F
SEPT. 19 - OCT. 2, 2013
–––––––––––
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
–––––––––––
Goldberg named Chair-Elect of Chamber, follows legacy
or the first time in the 92 year old history of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, a father and son will have been Chairman of the Board of Governors following the election of Michael S. Goldberg as Chair-elect at the September 10th meeting of the Board of Governors. His father, Barton Goldberg, chaired the Board of Governors from 19761978 and continues to be active in Chamber activities. Michael Goldberg would take the seat of Chairman of the Board in 2014. Michael is a native, born and raised on Miami Beach, attended North Beach Elementary, Nautilus Middle School, and graduated from Miami Beach Sr. High School Class of 1981. Bart Goldberg also graduated Miami Beach Sr. High School in 1951 and Michael and Kristine’s son, Alec and daughter Lauren, current Beach High
I
students, will be the 3rd generation to graduates from Miami Beach Sr. High School. Goldberg has worked his entire banking career in the South Florida and Miami Beach market. He started his career in 1989 going through the Barnett Bank Management Associate program. He held various positions during his 9 years at Barnett Bank, including Senior Vice President/Branch Manager for its Miami Beach and Bay Harbor Islands office. He served as Senior Vice President/ Regional Banking Executive for Colonial Bank/BB&T in Miami-Dade County from 1998-2009. In March 2010 Michael joined the Gibraltar Private team as Senior Vice President/Miami Beach Market Executive and opened the Miami Beach relationship office in May, 2010.
Michael S. Goldberg
–––––––––––––––––––– See
GOLDBERG, page 4
November Elections are important to locals: Will you vote?
BY ANA CECILIA VELASCO
n November, not only will Miami Beach voters elect a new Mayor and City Commissioners, but they will have the opportunity to vote on a referendum allowing a final decision to be advanced regarding the much awaited enhancement and expansion of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Last August 14th during a special election the voters overwhelmingly approved a 1% visitor tax increase to fund renovation of the Miami Beach Convention Center. The proposed renovations include a public park where the asphalt lot now stands, adding to the green space on Miami Beach, a hotel to
support the Convention Center, as well as a state-of-the-art center to attract the shows with a positive economic impact to the city. The question is, of the more than 100,000 residents, how many who are eligible to vote will exercise their right? Qualified residents must register prior to October 7th in order to vote in the November 5th Election. Citizens eager to exercise their right to vote early may do so between Monday, October 21st and Sunday, November 3rd at the Miami Beach City Hall, 1700 Convention Center Drive. Voters must bring a current photo ID with their printed legal name. Those who wish to wait until Election Day to cast their vote must report to their assigned polling location; contact the City Clerk’s Office at 305-673-7411 or <cityclerk@miamibeach-
fl.gov> for inquiries. Not going to be in town for the election? Absentee ballots can be requested from your Supervisor of Elections in person, via telephone or mail, or at <www.miamidade.gov/elections/vote_absentee.asp>. Requests for this ballot require the voter’s name, address, date of birth, and signature if it is a written request. If an immediate family member or legal guardian is requesting the absentee ballot, they must also provide the requestor’s address, driver’s license number (if available), relationship to the voter and requestor’s signature if the request is written. State law requires the voter to sign the voter certificate on the outside of the absentee ballot envelope. –––––––––––––––––––
See
ELECTIONS, page 4
Phone: 305-669-7355
Letter from the Chair BY ALAN A. LIPS
There is no better place in the world to be right now than in Miami Beach. Our city has so much to offer from fun in the sun, beautiful beaches, the greatest hotels, fantastic dining, outstanding shopping, and the most impressive arts and culture community. Why would anyone go anywhere else? And we are so blessed to have what I believe is truly the greatest chamber in the world. I have been so fortunate to serve as your chair for the year and it has been incredible experience, both professionally and personally. I have made so many meaningful relationships from my involvement in our dynamic chamber for so many years and it never stops. Among my best friends are so many of the talented people that I have met directly through my involvement in the chamber over the past 15 years. Now, in my leadership role, I am so proud of the Chambers accomplishments. Outside of providing great service to our membership and creating the best environment for the magic to happen, we continue to grow, produce more opportunities and give so much back to our great community. At the end of the day, it is all about community. Each year with our success we have been able to expand funding to our Miami Beach Chamber Education Foundation which provides greater support year after year to the city for the International Baccalaureate program. On top of that, with the support of our Executive Board, the chamber won the Aetna Voices for
––––––––––––––––– See
LETTER, page 4
Page 2
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
BY WILLIAM D. TALBERT III, CDME
HOW’S BUSINESS TOURIST- RELATED TAX COLLECTIONS For the months of January – July, the 2% Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections for Greater Miami (excluding Miami Beach, Bal Harbour and Surfside) showed an increase of 11.3% compared to 2012. The 3% Convention Development Tax (CDT) reflects an 11.0% increase compared to the same time last year in 2012. The 2% Hotel Food and Beverage Tax collections from hotels in Miami-Dade (excluding Miami Beach, Bal Harbour and Surfside) showed an increase of 7.5% Miami-Dade County Tax Collections 2% Tourist Development Tax January – July 2013 January – July 2013 % Change vs. 2012 $14,226,793 $12,777,531 +11.3%
January – July 2013 $42,484,179 January – July 2013 $4,405,950
3% Convention Development Tax January – July 2013 $38,265,186 January – July 2013 $4,100,081
% Change vs. 2012 +11.0% % Change vs. 2012 +7.5%
MAYOR OF MIAMI BEACH LED DELEGATION THAT ACCEPTED WORLDOUTGAMES FLAG TO SIGNIFY THE PASSING OF THE GAMES FROM ANTWERP, BELGUIUM TO MIAMI BEACH IN 2017 Last month, a Miami Delegation traveled to the worldOutgames III in Antwerp, Belguim, to witness the structure and organization of the 12-day event which began with a Human Rights Conference where Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower, delivered the closing address. The sports competition included more than 30 events and 5,000 participating athletes. The delegation spent many hours meeting with the Antwerp host committee, officers and delegates of the Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association (GLISA), the organizing body of the worldOutgames. Mayor Bower and the delegation also received the official Outgames flag in anticipation of the 2017 games in Miami Beach. Traveling as part of the Miami delegation were: Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower, Florida State Representative David Richardson, worldOutgames IV Co-Chairs Ivan Cano, community activist Bruce Townsend of Centerplate, board members Keith Hart of American Express, Jerry Torres of Stereo Entertainment, Bob Balsam of Global Spectrum and GMCVB Associate Vice President of Cultural Affairs & LGBT, George T. Neary and Associate Vice President of Sales, Barry Moskowitz.14,000 international visitors and participants are expected to gather for a week of sports, cultural events and human rights when Miami Beach hosts the 2017 worldOutgames IV during Memorial Day weekend, May 26, 2017 to June 4, 2017.
HD AMERICAS LIGHTS UP MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER SEPT. The Hospitality Design Group announces the schedule for HD Americas, their boutique-style tradeshow at the Miami Beach Convention Center on September 24-25, 2013. Bringing together leaders and innovators in the hospitality design sector, the intimately-scaled conference will focus on the hospitality markets in the Americas and the growing development in Latin America and the Caribbean. More than 3,500 key decision makers comprise show attendees, including designers, architects, purchasing agents, and hospitality owners and operators that meet with manufacturers face-to-face to familiarize themselves with the latest products on a floor that spans more than 60,000 square feet. The items presented at HD Boutique include a vast array of fabrics and textiles, furniture, accessories and many more hospitality-related products. In addition to having buyers and sellers connecting on the floor, the industry’s most notable design, hotel and restaurant experts will engage attendees in accredited panel discussions and workshops. The GMCVB will help support Latin American media who will be covering the event.
MIAMI SPICE RUNS THROUGH SEPTEMBER There is still time to enjoy Miami Spice! Take advantage of this fabulous restaurant promotion through September, with Miami’s top restaurants offering three-course meals (Lunch: $19 or $23; Dinner: $33 or $39) featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs. Discover the tropical fusion of ingredients that makes Miami dining so wonderfully out of the ordinary. For details, visit iLoveMiamiSpice.com.
Page 3
Page 4
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
GOLDBERG, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– An active community leader, having served on the Board of Governors of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, since 1993 and presently serves on the Executive Board. He also served as Treasurer from 1996-2000, is an Honorary Lifetime Trustee of the Chamber and is the Immediate Past Chairman of the Pillar Trustee Board. He is a founder of Mt. Sinai Medical Center, serves on the founder’s board, is a past-chairman of the Young President’s club, and serves on the Mt. Sinai Medical Center Foundation board. A graduate of Florida International University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and major in Business Management, his most recent accomplishment was to oversee the expansion of the offices of Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust with the opening of its new relationship office, in order to accommodate the bank’s continued
ELECTIONS, from page 1
growth and presence in Miami Beach. The new location is on the first and second floor of the Sheridan Center building located at 400 Arthur Godfrey Road. The custom designed 5,000 square feet of new office space provides for a true private banking experience. The Miami Beach Chamber will hold its annual meeting at the Fontainebleau on October 17th. Officers of the Board of Governors, Alan Lips, Gerson Preston Robinson & Co - Chairman, Joshua Wallack, Mango’s Tropical Cafe – Vice Chairman, Stephanie Ruiz, Media Department II – Vice Chairman and Adam Cedrati, Mallah Furman – Treasurer as well as the elected and appointed board members will join Michael Goldberg at that time for the installation. The Chamber has a rich legacy of community leaders participating at all levels with approximately 1200 businesses in its membership.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
A request to receive an absentee ballot by mail must be received by the Supervisor of Elections no later than 5 p.m. on October 31st. An absentee ballot may be returned up until and including Election Day no later than 7 p.m. for the vote to count only at the Miami-Dade Elections Department at 2700 NW 87th Avenue, Miami, FL
33172 or to the Elections Department’s Branch Office located in the Lobby of the Stephan P. Clark Center, 111 NW 1st Street. Direct questions to MiamiDade County Elections Department at 305-499-VOTE or soedade@miamidade.gov; visit online at <www.miamidade.gov/elections> for additional information.
LETTER, from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Health competition for $30,000, financial support of the program by the affected municipalities and was awarded $62,000 in a South Florida Health Foundation Grant, all of which was committed to provide healthcare providers in our feeder pattern schools. The Chamber set an unprecedented model by bringing together 15 organizations for this common goal to meet a critical need in the schools which we can only hope other communities will follow. By showing that the entire community was involved, matching dollars have now been provided by the
Children’s Trust to ensure that each school will have a dedicated medical assistant this year. I am so proud to be part of this great chamber. Thank you to all of the executive board, board of governor and pillar board members for your hard work and commitment to make sure that the success continues and to the membership for your continued support. And I want to recognize our incredible chamber staff who work tirelessly to maintain our programming day in and day out. Our community is better and stronger because of you!
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 5
Page 6
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
The $outh Florida Gaming Report Re-Writing or Re-Righting BY ISADORE HAVENICK
The pari-mutuel industry in Florida [horse racing – dog racing – jaialai] is regulated by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. This agency that the industry knows simply as “DBPR” has oversight for all activities that take place at Florida’s pari-mutuel facilities including poker and slot machine activities. Just this past week the agency announced a rules workshop in October to review proposed changes to guidelines concerning parimutuel sports. Most of the changes seek to clarify operating conditions for dog and horse racing along with jai-alai. In some ways it is comical to read that horseracing should take place on an oval track or that obstacles cannot be placed in an animal’s way that might make them reverse course.
The state agency proposes defining dimensions of a fronton along with minimum width of a dog track. Those in the industry are not shy about admitting how the, once central, pari-mutuel activity has become a sideshow as poker and slots now are the catalyst for profits. In most cases the pari-mutuel activity is not much more than a required nuisance that allows operators to maintain poker and slots at their facilities. A few desperate or creative individuals, depending on your viewpoint, have found ways to circumvent existing rules by operating barrel racing or having two jai-alai players compete against each other in eight consecutive games. The big question that will be answered at the upcoming legislative session is how to deal with the changing times in the pari-mutuel world. A simple solution would be to allow the poker and slot operations to continue without the required tie to live pari-mutuels at the facilities. That would be simple so we all know that will not happen.
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 7
MIAMI BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONGRATULATES
THE NEW OFFICERS OF THE 2013-2014 BOARD OF GOVERNORS - Chair -
- Chair Elect -
Alan Lips
Michael S. Goldberg
Gerson, Preston, Robinson, & Company, P.A.
Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust
- Vice Chair -
- Vice Chair -
Joshua Wallack
Stephanie Ruiz
Mango’s Tropical Cafe, Inc.
Media Department II, Inc.
- Treasurer -
- Pillar Chair -
Adam Cedrati
DeAnne Connolly Graham,
Mallah Furman & Co. CPA, P.A.
ROI Media Consultants, Inc.
COUNCIL CHAIRS - Arts & Culture Council -
- Education Council -
Alan Randolph, C1 Bank
Maia Mediavilla, Atlantic Broadband Maria Cruz, Kiwanis Club of Miami Beach
- Emerging Leadership Council Joshua Levy, Pardo and Gainsburg, LLP Richard Segal, Kluger, Kaplan, Silverman, Katzen & Levine, P.L
- Real Estate Council -
- Government & Business Relations Council Alfredo Gonzalez, Greenberg Traurig, P.A. Aaron Perry, Sobol-Perry Fashion Productions, Inc.
- Women’s Business Council Reinaldo Borges, Borges + Associates Architects Rona Rose Witek, Tropic Survival Advertising & Marketing
- Sustainable Business Council -
- Tourism & Hospitality Council -
Brian Scheinblum, Cambean Hospitality Stuart Weintraub, Richmond Hotel
For more information, please call the Chamber at 305.674.1300 or email susana@miamibeachchamber.com
Page 8
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Epicure with Love Gazpacho
BY MICHAEL LOVE Specialty Chef Epicure Gourmet Market & Café As the summer winds down and the temperature remains hot, cold soup is a great way to cool off and enjoy something really fresh and healthy. Gazpacho is one of my favorite soups and I find that I can create innovative flavors and versions every time I make it. Gazpacho originates from the Southern part of Spain called Andalucia. It is typically a tomato-based soup featuring a variety of vegetables and traditionally served cold. Below are recipes for a classic Andalucian Gazpacho with poached lobster and a Watermelon Gazpacho. Experiment by replacing the tomatoes with avocados or try a white gazpacho featuring grapes and honeydew melon! Stay cool.
Watermelon Gazpacho This soup is refreshing with a little spicy kick from the jalapeno. For contrast to the sweetness of the watermelon I’ve added a crumbled Feta cheese as a garnish. If you like more heat, simply put the 1/2 jalapeno into the blender without removing the seeds. For a very mild soup, leave out the jalapeno altogether. This recipe will yield two large bowls of Gazpacho, or three to four smaller servings. Ingredients 1/2 cucumber, cut into chunks (seedless is best) 1/2 large tomato 1/2 red bell pepper, remove core with seeds and cut in half 1/8 red onion, roughly chopped 1/2 jalapeno, seeds removed and roughly chopped 1 cup seedless watermelon, removed from the rind and cut into chunks 2 tablespoon fresh parsley
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1/4 cup Feta cheese, crumbled In a blender, place cucumber, tomato, red pepper, red onion, jalapeno, parsley, a pinch of kosher salt, a few nice grinds of freshly ground black pepper and vinegar to get the blades of the blender going. You will have to pulse and possibly lift the blender off the base once the blades come to a stop and give it a little shake. Replace the blender on the base and pulse again. Keep it chunky - do not puree. Add watermelon and pulse just a few times to incorporate. Add the olive oil and pulse a few more times. Taste and add salt if needed. Place blender in refrigerator for one hour. When ready to serve, pour into large soup bowls. In the center of the bowl, place two small rectangles of watermelon (about the size and shape of a domino) and a sprig of fresh parsley on top. Then place two small piles of crumbled Feta on either side. Add two grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Spicy Andalusian Gazpacho with Poached Lobster My gazpacho is a bit chunky and has just the right amount of heat. The richness of the lobster makes this a perfect light dinner for two. A nice variation is to add finely chopped fresh mango. Makes four servings. Lobster 1 large lobster tail, split and taken out of the shell 1 tablespoon butter 1 teaspoon kosher salt Gazpacho 2 vine ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced (reserve the juice) 1/3 cucumber peeled, seeded and chopped 1/4 cup red onion, chopped 1/4 cup red pepper, seeded and diced 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 1/2 lime, juiced
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
1 teaspoon Balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/4 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Freshly ground black pepper Fresh basil leaves for garnish Lobster Run a sharp knife down the back of the lobster tail. You may have to apply downward pressure with your free hand on the spine of the knife to crack through the shell and halve the lobster tail. Once the knife passes through the shell and the lobster meat, place the shell and the two pieces of lobster in a small pot of simmering water (one cup). Add a teaspoon of kosher salt and a tablespoon of butter. Simmer for three minutes, until the lobster flesh and the shell turn slightly red in color. Remove from the water and cut into 1/2” chunks. Wrap in a piece of foil until ready to serve. Gazpacho Combine all ingredients in a glass bowl, stir well. Measure one cup of the mixture and puree it in a food processor or blender and then return to the bowl. Taste to make sure there is enough salt. If not, add a pinch and re-taste. Cover with wrap and refrigerate for one hour. Pour gazpacho into soup bowls, place a heaping spoonful of lobster meat in the middle and garnish with a single basil leaf. 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, Giant cookies, and Xtreme brownies. Michael is also available for private and group cooking instruction and can be hired for dinner parties and events by contacting Epicure at 305-672-1861. Michael@epicuremarket.com Blog www.lovecancook.com Twitter @lovecancook Like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MiamiChefMichael
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 9
Page 10
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 11
Join the ‘Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes’ September 21 Thousands will be gathering at Miami Marlins Stadium (501 Marlins Way) on Saturday, September 21, for Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes. This annual event is the largest community walk in Miami dedicated to finding a cure for all types of diabetes. Participants will enjoy a memorable day of exercise and fun. Not only will walkers gain the personal satisfaction of completing a 5K but they will also help with the fight to Stop Diabetes. The American Diabetes Association provides food, beverages, medical support, family-friendly activities and a health festival. This is a great family experience that not only offers participants opportunities to raise funds for the cure and collect information on resources available to those challenged with the disease but also promotes awareness.
It is estimated that one out of every three children born after 2000 in the United States will be directly affected by diabetes. In Miami-Dade approximately County 181,000 adults are currently living with diabetes. That is why the American Diabetes Association's Miami office is so committed to educating the public about how to stop diabetes and support those living with the disease. The fun begins at 8:00 a.m. and everyone will offer everyone a chance to see the new ball park. It is also a great way for students to earn community service hours. Join a team or sign up to walk on your own. Either way, look for sponsors to help up make a difference. For more information, call the ADA office at 305-477-8999 or contact Veronica at <vnowell@diabetes.org>.
Participants will enjoy a memora ble da y of exercise and fun.
THE DONOWAY CENTER FOR CANCER TREATMENT AND PREVENTION Surgical Oncology Associates of South Florida Robert B. Donoway, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.S.S.O. Surgical Oncology & Breast Surgical Oncology Practice Specializing in Cancer of Breast, Pancreas, Liver, GI Tract, Melanoma, Sarcoma, Thyroid and Parathyroid, Cancer Prevention and Risk Assessment, Surgical Oncology, Breast Surgical Oncology, Endocrine, and Laparoscopic Surgery, Minimally Invasive Image Guided Tumor Surgery, Genetic Cancer Counseling
ROBERT B. DONOWAY, M.D. Medical Director Institute for Breast Cancer Prevention
21110 Biscayne Boulevard • Suite 400 • Aventura, FL 33180 3800 Johnson Street • Suite 400 • Hollywood, FL 33021 17884 N.W. 2nd Street • Pembroke Pines, FL 33029
Phone: 954.986.6366 • 305.682.4993 • Fax 954.986.4355 www.TheDonowayCenter.com
Page 12
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 13
NEWEST
NON-SURGICAL LIPO BODY SCULPTING AND FAT LOSS CAVI-LIPO ULTRASOUND GET RID OF THOSE UNSIGHTLY VEINS. LET THE EXPERT RESTORE THE BEAUTY OF YOUR LEGS! $
50 off
DO NOT LET YOUR HANDS TELL YOUR AGE. WE ALSO DO HAND REJUVENATION.
your first leg vein treatment
CENTER FOR SKIN, VEINS, LASER & ANTI-AGING MEDICINE DR. HELEN DONATELLI, M.D.
305.466.4440 email: drdonatellimd@gmail.com • www.Dr.DonatelliMD.com 3085 NE 163rd Street, North Miami Beach
Page 14
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 15
Gibraltar Private Bank and Trust Miami Beach Opening
Jimmy Morales, Comm. Jerry Libbin, Comm. Michael Gongora, Ana Cecilia Velasco, Joe Jimenez
Raquel Bild-Libbin, Comm. Jerry Libbin, Dr. Corey Narson, Mark Rousso
Michael S. Goldberg, Commissioner Jorge Esposito, Commissioner Deede Wheithorn, Commissioner Michael Gongora, Commissioner Jerry Libbin, Jimmy Morales, Adolfo Henriques, Jay Pelham
Howard Toland, Jimmy Morales, Jeffrey Rynor
Michael S. Goldberg
Lina Macki, Marina Sendra, Commissioner Michael Gongora, Commissioner Jorge Esposito, Aleida Aroix, Maria Paulsen, Michael S. Goldberg, Commissioner Jerry Libbin, Commissioner Deede Wheithorn, Jimmy Morales
SEE MORE PHOTOS NEXT PAGE
Ana Cecilia Velasco, Sherry Kaplan Roberts and DeAnne Connolly Graham
Page 16
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 17
Gibraltar Private Bank and Trust Miami Beach Opening Rena Kliot, Michael S. Goldberg, Kristine Goldberg, Pamela Brumer, Joe Conway
Alan Lips, Dr. Corey Narson, Dr. Todd Narson
Eric Jacobs, Jimmy Resnick, Barry Shevlin, Michael S. Goldberg, Adolfo Henriques, Jay Pelham, Russel Galbut
Leo Casino
Jay P. Parker and Michael S. Goldberg
SEE MORE PHOTOS NEXT PAGE
Dr. Baruch Jacobs, Yulia Betencourt, Michael S. Goldberg, Kristine Goldberg, Guest, Russell Galbut, Zaga Arsic, Abraham Galbut, Rena Kliot
Page 18
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
Gibraltar Private Bank and Trust Miami Beach Opening
Nelson Gonzalez, Kevin Gerhardstein, Dr. Anthony Fernandez , Barton Goldberg Adolfo Henriques, Angel Medina, Russell Galbut, Mark Rousso, John Stuart, Michael S. Goldberg
Mayor Glenn Singer, Kristine Goldberg, Michael S. Goldberg, Adolfo Henriques
Commissioner Michael Gongora, Commissioner Jorge Esposito, Commissioner Jerry Libbin, Adolfo Henriques, Michael Goldberg, Commissioner Deede Wheithorn, Jimmy Morales
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 19
Page 20
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 21
Page 22
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
21355 E Dixie Hwy, Ste 100 Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 405-0700 email: whrx.frontdesk@gmail.com
Have you had your annual women's health care visit? Do you have women's health ailments like bleeding or pelvic pain? Do you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer? Please call our office today to schedule your PRO-ACTIVE care assessment s now Call u 05.0700 305.4 Languages Spoken: Spanish, Russian, Romanian Most Insurances Accepted
Specialist Provider Team: Frank Cirisano, MD, Dea Rushing, PA-C, Megan Honig, PA-C, Anca Vilcov, Adm.
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Miami Beach’s Unique Tours have something for everyone
Miami Beach, famous for beautiful beaches, culture, celebrities and millionaires has a tour to match every visitor’s desires. Love movies? We have a tour for that. Are you an avid foodie? We have a tour to satisfy your appetite. A wide-ranging lineup of unique Miami Beach tour offerings piques the curiosity while also being wildly entertaining. Whether it’s taking off in a private seaplane or visiting the homes of the rich and famous, visitors can find out everything they need to know about the city by booking a tour. Miami Beach’s tours have anything and everything under the sun: Miami Movie Tours: Tour guides provide a look through the camera lens with insight about productions that have filmed in Miami and Miami Beach with info on the year the movie/TV show was filmed, the studios, actors, locations and much more. Gay & Lesbian Walking Tour: Visit key spots that mark the contributions that Gays and Lesbians have made to Miami Beach over the years including the preservation of its architectural gems, and how the LGBT community is playing a continuing role in shaping the future of Miami Beach. Start at the Art Deco Welcome Center: 1001 Ocean Drive. Visit on the 4th Saturday of each month at 5pm. Miami Seaplane Tours: Experience the skyline of Miami, Miami sunsets, and the pristine waters of Biscayne Bay, South Beach and other popular landmarks via a seaplane! It’s the opportunity of a lifetime to experience a real air tour adventure like no other with tour options for every budget. South Beach Cultural Food and Walking Tour: Explore the Art Deco district of South Beach on foot while making frequent stops to sample cuisines from all over the world. You’ll begin with a guided historical, cultural and architectural walking tour of South Beach’s most iconic Art Deco properties. Admire the architecture while
learning about the city’s preservation efforts. Along the way, you’ll taste a variety of cuisines that now make South Beach such an internationally acclaimed foodie city. The tour stops at 5-7 top restaurants sampling traditional cuisines from Colombia, Argentina, Cuba, Italy, Peru and more! Miami Duck Tour: The Duck Tour provides guides with a background in acting or comedy to ensure a highly entertaining experience for each passenger complete with jokes, music, plenty of interaction and of course “quacking.” Learn fascinating historical tidbits about Miami and Miami Beach and inside information about our many celebrity residents while hitting Ocean Drive / Art Deco District, the Versace Mansion, the Lincoln Road Mall, and the homes of the rich and famous on Millionaire’s Row including Shaquille O’Neal, Gloria Estefan, the former home of the infamous Al Capone, and the home where Scarface was filmed. Moon Over Miami Romance Tour: Taking flight just prior to sunset, make a toast as the sun sinks behind the Everglades, casting its brilliant red hue on Biscayne Bay. Then, as darkness falls, South Beach and Star Island light up for the night. For newlyweds and couples, the Moon over Miami Romance Tour is the perfect occasion to celebrate in a way you’ll always remember. South Beach Arts and Culinary Tour in Miami: The arts and culinary tour in bustling South Beach begins with a behind-the-scenes look at the New World Center and the Bass Museum of Art, both a fixture of Miami Beach’s arts scene. Then tour Lincoln Road and immerse yourself in the rich South Beach gallery scene with a visit to South Florida ArtCenter. Your excursion will conclude with a threecourse lunch or dinner – depending on the time of your tour – at one of the many South Beach restaurants helmed by a celebrity chef, including Mercadito, Shokudo or Egg & Dart.
Page 23
Page 24
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 25
Page 26
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
Austenland is a Disappointing Trip to the Movies BY LAUREN COHEN
The desire for life to imitate fantasy is nothing new. We live in a world full of cosplay, fandom conventions and geek culture – something I deeply cherish. So when I heard the concept behind the movie “Austenland” – about an immersive English resort where Austen fanatics could go and pretend they’re living in the Regency era – I was certainly intrigued. I can even see myself wanting to visit such a place: empire-waist gowns, English accents, early 19th-century manners and Mr. Darcys galore – where do I sign up? Such is the thought process of the film’s heroine, the aptly named Jane (Keri Russell). She’s the kind of woman who has a life-size cardboard cutout of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy; the kind of woman who has had the first three chapters of “Pride and Prejudice” memorized since she was 13. So when she hears of Austenland, it’s a no brainer: she throws down her life savings and off she goes. Austenland is swarming with hired actors who play everything from potential suitors to the help. Upon arrival she meets those who will keep her company during her stay: fellow guest Miss Elizabeth Charming (Jennifer Coolidge), the resort’s snooty owner, Mrs. Wattlesworth (Jane Seymour) and of course the resident Mr. Darcy actor, Mr. Nobley (JJ Feild), among others. The issues with Austenland aren’t apparent from the very beginning. At first, it starts off sweet enough, and there are good ideas at play here. But as the storyline progresses, the problems become glaringly obvious: this is a prime example of a great storyline with a script that chooses to trivialize it rather than explore it. From the moment that Jane arrives at Austenland, she’s treated poorly. She’s one of three
MOVIE REVIEW
women staying for the week, and is told by Mrs. Wattlesworth that she purchased the cheap package, and therefore will be missing out on much the resort has to offer. She’s given a less-than-desirable name (Miss Erstwhile), unattractive dresses, and a closet-sized room in the servant’s wing. She’s even introduced to everyone as “an orphan of no fortune.” (It’s a nice nod to the social classes of the time period, but could a resort with only three guests really afford to treat their patrons in such a hideous manner?) She butts heads with Mr. Nobley (what a surprise!), but finds herself forming an unlikely romance with the handsome groundskeeper, Martin (Bret McKenzie). And all that is well and fine on paper — except what plays out before us is a movie that’s deficient in everything that makes Austen’s novels so wonderful; this is a movie that is devoid of any real spirit. It has its moments where it works as a whimsy diversion, but any opportunity to give the story substance is sidestepped in favor of clichés and pointless plot developments.
The humor, likewise, misses the mark. Severely lacking in the wit of Austen’s prose, it constantly aims for cheap slapstick, as is best demonstrated by Jennifer Coolidge’s character. Playing the same role she’s always played, Coolidge’s Elizabeth Charming is tacky and obnoxious — her character constantly speaks in a phony Cockney accent and says inappropriate
things (after all, she’s only there because she thinks she’ll “look great in those wench gowns.”) It’s funny for about 20 minutes before it feels decidedly stale. As a means to try and combat this, the script tries painstakingly hard to force in parallels to Austen’s most famous book, “Pride and Prejudice.” But once again, its attempts fall flat. Our heroine lacks the spunk of Elizabeth Bennett, and Mr. Nobley is a poor man’s Mr. Darcy. We have a love triangle – but what good is a love triangle if neither prospect feels particularly agreeable by the movie’s end? Not to mention seasoned Austen fans will see the end “twist” coming long before it’s revealed. If you want a similar story, watch the charming mini-series “Lost in Austen” instead. Rating: C-
Nikki Danielle Inc. was founded in Montreal in 1975 by Isaie J. Bouhadana. The inspiration for the brand name came first from a famous french, designer in Paris. Also, the name was obvious when he met his wife Nicole, who at the time was a french singer going by her artist name, Nikki Danielle. Isaie started with one boutique and quickly expanded the business to several other stores in major malls. He then decided to sell wholesale. Years later, his daughter, Eva joined the company to become his partner and to develop the business into one of the most successful and reputable trade names in the fashion industry. Isaie’s dream was always to move to warm weather on the beautiful beaches of Florida. He pursued his passion and opened Nikki Danielle Miami. Nikki Danielle Inc. sells ready-to-wear women’s fashionable clothing collections. The company strives to have the latest selection of clothing in all sizes per style, making shopping fun and easy. Nikki Danielle will meet their customer’s needs by providing an unmatched selection of women’s fashion clothing including famous brand jeans, short & long dresses (casual & formal), blouses, tops, skirts, bathing suits & cover-ups, bags & accessories. FASHION IS ALL ABOUT EMOTIONS, STYLE, CREATIVITY & UNIQUENESS Nikki Danielle Inc. 18090 Collins Ave. Local T.12 • Sunny Isles, FL 33160 305.466.2004 • nikkidanielle@live.com
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 27
Page 28
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
Free Consultation A Law Firm Dedicated to Protecting Florida’s Families Medical Malpractice • • • • •
Brain Damage Death Anesthesia Accidents Drug Reactions Paralysis
• • • • •
Cancer Misdiagnosed Surgical Negligence Birth Injuries Pediatric Malpractice Neurology/Strokes
Nursing Home Abuse • Bed Sores • Amputation • Falls •Workers Compensation •Defective Products •Cruise Ship Litigation
Home, Hospital & Office Visits Available
• Neglect • Sexual Abuse • Physical Abuse •Car Accidents •Slip & Fall •Dog Bites •Aviation Litigation •Unpaid Overtime
•Sexual Harassment •Employment Discrimination
On Call 24 Hours 7 Days a Week
No Fees or Costs if No Recovery
Panter,Panter & Sampedro,P.A.
“Serving Our Community For More Than 20 Years”
305-662-6178
6950 N. Kendall Drive Miami, Florida 33156 Telefax: (305) 662-9472 / 1-800-PANTERLAW
www.panterlaw.com
THE HIRING OF A LAWYER IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION THAT SHOULD NOT BE BASED SOLELY UPON ADVERTISEMENTS. BEFORE YOU DECIDE, ASK US TO SEND YOU FREE WRITTEN INFORMATION ABOUT OUR QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPENSES
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Chamber-supported 2nd Annual Sustainable Authentic Florida Conference Convenes here October 23-25 A collaborative of scholars and public citizens will focus on Miami Beach for how pride of place helps cities reverse economic downturn. This year the case gets made directly in Miami Beach at the annual Sustainable Authentic Florida Conference, October 2325, in South Beach. It was at last year’s inaugural conference in Anna Maria that a delegation from Miami Beach invited the conference here in 2013. “We liked the collaborative’s independent and multi-disciplinary approach to issues,” says Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jerry Libbin. “Last year the conference held up Miami Beach as one of the few Florida cities that has organized development largely around how people of the city choose to live.” “Everybody knows South Beach, but in a deep way almost no one, aside from those of us who live here, knows about the community that makes our city so one of a kind.” This year’s conference theme is Tourism, Metro Narratives and Community. Says Denis Russ of the Miami Beach Community Development Corporation, this year’s conference Host Committee Chair, “Amidst the changing fortunes of American cities, discussions this year will center on whether innovative change in Florida cities is reaching the ears of innovators in our market cities, who from
Millennials to Boomers are turning those cities more authentic, livable and sustainable. “From the evidence, when these people travel, look to re-locate or start a business, they look for cities of comparable character. It seems more than lifestyle, and may reflect a principled change in behavior.” According to Conference Director Herb Hiller, “our Florida cities are changing the same as theirs. Do they know that our cities are more than just fun in the sun? Equally livable and resilient? Are our people promoting change talking to theirs? The conference will ask how to make this happen.” Among presenters are Elizabeth PlaterZyberk of Duany-Plater Zyberk Company; John Stuart of Florida International University’s Miami Beach Urban Studios; Gary Mormino, retired co-founder of the University of South Florida Studies Program; James Moore of HDR Architects in Tampa, and Bruce Stephenson of Rollins College. In addition to the Chamber, conference sponsors include the City of Miami Beach, Miami Beach CDC, Miami Beach Design Preservation League, Ameresco, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, VISIT FLORIDA, and University of Miami School of Architecture. For information and to register, conference website is http://www.sustainableauthenticflorida.com/.
Page 29
Page 30
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Do you or someone you know have Rosacea? FXM Research in Miramar is looking for males and females 18 years or older that suffer from Rosacea “Redness on forehead, cheeks, and nose with acne type lesions on your face” to participate in a four [4] study-visit clinical research study. Medical Insurance is not required for study participation.
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
National Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer Week
Qualified participants will receive: • Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist. • Investigational Study Medication or placebo at no cost. • Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $200.00.
¿Tiene usted o alguien que usted conoce Rosacea? FXM Research en Miramar está buscando hombres y mujeres de 18 años de edad o más que padecen de Rosacea “Enrojecimiento en la frente, mejillas, y nariz con lesiones similares al acné”, para participar en un estudio clínico de investigación que requiere de cuatro [4] visitas. Seguro Médico no es requerido para su participación en el estudio. Los participantes que califiquen recibirán: • Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado. • Los medicamentos del estudio bajo investigación o placebo sin costo alguno. • Reembolso por tiempo y transporte hasta $200.00. For more information please call:
Para más información por favor llame al:
(954) 430-1097 Francisco Flores, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist FXM Research Miramar
FXM Research Miramar 3000 SW 148th Ave. Suite 216 Miramar, FL 33027
www.fxmresearch.com
Do you or someone you know have Atopic Dermatitis (Also known as Eczema)? FXM Research in Miramar is looking for males and females 18 to 65 years of age that suffer from Atopic Dermatitis (dry, red, scaling patches throughout your body with or without itchiness), to participate in a nine (9) 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 $540.00.
¿Tiene usted o alguien que usted conoce Dermatitis Atópica (También conocida como Eczema)? FXM Research en Miramar está buscando a hombres y mujeres de 18 a 65 años de edad que padecen de Dermatitis Atópica (parches de resequedad, enrojecimiento, descamación en su cuerpo con o sin picazón), para participar en un estudio clínico de investigación que requiere de nueve (9) 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 de hasta $540.00. For more information please call:
Para más información por favor llame al:
(954) 430-1097 Francisco Flores, MD. Board Certified Dermatologist FXM Research Miramar
FXM Research Miramar 3000 SW 148th Ave. Suite 216 Miramar, FL 33027
www.fxmresearch.com
Wendy Unger (right) receiving a proclamation from the City of Miami Beach for National Hereditary Breast & Cancer Week. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY WENDY S. UNGER In celebration of National Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer Week, which is September 29th to October 5th and National Previvor Day, Wednesday, October 2nd, I’m publishing my story which I hope will be helpful to others facing similar situations. I’m Wendy Unger, and this is my story: It was Holiday Season, 2009, my sister Nancy was diagnosed positive with the BRCA1 Breast & Ovarian Cancer gene mutation. Wow! The doctors say that she had to have her ovaries and breasts removed in order to prevent breast and ovarian cancer. This is really radical. Then the other shoe drops, this is hereditary. Each of the other three Unger siblings had to take the test. It’s the holidays; would I have to think about cancer? So, the next step is the test. Being me, I go into it with the idea that it’s just not possible that I could have the gene too. I test, and the results don’t come until January. I’m positive BRCA1, too, and my husband, Seth and I have to make a big decision. It’s not intellectually difficult - the oncologist tells you the facts: with the gene mutation, your risk increases from the normal population’s 2-3% to the BRCA’s 85-90% risk. The difficulty in the decision is the emotional one, you have to decide to have your breasts removed and you find that raises a lot of emotions in both partners. Fortunately, there is support to be found: there are organizations that provide it. So, we made our decision and 2010 was a year full of hospital and surgery, those that we planned and one surprise. February was the oopherectomy, the removal of my ovaries and fallopian tubes. While I was recovering from my first surgery, I had to have emergency spine surgery. I had to spend several months in physical therapy before I could have the next planned preventative surgery, the double mastectomy, the removal of my breasts. I had that surgery in July
and was lucky enough to have reconstructive surgery at the same time. In my procedure, the physicians and I had chosen to use tissue expanders to help build my new breasts. By November, it was time to have the expanders removed and the implants placed, just the next step in the reconstructive process. Wow, the holidays were upon us again and it was overwhelming to look back at what 2010 had been like for us. But it was not over yet, the reconstructive process continued, February 2nd, I got my nipples, and then got them tattooed in July. Now, I’ll have to have to be vigilant to watch for cancer signs annually. It really wasn’t over... I had the 2nd portion of the tattoo process in 2012. We are grateful for the blessings that have come our way: • We had been tapped on the shoulder and given a pass on CANCER maybe I had to have lots of surgery, but no chemotherapy or radiation • I had been invited to serve on the board of the Miami-Dade unit of the American Cancer Society, something I’d been working towards since 2003 • I had signed up as an Outreach Coordinator with F.O.R.C.E. • I am helping other people and families with the same issues. Our pastor’s words had really come true for us - in what surely looked like apparent misfortune we had found our gift. I knew it was my mission to help others with the hereditary cancer gene mutation to handle their future wisely and carefully. And if I think about it now, I know that in helping others, it’s really helped me heal. If you are a person with cancer, or the hereditary cancer gene and you’re seeking support or information, contact me at: Wendy S. Unger wendyu@facingourrisk.org Outreach Coordinator - Miami Dade County 305-772-7369, www.facingourrisk.org Support hereditary breast and ovarian cancer research.
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Mount Sinai Medical Center welcomes Dr. Leila Chaychi Mount Sinai Medical Center welcomes Dr. Leila Chaychi as its newest endocrinologist. Dr. Chaychi will be seeing patients at Mount Sinai Medical Center’s main campus in Miami Beach, as well as Mount Sinai Aventura’s multi-specialty office, located at 2845 Aventura Boulevard, and Mount Sinai Coral Gables, located at 836 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Board certified in internal medicine and endocrinology, Dr. Chaychi’s clinical focus is on the management of diabetes and clinical nutrition. She specializes in diseases of the endocrine system such as thyroid, bone and lipid. She is also experienced in thyroid ultrasound, biopsies and thyroid cancer management. Dr. Chaychi completed her doctorate in medicine at Azad Tehran Medical School in Tehran, Iran. She also performed an internship in Internal Medicine at Griffin Hospital, a Yale School of Medicine affiliated program, as well as her residency at Metrowest Medical Center, a University of Massachusetts affiliated hospital. She completed fellowship training in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at Dartmouth- Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire. Dr. Chaychi is an active member of the American Thyroid Association, American
Dr. Leila Chaychi –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American Medical Association. She is fluent in English, Spanish, Farsi, Italian and some French. For more information, or to contact Dr. Leila Chaychi, please call 305-674-CARE (305-674-2273) or visit www.msmc.com.
Page 31
Page 32
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 33
Page 34
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Tale of Two Industries and the Changes to Come in Miami BY SANDRA OSORIO MANGINI
2012 and 2013 have been good years for Miami. Builder confidence is extremely high and new developments are cropping up on a daily basis. There are currently over 60 planned residential and mixed use developments that will dramatically alter Miami, as we know it. With these new developments are also new businesses including both retail and new and exciting restaurants., All of these changes are transforming the city in very positive ways. Two very notable areas of growth are the food scene and the new developments. Groups of restaurateurs and developers are leading this process and are steadfast in their devotion to see Miami become an international hub and culinary destination. In exploring the patterns of new development, one can also explore the new flavors of the city. Starting with downtown Miami and Brickell, Brickell CityCentre is likely to be the largest change in all of Miami and is developed by Swire Properties. It is costing over a billion to create and is comprised of 5 towers with residential units, hotel, and a mall, encompassing 3 city blocks. Other notable sky scrapers are mybrickell, 1100 MIllecento, and BrickellHouse. The impetus behind the buying is also not just in South America anymore, Chinese and Europeans are increasingly purchasing these properties. Coconut Grove has an enormous project in Grove at Grand Bay, Sunny Isles has scarcely a parcel unplanned with Mansions at Acqualina, Porshe Design Tower, and 400 Sunny Isles. Miami Beach has construction in nearly every corner and the powerhouse developers Related Group and Faena Group have multiple projects including Faena House, One Ocean, MyBrickell, Icon Bay, Plaza
Miami, Marea, and SLS Hotel and Residences, to name a few. The result of buyer demand increasing builder confidence is felt at a micro level in the food scene. One of the notable aspects of these new developments is the lifestyle that the individual buildings facilitate, along with the culinary attraction they hold. We also have a new breed of restaurant developer that operates hand in hand with real estate developers. 50 Eggs, Pub Belly, and Micheal Shwartz are all restauranteurs behind the veritable foodie revolution in Miami. 50 Eggs are behind Khong River House, Swine Southern Table, and Yardbird, which occupy prime real estate in South Beach and Coral Gables. Pub Belly is situated in Miami Beach and is also extending to North Miami Beach this fall with L’Echon, which is the most recent addition to its roster of restaurants including Pub Belly, Pub Belly Sushi, PB Steak, Macchianlina, Taco Belly, and Barceloneta. Micheal Shwartz is the chef behind the critically acclaimed Michaels Geniune, and Harry’s Pizzaeria, and is just opened the new restaurant at The Raliegh and continues to expand in areas of the Design District and Midtown. Wolfgang’s, Umami Burger, Serafina, Shake Shack, and Serindipity all are restaurants that opened in the past three years that are popular chains in larger cities. The changes in Miami are multifaceted and in only these two industries one can tell that it is truly another Miami Renaissance. Miami is fast becoming “local” with all the resident’s needs within walking and biking distance. For more information regarding development news and real estate listings, please visit my site, www.searchmiamibeachrealestate.com.
Page 35
Page 36
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
There’s more to Nashville than country music BY DEBBIE MARTINEZ
To all my faithful followers, all I can say is, “My boots are packed and I’m moving to Nashville!” Well, not really, but let me share with you what has led to this yearning. Having been a late bloomer to the love of country music, I had never considered walking down Honky Tonk Row as a vacation. My perception was that Nashville was pure country and although it is, there is so much more to Nashville than the Grand Ole Opry. Known as Music City and listed as one of the top 5 destinations in the world to visit in 2013 by Conde Nast Traveler, Nashville is a destination for families, girlfriends looking for a getaway, art lovers and music enthusiasts. Don’t get me wrong, I have become a die-hard country music fan and from the time I disembarked the plane, Nashville was in full swing. As I walked past security, The Trenton Chandler Band was playing and people were actually milling around obviously in no hurry to claim their baggage. Passing by a heart defibrillator on the wall, I laughed as I read the plaque, “For your Achy Breaky Heart”. My first stop was the Parthenon. Nicknamed the “Athens of the South”, it is the worlds only full size reproduction of the Parthenon and was built in 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. It houses an art gallery and a 42-foot Athena gilded with 8 pounds of gold leaf who was built by Alan Lequire, one of the nation’s premiere sculptors, whose gallery you can visit and see him as he works on his impressive portraiture busts. For foodies, there are several places you can indulge and my first night brought me to a table at Capital Grille located in The Hermitage Hotel. Walking through the doors of this 100-year-old hotel was step-
ping back to a time of ornate elegance and refinement. The restaurant was just as elegantly appointed but the food was what won high acclaims. The dishes are prepared from food bought at the National Farmer’s Market as well as their own farm. Smoked beef tenderloin, crispy crusted trout, kale and broccoli, truffle mac and cheese coupled with a great selection of wines led me to an early bedtime. I woke up with Billy Currington playing my wake up call and a few short minutes later I was heading into the Nashville Visitor’s Center where my day would begin with an informative video and me taking the stage, guitar in hand, for a photo op. A great way to see the city and get all the scoop is on a Grayline Sightseeing Tour. With a faint drizzle and a Music City chocolate bar in hand, I settled into their comfy seats and learned the inside info on
the people and places of Nashville. Next stop was Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; 40,000 square feet of everything country. Glancing into the archive room, I could see the ghosts of music past wandering the aisles of packed boxes and guitar cases; so much music history in one room. The displays were breathtaking with costumes, boots, and personal artifacts from the likes of Reba, George Strait, Mel Tillis, Kenny Rogers and the list goes on. From Cadillac’s to guitars, one could spend hours taking in the numerous vignettes. FYI, eating their fried pickles cannot be missed. Cruising down historic Music Row and stopping in front of Studio B brought chills, for here in this recording studio in the middle of the night, Elvis recorded Are You Lonesome Tonight. Taking the tour and hearing the recordings of different artists was entertaining but when I walked into the actual room where Elvis recorded and heard him singing, I have to tell you, there were no words to describe how I felt at that moment. Well, still floating on my Elvis high, I made my way over to the Johnny Cash Museum. For all you lovers of the ”man in black”, trust me, you will not want to miss this. The museum is made up of artifacts, interactive stations, extensive displays and a gift shop. Joanne Yates, Johnny’s sister, said the museum will allow people to “know the reality of who the man was” and it certainly does just that. Okay, you’re probably wondering when I am going to stop talking country music
and get to the parts of Nashville that aren’t. I suppose I can break away for a bit and fill you in on all the “other” amazing things to do. The list is endless. There is the Nashville Zoo, Adventure Science Center, Belle Meade Plantation, Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art (my favorite), The Hermitage which is the home of Andrew Jackson, Jack Daniel’s Distillery (a short distance away), Arrington Vineyards, Hatch Prints which is one of the oldest letter press poster print shops, Frist Center for the Visual Arts where you can listen to docent Mancil Ezell who with his vast knowledge and dry, sarcastic humor is nothing less than riveting, the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, a place that boggles your mind with 2,881 rooms, 9 acres of indoor gardens, 3 pools, fountain show, beautiful atriums filled with nooks and crannies, spa and multiple restaurants and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center with dinner at Arpeggio. Finding good food in Nashville will never be a concern. A few of my favorites are The Conservatory Bar at Gaylord Opry, The Southern where I had the Best grits, ever (sorry Mom), Music City Flats Stone Oven and Cabana where Southern comfort food is their specialty. As my walk down memory lane draws to a close, I have saved the best for last. A visit to Nashville just wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Grand Ole Opry. It is home to the world’s longest running radio show and where legends were born. Touring backstage, you can see the waiting area for performers and even Minnie Pearl’s dressing room. Speaking of where legends are born, save a night (or two) to peruse the Honky Tonks where up and coming singers play. Be careful, the lights and music of Honky Tonk Row are more intoxicating than the beer. As an aside, every year, Nashville hosts Tin Pan South where famous names and hopefuls play and sing side by side in venues all over the city. If you love country music, this is something to put on your bucket list. Upcoming 2014 dates are April 2-6. Spending time in Nashville was a check mark on my bucket list and coming home with a pair of boots was a bonus. Those are the same boots I plan on wearing when I return. See you at Tootsies. For more information on Nashville visit www.visitmusiccity.com. Debbie Martinez is a Miami Dade resident and Travel Editor for the Miami’s Community Newspapers. She can be reached at debbiemartinez1@mac.com
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 37
Page 38
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
ECOMB: One-Stop Shop Recycling Drop-Off Station For Electronic Waste, Batteries, Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs and all other recyclables.
WHAT: ECOMB HAS JUST MADE IT A LOT EASIER FOR EVERYONE TO RECYCLE! The Environmental Coalition of Miami & the Beaches, ECOMB, in partnership with SIR International (www.sirinternational.com), makes it easy for Miami Beach residents to recycle electronic waste, batteries and compact fluorescent light bulbs at its Miami Beach Center for the Environment. The Center also accepts all other types of Single Stream Recyclables - glass, plastic, metal, paper, cardboard, magazines, junk mail, phone books, etc - for those businesses and residents that do not have a recycling program in place. This has been made possible thanks to an agreement established between the City of Miami Beach and our local waste haulers: Waste Management and WSI. With ECOMB in the “hood”, it’s now easy to be part of the green movement. All you have to do is call ECOMB’s office or stop by to visit us. WHY: Because the average American throws out seven and a half pounds of trash each day! And it all ends up at the landfills, where it just sits, compacted, buried, taking up space ... forever. Recycling is important because it helps keep our resources plentiful, not only for us but for our future generations: our children, grandchildren, and so on ... WHERE: Miami Beach Center for the Environment 210 Second Street and Collins Court (alley between Washington & Collins Ave.)
Miami Beach, Fl 33139
TIME: • GENERAL RECYCLABLES = SINGLE STREAM (glass, plastic, metal, paper, etc): 24 HOURS A DAY • ELECTRONICS, BATTERIES, CFLs: from 10 am to 5 pm. Must call first to make drop-off arrangements. About ECOMB: ECOMB, a 501 (c) (3) founded in 1994, is dedicated to the promotion of environmental sustainability and the preservation of our community’s ecology. Phone: 305-534-3825 ecomb@ecomb.org or Miguel@ecomb.org Educating People. Engaging our Community. Effecting Environmental Change.
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 39
Page 40
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sept. 19 - Oct. 2, 2013