Miami Beach News 9.22.2011 by Community Newspapers

P u b l i s h e d i n c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h T h e M i a m i B e a c h C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– C o n n e c t i n g L o c a l B u s i n e s s e s s i n c e 1 9 5 8

––––––––––– www.communitynewspapers.com ––––––––––––

SEPTEMBER 22, 2011

City sets tentative Budget BY COMMISSIONER DEEDE WEITHORN

It’s budget time at the City of Miami Beach and as usual we played to a mostly empty chamber. Very few residents come to opine on the budget and it never ceases to amaze me why few people care about this “contract” with the residents. A budget for a government is really a contract between the elected officials and the residents of how resources will be allocated and dollars will be spent. Most people however, believe that the budget is more like a household budget a set of guidelines to be followed and therefore they dismiss the discussion as unnecessary. However, the budget debate may be among the most important items voted on each year as it actually takes action to vary significantly from the budget. Maybe now you are more interest so let’s examine some basic sources of revenue and expenses in the proposed 2011/2012 City of Miami Beach General Fund budget:

REVENUES

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See

BUDGET, page 4

Alan Lips Named Next Chairman of the Board

he Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Alan Lips, Executive Board Member and Treasurer, has been chosen by the Executive Board of Governors to become the next Chairman of Board of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. His term will begin October 2012. “I’ve had the pleasure of sitting on the Board of Governors with Alan for the past 14 years” said Board Chair Jason Loeb. “His commitment and leadership has played an integral role in the continued success of the Miami Beach Chamber.” “Alan is a natural born leader and is so well respected by his peers” said Executive Board Member and Immediate Past Chair Aaron Perry. “His years of dedication to the organization made the Board’s choice to name Alan our next chairman an obvious one.” Lips has been serving on the Chamber’s Board of Governors for the past seven years, having spent six of them as treasurer. Lips is a partner with the Miami Beach accounting firm of Gerson Preston Robinson & Company handling complex international and local tax matters and financial reporting for significant clients from all over the U.S., South America and throughout the world. Loved by his partners and staff,

ALAN LIPS

Lips has served both the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and the local community as a dynamic leader and friend through his commitment to giving back to his city. Lips has served on various Miami Beach government boards and has been a prominent fundraiser and member of the Board of Trustees at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach’s largest employer and South Florida’s premier medical center. ––––––––––––––––––

See

ALAN LIPS, page 4

Phone: 305-669-7355

Letter from the Chair BY JASON LOEB Chairman, Miami Beach Chamber Dedication and hard work are probably the two most admirable business traits. It’s not easy maintaining high levels of either, but nothing is more gratifying than reaping in the results. Today, I received the latest results from the efforts of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Councils and I’m thrilled to announce to you so many accomplishments: Our Councils are bigger than ever. Each averages 24 representatives led by a Chair hand selected by the Chairman of the Board of Governors The strength of our Councils lies not just in numbers. Each council is designed to incorporate all cross sections of an industry, attracting relevant members and industry elites whose knowledge and insight can be incorporated to develop impacting initiatives Council members are more committed than ever. Each member affirms to serve at least one year and miss no more than three meetings during their service. This has created a consistency and continual flow in progress of projects. The Chamber calendar is full. Each council was tasked to develop one major program per year, with three sub programs serving its mission. As a result, we’ve seen some incredible initiatives. Council landmarks include “The New Now – Making Business Happen in South Florida”, “Smart, Simple and Green, the Importance of Going Green for Businesses”, “Excellence in Education Awards”, “Better With Age”, “Champions of Business Panel”, and “Doing Business with Brazil”. I look forward to the annual variations of each.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See

LETTER, page 4

Page 2

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT MICHAEL ALLER – MR. MIAMI BEACH The Britto Portrait Speaks Volumes. him running a Polo shop in the Miami Beach There’s Michael Aller flashing his welcome- Burdines department store or his mid-‘80s everyone smile, his ubiquitous cell phone stint as the star performer of Michael Aller’s poised near his ear and “I Floating Piano Bar, a 60-foot love Miami Beach” procatamaran based across from claimed on his lapel. The the Fontainebleau. But it was sun, surf and sand that put his round-the-clock dedicathe city on the destination tion to the Chamber of map decorate the backCommerce that prompted the ground, along with Romero city to make its stars-alignBritto’s signature hearts ing job offer. and stripes. It’s perfect Attend any major happenPairing-the iconic artist, ing in Miami Beach these named Florida’s days and Aller is there, Ambassador of the Arts in greeting everyone like an old 2005, and the man who friend (most of them are). He both embodies and champihits an average of seven ons Miami Beach’s exuberevents each week, presenting ant spirit. key to the city, delivering From its prominent spot proclamations, serving as in his City Hall office, the emcee-unless, of course, MICHAEL ALLER portrait watches over a he’s taking the show on the staggering collection of road, spreading the gospel of Miami Beach memorabilia and mementos SoBe around the globe. from Aller’s 19 years as Tourism and An out and proud gay man, Aller also Convention Director and Chief of Protocol worked for the passage of the local human for the City. “Michael is the most amazing rights ordinance and serves as gay liaison for person in Miami Beach,” Britto says. “He is his community. His secretary likens keeping 24/7 Mr. Miami Beach.” up with him to chasing someone on roller It’s a statement as bold as the colors in the skates. “I’m a workaholic,” Aller grins. “I painting, yet unlikely to draw any dissenters. don’t know about slowing down.” Even before Aller took his official post in The 24-hour references are no joke. His cell 1991, his city-centric nickname was in place. phone doubles as the Miami Beach tourism hotHe applied his workaholic nature to the Miami line and fields questions from visitors at all Beach Chamber of Commerce, volunteering hours, 365 days a year. Aller considers it his as membership director, newsletter founder greatest contribution. “We have a hotline that’s and editor, Business expo chairman and net- 24 hours, seven days a week, answered by a working chair. Devoting himself full-time to person, not a machine. I hate when you call, and the city made sense for its No. 1 fan. “It’s not they say, ‘Now press 1.’ The city of Miami a job,” says Aller. “This is a passion.” Beach shows that we care for our residents.” Tourism professionals are expected to be Aller has also witnessed an extraordinary cheerleaders for their home turf, but Aller’s evolution during his tenure, as Miami Beach affection runs far more than career deep. He vaulted from sleepy retirement burg to interwon’t even admit to a favorite vacation spot national playground for the glitterati. But like away from his beloved city. “Somebody a devoted parent, he refuses to play favorites asked me if I had an opportunity for a second with the city’s various incarnations or push home, what would I do? I said, “I’d buy the his own ideas about what it might become. condo next to me,” Aller laughs. “Why would His devotion has brought numerous accoI want to leave? This is paradise.” lades: induction to the Travel and Tourism Hall The love affair dates to his childhood, when of Fame in 2003 by the Miami Beach Chamber the Detroit native spent six months out of the of Commerce, 2005 South Florida Tourism year in Miami Beach with his snowbird par- Professional of the Year from the Academy of ents. He still remembers his first impression- Hospitality and Tourism, a 2006 Shining Star which never fails to dazzle him even now. Award from the Greater Miami Convention and “Every time I come over the Julia Tuttle Visitors Bureau and on March 3, 2007 Michael [bridge] and I get to the top of the crest, it is received the Leonard “Doc” Baker Lifetime thrilling to see the skyline of Miami Beach, Achievement Award from the Miami Beach the ocean, the bay, the hotels,” he says. Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his Aller started his career path in the nursing community leadership. “He is the face of Miami home industry, establishing his lengthy track Beach and hospitality,” says GMCVB President record of community service. When he and CEO Bill Talbert, who works with Aller on “retired,” he made the permanent move to a daily basis. “He’s a consummate professional Florida and proceeded to try on a variety of and he’s the epitome of customer service. hats. Longtime residents might remember Michael’s always there to assist and support.”

Page 3

Page 4

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

BUDGET, from page 1

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

ALAN LIPS, from page 1

–

Lips’ senior partner, Gary Gerson, CPA, is no stranger to the Miami Beach Chamber and has been a prominent leader in our community for many years. Gerson started the GPR accounting firm on Miami Beach in 1959 as a small accounting office and never looked back. Today the firm has three offices with locations in Miami Beach, Brickell and Boca Raton, and has close to 100 employees. In 1997, Gerson

LETTER, from page 1

–––––––

Call it girl power, but the Women’s Business Council has become the most inclusive, with 65 members and four committees dedicated to providing membership the latest in business practices with keynote speakers, panels of experts, education workshops and team building activities. The Real Estate Council was resurrected and did an incredible job in working together and drawing in the greater community to seek out and seize every opportunity within the once-bleak market. I look forward to the even bigger impact they will bring as the market continues to recover. We’re proud to welcome the new Global Business Access Council, which will meet quarterly to develop strategic international trade missions and relationships. This is an ever-relevant group to our diverse organization and city.

was also recognized by the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce for his impact on our local community. His leadership over the years has been extensive including service as the Chairman of the Board of Mount Sinai Medical Center during the 1990’s. The University of Florida named its accounting school, Gary R. Gerson Hall, the only free standing accounting school at a major university in the world. The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce is proud to have a strong leader and philanthropist like Alan Lips as the next Chairman of its Board of Governors. Also new is the Tourism & Hospitality Council. As a key industry to our community, this board is extremely important in helping our city maintain its stellar reputation and position around the world. Coming soon? There has been interest in a Restaurant Council, Technology Council, as well as a Wellness Council. We are hoping to capture your thoughts and garner future leaders to help grow these sectors. Speaking of growth, our Chamber memberships has experienced a phenomenal jump in members of 35%. Furthermore, our most prominent event, the Chamber Gala, drew in over 1,000 attendees, a 31% increase from last year. This is the result of each and every one of you and your hard work and dedication. Thank you for your passion to serve and enthusiasm to bring in others who believe in our mission for this great city. Indeed, this year is of huge accomplishments. A t y o u r service, Jason Loeb

The final reading of the budget will be September 27, 2011 at 5 P.M. Come weigh in on how we spend your money.

www.communitynewspapers.com

M iami B each News 6769 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355, Fax (305) 662-6980 PUBLISHERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grant & Michael Miller WRITERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Rodriguez-Bernfeld, Gary Alan Ruse ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Albie Barnes, Roberta Bergman, Beatriz Brandfon, Celia Canabate, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diane Chasin, Enrique Chau, Sharon Christian, Lori Cohen, Dianne Maddox, Denzil Miles, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ann Robbins-Udel, Fara Sax, Diane Sedona Schiller, Georgia Tait, Walter White PROOF DEPARTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Vavrek PRODUCTION GRAPHIC ARTISTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Ortega, Cristian Ortiz, Catalina Roca, Marie Scheer, Isabel Vavrek PUBLISHER EMERITUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Miller We will not return solicited or unsolicited editorial material including stories, columns and or photographs. If yoou send us anything, please make sure that you have duplicate copies of the material. Every issue of the Pinecrest Tribune is fully copyrighted, and all property rights, including advertisements produced by Community Newspapers and Miller Publishing. Using artwork and/or typography furnished or arranged for/by us, shall be the property of Community Newspapers. COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS is proud to publish the following newspapers: Aventura News, Biscayne Bay Tribune, Community Newspapers, Coral Gables News-Tribune, Cutler Bay News, Doral Tribune, Kendall Gazette, Miami Beach News, Miami Gardens, Opa-locka Review, Palmetto Bay News, South Miami News, Sunny Isles Beach Sun, West Park News.

Visit us at http://www.communitynewspapers.com

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

CHAMBER STAFF – JUNIOR FRANCOIS Born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, He is mostly known as an inspiring professional musician in the religious community. Junior spent his childhood in Dominican Republic with his family. His first language was Spanish and really cultivated the Dominican culture at the beginning stages of his life. As a kid he enjoyed outdoor activities, the beach and riding his bike in the neighborhood. At the age of 13, his mother and father decided to move back to their native country (Haiti) where he began a new life. During his teenage years, Junior was challenged to learn two languages at once since his first language was Spanish which is not spoken in Haiti. Today Junior still speaks four languages: Spanish, French, Haitian Creole and English. Junior started his musical career at the age of 14 when his mother bought him a small piano for his birthday and started playing music at a local church in Haiti. Junior is currently the Music Direct at one of the largest and most influential churches in America (Trinity Church, Miami, FL).This past summer, He directed at team of musicians at the largest religious event in The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. Junior has extensive experience in worship ministry, song writing, musical arrangement, and sound engineering. He recorded albums with many local artists and toured around the U.S. and Canada leading worship. The biggest turning point in Junior’s life was when he moved to Miami, FL in 1999 with his mother (Madeleine) and two beautiful sisters (Myrlene & Esther). He attended Miami Dade College where he started taking his first English course. In 2007, Junior took on a new role as Membership Representative for the Largest Media Research Company in the world (Nielsen Media Research). He was one of the first Nielsen Reps to have worked on the People meter project in South Florida. Today Nielsen is able to

JUNIOR FRANCOIS

provide specific television viewing habits in South Florida because of this project. At the end of the project Junior decided to seek a degree in media communication and decided to transfer all his credits to Barry University. During Junior’s last semester at Barry University, he met Aaron Perry, former Chairman of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, who was invited by a PR professor as a guest speaker. Through his encounter with Aaron, Junior was given the opportunity to intern at the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. In 2011 Junior graduated with a BS degree in Advertising and minor from Music Barry University. Today he is a proud staff member at the Miami Beach Chamber helping members with their business needs, and also conducting data analysis for the chamber. His future plans are to continue his musical career, get more experience in the advertising industry, get married one day and raise a beautiful and healthy family.

Page 5

Page 6

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

The $outh Florida Gaming Report Vegas Plans Invasion BY ISADORE HAVENICK

So, have you heard? Las Vegas is coming to Miami! Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right, over the past several weeks the folks from Caesars, Genting, Wynn, and Las Vegas Sands have all been scouting for sites in Miami. In fact Genting, one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest casino operators and part owner of Norweigian Cruise Lines, has dropped about $300 million picking up Miami real estate. None of these operators want the Beach, they want downtown Miami,

maybe Midtown, and some have even scouted Fort Lauderdale to set up shop. They have bypassed the beach. Some say the infrastructure costs would be too high. Others think they want immediate proximity to Miami airport and the Port of Miami. Certainly the Beach has not reached out and rolled out the red carpet as Miami has been more than rumored to have done. The Beach probably is better off without full blown casino resorts, but to turn a blind eye and stick our heads in the sand of our beautiful beaches would be a big mistake. We need to be proactive. What will we do to synergize ourselves with the inevitable? How will our resorts compete with the free suites, meals, and entertainment that casinos offer their players? How will we fight back with more than lapping waves and a few rays of sunshine?

Page 7

Page 8

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 9

Realtors role in guiding a foreign buyer BY MADELEINE ROMANELLO

Working with foreign buyers of real estate requires a subtle yet firm hand of guidance to move things along in the US. The real estate professional has to establish authority from the very beginning in order to help the client through the process of absorbing market data, crafting a contract and navigating the closing process. One of the main reasons a firm hand is required in the real estate buying procedure is because outside the US real estate transactions are often not nearly as structured, so the buyer has to readjust. Foreign buyers need to understand that contracts and time lines have to be respected and cannot be ignored or changed capriciously, certainly not without seller approval and further into the negotiations lender approval as well. Also, Realtors in the US are far more involved in the contract process com-

pared to other countries and it is important that foreign buyers know exactly what is expected of them at every step. Buyers are frequently surprised by our efficiency as they may be used to a contract taking a month or more to put together in their native country, while here in Florida we write the offer on the actual contract form. We need to give the foreign buyer a true understanding of the actual transaction, holding and maintenance costs so they can determine which properties can give them the highest or most stable returns and/or appreciation, those two not necessarily being the same. Determining the true financial goal of the client is crucial for this analysis. Clients need to understand the estimated maintenance costs, management costs, real estate taxes and rental rates. Rental rates do not always cover the holding cost especially on higher priced properties. In many other countries renting is the norm, whereas in the US home ownership exceeds rental usage and the foreign buyer needs to

understand the radical difference in rental demand here compared to other countries. If the buyers are buying for investment, what ROI (return on investment) are they expecting? Or as a second home, are the holding costs lower than staying in hotels or time shares? The Realtor has to provide a clear, complete picture, including profit and loss estimations to convey what it takes to buy and hold real estate in south Florida. Selling to foreign buyers requires a concierge approach. The Realtor has to be prepared with a menu of other professionals that a foreign buyer will require, including inspectors, attorneys, CPAs, bankers, lenders, cleaning services, and property managers. We need to be able to coordinate the transaction details for them, and they must be willing to pay for those services. Fortunately, this fact makes the foreign buyer easier to work with as they do not expect a Realtor to work without compensation, and they are happy to give their trusted realtor the control neces-

sary to do the job in a professional manner. Prices are low, financing is available and South Florida is one of the prettiest urban playgrounds in the world, so bring on those buyers! AUThOR BIO: A graduate of Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prestigious Cambridge University, Madeleine Romanello has lived in Germany, Greece, and England, and has been involved in the South Florida real estate market for thirteen years as a broker and currently a broker-associate with Douglas Elliman Florida. An Accredited Buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agent, Luxury home Marketing Specialist, Certified Residential Specialist, certified REO specialist, and member of the Dade Real Estate Investors Association, Madeleine offers clients thoroughly researched and intuitive advice on selling and buying residential, and investment properties successfully even in this sluggish real estate market.

Page 10

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

Sambal from Indonesia BY MARTIN MENDIOLA

Mendiola@USGourmet.US Upon arriving from an extended Asian vacation, my daughter proudly announced that she had brought me some sambal pecel from Bali. Of the many things I would love to get from Bali, sambal pecel was not one of them, especially since I could not recognize the name and much less figure out what it was. After graciously accepting a brownish block of what looked like old semi-dried ground meat that had fallen on the floor and picked up dirt and small stones, I simply had to ask what it was. She proceeded to tell me that by adding a bit of hot water it becomes a sauce made of peanuts, chilies and spices which is used as a condiment throughout Indonesia. With an attitude, she continued to tell me they had been using it almost like ketchup and that the reason for the gift was that she vividly remembered when we once had it as a salad dressing and my comments as to how different and tasty it was. Much to my surprise, she was right; it was at a local Thai restaurant where it is the house dressing. Please note that we are referring to a processed almost ready to serve version of the sambal pecel. One of the

Sambal from Indonesia

Mortar used for mixing Sambal ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

many recipes to make it from scratch calls for peanuts, garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, galangale, lime leaves, tamarind, shrimp paste, coconut sugar and sugar. Westerners have a bit of a problem with the semantics of the names due to the fact that the literary translations do not necessarily explain what it is and a more meaningful explanation is required. The issue comes from the fact that sambal is a chili based sauce used as a condiment and pecel is a sauce based on chilies, peanuts, tamarind and coconut sugar. The way I understand it, is that sambal is a base sauce made of chilies (to simplify it, think of it as an Indonesian “Tabasco” sauce) which may have many different flavors and potency depending on the type of chilies used. The difference between using Cayenne Peppers and Cabe Taliwangs represents several thousand Scoville heat units on the scale. The Scoville scale is a measurement of the spicy heat or piquance of a chili pepper. It indicates the amount of capsaicin (a chemical compound that stimulates chemoreceptor nerve endings in the skin) present. The Cabe Taliwangs are much hotter than the Cayenne Peppers; they are near identical in heat as the Naga Jolokia Chilies which have been recognized as the hottest peppers in the world. In order to recognize the over 300 varieties of sambal in

Indonesia, knowing the language and understanding the culture is almost imperative. When you take the base (sambal) and mix in products such as gandaria (a fruit native to Southeast Asia, related and similar to a mango), it becomes sambal gandaria. Pencit means young mango in Indonesian, so when you add it to the base, you get sambal pencit. Regretfully the simplicity of adding a product and coming up with the name gets complicated when several products and spices are added. For example, when you add sweet soy sauce, tomato bits, shallots and lime it acquires a “sweet” taste and is called sambal kecap manis (manis is the Indonesian word for sweet). If you added honey instead of all the other products, it would not be a manis, it would be called something else. Interesting enough, the sambal dabu-dabu is very similar to the Mexican salsa sauce since it has coarsely chopped tomatoes, lemon cui, shallots, basil, vegetable oil and salt. Our sambal pecel is made with peanuts, palm sugar, chili, salt, garlic, citrus leaves, galingale and tamarind. When you take the chilies and start adding whatever comes to mind, the varieties that can be created are unlimited and in Indonesia at least 300 of them are recognized. Sambal is traditionally made using a stone mortar and pestle where the different products are incorporated as they are pounded into a paste. Water is later added to achieve the consistency desired depending on the final use. There are times when these sauces are made and served separately, partly so that the individual may control the heat. We strongly recommend using this method whenever possible since the chef’s concept of “hot” may be totally different and depending on the chilies used, unbearable. Indonesian dishes like the sambal offer very interesting and tasteful flavors, different from the Indian, Chinese or Thai food we are used to, even though the influence from these countries is quite obvious. Regretfully, in the Miami area we do not have many choices, to the best of my knowledge, there are only three restaurants that have a partial Indonesian menu and are mostly Japanese oriented. The one in Miami Beach is closed until mid October. There are many other things I still would rather have from Bali, but the sambal pecel will do for now.

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 11

Page 12

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz visits Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society projects that this year alone, some 240,000 men in America will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Nearly 33,000 of those men will not see another birthday. Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz wants that number to decrease significantly, and to do that, she believes in educating the community about the importance of prostate cancer screenings. A breast cancer survivor herself, the congresswoman spoke at the Mount Sinai Comprehensive Center on Monday, September 12th to encourage women to tell the men they love the facts. “Every five minutes in this country, two men are diagnosed with prostate cancer,” she said. “One of every six men is at risk of getting prostate cancer in their lifetime.” Wasserman Schultz cited a recent survey that found that 74 percent of women go to a doctor for routine care, compared to

United States Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, third from the right, is joined by (left to right) Dr. Alan Nieder, assistant professor of Urology, Mount Sinai Columbia University Division of Urology, Dr. Stephen Zaron, retired physician and prostate cancer survivor, Dr. Leonard Toonkel, chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology, Michael M. Adler, chairman of the Mount Sinai Medical Center Board of Trustees, and Steven D. Sonenreich, president and chief executive officer.

only 57 percent of men. Wasserman Schultz was joined by Dr. Leonard Toonkel, Mount Sinai’s chairman of Radiation Oncology and Dr. Stephen Zaron, a retired cardiologist and prostate cancer survivor. Also present to discuss the latest treatments and screenings available for prostate cancer were Dr. Alan Nieder, Dr. Akshay Bhandari and Dr. Janice Santos, assistant professors of urology in the Mount Sinai Columbia University

Division of Urology. It was a yearly PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test and digital rectal exam that helped Dr. Stephen Zaron get an early diagnosis. “About seven years ago, the PSA took an unusual jump and as a result I had a biopsy. Unfortunately, I had prostate cancer, which is not uncommon,” said Zaron. “The treatment has come a long way My PSA levels are now normal but I will continue to get my prostate screening annually.” At the Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center, innovative treatments that have become available in the last decade such as robotic surgery and immunotherapies are being widely utilized. Dr. Toonkel described how radiation has allowed doctors to become much more targeted which helps protect any tissue surrounding the prostate. “There have been advances in the way we can focus radiation beams so that only the prostate cancer is destroyed by the radiation beam without any damage to surrounding tissues. Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz has been a strong advocate for educating our families, friends and neighbors about the importance of getting regular medical checkups and screenings when necessary for any type of cancer. For more information on prostate cancer treatments or how you can get a PSA screening, contact the Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center at 305-6749100.

See us online at:

www.communitynewspapers.com

The Whitefly Specialist ¥Arbor Care

¥Pest Control & Fertilization

Call for your FREE estimate (305)-235-8333 • www.onetwotree.com SICK PALM SPECIALIST

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Never give up! Pictured are Dr. Jorge Mordujovich and his wife Malka enjoying an evening at the Katlav Winery, located southwest of Jerusalem, Israel on the Nes Harim moshav. The vineyards are located close by to the moshav at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level.

BY ANN ROBBINS-UDEL

March Of The Living is a journey that encompasses memorial sites that pay tribute to the victims of the World War II Holocaust in Europe followed by the breathtaking beauty of the ongoing building and development of the homeland, Israel. Of the 30 adults who participated this spring, Martin Baranick, at the ripe young age of 80 years, completed his 15th trip back to his native Poland with the March. As a 12-year-old child, and for the next 3 years of his young life, he was incarcerated in Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. His descriptive statements of clear memories of that disastrously difficult time in his life, delivered to our group, within the walls of a Birkenau barrack in which he lived, helped us toward an initial attempt to grasp the utter helpless and hopeless conditions with which he and other Jews, and non-Jews were forced to contend. Martin’s overriding refrain, that characterizes his lifelong invective, in stories imparted on the tour bus, at dinners in the hotels, on tours through the camps, in the Ghettos of Warsaw and Krakow, in the syna-

gogues and cemeteries we visited is, “Never give up; Never, Never, NEVER give up.” At an open air Tel Aviv falafel restaurant, I had the honor of being joined at lunch, by a 22-year-old Felasha, an Ethiopian Jewess, who traveled by night, on foot with her family, for four months, at the age of five years old, to enter, build a life, and live in Israel. Giving up is not in her vocabulary. Having exceeded the allowable weight limit for checked luggage, I had to move a few items into hand luggage. Upon seeing the wide-eyed interest of the Lufthansa ticketing agents in Poland, in the local Miami Community Newspapers I carried in my valise, I acceded to their wishes and gave them the newspapers. They overlooked the fact that I was still a pound above the weight limit. However, the newspapers I had intended to use for on-location, “Read In……” feature photographs, in Israel, were no longer in my possession. Not a problem though, with all of the Community Newspapers online, I was able to access the latest editions of all of the papers on my laptop and have the Business Center in the Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem print them, so that we could take the on-location photos.

Page 13

Page 14

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

BY WILLIAM D. TALBERT III, CDME

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

HOW’S BUSINESS Demand for travel to Grater Miami and the Beaches remains strong. During the first seven months of 2011, Greater Miami and the Beaches ranked #3 in Hotel Room Occupancy at 77.5% (an increase of +6.9% vs. the same period in 2010), #3 in Average Daily Room Rate at $159.94 (an increase of +4.0% vs. the same period in 2010) and #3 in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar) at $123.89 (an increase of +11.1% vs. the same period in 2010) among the Top 25 U.S. Markets as reported by Smith Travel Research. A record 11,245,789 passengers arrived at the “New MIA’ (Miami International Airport) during the first seven months of 2011, an increase of +6.9%. International passenger arrivals of 5,372,053 were up +8.0% compared to the same period during the previous year and domestic arrivals of 5,873,736 were up +5.9% when compared to the same seven months last year. In addition, July 2011 Convention Development Tax (CDT) collections for Greater Miami and the Beaches were a record $4,063,183 compared to $3,283,380 for the same period last year, representing a +23.8% increase. As the GMCVB’s ‘Summer of Love’ program begins to wind down, the fall calendar heats up with the return of many favorite programs for both visitors and residents such as Miami Attractions Month and Miami Live Music Month. For details and a full calendar of events, visit www.MiamiAndBeaches.com. RECENT & UPCOMING MEETINGS… Meeting: United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 32nd Annual National Convention & Business Expo Date: September 18-21, 2011

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

Venue: Miami Beach Convention Center Attendance: 1,500 Meeting: American Society for Radiology & Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting Date: October 2-5, 2011 Venue: Miami Beach Convention Center Attendance: 16,200

WELCOME TO MIAMI! The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau extends a warm welcome to the delegates of the American Society for Radiology & Oncology (ASTRO), which will hold its annual meeting at the Miami Beach Convention Center October 2-5, 2011. We hope your meeting will be professionally rewarding and personally enjoyable and look forward to welcoming you back in the near future.

SAVE THE DATE The GMCVB’s Annual Meeting will take place on Monday, October 24, 2011 at the New World Center (home of the New World Symphony) on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the GMCVB so it will be an extraordinary event! For more information, contact Sandra Daley-Francois at 305-539-3076.

MIAMI SPICE UPDATE There are only a few more days left to take advantage of the GMCVB’s 10th annual Miami Spice restaurant program. Miami Spice ends on September 30, 2011, so be sure to make time to savor one of the delicious three-course Miami Spice meals (Lunch $22, Dinner $35) featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs. For a list of participating restaurants, menus and more details, visit www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com.

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 15

Page 16

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

Real Estate Luncheon - Foreign Buyers Investing in South Florida

Michael S. Goldberg, Pillar Board Chair with Rita Regev, and Lyle Stern Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Real Estate Luncheon at the W South Beach

Chair Elect Alan Lips, Lisa Lips and Maria Paulsen

Lina Macki, Karen Matluck, Patricia Picciotto-Reininger, and Michael S. Goldberg, Pillar Board Chair Peggy Hollander and Barbara Mofsky

Panelist: Jay Parker, Clear Title Group; James Campanella, City National Bank; Madeleine Romanella, Douglas Elliman Florida; Jeffrey Blinn, Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLC.

Wayne Pathman, Lyle Stern, Chairman Jason Loeb and Kobi Karp

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 17

Real Estate Luncheon - Foreign Buyers Investing in South Florida

Panelists at the Foreign Buyers Investing in South Florida luncheon

Teresa King Kinney, Miami Association of Realtors

Moderator Jorge Estevez, CBS Channel 4 with Kobi Karp, Kobi Karp Architecture and Design

Sold out Real Estate Luncheon

Panelists: Kobi Karp, Kobi Karp Architecture and Design; Teresa King Kinney, Miami Association of Realtors; Jay Parker, Clear Title Group; James Campanella, City National Bank; Madeleine Romanella, Douglas Elliman Florida; Jeffrey Blinn, Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra, LLC.

Clear Title Group Sponsorship Table

Page 18

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Honesty • Integrity • Values • Respect • Knowledge • Ethics

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

305-868-3600 • 954-522-3202 561-392-9059 • 1-888-868-5585 Aventura • Miami Beach • Boca Raton www.gprco-cpa.com

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

‘In Season’ BY KEITH MENIN Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority Board Member

As summer winds down for Miami Beach, locals and tourists are gearing up for the exciting breath of fresh air which is “season.” For Miami Beach “season” is unlike any other place, it is buzzing with locals and tourists, businesses come alive, hotels unveil their newest ventures, it is a city that draws a myriad of cultures into one place at one time. Summer allows you to regroup with fresh ideas to bounce off the incoming season with exciting specials and events. Art Basel Miami Beach is one of these events; which draws over 40,000 people each year. In the hotel business we begin planning for “season” a full year in advance. This year, The Shelborne South Beach has scheduled exhibits that utilize every aspect of our new hotel. From private penthouse events, movie screenings, exclusive art performances and photo exhibits, there

is no place left untouched. South Beach Wine and Food Festival is not far from this nor is it exclusive to the fact that this is another major event for Miami Beach. Foodies from all over the country travel for this culinary event which attracts over 50,000 people. Not only does the city benefit from the obvious tourism boom but SoBe Wine and Food Festival has raised to date over $8 million dollars for FIU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Between these influential events, tourism is the one constant for the city. Winter in Miami is a beach playground for everyone who wants to escape the cold winter. Tourists have the luxury of having so many options from dining outside; spending the day at the beach, renting a paddle board or Jet Ski, everything and anything goes! We are always growing and moving; once you think it’s slowed down it picks right back up again. There’s an energy that I have yet to come across at any other city and I personally cannot wait for “season” to begin! Menin Hotels

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 19

Page 20

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 21

Page 22

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Music Degrades Women? BY SEBASTIAN FERRERO

Hip hop music has undergone criticism from all angles about its influence and impact on society. Most of which has been negatively branding hip hop as violently aggressive and demonizing the artists who make the music. One of the most controversial topics that goes around is the belief that the musicians degrade women in their songs making them look and sound more like eye candy rather than human beings. But how could this really be true if so many women, young and old, enjoy listening to hip hop music themselves? It is understandable how some women are offended by the lyrics, but it is important to note that according to Voice Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demographic media report for hip hop listeners, there is a very substantial female fan base (42%) which could lead to the argument that maybe the genre is getting a bad rap. Music is blamed for many problems with society such as violence, segregation, encouragement of criminal behavior through experiences heard in lyrics, and the list goes on forever. But women are put down all the time by the media. One example being the fact that women are not allowed to compete with men in national sports of any kind and are given a separate league for themselves. Also they get discriminated in some TV programs such as Spike, which is male dominated and makes women seem underrated like the way they are portrayed in music. However in music, any offense that can be taken is just in words, and topics can be shady about the words all the time. Since the 18th century, women have fought hard for equal rights in America and if they did not stand up to prejudice the way they did, there would be no such thing as women like Hillary Clinton or Condoleezza Rice. There are still many issues to be cleared as to the limit of authority given to women in many parts of the world of course, but music being put on

SEBASTIAN FERRERO

the spot as being discriminative and threatening to the female population cannot be proven truthfully due to the number of women who enjoy the music, even songs that could be considered offensive to them. People think when words are put into a song they suddenly have the power to control and influence the listeners to believe the ideas of someone else, but when they are said individually they have no meaning. Songs are a reflection of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own thoughts put behind a tune and heard in a different perspective than conversation so the thought that the artists are using the music to influence minds should be reconsidered and overlooked because it is a hypocritical idea anyway. Sebastian Ferrero is a 17 year old self made unsigned hip-hop artist based in Plantation, FL. He has written over 60 songs and currently has four albums pending release. You can reach Sebastian at 954-476-5761 or Sebastianferrero71@yahoo.com

Page 23

Page 24

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

2011 National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week, September 28 – October 2, and National Previvor Day on September 28 Do people say you have your dad’s eyes or his smile? Did you know he could also have passed along the genetic mutation that can lead to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer? That’s right; we can get the genetic mutation that can lead to breast and ovarian cancer from either parent. I’m the Miami-Dade County Outreach Coordinator for FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting families who have the genetic mutation or a family history of breast and ovarian cancer. Our FORCE group will be celebrating 2011 National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week, September 28 – October 2, and National Previvor Day on September 28 by distributing information in public locations to raise awareness regarding Hereditary Cancer Risk. Our stories of hereditary cancers start with grandmothers and great aunts, but through awareness and education we hope to reduce this risk for future generations. I would be happy to share with you more information about how hereditary cancer has impacted my family. I’m Wendy Unger, and this is my story: winter holiday 2009 my sister Nancy was diagnosed positive with the BRCA1 Breast & Ovarian Cancer gene mutation. The doctors said that she had to have her ovaries and breasts removed in order to reduce her risk of Breast and Ovarian CANCER! This thing is hereditary. Each of the other three Unger siblings had to be tested. It’s the holidays; do I have to think about cancer? So, the next step is the test. 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 population’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.

CURTAIN CALL Custom window treatments to the trade

www.curtaincallmiami.com We are on-site service. Please call us to set up an estimate @ 786.242.4500 curtcall@bellsouth.net Hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

*Manufacturer’s rebate offer valid for purchases made between 5/3/11-9/12/11. Limitations and restrictions apply. All rebates will issues in U.S. dollars, in the form of an American Express® Prepaid Reward Card. C 2011 Hunter Douglas. ®and TM are trademarks of Hunter Douglas.

22764

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 oophorectomy, 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 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. We are grateful for the blessings that have come our way: I 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. I knew it was my mission to help others with the hereditary cancer gene to handle their future wisely and carefully. And if I think about it now, I know that in helping others, it’s really made it easier for me. If you are a person with cancer, or the hereditary cancer gene mutation and you’re seeking support or information, please contact me at (305) 861-7252 or (305) 772-7369 or wendyu@facingourrisk.org.

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 25

Page 26

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY INVITES YOU TO ‘PUT ON YOUR PINK BRA’ Thousands of Miami residents, breast cancer survivors, business and community members will join together and put on their pink bras at the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk to fight breast cancer and provide hope to all people facing the disease. This noncompetitive, fundraising event will unite the community in celebrating breast cancer survivors, educate men and women about the importance of early detection and prevention, and raise money to fund lifesaving research and support programs that will further the progress against this disease. The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will take place at on Sunday, October 9 at the Shops of Midtown Miami at 3201 N Miami Ave. Registration will open at 8 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9 a.m. Participants will need more than sneakers for this year’s walk, as they are encouraged to “Put On Your Pink Bra.” The “Put On Your Pink Bra” campaign empowers walkers to wear pink bras in support of the fight against breast cancer. All across the state, walkers will sport pink bras to represent a personal breast cancer journey or the journey of a survivor

they know. “When you ‘Put On Your Pink Bra,’ you are symbolizing the personal nature of the fight against breast cancer,” said Event Chairperson Claudia Puig. “Participants decorate, bedazzle and bejewel pink bras that tell their individual stories. The range of bras donning lace, glitter, flowers, feathers, jewels and other embellishments is as unique as each Floridian’s battle with this disease.”

Never Pay Another Expensive Repair Again

Ly Espinol

This year’s inaugural “Put On Your Pink Bra” campaign is a part of the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program. Money raised through these events funds breast cancer research, provides up-to-date breast cancer information, ensures everyone has access to breast cancer screening and treatments – regardless of income – and provides services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families. “Almost everyone has been touched by breast cancer in some way,” said Cynthia Rodriguez, American Cancer Society Area Executive Director. “Florida ranks third in the nation for the number of new breast cancer cases and the number of related deaths. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer celebrates those who have survived and helps ensure future generations of Floridians do not face this life-threatening disease alone. Making Strides truly demonstrates that hope starts with each and every one of us, right in our hometown.” The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk supports the American Cancer Society’s unique mission to fight cancer on all four fronts: research, education, advocacy and patient services. Over time, the Society has invested more in breast cancer research than any other voluntary public health organization. Since 1972, it has invested nearly $323 million in breast cancer research grants, resulting in many of today’s breast cancer treatments. Media partners for the 2011 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Miami are Local 10, Univision-23, Majic 102.7, Amor

107.5, 1140 AM, La Kalle 98.3, and Mambi 710 AM. Additionally, hundreds of teams from businesses, schools, and community groups from the community will participate. For more information or to sign up for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Miami, please call 306-779-2858 or visit www.putonyourpinkbra.com. ABOUT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 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; 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 nongovernmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $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 any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 27

3rd ANNUAL ABILITY EXPLOSION SET TO BLAST OFF ON SOUTH BEACH Wednesday-SUNDAY, OCT. 19-23. 2011 A weeklong showcase of the abilities of people with disabilities is expected to blast off for EVERYONE at the third annual Ability Explosion on sunny South Beach, FL beginning Wednesday, Oct. 19 with events running through the 23rd. “The purpose of the Ability Explosion is to gather all of us, and to share and enjoy our experience together,” says R.David New, the event’s organizer. “We also want to exhibit the vast and varied abilities of people with disabilities, while providing viable solutions for challenges, whether physical, visual, hearing or intellectual.” “The Ability Explosion is a celebration like South Florida has never seen: It’s a way of fostering understanding while having fun, Florida-style, at the same time!” says David, who is also chairman of the Miami Beach Disability Access Committee. Many of the people featured in the events have physical, visual, hearing or intellectual disabilities. It’s the extraordinary series of educational, informative and entertaining seminars and events from the world of arts, sports and entertainment focusing solely on the abilities of people living with disabilities!

SCHEDULE: (events also run throughout the year promoting the October series)

Many restaurants throughout Miami. Check www.abilityexplosion.org for more info.

*American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters will be available upon request.

10.21.2011 “Biz-Ability Luncheon” (Sponsored by the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce) Morton’s Steakhouse 11:30am

10.19.2011 “Blast-off Celebration, Art Exhibition, Resource & Technology and Children’s Expo” Miami Beach Convention Center, D 9:00am-5:00pm 10.19.2011 Sexy-Ability at WEAN 8-10pm 10.20.2011 “Takin’ it to the Streets” Lincoln Road Music Festival 8:00pm into the evening 10.20.2011 “Lights Out Miami” (A Dining in the dark experience)

10.21.2011 “Comedy Explosion” (Featuring Judy Gold, Kyle Grooms and Lonni Brun) The Colony Theater, Lincoln Road, Miami Beach 8:00pm 10.22.2011 “Ability Explosion 5k Run” Ocean Drive at 10th street 7:30am 10.22.2011 “Wheelchair Basketball Event” Scott Rakow Center 12:00pm

10.22.2011 “Benefit Cocktail Party and Accessible Fashion Show Extravaganza” Location to be announced, 7p.m. 10.23.2011 “Aquabilities Explosion- A Watersports Extravaganza!” Shake-A-Leg Miami, 2620 South Bayshore Drive Coconut Grove, FL 33133 1-4p.m. Media: For more information, please contact Paulina Casado 305.519.1595 Paulina Casado Marketing and Fashion Show Director Ability Explosion Paulina@abilityexplosion.org www.abilityexplosion.org

Page 28

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

AT&T Gives Miami Beach Customers More Mobile Broadband Capacity, 4G Speeds AT&T has been busy making upgrades to its South Florida wireless network so customers can enjoy 4G speeds and better voice and data connectivity. Since the start of the year, the company has upgraded hundreds of cell sites in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale market, including some 45 cell sites here in Miami Beach. As part of the Miami Beach upgrades, enhanced backhaul connections were deployed to 15 cell sites. Combined with HSPA+ technology, these backhaul deployments enable 4G speeds*. Additionally, more mobile broadband capacity has been added to approximately 30 Miami Beach cell sites. Adding extra capacity to a cell site is similar to widening a highway — you’re adding more lanes to accommodate more traffic, which helps improve the performance of your mobile broadband data and voice connectivity. Some of the Miami Beach areas benefitting from the additional capacity include Collins Avenue, Alton Road, 71st Street, North Bay Village, Indian Creek Village, N.E. 79th Street, El Portal, N.E. 4 th Court, Normandy Shores, the Biscayne area, the convention center and hospital, and parts of the MacArthur Causeway, Venetian Causeway, 79 th Street Causeway, Broad Causeway, and Julia Tuttle Causeway. Also, in August AT&T replaced a temporary Miami Beach cell site which had been providing limited service to the area, with a permanent rooftop site on Lincoln Road. The new site is significantly improving coverage and capacity in the western Lincoln Road, Venetian Causeway and south Miami Beach areas. The Miami Beach network upgrades can be viewed at “Focus: Miami-Fort

Lauderdale”, a web site that provides visitors a peek into AT&T’s wireless network upgrades made since the start of the year. The site also provides a map of area AT&T stores and Wi-Fi hotspots, useful tips, a localized Twitter handle, and device reviews. “More than ever before, customers look to wireless communications to stay in touch with family, friends and business colleagues,” said Carlos Blanco, vice president and general manager, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets for South Florida. “We’re working to make this possible by investing in new wireless coverage in South Florida. In addition, our recently announced agreement to acquire T-Mobile USA represents a major commitment to strengthen and expand our network. If approved, this deal means that we’ll be able to expand the next generation of mobile broadband – 4G LTE – from our current plan of 80 percent of the U.S. population to more than 97 percent.” The Miami Beach network upgrades are part of AT&T’s ongoing investment in the South Florida market to provide customers with an advanced mobile broadband experience. Already this year,

Hi-Tech Air Service

FPL PARTICIPATING INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR SM THE BEST SERVICE AND INSTALLATIONS IN MIAMI - DADE COUNTY

Hi-Tech Air Service ASK FOR NANCY, TINO, OR JOHN CACO49302 FINANCING AVAILABLE

13339 SW 88 AVE. Miami, FL 33176

305-969-2600

AT&T invested more than $425 million in its Florida wireless and wireline networks in the first half of 2011. “Our goal is to deliver a network experience that mobilizes everything for customers,” said Marshall Criser, III, AT&T Florida president. “The ongoing investment we’re making in Florida is designed to increase coverage, reliability and offers advanced services for our customers so they can do more with their wireless devices.” AT&T has the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, and it’s getting faster with 4G. To take advantage of the faster speeds in South Florida, AT&T has introduced several 4G devices this year, including the 4G BlackBerry Torch 9810, HP Veer 4G, Samsung Infuse 4G, HTC Inspire 4G, Impulse 4G, Motorola Atrix 4G, LG Thrill 4G, AT&T Mobile Hotspot Elevate 4G, AT&T USBConnect Momentum 4G, and HTC Jetstream Tablet. AT&T plans to introduce several more 4G devices before year’s end. The company is also proactively adding Unlimited Mobile to Any Mobile calling, at no additional charge, to more than 200,000 customers in the MiamiFort Lauderdale market with an unlimited messaging plan and a qualifying voice plan.** “We’re giving our customers more options and even better value,” said Carlos Blanco, vice president and general manager, AT&T South Florida. “We’re helping our customers stay connected to the people they want to talk to, when they want to talk to them, without having to watch their minutes.” AT&T has the best international coverage of any U.S. wireless provider, providing access to voice service in more than

220 countries and data service in more than 200 countries. The company also operates the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network*** with nearly 27,000 hotspots in the U.S. and provides access to nearly 190,000 hotspots globally through roaming agreements. Most AT&T smartphone customers get access to our entire national Wi-Fi network at no additional cost, and Wi-Fi usage doesn’t count against customers’ monthly wireless data plans. For more information about AT&T’s products, visit www.att.com. To view AT&T’s wireless coverage in Miami Beach or anywhere in the United States, visit the AT&T Coverage Viewer. Using the online tool, AT&T customers can measure coverage quality of coverage from a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark. For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit the AT&T network news page. *4G speeds delivered by HSPA+ with enhanced backhaul. Available in limited areas. Availability increasing with ongoing backhaul deployment. Requires 4G device. Learn more at att.com/ network. ** Messaging Unlimited Plan required. Available on select AT&T NationSM & FamilyTalk plans. International long distance call and international roaming calls not included. Not available on AT&T Viva MexicoSM or Nation with CanadaSM plans. Calls to directory assistance, voice mail, pay-per-use, call routing, and forwarding numbers not *** Largest based on company branded and operated hotspots. Access includes AT&T Wi-Fi Basic. A Wi-Fi enabled device required. Other restrictions apply. See www.attwifi.com for details and locations.

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 29

Ballet Etudes Company presents Giselle BALLET ETUDES COMPANY Susana Prieto, Director Presents GISELLE One Show Only! Saturday, October 15th 8:00PM The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater 1700 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Susana Prieto’s production features Ballet Etudes principal dancer DAGMAR MORADILLOS in her farewell performance of GISELLE! Formerly with the Ballet Nacional de Cuba and Principal Ballerina with Ballet Etudes Company for the past 15 years, Ms. Moradillos has received numerous accolades for her past performances of Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Paquita, Les Syplhides, & Others. Partnering Ms. Moradillos will be internationally acclaimed star JOSE MANUEL

CARREÑO in the role of Albrecht. Mr. Carreño has graced the stages of the world with renowned companies such as American Ballet Theatre, The Royal Ballet, the English National Ballet, and Ballet Nacional de Cuba. A Gold Medalist Winner at several prestigious international competitions, he is the favored partner of many leading ballerinas. In this very special Gala performance, other principal artists will be travelling to Miami Beach to perform with these two great stars! Puerto Rico’s leading ballerina, LAURA VALENTÍN, will perform the role of Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis, in honor of Dagmar Moradillos’ and Jose Manuel

Carreño’s respected careers. JOSE RODRIGUEZ, Director and Principal Dancer of Ballet Nacional de Puerto Rico, will perform the role of Hilarion, the ballet’s Gamekeeper whose passion for Giselle ends in tragedy. Ballet Etudes Company’s production features talented soloists and a full corps de ballet in a detailed version that leaves nothing to the imagination. The story line is fully developed through pantomime and the final tragic moment will leave the audience breathless and in awe. This is a longawaited once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience not to be missed by ANYONE. Corporate sponsors of the Gala: TotalBank, ODM Performance Solutions, Tiger Business Forms, and Diario Las Americas. ROMANCE! JEALOUSY! REVENGE! REDEMPTION! These are all underlying themes of the ballet GISELLE! Ticket prices are $30, $50, $60 and $100 (VIP Seating). There are discounted prices for SENIORS with ID available only at the box office. Tickets available at The Fillmore Miami Beach Box Office or Call 800-745-3000; Visit www.livenation.com or www.fillmoremb.com. For information,

Email balletetudes@gmail.com. “Giselle is made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.” “Giselle is funded by The Children’s Trust. The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County.”

Page 30

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 31

Page 32

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sea, Sun and Architecture: The always evolving Miami Beach BY VERONIKA POZMENTIER

When you think of Miami Beach you think of sea, sun and glamour but under the nice breeze of the palm trees when you tour the streets of South Beach you can also find wonderful historic places. Often referred to as an open-air museum, Miami Beach is home of 10 historic districts and 11 historic sites with 1,200 buildings that create an incredible repertoire of architectural styles: Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, Miami Modern in a human size resort city. Commonly known as the Art Deco District in reference to the Art Deco style of the majority of the buildings of South Beach, a style that emerged at the French Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs Industriels et Modernes held in Paris in 1925, the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District was saved from demolition 30 years ago. On May 14, 1979, the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District became an historical landmark when the United States Department of the Interior listed it on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the only historic district to recognize 20th century architecture with the largest concentration of 1930’ and 1940’s

resort architecture in the United States in an extraordinary architectural consistency. It was the result of the hard work of a handful of preservationists led by the incredible vision of Barbara Capitman struggling for heritage awareness and recognition of the uniqueness of this neighborhood. In the 80’s she wrote: ”Architectural history is constantly being made. The Art deco District was built 40 years ago and yet it is clearly something historical which could not be built today.” Restoration, renovation and revitalization followed preservation. No one could have imagined at that time that it would be the beginning of South Beach’s renaissance, the revival of the once vibrant tropical destination, the turning point for what is now known as a year round world class destination for tourism, an international hub for fashion, art, culture, TV series and movies, sports, celebrities and nightlife welcoming about 8 millions visitors every year! Veronika Pozmentier is a journalist and an art historian, she seats on The Wolfsonian-FIU Museum’s Visionaries Executive Committee, the MDPL Education and Programs Committee and is Sister Cities International Goodwill Ambassador for the City of Miami Beach.

Page 33

Page 34

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Olly Planet teach kids character and kindness

BY MILLIE HERRERA

Miami Beach often evokes images of allnight partying, strolling beautiful models on Ocean Drive, and sightings of the rich and famous around town. But Miami Beach is also a community of families getting up early for work every day, preparing children for school, and commuting around the region like the rest of South Florida. Kids come home after school and play in the parks, get homework done and go to bed early to be ready for the next day; just like kids all over the world. Maria White looked around her and grew weary of the negative messages children in her community receive every day. This Argentinean born 10 year resident of Miami Beach decided something must be done to help change this and thus Olly Planet was born. “Children are bombarded every day with dark, negative, inappropriate messages in the environment they live, the comics they read, and the games they play,” Maria passionately expressed. “Olly Planet comics grew out of my belief that it is possible to create a better world for everyone. It is possible to create positive change, and everyone can contribute to making positive changes in our communities.” Olly is a fun, outgoing character who lives and plays in Miami Beach. Olly shares his adventures in comics for children focusing on a funny, positive and educational theme. Olly represents character values of family, loyalty, trust, and honesty.

He encourages children to believe they can and should take good care of their minds and bodies, families and friends. Olly also encourages kids to stand up for themselves and meet their responsibilities. “I want Olly to communicate the joy of being alive and the power we have to enrich the lives of those around us, especially in such a vibrant community as ours here on Miami Beach. We want to encourage children to play sports and enjoy the outdoors in our wonderful city. Olly teaches children of all ages to keep the beaches clean, protect the environment, care for all animals, and take in all the wonderful positive activities Miami Beach offers.” Olly Planet has become Maria’s life mission. With the help of her sister, a talented children’s books illustrator, she has created a series of comics for kids teaching them to love Miami Beach, enjoy the beaches, skateboarding, rollerblading, swimming, playing outdoor sports and games, biking, and respecting the residents and guests that come to Miami Beach from all over the globe. You can visit their website www.OllyPlanet.com where you can follow Olly’s latest adventures, download coloring pages and purchase an Olly Planet tshirt online. The sale of the comics and tshirts fund the Olly Planet project and activities, and can also be purchased at the Official Art Deco Gift Shop, Eanie Meanie, and Envy Kids stores in Miami Beach. For more information contact Maria White at customerservice@ollyplanet.com or call 786-344-6640.

Page 35

Page 36

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 37

Page 38

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 39

Page 40

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Sept. 22 - Oct. 5, 2011