7.12.2012 Miami Beach News

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

JULY 12 - 25, 2012 ––––––––––––

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Seasoned Veteran Kathie Brooks takes City’s Reins

T

he Community is curious to learn more about new interim Miami Beach City Manager Kathie Brooks, the quiet powerhouse behind the city’s financial planning.

Miami Beach News sat down with this Jamaican-born University of Miami alumnus at her fourth floor City Hall office to gain insight into this influential woman’s life, and give citizens the inside scoop on their newest public official.

Crowds Pack Convention Center to Celebrate INcard’s 3rd Anniversary

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Miami Beach News : W h a t w a s y o u r r e a c t i o n t o b r i n g c h o s e n f o r t h i s p r esti gious position?

B rooks: I was extremely honored; I love the city, I live here and have been a resident for 25 years. It is home to me and my family, and I know how important a job it is as it affects our residents and our businesses. I feel I have the support of staff and many community members that would help make it easier.

MBN: C a n y o u tell us about your p ro f e s s i o n a l b a c k g ro u n d ?

I actually started out as a planner, specifically in transportation planning; I began first in consulting and then moved into government.

KATHIE BROOKS INTERIM CITY MANAGER As a result, I helped negotiate the final funding for the Metro Mover project in downtown Miami, and one of the things I learned is that plans don’t get implemented without funding. From there, I went on to head up the administrative functions in the solid waste department in Miami Dade County. Hurricane Andrew had just hit Miami, so I was involved in negotiations for ––––––––––––

See

KATHIE BROOKS,

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Guests enjoying INcard Anniversary Party

BY CHARLOTTE LIBOV

O

n Wednesday, June 27th, over 800 guests packed the Miami Beach Convention Center to sample delicacies from coconut beer to wedding cake, pick up free samples, and walk away with raffle prizes ranging from a storage rental to a weekend at the a boutique hotel, as the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and City National Bank celebrated the 3rd anniversary of the popular INcard program.

Dubbed as “A Taste of the InCard,” the event, which was sponsored by the Chamber and City National Bank, featured 120 vendors, along with light bites, specialty drinks, contests giveaways, and lots more. There was also DJ-provided music, a photo booth,

demonstrations, chair massages and more, all designed to thank patrons and Chamber members for their supporting the program.

“As you can see, the public loves this event, and the vendors love it because it gives them the opportunity to showcase their products. Plus, it’s fun,” said Chamber President and CEO Jerry Libbin.

The INCard program has proved invaluable, not only in helping garner new customers for the Chamber members, but also in helping build the organization by offering new members an important benefit, he noted.

“When businesses learn about it, they want to participate. It’s inexpensive for them, and we are spending our money to advertise their product.”

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See

INCARD, page 4

Phone: 305-669-7355

Letter from the Chair

BY JASON LOEB

Chairman, Miami Beach Chamber

These days, loyalty is hard to come by in the business world.

Admittedly, many companies don’t spend enough time and effort to earn it and as a result, customers are easily wooed away by competitors. The relationship focus here at The Chamber restores my confidence in the power of the professional bond, not only with customers, but also with our employees and fellow businesspeople.

Case in point is the INcard program.

Celebrating its third year, the initiative has brought together more than 300 local businesses spanning all industries to demonstrate their commitment to those who share a love for Miami Beach. The card is offered complimentary to residents and visitors alike. While a great way to for a business to gain exposure, the program is not limited to a one-time initiation promotion - cardholders enjoy ongoing specialty pricing and loyalty rewards. To date, our participants have seen great success in capturing and, more importantly, retaining new customers.

This year, we’ve worked with our partners to make the program even more compelling. We’ve launched a brand new Mobile INcard App provided by CodiScan featuring a downloadable card version with scanning capabilities at participating locations for quick access to the offerings, as well as gathering and tracking of loyalty points and additional rewards. In addition, we’ve established a new partnership with Premier beverage to add an INcard drink specials program featuring Premier brands at INcard food and beverage outlets. Moving forward, The Chamber looks forward to taking the card to an even higher level with continued technology adaptations to make the program seamless and effective as possible for both our INcard

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LETTER, page 4

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July 12 - 24, 2012

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT FRANK DEL VECCHIO

After retiring as Director of Community they headed for Miami Beach in 1996. This Planning & Development for the HUD New was not to be. The problems of their South Pointe neighborhood were England Region, Frank Del another call to action: disinVecchio moved to Miami vestment, building abandonBeach in 1996. His long govment and neglect, homeless ernment career included servencampments in the parks, ice as an attorney and director and crime. They entered the of urban redevelopment projfight, he as an advocate, she as ects in Boston and Washington, a Herald cartoonist D.C., where he worked with In his book Miami Babylon, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. in developing a model proGerald Posner devoted a chapgram of community organizater, “The Incorruptible tion and planning for inner-city Crusader,” to Frank, writing neighborhoods.

“Frank Del Vecchio would Young Frank grew up during prove to be the most imporFRANK DEL VECCHIO the Depression years in tant leader of the preservation Boston’s West End, a neighborhood of immi- and quality of life movement since Barbara grant Jews and Italians. He won a Navy Capitman. He could wear down his betterscholarship to Tufts College. After graduat- financed opponents, including politically ing Phi Beta Kappa in 1954 he headed for connected developers and the entertainment Pensacola and Naval Aviation Training. In industry, but he also had advantages 1958, the commanding officer of Frank’s Capitman did not. A former attorney with . . fighter squadron let his young pilots fly their . HUD, he had a matchless understanding planes home for a visit before deploying on and empathy for low-income and inner-city the carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. urban planning. Capitman had been interThe trip home was a turning point for ested in saving buildings because of their Frank. He witnessed wrecking balls leveling historical architecture. Del Vecchio wanted his neighborhood, displacing 12,000 immi- to save neighborhoods.” grants, his family among them. Clever attorIn naming Frank as one of its “Top 50” in neys and a corrupt redevelopment agency 2006, the SunPost wrote about the “Hardcore had orchestrated an eminent domain land Activist”: “Here’s a warning to developers: If grab. This brought Frank back to earth. you don’t want any trouble with your South of Rather than spending the rest of his life in the Fifth project, make sure Frank Del Vecchio’s wild blue yonder, he had to find a way to onboard. Otherwise, you’ll surely spend fight the abuse of power. Law school was the enough on legal fees to put a team of lawyers’ answer. After his final tour of duty, Frank kids through college. . . If you work for the city entered Harvard Law School. He received and are breaking the law, you’d better stop his Ll.b in 1962 and has devoted his profes- because Del Vecchio’s coming to get you.” sional career to representing the powerless.

The battles continue. Casino moguls and Frank and his wife, Marian, thought the anyone exploiting government power, Watch days of advocacy were behind them when Out!

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INCARD, from page 1

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The program was launched in 2009 as an initiative of Mayor Matti Herrera Bower’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Tourism, with the support of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (VCA). The program was designed to provide an incentive to patronize Chamber members by giving away free INcards to both residents and tourists. Color-coded, the cards are black for locals and platinum for visitors, although the discounts are generally similar.

At the event, outgoing Chamber Chairman Jason Loeb, conducting the raffle, enlivened the event with quips and spontaneous contests. “It’s great to share in the success of the INcard,” he said. .

“I’m so proud. We invested $50,000, but it was the team who took the ball and ran with it. Now Alan Lips (the incoming Chamber Chairman) will take it to the next level,” said Aaron Perry, who is credited with coming up with the idea for the INcard.

For his part, Lips said he was not surprised by the program’s success. “This is a program for members who want to create tremendous exposure to both buyers locally and also the tourist too. It provides them with an incredible opportunity.”

Indeed, changes are already underway.

Also at the party, a new, updated INcard program was announced, which will feature a brand-new Mobile INCard, which features a

downloadable version application for the InCard, which has the ability to scan QR Codes at INcard locations, for quick access to the offerings, and also to gather loyalty points and additional awards.

“This is a great program because it targets locals, and these are the people that we are looking for. It also builds awareness about our fitness club,” said Elizabeth Kugler, a membership advisor at the gym.

At Equinox, INcard members can a hefty discount on their initiation fee when they join, she noted.

“The INcard has been good for us. It brings people in,” said Pablo Lucero, manager of the West Avenue Café. “We’re doing a 50 percent off promotion right now for INcard holders. They can get a $20 value for $10,” he said. Previous specials have included a complimentary appetizer or glass of wine with meals, he added.

Edible Arrangements owner Iris Nieves appreciates the fact that she can put INcard discounts on her company’s website. “I think INcard’s great. I love that the Chamber does something like this,” she added.

Many people think that they need to offer a product for the INcard to benefit them, but that isn’t so, says Lorna Owens, founder of the Footprints Foundation, her non-profit organization that helps women in the Congo.

“The INcard isn’t for storefronts only. In my case, I use it so people can get discounts to our fundraisers. Charities and organizations can benefit from INcard, they just have to find a way to work it.”

LETTER, from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– vendors and cardholders.

Miami Beach is a premier network for hospitality, entertainment, culture, and unique attractions, but also professional services that make it as an enjoyable place to live and work as it is to play. Yet, it’s our sense of community that allows us to thrive. By working together through programs such as INcard, our loyalty to

each other trickles down to our customers on an even greater scale. Thank you to our participating partners and we look forward to continued success.

For those interested in becoming an INcard cardholder or vendor, please visit www.miamibeachincard.com or contact 305-674-1300 or incard@miamibeachchamber.com.

Miamii Beach h News

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KATHIE BROOKS, from page 1 the 80+ million dollar contract for the debris removal.

In 2001, the County decided to move more toward a strategic management approach, so I was brought over into the County manager’s office to head up the plan. It involved eight planning teams for different areas: public safety, infrastructure, health and human services- and for each had a planning team, comprised of elected officials, community leaders, department staff, and then managed by an overall core planning team for the County. Bottom line was two years later; we had the County’s first strategic plan in place.

After that I moved into the budget office for the County and realigned their budget process to reflect the priorities in the strategic plan. That was when I was approached by the City of Miami Beach- they were looking for a budget and quality improvement Director and they wanted one that had much more of that strategic management focus and so from there I came to the City.

MBN: It sounds like you’ve dealt with your fair share of crisis management and t remendous responsibility- hoow would you say your background experience, in particular as budget director, prepared you to fill this position?

There are a couple of things: number one is that my background experience has provided me the opportunities to move into different roles, and focus on different areas of expertise and each time I’ve been successful at it, so although I realize this is a big challenge to step into, I feel that I can be successful. Of course I’ve had varied subject areas- I’ve had transportation, solid waste, planning, so I have a lot of background there. Some of it was a little while ago so I’d never pretend today to be the expert in those areas but at least it gives me a perspective to bring to the table. One of the things that the city has to do in the short term is by September adopt our budget for 2013, so my background there is clearly going to make that happen.

The other major initiative is our labor contracts: four of these contracts expire in September of this year and the fifth one expires in April 2013. I have been involved in labor negotiations in my prior career but I was extensively involved in labor negotiations here in the city the last go-around, so I do have that perspective of what the city has recently done. I also have been the liaison with the Budget Advisory committee who have been working on pension reform for the last year and have recommendations that are ready to be released to the commission.

MBN: What are some of your personal goals during your time here?

I want to do everything that I can to move the city forward, and it may be a short time so I don’t know how much I’ll get done, but that is definitely priority in terms of addressing corruption, wrongdoing, et cetera while also focusing on the “little things” that

July 12 - 25, 2012

impact residents quality of life. Obviously with any change, an organization goes through stress, so the more that I can do to manage that stress and boost morale is also very important so we do not want to lose productivity. With change you always hope that in the long run you come out in a better place, but there’s that interim period where you definitely lose productivity.

MBN: What do you consider to be the most important qualities for a city manager to possess?

I think integrity, as well as to be open, available and transparent to the Commissioners and the community, You always have to keep in mind that you work for the public.

MBN: What distinctive qualities do you bring to the table?

I think just the fact that I was uniquely able to provide the ability to transition from the current City Manager in this interim period, and since I hope to be with the city for some time, to be able to transition when they bring in the permanent manager. Also because I have been here, I do know the departments and the players and am very familiar with the organization and many of the issues. Thirdly, many of the items that are going to be shortterm issues like the budget and labor negotiations I’m already involved with.

MBN : Do you have aspirations to become the new fulltime City Manager after interim?

No, I do not. I will tell you that I recognize it is a tremendous amount of work and I have a family so I hope to be able to manage this transition and be able to turn it over to whomever the Commission selects.

MBN: Tell us about your family I’ve been married, gosh, for 25 years to Alex Rey [former Miami Beach building director and current Miami Lakes Town Manager]. We actually moved to Miami Beach shortly before we were married and moved into our first house on the beach about a week before our wedding. I have three children, all boys- Alexander, Javier and Jonathan- ranging in age from 23 to 15.

MBN: You’ve always been behind the City’s books and numbers; what’s a littleknown fact about yourself??

I’m actually in the community a lot although I work quietly behind the scenes: I walk my neighborhood or either North Beach Red Corridor everyday early in the morning because it’s the only way I get exercise! So I am out there seeing what’s happening in the community; a lot of department directors know me from that- it’s not unusual that I’ll call something in that I see. It’s as important for my mind as it is for my health.

Also, I lived in Canada for a few years and would travel back there during holiday breaks from the University of Miami, where I studied geography.

Kathie Brooks was selected among five candidates as the Interim City Manager by the City Commission upon veteran manager Jorge Gonzalez’ resignation on July 8th after 12 years of service.

July 12 - 24, 2012

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Hurricane Tips...

Are We Ready

BY COMMISSIONER SALLY A. HEYMAN

Hurricane experts have predicted the 2012 Hurricane Season as an active one. The office of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally A. Heyman wants to help you get ready for the season that lasts through November 30th. It is important that you develop your own personal disaster plan on how you will protect your household and property. Most of these things can be done well in advance of storm warnings.

• Check all emergency equipment including testing your generator. Make sure everything is working properly and that you have extra oil and spark plugs available for your generator.

• Keep sufficient cash on hand. ATM

machines may not work following a storm.

• When a storm advisory becomes a “watch” get a full tank of gas in your vehicle.

• Keep a battery-operated radio and extra batteries on hand at all times.

• If you own a boat, make arrangements to secure it.

Reminder: For information on MiamiDade County’s Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program available to assist residents with special needs and Pet-Friendly Hurricane Shelters, please call 311.

Registration is required.

Each week look for five new tips to help you create a personal hurricane plan. Should you have questions regarding these tips or any other issue in District 4 please call our district office at 305-787-5999 or email us at District4@miamidade.gov.

See us online at:

www.communitynewspapers.com

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Making our customers happy campers

As our children head to camp this Summer, we can expect them to return with tales of adventure, new skills, souvenirs....and a lot of soiled clothing.

When it comes to the Great Outdoors, it’s the gritter, the better for kids. No worries - let us at Sudsies Dry Cleaners & Laundry battle the mud, grass and other “natural wonder” stains with quick, easy laundry service by the pound. We give each item a deep cleaning, preparation and ready-to-go delivery for a fresh send-off or storage until next Summer.”

Arranging laundry service with us is as easy as one, two... tree (sorry, couldn’t resist)! Through out customer service team or our website, arrangements can be selfscheduled or automated on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis for day camp needs. For those embarking on lengthy sleep-away camp excursions, we also accommodate

bulk loads. Priced at $1.89 per pound, the service includes eco-friendly washing, drying, and folding before being placed in neat packaging. In addition to clothing and towels, our team specializes in care for sleeping bags, tents, even Teddy and other stuffed camp companions. For additional convenience, all items can be picked up directly from the home and returned within a two- to three-day timeframe.

What are you waiting for? Tell Summer laundry to take a hike and contact us today at 888.898.SUDS (7837) or www.sudsies.com.

SUDSIES TIP: Planning a family vacation? Take advantage of Sudsies’ laundry service in preparation for or following the big trip, so you can focus less on packing/unpacking chores and more on all the exciting new memories.

July 12 - 24, 2012

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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INcard Anniversary Party at the Miami Beach Convention Center LEFT: Dominique Shiekman of South Beach Group shows of the signature bags given to guests

RIGHT:Jolie Glassman from South Florida Boxing

LEFT: Guests enjoyed on-site massages courtesy of Miami Beach Family and Sports Chiropractic Center

BELOW: Schnebly Redland’s Winery and Brewery provided plenty of complimentary coconut beer and tropical wine

2Pink girl power at the IronFlower Fitness booth

See more photos next page

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

July 12 - 25, 2012

INcard Anniversary Party at the Miami Beach Convention Center

INcard Sponsor City National Bank of Florida Chairman Jason Loeb, Dustin Symes, Chair Elect Alan Lips and Immediate Past Chair Aaron Perry take part in the INcard’s own game show!

Mouthwatering mini cupcakes by Enchanting Creations Marco Zanna shows off the “best olive oil” from Best of Italy!

The Beach Channel’s Debora Diaz and daughter stand beside the Miami Dolphins’ Vince Lombardi Trophy from SuperBowl VII

Complimentary refreshments from Bill Hansen’s Catering

Complimentary make over sessions by Maite Makeup Company

See more photos next page

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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INcard Anniversary Party at the Miami Beach Convention Center V-Mark and Codiscan demonstrating the new INcard App for Smartphones

INcard vendor Pest Doctor

Barbara Buxton, J.D., LL.M. Florida Attorney

The ladies of Santuario di Bellezza Salon & Spa

Nursing Home Medicaid • Elder Law & Estate Planning Florida Medicaid Planning & Eligibility Asset Protection • Wills, Trusts, Living Wills Powers of Attorney • Guardianships Probate: Estate Administration

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

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West AvenUe Café goes Miami Spice

BY ALONSO COLLANTES AND PABLO LUCERO

During August and September, Miami’s top restaurants offer threecourse meals featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs. Discovering the tropical fusion of ingredients that makes Miami dining so wonderfully unique. In challenging times, especially during the summer season there is nothing better than alternatives to satisfy the palate at the best restaurants around Miami with an affordable price.

Each of the restaurants participating in Miami Spice will include an appetizer, entrée and dessert as part of the fixed price, offering an average discount of 30-60 percent off the regular value.

More than 110 of Miami’s finest restaurants will offer $22 lunch and $35 dinner prix fixe menus during Miami Spice, which runs from August 1 - September 30, 2012. Miami Spice is organized by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB).

Miami spice offers two months of culinary and digestive exploration for all good food lovers in the most exclusive restaurants around Miami, and this good experience only

happens once a year.

That’s why West AvenUe Cafe encourages all of its local and visiting audience to participate in this masterful experience, where the mixture of flavors, the magical and comfortable atmosphere are open to all those who enjoy eating out.

West AvenUe Cafe is the only kosher restaurant selected to be part of the Miami Spice for the second year in a row. General Manager Pablo Lucero in collaboration with Chef Alex Carrasco have put together a three course meal for lunch and dinner that will accommodate every customer needs with great flavors, including some of the new dishes from the new Gluten free, Vegan and Vegetarian menu unveiled recently at West AvenUe Cafe.

Try our totally new and renovated menu with new options for those whom are vegetarian, vegan or gluten free. The range of choices for all kinds’ culinary appetite is available now at West AvenUe Cafe. Including various promotions that are offered daily with lunch specials for $ 9.99 , dinner and Sunday Brunch menu.

Excellent food prepared holistically with a quality that attributes to West AvenUe Cafe success. We are unique from other restaurants trying to unify the cosmopolitan, trendy and cultural society of Miami Beach.

West AvenUe Cafe is a hidden gem located in the heart of South Beach. Innovating

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menu, warm surroundings, dining alfresco and friendly service. We serve Middle Eastern Dishes, Kobe Burgers, Meat, Fish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten free friendly, Soups and Salads.

All submitted through the most rigorous kosher quality control, in that way the prod-

uct that reaches your table is at the level of discerning diners who come daily to West AvenUe Cafe.

For pick up, delivery or catering available, please contact us at 305-534-4211.

Visit us at www.westavenuecafe.com follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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CARDIAC SURGEONS FROM AROUND THE NATION COME TO LEARN SURGICAL TECHNIQUES AT MOUNT SINAI MEDICAL CENTER Mount Sinai hosts Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Masters Summit Mount Sinai Medical Center welcomed cardiac surgeons from across the country to the Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Masters Summit, which took place on June 14th and 15th. The Medtronic-sponsored event attracted approximately 25 participants and provided an opportunity for cardiac surgeons to share best practices and participate in team training programs on advanced valve repair and replacement techniques.

Dr. Joseph Lamelas, chief of cardiac surgery at the Mount Sinai Heart Institute who pioneered his own minimally invasive valve surgery method, performed five live cardiac valve procedures, all of which were observed by visiting physicians seeking to learn his techniques and refine their own surgical skills. Dr. Lamelas has performed more than 9,000 open-heart surgeries and more than 1,500 minimally invasive surgeries. He has the best cardiac valve surgery outcomes in all of Florida among doctors who perform many complex cases. In addition, Dr. Lamelas was selected to design

Dr. Joseph Lamelas, chief of cardiac surgery at Mount Sinai, is observed by cardiac surgeons from around the country who came to learn his surgical techniques at the Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Masters Summit.

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new procedural-specific surgical tools that allow surgeons to perform minimally inva-

sive cardiac surgeries that result in quicker healing and shorter hospital stays.

In addition to observing live surgeries, attendees also discussed their best practices by sharing case studies and conducting peer reviews of ongoing cardiac surgical cases. Visiting surgeons represented institutions from across the country, including Jackson Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee; Stone Oak Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas; St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri; Portsmouth Regional Hospital in Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio; and Methodist Texsan Heart Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.

The peer-to-peer training programs will continue on a monthly basis, giving participants an opportunity to interact with Dr. Lamelas and his team, as well as receive training on the safe and effective use of the surgical instruments he helped design.

For more information on the Mount Sinai Heart Institute or Dr. Joseph Lamelas, visit www.msmc.com or call 305-674-CARE (2273).

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Mixing it up: Arts and Culture Unique Bardot, Cooper Avenue and ABZ, Man Behind the Magic

BY SONIA MELAMED

I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Amir Ben Zion - owner and operator of some of Miami’s most illustrious haunts.

When I arrived at Bardot, his lounge-y nightclub in Wynwood to find that he wasn’t there, I set out to look for him and lucky for me he was only a few footsteps away at Gigi- his equally trendy, urban eatery. After introducing myself and apologizing with my eyes for interrupting the end of his dinner, he told me he would meet me in 10 minutes. True to his word he was at Bardot 10 minutes later ordering a second round of tequila except this time he made sure they brought us the kind you sip rather than shoot. Ben Zion has a way of knowing exactly what his public wants; whether it’s creating ambiance with music, hitting the spot with comfort food or in my case-

Along with a Cooper Avenue Lounge, Bakery, Market, Deli and Kitchen, — Cooper Avenue Bar plans to wow Miami Beach this Fall ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

ordering a drink. By the time he escorted me out later that evening, I was less interested in learning about the art he hangs on the walls (the original intent of the article) and more interested in the magic he is able to create inside them.

Looking back I see it would have been impossible to isolate one element-like his art collecting and focus on it as a singular device of his success. Inside his club Bardot- which feels more like a large, cozy living room than a small nightclubthe art is practically spilling out of the corners, co-mingling with other elements while serving a distinct purpose: to form an emotional connection with the guests. It was no surprise the next night when I

found out that the large bookcase at the center of his nightclub contains actual family heirlooms like large stem silver glassware and other objects. It all looks so incredibly chic – a confirmation of his taste, but also a statement about what he chooses to share with his public.

If Bardot is Ben Zion’s baby, small and intimate, then Cooper Avenue – the 7,600 sq. ft restaurant, bar, bakery, diner and market he plans on opening on Miami Beach is by contrast a large, electric machine ready to serve the masses. His most ambitious play to date and possibly the most ambitious play Miami Beach has seen in a long time; this place plans to be a huge food operation with original music, a seafood and sushi counter, large bar, coffee shop, market and more. The core of the menu will be comfort food— “modern and American” and the vibe will be a “rough and tumble, democratic, multi-sensory openness.” When asked what type of art he plans on choosing for Cooper Avenue, he pauses. Imagine 1500 people crossing the busy streets of Tokyo when the light turns red. For Ben-Zion, this is what conjures up the idea of the masses. In this vein, the concept of industrialism and post war nuclear mass culture will be the inspiration. He goes on to tell me that at the heart of it, he’s a “voyeur of social movement”. Looking back on his track record, it’s easy to see.

From the sound of it, the food, music, art and ambiance will interplay at Cooper Avenue Miami Beach (a Cooper Avenue Downtown Miami is planned as well) helping us form that distinctive bond with the owner once again. Based on what he has brought us in the last decade, Cooper Avenue is sure to be an “interactive, cutting edge, addictive experience” — much like the man himself.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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The Stars Shine Bright Celebrities Make Themselves at Home in Miami Beach

BY ALEKSANDRA MARZEC

Back in the starstudded Miami Beach golden age of the 50’s and 60’s, our little slice of paradise was known the world over as “the playground of the rich and famous.”

Megastars of their time like Jackie Gleason, Frank Sinatra, Don Rickles, Lucy & Desi, Muhammad Ali and countless others from the world of entertainment and sports could be found lounging by the Fontainebleau pool, sipping their favorite libations.

Today, the names may have changed, but the Beach still is home for a myriad of huge, internationally-known movie and television stars, musicians and sports figures.

The super-rich know a good thing when they see it, and continue to include Miami Beach as one of their favorite places to call home – or at least one of their homes.

Miami Beach represents everything a superstar or sports personality wants.

Opulent penthouses, trendy lofts and huge mansions are plentiful here, the culture and lifestyle are second to none and the ease of international travel creates the perfect setting for living the good life of the rich and famous.

In fact, Coldwell Banker recently listed the most expensive property in the tricounty area, the former estate of fashion magnate Gianni Versace, located on famous Ocean Drive. Now known as Casa Casuarina and operating as a 10room luxury boutique hotel, the one-ofa-kind property is available for $125 million dollars. Featuring 10 bedrooms uniquely decorated and swathed in lavish appointments, the residence also fea-

International superstars may live a different lifestyle than you or me, but they are like anyone else when it comes to realizing that there are very few places on earth that offer the ultimate quality of life available in Miami Beach. tures hand-painted walls and ceiling frescoes reminiscent of resplendent mansions around the world. A 54-foot long mosaic-tiled, 24K gold-lined pool in an exquisitely appointed courtyard highlights this world-class property.

Stroll down Lincoln Road or settle in for a fabulous dinner at one of the Beach’s more upscale restaurants and you may find yourself elbow-to-elbow with Miami Beach residents such as Grammy award winning musician and residential designer Lenny Kravitz, entertainment moguls Emilio and Gloria Estefan, basketball star Lebron James or rapper Flo Rida.

International superstars may live a different lifestyle than you or me, but they are like anyone else when it comes to realizing that there are very few places on earth that offer the ultimate quality of life available in Miami Beach.

Aleksandra Marzec, Coldwell Banker; 305-760-9121 or www.searchmiamirealestate.com

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July 12 - 24, 2012

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

BY WILLIAM D. TALBERT III, CDME

HOW’S BUSINESS RECORD ARRIVALS AT “THE NEW MIA” (MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) FOR THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 2012 Passenger arrivals at MIAMI International Airport (MIA) increased in the first five months of 2012 with international passenger arrivals up +8.9% and domestic arrivals up +6.4% when compared to the same time period last year. Total arrivals increased in the first five months of 2012 by +7.6%.

INTERNATIONAL MIA PASSENGER ARRIVALS % Change January – May y 2012 January – May 2011 4,028,731 3,699,481 +8.9% DOMESTIC MIA PASSENGER ARRIVALS January – May 2012 January – May 2011 4,386,498 4,122,499

% Chang ge +6.4%

TOTAL MIA PASSENGER ARRIVALS January – May 2012 January – May 2011 % Change 8,415,229 7,821,980 +7.6% PUBLIC ART PROJECT AT MIA SELECTED AMONG THE NATION’S BEST Christopher Janney’s Harmonic Convergence, an interactive public art project integrated into the MIA Mover Station at MIAMI International Airport, was one of the projects recognized by the Americans for the Arts’ Public Art 2012 Year in Review.

Developed by the Americans for the Arts’ Public Art Network, the Public Art 2012 Year in Review presents the most exemplary public art projects completed between April 2011 and April 2012 in the U.S. The project was selected out of a field of 429 entries, with only the top 50 projects in the nation being showcased. Travelers at MIA can see Harmonic Convergence when they take the MIA Mover to the MIA Rental Car Center. For more information, go to http://www.miami-airport.com/center_parking.asp.

JULY IS MIAMI SPA MONTH Greater MIAMI and the Beaches is renowned for luxury spas that are ranked among the “Best Spas in America,” and are the favorites of spa connoisseurs throughout the world. Celebrate with us during July and August 2012 as we feature the fifth annual MIAMI Spa Month where you can enjoy special treatments for $99 at MIAMI’s premier spas. For Spa Month participants and other exciting details, visit www.MIAMISpaMonth.com.

AMENDMENT TO INCREASE RESORT TAX ON MIAMI BEACH BY UP TO ONE PERCENT TO BE USED SOLELY FOR EXPANDING, ENLARGING, RENOVATING, AND IMPROVING THE MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER MIAMI Beach voters will decide in August whether city commissioners could be allowed to increase a tourist tax by up to 1% to help fund a renovation and expansion of the MIAMI Beach Convention Center. The city commission unanimously agreed on Wednesday, May 10th to place the issue on the August 14th primary ballot. The GMCVB and Greater MIAMI, The Beaches Hotel Association and many others fully support this amendment.

VOTE YES…PUNCH #502.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Summer Fashion

BY PEGGY BENUA

Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority Board Member Summer is in full swing on Miami Beach! In addition to the summer vacationers visiting from all over the world, our city is preparing to welcome fashionistas and celebrities who will come to view the latest and trendiest swimwear lines. What could be more fitting for Miami Beach in summer than models in bathing suits?

The Swimwear Association of Florida brings its 2013 SwimShow to the Miami Beach Convention Center starting on July 21st for 4 days. This is the largest swimwear tradeshow in the world featuring nearly 2,000 brands.

SwimShow offers buyers the opportunity to get a first look at the latest designs for the coming cruise season. This year also includes lingerie and an expanded selection of designs for men and children. Running July 21 – 24 with over 9,500 attendees expected; 80% of whom will be from out of town staying in our hotels and frequenting our restaurants.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 begin n s its 7 t h year in Miami Beach July 19 – 23 and is headquartered at the Raleigh Hotel. Five days of “invitation-only” shows and events will see over 12,000 journalists, photographers, buyers, and VIPs pass through two full runway venues. The activities kick off with a sizzling runway show by Diesel and the Official Kick Off party presented

by SKYY Vodka around the iconic Raleigh pool.

In case you are in the market for a new bikini there are some events that are open to the public for those who wish to get in on the Swim Week action.

Funkshion fashionpalooza will present shows in tents set up in Collins Park (between 21st and 22nd on Collins Avenue) and The Setai Hotel July 14 - 17. Then from July 20 - 22 there will be a “sample sale” featuring 20 designers at the tents set up between the W Hotel and The Setai.

Local Designers will be spotlighted in a temporary “pop-up boutique” in Coco de Ville lounge at The Perry Hotel on Saturday, July 16th from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

Adriana de Moura, one of the stars of Bravo-TV’s “Real Housewives of Miami” will launch her line of sunglasses, Adriana by Selima along with lines from other local South Florida designers.

On July 15th at 9pm the South Beach Men’s Show is scheduled to take place at Gemma Lounge on Lincoln Road.

Tickets are $30 and are available at www.SoBeMensShow.com. Actor and R&B singer Terrell Carter will also perform songs from his latest album.

One of the newest events this year is a two-day luxury sample sale that is open to the public. The event is being hosted

by Salon Allure and will take place at the W South Beach on July 21 and 22 in the hotel’s Great Room. All proceeds from the sale will benefit Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation.

After picking up your new swimwear, join us at Dream South Beach for a fabulous cocktail at the rooftop High Bar!

Page 25

Hectorr Wiltz,, MD.,, CPI. Board Certified Dermatologist FXM Research Miami

Do you or someone you know have Toenail Fungus?

FXM Research in Miami is looking for males and females 18 to 70 years of age that suffer from Toenail Fungus, to participate in an fifteen [15] study-visit clinical research study. Medical Insurance is not required for study participation.

Qualified participants will receive: • Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist.

• Investigational Study Medication at no cost.

• Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $950.00.

¿Tiene usted o alguien que usted conozca Hongos En Las Uñas De Los Pies?

FXM Research en Miami está buscando hombres y mujeres de 18 a 70 años de edad que sufran de Hongos En Las Uñas De Los Pies, para participar en un estudio clínico de investigación que requiere quince [15] visitas. No se requiere seguro médico para su participación en el estudio.

Los participantes que califiquen recibirán: • Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado.

• Los medicamentos bajo investigación sin costo alguno.

• Reembolso por su tiempo y transporte hasta $950.00.

For more information please call / Para más información por favor llame:

(305) 220-5222

11760 0 Bird d Road,, Suite e 452

Miami,, Florida a 33175 5 • www.fxmresearch.com m

Hectorr Wiltz,, MD.,, CPI. Board Certified Dermatologist FXM Research Miami

Do you or someone you know have Psoriasis?

FXM Research in Miami is looking for males or females 18 years or older that suffer from moderate to severe plaque Psoriasis to participate in a clinical research study.

Medical Insurance is not required for study participation Qualified participants will receive: • Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist.

• Investigational Medication at no cost.

• Compensation for time and travel.

¿Tienee ustedd o alguienn quee ustedd conozcaa Psoriasis?

FXM Research in Miami está buscando hombres y mujeres entre 18 años o más que sufran de Psoriasis moderada a severa para participar en un estudio de investigación clínico. Seguro Medico no es requerido para su participación en el estudio.

Los participantes que califiquen recibirán: • Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado.

• Los medicamentos bajo investigación a no costo.

• Compensación por su tiempo y transporte.

For more information please call / Para más información por favor llame:

(305) 220-5222

11760 0 Bird d Road,, Suite e 452

Miami,, Florida a 33175 5 • www.fxmresearch.com m

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Trend: Design & Innovation come together to bring you Eco-Friendly Beauty Founded in 2000 by Pino Bisazza, expert art lover and successful businessman in the mosaic sector, Trend, with worldwide headquarters in Vicenza, Italy and U.S. headquarters in Miramar, Florida, is a global manufacturer of precious materials such as glass, enamels and gold mosaic, engineered glass, quartz and granite surfaces.

During its twelve year history, Trend quickly became known as an industry trendsetter. Its icon is a stylized cactus symbolically representing the great creativity and the endurance required to become the leader in an indus-try.

The Company mission is clear: to be one of the world’s major manufacturers of decorative glass mosaics and engineered stones, following the vision of a future which wagers on innovation and simplicity to underscore its contemporary character, consistent with the most modern trends such as, the growing need for environmental sustainability.

The first steps taken by Trend in an attempt to pursue its business goals without interfering with the eco-system have taken on concrete shape in a series of major product breakthroughs which resulted in the development of the Trend Q line, Feel

mosaic and finally the Touch agglomerate collection.

All these collections use a very high percentage of post consumer recycled glass content, one of the highest in the industry.

The eco-philosophy pursued by Trend represents a truly ethical type of business approach, guided by a fundamental principle: “our green products must look, perform and cost like a regular product; there is no difference. Green for Trend is a mainstream choice”.

Today, the range of eco-compatible products, created to cater to the increasing demand for ethical products, is expanding with the addition of other lines: Liberty, Karma, Subway, Vitreo, Brillante, Shining and with a wide range of proposals like the WALLPAPER collection re-presenting different styles of geometrical repetitive motif.

Trend is firmly rooted in the artistic integrity of its Venetian glass foundry, the Angelo Orsoni Furnace. These centuriesold methods and materials take their place alongside the most advanced production at Trend’s manufacturing facility in Sebring, Florida, which provides engineered agglomerates to its discriminating network of dealers and its growing international franchise system of Granite

Transformations showrooms.

Opened in 2005, the Sebring plant now handles global production of the Trend Q line. Utilizing cut-ting edge technology this plant emboldens the companies’ desire to manufacture leading products while minimizing its impact on the environment.

Trend’s gold mosaic production, known for its unparalleled quality, was the reason Trend was selected as the pri-mary supplier for the La Mecca CLOCK TOWER, a 600 meters (1800 feet) high clock, with over 150,000 square feet of Aureo Modern 24 Karat Gold Mosaic.

In keeping with forward thinking technology enhancements, Trend launched an iPad application in the Fall of 2011. This new iPad application, titled iTREND, was created to help users bring their interior design dreams one step closer to reality, as well as allow de-signers the opportunity to assist clients by showcasing what the actual completed design would look like.

iTREND allows users to upload a snapshot of their environment, including kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms or spas, and with a few simple swipes, transform all the surfaces with glass mosaic, engineered stone or sophisticated wallpaper patterns of mosaic tiles. Users can customize their home or office environment based on their personal tastes and easily use iTREND to share the resulting image with friends and family.

To get the application, search for iTREND in the iTunes AppStore under the Lifestyle category or visit itunes. Learn more at www.trend-group.com, TrendinGreen, MyTrendTV and to see the iPad app in action, visit Youtube.

View the latest collection of Trend products within the Miami Granite Transformations showroom.

Design District 66 NE 40th Street Miami, FL 33137 305-571-9818

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The $outh Florida Gaming Repor t

Heading North

BY ISADORE HAVENICK

It is that time of year when the “locals” flee town in search of cooler climates.

This summer Miami might be less oppressive than more northern destinations, but the well heeled will seek refuge domestically in The Hamptons, upstate New York, and North Carolina while the jet set heads to Monaco, Cannes, and the Amalfi Coast. The summer months see an influx of Europeans and South

Americans embracing South Beach.

Tanning during the day leads to late night dinners and then to even later clubbing. Most of these visitors make their way to Sawgrass Mills Mall, Aventura Mall, or The Shops at Bal Horbour.

A trip to South Beach is apparently not complete without a day of shopping at one of these locales. Some of our visitors trek up to the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood to try their luck on the slots or at the blackjack tables.

Most wonder why they have to travel so far to test their fate with lady luck. They question why the casino is so far from the beach. They do raise an interesting point.

www.communitynewspapers.com

TeleSwitch Keeps Customers & Clients Connected Connecting businesses through state of the art communications technology allows Teleswitch clients the freedom to truly work anywhere at any time.

“We want to make communications easier for businesses. Whether you are sitting on the beach or traveling overseas you can choose to never miss a call or message,” said TeleSwitch Marketing Coordinator Mario Hurley.

Teleswitch provides unified communications solutions utilizing the latest technologies creating a virtual network in the cloud. If you have a data connection, the client is able to receive calls and access data as if they were sitting in their office with a regular phone and computer. Calls are presented in the exact same manner allowing the user the option to take the call or opt to follow up at a later time.

Founded in 1993 as a distribution house of telecom hardware which Teleswitch has successfully continued to this day, has added a solution division providing

customers with unparalleled choices for communications services.

Te l e s w i t c h maintains communication and video networks for enterprises of all sizes Robert Plesset across multiple Managing Partner vertical markets including auto dealerships, financial services, professional associations and hospitality market. TeleSwitch offers state of the art solutions combined with turnkey professional implementation services and post-sales support. Currently Teleswitch partners with Shoretel to provide IP Unified Communications solutions. Teleswitch has the largest certified technical staff in the state of Florida for Shoretel including advanced engineers and certified call center spe-

Kenneth Cooke Managing Partner

cialists.

“From the first meeting through implementation of the customized client program, our team is committed to a great customer experience and 100% customer satisfaction,” said Hur-

ley.

Hurley went on to describe a situation with one of their business to business clients, Headquarter Toyota. “They had a sales force making prospecting calls for clients with no ability to track progress. It was costly and inefficient.

We were able to set them up with ShoreTel Solutions and they now enjoy a huge increase in productivity.”

Because most operations are manageable with a computer, clients are able to

see incoming calls, send them to voice mail or transfer to another party, all with the click of a mouse.

Partnering with companies like ShoreTel, Lifesize, Adtran, Ruckus, Plantronics, and Brocade and a warehouse of product lines from leading brands legacy manufactures like Nortel, Avaya, Cisco and Samsung to name a few, allows TeleSwitch to be the one stop shop for all communication solutions.

“Our solutions are wide and varied,” said Hurley. “We offer unified IP communications systems, high definition video collaboration and conferencing, and network and wireless solutions coupled with trusted and knowledgeable technical support. We integrate communications technologies in order to provide a complete solution to our customers no matter what their size or operational demands.”

For more information on TeleSwitch communications solutions visit teleswitch.com, or call 305-590-5200

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

July 12 - 25, 2012

July 12 - 24, 2012

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Arsht Center uses dance to teach kids life lessons

BY JOHN RICHARD

President/CEO, Arsht Center for Performing Arts Children are leaping, twirling and dancing their way through summer camp at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County as the AileyCamp Miami celebrates its fourth season of serving Miami-Dade children.

The six-week camp for public middle school students targets underserved youth who may face barriers in their academic, socio-economic or personal development. The program is tied to the Arsht Center’s mission of exposing the community’s youth to the transformational power of the live performing arts.

Since its launch in 2009, the program has hosted almost 300 students. For many of these children, attending the camp is their first opportunity to visit the Center and receive instruction from some of Miami’s best dance instructors, as well as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater alumni.

The Arsht Center provides campers free transportation from as far away as Homestead and North Miami as part of the full scholarship program, along with breakfast, lunch, dance attire and field trips to round out the summer fun. The campers take classes in ballet, jazz, West African dance, Horton-based modern dance, personal development and creative communication. The Center also invites family, legal guardians, friends and the South Florida community to celebrate in the accomplishments of the campers at a final performance on the Knight Concert Hall stage that typically attracts more than 1,500 guests.

Although the Center runs the camp and assumes all of its costs, AileyCamp Miami is one of 10 AileyCamps around the country. It is particularly dear to the Arsht Center and the community now that Miami’s own Robert Battle is the artistic director of the nationally acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

National supporters of the arts are taking note of the Arsht Center’s strides to raise the bar for arts education.

Recognizing that AileyCamp Miami has impacted hundreds of students from all

WHAT’S NEW AT THE A RSHT ?

National supporters of the arts are taking note of the Arsht Center’s strides to raise the bar for arts education. corners of our diverse community, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) this year awarded the Arsht Center a $45,000 matching grant to support this summer’s camp. The Arsht Center is the only Florida organization to receive an Arts Education grant in NEA’s latest grant awards announcement.

To add to this exciting news, MiamiDade residents and supporters of the arts now have the opportunity to join the NEA in supporting AileyCamp Miami.

Donations as little as $1 or $10 can be made to support AileyCamp Miami campers on Miami-Dade County’s new <www.power2give.org>, a website that supports local nonprofit arts organizations.

The Center also has created a new AileyCamp Encore Circle of private donors who support individual campers with $3,000 scholarships and other levels of giving.

AileyCamp Miami is one example of the Arsht Center’s signature Arts Education and Outreach programs.

Other initiatives include Learning Through the Arts, which exposes every fifth-grader in Miami-Dade County Public Schools to a free live theater experience through the rock musical Rock Odyssey, free Family Fest activities, and master classes taught by visiting artists, among other programs.

For more information, go <www.arshtcenter.org/educate>.

to

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July 12 - 25, 2012

Marlins now offer public tours behind the scenes at ballpark

BY CAROLINA PERRINA

The Miami Marlins now offer behind-thescenes tours of Marlins Park. The tours are open to the public on non-event days for just $10 per person.

The tour includes visits to the field (behind home plate), home clubhouse, home batting cage area and Diamond Club, Promenade Level featuring the art in the facility, the Bobblehead Museum and the premium areas including the suites. Tours operate Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., except when the Marlins play at home or

when other major events are scheduled at Marlins Park. Group tours, accommodating between 10 and 25 people, are available by appointment.

For information, fans can call 1-877-MARLINS or send email to <tours@marlins.com>.

All tickets can be purchased at the ticket windows located on Felo Ramirez Drive (NW Sixth Street between 14th and 15th avenues) and are for the time and date specified. Tickets are nonexchangeable and non-refundable.

Tour parking is free in the Third Base Garage.

July 12 - 24, 2012

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Adrienne Arsht Center announces The Donkey Show coming July 13

Never Pay Another Expensive Repair Again

The Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House stage will be transformed into a mirror ball dance floor.

Ly Espinol

BY GABRIELA LAMBERTUS

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., has announced the arrival of the renowned smash hit — The Donkey Show — a spectacular phenomenon that blends a crazy circus of disco music hits, go-go dancers, roller skaters, feathered divas and a full active bar becoming the ultimate party extravaganza.

The show, inspired by William Shakespeare’s classic comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, will open on July 13 for a limited engagement on the Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House stage, which will be transformed into a mirror ball dance floor for guests to live their own fabulous disco fantasy.

Dance floor tickets are priced at $45 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; $60 on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets in the VIP seating area are priced at $60 on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; $75 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Patrons must be over the age of 18 to enter; 21 to drink. A $10 discount will be given to those who purchase tickets to the first five preview performances (July 1315). Tickets may be purchased through the Arsht Center box office by calling 305-9496722, or online at <www.arshtcenter.org>.

Created by Tony Award-winning director Diane Paulus and Randy Weiner, The Donkey Show experience encourages the audience to become part of a glittering nirvana where inhibitions don’t exist and everyone dances and sings along to the

greatest hits of the ’70s such as We Are Family, Last Dance, I Love the Nightlife, and Car Wash — it’s an opportunity to relive the hedonistic days of the dazzling Studio 54 era.

The two-hour spectacle begins the moment guests arrive at the velvet ropes of Miami’s hottest pop-up disco and find themselves interacting with several of the show’s wild characters. Once inside, the fun continues with unexpected theatrical twists and surprises, all culminating at an ever-fabulous post-show event.

This self-curated show will allow patrons to become as emerged in the story and in the production as they wish. It’s the ultimate night fever — a crazy fun house enchanted by an ever-so-light sprinkling of Shakespearean magic.

“The Adrienne Arsht Center always strives to bring unique performances with world-wide appeal to the community,” said Scott Shiller, executive vice president.

“Miami’s version of The Donkey Show will mark the show’s largest production yet — complete with alluring aerial stunts and a cast of 20 of South Florida’s best actors and dancers.”

The Donkey Show previously has performed on a world tour in major cities including London and Seoul, maintained a successful six-year run in New York and currently is playing in Boston.

Showtimes: Wednesday-Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.; Sundays, 5 p.m. For reservations, visit <www.arshtcenter.org> or call the box office at 305-949-6722.

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July 12 - 25, 2012

FCAT: Broke, beyond fixing; Immigration Law Firm now’s the time to throw it out Recruits Top Staff

BY GRANT MILLER, PUBLISHER

Give a politician a square peg and a round hole and they will stubbornly pull out a drill or sandblaster to make them somehow fit.

Since former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush changed state law to require comprehensive assessment testing (or FCATs) be administered to all grade levels (Gov. Bush’s 1999 A+ Plan) education in Florida has never been the same.

The problems have not been solved, they have only gotten worse. But, dang it, they won’t leave the test behind — even if the child is. “A” and “B” students are being left behind because of some impossibly unbiased be-all, end-all exam that is supposed to predict future competency and success. By simply applying the scientific method, it becomes a no-brainer that the FCAT is failing miserably.

Consider the following: • At least 46 of the 67 school districts (and five school superintendents) have written to the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) to ask for FCAT data reviews on “anomalies.”

(Orlando Sentinel, July 15, 2010).

• Since the test began, public school teaching in Florida has all but imploded with a long list of celebrated instructors dropping out of the system over the years because they refuse to spend the academic year “teaching to the test.” In fact, the pressure has become so unbearable that at least one documented charter school was willing to cheat and view the test beforehand. As a result the FDOE has

now had to take new measures to prevent schools from cheating. (Palm Beach Post, Apr. 18, 2012).

• State testing contractor NCS Pearson (being paid $254 million over four years to administer the test) has had to pay back millions in fees because of late FCAT results that essentially held the education system hostage until scores came in. (St. Augustine Record, June 8, 2010; Apr. 17, 2012).

• The tremendous disparity in the drop of FCAT writing scores for fourth graders — from 81 percent last year earning 4.0 or better (out of a maximum 6.0) to only 27 percent this year passing.

So they lowered the bar. Passing scores became a 3.0 to the tremendous embarrassment of the entire Florida Department of Education. (Tampa Bay News, May 15, 2012).

In a recent Channel 10 News story by Michael Putney about the Broward County School Board voting unanimously against the FCAT, sponsoring board member Laurie Rich Levinson spoke for so many of us when she said, “Hundreds of millions is spent developing this test, while classes in science, social studies, art, music and PE are being cut.”

We join with academicians and editorial page columnists around the state, as well as disgruntled teachers, parents, and students all over Florida who say, “let us do away with politicizing education in Florida; it was a bad idea. It can’t be fixed.”

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that a subjectively sketchedout test score does not determine a student’s ranking for success in life, nor the content of his or her character.

By y Ann n Lino

A newly formed full service immigration law firm, The Hermanni Law Group, recently established offices in Coral Gables and has since recruited several new attorneys to provide clients with a full plate of immigration services. The impetus for creating this firm came from Kurt Hermanni, who had earned a great reputation as a skilled, honest and competent international lawyer dedicated exclusively to the practice of immigration law.

Hermanni remembers a time when a client’s friend called from New York to help his detained nephew get a bond from an immigration judge in Krome Detention Center. Thereafter, the family only wanted him despite the added travel expenses. That level of trust and dedication has propelled the Hermanni Law Group to handle cases throughout the United States. That is not hard to understand given the number of cases in which immigrants have been victimized by less principled and trustworthy attorneys. Passionately committed to serve his clients, Hermanni has developed relationships that have dramatically increased his client base through satisfied client referrals.

Seeing the growing demand, Hermanni has recruited a group of outstanding lawyers all of whom have a general competency in general immigration law but also have a focus in variety of critical areas. While Hermanni is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian, his entire team his fluent in English and Spanish.

The firm is currently comprised of five full-time house attorneys: Kurt Hermanni, Senior Partner; Norma Lorenzo, Managing Attorney; and Associate Attorneys Patricia Hernandez, Consuelo de le Ossa, Jenna McQuid and Greg Greenberg.

The Hermanni Law Group currently represents numerous international companies throughout the world, with clients in Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, in support of their employees’ short-term or long-term placements in the United States. Additionally, the firm represents clients facing immediate removal from the United States and those seeking asylum, Cuban Adjustment and adjustment status. Successful representations have focused on defense of marriage fraud claims and cases involving violence against women. The firm’s distinguished clientele includes a former South American President and his family, several foreign dignitaries, a former military General, military attaches, professional athletes, and foreign investors from China, Serbia, Colombia, Venezuela, Spain and Italy.

The Hermanni Law Group is located at 2655 LeJeune Road, Ste. 800, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Ph: 305 640-8222 or Mobile 786-271-6699. Visit our website at www.legalizationlawyer.com.

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