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The original community newspaper for the Town of Miami Lakes & surrounding areas
Vol. 45, No. 3
305-817-4078
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue gets funding to add Rescue Truck at M. Lakes Station 64 To increase the emergency response time in rapid growing areas in Miami Lakes and surrounding areas, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is adding another unit at the town’s west side fire station in April, according to Fire Chief Dave Downey. In a letter to the Town of Miami Lakes, Downey said Miami-Dade approved a budget for the unit at Station 64 located at 15325 N.W. 77 Court, which will serve residents and visitors of the city and and neighboring communities as part of the county’s regional fire rescue services. The unit will arrive at 7 a.m., Monday, April 8 at the Miami Lakes fire station. “Given the rapid growth in Miami-Dade County, this is a much-needed service enhancement,” said Downey. “I am pleased that our County Mayor Carlos Jimenez and the Board of County Commissioners approved the increased service in this year’s budget.” Downey said a ceremony to welcome the new unit will take place days before it goes into service at Station 64. “We would like to partner with your elected officials, your town manager, and of course your residents to participate in a Unit Push In ceremony as close to the day the unit is placed in service,” Downey said. “This is a long-standing tradition in the fire service, dating back to the time of horse drawn fire trucks. When a new fire truck was received, community members helped the firefighters push the unit into the station for
Nicole Henry is headline artist for Jazz Concert in the Park
MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA
MIAMI-DADE FIRE CHIEF DAVE DOWNEY the first time. This is a great event and we look forward to having you participate.” Miami Lakes town officials and residents have been requesting an additional unit at the fire station for some time now since the population has overwhelmingly increased but the county lacked funds. This fiscal year, Miami-Dade set aside funds for the new unit which drew praise from residents. Mayor Manny Cid thanked the county for adding the new unit to Miami Lakes. “On behalf of all Miami Lakes, I would like to thank Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Commissioner Esteban Bovo Jr., and Fire Chief Dave Downey for their efforts in bringing these added services to our community.”
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
Candlelight prayers for hit and run victim Nat Farber...See P. 2
Pace High cheerleaders qualify in regionals; off to state competition See details on Page 6
Community Bike Ride set for Feb. 16 Miami Lakes Neighborhood Improvement Committee will host the next Community Bike Ride on Saturday, February 16. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. for the 5.5-mile familyfriendly loop with the ride start-
A Look Inside:
ing at 9 a.m. from Miami Lakes Youth Center, 6075 Miami Lakes Drive East. Pre-registration is recommended by visiting http://feb- MONSIGNOR PACE HIGH SCHOOLʼS cheerleaders competed in regional competition in bikeride.eventbrite.com. January at Dillard High School nailing their routine and received zero deductions. The team is headed to the Floida State High School Cheerleading Competition this month.
I Vice Mayor Nelson Rodri- I Steak 2 manager John I Local student-athletes I Pace High thespians preguez calls for a transportation Pinilla recognized for saving the named to The Miami Heald’s Al- pare for Florida State and traffic summit........... ......4 life of a customer.....................8 Dade teams............................18 Thespian Festival...............26
I News and Notes of interest I Marguerite Bucchino cele- I Hialeah Miami Lakes I Community Calendar, 15, from the Town of Miami Lakes. brates her 101st birthday in style High’s champion soccer team School, sports and church news, See pages.......................6 & 7 with New Horizon friends......10 reunites after 40 years.........19 18-28, Classified ads...28-31
Candlelight vigil held for hit/run victim Nat Farber PAGE 2
FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
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By Megan Medina The Miami Laker staff On Saturday January 12, Miami Lakes resident Natalie Farber was critically injured in a hit and run accident. The accident occurred in the area of Fairway Drive and Bedlington Road in Miami Lakes. Faber was struck by an unknown vehicle around 2 p.m. and was left with serious injuries. The person responsible for this is unknown, as police are still investigating. On Thursday January 17, local friends and residents gathered together at Shula’s Athletic Club to pray for Farber’s recovery. They gathered together for a candlelight prayer and wrote messages on balloons that were released to the wind. Farber is currently being treated at Jackson Trauma Ryder Center and is in critical condition. Farber is a longtime Miami Lakes resident who used to work at the Athletic Club before retiring. She was also a teacher for over 35 years. She is still an active member at the Athletic Club, where she has met many people and created lifetime friendships. Faber is loved by many that consider her a mother figure. It shows in the amount of people that showed up to support and pray for their dear friend. There is a $5,000 reward being offered for any information regarding the accident. Anyone with any information is asked to contact (305) 471- TIPS, 1 (866) 471-8477 or visit www.crime stoppers305.com, and remain anonymous.
LOCAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY gathered at Shula’s Athletic Club for Nat Farber’s candlelight prayer.
Town qualifies as a Tree City USA Sterling City Miami Lakes continues to be recognized for its abundant, beautiful tree canopy and exceptional tree management. The Town has received Tree City USA status for 12 straight years and has received the Tree City USA Growth Award for 10 straight years. This now makes Miami Lakes a “Sterling City.” More than 3,400 communities have made the commitment to becoming a Tree City USA and have achieved the status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management: Maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending
5803 N.W. 151 Street, Miami Lakes, FL 33014
at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day. The Tree City USA Growth Award is awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation to recognize higher levels of tree care. The award highlights innovative programs and projects as well as increased commitment of resources for urban forestry. A community that has earned 10 Growth Awards is recognized as a Sterling Tree City USA. Sterling communities are regarded as leaders in community forestry and are often looking upon as innovators.
Final Movie at the Park set for Friday, Feb. 22, at Park West
Miami Lakes Youth Activities Task Force reminds residents to mark their calendars for the last Movies at the Park of the season scheduled at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 22, at Picnic Park West, 15151 N.W. 82 Avenue. Title of the last movie for the season will be announced in the February 15 Miami Laker issue. Don’t forget to bring blankets and lawn chairs for a familyfriendly evening of movie watching under the stars. Admission is free. Pizza and popcorn will be available for purchase before and during the movie. For more information, contact Leisure Services manager Kristina Labossiere at 305-3646100.
THE MIAMI LAKER
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
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Vice Mayor calls for transportation/traffic summit PAGE 4
FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
By David L. Snelling The Miami Laker staff After Miami Lakes and other northwest Miami-Dade communities indicated they were excluded from the county’s Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan, a local council member is calling for a public transportation and traffic summit in an effort to place rapid transit buses and possibly a light rail in the those areas. Miami Lakes Vice Mayor Nelson Rodriguez initially proposed to form a coalition with neighboring and nearby communities such as Hialeah, Palm Springs North, Hialeah Gardens, Doral, Miami Springs and Medley and put pressure on Miami-Dade County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) to include them in the SMART Plan. But he rescinded the second part of his proposal after Mayor Manny Cid indicated several cities may reject teaming up with Miami Lakes since they crafted out their own ideas for traffic and transportation improvements, hoping county officials would adopt them into the SMART Plan.
Rodriguez said the traffic and transportation summit would be similar to the one he and former Councilmember Tony Lama spearheaded several years ago which brought the state and county’s braintrust together to discuss the long-running traffic gridlock throughout Miami-Dade. “There are no future plans for northwest Miami-Dade that I haven’t seen from the county’s SMART Plan,” Rodriguez said at the January 15 regular council meeting. “The goal of the summit is bringing in the PTO to explain why we were excluded from the SMART Plan.” Rodriguez is also calling for town hall meetings to educate residents on the town’s traffic conditions and plans to resolve the gridlock. “We need to educate residents on where we are and where we are going to go,” he said. Rodriguez, Miami Lakes’ representative for the League of Cities’ transportation committee, said the county expanded rapid bus services to southwest Miami-Dade for areas including Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay in lieu of extending Metrorail. The SMART Plan is a comprehensive plan which advances
six rapid transit corridors to the Project Development and Environment study phase to determine the costs and potential sources of funding for the projects. The Transportation Trust has committed to work collaboratively with the County, the municipalities, the transportation partners, the community and the private sector to develop a funding strategy to use People’s Transportation Plans (PTP) funds to implement the projects in the SMART Plan. Funding for the PDE Phase is confirmed, with the Transportation Trust providing major financial support for the Beach Corridor, the East-West Corridor and the South Corridor. The Florida Department of Transportation is funding the Kendall Corridor, North Corridor and the Northeast Corridor. The plan might also include placing a light rail near the corridors in Miami-Dade at some point in the future. Rodriguez said the only north corridor in the plan is along N.W. 27 Avenue stretching to County Line Road in Miami Gardens, however, officials for both entities are at odds over extending Metrorail further
north. Christopher Ferreira, chief of staff for Miami-Dade County Commissioner Esteban Bovo, who chairs the county’s transportation committee, said Miami Lakes and surrounding areas are included in the SMART Plan. He said a park and ride is currently under construction near Miami Gardens Drive and I-75, where an express bus would transport passengers to Palmetto Metrorail station and connect them to Downtown Miami, and another express bus to Dolphin Mall using Florida’s Turnpike. The SMART Plan also includes building a park and ride facility near Dolphin Mall, where an express bus would take passengers along the east and west corridor to reach Miami International Airport, and an additional bus will connect them further south to Homestead and Florida City areas. “The SMART Plan is much more than the six corridors.” Ferreira said. “The plan also includes placing express buses in areas where people don’t live near corridors.” Ferreira said under the leadership of Bovo, FDOT has committed to TPO to fund the transportation projects at $6,230,000 for the five year work program. Cid said new Florida Governor Ron DeSantis may make some changes to the PTO and may give the town an opportunity to have its own representative on the board to make sure Miami Lakes is part of the SMART Plan. “If there’s an opening, he may consider us,” Cid said. In other Council actions: • Council members gave their initial approval for an ordinance
which would protect tree canopy throughout the town and adopt the town’s beautification master plan. The proposed measure would ensure the integrity of the town signature appeal, its tree canopy, is property maintained, restored in areas where it has been diminished and replanted tight the appropriate materials (right tree right place). Council members will give their final vote following a public hearing at the council meeting next month. • Council members gave their initial approval for an ordinance which would establish a restricted long-term infrastructure renewal and replacement fund to renew or replace depreciating or decaying general fund assets, excluding routine repairs and maintenance or new construction. If it becomes law, the ordinance would establish a $150,000 annual fund contribution from the general fund, which may increase as needed through the budget process. Council members will give their final vote following a public hearing at the council meeting in February. • Council members gave their initial approval for an ordinance to amend the town’s budget to carry over the prior year’s estimated surplus to fund several projects that includes funding for one-time operating and or capital improvement expenditures, and adjusted amounts from grants and donations for town’s events. The unrestricted general fund balance at the beginning of fiscal year 2017-2018 was $4.3 million per the audited financials. Council members approved the transfer of $545,442 from (Please see Page 5)
Council actions taken at January regular meeting THE MIAMI LAKER
(Continued from Page 4) the fund balance for litigation and settlement reserve ($500,000), annual leave cashout as part of the employee retention program ($15,000), phone system upgrade ($20,442) and donations for the Youth Activity Task Force ($10,000). The adjustments reduced the general fund to $3.8 million. With the remaining $769,000 surplus, town staff has recommended to fund certain projects including $391,670 for Miami Lakes Optimist Park’s master plan; $150,000 for the Optimist Clubhouse storage facility; and $100,000 for pocket parks sod restoration. Council members will give their final vote following a public hearing at the council meeting next month. • Council members approved a resolution to prioritize funding from the State Legislative Session including $2 million for Phase 2 of Royal Oaks Drainage project, $6 million for the Miami Lakes Business Park Northeast Resilient Transportation Infrastructure, and $853,000 for the Miami Lakes Business Park Southeast Resil-
ient Transportation Infrastructure. Council members also approved Councilmember Josh Dieguez’s proposal to add an I75 ramp at N.W. 87 Avenue, which Senator Manny Diaz Jr. indicated he will push for funding for the project at the upcoming Legislative Session. • Council members approved three separate but seemly-related resolutions to create three advisory committees from residents of the Royal Oaks East, Royal Oaks Section One and Miami Lakes Section One Special Taxing Districts for the purposes of reviewing the yearly budget for each respective special taxing district and to promulgate recommendations to the Town Council and staff for adjustments to the level of service, budget or any other related matters. The committees are also responsible for monitoring the security guard contractors for the special taxing districts that the county transferred to Miami Lakes. • Council members authorized the town manager to execute a contract with Southeastern Engineering Contractors for the N.W. 67 Avenue widening
project in an amount not to exceed $602,000. The scope of the work includes traffic improvements at the intersection of Ludlum Road and N.W. 167 Street, including widening the roadway to incorporate an additional through lane for northbound traffic at the south leg of the intersection. • Council members approved Cid’s proposal to amend the town attorney’s contract and assign assistant town attorney Lorenzo Cobiella to full-time with the town. Cobiella is a member of the law firm of Gastesi and Associates. Raul Gastesi was currently the town attorney on a full-time basis. Cid said the town has good flexibility with the contracted legal services but there is a downsize. “Attorneys have other clients and they are not 100 percent focused on Miami Lakes,” Cid said. Cid said Cobiella is always at town hall assisting town staff and council members regarding Miami Lakes’ legal issues. “Lorenzo really has embraced the culture here,” he said. “We really want someone who is focused only on the town.”
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
Dieguez, an attorney, was the sole dissenting voice, saying changing from a contracted position to an in-house counsel should be discussed at length and at a later date with input from the residents. But Cid said the position is still contracted; his proposal is requesting Cobiella be the fulltime attorney for Miami Lakes. Councilmember Jeff Rodriguez said Cobiella adds value to Miami Lakes but like some of his colleagues, he expressed a concern over the costs for an inhouse-like attorney. The costs include retainer fees by the hour, a severance package and deferred compensation. Cid and new Town Manager Edward Pidermann will negotiate a contract for Cobiella for council’s approval. • Council approved Jeff Rodriguez’s proposal to install the first Little Free Library at Picnic Park West, which is a non-profit organization that enables the exchange of millions of books in neighborhoods through donations. • Council members approved Dieguez’s proposal to direct the town manager to take all steps to form a Complete Count Committees (CCC) as one step
PAGE 5
to position Miami Lakes for a successful census count. Dieguez said the CCC is important for the town to utilize the tool to ensure every Miami Lakes is counted at the next census in 2020. • Council members approved Cid’s proposal for a 2025 Strategic Plan for a friendly, open, innovative, effective and efficient government for its residents and businesses. Cid wants the plan to be open and transparent and solicit as much input as possible from the town’s stakeholders. • Council members approved Nelson Rodriguez’s proposal to set a date as soon as possible for the town’s new blasting advisory committee to meet since the town’s state legislative representatives as well as with any new state representatives that may have changed committee assignments. The proposal also includes the town manager working along with the committee as the liaison with assistance of outside consultants. Rodriguez also requested to be appointed to the committee to fill the seat former Vice Mayor Frank Mingo held before he ran for state representative.
News and Notes from the Town of Miami Lakes PAGE 6
FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
Jazz concert on February 21 Applications due for Future Leaders grants Miami Lakes Education All applications must be own words how they aspire to features vocalist Nicole Henry Advisory Board (EAB) received at Town Hall by make the world a better place. Enjoy a jazzy weekend by attending the Miami Lakes Cultural Affairs Committee’s annual Jazz Concert in the Park at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 23, at Picnic Park West, 15151 N.W. 82 Avenue. The free jazz concert will feature renowned jazz vocalist Nicole Henry. She has established herself as one of the jazz world’s most acclaimed vocalists, possessing a potent combination of dynamic vocal abilities, impeccable phrasing and powerful emotional resonance. Henry’s passionate, soulful voice and heart-felt charisma has earned her a Soul Train Award for “Best Traditional Jazz Performance,” three Top10 U.S. Billboard and HMV Japan jazz albums. Bring blankets, picnic bas-
NICOLE HENRY kets, friends and family for an evening of relaxing music under the stars.
Miami Lakes Cultural Affairs Committee will host a Black History Month concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 2, featuring the Florida Memorial Gospel Choir. The free concert will be held at Miami Lakes United Methodist Church, 14800 Ludlam Road (N.W. 67 Avenue).
Florida Memorial’s history and traditions reach back to 1879. The school’s accomplishments have made it the only historically black university in southern Florida. For more information about the Cultural Affairs Committee and their events, or for sponsorship information, visit www.miamilakes-fl.gov/eac.
announced it is now accepting applications for the 2019 Miami Lakes Future Leaders Scholarship presented by The Graham Companies. Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors who are residents of the Town of Miami Lakes.
Friday, March 29. The EAB will select the two recipients at its April board meeting and winners will be announced at the Town Council meeting on Tuesday, May 14. Interested seniors must submit a typed essay (750 words maximum) explaining in his/her
The student must demonstrate academic achievement and community service commitment, as well as identify future goals. The 2019 Future Leaders Scholarship Applications can be found at www.miamilakesfl.gov/scholarship.
Foundation grant for MLK-8 Center
Black History Month concert scheduled on Saturday, Feb. 2
MIAMI LAKES TOWN FOUNDATION, with funds earned at the 2018 Miami Lakes Food and Wine Festival, presented a $1,000 grant for the Greenhouse Project at Miami Lakes K-8 Center. Foundation treasurer Ismael Diaz (center) presents the check to Miami Lakes K-8 Center representatives including principal Yanelys Canales with Foundation benefactor Lynn Matos (on the left).
Gladys Beauty Salon Foundation grant for Goleman Jewels
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MIAMI LAKES TOWN FOUNDATION, with funds raised at the 2018 Food and Wine Festival, presented a $1,000 grant to the Barbara Goleman High School Jewels Dance Team for the current season. Foundation treasurer Ismael Diaz presents the check to Dance Team sponsor Darlyn Espinosa with principal Dr. Manuel Sanchez II (back), members of the Jewels Dance Team and Miami Lakes Town Clerk Gina Inguanzo (right) at the presentation.
News and Notes from the Town of Miami Lakes THE MIAMI LAKER
Nominations being accepted for Women of Distinction Miami Lakes Cultural Affairs Committee is seeking nominations for its 2019 Women of Distinction Awards luncheon in honor of Women’s History Month. The nomination applications may be found at http://bit.ly/2019WomenDistinc tionNomination and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19. The award categories include: • Arts - A woman who has contributed to the cultural life of the community through theatre, dance, music, art, or literature. • Business - A professional woman in a position as owner, CEO, or high-level manager of a business or industry. • Community and Civic Affairs - A leader, supervisor, administrator, manager, or member who has made a contribution to the community. • Education - A woman educator, administrator, or director of a public or private institution of learning who has been outstanding in the field.
• Government - A woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the community through her work in or with local government. • Health Services - An individual who has made an outstanding contribution in the health services field. • Humanitarian - An outstanding woman who has contributed to the community. This individual may or may not be affiliated with a commercial, professional, or non-profit agency or group. • Volunteer - A woman who has made an outstanding contribution in serving the needs of others. Winners will be announced at the Women of Distinction Awards luncheon at a time, date and location to be announced in the near future. For more information, contact Committees and Special Events coordinator William Sanchez at sanchezw@miamilakes-fl.gov, or 305-364-6100.
Miami Lakes Sports Hall of Fame committee announced its second call for Hall of Fame Inductee nominations. The Miami Lakes Sports Hall of Fame, an initiative of Mayor Manny Cid and supported by the Town Council, is located inside the Optimist Park Clubhouse at Miami Lakes Optimist Park, 6411 N.W. 162 Street. Past classes of inductees have included former Miami Dolphins coaches, professional football and baseball players, standout high school athletes, community builders who shaped athletics in Miami Lakes and Optimist Club members who have dedicated decades of
their time to youth sports. The Hall of Fame Selection Committee is seeking nominations to honor athletes, coaches, community members and teams from the Town of Miami Lakes for their outstanding contributions or achievements in sports. Nominate an individual or a team that excelled and brought positive recognition to the Town. Deadline to apply is Friday, April 5. The nomination form is available at http://ly/2019Sports HallNom. For more information, contact Hall of Fame committee liaison Jeremy Bajdaun at bajdaunj@ miamilakes-fl.gov or 305-3646100, ext. 1239.
Miami Lakes Elderly Affairs Committee (EAC) has scheduled several events for seniors during February. Tuesday, February 12 – A Mount Sinai Wellness Workshop will be presented at 11 a.m. at Town Hall, 6601 Main Street. The presenter will be Dr. Veronica Rodriguez, Cardiologist. A light lunch will be served courtesy of Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Wednesday, February 13 – Seniors are invited to a Valentine’s Day Social. Time to wear red, white and pink in celebration of love. The event, sponsored by Advocate Health, will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Roberto Alonso Community Center, 16500 N.W. 87 Avenue. Reservations are required by visiting www.toml.eventbrite. com.
Hall of Fame Committee seeks inductee nominations
Town seniors invited for special February events
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
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T TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES NOTICE IS HEREWITH GIVEN that meetings of the Town Council of the Town of Miami Lakes, Florida, and its committees, have been scheduled for the following dates, times and locations.
Town Council Meeting Tuesday, February 5, 6:30 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla.
Sports Hall of Fame Committee Meeting Wednesday, February 6, 6:30 PM Miami Lakes Optimist Clubhouse, 6411 N.W. 162 Street, M. Lakes, Fla. Youth Activities Task Force Meeting Wednesday, February 6, 7:00 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting Thursday, February 7, 7:00 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Elderly Affairs Committee Meeting Wednesday, February 13, 8:30 AM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Special Needs Advisory Board Meeting Wednesday, February 13 6:30 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Economic Development Committee Meeting Tuesday, February 19, 5:30 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Planning and Zoning Board Meeting Wednesday, February 20, 6:30 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Veterans Committee Meeting Thursday, February 21, 6:00 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Education Advisory Board Meeting Thursday, February 21, 6:30 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fa.
Neighborhood Improvement Committee Meeting Thursday, February 21, 7:00 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Public Safety Committee Meeting Tuesday, February 25, 6:30 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla.
In accordance with the provisions of F.S. Section 286.0105, should any person seek to appeal any decision made by the Council with respect to any matter considered at these meetings, such person will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, persons needing special accomodation to particpate in the proceeds should call Town Hall at (305) 364-6100, no later than (2) days prior to the proceeding for assistance. Please be advised that two or more Councilmembers may be in attendance at the above events/meetings. This Notice dated January 26, 2019 at Miami Lakes, Fla. Gina IInguanzo, Town Clerk
Council discusses proposal to rename manager selection group PAGE 8
FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
By David L. Snelling The Miami Laker staff Following confusion over the role of a town manager selection committee and the hiring process that led to some candidates to drop out of the running for the position, a Miami Lakes councilmember is pushing for some changes. Councilmember Josh Dieguez proposed to rename the committee the Miami Lakes Town Manager Selection Advisory Committee and amend the criteria for picking future candidates. Though his colleagues approved of the name change, they shied away from creating new criteria for the selection process since future council members might want their own requirements for the committee and the town manager selection process. Dieguez said the original name of the town manager selection committee created a lack of understanding and was misleading among committee members, residents and candi-
dates seeking the top executive job. “We saw during our town manager selection process how the current name of this committee creates the false and misleading impression that its members will select the new town manager or deliver a particular recommendation,” Dieguez said at the January 15 regular meeting. “One candidate dropped out because he believed the committee chose the candidate and not the town council. This led to a great deal of confusion resulting in a late start to the members’ deliberations and the resignation of an original member.” Vice Mayor Nelson Rodriguez agreed to change the name of the committee but would rather allow future council members to determine their own criteria for the committee. “We have a great new town manager and hopefully we don’t have to go through the town manager search for a long time,” Rodriguez said.
“I don’t to want encumber any future council.” The town’s attorney, Raul Gastesi, who was the liaison for the committee and council members, said the group was confused on its role during the selection process. “Some actually thought they were going to pick the next town manager,” Gastesi said. “There were some confusion and I agree with the name change.” The town manager selection committee, Gastesi and the town’s Human Resource department screened the candidates’ resumes and applications and the committee subsequently interviewed 17 candidates who made the first cut. The group narrowed its list to five finalists, and Ed Pidermann was council members’ unanimous choice for the job. He replaced Alex Rey, the town manager for 16 years, who’s retiring to take advantage of the government’s Deferred Retirement Option Program, also known as DROP.
John Pinilla recognized for saving life of Steak 2 patron A 15-year veteran restaurant manager at Shula’s Steak 2 on Main Street, John Pinilla, saved the life of a guest in late December. A guest jumped from her seat in the restaurant and ran to the bathroom. Pinilla happened to see the guest and thought it was strange, so he walked to the restroom to check on her. He knocked and proceeded into the ladies room where he found the lady turning blue and grabbing her throat about to pass out. Pinilla quickly went behind her and on the third thrust using the Heimlich maneuver, the food shot out and the guest quickly recovered and did not request any additional medical attention. Pinilla is a Miami Lakes resident and many Steak 2 regulars know him for being “Mr. Customer Service,” always with a smile on his face and quick to offer a warm hello. Because of his quick thinking and successful training, Pinilla was able to save the life of another human being. A powerful positive development by someone who has
JOHN PINILLA
fought three different battles with cancer over the past four years.
Join Us at the Miami Lakes Spring Festival March 7th to 10th, 2019 Enjoy Miami’s “Most Delicious Food, Rides & Entertainment” Pre-Sale Unlimited Ride Bracelets Unlimited Ride Bracelets (Purchased at festival) 4-day - $50 Thursday - $20 Thursday - $25 Friday - $25 Friday - $20 Saturday - $25 Saturday - $30 Sunday - $30 Sunday - $25
Festival Car Grand Sponsor Festival Grand Sponsors
6774 Main Street, Miami Lakes
Ride Bracelets can be purchased at the Church Gift Shop or Festival website.
Great opportunity to promote your business! For sponsorship packages and to reserve your booth at the festival, contact Elsa Reus at 305-558-2202, ext. 616 or e-mail ereus@ollnet.com. For more information visit: www.ollnet.com/festival If you are interested in performing on our Festival stage, contact Jeanelle at jeanellleramon@gmail.com.
Thursday, March 7th, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm • Friday, March 8th, 5:00 pm. - 11:30 pm Saturday, March 9th, 1:00 pm - 11:30 pm • Sunday March 10th, 12 noon - 9:00 pm
15801 N.W. 67th Avenue • Miami Lakes • Phone 305.558.2202 FREE PARKING AVAILABLE
www.facebook.com/ollspringfestival
THE MIAMI LAKER
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
We have been helping Cupid with Special Gifts and Romantic Dinners for Years...
100 Montaditos
Florida Homeowner Advisors
My Gym - Coming Soon
107 Taste
“Garden in a Pot” Flower Shop
On The Border
A La Mode Hair & Boutique
Gerardo’s Marketplace
Pei Wei
All Art Pictures Framing
GP Watches & Jewelry
Pizza Scene
Amaize
The Graham Companies
R&L Schuck CPAS
AT&T
Great Waste
Ruby Tuesday
BankUnited
El Novillo
Rush Boutique
BLACC
Interamerican Medical Center
Salsa Fiesta
Chicken Kitchen
Intensity Dancers Studio
Shula’s Steak 2
Cobb Theater
Italy Today
Snow's Jewelers
Cold Stone Creamery
Kache Barbershop
Specialized Investigations
Costa & Associates P.A.
Keyes Realty
Consultants
Costa Realtors
Lakes Dental
Sureel Photography
Dianne's Impressions
LA Sweetz
Tamura Japanese Seafood Buffet
Drop Boutique
Liudmila Labrada, DMD, PA
Thai Café
Dunkin’ Donuts
Main Street Players
Town & Country Cleaners
The Education Fund
Metro PCS
Triple Canopy
EKKUAL
Miami Lakes Home Health Care
UBREAKIFIX
El Novillo
Miami Lakes Jewelers
Victoria's Secret
EquiInsurance
Miami Lakes Sport Shop
Vie De France
Eye Candy
Miller's Ale House
WETDRY
FedEx Office
Moda by Pasarela
Verizon
www.MainStreetMiamiLakes.com
PAGE 9
Marguerite Bucchino marks her 101st birthday in style PAGE 10
FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
By Megan Medina The Miami Laker staff Marguerite Bucchino celebrated another year of life as she turned 101 in January. Bucchino was born in Brockton, Massachusetts on January 27, 1918. She and her family have been residents of Miami Lakes for about 35 years. Her son Richard Bucchino takes her to the monthly meetings of the New Horizons group at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church located at 6600 Miami Lakeway North. Bucchino celebrated with her New Horizons family and friends on January 22. New Horizons is a group of elders
(65 years and older) that get together each month from September to May to celebrate birthdays, have lunch, play games, pray and have a great time. The meetings are free and run from 10 a.m. to noon by a group of volunteers. Each meeting the elders look forward to seeing familiar faces as well as newcomers, have a great time and make new friends. Bucchino was greeted by dozens of friends and members that kept raving about how great she looks. Bucchino says she feels great. “The secret to 101 years is to live one day at a time”, said Bucchino.
Is M-Dade Commissioner Bovo running for County mayor in 2020
By David L. Snelling The Miami Laker staff Though he hasn’t officially announced his candidacy for mayor, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Esteban Bovo Jr., is rumored to replace Mayor Carlos Gimenez in 2020, when both of their terms come to an end. Since voters approved a county charter change in 2012, which imposed term limits for county commissioners, Bovo is banned from running for reelection and reportedly has his sights set on the mayoral seat. According the county’s charter, Gimenez can only run for two consecutive terms and then he is termed-out. Bovo, who represents District 13, which includes Miami Lakes and Hialeah, is an ally of Gimenez, and according to county hall insiders, he hand picked Bovo to run for the strong mayor position when his term is up. But with the rumor mill swirling on the growing numbers of potential candidates for mayor, Bovo, 56, is facing an uphill battle to succeed Gimenez. Fellow County Commissioner Xavier Suarez is also rumored to run for mayor, who Bovo beat out to lead the commission as its chair in 2016, and a political nemesis of Gimenez. Former Republican U.S. Congressman Carlos Carbelo, who lost his reelection bid MARGUERITE BUCCHINO and her son Richard pose as against Democrat Debbie they celebrate her 101st birthday with their New Horizons Mucarsel-Powell in November, is reportedly seeking the mayfamily and friends.
oral seat, though his supporters may encourage him to run for congress again in 2020. County Commissioner Daniella Levin Cava is also mulling a run for mayor, and former Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera, a former county property appraiser, is tightlipped following his supporters calling on him to run in 2020. Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho’s name was also mentioned as a possible candidate, and Miami-Dade’s first-ever mayor, Alex Penelas, is reportedly launching a campaign for mayor. Penelas was not a strong mayor during his two terms in office (1996-2004). His successor, Carlos Alvarez, launched a petition and convinced voters to change MiamiDade to a strong-mayor-form of government but was later recalled from political office. Possibly joining the fray is former County Commissioner Juan Zapata, who dropped his reelection bid in 2016, when then-former Commissioner Joe Martinez filed papers to run against him for his old seat, which he vacated in 2012 to run for mayor. Martinez won the District 11 seat. Though the mayoral and county commission races are nonpartisan, Republicans are seeking to stay in control at county government, especially the mayor’s office, while Democrats are hoping to shift the power to blue during the 2020 presidential election.
ESTEBAN BOVO JR. Penelas was the only Democratic mayor for MiamiDade. Candidates will run in the primary in August of 2020, and if a candidate doesn’t muster at least 50 percent of the votes the top two vote getters square off in November. Bovo, a Republican and former State Representative, may seek to resume his political career if he runs for mayor. As chair of the county commission, Bovo proposed to create an east-west commuter line on existing cargo tracks running parallel to State Road 836. His plan initially drew support but later took a back seat to Gimenez’s broader effort to expand rail countrywide through the SMART Plan. Bovo was the rare dissenting voice against the SMART plan, which he said encouraged studying the transit problem at the expense of action. Last year, commissioners approved a plan to expand bus services further south in MiamiDade instead of extending metro rail further north and south. Bovo also has restructured the commission committee system and established a chairman’s Policy Council to address several key issues facing the county. The Policy Council has been tasked with developing recommendations to address issues such as mass transit expansion funding, courthouse and jail infrastructure funding, sea level rise, housing affordability, and the gun violence epidemic.
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Veterans Committee and volunteers Old Dogs Band performs host Food Drive to aid Coast Guard on Saturday, February 2 THE MIAMI LAKER
MIAMI LAKES VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, joined by Town officials Vice Mayor Nelson Rodriguez and Councilmember Marilyn Ruano and members of Giving Gators, held a successful Canned Food Drive hosted by Miami Lakes Auto Mall to benefit Coast Guard members and their families posted at the Air Station at Opa-locka Airport. The canned/dry foods and other items were delivered to help relieve the pressure of no pay for the Coast Guard during the recent 35-day government shutdown. The Coast Guard is part of Homeland Security which was included in the shutdown period.
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
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JOIN MIAMI LAKES CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH at 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 2, as the Old Dogs Band will be performing live. The band fuses old and new school sounds with an eclectic blend of Blues and Rock ‘N Roll music. Donation is $15 at the door.
Town may take legal action to prevent 154 St. bridge opening PAGE 12
FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
By David L. Snelling The Miami Laker staff Miami Lakes has threatened to take legal action against Miami-Dade after town officials learned the county was proceeding with plans to place two I-75 interchanges at N.W. 170 and 154 streets to alleviate traffic congestion in nearby burgeoning areas without their knowledge and input. At issue is a legal binding agreement between Miami Lakes and Hialeah to keep the N.W. 154 Street overpass bridge closed when the latter city annexed a large section of land west of the town in 2003. Miami Lakes reached out to the county over residents’ concerns of more traffic gridlock if 154 Street is opened up, and conducted its own traffic study which determined the impact would be detrimental without major traffic improvements to N.W. 87 Avenue, N.W. 82 Avenue and the Palmetto Expressway. Town Attorney Raul Gasetsi said Miami Lakes was seeking a dialogue with county officials about the proposed projects and told they would place the issue on the agenda during a county commission meeting to debate. However, the county bypassed the issue and contacted FDOT indicating Miami-Dade is ready to proceed with the interchange projects, Gastesi said. “We were told they would put
them on a county agenda before taking any action,” Gastesi said during the January 15 regular Town Council meeting. “They have sent letters to FDOT to proceed with the bridges instead.” Council members instructed Gastesi to meet with county officials and file a lawsuit if the county ignores the legal binding agreement and proceeds with the construction plans. Miami Lakes discovered the county’s plans at a Palm Springs North Civic Association meeting. Councilmember Luis Collazo said a member of the PSN organization circulated a document about the projects, a hot button issue for the northwest Miami-Dade community as well. Mayor Manny Cid said the county proceeding without the town’s input is a sign of disrespect. “They did things behind our backs and not with the good faith that we showed,” he said. “They didn’t respect us, especially with the agreement.” Cid said it’s time for Miami Lakes to take a stance. “It looks like were are going to have to fight back now,” he said. Vice Mayor Nelson Rodriguez requested the town beef up its legal defense fund to fight the county. “We want them to know we are serious about defending the bridge at 154 Street,” he said.
HOME AUTO BUSINESS WATERCRAFT
County Commissioner Esteban Bovo Jr. sponsored legislation to open up N.W. 170 Street two years ago, and FDOT conducted a traffic study to determine the impact it would cause on Miami Lakes and Palm Springs North. Bovo said opening up 170 Street would alleviate congestion for residents living in Hialeah. Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz sponsored legislation to place a bridge at 154 Street in his district last year. Miami Lakes disagreed with the traffic study for the two bridges and hired traffic engineers to do an analysis which town officials indicated the county missed some important points. Major roadway improvements and repairs to the town’s busiest roads and expressways might mitigate traffic but uncertainty remains with American Dream Mall, which may generate an additional thousands of vehicles on roads, the town’s study suggested. The county was contacted about the issue. “Miami-Dade County does not comment on threatened or pending litigation,”said Karla Damian, media and public relations officer for Miami-Dade. Collazo said placing the interchanges at 170 sand 154 streets would have a “negative” impact on the town. “None of them are positive,” he said. “That’s our starting point. Collazo said Miami Lakes and Palm Springs North may want to join forces to fight the county over the bridges. “We may want to stand with our friends to the north,” he said.
BGEC students perform at 75th anniversary of Florida Music Educator’s meeting
FIVE of Bob Graham Education Center's (BGEC) young talented musicians and singers performed for hundreds of teachers, students and parents from all around Florida in the 75th anniversary of the Florida Music Education Association Convention in Tampa. Every year thousands of students from around Florida audition for the All-State Music Ensembles and BGEC is very proud to have such a large representation from the school. With their talent, hard work and dedication, the sudents are destined for success! Special appreciation to music teacher, Alex Fuenmayor, for his commitment and dedication. Pictured (from left) Fuenmayor, Allison Estelles, Anabel Ramirez, Aiden Guanipa, Brandon Picado and Noah Legra.
Pace High students win Posse grants
Monsignor Edward Pace High School seniors Qiana Pierre and David Barbier Jr. were selected
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as the first-ever Posse Scholar Foundation recipients from the school. The two students received fully paid academic scholarships for all four years in college. Pierre will be attending Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, while Barbier is headed to Syracuse University in New York. The Posse Scholar Foundation partners with college and universities and award scholarships to students each year. The Posse Program recruits students from cities across the nation including Miami, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans and New York. Since 1989, the Posse Scholarship Foundation’s partnerships with colleges and universities have awarded $1.2 billion in scholarships to students.
‘Pardon My French’ set for March 22-24 on Main Street The Main Street Playhouse, 6766 Main Street, will present Pardon My French from March 22 to 24. An unorthodox French Cabaret Show, in English bien sûr. A one-of-a-kind performance with classic Parisian songs, Gallic humor and just the right amount of jokes that will make the audience blush. Pardon My French is filled with classic French songs like “C’est magnifique”, “C’est si bon”, and “If you go away”. But don’t think for a second that it is only another tribute to Tangi Colombel’s French heritage, not! Colombel adds his own flavor, his “Ameri-French” sense of humor and this “je ne sais quoi” that will make the audience to ask for more! Colombel is a native of France. He is an actor and singer who appeared in various plays and musicals like “Jacques Brel is Alive” and “Les Liaisons Dangereuses” at Palm Beach Dramaworks. He
was featured in the French Movie “Bienvenue à Bord” and the American Film “Step Up 4”. On television he has been seen in a French version of “My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé,” in Netflix's Bloodline season 2 and several Telenovelas produced by NBC/Telemundo in Spanish. Recently he was seen in “Le peignoir aux Alouettes”, a French modern Vaudeville at the Fillmore Theatre in Miami, appeared in different commercials such as Sprite, Johnny Rockets, Western Union. He has been touring all around America and the world including Korea and Japan to reveal what French singing is really about, which helped him create his own show “Pardon My French.” Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for students, seniors and military personnel. Tickets may be purchased at www.mainstreetplayers.com/tickets/. Some material may be inappropriate for a younger audience.
Main Street Players receives $1,000 Town Foundation grant THE MIAMI LAKER
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
PAGE 13
MIAMI LAKES TOWN FOUNDATION, with funds earned at the 2018 Food and Wine Festival, presented a $1,000 grant to the Main Street Players (MSP), the longest running theater in Miami-Dade County, to support its 2018-2019 season. Foundation treasurer Ismale Diaz presents the check to MSP board members with Foundation director Clarisell De Cardenas (right) and Foundation benefactors Giuseppe Zuoso and Lynn Matos (on the left) look on.
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Miami Lakes Branch Library sets February events PAGE 14
FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
Miami Lakes Branch Library announced the following programs that are available for the public during February: For Children and Families: Movies and Stories for Kids – Watch favorite movies with family and friends. Movies being shown this month are “The Princess and the Frog,” “Beauty and the Beast” (live action), “How to Train your Dragon 2,” and “The Lego Batman” movie. Events made possible by the Town of Miami Lakes Education Advisory Board at 3 p.m. on Wednesdays, February 6, 13, 20 and 27. Talking is Teaching. Talk, Read, Sing for Toddlers – Stories, songs and activities for toddlers. Best for ages 18 months to 3 years old at 11 a.m. on Thursdays, February 7, 14, 21 and 28. STEM Saturday – Enjoy fun, hands on activities with FIU undergraduate and medical students. Every month is a different experiment. A NeighborhoodHELP Educational Pipeline Program. Email stemsaturday@gmail. com for more information. Space is limited and contact branch to register. Made possible by The James Wilson Brid-ges, MD Medical Association at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 2. Science in the City – BuildA-Comet. All the elements needed to make a comet are right here on Earth. Learn about comets in space and the stuff that makes them. Enjoy handson lessons infused with experi-
ments to spark interest in STEM. Space is limited so contact branch to register. Best for ages 8-12 years at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 23. Paws to Read - A reading program aimed at improving the literacy skills of children through the assistance of therapy dogs who serve as literacy mentors. Bring a book or choose one from the branch collection. Event is at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 9. Afro Soca Dance - Celebrate Black History Month with the rhythm of the Caribbean! Certified Zumba instructor Wynter’s Jewell will teach the grooviest Afro Soca dance moves as seen at Carnival. Bring the entire family for this fun for all ages event at 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 16. For Teens: Teen Club – Play video games, watch anime, draw, participate in STEAM activities and move. Contact the branch for details. Events scheduled at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, February 12 and 26. Teen Game Night - Create adventure with this classic roleplaying game, or play chess. Shadow Hunters, Magic the Gathering and more. Best for ages 12 years and up at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, February 4, 11 and 25. Teen Club Presents “Black Panther” PG 13 - A superhero known as Black Panther defends Wakanda, a technologically advanced country in Africa that has hidden itself
away from the rest of the world. Now, he must face a dissident who wants to sell the country’s natural resources to fund an uprising. Best for ages 12 and up at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5. For Adults: Purls of Wisdom – Learn basic knitting and stitching. Materials will be provided. Best for ages 18 and up at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, February 5, 12, 19 and 26. Strum the Lute: Tai Chi for Beginners – Practice this ancient tradition and learn gentle movements to increase strength, flexibility and balance. Class is led by library staff. Best for ages 18 and up at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays, February 6, 13, 20 and 27. Meditation – Join in mediation derived from Raja Yoga, a MIAMI LAKES BRANCH LIBRARY hosts Raja Yoga meditadiscipline that helps develop tion sessions to help develop inner calm, clear thinking and inner calm, clear thinking and personal well-being. personal well-being. Meets at 11 a.m. on Fridays, February 1, Congressman Mario Diaz- is located at 6699 Windmill 8, 15 and 22. Balart’s staff will be available Gate Road and is open Monday Book Discussion Group - to discuss federal issues and and Tuesday from noon to 8 This month’s selection is address any concerns a con- p.m., and Wednesday through “Before We Were Yours” by stituent may have with a federal Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lisa Windgate. Meets at 6:30 agency, at 2:30 p.m. on The branch is closed on p.m. on Tuesday, February 19. Wednesday, February 27. Sundays. For more information, Become a Foster Parent or Miami Lakes Branch Library call 305-822-6520. Adoptive Parent - An orientation on how to become a foster parent in Miami-Dade County, including a comparable overview of the requirements and expectations of the process. Meets at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27. Mario Diaz-Balart Outreach Table - A member of
M. Lakes Educational Ctr. receives $1,000 grant from M. Lakes Town Foundation
MIAMI LAKES TOWN FOUNDATION, with funds raised during the 2018 Food and Wine Festival, presented a $1,000 grant to Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC) for its Farm to Table Garden Project. Foundation treasurer Ismael Diaz (center) presents the check to MLEC assistant principal Michael Windisch with Foundation director Fred Senra (left), Foundation benefactor Lynn Matos (second from right) and Foundation director Clarisell De Cardenas (right) at the presentation. (See garden story on Page 24.)
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Registration opens for 2019 Children’s Theatre Workshop Registration for the 2019 session of the Main Street Players’ (MSP) Children’s Theatre Workshop will open on February 1. This year, one session will be held for children from 7 to 13 years of age and will begin on Monday, June 10 and continues to Friday, June 28. This summer, campers will fully participate in the process of producing an original stage play. They will learn technique training in acting, auditioning and voice, in addition to using technical elements like lights, sound, mask and costumes to tell a story. They will incorporate these techniques into their own original production. All of the content will come from the ideas that the kids have. Campers will present their original work in a fully staged production on the last day of camp. MSP Theatre summer camp is always a great opportunity to improve their own individual performance techniques, understand the entire show process and work together as an ensemble, while making new friends and memories. Classes run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will be limited to a maximum of 20 students. The cost for the three week workshop is $650 per student with a 10 percent discount available to returning students from the 2018 Workshop who register before the open registration deadline of April 1st. To register, visit the MSP website at www.mainstreetplayers.
Editorial/Advertising Office 15450 New Barn Road #103 Miami Lakes, FL 33014
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Editor..............Roger A. Reece Reporter...........Megan Medina Reporter...........David Snelling Advertising..........Arnon Louiv Social Media...Megan Medina Graphics....Yvonne Salvatore Send editorial and photos to: meganm@miamilaker.com Controlled Circulation to Zip Codes 33014, 33015, 33016, 33018
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com, download and fill out the form. Submit the form with a $100 deposit by mail or in person to: Children’s Theatre Workshop 2019, Main Street Players, 6766 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Florida 33014. Checks are accepted and should be made out to Main Street Players. Final payments are due on the first day of camp. For more information contact camp coordinator, Dennis Lyzniak, at 786-395-7296.
For a special Valentine’s gift, buy Food & Wine Festival tickets THE MIAMI LAKER
Valentine’s Day can be extra special for a loved one by purchasing Miami Lakes Food & Wine Festival tickets. There are still a few tickets left for the March 2, 2019 event at Miami Lakes Optimist Park. The classy event is sponsored by Miami Lakes AutoMall, Palmetto General Hospital and The Graham Companies. All proceeds will benefit the Miami Lakes Town Foundation, a 501(c)(3).
Miami Lakes
Meetings Calendar
The Town of Miami Lakes, homeowners associations, professional and volunteer groups have scheduled meetings during February:
Town of Miami Lakes
Town Council Meeting Feb. 5 6:30 pm M.L. Govt. Center Sports Hall of Fame Com. Feb. 6 6:30 pm M.L. Optimist Park Youth Activities Task Force Meeting Feb. 6 7:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center Cultural Affairs Com. Feb. 7 7:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center Elderly Affairs Com. Feb. 13 8:30 am M.L. Govt. Center Special Needs Advisory Board Meeting Feb. 13 6:30 pm M.L. Govt. Center Economic Devel. Com. Feb. 19 5:30 pm M.L. Govt. Center Planning & Zoning Board Meeting Feb.20 6:30 pm M.L. Govt. Center Veterans Committee Feb. 21 6:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center Education Advisory Board Feb. 21 6:30 pm M.L. Govt. Center Neighborhood Improvement Committee Feb. 21 7:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center Public Safety Committee Feb. 25 6:30 pm M.L. Govt. Center Homeowners Organizations Silvercrest South Feb. 4 7:30 pm MLCC Loch Lomond Feb. 6 6:30 pm MLOP Royal Palm Estates Feb. 7 7:00 pm MCCC Loch Ness Feb. 11 7:30 pm MCCC Silvercrest North Feb. 12 7:00 pm MCCC Lake Cynthia Feb. 13 7:30 pm MCCC Loch Lomond East Feb. 13 7:00 pm MLOP Windmill Gate Feb. 14 7:00 pm MLOP Loch Andrews Feb, 18 7:00 pm MLOP Loch Isle Feb. 18 7:00 pm MLOP Lake Glen Ellen Feb. 19 7:30 pm MCCC Lake Carol Feb. 20 7:30 pm MCCC Serenity Point Feb. 20 7:00 pm MCCC Royal Oaks Feb. 20 7:30 pm MCCC Gramercy Park Feb. 21 7:00 pm MCCC Regatta Pointe Feb. 21 7:00 pm MCCC Lake Elizabeth Feb. 25 7:00 pm MCCC Fountain Park Feb. 25 7:30 pm MCCC Lake Martha Feb. 26 6:30 pm MCCC Villa Vizcaya Feb. 27 7:30 pm MCCC Lake Sandra Feb. 28 7:00 pm MCCC Anchorage Feb. 28 7:30 pm MCCC Miami Lakes Clubs, Professional & Volunteer Groups M.L. Cham. Comm. Feb. 13 Shula’s Hotel M.L. Garden Club Feb. 25 7:00 pm MCCC M.L. Bridge Club Mondays 11:30 am MCCC MLCA Bridge Club Thursdays 11:00 am MCCC M.L. Quilting Club Tuesdays 11:15 am MCCC M.L. Kiwanis 2nd/4th Thurs 6:30 pm Pamper.Chef M.L. Toastmasters 1st/3rd Tues. ML Educ. Center M.L. Lions Club 1st/3rd Tues, 7:00 pm Bev. Hills.
MCCC: Mary Collins Community Center, 15151 N.W. 82 Ave. RACC: Robert Alonso Community Center, 16500 N.W. 87 Ave. MLOP is Miami Lakes Optimist Park, 6411 N.W. 162 Street MLYC is Miami Lakes Youth Center, 6075 Miami Lakes Drive E. MLPW is Miami Lakes Picnic Park West, 15151 N.W. 82 Avenue
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
Fine food, wine and specialty beer will be provided by local restaurants and establishments. Guests will sample culinary delights and a selection of fine wines. The restaurants participating include Anacapri Italian Restaurant, Shula’s Steak 2, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, Ben & Jerry’s, Boss Burger & Brew, Café 4 U, Cancun Grill, Dr. Limon, Chef Andrew Platt Catering, El Novillo Restaurant, Frosty’s
PAGE 15
Lab Nitrogen Frozen Yogurt & Ice Cream, Gaucho’s Gourmet Market, and Gerardo’s Marketplace. Others include Giardino Gourmet Salads, LA Sweetz, Mayor’s Cafe, NQC Craft Beer & Grub, Miller’s Ale House, Salsa Fiesta, Sushi Bombs, Trattoria Pampered Chef, Vicky Bakery and more restaurants to come. For ticket purchases, visit www.MLFoodWineFest.com.
Classes and Recreation Calendar
The Town of Miami Lakes has scheduled the following classes and recreation activities during January:
(Youth Programs)
(All classes are free unless noted by [$])
Archery Juniors [$] Ages 11-17 Mondays 4:30 pm MLOP Bricks4Kidz [$] Ages 5-12 Thursdays 6:15 pm MLYC Just Run Ages 5-14 Tues./Thurs. 4:30 pm MLPW Canta y Baila Conmigo Ages 0-5 Tuesdays 10:30 & 11:30 am MLYC Code Explorers [$] PK Coding Ages 4-5 Saturdays 10:00 am MCCC Code Explorers [$] Computer Science Tuesdays Ages 6-9 6:00 pm / Ages 10-13 7:00 pm MLYC Code Explorers [$] Engineering Wednesdays Ages 6-9 6:00 pm / Ages 10-13 7:00 pm MLYC Violin [$] Ages 7-12 Wednesdays 6:00 pm MLOP Guitar [$] Ages 7-12 Tuesdays 6:00 pm MLOP
Start Smart Baseball Ages 3-5 Thursdays 3:15 pm MCCC Martial Arts Tots Ages 6-8 Mon./Wed. 4:30 pm MCCC Martial Arts Beginners Ages 7-9 Mon.Wed. 5:30 pm MCCC Martial Arts Intermediate Ages 8-10 Tues./Thurs. 4:30 pm MCCC Martial Arts Advanced Ages 11-16 Tues./Thurs. 5:30 pm MCCC Open Hang Nights (Themed Nights) Ages 11-17 Select Wed./Fri. 6:00 pm MLYC YMCA After School Care [$[ Ages 6-8th Grade 2:00 to 6:00 pm MLOP YMCA After School Care [$] Ages K-5th Grade 2:00 to 6:00 pm RACC
(Adult Programs) Zumba [$] 18+ Mon./Wed. Zumba [$] 18+ Tues./Thurs. Open Play Dominoes Mon. to Fri. 18+ Painting 1 18+ Fridays Painting 2 18+ Fridays Painting 3 18+ Wednesdays Spanish Advanced Conversational 18+ Mon./Wed. Spanish Intermediate 18+ Tues./Thurs. Yoga 1 18+ Mon./Wed. Yoga 2 [$] 18+ Tues./Thurs. Yoga in the Park 18+ Saturdays
11:00 am MCCC 6:30 pm RACC 6:30 pm RACC 9:30 am MCCC 12:30 pm MCCC 10:00 am RACC 6:00 pm MCCC 6:00 pm MCCC 7:45 am MCCC 7:45 am MCCC 9:00 am MLPW
(55+ Senior Programs) Computers (English) T/Th (Ages 55+) 9 & 11:15 am MCCC Computers (Spanish) M/W (Ages 55+) 9 & 11:00 am MCCC Knitting/Crocheting T/Th (Ages 55+) 1:00 pm MCCC Sewing T/Th (Ages 55+) 1:30 pm MCCC Tai Chi Mon.-Th. (Ages 55+) 9:00 am MCCC MCCC: Mary Collins Community Center, 15151 N.W. 82 Ave. RACC: Robert Alonso Community Center, 16500 N.W. 87 Ave. MLOP is Miami Lakes Optimist Park, 6411 N.W. 162 Street MLYC is Miami Lakes Youth Center, 6075 Miami Lakes Drive E. MLPW is Miami Lakes Picnic Park West, 15151 N.W. 82 Avenue Shula’s GC is Shula’s Golf Club, 7601 Miami Lakes Drive
PAGE 16
FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
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Local student-athletes named to Miami Herald’s All-Dade teams PAGE 18
FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
A group of local high school student athletes were recently recognized for their stellar performances in sports, as they were placed on The Miami Herald’s All-Dade teams for football, swimming, volleyball, golf and cross country. Making the 5A-Independent First-Team Offense was Pace senior athlete Tyrone Douglas, and his teammate, senior athlete Thomas Willis, made FirstTeam Defense. Pace senior defensive lineman Fabio Desire made Second-Team Defense as well as his teammates, seniors Ray Vaughn Chayote and Ruben Masters. Pace offensive lineman Brynor Joseph made Third-Team Offense and Pace defensive back Jaheem Joseph made Third-Team Defense. For Class 8A-64, making Second-Team Defense was Goleman senior defensive tackle Kamal Barnes and American sophomore defensive back Donny Robinson. Third-Team Offense included Mater Academy junior running back Takori Thurston and his teammate, senior defensive lineman Myles Smith, made Third-Team Defense. Honorable mentions included American players Council Allen, Victore Hylton and Katravis; Goleman players Sebastian Hernandez, Jaylin Johnson, Ernesto Lopez,
Zachary Valcarcel and Joshua Walthour; Hialeah Gardens players Italo Badia, Carlos Calderon, Christian Herrera, and Ray Oropesa; and Mater Academy players John IsraelCooper, Keyone Jenkins, Damion Salsberry and Donate Warren. For boys’ swimming, Mater Lakes senior Michael Fernandez made the All-Dade First Team, finishing ninth in the 200 IM at state competition with a time of 1:55.23 as well as his teammate, senior Brandon Moran, who finished third with a time of 58.50. Fernandez also earned AllDade Second Team honors in the 200 medley rely with teammates Brandon Moran, Juanpablo Pineda and Daniel Quijada, and Third Team members included Fernandez for the 500 freestyle and Mater Academy swimmer Victor Valdes for the 100 meters breaststroke. Honorable mentions include Mater Academy swimmers Anthony Martinez, Samuel Ouijada, Jordi Rey and Victor Valdes. For girls’ swimming, Hialeah Gardens senior Jennifer Rodriguez earned First-Team honors, finishing third in the 100 meter breaststroke with a time of 1:04.69 at state competition. Second Team honors included Hialeah Miami Lakes’ Jocelyn Ruiz finishing with a time of 59:90 in the 100 meters
butterfly; and honorable mentions included Hialeah Gardens swimmers Claudia Acosta, Daniela Curbelo and Yozenis Perez, and Goleman swimmer Isabella Jurado. For Class 9A-6A, earning First-Team honors in girls’ volleyball included Mater Academy freshmen Angeles Alderete, who recorded 374 kills for the season. Honorable mentions included Hialeah Miami Lakes players Lianet Bulmas and Florela Serrano; and Mater Academy players Lily Sierra and Elisa Villar. For boys’ golf, American freshman Terry Moore earned Second-Team honors. For boys’ cross country, Mater Academy senior Tommy Cardenas earned First-Team honors finishing 19th with a time 16:29.55 at state competition, and Mater Academy junior Valarie Lastra made the girls’ First Team, winning the state championship with a time of 17:12.58. Honorable mention included Mater Academy runner Jinah Mickens-Malik. For girls’ bowling, making the All-Dade First-Team was American freshman Victery Coleman, finishing with 148.8 average at the state qualifying competition after he won the district championship.
FIU’s Brian Beard Jr. was named Conference USA Player of the Week
Florida International University (FIU) men's basketball standout Brian Beard Jr., has been named the Conference USA Player of the Week, the league office announced in December. It is the second honor for Beard, who was a CUSA Third Team All-Conference and All-Defensive selection in 2017-18. Beard recorded a career week, while helping FIU to a 3-1 record, including a 2-1 ledger at the Johnny Bach Classic at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. The California native averaged an impressive 25.8 points-per-game in the four games, to go along with 7.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 3.5 steals-per-outing for the Panthers, and also shot 48.3 percent (29-for-60) from the field. During the Johnny Bach Classic, Beard averaged 28.0 points, 8.0 assists and 4.0 stealsper-game. Beard poured in a career-high 36 points in FIU's win over Youngstown State, on November 18, on 69.2 percent (9-of13) from the field, 40 percent (2-of-5) from three-point range, and 80 percent (16-for-20) from
BRIAN BEARD JR. the charity stripe. In addition, Beard had seven assists and three steals against the Penguins. The night before, against Columbia, he recorded his second-career double-double with a 26-point and careerhigh 10-rebound effort to go along with six rebounds and three steals. He also scored 22 points in the tournament opener in addition to his team-high six rebounds, seven assists and six steals.
FIU’s Maha Gouda named USA’s Diver of the Week Florida International University (FIU) freshman student-athlete Maha Gouda has been named Conference USA’s Diver of the Week, the leagued announced last week. The honor is no surprise to the standout rookie who has now earned the superlative for the fourth time this season. The recognition follows her stellar performance at the 2019 FIU Sprint Invite last month, where she swept first place finishes from both the one and three-meter springboards. She picked up a personal best and conference best from the one-meter when she landed a score of 328.40 which put her in the top spot.
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HML champion soccer team reunites after 40 years THE MIAMI LAKER
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
On January 19, players and coaches of the Hialeah Miami Lakes High School (HML) 1977-1978 State Championship Soccer team joined together for a 40 year reunion. The reunion was hosted by former player Mario Sabates. To this day they are the only soccer team in HML history to achieve this success in boys’ soccer. Coach Jose Enriquez, a counselor and soccer coach at HML, worked with these players for years and ultimately lead them to a 17-1-2 season that resulted in the Class 4A State Championship. The players lined up for the
HIALEAH MIAMI LAKES SENIOR HIGHʼS 1977-1978 State Championship Soccer team that reunited in January including (front row from left) Randy Shapland, Lee McPherson, Fred Morro, Stan Wan, Carlos Gonzalez, Mike Covone, Alberto Gil, Carlos Govantes, Russel Poulson and Mario Sabates; (standing from left) Todd Taylor, Bobby Pinto, Randy McPherson, Coach Jose Enriquez, Bobby Bowen, Larry Botsford and Ed “Too Tall” Lambert.
Two MDC volleyball stars were named to NJCAA First Team All-American Though its quest for a third consecutive national championship fell short, two Miami Dade College women’s volleyball players were recognized for their stellar performances for the season. Student-athletes Kimberlie Apolinario-Correa and Tiziana Baumrukova were both named to the NJCAA First Team AllAmerican following the consolation prize at the NJCAA National tournament. Apolinario-Correa, a middle blocker, averaged 2.15 kills per
set, a hitting percentage of .409 and 0.68 blocks per set. She also was named First Team All-American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Second Team All-American. While her teammate, Baumrukova, was not only named to the NJCAA First Team All-American Team, but she also made the First Team All-American Volleyball Coaches Association. She finished the season with 10.82 assists per set, which ranked her third in the nation.
APOLINARIO-CORREA TIZIANA BAUMNUKOVA
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FIU graduate diver Rebecca Quesenel awarded USA Postgraduate Scholarship grant
Recent Florida International University (FIU) graduate and diver Rebecca Quesenel is one of 14 recipients of the Conference USA Jim Castaneda Postgrad-uate Scholarship Award, the league announced last week. Quesnel is a three-time CUSA Diver of the Year and First Team All-American, now ready to obtain her master's in architecture. She owned a 3.73 GPA in criminal justice with a minor in art. She was named FIU’s Athlete of the Year twice and became the Panthers' swimming and diving team captain during the 2017-18 season. In the pool, Quesnel was named Diver of the Meet at the 2018 Conference USA Swimming & Diving Championships for the second time in three years after taking gold in 1Meter and Platform, while finishing second in the 3-Meter. She earned C-USA Diver of the Week three times during the sea-
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picture in their reunion shirts in the same order as the original State Championship team picture. Enriquez gave his reunion speech to his former players. His message to his players was that it has and will always be about being a very close team and he thanked them for the great memories. The team won the GMAC Championship and the State Championship in the same year for the first time in history. Many players who have moved to other states made the trip to attend the reunion. Plans were made to have another reunion in five years.
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Club Atletico Penarol coming to practice at Royal Oaks Park PAGE 20
FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
The Town of Miami Lakes rolled out the welcome mat for Club Atletico Penarol, the 127 year-old Uruguayan soccer team, which is ranked among the top 50 greatest soccer club teams in the world.
Royal Oaks Park is now the official practice field and training camp for Club Atletico while they are in town. Mayor Manny Cid said he spoke with the team’s captain, Cristian Rodriguez and the
Sandra Miles is Dade Christian’s Teacher of Year
Sandra Miles has been named Teacher of the Year at Dade group is excited about coming Christian School (DCS) where she has faithfully served as the to Miami Lakes. “They’ve brought with them Pre-K 4 teacher for nearly 20 a huge fan base to Miami years. Her passion for educating Lakes,” he said. young minds is undeniable and the impact she has made at DCS is immeasurable. Her goal is to make the most of every moment she has with her students. Miles strives to make their pre-school program stand outthrough her dedication to implementing a rigorous phonics program in which she ensures that her students will be reading at an above-average level by the time they leave her class. From teaching them to read at a young age, to life lessons they will always remember, she expects excellence as she makes every effort to teach the whole child. “Mrs. Miles is a master teacher. She teaches at such a high level day in and day out. It is amazing to see what she accomplishes with such young
SANDRA MILES
students,” said Headmaster Paul Humphreys. “Not only do her students leave her class with a vast amount of knowledge that helps lay the foundation for their educational futures, but most importantly, she shows God’s love to her students through all of her actions. She truly makes an impact in the lives of every student and parent that enters her classroom.”
Jessica Cubas is Dade Christian’s Rookie of Year
Dade Christian School (DCS) graduate and now first grade teacher Jessica Cubas, has been awarded Rookie Teacher of the Year. Although this is her first CARLOS SANCHEZ, the general manager of Atletico Penarol, is welcomed to Royal Oaks year teaching at DCS, one Park by Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid and board members of Miami Lakes United Soccer would think she is a veteran Club. educator by the manner in which she conducts her classroom. Her passion and excitement for learning are evidenced by the way she interacts with her students. “Mrs. Cubas is a rare first year teacher with a great balance for understanding and motivating her students for excellence,” said Headmaster Paul Humphreys. Through the use of creative teaching strategies, Cubas keeps her first graders on their toes and is dedicated to ensuring their success. She carefully studies the curriculum and is continuously researching unique methods of presenting concepts that can appeal to all different learning styles. Whether through song, dance,
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Larry D. Cooper named American’s Rookie of Year Larry D. Cooper, American Senior High’s Rookie Teacher of the Year, is a person who has extensive background in sales, management and customer service skills. On the surface, one might not see the correlation between sales ability and teaching skills but Cooper’s classroom success show that they are one in the same. About seven years ago, Cooper was watching the movie “Larry Crowne”, a movie in which Tom Hanks played the role of a manager at a Walmarttype store who had recently been let go from his job for not having a college degree. Subsequently, Hanks character decides to go back to school to get his college degree. This movie reminded Cooper that it is never too late to go back to school. It was then that he realized that it was time for him to go back to school. Cooper believes an effective teacher has to grasp the attention of their students, manage student behaviors and ultimately create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. With over five years as a sales manager for a car rental agency, Cooper has faced similar challenges where he had to manage employee sales numbers, be profitable and above all create a sales environment. These skills translate well to the world of teaching. Teachers today have a daunting task of educating students while at the same time preparing them for high stakes testing. Fortunately for Cooper, there were many days when he had to manage 15 employees each of whom had separate tasks, as well as man the phones and at the same time keep an office full of customers content.
LARRY D. COOPER With this experience, he plans to use many of the ideas that were useful in coaching and developing employees. Cooper knows that keeping a student engaged in the learning process is key to having a student learn the material. That is why he is a strong proponent of gamification. Cooper uses Quizizz, which allows students to answer questions in a gameshow atmosphere. Teachers must prepare students to do well on standardized tests. To be effective at this, one has to create competition between students thereby each student pushes each other to do better. Essentially, this becomes the all important environment. An effective teacher understands and implements the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices. These practices ensure that a teacher creates high standards for their students to uphold, is uniquely qualified to teach the curriculum and is always striving for student achievement. Cooper affirms this will be his goal every day that he steps into the classroom.
Mater Academy basketbal team wins Kruel Classic in Broward THE MIAMI LAKER
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
MATER ACADEMY boys’ basketball team won the 28th annual Kreul Classic in Coral Springs, as the Lions were among the 44 teams that competed in the prestigious charity tournament. Mater Academy faced off against teams from Florida, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Texas, Ohio, Georgia, Alabama, Connecticut, Missouri and Washington D.C. and finished 6-0 in the tournament. Forty-four teams showcased their basketball skills in a tournament that is widely regarded among the best in the nation.
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STU’s Dung Truong honored PAGE 22
FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY student Dung “Young” Truong was recently recognized by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and her school for participating in the 2018 Summer Associates Research Program with ADL. Truong conducted research and drafted a memorandum of law on “the use of Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions (COMPAS)” as a research-based risk and needs assessment tool in the criminal justice system. Her work was published in the ADL Program Book and used by ADL offices around the country.
Pace High celebrates three seniors who received college acceptances By Raquel Edmundson Special to The Miami Laker The Monsignor Edward Pace (PACE) community congratulates the achievements of three of their seniors who have recently earned early acceptances to the universities of their choice. In mid-December, Vanessa Perez-Robles received her early decision acceptance notice to Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. The local Miami Lakes resident and Our Lady of the Lakes alumna has always been a highly motivated and well rounded student involved in many clubs and organizations. She is also been a valued and talented member of PACE’s girls volleyball team. When she learned about her acceptance into the prestigious Ivy League institution, PerezRobles expressed, “I was overjoyed that all my hard work and dedication paid off and that I’d be able to attend my dream school.” This year the honor student and member of PACE’s Spartan Sword and Shield academic program petitioned to start the school’s Women in STEM club where PACE’s female students are encouraged to explore various career opportunities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. She plans on majoring in engineering and sustainability. Additionally, last month PACE Spartans David Barbier and Qiana Pierre learned that they had received full academic scholarships through a national organization called The Posse Foundation. Barbier, a highly involved member of PACE’s student body and SGA president will be attending Syracuse University in New York, while Qiana
VANESSA PEREZ-ROBLES Pierre has received a scholarship to attend Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. They are the first ever PACE students to receive scholarships from the Posse Foundation, which partners with colleges and universities throughout the nation to provide deserving students with full-tuition scholarships as well as pre-collegiate training in leadership, academic success, team building and cross-cultural communication. For Barbier, receiving this scholarship made him reflect on the opportunities he has been given throughout his life. “It meant a lot to me since it was only something my ancestors dreamed of.” He plans on double majoring in international relations and communications. For Pierre, receiving this scholarship filled her with gratitude. “From someone who really thought my story meant little, I was in tears when I found out that I had received this scholarship to attend Mount Holyoke,” she said. “They saw me for who I was and that was enough for them.”
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Miami National College Fair set for February 24
Miami-Dade County Public Schools, in conjunction with the National Association for College Admission Counseling, will host the 2019 Miami National College Fair. The free event is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 24, at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Miami Airport and Convention Center, 777 N.W. 72 Avenue in Miami. College bound students can preregister for college and request information from 200 colleges and universities during the college fair. For more information, call 305-995-1739 from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Coding Doctors Kids Club partners with PSN Library The Coding Doctors Kids Club has a newly formed partnership with the local Palm Springs North (PSN) Library where they meet once a month. The age group is 8-16 years old. They usually meet the first Saturday of each month from 3 to 5 p.m. at the PSN Library. Their next meeting is scheduled for February 2. The club was started in September 2018 by a group of elementary school students with the help of their parents. They focus on getting kids to believe in themselves and to believe
that can create and become leaders in their community. They call all the kids “doctors” because they want them to feel their potential. Each child has a job. The job titles are big but the responsibilities are child sized. They have web developers and designers, software engineers, professors and many others. In addition, they have other fun activities for programmers at the Apple Store. Space is limited, visit www.codingdoctorskidsclub.com for more information.
CODING DOCTORS KIDS CLUB members visited the Apple store at Brickell City Centre.
Adriana Ruzzi-Vera named Barbara Goleman High’s Rookie Teacher of the Year
ADRIANA RUZZI-VERA was named the Rookie Teacher of the Year at Barbara Goleman Senior High (BGSH). For Ruzzi-Vera it is an honor to be acknowledged by her colleagues. BGSH has exceptional teachers, all of her rookie colleagues are hardworking and reflect what it means to be Rookie Teacher of the Year. Ruzzi-Vera hopes that her students find her classroom to be a place where they can feel comfortable and a place where they can cultivate strong voices. Ruzzi-Vera’s hope for her students is that they learn how to trust in themselves and become observers of their surroundings.
Hialeah Miami Lakes students take eighth annual college tour THE MIAMI LAKER
On January 16 and 17, 46 Hialeah Miami Lakes (HML) juniors participated in the school’s eighth annual college tour. According to CAP advisor Raquel Cruz, “Students that take advantage of this opportunity can see themselves at a state university outside of South Florida. They get a more indepth understanding of what universities are looking for when they accept first time college students. Students are able to see what is attainable in their near future and begin to set tangible goals for life after high school.” Students began the tour at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, where former Trojan Syann Mark shared her experiences after two years as a
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
student on campus. The tour continued at the University of South Florida in Tampa, where students had lunch in a dining hall and toured a rapidly growing campus full of new construction. Day two began on the University of Florida (UF) campus in Gainesville, where the UF assistant director for Undergraduate Admissions spoke about what UF looks for when reviewing applications and how juniors can make themselves the best UF candidates in their senior year. HML graduate Kevin Beguiristain joined the tour and shared his Gator experiences with the group in the Swamp. The tour ended at the University of Central Florida (UCF) campus in Orlando.
PAGE 23
Eight former Trojans met the group on the UCF mall and it was a sweet reunion. HML juniors heard about campus life, academics and what it takes to make it on your own. The college tour was designed to expose college-bound Trojans to some of the options within the Florida system, as well as maintain connections between current and former HML students. Junior Matthew Varela said, “I learned that there really is a vast difference between the schools. UF seems likes its own city, while Florida Gulf Coast was small but even has a beach for students. Hopefully someday, I can be one of the HML graduates giving a tour of my school to future HML students.”
HML JUNIORS pose with former HML students who are now attending UCF.
Miami Dade College joins with Facebook for focus on global digital marketing PAGE 24
FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
Miami Dade College (MDC) and Face book have formed a partnership with the goal of developing a specialized curriculum to train students, small business owners and entrepreneurs in global digital marketing. MDC President Dr. Eduardo J. Padron and representatives of Facebook announced the partnership during Facebook’s Community Boost Program at the James L. Knight Center. MDC is the first Florida institution to partner with Facebook in its goal to provide 1 million U.S. workers and entrepreneurs the digital skills to compete and succeed in today’s economy. “At MDC, it is our mission to empower our students to be trendsetters and changemakers. This partnership will undoubtedly teach our students invaluable digital marketing strategies and prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century economy,” said Padrón. Through this partnership, MDC and Facebook will codevelop a College Credit Certificate that builds upon the MDC Digital Marketing Management Certificate. Using Facebook’s Blueprint Curriculum, MDC’s acclaimed Idea Center will also offer digital The latest
marketing workshops for Miami’s entrepreneurial community. This collaboration will provide students with the knowledge, skills and ability to earn a Facebook digital marketing certificate. Both certificate programs are stackable credentials that provide students with a pathway to completing the newly redesigned Associate Degree in Marketing, coming to MDC in Fall 2019. MDC currently offers a College Credit Certificate in Digital Marketing, funded in great part by the Mitchell Wolfson, Sr. Foundation. The certificate is designed to prepare students to build and execute a marketing plan using various digital and social media platforms and to optimize promotional campaigns using analytical tools. MDC’s partnership with Facebook will allow students interested in this new field to continue, over a lifetime of learning, to assemble, or “stack,” a series of credentials such as certificates, certifications, licenses, badges, apprenticeships and more, that recognize achievements and provide an accurate assessment of knowledge, skills and abilities.
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Miami Lakes Educational Center goes beyond STEM in new garden By Karla Perez Special to The Miami Laker Next to the basketball court and near the bus loop, lies a humble garden surrounded by a chain-link fence. For years, the garden never called anyone’s attention: it was barren, dead, unkept, unknown. This year, however, Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC) is proud to present its brand new garden, whose renovations began on November 6. It has managed to continue growing and thriving and will hopefully continue to steadily become more and more abundant in the future. To achieve this, assistant principal Michael Windisch applied for a grant from the Miami Lakes Town Foundation which rewarded a thousand dollars. Toward the end of October it was announced that MLEC won the grant and he immediately decided to start working on it. In order to do this, all teachers and staff were asked to come in November 6, a teacher planning day, to work together remodeling the garden. “We moved all the concrete blocks out of here, we put them on the road, we painted the top level of the blocks the teal color of the school to make it look good, then we removed all the old soil that was full of junk - it was a mess, said Windisch. “We put a layer of rocks on the bottom because it doesn’t drain very well so if you water or it rains too much, it would just sit there and the plants would die.” Among the plants growing in the garden are herbs like cilantro, parsley, basil and oregano; peppers, such as jalapeno peppers, green peppers, red peppers and shishito peppers; as well as some other vegetables like onions, broccoli, cauliflower and sage. “Right now it’s just me,” continued Windisch, “I’m coming every day during lunch to water the garden. I hope the biology classes come down and take a look, it would be good to show them around. A lot of the teachers have been bringing down their classes and have helped put together the garden. The
MIAMI LAKES EDUCATIONAL CENTER staff are pictured painting the blocks to help create a new garden for the school. ultimate goal is hopefully to the long term and the everyday have enough vegetables and sustaining of it. herbs so that Chef Hunt's culiFrom creating a beautiful nary classes can use them as banner to decorating the empty well.” fences that surround the garden, English teachers have taken to finding new seats to place their classes down to the garden around so that anyone who for some inspiration. Cristy wishes to spend time there durAltamirano’s tenth grade honors ing lunch can comfortably do class went down and decorated so, even creating QR codes that the fence with their original students could use on their poetry. phones to learn a little about Eric Puentes’s classes also each plant. visited the garden and spent part “I’m very pleased that we of the class period writing. were able to get this grant and The garden is growing and so start making some improveare MLEC students’ creative ments in the garden. It can be a juices. As the most recent crops useful place for all different continue to grow, so are plans subject areas of the students to for the garden’s future. come down. Whoever wants to Although the garden is still become involved can, it belongs new, there are already tons of to the school, not to any particideas that the administration is ular group but I know that some hoping to incorporate both in classes have come down,” said principal Lourdes Diaz. “We’re looking to grow other things as the seasons change someone told me that they used to grow strawberries out here as well as tomatoes and we’re looking toward planting those.” “It’s really working out,” conOur professionals can help tinued Diaz, “everything seems to be growing and thriving so your business stay afloat. we’ll see how things go. People are starting to use it and as we start using it, we’ll come across more ways to use it. We’ll see 305-817-4015 where it goes.”
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STRATEGIES
Hialeah Gardens Middle School names Coach Peter Rodriguez top rookie teacher
Coach Peter Rodriguez, recently named Hialeah Gardens Middle School’s 2019 Rookie Teacher of the Year, does not give off the vibe of a novice. Perhaps that’s because he’s the son and brother of teachers and has been around educators his entire life. Whatever the case, he understands that physical education must be approached comprehensively in order to benefit the whole child: mind, body and spirit. Consider this a challenge to find a rookie physical education teacher who utilizes a more effective scientific approach to learning. His mentor, a science teacher, describes him as “a breath of fresh air” and a model for why physical education plays an important role in the education of middle schoolers. While teaching athletics, he wants them to understand how specific activities can positively impact their brains. Rodriguez enjoys teaching students how consuming healthy foods as children can have a long term effect on their bodies. He takes the time during interdisciplinary planning to meet with his peers and learn how he can make these real world connections for students across multiple disciplines. Aside from coaching and assisting with volleyball, cross country, basketball and softball, Rodriguez’s character really became evident this past summer. When the school lost its sponsor for the junior police cadets, many students who were looking to belonging would’ve
‘The Spot’ Youth Center announces February activities
Miami Lakes Youth Center will be hosting several fun and exciting programs for middle and high school students from 6 to 8 p.m. during February at “The Spot,” 6075 Miami Lakes Drive East. Open Hang Nights are scheduled for Fridays, February 8, 15 and 22, and on Wednesday, February 27. The Youth Center is equipped with a billard table, table tennis, indoor basketball shootout game, Microsoft Xbox One Console, Nintendo Wii and more. Bring friends for a night of fun and games. A field trip to the Escape Room has been scheduled for Saturday, February 9. To register, visit www.toml.eventbrite.com, or for more information, contact Programs coordinator Manny Martinez at thespot@miamilakes-fl.gov or 305-819-7768.
PETER RODRIGUEZ been left behind. Instead, he volunteered to take on the challenge of sponsoring the group. Not only did he sponsor the club, he also helped them fundraise for uniforms, bring in guest speakers from local police departments and he’s also planning a trip for these students to visit Washington, D.C., many of them have never left South Florida! Many observe Rodriguez demonstrating this type of leadership on a daily basis. Although he’s a new teacher, this rookie is not afraid to take on challenges and work with fellow educators to provide the best for his students. As such, he has earned the respect of the Hialeah Gardens Middle School family and they are proud to give him their highest commendation.
St. Thomas University names Dr. Jeremy Moreland as new Provost THE MIAMI LAKER
Dr. Jeremy L. Moreland has been selected as St. Thomas University’s (STU) new provost and chief academic officer. Formerly provost and chief academic officer for University of the Rockies in Denver, Colorado, Moreland recently accepted the appointment and will be joining STU this month, leading the Catholic institution into a new year of student-driven success and academic accomplishments. “Dr. Moreland brings over 20 years of academic leadership experience to STU and possesses a thorough understanding of academic programs, instruction, and assessment, which are valuable skills we need to increase student enrollment and retention,” said David A. Armstrong, J.D., president of STU. “I’m not only confident in his ability to evaluate the effectiveness of our current degree programs, but I’m also encouraged by his collaborative approach to managing the unique needs of groups ranging from our Board of Trustees to our diverse student body,” Armstrong said. A champion for both classroom and online learning, Moreland’s prior roles have included academic dean, director of Institutional Assessment and Planning and faculty member. He has been instrumental in building programs and innovative processes to grow research for faculty and students alike. “As STU’s provost, my priorities will include effectively leveraging technology for teaching and learning, while also fostering research opportunities for faculty and students,”
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
he said. “With support from President Armstrong and his esteemed STU leadership team, I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running in my new position and strengthening opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students alike. I am eager to partner with colleagues across campus and I am optimistic in our ability to bolster academic excellence and spearhead enrollment growth within the next year,” he said. Moreland earned a Ph.D. in general experimental psychology from Texas Christian University, a master of science from Texas Christian University and a bachelor of arts from Stephen F. Austin State University.
ol cho S r e Aft e Car
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DR. JEREMY MORLAND
Pace High thespians prepare for Florida State Thespian Festival PAGE 26
FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
By Raquel Edmundson Special to The Miami Laker Members of Monsignor Edward Pace High School’s (PACE) Drama Troupe 5457 competed in the District 8 Thespian Competition in December bringing home several awards and honors. Under the direction of Marianne Martinez, the group added 11 new thespians members this year to the competition
troupe and they brought home six excellent and ten superior awards. Of those superior awards, they earned one for Large Group performance as well as a perfect score in the Monologue category. For the tenth year in a row, the group will now proceed to Tampa to compete in the annual Florida State Thespian Festival competition taking place March 20-24.
In preparation for the upcoming competition, the students have been busy rehearsing and raising funds to cover their travel expenses. Last month the group held their annual evening Drama Showcase where they performed competition pieces before an audience of PACE students, faculty, family and friends.
MEMBERS of PACE High’s Drama club are preparing for State competition..
www.miamilakes.com
Hialeah Miami Lakes AP Environmental Science students featured on Univision
On January 10, a Univisión crew was on hand to document the results of a hydroponic experiment completed by students in Hialeah Miami Lakes (HML) Advanced Placement Environmental Science class. It was part of Univisión Channel 23 “Univisión Educación Campaign” to promote environmental awareness within the Hispanic community. The series is called “Club Planeta”. This experiment was designed to test how green onions would grow while immersed in tap water and water with elevated levels of nitrates and phosphates provided by an aquaponics set up. The aquaponics system housed 25 African Cichlid fish and two water turtles, as well as 22 green onions. Students hypothesized that if the green onions were grown in tap water and aquaponics water, the green onions in the
aquaponics setup would grow taller and weigh more. This hypothesis was based on the fact that the aquaponics water had elevated levels of nitrates and phosphates provided by the fish and turtle waste. After about two months, all 44 plants were measured and weighed. Students found that the green onions in the aquaponics water grew 63 percent taller and weighed 21 percent more than the green onions grown in tap water. How can this experiment benefit the earth and/or Florida? According to HML teacher Rafael Gonzalez, “If we could recapture waste water with elevated levels of nitrates and phosphates, we could use this waste water to grow bigger and better crops. This in turn would reduce our local ecological footprint.”
New Construction in Miami Lakes
Crescent Pointe
15121 NW 67TH AVENUE
38,885 SQUARE FOOT MIXED-USE BUILDING 23,742 SF of Office Space + 15,143 SF of Retail Space with exterior signage fronting NW 67th Avenue
HML AP environmental science students were videotaped during their experiment.
Miami Lakes Middle School wins district ‘We the People Competition’
Coming Soon: Sergio’s Cuban Cafe + Grill • Mercantil Bank • Jersey Mike’s Subs
Vibrant and substantial business community Proximity to several major expressways, with immediate access to I-75, the Gratigny, and Palmetto Expressway Access to a large multilingual workforce Abundance of affordable housing Located in a carefully planned community with overall beauty and convenience For leasing information, please contact: Philip Wyllie, Leasing Manager 305.817.4005 • philip.wyllie@grahamcos.com
MIAMI LAKES MIDDLE SCHOOL students are the winners of the ‘We the People Competition’ held on January 14. This competition is to see which students have the most knowledge of the Constitution. Lisa Deyarza is the sponsor of the sixth, seventh and eighth graders. They will now head to state finals on February 1 in Sanford, Florida and compete against 15 other schools. Students pictured are, Stephanie Rodriguez, Erick Rodriguez, Marcus Rogers, Adrian White, Marco Ríos, Gabriela Vega, Rebecca Gonzalez-Guerra, Melanie Ulloa, Melanie Mahmoodi, Zariah Berry, Natasha Harris, Gabriel Hubbert, Nicolle Centenaro, Angie Zuleta, Valentina Ciraulo, Tamia Darling, Alexa Galue, Crystal Lahori, Mayte Méndez, Samantha Ureña and Romaine Bennett.
Florida Panthers host STEM Day field trip for Hockey Scholar kids
THE MIAMI LAKER
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
Miami Lakes Area Houses of Worship Elevate Church
6250 Miami Lakes Dr. East www.GoElevateChurch.com Sunday Worship.... 9, 11 & 1 PM Youth Fridays......................7 PM
M.L. Congregational Church
6701 Miami Lakeway South Telephone 305-822-4313 Adult Sunday School........... 9 AM Children’s Sun. School..10:30 AM Worship.........................10:30 AM
Sunrise Presbyterian Church
18400 N.W. 68 Avenue Telephone: 305-821-5841 Worship...........................10:00 AM Servicio en Español,,,,,,,,11:30 AM
The Church of the Epiphany
15650 Miami Lakeway North Telephone: 305-558-3961 www.episcopalmiamilakes.com Sunday Eucharist............10:30 AM Children’s Sun. School...10:15 AM Adult Bible Study.............11:00 AM Misa en Español...............9:00 AM Escuela Dominical..........12:15 PM
THE FLORIDA PANTHERS welcomed over 3,000 accomplished Hockey Scholar students for this year's Florida Panther STEM Day field trip at the BB&T Center. Of that number, 77 students from Hialeah Gardens Middle School achieved the honor of attending. In order to attend this event, each student had to complete the EverFI Future Hockey Goals math or science online course. Individuals who work for the Panthers' franchise spoke to the students about the relationship of their jobs to science, technology, engineering and math. The Panthers' social media coordinator, ice manager, equipment manager and Jet Blue pilot for the team all spoke about their current jobs and education. After the presentations, everyone was treated to a mini hockey game and practice session as the Florida Panthers prepared for their upcoming game against the Vancouver Canucks. Anita Scott, middle school business education teacher and FBLA advisor stated, “All the students came back wanting a job with the Panthers!”
MONTESSORI CHILDREN'S HOUSE 6381 Miami Lakeway North, Miami Lakes 33014 (Preschool Thru 6th Grade) Now accepting “STEP UP FOR STUDENTS” Scholarships Stepupforstudents.org Now offering V.P.K. Call for more information!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
8201 N.W. 186 Street Telephone: 305-829-0049 Spanish service.................9:00 AM English service................12:30 PM Tuesday Spanish).............7:00 PM Wednesday (English).......7:00 PM Palm Vista Community Church
Meeting at Miami Lakes Middle School Auditorium 6425 Miami Lakeway North Telephone: 305-822-6999 Worship Service....................10:30 AM
Temple Tifereth Jacob 5901 N.W. 151 Street Telephone: 305-557-2651 Call for Service Schedule
Iglesia Biblica Cristiana Español Servcios
6250 Miami Lakes Drive East Telephone: 305-557-1959 Sunday Service.................4:00 PM Wednesday Youth.............7:30 PM
Iglesia El Nuevo Comienzo
6701 Miami Lakeway South Services in Spanish Sunday service...............12:30 PM Thursday service..............8:00 PM
AMERICAN MONTESSORI SOCIETY “Within our own specially prepared environment a child’s abilities and skills are more quickly and easily developed”
BEGIN IN PRE-SCHOOL Reading - Geography - Mathematics - Science Ballet - Piano - Spanish - Bible
305-823-2522
www.miamilakeschristianmontessori.com
(since 1972)
305-823-5632 C11MD0920
**NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS** Montessori Christian Center of Miami Lakes, Inc. admits students of any race, color, national and ethenic origin in administration of its admission policies, education policies, and other school administrative priograms, to all the rights, privilages, programs generally accorded or made available to the studens at the school.
“Lest the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” (PS127)
St. Andrews Lutheran Church
575 West 68 Street Telephone: 305-821-3622 Sunday service (English)...9:00 AM Sunday service (Spanish)10:30 AM Bible School......................11:00 AM
Voice for Jesus Church 4824 N.W. 167 Street
Telephone: 305-625-3787 Sunday service.................10:00 AM Youth Thursday..................7:00 PM Friday Prayer Service........7:00 PM
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Hialeah Church of Christ
Shula’s Hotel (Davis Cup Room) 6842 Main Street, Miami Lakes Telephone: 305-558-1060 Sunday Bible Study.............9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service.10:30 AM Sunday Evening Service...6:00 PM Wednesday Bible Study.....7:30 PM
Fulfilled Life Church
Country Club Middle School 18305 N.W. 75 Place Telephone: 786-378-2356 Sunday Service (Eng.).....10:30 AM
Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church
15801 N.W. 67 Avenue Telephone: 305-558-2302 Saturday Vigil Mass............5:00 PM Sunday services in English ...........9:30, 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM Sunday services in Spanish: ...........8:00 AM, 12:45 and 7:00 PM Daily services......7:00 and 8:30 AM Confessions: Saturdays.....3:30 PM
Mother of Our Redeemer Catholic Church
8445 N.W. 186 Street Telephone: 305-829-6141 Daily services (Spanish).....8:30 AM Saturday (English)..............5:30 PM Saturday (Spanish)............7:00 PM Sundays (English).....8 & 10:30 AM Sundays (Spanish) ................9 AM, 12:30 and 7:00 PM
North Palm Baptist Church
7801 N.W. 178 Street Telephone: 305-558-2032 Sunday Bible Study............9:15 AM Sunday Worship...............10:30 AM Wednesday sevice.............7:00 PM
M.L. United Methodist Church
14800 N.W. 67 Avenue Telephone: 305-821-7274 Worship service.................10:00 AM Contemporary service.......11:30 AM (Child care and youth Sunday School during both services)
New Testament Baptist Church
6601 N.W. 167 Street Telephone: 305-558-4930 Sunday English service.......11:15 AM Sunday Spanish service.....10:30 AM Sunday School.....................10:00 AM Sunday School (Spanish)...11:30 AM Wednesday Children’s Ministry......................6:45 PM Wednesday Bible study........7:00 PM Wednesday Youth Group.....7:00 PM
Christ the Saviour Orthodox Cathedral
16601 N.W. 77 Court Telephone: 305-822-0437 www.OrthodoxMiami.org Saturday Vespers...............6:00 PM Sunday Liturgy..................10:00 AM
Palm Springs United Methodist Church
5700 W. 12 Avenue Telephone: 305-821-3232 Worship service................10:45 AM
(Editor’s Note: All information provided by individiual houses of worship. Confirm service times by telephone.)
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FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
Former FIU star drafted No. 3 overall pick by Orlando City SC
Former Florida International University (FIU) men's soccer standout Santiago Patino became the ninth player in school history to be drafted in the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft, when Orlando City SC selected him in the first round with the No. 3 overall pick. Patino, who resides in Orlando, but is a native of Medellin, Colombia, is the highest drafted player in program history, the fifth player to be selected in the first round and the second-straight following Paul Marie who went No. 12 overall in the 2018 SuperDraft to the San Jose Earthquake. In addition, he is the ninth FIU player taken in the MLS SuperDraft. Patino was in Chicago for the Draft, along with FIU head coach Kevin Nylen, following his participation in the recent MLS Combine in Orlando. “This is a feeling that is really hard to explain,” Patino told OrlandoCitySC.com. “God gave me the opportunity and I am glad that Orlando City opened the doors for me again. I was there for a little bit before I went to college, I had the chance to train with them and I am familiar with the team and the coaching staff. I am happy that I am going to Orlando, I am glad that this is happening and I can't wait to get started.” “Today is a great day for Santi, his family and for FIU soccer,” said Nylen. “Santi has worked towards this moment since the day I met him. It is always great to see your players follow their dreams and watch them become a professional. Today is the start of Santi being a professional going number three overall in the MLS draft.” Patino appeared in 16 games for the Panthers during the 2018 campaign, starting in all 16 and playing 1,294 minutes. He logged 90-or-more minutes eight times during the season.
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A
D V E R T I S I N G PET SERVICES
Pet Care - Daily Walks. In-home. Vacation Care. Lakes Pet Walking. Call 786-516-6567.
• Property Manager
2pt
(Full Time - Graham Residential)
• Reservations Agent
(Full Time - Shula’s Hotel)
• Kids Club Attendant
(Part Time - Shula’s Athletic Club)
• Room Attendant
(Full Time - Shula’s Hotel)
• Leasing Agent
(Full Time - Graham Residential)
• Front Desk Attendant
SERVICES
Sprinkler Systems. Installation and repairs. 24 hours. Free estimates. Call 305-300-9414. PoolsCentral.Com Miami Lakes 786-766-1041 Pool Service & Maint. $80
TILE INSTALLATION
Tile/Marble Installation. Remodel bathrooms and repairs. Free Estimates. Call 305-803-6901.
Mater Lakes Academy is seeking someone for a Bus Driver/Security Position. Must be able to work daily and have a valid CDL License. Please contact Mrs. Morazan, if interested. amorazan@materlakes.org
(Part Time - Shula’s Athletic Club)
• Night Auditor
(Full Time - Shula’s Hotel)
• Front Desk Attendant (Part Time - Shula’s Spa)
• Housekeeping Houseperson (Full Time- Shula’s Hotel)
R E A L E S TAT E C L A S S I F I E D
• Personal Trainer
(Full/Part Time - Shula’s Athletic Club)
• Floor Attendant
(Part Time - Shula’s Athletic Club)
• Personal Training Apprentice (Full Time - Shula’s Athletic Club)
• Outside Services
(Part Time - Shula’s Golf Club) • Ranger (Temporary/Part Time - Shula’s Golf Club)
THE MIAMI LAKER CLASSIFIED ADS PERSONAL CLASSIFIED RATES: $5.00 per line, 3 line minimum ($15.00) Bold headlines and boxes count as two lines. Personal classifieds must be paid in advance. No phone orders, please!
Name
Phone
City
Zip Code
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Payment enclosed (Amount)
Category:
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issue(s)
Total characters in one line total 24. Letters, all spaces, and punctuations (periods, commas, etc.) count as one character. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY
Arlene S. Wallach, P.A., CRS Thinking about buying or selling?
Serving Miami Lakes area since 1989! • Top 5% of Realtors Nationwide! • Over 26 years experience in Miami Lakes, Miami-Dade and South Broward.
Select the Real Estate Professional Committed to Excellence, Professionalism, Great Service and Honest advice.
305-798-1455 954-252-2950
www.arlenewallach.com
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Call me for a FREE market analysis!
CELEBRATING 33 YEARS
REAL ESTATE EXCELLENCE
The Team Saumell
Martha S. Bennett CELL: 561-713-7175 Miami-Dade, Broward & Palm Beach
SANTIAGO PATINO
MAIL TO THE MIAMI LAKER 15450 NEW BARN ROAD, SUITE 103 MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA 33014
Email: martirunner@gmail.com
Gardenia Saumell CELL: 305-308-9621 Email: miamirealty@yahoo.com
THE MIAMI LAKER
Lynn Ancel Matos 305-790-7952
lynnancelmatos@gmail.com
“I am all about results and resolutions.” Unique Realty
6167 Miami Lakes Drive, Miami Lakes
THE ART RODRIGUEZ TEAM
#1 Miami Lakes Top Selling Agents Since 2000
ART: 305.827.4251 MARIA: 305.308.9482 GABRIEL: 786.348.7780
Coldwell Banker Top 100 Agents in Florida NAHREP Top 200 in U.S.A. More Than A Half Century (50 years) Of Combined Real Estate Experience.
WESELLMIAMILAKES.COM
Residential Real Estate *Owned and operated by NRT, LLC
@artrealestateteam.com
Featured Properties
FOR SALE. 14817 Balgowan Road - Miami Lakes
Lowest priced in Regatta Pointe. Waterfront 2/2 with 1-car garage. Well maintained first floor unit. Vacant lot in Harbordale, Ft. Lauderdale, to build 4 units. Hialeah office and stores for rent.
• Founding Member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing. • 2015-2019 Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce president. • Miami Lakes resident over 49 years.
Magaly Rubio, CIPS, CRS, GRI Broker/Assciate/e-PRO
305-821-0203
mrubiore@bellsouth.net
PAGE 29
Serving the Miami Lakes community for over 38 years as a full service Realtor! 15040 Dunbarton Place - Miami Lakes
R E A L E S TAT E CLASSIFIED If You Are Thinking About Selling Your Home, Letʼs Talk. Call me today!
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
FOR SALE BY OWNER Celebration Point, Corner lst Floor, 1 Bed 1 Bath RENOVATED $175,000.000 Gardenia 305-308-0621
FOR RENT
3/2.5 luxury townhome with 2-car garage, gated community, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, wood laminate floors, hurricane impact windows, fitness studio, 24 hr. maintenance. From $2570 monthly. Call 305-821-1138.
Beautiful home for a large family with 6 bedroms, 6 baths, 2 master suites, totally updated. Extra large lot with pool, tle floors, new kitchen, granite counters, S/S appliances. New roof, generator, hurricane accordion shutters, secrity cameras and alarm system.
Vera Cox 305-542-1944
vera.cox@coldwellbanker.com
305-822-7444 / www.wesellfloridanow.com
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FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
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• Trimming • Shaping • Removals • Mulch & Hedges • Rock & Plastic
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Free estimates/licensed-insured. 50 ft. Bucket Truck, Chipper Dump Truck, Stump Grinder & Bobcat Loader
305-621-4690
SINCE 1976 IN MIAMI LAKES JOHN E. BUZZELLA
R
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S T A T E
The Keyes Company Miami Lakes office is proud to congratulate
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Buy, Sell, Invest... I will help you get the Best! Miami Lakes
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On being the #1 Top Producer for 2018
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6850 Main Street Miami Lakes, FL 33014
305-790-4292
FOR RENT - $2,600.00 200 Galen Dr #104 - 2 Bed / 2 Bath
ndiazmidtownr@gmail.com
Nelson Diaz, Realtor Associate Miami Lakes Resident since 2003
Debbie Lee Wilson, Realtor Since 1972
Palm Springs North, Miami Lakes, The Moors, Broward, Lakes on the Green, Esplanade, Single Family, Townhomes
THINKING OF SELLING • BUYING • RELOCATING • RENTING • SHORT SALE • FORECLOSURE?
Call your Local Hometown Realtor • Making dreams come true since 1988. Debbie Lee Wilson 305-788-5008 • www.DebbieLeeWilsonSellHomes.com • Wildebb1@gmail.com
Complete Remodeled 3 bedrooms, 3 new bathrooms, new kitchen, new appliances and counters, new W/D in kitchen, tile floors, wood stairs to 2nd floor, one master on 1st floor, 2nd master on 2nd floor, each with own bath, Roof 2 years new, central A/C 3 yrs. old. No HOA approval, 2 assigned parking spaces. Clubhouse offers Olympic-size pool, racquetball, tennis, and aerobic classes. Gated, 24 hr. roving sec. Call Debbie 305-788-5008.
For Sale Mint Condition starter townhouse, top of the line new appliances, latest style washer/dryer, 2 bedrooms, 2 updated baths, tile floors, porceline wood tile in master bedroom, roof 2 years new, patio with storage room. Full clubhouse amenities, Olympic size pool, exercise equipment, basketball, tennis, racquetball, 24-hour roving security. No HOA approval. HOA fee only $241 month incl. clubhouse facilities, cable, taxes, and lawn service.
Call Debbie 305-788-5008.
Wonderful spacious corner unit rental in secure community near many shops, restaurants, entertainment and transportation near Miami Lakes Main Street. 3 bedroom, 2 updated bathrooms, 2nd floor condo, full kitchen appliances, updated glasstop range/oven, tiled floors, roof 4 yrs.new, A/C 6 years. 1st, last and 1 month security. Rent includes use of club house facilities, tennis courts. Gated access, 24 hr. security patrol. Call Debbie 305-788-5008.
Waterfront Villa For Rent! All tiled floors, updated kitchen, facing lake. 2-year-old roof. 24-hour gated roving security patrolled. Washer/dryer in unit. $1,650 per month (1st, last, plus 1 month security deposit). No pets, Full club house facility, racquetball, basketball, tennis courts, exercise machines, Yoga classes. Credit application to be filled out. The Moors does background check. Call Debbie 305-788-5008. FOR RENT!
Highly sought after 3 bedroom, 2 updated full bathrooms, 1-car garage converted to media room, can be converted back to garage. Roof replaced after Wilma, 6-year-old Hurricane shutters on all doors, windows. Updated kitchen w/S/S appliances. Tiled throughout. Spacious fenced-in patio. No HOA approval. Located in desirable and securite The Moors. Call Debbie 305-788-5008. FOR SALE!
Most sought after villa, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, updated kitchen and appliances. Roof 2 years new, central a/C is 8 years, all tiled floors, fenced-in patio with storage room, 24hour security, clubhouse with racquetball, tennis courts, basketball, aerobic classes. No HOA approval. Washer/dryer in unit. Call Debbie 305-788-5008. FOR SALE!
Single family home in desirable neighborhood. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, full updated kitchen with extra pantry, family room and living room, formal dining room. Aluminum hurricane panels, new gas water heater, new roof after Wilma, 3 ton A/C, security bars in all windows and doors, ADT alarm, washer and dryer, electric stove, 2-car garage. Very well kept. Call Debbie 305-788-5008.
FOR SALE. Waterfront corner townhouse. Roof 2 1/2 years new, pressure cleaned and house painted in September. Built 1984, 1,687 square feet. Camera and ADT alarm and surround Bose system stays. Accordion shutter, central A/C 3 years new. Bathrooms updated, 3 large bedrooms, tile floors, carpet in bedrooms, Enjoy Clubhouse, Olympic-size pool, racquet ball, tennis courts. HOA $194 month. No HOA approval. Need police background check, proof of funds.
Call Debbie 305-788-5008.
THE MIAMI LAKER
FEBRUARY 1, 2019
PAGE 31
Live in Miami Lakes Luxury
Simply Entertaining Home :DUPElegant DQG &R]\&0LDPL /DNHV KRPH
• Large 1, 2 and 3 bedroom rentals • 2 and 3 bedroom Townhomes* • Stainless steel appliances with • Resort style pool with granite countertops* large sunning area • Washer & Dryer in every unit • Controlled access entry • 24-hour emergency maintenance • Shula’s Athletic Club Benefit * Select units
EHGV DQGSaturday, XSGDWHGFebruary EDWKV FLUFXODU GULYHZD\ Open House 9 & 16, 1-3 p.m. 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, 3-car garage, FDU JDUDJH WUDYHUWLQH IORRULQJ VT IW FRUQHU corner lot, marble flooring, gazebo, pool, ORW $VNLQJ generator and impact windows and doors.
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Visit our website at www.grahamresidential.com
Saturday, March 16th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 6850 Main Street, Miami Lakes, FL 33014 Este taller serĂĄ ofrecido en EspaĂąol Learn About The Homebuying Process
On-site professionals will answer your questions on Real Estate, Mortage Options, Insurance, Home Inspections, and more! Weʟll Discuss: • First Time Homebuyer Programs - with up to 5% grants or up to $17,500 available funds to assist buyers with down payment and closing costs. • How a professional realtor finds you the best homes. • How much money you need to buy (not as much as you think) • How home inspections protect you and what to look for. • Why you need a title company and how to get the right insurance. • And much, much more!
RSVPĘźs with tickets admitted only so sign up now at: www.eventleaf.com/spanishseminarmiamilakes or contact Ivette Pla-MuĂąoz 786-897-5757 Organized By The Keyes Company and Capital Partners Mortgage.
PAGE 32
FEBRUARY 1, 2019 THE MIAMI LAKER
SEVEN N DEAL DEALERS LERS A ALL LL IN ONE O LOC LOCATION! CATION! N CHEVROLET CHE VROLE ET
Neighbor Fred Senra & Miami Lakes Auto Mall invites you to join the team & experience the home town difference!
17.95 17.9 1 7.9 95 95
$
• OIL & FILTER CHANGE C • TIRE TIR RE ROTATION ROTAT TION • SAFE ETY INSPECTION INSPE ECTION SAFETY
Excludes synthetic oil and diesel engines. Some ma makes akes and models may be slightly more. Limited to 5 quarts of standard oil. E Expires 2/28/19.
300 3 30 00 Hometown Ho ometo own
$
Discount! Di scoun nt!! FOR MIA MIAMI AMI LAKES RE RESIDENTS ESIDENTS Discount off any new or used car purchase from Miami M Lakes Automall after price negotiatio negotiation. n. Must provide proof of residence resid dence in Miami Lakes. Must present ad. Lim mit one per purchase. See dealer dea aler for complete Limit details.
car “This is s the second sec cond ca cond ar purchase. I purch hase. I always a get a good g dea deal!!” al!!” - Ambrosio M Moises oises Sanchez
Visit Us Online Online: e: MiamiLakesAutomall.com MiamiLakesA Automall.com Like Us:
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th 1 6 6600 6 00 NW W 57 Ave Av ve SOUTH SIDE E OF THE PALMETTO O EXPRESSWAY (SR 826) A (RED ROAD) EXIT T 826 AT NW 57TH AVE
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