AUG./SEPT. 2013
(305) 622-8000
Historic Enrico Dairy Farmhouse Hosts ‘Sensational You’ Employee Appreciation Event ighlighting history, community legacy and employee pride, the City of Miami Gardens in June kicked off the first in a series of Sensational You Employee Appreciation events with a unique twist: spotlighting the famed Enrico Dairy Farmhouse in the heart of Miami Gardens, located at 18450 N.W. 12th Avenue. Designated on May 23, 2013 by the Miami Dade County Historic Preservation Board as one of Miami Gardens’ historic structures, the Enrico Dairy Farmhouse served as the backdrop for celebrating the blending of old and new. As the City of Miami Gardens continues celebrating its tenth anniversary, employee appreciation is one of a number of initiatives on tap to mark the City’s birthday. “We know that a City is able to thrive because of the individuals who are the City: our employees,” said Mayor Oliver Gilbert. “Hosting the Sensational You Employee Appreciation event makes sense. It’s a way for us to say thanks for all you do.” Building on existing business relationships and forging new partnerships through the newly formed Greater Miami Gardens
H
Enrico Dairy Farmhouse Chamber of Commerce, Sensational You Employee Appreciation showed employees that despite busy schedules and tight budgets, they are appreciated! Employees
enjoyed a “lunch on the go,” from Chef Chad’s Bring Organics Back, a Miami Gardens KFC franchise, snacks from COSTCO, mid-day chair massages offered
by Euphoric Healing, had access to educational and financial information provided by Miami Gardens’ St. Thomas University and the City’s newest educational facility, the College of Business & Technology (CBT), as well as learned about fitness alternatives through Chamber member Gold’s Gym. Long-time business and City supporter Alan’s Dry Cleaning provided support with lunch gift-cards through a partnership with Miami Gardens’ eatery, Snappers. “The Greater Miami Gardens Chamber of Commerce is excited to partner with the City in support of the Employee Appreciation initiative,” explains Ula Zucker Williams, GMGCC Executive Director. “Chamber members are invited to participate and promote their business. It’s a great opportunity and we look forward to more such events.” City of Miami Gardens employees enjoyed visiting the grounds of what is soon
See ENRICO DAIRY FARMHOUSE, page 4
City Council Votes for No Tolerance Pledge In a 7-0 unanimous vote, during the Wednesday, June 26th 2013 City Council Meeting, City of Miami Gardens Council members agreed to adopt a No Tolerance Pledge for the City and residents aimed at further reducing violence, illegal activities and promoting increased involvement in community programs. Sponsored by Councilwoman Felicia Robinson, Seat 4, the For the Children Sake campaign takes effect immediately. Acknowledging too many lives have been lost to gun violence, future success lost to school drop-outs and the disruption of communities due to illegal drug activity, Councilwoman Robinson responded to calls from community members to take a stand. Much of the information gathered came as a result of the Meet Me Mondays program, in which Councilwoman Robinson engages com-
munity members every second Monday each month for discussion and feedback regarding resident concerns. “I grew up in this community. I love this community and I know if we really want to have a safe and prosperous community we have to be a part of it, explained Councilwoman Felicia Robinson. “I’m going to Councilwoman continually do things to engage Felicia Robinson our residents. This pledge is a way of placing your name to something of value.” For the Children Sake campaign calls on residents to take a stand, by adopting their own
–––––––––––––––––– See NO TOLERANCE, page 4
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Scenes from Around the City
Miami Gardens Partners with United Teachers of Dade, Flat Top and Fades Barbershop - Free book-bags and haircuts.
Mayor Oliver Gilbert, Father’s Day Festivities.
Miami Gardens Crossing Guard Division - Car Seat Safety Check. Councilman Ighodaro and student Dawn Millings - Journey to Sierra Leone, West Africa
“Sensational You” Employee Appreciation.
Miami Gardens Police Chief Matthew Boyd and Officer Randy Carpenter, Officer of the Month.
Employee Appreciation with Coffee-mate
Employee Appreciation with Feverish Pops
Aug./Sept. 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
ON THE MOVE • ON THE MOVE ADMARDE MSpecializing in graphic design, advertising and marketing, South Florida’s ADMARDE is an ongoing partner with the City of Miami Gardens for event planTangela Cummings ning and marketing needs. Led by Creative Director Tangela Cummings, ADMARDE has played a vital role in the conceptual designs created for Miami Gardens’ premier event, Jazz in the Gardens. Our philosophy is that, “Great design isn’t just for the big boys anymore!” says Cummings.
FSI PRODUCTIONS
Charlene Meriedy
M MCharlene Meriedy is the Owner, Creative Events & Show Producer of FSI Productions – a division of Fashion Show Innovations; a full service Events and Show
production company located in Miami Gardens. FSI Productions specializes in Event Management and Program Coordination and Fashion Show Innovations. FSI has partnered with City of Miami Gardens to produce the 2013 State of the City Address and an upcoming Diabetes Awareness Event.
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS EVENTS SPECIALISTS MJoining the Events & Media team five years ago, Tamilla Mullings has been promoted to EVENTS SPECIALISTS, overseeing the direction and implementation of events and programs created in the Tamilla Mullings City of Miami Gardens. As an active member of the community, Tamilla created successful local events such as The Holiday Wall program and leading the City’s Relay for Life team helping to raise over $20,000 for the Fight against Cancer.
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Letter from the Editor Teamwork MAccording to the MerriamWebster Dictionary TEAMWORK is defined as “work done by several associates with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole.” As were here in South Florida and Miami Gardens enter the second half of our Summer season, now is a good time to reflect on how TEAMWORK has played an integral role in the growth and continued success of Miami Gardens. From the first visionaries who saw fit to pursue creating an independent City, to the residents and business owners who voted in favor of incorporating ten years ago, to those in leadership positions who currently hold the baton; ready to run the next leg of the race – the successes and yes, even the failures… are the result of TEAMWORK. So with that in mind, take time out to
make sure you know your neighbors and perhaps offer a kind word, action or smile, just because you might make a positive difference in their lives. Do the same with your colleagues. How well do you REALLY know your co-workers? TEAMWORK is so much more effective when there is trust and respect for those around you. Here in the City of Miami Gardens, we’ve been recognizing TEAMWORK, honoring our City employees with a series of EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION events. Our Police Department is making incredible strides in enhancing Community Policing initiatives. Our Mayor and Council continue to be actively involved with various groups and organizations to foster greater communication amongst neighbors. TEAMWORK: “work done by several associations with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole….” – it’s what can make a good City, GREAT! Julia Yarbough~Editor, Community Newspaper jyarbough@miamigardensfl.gov
IN THE NEWS • IN THE NEWS • IN THE NEWS City of Miami Gardens School Crossing Guard Division partnered with the City of Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, City of Aventura Police Department, Village of Palmetto Bay,
Keeping Kids Safe Foundation and Safe Kids; Miami Dade County to present a CAR SEAT CHECK-UP event to the public, Saturday, July 20, 2013. Certified Child Passenger Safety
Car Seat Check-Up Event
Technicians were on hand to help parents and caregivers learn how to properly install their car seats, and Police agencies offered fingerprint services as well. For the kids, McGruff the Crime Dog and Crash Test
Dummies Vince and Larry were on hand for education and entertainment! For more information on the Miami Gardens School Crossing Guard Programs, contact (305) 622-8000, ext. 2570
McGruff the Crime Dog and Crash Test Dummies Vince and Larry.
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Not in Our City: Miami Gardens Police Partner with Federal Agencies to Tackle Gun Violence BY JULIA YARBOUGH City of Miami Gardens leaders and police have a stern message for bad guys: illegal activity, firearms and illicit drugs will not be tolerated in the City and if you are involved in such illegal activities authorities will get you. That was the message after a successful law-enforcement crack-down dubbed Operation Smoking Gun III. In a multi-agency partnership between the City of Miami Gardens Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office and federal and state law enforcement, the Operation Smoking Gun III investigation recently eradicated hundreds of dangerous firearms and illegal drugs from the streets of Miami Gardens and led to the arrests of 16 individuals and federal charges being brought against 22 individuals. The operation netted the arrests of another 80 individuals separately on state narcotics and firearms violations. Police removed from the streets 248 firearms, including a sawed off shotgun, 342 grams of crack cocaine, and a host of powerful prescription drugs, more than 15thousand grams of marijuana and five bul-
let proof vests. “The Miami Gardens Police Department has been extremely successful in reducing crime over the last five years. This success continues to create a safer environment for our residents and is the direct result of the cooperation and partnerships at the State and Federal level as evidenced in this multi-agency operation,” explained Miami Gardens Chief of Police Matthew Boyd. Operation Smoking Gun III is the latest in a series of such crackdowns in MiamiDade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, with each successfully removing guns, drugs and violent individuals off the streets. Miami Gardens Police says Operation Smoking Gun III is just one aspect of the ongoing commitment to a safer community and continuing to build partnerships with federal and state agencies. “We are effectively utilizing anti-gang statues and repeat offender laws to initiate cases against gang members and violent offenders in the City, says Deputy Police Chief Paul Miller. “The foundation built during Smoking Gun III will be strengthened through these partnerships and have a tremendous effect on crime in Miami Gardens.”
Aug./Sept. 2013
ENRICO DAIRY FARMHOUSE, from page 1 ––––––––––––––– to be the newest shining star among Miami Gardens’ success stories – the renovation and refurbishing of the oldest home in the City of Miami Gardens, the Enrico Dairy Farmhouse. In 1911, Italian immigrant Savino “Sam” Enrico founded the dairy, bringing the first milk cows to the region in 1914. The property itself was built in 1925. In 1975, the property was donated to the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami which owned it for 34 years until the City pur-
chased it in 2009. Utilizing funds from a Historic Preservation Grant, the City plans to renovate the building which ultimately will be used as a historical museum housing the City’s archives to be enjoyed by residents and visitors to the City of Miami Gardens. For further information contact Jay Marder, at 305-622-8025 or jmarder@miamigardensfl.gov
NO TOLERANCE, from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– No Tolerance pledge. The Pledge form asks supporters to make a family commitment to non-violence, to provide for adequate supervision of youngsters at all times, becoming more involved in community groups and organizations, partnering with church and/or school programs to encourage positive learning activities and working more closely with the Miami Gardens Police Department to prevent and solve violent crimes. For the Children Sake is the latest in a series of City initiatives responding to calls from the community to enhance the safety and quality of life issues for Miami Gardens. Mayor Oliver Gilbert, in his 2013 State of the City Address outlined plans to
enhance City parks offering state of the art educational and science programs for youth and seniors. Forging strong partnerships with the Miami-Dade Office of the State Attorney, the Miami Gardens Police Department is credited with an aggressive campaign to get weapons off the streets and is actively engaged in several Community Policing programs. Combined efforts show a 40% reduction in crime since the Department was established in 2007. For more information on For the Children Sake campaign and Meet Me Mondays with Councilwoman Robinson, contact Hilary Marshall at hmarshall@miamigardens-fl.gov or (305) 622-2793.
CITYOFMIAMIGARDENS
Community Newspapers
(USPS 699-310) (ISSN 1060-782) 6796 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355, Fax (305) 662-6980 PUBLISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grant Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael Miller WRITERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ron Beasley, Gloria Burns, Robert Hamilton, Gary Alan Ruse, Lee Stephen, Al Sunshine, Richard Yager ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Albie Barnes, Roberta Bergman, Beatriz Brandfon, Celia Canabate, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Diane Chasin, Enrique Chau, Lori Cohen, Amy Donner, Dianne Maddox, Denzil Miles, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann Robbins-Udel, Fara Sax, Diane Sedona Schiller, Georgia Tait, Walter White LEGAL ADVERTISING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Enrique Chau PROOF DEPARTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Vavrek PRODUCTION GRAPHIC ARTISTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Denise Cebrero, Isabel Ortega, Cristian Ortiz, Marie Scheer, Isabel Vavrek PUBLISHER EMERITUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Miller POSTAL INFORMATION: Community Newspapers is published by Your Hometown Newspaper, Inc. 6796 SW 62 Ave., S. Miami, FL 33143. Periodicals Postage Paid in Miami, Florida, and additional mailing offices. Published weekly. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Community Newspapers, P.O. Box 43-1970, South Miami, FL 33143. Subscription rates: $27.50 a year. GENERAL PROVISIONS: Every issue of Community Newspapers is fully copyrighted, and all property rights, including advertisements produced by Community Newspapers. Artwork and/or typography furnished or arranged for/by us, shall be the property of Community Newspapers. No such ad or any art thereof may be reproduced without the prior consent of Community Newspapers. Editorial e-mail: cneditor@gate.net • www.communitynewspapers.com
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FYI • FYI • FYI • FYI • FYI • FYI • FYI • FYI • FYI Planning for Debris Management Before and After a Storm BY TOM RUIZ
Public Works Director
Natural disasters like a hurricane generate a large amount of debris, causing considerable disposal challenges for local public Officials. They leave behind debris made up of construction materials, damaged buildings, sediments, green waste, and personal property. Hurricane debris obstructs roads and disables electrical power and communication systems over wide areas. Most of the damage and resulting debris is in the area where the hurricane first hits land; however, the destruction also can extend many miles inland. Debris removal is a process of removing, handling, recycling, and disposing of debris. Debris removal is “in the public interest,” not only to protect “life, public health, and safety” but also to “ensure economic recovery of the affected community.” It is the Stafford Act that authorizes FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to respond to disasters and emergencies to help save lives and protect public health, safety, and property. To assist in the debris collection efforts, we ask residents to separate debris into different piles. Debris should be placed curbside (between the sidewalk and the street and away from the trees) and separated into piles. Here are some tips: A. Properly pruning trees and shrubs before a hurricane approaches can reduce the debris that may become airborne during a storm. Proper pruning also increases the likelihood that a tree can weather a storm. Make sure to consult or hire a certified and licensed arborist prior to pruning any trees. Do not begin any pruning or cleanup activities or place trash on the
curb during a Hurricane Watch or Warning. B. Make sure that you schedule bulk waste pickup prior to setting on the curbside by calling the Miami Dade County Public Works and Solid Waste
Department at 3-1-1 (305-468-5900) or visit online at: www.miamidade.gov/publicworks/bulky-waste.asp. Or take it to the Neighborhood Trash & Recycling Centers: 21500 NW 47 Avenue (North Dade) or 19901 NW 7 Avenue
(Norwood). For more information please call Miami Gardens Public Works Department at 305-622-8004 or Miami Dade County Solid Waste Department at 3-1-1 (305468-5900).
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COUNCIL CORNER • COUNCIL CORNER 2013 Tafari Awards
Councilman Harris Takes Part in Youth College Fair On June 1, 2014, City of Miami Gardens and Councilman Rodney Harris partnered with the Florida Circuit Court 11 to host a college fair day for South Florida youth. The fair provided high school students the opportunity to view college presentations, receive applications and earn community service hours. Why a college fair at this juncture? “One of the greatest gifts that someone can give a young person is to open doors to a world that can help them to be productive citizens in their community,” explains Councilman Harris. It was a successful collaboration between city leadership, police and social service providers who are focused on bringing a positive change and directing area youth to a more productive life.
Councilman Rodney Harris ––––––––––––––––––––– Photo Courtesy: Nate Veal/Memories n Focus
City of Miami Gardens Vice Mayor Lisa Davis (left) joins influential female community leaders and role models in receiving the 2013 Tafari Awards during the Femme Fabulous Weekend event, Saturday, July 13, 2013. The Tafari Award is given to women who serve as inspiration to young women in the community through career service or professional and personal accomplishment.
City of Miami Gardens Mayor and Council’s Corner To contact your Council representatives, call 305-622-8010.
Mayor Oliver Gilbert III
Vice-Mayor Lisa C. Davis (Seat 2)
Councilwoman Lillie Q. Odom (Seat 1)
Councilman Rodney Harris (Seat 3)
Councilwoman Felicia S. Robinson (Seat 4)
Councilman Councilman David Williams, Jr. Dr. Erhabor Ighodaro (Seat 6) (Seat 5)
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CMG COMMITMENT TO KIDS Kiwanis Club of Miami Gardens Honors Outstanding Students Congratulations to five South Florida teens recognized for their academic success and being selected as recipients of the 2013 Kiwanis Club of Miami Gardens scholarship! Justin Torres graduated from Stranahan High School. He will be attending Florida Atlantic University to be a Civil Engineer. Torres is the Vice President of Best Buddies and performed over 253 community service hours. Alexis McKenzie graduated from Cypress Bay High School and will be attending Florida A & M University to become a physical therapist. As a member of the Sign Language Club she arranged a “Silent Dinner” bringing hearing-impaired people together with members of the community. Amber Brown is a graduate of Pace High School with a 4.7 GPA. A member of the Key Club as president and secretary she will be attending the University of South Florida to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Amber has also been a Miami Gardens Police
Department Police Explorer as a Major for the past three years. Quintin Scavella Jr. graduated from Norland High School with a 4.9 GPA and will be attending the University of Miami to study criminal justice. Quintin was a member of several school organizations, a scholar athlete and volunteered over 321 hours at the Miami Rescue Mission. Shoniece Bennett graduated from Carol City High School with a 5.5 GPA and will be attending the University of Miami to become an obstetrician. She founded the program “Voices of Empowerment” which is an organization that mentors at-risk youth. Shoniece volunteered over 400 hours during her high school career and was a member of several organizations including the National Honor Society.
CONGRATULATIONS STUDENTS JOB WELL DONE!
Miami Gardens Youth Hike Everglades National Park Supporting African-American Mountain Climbers BY JULIA YARBOUGH
It was an historic moment for outdoor enthusiasts the world over – the first all Africa-American mountain climbing team attempting to summit the highest mountain on the North American continent, Mount Denali, Alaska. Sponsored by outdoor industry leader, NOLS – National Outdoor Leadership School based in Lander, Wyoming, what was appropriately dubbed EXPEDITION DENALI captured worldwide attention from June 8 – 26th, 2013 as the team of African-American climbers took on mother nature. Thousands of miles away in South
Florida, City of Miami Gardens’ youth donned tennis shoes and sunscreen to lend support to the mountain climbers by completing their own hike in Everglades National Park on June 8, 2013, as part of a nationwide effort called 10,000 STEPS. The longest and most strenuous day on Denali was expected to the summit day, a five-mile, (roughly 10,000 step round-trip hike.) As a show of unity and solidarity, more than 30 environmental organizations from around the country teamed up with NOLS to support the climbers and also introduce young AfricanAmericans to the outdoors in their own communities. City of Miami Gardens Parks & Recreation rallied youth to join with EarthWise Productions, Inc., partnering
with The National Parks Service and hosted a hiking excursion in South Florida’s famed Everglades National Park along the Anhinga Trail. Kids enjoyed presentations by Park Rangers, lunches provided by KFC, cool treats supplied by Blue Bell Ice Cream, sunscreen from outdoor retailer Peter Glenn and custom Expedition Denali t-shirt offered by Miami Gardens business DaBlock Designs. Climbers in Alaska were tested to their maximum endurance as they attempted to ascend 20,320 foot Denali. Days after City of Miami Gardens’ youth hiked in support, word from the mountain that safety trumped a summit attempt. On June 26,
2013, the team of nine mountaineers made the wise decision and set an important example for future adventurers the world over: the summit is secondary to safety. At 19,600 feet with the summit in sight, an incoming lightning storm caused the mountaineers of Expedition Denali to turn back. Even so, their expedition was a success and has paved the way for a new wave of mountaineers to explore the sport and opened doors to opportunity for more aspiring African-American mountaineers. Congratulations to the Expedition Denali team and to the City of Miami Gardens’ youth who took on the challenge of Everglades National Park! To watch a video from 10,000 STEPS, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=98esI1GzTjk For more information on Expedition Denali, visit www.nols.edu
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Discovering Underwater Opportunities Introducing Youth to Scuba Diving BY JULIA YARBOUGH
Less than fifty miles from the City of Miami Gardens sits one of the nation’s premier underwater diving locations; Biscayne National Park. Thanks to a multi-agency and cross-state partnership, Miami Gardens’ youth had the opportunity to explore scuba diving and related career fields during a hands-on presentation and in-pool demonstration by Youth Diving With a Purpose (YDWP). Visiting the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex pool the afternoon of July 11, 2013, YDWP captivated the crowd of youngsters. The Tennessee-based organization is designed to challenge and empower youth (ages 15 – 23) to pursue scuba diving skills which create limitless educational, travel and maritime career paths and foster an interest in protecting the environment. Members of the Youth Diving With a Purpose were in South Florida conducting volunteer archeological dive trips in Biscayne National Park. As part of their visit, the group took time out to share with Miami Gardens’ teens the career opportunities available as a result of attaining scubadiving skills. Close to fifty youngsters were on hand to experience breathing through a regulator, the weight of dive tanks and seeing first hand divers descend into water. “Often-time youth of color are not exposed to these activity choices or career possibilities and that’s one reason I created Youth Diving With a Purpose,” explains Ken Stewart, Director of YDWP. “I wanted to create an organization of AfricanAmerican divers who would travel, learn and explore together.” City of Miami-Gardens Parks and Recreation and Events & Media departments teamed with YDWP, Miami-Dade Fire res-
Youth Diving With a Purpose Partners with Miami Gardens Parks & Recreation and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
cue and the National Parks Conservation Association to offer the three hour program, which is expected to be the first in a series of new partnerships between the agencies to provide ongoing opportunities for youngsters interested in scuba diving. For more information about Youth Diving With a Purpose, visit www.divingwithapurpose.org and visit the City of Miami Gardens YouTube Channel to view a video of the program.
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT • BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Greater Miami Gardens Chamber of Commerce For more than 25 years, College of Business & Technology (CBT College) has offered accredited academic and career training throughout South Florida. Founded in 1988, by Fernando and Gladys Llerena, CBT College continues to expand into new communities helping those in Miami-Dade to pursue an education. With five campuses already in Miami, Hialeah, Cutler Bay, West Kendall and Kendall, it recently opened its sixth campus in the City of Miami Gardens located at 5190 NW 167th Street. This family owned and operated College has more than 200 employees and more than 1,100 students. Its mission is to prepare and graduate students with the highest moral, technical and professional excellence in order for them to excel. CBT College offers diverse programs and has a School of Business, School of Technology, School of Allied Health & Sciences, School of Modern Arts, and School of Languages. “We are excited to extend our presence to the City of Miami Gardens. We look for-
ward to bringing quality education to the community for years to come,” says Mr. Luis Llerena, Executive Director. CBT College has provided the greater Miami-Dade community with hands-on practical education for over 25 years. CBT is nationally accredited by the Accredited Council for Independent Colleges & Schools (A.C.I.C.S.), has programmatic accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics & Information Management Education (C.A.H.I.I.M.) for their Health Information Management degree, and is a CompTIA authorized Academy. CBT College plays an essential role in the world of education and technology alike. For more information call 1-866-8499683 or visit www.cbt.edu/miamigardens.
About the Greater Miami Gardens Chamber of Commerce The Miami Gardens Chamber of Commerce (GMGCC) is a strong business association network comprised of business owners, elected officials and professionals who gather and share their successes and challenges of doing business today, especially during these most economically trying times. The GMGCC provides a space to share experiences, build strong relationships, nurture and grow your business, and gain new insight to better business practices. The GMGCC seeks to advance its constituents: our Chamber members, our City partners, and community by enhancing our members’ best business interests through networking, advocacy, and business resources. Additionally, the Chamber seeks to establish strong long-term relationships that will grow the local economy by foster-
ing a thriving business environment and world class community. Through the Chamber, members gain access to many innovative programs, services, and events that can fully enrich their business activities. Thanks to the support of the City of Miami Gardens, our Chamber members enjoy direct access to elected officials and work with them collaboratively to improve the business climate and the com-munity as a whole. This is a unique benefit few Chambers can offer. While our mission is to help every member business prosper and grow, we also wish to link members with a group of entrepreneurs who aspire to accomplish many of the same business and personal goals. For more information about memberships contact: info@gmgcc.com or call (305) 419-1949.
El Dorado Furniture Established in South Florida in 1967, El Dorado Furniture has grown to become the largest Hispanic-owned retail enterprise in the United States. With services offered all over the world, the family-owned company, headquartered in Miami Gardens, Florida, is ranked among the top 50 furniture retailers in the country. There are currently 12 El Dorado Furniture showrooms and one outlet center in South Florida. What makes El Dorado Furniture one of the biggest and most innovative furniture retailers in the country? In 1994, El Dorado Furniture introduced its first Boulevard showroom. The Boulevard is a cutting-edge concept that truly enhances the conventional shopping experience. Instead of browsing a typical furniture showroom, customers walk down a strip resembling an old-fashioned city street. Quaint benches and street lamps line the main street, which is surrounded by facades ranging from 16th-Century-inspired stained glass windows to ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. More than 20 individually themed storefronts open into specialized furniture shops, each showcasing the latest furniture styles for every room in the home. The Boulevard concept would eventually be integrated into all of El Dorado Furniture’s main showrooms; it remains one of the biggest draws for customers seeking a fresh and unique shopping experience. Today, El Dorado Furniture offers various lines of furniture and décor collections, including rugs, art, and room accents for all your design and style preferences and needs. El Dorado Furniture carries a large selection of styles, from traditional to contemporary, casual to eclectic and transi-
tional to modern. El Dorado Furniture has received numerous awards and accolades throughout its 46 years in business, honoring its leadership, innovation and success in the furniture industry as well as community involvement and philanthropic contributions to the South Florida community. The origins of El Dorado Furniture date back to the 1920’s in the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio. There, a young man named Simon Capó made a living trading farm products and fixing furniture. Simon eventually cultivated his trade into a chain of furniture stores called “Casa Capó.” By 1950, Casa Capó was one of the largest furniture manufacturing and retail enterprises in Cuba Manuel, Simon’s son, continued the legacy and opened his first furniture store in Miami on June 27th, 1967, just after seven months since his arrival from Cuba to the United States. Fast forward 46 years later....Manuel Capó’s legacy lives on through his sons, who all make up the company’s Board of Directors. His grandchildren also help run the business and are integral to the organization and day-to-day workings of the company. These family ties ensure that El Dorado Furniture continues to uphold the values and ideals first exhibited by an ordinary man with an extraordinary vision. For more information about El Dorado Furniture, you can visit them online at http://www.eldoradofurniture.com/ where you can also find an online catalog merchandise catalog. You can also call (305) 624-2400.
Barbara Buxton, J.D., LL.M. Florida Attorney
Nursing Home Medicaid • Elder Law & Estate Planning Florida Medicaid Planning & Eligibility Asset Protection • Wills, Trusts, Living Wills Powers of Attorney • Guardianships Probate: Estate Administration
Serving Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties Tel.: 305.932.2293 Miami-Dade County 954.760.7077 Broward County www.buxtonlaw.com
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Suzette Speaks - What Rules? BY SUZETTE SPEAKS MLike many Americans seeking much needed rest and relaxation, I arranged a short getaway over the July 4th Holiday weekend. This year, I headed up to New England to see Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York. One of my most memorable moments on the trip came courtesy of a fellow traveler, before I even arrived at my destination. Exhausted from my last minute packing, I boarded my plane intending to catch up on sleep. My neighbor dutifully promised to keep watch as I rested. I woke up after an hour or so and made eye contact with him. We exchanged the pleasantries, as one sometimes does during a flight— asking each other general questions, such as where are you headed and the nature of the trip, etcetera. Not long after we landed he received a phone call that I could not help but overhear: “Hello this is Rabbi (so and so) how can I help you?” he said. (This is one of those times you can tell what the caller on the other end was saying). The caller seemed to describe a label from a food package in a store. He seemed to explain that there was a letter “K” on the item and the Rabbi assured the caller that if he took a picture of the item and sent it to him on his smart phone; he would let him know if the item was “okay.” From what I could surmise the caller was seeking a second opinion about whether the item was kosher. I could, of course, have been totally wrong, but let us for conversation sake, say that is what transpired. I immediately thought to myself of how devoted that person must have been to call the Rabbi about the purchase of a food item. This statement is not intended to trivialize one’s deeply held religious beliefs, but it did cause me to ask myself, what rules do I hold fast to? Religious thought certainly formulates the source of many rules we may choose to live by, such as the “golden rule” – treating others as you would like to be treated.
Living in America, we have also become accustomed to the legal framework that produces the “rule of law.” We observe how rules made by our government may affect our freedoms and how we live. However, I am more in interested in the rules we choose to live by. Rules give us guidance and understanding to better navigate through life. Forgiving those who have hurt you, helping out family and friends whenever possible, and being nice to others, are examples of rules for living that were mentioned to me frequently growing up. Sticking to a healthy diet, never giving up on your dreams, and being patient were also mentioned, but I seem to implement them less consistently. I also look back at the cultural influences which supply the unwritten rules that guide me daily. My parents, emigrated to the U.S. from Jamaica and their mix of rural (my mother’s side) and urban (my father’s side) upbringings in the Caribbean definitely guided the rules they imparted in me. Growing up in my household, I learned rules about the importance of being truthful, trustworthy, and respectful of other people. I learned rules about valuing my elders, being kind to others, and always giving your best effort, no matter the circumstance. Although some of us choose to abandon the rules we were taught as a child, it is funny how the rules we learn in the early stages of life often remain with us into adulthood. A good friend referred me to the saying “No risk, no reward” as a rule he lives by, among others. What are some of your rules for living and how did you choose them? I would love hear about the rules that guide your life! Suzette Speaks, a talk show host, motivational speaker, writer, and broadcast journalist, grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She is the host for the regional TBN television program for South Florida, “Joy in Our Town.” A multi-media journalist, Suzette is involved in the South Florida community, and enjoys mentoring, volunteering with women and children and public speaking. Suzette can be reached at suzettespeaks@gmail.com
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City CityofofMiami MiamiGardens Gardens Staff Directory NAME Name NAME Julie-Ann Smith SonjaK.K.Dickens Dickens Sonja Sonja K. Dickens RonettaTaylor Taylor Ronetta Ronetta Taylor DannyCrew Crew Danny Danny Crew Cameron Benson Daniel Rosemond Renee Crichton Vernita Nelson Vernita Nelson Daniel Rosemond ClaudellNelson Joseph Vernita Tsashai Codner Tasha ShellieCodner RansomJackson Jackson Shellie Ransom Sharon Ragoonan PattiVarney Varney Patti Patti Varney MikeGabino Gabino Mike Mike Gabino TarenKinglee Kinglee Taren Taren Kinglee John Rebar John Rebar Kara Petty JayMarder Marder Jay Jay Marder O. Tom Ruiz Tom Ruiz Tom Ruiz Pam Thompson PamThompson Thompson Pam Ula Zucker-Williams MatthewBoyd Boyd Matthew Matthew Boyd HilaryMarshall Marshall Hilary Hilary Marshall TashekHamlette Hamlette Tashek Hamlette Tashek Lillie Odom DavidQ. Motola David Motola David Motola
DEPARTMENT E-MAIL Department E-mail DEPARTMENT E-MAIL Asst. to Mayor jsmith@miamigardens-fl.gov City Attorney dickens@miamigardens-fl.gov City Attorney dickens@miamigardens-fl.gov City Attorney sdickens@miamigardens-fl.gov CityClerk Clerk taylorr@miamigardens-fl.gov City taylorr@miamigardens-fl.gov City Clerk rtaylor@miamigardens-fl.gov City Manager crewd@miamigardens-fl.gov City Manager crewd@miamigardens-fl.gov City Manager crewd@miamigardens-fl.gov AssistantCity City Manager cbenson@miamigardens-fl.gov Assistant drosemond@miamigardens-fl.gov Deputy City Manager Manager rcrichton@miamigardens-fl.gov Assistant City Manager vnelson@miamigardens-fl.gov Assistant City Manager vnelson@miamigardens-fl.gov Asst. City Manager drosemond@miamigardens-fl.gov KMGB Director cjoseph@miamigardensfl.gov Asst. City Manager vnelson@miamigardens-fl.gov KMGB Director codner@miamigardens0fl.gov KMGB Building Director codner@miamigardens-fl.gov Director Building&&Code Code sransom@miamigardens-fl.gov Director ransom@miamigardens-fl.gov Director. Building & Code sragoonan@miamigardens-fl.gov Finance Director pvarney@miamigardens-fl.gov Finance Director pvarney@miamiGardens-fl.gov Finance Director pvarney@miamigardens-fl.gov FloodPlain PlainAdministrator Administrator mgabino@miamigardens-fl.gov Flood mgabino@miamigardens-fl.gov Flood Plain Administrator mgabino@miamigardens-fl.gov HumanResources/Risk Resources/RiskDirector Director tkinglee@miamigardens-fl.gov Human tkinglee@miamigardens-fl.gov Human Resources/ Risk Director tkinglee@miamigardens-fl.gov Parks & Recreation Director jrebar@miamigardens-fl.gov Parks & Recreation Director jrebar@miamigardens-fl.gov Parks & Recreation Director kpetty@miamigardens-fl.gov Special Project Administrator jmarder@miamigardens-fl.gov Planning Zoning Director jmarder@miamigardens-fl.gov Planning && Zoning Director jmarder@miamigardens-fl.gov PublicWorks Works Director truiz@miamigardens-fl.gov Public Works Director truiz@maimigardens-fl.gov Public Director truiz@maimigardens-fl.gov Procurement Manager pthompson@miamigarders-fl.gov Procurement Manager pthompson@miamigardens-fl.gov Procurement Manager pthompson@miamigardens-fl.gov Events and Media Coordinator uzucker@miamigardens-fl.gov MiamiGardens GardensPolice PoliceChief Chief Miami Miami Gardens Police Chief AssistanttotoCouncil Council Assistant Assistant to Council hmarshall@miamigardens-fl.gov (Odom, D. Williams, Mayor Gilbert) hmarshall@miamigardens-fl.gov (Odom, D. Williams, Mayor Gilbert) (Vice Mayor Campbell, Davis, D. Williams) hmarshall@miamigardens-fl.gov Assistant Council Assistanttoto toCouncil Council thamlette@miamigardens-fl.gov Assistant (Gilbert, Davis, A. Williams, Robinson) (Ighodaro, Davis, and Robinson) thamlette@miamigardens-fl.gov (Ighodaro, A.Harris Williams and Robinson) thamlette@miamigardens-fl.gov Community Outreach Specialist lodom@miamigardens-fl.gov FleetManager Manager dmotola@miamigardens-fl.gov Fleet dmotola@miamigardens-fl.gov Fleet Manager dmotols@miamigardens-fl.gov
MAIN Main MAIN 305-622-8010 (305) 622-8055 (305) 622-8055 305-622-8055 (305)622-8003 622-8003 (305) 305-622-8003 (305) 622-8007 (305) 622-8007 305-622-8007 (305)622-8005 622-8000 x2740 (305) 305-622-8006 (305) 622-8008 (305) 622-8008 305-622-8005 (305) 622-8009 305-622-8008 (305) 622-8009 305-622-8009 (305) 622-8054 (305) 622-8054 305-622-8018 (305) 622-8000Ext. Ext.2780 2780 (305) 622-8000 305-622-8000 Ext. 2780 (305) 622-8039 (305) 622-8039 305-622-8039 (305)622-8030 622-8030 (305) 305-622-8030 (305) 622-8000Ext. Ext.2528 2528 (305) 622-8000 305-622-8080 (305) 622-8025 305-622-8025 (305) 622-8025O. 305-622-8004 (305) 622-8004 (305) 622-8004 305-622-8000 (305) 622-8000Ext. Ext.2490 2490 (305) 622-8000 Ext. 2490 305-622-8035 (305)744-1400 474-1400 (305) 305-474-1400 305-622-8000 Ext. 2793 (305)622-8000 622-8000Ext. Ext.2793 2793 (305) 305-622-8000 Ext. 2705 (305)622-8000 622-8000Ext. Ext.2705 2705 (305) 305622.8000 ext 2760 (305)622-8024 622-8024Ext. Ext.11 (305) (305) 622-8024 ext 1
Cityy off Miamii Gardens s Police e Department Gardens Police Department Use Usee these thesee numbers numberss to too contact contactt us us Operations Division
Support Services Division
Major Alfred Lewers . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1405 Broadcast Permits . . . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1406 ......................................
Major Frank Trujillo . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1418 Crime Watch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1407 Traffic Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1391 Off-Duty Employment . . . . . . . .305-474-1412 False Alarm Questions . . . . . . . . .877-665-2980 Red Camera Questions . . . . . . . .866-225-8875
School Crossing Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheris Asberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1526
................................
Investigations Division Major Anthony Chapman . . . . .305-474-1382 Captain Rafael Suarez . . . . . . . .305-474-1430 Captain Gary Smith . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1511 Crime Watch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1407 Victim Advocate . . . . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1490
Professional Compliance Unit Internal Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .305-622-8059
Dial 911 for emergencies Non-Emergency Police Communications & Information (305) 474-MGPD (6473) Thank you for your assistance
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For information on employee opt days, please refer to next page
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• 21 years of age or older • Reside or own a business within the City of Miami Gardens • Ability to communicate effectively with staff and the general public • Should be able to read maps and give clear directions • Typing skill would be helpful, along with data entry skills • Be dependable • Individuals with felony convictions or pending cases are not eligible HAVE A DESIRE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR
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WINDOW TO THE WORLD Afro-Caribbean Culture in St. Lucia By Julia Yarbough
Passport Processing Services for Your Convenience The City of Miami Gardens Office of the City Clerk accepts Passport Applications, Monday thru Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Miami Gardens City Hall, 1515 NW 167th Street, Building 5, Suite 200, Miami Gardens, Florida. No appointment necessary. For first time passport applicants the following is required: • Completed DS 11 Passport Application without signature (must sign application in front of passport agent) • Proof of citizenship (original/certified copy of birth certificate or naturalization certificate) • One (1) current (no older than six months) passport picture, which can be obtained from CVS or Walgreens Pharmacies • Acceptable picture identification (Florida Driver’s License or State issued identification) • A check or money order in the amount of
$25.00 for Execution Fee, made payable to the City of Miami Gardens • For applicants 16 years of age and older, a check or money order in the amount of $110.00 for Passport Book, made payable to US Department of State (if you are applying for both the Passport Book and Passport Card, the total amount of the check or money order should be $140.00) • For applicants under 16 years of age, a check or money in the amount of $80.00, for Passport Book, made payable to US Department of State (if you are applying for both the Passport Book and Passport Card, the total amount of the check or money order should be $95.00). Parents must accompany children. To take advantage of this great opportunity please contact: Ronetta Taylor, MMC, City Clerk at (305) 622-8003 or Email: rtaylor@miamigardens-fl.gov Turn-around time to receive your new passport is four to six weeks.
WINDOW TO THE WORLD Activities and events taking place in the City of Miami Gardens are having an impact not only in South Florida but also internationally! We’re proud to say ‘welcome’ and ‘thank you’ to visitors like Jeroen Callebaut of Belgium. This Miami Gardens fan recently contacted the Events & Media Department to say hello, writing, “Miami Gardens is a very beautiful City. The logo and Jeroen Callebaut website are also very successful. I will certainly follow you on Facebook and the Community Newspaper from now. Thank you to add me on your mailing list.” When asked how he learned of our City, Mr. Callebaut writes, “Friends of mine visited Miami Gardens, Florida and it is my dream to visit your beautiful City one day!”
T H A N K YOU Mr. Callebaut and we here in the City of Miami Gardens will look forward to welcoming you to The United States, Florida and our City!
*Belgium - Belgium sits on the northwest coastline of mainland Europe, surrounded by four nations and the North Sea. Its longest border is shared with to the south west, with Luxembourg to the south east, Germany to the east and The Netherlands to the north east. Its capital city, Brussels, not only oversees the running of two domestic cultures – the French-speaking Walloons to the south, and Dutch speaking Flemish in the north - but also one of the three political capitals of the European Union. – NationMaster.com
During a recent Caribbean get-away aboard the Celebrity cruise ship Summit, I had the unexpected pleasure of stumbling across a small, family-owned and rather unique vacation experience. As an avid traveler I usually book a plane ticket to a far-away destination, gather up some guide books and go exploring either solo or with a few friends. So being on board a cruise ship with thousands of other travelers, all seeking ‘an experience of the moment’ during a shore excursion was rather foreign to me. Not wishing to be part of the herd disembarking and taking part in the preplanned trips offered, once we pulled into the port in St. Lucia, I struck off on my own. What I found was an enjoyable, halfday and culturally-significant trip offered by a friendly gent by the name of Arthur Anthony. He and his family own and operate LUSHAN COUNTRY LIFE, a tour operation which gives visitors a taste of Afro-Caribbean culture, food, lifestyle and history - the slogan, ‘Return to How Good Life Used to Be.” A short drive from the port, LUSHAN COUNTRY LIFE offers visitors a guided nature walk through gorgeous native, tropical landscape. With plenty of bird and animal wildlife on the property, tourists get a quick taste of what life in the Caribbean is like. Wrapping up the nature walk, we were treated to a historical perspective from Arthur’s Grandmother, who shared stories of growing up on the island, prepared traditional snacks and bread, offered fresh fruit;
all this presented under a thatched hut, similar to the original homes residents lived in years ago on the island. Living here in South Florida, we are familiar with all the riches offered by Caribbean culture, food and lifestyle. But for visitors from other parts of the United States? Well, my travel companions for the day, from Philadelphia, New York and Ohio - all African-American couples, described LUSHAN COUNTRY LIFE as one of the best shore excursions they have ever experienced! It was well worth veering form the beaten path and breaking from the herd. For more information on LUSHAN COUNTRY LIFE, visit www.stluciatours.net
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COMMUNITY NEWS • COMMUNITY NEWS • COMMUNITY NEWS Code Compliance Division Offers Financial Relief to Property Owners Recognizing many property owners are operating in difficult economic times, the City of Miami Gardens Code Compliance Division is offering a unique relief program for those who have lingering Code Compliance liens. The city has a LIEN AMNESTY PROGRAM in place which allows participants to pay only a fraction of what is actually owned on the property. The ongoing program is an opportunity for property owners to settle all liens by paying just 5% of the total amount owed. The steps property owners need to take are simple. First, make sure all noted viola-
tions are brought into compliance. Contact the Code Compliance Division to complete the required Lien Amnesty Application. Code Compliance will then verify compliance of the property and complete a lien amnesty calculation worksheet(s) with the total amount due to settle the lien(s). Once the City receives payment, an affidavit of compliance will be issued and the lien released. For more information on how to take advantage of the Lien Amnesty Program, contact the Code Compliance Division at (305) 622-8000 ext. 2618 or ext. 2611.
In an ongoing effort to build and strengthen Community Policing programs, City of Miami Gardens police are mixing and mingling with residents over coffee. The innovative and thus far successful Coffee with the Cops informational morning meet-and-greets give residents the chance to get to know police officers in a more intimate setting and discuss issues which might not otherwise come to the table. “Coffee with the Cops is fostering positive interaction with residents by encouraging constructive dialogue in a comfortable environment in order to make our community safer,” explains Deputy Police Chief Paul Miller. The June meeting of Coffee with the Cops was held at Prince J’s Soul Food,
Email: procurement@miamigardens-fl.gov
with about a dozen residents taking part. Participants had the opportunity to speak with the rank and file, share ideas, observations and concerns about public safety and overall quality of life issues in Miami Gardens. The program is designed to enhance communications between community members and the Miami Gardens Police Department. Recently featured in the Miami Herald as a positive community program, you can also view a video of the Coffee with the Cops program by visiting the City of Miami Gardens YouTube Channel. For more information about the Coffee with the Cops program, contact COFFEE WITH THE COPS at (305) 4741407
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POWERFUL WOMEN IN OUR CITY
Building a City: Don’t Give Anyone Little Girl’s Career Dream the Opportunity to Tell You ‘No’ Becomes Reality BY JULIA YARBOUGH
BY JULIA YARBOUGH
The visual contradiction can easily catch onlookers off guard. On any given day you might find the City of Miami Gardens Building Code Planning and Zoning Director walking the grounds of the new City Hall/Police Complex reviewing construction progress and development with staff and crew. The regulation hard-hat and safety work boots rarely match with the modern, stylish and ultra-feminine designs Shellie Ransom-Jackson wears while purveying the grounds of the City’s shining new construction star. “I was introduced to construction by my mother,” explains Ransom-Jackson as she carefully gives me a tour of the building site along NW 27th Avenue. Cranes, drills, hammers and an active work site thrive under Ransom-Jackson’s watch. “My mother was the director of a Dade County program called Minority Contractors Training & Development. She was instrumental in getting many of the older minority contracting firms into construction”. The same was true of her daughter. With a vision for planning and executing designs, Ransom-Jackson joined the City of Miami Gardens in 2009. In a field with few women, she is even more unique as the first and only African-American Female Building official in the State of Florida. She credits her focus and success on the ability to ‘always keep moving.’ “To me there’s always something more to be learned.” “You can almost say it’s in my blood. I am a general contractor, but I decided I didn’t like the sun so I was going to go inside and move to the regulatory side. What motivates me? Serving the public, my family and my community.” Born and raised in Miami Gardens, Ransom-Jackson says she sees herself as a motivator and inspiration. “I really like to focus on young women and let them know they can get into construction. I try to show them the regulatory side of construction and how they can play with the big boys in the playground, but don’t have to play in the
Shellie Ransom-Jackson, Director Building & Code
dirt.” The new City Hall/Police Department complex holds the distinction of being LEED PLATINUM. In the environmental world that means it is the highest designation from the U.S. Green Building Council for green technology. Ransom-Jackson says when it’s complete and certified it will be sustainable, using green technology for building materials, lighting, utilities and services. “This is designed for maximum efficiency, so there are many areas that must be in place to assist and help the environment.” To watch a video interview with Shellie Ransom-Jackson, visit the Miami Gardens YouTube Channel
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
“I pride myself on giving them what they need, when they need it. We’re very responsive.” City of Miami Gardens City Attorney Sonja Knighton Dickens confidently and knowingly smiles responding to the question of what makes her department successful. As the in-house legal counsel for the City of Miami Gardens there is never a dull moment for Dickens. “I am the chief legal officer for the City. That involves me being the legal counselor to the Mayor and City Council as well as staff and managing a law office. Our job is to give legal advice to the Mayor and Council and staff. Our Client is the organization.” Dickens began working with the City of Miami Gardens in 2004 while an attorney with the South Florida firm Brady & Associates. But in 2009 she was tapped as ‘the’ attorney who would create the City’s legal department. Dickens, who has been an Assistant City Attorney for the cities of West Palm Beach and Lauderdale Lakes, a partner in a majority law firm and ranked as an AV-Rated lawyer by Martindale Hubbell in her early thirties, was happy to take on the challenge. “The City Council decided to have counsel on premises. I wasn’t sure that’s what I wanted to do, but the timing was right. Career-wise it was a good move. I’m proud that we operate like a private law firm.” Dickens says the most satisfying part of her position leading the City’s three-person legal team is seeing Miami Gardens grow and thrive. “When I came aboard, the jury was still out on whether we would be successful. I’m happy to say I’ve been a part of the process to get us to where we are today. We are one of the strongest municipalities in the County and the largest Black City in the state of Florida. I take pride in
Sonja K. Dickens, City Attorney
being part of that history and being the first City Attorney for Miami Gardens.” Holding a degree in sociology from Spelman College, a Juris Doctorate from the University Of Miami Law School and nearly two decades of practicing law, Dickens envisions growing her legal department to better serve the City and its residents. “The Mayor and Council trust my advice. My job is to tell them how to do what they want to do and how to do it legally, not to be a detractor .” When asked what career advice she has for others? “Make a choice about the career you want, plan a road map and stick to it. People who are successful are passionate about what they want to do.” Dickens speaks from experience. “I remember reading an Ebony magazine as a little girl about a woman who was an attorney and I always knew… that’s what I wanted to do. I always knew.”
CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Miami Gardens Crime Rate Drops - AGAIN According to the most recent Florida Department of Law Enforcement summarizing 2012, Miami Gardens continues its success in reducing crime for the fifth straight year. Since the Miami Gardens Police Department was formed in late 2007, the city’s Part I (serious/felony) crime rate has fallen almost 40%. Today, Miami Gardens has a lower
crime rate that many other major cities in the state, including Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando and St. Petersburg. Your City is committed to further reducing crime through the dedication of its police officers, elected officials, staff and particularly with the continued assistance of our residents. Together we can make a difference.
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South Florida Entertainment:
THE PULSE BY NATE BENSON MTaye Williams is another talented artist on the rise to look out for. Williams was born in Miami in 1987. Taye describes his approach to music as Southern Pop, which reflects his southern up-bringing mixed with today’s pop influence. “When I go into the studio to record, my process is that I allow the track to lead my creativity. I listen for the words in the music,” explains Taye. His latest studio offering is the song
entitled POSERS. “This song came from my personal experiences in dealing with people who pretend to be something that they are not, whether they are associates, family, women; it really doesn’t matter — they all can be POSERS.” Taye began performing in 1st grade and by 2nd grade had performed a number arranged by him and his teacher Ms. Gibson. The performance was for then Congresswoman Carrie Meek. Taye has recently lent his voice and talent to a weight loss product called “21forlife.” He was asked to write a jingle for the company’s official website. Both CEO Isiah Sistrunk, and Partner and Marketing Director Leigh Lizotte feel that “Taye
Williams was a perfect selection for the 21ForLife jingle. His energy and beat just flowed with the way we see our product. We want people to see the effect 21ForLife has on their health and lives, making you feel energetic and upbeat and when Taye presented his work, it was exactly that.” And to keep his music progression in perspective Taye has been afforded the opportunity to work with Super producers Cool&Dre. Of Taye, Cool said “He is very diverse with his writing skills and his artistry... he can give a club feel, a street feel plus has catchy melodies. After hearing his music we gave him a shot at writ-
ing some of our music. He did a great job and we will definitely be working with him in the future.” You can hear Taye’s Jingle by going to www.21forlife.com, and to hear his other music log on to Soundcloud.com/ taye-williams or facebook.com/tayewilliams. Nate Benson is a recent graduate of Florida Memorial University. A seasoned production professional in local television, Benson spends his spare time leading Livingstone Artist Entertainment navigating the always exciting world of South Florida Entertainment. He can be reached at bensonnate8@gmail.com
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Cars & Motor Oil:
Understanding Yours is No Laughing Matter BY DAVID MOTOLA MNo one seems to be able to escape todays “Social Media” or texting with all the LOL’s. But do you know and or remember what LOF means? LOF started a century ago in the automotive service world, with L for lube, O for Oil, and F for Filter. Automobile manufacturers have eliminated the lube portion but we still have oil and filters. So the question is: what oil and what filter to use when servicing your vehicle? First, let’s focus on the oil. Go to any auto parts store and you’ll see the selection of motor oil almost resembles the wide assortment of lipsticks displayed at a cosmetic store! So what makes one container of oil different than the other? For the most part, there are four types of oil; traditional oil that came out of the ground, synthetic blend (meaning oil that is blended with an imitation of oil made in a laboratory), full synthetic, and enhanced synthetic (made by Dr. Frankenstein in his personal laboratory in Transylvania LOL). The differences don’t stop there. Oils come in different weights referred to as viscosity. There is different oil used in gasoline or diesel engines, and different rating systems for both. But let’s keep it simple. The viscosity relates to how the oil reacts to temperature. Most oil used today is referred to as multiple-viscosity which means it is thin during cold weather and thicker during warm weather. For instance, years ago 10W40 was the most popular. Today some manufacturers use a 0W20 which is very thin or light-weight oil. With gasoline motor oil, there are two industry ratings. Association of Petroleum Institute (API) and International Lubricant Standardization & Approval Committee (ILSAC), both in my opinion do a good job
rating oil. The highest rating oil by API is “SN.” “S” for spark ignited engines and “N” for Nth generation. The ILSAC highest oil rating is “GF-5”. Both properly address the needs of today’s low-emissions engines and use of ethanol E85 fuel. Motor oils that are deemed to provide improved fuel economy also receive a “starburst” logo around the API certification. How does this all relate to the four different types of oils introduced earlier? Should traditional motor oil be as good as a high dollar synthetic if they are also SN and / or GF-5 rated? Automobile manufacturers have asked the same question. Many have called for the use of full synthetic oil for this very same reason. General Motors took it a little developing its own specifications for motor oil, known as Dexos. This is not unique for GM. The company was a leader years ago developing specifications for automatic transmission fluid called Dexron. Here is what YOU need to know. Prior to changing your oil, check your motor oil to see if it is low. If it is then you need to find out why. Check the vehicles owner’s manual for the correct weight and oil specifications to use. There are all types of products for high mileage engines and I am sure they are good but as a fleet maintenance professional, I would stick to what the manufacturer recommends and change the oil at the recommended intervals. If you do choose to use expensive motor oil allowing you to go longer before changing oil, remember what I said about oil filters. Just because your oil can last a long time does not mean your filter has increased capacity. All food – or FUEL for thought when it comes to changing your oil. Miami Gardens Fleet Manager David Motola has over thirty years of experience in the automobile industry. Dave holds a Master’s in Business Administration from FAU and is an ASE Master Car and Truck Technician.dmotola@miamigardens-fl.gov
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Marco Drugs & Compounding among the nation’s first to offer innovative service that optimizes patient care by encouraging safe medication use MedsOnCue leverages the latest digital technology to help Marco Drugs & Compounding advance its primary mission of providing quality patient care Marco Drugs & Compounding has become one of the first pharmacies in the nation to reinforce safe medication use by providing its patients with on-demand access to prescription-specific videos through MedsOnCue. Solidifying its position as a care innovator, the new MedsOnCue service strengthens the close relationship between Marco Drugs’ pharmacists and patients by adding a unique digital component to the education experience. “We take great pride in our personal approach to patient communications. MedsOnCue was a natural addition because it creates an immediate connection between our patients and the information they need to take their medications safely and as directed,” said Sonia Martinez, RPh. “It is exactly what we have been looking for to help us continue delivering a quality experience no matter when, where or how our patients choose to communicate with our pharmacy. Whether it is at our pharmacy counter or at their kitchen counter, we want to be the trusted source of information for our patients and their families.” A family-owned pharmacy, Marco Drugs & Compounding has been serving South Florida since the early 1980s. While continuing to provide old-fashioned personal service, Marco Drugs & Compounding’s state-of-the-art laboratory uses the newest technologies and the highest quality pharmaceuticals to ensure patients get the best possible treatment. By combining the ageless art of compounding with the latest medical knowledge, the team at Marco Drugs & Compounding will formulate customized medications to fit each patient’s unique needs. By printing QR codes on its prescription labels, Marco Drugs & Compounding now creates a direct link to thousands of medication-specific videos in the MedsOnCue library. Available in both English and Spanish, the videos provide comprehensive information on top-prescribed medications, including proper usage, expected benefits and potential side effects. This helps ensure patients understand how to take their medications safely and limit any avoidable reactions. MedsOnCue is distributed by Rx30 and backed by the trusted experts of VUCA Health. In addition to on-demand videos, it includes three customizable services designed to reinforce patient relationships and cultivate brand loyalty: Connect Me, providing “click-to-call” access to pharmacy’s phone lines; Remind Me for streamlined registration with the pharmacy’s medication alert and reminder program; and Inform Me, providing on-demand access to additional prescription information and health or wellness resources.
6627 S Dixie Highway • Miami, FL 33143 www.marcodrugs.com • 305-665-4411
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Miami Gardens Calendar of Events AUGUST 2013 *PLEASE NOTE, THE CITY COUNCIL IS IN RECESS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST*
AUGUST 12 Councilwoman Robinson’s Meet me on Monday Meeting Carol City Park 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
AUGUST 13 Miami Gardens Excellence in Education Council 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5
Suite 200 (City Council Chambers) Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:00 p.m.
AUGUST 15 Nuisance Abatement Board 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (City Council Chambers) Miami Gardens, FL @ 5:00 p.m.
Parks and Rec. Advisory 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 6 Suite 300 Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:00 p.m.
AUGUST 20 Caribbean Affairs Advisory 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (City Council Chambers)
Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:00 p.m.
AUGUST 28 Special Master 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (Small Conf. Room) Miami Gardens, FL 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 2013 SEPTEMBER 9 Councilwoman Robinson’s Meet me on Monday Meeting Carol City Park 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 10 Miami Gardens Excellence in Education Council 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (City Council Chambers) Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:00 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 11 1st Gudget Hearing for 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (City Council Chambers) Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5
Suite 200 (City Council Chambers) Miami Gardens, FL @ 7:00 p.m. Commission for Women Affair Advisory Planning Meeting 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (Small Conference Rm.) Miami Gardens, FL 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 16 Citizens Advisory Committee Mtg. 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (Small Conf. Room) Miami Gardens, FL
Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:00 p.m. Elderly Affairs Advisory 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (Small Conf.Room) Miami Gardens, FL @ 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Commission for Womrn 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (Small Conf. Room) Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 19 Nuisance Abatement Board 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (City Council Chambers) Miami Gardens, FL @ 5:00 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 17 Caribbean Affairs Advisory 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (City Council Chambers)
Parks and Rec. Advisory 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 6 Suite 200 (Small Conf.Room)
Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:00 p.m
SEPTEMBER 25 Special Master Code Hearing 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (City Council Chambers) Miami Gardens, FL 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 2nd Budget Hearing for 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (City Council Chambers) Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:00 0 7:00 p.m Commission for Women Affairs Advisory Planning Meeting 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (Small Conference Rm) Miami Gardens, FL 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
OCTOBER 2013 OCTOBER 8
OCTOBER 14
Miami Gardens Excellence in Education Council 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (City Council Chambers) Carol City Park 6:00 p.m.
Councilwoman Robinson’s Meet me on Monday Meeting Carol City Park, FL @ 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
OCTOBER 9
Caribbean Affairs Advisory 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (City Council Chambers) Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (City Council Chambers) Miami Gardens, FL @ 7:00 p.m.
OCTOBER 15
OCTOBER 16 Commission for Women Affair Advisory Planning Meeting 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (Small Conference Rm.) Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Elderly Affais Advisory 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (Small Conf. Room) Miami Gardens, FL @ 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Commission for Women 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5
Suite 200 (Small Conference Rm.) Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
OCTOBER 17 Nuisance Abatement Board 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (City Council Chambers) Miami Gardens, FL @ 5:00 p.m. Parks andRec.Advisory 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 6 Suite 300 Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:00 p.m.
OCTOBER 21 Citizens Advisory Committee Mtg. Miami Gardens Police Dept. 1020 N.W 163rd Drive Miami Gardens, FL @ 7:00 p.m.
OCTOBER 23 Special Master Code Hearing 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (City Council Chambers) Miami Gardens, FL 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. City Council Meeting 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (City Council Chambers) Miami Gardens, FL @ 7:00 p.m. Commission for Women Affair Advisory Planning Meeting 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5 Suite 200 (Small Conference Rm.) Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Aug./Sept. 2013
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Lorenzo-Bomnin Chevrolet rolls out New Showroom, facility and car line By Jesse Scheckner Drive by Lorenzo-Bomnin Chevrolet, located at 8455 S. Dixie Hwy. and one thing is immediately evident: drastic improvements are being made. Although construction for the dealership is still roughly two months away from completion, the two-time GM Mark of Excellence award-winning business, led by partners Lorenzo Llerena and Arnaldo Bomnin, already looks better than ever. The new facility is 34,000 sq. feet in its entirety, with a 4,300 sq. foot showroom and a massive 15,400 sq. foot air conditioningready garage stocked with high end, state of the art equipment. The new main building houses 28 personnel offices, a general office, and has a repositioned storefront that places the showroom in direct view of US1complete with all of the latest Chevrolet- approved designs. It is the most up to date Chevrolet facility in South Florida and the only one being rebuilt from scratch. “The visibility of the design is great, and we now have a lot more exposure from US1 into the showroom,” says Llerena. It’s great for Chevrolet, for the area and for us as deal-
ers. I think it’s a win-win for everybody.” Originally built as a gas station during the 1940’s, the property was later repurposed as a car dealership. Its small size made it impossible to provide many modest amenities, however. Among the things Llerena and Bomnin are most excited about is the opportunity to reward their customers’ loyalty with a much more accommodating setting that includes a new customer lounge outfitted with a large flat screen television and a dedicated internet room equipped with free wi-fi. Customers bringing in their vehicles for service are provided with free carwashes and there is a point-accumulation reward system for repeat visitors. “We’re very excited that we are able to offer customers much better conditions now,” he says. “They were very loyal to us in the old facility and we’re thrilled to offer them a much improved environment.” All of this remodeling coincides with the largest product revamp in General Motors’ history, with almost 70 percent of their 2014 vehicles being gorgeously redesigned including the Silverado, Colorado, Tahoe, Suburban, Malibu, Impala and the Corvette, of
which they are the number one dealer in the entire southeast region of the United States, year to date. The new rollout also will include the debut of the Chevy SS (Sports Sedan), which boasts a sedan exterior with a Corvette engine. Both Llerena and Bomnin are first generation (l-r) Lorenzo Llerena and Arnaldo Bomnin proudly stand in Cuban immigrants their beautiful new showroom who came to the U.S. during the 1990’s with no family or money. Neither of better way is there to do it than with an Amerthem spoke English when they arrived and it ican brand that is so iconic?” he says. “We was through sheer will, determination and both came to this country with absolutely strategic planning that they got to where they nothing at all and I feel extremely privileged are today as the only 100 percent Hispanic- and grateful to this nation for the opportunity it has given us.” owned Chevrolet dealership in the region. “The way I see it, my partner and I are the For more information, call 305-740-7475 or realization of the American dream, and what visit <www.lorenzobomninchevrolet.com>.
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