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DEC. 24, 2013 - JAN. 6, 2014
Possible new fire station discussed at meeting BY GARY ALAN RUSE town hall meeting at Village Hall on Dec. 11 was the latest stage in an ongoing effort to bring a new fire station to the northeast side of Palmetto Bay. Roughly 40 people attended the meeting that ran from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The site in question is part of the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s Subtropical Horticulture Research Station located at 13601 Old Cutler Rd., next to the USDA administration building. Since there are no fire stations close to that area, response time to 9-1-1 calls from that area can be eight minutes or longer. “We have no coverage on the east side of the village,” Mayor Shelley Stanczyk said during and interview the next day. “It’s something that’s important for two municipalities in terms of service and the people who live in the surrounding area, because we’re only served by the one at [SW] 152nd [Street] and down by Village Hall. Those are really far west.” During a previous meeting Fire Chief Downey had explained the protocol for stations in residential areas. Mayor Stanczyk was glad that the latest meeting was well attended. “One lady had a very poignant story about the fact that she felt that her husband failed to survive, or at least was complicated, by the fact that fire rescue was so late in showing up when her husband had a fatal heart attack,” Stanczyk said. Stanczyk said that there also was a man from a group called the Friends of Chapman Field, which has been opposing the USDA site. “We spoke to him afterwards, but we were never given the opportunity to
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FIRE STATION, page 6
Village celebrates Hanukkah with festive menorah lighting
Frustrated council turns to grassroots to get fire station BY GRANT MILLER
T
Palmetto Bay Mayor Shelley Stanczyk is pictured with Rabbi Shneor Zalman Gansburg. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY LEE STEPHENS
he warmth of Hanukkah was felt in the Village of Palmetto Bay on Sunday, Dec. 1. Despite intermittent rain, nearly 100 residents gathered in and around the Coral Reef Park gazebo for a festive Hanukkah celebration hosted by the Chabad of Palmetto Bay. Local children were excited by the creative crafts, bounce house, Hanukkah games, and surprise door prizes. The children were especially wowed by the six-foot tall Candy Menorah. Village Mayor Shelly Stanczyk and Councilmember Patrick Fiore participated in the traditional candle lighting and brought official greetings from the community. While the children played, residents of
all ages enjoyed the traditional holiday delicacies of latkes (potato pancakes) and donuts, and had the opportunity to learn more about Hanukkah and its traditions. Dozens of menorahs, dreidels and Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins) were distributed amid rousing holiday music and dancing. The afternoon’s festivities came to a climax when former Mayor Eugene Flinn and Palmetto Bay Village Council candidate Karyn Cunningham dismantled the Candy Menorah and showered the delighted children with a sweet taste of the holiday. Hanukkah in Palmetto Bay was a day when the raindrops turned into lemon drops and gumdrops. For information about future community classes and events visit <www.JewishPalmettoBay.org> or call 786-208-9222.
Publisher
It appears that the Palmetto Bay mayor appreciated the results obtained through the grassroots homeowners associations in fending off the USPS facility on Coral Reef Drive. Now your help is being sought in contacting federal officials and requesting assistance in obtaining renewed U.S. House approval for a fire station on the USDA land at Old Cutler Road and SW 136th Street. The new mantra in Palmetto Bay is no longer “ask not what Palmetto Bay can do for you, ask what you can do to help your current elected officials get projects completed.” It is a sad day in Palmetto Bay as the prior administration had the fire
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GRASSROOTS, page 6
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Dec. 20, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Havana Spice Cuban Café now in Dadeland North BY DONNA SHELLEY
Life in Miami has its benefits; lots of sun, warm waters, and plenty of delightful Cuban food. Those wonderful people who have made the strong, dark and sugary cafecito a staple of South Florida’s culinary and social scene have also hooked us on pastelitos, medianoches, and lechon asado, just to name a few. In the hands of the Yaniz family at Havana Spice Cuban Café, you can indulge in all your favorites and get introduced to some innovative dishes that blend the best flavors from the kitchens of Cuba and the U.S. Havana Spice, located on Dixie Highway in Pinecrest for eight years, moved to a new location in the Dadeland North shopping mall in July 2013. With their relocation to the mall came a new concept to provide fast service in a casual atmosphere at affordable prices. What hasn’t changed is their dedication to fresh food lovingly prepared. “We had an idea for a new concept in a location that has plenty of parking and the Dadeland North Metrorail station right across the street,” said Jessica YanizMuniz. With the goal of keeping the price of in-
A family affair, the Havana Spice Cuban Café offers fresh flavorful food at affordable prices. (L-R) Rene Yaniz, Isabella Torrel, Janessa Yaniz, Sonia Yaniz, Jessica Yaniz Muniz, Jennifer Yaniz Torrel, and Jonathan Torrel.
dividual dishes below $10, the Yaniz family believes they can best serve their loyal customers from the Pinecrest days and the new customers in search of a great lunch or dinner. They also do a thriving take out business that specializes in full dinners, holiday menus, and the recently added breakfast menu, available on Saturdays and Sundays. Rene Yaniz and his wife Sonia, have decades of experience in the food business. Their daughters Jennifer, Jessica and Janessa and their son-in-law Jonathan Torrel work together with them to make the café a success. The Yaniz daughters have added social media to the promotional mix.
Look for the Cuban Café on Facebook, Yelp and Foursquare. Havana Spice serves up soups and salads, sandwiches, and full meals with a selection of side dishes. In addition to the midnight, Cuban, and roast pork sandwiches, they offer the Cuban Philly, with a Caribbean twist to the City of Brotherly Love’s classic steak sandwich. Another take on a Cuban classic, the skinny croqueta features four ham or chicken croquettes, but leaves off the slices of ham that normally comes with a croqueta sandwich. If you are in the mood for roast pork, Palomilla or Vaca Frita, those favorites are available, as well as the Cuban version of
pulled pork, slow roasted in guava barbeque sauce. Breakfast is now being served on Saturday and Sunday, with the café opening at 8:00 AM. In addition to their complete take-out meals for you, the entire family or the entire office, the café will fix a breakfast tray for 15 people that includes egg, bacon or sausage, potatoes and Cuban toast and plenty of café con leche for just under $100 (available on the weekends only). And don’t forget the pastries by the dozen: empanadas, croquetas and tequenos (cheese pastries). Cuban Café s holiday hours will be 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. Make Noche Buena extra special and extra easy by ordering from the holiday menu which includes honey-glazed spiral ham and platters of roast pork, pork shoulder or leg of pork. Cuban Café is located at 8322 S. Dixie Hwy, Miami in the Dadeland Station North Mall (Target, Best Buy). Contact them at 305-670-5591 or visit their website at www.havanaspicecafe.com. The café is open Monday thru Friday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Village council to consider naming street to honor George Johnson BY GARY ALAN RUSE
The Palmetto Bay Village Council voted 5-0 at its Dec. 9 meeting to place on the agenda of the January meeting a resolution put forth by Councilmember Patrick Fiore to posthumously honor resident George F. Johnson by co-designating a village roadway with his name. A section of SW 144th Terrace between 68th Court and 68th Avenue would be named “George Johnson Way.” Johnson, a long time resident, was 65 when he passed away on May 17. A petition signed by 13 of Johnson’s neighbors was brought to Fiore by resident Don Noe before the December meeting. “I didn’t know Mr. Johnson,” Fiore said in a Dec. 13 interview. “But based on what Don told me and the things that I read, and all the signatures of the people in the neighborhood, he was extremely instrumental in working with the city for several years to get the drainage installed down there, and now the street doesn’t flood anymore. “Everybody voted for it and it’s coming up on Jan. 6 for a final resolution to co-designate the street ‘George Johnson Way,’ and hopefully within a month or so after that we’ll have the sign and do a little ceremony with the family and the neighbors.” Johnson served in the United States Coast Guard for 20 years and rose to the position of Deputy Commander Coast Guard Group Miami in 1985, retiring in 1990. He worked as an executive with two airlines in Miami and was treasurer of the International Air Cargo Association. He served as the church administrator at Old Cutler Presbyterian Church and later as the chief financial officer at Westminster Christian School. But his neighbors best remember him as a great neighbor and for his efforts after Hurricane Katrina caused flooding in their area. “Every neighborhood has one individual who is the ‘go to’ guy and George was that person,” Noe said. “He would check on everybody when a hurricane threatened to see if they needed help with shutters or supplies. After Katrina he led the charge in assisting two of the homeowners on his street whose homes were flooded. He spent days ripping out carpet, moving furniture and drying out walls.” Noe said that Johnson organized neighborhood get-togethers on many Friday nights by hosting a gathering in his driveway.
George F. Johnson. (Photo provided by his family) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
“Whenever we would see the pink flamingo displayed in his lawn, it meant that neighbors were to bring a lawn chair and a beverage to sit under the stars and talk. In a big suburban community it was a great way to make it feel like a small town by getting to know and talk with your neighbors,” Noe added. “If I needed any tool, George had it. If I needed a helping hand, George was there. You really didn’t have to ask; it was just his way. The project to improve drainage was just one example of George’s caring for people and his efforts to make our little neighborhood a better place.” At the Dec. 9 meeting, Village Mayor Shelley Stanczyk spoke positively about the idea of honoring George Johnson. “Over the years I’ve supported and brought forward independently a number of co-designations, and I know that some people are not fans of that,” Mayor Stanczyk said. “But I think that co-designations have a way of kind of humanizing our village. We go through and we see names on streets that commemorate the people of our village. We’ve done at least three in the last couple of years that I recall.” The road is not currently designated for anyone. A final vote approving the resolution is expected in January.
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Iman Jiha-Scutt chosen for Congress of Future Medical Leaders in February BY LEE STEPHENS
Iman Jiha-Scutt, a freshman at Westminster Christian School in Palmetto Bay has been nominated to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Washington, DC, Feb. 14-16. The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. The purpose of this event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be physicians or medical scientists, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal. Jiha-Scutt was nominated by Dr. Connie Mariano, the medical director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, to represent Florida based on her academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine. During the three-day Congress, Jiha-Scutt will join students from across the country and hear Nobel laureates and National Medal of Science winners talk about leading medical research; be given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what is to expect in medical school; witness stories told by patients who are living medical miracles; be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies, and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology. “This is a crucial time in America when we need more doctors and medical scientists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially,” said Richard Rossi, executive director, National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. “Focused, bright and determined students like Iman Jiha-Scutt are our future and she deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give her.” The Academy offers free services and pro-
Iman Jiha-Scutt –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
grams to students who want to be physicians or go into medical science. Some of the services and programs the Academy plans to launch in 2014 are online social networks through which future doctors and medical scientists can communicate; opportunities for students to be guided and mentored by physicians and medical students, and communications for parents and students on college acceptance and finances, skills acquisition, internships, career guidance and much more. The National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists was founded on the belief that we must identify prospective medical talent at the earliest possible age and help these students acquire the necessary experience and skills to take them to the doorstep of this vital career. Based in Washington, DC, the Academy was chartered as a nonpartisan, taxpaying institution to help address this crisis by working to identify, encourage and mentor students who wish to devote their lives to the service of humanity as physicians, medical scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians. For information visit <www.FutureDocs.com> or call 1-202-599-8442, ext. 701.
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Perfect business climate is not just about weather BY COMMISSIONER LYNDA BELL
Miami-Dade County People come from across the globe to Miami primarily to enjoy the benefits that come with great weather. Hotels, beaches and major attractions all contribute to a robust economy. We must continue to build on what makes us great and work to make us even better by diversifying our local economy and making Miami-Dade County the first place people think of when expanding or relocating their company or business. Recently, in partnership with The Beacon Council, Mayor Carlos Gimenez, and the Realtors Association of Miami-Dade County, we announced the launch of MiamiDadeSites.com — a tool to attract jobs and investment in Miami-Dade County. Think of it as “Google Maps” for businesses, with more detailed and useful information about our community’s economic potential. Through a free and easy-to-use website, we are showcasing available industrial and commercial properties for sale or lease, housing availability, incentives available to businesses, demographic information, nearby transportation, infrastructure and much more. Accessible anywhere in the world at no cost, it will allow prospective domestic and international businesses wishing to expand, relocate or establish their commercial operations in Miami-Dade County to research the benefits of opening their doors or expanding in South Florida.
Miami-Dade Commissioner Lynda Bell explains the new MiamiDadeSites.com website during a recent meeting. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
As the author of the legislation that created the site, my goal is to give our community an edge over other large metropolitan areas of the country by attracting potential
domestic and international employers to our county by using the most up-to-date technology available. The site also serves as a conduit for Realtors and brokers to showcase available commercial properties in South Florida. This cutting-edge technology has never before been available on one platform coupled with the ability to be site and property specific. It is a game changer and has the potential to serve as the key to economic growth and the creation of much needed jobs. It is critical that we design a blueprint that is inclusive of our business community. Our future must be built on it because our residents depend on it. The launch of MiamiDadeSites.com comes at the right time, as we have seen major investment in resources that help grow and enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which hopefully will develop into thriving ventures and companies that create high paying jobs. As catalysts for job creation, accelerators and co-working spaces such as Venture Hive, The Lab Miami and Endeavor Miami are all setting the stage for a thriving economy. MiamiDadeSites.com is another component in the promotion of a robust business environment as it will aid in retaining talent produced by these groups and likely serve as entrepreneurs’ first stop when they are ready to grow into their own physical space. Bustling tourism, a growing entrepreneurial community, quality schools, limitless talent, a diverse community, and now MiamiDadeSites.com, all play a role in creating a world-class business-friendly community.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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station approval secured in an act of the U.S. House of Representatives many years ago. It was waiting for the current mayor to complete the effort and get this matter though the U.S. Senate. Instead, it appears that a two-and-onehalf-year period of neglect occurred and the prior approval expired. Now the current mayor and council have found tough sledding though the federal process. That’s what happens when you let an issue slide back to the bottom — it takes ever greater effort to revive and push it back to the top. The current Palmetto Bay mayor and council truly have created a city where people need to take their own participation to keep the government moving forward. No one wonders why there are so many watchdog sites and emails circulating in an attempt to keep an eye on this mayor and plead for action for positive actions for the residents. Look at the growing list of issues: USPS, Downtown Redevelopment and now the fire station. This is quite a growing list of where grassroots participation is being required to get things moving. The efforts of the public worked on the USPS, so now the mayor’s efforts appear
to involve an appeal to the area residents to get involved with the fire station. The Palmetto Bay News recommends that you, the resident, do get involved. Please address your concerns for a fire station on the USDA property to: U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen telling her of your support for this necessary service at: Washington, DC, office 2206 Rayburn H.O.B. Washington, DC 20515-0918 Telephone: 1-202-225-3931 Fax: 1-202-225-5620 Miami office 4960 SW 72 Avenue Suite 208 Miami, Florida 33155 Telephone: 305-668-2285 Fax: 305-668-5970 Palmetto Bay is your community and it is time for you and your family to take matters into your own hands and help out if you ever want to see improved fire safety in Palmetto Bay. The residents can work together to create a Christmas miracle for Palmetto Bay.
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
FIRE STATION, from page 1
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engage with them on what their ideas were,” Stanczyk said. “They’ve been very actively lobbying against the project.” She said that two representatives from U.S. Rep. Ileana Ross-Lehtinen’s office had met with the USDA, as had the Fire Department. Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner also had gone out to look at the site. “This is a Fire Department project; it is not a local municipality project,” Stanczyk said. “However, it’s my drive to bring adequate services to our village.” Scott Mendelsberg, a spokesperson for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department, explained their status on the project. “Right now we’re looking at the high acreage, and the USDA is trying to figure out where we could go,” Mendelsberg said. “Congress — the House and the Senate — have to pass a bill to allow us to proceed. It is one of three or four different locations that we’re looking at in the south Pinecrest/north Palmetto Bay area because we do have a response time problem.” Mendelsberg said that while they don’t want to rule out the USDA location, it’s only a first step to getting the ability to study where they would put a fire station. “It’s very premature and it would take a lot more government approval,” Mendelsberg said. “Congresswoman Ileana Ross-Lehtinen sponsored this. Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart sponsored it before when he held that seat. It had actually passed the House of Representatives and we thought we had a good shot at getting it past the Senate this year when there were some people from Kings Bay in Coral Gables that notified the congresswoman that they were opposed to it.” Mendelsberg said that Rep. RossLehtinen was unaware there was any opposition to it, so she requested that the Fire Department meet with some of the
surrounding homeowners associations and residents of both communities and explain to them what they were doing and see if they could get those who supported the fire station to be as vocal as those that were opposed to using any part of the USDA property. “This was a public meeting to try and gather some feedback and support from the community, to let them know that if the congresswoman is going to be able to support this she needs to hear from you,” Mendelsberg said. “There were a lot of people there who had response time issues for their relatives, their friends, and just wanted to reinforce the need for a fire station somewhere in that general vicinity. Station 4 is at 152nd Street and US1 and Station 55 is way down on 220th Street and 87th Avenue in Saga Bay,” he addd. “We have a real problem on the eastern corridor of Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and we’re trying to get something over there.” Mendelsberg said they have been looking at Florida Power and Light’s Old Cutler power station that is up for sale, as well as part of the Palmetto Bay Village Center property. “So we’re trying to get a site so we can put a fire station in as soon as possible,” Mendelsberg said. “If we had our choice to drop it in anywhere we want, we would, but with the real estate market down there, land is expensive and it’s coveted. We’re going to buy the first piece of property that becomes available in that area, but we may need two, depending on where it’s located.” Letters to supporting a fire station may be sent to U.S. Rep. Ros-Lehtinen’s Washington, DC, Office at 2206 Rayburn H.O.B., Washington, DC 20515-0918, or emailed through her website at <https://ros-lehtinen.house.gov/>.
PALMETTO BAY JUMPS
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Some drivers still seem confused by traffic circles Michael Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR
AROUND TOWN Talk about going around in circles... We’ve been hearing from a number of readers that traffic circles and roundabouts in the community are causing a bit of a problem, not because of the traffic circles themselves, which are designed to improve the flow of traffic and reduce accidents, but simply because many drivers still don’t understand the proper way to navigate them. Going about it the wrong way can cause problems, and in some cases, even accidents. From what we hear, some drivers are not slowing down as they approach the circles, are trying to treat them as if they were a four-way stop (which is wrong) and in some cases, once they are on the circle they are stopping at each intersecting street to yield to other drivers who are waiting to enter the circle (which is totally wrong). It’s really not that hard. The Florida Driver’s Handbook, published by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, states: “Drivers entering the
roundabout must yield to traffic already in the circle ... For multilane roundabouts, stay in the left lane to turn left and the right lane to turn right, and all lanes to go through, unless otherwise directed by signs or pavement markings.” According to the DMV and DOT, you should slow to 25 mph as you reach a traffic circle and you should yield to drivers approaching from the left, then bear right around the circle. If you want to make a left turn, you must go around the circle until you get to the street you want. Once you’re on the circle you’ve got the right of way, so you are not supposed to stop at each corner, as that just fouls things up. The town of Cutler Bay has a flyer about traffic circles posted on their website: <www.cutlerbay-fl.gov>. Chili, not chilly weather... The 5th Annual Chili Day in Cutler Bay is on Saturday January 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Cutler Ridge Park, located at 10100 SW 200th Street. This yearly event is always a lot of fun and besides the competition for those participating, everyone who attends gets to taste-test the various chili recipes and other items. It’s brought to you by the town’s Parks and Recreation Department and MercedesBenz of Cutler Bay, and besides the food the organizers promise that there’s plenty of
entertainment for the whole family throughout the day. In addition to the chili cook-off, prizes will also be awarded for the best salsa and the best corn bread in Cutler Bay. There’s not much time left to register as a chef and to reserve your booth space, so if you want to compete please contact Fred Bobson in the Parks and Recreation Department at 305-238-4166 right away. Say what? We received word from some of those involved, and a copy of the court document, that one of the South Miami City Commissioners is now suing one of the other commissioners and the vice-mayor, claiming they slandered him in remarks they made during a recent commission meeting. Whether the evidence will support their view or his remains to be seen, but either way, perhaps those who sit on the dais in other municipalities should think about choosing their words carefully, especially since what’s said at such meetings is always a matter of public record and can be seen and heard by many potential “witnesses.” How alarming! We hear that time is running out for folks in Palmetto Bay who have burglar alarm systems, which must be registered or renewed by the Jan. 1, 2014 deadline. The annual alarm registration renewal letters have been mailed out to all Village
residents by the Alarm Renewal Unit of the Village’s Finance Department. It specifies the various ways by which residents may apply, whether online, by fax, by email or by regular US Mail. More info can be found at <www.palmettobay-fl.gov/content/alarmregistration-options>. And the next Palmetto Bay Regular Council Meeting, by the way, is scheduled for January 6, 2014 at 7 p.m. in Village Hall, 9705 E. Hibiscus Street. Contact the Village Hall at 305-259-1234 for information and a copy of the Agenda. The next Cutler Bay Town Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town of Cutler Bay Council Chambers, 10720 Caribbean Boulevard. For info call 305-234-4262. Thought for the Day: Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them. — Andy Rooney Gary Alan Ruse contributed to this column. Got any tips? Contact me at 305-6697355, ext. 249, or send emails to <Michael@communitynewspapers.com>.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
The community gets only what it’s willing to pay for R. Kenneth Bluh KENNETH’S COMMENTARY Property owners of Miami-Dade and our county government have for too many years been in conflict over what we expect in the form of services from our government and how much we are willing to pay in property taxes to cover these requested services. How it works: We pay property taxes; additionally the county collects fees for services such as building permits and the money so collected, after paying for the administration of the government, pays for the community’s needs. Certain expenses, such as capital improvements like the much needed rebuilding of our sewer system anticipated to cost billions over the next 10 years, would be financed through the sales of municipal bonds. The money borrowed is paid back, with interest, over a set period of years. Municipal bonds are paid back in two ways — either through the revenues collected for services rendered such as airport landing fees or, as in the case of general obliga-
tion bonds, from the real estate taxes and fees collected each year by county government. When the mayor and county commission establish a county budget they must take into consideration the funding of a “rainy-day fund,” officially known as reserves. Funds set aside each year in our budget, reserved to cover unexpected expenses that can and will arise after the county has approved a budget and set tax revenues to cover such expenses. Reserves are “not” used to cover normal anticipated expenses when the annual budget is approved. Governments, their budgets and revenue collections, are rated by nationally recognized rating companies such as Moody’s bond rating system. How they rate the stability of our county government determines to a great extent how much we will pay in interest when we ask the investing public, banks, investment houses and well-to-do individuals to buy a bond issue such as the one we are anticipating to rebuild our countywide sewer system. The poorer the rating the higher the interest rate we must pay. Elected officials, always mindful of the fact that they must please the majority of county voters to stay in office, must create a balance between how much they will ask the voters to pay in taxes and how they can provide demanded community services. Ask any elected official — this is not an easy task.
Moody’s did not like what they saw when they evaluated our 2014 proposed county government budget. They were especially concerned with the invasion of our reserve fund to cover known expenses such as the retention of our current library system. That is not the intended use of reserves. When we already know what something is going to cost in the coming year we “must” include that expense in the budget. As a result of its findings Moody’s lowered their evaluation of our county’s credit outlook from “stable” to “negative.” This is disastrous. When we borrow money our county government, you and I, will pay a higher interest rate. Higher meaning millions and millions of dollars more each year because we didn’t properly set our tax rate to cover anticipated expenses. When our mayor sent his proposed 2013 budget to the county commission for approval he proposed a millage rate that would cover his recommended budget. Unfortunately, a number of vocal taxpayers went on radio talk shows and demanded that the mayor lower the millage rate. When he caved in to their demands he had to propose cuts in spending. This brought out the defenders of our library system, fire rescue and animal care supporters demanding that services be
VIEWPOINT returned to the budget. Taxpayers demanded increased spending but not increased taxes. How to resolve the dilemma? Raid the reserve account. This is the proposed no-no that brought Moody’s to reducing our county government’s credit rating. Simply stated, we must pay for what we want from our county government. What are our choices? Fewer benefits or higher taxes — there is no other way in the long run. Our county millage rate is unrealistically low for what we demand in services. Want to keep taxes unrealistically low? Okay, cut back on services. Again, in the long run there is no other way. We appreciate your opinions on this column whether in agreement or disagreement. Please send your comments to (fax number) 305-662-6980 or email to <letters@communitynewspapers.com>. The opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of this newspaper, its editors or publisher.
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
PTS music students perform during Winter Wonderland Extravaganza
Palmer Trinity School music students perform for more than 1,500 parents and children at Kendall Regional Medical Center’s annual Winter Wonderland Extravaganza and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 6. Pictured (l-r) are Emily Kalbac, Wynne Owre, April Queen, Carolina Maller and Michael Eschmann. For more information about the school, visit <www.palmertrinity.org>.
Miami-Dade is launching new Transit Online Store BY KARLA DAMIAN
To better serve its customers, MiamiDade Transit soon will launch a new online store that will offer its users a one-stop cyber shop for purchasing a variety of transit products and managing their EASY Cards. The improved online store will have enhanced security features and will offer a greater variety of fare-loading options. Among the new Transit Store features: • More user-friendly navigation that will make it easier to purchase an EASY Card, load passes, add cash value, and manage multiple EASY Cards. • The ability to load passes and cash value onto Discounted Fare EASY Cards
(K-12 and reduced-fare EASY Cards), and add cash value to all other EASY Cards. This feature was previously unavailable on the online store. • Additionally, the EASY Card Terms and Conditions will be updated as part of the new store. EASY Card customers who have their cards set to automatically reload will see no interruption to their current replenishment settings. For more information, customers can call 3-1-1, or 305-891-3131, weekdays, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. TTY users can call 305-499-8971. The County’s 3-1-1 Answer Center is closed during county-observed holidays.
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27 Quick and Easy Fix Ups to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar Palmetto Bay – Because your home may well be your largest asset, selling it is probably one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. And once you have made that decision, you'll want to sell your home for the highest price in the shortest time possible without compromising your sanity. Before you place your home on the market, here's a way to help you to be as prepared as possible. To assist homesellers, a new industry report has just been released called "27 Valuable Tips That You Should Know to Get Your Home Sold Fast and for Top Dollar." It tackles the important issues you need to know to make your home competitive in today's tough, aggressive marketplace. Through these 27 tips you will discover how to protect and capitalize on your most important investment, reduce stress, be in control of your situation, and make the best profit possible. In this report you'll discover how to avoid financial disappointment or worse, a financial disaster when selling your home. Using a common-sense approach, you will get the straight facts about what can make or break the sale of your home. You owe it to yourself to learn how these important tips will give you the competitive edge to get your home sold fast and for the most amount of money. Order your free report today. To order a FREE Special Report, visit www.27sellertipsmiami.com or To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-800-691-9313 and enter 2023. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW. This report is courtesy of William Bloodworth, Keller Williams Realty Premier Properties. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2013
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Stadium Pong puts novel spin on a college classic BY JESSE SCHECKNER
branching out into an acrylic version which resembles glass. All of their models have been weather and For many young adults, beer pong is a rite of pasdampness tested. sage, a game so engrained in the academic experience “We left the different types of woods outside for it is synonymous with other college cornerstones such about a week to see if anything would happen to them, as fraternities, sororities, finals week, and football. and nothing did,” Joseph said. “We’ve played on all our Joseph Keebler was among those who became models and, if you take a little rag to it afterwards, involved in the game while studying political science you’re done.” and business management as a Pi Kappa Alpha at Personalization is big part of their business as well. Florida State University, and when his father, David, All Stadium Pong sets can be laser engraved, allowing came to visit, he was spared no experience. for full customization. The work they can do with it is “He came up for Dads’ Week for my fraternity and I so precise that they are able to put detailed pictures on took him to the bars, where most people would just the base of the sets, making them ideal holiday gifts. take their dads out to dinner and send them home,” he “One of the nice things about the laser is, when you said. “We actually went out, played beer pong, drank cut it, you actually sear the chafe into the wood,” David The product of a father and son’s collaboration, Stadium Pong is easy to learn but and went to the frat houses.” said. “It’s amazing, because it vaporizes the wood and difficult to master. When Joe came home during vacation he resumed singes the seams perfectly.” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– playing the game with his father, introducing him to a Models currently range in price between $24.99 and variation called 3-D beer pong. David was not impressed. models, they brought their creation to a tailgate outside of $39.99, depending on the material used, not including “It was the stupidest thing I’d ever seen in my life,” said a game between the two teams to try them out. One of custom etching costs. They also are looking into a 10-cup David, who has worked in healthcare for more than 30 each set was stolen that day, and there has been tremen- system as well, adding a four-cup row to the existing sixyears. “There was no way to get the ping pong ball in the dous interest since. cup set. “It’s been extremely well-received,” David said. bottom cups, which fell all over the place. So we went out “Hopefully in the future we’re going to get to that point to the shed, got some plywood and some tools from Home “We’ve had people from both visiting and home teams where it’s like the World Series of Beer Pong that they Depot and started cutting stuff, making some prototypes.” react extremely positively. Even though it’s a different have out in Las Vegas once a year for a $50,000 prize,” The result was Stadium Pong, a modified version of the design, since you maintain the layout of the original game, Joseph said. “Eventually we want to get into the big standard drinking game, which deviates from the original the regular rules apply.” stores, but we first want to get a college base.” They have since experimented with several woods, by gradually elevating the rows of cups which are played For more information, go to <www.stadiumpong.com>, with by placing them into six-cup model sets. After including cherry, mahogany, maple, cedar, birch and, or visit their Facebook page at <facebook.com/stadipatenting their design and creating custom FSU and UM their personal favorite — oak. Recently, they began umpong>.
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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‘Wild About Kids’ gala raises over $250,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs BY JENNIFER MARTINEZ
More than 350 guests attended the Nov. 9 Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s annual “Wild About Kids” black-tie gala, which raised over $250,000 to benefit the organization’s positive programs for thousands of area children who need them most. South Florida’s top community leaders, philanthropists and socialites were among guests at the event — the most successful Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade gala to date — which took place at Four Seasons Hotel Miami. John Walsh — American television personality, published author, national speaker, co-founder of National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, human and victim rights advocate and host of America’s Most Wanted — was honored with the Bebe Rebozo Humanitarian Award. Cesar L. Alvarez, chair of Greenberg Traurig and Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade alumnus, was presented with the Community Leadership Award. Lana DeSimone, gala co-chair, received the Champion of Youth Award. Diana Diaz of WSVN Channel 7 and Ralph Pagano of Alba Restaurant served as the event’s emcees, and played a large part
Pictured (l-r) are Cesar A. Alvarez, 2013 Community Leadership Award Recipient; Eris Thomas, 2013 Gala cochair; Lana DeSimone, 2013 Gala co-chair and 2013 Champion of Youth Award Recipient; John Walsh, 2013 “Bebe” Rebozo Humanitarian Award Recipient; Irene Korge, 2013 Gala co-chair; Olga Guliarte, Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Special Events chair, and Alex Rodriguez-Roig, president, Boys and Girls Clubs of MiamiDade. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
in the success of the event’s sponsor a child through donations opportunity. Guests enjoyed a themed evening full of luxurious and unique auction items, VIP party, cocktail reception, dinner program, live music, dancing and much more. The gala’s after party lasted until the wee hours with a special VIP performance by the Lady Panthers, plus Frank Sinatra-style entertainer Jeff Grainer, a deejay, dancing, open bar and small bites. Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade alumna, 15-year-old Elizabeth Elias, a singer, dancer and model, sang the National Anthem to kick off the dinner program. Gala co-chairs were Lana DeSimone, Irene Korge and Eris Thomas; the special events chair was Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade former board president Olga Guilarte. Gala committee members were Tom Bezold, Amy Deupi, Judy Kramer, Eddie Lacasa, Nina Mendieta, Alfredo Mesa, Joanne Messing, Joanne Silva, Rae Stein and Maggie Zulueta. “We are very pleased to have raised more funds and welcomed more guests at this year’s gala than any year in the past,” DeSimone said. “The funds raised will benefit thousands of children at our five clubs on so many levels.”
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Miami-Dade firefighter raises more than $20,000 for MCH
Pictured (l-r) are Maida Court, Tyler Court, Dr. Mislen Bower, Kevin Court, Katherine Schain and Ana Pelligra. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY DONNA VAN DER DIJS
Kevin Court, a Miami-Dade firefighter, and his wife, Maida, have been organizing a children’s fishing tournament for the past six years raising funds for Miami Children’s Hospital Craniofacial Center. Recently the Court family presented a $20,473 check to the hospital, money raised at this year’s tournament, bringing the total they have raised for the Craniofacial Center to over $75,000. “We can’t write a check that big, but we
can donate our time to raise that money for families less fortunate,” Court said. “We do everything with volunteers and through donations, with a huge help from Local 1403 Charities and the Dade County Firemen’s Benevolent Association.” The Court family plans to continue organizing the annual fishing tournament and helping Miami Children’s Hospital. The fishing tournament is held annually at Sands Cut Sandbar, Biscayne Bay, Florida. This year 110 children and 75 adults participated in the tournament.
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
JUNIOR ORANGE BOWL 2013-2014 FESTIVAL EVENTS
International Tennis December 14-23 Salvadore, UM Biltmore,Crandon Park International Golf December 27-30 Biltmore Golf Course
Basketball Classic December 27-30 Ronald Reagan/Doral HS
Ice Hockey January 17-20 Kendall Ice Arena
Creative Writing Contest January 4 Books & Books - Coral Gables
Photography Contest February 9 Frost Museum - FIU
Royal Court Ball January 11 Biltmore Hotel
Bowling Classic February 15-17 Sawgrass Lanes
www.JuniorOrangeBowl.org
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Young sailors from around world coming to S. Florida
Ivan Shestopalov, sailing on Biscayne Bay, finished second overall in Red, White and Blue Fleet in last year’s Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta and was the top local sailor. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY TINA MENDITTO
Young sailors from around the globe are preparing to travel to South Florida for the Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta (OBIYR). This event, from Dec. 26 to 30 on Biscayne Bay, is the largest youth regatta in the U.S. and a boon to the South Florida economy. One of the largest dinghy regattas for sailors ages 8- 18 in the world, the OBIYR will take place at the Coral Reef Yacht Club (CRYC) in Coconut Grove, with support from the U.S. Sailing Center Miami, Lauderdale Yacht Club, Biscayne Bay Yacht Club and Shake-A-Leg Miami. This year’s event boasts 689 competitors from 27 states and 23 countries — the farthest being the Czech Republic. “The Coral Reef Yacht Club is proud to be involved in this premier event, which provides up-and-coming sailors with an opportunity to race competitively and become more active within the sailing community,” said OBIYG chair Henry Chau. “Besides the excitement of the regatta, more than half of the sailors and their families come from outside of South Florida and spend an average of five to six nights here, which helps support our local
economy in the form of hotel nights, food, transportation, and retail sales.” The four days of competition feature several types of vessels: Optimists, Lasers (Full, Radial, and 4.7), and Club 420s. This year’s regatta already has reached its cap in both the Optimist and Laser categories, and fleets are being put on a wait list. Platinum sponsors for the event include: the Orange Bowl Committee, McLaughlin, Sperry Top-Sider, and KO Sailing. Awards are distributed to the top sailors in each vessel category by government officials, Orange Bowl Committee leaders and Olympians including Magnus Liljedahl, a former U.S gold medalist who will be presenting this year’s Magnus Liljedahl Sportsmanship Award. In addition, this year’s top local Opti sailor will be presented with a trophy sponsored by the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District. Staging for the four day regatta will take place at several locations including the CRYC, Biscayne Bay Yacht Club, U.S. Sailing Center Miami, and Shake-A-Leg Miami. For more information or a daily schedule of events, visit <www.coralreefyachtclub.org> or call 305-781-5177.
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
CBT College celebrates 25 years of empowering through education BY ELAYNE SOMMERS
CBT College, an academic and career institution based in the Greater Miami area, is celebrating 25 years of tremendous growth, community service and empowering education. “Since opening our doors in 1988, our college has helped thousands of students find their career path, ultimately forming a stronger workforce in Miami-Dade County,” said Peru-born Fernando Llerena, founder of CBT College. “We will continue to strengthen our professional relationships within these communities in order to build a better future for our students.” Family owned and operated for two generations, the institution’s history is symbolic of the Llerena family’s journey. Two of CBT’s five campuses cater to its large Hispanic student population with
specialized trade programs including A/C Refrigeration Technology and Electricity, which are taught both in Spanish and in English. CBT recently conducted its 56th graduation ceremony, bringing multiple employment opportunities to businesses in the community. CBT College provides career training with a focus on technology and sciences at its five campuses across Miami-Dade County, including West Kendall, Flagler, Hialeah, Cutler Bay and Miami Gardens. CBT College also is a member of Service Members Opportunity Colleges (SOC) and participates in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program. CBT College is nationally accredited by ACICS, licensed by the Commission of Independent Education and certified by the U.S. Department of Education. For additional information about CBT College, visit <www.cbt.edu>.
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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AT&T invests $10 million to raise High school graduation rates It takes caring professionals and a relentless focus on results to make sure students stay in school and succeed. That’s why next month, AT&T* will launch the 2014 AT&T Aspire High School Success Initiative Request for Proposal to keep kids in the classroom. Currently, about one in five students do not graduate with their peers. And many of those who do are not fully prepared for success in college and careers. But there is hope. As of this year, the United States is for the first time on track to meet the 90 percent national graduation goal by 2020 set by the Grad Nation Campaign. More needs to be done, particularly for minority and low-income students whose graduation rates are lagging. The RFP is part of AT&T Aspire, one of the nation’s largest corporate initiatives committed to helping more students graduate from high school ready for college and careers. More than 1 million students in all 50 states have been impacted since Aspire launched in 2008. AT&T has committed $350 million to Aspire through 2016. “We’re looking for programs that can prove they are solving problems and changing lives,” said Beth Shiroishi, vice president, sustainability and philanthropy, AT&T. “And by supporting organizations that use evidence to demonstrate success, we can know what programs work best in certain situations, how they work, and how they can be scaled to benefit other students.” The RFP follows a previous request for proposal in 2012 that committed nearly $10 million to 47 schools and nonprofits to increase graduation and attendance rates and reduce behavioral and disciplinary problems. Through support from the 2012 RFP, the Sports & Arts in School Foundation is serving an additional 100 high school freshmen in New York City with in-school tutors. “It makes a difference,” says Sheldon Minnus, program director. “Many students commute for 2 or 2 ½ hours. Being able to offer tutoring with professionals during school hours gives us flexibility we didn’t have before.” The Boys & Girls Clubs of Green Bay (WI) is using its funding to provide graduation coaches to an additional 40 students though the BE GREAT: Graduate program, a proven model. The graduation coaches check for early warning signs for dropping out and connect with their students to teach problem-solving and life skills that help get them on track to graduate. The success of BE GREAT is driven home by Teresa LeClercq, a career development specialist participating in the program. She is mentoring a 15year-old whose family has gone through hard times, including homelessness. The 10th grader came into the program during the summer as a C and F student. “Now she’s making some As and Bs and her GPA is improving,” commented LeClercq. “But it’s not always about drilling down in algebra. Sometimes it’s about navigating a difficult home situation.” In fact, the student recently told LeClercq, “I’m rocking this class… and I’m going to college. I have two places in mind.” Through the 2014 RFP, AT&T will help national, regional, and local organizations expand or strengthen programs that serve students at risk of dropping out of high school or who have dropped out. Contributions will range up to $1 million for programs operating in multiple communities and up to $300,000 for single-community programs. Applicants will be evaluated through a competitive process on the basis of their track records using evidence-based approaches, accomplishments in serving students at risk of dropping out of high school and use of data to demonstrate their effectiveness. Details are available at www.AspireRFP.com. The RFP’s Pre-Qualification Survey will launch on January 2 and remain open until January 17. An independent third party will review and evaluate all organizations that complete the survey, and those proceeding to the next stage will be invited to submit a full proposal.
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Marlins Foundation announces first Jack McKeon Golf Classic BY CAROLINA PERRINA DE DIEGO
The Marlins Foundation recently announced the inaugural Jack McKeon Marlins Celebrity Golf Classic to take place on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Crandon Golf Course Key Biscayne. Previously known as the Marlins Celebrity Golf Classic, the Marlins will pay tribute to Marlins former manager John “Jack” McKeon, a two-time National League Manager of the Year and 2003 World Series Champion. Marlins personalities scheduled to attend include: president David Samson, president of Baseball Operations Michael Hill, vice president and general manager Dan Jennings, Marlins manager Mike Redmond, along with Marlins players and other community leaders. Proceeds from the golf tournament will benefit the Miracle League of Miami-Dade County, a Marlins Charity Partner. The Miracle League is a nationally recognized baseball program for children with special
needs. The mission is to provide children with developmental, intellectual, mental and/or physical challenges the opportunity to play baseball on special custom designed rubber turf fields that accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. “We look forward to honoring Jack for his contributions to baseball in South Florida,” said Mike Redmond, Marlins manager and event chair. “Thanks to the generous donations of individuals and organizations, we can continue to impact the lives of children through baseball. This event will give participants the opportunity to play alongside Marlins players as well as donate to a worthy cause.” The daylong event will follow the agenda: Registration at 9-10:30 a.m.; Shotgun start at 11 a.m., and Awards dinner at 4 p.m. Event registration is available online at <www.marlins.com/golf>. For more information contact the Marlins Foundation at 305-480-2550 or send email to <foundation@marlins.com>.
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
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Natalie Baro named new chair of AHA’s Go Red for Women BY CRISTY PAEZ
Natalie Baro, president and CEO of Michelsen Advertising, is the newly appointed chair for the American Heart Association’s 2014 Go Red For Women campaign serving Miami-Dade and Broward, a campaign to raise awareness about heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women. As the 2014 Go Red for Women chair, Baro will be leading the fundraising efforts by securing corporate and patron support. She will work closely with the GRFW Executive Leadership Cabinet as well as the American Heart Association staff partners to achieve success. This year, the American Heart Association and volunteer leadership has a record breaking fundraising goal. “We would like to make the community aware of all the latest forms of prevention with an emphasis on CPR by bringing them to every home and workplace in our counties and educating on the use of defibrillators. By sharing this lifesaving tool, we aim to increase its awareness and hopefully create positive outcomes from negative situations,” Natalie said. Baro is the president and CEO of Michelsen Advertising, an advertising agency specializing in the healthcare industry with clients such as Humana, Tenet Healthcare, Meridian Healthcare and over 200 Physician Providers statewide among many others. “Unfortunately, it took the sudden death of my husband to learn the symptoms and educate myself on heart disease, turning my own life around”, Baro said. Her first efforts to promote awareness in
Natalie Baro ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
the community took place as the American Heart Association joined forces with the Miami Family Event this past September. The Miami Family Event was proud to contribute and present a donation of $25,000 to the Go Red for Women movement. The main focus of this event was to promote through sponsors and organizations a healthy lifestyle for the entire family, as well as educate the community on Hands-Only CPR training for adults and children. “My goal is to educate as many people as we can during this year by positioning the AHA at events and exposing the symptoms and preventive measures needed to help save lives,” Baro said. To learn more, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit <www.heart.org>.
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Carlos Castillo returns to lead Red Cross emergency services BY CYNTHIA GUTIERREZ-WHITE
The American Red Cross has announced that former FEMA official Carlos J. Castillo has taken the helm of Red Cross disaster services programs across South Florida, effective Dec. 9. “Carlos has the leadership skills, the local knowledge and the community relationships to best serve the people in our eight county region, from Key West to Vero Beach,” said Rob Levine, CEO for the South Florida Region. “We are very excited to have Carlos join the Red Cross.” Castillo, a former Miami-Dade deputy fire chief and county emergency manager, brings a unique mix of skills to this role with a record of accomplishment in related fields at the municipal, county and federal level as well as Red Cross volunteer experience. A South Florida native, he served in a number of roles in the Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue Department including division chief of Special Operations and was recognized as “Firefighter of the Year” from the State of Florida for his work responding to Hurricane Andrew. Castillo later was appointed assistant fire chief leading 1,541 uniformed firefighters across five divisions in Miami-Dade. From 2003 to 2006 he was director of Emergency Management for Miami-Dade County and led the response to seven hurricanes, a tornado and a host of local events. In 2007 he moved to FEMA in Washington, DC, and served as assistant administrator for Disaster Assistance. For the past four years Castillo has been a sen-
Carlos J. Castillo –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
ior advisor at PricewaterhouseCoopers where he provided homeland security and disaster management advisory services to a broad range of clients all the while keeping ties with Red Cross. Castillo served on Red Cross boards in Miami and Washington, DC. “I am confident Carlos will prepare our neighbors in the face of disaster and work with our partners to support community preparedness and resiliency,” Levine said. For more information, visit redcross.org or on Twitter at @RedCross.
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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ADL announces new leaders of Miami Civil Rights Committee BY MONIKA LEVIN
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has announced the newly appointed chair and vice chair of its Miami Civil Rights Committee — David Edelstein of The Edelstein Firm and Brielle Mark of Weisberg Kainen Mark PL. Founded in 1913 “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all,” a century later ADL now is the nation’s premier civil rights/human relations agency, fighting antiSemitism and all forms of bigotry, defending democratic ideals and protecting civil rights for all. In Miami, Edelstein and Mark will oversee ADL’s prestigious Civil Rights Committee which is comprised of prominent Miamians who are ardent supporters of religious freedom, civil liberties and equality for all Floridians. The committee advocates for inclusive hate crimes legislation and comprehensive state and local anti-discrimination laws; supports fair and humane immigration policies — which is of particular importance given that Florida has the fourth largest immigrant population in the nation, and assists victims of anti-Semitism, religious and racial discrimination.
David Edelstein –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Brielle Mark –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
A longtime member of ADL’s Miami Civil Rights Committee, Edelstein also has participated in ADL’s Glass Leadership Institute and served on ADL’s Florida Executive Committee and Regional Board. “I am very honored to be asked to chair the Civil Rights Committee for the next three year term, and look forward to the committee’s stimulating debates and discussions as we do our part to help ADL formulate it’s policy positions on the vital issues so central to the ADL’s mission,” Edelstein said.
Edelstein began his legal career in the state of Florida as an assistant public defender with the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s Office. Since establishing his law firm, he has expanded his practice to include the representation of clients charged in both state and federal courts throughout the entire state of Florida, including Broward and Palm Beach counties. Mark is a partner at the law firm of Weisberg Kainen Mark PL, a boutique law firm that combines two distinct areas of legal practice — tax controversy and white
collar criminal defense. Invited to join the League’s Miami Civil Rights Committee in 2007 by her law partner and former ADL Florida regional chair, Dennis Kainen, Mark has remained actively involved in ADL. “I am honored to assume a leadership role on ADL’s Miami Civil Rights Committee,” Mark said. “I admire so many aspects of what ADL does on national and local levels, not just fighting against anti-Semitism, but in education, in legislation, in all areas of religion freedom, and in protecting the rights of all Americans from the virus of prejudice and ignorance. “I have enjoyed learning about and debating with other professionals in my community the tough issues that oftentimes require nuanced responses, as opposed to cookiecutter answers, and sending our feedback from Miami to the national level of ADL,” she said. Both Edelstein and Mark hope to focus the committee on the following timely issues of concern: anti-Semitism; anti-bullying and anti-hate crime advocacy; LGBT rights, including Marriage Equality, and immigration reform. To learn more about ADL’s Miami Civil Rights Committee, call 1-561-988-2938 or send email to <schalal@adl.org>.
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Presidential Innovation Award entries are open for environmental educators BY DALE KEMERY
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, currently is accepting applications for the third annual Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. The award recognizes outstanding K12 teachers and their local education agencies nationwide for excellence in integrating environmental education into their lessons and demonstrating the connection between health and the environment for their students. Successful applicants demonstrate creativity, innovation, community engagement and leadership as students learn more about civic responsibility and environmental stewardship. Past winners have increased student participation in local watershed cleanup efforts, created school-wide recycling programs, and implemented green land stewardship practices. Winners went on to
use their awards to bring high-tech science equipment into the classroom and expand the number of students on field trips and in labs. Applicants have until Feb. 28 to apply for the award under updated criteria released in November. Up to 20 teachers nationwide will receive award plaques and a financial award of $2,000 to support their professional development in environmental education. Each teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school also will receive a $2,000 award to help fund environmental education activities and programs that support the teacher. Winners will be considered for the National Environmental Education Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Richard C. Bartlett award, which recognizes outstanding teachers who engage students in interdisciplinary solutions to environmental challenges. More information about the program and how to apply is available at <www.epa.gov/education/teacheraward>.
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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BHSF cares for community with S. Fla. Day of Service BY STEPHANIE ROJAS
Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF) once again celebrated its “Caring for Our Community” campaign, as employees and their families volunteered their time to make a difference in communities throughout South Florida. Volunteers spent countless hours doing renovation projects at local elementary schools, community centers and more.
Volunteers unload plants at St. Mary Baptist Church in Coral Gables. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
“Baptist Health South Florida remains committed to giving back to our community,” said Phillis Oeters, corporate vice president of Government and Community Relations for Baptist Health South Florida. “The Caring for Our Community campaign exemplifies our volunteers’ dedication to make South Florida a better place to live, work and play.” The campaign served several areas in the community, including: Coconut Grove: Volunteers from across Baptist Health South Florida cleaned up the private island at Shake-A-Leg, a not-forprofit organization that works with children and adults with physical and development challenges in a marine environment. Homestead: Baptist Health South Florida employees, family and friends came together to renovate the library at Neva King Cooper Educational Center, a specialized school for mentally handicapped students between the ages of 3 and 22. Volunteers painted shelves and reorganized the area for students. Coral Gables: Thanks to several dedicated volunteers, St. Mary’s 1st Missionary Baptist Church was the recipient of several area renovations, including painting, gar-
Volunteers gather at Gilbert Porter Elementary in West Kendall. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
dening and light maintenance. The church is a historic site and listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation. West Kendall: Local elementary schools throughout West Kendall are teaching students the importance of good nutrition and eating fresh vegetables every day. Baptist Health South Florida volunteers helped construct the interactive gardens
that will make this possible at Christina M. Eve Elementary School, Oliver Hoover Elementary School, Gilbert Porter Elementary School and West Kendall Early Learning Center. Baptist Health South Florida is the largest faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net.
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
MDC Homestead to host series titled Let’s Talk About It: Muslim Journeys BY ROXANA ROMERO
Beginning in January, Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Homestead Campus Library will host a five-part lecture series titled Let’s Talk About It: Muslim Journeys. The project’s mission is to familiarize the public with the people, places, history, faith, and cultures of Muslims in the United States and around the world. The theme Pathways of Faith will be explored with a series of books and discussions. Dr. Iqbal S. Akhtar, assistant professor of Religious Studies and Politics and International Relations at Florida International University, will lead the discussions. Dr. Akhtar, a Fulbright Fellow, has worked in various community outreach and advocacy roles and presented her work on Islamic history and culture. MDC’s Homestead Library is one of 125 libraries and state humanities councils across the country selected to participate in this project. The library received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA) to host the series. The books to be discussed in the series are part of the Bridging Cultures Muslim Journeys Bookshelf. The books and films comprising the Bookshelf were selected
with the advice from librarians and cultural programming experts, as well as distinguished scholars in the fields of anthropology, world history, religious studies, interfaith dialogue, the history of art and architecture, world literature, Middle East studies, Southeast Asian studies, African studies and Islamic studies. All lectures will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Homestead Campus Library. The schedule is as follows: Jan. 23 — The Children of Abraham: Judaism, Christianity, Islam by F. E. Peters; Feb. 6 — Muhammad: A Very Short Introduction by Jonathan A. C. Brown; Feb. 27 — The Story of the Qur’an: Its History and Place in Muslim Life by Ingrid Mattson; Mar. 27 — The Art of Hajj by Venetia Porter, and Apr. 10 — A Rumi Anthology, edited and translated by Reynolds A. Nicholson. The Bridging Cultures Bookshelf is a project of NEH, conducted in cooperation with the ALA Public Programs Office, with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Additional support for the arts and media components was provided by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Arts. To register for the program, contact Lindsay Schriftman at 305-237-5245 or at <lschrift@mdc.edu>.
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Drew Kern Closes a Sale
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3938 Leafy Way (Buyer) 9055 SW 115 Ter (Buyer & Seller) 7814 SW 165 St (Seller) 3025 Mary St #2 (Buyer) 10820 SW 74 Ct (Seller) 10740 SW 121 St (Seller) 18003 SW 88 Pl (Buyer & Seller) 16951 SW 80 Ct (Buyer) 9489 SW 227 Ter (Buyer) 6960 SW 66 St (Buyer) 350 75 St #210 (Seller) 41 SE 5 St #1007 (Buyer) 14440 Carver Dr (Seller) 1701 SW 17 Ave (Buyer) 2756 Day Ave #403 (Seller)
6860 SW 45 Ln (Buyer) 13778 SW 145 St (Seller) 7240 SW 146 Ter (Seller) 3705 SW 60 Ave (Buyer) 8920 SW 175 Ter (Buyer) 1900 Pizarro St (Seller) 13023 Miranda St (Seller) 6327 SW 44 St (Buyer & Seller) 19825 SW 87 Ct (Buyer & Seller) 8106 SW 83 Pl (Seller) 5487 NW 186 St (Buyer & Seller) 4501 SW 13 Ter (Buyer) 1248 Milan Ave (Seller) 364 SW 19 Rd (Seller) 3620 Harlano St (Buyer)
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Homes for the New Year
11001 SW 62 Ave $4,150,000 Gorgeous and stately new construction home in Pinecrest. 2 story, modern-plantation estate, boasts 6 bdrms, 8.5 baths. Soaring ceilings, top of the line finishes & features throughout. Marble & wood floors. Media & exercise rooms. Master bedroom upstairs. Walled and gated, the lushly landscaped 36,590 sq ft lot is perfect for entertaining w/ cabana, BBQ area & 25X50 ft pool. 4 car garage. Impact glass.
170 Solano Prado $3,650,000 Stunning views from this 4 bdrm/ 5 bath Mediterranean waterfront home in prestigious Old Cutler Bay. Lovely formal living room and charming formal dining room. Updated kitchen. Perfect location on wide part of canal, no bridges to bay & 65 ft seawall with wood dock and boat lift. Beautiful pool & patio w/ covered area for entertaining plus a summer kitchen. 36kw Generator. 2 car garage.
8121 Erwin Rd $835,000 Phenomenal opportunity to live in the Ponce Davis neighborhood, on historic and beloved Erwin Road. 4 bdrm/ 3 bath, 2,304 square foot home ready for your renovations. One en-suite bedroom is located off the garage. Large living space upon entry, spacious kitchen. Screened pool and patio. 10,800 square foot lot. 2 car garage.
5710 SW 62 St and 6200 Red Rd $650,000 per property Wonderful investment opportunity! Two income producing properties near the University of Miami, located directly next to one another. Each property has two, 3 bedroom units, each with separate entrances, one located upstairs and one downstairs. Both properties have 8,025 sq ft lots. Potential for commercial zoning, must be sold together.
9321 Banyan Dr $2,250,000 6 bedroom/ 7 bath contemporary style home built in 1990. Open and airy floor plan, vaulted ceilings in the formal living and dining rooms. Master upstairs with separate sitting room. Kitchen has a breakfast nook overlooking the backyard. Wonderful 38,161 square foot lot with pool, tennis court and generator.
7300 SW 112 St $695,000 Immaculately maintained 3 bed/2 bath home with quality updates in Pinecrest. Spacious eat-in kitchen. Formal living room. Lovely Florida room w/ views of the expansive patio & beautifully landscaped 15,000 sq ft lot. Lush native foliage including fruit trees. Shutters throughout. 2 car gar. Generator. Room to add pool & park a boat.
18085 SW 77 Ave $585,000 Bright & cheerful, 4 bdrm/3 bath custom built home in Palmetto Bay. Fantastic layout with spacious and open living/ dining rooms. Kitchen features wood cabinets, double oven, subzero refrigerator, plentiful storage space and opens to family room. All bathrooms have been newly remodeled. Screened pool & patio. Beautiful, private yard with fruit trees. 2 car garage.
13320 SW 95 Ave $535,000 Beautiful & spacious, 4 bdrm/ 3 bath canal front home on quiet street. Updated kitchen overlooking family room and tropically landscaped yard. Formal living & dining rooms with vaulted ceilings. Large pantry and indoor utility area. 2 car side entry garage. Central location; close to shopping, dining and express ways.
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
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Miami Wild Run/Family Fun Walk raises nearly $80K for GMYFC BY LEE STEPHENS
Greater Miami Youth For Christ (GMYFC) executive director Bonnie Rodriguez recently announced the results of the fourth annual 5K Miami Wild Run and Family Fun Walk on Nov. 9 at Zoo Miami. “We are thrilled to report that there were 927 participants and a total of $79,856 in funds raised, which will help tremendously in our efforts to reach troubled teens in Miami-Dade County, through the message of the Gospel and with our talented staff of supportive youth leaders whose outreaches to young people continue to multiply.” The 5K Run and Fun Walk was presented by Baptist Health of South Florida, along with dozens of corporate sponsors including: The Courtelis Company; Fit 2 Run in Dadeland Mall; Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables; Mercedes Benz of Cutler Bay; Falk Waas Hernandez Cortina Solomon & Bonner PA; Kirtland Financial Management Inc.; Marilyn Brown Photography; Sunstate Bank; TD Bank; Publix Supermarket; Mokher Plumbing; Ellie Mills State Farm Insurance Agency; Richard Burke State Farm Insurance Agency; Old Cutler Presbyterian Church; Mendez Insurance; LIFE FM Christian Radio, and Good News Publishing Company. The morning setup began before dawn, with a light rain, which threatened to increase in strength but, thankfully, did not, according to Rodriguez. “We rejoiced when the rain stopped, and we could begin our event on time.” The winner of the 5K run, with the fastest time was Bryan Sharkey, who completed the run in 16 minutes, 18 seconds. He received a gold “Wild Run” medal and a $100 gift card from “Fit 2 Run,” the run-
ner’s superstore in Dadeland Mall. First, second and third place finishers in each age/gender category received a “Wild Run” medal and top finishers also received “Fit 2 Run” gift cards. The top fundraiser received special “4-Park Hopper” passes to Walt Disney World. Along with a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit, bagels and cream cheese, donuts and coffee served by dozens of volunteers, there were several bounce houses for kids of all ages, plus the Imagination Playground that was provided by the Miami Children’s Museum. Special children’s games were led by various leaders of Miami Youth For Christ, too, as well as face painting, cotton candy and caricatures by local artist, Manny Cartoon, “just for kids, or kids at-heart.” LIFE FM Radio host James Shepard was the morning emcee, providing his quick wit and astute observations to the gathered crowd, while Burnie the Heat mascot joined in for a hilarious cup of coffee. Among those groups performing on stage were members of CATALYST, a Youth For Christ-sponsored program that connects with hip-hoppers, break dancers, deejays and graffiti artists. Live music was provided all morning long by Kendall Presbyterian Church Praise Band. The Children’s Voices Chorus, a community choir comprised of talented young boys and girls and under the direction of (Mrs.) Jamie Sutta, sang several songs, including an African-themed song to help wake up the zoo animals. If you want more information about Greater Miami Youth For Christ, or would like to become a volunteer, call the office, 9350 SW 79 Ave., at 305-271-2442. Next year’s 5K Miami Wild Run and Family Fun Walk at Zoo Miami is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8.
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
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Rebuilding Together Miami and Sears recently teamed up to assist Anthony Bruton, a 68-year-old U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. Mr. Bruton and his wife, Brenda, have lived in their West Perine house for 27 years. He and his wife have been married 32 years with three children and 32 grandchildren. “We are thankful to the City Year and FIU volunteers who spent this holiday [Veteran’s Day] in a day of service for those who have served us,” said Donna Fales, Rebuilding Together Miami executive director. Twenty-two volunteers, many of whom are City Year alums, turned out to paint the
exterior of the house. That was the finishing touches on the repairs done by Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade which included two bathrooms modified to ADA compliance, kitchen repairs, electrical repairs, flooring and ceiling repairs, tenting and window repairs. “I am so glad to be an American,” Mr. Bruton said. “I really do appreciate all of these folks helping me.” Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade chapter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation that preserves homeownership and revitalizes neighborhoods by providing free of charge rehabilitation services to the elderly, veterans, disabled and low income homeowners. For more information, visit <www.rebuildingtogethermiami.org>.
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Ultimate Miami Weekend winners crowned at Magic City Casino BY SANDRA RODRIGUEZ
Ultimate Miami LLC — creator of Miami’s talent competitions showcasing local rising stars in the fields of mixology, entertainment and culinary arts — has announced the winners of Ultimate Miami Weekend Fall 2013. The Ultimate Miami Band was named on Nov. 7, Ultimate Miami Bartender on Nov. 8 and Ultimate Miami Voice on Nov. 9. Grand prize winners earned a cash prize of $5,000 and the title of Miami’s Ultimate. Each evening was highlighted with a performance by a nationally known entertainer, including Gin Blossoms, Tracy Morgan and Exposé. All events took place at Stage 305, Magic City Casino’s newest entertainment venue. The winners were: Ultimate Miami Band – Problem Kids; Ultimate Miami Bartender – Sergey Lebedev, representing The Local House, and Ultimate Miami Voice – Mailyn Cuadra.
Ultimate Miami Bartender – Sergey Lebedev
“Ultimate Miami Weekend rocked the house! The judges had a difficult job of choosing between such gifted performers and artists. Each of the finalists that participated has a lot to be proud of,” said Scott Savin, chief operating officer of Magic City Casino. “The level of talent that was exhibited at Ultimate Miami Weekend underscores the volume of talent in South Florida. The Ultimate Miami winners were each virtuosos in their own right. Wow!” Ultimate Miami Band, Problem Kids, is a six-member band of Miami locals, featuring Humberto Casanova, Eddy Davis, Nick Lebess, Tish Martinez, Marty Obregon and Omar Williams, that fuses vintage hip-hop, roots rock and Caribbean salsa rhythms with a storytelling lyrical style creating a unique musical sound. The group put on a frenetic show that captivated the audience and ensured their place as this season’s Ultimate Miami Band. They will use the cash prize to finish recording their album. Ultimate Miami Bartender, Sergey Lebedev, is employed at The Local House in South Beach. Lebedev, a Russian native, has been in South Florida for over six months and has been working in mixology over the past three years. Lebedev believes firmly in using old-school, organic ingredients that yield the most authentic flavor in his cocktails. “The Russian Outlaw,” the 25 year-old bartender’s winning drink, featured the wildcard ingredient, almond extract, and propelled him to victory. Mailyn Cuadra has the Ultimate Miami Voice. The 27 year-old Miami native sang And I’m Telling You by Jennifer Holliday in the final round of the competition. Cuadra’s combination of confidence and vocal resolve gave the finalist the winning edge in the competition. Cuadra, who works two jobs, will be using
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the $5,000 cash prize to convert one of the rooms in her home into a recording studio. Ultimate Miami LLC was formed to promote, through competition, Miami’s outstanding eclectic composition of talent in various subsets in the fields of mixology, entertainment and culinary arts. The company’s goal is to showcase rising stars who call Miami home and derive the essence of their skills from the experiences of their surroundings. For more details, visit <www.theultimatemiami.com>. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Ultimate Miami Voice – Mailyn Cuadra
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CREW-Miami conducts annual fundraiser Cocktails, Community and Connections
Chabad of Grove to present Avenue J alt-rock concert BY ROBERT HAMILTON
Pictured (l-r) are CREW-Miami president Margaret Nee, immediate past president Maria Juncadella, and incoming president Karyl Argamasilla (Photos credit: Jorge Perez) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY YUDI FERNANDEZ
Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW-Miami) conducted its annual fundraising event Cocktails, Community and Connections on Nov. 14 at the CU-1 Gallery within the Historic Security Building in Downtown Miami. This year’s reception featured signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction with dozens of spectacular items, and a live band playing music all night. More
than 250 of Miami’s top commercial real estate professionals and business leaders mingled, celebrating their success this year and raising funds for the Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade and CREW-Miami’s programs. Attendees included CREW-Miami president Margaret Nee; Alyce Robertson, executive director of Miami’s Downtown Development Authority, and Matt Haggman, Miami program director of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Chabad of the Grove will present Avenue J, an alternative/Indie rock concert with a Jewish flavor and a lot of great music, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., at The Barnacle, at 3485 Main Hwy. in Coconut Grove. The historic Grove setting location and tropical hardwood hammock is the perfect setting for this groundbreaking event. Avenue J promises an evening under the stars with plenty of great new music. “We’re really excited to be offering this event at The Barnacle, which is an iconic Grove location and really beautiful for an outdoor evening event,” said Rabbi Getzy of Chabad in the Grove. “We’ll have the breezes from the bay and a setting of Old Florida history for this very New Age Florida event.” Because this is Alternative/Indie rock, the artists have widely differing styles, so there is likely to be something that will become a new favorite for everyone. Alternative and independent music is a good antidote to the mass-produced mainstream and, in the case of Avenue J, very much in keeping with the Chabad mission of promoting the enrichment of life through celebrations of Jewish culture. “Having these new artists bring their music to Coconut Grove, we feel, at Chabad, is a great way to reach people who might not ordinarily go to a Jewish or Chabad event,” Rabbi Fellig said. “Some of the music is more specifically Jewish, whether in style or in lyrics, some of it less so, but at all times we have something different going on, something
that nurtures the individual soul.” The concert’s headliners, “The Breslov Brothers,” are a story in themselves. Reality TV rock stars Ari and Gil Gat are brothers who perform classic rock standards while looking like the wedding band in Fiddler on the Roof. Their recent success on Rising Star — the Israeli answer to American Idol — is proof that the mainstream world loves their take on rock standards such as Hotel California and The Sound of Silence. Ultra-Orthodox Jews typically do not watch much TV and neither Ari nor Gil personally own a television set. “The Breslov Brothers” appearance at Avenue J will be their first appearance in the U.S. following their success on Israeli TV. Other artists hail from different parts of the U.S. Distant Cousins is a multi-layered collaboration of three musicians from Los Angeles; Levi Robin currently touring and opening for Matisyahu, comes from Brooklyn, and Aaron Holder is a local from Miami Beach. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit online at <www.avenuejfestival.com>. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased from the website. Bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy the ambience of The Barnacle. Avenue J will be a night to remember and Chabad in the Grove is proud to be bringing this unique event to South Florida. Chabad in the Grove is the hub for all things Jewish in Coconut Grove and South Dade. Chabad offers a myriad events and services for the Jewish person, regardless of one’s background or affiliation.
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
PortMiami Deep Dredge project moves forward BY ANDRIA C. MUÑIZ
PortMiami’s Deep Dredge project entered a new phase with commencement in late November of the actual dredging that will deepen the port’s main harbor channel to a depth of 50 feet. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is managing the project that will be completed in approximately 18 months at the same time that the expanded Panama Canal is scheduled to open. Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company LLC, the selected contractor for the project, began mobilizing its dredging equipment, including the hopper dredge, Terrapin Island, which has commenced dredging operations in the port’s Outer Channel. Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez called the startup of the dredge a “major milestone” for not only PortMiami, but all of Florida which will benefit from increased trade opportunities once the expanded Panama Canal opens in 2015. “PortMiami will be the closest U.S. port to the Panama Canal able to accommodate the mega-size cargo vessels that require a 50 foot depth when at full capacity,” Gimenez said. “New trade opportunities translate into new jobs — the Deep Dredge will create thousands of permanent and well-paying jobs throughout the region.” PortMiami director Bill Johnson credited Florida Gov. Rick Scott and the state legislature for moving the Deep Dredge project forward. The state is contributing $112 million to funding the $220 million project while Miami-Dade County’s share totals $108 million. “PortMiami will be big ship ready when the expanded Panama Canal opens in less than two years,” Johnson said. “The importance of the dredging project cannot be overstated.” Johnson said this is the first time that non-federal dollars are funding a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project. “We are grateful to the vision of our state and local leaders in moving this critical infrastructure improvement project forward,” Johnson said. “The investment in the Deep Dredge will pay dividends in years to come — making Florida an even
more powerful player in the global marketplace.” In addition to the significant economic impact, Johnson noted that the dredging project will adhere to the highest environmental standards. The project includes the restoration of more than 16 acres of seagrass in Biscayne Bay and the creation of nine acres of artificial reef. In order to minimize impact on existing resources, the port’s mitigation measures include the relocation of hard coral colonies. Additionally, divers will be onsite to monitor natural resources for turbidity and sedimentation effects before and during all dredging activities. The excavation will result in the removal of approximately 2.1 million cubic yards of material. Materials not used to create the environmental mitigation sites will be transported to the Ocean Dredged Material Disposal site. Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners chair Rebeca Sosa called the Deep Dredge one of the most important projects in the Port’s history. “PortMiami, already known worldwide as the Gateway to the Americas, is wellpositioned to capture new trade opportunities especially with ever-growing Asian markets,” Sosa said. Miami-Dade County Commission vice chair Lynda Bell, who heads the Commission Committee that oversees the seaport, also called the Deep Dredge an important economic catalyst. “PortMiami is South Florida’s second largest economic engine after Miami International Airport,” Bell said. “The dredging project will ensure that our seaport remains competitive in the global marketplace.” PortMiami is among America’s busiest ports and recognized across the globe with the dual distinction of being the Cruise Capital of the World and the Cargo Gateway of the Americas. PortMiami contributes more than $27 billion annually to the South Florida economy and helps provide direct and indirect employment for more than 207,000. For more information, visit online at <www.miamidade.gov/portmiami>.
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
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2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan challenges the world’s best Ron Beasley AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR
LET’S TALK CARS Cadillac’s all-new 2014 CTS sedan is just one honey of an automobile and the fact that Motor Trend magazine has named it “Car of the Year” only serves to underline my appreciation for it. The Cadillac brass has made no secret that the CTS is intended to go head to head with the likes of BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi, and this time Caddy intends to come out on top. This third-generation CTS sedan is based on the high-performing rear-drive architecture of the award-winning ATS sport sedan, moving Cadillac into the of midsize luxury class. It comes in as the segment’s lightest car and offers superbly agile driving dynamics. There’s a broad range of powertrains to choose from, including the all-new Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission combination in the new CTS Vsport. It is the first twin-turbocharged engine ever offered by Cadillac and is the brand’s first eight-speed automatic.
The Twin-Turbo has 420 hp and 430 poundfeet of torque, making it the most powerdense six-cylinder engine in the segment. A pair of smaller turbochargers helps provide more immediate power on demand, with 90 percent of peak torque available from 2,500 rpm to 5,500 rpm. That gives the engine a broad torque curve and helps the CTS Vsport reach 60 mph in about 4.6 seconds. The 2014 CTS also is available with a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter 321 hp V-6 also matched with the new paddle-shift eightspeed automatic in rear-wheel-drive models (or six-speed automatic with all-wheel drive) and a 2.0-liter, 272 hp turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed automatic. The new CTS sedan has a longer, lower and more athletic-looking proportion and evolves Cadillac’s Art & Science design philosophy. With five inches more in length, including a 1.2-inch longer wheelbase, the roofline and cowl — the base of the windshield — are about an inch lower. Yet, the CTS sedan has a lower curb weight than the earlier model and weighs about 200 pounds less than its closest competitor. Lightweight features, including Cadillac’s first aluminum door structures, contribute to the lower weight and a 50/50 weight balance. And Magnetic Ride Control is available for the
New Cadillac CTS Sedan is longer and lower, with a wider grille and LED light guides for a technologically advanced look.
first time on CTS on base models. Cadillac’s shield grille and signature vertical lighting elements — including LED front signature lighting detail — evolve on the CTS. The grille is wider, with a more detailed texture, while the headlights flow up with the hood line, incorporating LED light guides for a technologically advanced appearance. Inside, a roomier, driver-centric cockpit interior with integrated technology and handcrafted appointments complements the exte-
rior. Eight available interior environments are offered, each trimmed with authentic wood, carbon fiber or aluminum. The MSRP on the 2014 Cadillac CTS Sedan ranges from $39,495 to $69,070. Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Choose a healthier you for the holidays and new year BY AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
The holiday season brings joy — but it doesn’t have to bring unwanted pounds. Whether it’s your mom’s eggnog or Aunt Judy’s homemade holiday cookies, it can be tough to pass up those favorite holiday foods you taste only once a year. After all, ’tis the season to indulge, right? Before you reach for that next gingerbread cookie, think about this: Extra pounds can affect more than your ability to fit into your holiday party apparel. Being overweight also can increase your risk for cancer and other diseases. This holiday season, choose to put your health first. To stay well, the American Cancer Society recommends: • Maintaining a healthy weight throughout life;
This holiday season, choose to put your health first. • Staying active with at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week (or a combination of these), preferably spread throughout the week; • Eating a healthy diet emphasizing fruits and vegetables And limiting the amount of alcohol you drink. Struggling with those during the happy — but often hectic — holiday season? Here are a few tips: • Get off to a good start. Don’t go to a
party hungry. Snack on healthy, filling foods before you leave the house. If your stomach isn’t growling, you’ll be less tempted by high-calorie options. • Once you arrive, ask for a glass of water to help you feel full. And don’t head straight for the food — make a point of greeting friends or introducing yourself to new people. • Think small. When it does come time to eat, use a small plate and fill it first with healthy choices such as fresh fruit and veggies (going easy on the dip).
Leave just a little space for a bite of whatever decadent treat you’re craving, and eat that only after you’ve filled up on the more nutritious offerings. • Position yourself for success. If you’re standing by the buffet table or facing the food while seated, you’ll be tempted to graze. Turn your back to the table, and focus on having fun, not having food. • Avoid alcohol. Not only are alcoholic beverages loaded with calories, but drinking them tends to weaken your resolve to eat better. However, if you choose to consume alcohol, avoid heavy holiday drinks and stick with light beer or a glass of wine instead. For more tips on making healthy food choices, staying active year-round, and reducing your cancer risk, visit cancer.org or call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.
ImageMaker Medical Spa Offers Latest Techniques, New Location ImageMaker, a fixture in medical aesthetics in Coral Gables since Miguel Angel Ortiz founded it in 1998 and who a couple of years ago joined partnership with Dr. Daniel Carpman, has moved to a new home. A brand-new office at 3014 Coral Way has a clean, modern look and features 12 treatment rooms, each with its own atmosphere of harmony and serenity. ImageMaker offers facials, body treatments for sculpting and weight loss, and numerous treatments for hair growth and removal. Fa-
cials feature microdermabrasion, deep treatment, massage, light therapy with Dermapod technology, activating collagen and other options. Medical aesthetics is a must-have for many people today, and ImageMaker offers the newest technologies for restoring and maintaining a youthful, healthy appearance. Ortiz’ and Dr. Carpmans’ new brainchild is the installation of recessed LED lighting system in every treatment room. The color therapy may be applied to suit any situation. “If you are feeling fatigued, we can make the entire room red, which will help energize you. If you have been having anger problems, we will try to alleviate some of that with green. White brings clarity,” Ortiz says. There’s also yellow, purple and blue. “This is the only medical aesthetics establishment to offer this color therapy treatment enhancement,” Miguel Angel adds. Twelve aestheticians are on staff at ImageMaker. The several medical doctors who practice at ImageMaker have decades of experience; Dr. Daniel Carpman a Skin Care Specialist and argentinian dermatologist, Dr. Jorge Gaviria in hair transplant surgery and Dr. Jeffrey Lagrasso in plastic surgery. ImageMaker also provides spe-
cialists in laser hair removal and treatments that stimulate hair growth. ImageMaker is popular with female and male clients alike. “We take hair off, and we put hair on, I like to say, for him and for her,” Miguel Angel says. Miguel Angel designed the floor plan of the new establishment at 3014 Coral Way as well as the color therapy system. He has been an expert in permanent makeup and medical aesthetic procedures for 25 years. After consultation, clients can choose from
plasma treatments, botox, radiesse, juvederm, laser hair removal, follicular treatments, intradermal pigmentation, and more, as well as minor surgical procedures and evaluations by licensed physicians. For a limited time, new clients will receive coupons for $60 aesthetic treatments at ImageMaker, including facials, body treatments (cellulite and body sculpture) and small-area laser hair removal. That’s half the usual price and a great deal. Call 305-529-9975 for more information.
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
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Adding a New Dimension to Breast Health BY DONNA SHELLEY Dr. Leslie Frost has opened a new office and third location for the Comprehensive Breast Care Center at 10300 Sunset Drive. She has the newest technology in breast imaging; 3D mammography or breast tomosynthesis. Dr. Frost is committed to providing the best and most personalized service for women’s health. Modern, two-dimensional mammograms have been available to women since about 1970. The test, a low-dosage x-ray image of the breast has proven effective in early detection of breast cancer and for diagnostic testing of abnormalities in breast tissue. A powerful tool, the mammogram has been extremely important to the fight against this nation’s most prevalent form of cancer among woman. Now, with the addition of 3D imaging, doctors can see the breast tissue in greater detail, from many different angles. Likened to turning the pages of a book, the doctor or radiologist can see the condition of the breast tissue in one millimeter slices at a time. This method creates a clearer picture and
addresses the primary limitations of 2D imaging, the superimposition of normal breast tissue. “3D mammography is very exciting new technology for breast radiologists. It significantly increases the sensitivity of the mammogram particularly when evaluating dense breast tissue, which so many women have. Breast tomosynthesis allows us to see through the best tissue in more detail so that we can find cancer earlier. And we better evaluate areas of concern reducing the need for additional studies,” stated Dr. Frost. With 3D imaging, the outcome can not only distinguish between tumors and dense, healthy tissue, it can mean fewer diagnostic tests and unnecessary biopsies. Regular breast exams and annual mammograms should be part of a woman’s routine health regimen if she is over 40 or in a group that is at high risk of breast cancer. The most prevalent form of cancer among women in the country, breast cancer ranks second only to lung cancer in number of deaths it causes in this demographic. Hispanic-
American women (the most common cause of death from all cancers) and African-American woman (who have a lower incidence of breast cancer than Caucasian women, but tend not to have the mammograms necessary for early detection of cancer) are two groups who are at risk, as well as those who lack health insurance? Dr. Frost reminds women that 85 percent of breast cancer occurs in those who have no family history of the disease. As it turns out, the most significant factors for breast cancer are gender (female) and age (growing older). Although it is rare, men, too can have breast cancer. The good news is that the five-year survival rate for breast cancer found in its earliest stages is 88 percent. Dr. Frost is a board certified radiologist and breast imaging specialist. She has designed her practice to provide her patients with individualized service and attention. She reads all the test results and discusses the tests with each of her patients. In addition to breast health services, Breast Care Centers provide diagnostic breast ultrasound, breast
biopsy, pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound and bone density assessments. The new Breast Care Center is located at 10300 Sunset Drive, Suite 400, Miami, Florida, 33173. Call at 305-602-0692 or visit online at cbccmiami.com.
Dr. Leslie Frost
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Do you or someone you know have Tinea Pedis/Athlete’s Foot? FXM Research in Miami is looking for males and females 18 years or older that suffer from Tinea Pedis “Redness, Itchiness, Maceration, Erosion, and/or Scaling areas in between your toes” to participate in a three [3] study-visit clinical research study. Medical Insurance is not required for study participation. Qualified participants will receive: • Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist. • Investigational Study Medication or placebo at no cost. • Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $150.00.
¿Tiene usted o alguien que usted conoce Hongos Entre Los Dedos De Sus Pies/Pie De Atleta? FXM Research en Miami está buscando a hombres y mujeres de 18 años o más de edad que padecen de Hongos Entre Los Dedos De Sus Pies “Enrojecimiento, Picazón, Humedad, Erosiones, y/o áreas de Descamación entre los dedos de los pies”, para participar en un estudio clínico de investigación que requiere de tres [3] visitas. No se requiere seguro médico para su participación en el estudio. Los participantes que califiquen recibirán: • Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado. • Los medicamentos bajo investigación o placebo sin costo alguno. • Reembolso por su tiempo y transporte de hasta $150.00.
For more information please call:
Para más información por favor llame al:
(305) 220-5222 Hector Wiltz, MD., CPI. Board Certified Dermatologist FXM Research Miami
FXM Research Miami 11760 Bird Road, Suite 452 Miami, FL 33175
www.fxmresearch.com
Do you or someone you know have Facial Acne? FXM Research in Miami is looking for males and females 12 years of age or older that suffer from Facial Acne, to participate in a seven [7] study-visit clinical research study. Medical Insurance is not required for study participation. Qualified participants will receive: • Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist. • Investigational Study Medication at no cost. • Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $350.00.
¿Tiene usted o alguien que usted conoce Acné Facial? FXM Research en Miami está buscando hombres y mujeres de 12 años de edad o más que padecen de Acné Facial, para participar en un estudio clínico de investigación que requiere de siete [7] visitas. No se requiere seguro médico para su participación en el estudio. Los participantes que califiquen recibirán: • Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado. • Los medicamentos del estudio bajo investigación sin costo alguno. • Un reembolso por su tiempo y transporte de hasta $350.00. For more information please call:
Para más información por favor llame al:
(305) 220-5222 Hector Wiltz, MD., CPI. Board Certified Dermatologist FXM Research Miami
FXM Research Miami 11760 Bird Road, Suite 452 Miami, FL 33175
www.fxmresearch.com
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
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SERVICES Facial Treatments • Laser Skin Tightening • Laser Vein Reduction Laser Hair Removal • Mesoglove • Pigmentations Eye Lash Extensions • Permanent Make-Up and Corrections
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
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Dr. Andrew Chen PROUDLY ANNOUNCES HIS NEW SUNSET LOCATION
Two locations to serve you:
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Vision • Health • Style Comprehensive eye exams, diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases, infections and injury, contact lens services including specialty fittings, glasses, industrial safety and sports eyewear. Eyewear selection includes these and many more: Carrera, Gucci, Guess, Rayban, Tiffany, Tom Ford, and Tory Burch. Frames vary by location.
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Dec. 20, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR Develop, policies, procedures, accounting, financial, tax return. 5 yrs exp. Bch. degree in Business Administration. ONLY RESUME E&F Latin Group Inc. Executive Park Dr. #137 Weston, FL 33331 HELP WANTED
Pest Control Company with office located in the Homestead area looking for a motivated, clean-cut dynamic individual with a good driving record. We are a pest control company that specializes in plant health care with very detailed programs. Experience in Horticulture a plus! Training pay then production and commission pay! Please fax resume to: 305-238-1721 or email to modelcontrol@bellsouth.net REAL ESTATE
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In popular South Miami! 2/1 unfurnished home. Needs TLC! Walk to shops, metrorail. 6701 SW 64 Ave Owner/Agent
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Seeking CNA/HHA KENDALL Employment experienced, MIAMI as a ROOM caring, LAW FIRM Finances, ATTENDANT/ • Reading seeking work, economics, plans, seeks HOUSEKEEPING • Math references preferably in a • Language Arts control. 5 years exp. experienced available. Bch. Degree in hotel or motel or • Español LEGAL I will care for Accounting. office. Full time ASSISTANT. your loved ONLY RESUME or part time. Fax Get help ones while Alandre Trading, LLC. Night or day. from the best! Resume to 9739 NW 41 St. you work. Exp. and ref. 786.651.0862 Doral, FL 33178 305.232.8819 561-201-5886 305-238-8428 ANDREA
HAIR STATION FOR RENT in Pinecrest (next to Office Max on 136th Street)
$300 per week, including sales tax. Large amount of storage for supplies. For more information, please contact Regina at 305-253-4772 REAL ESTATE
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Brown Mackie Looking to rent College seeking apartment minimum Master at a private level Adjunct residence. Faculty to instruct Coral Gables/ General Education courses at our two South Miami area. locations now Senior located in Miramar and Miami. gentleman. Call Email: bevsmith@edmc.edu 305-710-8800 REAL ESTATE
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J. Gray 305-271-7177 REAL ESTATE
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HISTORY TUTOR • For all AP History Courses: American, European & World History • Academic Tutoring for All History Courses and Social Studies Classes • 7th to 12 Grades • Prep for AP History Exams & SAT Subject History Tests References available upon request.
Call Jamie at 305.322.5897
Dadeland Nails
Dec. 20, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
PROFESSIONAL NAIL CARE SALON
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Dec. 20, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
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Dec. 20, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
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Dec. 20, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Early Bird Dinners Like Mama used to make.
Served with soup or salad, garlic rolls, coffee and dessert 3pm – 6pm daily (must be seated by 6pm) NO SHARING OR SUBSTITUTIONS Whole wheat pasta available for only $2
Choice of Pasta: Linguini, Angel Hair, Penne, Spaghetti, Paccheri Pasta, Spinach or Cheese Ravioli
Choice of one of one of the following sauces: Marinara Sauce, Tomato Sauce, Garlic and Oil, Meat Sauce, Meatball with Tomato or Marinara, Sausage with Tomato or Marinara 10.99 Salmon Bruschetta Grilled filet of Atlantic salmon topped with a cold mix of diced tomatoes, red onions, basil, garlic and aged balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Served with vegetable or pasta 15.99
Your Neighborhood Italian Restaurant TM FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
Monday & Tuesday
Tilapia Francese 15.99 Linguini with Red/White Fresh Clam Sauce 14.99 Mussels Marinara 13.99 Penne & Broccoli 11.99 Add chicken only $3 Add shrimp only $4 Meat Lasagna 12.99 Baked Ziti 11.99 Fettuccine Alfredo 12.99 Eggplant Parmigiana 13.99
Delivery • Take Out • Dine In
Penne Primavera Choice of light marinara or Alfredo sauce 13.99
Large Cheese Pizza $7.99
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Gorgonzola Crusted Salmon Salmon crusted with spinach and Gorgonzola cheese finished with garlic scampi sauce. Served with vegetable or pasta 16.99 Grilled Salmon Grilled salmon on a bed of sautéed spinach served with vegetable or pasta 15.99 Veal Parmigiana 15.99 Veal Milanese Lightly breaded veal cutlet pan seared with fresh tomato, mixed baby greens, fresh squeezed lemon and extra virgin olive oil 15.99 Chicken Parmigiana 14.99 Chicken Marsala 14.99 Chicken Piccata 14.99 Chicken Francese 14.99 Chicken Cacciatore 14.99
Sun -Thurs 11am - 10pm | Fri - Sat 11am - 11 pm
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Take out & Delivery only Not valid with any other specials or discounts, or prior Purchases, no copies, not refundable for cash, not for resale. One coupon per party, order or household. Exp. 12-30-13.
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Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
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Roasters’ n Toasters New York Deli & Bagels
Dec. 24, 2013 - Jan. 6, 2014
Roasters’ n Toasters New York Deli & Bagels
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FOR A FAMILY OF 4 INCLUDES 2 SIDES, ROLLS + A 2 LITER SODA
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9471 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY, PINECREST, FL, 33156 www.RNTSignatureGrill.com 305-663-3000 Open 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Daily • fri - Sat 11:00 AM - 10:00 pm