P u b l i s h e d i n c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h T h e M i a m i B e a c h C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– C o n n e c t i n g L o c a l B u s i n e s s e s s i n c e 1 9 5 8
FEB. 23 - MAR. 7, 2012
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Mayor Bower to host 4th Annual Women’s Conference Miami Witnesses World’s Largest Touring Big Top Odysseo, Cavalia’s All New Show of Unprecedented Proportions
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CONFERENCE, page 4
Letter from the Chair BY JASON LOEB Chairman, Miami Beach Chamber
The Forbes and B l o o m b e r g Businessweek lists are great sources, but for me, some of the greatest business inspirations come from our very own backyard. This was recently evident during the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Champions of Business Award luncheon. Here at the Chamber, we’ll all about hard work, but also recognition of the accomplishments reaped from that hard work. This year’s awardees included: • Aletha Player, of FPL, who received the annual James McDonnell Outstanding Board of Governor Award • Warren Zinn, Owner of Warren Henry Auto Group, who received Aaron B. Perry Innovation in Business Award • The Shockett Family, who accepted the Past Chair Award in recognition of William “Billy” Shockett, Past Chairman of the Chamber Board from ’82-’83.
Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower ynamic speakers, a luncheon featuring the artistry of extraordinary women chefs, and a program honoring outstanding women who shaped Florida's history are featured at the 4th Annual Miami Beach Women's Conference, which will be held on Friday, March 16, in honor of National Women's History Month. The event, which is hosted by Mayor Matti Bower, in conjunction with Women's Exhibit, features the exciting Mayor's Panel in the morning, where speakers will explore the role of politics. At the first program, entitled "So You're Elected - Now What?" a panel of esteemed women leaders will discuss the role of women in politics and the special opportunities and challenges they face as elected officials.
Phone: 305-669-7355
PHOTO CREDIT: CAVALIA
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and Cavalia present an all-new adventure, Odysseo, to debut in Miami. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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embers of the Miami press turned out for a first visit under the colossal White Big Top of Odysseo, the new show by Cavalia Inc. whose Miami premiere will take place February 29 in Bicentennial Park. Standing 125 feet tall, the Big Top covers more than 100,000 square feet – bigger than an NFL football field.
“For our all-new show, we’ve redefined the space completely,” explained Normand Latourelle, President and Artistic Director of Cavalia Inc. “I wanted the stage to be completely free of masts and obstructions, giving our creative team the freedom to design any scene they could imagine for our twoand four-legged performers.” –––––––––––––––––––––– See
ODYSSEO, page 4
Furthermore, the Chamber introduced the first annual 2012 Warren Henry Small Business of the Year Award in honor of a business owner who has grown his/her company over the years, while maintaining an ever-important strong presence in giving back to the community. Carefully selected by our Chairman’s Circle, this year’s winner was Brian Scheinblum, the Co-founder and President of Cambean Hospitality. As owner of the Carlton, Clifton, Majestic, and Lords South Beach at Nash hotels, Brian’s work through Cambean is so important in helping to maintain the glamour and attraction of our Art Deco District for tourists and Miamians alike. In true Chamber fashion, the sold-out ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See
LETTER, page 4
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LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT BRIAN SCHEINBLUM
On February 1, 2012, the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce held its annual Champions of Business Awards Luncheon recognizing the accomplishments of outstanding business professionals. For the first time this year, the 2012 Warren Henry Small Business of the Year Award was given to honor an individual or company who has dedicated their time to the community while growing their companies to reach outstanding achievements in management and innovation. Finalists were selected by the Chamber’s Chairman’s Circle members. This year’s winner was Brian Scheinblum, the Co-founder and President of Cambean Hospitality which owns and manages the Carlton, Clifton, Majestic, and Lords South Beach at Nash Hotels located in the South Beach Art Deco District. As a Co-Founder of Cambean Hospitality, Scheinblum oversees company strategy, positioning, property management, expansion, capital improvement, financing and construction for the Group. As part of his work, Scheinblum has been working to integrate environmentally responsible hospitality practices within his properties and throughout the industry. He positioned Cambean as the first carbon-neutral hospitality company in the United States and recently completed the redevelopment of the Clifton South Beach Hotel. The Clifton is the first LEED (Leadership in Environmental Design) project to be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council in Miami Beach as well as the first LEED Gold certified hotel in the State of Florida. “The Clifton was a great opportunity for us to see how much we could accomplish in renovating a historic property in an environmentally friendly manner and to operate in a sustainable way. We implemented resources saving technologies and environmentally friendly materials with an underlying sense of responsibility for our community and the environment.” His other three properties are also evolving as more sustainable operations and all of his hotels are part of the Florida Green Lodging Program. Projects involving water and energy conservation and other areas are always being researched, not only from an environmental standpoint but as a contribution to the bottom line as well. A charitable component to hotel stays at the Clifton is also being implemented this year. The “Stay Green to Give Green” program will allow guests to book select rooms that donate a portion of their stay to local non-profits who are dedicated to protecting natural resources and sustainability. The Everglades Foundation, Audubon Florida, and ECOMB are some of the organizations who will initially be featured. Hotel guests are also provided with information on these organizations in the
BRIAN SCHEINBLUM
hope that they can learn more about their important work and how they might be able to support them. Scheinblum has also been working with the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce as the Chairman of the Sustainable Business Council to help develop programs to show businesses how they can move to more sustainable operating models and improve their bottom line. As part of these efforts, Scheinblum developed and is launching the Certified Sustainable Business program which will include a workshop for chamber members as well as a designation for member businesses and a newly launched website which will highlight the Certified Businesses. He is also looking forward to making an impact as a new addition to the ECOMB Board of Directors. Scheinblum is a proud native of Miami, and loves the area, which is part of the reason he has been working hard to make it an even more special place to live and work. “I have truly enjoyed meeting and working with some really wonderful members of the Miami Beach community. There are some great people working here and I am thrilled my children can benefit from living here.” After graduating from the University of Miami, where Scheinblum maintains a strong relationship, he built businesses in real estate sales, multi-home development as well as hospitality management. He has been featured in various hospitality and executive publications as well as a speaker at events focusing on hospitality and sustainability issues. His projects have won recognition from local and national organizations like the Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association, the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association, and the Miami Design Preservation League as well as others.
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CONFERENCE, from page 1 The panelists for the first morning session at 9 a.m. include Mayor Bower, former Florida Representative Elaine Bloom, who served as Speaker Pro-Tem in the Florida Legislature, Florida Senator Gwen Margolis, and former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson, who served in that post from 19942010, and who is president and CEO of the Good Government Initiative at the University of Miami. The second morning panel, entitled "Protection for Women," features a panel of seasoned legal and crime prevention professionals discussing how women can protect themselves physically, legally and from the devastation of identity theft. The panelists will include Miami Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, who was appointed in 1993 and re-elected for five terms, and who, as legal counsel for the Dade County Grand Jury created Florida's first domestic violence unit, and Miami Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman, who is a former member of the Florida Legislature, a crime and loss prevention specialist and a member of the Homeland Security Consortium. Joining them
ODYSSEO, from page 1 Borrowing structurally from cathedrals, the Big Top’s innovative architects and engineers used exterior arches to open up the interior. As a result, not only can the structure support as much acrobatic and stage equipment as the bestequipped permanent theaters in the world, but in this vast space Odysseo’s 50 artists and 71 horses can play, run, dance jump and twirl to their heart’s content. “Odysseo is a feel-good show,” added Mr. Latourelle. “In these difficult, troubled times, Odysseo is a two-hour departure that expresses something gentle, even tender – the joy of sharing our space with horses, a partner of humanity for ages.” “We are honored to co-present Odysseo – Cavalia’s innovative, new show that pays
LETTER, from page 1 –––– event demonstrated our utmost support for these exceptional individuals. In addition, Past Chairmen Aaron B. Perry, Alan Randolph, Michael Milberg, Gerald Schwartz, Ira Giller, Anthony “Tony’’ Noboa, Bart S. Golberg, Leon A. Manne, and Lucia Dougherty, along with Past President and CEO of the Chamber, Bruce Singer, were all in
Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
will be Beth Littrell, LAMBDA Legal's staff attorney who, as director of the ACLU of Georgia led President Obama's initiative spearheading hospital visitation rights for same sex partners. One of the highlights of the day is always the annual Lunch in the Garden fundraiser featuring the culinary artistry of top women chefs, caterers and restaurateurs at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden (located adjacent to the Convention Center and City Hall). This year will be extra special, as it will serve to introduce to guests the exquisitely restored garden. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen will be honored as a special guest. Luncheon tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. The event will also honor Marjory Stoneman Douglas (April 7, 1890 - May 14, 1998), who moved to Miami as a young woman to work for the Miami Herald. Her most influential work, "The Everglades: River of Grass," sparked the movement to reclaim and restore the Everglades as a treasured Florida habitat. The conference, which was created by Mayor Bower during her first year in office, draws several hundred attendees each year. The entire program, with the exception of the luncheon, is free. For more information, visit http://womensexhibit.com/.
tribute to nature and the breathtaking landscapes horses have helped humans to discover around the globe,” said Adrienne Arsht Center’s Vice President of Marketing, Andrew Goldberg. “This copresentation underlines our commitment to bring the world’s most exciting and innovative artists and presentations to Miami.” With this new creation, Cavalia marries the equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech theatrical effects at neverbefore-seen levels. A veritable revolution in live performance, Odysseo comprises a list of superlatives: the world’s largest touring big top, the biggest stage (27,000 square feet), the most beautiful visual effects, and the greatest number of horses at liberty. Despite the grandeur, every one of the 2,290 seats offers an excellent, unobstructed and intimate view of this feast for the eyes that succeeds in delivering the spectacular with soul.
attendance to further champion the organization they helped build. It is a privilege to have such strong leaders not only within our community, but within the Chamber family. We have much to learn from them and I pledge Chamber support to help them - and you - further expand their/your businesses within Miami and beyond. Congratulations and well-deserved! At your service, Jason Loeb
Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
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Crescent Heights Chief Russell Galbut Critical of Miami Beach Development Process, Calls for Meaningful Change BY PAUL WEIMER Executive Vice President The Charre Group
Friday’s Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting provided a forum for prominent, home-grown developer Russell Galbut to vent about the tangled web of bureaucracy that has become standard operating procedure in the city of Miami Beach. Not one to mince words, Galbut was certainly not shy about expressing his dissatisfaction with the Byzantine process that has, in his view, cost Miami Beach dearly, as companies chose to take their business elsewhere rather than become snared in a maze of never ending regulations, paperwork, and indecision. And Mr. Galbut certainly seemed to have the facts and figures to back up his dissatisfaction, citing Miami Beachs’ recent loss of luxury retailer LVMH to the design district as the latest example of the City’s unfriendly attitude toward business and development. Galbut went on to say that his development experience in San Francisco, where he accomplished in four weeks what would have taken five years in
Miami Beach, further convinced him that major change is needed if Miami Beach expects to attract investment. Many audience members applauded Galbut’s frankness and echoed his painful experiences in Miami Beach with their own horror stories about consistent delays, extraordinary filing expenses, and needless bureaucracy. Galbut concluded his tirade with a concrete, five-point call for action. Among his suggestions were requiring individuals with decision making authority to actually either live or work in Miami Beach and to immediately dismiss committee members who consistently miss meetings. Galbut’s arguments were convincing, and it was hard to walk away without hoping that someone in City Hall would eventually get the message and take action. With cities around the country and throughout the world clamoring for investment and tourism dollars, Miami Beach can ill afford to continue to be perceived as a difficult place to do business.
The Charre Group is a real estate brokerage and investment banking firm that specializes in the sale and financing of hotels and resorts primarily in Florida and the Caribbean. For more information, go online at www.thecharregroup.com or call 305.529.6336.
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Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
Miami Beach Chamber Pillar Dinner at Mister Collins
Benton Launerts; Pillar Board Chairman David Sacks and Michael S. Goldberg
Eric Johnson, Michael Grieco, Christine Klingspor, Tara Rose and Chris Holmes
Pillar Board Chairman, David Sacks; President & CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber and Barry Anderson
Eric Mannis, Sabrina Badeaux and Betty Roffwarg Justin Levy, Chairman Jason Loeb and Eric Johnson Justin Levy, Betty Roffwarg and Ivan Mladenovic
Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
The $outh Florida Gaming Repor t
Hatching a Plan BY ISADORE HAVENICK
After parachuting into Miami and investing over 400 million in real estate purchases, one hardly expects Genting to slip quietly off into the night at the end of this legislative session. Despite the great odds of a resort casino bill going anywhere this year, a behemoth corporation like Genting does not simply fold their money laden tent. The Malaysian based company has several options to choose from. They could wait and prepare for the 2013 session perhaps taking a quieter approach to achieving their mega-casino resort
plan, or they could decide to run a statewide constitutional amendment allowing for a destination resort casino in Dade County subject to voter approval. This would result in a marketing and advertising face off between Genting and several potential foes including Disney, The Seminole Tribe of Florida, and Carnival Cruise Lines. The bottom line is that Genting has the financial strength to wait out the opponents and continue to pursue their end game until they have exhausted all the other parties. The wild card in all this is that the Seminole “exclusive� right to blackjack and baccarat will expire in 36 months and reignite the pari-mutuel casinos quest to add these games at their facilities. This might open the door wide enough for Genting to squeeze their way in.
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Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
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Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
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Cavalia is returning in March with an all new show, Odysseo BY GABRIELA LAMBERTUS
Cavalia, whose horse-and-human production received standing ovations and critical acclaim in Miami in 2010, has announced that, in partnership with the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, it will make Miami its second U.S. tour stop for its all-new show. Set to open Mar. 13, 2012, Odysseo will be performed at the same site as in 2010 — Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami — but this time under a White Big Top more than twice the size. Tickets are available now at <www.cavalia.net> or by calling 1-866-999-8111. Surrounded by awe-inspiring projections and visual effects, some 70 horses and 55 artists embark together on a journey, traveling through amazing natural landscapes. “The horse has been a partner of humanity throughout the ages,” explained Normand Latourelle, president and artistic director of Cavalia. “It’s thanks to horses that humans imagined they could travel to the ends of the earth. “This powerful and natural wonder of an animal enabled mankind to bridge cultures, to create alliances amongst people, and thus to freely roam the planet. He has been one of the most important instruments in the evolution of humanity. This is the essence of Odysseo.”
Some 70 horses and 55 artists will perform in Cavalia’s all-new show, Odysseo. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Latourelle continued, “We had such great big top in 2010,” said M. John Richard, presisuccess in Miami last time around that we dent and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center. knew it would be one of our first tour stops “This new production, Odysseo, will captivate once we finished creating our all-new show.” Miami audiences with its pristine beauty, bold Miami is the only Florida stop slated for acrobatic feats, and remarkable artistry.” Odysseo’s U.S. tour. Odysseo is presented under the world’s “The Arsht Center is proud to partner once largest touring big top. Covering an area of again with the internationally renowned cre- more than 100,000 square feet — two and a ators of Cavalia, which brought so much joy to quarter times larger than the original Cavalia Miami audiences when it debuted under the show’s tent — the new big top houses a
27,000-square-foot stage. “We’ve created an even bigger big top to put as few limits as possible on our horses and artists, allowing them to play, run, dance, jump and twirl around to their hearts’ content,” Latourelle said. Inside, an immense theater seats 2,290 people with no obstructed views. By redefining the scale and possibilities of a touring space, Odysseo can accommodate even more in the way of equestrian arts, acrobatics, music, multimedia wizardry and special effects, the signature ingredients of a Cavalia show. For its exclusive run in Miami, Odysseo will be presented under the White Big Top at Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami. Tickets are on sale now at the introductory price of $59.50 to $109.50 plus applicable fees for regular tickets. For guests who desire an extraordinary outing, the show can be customized for an extended experience from $144.50 to $199.50, including a Horse Lover’s Package that lets patrons tour the Cavalia stables after the show, and the VIP Rendez-Vous Package which includes a tour of the stables after the show, a cocktail/dinner reception and much more. Special pricing also is available for children (ages 2-12), juniors (13-17), and senior citizens (65-plus). For ticket information, visit <www.cavalia.net> or call 1-866-999-8111.
Why You Can’t Lose Weight BY SONIA MARTINEZ, RPH
If you have tried diet after diet without shedding pounds, it may not be your fault. In “Why You Can’t Lose Weight: Why It’s So Hard to Shed Pounds and What You Can Do About It”, Pamela Smith, MD, MPH discusses the eighteen most common reasons why you can’t lose weight, and guides you in overcoming the obstacles that stand between you and a trimmer body, including insufficient exercise and sleep, biochemical problems such as insulin resistance and depression, food allergies and thyroid hormone dysfunction. For example, when you’re under constant stress, your body remains in fight-or-flight mode and your adrenal glands pump out excess cortisol, a hormone that suppresses the thyroid’s ability to regulate your weight. The last part of the book can guide you in putting together a customized, easy-to-follow weight-loss program. If you’ve been frustrated by one-size-fits-all diet plans and medications that have not worked, contact our compounding pharmacist who can help you begin your journey to optimal health.
Photo by Ella Woodson Sonia Martinez, RPH - Marco Drugs
Marco Drugs and Compounding will provide you with compounded medications prepared with the highest standards and with high quality bulk materials, traditional prescriptions and high grade nutraceuticals, supplements and multivitamins. We provide to you health information in a clean, comfortable, fun and safe environment. Make us your doorway to total health. Marco Drugs & Compounding is located at 6627 South Dixie Highway, Tel: 305-665-4411 • Fax: 305-663-3258 Email:marcodrugs@bellsouth.net <www.marcodrugs.com> This article is intended to provide information on healthrelated matters. The ideas expressed cannot be used to diagnose or treat individual health problems and should not be taken as medical advice or instruction.
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Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
S. Florida animal shelters offer spay/neuter surgeries for cats BY KATHLEEN LABRADA
In an effort to help reduce the pet overpopulation problem in Southeast Florida, six animal shelters have joined forces to provide spay and neuter surgeries for all owned, feral and free-roaming cats. The weeklong event is taking place from Feb. 21 through Feb. 25. The service is available to all residents of MiamiDade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Surgeries can be scheduled at any one of six convenient locations. There is no limit to the number of cats that any individual can present for sterilization. The cost is the same at all six locations — $15 per cat, which includes the sterilization surgery, rabies and FVRCP vaccines and a microchip. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling the desired location.
“The goal is to sterilize 1,650 cats over the course of the five-day event,” said Alex Muñoz, director, Miami-Dade County Animal Services. “This is a critical step to reducing the number of cats and kittens received in shelters throughout the spring. While kittens are cute, the sad truth is that there are often more kittens than there are homes for them.” Southeast Florida Region Spay/Neuter Coalition Members: • Broward County Animal Care and Adoption, 1-954-359-1313 ext. 9271; • Humane Society of Broward County, 1-954-895-3605; • Humane Society of Greater Miami, 305-696-0800; • Miami-Dade Animal Services, 3-1-1 • Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, 1-561-233-1261, and • Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, 1-561-686-3663.
East Ridge Hosts First Olympic Challenge On February 4, East Ridge Retirement Village, known for its camaraderie and sense of community among residents and staff was divided. Neighbor competed against each other and employees battled for bragging rights. The friendly competition was part of the life care community’s first annual East Ridge Olympic Challenge. Teams of residents representing six nations competed in five grueling events which included Equestrian Irons, Bocce Ball, Golf, Bowling and Ball Vaulting. Each of the community’s departments then rooted for their respective resident teams. “The athletes who participated should be especially proud of themselves,” said Wellness Coordinator Suzana Delgado, who organized the event. “They trained very hard and continue to take advantage of the host of health and wellness programs available at East Ridge.” The East Ridge Olympic Challenge— complete with torch lighting ceremony— was attended by 500 guests including residents, families, community supporters and vendors/sponsors.
Winston Park Middle School’s cheerleaders and Quartet + One hyped the crowd and players from Pinecrest Premier Soccer Club served as referees for the Challenge. Author and long-time Miami Herald humor columnist Dave Barry officially commenced the competition with “Let the games begin!”. For residents Jay and Louise Lockwood, 58 years of marriage was put to the test when the two squared off against each other on opposing teams. She represented the United States while he was on Team Brazil. The Lockwoods joined two other competing couples—George and Nancy Fehr and Barrie and Sandra Reed. Judy Mangasarian could be seen (and heard) cheering her mother, Betty White, and Team Armenia onto victory. “She’s playing hard and having a great time,” she said. “It’s all in such good fun. The good times never end at East Ridge.” Cutler Bay VIPs also attended the event to show support to the Olympians. Vice Mayor Ernie Sochin and Councilmembers Sue Loyzelle and Peggy Bell praised the community’s commitment to seniors. Guests were treated to a special appear-
ance by Essie Faria, a 20-time gold medalist in the Florida Senior Games State Championships. The 77 year old, who began competing at age 70, addressed the audience and assisted in the event’s closing ceremony and award presentation. “The Olympic Challenge is a wonderful activity,” she said. “I encourage everyone to continue being active. Everyone can do something, regardless of age or physical limitations.” The Gold medal was awarded to Team Libya, comprised of George Fehr, Carole Bell, Bonnie Massey and Skippy Rossi. Team USA’s Barrie Reed, Tag Marvel, Elise Henline and Louise Lockwood came in second place and received the Silver award. Bronze went to Team England’s Nancy Fehr, Keith Phillips, Grace Ganser and Gwen North. Team Bolivia (Bob Parkerson, Jackie Smith, Margie Brown and Helen Berner); Team Armenia (Art North Betty White, Ann Burdin and Fran Plummer); and Team Brazil (Carolyn Carter, Jay Lockwood, Sandra Reed and Elaine Koch) finished fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.
Community VIPs – Cutler Bay’s Vice Mayor Ernie Sochin and Councilmember Sue Loyzelle joined Miami Herald humor columnist Dave Barry in supporting the East Ridge Olympians.
East Ridge Olympic Challenge athletes, who represented six nations, competed in five grueling events including Equestrian Irons, Bocce Ball, Golf, Bowling and Ball Vaulting.
Team Libya (Carole Bell, Bonnie Massey and George Fehr) celebrate their victory with special guest Essie Faria, a 20-time gold medalist in the Florida Senior Games State Championships, and Wellness Center Coordinator Suzana Delgado, who organized the event.
Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Arts and Culture Council (PRE)view and (RE)view
Miami Beach Urban Studios (MBUS) — The New FIU Creative Think Tank BY JUDY HOLM Vice Chair of the Arts & Culture Council, Miami Beach Chamber Pillar member
MBUS, a new addition to The College of Architecture + the Arts of Florida International University (FIU), is home to some very exciting programs and innovative learning opportunities for its students. The College is comprised of seven departments, ranging from Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Interior Architecture to Art and Art History, Communication Arts, Music and Theatre. I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Brian Schriner, Chair of our Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Arts and Culture Council, and Dean of the College, about the Miami Beach Urban Studios (MBUS) in the newly acquired 16,000 square foot space at 420 Lincoln Rd. Dr. Schriner explained that some of the reasons they have opened this satellite location is to integrate the Arts and Architecture students with the vibrant city of Miami Beach, and include practical experience via internships and community activities on Miami Beach. Through this program, the students will acquire a very different perspective from their studies on the main campus location in Miami. “In this international and creative environment, our faculty will collaborate with prominent artists, scholars, and designers to offer our students an exceptional educational experience that is truly Worlds Ahead,” Schriner said. The building itself is located in the center of the pulse of Miami Beach – Lincoln Road, at the main “artery” of Washington Ave. Creativity and artistic inspiration, paramount to every student in this College, are heightened by the energy and sensorial stimuli that abound in South Beach. MBUS includes a public gallery, design stu-
dios, performance and rehearsal spaces, offices and class rooms. It is a notably well-designed space, with synergies enveloping the activities and physical needs of the diverse practices. For example, the rehearsal rooms are integral to the overall layout, yet allow for the requisite sound isolation from the surrounding student workspaces, which have an open format that is conducive to a more collaborative and multidisciplinary creative process. One of the most exciting aspects of the MBUS is the new Office of Engaged Teaching, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (ETSCA), established by Dr. Schriner. The focus of the Office of ETSCA is to leverage the Arts to “create, innovate and inspire a more beautiful, sustainable, healthy, and just tomorrow.” It is committed to research and activities that will impact the health and sustainability of local and global communities; it will bring together various FIU offices, local governments, business leaders, students, alumni and faculty to accomplish its mission. “The establishment of the new ETSCA will certainly prove to be of great benefit to not only Florida International University, but the entire local community,” said Schriner. The access to this location on Lincoln Rd has been made possible by the generosity of Ambassador Paul L. Cejas, for whom the main campus Architecture School Building is named. A strong supporter of FIU for over twenty years, Ambassador Cejas is strongly committed to the future development of the Arts and Architecture. The new MBUS is an important testament to the possibilities of future innovations within these fields. “Art and architecture are two passions of mine,” said Cejas. “I’m also passionate about FIU and nothing brings me greater satisfaction than playing a part in having arts and the university come closer to our community in a way that enhances both.” Each discipline in The College of
Left to right: SOM Jazz Ensemble: Osvaldo Vargas (drums), Kennan Torgerson (saxophone), Jason Whitting (elect. Guitar), Cori Alexander (piano), and Carlos Itturalde (bass)
Left to right: Mark Rosenberg, FIU President, Paul L. Cejas, PLC Investments, Inc., Brian Schriner, Dean
(Photo Credit: Florida International University)
Adam Drisin, Associate Dean, Karen Fuller, Associate Dean, Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower, Brian Schriner, Dean and Xavier Cortada, Director, Miami Beach Urban Studios Office of Engaged Creativity –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Paul L. Cejas and wife
Oliver Perez, Art BFA Student
Architecture + the Arts draws on creativity and the connection of the world via art. The educational process draws from understanding the history of the respective subject matter, and bridging the present into the future of new developments. What better place to learn and innovate than in the heart of Miami
Beach? The Arts and Culture Council is thrilled to support the efforts and successes of this new “think tank,” in particular as it aligns completely with our Mission Statement: “To proactively enrich and elevate the importance and success of arts and culture within the City of Miami Beach.”
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
Community Association Beat
What Ass’n Should Expect from Collection Solutions... BY MITCH DRIMMER, CAM Community Association Manager Before the real estate meltdown five years ago, community associations really had it easy when it came to collections. When a unit stopped paying maintenance fees, chances were likely the owner was not paying the mortgage, and condo associations and HOAs could depend on the banks to advance any collection process by foreclosing the unit, and replacing a delinquent owner with a timelypaying occupant. Those were the days when the banks were partners with associations. Today, however, things have changed, i.e., the ‘partner’ has often packed up and headed for the hills. Banks are now stuck with a tremendous number of bad, non-performing real estate loans written during the real estate bubble. Now, many keep those loans on their books rather than foreclose on the real estate they took as collateral. (The reasons for those decisions could be the subject of another column). Nevertheless, many banks simply are not foreclosing on delinquent units, leaving condos and HOAs holding the bag for nonpayment of dues and fees.). So the question becomes: what should condo associations and HOAs do to protect themselves by recovering the funds that are legally due to them? IF unit owners fail to pay their unit dues and fees, innocent owners who pay on time must make up the difference... For most boards of directors, the result is usually to turn over a delinquent owner to the association attorney because that’s where all problems are sent when a legal solution is needed. However, in many cases, community association lawyers are NOT collection lawyers, and have little experience in collec-
tion matters, depending only upon what they know and believe. Unfortunately, for many associations, that can mean taking an unneeded loss - perhaps even a big one - especially if the attorney is not sufficiently creative or aggressive. Condo and HOA lawyers for the most part depend upon what is known as the “statutory cap” (as defined by (a) the lesser of 12 months assessments or (b)1% of the first mortgage) as the standard for what the association can and should collect. This paltry amount is less than what attorneys usually charge for their services, often\n resulting in an association not only not collecting less than what it is owed but even charged for their attorney’s collection efforts. That’s not only is bad business — it doesn’t need to happen that way. Whether utilizing an attorney or collection agency, association boards need to arrive at a collection solution that recovers not only the statutory cap but any legal cost involved, as well as accumulated interest, and fees that occur during the collection process. It can be done and it’s being done, every day. Your association’s must also be sure its collection process it utilizes knows the bank involved has “standing” when it comes to a foreclosure. If it does not, the association is entitled to collect everything owed to them — not just the amount represented by a statutory cap. Ask the right questions to understand not only who best handles collections, but even more importantly, how well the individual or agency represents your association’s best interests. Mitch Drummer, a licensed CAM, is Vice President of Association Financial Services, an accredited collection agency specializing in finance, business process outsourcing and community associations. For information, visit www.associationfinancial.com or tel.305-677-0022 ext. 804.
www.communitynew
Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
ATLANTIC|PACIFIC COMPANIES RECENT GROWTH SPURS OFFICE EXPANSIONS Atlantic | Pacific Companies (A|P), the Miami-based fourth generation real estate company headquartered in Bay Harbor Islands, has expanded its offices in Atlanta, GA and Boca Raton, FL. A|P recently signed a new lease in Atlanta for an office located on the fifth floor of the 20-story office building known as The Lenox Building located in the heart of Buckhead at 3399 Peachtree Road, Suite 520. The Atlanta office will anchor Atlantic | Pacific Management’s (APM) growth outside of Florida. APM is the property management and leasing subsidiary under A|P. The Atlanta team will be acquiring and managing multi-family properties in Georgia, North Carolina and Texas. APM will also be pursuing third party property management within these markets as a part of its business model. Mark Briggs, the Senior Managing Director of the APM Atlanta office states “We are very excited about our expansion. We have been fortunate to assemble a great senior management team in Atlanta who can build upon A|P’s reputation of high quality investment and property management.” A|P’s Boca Raton office, located at 622 Banyan Trail, Suite 150 in Florida, has expanded by doubling its existing operations to a total of 6,000 square feet. The expansion
is the result of A|P’s continued growth within the southeast with an emphasis in its high rise condominium management operations. A|P operates on three distinct platforms: development; property leasing & management; and real estate advisory & asset management. Since the mid 1970’s, A|P has purchased, developed, leased and managed residential & commercial properties throughout the United States and currently owns and / or manages more than 22,000 residential units and more than one million square feet of commercial space with more than 500 highly trained and skilled professionals dedicated to providing its clients with the finest level of support and satisfaction found within the industry. A|P is best recognized by some of the country’s largest lending institutions for providing advisory and consulting work on highly complex affairs. In 2012, A|P continues to be ranked as one of the Best Places To Work by South Florida Business Journal for the fifth year in a row.
CITY NATIONAL BANK POSTS STRONG EARNINGS ON RECORD GROWTH, SUCCESSFUL DIVERSIFICATION City National Bank posted a profit of more than $34 million for the year as it continued its successful diversification strategy, increased lending and improved asset quality, making it one of the strongest banks in the state of Florida. At the end of 2011, CNB had one of the strongest capital ratios in Florida and over $1.1 billion in liquidity. And the second-largest bank in South Florida continues to lend money with more than $759 million in new loan commitments for the year. “We are committed to helping move our community forward and making loans to help drive business and create jobs in South Florida,” CNB President and CEO Jorge Gonzalez said. The strong financial performance is the result of a carefully executed strategy to build on the bank’s best-in-class service level and personal connection to clients and to focus on meeting the needs of small and mid-sized businesses. The bank also dramatically increased its residential lending, particularly jumbo mortgages, and launched a series of new products, including yacht lending and opened new banking centers. Later this year, CNB plans to open a new location in South Miami on U.S. 1 near the University of Miami. The growth and outstanding lending activity
was cited by the South Florida Business Journal in recognizing CNB as the Community Bank of the Year for 2011. “The quality of our well-balanced loan portfolio continues to drive outstanding performance,” Gonzalez said. “City National’s asset quality has improved significantly and steadily since the beginning of the year and we are on the cusp of surpassing the $4 billion asset threshold.” The bank continued its strong record of profitability with 2011 fourth quarter net income of $4.3 million. The quarterly earnings helped drive City National Bank’s solid performance in 2011. CNB closed the year with $3.97 billion in assets; $2.92 billion in deposits and $1.98 billion in loans. City National remains one of the most liquid and best capitalized banks in Florida. “Our continued strong performance reinforces that CNB is one of the most liquid, best capitalized and highest performing banks in Florida,” Gonzalez said. “In 2012, we expect continued strengthening of City National’s status as the premier community bank in Florida.”
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Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
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Roasters’n Toasters New York Style Deli in Miami Beach
BY MARTIN MENDIOLA Mendiola@USGourmet.US
Address: 525 Arthur Godfrey Rd., Miami Beach, FL 33140 Phone: Te l . 305.631.76691 – Fax. 305.672.3354 E-mail miamibeach@roastersntoasters.com Web Site: www.roastersntoasters.com Type of Food: New York Style Deli Popular Dishes: Cheese Blintzes, Caesar Salad, Matzo Ball Soup, Foot Long Hot Dog, The Trifecta (Corned Beef, Pastrami and Chopped Liver on Challah Twist Rolls), Reuben, Carnegie Style Sandwiches, Three Layer Carrot Cake Beverages: No Alcoholic Beverages, Sodas, Egg Cream, Fresh Squeezed Juices Price Range: Breakfast $6 - $12, Salads $8 - $12, Deli Sandwiches $8 - $12, Specialty Sandwiches $12 - $14, Desserts $3 - $6 Credit Cards: All Major Credit Cards Accepted Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Parking: Metered parking on adjacent streets and lot behind restaurant on 42nd St. Add Info: Catering – Casual Ambience It seems like forever since our almost weekly visits to Wolfie’s, Pumperniks, The Rascal House or Corky’s. For the longest time we thought the only way to compensate this nostalgia for a good Jewish delicatessens was to go to New York City and visit Carnegies, Katz, Artie’s or the 2nd Avenue Deli. Yet, right in our own back yard at 525 Arthur Godfrey Road, Miami Beach, Roasters’ n Toasters has been open for a number of years without our being aware. From the moment you walk in the back door closest to the large public parking lot, it feels as if you have been transported to Brooklyn and entered one of their many great delis. The crowded small tables and booths filled to capacity with loud customers engaged in friendly bickering; the passive waiting line with the elderly gentleman trying to cut the line and get the next available table and the walls studded with portraits of stars we recognize but never got to see in person, brought back a lot of happy memories. Our immediate thought was that this is what a deli is supposed to be, sound, smell and feel like. We immediately liked the place; it made us feel welcomed and comfortable; like we had been there before. Our concentration and concerns rapidly turned towards the food, but once we saw the quality of the meat in the overstuffed sandwiches being served with dilled pickles and coleslaw, our concerns were set at ease. Much to our surprise, what we thought were oversized and overstuffed sandwiches, are the regular ones sold for about $11.
For those with a healthy appetite, the Carnegie Style sandwiches carry over 1 lb. of meat and sell for $16. They both are big and obviously part of the reason people say that the trouble with eating Jewish comfort food is that after 3 days you are hungry again. We wanted to have a classic deli experience, so the traditional pastrami on rye was a must and the Trifecta, gave us the opportunity to try individual Challah twist rolls with corned beef and chopped liver along with some more pastrami. As tempting as the split pea soup, potato pancakes and potato knish were, we knew more food could not be handled, especially since we had seen the deserts on the display case by the main entrance and decided that at least one had to be tried. Roasters’ n Toasters Caption: Candace with Brisket Sandwich at A classic deli experience Roasters’ n Toasters without egg cream or Dr. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Brown’s cream soda is not complete, so we ordered both, but not Candace Carman at the helm as the restaubefore trying the fresh squeezed lemonade. rant manager kept thing moving. She There was absolutely no need for a beer or made sure the food kept flowing rapidly any other alcoholic beverage which they while servers were firm but friendly. One of the things to enjoy, is that this is a nodo not serve. The food was very good. The pastrami nonsense operation. Again, what a deli is was lean and greasy the way I like it and supposed to be like and why we joined the quite unlike the ones I have been bringing Save the Deli movement. Good food, selection, service and ambihome, which have been dry and almost stale. The corned beef was also good, but ence are excellent reasons to visit the chopped liver was incredible. It is one Roasters’ n Toasters, but for us, it is the fact of the best I have had in years. that we no longer have to go to New York The service was also very good. to eat at a good Jewish Deli.
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Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
SoBe Arts Presents the World Premiere of
HAMLET Soundtheater/Opera Music and Libretto by Carson Kievman Based on The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare Friday, February 24, through Sunday, March 11, 2012 Little Stage Theater at SoBe Arts, 2100 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach SoBe Institute of the Arts presents the World Premiere of Carson Kievman’s HAMLET Soundtheater/Opera in the Little Stage Theater on Miami Beach. This provocative, sophisticated, and radically reimagined musical setting of Shakespeare’s masterpiece was the final commission by legendary producer Joseph Papp (“A Chorus Line,” “Hair,” etc.) for the New York Shakespeare Festival / Public Theater. Due to Papp’s tragic passing soon after the work was completed, HAMLET remained unperformed, until now. “I worked on HAMLET Soundtheater/ Opera with Papp for four years, and his intention was to produce it at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park,” Kievman remembers. The loss of Papp affected the composer deeply. A main theme of HAMLET is, painfully and ironically, the death of fathers, and during Kievman’s years of preparing the libretto and working on the score, several other important mentors and father figures in his life passed away, including Florida Philharmonic’s General Director Joseph Leavitt, visionary composers Luigi Nono and Olivier Messiaen, and Kievman’s own father, Michael. Kievman continues, “... so I placed it in my desk drawer, and there it remained for 21 years, until now.” HAMLET Soundtheater/Opera is interwoven with spiritual and sexual conflicts, it challenges boundary lines, and is multidimensional in its cultural and musical reference points. Pulsing with collective zeitgeist and new shapes, the chilling vocals spiral beyond the confines of language to articulate emotional truths behind literal meaning. Conducted by celebrated New York opera conductor John Yaffé, lighting by awardwinning designer Robert Perry, HAMLET Soundtheater /Opera is being performed by a top-flight cast of 13 singers from Miami and New York including: • Expressive and critically-acclaimed lyric baritone Kenneth Mattice as Hamlet • Unique and versatile Meagan Brus as Ophelia • Highly praised bass Michael Douglas Jones as Claudius and Ghost of Hamlet’s Father • Internationally trained Finnish soprano Danielle Krause as Gertrude • Recording artist and actor Richard Cassell as Polonius
• Rising young tenor Justin John Moniz as Horatio Also rounding out the dramatis personae are Jeffrey Wienand (Laertes), Enrique Estrada (Rosencrantz), David Schnell (Guildenstern), Jillian Staffiera (the Player Queen), Kunya Rowley (Marcellus), Enrique Coizeau (Cornelius) and John Cabrali (Fortinbras). Kievman states, “My intention was and is to create a HAMLET with the highest impact to contemporary audiences primarily with actions and gripping music, while maintaining a clear respect for Shakespeare’s genius. This HAMLET takes place as a ‘medieval carnival’ visits Elsinore Castle. The sense of Elsinore being on the border (and shore) of Denmark will hopefully evoke the excitement of mystery and instability caused by the constant questioning of what lies just across the border. As Hamlet confronts his fellow characters, a merry-go-round, a house of horrors and a house of mirrors are brought to mind.”
“Carson Kievman is a composer of extremely original music, which is rare” Olivier Messiaen, composer “I never thought it could be done - you have done the impossible… enhanced Shakespeare’s words.” Joseph Papp, producer “…But that won’t stop Kievman from writing for the rest of the world. He spends part of each day composing the last scenes of HAMLET. He has promised Papp he’ll finish the opera by April 23, Shakespeare’s birthday. The premiere production is slated for next season in New York. Remarkably, Kievman is setting the original and problematic old English text to music. Though he has done a little condensing, it is essentially a complete, faithful HAMLET. But the music, with its often aggressive, rockish vocal writing and minimalist-flavored rhythmic pulses, and the staging, which will be wildly visual, might have startled the Danish prince.” Tim Smith, Sun-Sentinel, Sunday, April 2, 1989 (Mr. Smith is now music writer for The Baltimore Sun.) The birth of this compelling new work, the perfect Miami winter weather, the beautiful setting, and excellent acoustics of this intimate South Beach venue, all promise to make this event a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For schedules and ticket information, call 305.674.9220 or go to www.sobearts.org.
Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
Buick LaCrosse — not the Buick your uncle drove Grant Miller Car Corner My uncle Maury used to drive a Buick and I remember thinking that it was a car for old people. How wrong I was. After spending a week behind the wheel of the 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist, I can only say that I love this car. The LaCrosse eAssist is the hybrid model and that is really an amazing new technology. It’s also a bit disconcerting and really takes some time to get used to it. For example, every time I came to a stop at a red light, I had the feeling that the engine cut off. It didn’t, of course; it just switched modes. Another thing I liked about the Buick LaCrosse Hybrid was the amazing gas mileage that it delivered — 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The size of the trunk was another thing I liked about the LaCrosse. There was enough space to stow all of my kids’ stuff and that was cool. Each seat was exceptionally comfortable and the headup display really made it easy to keep to the
speed limit. I would highly recommend this car to families looking to purchase an SUV. For the record, the LaCrosse eAssist system is mated to a 2.4-liter Ecotec directinjection four-cylinder engine mated to the next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. It uses power stored in an advanced, air-cooled lithium-ion battery to provide needed electrical boost in various driving scenarios, optimizing engine and transmission operation. An advanced 115-volt lithium-ion battery and latest-generation 15-kW motor-generator unit help increase fuel economy through: • Regenerative braking, which provides up to 15 kW of electricity to charge the battery. • Providing up to 15 hp (11 kW) of electric power assistance during heavier acceleration. • Automatic and smooth engine start-stop functionality when the vehicle is stopped. • The use of electricity instead of gasoline when stopped. • Aggressive fuel cut-off during deceleration down to zero mph for added fuel savings. • Intelligent charge/discharge of the highvoltage battery. The eAssist system captures up to 15 kW of energy that normally would be lost during braking and uses it to recharge the lithium-
Buick LaCrosse is nicely styled and has plenty of storage space in the rear.
ion battery. The system also shuts down fuel delivery in certain deceleration conditions, further improving fuel economy. While in fuel shut-off mode, the motor-generator unit continues spinning along with the engine to provide immediate and smooth take-off power when the driver presses on the accelerator. As the vehicle comes to a stop, the engine’s start-stop function is active when the motor-generator unit brings the engine to a smooth stop to position it properly for a smooth restart when the brake is released.
A hill-assist system captures brake pressure to help keep the vehicle stationary when eAssist’s start-stop function is activated on a moderate or steep grade, allowing the driver to accelerate more smoothly from a stop. Pricing for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist starts at $29,960.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or by addressing email to <Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com>.
Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
Healing through music: Discover the benefits of sound! BY JEANNETTE BLANCA EGOZI
M.A., CCC-SLP, CMHP, CSMC Music therapy interventions can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication and promote physical rehabilitation. Music Therapy can be defined as an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals. * Researchers** conducted a pilot study involving 12 children between 4 and 6.5 years of age with developmental ages of between 1 - 3.5 years, to monitor the effects of music therapy on the children’s cognitive development. The children were randomly placed into one of two groups; the children in the first group received individual music therapy for a period of three months, and the children in the second group were used as a control group.
The results, after the first three months, revealed significant developmental improvements including better hearing and speech, improved eye-hand coordination and improved communications skiills in the children in the music therapy group. Furthermore, when the groups were reversed for the following three months, the second group who were then receiving music therapy also demonstrated significant improvement in all of the above mentioned areas. Below is information as to how music nourishes and helps children’s development socially, emotionally, academically, physically and mentally. SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL BENEFITS Facilitates emotional release and expression of feelings. By making music, children process emotions that otherwise could result in negative behavior. Develops listening skills, non-verbal and verbal communication. Music gives children the opportunity to express themselves without verbal language, which becomes an excellent tool for those who have communication problems. In addition, music assists in the development of verbal communication, speech, and language skills through shared play, turn-taking, listening and responding to another person. Empowers and promotes teamwork and leadership. In order to create a musical piece, each child must have a unique role in the group and the ability to work as part of a team. PHYSICAL AND WELL-BEING BENEFITS Enhances thh e cardiovascular system. Researchers *** have shown that the emotions aroused by joyful music have a healthy effect on blood vessel function. Music, selected by study participants because it made them feel good and brought them a sense of joy, caused tissue in the inner lining of blood vessels to dilate (or expand) in order to increase blood flow. On the other hand, when study volunteers
listened to music they perceived as stressful, their blood vessels narrowed, producing a potentially unhealthy response that reduces blood flow. Develops eye-hand coordination and reflexes. Playing an instrument requires rapid finger and wrist movements, hand-eye coordination and good reflexes. The rhythmic component of music is very helpful in organizing sensory systems. As a result, auditory processing and other sensory-motor, perceptual/motor, gross and fine motor skills can be enhanced through music therapy. Manages stress. It is known that joyful and calm music has a sedative effect on children, thereby allowing them to better control their emotional reactions. ACADEMIC & MENTAL BENEFITS Enhaa nces memory and develops concentration. Listening to music facilitates the recall of information and improves the duration and intensity of concentration. The process of creating music involves a lot of concentration because children need to listen, follow rhythms and stay focused. Improves mathematics and reading. Music activates a widespread bilateral network of brain regions that promote the ability to visualize spatial patterns and mentally manipulate and order them over a period of time (basic skills utilized in math and reading). Teaches notion of space, time, rhythm and pitch. By learning music, children learn those basic concepts that will be useful for other areas of their lives, from sports to science and technology. As you can see music has the ability to heal, teach and improve lives. Barbara Crowe, past president of the National Association for Music Therapy, affirms: “Music therapy can make the difference between withdrawal and awareness, between isolation and interaction, between chronic pain and comfort, between demoralization and dignity.” *American Music Therapy Association **D. Aldridge, G. Gustoff and L. Neugebauer. A Pilot study of music thera-
py in the treatment of children with developmental delay. Complementary Therapies in Medicine(1995)3,4,197-205 ***“Positive Emotions and the Endothelium: Does Joyful Music Improve Vascular Health?” Miller M, Beach V, Mangano C, Vogel RA. Oral Presentation. American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, 11/11/2008. Jeannette Blanca Egozi M.A., CCC-SLP, CMHP, CSMC is a Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist, Certified Mental Health Professional and Stress Management Consultant. She is the Founder and current President of Playing the Game of Lifesm (PGLsm), whose mission is to develop social skills, build positive character attributes, and promote lifelong wellness through arts-based prevention programs. PGL’s Enrichment Center is located in Miami Beach, Florida. For more information, call 305-864-5237 or visit www.PlayingTheGameOfLife.com.
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SEGWAY EXPERIENCE AT SOUTH BEACH GUIDES EARN MIAMI DESIGN PRESERVATION LEAGUE’S ART DECO CERTIFICATION Segway Inc. is pleased announce that its Segway Experience at South Beach guides have earned Art Deco Tour Guide Certification from the prestigious Miami Design Preservation League, which will bring a new level of edutainment to its Segway Personal Transporter (PT) tours. SOUTH BEACH CULTURE & ART DECO DESIGN Did you know that South Beach was the very first area of Miami Beach to be settled and developed? The area is rich in architectural history dating back to 1910. Our guides have been residents for more than 20 years and can offer you insight into the area that other tour operators simply can not. On this excursion, you’ll enjoy a unique perspective of this notable area as you glide by PT through the Art Deco district. You’ll be both educated and entertained by our fully-certified tour guides on the history of the area and its distinct architecture. You’ll also enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean’s vast turquoise waters and picturesque marinas as well as glide by exclusive local landmarks, attractions and restaurants.
Whether you reside in the Miami area or you’re just visiting, the Segway Experience of South Beach tour offers an amazing glimpse in Art Deco design as presented by certified guides. It’s an opportunity that should not be missed! SAFETY Safety is our top priority. All tours begin with a comprehensive product orientation and a helmet is required for the entire duration of a tour. ABOUT SEGWAY Segway Inc., based in Bedford, New Hampshire, is the world’s leading provider of personal electric transportation. Segway markets a full line of zero-emissions Personal Transporters (PT) for indoor, sidewalk, cross-terrain and patrol use. All deliver impressive energy efficiency equivalent to 450 miles per gallon. The Company’s comprehensive line of Robotic Mobility Platforms (RMPs) is based on PT technology that has been adapted to provide versatile, durable mobility solutions to researchers, academia and robotic integrators. Segway Inc. has a worldwide network of
more than 250 distributors, dealers and experience centers in 80 countries across the globe, offering product and unique touring experiences. For more information about Segway, to find a distributor/dealer or book a tour, please visit www.segway.com. Media inquiries should
be directed to media@segway.com.
Segway and the Segway ‘flyguy’ logo are registered trademarks of Segway Inc. (“Segway”). Any other trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.
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Sacha Lichine will guide you through the Rosé Lifestyle of St.-Tropez
Sacha Lichine; son of the late Alexis Lichine, is one of the most prominent figures in the World of Wine today. A Bordeaux legacy. Sacha follows in the footsteps of his legendary father (one-time owner of Châteaux Lascombes and Châteaux Prieuré-Lichine in Margaux) with his newest endeavor: Château D’Esclans. Along with his lifetime friend Patrick Léon (former winemaker for Château Mouton-Rothschild, Opus One, and Viña Almaviva), he has created 4 unique rosés from the Château D’Esclans estate in Provence. The Château D’Esclans «Garrus» rosé (3 barrels produced…) is the most exclusive rosé in the world.
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For the ‘Love of Miami Beach’ Real Estate Breakfast Event Michael S. Goldberg, Jay Pelham and Lyle Stern
Debbie Quade and Charles Citrin
Panelist Russell Galbut, Crescent Heights with wife, Ronalee Galbut
(PHOTOS BY CHANTAL GLOOR) Alfred Karram Jr., AKJ Design Concepts, and Melissa Rubin, Real Estate Council Chair
Michael Larkin, Bercow Radell & Fernandez, P.A., Russell Galbut, Crescent Heights, Maria Ruiz, City of Miami Beach and Lyle Stern, Koniver Stern Group
Guests at the Miami Beach Chamber’s “For the Love of Miami Beach” Real Estate Breakfast Event
Moderator Maria Paulsen, Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust, with Panelists Michael Larkin, Bercow Radell & Fernandez, P.A., Lyle Stern, Koniver Stern Group, Russell Galbut, Crescent Heights, Maria Ruiz, City of Miami Beach and moderator Madeleine Romanello, One Sotheby’s International.
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Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
CIRCLE ART AT HOME IS NAMED EXCLUSIVE MIAMI BEACH RETAILER FOR VITRA ACCESSORY LINE FROM SWITZERLAND
Circle Art at Home, a design-focused furniture and home accessories gallery in South Beach, has been named the exclusive Miami Beach retailer for the whimsical Vitra accessories collection, announced Jesse Brody, founder of Circle Art at Home. Swiss-based Vitra accessories — from clocks and wooden dolls to sculptures, stools and furniture miniatures — are sought after worldwide for their collectability, fanciful shapes and fidelity to classic, iconic design. “Being able to bring Vitra accessories to our customers is quite exciting for Circle Art at Home,” Brody said. “Vitra’s reverence for, and dedication to, modern design is what our store is all about. And design does not just mean giving things a shape. Design creates the basis which enables things to function.” Circle Art at Home will offer the full range of Vitra accessories. Some of the standouts in the collection include:
Eames Elephant Green ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
ELEPHANTS During the early 1940s celebrated American designers Charles and Ray Eames developed a successful technique for molding plywood into three-dimensional shapes, which led to the creation of a variety of furnishings and sculptures. The Plywood Elephant, in particular, has attained legendary status among collectors. Designed in 1945, this piece requires complex fabrication methods. Only two prototypes were originally produced, both of which were subsequently displayed in an exhibition at the New York Museum of Modern Art. Today, only one known model remains in the possession of the Eames Family.
The Eames Elephant is available in two versions – a limited-edition plywood sculpture celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Charles Eames’ birth and a recently launched plastic version for children or outdoor sculpture gardens. There is a playful charm in the way that the Eames’ used juvenile motifs to create a vibrant, cheerful idiom that appeals to adults as well as children. The plywood edition comes in either stained red or natural maple; the child-safe polypropylene version is available in red, light pink, ice grey, dark lime or white. VITRA MINIATURES Vitra’s Miniatures Collection re-creates significant classics from modern furniture history in 1/6th scale. Design, materials and colors correspond to the minutest detail of the full-sized versions, and exacting quality control insures that every miniature accurately corresponds to its larger original. Each hand-made piece in the Miniatures Collection takes about five hours to create and is produced under a licensing agreement with the original designer or the designer’s heirs to guarantee authenticity and appeal. CHAIRS & STOOLS From an inspired interpretation of the popular bean-bag chair, to a “family” of cork tables that doubles as stools, to recreations of classic silhouettes created by design masters, Vitra’s collection of occasional chairs and stools adds unique personality to any décor. Among the standouts in the Vitra collection includes Sori Yanagi’s curvaceous Butterfly Stool. The Japanese designer, who just recently passed away, has been credited with paving the way for Japanese design on the international stage. “Things that are easy to use survive, regardless of what is fashionable, and people want to use them forever,” Yanagi said in a 2002 Japan Times article. “But if things are created merely for a passing vogue and not for a purpose, people soon get bored with them and throw them away.” Founded in 1950, Vitra is based just outside Basel, Switzerland. The company is dedicated to developing healthy, intelligent, inspiring and durable solutions for the home, office and public spaces with the goal of creating products with a highly functional and aesthetic life expectancy.
ple today who are looking for a timepiece with meticulous attention-to-detail and true-to-original form. Boasting timeless aesthetics and historical relevance, Vitra’s re-editions of these classic wall clocks embody the joie de vivre of the modernist movement. Circle Art at Home is open MondayFriday from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from noon - 7:00 p.m. The store is located at 1560 Lenox Avenue, Suite 101, in Miami Beach. For more information, call 305-531-1859 or email info@circleartonline.com. To order online, or view the Circle Art at Home digital catalog of products, visit www.circleartonline.com.
Nelson Clock Sunburst ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
CLOCKS George Nelson has been credited as the “father of American modernism” and his penchant for creating eye-catching sculptural shapes has turned the ubiquitous wall clock into a ticking piece of art. Nelson’s clocks ascended into popularity in the 1950s and still resonate with peo-
Editor’s notes: High-res product images are available from Circle Art at Home. Please call Bridget Pietsch at The Murry Agency, (305) 531-5720 for a selection. When publishing product images, please mention the designer, the product name, the photographer and include: © Vitra (www.vitra.com). The images provided are for editorial use.
Never Pay Another Expensive Repair Again
Ly Espinol
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Advice for getting through a divorce BY DEBBIE MARTINEZ
Divorce Coach
What do I do with my wedding and family pictures now that I’m divorced with children? If you have loose pictures hanging around that need to be put in albums, perhaps you can put them in a box until you are ready to go down memory lane and organize them. By that time, you will be in a better frame of mind to decide if you want them in an album, a labeled box or give them to your children. Your wedding album might find its new home in a box or closet. A word of advice, don’t throw them out or burn them in anger, you might come to regret it. Give yourself some time and then maybe there will be a few you want to shred, but my guess is you will probably keep them for your children.
My girlfriend’s husband doesn’t want her to hang around me now that I’m divorced. Should I talk to him? I would let that discussion remain with them. Remember, it is not about you; it is about their relationship. If their marriage is on unsteady ground, he might feel threatened that now his wife might be seeing life through the eyes of a single woman. I would act the same way you have always acted around him; let them talk it through. Hopefully, you and your friend can maintain a friendship even if it takes a different form than before.
I am throwing a birthday party for my daughter; do I need to invite my ex-husband? It depends on the age and type of party. If your daughter is younger, it might be nice for her to have her dad there. In which case, think of parties that can happen in a big space (i.e. gymnastics or a park). That way he can be there for her and you have the space to distance yourself. You come up with the party ideas and then let your daughter choose one. If she is older, it might be that she just wants a sleep-over with friends. Dad wouldn’t have to be there for cake and ice cream. There are times it will be unavoidable but get creative with the venues and be the “hostess with the
Would it be a good idea to join a divorce group? What can it offer me that I can’t do on my own? Structure and accountability. Divorce can make one feel overwhelmed and not sure which direction to go. If you are in a group, you will have a built-in support system and a schedule. There usually is assigned reading and homework. Don’t stop doing things that you are already doing, but the group just adds another dimension. Debbie Martinez is a Certified Divorce Life Coach. She has given workshops on divorce and women’s issues and has offices in South Miami. For more information, go to <www.thepowerofdivorcecoach.com>.
mostess” and you won’t even notice.
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Miami Beach Chamber Pillar Reception at Club Bay
Jessica Safie and Ivan Ivan Mladenovic
Maria Palerm and Juan Palerm
Careli Campos, Warren Henry Rising Star recipient Jason Beukema, Jerry Libbin, President & Ceo of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Mirielle Enlow, Madeleine Romanello and Reinaldo Borges
Event catered by Johnson and Whales Students with Club Play General Manager RJ Otero
Remy V Liquor Sponsors Michael Grieco, Vice Chair of the Pillar Board
Edward Dalton, Myriam Louis and Carlos Lerman
Pillar Guests Networking at Club Play Michael S. Goldberg, Rena Kliot, Eric Mannis, Judy Holm and Aaron Puckett
Warren Henry Rising Star recipient Jason Beukema, Tourism and Hospitality Council Chair with Careli Campos
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Farewell to a Boxing Legend: Angelo Dundee
Angelo Dundee and a grioup of amateur boxers at the gym. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
South Florida Boxing is saddened to hear of the loss of a longtime friend and supporter of South Florida Boxing (Miami Beach), Angelo Dundee. After the 5th Street Gym was shut down & closed in 1990 (20+ years ago), Dundees’ boxing go-to was South Florida Boxing. Dundee celebrated his 80th birthday at South Florida Boxing. At South Florida Boxing, Dundee trained David Estrada while frequented the gym many times a week for 7+ years to watch the training of Bernard Hopkins, Oscar De La Hoya and Roy Jones, to name a few & there were TONS more. He sure was an incredible, legendary man who will truly be missed.
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United Jerusalem Medallion
Felice and Gerald Schwartz of Aventura are shown receiving the United Jerusalem Medallion at the recent national Prime Ministers Club Dinner of State of Israel Bonds. Making the presentation, left to right, are Izzy Tapoohi, president and CEO of the international Bonds organization; State of Israel Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz; and Richard Hirsch of New York, national chairman of Israel Bonds. Debra and Dr. Lawrence Halperin of Boca Raton were among eight other couples from throughout the United States who also were honored with presentations of the medallion struck to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. More than 750 persons attended, with some $225 million in sales of Israel Bonds announced at the dinner, include $15 million purchased by the State of Florida. Photo by Howard Zimmerman.
Win a Free HP 4530s from PREEMO
February is going to be big, Just how big you ask? Well, big enough that we’re just going to hand off a brand new HP ProBook 4530s. We knew we wanted 2012 to be the year we gave back–back to the community and back to our loyal and wonderful clients, friends, and following. That’s why we launched the Recycle-IT campaign in January and why we’ve decided to giveaway a top-of-the-line computer this February. So starting today, we’re opening the gates and allowing anyone who wants a new computer to go ahead and enter. The rules are simple: be a resident of the United States, “like” our Facebook page,or follow us on Twitter at@gopreemo, and fill out the entry form. That’s it. We like to make things easy for you–that’s our whole motto here at Preemo. Our unparalleled service and unrivaled expertise allow us to be the one place you can call for any of your computing needs. From computer repair and IT services to website development and online services, we just make the other guys look bad. But back to the matter at hand. As we said, our Grand Prize winner will become the proud owner of a
brand new HP ProBook 4530s. It’s a great computer; we wouldn’t be giving it away if it wasn’t one of the best laptops out there today. With a 15 inch screen, the ProBook 4530s comes with 4GB memory, Intel Core processing, LED Backlight and antiglare screen, Windows 7, DVD drive, HD Webcam, a 6 cell battery and more. This computer is a thing of beauty. What you may not know is we’re also giving away a second prize because one goodie just wasn’t enough. Our Second Prize winner will receive a brand new iPod shuffle–the better to jam out with while on a run or to tune-out an annoying co-worker. So, what are you waiting for? Go on, get liking and enter now! And while you are at it, keep tuned in to us here on our site, our Facebook page and @gopreemo – we’ll be announcing all sorts of new contests and giveaways. Rumor has it we might even be giving away an iPad 3 in March. Good luck!
TO ENTER, visit online at: http://promoshq.wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/188025
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Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
MOUNT SINAI HEART INSTITUTE AND U.S. REP. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ JOIN FORCES TO BRING ATTENTION TO HEART DISEASE On Monday, February 13, Mount Sinai heart related,” she said. Medical Center hosted a press conference This is not surprising to Mount Sinai chief with U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz in of cardiology, Dr. Gervasio Lamas. recognition of American Heart Month. Rep. “I’ve taken care of a number of women Wasserman Schultz brought attention to heart who really just don’t have chest pain but have disease, its impact on women and the impor- something other. They will have abdominal tance of knowing the risk factors and warning pain. They will have back pain. They feel like signs of heart disease. Working together with they have the flu. They’re sweaty, they just the Congresswoman, Mount Sinai’s goal was don’t feel well,” said Lamas. to raise public awareness Elizabeth Cooper, 40, told about cardiovascular disease, a different story of how heart the #1 killer of both men and disease can affect women. women in the United States. “I was born with a congen“Between 6 to 9 percent of ital heart defect knows as all U.S. women are living aortic stenosis. I have underwith coronary heart disease, gone four open-heart surgerand two-thirds who suddenly ies in my lifetime,” said die had not previous sympCooper. “My most recent toms,” said Wasserman open-heart surgery took Schultz. “Approximately place last summer with Dr. 435,000 women in the U.S. Lamelas. Luckily, the valve will have a heart attack this he put in should last me 30 year and 83,000 of them will years or more.” U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz be under the age of 65.” Rep. Wasserman Schultz ––––––––––––––––––––––– Dr. Gervasio Lamas, chief of chose Mount Sinai as the the Columbia University Division of Cardiology place where she would share her message at Mount Sinai Medical Center, discussed the about cardiovascular health because of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and shared hospital’s outstanding reputation for cardiothe unique symptoms that women experience vascular care. Mount Sinai has the best heart when having a heart attack that differ from men. attack survival rate in all of Florida, the best Other speakers at the event included Conchita cardiac surgical outcomes among facilities Ruiz, a representative and corporate sponsor of performing more than 750 cases a year, and the American Heart Association, Dr. Judith the most active valve program in the state. Anton, a heart attack survivor and a representaMount Sinai encourages all women, and tive of the National Coalition for Women with men, to manage your heart health by moniHeart Disease, and Elizabeth Cooper, who had toring blood pressure, cholesterol levels and valve replacement surgery performed by Mount blood sugar. To find out what your risk of Sinai’s chief of cardiac surgery, Dr. Joseph developing heart disease may be, visit Lamelas. www.msmc.com to take the Mount Sinai “Part of my heart is dead and I have sur- Heart Risk Assessment. vived to tell the story,” said Anton, who was About Mount Sinai Medical Center a Miami-Dade County public school principal when she suffered what is known as a Founded in 1949, Mount Sinai Medical silent heart attack. “I had previous symptoms Center is the largest independent, private, which none of my doctors diagnosed as not-for-profit teaching hospital in South Mount Sinai’s Centers of heart-related. In fact, I had my gall bladder Florida. out because I had a pain in my back and no Excellence combine technology, research one looked to see if that pain was actually and academics to provide innovative and
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From L-R, Dr. Judith Anton, rep. from National Coalition of Women with Heart Disease; Elizabeth Cooper, Mount Sinai heart valve surgery patient; Dr. Gervasio Lamas, chief of cardiology at Mount Sinai; U.S. Rep Debbie Wasserman Schultz; Conchita Ruiz, Rep. from the American Heart Association; Steven Sonenreich, President and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
comprehensive care in Cardiology, Urology, Neurology, Oncology and Orthopaedics. One of a select few statutory teaching hospitals in the state, Mount Sinai is the hospital of choice for those who seek the level of expertise and care that only
a teaching hospital can offer. The medical center’s commitment to quality has garnered prestigious recognition, including designation for five consecutive years as one of America’s Top Hospitals by U.S.News & World Report.
Feb. 23 - Mar. 7, 2012
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South Beach Wine and Food Festival
BY MICKY ROSS STEINBERG Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority
Just as Art Basel Miami Beach has become an internationally known event in a short number of years with the support of the Visitor and Convention Authority, so too has the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. What started as a one day event called the “Florida Extravaganza” at Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay Campus moved to Miami Beach in 2001 and was rebranded as the “South Beach Wine and Food Festival.” In its inaugural year in Miami Beach, it attracted a modest 7,000 guests. In the decade that followed, with the continued support of the MBVCA and under the leadership of Southern Wine and Spirit’s Lee Schrager, the festival now attracts a global audience that exceeds 50,000 guests. In addition to attracting many guests, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, through its sponsorship by The Food Network, garners media attention that brings visitors to our community year round. But, the impact of the festival doesn’t stop there. What started out as a fundraiser for FIU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, continues to bear fruit for the school’s program – now raising over a million dollars a year. This year, the 4-day Festival (February 23 – 26) will showcase celebrities and top names in the culinary, wine and spirits industries. Televised programming specials on national TV via the Food Network will reach an estimated 100 million house-
holds, and the Festival’s marketing plan over 6 months will generate at least 1.7 billion impressions. The Festival showcases Miami Beach as a first class destination which offers a wealth of culture, arts, beaches, and nightlife. Events will be taking place at the Ritz Carlton South Beach, the Betsy Hotel, Gansevoort Hotel,
What started out as a fundraiser for FIU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, continues to bear fruit for the school’s program – now raising over a million dollars a year. Delano Hotel, The Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami Beach Convention Center, Loews Miami Beach Hotel, The Standard Hotel, The Eden Roc, and the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. Some events to look forward to this year include Moet Hennessy’s The Q, hosted by Emeril Lagasse and Guy Fieri; Dining in the Dark, hosted by David Burke with Market 17; The Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village and The Best Thing I Ever Ate Late Night Bites & Sweets sponsored by Godiva Chocolatier, just to name a few. We look forward to seeing you at some of these great events. For more information visit us at www.miamibeachvca.com
Barbara Buxton, J.D., LL.M. Florida Attorney
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RayPrinciotta 5 Real Estate Deal Killers - and What Sellers Can Do To Prevent It ON REAL ESTATE OK, so you’ve decided to sell. Your property is not in distress, and you still have equity you want to protect. It’s a major decision, probably one of the biggest ones you’ll ever make and you want to do it right. The difference between a sale or no sale often rests on a only few key factors. Become familiar with these deal killers and you jumpstart your efforts as you towards your goal of closing the sale.
#1.- OVERPRICING is the single biggest problem a seller must overcome. You might think your condo is worth the big money it used to be, back before the real estate market sank. Unfortunately, times have changed. With all the
information available on the Internet, buyers are profoundly aware of today’s market prices. You need to get serious. TIPS: Visit the competition by going to Open Houses in similar buildings; check out listings for similar properties online and in the newspapers; and contact multiple real estate agents and get their opinion on your price.
#2.-
CLUTTER, DIRT, AND ODOR can take thousands off the price, and at worst case make buyers run away. This is a big purchase in a bad market so it’s up to you to make sure your condo shows favorably: clean, sweet smelling and clutter free. TIPS: Clear out all the unwanted stuff, donate or pack away your old collections, make sure table and counter tops are bare. Banish old pet beds, air out stale odors and use neutral air freshener (nothing too flowery).
#3.-
HIGHLY PERSONALIZED
TASTE can kill a sale. Sellers can run into problems when the decor is too unique to allow the buyer to imagine himself or herself living in the home. Unusual wall colors, floor and window treatments can be a turn-off. (it always makes me laugh when watch HGTV and I see Buyers walking through a home for sale and their biggest complaint is the color, but that is what people see...so don't fight it, fix it). To get top dollar in your neighborhood it’s important to “neutralize” your condo to conform with popular tastes. TIP: Check with local real estate agents and prepare a checklist of work that needs to be done inside and outside the property. The real estate agent can help you prioritize the list before you make a big investment in pre-sale remodeling. Also consider hiring a professional home stager. Do whatever will bring you the best return for the changes you make.
#4.- M I S L E A D I N G D E A L INFORMATION is a sure-fire deal killer.
Photos that are highly edited or property described as an “approved” short sale when a bank approved a previous offer and will require new offers to go through an approval process again, are common examples of misrepresentations. TIP: It is important for Sellers and Agents to be upfront and honest. Enough said!
#5.- OVERBEARING SELLERS can easily and often inadvertently queer a deal. TIP: Back away and let the real estate agent do his job. These 5 Deal Killers above are in the seller's control. There is however another issue that kills many deals that is not in the seller's control - many appraisals are coming in less than contract price due to the large number of distressed property sales. This is a big problem with financed purchases. So pricing the property correctly is even more important.
For more detail, visit www.rayonrealestate.com. Ray Princiotta is a licensed Florida real estate broker with Accelerated Realty, Inc. Contact him at 305.494.4101 or ray@rayonrealestate.com.
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