JANUARY 5 - 11, 2010
Children demonstrate true spirit of season
H
BY GARY ALAN RUSE
oliday gift giving is a normal part of the season, but still it came as a surprise to Megan and Alan Kleber when their three young children decided, on their own, to forego their own birthday presents so that children less fortunate could have gifts. The Kleber family has lived in Palmetto Bay for the past five years, and daughter Brooke, 9, and sons Grant, 7, and Ryan, 5, all were born in the month of December, so they usually combine their birthday celebrations into one party. “When we were planning their carnival style birthday party for about 80 children, without being asked they came up with the idea of donating all of their gifts to a charity,” Megan Kleber said. “As you could imagine, as parents we were very proud and were pleasantly surprised with their unselfish act.” ––––––––––––––––––––––––– See
Kleber kids (l-r) Grant, Brooke and Ryan are pictured with the four Marines who attended the birthday/ Christmas party.
SPIRIT, page 4
Open call to local artists to show in ArtSoBay Exhibit
S
BY CATHY FERREIRA
et against the backdrop of a growing South Biscayne Bay (SoBay) Community and founded in 2006, the SoBay Festival of the Arts celebrates the literary, performing, and visual arts. The 2010 SoBay Festival of the Arts will begin its two-week long series of events with the opening of the ArtSoBay Exhibit on Sunday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m., at the Deering Estate at Cutler. The ArtSoBay Exhibit opening is free to the public. The exhibit will run through
Feb. 26 and is open to the public during regular hours and is free after paid admission to the estate. The annual open call to artists for the ArtSoBay Exhibit allows each of the submitting artists the opportunity to showcase his or her current work without the restrictions of a theme or concept beforehand. Artists interested in participating in the 2010 ArtSoBay Exhibit must complete a formal application, which can be found ––––––––––––––––– See
ARTSOBAY, page 4
Add civic participa tion to your resolutions list BY MAYOR EUGENE P. FLINN JR.
Happy New Year! It’s a greeting exchanged by people for untold centuries. That’s because New Year’s is the world’s oldest holiday, and the one most universally celebrated across
cultures. However, those cultures haven’t always celebrated the new year on the same day.
Jan. 1 was an arbitrary date first observed by the Romans. But, it wasn’t until the late 16th Century that Westerners started celebrating it in January. The ancient Babylonians marked the occasion with an 11-day festival tied to the vernal equinox. Europeans also started their new year in spring with the beginning of the agricultural cycle. Noisy and colorful New Year celebrations of the –––––––––––– See
RESOLUTIONS, page 4
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January 5 - 11, 2010
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Empty Bowls Projects raises funds to feed those in need
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Pictured (l-r) are Anthea Pennant of Feeding South Florida; Ceramic League members Nurit Cohen, Pam Neumann, Sharon Dash, and Feeding South Florida executive director Judith Gatti. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY LEE STEPHENS
Ceramic League of Miami members on Tuesday, Dec. 22, presented Feeding South Florida (formerly Daily Bread Food Bank) with a check for $5,404 resulting from the League’s Empty Bowls Project fundraiser in November at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Ramble Festival. Ceramic League members handcrafted ceramic bowls and offered them filled with snacks donated by Whole Foods Market and Milam’s Market in exchange for a donation to Feeding South Florida. The empty bowl was kept by the donor as a reminder of those whose bowls remain empty and are in need of help. The event was a success as not one bowl out of nearly 400 remained by mid-afternoon of the third day. One woman purchased 20 bowls to use at her table on Thanksgiving; she was giving the bowls as gifts along with the Ceramic League’s pamphlet describing the meaning and mission of the “empty bowl.”
The final remaining bowl was purchased by League member Marian Dahman, bringing the event full circle as this last bowl had been made by her. Feeding South Florida recently lost 93,000 pounds of food due to fumes from a fire next door to its former warehouse, forcing FSF to relocate earlier than expected into a new facility in Pembroke Park off I-95. It is the largest food bank in Florida, serving more than 800 nonprofit organizations in Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach counties. The Ceramic League of Miami is located at 8509 SW 129 St., north of the Falls Shopping Center, and is celebrating its 60th year in Miami. It is a nonprofit, volunteer organization offering classes and workshops year-round. The members approved an “empty bowls project” six months ago and were pleased to have succeeded in raising awareness about hunger in the community and funds that would benefit Feeding South Florida.
See us online at: www.communitynewspapers.com
Page 4
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
RESOLUTIONS,
from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Chinese happen during the winter, and in 2010, the 15-day celebration of the Year of the Tiger begins on Feb. 14. Something about a collective new beginning makes us want to mark the occasion together. Like clockwork, people gather each year to watch the ball drop in Manhattan, track the ascent of “Big Orange” at Miami’s Bayfront Park, or simply join with family and friends — as I did this year in the comfort of my own Palmetto Bay home — to ponder the passing of the old year, the promise of the new, and to forge resolutions. On my list of resolutions as your mayor, I join with the village council in striving to maintain our focus and ability to work together for the best interest of the village. I also resolve to encourage residents to get involved — and/or stay involved — in their municipal government activities during this exciting “Year of Transition.” In 2010, as we continue to shift from big capital projects to new programming and services, we will continue to make use of our work together. I strongly urge you to share your voice, engage with your elected officials, subscribe to village communications, participate in our surveys, and proactively attend public meetings. While we may not always agree, constructive and healthy debate is essential to the process. Participation is the key, and the key is in your hands. By all means, if you do nothing else in the new year, resolve to reap the benefits of living in one of South Florida’s most beau-
tiful, well managed, and goal-oriented communities. In fact, I challenge each of you to add to your new year’s resolution list regular visits to Palmetto Bay’s amazing parks — and see if you don’t get hooked. We’ve got so many new amenities and programs to choose from, such as the exercise equipment, brand new senior programs, and soon you will be able to enjoy the new concession facility at Coral Reef Park. And, this message would not be complete if I didn’t mention being green. Turn off your computers and TV, and drag yourself and your (kicking and screaming) kids to the parks. Fresh air + family = good times. Or at lease bring a laptop or netbook to the parks and take advantage of the village’s free WiFi service. We also have many annual events for you to participate in during the year ahead, including Arbor Day in January, the Celebration Picnic in March, Earth Week in April, multiple Movie Nights, and State of the Village. By the way, don’t forget to ride your bike to check out the fun and books at the new county library. On behalf of the village council and staff, I wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.
From coverage of last year’s successful Earth Week to ground breaking at the new Village Hall, be sure to visit Palmetto Bay’s homepage at <www.palmettobayfl.gov> for a link to the village’s “2009 Year-in-Review” photo spread.
Get your classified ads online at: www.communitynewspapers.com
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ARTSOBAY,
January 5 - 11, 2010
from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
online at <www.deeringestate.org> under “Call to Artists.” Complete the entry form and return it with a $25 entry fee by Saturday, Jan. 16 (postmarked Jan. 13). Applications can be sent to: Deering Estate at Cutler, Exhibits and Collections, c/o: Jennifer Tisthammer, 16701 SW 72 Ave, Miami, FL 33157. Work will be selected by guest juror Bernice Steinbaum and the Deering Estate at Cutler’s Exhibits and Collections Advisory Committee. The Bernice Steinbaum Gallery first opened its doors in New York City in 1977 and remained in New York City for 23 years. The gallery moved the center of its operations to Miami in 2000. For more information, visit online at <www.bernicesteinbaumgallery.com>. The Deering Estate at Cutler, a Miami-
SPIRIT,
Dade County Park, is located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. This 444-acre natural and archeological preserve and historic site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a center for education, culture and recreation. Historic house tours are offered daily with admission to the Estate. EcoAdventure Tours also are offered throughout the year for an additional fee. For more information on the Deering Estate’s educational and cultural programs, visit online at <www.deeringestate.org>. LegalArt is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing artists with affordable legal services, unique events, and educational opportunities. For more information on LegalArt, visit online at <www.legalartmiami.org>.
from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Kleber said that she and her husband have done community service work that may have set a good example for the children. Her husband has done some fundraising for United Way and the Lou Gehrig Fund, and she “was raised by an old hippy,” so it’s in her nature to do things for others. It’s a trait that already seems instilled in their children at an early age. “They hear the news about the kids who have to do without, and the families who are struggling, and they always ask how they can help, thinking of a lemonade stand or dog washing,” Kleber said. “Then we’d decided this year was going to be another really big birthday party. “We’d done it five years ago and they’d got a lot of gifts then, so when we decided to do a big party again, with a giant slide, a bungee bounce, a rock climbing wall, a bounce house, a hot dog stand, cotton candy, everything, the kids said we could donate all the gifts to Toys for Tots. Of course, after I’d choked back the tears, I said that’s a great idea.” The next thing to do was make arrangements for the toys to reach the children who needed them. “When I was at Toys R Us I saw the Marines there, so I stopped them and said, ‘look, I’m doing a big birthday party and I’m going to have a lot of toys to donate to you guys,’” Kleber said. “‘What do I do with them? How do I get them to you?’ He
gave me his sergeant’s phone number.” Kleber called the sergeant and was told that Saturday is a very busy day for them, but he asked her to send over the information. “I faxed him the invitation with the address and everything, and the next thing I know there were four Marines pulling up in their dress uniforms and they stayed the entire birthday party. They were just wonderful to the kids — they took pictures with everybody — they were so grateful. They ended up with 90 to 100 gifts for their toy drive.” Kleber was pleased that her children would be willing to give up their own gifts to help other kids who otherwise would have none. “We would like to help our children develop a deep sense of pride in regards to becoming contributing members of our community,” Kleber said. The real test of their determination came later, though, as the gifts arrived. “When we received our first unwrapped toy from a schoolmate that was unable to attend, it was a Transformer,” Kleber said. “My two boys love Transformers and did not have this one. Dad came home from work and told the boys they could keep just this one toy and they both responded that they were giving the Transformer to a boy they did not know yet, but they were sure he would need it. I’m so proud of them. They’re so generous.”
January 5 - 11, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 5
Looking back 50 years ago: $1.25 shrimp! Michael Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR
AROUND TOWN Still tripping over 2009? Did 2010 begin with a stumbling start? Do what we did over the holidays and plow through old newspapers, like one that turned up dated Saturday, November 11, 1961, almost 50 years ago! At 7400 Bird Road, Leonard’s La Pena advertised Pompano Almondine (New Orleans Style) while “The Original” Capt. Nick’s Restaurant, 3150 SW 8th Street, had “All U Can Eat” Fresh Shrimp for $1.25. Robin Hood Inn at Biscayne Blvd. and 36th Street served a prime junior filet mignon for $2.95, but shoot, why go downtown when “The Pub” on Coral Way served a sizzlin’ club steak for even less in a sunken pit dining room? At the Driftwood Motel on the beach, $2 got a room (triple-occupancy until Dec. 10) or you could go upscale at $5 for double-occupancy at the Thunderbird or Castaways where Preacher Rollo and his Dixieland Six held
forth, drummer Rollo “Preacher” Layton residing with his Korean-born wife, Sukso, in West Miami in those days. Nighttime along Collins included “Spice on Ice” at the Bal Harbour Americana, “Saucy Scandals” at the Fontainebleau and Lou (Barbara’s father) Walters’ production, “Cherchez Les Femmes” and a full-course dinner for $5.95 at The Carillon. “Learn the twist from our cocktail girls” at the “funderful” Bamboo Room blared the Roney Plaza with Willie Restum and the Dreamers at the “World Famous Dream Lounge,” just down the Collins Avenue. Old standbys Sweet Richard and Princess Kitty doing their thing at Place Pigalle, Pauly Dash cracking ‘Astro-nut’ jokes at the Piccadilly, Napoleon Reed opening the an “All New” Hampton House on NW 27th Avenue with “tie and jacket attire” required, while at 1440 Biscayne, Church Cinnamon and The BariTones played “for your dancing pleasure” at Betty’s Lobo Lounge. A bushel of grapefruit went for $1 at 2300 SW 67th Avenue (“picked while you wait”), large Florida eggs were 49 cents a dozen and chuck roast 45 cents a pound at the A&P Supermarkets at 8600 Bird Road and 8285 SW 124th Street. Grand Way Discount
Palmetto Bay News
6769 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355, Fax (305) 662-6980
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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
GRAPHIC ARTISTS .............................................................Catalina Roca, Isabel Ortega, Angie Gago
PUBLISHER EMERITUS.......................................................................................................................................... Ron Miller
COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Aventura News, Biscayne Tribune, Coral Gables News-Tribune, Doral Tribune, Kendall Gazette, Cutler Bay News, Palmetto Bay News, Pinecrest Tribune, South Miami News, Sunny Isles Beach We will not return solicited or unsolicited editorial material including stories, columns and or photographs. Please make sure that you have duplicate copies of the material.
advertising “Men’s Imported Suede Shoes (a $6.95 value) for $3” as “Bargain Event of the Year!” Big movie news: the old Florida Theater on Flagler Street to re-open Dec. 12 for Miami’s first triple-projection Cinerama screening of a Lowell Thomas-narrated production “So This Is Cinerama!” A sneak preview of Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” was showing at the Roosevelt or you could see Paul Newman in “Exodus” at the Trail Theater, Sidney Poitier in “A Raisin in the Sun” at the old Sunset on US 1. Better still, cuddle up with your sweetie to watch Debbie Reynolds and Fred Astaire in “The Pleasure of His Company” at the Coral Way Drive-in on SW 24th Street at 70th Avenue or buzz over to the Tropicaire DriveIn for “The Young Doctors” with Fredric March, a double feature with “The Hanging Tree” (Gary Cooper and Maria Schell). Ah, 1961. Where are you now when I need Talked you most?movies Talked movies with Ken Altschul who ran a high-powered research firm in NYC for 40 years. (His son, Gary, now directs the operation of WAC in Doral — see the January Doral Tribune for details). “I wouldn’t walk across the street to see Avatar,” sez Ken,
agreeing with me. “Today movies are nothing but explosions and fantasies,” he continued, recalling when his firm managed a prescreening test in the early ‘70s for alternate endings of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. “The audience laughed out loud at the religious epiphany planned by Steven Spielberg to end the picture so the final scenes were changed to have Richard Dreyfuss board the alien spacecraft,” chuckled Ken. So ‘Adios, 2009.’ So ‘Adios, 2009.’ We bet the kids will remember them as the ‘‘good old days’ in 2060 so here’s hoping 2010 will also become a year to remember by older folks, even as we wish you, as always, the best from all of us at Community Newspapers! Thought for the Day: Th o u g h t f o r the Da y: Most people would like to be delivered from temptation but would like it to keep in touch. — Robert Orben
Richard Yager 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
January 5 - 11, 2010
It’s time to make a new year’s resolution for 2010 R. Kenneth Bluh ––– VIEWPOINT ––– KENNETH’S COMMENTARY
The future of Florida lies in our hands. We have, for too long, placed the blame for Florida’s political quagmire at the feet of our elected officials who, with exceptions, have taken advantage of the electorate. They have used their offices to enrich their lives at the expense of the citizens of Florida. It is we, the voters of Florida who are responsible for our future. Too often I have heard voters say, “Sure, we can vote them out of office but just look what we always end up with in their place. The new guy is no better than the guy we just put out of office. What’s the sense of voting?” Perhaps we are too easy on those we elect to public office and do not put sufficient pressure on them. We must not only tell them, “We are going to replace you if you don’t change your ways.” We tell them what we are going to hold them responsible for the smallest of their misdeeds.
Most incumbents know that small turnouts at election time are in their favor. The fewer the voters voting, the better chance they have of being reelected and retaining their job. The higher the percentages of voters going to the polls the better chance we have of electing qualified, responsible individuals. They don’t need “ethics training” after being sworn in. They should already know the rules otherwise they should not have been elected. I am asking each of my readers to take the following pledge. Cut it out of the newspaper, print your name in the blank space, sign it and scotch-tape it up in a prominent place: A PERSONAL PLEDGE TO MAKE MY COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE I, __________________, do solemnly swear, to assume my responsibility as a good citizen by: • Making sure that everyone I know who is eligible to vote is registered before the next election. • I will not only vote in the next election but pledge to vote for each office and question on the ballot, not just the popular issues.
• I will encourage everyone I know to vote on Election Day. • I will drive any of my friends who do not have transportation to the polls in order that they can vote. • I will keep abreast of the issues before our community and not just take an interest on Election Day. I will understand the issues and make sure that my vote counts. • I will thank, in writing, by phone, by email or in person, our elected officials who perform their duties with honesty and integrity. I will let them know that they have my support come election time. • I will let the elected officials who are not performing their official responsibilities with honesty and integrity know that I am watching and will not only vote against them at election time but will push the process at our disposal to have them removed from office and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. • I will make sure that every elected offi-
cial understands that they were elected to office to protect and promote the best interests of the electorate, not to further their personal interests. • I will become a responsible citizen of my community. ________________________ Signed ________________________ Dated 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.
January 5 - 11, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
The foreclosure crisis makes it home not-so-sweet home
Al Sunshine 4 YOUR MONEY We may be beginning a new year, but the problems that have been teeming for the past year aren’t about to dissipate any time soon. So while the latest National Foreclosure numbers out of the RealtyTrac are a little bit better than expected for most of the country, Florida still is suffering. Despite some improvements nationwide, 306,627 properties still were under some form of foreclosure action in November. And closer to home, hundreds of thousands of families still are losing their homes. In fact, Florida remains “ground zero” for some of the highest foreclosure rates in the country. November filings were down about 8 percent nationally, thanks to the latest moratoriums and new federal programs to help struggling homeowners. However, while November marks the fourth straight month of declines, 2009 appears destined to be a record breaker. The problem is double-digit unemployment, growing layoffs, stalled hiring and desperate homeowners running out of their remaining cash reserves to pay their bills. What’s more, with Florida’s double-digit unemployment and history of over-valued housing, our latest foreclosure numbers remain some of the worst in the nation. One out of every 165 Florida housing units now faces some kind of foreclosure action. Filings in Florida rose 2 percent in November. And that’s enough to skyrocket Florida past California as the state with the second highest foreclosure rate in the country. Only Nevada is
worse than Florida for homeowners losing their properties. While foreclosures in Miami and Palm Beach are slowing, Broward’s latest numbers are getting worse. If you are having trouble keeping up with your mortgage payments, don’t wait for the problem to go from bad to worse. Broward foreclosure defense attorney Roy Oppenheim recommends the following: Get professional legal help as soon as possible. Don’t leave your home. Try to negotiate lower mortgage payments with your lender. After a formal judgment, try negotiating a monthly rental payment to stay in the property. Congress is debating a massive overhaul of how to regulate the entire U.S. Financial System. Buried in the proposal is a $4 billion “Foreclosure Rescue Fund.” It offers $3 billion for new emergency loans to help unemployed homeowners avoid foreclosures. It also includes $1 billion in funding to help communities clean up abandoned, foreclosed properties. Still, those new plans are expected to face growing opposition and may never get voted into law. While there are improvements in South Florida’s real estate markets, some insiders warn a lot of re-adjustable mortgages are set to hike their rates early next year. So unless our job market improves, there may be even more local families unable to handle their higher monthly payments. That’s one reason why the foreclosure problem is forecast to get even worse through 2010. It’s also one reason why it’s important that homeowners take proper precautions now. Watch Al Sunshine’s “4 Your Money” reports Monday-Friday beginning at noon. You may find Al’s blog at <www.cbs4.com/4yourmoney>.
Page 7
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January 5 - 11, 2010
Letter to the Editor Would you hire someone with poor moral judgment? To the Editor: Are we nuts? I cannot believe this! Would you hire a person to represent your business or family, control your spending, enforce your laws, etc, knowing that their moral judgment was so poor that you would also have to teach them right from wrong? Substance abuse tests, medical exams, police records, driving records, financial records and business dealings of perspective employees are checked frequently by employers before an individual is hired. Would you hire a person to represent your business, family or well being, then try to teach them right from wrong? These people should never even be allowed to compete for any type of public office. We the voters should have full knowledge of whom we are voting for just as we ask for the information of those we personally employ. I am so sick of seeing pretty pictures of the candidate’s family on campaign posters. The mere fact that a person is able to father or bear children or they are photogenic doesn’t mean any more than a catchy campaign slogan or a college degree or two. Do they have a moral track record? Are they astute business people? Can they really make a positive contribution? Do they understand current issues and do they have a plan along with the expertise and experience to deal with these issues? Breaches of public trust by officeholders should not be swept under the carpet or simply excused as “white collar crime,” which occurs too often. The guilty party should be immediately removed from office and not be allowed to hold any other public or governmental position. “We the people” have been screwed too many times. Enough is enough! John R. Davis Coral Gables
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January 5 - 11, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Commissioner and Farm Share deliver 150,000 lbs. of food
Page 9 John Balzola Photography
Commissioner Joe A. Martinez (left) is pictured with Yvette Rodriguez of Farm Share, which delivered approximately 150,000 pounds of food to Hammocks Community Park. (Photo credit: Ryan Holloway/Miami-Dade County) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY LORENA GUERRA-MACIAS
Commissioner Joe A. Martinez partnered with Farm Share to help families affected by the difficult economy by distributing 150,000 pounds of food. About 2,000 residents lined up at Hammocks Community Park on Saturday, Dec. 19, to receive free fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious goods during the commissioner’s holiday food distribution. “The last thing anyone wants during the
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holidays is to struggle to pay for basic necessities like groceries,” Commissioner Martinez said. “Farm Share really came through and delivered enough food to help thousands of people. With these staple goods, residents can spend the holidays focusing on their families instead of worrying about providing essentials.” Established in 1991, Farm Share is a non-profit organization dedicated to the recovery, sorting, packing and distribution of nutritious foods for people in need.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
January 5 - 11, 2010
Westminster’s Annual ‘Pack-It-Black’ raises money for local kids charity BY ANA M. POVEDA
The Westminster Christian School Basketball program conducted its third annual “Pack-It-Black” games on Friday, Dec. 11, to raise money for His House Children’s Home. This event has raised $2,800 over the past three years for the charity. The teams raised funds by selling black themed T-shirts, which the fans wear to support the Warriors as they take on cross-town rivals, Palmer Trinity, in JV and varsity boys and girls basketball games. This year’s event raised some $600, which team members used to purchase Christmas gifts for the children living at His House. His House Children’s Home is a faith-based non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the joy in the lives of children and families by providing residential care for abused, neglected and drug-exposed children in a campus home-like setting.
Pictured (l-r) are members of the WCS Varsity Basketball Team: Danny Reyes, Wills Flynn, Sean Jenkins, Tony Washington, John Antonelli, Robert Miller, Tomorris Roberts, Casey Orzechowicz, Shane Hill, Nate Berry, Chris Alessi and Eddy De Aguiar.
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Celebrate 20 years with South Florida’s #1 Thai Restaurant as Siam Palace introduces Miami’s Best New Sushi Bar Enjoy 20th Anniversary Thai and Japanese Specials including: “Monday Madness” is 2-for-1 on all Thai beer, featured wines of the month bottles of wine & wines by the glass. Tuesday night is “East meets West” for half-price Miami & California rolls. Wednesday night is “Sake Bomb Night” featuring a new Sake & beer creative concoction for only $4.
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Community Habilitation Center members celebrated the holiday seasons with the help of employees from Baptist Health South Florida. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY JOSE BOZA
UNIVERSAL HOME HEALTH CARE is committed to providing highquality, compassionate care. Our medical training and health care background means that your loved one will be in good hands. Universal Home Health Care is Medicaid/Medicare certified. Located in Pinecrest. • Alzheimer’s Care • Medication Management/Teaching • Blood Pressure Monitoring & Care • IV Administration & Monitoring • Physical/Occupational/ Speech Therapy • Cardiac Care
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Baptist Health South Florida employees recently provided Community Habilitation Center members a holiday party to remember. The holiday celebration had various activities, from music and story time to games and a special magician. Baptist Health employees handed out festive stockings full of goodies and healthy treats for all of the members. “It is a pleasure to spend our holiday time with members from the Community Habilitation Center,” said Roymi Membiela, assistant vice president of marketing and public relations for Baptist Health South Florida. “The smiles, the laughter, and their true enjoyment of the
holiday party, makes this a wonderful annual event for our organization.” The Community Habilitation Center Inc. is an adult day training facility for individuals with developmental disabilities. Baptist Health, the region’s largest faithbased, not-for-profit healthcare organization, has more than 13,000 employees and is the area’s largest private employer. Baptist Health includes Baptist, Baptist Children’s, Doctors, Homestead, Mariners and South Miami Hospitals as well as Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Baptist Outpatient Services and Baptist Health Enterprises. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health.
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January 5 - 11, 2010
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Coral Gables Museum’s Workshop Series continues Jan. 7 The Coral Gables Museum’s Preservation Education Workshop Series continues on Thursday, Jan. 7, 7 p.m., in Coral Gables City Commission Chambers, 405 Biltmore Way, with a presentation titled “The Practicalities and Benefits of Historic Preservation.” The panel of experts speaking at this event will illustrate the cultural, environmental and economic benefits of preservation from home and business owner to the larger South Florida community. The discussion, moderated by Dolly McIntyre, chair of the Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board, will include preservation tax incentives, the “preservation is green movement,” historic preservation and urban design, and the significance of saving our historic landscape. Seating for this free event is limited and reservations are required. To RSVP, call Christine Rupp at 305-910-3996, or send email to <chris@coralgablesmuseum.org>. RING IN THE NEW YEAR BY DOING A GOOD DEED FOR ENVIRONMENT If you are trying to decide on a new year’s resolution, consider dedicating it to improving the environment.
The Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension Division will be hosting a Rain Barrel Workshop during the Made in Miami-Dade Farmer’s Market at Wild Lime Park, 14751 Hammocks Blvd., on Sunday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon. Here, participants will learn how to conserve water and protect it from pollution. Barrels are used to capture rainwater for irrigating your garden or lawn. The barrels are made from 55-gallon refurbished foodgrade drums, and they hold enough rainwater to cover a 240-square-foot garden space. To ensure that a rain barrel is reserved for you, be sure to register in advance. The fee for the rain barrel is $45. Accepted forms of payment include personal checks or money orders, made payable to the “Miami-Extension Program Account.” To sign up for the workshops, contact Lize Luna at 305-248-3311, ext. 242. For more information on water conservation programs, agriculture and urban horticulture, 4-H Sea Grant, and family and consumer sciences programs and publications, call 305-248-3311 and ask a Master Gardener to assist you. For a list of additional rain barrel workshops and informa-
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COMMUNITY NEWS briefs tion, visit online at <http://miamidade.ifas.ufl.edu/environment/natural_reso urces.shtml>. FAIRWAY ESTATES HOMEOWNERS MEETING SCHEDULED ON JAN. 21 The Fairway Estates Homeowners Association will be conducting its next meeting on Thursday, Jan. 21, 7 p.m., at the Palmetto Golf Course Community Room, 9300 SW 152 St. The association will have as its guests for he meeting Miami-Dade School Board member Dr. Larry Feldman and Judith Marte, chief budget officer for the school board. After they speak on “the State of our Public School System,” a question and answer session will follow. The association also will be conducting its annual elections. Nominations are open for both officers and board of directors members. If you are interested in running for one of these positions, send email to
<fehacw@gmail.com>. More information on the meeting program is available by calling Daniel Millott at 305-281-5875. You also can visit <www.FairwayEstatesHOA.com>. CREW-MIAMI TO HOST ANNUAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK LUNCHEON CREW-Miami will host its annual Economic Outlook Luncheon on Jan. 14, featuring Hugh F. Kelly, recognized by the Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) for his expertise in economic and market forecasts. Registration and networking will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by the lunch program from noon to 1:30 p.m., both at the Coral Reef Yacht Club, 2484 S. Bayshore Dr., in Coconut Grove. During his presentation, Kelly will consider whether or not the commercial real
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NEWS,
from previous page
estate industry will survive this recovery. In addition to an evaluation of how supply and demand forces are shaping up for the major property types, Kelly will offer his thoughts about risks and opportunities for equity and debt capital in the year ahead, and what regions of the country are best poised for improvement. The cost for CREW-Miami members to attend this event is $45; for non-members and walk-ins, the cost is $55. Attendees must RSVP by Jan. 7 at <www.crewmiami.org>. FREE LECTURE ON DRY TORTUGAS SCHEDULED AT DEERING, JAN. 14 Dr. Michele Williams and Brian Conesa will present their data and photos about the excavations in the parade grounds at Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas on Thursday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m., at the Visitor Center Auditorium of the Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 SW 72 Ave. This venture was sponsored by the Everglades National Park Service during Archaeology Month in 2009. In partnership with the Archaeological Society of Southern Florida, a non-profit, volunteer organization which acts as a support mech-
anism for the office of the Miami-Dade County Archaeologist, the Deering Estate at Cutler presents a free lecture on the second Thursday of each month highlighting unique and interesting connections to our past. For more information, call Michele Williams at 1-954-762-5174 or send email to <sercpa@fau.edu>. CANTORS PRESENT EVENING OF JEWISH MUSIC FROM AROUND WORLD, JAN. 23 Twenty-six cantors and soloists will perform a diverse concert of Jewish song — Ladino, Israeli, folk, Yiddish, pop, classical, jazz and liturgical — on Saturday, Jan. 23, in the historic Bertha Abess Sanctuary at Temple Israel of Greater Miami, 137 NE 19 St. (one block west of Biscayne Blvd). The sanctuary is the oldest synagogue building in continuous use in Florida. Tickets for this event cost $18 each. Last year’s concert was sold out, so it is best to purchase tickets in advance. For more information, go online to <www.cantorialconcert.org>. Tickets can be purchased online, or by calling 1-800-838-3006. If you have questions, send email to <info@cantorialconcert.org> or call 305573-5900. SCHOOL OF AMERICAN BALLET SLATES AUDITIONS, JAN. 24 Miami-area ballet students are invited to
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audition for the School of American Ballet’s 2010 Summer Course on Sunday, Jan. 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. The auditions will take place at Miami City Ballet, 2200 Liberty Ave. in Miami Beach. Students should arrive one hour in advance of their audition time to register. Optional pre-registration for the audition is available on SAB’s website at <www.sab.org/summercourse>. The application fee is $35. Auditions are for intermediate and advanced ballet students, 12 to 18 years old as of June 30, 2010. All students should bring a copy of their birth certificates to the audition. Girls must bring pointe shoes. The times are as follows: 2-3:30 p.m. for 12-14 year olds; 3:30-5 p.m. for 15-18 year olds. The phone number is 305-929-7000. Students invited to SAB’s Summer Course will attend classes in New York City from June 28 to July 30. The 2010 National Audition Tour is sponsored by Freed of London. For more information, visit online at <www.sab.org> or call the School of American Ballet at 212-769-6600. HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES TRAINING SEMINAR The Florida Division of Historical Resources and the Florida Public Archaeology Network-Southeast Region will host a free Historical and Archaeological Resources Training
January 5 - 11, 2010
Seminar on Thursday, Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 SW 72 Ave. This training seminar is designed for participation by governmental administrators, land managers and planners to learn about archaeological and historical resources, how best to manage these resources and methods for promoting the resources for the benefit of the community. For more information, call Michele Williams at 1-954-762-5174 or send email to <sercoa@fau.edu>. VISIT CAULEY SQUARE FOR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF KIM BANKSTON Kim Bankston, a member of the Platters, is celebrating his birthday at Cauley Square Historic Railroad Village, 22400 Old Dixie Hwy., on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. Come and visit one of the last official railroad villages in the state of Florida. Built in 1903 by workers of the Flagler Railroad, Cauley Square Village has maintained its historical hand-built, 25 cottages and 10 acres of lush tropical gardens abounding in natural Florida foliage. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 by calling Island Colors at Cauley Square at 305-258-2565. Tickets also will be sold at the door on the night of the event for $10. For more information, call 305258-2565 or 305-258-3543. You also can visit online at <www.CauleySquare.com>.
January 5 - 11, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Coloring books donated to kids at Miami Children’s Hospital
2010 - 2011 School Year PRE-K (AGES 3 & 4) THROUGH 8TH GRADE The Heritage School offers an enriched integrated curriculum; Arts, Music, Dance, Drama, Physical Education, Technology, Languages, wireless laptops, Young patient at Miami Children’s Hospital colors one of the Color Us Well books.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY NOELLE KASBAR
Just in time for the holidays, a new charitable project called Color Us Well showed patients at Miami Children’s Hospital how to get creative, get inspired and get well. Uniting local artists, Color Us Well put together coloring books, featuring original artwork from some of the area’s most celebrated creative minds such as Jose Bedia, Carlos Luna and Ferdie Pacheco. Many acclaimed and aspiring talents each designed a coloring book page with their unique style and message of hope. The books where donated during Color Us Well Day at Miami Children’s Hospital on Dec. 21. Color Us Well Day was filled with joy as the children were treated to art workshops by esteemed artists such as Mano, Sandra Suarez and John Defaro, who said, “Lots of stimulation from the making of art allowed
the kids to travel away from hospital routine and loneliness.” With increasing budget cuts of local art support and art education, it is especially essential to keep the passion for and knowledge of the art community alive with Color Us Well. The coloring books are keepsakes for the children and their parents, who will be able to frame an original piece of artwork interpreted by their children. Seeking to give back to the community in a way that was close to her heart, entrepreneur and graphic designer Elyssa Renert founded Color Us Well. In addition to supporting the local arts community, Renert realized the importance of exposing children to diverse original artwork that would fuel their imagination even further. Visit online at <www.coloruswell.com> for more information about the project, sponsors and artists involved.
computer lab, robotics, Small Class sizes limited to 20 students - 10 acre campus, swimming pool, baseball field, soccer field, camera surveillance system, Edline access via Internet to grades, homework, etc.
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Special camp helps kids cope when family member has MS
Pictured at Kids Coping Camp at Camp Owaissa Bauer in Homestead are Danielle Fearon (left) and Bethany Stinnet. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY BETH COHEN
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society South Florida Chapter recently conducted its annual Kids Coping Camp at Camp Owaissa Bauer in Homestead. The weekend program gave children ages 7-12 the opportunity to share and explore ways to cope with the daily pressures of living with a parent or grandparent with multiple sclerosis. The kids who attend the program emerge as leaders, form long lasting friendships, foster independence in a supportive atmosphere away from their everyday responsibilities and just have fun. Camp activities included swimming, arts and crafts,
hayrides, sports, nature trails and bonding around the campfire. “Children who have a parent or grandparent with MS, usually have to grow up a little faster than children with able bodied parents,” said Karen Dresbach, president of the National MS Society South Florida Chapter. “Our Kids Coping Camp program is a great way for young children who have a common bond to make friends, learn more about MS and to have good time.” For more information on Kids Coping Camp or other National MS Society South Florida Chapter programs, visit online at <www.nmssfls.org> or call 1-800-FIGHTMS (800-344-4867).
January 5 - 11, 2010
Would You Like Your Children to Pay for College Without Needing Financial Aid? What Financial goal should I have with paying for my children’s college? When planning to pay for college for your children, I encourage you to establish clear goals. First, you need to determine if you want to have your child’s education be paid with or without the need for financial aid. If you do not want your child or yourself to be burdened with a loan to have to pay back, then set the goal of having enough money saved before they enter college so that the college is paid.
Yes. If you can afford it and feel motivated to do so, you can match your childs earnings dollar for dollar. My son, Steven, did pizza delivery for 4 hours on Firday, Saturday and Sunday for a total of 12 hours a weekend. Back in 1995 – 1996 he earned $10 an hour which was $120 a weekend or $480 a month. I matched it $1 for $1. Our goal college was the University of Florida, and in 1996 the 4 year cost was $32,000. When he graduated from high school, we had $32,000 in the savings account. $16,000 he earned and $16,000 I matched. No financial aid was needed.
Who should pay for my children’s college? As parents we feel motivated or obligated to take on the full responsibility of paying for our children’s college education. The second goal is to establish a clear understanding with your child that if they want a college education they should invest in it by saving for it with earnings from a job. If they invest in their education, your child will value it more.
Does a Matching Savings Plan have other benefits? The matching savings plan may create a new dimension in the relationship you have with your child. You become partners in achieving a long term goal. Your child should be motivated to in essence to earn twice as much as their pay check. Your child may begin to ask you how to red the account statement and how to invest the savings. Their buying habits may be influenced by their employment. Those $150 sneakers may mean 20 hours of their work so maybe they are not so motivated to buy them because it is not worth 20 hours of their life to have them after all. They may start to look for value in what they buy. They may even appreciate you a lot more for working for a living and paying the bills.
What is an attainable financial goal? Harvard cost $52,000 a year for the 2009 – 2010 academic year. Saving $208,000 based on current costs is not attainable for most people. The University of Florida cost $16,690 a year for the 2009 – 2010 academic year. Saving $66,760 based on current costs is more attainable. Florida International University total matriculation and fees are $4,580.38 a year for the 2009 – 2010 academic year. Saving $19,215.20 is even more affordable. I suggest that you set your goal on a specific college and save enough to cover the actual cost when your child enters as a freshman. Your child should consider a job on campus during the school year and summer jobs during the college years. I have a 401k plan at work; can I set up a matching savings plan with my child?
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 # 305447-6617. Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, Rick Tonkinson, Registered Representatives. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc., Rick Tonkinson, Investment Advisor Representatives. Rick Tonkinson & Associates, Inc. and the Securities America companies are not affiliated.
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Crosstown Quartet to give concert at Unitarian Church BY GARY ALAN RUSE Miriam Stern, a Palmetto Bay resident, and other members of the Crosstown String Quartet are performing a special concert on Sunday, Jan.10, at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 7701 SW 76 Ave. in Kendall. The program features Stern and her three fellow musicians, Orlando Forte, Viera Borisova and Luisa Bustamante. “We have been friends and colleagues for over 10 years, playing together in various orchestras and many chamber music situations, but it was only about a year ago that we officially formed Crosstown,” Stern said. “Though we are all classically trained, we wanted the music we play to reflect our different backgrounds and the many styles of music we listen to and love. “We grew up listening not only to Beethoven and Bach, but to jazz and the Beatles and so many other genres. It followed naturally that our repertoire would ‘crossover’ from classical and Baroque to jazz, folk and other traditions from around the world. That is part of the reason why we named our quartet Crosstown, but also because the Miami audience is so varied and diverse, and we try to play music that will mean something to everyone ‘across town.’” Stern said that not only are they from different cities, but they all are from different countries as well, representing Cuba, Russia, Venezuela and the United States. “We also feel strongly about sharing the music of our individual heritages, and our program at the Unitarian Church will reflect this,” Stern said. “There’ll be works by classical composers —Borodin, Mozart and Vivaldi — intermingled with original arrangements of tunes from our respective countries, along with Argentinean tangos, Irish fiddle music, jazz standards, bluegrass country style, and melodies from Italy, Spain and Czechoslovakia.” The concert is part of the Lotz Concert Series, which Stern said is “one of Miami’s best kept musical secrets.” For years, the monthly Sunday Afternoon Series has been dedicated to presenting the finest of South Florida’s musicians in the acoustically excellent hall at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Miami. “For the four of us, there is magic in the beauty of chamber music, the sonority of the string quartet sound, the give and take between instruments,” Stern said. “We are always striving to bring that magic out of our instruments and into the world.”
Pictured (l-r) are members of the Crosstown Quartet: Orlando Forte and Miriam Stern, violins; Viera Borisova, viola, and Luisa Bustamante, cello.
According to Stern, 29 years ago it was unusual to hear string players venture outside the traditional classical realm. But groups such as the Kronos Quartet, Turtle Island String Quartet and Quartet San Francisco, have changed that, and what was once considered alternative string music is now becoming more accepted. “It is exciting that we are not the only string quartet today that is experimenting with new sounds and styles, and we are fortunate to have great examples in those groups,” Stern said. Stern, violinist, began her musical education with her mother, a fine pianist. She came to Florida on a full scholarship to the University of Miami, receiving her bachelor’s in Applied Music, with graduate studies at the Aaron Copland School of Music in New York. She has toured throughout Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Carribean, and has freelanced with most South Florida orchestras, but her first love is chamber music. With Stacey Berkley she co-founded Serenade Ensemble, which under her direction in 2001 was nominated for a Grammy in the “Classical Crossover” category. In 2006, she co-founded the Miami String Project with musical partner Antoine Khouri. Orlando Forte, violinist, began his musical education in Havana, Cuba, received a scholarship to the Tchaikovsky
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Conservatory in Moscow, and completed a Master of Fine Arts at the Conservatory of Odessa, Ukraine. In demand as a recording artist in South Florida, his credits include albums by Michael Jackson, Julio Iglesias, Placido Domingo and hundreds of others. Currently the concertmaster of the Florida Chamber Orchestra, he joined the artistic staff of Miami String Project as comusic director this year. Borisova, violist, came to Florida in 1995 by way of the Symphony Orchestra of Tenerife, Spain, and the Russian National Symphony Orchestra. She eventually settled in Miami as a member of the Florida Philharmonic and teaches both violin and viola at Gulliver Academy and the Miami Conservatory of Music. Bustamante, cellist, began her study in Caracas, Venezuela, in the famed national System Venezuelan Youth Orchestra training program and was sent on full government scholarship to the Julliard School of Music in New York. She became an important part of Miami’s musical scene and also enjoys teaching and coaching chamber groups. More information about the Lotz Concert Series 200910 schedule of performances can be found at <http://uumia.org> (click on Adult Enrichment/Lotz Concert Series).
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January 5 - 11, 2010
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Columnist/humorist joins musician for evening of music, monologue
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First United Methodist Church of South Miami, 6565 Red Rd. in Coral Gables, will host daily columnist/humorist Jonathan Richard Cring and master musician Janet Clazzy on Wednesday Jan. 13. The performance at 7 p.m. features an evening of music and monologue, including readings from Cring’s book Digging for Gold (in the rule) with original musical tunes performed by Clazzy on the oboe and WX-5 Wind Machine. Cring is the author of 11 books, including I’M…the legend of the son of man, 20 Other Reasons To Kiss a Frog, Jesonian, and Living a Legendary Life; a winner of a Billboard Music Award; recent recipient of the Best Screenplay Award at the Top Jonathan Richard Cring and Janet Clazzy Ten Films in America, and –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– has a daily column at the WX-5 Wind Machine which gives me <www.jonathots.com>. “Thirty-nine minutes is all we have to 250 sounds,” she said. “When you add give you music, humor, dialogue and some some of the beautiful music and inspirfresh insights about bringing creativity into ing melodies, it just lends itself to an our practical lives,” Cring shares from his occasion to enrich the heart and exalt the home in Hendersonville, TN. “The presen- spirit.” She also is the first female conductor in tation is a delicate and delicious blending of spirit and humor that produces the won- the state of Tennessee. Cathy Felber, pastor of the church, said derful by-product of good cheer.” Clazzy has played oboe in orchestras for that a free will offering will be taken and 30 years from coast to coast, including San copies of books, CDs and DVDs of the movies will be available for purchase. Jose, Chicago, Shreveport and Houston. For more information call 305-667-7508. “I have this fabulous instrument called
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Top student artists to attend YoungArts Week, Jan. 11-16 BY KATE MCPHERSON
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Thousands of dollars in awards; master classes by world-renowned artists; performances and exhibitions; a chance to be named a Gold and Silver winner and travel to New York; the possibility to become a Presidential Scholar in the Arts and visit the White House, and much more, will fuel the ambitions and dreams of 143 of America’s best young artists when they come to Miami, Jan. 11-16, for YoungArts Week. Chosen from more than 4,000 applicants in nine disciplines in the visual, literary and performing arts, these 17 and 18-year-olds will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience provided by YoungArts, the core program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA). There are 26 finalists from Florida including some from local schools. Local finalists include: Jacqueline Berndt, Interlochen Arts Academy, Music; Lauren Cahill, Design & Architecture Senior High (DASH), Visual Arts; Keith Clougherty, DASH, Visual Arts; Zanya Cruz, DASH, Visual Arts; Stephanie Gamarra, DASH, Visual Arts; John Harnage, New World School of the Arts (NWSA), Dance; David Harrison, DASH, Cinematic Arts; Arthur Kaplan, NWSA, Visual Arts; Gabriel Lopez, NWSA, Visual Arts; Janet Lorenz, DASH, Visual Arts; Lauren Robia, DASH, Visual Arts, and Gregory Zelek, NWSA, Music. The students attending YoungArts Week were selected in a blind adjudication process from a pool representing all 50
states and the District of Columbia, as well as all U.S. territories. The adjudication process will continue during YoungArts Week to determine who will become Gold and Silver winners and travel to New York in the spring for the “In the Studio” series, an additional week of workshops, collaborative performances and exhibitions. Gold winners receive $10,000 and Silver winners receive $5,000. Additionally, awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 are presented to students exhibiting excellence in their discipline. From this pool of 143 student artists also will be determined the 2010 Presidential Scholars in the Arts, an award given at the White House with the opportunity to perform at the Kennedy Center and exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC. YoungArts is the only organization in the nation to recognize students in nine discipline categories of cinematic arts, dance, jazz, music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice and writing. “We are honored to recognize these fine young artists,” said Christina DePaul, president and CEO of YoungArts. “They represent the next generation of extraordinary artistic talent, and it is our hope that their experience with YoungArts will compel them to pursue their passions.” YoungArts alumni include Emmy-nominated actress Vanessa Williams, three-time Tony Award nominee Raúl Esparza, star of HBO’s Entourage Adrian Grenier, and Warner Brothers recording artist Josh Groban. For more information, visit online at <www.youngarts.org>.
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Family intervention in a criminal case can make things better . . . or worse BY MICHELLE ESTLUND, Criminal Defense Attorney Once a loved one has been arrested, it is extremely common for family members to want to help solve the problem that caused the arrest by contacting the victim in the case. Whether a person has been arrested for a domestic dispute, a criminal traffic offense or a bar room brawl, there is often a victim involved who has been financially or physically injured. It is a perfectly natural reaction for family members to want to rectify the situation by offering restitution, apologies or personal pleas for mercy to the victim, hoping to have the criminal case dropped. Though well-intentioned, this reaction can lead to problems if the victim begins to feel intimidated, harassed or threatened. If the family’s intervention is interpreted as illegal contact with a victim, both the family and the defendant face potential criminal liability. The state attorney has the option of filing the criminal charge of witness tampering against any party who intimidates,
threatens or offers money to a witness or victim in an effort to discourage that person from testifying in a legal proceeding or investigation. Even where a family member of an accused person acts out of love and concern, the victim’s perception of those actions can cause additional hardship upon the defendant’s family if it leads to the filing of more criminal charges. So what can family members do to let a victim know that they want to make things right? The best means of communicating this information is for family members to express their willingness to help to the defendant’s attorney. The defense attorney can contact the state attorney and convey that information in the appropriate manner. This way any misperception of intentions is avoided, and family members can rest assured that they have not inadvertently harmed the defendant’s case through an ill-advised discussion with a police officer or state attorney.
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January 5 - 11, 2010
Popular online cigar shop opens store on S. Dixie BY LEE STEPHENS
Neptune Cigars Inc., one of the Web’s most popular and successful online cigar outlets, has opened officially the largest cigar specialty shop in the Miami area, located at 9308 S. Dixie Hwy. Shop owner Christophe Normand has been serving customers faithfully and diligently all over the world for more than a decade through the online store at <www.neptunecigar.com>, and believes that the local enthusiasm for high-quality cigars and accessories has reached a boiling point that he can no longer ignore. “We feel that we can apply the same core principles (superior product quality, excellent customer service, and a wide-ranging selection) that we use in our online store to better service the people of Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall and the Greater Miami area. There is no reason why the residents of this city should need to go online and wait for shipping to gain access to Neptune-quality goods and friendly, helpful customer service.” Normand has worked exhaustively to ensure that the brick-and-mortar outlet of Neptune Cigars meets the same high standards as the virtual store. Customers can
browse over 800 types of individual cigars (kept fresh by the store’s enormous industrial humidifier) ranging anywhere from $1 to $20 in price, 50 different humidors, and over 300 cigar-related accessories. Detailed information is printed clearly next to each display, allowing the customer to read a description, the nation of origin, and the price of each individual cigar. The store’s décor suggests class and pedigree, and was designed by a renowned decorator with rich, beautiful dark wood flooring, complete with a comfortable longue area where customers can relax in front of a large LED HDTV. “Based on the design, the store looks more expensive than it actually is,” Normand joked. “But we offer our products here at the same prices that can be found on our website. The success of Neptune online allows us to keep our prices low, 10 to 40 percent less than the MSRP on our cigars and accessories, so customers often come in expecting to pay twice as much as they actually will.” Neptune Cigars is known as one of the most reputable cigar and cigar accessory sites on the Web. It has been in business for well over a decade, serving tens of thousands of customers in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It quickly
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Pictured at the new Neptune Cigars shop on S. Dixie Highway are Christophe Normand and his wife, Luz. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
developed a reputation as a “customerfriendly” cigar outlet through the use of informative articles on cigar use (provided at no charge), customer bonus programs,
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January 5 - 11, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Chevy Equinox is a compact SUV with broad appeal Ron Beasley AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR
LET’S TALK CARS Chevrolet’s re-designed 2010 Equinox SUV competes as a compact, but it has the roominess and many of the features of a midsize vehicle, which should give it an appeal to consumers of just about any lifestyle. The second-generation Equinox draws its exterior design cues from the Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover models, and is available in three trim levels — LS, LT and LTZ. It has the signature Chevy face — a two-tier grille and prominent gold bowtie insignia — with strong fender shapes, a distinctive roofline, wraparound headlights, dual round taillights, a multi-dimensional hood, wraparound rear side glass and a wheels-at-thecorners stance. The base of the windshield has been moved forward three inches for a sleeker profile and improved aerodynamic performance, while the rocker panels are integrated into the doors to make it easier to get in and out. Under the hood there’s a new 2.4-liter, 182
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hp direct-injection I-4 engine that delivers 32 mpg on the highway (22 mpg city), a 33-percent improvement over its predecessor (AWD models get 20/29 mpg). There’s an available 3.0-liter 264 hp V-6, also with the fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology (25/17 mpg). Inside, the Equinox cabin is quiet thanks to noise-absorbing elements built into the chassis, engine compartment and interior. GM’s first application of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is used on 2.4 literequipped models. ANC uses microphones to detect loud sounds inside the vehicle and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system’s speakers to ensure a quiet ride at almost all speeds. The interior has numerous storage bins, including an oversized glove box; a closed storage bin in the instrument panel above the center stack, and more closed storage space under the center armrest that’s large enough for a laptop. A “floating” center stack houses many ergonomic comfort and convenience controls. Ice-blue ambient lighting within and surrounding the center stack, encircling the center-console cupholders and within the door pull cups accentuates the cabin. The front and rear seats, which include cloth and perforated leather-trim, are designed for comfort.
New Equinox has signature Chevy face — a two-tier grille and prominent gold bowtie insignia — with wraparound headlights and a wheels-at-the-corners stance. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– As for safety, there are six standard air depending on the outside temperature. Base pricing on the Chevy Equinox ranges bags: dual frontal air bags, head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side from $22,440 to $29,795. air bags; standard four-wheel disc brakes Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control. OnStar and XM Satellite Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be Radio are standard and there’s a “Smart” contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, remote starting system that also activates the or by addressing email correspondence to HVAC system and optional heated seats <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.
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January 5 - 11, 2010
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