One of Miami’s Community Newspapers _______________________________________ Supporting local businesses since 1958
South Miami
JANUARY 5 - 11, 2010 _____________________________________www.communitynewspapers.com ______________________________
Mayor Feliu looks back on a year full of challenges BY MAYOR HORACE G. FELIU
As we reach the end of the year 2009 I can only describe it as a year full of challenges. Part of the challenges ranged from the unfortunate resignation of Commissioner and former Vice Mayor, Randy Wiscombe to the tragic and untimely death of Commissioner Jay Beckman. Both commissioners, though in many ways philosophically and politically different, were independent thinkers. They had however several things in common such as a love for our city, commitment, honesty and an in-depth understanding of our city’s budget. On a good note I was extremely pleased that your commission unanimously supported my motion to lower the millage. Given unprecedented lower appraisals of our prop-
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TeamFootWorks ends races in city as fee jumps to half million
Parade of the Elves a success Once again, the city’s kids and adults enjoyed taking part in South Miami’s annual Santa’s Parade of the Elves.
A
From the last Twilight 5K Run
(Photo by Susan Tillett) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY GARY ALAN RUSE
(Photo by John Edward Smith)
CHALLENGES, page 3
Join us this Friday for Art Night
S
BY JOHN EDWARD SMITH
Jewelry designer Sandra Rojas showing her creations.
tart your New Year with Art Night South Miami this Friday, January 8. From 6 to 9, the SOMI Artwalk© invites you to visit over 20 businesses who are exhibiting local artists. Stroll around town, enjoy jazz at the Art Night Headquarters located at 5750 Sunset Drive; and after, dine at our area restaurants.
Held on the second Friday of the month from October through May, Art Night South Miami offers the opportunity to appreciate art while appreciating the uniqueness of the shops in our town center. Retail businesses from S. Dixie Highway and Sunset to the east side of Red Road provide a delightful way to experience art night and enjoy our hometown. ––––––––––––––––– See
ART NIGHT, page 5
fter years of successful races, TeamFootWorks, the runners’ organization created by South Miami’s premiere specialty footgear store, FootWorks, may have to stop hosting races like the annual Twilight 5K Run/Walk within the City of Pleasant Living. The reason is money. Previously, the fees charged by the city for holding a race through city streets, involving closing some streets and arranging for the police to monitor and provide support, came to roughly $2,500 to $3,000. Now, staff members of the city’s Public Works Department have told race organizers Hans and Laurie Huseby, the owners of FootWorks, that due to a recently approved city ordinance, the fees will be based on the number of linear feet of roadways involved and the cost will go up. The new fee quoted comes to $524,500—a little more than half a million dollars—for a single event. “I was just speechless,” said Hans Huseby in an interview. “The guy said that this is what the ordinance calls for.
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FOOTWORKS, page 9
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January 5 - 11, 2010
CHALLENGES,
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
from page 1 ––––––––
erties by the county, our reduced millage represented a tax savings to the majority of South Miamians. In addition, I am pleased to report that we are one of the few cities that did not have to reduce the level of our services nor tap into our cash reserves. It is always a difficult decision when you have to tell a dedicated city employee that they no longer have a job and given the fact that we have a lean and efficient city government we were spared from this decision. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the good work of our former city Manager Ajibola Balogun, who held the line on spending while increasing collection of revenue owed to the city. In addition, his commitment towards excellence in the many projects and improvements in South Miami will be sorely missed. Unfortunately, our next fiscal year will no doubt be even more challenging primarily due to the fact that our property values will continue to drop. I am, however, grateful to the citizens of South Miami for the opportunity to have worked on no less than twelve city budgets. Each year has brought its own set of circumstances and complex
news
South Miami Miller Publishing • Community Newspapers 6796 SW 62 Avenue • South Miami, FL 33143 305-669-7355 www.communitynewspapers.com –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– PUBLISHER
Grant Miller grant@communitynewspapers.com
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Michael Miller Michael@communitynewspapers.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS David Berkowitz, Gary Alan Ruse
WRITERS Ron Beasley, Linda Bernfeld-Rodriguez, Kenneth Bluh, Robert Hamilton, Gary Alan Ruse, Richard Yager
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Albie Barnes, Roberta Bergman, Beatriz Brandfon, Ana Caceres, Celia Canabate, Diane Chasin, Henry Chau, Sharon Christian, Amy Donner, Cecile Fanfani, Dianne Maddox, Denzel Miles, Ann Robbins-Udel, Fara Sax, Diane Sedona Schiller, Lori Schwadron, Georgia Tait, Walter White
PROOF DEPARTMENT Isabel Vavrek
GRAPHIC ARTISTS Isabel Ortega, Angie Santiesteban, Catalina Roca
PUBLISHER EMERITUS Ron Miller
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– We will not return solicited or unsolicited material including stories, columns and/or photographs. If you send us anything, please make sure that you have duplicate copies of the material. Every issue of the South Miami News is fully copyrighted, and all property rights, including advertisements, produced by Community Newspapers and Miller Publishing. Using artwork and /or typography furnished or arranged for/by us is the property of Community Newspapers.
MILLER PUBLISHING AND COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS are proud to publish the following newspapers: Aventura News, Biscayne Bay Tribune, Coral Gables News, Cutler Bay News, Doral Tribune, Kendall Gazette, Palmetto Bay News, Pinecrest Tribune, South Miami News and Sunny Isles Beach Sun
issues. As many of you know, I have strived to make sure our taxpayers receive the best quality services at the lowest possible cost. This experience, along with running my own business, has and will come in handy as we work together to meet our financial challenges head on. While at the supermarket, city hall or at our town center, many of you have asked me to run for mayor again. Your faith in me is truly humbling and after careful consideration and discussion with my wife and kids, I have decided to do so. My commitment and resolve to continue to work for city wide traffic calming, street improvements, as well as a beautiful green city with a vibrant town center has not diminished. During this coming election I will be asking my fellow South Miamians that you do two things: One—look at our city’s improvements and Two—look at my voting record. I believe that even those that will be using the typical politically motivated scare tactics, lies and senseless conspiracy theories will be hard pressed to argue with the facts. We have our work cut out for us, but I envision an even better South Miami. Wishing you and your families a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
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LEE R. PERRY Nov. 18, 1916 - Dec. 27, 2009 Lee R. Perry, born November 18, 1916 went on to glory to be with his Lord on December 27, 2009. A dedicated soldier with the U.S. Army, he is survived by his daughters Janice P. Dantzler and Pamela Williams. A proud grandfather of the “Perry Girls,” Jennifer and Janell, he served his community in many ways. A dedicated educator, he retired after 49 years with the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, serving at both Dorsey and Northwestern High Schools. A “Bull” at heart, the Miami Northwestern community dedicated their new sports complex in his honor on November 3, 1999. Your heart is filled with bravery, kindness, positivity, peace and hope, you will be eternally loved and remembered. T he F ami ly, J an i ce , P a me l a , Je nni f er a n d J a n e l l
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
January 5 - 11, 2010
Wrapping up the old year and starting the new one Gloria Burns GLORIA’S GAB Hilarity reigned supreme at the King Mango Strut Parade in Coconut Grove where thousands of South Floridians and visitors enjoyed yet another successful event on Sunday, December 27, 2009. This annual spoof on the former King Orange Parade always provides lots of political and current events humor that sets this parade as unique and lots of fun. This year’s parade had represented Balloon Boy, the
King Mango Strut Parade in Coconut Grove provides lots of humor and good fun on a picture perfect South Florida day. Pictured are the Salahis (Michael Brown and wife) dressed for a White House affair.
South Miami’s Best Kept Secret
Salahis, and Tiger Woods, a senator or two and lots more that brought smiles and laughter from a very appreciative crowd. The New Year brings some great outdoor events and among the first will be the 59th Annual Beaux A rts Festival at the Lowe A rt Museum on the grounds of the University of Miami, January 9 and 10, 2010. Thanks to the support of Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, Geico and Sir Galloway Cleaners, more than 100,000 patrons are expected to enjoy viewing and buying from as many as 250 juried exhibitors from around the US and abroad with cash awards totaling $20,000. In addition, look for the famed Student Artist Showcase, featuring art from students all over Miami-Dade County. This event offers art for many budgets, live eclectic music and other free entertainment, children’s art experiences, fabulous dining options, and free admission all weekend to the Lowe Art Museum. One dining experience you will want to check out will be Gables R o t a r i a n B r u c e K e restes’ amazing chicken wings. Ably assisted by J . G u a rch and Abe Horowitz, these Rotarians will be selling wings to bolster their Club’s charitable giving coffers and, with 5,000 wings being prepared, they should do well. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables’ most recent donations were made to its Elder Theatre Project, a Halloween party for Merrick School for the mentally challenged, and to F.S. Tucker Elementary School to purchase computer headphones. Speaking of charitable gifts, Gables Rotary’s Charitable Fund recently received a $10,000 grant from the L a dy S u z a n na P & C a r l t o n Tw e e d F o u n d a t i o n . This money is earmarked to help with operating expenses for an upcoming Concert to End
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Polio which will be held at Gusman Hall at the University of Miami. The concert will be held on March 25, 2010. There will be 600 tickets and sales will be split between five local Rotary Clubs, including South Miami Rotary, with all of the proceeds benefiting PolioPlus. In other news, Michael W. Case y III, a prominent labor and employment attorney and M an a g i ng Shareholder of the Miami office of national law firm E pst ei n Be cker G r een, was honored with the 2009 Distinguished Citizen Award by the South Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America. The award was presented at the Council’s annual awards dinner and holiday auction on December 3. This Award recognizes community leaders for exemplifying the values of scouting through their service.
Casey has held leadership positions with the South Florida Council and Boy Scouts of America for more than 35 years, and served as President from 1982-1983. By the way, in 2010, the Boy Scouts of America will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary. Congratulations to all those who work and volunteer for that fine organization. Until next week, keep making each day count and may you all have a happy and prosperous New Year. Gloria Burns is Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pinecrest, a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, as well as a columnist for Community Newspapers. Keeping abreast of community activities is a challenge. If you would like to submit information for this column, send your news via email to <galburns@aol.com>.
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January 5 - 11, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
ART NIGHT, from page 1 ––––––––––––––– Special Art Night discounted parking is available at the PLAZA 57 Garage and the surface lots at the First National Bank of South Miami. Both are located on 73 Street. You can download a parking coupon, by log-
Page 5
ging on to <artnightsouthmiami.com>. Babysitting services are also available at MindWorks Learning Center, 7250 SW 57 Avenue. For reservations, call 305-669-8383. SOMI Artwalk© is a Red Sunset Merchants Association special event. Join us this Friday! For information, log on to <artnightsouthmiami.com>.
Photographer Heidi Harum (left) with Sunset Gallery’s Ceci Sabe. Left: Phyio-Core’s Dorys Herrera with artist Samuel Navedo.
Isabella Salon displayed works by Cornelius Maxwell (17), a senior at the Young Men’s Academy for Academic & Civic Development at MacArthur South. Cornelius was placed in MacArthur South for fighting in his home school. He now is a productive artist who creates top-quality work. He teaches art classes to pre-school children in Head Start.
(Photos courtesy of SoMiMAG)
Artist Eric Speyer with Isabel Merritt of Isabel’s Fine Interiors and Rick Atwell of Charlotte, NC.
Lucinda Linderman featuring “Recycled Art” displayed outside of Zayas Men’s Store.
Volunteer "ArtNight Ambassadors" from First National Bank of South Miami, assisting visitors to our "hometown."
Alexandra Borges-Mastro (r) of Vamp hosted artist Nathalie Helser.
At Vilar Cigars, works by photographer Marcella Pelaez were displayed. With Marcella is Marcello Rivera of Vilar Cigars.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
January 5 - 11, 2010
It’s time to make a new year’s resolution for 2010 R. Kenneth Bluh ––– VIEWPOINT ––– KENNETH’S COMMENTARY
The future of Florida lies in our hands. We have, for too long, placed the blame for Florida’s political quagmire at the feet of our elected officials who, with exceptions, have taken advantage of the electorate. They have used their offices to enrich their lives at the expense of the citizens of Florida. It is we, the voters of Florida who are responsible for our future. Too often I have heard voters say, “Sure, we can vote them out of office but just look what we always end up with in their place. The new guy is no better than the guy we just put out of office. What’s the sense of voting?” Perhaps we are too easy on those we elect to public office and do not put sufficient pressure on them. We must not only tell them, “We are going to replace you if you don’t change your ways.” We tell them what we are going to hold them responsible for the smallest of their misdeeds.
Most incumbents know that small turnouts at election time are in their favor. The fewer the voters voting, the better chance they have of being reelected and retaining their job. The higher the percentages of voters going to the polls the better chance we have of electing qualified, responsible individuals. They don’t need “ethics training” after being sworn in. They should already know the rules otherwise they should not have been elected. I am asking each of my readers to take the following pledge. Cut it out of the newspaper, print your name in the blank space, sign it and scotch-tape it up in a prominent place: A PERSONAL PLEDGE TO MAKE MY COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE I, __________________, do solemnly swear, to assume my responsibility as a good citizen by: • Making sure that everyone I know who is eligible to vote is registered before the next election. • I will not only vote in the next election but pledge to vote for each office and question on the ballot, not just the popular issues.
• I will encourage everyone I know to vote on Election Day. • I will drive any of my friends who do not have transportation to the polls in order that they can vote. • I will keep abreast of the issues before our community and not just take an interest on Election Day. I will understand the issues and make sure that my vote counts. • I will thank, in writing, by phone, by email or in person, our elected officials who perform their duties with honesty and integrity. I will let them know that they have my support come election time. • I will let the elected officials who are not performing their official responsibilities with honesty and integrity know that I am watching and will not only vote against them at election time but will push the process at our disposal to have them removed from office and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. • I will make sure that every elected offi-
cial understands that they were elected to office to protect and promote the best interests of the electorate, not to further their personal interests. • I will become a responsible citizen of my community. ________________________ Signed ________________________ Dated We appreciate your opinions on this column whether in agreement or disagreement. Please send your comments to (fax number) 305-662-6980 or email to <letters@communitynewspapers.com>. The opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of this newspaper, its editors or publisher.
January 5 - 11, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
The foreclosure crisis makes it home not-so-sweet home
Al Sunshine 4 YOUR MONEY We may be beginning a new year, but the problems that have been teeming for the past year aren’t about to dissipate any time soon. So while the latest National Foreclosure numbers out of the RealtyTrac are a little bit better than expected for most of the country, Florida still is suffering. Despite some improvements nationwide, 306,627 properties still were under some form of foreclosure action in November. And closer to home, hundreds of thousands of families still are losing their homes. In fact, Florida remains “ground zero” for some of the highest foreclosure rates in the country. November filings were down about 8 percent nationally, thanks to the latest moratoriums and new federal programs to help struggling homeowners. However, while November marks the fourth straight month of declines, 2009 appears destined to be a record breaker. The problem is double-digit unemployment, growing layoffs, stalled hiring and desperate homeowners running out of their remaining cash reserves to pay their bills. What’s more, with Florida’s double-digit unemployment and history of over-valued housing, our latest foreclosure numbers remain some of the worst in the nation. One out of every 165 Florida housing units now faces some kind of foreclosure action. Filings in Florida rose 2 percent in November. And that’s enough to skyrocket Florida past California as the state with the second highest foreclosure rate in the country. Only Nevada is
worse than Florida for homeowners losing their properties. While foreclosures in Miami and Palm Beach are slowing, Broward’s latest numbers are getting worse. If you are having trouble keeping up with your mortgage payments, don’t wait for the problem to go from bad to worse. Broward foreclosure defense attorney Roy Oppenheim recommends the following: Get professional legal help as soon as possible. Don’t leave your home. Try to negotiate lower mortgage payments with your lender. After a formal judgment, try negotiating a monthly rental payment to stay in the property. Congress is debating a massive overhaul of how to regulate the entire U.S. Financial System. Buried in the proposal is a $4 billion “Foreclosure Rescue Fund.” It offers $3 billion for new emergency loans to help unemployed homeowners avoid foreclosures. It also includes $1 billion in funding to help communities clean up abandoned, foreclosed properties. Still, those new plans are expected to face growing opposition and may never get voted into law. While there are improvements in South Florida’s real estate markets, some insiders warn a lot of re-adjustable mortgages are set to hike their rates early next year. So unless our job market improves, there may be even more local families unable to handle their higher monthly payments. That’s one reason why the foreclosure problem is forecast to get even worse through 2010. It’s also one reason why it’s important that homeowners take proper precautions now. Watch Al Sunshine’s “4 Your Money” reports Monday-Friday beginning at noon. You may find Al’s blog at <www.cbs4.com/4yourmoney>.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
January 5 - 11, 2010
Letter to the Editor Would you hire someone with poor moral judgment? To the Editor: Are we nuts? I cannot believe this! Would you hire a person to represent your business or family, control your spending, enforce your laws, etc, knowing that their moral judgment was so poor that you would also have to teach them right from wrong? Substance abuse tests, medical exams, police records, driving records, financial records and business dealings of perspective employees are checked frequently by employers before an individual is hired. Would you hire a person to represent your business, family or well being, then try to teach them right from wrong? These people should never even be allowed to compete for any type of public office. We the voters should have full knowledge of whom we are voting for just as we ask for the information of those we personally employ. I am so sick of seeing pretty pictures of the candidate’s family on campaign posters. The mere fact that a person is able to father or bear children or they are photogenic doesn’t mean any more than a catchy campaign slogan or a college degree or two. Do they have a moral track record? Are they astute business people? Can they really make a positive contribution? Do they understand current issues and do they have a plan along with the expertise and experience to deal with these issues? Breaches of public trust by officeholders should not be swept under the carpet or simply excused as “white collar crime,” which occurs too often. The guilty party should be immediately removed from office and not be allowed to hold any other public or governmental position. “We the people” have been screwed too many times. Enough is enough! John R. Davis Coral Gables
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January 5 - 11, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
‘Reel life’ visits ‘real life’ in special premiere
Page 9 John Balzola Photography
BY LEE STEPHENS
Center’s Chaplains that the youth detained in the facility have been asking them, A locally produced film with scenes shot ‘When could we see the film Hidden in South Miami will debut Rage?’ We are very in an unusual but fitting excited about this very place. special showing Hidden Rage, a motion because by visiting picture intended to reach juvenile detention cenout to the youth in today’s ters and prisons in culture of violence, will Florida and other states have its “First Premiere” with the film, we have inside a juvenile detention an awesome opportunicenter on Saturday, ty to impact these January 9th, 2010. young adults right Producer/Director Norton inside prisons.” Rodriguez explained why. Many area people “Last month we had volunteered to be in the visited the Detention film due to its important Center and we had only message. shown the movie trailer of Hidden Rage will be Hidden Rage, but now we premiering in Dade and are going back on January Broward counties in The movie poster for Hidden Rage. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 9th to show them the February, dates to be entire 90 minute film,” said Rodriguez. announced soon. For more information “We have been told by one of the Detention visit: www.HiddenRage.com.
FOOTWORKS,
from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––
Why even spend the time to calculate the cost? Nobody can afford it.” TeamFootworks is a 501 (c) (3) corporation organized for the purpose of fitness education by staging special events like the races, by providing educational material and offering training programs to promote fitness. Some of their races also serve as fundraisers for local or national charities. FootWorks is located at 5724 Sunset Drive in South Miami, where for 30 years it has helped its patrons find the shoes they need for running. Owners Hans and Laurie
Huseby, runners themselves, have spearheaded the growth of the local running scene with classes, organizing Sunday morning fun runs and by helping found the Miami Runners Club. “We’ll continue to have races in other cities,” Hans Huseby said. “But for now we’ve had to cancel the races that were scheduled to take place in the City of South Miami. We just can’t afford it.” For more information on TeamFootWorks call 305-666-7223 or visit http://www.teamfootworks.org/.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
January 5 - 11, 2010
Westminster’s Annual ‘Pack-It-Black’ raises money for local kids charity BY ANA M. POVEDA
The Westminster Christian School Basketball program conducted its third annual “Pack-It-Black” games on Friday, Dec. 11, to raise money for His House Children’s Home. This event has raised $2,800 over the past three years for the charity. The teams raised funds by selling black themed T-shirts, which the fans wear to support the Warriors as they take on cross-town rivals, Palmer Trinity, in JV and varsity boys and girls basketball games. This year’s event raised some $600, which team members used to purchase Christmas gifts for the children living at His House. His House Children’s Home is a faith-based non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the joy in the lives of children and families by providing residential care for abused, neglected and drug-exposed children in a campus home-like setting.
Pictured (l-r) are members of the WCS Varsity Basketball Team: Danny Reyes, Wills Flynn, Sean Jenkins, Tony Washington, John Antonelli, Robert Miller, Tomorris Roberts, Casey Orzechowicz, Shane Hill, Nate Berry, Chris Alessi and Eddy De Aguiar.
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January 5 - 11, 2010
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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January 5 - 11, 2010
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Community Habilitation Center members celebrated the holiday seasons with the help of employees from Baptist Health South Florida. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY JOSE BOZA
UNIVERSAL HOME HEALTH CARE is committed to providing highquality, compassionate care. Our medical training and health care background means that your loved one will be in good hands. Universal Home Health Care is Medicaid/Medicare certified. Located in Pinecrest. • Alzheimer’s Care • Medication Management/Teaching • Blood Pressure Monitoring & Care • IV Administration & Monitoring • Physical/Occupational/ Speech Therapy • Cardiac Care
• Bowel Care/Catheter Care • Neuro-Psych Care • Diabetes Care • Wound Care • Feeding Tube Support • Incontinence Support • Home Health Aid
Baptist Health South Florida employees recently provided Community Habilitation Center members a holiday party to remember. The holiday celebration had various activities, from music and story time to games and a special magician. Baptist Health employees handed out festive stockings full of goodies and healthy treats for all of the members. “It is a pleasure to spend our holiday time with members from the Community Habilitation Center,” said Roymi Membiela, assistant vice president of marketing and public relations for Baptist Health South Florida. “The smiles, the laughter, and their true enjoyment of the
holiday party, makes this a wonderful annual event for our organization.” The Community Habilitation Center Inc. is an adult day training facility for individuals with developmental disabilities. Baptist Health, the region’s largest faithbased, not-for-profit healthcare organization, has more than 13,000 employees and is the area’s largest private employer. Baptist Health includes Baptist, Baptist Children’s, Doctors, Homestead, Mariners and South Miami Hospitals as well as Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Baptist Outpatient Services and Baptist Health Enterprises. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities affiliated with Baptist Health.
Universal Home Health Care also supports families and friends with the following services: • Care Giving Education • Community Support and Resources • Planning of Care and Evaluation of Needs • Ongoing Assessment • Equipment, Medication, and Medical Service Referral
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Coral Gables Museum’s Workshop Series continues Jan. 7 The Coral Gables Museum’s Preservation Education Workshop Series continues on Thursday, Jan. 7, 7 p.m., in Coral Gables City Commission Chambers, 405 Biltmore Way, with a presentation titled “The Practicalities and Benefits of Historic Preservation.” The panel of experts speaking at this event will illustrate the cultural, environmental and economic benefits of preservation from home and business owner to the larger South Florida community. The discussion, moderated by Dolly McIntyre, chair of the Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board, will include preservation tax incentives, the “preservation is green movement,” historic preservation and urban design, and the significance of saving our historic landscape. Seating for this free event is limited and reservations are required. To RSVP, call Christine Rupp at 305-910-3996, or send email to <chris@coralgablesmuseum.org>. RING IN THE NEW YEAR BY DOING A GOOD DEED FOR ENVIRONMENT If you are trying to decide on a new year’s resolution, consider dedicating it to improving the environment.
The Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension Division will be hosting a Rain Barrel Workshop during the Made in Miami-Dade Farmer’s Market at Wild Lime Park, 14751 Hammocks Blvd., on Sunday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon. Here, participants will learn how to conserve water and protect it from pollution. Barrels are used to capture rainwater for irrigating your garden or lawn. The barrels are made from 55-gallon refurbished foodgrade drums, and they hold enough rainwater to cover a 240-square-foot garden space. To ensure that a rain barrel is reserved for you, be sure to register in advance. The fee for the rain barrel is $45. Accepted forms of payment include personal checks or money orders, made payable to the “Miami-Extension Program Account.” To sign up for the workshops, contact Lize Luna at 305-248-3311, ext. 242. For more information on water conservation programs, agriculture and urban horticulture, 4-H Sea Grant, and family and consumer sciences programs and publications, call 305-248-3311 and ask a Master Gardener to assist you. For a list of additional rain barrel workshops and informa-
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COMMUNITY NEWS briefs tion, visit online at <http://miamidade.ifas.ufl.edu/environment/natural_reso urces.shtml>. FAIRWAY ESTATES HOMEOWNERS MEETING SCHEDULED ON JAN. 21 The Fairway Estates Homeowners Association will be conducting its next meeting on Thursday, Jan. 21, 7 p.m., at the Palmetto Golf Course Community Room, 9300 SW 152 St. The association will have as its guests for he meeting Miami-Dade School Board member Dr. Larry Feldman and Judith Marte, chief budget officer for the school board. After they speak on “the State of our Public School System,” a question and answer session will follow. The association also will be conducting its annual elections. Nominations are open for both officers and board of directors members. If you are interested in running for one of these positions, send email to
<fehacw@gmail.com>. More information on the meeting program is available by calling Daniel Millott at 305-281-5875. You also can visit <www.FairwayEstatesHOA.com>. CREW-MIAMI TO HOST ANNUAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK LUNCHEON CREW-Miami will host its annual Economic Outlook Luncheon on Jan. 14, featuring Hugh F. Kelly, recognized by the Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) for his expertise in economic and market forecasts. Registration and networking will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by the lunch program from noon to 1:30 p.m., both at the Coral Reef Yacht Club, 2484 S. Bayshore Dr., in Coconut Grove. During his presentation, Kelly will consider whether or not the commercial real
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NEWS,
from previous page
estate industry will survive this recovery. In addition to an evaluation of how supply and demand forces are shaping up for the major property types, Kelly will offer his thoughts about risks and opportunities for equity and debt capital in the year ahead, and what regions of the country are best poised for improvement. The cost for CREW-Miami members to attend this event is $45; for non-members and walk-ins, the cost is $55. Attendees must RSVP by Jan. 7 at <www.crewmiami.org>. FREE LECTURE ON DRY TORTUGAS SCHEDULED AT DEERING, JAN. 14 Dr. Michele Williams and Brian Conesa will present their data and photos about the excavations in the parade grounds at Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas on Thursday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m., at the Visitor Center Auditorium of the Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 SW 72 Ave. This venture was sponsored by the Everglades National Park Service during Archaeology Month in 2009. In partnership with the Archaeological Society of Southern Florida, a non-profit, volunteer organization which acts as a support mech-
anism for the office of the Miami-Dade County Archaeologist, the Deering Estate at Cutler presents a free lecture on the second Thursday of each month highlighting unique and interesting connections to our past. For more information, call Michele Williams at 1-954-762-5174 or send email to <sercpa@fau.edu>. CANTORS PRESENT EVENING OF JEWISH MUSIC FROM AROUND WORLD, JAN. 23 Twenty-six cantors and soloists will perform a diverse concert of Jewish song — Ladino, Israeli, folk, Yiddish, pop, classical, jazz and liturgical — on Saturday, Jan. 23, in the historic Bertha Abess Sanctuary at Temple Israel of Greater Miami, 137 NE 19 St. (one block west of Biscayne Blvd). The sanctuary is the oldest synagogue building in continuous use in Florida. Tickets for this event cost $18 each. Last year’s concert was sold out, so it is best to purchase tickets in advance. For more information, go online to <www.cantorialconcert.org>. Tickets can be purchased online, or by calling 1-800-838-3006. If you have questions, send email to <info@cantorialconcert.org> or call 305573-5900. SCHOOL OF AMERICAN BALLET SLATES AUDITIONS, JAN. 24 Miami-area ballet students are invited to
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audition for the School of American Ballet’s 2010 Summer Course on Sunday, Jan. 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. The auditions will take place at Miami City Ballet, 2200 Liberty Ave. in Miami Beach. Students should arrive one hour in advance of their audition time to register. Optional pre-registration for the audition is available on SAB’s website at <www.sab.org/summercourse>. The application fee is $35. Auditions are for intermediate and advanced ballet students, 12 to 18 years old as of June 30, 2010. All students should bring a copy of their birth certificates to the audition. Girls must bring pointe shoes. The times are as follows: 2-3:30 p.m. for 12-14 year olds; 3:30-5 p.m. for 15-18 year olds. The phone number is 305-929-7000. Students invited to SAB’s Summer Course will attend classes in New York City from June 28 to July 30. The 2010 National Audition Tour is sponsored by Freed of London. For more information, visit online at <www.sab.org> or call the School of American Ballet at 212-769-6600. HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES TRAINING SEMINAR The Florida Division of Historical Resources and the Florida Public Archaeology Network-Southeast Region will host a free Historical and Archaeological Resources Training
January 5 - 11, 2010
Seminar on Thursday, Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 SW 72 Ave. This training seminar is designed for participation by governmental administrators, land managers and planners to learn about archaeological and historical resources, how best to manage these resources and methods for promoting the resources for the benefit of the community. For more information, call Michele Williams at 1-954-762-5174 or send email to <sercoa@fau.edu>. VISIT CAULEY SQUARE FOR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF KIM BANKSTON Kim Bankston, a member of the Platters, is celebrating his birthday at Cauley Square Historic Railroad Village, 22400 Old Dixie Hwy., on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. Come and visit one of the last official railroad villages in the state of Florida. Built in 1903 by workers of the Flagler Railroad, Cauley Square Village has maintained its historical hand-built, 25 cottages and 10 acres of lush tropical gardens abounding in natural Florida foliage. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 by calling Island Colors at Cauley Square at 305-258-2565. Tickets also will be sold at the door on the night of the event for $10. For more information, call 305258-2565 or 305-258-3543. You also can visit online at <www.CauleySquare.com>.
January 5 - 11, 2010
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Coloring books donated to kids at Miami Children’s Hospital
2010 - 2011 School Year PRE-K (AGES 3 & 4) THROUGH 8TH GRADE The Heritage School offers an enriched integrated curriculum; Arts, Music, Dance, Drama, Physical Education, Technology, Languages, wireless laptops, Young patient at Miami Children’s Hospital colors one of the Color Us Well books.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY NOELLE KASBAR
Just in time for the holidays, a new charitable project called Color Us Well showed patients at Miami Children’s Hospital how to get creative, get inspired and get well. Uniting local artists, Color Us Well put together coloring books, featuring original artwork from some of the area’s most celebrated creative minds such as Jose Bedia, Carlos Luna and Ferdie Pacheco. Many acclaimed and aspiring talents each designed a coloring book page with their unique style and message of hope. The books where donated during Color Us Well Day at Miami Children’s Hospital on Dec. 21. Color Us Well Day was filled with joy as the children were treated to art workshops by esteemed artists such as Mano, Sandra Suarez and John Defaro, who said, “Lots of stimulation from the making of art allowed
the kids to travel away from hospital routine and loneliness.” With increasing budget cuts of local art support and art education, it is especially essential to keep the passion for and knowledge of the art community alive with Color Us Well. The coloring books are keepsakes for the children and their parents, who will be able to frame an original piece of artwork interpreted by their children. Seeking to give back to the community in a way that was close to her heart, entrepreneur and graphic designer Elyssa Renert founded Color Us Well. In addition to supporting the local arts community, Renert realized the importance of exposing children to diverse original artwork that would fuel their imagination even further. Visit online at <www.coloruswell.com> for more information about the project, sponsors and artists involved.
computer lab, robotics, Small Class sizes limited to 20 students - 10 acre campus, swimming pool, baseball field, soccer field, camera surveillance system, Edline access via Internet to grades, homework, etc.
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Special camp helps kids cope when family member has MS
Pictured at Kids Coping Camp at Camp Owaissa Bauer in Homestead are Danielle Fearon (left) and Bethany Stinnet. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY BETH COHEN
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society South Florida Chapter recently conducted its annual Kids Coping Camp at Camp Owaissa Bauer in Homestead. The weekend program gave children ages 7-12 the opportunity to share and explore ways to cope with the daily pressures of living with a parent or grandparent with multiple sclerosis. The kids who attend the program emerge as leaders, form long lasting friendships, foster independence in a supportive atmosphere away from their everyday responsibilities and just have fun. Camp activities included swimming, arts and crafts,
hayrides, sports, nature trails and bonding around the campfire. “Children who have a parent or grandparent with MS, usually have to grow up a little faster than children with able bodied parents,” said Karen Dresbach, president of the National MS Society South Florida Chapter. “Our Kids Coping Camp program is a great way for young children who have a common bond to make friends, learn more about MS and to have good time.” For more information on Kids Coping Camp or other National MS Society South Florida Chapter programs, visit online at <www.nmssfls.org> or call 1-800-FIGHTMS (800-344-4867).
January 5 - 11, 2010
Would You Like Your Children to Pay for College Without Needing Financial Aid? What Financial goal should I have with paying for my children’s college? When planning to pay for college for your children, I encourage you to establish clear goals. First, you need to determine if you want to have your child’s education be paid with or without the need for financial aid. If you do not want your child or yourself to be burdened with a loan to have to pay back, then set the goal of having enough money saved before they enter college so that the college is paid.
Yes. If you can afford it and feel motivated to do so, you can match your childs earnings dollar for dollar. My son, Steven, did pizza delivery for 4 hours on Firday, Saturday and Sunday for a total of 12 hours a weekend. Back in 1995 – 1996 he earned $10 an hour which was $120 a weekend or $480 a month. I matched it $1 for $1. Our goal college was the University of Florida, and in 1996 the 4 year cost was $32,000. When he graduated from high school, we had $32,000 in the savings account. $16,000 he earned and $16,000 I matched. No financial aid was needed.
Who should pay for my children’s college? As parents we feel motivated or obligated to take on the full responsibility of paying for our children’s college education. The second goal is to establish a clear understanding with your child that if they want a college education they should invest in it by saving for it with earnings from a job. If they invest in their education, your child will value it more.
Does a Matching Savings Plan have other benefits? The matching savings plan may create a new dimension in the relationship you have with your child. You become partners in achieving a long term goal. Your child should be motivated to in essence to earn twice as much as their pay check. Your child may begin to ask you how to red the account statement and how to invest the savings. Their buying habits may be influenced by their employment. Those $150 sneakers may mean 20 hours of their work so maybe they are not so motivated to buy them because it is not worth 20 hours of their life to have them after all. They may start to look for value in what they buy. They may even appreciate you a lot more for working for a living and paying the bills.
What is an attainable financial goal? Harvard cost $52,000 a year for the 2009 – 2010 academic year. Saving $208,000 based on current costs is not attainable for most people. The University of Florida cost $16,690 a year for the 2009 – 2010 academic year. Saving $66,760 based on current costs is more attainable. Florida International University total matriculation and fees are $4,580.38 a year for the 2009 – 2010 academic year. Saving $19,215.20 is even more affordable. I suggest that you set your goal on a specific college and save enough to cover the actual cost when your child enters as a freshman. Your child should consider a job on campus during the school year and summer jobs during the college years. I have a 401k plan at work; can I set up a matching savings plan with my child?
Rick Tonkinson is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP™) who works with working people in your area since 1991. The family business, Rick Tonkinson & Associates, Inc is located at 100 Almeria Ave, Suite 310, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Telephone # 305447-6617. Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, Rick Tonkinson, Registered Representatives. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc., Rick Tonkinson, Investment Advisor Representatives. Rick Tonkinson & Associates, Inc. and the Securities America companies are not affiliated.
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Crosstown Quartet to give concert at Unitarian Church BY GARY ALAN RUSE Miriam Stern, a Palmetto Bay resident, and other members of the Crosstown String Quartet are performing a special concert on Sunday, Jan.10, at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 7701 SW 76 Ave. in Kendall. The program features Stern and her three fellow musicians, Orlando Forte, Viera Borisova and Luisa Bustamante. “We have been friends and colleagues for over 10 years, playing together in various orchestras and many chamber music situations, but it was only about a year ago that we officially formed Crosstown,” Stern said. “Though we are all classically trained, we wanted the music we play to reflect our different backgrounds and the many styles of music we listen to and love. “We grew up listening not only to Beethoven and Bach, but to jazz and the Beatles and so many other genres. It followed naturally that our repertoire would ‘crossover’ from classical and Baroque to jazz, folk and other traditions from around the world. That is part of the reason why we named our quartet Crosstown, but also because the Miami audience is so varied and diverse, and we try to play music that will mean something to everyone ‘across town.’” Stern said that not only are they from different cities, but they all are from different countries as well, representing Cuba, Russia, Venezuela and the United States. “We also feel strongly about sharing the music of our individual heritages, and our program at the Unitarian Church will reflect this,” Stern said. “There’ll be works by classical composers —Borodin, Mozart and Vivaldi — intermingled with original arrangements of tunes from our respective countries, along with Argentinean tangos, Irish fiddle music, jazz standards, bluegrass country style, and melodies from Italy, Spain and Czechoslovakia.” The concert is part of the Lotz Concert Series, which Stern said is “one of Miami’s best kept musical secrets.” For years, the monthly Sunday Afternoon Series has been dedicated to presenting the finest of South Florida’s musicians in the acoustically excellent hall at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Miami. “For the four of us, there is magic in the beauty of chamber music, the sonority of the string quartet sound, the give and take between instruments,” Stern said. “We are always striving to bring that magic out of our instruments and into the world.”
Pictured (l-r) are members of the Crosstown Quartet: Orlando Forte and Miriam Stern, violins; Viera Borisova, viola, and Luisa Bustamante, cello.
According to Stern, 29 years ago it was unusual to hear string players venture outside the traditional classical realm. But groups such as the Kronos Quartet, Turtle Island String Quartet and Quartet San Francisco, have changed that, and what was once considered alternative string music is now becoming more accepted. “It is exciting that we are not the only string quartet today that is experimenting with new sounds and styles, and we are fortunate to have great examples in those groups,” Stern said. Stern, violinist, began her musical education with her mother, a fine pianist. She came to Florida on a full scholarship to the University of Miami, receiving her bachelor’s in Applied Music, with graduate studies at the Aaron Copland School of Music in New York. She has toured throughout Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Carribean, and has freelanced with most South Florida orchestras, but her first love is chamber music. With Stacey Berkley she co-founded Serenade Ensemble, which under her direction in 2001 was nominated for a Grammy in the “Classical Crossover” category. In 2006, she co-founded the Miami String Project with musical partner Antoine Khouri. Orlando Forte, violinist, began his musical education in Havana, Cuba, received a scholarship to the Tchaikovsky
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Conservatory in Moscow, and completed a Master of Fine Arts at the Conservatory of Odessa, Ukraine. In demand as a recording artist in South Florida, his credits include albums by Michael Jackson, Julio Iglesias, Placido Domingo and hundreds of others. Currently the concertmaster of the Florida Chamber Orchestra, he joined the artistic staff of Miami String Project as comusic director this year. Borisova, violist, came to Florida in 1995 by way of the Symphony Orchestra of Tenerife, Spain, and the Russian National Symphony Orchestra. She eventually settled in Miami as a member of the Florida Philharmonic and teaches both violin and viola at Gulliver Academy and the Miami Conservatory of Music. Bustamante, cellist, began her study in Caracas, Venezuela, in the famed national System Venezuelan Youth Orchestra training program and was sent on full government scholarship to the Julliard School of Music in New York. She became an important part of Miami’s musical scene and also enjoys teaching and coaching chamber groups. More information about the Lotz Concert Series 200910 schedule of performances can be found at <http://uumia.org> (click on Adult Enrichment/Lotz Concert Series).
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Columnist/humorist joins musician for evening of music, monologue
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Attention Small Business Owners Carlos A. Gimenez Miami-Dade County Commissioner District 7 Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program For Miami-Dade County, District 7
BY ROBERT HAMILTON
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First United Methodist Church of South Miami, 6565 Red Rd. in Coral Gables, will host daily columnist/humorist Jonathan Richard Cring and master musician Janet Clazzy on Wednesday Jan. 13. The performance at 7 p.m. features an evening of music and monologue, including readings from Cring’s book Digging for Gold (in the rule) with original musical tunes performed by Clazzy on the oboe and WX-5 Wind Machine. Cring is the author of 11 books, including I’M…the legend of the son of man, 20 Other Reasons To Kiss a Frog, Jesonian, and Living a Legendary Life; a winner of a Billboard Music Award; recent recipient of the Best Screenplay Award at the Top Jonathan Richard Cring and Janet Clazzy Ten Films in America, and –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– has a daily column at the WX-5 Wind Machine which gives me <www.jonathots.com>. “Thirty-nine minutes is all we have to 250 sounds,” she said. “When you add give you music, humor, dialogue and some some of the beautiful music and inspirfresh insights about bringing creativity into ing melodies, it just lends itself to an our practical lives,” Cring shares from his occasion to enrich the heart and exalt the home in Hendersonville, TN. “The presen- spirit.” She also is the first female conductor in tation is a delicate and delicious blending of spirit and humor that produces the won- the state of Tennessee. Cathy Felber, pastor of the church, said derful by-product of good cheer.” Clazzy has played oboe in orchestras for that a free will offering will be taken and 30 years from coast to coast, including San copies of books, CDs and DVDs of the movies will be available for purchase. Jose, Chicago, Shreveport and Houston. For more information call 305-667-7508. “I have this fabulous instrument called
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Up to $5,000 Applications available for pick up January 11 – January 25, at the following locations: • Downtown Office 111 NW First Street, Suite 220 • Coral Way NET Office, 2299 SW 27 Avenue • West Flagler NET Office, 4343 W. Flagler Street, Suite 102 • North East Coconut Grove NET Office, 2820 Mc Farlane Road • South West Coconut Grove NET Office, 3692 B Grand Avenue • Coral Gables City Hall, 405Biltmore Way • Key Biscayne City Hall, 88 W. McIntyre St. • South Miami City Hall CRA Office, 6130 Sunset Drive • Pinecrest City Hall, 12645 Pinecrest Pkwy. • District 7 Office, 6330 Manor Lane, Suite 100 • Applications will also be available for download at: www.miamidade.gov/district07 There will be an information / workshop meeting explaining the application and requirements held on Wednesday January 27, 2010 6:00pm at Frankie Rolle Community Center 3750 So. Dixie Highway Room 115 Businesses not in attendance will not be considered for funding, please be on time Return 1 original and 1 copy of the completed application only to Attn: Carlos Gimenez 111 NW First Street, Suite 220, Miami FL 33128 between Jan. 28, 2010 – Feb. 4, 2010, 5:00 pm (We suggest you keep a copy also, for your records) For more info, contact: Maria Machado at Commissioner Gimenez’s District Office at 305-669-4003 or Neighbors And Neighbors Association (NANA) Ms. Lawanza Finney at: 305-756-0605 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. All applications will be subject to selection committee review.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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January 5 - 11, 2010
Top student artists to attend YoungArts Week, Jan. 11-16 BY KATE MCPHERSON
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Thousands of dollars in awards; master classes by world-renowned artists; performances and exhibitions; a chance to be named a Gold and Silver winner and travel to New York; the possibility to become a Presidential Scholar in the Arts and visit the White House, and much more, will fuel the ambitions and dreams of 143 of America’s best young artists when they come to Miami, Jan. 11-16, for YoungArts Week. Chosen from more than 4,000 applicants in nine disciplines in the visual, literary and performing arts, these 17 and 18-year-olds will embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience provided by YoungArts, the core program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA). There are 26 finalists from Florida including some from local schools. Local finalists include: Jacqueline Berndt, Interlochen Arts Academy, Music; Lauren Cahill, Design & Architecture Senior High (DASH), Visual Arts; Keith Clougherty, DASH, Visual Arts; Zanya Cruz, DASH, Visual Arts; Stephanie Gamarra, DASH, Visual Arts; John Harnage, New World School of the Arts (NWSA), Dance; David Harrison, DASH, Cinematic Arts; Arthur Kaplan, NWSA, Visual Arts; Gabriel Lopez, NWSA, Visual Arts; Janet Lorenz, DASH, Visual Arts; Lauren Robia, DASH, Visual Arts, and Gregory Zelek, NWSA, Music. The students attending YoungArts Week were selected in a blind adjudication process from a pool representing all 50
states and the District of Columbia, as well as all U.S. territories. The adjudication process will continue during YoungArts Week to determine who will become Gold and Silver winners and travel to New York in the spring for the “In the Studio” series, an additional week of workshops, collaborative performances and exhibitions. Gold winners receive $10,000 and Silver winners receive $5,000. Additionally, awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 are presented to students exhibiting excellence in their discipline. From this pool of 143 student artists also will be determined the 2010 Presidential Scholars in the Arts, an award given at the White House with the opportunity to perform at the Kennedy Center and exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC. YoungArts is the only organization in the nation to recognize students in nine discipline categories of cinematic arts, dance, jazz, music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice and writing. “We are honored to recognize these fine young artists,” said Christina DePaul, president and CEO of YoungArts. “They represent the next generation of extraordinary artistic talent, and it is our hope that their experience with YoungArts will compel them to pursue their passions.” YoungArts alumni include Emmy-nominated actress Vanessa Williams, three-time Tony Award nominee Raúl Esparza, star of HBO’s Entourage Adrian Grenier, and Warner Brothers recording artist Josh Groban. For more information, visit online at <www.youngarts.org>.
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January 5 - 11, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Family intervention in a criminal case can make things better . . . or worse BY MICHELLE ESTLUND, Criminal Defense Attorney Once a loved one has been arrested, it is extremely common for family members to want to help solve the problem that caused the arrest by contacting the victim in the case. Whether a person has been arrested for a domestic dispute, a criminal traffic offense or a bar room brawl, there is often a victim involved who has been financially or physically injured. It is a perfectly natural reaction for family members to want to rectify the situation by offering restitution, apologies or personal pleas for mercy to the victim, hoping to have the criminal case dropped. Though well-intentioned, this reaction can lead to problems if the victim begins to feel intimidated, harassed or threatened. If the family’s intervention is interpreted as illegal contact with a victim, both the family and the defendant face potential criminal liability. The state attorney has the option of filing the criminal charge of witness tampering against any party who intimidates,
threatens or offers money to a witness or victim in an effort to discourage that person from testifying in a legal proceeding or investigation. Even where a family member of an accused person acts out of love and concern, the victim’s perception of those actions can cause additional hardship upon the defendant’s family if it leads to the filing of more criminal charges. So what can family members do to let a victim know that they want to make things right? The best means of communicating this information is for family members to express their willingness to help to the defendant’s attorney. The defense attorney can contact the state attorney and convey that information in the appropriate manner. This way any misperception of intentions is avoided, and family members can rest assured that they have not inadvertently harmed the defendant’s case through an ill-advised discussion with a police officer or state attorney.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
January 5 - 11, 2010
Popular online cigar shop opens store on S. Dixie BY LEE STEPHENS
Neptune Cigars Inc., one of the Web’s most popular and successful online cigar outlets, has opened officially the largest cigar specialty shop in the Miami area, located at 9308 S. Dixie Hwy. Shop owner Christophe Normand has been serving customers faithfully and diligently all over the world for more than a decade through the online store at <www.neptunecigar.com>, and believes that the local enthusiasm for high-quality cigars and accessories has reached a boiling point that he can no longer ignore. “We feel that we can apply the same core principles (superior product quality, excellent customer service, and a wide-ranging selection) that we use in our online store to better service the people of Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall and the Greater Miami area. There is no reason why the residents of this city should need to go online and wait for shipping to gain access to Neptune-quality goods and friendly, helpful customer service.” Normand has worked exhaustively to ensure that the brick-and-mortar outlet of Neptune Cigars meets the same high standards as the virtual store. Customers can
browse over 800 types of individual cigars (kept fresh by the store’s enormous industrial humidifier) ranging anywhere from $1 to $20 in price, 50 different humidors, and over 300 cigar-related accessories. Detailed information is printed clearly next to each display, allowing the customer to read a description, the nation of origin, and the price of each individual cigar. The store’s décor suggests class and pedigree, and was designed by a renowned decorator with rich, beautiful dark wood flooring, complete with a comfortable longue area where customers can relax in front of a large LED HDTV. “Based on the design, the store looks more expensive than it actually is,” Normand joked. “But we offer our products here at the same prices that can be found on our website. The success of Neptune online allows us to keep our prices low, 10 to 40 percent less than the MSRP on our cigars and accessories, so customers often come in expecting to pay twice as much as they actually will.” Neptune Cigars is known as one of the most reputable cigar and cigar accessory sites on the Web. It has been in business for well over a decade, serving tens of thousands of customers in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It quickly
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Pictured at the new Neptune Cigars shop on S. Dixie Highway are Christophe Normand and his wife, Luz. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
developed a reputation as a “customerfriendly” cigar outlet through the use of informative articles on cigar use (provided at no charge), customer bonus programs,
and weekly cigar specials. For more information on Neptune, visit online at <www.neptunecigar.com> or call 305-670-0633.
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January 5 - 11, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Chevy Equinox is a compact SUV with broad appeal Ron Beasley AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR
LET’S TALK CARS Chevrolet’s re-designed 2010 Equinox SUV competes as a compact, but it has the roominess and many of the features of a midsize vehicle, which should give it an appeal to consumers of just about any lifestyle. The second-generation Equinox draws its exterior design cues from the Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover models, and is available in three trim levels — LS, LT and LTZ. It has the signature Chevy face — a two-tier grille and prominent gold bowtie insignia — with strong fender shapes, a distinctive roofline, wraparound headlights, dual round taillights, a multi-dimensional hood, wraparound rear side glass and a wheels-at-thecorners stance. The base of the windshield has been moved forward three inches for a sleeker profile and improved aerodynamic performance, while the rocker panels are integrated into the doors to make it easier to get in and out. Under the hood there’s a new 2.4-liter, 182
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hp direct-injection I-4 engine that delivers 32 mpg on the highway (22 mpg city), a 33-percent improvement over its predecessor (AWD models get 20/29 mpg). There’s an available 3.0-liter 264 hp V-6, also with the fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology (25/17 mpg). Inside, the Equinox cabin is quiet thanks to noise-absorbing elements built into the chassis, engine compartment and interior. GM’s first application of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology is used on 2.4 literequipped models. ANC uses microphones to detect loud sounds inside the vehicle and sends counteracting sound waves through the audio system’s speakers to ensure a quiet ride at almost all speeds. The interior has numerous storage bins, including an oversized glove box; a closed storage bin in the instrument panel above the center stack, and more closed storage space under the center armrest that’s large enough for a laptop. A “floating” center stack houses many ergonomic comfort and convenience controls. Ice-blue ambient lighting within and surrounding the center stack, encircling the center-console cupholders and within the door pull cups accentuates the cabin. The front and rear seats, which include cloth and perforated leather-trim, are designed for comfort.
New Equinox has signature Chevy face — a two-tier grille and prominent gold bowtie insignia — with wraparound headlights and a wheels-at-the-corners stance. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– As for safety, there are six standard air depending on the outside temperature. Base pricing on the Chevy Equinox ranges bags: dual frontal air bags, head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side from $22,440 to $29,795. air bags; standard four-wheel disc brakes Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control. OnStar and XM Satellite Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be Radio are standard and there’s a “Smart” contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, remote starting system that also activates the or by addressing email correspondence to HVAC system and optional heated seats <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.
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Come Enjoy the 59th Annual
BEAUX ARTS FESTIVAL OF ART January 9th & 10th, 2010 • 10 am – 5 pm Surrounding the Lowe Art Museum on the University of Miami Campus 1301 Stanford Drive, Coral Gables, Florida 33124
250 Juried Artists • International Food • Children’s Art Classes • Entertainment Many thanks for the generous contributions of the following sponsors:
BUNNY BASTIAN • COBB FAMILY FOUNDATION • WAYNE
AND
MARTI HUIZENGA
For more information visit our web site www.beauxartsmiami.org or call 305.665.2334 With the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners. The general nature and purpose of Beaux Arts is to promote interest in the Lowe Art Museum of the University of Miami, to provide improvements, equipment, financial assistance to exhibitions of the museum and to encourage a more thorough understanding and appreciation of the Arts.
January 5 - 11, 2010
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
Page 39
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January 5 - 11, 2010
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