DECEMBER 22 - 28, 2009
Village’s Comprehensive Plan amendments almost complete BY GARY ALAN RUSE
A
fter years of work in creating the village’s Comprehensive Plan (CP), involving countless meetings and a lot of nuts and bolts planning work at Village Hall, Palmetto Bay is poised on the brink of completing the several key amendments to the adopted Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan was adopted originally in 2005. Julian H. Perez, the village’s director of Planning and Zoning, announced recently that the amendments to the plan were in their final stage. “The amendments were completed and transmitted to the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which in turn distributes the documents to several state and local government agencies which evaluate them for consistency with existing regulations,” Perez said during an inter-
Southwood’s magnet orchestra program hitting the right notes
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BY GARY ALAN RUSE
K
––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See
PLAN, page 4
BY EDITH TORRES
C
Pictured are (l-r, Row 1) Caitlin Radin, Nicole Molina, Dario Figueroa, Meghan Gonzalez; (Row 2) George Liu, Vidia Gokool, Arlet Esquivel, Adam Siegel, Jonah Brand, Ashley Wright; (Row 3) teacher Tinder K. Burris, Carla Davis, Jacques Gadway, Hannah Padykula, Patrick Sutton, Karen Bergan, Nicholas Vaccaro, Michaela Salisbury and Erica Ogihara.
Palmetto Bay director of Planning and Zoning Julian Perez oversees management of the village’s Comprehensive Plan. (Photo by Bill Kress)
Fruit and Spice Park set to host Redland Festival
nown for its magnet programs focusing on the arts, Southwood Middle School has a magnet orchestra program that not only scores well with its students, it has proven to be a leader in state competitions. The magnet orchestra program has been in existence for about 20 years and teacher Tinder K. Burris has guided it for the past five.
“Our biggest event is All State and we have the most representation in Dade County in the grade 7 to 8 All State Orchestra in Tampa, Florida, every January, and we’ve had the highest representation of any middle school in the state of Florida for the last five years,” Burris said. There are currently 95 students in the program, a mixture of audition stu–––––––––––––– See
ORCHESTRA, page 4
elebrate the new year at the 33rd annual Redland Festival, Jan. 9-10, at the Fruit and Spice Park, 24801 SW 187 Ave. in Homestead. The Redland Festival, a Fruit and Spice Park staple event that draws crowds in the thousands, will have its traditional natural arts and crafts, more than 20 nurseries selling native plants and fruit trees, a children’s area, as well as a variety of entertainment for the young and old. Featured entertainers performing both on stage and impromptu throughout the park include Merlina, the magician and bilingual story teller, bringing her stories to life with audience participation and interaction; Redland Festival returning favorites Ed and Geraldine Berbaum performing old-time musicals and inviting children to join them in playing musical rhythm instruments; David Ballard performing comedy variety entertainment using puppets and clowns, and renowned guitarist James Kelly performing traditional Irish music. The Natural Selections of South Florida, with host and owner Joseph Wasilewski, will conduct live animal shows prompting educational discussion and teaching the audience about the environmental purpose of native Florida animals. Animals featured include alligators, crocodiles, snakes, turtles and other interesting creatures. Admission is $8 per person and children under age 12 are admitted free. Doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. For more information, call the Fruit and Spice Park at 305-247-5727. The Fruit and Spice Park, operated by MiamiDade Park and Recreation Department, grows more than 500 varieties of sub-tropical fruits, herbs, spices, vegetables and nuts from around the world on 39 lush acres in the agricultural Redland. The park offers daily botanical tours, fruit tasting and naturalist-led workshops.
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December 22 - 28, 2009
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Palmer Trinity School earns EDC Beautification Award
Pictured (l-r) are Frieda Brown, vice president of TotalBank; Sean Murphy, head of school-Palmer Trinity, and Herb Parlato, EDC executive director. (Photo by Gary Alan Ruse) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY LEE STEPHENS
Palmer Trinity School, located at 7900 SW 176 St. in Palmetto Bay, was awarded the Beautification Award for the month of December from the Economic Development Council of South MiamiDade. EDC chair Richard Horton and Frieda Brown, vice president of TotalBank, presented the award to Sean Murphy, Palmer Trinity head of school, during the Economic Development Council’s general membership meeting on Dec. 8. “Palmer Trinity School’s dedication to quality maintenance and aesthetics demonstrates what it means to be a good neighbor within a community,” said Herb Parlato, executive director of the EDC. “The continued beautification of properties such as Palmer Trinity creates a more attractive place to live, work and play.” Sponsored by Total Bank, the award is presented to a different business each month. Palmer Trinity School is an independent Episcopal school that balances a rigorous college prep program with the development of the spiritual and moral life of students. During the past 18 years, Palmer Trinity
has grown steadily from 300 to 600 students. Post-hurricane landscaping and the school’s commitment to environmental preservation are reflected in the serene tropical loveliness of gumbo limbo trees, royal poincianas, palms, ferns, orchids, and other foliage native to the area. The Economic Development Council Beautification Award program was designed to promote awareness of business owners’ pride in their establishments, as well as to foster a sense of pride in the aesthetic aspects of the community. Nominations for this award should be forwarded to the council’s attention at 900 Perrine Ave., Miami, FL 33157. Founded in 1992, the Economic Development Council is a public/private not-for-profit economic development corporation. The council’s overall objective is to implement an economic development program that will foster a positive image for the community, attract new businesses that create quality jobs for residents, while diversifying and strengthening the economic base consistent for the future of South Miami-Dade. For more information about the council, call 305-378-9470.
Pictured are the new owners of Lots of Lox (l-r) Steve, Jimmy and Nick Poulos.
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PLAN,
from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
view. “The Comprehensive Plan is the document that represents the community’s future planning vision. It is composed of elements regarding every aspect of development here.” According to Florida statutes, every local government has to have a Comprehensive Plan. “We conducted an analysis of the plan, the future land use map as well as the zoning map to be sure they were all consistent,” Perez said. “When we noticed there was an inconsistency we went ahead and corrected the future land use and zoning maps and the corresponding elements in the Comprehensive Plan through an amendment process.” Perez said that his department went ahead and submitted all the amendments to the mayor and council members for their approval and transmittal to the DCA. That was done on Aug. 20. The Florida DCA issued its report on Dec. 1. “The DCA and reviewing agencies completed their review and submitted to the village a report entitled, ‘Objections, Recommendations and Comments,’” Perez said. “The ORC Report contained six basic objections and 10 comments. By law we’re only required to respond to the objections. The comments are just suggestions.” According to Perez, that was remarkably few objections for the 12 amendments submitted to the DCA, covering nine separate elements in the plan. “Only a few of the 11 agencies that reviewed the amendments had comments,” Perez said. “These came from the DCA, the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Department of Education.” Perez said the majority of the objections were just asking for clarifications of the wording or dates, or in one case for the
submission of a report showing there was an adequate water supply. As of deadline, there was a meeting scheduled for Monday, Dec. 21, during which the village council would review and approve a response to the ORC Report, make any needed adjustments and reply back to the DCA. “It’s the final step in completing the amendment process, except for a period of advertising and a chance for public response,” Perez said. One of the elements in the plan addresses water conservation, which village public information officer Bill Kress said were optional — not required by law — but things that village officials thought were important. Julian Perez didn’t want to downplay the significance of the DCA report or the amount of effort put into work on the amendments by his department, village attorney Eve Boutsis and other staffers. “The fact that we only had six objections to the amendments is amazing,” Perez said. “A lot of people put a lot of hours, even weekends and nights, into putting the amendments to the elements together.” Mayor Eugene P. Flinn Jr. commented on the significance of the process to Palmetto Bay. “We are reaching the end of another milestone in the evolution of our village,” Flinn said. “I am very proud of the resident input; the large number of public meetings, workshops, charrette meetings, and hearings that went into this process. “Our Comprehensive Development Master Plan is a reflection of our community. We added various optional elements, such as coastal and water conservation elements, which reflect this community’s environmental sensibility — after all, this is Palmetto Bay.”
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ORCHESTRA,
December 22 - 28, 2009
from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
dents, elective students and piano magnet students. “Audition students come here in the month of February the year before and they perform on their instruments,” Burris said. “Also we audition students who have never had any experience on instruments, on their potential and interest in learning.” Most schools have band programs, but there is clearly a difference with Southwood’s magnet approach. “Luckily, we have two hours of instruction per day, so we can really work not only on the basics but really on details, on pitch, on bowing, and they’re exposed to a lot of literature, so we have that advantage,” Burris said. Most of her students go on to music programs at Coral Reef High School, New World School, Robert Morgan High School and Palmetto High School. “Our attrition rate to high school orchestra programs is high,” Burris said. She is quick to admit that the success of the program is a team effort, not just for the students but for her as well. “We have a fantastic group of parents who work behind the scenes, raise money, help out with legwork,” Burris explained. “It’s just a huge, huge part of our program. I couldn’t do it without them. Of course our administration is very supportive. On top of that, we have a very high-end academic program here at this school. That makes a big difference.” Most of the students have a longstanding background in music. Patrick Sutton, 12, is a seventh grader who plays the cello in the advanced orchestra, and has played since third grade. He explained what he liked about the Southwood magnet program. “You get to play in an orchestra, and it’s really fun to experience with other people,” Sutton said. As far as a future interest in music, he doesn’t rule it out. “Probably as a side job. It’s really helped me with math. I want to be an engineer. The program here is really good.” Patrick’s mother, Carolyn Sutton, is one of many parents who appreciate the Southwood magnet program. “It’s nice that he gets the two hours,” Carolyn Sutton said. “In the sixth grade he learned music theory and he learned to play piano, as well as having an hour of orches-
tra, because he was in the intermediate orchestra last year. “He plays not only in the large orchestra, he also gets to play in a chamber group. The key to why a lot of kids drop out — with the cello or the violin, if you don’t have the orchestra experience, it’s very boring ,” she said. “Being able to play with other people, like a team, it’s a lot of fun. That’s why they don’t quit. It’s a shared experience.” Meghan Gonzalez, 13, an eighth grade student who plays the violin, feels strongly about the program. “It’s an actual honor; I really enjoy it,” Gonzalez said. “It’s something I can do in my spare time and it’s something I really love. Music is my life. Because of this program I learned music theory, and that’s helped me a lot. I want to go to college for music, graduate in music, maybe teach some private lessons or do what my teacher, Ms. Burris does.” She also credits the importance of parental support. “I could not do this without my parents,” Gonzalez said. “They’re there at the concerts. They’re really a big inspiration for me.” Hannah Padykula, also 13 and an eighth grade student who plays the viola, feels a special connection with the orchestra magnet. “I like being in this program because I feel like everyone understands how you feel,” Padykula said. “We all have a passion for music here. I feel like I fit in here. I feel like I can express myself through music and then go back to math. “It gives me kind of a break from academics. I studied the violin in second grade, and once I got here I decided I wanted to play the viola. I felt like it had a deeper, more passionate kind of sound.” Padykula said that she has an interest in playing music in the future, but not as a career. “I want to go on with my life, but I want to have that as a way to help me and calm myself down,” she said. Members of the orchestra recently played at the Palmetto Bay State of the Village Address, and they’re getting ready for other events coming soon. “We’re looking right now to the next All State, Jan. 6 to 9,” Burris said. “And we have two quartets that will be playing at Signature Gardens for the ‘Teacher of the Year’ luncheon.”
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December 22 - 28, 2009
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Sometimes a government shutdown is a good thing Michael Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR
AROUND TOWN This is the one time of year when the hustle and bustle and occasional turmoil that goes in village or town government grinds to a halt and everyone mellows out. The Christmas, Chanukah and possibly even Kwanza decorations go up, the parties gear up, the gifts are wrapped up and everyone seems to calm down a bit as they close up shop to take time off for holiday festivities and spend more time with family and friends. And maybe pop a few corks at New Year’s. Sure, it kinda slows things down a bit, but isn’t it nice to see everybody relaxing a bit, having fun and sharing in the things that we all have in common...the things that really count the most, when you think about it. From all of us here at Community Newspapers, we wish you the best and hope your holiday season is truly wonderful. A r e a d e r ’s le tte r on the big South Miami FPL meeting on December 10 begins “Thanks to everyone who made the Town Hall meeting a success. Feedback was that the evening was very professional. Great media presence and coverage. Looks like all three FPL people stayed pretty much for the whole meeting. We even had folks drive in from Key Largo, Naples and Palm Beach County. We are so grateful for the City of South Miami graciously making its excellent facilities and audio/visual professional and system available. W. arranged for copies of the DVD to be available soon. Nice scene for our group at Deli Lane; we are just too
refined for Sunset Tavern. Enjoy the holidays, back to work in the New Year, peace and love.” — BW. J o b re m ind e r from Commissioner ‘Joe’ Martinez: The Census Bureau is accepting applications for temporary jobs helping with next year’s count of the United States population. Most assignments will last five to ten weeks, require U.S. citizenship, a driver’s license, use of a vehicle, and a background check. The ability to speak a second language is a big plus. For more information, please call 866-861-2010 or visit <www.2010Censusjobs.gov>. Attention Jane Seymour fans... If you don’t mind driving north a ways, Emmy and Award-Winning Actress Jane Seymour, who is also an accomplished artist, will make three special appearances at the Wentworth Galleries in Las Olas, The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens and the Town Center Mall in Boca Raton. “Jane Seymour: A One Woman Show” includes original oils, acrylic and watercolor paintings, as well as limited edition artwork, all available for purchase. Guests will have the opportunity to see Ms. Seymour on all days: F r i d a y, J a n u a ry 22: 7 – 9 p.m. We n t w o r th G a l l e r y: The Gardens Mall, 3101 Pga Blvd., Palm Beach. For Details call: 561-624-0656 or 800-732-6140 S a t u r d a y, J a n u a r y 23: 12 – 3 p.m. We n t w o r th G a l l e r y: Las Olas, 819 East Las Olas Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale. For details call: 954-468-0685 or 800-732-6140
Palmetto Bay News
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PUBLISHER .................................................................................................................................. Grant Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR .....................................................................................................................Michael Miller EDITOR.................................................................................................................................. David Berkowitz WRITERS, COLUMNISTS.............................................................. Ron Beasley, Kenneth Bluh, Robert Hamilton, Linda Rodriguez-Bernfeld, Gary Alan Ruse, Lee Stephens, Al Sunshine, Richard Yager ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES..........................................................Albie Barnes, Beatriz Brandfon, Roberta Bergman, Ana Caceres, Celia Canabate, Diane Chasin, Henry Chau, Sharon Christian, Cecile Fanfani, Diane Maddox, Denzel Miles, Ann Robbins-Udel, Fara Sax, Lori Schwadron, Diane Sedona Schiller, Walter White LEGAL ADVERTISING ..................................................................................................................... Georgia Tait BOOKKEEPING ............................................................................................................................ Jesus Toledo PROOF DEPARTMENT....................................................................................................................Isabel Vavrek
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.
S a t u r d a y, J a n u a ry 23: 6 p.m.– 9 p.m. We n t w o rt h G a l l e r y: Town Center Mall, 6000 Glades Rd., Boca Raton. For Details call: 561-338-0804 or 800-732-6140 Wentworth Galleries’ website, <www.wentworthgallery.com> provides information on featured artists, upcoming exhibits, online orders and directions. T h o ug h t f o r the Da y: A conscience which has been bought once will be bought twice. — Norbert Wiener
Gary Alan Ruse and Richard Yager contributed to this column. Got any tips? Contact me at 305-6697355, ext. 249, or send emails to <michael@communitynewspapers.com>. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Actress/artist Jane Seymour is pictured with one of her paintings. (Photo by Charles Bush)
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December 22 - 28, 2009
Medicare fraud capital — one more black eye R. Kenneth Bluh KENNETH’S COMMENTARY The United States Inspector General Daniel R. Levinson said approximately 2 percent of the nation’s diabetics live in Miami-Dade County. He also said that 50 percent of all moneys disbursed by Medicare in the entire nation for diabetic reimbursement are spent in Miami-Dade. Levinson said, “that it might indicate fraud.” Might! How expensive could diabetic medications cost in Miami-Dade? Medicare is spending approximately $500 million a year on diabetic care for seniors in Miami-Dade, with a population of 2.4 million, the same amount it is spending on the rest of the nation’s 305 million people. They call Miami the “Medicare Fraud Capital of America.” Medicare estimates that fraud is costing the American taxpayer $60 billion a year. If we could save that
money we would be well on our way to covering the cost of the expanded health coverage currently being debated in Congress. How is it possible that we are spending, on average, $5,964 a month on each diabetic patient under Medicare coverage in Miami while the national average is $378 a month? The federal government says “a big part of the losses are incurred by the government wanting to quickly pay claims without verifying the bill.” Who pays a bill without looking at it and asking, “Is this correct?” Medicare claims that in the last year it has shut down 33 agencies in Miami that have been billing Medicare illegally. Once closed down they then go across the street and open up a new store and are back in business. Put them in jail and that will put an end to their staying in business. Payment caps proposed to go into effect this year will, it is lamented, hurt the legitimate diabetics who require home care. The government says it will continue to pay for home healthcare for the needy elderly, insisting that their only goal is to stop fraudulent claims. If approximately 50 percent of the
Looking for Something Special for the Kids Stocking? Consider a Custodial Account I am looking for something special for my children’s or grandchildren’s stocking. What do you suggest? If you can afford it, and you feel motivated to do so, I suggest that you put a check in their stocking to be used to open or add to a custodial account. Who controls the money in the custodial account? Custodial accounts are registered under the minor’s name and social security, but the custodian (you) controls the money until the minor is an adult. Is the custodial account more flexible than the Florida Prepaid College Plan or 529 plan? Yes, the Florida Prepaid College Plan and the 529 plan are for educational purposes only. The custodial account can be used for other purposes besides education.
When should you start a custodial account? The sooner the better. The cost of education will continue to rise. I suggest that you get into the “tradition” of making this a yearly item for the stocking. You should have a review of your financial condition prior to investing including a clear understanding of your investment criteria. 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 of FINRA/SIPC. Rick Tonkinson Registered Representative. Advisory Services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Rick Tonkinson Investment Advisor Representative. Rick Tonkinson and Associates, Inc. & Securities America companies are not affiliated.
––– VIEWPOINT ––– Medicare fraud is in Miami-Dade why not pour 50 percent of the Inspector General’s staff into our community and clean it up once and for all? So who is guilty? First, the fake service providers that are billing Medicare for services and equipment that are not provided seniors. Then, there are the immoral members of the medical profession that receive bribes for fake referrals. The unsuspecting seniors that are victims of medical identity theft — their Medicare numbers being used fraudulently to make claims. Lastly, there are the seniors who are accepting under the table cash from illegal providers in exchange for the use of their Medicare numbers to make fraudulent claims. They are as guilty as the illegal providers who are billing Medicare for reimbursement for services they have not provided. Seniors, check your “Quarterly Medicare Summary Notice” which you receive in the mail. If you find billings for services you
have not received, send what you have found to The Office of the Inspector General: By email to <www.HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov>; Call 1-800-447-8477; By mail to HHS TIPS, PO Box 23489, Washington, DC 20026, or By fax to 1-800-223-8164. If all seniors checked their Medicare Summary Notices and turned fraudulent claims over to the government for investigation, we would go a long way in saving the taxpayers billions of dollars every year. 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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December 22 - 28, 2009
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Cobra health plan coverage may become much more expensive Al Sunshine 4 YOUR MONEY What do snakes and government have in common? The answer: A health plan called “Cobra Coverage.” The government-subsidized plan has become a major part of the federal safety net for millions of unemployed workers. It allows laid-off workers to keep their old company health insurance, but the catch is that they have to pay for most of the bill themselves. The latest version of the standard plan allows workers who were laid off after September 2008 to enroll in up to nine months of their old health coverage at a reduced rate. Thanks to a federal subsidy, the government absorbs about 65 percent of the total cost. Former workers have to pay the other 35 percent themselves. However, once the federal subsidy expires at the end of the month, millions of unemployed workers will have to find more money to keep their health insurance or find other alternatives. Under normal circumstances, the policy does not allow re-enrollment. Once the 90-day election period expires or the COBRA coverage is cancelled, there is no way to reapply. Even so, some people are trying to avoid possible conflict by purchasing a short-term plan. Unfortunately, short-term coverage has limitations. Unlike an individual or family health insurance plan, if there is a medical condition while on a shortterm policy, the insurer has the option not to renew the coverage once the preset term of the short-term policy ends. Short-term policies also won’t cover any current pre existing health conditions or medications. On the upside, short-term coverage provides an excellent safety net in case of unexpected emergencies or hospitalization, and it’s an especially effective option when you know that you’ll have access to another health insurance plan — like group health coverage through an
employer — within six months. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may find it slightly easier to qualify for a short-term plan than a standard individual and family plan, since short-term coverage doesn’t extend to pre-existing medical conditions. In addition, there are other alternatives to short-term coverage, month-to-month individual and family health plans. If the goal simply is to be able to cancel coverage at any time, both short-term and individual and family coverage are paid for on a month-to-month basis and typically, an individual or family plan can be canceled at any time. “It will hit thousands of local families with higher bills than they may be able to afford,” said local financial planner Matt McGrath. “This is a very big problem for South Florida families and any other recently unemployed workers around the state as a whole.” Today, a typical Cobra bill for a family of two would be about $529 a month. But take the federal aid away and it becomes more than $1,500 a month. In Florida, the full cost of Cobra family coverage equals more than the state’s monthly unemployment benefits. Congress is considering several bills to extend the federal Cobra funding. If they don’t come up with more funding before the end of the year, thousands of local families drawing unemployment benefits may not be able to afford any health insurance at all. According to Congressional Budget Office estimates, as many as 7 million people could be benefiting from the Cobra subsidy by the end of the year. Critics argue that the policy is making people more dependent on government assistance and less likely to try and find a new job or new health insurance on their own. With the health insurance debate still raging in the Senate, it is unlikely that any new bills will be rushed through congress anytime soon. 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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December 22 - 28, 2009
Eye exams are a preventive tool BY DR. ADAM CLARIN
The eyes are said to be the windows into the soul, but they are actually windows into the entire body. Just as the eyes allow us to see what’s happening in the world around us, they also allow doctors to see what’s happening inside of our bodies. A comprehensive eye exam performed by an optometrist will not only assess the condition of your vision, but the exam can also detect the onset of eye disease and other serious systemic health issues. Research has shown that 3.4 million Americans over 40 years old suffer from visual impairments including cloudy or blurred vision, near or far sightedness and even blindness. As the population continues to age, the occurrence of vision disorders will only increase since adults are more prone to developing various age-related eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. Glaucoma is the most common cause of vision loss and typically does
not cause noticeable symptoms or changes in your vision. By the time your vision is affected, Optometrists can only prevent further vision loss. Regular comprehensive eye exams by your Optometrist can detect early signs of glaucoma and allow for early intervention and prevent vision loss. Eye exams serve as a preventative tool not only for identifying eye impairments but also symptoms of serious systemic diseases. For example, examining the cornea and blood flow through the retina can help your eye doctor detect signs of diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease. Ultimately, early detection can not only save a patient’s eyesight but also alert them to the presence of another disease before it causes serious damage. Also, beginning in your early to mid-40s you will experience changes in your vision, especially the ability to see clearly at close distances. This normal aging change in the eye’s focusing ability will continue during your 40s and 50s. In addition, as we get older we are more susceptible to certain eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Getting your eyes regularly examined enables your eye care
doctor to detect the first signs of disease and prescribe the appropriate treatments to prevent vision loss. The increased visual demands of our technological society also add to the need for regular optometric care. From iPhones to Blackberrys to computers, everyday devices cause more eyestrain than ever before. These new visual demands lead to new visual discomforts, such as computer vision syndrome, and to maintain visual efficiency, productivity, and optimum eye health, routine examinations are needed. It is unwise to determine the need for an eye exam based solely on whether or not you are seeing well. Even though your vision may be clear, undetected changes can occur from high blood pressure, diabetes, eye tumors and retinal disorders. Unlike the rest of your body, the eyes usually don’t hurt when something is wrong, so don’t just rely on changes in your vision to determine your need for an exam. As a rule, you should not go beyond two years to have your eyes examined, and the recommended care is to have a routine eye exam every year. If you have a family history of eye diseases, diabetes, or poor gen-
eral health you may need to have your eyes examined more often. You and your doctor should determine the eye exam schedule that best meets your eye care needs. Proper eye care isn’t limited to adults. The American Optometric Association suggests that children should have their first regular eye exam between 6 months and one year. Follow up exams should be done around age three because this is the age when a child’s visual system undergoes its most rapid development, and when vision correction is most effective. As with adults, children’s eyes should be examined every year. School-age children use their eyes more frequently than adults to read and perform other school activities, so it’s extremely critical for them to have regular eye exams. It is also important to remember that an eye screening typically offered at school only tests distance vision and will not detect many vision problems. Your child can have problems with near vision, eye coordination and focusing and still have very good distance vision. If left untreated, these problems can cause learning disabilities, headaches and other visual discomfort.
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December 22 - 28, 2009
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Herb Parlato honored for efforts on behalf of EDC
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December 22 - 28, 2009
SMH’s CEO honored by March of Dimes
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Pictured (l-r) are WFOR CBS 4 Shannon Hori, South Miami Hospital CEO Javier Hernandez-Lichtl receiving 2009 Humanitarian of the Year Award, Peter Chevalier and Gustavo Berenblum. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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BY JOSE BOZA
March of Dimes named Javier Hernandez-Lichtl, CEO of South Miami Hospital, one of seven 2009 recipients of its prestigious Building Our Community Humanitarian of the Year Award during a recent recognition luncheon at Jungle Island. Hernandez-Lichtl was honored for his personal involvement and commitment to making a difference in South Florida. The Humanitarian of the Year Award recognizes individuals who exemplify excellence in their respective fields, as well as their commitment to community activities that enhance the quality of our lives. “It’s an honor to be recognized with this select group of individuals who truly embody the spirit of a humanitarian,” Hernandez-Lichtl said. “March of Dimes makes a huge difference in families’ lives. I am proud of their work —
past, present and future.” In addition to his role as hospital CEO, Hernandez-Lichtl has held various leadership positions within Baptist Health, South Miami Hospital’s parent company, since 2003. A resident of Coral Gables, he is active in the community with the Florida Sterling Council, Miami International University of Art & Design, Florida International University and University of Miami School of Nursing. He led the 2008 March for Babies campaign. The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency with a mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies. For more information, visit the March of Dimes website at <www.marchofdimes.com> or its Spanish website at <www.nacersano.org>.
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December 22 - 28, 2009
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Experience the difference at The finest restaurant in Pinecrest-Palmetto Bay-The Falls has a fresh and contemporary new look with a new menu to match. Some new and exciting flavors like Snapper Ceviche and Cuban coffee rubbed Rib Eye Steak, Ginger Ahi Tuna with black bean-pineapple relish and plaintain chips or Coconut macadamia Crusted Mahi with a zesty orange marmalade sauce. Also some old favorites like Weinerschnitzel, Snapper Francais, Beef Stroganoff or Filet Mignon. We also have daily specials which have included our famous Roast Duck, Raspberrie Chicken or Honey Ginger Salmon. Call or email to see what specials we are doing today!
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Fleming’s Duck Danoise $25... Served with baked apple, prunes and red cabbage Tournedos Bearnaise $29... Twin filets topped with asparagus, mushrooms and béarnaise sauce Baby Calves Liver $23... Sweet and tender, smothered in onions Veal Tivoli $23... Veal cutlet sautéed with fresh mushrooms in a white wine cream sauce Chicken Raspberrie $21... Boneless breast, baked in a raspberry sauce. Frickadeller $22... Danish style meatballs, pan seared and flat, served with red cabbage and white wine cream sauce Grilled Salmon $22... Charbroiled and brushed with a honey ginger glaze
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
December 22 - 28, 2009
Goodyear at Cutler Bay celebrates grand opening BY ROBERT HAMILTON
Goodyear at Cutler Bay Tire and Auto Service Center, 20390 S. Dixie Hwy. (on the west side of US1 across from Southland Mall), celebrated its grand opening on Nov. 21. Formerly Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., it is now family owned and operated by Kevin and Michele Pedersen. “This is a great opportunity for us to serve the community that my husband grew up in (Palmetto High 1976) and we have lived in throughout the years,” Michele Pedersen said. “We have owned and operated the Goodyear at Homestead Tire and Auto for the past nine years and we wanted to expand to this location and provide a full-service state-of-the-art facility that provides automotive care to any type of vehicle on the road. “We have one of the largest selections of tires and provide complete auto care with the Gemini Nationwide warranty. From our
“We ha ve one of the largest selections of tires and provide complete auto care with the Gemini Na tionwide warranty.” — Michelle Pedersen staff to our waiting area we want to make sure our customers know we care about their needs and that our promise to them is to give them excellence service.” Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. For information, call 305-233-5241.
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December 22 - 28, 2009
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Sunrise School of Miami — A Green School in Your Backyard
BY PATTIE RUSSELL At the Sunrise School of Miami — a Waldorf school — being “green” and teaching environmental responsibility is a key part of the Waldorf curriculum. Waldorf education has become the largest independent, non-denominational educational movement in the world, with over 900 schools and an additional 600 early childhood programs in 85 countries. What accounts for this widespread interest? The Waldorf approach is based on the simple but profound insight that children learn in distinctly different ways at different stages of their development. It cultivates academic, social and emotional intelligence, and connects children to nature and the arts. Encouraging students’ connection with the earth is seen throughout the school. Gardening, especially biodynamic farming, was part of Waldorf founder Rudolf Steiner’s original vision. Starting in the youngest grades our students learn to take care of our garden, complete with organic soil and seeds and a composter where all students dispose of their leftover food to create fertilizer that we add back to the garden environment. Materials in a Waldorf classroom are always made from natural products. In the earliest grades students feel the warmth experienced with wooden rather than plastic toys, and they use beeswax crayons and organic paints. They even use pure, plant-dyed wools when knitting and weaving to develop fine motor skills essential to writing and developing the focus that they will need in future grades. Even the paint on our classroom walls is milk-based to avoid toxins and create a calming effect. The Waldorf curriculum links students to the world around them through the required study of music, art and foreign language—subjects that have become expendable in many schools. First-graders move through a science curriculum that leads to zoology in grade
four, botany in grade six and chemistry, anatomy, physiology and physics by grade eight. Math and geography follow a similar trajectory. The program of study additionally integrates unique classes such as knitting, quilting and woodworking. Fifth-graders re-create the Greek Pentathlon. At Sunrise School of Miami the link students have with the natural world is important. Nature deficit disorder is a newly coined phrase for the negative ramifications from a dearth of outdoor experiences. The Sierra Club and the National Wildlife Federation have recently expressed concern that today’s children will not grow up to be environmental stewards since there has been such a sharp decline in national park visit rates and camping rates in the last 20 years. They even think a declining interest in the outdoors could result in fewer conservationists. At Sunrise School of Miami, we are confident our students will grow up at a minimum to hold a great respect for the natural world, and it would not surprise me if many of them become the environmental stewards and conservationists that will continue our country’s green revolution. Sunrise School of Miami is a Pre-K4 – 8th Grade school located at 8795 S.W. 112 St. For more information visit: www.sunriseschoolofmiamil.com.
December 22 - 28, 2009
Gulliver students develop water purification system
Gulliver Prep student engineers inspect the solar water purification system earmarked for Haiti. A second unit is being constructed as well. Pictured (l-r) are seniors Eric Tano, Martin Arostegui and Kyle Kurzner. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY BAY PROBY
Gulliver Preparatory School engineering and biomedical science students are addressing one of Haiti’s most pressing health problems — drinkable water. With support from a LemelsonMassachusetts Institute of Technology two-year grant, the Gulliver students recently completed a prototype ultraviolet (UV) water filtration system that will produce 500 gallons of safe drinkable water per day. They also are developing a reverse osmosis system to determine which approach is most effective in removing dangerous waterborne bacteria, viruses and protozoa from Haiti’s water supply. The success of the Haitian Water Purification System project is the most recent accomplishment for Gulliver’s unique pre-engineering program, which integrates hands-on learning through service projects and textbook studies in its curriculum. “We want our students to design and develop technology solutions that improve the quality of life for individuals and communities,” said Claude Charron, Gulliver’s Engineering and Biomedical Science Department chair. “That was the overriding theme for our Haiti water purification project.”
Friends of the Orphans, an international nonprofit that operates orphanages in Latin America and the Caribbean is partnering with Gulliver and MIT to install the solar water purification system at St. Damien Pediatric Hospital in Port au Prince where the water will be used for medical purposes and drinking. Since last fall, the pre-engineering students have been researching, designing, and engineering a prototype purification system that uses a 15-watt ultraviolet light bulb. One bulb can last between three to nine years, depending on the size of the filtration equipment, and can be powered using self-sustainable solar energy. “It is difficult to find fresh water in Haiti without contaminants that cause potentially fatal ailments like Hepatitis A and E, typhoid fever, leptospirosis, and diarrhea,” said Nikita Mayani, an 11th grade biomedical science student at Gulliver. In addition to Friends of Orphans, the Gulliver team hopes to partner with the University of Miami and an international organization such as Engineers Without Borders, in order to implement and maintain the most effective system for Haiti. “Our goal for the next school year is to compare the two water purification systems and send the better one to Haiti,” Charron added.
December 22 - 28, 2009
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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First Everglades Sunset Bike Hike and Wine Tasting Tour Miami-Dade Parks Eco-Adventures is hosting its first Everglades Sunset Bike Hike and Wine Tasting Tour on Sunday, Dec. 27, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tour participants will meet at the Ernest Coe Visitors Center in Everglades National Park, 40001 State Road 9336 (Palm Drive/SW 344 St.) in Homestead. The evening will begin with a leisurely paced seven-mile bicycle ride along the Long Pine Key Nature Trail to Pine Glades Lake, led by experienced naturalist guide and author Roger Hammer. At Pine Glades Lake participants will taste an assortment of fine South Florida Tropical Fruit wines provided by Schnebly Redlands Winery, made from carambola, avocado, lychee, mango, guava and passion fruit, as well as sample an assortment of cheeses, while enjoying a picturesque sunset in the beautiful Everglades. The cost to take this tour is $50 and includes bicycles, helmets, wine, snacks and transportation into Everglades National Park. Space is limited. To reserve your seat, call 305-365-3018; the deadline to RSVP is Dec. 23. For more information, visit online at <www.miamiecoadventures.com>.
DADELAND MALL TO PRESENT ‘WOMEN’S HEART HEALTH FAIR’ In honor of American Heart Month, Dadeland Mall will present Sister to Sister’s “Women’s Heart Health Fair” on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Center Court of the mall, located at 7535 N. Kendall Dr. Dadeland Mall has partnered with Sister to Sister: The Women’s Heart Health Foundation, to recognize American Heart Month. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in women and this event will help educate them about ways to reduce the risk of getting this disease. For more information about attending this free event, contact Dadeland Mall at 305-665-6226 or visit online at <www.simon.com>. VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS SEEKING NEW VOLUNTEER GUIDES Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is seeking volunteers interested in providing meaningful and interactive experiences for visitors by leading tours. Join on location at 3251 S. Miami Ave., on Wednesday, Jan. 6, from 7 to 9 p.m., for refreshments and a chance to learn more
COMMUNITY NEWS briefs about the program. New volunteer guides training is scheduled for every Saturday from Jan. 23 through Feb. 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and attendance at all sessions is required to become a volunteer guide. Guides will be selected based on application and interview process during this special open house. A completed application, received no later than Jan. 4 will serve as your reservation to attend. Space is limited, so candidates are encouraged to turn their applications in quickly. Visit online at <www.vizcayamuseum.org> for detailed information and an application. UM CREATIVE WRITING PROGRAM PLANS CRAFT-INTENSIVE WEEKEND The University of Miami’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program will honor the 50th teaching anniversary of its founding professor and author of 14 books,
Lester Goran, by launching a weekend workshop series designed to engage the local writing community. The workshop will take place on Saturday, Feb. 27, and Sunday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the CAS Library, 1210 Stanford Dr. on the UM campus. Sessions at this program will span the breadth of creative writing, including memoir, poetry on and off the page and the development of what John Gardner calls “the vivid and continuous dream” in fiction. UM professors Jane Alison, Maureen Seaton, Walter Lew, Mia Leonin, Peter Schmitt and MFA program director M. Evelina Galang, joined by Lois Wolfe and R. Zamora Linmark, introduce narrative techniques, poetic traditions and hybrid forms of writing through lectures, demonstrations and in-class exercises.
––––––– Continued on next page
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
NEWS,
December 22 - 28, 2009
from previous page
For more information about seminars and breakout sessions with MFA students and alumni, visit the website at <www.as.miami.edu/english/creativewriting/lestergoran/writenow>. AWARD HONORS SMH UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD COLLECTION CENTER South Miami Hospital’s Public Umbilical Cord Blood Collection Center has won an international Stevie Award for
Women in Business in the “Best New Service of the Year” category. Denise Woods, RN, vice president of the hospital’s Center for Women and Infants, received the honor, chosen from among 2,600 candidates in 40 categories. The Stevie Awards were created to honor the positive contributions of businesspeople and companies around the world. The awards include the American Business Awards, International Business Awards, Stevie Awards for Women in Business and Stevie Awards for Sales and Customer Service.
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December 22 - 28, 2009
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 17
World’s largest cruise ship exceeds expectations BY MIKE BERK When something is hyped as much as Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas has been during the past few months, you expect that a visit on board might not live up to your expectations. Well, this grand lady, the largest cruise ship in the world, surpassed those expectations. Words and pictures, plans and drawings couldn’t do justice to the real thing. Designed with seven distinct “neighborhoods,” the 225,000-ton Oasis of the Seas sets a whole new standard of cruise ship design. The designers took advantage of its 208-foot width to open parts of the ship to the sky and create two of its seven neighborhoods — Central Park and Boardwalk — as well as greatly increasing the number of staterooms with balconies. “We wanted to create something that is game-changing. It is our tradition,” Richard Fain, chair of Royal Caribbean International, told a group of media members during a recent preview cruise from the ship’s homeport of Port Everglades. Dividing the ship into seven neighborhoods makes it much less overwhelming and finding your way around the 1,187-foot long liner is not nearly as daunting as one might expect. There are so many different areas on the ship, many quiet intimate spaces — inside and out — where you can conduct a quiet conversation or read a book, even with another 5,399 guests on board (based on double occupancy). The ships seven neighborhoods are: Central Park — Open to the sky, the unique lush tropical park at sea, complete with flower gardens and canopy trees, spans the length of a football field with paths and quiet rest spots. It also is home to some the
Sculptures like this one add an artistic touch to the gardens of Central Park.
N E W S ship’s premium dining and shopping venues. Boardwalk — For those who have spent any time near seaside piers such a Coney Island in New York, this may bring back fond memories. Complete with a carousel, it features a seafood restaurant, ice cream parlor, donut shop and Johnny Rockets, and is the gateway to the revolutionary AquaTheater. Royal Promenade — An evolution of the Royal Promenade found on the line’s Voyager and Freedom class ships, this center of activity features lounges, dining and shopping. During a cruise it is often the location of theme parades and other entertainment activities. Pool and Sport Zone — With pools galore, the Oasis of the Seas features the first “beach pool” at sea, the H2O Zone kids water playground, several whirlpools, an expanded adults-only Solarium, basketball court, miniature golf course, and two FlowRider surf simulators. Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center — This neighborhood includes several amenities that enhance healthy living including a spa, relaxation rooms, and a fitness center with all the latest exercise machines. Entertainment Place — This is the place to be after dark with a jazz club, comedy club, nightclub, casino and Opal Theatre. Youth Zone — There was a time when cruises were not family oriented, but the Oasis takes family cruising to a new level with more than 28,000 square feet dedicated to children, from tots to teens. There are age appropriate activities and facilities designed in conjunction with Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean program. Even with its great size and new features, guests who are regulars with Royal Caribbean will feel right at home with familiar place names. You’ll recognize many of the dining areas, lounges and recreational activities found on many other ships of the fleet. Fain said the concept behind the Oasis’ design was to incorporate a third that was familiar, a third evolutionary and a third revolutionary. If you liked the rock-climbing wall, there are two, as well as two FlowRiders, the popular surfing simulator. And if you like thrills, take a brief ride on the zip line nine decks above Boardwalk. Probably the most notable new feature aboard the Oasis of the Seas is the AquaTheater, a unique open-air amphitheater featuring a pool that can be used for syn-
Above: This view from above shows the Boardwalk with the Carousel (foreground) and AquaTheatre. Below: Video screens around the Oasis of the Seas shows occupancy at dining venues.
chronized swimming and diving shows, and when combined with giant video screens and dancing waters can create a multi-sensory experience unlike any other at sea. Another new feature of the Oasis is the Rising Tide Bar — the world’s first moving bar at sea. A feat of engineering, the bar rises and lowers as guests enjoy a cocktail as they slowly move between Central Park on Deck 8 and the Royal Promenade on Deck 5. This ship includes the latest 21st Century technology, much of which passengers won’t see, but there are some useful tools such as the touch screen video monitors that help you find your way to your stateroom or some other location on the ship. One unique high-tech feature is the video screens around the ship that give you up-tothe-second information about space availabil-
ity at any of the many dining venues on board. Each cabin’s flat-screen television offers access to the Internet, ordering room service, making reservations for activities on board and ashore, and keeping track of how much you spent in the gift shop or bar. With so much to offer onboard, you may not want to go ashore, but if you do, the Oasis of the Seas visits such ports in the Eastern Caribbean as St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau, leaving Port Everglades every Saturday. In the spring, the ship will begin alternating weekly with ports in the Western Caribbean. For more information and reservations on the Oasis of the Seas or any other Royal Caribbean ship, call your travel professional, visit <www.royalcaribbean.com> or call 1800-ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.
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December 22 - 28, 2009
Ocaquatics Swim School owner honored by national association BY ROBERT HAMILTON
Miren Oca, owner of Ocaquatics Swim School, was honored by the U.S. Swim School Association with its 2009 Humanitarian Award, which was presented in October at the organization’s 21st annual National Conference, in San Diego, CA. The award is given to an individual who provides outstanding service to the local community in some way related to water safety, drowning prevention or aquatic education. Since 1999, in conjunction with the University of Miami Wellness Center, Ocaquatics provides a week of free, daily swimming lessons during spring break for 85-100 underprivileged children. Oca serves on the board of the Swim for Life Foundation which works to prevent incidents of drowning and near drowning. She is the water safety chair of Miami-Dade Safe Kids Coalition and is a member of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. Ocaquatics participates in numerous local child safety fairs, holiday parades and cultural festivals where she distributes safety information. During the summer, Ocaquatics Swim School celebrated the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art teaching swimming facility in West Kendall. This new facility allows infants from as early as 6 months, children and adults to enjoy uninterrupted swimming instruction year round in a safe indoor pool, even during severe lightning storms and the colder winter months. Equipped with an Ultraviolet Treatment System that kills harmful bacteria resistant to chlorine, the 30,000-gallon heated pool uses fewer chemicals to sanitize the water, thus creating a more pleasant swimming experience. The new pool also features Stage One Drinking Water Grade Filtration, which is the same filtration process that is EPA approved for single pass removal of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in municipal drinking water systems. It also features other “green” innovations. “We are very proud and excited about our new indoor facility, especially because we believe that if those learning how to swim practice once or twice a week for an extended continuous period of time, they will become better swimmers than those who take a week or two of intensive lessons during the summer time only,” Miren Oca said. “It’s a safer, comfortable and more convenient alternative for all,
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This knight on horseback adds pageantry and excitement to the Florida Renaissance Festival. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY JOSE BOZA
Ponce De Leon explored Key Biscayne on his first mission to the New World in 1513 and claimed it on behalf of the Spanish King. The Florida Renaissance Festival, the only festival of its kind in South Florida, will commemorate Ponce De Leon’s legacy by showcasing its first Miami show ever near Key Biscayne. The Miami festival’s three consecutive weekend dates are Jan. 910, 16-17 and 23-24, at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. “It’s been more than five years since a Renaissance festival graced Miami and our yearly festival goers have been very passionate about bringing an event back,” said Bobby Rodriguez, executive producer of the Florida Renaissance Festival. “We feel that Historic Virginia Key Beach Park is the perfect location because it offers the environment that we recreate every year at our other events.” This 16th Century production features more than 100 costumed performers, five stages with continuous entertainment and stage acts from around the world. During the three family-themed weekends, guests will enjoy jousting tournaments three times a day, hearty food, human-powered rides and games for children that include the World’s Largest Rocking Horse, Giant Chess, Barrel Rides, and games of strength and skill.
The festivities will feature historical reenactments, sword fights, magical illusions and an abundance of authentic fare from freshly made kettle corn to roasted giant turkey legs, which can be washed down with a swig of mead or ale. The Florida Renaissance Festival is produced by the national, award winning Bobby Rodriguez Productions and strives to create an entertaining and cultural opportunity by making Renaissance history come to life for both children and adults. The event is hosted by City of Miami Parks and Recreation Department and Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. The Florida Renaissance Festival at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park will be open weekends from 10 a.m. to sunset. Prices are $20 for adults and $7 for children ages 6-11 and children under five are free. Season passes are $30 for adults and $15 for children under 12. Advance discount tickets are available online. The Florida Renaissance Festival in Deerfield Beach has been seen by more than one million people in South Florida. This 16th Century production features more than 100 costumed performers and stage acts from around the world. For additional information, visit online at <www.renfest.com>, follow on Twitter: @flarenfest or find the festival on Facebook: The Florida Renaissance Festival. The office number is 1-954-776-1642.
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Local young adult author has successful book debut BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD
When Danielle Cohen Joseph’s first book, Shrinking Violet, came out in May, it was an immediate hit. Not only was it popular with teens, the Disney Channel optioned it for a television movie. In fact, the book sold so well that it pretty much sold out its first printing by fall. She found out about the shortage when she went to order some for a conference she was attending and was told they didn’t have any more in stock. “They are all shipped out, all the 5,000,” she was told. Normally, selling out the first run is a good thing and a second run is ordered. But in today’s economy, things are different. Initially, the publisher, MTV Pocket Books, balked at ordering a second printing. That worried Joseph because she had a number of events scheduled where she needed to be able to sell her books, including the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Regional Conference, Jan. 15-17, at the Wyndham Miami Airport Hotel. In hopes of convincing the publisher a second printing is needed, “The printing ran on the first of she campaigned on December and shipped out a few days Facebook and through ago,” she said. “The Amazon rankings her Live Journal blog, Danielle Joseph since then have been good. When I was and she ran a “Save (Photo credit: running the campaign it was really good. Shrinking Violet” conMichael Sylver) test. Entrants had to post ––––––––––––––––––––––––– It seems likes it’s selling.” Her second book, Indigo Blues, comes a review on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. They also were supposed to blog, tweet or out July 1, to be published by Flux Books. Facebook about the Save Shrinking Violet She’s working on finishing another manuCampaign, and take a picture of themselves script called Graveyard Shift. Joseph is a stay-at-home mom with three wearing a sweater and mimicking the book’s children, two boys and an infant girl. Her cover. The contest ended Oct. 15. “I gave away four gift cards and then husband is a banker for SunTrust. Her older another book blogger gave away six advance son wants to write a book with her. He told reading copies,” she said. “A lot of people her she could put her name on the cover. She tries to find time to write whenever she just bought copies.” A number of fellow authors even ran con- can. She works primarily from home, but for a change of pace, she goes to Starbucks to write. tests in support of saving Shrinking Violet. Since the book came out, Joseph has been “People have been very supportive,” in demand as a speaker. She recently spoke at Joseph said. As a result, a number of children’s book the Florida Council of Teachers of English and the Miami International Book Fair on a bloggers reviewed her book. “I’ve had a lot of emails from people who young adult writers panel with fellow local have read it,” she said. “I had one girl who author Gaby Triana and Tampa author Alicia did a blog from the Philippines, telling Thompson. For more information about the Society everyone to buy.” Joseph’s savvy campaign got results, and of Children’s Book Writers and on Nov. 24 she received word the book Illustrators Conference, go online to <www.SCBWIFlorida.com>. would go to a second printing.
FOOTNOTES
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December 22 - 28, 2009
‘Barefoot Christmas Eve’ to benefit Soles4Souls BY ROBERT HAMILTON
Soles4Souls has a simple mission to collect new and “gently worn” shoes to donate to victims of natural disasters and those living in extreme poverty. This year, Bay Community Church, 9855 SW 184 St. in Palmetto Bay, and hundreds of other congregations across North America are participating in “Barefoot Sunday,” except Bay Community Church will be participating on Christmas Eve, where people leave their shoes at the door to be donated to the poor. Barefoot Christmas Eve is a unique opportunity for people to remove their shoes and walk out of worship services barefoot. “Churches have always been incredibly responsive to our programs,” said Wayne Elsey, founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “This engaging event will not only leave a mark on the hearts of your entire congregation, but it will also help Soles4Souls continue our mission to ‘Change the World One Pair at a Time.’” The efforts of Bay Community Church
and participating congregations will go directly toward helping put shoes on the feet of barefoot children around the world. The U.S. government estimates that 300 million children around the world don’t own a single pair of shoes. A sad irony is that Americans threw away the same number of shoes into landfills last year alone. Bay Community Church serves the communities of Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay and is conducting the shoe drive in conjunction with the National Karate and Fitness Academy, 20435 Old Cutler Rd. The National Karate and Fitness Academy is having the shoe drive throughout the month of December while Bay Community Church will focus its drive at its Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. To learn more about Soles4Souls and its upcoming charitable events, visit online at <www.giveshoes.org>, or call 1-866-521-7463. Churches also can email the Soles4Souls team at <sunday@giveshoes.org> to request more information on how to register for Barefoot Sunday.
December 22 - 28, 2009
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December 22 - 28, 2009
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December 22 - 28, 2009
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2010 Cadillac SRX redesigned with new engine options Ron Beasley AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR
LET’S TALK CARS Since better fuel economy tops just about every consumer’s list of necessities in a new vehicle these days, most manufacturers are trying to deliver, and that includes Cadillac. The luxury manufacturer has redesigned the SRX for 2010 and given it a pair of more efficient engine choices. The luxury midsize SRX is powered by Cadillac’s advanced V-6 engines, the smallest-displacement engines that the company offers in North America. A new 3.0-liter, 265 hp direct-injected engine (direct injection results in more power, 10-15 percent better fuel economy and lower emissions) mated to a new Hydra-Matic 6T70 sixspeed automatic transmission is standard, while a new 2.8-liter turbocharged V-6 is optional. Both have advanced technology that helps produce high performance typical of larger-displacement engines, but with greater fuel economy and lower emissions. They replace the 3.6-liter and 4.6-liter
engines of the previous generation SRX. The new turbocharged V-6 is derived from engines that GM uses in luxury European models and it delivers about 300 hp under full throttle, but gets the fuel economy of a smaller engine during lowerload driving conditions such as highway cruising. An Aisin AF40 six-speed automatic transmission is matched with the 2.8-liter turbo and includes a driver-selectable “eco mode” that alters transmission shift points to maximize fuel economy. The new SRX seat seats five adults (the optional third row is no longer available), has ample cargo room, tows up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped and rides on a wide track that delivers responsive handling. It has the typical edgy Cadillac design of recent years, with minimal body overhang, and the wheels are pushed out to corners. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 20-inch wheels are offered. A multi-piece shield grille marks the face and vertical headlights blend into a sweeping body that tapers downward to give the vehicle a sporty, raked profile. A bold accent line dives across the body side and ends at a chrome front fender vent that incorporates a side marker light. An integrated spoiler on the rear edge of the roof extends the sleek
Redesigned Cadillac SRX has a shield grille, vertical headlights and a sweeping body that tapers down for a sporty profile.
design line and improves aerodynamics. On the inside, luxury abounds, with hand-sewn leather covering the dashboard and seats. An integrated center stack houses controls for climate and audio systems. The 2010 SRX has many advanced electronic systems, including adaptive headlights that swivel in synch with vehicle steering, a power liftgate with programmable height setting, an integrated hard disc drive for audio storage and a dual-screen
system for rear entertainment. Bluetooth compatibility is standard, as is OnStar’s Turn-by-Turn Navigation service. Pricing on the 2010 Cadillac SRX starts at $33,330. 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>.
December 22 - 28, 2009
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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