Pinecrest Tribune 8.15.2011

www.thetribune.net

TR R II B BU UN NE E T

Pinecrest Phone: 305-669-7355

ONE OF MIAMI’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

AUGUST 15 - 28, 2011

Q & A session with new Village Manager

BY GRANT MILLER

Publisher <grant@communitynewspapers.com>

Read at the European Ironman Championship

Yocelyn Galiano Gomez was confirmed by the Pinecrest Village Council as Pinecrest’s new Village Manager on July 18. She was the assistant village manager in Pinecrest for almost 10 years before moving up to her new post. She participated in this question-and-answer session with the Pinecrest Tribune shortly after being named Pinecrest’s chief executive officer.

Q: Tell us about your professional background?

A: I have been very fortunate to work in some great communities as a public administrator. After college, I started in an entry level position at the Village of Key Biscayne, shortly after its incorporation in 1992, and it was an incredible learning opportunity because, at the time, Key Biscayne was the first new municipality in Miami-Dade County in almost 50 years. I then joined Pinecrest’s staff and was here for eight years. In 2004, the City of Doral recruited me to serve as their first city manager and, before returning to Pinecrest in 2009, I also served as the administrative services director for the City of North

–––––––––––– See MANAGER, page 7

Palmetto’s new principal, Dr. Harley, is on the job

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

D

Here’s Pinecrest Health and Fitness owner Mike Estevez (left) with Pinecrest Vets owner Jim Dugan after competing at the Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt, Germany. Of course they remembered to take along a copy of their favorite hometown newspaper and snapped this shot for us. Thanks for taking us along, guys!

Positive PEOPLE

r. Allison Harley took over as the new principal at Palmetto High School in mid July. Harley previously was at Parkway Middle School for two years. She has worked in many different types of schools, which Harley says was all preparation for becoming the principal at Palmetto.

“Palmetto is one of the flagship schools of the county,” she says.

Her plan is to learn about Palmetto, the community and faculty and staff before making changes.

“Palmetto is not the type of school you

––––––––––––––––––––––– See PRINCIPAL, 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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August 15 - 28, 2011

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the Navy now!

Pictured are proud parents Patricia and Jim Cunningham with their son, Hutch, just after he was sworn into the Navy at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Hutch is now a midshipman in the Class of 2015. Congratulations, Hutch, and thank you and your folks for bringing us along on this truly wonderful occasion.

August 15 - 28, 2011

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

The Falls to host ‘Strut your Stuff for Cancer’ on Oct. 6

BY DANIELLE SPIEGELMAN Executive Director, Cancer Support Community Greater Miami

Get ready to Strut Your Stuff for Cancer at the Falls Shopping Center in early fall.

The Cancer Support Community Greater Miami, along with Liga Contra el Cancer and the Sandy B. Muller Breast Cancer Foundation, will take part in a fundraising initiative at The Falls on Thursday, Oct. 6, called Strut your Stuff for Cancer.

Created by The Falls and presented by the Baptist Health Breast Center, this fashionoriented event coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The evening will begin with a leisurely “strut” around The Falls as ticket holders, decked out in their favorite heels, will be treated to “rejuvenating” stops hosted by Falls retailers where guests will receive special gifts and services. The strut will end back in Center Court where guests will be treated to a fashion experience as The Falls presents a “style trend” show featuring cancer survivors and those “angels” that have helped them heal.

Additionally, the event will feature health

presentations, live entertainment and a cocktail hour with delectable treats. Guests also will receive a gift bag with The Falls October Savings Book, giveaways and a chance to register to win a fabulous trip and other great prizes.

The Falls will “Go Pink” all month in recognition of this special evening and actively market, advertise and promote the participating charities throughout the mall in a comprehensive public relations media blitz.

Strut your Stuff for Cancer is a “turn-key” event offered to a small, select group of organizations to raise awareness and money for cancer education and support.

Registration is $25 per person and takes place on each of the participating charity’s websites or at their host table the night of the event. All money will go to the donor’s charity of choice; for example when our supporters purchase a ticket for $25 on our website, the entire $25 goes to supporting our free cancer programs for patients and families at CSCGM. Additionally, the participating charities do not have any out of pocket expenses associated with hosting this event.

For details, go to <http://cancersupportcommunitymiami.org/strut_entry.htm>.

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August 15 - 28, 2011

Positive PEOPLE in Pinecrest

AVERY CAMBRIDGE Palmetto High School senior Avery Cambridge is a dancer. She is a member of Variations, the Palmetto dance troupe, and she takes lessons at local dance studios.

Cambridge’s passion is ballet, so she takes classes several times a week in point and ballet.

“I feel like doing both makes me more well-rounded,” she says.

Cambridge started dancing at Jill Mallory studios when she was three years old and she continues to take classes there.

As her abilities have grown, so has her range of choices for classes. Last summer, she attended the Joffre Ballet Summer Intensive for four weeks.

“It was amazing, it was one of the best experiences of my life,” she says. “It was great and in addition to improving my technique and working with amazing teachers, I got the experience of living on my own in a dorm. It was a preview of college.”

She had classes in ballet, contemporary ballet, modern and character.

“Every class was accompanied by a live musician,” she says.

This summer, her plan is to attend the Boston Ballet Summer Intensive.

“I want to get used to both companies,” she says. “The Boston Ballet is more Balanchine based. Joffre is more comprehensive. Joffre does sponsor a lot of contemporary choreographers while Boston is more classical.”

While her ultimate goal is to become a

professional dancer, she is pragmatic enough to know that going to college is important because dancers have such short careers.

“As of now my goal is to attend an Ivy League university, dance in college and move on to dance after that,” she says.

Her top three choices are Princeton, Cornell and Syracuse. She is interested in Princeton and Cornell because they are Ivy League and Syracuse because she has family in the area.

Although she concentrates much of her efforts on ballet, being on Variations at Palmetto helps her learn the techniques of hip hop, modern and contemporary dance.

Through Variations, Cambridge does community service, dancing at various events, including a fundraiser for AIDS research.

“This year at Christmas time we performed at the Coral Reef Nursing Home and we gave them care packages,” she says.

“They were little things like socks, cookies, basically stockings for the elderly.”

This past school year, the Variations team went to Disney World to perform.

“It was super fun and it was great team bonding,” she says. “I hadn’t been there since I was younger. We performed in downtown Disney.”

The team performed a jazz dance, a novelty dance and a lyrical dance.

Even the community service she does outside school is dance related. In the summer, she helps out at dance studio summer camps teaching children ballet at Jill Mallory Studios and Soul Purpose Studio.

Outside of dance, Cambridge’s extracurricular activities include the English National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta and the Science National Honor Society.

“I’ve been raised from a young age to focus on my studies,” she says.

By Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

MICHELE De MARIA Gulliver Prep senior Michele De Maria is passionate about volunteering her time at the Lotus House Women’s Shelter in Downtown Miami’s Overtown. The shelter takes in 100 women at a time and helps them to turn their lives around.

“Some of the women are abused, some of them are drug addicts and some have come from prostitution,” De Maria says. “The shelter helps the women change their lives; they teach them how to use the computer, how to cook, whatever they need or want to learn. And they teach them how to search for jobs online.”

The women stay in the shelter for a year and many have a job by the time of their departure date. The shelter population ranges from young adults to middle aged women.

“Usually most of the women are able to stand on their own two feet when they leave the shelter,” De Maria says.

Someone you know for Pinecrest Tribune Positive People column?

Call 305-669-7355, x. 216

She got involved with helping at the shelter when her mother’s firm provided some public relations work for Lotus House.

“I went out with her to a graduation for a woman who was a cook and I have been hooked ever since,” she says. “It changed me.”

De Maria returned to Gulliver and founded a club that now is a support group for the shelter. Students who did not have time to participate in the club were still able to help by donating money or providing a toy for the Christmas toy drive that the club conducted.

“It took us a while,” De Maria says. “We started collecting toys in November and it built up and up and up. We wound up with more than 150 toys. Not all of the women at the shelter have kids, so the toys were distributed to the entire Overtown neighborhood.”

The teens worked for hours to wrap the presents, adding a couple of pieces of candy to each of the gaily decorated packages. There were gifts that ranged from Barbie Dolls to Bob the Builder toys, and De Maria says that when her friends went with her to drop off the presents, they said they just couldn’t imagine not being involved with the club.

They also considered doing something for Halloween, but the children at the shelter were too young to participate. This year, De Maria hopes to conduct a drive to provide costumes for the children living at the shelter, as well as the children in the neighborhood. She envisions having the women who live at Lotus House handing out the costumes to the neighborhood children as a way to give back to the community.

“The neighborhood protects them, in a way,” she says. “It would give them a sense of importance to give back.”

When school begins, De Maria will work on attracting more members to the club.

“I’m going to reopen it next year when school begins,” she says. “Hopefully we’ll get more people involved this year.”

De Maria has many ideas for projects in the coming year, including giving each woman graduating from the program a “Business in a Box” gift.

“We can send her off with a giant cardboard box of things she needs to carry on whatever career she wants to go with,” De Maria says. “Maybe a suit and pens.”

De Maria says the items in the box will take the pressure off the graduate because she will not have to buy the start-up items needed for her new career.

By Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

August 15 - 28, 2011

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

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Positive PEOPLE in Pinecrest

MARY ANN CASAS

It won’t be long before Mary Ann Casas returns to classes at Palmer Trinity School for her pivotal senior year. Casas is a good student who is involved in

school clubs and athletics, yet still finds time for community service.

Casas has more than 70 community service hours and wants to earn more. Many of her hours came from participating in a mission trip to Mississippi in 2009 with her church.

“We helped people reconstruct from the destruction by Hurricane Katrina,” she says. “My specific group worked on a house. I personally helped paint the outside of the house, re-shingle the roof and plant the flowers for the landscaping.”

Casas also helped spackle the walls and organize the owner’s belongings after the house was rebuilt. They also had to shore up the home’s foundation.

“I liked painting the best, and gardening,” she says.

The mission trip helped her realize the importance of helping others.

“We have to help out, it’s better for everyone,” she says.

Casas has also been on mission trips for Operation Smile. She became involved with that organization because or her mother.

“It’s a beautiful project,” she says. “A

big way to help is by funding it.”

Operation Smile is an organization that collects money that is used to send doctors and nurses to Third World countries to perform surgery to correct children’s cleft palates and cleft lips.

Casas says they have annual garage sales to raise money and they have a “Shed the Threads” event.

“We also have three or four bake sales throughout the year,” she says. “We make cookies and brownies and sell them at the International Festival. I work on making posters for the bake sale, communicating it to the school when we have events coming up.”

Casas also worked on an event called the Tony Trot, to help raise money for the Lymphoma Society in honor of a classmate who was diagnosed with lymphoma.

“He was a cross-country runner. We reached out to him and we created the Tony Trot, a 5 K Run or Walk. His dad won the race and Tony gave a speech.”

Casas’ community service has included beach clean-ups, including one at Crandon Park.

“We were given bags and gloves and we went up and down the beach looking for any garbage to pick up,” she says.

“It’s really sad to see garbage on the beach.”

Casas is also an athlete. She was on the varsity volleyball team in her junior year and the basketball team in her sophomore year. But her best sport is lacrosse. She is a serious player and was good enough to make second team All-Dade last year. She also plays on a travel team.

Because of her travel lacrosse team commitments, she is not planning to play volleyball again in high school.

Now, her attention is on submitting applications for college. She says that she would like to attend the University of Florida to study with her sister, but she also plans to apply to Florida State University, the University of Central Florida, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Georgia Tech.

She plans to study engineering or international relations.

By Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

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August 15 - 28, 2011

PURE ENERGY

New York’s Energy Kitchen takes the guesswork out of eating healthy, opens in Pinecrest For those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, finding acceptable fast food options can be a daunting task. The offerings are minimal, with temptations abundant at every turn.

But who says fast food has to be fatty?

to open a total of 25 locations throughout Florida in the next five years. “As more and more consumers begin to realize that fast food doesn’t have to be fat food, we look forward to providing them with a healthy, delicious alternative to their dining options.”

Not Energy Kitchen.

The healthy fast-casual chain – founded in New York and backed by multi-millionaire co-founder of Vitaminwater Mike Repole – recently opened its first Florida restaurant in Pinecrest, offering a health-centric menu featuring nothing over 500 calories.

“It’s an exciting time for us as we continue to strengthen our footprint in the healthy, fast-casual dining industry and grow our brand nationwide,” said company founder and president Anthony Leone, whose Manhattan-based chain plans

Energy Kitchen caters to the health-conscious consumer, serving low-calorie, low-fat items such as burgers, wraps, salads and muffins, as well as entrees such as grilled salmon and turkey meatloaf. The brand pairs meals with a varied list of nutritional sides, such as fresh vegetables, baked homestyle potatoes or creamed spinach, and also offers smoothies and healthy snacks for those on the go.

Nothing on the menu is over 500 calories, everything is grilled, baked or steamed, and full-calorie

sodas aren’t even an option.

Located at 11421 South Dixie Highway, the new restaurant is owned and operated by Justo Luis Pozo III, a Miami native who has worked as a personal trainer and wrestling coach for the past four years. Anchored by his extensive knowledge of personal wellness and nutrition, Pozo is committed to opening at least five additional locations throughout Miami-Dade County and has his eyes on South Miami, Coral Gables, Midtown, Aventura and Bal Harbour, among others.

“There are numerous restaurants in the area that claim to offer healthy dining options, but none of those come close to what Energy Kitchen offers,” said Pozo.“ There’s really no temptation in our store. We don’t allow guests to mess up their routines, and we really try to take the thinking out of health.”

August 15 - 28, 2011

MANAGER, from page 1 Miami Beach. I have a Master’s degree in Public Administration from FIU and was one of the first public administrators from Florida to earn my “Credentialed Manager” designation from the International City/County Management Association.

Q: Why did you return to Pinecrest in 2009?

A: I grew up in this area and I love this community. As a professional public administrator, I am most proud of my tenure as the Village’s assistant manager and in being a part of the formulation of the Pinecrest municipal government beginning in 1996. In 2009 there was a chance to return to the Village and I am now thrilled to be the manager and have an opportunity, along with our Village Council and staff, to ensure that Pinecrest remains an efficient, effective and transparent municipal government.

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

et and seek alternative revenues in addition to streamlining our organization. We are fortunate that Pinecrest has been very conservative with monies over the years and has ample reserves to provide a cushion during these difficult times, but we also need to be prudent about our operation going forward.

Q: What are some other issues?

A: The Village will be entering into union negotiations with our two police unions and potentially with a third general government employee union this fall; we are dealing with the proposed FPL project to install massive transmission lines along US 1; we still have over 1,000 properties that are not part of the county’s potable water system; and we continue to address issues regarding the use of the Pinecrest Gardens complex.

Q: How would you rate Pinecrest as an organization?

A: Our organization has significant strengths, but there are many areas in which we can do better. From an internal operating stand point, it is the manager’s responsibility to constantly monitor operations for efficienQ: What is the role of cy and improvement the Village Manager? opportunities. I specifiA: The primary role cally would like to of the manager is to unveil an aggressive implement the policies customer service camof the Village Council. paign that goes beyond To be successful in the traditional training implementing the poliof all employees, and cies of the governing begins to hammer in body, the manager must Yocelyn Galiano Gomez the idea that 100 perhave a strong ability to –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– cent customer satisfaccommunicate with all the stakeholders, including employees, elect- tion is not just a goal, but rather a mandate. ed officials, and the community. The managQ: What do you envision for the future of er also plays the role of a community leader, the Pinecrest Parkway (US 1) corridor? consensus builder, and communicator.

A: We should take a comprehensive look Q: How do you plan on communicating at the US 1 corridor, which has great potential. I would recommend seeking input from with the residents of Pinecrest?

A: Pinecrest incorporated to bring govern- the business and residential communities ment closer to the people. It is very important and, together, develop a process that ultito have input from all of our customers – mately leads to a vibrant commercial corriespecially our residents. I want to engage dor that continues to serve as an economic residents by having more neighborhood engine for our Village, as well as provide our meetings to address local issues. I will also residents with a myriad of shopping and dinbe hosting “Coffee with the Manager” on a ing options. regular basis to hear from our constituents. I Q: Any closing remarks? think it is essential for our residents to be an A: I am most humbled that Mayor Lerner active part of our vibrant, dynamic and wonand the Village Council have entrusted me derful community, and encourage them to connect with me whether in person, by with this position. Even though we are facing some challenges, I am very excited about our email, on Facebook or via Twitter. future in Pinecrest. As a public servant, I Q: What is the most significant issue fac- want to make sure that the public is always our main focus and, together with our staff, I ing Pinecrest?

A: I think the biggest challenge is the eco- want this organization to continue to provide nomic constraints on our budget as a result of excellence on a daily basis. the state’s property tax reform in 2007 and the downturn in the real estate market beginYocelyn Galiano Gomez may be contacted ning in 2008. I will work with the Village at <manager@pinecrest-fl.gov> or by calling Council to address the shortfalls in our budg- 305-234-2121.

PRINCIPAL, from page 1

Page 7

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

come into and make blanket changes,” she says. “I’ll observe and get to know the community and the needs of the community and the school before we make big changes.”

Harley did have a transitional meeting with former principal Howard Weiner. She’s confident she can call upon his expertise at any time, since they are old friends.

She says she has an open door policy and she’s looking forward to meeting students, parents and the community.

“I have already been in touch with members of the PTSA and I look forward to working with them,” Harley says.

Palmetto’s PTSA was pleased that Harley supports the Back to School at Bell’s program, which was jointly planned by the PTSAs at Palmetto Middle and Palmetto High.

Dr. Larry Feldman, the school board member for Palmetto says Harley is determined to continue the rich tradition of excellence that has always been synonymous with Palmetto.

“Her excitement, drive and vision are a great fit for the Pinecrest community and I think they’ll find she is prepared and planning for a real expansion of offerings in the very near future,” he says.

Harley says one of her goals is to increase the school’s technology programs.

“We’re looking at the options there,” she says. “I think technology can enhance any educational program.”

Another option is Palmetto’s new Environmental Science Masters Academy, which already has 50 students enrolled.

While Palmetto is adding an academy, it’s not going to change into an academy only school.

Harley says Palmetto is “an amazing comprehensive high school.” She believes in comprehensive high schools because they give students the ability to choose

from a wide variety of programs. She likes a comprehensive high school for those students who aren’t ready to be tied to a major as they are at academy schools.

“If the student is really focused and the academy is there, it’s absolutely wonderful,” she says.

Even with all that Palmetto offers, there is still room for more. Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner says Harley has the experience and leadership qualities to maintain Palmetto’s educational excellence. Lerner says she expects Harley to engage the community in supporting the school and its students.

Hardy was born and raised in MiamiDade Country and grew up in Miami Springs. She attended Miami-Dade schools and went on to Florida International University where she earned a degree in secondary English and then a specialist degree in school psychology.

“I always knew I wanted to work with teenagers. I can’t even imagine doing anything else,” she says.

Harley became a teacher in 1989, spending seven years as a classroom teacher, starting at Homestead Sr. High and then moving to Southridge High after Hurricane Andrew. When her daughter was born, she took a couple of years off to take care of the baby and get her doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

When Hardy returned to the school system, she worked at J.R.E. Lee Opportunity School. Later, she became an assistant principal at Highland Oaks Middle School. She also spent two years as assistant principal at Biscayne Gardens Elementary. She’s also been a temporary principal at Merrick Educational Center and the principal at Robert Renick, a special educational K-12 school.

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August 15 - 28, 2011

This Dog’s for You!

Here’s a beautiful five-month-old mixed-breed Doberman puppy that was brought to the Born Free Pet Shelter in South Miami-Dade County. He doesn’t have a name yet, so if you adopt him you can have the honor. He’s a playful puppy and loves to run; he’ll make a nice pet for a young family with young children. For more information, call 305-903-6610 or go to <www.bornfree.petfinder.com>.

“LET ME BRING YOU HOME!” Pam Mayers

FOR SALE

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August 15 - 28, 2011

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

The Pinecrest Tribune goes to Red Square

Returning to Russia after a quarter century when 26 years ago no American newspaper could be read in the Soviet Union, Bobi and Roger Shatanof now are able to read the Pinecrest Tribune in Red Square.

Bobi is a retired teacher and Roger is a retired principal from Miami-Dade Public Schools. Below: The Shatanofs visit Red Square in 1984.

(305)-235-8333 â&#x20AC;˘ www.onetwotree.com

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August 15 - 28, 2011

Are you in the way of your success

BY PAT MORGAN

Step aside and let success find you. Sounds easy, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it?

Often, the biggest roadblock to your success is you. As much as you would like to point to something or someone else for your failure and inability to achieve your most cherished goals, at the end of the day there is really only one place to look if you really want to break free and create your best life now.

When blaming people or circumstances outside yourself, you become a victim, powerless to make changes that will improve your life. Taking responsibility for your success puts you in the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat where you can then take action from an empowered position.

Karen is an excellent example of someone standing in the way of her own success. A talented, successful pharmaceutical sales professional with over 10 years experience, Karen had career aspirations that were going unrealized. Her dream had always been to open her own spa, but the dream had faded as she worked to climb the career ladder and sustain the lifestyle she had created. Old, worn out limiting beliefs were holding Karen back from creating the lifestyle she dreamed about.

By the time Karen called me to coach with her, things were rapidly changing in her world. She was losing her job due to restructuring and concerned about finding another position. Fear was holding her back from moving forward. Blaming the company, the economy and other outside factors for her situation only held her captive and unable to take focused action.

We began with the steps outlined below to support Karen in creating an inspiring future.

Rather than remain stuck, we put together a strategy to get into action and make powerful changes.

Here are ideas for getting out of your own way: â&#x20AC;˘ Take responsibility for your life.

Decide to take charge of your future and stop blaming outside circumstances. You are the only one who can change your outcomes. â&#x20AC;˘ Be present. Rather than fretting about what is past or worrying about what may happen in the future, focus on being in the present moment and take full advantage of it. â&#x20AC;˘ Do your best and let it be. Stop overanalyzing your performance and constantly criticizing yourself for not having done better. Trust that you are doing the best you can and acknowledge yourself for that. â&#x20AC;˘ Put together an action plan. Focus on what you are able to do and outline the steps that will get you moving toward your goals.

Start small and be patient with your progress. â&#x20AC;˘ Express gratitude. Stop focusing on what you lack and be appreciative for what you have. What you appreciate appreciates. â&#x20AC;˘ Ask for help. There are people and resources that can help you get on track.

Reach out to people and let them know how they can help. You may even want to hire a coach.

If you want to explore coaching, give me a call to schedule your complimentary Discovery Session. Get started right away to take yourself and your business to the next level.

Pat Morgan, MBA and professional coach, works with busy professionals to help them become more profitable and productive by capitalizing on their strengths and taking focused action to create powerful change. Contact her by phone at 305-458-2849, email her at <PatMorgan@SmoothSailingSuccess.com> or go online to <www.SmoothSailingSuccess.com>.

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August 15 - 28, 2011

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

UM Frost School of Music grads launch Superior Academy of Music

BY LEE STEOPHENS

Superior Academy of Music is now open for business.

The music school offers a unique and comprehensive music education program for all ages at its state-of-the-art, multi-studio facility, 7746 N. Kendall Drive. SAM offer an exceptional program of study on a variety of instruments in classical, jazz and popular music. Students are taught by a faculty of experienced teachers with masters and doctorates in music who maintain active careers as concert artists at the national and international level.

The new academy is the only school in South Florida that offers preparation for the prestigious Carnegie Hall-Royal Conservatory Achievement Program, an international standardized curriculum that offers evaluation opportunities at the precollege level. SAM aims to be at the forefront of music education in Miami by raising the bar on traditional music education, offering the highest level of personalized training and guidance to students, whether they are applying to performing arts magnet schools, aspiring professional musicians planning to study music at university or general music students.

Superior Academy of Music was founded by pianist Dr. Fabiana Claure, the academy’s executive director and a 2011 graduate of the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, and her husband, pianist and SAM program director William Villaverde, a doctoral candidate at the Frost School of Music.

The multi-award-winning pianists recently were featured on national television on PBS-TV’s Nightly Business Report in a special Memorial Day segment spotlighting a few of the nation’s most talented

young entrepreneurs who are making an impact on their community. The two havetaught piano for the past 10 years to over 500 students of all ages and levels. Since 2008, they have been teaching piano at their private studio, South Miami Piano Lessons, and the University of Miami, as well as performing around the globe as soloists and in duo recital.

Students at SAM may choose to take private lessons in piano, jazz piano, violin, viola, guitar, or voice. In order to receive the greatest benefit from study, a weekly musicianship course is offered that covers music history, ear training, music theory, keyboard harmony and solfege. Students who enroll in the comprehensive program (a combination of private lessons and musicianship classes) will be prepared to participate in the Carnegie Hall-Royal Conservatory Achievement program. The in-depth musical skills learned from SAM’s seasoned instructors, combined with their professional mentorship, will increase students’ extra-curricular edge prior to applying to various schools or colleges.

SAM’s new facilities will allow students to receive private instrument lessons in sound-isolated music booths. This is a unique opportunity for students to experience lessons with optimal music sound in a professional setting. In addition, SAM’s high-tech musicianship group classroom, equipped with a digital piano and an interactive whiteboard and projector, allows students to receive the ultimate music learning experience.

Applications for enrollment are being accepted. For more information, go to <info@superioracademyofmusic.com> or call 305-771-2726, or go to <www.superioracademyofmusic.com>.

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August 15 - 28, 2011

Group 3 Property Solutions a new player in realty services market

BY ROBERT HAMILTON

Group3 Property Solutions is a new asset management company formed by two veteran real estate services executives.

Group3 founders Amanda Kacer and Robert Astorino have almost 50 years of combined real estate operations experience and they say they are committed to the management of assets in the same way they manage their own business. Persistent and strategic social media, branding and networking will be the ingredients of market share growth for properties managed by the company.

Although Group3 is a new company with a unique, multi-faceted business approach, Kacer and Astorino say they have a unique management philosophy with such concepts as: • Clients join the firm as one of the company’s business partners, not just another account.

• Properties are operated the same way Group3 manages its own business, creatively with an “all hands on deck” approach.

• Pass-through costs such as marketing materials, software and operating expenses are kept to a minimum, yet still providing top quality.

Group3 clients select services from a menu and pay only for what they need. At Group 3, pricing for “one size fits all” is not compatible with today’s economy.

“We take pride in successfully combining a creative, energetic business approach with traditional real estate objectives,” says Kacer, president of Group3. “In this way, Group3’s services appeal to a broad spectrum of potential clients, whether they are institutional owners of under-performing assets, deal makers hoping to structure a transaction or small individual owners needing to

Amanda Kacer ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

stay a profitable course in the current challenging economy.”

Even as a new addition to the world of realty service providers, Group3 Property Solutions commands respect and attention.

Group3 clients customize their own service packages from the company’s menu, including full-service property management, enhanced rentals for lease-up projects, construction oversight, insurance claim management, interior design/staging for real estate marketing, due-diligence and business consulting.

Clients receive dedicated and personalized management for each of their assets, no matter the size, type or location.

For more information, call 305-984-2271 or go online at <www.group3propertysolutions.com>.

August 15 - 28, 2011

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

FWC REPORT These memories I take with me as I leave the commission

BY RODNEY BARRETO Chairman, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

This will be my last column for Community Newspapers as a member of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and I wanted to take a moment and reflect on how far the commission team has come in the past 10 years.

I have been honored to work with commissioners and staff who are not only dedicated to the mission of the commission, but also passionate in managing fish and wildlife resources for their longterm well-being and the benefit of people. I am proud to note that Floridians have more hunting and fishing opportunities now than before. Thirty new areas with public hunting have been added in the past five years, totaling an additional 135,000 acres.

We all understand the need to reach out to our youth and a hunting initiative that I am particularly proud of is the new youth turkey hunting weekend, allowing hunting on 78 FWC-managed areas. The youth turkey hunts on these wildlife management areas will be two-day Saturday-Sunday hunts on the weekend prior to the opening of spring turkey season on each particular WMA, beginning with the 2012 season.

It is so important to expose young people to outdoor recreational opportunities.

The more our youth experience wildlife and nature, the more likely they are to grow up to appreciate these resources and to pass along outdoor traditions to future generations.

In addition to expanded hunting opportunities, we constantly strive to make sure Florida has plentiful fishing resources. Florida is the “Fishing Capital of the World.” What angler doesn’t look forward to the thrill of hearing a reel sing as line peels out? We are the world’s destination for visitors

who want to catch tarpon, bonefish and permit, and I am especially proud of our catch-and-release program for these “rock stars” of saltwater fishing. The Commission has worked hard to ensure Floridians and our visitors have the opportunity to catch a big one.

Another opportunity is the expansion of this year’s bay scallop season. It kicked off on June 25 and runs through Sept. 25, starting a week early and running two weeks longer than usual. This is great family fun and gives our visitors and residents the chance to take advantage of this fun outdoor activity.

Recognizing that anglers and hunters are just a part of Florida’s conservation community, I am proud of the vast resources available to wildlife viewers in our state made possible through our various partnerships. The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail represents only one aspect of wildlife viewing enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

The FWC worked with the Wildlife Foundation of Florida and the Florida Department of Transportation to create this network of 500 birding sites and 2,000 miles of self-guided highway trails throughout Florida.

There are many things that I will take with me as I leave the commission, including many memories, friendships and accomplishments that I share with my fellow commissioners and FWC staff.

I’d like to thank my fellow commissioners and FWC staff for their hard work and dedication in helping to make all these public opportunities possible, in addition to their years of support and friendship. I have been honored to work with a group of people who are passionate about wildlife issues and consider the work they do to be a calling, as have I. Finally, I want to thank former governors Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist. I will always be honored and humbled by the confidence they showed me when they appointed me to the commission, as well as their continued support that made this journey possible.

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Rainforest Grotto now a reality at Gardens

BY LYNN WILLE FICHMAN

The Community Garden Charitable Fund was formed in the spring of 2007 by a group of local citizens who recognize the importance of preserving the horticultural integrity of our public green spaces, particularly at Pinecrest Gardens.

The Garden Fund is a grass roots organization that works closely with Village of Pinecrest government in their efforts to maintain and enhance this diverse and rare property. Since its inception, the Garden Fund has attracted a wide range of supporters, has raised significant funds and has used those funds for specific improvement projects in Pinecrest Gardens. They have underwritten the purchase of hundreds of orchids, which now form part of a huge tree canopy, as well as the cleaning and refining of the colonnade section adjacent to the Garden’s meadow, the creation of the hidden garden pathway and seating area in the Hardwood Hammock, the cleanup and replanting of a large tract near Swan Lake, the purchase of much needed tools, all in addition to their newly completed latest project.

For the past five years, the Garden Fund has hosted the annual ‘Soiree in the

PINECREST GARDEN FUND NEWS Garden’ in Pinecrest Gardens in late February. This much anticipated event is the group’s biggest and most lucrative yearly fundraiser, and this year’s fete, which took place on Feb. 25, was one of the most memorable to date, highlighted by Julian Marley in concert in the newly refurbished Banyan Bowl. The Fund’s board members and volunteers worked for many months to create a flawless evening, and they came very close to achieving their goal as more than 300 guests were treated to cocktails, a silent auction, dinner, desserts and worldclass entertainment in one of the most spectacular settings in South Florida.

As soon as the event’s dust had settled, sights were immediately set on utilizing the funds that were raised. After careful consideration, and with the expert direction of horticulturist Craig Morrel, it was decided

that three “pits” in the lower garden — once home to the alligators during Parrot Jungle days — held the potential to become lush wet gardens that would form a rain forest grotto consisting of ferns, alocasias and aquatic plants. It had been a rather barren site with no cohesive plant life or design, but with the generous help of Jim Lawrence of Galloway Farm Nursery, a design plan was enacted which pulls the three adjacent sections together, creating a wide and inviting vista.

The plan was presented to the Botanical Committee where it was enthusiastically embraced, next the Pinecrest Village Council agreed and finally, before work could begin, it was sent to the Miami Historical Review Board where it was approved.

Many months have passed since it was first conceived, but the “Rainforest Grotto”

is now a reality. The project did not require removal of any plants, no removal of rock and no structural changes whatsoever, and it copies the design of other parts of the Garden where Pinnacle rock and plants intermingle. Once its growth cycle is complete, the area promises to be one of the most attractive and complimentary improvements that the Garden Fund has yet enacted. The lower garden is a lush compilation of winding pathways, water features, rock walls and waterfalls. It houses rare palms and plants from all over the world, and it is one of the most beautiful examples of what a tropical rain forest can become with the assistance of those who nurture it. The Garden Fund’s board of directors is gratified to have contributed to it in some small measure.

The Community Garden Charitable Fund is a not for profit 501c (3) organization, and all donations are tax deductable.

For information about volunteer opportunities, membership, upcoming events or to make a donation, contact the office at the Garden’s Whilden-Carrier cottage at 305-669-1028, email <gardenfund@att.net> or visit <www.gardenfund.org>.

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Pet Tips Brought to You by Pet Supermarket

Is Your Dog Ready for the Dog Park?

The next time you get the "let's play" bark from your dog, consider taking him to a dog park. Your dog might enjoy running off-leash, socializing with other dogs and working off his excess energy.

You might also enjoy meeting and socializing with other dog owners. We say "might" because not all dogs do well at dog parks and if your dog isn't comfortable, you won't be either. Here are a few things to consider.

Why your dog may not be ready Don't assume your dog will love the park. His temperament, health and social skills will determine if the park is a good idea or a potential disaster.

You should go if your dog...

• Is healthy, vaccinated and neutered or spayed.

• Loves socializing with other dogs.

• Responds to voice commands. (He should at least come when called.)

• Has a lot of youthful energy.

You should NOT go if your dog...

• Is in heat or hasn't been neutered.

• Is unvaccinated, especially if he's a puppy.

• Has chronic injuries or pain.

• Shows fearful or aggressive behavior with other dogs or humans.

• Is a dog bully who often fights with other dogs.

If you're not sure how your dog will react, take him for a test run at the park.

Keep him on a leash and watch him socialize with other canines before you decide The best dog parks offer these features: • A securely fenced area with a doublegate entrance to keep dogs from slipping out.

• Enough space for dogs to run and play without overcrowding.

• A separate area for small dogs.

• Water fountains for dogs and humans.

• Stations with waste bags and trash cans for dog waste.

• Optional: dog play equipment or agility equipment.

Play it safe One last word of caution: pay constant attention to your dog in the park. He may be a model of good behavior, but he'll be dealing with other dogs and their dog owners. Some of these owners may have different opinions of what's appropriate. If there's an aggressive dog who's not being managed by his owner, for example, move to a different area or leave the park altogether.

Keep your dog safe and hydrated at the park with dog leashes and collapsible water bowls from PetSupermarket.com.

August 15 - 28, 2011

Orange Bowl Committee provides community support

BY JEFF ROBERTS

Pesident/Chairman, Orange Bowl Committee

Organizing more than just championship college football bowl games and the highly anticipated Orange Bowl Festival – including its various amateur sports competitions and premier entertainment events such as Orange Drive – the Orange Bowl Committee works year-round to inspire youth, engage the community and enhance the South Florida economy.

This spring, evidence of this work appeared in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties through the committee’s wide-reaching scholarship program that rewards high school scholar-athletes that have worked just as hard off-the-field as on it. Complimenting these awards, the committee also provided community service hours to assist local organizations who help our most important asset, our youth.

At the annual Dade County Public Schools Scholar-Athlete luncheon in May, the Orange Bowl led the way by providing six of Miami-Dade’s brightest athletes with General Chappie James Memorial Scholarship Awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. Honorees included American’s Amalia Hernandez and Coral Gables’ Walter Hoffman (Gold recipients), Hialeah Gardens’ Amanda Lynn Frye and MAST Academy’s David Tyburski (Silver recipients); and Palmetto’s Kristen Cope and Braddock’s Gustavo Chan (Bronze recipients).

In Broward, during the National Football Foundation’s Brian Piccolo Chapter 36th annual Awards Dinner in April, the Orange Bowl Committee served as presenting sponsor and provided four deserving student-athletes with scholarships. All four achieved GPAs in excess of 4.0 and SATs in excess of 1,500, while each logged in excess of 175 community service hours and one even exceeded 500 hours. Honorees included Dillard’s Wayne Lyons, Coral

Glades’ Kevin Greisel, University School’s Isaac Stern and Cardinal Gibbons’ Daniel Ring.

The Sam Budnyk Scholarship is the most prestigious award given to a student-athlete in Palm Beach County and this year the Orange Bowl Committee awarded this honor to Jennifer Tilton of Suncoast Community High School. Number one in her class and a national AP scholar, Tilton is a four-year member of the Suncoast varsity girls swim team and was named to the Palm Beach Post’s All-County Girls Swim Team this past year. As the Sam Budnyk Scholarship recipient, she will receive a $5,000 scholarship that, if she meets certain grade and other criteria during her college education, will carry over for three additional years, totaling a $20,000 scholarship award.

In addition, the Orange Bowl staff provided hands-on service to the community by spending a day working with the kids at the Northwest Boys & Girls Club in Miami-Dade. During a field day, staff participated and led activities including kickball, relay races, sack races, a dance contest and tug of war.

Serving and promoting the South Florida community are what the Orange Bowl Committee stands for and throughout the summer the Committee will continue this work through its various youth sports initiatives and volunteer work. We also encourage South Floridians to join us on Sept. 30 when we celebrate the community at our annual Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida Field of Dreams Scholarship Dinner presented by Publix Super Markets.

The Orange Bowl Committee is a 340member, non-profit sports organization that promotes and serves the South Florida community. For information on the OBC’s volunteer Ambassador program or for more information about the Discover Orange Bowl, MetroPCS Orange Bowl Basketball Classic or other Festival events, call 305341-4701 or log onto <www.orangebowl.org>.

Follow us on: www.communitynewspapers.com

August 15 - 28, 2011

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

Read in South Africa

Pictured is the Miami Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chorus on a recent choral tour of South Africa.

Of course they remembered to take along a copy of their favorite hometown newspaper and snapped this shot for us at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

Thanks for thinking of us, guys.

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August 15 - 28, 2011

There’s a JCC program or class for everyone Linda K. Landy ALPER JCC NEWS My editor instructed me to “toot my own horn” in this column. So, here goes.

This summer I was invited to teach a class at the Bead&Button Show, the biggest consumer bead show in the world. If that wasn’t exciting enough, I almost stopped breathing at Meet the Teachers night when the executive director of the largest seed bead manufacturer on the planet commissioned me to make a piece for the company gallery in Japan.

The reason I am tooting my horn is that I am returning to the J with what I modestly (ha!) consider to be an exciting new class for those who visit craft and bead stores and wonder what to do with the delicious array of seed beads in those tempting little tubes or those who want to go beyond simply stringing beads together.

Introduction to Bead Weaving & Bead Embroidery starts with a review of the tremendous variety of beads and threads and moves to off-loom stitches and bead embroidery. Even if you have never worked with beads, you will complete a fabulous Swarovski crystal bracelet and a whimsical beaded pin or pendant.

Now you can register for my class — actually most JCC classes — online. Just look for the Class Finder link at <www.alperjcc.org>. Registration begins Monday, Aug. 22, and classes start Aug. 28.

Members should watch their mail for the JCC Class Finder, jam packed with more than 100 programs and activities for all ages from pre-school to senior adult. Non-members can call the J for a complimentary copy or find it online.

New this fall is the Girls’ Softball Academy with Veronica Alvarez, USA Baseball Women’s National Team catcher and co-captain of the 2010 USA World Cup Team.

There are tons of athletic choices for the elementary school crowd. Baseball, basketball, flag football, tennis and soccer leagues provide instruction with emphasis on player development in a competitive environment where sportsmanship is emphasized. Have your child try Kung Fu or Tai Chi. Consider group and private swimming or tennis lessons for both novice and developed athletes.

The amazing selection of arts classes for elementary age children includes Art of the Masters, Brilliance of Enamels, H20 Colorists or ceramics instruction in a variety of techniques from hand building to potters wheel. The Dance Center at the J offers multi level classes in classical ballet, jazz, hip-hop and tap.

Miami Children’s Theater classes include

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Create a dazzling Swarovski crystal and sterling silver bracelet with bead designer Linda Landy in one of the new classes offered this fall at the Alper JCC. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

a variety of acting and performance options for elementary and middle school students.

Check the audition schedule for this season’s MainStage productions. Other activities for elementary-age children include Book Magic, which excites children about reading through improvisation and Kids Cuisine.

In addition to adult programs in tennis, swimming, water aerobics and martial arts the J offers an unbelievable array of fitness choices. Personal training creates an individualized exercise including pre-exercise health screening, nutritional assessment, body composition, client goals and exercise prescription. Classes include 4-Ever Fit, abs and lower back, circuit training, kickboxing/

boxing, body sculpting, core control with ball strength training, salsa and zumba, core pilates, Shabbat aerobics, low impact aerobics, step and pump, spinning and Hatha Yoga. The Silver Sneakers and Yogastretch program continue to be a popular choice for the over-65 set.

Space considerations prevent me from listing the hundreds of other offerings. You owe it to yourself to get a copy of the Source Book and explore the myriad of classes available.

Classes are open to the community, but members pay a lower fee. For information on classes and membership, call 305-2719000, ext. 235, or log on to <www.alperjcc.org>.

August 15 - 28, 2011

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

Crime Report The following is a list of crimes reported to the Village of Pinecrest Police Department during the week of July 18 - 24, 2011.

ARSON None AUTO THEFT None ASSAULT None BATTERY Case # 1102902 Location: 8765 S Dixie Hwy (Parking Lot) On July 23, at approximately 1910 hrs, unknown offender(s) struck the victim on the head with a metal object causing severe injuries. The unknown offender(s) fled the scene before the police arrived.

The case is presently under investigation.

BURGLARY (COMMERCIAL) None BURGLARY (RESIDENCE) Case # 1102907 Location: 13400 Block of SW 82 Ct Sometime between July 23, 1400 hrs, and July 24, 1000 hrs, unknown offender(s) gained entry into the victim’s residence by prying open a rear door. Due to the victim being out of town at the time of the burglary, it is unknown if any items were stolen. The case is presently under investigation.

ROBBERY None SEX CRIME None HOMICIDE None THEFT Case # 1102817 Location: 9101 SW 72 Ave (Parking Lot) On July 18, sometime between 0800 hrs, and 1050 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole a decal from the victim’s vehicle. The estimated value of the stolen property is $4.

Case # 1102819 Location: 11800 Block of SW 70 Ave

Sometime between July 4, 1118 hrs, and July 18, 1118 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole a tag from the victim’s boat. The estimated value of the stolen property is $4.

Case # 1102844 Location: 6700 Block of SW 128 St Sometime between July 10, 0430 hrs, and July 14, 0500 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole a decal from the victim’s vehicle. The estimated value of the stolen property is $4.

Case # 1102863 Location: SW 133 Terr & 78 Ct On July 21, sometime between 1130 hrs, and 1548 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole the victim’s hand held radio. The estimated value of the stolen property is $200.

Case # 1102864 Location: 8603 S Dixie Hwy (Design Therapy of Miami) On July 21, at approximately 1600 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole a laptop computer from the victim’s office. The estimated value of the stolen property is $300.

Case # 1102868 Location: 13000 Block of SW 69 Ct Sometime between July 18, 0800 hrs, and July 19, 1830 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole a garbage can from the victim’s property. The estimated value of the stolen property is $50.

Case # 1102880 Location: 11400 Block of SW 67 Ave Sometime between July 21, 2230 hrs, and July 22, 0730 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole a tag from the victim’s vehicle. The estimated value of the stolen property is $4.

Case # 1102909 Location: 13400 Block of SW 82 Ct Sometime between July 17, 0200 hrs, and July 24, 1020 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole a GPS, diving gear and spear gun from the victim’s boat. The estimated value of the stolen property is $1,900. The case is presently under investigation.

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August 15 - 28, 2011

Crime Report The following is a list of crimes reported to the Village of Pinecrest Police Department during the week of July 25 - 31, 2011 ARSON None

estimated value of the stolen property is $750.

The case is presently under investigation.

AUTO THEFT Case # 1102946 Location: 11219 S Dixie Hwy (Parking Lot) On July 27, sometime between 1200 hrs, and 1445 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole the victim’s 2000 Dodge Dakota.

Case # 1102994 Location: 7700 Block of SW 133 Terr On July 29, sometime between 0630 hrs, and 1810 hrs, unknown offender(s) gained entry into the victim’s residence through an unlocked rear window and stole jewelry, currency and other miscellaneous kitchen utensils. The estimated value of the stolen property is $880. The case is presently under investigation.

Case # 1102962 Location: 13200 Block of SW 82n Ave Sometime between July 27, 2355 hrs, and July 28, 0640 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole the victim’s 2004 Acura.

ASSAULT None BATTERY None BURGLARY (COMMERCIAL) None BURGLARY (RESIDENCE) Case # 1102927 Location: 6500 Block of SW 102 St On July 25, sometime between 1545 hrs, and 1640 hrs, unknown offender(s) gained entry into the victim’s residence by distracting the victim and stole miscellaneous jewelry. The estimated value of the stolen property is $600.

The case is presently under investigation.

Case # 1102976 Location: 10600 Block of SW 68 Ave On July 28, sometime between 0900 hrs, and 1900 hrs, unknown offender(s) gained entry into the victim’s residence through an unlocked rear door and stole electronic and computer equipment, jewelry and miscellaneous credit cards.

The estimated value of the stolen property is $4,920. The case is presently under investigation.

Case # 1102983 Location: 7800 Block of SW 125 St On July 29, at approximately 1150 hrs, in the course of responding to a burglar alarm it was discovered that unknown offender(s) had gained entry into the victim’s residence and stole jewelry. The estimated value of the stolen property is $5,000. The case is presently under investigation.

Case # 1102989 Location: 7600 Block of SW 135 St On July 29, sometime between 1300 hrs, and 1558 hrs, unknown offender(s) gained entry into the victim’s residence through an unlocked window and stole jewelry, a computer, liquor, and miscellaneous credit cards. The estimated value of the stolen property is $2,008. The case is presently under investigation.

Case # 1102990 Location: 13200 Block of SW 74 Ave On July 29, sometime between 1330 hrs, and 1624 hrs, unknown offender(s) gained entry into the victim’s residence by breaking a rear window and stole computer equipment. The

Case # 1102997 Location: 8100 Block of SW 133 St On July 29, sometime between 1900 hrs, and 2141 hrs, in the course of responding to a burglar alarm, it was discovered that unknown offender(s) gained entry into the victim’s residence by shattering a rear bathroom door. At this time the victim was unable to determine if anything was stolen. The case is presently under investigation.

ROBBERY None SEX CRIME None HOMICIDE None THEFT Case # 1102921 Location: 7900 Block of SW 129 Terr Sometime between July 24, 2300 hrs, and July 25, 0700 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole two bicycles from the victim’s property. The estimated value of the stolen property is $400.

Case # 1102925 Location: 7400 Block of SW 122 St Sometime between July 6, 1531hrs, and July 15, 1531 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole three firearms and miscellaneous clothing from the victim’s residence. The estimated value of the stolen property is $300.

Case # 1102937 Location: 10401 S Dixie Hwy (Shell Gas Station) On July 27, at approximately 0246 hrs, unknown offender(s) stole merchandise from the listed business. The estimated value of the stolen property is $14.

Case # 1102949 Location: 11299 S Dixie Hwy (CVS Pharmacy) On July 27, at approximately1551 hrs, unknown offender(s) were observed taking merchandise and exiting the store making no attempt to pay. The estimated value of the stolen property is $57.

Case # 112966 Location: 13575 S Dixie Hwy (Office Max) On July 28, at approximately 1306 hrs, unknown offender(s) were observed taking merchandise and exiting the store making no attempt to pay. The estimated value of the stolen property is $170.

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Taylor Davis earns Kohl’s scholarship for her efforts

BY GARY ALAN RUSE

Taylor (Tae Tae) Davis was awarded a $1,000 scholarship on July 7 as part of a nationwide program by Kohl’s Department Stores to honor deserving volunteers for making a positive impact on their communities.

The program’s aim is assisting deserving youth to pursue a college education, according to Julie Gardner, Kohl’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer.

“Kohl’s has rewarded thousands of amazing kids through the Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program and, this year alone, we are recognizing nearly 2,200 standout youth who are making a difference with their volunteer time,” Gardner said.

“From feeding the homeless at a local shelter, collecting goods for the less fortunate or volunteering time at a community garden, these kids are making a huge impact on communities nationwide. We are inspired by their stories and are thrilled to recognize their service.”

Taylor Davis, 13, founded the nonprofit organization The Traveling Canvas and has helped raise more than $80,000 in art supplies to save art education in public schools and bring art to homeless children.

She was thrilled with the news of the scholarship.

“I was super excited,” Davis said. “It was amazing to hear that I had been chosen for such a award. It’s really great that Kohl’s recognized kids in their efforts to make the world a better place in their own way.

“It’s really going to help me, because not only is it going to help spread the word about my cause, it brings up the self esteem of the Traveling Canvas. It makes us feel like ‘yes, we can do this.’ If it wasn’t for my teacher, Miss Floyd, I wouldn’t have found out about it. It’s been a great

Taylor Davis (front) is pictured at a recent event with (l-r) superintendent of schools Alberto M. Carvalho, MiamiDade School Board District 9 member Dr. Larry Feldman, and Southwood Middle School principal Deborah Leal.

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

opportunity for me.”

Teacher Andrea R. Floyd had Taylor as a student when she was in the seventh grade Gifted Language Arts class at Southwood. She wrote a letter of recommendation about her efforts in the community.

“The reason I’m so eager to recognize Tae Tae’s efforts is because I hope other students will be inspired by her story,” Floyd said. “The different between Tae Tae and a lot of students who have great ideas is that Tae Tae took the extra step to

put her great ideas into action.

“I think she’s an incredible role model for children who are younger than her, as well as children who are older, about how a simple idea can translate into something incredible when you follow through with it. So often people in general will sit there and reminisce about great ideas they had, but that’s where they stop.”

Taylor’s mother, Claudette Davis, is understandably proud of her daughter, but also has high praise for the other competing youngsters and for Kohl’s as well.

“The fact that she made it this far is remarkable, and an honor,” Claudette Davis said. “All the kids are winners.

Every single kid who is recommended for this is a winner — just the fact that they’re doing anything to help communities.

“For a department store to do something like that for kids is great. There’s a ton of scholarship programs out there, but there aren’t a ton of them that recognize the young kids, 13 and under.”

Taylor’s former teacher says she thinks it is important for the community to continue to support and encourage Taylor because it’s so easy to get burned out and overwhelmed.

“I want Tae Tae to know that there are so many people who have seen the difference she’s making, and who believe in her and don’t want her to stop the incredible things she’s doing,” Floyd said.

“It’s like a ripple effect. Even the youngest homeless children she’s given a pillowcase to, we have no idea — 10 years from now, 20 years from now, even one year from now — how that simple pillowcase will translate to them paying it forward in acts of kindness that they will be compelled to do because someone was kind to them when they needed it most,” she said.

“We’ll never truly know the impact of some of the activities that Tae Tae has initiated, but we can certainly all agree that she has made the world a better place.”

Taylor is still in the running for the national level of the competition, in which Kohl’s will award an additional $9,000 to 10 winners and also donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization on each national winner’s behalf.

For more information on Kohl’s program, visit online at <www.kohlskids.com>. For information on The Traveling Canvas, visit <www.thetravelingcanvas.com>.

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August 15 - 28, 2011

Protect your child’s privacy

BY DAVID ALTSHULER

“What did your daughter get on her math test?”

“Where is she applying to college?”

“What did she get on her SATs?” These are the thoughtful, endearing questions that concerned parents ask one another in the parking lot as they wait to pick up their 11th graders after school. In our community, all the families care deeply about one another’s health and well being. The paradigm in our high schools is one of cooperation rather than competition. All the parents want what is best not only for their own children but also for the children of their neighbors and classmates.

Children good heartedly help one another prepare for exams. Every high grade is a victory not just for the child who received it, but also for every other student in the class. After all, each child can achieve top grades; each child can get top SAT scores; every child can go to a top college.

What’s wrong with this picture? Nothing much, other than it is complete and utter malarkey, a total fabrication without a syllable of truth. Not a word of the above has any validity in my neighborhood. I’m guessing your community is the same. Here’s how it goes in the real world: • Students are trained to be brutally competitive. Susie won’t help Buffy study for chemistry because both girls are close to being in the top 10 percent of students in their class. If Susie helps Buffy, then Buffy may be the girl eligible for scholarships and admissions rather than Susie.

• Counselors post the names of where kids have been admitted to college. Big bulletin boards — or even worse, the school newspaper — proclaim not only where your child applied, but also where she is going to matriculate.

Abigail Van Buren — Princeton, Maria Theresa Ortega — Miami Dade College; why not just print the tax returns of both parents?

Abigail Van Buren’s dad: Piles of money; Maria Theresa Ortega’s father: Not so much.

• It’s an arithmetic fact that not all children can graduate at the top of their class. By definition, only 10 students in 100 are in the top 10 percent.

If you believe as I do, that the choice of college is about the match between student and school, then you may wish to instruct your children to keep their SAT scores and their college lists private.

Here’s why. A public humiliation is much more painful than a private one. If the only people who know where your son is applying to college are you and your spouse, then the thin envelope in April can be forgotten in 20 minutes. If, on the other hand, everyone in the school is buzzing, “Did you hear? Anthony

EDUCATION was rejected at Cornell.” Then the sting of rejection can last longer, years in some cases.

Imagine how horrific it would be if a dinner guest in your home sat down and, in between the soup and the salad courses, asked you, “Say, nice house you got here. How much did you pay for it, anyways?” Or imagine this conversation: “Yeah, my wife ain’t making too much progress with them SSRIs, so we’re going to go with an atypical anti-psychotic. I hope she doesn’t gain too much more weight.”

The boor would never be invited back. Yet, these same louts think it’s OK to interrogate your children about private information.

Where your kids are applying to college and what they got on their SATs is nobody’s business. Their teachers don’t need to know; your friends don’t need to know, your colleagues at work don’t need to know. And the parents of your child’s friends at school certainly don’t need to know. You wouldn’t tell a casual acquaintance the dollar amount of a bonus you received at work, why would you disclose personal information about your son’s scores or college list?

And wouldn’t it be nice to communicate to our children that we value them for who they are rather than for what they do? Wouldn’t we like our children to know that we love them where ever they apply, where ever they are admitted?

This advice applies whether your child would be an appropriate match at a “top” school or at the local community college.

When an adult asks your child a question about private information, have your child respond, “Oh, my dad says I’m not allowed to talk about where I’m applying to college. I’m sorry, but he says that’s a family matter.” Your daughter will have more respect in the community for valuing family and privacy, not less.

Privacy allows your children to benefit from knowing they are loved for who they are rather than for where they are admitted. Our schools will benefit by being places where students can study more and envy one another less. Our communities will benefit in that they will be less obviously competitive places.

If intrusive parents persist and ask again what your daughter got on her SATs, then she has my permission to respond as follows: “What did I get on my SATs? Mustard. It’s disgusting and it won’t come off.”

David Altshuler helps students and their families choose and apply to colleges, universities and boarding schools. For more information, go to <www.DavidAltshuler.com> or read his blog at <www.davidaltshuler.com/blog>.

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Page 25

PLAY BALL THIS FALL

Come join us for a season of softball and baseball, a season just for the fun of it!

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The Surgeon General has determined that mixing kids and sports may result in fun and good health.

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August 15 - 28, 2011

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August 15 - 28, 2011

This Dog’s for You! Say hello to Roger!

He’s a very active one-year-old Lassa Apso mix and weighs about 30 pounds. Roger has a lot of hair and takes a lot of care and grooming, but he will make some family a very handsome pet once.

Roger has a lot of energy and always wants to play. He is very good with children. If you would like to give Roger a loving home, call 305-903-6610 or go to <www.bornfree.petfinder.com>.

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August 15 - 28, 2011

Fit people focus on the payoff — looking good!

BY SCOTT BAUMANN General Manager, Fitness Together Miami

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“I’m just not an exercise person.”

“I don’t really like to work out.”

“I’m not into the whole gym thing.”

I hear these excuses all the time from people who are out of shape and just can’t get motivated to start a fitness program.

Most of these people have a strong desire to lose weight, to look better, to feel better and to be healthy. Who doesn’t want to look better, feel better and be healthier?

Don’t you?

Do you use excuses like these? Don’t allow excuses like these to hold you back from achieving your goals. These negative thoughts can keep you from ever starting on the fitness program that can literally change your life because you have already decided that you “don’t like it.”

Many people think that the “fit people” love to exercise and that they pop out of bed every morning anxious to go lift weights or run or whatever they do to achieve their fit and healthy physiques.

I’m here to tell you that it’s just not true.

While it may be true in some cases, most of the “fit” people would rather be getting an extra hour of sleep, watching TV or doing lots of things other than exercising.

Exercise is work. Sometimes it is hard work and sometimes it is not such hard work, but it is work either way, and work is not something that most of us are looking to do more of.

The difference is that the fit people focus on the payoff, the trophy, the prize.

They know that a great feeling of accom-

HEALTH & FITNESS plishment and pride awaits them. They focus on the feel-good flow of endorphins that comes toward the end of a great workout. They focus on the goal of feeling proud at the beach rather than embarrassed. They focus on hearing the doctor give us a great bill of health rather than a concerned look and a prescription. They focus on how good it feels when your significant gives you “that look” again.

Don’t wait until you “like” exercise or become an “exercise person”. You become an exercise person by starting and doing it because you know that the payoff of a healthy fit body that looks good and feels even better is waiting for you. You will eventually look forward to your workouts, not because you love to squat or do crunches, but because you love the way that your backside looks after a few months of squats and how great it feels to have a firm, flat stomach.

That is something worth suffering a little bit for.

Even better than the way you will look is the way that you will feel. As they say, nothing feels better than looking good.

For more information, go to <www.fitnesstogether.com/southmiami> or <www.fitnesstogether.com/coconutgrove>.

August 15 - 28, 2011

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

• EDUCATIONAL AND TEEN ADVICE • Toby Rose ASK TOBY Is it true that the George Washington University tuition and housing costs are over $50,000?

Yes, tuition is $42,860 and housing is $10,120.

Would you recommend George Washington University to your students?

Absolutely, every year I send several students to GW. There are three different campuses and freshman class size is 2,550; the total undergraduate students at all three locations is 10,000, while graduate students total 14,000. There is so much to do at GW, according to Wanting (Cynthia) Ma, one of my former students who currently attends GW. She is totally in love with Washington DC and loves the fact that GW provides countless opportunities for community service at the multitude of federal agencies. She has also done community service at several embassies and is truly having the time of her life educationally, socially and, most importantly, academically.

We are new to the United States and my husband’s job transferred us to Miami. What do you know about getting a learner’s license to drive?

A student must be a least 15 years old and provide the following: • Proof of residential address • Proof of social security number • One primary form of identification that shows the date of birth (birth certificate) • One secondary form of identification.

• Proof that the student has completed a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course.

• You must sign a parental consent form.

You must do this in the presence of a driver’s license examiner or have it notarized if you will not be present.

Your student is required to take the following; • Vision test • Hearing test • A written test that covers road signs and rules It is important to know that your student may only drive during daylight hours for the first three months and then no later than 10 p.m. for all the months thereafter. Your student must drive always with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat.

What does zero tolerance for DUI mean?

Drivers under the age of 21 who are found to have a blood alcohol level of .02 percent or more will have there license suspended for six months if it is a first offense. A second offense will result in a one-year suspension.

Refusal to submit to testing when it is a first offense results in a suspension of 12 months.

On a second offense, it is an 18-month suspension.

My son just told me that his friend is using PCP and he is very upset about it and doesn’t know what to do. Can you please explain what PCP is and what it does and anything else that will help me in helping my son?

PCP was developed in the 1950s, but its use was stopped because patients became irrational, delusional and agitated. People today use PCP because it alters their state of mind and produces incredible hallucinations.

The taste is awful, quite bitter. It is a white powder; it is very easy to dissolve in water or alcohol. Sometimes people snort PCP powder or swallow tablets or capsules. Many teenagers will take these capsules to school and use them during school hours. One of my students told me that he has seen PCP put on leafy substances similar to marijuana (oregano, mint etc.) and it is smoked. I know all of this seems incredible to believe, but PCP is widely used among our population, and the population I’m most concerned about is the teenagers. According to the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, an estimated six million U.S. residents aged 12 and older have used PCP at least once in their lifetime. The survey also said that in teenagers 12 to 17, approximately 225,000 use PCP. More than three percent of high school seniors in the United States have used PCP at least once and more than one percent used the drug in the past year. This data was found in the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future Survey (UMMFS).

This drug is even more dangerous because it is addictive and can result in unpleasant psychological affects. Many individuals using PCP become violent and suicidal. PCP has more potential risks for teens and preteens than for older adults. A small amount of the drug can negatively affect the hormones associated with normal growth and development. It also has been found to impede the learning process.

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

Page 35

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August 15 - 28, 2011

Miami man writes book about his daughter’s miraculous recovery from cancer

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

In July 2007, four-year-and-a-half-year-old Bella Torres became paralyzed overnight. Her father, Raymond Rodriguez-Torres says she had no symptoms of an illness when it happened, although she had complained of a stomach ache previously. That complaint had been checked out by her pediatrician who ran tests that ruled out any problems.

“That was the first sense of something seriously wrong,” he says.

He rushed home from his meeting in Orlando and met his family at Miami Children’s Hospital, where his father had been chief of staff for 16 years.

“They performed a lumbar puncture,” he says. “It came back positive for a disease she didn’t have – Guillain-Barre syndrome — she started treatment for that.”

He was horrified, since he knew about the disease as his father had a bout with it years before. In its worst case, Guillain-Barre could cause the respiratory system to be paralyzed.

The experimental treatment his father received is now the standard treatment that is given over five days. But on the fifth day, they could see the paralysis was not improving. The doctors suggested one more test.

The test showed Bella had Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in the form of enormous tumor wrapped around her spine. It’s a rare childhood cancer that’s very aggressive and very malignant.

“She had cancer in her jaw, her foot, her shoulder, her rib, her hip, her knee, her hand and later in her brain,” Rodriguez-Torres says.

The doctors told Rodriguez-Torres and his wife Shannah that Bella would never walk again and with Stage Four cancer, she probably wouldn’t live.

But the family was not willing to give up without a fight.

“What we decided to do is to try a chemo protocol for six weeks and see if it changed,” he says. “Bella began therapy that afternoon. I

BOOKS found myself in the greatest point of despair.”

Until Bella’s illness, Rodriguez-Torres was not a religious man. Raised in the Catholic Church, he was a lapsed Catholic, but during those dark days, he believes God talked to him through a friend and told him he needed to have an army of people to pray for his daughter.

“When I hung up the phone I felt different,” he says.

His brother and sister-in-law developed the website <www.PrayForBella.com> to help bring people together to pray for his daughter.

And people all over the world did pray.

“They prayed from as far away as Japan and Australia,” he says. “We even had conference calls where we would all pray in unison, together.”

After the first round of chemo, the tumor had shrunk 94 percent and then a scan showed the other areas of her body were cancer free.

“Today Bella is the only known survivor of her kind of cancer in the world,” he says.

“She can walk, jump and play. She is a cheerleader at her school. Bella’s case was investigated by the Catholic Church and is officially known as a miracle.”

Rodriguez-Torres believes that Virgin Mary also made several visitations based on things his daughter told him, things that were impossible for the child to know otherwise.

“I don’t know why we were chosen for this,” he says.

The experience changed his life. He became a certified life coach and he coaches families of childhood cancer patients pro bono. His book Why Not Me is the publisher’s best seller and he speaks at churches and events about what happened.

“I am the happiest man you will speak to today tomorrow and the next day,” he says.

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What’s the difference between a business and a sacred community Rabbi Edwin Goldberg TEMPLE JUDEA, CORAL GABLES Especially with the Jewish High Holy Days coming soon, it is appropriate to stop and consider the challenges confronting mainstream religious institutions.

Looking at the present, it is not a surprise that American religious institutions are going through a crisis of identity. The old rules no longer apply. People do not grow up with a sense of obligation to support their church, mosque or synagogue. For such institutions to thrive, let alone survive, they need to address serious questions about who they are (their core values) and what they are willing to change to meet the new world.

I know of synagogues trying new “business plans” perhaps learned from airlines. For instance, I read of a synagogue (not in Miami) that now offers a “base” price for membership and then offers “a la carte” items such as paying extra for hospital visits from the clergy.

While I appreciate the challenges of raising money in these lean times, I would hope that religious institutions would not follow airlines

in commoditizing everything.

Before such places jump on this bandwagon, I think it’s important to learn the following lesson offered by Clay Shirky in his recent book Cognitive Surplus. It deals with a series of daycare centers in Israel that started charging late fees of a few shekels (Israeli currency) when parents were late picking up their children.

What the parents did not know was that the charge was part of a sociological test. The fees were raised to see if the change would have an effect on the tardiness of the parents. The results were fascinating: Many more parents were late far more of the time. Why? Because an unwritten rule of community (I will try to be on time and you will not charge me) was now overturned and commoditized. Even when the shekel fee was dropped and the experiment ended, the parental attitude was altered forever.

As religious institutions address the changes in our culture, I often think back to this story.

The moral for me is not to have the synagogue commoditize everything (presenting Judaism a la carte, if you will) despite the trend in our society towards this end, but rather to have the synagogue remember it is still a real (and not virtual) community where we ask for general membership support, and sometimes a lot more from our members (at least from some of them), but we do not treat congregants as customers, per se. There is something more: an

unspoken but palpable bond of holy community, wherein we take care of each other and the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. When the member calls on the phone, I do not discriminate in addressing their needs based on who they are (or what “plan” they have).

Simply put, if you want to be a sacred community, “premium” or “a la carte” membership is a little too much like the business world for me.

Let people give to support the community, its programs, and good works, as much as possible. And let them be recognized for their work.

But let’s not start seeing “Admirals Clubs” in holy places. I don’t think holiness is found in “ecclesiastical country clubs”.

Although religious communities can and do learn tactics from the marketplace, it is important that we keep the perspective of holiness.

Incentive programs for membership often seem crass, and disguising the identity of the synagogue in order to “trick” the assimilated into attending programs borders on unethical.

In general, no matter what a religious institution does to emulate the more commercial practices of the for profit world, the more such places risk being seen by those who have a higher standard as, well, vulgar. And let’s be honest, no one wants their place of worship to be vulgar.

Like the lesson learned in Israel, once we commoditize our sacred communities, it will not

be possible to go back to genuine community. It is true that religious institutions can and should employ social media like Facebook and Twitter.

Technology can be a blessing. At Temple Judea we now offer live streaming of our Sabbath services, available to all, and of course we have a presence on the Internet.

Nevertheless, what makes us special, even sacred, is the organic feeling of communal warmth that our members feel at worship services and when they know, as we like to say, “With us it’s personal”. We care about each other. We are genuinely warm, and we never forget that we are first and foremost an authentic community.

There is an old play by Eugene Ionesco called Rhinoceros. In the course of the play each of the characters gradually turns into a rhinoceros. At one point, as a character is slowly transforming, another character asks why this is happening. The response: “We must all change with the times.”

I would only add, “Yes, up to a point.”

Sacred communities will change but their essence cannot change. We don’t fly airplanes; we don’t sell coffee; we don’t fix watches. But we do help transport people to a different reality and give them a renewed appreciation for the beauty and fragility of life as well as the expectations and ever-flowing love of God.

Page 38

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

August 15 - 28, 2011

Read in Ireland

Here are the Martins â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Kaelyn, Andrew, Madison and Kim â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a Pinecrest family that recently enjoyed a two-week vacation in Ireland and England. They snapped this picture for us on the picturesque Dingle Peninsula on the west coast of Ireland. Thanks for taking us along, guys!

August 15 - 28, 2011

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

Page 39

Old Cutler Center has a nice mix of tenants

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

Much of Old Cutler Road is a beautiful thoroughfare lined with trees and stately homes.

It’s not known for its commercial centers until you get deep into Cutler Bay and find the Old Cutler Center.

The Center is a nicely appointed retail center with a mix of service stores and restaurants. It’s home to Starbucks, Sir Pizza, Galloway Cleaners, Marce’s Hair and Nail.

It’s different from what owner Lewis Fraser envisioned when he bought the property.

Initially, he planned to open a 220-seat restaurant. He and his son had been in the cruise business doing catering and feeding passengers for 37 years; 19 of them with Royal Caribbean.

“My son convinced me that the restaurant business ashore is different,” Fraser says.

Not only that but there were parking issues that would have required a county-wide vote in order to use some of the spaces at Deering Estates. That would have been an expensive and time consuming proposition, with no guarantee of a successful outcome.

So Fraser put aside the restaurant idea and went about filling the shopping center at 7290 S.W. 168 St. He brought back Galloway Cleaners, which had been a longtime tenant. The ownership was happy to be able to come back.

Starbucks is the second largest tenant in the center. It’s become the place where friends

meet for a cup of coffee and is even the “office” for several successful children’s book writers. In fact, Young Adult author Danielle Joseph goes there to write three times a week.

With young children at home, Joseph enjoys the quieter and welcoming atmosphere of the coffee shop. She and her children will sometimes walk to the center in the cooler months for hot chocolate. The family also enjoys the pizza from Sir Pizza.

“They did a really great job on the Starbucks,” Fraser says. “During the day you’ll see them reading a book or just relaxing. The heavy traffic time is in the morning, for about three hours. And then afternoons, after school.”

Fraser says there are groups of students and parents who meet at Starbuck and then on weekends they get a lot of bikers and hikers and a pretty good flow of business.

Sir Pizza is a fairly recent addition to the center. The restaurant mostly caters to the take-out crowd but also has some tables for eat-in diners.

“We’ve had studies made and with the flow, we anticipate Sir Pizza will have afternoon and evening traffic,” Fraser says.

Marce’s Hair Salon and Spa is a new, state of the art salon. Previously, the space was occupied by Wellbeing Spa and Yoga, but the spa/yoga concept didn’t draw quite enough patrons, so the owners decided to renovate the space and turn it into a salon and spa. Fraser says he expects the salon to be open by Sept. 1

Old Cutler Center ownr Lewis Fraser

“The spa did okay,” Fraser says. “But they are in business to make a profit. The owners are good quality people from Argentina and they’ve operated hotels and vineyards.

Whatever happens there, it’s going to be

good.”

Fraser is happy because the center will soon be fully leased. The last piece of the puzzle is an ice cream-yogurt store that will open in the next few months.

Page 40

PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

August 15 - 28, 2011

The market where you plan to move Lynda & Mike

Morgan

REAL ESTATE As we see some market recovery, the scales become a little more balanced between buyers and sellers. However, if you’re a buyer moving out of the area, local conditions here aren’t relevant. You need to investigate whether it’s still a strong buyer’s market in the area where you are relocating.

If long listing times and price reductions are prevalent, then you have the luxury of exercising some of the following options when you search and eventually make an offer. First of all, you needn’t jump at the first suitable home you find because inventory will be high and price reductions open to discussion.

When you finally decide to make an offer, play the time card to your advantage, asking for a speedy seller response, perhaps within 24 hours. Pressure to accept is one thing, but do allow a reasonable amount of time for inspections, repairs, and such.

Speaking of which, don’t be shy about stipulating major repairs in your offer, and the inclusion of a “home warranty” policy for the first year.

Offer below asking price, but don’t lowball and insult the seller. You can always reject their counteroffer in a strong buyer’s market, as long as you can accept the risk and move on to the next property.

Have your representative assemble a good selection of suitable properties and take one step at a time.

Mike and Lynda Morgan may be contacted at the Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Offices at 12155 S. Dixie Hwy., 305-253-2800 or by email at <mmorgan321@aol.com>.

www.communitynewspapers.com

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What happens to a teen girl who is expected to observe Ramadan by her family? How can a teen live if she has to give up not only pizza, but boys, too?

Those are the themes of Bestest.Ramadan.Ever., a debut young adult novel written by Miami Beach resident, Medeia Sharif.

“It’s about a girl named Almira,” Sharif says. “During the last Ramadan she cheated and she ate. Her grandfather catches her with crumbs on her mouth. The next Ramadan she decides to be good. She’s not supposed to think about boys. But she falls in love with a boy. There is a possibility she’ll get into trouble with her parents and her best friend if she goes after what she wants, which is the boy.”

Sharif and another debut author, Kristi Cook, had a book signing July 16 at Books and Books, an event co-sponsored by the Florida Center for the Literary Arts.

“It was fun. It was a nice crowd,” Sharif says. “I read funny excerpts. Then someone started laughing and I started laughing. It was a bit of an interruption.”

Thus far, Bestest.Ramadan.Ever. has received two good reviews from wellknown review publications, Kirkus and Booklist.

Initially, Sharif set out to write a middle grade book focused on a boy celebrating the holiday.

“But when I thought about it, I want it to be about a girl. I had a previous adult novel that didn’t work out so I took pieces of that and made this book,” she says.

Bestest.Ramadan.Ever. is not autobio-

graphical. Sharif says she has never celebrated the Muslim holiday – which requires fasting from sunrise to sunset every day for a month – although members of her family would. In fact, her family did not get upset with her for not participating in the holiday.

“I had to read about the holiday and I had to read about the religion,” she says. “There was even a scene when she was in a mosque and had to do research because I’ve never been in a mosque.”

It took her about nine months to write the book. Currently, she’s working on two novels simultaneously – one is a sequel to Bestest.Ramadan Ever. and the other is about a girl who is very attractive, but loses her looks in a very fast and unusual manner.

“I hope to be finished with one of them by the end of the summer,” she says.

She shares her writing with a critique group based in Aventura.

“My group has read portions of my two books and I’ve noticed an improvement in my writing,” she says. “I think if I had joined them sooner, I would have been published sooner. It really doesn’t help writing in a bubble, which I was.”

Sharif wrote her first book when she was 17 and has written poetry and short stories since middle school. Although every writer’s dream is to write full time, she has kept her day job as a public school reading and English teacher. She had been teaching high school English at Corporate Academy North, an alternative school, but expects to be assigned to a new school soon. That’s because budget constraints and attendance require closing and combining the alternative schools.

“I’ll be placed somewhere else,” she says.

“I’m certified in middle and high school.”

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Satisfaction Guaranteed!

50 standard colors to choose from, not to mention custom colors and glazes that we make upon request. Hundreds of door styles to choose from.

Hundreds of decorative options available like island legs, corbels, onlays and appliques.

Many models, sizes and colors for any decor.

Come visit our showroom!!

2323 NW 72nd Avenue - Miami, FL 33122 â&#x20AC;˘ 305-716-0077 â&#x20AC;˘ www.durablewoodworks.net

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PINECRESTTRIBUNE.COM

August 15 - 28, 2011