Pinecrest Tribune 1.2.2012

www.thetribune.net

TR R II B BU UN NE E T

Pinecrest Phone: 305-669-7355

ONE OF MIAMI’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

JANUARY 2 - 15, 2012

There’s lots to see and do at the Gardens

BY ALANA PEREZ

Director, Pinecrest Gardens

W

ow! This past year our garden has really grown.

We have added new and exciting festivals. We have launched a performing arts venue with a season line-up that includes theater, music and dance in our newly renovated Banyan Bowl. We have turned the Hibiscus Room into a full-time fabulous art gallery featuring a new exhibit every month. We have welcomed into our fold the CLEO Institute, founded by educator and environmental activist Caroline Lewis, who has taken on a global initiative of engaging people in the topic of climate change.

Our 14-plus acres are more lush and beautiful than ever, and on Oct. 17 the National Park Service announced the addition of Pinecrest Gardens to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation of the “Parrot Jungle Historic District” recognizes the historic significance of this incredible property that was once home to a world-famous tourist attraction.

It is our intent to renew this commitment to becoming a world-class attraction, offering our local community and beyond a cultural haven; a gathering place for families to enjoy, to celebrate, to laugh, to learn and to be entertained.

––––––––––––– See GARDENS, page 6

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

V

Best wishes from the Pinecrest Tribune, and from Amanda, Brandon, Bubba (the dog) and Kevin Kacer; Michael and Ryan McDonald, Taylor Mullin-Flores, Chad and Pierce Rukrigl; and Ben, Jordan and Samantha Sarason. May everyone enjoy a healthy, happy and prosperous 2012.

Positive PEOPLE

Village resident heads for Colombia with ‘World Teach’ illage resident Emilie Efronson is raising money to go to Colombia with World Teach for a volunteer teaching assignment. She hopes to depart this month.

“I chose to go to Colombia to teach,” she says. “World Teach, an organization associated with Harvard University, partners with Volunteers Colombia and they will place me in under-resourced schools.”

Efronson applied for acceptance into the program and was brought in as a volunteer teacher. Her first stop is Bogota where she will undergo training for her new assignment.

“I will get training in teaching,” she says. “I speak almost fluent Spanish, but I’ll be getting Spanish lessons as well,” Efronson must raise $2,500 to help fund the trip. As of mid-December, she had generated just over $600.

“I gave a presentation at the Rotary Club and I should be hearing back from them

––––––––––––––– See TEACHER, page 6

in Pinecrest

These Positive People help add to the quality of life in Pinecrest. Look inside for their stories.

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January 2 - 15, 2012

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Pinecrest resident Jackie Piro and her boyfriend Jim Gordon vacationed in Alaska in September. Of course they remembered to take along a copy of their favorite hometown newspaper and snapped this picture for us in front of the Tracy Arm Glacier. Thanks for thinking of us, guys!

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January 2 - 15, 2012

Positive PEOPLE in Pinecrest

SHAYANTH SINNARAJAH Gulliver Prep senior Shayanth Sinnarajah has been interning for Dr. Shahriar Negahdaripour in the University of Miami computer science department since his freshman year of high school. He conducts his own research at the Sound and Vision lab and says that when he first met with Dr. Negahdaripour he was quickly offered the internship.

“He liked my background in computer science,” says Sinnarajah, who is proficient in seven computer languages. “Since I was six years old I have been interested in computers and I’ve been getting my hands dirty with those programs. Since I’ve been in high school, I’ve mastered all seven. At Gulliver I mastered two; outside of Gulliver, I’ve mastered five.”

For his research, Sinnarajah works with sonar cameras and studies how the images are formed.

“I pretty much make programs and algorithms that measure the motion between different sonar images,” he says.

Over the summer, Sinnarajah published two papers for a conference in Hawaii. He was scheduled to present the information to professors from all over the world who are involved in the marine aspect of engineering. The presentation for the Oceans Kona Conference is based on marine applications of sonar and optical cameras and will be done before professors from all over the world who are involved in the marine

aspect of engineering.

“I was a main author of the paper itself,’ he says. “We submitted it for publication so it was copyrighted.”

Sinnarajah says the first paper was based on developing a panoramic image.

“You can use this application to read a thousand images and produce one composite image at the end,” he says. “The second paper I published focused on determining the actual motion in any object based on the white participate in the ocean, called marine snow.”

Based on his work, he has been offered a full scholarship to the University of Miami.

“It is on my list and I would like to go there; but I would like to go to school outside of Miami,” he says. “I want to explore.

I feel there’s a whole new world in the northeast that I have yet to uncover.”

Sinnarajah has been interested the Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology, a crossover program at the University of Pennsylvania.

“This is one of my goals, to combine the aspect of engineering and business,” he says.

He also has interest in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Cal-Tech.

At Gulliver, Sinnarajah is president of Mu Alpha Theta and vice president of the Biology Honor Society and a leader of the engineering club – it formerly was known as JETS, but was renamed this school year as Gulliver Engineering. One of the club’s focuses this year is the redesign of a water purification system for Haiti to make it more affordable and potable.

“The Haiti project needs to be done around February because we made a promise to Haiti,” he says, adding that the project likely will be done earlier than the deadline.

The other focus has been on the National Engineering Design Challenge, an engineering design contest that focuses on the disabled. Gulliver has won the competition in the past and finished in second place last February.

Outside of school, Sinnarajah is a professional DJ and a sound engineer for Fiorentino Records.

By Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

ANTHONY PIETRA While on a ski trip a couple of years ago, Anthony Pietra found a lump on his neck.

When he returned to Miami, he visited his doctor to have him check it out. He prescribed antibiotics, but the drugs had no affect on the lump. The doctor performed a biopsy and found that the lump was cancerous and Pietra was diagnosed with T Cell Lymphoma.

“Once I started chemotherapy, the tumors shrank on their own,” Pietra says. “I was just finishing 10th grade so I had just turned 16. I missed a lot of school, but I still maintained my grades. I worked a lot at the hospital.”

Pietra, now a senior at Palmer Trinity, went through six months of aggressive therapy, followed by 18 months of less aggressive treatment.

“I have finished all of my intense treatments,” he says. “Right now I’m in remission. I’m still undergoing treatment until May, but everything is going great, no set backs at all.”

The treatment caused him to miss a lot of school during the first semester of his junior year.

While he was struggling with cancer, his school friends were working on a 5K run to raise money to help him and his family financially. The first annual Tony Trot was held the first semester of his junior year.

“I ran it, but I jogged it,” Pietra says. “My dad, Manuel, won it. He’s a big runner.”

The second Tony Trot is scheduled for the weekend of March 23.

Running is important to Pietra. He used to run both cross country and track for Palmer Trinity before he became ill.

“I tried running (cross country) again this year, but I kept getting hurt,” he says.

“Some of the medicines make my muscles weak.”

Pietra must remain on the medications until May. Now, he works with a running team that supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

“The Team in Training holds more meaning for me. I run the club to support it here for school,” he says. “A couple of the teachers who work here run for Team in Training.”

The team runs the Miami Marathon and the Disney Marathon.

“It’s mostly adults who want to contribute to a cause and they want to run,” Pietra says. “They do a lot a lot of the work.

I’ve spoken at a few pre-race gatherings.

I’ve spoken at a couple of hotels where they were all there. I’m an honorary member. I give a speech to remind them why they are doing what they are doing.”

Despite his challenges, Pietra has managed to earn more than 100 community service hours. Many of those hours came from working with Students Offering Support (SOS).

“I’m on the board of governors and I help organize events such as Bowling Against Bullying,” he says. “I also raise money for His House.”

Pietra has also participated in Youth Arts Day at Deering Estate by running different booths, organizing the talent show and developing pre-event publicity.

“All of the events mean something for me,” he says.

Pietra volunteers at the Writing Center helping the younger students with their English assignments.

“With the younger kids, it’s interesting to see how they go about writing,” he says.

“How they progress is interesting to me.”

Next year, Pietra hopes to attend college.

He has applied to the University of Pennsylvania, the University of North Carolina, the University of Florida, Florida State and Northwestern. He is considering a major in English, but his long-term goal is to continue on to law school.

By Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

January 2 - 15, 2012

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Positive PEOPLE in Pinecrest

JESSICA TRIVIZAS At this point in the school year, most high school seniors have put the final touch on their college applications and sent them to the schools they want to attend. In some cases, acceptance letters have already arrived

by return mail and that’s that case with Palmetto High School senior Jessica Trivizas. She has been accepted by both Florida State University and St. Johns University, a liberal arts school in Queens, NY. Like many college-bound students, Trivizas wants to attend a college away from home. She is interested in going to a New York-area college to take International Relations and she also is considering a major in photojournalism.

“My dream is to travel the world and see what it has to offer,” she says.

Trivizas was happy to receive her acceptance letter from FSU, but she is also interested in attending the University of Florida.

College admissions officers are probably intrigued at how much Trivizas has put back into her community. She has more than 2,000 community service hours, many of them earned through her service project at Vineland Elementary.

“I went to Vineland Elementary and I loved it, so I decided when I was in high school I would go back to volunteer,” she says.

Trivizas had years of experience in dance at Dance Empire and as a member of

Palmetto’s dance team, Variations. She also had a theater background, having spent many a summer at the University of Miami’s theater summer camp. So when she entered high school, she went back to the K-8 center to talk to administrators about starting a dance and drama program.

Trivizas went to Vineland each Friday afternoon to teach students dance and drama.

A couple times a year, the kids would participate in shows to demonstrate what they learned.

“At Christmas and Hanukah we would put on a holiday show,” she says. “One year they did Greased Lightning. We had a Sandy and the John Travolta character. They also performed at the school carnival.”

The program helped motivate the children to do well in school.

“A lot of them didn’t really enjoy going to school, but they would look forward to it, they would be excited and they would love it,” she says. “Anyone could join, but if they were failing in classes or they weren’t attending the tutoring to raise their grades, they couldn’t be in it anymore.”

Trivizas says she received a lot of help from teachers who had experience in dance and drama.

She ran the program for two years, but had to stop because of changes in the Vineland administration and PTA, which changed the program’s funding. Trivizas says the members of the Palmetto Thespians club are keeping the Dance and Drama Club going.

Trivizas didn’t stop at helping students with dance and drama. She also tutored middle school students in math, and she cajoled her friends into coming along to help.

A long time dancer, Trivizas keeps busy as a dancer on the Palmetto Variations Dance team. She has been on Variations for four years.

The summer before her junior year at Palmetto, Trivizas interned at the University of Miami.

“I’ve interned at UM in the theater department because I love drama and I’ve gone to the summer camp from second grade to ninth grade,” she says.

Trivizas is also an active member of the National Honor Society, Interact and the German National Honor Society.

“I am German,” she says. “That’s why I joined.”

By Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

Page 6

GARDEN, from page 1 –––––––––– So, what’s up at the Gardens during the first two weeks in January? A lot!

FINE ARTS FESTIVAL Jan. 14-15, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Come to one of Florida’s premiere juried art shows and enjoy an afternoon surrounded by spectacular visual arts in the most lush and luxurious setting now in its ninth year. Amongst a generous representation of the best artists and artisans in this area and beyond—you will find the perfect piece of art for your home, original jewelry for yourself or significant other, a great selection of delicious food, live music, and other activities for the entire family.

FARMERS MARKET Open Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Grab your trusty straw tote because Bee Heaven Farms is back selling the very best in locally grown produce. But don’t stop there.

The Market now boasts more than 60 vendors featuring fresh produce, locally farmed honey, fresh made pasta, arts and crafts and so much more.

GARDENS GALLERY Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Our next exhibit opens Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. when the gallery will feature CCT-ART. CCT was founded by two mothers, all parenting special needs children, and a group of therapists whose concern and challenges led to a desire to offer their children creative stimulation while caring for their personal needs. Creative Children Therapy, through their Artists Realization Technology Program, continues to help children with special needs and profound disabilities put their inner-most thoughts on to canvas.

HONORING OUR FOUNDERS In 2003, when the Gardens was purchased by the Village, there was a fundraising initiative dubbed our

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

Founders Tree. By purchasing a leaf on this tree, one’s name would be etched, forever recognizing that name as a founding member in Gardens’ history.

This year we have renovated our tree, and on Jan. 7 we will honor our founding members in a special ceremony as we officially launch our new membership drive for 2012.

BENEFIT CONCERT The Community Foundation of Pinecrest, a non-profit organization, will present a Concert under the Stars featuring renowned jazz vocalist Nicole Henry on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit the Gardens’ performing arts initiatives and the Banyan Bowl. A wine and cheese reception at 7 p.m. precedes the concert. Tickets are $42 (includes reception) and may be purchased online at <www.pinecrestgardens.org>.

EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES • The CLEO Institute amplifies civic engagement on environmental issues by bringing together scientists, educators, private and public sector leaders, and young people. You are invited to a community-wide film screening and discussion of the documentary Carbon Nation on Friday, Jan. 13, 7-9:30 p.m., with a follow-up discussion led by Caroline Lewis and her Youth Task Force leaders.

• Join us on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. for a special presentation on Basic Bonsai Techniques and Care in our Hibiscus Room. This wonderful lecture and workshop is free to the public.

TOUR THE GARDEN Every Sunday at 11 a. m. and 1 p.m. we have scheduled tours given by our volunteers. These tours are free with an admission of $3 for adults and $2 for children.

For more information, visit <www.pinecrestgardens.org>, Facebook or call 305-669-6990.

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Every issue of the Pinecrest Tribune is fully copyrighted, and all property rights, including advertisements produced by Community Newspapers. Using artwork and/or typography furnished or arranged for/by us, shall be the property of Community Newspapers.

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TEACHER, from page 1

January 2 - 15, 2012

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soon,” she says.

The last time Emilie Efronson was in the news, she was starting out on a 4,000-mile bicycle ride across the United States to raise money for cancer research. She rode a bike from Baltimore to San Francisco.

She successfully completed the 4K For Cancer odyssey and raised more than $10,000 for the trip through donations from family and friends.

While she is hesitant to go back to the same people, she says she must raise the money so she can go to Columbia and teach underprivileged children.

“The money goes toward my training and the support resources while I’m there,” she says. “For me, it was a choice between this and Peace Corps.”

One of the reasons she is embarking on this new journey is that after biking across the country she is not ready to settle into a routine that means spending all day inside.

“Coming off a trip like that left me in high energy and I wasn’t ready to go back to school,” she says. “I do want to go back eventually and get a master’s in international public health.”

Efronson attended Johns Hopkins University and graduated last June with a degree in public health. Her plans call for working in international public health in the future, but she is not ready to go to graduate school or to start work just yet.

“This is a good opportunity for me to be abroad for a year,” she says. “I’m going to be teaching 20-25 hours a week. I’m going to have an opportunity to do other things in the community. I’d like to work in either exciting health projects or create something on my own.”

This year abroad will not be easy. She’s going to be in an area that is quite poor and she will have to live on a $200 stipend from Volunteer Columbia.

Emilie Efronson

One of the things she learned from her summer bike trek is that it is possible to achieve your goals.

“I’ve always been a very confident person, one who wants to go out and challenge myself,” she says. “I have learned that so many things in life are mental and you can prevent yourself from doing something so quick.”

Efronson says that on her trip across America she learned that mental strength can get a person through a difficult period; but she also found that the mind can also get you down.

“You can find yourself coming up with all the excuses,” she says. “I pushed through those moments where it was hardest for me mentally. I would say the trip was 80 percent mental and 20 percent physical.”

To help Efronson with her World Teach project, go to <www.worldteach.org>, click on the “Donate Now” button and type Emilie Efronson on the “Gift Designated For” line.

January 2 - 15, 2012

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

Old Parrot Jungle gift shop now an art gallery

Pinecrest Gardens art gallery features both local and nationally known artists.

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BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

Pinecrest Gardens is offering monthly art exhibits in a room that once housed the gift shop for the old Parrot Jungle tourist attraction, and the shows have become so popular that the space is booked through the end of 2012.

Most of the shows at the Gardens Gallery are coordinated by Pinecrest resident Tora Bueno, an internationally known art expert.

She has worked both in the U.S. and internationally as an art consultant and curator. Now a Pinecrest resident, she was tapped by the Gardens administration to oversee the gallery.

“My dad has been an art dealer since the 1980s,” Bueno says. “I worked with a dealer until I moved here two years ago. Then I met Alana Perez (Pinecrest Gardens director) and she asked if I would be willing to organize the gallery. I plan the exhibitions and I coordinate the openings.”

Perez says Bueno impressed her from the start with her extensive knowledge of art.

“There is a certain something about Tora that sets her apart from the rest of the Miami’s art scene,” says Perez. “Call it her UK and Swiss upbringing, call it coming of age in New York, call it exposure and access to artists working in Europe or New York, she has her finger on the pulse of global art trends and she brings a whole new perspective. We are lucky to have her association and to have her as curator of the Gardens Gallery.”

Perez says the old gift shop was valuable available space that needed a purpose.

“The Gardens Gallery was a room just waiting to happen,” she says. “When I first came to work at the Gardens 18 months ago, the

Hibiscus Room was a blank canvass. It served as an indoor rental venue with stark walls, incredible beamed ceilings and a floor plan that screamed out ‘fine arts gallery’. It was the right idea at the right time; and with the right person to curate it, the Gardens Gallery came to life. Each month we have a new and exciting exhibit, and I know in time the venture will grow in popularity among Gardens members, visitors and fine art lovers.”

In December, the gallery featured the art of conceptual artist Ethan Ryman.

“He flattens something that’s 3-D,” Perez says. “He’s always thinking about spatial perception, what photography does and doesn’t do.”

Other Gardens exhibits have featured watercolor art and wood carving statuary.

“The Gallery is still a multi-usage space and by its nature a community amenity,” Bueno says. “I will facilitate a variety of exhibits, from student-teacher shows to the very avant garde — Ethan’s, black-and-white photography, textiles, sculpture, you name it.”

The exhibits are not limited to professional artists. In November, the Gardens Gallery featured works by public school art teachers and their students. In January, another nonprofit exhibit is scheduled. Bueno says her goal is to include exhibits by local artists, as well as programs by more well-known painters and sculptors.

Bueno says she hopes to have one show a month, except during the summer. She adds that the February exhibit will showcase botanical paintings and photography by local artists, and she is working on a Haitian art exhibit tentatively scheduled for June.

For information, call 305-666-6990.

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January 2 - 15, 2012

Palmetto basketball star began life as premature baby

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

When Mia-Danielle Bellinghieri was born she weighed just two-pounds-13-ounces. Her twin sister was bigger at three-pounds-twoounces. Both were born prematurely and spent six weeks in the hospital until they were strong enough to go home.

“She (Mia) actually had pneumonia in the hospital,” says her mother Cathy Bellinghieri, who adds that Mia went home with a heart monitor and later, at what would have been 40 weeks gestation, had hernia surgery.

“At 11 months they got the clean bill of health,” Bellinghieri says. “I was lucky; with what I had, most people lose the babies.”

By kindergarten, Mia says she was a normal size. Now she is five-feet-three inches tall, which is actually a little on the small size for a basketball player. But that hasn’t stopped her from playing.

No one suspected that Mia would overcome all that goes with being a “preemie” and grow up to be a terrific athlete. From a young age, she played any sport that used a ball.

“The only thing we said no to was tackle football,” Bellinghieri says. “She was intense from the day she was born!”

Mia played baseball at the Howard Palmetto Baseball Softball Association league.

“I played that for four or five years,” she says. “Then I switched to a travel team and I played that for six-and-a-half years.”

While that doesn’t sound unusual, it was.

Mia played on a boy’s team, the South Florida Contenders coached by Peter Certa.

“I tried out and I made it,” she says. “At first I was a reserve player and I worked my way up, and then I was a starting player. I played second base, shortstop and pitcher. I played that until seventh grade.”

She also played on a flag football team.

When she moved on to middle school, Mia began to feel uncomfortable playing baseball with only boys. She decided to make a change.

“I started playing softball at my school just for the fun of it.” she says.

She played softball in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. She also ran cross country while in sixth grade. Basketball and volleyball were also in the mix. In the seventh grade, she played basketball with the boys at Suniland Park. In the eighth grade, she played basketball in the Beth Am League and volleyball at school. Now in high school, Mia is playing basketball for Palmetto.

“She is doing great,” says her father Joe Bellinghieri. “She’s the starting point guard for the Palmetto varsity.”

Before the winter break, the team had a 102 record.

Mia considered playing volleyball as well, but the two seasons overlapped and she decided to concentrate on basketball.

“I was going to do it in high school, too, but it interfered with basketball,” she says. “I played with Palmetto High in the eighth grade in the spring league.”

Mia says she has put baseball and softball behind her, even though her friends still try to convince her to play and some people think she’s good enough to be recruited by colleges.

“I don’t want to, I don’t even want to do it for the fun of it,” she says. “I never really liked softball. Everyone thinks the game is the same (as baseball), but it’s different. I liked baseball a lot. The major thing was being with all the boys all the time and with me getting older. I decided to play basketball one day and I fell in love with it.”

Mia says it is different playing with girls.

“They can definitely get more overly dramatic about little things,” she says. “Girls try to settle things more, while guys get more competitive.”

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mia-Danielle Bellinghieri was a tiny pre-mature baby, but now plays basketball for Palmetto High.

January 2 - 15, 2012

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

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CHABAD CENTER KENDALL / PINECREST

Are you a book or a scroll?

BY RABBI YOSSI HARLIG Director, Chabad Center of Kendall/Pinecrest

In an age of technological revolution, the Torah scroll remains an anomaly.

The Torah cannot be read on a Kindle, an iPad or even from a printed book.

The Torah must be written on ancient parchment pages, which are then sewn together to create the Torah scroll. Why? The Sefer Torah is a living reminder of the way information has been transmitted for four millennia.

Why the bother of a scribe laboring for more than a year to write close to 40,000 letters in the Torah by hand, in ink, on parchment? After all, the printing press was invented around 1450 by German Jew Johannes Gutenberg and today we could produce a Torah scroll in seconds.

Judaism demands that the Torah still be written as an ancient scroll to demonstrate the authenticity of the product. Our Torah scroll is an exact copy of a previous one, dating all the way back to Moses. On a deeper level, there is a lesson in the anatomy of the scroll vs. the book which the Torah wanted us to maintain even in the 21st century. The three distinctions between a scroll and a book embody the three distinctions between ancient and modern man. What is fascinating is that people used to be like scrolls, but now they are like books – in all three counts.

When you roll open a scroll, you can look ahead and read the subsequent pages till the end. When you read a book, you can only see one page at a time. Past generations lived with a broader perspective, and like reading a scroll, looked ahead.

What was important to them was not the “here and now,” but rather their legacy.

Today we often behave like books. We have become short sighted, seeing only as far as the end of the page we are reading.

We often do not have the courage to ask “How do I want to be remembered?” and “What are the memories I am creating for my children?”

The second difference is that a scroll is written only on one side of the parchment.

A book is printed on both sides of the page and on each side there is a different message. Like a one-sided scroll, people used to be one sided – honest, straight forward and direct. Today, we are often double sided like the pages of books and on each side there is a different message.

The final difference between a book and scroll is that there is no automatic copying system for scrolls. Books, on the other hand, are mass produced and have a single face. Our ancestors were individuals and each one was an innovation. Today, we all mimic each other; we all speak, act and look alike. We conform, and do not have the courage to be different.

Notwithstanding the virtues of the printing press, we do not want to become books. A Jew who lives life based on the Torah, lives with values of the future, maintains integrity of the highest order and cherishes true individuality. Ask yourself these questions: Am I thinking about the bigger picture of life – my legacy? Am I living with honor and true honesty? Am I fulfilling the mission for which I was created? And finally, have I become a book, or am I a scroll?

For more information, go to <www.chabadofkendall.org>, visit us at 8700 SW 112 St. or call 305-234-5654.

January 2 - 15, 2012

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

Everything’s coming up roses at Hirni’s florist shop Hirni’s Wayside Gardens Florist owner Janice Tate (left) and daughter-in-law Kimberly assist longtime customer Robert Malec with a flower arrangement for his wife’s birthday.

BY JOSE CASSOLA

If you ask high school sweethearts Ted and Janice Tate if they ever expected to be running a flower shop together after 38 years of marriage, Janice answers for her husband.

“He knew when he married me that he was marrying into the family business,” says Janice, 59, who lives in Pinecrest near the florist shop her parents first opened almost 50 years ago.

Hirni’s Wayside Gardens Florist, at 9950 SW 57 Ave., originally was an outdoor flower stand started by William and Evelyn Hirni on Ludlam Road. The roadside stand evolved into the full-grown flower shop it is today back in 1966, where it has been servicing Pinecrest and neighboring residents ever since.

As little girls, Janice, her twin sister Jeanie, 59, and older sister Marilyn, 65, would come to the shop everyday after school to help their parents grow flowers, water plants and take care of customers. Younger brother, Billy, 53, also helped, but the girls were the most devoted. Their dedication to the family business blossomed through young adulthood, even when the sisters held careers as nurses at South Miami Hospital.

When their mother died in 1981, the Hirni girls began to run the shop full-time with help from their father, who then was a retired police officer from Miami-Dade County. By this time, the family operation had stopped growing flowers onsite and started ordering their best sellers — including roses, lillies, snap dragons, hydrangeas and orchid plants — from mostly South American vendors.

For Janice, already a mother of two girls and one boy, the transition from nursing to managing a florist shop full time actually took some pressure off.

“It was much easier and more beneficial to raise my kids,” she said. “At the hospital, I couldn’t leave to go on a field trip or attend one of my kids’ programs. At the flower

shop, I could. Looking back, I can’t imagine having done anything different with my life.”

Husband Ted, also a Miami-Dade police officer, helped out at the shop when he was off duty. He retired in 2006 and has helped Janice full-time ever since. Her sisters have since retired from the business, leaving Janice the remaining Hirni to run the family operation. Her father died in 2004.

But Janice has a backup plan to keep the family business going. She recently hired her daughter-in-law, Kimberly Tate, to help and learn the business.

“My intention is for her to hopefully like it and carry it on, keep it in the family,” she said. “She seems to love it and has a nice way with people.”

Kimberly, 31, said she’s having a great time learning the business and looks forward to the possibility of running it full time one day with her daughters, ages 4 and 18 months.

“It’s a happy place to work at, very neighborly,” she said. “I have a background in sales and merchandising and I’m a people pleaser like my mother-in-law. Keeping the Hirni family business going was an opportunity I couldn’t resist.”

Fran Berrin, 60, who lives in Pinecrest, has been a customer at Hirni’s Wayside Gardens Florist for at least 30 years. She says Janice and the staff are like her extended family, always pleasant, upbeat and creative with their arrangements.

“They’ve seen me through so many special occasions, from birthdays to Bar Mitzvahs,” Berrin said. “What keeps me coming back is the personal touch and sincere interest they put in everything they do. That human connection, that willingness to go the extra mile and add that perfect finishing touch. That’s what’s made me a customer for life.”

Hirni’s Wayside Gardens Florist is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 305-6616266 or go to <www.hirnisflorist.com>.

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January 2 - 15, 2012

Advice for getting through a divorce

BY DEBBIE MARTINEZ Divorce Coach

My ex and I have different parenting styles. I don’t like that my kids have conflicting rules and expectations.

This is a tough one and all I can say is acceptance and consistency. It’s a big pill to swallow (one of many) that you don’t have control of what goes on at your ex’s house, from how the kids are allowed to dress, eat, curfew and language. But here’s some tough love — accept it and get over it or it will eat your insides out. Unless you and your ex are truly co-parenting, you will not be able to change anything that goes on over there.

But here is where you do have control. Be consistent in how you parent. You have control over your world with your children when they are with you. Stick to your house rules and when the kids say, “But dad let’s me stay up till two!” You can smile and say, “Our rules are different and when you’re home with me, you need to go by mine.” Remember, kids crave structure and they need a parent, not a friend.

My ex wife sends me 50 emails a day while I’m at work. How do I stop this? No más!

You can send her an email stating that you no longer will be reading any of her emails while at work, let alone responding to them. At the end of the day (with a scotch in hand) you will read her email. If there are more than two, you will not even open them. In addition, if the emails are not civil, you will not respond. If they are of a true urgent nature, she is to write URGENT and you will read it. My guess is that she might not get with the program from the starting gate, but it won’t take her long. If

she continues and it becomes intrusive, I would contact your attorney.

At what point can I introduce my boyfriend to my children?

There are a number of factors here. Are they older and accepting of you dating? Are they fearful that someone will replace them? Each child is different and how they feel needs to play into your decision. If this is a steady boyfriend, introduce him. If you’ve only been on two dates with him, you might want to wait awhile. Having dates come through the house like a revolving door could be unsettling and confusing for the kids.

I’m 55 and just getting divorced with three boys in high school. I get sad every time I think of me starting over at my age.

How you think is going to play a very big part in how fast you move on with your new life. Looking to your future with anticipation instead of apprehension is key. It’s definitely sad when something ends, but you can choose to focus on that or you can choose to focus on the beginning of a new and better life. Journal about your feelings, the lessons you have learned through this and then make a list of all the things you want to do, things that excite you. There is so much waiting up ahead. Don’t get caught up in the sadness of the past and miss them.

Debbie Martinez has a Master’s Degree and is a Certified Divorce Life Coach. She is in private practice and has offices in South Miami. For more information, email her at <www.thepowerofdivorcecoach.com>.

January 2 - 15, 2012

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

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January 2 - 15, 2012

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January 2 - 15, 2012

GRILLS MAKE THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT

For over 40 years, Evenings Delight has been family owned and operated.

Located at 9621 S. Dixie Highway, we serve the Pinecrest/Palmetto Bay community. If you have never been in Evenings Delight, stop in this holiday season. You are in for a treat. Evenings Delight is a grilling wonderland.

Evenings Delight is the perfect place to buy your loved one or yourself a fantastic gift, a Weber Grill. Weber is one of the oldest and most popular American Brand of Grills.

Dave Zisman, President of Evenings Delight says, “Weber grills are one of the most popular grills in our store to give as a gift. We constantly hear testimonials…our friends, neighbor or relative bought a weber grill at Evenings Delight and told us to come in and buy one too.”

Weber has a full range of sizes and prices to choose from depending on your needs. The Weber Q grill is perfect for small spaces and tailgating. The Weber Spirit series starts from under $500. The Weber Genesis series is our most popular. The Weber Summit series is high end commercial style.

Unlike the big box stores, Evenings Delight has all the models of Weber Grills in stock and ready for delivery. Evenings Delight can also repair your Weber Grill as we keep all Weber parts in stock. If you already have a grill, Evenings Delight has all the accessories and bbq toys to make your grilling experience complete.

As a thank you to the Pinecrest/ Palmetto Bay Community, with the coupon below, Evenings Delight will deliver and assemble your Weber Grill for FREE. We appreciate your business. Thank you for shopping at Evenings Delight.

FREE ASSEMBLY AND DELIVERY OF ALL WEBER GRILLS IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY Offer good on all Weber grills purchased at Evenings Delight between Dec. 27, 2011 - Jan. 14, 2012

Evenings Delight 9621 S. Dixie Hwy. Miami, Fl 33156 305-666-3312 www.eveningsdelight.com

January 2 - 15, 2012

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

Go for it and make 2012 your year!

BY PAT MORGAN

It’s that time of year again. A bright new year stretches ahead, filled with possibilities and fresh opportunities to turn those resolutions into realities. You’ve likely set your goals and enthusiastically taken a step or two toward them.

Why not make this year different? Rather than looking at setting the same old resolutions, why not decide that this will be the year you get serious about making changes that lead to the success you want.

What is the one thing that would make the most difference for you if it was handled? Is it a problem that needs to be addressed? An opportunity that would catapult your career, business or personal life to a new level? Do you need to deal with a difficult client, employee or supervisor? Would you benefit from starting a fitness program, paying off debt or scheduling regular time off?

To produce a different result, something will need to change. What you have done up until now has gotten you where you are.

Doing the same thing going forward is going to keep you there.

Change can be frightening and uncomfortable. That’s why many people choose to continue repeating past behaviors rather than risking a change that will take them to their most cherished goal or dream.

Is there a change you’ve wanted to make, but just haven’t been able to get started?

Why not begin today? Here are four tips to help you: • DECIDE THAT YOU WILL MAKE A CHANGE — Hope is not a strategy. Rather than sitting around hoping things will change, decide that you will commit to doing some-

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January 2 - 15, 2012

Graffiti Tour leads weekend bikers to Wynwood art

BY CARL RACHELSON

Early Sunday morning on Dec. 18, I did what I often do – put my bike on the back of my car and set out for a rolling view of whatever Miami has to offer. Actually, on this crisp morning, I threw my son’s bike on the back too, drove down Old Cutler and dropped him off at his friend Jose’s house near the Green Market.

Along the way, I weaved around other bikers – you know, the kind who seem to irritate people.

I’m not one of those bikers, those flashy, aggressive, flying mobs wrapped in spandex like the Blue Man group, chattering madly and getting madly fit. No, I’m in the other kind of bicycling mode, the ones who only tie you up on the last Friday of the month — or occasional weekends — in the bowels of the city. We go looking for camaraderie differently, in this case, with art as the goal.

Allapattah Station was the meeting point and, to my surprise, a crowd of nearly 150

ART in MIAMI

Biker stands in front of a striking mural on a Wynwood building wall.

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

impatiently waited for the next late arriving Metrorail – the weekend Metrorail never arrives on time – why even publish a sched-

ule? In any case, we never leave on time either.

Today’s group is called Emerge, a loosely affiliated, happy-go-lucky crew of folks who meet Tuesday evenings in Little Haiti at Sweat Records to plan community activities like this out of the goodness of their hearts. Today’s excursion, the Graffiti Bike Tour.

Leaders Dario and Olga know a lot about who has painted what, where they come from, when they were commissioned, and what they’re up to these days. In some cases, they break out notes to insure they get it right. They know where everything that is fit to print has been painted – legally and illegally as it goes. We weave in and out of alleys, avoid the broken glass, throw our hands in the air and shake’em like we just don’t care for getting flat tires and

everybody takes a heap of photos – often on the iPhone.

A group of French tourists somehow are on the tour and Dario keeps asking if anyone can translate into French. Of course, the French speak English better than any of the bike riders who aren’t Haitian can speak French, but everyone manages; we ride, we stop, we ride, we stop. We photograph and some listen intently.

We hear about Retna, Books Bischof of Primary Flight, Above, RISK, Shepard Fairey and the local Puerto Rican brothers like Trek6 who began painting in Wynwood when it was primarily a local Puerto Rican neighborhood. If you listen carefully, you can imagine Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Basquiat nodding their heads. This could be the start of something new is rerunning in their heads.

It’s mostly legal and legit these days.

Hundreds of legal pieces have been commissioned and during Basel on the cityside, Montana-Cans, the spray paint of choice for these artists, supposedly donated 8,000 cans of paint last year; few artists are getting paid. But a landscape has changed, people appreciate what they see, talk about it and participate in a scene which invites events such as this bike tour.

Carl Rachelson has a Masters Degree in Humanities and is an English teacher at Palmer Trinity School. He may be contacted via email at <crachelson@palmertrinity.org>.

January 2 - 15, 2012

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

• EDUCATIONAL AND TEEN ADVICE • Toby Rose ASK TOBY I am 16 and go to Palmetto High School and heard from my friends that some colleges are soliciting videos for admissions.

What does this mean?

Some universities or colleges (examples: Tufts, George Mason and Saint Mary’s of Maryland) are soliciting video essays. This is not a video of someone dancing or singing but a video of someone reading their college essay. This is a brand new concept and something that should not be overlooked. I would suggest you email the colleges/universities that you are considering attending and ask then if they will accept a video essay.

I understand that Miami Dade County schools offer free tutoring for students.

How is this possible? Do you know anything about this program?

This is a special program and your child’s school must meet the eligibility requirements. The school must be identified as in “need of improvement” and the students at this school also receive free or reduced priced meals. State-approved private providers for grades K-12 in Reading, English, Math and Science offer tutoring. It is important to know that priority is given to the lowest performing students. To find out more about this call 305-995-4549 I am absolutely in shock over the price of my daughter’s college textbooks. Do you know any way that I can save money and still get her the same books?

The following are some suggestions that I think may help you.

• Go online and enter the name of the company from which you think you are buying a book. Add coupon in the search engine. There are many coupons online for books. This is a great way to get the same book for a reduced rate.

• Buy or borrow the book from friends who have taken the same courses. Many students don’t want to keep their textbooks.

• Share textbooks with a friend My son really wants to go to Princeton, but I’m not really sure he can handle the

work load. What advice do you have?

You haven’t told me any of the important points of your son’s academic life. It would helpful to know his SAT score, his GPA, etc. I will tell you that one of my exstudents from Palmetto High School, who now attends Princeton, came and visited me last week. She informed me that in her opinion one course at Princeton is the equivalent of three courses elsewhere (state colleges and other non-Ivy league schools). She was in the top one percent at Palmetto and finds the work at Princeton very challenging.

I am doing my college applications and there is a question regarding my religion and race. Across the board these college and universities do not require me to answer these questions. What do you think?

I think you should answer the question.

If you were denied admission because of your race or religion, I don’t think it would be a good fit for you.

What is your opinion of NYU – New York University?

I think it is one of the best universities in the United States. They have over 230 majors and more than 4,500 courses. The average class size is less than 20. NYU isn’t for every student. You must, in my opinion, be very mature and be able to “handle” New York City. If you haven’t visited NYU, you are not aware of the fact that when you step outside the classroom you step into New York City. They do not have a campus like the University of Miami or the University of Florida. The entire city is your campus. I think it is a phenomenal place to be. My former students, who are currently attending there, love the fact that they can go to all of the museums free because they are students at NYU and that there is so much to see and do, including Broadway shows at half price. Just walking and looking into windows provides artistic information for one of my former students who plans to be a graphic designer.

Toby Rose is president of Toby Rose’s College Prep. She is an independent college counselor, was a Miami-Dade County Outstanding Teacher and served as chairperson of the Dade County School Board Academic Advisory Committee. Rose may be contacted by calling 305-238-7737 or via the Internet at <www.tobyrose.com>.

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January 2 - 15, 2012

Custom Rocket7 cycling shoes now available at Elite Cycling

BY JOSE CASSOLA

From construction work to speed skating to running his own bike shop, KC Boutiette has always been a Jack of all trades. Now the four-time U.S. Olympian and cross trainer has added a new occupation to his resume — shoemaker.

For the last five years, Boutiette, 41, has owned and operated a cycling business in Pinecrest — Elite Cycling & Fitness, 13108 S Dixie Hwy. The shop caters to everyone, from the casual cyclist to the triathlon athlete, offering repairs and tune-ups, and selling bicycles, parts, energy supplements and clothing gear. The shop also hosts monthly group rides, spin classes and fitness training sessions.

An Olympic speed skater who first rose to fame in the 1994 U.S. Olympic Trials, Boutiette had a successful career for more than a decade, winning numerous national championship titles and setting world records. Along the way, he met and married fellow speed skater Jennifer Rodriguez.

The two moved from Utah to Miami in 2006 to run Elite Cycling & Fitness.

“We wanted to start our own business and a cycling shop was a perfect match for us,” said Boutiette, who lives in Brickell.

“As speed skaters, we came across a lot of athletes who used cycling as a cross-training tool. It just made sense.”

Boutiette and Rodriguez divorced in 2008. It wasn’t until early in 2011 that Boutiette decided to take the business in a new direction. In March, he partnered with Rocket7 owner and creator Brian King to learn how to make custom lightweight carbon fiber shoes for cycling, running and triathlons.

Rocket7 — founded in 1999 by King, also a former professional speed skater — is a brand of shoes that are molded to the individual’s feet, customizing length, width, instep, arch support and heel cup

Boutiette talks about shoes that are molded to the individual’s feet that maximizes the cyclist’s comfort and performance in long races.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

rials from Seattle to a warehouse three blocks away from his bike shop in Pinecrest and started taking custom orders for clients.

When the re-launch of Rocket7 began to interfere with his bicycle shop business, he sought help from Marcelo Penengo, 40, and Jerry Mendez, 31, who signed on as business partners. Both have backgrounds in cycling and store management.

“I couldn’t do both,” Boutiette said. “I needed more time to make shoes. Jerry and Marcelo wanted to own a bike shop. It was a great opportunity for everyone.”

Penengo and Mendez, now co-owners of Elite Cycling & Fitness, worked together for five years at Bike Tech off Coral Way and Southwest 22nd Avenue as manager and assistant manager. In 2010, Mendez moved on to manage his own store, Top Dog Cycle in Coconut Grove, and later brought on Penengo to potentially take part ownership of the shop. When the deal fell through, Boutiette offered the two a chance to be co-owners of Elite Cycling & Fitness. “We’ve talked about this for a long time, so it’s great to finally see the dream become a reality,” said Mendez, a South Miami resident.

Penengo said he and Mendez bring enough cycling knowledge and experience to elevate Boutiette’s business to a new level.

“We have the networking contacts in the community and we know most of the cycling groups, teams and trainers in the industry,” said Penengo, who lives in South Beach. “We know what it takes to cater to the entry-level cyclist just as much as the high-end cyclist. And we’re familiar with how the store should flow, be organized and the selection of merchandising. This is going to be a beneficial partnership for us all.”

the ground again and I thought it was a good idea. I own a bike shop; they go well together.”

Boutiette shipped all the tools and mate-

For more information, call 786-2423733 or go to www.elitecycling.net. For Rocket7 orders, go to www.rocket7.com.

Meet the new team at Elite Cycling & Fitness, (l-r) mechanic Logan Wright, new co-owners Marcelo Penengo and Jerry Mendez; and original owner KC Boutiette.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

shape to maximize the cyclist’s comfort and performance in long races.

The Seattle-based company gained notoriety when prominent professional cyclists were photographed wearing them. Then, in 2008, King dismantled the operation to pursue a career in software. When Boutiette called King in March to purchase the embroidery machine that he used to make the shoes, the idea to relaunch Rocket7 was born.

“I was considering starting another business, maybe doing tee shirts and other clothing,” Boutiette said. “I knew Brian wasn’t using his embroidery machine, so I figured I’d take it off his hands. Then he asked me to think about getting Rocket7 off

January 2 - 15, 2012

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

Chamber South ‘Cardio Challenge’ begins Jan. 4

BY PAUL MERKER

Let’s face it, we all make New Year’s resolutions and most of us keep those resolutions for about two weeks.

The most common New Year resolutions center on drinking less, losing weight, improving finances, spending more time with family and developing healthy habits.

This year is going to be different. Just follow these easy steps and you will be living a healthier lifestyle with less stress. First, choose a resolution in your control that does not involve your success based on the decision of others. Be realistic and pick something you actually will be able to accomplish.

Seek a partner or a friend for support in helping you achieve your goals. If you can’t get someone involved in your plan, than seek professional help, like a counselor or a trained professional for support.

Getting involved in events like the Chamber South Wellness Committee Cardio Challenge is a great way to ensure success with keeping resolutions. The Cardio Challenge is a 12-week program that includes walking everyday and other fun and healthy events. Individuals pick a distance track of 30, 75, 150 or 250 miles that they will chip away at over three months starting Jan. 4 and ending March 28. Included are many free and discounted events scattered through the program where the participants can take yoga classes or spin classes at one of the Chamber’s members’ businesses; such as Corpo Yoga or MCycle Gym. Footworks is also offering special pricing on their Fitness 101 Program starting Jan 4. There also will be informational seminars on nutrition.

The Chamber South Cardio Challenge is free to Chamber South members and only $25 for significant others, spouses or business associates. Non-members can join Chamber

MENTAL HEALTH South in January and apply the $25 dollars towards their yearly membership.

The first step is to register for the event at Chamber South, 6410 SW 80 St., right next to Fuchs Park in South Miami, beginning the first week of January. Join us and register at Chamber South on Jan. 4, Jan. 12 or Jan. 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. If the morning is better for you, you may also register on Jan. 9 or Jan. 16 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Upon registering you will receive an initial fitness evaluation from the experts at Baptist Health of South Florida, a pedometer and your goody bag full of discount opportunities. Next, start walking and join all of the fun events planned over the next three months.

Cheryl Miller, owner of New Urban Balance and a member of Chamber South, developed this idea in order to highlight the businesses in the Chamber that focus on wellness. Alvaro Bustos, owner of Bustos Realty, and chairperson of the Wellness Committee, and Thomas Taulbee, event coordinator and membership director, have both been busy coordinating this event as well.

Everybody’s a winner! Pick your walking goal and start your journey to better health and realized resolutions over the next 12 weeks. For more information, go to <www.facebook.com/ChamberSouthWellness Committee.> Paul Merker is a Certified Addiction Therapist and has a private counseling practice. He may be contacted by calling 305498-0704 and by email at <merkerpaul1@aol.com>. For more information go to <www.paulmerker.com.>

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Coming soon: Maj Jongg comedy show, David Grover children’s concert Linda K. Landy ALPER JCC NEWS I have vivid memories as a child of my mother and my grandmother playing Mah Jongg. Each weekly game was a big event, but when they played at our house it was stepped up to another level.

Mah Jongg night meant we got to buy our lunch at school the next day because mom always came home a winner with a pocket full of quarters, dimes and nickels. It’s hard to

imagine that buying your lunch at school was a special treat, but it was a whole lot better than a hard-boiled egg and a tomato in a paper sack.

When the ladies played at our house, there were M&M candies, chips, soft drinks and all the other things that we rarely got to eat. I can still hear the music of their voices and the crack of the tiles that lulled me to sleep so many times.

When my youngest was an infant and I stopped working, I learned to play Mah Jongg.

I started playing weekly with my mother, mother-in-law, sister and sister-in-law. At an open Mah Jongg night at the J in 1993, I was recruited to play in a weekly game with four women I had never met. Nineteen years later, I count these women among my closest friends. Since I started playing, I have been delighted to see the game’s growth in popularity in South Dade.

This syrupy nostalgia session was motivated by the news that a comedy show about Mah Jongg is coming to the JCC on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 8 p.m.

Mah Jongg Face is billed as a performance of laughter, tears, stories and song. This multi-media romp of

all things Mah Jongg is brought to life through a collection of storytellers, videos and even songs.

Hosted by the hilarious Oriental goddess Esther Goodheart, a real life Asian-Jew, the show features Cory Kahaney (Letterman, Last Comic Standing), Dina Pearlman (Sex and the City and 4 Spike Lee films), Susannah Perlman (Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad) and Eddie Sarfaty (author of the best selling book, Mental).

If you love Mah Jongg or love someone who loves the game, you don’t want to miss Mah Jongg Face. For tickets and information call 305.271.9000, ext. 268, or log onto <www.alperjcc.org>.

DAVID GROVER CHILDREN’S CONCERT Some of my fondest memories of my youngest son revolve around his love of music.

I have this fabulous photo of him standing behind a tiny piano belting out a song.

David Grover wasn’t around when he was little, but I am sure he would have loved him.

Grover brings his Grover’s Gang Concert to the Alper JCC on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. His musical talent as an instrumentalist and a vocalist combined with his warmth when entertaining young audiences, have solidified his reputation as the pied piper of children’s music.

Legendary for his music and his gentle message songs which have taught generations how to care for the planet, respect one another, do your best and make the world a better place. Grover has been compared to Mr. Rogers, Paul Simon and James Taylor, but his style is all his own. He has performed at the White House and played to the delegates of the United Nations, who gleefully did the hand motions to one of his songs, at the kickoff of the International Year of Clean Water.

He has won countless awards including Emmy and Grammy nominations.

For tickets and information call 305271-9000, ext. 268, or log onto <www.alperjcc.org>.

January 2 - 15, 2012

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Crime Report The following is a list of crimes reported to the Village of Pinecrest Police Department during the week of December 5 - 11, 2011.

ARSON None AUTO THEFT None ASSAULT None BATTERY None BURGLARY (COMMERCIAL) None BURGLARY (RESIDENCE) Case # 1104916 Location: 6400 Block of SW 113 St Sometime between Dec. 1, 0700 hrs, and Dec. 8, 0750 hrs, unknown offender(s) gained entry into the victim’s residence by breaking a rear glass sliding door. At the time of the report, the victim was unable to provide an inventory of the stolen items. This case is presently under investigation.

ROBBERY None SEX CRIME None HOMICIDE None THEFT Case # 1104879 Location: 13501 S Dixie Hwy

(Home Depot) On Dec. 5, at approximately 1359 hrs, a known offender was observed taking merchandise and exiting the store making no attempt to pay. The offender was arrested and charged with theft. The estimated value of the stolen property is $79.

Case # 1104887 Location: 9601 S Dixie Hwy (Parking Lot) Sometime between Dec. 3, 1700 hrs, and Dec. 6, 1221 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole tools from the victim’s trailer. The estimated value of the stolen property is $5,800. This case is presently under investigation.

Case # 1104894 Location: 9001 S Dixie Hwy (Good Year) On Dec. 6, sometime between 1724 hrs, and 1750 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole the victim’s laptop and wireless air card from the listed business. The estimated value of the stolen property is $500. This case is presently under investigation.

Case # 1104940 Location: 11515 S Dixie Hwy (Starbucks) On Dec. 8, at approximately 0900 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole the victim’s iPad from the listed business. The estimated value of the stolen property is $499. This case is presently under investigation.

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Crime Report The following is a list of crimes reported to the Village of Pinecrest Police Department during the week of December 12 - 18, 2011

ARSON None

ing no attempt to pay. The estimated value of the stolen property is still pending.

AUTO THEFT None

Case # 1105009 Location: 6800 Block of SW 120 St Sometime between Dec. 8, 0956 hrs, and Dec. 14, 0956 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole a gas generator from the victimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s property. The estimated value of the stolen property is $1,000. This case is presently under investigation.

ASSAULT None BATTERY None BURGLARY (COMMERCIAL) None BURGLARY (RESIDENCE) None ROBBERY None SEX CRIME None HOMICIDE None THEFT Case # 1104977 Location: 13501 S Dixie Hwy (Home Depot) On Dec. 12, at approximately 1130 hrs, a known offender was observed taking merchandise and exiting the store making no attempt to pay. The offender was arrested and charged with theft. The estimated value of the stolen property is $130.68.

Case # 1105004 Location: 8765 S Dixie Hwy (CVS Pharmacy) On Dec. 13, at approximately 2322 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole an unknown amount of items and exited the store mak-

Case # 1105051 Location: 11299 S Dixie Hwy (CVS Pharmacy) On Dec. 16, at approximately 2010 hrs, unknown offender(s) took miscellaneous toiletries and exited the store making no attempt to pay. The estimated value of the stolen property is $805.27. This case is presently under investigation.

Case # 1105052 Location: 11905 S Dixie Hwy (Best Buy) On Dec. 17, at approximately 1833 hrs, a known offender was observed taking two laptops and exiting the store making no attempt to pay. The offender was arrested and charged with grand theft. The estimated value of the stolen property is $1,199.98.

Case # 1105061 Location: 13501 S Dixie Hwy (Home Deport) On Dec. 18, at approximately 1314 hrs, a known offender was observed taking a box of rat poison and exiting the store making no attempt to pay. The offender was arrested and charged with theft. The estimated value of the stolen property is $5.97.

January 2 - 15, 2012

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“Best Pizza of Miami” New Times

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DREWKERN.COM

OPENING DOORS TO SOUTH FLORIDA REAL ESTATE As a second generation real estate professional, and a Miami native, I have an intimate understanding of our local market.

Let me help guide you through the sometimes turbulent waters of buying and selling your most valuable asset. The process should be easy and enjoyable when you have the assistance of the right professional.

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A True Piece of Florida History Don’t miss one of the last great opportunities to own over 1.5 acres of pristine land in the Ponce Davis area. Charming 3/2 main house with separate 1/1 guest house, perfect as a home office. Spectacular Florida room built off of the kitchen with panoramic views of the Live Oak studded yard. Lush native landscape for beauty and privacy. Remodel existing home or build your dream home. Nestled from 47th Avenue to 47th Court on SW 74th street.

Sale consists of 2 folios numbers. $1,850,000

DREW’S RECENTLY SOLD LISTINGS 1555 NE 37 Pl (Seller) 2013 SW 23 St (Seller) 19710 Cutler Ct (Seller) 6000 SW 108 St (Seller) 8104 SW 158 Ter (Seller) 8108 SW 172 Ter (Seller) 9010 SW 125 Ave #G102 (Seller) 10551 SW 122 Ct (Seller) 13929 SW 93 Lane (Seller) 14720 SW 81 Ave (Seller)

15715 SW 87 Ave (Seller) 2338 SW 19 St (Buyer & Seller) 2610 SW 10 St (Buyer & Seller) 10904 SW 239 St (Buyer & Seller) 15980 SW 79 Ave (Buyer & Seller) 14422 SW 68 Ct (Buyer & Seller) 9045 SW 213 St (Buyer) 1 Glen Royal PW #807 (Buyer) 2951 S Bayshore Dr #302 (Buyer) 12051 SW 88 Ave (Buyer)

300 Biscayne Blvd #1907 (Seller) 701 Brickell Key Blvd #204 (Seller) 1900 Pizarro St (Buyer) 2180 SW 24 St (Seller) 5611 Castlegate Ave (Buyer & Seller) 5838 Collins Ave #4F (Seller) 5838 Collins Ave #4F (Seller) 5851 SW 85 St (Seller) 6049 SW 64 Ter (Seller) 6910 SW 64 Ct (Seller)

8365 SW 131 St (Seller) 8505 SW 109 St (Buyer & Seller) 9011 SW 68 Ter (Seller) 10825 SW 112 Ave #214 (Seller) 13805 SW 83 Ave (Buyer) 13929 SW 93 Lane (Seller) 14300 SW 68 Ave (Buyer & Seller) 16485 Collins Ave #231 (Buyer) 20030 Cutler Ct (Seller) 4129 Hardie Ave (Buyer) 8525 SW 146 St (Buyer)

550 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY, CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA 33146 305.329.7744 • KERN.D@EWM.COM

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Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

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Fun and Fabulous Gift Boutique New Baby • Wedding • Hostess • Birthday • Holiday Housewarming • Graduation • Just Because...

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South End Plumbing still going strong after 43 years

BY JOSE CASSOLA

When Thomas and Nancye Fisher bought South End Plumbing in 1970, the couple knew nothing about owning a business and even less about plumbing.

“I could do small jobs, little things here and there, but I learned everything about plumbing here,” said Thomas, 81, who lives in Palmetto Bay. “Before I bought the business, I worked a corporate life. I didn’t like it. I was tired of it. I wanted to own my own business and this just happened to be available for sale. So my wife and I settled into plumbing and here we are 40 years later.”

The Fisher family — including son Rick, 56, and daughters Sandy Moore, 55, and Cindy Fox, 52 — settled into Miami in 1960. Thomas worked nine years for Milgo Electronics and a year for Burger King before he found the plumbing business.

Established in 1968, South End Plumbing, 8805 SW 129th St., does a wide range of full service jobs, including general repairs, sewer and drainage cleaning, pump installations, water heater replacements and complete bathroom and kitchen alterations.

Thomas is still very much involved in the family operation, performing house calls and

Pictured (l-r) is Rick Fisher, his father Thomas Fisher and daughter Sandy Moore, all principles in the family operated South End Plumbing.

assisting plumbers on the job. His wife died of cancer in 2010. She was the secretary and treasurer, handling all the bookkeeping of

the business and dispatching calls.

“Mom was very instrumental in the rise of the business,” said son Rick. “She was the overseer of everything that went on in this company and worked until nearly the end.”

Rick has always been involved in his parents’ business. From an early age, he helped mom and dad on summer breaks away from school. He began working full-time when he was 23 and hasn’t stopped.

“I do a little bit of everything,” he said.

“Answer phones, make house calls. I’m a gopher of sorts and technically oriented like my dad. Plumbing is all I’ve ever done and all I’ve ever known.”

Rick’s sisters never delved into the family business like their big brother did. But Sandy has gotten more involved since their mother died.

“My background is in interior design,”

Sandy said. “I’ve always joked if daddy owned a bridal shop, I would be happy to come to work.”

She is quick to point out that though she doesn’t like handling the bookkeeping of the family business, she does love the customer service aspect.

“I love going the extra mile to cater to every customer’s needs,” she said. “I love taking care of them in every way. In business, you do everything for the customer to make their experience the most satisfactory as possible. That’s what I love most about the job.”

Grace Deleon, 56, of Westchester said the customer service at South End Plumbing is what has kept her coming back for nearly 30 years.

“There’s no one else I trust or find more reliable than South End Plumbing,” Deleon said. “It’s great to do business with someone you trust. You never have to worry about being overcharged for anything. They get the job done right and they are affordable.”

Another longtime customer, Helen Stephan, 59, of South Miami, said the service at South End Plumbing is top notch.

“Over the last 26 years, they’ve corrected everything that needs to be done on my home and they’ve never failed me yet. I couldn’t ask for better service,” Stephan said. “I just recently moved and I fully intend to use them for any future plumbing needs on my new home.”

Stephan’s old home off Davis Road and Old Cutler has actually been serviced by the Fisher family for as long as South End Plumbing has been in business.

“We worked on that house when it belonged to the Greenbergs, also longtime customers,” Rick said. “Then when it changed hands to the Stephans. Now Helen’s niece has bought the home and she’s also a customer. We almost feel that’s our home.”

For more information, call 305-235-7177 or go to <www.southendplumbing.com>.

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50th Anniversary Reunion

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Are you in these photographs?

Continued on next page

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50th Anniversary Reunion

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We are looking for you!!!

Continued on next page

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50th Anniversary Reunion

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Come join us at the reunion, Jan. 13

Continued on next page

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50th Anniversary Reunion

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We are looking for you!!!

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Papanicolaou Corps Annual Holiday Charity Breakfast

Continued on next page

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Papanicolaou Corps Annual Holiday Charity Breakfast

Continued on next page

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Papanicolaou Corps Annual Holiday Charity Breakfast

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2012 Infiniti QX is a big SUV with a lot of luxury Ron Beasley AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR

LET’S TALK CARS The Infiniti QX was redesigned completely for 2011, so there are few changes in the 2012 model, and it continues as a spacious luxury SUV that comfortably seats eight adults while hauling a boat or trailer of up to 8,500 pounds.

However, there are a few new wrinkles for 2012, including the addition of Blind Spot Intervention to the Technology Package, a Bose Cabin Surround sound system with 15 speakers to the Deluxe Touring Package, heated second row seats and remote tip-up second row seats to the Theater Package and new headlight washers to the 2WD Deluxe Touring Package.

The 2012 QX56 is available in 2WD and 4WD models and both have a stiff frame structure that enhances the ride and reduces noise, vibration and harshness.

Under the hood, there’s a powerful 5.6liter, 400 hp engine with 413 pounds-feet of torque.

The big V-8 gives the SUV responsive acceleration thanks to the VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) and Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) technology and a sevenspeed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is not bad for a big SUV at 14/20 mpg for both the 2WD and 4WD models.

On the inside, the QX interior continues to have an abundance of luxury and comfort. Standard equipment includes the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System and an Around View Monitor. Perforated semianiline leather-appointed seats and a Theater Package with dual seven-inch color monitors are available options.

The QX is strikingly designed, with a bold front chrome grille flanked by automatic on/off bi-functional xenon headlights with windshield wiper interlock and integrated front fog lights. Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights and headlight washers also are available. To the rear are LED taillights, heated power-folding sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals, courtesy lights and a reverse tilt-down feature, body color running boards, body color integrated front and rear splashguards built into the wheel arches, roof rails, a power sliding tinted glass moonroof and a power rear liftgate.

Infiniti QX has a bold front chrome grille flanked by automatic on/off bi-functional xenon headlights with windshield wiper interlock and integrated front fog lights.

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

A front underbody spoiler, functional rear liftgate spoiler and redesigned side mirrors provide added aerodynamics and zero lift for the big SUV. The QX design is accented by standard 20-inch and available 22-inch wheel and tire combinations and six distinctive exterior colors: Mountain Sage, Liquid Platinum, Platinum Graphite, Black Obsidian, Dark Currant and Moonlight

White.

Pricing on the 2012 Infiniti QX56 2WD starts at $58,700 and $61,800 for the 4WD model.

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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We are inviting one & all to come celebrate with us.

Thank you for your Support & Friendship

Free Food & Drinks Thrursday, January 5 th 6pm - Till Closing

Inspired by Cuba - Made in America NOT YOUR TYPICAL CUBAN RESTAURANT

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