Aventura Digest 2022 "Here Comes Santa Claus" Gulfstream Park Village

Here Comes Santa Claus at Gulfstream Park Village!

South Florida’s ultimate home store, entertainment & restaurant destination welcomes visits from San

With the holidays in full swing, Santa is making stops at Gulfstream ParkVillage! Running Through Dec. 24, 2022, families are invited to partake in this time-honored tradition where children can share their Christmas wish lists with the jollyoldelf.

Available on a first come, first serve basis, Santa will be stationedinthegroundlevelVillage Center on select dates. While in line, families can enjoy music and the open-air lifestyle center’s free Symphony in Lights festival running daily through Dec. 31. With the grounds illu-

will feature snow for a magical effect.

This year’s Symphony in Lights has grown to be even big gerandbetterwithLEDentrance lighting and a new tree with new programmingthatincludeseight languages that wish guests a happy holiday and joyous new year. Symphony In Lights captures all the magic of the holiday season and inspires friends and families to spend time together during one of the most wonderfultimesoftheyear.

Many of Santa’s visits also overlap with Gulfstream Park’s MusicintheParkseries,thatfea-

Director of Experiential Marketing for Madison Marquette, the management company for Gulfstream Park Village. “Santa brings magic to the season and families can enjoy these visits along with Gulfstream’s diverse offerings. There truly is something for everyone this holiday season.”

InadditiontoSantavisitsand Symphony in Lights, guests can also experience some holiday cheer through shopping, dining

House, Texas de Brazil, Christine Lee’s, Pastry Is Art, Häagen-Dazs and more offer a delicious break from holiday shopping. A full directory of shops, restaurants and entertainment can be viewedat:gulfstreampark.com.

More information on Santa’s visits and Symphony in Lights can be found at: https://www.gulfstream park.com/events/

acasinoandfamily-friendlyvenues including over 15 restaurants,outdoorcafes,artgalleries, fashion retailers, state-of-the-art bowling alley, and a renowned selection of signature home stores. Gulfstream Park,voted a 2020 Top Travelers’ Choice Winner byTripAdvisor,is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95.Valet service and complimentary selfparking are available. Gulfstream Park is open sevendays a week.

DAYAN & ASSOCIATES, PLLC

Opens In Aventura Bringing Individualized Services to Clients

By Erika Cartwright

Life on a day-to-day basis can be complicated enough. We cer tainly do not need all the unnec essary stress, headache and additional problems caused by incorrectaccounting.

Simple mistakes happen eas ily, records being inaccurate or not having access to the most up-to-date tax benefits can be costly. This is especially true these days, when everything is changing at such a rapid pace, whether it be technology, finan cial markets or the political scene. It makes it difficult to stay up to date with the newest changes.

That’s why it is crucial to make sure you are in the hands of an experienced, knowledge able, well-versed accountant with your best interests at heart. This is precisely the service and personalized approach that Dayan & Associates, PLLC pro vides to the South Florida com munity. Dayan & Associates, PLLC is a new CPA Firm, located in the heart of Aventura, FL founded by Oren Dayan, CPA in 2022.

The new firm intends to deliver a fresh approach to serv ice, offering a combination of their experience, expertise, drive and passion. Dayan & Associates PLLCintendstotakecareoftheir clients with A through Z service, providing the accounting skills for success and financial growth, where the client is priority. They are about providing maximum support, while alleviating all the unnecessary stress that is associated with bookkeeping and taxes. After all, no one likes receiving notices from the IRS or havingtopaypenalties.

The founder of Dayan & Associate, PLLC, Oren Dayan, has a well-versed educational and professional background in theTaxIndustry.

Oren received a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts, majoring in Accounting & Information Systems, along with a minor in

Economics from CUNY, Queens College in New York, where he made the Dean’s List and graduated Magna Cum-Laude. Oren continued his studies and successfully attained a Master’s in Science, majoring in Accounting & Information Systems, received the Graduate Distinguished Scholar Award, as well as graduating with Honors in Accounting &InformationSystems.

As a Licensed Certified Public Accountant, Oren attained invaluable experience as a financial auditor in one of NewYork’s major accounting firms. After gaining hands-on experience as an auditor, he realized that more satisfactionwasfoundinhelping clients prepare accurate books/ financial reports, while preparing the return with the most advantageous and beneficial tax

sion to move his growing family to Aventura and invest in the community. Oren says, “There is no better place to raise a family than Florida, with the warmth of the people, the diverse culture, the opportunities and of course the amazing weather.” It had been a lifelong dream of his to open a business in Florida, “COVID-19 was a tough period in everyone’s lifetime, I’m glad I can see the silver lining that the Pandemic brought me to Florida,” Oren explains. “Living through, albeit at a young age, the Financial Crash Of 2008, COVID-19 and other times of economic hardship, people need to have a responsible and competent accountant for their business and personal finances, so they can sleep well at night, with the comfort of knowing that they areingoodandcapablehands.”

results. Over the years, Oren has acquired crucial knowledge working with small and midsized firms, especially during the tough financial times of COVID19. He helped struggling businesses secure the funding they needed to continue operations during the Pandemic, relieving their fear of having to close their doors.

Growing up, Oren spent his vacations in Aventura, Florida and therefore considers it his secondhome.Intheearlypartof 2022, he decided to relocate his family to Aventura from Queens, NewYork. Oren has a broad eth-

nic background; a mosaic of Jewish, Israeli, Syrian and Egyptian roots, which, along with his Hebrew speaking abilities, make him a great asset to thelocalcommunity.

One of his favorite things about Florida is its ethnic diversity, which he states, “Makes it beautiful and unique - something I grew up with in NY and feel that it is what makes these cities just so special. People here are great - just like New Yorkers, butalothappier!”

With the belief that Florida has a strong place in the future of America, Oren made the deci-

The professionals at Dayan & Associates, PLLC provide a personalized plan which caters to the clients’ needs, while keeping their best interests in mind and achieving optimum results in all aspects of taxation and longterm financial planning. Dayan & Associates, PLLC has the experience and expertise to ensure tax and financial needs are met at the very highest levels. The company provides an array of business services which include: Bookkeeping, Income, Payroll & SalesTax, Financial Reports, SBA Loan Services, as well as Comprehensive Business/Tax Consulting for various scenarios. Additionally, they assist individuals with their personal tax preparation as well as any financial consulting. The customers’ needsalwayscomefirstatDayan & Associates, PLLC with caring, friendly and professional customer service, all done in a timly manner. Free consultations are available by appointment. Call Dayan & Associates, PLLC at: (718) 702-9287. Or fax: (305) 570-4737. For more information, email: oren@dayanassociates.com or visit their website: www.dayanassociates.com Let Dayan & Associates, PLLC give you the peace of mind you deserve this coming tax season and the time to focus on more important things in your life.

an evening of opera and celebrate this holiday season with international recording artist Franco Corso, singing all your favorite Andrea Bocelli hits, such as “Silent Night,” “Ave Maria,” “I Believe,” “White Christmas,” “Angels We Have Heard On High,” “The Prayer,” “Amore” and much more! Appropriately dubbed “The Voice of Romance,” Corso hypnotizes audiences with his sensual and powerful vocals, from Baritone toTenor, dramatic stage presence and charismatic showmanship.Hismusicaltalent

has been labeled powerful, enchanting and sophisticated.

Corso has built a music career channeling the charisma and passion of Italian-American singers, effectively transforming past masterpieces into modern treasures. His voice recalls the era when crooners ruled the musicindustryandavidlisteners went weak in the knees at love songs laden with raw emotion. Corso will be on stage at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center onenightonly,Friday,December 16at8:00PM.

Tickets: Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Tickets start at $49 and you can purchase tickets online at: aventuracenter.org, by phone

vehicle. We accept major credit cards or mobile payment apps including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Valet parking is located at the main entrance of the

Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, in the circular drive. There is a convenientdrop-offareainfront ofthebuilding.

The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at: 3385 N.E. 188 Street in Aventura.

Registration is Open

Dates: Dec.26,2022-Jan.6,2023 Times: 9a.m.-11:30a.m.

Price Per Week: Aventuraresidents $325/Non-Aventuraresidents$390 Location: FoundersPark,3105NE190St.

WinterCampjustgot“COOLER”atthe Community Recreation Center! Online registration is now open for the City of Aventura’s Winter Camp and Tennis Campprogramswhichwillbeheldduring winter break starting Monday, December 26, 2022. Camp will offer participants a safe and fun way to celebrate their winter break while making new friends and enjoying a variety of activities such as sports, art, science, field trips and so much more. All participants must have an active Community Recreation Center ProgramMembership. The following camps are available for registration & will be located at the Community Recreation Center: •GeneralCamp(Ages5-12) PricePerWeek:Aventuraresidents$185 Non-Aventuraresidents$222

•BasketballCamp(Ages5-12)

Registration can be completed exclusively online only and participants must be registered prior to attending any program. Please visit the City’s Online Registration System (ORS) at: cityofaven tura.com/ors to complete the registration with a valid and existing new account. There is a $20 late registration fee applied to all registrations received on or after the Saturday prior to the selected program’s start date. For more information, contact the City of Aventura Community Services Department at: 305-466-3883 or via email at:crcenter@cityofaventura.com

Private Sport Trainings

The City of Aventura is excited to announce private sports training for Recreational Soccer, Travel Soccer, and Basketball. Participants will learn skills ranging from beginner to advanced dribbling, passing, defending, and scoring drills as well as much more. Top-notch Instructors are proven to take your child’s gametothenextlevel!

AllcampswillbeheldMondaythrough Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. starting Mon.,Dec.26,2022-Fri.,Jan.6,2023.

Tennis Camp at Founders Park is for players ages: 6-17 of all levels and provides a safe, fun, high-quality level of instruction to improve tennis skills and make new friends. Players are required to bring their own tennis racket, water bottle,andfacecovering.

Trainings are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Private sport trainings range from $50 for recreational and $60 for travel soccer which is more advanced. All training sessions are hourly. Dates and timesvary.Onlineregistrationisopenand can be completed exclusively online at: cityofaventura.com/ors, the City’s Online RegistrationSystem(ORS).

For more info, contact the City of Aventura Community Services Department at 305-466-0183 or parksrec@cityofaventura.com

Bob Seger’s Greatest Hits Live

50 years, 75 million records sold worldwide including seven multi-platinum, four platinum and two gold album certifications, Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame member Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet band is one of the best selling musical acts of alltime.

Ifyouwouldliketohearthese classic songs, you’re in luck. North American touring act Classic Seger is a 9 piece band of seasoned musicians based out of South Western Ontario whose incredible stage chemistry and energy, combined with the passion for live performance captures the driving rock n soul spirit that until now could only be experienced at a Bob Seger concert.

Performing classic hits like “Night Moves,” “TurnThe Page,” and “Old Time Rock N Roll,” audiences will be singing, dancing and screaming for more as Classic Seger’s show reminds audiences that Rock N Roll Never Forgets! If you have never been to a 1970’s Rock N Roll show, you owe it to yourself to experience the pure raw power ofClassicSegerLive!

Tickets: Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Tickets start at $45 and you can purchase tickets online at: aventuracenter.org, by phone at: 877.311.7469 or: 954.462.0222 or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday

from noon to 5 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: 954.660.6307.

Parking: Free parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in front of the Aventura Community Recreation Center and the Aventura City of

ExcellenceSchool.

Valet service is available for most performances at $20 per vehicle. We accept major credit cards or mobile payment apps including Apple Pay and Google

Pay. Valet parking is located at the main entrance of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, in the circular drive. There is a convenientdrop-offareainfront ofthebuilding.

The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at: 3385 N.E. 188 Street in Aventura. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter.

Christmas With Love: The Concert Featuring Leah Rae

Join Captain Sandy Yawn as she welcomes the Holiday Season with recording artist, Leah Rae. With singing careers in Gospel and secular music, Leah’s passion is in Modern Country Music which allows her to express herself in a raw and authenticway.

Joining Leah in this Holiday extravaganza will be Grammy nominated producer Kent Wells and Emily Benford from the hit tv series, The Voice. Captain Sandy Yawn, a Fort Lauderdale native with over three decades of yachting experience, is one of the most respected captains in the industry. Star of Bravo’s Below Deck Mediterranean, Captain Sandy is excited to host this charitable event to benefit her new portfolio of marine charities. A special VIP option is available for this event which will include a Pre-concert Meet & Greet with Captain Sandy & surpriseBravolebrities,andaVIP Swag Bag. VIP guests will have

the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of Captain Sandy’s new book, Be the Calm or Be the Storm.

Vip Packages: AspecialVIP option is available for this event which will include a Pre-concert Meet&GreetwithCaptainSandy &surpriseBravolebrities,andaa VIP Swag Bag. VIP guests will have the opportunity to purchase a signed copy of Captain Sandy’s new book, Be the Calm or Be the Storm. This specialVIP event will take place starting at

Center. Tickets start at $55 and you can purchase tickets online at aventuracenter.org, by phone at: 877.311.7469 or: 954.462.0222 or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday

Valet service is available for most performances at $20 per vehicle. We accept major credit cards or mobile payment apps including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Valet parking is located at the main entrance of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, in the circular drive. There is a convenient drop-off and pick up area in front of the Cultural Center.

The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at: 3385 N.E. 188 Street in Aventura. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter

(L-R) Captain Sandy Yawn • Recording Artist, Leah Rae • Emily-Benford from The Voice• Grammy Nominated Kent Wells

It’s Time to LOL Again

Three Great Performances This Season in Aventura

Comedy is returning to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, the Stand-Up Comedy Series presented by the city of Aventura features three great performances this season!The series will include the comedy of Bobby Collins,ModiandHenryCho.

Bobby Collins

January 19, 2023

Comedian Bobby Collins has distinguished himself as one of the Premier Comedians in our country. He has an ability to truthfully translate the human condition. Audiences across the country relate to his comedic characterizations as he exposes the humor of day-to-day situations as well as serving up resplendent rants on world events.

Throughprecisephysicaltiming and impeccable audience insight, he has honed his talents while performing from hole in the wall clubs to sold out theaters. Bobby Collins’ rise to top

headlining, comedic master was inevitable. His true dedication to hiscraftiswhatkeepshisvibrant showsconsistentlysoldout.

A native New Yorker, Collins possesses a confidence and genuine everyman likability that can only be earned. He knows whatit’sliketoworkadayjob,in order to pursue a dream. He’s flipped his share of burgers, as well as signing on as a substitute high school history teacher, to pay the bills – all the while performing in comedy clubs at night.

Modi

February 8 - 9, 2023

Votedoneofthetop10comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi is one of the comedy circuit’s most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment, Modi has received rave reviews inTheNewYorkTimes,TimeOut

NYandTheNewYorkPost.

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of seven and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling. Equipped with a sharp wit and a knack for reading an audience, Modi has gone on to become a successful fixture in New York’s vibrant comedy scene, often doing bits that incorporate his heritage, and he is a hit with diverse Jewish audiences as well as fans of all backgroundsandbeliefs.

Henry Cho

March 23, 2023

Henry’s TV credits include appearances on NBC’s The Tonight Show, CBS’s The Late, Late, Show, and NBC’s Young Comedians Special. He served twoyearsashostofNBC’sFriday

Night Videos and had many guest roles on various network sitcoms. Henry was co-creator, co-producer and co-writer of “TheHenryChoShow”onGAC

Henry’s one hour Comedy Central Special, “What’s That Clickin Noise?” is currently running and on Netflix. Henry can also be heard daily on Sirrus XM, Blue Collar Radio and Pandora. He’s also a regular performer at theGrandOleOpry.

Some of Henry’s film credits include Universal’s McHale’s NavywithTomArnoldandDavid Allen Greer; Say It Isn’t So with Heather Graham and Sally Field; and Material Girls with Hilary Duff and Anjelica Huston producedbyMadonna.

Tickets

Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. You can purchase tickets online at: aventuracenter.org, by phone at: 877.311.7469 or: 954.462.0222

or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: 954.660.6307.

Parking

Free parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in front of the Aventura Community Recreation Center and the Aventura City of Excellence School.

Valet service is available for most performances at $20 per vehicle. Valet parking is located at the main entrance of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, in the circular drive. There is a convenientdrop-offareainfront ofthebuilding.

The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at: 3385 N.E. 188 Street in Aventura.

The Aventura International Film Series Continues

The Aventura International Film Series continues with Hit the Road (Dec. 13), Lost Illusions. Admired film expert Shelly Isaacs curates the series and will host the film with an introduction and a post-screening discussion. Isaacs is known for his Cafe Cinematheque programs at many venues throughout South Florida. He enjoyed a 30-plus yearcareerasacreativedirector/ writer specializing in creating print ads, commercials and trailers for feature films, TV and radio studios. He teaches foreign-language film appreciation in the Life Long Learning Society at FAU and FIU. In 2009, Isaacs launched Cinematheque at Sea and served as the film expert for Celebrity Cruise Lines atTheCannesInternationalFilm Festival.

About the Film: Lucien de Rubempré (Benjamin Voisin) is an ambitious and unknown aspiring poet in 19th century France. He leaves his provincial town, arriving in Paris on the arm of his admirer, Louise de Bargeton (Cécile de France). Outmatched in elite circles, Lucien’s naive etiquette prompts Louisetoretreatbacktoherhusband, leaving the young poet to forgeanewpath.Lucienmakesa new friend in another young writer, Etienne Lousteau (Vincent Lacoste), who introduces him to the business of journalism where a salon of wordsmiths and wunderkinds make or break the reputations of actors and artists with insouciant impunity. Lucien agrees to write rave reviews for bribes, achieving material success at the

expense of his conscience and soon discovers that the written word can be an instrument of both beauty and deceit. Xavier Giannoli’s sumptuous adaptationofHonorédeBalzac’sepic novel, Lost Illusions is a ravishing vision of the birth of modern media.

New York Times reported, “Lost Illusions, Honoré de Balzac’s novel of Parisian literary life,standsasastellarexamplein its period and now, thanks to Xavier Giannoli’s invigorating screen adaptation, in ours as well….Balzac was a prodigious coffee drinker, and the movie, though its characters run on champagne and schadenfreude, isnothingifnotcaffeinated.”

Tickets: Screenings are general admission with the lobby

the auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: aventuracenter.org, by phone at: 877.311.7469 or: 954.462.0222 or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: 954.660.6307.

Free parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in front of the Aventura Community Recreation Center and the Aventura City of ExcellenceSchool.

Valet service is available for most performances at $20 per vehicle. Valet parking is located at the main entrance of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, in the circular drive. There is a convenientdrop-offareainfront ofthebuilding.

The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at: 3385 N.E. 188 Street in Aventura. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter

Sea & Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

A Dental Office Your Child Will Want To Visit

By Erika Cartwright

Nothing is more important to a parent than the health and well-being of their child. Small dental issues can turn into big issues, even serious infections quickly if not caught early on. As parents and caregivers, we want them to feel safe and happy at the dentist’s office while avoid ing painful issues. Dental visits can be frightening for children. But what if there was a dental provider that made it a fun and enjoyable experience for your child? Sea & Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is just the place to make you and your child feel at easeandunderstood,wherepro viders speak English, Spanish and Portuguese. When it comes to life long dental health, pre vention is key. It is never too early to think about your child’s dental health. Afterall, all babies have 20 primary teeth present in theirjawsatbirth.

Sea & Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is located at 411 North Federal Highway, Suite#: 101, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009. The office opened in September 2022 with a mission to provide a fun and positive experience for your child, while building a healthy foundation for your child’s oral health. Sea & Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is committed to providing compassionate, personalized and specialized care to fit your child’s individual needs. With experienced providers to offer exceptional patient care, Dr. Ana Gonzalez, DDS, MS and Dr. Laura Echeverria, DDS. As well as attenuative and caring staff to help your child feel at ease, you can rest assured your childisingoodhands.

Dr. Ana Gonzalez, DDS, MS graduated from dental school in Brazil and continued her education by completing two years of Advanced General Dentistry Residency at NYU Lutheran Dental Medicine. She then attended Nova Southeastern University for specialty training and obtained a Masters in

her last year of residency. She was inducted in The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, due to her outstanding performance. Fulfilling her lifelong dream of working with children, Dr. Gonzalez received extensive training in various aspects of Pediatric Dentistry, including: dental emergencies, preventive treatment, hospital dentistry, oral conscious sedation, child growth and development and treatment of special needs children at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Broward General Health Center. She can treat in the office, as well as in a hospital setting. She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Florida Dental Association. As a mother, she understands the importance of passion and caring when it comestoyourchild’swell-being.

Dr.LauraEcheverria,DDSisa Pediatric Dental Specialist. She studied Advanced Education in General Dentistry at NYC Lutheran Medical Center for two years, followed by the University of Puerto Rico, School of Dental Medicine where she completed herspecialtytraininginPediatric Dentistry. She focused her training on providing comprehensive dental care for children, including those with special healthcare needs. She is a member of the International Association of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. Being a mother herself, Dr. Echeverria is committed to providing quality and personalized dental care in a comfortable and fun environment. She strives to create a foundation for a lifetime of confident, happy andhealthysmiles.

With their combined years of experience, in a state-of-the-art facility, they have created a fun environment for children from

infancy through adolescence to feel comfortable and to create happy memories of their dental visits. Many services are offered at Sea & Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Services include: Bridges, Crowns, Cleanings, Digital XRays, Extractions, FluorideTreatments, Infant Dentistry, Pit and Fissure Sealants, Mouthguards, Nitrous Oxide, Pulp Therapy, Silver Diamine Fluoride and SpaceMaintainers.Itisnevertoo early to begin good oral habits with your child. It is recommended to schedule your child’s first dental appointment by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. Early detection is key to preventing seriousproblemslater.

Teeth can look and feel healthy; however, this can be misleading. There are many small issues that are invisible to the naked eye and can only become visible when they have progressed into bigger, more serious problems. Early detection of dental caries at stage 1,

which are small white spots on teeth, can save your child a lot of pain later. If not detected in the beginning stage, the white spots will become dark spots, stage 2 which is enamel decay. This will turn into stage 3, dentin decay, which reaches deeper into the dentin. This if untreated progressestostage4,pulpinfection, which is decay into the pulp. Stage5ofdentalcarieswillcause pain, abscess distress, which is when the infection moves beyond the tooth into the surrounding gums and bones. Early detection is key to preventing serious dental issues and pain later. Checkups are recommended every 6 months, to ensuregooddentalhealth.

Sea & Smiles Pediatric Dentistry can help with preventive maintenance, such as sealants. Minimally invasive dentistry as well as laughing gas (Nitrous Oxide) are also offered at their new, up to date office. Among other services provided at the office are restorative dentistry, tooth extractions, teeth whitening, emergency care and care for special needs patients. With compassionate, dedicated, knowledgeable providers and staff, Sea & Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is sure to make your child’s visit memorable. Most insurances are accepted along withanoptionforCareCredit,to make payments easy and affordable regardless of a family’s financial situation. Teeth are unique, just like your child’s needs. With flexible appointments, it is easy to find the care they deserve. Complimentary visits for children 2 years old. and under. Office hours are Monday &Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Tuesday & Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call: (904) 233-1494. For helpful advice offered on their dental blog,visit: Seasmilespd.com

Dr. Ana Gonzalez,DDS,MS

Dr.Laura Echeverria, DDS

By Joyce R. Forchion - LOVE Aventura

The holidays are in full effect as the City of Aventura kicked off the season with a rare appearanceofSNOW!

A simulated snow flurry captivated hundreds of ecstatic parents and children attending Aventura’s inaugural Winter Wonderland ceremony, which made its cheerfully “chill”-y debut on December 6 along the breezeway of Government Center. The family-friendly festivities, which were organized by the City’s Community Services and Public Works Departments, offered Nutcracker-inspired stage performances from tiny ballerinas, along with contemporary dance and vocal presentations from students representing the Aventura City of Excellence School, and participatingcommunitygroups.

Passersby usually recognize Aventura Government Center for its illuminated “Season’s Greetings” sign lining the landscape of the building, along with its gleaming display of palm trees that glisten in white and blue,theCity’straditionalcolors.

Finally, we have an event that’s unique to our City where locals can immerse themselves in the sentiments of this time of year. Amid street construction, new businesses that are relocating to the city, and the annual December traffic jams on

considered the Winter Wonderland event to be a muchneeded escape and reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the work week, and a pleasant transition into Christmas and Hanukkah, which were both symbolized with a community countdown to the first-ever lighting of the Christmas Tree and Menorah, both prominently displayed side-by-side for all to see.

While a life-sized gingerbread man and dreidel duo happily posed for pictures throughout

time of their lives capturing their fun times in the revolving holiday-themed photo booth and jumping for joy in the snow globe bounce house. Parents took advantage of the complimentary cookies, candy and treats offered for their children’s enjoyment and marveled at the special surprise of snow, which marked the first time many of them – along with their little ones – have witnessed such elements as sun-loving South Floridians.

Aventura has evolved beyond

where we shop, dine, and unwind.Thankstothelong-term vision of the City’s leaders, staff, and volunteers, Aventura now serves as a prototype for municipalities seeking to create wholesome family experiences and promote community engagement, consisting of intergenerational activities uniting the entire family and touching each generation in a significant way.

In retrospect, Winter Wonderland brought to life imagery from our youthful fantasies of snowmen, sleigh rides,

colorful presents, and reindeer. We as residents are beyond grateful to attend another event spreading happiness and joy throughout the area – right in our backyard – and we’ll continue to cherish these precious memories of our City’s special occasionsforever.

LOVE, AVENTURA.

Acolumncelebratingthe heart,soulandculture ofourcommunity.

Photo Credit: City of Aventura IG