Pinecrest Tribune 3.26.2012

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www.pinecresttribune.com

TR R II B BU UN NE E T

Pinecrest Phone: 305-669-7355

ONE OF MIAMI’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

MAR. 26 - APR. 8, 2012

Boat access is a right not a priviledge BY GRANT MILLER

Publisher Hometown hero Marc Buoniconti had the good fortune to be approved by Miami-Dade County to build a long-overdue boat storage facility at Matheson Hammock Park. After more than 12 years of due diligence to research and see the project through to completion, Buoniconti and partner Andy Sturner are enduring slings and arrows aimed at them from rabid environmentalists and one deep-pocketed disturbed neighbor. In an emotional drama pitting extremely affluent home owners with yachts on wet slips off Biscayne Bay against their lesser privileged water sports loving neighbors (who must settle for a marina to store their boat because Coral Gables won’t permit parking it at their inland residence), the battle of the wet slippers vs. the drydockers is on. The central protagonists in this story are both accomplished men. Miami was introduced to Buoniconti under tragic circumstances in 1985 when the son of Miami Dolphins “perfect season” linebacker Nick Buoniconti was paralyzed in a spinal cord injury during a college football game for The Citadel. A Miami boy since the age of three when, in 1969, his dad was traded from the Boston Patriots to the

–––––––––– See BOAT ACCESS, page 7

Read in Beaver Creek, CO

Police traffic stops produce important benefits BY BOB ROSS Councilmember, Village of Pinecrest

The Perez and Mayans went on a ski vacation to Beaver Creek, CO in February. Of course they remembered to take along a copy of their favorite hometown newspaper and sent us back this shot. Pictured are Aglyn, Anabelle, David and David Perez, Jr.; and Liz, Gabriela, Harry and Adrian Mayans. Thanks for taking us with you, guys!

Positive PEOPLE

Recently, I was taken to task by a resident who complained that the Pinecrest police should spend their time “catching criminals” and not hassling residents at traffic stops on their way to and from work. There’s no question that Pinecrest has always had a strong – some would say fearsome – reputation as a municipality demanding respect for traffic laws through stringent enforcement. In 2011, police officers here made 12,365 traffic stops and issued 12,875 citations for observed violations. Nearly three-quarters of these were for moving violations. Soon-to-retire Chief John Hohensee explained to me that traffic stops fit neatly into the community-oriented policing

–––– See TRAFFIC

STOPS, page 7

in Pinecrest

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

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PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

Pinecrest announces NEW Sports Camp at Suniland Park

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Camp Director Dan Sheehy announced today the coming of the PINECREST SPORTS CAMP for the SPRING BREAK 2012 for youth, who are interested in about every sport imaginable. The camp wil be held at the facilities located at Suniland Park (12855 South Dixie Highway, Pinecrest, FL). Sheehy said “The new concept will apply individual coaching in various sports that will be taught by experts in their field. One of the NEWEST sports, that will be featured for the SPRING BREAK CAMP will be LACROSSE, a rapidly growing sport in Dade County and the nation”. If not interested in lacrosse, each youth can pick their favorite sport and be taught by a specialist. The list of sports will include (but not limited to): Cheerleading, Baseball/Softball, Football and Basketball. For more information, contact Dan Sheehy at 786-506-1231 or email him at PinecrestSportsCamps@aol.com. Camp date: April 9 - 15, 2012.


Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

It’s federal tax season; don’t get scammed BY KATHERINE FERNANDEZ RUNDLE State Attorney, Miami-Dade County

Just recently, a Miami woman was charged with stealing the identities of U.S. Marines and others in an alleged tax-refund scheme to con the Internal Revenue Service into sending her thousands of dollars. In Broward County, a Sunrise woman recently tried filing for her tax refund only to find out that someone else had already filed on her behalf and received the refund instead. During every tax season, scammers are on high alert, coming up with ways to score every last penny as they prey on the unsuspecting taxpayer. This means, amongst others, stealing identities, filing fake tax forms, hiding income offshore and exaggerating charitable donations. In South Florida, this type of criminal activity is very common. It is no surprise that a Federal Trade Commission report just released indicated that South Florida had more complaints about identity theft than any other place in the United States in 2011. Some of the scams these crooks pitch involve victim participation in illegal activity which could potentially lead to criminal prosecution. Each year, the IRS releases their “Dirty

LAW Dozen” tax scams to make the taxpayer aware of the common schemes being reported during that particular tax season. It is extremely important that we maintain our defenses on high alert by reviewing this list and becoming an even more informed taxpayer. Beyond releasing this yearly “Dirty Dozen” publication, the IRS always stresses that they do not initiate contact with taxpayers by email or any social media tool to request personal or financial information. Scam artists will tempt people in person, online and by email with false promises about lost refunds and free money. Don’t be fooled by these scams. Remember the wise old saying: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t.” Protect your identification and use caution during tax season to protect yourself against a wide range of schemes ranging from identity theft to return preparer fraud. To view the IRS’ “Dirty Dozen” go to <www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=2543 83,00.html>.

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Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

Positive PEOPLE in Pinecrest

GIANCARLO FALCONI Palmer Trinity School senior Giancarlo Falconi loves to sail. He sails competitively in the 420 Class. “It is the most competitive class,” he says, “and the training is rigorous.” Because of commitments at school in music and volunteering at the Center for Writing, Falconi does not practice his sailing during the week. “I practice on Sunday,” he says. His competitions take place primarily in the summer. He says most of the competitive regattas are in the summer because everyone has more time to devote to the sport. “People from all over come and train with us at the Coral Reef Yacht Club,” Falconi says. Last summer, he journeyed to Newport, RI to participate in a series of races. “I raced in three regattas,” he says. Falconi has never won a regatta, but he has finished in the top 10. Last year, he raced in eight regattas and in 2010 he competed in 12. “I just finished competing in the Midwinter Championships in Jensen Beach with (PTS classmate) Nick Gangemi,” he says. “It was really competitive and the conditions were very windy.” Out of the 85-team field, Falconi and Gangemi finished at number 53. Although he plans to go away to college next year, Falconi says he wants to continue to sail competitively and he has talked wither several college sailing coaches about their programs. A couple of summers ago, Falconi spent part of his vacation as a counselor in training,

teaching young kids how to sail at the Coral Reef Yacht Club. “I worked for a month teaching kids how to sail,” he says. “It was the beginner’s class.” He taught 7-13 year olds how to sail the Optimist class boats. “It was interesting working with them,” Falconi says. “I learned a lot of patience.” At Palmer Trinity, Falconi volunteers at the Center for Writing tutoring students in sixth through 12th grade. He goes to the center twice a week, helping students draft papers, editing their work and checking grammar. Writing is something that comes naturally to him, so he is happy to help others in that area. He is also good at math and is the treasurer of the math honor society, Mu Alpha Theta. Falconi devotes much of his time to the Palmer Trinity music program, playing flute in the school band. “I’m in the jazz ensemble,” he says. “It’s mostly improvising. I’m a flute, we usually don’t have a flute, but I’m there.” Last year, he could not take wind ensemble at school, so he took wind ensemble at Miami-Dade College. Through that program, he played in Christmas concerts at a retirement home in Miami. Through the Palmer music program, he has traveled to Germany to play. “I also work as a DJ,” he says. “I’ve been able to use that to play music at my church’s 50th anniversary celebration.” Last March, Falconi participated in the Palmer Trinity’s annual Open Hearts mission trip to La Chureca on the outskirts of Managua, Nicaragua. The mission group built a home for a family and interacted with children. The experience was eye opening for Falconi. “Most families live under extreme poverty without even basic sanitation or hygiene,” he says. “Just by observing the conditions and environment in which many kids live and seeing them still put on a loving smile made me realize that we should appreciate the things we have at home and love the people we’re with.” As for college, Falconi has been accepted to the University of Miami and the University of Wisconsin. He is still waiting to hear from some other schools that could be contenders on his list of preferred schools. He hopes to major in biology, with the idea of eventually becoming a doctor. By Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

PRESTON MICHELSON Don’t be surprised if in the future you hear Preston Michelson’s voice everywhere you go. The Palmer Trinity School junior has a terrific radio voice and he wants to pursue a career in broadcast journalism. “In my future, I want to do some kind of sports journalism,” Michelson says. “I prefer on air. I’d also like to do some kind of writing as well.” He has already started to chase his dream – he does the announcing for the majority of the Palmer Trinity varsity sports. His journey began at the start of his sophomore year when he had a conversation with the school athletic director about getting involved in athletics behind in the scenes. “I had some interest in broadcasting and he suggested doing public address work,” Michelson says. “I started with volleyball last year and it went on from there.” Now he also announces football, basketball, softball, soccer, lacrosse and wrestling events. He is also part of the rotation for delivering the school’s morning announcements. Michelson is on the Captain’s Council, an organization that is focused on athletics and building leadership. He is also a student ambassador and gives school tours to prospective parents and students. “I’m ready whenever they need me to conduct a tour,” he says. In the fall, the school offered four days of tours after the regular breakfasts for the prospective students and their parents. “Most of my time is spent doing the announcing,” Michelson says. “My favorite

sport is baseball. I used to play baseball before I started doing the public announcements; then I gave it up.” He says that he had to make a choice when baseball season came around last year. He became the team manager and keeps the statistics. “Before each game, I get each roster from both the home team and the away team,” he says. “I write up a script for each game.” Becoming an announcer at school led to announcing the starting lineup for the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Clippers a year ago when he participated in the Miami Heat Kids’ Day celebration. “It was exhilarating!” he says. The opportunity came when he went to a Heat game to celebrate his birthday. Because he was friends with the Heat announcer’s daughter, he met with Michael Biamonte to get tips on announcing. He was able to sit at the scorers’ table at the game and met the Heat’s director of game day operations, who asked him if he could do a Michael Biamonte impression. “That was on Friday,” Michelson says. “The following Wednesday someone from the Heat called and asked if I would be interested in helping with the Kid’s Day Celebration.” Outside of sports, Michelson volunteers at the Center for Writing two days each week. “We assist students who come to the center for help writing their essays or lab reports,” he says. “Teachers ask us to come into their class. We sit down with every student and we help them with their essays. The outreach students are usually sixth or seventh graders. The ones who come in voluntarily are from all grades.” Because of his interest in sports and announcing, Michelson has decided to major in Broadcast Journalism. He is interested in attending Boston University, Texas Christian University or Syracuse because they all have strong journalism programs. Meantime, he is looking to pay it forward and hopes to mentor a middle school student to follow in his footsteps as the varsity sports announcer. By Linda Bernfeld Rodriguez

Pinecrest Tribune Positive People column?

305-669-7355, x. 216


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PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

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Positive PEOPLE in Pinecrest

SHIORI SAGESHIMA Shiori Sageshima is the Gulliver Prep Silver Knight nominee in the Mathematics. One of the qualifications for being a Silver Knight nominee is strong community service,

and Sageshima has demonstrated that she’s no slouch when it comes to helping others. “My major project was during my freshman and sophomore years, and in the first half of my junior year,” she says. “I used to go to the Japanese school as a student. After I graduated, I was given the opportunity to work as an assistant to the teacher for the kindergarten, aiding them if they needed help.” So if there was a child who had trouble catching up with the other students in math and Japanese, Sageshima would help them so they could get back on track. “I helped to the best of my ability,” she says. “They would come every Saturday in addition to attending their elementary school classes.” The children attend Japanese school because their parents don’t want them to lose their language. “There are different levels of Japanese fluency,” Sageshima says. “I know what it is to know both languages, I know what they are going through.” Sageshima was born in Japan, but then moved to Minnesota because of her father’s work. She and her family returned

to Japan for a while before moving to Miami when she was in third grade when her father took a position as a transplant surgeon at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Since she knows what it’s like to straddle two cultures, Sageshima has been able to help many children, including one boy whose parents are Japanese but living in Miami for a long time. She says the boy had trouble speaking Japanese until one day he became fluent. “I think he went to Japan and then he caught on to the language,” she says. “He grew the most in the year that I was there.” At Gulliver Prep, Sageshima is a member of the National Honor society, the National Art Honor Society and the new Cumlade Society. Each year, for fun and community service, Sageshima is a standard bearer at the World Golf Championship Tournament at Doral. While the standards bearing the names of the golfers can get awfully heavy, she loves being able to go around the golf course with the professional golfers. Although she has discovered that she is good with kids, Sageshima’s future calling appears to be architecture. “I’ve been drawing my whole life,” she

says. “I took art class every year, even when I was in middle school, and now as well. My freshman year art teacher asked me if I wanted to enroll (in architecture).” Now she is in the Urban Planning Class and loving it. The class recently made a presentation before the Coral Gables City Commission about the Alhambra Water Tower. “Urban planning is building in the context of the environment,” Sageshima says. “It required more thinking of the environment. Not just focusing on the design.” While the presentation did make her nervous, Sageshima says that she really enjoyed presenting the work. Sageshima plans to stay in the U.S. for college, although at some point she does want to return to Japan for a graduate degree. “I also have the idea that I want to go to Europe to study architecture,” she says. “I do want to go back to Japan. I miss it sometimes. I’m torn between two countries. I want to experience both.” Sageshima has applied to Cornell, Syracuse, Washington University, USC, Berkley, Rice and Pratt. By Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld


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Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

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BOAT ACCESS, from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Dolphins, Buoniconti grew up on a canal in Pinecrest and dove, swam, boated and fished his way through adolescence like so many of us. Today he is president of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, a University of Miami-based, not-for-profit organization that has raised more than $360 million to date toward a cure for spinal cord injury. It seems health care industry mogul Mike Fernandez has 70 million reasons to fight the boat storage facility, according to Buoniconti. Apparently Fernandez got shut down by the Gables Estates Homeowners Association when he submitted plans for a 45-foot-high mansion for his $70 million residence, but was forced to cap it at 35 feet. Has he taken his wrath from the proposed house height rejection or “building envy” out on the county-approved boat storage facility project across the water? Noticing the traffic jams along Old Cutler Road where boaters were attempting to launch their vessels, Buoniconti decided to do some more research. Observing the disorganized stacks at Haulover and Grove Key, the congestion on the Miami River and the multi-year waits for a dry dock slip, it occurred to Buoniconti that an ADA compliant marina at Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables was the only solution, and a potentially promising business venture. After investing 12 years in presentations to

TRAFFIC STOPS, from page 1 approach favored by Pinecrest. One of its most basic tenets is that local police are responsive to the citizens they serve. The number one complaint our police department and I as a Village Council member receive relates to traffic and aberrant driver behavior. Over the past two years, our police have gotten 50 speeding complaints on streets such as Southwest 60th and 62nd Avenues, 100th and 102nd Streets, and 81st Avenue, to name just a few. When chronic speeding is documented, our police typically respond by conducting traffic surveys and setting up traffic stops. Other conditions that trigger traffic stops: Observation of frequent stop sign, red light and other moving violations. As a result of traffic stops, Pinecrest police have served 44 arrest warrants over the past four years. In each of these incidents, they managed to take a wanted person off the streets who otherwise would have been free to perpetrate other illegal acts. I asked Chief Hohensee for several examples of how traffic enforcement in Pinecrest led to catching criminals over the years. Here’s what he provided: • In 2001, one of our officers stopped a car that that went through a stop sign and discovered that the driver was looking for a place to dump his deceased passenger, whom he had murdered. • In 2005, one of our officers made a rou-

mayors, commissioners, affected neighbors, and spending years on environmental impact studies, manatee studies, traffic and land value studies, and over a year negotiating lease details with the county, Buoniconti and Sturner beat out four other proposals and won the county bid with their $17 million facility proposal. The fact that they were not requesting any variances for building on the site helped them score the win. Their plan suggests an improvement to the ecology by keeping oil, gas and bilge water spills contained indoors. Now I’m not a boater and, frankly, I wish I could sit around all day and worry about the increased decibel levels of sound off my bayfront back yard or the .19 acres of mangrove mitigation required in the commercial boat storage, fuel dock and restaurant area of a 630acre park. Most of us only get to drive by the land around Old Cutler and wonder at the beauty that lies behind the huge camouflaging Live Oak trees, ficus and Royal Palms that mask the view to the water where the multimillionaires eventually took over; I mean, settled down. The questions here are simple ones of access and equality. Demystifying the wellfinanced smear campaign of one displeased affected party who has capitalized on the disenfranchised environmentalist camp to build his case, when all area residents have a right to public park resources. tine traffic stop and discovered 20 grams of heroin. • In 2007, a stop for a speeding violation resulted in identification of the driver as responsible for a hit and run that had just occurred in another jurisdiction, as well as the seizure of eight pounds of marijuana. • In 2010, a routine traffic stop resulted in the arrest of the driver for several recent robberies in Miami-Dade County and the recovery of a firearm. • Last summer, a midnight shift stop for a minor traffic violation resulted in the arrest of three individuals who admitted they were in the area casing targets to burglarize. One was charged with stealing a boat motor in Palmetto Bay earlier that evening. The chief reminded me that nationally, Oklahoma bombing suspect Timothy McVey, serial murderer Ted Bundy and Atlanta child killer Wayne Williams were all apprehended as a result of routine traffic stops. The Pinecrest Police Department recently produced its highly informative 2011 annual report that you can access through the Village website at <www.pinecrest-fl.gov>. The report presents crime statistics, including comparisons by category over the years, as well as the details of creative efforts in a variety of areas to catch criminals and prevent crime. Traffic stops are just one tool in the arsenal, but they contribute significantly to the overall success the department enjoys in protecting residents and businesses. Bob Ross has served as Pinecrest Village Councilmember, Seat 1, since 2008.

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Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

Advice for getting through a divorce BY DEBBIE MARTINEZ

Divorce Coach

My children want to leave pictures of my ex up in the house. Help, I can’t stand looking at them! I’m sure the impulse to use them as target practice is overwhelming so let’s try this. Let your children know they can keep whatever pictures they want of him and or the family in their room. If that doesn’t pass muster with them, pick out a couple of pictures that are less bothersome to you and put them in places that you won’t see them as often. FYI, the foyer table would not be a good place. I have always had a great relationship with my ex’s family before and after the divorce. It’s been four years and I’m sensing they are pulling away and when I voice my concern they make light of it. I don’t understand. Unfortunately, divorce separates families and in-laws are no exception. As difficult as it may sound, try not to take it personally. They could be getting pressure from your ex or they are just tired of trying to juggle the relationship. It’s not because they have stopped loving you, but when life situations change, sometimes relationships have to change with them. Maybe you can think of a way to restructure your relationship with them and then sit and be honest in your discussion. By you being proactive, they will feel the pressure has been lifted from them and you quite possibly will be able to maintain some type of relationship. Now that I’m divorced and the dust has settled, I’m overwhelmed with all the life changing decisions I’m faced with. Where do I even begin?

Where do you want to end up? Go from there. How are you going to reinvent yourself? Recognize that all things don’t have to be accomplished in one day or one month. Take one day at a time and pat yourself on the back at the end of the day for what you got done. Don’t focus on the few things that didn’t make it off your list. If you’ve been one that has always had your life planned out, accept that right now you might not know where you will be in four years. But, do one thing and that is to learn to enjoy the journey. What is Collaborative Divorce? I’ve heard the term before but don’t really understand what it is? Collaborative divorce is where the two parties agree not to litigate their divorce and work together. It is a non-adversarial approach. Each has their own attorney, but there is a joint accountant and a mental health professional present at the meetings. If at any time one party wants to litigate, the process is broken and the parties have to start from scratch with new attorneys. It is a great way to get divorced because it is a team approach and encourages the parties to work together and not against each other, which as we know, will draw the divorce process out unnecessarily.

Debbie Martinez is a Certified Divorce Life Coach. She has given workshops on divorce and women’s issues and has offices in South Miami. For more information, go to <www.thepowerofdivorcecoach.com>.

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Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

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Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

A MESSAGE FROM CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH

The journey downward Reverend Kathryn Carroll MATTERS OF THE SPIRIT I have done my share of vigorous hiking, but I have never ventured up a mountain that I could not climb down. Rock climbers, in contrast, engage in a mode of travel I marvel at — they are able to scale treacherous boulders and rappel to points below. When climbers have the proper equipment, they can go from a top of a bald-faced mountain all the way to the bottom, with their feet never touching the ground. A key, of course, to safe rappelling is to have proper equipment: Anchor, helmet, carabineer, harness, rappelling device and rope. With an anchor safely in place, harness and a sturdy rope to hold onto, climbers are able to plunge downward, trusting that they will come through it in one piece; indeed, they even enjoy the ride. Christians throughout the world are in the midst of the season of Lent. It is the time prior to Easter in which to explore the depths of our spirits, to plunge into the inner recesses of our hearts and acknowledge the ways in which we fall short

of God’s will for our lives. It’s a season for recognizing our propensity to pull away from God and ignore the needs of others in favor of our own. Such self-assessment is fraught with danger when we “go it alone,” for when we are brutally honest, we see not only the extent of our shortcomings, but also our powerlessness to change our basic nature; and powerlessness can lead to despair. The good news of Lent, however, is that the proper equipment is always at hand for journeying down the path of self evaluation. For God goes with us — we have an anchor, which is God’s eternal promises of life and forgiveness, and we have a rope — a guide throughout the process — through God’s spirit. That spirit reminds us we are loved, perpetually, despite our weakness. All we need to do is trust the “proper equipment” which is God’s promise of forgiveness, to land safely in the arms of God: the One who receives us, renews us and fills us with hope for the future. Rev. Kathryn Carroll, a Pinecrest resident, serves as pastor at Christ The King Lutheran Church, 11295 57 Ave. Worship services are on Sunday at 8:15 and 10 a.m., with Sunday school for all ages at 9 a.m. For more information, go to <www.ctkmiami.org>.


Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

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THE HERITAGE SCHOOL FOUNDED IN 1971 13300 SW 120 Street • Miami, FL 33186 • Ph: 305-232-2222

“An International School”

Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

Pinecrest now has its own Baptist Urgent Care Center Baptist Health Systems opens an urgent care center in Pinecrest.

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Until now, there have been Baptist Urgent Care Centers near and around Pinecrest, but in December, the Village got its own center to take care of non-critical cases. The new center is located at 11805 S. Dixie Hwy. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. William Ricard, a regional director for the medical plazas, says the new facility is already well utilized by the public. “We’re pleasantly surprised on the upside,” he says. “We always assess whenever we go into a new community. We look to see where the patients are coming to the Emergency Department. We noticed that there was a good population from Pinecrest. It’s all about convenience to our patients and it all made sense.” The urgent care center always has at least one physician on site. Ricard says if it gets busier, they will add another. Baptist Health Systems has approximately 15 urgent care centers in MiamiDade and Broward. “Our philosophy is to bring health care to your backyard,” Ricard says. “Why go to an emergency department when you can go to your backyard.” Urgent care centers are designed for patients with non life-threatening symptoms. “We are there not for emergency room symptoms, but for your sore throats, your common colds, it’s a great alternative,” he says. “Not heart attack, concussion or stroke. For those you should be going straight to the ER.” Because Baptist is non-profit, they put profits back into the health care system instead into an investor’s pocket. “We give it back to the community,” he says. We have a huge charity program. It’s

part of being a non-profit. We give back to the community, charity care, community health programs like that.” Along with the urgent care center opened in Pinecrest, Baptist also recently opened another in Kendale Lakes at Miller Drive and 147th Avenue. They have a big urgent care center on Kendall Drive just west of 127th Avenue, as well as one in the Country Walk area and one in the center in Palmetto Bay at 8750 SW 144 St., just east of South Dixie Highway. The centers not only relieve the emergency department of the minor emergencies, but also ease the pressure on primary care doctors by dealing with the those minor illnesses that might otherwise overwhelm the waiting room. “We are there to partner with our physicians and the community,” Ricard says. “We are there to help them with that, with their own decompression. I don’t believe they have enough resources to see all their patients that need to be seen at that moment. A lot of times, it’s a weekend, or a holiday.” The urgent care centers forward the results to the primary physicians and they urge patients to follow up with their doctors. Because Pinecrest real estate is at a premium, it was not as easy to find the right place for the urgent care facility. It’s one of the smallest urgent care centers, with six examination rooms and a triage room. “We think it’s the right size for the community that we serve,” Ricard says. “It offers moderate complexity lab tests, which is more than the majority of the facilities of our competitors.” Because of its size, the Pinecrest facility is focused on urgent care and does not offer diagnostic services. Those services are available at the Palmetto Bay facility.


Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

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Renowned physician left a mark BY RAQUEL GARCIA

Dr. William T. Brown died on Feb. 19 after a long battle with cancer. He was 78. To say that Dr. Brown was a remarkable man who devoted his life to the benefit of humanity would not begin to do justice to his legacy. He was a giant in the medical profession. Dr. Brown was a triple board-certified thoracic surgeon licensed to practice in three states. He performed the world’s first successful thymus transplant and pioneered the development of video-assisted thoracic surgery. He also was a member of the medical team that performed the first kidney transplant. He founded the intensive care unit at Variety Children’s Hospital and served as chief of surgery. He gave decades of volunteer service to the Bahamas as a pediatric surgeon and an equal amount of time to the Diocese of Miami as surgeon to the drug abuse clinic. A University of Miami alumnus and a voluntary professor of surgery at the Miller School of Medicine, he served as a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy. He was also a devoted family man. “My dad said that he may not have made a complete footprint during his lifetime, but at least he made a mark,” said Beth BrownGerrish, Dr. Brown’s youngest daughter. “His goal in life was to matter and make a difference in his community, in his city, in his state, in his country, in the world; and he achieved it all.” Colleague Dr. John Adler, professor of neurosurgery at Stanford University School of Medicine and inventor of the CyberKnife Radiosurgical System, recently lamented Dr. Brown’s passing during a medical conference in California. “Bill was a feisty, just-couldn’t-be-heldback kind of guy,” he said. “As far as I’m concerned, he did more for the field of oncology than some of these big cancer centers. I’d like to salute Bill Brown and everything he stood for. I truly hope that we can abide by that spirit as we move forward.” Dr. Brown’s book The Atlas of Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery was written to present the birth of video-assisted thoracic surgery. “Instead of cutting open the chest, he would make an incision through the ribs and go through another area and operate (and videotaping) while looking at a television screen of the process,” said Brown-Gerrish. “He wrote the textbook and taught it around the world.” Beyond the professional accolades was a man driven by love, family and the pursuit of excellence in medicine. “He was just completely in love with my mom and his family and with being a physician for all the right reasons,” said BrownGerrish. “He had to be using his brain; he was on the cutting edge of everything right

DR. WILLIAM T. BROWN

up until the day he died. He was truly in love with medicine and he was a good, kind soul.” Dr. Brown’s wisdom knew no bounds and he also heeded the advice of his wife, Maureen. As his career expanded following his internship and residency at Northwestern University in Chicago, the Browns decided to move back to Miami where Dr. Brown was raised. “My mom told him at the beginning of his career when he was working very hard that he was missing out on his kids growing up,” said Brown-Gerrish. “She said told him that he should spend more time with the family, and he did.” Dr. Brown became active with the Boy Scouts and helped all three of his sons to eventually earn Eagle Scout badges. And then, Brown-Gerrish recalled, the sailing summers began. Every year, the family of two adults, six children and the family dog would set sail in a 35-foot Morgan headed for the Bahamas. “We explored every single island over the years, roughing it with cans of ravioli and air-sealed bacon; it was incredible,” said Brown-Gerrish. “And we would go skiing in the winter. He also took us on trips all over the world. He once told me that he wanted to make sure that we had a chance to see the world if for some reason we could not afford to take the trips ourselves in the future.” To future physicians, Brown-Gerrish said her father left the following advice: “Take time to be with your patients and listen to them because they are human beings. Love what you do and don’t take it for granted, for it is an important profession. Be a doctor for the love of medicine and not for anything else.” Dr. Brown is survived by his wife of 54 years, Maureen; children William, Timothy, Michael, Maureen, Kathleen and Elizabeth; and grandchildren William, Jennifer, Timothy, Kathryn, Matthew, Jewel, Kali and Thomas.

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Former Bank Lawyer: $25B Settlement No Deal For Struggling Homeowners By Ann Lino The nation’s five largest banks reached a historic $25 billion settlement to end the recent “robo-signor” scandal. These robo-signors fabricated false documents that Banks filed in Court to foreclose on millions of struggling homeowners instead of using proper loan documents. It was mass-produced perjury. “When you consider that homes throughout the country are underwater by over $700 billion, a $25 billion penalty is a drop in the bucket.” said Bruce Jacobs, a former bank lawyer who now represents homeowners in foreclosure. “Some states are using the money to balance their budgets. Only a lucky few will get some relief from this deal and Wall Street is off the hook for a lot of bad behavior.” “Homeowners underwater on their mortgages still need to protect themselves.” said Jacobs, who is also a foreclosure defense client. “I had five mortgages on two properties underwater by almost $500,000.00. I stopped paying and fought. Now I have one mortgage on one property. The settlement does not force banks to reduce underwater mortgage balances to market value. However, it also does not resolve the problems that made Banks use robo-signors in the first place – namely, missing the paperwork needed to prove their right to enforce these loans in Court.” Jacobs is part of a national network of dedicated lawyers fighting back against banks. They train at seminars in Las Vegas, New York City and online to share resources and develop cutting edge strategies in foreclosure defense. Many of the attorneys are former bank lawyers who, like Jacobs, are passionate about fighting for meaningful help for their clients. Jacobs has also lectured in real estate offices and at continuing legal education seminars for other attorneys. “There are reasons banks filed “robo-signed” fraudulent documents in foreclosures all over the country. Many have serious paperwork problems which makes proving the right to foreclose in a courtroom difficult.” said Jacobs. “The goal for most of my clients is either a meaningful loan modification with a principal balance reduction, a release from the debt, or to fight to remove the mortgage from the property.” For a free consultation with Bruce Jacobs & Associates, call (855) BANK-LIE (226-5543) or watch his free webinar: “Strategies for an Underwater Mortgage” at www.negotiatefromstrength.com. It’s not a strategic default if you stop paying your mortgage unless you have a strategy.


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‘Eggstraordinary eggcitement’ Edible Arrangements has unique Easter, Passover items

BY GERMAN PAO

Celebrate the rite of spring and delight in the joy experienced by children at the ninth annual Pinecrest Gardens Eggstravaganza, March 31, the weekend before Easter, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. As you wander through the Gardens, you might encounter a pastel bunny, magical fairies or other cute and cuddly characters. Lots of activities for the entire family, including face painting, balloon art, interactive games, music, arts and crafts, or you can simply focus on filling your basket with colorful eggs in pursuit of that one Golden Egg and the special prize it brings. This is one event that every child will want to attend and, by the way, grownups are welcome, too. Admission is $5 and it is recommended that you purchase tickets in advance.

Looking for something unique to spice up your Easter or Passover gathering? Then check out the offerings from Edible Arrangements. Whether you’re entertaining at home or visiting family and friends, a fresh fruit bouquet from Edible Arrangements, 12661 S. Dixie Hwy., is sure to become the topic of conversation at the gathering. Edible Arrangements has high quality, artistically designed fresh fruit bouquets in several options available for any family gathering. Whether you’re looking for a decorative yet delicious centerpiece or a hostess gift that is truly memorable, Edible Arrangements E a s t e r Celebration celebrates the season with good taste. One item, known as “The Easter Celebration” overflows with chocolate-dipped

pineapple bunnies, strawberries, pineapple daisies, grapes, cantaloupe and honeydew melon. Other Easter options include the Easter Daisy, Bunny Festival and Easter Party. For Passover, E d i b l e Arrangements features the Passover Celebration, an arrangement certain to impress any crowd as a beautiful centerpiece or hostess gift. The fresh, hand-sculpted bouquet is topped with pineapples shaped like the Star of David, strawberries, grapes, cantaloupe and honeydew. Other Passover options include the Passover Daisy, Passover Party and Passover Festival. Edible Arrangements offers delicious, high quality, fresh fruit arrangements that make practical, healthy gifts and centerpieces for everyday occasions and events. For more information, call 305-238-0026 or go to <www.ediblearrangements.com>.

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Early detection is key in fighting colorectal cancer BY DR. HENRY LUJAN

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States, yet it is also one of the most preventable. This year alone, approximately 140,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 56,000 people will die from this disease. An estimated 40,000 or more lives could be saved through screening and early treatment. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and it is the perfect time to learn how you can reduce your risk of this disease. Colon cancer screening is recommended beginning at age 50 for men and women. Screening is usually done by testing for blood in the stool and through a colonoscopy. Your doctor will use a flexible scope with a camera and light at the end to look directly into your colon. If small growths, known as polyps, are identified at the time of your colonoscopy, they can usually be removed at the same time. If left untreated, polyps can grow and develop into

HEALTH cancer. If you have a family or personal history of colon cancer or polyps, you should be screened earlier and more often. When diagnosed early, colorectal cancer is curable. In addition to having regular screenings, you should also eat a low fat, high fiber diet. Foods that are low in fat and high in fiber, like green leafy vegetables and fruits, are highly recommended and have been shown to decrease your risk for colon cancer. Regular exercise may also help reduce your risk. Also, try to avoid alcohol and tobacco, especially in combination, because both have been linked to increased colon cancer risk. It is also important to watch for symptoms of colon cancer. If you notice blood in your stool during a bowel movement; have stomach pain, aches or cramps that do not go away; experience frequent episodes of diarrhea and/or constipation; or notice that you are losing weight for no explicable reason, you should see your doctor. These

can be symptoms of cancer of the colon and rectum, and your doctor may recommend earlier screening. At Jackson South Community Hospital, surgeons are using the latest, state-of-theart, minimally invasive surgical techniques to diagnose, treat and manage colorectal cancer. From removing cancerous growths to treating inflammatory bowel disease, our team of expert surgeons performs advanced procedures through multiple small incisions, usually less than half an inch in size, using laparoscopic and robotic equipment. In some cases, there are no incisions at all. Robotic-assisted surgery is the latest breakthrough in minimally invasive surgery for colon and rectal diseases. Our surgeons are leaders in the field of robot colorectal surgery. Until recently, patients have had the option of traditional or laparoscopic surgery for simple procedures. With the advances made possible by robotic-assisted surgery, patients have all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery with the addition of modern technology. Patients benefit from a much smaller surgical incision, which leads to less pain

and a shorter recovery time. Most common benefits include: • Significantly less pain during recovery • Less blood loss during surgery • Fewer complications during surgery • Less scarring after surgery • Shorter hospital stay • A quicker return to work and daily activities • Often, better clinical outcomes • Preserves sexual function • Preserves bladder control • Higher quality of life after surgery Jackson South is home to a team of some of the nation’s leading experts in colorectal surgery. For more information or to make an appointment, call 305-256-5258 or visit <www.jacksonsouth.org>. For more information on colorectal cancer, visit the American College of Colorectal Surgeon’s website at <www.fascrs.org>. Dr. Henry Lujan is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon. He is director of the Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship at Jackson South Community Hospital. His office address is 9195 Sunset Drive. For more information, call 305-271-0300.


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Passover commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which the Jews were freed from slavery in ancient Egypt. We celebrate Passover beginning at sundown on Friday, April 6, and remember what our Jewish ancestors went through to obtain freedom. As we retell the story of Passover, we renew its message of hope, redemption and faith. Passover is the most ancient of all rituals in the western world. It has been passed down in an unbroken chain of tradition for more than 3,300 years – that’s more than 100 generations! By following the rituals of Passover, we have the ability to relive and experience in 2012 the true freedom that our ancestors gained. The story of our ancestors is told on Passover during the Seder. As we unite for the Seder, we are confronted with an abundance of forms, symbols, complicated rituals and various segments of Jewish history. Through all the laws and customs of the Seder night, what we are really emphasizing is the most important thing about ourselves: “Once we were slaves and now we are free.” As we go through the Seder customs and recite the Haggadah, discussing the written text and what lies beyond it, we must strive to understand the true meaning of freedom and realize that Passover embodies a far more ambitious freedom. Freedom is a relative concept and it is

not limited to the physical sense of the word. One may be physically free, yet be trapped emotionally, financially and spiritually. True freedom is the ability to express who you really are and live your life in your own unique way. So how do we achieve liberation? By accepting the authority of our Creator, taking time to study the Torah and performing mitzvahs (commandments). By doing so, we discover the true purpose of our lives and are free to lead an ethical and moral life. The seemingly restrictive laws of the Torah and Jewish customs are not there to tie us down. Instead, they serve to free us from the struggles of our everyday existence and help us to tune in to the deeper messages of life. Sometimes it is only through restrictions that our true self can come out. Take the time this year to fully engage yourself and your family in Jewish life. Feel the passion of the Exodus, taste the beauty of freedom, hear the message of personal growth, all brought to life at the Seder. Reserve your space at Chabad of Kendall/Pinecrest, 8700 SW 112 St., for a Community Passover Seder on the second night of Passover, Saturday, April 7, at 8 p.m. Whether you join us or celebrate at home, make this the most meaningful Pesach ever. May God bless you and your family with a Passover filled to overflowing good health and happiness! To learn more about the traditions of Passover and see a schedule of services, go to <www.chabadofkendall.org>. For more information, call 305-234-5654.


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Pride of Pinecrest – 2012 Relay for Life BY CHERI BALL

The very proud committee of the 2012 Pinecrest Relay for Life thank all of our schools, families, businesses and neighbors who played a part in this incredible community event. An inspiring community of volunteers and visitors came together at Evelyn Greer Park to raise more than $105,000 to help in the fight against cancer and to find resources to support those touched by cancer. Among the contributions were pledges to the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery, a program to help drive cancer patients to treatment. Over 500 people participated on teams or committees, over 300 student volunteer forms were filled out and hundreds of volunteer hours recorded. Youngsters on HowardPalmetto baseball teams helped fill luminaria bags with sand and placed these candles around our track. Bags filled with memories of loved ones lost and hope for those still with us. Some of us even managed to make the full 20 hours in tents or on the track. We kept walking because cancer never sleeps. Our young students participated on stage through dance, song, word and high energy performances. Thank you to school board member Dr. Larry Feldman and all our local

schools for their involvement and patience over the past six months. Our bands, D-N-R and BADGE, filled the evening with music under the stars. Families across Pinecrest and neighboring communities enjoyed our talents and gifts to a worthy cause. Local and nearby businesses supported us with teams, donations and advertising. Thank you for your support and commitment; we couldn’t have had a successful silent auction or fundraising season without your cooperation and generosity. There are many contributors to our success and while we can’t take up the pages needed to thank you all, you can see many of your faces and activities by visiting our photos taken by Debora Rosenn for the 2012 Pinecrest Relay for Life at <www.deborarosennphotograpy.com>. You can also search YouTube for 2012 Pinecrest Relay for Life to hear and see performances for our volunteers. For the second year, Gus Machado Ford was our event sponsor. We thank you for your continued support of the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life, and thank you for your kindness and dedication to helping to find a cure. Finally, to our partner in this important work, the Village of Pinecrest, we give our biggest thanks. Mayor Lerner and the entire

Village Council supported our efforts, along with a superb Parks and Recreation department. The shuttle buses were a big hit and your guidance and encouragement throughout the Village helped drive this grassroots program. We would not have had the attendance and attention of our community without your partnership in this event. We are an active community with valuable, caring causes, so it’s difficult to pick and choose where to spend your time and certainly where to leave your money. We appreciate so many people making the Pinecrest Relay for Life their destination on Feb. 25. It may have been the carnival feel that brought you in, the Survivor celebration or the beautiful lighting of luminarias, but no matter the reason, you didn’t leave without feeling the caring and commitment of your neighbors. We all made a difference at this event, from the cancer facts presented by teams, funds raised, to the shar-

ing of stories; we acknowledge that we are in this great fight against cancer together. As much fun as it was this year going to the movies, we are equally excited about our GO GREEN 2013 Festival of Relay for Life. You are all invited to put March 16-17, 2013 on your calendar for another beautiful day of community caring at the park. Your very proud Relay for Life committee — Cheri Ball, Diana Gonzalez, Randi Trazenfeld, Roberta Davis, Marge Jenetopulos, Kitty Clayman, Maureen Piero, Tres Davis, George Jenetopulos, Jerome Smith, Debi Strochak, Debbie Potter, Glenda Weiss, Judy Judkowitz, Marsha Tejeda, Yomayra Mora Perea, Beth Weinstein, Loren Matthews, Mayor Cindy Lerner, Pat Janisse, Diane Preuss, Zerelda Spann, Debora Rosenn, Megan McCrink, Miggy Soto, Andrea Galan, Nicholle Ruzall-Bron, Natanya Trazenfeld and Gail Frankel.


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Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

Dr. Crowell takes care of the health and beauty of your skin BY NANCY EAGLETON

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From acne to aging, skin rashes to skin cancer, Miami dermatologist Dr. Judith Crowell practices medical and aesthetic dermatology to effectively treat all skin conditions and help people look and feel their best. As we live longer and stay healthy longer, the skin may need a little help to look as young as our minds and bodies feel. Dr. Crowell specializes in topical, pharmaceutical, laser and surgical procedures to improve the look of skin at any age. Realizing that there is no one treatment that works for everyone, she and her medical team offer a variety of treatments designed to improve the appearance of aging skin, including chemical peels, exfoliation treatments, Botox, fillers and laser procedures. Dr. Crowell, named one of Florida’s top dermatologists, is one of only a few area dermatologists to offer HydraFacial, the newest advance in non-laser skin resurfacing. HydraFacial is the only hydradermabrasion procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection in one treatment. “HydraFacial improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduces pores, tightens skin and gradually improves pigmentation,” said Dr. Crowell. “It takes 20 minutes, there’s no redness or downtime and after the treatment, the skin is glowing and smooth.” One of the most popular game-changers in the anti-aging fight is injectable botulinum toxin, otherwise known as Botox. “For frown lines on the brow and forehead, nothing beats Botox,” said Dr. Crowell. “It’s one of the best ways to look younger quickly. I do a lot of Botox and my patients have excellent results.” Dr. Crowell also offers injectable fillers to diminish the telltale signs of aging. Her favorite is Sculptra, which is made from poly-L-lactic acid and is the first injectable wrinkle treatment that helps replace lost collagen. With Sculptra, results appear gradually and are long-lasting. She describes Sculptra’s results as a mini-facelift, without the surgery, down-time and expense. “As you age, you lose fat and bone in your face and you get that hallowed look,” said Dr. Crowell. “The beauty of Sculptra is that it goes in places that other fillers cannot. It nicely plumps sunken areas of the face and gives you that look you achieve when you slightly pull the skin back at your ears.” Dr. Crowell offers a variety of lasers, which are effective treatments for neck and face wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes, blood vessels, vascular birthmarks, scars, unwanted tattoos and hair. Non-ablative lasers have the advantage of allowing

HEALTH &

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Dr. Judith Crowell ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

patients to immediately return to daily affairs. Dr. Crowell said the CO2 laser remains the gold standard for resurfacing sun-damaged and deeply-wrinkled faces. Patients who choose the CO2 laser should plan on experiencing some downtime. “The results of this laser are excellent,” she said. “It redefines the face, resurfacing and tightening the skin.” Dr. Crowell’s team of aestheticians skillfully performs a variety of facials and skin tightening treatments to keep the face and body’s skin looking their best. “Choosing the best treatment depends on your goals, budget and the amount of downtime that fits your lifestyle,” said Dr. Crowell. “We offer a treatment to fit everyone’s needs.” Although cosmetic treatments continue to grow in popularity, Dr. Crowell spends much of her day practicing medical dermatology, treating diverse skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, warts, moles and skin cancer. Skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body and is curable if detected and treated in the early stages. If skin cancer is detected, Dr. Crowell has a surgeon onsite who is completing a Mohs surgery fellowship. Together, they ensure patients receive the highest quality care and achieve the best outcomes. Dr. Crowell and her team are located in Snapper Creek Plaza, 7800 SW 87 Ave. For more information, call 305-274-0221 or go to <www.judithcrowellmd.com>.


Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

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SAME DAY DELIVERY AVAILABLE We’ll help you find the perfect arrangement or gift.

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Hirni’s Wayside Gardens Florist 9950 SW 57th Avenue • Pinecrest, FL 33156 305.661.6266 • www.hirnisflorist.com Monday thru Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm

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Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

Wok Masters modernizes authentic Chinese-American dining BY JESSE SCHECKNER

At Wok Masters by Moy in South Miami, you will not find food kept warm by steam tables waiting to be brought out to customers. There is no precooking; every dish is cooked to order and made with fresh ingredients. The prices are very affordable, with many dishes costing no more than $13, and rarely are there fewer than three cooks in the kitchen and three servers on duty. Yony (pronounced “Johnny”) Moy and crew moved into their 6907 Red Rd. location last October with big aspirations. Within a year they hope to open two more locations – one in the Brickell area and another in the nearby Dadeland mall. That impetus for successful business expansion has family ties dating back three generations. In 1957 Yony’s grandfather Moy Chin Yen moved from the Canton Providence to Venezuela and promptly opened Los Faralitos (The Beacons) and El Palmar (The Palm Grove), which became favorites among local residents and politicos alike. In 2008, Yony brought his family’s business to South Florida when he opened Qianlong Chinese Cuisine in Doral. When he chose to expand a few years later, he decided Wok Masters would be a more memorable and pronounceable namesake. He knew a catchy name wasn’t everything, however.

DINING OUT “To be competitive in this country, we have to do things differently,” says Moy. That difference is evident the minute customers enter the restaurant. There is no wall separating the dining room and the kitchen. “The Chinese kitchen is a mystery to many and we are trying to do away with that mystery,” says Moy. “Having an open kitchen allows us to do that, as well as keep things very clean.” First time visitors may find it difficult to decide on a meal. Yony, influenced by South American culture, decided to implement his own version of tapas (samplers) for large parties unsure of what to order. “Chinese tapas let people find out what their favorite dish is,” he says. Vegetarians who have been relegated to only a handful of restaurants that meet their needs will soon be able to add another quality location to their list of dining options. They are developing a full vegetarian menu, a rarity in Chinese restaurants. Many meals on the regular menu will soon have vegetarian counterparts, including Mongolian beef and Kung Pao chicken. It is this kind of forward thinking that has kept

Yony Moy (right) watches over his kitchen at Wok Masters.

the Moy family in the restaurant business for more than six decades; that, and adaptability. “The secret to succeeding in today’s economy is the size of the restaurant,” says Moy. “If it is smaller, it is more manageable.” The restaurant may be humble in size, but the location offers great opportunities. Customers who call at 305-663-3593 may order either take out or delivery and their proximity to the shops at Sunset Place and the surrounding office buildings make the lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. a terrific option.

By far, the most renowned dish served at Wok Masters is the Peking duck. Served over two courses and costing $46, it is the greatest indulgence diners can treat themselves to. The Moy family has quite a history with the white-feathered bird. It was at El Palmar where Venezuelans had their first taste of the Chinese delicacy. “They may not speak Chinese because they are flown down from Long Island, but they are authentic Peking ducks,” Yony jokes. Whatever your tastes may be, it appears Wok Masters by Moy has you covered.


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Israeli dance troupe headlines ‘Yom Ha’atzma’ut’ celebration

Linda K. Landy ALPER JCC NEWS The signs of spring are everywhere. Trees are ablaze in those spectacular blooms that show up just once each year. Everyone is complaining about their allergies. March Madness is underway and every Major League baseball team still has a chance to make the World Series. College students are recovering from spring break and thinking about summer jobs. And you can’t walk into a grocery store without seeing shelves and shelves of Passover foods. I rush past the displays and avert my eyes as if avoiding a horrible accident. I admonish myself for stalling on planning the Seder and promise myself that I will purchase the necessary items the next time I grocery shop. The dread of the effort required preparing for Passover and observing its eating restrictions is strong, but that vanishes once the Seder begins. While Passover recounts the Jews escape from Egyptian slavery, our Haggadah approaches the story with a very modern perspective. It tells the story of anyone who has been oppressed and teaches us to respect the rights of everyone, messages which become even more important in light of world events. For as long as I can remember, every Passover Seder has concluded with L’shana ha’ba-ah b’Yerushalayim — next year in Jerusalem — the hope of the Jewish people. But, we take it one step further. We hope that all people throughout the world

are freed from slavery, oppression, poverty, illness and despair. Each year, not long after the Jewish community celebrates Passover, Jews throughout the world mark the anniversary of the founding of the modern State of Israel. Israel’s Independence Day, or “Yom Ha’atzma’ut” as it is known in Hebrew, is celebrated in much the way other nations celebrate their independence. Of all of the symbols of the Israel, none was as beloved and as universally agreedupon as its national anthem. Called Hatikvah, the name translates to The Hope. This year, in celebration of Israel’s Independence Day, the Dave and Mary Alper JCC will welcome back the Israeli dance troupe Re-vital with the musical and dance tribute Hatikvah - The Hope on Monday, Apr. 23, at 7:30 p.m. The show’s creator, Revital Zvoulounov, has meticulously investigated the meaning of the word hope and has come up with an evening for the whole family – full of color and movement, reflecting Jewish tradition as well as the promise represented by future generations, and a true hope for peace. The show is woven with well known Israeli songs such as Hava Nagila, all given new interpretations. The dances in this performance include child play dances, the Horra, modern jazz, folk dancing and more. The backdrop is an impressive video which describes the epos behind Hatikva through pictures and movies. Members of the entire community are invited to see them at the Russell Theater of the Dave and Mary Alper JCC. Tickets are only $5 and will be on sale at the door. For more information, call 305-2719000, ext. 239, or log on to <www.alperjcc.org>.

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Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

Spots By Rey’s Cleaners to expand across South Florida BY ALEX SCHREER

Walk into Spots by Rey’s and you quickly realize that you’re not in your parents’ dry cleaner. It’s trendy and modern, branded for today’s young professional with a focus on quality, value and service. Bred from the legacy of Rey’s Cleaners, which has cleaned high-end couture for more than 40 years, Spots is different. In an industry little known for innovation, Spots combines its family heritage with the latest in garment care. “We geared this toward the young professionals who want professional services for their garments, but for whom quality and value is important,” said Frankie Suarez, who, with his siblings Angel and Cristina, grew up in the business headed since 1970 by their grandmother, Raquel Crespin. In 1983, Angel Sr. and Maria took the helm and saw the business grow from seven employees to 168. The Spots by Rey’s brand is set to expand across South Florida. Frankie and Angel D. are converting the 20 DryClean USA locations they’ve operated for years into the new brand and stand-alone business. The first stores opened on Alhambra Circle in Coral Gables, at Five Points on Coral Way

Picture are Suarez family members (l-r) Angel, Cristina, Maria and Frankie.

and at The Crossings in Kendall. The Pinecrest store, at 6635 S. Dixie Hwy. opened in mid-March. Broward also will have several locations. All company pick-up and delivery vehicles also will bear the Spots brand. The con-

version will take 12 to 18 months. “We’re not just rebranding the company, we’re completely reorienting its direction, re-training the people and infusing them with a new philosophy,” Suarez said. “This is the culmination of a three-year process to

differentiate our company, empower our game and gain market share.” Rey’s will continue serving high-end customers from Fisher Island and Miami Beach to Brickell, Coral Gables all the way up to Palm Beach. Spots will be an everyday brand delivering affordable dry cleaning and garment care. Spots also will perform alterations, as well as clean household items such as carpets and area rugs, comforters, table linens, leather and suede. There is also an onsite drapery and upholstery cleaning service. Every garment and product will get a complete inspection to identify areas that require special attention, such as stains or minor tears. Every client will be asked about their preference and those details – how much starch to use or whether to fold pants over a hanger, for example – will be entered into the new computer system. “We’re taking the time to note client preferences because we know that makes a big difference,” Suarez said. “We share Rey’s philosophy of customer care, attention to detail and outstanding service, but we’re going to bring that approach and value brand to more customers.” For more information, call 305-667-0041 or go to <www.SpotsByReys.com>.


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Dinner-dance performance slated for Wynwood’s Light Box BY CARL RACHELSON

On Friday and Saturday April 13-14 at 8 p.m., at The Light Box at Goldman Warehouse in Wynwood, Tunisian dancer Radhouane El Meddeb will serve up a sort of dinner performance. The Light Box is Miami Light Project’s wonderful theater honoring Tony Goldman, giving him a shout out for his generosity and making this cumbersomelynamed creative space possible. Like it or not, this is the way the Creative Arts survive in the United States, where artists work very, very hard to keep their heads above water while modern politicians cut every little thing but ketchup as a school lunch vegetable. While they may also smear everything refined and artistic by labeling it French, thank goodness for those committed to performance art and for those who make this one, with its French influence, happen. Food and drink have their heyday during bad economic times, so it’s no wonder that this performance, like Rosie Herrera’s Miami Made plate spinning gastro-dance in March, fuses eating and moving. Economic anxiety makes people hungry, and when the world nearly ended thanks to Wall Street’s kindness in 2008, I guess a number of starving artists gorged themselves on staples as they became creative. In Radhouane El Meddeb’s case, the grain seems to have been couscous. Front and center here are the ingredients which flavor the ubiquitous dish beloved by anyone who has roots in the western

ART in MIAMI parts of Northern Africa like El Meddeb, who hails from Tunisia. Preparing couscous is not like making rice; it is a complicated process. After learning how it is made, most agree: Too much work. But not for those who worship couscous. It is this that El Meddeb understands. So do the French who rank couscous as their third most popular meal. So El Meddeb has crafted a performance fusing the dish with its movements. Costars carrots, zucchini (courgettes for John Kerry), cinnamon and tomato paste are part of the show, sharing space with the chef and his semolina. The chef will dance and I hope to eat. All the while, the complexities of the dish are the movements of the chef and the music accompanying it will lend spice to the rhythms. I don’t know much about El Meddeb’s culinary background, but as a dancer he has been at it for a while, originally in his native Tunisia, then Paris, and subsequently all over the world. These days, his company, La Compagnie de SOI, occupies what Wall Street helped inspire. Expect to be absorbed like water in a marriage of Tunisian soul and soul food. Carl Rachelson has a Masters Degree in the Humanities and is an English teacher at Palmer Trinity School. He may be contacted by email at <crachelson@palmertrinity.org>.


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Personal trainer uses ‘homework’ to help clients get in shape BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

Before hiring former body builder Robert Taylor as a personal trainer, retired MiamiDade Homicide detective Wesley Dallas was badly out of shape. Now, he’s strong, lean and feeling a whole lot better. “I went from being an out of control diabetic with high blood pressure to now, where everything is fine,” Dallas says. Dallas goes to Taylor’s Pinecrest home three times a week to work out. “I’m not just a personal trainer,” Taylor says. “I’m a life coach.” Taylor’s clients don’t just learn how to lift weights, they also learn about their bodies and what makes their body function better. Clients not only get homework from Taylor, they are also tested on their knowledge. He says when he’s finished, his clients will have just as much knowledge as a personal trainer or more. “What always comes first is safety,” Taylor says. “This is what I teach all the young men and women that I train.” In fact, before he begins training anyone he requires them to get a physical examination. “I have a medical form I give everyone,” he says. Then he works out a program for them to follow two to three times a week. Taylor educates his clients on the danger

of drugs, particularly steroids. When he competed in body building contests, he was known for his strong stance against performance enhancing drugs. He won several competitions, including the 1978 American Natural Physique Championship. Taylor likes helping teens get into shape for sports or just to feel good about themselves. He also trains older clients and has a different workout regimen for that group. “I go for balance and stamina,” he says. “I teach them how to sit, how to stand, how to walk. Once they accomplish that, then the training starts.” Why teach seniors how to walk? He says that many seniors take short steps and their arms and legs aren’t in synch. “This is one of the most important moves for seniors,” Taylor says. “With young people, their main objective is to get big and strong and learn techniques in strength and power.” He also teaches the benefit of skipping. “Skipping is one of the most important exercises to do,” Taylor says. “It’s fun. It brings back childhood. You are also working your entire body.” Taylor has been into exercise and strength training since he was 14, so he has seen exercise trends come and go. “Everything comes back to weight train-

Personal trainer Robert Taylor

ing,” he says. “Remember, people used to say weight training was bad for sports. I was doing it for the fun of it and it made me better in football and track.” Taylor went from high school to the Air Force. A lot of the military personal would spend their off time sitting around and drinking, but he didn’t want to do that, so he continued his weight training and worked his way into bodybuilding competitions. He was proud to show that someone could become a

championship bodybuilder through hard work alone, that steroids were not needed. “I tell young women and men that if you want something in life, you have to work very hard for it, you have to have good homework skills,” Taylor says. Taylor began training people in 1972, long before personal trainers became the norm. Today, he has his clients work out at the outdoor studio he built at his home. For more information, call 305-431-6849.

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Lucky Lefty loots the lottery When it comes to no-nonsense, down-toearth guys, it’s hard to find anyone better than Lefty Fairfield. For more than 40 years, Lefty has greeted and treated customers to a haircut at Pete’s Barber Shop in Pinecrest. He just the kind of person everyone likes. Over those many years, Lefty has talked about many things with many customers. He’s not short for the gift of gab. So I found it odd not to hear him talking about his early March $10,000 lottery win. “My ticket was next to the computer and my son, Eric, pulled up the numbers on the website,” said Lefty. “Then he calmly called me over saying he wanted to show me something. Then we looked at each other and said “Whoa!” They started with the Powerball number. Match! Then four more numbers matched. Just a single digit (he had 55 instead of 29) separated Lefty from the monster $55M jackpot. Lefty has been playing numbers for years, mostly at a store on Miller Road and 107th Avenue near his home. He’s won some $20 pots over the years; but, when he won this time he quickly learned you had to go to a lottery office to pick up a prize that large. “You know when you go to a doctor’s office and have to wait and people are mad, upset and grumpy?” said Lefty. “When I walked into the lottery office no one was complaining.” He didn’t wait too long in the happy office. “They took the taxes out, handed me a $7,500 check and sent me on my way.” When I explained to Lefty he had gotten

Lefty’s winning ticket and his freshly issued check.

quite a tax haircut, he belly laughed and said, “Well, it’s better than nothing.” Lefty was back to cutting hair the next day. He split the money between his 17-year old grandsons. “One got a new boat engine and the other will have some of his college paid for.” When asked if he was disappointed at not hitting the jackpot and what he’d do with that kind of money he said, “At 79, I’m content. I have a job. I have a car that runs and I work with nice people. I just would have given more money to more people, so I could help.” I always wondered if anyone local won the lottery. The answer is yes and it happened to a really decent guy. Stop by and sit in his chair and ask him about it. Maybe he’ll even split a ticket purchase with you. I hear he’s still playing.

JAPANESE YU-GI-OH! INVASION Outside the Starbucks at Suniland Shopping Center, the invasion occurs. Zachary Bauman, 18, a Palmetto High School Junior and Juan Leon, 18, a senior, organize and run the unofficial Palmetto High School Yu-Gi-Oh! club. Yu-Gi-Oh! is a Japanese trading-card game that began in 1999. Today it is the world’s most popular trading-card game. Based on an anime called Yu-gi-oh, the card game pits “monsters” against each other, much like the TV and movie series. This is a new generation’s Dungeons and Dragons or Magic: The Gathering. When the uninformed walk by, there is no escaping curiosity. What the heck are these kids up to? It is also intriguing to listen to the players talk. The game has a language all its own. When asked to explain, Zach said, “Mil means to send the top card of your deck to the graveyard and pop means to kill a monster or destroy it, not by battle but by an effects.” Perfectly clear, right? But still, when you watch these kids play, there is an infectious energy. They are being social and intellectual, and most of all they’re having good, clean fun. Scoring and play is based on a star, attack, and defense levels. Each card clearly displays a numerical value for those, but then things get intricate. Each card has an effects paragraph, which explains characteristics of the monster depicted on the card. Cards turned vertical are in attack position, while horizontal provides defense. Zach led me down a particular turn, “If your sword is longer than theirs and you swing hard, you can break their shield. You might not hurt the creature, but you do damage.” Juan, who has played this game for a dozen years, tells me it would take a noob (new player) about a month to get the flow of the game. And, he adds, “It’s expensive. Cards start at around 50 cents, but can reach $200 to buy. The strategically better cards are rare to come by (fewer of them are produced by the game maker) and therefore cost more.” The playing cards are not your run of the mill 52-card deck. To the contrary, a deck can have 40-60 cards and players create their stack

Lefty Fairfield at home at Pete’s Barber Shop in Pinecrest.

Teens Zachary Bauman (left) and Juan Leon are YuGi-Oh! judges and tournament organizers.

for each game to try to arm themselves to beat their particular opponent. Strategy and consistency start well before a match even begins. The elimination tournaments are held each Friday after school. Players play an opponent in a three-game match, which last around 25 minutes. Win and move on. At the end of each tournament, you have a winner and the organizer has statistically ranked each game. A win is more than a win if you beat a strong player, and the converse holds true. Judges are designated for tournaments to definitively rule when players disagree with how two cards should compete against each other. Judges rules are final, and they use the official website to make the correct call. There are regional and national tournaments as well. All along, there are cash prizes and the ability to trade cards. As the game’s creator, Konami, prints more of certain cards, their rarity goes down and so does their value. It’s an amazingly well thought out ecosystem. Zach Bauman, who enthusiastically encourages others to join him in play, says, “When you play, you’re in people’s faces, get to travel, meet new people, be social and be intellectual and think. It’s far more entertain-

ing than playing video games. When mathematics, semantics, logic and strategic thinking are involved, you brain expands.”

HAL’S HOMEOWNER HELP Agreat way to stay “green” is to reduce electricity consumption. It also saves money. Did you know that FP&L has several programs that easily allow you to improve energy efficiency? Go to <www.fpl.com/residential/savings/index.shtml> to get started. Switching out an air conditioner to a new high efficiency one can save you $450 per year on average. Plus, FP&L offers rebates that may pay you when installing a new air conditioning system, adding insulation or fixing air ducts! I’m always looking for interesting people and events for consideration in upcoming issues. You can contact me at <www.MiamiHal.com>, <hal@miamihal.com> or <www.facebook.com/MiamiHal>. Hal Feldman is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advance Realty. He is available for any real estate questions you may have. On Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. he is outside Wagons West in the Suniland Shopping Center to talk real estate.


Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

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2012 Buick Regal GS is a sporty turbo sedan

Ron Beasley LET’S TALK CARS Buick fans, rejoice! There’s a new turbocharged stick-shift model available that’s sporty, smaller and really fun to drive. The 2012 Buick Regal GS is a midsize fourdoor sedan that’s built in Germany and based on the award-winning Opel Insignia platform. You would have to go back to 1987 to find the last turbocharged Buick Regal. But the new 2012 version is even more exciting with its double-overhead-cam, four-valve 255-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, and six-speed manual gearbox, the first Buick for sale with a manual transmission since the popular 1991 Skylark. A sixspeed automatic with manual paddle shifters will be available later in the year. The new Buick Regal GS has a sporttuned chassis and rides slightly lower to the ground for better handling. It clocks 0-60

mph in under seven seconds, and that’s not too shabby. Italian Brembo front disc brakes give the Regal good stopping power and a three-position adjustable steering and ride system, called Interactive Driver Control, features Standard, Sport and GS modes for high-performance driving, complemented by continuously adjustable shock absorbers, a high-performance front strut suspension and a four-link rear suspension. StabiliTrak chassis control, traction control and ABS are standard. Regal GS models come with 19-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels and all-season tires, with optional 20-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels and high-performance tires also available. The Regal GS exterior has a unique front and rear fascia, unique front air intakes and grille elements finished in satin metallic. The rear end has a decklid spoiler and integrated, trapezoidal exhaust outlets to distinguish it from the CXL. On the inside, the Regal GS is comfortably appointed with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a flat bottom, perforated metal floor pedals, leather sport bucket seats with 12-way adjustment and power lumbar adjustment. All GS interiors are black in the first year of production, with

Buick Regal has a unique grille, decklid spoiler and integrated, trapezoidal exhaust outlets. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

satin metallic trim on the console, steering wheel and instrument panel. When the IDCS system is placed in the GS mode, the instrument panel will glow with white light instead of the normal blue light. The GS also has such features as passive keyless entry, XM satellite radio, a Harman/Kardon 320-watt, nine-speaker sound system, Bluetooth, bi-xenon headlights, front and rear ultrasonic park assist,

and a 120-volt power point for on-the-go computing and charging. Pricing on the Buick Regal ranges from $29,000 to $32,000. 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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Adams Creative Images captures the ‘special moments of life’ BY NANCY EAGLETON

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

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If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video must be priceless. For more than 25 years, Kent Adams, of Adams Creative Images, has been capturing the memories of South Florida families and creating video images that will last a lifetime. The Killian High School graduate joined the family-owned business started by his father, photographer Charles Adams, after graduating from Florida State University. A true testament to his work – Adams has been filming generations of families during some of their happiest moments – weddings, birthday and anniversary parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, baby showers, graduations and more. “I’ve watched families grow, I’ve filmed couples at their weddings and then, years later, I’ve filmed the bat mitzvah, graduation, or wedding of their child,” said Adams. “I feel very lucky that so many families have chosen me to capture their special moments.” At homes, hotels, churches and temples, and on boats and cruise ships, Adams captures the natural flow of his clients’ events, allowing them to enjoy the magic of their day. With years of experience, he has mastered the art of being unobtrusive, yet being in the right place at the right time. “It’s important that I stay out of the way and in the background,” he said. “If the families want interviews and comments from their guests included in the video, I can easily add that element.” Prior to the event, Adams consults with the couple or family to determine video style, theme and music. Whether the family wants the video to evoke tears or laughter, Adams’ imaginative video productions

Adams Creative Images will help you to relive your special event over and over again. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

utilize state-of-the-art editing and digital technology to deliver polished presentations. “The resulting DVD is a reflection of the couple’s or family’s personality and vision,” Adams added. “It can be watched over and over, so you never lose those perfect memories, and shared with those who could not attend the event.” To enhance the mood at wedding rehearsals, bar and bat mitzvahs, and retirement, graduation, birthday and anniversary parties, a popular trend is to show photo montages set to music. Using family photos, Adams creates a sophisticated and meaningful montage that tells the story of the couple or family member, leading up to the joyous occasion. Recognizing that every event varies in size, concept, theme and budget, Adams can create the perfect package for your family. For more information, call 305-2333390 or go to <www.Adamsci.com>.


Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

Page 45

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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. 137788 SW W 1455 St

196300 SW W 866 Ave

90133 SW W 2066 St

Country Walk Community, 3 bdrm/2 bath, 2 car garage, 5,399 sq ft lot.

Cutler Bay, 3 bdrm/2 bath, extra building for storage or workshop, 1 car garage, 10,800 sq ft lot.

Cutler Bay home in Cantamar community, 3 bdrm/ 2.5 bath, 2 car garage. 5,500 sq ft lot.

$239,000

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3 bdrm/ 2 bath, close to Baptist Hospital, 1 car garage. 8,500 sq ft lot.

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204011 SW W 1377 Avee Redland, 10 acre commercial property currently used as nursery with irrigation and shadehouse.

$400,000

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Palmetto Bay, updated 3 bdrm/2 bath, 2 car garage. Newer roof and A/C. 2 car garage.

Palmetto Bay, 5 bdrm/ 4 bath, updated kitchen, 2 car garage. 16,500 sq ft lot.

$415,000

$499,000

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146011 Snapperr Dr Kings Bay community, Coral Gables 4 bdrm/2.5 bath. Carport fits 2 cars. 15,150 sq ft lot.

76200 SW W 1099 Ter

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Pinecrest, 3 bdrm/ 3 bath plus in-laws suite/office with bath, 2 car garage. 15,000 sq ft.

Redland, bank owned property, 8,704 sq ft, 5 bdrm/6 bath home built in 2008, 5 acre property. Additional adjacent lots available to purchase separately. $799,000

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15199 Granadaa Blvd Coral Gables, 4 bdrm/3 bath main house + two, 1 bedroom maid’s quarters above garage. 11,406 sq ft lot.

47000 SW W 744 St

8100 Lugo o Ave

Ponce Davis area, 1.5 acres, 3/2 main house, separate 1/1 guest house. Remodel or build. Sale consists of 2 folios numbers.

Coral Gables, Gables by the Sea community. 4 bdrm/4.5 bath, no bridges to bay, 100 ft seawall w/dock & boat lift. 3 car garage.$2,400,000

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ESSLINGER WOOTEN MAXWELL, INC., REALTORS 305.329.7744 • KERN.D@EWM.COM

Drew Kern


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Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

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Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

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Student helps families cope with premature birth BY RAQUEL GARCIA

When 2.9-pound Kimberly Gooden was born prematurely at the South Miami Hospital neonatal unit (NICU) in 1994, nobody knew that destiny would bring her back to the care of the doctors and nurses who kept her healthy during her initial nine week stay. A Southwest High School senior, Silver Knight nominee and Girl Scout Gold Award candidate, Gooden recently completed an educational activity book for siblings of premature infants or “preemies” born into the same neonatal unit where her life began. “I have been volunteering at the NICU for the past three summers and it has been so incredible to get to work with some of the doctors and nurses who brought me into the world,” said Gooden. “I cannot put it into words, it is so cool getting to give back and show my appreciation. I am a living testimony for the families there now that their child is going to be okay.” The “Once a Preemie Always a Preemie” project started when Gooden took on the Girl Scout Gold Award challenge. According to the official guidelines of the Gold Award Standards of Excellence, the spirit of the endeavor is to create a perpetual project that will endure as a way to “make a mark on your

community that creates a lasting impact on the lives of others.” Growing up hearing stories about how difficult it was for her family to not be able to take her home immediately and especially for her 11-year-old sister who was not allowed in the NICU, motivated Gooden to share her own personal story to inspire others dealing with the same issues. “My sister Shannon would tell me how hard it was at the time to cope with not being able to see me, although she understood why she couldn’t. It really inspired me to do this project to help out siblings of preemie babies. Things have changed a lot though since I was born because now kids can go back into the NICU with the parent, although it is still hard for them to grasp why the baby cannot go home.” South Miami Hospital hosts annual reunion luncheons for preemie families and Gooden has been attending them as far back as she can remember. The program gave birth to her involvement as a volunteer at the hospital when she asked her mom at age 15 if she could get involved. “The doctors already knew me from the reunions and they said it was okay for me to sign up,” said Gooden. Gooden slowly incorporated documenting the story about what happens to a family when a preemie is born through

Kimberly Gooden –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

the use of clip-art pictures and eventually recruited younger Girl Scouts to help her design the images. The entire project took about four months to complete. Gooden ultimately put the books into individual goodie bags complete with colorful positive stickers, crayons, pencils and candy all in a pastel paper bag decorated with

happy preemie faces. Today Gooden is busy preparing for her next academic pursuits as she completes college and scholarship applications. She is applying to Florida State University with the dream of majoring in chemistry and ultimately working in health care as a pharmacist. For more information, call 786-662-8206.


Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

Excuse our dust Wendy and Adam Levy REAL ESTATE Most homes need some fix-up and repairs to prepare them for buyers, but when should they be done? Should an open house for agents be delayed until the house is in “model-home” condition? For the answers, consider a scenario of a department store during renovations that puts up “Excuse Our Dust” signs. Which would impress you most: *Shopping at a store that promises to look better in the future? *Shopping at a store in the midst of actually improving their looks? *Waiting to shop until the store reopens, brightly illuminated with spacious aisles and decorated to get your attention?

Can you see the difference? Most buyers want to purchase a home matching their mental picture of their dream home – now! Once you decide to sell your home, get sound advice from your real estate agent about needed repairs. Prepare a written list and complete every item before the “For Sale” sign goes up. Now you can showcase your home to buyers and ask your agent to invite other real estate professionals to preview your home. They will see only the positives and you will benefit from an early sale at the best possible price. Avoid shortcuts and low offers when preparing your home for sale. Ask The Levy Group for details. For more information, contact the Levy Group at Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate at 786-581-1134, via email to Adam@MiamiHomesAndLand.com or visit the website at <www.MiamiHomesAndLand.com>.

www.communitynewspapers.com

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Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

Can we talk?

Tips for Talking to Your Aging Parents “We’re just doing fine” is often part of the conversation adult children hear from their parents but “doing fine” may not represent a clear picture of how they are coping with day-to-day responsibilities as they age. While initiating discussions with aging parents about their future plans may be difficult, it’s vital to talk about these sensitive issues in order to develop a care plan. Parents have been the authority figure within the family and their word was law. With the new reversal of roles, admitting they need help can be overwhelming. Below are a few guidelines for beginning this all too important converBy Pat Berman sation: It’s important to broach sensitive subjects earlier rather than later. It’s easier to discuss things when your parents may not need your help and when they are well rather than in the emergency room; It may be helpful to make the conversation about you (i.e. “I went to an attorney to have my will prepared and wanted to let you know my plans”) and solicit their feedback and thoughts which in turn may invite them to discuss their future plans; Your family may function better as a team rather than only having one sibling have parental responsibility especially if some siblings live out of town. Therefore, planning a family meeting may be helpful so everyone can take part in discussions and get all issues on the table. Holidays are a good time when families are together. This are not a conversation at the holiday dinner table but it’s an opportunity to plan for a talk during an afternoon or early evening; Use good listening techniques and open-ended questioning such as” Tell me about…” and “How do you feel about…”. Understand many conversations are not to solve their problems or tell them what to do. This is an opportunity to listen and be able to express care, concern and interest in their well-being; When asking parents about their thoughts regarding caregiving plans and how they feel remaining in their current home or moving to a retirement community, understand their need to control their own lives. They have the right to make their own decisions. If it’s not a safety issue at this time, they need to have a sense of control over their own lives; Take advantage of abilities to provide information and be a resource. Learn about legal and financial options that are available as well as offer to do preliminary research for them to make it easier. Many senior communities are used adult children first visiting before bringing mom and dad to tour; Offer to go together and help them. If one parent is resistant to change it’s important to validate their opinions and let them know it’s okay to feel this way. It may be helpful to say, “I understand how you feel…how about visiting a couple of places just so we can see. If you hate it, we’ll drop it but it’s worth taking a look.”; Ask about records and documents. It is important for someone in the family to know the location of insurance policies, wills, heath care proxies, living wills, trust documents, tax returns and investments and banking records as well as where safety deposit boxes are located. Know their attorney and stock broker. Learn about their assets. It’s easier to learn about assets and real estate when parents are alive than when family members have vague recollections about assets that may exist such as a vacant lot in the Panhandle; Learn about their medical providers. As part of learning about their living will, their health care is critical in case something catastrophic should happen. Know their doctors and if they have given their doctors permission to speak with you. These are complex issues and family dynamics often come into play. Whatever difficulties may arise in broaching these subjects, recognize that you are not alone. Families are facing these issues every day and if specialists are needed, they can be used as well to help with conflict resolutions and improving communication. Pat Berman, a family therapist, has master’s degrees from St. Thomas University Florida International University. She is a member of the Board of Directors of East Ridge Retirement Village. To learn more about talking to your aging parent or to submit a question, please call 305-665-3938 or email HYPERLINK "mailto:pberm@mindspring.com" pberm@mindspring.com


Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

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Looking for TRUCK DRIVER with Class A or Class B License. Septic Experience is a plus. Job includes general Labor of digging and lifting heavy equipment. Please call Chapman Septic Service Inc. at 305-661-0628 for application.

FOR SALE Great South Miami Location THE BANYANS 6640 SW 71 Lane 3 Bdrms/3Bths 2 Story Screened Balcony Fireplace Very Spacious New Stainless Steel Appliances RAY C. BARNES & CO. REALTORS 305-665-9995 Call for Appointment

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The Pinecrest Tribune is looking for an energetic, happy person who would like to make some extra spending money every week. So, if you’re looking for something to do, in between taking the kids to school or right before you tee-off on the golf course, then the part-time position in our advertising sales department just might be right for you. The opportunity entails you calling neighborhood retail stores, real estate agencies, car dealers and restaurants and helps them promote their businesses through advertising in the Pinecrest Tribune and Palmetto Bay News. If you have 15-20 hours a week available and you want to earn $300 - $500 per week on a part-time basis, then e-mail Michael Miller at Michael@communitynewspapers.com or call 305-669-7355 ext. 249.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Mar. 26 - Apr. 8, 2012

SKAGEN is now available in Pinecrest

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THE PINECREST SPECIALIST

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6090 SW 116 streeet - Pinecrest 7935 SW 134 St. - Pinecrest

Beautiful 5B/4B Mediterranean acre estate ready to move in!

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME… The success or failure of selling your home for its highest potential value rests on your real estate agent’s skills. Call me and I’ll show you how to recoup some of your lost equity. JoAnn: Roberts, 305-588-8161

12155 S. Dixie Hwy, Pinecrest North Office

305-215-7653

JoAnn@MiamiPinecrestHomes.com

I Support Animal Rescue Services. Help them when you can. Thanks, JoAnn

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE, INC. An Independently Owned and Operated by NRT Incorporation


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