MTT June 2012 by Our City Media

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w. Vis m it i ra u m so ar n to l wn i n time a es t .co

Simply the Best Steak in Town

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See Story pg. 24

June 2012

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It’s Vacation Time

Contents publisher’s page

he hot, sticky days of summer are here again. The sun is beat-

ing down upon us from above, cooling off ever so slightly with our daily afternoon rain shower. As the kids finish their last few days of school and the seniors celebrate at their graduation parties, it’s time to seriously think about summer activities and vacations. Regardless of whether you take short trips to the Keys, enjoy the magic of Orlando, fly off to far-away destinations, or if your kids simply enjoy the lazy summer days together with their friends in a local summer camp, this is the time when family memories – and pictures – are made. It is the million little things you do with your children, your family and your friends, which create memories that will last a lifetime. Never-ending work, studying for the next school year, or preparing for college can wait a tiny bit. Now is the time to enjoy life and each other. And don’t forget your dad on Father’s Day! Sincerely,

Sven Budzisch Sven Budzisch Publisher/Owner

It’s Vacation Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Community News Summer Camp Options Abound! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Moms and Dads Wanted for Summer Reading Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 “Let’s Move” Miramar! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 A Bounty of Help Prepares Community Garden for the Fall . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Pancake Breakfast is a Tasty Fundraiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Like to Read? Friends of the Library to Host Quarterly Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Miramar Opens Vizcaya Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Real Estate Real Estate is on the Rebound…It’s a Great Time to Get Involved! . . . . . . . . . . 21

School News Miramar High School Gets a Makeover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Dolphin Bay Elementary Hosts Annual Spring Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Inspiring individual Miami Dolphins Volunteer Appreciation Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

cover story Parrillada El Gaucho – Simply the Best Steak in Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

SPORTS NEWS Miramar Aims to Become Sports Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

UV Awareness Month - Protect Your Eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

ask the sheriff Child Drownings Are Prevalent and Preventable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

message from the mayor Dear Miramar Residents: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

ask the expert The Overnight Hysterectomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

pet of the month “Abby” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

photo contest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 legally speaking Using a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Plan to Keep Your Home and Investment Properties for Much Less than You Owe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

it’s their business Dr. Simon Weiss Offers Personalized Care for Women of All Ages . . . . . . . . . 38

seen on scene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Publisher/Owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SVEN BUDZISCH Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nina Chieng-Budzisch Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Levin Account Representatives . . . . . . . . . Garry Isabelle, Nancy Koval

Joyce Bak, Elaine Christ, Vanessa da Rocha, Jack Rader Office manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gabriela Moscoso Art Direction, Design & Production . . . . Barry Stock, Grace Umlauf staff photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barry Stock

Visit us online: www.miramartowntimes.com

1960 N Commerce Parkway, Suite 3, Weston, FL 33326

Ph: 954-306-1007 • Fax 954-306-1008 editor@miramartowntimes.com graphics@miramartowntimes.com

Total circulation is 20,000. Quantum International Corporation, DBA Miramar Town Times (MTT), is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes in Miramar verifiable by US Postal statements. Additional free copies are available at locations throughout Miramar and upon request by contacting this newspaper. Opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Quantum International Corporation, DBA MTT reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. MTT is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents copyrighted 2012 by MTT, Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.

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Summer Camp Graduates Advance to Next Belt Level!

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calendar

june 2012

2nd New Park!-Opening day for the City’s newest park! Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are planned for Vizcaya Park, located at 14200 SW 55th Street. Afterwards, the park’s two full size outdoor basketball courts, soccer/football field, open green space, covered playground area, and picnic pavilions are open to enjoy. The Vizcaya Park Community Center also has a computer lab, game room and multipurpose room. For more information, please call 954-602-3319.

2012 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

Center Place. For more information, call 954-437-1806 x236.

28th Fun at the Library-Professor FunnyBone: “Dragons and Dreams”, ventriloquism, puppets, and comedy. All ages, 11 a.m. Miramar Branch Library and Educational Center, 2050 Civic Center Place. For more information, call 954-437-1806 x236.

20th “Between the Covers” – Adult Summer Reading Program Kick-Off -The reading program will offer activities throughout the summer with different exciting summer themes. Each time you read a book, you can enter to win a great prize in their weekly drawing. Also, you can enter to win a Nook in a drawing at the end of the summer. 2:30 p.m. Miramar Branch Library and Educational Center, 2050 Civic Center Place. For more information, call 954-437-1806 x236.

Tween Wii- Part of the “Own the Night!” Teen Summer Reading Program. Ages 8-12, 5 p.m. Registration required. Miramar Branch Library and Educational Center, 2050 Civic Center Place. 954-437-1806 ex. 223.

Mad City Money-The City of Miramar and First Florida Credit Union will host a free, hands-on money management workshop called Mad City Money for teens ages 14-17. Guests will be transported into the future where they will have instant families, careers, and bills to pay. They’ll move from station to station to purchase Friends of the Miramar Library- housing, transportation, food, clothing, day The public is invited to a meeting of the care, and other necessities. The simulation Friends of the Miramar Library. On the also includes: a mall for “wants”; a pushy agenda, a discussion of upcoming library car salesperson; a commission-based events and advocacy. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. realtor and several other merchants, and Miramar Branch Library and Educational “The Fickle Finger of Fate.” During the Center, 2050 Civic Center Place. For more simulation, students are required to use information, call 954-437-1806 x236. their knowledge of money, math skills, and feelings about important life choices. 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the City of Miramar Multi Service complex, 6700 Miramar Parkway. The event is free but space is Happy Father’s Day! limited. RSVP before June 28 by calling

16th

17th 8

Maria Jose Bustamante at 954-889-2722 or email mjbustamante@ci.miramar.fl.us.

July 4th

23rd

Independence Day!

Culture in the Night Concert SeriesDance the night away to the rhythm of the Caribbean islands at the Culture in the Night Concert Series as Miramar celebrates Caribbean-American Heritage Month, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Perry/ Wellman Field, located at SW 34th St. and SW 68th Ave. This free family event will include performances by Romantic Reggaeton artist Jay Maly, Latin singers Randy Y El Chavo, Reggae artist Red Rat, a special guest band and DJ to play a variety of island music. We will also have inflatable rides for the children. You can even experience Caribbean cuisine by purchasing a tidbit from one or more of the food vendors. For more information, call 954-602-3319. Summer Reading Program for Kids-Join Salty Sue the Pirate for fun on the high seas as she helps to kick-off “Dream Big-Read!”, the Children’s Summer Reading Program. Read books for great prizes. 11 a.m. Miramar Branch Library and Educational Center, 2050 Civic

Thru August Explore the Everglades- The call of the wild is answered with Clyde Butcher’s celebrated black and white photography of the Everglades in an exhibit called “Clyde Butcher: The Wilds Within”. Butcher has been preserving the untouched and wild landscapes of Florida for more than 40 years. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Ansin Family Art Gallery. The gallery is open Monday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.MiramarCulturalCenter.org or call 954-602-4500.

Ongoing Stroller Striders-Weekday physical fitness program for Mommies and their children. 9:15-10:15 a.m. Miramar Regional Park, 16801 Miramar Parkway. For more information, call 954-990-3741.

June 2012 | To Advertise in Miramar Town Times, Please call 954-306-1007 | www.miramartowntimes.com

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Summer Camp Options Abound! By Julie Levin

chool is out, so how can you keep the little ones busy this

summer? The City of Miramar is once again offering a full slate of summer camp programs. Hundreds of local youngsters are expected to sign up for camps that offer everything from fun in the sun, to tennis camp, sports fun and more. According to the city’s website, the summer camp program’s goal is to “Give each camper the summer of their life!” In addition to lots of fun, learning and friendship, summer camp can also help children develop character, learn valuable life skills, make new friends and discover new interests. Here’s a look at just some of what’s available: The Summer Elementary Day Camp will offer themed activities, field trips, special guest appearances, crafts and games; treasure hunts and dress up days; brain teasers, puzzles and more! Early Childhood Summer Camp is a traditional summer day camp that offers a welcoming, lively, safe, positive, and diverse environment where children gain confidence and build self-esteem while enjoying a fun-filled summer. The camp program exposes campers to a variety of challenging and exciting activities. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack is included and the cost is $100 per week for residents. The city accepts Family Central. The camp meets at five locations in the city and runs from June 11-August 17. Children must have completed kindergarten and turned age 5 by September 1, 2011. They also must have attended elementary school during the 2011/2012 school year. Have a ‘Tween to Teen on your hands? Campers 13-16 years old can be on the go by

participating in daily educational and fun field trips. Special activities are also included. This camp will meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays only and is a field trips only camp. The cost is $75 per week for residents, with an additional 20% for non-residents. The program meets at the Civic Center June 12-August 16. Athletes ages 6-12 will enjoy the Sports and Fundamentals Camp, which is designed to introduce campers to a variety of sports. A different sport will be featured each week where campers will learn the history and basic fundamentals of the sport through drills, games, and tournament play. The cost is $85 per week, with optional field and swim trips. The camp is offered at four locations from June 11-August 17. Tennis anyone? The city is also offering its 2012 Summer Tennis Camp, where campers can learn the basics of tennis; forehand, backhand, overhead, serve, volley, hand eye-coordination and footwork; as well as, strategy, sportsmanship and overall physical fitness. Competitive training camps are also available. The cost is $130 a week for residents. The program is given at the Sunset Lakes Tennis Complex and is for youngsters ages 6-16. Campers 5-8 years old can also make a splash at the city’s Aquatic Swim Camp, which is a fun way for youngsters to take swim lessons and learn water safety. Each day the children will participate in swimming lessons as well as various age appropriate organized aquatic and water safety activities. Various indoor games, movies and activities, including arts and crafts will be incorporated the daily curriculum. Cost is $100 for residents and the program is offered at Regional Park Aquatic Complex June 11-August 17. For more information on all of the city of Miramar’s summer camps, visit http://www.ci.miramar.fl.us/summercamp/

Moms and Dads Wanted for Summer Reading Fun By Julie Levin

f you love to read, and you want to spend some

of those hot summer days curled up with a good book, make sure you put the Miramar Regional Library and Educational Center on your “Summer-to-do” list. The library is offering a 7-week long Adult Reading Program, geared towards getting adults actively reading this summer. “We have a lot of stay-athome moms and folks that have some time on their hands and we want them to be reading and come into the library,” said Lisa Jackson, the Supervisor of Adult Services at the Miramar Branch Library and Educational Center. The program is geared towards readers 18 and up and will work off the theme “Between the Covers”. It will kick-off June 9 and will offer a new focus each week. From June 16-22, it will be “Stormy Weather” where readers will learn how to prepare for the hurricane season and how to enjoy nasty weather with a display of books and other materials. That will be followed by “Summer Fitness”, which will celebrate different ways to stay in shape during the summer, “Life’s a Beach”, which includes great summer reads for the beach, “Lazy Caribbean Breeze”, “Great Summer Eats” and “Summer Fiesta.” Jackson said they had more than 70 readers sign up last year. “The folks who join love it, but we want to expand to even more people this year,” Jackson said. To help entice readers even further, organizers will also be offering prizes every week, including a chance to win a Kindle. Jackson said it is an

ideal way to make reading a family affair. “A lot of people bring their kids in for summer reading. This is a way to bond with your children because you are reading too. You want to model certain behaviors for your children and this is a great way to do it,” she said. Here’s a look at the Summer Reading Programs for Adults: ▸▸ June 9-Summer Reading “Between the Covers” for Adults Kick Off: The reading program will have fun activities throughout the summer with different exciting summer themes. 2:30 p.m. ▸▸ June 9-Hip Hop Dance: In Celebration of Adult Summer Reading join us in learning the basics of hip hop/pop dance from Nest of the Living Arts, 3 p.m. All ages. ▸▸ June 9-Staycation Alert! You don’t have to go far to have fun! Visit our informational resource table to find great local hot spots. ▸▸ June 26-Beginning Yoga- Decompress and get fit at the same time! Bring water and a mat, 6 p.m. ▸▸ July 14 – See What’s Cooking!: Come and hear the latest cooking tips from a Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute Chef, 2:30 p.m. ▸▸ July 28-Summer Reading Grand Finale: Join us as we wrap up Summer Reading with prizes, refreshments and African Dance, 2:30 p.m. The library is also offering Summer Reading Programs for children and teens. To learn more, visit www.broward.org or stop by at 2050 Civic Center Place in Miramar. You can also phone them at 954-437-1806.

June May 2012 2012 || To To Advertise Advertise in in Miramar Miramar Town Town Times, Times, Please Please call call 954-306-1007 954-306-1007 || www.miramartowntimes.com www.miramartowntimes.com

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community news

“Let’s Move” Miramar! By Julie Levin

he City of Miramar wants everyone up and moving! To help

celebrate their designation as a Let’s Move! city, they recently hosted a Let’s Move! 2012 Field Day Kick-off event to boost excitement around the initiative to get children and families moving. “Being a Let’s Move! community means we recognize the importance of physical fitness and how that plays a huge role in our children’s development in school and beyond,” said Natasha Hampton, the Director of Human Resources for Miramar. The kick-off event was held at the Miramar Ansin Sports Complex, located at 10801 Miramar Boulevard. Local elementary and middle school students were encouraged to take part in track and field and softball events, such as: sprint races, long jump, relays, and soft-ball throw. Healthy food and snack vendors were on hand to highlight affordable and accessible healthy food choices. Since the ultimate goal of the Let’s Move! Kickoff event is to encourage the City’s youth to increase their year-round physical activity, the City also made sure there were plenty of ways for the children to sign up for programs to keep them moving, including sports leagues, running clubs and dance classes. Let’s Move! is a comprehensive initiative, launched by First Lady Michelle Obama, which is dedicated to fighting obesity and promoting healthy living. It was launched in the face of unsettling statistics that showed over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese. The numbers are even higher in African American and Hispanic communities, where nearly 40% of the children are overweight or obese. City officials applied for a Let’s Move! designation two years ago to begin creating change at home. “We recognized the need to strengthen the community not just through cultural programming, but also through health and fitness,” said Hampton. Already,

the city has partnered with Humana to create a walking trail around the Town Center to get residents up and moving. Prior to the kickoff, Miramar High School students were also encouraged to submit short films they created about promoting healthy living. Keep an eye out for the winning films which will be featured on the local television stations: NBC6, Beacon, the Miramar Access Station, and a Commission presentation.

June 2012 | To Advertise in Miramar Town Times, Please call 954-306-1007 | www.miramartowntimes.com

Community News

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ummer is here and while the rest of the country is ramping up

their vegetable-growing season, Miramar’s Community Garden is winding down. Volunteers and Friends of the Garden turned out at the site on May 19 to officially close the harvest season and prepare for the planting of new crops in the fall. According to Elsi Rose, who runs the garden, there are a couple of loopholes to growing vegetables year round in South Florida. One way to mitigate the effects of heat is by using a combination of shade and reflection. So the team made a ceremonial creation of a “Shade Hoop House.” The simple-to-build house is made of PVC pipe hoop and Everyone celebrated the creation of the “hoop house” covered with a layer of reflective shade cloth called “aluminet.” Rose says it is something that can be completed by anyone with a limited amount of DIY skills. Miguel Afonso, founder The Urban Farm Guru, led the team by sharing his know-how. Volunteers also prepared planter bags for solarization during the summer, and helped with “gleaning” at the garden by collecting and sharing leftover harvest. Created last year, Miramar’s Community Garden is located at Fairway Park and is the first demonstration “micro farming system” in Broward County. It is an environmentally and economically sustainable system that creates a network of healthy food sources of naturally grown vegetables and fruits, a social network for garden volunteers to learn about the urban agricultural industry and the opportunity for vocational training. The garden has a see-through fence where the current crops and garden components can be seen and visitors are always welcome. Planting will be limited at the garden during the summer. The program’s Second Wednesdays at the Library and Third Saturdays at the Garden will resume in the fall. For more information about the hoop house, contact Miguel Afonso at Miguel@urbanfarmguru.com or www.urbanfarmguru.com.

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www.miramartowntimes.com | To Advertise in Miramar Town Times, Please call 954-306-1007 | June 2012

community news

Pancake Breakfast is a Tasty Fundraiser By Julie Levin

iramar residents turned out recently to fill their stomachs,

while also helping to fill the coffers of two local charitable efforts. As many as 300 people dug into a breakfast of pancakes and sausage at the 2nd Annual Pancake Festival, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Miramar/Pembroke Pines and the Florida Bible Church’s Haiti Mission Team. “It’s not just a breakfast, it is a festival because it is such a good time,” said Joanne Miner, one of the event organizers. The festival, which was expected to bring in close to $3,000, was held April 28 at the Florida Bible Church located at 9300 Pembroke Road in Miramar. Guests enjoyed not only breakfast, but pastries, auctions and entertainment as well. It was the second joint venture between the two organizations and was designed to raise money for both the church’s Haiti Mission Team and the Scholarship Fund for Miramar-Pembroke

Pines Kiwanis Club. “The scholarships go to local high school seniors, preferably those in the Key Clubs,” said Miner. Pancake breakfasts are a staple of Kiwanis, which was founded nationally in 1915. The Miramar/Pembroke Pines Kiwanis Club was chartered in 1992 and currently sponsors Key Clubs in Everglades, Miramar and Flanagan High Schools. In addition to scholarships for high school seniors, they also hold food drives for the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas and house repair projects for the elderly. Their scholarships are based on a student’s level of community service, financial need and Key Club membership. The pancake breakfast also serves as a way for members of the church’s Haiti Mission Team to bond and learn how they work together as a team. It is an important task as they are preparing for their 4th mission to the village of Maniche in Haiti this month. “Once we get in country, it can be intense and you need to know how people’s strengths and weaknesses. We get to bond, we share fellowship and get to know each other. Of course, the more money we raise, the more people we can help,” said Miner. For one week, they will minister to the men, women and children of the local church with health screenings, school projects and fellowship.”It is really a wonderful journey and Haiti, as every knows, is badly in need of the help,” Miner said. For more on the local Kiwanis club, visit www.Floridakiwanis.com or www.Kiwanis.org. For more on Florida Bible Church, visit www2. Floridabible.org Left: Joy Hicks and son Isaiah, 4, enjoy breakfast Right: Tatiana Joseph and Alyssa Haire help serve pancakes and sausage

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June 2012 | To Advertise in Miramar Town Times, Please call 954-306-1007 | www.miramartowntimes.com

community news

Like to Read? Friends of the Library to Host Quarterly Sale By Julie Levin

ooking for a good book to curl up with this summer? The Friends

of the Miramar Library is getting ready for their next quarterly Book Fair, where patrons will be able to find page-turners in almost every subject imaginable, at great prices. While they browse, customers can also feel good knowing they are helping the local library. “With the proceeds, we help pay for equipment or programs that are not in the budget,” said Judy Sullivan, the President of the Friends of the Miramar Library. The next book fair is set for July 7. As they have for recent fairs, organizers again expect to have several thousand books for sale. They get their inventory from patrons of the library who donate books they no longer want or have been taken out of circulation and donated by the library. “We usually have so many books, we started holding these quarterly book fairs,” said Sullivan. The good news for customers is that the books are available at a greatly reduced price. Sometimes hardbacks are no more than $2 and paperbacks

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are just $1. Other times, it is all you can tote away in a shopping bag for one set price. “Sometimes we do $5 a bag because we have too many books,” said Sullivan. All of the proceeds from the Book Fair go back into the Miramar Branch Library and Education Center. With 40 current members, the Miramar Friends of the Library was first organized in February of 2009 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to support the Miramar Public Library. The mission of the Friends of the Miramar Library is to promote community awareness, support the library’s activities by raising funds, and serve as a liaison between the Miramar Library and the Community, and between Miramar Friends and the Friends of Broward County Library. They are always looking for new members. For more information, visit them online at ww.friendsofthemiramarlibrary.org. The library is located at 2050 Civic Center Place. Phone them at 954-437-1806. Left: Judy Sullivan-President, Carolyn Orban-Secretary/Treasurer, and Dale Draughon-Vice President of the Friends of the Miramar Library Right: Dozens of readers turned out for the quarterly Book Fair April 14

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brand new park is joining Miramar’s impressive list of open

spaces this month. City leaders say Vizcaya Park, located at 14200 SW 55th St. is completed and set to open to residents and guests on June 2.The park and community center was due to be welcomed with a ribbon cutting ceremony and other festivities. The brand new facility becomes part of a park system that includes 40 parks, encompassing nearly 600 acres, including the 172-acre Miramar Regional Park. To help open their newest park, organizers hosted class demonstrations in the multi-purpose room by Errol Lyn Karate, Curtain Call Playhouse and the Chess Club. In addition, there were 3 on 3 basketball games, kickball games and more.

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Vizcaya Park includes two full-size outdoor basketball courts, a soccer/football field, open green space, a covered playground area, two picnic pavilions with tables and BBQ grills. The picnic area is available for party rentals. In addition to these outdoor amenities, there is a computer lab, game room and multipurpose room in the building. Once open, the facility will offer a variety of classes and programs, which include after school programs, summer camps, educational programs and recreational classes such as dance, karate, drama and chess. The rooms will also be available for residents to rent for birthday parties, baby showers or any other family fun activities. The Community Center is also set to make local history as the first City facility seeking certification as a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) “green” building.

If you missed the opening day fun, make sure you check out what classes are currently being offering at the center. The park opened just in time for summer fun too, so be sure to register your children for the summer sports camp program that will be taking place from June 11th - August 17th. For more camp information, call (954) 602-3167.

June 2012 | To Advertise in Miramar Town Times, Please call 954-306-1007 | www.miramartowntimes.com

Real Estate CN

Real Estate is on the Rebound…It’s a Great Time to Get Involved! By Patrick Simm

pproximately seven years since the historic

housing “bubble” burst, the market seems to have settled in with prices seemingly at the bottom or “bouncing on the bottom.” Skeptics will continue to question whether we have reached “rock bottom.” Pessimists will be cynical until they see for themselves the signs of increasing housing values; which, by the way, will be like looking through the rear view mirror while driving. I believe that after years of declining values that extended to almost sixty percent, combined with the current dilemma in which demand exceeds supply, the housing recovery has begun. What about the “Shadow Inventory” of foreclosed properties that the banks are holding on to, you ask? This is a question or belief that has been around for the past eighteen months or more, with still no definitive answer on the horizon. I can almost assure you that banks are not looking to flood the market with properties from this diminishing “Shadow Inventory.” Instead, as the inventory is slowly released, banks are asking and, yes, receiving “fair-market value” for the properties. Stop and think for a second, what is their purpose here? Yes! It helps to stabilize the housing market which leads to the overall recovery of our economy. Critics tend to think that banks are overloaded with an inventory of foreclosures and need to get rid of them quickly and cheaply. This notion is far from the truth, as it has been proven time and time again over the past eighteen or so months. Buyers with this mindset will continue to “wait out” the market and eventually miss the opportunity to acquire property. First time homebuyers, international buyers and investors have stepped back into the South Florida market. With the continuous month-after-month decline in inventory, historically low interest rates and buyers no longer willing to wait on the sidelines, the housing market is becoming striking hot once again. Properties priced at fair-market value are receiving multiple offers within days of being listed. Because of this, sellers are more relaxed, knowing that they are beginning to have the upper hand to some degree. Although sellers are receiving multiple offers from buyers, in some cases more for the property than it is worth, appraisals for lending purposes on properties are still highly conservative. As the market evolves to the next level, this is one of the many challenges facing sellers, buyers and real estate professionals at this time. With home prices back to levels of affordability and mortgage rates hovering near record lows, anyone in search of the American dream of homeownership should act now. A buyer who plans to own the home for five to seven years can get some great bargains today. Rents have been on the rise, making owning a home cheaper than renting in most situations. Patrick Simm, Managing Director of the Simmsational Real Estate Group at Keller Williams Realty Partners SW, can be contacted at 954-709-8258 for all your Real Estate related questions and/or inquiries. Visit www.PatrickSimm.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/OneCoolRealtor. www.miramartowntimes.com | To Advertise in Miramar Town Times, Please call 954-306-1007 | June 2012

School News

Miramar High School Gets a Makeover By Julie Levin

everal dozen students gave up a

Saturday morning recently to help give their school a fresh, new look. Close to 50 students fanned out through Miramar High School for a beautification project April 28. Despite the early hour, junior Daselah Graham said she was happy to pitch in. “My friends and I volunteered to help clean up because we love our school,” said the 18-year old junior. The school, located at 3601 SW 89th Avenue, holds several beautification projects throughout the year in part to help boost school pride, and also to provide ways

for students to earn community service hours. “We are trying to help them reach graduation readiness,” said Megan Haywood, the advisor of the school’s I.C.C. or Interclub Council who oversees the project. Through I.C..C students from all clubs and organizations are welcome to pitch in. Haywood has them fan out to six locations throughout the school, where they paint, pull weeds, plant and help clean-up. Several students worked in the school concession stand, others got their hands dirty in a large planter, and other groups worked in the parking areas. “They are not huge projects, but little things that help put a nice touch on the school,”

Haywood said. Sabrina Brito was among several students handed a bucket of paint, a roller and asked to touch-up the paint dividing the spots in the student-teacher parking area. “I am here just because of the motivation of trying to clean up school. I’ve seen them doing it every year, so I thought why not give it a try,” said the 17-year old junior. Quinterra Carzar is a member of National Honor Society and was asked to help put a coat of white paint on the bottom half of several trees. “I am here for the community service hours but also to help make the school look better,” she said.

Left: Senior Quinterra Carzar, 18, and junior Briana Carter, 17, give the school’s trees a little “Patriot Pride”. Right: Junior Sabrina Brito, 17, and senior Alexander Schumann, 18, roll a fresh coat of blue paint onto the handicapped spots in the studentteacher parking lot

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Miramar Man Scores at 2012 Miami Dolphin Special Teams Volunteer Appreciation Party

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Miramar man was recently honored by the Miami Dolphins

for his work in the community. Matthew London was named the “Volunteer of the Year” by the Miami Dolphins Special Teams, Driven by Chevy, an organization that encourages and provides community service throughout South Florida. London was one of several South Floridians honored at the group’s Second Volunteer Appreciation Party recently at Sun Life Stadium. The day was held as part of National Volunteer Month and National Volunteer Week in celebration of the hard work of volunteers and to recognize their many contributions to the community. “Matthew truly embodies the spirit of volunteering,” said Leslie Nixon, Miami Dolphins Manager of Volunteer Programs. “He understands that he is here to help further the mission of a nonprofit. So he doesn’t ask for “the better” positions because he knows that volunteering sometimes requires grunt work. He never complains, always signs up for more activities and leaves a job well done wherever he goes.” The Miami Dolphins Special Teams Program, Driven by Chevy, is a unique volunteer organization created to enlist and mobilize the services of the community, alongside Miami Dolphins staff, players and alumni. It was created in 2009 in response to numbers that showed South Florida ranked dead last in the nation in percentage of volunteers and volunteer hours. The volunteer group offers hands-on services to communities and families in need, partners with existing organizations with worthwhile social, civic and charitable programs and to support community efforts in times of emergency. Since its inception, the group has taken part in more than 700 activities, and 61,726 community service hours through more than 3700 active volunteers. The volunteers come from all walks of life and including high school and college students, retirees and families. The group’s signature events include the Dolphins Cycling Challenge, which raised $1,070,000 for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center this year. The two-day event involved 700 bikers including staff, players, alumni and Dolfans who rode to fight cancer one mile at a time. They also take part in the National Family Volunteer Day at Zoo Miami where volunteers help beautify the very popular zoo. Another popular event is the Martin Luther King Day of Service at the Northwest Boys and Girls Club, where volunteers work to beautify the club through painting, redecorating and planting. The other honorees were Shelley Beck from Plantation who was named Volunteer Captain of the Year; and the Downes/Fasking Family from Pembroke Pines were named the Volunteer Family of the Year. “This family instills the values of community service in their children which is needed to make sure South Florida is a better place to live for generations to come.” said Nixon. Also honored, Kandy Penenori from West Palm Beach who was named Chevy’s Most Driven Volunteer; Juliana Smith from Hialeah/ Miami Lakes Senior High School who was named the High School Volunteer of the Year; and Adriana Diaz from Mexico who was named Volunteer Choice of the Year. For more information about Special Teams, please visit miamidolphins.com/specialteams or call 305-943-7900.

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Parrillada El Gaucho – Simply the Best Steak in Town By Debby Teich

ummer is a great time to relax and

enjoy some delicious food with friends and family. If you are looking for an unforgettable dining experience, try Parrillada el Gaucho in Miramar. This steak lovers’ paradise is the first authentic Uruguayan Steakhouse in Miramar. The restaurant serves the finest cuts of meat, as well as a wide variety of typical Uruguayan dishes. The lively atmosphere includes seating inside, as well as outside by the water. It has become a favorite among locals and a hotspot for lunch meetings, happy hours and late night dinners. With several large screen television sets, it has also become a popular place to watch soccer, basketball and other sports. Owner Carlos Lehite opened Parrillada el Gaucho nearly three years ago, when he could not find a place to eat authentic food from his native country of Uruguay. Many of the recipes were passed down from Carlos’ family and everything is prepared by Uruguayan chefs. “We take grilling seriously,” said Carlos. “We use only the freshest and finest ingredients in our food. We are always improving the menu to respond to customer feedback. We want them to have the best dining experience possible.” Many like to start off with a pitcher of Sangria, filled with fresh fruits like apples, oranges, lemons and limes. Try the red Sangria, which has been a favorite since the restaurant opened, or the new white Sangria, which Surf and Turf Parrillada is a little lighter and smoother for the summer months. The restaurant has an extensive wine list with selections from Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and California. It also has a large selection of beers from all over the world, as well as a variety of new champagne cocktails. While you are browsing the menu, sample one of the many appetizers like the delicious homemade Empanadas (meat, chicken, ham and cheese, corn), Chorizo (Uruguayan sausage) and Fried Calamari. Most of the main courses are cooked on the “parrilla” or “grill.” Customers love to watch as New York Strip, Skirt Steak and Flank Steak sizzle on the open grill. The best ways to sample the grilled items is to order the restaurant’s specialty, the Parrillada, which is served on table top grills. With the addition of three new combinations, there is something for everyone. You can try the Surf and Turf Parrillada (steak, chicken, salmon, shrimp, mussels, two sausages), the Deluxe Parriallada (flank steak, skirt steak short ribs, rump steak, pork chops, two sausages, blood sausage), the Parrillada Americana (flank steak, short ribs, chicken, pork chops, two sausages) or the Original Parrillada (short ribs, flank steak, chicken, sausage, blood sausage, sweetbread, trip). There are also a variety of house specialties, includ-

ing Steak, Chicken and Fish Milanesa, as well as Milanesa Napolitana (breaded steak with ham, cheese and pomodoro). If you are in the mood for Seafood, chose from Salmon, Tilapia, and Mahi Mahi, cooked the way you like it, and then add a sauce (garlic, lemon butter, sautéed onions and peppers or garlic, parsley and salt.) No dinner is complete without one of the restaurant’s decadent desserts, New York Strip with Mashed Potatoes

Chicken Milanesa with Sweet Potatoes

made fresh by a Uruguayan pastry chef. The house specialty is the Postre Chaja, cake filled with peaches and dulce de leche, with sugary meringue on the outside. Two other popular desserts are Strawberries and Cream, as well as Crepes filled with dulce de leche and topped with ice cream. There are many reasons to visit Parrillada el Gaucho. With lunch specials starting at $6.90, it has become a popular lunch spot. On Friday nights, there is Latin music. On weekends, from 4 to 7 p.m., there is Happy Hour, with two for one beers and wine. If you need food for a corporate or social event, leave the grilling to Parrillada el Gaucho. Whether you want the food delivered or plan to fill the restaurant with your guests, the new lunch and dinner Party Menus will make your function a memorable success. The delicious Parrilladas will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

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Parrillada el Gaucho is located at 11386 Miramar Pkwy, in Miramar, on the corner of Miramar Parkway and Red Road. For information, call 954-431-0448 or visit www.parrilladagaucho.com. Postre Chaja

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CN School News

Dolphin Bay Elementary Hosts Annual Spring Fest By Julie Levin

ust before the end of the school year,

Dolphin Bay Elementary School took a night to show-off some of the year’s biggest educational accomplishments. They held their annual Spring Festival to celebrate the work of each of their students. “We wanted every child to be represented in the art fair and with some kind of academic project,” said Ann Klapthor, a 5th grade teacher at the school. The school’s 730 students, their families and teach-

The school cafeteria was transformed into an art gallery with 2-D and 3-D works based on the theme “Once Upon a Time There Was An Art Show”

ers turned out at the school May 2 to enjoy an Art Show, Museum Night, Book Fair and Health & Environmental Fair. Sponsored by the P.T.A. and Westside Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, guests also enjoyed food, activities and games and raffles. But the main attraction was the students’ work, science and social studies projects, which were laid out as far as the eye could see.”We transformed the hallways into a museum. I wish they could look like that all year long because they really come to life. They became teaching hallways,” said Klapthor. Once the children showed off their academic projects,

it was on to the school cafeteria which was transformed into art gallery. The lower grades did 2-D paintings and drawings, while the upper grades created 3-D works through ceramics. All of the pieces were based on the theme “Once Upon a Time There Was An Art Show” , which led to plenty of fairy tale based dragon sculptures, castles, kings and queens and more. “It’s a great night for the kids,” said Art Teacher Jennifer Protano.”They are so excited, so thrilled. They can’t wait for the day to come.”

The Dolphin Bay hallways lined with science and social studies projects. Each child’s work was represented.

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SPORTS NEWS cn

Miramar Aims to Become Sports Destination By Julie Levin

he City of Miramar doesn’t have world- class beaches or

well-known tourist attractions within its boundaries. So with its first ever Multi-Cultural Games, Billy Neal, Miramar’s Athletic Coordinator, says the city is hoping to create another draw for visitors. “Our motto is ‘If it is Sports, it’s Miramar’, so we want to make Miramar the destination for sports,” Neal said.

WHEN TO USE AN URGENT CARE CENTER? Many people are still unfamiliar with the unique service that Urgent Care Centers provide in their communities. Urgent Care Centers address the growing demand for quick access to healthcare, after-hours and weekend availability, as well as affordable prices. For sure it’s considerably less expensive to go to an Urgent Care Center than a hospital emergency room. And most times the wait times are much shorter. In fact, Urgent Care Centers are contributing to communities’ health care systems by providing immediate care for non-life threatening illnesses and freeing up emergency rooms in local hospitals. Urgent Care Centers also provide a broader scope of services than your typical primary care practice or retail pharmacy clinic. Those services include X-Ray, Laboratory, and Board certified physicians, which are not always available at some retail clinics.

For many patients, lower costs and more convenience are critical factors on deciding where to go. So how much does it cost to go to an Urgent Care Center? At Doctors Express in Pembroke Pines visits are covered by most major insurance plans, and patients typically pay a copay of $10, $30 or $50, depending on your insurance plan. For those people without insurance, a visit with a doctor costs $99, with additional discounted fees for XRays and lab work. The good news is that several major insurance companies have already negotiated a discounted “Global Fee” for their members, which is a single fee that includes all services available at a center for your initial visit. But Urgent care has its limits as well. A person suffering from any kind of life threatening illness or serious trauma, such as a heart attack, stroke, or serious accident, need to go to a hospital emergency room.

So what do we use Urgent Care for? For acute illnesses or minor accidents, such as: allergies, colds flu, fever, coughs, insect bites, nausea, minor burns, pink eye, rash, sore throat, minor fractures and cuts & lacerations. Cricket athletes warm-up before the start of the games at Miramar Regional Park

To help make that happen, the city hosted its inaugural Multi-Cultural Games April 28-30 at several city venues. More than 400 athletes from 50-60 colleges took part in the event, which was an effort to showcase Miramar as an international sports destination. Many of the athletes came from as far away as Ecuador, Haiti, El Salvador, and Jamaica. The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) sent nearly 100 athletes. The games focused on track and field events, which has a huge following worldwide, and cricket, which is extremely popular in the Caribbean. The event started off with two days of cricket matches at Miramar Regional Park and then moved on to track and field events at the Ansin Sports Complex. Neal said it was a chance to showcase the city’s sports facilities, including its “Mondo” track surface at the Ansin Complex which is the same as the surface elite athletes run on in the Olympics.”We are the only city in South Florida to have that kind of track,” said Neal. Neal says he envisions the Multi-Cultural Games as similar to the Sunshine State Games, Florida’s long-standing multi-sport festival for amateur athletes. “We want it to be like the Sunshine State Games, but in Miramar,” he said. “We’re trying to get all nationalities to participate in the years to come.” They also timed their first event to come after the annual Penn Relays hosted by the University of Pennsylvania, which attracts many track athletes from Jamaica. The city hopes to turn the Multi-Cultural event into a yearly event, and also include more sports like basketball and swimming.

Be sure to pick a reputable Urgent Care Center with a modern and clean facility. That will make your visit more pleasant. Doctors Express in Pembroke Pines has a brand-new Urgent Care Center on the corner of Flamingo Rd and Sheridan St, and is part of a national company with very high standards and quality controls, as well as a very selective hiring process. Dr. Avraham Uncyk is Medical Director of Doctors Express Pembroke Pines and is Board Certified in Family Practice as well as Pediatrics. He completed his Family Practice Residency at the University of Southern California, and his Pediatric residency at Schneider’s Children’s Hospital in Long Island, New York.

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eye care

UV Awareness Month Protect Your Eyes

MiraMar The Fountains of Miramar (Next to El Fogon) Dr. Michael Chesen 2909 Dykes Rd., Miramar, FL • 954-437-9733 www.mirvision.net

By Michael Chesen, OD

he majority of Americans are aware of the

dangers of Ultraviolet (UV) rays to your skin, (including sunburn and skin cancer) and the importance of applying UV blocking sunscreen and using other forms of sun protection when spending time in the sun. But how many are aware that ultraviolet rays and other harmful types of radiation from the sun are also a risk to your eyes? If you are thinking of leaving the house without proper eye protection, think about this: Extended exposure to harmful UV rays has been seen to be a cause of eye damage.

UV Eye Damage

Exposure to large quantities of ultraviolet radiation over a short amount of time can cause a ‘’sunburn of the eye’’, which results in pain, blurred vision or even temporary blindness. Long-term ultraviolet exposure can result in more serious eye diseases such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and others, all of which can cause vision loss. Just like the real sun, tanning beds pose a serious risk of overexposure to UV.

UV Eye Protection

To shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, sunglasses should block 100 percent of UV light. Look for sunglasses labeled ‘’UV 400’’, which indicates that they block all light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers (which includes both UVA and UVB rays, both known to enter the atmosphere). You also want to choose sunglasses with full eye coverage. Sunglasses with side protection can block dangerous UV rays from coming in through the rear of the sunglasses. You don’t have to empty your pockets to have proper UV defense, but it’s essential to be certain the sunglasses give full UV defense. Many less-exclusive brands do offer proper UV coverage. Further, as well as keeping your eyes protected from the sun’s harmful rays, trendy sunglasses are at the height of fashion. Pick up a pair (or two) and let the sun shine down! For more information on UV protection, call Dr. Chesen’s Miramar optometric office at 954-437-9733.

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ask the sheriff

Child Drownings Are Prevalent and Preventable By Sheriff Al Lamberti

message cn from the mayor

Dear Miramar Residents: Miramar Mayor Lori C. Moseley

any of our best South Florida summer memo-

ries start with water. From crystal blue backyard swimming pools to the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean, Broward County residents always enjoy the area’s countless boating, swimming and fishing opportunities. But each year, more than a few happy memories are marred by needless drowning accidents. In Florida, drowning is the leading cause of death for children under age 4. Children are naturally attracted to water. If adults turn their heads for a moment, a toddler can silently slip underwater. If dad’s attention is diverted by a ringing phone, or grandma steps away to stir the soup cooking on the stove, it’s enough time for a curious little one to wander out a back door and fall in the pool. Often, it’s a silent process. There is rarely a loud splash or a scream.

As part of the Broward Sheriff’s Office’s “SPLASH” initiative, which stands for Supervise, Protection, Lessons, Alarms, Search, Help, the agency is reinforcing our efforts to stop these entirely preventable tragedies. The program, which is specifically designed by first responders, educates families to: ▸▸ Always supervise children around any body of water – keeping children within touching distance. ▸▸ Utilize layers of protection around pools, including fences with self-closing gates, pool covers and locks on gates and doors. ▸▸ Children should have swim lessons as soon as they are able to crawl. ▸▸ All doors leading to bodies of water should have audible alarms to indicate when they are opened. ▸▸ Any time a child is missing, immediately search all bodies of water first. Do not just scan. Thoroughly look. ▸▸ Call for help by dialing 911 immediately. Every second counts, so use the phone while checking bodies of water. Although more young children drown in swimming pools in Broward County than in the ocean, it’s smart to take a few simple precautions when boating, as well. Children should always wear personal floatation devices on boats. Accidents happen fast, and children often end up in the water – sometimes without an able adult around to help. Personal flotation devices are often the difference between life and death for boaters – especially children. Also, remember to always let friends and family members know your “float plan,” which is basically a description of your boat, where you plan to go on the water, who will be with you and when you’ll be returning. If something goes wrong and you fail to return as expected, they can notify authorities with that valuable information. Stay safe!

hope that this letter finds you and your families

well and enjoying a wonderful and relaxing summer. It is a great time of the year where we all get to enjoy more time together and remember why we work so hard year round. Watching our kids play and learn reminds us all of the most important things in life. We must also remember that these times won’t last forever. The day will come when our children will become adults and must go out into the world on their own. While as parents we will never stop worrying about our kids, no matter how old they become, we must provide them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities that will enable them to become successful in a world that is much more different than the one we know now. With that in mind, it is my hope that you will take advantage of the social and educational programs offered in the City that are geared to help children think creatively while at the same time have fun. The programs encourage children’s natural curiosity and foster a love of learning that will be instilled in them the rest of their lives. The programs also create dynamic interaction between parents and children when children talk about what they learned on their own, as opposed to just reciting their homework assignment. When children are exposed to different types of programs where testing and homework are not mandatory, their love of learning can expand almost exponentially. It is this ‘spirit of knowledge’ that invites miracles to happen, and the excitement of learning that will carry them successfully into the next school year and later in life. Michael Carr said that “all kids are gifted, some just open their packages earlier than others.” I can think of no period of the year where that statement is as relevant as it is in the summer. During the relaxed schedule and freedom to explore the City’s programs, our children’s minds can discover so many new things, travel to new places, meet new people, and see more of the world that they burst with excitement and want to share what they learned with their parents.I hope that you all take the opportunity to enjoy the time you spend with your families during the summer and cultivate their love of learning. Have a safe and great summer! Warmest regards, Lori C. Moseley Mayor For information on the City of Miramar, visit www.ci.miramar.fl.us.

You can learn more about the Broward Sheriff’s Office drowning prevention efforts and boating safety by visiting www.sheriff.org. To stay up to date about BSO news and information, become a fan of the BSO Facebook page (Broward Sheriff’s Office – Official), follow BSO on Twitter @browardsheriff or sign up for the CyberVisor program.

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Ask the expert

The Overnight Hysterectomy By Dr. Fabienne Achille

sis, uterine prolapse and adenomyosis. In some cases, pelvic pain may also lead to hysterectomy, however a careful preoperative evaluation should precede this decision. There are also many alternatives to having a hysterectomy and it is important to remind patients to discuss all options with their doctor. The decision to have surgery is one of importance. For many patients this can be an anxiety provoking concern. It is comforting to now have an option with less down time, less pain, and less blood loss during the procedure. For whatever reason, I welcome the opportunity to offer patients a consultation with regard to this important decision.

ith today's tech-

nology, advances are coming at us with rapid speed. Minimally invasive surgery is at the forefront of these advances. Today a hysterectomy can be performed through a laparoscope. The incisions are minute and patients can go home the next day and return to work in one week. As a physician completing recent training at a nationally recognized residency program, I bring to my practice not only sophisticated surgical skills for this procedure, but the knowledge for selecting the proper patients who may undergo laparoscopic hysterectomy safely. It should be emphasized that not everyone is a candidate for this surgical procedure. Knowing proper technique for the actual surgery is important. My four years at Jackson Memorial/ University of Miami provided an abundance of experience with regard to these cases. Many clinical causes leading to the decision to perform a hysterectomy include fibroids (benign uterine tumors), abnormal bleeding, endometrio-

Dr. Fabienne Achille is an OB/GYN. She has offices in Weston and Pembroke Pines, with privileges at Memorial Hospital West. The Weston office is located at 1605 Town Center Boulevard. Appointments can be made in Weston by calling (954) 384-8668. The Pembroke Pines office is located next to Memorial Hospital West at 603 North Flamingo Rd, Suite 360A. Call (954) 436-7667 to schedule an appointment in Pembroke Pines. To learn more about Dr. Achille and her practice, visit www.docAobgyn.com.

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legally speaking

Using a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Plan to Keep Your Home and Investment Properties for Much Less than You Owe By Omar J. Arcia, Esq. Foreclosure Defense and Bankruptcy Protection Attorney

ost consumers are familiar with a simple Chapter 7 bank-

ruptcy in which all of the debtor’s assets are liquidated and all unsecured debt (credit cards, medical debt, etc.) is wiped out. However, within a Chapter 7 bankruptcy you will not be able to modify your home loan or any other amounts owed on any investment properties. In fact, your lender has the right to continue a foreclosure process on your home during a Chapter 7 bankruptcy with permission from the court, which is always granted when the homeowner owes more than the market value of the home. Yet many consumers are unaware of the far reaching benefits of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Unlike a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, under a Chapter 13 a debtor restructures instead of liquidating debts. A Chapter 13 debtor has the ability to repay over a period of 3-5 years, all mortgage arrearages, late fees, escrow shortages, credit card and other unsecured debt negotiated down to about one percent (1%) of the amount owed, reduced student loan payments, IRS liens, reduced car payments, and even attorneys’ fees are paid over time as part of the Chapter 13 plan. Perhaps the most beneficial part of a Chapter 13 plan is the ability to remove all second mortgages, lines of credit and other liens (including homeowners’ association liens) from your principal residence, and to significantly reduce principal balances on investment properties. In order to qualify, the debtor must be employed, or have a regular source of income, and the amount owed for the first mortgage on your principal residence must exceed the market value of that home. As it relates to the debtor’s investment properties, under a Chapter 13 plan you are able to wipe out any second mortgages or credit lines, and reduce the principal balance of the first mortgage on each property to the current fair market value, payable at a low fixed interest rate, amortized over 15 years, through an affordable monthly payment. Once a debtor submits a Chapter 13 plan and begins to make payments, the lender cannot proceed with a foreclosure. If you owe more on your first mortgage than the fair market value of your home, have one or more additional mortgages, lines of credit or other liens on that property, and are currently employed, you may be a perfect candidate to file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. If in addition, you also have investment properties which are upside down in value, and would like to keep them because they are generating rental income, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the ideal solution to resolve your mortgage crisis instead of wasting countless hours attempting to modify your loans directly with lenders. More detailed explanations of different options available to homeowners in foreclosure, at risk of foreclosure, or considering bankruptcy are discussed in a new instructional DVD developed by the Arcia Law Firm entitled “Fight for Your Home.” If you mention that you heard about the DVD through this magazine, you will receive a FREE copy when you make an appointment to discuss your case in detail with a member of our legal team.

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Got News?

email editor@miramartowntimes.com www.miramartowntimes.com | To Advertise in Miramar Town Times, Please call 954-306-1007 | June 2012

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their business

Dr. Simon Weiss Offers Personalized Care for Women of All Ages By Debby Teich

needed to solve their problems.

rom teenagers to the elderly, Dr. Simon

Weiss provides women with individualized healthcare for every stage of her life. He practices cutting edge medicine in a comfortable, relaxed, professional environment. He uses the latest medical protocols and technological advances available.

Dr. Weiss, senior partner, answered some commonly asked questions about his obstetrics and gynecology group.

What procedures do you perform in the office? We always strive to help our patients avoid major surgery. Our state-of-the-art equipment allows us to perform a wide range of procedures in the office that would otherwise be done in an operating room. Some of these include: essure sterilization; endometrial ablation for bleeding; interstim for urge incontinence; colposcopy for diagnosis of pre-cancer or cancer of the cervix; cryotherapy to treat pre-cancer and other benign conditions; pelvic rehabilitation and biofeedback for rehabilitation of the pelvic floor muscles; urodynamic test and cystoscopy to evaluate a wide range of bladder problems; 4D ultrasounds to clearly visualize in utero babies and more.

What procedures do you perform in the hospital? Some of the procedures we per-

Dr. Simon Weiss and his team.

form in the hospital include: vaginal deliveries, cesarean sections, surgical treatment of fibroids, endometriosis, tumors, incontinence, pelvic pain, infertility, sexual dysfunction and more.

What is the main focus of your practice? We offer a complete range of services for women, including gynecology, high risk obstetrics, breast pap tests, pelvic reconstructive surgery, endometriosis and much more. We manage complex cases as routinely as simple ones.

What is your (Dr. Simon Weiss) background? I have trained with some of the most renowned specialists in the world. I was born and raised in Peru. I obtained my medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine; trained at Yale University in primary care medicine, and at Baylor College of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology. I was selected as one of the privileged few to train in a fellowship in Laparoscopic surgery at a time when laparoscopy was still not widely used in medicine.

Are there other physicians in the practice? There are a total of seven physicians in the practice, including: Simon Weiss, M.D., Lina Echavvaria M.D., Helen Spalding M.D., Heather Christie M.D., Marion Colas-Lacombe M.D., Jose Rivas M.D. and Jesica B. Shienbaum M.D. Each member of the team has different strengths and personalities. The doctors meet to discuss unusual cases and agree on a treatment plan.

What can patients expect when they visit the office? They will find medical care professionals that care about them, as well as state-of-theart equipment to treat gynecological problems. The physicians and staff take whatever time is

Describe your staff. Each member of our staff is carefully selected and has extensive training. Most of the staff has been in the practice for 5 to 10 years. They are committed to each and every one of our patients.

What kind of care can a maternity patient expect to receive? We carefully evaluate any potential or real problems. Since we have seven physicians, we are able to coordinate the care of our patients. Hi-risk or complicated cases are discussed within the group. Specialists are consulted as the case requires.

Do you offer Ultrasound studies for your maternity patients? Both offices have the latest Phillips ultrasound equipment with 4D capability. Each of the Ultrasound technicians has over 20 years of experience.

What birthing options do you offer? We allow patients to personalize their births. We stand by and monitor the medical condition and intervene as necessary.

Do you treat infertility? We offer diagnostic, medical and surgical treatment. We do not offer IVF. Do you offer the breast pap test? We were the first office in South Florida to offer the breast pap test. We encourage patients to take it during their annual visit.

Dr. Simon Weiss provides healthcare for women of all ages.

Do you help patients manage menopause? We have numerous options to help the most challenging complaints of this condition.

Do you treat urinary incontinence? We perform careful and complete evaluations. All treatment options are available and are individualized for each patient, usually without the need for surgery. Do you treat chronic pelvic pain? As a member of the International Pelvic Pain Society, I have the opportunity to exchange ideas with physicians from all of the United States and around the world on a regular basis. Do you treat endometriosis? My team and I treat all aspects of the disease, including pain, infertility, endometriomas, radical excision and robotic surgery. I have been treating endometriosis for 15 years. Do you treat PMS? Although the symptoms are usually common to all women, each personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suffering is a unique experience to her. We understand how to treat each individual patient. What are some of your areas of expertise? I routinely perform some of the most challenging cases in the treatment of endometriosis, pelvic pain, fibroids, infertility and other conditions. I am also one of the most experienced surgeons in the use of robotic laparoscopy in benign gynecology surgery.

Do you help patients with weight loss? Obesity is a national crisis. I have instituted a medical weight loss program with a special team that is trained and ready to help patients in their journey to becoming healthier. They review the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health and medical history and perform comprehensive medical testing to develop an individualized program. For information, call 954-538-1300 or visit www. myobdoctor.com. The Miramar office is located at the Memorial Miramar Office Building, 1951 SW 172nd Ave., Suite 405. The Hollywood office is located at 4100 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Floor.

June 2012 | To Advertise in Miramar Town Times, Please call 954-306-1007 | www.miramartowntimes.com

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www.miramartowntimes.com | To Advertise in Miramar Town Times, Please call 954-306-1007 | June 2012

seen on scene

The Tastings

Guests dig into tasty treats during second “Tastings” events recently at the Shops of Pembroke Gardens. The lifestyle center, in partnership with the Miramar Pembroke Pines Regional Chamber of Commerce, hosted the community fundraiser May 15. Guests roamed the mall’s outdoor setting enjoying different food and drink from Brio Tuscan Grill, The Pub, Fuddruckers, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Kilwin’s Chocolate and Ice Cream, Stir Crazy Fresh Asian Grill, That Wine Place, and Village Tavern. Proceeds benefit The Sun Sentinel Children’s Fund. If you missed it, another tasting is planned for this summer.

Celebrating Spring

Miramar’s seniors headed outdoors recently to celebrate Spring! The Annual Spring Picnic was held at the Miramar Regional Park and brought together the members of both the Sunset Lakes Senior Center and Miramar Multi-Service Complex. Activities included a picnic lunch at the park and a fun filled day of outdoor games and music.

Career Fair

Hundreds of employers and job seekers came together May 9 for a Career Fair at the Miramar Cultural Arts Center. Organized by the City of Miramar, in partnership with WorkForce One, the annual fair was designed as a resource for city residents looking for new career opportunities.

Safe Driving

Juan Rodriguez with AARP takes a break from teaching a Safe Driving Course recently at the Miramar Regional Library and Educational Center. One of his students; Mary Stephens who teaches a Citizenship Class at the library.

June 2012 | To Advertise in Miramar Town Times, Please call 954-306-1007 | www.miramartowntimes.com

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