Palmetto Bay News - June 22 2010 Online edition

JUNE 22 - 28, 2010

Girls State delegates gather for orientation

BY GARY ALAN RUSE

Miami-Dade County designated a ‘CitizenEngaged Community’

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almetto Bay’s American Legion Post 133 Women’s Auxiliary hosted an orientation meeting on Sunday, June 6, for 19 young women who will be attending the 2010 Girls State program as chosen delegates.

Florida Girls State is a program dating back to 1947. Each year it gives 300 young women the opportunity to learn about America’s democratic form of government through first-hand experience, with delegates assuming the roles of city, county and state officials or legislators.

The intent is to instill in them an understanding of the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship and public service.

––––––––––––––––––––– See

DELEGATES, page 4

BY LEE STEPHENS

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Pictured (l-r) are Christina Carral, Gabriela Milanes, Jennifer Roath, Camila Del Rio, Greer Balladin, Bethany Poulos, Melissa Guevara, Erika Glass, Mikaela Mendoza-Cardenal, Janelle Pereyra, Alicia Cofiño, Molly McCain, Medina Moody-Fitzmaurice, Sabrina Singer, Taylor Fleming, Jasmine Jones, Rocio Sevilla, Chelsea Pande and Diandra Booth.

Caribbean Music Club names 2010 scholarship recipients

BY GARY ALAN RUSE

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Pictured are (l-r, front row) Ellie Anderson and Kelley Kessell; (back row) Nicholas Maas, Albert Liu and Christopher Baker.

ach year the Caribbean Music Club auditions promising music students in South Florida and awards five of them with scholarships to be used to further their music education.

This year’s outstanding students — who live in Miami, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead — are Christopher Baker, Ellie Anderson, Albert Liu, Kelley Kessell and Nicholas Maas.

Club president Arlene Weyrick and scholarship chair Jean Welsh announced this year’s winners. As in years past, the students auditioned in April and five were selected by a panel of judges that includ-

ed pianist and vocalist Sally Ford and Joan Jorgensen. The winners later performed at the club’s annual scholarship awards program and recital at the Cutler Bay home of member Dottie Simon. The emcee was former club president Mary Cross.

Patricia Tiemeyer of Palm City, who returns to the area each month for club meetings and for the recital, was very excited about the level of talent in the latest competition.

“It was fantastic,” Tiemeyer said.

“I have been in the club 25 years, and this is the best overall group of student winners we have ever witnessed. Everyone said the same

–––––––––––––––– See

MUSIC, page 4

ublic Technology Institute (PTI) has recognized MiamiDade County’s efforts in providing the public with multi-channel access to government services and information through its “Citizen-Engaged Communities Designation Program.”

The county received high marks for its award-winning Web portal and innovative 3-1-1 Answer Center as well as its use of social media technologies and performance reporting.

“Miami-Dade County is engaging citizens like never before,” said Mayor Carlos Alvarez. “PTI’s Citizen-Engaged Communities Designation Program challenges local government to achieve high standards in citizen participation, seamless service delivery and democratic accountability. We’re very proud to have met this challenge.”

The public is able to access dozens of services on the county’s Web portal — from –––––––––––––––––––– See

ENGAGED, page 4

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June 22 - 28, 2010

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Miami-Dade Parks announces reopening of Deering Point

BY ALFIE SERGIO

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson will join Miami-Dade Parks and the Deering Estate at Cutler to celebrate the reopening of Deering Point, designed to enhance the enjoyment of the park for all residents. The ceremony at Deering Point, 17350 Old Cutler Rd., will take place on Thursday, June 24, at 2:30 p.m.

The site known as “Deering Point” is a small (3.5 acres) portion of the Deering South Addition. The Deering Estate is the only site within 13 miles that offers free public access to the bay, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors from the southern portion of the county.

The improvements completed at Deering Point include the installation of utilities to support future shelters and a

small restroom building, drainage improvements, paving and landscaping.

The total cost for these improvements was $607,000, funded by Safe Neighborhood Parks (SNP) bond sales as well as moneys from the Building Better Communities bond issue.

“Investing in our green spaces will provide a natural retreat that South MiamiDade residents can enjoy for generations,” Commissioner Sorenson said.

The improvements made to Deering Point will provide the public with additional opportunities to enjoy the recreational and educational experiences offered by Biscayne Bay. Deering Point is open seven days a week, except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, from sunrise to sunset. Parking is free. Deering Point is located adjacent to the C-100 Canal at the south end of the Deering Estate at Cutler.

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MUSIC,

from page 1 –––––––––––––––––

thing. The parents, the guests, they all stayed for a long time just visiting and sharing stories about how these kids started singing and playing piano when they were youngsters, some of them 6 years old when they started.

“They were just fantastic. The vocalists were wonderful, and all three of the young men, who each had a different style, they were each superior in their own style.”

Christopher Baker, 17, a pianist, played The Easy Winner by Scott Joplin. He is the son of Ann and Barry Baker and attends Christopher Columbus High School where his teacher is Cynthia Kam. Ellie Anderson, 13, a vocalist, sang two popular songs, I Whistle a Happy Tune from The King and I and Where is Love from Oliver. She is the daughter of Elisa and Tighe Anderson and attends Westminster Christian School where her vocal teacher is Julia McGuire.

Albert Liu, 15, pianist, played a rendition of Rachmaninov’s Prelude Op. 23 No. 5 in G minor. He is the son of Jenny and Hongtan Liu and attends Miami Palmetto High School, where his teacher is Dr. Adam Aleksander.

Kelley Kessell, 16, a vocalist, sang a rendition of At Last by Harry Warren and Mack Gordon. She is the daughter of Martha and Peter Kessell and attends the New World School of the Arts. Her father, Peter, has been her vocal teacher.

Nicholas Maas, 18, a pianist, played an interpretation of The Banjo by L. Gottschalk. He is the son of Michele and John Maas and attends Coral Reef High School, where his teacher is Alan Caves.

“We couldn’t believe it how good they all were, and we were so sorry we didn’t have someone filming the whole thing because we wanted to share it,” Tiemeyer said. “As good as the competition was, they were even better at their recital.

“It’s hard to get the kids to come out for competitions now because they have so many activities going on, so the ones who do show up make an extra special effort. Not only did their parents attend the recital, their brothers and sisters attended, some teachers attended. They were all so proud of their students, their sons and their daughters.”

The Caribbean Music Club is based in Cutler Bay but auditions are open to students from many South Florida communities.

“Mrs. Cross presented each of these talented winners with a scholarship check,” Tiemeyer said. “The club congratulates them and invites all South Dade County music students to participate in the competition next spring.”

For information, call 305-235-0561.

PALMETTO BAY JUMPS

June 22 - 28, 2010

DELEGATES, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The cost per session each year is $130,000 for the program, and the Women’s Auxiliary of the 17 American Legion districts statewide fully funds the costs for the girls attending Girls State, paying for everything from transportation to food and laundry.

Becky Miller, of Unit 20 in Belle Glade, who was a delegate in 2000, is now on the Girls State staff and gave the main orientation address. She said she thinks it’s an excellent program.

“I think they gain a lot of self-confidence, and it’s a great opportunity for them to meet other girls of the same caliber,” Miller said. “It’s also a good chance for them to see what it’s like to be on a college campus. It’s a great way to see how government works.

“A lot of people never get to see how bills are handled. This is a great way for them to see the capitol and see what goes into the process. It’s one thing to vote for a bill, but when you see the work that goes behind it, that makes it so much more important.”

The girls will arrive at the Legion Post on Thursday, July 1, between 3 and 3:30 a.m. to board busses that will depart promptly at 4 a.m., picking up others on the way to Tallahassee. They will stay in dormitories on the campus of Florida State University, with constant supervision and strict rules regarding cell phone use, curfew times, the clothing they may wear — especially while in the Capitol Chambers — and many other details.

Each girl will get two jobs, a city job and a state level job, ranging from the

ENGAGED,

mundane up to top government positions.

They also will have a chance to draft legislation and carry it through the full House and Senate process. It’s more than just a learning experience or mock game, as some Girls State bills actually have ended up being adopted by the legislature to become state law.

Molly McCain, 17, who goes to LaSalle High School in Coconut Grove, said she is looking forward to the experience.

“My mom did it and said it was a lot of fun and a good learning experience,” McCain said. “I want to have that memory and learn new things.”

Her mother has high praise for the program.

“In 1977, I went to Girls State from Post 304 in Dania,” Liz McCain said. “That’s where my daughter’s going from as well.

It’s a lifetime memory. You make a lot of good friends. It teaches you about your government, and I think it’s going to help her learn about participating in politics, in your government, to vote, to be concerned about what’s going on, and that you have an opinion and it counts. I always vote — I never miss — and I think that’s something I learned from Girls State.”

The delegates will spend a week in Tallahassee, then return to South Florida late in the afternoon on Friday, July 9.

Five scholarships will be awarded and, in addition, candidates from among the delegates will compete for a $25,000 national scholarship provided by Samsung. New this year is a Nova Southeastern University scholarship of $10,000 for one delegate.

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

paying bills to accessing databases and maps.

Legal notices are posted online and webcasting technology provides a way for the community to engage in the workings of the local government. The county portal’s quality content and self-service convenience attracted more than 23 million visits in 2009.

Miami-Dade County finds itself on the forefront of newer technologies designed to engage the community through its the use of social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Recently, the county also introduced mobile services so residents can obtain government information on mobile phones and other smart devices, and work is underway on an iPhone app that will make it possible for users to report neighborhood issues directly to 3-1-1.

Recognizing that there are segments of the community that do not have access to the Internet, the county introduced the 3-1-1

Answer Center in 2005. Today, 3-1-1 handles more than 2.5 million calls from residents each year.

“3-1-1 has greatly simplified access to government services,” said county manager George M. Burgess. “Together with our Web portal, we’re offering choices to our residents in order to better serve them. Equally important, the 3-1-1 system provides the county with valuable data that has helped us strengthen accountability across all departments.”

One of only nine communities in the U.S. selected for the Citizen-Engaged Communities Designation Program, MiamiDade County finds itself in the company of major metropolitan centers such as New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco.

To find out more about the services that earned this award for Miami-Dade County, go online to <www.miamidade.gov>.

June 22 - 28, 2010

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Page 5

July 4 is around the corner, and November elections, too Michael Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR

AROUND TOWN Thee Village of Palmetto Bay has no major official July 4th festivities, but there are localized observances none-the-less, such as the one in Mangowood, a Palmetto Bay community which usually has a flag-raising and a fly-over by a U.S. Air Force jet, and American Legion Post 133 has a celebration and BBQ for its members. Both are great examples of “small town” Americana.

Andd off course, don’t forget the Community Fireworks Display also held on Sunday, July 4th at the Black Point Marina & Park, starting at 6:00 p.m., with the fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. 24775 SW 87th Avenue.

This is co-sponsored by the Village of Palmetto Bay and the neighboring communities of Cutler Bay and Pinecrest.

Andd byy thee way.... There’ll be elections on November 2 of this year, and up for grabs are the positions of Mayor, Council Member

District 1 and Council Member District 3.

One way or t’other, there’ll be some changes coming, and campaigning being what it usually is, especially for those who are currently “out” and who want very much to be “in,” please be mindful of the fact that between now and then you may be seeing some mass email mailings or other communications regarding hot-button issues that are motivated as much by campaign strategy as by simple community concerns. So what else is new...?

Thee candidates that will be running for the Palmetto Bay council election are as follows (in alphabetical order): For Mayor (since Gene Flinn has termed out), James Araiza, Peter England and Shelley Stanczyk. For the District 1 Seat (since Dr. Ed Feller has termed out): Patrick Fiore, Bev Gerald and Benjamin Oppenheim. For the District 3 Seat (since Shelley Stanczyk is running for mayor): John Dubois and Joan Lindsay. All are residents with a passion for their community, so it should be an interesting summer and fall.

Candless onn thee cake.... Public Works Director Corrice Patterson recently celebrated her birthday on June 5th. Village Public Information Officer Bill Kress just had a birthday last Thursday, June 17. District 1 Councilman Ed

Open Letter Dear Michael,

(Photo by Gary Alan Ruse)

Something in the air...

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Feller and his wife celebrated their anniversary seems...well, a trifle weird? Let us know.

Thoughtt for thee Day: on June 21. Village Manager Ron Williams’ We are never deceived; we deceive ourselves. birthday is June 30th. Best wishes to them all.

Wass itt a UFO...? Accidentally pho— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe tographed on June 10 outside the Palmetto Bay Village Center after the Cutler Bay Business Gary Alan Ruse contributed to this column.

Association meeting was something in the sky Got any tips? Contact me at 305-669-7355, ext. that doesn’t exactly look like a plane, but we’ll probably never know for sure. Has anyone else 249, or send emails to <michael@communiin the village spotted anything flying that tynewspapers.com>

WIN A 6 MONTH MEMBERSHIP TO

I am NOT the publisher of (or affiliated with) the email newsletter, Palmetto Bay Watch, as stated in your article.

I AM affiliated with the internet website and blog, “Eye on Palmetto Bay.” http://www.eyeonpalmettobay.com/ That being said, I DO believe we need to address the concerns of the residents who feel the village might be heading down the path of excessive regulations.

Sincerely, Jim m Araizaa for Mayor,, Palmettoo Bay 305-720-72455 jim@jimaraiza2010.com www.jimaraizaa2010.com

Palmetto Bay News

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June 22 - 28, 2010

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big budget question: Wants vs. needs R. Kenneth Bluh KENNETHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S COMMENTARY I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always agree with county manager George Burgess, but then again I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always agree with my wife or my boss. But his recent speech to the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce was right on target.

Burgess asked the tough questions no one wants to answer or be remembered for their answer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Should the county [us, the taxpayers] be running after-school programs and drug-treatment centers? Should we be investing in our museums, our arts and cultural institutions, etc?â&#x20AC;?

When our government is flush with money, I ask, should we be investing in what are considered â&#x20AC;&#x153;non-governmentâ&#x20AC;? programs or should we be stashing away money for the hard times that inevitably hit our communities?

The answer to funding everything when our governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bank accounts are overflowing with money is easy. But should we be taking the harder road and say that the extra dollars in our governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bank accounts

should be socked away to cover the bad days that always are just around the corner?

Government expenses are divided into several categories: What is imperative.

What we need for a normal existence. And, what would be nice. Fire/rescue is an â&#x20AC;&#x153;imperative,â&#x20AC;? as is the need for an accounting department in city hall. Improved roadways are an example of â&#x20AC;&#x153;what we need for a normal existence.â&#x20AC;?

Parks and recreation, stadiums, museums and cultural institutions are what would be classified as â&#x20AC;&#x153;what would be nice.â&#x20AC;?

Everything considered, all three are part and parcel of a complete community.

But we can only afford what we can afford.

At home we can use our credit cards to buy what we want but do not necessarily need to exist, even with the understanding that some day we might not be able to meet our financial obligations. But that option is ours. That option does not exist in government â&#x20AC;&#x201C; except for the federal government which can borrow to meet todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs and not seem to worry about tomorrow when the time comes to pay it back.

So how do we handle the problem? The answer is easy. The implementation is very, very difficult!

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; VIEWPOINT â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; We establish a list of needs, starting with the governmental costs that are a â&#x20AC;&#x153;mustâ&#x20AC;? and work our way down to the least important item in our budget. Not everyone will agree on the ranking but that is the job of the men and women we elected to make these decisions.

Next, we must consider how much we are paying for the benefits. This starts to get difficult. Everyone thinks his or her contribution is exemplary and should be highly compensated. Almost all employees in the private sector will retire on Social Security and what they have put away for retirement.

They ask â&#x20AC;&#x153;should we be funding a government employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pension at 80 or 90 percent of their highest salary?â&#x20AC;?

Must the private sector worker pay taxes to cover retirement benefits that are so far greater than that which they will receive at retirement? Government retirement plans are killing our governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to operate on a sound financial basis. I know we have retirement contracts with government unions

but shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t they be asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;do you want to continue to accrue these potential retirement benefits at the risk of bankrupting the very organization that is employing you?â&#x20AC;?

And bankruptcy is not out of the question.

City, county and state governments can file bankruptcy. Some have. The major benefit of a bankruptcy, like a corporation in financial distress, permits the corporation or the government entity to cancel contracts and start from scratch.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hope we can all work together and prevent such a dilemma for ourselves.

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.

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June 22 - 28, 2010

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Is this a summer slump or continued recovery?

Al Sunshine 4 YOUR MONEY If you’re confused about where the U.S. economy is heading as we approach the end of the second quarter, take a deep breath because you’re not alone. We’re still getting too many mixed signals to really start feeling much better about the overall recovery.

That is one of the reasons why Wall Street nearly erased all its yearly gains, leaving doubts about whether it’s ready to start growing again.

Foreclosures are forecast to get even worse, although federal foreclosure prevention programs have had plenty of time to kick in. The problem is that banks are still dragging their feet processing all the paperwork involved in loan modifications, and they appear to be more interested in their bottom line than in helping their customers stay in their homes.

On the real estate front, new home sales and construction are starting to pick up nationally. But that’s not the case here in South Florida because we still have a large inventory of unsold homes and condos.

Still, prices around town for some prime properties are starting to firm up. However, it’s still anyone’s guess if the South Florida housing market has bottomed out.

Tourism continues to boom and all you need to do is to see it for yourself. Just try to find some super-cheap rooms down in the Keys or on South Beach. For that matter, try to find a cheap cruise deal out of South Florida. Cruise lines will try to firm up prices to improve their profitability.

With tourism seeing some gains over last summer, don’t be surprised to see prices start rising again.

On a very positive note, gas prices are forecast to stabilize or even drop as crude oil remains around $72 a barrel. I’ve already seen some prices down in the $2.50 range around South Florida. The only problem is, Miami Beach and the Keys still are seeing some of the highest prices around the state.

Retail business is entering a slow time of the year in South Florida and we may not see any real gains until much later in the summer as the back-to-school season picks up again. While national auto sales are showing a solid double-digit gain, some local dealerships are telling me that their business still remains slow. Ford is announcing it is closing its LincolnMercury division later this fall, which means even more bad news for local dealerships and everyone who works there.

I know one local dealer who lost his Oldsmobile dealership a few years ago when GM closed the line. His store stood empty for months, until it re-opened as a Lincoln-Mercury dealership. I don’t know what’s going to happen to him now, or what’s going to happen to all his employees.

Fortunately though, unemployment nationally is improving according to the latest job numbers. The U.S. labor department just announced that another 431,000 new jobs were added to the U.S. economy in May. However, it turns out that 411,000 of them were temporary U.S. Census jobs.

Still, private companies have hired another 55,000 workers according to the latest private job surveys. Which means that if you trust the statistics, hiring actually improved for the fifth month in a row, and national unemployment dropped.

I hear local job seekers are finally finding new job offers around South Florida, which is a very good sign. But I still wonder how many of those jobs are full-time, and actually offer full benefits. The fact is, the latest national figures show salary growth is still basically flat.

Consequently, there are still a lot of reasons why most of us may not be feeling much better about the overall recovery, and may still not be in the mood to spend money on our summer vacations.

No wonder then that the first week of June saw a 323-point plunge on the Dow, dropping it under the 10,000 mark in one of the worst sell-offs of the year. Time will tell whether or not the market can maintain its upward momentum.

Watch Al Sunshine’s “4 Your Money” reports Monday-Friday beginning at noon.

You may find Al’s blog at <www.cbs4.com/4yourmoney>.

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June 22 - 28, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 22 - 28, 2010

Cool de Sac named most kid-friendly amenity

BY LEE STEPHENS

Cool de Sac in Sunset Place is the winner of the Platinum Plate Award’s “Most Kid-Friendly Amenities,” announced by MyKidsPlate.com, the Kid-Friendly Dining Authority based in Orlando.

The nomination process began in January, 2010. Consumers were invited to nominate their favorite family establishments and the restaurants were also invited to nominate themselves.

“Cool-de-Sac exceeds expectations with the amount of kid-friendly amenities they offer,” said The Restaurant Mom and founder of MyKidsPlate.com, Julie Casey.

Changing tables in men’s and women’s restrooms, highchairs that are safe and don’t have broken or dirty straps and cups with lids are just a few of the amenities parents look for when dining and Coolde-Sac offers them all and more. In the restroom at Cool-de-Sac, you will even find a new product known as the Step-nWash, which allows kids to step up and wash their hands without parents’ help. It makes hand washing fun for kids and easier for parents, too.

Cool de Sac also has playrooms and

Some of the cool team at Cool de Sac at Sunset Place. From left to right, Sebastian Dardompre, Maria Fernandez, Julian Del Rio and Tim Long –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

scheduled activities to keep kids entertained and busy.

“It’s such an honor to win this award from MyKidsPlate.com. We take pride in offering fun activities for the kids while providing a great place for the parents, too,” said Amy Madson, Director of Operations “Cool-de-Sac hit a homerun and left no stone unturned,” added Casey. “We have yet to be presented with another venue that does such an outstanding job of bringing food together with activities and provides all of the amenities parents are looking for.”

The Platinum Plate Awards recognize restaurants for their efforts that are geared specifically to the family market segment.

Awards range from Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant to Best Restaurant for Grown Ups’ Night Out. To see the complete list of award winners, go to MyKidsPlate.com/blog. For more information about the Platinum Plate Awards or for questions for The Restaurant Mom, call 877-897-KIDZ or e-mail Julie@MyKidsPlate.com.

Cool-de-Sac is located on the third floor of Sunset Place at 5701 Sunset Drive. For more information, call 305-446-1686 or visit www.cool-de-sac.com.

June 22 - 28, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 11

Series: Advocating for children with special needs The Education Advocacy Clinic at Florida International University’s College of Law is hosting a series on education advocacy for children with special needs, titled “Summer Education Advocacy Series.”

There will be three sessions — July 7, July 14 and July 21 — each from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Room 1009 of the Rafael Diaz Balart Hall at FIU’s College of Law, located at 11200 SW Eighth St. The series is for the busy parent or family law attorney seeking to gain practical knowledge for advocating on behalf of a child with special education needs.

The first session will focus on discipline and manifestation determinations; the second on due process, mediation and resolution, and the third on suspension, expulsion and alternative education.

Visiting Assistant Clinical Law Professor Laverne Pinkney will speak at the event.

To register, request a registration form by contacting Professor Pinkney or Michelle Gonzalez at 305-348-7541 or by sending email to <lawrsvp@fiu.edu>.

Space is limited to 30 participants per session.

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE WOMEN LUNCHEON SCHEDULED ON JUNE 29 Commercial Real Estate Women Miami (CREW) will host a luncheon, titled “Deals Getting Done in 2009/2010: Investment Transactions for the Not-So-Faint-ofHeart,” on Tuesday, June 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Brickell, 1435 Brickell Ave. The program will discuss deals that have flown under the radar and, despite the turbulent economic times, have defeated the odds and closed this year. The discussion will focus on transactions involving the purchase of notes and mortgages and feature two prominent real estate investors.

The panel also will include a leading executive from HFF, one of the most successful commercial real estate capital intermediaries in the country.

The fee is $45 for CREW-Miami members and $55 for non-members and walk-ins.

RSVP by June 25 at <www.crewmiami.org>.

GIRL SCOUTS COUNCIL INVITES YOU TO CLEAN YOUR CLOSET FOR A CAUSE Girl Scouts Council of Tropical Florida invites you to clean your closet for a cause.

The Girl Scouts currently are accepting

COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS donations for Juliette’s Closet, a fundraiser to be launched in September.

Items may be mailed or dropped off at Girl Scouts Council of Tropical Florida, 11347 SW 160 St., attention Sally Boggess.

Juliette’s Closet is named in honor of Juliette Gordon Low, who founded the Girl Scouts in 1912. Low famously sold her strand of pearls in order to raise funds to launch the first Girls Scout Troop in the U.S. To help fill Juilette’s Closet, the Council is looking for donations of highend, gently used designer clothing, such as evening gowns, purses, clutches, highquality costume jewelry and shoes.

Donors also may arrange to have items picked up from a central location by contacting Sally Boggess at 305-253-4841, ext. 233. Donations may be tax deductible.

MEET COMMISSION DISTRICT 8 CANDIDATES AT DICE HOUSE The election for Miami-Dade County Commission seat is District 8 will take

place on Aug. 24 and the Continental Park Homeowner Association invites the community to come out and meet the candidates on Wednesday, June 23, 7:30 p.m., in the Dice House, 10000 SW 82 Ave. Free child-care will be provided by CPHA at the Continental Park Recreation Center across the street from the Dice House.

For more information, contact Continental Park at 305-274-9666.

COUNTY COMMISSION CANDIDATE FORUM SCHEDULED FOR AUG. 3 Christ Congregational Church will be hosting a candidate forum for Miami-Dade County Commission District 8. The event will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m., at the church, 14920 SW 67 Ave. The church encourages attendees to come prepared with two questions that they will be asked to write down upon entrance.

For more information, call the church office at 305-235-9381.

Page 12

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 22 - 28, 2010

Temple Beth Am welcomes new rabbi to congregation

BY DANIELLE SPIEGELMAN

Pictured are the new owners of Lots of Lox (l-r) Steve, Jimmy and Nick Poulos.

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Rabbi Arturo Kalfus, formerly associate rabbi of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in Cleveland, OH, has joined the Temple Beth Am clergy team comprised of nationally recognized spiritual leaders within their respective fields.

Rabbi Kalfus was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the child of Polish immigrants who came to South America after surviving the Holocaust. Rabbi Kalfus was ordained in 1992 from Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Jewish History and Philosophy from Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

He is a fellow at the prestigious Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, Israel, and participated in a program on Language, Culture and Civilization at the Sorbonne University in Paris. He studied as well at the Cleveland Psychoanalytic Institute, Kellogg School of Management and Harvard University Business School.

Since ordination, Rabbi Kalfus has been a congregational rabbi for more than 18 years, in different executive positions, in New York, New Jersey and Cleveland.

“My journey has brought me now to Temple Beth Am in Pinecrest with a great congregation and staff led by Rabbi Terry Bookman. I have been impressed by their spirit, engagement and the myriad of programs. This is a congregation that many rabbis would dream of joining, and I have been humbled to have been chosen to be a part of this special campus,” Rabbi Kalfus said.

Growing up in Argentina, Rabbi Kalfus is fluent in Spanish and said he is excited to be able to bring messages of encouragement and prayer to many of the congre-

Rabbi Arturo Kalfus ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

gants and supporters of Beth Am in their first language.

He has concentrated his work in the field of psychology and spirituality/religion and its potential impact in the workplace. His interests include playing piano, painting and spending time with his family at the beach.

Rabbi Kalfus is married to Phyllis Meyers and they are parents of two teenage children, Ari and Lilah.

Temple Beth Am, The House of the People, was founded in 1955. It offers multi-faceted programs comprised of religious, educational, cultural and enrichment activities throughout the year. Temple Beth Am on the Richard and Janet Yulman Campus encompasses a “full-service” synagogue, Day and Religious School with activities for all ages, ranging from social to athletic to spiritual.

The Temple Beth Am website is <www.tbam.org>.

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June 22 - 28, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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June 22 - 28, 2010

My Lawn Man Wants to Top My Live Oak Tree for The STORM SEASON. Should I Have Him Do This?

THE ARBORIST

BY RON VON PAULUS

No. Don’t top your live oak or any other hardwood tree such as a black olive or mahogany. A tree sometimes needs to be pruned to avoid interference with utility lines, buildings, or parts of the surrounding environment. Whenever pruning is required, it is important to avoid the practice of topping -- the removal of all parts of a tree above a certain height with no consideration for its structure or health.

Long thought to reduce a hazard, topping is a temporary and ineffective solution that actually makes a tree more hazardous in the long run.

• Topping "starves" trees by robbing them of their food-creating leaves.

• Topped trees, in an act of defense, create shoots that grow quickly (up to 20 feet in one year) and are more prone to breaking.

• Topping also makes trees more susceptible to insects and disease.

• Topping creates "high maintenance

trees" that are expensive to treat, repair, and care for.

Hurricane tree-trimming basics for hardwood trees • Reduction pruning is an effective alternative to topping. It reduces the size of longer branches by cutting back lateral ones. Some branches are removed at their point of origin.

• Avoid excessive thinning of interior branches. It can lead to rapid growth of upright interior shoots and limb breakage.

• The best way to learn to manage tree growth and maintain tree health is to consult a Certified Arborist. These tree care professionals know how to safely prune trees, and they can couch you as a homeowner how to best maintain and care for them throughout the year.

Ron von Paulus is an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist (ID # Fl-5770A). He has more than 20 years experience working with trees in South Florida.

He offers free consultations to homeowners and businesses. Please contact him at Big Ron’s Tree Service 305-588-3091 or by email at <ron@BigRonsTreeService.com>

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June 22 - 28, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 22 - 28, 2010

KAPOW program students visit TotalBank to learn about work

Maggie Mercado, from TotalBank’s Perrine Branch, is pictured with students from FC Martin Elementary.

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

BY MELISA CHANTRES

TotalBank recently hosted students from the fourth grade classes of FC Martin Elementary.

The students came to the TotalBank Perrine branch to learn about work-related concepts including how a bank operates, the different functions within each bank department as well as life skills including how to operate an ATM and how to balance a checkbook.

KAPOW (Kids And the Power Of Work) is the national network of busi-

ness-elementary school partnerships that brought this event to life. The event introduced the young students to work ethics and experiences that can be reinforced continually throughout their formative years.

Through this innovative program, TotalBank was able to help students learn and practice workplace skills, and make strong connections between school and work to foster an interest in the banking industry.

More information can be found online at <www.totalbank.com>.

June 22 - 28, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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16705 Old Cutler Rd, Miami, FL 33157 Toll Free: 800-771-0330 Local: 305-255-0330 WWW.BUDSTOPFLORIST.COM WWW.BUDSTOPFLORIST.NET

We service all of Miami-Dade County and deliver world wide Serving Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay & Pinecrest communities for over 30 years.

WEDDINGS • PARTIES • CORPORATE EVENTS • FUNERALS Elegance at affordable prices, award winning flower designers Flower arrangements, Bouquets, Fruit & Gourmet Baskets, plus other gifts

June 22 - 28, 2010

Financial Planning for FPL Employees This is Part II of an article published in a previous issue. These suggestions are specifically geared toward FPL employees by Rick Tonkinson who has been working with FPL since 1991 (18 years). These suggestions should apply to all employees regardless of age or time with the company. (Go oline to (http://www.communitynewspapers.com/ html/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Ite mid=1572 ) for Part 1 of this article.)

Fourth: Before you retire become debt free.

This means getting the kids raised, educated and maybe married off. It also means a zero balance on the credit cards, car and truck loans, home equity loan and house mortgage. If you have a choice to reduce debt or save an extra dollar you should consider putting the extra dollar towards reducing the debt. This process of debt reduction should be a priority and it may take several years to attain. Proper use of your net pay will shorten the time to attain this. Extra money from an outage or overtime can be extra money towards your debt. Try to live on your straight time income only.

Fifth: If you can afford it and have family to take care of, then purchase the most group term life insurance.

You can purchase as much as 4x your salary. This benefit is often not taken full advantage of.

Sixth: Purchase the disability insurance.

Your job is stressful and your work is often dangerous. FPL focuses on your safety but people still get hurt. The disability insurance is a must.

Seventh: Live where you want to but if Miami or Homestead is too expensive consider moving to a cheaper state.

Miami is one of the most expensive areas to live in the USA. The homeowner insurance, property taxes and car insurance rates are so high that it chases retirees out of town. States such as Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and South Carolina are much cheaper to live. People move to be with their families (grandkids) but these states are more affordable and often times a lot friendlier and a lot less congested.

These are suggestions that apply to all FPL employees.

Management has merit raises in March that we can discuss what to do with. Some managers have stock options that we can also discuss. ??????

Rick Tonkinson is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP™). The family business office is located at 100 Almeria Ave, Suite 310, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Tel # 305-447-6617

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June 22 - 28, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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June 22 - 28, 2010

June 22 - 28, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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June 22 - 28, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Marine mammal trainers: The mysteries revealed Guests will have the opportunity to work closely with trainers and see firsthand how they interact with the animals

BY MICHELLE PALOMINO

It’s one of the most fascinating professions — marine mammal trainers who work with and care for dolphins, whales, sea lions, seals and other marine mammal species.

How do they communicate with the animals? How do they create such lasting bonds with these amazing creatures? Now, with Miami Seaquarium’s Trainer for a Day Program, the mysteries surrounding this most sought after profession are revealed.

From participation in training sessions to assisting with show setup, the eight-hour program gives park guests a rare glimpse at what it takes to be a marine mammal trainer for a day.

“Training Marine Mammals is one of the most honorable professions in our industry,” said Andrew Hertz, general manager at Miami Seaquarium. “Our trainers are often asked to share what it feels like to work with these breathtaking animals on a daily basis. Now, with this new program, our guests will have the opportunity to work closely with our trainers and see firsthand how our trainers interact with our animals.”

The Trainer for a Day program at Miami Seaquarium includes: • Initial session with trainer to learn training basics; • Assisting trainers with setup of shows; • Participation in training sessions at the Flipper Lagoon, painting with Dolphin on T’shirt or canvas; • Play session with the dolphins; • Training session with Dolphin Harbor dolphins;

• Dolphin Odyssey at Dolphin Harbor; • Tour of Miami Seaquarium; • Marine mammal shows including the Flipper the Dolphin show, Lolita the Killer Whale and Salty the Sea lion; • Lunch with trainer at Flipper Lagoon, and • Meet and greet with sea lion trainer and take photo with sea lion.

The full-day Trainer for a Day program starts at 9:30 a.m. and runs through 5:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The program costs $495 plus tax per person and is limited to two participants per day.

Participants will receive the dolphin painting, photo CD of Dolphin Odyssey, Sea Lion kiss photo, parking, Trainer for a Day T-shirt, MSQ hat or visor, and lunch.

Participants must be age 16 and older, English speaking, able to swim competently, able to stand for a minimum of one hour and be able to lift 30 pounds.

Participants should bring sunscreen and wear a swimsuit, shorts and comfortable shoes. Wet suits will be provided by Miami Seaquarium.

Miami Seaquarium, South Florida’s most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits. General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $37.95 and $27.95 for children (ages 3-9).

More information on Miami Seaquarium is available online at <www.miamiseaquarium.com>.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 22 - 28, 2010

Don’t pay designer prices to wear designer fashions

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

Looking for designer brand blouses but can’t afford the designer prices? A visit to Again and Again Consignment might be just the ticket.

The stock at the consignment store includes many designer items that can be had for a fraction of the retail price. Although some of the items are used, there are some that were never worn.

Again and Again also can be the place to sell your lightly used non-designer clothing, the crib the baby grew out of, or that designer handbag that you just don’t like anymore but is in great condition.

Jennifer Allen, who owns the store with her husband, Rick Allen, said she takes clothing for everyone — infants, women and babies — as well as household accessories and shoes.

“It does not need to be designer, but it does need to be in excellent condition,” she said. “I do have a designer showcase for purses, wallets and there is a rack for everyday purses,” she said. “There is a showcase for jewelry. There is a special baby room only with different things you need for the baby, and I have all that in the store.”

She actually ran out of room at the storefront at 17005 S. Dixie Hwy. so she rented a

second storefront for furniture. It’s only a couple of doors down from the primary shop.

All types of furniture are available, including end tables; living room, dining room and bedroom sets.

“And any odd and end pieces you may need to add to your décor,” she said. “I have a honey want list. If someone comes in and says I really want a king bedroom set and, if I don’t have it, I’ll try to find it for you.”

The store is set up to make the items look enticing.

“The dining room table is not just sitting there, it is set for dinner,” she said. “As far as pricing, it may be more than somewhere else, but you’re going to pay for what you get. I have put my heart and soul into my store.”

So do employees Bonnie Brooks, Tara Ilvio and Melody Legacy. Allen said they keep things going at the shop, making sure everything is set up beautifully, and kept neat and clean.

“I can honestly say, they run this place for me,” Allen said.

The store is important to her. Growing up, she shopped at consignment stores, so when the Cutler Bay store she frequented for children’s clothes went up for sale, it didn’t take her long to decide to buy it. That store was 700 square feet.

“Now I’m 3,000 square feet with a second

Jennifer Allen, owner of Again and Again Consignment, takes pride in the quality of the goods found in her shop.

store of only furniture,” she said.

She loves the excitement of coming to work every day and seeing what people bring her to sell.

“This is like Christmas every day. I never know what is coming in,” she said.

However, she does have high standards.

Clothes have to be freshly washed, ironed

and on hangers.

Items go on display for three months. If it doesn’t sell, it’s marked half price for a month. The owner receives 40 percent of the sale. The split on furniture is 50-50.

“You can use the money as credit in the store or you can take a check,” she said.

For more information, call 305-235-1515.

What is compounding?

Photo by Ella Woodson

Sonia Martinez and her staff at Marco Drugs Women’s health—Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for hormonal harmony Men’s health—Therapies for hormonal changes in men Children’s health—Medications in lower strengths or flavored for palatability Pet health—Formulations of special medications/products

The method of formulating and preparing prescription medication and nutritional supplements--customized in formula, dose, and dosage form--for physicians and their patients.

Transfer any prescription with one phone call.

Professional and personalized consultation about your medication regimen with information on side effects and precautions.

Advocacy with your health care provider regarding your medication requirements.

Wide selection of natural health products and supplements.

Marco Drugs & Compounding 6627 South Dixie Highway • Miami, FL 33143 Ph: 305-665-4411 • Fax: 305-663-3258 • marcodrugs@bellsouth.net www.marcodrugs.com

June 22 - 28, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

You can dine family style at Chuckwagon Restaurant

Chuckwagon owner Maher Lewis enjoys time with his customers and staff. Pictured (l-r) are Tiffany Johnson; Madison Fortes; Lily Mablish, holding son Kayden; Lewis, and Jeanette Machado.

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

BY NANCY EAGLETON

The owner of Chuckwagon Restaurant in West Kendall invites your family to “get out of the fast lane” and sit down for a few moments to enjoy a good old-fashioned homemade meal.

“I’d like to see people break the habit of going to a fast food restaurant,” said Maher Lewis, owner of Chuckwagon Restaurant.

“You can have really good food served quickly and enjoy a little family time.

We’re a great place for families. Kids can move around and make a little noise.

They’re comfortable here.”

The motto at Chuckwagon is “Good food served by good people” and the friendly Chuckwagon crew delivers on that promise everyday.

“My wonderful staff is what makes the restaurant tick. They are like family to me and they will welcome your family,” Lewis said.

Delicious down-home breakfast choices are served all day long and the hearty lunch plates are fit for a cowboy. Eating on the lighter side these days? Chuckwagon’s menu choices will not only satisfy the “healthy appetite,” but the “healthier appetite,” as well.

Breakfast specialties include western omelets, fresh fruit waffles, biscuits and gravy, and pancake varieties such as blueberry, banana nut, pecan or Mickey Mouse chocolate chip for the kids. For a healthy alternative, try one of the egg white omelets or a farmer’s scramble with fresh veggies that are often picked locally from fields right down the road

from Chuckwagon.

Lewis recommends the blueberry and walnut oatmeal that he eats everyday.

“It’s delicious, filling and has three of the top super foods,” he said.

Can’t decide what to order? Try the Chuckwagon Grand Slam or one of the daily specials, which usually include a plate full of all of your favorites.

Make room for lunch. The cowboy burger, homemade meatloaf, fresh chili, oven roasted turkey with stuffing and gravy, country fried steak or hot open-faced roast beef sandwich are just a few of the customer favorites on the menu. On the lighter side, try a Greek, Caesar or chef salad.

Regular customers at Chuckwagon know all about the “Breakfast and Lunch Club.”

This punch card rewards you with a free meal up to a $7 value after you fill the card.

“Times are challenging, so I do my best as a business owner to offer my customers savings and a good deal,” Lewis said.

Lewis opened the Chuckwagon Restaurant in West Kendall 12 years ago.

There are two other Chuckwagon locations in Miami and they are owned by Lewis’ brothers, Masen and Mike. The original location on SW 117th Avenue has been open for 30 years and the other location is on Bird Road. Both are open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Due to customer demand, look for the Chuckwagon Restaurant to be open for dinner very soon. Currently, the restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is located at 11230 SW 137 Ave. For information, call 305-386-1555.

Page 25

Rick Tonkinson & Associates, Inc. listed in the Forbes 2010 Special Issue “The World’s Leading Companies”

Goldline Research, an independent market research firm that evaluates professional services firms on behalf of the consumers, has selected Rick Tonkinson & Associates, Inc. as one of the 2010 Leading Providers – Wealth Managers in the Forbes magazine 2010 Special Issue, “The World’s Leading Companies”.

By using a proprietary research process, Goldline Research investigates tens of thousands of service providers in numerous industries to feature companies in those sectors. Tonkinson’s firm was one of a few to pass this rigorous evaluation and certification process. This represents the first time this firm has been recognized in a national publication. With a subscription base of 6.5 million, this is a special edition that will remain on the newsstand for 3 months.

Rick Tonkinson & Associates is a family business specializing in their clients’ Early Retirement with a mission of helping people and their families attain their financial goals. They are located at 100 Almeria, Suite 310, Coral Gables, Florida. Telephone: 305 447-6617.

Silver Chiropractic Centre proudly announces WE HAVE MOVED!!!

SILVER CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE

from Country Walk Plaza to RGB Plaza, just East of Tamiami Airport 13501 SW 136 St. Suite 202 Dear Neighbors, For a limited time, Silver Chiropractic Centre is offering a “GIFT of HEALTH” certificate to all of our neighbors in the West Kendall area. You will be able to use this certificate towards services performed in our office; a complete examination, x-rays (if necessary). After completion of your services, all results will be discussed with you by the doctor.

physical therapy, massage or acupuncture is the answer to your current complaints. If you wish, you may pass this opportunity on to a friend or relative who may benefit from our services.

We also specialize in injuries resulting from auto accidents, slip and falls, sports injuries and work related injuries.

As an addition gift, we are offering a 30 MINUTE MASSAGE performed by our licensed massage therapist.

This offer is a way to show appreciation to our neighbors with no obligation.

We have been healing this community for the past 18 years and look forward to many, many more!!!

This is a great opportunity for you to take advantage of this offer and see if chiropractic treatment accompanied with

Yours in health, Brian M. Silver, D.C., P.A.

Brian M. Silver, D.C. P.A. 13501 SW 136 St., Suite 202 Miami, FL 33186

305.251.5655

“FREE GIFT OF HEALTH” Complete Physical, Neurological and Orthopedic Examination, Two X-rays (if necessary) A comprehensive report of all findings and a 30 minute massage on your follow-up visit. (A $400 Value) With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services. Offer good through 7/31/10

THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT.

Page 26

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 22 - 28, 2010

Good Italian food with great prices and discounts, too

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

When Sal’s Italian Ristorante opened in Southland Mall about three years ago, owner Nuno Beira took his turn in the kitchen. Business was strong and people loved the food.

But he sold the restaurant and it apparently suffered without his personal attention. Today, Beira is back in charge and back in the kitchen giving the Italian eatery his personal attention and returning the food back to its former glory.

“Come on in and give us another chance,” Beira said.

There’s every reason for the restaurant to become a hot place to eat again. The restaurant is situated on the outer rim of the mall, between Bally’s and the theaters so the location is good. There are ongoing specials and the staff is ready and willing to give quality customer service that only enhances the good food.

Sal’s is a family owned and operated restaurant and pizzeria. Beira said they are running specials to make eating there affordable for families.

Sal’s crew pictured are (l-r) James Chanying, Chef Damion Fumero, Nuno Beira, Christielee James, Edgar Plazaola, Stephanie Suarez and Yosmany Lopez.

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

“You can get everything from pizza and Veal Parmesan to Chicken Marsala,” he said.

Lunch prices range from $4.99 to $10.99, while dinners begin at $9.99 and only go as high as $20.99.

The most popular dish at Sal’s this summer is Chicken Parmesan, but pizza is always a staple for the movie crowd. They do have a moviegoers special for those who attend a showing and then bring in their ticket stubs.

“Bring in a ticket and get a 20 percent discount,” he said.

The restaurant has takeout and delivery and there is outdoor seating for those cooler evenings.

“We seat about 100 in and out,” he said.

“About 75 inside.”

The interior is well designed and pleasing to the eye. It’s family and kid friendly with good service and a staff that is eager to please. Everything on the menu is cooked fresh to order.

“It’s homemade Italian food,” Beira said.

Because of his interest in getting the Cutler Bay Sal’s back to being awesome, Beira has sold some of his other restaurants and plans to concentrate on the Southland Mall location. He’s the guy to do it; he has a solid restaurant background, learning his business on the job. He also has a culinary degree and a degree in restaurant management.

“I got into the business when I was in my 20s,” he said. “I started as a busboy.”

From that start, he learned enough that he has owned, operated and sold about 12 restaurants in the past 12 years.

“My passion is cooking, so I’ll be doing that in Cutler Bay,” Beira said. “I like to produce the things like Chicken Florentine, Chicken Marsala, Shrimp Scampi. There’s some technique to those.”

He also owns a Sal’s in Pembroke Pines and used to own one in Boynton Beach.

He’s been involved in Sal’s Italian Ristorante for about 12 years.

There are deals like the $5.99 Lunch Special, which includes a choice of a soup or house salad, a slice of pizza and a choice of half a sub. The sub choices are Chicken Parmesan, Italian Sub, Sub Classic, Meatball Parmesan or Ham and Cheese.

For more information call 786-4304251 or go online to < w w w. S a l s I t a l i a n R i s t o r a n t i . c o m > .

Coupons are available on the website.

“BEST EARLY BIRD” 4 - 6PM $9.99 Not to be combined with any other house specials or coupons.

Visit www.thefishhouse.com for discount coupons!

100th Avenue SW 56th Street • Miami (305)595-8453

June 22 - 28, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 27

healthy food tips: 300 young photographers Panini Grill Grilled vs Fried ‘shoot’ animals at Metrozoo Grizzel Gonzalez, vice president, Mercantil Commercebank, and Ron Magill, Miami Metrozoo’s director of communications and wildlife expert are pictured with second place finisher and “Students’ Choice Award” winner, Karen Ramirez from Hammocks Middle School, who won for her portrait titled Give Me Some Sugar, a photo of two Bengal tigers playing.

BY LEE STEPHENS

Mercantile Commercebank’s Zoolens Photography Project, a contest in partnership with Miami Metrozoo and the Zoological Society of Florida, recently engaged more than 300 eighth graders from eight Miami-Dade Public Schools.

Participants came to the zoo to photograph the animals during a field trip. It was designed to encourage a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world’s wildlife through photography. While 2010 was a pilot year, the bank looks to expand it in the future.

On a visit to Metrozoo, the students were given digital cameras along with a tip-sheet of where the best shots might be.

A panel of judges included Metrozoo’s Ron Magill and New World School of the Arts Visual Arts professor and curator Rosario Martínez-Cañas. These two, in particular, not only helped judge, but assisted the kids at the zoo with their shots.

Twenty-four finalists were selected from all the entries and three top finishers were recently announced. The Zoolens Photography Project 2010 honorees were: David Martinez, first place, from West

Miami Middle School; Karen Martinez, second place and “Students’ Choice Award” winner, from Hammock’s Middle School, and Giselle Cisne, third place, from Miami Lakes Middle School.

Winners received savings accounts and student memberships to the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA). David Martinez also received an E-620 Olympus Professional Camera and a “behind the scenes” tour of the zoo.

In addition, each participating school also received a monetary donation for its art department, and the pilot program also received promotional support from Olympus Imaging America and the North American Nature Photography Association.

“We are extremely proud of the great talent in the photographic arts demonstrated by the literally hundreds of Miami-Dade County Public School students who participated in our pilot program,” said Millar Wilson, president and CEO of Mercantil Commercebank. “The unique and imaginative photos that were submitted by these young men and women are a testament to their talent, and we congratulate all the finalists and winners.”

Fish, chips, sausages even Mars bars, there's simply no end to the food we like to deep fry. But while it might taste great, the experts are always telling us it's bad for our health. So how bad can deep frying really be and is the good old barbie giving us cancer?

Preparing healthy food - is the core concept at Panini Grill restaurants. We madeadecisionfromtheverybeginning, that we are not going to offer fried food.

Andhereiswhy.

Dr Stanley Segall and Dr Philip Handel of Drexel University in Philadelphia, two of America's top food scientists, and both experts in food technology, have organized an experiment to show which cooking method adds the least fat to your food.

They made their first experiment on one of the most popular ingredients in the United States - skinless chicken breasts.

Most of the fat in a chicken breast is in theskinonanypieceofchicken,somost of the fat was removed from the product beforefrying.

Chicken was cooked in three ways — firstly grilled, or what we Americans call broiled, then pan-fried or sautéed, and deep-fried but without any coating on the chicken.

Afterwards, the fat was extracted from the cooked chook, and weighed.

The results? Well, the only surprise is there is no big surprise.

"The broiled sample had the lowest amount of fat, which we would expect, it was about one and a half percent. The sautéed sample was about two percent, a little bit more than that, and the fried sample surprisingly was about the same as the sautéed sample. So deep-fat frying didn't add considerably more fat to the product than sautéing," says Dr Handel.

But remember, normally we deep-fry in batter, and that absorbs a lot more fat.

Regardless, grilling is clearly the leanest way to cook your meat. Cardiologists recommend to avoid ANY oof fried food. For example if you fry your food in butter or trans fat vegetable oils you get a lot of additional saturated and trans fats which are bad for your cholesterol and bad for heart disease.

Grilling will avoid that exposure.

It's the old good fat versus bad fat.

The bad ones are saturated fats found in red meat, cream and butter, and trans fats, found in some margarines and cooking oils. Good fats are found in vegetable and fish oils and they

won't raise your cholesterol.

If you have a very poor, high fat diet duringyourlifethechanceofdeveloping heart disease comes earlier with that.

Whereasifyou'veaveryhealthydietwith low saturated fats and lots of fiber, fish fats then you've less chance of developing heart disease at an earlier age.

So grilling is better for your heart. But that's not the whole story — when it comes to grilling, or more particularly, barbecuing.

Thelong-heldtraditionofcookingonhot coalsisunderthreat.Scientistshavemade an alarming discovery — the food may be grilledbutit'sstillbadforyourhealth.

In California, bio scientist Dr James Felton has spent 25 years studying the science of cooking meat. Disturbingly, he believes barbecued food might contain chemicals that cause cancer.

"When we cook meat, especially on the barbecue, there's actually two kinds of chemicals that will form. But the US national tox [health and toxicology] program gives these compounds the second highest rating — in other words, they're presumed that they will cause cancer," says Dr Felton.

Thosecarcinogensformintwoways: • First when fat drips on the coals, flaring up and blackening the meat.

• The second type forms when you cook your meat at a very high temperature, say 270 degrees.

But will it really give you cancer?

"So have we proved it? In my mind no. Are we pretty convinced? In my mind yes, it's very hard to prove that something causes cancer, especially from the diet," says Dr Felton.

Before you use your barbie as a boat anchor, here are some alternatives: • You can cook more safely by moving the coals to one side, to stop the fat dripping onto them.

• Try cooking on the hotplate instead of the open grill.

• Cook at lower temperatures.

To finish, one from the 'have your cake and eat it too' file: In our food culture we are so unwilling to give up deep fried food, that biochemist Dr Stephen Kelleher has come up with a way of making it a little healthier. It's a protein coating that prevents fat soaking into your food when you fry it.

"That means you can take things like fried chicken, fried fish and you could now instead of having 12 to 14 grams of fat per 100g portion you could have three to four," he says.

Looks like the age of healthier fried foods may soon be upon us but in the meantime remember that saturated fats are bad for your heart so moderation is the key.

Vachagan Robert Yengibaryan PhD Natalia Yengibaryan, MBA Panini Grill owners and operators.

20465 Old Cutler Rd. Ph. 305.238.5894

Page 28

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Dr. Browne’s 2010 Health Care Plan Acupuncture and Massage Treatments as low as:

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You are what you eat.

THE DIRTY SECRETS ABOUT WHAT YOU EAT. High Fructose Corn Syrup One of the many reasons why losing weight in America is nearly impossible.

Misleading labeling and packaging Learn what is inside the foods you eat.

Five easy steps to eating healthier Take home a simple guide to help you be a smarter consumer.

Plus, learn about the latest in fat-burning workouts.

www.SapereGroup.org

June 22 - 28, 2010

Foreclosure and Short Sale Tax Liability Will I owe taxes after a Foreclosure or Short Sale?

BY DANIA S. FERNANDEZ, ESQ., Attorneyy att Law w

The transfer of title to a property, either voluntarily or involuntarily, is considered a sale. If the property is sold, either by short sale or foreclosure, the property owner may be subject to taxes, even if at a loss. The following are five commonly asked questions: 1. Will I have to pay income taxes if my “Principal Residence” is foreclosed? Is there a difference if I short sale it?

If it is the Principal Residence, then the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 will apply. A lender that has foreclosed or agreed to a short sale will forgive or cancel part of the debt owed by the property owner. In other words, the lender will agree to let the property go for less than what is owed and that difference will normally be forgiven or cancelled. This difference must be included as income on your tax return and is taxable. However, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act allows the exclusion of certain cancelled debt if it involves your principal residence. Therefore, if your principal residence is involved there is light at the end of the tunnel, and you may not have to pay additional taxes for income you really did not have the fortune of seeing.

2. If the forgiven debt can be excluded under the Act, do I still have to report it in my tax returns?

The amount the lender forgives must be reported on Form 982 and attached to your tax return. Your accountant will be able to advise you properly. At this point, you should go see your accountant and if you do not have one, get one.

3. How will I know how much debt is forgiven or cancelled?

The Lender will be required to send the property owner a Form

1099-C, Cancellation of Debt by February of 2010. The amount forgiven will be in box 2 of the Form 1099-C. Once again, go to your accountant for guidance on how to prepare you tax returns accordingly.

4.What about my investment property, will I have to pay taxes?

There is no relief for debts on vacation homes and other second homes or rental properties. The Mortgage Debt Relief Act only applies to principal residences.

Therefore, when and if you decide to walk away from your investment property, it is best to seek legal advice and tax advice. Plan ahead don’t wait to get the Form 1099.

5.What if I get the 1099 and I do not have the money to pay the taxes I owe the IRS? The IRS may offer a deferred payment up to 6 months. In the event, there is just no ability to make payment, Bankruptcy will be the next and final alternative. The taxes due may be included and discharged in Bankruptcy.

Foreclosure, Short Sale, Loan Modification, Bankruptcy is not easy to deal with. There are so many that are falling apart as a result of the stress that come along with it. Unfortunately, I am a witness to the heartache. So many, are not just losing their homes, they are also losing their marriages, their health, their families. There are alternatives for everyone. Seek legal advice, there will be alternatives. My initial consultation is free, do not hesitate to write down all your questions and ask away. I am here to help. We can guide and help you with all Real Estate and Bankruptcy matters.

These questions and many more are part of my daily consultations. My first consultation is free; do not hesitate to bring all of your questions.

There are so many in need of help and just knowing what step to take and when, could alleviate many worries. I am here to guide you and help you reach a plan, which as a result may give you peace of mind. I am available via e-mail at dania@faplaw.com or telephone 305-254-4492.

Call Today.

June 22 - 28, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 29

Christ Fellowship graduates shine in the Class of 2010

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

Going to the right pre-kindergarten and elementary school can lay the foundation for the future.

Parents who chose Christ Fellowship Academy (CFA) for their children have reason to believe they made the right choice, especially if they have a child in the Class of 2010. Many of those students were leaders at their respective Justin Moo Young –––––––––––– high schools.

Former CFA student Chuck Woodard was valedictorian at Westminster Christian.

Also from CFA was the second-ranked student, Justin Moo Young.

Formerly known as Perrine Baptist Academy, CFA’s motto is “Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow.”

Chuck Woodard “It laid the building –––––––––––––– blocks,” Woodard said.

“I remember they had a really good academic curriculum.”

Woodard started in pre-K 3 and attended kindergarten and first grade at CFA, then transferred to F.C. Martin for second and third grades before going back to CFA to finish elementary school.

He attributes much of the success to the small classes.

“That’s a big thing for me,” he said.

Woodward will attend the University of Miami with a double major in finance and accounting plus a minor in Spanish.

Another CFA graduate, Tyler Kalbac, received the Silver Knight for Athletics. He just graduated from Palmer Trinity Tyler Kalbac –––––––––––– School where he played baseball and soccer in 11th grade and football his senior year, despite several surgeries to deal with ulcerative colitis.

“I’m completely done with all of my surgeries and I’m doing great,” he said.

Kalbac also won the National Federation of High Schools Spirit of Sport of Award and an award from the Great Comeback Foundation.

He recently looked through a photo album of his days at CFA. “There was a good group of us,” he said.

“To have so many people who love you and support you, and are by your side, it makes you feel special, it encourages you to learn and to grow.”

Kalbac will attend the University of Virginia with his sister, Brittney, and plans a career in medicine. His younger sisters also attended CFA. Debbie Antonelli sent her three children to Christ Fellowship. She and her husband hadn’t planned on keeping them there through sixth grade, but the children Jenny Antonelli did so well they stayed –––––––––––– for 15 years.

“I called it a diamond in the rough in Miami,” Antonelli said.

Her daughter Jenny graduated from Palmetto High and then attended St. Mary’s College, where she was junior and senior class president and a University of Norte Dame cheerleader.

Jenny Antonelli just graduated from UM with a master’s Chris Antonelli –––––––––––– in broadcast journalism.

Son Chris attends Purdue University studying to become a physical therapist.

Youngest son John just graduated from Westminster where he played baseball and won the Most Outstanding Senior Award.

Mrs. Antonelli used to substitute at CFA and liked the fact that you could be Catholic and teach at the Baptist school.

“It was a strong, very John Antonelli –––––––––––––– structured environment,” she said. “It was very strong in the basics.”

CFA graduate Laurence Smith said Perrine Baptist Academy shaped him into what he is today.

“The school was just a friendly atmosphere,” he said.

His best memory was the time he played drums in the chapel as part of a youth band that he and friends formed.

Smith graduated in May from Westwood Christian. His mom, Regina Smith, loved the fact that the CFA faculty always was there, willing and able to talk, if there were any concerns about her children.

“It was just a great experience,” she said.

Page 30

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

June 22 - 28, 2010

2010 Honda Element equipment goes to the dogs Ron Beasley AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR

LET’S TALK CARS To say that the 2010 Honda Element is going to the dogs is a bit of an overstatement, but the new Dog Friendly pet accommodation system is a piece of optional equipment that dog owners will find quite useful and to their liking.

The equipment is designed to improve safety, comfort and convenience for dogs and their owners. In essence, it assures secure transportation of a dog in the cargo area of the Element in a nylon-webbed car kennel.

In daily operation, the car kennel helps prevent a dog from interfering with the driver in traffic by keeping the pet properly restrained and out of reach of the driver. In the event of a collision, the kennel helps restrain the dog behind the rear seats, reducing the chance that the pet will be injured or injure humans during a crash.

The Dog Friendly equipment also aids a

pet’s comfort by providing a soft floor surface for the dog’s legs and paws, along with a dedicated fan and a spill resistant water source and easy-to-clean surfaces. There’s also a ramp for easier entry and exit that stows beneath the bed. It can be accessed when the rear tailgate is down. The Dog Friendly equipment package adds $995 to the base price of an Element.

The Honda Element received numerous upgrades in the 2009 model year, including a new exterior appearance and a refreshed interior design. Three trim levels are available, ranging from the base LX, to the more refined EX and the sporty SC. The Dog Friendly equipment package is designed exclusively for the EX. The Element has an easy-to-clean urethane floor (carpeted on the SC) and an expansive, flat cargo area (up to 74.6 cubic feet with rear seats removed), wide-opening side cargo doors, low liftin height and accommodating dimensions for tall items.

The interior allows seating for four people along with a cargo area that quickly adapts to large items with its flip-up rear seats that fold flat or fold up and to the side, or removed altogether. There are more than 64 seating arrangements in the Element.

Honda Element is even more versatile with new dog-friendly equipment.

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

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and keyless entry.

All Element models have a 2.4-liter iVTEC 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Real Time 4WD, available on the Element LX and EX, enhances all-weather traction. EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings range from 20/25 mpg for two-wheel-drive models to 19/24 mpg for 4WD models.

Base pricing on the 2010 Honda Element ranges from $20,525 for the LX with 2WD and a five-speed automatic transmission to $25,585 for the 4WD EX with the navigation system.

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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Apartment in Kendall. Gated Community w/Security, Pool, Fitness Center & Computer Room. Across From Shopping Center. (1/2-Mile To Turnpike.) w/Washer/Dryer, Utilities & Cable Included. No Pets, References Required. $595/Month 786-242-8878

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June 22 - 28, 2010

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H E A L T H

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B E A U T Y

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C A L L

( 3 0 5 ) 6 6 1 - 9 2 0 0

LOW CARB • LOW FAT • LOW CHOLESTEROL

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I L U V W

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Creative Chef Prepares Yo u r Meals Daily!!!

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Diabetic & Gluten free meals available

Teenage girls needed for a Bone Density Study We are currently conducting a year long trial to determine how investigational, FDA-approved birth control pills (oral contraception) affect bone mineral density in teenage girls.

Participants need to be: • 12 to 18 years old, generally in good health

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• Participants are given a choice between taking a birth control

305-596-9901 for further information

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June 22 - 28, 2010

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 33

1026RB

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For a Complimentary consultation with an experienced professional contact us at 786.319.3162 or visit us www.atlanticwestfin.com

Reading- Math- Language Arts- Study SkillsLearning Strategies- Exam/ SAT/ ACT Prep Kelly Astorga, MS Ed. Educational Consultant everlastinglearning@gmail.com (305) 282-1643

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

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T H E

B U S I N E S S

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ANTIQUE MALL Yâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ALL

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Baron Messenger Service, Inc.

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

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WILLS (305) 238-4222

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D I R E C T O R Y

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June 22 - 28, 2010

C A L L

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Page 38

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June 22 - 28, 2010

THE ROOFING EXPERTS Repairs New Roofs Re-Roofing Coatings

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GRAND OPENING!!!

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