Palmetto Bay News 12.28.2010

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DEC. 28, 2010 - JAN 3, 2011

Magnet teachers speak about value of programs BY GARY ALAN RUSE

T

he continuing economic downturn and government cutbacks have affected budgets for the educational system in South Florida, and some educators are worried about the possible impact this may have on magnet arts programs. Teachers at Southwood Middle School, which has magnet classes in art, photography, orchestra, band, drama, dance and chorus, spoke out last week to call attention to the value of the program and the need to preserve it. Jenifer Berse is a Magnet Art Teacher, National Board Certified Art Teacher and PTSA Teacher Liaison. “The arts and magnet schools in particular are truly a form of dropout prevention,” Berse said. “A student could be teetering on the edge in his other subjects, have a very low sense of self, and the one place they feel truly safe and successful is in the arts. I have had many students tell me in the past that coming to my art class was either the best part of the day, or the only thing that got them to school that day. “To even think about taking any of the arts out of public school would truly be a crime to certain populations of students in particular, not to mention students in general. In the arts, no matter what discipline

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Southwood MS art classes help homeless kids ‘Dream in Color’ BY GARY ALAN RUSE

A

rt magnet students in several classes at Southwood Middle School spent hours on a special project painting imaginative pictures and designs on new pillowcases to give to homeless children to lift their spirits. Conceived by student Taylor “Tae Tae” Davis, the project is being done in partnership with volunteer organization Hands On Miami and with the aid of a $1,000 grant from the Starbucks Philanthropy Committee and Tee Juice Fabric Art Markers donated by Jacquard Products. Davis, who has in the past succeeded in securing donated art supplies from major manufactur- Sixth grade student Jose Broche shows his sketchbook design and the pillowcase. ers to help her art class–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– es and in organizing art projects to help homeless children, the kids,” Davis said. “Dream in color means that when they put their heads explained what this one is for. “We’re painting pillowcases on the down at night they want to dream in colfront with a really pretty design, and on ors, so that’s our slogan.” the back it says ‘Dream in Color,’ and when they’re done I’m going to go to a ––––––––––––––––––– See page 4 homeless shelter and hand them out to

DREAM,

MDX to study turning busway into toll road BY RICHARD YAGER

T

he Miami-Dade Expressway Authority’s newest project study for South Miami-Dade County could take some congestion off S. Dixie Highway (US1) and speed the commute for motorists willing to pay the price. A transportation study focused on maximizing the South Miami-Dade Busway traffic flows will include the tantalizing vision of converting the extra capacity of the rapid transit corridor for use by private vehicles as a toll expressway in addition to buses. As described during a meeting of the Continental Park Homeowners Association in November, installation of Busway “humps” (grade separations) passing over east-west streets could lead not only to faster bus travel but open road tolling (ORT) for motorists from Florida City north to Dadeland South where two alternatives would exist: Parking at Metrorail’s southernmost terminal or accessing the non-toll Palmetto Expressway (SR 826). The MDX already has moved ahead with a scope of services outline for a two-year Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study that includes optimizing US1 express lanes on the near 20-mile busway from SW 344th Street to SR 826 and Dadeland South. Gannett Fleming Inc. has been cho––––––––––––––––––––––––– See

MDX, page 4

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

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2011 New Year’s resolution: Recycle your Christmas tree BY GAYLE LOVE

Now through Jan. 7, residents who receive curbside waste collection service from the Miami-Dade Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) are encouraged to recycle their natural Christmas trees by taking them to one of the county’s Neighborhood Trash and Recycling Centers (TRCs) or two Home Chemical Collection Centers. All trees brought in for recycling must be free of lights, tinsel, ornaments and tree stands. The trees will be converted into mulch, available free to residents on a first-come, first-served basis beginning in mid-January. Trees can be brought in for recycling to one of several area locations: Trash and Recycling Centers (open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) Snapper Creek, 2200 SW 117 Ave.; Sunset Kendall, 8000 SW 107 Ave.; Chapman Field, 13600 SW 60 Ave.; Richmond Heights, 14050 Boggs Dr.; West Perrine, 16651 SW 107 Ave.; Eureka Drive, 9401 SW 184 St.; South Miami Heights, 20800 SW 117 Ct., and Moody Drive, 12970 SW 268 St. Home Chemical Collection Centers (accepts Christmas trees for recycling seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

West Miami-Dade, 8831 NW 58 St., and South Miami-Dade, 23707 SW 97 Ave. Gate-B. Residents who choose not to recycle their Christmas trees will have the following two options for disposal: • Residents may cut the tree into smaller pieces and place it inside their green waste cart for collection on any of their regularly scheduled waste collection days. The tree must fit entirely inside the waste cart. Trees placed next to the waste cart cannot be collected by the automated waste collection truck. • For those residents who cannot drop off their Christmas tree for recycling or cut it in pieces and place it in their waste cart, the tree may be placed at the curbside no later than Friday, Jan. 7, and it will be collected. Christmas trees placed at the curbside after Jan. 7 will not be picked up and must either be taken to a drop-off location or placed in the waste cart for collection as described above. Christmas tree mulch will be available at the TRC locations listed beginning in mid-January for residents to pick up using their own bags or containers on a firstcome, first-served basis, while supplies last. Area locations are: West Perrine, 16651 SW 107 Ave.; Eureka Drive, 9401 SW 184 St.; Moody Drive, 12970 SW 268 St., and Sunset Kendall, 8000 SW 107 Ave. For more information, call 3-1-1 or visit online at <www.miamidade.gov/dswm>.

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DREAM,

from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Her teacher for the third year in the Magnet Visual Arts Class is Lesley McKinley, who lauds Davis as someone who sets high goals for both her academic and artistic pursuits, and takes the same approach to her philanthropic pursuits. “She’s very special and it’s been a pleasure to have her in my class,” McKinley said. “Our students are decorating pillowcases which many of them have donated for this particular project, and they came up with designs, which were sketchbook assignments. These will be given out through the year to children in different situations who might really appreciate something real personal to keep with them.” McKinley said that not only magnet students were getting involved, but elective art students and even photography students as well. “This classroom has roughly 25 students and next door has 25,” she said. “By the end of the day we will have roughly 150 kids who have participated, and by the end of next week maybe another hundred.” Starbucks, after studying recommendations, provided a grant that allowed for the purchase of a large number of pillowcases, paints and other supplies for the project. Mia Spigelman, the Starbucks Philanthropy Committee secretary and a student herself, explained why. “Tae Tae is a perfect example of a girl who is dedicated to improving the lives of those in our community,” Spigelman said. “She is willing to devote her own time in order to help others. The Starbucks Youth Philanthropy Committee is an organization through Hands On Miami and sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company and the Starbucks Shared Planet Youth Action Grants that grants funding toward youth developed community service projects like “Dream in Color.” “I believe that everyone should follow Tae Tae’s example and realize that there are

those in our very own communities that need our help and it is our responsibility to respond,” Spigelman said. Besides homeless children, children of members of the military who are overseas on dangerous missions will benefit from the art students’ expression of caring. Students in the sixth grade class were clear on why they wanted to participate. “Because it’s going to help more kids,” said Samantha Smith. “So other kids can feel creative, like I do. I enjoy art.” Imani McIntosh, who hopes to pursue a future in art, agreed. “You can give back to the community.” Maya Moore, another dedicated young artist, expressed her thoughts and approach. “I wanted to color stuff, and I like doing colors, so I thought if I’m going to do this I might as well make something really cool,” Moore said. “When I was little I used to like a lot of colors, so I think that kids who are homeless should have a lot of colors with them as they grow up. It will cheer them up and inspire them to be artists like me and Tae Tae.” Southwood’s principal, Deborah Leal, said she could not be more proud of the kids, seeing them so involved in the project. “This impacts so many of the students,” Leal said. “They really are very committed and they participate whole-heartedly. Tae Tae started the momentum, and look at the rest of the students. It comes from them. Their parents aren’t telling them to do it. It’s part of their graciousness and their generosity, and it’s just so uplifting because they’re kids.” Leal thinks that the fact that the students are 12, 13 or 14 years old makes a big difference, now and in their future lives. “The generosity, the philanthropy, it starts at this age, and it makes me feel really good to see them,” Leal said. “It makes you feel like, okay, something’s right in this world.”

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

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sen as consulting engineers for the study with a contract for services under negotiation during December, according to Tere Garcia, MDX spokesperson. The meeting with Continental Park homeowners was the first of several public input sessions that will take place as the new study progresses, she added. “Basically, the study is focused on optimizing busway traffic and safety, but we will also look at ways to mitigate congestion on US1,” Garcia noted. “That study is designed to include the potential of converting unused capacity of the busway for private vehicle use with automated tolling now used on all five MDX expressways — Shula, Snapper Creek, Dolphin, Airport and Gratigny routes.” Opening the busway to private vehicles north of SW 98th Street by building a direct access to the Palmetto Expressway would create a combined toll and freeway access from Florida City to Kendall by express buses and private vehicles. It also would provide an alternative and long-missing expressway connection from the South Dade area to Downtown Miami and all other areas served by the Palmetto Expressway. To answer one question in advance, Garcia emphasized, “If this study proves a busway conversion to be workable, it would not be based upon converting the Palmetto to tolling; SR 826 would remain toll-free.” In recent months, the MDX has been sharply criticized for installing toll-collecting gantries on both the Shula (SR 874) and Snapper Creek (SR 878) expressways. Garcia agreed that federal funding would be required to provide any costs to convert the Busway to private vehicle use, including any necessary land aquisition, planning, and construction. She said the project also would examine creation of busway access to the Palmetto in addition to the existing US1 ramps on the east (northbound) and west (southbound) of the Dadeland South Metrorail station. The contract scope has been drawn to evaluate all engineering, environmental and public involvement aspects of implementing managed lanes within the busway rightof-way, including tolls with congestion-type pricing schedules, implemented during 2010 on I-95 between downtown Miami and the Golden Glades interchange.

To introduce project parameters at the Continental Park homeowners meeting, Garcia joined an MDX team that included Mayrae Diaz, planning manager; Mario Diaz, public information officer, and Carlos Cejas, PD&E project manager. Team members then described how “humps” (overpasses) over key east-west Kendall streets could make busway conversion possible to avoid creation of congestion at such intersections as S. Dixie and SW 104th, SW 112th, SW 136th streets and other points south. Overpasses at major east-west streets would allow for safer movement of buses without stoplight priorities at intersections, as well as enhancing more “free flowing” traffic in north or south directions. A paramount concern for Continental Park residents was the possibility of a Busway conversion requiring closing SW 98th Street at US1 due to land-taking requirements or other construction necessary for accessing the Palmetto Expressway. Diaz said that consultants would solicit public sentiment at future meetings conducted throughout the PD&E Study but there were no plans to block 98th Street underway in current MDX planning. The extensive scope of services will include the creation of a citizen community advisory committee to liaison with study engineers and attend a series public meetings or workshops connected with the project study. The study also will report alternative recommendations to creating managed lanes on the busway, including bus transit service options, new park-and-ride locations or the effect of a “No Build” conclusion. The study is a result of Miami-Dade’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) incorporating busway planning into its 2035 MPO Long Range Plan. Built by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the initial phase of the busway of 8.2 miles opened on Feb. 2, 1997. The first segment of the extension to Florida City opened on Apr. 24, 2005, and extended the busway five miles from SW 112th Avenue to SW 264th Street in Naranja. The second and final segment of the extension, which opened on Dec. 16, 2007, completed the busway 6.5 miles south from SW 264th Street to SW 344th St. in Florida City, creating a total 19.7-

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

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The New Year is upon us! Are you ready for it? Michael Miller

Right: Gian Carlo Fiore, Alixandria Fiore and Patrick Fiore

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

AROUND TOWN

• • • • •

The count-down commences... Well, Palmetto Bay residents, it’s been quite a year, but 2010 is finally drawing to a close. Here’s hoping that 2011 is a banner year for everyone and that only good things will be coming our way. Don’t you hate moving? We’re betting the folks at Village Hall do. On the plus side, they’re finally into their nice new digs in the first permanent, all theirs, village hall building Palmetto Bay has ever had. On the minus side, they had to move all that stuff and it took even longer than they expected. And it somehow knocked out their website. And their phones. But that’s past and they’ll be starting the New Year in spiffy quarters. Correction—Sorry... we goofed! In last week’s story about the new council member,

Patrick Fiore, the photo caption incorrectly gave his lovely daughter’s name as “Alexandra.” Her name is really Alixandria, and we apologize to Alixandria, to Patrick and to the rest of the Fiore family. Don’t forget — parents — students — January 15 is the deadline for applications for the Magnet Program at Southwood Middle School. For more information, visit

Jerry Templer (left) and Stanley Kowlessar

State Rep. Frank Artiles (left) and Miguel Cervera

Left: Mayor Shelley Stanczyk, John Dubois and Vice Mayor Joan Lindsay

Palmetto Bay News

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PUBLISHER .................................................................................................................................. Grant Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR .....................................................................................................................Michael Miller EDITOR.................................................................................................................................. David Berkowitz WRITERS, COLUMNISTS.............................................................. Ron Beasley, Kenneth Bluh, Robert Hamilton, Linda Rodriguez-Bernfeld, Gary Alan Ruse, Lee Stephens, Al Sunshine, Richard Yager ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES..........................................................Albie Barnes, Beatriz Brandfon, Roberta Bergman, Ana Caceres, Celia Canabate, Diane Chasin, Henry Chau, Sharon Christian, Cecile Fanfani, Diane Maddox, Denzel Miles, Ann Robbins-Udel, Fara Sax, Lori Schwadron, Diane Sedona Schiller, Walter White LEGAL ADVERTISING ..................................................................................................................... Georgia Tait BOOKKEEPING ............................................................................................................................ Jesus Toledo PROOF DEPARTMENT....................................................................................................................Isabel Vavrek

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their website, Southwood.dadeschools.net, or call 305-251-5361, Ext. 2224. Got some phh otos to show everyone, of a victory party back on November 14 held at John Dubois’ home with a lot of the movers and shakers in the village. Good to see everyone. F rom all of us at Community Newspapers to all of you, our very best wishes for a safe, happy and enjoyable New Years, and a healthy and prosperous year ahead.

Thought for the Day: All you need is love, love, love is all you need. — John Lennon

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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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

Governor-elect Scott already has educators in a tizzy R. Kenneth Bluh KENNETH’S COMMENTARY Florida Governor-elect Rick Scott isn’t saying anything definitive or detailed about his plans for educating the youth of our state. However, what hints he has dropped have school boards, teachers and parents anticipating draconian changes in our secondary school system. These are changes that will make former Republican Governor Jeb Bush’s educational concepts look like that of a liberal Democrat. For years following the Civil War, the school systems of America were divided into white and black — great schools for whites, poor to deplorable schools for the black children. Then the concept of “separate but equal” became the choice de jour. Of course the two school systems never were equal. The black students where always left out when it came to funding education. Then the courts ruled that “separate but equal” wasn’t what our Constitution envisioned. So schools were integrated. We bused

kids from one side of the community to the other to create diversity. Each school would have a “mix” of students. At first, parents fiercely fought the concept, notwithstanding the fact that it didn’t seem to distract the children once they became adjusted to the change. Slowly, however over the years, kids seemed to drift back to schools in their neighborhoods. It just seemed logical to go to school where you lived rather than spending more time on the school bus than in the classroom. Friendships could be created if you went to school where you lived rather than never seeing your fellow classmates other than during school hours. Some schools produced students with better skills and grades than other schools. So school boards gave permission for a parent to enroll their children in schools that excelled in a specific area such as music, drama, science, aircraft mechanics, etc. More and more “private” schools were opened as an alternative to “public” schools. The student would qualify for a government voucher to cover a portion of the cost of the private school if the public school couldn’t provide, in the mind of the parent, a quality education. Thus was born the charter school. Now along comes our governor-elect who is suggesting that any child should be able to

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VIEWPOINT select a school that he, she or the parent think is most appropriate for the student. You live in Homestead, you like a school in Fort Lauderdale, you have the desire — go for it. Sounds like Scott is suggesting replacing the public school concept funded by a local school district taxes with a voucher system controlled in our state capital to cover public schools, private, charter schools or even virtual schools. Use the voucher as you wish. The cost beyond the voucher is up to the parent. The concept, I am quite sure, was conceived to reduce the cost of education more than improve the education of our children. We already have a problem with our educational system in America. Just look at this: Shanghai (a metropolitan area in China), South Korea, Finland, Hong Kong and Singapore ranked one through five in reading comprehension, math, and science according to the respected Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The United States was way down the list at

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No. 17. Yet we spend more per child than any other nation. Something is wrong. Children aren’t motivated? Parents don’t care? Teachers teach for job security, not for the education of our youth? What is wrong? What a disgrace. Our governor-elect appears to want to change the whole approach to education. Reduce the authority of the local public school system in favor of Tallahassee? End the secondary public school system as we know it today and replace it with privately owned schools? Is this the beginning of a trend to replace education funded by school taxes with limited tuition paid by the state? Change is coming. I hope our children don’t lose; they already are so far behind. We appreciate your opinions on this column whether in agreement or disagreement. Please send your comments to (fax number) 305-6626980 or email to <letters@communitynewspapers.com>. The opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of this newspaper, its editors or publisher.

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Just a few days to get end of year finances in order Al Sunshine CBS MONEY WATCH It’s just a few days until New Year’s Eve and the start of a new year, 2011. And that means we’re running out of time to get our last minute financial planning done for 2010 and to get our finances in order for the new year. So what do those plans entail? Paying off holiday bills, tax planning, healthcare spending accounts, insurance options for next year, and that’s just for starters. All these issues will challenge our family budgets and we’re running out of time to prepare. Still, it’s not too late to start by asking

yourself these questions: • How much do I owe on all my bills and what will my yearly income be this year? • Am I withholding enough on taxes to avoid a bigger tax bill next April? • Do I have any money remaining in any flexible spending accounts that I need to use or lose? • What is my money doing for me and where can I cut expenses? • Should I rebalance my investments between stocks, bonds or cash? These are all viable questions and should give you a good basis for determining your strategy. On the other hand, financial experts say that if you ignore your end of the year money management, it could leave you with an expensive — and unwanted — New Year’s surprise. Watch Al Sunshine’s “CBS Money Watch” reports Monday-Friday beginning at noon.

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

Fit For Life program being offered again for teens BY SHEILA STIEGLITZ

eating designed to modify existing behavior. Another part of the program includes Following the success of 32 teens who lost goal setting with personal accountability, a total of 429 pounds in this year’s Fit For and upon completion of the program the Life Program, The Children’s Trust Fund has teens should see improvement in physical decided to add its weight and fund the 2011 fitness, self esteem and increased nutritionseries of classes at the Alper JCC in Kendall. al knowledge. Commitment and attendance are the key This life-changing program targets overweight teens and teaches physical and nutri- components to successful results. At the end tional skills in an effort to curb the trend of the 15 weeks, the biggest bonuses are teens with enhanced selftoward excessive weight worth, increased stamina gain. The entire series of Commitment and and overall improved wellclasses is open to the combeing. munity and free of charge. attendance are the Carmen Gil was the The program’s director key components to “biggest loser” in the initial is Evelyn Rosenblatt, a program, having lost over published author, National successful results. 10 inches off her waist and Figure competitor, persondropping eight dress sizes. al trainer, an exercise At the end of the 15 “I don’t know how I physiologist, and former weeks, the biggest could have reached my Miami-Dade County high goals, had I not been part school science teacher. bonuses are teens of it,” she said. “The trans“The success of the Fit with enhanced formations that I have seen For Life program can be my body are remarkable. seen in the incredible self-worth, increased in I still can’t believe that I fit results that the teens into clothes that I hadn’t achieved in just 15 stamina and overall worn in years. And it wasweeks,” Rosenblatt said. “I improved wellbeing. n’t just me, but every sinwas very proud that all of gle one of the 32 particithe participants completed the program, and almost all the teens pants lost weight and adopted a healthier decreased their body fat percentages and lifestyle.” The next session of Fit For Life begins showed an increase in both self-esteem and Monday, Jan. 10. Students interested in parconfidence. “The information they learned gave them ticipating should call Evelyn Rosenblatt at the tools and knowledge to live healthier 305-498-7882 to register and begin the lives,” she added. “The teens’ final measure- mandatory interview process. The Dave and Mary Alper JCC on the Jay ments revealed an amazing total loss of 354 Morton-Levinthal Campus is located at inches which translates into 29.5 feet.” Fit For Life is structured to include three 11155 SW 112 Ave. in Kendall. For informahours per week focusing on strength train- tion about additional Alper JCC fitness, ing and aerobic fitness with certified profes- recreational and sports programs for the family visit online at sionals, plus a one-hour per week workshop entire on nutrition, food preparation and healthy <www.alperjcc.org>.

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

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Letters to the Editor MAGNET, Letters to the Editor 6796 SW 62 Ave. • South Miami, FL 33143 E-mail: letters@communitynewspapers.com

Take our names off your mailing list To the Editor: I am outraged by the drivel Grant Miller has been printing on the front page of the Palmetto Bay News. I insist that you take our names off your mailing list. I never asked for this so-called “newspaper” and find it an insult to any pretense to journalism. It seems that Grant Miller has some problem with the democratic process and has a vendetta against the mayor and a councilperson, which causes him to act out on the front page of this rag. It would be worthwhile to get some unbiased reporting on community news in Palmetto Bay. This piece of trash is not it. Thank you for taking our name off your mailing list. G reg Allen and Maeve Mcgoran Palmetto Bay • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Front-page opinion piece had appearance of a news story To the Editor: I have just read Grant Miller’s front-page article on “Joan Lindsey: Accusations fly in the great computer caper.” Although I do not wish to voice comment on the content of your story, its format deserves attention. The article has the appearance of a news story even with the preface: “Here are some of my thoughts about what’s going on in Palmetto Bay.” Most newspapers would generally position such a topic on its editorial page. It would be clearer and less confusing to the reader, if there was a large typeface identifier such as “In My Opinion,” that prominently connoted the intent of the article. Community newspapers play an important role in keeping residents informed of pertinent issues. Thus accuracy, balance and journalistic integrity are important traits as they are in daily, mainstream periodicals. Sincerely, Suzanne Dundee Bonner Palmetto Bay • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • I do not want to receive your disgusting gossip rag To the Editor: I have been a resident of Palmetto Bay for 27 years. Please remove me from your mailing list. I do not want to receive your disgusting gossip rag of a newspaper. I am afraid to respond to Grant Miller for fear he will try to make me a target of your newspaper too. Who gives this kid the right to slander nice hard working people who have lived in Palmetto Bay before he was born? Joan Lindsey is a retired schoolteacher who has worked very hard and has sacrificed her personal life to be slandered by Grant Miller. I cannot believe you allowed him to write this slanderous stuff. It is very obvious that he is on the Palmer Trinity payroll and uses your newspaper to attack the homeowners and taxpayers of Palmetto Bay. Please remove me from your mailing list. I never asked to be on it. Please never contact me again. I am leaving Palmetto Bay partly because of Palmer Trinity and the Grant Millers of the village. They believe they are better than the rest of us and feel they have a right to tell us what to do and what to think. How sad that the local newspaper would support such an immature kid that has no respect for hard working caring folks that want a better Palmetto Bay. Shame on you, Palmetto Bay News. Have a Merry Christmas. M a ry King Palmetto Bay

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they choose, they gain real world skills.” Berse said curriculums are overlapped; for example: math is used in art for griddling and proportion, in dance, and music to keep rhythm and beats. Reading is used across the curriculum in all the disciplines, as is history, art history, music history, dance interpretation, and drama production. “These are only a few very small examples of how the arts impact the whole child and teaches them critical thinking skills they will take with them for the rest of their lives.” Leslie McKinley also is a Magnet Art Teacher who takes her job seriously and brings her passion for art and teaching to all her students. “The intrinsic value of magnet programs is that they provide students the opportunity to develop discipline in an area of strong personal interest,” McKinley said. “I know of very few other educational settings that offer this in such depth. The students also develop lasting friendships, since they are with a group of students for two periods per day, for three to four years.” Tinder Burris is orchestra director at Southwood Middle School, instilling her love of music in new generations. “The importance of a magnet program is to

give the opportunity for students who show potential in a particular area more time to focus on nurturing a skill with a teacher who is a specialist in their field,” Burris said. Hilda Jimenez teaches dance to many talented students who blossom with the opportunity of the concentrated program. “Being a veteran dance director at Southwood, I know first hand of the importance and impact that our magnet programs have on our students,” Jimenez said. “The future of the majority of our students is forever impacted by our programs. The students walk away with understanding what it takes to be committed to something and to truly have discipline.” She said that, in addition, they are exposed to the highest quality of education in the area they have chosen and their self esteem and positive self worth helps them and prepares them for all of their future education. “I am happy and proud to be a magnet teacher at Southwood as I can continue to see our future’s best being groomed right here at our school,” Jimenez said. Beatriz Llano, Southwood’s Magnet Lead Teacher, said that the program there is available to students from many areas and that the application season is from October through Jan. 15, which means it is ending soon. For more information, visit the school’s website, Southwood.dadeschools.net, or call 305-251-5361, ext. 2224.

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

4-H of Miami-Dade celebrates achievements of Rebekah Diaz

Rebekah Diaz was elected 4-H state vice president at the recent State Congress. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY SONIA PEREZ

Rebekah Diaz, a graduating senior who is homeschooled, has achieved numerous accomplishments during her 11 years in the Miami-Dade 4-H Youth program. Most recently, the Westchester resident was elected state vice president for 2010-11 and was one of only four 4-H members statewide to be chosen to attend the 4-H National Conference in Washington, DC. One of Rebekah’s first experiences with the 4-H club was a public speaking competition where she was presenting her topic on key lime pie. Her nerves got the best of her and she wound up crying. Now, that same nervous girl has blossomed into a confident public speaker, receiving perfect scores at district events and winning two first-place trophies at state competitions. Joining 4-H has afforded Rebekah many opportunities to learn life skills and get involved in the community. She has learned about computers, the environment, communication, dance, media arts, geography and leadership. 4-H also has served as a vehicle for participating in community service projects, including teaching elementary and middle school students about different subjects, conducting beach and coastal cleanups, visiting the elderly in nursing homes, teaching children at public libraries, working with underprivileged children, and planting for beach restoration and beautification. Rebekah’s many leadership roles have included chairing county, district and state activities, such as State Congress, 4-H Day at the Capitol, and Head Lobbyist for the 4-H

State Mock Legislature program. Through these leadership positions, she has coordinated events and activities for hundreds of 4Hers throughout the State of Florida. She also was instrumental in the challenging task of saving the Miami-Dade County 4H program by undertaking letter-writing and phone-calling campaigns, meeting personally with commissioners and appearing before the Miami-Dade Commission on several occasions. Miami-Dade 4-H leader Kathie Roberts says Rebekah is an exemplary 4-H member. “Rebekah is a testament to what the 4-H program can do for the development of children in preparing them for the real world as well as shaping them into contributing members of society. While 4-H certainly created opportunities for Rebekah to succeed, she did all of the hard work that enabled her to achieve her goals,” Roberts said. “Years from now, when I tell my children stories about my youth, I know that they will include the wonderful experiences that I had through 4-H,” Rebekah said. “I have made lifelong friends, met people from across the country, learned about different lifestyles, have been on many adventures, and learned innumerable skills. I hope one day that my children and grandchildren, too, will be able to say that they made a difference in their community and in the lives of others due to 4-H.” Miami-Dade’s 4-H Club always is accepting new members and volunteers. To sign up, call 305-592-8044 or visit online at <http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu> for more information.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

Local artist Federico Carosio honored by Green Companies BY KIMBERLY PORTER

A reception for a new exhibit by artist Federico Carosio created a festive holiday party for guests at the Green Companies Dadeland Centre II on the evening of Dec. 16. Elizabeth Green of the Dadelandbased firm said the purpose of the company’s lobby gallery is that, “It’s good for the community; It will bring people together.” Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Carosio said he is a self-taught artist who began doodling as a two-and-one-half-year-old child. Later moving to Soho, New York, he began a professional career in 1974. When next settling in Miami in 1979, Carosio said he realized his passion for painting South Florida’s tropical landscapes, for which he is most well-known today. Commenting on the realism of Carosio’s work, Green said. “When you drive [down the streets depicted in his paintings], it feels like that with the shadows. The detail is

Pictured are Elizabeth Green of the Green Companies and artist Federico Carosio. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

amazing.” Carosio has been twice nominated for the Florida Artists Hall of Fame, singled out for his portrayal and promotion of Florida through his work, and rich colors that capture the intense light of the area. His work has been featured on the posters for the South Miami Art Festival, Pinecrest Fine Art Festival and Key Biscayne Art Festival. His work also has won the coveted “Best of Show” award multiple times. “I’m glad I do what I love,” Carosio said. “Each piece is a work of love, like a child; finishing a piece is a birth. I am looking for homes for my paintings, adoptive parents rather than buyers. “Buy my work. They tell me it will be valuable when I’m dead and I’m not feeling too well,” added Carosio with a laugh. The Carosio exhibition can be seen at the Green Companies Lobby Gallery in Dadeland Centre II, 9150 S. Dadeland Blvd., or by visiting online at <www.carosioarts.com>.

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

Gulliver Preparatory School hosts VEX Robotic Qualifier Competition

Tournament Champions are (l-r) Gulliver’s Danielle Spiegelman, Nikita Mayani, Devin Robbins, Shayantha Sinnarajah and Armaan Mayani. (Not pictured is Victor Naziazeni.)

BY BAY PROBY

Gulliver Preparatory School hosted its first VEX Robotic Qualifier Competition on Sunday, Dec. 5, at the school’s gymnasium. The competition featured 12 South Florida schools and 32 robots. The VEX Robotics Competition is the largest and fastest growing middle and high school robotics program globally with 2,600 teams from 20 countries participating in more than 200 tournaments worldwide. Events are being conducted and added in several cities, states and countries each week. The competition connects students, mentors, and schools into a variety of technology-based programs that foster technical and interpersonal skills. To see a list of events, visit online at <www.robotevents.com>. VEX Round Up is played on a 12- by 12-foot square field and two alliances — one “red” and one “blue” — composed of two teams. Each alliance competes in matches consisting of a 20-second time period, where the robot follows preprogrammed commands from its onboard microprocessor. The object of the game is to attain a higher score than an opponent alliance, by placing tubes upon goalposts, owning goalposts, and by low hanging or high

hanging from the ladder. In addition to Gulliver Prep, MiamiDade schools participating in the competition were MAST Academy, Belen Jesuit, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Christopher Columbus High, Ransom Everglades Middle, Miami Northwestern High, Coral Park High and Coral Gables High. Out of county schools included McArthur High (Hollywood), Donna Klein Academy (Boca Raton) and Seminole Ridge Community High (Loxahatchee). Gulliver Preparatory School teams won three awards. The group consisting of Eric Milton, Joyce Chen, Rodrigo Royo, and Stefano Tufts won the Judges award. The squad consisting of Michael Carey, Darian Miranda, William Gubbins, and Ben Froomkin won the “Programming Skills Champion” award and the team of Devin Robbins, Nikita Mayani, Armaan Mayani, Danielle Spiegelman, Shayantha Sinnarajah, and Victor Naziazeni took home the “Tournament Champions” award. Gulliver robots were competitive all day with all five robots either winning or making it to the finals in all the challenges they entered. For more information about the event, visit online at <www.gulliverschools.org>.

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 15

Need a New Year’s Resolution? Consider Finding a Financial Advisor. I wantt to o startt shopping forr a financiall advisor.. What should d I bee looking g for? Someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. A person who has several years of experience in both good and bad times. A well educated person. Someone who really listens to both the husband and the wife. Someone who provides objective advise to you and who is legally and morally obligated to serve your best interest at all times. Someone who does not have a sales quota of investment products to sell to you. Someone who has malpractice insurance for your protection. Someone who is regulated and supervised by FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority). Someone who is not a sales rep but an actual money manager. How w manyy financiaal advisorss should dI interview? The more the better, but make sure you ask the same questions to each one. Ask for their credentials, experience, investment process, references and code of ethics. I suggest that you talk to each advisor one on one. Consider talking to at least 3 advisors before you decide.

Theree aree a lott off credentialss thatt advisorss use.. Aree theyy alll th he same? No. Each credential has a different level of course content and time requirement to attain the credential. Some credentials focus on life insurance such as the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) and a Charter Life Underwriter (CLU). The CLU is more of a Masters Degree in the area of insurance. Some credentials focus on mutual funds such as a Certified Funds Specialist (CFS). The credential that focuses on comprehensive financial planning is the Certified Financial Planner (CFPŽ). It is more of a Masters Degree in personal financial planning. Ask the advisor for details of their skills and education. Rick Tonkinson is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP™) who works with working people in your area since 1991. The family business, Rick Tonkinson & Associates, Inc is located at 100 Almeria Ave, Suite 310, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Telephone # 305-447-6617. Securities offered through Securities America Inc member of FINRA/SIPC. Rick Tonkinson Registered Representative. Advisory Services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Rick Tonkinson Investment Advisor Representative. Rick Tonkinson and Associates, Inc. & Securities America companies are not affiliated.

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

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Page 17

COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS

East Coast’s largest Paddleboarding event coming to Miami’s Bayside The largest Stand Up Paddleboarding event on the East Coast will take place in Miami on Jan. 2 at the Bayside Marketplace Marina, 401 Biscayne Blvd. The race begins at 11 a.m., first-ever paddle clinic at 1 p.m. and awards at 3 p.m. An official World Paddle Association event, the Orange Bowl Paddle Championship powered by Jimmy Lewis will include competitive and amateur paddleboarders, including more than 100 Big Brothers and Big Sisters with their “Littles.” For more information about this event, call Kristy Kennedy at 305-448-5839. ROBERT MORGAN EDUCATIONAL CENTER ANNOUNCES AUTO-CAD CLASS OPENING Robert Morgan Educational Center, located at 18180 SW 122 Ave., has announced the opening of an Auto-Cad class. This class will run Monday through Thursday in the evening, part-time. Registration will begin in January. For more information, contact Eladia Chavez at 305-253-9920, ext. 2147. COUNCIL OF TROPICAL FLORIDA TO HOST GIRL SCOUT ALUMNI The Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida will host a Girl Scout Alumni Mixer and Girl Scout Cookie Sale Kickoff to celebrate women of courage, confidence and character.

The Mixer will take place on Jan. 14, from 6 to 11 p.m., at Tobacco Road, 626 S. Miami Ave. Entrance fee is $10 and will benefit the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida. All Girl Scout alumni and Girl Scout supporters are invited to participate and bring sashes, stories and share memories, as they enjoy great music and drinks. Girl Scout cookies will be on sale to benefit the council. Girl Scout alumni and guests will have the opportunity to participate in a series of give-a-ways. For more information, call Eloise Rodriguez at 786-326-2221. SOUTH FLORIDA CANTORIAL CONCERT SET FOR JAN. 15 AT TEMPLE ISRAEL The Third Annual South Florida Cantorial Concert will be presented on Jan. 15, 8 p.m., at Temple Israel of Greater Miami, 137 NE 19 St. The concert, now in its third year, is one of the nation’s leading concerts of Jewish music. Twenty-four cantors and soloists will perform diverse Jewish songs. Each of the past two years, the concert has attracted a capacity audience of more than 700 people. Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased at <www.cantorialconcert.org> or call 1-888-541-9753.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

Blooming Gardens survives by pleasing its customers BY GARY ALAN RUSE

Barbara Wilson’s floral and gift shop, Blooming Gardens, has been blossoming for years and is one of the few florists in the Cutler Bay/Palmetto Bay area to survive the recent bad economy. Wilson has a passion for what she does. “I do enjoy it,� she said. “For the most part it’s a lot of fun. We do get a lot of good feedback. We get a tremendous response from the customers, who tell us the flowers last a long time and they like the arrangements. The part I like best is working with people.� Blooming Gardens is located at 20462 Old Cutler Rd. (behind the Chevron gas station) and is open six days a week. Its hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday. Wilson said that she and her staff get a lot of repeat business from customers who are happy with her work. “We give excellent customer service and treat everybody like extended family,� she said. Blooming Gardens is a full service retail flower and gift shop that specializes in fulfilling all customer requests. They always

have custom, fresh-cut floral buy the business. It was one that designs in every price range and had been struggling after Andrew, keep a cooler full of carnations, and we took it over and built it daisies, multiple colors of roses, back up. I had no floral experience and a wide variety of exotic flowprior to that, but 16 years later I’m ers such as larkspur, peonies, lilac, still doing it.� hydrangea and lilies, in addition to Wilson, who grew up in Miami assorted tropical blooms as seaand came from a business family sonally available. here, said most new customers Wilson’s attractive and comfortcome in saying that they never able shop offers baskets, vases and knew that there was a florist there. containers in many sizes, shapes While other floral businesses in and colors, and also can arrange to the area have closed their doors, have your selection delivered some after several decades in worldwide. business, Wilson’s small business There’s fresh fruit in season — has managed to keep operating, It such as pineapple, apples, pears, is a result, in most part, of the peroranges, starfruit, grapes, kiwi, severance and astute diligence of mango and much more — that can its co-owner and operator, as well go into an irresistible gift basket as her dedicated and skilled staff for someone special. Gourmet of two part-time designers and one foods — including a selection of part-time driver. imported cookies, crackers, Active in her community, Barbara Wilson, owner of Blooming Gardens, is pictured in her shop. cheese, spiced nuts, seasoned pretWilson works with local agencies, –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– zels and flavored coffees and teas from various community councils —also can be added for basket and network groups, to the support all types, so you can stop in and pick up a fillers. A large variety of chocolates includof local public schools and their career teddy bear for the new baby in the family or ing Godiva and assorted candies are availdays. She has donated floral arrangements choose from a large selection of other plush able. and gift certificates for luncheons and animals including Ty Beanie babies, Blooming Gardens also has gift items of award ceremonies throughout South Dade. Webkinz and musical plush. The shop’s arrangements, many of which There are scented candles and unusual she creates personally, are of the freshest candle holders on display, in addition to flowers and highest quality. Her dedication candle lamps and decorative candle houses to providing the best possible service to her from Clayworks. There is a varied selection craft is obvious to anyone who has had the of decorative home accessories such as stained glass vases and nightlights, and pleasure of receiving an arrangement from her shop or has spoken with her. inspirational garden stones. While people are cutting back on some Wilson got into the business she now expenses, flowers are still one of the best loves almost by accident. She recalls how it ways you can let someone know that you began. “I was a career employee with Dade care about and appreciate them. Wilson County and we had a plan to have a cruise also creates balloon bouquets and hanship business, putting gifts in the cabins on dles weddings, parties and corporate cruise ships, and I was asked to do flowers accounts. For more information, contact Barbara for the cruise ships,� Wilson said. “I was getting burned out with the coun- Wilson on the Web at <www.bloominggarty job so we took a look at it and decided to dens.net> or by telephone at 305-256-2772.

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Fajardo & Lam Design Associates home showcased in holiday tour BY LEE STEPHENS

Fajardo & Lam Design Associates, a South Florida interior design firm, completed an extensive interior renovation for one of the six homes featured in the “Celebrate a Dream” Holiday House Tour, sponsored by the Coral Gables Garden Club. Under the watchful eye of the allwoman design team at Fajardo & Lam Design Associates, the home’s interior was transformed to create a British Colonial island feel. From the selection and design of the architectural millwork, tile and custom cabinetry, to the design of the shell mirror that was custom made with hand-picked shells for the powder room, Fajardo & Lam was attentive to every detail to create the look and feel desired by the homeowner. “Interior spaces should be a balance between the art of good design and the reality of living in them,” said Maria T. Fajardo, president and design principal. “No two clients are alike. Therefore, it’s up to the designer to draw out each client’s sensibilities and translate them into a design that is striking as well as livable.” Fajardo said that this renovated home is being thoroughly enjoyed by its owners and

their bustling family, which includes three large dogs that are always at hand to greet the guests. “Our services do not end with the client’s move-in date,” added Yaisel Chirino-Gomez, a partner and project designer. “We are there to provide our services until the very end. Our greatest satisfaction is seeing a client enjoying their new space.” Several of Fajardo & Lam’s projects are located in Coral Gables and the team is committed to the community through its many works. Under the direction of Ana L. Lam, administrator, the firm has been involved in charitable works through the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club and recently, through the Coral Gables Garden Club. “When one of our favorite clients extended an invitation to us to become founding members of the City of Coral Gables Museum, we were thrilled,” Lam said. “What better way to show our commitment to this wonderful city as it continues to thrive, while adding to its beauty through our design work.” Fajardo & Lam Design Associates Inc. is a full service, licensed interior design firm whose principal designers have more than 25 years of experience. The design team specializes in high-end residential, hospital-

Pictured are (l-r) Ana L. Lam, Maria T. Fajardo and Yaisel Chirino-Gomez. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ity and resorts, and cruise ship interior tual design through successful implementarefurbishing, as well as commercial interior tion, we work with our clients’ specific and unique project needs.” renovations. For more information about Fajardo & “Our creative vision is forged by our body of successful work and our first-hand knowl- Lam Design Associates, call 305-663edge of the design industry and interrelated 3252 or go online to <www.fajardolamdefields,” Fajardo said. “From inspired concep- sign.com>.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

Judge DubĂŠ named as new chair of Baptist Health trustee board BY JO BAXTER

Judge Robert L. DubĂŠ has been named as the new chair of the board of trustees of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest faith-based not for-profit healthcare organization in the region. Judge DubĂŠ is a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida. “Judge DubĂŠ is a respected leader who has served Baptist Health for many years in a variety of board positions,â€? said Brian E. Keeley, Baptist Health president and CEO. “He stands for everything that is the culture of quality at Baptist Health and is uniquely qualified to work with other volunteer board members to guide our mission of caring for the community.â€? Judge DubĂŠ has been a member of the Baptist Health Board for 15 years. In addition, he served as chairman of the South Miami Hospital Board for 18 years. He first joined the South Miami Hospital Board in 1974. Judge DubĂŠ also was a director of Baptist Health Enterprises and Baptist Outpatient Services boards, and served on a wide range of committees. A graduate of the University of Miami Law School, he started his legal career with the firm of Dixon DeJarnette Bradford Williams McKay and Kimbrell. He later served as corporate counsel for Avis RentA-Car System before starting his own firm, DubĂŠ and Wright. Members of all Baptist Health Boards serve voluntarily and without compensation and comply with a rigorous conflict of interest policy.

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The organization is the largest private employer in Miami-Dade County with nearly 14,000 employees and has 1,612 inpatient beds throughout its six hospitals. In 2010 Baptist Health provided $222 million in charity care and other community benefits. Baptist Health includes Baptist Hospital South Miami Hospital, Doctors Hospital Homestead Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Mariners Hospital, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Baptist Outpatient Services, Baptist Health Enterprises and the new West Kendall Baptist Hospital opening spring 2011. For more information, visit online at <www.baptisthealth.net>.

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Moe’s Southwest Grill opens newest location in Kendall BY LAUREN MCGOWEN BARASH

“Welcome to Moe’s!” now can be heard in Kendall with the Thursday, Dec. 16, opening of Moe’s Southwest Grill, 8746 Mills Dr. in The Palms at Town and County. A Gold Award winner of the 2008 Consumer’s Choice in Chains Awards, Atlanta-based Moe’s Southwest Grill serves fresh made-to-order burritos and southwest fare in a fun and laid back environment. Darryl Nagao and Jason Heidgerken are bringing their sixth Moe’s restaurant to the Miami area with plans to open two more during the next year. “Miami has proven to be a great market for the Moe’s brand,” Nagao said. “I am excited to bring the great flavors, fun atmosphere and friendly, speedy service of Moe’s Southwest Grill to the Kendall community.” When you walk into Kendall’s newest burrito joint the first thing you’ll hear is “Welcome to Moe’s!” It’s more than a greeting; it’s a way of life for the folks who cus-

tomize each meal fresh to order right in front of the guest. All meals including signature items like the Homewrecker burrito, Close Talker salad and John Coctostan quesadilla are served with free chips and salsa. While Moe’s is best known for its burritos packed with a choice of over 20 fresh ingredients, the menu also features kids, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The new Kendall location is open Sunday through Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Every Monday is Moe Monday where guests can enjoy any burrito, chips, salsa and a drink for $5. On Wednesdays kids eat free from 3 p.m. until close with the purchase of an adult meal. For a unique catering experience with the ability to customize for large groups, guests may call 305-595-9898. For more information, visit online at <www.moes.com>.

Diners fill the new Moe’s Southwest Grill in Kendall.

Pictured are Darryl Nagao (left) and Jason Heidgerken, owners of this Moe’s location.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

Commissioner Martinez, Farm Share distribute 85,000 pounds of food

Miami-Dade Commission chair-elect Joe A. Martinez helps a resident carry the items she received at the annual Holiday Food Distribution at Hammocks Community Park on Dec. 11. (Photo credit: Ryan Holloway/Miami-Dade County) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY LORENA GUERRA-MACIAS

Some 3,000 Miami-Dade residents lined up at Hammocks Community Park on Saturday, Dec. 11, to receive free nutritious food courtesy of Miami-Dade Commission chair-elect Joe A. Martinez and Farm Share. Martinez’s Holiday Food Distribution annually helps residents in need by offering fruits, vegetables and other items. This year, approximately 85,000 pounds of food were distributed. Each resident received a bag including a whole chicken, fruits, vegetables, cheese, rice, applesauce and juice. “Unfortunately, the need is still great for many families who are affected by joblessness and other factors worsened by the recession,” Martinez said. “In the past, this event has helped thousands who can focus on their

families during the holidays instead of worrying about providing basic necessities.” In addition to food distribution, MiamiDade’s Water and Sewer and Sustainability Departments were able to help residents exchange light bulbs and showerheads for higher efficiency models. In total, 69 old showerheads were exchanged for water-efficient models and 372 compact fluorescent light bulbs were distributed to replace energy-wasting incandescent bulbs. The Alliance for Aging also provided residents with useful information on how Medicare recipients could save money for prescription medications. Established in 1991, Farm Share is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to the recovery, sorting, packing and distribution of nutritious foods for people in need.

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

‘We Care’ initiative helps kids to make holiday gifts

Volunteers share creative holiday gift ideas with kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY YANEISY BLANCO

Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade hosted the “We Care” Celebration, a national initiative between Herman Miller and Boys and Girls Club of America to provide kids a variety of craft materials and encourage them to make holiday gifts and cards for family and friends. On Dec. 9 at the club’s Hank Kline facility, hundreds of volunteers from local architectural and interior design firms joined together to share their artistic vision with the youngsters. Some of the organizations that participated included: Perkins Will, Office Furniture Warehouse, Miami Dade County GSA, Miami-Dade Aviation, G3, Leo A. Daly, MGE, MC Harry & Associates, TSAO Design, Gipsy’s Art, Brad Horton

with Workplace Resource and Corporate Design Choice. “We are honored that our club was chosen to participate in the “We Care” initiative,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “It’s great to know that 130 kids from our club can bring home a gift for a family member this holiday season.” The “We Care” Celebration included entertainment, arts and crafts, snacks and a special visit from Santa Claus. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami have served the community since 1940 with a wide variety of programs including educational enrichment, summer camps, sports coaching and leagues. For more information on the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, visit online at <www.bgcmia.org> or call 305-446-9910.

Go online at: www.communitynewspapers.com

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 25

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

De Ruiter Electric Motor Co. marks 50 years in business

Both Farrell Sippel (left) and Marvin Winhold have worked at De Ruiter for more than 40 years and recently were honored by owner John Delaney and the De Ruiter team.

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De Ruiter Electric Motor Company in Palmetto Bay recently celebrated its 50th year in business with a celebration attended by the company’s employees, friends and neighbors. At the party hosted by owners John and Marilyn Delaney, two De Ruiter employees, Marvin Winhold and Farrell Sippel, were surprised with awards for their length of service to the company. “Marvin came to Miami from Canada over 45 years ago and when there was work available at De Ruiter two years later, his good friend, Farrell, followed him down here,” John Delaney said. Both Sippel and Winhold said it was quite a surprise and very humbling to be honored. Sippel is the chief mechanic and has been with the company for 43 years. “Marvin and I grew up together and came here as a couple of farm boys,” Sippel said. “I’ve been living in the same house with my wife and have had the same job since coming to Miami.” Winhold rewinds all of the motors at De Ruiter and has done so for 45 years. He and wife Eleanor own Winhold Montessori School, so he stays very busy. “It keeps you young being around all of these young people,” Winhold said. “I couldn’t imagine not coming into work each day. I told John that if he’ll keep me around, I’m aiming for 50 years.” Larry Knesel of Eagle Fluid Dynamic, a valued client and asset to the business, also was honored by Delaney and the De Ruiter team for his continued support. Since 1960, service excellence has been a priority at De Ruiter and the staff of committed

professionals has over 150 years of combined experience in the electric motor and pump industry. Delaney bought the De Ruiter business from Jim De Ruiter in 1994 and merged it with his company, Dade Pump and Supply. Delaney recently renovated the De Ruiter storefront and signs, but the company trademark, a bright red motor, remains a landmark in front of the store on S. Dixie Highway. “New sign, but same old people,” Delaney chuckled. “The people really are the key to success in any business. We get to know everyone by name.” The only business of its kind in the area, De Ruiter serves municipalities, wastewater and agricultural industries, as well as the pump and motor needs of residential and commercial clients throughout South Florida, the Caribbean and South America. Miami Seaquarium also depends on De Ruiter to maintain its pump equipment. The sales team at De Ruiter can help customers choose the right pump from many top brands or design a system to meet their needs. Services provided include electrical motor rewinding, pump and motor remanufacturing, full machine shop services and domestic and industrial pumping systems repairs, including emergency repairs. “If you have a pool pump or sprinkler system, chances are that we’ve worked with you or the service company that is maintaining your system,” Delaney said. “No job is too big or too small.” De Ruiter is located at 14261 S. Dixie Hwy. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. until noon. For information, go online to <www.dadepump.com> or call 305-235-5000.

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

4IT expands with data center in Palmetto Bay BY JORGE MARTINEZ

4IT Inc., an Information Technology engineering and consulting firm, recently announced its expansion with an Enterprise Class Data Center facility located at the Palmetto Bay Village Center. The data center provides affordable colocation rack space, Internet bandwidth, VOIP telephone service, and monitored firewall service for clients needing ultra-reliable electrical power, environmental control, and secured physical access. 4IT also provides a full suite of IT consulting services, structured cabling, and high-speed wireless to all the tenants in the building complex. 4IT Inc. is a rapidly growing South Florida technology consulting firm specializing in outsourced IT services for the business and government marketplace. Its Managed Services offer complete end-to-end support of entire voice and data networks, including security, disaster recovery, and access to a fully staffed Helpdesk. The 4IT Helpdesk, located in its Miami

office, consists of technicians and engineers who provide high quality telephone and remote support for all day-to-day technology issues, and dispatch of onsite engineering services for installation and problem resolution. For both local and global clients, 4IT provides 24x7 proactive network monitoring and maintenance of key technology resources. 4IT’s business focus on technical excellence, customer service, and delivery of technology solutions, has allowed it to expand its service to clients nationally, and internationally. The 4IT team of technicians, network engineers, project managers, sales engineers, and business support personnel have on average 20 years of experience working with small, medium, and enterprise customers in a variety of industries including banking, financial services, legal, healthcare, wholesale distribution, non-profit, and retail. Contact 4IT at <www.4it-inc.com> or call the main office at 305-278-7100. You also may send email to <info@4it-inc.com> for additional information.

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

Miami Art Museum breaks ground for new building BY ALLIE SCHWARTZ

Following years of planning and anticipation, Miami Art Museum (MAM) has broken ground for its new Herzog & de Meuron-designed facility in Downtown Miami’s Museum Park and next to the future home of the Miami Science Museum. The groundbreaking ceremony took place the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 30, at the museum’s new site overlooking Biscayne Bay. The new Miami Art Museum is scheduled to open to the public in 2013. “Miami Art Museum’s groundbreaking at Museum Park is a giant step forward in Miami’s emergence as one of the world’s great cultural cities,” said Aaron Podhurst, chairman of Miami Art Museum’s board of trustees. “The launch of this construction process signals that the public and private sectors are committed to enhancing Miami’s profile as a global arts destination and we are proud that Miami Art Museum factors prominently into that reputation. “Our new building will fill many roles – as a repository for our city’s greatest works, a resource for learning, an economic engine in our urban core, a gathering place for Miami residents and visitors, and as an architectural icon of our city.” The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks by Podhurst, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Commission vice chair-elect Audrey M. Edmonson, MiamiDade County manager George M. Burgess and MAM director Thom Collins. MiamiDade County Commissioner Sally A. Heyman and Herzog & de Meuron senior partner Christine Binswanger also were onhand for the milestone. The new Miami Art Museum will comprise 200,000 square feet of programmable space, including 120,000 square feet of interior space — more than three times the size of the museum’s current facility — and 80,000 square feet of exterior space ideal for the display of works of art, educational activities,

Pictured (l-r) are Miami Art Museum (MAM) director Thom Collins; Miami-Dade County Commission vice chair-elect Audrey M. Edmonson, MAM Board of Trustees chair Aaron Podhurst, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally A. Heyman, Miami-Dade County manager George M. Burgess, and (Photo by Juan Cabrera.) Herzog & de Meuron senior partner Christine Binswanger. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

relaxation and dining. The building will house an educational complex with a library, auditorium, classrooms and workshop space, as well as a café and museum store. “Launching our construction timeline is certainly an exciting moment in the history of Miami Art Museum and Miami, but I’m most looking forward to the expanded possibilities that the new facility will unlock on the programming side,” Collins said. “From large-scale touring exhibitions that will expose Miami to the world’s finest art works, to meaningful educational programs

for students young and old, the new Miami Art Museum will be a showcase for the power of the visual arts.” Total construction costs for the Miami Art Museum project are budgeted at $131 million, comprised of $100 million in MiamiDade county bond proceeds and $31 million in private sector support raised through the capital campaign. Miami Art Museum has raised an additional $15 million for the institution’s operating endowment and will continue to cultivate donor support throughout the construction project.

Beyond its impact on Miami’s cultural arts community, construction of the new Miami Art Museum is expected to positively influence the local economy. More than $37 million will be spent on local construction labor, and the museum is expected to draw 200,000 new visitors to Downtown Miami each year, accounting for a $12 million annual economic impact, according to a study by Miami Economics Associates. For more information about Miami Art Museum, visit online at <www.miamiartmuseum.org> or call 305-375-3000.

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Bea Peskoe Series offers you ‘An Hour with Ruth Campbell’ BY BOB JENSEN

Homestead Center for the Arts will present “An Hour with Ruth Campbell” as its first 2011 presentation in the Bea Peskoe Lunchtime Lecture Series, at noon Monday, Jan. 3, in the new auditorium at the Homestead Community Center, 1601 N. Krome Ave. (across from 1st National Bank of South Florida’s Main Office). Ruth Campbell is the executive director of the Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum. She has been an observer of everything Homestead since she arrived from Michigan in 1942 with her Aunt Ruth Zinck for a visit with her other aunts, Veona Schnorbus and Grace Baird. Ruth never left. She went to work at the Homestead Grocery, but within a year her girlfriends convinced her to come work with them at Homestead Army Air Field. Ruth met her husband to be Harold “Pete” Campbell at Dick’s Drive-Inn while he was home on leave from the Army. They married in 1947 after he was discharged. Ruth shares that some of her early decisions dramatically affected her life here. She joined the First Baptist Church of Homestead where she still teaches Sunday School and Bible studies. In 1947 she joined the Woman’s Club of

Homestead. She joined the Chamber of Commerce soon after opening Ruth’s Beauty Studio and her business soared. This is her simple formula for success. She and her family moved into the “Campbell House” built by Pete’s parents in northeast Homestead in 1961. In 1963 she ran for city council and won and was re-elected in 1965. In 1967 she was elected vice mayor and became the president of the Chamber of Commerce. Campbell formed the Military Affairs Committee which still is an important organization with much the same mission. She took four years off from the city council to serve on the State of Florida Board of Cosmetology. She then returned and served until 1997, 24 years total. She was defeated only once. Few are those who have seen Homestead so up close. Come and enjoy an hour with the inimitable Ruth Campbell and see the new audit rium. An optional simple lunch is available beginning at 11:30 a.m. for $10 payable at the door. Lunch reservations are essential and can be made by calling Barbara Millenbruch at 305-230-9185 by noon Dec. 31. Lots of parking is available.

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Educate Tomorrow to host 6th annual gala fundraiser BY IAN TORRES

Educate Tomorrow, a non-profit organization with a mission to create independence for disadvantaged and foster youth through education, mentoring and life skills training, will host its sixth annual gala and fundraiser on Jan. 8. The Educate Tomorrow Gala returns with a Monte Carlo Night. The festivities again are at the luxurious private bay front estate on Old Cutler Road, with grand architecture, beautiful courtyard and bay front view that will transport guests to the experience of Monte Carlo. Guests will enjoy a variety of casino games and silent auction; exceptional wine, cocktails and food, and the company of Miami’s top executives and professionals. Looking for the thrill of the casino and betting on a great cause? Educate Tomorrow’s Monte Carlo Night will include an assortment of casino games featuring blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker. At the end of the evening, guests can trade in their chips for raffle tickets, which will be randomly drawn. Raffle prizes and silent auction items will include fabulous hotel stays, artwork, cruises and more. All of the proceeds from ticket sales, auction items, sponsorships and donations for casino chips will directly benefit Educate Tomorrow. Guests will enjoy a selection of South Florida’s best restaurants including Smith & Wollensky, Aladdin’s Grill, Captain’s Tavern, Joanna’s Marketplace, Miami Chop House, Tap Tap, and Red the Steakhouse. Parties by Pat also will be passing delicious appetizers. A tasty selection of gourmet desserts will be provided by Jennifer’s Homemade, Platinum Desserts, Homebaked by Tara

and Cakes by Denyse. These scrumptious South Florida favorites will pair well with a selection of fine wines provided by Mattebella Vineyards and others and a variety of premium cocktails courtesy of Bacardi. The latest hits from the airwaves will fill the dance floor courtesy of DJ Tony. Additional event sponsors include the TriMix Foundation, Kaufman Rossin & Co., Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Ver Ploeg & Lumpkin PA, Robert and Edith Hudson, Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson PA, ProSource Solutions, and Antonio Misuraca. Every year hundreds of foster care children “age out” of the foster care system and are expected to transition into society as adults. Although the State of Florida provides them with financial aid for continuing education, many of them lack the required skills, guidance, and basic information needed to take advantage of these programs. Educate Tomorrow volunteers mentor these young adults and guide them in the process of completing high school and applying for college or technical school. The cost of mentoring, life skills training, and inschool support groups is approximately $2,000 per child for the first year, far less than the cost to society when a former foster child ends up homeless or incarcerated. The Educate Tomorrow Gala will take place on Saturday, Jan. 8, from 7 p.m. to midnight, at a private bay front estate located at 17575 Old Cutler Rd. Tickets are on sale now and start at $200 for individual tickets. VIP tickets and sponsorship packages also are available. For more information, visit <www.EducateTomorrow.org> or call 305374-3751.

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

Disney Store in Dadeland donates to Toys for Tots

Employees of the Disney Store in Dadeland Mall pose with some of the bags of plush toys donated to the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots program on Thursday, Dec. 16. The cute and cuddly Disney plush characters are donated through Disney Store’s “Buy One, Give One” program. For every plush that was purchased by a customer from Nov. 29 through Dec. 7, the Disney Store donated a plush toy to Toys for Tots.

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 35

Lowell hosts annual party for Boys and Girls Clubs

Mike Lowell (center, rear) is joined by Santa Claus as well as kids and representatives from Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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Miami’s own baseball star Mike Lowell, former Florida Marlins and Boston Red Sox player as well as MVP of the 2007 World Series, recently hosted a special holiday party for 150 kids at Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s Hank Kline Facility. For the fourth consecutive year, Lowell provided each child of the club with a bag full of toys. He also read Christmas stories to the kids, while Santa Claus joined in the festivities. The children enjoyed bounce houses, face-painting by elves, cotton candy, an indoor slide, food courtesy of

McDonald’s and music. For the first year, Nestlé La Lechera cosponsored the event, helping bring smiles to the children of the community, and offering the first-ever flan-making contest, where eight families competed for a chance to win cash gift card prizes. “With the support from the Lowell family we were able to provide kids from the club gifts this holiday season,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “Our annual holiday party continues to be huge success thanks to their support.” For more information on the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, visit online at <www.bgcmia.org> or call 305-446-9910.

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

Ceremony marks completion of causeway improvements BY RUBEN ARIAS

Miami-Dade Commissioner Carlos A. Gimenez and members of the Miami-Dade County’s Public Works Department (PWD) celebrated recent improvements to Rickenbacker Causeway beaches during a morning ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 19. The ceremony took place near the causeway on Hobie Beach, adjacent to MAST Academy. PWD completed the Rickenbacker Causeway Shoreline and Roadway Protection Project on the south sides of Hobie Island and Virginia Key Beach (Hobie Cat Beach). The project began on Sept. 9, 2009 and included three major components: shoreline stabilization; stormwater management and parking improvements, and exotic vegetation removal and landscaping of the upland area. This environmental and roadway protection project is the first of its kind undertaken by PWD. The total cost for this project was $6.8 million. “Our Public Works Department is meeting the needs of the community by improving the roadway while taking factors like beach re-nourishment into consideration,” Commissioner Gimenez said. “This balance ensures that motorists and bicyclists are able to ride safely, and that residents are able to enjoy the beaches surrounding the Causeway for years to come.” For more information, contact Commissioner Gimenez’s office at 305-669-4003.

Miami-Dade Commissioner Carlos A. Gimenez (with large scissors) is joined by members of the Miami-Dade County’s Public Works Department in ribbon cutting marking completion of improvements to Rickenbacker Causeway.

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Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

2011 Chevy Corvette marks 58 years of production Ron Beasley LET’S TALK CARS I’m still somewhat amazed that the Corvette made it through the recent General Motors bankruptcy to continue as a part of the Chevrolet product line. After all, it certainly doesn’t meet the new criteria for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. But, survive it did and next year Corvette will mark 58 years of production to continue the claim to being “America’s sports car.” The 2011 Corvette model year sees the same product lineup, one that includes the base coupe and convertible, the rejuvenated Grand Sport and the Z06 and ZR1 performance models. The base Corvette and the Grand Sport models are powered by the LS3 V-8, while the racing-inspired Z06 is equipped with the 505-hp LS7 engine and built on a lightweight chassis. The ZR1 gets a unique supercharged LS9 6.2-liter engine and is the fastest, most powerful car ever

offered by Chevrolet. The 6.2-liter LS3 small-block V-8 engine in Corvette and Grand Sport models is rated at 430 hp and develops 424 pounds-feet of torque with the standard exhaust system. An optional dual-mode exhaust system brings the power to 436 horses and 428 poundsfeet of torque. A standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional six-speed paddle-shift automatic are offered. The Grand Sport was a runaway hit in its debut last year, accounting for almost half of all coupe sales and 70 percent of convertibles. The Grand Sport returns for 2011 with Magnetic Ride Control as an option that includes Goodyear F1 Supercar Gen 2 tires when the car is equipped with a manual transmission. The Grand Sport has widebody styling that gives it wider fenders, a wider track, wider wheels and tires. It has revised shocks, stabilizer bar and springs, and specific gearing to deliver better handling, and it clocks 0-60 in a head-snapping four seconds. A launch control system is standard on models equipped with a manual transmission to optimize performance for full-throttle starts on a racetrack. In the competitive mode, the system will hold a predetermined engine speed while the driver puts the pedal

Corvette Grand Sport has a wider track with wide-body styling and wider fenders.

to the floor, allowing a quick clutch release. The system modulates engine torque 100 times per second to maximize traction. Corvette models offer two suspension choices that allow you to choose the setup that best suits your driving style. The standard suspension is tuned for a balance of ride comfort and precise handling. The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension features magneto-rheological dampers that can detect road surfaces and adjust the damping rates to those surfaces almost instantly for optimal ride control.

The Corvette interior is inspired by the car’s dual-cockpit heritage. The instrument panel and doors are covered with cast-skin foam-in-place trim that looks like a leather panel. Pricing on the 2011 Corvette starts at $49,900. 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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SERVICES

We Offer Professional Personal Services

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Wheels

regain your independence with a new casual car service by the hour or by the day. Shopping, we will carry your bags, doctors appts., we will hold your hand, banking, we will keep you secure. We are family! Veterinarian Visits Accepted!

Call for appt/interview 305-790-6880

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SAT Prep (math), ACT Prep (math), GRE Prep (math), Algebra I & II, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics, Physics, College Physics, Chemistry, Organizational Skill, Memory, Technical Writing

REAL ESTATE

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SERVICES

Subject Areas Taught:

15 Years Experience Shane Smoleny 786-367-6713

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Are you 62 or older? Do you usually owe income tax when you file?

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Pip Squeak Puppet Show Birthday Parties! Fun Prizes! Book Early for HOLIDAY SHOWS a nd BIRTHDAY PARTIES S

305-790-6880 • 305-223-7823

WHEN SUCCESS IS THE ONLY OPTION! 1. SAT/ACT/GRE & H.S. Entrance Exam Preparation. Both Group and Individual classes available. 2. Advanced Secondary School and University Coursework Instruction 3. College Essays Review and Counseling

Mark Elman, MS. English Ed & Ulises Ordunez, MS. Math

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786-547-4266 or 305-772-8687

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Professional English and Mathematics Educators

At our office or in your home

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MUST Tutoring Services

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Our Specialties include but ar e not limited to:

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FREE DRY CLEANING Bring in 4 items & get the 5th FREE Equal or lesser value

$8 OFF with the purchase of $40 or more Same Day Service Available (The Falls Store Only) Mon - Fri 7:30AM to 6:30PM Sat 8AM to 5PM

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Coral Gables 1704 SW 57th Avenue 305.262.9224

with coupon only cannot be combined with other offer. Business Shirts Only.

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The Falls 8751 SW 131th Street 305.232.0399

$1.19 Per Shirt

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Cleaners & Shirt Laundry Expert Alterations and Tailoring, All Work Performed on Premises, Professional Dry Cleaners & Shirts Laundry

“Call Us�We’d like to get to “MOW� you!

T R E E

•

L A N D S C A P I N G

FULL TREE SERVICE • Selective Pruning •

• Stump Grinding • Trimming •

“We Do TREE-RRIFIC Workâ€? Licensed & Insured • Residential & Commercial Specialist

Members of the International Society of Arboriculture

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305-253-7374

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FREE ESTIMATES

Prompt & Courteous Since 1982

MIAMI (MIA) FT. LAUDERDALE (FLL) WEST PALM BEACH(PBI)

WE FIX WATER

DELIVERY ON DEMAND

We’ll be there for your business. All Day. Every day. Rain or Shine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year Providing Clients with the most Reliable and Secure Delivery on Demand with Consistent On-Time Performance since 1981

305.235.3508

Baron Messenger Service, Inc.

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THE WATER WIZARD, CO.

386 N.E. 191 Street, Miami, FL 33179

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Water Wells • Pumps • Tanks Filters • Softeners • Reverse Osmosis

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305 896 4846 FREE ESTIMATES LIC.CCC1326276

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ROOF REPAIR

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Astrology Consultations

Jeffrey Brock is the Director of The Astrological & Metaphysical Research Center and has been teaching astrology since 1978. Mr. Brock also has extensive experience with personal & corporate leadership development and is a Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Licensed Avatar® Master.

305.279.2569 http://JeffreyBrock.com Email:

Brock120@bellsouth.net Website covers frequently asked questions about consultations and what to expect

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Jeffrey Brock, well-known South Florida astrologer, is available for astrology consultations - discover the incredible sychronicity between the time and place of your birth and your personality. Astrology is being recognized as the “Rosetta Stone” of psychology.

Dec. 28, 2010 - Jan. 3, 2011

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Loan Modification • • Foreclosure Defense • Real Estate Closings • • Debt Relief Agency • 0124RB

• Bankruptcy •

Se Habla Español

305-285-0340

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633 N. Krome Avenue • Homestead, FL 33030

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