My Miami Mag | May - June 2016 by My Miami Magazine

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

CONTENTS MyMiamiMagazine

July/August 2016

Vol. 3

People Places & Things That make Miami so magical

Miami’s BABEs Beautiful, Ambitious, Brainy, Endearing Sisters of Miami

Home Grown Celebs Continue to pay it forward

Magic City Champions Leaving their legacy behind

Rick Party A Chat With Miami’s top jock

Turn’t Up For Success How some of South Florida’s Brightest Seniors made the grade Summer tips for your teen Keeping ping them intellectually Engaged aged

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

Publisher’s Note It is with great pleasure that I present to you our July/August issue of My Miami Mag. As we relaunch this May; we celebrate, and pay tribute to our name sake—Miami, and the People, Places and Things that make it so magical and so fabulous. Starting with our cover; our readers said that one of the top reasons why they love Miami so much is the Babes. So we have three beautiful young ladies—Miami’s BABEs; Beautiful, Ambitious, Brainy, and Endearing sisters who represent Miami so well and gives it the name Magic City. Read on to find out who, and what else makes our city so magical! Due to space, we won’t be including some of our usual departments such as Health, Fitness, and Finance, but be sure to look for them in our upcoming issues. As a reminder, in case you haven’t been to our website lately, My Miami Mag is about empowering our readers. We are hoping that somewhere in these pages, and words; we are presenting messages and illustrations that will move our readers to think, envision, solve problems, work towards goals and step out on faith to receive whatever God has for you. We believe that “you can have what you say”, and that we are all conquerors, even “more than conquerors” and our challenge and vision is to have our readers receive that. Whether you are a single mom, soccer dad, entrepreneurial, or college grad, sports enthusiast, white collar or blue, My Miami Mag has something for you. If we don’t, please let us know. Have fun perusing these pages, and please reach out to us and tell us what you think.

Karen Stephen

Credits Publisher Karen Stephen Editor in Chief Josmeen Stephen Associate Editors Karen Stephen | Laquita Wooten Journalists Quinteria Jackson-Student Journalist, St Thomas University | Student Journalist Contributing Writers Karen Stephen | Solaris Rey | Quinteria Jackson Creative Director Ralph Williams Christ1 Graphic Design, Inc. Contributing Graphic Designers Kevin Ochoa - Keiser University student Demetrius McClain – Sr. Designer Photography A.J. Shorter-Babe Shots Assistant to the publisher Carmilla Anderson Media Specialist and Consultant Edgar Wright Content Engineer & Logistics Karen Stephen | Edgar Wright | Kelsey Williams Special Thanks to God who makes all things possible and cares about my most minuscule concern Patricia Hardemon for your relentless support Lisa Parker of N. Miami Beach High for unwavering support of your students Ariel Eysallenne of White Lodging for your promptness and courtesy My Fabulous Mom for your sacrifices

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

outh Florida is obviously a marvelous and special place to live and visit. It sits on a peninsula which lends itself to a panoramic view of both, the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. The climate is warm and breezy--add the swaying palms, sandy beaches, and picturesque sunsets, and you can understand why so many want to call this place home. Nestled within this South Florida area is a place that’s even more special. It’s a magical place rich in history, dripping in culture, ever changing and progressing even in the face of adversity, sometimes seemingly overnight. That’s where you’ll find it! It’s South Florida’s Magic City. And though every now and then it becomes shrouded in negative media, and like many other places has its pockets of ill sorts; it still manages to rise above the drama, and shine brighter than most other places. It’s hard to put your finger on just why, so we took to our readers and people in the magical place. We asked them to name the People, Places, and Things that they feel makes this place so magical, This is what we got back!

Quite naturally we received quite a few obvious answers as to what makes our magic city so magical. Top answers were: the “A” list Celebrities that call the Magic City home, the South Beach scene, Top sports Teams and players, and premium entertainment. Miami’s weather came up a lot as being a huge factor as to why people love our Magic City along with the never ending sunshine,of course the beaches, beaches, beaches, and yeah fellows, we heard you loud and clear when you repeatedly emailed and texted us in all caps…THE BABES!!

Number one answer

Nearly Perfect Weather In the Magic City; if it’s raining out side, no worries. Just do one of several things: #1. You can perform a ritual rain dance which would require you going outside in the rain hopping around on one foot while your neighbors are looking at you like you’re a fool! Actually that can sometimes cause more rain.

South Beach

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

Local 10’s Chief Meteorologist Betty Davis #2. You can chant the “rain-rain go away” song—you’ll need at least three people singing in unison. #3. You can run next door to your neighbor’s house—it’s probably not raining in their yard. Only in South Florida can you find a thunder storm brewing over one house while right next door, skies are perfectly clear. Or #4. Best answer, just wait a few minutes, and watch those thunder storms turn into sunny skies. The Magic City has a secret weapon, her name is Betty Davis. With an average Fahrenheit tempera-

ture of 77.05 degrees, and with 249 out of 365 days of the year being Sunny Days, the Magic City has the best weather anywhere, and Local 10’s Chief Meteorologist Betty Davis makes it her business to interpret it right every single time. Though some say that Betty actually has a pretty good relationship with the sun, (they hang out a lot in her back yard), we know that there’s also a lot of science behind getting that weather just right. And since Betty holds the highest credentials available for a broadcast meteorologist in her CBM seal from the American Meteorological Society, and earned a B.S. in Geoscience from Mississippi State University, we here in the Magic City believe that she just may have an edge over all the others when it comes to turning those rainy days into sunshine. Aren’t we fortunate to have such a leading meteorologist in our Magic City!

Beaches came in right under weather Featuring Haulover, Virginia Key and South Beach Of the 663 miles of Beach shore in Florida, 90 miles belong to our Southeast region, and 20 miles of the white, sandy, warm, aqua blue stuff is reserved specifically for the Magic City people! One dip in those Haulover, Virginia Key waters is said to soothe 40 hours of stress, so imagine what an hour of Magic City beach time can do in one week.. If you can’t make it to the beach, try hanging out on South Beach. In fact, if you feel like leaving town or the country for that matter but can’t afford it, just go to South Beach. SoBe offers several night life choices. An eclectic array of food; art; the best and worst of music; glitzy, electric night clubs; explosive bands; and trendy restaurants.

A beautiful beach shore complete with an over looking moon that seems to be checking out the scene and lighting everything up just that much more so you don’t miss a thing. Everything flowing in tune….even the waves and palm trees seem to sway with the beats of SoBe. Shuffle boards and volley ball nets in tow. And a breeze that’s guaranteed to leave a hint of ocean salt on your lips if you’re not careful. Casual dress, formal dress or no dress at all, you can pretty much do it all on SoBe. P.S…don’t expect any apologies!!

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

Second overall, and first with the fellas,You guessed it…

The Babes

Trina who has such a beautiful spirit and endearing personality, has had multiple re-incarnations during her tenure with NBC 6. From Morning Anchor to “Trina Tries It” where she tossed knives as a Benihanna Chef, to grabbing a chainsaw to ice sculpt a work of art. Another of Trina’s journalistic ventures were weekly Money and Business segments called: “Living Cheaper,” and “The Recessionista Report.” Robinson came to WTVJ from KYW in Philadelphia where she anchored the 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. newscasts and covered the White House. She received a Liberal Arts degree from the College of Notre Dame in Baltimore, a Master’s degree in Journalism from the American University in Washington, D.C. and did her course work in Meteorology at Mississippi State University. Robinson comes from a family of six children, and in her spare time, she enjoys reading and traveling. She’s a keeper, and the Magic City won’t be letting her go anytime soon! You can follow Trina on Twitter @TrinaNBC6 E-mail Trina: trina.robinson@nbcuni.com

Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President Florida Memorial University

Trina Robinson , MPH, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis and Michelle C. Powell, D.O., Just so you know…Magic City BABEs aren’t necessarily the bikini wearing babes that might first come to mind when you think of the word Babes. Nor are they the ones that might pop up on your computer screen when you put the word in your internet browser. Our BABEs are so much more. They are Beautiful, Ambitious, Brainy, and Endearing sisters from every ethnicity. And they are found only in the Magic City! Our babes are forward thinkers, and trail blazers; they push the envelope, they pass the baton, they whiz from A to Z while most are still stuck at “M”. They are intelligent, beautiful, proud, approachable, and always ready to lend a hand when and where they can. They are

people who we here in the magic city love to love. And they are definitely one of the things that make this magic city so much more magical.

Trina Robinson, Anchor and Journalist NBC6 Not just a pretty face; Emmy award winning journalist, Trina Robinson, anchors the 5:30 pm newscast and has proven her talents to South Florida as an experienced anchor, reporter, and meteorologist. Robinson began working at NBC 6 in 1999 and has become one of WTVJ’s most visible and versatile anchors.

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

As a graduate of a small historically black college, very much like Florida

Memorial University, I know first hand the transformative power of earning a college degree in an environment that provides fertile soil for our spirits and dreams to grow. Neither of my parents had the privilege of earning a college degree, therefore, I was keenly aware that as a first generation student it was important for me to be self-reliant and accountable for my own future. I enthusiastically sought out mentors to guide my path and was fortunate to find several on my campus and in my community. As I look back over my 20 year professional career, including 10 years as a practicing attorney and 10 in higher education, I often marvel at how blessed I have been. However, to whom much is given, much is required. I embrace this responsibility to pay it forward and be a mentor, teacher, sister or friend to another. In my current role as President of Florida Memorial University, I am blessed with 1500 students whose lives I have the opportunity to impact daily. That impact can be the result of the vision I have set for the University and the steps we are taking to secure our position as one of the finest universities in the country or it can occur in smaller ways when I have the honor of mentoring a student one-on-one. Each student is a unique gift and I am grateful for a career that allows me to serve the next generation. The future belongs to them - I want to help prepare my students to own it!

Michelle C. Powell, D.O., MPH CEO, Powell Health Solutions, Corporation

Powell Health Solutions: A Life Changing Prescription. Dr. Michelle C. Powell, the founder and motivating force behind Powell Health Solutions (PHS), is a Board Certified Osteopathic Family Physician with over 20 years of experience. With degrees and credentials that have afforded her both an individual patient and community health perspective, she has forged a practical approach in medicine that engages and enriches her patients, as well as the communities she serves. Answering the call to increase access to quality preventative health care, PHS is now offering annual membership plans to ensure individuals and families have financial options to access her special brand of care. Dr. Powell’s recently announced Classic and VIP memberships are designed to make visits convenient, productive and affordable to new and continuing patients. Unlike many physicians and practices that offer prescriptions as their primary form of reactive healthcare, Dr. Powell appreciates and encourages the long term proactive solutions that focus on lifestyle modification to ensure consistent patient participation in healthy living. “If you do not change the way you think, you do not change the way you behave” offers Dr. Powell, who relies heavily on patient

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

education when it comes to treating those she serves seeking weight loss, nutritional support and other disease mitigating solutions. When identifying the most prevalent medical challenges faced by the patients that see her, Dr. Powell does not hesitate to name the top three: Hypertension, Diabetes and Obesity. The common denominator to these conditions is frequently lifestyle choices, and Dr. Powell educates and empowers her patients to take control of these choices. “External change does not occur before internal change” is the PHS proactive approach as explained by Dr. Powell. Though very successful in serving her current patient base at PHS, Dr. Powell has extended her ideology and practice as a founding physician in an organization aptly named HOPE, Health Occupations Promoting Education. As part of her commitment to promoting wellness and empowerment, HOPE sponsors grassroots health awareness and education workshops to community groups and churches. In addition, Dr. Powell and members of HOPE visit countries like her native Jamaica to offer medical support to the underprivileged and those with limited access to healthcare. With word spreading about the lifestyle-focused approach employed by Dr. Powell, and the opportunity to enroll in the new membership plans, positive changes and healthy choices are now more convenient and accessible through PHS. Proactive health management is an important prerequisite for healthy living. Whether you want to prevent debilitating medical conditions or recover from them, a consultation with PHS and Dr. Powell is a proactive step that can literally “change your life.” You can make an appointment at her Miami offices by contacting PHS at (305)-948-4701 or visiting her website at www.phsflorida.com. The category for People who make this

magic city so magical brought in an assortment of answers ranging from, top celebrities and sports figures to what we will call Magic City Champions—People who work hard to make this city one of the best places to call home! Sports enthusiasts made it clear as to who and what they thought made this magic city so magical, citing Dwayne Wade, Alonzo Mourning, and other high profile sports figures along with the sports arenas that they play in as some of the top people, places and things that make the magic city so magical. Some went way back to Dan Marino;and even as far back as 1972, citing Don Shula and the NFL’s Miami Dolphins undefeated season as being key to why this Magic City is so special.

Top Notch Athletes & Celebs Dan Marino:

Alonzo Mourning

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

Betty Wright

Pittbull

Udonis Haslem

Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning spent most of his NBA career in Miami and just as he dominated on the court, he continues to be a force in the Magic city. Through his Mourning Family Foundation he focuses his attention on educational initiatives and the development of youth enrichment programs such as among so many other things, the Overtown Youth Center which delivers services that promote lifelong learning and success for individuals.

Dwayne Wade

It seems one of NFLs greats of all-time football Hall of fame quarterback Dan Marino has not been forgotten. He rained magic when he led the Miami Dolphins for 17 seasons from 1984 to 2000, and continues to make his presence known in the Magic City through The Dan Marino Foundation which helps to raise awareness for people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Just another person in the magic city who does his part to insure that everyone gets a chance.

World Foundation he brings dreams to life for so many by providing support to community-based organizations that promote education, health and social skills for children in at-risk situations. On his Wade World website, Dwayne says that he “understands that a celebrity’s responsibility is to inspire those who need it, and to support communities in order to build them up. Whether it’s through time, money, effort or vision,”

While we know that three time NBA champion and Heat Lifer Dwayne dazzles us on the court with his ball handling and fancy foot work skill, some may not know that Dwayne Wade also performs a little magic off the court. Through his Wade’s

The Magic City is home to many top performers, including pioneering and international soul and R&B singer-songwriter Betty Wright who besides having a musical sound with lyrical messages that lend themselves to the cause of educating young women of matters of the heart, also partners with The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence to help fight domestic violence in the Magic City. People in the magic city love their Betty Wright. Miami Heat Champion and Miami’s NBA darling--the real home grown Mr. 305 Udonis Haslem is known for his rebounding prowess and leadership skill in the locker room and on the court. Udonis grew up right here in the magic city; and pays homage to his community through his Udonis Haslem Children Foundation which promotes youth development and self confidence through programs and services designed to enable youths to reach their full personal and educational potential.

The musically incline said the entertainment and musical greats who they thought make the Magic City so magical were: Gloria Estephan, Pittbull, and Betty Wright

Gloria Estefan

Cuban-born American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. Gloria Estefan started her career here in the Magic City with the Miami Sound Machine. Her first cross over song, Conga was the catylist for the Guinness Book of Word Records longest Congo line with just under 120,000 people at the 19 – Calle Ocho festival. The Gloria Estefan Foundation supports charitable programs in the magic city that focus oneducation,the Arts, cultural development, as well as provides critical services that contribute to advancing the overall health of the Magic City community

American rapper-Pitbull (Armando Christian Perez) makes it his business to let the world know how much he appreciates the magic city. He’s known as Mr. 305 himself which is the original Area code for all of Miami-Dade and the Magic City. He recently threw his hat in the Education arena as an investor in Sports Leadership and Management Academy(SL:AM ), A 6th to 12th grade charter school in Miami’s Little Havana that is designed to capture the attention of kids by offering a sports based curriculum. In 2004, His debut album was entitled M I A M I (Money Is A Major Issue). I think it’s safe to say that he is absolutely infatuated with the Magic City. Delving further into our list of responses, past the glamour and glitz, we found some interesting responses from our readers as to what makes this magic city pop! Many told us that water front homes,unique architecture design, art influenced districts, and Green Space contributes to the magic city’s beauty. For others, the rambunctious political scene, the array of charity and youth mentoring groups, and the tenacious champions for positive change who are always on alert for ways to enhance the quality of life in the Magic City, some obscurely operating behind the scenes; some more obvious, upfront and in your face; is what makes this city so magical!

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

Magic City Champions Rodney Baltimore Rodney Morning Baltimore Show Host,

Morning Show Host, Hot 105 F.M. Hot 105 F.M.

Rodney is not only a beast on the boards being the only personality at radio station Hot 105F.M. who can deliver a flawless Tom Joyner Morning Show, but Rodney has been serving this magic city’s community for over 25 years, and represents South Florida well. He’s received many awards and accolades for his outstanding service especially when it comes to providing a media outlet that allows valuable information to be communicated to his 351,000 weekly listeners. If you’ve ever had a public service announcement that benefitted the community but no way to get the news out to the masses, then you’ve probably paid a call to Rodney. Making sure that his community is able to keep their fingers on the pulse of what’s happening in news, art, entertainment, and charitable out-poor is what Rodney dedicates himself to. He’s a consummate, relentless giver of his time and knowledge--an endearing person who is always approachable, and has a drive that doesn’t quit even when everyone else might. Thank you Rodney Baltimore for being one of the people who make this Magic City so magical!

Jean Monestime Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman It’s said that it takes someone special to replace someone special. That’s why we know that the first Haitian American commissioner and first Dade County commissioner to chair the largest county commission in the state of Florida is some

kind of special! Commission Chairman Jean Monestine believes that we can all “ … BUILD A BETTER MIAMI-DADE COUNTY TOGETHER”. He believes that “Miami-Dade County is one of the world’s most vibrant metropolitan areas”, and has this to say: “ We are blessed with a fantastic climate, beautiful beaches, a rich tapestry of cultures and an increasingly diversified and growing economy. But I believe our ability to maintain our economic growth depends on ensuring that all segments of our population share in our prosperity. As Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman, I’ve focused my efforts on closing the large income inequality gap that unfortunately remains a persistent feature of our economy. One of my first acts as Chairman was to establish a Council for Prosperity Initiatives to identify ways to expand

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

economic opportunities. Working with my colleagues, we have begun to seriously take on a host of issues impacting the underprivileged – from affordable housing, to better access to banking, to eliminating unfair barriers to employment based on past brushes with the law. Our other major challenge as a County is to combat the violence that continues to plague too many of our neighborhoods. We simply [have to figure out a way to protect our] young people from [unsavory activity]. That’s why my number one budget priority has been to increase funding for programs with a proven track record of reducing … violence in our communities. Miami-Dade County is a [magical] place, and I know that working together we can overcome our challenges and build a better and brighter future for our children and grandchildren.

I’d rather stand tall Than live on my knees, ‘Cause I am a conqueror, And I won’t accept defeat! Try telling me no, One thing about me Is I am a conqueror, I am a conqueror!

Estell

Dorothy Bendross-Mindigall Miami Dade School Board Vice Chair

The Sisters of St. Joseph B. Cottolengo

Some people sort of end up in the education arena because they have nothing else to do. Others choose it because their passion for education and drive to teach and motivate others won’t let

them do anything else. Ms Dorothy Bendross-Mindigall is the latter. She’s bent on showing all children that they can succeed in life. A political figure and champion for education, Ms Mendigall sits as Vice Chair of Miami Dade Schools-the fourth largest school district in our nation. She’s made her mark in the political arena as a State Representative, and as an educator where she’s served as a teacher and principal with Dade Schools. She’s also involved in many organizations where education and elevating the people in her community is forefront. Several years ago when she was Principal at Lillie C. Evans Elementary school, she was approached by one of her teachers who was frustrated with a talkative student who couldn’t seem to focus on his work. After talking with the student for a few minutes, Ms Mendigall was quickly able to discern that the child was simply gifted. The class work was not challenging enough for him. Ms Mindigall rearranged his schedule to include tougher classes, and quickly enrolled him in The Thurgood Marshall speech competition where he took home the top trophy. A true educator, and a fierce leader. She’s what makes this Magic City so magical.

Four of Eleven Sisters who traveled to Miami from Italy, make up the Sisters of St. Joseph B. Cottolengo. Sister Lucia, Sister Carla, Sister Paola came in October 1963, and Sister Lidia came from Italy in 1996. Their mission: To educate, train and serve people with developmental disabilities and assist them in wholeness, pursuant to the dictates of the Gospel and of the Church’s call to love, charity and justice. And that they have done and continue to do. Through the Marian Center which was founded in October 1963 and quietly sits just South

of St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens on a 50 acre garden like campus surrounded in natural beauty, these sisters have been tirelessly serving the people in our magic city in a powerful way. They provide care and services for people with intellectual disabilities, regardless of race, religion or background, and they offer financial aid to all those who qualify.

This was our calling…God, through the Catholic Church of Miami, and the Archbishop’s voice, called us, and we believed in the call and followed it.

Bishop Victor T. Curry Senior Pastor, New Birth Baptist Cathedral President WMBM 1490 A.M. Ordained pastor, stirring preacher, accomplished author, and devoted teacher—Bishop Victor Curry demonstrates his commitment to the Magic City consistently and operates with a fierce dedication. Whether through ministry at his 5,000 member New Birth Baptist Cathedral where he is Founding Senior Pastor, on air during his morning radio show, or through his social activism where he holds appointments, and sits on the boards of more than a few organizations devoted to social change, Pastor Victor Cont. on pg 14 My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

Curry Cont. from pg 13

Robert Runcie Broward County Superintendent

Curry manages to motivate others to positive change. As an ordained pastor and preacher this Bishop can throw out a soul stirring, heart changing message from God. As an author, he ministers with his life changing words. As a community leader he is a forceful voice that galvanizes the community. In 1995 he led his members to purchase radio station WMBM 1490 A.M,now transformed into The Magic City’s premier gospel station which airs 24/7, giving the City its first and only black owned radio station. It’s safe to say that this Magic City might be a bit less extraordinary without Pastor Victor Curry as part of it!  Dynamic Dual-Harvard Grad Robert Runcie and Top School Chief Alberto Carvalho make this magic city that much more magical as block buster contributors in making our students the best in the nation. Runcie heads the Broward school system, the 6 largest public school district in the nation, and Carvalho heads Miami-Dade which is the 4th largest in the nation!

Alberto Carvalho Miami Dade County Superintendent Since taking over in 2008, it is said that Dade’s schools have never been in more capable hands. Higher graduation rates than ever, and steadily rising test scores are just a couple of his accomplishments which caught the eyes of the nation. This champion serves as superintendent of the nations fourth largest school system. Alberto M. Carvalho is a nationally recognized expert on education transformation, finance, and leadership development. During his tenure, M-DCPS has become one of the nation’s highest-performing urban school systems receiving system-wide accreditation from Advanced in 2014. The District has also been named as the 2014 College Board Advanced Placement Equity and Excellence District of the Year. As a staunch believer in school choice, he has expanded choice options in Miami-Dade to include over 500 offerings including programs in fine and performing arts, biotechnology, engineering, robotics, aviation, forensic sciences, and many others. An instructional leader at heart, Mr. Carvalho is the proud found-

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

er and self-appointed principal of the award-winning iPrep Academy which has become a model of robust 21st century learning in the age of innovation and technology. He has been selected as Florida’s 2014 Superintendent of the Year, as well as the 2014 National Superintendent of the Year; was named by Scholastic Administrator as one of “The Fantastic Five” educators making a difference in America; and is the 2016 winner of the Harold W. McGraw Prize in Education. He has recently been appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Education to serve a four-year term on the National Assessment Governing Board. Mr. Carvalho has been awarded numerous honorary degrees. Go to www.MyMiamiMag.net to get entire unedited version.

Robert W. Runcie, Superintendent, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), Florida’s 2016 Superintendent of the Year

As an innovative and visionary leader, Superintendent Robert W. Runcie is dedicated to building a successful future for all students, as well as the Broward County community. Under his leadership, the District has increased its focus on ensuring students are college and career ready, and has become a national leader for innovative programs and initiatives. BCPS is the largest school district in the nation to implement Scholastic Chess for all second and third grade students, and the first school district in the nation to partner with Code.org to increase computer science in all schools. In addition, BCPS has the largest debate program in the country, supporting students’ ability to logically and effectively communicate.

BCPS has also become a national leader for school discipline reforms. The success in Broward has led to Runcie being invited to share Broward’s positive outcomes and best practices with the White House and Federal Office of Civil Rights.

BCPS has the largest debate program in the country While Superintendent Runcie’s leadership in BCPS has earned the District numerous state and national recognitions, his commitment to collaborating with stakeholders and creating effective partnerships has also earned him several honors and recognitions. Most recently, Runcie was named Florida’s 2016 Superintendent of the Year. Other state honors include, Florida Virtual School Superintendent of the Year, Consortium of Florida Education Foundations Superintendent of the Year and, Champion District Superintendent of the Year for the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools. Superintendent Runcie was also honored as a Leader to Learn From in 2014 by Education Week, and he was named Hispanic-Serving School District Superintendent of the Year in 2015

Got a vision that no one else sees, Lots of dirty work, roll up your sleeves, Remember there’s a war out there So come prepared to fight! You never know where the road leads Not everyone’s gonna believe And even though they’re wrong, don’t you prove them right.

Estell

My y Miami Miam Mag | July/August 2016

Q How did you get the name Rick Party? A Well my real name is Zurek, I was in radio for a long time. So I use to speak so fast that the people over the radio I worked for said what’s your party name. So they told me that my new name was Rick Party instead of Rick the Party Dog. I got that name over 30 years ago.

Q Who inspired you to do be a radio personality? A Earl Boston who is like a father figure to me. Growing up in Chicago was the same as it is today crime reddened. I grew up in Chicago Inglewood I had to travel an hour everyday to school. It was horrible seeing so many tragic images everyday, so I stayed home when my mom went to work and made dedications on the radio to my then girlfriend. The man on the other end -- Earl Boston eventually talked me back into school and from then on I wanted to be just like him.

Q What does a day in your shoes consist of? A It’s a job that truly never stops. When I wake up it’s like I’m suppose

Q and A By:Quinteria J

ackson

e listen to them on the radio during our morning drive to work, all day long at the hair salon, at the doctor’s office, then on the drive back home. Sometimes we can’t even go to bed unless we have our favorite jock spinning us to sleep with slow jams and their own personal style of DJaying. Some listeners even splurge for theradio app so they can keep their beloved radio jocks close by, not wanting to miss a beat. What is it about these radio jocks who inform and entertain us, make us laugh and sometimes make us cry depending on the topic. They provided thought provoking information and at times they stir up our curiosities. So,Just who are these people who we listen to so intently and loyally? They are an array of

personalities who make it their business to find out what it is that moves us, and then they deliver on whatever that thing might be. At the top of the list, our very own Rick Party. Curious minds wanted to know, so we set out to investigate. We Invited South Florida’s top jock to a sit down with us so that we could get the scoop. Itproved to be interesting and exciting!Not just an ordinary jock there--there’s definitely brains inside that handsome face and well kept physique, and not to mention compassion for his fellow South Floridians. Rick Party..Party..Partay is host of Hot 105’s afternoon drive show. In between top hit songs when he’s not connecting listeners who need help with those listeners who can provide a certain help,

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he’s engaged in a heart felt and riveting topic that usually have his drive-time listeners detouring to the nearest side stop just to get a chance to call in and comment on one of his thought provoking or controversial questions that he poses to his audience. We wanted to delve into his life just a little without being too nosy (this time at least). So while the discussion stayed away from that juicy on-air proposal that he made to Attorney Georgia Thomas (ZsaZsa), his now beautiful wife;and though we didn’t get to find out what his youngest daughter Zion might be contemplating for her next Rick Party sign off song; we did get to some of the intricacies and intimacies of what keeps this top jock on top and doing what he does so well!

to be in the “know”… what’s trending, what’s in the news? People rely on me for that information because they may be too busy to check their social media. They don’t only listen for music they want to know what’s going on. That’s my responsibility to constantly peruse the news. Even if I’m working out for half an hour, I prepare for my show and make sure I’m on top of what’s going on so I caninform, entertain and educate my listening audience.

Q What’s on Rick’s playlist? A Our audience is very unique audience; we cater mostly to women ages 25-54. It’s a very sophisticated audience. Sometimes the music you hearis slow because you can wild out or “turn up”. What does Fat Joe say “go all the way

up” we can’t do that at work so I keep it sexy and sophisticated.Hot 105 has an app that you can request music even the same songs every day. Some people say you play that song all the time and we say because you requested it.

Q How do you feel about the Prince tragedy? A

Aww man losing Prince was like losing Michael Jackson to me. He was an inspiration to all of us. He was an innovator and losing Prince is like losing a piece of your life. He was there for so many of us through his life, through his music. It’s a really sad moment in history. Then the other part is that Prince died on my birthday. I’m just happy God gave me another day. Before I found out about Prince I put a posted “Thank God for letting me be hear another year”. And he’s continued to do it for me for 48 years. I’m blessed and happy for that.

Q How did you end up at Hot 105? A The first time I worked here was in 1992. The same shift I’m

What does Black Music Month mean to you?

It’s an opportunity to showcase our music and lives. Hear our livesthrough music… I believe music is an art that truly tells our story and history. To me it touches some part of our lives in one way or another. We often hear love and happy songs and you remember things that reflect that and the same for sad music.

Q Besides radio what are your hobbies?

I like helping people, I grew up a skinny kid. During my nine years out of radio I’ve managed to get lazy and just sort of did my own thing. I went to the doctor one day after not feeling too well. The doctor told me that I had high cholesterol, high blood pressure…I had gout, I was borderline diabetic and I had sleep apnea. On top of all that, I also had sickle celltrait. I had everything against me health wise. I decided to change my life

doing now I was working Because he was bullied so in school as a teen, Rick Party at a station in Dallas. They preferred skipping school, opting to stay at home. He wanted me out the market developed a satisfaction of listening to the radio and because my ratings were so making on air request to his then girlfriend. WBMX high. Working there is like Radio Jock Earl Boston-- the keen and concerned radio a long lasting marriage. I host on the other end of the line was bothered by a teen worked there for over 25 not being in school. He questioned Rick’s motives of years. But I didn’t know being home so often. Boston made it his business to the guy consulting Hot 105 encourage Rick to go back to school. To this day, Rick wanted me to be in Miami. credits Earl Boston for being one of the people who What people don’t know helped him become the person and Radio Personality is that Hot 105 had white jocks in charge of a black station. The community complained and in doing so became a certified personabout it, how can you have all of this al trainer. So helping people live a happy black music and no face to represent it. and healthy life became a hobby for me. So they hired a man name Guy Fox for Just helping them to get their lives in orthe mornings, Yolanda did the mid day der through fitness and nutrition. Also I show, and I did the night show. They love to sketch and draw and spend time went through a few format changes and with my children and my wife. I’m a really simple guy I like going to kept me. then a year later I went back to the movies just doing boring things like Chicago and then New York. Also I was sitting on the couch and watching movthe voice for BET for a long time. Then I ies. You know Netflix and just chill’n. grew tired of radio. I was out for 9 years then Hot 105 Catch Rick Party from 3p to 7p called me and said you’ve been out too weekdays on Hot 105 F.M. long we want you back. What a blessing Rick Party PartyPartay!! in disguise and here I am today. My M Miami Mag | July/August 2016

Peacock Park

Miami Lakes

2820 Mcfarlane Road Coconut Grove, FL 305-575-5256 Bring picnic, lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the fantastic fireworks show. 6 p.m.,Fire works at 9p.

15151 NW 82nd Ave. 305-364-6100 (ext 1132) Bring blankets and chairs and enjoy a picnic, concert and fireworks display. 6:30 p.m., visit miamilakes-fl.gov.

Miami Beach The North Shore Park Bandshell 7275 Collins Ave. 305-674-6100 www.miamibeachfl.gov

FIU North Campus

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

Bayfront Park and Bayside 301 N. Biscayne Blvd. 305-358-7550 10 A.M. Live music 2P, Kid’s Zone 3P-7P, Fireworks9P

Homestead

Biscayne Bay Campus 3000 NE 151 Street North Miami Kovens Center grounds Fun-filled evening with music, entertainment and spectacular fireworks over Biscayne Bay! Food available for purchase. FREE admission and parking

Black Point Park & Marina 24775 SW 87TH AVE. Miami, FL305-258-4092 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a family picnic. Spectacular fireworks display at 9 p.m.

Doral

Hollywood

JC Bermudez Park, 3000 NW 87th Ave. Live entertainment and a brilliant fireworks display. Bring blankets and chairs and picnic baskets. 6-9 p.m, free.

Hollywood Beach Boardwalk 954-921-3404 Children’s activities at Charnow Park from 2-6 p.m. plus live music along the Boardwalk. 2-10 p.m., 9 p.m. fireworks, free.

Hialeah

Pembroke Pines

Milander Park 4700 Palm Ave. Live entertainment, kids zone with children’s activities, fireworks, games, food and more. 5-10 p.m. www.hialeahfl.gov; free.

Pembroke Pines Recreation Center 7400 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines 954-435-6525 Enjoy rides, food trucks, live music and fireworks 6-9 p.m.; Free My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

Adrienne Arsht Center

Magic City Food Love it or hate it !

Awesome cultural entertainment for the entire family. If you haven’t been out of the house lately, then you’ve probably lost track of what’s going on right here in the Magic City. Downtown is bursting out at the seams, adding a new Viacom center and soccer arena which will be joining forces with already hot spots Bayside, The American Airline Arena, and the Arsht Center. Speaking of the Arsht Center, If you’ve put your entertainment budget on hold for the sake of getting those finances back in order, don’t worry. For the past several years, The Arsht center has been host to world class concerts for Free!! Gospel and Jazz greats alike, all come to perform in this venture, but the best part is the Free Sunday concerts featuring world class performances at no cost to you.. except the drinks and popcorn. If the economy’s got you a little down, and you’ve had to put your entertainment budget on hold…then you need to check out the Arsht Centers Sunday concerts. If you’ve been missing out, then you’ve been missing out!! Just another one of those things that makes this Magic City so magical.

Many of you said you really appreciated the Green Space, Architecture, Art Design, and Water front property Green space- Though The Magic City is filled with the roaring bustle of a first rate busy city, and in some areas lined with a forest of condos and hi-risers, most can still look out of their windows and spy nearby green space. Some areas still

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

afford the opportunity to nap outside with the cows as long as you don’t mind waking to the sound of moos.

Night life/Entertainment Entertainment came in high with night life, concerts, and the assortment of things to do. And finally, Food and Diversity which sort of go hand in hand rounded out the top Things that you said make this Magic City so magical!!

Our multicultural tapestry, or as some would say melting pot factor which is a diverse mecca of Black, Brown, Beige, Yellow, Red and White people make this Magic City immensely special! As each ethnic group brings its own culture and culinary, it’s no wonder why the Magic City is one of the few places in this country where you can enjoy popular Cuban Pastillidos and Croquettas in the morning,, feast on a Jamaican Ackee& Salt fish dish-in the afternoon,unless you prefer a delightful plate of Griot& Rice, strait out of little Haiti; then get your Barbeque Rib, Collard Greens and Mac grub on for dinner;while enjoying a myriad of ethnic tasties in between. The magic city certainly delights in world class culinary—boasting an assortment of the most delicious cuisine from every food genre you can think of. Pick a pricey top notch restaurant on the trendy

side of town, catch a contemporary joint in midtown, or hang out at a seemingly hole- in the -wall eatery near down town. You’ll always get a pleasant surprise because you’ll always find some “good eats” up in the Magic City. I’m talking authentic, mouthwatering, tongue tantalizing, smothered, baked, curried, jerked, stewed, broiled, sautéed, braised, steered, sheered, however you like it food!

Roasted Leg of Lamb Ingredients

Miami is second to non in this area. Yes we said it! Check out what some of the Magic city’s chefs have prepared for your visionary and culinary delight. Since we don’t have a scratch and sniff nor a peel and eat feature, you’ll just have to try out a recipe or two for yourself. And let us know how everything goes.. Our food definitely makes this city magical.

Chef Dario You would think that between juggling his career as a Chef instructor at his Alma Mater Northwestern High School, and his catering company Over The Top Catering, Johnson and Whales graduate Dario Stephen wouldn’t have time to do much else. But add a rambunctious two year old, and a “Kids Can Cook” program with the City of Miami Gardens, and Dario still manages to find time to crank out the most creative and tastiest dishes that anyone could imagine. It seems that the busier his schedule, the more interesting the dish. His culinary menu includes dishes such as; Southern Shrimp that’s served over a fluffy bed of Asiago Cheese Grits, and his Island Grilled Shrimp Martinis! They will make you wish you could leave all your cares behind and move to the nearest Caribbean island! Everything he cooks, bakes, or creates is just AMAZING! Try one of Chef Dario’s simple dishes for Mother’s Day. It’s sure to impress your guest, and you have a little time to practice it a bit before the big day!!



4 cloves garlic, sliced



2 tablespoons fresh rosemary



salt to taste



ground black pepper to taste



5 pounds leg of lamb

Directions 1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2.Cut slits in the top of the leg of lamb every 3 to 4 inches, deep enough to push slices of garlic down into the meat. 3. Salt and pepper generously all over the top of lamb 4. Place several sprigs of fresh rosemary under and on top of the lamb. 5.Place lamb on roasting pan. 6.Roast in preheated oven until the lamb is cooked to your desired doneness, about 1 3/4 to 2 hours. Do not overcook the lamb, the flavor is best if meat is still slightly pink. Let rest at least 10 minutes before carving. Yes, yes, yes. The Magic City certainly does boast a certain sophistication that is unique only to us. It’s history is dynamic, it’s people are enriched with culture, and dedicated to making this Magic City one that attracts world wide attention for good reasons and elevate Miami to the level of a first class place to live, work, and play!!

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

Change to one tone

Life is like a big merry-go-round, Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re up and then down, Going in circles trying to get to where you are. Everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been counting you out, But where are they now? Sitting in the same old place Just faces in the crowd. We all make mistakes, You might fall on your face,But you gotta get up!

Estell

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My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

Rashida Lubin It was fairly easy to maintain a 3.4 GPA at North Miami Beach Senior High School. I had social challenges. I am from Haiti; the cultural differences initially hindered me doing the best that I could. I also had to wake up early. I am very punctual especially when it comes to school. When I was younger, I was shy by nature and this started to affect my grades my sophomore year. When teachers used to call me, I felt nervous; I wouldn’t participate. I was determined that I wouldn’t let my grades drop, so I started speaking to other people and practicing speeches. In my junior year, I took an advance class and a couple honor classes. Determination is the key to be successful. I would recommend any student to stop procrastinating and start being productive.

Omar Smith

s some of South Florida’s brightest Seniors prepare for their departure from high school to go in their various directions and to their respective colleges, they take time out to share with underclassmen some of their challenges and give words of wisdom on how they were able to successfully navigate through their high school years. Good character, community service, superior study habits, and a keen since of discipline while incorporating various extra curricular activities into their daily schedule is some of what these students utilized to become Tops in their class! We salute these high school seniors for being Turn’t Up For Success, and pray that they receive all the good that life has to offer them!!

Neely J. Woodroffe

To be completely honest, school has never really been a challenge for me. There have been moments where I had to work hard, but overall it’s been easy because I enjoyed learning. This ease hindered me from finding my passion. I didn’t know what I was willing to work for because I didn’t encounter the challenge. To help find my passion, my mom found different organizations and programs that I could participate in as a way to cultivate my interests. Before I was elementary school age, I was doing beach clean-ups and serving meals to those in need! These programs helped me see that serving was my passion. In high school I took dual enrollment and AP classes as a way to challenge and prepare me for college. These classes really helped me see that I love math and STEM fields, as well as the arts and self-expression…they also gave me a challenge! I CRIED when I got a 100 A on my AP English research paper and an A for that term. I had never worked so hard on something before in my life! I am very proud of my 3.7GPA (4.5 weighted) however finding my passion for STEM, self-expression, and service is really what has made the last four years of my life memorable. Neely J. Woodroffe Miami Arts Charter School, Miami Campus, Class of 2016 Spelman College, Atlanta, GA, Class of 2020

My Miami Mag| |May/June MyMiamiMag July/August 2016 2016

If you ask me today how I have accomplished so much, I would answer a modest “I don’t know.” My journey at North Miami Beach Senior began in a selfcontained program for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Through the years, I enrolled in inclusion, general education and varying exceptionalities courses. My sense of responsibility, determination and motivation led to my success as an administrative intern, employee at Publix, anda supervisor and role modelto my peers in the school’s work program. In my spare time, I drew creative animation posters that I proudly display in the offices and hallways of the school. Even though I maintained a busy work schedule, I worked equally as hard to reach my 3.6 GPA. Today I reflect back on my journey at North Miami Beach Senior and appreciate my personal growth that has built a great foundation for my future.

Diane Petit-Bois As I continue to wait, the only thing I hear is the loud and steady beating of my own heart. Finally, I can see the last track runner on my relay team as she rounds the curve. I prepare myself, patiently waiting for her to shout the words “Go” and shortly after, “Stick” as she approaches me with the baton. As I receive the baton to run the final straightaway, an adrenaline rush courses its way through my body. My heart again starts to beat faster as I urge my body into motion. My muscles seem to go numb as I pour all of my energy and willpower into a singular focus; make it to the finish line and win. This is my best reoccurrence of my competitive experience as a track star. I must have engaged in this experience hundreds of times. Throughout my years of high school I have stayed active in every way that I could. I have actively participated in Track, Swimming, Cross Country and Basketball as well as a variety of clubs. Key Club, National Honors Society, Science National Honors Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Government Association, and Class Club are among the organizations of which I have been a member. Despite the adversity that I have faced throughout my high school years, I have managed to maintain my academic success. No matter how busy my schedule got, as a student athlete, my grades were always my first priority. I am happy to say that I am graduating top 1% of my class with a 3.9 UnweightedGPA and a 4.8 Weighted GPA. My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

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My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

any people l consider id the h summer season a time to take a long break from pencils, papers, calculators and all those things that relate to learning. That’s why trying to use this precious time to teach your teen student can be somewhat challenging. Who can compete with never-ending movie days, continuous water park hopping, and endless hangout time with the entire crew? That’s what summer is all about—at least in your teen’s mind. But the truth is, those who can meet this challenge head on will find that this is one of the best times of the year to help advance your teen for the next school year, and your teen will be a better student for it. Peruse some of these unobtrusive and fun ideas and see if any of them work for you and your teen!  Work on vocabulary. Listen to how your teen speaks. Pay close attention to how he/she articulates and their vocabulary. Work on pronunciation. Help them find terrific synonyms to replace some of their overly used, mundane words. This is easily done with a synonym dictionary or Microsoft WORD on the computer or a tablet. Help him/her incorporate these new words into their vocabulary. They’ll be surprised at how a couple of strategically placed words in a sentence can push the way they articulate up a notch, and change the way people perceive him/her when school starts back.  Find a summer program geared towards the transition to college. It’s time for him/her to start thinking about SAT and ACT scores more seriously. Many colleges and universities offer programs that are intellectually and academically challenging and will help begin to prepare them for college or a career. Find

one that would allow your teen to think more seriously about college while still allowing them enough time to have fun and enjoy their summer.   Work with your high school teen on critical thinking skills like setting and reaching goals for the remainder of high school and at the start of college. This would involve identifying possible challenges that the upcoming school year may bring, and coming up with strategies for those challenges. Help your teen figure out specific approaches to meet their challenges and reach set goals. For example, your I.B (International Baccalaureate) student is worried about passing the Second Language As-

sessment portion of their I.B. exam which is in all French. Their grandmother lives in North Miami Beach where there is a high population of Haitian people. When the teen visits their grandmother, they play basketball with Haitian teens who speak Creole and French fluently. This is a situation that with a little creativity can possibly help them to learn the language better, which in turn will help him pass the exam. Help your teen figure out a way to make this situation work in their favor. Or, your teen male athlete is worried that he’s not getting in front of enough scouts. Help him come up with a plan to get in front of more scouts and college coaches. Seeking out a good AAU program, may be one way, or reaching out to coaches and scouts via email and the internet. Help him come up with an inventive way to get coaches to pay attention to him.  Take your teen to visit some interesting colleges. You don’t have to wait for a college fair. Many colleges would be happy to schedule a time and date for you to come out and tour their campus. Discuss with your teen what some of his/ her interests would be in a college, find a few in your area, and schedule a tour date.

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

Don’t avoid visiting during registration time. They need to see the craze that goes on during registration so that they are not as intimidated when he/she starts college.  Help your high school teen identify some careers that interest him/ her. Research these careers online to get a better idea of salaries, and which college program and course work is needed to become employed in that profession. Seek out opportunities for him/her to shadow someone in that occupation. After this, if they are able to narrow down their choice to a profession that they like, have them shadow someone in that occupation again during “Take your child to work day.” This will give him/her a realistic idea as to whether or not this is a profession that they would really like to pursue.  Encourage your teen to become a mentor in a summer program or sports camp. High school students make the best mentors to younger children in summer learning programs. Volunteer positions can provide valuable experience and can also double as community service credit.  Help your teen work on his/her cursive writing skills. This writing technique is no longer a part of most schools’ curriculum. Many students do not know how to write cursive or even sign their names in cursive writing. Work with them on mastering this skill before going back to school this upcoming school year.  Engage your teen in discussions about current and historical events. You’ll be surprised at how much information teachers have left out of the classroom due to having to devote so much time to teaching for benchmark tests like the Common Core aligned Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) and etc. Pull out the old geography maps, dust off that globe that has been tucked away in some corner of his/her room. Grab that old history book, or even today’s newspaper. Use those tools to come up with fun facts and trivia. And give out prizes for participation, i.e., three correct answers might earn him/her an exemption from washing dishes or raking the yard. Wishing you the best of luck!! Let’s look forward to your high school teen being not only happier but smarter going into this upcoming school year! My Miami Mag | July/August 2016

My Miami Mag | July/August 2016