Miami Beach News 5.3.2013 by Community Newspapers

MAY 3 - 16, 2013

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2013 Elayne Weisburd Excellence in Education Luncheon Honors Exceptional Miami Beach Teachers

he Miami B e a c h Chamber of Commerce hosted Miami Beach teachers, school administrators, business people and community leaders on Friday, April 26, 2013 to celebrate distinguished educators within the schools of the City of Miami Beach feeder pattern at the Annual Elayne Weisburd Excellence in Education Luncheon. At the luncheon, held this year at the South Beach Marriott, the finalists for the Elayne Weisburd Excellence in Education Award were honored and the winner, Michelle Petrou from Treasure Island Elementary School, was announced. The finalists for this year’s award were selected by a distinguished

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AWARD, page 4

Dr. Leslie Rosenfeld, Aaron Tandy, Mayor Matti Bower, Michelle Petrou, Elayne Weisburd and Gerald Schwartz –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Phillip and Patricia Frost to be Honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award

his year marks the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 91st Annual Dinner Gala, which will be held on June 1st, 2013 at the

Miami Beach Convention Center. Phillip and Patricia Frost will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for their philanthropic endeavors and contributions to the Greater Miami Beach community. Their generosity and

commitment to the arts and education are extensive. This award represents their continued support and lifelong dedication to cultural and academic institutions. “There is no more deserving couple than Pat and Phil Frost for this honor of being chosen by the Miami Beach Chamber for the Lifetime Achievement Award, not only for achieving outstanding economic success, but realizing their goals of making our community a better place to live. Pat with her work in the public schools of South Florida and Phil with his outstanding and dynamic work not

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FROSTS, page 4

Phone: 305-669-7355

Letter from the Chair BY ALAN A. LIPS What makes Miami Beach the internationally renowned city that it is? Is it our beautiful beaches, luxurious world class hotels, incredible shopping, delicious restaurants, exciting nightlife, enjoyable day life? Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes. I always liked the multiple choice questions where I could answer “all of the above.” I don’t have to sell you on how great this city is…you already know it! That’s why you are here! So what can we do to make it better? My opinion…bring more great people here just like you from all over the world. How do we do it? Simple! Make sure that we get our convention center properly and adequately renovated and add a convention center hotel. Our professionals and past conventioneers have made it clear that this is necessary to draw the bigger and better conventions. Along with those conventions that we are unable to attract today comes higher hotel occupancy, generating greater tax dollars to the city and more benefits to the residents and everyone who spends time in Miami Beach. So what do we need to do to get this all accomplished? Not much! It’s happening as we speak. The Portman and Tischman groups have been working hard to assemble the right development plan for the Miami Beach Convention Center and adjacent land. The City’s plan is to select one of the developer groups in June and move forward with the site plan development from there. We all need to get behind this and make it happen to insure the future of our incredible city. Now more than ever, the business community, residents and all constituents must team up to move this forward and make sure that we improve our convention center. We at the Chamber are committed to facilitate this process and serve as a resource to the community at all levels. I encourage you to get involved in the Chamber to learn more about what the Chamber can do for you and experience the power of membership. At your service, Alan A. Lips

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LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT ALEXANDER I. TACHMES Born and raised in Miami Beach, Alexander I. Tachmes is a top notch lawyer and a dedicated member of our community. Alex is a partner in the prestigious law firm of Shutts & Bowen, which is Miami’s oldest law firm and was founded in 1910. Alex concentrates his practice in the areas of governmental matters, including land use and zoning, competitive bidding and lobbying and has represented dozens of clients throughout South Florida. He also practices in the areas of commercial transactions including real estate and matters pertaining to the hospitality industry. Alex represents numerous hotels and is actively involved in the hospitality industry. He recently co-founded Hospitality for a Better Miami Beach, Inc., which is a political action committee that advocates for the hospitality industry and is comprised of many hotels and other hospitality businesses. Alex received his undergraduate degree Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Miami and earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Miami School of Law, where he graduated in the top 5% of his class and was a member and published author of the Law Review. Passionate about the arts, Alex is Vice President of the Board of Governors of the Miami City Ballet. He also serves on the Board of Directors, Finance and Operations Committee and Management Committee of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. “Miami Beach is my home and to witness the incredible growth of this city has been amazing,” says Alex. “I am very excited about the future of our City.” Alex is a former First Assistant City Attorney for Miami Beach. While with the City, he concentrated his practice in the areas of public-private real estate development and other transactions. Alex served as counsel to the City in connection with the Loews Miami Beach Hotel project, involving the development of a $150 million, 800 room convention center hotel and parking complex on public land. The project is one of the largest public-private transactions, in terms of its overall cost, in Miami Beach history. Alex also served as counsel to the City on the Royal Palm Crowne Plaza Resort project, a $60 million, 422 room hotel on public land, adjacent to the Loews hotel.

ALEXANDER I. TACHMES Alex is a Governor Emeritus of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and has been involved with the Chamber for many years. Alex previously served as Chairman of the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors. Alex has been a member of the Board of Governors for many years and has been active in many Chamber projects. “The Miami Beach Chamber is the most prominent civic organization in our city. It has been active for decades and was actually founded when Miami Beach was first being incorporated as a City,” says Alex. The Chamber plays a vital role in our community and has been an active part of my professional life for years.” In addition to Alex, other members of the Tachmes family have played a prominent role in Miami Beach over the years. Alex’s father, Dr. Pablo Tachmes, was a surgeon on the staff of Mount Sinai Medical Center for 30 years, was President of the Cuban Hebrew Congregation at 17th Street and Michigan Avenue for 7 years and was also a candidate for Miami Beach City Commission. Alex’s brother, Leonard, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and practices from his offices next to Lincoln Road.

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FROSTS, from page 1 only in business but in utilizing so much of his time, efforts and economic resources to make a better life for all of us in the fields of arts, science, education and religious endeavors,” said Gary Gerson, the founding senior partner of Gerson, Preston, Robinson & Company. “We welcome them to this honor that is so very much earned by this dynamic couple.” Doctor, entrepreneur, educator, art connoisseur – both Phillip and Patricia Frost have held many titles. Perhaps the most appreciated of them all is “philanthropist.” The couple is among Miami Beach’s most celebrated individuals for their countless contributions to the city. It was half a century ago when, Phillip, a young medical intern met his future wife, Patricia, on a blind date. Ever since, the two have crafted a memorable history of entrepreneurial endeavors and significant donations to support culture and education in South Florida. Phillip, a staple in Forbes Wealthiest 500 list, was a dermatologist before entering the pharmaceutical business, where he invested and grew a number of ventures, such as IVAX and OPKO. Patricia spent 28 years as a teacher and principal in the Miami-Dade County Public School System, retiring in 1993.

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The Frosts are generous supporters of education, science and technology and the arts. After their gift in 2003, the largest ever given to a university-based music school, the University of Miami named the school the Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music. Also in 2003, after their gift to the Art Museum at Florida International University, the museum was named The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum. Most recently, they provided a major gift for the construction of the new Miami Science Museum, which will be named the Patricia & Phillip Frost Science Museum. They are renowned collectors who donated their 113piece collection of American abstract art to the Smithsonian Institution in 1986. “Phillip and Patricia Frost have set the standard for leadership and philanthropy. Their legacy is truly remarkable and it’s difficult to quantify just how much they’ve contributed to the growth, not only of Miami Beach, but South Florida as a whole,” said Alan Lips, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Chairman. “We are proud to recognize Phillip and Patricia for their years of dedication and support.” Phillip and Patricia Frost have been extremely successful in their careers and philanthropy, and the Lifetime Achievement Award honors their accomplishments and contributions. They continue to be very active in their philanthropic endeavors throughout the community.

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AWARD, from page 1

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panel of judges; a finalist from each school within the City of Miami Beach Feeder Pattern was designated, and the winner was carefully selected from the pool of finalists. The finalists for the 2013 award were: Ana Garcia Careaga from Nautilus Middle School, Jason Bogart from South Pointe Elementary School, Hipolito Rodriguez from Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center, Lizeth T. Garcia from Biscayne Elementary School, Meme Ferre’ Succar from North Beach Elementary School, Maggie Vidal-Santos from Ruth K. Broad Bay Harbor K-8 Center, Sam Brown from Miami Beach Senior High School, and of course, Michelle Petrou from Treasure Island Elementary School—this year’s winner. Once again, the Elayne Weisburd Excellence in Education Award Luncheon was a successful celebration of outstanding teachers in the Miami Beach Feeder Pattern, as well as a testament to the strength of the Miami Beach community. Ceci Velasco, Executive Vice President of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, served as master of ceremonies for the event, while Aaron Tandy, Executive Board of Governors member, welcomed the event’s attendees on behalf of the Chamber’s Board of Governors. Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower attended the luncheon and introduced the award’s namesake, Mrs. Elayne Weisburd, commending her as the first female commissioner for the City of Miami Beach. Elayne Weisburd dedicated her career to the City of Miami Beach and the education of our community’s leaders of tomorrow. Mrs. Weisburd addressed the luncheon, and commended the late Dr. Rosann Sidener for her transformation of Miami Beach Senior High School from a “D” school back to an “A” school. On the topic of the importance of education, Mrs. Weisburd stated, “Education is the most important aspect of life; it is our future because they are our children. They are our future, and

their education is the most important thing in life.” Dr. Leslie Rosenfeld, Organizational Development and Training Specialist for the City of Miami Beach, gave the keynote address to the luncheon attendees. She considers her role as mother of two children in the Miami Beach Public Schools the most important, though she has taught and served as an administrator within the system. Dr. Rosenfeld summed up the characteristics of a great teacher with the following: “a great teacher is a teacher that makes sure everyone is keeping up, a teacher that is not afraid to change their lesson plans, and a teacher that sets high goals.” Furthermore, she said, “as a parent of children that attend our schools, I know for sure that this is happening, but more than that, our teachers are exceeding those expectations and going beyond.” Dr. Rosesnfeld continued, “Our teachers are not ice cream makers; they do not get to select what ingredients go into their classrooms. We invite every member of our community into these classrooms, and our teachers work equally as hard with each student that comes into their classrooms to ensure that there is equal access and the same opportunities, and that every child has the same bright future ahead of them.” All finalists were honored at the luncheon for their extraordinary commitment to the Miami Beach education community. Michelle Petro gave a short address following her announcement as the award winner. She said, “If you like what you do, it doesn’t seem hard,” and she thanked her three children, husband, Principal and colleagues for their constant support. This wonderful event honoring the dedication of all teachers throughout the Miami Beach Feeder Pattern schools was made possible by generous sponsorship from Florida Power and Light, Lee and Marie’s Cakery Company, Pasha’s, Office Depot and the South Beach Marriott.

Miami Beach News

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Jerry Libbin Named Event Chair for Relay For Life The American Cancer Society has selected Jerry Libbin to serve as Event Chair for this year’s Relay For Life® of Miami Beach scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 4th and 5th at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Jerry Libbin is a current Miami Beach City Commissioner and President/CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce as well as a City of Miami Beach Mayoral Candidate. The world’s largest grassroots fundraising movement, Relay For Life mobilizes communities throughout the country to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and provide participants with an opportunity to fight back against the disease. Relay For Life events are held overnight as individuals and teams camp out at an athletic track, park or other gathering area, with the goal of keeping at least one team member on the track or pathway at all times throughout the evening. Teams do Jerry Libbin most of their fundrais––––––––––––– ing prior to the event, but some teams also hold creative fundraisers at their camp sites during Relay. Relay brings together friends, families, businesses, hospitals, schools, faith-based groups . . . people from all walks of life – all aimed at furthering the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, by helping them get well, by finding cures and by fighting back. “Here in Miami Beach, funds raised by our Relay For Life event will make an impact on so many lives”, said Libbin. “From making possible the vital American Cancer Society programs and services that support

those facing a diagnosis, to life-changing cancer research and medical discovery, to advocacy for access to quality health care for everyone affected. The money raised through Relay For Life of Miami Beach is helping further the vision of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.” The Relay For Life of Miami Beach takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center on Saturday, May 4 at noon to 6 am on Sunday, May 5. To participate, call your American Cancer Society at 305-779-2847 or you can go online to www.Relayforlife.org/MiamiBeachFl. For more information about how Relay For Life benefits the local community, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800227-2345, or visit RelayForLife.org. The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; by helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

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Miami Home Design and Remodeling Show Optimism hits record high for Home Improvement Industry The South Florida residential real estate market continues to strengthen as home prices rise and inventory shrinks. The optimism in the real estate and home improvement industries is reflected in the surge of activity and consumer interest. This momentum is forecasted to continue through third and fourth quarters, which is good news to the home improvement industry converging on Miami Beach at the Miami Home Design and Remodeling Show Labor Day weekend. The annual event opens to the public and the trade August 30 – September 3 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) reports that economic recovery in the remodeling industry is gaining speed. This should hold true in South Florida where rising home prices and lower interest rates encourage consumers to begin long-awaited projects. La Cuisine & Clark Appliances, sponsor of the Culinary Stage at the Home Show, has seen record numbers of consumers requesting quotes on remodeling projects. Bob Clark, owner of La Cuisine & Clark Appliances, agrees that there is “a definite uptick in consumer confidence and a willingness to commit and invest in

and businesses that represent them. Homeowners looking for ideas will find thousands among the displays featured in the nationally recognized event. In addition to a wide range of products on display, the show also offers consumers the opportunity to talk one-on-one with professionals. Special show pricing offered throughout the five day event is an added incentive. The show will also offer attendees entertaining activities at the event including the “Artist Encounter” interactive art show, featuring South Florida artists at work on multi-media pieces in progress, daily cooking shows with guest chefs from around South Florida, original designer room settings on display, wine tastings, free seminars, celebrity guest speakers and more.

SHOW HOURS: Friday (8/30) 6:00 pm-10:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday (8/31-9/1) noon-10:30 p.m.; Monday, Labor Day (9/2) noon-7:30 pm; Tuesday (9/3) 6:00 pm -10:30 pm. home improvements projects again.” Each Labor Day weekend, the Miami Beach Convention Center is transformed into a one-stop, interactive marketplace featuring thousands of products for home

improvement, remodeling, interior design updates, outdoor improvements and enhanced South Florida lifestyles. The show provides a dynamic environment that brings consumers together with the experts

For more information, visit www.homeshows.com or like them on www.facebook.com/FloridaHomeShow and follow them on Twitter @FLHomeShows.

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Pillar Reception at The Surfcomber Hotel

Bosko and Andreea Ris

Steve Etzler, Jennifer Williams, Mike Kiely and Mirielle Enlow

Laurie Friesner Bomstein and Norma King

Brigitte Andrade, Lina Macki, DeAnne Connolly Graham and Maria Paulsen

Stuart Weintraub, Norma King, Richard Herman and Shayna Sirkin

Javier Beneyto, Lori Kendall and Luis Fontes

Nicole Rekant, Joshua Levy and Danielle Vitale

SEE MORE PHOTOS NEXT PAGE

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Pillar Reception at The Surfcomber Hotel

Marina Prospero, Collon Brown and DeAnne Connolly Graham

Luis Fontes, Marjorie J Sommer and Arturo Enamorado

Oliver Oberhauser, Irina Konstantinov and Paul Weimer

Michael Goldberg, Robin Porter and Dr. Ino Halegua

Danielle Vitale, Ben Launerts and Nicole Shelley

Stuart Weintraub, Iris Rait and Josh Rose

Chamber EVP & COO Ceci Velasco, Jeff Peterson and Ericka Mallen Richard Herman, Aleksandra Marzec, Kelly Fisher and Debora Diaz

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The new Havana 1957 brings the glamour of old Cuba to Lincoln Road V&E Restaurant group is pleased to announce the opening of Havana 1957- a new restaurant in the heart of South Beach, which combines the flavors of traditional Cuban cuisine with the enchantment and sophistication of Havana in the 1950’s. On Friday, April 26th, Commissioner Exposito, joined by locals and Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce members, participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony welcoming the restaurant to Lincoln Road. With elegant art deco touches, the interior décor of Havana 1957 embodies the jet set lifestyle of the movie stars that made Havana their playground. One of the most outstanding features of the restaurant is the classic Cuban Rum bar, which stocks over 100 varieties of rum from around the world. Here guests can enjoy a Cuba Libre or a Mojito cocktail in a sophisticated ambiance, surrounded by vintage Cuban memorabilia without leaving Miami Beach. Havana 1957’s extensive menu contains authentic Cuban dishes prepared by renowned chef Juan Luis Rosales. By only using the freshest ingredients and perfecting each detail of presentation, the plates capture the vibrant taste that has made Cuban cuisine a culinary staple. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, highlights from the menu include

the Havana 1957 Specialty (family traditional roasted chicken in a savory Cuban gravy served with white rice, black beans, salad and sweet plantains) as well as Churrasco a la Cubana (juicy charbroiled flank steak topped with grilled onions). Havana 1957 also offers delicious daily specials and a wide selection of seafood plates, sandwiches, salads, soups and bites such as croquetas, masitas de puerco (fried pork) and tostones rellenos (stuffed green plantains with beef or shrimp). Irresistible desserts include the traditional Flan de Leche (baked custard with a layer of caramelized sugar) and Pudin de Pan (old fashioned bread pudding) that are guaranteed to make mouths water with delight. Havana 1957 would not be complete without serving the staple Cuban Coffee, which is brewed exclusively with Café Pilon. The highly anticipated Havana 1957 has arrived on Lincoln Road as a glamorous throwback to the days of the iconic Rat Pack. The restaurant is open daily from 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM and has complimentary wi-fi available for all guests. For more information please call 305.397.8683 or visit www.havana1957.com. ABOUT VE RESTAURANT GROUP Vida & Estilo (Spanish for ‘Life & Style’)

The ribbon cutting was a success.

Wirelessco L.P., dba Sprint proposing to modify a wireless telecommunication facility at an existing building located at 220 23rd Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Three existing antennas will be replaced with three new antennas and 12 RRUs at a centerline height of 70 feet above ground level. Any interested party wishing to submit comments regarding the potential effects the proposed facility may have on any historic property may do so by sending such comments to: Project 61131602-SF c/o EBI Consulting, 6876 Susquehanna Trail S., York, PA 17403, or via telephone at 781-273-2500.

Commissioner Exposito cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

is the restaurant group behind some of the most well-known and finest restaurants on Espanola Way located in the heart of South Beach and the downtown Miami/ Brickell area. V&E Restaurant group owns and operates OH! Mexico, Café Nuvo, La Cantina, Mojitos Lounge, Segafredo Brickell and Spazio Nero (the club at Segafredo). The Segafredo franchise has also expanded to Bal Harbour Shops and the historical Espanola Way in Miami Beach. V&E is a corporation that stands by the

meaning of their name and goes above and beyond to provide their guests an unforgettable luxury experience by incorporating and combining high-end cuisines, diverse selections of specialty cocktails, music from renowned DJ’s and chic yet comfortable atmospheres. V&E Restaurant Group consists of a team of international and experienced professionals with the drive, ambition and power to take a concept, build on it and successfully incorporate the café, epicurean and nightlife concepts into one.

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Mother’s Day in Miami Beach... Celebrate a mom like no other in a destination like no other

Miami Beach offers a variety of ways to celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12th. Numerous hotels are offering deals and discounts for Mother’s Day, including The Betsy South Beach which is offering a ‘Betsy-Perfect’ Mother and Daughter Getaway with their newest package, created with Mom in mind. This package includes a specialty cocktail for two on the rooftop Deck, manicures and pedicures for two in The Betsy’s al fresco Wellness Garden and Spa, a book of choice from the curated guest room library and a $50 restaurant credit at the popular hot spot, BLT Steak. Rates start at $340 per night, plus taxes and daily resort fee. The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is also ready to roll out the red carpet for Mom this Mother’s Day, offering a weekend of non-stop fun including an upbeat performance by Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen as part of the hotel’s BleauLive performance series on May 10th. Combining elements of performance, personal guest interaction with the musician, and an exciting weekend escape, the Fontainebleau BleauLive experience is perfect for mothers and daughters seeking the ultimate getaway. The Bleau Fan package starts at $399 per night and includes deluxe guestroom accommodations, two general admission tickets to

“BleauLive presents Carly Rae Jepsen” on May 10, and a Mother’s Day Brunch for two at Vida. Adventurous moms will love Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) at The Standard, Miami Beach, followed by an indulgent spa experience, complete with an exotic herbal remedy bath, a mud treatment or a DIY Hammam experience in the renown Standard Spa. If you’re not tired when the sun sets, consider exploring beautiful Biscayne Bay by moonlight during a midnight kayak tour, dubbed the Full Moon Island Tour, compliments of South Beach Kayak. Restaurants are rising to the occasion, offering brunch specials catering to Mom. Bongo’s Cuban Café, Nikki Beach, Rosa Mexicano, and The Forge are just a few of Miami Beach’s best offering Mother’s Day meals. Art Deco Bistro at The National Hotel isn’t missing a beat, offering a brunch special for $60 per person, including unlimited mimosas. Choose from dishes such as roasted leg of lamb, omelets, waffles and a variety of selections from the raw bar. No matter what you choose to do, Mother’s Day on Miami Beach will always be adventurous and fun for discerning visitors and residents who desire to honor Mom in a special way.

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

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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High Tide on South Beach What every Business Leader, Citizen and Government Official needs to know about how Rising Tides and Storm Water will reshape Miami Beach. The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Government and Business Relations Council, under the leadership of Chairman Wayne Pathman, is presenting the first event in a series of workshops that will address the effects that rising tides are projected to have on the city. The increased flooding and need to attend to the seawalls are becoming more and more prevalent. Experts around the world agree that climate change and sea level rise is happening. An education as to the reasons and long term strategies from a panel of experts will enable the local business owners to become more engaged in the best approach for Miami Beach. High Tide on South Beach will bring together professionals from international and local government, industry, and academic institutions to discuss ways of becoming climate resilient and to offer helpful information to aid in future planning, development and preparation. Panel presentations will be given by subject matter experts with a Q&A session to follow. The invited panelists include: • Harold Wanless, Ph. D: Professor, Chair, Department of Geological

Sciences, University of Miami • John Englander: Author, Hide Tide on Main Street • Tommy Strowd: Director of Operations, Maintenance and Construction, South Florida Water Management District • Daniel Kreeger: Executive Director, Association of Climate Change Officers In addition to the expert panel, opening and closing remarks will be given by The Honorable Simone Filippini, Counsel General of the Netherlands in Miami, and former Commissioner Katy Sorenson, President and CEO of The Good Government Initiative, respectively. The High Tide Event on South Beach will be held this summer at Jungle Island, located at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132. There will be a luncheon and panel. Following the luncheon, attendees are encouraged to stay for a roundtable discussion/workshop to gain a deeper understanding of the issues with the subject matter experts. For more information, contact the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce at 305-674-1300.

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Epicure with Love

BY MICHAEL LOVE

lunch box to work is actually cool.

Specialty Chef Epicure Gourmet Market & Café WHAT’S FOR LUNCH? There are five types of daytime eaters in the world: The Last Minute Eater, the Whatever Wherever Eater, the Unsuccessful Dieter, the Lunch Skipper, and the Night Before Planner. The Last Minute Eater will make a decision where and what to eat at 11:55AM. Usually this type of eater is dependent on who is buying lunch and will go just about anywhere as long as they have a companion. The Whatever Wherever eater doesn’t really care what they eat, or where to eat as long as it fits into their “under $10” budget and they don’t have to think about it for too long. The poor Unsuccessful Dieter tries very hard to stick to their weight losing eating plan with renewed enthusiasm every Monday. Monday, a salad and diet Coke. Tuesday morning at around 10:45 they have two slices of birthday cake, Wednesday’s “I’m gonna be strict” day turns into way too much Fettuccini Alfredo, and by Friday they are reluctantly going to Chipotle with a group of six. The Lunch Skipper doesn’t take lunch. Too busy. A stop at Burger King on the way home curbs the dinner appetite. “Why aren’t you hungry honey? Have a bad day?” And finally, The Night Before Planner packs a lunch. Always included is an apple (which either stays on the desk or gets thrown out after one bite), a zip-lock bag of crackers, a cheese stick and finally, a dried out piece of chicken from last night, which microwaves into a rubbery chew toy with too much pepper. First, you have appointments all day for work, for the kids, for your favorite TV shows. Why don’t you have specific times of the day to feed yourself? Your body responds so much better when it is refueled at the same time every day. And unlike your car, which can run on a full tank of gas until bone dry, your body needs fuel throughout the day. Plan to have breakfast before you leave in the morning, a prepared mid-morning snack, light lunch with less carbs and a healthy late-afternoon snack. Here are some sensible healthy choices you can prepare the night before. Bringing a

BREAKFAST 1/2 cup of egg whites with one packet of instant oatmeal. Mix together and microwave for one minute or pour into non-stick pan and make a pancake. Fruit smoothie using a handful of frozen berries, one cup of coconut water and half a banana (add a scoop of protein powder if you want). MID-MORNING SNACK The best part of the oatmeal/egg pancake is that you can have half of it for your midmorning snack. Take it to work and eat it cold or microwave it for 15 seconds. Enjoy with coffee, orange juice or pure coconut water. Handful of almonds, protein shake, protein bar or handful of blueberries. LUNCH Zip lock bag filled with Arugula, chopped dates and pine nuts (or walnuts). You can keep a squirt bottle of Lemon Vinaigrette dressing in your office without refrigeration. 1 cup of olive oil, 2 lemons juiced, salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons of water. Shake before using. Squirt some dressing into the bag, close and shake. Enjoy the salad with a small non-refrigerated packet of tuna. Stay away from sugar and stop kidding yourself about Diet Coke. Water is best. MID-AFTERNOON SNACK If you have a refrigerator at work, bring a protein shake that you can make in the morning. Banana, cup of strawberries or blueberries. Small bag of pretzels with dried fruit (dates, raisins, figs). Turkey Jerky. I bet you didn’t know that Jerky has almost no fat, low carb and high in protein. Great snack for low carbers and gym rats. Preparation is everything in life. Prepare your food the night before and make smart choices. Next edition I will feature two delicious dinners under 20 minutes. Michael Love is the Specialty Chef at Epicure Gourmet Market and Café and the creator of “Epicure with Love,” an all-natural gourmet line of food including soups, prepared entrées and desserts. Michael is also available for private and group cooking instruction and can be hired for dinner parties and events. Contact: Michael@epicuremarket.com.

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BY KELLY FISHER

already know and the people you meet. You may already have some great people that you know that you have overlooked or forgotten. Unfortunately most of us have not only no system, but not even a simple list of the people you know beyond maybe past clients. So if you at least have a list you are ahead of a lot of people already. What do we do with those business cards that we collect at Chamber and other events? Failure to follow up with people we meet is the number one reason why our word of mouth marketing efforts is not what it could be. So do yourself a favor and invest in a good contact management database. My recommendation would be www.relate2profit.com. It has great search parameters that are customizable so that you can readily access your contacts based on who you need to know. Just so you know, I get nothing out of you using this website. It is what I use and works well for me. It’s a lot more work to cultivate new relationships than it is to rekindle existing ones. It also makes our efforts a lot more profitable. One of the best ways to make ourselves more profitable it to make ourselves more efficient. Your networking efforts will be greatly enhanced once you start to have good follow up, and start to “work” your network. Until next time, happy networking!

Working Your Network

What does “Working” your network mean to you? Does it mean attending events of organizations you are a part of and handing out business cards? If you are like most business professionals that is exactly what it means. Before we start going out and cultivating new relationships, which is a good thing to do, we should look at the people we know and the relationships we already have. Do we even know who we know? Most of us know a lot of people, on average 300-500, but if we had to recall them we would only be able to recount a few of them. This is why a good contact management system is so important. Do you have one? You need a good system of entering and tracking the people that you know. It should be something that you can easily enter new contacts and import old ones. It should have search parameters so that you can easily search and identify people based on things like profession, where you know them from, and how well you know them, just to name a few. The point of it is to have a system where you can easily track and access the people you

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Working Your Network BY KELLY FISHER

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True Miami crime meets comedy in Pain & Gain

BY LAUREN COHEN

It was a story that shook the Magic City. A story so shocking, that it’s difficult to believe. A story that perhaps only one man was over-thetop enough to nail: director Michael Bay. Bay, who’s best known for huge blockbusters hits such as the “Transformers” trilogy and “Armageddon,” shot his latest film all around South Florida on a budget of $26 million – a miniscule budget when compared to that of his aforementioned blockbusters. But with this one, Bay wanted to do something different. Based on series of articles published in the Miami New Times, “Pain & Gain” tells the story of a group of bodybuilders (known as “The Sun Gym Gang”) who try to achieve their idea of the American Dream by means of kidnapping, torture, and, ultimately, murder. To Bay, the story represents more than just a ripped-fromthe-headlines shocker. “I felt there was some social commentary…I saw some-

MOVIE REVIEW

Mark Wahlberg, Tony Shalhoub and Dwayne Johnson in Pain & Gain ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

thing that was about people who were never happy with what they have,” he says. “It’s an odd movie ‘cause we’re going into

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the criminals’ minds. If you ever talk to criminals they think sometimes ‘hey, I deserve it, I’m not doing anything wrong.’ It’s a delusional world they live in, and I think people are fascinated with crime.” And while the decision to make the movie a largely comedic representation of true (and unspeakably brutal) events has some taking aim at the filmmakers, Bay stands by the decision. “When you return a chainsaw you’re trying to cut a body [with], and you return it with hair in it at Home Depot to get a bigger chainsaw…it’s bizarrely funny,” he says. Screenwriters Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus mirror his sentiments. “When you read what they did, you feel sick inside, but you can’t help but laugh because they did it so badly, and so baldly,” says Markus. “It was really just getting it out there in a way that

you could understand the flawed logic behind why they did these things, and the comedy would take care of itself.” Mark Wahlberg plays Daniel Lugo, the ringleader of the group. Wahlberg packed on the muscle to play the role, weighing around 212 pounds and able to bench press up to 335 pounds at the time of filming. He cites the outrageous nature of the story as one of the things that drew him to the project. “You get the script and it says ‘based on a true story’, and you start reading and you’re like ‘that’s impossible, there’s no way this is a true story,’ he says. “And then lo-and-behold you start reading the articles and doing your research, and you find out that this stuff actually happened...I thought it was fascinating; these are the kind of things that I gravitate towards.” When it comes down to it, it’s that frenetic series of events and the mixed emotions that they inspire that easily make “Pain & Gain” one of Michael Bay’s best films to date. Like its Miami setting, the final product is a mini melting pot of genres, ranging from barbaric violence to pitch black humor. And all the while, you’re flip-flopping between wanting to go on a journey with the Sun Gym Gang to being horrified by their actions; between laughing and wondering if it’s okay to be laughing at what you’re seeing. And that’s exactly what Bay wanted to accomplish. “I want people to be conflicted. I want to show a lot of gray areas,” says Bay. “It’s not your cookie cutter movie.”

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BY WILLIAM D. TALBERT III, CDME

HOW’S BUSINESS RECORD ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD SERVICE JOBS IN GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES REPORTED FOR MARCH 2013 – MARKING 3 YEARS AND 3 MONTHS OF CONSECUTIVE JOB INCREASES Greater Miami’s Accommodations and Food Service jobs increased +5.7% in March, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. This marks 3 years and 3 months of consecutive increased employment in Greater Miami’s Accommodations and Food Service Industry. In March 2013, a record 112,600 people were employed in Greater Miami’s Accommodations and Food Service sector compared to 106,500 in March 2012, a +5.7% increase.

GREATER MIAMI LEISURE AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY JOBS March 2013

March 2012

% Change

112,600

106,500

+5.7%

GMCVB’S MIAMI MUSEUM MONTH RUNS THROUGH MAY During May, all visitors and locals will be offered “Buy One, Get One Free” admission at participating museums. Also, during this month-long program, membership at any one of these participating museums will work as a free pass to any of the other museums. For details, visit www.MiamiMuseumMonth.com. GMCVB’S H.O.T. CHALLENGE GOLF TOURNAMENT IS MAY 3, 2013 AT DORAL GOLF RESORT & SPA The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) organizes the Hospitality Open Golf Tournament (H.O.T.) and online auction to fund scholarships for men and women of African heritage committed to working in the local visitor industry upon their graduation. The 2013 H.O.T. Challenge is May 3, 2013 at Doral Golf Resort & Spa. For more information, visit www.HOTChallenge.com. HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER – ATTEND ONE OF THE PUBLIC COMMUNITY MEETINGS There are still opportunities for the public to get informed and be involved in shaping the future of the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC). The next public community meeting will be held May 13, 2013 at 6 p.m. at Miami Beach Convention Center, (MBCC Flamingo Ballroom 4 Hall C Entrance).

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De Rodriguez Cuba receives AAA 4 Diamond Award De Rodriguez Cuba has received the prestigious AAA 4 Diamond Award. “DRod” now proudly joins the very short list of only 10 other highly acclaimed Miami Beach restaurants including Hakkasan, Barton G, Scarpetta, etc. to have received this recognition. “I am proud to represent the Latin Community as the only Latin inspired restaurant to be included on the list.” — Chef Douglas Rodriguez

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Mount Sinai Medical Center earns ACR Ultrasound Acreditation Mount Sinai Medical Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in ultrasound as a result of an extensive review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body parts to help providers diagnose illness, injury, or other medical problems. The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR practice guidelines and technical standards, after a peerreview evaluation by board certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. The evaluation covers a wide variety of areas, including image quality, personnel qualifications, equipment, quality control procedures and qual-

ity assurance programs. At Mount Sinai, commitment to patient safety and to meeting the highest standards of care is evident from a long list of accreditations in multiple areas of care and specialties. Mount Sinai Aventuraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diagnostic center, located at 2845 Aventura Boulevard, is the only center in Aventura to be accredited in obstetric ultrasound. In addition, 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 ACRASTRO seal of accreditation represents the highest level of quality and patient safety. Mount Sinaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most recent accreditation further demonstrates the institution as a leader in advanced diagnostics and care.

At Mount Sinai, commitment to pa tient safety and to meeting the highest standards of care is evident from a long list of accredita tions in multiple areas of care and specialties.

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Sunny Fraser puts a new twist on a glass of wine

BY GARY ALAN RUSE

When local wine lover Sunny Fraser wanted to make fine wines available for sampling to more people, she literally had to invent her own way to do it. The result was a singleserving wine package called “The Vini” that is spreading across South Florida. Developed with her partner David Gordon, The Vini is a sleek glass tube with an 187ml serving equivalent to a quarter of a regular sized bottle of wine. It currently is available with a California Napa wine based on Zinfandel and a California Sonoma wine based on Chardonnay. But getting there wasn’t easy. “The most difficult obstacle of this project was the fabrication of our custom 187ml glass vial,” Fraser said. “It seems so simple, because most people view it as a glass tube with a screw cap. However, the length of the design and the neck threads had never been contemplated on this type of glass before, so there has been a lot of blood, sweat and tears.” Fraser, blond haired and green-eyed, was born in the Dominican Republic, grew up in a small-town in the Midwest, then moved to South Florida the latter part of her high school years, attending Miami Palmetto High, the University of Florida and Barry

University. She worked at Gibraltar Bank and Trust before working at Sunbox Eleven Winery. Gordon grew up in Pinecrest, went to Ransom-Everglades and now lives in Palmetto Bay. Since their bottling factory is in Sonoma, CA they spend part of their time there as well. The Vini currently is available at Joe’s Stone Crab Take Away, Eden Roc Renaissance, South Beach Marriott, PGA

Sunny E. Fraser (left) is pictured with partner David Gordon. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

“The Vini” single serving wine –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

National Resort & Spa, Joanna’s Marketplace and other retailers, restaurants and hotels. It also can be purchased through their website. Fraser said that the packaging gets a good response from people when they see it for the first time. “People are always intrigued and enthused by The Vini,” she said. “Our internal joke is that it’s ‘the puppy.’ People want to hold it

and touch it. Once they have it in hand, they don’t want to let it go. It’s so tactile and engages all of the senses. When they taste it, they continue to be impressed.” She said that hotels are a primary market for The Vini. As mini-bars become a thing of the past, in-room amenities are becoming their replacement. “The Vini offers the guest a convenient, fresh, delicious glass of fine wine without opening an entire bottle or half-bottle as has been the only offering in-room previously,” Fraser said. “It also provides the hotel with a luxury lifestyle offering that inspires impulse buys with its unique, elegant and sexy package. It’s easy to consider having a glass of wine in-room, but having an entire bottle is too much of a commitment.” Although she encourages people who have a new idea to pursue it, she also cautions them to go into it knowing that it will take a lot of hard work. “Any endeavor requires total commitment and 110 percent of your time,” Fraser said. “It is not for the faint of heart and sleep isn’t an option. You must be totally devoted to your vision and keep believing, even through the challenges. And there’ll be challenges.” For information visit their website at <www.thevini.com>.

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