South Miami News 2.7.2012

FEBRUARY 7 - 20, 2012

It is time for a positive change Vote for Robaina, Liebman, and Oliveros

From the days when scribes of antiquity recorded the teachings of sages in Greece, the spoken word and lessons from language have had the potential power to move civilizations forward or backward. South Miami News takes its responsibility to inform the public of what is happening with their elected leadership and tax dollar allocations very seriously. It does not always make us popular with local government or big business. The greater mission, however, of keeping the people informed and demanding accountability and transparency in public service supersedes whether or not we get an invitation to the ball. South Miami News had the opportunity to interview all of the candidates and incumbents running for office this February with the exception of Bob Welsh who respectfully declined. The following endorsements are from the South Miami News Editorial Board for city elections February 14, 2012.

Julio Robaina, Jr for Mayor

Although Philip Stoddard is a nice man and makes a perfect “town dad” as he has referred to himself in interviews with Community Newspapers, we believe Julio Robaina has demonstrated the level-headed strong leadership required to move South Miami forward. If the mayoral position was a figurehead role, our vote would be for Stoddard as he excels in cutting ribbons, posing for photographs and waving during parades, but the city is at a crossroads and demanding more.

Former Mayor Robaina’s track record of receiv-

ing the All America City Award while in office and bringing from Tallahassee a revenue river of funding for local initiatives is enough. But there is more.

Robaina’s captivating personality is palpable. A dynamic leader, who won the hearts of his constituents years ago as demonstrated by the groundswell of support he is enjoying, is the kind of Captain South Miami now needs. It is not only the weary business sector that appears thrilled about another run with Robaina, but the residents exhausted over constant bickering at city hall. A termed out

Josh Liebman for Group 2

This is easy. Josh Liebman is a hometown boy who done good. Not only is he a well-educated businessman (MBA from UF) but Liebman has been an active part of the community for years before he was even old enough to vote. An accomplished entrepreneur at a young age, Liebman is also full of exciting new ideas like building a privately funded running track, having commissioners serve on area business chambers, creatively getting out the vote, and bringing in a new dimension of the Arts to South Miami. Articulate

and unafraid to call “foul,” we believe Liebman can silence the noisy gossip and innuendo that toxifies the air in commission chambers. Liebman offers fresh leadership from a focused mind with clear ideals that can steer his way through tough decision making. Liebman has proved his genuine spirit of service as demonstrated by the thousands of runners he has inspired over the years as a volunteer “pace leader” and accomplished marathoner.

Although we appreciate Sally Philips’ fervor for

Armando Oliveros, Jr for Group 3

“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

For having the courage to step forward and bear the possible slings and arrows of condescending voices disparaging this candidate who came back bravely after a major fall from grace, Oliveros has our vote.

However the beauty of his potential service is that our very own prodigal son, Oliveros, is also exceedingly well qualified. At the first election forum, former vice mayor Oliveros wowed the crowd with his honesty, confidence in sharing perhaps unpopular opinions founded in logic, and a spot on sense of

humor. Oliveros explained at the forum his position on addressing community “needs before wants.”

Oliveros also said he will arrive at the dais believing he is right and it is the challenge of those presenting an alternate point of view to prove there is a better way. This is the kind of confidence and leadership in office that keeps communities moving forward. Former vice mayor Oliveros brings with him a historical local perspective over 30 years in the making, relevant invaluable experience, and fearless candor, so we believe he is the man for the job.

Early voting: Feb 11 & 12 Last day to vote: Feb 14 Vote @: South Miami City Hall 6130 Sunset Drive Call 305-663-6338

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state representative from Tallahassee, Robaina has learned how to deftly handle those who may not agree with him yet still maintain an authoritative role. Robaina has also promised residents no more five minute maximum during public remarks at city commission meetings. The African American community remembers the friend they had in Robaina and for that established loyalty and Robaina’s ability to draw people from diverse backgrounds but with a common goal together, we believe Robaina is the obvious choice for mayor.

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South Miami, we cannot tell what she stands for or what kind of leader she might be. When answers to questions from the public in the election forum generated recurring responses of “I will look into it and decide,” “must do research,” and “don’t have all the answers,” that is not leadership. Philips concluded her remarks by waiving all of her tepid posturing and in essence saying she might change her mind on everything she just said at any time. We encourage Dr. Philips to enjoy her retirement.

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Gabriel Edmond comes in second as a teacher and former congressional aide who appears to have good qualifications to serve in the future. Edmond seems to have innovative suggestions for pressing challenges and a courteous disposition. However all roads do not lead to a municipal bank for South Miami. We need applicable answers today for urgent challenges and not a panacea proposition in an outside untested institution.

MAYOR’S SWIMMING POND UNDER REVIEW page 3

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MLK JR PARADE PICTURES

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CANDIDATE PROFILES page

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STODDARD INTERVIEW

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February 7 - 20, 2012

Congratulations Travel Teams 2012 Kelme Cup U9 Boys - Champions

U10 Girls - Champions

U11 Boys - Finalists

U13 Girls - Champions

U12 Girls - Champions

South Miami United is a 501c3 nonprofit soccer club offering recreational soccer for children 3-10 years old, and travel soccer starting at age 8

www.southmiamiunited.com

February 7 - 20, 2012

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County hearing set for possible permit violation on the Mayor’s watering hole

BY RAQUEL GARCIA

What appears in photographs to be a lake that nearly fills the entire back yard of the over 12,000 foot lot at the home of Mayor Philip Stoddard, has been called into question for permitting concerns by Stoddard’s opponents in the upcoming mayoral election.

A review hearing by the Miami-Dade County Board of Rules and Appeals is set for February 16.

Stoddard claims he was told by the city he “did not need a permit” when he initially inquired about building the “pond” while doing home renovations in 2004. He also stated in a January 26 email (recovered in a public records request) that “it is not a problem. A courtesy notice is how the city opens an inquiry. Yesterday the city concluded, for the second time, that we did not require a permit to dig a pond in our back yard.”

Unfortunately Stoddard’s claims and the information given by the governing city manager’s office in this case, do not coincide. “The question of the pond is still under review,” said City Manager Hector Mirabile.

“Most cities do not regulate ponds unless there is an ordinance and in our city there is but it doesn’t match what is going on.”

Mirabile has forwarded the question of pond versus lake versus pool to the South Miami building official and subsequently to the Miami-Dade County Board of Rules and Appeals for an interpretation.

Division Director of the Board and Code Administration Division for Miami-Dade County Michael Goolsby, said the paperwork just landed on his desk and he has yet to review it.

“The Board of Rules and Appeals renders interpretations of building codes from Florida Statute 553 covering the legal authority for building if there is a question, ”

Mayor Stoddard’s back yard –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

said Goolsby. “The situation here appears to be that there is a pond with some kind of liner.

In the end is it deemed a private swimming pool, and if so, it requires a permit and must meet the code for a private swimming pool.”

Goolsby went on to explain that the purpose of the code is to ensure that the body of water in question is safe to be built and used. “The codes are in place to make sure structures are constructed safely. It is not about making sure the water is coming from a regulated source but rather to define what is the intention or purpose.

Is this a landscape feature or is it intended for recreational swimming and bathing? If it is determined it is defined as a pool, eventually you will end up with something that looks like a pool and not a pond.”

Photos presented to South Miami News by area resident Sharon McCain taken from Stoddard’s FIU homepage appear to answer the question.

One photo shows at least four children swimming around across the body of water on floats kicking up the surface with their feet. Another image shows S t o d d a r d ’s wife, Gray Read, diving off a wooden diving board into the pond Construction during “pond” building with kids –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

swimming around her. A third photo submitted shows what appears to be a 6 foot by 8 foot deck in the center of the body of water with the Stoddards reclining in lounge chairs on the deck.

Former mayor and candidate for mayor

opposing Stoddard in the upcoming city elections Julio Robaina, Jr, said, “My biggest concern would be the possibility of contaminating the drinking water source of the residents of South Miami. When you dig into the aquifer without permitting you never know.

Our drinking water is sacred. You do not dig into a community source of drinking water without at least pulling a permit and everybody knows that.”

Eduardo Lopez, Engineer Specialist Level 4 for the South Florida Water Management District said typically municipalities in this case are the stricter governing authority but the water management district can get involved if potentially affected neighbors complain. “When it comes to private property it gets very tricky on jurisdiction and how to regulate. The potential impact to adjacent property is the gray area that might trigger a review.” Lopez also said that any digging in the ground beyond four feet could potentially affect ground water conditions.

Stoddard’s watering hole permitting question will be addressed at the next meeting of the Board of Rules and Appeals on February 16 at 1pm at 11850 SW 26 Street. For more information contact Kathy Charles, Board Administrator at 786-315-2571.

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February 7 - 20, 2012

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade South Miami youth dance around welcoming the Sunshine Junkanoo Band to town during the Kickoff Celebration for the City of South Miami’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Black History Month events.

Sunshine Junkanoo Whistler Man

Sunshine Junkanoo dancing in the streets

Deangelo Bowden helps 3-year-old Zurdi Graham get his sneakers on after the Bounce House.

Allapattah Middle School drummers hitting the beat

Dr. Anna Price, the first AfricanAmerican Mayor of South Miami, offers an invocation

Three year old Chase Mcgriff on a joy ride

South Miami Middle School Grey Ghosts Cheerleaders know what’s up

Ernestine Coleman (left) and Verdelle Belle of the Silver Fox Red Hat Ladies Evelyn Muller with granddaughter Sade and beloved pets (from left to right) Sophie, Brownie, and Cupcake.

PHOTOS BY RAQUEL GARCIA Senoritas and their polite horses offer a Hipicolandia Welcome

February 7 - 20, 2012

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CANDIDATE PROFILES Julio Robaina, Jr. - Mayor Number of years living in South Miami: I have been a resident and a homeowner in the City of South Miami for the past 40 years. I have also worked within the City of South Miami for the past 32 years.

What is your educational background?

Graduate of South Miami Senior High School and I have an AA from MDCC. What is your present job? And for how long?

I am currently a small business owner of a property management company for the last year and I just retired from AT&T after 31 years.

Have you ever served/or now serve on a city board or committee?

Please note any other civic or community involvement not limited to South Miami.

I have been a member of over 20 different boards and committees.

Some city boards include the Parks and Recreation Board and Budget committee. These were during the years 1995 and 1996. Other groups that I have been a part of outside the City of South Miami are Special Olympics, The Children’s Trust, Greater Miami Host Committee and I have been a member of the City of South Miami Commission as a Vice-Mayor and Mayor of South Miami for 3 terms.

What are the core principles that guide your life and how you make decisions?

Ethics, Integrity and Inclusion. That said, my balance in life is to be involved with my church, my community and my government.

What interests you about running for office?

I have always been a community activist and understand the need to be involved in government, especially when you are witnessing the destruction of a balanced government that took many years to establish. At times accused of being a career politician, the truth is that I always step up when no one else wants to.

What single issue do you think is the most critical for the city to address at this time?

The city needs “ stability” and its currently on a crash course for disaster. The city brags about its 2.6 million dollars in reserves but the mayor and commissioners actions in terminating 3 city managers in less than a year and a half not only is creating instability but will cost the city millions more than what they have.

What would you bring to the commission that would help improve the lives of South Miami Residents?

As mayor of the city of South Miami, I will bring back the years of experience as both a vice-mayor and mayor that helped us make the city one of the top ten cities in the United States because of our work, not lip service. My years as a florida state representative will also benefit the city in acquiring both federal and state funds like the 18 million dollars I was able to acquire for the city for projects during my tenure with the city. Two more very strong points that I also bring to the dias are my ability to keep decorum among the elected body and at the same time respect the residents of the city or anybody who comes to speak in front of the commission.

What role do you think the city should take in business development for our retail district, and commercial development in our commercial districts?

The city should be totally engaged in helping to promote and encourage new business growth and continue to improve the much needed balance that has to exist between the commercial and residential components. The economy has only been a small problem in the past years with small business and the biggest problem is the unfriendly, anti-business, anti-growth and progress attitude of the current Mayor and some of the elected officials. This is why our Downtown merchants are working with us to help save Downtown South Miami.

What would you do to help socially connect all citizens of the city and to promote civic engagement and participation in community events?

I will do exactly what I did before when we became an All America City and one of the top ten cities in the United States. First, work together in a civil manner with all the elected body and administration. Respect our citizens and their opinions when they come to us with problems or suggestions. Respect the residents and merchants needs and desires and continue to work to improve the residential and commercial balance that is needed to keep taxes low and provide great service. But most of all, I will lead by example like I did before and not violate our own ordinances, not violate the city charter and stop the dictatorship environment that the current Mayor has established in the City of Pleasant Living.

Philip Stoddard - Mayor Number of years living in South Miami: 10 years What is your educational background?

B.S. Biology, Swarthmore College, 1979 Ph.D. Psychology, University of Washington, 1989 Postdoc, Neurobiology & Behavior, Cornell University, 1990-1992 What is your present job? And for how long?

Professor of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 19 years.

Have you ever served/or now serve on a city board or committee?

Please note any other civic or community involvement not limited to South Miami.

• Mayor for the past 2 years.

• Co-founded Citizens Allied for Safe Energy (CASE). Ran the forum at City Hall on Turkey Point expansion and the FPL transmission line threat to South Miami.

• Served on the board of the South Miami Neighbors (formerly Homeowners) Association for many of the years in between moving here and running for elected office.

• Run NSF-funded workshops for middle school science teachers, including teachers at South Miami Middle.

• Served on the EESAC at JRE Lee School in South Miami.

• Served on the FIU Faculty Senate, the College Council of the College of Arts & Sciences, the Research Council, and dozens of department level committees.

What are the core principles that guide your life and how you make decisions?

Live by the golden rule, treating people as you wish to be treated.

To make wise decisions, analyze all the information available, consult with other people who have different perspective and expertise, and apply one’s core values. Strive to seek the best solution for the long run, not necessarily the easiest or most expedient.

What interests you about running for office?

Over the last two years, the city has made great strides, particularly in the areas of neighborhood safety, local tax & pension reform, and city operations. We need to continue on this path of progress, protecting the town character drew us here in the first place.

What single issue do you think is the most critical for the city to address at this time?

Trust. Democracy only operates if we can trust our government.

Over the past two years South Miami has reduced opportunities for corruption and increased transparency in city government. The commission has term limits and commission meetings are viewable by video on-demand, city check registers are online, and city budgets are readable without an accounting degree. Moving forward we should put every city contract online for South Miami tax-payers to see where our money goes.

What would you bring to the commission that would help improve the lives of South Miami residents?

Continue to improve South Miami’s residential neighborhoods through better police protection, moving forward on neighborhood traffic calming projects, and protecting single family homes from high-rises next door. Continue our successful job-training program and create a full-service South Florida Workforce office in South

Miami. Actively support and promote the “Early Childhood Literacy” and “Communities for a Lifetime” initiatives to benefit youth & families and help our elderly residents stay in their homes.

What role do you think the city should take in business development for our retail district, and commercial development in our commercial districts?

South Miami’s Hometown District has become the gem of the US1 corridor – residents from South Dade flock to our downtown on weekend nights. Our new parking system has reduced parking tickets by a third (visitors who get tickets often won’t return). In the coming months, the City will start installing a downtown wireless Internet system that will encourage people to visit and enjoy the retail district.

Moving forward, we need to actively pursue the strategies and best practices of smart growth that promote a more walkable district with tree-shaded sidewalks and easy access into the downtown.

What would you do to help socially connect all citizens of the city and to promote civic engagement and participation in community events?

We created new citizen committees in the past two years, but with the city working better, even more people now wish to engage the city. The manager requested the hire of a Public Events Coordinator.

To that position we added the duties of Volunteer Coordinator, to assist residents in connecting with the city and our civic needs. The Volunteer Coordinator should manage a city outreach program and e-mail newsletter with a section for each city board and committee to reach out to residents with information and requests for assistance, and should connect residents with existing opportunities for civic engagement.

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CANDIDATE PROFILES Josh Liebman - Commission Seat Group 2 Number of years living in South Miami: 2 1/2 great years What is your educational background?

MBA, Masters in Business Administration, University of Florida- Academic Scholarship, BS, Business Administration, University of Florida- Academic Scholarship, Graduate of Miami Killian Senior High- Magna Cum Laude What is your present job? And for how long?

Executive Director, TeamFootWorks Training Programs, a South Miami not-for-profit organizer of the 2nd largest Marathon and Half Marathon training program in the country. 4 years Residential real estate broker. 10 years Have you ever served/or now serve on a city board or committee?

Please note any other civic or community involvement not limited to South Miami.

• University of Florida Alumni Association/Gator Club of Miami President – year 4 President Elect – year 3 Vice President- year 2 Board Member- year 1 Recipient of numerous local and national Distinguished Alumni Awards • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society/Team in Training- Head Fund Raising and Marathon Coordinator for Dade County for 10 seasons.

• Executive Director of the ING Run for Something Better for 4 years. Launched a 26.2 mile running program for Dade County Middle School students. Each year, the program culminated with 5,000

Middle School students running the final mile of the ING Miami Marathon.

• Founding President- Miami Feet, a not-for-profit running club. Nationally recognized for having the fastest growing club/membership in the country Nationally recognized for best website • TeamFootWorks- South Miami not-for-profit which contributes to local charities.

What are the core principles that guide your life in how you make decisions?

I have run 92 marathons/26.2 mile distance races. That may be more than anyone else my age in the country. My competitive advantage is not athleticism. My competitive advantage is that I am highly motivated, I never quit, am goal oriented, and know how to take one BIG goal, 26.2 miles, and break it into 26 smaller goals.

What interests you about running for office?

• I want to continue to serve my community.

• I have the time. I have the energy. I have the perseverance and I have the patience.

• Four of our five representatives potentially living within a half a block of each other is not representative government. It is Taxation Without Representation — I will represent the entire City of South Miami.

What single issue do you think is most critical for the city to address at this time?

I love living in South Miami and am passionate about our community. We have the best community in Miami-Dade County but our government is lacking leadership, vision, and professionalism.

I will maintain a healthy balance between the public and the private sector.

I will maintain our small town quality of life while keeping our taxes low.

What would you bring to the commission that would help improve the lives of South Miami residents?

I will raise money privately to build a track in South Miami where our entire community can exercise and will develop a program called “Stay on Track” to promote athletic and education goals for children of South Miami.

What role do you think the city should take in business development for our retail district, and commercial development in our commercial districts?

First we should run our city like a business. As a business person with an undergraduate and graduate degree in Business, I have the educational background and experience we need.

In reference to the question specifically, we should promote our retail businesses and support smart growth. Currently our businesses account for over 50% of our tax base. We are at risk of our taxes increasing if we do not support our businesses.

Additionally we are taxing the business community (downtown South Miami) through the parking meter rates/parking tickets and leaving the business owners to take the hit from customer complaints and customers that go down the road to a shopping area outside South Miami that provides free parking.

It should be easier and less costly to host events in South Miami.

What would you do to help socially connect all citizens of the city and to promote civic engagement and participation in community events?

• I will bring the arts to South Miami.

• I will bring more community events to South Miami.

• I will improve communication, through a South Miami facebook page, a revamped South Miami website, and email.

Sally Philips - Commission Seat Group 2 Number of years living in South Miami: Nearly 14 What is your educational background?

EdD from Boston University in Counseling Psychology, EdM from Boston University in Counselor Education, AB in English from Cornell University.

What is your present job? And for how long?

Crisis Support Consultant - contracted to conduct on-site crisis response interventions as needed, since May, 2008.

Retired October 2007 from directing the Employee Assistance Program at the University of Miami.

Have you ever served/or now serve on a city board or committee?

Please note any other civic or community involvement not limited to South Miami.

• City of South Miami Planning and Zoning Board member, March 1, 2011 to present, City of South Miami Budget and Finance Committee member May – October 2011 • Flea Market coordinator for South Miami City-Wide Eat Together, November 2009 • Red Cross Mental Health technician, participated in the Red Cross response to the Oklahoma City bombing, May 1995 • President, Cooperative apartment building in Brooklyn Heights, 1994 -1995

What are the core principles that guide your life in how you make decisions?

- Spend energy to serve people where my impact will be significant.

- Do unto others as I would have them do unto me.

- Act with integrity.

- Sustain resources; waste not.

- Continue learning.

What interests you about running for office?

Winning an opportunity to - serve the needs of the entire community, - help South Miami operate and flourish with a workable, reasonable and balanced budget, - work with others in order to enjoy an effective, accessible city government, - sustain South Miami as a beautiful, green, park-like, human-scale city, - give back.

What single issue do you think is most critical for the city to address at this time?

Inappropriate development: development which is likely to be underutilized, insecurely funded, sun-depriving, congestion-compounding, or insignificantly benefiting South Miami.

What would you bring to the commission that would help improve the lives of South Miami residents?

Maturity, experience, intelligence, integrity, fairness. These qualities shape my commitment to considering all points of view, to being fiscally responsible, to working collaboratively and respectfully, and to dedicating time so that my votes on issues are well-informed and

what I believe will be in the best interests of all in the City of South Miami. I focus on getting things done, moving forward, and finding mutually beneficial solutions.

What role do you think the city should take in business development for our retail district, and commercial development in our commercial districts?

Healthy retail and commercial businesses are essential to a thriving city: their contribution to property taxes is shared with home owners; often, their buildings and products add to the city’s interest and attractiveness. The city should require that developers make a strong case for how their ventures will benefit and improve the city.

It should demand proper assurances as to viability and soundness of a building project so that no project is left abandoned, empty or in need of rescue funding. The city should give preference to projects that will employ and train a significant number of South Miami residents.

What would you do to help socially connect all citizens of the city and to promote civic engagement and participation in community events?

Community events are part of South Miami’s identity. Key events like the Parade of Elves, Fourth of July Fireworks and those honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. should be properly funded. Providing they are inclusive, fun and safe, I would support these events and propose new ones. Because I am proud of the civic engagement which is a vital aspect of our city, I would work to stimulate even more participation. Thus, Commission meetings should welcome all residents and run smoothly with respect for all participants and attendees. I would encourage citizens to serve on city boards and on the City Commission.

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CANDIDATE PROFILES Armando Oliveros, Jr. - Commission Seat Group 3 Number of years living in South Miami: I have been a resident of South Miami and lived in the same home together with my wife of 31 years and my two children for over 28 years.

What is your educational background?

I have a Bachelors ofArts Degree from the University of Miami (1976) and a Juris Doctorate Degree in law from the Shepard Broad School of Law, Nova Southeastern University (1978).

What is your present job? And for how long?

After practicing law for over 20 years, I am presently Managing Partner of Arsol Investment Group, LLC a family owned business dealing in real estate.

Have you ever served/or now serve on a city board or committee?

Please note any other civic or community involvement not limited to South Miami.

• City of South Miami, Florida: -1996 Parks and Recreation Committee -1997 Code Enforcement Board -1997-1999 City Commissioner and Vice- Mayor -1998-1999 Member of the National League of Cities and Dade County League of Cities -1999 Board of Directors of Hispanic Elected (HELO) • Volunteer substitute teacher and speaker at various high schools and colleges.

What are the core principles that guide your life and how you make decisions?

The core principles that guide my life are family, friendship, loy-

alty, faith, and the understanding that we all have opinions and they must be respected. All these come into play when making any decision. I always have an open mind for someone to convince me that I am either wrong or that there may be other options and my decisions will always be made for the interest of the whole and not of the individual.

What interests you about running for office?

Since I first became involved with the community in the early 90’s my love for this city began to grow and my desire to constantly protect it and improve it are fundamental in my desire to represent its residents. My philosophy is that if you don’t participate you have no right to complain, so I participate.

What single issue do you think is the most critical for the city to address at this time?

Stability! Stability in, finances, administration, city unification and governance. It appears to me that our city is constantly flowing in the wind with its decision making. There are too many personal agendas and not enough interest in the needs of the city as a whole.

We live in one community and no group of residents or business owners should be ignored. Each and every decision made whether in finance, administrative, zoning, legal or environmental must be made with the interest of the community as a whole in mind.

What would you bring to the commission that would help improve the lives of South Miami residents?

I believe I will bring experience and vision to this commission.

Experience of having been involved in many facets of this City’s growth and development for many years. The vision to realize that the needs of the city and its residents are constantly changing. I also bring an unabridged love for the city that will guide me in any of my decisions I make as a Commissioner.

What role do you think the city should take in business development for our retail district, and commercial development in our commercial districts?

It is an integral part of any City to have a unified and cooperating relationship between home owners, business and commercial residents. When decision making is to be done in reference to any development whether commercial, business or residential the City must weigh the interest of a few to the resulting benefit to the many. It is of utmost importance that the City maintain the quality of life that we all, as residents and home owners are accustomed to and wish to maintain and improve. However, the City must also take into consideration the fact that if not for business and commercial growth our City revenues become stagnant or decrease. If our revenues decrease then our services suffer and the shortfall must be picked up by raising residential taxes, which is not acceptable. All in life can be achieved with respect, hard work, knowledge and compromise. All extremes in life are wrong and the solution is to: listen, learn and always keep the interest of all the people of the city in mind.

What would you do to help socially connect all citizens of the city and to promote civic engagement and participation in community events?

It is unfortunate that in a City of this size we still have a community divided either by personal agendas or personal biases which in turn creates an ambiance of animosity or apathy. This can only be improved by proving to the citizens that the City is willing to educate, engage and promote conversation and planning that will incorporate ALL of the citizens no matter their agendas and beliefs. In my years on the many City Boards, Committees, Commissioner and as Vice Mayor I made sure that the city administration, employees and the community interacted. By creating a relationship between people one can develop a friendship and by creating a friendship you create an interest to help and get involved and this is the essence of community.

Gabriel Edmond - Commission Seat Group 3 Number of years living in South Miami: 6 years What is your educational background?

B.A., University of Miami, J.D., Howard University School of Law What is your present job? And for how long?

Educator — 7 years Have you ever served/or now serve on a city board or committee?

Please note any other civic or community involvement not limited to South Miami.

Also, please note any other civic and community involvement (not limited to South Miami).

• South Miami Alliance for Youth • Miami-Dade Schools District wide School Safety Committee • Miami-Dade Schools District wide School Assessment Committee

What are the core principles that guide your life and how you make decisions?

Listen to all sides of an issue and work to create a consensus that both sides can accept.

What interests you about running for office?

I want to serve the people and promote the idea of a municipal bank.

What single issue do you think is the most critical for the city to address at this time?

Promoting job growth, economic development, and tax relief by creating a municipal bank. We can create our own local bank, one that serves our local economy. With our own municipal bank, we can leverage our tax dollars to provide loans for our small businesses, generate new revenue, provide business tax relief, keep families in their homes, protect residential real estate values and ultimately significantly reduce taxes.

What would you bring to the commission that would help improve the lives of South Miami residents?

Advocate for more resources to improve our public schools, maintain our parks and build a revenue neutral community pool, work to build a vibrant, safe, livable, and green South Miami, promote safety and security in all neighborhoods of South Miami, and promote transparent government with open town meetings.

What role do you think the city should take in business development for our retail district, and commercial development in our commercial districts?

The city should partner with our business community to promote appropriate levels of growth and development.

What would you do to help socially connect all citizens of the city and to promote civic engagement and participation in community events?

Use social media to promote transparent government with open town meetings.

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Early voting: February 11th & 12th Last day to vote: February 14th Vote at: South Miami City Hall 6130 Sunset Drive Call 305-663-6338

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CANDIDATE PROFILE Bob Welsh - Commission Seat Group 3 Number of years living in South Miami: 22 years What is your educational background?

Gables Elementary, Ponce Junior High, Gables High ‘71, FIU ’76 BA political Science (pre-law track), Minor in History, Minor in Cuban Studies.

What is your present job? And for how long?

Homebuilder, semi-retired also owner and manager of rental property.

Have you ever served/or now serve on a city board or committee?

Please note any other civic or community involvement not limited to South Miami.

Environmental Review and Preservation Board • Frequent speaker at City Commission meetings • Participant in all South Miami charrettes and workshops • Volunteer in multiple elections • Member of the South Miami Neighbors Association • Creator and co-producer of the “1981 Little Havana, July 4th Parade” • Volunteer at the Center for Great Apes, Wauchula, FL What are the core principals that guide your life and how you make decisions?

“Love they neighbor… Do unto others… Pay your workers well… ” — Jesus

Where are we going?

This year marks the 85th anniversary of the founding of the City of South Miami.

First founded near Cocoplum, the settlement grew up in the late 1890s and early 1900s. With the advancement of Flagler’s railroad, the development moved to what we now know as US1 and Sunset Drive.

First named Larkins, in honor of its founder, the city was later chartered in 1927.

We had a charrette in the early ‘90s to envision a new “downtown” South Miami.

Residents, business owners, homeowners and commercial property owners came together under the guidance of an urban planning group to put pencil to paper. It was a great exercise together – good synergy and good positive thinking. (I was pleased to have been part of that process.)

Subsequently “The Hometown Plan” was enacted by the City Commission. It provided a blueprint for future growth in our “downtown district” and more immediately allowed for outdoor dining, wider sidewalks, and other pedestrian amenities that have helped draw residents and visitors to our retail/restaurant district.

Dorn Avenue (SW 59 Avenue) was the demonstration project; improvements on Sunset Drive followed a couple of years later coincidental with the construction of The Shops at Sunset Place.

“If you don’t have cause worth dying for you don’t have a reason to live.” — Dr. King “Those who can’t remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

— Santayana “God, grant me the courage to change the things that I can, the serenity to accept the things I can’t, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

“Con todos y para el bien de todos.”

(Everything for the common good) — José Marti

What would you bring to the commission that would help improve the lives of South Miami residents?

Honesty, open ears, common sense, creativity, patience, humility, frugality, strong work ethic, humor, knowledge of South Miami’s history, and blue collar perspective gained from 30 years as a builder will assure South Miami quality services and products.

But foremost, I respect all of my fellow citizens. For many years I communicate with the residents in all parts of South Miami and they explained to me what they value about our city.

What interests you about running for office?

• Maintain the small town character ( I don’t support large scale annexation) • Lower our property taxes while maintaining the services (we can still do better) • Keep city administration accountable (No more no bid contracts) • Assure residents’ safety • Complete all traffic-calming projects Further I will work to: • Increase green space (if fiscally possible) • Support Sustainability efforts • Ease County/FDOT traffic calming criterion • Keep grocery store within the city boundaries

What role do you think the city should take in business development for our retail district, and commercial development in our commercial district?

City government should provide all the services they provide to the rest of the city. Furthermore, I believe that city government should have open lines of communication with all taxpayers, including business owners.

I will always be available to listen to ideas that will enhance our business district and encourage the discussion of the same ideas on the dais.

What single issue do you think is the most critical for the city to address at this time?

The most critical issue is preserving our “small town character.”

Multiple large projects might come in front of the City Commission soon and it is important to assure that they fit the scale of the surrounding areas.

What would you do to socially connect all citizens of the city and to promote civic engagement and participation in community events?

Communication, communication, communication. Many residents know my flyers and appreciate the information. If I’m elected I will definitely continue to spread the word and encouraged my fellow residents to get involved.

“Beware the delusional mask.

‘DEVELOPERS’.”

After thirty Those are the peoplus years of livple who are often ing in South Commentary by John Edward Smith berated as they Miami, raising attempt to invest their money into our my daughter, building my business, and town. Go figure! Where would many of being involved in civic affairs, I would us be in this town if a “developer” didn’t characterize the sentiment from the dais, put shovel to the ground to build our homes particularly in these last four years, as and commercial properties to house our finger-pointing at past officials. Fingershops and restaurants. pointing is not governance!

We need to have people invest in our It is time to work together – ALL taxpaycommunity and invest in our future. As a ers, commercial and residential. It is essenhomeowner, do you want to pay more than tial to embrace economic development and 50% of the property tax burden, or do you a positive growth attitude. want to grow up and realize that a real city The City must embrace our business runs with a healthy mix? The real issue in community – it’s good common sense and my mind with some of “activists” who good business. If our “mom and pop” busitaunt the city commission is that they want nesses (which is the essential fabric of what to pretend they are living in the suburbs makes us a unique and desirable commuwhere tax on private homes support the nity) don’t succeed, we all don’t succeed. entire community. We are not Levittown, We must assure that the ad valorum tax not even close. We are an urban community base which determines our ability to propwith the sounds of the Metrorail, wailing erly run a municipal government is fair and sirens and the constant din of traffic equitable. We must build a new synergy, rushing along US1. We are an urban a participatory partnership, based on sound community with real infrastructure: a thriv- economic principals, and especially mutual ing downtown, an award-winning hospital respect. system, and a wonderfully diverse mix of Over the last several years, what has people. We are a city, not a rural or subur- been most damaging and disconcerting, in ban outpost. my estimation, is the revolving door of city Get a grip! It’s convenient to label indi- managers and in turn key staff. This has viduals as “developers” and hide behind a led to a lack of continuity with steep learn-

Quo Vadis

ing curves, a lack of forward motion, and a lack and appreciation of historicity.

South Miami is a unique community in a unique location. We must capitalize on what our founders discovered and developed. We are an urban community. In the course of the next few years, we must address what is best for the US1 corridor by way of housing and business development. We must profit from our uniqueness with our T.O.D.D. (Transit Oriented Development District) and allow it to reach its potential.

This election on Valentine’s Day is a watershed for the future of our community.

To those who are elected to fill two vacancies on the Commission and for Mayor, the message is the same. Your legacy is our future. You will be held accountable for our stability and positive growth.

As we look forward to the year 2020 – our vision should indeed be 20/20.

Commerce. Economic Development.

Growth. These are the actions which brought us through the early days, and these are the words and actions which will ensure a sound future.

John Edward Smith is a resident of South Miami since 1974.

He established his marketing/management consulting business based here in 1982, and has been active in civic and community affairs for over thirty years.

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SOUTH MIAMI

SIGHTINGS State of the City Address at the Elks Lodge

Feeling the Beat of our Community’s Heart Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. At South Miami Hospital and South Miami Heart Center, our goal is to decrease the prevalence and impact of heart disease in our community. To do so, we not only provide expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for our patients, we provide free health screenings, education and support to our community.

Heart Screenings for Heroes

City Manager Hector Mirabile (left) with key city officials

To honor our South Miami heroes during American Heart Month, South Miami Hospital is providing free health screenings for emergency medical service providers and South Miami police officers on Feb. 7 and 14, at the L. Austin Weeks Heart Rhythm Center.

Free Community Program Additionally, in March, South Miami Heart Center will host a free community event on March 24, 9 a.m.-12 noon, focused on preventing heart attack and stroke.

AED Donations

Chief of Police Martinez de Castro (center right) at hos round table

This past fall, the Heart Center donated six automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) to the City of South Miami. Cardiologist John Dylewski, M.D., spoke to city employees about the importance of having AEDs to potentially save the life of someone who goes into sudden cardiac arrest. The Center has donated nearly 530 of the lifesaving machines to schools, churches and non-profit organizations Cardiologist John Dylewski, M.D., addressed City of South throughout Miami-Dade Miami employees and police officers about the importance of having automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, onsite.

County and the Caribbean.

Heart Walk To support life-saving heart and stroke research, 300 South Miami Hospital employees participated in the Miami-Dade Heart Walk in October. Together, our employees raised $32,000. Baptist Health South Florida raised nearly $200,000 and was recognized as the top fundraiser.

Heart-healthy Tips CEO of South Miami Hospital Lincoln Mendez with Rooney Brodies and Jessica Berrin

Mayor Philip Stoddard and wife Gray Read applaud Fransisco Williams’ South Miami Middle School orchestra.

Administrative Sergent Michael Weissberg and his team, (l-r) Sgt. R. Bukens, Ofc. J. Vijil, Ofc. W. Baumer, Sgt. R. James, Sgt. H. Guzman, Sgt. M. Weissberg

Because prevention of heart disease is key, experts from the Heart Center offer these tips to keep you and your family healthy: 1. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

2. Incorporate aerobic, strength, resistance and flexibility training into your workouts.

Consult with your physician before beginning any exercise routine.

3. Stay hydrated.

4. Eat three to five servings per day of fruits and vegetables.

5. Control your portions.

6. Limit your intake of saturated fats to less than 7 percent of your daily calories and keep your trans-fat level to less than 1 percent.

7. Limit your intake of sodium to less than 2300 mg a day – about one teaspoon.

8. Know your numbers. Your total cholesterol should be less than 200. HDL (the good guy) should be greater than 50 for women and greater than 40 for men. LDL (the bad guy) should be less than 100. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80.

9. Reduce your stress.

For more heart-healthy information, visit SouthMiamiHeart.com.

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Charities Benefit from Fat Tuesday Breakfast at Westin charities who are using this breakfast to share in the day and in the proceeds. Among Westin’s charity partners are the Rotary Club of South Miami and Coral Gables, various Women’s Clubs, and even some local youth The Westin Colonnade will celebrate athletic leagues.

Starting at 7:30 a.m.

Mardi Gras on Tuesday, Feb. 21, helping raise funds for local charities as well as rais- until 10:30 a.m., join the ing dollars for Give Kids the World fun with door prizes and a (GKTW). GKTW is a non-profit organiza- fabulous menu prepared tion that exists only to fulfill the wishes of by the Westin Colonnade’s all children with life-threatening illnesses Executive Chef Thomas and their families from around the world to Russo. The menu inexperience a memorable, joyful, cost-free cludes a flaky French visit to the Central Florida attractions, and Quarter croissants, Danto enjoy the magic of Give Kids The World ish, muffins, fluffy scrambled eggs with Creole Village for as long as there is a need.

More than 112,000 children have had herbs, grilled Bayou their dream come true at Give Kids The chorizo sausages, Cajun World. No child in need has ever been spiced breakfast potatoes, turned away and these trips provide not just brioche French toast with a dream come true for children battling ill- caramelized bananas and nesses but also gives brothers, sisters, moms bourbon custard sauce as Horace Feliu with representatives of the Alzheimer’s Association at a recent meeting of South Miami Rotary. and dads a happy experience and so many well as freshly brewed –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Starbucks coffee, fresh memories.

100 % of the $10 ticket price goes to char- squeezed orange juice and Not Quite to use this as an employee appreciation clients make the perfect choice. Sutta not ity because the Westin Colonnade is under- Bloody Mary’s. To reserve you tickets, call event and, with the early start time, most only sold his business acumen but was also writing the entire breakfast. In fact, the the Westin’s General Manager Mike Wurster everyone can enjoy breakfast and still be at helping raise funds for his son’s Perrine Baseball & Softball Assoc. by selling raffle Westin has reached out to several other local at 305 441-2600. Companies are encouraged work on time.

At a recent meeting of the South tickets. Those same Profit members were Miami Rotary Club, members en- treated the very next week on Jan. 26, to an joyed a presentation by the open house at the offices of Community Alzheimer’s Association’s Sarine Newspapers.

Finally, save March 3rd for the GFWC Salama, Ricardo Mualin and Amy Gyau-Moyer. The trio shared with Coral Gables Woman’s Club Annual Casino Rotarians some interesting infor- Night fundraiser at 1009 East Ponce de Leon mation on this great community Blvd. in Coral Gables. Tickets for the fun resource and answered many filled evening are only $25 per person and questions. For those who may benefit the Club’s free children dental clinic. know people dealing with this and For more information or tickets, call Dr. Iris want more information, visit Torres at 305 446-1047. www.alz.org/seflorida. Rotary Until next time, keep making each day President Horace Feliu who pre- count. sides over the South Miami Club If you would like to submit information thanks the presenters for their in- for this column, please send your news via formative talk. By the way, South e-mail to gloriagalburns@aol.com.

Miami Rotary meets every TuesUntil next time, keep making each day day, 12 noon, at Carrabba’s on So. count.

Miami. Visiting Rotarians are alIf you want to submit information for this ways welcomed to attend. column, please send your news via email to In other association news, Profit <gloriagalburns@aol.com>.

Inc., one of the oldest business clubs in Miami Dade County, members heard about the latest technology for credit card paySeen here at recent Profit Inc. lunch meeting are Tony Mendez, of Trophyland USA Inc.; Mike Sutta, of SuperSwipe ment from Mike Sutta, a man who Inc.; John Sorgie, of Sunset Quickprint; Gloria Burns, of Miami’s Community Newspapers; and Elgin Polo, of Kabat. has a background in accounting Schertzer.De la Torre.Taraboulos. and technology that helps him help

GloriaBurns

GLORIA’S GAB

Remember to VOTE on Tuesday, February 14th

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MCH breaks ground on six-story Advance Pediatric Care Pavilion

BY JENNIFER CAMINAS

Miami Children’s Hospital broke ground in December on a planned six-story Advanced Pediatric Care Pavilion, a state-of the-art facility that will optimize the care environment in the hospital’s pediatric and neonatal intensive care units.

The 212,000-square-foot pavilion will incorporate the latest medical technology and familyfriendly enhancements, including converting beds in the hospital’s critical care units to private-bed rooms.

The MCH Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit provide care for critically ill newborns and children referred for advanced care by hospitals throughout Florida as well as the Caribbean.

All construction is confined to the center of Miami Children’s main campus in the community of Schenley Park, near Coral Gables.

Children from Miami Children’s Hospital’s Child Care Center take part in a groundbreaking for the hospital’s planned new Advanced Pediatric Care Pavilion. Pictured (l-r) are Joshua Casuso, Timmy Kinnebrew, Mia Campbell, Nicholas Acebal and Vincent Abreu.

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“The planning process for these new facilities has included extensive guidance from patients, families and caregivers to ensure that they meet the needs of those we serve,” said Dr. M. Narendra Kini, president and CEO of Miami Children’s Hospital. “We look forward to offering a care environment that is consistent with the standard of care for which the hospital is renowned.”

The project, to be completed in 2014, is expected to infuse approximately $90 million into the local economy and will create approximately 678 new jobs in construction, manufacturing and transportation.

“Our Advanced Pediatric Care Pavilion is not only a gift to the children and families for whom we provide care, it is our hope that it is a tremendous blessing to the larger community we call home,” said Gary Gregory, chair of the hospital’s board of directors.

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Lauren’s Light to celebrate fundraiser in Grove, Feb. 18

BY ROBERT HAMILTON

Lauren’s Light, a non-profit charity that empowers and supports families with young children in which a parent has cancer, will celebrate its annual fundraiser, “Family Matters,” on Saturday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m., at 3390 Mary St. in Coconut Grove.

Family Matters will be a light-hearted conversation with syndicated humorist, author and Pulitzer Prize winner Dave Barry, his wife and Miami Herald sportswriter Michelle Kaufman, and Books & Books owner Mitchell Kaplan.

There will be complimentary food and beverages donated by Town Kitchen & Bar, Bacardi, and Milam’s Markets. A live auction will feature an Azamara Club Cruise European Cruise for two, and fabulous silent auction items will include hotel stays, top restaurants, jewelery, and sports, gift, and personal items.

One hundred percent of all proceeds will go to Lauren’s Light, a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in Coconut Grove.

Tickets are $75. Purchase tickets at <www.laurenslight.org> or call 305-2851202 for more information and to RSVP.

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Boys and Girls Clubs-Kendall ready to ‘shoot some hoops’

BY DUREE ROSS

CUSTOM SUITS • EXPERT ALTERATIONS At John the Tailor our mission statement is “to produce high quality men’s custom suits and shirts that fit as close to perfect the very first time.

Also, we know how important alterations are to you, and we offer the best alterations Miami has to offer.”

We have served the Miami community for over 28 years, Call us to schedule an appointment, at:

(305) 667-8768

5609 South West 74th Street, South Miami For more about this extraordinary family of tailors, visit:

www.johnthetailor.net

Many Miami children ages 10-16 soon will be “shooting some hoops” and having fun through the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s basketball program at its Kendall Club, 9475 N. Kendall Dr. Registration at the Kendall Club begins on Feb. 7.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s sports programs are designed to provide a safe and healthy environment so that children can learn team skills, increase selfesteem, build character, become positive role models, and increase motivation as

well as specific skills related to the sport.

Sports programs are available during the afternoon to the early hours of the night, Monday through Saturday. This is the time of day when children, especially teens, are more likely to engage in harmful activities. Coaches are volunteers who help the children learn proper techniques for the sport.

Registration fee of $135 (includes uniform, trophy and insurance) per child for the season.

For more information call the Kendall Club at 305-279-3013 or visit online at <www.bgcmia.org>.

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Farm Bureau to honor Alice Pena as agriculture’s Woman of Distinction

BY ROBERT HAMILTON

The Dade County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee has announced that Alice Pena of PNS Farms is the 2012 Woman of Distinction in Agriculture. Pena will be honored during the seventh annual Women in Agriculture Luncheon on Friday, Feb. 10, 11:30 a.m., at Schnebly Redland’s Winery and Brewery in Homestead.

Pena was selected based on her valuable

contributions to South Dade agriculture and agribusiness. Previous recipients of this award are Sally Stribling, Denisse Schnebly, Medora Krome, Angela DelliVeneri, Joann Spears, Maria Costa Smith and Mary Burr.

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Lynda Bell is the featured speaker for the luncheon.

Tickets for the event are $35 each and RSVPs are required. Call Theresa Smith at 305-246-5514 to RSVP.

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Cupid Takes Aim at Angelique for

The “Little Miracle on the Mile” will offer special dinner and brunch menus

Feb. 10-12 and Feb. 14 Valentine’s 4-Course Prix-Fixe Dinner $49 plus glass of French sparkling wine.

Some of the dishes include Pine Nut-Crusted Goat Cheese & Prosciutto Salad, Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola Mashed Potatoes, Seafood Risotto and Char-Grilled Swordfish among others.

Valentine’s Weekend Brunch Feb. 11 - 12 Enjoy brunch on Saturday and Sunday featuring such delectables as Salmon Carpaccio, Creole Grits, Rioja Steak-n-Huevos and Torreja with Crème Anglaise & much more.

117 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables Tel. 305.529.9922

www.angeliqueeurocafe.com Recognized by Florida International Magazine, Florida Best Eateries 2011

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February 7 - 20, 2012

Upscale Furniture Consignment Gallery

Winter Specials Up To

50% OFF

We have something special for everyone. Fine antiques to contemporary pieces. Find one piece or decorate your entire room!

In the Famous Warehouse District by the Falls next to Battaglia Shoes Rita Schwartz- Owner

8845 SW 132 St. • Miami, FL 33176

Open: Monday to Friday 10:30am - 6pm • Sat. & Sun. 10am - 5pm

www.upscalefurnitureconsignmentgallery.com

305.491.5651

info@upscalefurnituregallery.com

February 7 - 20, 2012

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a h u

e h t ve

o y Show Her Stones

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13797 South Dixie Highway Miami, Florida 33176 305.232.5299 mira13797@gmail.com

Happy Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day from your Neighborhood jeweler serving Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay for over 25 years

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Dade County Farm Bureau announces 2 promotions

BY LEE STEPHENS

Dade County Farm Bureau president Alice Pena has announced the promotions of Debbie Brady to executive director and Theresa A. Smith to associate director at Dade County Farm Bureau.

“We are very proud of the work that both Ms. Brady and Ms. Smith have accomplished for our organization,” Pena said.

“Their loyalty and hard work for the Farm Bureau, our members and affiliates have allowed us to become a stronger voice for agriculture.

“They have carried out their duties in the

most responsible, professional and courteous manner; their outreach has touched not only our agricultural industry as a whole in all its facets, but our communities at large and all that it encompasses as well. Kudos to them both.”

Dade County Farm Bureau represents more than 4,000 members, over 1,000 of whom are involved actively in agribusiness and represent over 900 agricultural operations. Dade County farmers provide an economic impact of more than $2.57 billion to the local and state economies.

For more information, visit on the Internet at <www.dade-agriculture.org>.

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Romance your sweetheart with a ‘Singing Valentine’

BY LEE STEPHENS

The Singing Miamians of Pinecrest again this year are offering Singing Valentines on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day. Recipients are entertained in their home or office with two love songs performed by a tuxedoed barbershop quartet. They also receive a rose, a card with a personal note from the sender and a digital photograph to preserve the event.

For 35 years The Singing Miamians

have been saying “I love you” in song while leaving sweethearts speechless.

Often the unique gift draws a crowd and usually some tears as well.

Singing Valentines cost $75 for a fourhour delivery window and are delivered anywhere in Miami-Dade County. More time precise delivery options are available at an additional cost.

To schedule a Singing Valentine for your sweetheart, call 305-274-7464 or go online to <www.miamians.org> before Feb. 14.

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Alhambra Orchestra to present compositions by Brahms, Grieg

BY HELEN HAUSER

The Alhambra Orchestra, with principal conductor Alfred Gershfeld, piano soloist Mia Vassilev and guest conductor Scott Flavin, presents “Classic Celebration” featuring Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 and Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor on Sunday, Mar. 4, 7 p.m., at RansomEverglades School, 3575 Main Hwy. in Coconut Grove.

Admission and parking are free; no reservations needed except for large

groups. Call 305-668-9260 or visit online at <www.alhambramusic.org>.

Dr. Vassilev, a Barry University faculty member, has performed throughout the U.S., Mexico, China, Germany and Italy, and has been broadcast on the Classical Radio Network in Bulgaria. Gershfeld, conductor and composer, had an extensive career in his native Russia and toured around the world before coming to Miami where he is associate professor and orchestra director at the New World School for the Arts.

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All-County Middle School Honor Orchestra returns

Conductor Brian Powell is pictured with the students at the rehearsal before the concert.

(Photo by Tinder Burris) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY GARY ALAN RUSE

The Miami-Dade County Public Schools All-County Orchestra, a tradition for 30 years in South Florida, was eliminated seven years ago due to budget cuts. It was reinstated this year thanks to the efforts of music teacher Tinder Burris who taught at Southwood Middle School in Palmetto Bay for a number of years.

Burris left Southwood to tackle some new challenges. One of them was especially close to her heart.

“This year I took on a new project to reinstate the All-County Middle School Honor Orchestra, except it will not be sponsored or supported through the school system,” Burris said. “I secured a grant from the American String Teachers Association. Our grant proposal was one of only five in the country to receive funding.”

Burris also was able to secure the

University of Miami Gusman Hall free of charge through the generosity of School of Music Dean Shelly Berg. The composite orchestra featured 82 of the top middle school string students from Miami-Dade public and private schools. The conductor was UM Professor Brian Powell, and the concert took place on Jan. 21.

“This is a tremendous boost for our local middle school string music teachers and students,” Burris said. “It gives credibility and prestige to what I and middle school orchestra teachers do on a daily basis.”

The concert, the first of what is hoped to once again be an annual event, had a turnout of about 200 people.

“When planning this event we wanted to make sure every middle school aged child in Miami-Dade County had a chance to participate. We even had some home-schooled students in the orchestra.”

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Loretta Armada Vengoechea thinks that love is in fashion

Loretta Armada Vengoechea is pictured in her shop, The Closet Boutique.

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BY GARY ALAN RUSE

Loretta Armada Vengoechea, who left the fashion world of New York City more than two years ago to settle in South Florida and open a shop, called The Closet Boutique, at 6354 Bird Rd., loves the area, her work and Valentine’s Day. “What I love about South Florida is that it is so rich in culture,” Vengoechea said.

“People live life to the fullest and are truly passionate about everything they do. From the beautiful weather, fabulous fashion and gorgeous beaches, it is an ideal place for all fashionistas to see and be seen.”

Vengoechea is a fashion graduate from Parson’s University in NYC, worked at Elle magazine in New York and was a fashion publicist for Etro magazine for several years.

Her shop is packed with trendy, yet affordable, ladies wear and with February a peak month for romance, she expects more shoppers to drop by.

“Valentine’s Day is a great way to tell that special someone you love them, especially with a new outfit or accessory,” she said. “The ideal gift for anyone is usually a gift certificate so that special someone can come in and pick something that they love.

“We also carry a wide selection of jewelry including ‘Love’ necklaces and bracelets for under $100. If you’re looking for a fabulous outfit for a night out, The Closet Boutique has a variety of clothing including amazing dresses, tops, colored skinny jeans, jumpers, skirts and so much more in sever-

al colors, styles and prints.”

Vengoechea said that her interest in stylish clothing goes back a long way and might not have happened without family encouragement.

“I have always been in love with fashion and how one can express themselves with clothing and accessories,” she said. “My mother had a lot to do with my passion for fashion. She always supported me from eight-hour shopping trips searching for that perfect outfit, going to fashion school in New York City and, most importantly, opening up my own boutique. There would be no Closet Boutique without my mother.”

Vengoechea said The Closet Boutique is known for its quality clothing and accessories at extremely affordable prices, inspired by the trendy LA nightlife and NYC street scene.

“Ladies can leave the store with an entire outfit for less than $100 and, of course, a smile,” she said. “We pride ourselves on exceptional service and I use my background as a fashion stylist to help each and every one of my customers come up with the perfect look for any occasion.

“We build friendships with our customers and really try to provide a friendly environment where they can have some retail therapy, come home with a great outfit and, most importantly, feel amazing about themselves.”

The Closet Boutique is open Tuesday through Saturday, from noon to 8 p.m. For more information call 305-668-6472.

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Pine Lake Shopping Center welcomes Arcade Odyssey

BY LEE STEPHENS

Miami-based Suchman Retail Group (SRG) recently welcomed Arcade Odyssey as a tenant at Pine Lake Shopping Center, which is located at SW 120th Street and 117th Avenue in Kendall, joining Island Spice Jamaican Restaurant, Lillo’s Pizza, Cingular Wireless, Pool Zone and others.

The 2,475-square-foot arcade features black light reactive carpeting and paint, and offers gamers the thrilling experience of dozens of video games from the 1980s through present day.

The arcade’s owner, Rick Medina, has been an avid collector for decades and is a master craftsman at restoring and maintaining old arcade games. Medina’s arcade game collection numbers more than 300, which allows him to change games out on a monthly basis in order to keep the gaming experience at Arcade Odyssey fresh and exciting. In a nod to video arcade nostalgia of the ’80s, the facility’s play runs on a token system.

Arcade Odyssey also boasts a number of extremely rare arcade games in addition to

Arcade Odyssey offers gamers the thrilling experience of dozens of video games from the 1980s through present day.

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

many others only seen in Japan, and features a menu of exotic snacks and beverages from Japan and several other countries around the world.

The facility offers regularly scheduled events including a weekly Ladies’ Night on Thursdays, where ladies can play at the Tournament table free of charge from 5 p.m. through closing, as well as CosPlay Saturday occurring the first Saturday of every month, where patrons are invited to show up in costume, receiving $2 in free tokens. The winner of the night’s CosPlay contest receives an additional $5 in tokens plus a snack and a beverage of his or her choice.

“I’ve really enjoyed turning a career and

hobby into an enterprise that everyone can enjoy,” Medina said. “We try to offer a little bit of something for everyone, from arcade classics like Pac-Man and Joust to rider simulation games like Sega Wave Runner, NASCAR Racing and Tsumo, to the latest arcade titles from around the world such as Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition and King of the Fighters XIII.” Arcade Odyssey also features several pinball machines which will be changed out every couple of months to keep the pinball enthusiasts coming back, and a room with networked player-vs-player games with 3D, 180-degree rotating monitors and rumble seats, which simulate the sound and vibrations of the game as it is being played.

The facility was scheduled to host the first of its monthly tournament series on Saturday, Feb. 4.

“Arcade Odyssey will appeal to everyone from video game purists to children and teens — and their parents,” Medina added.

“Arcade Odyssey offers a terrific alternative to the usual family night or date night outings, as well as a haven for gaming enthusiasts,” said Lawrence Suchman, president and CEO of SRG. “We’re thrilled to welcome them as a tenant and to our community.”

Arcade Odyssey is located at 12045 SW 117 Ave. in Kendall. It is open MondayThursday from 2 to 9 p.m., Friday from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Anyone interested in leasing space at Pine Lake or another of SRG’s centers with availability can call Ana Vega-Garcia at 305-667-6461, ext. 11, or email <info@suchmangroup.com>. Information about available spaces also can be found on the company’s website at <www.suchmangroup.com>.

February 7 - 20, 2012

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Letter to the Editor Operation Christmas Child says ‘thank you’ Miamians To the Editor: Thanks to the generous efforts of Miami residents, thousands of hurting children worldwide had, or will have, the opportunity to experience the joy of Christmas.

Miami residents joined Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, to pack 5,428 shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and necessity items. These giftfilled shoeboxes are making their way — or have already made their way — into the hands of needy children in 100 receiving countries.

On behalf of our community, I would like to thank the volunteers at local collection sites and everyone who packed an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift. For many of the children receiving these boxes, the simple shoebox will be the first gift they have ever received.

Although the Miami drop-off locations are closed until November 2012, gifts are received throughout the year at Samaritan’s Purse, 801 Bamboo Rd., Boone, NC, 28607. If you would like to get involved year-round in helping children in need through Operation Christmas Child, go online to <www.samaritanspurse.org/occ> or call 1-407-852-3727.

Thanks again to everyone who participated in this project. A simple gift, packed with love, can communicate hope and transform the lives of children worldwide.

Sincerely, Cindy Beyer Regional Director, Florida/Puerto Rico Operation Christmas Child

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February 7 - 20, 2012

Biscayne NP Family Fun Fest looks at animal superpowers

BY GARY BREMEN

Batman, Catwoman and Spiderman are cool, but the real stories behind the superpowers of some of Biscayne National Park’s animals are mindblowing.

The Feb. 12 installment of Biscayne National Park’s multiple-award-winning Family Fun Fest will look at animal communication, navigation, defense and predation. The free event takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the park’s Dante Fascell Visitor Center, nine miles east of Homestead. Free bus transportation will be provided from Florida City City Hall and the Homestead YMCA. Family Fun Fest participants receive a passport that will guide them through five hands-on and engaging activity stations located around the visitor center.

Stations include: Sensitive Sharks — Some of the ocean’s most fear-inducing predators are actually pretty sensitive in ways humans can hardly imagine.

Ready! Aim! Fire! — If you think snails are just slow-moving vegetarians, think again!

Watch Me Disappear — Camouflage so amazing, it seems like magic.

Tawk on Tawk — A seahorse, a fiddler crab and a treehopper meet on the set of the zaniest TV talk show this side of New Yawk City.

Tu rtle Travels — Sea turtles travel thousands of miles in their lives. How do they know where to go?

Participants who complete all activities will earn a specially designed button to remember the day. Earning

all five buttons in a season earns a Family Fun Fest Fanatic award in April. Fans of the park’s Facebook page will receive a clue to a special “Bonus Station” on the Facebook page on Sunday morning.

Future Family Fun Fests are: Biscayne Wr ecktacular!, Mar. 11 — Discover the mysteries of the deep from five wrecks along the park’s Maritime Heritage Trail.

Skeleton Crew, A p r. 15, (a week later than usual due to Easter) — Take a look inside all kinds of critters, from corals and fish to manatees and dolphins.

Free bus transportation, made possible by the event’s sponsors, will be available from the Florida City City Hall (departing at 12:45 p.m.) and the Homestead YMCA (departing at 1:45 p.m.); call 305-230-1144, ext. 007, for details.

Family Fun Fest’s Season 12: Myth, Magic and Mystery is made possible through a generous grant from the Captain Bob Lewis Billfish Challenge and the Bobby Duryea Fund at the South Florida National Parks Trust, with additional support from the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves and a host of dedicated volunteers.

The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is located at 9700 SW 328 St., nine miles east of Homestead. Call 305-230-7275, ext. 0, or visit the park’s website at <www.nps.gov/bisc> for more information. For regular updates from the park, “like” on Facebook at <www.Facebook.com/BiscayneNPS> and “follow” on Twitter at <www.twitter.com/BiscayneNPS>.

February 7 - 20, 2012

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Hansen releases second novel using Miami as its backdrop

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

Miami author Joan Hansen’s latest book, Miami Revisited: Decade of Deceit, a follow-up to her novel 100 Years in Miami: Betrayal Under the Palms, has been released.

Her first book, 100 Years in Miami, covered the era from 1896 to 2000 and was popular enough that her readers requested a sequel.

The first book is about two brothers coming down to clear the land for Henry Flagler’s railroad and the first hotel built in Miami, the Royal Palm.

“It’s a family saga,” Hansen said. “Even though that part is fictitious, it weaves in the history of Miami in the first 100 years.”

The second book continues to follow the Donegon family and explores the drama of the next decade. In the book, Kaitlin Donegon carries on the family tradition but suspicion runs high as it becomes clear someone is trying to wrest the company away from her.

The history of earned a master’s degree at Western Florida, including the Carolina University. elections and other In Chicago, she worked as a newsFlorida controversies paper reporter and as an advertising are highlighted in the copywriter. Then, when she married book. and had children, she moved to “The fictitious part is Miami with her young family. what happened to the “My mother and dad had retired family,” she said. down here,” she said. “This was This is Hansen’s third Joan Hansen where we wanted to live. We came book. The second book, ––––––––––––––––––– down and I got my first teaching job Bitter Tears, came out in at Perrine Elementary. I was in the old one 2010 but is not about the Magic City. that was right on the highway.”

The historically set books were inspired As Joan Rindfuss, she worked her way up by her mother, grandmother and great-grand- to assistant principal at Coral Reef mother.

Elementary and stayed there for 11 years.

“My mother came down in 1926 and She spent summer school as principal at taught one of the first kindergarten classes in Palmetto Elementary and F.C. Martin. She Miami Beach,” Hansen said. “There were 80 married Claude Hansen in 2000. children in that kindergarten class.”

“I’d always wanted to write a novel. I’d Her family lived in the Allapattah district been in journalism,” she said. “It wasn’t until at the time. my retirement that I actually sat down and Hansen said her family came down to escape the cold, first her mother and then her wrote this novel that my mother had encouraged me to write. It took me a few years to grandmother and great-grandmother.

“I grew up hearing stories,” she said. get around to it. Once I got into my research “They had always asked me to write a book I found it fascinating.”

She arrived in Miami in 1962. about Miami. That’s what inspired me in the “It was the year for the Cuban Missile first place.

Crisis,” she said. “The equipment for war Hansen’s mom went up north to marry Hansen’s dad and they came back down to came down right by the school on the tracks.”

Miami when Hansen was 4.

Miami Revisited: Decade of Deceit is “I was in her kindergarten class.”

Her family went to Chicago when Hansen available on Amazon and at Barnes and was 6 and that’s where she grew up. Hansen Noble.com. It is available in an e-book ediattended Hillsdale College in Michigan and tion and soft cover.

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February 7 - 20, 2012

GrassRoots Music Festival to take centerstage at Virginia Key Beach

BY ANTHONY JACKSON

In the spirit of family, cultural celebration and fun, the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park will serve as home to the world-renowned GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance, Feb. 9-12.

The four-day event will showcase some of the world’s most amazing and respected talents from over 50 performing groups whose genres include: Roots Rock, Reggae, Hip-Hop, Latin, Funk, Cajun, Bluegrass, African, Kompa, World Beat and Zydeco.

Grammy Award-winning performers Chaka Khan, The Del McCoury Band and Arrested Development will headline the inaugural festival along with the legendary ska/reggae band Fishbone, Donna the Buffalo, BeauSoleil avec Micheal Doucet and several South Florida local favorites such as Locos Por Juana, Suenalo and ArtOfficial.

Founded 22 years ago as a not-for-profit supporting arts, education, and the fight against AIDS, the GrassRoots Festival Organization has grown into a multi-dimensional and multi-state platform for community engagement.

The Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance is the inaugural winter season GrassRoots Festival and will take place at Miami’s Historic Virginia Key Beach Park.

The Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival joins New York’s Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival and North Carolina’s Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival in a not-for-profit festival triumvirate that spans four seasons.

The four-day festival will include a Kids’ Village with interactive programming and a Healing Arts Area hosting daily movement workshops, massage and other bodywork modalities. Local and visiting artisans will showcase and offer for sale their handcrafted works in the festival’s Crafts Area.

Four-Day Tickets are available for $100 for adults and $50 for teens (13-15). Individual day tickets are available for Thursday at $30; Friday and Saturday, $35, and Sunday, $30; children 12 and under are free.

To learn more about the Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival, performers, or to purchase tickets contact Emma Hewitt at 786332-4630 or visit online at <www.virginiakeygrassroots.org>.

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Page 39

From Savannah • Classic Rock • Fine Arts thermometer in his mouth and started working on the painting. It is her first oil-based work.

By the reaction she got at the show, there is no doubt she has a future in oil painting too. She was very adamant that Sick Daddy was not for sale.

Renee Espinosa, a Booster Mom, was glad to report, “Things went really, really well.

Tons of people, lots of sales, and even when the pieces were only there for exhibit, we had people asking how to get in touch with the student to convince them to sell!”

Pinecrest Gardens’ Director, Alana Perez, said, “The 63-artist juried show exceeded all expectation. We are thrilled with the participation and look forward to an even larger one next year.” _________________________________

From Savannah With A Smile While you can get your Girl Scout cookies at nearly any grocery market or outdoor event these days, I encourage you to seek out Troop 57’s Lauren Teller (pictured above, left) and Rebecca Bogert and buy your Thin Mints or Savannah Smiles from them. Not only are they Girl Scouts, they also volunteer at Miami Children’s Hospital singing to patients as their Gold Award project.

For the past 6 months, the musical theater students leave school each Tuesday and head right to the hospital for 3 hours of singing.

Dressed as Disney princesses and handing out homemade stickers, their group, Pigeons for Patients, puts a smile on so many faces. When Lauren and Rebecca graduate they want the program to continue, so they are organizing a group at the New World School of the Arts to ensure others take their place.

I found these two community-minded Pinecrest residents outside Wagons West a few Sundays ago. Business was good. They were proud to be helping Miami Children’s Hospital with sales proceeds and appreciative of the ability to learn through their efforts. The sale runs through February 12th. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts.

I predict New Year's resolutions will crumble, much like the cookies on sale. _________________________________

Classic Rock Gets Classier If you enjoy live music and 60s, 70s & 80’s classic rock is your thing, look no further than Mr. Nice Guy. On January 13, this amazing

Hal’s Homeowner Help Lauren Teller (left), mom Fanny Teller and Rebecca Bogert with her mom, Aileen Bogert, selling cookies outside Suniland’s Wagons West Restaurant.

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

group just celebrated their 10th anniversary together at the place it all began… Little Hoolies (across from The Falls).

Just two weeks prior, Mr. Nice Guy played at Palmetto Bay’s New Year’s Eve event Starry Night. Many at the event say that they even upstaged the headliner, American Idol’s Ruben Studdard. With selections from Cream, Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Joe Cocker and more, this band shows off their talent and range every show.

Pictures and words don’t tell the story here.

Music does. If you want a sampling, just point your browser here: http://youtu.be/k5GOCwdI0M and remember to support your local live musicians. You can see Mr. Nice Guy’s schedule at: http://mngband.com _________________________________

eye was Coral Reef Park Senior High’s Art Academy display. Inside the old Pinecrest Gardens entrance, nearly 120 students’ works consisting of photographs, paintings, drawing and jewelry graced the walls and shelves.

Patrons poured over the works with delight.

Isabella Rodriguez had two of the larger pieces in their show. When I arrived, she had just sold her acrylic Self Portrait. “I was at home and one of the parents called to tell me a couple had purchased it. My Mom was screaming she was so happy,” Isabella said.

It’s not the first sale for her either… an amazing accomplishment for such a young artist.

Her other featured piece is of her Dad. She came home to find him sick and lying on the kitchen counter. She told him to freeze, put the

As a RE/MAX Realtor®, I am often asked for house tips and tricks. As such, I will provide helpful home hints each issue.

If you own an air conditioning system, use the arrival of your electric bill as the day you perform your preventative maintenance. Make sure to change filters regularly (check every 30 days) and pour one cup of bleach into the drain line monthly to ensure it stays clear of organic build-up.

This is the first Hal’s Happenings column. I welcome hearing about interesting people and events for consideration in upcoming issues.

You can contact me at www.MiamiHal.com, hal@miamihal.com or www.facebook.com/Mia miHal. MiamiHal (Hal Feldman) is a Realtor® with RE/MAX Advance Realty. He is always available for any real estate questions you may have.

Coral Reef Senior High Defines Art

(left to right) John Quinn - keyboards, Magoo - bass, Dave Webster - drums, Louis Cheramie - vocals, Johnny O - vocals, sax, etc., Tommy Hall - guitar ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

By the gridlocked traffic and 30minute search for parking, it was clear that the Pinecrest Gardens Arts Festival had a hit on their hand. Now in it’s 9th year, I think they’ll need a “bigger park” for the next one.

On January 14th & 15th, over 16,000 people took in some amazing art, craft and food. Oh, and the weather was just perfect too.

What caught my

Senior year student, Isabella Rodriguez, stands between Sick Daddy and Self Portrait ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Page 40

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February 7 - 20, 2012

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Page 41

One Two Tree helps rejuvenate Chapman Field Park’s ball fields

One Two Tree uses this spray boom to bring the fields at Chapman Field Park back to good health.

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

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

The baseball fields at Chapman Field Park always have been beautifully maintained, but an attack of webworms was destroying the turf. And budget cutbacks meant the fields couldn’t get the quick and concentrated attention needed to fight the infestation.

Officials at Howard Palmetto Baseball Softball Association, which has a permit to use the fields, called on Marc Terwilliger, owner of One Two Tree Pest Free, to help save the grass.

“For about three and a half months we have been there every five weeks,” Terwilliger said.

“It’s not 100 percent, but we are making great headway.”

Terwilliger said at this time of year, the grass is going into a dormant stage but the weeds will be growing.

“We will be working extra hard. This property did not get this way in three months. The budgets started getting cut in ’08.”

Terwilliger figures the cutbacks might include the frequency of fertilization and weed control as well as manpower.

“That stuff is expensive. They figure we’ll keep the grass cut and it has to survive,” he said.

“But if you don’t keep the nutrients… they [the fields] were in terrible, terrible shape.”

He said in this economy, even the major golf courses in Doral and Miami Lakes have cutback maintenance.

Since the call for help, One Two Tree has done three treatments with fertilization.

“We’ve had great results,” Terwilliger said.

“The gentleman who works with the parks out there, he has been amazed with what we have been able to do.”

Terwilliger began One Two Tree, a pest control/tree trimming business, with his late brother Paul. The company is an integrated pest

management (interior and exterior) and tree service company. It employs 28-30 people.

“We started by trimming the trees,” he said.

The company grew naturally. The graduated from just trimming to fertilizing trees and then they started fertilizing the grass and so forth.

This year they purchased a vehicle to be used only for pest management services for home and office interiors.

One Two Tree is a pioneer in modern pest control methods. Terwilliger said they always have been a leader, not a follower, in going to the new, more environmentally friendly pest control standards and products.

It used to be that pest control services would go out and spray the entire yard if one small area had a problem. Now, if there is an insect problem, One Two Three sprays that one area.

“It’s better for the environment,” he said. “If we have red bugs on the palm tree, we treat the palm tree not every tree in the yard.”

The company conducts weekly training for its spray techs. And they do extensive testing to make sure everyone is up to date on the latest techniques and products.

They already have switched from granular fertilizers to liquids for 95 percent of the work they do. Terwilliger said it will not be long before granular fertilizers will be banned because of environmental concerns.

“The products are safer compared to what they were 20 years ago,” he said.

Because homeowners are not always aware of the new regulations and the need to cut back on pesticides, the folks from One Two Tree do homeowner education as well. When the customer calls to complain of a sickly lawn, a representative will visit to see the problem.

“We have a lot of brochures on how to have a healthy yard,” he said. “It’s a partnership.”

For more information, call 305-267-1426 or go online to <www.OneTwoTree.com>.

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February 7 - 20, 2012

‘Homestead Al Gusto Winter Harvest’ coming to downtown Krome Avenue

BY LEE STEPHENS

Homestead Main Street presents “Homestead Al Gusto Winter Harvest,” an event designed to bring out the public to enjoy a new phenomenon exploding across South Florida and the nation — The Food Truck Invasion.

Due to the success of the first “Homestead Al Gusto,” which took place on Nov. 11, 2011, the gourmet food trucks will revisit downtown Krome Avenue on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 6 until 11 p.m.

Along with the amazing variety and professional culinary talent that comes with the Food Truck Invasion, the event will feature local natural produce with a Chef’s Challenge. Each truck will be asked to prepare a dish in its style using produce from the Chef’s Challenge basket for a chance to win a prize.

In addition to the Food Trucks Chef Challenge, there will be a Farmer’s Market, a Children’s Corner, where the kids will be putting together “veggie” creations, as well as music and other entertainment and lots of fun things for the family.

The goal of Homestead Main Street is to promote the nationally designated Historic District as a center of commerce, culture and community. The organization aims to create an attractive place for shoppers, investors, business owners and visitors by creating a cultural center and encouraging building rehabilitation, as well as improving the streetscape to create a positive impression of Downtown Homestead.

Homestead Main Street also works to strengthen existing businesses and to encourage economic growth by identifying and facilitating opportunities for the commercial district.

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February 7 - 20, 2012

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St. Stephen’s Art Show presents annual ‘Art in the Heart’ Festival

BY ROBERT HAMILTON

Entering its 24th year, the highly anticipated St. Stephen’s Art Show (SSAS) will be celebrating its three-day festival from Saturday, Feb. 18, through Monday, Feb. 20 (9 a.m.-6 p.m. each day).

The show is presented by St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, a 100-year landmark in Coconut Grove. The show, known as one of South Florida’s most popular outdoor arts festival, will take place at the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 2750 McFarlane Rd., in the heart of the Grove.

The St. Stephen’s Art Show long has been considered a nationally important industry event. What started out as a simple hot dog stand during the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, the show has grown into an event all on its own. Ranked top in the country by Artist magazine and Sunshine Artist magazine, the St. Stephen’s Art Show is a not-for-profit

event that helps raise funds for outreach programs in the Coconut Grove and Miami area.

The show’s proceeds allow St. Stephens to offer a range of cultural, spiritual and entertainment activities to the community, as part of its vision to be “The Heart of the Grove, and Reaching Beyond.”

This show will feature local artists and others from across the nation who have been accepted into the show for 10 years or more as well as a purposeful sampling of new artists never seen at the show.

For a $2 entry fee, visitors can enjoy artwork from more than 150 renowned artists, an international food court, children’s activity area, an authentic English tea room and musical entertainment, all on the shady campus of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.

For additional information, visit online at <www.artshowss.org> or call 305-6480056.

Page 43

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

February 7 - 20, 2012

Historic Miami Marine Stadium may be given new lease on life

BY RON BEASLEY

The long dormant Miami Marine Stadium on Virginia Key soon may be given a new lease on life, thanks to the efforts of a group of concerned and very active citizens.

The City of Miami closed the stadium after Hurricane Andrew swept across south Miami-Dade County in 1992, although the storm did little damage to the concrete structure. It has lay unused and neglected for almost two decades, open to vandals, thieves and graffiti. Now, the not-for-profit Friends of Miami Marine Stadium (FMMS) is set to offer a plan to restore the bayside facility and operate it independently as an entertainment venue, at no cost to the city.

“We are the first group to come along with a serious proposal to restore and operate the stadium,” said Donald Worth, co-founder of FMMS. “The Orange Bowl, Bobby Maduro (Miami) Stadium and Miami Arena all were demolished and lost because no one could come up with a feasible plan to restore, operate and maintain those facilities.”

Worth said his organization will restore and operate the stadium without receiving any funding from the city. He explained that the estimated $30 million restoration cost will be funded through the sale of historic tax credits, a $3 million grant from a county historic preservation bond fund and a capital campaign.

“The Miami Marine Stadium will be an asset to all of South Florida and an economic generator capable of hosting one-of-a-kind events,” he said. “Visitors and Miami residents alike will once again have access to one of the best outdoor entertainment venues in the United States.”

The FMMS was formed in January 2008 under the umbrella of the Dade Heritage Trust. It recently incorporated as a standalone non-profit entity with an impressive six-member board of directors that includes Hilario Candela, co-founder of the group and the original architect for the stadium; Jorge

Marine Stadium on Virginia Key is a striking Miami landmark.

(Photo by Steven Brooke Studios)

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

Hernandez, University of Miami professor of architecture and vice chair of the National Trust for Historic Preservation; Charles Urstadt, real estate veteran and chair of the Miami Design Preservation League; Jose Mendana Jr., a CPA and champion boat racer, and Worth, a retired businessman and champion of a variety of local preservation issues.

The Marine Stadium has a colorful history. Candela was a 28-year-old Cuban with a degree from Georgia Tech when he was commissioned to design the Marine Stadium in the early 1960s. The 6,500-seat grandstand and adjoining basin were built and dredged in 1963 at a cost of $2 million. The iconic stadium was an instant landmark and the basin became a paradise for powerboat racers and fans alike. The stadium’s origamilike folded plate roof was then the largest span of cantilevered concrete in the world.

During its years of operation from 1963 to 1992, the Marine Stadium was a popular venue and hosted many events, including powerboat races, symphonies and rock concerts, Easter sunrise services, presidential appearances, talk shows and countless community events.

Performers played on a floating stage anchored just a few feet from the grandstand and oftentimes hundreds of boats would surround the stage, creating a unique entertainment environment. The roster of stars that appeared at the stadium included Jimmy Buffett, The Who, Ray Charles, America, Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops, and many others.

Over the years, a great deal of work has been done to save the stadium from the wrecker’s ball. In October 2008, the Marine Stadium was designated historic by the

Miami Historic Preservation Board. Then, in July 2010, the city’s Master Plan for Virginia Key was approved with the Marine Stadium designated as a key component. At the same time, Mayor Tomas Regalado made restoring the stadium a key priority of his administration.

Meanwhile, the plight of the stadium generated national interest and it was named to the “11 Most Endangered List” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation (2009) and placed on the “Watch List” by the World Monuments Fund (2010). Jimmy Buffett also made a video endorsing preservation of the stadium and the Miami Herald printed six editorials supporting restoration.

The next step is approval of the FMMS plan by the Miami City Commission.

For more information, go online to <www.marinestadium.org>.

February 7 - 20, 2012

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February 7 - 20, 2012

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 51

All-new 2012 Toyota Camry is the best yet Ron Beasley LET’S TALK CARS You would think that after seven generations, a company would have the idea fine tuned and honed to precision. And that is certainly the case with Toyota and the all-new 2012 Camry.

This latest version of the popular frontwheel drive, five-passenger, four-door sedan is simply the best yet and only cements a reputation for safety, reliability and quality. The new Camry is lighter and has a simple but modern form, emphasizing a wider, lower stance than previous models. The character lines are crisp and precise, with a more strongly curved door cross-section and more defined rocker panel molding (chrome accented on LE and XLE) contributing to a more expressive look.

Even the headlights have a more pronounced curvature of the main-beam unit merging into the bumper cover, while the taillight clusters wrap tightly into the body sides, the top sections extending into the

trunk panel. Fog lights are standard on the XLE and SE grades.

Camry is available in four trims — L, LE, SE and XLE — and three engine choices, all enhanced for better fuel economy and more responsive performance. A 178-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission is standard power.

The SE and XLE trims are available with a beefier 268-hp 3.5-liter V-6, also with a sixspeed automatic. Camrys with the revised 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine now offer 178 hp (an increase of nine) and 170 pounds-feet of peak torque.

The EPA says the Camry delivers fuel economy figures of 25/35 mpg and the 28 mpg combined is two mpg better than the previous generation. The 2.5-liter engine has Dual VVT-i (Dual Variable Valve Timingintelligent), which controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts for optimal performance and efficiency at all engine speeds. The Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) helps optimize torque over a broad engine speed range.

The DOHC 3.5-liter V-6, available in the SE and XLE grades, delivers 268 hp at 6,200 rpm and 248 pounds-feet of peak torque at 4,700 rpm. Enhancements boost fuel economy to 21/30 mpg, which Toyota claims is the

New Camry is wider and lower, with headlights that merge into the bumper cover and taillight clusters that wrap into the body sides and into the trunk.

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

best for any V-6 midsize sedan on the market today. The V-6 uses chain-driven camshafts and Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i).

The all-new Camry Hybrid debuts a highly revised version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, including a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2012 Camry Hybrid LE, with EPA-estimated 43/39 mpg gets a better than 30 percent boost in fuel economy compared to the previous gen-

eration, thanks largely to the new hybrid powertrain, but also due to lighter vehicle weight and optimized aerodynamics.

Pricing on the 2012 Toyota Camry ranges from $21,955 to $29,845.

Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.

Page 52

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

RayPrinciotta ON REAL ESTATE In the process of buying and/or selling properties , appraisals are required by law but can create huge stumbling blocks.

The more you are aware of possible pitfalls, the more you are able to deal with the current Florida real estate market.

The old saying, “It ain’t over til it’s over” has never been more true. You’ve made a deal, Buyer and Seller are happy, and the Buyer’s bank needs an appraisal before moving ahead. Sounds great...well, maybe... but maybe not.

Let’s look at an example, based on an actual transaction we monitored recently.

You decide to sell your home and you interview 3 real estate agents. They all make good presentations, have nice listing packages and marketing plans, and each one provides you with the all-important Comparative Market Analysis, (CMA.) Agent # 1 says, based on his CMA, the listing price should be $349,000. Agent # 2 says, based on his CMA, you should

February 7 - 20, 2012

DEAL KILLERS - PART 2: Overpricing and Ultra-Conservative Appraisals Create a Perfect Storm list at $355,000. Agent # 3 thinks your unit is so much nicer than the competition and says it should be listed at $399,000.

Of course you think your home is better than the neighbors, so you decide to go with the higher listing of $399,000. All the stars align and, two days after listing on the MLS a qualified Buyer appears who is being transferred to Miami and needs a home quickly. The offer he makes is gratifyingly near your asking price, you accept, and the buy/sell process begins. You celebrate, thinking it’s really much easier than you thought it would be.

The property goes under contract for the asking price of $390,000. The Buyer wants to finance 80%, which seems fine.

Then the Buyer’s bank sends out their Appraiser. For many reasons, none of which are in anyone’s control, local appraisals are currently coming in horribly low, way under value. The appraisal comes in at $335,000 and everyone is screaming.

So how could this happen? It turns out there were no comparable sales in the immediate neighborhood, so according to

normal and customary appraisal standards, the Appraiser expanded the search area and found a property that was similar.

Unfortunately the expanded area, while adjacent, took in a completely different neighborhood on the other side of the highway where houses historically sold for 20-25% less than where the Seller’s house was located. Thus the $335,000 figure, while completely unfair, met the current guidelines and the Appraiser does not have the authority to change the appraisal. And the bank would not lend more than 80% of the appraised value.

Let’s look at math to understand what exactly it is that throws this whole deal off kilter: Contract Price Purchase Price: $390,000 20% Deposit: $78,000 80% Mortgage: $312,000

So the Buyer comes back to the Seller and says, “I don’t have the additional $44,000 to close; plus I’m not going to overpay for the property which the appraiser says is only worth $335,000."

Regardless of the facts the appraisal is flawed, and the Buyer’s feeling is valid. Finally, the parties can’t come to terms, the contact is cancelled and now the entire selling process begins again.

The moral of this story: for the foreseeable future it appears that appraisals will be coming in low, so take this fact into consideration when pricing your condo to sell. PRICE YOUR PROPERTY RIGHT FOR TODAY’S MARKET.

Appraisal Appraisal Price: $335,000 Deposit Required: $122,000 ($44,000 extra) 80% Mortgage: $268,000

For more detail, visit www.rayonrealestate.com.

Ray Princiotta is a licensed Florida real estate broker with Accelerated Realty, Inc. Contact him at 305.494.4101 or ray@rayonrealestate.com.

February 7 - 20, 2012

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 53

South Miami Mayor Stoddard Election Interview

BY RAQUEL GARCIA

Due to charges from Mayor Philip Stoddard questioning the integrity, intelligence, and judgment of writers and editors covering issues for the South Miami News, South Miami News has decided to print Stoddard’s election interview for the paper verbatim. Clarifications are in parentheses and extraneous commentary was edited out due to space constraints.

Although the case (FEC 12-006) of elections violations against Stoddard remains open, the Florida Elections Commission sent an initial review indicating “there is no

evidence to show Mayor Stoddard campaigned based on party affiliation.”

Chair of Parks and Recreation, Richard Ward, had filed an official complaint against Stoddard stating he violated his Loyalty Oath of Office and nonpartisan status by including a disclaimer (political advertisement paid for and approved by Philip Stoddard Campaign) on an event flyer sponsored by area democrats.

Interview transcription from 1/18/12 “This election is about trust. I’d like to read you a note I got from a neighbor. It reads ‘Hi Phil, more than my support you have my trust. Honesty, competence, expertise and hard work count with me.’ To me that is what it is all about. The reason I’m running is to continue progress we’ve made in the past two years. On the financial side we’ve done wonders, the lowest property taxes in the history of the city, at least going back 30 years (earliest records) We’ve cut the budget by eight and a half percent this year.

In the last two years we’ve lowered pension costs by 20%. Moving forward we’ve reduced the size of city government, the number of city employee positions. We’ve worked pretty hard to protect the hometown

character of the city. I’m not against development but as we build up the city and tax base we preserve the reason people moved here and want to live here.

No one wants to wake up and see a wall blocking the sun into their yard and the other thing is one of the biggest issues is safe streets. You want to be able to walk and not get taken out by a car. We’ve budgeted for traffic calming and this way we are going to keep working for the residents.

We’ve put our first bike lanes the city has ever had and a bike network in the city.

The city is getting the Tree City USA Award. (Stoddard then went on to explain this was a committee of his own creation that awarded the honor).

On police and public safety—we brought back Chief Martinez de Castro who initiated community policing for safer neighborhoods. We created a new bike patrol downtown. We replaced broken police cars and equipment, fixed the broken 911 system and radio system and connected police computers to the state data base to work with other area law enforcement. (Stoddard goes on to explain a new credentialing the SMPD is undergoing-edited out due to space restrictions).

(New subject) Increasing government transparency: Monthly budgets are available online, meetings can be watched on television from home. We inherited terrible bandwidth and infrastructure (internet capacity) and are upgrading for problems.

The commission has repeatedly turned down no bid contracts. The attorney for annexation said no, the residents don’t want it. On the FPL issue, I have a meeting with the City of Miami (day of the interview) to work out an area wide strategy to fight the transmission lines, meeting with attorneys from the City of Miami, Pinecrest and Coral Gables.

On the question of decorum during televised commission meetings: I have asked Sharon McCain (on many occasions) to stop and leave the room.

Every time I ask her to leave Newman brings her back and supported by Harris and Palmer, (she was) brought back by a vote of three to two. If the commission wants a peaceful meeting they must stop overriding the chair and allow him to maintain decorum.

This did not begin here, it goes as far back as at least three administrations, three different mayors with the same people and when the city unites and agrees they want orderly chambers we will have it, when they stand behind me. There’s active undermining of the chair, and it’s been every chair.

Everybody wants the rules of order to be stronger when you are telling someone else

to be quiet but don’t want the rules imposed on them. My job is to make sure everyone gets a fair chance to speak their mind.

On Annexation: Let the residents discuss, have a workshop for more information. I’m with the residents I don’t have the information either. Maintaining the character of the city is the one unifying principle I heard from the residents when this came up before. Everyone who wrote me wanted to maintain the character of the city.

On Murray Pool: I’m in favor of the pool for many reasons. The city accepted the grant with the promise they’d build the pool and to go back on that promise would be taking the people’s money and throwing it away.

On Madison Square: I’ve been pushing to get Madison Square to move forward and it

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If re-elected: My number one objective for the next two years would be to continue doing the good things we’ve been doing for the past two years. To continue fiscal responsibility, continue making streets safer, continue protecting the quality of life of city residents.

I want an affordable pool to be built, get Madison Square off the ground, would like to see the city join the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative; the best way to improve job prospects and reduce crime.

I want to see the city keep the supermarket inside the city limits and want to see improved maintenance of our infrastructure. I want to make sure we keep a city government the citizens can trust.

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February 7 - 20, 2012

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Page 63

THEE FORMERR HOMEE OFF JACKIEE GLEASON "TV and Movie Legend" - The Honeymooners"

By Order of Current Estate Executors

ESTATE HOME & CONTENTS

Absolute Auction 19010 Merion Point Road Country Club of Miami Miami, FL 33015

TWO BIG DAYS!!

11:00 am - Saturday, February 18 1:00 pm - Sunday, February 19

PERSONAL PROPERTY TERMS: * A photo ID is required to register and bid * Preview: 1 hour prior to each auction * 15% Buyer's Premium will be added to all top bids * All items sold "As-is, Where-is" * Payments: Checks, Cash & All major credit cards accepted.

* ALL SALES ARE FINAL!

REAL ESTATE PREVIEWS: Noon - 3pm * Sunday, February 4th Noon - 3pm * Saturday, February 11th Noon - 3pm * Sunday, February 12th Noon - 3pm * Monday, February 13th Noon - 3pm * Friday, February 17th 10am - 4pm * Saturday, February 18th Noon - 4pm * Sunday, February 19th

SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER Golf Course Mansion on 3 lots Huge Main Home and "The Great One's Personal Entertainment Guest House * Screened Pool/Patio * 5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms * 9251 sq. ft. on .82 acres * 24 Hour Manned Security Gate with Roaming Security * 2 Car Garage Plus pieces owned by Jackie Gleason from the Home to be sold piece by piece including Furniture, Gym Equipment, Ralph Kramden's Bus Driver's Uniforms, Record Player and more!

In additional items we have a custom Golf Cart (street legal) * 1987 Honda 450 Rebel Motorcycle * Bronzes * Orientalia * Honeymooner's/Gleason Memorabilia * Sports Memorabilia w/certificates * Diamond Jewelry * Rolex Watch * Artwork * Patio Furniture * Important Oriental Hand Made Rugs SOME PERSONAL PROPERTY ITEMS SOLD WITH MINIMAL RESERVES

BROKER PARTICIPATION: Download the Broker Registration form (www.auctioncompanyofamerica.com) or Call: 305.573.1616 to request one.

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February 7 - 20, 2012