Miami Beach News 3.22.12

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

MAR. 22 - APR. 4, 2012

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Fashion World Converges on Miami Beach Chamber Raises $9,000 for Education at Annual Golf Tournament Miami Beach International Fashion Week™ celebrates its Fourteenth spectacular year

T

he fifth largest and one of the most important fashion events on the world’s fashion calendar, Miami Beach International Fashion Week is ready to celebrate its 14th edition. Widely considered the axis between Europe and the Americas, with South Beach as its glamorous epicenter, Miami Beach is the host to this fabulous event that is set to take place from March 21st-24th at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Hall D. This year, Miami Beach International Fashion Week is proud to welcome music legend and style icon Dionne Warwick who will share her expertise in and around the world of celebrity and fashion. Mrs. Warwick will be hosting Up Cllose and Personal with Dionne Wa r wick, an intimate conversation with one of world’s biggest legends, as she shares her life’s journey and how she became the mega star she is today.

This year’s slate of events, designers,

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See

FASHION, page 4

Jason Loeb, Chairman of the Miami Beach Chamber, Jim Boucher, Michael Boucher and Steven Boucher of Boucher Brothers Management, Aaron Perry, Immediate Past Chair of the Miami Beach Chamber and Jerry Libbin, President & CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber, presenting $9,000 check to the members of the Miami- Dade Public School System ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

O

ver 148 golfers and 40 hole sponsors joined the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce on Friday, March 9th at their Annual Miami Beach Golf Classic, sponsored by Boucher Brothers Management.

Golfers hit the green for the sixteenth consecutive year at the Miami Beach

Golf Club, located at 2031 Alton Road.

Lunch was sponsored by Epicure Market in Miami Beach and tee off was at 12:15 PM. The tournament play was a scramble format with many on course contests administered, included a putting contest sponsored by Gunster Yoakley, and –––––––––––––––––––––––––– See

GOLF, page 4

Phone: 305-669-7355

Letter from the Chair

BY JASON LOEB Chairman, Miami Beach Chamber

As you can probably tell by now, I’m a big proponent of recognition.

Hard work deserves to be acknowledged and is so critical in the development of both people and an organization. But want to know what’s even better than recognition?

Celebration! Saturday, June 2, marks our 90th annual gala, which aims to do just this: celebrate success and you as our devoted members.

The party scene is ever-evolving in our paradise city. This year’s theme revolves around the booming arts and culture movement via the preservation of our historic treasures and commission of new exciting works that now call Miami Beach home. On this refined evening, guests will enjoy showcases of notable works ranging all mediums.

Beyond arts and culture, Miami Beach has truly forged its mark as a tourism gem, a business hub and a caring community. The correlation between the increased Chamber membership involvement and city milestones is no coincidence. Your actions are making a difference. The awards preview for particularly impacting individuals include: • Steven D. Sonenreich, President & CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center and Recipient of the Citizen of the Ye a r Aw a r d • G a r y G e r s o n , Founding Partner, Gerson, Preston, Robinson & Company, P.A. and Recipient of the City National Bank H i - Ti d e s Outstanding Achievement Aw a r d • D r. Rosann Sidener, Principal, Miami Beach Senior High School and Recipient of the Distinguished Service Aw a r d ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See

LETTER, page 4

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Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

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LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT PEGGY BENUA

Dream South Beach – General Manager A leader within the hospitality industry accepted a position in Dallas as the for over twenty years, Peggy Benua has Resident Manager for the Le Meridien brought considerable insight and industry Dallas Hotel. Benua immediately found organizations within the expertise to the Miami Community since she community she could arrived in 2000. focus her philanthropic In her current position, and leadership efforts, Benua serves as the and as a result was named General Manager for the the recipient of the recently-opened Dream Women in Executive South Beach, a 108-room Leadership, Dallas luxury property located Chapter, Woman of the on the iconic Collins Year award. In addition Avenue. Launched in to being named Woman summer 2011, the hotel is of the Year, Benua was the latest addition to promoted within Le South Beach’s famed Art Meridien and was Deco corridor, complete appointed as the new with Tudor House restauHotel Manager. rant by celebrated chef Benua graduatGeoffrey Zakarian and an ed with a master’s degree PEGGY BENUA intimate destination in Hotel and Food rooftop pool lounge with views of the Service Management from Florida Atlantic Ocean. Involved with the proper- International University. Loving the sun ty throughout the pre-opening phase, and being close to the water, she spent Benua has overseen all aspects required for much of her early career with Sheraton the preservation of the historic art-deco Hotels relocating to beautiful west coast buildings. cities of San Diego and Los Angeles.

Under her management the hotel has Benua fell in love with all aspects of the been awarded Trip Advisor’s 2012 5th hospitality industry and through a variety Trendiest Hotel in the US, Trip Advisor’s of positions, learned the interworking of 2012 25th Trendiest Hotel in the World. revenue, housekeeping, front office, manShe has also spearheaded the hotels agement, and all aspects of hotel sales, involvement and acceptance in the 2012 marketing and operations.

Florida Green Lodging program, insuring From an early age Benua took great eco-awareness as an important initiative interest in the arts which led her to earn her both for employees and guests. During the undergraduate degree in Fine Arts at the duration of her time at Dream South Beach, University of North Florida. Living in the hotel has been featured within top pub- Florida for most of her life, Benua was lications including The New York Times, drawn to the art scene in Miami. The Conde Nast Traveler, Miami Herald, expressive environment provided a canvas BRIDES and Departures. for her lifelong passion to grow. She is conEmbracing her Miami residency, Benua stantly inspired by the young talent and the has established herself as an active member ever-progressing world of art. of the community serving on the board of the Benua currently lives in Coral Gables Greater Miami and Beaches Hotel known for its lush gardens and Association, Miami Chamber Pillar Board Mediterranean Revival architectural style. and the City of Miami Beach Commission When not working or participating actively for Women. Her career in Miami began with within the community Benua enjoys spenda Resident Manger position at Eden Roc ing time outdoors in the warm Florida sun.

Renaissance Resort and Spa and after six She loves outdoor activities such as runyears she was appointed as General Manager ning and cycling, which allow her to exerposition at the Marriott South Beach. Benua cise while taking in the views of her beaudedicates countless hours to the Miami com- tiful neighborhood. She spends most of her munity, involved in every aspect of the free time in the blue waters surrounding organizations she participates in.

Miami diving for the occasional shipwreck Prior to her return to Florida, Peggy or spotting rare fish species.

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GOLF, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Stewart, 3 hole-in-one contests sponsored by Warren Henry Auto Group, a hole-in-one contest sponsored by JetSki of Miami and Fisherman’s Boat Group, the longest drive, closest to the pin, and straightest drive contests, and 40 other individual hole contests provided by sponsors who hosted their table displays and contests on the tee boxes of each hole.

This year, the Golf classic helped the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and it’s 501c3 Education Foundation raise $9,000 for the City of Miami Beach International Baccalaureate Programs available in all public schools in the Miami Beach Public School Feeder Pattern. In addition, the Chamber’s Education Foundation will use additional funds raised to complete its mission to support the needs of public education by donating scholarship funds to graduating

seniors from Miami Beach Senior High School at the end of the school year.

“The Chamber of Commerce continues to exceed the expectations of its membership and the community” said Chairman of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Jason Loeb. “A great time was had by all, in conjunction with continuing our support for the city’s International Baccalaureate Program with a $9,000 donation.”

The success of this golf tournament would not have been made possible without the support and participation of many companies around the community.

Boucher Brothers Management and the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce wish to thank the 2012 Golf Classic sponsors for their continued dedication to the economic wellbeing of Miami Beach and to helping improve the quality of life in the community at large.

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FASHION, from page 1

Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

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Art of Shade (Photo Credit –Miami Beach International Fashion Week) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

and performers promises all of the excitement the fashion world has come to expect from this prestigious event. Highlights of the week’s line up include the Miami Style Showcase featuring Florida’s top designers including Viviana G for Petit Pois, LUXXE Collections/LUXXE Golf, Ema Savahl Couture and Kayce Armstrong of Art of Shade among others. The Prêt-A-Porter Designer Showcase will feature Rosario Vargas, the winner of Bolivia’s Mision Moda, Banja Luka Fashion Fair Designer Showcase featuring Marina Banovic, Liliana Majkic, and Davor Sladakovic from Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro, Latin Fashion Weeks Council Showcase with the best designers from throughout Latin America, I Love Fashion Collection

by Fashion TV’s President and Founder, Michel Adam and more. Additionally, for the first time in the U.S., Walla Al Alawi of the Kingdom of Bahrain, widely considered the trendsetter for the Gulf region, will grace the runway with her latest collection.

In addition to Mrs. Warwick, there will be celebrity appearances by Grammy Award winning music producer Damon Elliott and many of Latin America’s biggest soap stars.

The Miami Moda & Music Awards will feature a showcase of Red Carpet gowns worn by some of Hollywood’s and Latin America’s biggest stars by designer Nicolas Felizola and a special performance by Supermodel and the face of Lancôme Russia, Dasha and Spain’s hottest new vocal group, D’NASH. Lavish after parties at STK Miami Beach for Opening Night and at the Mondrian Hotel for Closing Night will be the perfect touch to this amazing gala of fashion and style.

A product of Sobol-Perry Fashion Productions, Inc., Miami Beach International Fashion Week™ was established by entrepreneur extraordinaire Beth Sobol who was joined by Aaron Perry, business man and entrepreneur, as managing partner in 2010.

For more information and to purchase tickets for Miami Beach International Fashion Week please visit www.miamifashionweek.com. Become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/MiamiInternatio nalFashionWk and follow us on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/miamifashionwk

LETTER, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– • Jose Abrreu, Director, Miami-Dade Aviation Department and Recipient of the Excellence in Tourism Award • Tony Goldman, Chairman and CEO, Goldman Properties and Reecipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award Of course, celebration is always more fun in numbers. The 2012 Gala is anticipated to be the biggest and largest event

in Chamber history with close to 1,200 attendees. I hope to see you there among the revelers. Individual tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Please feel free to contact the Miami Beach Chamber at 305 674 1300 for more information. Now, let’s party!

At your service, Jason Loeb

Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

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Arts and Culture Council (PRE)view and (RE)view Arte Americas — Reflections on Latin American Art

BY JUDY HOLM Vice Chair of the Arts & Culture Council, Miami Beach Chamber Pillar member

Launched in 2003, the year after the first Art Basel Miami Beach, Arte Americas celebrated its tenth edition in early March. The importance of Arte Americas to metropolitan Miami is paramount. Not only does our geographic location represent the primary gateway to Latin America, but provides a visible showcase to some of the most important art and artists emanating from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America.

The show was created under the direction of Dora Valdes-Fauli; is backed by a veritable “who’s who” in the art world- with Leslie Pantin as President, Emilio Calleja as Vice President, and an advisory committee of over eighty members, including Paul Cejs, Carlos and Rosa de la Cruz, Bonnie Clearwater and Silvia Karman Cubina. This year’s fair contained works from forty-eight local, domestic and international galleries, and included several exceptional projects. “Art Talks,” open to the fair attendees, approached important topics regarding Latin American art – from current trends and history, to collecting and programming. The panel included our own Arts and Culture Council board member, and Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Bass Museum-Silvia Karman

Works of Manuel Carbonell

Cubina. The final lecture, entitled “Living in Color” featured the life and work of the brilliant Carlos Cruz-Diez.

I was honored to attend the opening night of the fair, and was dazzled by the vibrant sounds, sights and feeling swirling around the space. While all of the galleries presented beautiful works of art from very talented artists, a few highlights stood out for me.

Most Magical: Rafael Barrios, represented by Art Nouveau Gallery, creates illusions that defy gravity. His works seem to literally bounce in the air, yet they are masterfully rooted, with a base that appears delicate and improbable.

I had the delight of meeting the artist at his vernissage last month, and have a deeper appreciation of his work. In addition to the pieces exhibited here, he has also been commissioned by the city of New York, with a series of nine huge pieces adorning Park Avenue from March through June, located directly in front of the Armory building. The Armory show, the most important contemporary art fair in New York, also occurs in March.

Most Powerful: The powerful work of Manuel Carbonell was highly visible in the fair. The smooth, strong, black forms are a joy to behold. To quote the artist, “I search in my sculpture for the essence of the forms and the absence of detail while I struggle to obtain a feeling of monumentality...”

Most Dynamic: George Billis and his New York-based George Billis Gallery. I chatted with George about his Gallery, and the beautiful and whimsical work of Alejandro Mazon, “The Memory of Rabbits” is a collage of nostalgic images- imbued with religion, family, work, love, heaven and beyond. It is a fantasy created in acrylic, vintage papers, found objects, and mounted on canvas.

In addition to his Gallery, he directs Red Dot Fairs, present at both the Armory and the prestigious satellite during Art Basel Miami Beach.

Most Creative: West Encounters East, “Light and Shadows” curated by Stella M. Holmes This exhibition is part of an evolving concept created by collector and museum trustee, Stella M. Holmes. Cross-cultural ties bind all of the artists represented in this exhibition – Latin American artists with Asian heritage. The influence of multi-cultural backgrounds is apparent in all of their works. In particular, I was mesmerized by the photography of Guillermo Ueno, born and working in Buenos Aires, Argentine.

His work demonstrates a juxtaposition of light and dark, emotion often hidden from the faces of the subjects, or obscured from view. Beautiful.

Most Forward-Thinking: Office of Engaged Teaching, Scholarship, and Creative Activities (ETSCA), established by Dr. Brian Schriner, Dean of FIU Architecture and the Arts, Chair of the Miami Beach Arts and culture Council.

As previously reviewed in an earlier column, the focus of the Office of ETSCA is “create, innovate and inspire a more beautiful, sustainable, healthy, and just tomorrow” through the Arts. 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.

FLOR500 is a multidisciplinary project developed by Miami artist Xavier Cortada to commemorate Florida’s quincentenniel in 2013. 500 Floridians will be selected to depict 500 native wild flowers- the same species that adorned the landscape when Ponce de Leon arrived in 1513 and named it “La Florida” from the Spanish word for flower. There will be more exciting components to this project, with connection to the community and the land, thereby fulfilling the mission of the ETSCA.

Work of the brilliant Carlos Cruz-Diez (Photo credit: Arte Americas)

Judy Holm and Commissioner Michael Gongora at VIP Preview –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Arte Americas is an integral and invaluable part of the Miami landscape. The role of promoting and highlighting a vast range of artists from around the world, with connections and ties to Miami, is critical for the further development of our culture. From the well-established masters, to the innovative and bold students, the works exhibited at Arte Americas is a beautiful showcase for the past, present and future of art in Miami, resonating with the important heritage from Latin America.

Bravo to the countless individuals who have contributed to the success and ensured the future of this wonderful fair. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2013!

(PHOTO CREDIT: JUDY HOLM)

Works by Rafael Barrios, represented by Art Nouveau Gallery

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Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

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Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center Earns Major Designations Only Florida hospital to win the Commission on Cancer Outstanding Achievement Award three times in a row, and the first and only radiation oncology program to be accredited in South Florida

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The Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center has received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC). Mount Sinai is the only Florida hospital to receive this recognition three times in a row, and one of only 23 out of 1,500 CoC-accredited centers nationwide to receive the Outstanding Achievement Award three consecutive times. The CoC created the Outstanding Achievement Award to recognize programs that strive for excellence in providing quality cancer care. Mount Sinai successfully completed an on-site survey and received a three-year Approval with Commendation.

Recognizing that cancer is a complex group of diseases, the CoC Cancer Program Standards promote consultation among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists, and other cancer specialists. This multidisciplinary approach results in improved patient care. In addition, CoC-accredited cancer programs focus on prevention, early diagnosis, pre-treatment evaluation, staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, surveillance for recurrent disease, support services, and end-of-life care.

The Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center is also the first and only radiation oncology program in South Florida to earn accreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR) and The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). The ACR-ASTRO seal of accreditation represents the highest level of quality and patient

safety. Mount Sinai’s Radiation Oncology programs on both the Mount Sinai Miami Beach and Aventura campuses successfully completed a rigorous application and evaluation process for this accreditation.

Radiation oncology (radiation therapy) is the careful use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer. A radiation oncologist may use radiation to cure cancer or to relieve a cancer patient’s pain. The ACR-ASTRO accreditation is awarded only to facilities meeting specific practice guidelines and technical standards developed by ACR and ASTRO after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified radiation oncologists and medical physicists who are experts in the field.

The ACR is a national professional organization serving more than 34,000 diagnostic/interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists, nuclear medicine physicians, and medical physicists with programs focusing on the practice of medical imaging and radiation oncology and the delivery of comprehensive health care services. ASTRO is a professional organization serving more than 10,000 radiation oncologists, medical physicists and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of cancer patients.

These accomplishments are added to the achievement of the Lila and Harold Menowitz Comprehensive Breast Center at Mount Sinai, which is accredited by the American College of Radiology as a Breast Center of Excellence and has full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

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Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

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The $outh Florida Gaming Repor t

Looking at all Options

BY ISADORE HAVENICK

Now that the 2012 Florida legislative session has concluded, the destination resort gaming interests will be reassessing their failed strategies. Some critics will say Genting came on to strong and scared people off. Others will speculate the combined forces of Disney, No Casinos, and Norman Braman warded off the threat of destination resort casino operators invading the sunshine state.

Some political insiders might

even speculate the lobbyists are happy with the result and looking forward to another lucrative payday at the 2013 session. Genting and Las Vegas Sands have not left town and you can be certain the “brain trusts� are preparing a new strategy for next year. The parimutuel industry will also be preparing a battle plan. Although far from unified this group is in pursuit of a lower tax rate and parity of games should the destination operators penetrate into the state.

The political cycle never ends and hope springs eternal for those with gaming dreams.

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BY MARTIN MENDIOLA

A condensed history of chili

Mendiola@USGourmet.US There are more misconceptions about “chili” than there are recipes for making this famous stew.

The semantics of the word have evolved to mean different things to different people in different places. It is important to understand that a chili or chile pepper is a fruit originally from Peru that migrated to Mexico where Europeans first found them, creating a delusion as to their place of origin.

Many concoctions around the world are called “chili”, but one may be totally different from the other depending on the ingredients used in the making. The original version of “chili” is nothing more than chopped or ground beef, chili peppers, salt and tomatoes.

This recipe was first recorded by Captain Bernal Dias del Castillo in 1519 when he reported that the Cholulan Indians were so confident of their victory over the Spanish Conquistadores that large batches of the basic ingredients were prepared ahead of time to celebrate. Beef was the last ingredient to be included, but since they lost, had nothing to celebrate and their beef supply was not accessible, this most important ingredient was never added. By not adding the beef, “chili” as we know it today was never made in Mexico (nor any other part of Central or South America for that matter) and therefore contrary to popular belief, it is not its place of origin.

Another interesting fact that corroborates the above statement is that for whatever reason, Mexicans have never tried nor want to take credit for “chili”. In more

Diaz del Castillo

Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

than one occasion I have kiddingly been told by Mexican friends that “chili” is “a “gringo” invention for which they also want to blame us”.

Of course there is no reason to blame, but there is an element of truth to that statement, since no matter where you go in Mexico, “chili” is only served in places catering to tourists. If anyone had ever made “chili” in Mexico, a country with such a rich cultural heritage, it would most certainly still be a part of their culinary tradition.

Another very strange version as to the origins of “chili” comes from an old Southwestern American Indian legend in vigor since the early 1600’s where it is mentioned that “La Dama de Azul” or lady in blue regularly appeared before them.

Somehow, somewhere, someone identified “La Dama de Azul” as Sister Mary of Agreda of Spain, a mysterious nun who would go into a trance for days at a time and supposedly one day woke up with the recipe.

Regretfully, there are no records substantiating these events or the recipe. An interesting fact is that Sister Mary never physically left Spain and whoever tied the Southwestern American Indians with a nun in Spain during the 1600’s must have really been clairvoyant.

For a while, history almost completely ignored “chili”, but it made a strong came back in 1731 when sixteen families from the Canary Islands, Spain immigrated to what was called the Villa of San Fernando de Bexar or the city we now know as San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas. Once there, they prepared an old Spanish traditional stew made with beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes and cumin which by adding the local chili peppers, created what we recognize as chili con carne or Texas style chili, even though, that is not what it was called.

Soon after its creation, brightly dressed Mexican women known as “chili queens” began selling bowls of “chili” around the Military Plaza in San Antonio. No one knows exactly why they called it “chili”, because in those days, the word “chili” referred strictly to the pepper. It is said that since peppers were the strongest flavor in the mixture and the “chili queens” had a limited knowledge of English, the word chili was the easiest one they could pronounce and the best one to use for their sales pitch.

During the 1800’s as the “chili queens” became better known and started building semi-permanent stalls in what was by then recognized as the Mercado area of San Antonio, “chili” became the staple for

Chili ingredients ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Texas cowboys. It was made into “chili bricks” that could be easily rehydrated providing hot meals for cattle drivers and trail hands. These traveling cowboys introduced “chili” throughout the Southwest, where it quickly became one of the favorite dishes of the region.

The “chili queens” became the true “chili” ambassadors to the world when in 1893 a booth at the Chicago World’s Fair invited patrons to visit “The San Antonio Chili Stand” replicating the tradition started in the Military Plaza many years before.

The stand became one of the most visited and popular areas of the fair while “chili” became a novelty that inspired the opening of “chili” parlors all over the Midwest.

After becoming a hit in Chicago, the attraction to “chili” grew, also becoming a success at the St. Louis’ World Fair in 1904. The expansion of chili parlors continued all over the country and by the 1920’s it would be almost impossible to find a town in the United States without a chili joint. This expansion gave way to the many other strange concoctions called “chili” which include recipes with spaghetti, rice, cheese, etc.

By the depression years, the addition of fillers such as beans became popular and almost necessary. Fillers reduced the cost of a hearty meal that was said to have “saved more people from starvation than the Red Cross”. As big a purpose as they serve, this “aberration” of using fillers is totally unacceptable to “chili” lovers throughout the world and serious “chili” loving organizations like

La Dama de Azul –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

the International Chili Society. Not far from the truth, it is also said that adding fillers in Texas is against the law and could land you in jail.

Many great quotes and anecdotes are known from “chili” lovers throughout history, but one of the most applicable is the one from Billy the Kid who insisted that “anybody who likes chili can’t be all bad”.

You decide.

Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

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Parksman Parking: New Year of ‘Explosive Growth’ Full-service valet parking and parking management company led by Ben Launerts, President and Managing Partner

BY BARI AUERBACH

Even faster than an exotic sports car, Parksman Parking has been experiencing “explosive growth” - establishing new partnerships, launching new divisions, landing exclusive contracts with premier properties and enhancing service with cutting-edge technology. Attributing great success to over 20 years of experience and the drive to surpass ordinary standards, Parksman Parking President and Managing Partner Ben Launerts believes, “Excellence is non-negotiable!”

NEW PARTNERSHIPS & PROPERTIES Shifting expansion into high gear, Parksman Parking is partnering with Universal Parking of America’s Florida High Rise Division. Luxurious high rises now in the Parksman/Universal portfolio include: Turnberry Village North/South towers; Biscayne Cove Tower and Clipper buildings; 3900 Williams Island; Murano Grande; and The Ivy in the Brickell area.

Parksman Parking was also recently awarded The Pinnacle and St. Tropez condominiums in Sunny Isles Beach; Solaris at Brickell Bay; and 200 East Condominium Association in Boca Raton. This brings Parksman to twenty parking locations achieved in just nine short months.

NEW DIVISIONS Talk about “speedy car recovery!”

Parksman Parking has launched a new Medical Services Division and now, Aventura Hospital and Medical Center has contracted Parksman to take over valet

Parksman now operates the valet service at Aventura Hospital and Medical Center –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

operations in February at their main campus, providing the special attention and care needed for patients and guests.

Parksman has also established a new Transportation Division and is now driving the in-house Bentley gracing St. Regis Bal Harbour – the brand new hotel and luxury condominium developed and managed by Starwood. “When the St. Regis decided they wanted the highest quality personnel for their new chauffeur services, they turned to Parksman Parking professionals,” Launerts said.

NEW TECHNOLOGY Fueling fast track growth with cuttingedge technology, Parksman clients now benefit from “ValeTrac™” Valet Parking software thanks to their new partnership with Universal. Launerts explains, “With ValeTrac™, we can monitor every facet of our onsite operations plus customized reporting enables clients to view detailed aspects of parking services and revenues.”

Parksman supports the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism. Shown here Ben Launerts with students Carlos Vega and Elias Bensimon and Parksman execs Ben Barbarot and Luigi Lissa.

Ben Launerts recently receiving the Warren Henry Auto Rising Star Award from the Miami Beach Chamber

Chauffeur services at St Regis Bal Harbour now offered by Parksman. Shown Aracdio “Al” Collado.

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NEW WAYS OF GIVING BACK Parksman Parking recently provided valet services and helped sponsor the multi-Chamber “Military Makeover” charity event and classic car show at the Dania Beach Design Center. Launerts also works closely with ESGR to hire returning members of the military; and serves as fundraising chair for the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism at 11 Miami-Dade schools. He was recently honored to receive a Rising Star award from the Miami Beach Chamber and a Community Leadership award from Bnai Zion Foundation.

Wishing colleagues, clients and friends all the best in 2012, Launerts shares a famous Einstein quote expressing Parksman Parking’s winning game plan for continued growth and success: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.”

For more information about Parksman Parking, phone: 888-982-PARK (7275) or visit parksmanparking.com

Smiling faces at Murano Grande courtesy of the Parksman / Universal alliance –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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Miami Beach Chamber Pillar Social at Nikki Beach

3Alison Washco, Dr. Corey Narson, Dr. Michael Baum and Marianna Baum Emi Guerra, Paola Rengifo and Alfred Karram Jr.

Miami Beach Chamber members networking at the Pillar Social at Nikki Beach

ABOVE: Mark Harrison, Jerry Libbin, President & CEO of the Miami Beach, and Javier A. Fernandez

Amanda Francoeur and Steffi Heidt

Nicole Paton and Todd Paton

Myriam Louis and Troy Fabien

Peggy Benua, Terri K. Echarte and Michael Palokov

Miami Beach Chamber members networking at the Pillar Social at Nikki Beach

Adam Sendzischew and David Sacks, Pillar Board of Trustees Chair

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Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

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Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

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Protect your Family with Estate Planning Workshop

By Susan Smith Every family arrives at that fork in the road when estate planning is necessary to protect the future of aging parents or to secure an inheritance for future descendants.

The attorneys at Bloomgarden, Goudreau and Rosen, P.A. believe life is complicated enough and protecting the family should not have to be. In the spirit of estate planning solutions, “The 7 Threats to Your Family Security” workshop will be held Thursday, March 29 at 5:30pm at The Hampton Inn, 1000 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach.

“The best way for us to educate our clients is by having them attend our workshop where we explain estate planning from start to finish and address commonly held myths and misinformation. We show why everybody needs, at the very least, some form of basic estate planning. Attendees learn that failing to plan can lead to disastrous results, especially when some people’s idea of estate planning means having all of your assets titled jointly with a spouse or children,” said attorney and workshop director Philip C. Rosen.

Often accompanied by adult children, couples approaching their golden years

leave the workshop empowered to begin the process of planning for the present and their future – something they have likely been meaning to get to for weeks, months, and sometimes years, according to Rosen.

“Estate planning is not just for when you die, but when you are alive. We dispel rumors about how you can lose your assets to a nursing home and outline how we can help protect those assets before a crisis arises. Our clients can rest easy knowing that there are plans in place if the time comes when they can no longer manage their own affairs.”

Bloomgarden, Goudreau and Rosen, P.A. utilizes proprietary trusts to help protect clients from nursing homes and lawsuits. “We are members of a nationwide organization, Medicaid Practice Network, which gives us access to a large number of attorneys throughout the country that also handle Medicaid Planning and Asset Pro-

tection matters. We are able to collaborate and share ideas so, although we have a small firm feel, we have the ability to leverage our network to help our clients find solutions,” said Rosen.

“The 7 Threats to Your Family Security” workshop stresses that everyone’s situation is different.

When attendees mention horror stories told by someone in their retirement community about assets being “taken by the nursing home,” Rosen says that with proper planning, situations like that simply should not have to occur. Individuals without long term care insurance may especially benefit from the presentation because it shows that most people can preserve their assets and allow Medicaid to cover their cost of care if the need to move to a nursing home arises.

Proper estate planning should help maintain control of assets for the family, give control to trusted loved ones, allow

you to remain home without stress on the family if long term care is required, and keep family business private.

In addition to helping clients plan to qualify for Medicaid regardless of the value of their assets, Bloomgarden, Goudreau and Rosen, P.A. can also help clients discover how to take advantage of Veteran’s Benefits that are available from the government to help pay for the cost of care at home or a nursing home.

“It is a very enjoyable process because at the end of the day there is a tangible outcome in the definitive results we help clients achieve. It is right there in black and white. It feels great when the clients call us to offer thanks and let us know that they can rest easy because we understood their goals and created a plan to achieve those goals,” said Rosen.

“The 7 Threats to Your Family Security” workshop will be Thursday March 29 at 5:30pm at The Hampton Inn across from Gulfstream, 1000 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach. Seating is limited and registration is required. Call Fredda Fierro at 954-370-2222 to register or reserve online at www.medicaidattorneysflorida.com.

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16th Annual Golf Classic held at the Miami Beach Country Club Boucher Brothers Management and Jet Ski of Miami showcase

Valerie Rasken, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Miami Beach Chamber, Jim Boucher, President of Boucher Brothers Management, and tournament champions, Richard Do, David Herzberg Marc, Dr. Ino Halegua and Rosello

Jason Loeb, Miami Beach Chamber Chairman, with Michael Milberg, Mount Sinai Medical Pillar Board of Trustees member Michael Mandich competing in the Putting Contest Center Foundation Executive Director

Golfers competing in the Putting Contest sponsored by Gunster Yoakley and Stewart

Jerry Libbin, President & CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber, and Presenting Sponsor Dr. Ino Halegua, The Cardiology Center Hole-in-one contest to win a Range Rover Evoque sponsored by Warren Henry Auto Group

Gold Sponsor City National Bank Pillar Board of Trustees member Mirelle Enlow with Mike Kiely

ABOVE: Gold Sponsor, Berit Naatz, the Angler’s Boutique Resort

LEFT: Golfer competing at the 16th Annual Golf Classic held at the Miami Beach Country Club Hole Sponsor, Judy Schottenstein and Cecily Suarez, CBC5

Hole Sponsor, Patti Englert, Wheels2Go

See more photos next page

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Randie Hofer Scholarship given to young visionaries

BY CHARLOTTE LIBOV

When Miami Beach High School junior Melissa Bustos awoke on Friday March 9, she knew it was a special day; she would be presented with the first Randie Hofer Scholarship Award. But, for her fellow student, Kaidian Cargill, it was just another day, that is, until Assistant Principal Ramon Patrice summoned her to his office. “I couldn’t figure out what I’d done wrong,” said Cargill. But her puzzlement soon turned to joy, when she learned that she’d was named a winner as well. “I can’t believe it,” she declared, her face beaming.

According to Wendy Doherty, cofounder of Women’s Exhibit, Inc., which sponsors the scholarship, the panel had no plans to create a second prize, but they

couldn’t get either girl’s essay out of their minds. “We had 61 entries and we scored them on a point system. Melissa and Kaidian’s essays were only a half-of-apoint apart, we called a last-minute meeting, talked it over, and decided to give two awards,” she said.

In order to win the contest, the students had to write an essay about women in history who had inspired them. Melissa wrote about Harriet Beecher Stowe. “She spoke out against slavery, and we still have that today, only it’s called human trafficking,” Melissa said. In her essay, Kaidian wrote about Constance Baker Motley, who graduated with a law degree from Columbia University and became the first black woman to serve for the Scholarship winners Kaidian Cargill and Melissa Bustos with Herbert Hofer ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Close-up of the 2012 Randie Hofer Scholarship Award given to Melissa Bustos

Southern District of New York, the largest federal trial bench in the country.

“Kaidian wants to be the first black female Supreme Court justice and is looking to Motley as her inspiration,” said Doherty.

Women’s Exhibit, which sponsors the annual Miami Beach Women’s Conference, created the scholarship in honor of Hofer, who died unexpectedly last fall. Hofer, a longtime resident of Miami Beach, was a community activist, member of the women’s conference executive committee, and also taught at the high school. “Randie was a visionary, and this is what we were looking for, and what we found, in these two essays,” Doherty said, adding, “Both of the girls knew Randie as a teacher, so that makes it even more special,” Doherty noted.

Kaidian will be attending the University of Florida in the fall. She also hopes to be accepted into the U.S. Navy, to help pay for her education. As a junior, Melissa hasn’t chosen a college yet.

For Kaidian, the prize was particularly sweet, because she hadn’t planned to enter her essay. contest. “I didn’t think I would win, but my father insisted I send it in,” she said, as she headed off after the ceremony to call him.

As the grand prizewinner, Melissa will receive a $1,500 package of electronics customized for her needs, including a laptop, printer, software, and a backpack, and Kaidian will receive a $400 laptop. The prizes were purchased by the scholarship fund and Best Buy in South Beach put together the special student packages.

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Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

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Serving Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties Tel.: 305.932.2293 Miami-Dade County 954.760.7077 Broward County www.buxtonlaw.com

Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

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The Ultimate College Scholarship Six Intentions that Can Change

BY PETER RATZAN

In the next two weeks, nearly 3 million high school seniors will be getting a coveted ‘thickenvelope yes’ letter from their Top Choice U. That’s fantastic. Less good. Only about 3% of their parents will have taken the steps to ensure that their child can afford to attend –and graduate – without significant debt, and without they themselves dipping into retirement savings or sacrificing lifestyle.

With that in mind, I wanted to address one of my biggest pet peeves: procrastination...

As in: “I saw you speak at my school four years ago, and I meant to come meet with you before we started dealing with this college thing, but Insert Life Excuse here. And now my son/daughter just got accepted to Insert Top Choice School here and I don’t want to tell him/her that I can’t afford to send them. Can you help?”

I won’t lie to you, this is a very difficult question to answer. Sometimes it’s ‘yes’, but most often it’s ‘no.’ And while there is no hard and fast rule about what happens next, I can tell you that a good outcome often turns on these three factors: 1. Can I recommend anything at this late stage to help the parents qualify for need-based financial aid from the Government?

2. Does the aforementioned dream school have at its disposal Institutional financial aid (non-need-based aid and MERIT scholarships)?

3. And perhaps most importantly, will this aforementioned school be willing to use said institutional aid on this particular student?

As you can imagine, it’s just awful for the parent, when my answer is no and he/she has to admit to their child that they can’t afford to send Junior to the dream school they just got into. It’s awful for me, too, because in many cases, it’s a horrible conversation that could have been completely avoided!

There are many factors that I think are critical in making a good college match, and affordability is most definitely one of them.

Unfortunately many parents still mistakenly think that their only affordable answer is one of our state or community colleges — even if it’s not a good match

for their child in the other areas. There are many, many other options. The fact is that many good colleges will selectively use their financial aid awards to help ‘shape’ their incoming class. It’s called ‘discounting’ or ‘strategic enrollment management’, and it is not a theorr y — the College Board estimates that close to 80% of students will pay less than the sticker price thh is year.

Today, a sound college admissions strategy is necessarily one that dovetails with a sound college funding strategy. They should be mapped out simultaneously and BEFORE your child begins applying to college. If you do this, you will be able to locate schools that fit your student’s academic and social needs, and that you’ll be able to afford.

I don’t want to belabor the point so I’ll just say this: in today’s world, when it comes to college, it simply isn’t enough to just be concerned about whether your child will get accepted to a particular college, you have to know that you’ll be able to pay for it. When should you know? Before they fall in love with any particular school.

There is $150 billion available in need-based federal aid and about $11 billion more offered in n college-based (institutional) merit aid.

Getting the maximum that you can of both is The Ultimate Scholarship. If your child is in high school and you think they’re going to college, I recommend that you start learning how to optimize your family’s chances now. In April I’ll be hosting a workshop on ‘Making College Affordable’. It’s being held in Pinecrest, and of course, you’re invited. There is no cost to attend, but missing out on this information could cost you thousands. To learn more and to reserve your seat, visit w w w. L e a r n C o l l e g e F u n d i n g . c o m

Peter Ratzan is a long-time South Floridian and the owner of College Funding Specialists, Inc. A former teacher and counselor, and a certified college funding advisor, Peter publishes a college planning blog—www.CollegePete.com — with free advice and resources for families trying to navigate the complex college admissions and funding process. He will be conducting a free community workshop on Effective College Strategies for the ‘Forgotten’ Middle Class at the Pinecrest Community Center on April 19th. For more information or to register, visit LearnCollegeFunding.com.

the Course of Your Success

BY DEBORAH SHANE

habits that don’t serve you anymore.

Professional and small businesses are stepping up and seeking guidance, education and resources now to improve their skills, impact and effectiveness.

It’s required, not negotiable.

I got very clear on how creating my intentions, simply set me up for what I wanted to happen. How do we know what to do? What is our course of action?

I wanted to be an author, so I wrote a book based on my own career transition.

I wanted to grow my brand nationally, so I reached out to several key national websites and blogs and now write for several of them.

I wanted to niche myself, so I focused on careers, branding and new media.

What is your plan for success?

What do you ultimately want to happen?

What’s the best environment you can create for your intentions to come true?

These 6 Intentions can change the way things turn out.

PREDICATION AND TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS Stay on the top of all the trends, patterns and movement you see and hear about. Be an early adopter on the front end of trends, or you’ll be too late.

A HEALTHY DOSE OF OPTIMISM If you don’t believe that regardless of what circumstances exist NOW, that anything is possible and can happen for you, than nobody else will. Businesses and people are succeeding in spite of their circumstances.

CALL YOURSELF TO ACTION Everyday is a call to action, an opportunity to work on, at and through exactly what you are dealt with. Do you have and follow a purposeful plan daily? Don’t forget to rest, recharge and then resume.

BE FLEXIBLE AND BEND Build into your skill sets the ability to change directions, compromise, yield and deal with the unexpected. Let go of rigid

PRACTICE DISCIPLINE Figure out what works best for you, don’t give up easily and practice successful habits.

Organization, delegation and accountability are three assets that will serve you well today.

FIND MORE BALANCE The pace of work, the culture of the workplace and what it takes to keep up are changed forever. We are working longer hours, using new technology and competition is fierce. Whatever it is that helps you stay sane, healthy, and caring and have a sense of humor, find it and work it. Rest and resume, but don’t give in or give up.

What are your intentions for this year and what are you doing to create the environment for them to come to you?

Deborah Shane is the Author of Career Transition-make the shift, a media host, speaker and branding consultant and strategist. She hosts a weekly Blog and is in her third year of hosting a weekly business radio show on blogtalkradio.com, which has over 32k downloads. She writes for several national business, career and marketing blogs, and websites including smallbiztrends.com, careerealism.com, BusinessInsider.com,Personalbrandingblog. com and blogher.com. Deborah delivers smart, no-nonsense ideas and solutions, which make her a popular go-to resource for clients, national media and influential blogs.

Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Blogtalkradio @Deborah Shane, or on the web at DeborahShane.com, or DeborahShaneToolBox.com.

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Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

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HOW’S BUSINESS RECORD DEMAND FOR TRAVEL TO GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES REMAINS STRONG IN JANUARY 2012 RESULTING IN DOUBLE-D D IGIT INCREASES IN GREATER MIAMI’S TOURISTRELATED TAX COLLECTIONS

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The January 2012 Convention Development Tax (CDT) collections for Greater MIAMI and the Beaches of $5,736,294 compared to $4,784,631 for the same period last year represents a +19.9% increase. In January 2012, the 2% Food and Beverage tax collections from hotels in MIAMI-Dade (excluding MIAMI Beach, Bal Harbour, and Surfside) generated $516,304 compared to $436,621 in 2011, an increase of +18.2%. The MIAMI-Dade Resort tax collections (excluding MIAMI Beach, Bal Harbour and Surfside) for January 2012 totaled $1,811,832 compared to $1,560,941 in 2011 for an increase of +16.1%.

CONVENTION DEVELOPMENT TAX COLLE E CTIONS January 2012 January 2011 $5,736,294 $4,784,631

% Change +19.9%

2% FOOD and BEVERAGE TAX COLLECT T IONS January 2012 January 2011 $516,304 $436,621

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GMCVB STAFF SALUTES AUTHOR OF NEW PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK, THE EXTRAORDINARY GUIDE TO SOUTH BEACH, AT THE FORGE ON MIAMI BEACH George Neary, GMCVB Associate Vice President of Cultural Tourism, was the main speaker at the Forge Restaurant on Miami Beach to salute Brigitte Duvall Kennedy, author of the new photography book the Extraordinary Guide to South Beach. The 400-page book is a completely different approach to a guide as an insider experiences tastes, sounds, aromas, sights and textures as South Beach takes on a new uber-luxe lifestyle attracting attention from around the world not just as a pleasure capital but also as a business base, second home to many and a great venue for a business conference or event. The Extraordinary Guide to South Beach is a quintessential lifestyle guide to South Beach.

This premiere book is the first in a series of 10. The Forge’s Library Room was the host venue and everyone was welcomed by owner Shareef Malnik. For details, visit www.extraordinaryguides.com.

WRESTLEMANIA XXVIII COMES TO MIAMI APRIL 1ST MIAMI WRESTLEMANIA XXVIII Is coming to Greater MIAMI April 1, 2012! Don’t miss your chance to witness history when MIAMI’s own hometown hero The Rock battles John Cena on Sunday, April 1st at Sun Life Stadium.

Plus – see all of your favorite WWE Superstars, Divas & Legends. Mike Tyson will be one of the inductees at this year’s WWE Hall of Fame! WrestleMania Week will take over our community with events such as WrestleMania Axxess, WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Monday Night RAW. To find out more about all things WrestleMania and to purchase tickets, visit www.wrestlemania.com.

MIAMI BEACH NAMED FINALIST FOR MOST ROMANTIC DESTINATION USA/CANADA ON ABOUT.COM MIAMI Beach has been named a finalist in About.com’s Romantic Readers’ Choice Awards 2012 for Most Romantic Destination USA/Canada.

Winners will be announced on Honeymoons/Romantic Travel from About.com on March 30.

STILL TIME TO ENJOY MIAMI FILM MONTH! There’s still time left to enjoy GMCVB’s 1st annual Miami Film Month. Taking place through the end of March, Miami Film Month encourages residents and visitors alike to enjoy members-only, cost-saving prices for tickets to screenings on select days through March as well as free popcorn at participating venues. In total, Miami and the Beaches is home to 13 film festivals which take place throughout the year. For more details, visit www.MiamiFilmMonth.com.

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Community Association Beat

Are you prepared for the hurricane season?

BY MITCH DRIMMER, CAM Community Association Manager

Honesty • Integrity • Values • Respect • Knowledge • Ethics

With roots in Miami close to half a century deep, GPR is one of South Florida’s leading full service accounting firms with a global and innovative accounting approach.

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I have been talking to an insurance expert and good friend, Sean Viture, regarding what associations should do about 2012 hurricane coverage. The season starts June 1 or just about 10 weeks away.

Wikipedia cites studies predicting two or three major storms this year, and while we live in a tropical paradise, storms of gale winds and worse remind us just how insignificant we humans can be.

To catch up legally, Sean notes that the year’s first fiscal quarter is drawing to an end, the state legislative session is over and there are plenty of articles in newspapers explaining new legislation that may affect association responsibilities.

That’s why this is a good time for those who serve on a condo association board to have a meeting specifically about insurance. Why? Because insurance is likely the association’s highest expense. (Besides, everyone is ‘still around’ to participate).

If there is a storm loss, the membership will want to know what to do, most expecting the insurance to come through. Your association’s agent can invited to the meeting to explain different policies that make up the community insurance program and deductibles for each type of risk. But first of all: Do you understand Association hurricane deductibles, and how they apply to a community and unit owners?

Hurricane deductibles are listed as percentages (3%, 5% or 10%) but what does that mean? Example: After a damaging storm, an association must assess every owner $6,000 for repair of common areas sustaining damage. That percentage (3% or 5%) represents the community’s coverage.

As owners track an incoming storm, they should be aware not only of potential cost to their individual unit but additional

potential liability to the association, determined by deductibles that will apply to any and all damaged common elements and be billed separately from other community payments.

Has the Association explored all possible credits on the policy?

Citizens Property Insurance Corp’s online website (<www.citizensfla.com>) shows which credits are possible. It’s also a good checklist if a board is looking for ways to strengthen community buildings during scheduled repairs or maintenance.

For example, if the roof needs to be replaced, why not also get a bid for “Secondary Water Resistance”? While the upfront cost may increase, it could be worthwhile for long-term premium savings.

Does the Association have a disaster recovery plan and an annual drill?

Having a hurricane drill is a great way for neighbors to meet each other and foster a sense of community. Questions they have need to be answered by board members, for ex., if there is no power, where do unit owners meet to get up-to-date information?

Does the association have a roster of special needs residents who may need assistance or be evacuated? And does the association have its key documents uploaded to a cloud-based system, such as a free Gmail account for easy post-disaster recovery?

For more specific information about insurance storm coverage, you can reach Sean Virtue, Regional Vice President, Mack, Mack & Waltz Insurance and an insurance Blogger at <www.Condo InsuranceExplained.com> or toll free at 855-84-CONDO. Mitch Drimmer a licensed CAM and Vice President of Association Financial Services, is an accredited collection agency, specializing in finance, business process outsourcing, and community associations.

For information, visit <www.associationfinancial.com> or tel.305-67-.0022, ext. 804.

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Design Around the World Miami Beach – A select group of design professionals will demonstrate how to incorporate styles and cultural accents from regions around the word into the interior and exterior designs of South Florida homes. These original room creations celebrate design influences from Bali, Indonesia, Japan, Europe and North America and will be showcased at the Miami Home Design and Remodeling Show, March 23-26 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

“Designs Around The World” will feature the work of multi-talented designers and landscape architects who have incorporated cultural elements into their displayed living spaces to influence the sensory response elicited by each room’s design.

Tatiana Alessandrini of Tatiana Alessandrini Designs will utilize Zen elements from Japan

John Gidding, of HGTV’s Curb Appeal: The Block and Designed to Sell, will be the special guest speaker, offering home improvement tips, Saturday and Sunday (March 24-25) at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

as focal points to create a soothing, harmonic atmosphere. “Zen philosophy is based on the elements of nature, water, air, earth and fire,” says Alessandrini, “if you use these concepts correctly in a space, it will generate positive energy.”

David Font of Font Designs will introduce Indonesian details including pearl glass and rustic wood into his South Pacific indoor/outdoor living space. Font studied at the Vicenza Institute of Architecture in Vicenza, Italy and traveled extensively to discover different cultural and architectural characteristics which he now incorporates into his unique designs.

Tamara Roth of Kreative Makeovers will present a room inspired by Italy. The living room, featuring a neutral palette, will reflect a casual elegance. Comfortable furniture, sponsored by Avanti Furniture, along with rich materials will create an inviting atmosphere, while unexpected “artistic” elements will play with the senses.

Kathy Caldwell, of Kathy Caldwell Designs, will celebrate North America and the styles we know and love. Brown leather furniture, wood wall units and a walk-up bar will meet playful accents of sea foam and aqua.

Combined, the color palette celebrates earth, sky and water.

Amy Litos, of Custom Touch Interiors, will create a Parisian bedroom, rich in fabrics and textures, yet soothing in color scheme.

Featuring a Parisian mural, the room will be surrounded by rich draperies as we “look upon Paris.” The new will be accented with touches of the old, celebrating the long Parisian tradition of design.

These featured rooms will be your visual and guide. You can easily make their architecture a part of your household. The Home and Design Remodeling show will have all these international ideas and products placed under one roof for your convenience.

For more information about the show and the schedule of events, log on to www.homeshowspecials.com.

Chef Paulette teaches nutritious and delcious recipes to children of all ages in the SUPER FOODS FOR SUPER KIDS cooking shows at the Miami Home Design And Remodeling Show.

Designs from around the world inspire this year’s interior designers, as they honor different regions in original room designs, on display at the show March 23-26, Miami Beach Convention Center. Pictured here is a previous room design by Alena Capra. Photo by Roy Quesada.

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Panter’s Pointers: Injuries on the rise for distracted pedestrians One of society’s current hot button topics is the danger of distracted driving, but perhaps equally as troublesome is the growth of injuries to distracted pedestrians. Many blame the increased use of mobile technology as the culprit. Similar to using handheld devices while driving, pedestrians can be fatally injured when they are distracted from their surroundings.

A recent study by Dr. Richard Lichtenstein, director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Research at the University of Maryland Hospital for Children in Baltimore found that deaths are on the rise for pedestrians using headphones. Whether it’s a story of a pedestrian walking into oncoming traffic or not hearing horns from vehicles or even trains, the results for distracted pedestrians can be tragic. Among the results, Dr. Lichtenstein’s study found that “the number of deaths of people wearing headphones increased from 16 in 2004-2005 to 47 in 2010-2011.” Perhaps most surprisingly is that the majority of vehicles involved were trains.

The key to this alarming new trend is that it affects all populations. While the majority of cases studied involved people under the age of 30 in urban counties across the United States, this is an issue that everyone on the road needs to be aware of. In South Florida we are graced with beautiful outdoor weather throughout the year and so we are a city of runners, bike riders, walkers, etc. Whether cell phones or music devices such as iPods, it is commonplace to see pedestrians wearing headphones.

What can we do to limit injuries to distracted pedestrians? First and foremost pedestrians should keep the volume low enough that they can hear what is going on in their surroundings. If you can’t hear someone talking to you, your volume is too loud. Secondly, pedestrians should be looking up at all times while in motion. If you look down to change a song or to use that fun new app, be sure that you are standing still in a safe spot out of traffic’s way. Last but not least, both pedestrians and motorists need to slow down and be aware of their surroundings before entering an intersection or crossing a crosswalk. Never assume the pedestrian will stop for you just like pedestrians shouldn’t assume that vehicles will stop for them.

Source: U.S. News on msnbc.com, “Fatal distraction: Deaths of headphone-wearing pedestrians on the rise,” by Sevil Omer, 17 January 2012 CBS News, “Deaths on the Rise for Distracted Pedestrians,” by Jim Axelrod, 27 January 2011

“Serving Our Community For More Than 20 Years”

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

305-662-6178 6950 N. Kendall Drive Miami, Florida 33156 Telefax: (305) 662-9472 • 1-800-PANTERLAW www.panterlaw.com

Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

Top Agent Madeleine Romanello joins ONE Sotheby’s International Realty It’s not surprising that top agent Madeleine Romanello has joined ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. With over 14 years of experience in the South Florida Real Estate industry, Madeleine has made her mark as a top agent and broker by thinking outside the box to close every deal. Her solid perspective of what is happening in the market along with the cutting-edge resources offered by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty are the ultimate combination for success.

She is widely involved in the community and is Chair of the board of the Anti-truancy Service Partnership of City of Miami Beach, member of Pillar Board and Chair of the Real Estate Council of Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Well-traveled, sophisticated and knowledgeable, Madeleine is dedicated to the clientele she serves. “I don’t think the real estate buying or selling experience should be stressful,” she says, “I have many systems in place to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.” And that includes effective marketing strategies that combine traditional methods with the latest technology online and through social media.

A graduate of England’s prestigious Cambridge University, Madeleine has lived in Germany, Greece, England and now the U.S. Madeleine is a member of the Master Brokers Forum and a Five Star certified REO specialist , among other organizations. “Making sure my clients get the best property for their dollar, no matter how long it takes, is very important to me.”

From Sunny Isles to Coral Gables, she knows every neighborhood as if it was her own and she has the knowledge to select and finalize the smartest sales and investments. Madeleine can sell anything and she’s not afraid to prove it.

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty is a

MADELEINE ROMANELLO leading luxury real estate firm in South Florida. Celebrating three years in the local market, the organization has offices in Aventura, Coral Gables, Miami Beach, South of Fifth, Key Biscayne and Ft. Lauderdale and has recruited more than 300 agents. Founder of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, Mayi de la Vega has recently been awarded with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in South Florida. With strong partners around the world via Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, the South Florida franchise is able to market its properties to interested buyers both nationally and internationally.

Currently, the global network has more than 10,900 sales associates throughout 550 offices in 44 countries. ONE Sotheby’s International Realty also benefits from an association with the vulnerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744.

For more information, please visit www.onesothebysrealty.com.

Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

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Miami Beach Celebrates National Jazz Day with Free Concert Miami Beach Arts in the Parks Series in Collins Park on April 13

The City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Department presents a free concert in Collins Park on Friday, April 13, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in honor of National Jazz Day. The event, produced by KCC Productions, features the Dave Siegel Sextet, Troy Roberts’ Nu-Jive, the LeNard Rutledge Quartet, and the Alfredo Chacon Groove.

Dave Siegel’s sextet will open the show at 4:00 p.m. Siegel is a Miami-based producer, songwriter, and musician whose name has appeared as such on over 30 million records sold worldwide. He is known for performing most of the instruments on his own productions, as well performing as a musician for countless sessions outside of his own work. For the first half hour, the sextet will be playing Siegel’s arrangements of favorite standards from the Great American Songbook and the classic jazz repertory. Beginning at 4:30 the stage will be open to sit-ins by music students and professional musicians. Those interested should pre-arrange their appearances with KCC Productions by the side of the stage at 3:30 p.m.

At 5:00 p.m., Troy Roberts’ Nu-Jive will take the stage. Hailing from the remote location of Perth, West Australia, saxophonist and composer Troy Roberts has recently relocated to the USA. Roberts recently won two consecutive Downbeat Jazz Soloist Awards and two consecutive West Australian Music Industry Awards.

He was the only Australian finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition and continues to maintain a busy performance schedule around Australia, Europe and the USA. Roberts leads the exciting nu-jazz project, Troy Roberts’ NuJive, which features some

seriously talented young Miami-based artists, while showcasing Roberts’ original compositions – an eclectic concoction of jazz, groove, Latin and neo-soul. In March 2011 they released their first CD, “NuJive.”

Baritone LeNard Rutledge follows at 6:00 p.m. with his captivating, soul stirring, earthy and funky quartet. These are just some of the words used to describe the song stylings of LeNard Rutledge.

Rutledge he has been a featured vocalist at top jazz spots in South Florida. LeNard has shared the stage with a number of highly respectable jazz artists such as: Nnena Freelon, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kenny Drew Jr., The Fred Thomas Band, and Harry Allen. In May of 2006, LeNard was named BEST JAZZ ARTIST, by the Miami New Times magazine.

Concluding the program at 7:00 p.m. will be the Alfredo Chacon Groove, a sextet led by vibraphonist, composer, and percussionist Alfredo Chacon, who is debuting in the USA’s jazz scene after almost two decades long career in Europe. His new album, “MAGIC PLACE,” features his Cuban roots fused with influences from other genres like funk, bossa, soul and bebop in a blend of beautiful melodies and groovy rhythms, resulting in fresh, colorful, happy and elegant music, full of surprises that will send the audience home with their feet tapping.

Collins Park is located at Collins Avenue and 22 Street in Miami Beach, adjacent to the Bass Museum of Art. The concert is free.

For further information and photos, contact KCC Productions at 305.332.2623 or visit www.kccproductions.com

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RayPrinciotta Buying A Condominium?

ON REAL ESTATE A condominium is a good option to consider when shopping for housing in Miami. Many desirable condominium units are currently listed are worth looking into for price and value. Condo living offers convenience and amenities like property maintenance and community living.

However, the smart shopper should be aware there are some special considerations when buying a condo rather than buying a house.

A major consideration is that of control. Generally the condo buyer is a co-owner of a total facility which includes all properties and is managed by a Board or a Condo Association. Condo owners, at purchase, agree to abide by the rules and regulations that control all business of the facility.. A home owner has no such rules and can, within

legal limits, make all decisions about his property.

After viewing and liking the condo unit and the community, the prospective buyer needs to find out how much it will cost to own and live there. Top of the list is the Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Monthly Assessment fee which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. This fee usually covers the staff and maintenance of common areas such as lobby, elevators, hallways, parking garages, roof, facade, pool, gym, landscaping, etc. In other words, the fee includes pretty much everything outside the perimeter walls of the unit.

The Monthly Assessment can be supplemented by Special Assessment charges for unanticipated repairs and/or capital improvement projects such as re-roofing and facade refurbishing. This charge is generally allocated pro-rata according to each unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s percentage of common elements. Property taxes

may or may not be handled by Special Assessments.

All costs of maintaining and repairing everything within the perimeter of the unit fall to the owner. This includes all kitchen and bathroom fixtures, floor covering, light fixtures, painting, etc. Owners are also responsible for insuring the contents of their unit, including fixtures, flooring, furniture and personal property.

After tallying up all the costs, the prospective buyer needs to check out the financial stability of the condominium community. Potential purchasers should review the Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s financial records to determine its ability to manage finances. The Association needs to have appropriate amounts of funds set aside for the day-to-day operation of the community. If the Association is lacking funds that may be an harbinger of poor maintenance and upkeep in the future. Another concern is the overall status of the

Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

accounts receivable including the number and percentage of owners who are late on their monthly fees, and the total amount of money due the Associations. Financial acuity and transparency are of prime importance to the prospective buyer.

Any indication otherwise is enough to postpone a sale.

The final task here is a careful reading of the Condominium Rules and Regulations. These are often the Quality-of-Life issues that the Buyer needs to understand in order to ensure his total compliance. These will include rules for parking, pets, noise levels, number of people that can live in a unit, regulate use of common areas, changes to the exterior of the unit such as awnings, window treatments; in other words, anything that has the potential to change the exterior of the condominium unit. If there are questions, they must be discussed and conclusions be reached.

If everything seems satisfactory, condo living can offer a terrific lifestyle but it is important to buy into a good community with a financially strong and well-run Condominium Association.

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.

Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

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Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012

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Mar. 22 - April 4, 2012