It's not just about the claims. It's about your health. Many older homes in South Florida have cast-iron pipes that can cause unwanted plumbing problems leading to costly home repairs. Molds can cause asthma and other illnesses. Our families are what's most important.
Absolutely stunning waterfront property with private boat slip offers a luxurious and private retreat. This two-story townhome has upscale designer finishes throughout and is equipped with an elevator. A covered terrace and pool offer year-round outdoor living.
The future owner will be minutes away from the Riviera Country Club.
A Very Special Home.
Nicolas Escobar
Betsy Comendeiro
John Reaves
Vanessa Kayes 305.201.9297 vanessa@valbyrnerealtor.com www.MiamiRealEstateWorks.com
JANUARY 2023 ISSUE 90 // VOLUME 8, EDITION 6
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER DAN BASTIEN publisher@thefloridavillager.com
VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DANA BASTIEN dana@thefloridavillager.com
COMMUNITY EDITOR BECKY SALGADO editor@thefloridavillager.com
FEATURE WRITER VANESSA MOLINA SANTAMARIA vanessa@thefloridavillager.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DEBBIE BERMAN debbie@thefloridavillager.com
Disney’s Aladdin is making its Mami premiere at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County. Aladdin, adapted from the animated Disney film and centuriesold folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,” is brought to theatrical life in this new musical. This new production features a full score, including the five popular songs from the Academy Award–winning soundtrack and more written especially for the stage. arshtcenter.org
Miami’s longest-running juried art festival will be held on January 14–15, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the University of Miami. The festival will feature over 150 fine art exhibitors, a children’s art tent, marketplace, a beer garden, food and live entertainment. This free outdoor community event is ideal for all art enthusiasts, offering artwork in a variety of media and price ranges. beauxartsmiami.org
South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 25th anniversary season continues to shine with Shostakovich’s Symphony no. 9, the world premiere of Ocklawaha by composer-inresidence John Gottsch, and a selection of great opera arias from Puccini, Verdi, and Lara. Led by Music Director Sebrina María Alfonso with guest soloists Catalina Cuervo, soprano, and Gerardo Ortega, tenor, the Masterworks programs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m on January 24 at New World Center in Miami Beach. southfloridasymphony.org
Learn about the extraordinary and inspirational legacy of two esteemed couples within the community of Coral Gables as the Coral Gables Museum honors Ninón L. Rodríguez and Raúl L. Rodríguez, from Rodríguez Quiroga Architects & Dorys Martin Torrealba and Alirio Torrealba, from MG Developer. Enjoy a live performance of Spanish and Cuban Zarzuelas by a lineup of opera stars, including Eglise Gutiérrez and Martin Nusspaumer, while savoring dishes prepared by Celebrity Chef Chris Valdes, surrounded by paintings of major artists in a museum gallery. coralgablesmuseum.org
9th Annual Miami/Coral Gables Art Festival features six events at the same time and place with over 200 fine art exhibitors. It’s all happening on January 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Downtown Coral Gables. Admission is free with registration. coralgablesartfestival.com
to the pediatric dental office of Board Certified Pediatric Dentist, Dr Bob Providing specialized dentistry for children and adolescents in a "child-friendly” environment. As pediatric dentists,
focus on preventive care to help each child have a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. Serving infants, children, and teens.
Coral Gables recently welcomed Just Salad to its collection of eateries. The fast-casual restaurant chain offers over 15 chef-designed salads, wraps, warm bowls, avocado toast, soups, smoothies and more. With Just Salad’s signature Reusable Bowl Program, Coral Gables residents are invited to join the company’s effort to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing a bowl for $1 and receiving a free salad topping with every reuse.
The City of South Miami’s Parks and Recreation Department is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Recreation Leader position. This position requires an experienced candidate to assist with the management and operational responsibilities of Dante Fascell Park, including the tennis courts, pavilions and playground facilities. The job listing closes on January 6, 2023.
The once-shuttered Irish pub is back! Founded in 1989 by John Clarke and Martin Lynch, Breakwater Hospitality Group‘s Emi Guerra and Alex Mantecon, in partnership with Erick Passo, owner of Downtown’s Black Market Miami, renovated and recently reopened the iconic eatery.
The Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami, announced an open call to South Florida–based artists to submit their work for MOCA’s 2023 Art on the Plaza series. Art on the Plaza was inaugurated in 2021 with a series of temporary public art installations on MOCA North Miami’s front plaza, inviting artists to activate the space and connect the museum to the community.
Wild Kratts Creature Power!, the newest traveling exhibit at the Museum of Discovery & Science, will take explorers of all ages for a walk on the wild side beginning Friday, January 20. Based on the popular PBS Kids series, the new interactive exhibition presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will run from Friday, January 20, through Sunday, May 7, and will harness children’s natural curiosity and interest in animals by providing meaningful, inquiry-based STEM experiences in which children use critical thinking skills to discover amazing creature powers. The deadline for submission of art projects is January 8, 2023, by 11:59 p.m.
The newly transformed restaurant Noma Beach at Redfish was founded by celebrity chef Donatella Arpaia. It offers a variety of distinct areas for guests to enjoy and boasts the only waterfront dining spot in the Gables. The rooftop has stunning views of Miami and the water, a spot for private events and monthly special events such as winemaker dinners, whiskey nights and sunset yoga and champagne.
Miami’s first and only Master Brewer Academy (MBA) is launching a new 2023 program just in time for those looking to celebrate “new year, new you, new brew” by either making a career change or upping their home brew game. The 11-month program, conveniently spread out over nights and weekends, starts January 5. Founded and led by Director of Education Todd Space, MBA’s classroom is the taproom, with curriculum taught inside South Florida’s most noteworthy breweries, including Est. 33 (where Todd is head brewer), Cerveceria La Tropical, The Tank Brewing Co. and Tarpon River Brewing and taught by their respective head brewers.
Pinecrest Gardens recently celebrated the official opening of their much-anticipated ADA-accessible and inclusive playground, mini-zoo, Sensory Learning Garden and Inspiration Center.
Brightline in partnership with Miami Dade College and the Neighbors & Neighbors Association (NANA), have announced the winners of its first food truck enterprise program: Tywanda DuPont, Clarence Davis, and Nancy Guerrier.
In September 2021, Miami Dade College and NANA launched a semester-long program that offered minority business owners in underserved communities the opportunity to compete to purchase or lease a food truck, complete with start-up funding. The 14-week initiative prepared 17 competing participants on how to open and operate a food truck business.
To celebrate the completion of this program, the winners unveiled their food truck concepts during a Taste & See at Brightline’s MiamiCentral station. The event provided each chef with an opportunity to highlight the inspiration behind their food truck concepts and experience of the program. In addition to Brightline’s donation of free parking spaces for the food trucks at the MiamiCentral train station, NANA has provided inventory and licenses for the award recipients.
“Brightline is committed to supporting our local communities, like Historic Overtown, through advancement opportunities for entrepreneurs who live and work here,’’ said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline. “We are excited to taste the concepts created by these budding local culinary stars and cheer their future success.”
The three winners’ culinary concepts are Ty’s Hometown Café & Bistro Food Truck, 13 Pirates Eat, and ZOEMANGetItandGo.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) recently held its 29th annual Principal TODAY event, with more than 400 principals and community leaders registered to participate. This is one of M-DCPS’ signature programs, which focuses on developing partnerships that support public education.
This annual event allows M-DCPS to showcase the magic happening in MiamiDade schools while forming partnerships that result in internships and mentoring for the benefit of students.
Every year, school principals have the option to choose a partner or be paired with one through outreach to local chambers and the business community at large.
Individuals stepping into the principal’s shoes ranged from CEOs of for-profit and nonprofit organizations, elected officials, small business owners and members of the media.
“Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress.
Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can’t go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.”
- Margaret Atwood, The Penelopiad
Since 1926, Coral Gables Plumbing has been a community focused company offering home owners, design professionals and custom homebuilders exceptional design and remodeling service. We provide unparalleled quality and service with a wide selection of top U.S. and European designer kitchen and bath products. Stop by our showroom for a free consultation.
ETTING OUT ON A MISSION TO EAT HEALTHIER STARTS WITH CREating goals and working to achieve them with those you love. To help make nutritious eating more manageable, call together your family and work with one another to create a menu everyone can enjoy while staying on track.
Connecting an array of recipes that all can agree on starts with versatile ingredients like dairy. Gathering at the table with your loved ones while enjoying delicious, nutritious recipes featuring yogurt, cheese and milk can nourish both body and soul.
To find more nutritious meal ideas to fuel your family’s health goals, visit milkmeansmore.org.
PREP TIME: 30 MINUTES, PLUS 30 MINUTES CHILL TIME COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES; SERVINGS: 8
CHICKEN:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
YOGURT SAUCE:
1 1/2 cups plain, whole-milk yogurt
1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 cup diced cucumber
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper ▸
3-4 small loaves whole-wheat pita bread, halved lengthwise
1 cup thinly sliced tomatoes ▸ 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
TO MAKE CHICKEN:
1. Place melted butter, dill, oregano, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper in gallon-size zip-top freezer bag. Seal bag and shake contents to combine. Add chicken. Seal bag, pressing air out of bag. Shake chicken to coat with marinade. Refrigerate chicken in marinade 30 minutes.
TO MAKE YOGURT SAUCE:
1. Stir yogurt, lemon juice, diced cucumber, dill, garlic, salt and pepper. Cover sauce and refrigerate.
2. Heat grill to medium heat.
3. Grill chicken over direct heat, about 10 minutes per side, until cooked through. Transfer chicken to cutting board and rest 10 minutes. Thinly slice chicken across grain.
4. Serve chicken on pita bread with tomatoes, red onion and yogurt sauce.
A unique collaboration between leading senior housing provider Belmont Village Senior Living and renowned Baptist Health South Florida is redefining senior living. Belmont Village Coral Gables, opening in 2023, is the first in a series of senior living communities coming to South Florida through this innovative partnership. Along with five-star hospitality and amenities, first-class accommodations, a rich social environment, and first-rate care, Belmont Village Coral Gables will feature Live Healthy by Baptist Health on the ground floor, a wellness-focused center for its residents and seniors in the greater Coral Gables area.
FOR
Life Health & Wellness, your well-being is his business. And if the last five years are any indication, business is booming. What started as one med spa with a few staff members is now a full-fledged South Florida franchise with seven different locations to handle all your health and wellness needs. You’ll find Zativa Life in South Miami, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Lakes, Bird Road, Coral Gables, Wynwood and another one in Naples. In early 2023, locations will also be added in Aventura, Doral, Brickell and Broward County with a location in Oakland Park.
What’s more, Rodriguez has changed his franchise model with a plan to take his business to the next level. “We started as a licensing agreement franchise model, but we now retained the law offices of Zarco Einhorn Salkowski to acquire the FDD (franchise disclosure documents) to expand nationally and internationally in 2023,” he says. Las Vegas, New York and Philadelphia are all on his list as possible future locations.
“I always wanted to do a franchise model, but I wanted a business where I could add more services and products and not have limitations,” says Rodriguez. “When we first started, we had five services; and now we offer 15-plus different services at our med spas. If I try it out and it works, then I roll it out to my franchisees; and they can add it to their menu of offerings and increase their profits.”
Part of the reason for Rodriguez’s and Zativa Life’s success, of course, is his focus on doing what is best for his customers. Rodriguez’s professional background before co-founding Zativa Life Health & Wellness was as an owner of medical centers, so Zativa Life was a natural fit. Since the time the first location opened, he has put his focus on high-quality, medically researched and administered solutions. Zativa Life has a medical director and medical professionals on staff who are responsible for everything from placing IVs to administering boosters.
One way that Rodriguez keeps his customers happy is by offering a wide variety of services, many more than you’ll find from other health and wellness centers. One of his key offerings is IV vitamin therapy, which is a method of infusing nutrients directly into the bloodstream to ensure maximum absorption and availability. The benefits of the therapy can range from fighting off hangovers to strengthening the immune system to reducing headaches and muscle cramps, and many more. “They come with our brand name, so they’re specifically formulated for Zativa Life,” says Rodriguez. “Our signature Zativa Life has 60 ml of meds compared to others who offer much less.”
Zativa Life also offers ozone therapy, a unique treatment with many benefits, including preventing illness and fighting the signs of aging. By adding ozone to the client’s own blood, it becomes more oxygenated and can result in a strengthened immune system and better circulation and brain function, as well as detoxification of the lungs, heart and kidneys. “Our therapies may help many people recover after medical treatments,” says Rodriguez. “For example, cancer patients sometimes come after chemo is done to help them get stronger and for their bodies to recover.”
For Zativa Life’s exclusive hormone replacement therapy, customers first have blood drawn and sent to a lab before results are reviewed and interpreted by Zativa Life’s medical director. From there, clients are placed on a three-month plan aimed at correcting the imbalance and resulting in higher energy levels, better sleep quality, a reduction in anxiety and a lessening of arthritis, joint and muscle pain.
Of course, these are just a few of the highlights of the many
products and services offered by Zativa Life. They also offer Botox injections, as well as a variety of home health and wellness products to choose from. Their different locations offer varying services, including body contouring, waxing services and much more.
What started out five years ago as one med spa with just a handful of employees is now a health and wellness powerhouse across South Florida. Rodriguez only envisions more growth in the years ahead as more people realize the benefits of Zativa Life’s treatments, as well as the commitment to customer service shared by his team of medical professionals.
“Anyone who is in pain, who might have an imbalance or who wants to feel like their best self, we can help them,” says Rodriguez. “We can give your cells life again.”
Zativa Life Health & Wellness has six locations throughout the Miami area and one in Naples, with four more opening in early 2023. Visit zativalifehw.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Whether it’s IV therapy, cryotherapy, ozone therapy or more, Zativa Life Health & Wellness has all the services you need to live your best life. A Top 10 Best Ozone Therapy Center in Miami, according to Yelp!ARTURO RODRIGUEZ, CO-FOUNDER OF Zativa
At Caron, we’ve been helping people reclaim their lives from addiction for nearly 70 years – close to 20 years in South Florida alone. And our new state-of-the-art Keele Medical Center in Delray Beach is the next step in our journey to help people heal.
Caron Florida’s Medical Center will provide: • 24/7 medically managed care for those struggling with addiction • One of the only standalone Older Adults Residential Programs in the country • Residential Treatment for those looking for privacy and discretion
Learn more at www.Caron.org/Florida
The best in addiction treatment is now expanding in Florida.
When you’re struggling with addiction, you deserve the best in care.
MILLIONS ACROSS THE WORLD WILL be looking to hit the reset button on 2022 and find a fitness or workout routine that suits them in 2023. And if you’re among those aspiring to regain your former vigour, then you’re in luck — numerous fitness apps could help you out. Unlike other sectors where one or two apps dominate the market (‘Duolingo’ for learning languages, for example), there is no “definitive” fitness app.
Instead, it simply comes down to finding the one that’s best for you — and we’re here to help!
If you are an ardent runner, then Map My Run could be the perfect app for you, with a whopping 4.8-star rating on the iPhone app store. The Gear Tracker feature will track the mileage on your shoes, locate nearby places to run and can connect with up to 400 devices to analyse your data and give you feedback. This is the perfect app not only for self-evaluation but also for using software to optimize your routine. Runkeeper is another intuitive app that feeds into your running schedule, with motivating voices programmed in.
As well as being able to track your runs, it is also capable of logging multiple activities, such as cycling, walking, gym workouts, cross-training and yoga.
For those looking to gain muscle tone, JEFIT has an exhaustive list of resources for users finding their footsteps in strength training and bodybuilding. The app is loaded with thousands of routines, conveniently sorted into targeted body areas. The app comes complete with a workout planner, exercise log, progress tracker and multiple timer options. What’s more, you can sync all these features with your JEFIT profile.
Combining your fitness and nutritional routines is made easy with MyFitnessPal, an app that is distinguished by its huge food database and insight system. You choose a specific goal, such as weight loss, weight gain or muscle tonin, and MyFitnessPal will provide you with the healthy habits required to meet your target. The nutritional aspect of the app is impressive, with a barcode scanner (linked to the food database), a recipe importer, a restaurant logger and even a calorie counter. The benefits of working out are negated by poor nutrition, and this app will give you a comprehensive view of how your diet complements your workout schedule. Fitness Buddy takes a similar approach, offering a personal trainer and dietitian within the same app. Specialized meal plans and recipes are offered depending on the workout plans that you are following, making this an impressively intuitive app.
While the apps discussed are brilliantly fine-tuned to your routine, they may appear daunting to beginners. This is where The 7 Minute Workout comes into play: an accessible app that provides you with a highly effective cardio workout. It’s also known as the “7-Minute Scientific Workout,” as it is backed by peer-reviewed scientists, who cite it as an efficient high-intensity workout. Researchers have put together 12 exercises packed into a 7-minute workout that achieves the same result as an hour’s workout. It effectively increases your metabolism for an entire day. Maintaining your fitness improves all aspects of your life, so there is no excuse for not taking the time to work out (even if it is only for 7 minutes!). With the wealth of free or cheap fitness trackers available on any smartphone, it is easier than ever to find the one that’s right for you.
Where: City of Coral Gables Historic City Hall
405 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables, FL 33134
When: January 22, 2023, starting at 7:30 a.m.
How: unitedwaymiami.org/amerant5k
Details: United Way Miami, together with Amerant Bank, the largest community bank headquartered in Florida, announced that the Amerant Bank 5K will take place on Sunday, January 22, 2023, in Coral Gables. This will be Amerant Bank’s second year as the title sponsor for the organization’s 12th annual 5K event, which benefits United Way Miami’s mission to build a stronger Miami for all.
All runners, walkers, families and fitness enthusiasts alike are invited to team up for a fun-filled morning of exercise to benefit United Way Miami’s work in education, financial stability and health. Partnered with Agency 44, known for producing iconic races such as the Miami Marathon, the race will start and finish at the City of Coral Gables’ historic City Hall and end with a festive postrace celebration near the City Hall area. Participants will enjoy a five-kilometer run or walk through the beautiful tree-lined streets of Coral Gables followed by an Activity Zone where families can gather and enjoy fun activities, food, refreshments and music.
“We are grateful to Amerant Bank for entrusting us as partners for this incredible family-friendly event,” says Symeria Hudson, president and CEO at United Way Miami. “Proceeds generated from this race will support services and programs that empower Miami-Dade County’s most vulnerable residents. It is because of corporations like Amerant Bank that we’re able to continue living our mission,” continued Hudson.
“We are proud to be entering our second year as the title sponsor of the Amerant Bank 5K benefiting United Way Miami,” said Jerry Plush, chairman and CEO at Amerant Bank. “We are committed to serving our community and helping give back through our partnership.”
YES, WINTER MONTHS IN SOUTH FLORIDA ENJOY SNOW … WELL, snowbirds. These northerners descend to our warm, tropical climate and often fall in love with the energy here and our dazzling blue skies. This year, we will likely see an uptick in visitors because of Hurricane Ian’s destruction along the west coast. This will inevitably spill over into the real estate market, making the first quarter of the year an ideal time to list your home.
Housing inventory remains low, and while the market is not as explosive as early last year, South Florida’s luxury market is predicted to be the second top luxury market in the world in 2023, according to Robert Frank, CNBC. “Miami remains a popular haven for the wealthy, given its low tax rates and growing number of financial firms locating their headquarters or offices in South Florida.”
Add snowbirds into that mix and Coral Gables and nearby homeowners will be in a unique position if they choose to sell their property.
The unprecedented increased equity many have witnessed in our area also adds to the unique opportunity to sell your property, particularly if you are looking to downsize or rightsize. While the percentage increase varies by state and city, the national average shows the typical homeowner who’s owned their property for 5 years has seen an incremental value of over 60%. Those homeowners who have owned their home for 30+ years have seen an increase of over 288%, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
All these factors are very enticing for those of you considering selling a property. However, in order to maximize the potential profit when selling your home, I recommend aligning with a local, established Realtor with national reach. My team and I receive weekly calls from out-of-town Realtors referring clients. This type of networking is indispensable when trying to widen your net for potential buyers. Additionally, ask any prospective Realtors if they advertise in key relocation markets such as New York, Boston, Chicago, California and Texas. A Realtor who invests in feeder markets knows the value of balancing local prospects and transplants.
CAROLE SMITH HAS CONSISTENTLY BEEN AMONG THE TOP FIVE REALTORS IN CORAL GABLES FOR OVER 25 YEARS. AS A HARVARD-TRAINED NEGOTIATOR, IT'S NO WONDER SHE SECURES TOP DOLLAR FOR HER SELLERS QUICKER THAN THE MARKET AVERAGE. TO DISCUSS YOUR NEXT REAL ESTATE MOVE WITH HER, EMAIL CSMITH@VERYSPECIALHOMES.COM OR CALL 305.775.5330.
Winter in Miami is my favorite time. The weather, the festivals and, yes, even the snowbird traffic. I delight in sharing our paradise with others and making them new neighbors while helping locals prepare for their next chapter.
Although she only weighs five pounds, she is not afraid of dogs 10 times her size. Her favorite people are her three siblings (Olivia, Luca and Eva), and her favorite thing to play with is their socks. Charli also enjoys sleeping all day, eating and car rides! One of her favorite things to do is run up and down the stairs while playing hide-and-seek with her siblings. Charli’s dislikes include baths, vacuum cleaners (terrified of) and loud noises. Even though Charli has only been with her family for a few months, they don’t know what they would’ve done without her!
LET’S FACE IT, AFTER A WHOLE SEASON OF CELEBRATING WITH family and friends and indulging in special meals and desserts, most us of gain some weight. Our New Year’s resolutions usually include eating healthier and exercising. As we share our daily lives and celebrations more and more with our pets, we’re also sharing the consequences. The weight gain in dogs, however, is for different reasons: They get walked less often, since their owners are busier entertaining friends and family; or they are left boarding in a kennel with limited exercise while the family is out of town; or they steal delicious leftovers from the garbage. Most pet owners laugh when the vet announces that their dog has gained a couple of pounds, since this is about the average weight that their owners have also gained during the holidays. Humorous as it might be, a couple of extra pounds on a human is not the same as a couple of extra pounds on a dog: A Chihuahua that has gained two extra pounds would have increased its body weight by at least 25%. In human terms, this would be like a woman that weighs 140 pounds gaining 35 pounds during the holidays. For this reason, it is critical for dogs to lose those extra pounds.
Excess weight will create mobility problems, will decrease energy and endurance, and can lead to diabetes, cardiac disease and many other serious medical conditions. Studies have shown that obesity will shorten a dog’s life span by about two years. With all this in mind, let’s go over the most important steps to help your dog lose that extra weight in the new year.
1. Provide daily leash walks. To start burning calories, make sure your dog engages in constant low-impact cardio exercise for at least 15 minutes daily. It is ideal, then, to walk your dog 15 to 30 minutes twice a day.
2. Feed the amount of calories recommended for the dog’s ideal weight. Read the dog food manufacturer’s label. It advises the recommended amount of food for each particular ideal weight. Use this as a starting guideline.
3. Divide the total daily amount of food in two or three meals a day. This will prevent your dog’s metabolism from slowing down.
4. Avoid high-calorie treats. If you must offer treats, consider healthy ones: pieces of fruits (except grapes) or vegetables. The most popular among dogs are watermelon, banana, green beans and baby carrots.
5. For dogs that eat too fast , slow down the eating process and help them enjoy the meal and feel full by using a compartment dish. There are many options on the market.
BEEN PRACTICING VETERINARY MEDICINE FOR 30 YEARS. AS A CERTIFIED VETERINARY JOURNALIST, SHE IS THE RESIDENT VETERINARIAN FOR TELEMUNDO AND CNN ESPAÑOL. SHE IS AN AUTHOR AND HOSTS THE PODCAST SHOW “HABLANDO DE PERROS Y GATOS CON DR. MARTA,” AVAILABLE ON THE MAIN INTERNET PLATFORMS. FOLLOW HER BLOG, DRMARTAVET.COM, AND @DRMARTAVET ON YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER. ALSO FIND HER AT FACEBOOK. COM/DR.SANCHEZEMDEN AND ANIMALHEALTHREHAB.COM
As we start the new year with healthy goals for ourselves, let’s share those goals with our pets, too. In the end, your dog might become the best weight loss/exercise partner you ever had.
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WHEREVER 2023 TAKES YOU, PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE AND get engaged! Pick a time for your trip that you will be able to disconnect from calls, emails and texts. What good is taking a vacation when you bring your office with you? Everyone needs to let their brain rest, and yes, that includes you!
How great the experience of the traveler who can slow down and empty their mind so they can fully embrace and experience a moment in time via all their senses. Cutting out mental distractions takes practice and discipline. On your journey, be aware of when your thoughts start to drift to things like emails or responsibilities at home and work. When they do start to drift, bring your focus back to the sights, sounds and smells of that particular moment. It is important not only to be mindful during your journey, but also to fully understand the reasons why you’re taking this trip in the first place. Don’t pick a destination to “just get away.” Be purposeful in your choice. There are many reasons people pack their bags and lock the door behind them:
» To commune with nature (like hiking in Yellowstone)
» To have quality time with family (like a cabin on a lake)
» To go inward and self-evaluate (like a spiritual retreat)
» To learn about other cultures (like a visit to Thailand)
» To challenge themselves and push past fears (like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro)
» To just have fun (like Mardi Gras)
Traveling is good for your psyche. It brings you out of what is familiar and puts you in the unfamiliar where new concepts and thoughts are born and tested. It heightens your self-confidence and gives you a stronger sense of self. It can affect your personality as well. If you tend to be an introvert, being in a situation where you are forced to interact with strangers can expand your range of comfort. Traveling can create an ease for change you wouldn’t normally feel in your day-to-day routine. You can gain an appreciation for life you wouldn’t notice if you didn’t get out of your familiar surroundings.
For me, the ability to relax, detach and unplug from my worries and responsibilities is a huge reason I love to pack my bags. Take time to delve into the “whys” of where you want to travel. Go beyond superficial answers like “to get away” or “I’ve always wanted to go there.” Make travel a deep, personal experience, not just itineraries, museum schedules and sightseeing. When you reach your destination, promise yourself you will be present with all your senses and I guarantee you will return a changed person in many ways.
305.984.5121.
BY VANESSA MOLINA SANTAMARIA
WHETHER IT’S FROM FIRE, HURRICANES or other causes, property damage is an unfortunate aspect of life for many in South Florida. When these incidents do occur, you’d like to think that homeowners and business owners can rely on their insurance companies to make things right — but unfortunately that isn’t always the case.
To ensure that you get the most value from your property damage claim, you need more than just an insurance company. And this is where a public adjusting company like CMC Claim Consultants comes in.
Cristina and Michael Cordo, the owner and vice president, respectively, of the company, have been helping homeowners with claims of this nature for years. It could be a hurricane, a fire, a burst pipe or any number of things gone wrong. “Our job is to help you get your life back on track after disasters strike,” says Michael. “Most people don’t understand their policies or how to navigate them. That’s where we come in.”
“We’re experts just like the insurance companies,” adds Cristina. “We make sure we maximize all the damages and take everything into account, from door casings to outlets to behind the walls to the air conditioning unit. Everything adds up. We don’t get paid unless you do.”
In many cases, policy owners faced with unpaid claims opt for the legal route. “I know clients still unresolved after five years,” says Michael. “In the meantime, what do you think is happening to their house? They’re pulling out loans and trying to fix patches. The extent of the damage just continues to snowball. Let’s not forget that attorneys get paid by the hour. Multiply that by five years, and now you’re looking at a $1 million settlement.”
CMC offers an underused alternative not advertised by most insurance providers. Most policies have what’s called an appraisal clause. If you and your insurance company do not agree on the value of your claim or are still in disagreement on the damages to your property or the price to fix your damage, this is an alternative dispute resolution method that could expedite the settlement of your claim. It involves two sets of appraisers: one for the client and company, respectively, plus a mutually agreed-upon umpire to mediate the process so both parties can come to an agreement.
“The appraisal process works,” says Michael. And the CMC reputation for this process is second to none, with licensed employees, and thus experience, in all three aspects as adjusters, appraisers and umpires.
Let’s say you file a claim for property damage. Then the insurance company offers a small amount of money. Most people accept this and move on for various reasons: They don’t want the fight, don’t know the true extent of the damage or perhaps are simply thankful they got anything at all. The good news is that by the money exchanging hands — no matter how small — the insurance company has essentially admitted fault.
Now you can get a full, unbiased home appraisal performed by an adjuster of your choosing, like CMC, to assess the true extent of any damages done. The insurance company will do the same. After the inspections, everyone meets with the predetermined umpire to come to terms. Because the insurance company has essentially already admitted fault, the negotiating balance of power shifts. The process stays out of court and costs the policyholder nothing if they’re unable to recoup damages, which is unlikely the case.
“Double-check your policy,” advises Cristina. There seems to be a trend towards people taking insurance discounts, ones they don’t always understand. A lot of policies have been cutting water damage, as property owners assume this falls under their mandatory flood insurance. However, that is not the case. It’s important that people in South Florida have both.
“You can send us a copy of your policy. We’ll always double-check it for free,” Cristina says. “We’ll let you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not. Also, be sure to always have current photos of your full property, especially before a hurricane. Keep everything documented and keep receipts for any repair or cleanup.”
What started from the corner of their kitchen has grown into a full-fledged family operation. In 2004, Cristina and her father first launched what is today an award-winning, community business. Little by little, they brought in family to assist with the operation, which today consists of the dynamic husband-and-wife duo plus several highly trained and skilled adjusters.
Their passion for the business is evident. “We are a family business fighting for families,” says Cristina. “In a moment when you need somebody the most, we’re there to reassure you you’ll be okay. Your home is your castle. You deserve to feel safe in your home. Those types of things drive us to do what we do.”
CMC Claim Consultants, Inc., is located at 12651 South Dixie Hwy., Suite 207, in Pinecrest. For more info, call 305.668.3335, email info@cmcpublicadjusters.com or follow them on Instagram at @cmc_claimconsultants.
Saturday, December 17, was a magical night for My First Place as they celebrated their 30th year in the community, nurturing young minds. School parents, longtime friends and family came to celebrate, as well as a very special guest, Maria Verdeja-Kasner, the founder of My First Place Preschool. During our awards presentation,, Maria was presented with the Leader in Early Childhood Education Award. Some of My First Place’s teachers were awarded with the Greatest Teacher Awards. It was an evening filled with dancing, live music, fine dining and cocktails. Everyone at My First Place Preschool appreciates the support and looking forward to another 30 years!
FORE!
The Country Club of Coral Gables opens; residences that overlook the golf course are some of the finest in the city.
THE BILTMORE HOTEL OPENS
The January 1926 grand opening included the arrival of two deluxe trains carrying 1,000 VIPs from New York.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DON SHULA
Don Shula, Hall of Fame coach (Super Bowl 1972, 1973; Miami Dolphins; 4x NFL Coach of the Year), born in Grand River, OH (d. 2020)
Image: Richard Mackson-US PRESSWIRE
SNOW FALLS IN MIAMI
This is the only time in the history of the city that snowfall has occurred. It also fell in the Bahamas.
January 2, 1984
50TH ORANGE BOWL
#5 Miami beats #1 Nebraska, 31-30.
Image: WireImage
THE PERFECT ENDING
Miami Dolphins QB Dan Marino wins his last career NFL game (20-17 vs. Seattle).
PRO SOCCER COMES TO MIAMI
David Beckham launches a Major League Soccer team in Florida: Inter Miami CF.
Sources: onthisday.com, Wikipedia, miami-history.com, floridahistorynetwork.com
