership. “Over 1,000 schoolage children come through our centers each year.” To reach its goal Chapman Partnership relies on the community to assist in collecting items needed for about 200 children who currently reside at its centers — ranging from toddlers to high school age. “We provide each child with uniforms, backpacks and all other supplies such as pencils, notebooks, calculators, basically anything and everything you
can think of,” Vila said. You can drop off donations at Chapman Partnership’s downtown Miami center, 1550 N. Miami Ave., or the Homestead center, 28205 SW 124 Ct. If you need more information, call 305-329-3003. Chapman Partnership provides a wide array of services to help the homeless in Miami-Dade County rebuild their lives while offering dignity and respect. It is the private sector partner of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, commissioned to site, build and operate two Homeless Assistance Centers in downtown Miami and Homestead. Chapman Partnership empowers homeless men, women and children to build a positive future by providing the resources and assistance critical to growth and stability. For more information, visit online at <www.chapmanpartnership.org>.
June 12 - 25, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Team Florida Baseball to host first Golf and Poker Tournament, July 7 BY RAQUEL GARCIA
While a junior at Ransom Everglades High School, Dan Otero, now a pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, said one of his best opportunities to prepare for a future with Major League Baseball came from his days with Dave Westberry’s Team Florida Baseball. “Dave is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet in baseball,” Otero said during a recent telephone interview. “He never wants to take credit for anything but he gives high school players an incredible chance to compete and learn the sport.” Team Florida was established in 1985 by president and head baseball coach Dave Westberry to assist young players with the college recruitment process and get them to the next level of play. The not-for-profit organization, Team Florida, is hosting its “First Annual Golf Extravaganza and Poker Tournament” on Saturday, July 7, at Redland Golf and Country Club, 24451 Krome Ave. Registration opens at 11 a.m. and a shotgun start is set for 1 p.m. “We want to reach out to past players and bring them back to the family,” Coach Westberry said about the fundraising event. “We haven’t seen some of these guys in a while. It’s a great way to find out where they are and what they have been up to while helping the kids.” Team Florida competes in the American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC) and Continental Amateur Baseball Association (CABA) by bringing promising young ball players from as far north as Pensacola to the Euclid, OH, CABA High School World Series every July. More than 400 former Team Florida players have gone on to play at the college level and beyond. Major League Baseball clubs such as the California Angels, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners and Florida Marlins have
welcomed alumni players onto their rosters. “We have had kids graduate from West Point and Harvard and go on to the big leagues,” Westberry said. “Our coaches have all been or currently are high school coaches. I work for the Department of Corrections and we have veteran police officer coaches. We know how to instill values for success on and off the field.” Otero said Coach Westberry also was a strict disciplinarian and no one got special treatment. “We learned how to follow instructions and discipline ourselves to be on time and play hard. It didn’t matter who you were; if you didn’t follow the rules, you didn’t play.” The Golf and Poker Tournament will help raise funds for this summer’s CABA World Series trip. “The first year we went to Ohio was in 1988 and there were 12 college teams represented,” Westberry said. “This is a national tournament and a showcase tournament. Last year there were 65 college teams watching and this year there may be more.” Eligible students for Team Florida must have played and passed high school baseball (along with SAT and ACT pre-college exams) and have a potential future in the sport. The Golf and Poker Tournament will help raise money to finance the trip for players from varied socio-economic backgrounds so everyone has a chance to travel and play. “We have been doing Team Florida for 27 years now and we are getting support from guys who have played in the past,” Westberry said. “Everybody is excited about the tournament; it is something new and we’re trying to get the word out. It’s really ultimately all about the kids saying they had a great time playing, and the parents, too, who I have met over the years and become friends with. The camaraderie is the best reward.” For more information contact Coach Dave Westberry at 786-258-6184 or Coach Phillip Wisser at 305-283-5277.
Page 41
Hectorr Wiltz,, MD.,, CPI. Board Certified Dermatologist FXM Research Miami
Do you or someone you know have Rosacea? FXM Research in Miami is looking for males and females 18 years or older that suffer from Rosacea “Redness on forehead, cheeks, and nose with acne type lesions on your face” to participate in an eighteen [18] study-visit clinical research study. 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 USD $800.00.
¿Tiene usted o alguien que usted conozca Rosacea? FXM Research en Miami está buscando hombres y mujeres de 18 años o más que sufran de Rosacea “Enrojecimiento en la frente, mejillas, y nariz con lesiones similares al acné”, para participar en un estudio clínico de investigación que requiere dieciocho [18] visitas. Seguro Médico no es requerido para su participación en el estudio. Los participantes que califiquen recibirán: • Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado. • Los medicamentos bajo investigación a no costo. • Compensación por tiempo y transporte hasta $800.00.
For more information please call / Para más información por favor llame:
(305) 220-5222
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Miami,, Florida a 33175 5 • www.fxmresearch.com m
Hectorr Wiltz,, MD.,, CPI. Board Certified Dermatologist FXM Research Miami
Do you or someone you know have Psoriasis? FXM Research in Miami Miami is looking for males or females 18 years or older that suffer from moderate to severe plaque Psoriasis to participate in a clinical research study. Medical Insurance is not required for study participation Qualified participants will receive: • Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist. • Investigational Medication at no cost. • Compensation for time and travel.
¿Tienee ustedd o alguienn quee ustedd conozcaa Psoriasis? FXM Research in Miami está buscando hombres y mujeres entre 18 años o más que sufran de Psoriasis moderada a severa para participar en un estudio de investigación clínico. Seguro Medico no es requerido para su participación en el estudio. Los participantes que califiquen recibirán: • Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado. • Los medicamentos bajo investigación a no costo. • Compensación por su tiempo y transporte.
For more information please call / Para más información por favor llame:
(305) 220-5222
11760 0 Bird d Road,, Suite e 452
Miami,, Florida a 33175 5 • www.fxmresearch.com m
Page 42
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
June 12 - 25, 2012
Bay Day at Shake-A-Leg brings joy to youngsters
Bay Day at Shake-A-Leg organizer, Rotarian Judy Pantoja, helps check in children for their day of fun. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Pictured are the new owners of Lots of Lox (l-r) Steve, Jimmy and Nick Poulos.
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When you gather the volunteer resources of five great non-profits, any event is certain to be a success. Thanks to the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame and Canes 4 Life working with the Rotary Club of Coral Gables, Shake-ALeg Miami and the Youth Fishing Foundation, the annual Bay Day was a hit. Participants included underprivileged kids from CHARLEE Homes, Overtown Youth Center, Leadership Learning Center at John Bosco and a few other non-forprofit organizations with youth programs. Conducted at the Shake-A-Leg Miami facility in Coconut Grove on Saturday, May 19, Bay Day was a family event where invited participants rotated through enrichment zones including sailing, kayaking, bay cruise and swimming at Eco Island courtesy of Shake-A-Leg Miami. For kids that don’t swim, there was a scavenger/trivia hunt on the Eco Islands while land activities included art, face painting and an educational experience at a touch tank with live sea life provided by the Youth Fishing Foundation.
John Routh of the UM Hall of Fame had Sebastian the Ibis, UM’s mascot, make a surprise visit. In addition, Gino Torretta’s Heisman Trophy was on display and available for photo ops with UM alumni athletes attending that day. The day afforded 115 youngsters as well as several veterans a truly memorable experience. Among those Gables Rotarians and many others helping make this day a success were Rotarian Judy Pantoja, who orchestrated the event rounding up friends and Rotarians for help including a Shake-A-Leg regular Bill Quensenberry as well as Rick and Margarita Tonkinson, Zac Handler, Raquel Garcia, Tom Dixon, Dick Golden, Deena Bell, and Charles Llewellyn, Lorraine Sheldon, and Catarina Jimenez, to name a few. Happy children went home with a fishing rod courtesy of the Youth Fishing Foundation and in promotion of the UM Sports Hall of Fame’s Fishing Tournament. That tournament will take place at the Post Card Inn in Islamorada, June 29-30, and will benefit both ShakeA-Leg Miami and Habitat for Humanity.
June 12 - 25, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 43
Beth Am students pick golden beet as favorite from community garden BY KAREN BUCHSBAUM
In a hard-fought battle among Beth Am fourth grade students, the golden beet edged out pineapple as the favorite offering from the Deering Bay Club Community Garden. Honorable mentions went to turnip, sorrel and marigold. Nineteen students from Vicky Koller’s fourth grade science class recently returned to Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club to celebrate the harvest of the community’s vegetable garden. The kids got hands-on experience learning about harvesting and the steps that follow with regard to plants going to seed, how to compost, the role of insects helping the garden, and healthy eating. As part of the mid-day festivities the students enjoyed a sumptuous salad bar. Under the direction of Deering Bay Club member Ethan Shapiro and Deering Bay Sous Chef Tim Rowan (a QCS Certified Organic Farmer), the kids tasted a wide variety of vegetables, including some still available in the community garden. In the second annual Battle of the Dips competition, Mexican Guacamole was the overwhelming winner over Greek Tzatziki. This marks the second year that the stu-
dents from Beth Am have helped plant and harvest the Deering Bay Garden. The popular program incorporates visits to the garden with special science classes about plants, pollination, ecology and conservation. In the fall, the students planted about one quarter of the garden including three types of cabbage, garlic chives, sorrel cosmos, radicchio, golden beets, lettuce, basil, bok choy and tatsio. Ms. Koller returned to Beth Am with a pineapple plant and dozen Southern Milkweed plants to attract butterflies for the Beth Am garden. Students got to take home recipes as well as caterpillars and other interesting garden-friendly insects. “The beauty, colors and flavors of what we’ve seen come out of the garden have been so vivid and far beyond what we expected when we started in 2010, “Shapiro said. “Our members take pride that some of the vegetables served at the club are grown on premises, free of pesticides and they thoroughly appreciate that the garden has also been used for educational purposes.” To follow the garden’s progress visit the “A Garden on the Bay” blog at <http://blog.dbycc.com>.
Mia Bilchik and Rachel Kaplan enjoy their garden treats. (Photo by Daniella Tosta) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
June 12 - 25, 2012
Rotary Club inviting participants for Coconut Grove Treasure Hunt BY ROBERT HAMILTON
The search for fun and treasure in Coconut Grove is Saturday, June 16, and starts at the Sandbar Sports Grill, 3064 Grand Ave. Register between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and join your mates and other scallywags for $10 Bottomless Bloody Marys or Mimosas and two fabulous breakfasts for just the price of one. Participants will be given a treasure map leading them on a Grove Treasure Hunt for fun, great grog and great treats, plus treasure tickets for dozens of fabu-
lous raffle prizes. Then from 5 to 8 p.m. join the “Grab Some More Booty Party” at the Sandbar Sports Grill. While everyone replays the day, get Grub ‘n’ Grog specials, live music and the big drawing for all the loot. The cost is just $25 at the door or $20 in advance at <www.CoconutGrove.RotaryClubs.org> (see: Club Links on left side click on Grove Treasure Hunt) with all proceeds going to the Rotary Club of Coconut Grove Foundation to help Coconut Grove neighbors. For more information call Kelly Smith at 305-302-9342.
June 12 - 25, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 45
Nelson Diaz elected board An Extraordinary School president of Kristi House for Extraordinary Students BY LEE STEPHENS
The Kristi House, the non-profit child sexual abuse agency which serves as the Children’s Advocacy Center for MiamiDade County, has announced that the board of directors elected Nelson David Diaz as its president during its annual meeting on May 10. Diaz will serve a twoyear term as president. Diaz, an attorney and lobbyist with Becker & Poliakoff, has served on the Kristi House board since 2007 and is a leading fundraiser. He was elected vice president in 2011. Diaz is credited with leading Kristi House’s effort in the successful passage of the Florida Safe Harbor Act which changes how commercially sexually exploited children are viewed and treated in Florida. As Kristi House’s pro bono advocate lobbying for the passage of the legislation, he described this legislative victory as the conclusion of a long and, at times, arduous road, but the beginning of many, many success stories for all child victims of sexual abuse. “Human trafficking, in particular the sex trafficking of children, is a pandemic in this country,” Diaz said. “The Safe Harbor Act will allow first responders the option of treating commercially sexually exploited children as victims, and not criminals, by placing them at private treatment centers, or Safe Harbors, to treat these children and offer them hope for a brighter future.” Diaz represents local governments, businesses, trade associations and other corporate clients before the legislative and executive branches of state government and has successfully guided many pieces of legislation into Florida law. His previous expe-
Nelson David Diaz –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
rience as chief legislative aide to the former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and now U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, along with a history of election campaign and fundraising work, make him ideally suited to lead the Kristi House organization, which is supported by public and private sector grants and philanthropy. Diaz is joined on the executive board by newly elected officers: Bobbie JonesWilfork, vice president; Lauren Harrison Genovese, vice president; Antonio Zamora, treasurer, and Chuck Vodicka, secretary. The officers and board members will assist Kristi House in its mission of healing and ending child sexual abuse, and will be dedicated to ensuring services remain free to children and their nonoffending family members and that no child is turned away for help. For more information visit <www.kristihouse.org>.
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After more than a year of preparation, children in Kindergarten through 4th grade who have been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS, ADDADHD, mild Dyslexia, and auditory processing issues will have the opportunity to attend a private elementary school created exclusively for them. “Rosemont Academy is a school for extremely bright children who simply learn differently,” says Lainie Hansen, Rosemont’s owner/Director and the mother of a daughter with high functioning Autism. “I wanted to offer a program that was like no other,” Hansen states. She worked for months with Curriculum Coordinator, Vanessa del Campo, to create the academic aspect of Rosemont’s program. Hansen then moved on to creating the Rosemont Method™: a carefully crafted adaptation of scaffolding techniques, gifted elements, differentiated learning applications, and cooperative learning strategies. Finally, Hansen turned her attention to finding the perfect staff. Each member of the teaching staff is state certified and possesses specialized skills and experience that makes them outstanding in their field. “I have never and will never underestimate the role a great teacher plays in the lives of their students,” notes Hansen, who also happens to be a Florida certified Language Arts teacher with a Gifted Education endorsement. “We consider Rosemont the bridge to mainstream classrooms and schools,” Hansen explains, sitting in one of her sunny, spacious classrooms located on the campus of Temple Bet Breira Samu-el Or Olom in east Kendall. Tanya Tepper agrees. Tepper, whose daughter just completed Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ LEAP pre-school program feels Rosemont’s small, specialized kindergarten class is the logical step before the jump to public elementary school. “We are so excited to know that at Rosemont our daughter will be given the chance she needs to maximize her potential at this critical age so that we can fulfill our goal of mainstreaming her down the road.” Hansen has also assembled an impressive roster of therapists to help her Rosemont Falcons soar. Included in Rosemont’s tuition are weekly Language and Social Skills Circles created by Wendy Nottoli, M.A., CCC, BCaBA; Occupational Therapy groups facilitated by Nicole Hanna, OTR/L, C-SIPT; and Music Therapy provided by Jillian Mehler, MT-BC, NMT. Art, yoga, P.E, computer lab, and Skill Builder Groups will round out each student’s academic experience. “We even threw in all of the school supplies,” Hansen says with a smile. “I listened to what parents wanted in a school.” Listening to parents of kids with special needs is nothing new to Hansen. She is also the founder of Moms Reach—Miami, a local organization that serves as a clearinghouse of information and source of support for families with kids on the Autism Spectrum in South Florida. “Moms are hearing that there is a new school out there created exclusively for their high functioning kids,” Hansen says. And the word is spreading. Aura, the mother of an incoming fourth grader sums it up nicely, "I feel like someone read my mind on what I wanted from a school and its curriculum, and that includes a huge faith in my son's potential. I have been searching extensively and could not find a better place for my son.” For more information about Rosemont Academy visit www.RosemontAcademy.com
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Gulliver senior Michael Leigh Pelle earns Angier B. Duke Scholarship BY LEE STEPHENS
Michael Leigh Pelle, a resident of Key Biscayne and a senior at Gulliver Preparatory School, recently was awarded one of 15 Angier B. Duke Memorial scholarships by Duke University. The scholarships are undergraduate merit awards to attend the university. They are awarded to outstanding students who show promise of being intellectual leaders. “We’re extremely proud of Michael and very grateful to play a part in the education of this exemplary young man,” said John Krutulis, Gulliver head of school. “This scholarship is another stepping stone towards a bright future for Michael.” The scholarship program was established in 1925 by Duke University cofounder Benjamin Newton Duke in memory of his son, Angier Buchanan Duke. Over a four-year period, a scholarship is estimated to be worth more than $200,000.
Michael Leigh Pelle ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
June 12 - 25, 2012
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June 12 - 25, 2012
2013 Nissan Altima is beautiful all-new mid-size sedan
Ron Beasley LET’S TALK CARS I recently attended the press preview in Nashville for the beautiful new 2013 Nissan Altima and I came away with the feeling that this car eventually will overtake the Toyota Camry as the best-selling vehicle in the United States. This fifth generation Altima is just that special. It was two decades ago that Nissan introduced the Altima and over the years it has become the company’s best-selling vehicle (No. 2 in the U.S. last year). This newest Altima only will add to the healthy sales figures and will begin appearing in dealer showrooms in June. The new Altima has numerous features that will make it attractive to the American consumer, not the least of which is 38 mpg highway gas mileage. Two engines options are available — a 2.5-liter 182 hp DOHC four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter 270 hp DOHC V-6. The 2.5-liter QR25 engine has been redesigned to make
it lighter and more efficient, and it now has variable valve timing on both exhaust and intake camshafts, all helping it to achieve better fuel economy. Both engines are mated to a new next-generation Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), the single most important factor in improving the Altima’s fuel economy. Nissan says 70 percent of the parts in the CVT have been redesigned to reduce internal friction by up to 40 percent, with new control logic and expanded gear ratio coverage further reducing noise and fuel consumption, improving drivability and responsiveness. As for styling, the Altima was completely redesigned to give it a luxury exterior with improved aerodynamics, a wide, aggressive stance and dramatic front-end styling. It keeps the same wheelbase as the previous Altima, but has a wider front and rear track and deeper fenders that combine with a crisp new grille design, a seamless bumper and projector-type headlights. The longer sloping rear roofline and raised trunk combine to create a more fluid silhouette capped by large taillights that flow into the bodysides, with chrome trim and door handles for accent. The new Altima also has all the latest electronic technology, including a Standard
New Altima has dramatic front-end styling, new grille design, seamless bumper and projector-type headlights. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth; NissanConnect and NissanConnect Navigation, with a suite of Bluetooth phone connectivity features including hands-free text message integration, Pandora playback, realtime Google POI search; Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD), and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). There is a host of other new goodies, including an upscale interior that is as good
as any you’ll find in most luxury cars, with NASA-inspired “zero-gravity” seats, an Advanced Drive-Assist Display and a BOSE Premium Audio System. Pricing on the 2013 Nissan Altima starts at $21,500.
Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.
June 12 - 25, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Free parking at Miami-Dade parks for Parks Foundation members BY EDITH TORRES
Parks Foundation members are receiving an additional perk just in time for the summer months. Now through Aug. 31, existing and new Parks Foundation members will be able to park for free at all MiamiDade Parksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; locations, excluding marinas. Popular park locations with parking tolls include Crandon Park, Haulover Beach Park, Matheson Hammock Park, Greynolds and East Greynolds parks, and Amelia Earhart Park. Parks Foundation members simply must show their member card and photo ID to the parking tollbooth attendant and they will be allowed to park for free all summer long. The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, its mission, programs, and services. Memberships to the Parks Foundation not only help support the Miami-Dade Parks system, but also
Parks Foundation members simply must show their m e m b e r c a rd a n d p h o t o I D to the parking tollbooth attendant and they will be a l l o w e d t o p a r k f o r f re e a l l summer long. provides valuable benefits to card holders such as free shelter rentals, discounts to programs and park attractions, free entrances to VIP parties and special events, and varying limited-time offer benefits, such as free parking in the summer. For more information on the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, or to become a member, visit the website at <www.miamidade.gov/parks_foundation>.
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June 12 - 25, 2012
The Rotary Club of Perrine-Cutler Ridge/ Palmetto Bay hosts 2012 Wing Ding Cook-Off held at the Palmetto Bay Village Center
June 12 - 25, 2012
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