FEBRUARY 2015 EDITION
COMMUNIT Y
12
BE AUT Y BUZZ
40
HE ALTHY PET
49
Local Communities Gearing Up for Relay for Life Beauty 101: You asked, we answered The Miracle of Coconut Oil For Dogs
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1
PUBLISHER’S PAGE
VALUING OUR PATIENTS FIRST
F
EBRUARY IS ONE OF OUR FAVORITE MONTHS HERE AT THE FLORIDA VILLAGER, and not just because of the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day. There are so many great events taking place around town, including the American Cancer Society Relay for Life on February 28th (page 12), and Fashion in the Gardens on February 27th (page 21). If pampering yourself is on your to-do list this month, we’ve got you covered as well, whether it’s buying new jewelry (page 30), paying a visit to the salon or spa (pages 9, 15, 25, 33, 38, 40, & 50), or shopping for clothes (pages 36 & 44). Also this month, voting begins for The Florida Villager’s Best of the Best Reader’s Choice Awards. This is a Special Edition that will be coming out in May. There are two ways to cast your vote: either fill out and mail in the vote form on page 55, or vote online at www.thefloridavillager.com/bestof. We love the amazing feedback you continue to share with us via phone calls and emails, so please keep it coming! Please connect with us via social media as well. You can find us on Twitter (@FloridaVillager), Facebook (The Florida Villager), Instagram (@thefloridavillager), and Google+ (The Florida Villager). Sincerely,
Dan Bastien
Dan Bastien President/Publisher
Anthony Alonso Jr. , D.M.D. Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics TheFloridaVillager
The Florida Villager
FloridaVillager
thefloridavillager
VOLUME 2, EDITION 6 - FEBRUARY 2015
As a board certified endodontist, Dr. Alonso’s main goal is for you to have a great experience while having your root canal completed and to use the most advanced techniques to save your tooth. Our office will be in constant contact with your regular dentist, so that your care will be as seamless as possible.
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan Bastien VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dana Bastien MANAGING EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brooke Bloom Lam ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Koval, Debbie Berman ART DIRECTION, DESIGN & PRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ONE5 Design Group CONTRIBUTORS. . . . . . Jorge Casuso, Mayor Cason, Dr. Marianne Cerda, Penny Daniels, . . . . . . . . . Frank DeValdivielso, Mayor Flinn, Gabriel Lamas, Mayor Lerner, Sam Levine, . . . . . . . . . . . . Tami Maier, Debbie Martinez, Bita McDowell, Luis Ortega, Alexis Prieto, . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eric Raistrick, Shawn Ramirez, Dr. Jose M. Soler-Baillo, Sidney Sterling
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editor@thefloridavillager.com • media@thefloridavillager.com 21,855 Mailed Copies. Total circulation is 24,000. ONE5 Design Group, LLC, DBA The Florida Villager (TFV), is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes in the cities of Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, South Miami, south Coral Gables, and east Kendall as verifiable by US Postal statements. Additional free copies are available at locations throughout those cities and upon request by contacting this publication. Opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this publication. ONE5 Design Group, LLC, DBA TFV reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. TFV 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 © 2013-2014 by TFV, Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.
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5
CONTENTS :: FEBRUARY 2015
44
EVENTS 10 February 2015 COMMUNITY NEWS 12 Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay Gearing Up for American Cancer Society Relay for Life 14 Coral Gables Paves the Way for Downtown Streetscape Project 16 Pinecrest hosted 12th Annual Fine Arts Festival 18 Pinecrest Raising Funds for Steven Sotloff Memorial
16
SCHOOL NEWS 21 Fashion Fundraiser Set to Support Five Local Schools 22 Palmetto Middle School Drama Program Goes Above and Beyond 24 Palmetto High Places as Finalist in Lexus Eco Challenge 26 Palmetto Elementary Students Advance to State Level “Reflections” Competition
FEATURE 30 Experience Fine Jewelry with Exceptional Service at Rotunda Jewelers FROM THE CHIEF 32 Coral Gables Police: Dedicated to Make Coral Gables a Safer City REAL ESTATE TALK 34 To Do’s That Pay OUR MAYORS 36 What’s Happening in Our Communities? HEALTHY LIVING 37 Healthy Spine, Healthy Life ASK THE EXPERT 38 Social Media to Promote Your Business HEALTH & FITNESS 39 “Fit for the Future” THE BEAUTY BUZZ 40 Beauty 101 FITNESS FORUM 41 Staying Fit While Traveling IT’S THEIR BUSINESS 42 Making Your Home a Better Place to Live
50 ASK THE PLASTIC SURGEON 43 “So You Need a Breast Lift” QUESTION & ANSWER 44 Q&A with The Recycled Closet MUSIC NEWS 45 The Touch and Sound of Vinyl PET OF THE MONTH 46 Meet Sammy PET CARE 47 Lumps/Bumps and Your Pet HEALTHY PET 49 The Miracle of Coconut Oil For Dogs TRAVEL NEWS 50 Skiing Santa Fe Style BOATING TIPS 51 Effects of Ethanol THE MINDFUL DIVORCÉE 52 Don’t Miss a Thing in 2015 CHAMBER NEWS 54 Chamber South is The Small Business Champion SEEN ON SCENE 56 Snapshots Around Town
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E V ENTS :: FEBRUARY 2015 JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 22 RAGTIME This sweeping musical portrait of early 20th century America tells the powerful tale of a white, upper-middle class family, an African American couple, and an Eastern European immigrant escaping to America with his daughter. The vivid and unforgettable Tony-winning score bursts onto the stage at the Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. Visit www.actorsplayhouse.com for information and tickets.
JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 8 RENT! MoonAmie Productions’ very first production, RENT!, will be on stage at The Mandelstam School at 8530 Southwest 57th Avenue, South Miami, Florida 33143. For more information visit www.MoonAmie.com.
01 02 03 04
FEBRUARY 7-8 DOLPHIN’S CYCLING CHALLENGE Launched in 2010, the Dolphins Cycling Challenge (DCC) is a two-day, tri-county cycling event which donates 100% of rider-raised funds to innovative cancer research at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Since 2010, DCC riders have raised almost $7 million dollars. Visit www.ridedcc.com for more information. Sun Life Stadium.
05 06
FEBRUARY 7 CHILI COOK OFF AT PINECREST GARDENS Get your ten-gallon hat and cowboy boots on and enjoy an afternoon of cooking competition at its best. Restaurants, caterers and novices will compete for the title of “Best Chili in Town”. Enjoy country music provided by “18 Wheelers” and Kiss Country Radio 99.9 FM, refresh yourself with a good brew, enjoy line dancing, children’s activities, mechanical bull rides and much more. This is a professional and an amateur-friendly cook-off, so dust off your apron, grab your spices, and get cookin’! All proceeds benefit the Pinecrest Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Historical Pinecrest Gardens. 12 - 4 pm.
07
FEBRUARY 11 VALENTINE’S BAZAAR The Mandelstam School is hosting a Valentine’s Bazaar. Stop by and enjoy baked goods, art, jewelry, clothing, gifts and more. Doors open at 1pm. For more information, see page 24 or email: bazaartms@gmail.com.
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FEBRUARY 14 16TH ANNUAL “MOONLIGHT & MUSIC” VALENTINE’S DAY CONCERT AT DEERING ESTATE Celebrate your love at a romantic, outdoor concert under the stars at the 16th annual “Moonlight & Music” Valentine’s Day Concert at the Deering Estate at Cutler. This year’s concert will feature Wendy Pedersen with special guests Jim Gasior on piano & vocalist Lenard Rutledge. Concert tickets can be purchased online at www.deeringestate.org or by calling 305-235-1668 ext. 233. 8pm VALENTINE’S DAY CONCERT EVENT Surprise your sweetheart with a cultural and romantic Valentine’s Day experience. Enjoy wine, chocolates and a chamber music concert in a charming setting. Each pair of lovebirds may indulge in a box of chocolates and open wine bar while listening to the tender sounds of the talented Alhambra Quartet accompanied by guest pianist Mia Vasseliv. Museum staff will also lead guests on a guided exhibit tour. Registration required. Visit www.coralgablesmuseum.org or call 305.603.8067 for more information. 6:30 pm.
VALENTINE’S DAY CONCERT WITH ARTURO SANDOVAL Spend a romantic evening under the stars at Fairchild’s Valentine’s Day Concert featuring Grammy Award-winning jazz musician Arturo Sandoval. Tickets are available online at www.fairchildgarden.org or by phone at 305-667-1651. Fairchild Tropical Garden, 7pm. RUNWILD 5K This Valentine’s Day join the 4th Annual RunWild 5K Run/Walk at Zoo Miami for a day of fun and family activities including Stretching session, Family Fun Zone, food, drinks, music and a beautiful 5K course through the zoo where giraffes, elephants and tigers will cheer you on. The event benefits the Chapman Partnership to provide comprehensive services to empower homeless men, women and children to become selfsufficient. For more information visit www. runwild5kmiami.com. Race begins at 8am, Family Festival 8 – 10:30 am
FEBRUARY 21-22 THE 32ND ANNUAL SOUTH MIAMI ROTARY CLUB ART FESTIVAL This long standing Art Festival takes place in the vibrant downtown area of South Miami on Sunset Drive from US 1 to Red Road adjacent to The Shops at Sunset Place. The festival features 150 outstanding artists, an expanded food court and beer garden and live jazz onstage. Free admission. Saturday 10 am – 6 pm (with live jazz until 8pm) and Sunday 10 am – 5 pm.
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www.thefloridavillager.com | February 2015
08 09 10
12 13
FEBRUARY 14-16 COCONUT GROVE ARTS FESTIVAL The CGAF attracts an estimated 120,000 people to the winding streets of Coconut Grove. Showcasing the works of 360 internationally recognized artists, in such categories as mixed media, painting, photography, digital art, printmaking & drawing, watercolor, claywork, glass, fiber, jewelry & metalwork, sculpture and wood. Nearly one mile of arts, food and fun. Visit www.cgaf.com for more information.
FEBRUARY 12-16 MIAMI BOAT SHOW See what’s new at the Greatest Boat Show in the World! Florida’s largest annual event spans three locations—the Miami Beach Convention Center, the New Yacht & Power Boat Show at Sea Isle Marina and Strictly Sail® at Miamarina at Bayside—and features more than 3,000 boats and 2,000 exhibitors from all over the globe. Compare makes and models, and gear up with the latest accessories all at one time! Visit www.miamiboatshow.com for more information and show times.
FEBRUARY 16 PRESIDENTS DAY
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FEBRUARY 19-27 SOUTH BEACH FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL The Food Network & Cooking Channel’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE is a national, star-studded, four-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. To date, the Festival has raised more than $20 million for FIU. For more information on the various events, visit www.sobefest.com.
MDC HEALTH FAIR Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Medical Campus is hosting the 10th Annual Community Health Fair. Services being offered at the fair include bone density screening, glucose and cholesterol tests, massages, limited mammograms, dental and vision screenings. There will be a blood drive and info on nutrition, heart disease and cancer prevention, a Children’s Corner with face painting, balloons, a bounce house, arts & crafts and more. The health fair is free and open to the public. MDC Medical Campus, 9am – 1pm. Visit www.mdc.edu for more info.
“DANCING FOR A CURE” Join the Woman’s Cancer Association of the University of Miami in “Dancing for a Cure” at 7pm at the UM Alumni Center. Your attendance at the Annual Gala will help support the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. The evening promises an extensive silent auction, cocktails, raffle, dinner, and dancing. To buy tickets, make a donation, or more information please contact: Lourdes Beltran, 786-5430868, lourdesab2@aol.com. To learn more about WCA, please visit: WCAofUM.org.
FEBRUARY 28 TENNIS TOURNAMENT TO SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST PARKINSON’S DISEASE In an effort to battle this disease, Park Optimists Miami, will be holding a charity round robin tennis tournament. 10:30am-1:30 p.m. WHERE: Kendalltown EXTR AS: Free lunch, raffles,prizes,and gift bags. Trophies for the top player in each division. We will also have ball boys and ball girls to make the tennis even more enjoyable. Contact Joe Glick at glickjoey@gmail.com or visit Ralph Martens at GT Sports for more information.
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Kendall Regional Medical Center presents
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COMMUNIT Y NE WS
Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay Gearing Up for American Cancer Society Relay for Life BY BROOKE BLOOM LAM
T
AKE A LOOK AT THE TWO PEOPLE sitting on either side of you. Statistically, one out of the three of you will be diagnosed with cancer. Odds are that the other two will have a family member or friend who is diagnosed as well. Though many are yet to be diagnosed, the number of survivors keeps growing. On Saturday, February 28, 2015 – Sunday, March 1, 2015, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay will join together for an overnight celebration of life and cancer survivorship while participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. During the Relay, teams from the various communities, including businesses, friends, families and community organizations, will unite to take turns walking, jogging or running laps to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer. Every dollar raised through Relay for Life goes toward fighting cancer and helps the American Cancer Society save lives and create more birthdays. By helping people stay well, get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back, the money raised by the Relay for Life is invaluable and impacts the majority of residents in the participating Villages. Last year alone, the Relay raised $160,000 and in the four years that the Relay has been in Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay, $500,000 has been raised for the American Cancer Society. The Relay for Life is a particularly unique event, unlike typical walks or luncheons for other fundraisers. “It’s a 24 hour grassroots event that tries to mimic the ups and downs a cancer patient feels while in treatment,” said Event Chair Liz Albelo. “We spend the night and walk in the dark. We are cold, hot, uncomfortable, and emotional,” she explains, yet “the sun rises again and we are still there.” This year’s Relay theme is “Once
Upon A Cure.” The participating teams will host activities and individual fundraisers at their book-themed booths throughout the event. One particularly emotional aspect of the Relay is the Luminaria Ceremony. Luminaria, which are paper bags containing votive candles, are transformed and illuminated after dark at the event. Each luminaria is personalized with a name, photo, message or drawing in memory or honor of a friend or loved one who has been affected by cancer. Luminaria can also be dedicated in support of a Relay participant. Other noteworthy moments throughout the Relay are the Opening Ceremonies, Survivors Lap, Caregivers Lap, and Closing Ceremonies. Although the weekend is filled with events, the Relay is not just a weekend fundraiser. Over the past months, the various teams involved in the Relay have already hosted fundraisers at CHILLN, Flippen Pizza, a movie night at Pinecrest Gardens, Flocking, and guest bartending at Town. Additionally, “for the first time ever we have our own Twitter account, @relayforlife15, and this year we will be painting the town purple the week before our Relay,” said Public Relations and Social Media Chair, Around Pinecrest Media Lisa Merkin. “This will be a huge community event with businesses and school involvement,” she added. “With every dollar we raise, it is one step closer to a cure.” Teams and sponsors are still needed to help fight cancer. You can create a team just to support the cause or in honor of someone battling cancer, a survivor, or in memory of someone lost to cancer. For more information on getting involved contact Lisa Merkin at lisa@aroundpinecrest.com or Cheri Ball at Cheri_Ball@ yahoo.com. The Relay for Life will begin on February 28, 2015 at 12 p.m. and end on March 1, 2015 at 8 a.m. It will take place at Evelyn Greer Park, 8200 Southwest 124th Street, Pinecrest, Florida 33156. For more information, visit the Relay for Life website at www.relayforlife.org/pinecrestFL.
Photos provided by Debora Rosenn.
12
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COMMUNIT Y NE WS
Coral Gables Paves the Way for Downtown Streetscape Project BY JORGE CASUSO
L
AST MONTH, CORAL GABLES EMBARKED on the long-anticipated Miracle Mile and Giralda streetscape projects that will make the City’s Downtown core more pedestrianfriendly, attractive and economically competitive. Taking steps to turn the vision of a more vibrant Downtown into a concrete reality, City officials formed a steering committee comprised of property owners, merchants, residents and City, Chamber and Business Improvement District (BID) officials to guide the process for the approximately $20 million streetscapes. The group will seek input from stakeholders and community members to “come to a consensus on key components of the project,” said City Public Works Director Glenn Kephart, a member of the committee. It will then recommend key components of the streetscape projects to the City Commission – from the width of sidewalks to proposed street furniture and landscaping. “This is a very exciting project the City will embark on,” Kephart said. “If we’re going to get it right, it has to be done with the cooperation of the community.” City officials also invited members of the award-winning firm Cooper, Robertson and Partners -- which the City Commission hired to design the streetscapes at its meeting November 18 – to visit Coral Gables and meet stakeholders, study the project site and tour other streetscapes in the region. The New York firm was responsible for the design of Museum Park Miami, the Lower Manhattan Streetscape and Battery Park
City, among other major projects nationwide. The Miracle Mile Streetscape will, among other things, install wider sidewalks, plant trees, create garden areas and add outdoor dining along newly landscaped curbs. The plan also calls for benches, kiosks, mid-block parks, intimate public spaces, and plazas for events and gatherings. The Giralda Avenue Streetscape Project includes a complete reconstruction of the block from Galiano Street on the East to Ponce de Leon Boulevard on the West. The streetscape will add lush landscaping, public art, decorative street lighting, way finding and drainage upgrades. The block, known as restaurant row, hosts “Giralda Under the Stars,” a popular venue for outdoor dining and entertainment during the winter months. As the major thoroughfare for both motorists and pedestrians, Miracle Mile is the City’s premiere commercial street, and its improvement has been identified as a top priority by the City Commission, the BID and the Chamber of Commerce. Studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Brooking Institute have found that walkable and attractive environments that offer a variety of services and amenities within easy reach perform better economically. The streetscape projects comes at a time when Downtown Coral Gables is experiencing a housing boom that could add more than 1,000 residential units, as well as approximately 200 hotel rooms, within walking distance of the Downtown core.
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15
COMMUNIT Y NE WS
Pinecrest hosted 12th Annual Fine Arts Festival BY BROOKE BLOOM LAM
W
ITH THE NEW YEAR COMES MANY THINGS IN MIAMI, and among those things are festivals. Seeking to enjoy the coveted weather, many locals love an excuse to spend the day outdoors. Festivals around town offer the opportunity to enjoy tasty food and soak up some culture while also soaking in some rays. Pinecrest Gardens set the stage for one of the first festivals of the year with the 12th Annual South Motors Fine Arts Festival. On January 10 and 11, sixty-five artists exhibited their works among the 14 acres of native forested wetland, tropical hardwood hammock and native cypress slough hammock. Each artist was carefully selected to show at South Florida’s premier juried fine arts festival from a pool of close to 100 painting, mixed-media, Roy Rodriguez, whose art was featured on the 2015 Fine Arts Festival poster jewelry, sculpture, photography and wearable art artists. In addition to the Festival exhibchildhood memories of Cuba, he passionately its, this year’s winning art poster was projects the hedonistic reality of his native named Esta es mi Ciudad VII, by island utilizing vibrant colors and exploring Roy Rodriguez. Rodriguez considers the exotic. Rodriguez currently works in original oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, himself a self-taught individual who commissioned portraits, and also offers limited edition giclee reproductions. has been trained in the techniques For those looking for more than just a visual experience, the Freddy Cole Quartet of the great contemporary masters. offered a jazz performance in the Gardens’ Banyan Bowl on the Saturday evening after He seeks his own aesthetic tendency the Festival closed. The state-of-the-art venue is covered by a geodesic dome in the center in the use of color and texture to of the botanical gardens, and offered the perfect end to a busy Festival day. Guests of create a sultry palette. Using his the concert were also offered a light menu and full bar catered by Macy’s.
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Pinecrest Raising Funds for Steven Sotloff Memorial BY BROOKE BLOOM LAM
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www.thefloridavillager.com | February 2015
HE UNITED STATES IS NO STRANGER TO ACTS OF TERRORISM. MANY CITIzens have had to endure extreme loss, and most have a lingering sense of fear thanks to the horrific acts that have occurred both in this country and to Americans abroad. One such act recently struck very close to home. Steven Sotloff grew up in Pinecrest and his family continues to reside in the Village. Steven went missing in August 2013 while writing about the Syrian civil war as a freelance journalist for several publications. The world watched in horror as Steven was executed, on September 2, 2014, publicized for the world to see. He was the second American journalist whose execution was released worldwide, causing an international response. Though it’s hard to forget the unspeakable act, “it must not be what we remember him by,” said Mayor of Pinecrest Cindy Lerner, who knew Steven since his birth. “Rather [we must remember] his desire as a young journalist, to shed light on conflict and its impact on the innocents all over the world,” she added. To help spread this message, and as a memorial to Steven, a donor fund has been set up to collect money to build a memorial garden in Pinecrest Gardens in memory of Steven. “We are grateful to Mayor Cindy Lerner and the Village of Pinecrest for proposing this beautiful memorial to be placed in Pinecrest Gardens on behalf of our son,” said Steven’s mother, Shirley Sotloff. Thankful to Mayor Lerner for proposing the opportunity to keep Steven Sotloff Stevens’ name alive, to know that he did good and that he wanted to tell the story of the voiceless, Sotloff hopes the memorial will provide a special place for people to visit and provide a peacefulness surrounded by beauty. “Pinecrest Gardens has always been a place of beauty and reflection,” noted Mayor Lerner, “so what better place to memorialize one of our own residents?” Many have said that Steven was, “a man who tried to bring light into dark places.” With the hope of continuing Steven’s professional goals, “[t]he Steven Sotloff memorial will shed this light for further reflection, to all who visit the Gardens,” said Mayor Lerner. Though the funds are being raised through The Miami Foundation, Pinecrest is the entity raising these funds. Anyone interested in donating to the fund can send a check donation to The Miami Foundation at 200 South Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 505, Miami Florida 33131. Please include the Fund name, “The Steven Sotloff Memorial at Pinecrest Gardens Fund,” in the memo line. Donations can also be made online with a credit card at The Miami Foundation’s website at http://bit.ly/SotloffMemorial. Steven was the son of Arthur and Shirley Sotloff and a grandson of Holocaust survivors. He worked for the news magazine Time, as well as Christian Science Monitor, The National Interest, Media Line, World Affairs, and Foreign Policy, and has appeared on CNN and Fox News. His work took him to Syria a number of times, as well as Egypt, Turkey, Libya, and Bahrain.
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SCHOOL NE WS
Fashion Fundraiser Set to Support Five Local Schools
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F
IVE LOCAL PINECREST SCHOOLS WILL ONCE AGAIN UNITE IN THE COMMUNITY Foundation of Pinecrest’s Fashion in the Gardens (FITG) Fundraiser on Friday, February 27, 2015. Pinecrest Elementary, Palmetto Elementary, Howard Drive Elementary, Palmetto Middle, and Palmetto Senior High will all be the beneficiaries of the exciting event. While enjoying a delicious luncheon amongst the beautiful and lush Pinecrest Gardens, guests will raise money for educational programs, classroom supplies, campus improvements and technological resources at the five Pinecrest area public schools which comprise a student population of over 6,000 families. In addition to the luncheon, FITG will include a “Shop for a Cause” event and fashion show by Bloomingdales, a marketplace with goods from local vendors, and a silent auction.
practicing yoga at Corpo is the leading cause of: a calmed mind
stronger muscles This year’s new online silent auction will offer an additional source of revenue, beginning on February 20, 2015. It can be found at http://bit.ly/fig2015auction. “The fully online auction provides the opportunity for anyone at the event, or not, to easily view and bid on all of our amazing items,” said Laura Metka, Recording Secretary for Howard Drive’s PTA and Chair of the Fashion in the Gardens Committee at Palmetto Middle School. “You will receive instant feedback on bidding by email or text,” she explained. Friends, relatives and neighbors are also able to register and participate. “You don’t want to miss out on this fabulous event that benefits our Pinecrest area schools, but if you can’t make it, please register online and bid,” added Metka. In addition to the auction, Bloomingdales at the Falls will also offer a special kick-off event for FITG with “Shop for a Cause” on February 12-15. “Bloomingdales will donate 10% of [participating] sales to our Pinecrest public schools,” said producer of the FITG fashion show Mercy Mesa, whose children attend Pinecrest, Palmetto Middle and Palmetto High Schools. “We ask that all supporters shop at Bloomingdales that week and ask for a duplicate receipt to place in the donation box at the entrance of the store,” Mesa said. The receipt will ensure that Bloomingdales allocates 10% to the fundraiser. At the FITG luncheon itself, guests will enjoy an exciting fashion show sponsored by Bloomingdales and produced by Mesa. “Our fashion show will feature trendy designers for the everyday casual shopper as well as for the sophisticated fashionista,” promised FITG Social Media Chair Macarena Luz Bianchi. The first fifty guests to arrive will also receive a surprise fashionable treat. Early visitors can enjoy cocktails and shopping at the marketplace. All are encouraged to attend, but those who can’t can still get involved by participating in the online auction, the Shop for a Cause event, or by making a donation on the FITG’s ticket site through Eventbrite at bit.ly/fig2015tix. “Pinecrest takes pride in hosting Fashion in the Gardens, at Pinecrest Gardens, a community wide event […], which has become the signature event for our schools,” said Mayor of Pinecrest Cindy Lerner. “It brings together the PTAs from all 5 schools to enjoy a beautiful day […] while raising important funds to enhance our schools.” Fashion in the Gardens will take place at Pinecrest Gardens on Friday, February 27, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $60 each and can be purchased online at http://bit.ly/fig2015tix. For other purchasing options, visit facebook.com/fashioninthegardens. Tickets will also be available at the door.
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Palmetto Middle School Drama Program Goes Above and Beyond BY BROOKE BLOOM LAM
F
ROM STELLAR PLAYS AND MUSICALS TO STATE FESTIVALS TO STUDENTS who are currently performing on Broadway, Mr. David Nardone’s Drama program at Palmetto Middle School (PMS) is anything but amateur. Students who partake in the school’s Drama elective enjoy a curriculum consisting of acting, theatre history, stage combat, costume and make-up design, play production, studying classic plays, vocal production, theatre games, movement, and more. With 22 years teaching experience, Mr. Nardone started PMS’s drama program as the sponsor of a drama club that met after school. With his impact, the demand for a school elective in drama increased. Mr. Nardone currently teaches three drama class levels: beginning, intermediate, and advanced. The intermediate and advanced levels are competition groups. This past November, Mr. Nardone and his students attended the District Thespian Competition for Dade County. Competition pieces were performed in front of an audience and a three-judge panel critiqued student thespians on areas such as: Character Development, Vocal Technique, Emotional Commitment and Staging. Out of 28 total events entered, Mr. Nardone’s students won 18 superiors (the highest rating) and 10 excellents. Additionally, the PMS group won coveted Critic’s Choice awards for Set Design and Ensemble Acting. In the vocal realm, PMS students performed songs including favorites such as “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “One Short Day” from the musical Wicked. In the Duet Musical category, students performed “I Will Never Leave You” from the musical Side Show and in the Solo Musical category, students performed “Stars and the Moon” from the musical Songs For a New World and “Live Out Loud” from the musical The Little Princess. Lauren Abraham, Juliana Carrasco and Ross Brunschwig were among the stand-out soloists who participated in the competition. On the acting side, eight girls performed a scene entitled “Radio TBS” about females in Luna Del Mar Trailer Park and their yearly Drive By Nativity Scene, which won them the Critic’s Choice. “It was a very funny piece; the judges loved it!,” said Mr. Nardone. Another performance included “Above it All” about two girls discussing fear while riding on a ferris wheel. In addition, PMS students 22
www.thefloridavillager.com | February 2015
participated in technical categories such as Costume Design, Marketing Design, and Set Design from which they received the Critic’s Choice award for a three dimensional diorama-like model from the play “Oliver.” In addition to competitions, the PMS drama program puts on several productions each school year. On January 14 and 15, the 6th grade drama club performed Annie, Jr., directed by Mr. Nardone and choreographed by Moon Amie’s Tara Allen. The show was performed to sold-out audiences of close to 600 people each night. Ranging from experienced performers to those performing in their first show ever, there were approximately sixty sixth-grade student actors in the show, with the exception of one third grader, Stella Sharpe, who came over from Palmetto Elementary School to play the role of young orphan Molly. A small group of sixth through eighth grade crew members helped with set building, costumes and props, stage managing, sound, lighting, and ushering. National Junior Honor Society students also helped with some of the logistics. From Annie to Daddy Warbucks, from Grace and Ms. Hannigan to the servants to the Hooverville Citizens, the dog catcher, and the police officer, the show wouldn’t have been possible without the entire cast and crew and, of course, the Director. “I think everyone did a really great job and this whole experience really brought us together,” said Gaby Ortega, who played the part of Annie. Some of the show highlights included “It’s A Hard Knock Life,” a big song and dance number with all of the orphans and a surprise appearance by Chase, a real dog, who played the role of Annie’s dog “Sandy.” Ortega also performed the iconic song “Tomorrow” which complemented the incredible mansion set, the comedic timing of Paul Tuaty, who played Daddy Warbucks, and the performances of Ethan Josefsberg and Jane Heist, who portrayed great “New Joysey” accents as swindlers Rooster and Lilly. This past fall, the students also performed Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, a retelling of the classic tale by Lewis Carroll. The next big production, Beauty and the Beast, is scheduled for April 29 and 30. In addition to school-led performances, many of Mr. Nardone’s students perform in Community Theater plays around town including shows put on by Miami Children’s Theater. Participating in the various competitions and productions not only help the students excel in their drama elective, but in their other classes as well. “Being student actors gives them skills such as public speaking and creativity needed to excel in their core classes,” explained Mr. Nardone. “Performing arts education is key to developing a well-rounded student.” To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
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IAMI PALMETTO HIGH SCHOOL (PHS) ECOLOGY STUDENTS BELIEVE THEY have what it takes to change not only the community but the world, one solar panel at a time. Seniors Ashlynn Dobbs, Meryl Kornfield, Emma (Renzi) Wise, Mark Hellinger and junior William Nunez combined their passion for the environment and overall intellect to create a project for the Lexus Eco Challenge that would assist in reducing Palmetto’s carbon footprint. The Lexus Eco Challenge, a national environmental competition, allows both middle school and high school students to submit innovative projects in two categories: air/ climate and land/water. The top sixteen ideas are chosen and students must make their blueprints and designs come to life. PHS’s submission of a solar powered golf cart charging station made the top 16 in the air and climate category, and the applicants have been hard at work since. “On January 16th, Meryl, Emma (Renzi), Mark, William and I got together at Palmetto and began to assemble the 960 watt solar panels to create a golf cart charging station for the campus,” said PHS senior Ashlynn Dobbs. “We could not have accomplished our goal without the support of Ms. Pamela Shlachtman, the Palmetto administration, the PTSA and the generous $2,100 donation from the Palmetto High class of 1984.” As a finalist of the Lexus Eco Challenge award, PHS was awarded a $10,000 prize. From the prize money, $7,000 was split amongst the five student developers, $2,000 went to PHS and $1,000 went towards Ms. Shlachtman’s environmental science and solar classes. “I am extremely proud of my students’ accomplishments and for creating a project that is applicable to Palmetto,” said PHS Science Department chair Ms. Shlachtman. “They worked diligently to create a quality product that utilizes renewable energy resources. Hopefully
A 3D model of the charging station.
The site where the charger will be placed.
this project will lead to future creative developments for Palmetto and possibly senior parking lot charging stations.” The Palmetto administration and security guards utilize golf carts for protective and accessibility purposes in order to ensure the safety of the students on the Palmetto campus. The golf cart solar powered charging stations will begin charging one cart at a time in February. For more details on the Lexus Eco Challenge visit lexus.scholastic.com/challenges. Sidney Sterling is a senior at Palmetto High School and a member of the school’s Panther Newspaper staff. 24
www.thefloridavillager.com | February 2015
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SCHOOL NE WS
Palmetto Elementary Students Advance to State Level “Reflections” Competition BY BROOKE BLOOM LAM
H
OW WOULD YOU COMPLETE THIS SENTENCE: “The world would be a better place if…”? That was the challenge posed to the more than 100 students at Palmetto Elementary School who participated in the National PTA’s annual Reflections contest. Six of those students have been recognized by Miami Dade County PTA for their work. Reflections, an arts recognition and achievement program that has been part of the PTA for over forty years, provides opportunities for students to express themselves creatively and to receive positive recognition for their original works of art inspired by an annual theme. The program also aims to increase awareness of the importance of the arts in education. Students at all grade levels are invited to participate in one of six arts areas: Literature, Musical Composition, Photography, Visual Arts, Dance Choreography, and Film/Video Production. Palmetto Elementary Reflections judges selected twelve works submitted by students in three categories to compete at the county level. The school learned in January that two of those students have been selected to move on to the state-level contest. First grader Abigail Ros was selected in the Literature, Primary, division for her essay, “No More Bullying,” and first grader Joaquin Cardenas was selected in the Literature, Primary, division for his piece, “Picking Garbage.” Proud of all the students who entered, Palmetto Elementary Principal Eric Torres was “thrilled to learn some of them will represent our country to the entire state.” The competition not only honors talent, but also encourages students to take the
time to reflect on the proposed topic. “As one of PTA’s most enduring programs, Reflections gives students a chance to really express themselves artistically and to think about the world around them,” noted Nancy Levy, Palmetto Elementary PTA Vice President and Reflections Chair. “We heard from parents how valuable they feel it is for their children to take the time to create responsively but also without direction, and giving them that chance is something we as a PTA feel very good about.” In addition to the students selected to move on in the competition, the Miami-Dade County PTA highlighted four other Palmetto Elementary students with honorable mentions for their work. Fifth grader Jaden Cohen’s essay, “The World Would Be a Better Place If…,” and fifth grader Jaheim Sealy’s piece, “Earth vs. Pollution,” were among the commendations. Likewise, first grader Leena Netto’s story, “If Fruits & Drinks Could Talk,” and first grader Mariana Carvalho’s drawing titled “Keep Earth Clean,” also received the honor. “The many ways our students interpreted this theme was very striking,” commented Principal Torres. “As educators, we know they are always paying attention, but to see them choose to creatively interpret and build on values we stress as part of our community, such as treating one another well and taking care of our planet, is incredibly rewarding.”
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ANY PEOPLE HAVE JEWELRY ON the mind with Valentine’s Day just around the corner. When scouting for the best finds, Rotunda Jewelers is a must stop, with a new convenient location in Kings Bay Shopping Center. Whether shopping for a loved one or yourself, Rotunda Jewelers not only offers a retail selection from various popular brands, but also provides one-of-a-kind custom designs. “Our jeweler offers a particular line of jewelry very unique to him,” says Rebecca Cool, part-owner of Rotunda Jewelers. The custom line includes diamond rings and pendants, sapphires, rubies, and various earring styles at competitive prices. Upon entering the beautiful, new storefront, customers will find Rotunda Jewelers’ custom line of pre-designed pieces as well as retail offerings from various brands. Alex and Ani is one such brand of designer bangle bracelets with meaningful and symbolic charms that are all about positive energy. “They are inexpensive, but make wonderful gifts because they are so personal and varied,” said Cool. Chamilia, owned by Swarovski crystals, is another carried brand with beautiful charms and bracelets, along with necklaces and earrings, available in sterling silver and 14 karat yellow gold. Ti Sento is a high end designer jewelry line, as is Nikki Lissoni which offers designer coin pendants, chains and bracelets. For those looking for jewelry made with natural materials such as amethyst, turquoise and more, Nina Nguyen jewelry is offered as well. In addition to the selection offered for retail in the store, Rotunda Jewelers also offers custom jewelry design. With the expertise of their inhouse jeweler, a customer can come in with an idea and it can be brought to life with a unique piece that they can cherish forever. Aside from selling jewelry, Rotunda Jewelers offers other services as well. “We are a full service jewelry store,” said Cool, offering watch repair, including Rolex and fine watches, as well as all other jewelry repair. With an equally capable staff of seven, Rotunda Jewelers offers exceptional customer service. A family oriented group, the staff abides by the philosophy “you’re not a number, you’re a name to us.” The mantra was started by founder Dana Munsey, who started Rotunda Jewelers in 1985, but recently passed away. “It still feels like it’s Dana’s store,” said Cool, “we run it the same way.”
In his honor, Rotunda Jewelers aims to offer the highest quality fine jewelry, personal service and the attention you deserve at a reasonable price. So far, they are right on target, so hurry in and take advantage of their exceptional service today. Rotunda Jewelers is located in Kings Bay Shopping Center at 14477 South Dixie Highway, Palmetto Bay, Florida 33176. They are open Tuesday-Friday from 10am – 5pm and Saturday from 10am – 3pm. For more information, please call 305.255.6162.
Photos by Kathleen Ballard Photography
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www.thefloridavillager.com | February 2015
To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
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February 2015 | www.thefloridavillager.com
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FROM THE CHIEF
Coral Gables Police: Dedicated to Make Coral Gables a Safer City
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EING A COP IS A DANGEROUS JOB ANYWHERE IN the world as seen in the tragic story of two New York police officers who recently lost their lives in the line of duty. But for many, being a police officer -- and willingly putting themselves at risk -- is a calling, according to Coral Gables Interim Police Chief Ed Hudak. “I can’t think of a single reason why I’d do anything else. I made a commitment in 1988 to protect and serve this community and that is still my mission today.” His dedication is shared by the entire force of the Coral Gables Police Department (CGPD), the men and women Gables Interim in blue who commit every day to safeguard the lives and Coral Police Chief Ed Hudak property of residents, workers, and visitors. “CGPD’s number one priority in 2015 continues to be the reduction of crime in Coral Gables,” clarifies Hudak. To accomplish this, CGPD is strategically deploying its police presence guided by the collaborative intelligence of the Criminal Investigations Division, the Uniform Patrol Division and the Specialized Enforcement Division. Coral Gables Police also team up with Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, West Miami, City of Miami and South Miami municipalities to reduce crime in neighboring jurisdictions. Police leaders, however, know that there is still much work to be done and that they cannot do this alone. They are asking citizens to stay vigilant and involved in police crime prevention efforts. As Coral Gables experienced recently, many crimes of opportunity could have been prevented when an increase in stolen vehicles occurred because spare keys or key fobs were left inside those vehicles. These thefts could be drastically reduced if people would remove spare keys from
inside their vehicles. It is important to lock the car doors, close all windows, and take valuables in plain view out of the vehicles. Leaving an unlocked vehicle is an open invitation to opportunistic criminals, says the Coral Gables Police. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to smash a car window and grab whatever is visible. CGPD is also asking drivers to remove items from the center consoles and glove compartments of their vehicles that may contain personal information such as address, vehicle insurance or vehicle registration. This is the first place thieves look not only for valuables, but to access residences and steal personal identity. In case of any suspicious activity anywhere, any time, the Coral Gables Police Department wants to know: call 305-442-1600. Help us fight crime and make Coral Gables a safer city.
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To Do’s That Pay BY FRANK DEVALDIVIELSO
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HEN YOU DECIDE TO SELL YOUR HOME, IT’S ALWAYS a good idea to assess your home and its needs. Taking stock of appliances, home systems, and other items that make a house a home will help guide you to getting the most money at the time of closing. Check to see if any appliances are nearing the end of their lives, as well as other updates that can help boost your home’s worth. Listed below are major home systems that should be evaluated to help give you peace of mind.
Air Conditioning System
In South Florida the air conditioning systems are put to good use all year long. Now is the perfect time to replace disposable filters or wash permanent ones. Filters should be replaced regularly or washed when use is high or during peak seasons. Have the air conditioning service person review the system for updating, cleaning of the coils, and checking of the ducts and vents.
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Roofing System
Many roofing systems are at or near the end of their usefulness. Have a roofer inspect and give their recommendation as to how long the roof will last and what repairs needed. Preventative maintenance will not only save you money, but will also keep your home safe. Houses that do not keep up with maintenance have been known to lose up to 10% to 12% off their appraised value.
Pests and Termites
Most people agree that in South Florida you’ve either had termites, have them now, or will have them in the future. It’s part of living in paradise. If you have your home serviced regularly, look to see if the service agreement and warranty are transferable to the new homeowner. If you don’t, you may want to have a pest control inspection done on your home to determine whether you need service or not.
Plumbing and Septic Tank Systems
The septic tank and plumbing systems are things that you will find out about prior to or during the sale of your home. Some homes have been updated, while others continue to use cast iron piping. Additionally, some septic tanks have not been serviced in years. Now is a good time to find out about yours.
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All of these items and more will come up during the period that the buyer has to inspect the home prior to closing. As a seller, it’s better go into the real estate market with eyes wide open regarding issues with your home. Knowing about the repairs that are necessary and disclosing them to the buyers gives the seller and buyer the opportunity to take them into consideration before agreeing on the terms of a contract for sale of the home. Or, they can wait until after the price has been agreed to, the contract for sale and purchase has been signed, only to find the inspection report yields surprising results that can cost money and may even cause the sale to fall apart.
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www.thefloridavillager.com | February 2015
Frank DeValdivielso, a member the Miami FL Team and The Keyes Company, is based out of 2423 Le Jeune Road, Coral Gables, FL 33134. For more information you can reach Frank at his office, 786 378 8450, or cell, 786 273 8507. You can also email him at RealEstate@MiamiFLTeam.com and please be sure to visit www.MiamiFLTeam. com for the latest listing and news regarding real estate. To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
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Gables Farmers Market, which will take place every Saturday through March 29 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s a great way to celebrate our City’s agricultural roots MAYOR OF as the Merrick’s family farm and purchase fresh CORAL GABLES produce from those who grow it. Last month, our Winter is one of my favorite City embarked on the exciting work that will turn times of year in Coral Gables. the longstanding vision of an upgraded, vibrant Not only is the weather perfect, but I can catch a free Downtown core into a concrete reality. A new steerjazz concert during lunch on Wednesdays and spend ing committee began work on the process that will a pleasant Saturday morning visiting our Farmers result in the approximately $20 million Miracle Mile Market across from City Hall. On January 14, I was and Giralda Avenue Streetscape projects. Also last among the crowd at the Coral Gables Museum Plaza month, members of the award-winning New York that enjoyed a special treat when renowned jazz singer firm Cooper, Robertson and Partners, which will Kevin Mahogany made a rare South Florida appear- be designing the streetscape, visited the City to ance for this year’s first Jazz in the Gables concert. If meet stakeholders, study the project site and tour you missed it, there will be plenty of opportunities to other streetscapes in South Florida. By the end of add a relaxing musical interlude to your work day at summer, we hope to break ground on a project that 12:15 p.m. every Wednesday through April 1. will make our Downtown a vibrant destination for The following weekend, I headed over to the Coral the entire region.
EUGENE FLINN
MAYOR OF PALMETTO BAY The Palmetto Bay council kicked-off the New Year with the presentation of actual olive branches at the January village council meeting to demonstrate our commitment to fostering positive debate and finding common ground. Interest continues to grow with respect to the open committee and board positions as well as responding to the various surveys and town hall meetings that are ongoing. The Parks & Rec staff is asking residents to share input on the experiences they had at the 2014 events/programs at Thalatta Estate. This survey measures the wants and
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www.thefloridavillager.com | February 2015
CINDY LERNER MAYOR OF PINECREST
One of the best things I did shortly after being elected was to have Pinecrest join the National League of Cities. There is a wealth of knowledge to be gained from cities throughout the country, the best practices, and creative solutions that will benefit your own city, and our constituents. In November, I was elected to a two–year term on the National League of Cities (NLC) Board of Directors and will play a key role in
needs of park-goers -- and sheds light on some new programs, too. You can access this survey from the official Palmetto Bay website: www.palmettobay-fl.gov. This is the first opportunity to voice your concerns for public access to our bay front park and indicate the uses you want to see at Thalatta. Your village council has taken the steps promised to restart the village traffic calming program. We are also working on our legislative program and I anticipate that grants for infrastructure: storm water, traffic calming and commercial area improvements will be high on our priorities for the 2015 legislative session. It is also not too early to start talking about our annual celebration picnic set for early March. My goal is to once again raise money for a yet to be determined cause by allowing you to dunk me. Sponsors are being sought to cover the costs of the dunk tank. guiding the nation’s largest and most representative membership and advocacy organization for municipal officials. Board members are selected by a 15-member nominating committee and are confirmed by a vote by NLC’s membership. The board will meet to guide NLC’s strategic direction and set the organization’s advocacy priorities and operational goals. My role as the Chair of the NLC’s Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, and now as a member of the NLC Board of Directors, will provide an opportunity to voice the concerns of Pinecrest and South Florida at the national level on policy determination and to bring back best practices from cities throughout the country.
SEND US YOUR STORY IDEAS editor@thefloridavillager.com
To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
HE ALTH Y LIV ING
Healthy Spine, Healthy Life BY SAM LEVINE, OWNER, BIKRAM YOGA FALLS
I
F I HAD TO SUM UP WHAT BIKRAM YOGA IS… I WOULD SAY it’s a class for your spine! We live and work in a “forward” bend. After time, the spine begins to compress, and lose its natural curvature. This can result in back pain, low energy, and overall bad health. In yoga, we practice back bending, to counteract the constant forward bending, because the spine should be strong and flexible. As Bikram says himself, “Healthy Spine, Healthy Life.” After a 50-minute warm up, with only standing postures, we begin the spine strengthening series on the floor. This consists of four postures that target the lower, middle, and upper back, in turn strengthening the entire spine. They are simple and easy to follow, and everyone goes at their own pace.
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Keeping the legs straight and hip muscles tight and together creates a dynamic movement throughout the entire body. This technique is repeated many times throughout class. It may look like the arms are engaged, but it’s actually only the lower back and core that are being used to lift the upper body. This posture is held for 15-20 seconds, and then lowered down into a full body relaxation, all while maintaining relaxed breathing. It is a combination of precision and intensity that creates the best results.
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HALF LOCUST POSE- UPPER BACK
Right below the cervical spine (neck) is the upper back. In Half Locust, the arms are used to lift the torso and legs, increasing upper back strength. This pose begins by lifting one leg fully extended, then the other leg, and then both legs up together!! Pretty much every muscle in your body is used for this power lift. It’s a full body posture that emphasizes the upper spine. Every floor posture for the last 40 minutes of class begins and finishes with a full body relaxation. This combination of activity to passivity, and back and forth again, creates a natural irrigation of the circulatory system.
FLOOR BOW- THE WHOLE SPINE
Miami native Sam Levine is the owenr of Bikram Yoga Falls, one of the fastest growing studios in south Florida. It is located at 13847 South Dixie Highway, Miami, FL 33176. Check out their website at www.BikramYogaFalls.com for more information and class schedules. To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
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BIKRAM YOGA IS A SERIES OF TWENTY-SIX HATHA YOGA POSTURES AND TWO PRANAYAMA BREATHING EXERCISES DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A CHALLENGING, INVIGORATING, SW 124th Street REJUVENATING AND EFFECTIVE YOGA EXPERIENCE. DURING THIS 90 MINUTE CLASS, YOU WILL WORK EVERY MUSCLE, SW 128th Street TENDON, LIGAMENT, JOINT AND INTERNAL ORGAN IN THE ENTIRE BODY, GIVING YOU AN INCREDIBLE TH SW 136th Street (Howard Dr) SENSE OF WELL BEING. EF AL
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So far these postures have focused mainly on strength. Floor Bow is an even 50/50 split between strengthening and stretching…balancing passivity and activity. It’s a classic!! In this pose, the upper body is relaxed, and you have to kick out strong to lift up, feeling an intense stretch across the pectoral muscles and through the arms. It’s great for those that like to pump iron! This pose works the entire spine, abdomen and hip flexors, and also tones the legs and glutes.
SW 104
SW 77th Avenue
This pose is similar to a jet airplane taking off…everything goes up. The legs and toes remain together in a straight line, while the arms stretch apart from fingertip to fingertip. As you look up to the ceiling, the sky is the limit. Keeping both legs solidly together, lengthening and lifting as much as possible, concentrates all the strengthening on the middle spine. The body is then slowly lowered down, finishing with yet another full relaxation.
SW 97th Avenue
FULL LOCUST POSE- MIDDLE BACK
SW 87th Avenue (Galloway)
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www.thefloridavillager.com | February 2015
A SK THE E XPERT
Social Media to Promote Your Business BY LUIS ORTEGA
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HEN YOU HAVE A GOOD EXPERIENCE AT A NEW REStaurant, it’s likely you won’t keep the place a secret. After all, when people enjoy a great meal, exceptional service or a pleasant atmosphere, they typically tell other people about it. Many of us are naturally curious about what’s new, popular or just plain good around town, and sharing with others is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to establish which locations are the best. In that sense, there are many reasons to adopt a social media strategy. Growing your brand awareness, taking advantage of low cost marketing, and engaging your customers in creative ways are some of them. In order to make the best decision, you will have to determine how interactive you want to be with your customers. Fortunately, in the past seven years, there has been an explosion of opportunities to market your goods or services online. Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp are some content management providers that are prominent today. Following are some pros and cons to help you choose among these popular channels. Facebook: The largest social media network is one of the easiest to use. Businesses can post text, pictures, and videos. If promoted well (for a price), visibility can expand significantly. Smartly, Facebook facilitates the viral spread of a page’s popularity via subscribers who choose to “like” a page. Pros: User base is exceedingly large, with many constituents to inform and influence. Multiple formats of media are permitted (text, videos, photos, etc.) Cons: Can’t customize page beyond the standard format. Closed environment. Only Facebook users can “like” your business. Yelp: It is a business recommendation network with more than 86,000 business accounts, 67 million cumulative reviews, and a growing (35%) percentage of reviews from mobile devices. It has been touted as a quintessential social marketing site for independent businesses. Pros: Traffic – with more than 130 million monthly visitors. Branded Well - When Apple users use Siri to find a company, it actually pulls Yelp data. Cons: Filtered reviews: Yelp asserts to have developed an algorithm that determines which customer reviews are real and fake, which means that some reviews may not appear. Aggressive salespeople who are known to pressure business owners into long contracts to engage in sponsored ad campaigns. Instagram: They say a picture paints a thousand words, and this is certainly the case for the visual storytelling platform, Instagram. The app now has more than 150 million monthly users and is growing fast. Instagram provides a creative, cost effective way for an organization or business to promote their product or service. Pros: Hashtags, a targeted filtering tool that helps organizations connect with users who are actively looking for that search term, like #tbt (throwbackthursday). Visual exposure: the still photo and 15-second-video-based app tells the business story graphically, and it lists viewers’ comments directly below. Cons: No HTML links. Currently you can’t click on a link or URL in Instagram from the caption or comments section. Significant time commitment: to stay relevant and current on Instagram, you must post content daily, as every post is pushed into a stream of content rushing past your followers’ eyes. Fellow Villagers, don’t be discouraged if it seems daunting at first. Get into it. With a little practice, you will quickly discover that through savvy social media marketing, your business online status can soon become totally #macdaddy! Luis Ortega owns and operates security consulting firm SAI, located at 13981 South Dixie Highway in Palmetto Bay. You can reach him at (305) 253-7600 or find SAI at facebook.com/saiops, on Instagram at @saiguns, and on Yelp! To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
HE ALTH & FITNES S
“Fit for the Future” BY SHAWN RAMIREZ, 2014 CROSSFIT GAMES CHAMPION (MASTERS 40-44), NATIONAL YOUTH PROGRAM DIRECTOR – BATTLEFROG, EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY/ SPORTS MEDICINE B.S., C.S.C.S.
E
VERYONE ALWAYS TALKS ABOUT BEING ACTIVE WITH their kids, making fitness fun, healthy eating, reducing screen time, etc. The information is coming in, however the problem rests in the action that follows. In this article, I will provide the top action steps to remedy this problem, describing what I’ve found that works, not only from a professional standpoint, but as an active father of three (6, 8, & 11).
Get Fit Together/Lead by Example
Being active yourself is one of the most important first steps to incorporating fitness into a kid’s lifestyle. There are so many situations in daily life, at school, and during family time, in which parents leading by example can successfully teach kids how to make the right choices. But, it’s crucial for parents to practice what they preach. Kids, especially when they’re young, naturally want to emulate their parents. They won’t think twice about going for a walk at night instead of watching television or playing on their smart devices, if that’s what their parents do. So, schedule time every day to do something active as a family -- even if it’s just 10 minutes at the beginning or end of your day -- so that fitness becomes something everyone in your family does, without having to think about it. Here’s a sample family workout to be done in teams of 2 (Mommy or Daddy & me) Family 7 Challenge - 7 minutes - AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible) 7 Jumping Jacks 6 Buddy Squats (back to back) 5 Push-up high fives 4 Buddy sit-ups 3 Burpee hop-overs 2 Plank-ups *Check out our website for video on the 1 Jump Squat movements: www.battlefrogyouth.com
Make Eating Healthy a Habit
Eating healthy becomes less of a struggle with your little ones when it becomes a regular routine in your family’s daily life. First, minimize the junk food that comes into your house, and maximize healthy food choices in your pantry and refrigerator. Make healthy food choices a priority for you and your family. Encourage your children to become involved in the menu planning and grocery shopping, so they can experience what healthy eating looks like, and will be prepared to make their own healthy food choices as they get older. Second, no one plans to fail, they fail to plan. Involve the entire family in preparing meals, so everyone understands how to make healthy food choices. Eat fewer foods that are high in saturated fat, and consume more foods that benefit the body, such as fruits, vegetables, protein & good fat. Here’s a quick snack on the go: RAM powersticks (this is what my kids named them »» Celery Sticks (4-6”) »» Almond Butter or Natural Peanut Butter (celery filler) »» Coconut flakes (sprinkled on top) »» Dark Chocolate (melted and drizzled on top) *Great balance of protein, carbs and fat, make enough to store and grab a few sticks in between meals Don’t force food and fitness into their lives... keep it interesting and fun, and I promise it’ll stick. BattleFrog is a total test not just for competitive athletes but for everyone in the family to enjoy. Each step is inspired by the training that forges SEAL operators and prepares them to do anything, anytime, anywhere. With varying distances and entertainment for all, BattleFrog is a great bonding experience and an incredible Goal to strive for and achieve – HOOYAH! Visit us at www.BattleFrogSeries.com to check out our 2015 schedule. To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
February 2015 | www.thefloridavillager.com
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Teaching Classical Ballet · Top quality instruction by professional ballet dancers only. · Programs for ages 3-18 · Young Dancer Program (3-9) · Pre-professional Program (10-18) · Also offering Pilates and yoga.
305.801.8197
www.soulpurposestudio.net 40
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Beauty 101 BY BITA MCDONNELL
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OSITIVELY OBSESSED WITH BEAUTY SINCE I BECAME TALL enough to sift through my mother’s vanity, it’s not surprising that in adulthood, it would become my career. Needless to say, when The Florida Villager asked that I author a monthly column on the topic, I was thrilled! With a myriad of beauty treatments, and products available to consumers, navigating the mine field of beauty fads and trends has never been more daunting….but help is on the way! With well over two decades in the industry, I’ve a few “insider secrets” up my sleeve. Drop me a line with your questions and let’s begin the journey.
Q: I’M OFTEN ASKED “WHAT IS THE ONE SKIN CARE PRODUCT THAT YOU’D RECOMMEND?” A: Honestly…using one skin care product is like slipping on a Chanel dress and leaving
the house bare footed. Ideally, all at-home routines should include a quality cleanser, toner, serum or Retnoid, and a moisturizer. But the absolute must have is sunblock. It’s common knowledge that a broad spectrum sunblock with an SPF over 15 is advisable. But taking your specific skin type in consideration is also paramount. My personal favorites are Obagi Sun Shield SPF50, and Skinceuticles Physical Fusion SPF50. I find that both offer the coverage I need, while blending beautifully with my foundation.
Q: DO KERATIN TREATMENTS REALLY WORK? A: In a word…YES! If
preformed correctly, you will be blissfully frizz free for 3 months. But as the saying goes, it’s all about “who you know.” In this case you’ll want to know a very talented hair stylist. Keratin is a natural protein that can be found in the body. When your hair is treated by Keratin, this protein creates a natural layer of protection. It smooths frizz, softens curls, brings out a beautiful shine, and can easily cut your blow-dry time by 50%. There are many different brands of Keratin available on the market. My personal favorite is Keratin Smoothing Therapy by Coppola. What to expect: After applying the keratin product to your hair, your stylist will use the heat of a flat iron to seal it in. A beautifully trained stylist will know the proper amount of tension and heat required. The process normally takes approximately 90 minutes. Things to remember: You’ll need to wait several days before shampooing (a perfect excuse to miss cardio class) and be especially careful to use a sodium-sulfate-free shampoo to maintain the treatment. My favorite is Bain Chroma Captive by Kerastase. Email your questions to BitaBeautyBuzz@yahoo.com. Bita McDonnell is a European trained aesthetician with over two decades of experience in the United States. Bita received her CIDISCO degree from the prestigious London based academy of La Comite International d’Esthetique et De Cosmetologie – the most accomplished diploma of European skin care and treatment. She completed post graduate studies in France and Switzerland and opened her first skin care salon in the Holland Park area of London, before relocating to South Miami in 1986 where she opened Bellezza. To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
FITNES S FORUM
Staying Fit While Traveling BY GABRIEL LAMAS, OWNER, FITNESS TOGETHER
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RAVELING CAN OFTEN BE A MAJOR IMPEDIMENT TO staying in shape and maintaining our health and fitness. Traveling causes us to be removed from our usual routines, usual amenities and separated from our gyms, personal trainers and spin classes. For many, it can be easier to just resume their workout program when their business trip or vacation ends. Health and fitness, though, is something that must constantly be worked on through exercise or it fades away. Even though it can often be much more convenient to resume one’s workouts when home, it is important to maintain the exercise routine – and truthfully, exercising really is possible anywhere! Most hotels now have gyms, even though some might be relatively meager without the amenities and equipment we have become used to, however any piece of exercise equipment can be beneficial. Most hotel gyms have, at the very least, a bench, some dumbbells and a bike. You can put together a killer fat burning and muscle sculpting workout with just these two items! Get a 5 to 10 minute warm up on the bike and begin your workout. Dumbbells can be used for almost any muscle group. Rest them on your shoulders, sit down on the bench and stand back up for a set of squats that will work your quads, hamstrings and glutes. Standup straight and press the dumbbells over your head straight upward for overhead presses that will work your shoulders and triceps, as well as your stomach and lower back. In between each exercise, hop on the bike for a couple minutes and try to go as fast as you can in that time duration. Perform a few weighted exercises alternated with a few bike sprints for just 20 minutes and you will have a butt-kicking out-of-town workout! If you happen to end up traveling without the amenities of a gym, fear not – there are plenty of exercises you can do in the confines of your hotel room using just your bodyweight. Work your legs by lunging back and forth across your hotel room until you start feeling that burn in your quads. Tighten up the back of your arms by doing tricep dips on your bed, a table or a chair. Keep your stomach tight and toned by holding a plank position on the floor. You can even work your lower back and glutes by lying on your back and pushing your hips in the air up and down – hip raises. Take 5 to 6 of these exercises and perform them back to back without rest for 2-3 cycles for a killer full body workout in your hotel room! If you want to push yourself even more, do a set of 20-30 jumping jacks in between every one or two exercises. If you get bored of your hotel room workouts and still do not have access to weights, or you find yourself unable to do these bodyweight exercises – there is nothing like good, old fashioned running for calorie burning cardio. Go outside and take 20 minutes to do some running intervals. Sprint as hard as you can for 20 seconds then rest 10-20 seconds and do it again. Repeat that for 8-10 cycles and you will have burned a ton of calories and increased your body’s fat burning processes over the next 12-24 hours! It doesn’t matter where you go – exercise is always an option. Make sure to stay on top of your health and fitness routines during your summer plans or vacations. Passionate about the fitness business, Gabriel Lamas began owning franchised fitness studios at 23 years old. Originally from Massachusetts, Gabriel attended Florida International University and his fitness business holdings company, Gabriel Lamas Fitness LLC acquired the Fitness Together Miami brand his senior year of college. Conveniently located in South Miami and Coconut Grove, Fitness Together Miami has helped countless clients get in the best shape of their lives. Please contact Gabriel directly at gabelamas@fitnesstogether.com or visit www.fitnesstogethermiami.com for further information. To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
February 2015 | www.thefloridavillager.com
41
IT’S THEIR BUSINES S
Making Your Home a Better Place to Live BY ALEXIS PRIETO
T
HERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME” IS MORE THAN A POPULAR SAYing, it’s a sentiment felt in the hearts of most. Even better is a home designed to reflect the individuality of its owner. That’s where JSC Kitchen & Bath steps in with creative kitchen and bath ideas to suit even the most particular homeowner. Offering a touch of class at a reasonable price to help you get the look you desire, JSC proudly serves the Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, and Falls area. Husband and wife team, Carlos and Diana Perez, along with sisters Rocio and Sandra Marquez, JSC Kitchen & Bath is a true family-owned and operated business. Specializing in European bathroom vanities, kitchen and bathroom fixtures and kitchen cabinets, JSC Kitchen & Bath’s dedicated staff ensures the customer’s complete satisfaction. With over 27 years of retail experience, JSC Kitchen & Bath will ensure you receive the highest quality product and service. As a “One Stop Shop” with a track record of exceptional customer service in the South Florida community, JSC Kitchen & Bath is a direct factory distributor and makes sure the customer receives the highest quality products at the best prices. Whether visiting their showroom or shopping on their website, you will always find the very best products at the very best price.
JSC Kitchen & Bath strives to educate their target customer about remodeling options while giving clients an enjoyable world-class experience, by delivering style and value that truly exceeds the investment. Utilizing the design/build process allows JSC Kitchen & Bath to identify and prioritize the parameters of the project. They help to establish the client’s remodeling goals, priorities and budget. JSC Kitchen & Bath is committed to building lasting relationships with their clients by delivering a high quality experience through nationally renowned products, professional craftsmanship and excellent customer service. You can be assured that when you buy from JSC Kitchen 42
www.thefloridavillager.com | February 2015
& Bath, you will not be treated as a customer, but more like a family member. They will provide the highest quality products and will help you turn your home into your palace. You can visit JSC Kitchen & Bath at 8760 SW 132nd Street, Miami, FL 33176, Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm and Sat: 10am - 4pm. You can call 786.732.4046 or vist them online at www.jsckitchenandbath.com for more information. To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
A SK THE PL A STIC SURGEON
“So You Need a Breast Lift” BY JOSE M. SOLER-BAILLO M.D., M.S, BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON, SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA
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O IMPLANT OR NOT TO IMPLANT? THAT IS THE QUESTION! This is one of the most important choices a woman will ever make in a plastic surgery procedure. Understanding the options, and potential outcomes of each procedure, will help women make smarter choices. After making the decision to have a breast lift, choosing to place a breast implant at the time of surgery becomes a critical decision for a good outcome. If the supporting skin is thin and stretched out indicating a weak support system, my advice is to perform the breast lift without an implant. After 18 years of experience performing this operation, I’ve learned that the quality of the skin should be the deciding factor for use of an implant. After the scars heal well, a “small” implant can be discussed for more fullness. The appeal of using a breast implant at the time of the operation is obvious, and easy to sell. The promise of the larger, fuller, perkier breast is almost an irresistible option. Living in Miami doesn’t help! The downside is the heaviness of the implant continuing to stretch the remaining damaged skin. After only a few months the heavy implants will stretch the skin and the breasts will sag again. Furthermore, the extra tension on the incisions will often cause wider more visible scars, and increase the risks of the surgery. This situation can result in multiple re-operations and potential strife between the patient and surgeon. The patient feels that she has not received what she hoped and paid for, and is usually disappointed with the results. After multiple operations she eventually gives in and accepts her fate. Living with heavier breasts that look good in a brassiere, but still sag. The same holds true for the woman in “the gray zone”…her breasts are deflated, doesn’t need a lift, but wants perkier breasts. She gets sold on the larger implant that will “fill” the space, and give her the breasts she’s been dreaming about. Again, although the plan sounds ideal, the reality is large sagging breasts in a short time. A much different result than the playboy centerfold breasts that were expected. Sometimes a smaller implant is better in this situation. The initial result will not be as perky, or as full. The upside is less weight on the breasts, and less sagging over time. In the last five years, I have performed most breast lifts without implants. I’ve found the results to be extremely satisfying for both my patients and myself. Using modern techniques to create a natural support system provides extremely natural and long lasting results. Hopefully this information will shed some light on a very important decision. Make sure you consider all the options before rushing into a long lasting, expensive mistake. An International, multilingual Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Jose Soler-Baillo brings to South Florida a refreshing, modern approach to Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Soler-Baillo earned his Medical Degree at the prestigious Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, trained in General Surgery at the Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey, and received extensive training in Plastic Surgery in Miami, New York, and Texas. Dr. Soler-Baillo is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. For more information please visit, www.resultsmd.com or email info@soler-baillo.com. To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
Soler-Baillo Plastic Surgery Call Now for a Free Consultation
305-661-1996
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Mention Promo Code: TFV1996 Call for details and to schedule an appointment 305.661.1996 With a minimum purchase of $650
Gift Certificates Available Upon Request
February 2015 | www.thefloridavillager.com
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QUESTION & ANS WER
Q&A with The Recycled Closet BY BROOKE BLOOM LAM
IF A CUSTOMER IS LOOKING TO CONSIGN RATHER THAN BUY, WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
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HE RECYCLED CLOSET IS A ONE-STOP shop for brand name label clothing and accessories at 70% off retail. They carry only the latest and greatest trends at the best prices. The Recycled Closet shared with us some inside details about their store and reminded us to always “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle your fashion.”
The process of consigning is easy. We will look at your clothes and accessories by a quick appointment. If we take the items, we price them and then the consignor makes 40% when the item sells. The money will be given to the consignor at the end of the four month period or the money can be used in the store for shopping. Unsold items are typically donated to charity. Chapman Partnership is one of our main charities.
HOW WAS THE RECYCLED CLOSET BORN?
The Recycled Closet opened in August of 2008. We felt there was a need for a middle market/resale store catering to teenagers and beyond. Consignment stores are now falling under the category of Thrifting, which became a popular pastime for twenty-somethings and now people of all ages.
WHAT KIND OF ITEMS AND BRANDS DO YOU CARRY?
We carry trend labels from popular stores and boutiques. Items accepted for consignment include clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry and even some men’s clothes and shoes. A wide array of brands can be found at The Recycled Closet. Some of our favorites include H&M, Forever 21, J Crew, Express, Loft, Ann Taylor, Zara, Aldo, Alexis, Peace IO re sto OCAT w e L n b ig N E W o u r OUR n i AT a re We IT US S VI
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STORE?
Love World, Michael Kors, Tory Burch and many more! Boutique labels and unusual retro pieces are favorites as well.
DO YOU OFFER ANY ONLINE SHOPPING OPTIONS?
Yes, we do offer online shopping on our website www.therecycledcloset.com. We always offer free shipping on online purchases.
The Recycled Closet is a unique experience with a cool, urban feel. Our customers range in age from twelve to eighty-five. We have something for everyone. One of the best compliments we hear at The Recycled Closet is that we have a very clean, organized store and our products are in wonderful condition. We thank our fabulous consignors for their great merchandise. The Recycled Closet is located in the warehouses by the Falls at 8867 Southwest 132 Street, Miami, Florida 33176. They can be reached at 305.233.6744 or by email at mail@ therecycledcloset.com. Store hours are Monday-Saturday, 11am – 6pm.
N
AND
W SELLE CONSIG PROM N DRES SES!
COME SHOP OUR GREAT BRANDS! OWNER JENNIFER KALOTI
A&F ■ Alice&Olivia ■ Aqua ■ BCBG ■ Betsey Johnson ■ Brooks Brothers ■ Chanel ■ Ella Moss Expess ■ Fendi ■ Free People ■ Gucci ■ Guess ■ Hollister ■ H&M ■ J Brand ■ J Crew Kate Spade ■ Lucky Brand ■ Marc Jacobs ■ Miss Sixty ■ Prada ■ Seven Jeans ■ Theory Tory Burch ■ True Religion ■ Vince ■ XXI ■ Zara ■ Boutique labels and unusual Retro pieces
Become a valued cosigner: ■ Select your stylish clothes ■ Make sure everything is freshly laundered ■ Clothes must be neatly folded in shopping bags ■ The better it looks, the more you’ll make!
Voted Miami New Times Best Thrift Shop
Mention This Ad Receive 10% OFF One Item!
305.233.6744
Warehouses by the Falls | 8867 SW 132 Street, Miami, FL 33176 | Monday - Saturday: 11 am - 6 pm, Closed Sunday mail@therecycledcloset.com • www.therecycledcloset.com 44
www.thefloridavillager.com | February 2015
To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
MUSIC NE WS
The Touch and Sound of Vinyl BY PENNY DANIELS
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USIC, TALKING AND LAUGHTER FILLED THE AIR. ALTHOUGH THE HOLIDAYS are behind you, the memories that were shared during this time with family and friends may still be in the back of your mind. You may have even played an old-time holiday song on your record player. You probably selected the right song on the vinyl album for the right moment. And the sound … it doesn’t compare to digital, does it? Do you remember the first record album you ever owned? Hmmm … was it the Beatles, Beach Boys, Bob Seger, Elvis Presley? Are you still listening to your vinyl records? Or are they gathering dust, filling milk crates in the garage, or on a bookshelf in the living room? Do you wonder if they even make these collectibles anymore in a world that is mainly digital in nature? In the mid-60s to the late 70s, vinyl records turned music into America’s most favorite entertainment industry. Today, a record album is a click on a computer mouse. Music downloads become a taste test for the listeners as they browse music online and then purchase a few sample songs. Then, if they like what they hear, they may buy the series of songs either on a CD or a vinyl album. According to Billboard, LP sales were up 52% in 2014, compared to the previous year, to almost 9.2 million (up from 6.1 million in 2013).
Vinyl is ALIVE mUSICIAnS @
DISCOUnT CEnTER
Buy, Sell, Trade.
Top Dollar P&aVid inyl
Used Instruments With digital music, the value is really in its convenience and the immediacy of its delivery, and the fact you can play it while doing something else. There’s a quiet ceremony to playing a record. It requires more dedicated listening and planning. It’s the audio quality, the visual quality, and the physical touch of the artistic, one-of-a-kind cover and vinyl album. For those of us that grew up when the vinyl record album was at its peak, it also brings back many fond memories and oftentimes a smile. Whether you are interested in learning the value of your old record albums, trading them in, or adding to your collection, let the professionals at Musicians Discount Center in South Florida help. Keep music alive in your house and enjoy the ambiance of turning the lights down low, putting your favorite album on the record player, picking the perfect song, and enjoying the quality sound of your favorite artist. Music provides enjoyment for years to come! Musicians Discount Center in South Miami help you find the guitar that suits you and fits your budget, too. They are the one stop music shop that has been sharing their expertise with others for many years. They offer new and used instruments, instrument rentals, rent to own programs and music lessons. Stop in and let the sounds of music begin in your house today. Contact Musicians Discount Center at 305-255-9466 or visit them online at www.musiciansdiscountcenter.net.
To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
40% OFF 50% OFF Select Taylor Guitars
Select Ibanez Guitars
Musicians Discount Center. Must Present Coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotions. Limit one per customer. Exp. 2/28/15
Musicians Discount Center. Must Present Coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotions. Limit one per customer. Exp. 2/28/15
GUITAR STRINGS
BUY 1, GET 1
FREE
Musicians Discount Center. Equal or lesser value. Must Present Coupon. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotions. Exp. 2/28/15
“Gear for the Pros, by the Pros” 19405 S. Dixie Hwy., Miami
305-255-9466 Mon-Fri 11am - 8pm • Sat 10am - 6pm www.musiciansdiscountcenter.net February 2015 | www.thefloridavillager.com
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THE DOG FROM IPANEMA Making Your Pet Look Like A Champion Everyday.
PE T OF THE MONTH
MEET SAMMY
S
AMMY IS AN EIGHT year old, male Jack Russell Chihuahua mix. He is a rescue dog who was able to fill a family’s empty nest. Sammy’s favorite person is his mommy, although he is also a daddy’s boy. His favorite things to do are play fetch, go for long walks, and ride in his pet friendly bicycle carrier. Sammy can do the dog paddle for survival, but stays clear of the swimming pool!
Hand Stripping • Show Cuts • Express Service/Parents Always Welcome
The Best Selection of Collars In Town
We’ll make you proud of the natural beauty of your adopted baby. Named Best of Miami, Best of South Florida & Best of South Miami by Reader Polls
Monday: 9am - 6pm Tuesday - Saturday: 8am - 7pm Sunday: 10am - 6pm
Schedule Your Appointment Now
305-663-1712 7230 SW 57th Avenue South Miami, FL 33143
thedogfromipanema.com
WANTED GOLD • JEWELRY • COINS
DIAMONDS ROLEX • STERLING • CARTIER
VINTAGE & ESTATE JEWELRY ITEMS ALL PLATINUM JEWELRY & WATCHES
Ivory - Jade - Gold - Government Coin Sets - Silver Dollars - Tiffany Silver Items - Antiques - Currency - Collections - Dental Gold - Crystal
We Buy Old Wedding Gifts & Costume Jewelry Fair, Reliable & Honest Dealings…Since 1974 International Society of Appraisers
SPONSORED BY:
YOUR PET’S BEST
THE HEALTHY PET STORE
305.252.0050
8425 SW 132st, Miami, FL 33156 YourPetsBest@gmail.com
10% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE! WHEN YOU MENTION THE FLORIDA VILLAGER
YOUR PET COULD BE OUR
PET OF THE MONTH!
• CALL FOR QUOTES • Free Verbal We Make Appraisals 305-665-5995 House Calls
Animal name & breed:____________________________________________
93 St./US-1 • Next to Shorty’s BBQ & Datran Metrorail
Age and gender of animal:_________________________________________
WE BUY COINS Estate & Appraisal Services, Inc.
Favorite person:_________________________________________________
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www.thefloridavillager.com | February 2015
Every month The Florida Villager randomly picks a Pet of the Month winner. Enter your pet today! Email entries to editor@thefloridavillager.com. Please send a high-resolution photo with your entry. Tell us a little bit about your pet…
Favorite toy:____________________________________________________ Likes & dislikes:__________________________________________________ Favorite thing to do:______________________________________________ To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
PE T C A RE
Lumps/Bumps and Your Pet BY DR. MARIANNE CERDA
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ANCER IS A DISEASE THAT UNFORTUNATELY HITS HOME FOR MANY PEOPLE. I, for one, have lost both a grandmother and grandfather to lung cancer, and my father is a survivor of colonic cancer. In addition, my beautiful boisterous Labrador, Gypsy, suffered from a rare type of spinal tumor at only 7 years of age. The intention of this article is not to depress or upset any readers, rather to educate on early detection and that successful cancer treatments do exist for pets. The reality of the situation is that 1 in 3 pets will develop cancer over their lives, and just like in human medicine we are unsure of the exact causes. We do know that many factors play in the role of cancer development, such as genetics (breed disposition), environmental factors, drugs, diets, etc. Here is a brief guideline of daily and yearly habits I hope all pet owners partake in: »» Annual/Biannual Visits – These visits to your Veterinarian are usually for vaccination boosters, however it is much more than just a vaccine. I often find “lumps and bumps” that many times owners are not aware of and further diagnostics can be performed immediately. It is also important that routine annual blood work be performed even in a healthy animal. Blood work in a healthy animal is an example of what your pets normal blood work should look like and allows for us to use this as a comparison should your pet become ill. I get asked all the time if Scooter’s blood work will tell me if he has cancer or not. The answer is no, however, any abnormality (even the smallest changes) will raise a red flag for your Veterinarian to suggest further work up. »» Pet Your Pets – Even the most experienced Veterinarian can miss a “lump or bump” during routine examinations. Often times these lumps are less than one centimeter wide! Therefore I encourage all pet owners to get into the habit of petting your pets often, not only as a sign of affection, but also as a way to monitor for abnormal growths. A good rule of thumb is if the bump is > 1cm (the size of a pea) and has been present for > 1 month… call your Vet! In pets, 50% of tumors are benign and 50% are malignant. Scooter’s last examination was 6 months ago and your Veterinarian gave him a clean bill of health (go Scooter!), but you recently found a new lump that just doesn’t look right. This is a first for both you and Scooter and you’re unsure of what to expect. »» Cancer is a Cellular Diagnosis – Unfortunately there is no way to determine whether a lump or bump is malignant or benign just by looking at it or feeling it. Your Veterinarian may perform a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or take a biopsy of the tissue to determine type of tumor. A fine needle aspirate is usually performed without sedation with you right in the examination room and causes little to no pain to your pet. A needle is inserted into the lump and the cells are pushed onto a microscope slide, stained with special stains and sent to a pathologist for interpretation. Sedation is usually required for biopsy samples, where a piece of the tissue is cut from the lump, however your pet is usually discharged from the hospital that day. »» Why Not Just Take Lump Off Without Knowing What It Is – Yes, the end goal of treatment is for complete removal of the lump, however, it is important to determine first what type of tumor we are dealing with, if it is considered benign or malignant, aggressive or non-aggressive. If the tumor is benign, simply removing it is likely curative. The extent of surgery, or the amount of tissue that is removed, changes with a malignant diagnosis. For example, an FNA was performed on Scooter’s lump and the pathologist reported back that it is most consistent with a mast cell tumor (MCT). MCT are malignant tumors that tend to be very aggressive tumors in the location where they are present. Therefore, prior to surgery your Veterinarian knows that they are dealing with a malignant tumor and not only does the lump need to be removed, but a larger quantity of the surrounding tissue needs to be removed as well to assure that no cancerous cells are present. Your Veterinarian may refer to this as “getting clean margins.” »» The Lump is Removed, Now What – Every case is patient-dependent. Some malignant tumors are considered cured with successful surgery; however, others may require additional treatment such as chemotherapy and/or radiation. At
CONTINUED ON PAGE 54 To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
TRAVELING?
HAVE A NIGHT ON US
Board for 2 nights get the 3rd night FREE
Enjoy our indoor/outdoor runs, large grassy yard, comfortable bedding, toys and everything your pet needs to enjoy your time away. Boarding animals must have: Updated vaccines, free of worms/fleas/ticks, bath the day of leaving (dogs)
ANNUAL EXAM/VACCINE PACKAGE $95 CANINE PACKAGE: Complete exam by veterinarian, fecal, heartworm test, DHP+Parvo vaccine, bordetella, rabies FELINE PACKAGE: Complete exam by veterinarian, fecal, FVCRP, rabies Cannot be combined with any other discounts.
305-235-4811
13345 SW 87th Ave Miami, FL 33176
www.gallowayanimalhospitalfl.com February 2015 | www.thefloridavillager.com
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Upscale Furniture Consignment Gallery Where High End and Vintage Meet…and Prices That Can’t Be Beat!
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RE YOU LOOKING FOR A CONTEMPORARY chandelier that appears to float in the room? Or maybe a twin antique settee for your parlor? We’ve got all that and more! At Upscale Furniture Consignment Gallery we have it ALL. Our eclectic mix of furniture and accessories has just the right touch for your home. We have gathered pieces from Palm Beach Estates to Pinecrest Mansions with one common thread: all the items are in excellent condition. This is NOT your average consignment store with dusty, old pieces. This is a high end gallery with beautiful, gently used pieces from the finest companies available for a fraction of their original cost, displayed artfully in our 6,000 square foot showroom. Each piece is carefully chosen for its character and timeless beauty. To compliment this vast array of designs we have original artwork from French painters as well as cult pop paintings from famous ads. You’ll need to peruse our walls several times to take in all the different collections. At any given time we have a myriad of mirrors in all shapes, styles and sizes. We also stock different types of standing art such as bronzes, vases and glass pieces to add that special something to your home. Upscale Furniture Consignment Gallery is the perfect solution for homeowners with limited budgets but unfulfilled desires for high end pieces. The inventory is constantly changing with
Upscale Furniture Consignment Gallery
Some of the recent arrivals to Upscale Furniture Consignment Gallery.
new deliveries two to three times a week so the store never looks the same way twice. The constant flow makes weekly visits a must so you don’t miss out on any of the exclusive items by such high end designers as Roche Bobois, Ralph Lauren, and Maitland Smith. If you spot a piece that is irresistible don’t walk away-many a customer has returned a day later to find their much coveted item is gone. And with each piece being a one-of-a-kind, it is not replaceable. Want to keep up but can’t make the trip every week? Check out our website that updates with new arrivals twice a week at: www.UpscaleFurnitureConsignmentGallery.com.
UPSCALE FURNITURE CONSIGNMENT GALLERY
WHERE CLASS AND VINTAGE MEET… WITH PRICES THAT CAN’T BE BEAT!
8845 SW 132ND ST. MIAMI, FL, 33176 (IN THE FAMOUS WAREHOUSE DISTRICT BY THE FALLS) WWW.UPSCALEFURNITURECONSIGNMENTGALLERY.COM • 305 491 5651
HE ALTH Y PE T
The Miracle of Coconut Oil For Dogs BY TAMI MAIER
I
LOVING PET CARE IN YOUR HOME OR MINE
F YOU GO INTO ANY MAJOR PET STORE YOU WILL SEE A LARGE NUMBER OF products designed to treat various common health issues. You will find shampoos, sprays, supplements, and medications to treat things such as bad breath and body odor, fleas and ticks, intestinal worms, dry or itchy skin, dull coats, skin rashes, ear mites, digestive complaints, liver issues and joint problems; the list can go on and on. Often the products do not work very well and you end up spending a lot of extra money trying many different products. But you do not have to. Many of these conditions with our dogs can easily and successfully be treated with just one inexpensive product- Coconut Oil! Many people are surprised to learn that coconut oil can offer so many health benefits to their pets. Coconut is a nutritious food that has both nutritional and medicinal properties. Although coconut and coconut oil have been viewed primarily as food for humans, animals love it and can greatly benefit from it. Benefits of giving coconut orally to your dog:
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Improves the health and appearance of skin and coat. Its antiviral agents can help dogs recover quickly from kennel cough Reduces the risk of cancer. Prevents and fights bacterial, viral and yeast infections (ear infections). Improves overall skin health and clears up skin conditions such as eczema, flea allergies, contact dermatitis, and itchy skin. Improves digestion. Reduces and sometimes eliminates doggy breath. You can even brush your dogs teeth with it, which makes sense because dogs love the taste of coconut oil. Helps to reduce weight and increase energy, and promotes mobility in dogs with arthritis and and other joint issues. It is excellent for brain health and is a must to help keep senior dogs minds from becoming cloudy. Digestion and nutrient absorption are improved. Sometimes adding coconut oil to a dog’s diet can cause stool to loosen; if that happens you can add a spoonful of canned pumpkin to your dog’s diet (that really works for my dog).
Specializing in dog walking, pet sitting, pet boarding and now offering a full line of all natural pet products. Our goal at Live Pawsitively is to provide care for the whole dog thru love, companionship, nutrition and exercise.
Benefits if applied topically:
»» Promotes the healing of cuts, wounds, hot spots, bites, and stings. »» Acts as a coat conditioner whether you add it to their diet, shampoo or both. »» Heals dry, cracked paws.
Coconut oil may just be the miracle we’ve all been looking for. From cooking benefits to health benefits for you and your dog it is something you definitely want to make room for in your kitchen pantry! Tami Maier, MS in Counseling Psychology, with current focus and certification on Aromatherapy for pets. A native of Miami, Florida, she is the owner and operator of PAWSitive Pet Sitting, a dog boarding, doggy daycare, dog walking and pet sitting business for 8 years. Tami strives to provide care for the whole dog through love, companionship, nutrition and exercise. To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
CALL TAMI 786 306-9192
W W W. L I V E PAWS ITI V E LY. C O M February 2015 | www.thefloridavillager.com
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TR AV EL NE WS
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IVING IN MIAMI, WHEN ONE thinks of snow skiing, they think of Steamboat, Vail, or Aspen out west and Stowe, Killington, or Loon on the east coast, but I had never heard of Ski Santa Fe Resort in New Mexico. I came to know one of New Mexico’s best-kept secrets up close and personal. Pulling into Santa Fe I was completely overcome with surprise; this Millennium Charlift was not what I expected. The second oldest city in the United States, it was bathed in a sunset glow that highlighted the adobe buildings with a stillness in the air I couldn’t describe. Upon my arrival at Hotel Santa Fe, I marveled at the beauty of its Pueblo-revival architecture and the warmth it exuded. My room was located in The Hacienda section of the hotel, which houses thirty-five rooms and suites along with a fireplace and butler. It had been a long travel day, so I made my way to The Spa for an hour of pampering. This is a very unique spa that draws its guests into a healing experience with their extensive choice of therapies. Time was up all too soon and I headed to Blue Corn Café and Brewery, a local favorite for twenty years with fabulous Mexican food and handcrafted beer. I admit, I bypassed the beer for a margarita (or two) and one of the best burritos I’ve ever had. A full day of skiing lay ahead the next day so back at my room I lit the fireplace, curled up under my plush comforter and drifted off to sleep. The winter sun was shining on the snow-lined road on my drive to the slopes. The views were spectacular and I even saw a bighorn sheep looking down on me from high atop his rugged terrain. Ski Santa Fe sits 10,350 feet high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, so consequently the views are breathtaking. The mountain has 50% snowmaking capacity with trails being 20% easy, 40% blues and 40% blacks, which allows a nice selection of trails for every level. It was such a beautiful winter day and the short lift lines and friendly staff made my experience there even nicer. Before I knew it, it was the last run of the day and the cold night air was swirling in. On my way back down to town I stopped at 10,000 Waves, a Japanese spa and resort, to sit awhile in one of their private outdoor hot tubs. With the chill of the air and steam rising around me, I leaned back and let the peacefulness overtake me. Back at the hotel, a quick shower and I was off to dinner at Il Piatto, an Italian farmhouse kitchen, which made a pumpkin ravioli that blew my taste buds away. Nighttime closed in on me and I couldn’t wait to be back in front of my fireplace warming my ski weary toes. My next day was spent exploring the town and my first stop was the Georgia O’Keeffe museum. This is one you will not want to miss and worth every minute; make sure you take in the movie on her life. In the heart of Santa Fe sits a grand landmark hotel, the Eldorado Hotel and Spa. I stopped in to have a warm drink at the Agave lounge and to look at Jarrett West’s, a third generation New Mexican born artist, sculptures. His work is interesting as it is ‘free form’ and is fired so hot the clay is turned to stone. His works now reside at Shidoni, an eight-acre sculpture garden. You would think I would have had enough exercise with the walking and fabulous skiing, but nightfall led me to El Farol, a tapas and music establishment on Canyon Road where I let my cowboy boots loose on the dance floor. I left the Land of Enchantment with wonderful memories and came to the realization that whether you are tuning up your skiing skills or a first time skier, Ski Santa Fe and the surrounding town needs to be your final destination. Debbie Martinez is a Miami Dade resident and Travel Editor for The Florida Villager. She can be reached at debbiemartinez1@mac.com.
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www.thefloridavillager.com | February 2015
To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
BOATING TIPS
Effects of Ethanol BY ERIC RAISTRICK, OWNER OF ERIC’S OUTBOARD
E
THANOL IS AN ALCOHOL made from corn that fuel companies are mandated to add to the gasoline we all purchase. By law, the companies are required to put a minimum percentage, which varies depending on where you live, in regular pumped gas. Most cars on the road today are built to handle ethanol. However, outboard marine engines, especially carbureted models, do not like ethanol at all. Ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning it is capable of absorbing moisture. Ethanol attracts and absorbs moisture from the atmosphere or from the vent in the fuel system. Once this absorbed water enters the gas tank it contaminates the gas and begins to separate. This is called phase separation. This means that there is a layer of gas and a layer of water in the gas tank. Water is denser than gas, meaning it is heavier; therefore it sinks to the bottom of the tank. Since the fuel pickup in most gas tanks is at the bottom, any water at the bottom of the tank gets picked up by the engine’s fuel system. Not only can this water damage the engine by causing electric fuel pumps to rust, but it is notorious for clogging fuel injectors. Water entering the fuel system can also result in performance issues; rough idling, stalling when you demand acceleration (WOT), misfire, hesitation, difficulty maintaining boat speed and the engine’s inability to start. Water will also eventually corrode the
metal in the fuel system. Little chunks of corroded metal can be carried through the fuel system into your engine. Water will also begin to corrode the inside of the engine’s crankcase. Over time, ethanol will deteriorate plastic fittings, such as filter cups, fuel separator bowls and can break down fuel lines. Most boats use a 10 micron water separator filtration system between the boat’s gas tank and engine fuel system to help prevent water contamination from entering the engine. Some people use additives to “counter” the effects of ethanol. These measures are not always enough to avoid the negative effects of ethanol on your engine. Here at Eric’s Outboard we strongly suggest that our customers use recreational fuel (REC 90), because it does not contain ethanol. For a listing of local fuel stations which carry recreational 90 fuel, visit our website www.ericsoutboard.com. Come see us at the Miami International Boat Show. Booth M30 to see the latest line of Contender Boats or stop by the Yamaha booth and speak to Tony for outboard engine sales. Eric Raistrick opened Eric’s Outboard in 1986 as a mobile outboard marine mechanic. He became a Yamaha dealer in 1996. Eric’s Outboard is now Full Line Yamaha dealer, servicing only Yamaha outboards. Eric’s Outboard is proud to have the only two Yamaha Master Marine Technicians in Miami on their staff. Please contact us at 305-251-4067, ericsoutboard.com or visit us at 8755 SW 129th Street.
Come see us at the Miami International Boat Show. Booth M30
305.251.4067
Dockside & on-Site Services • Yamaha Certified Master Technicians Largest Yamaha Inventory • Domestic & Worldwide Shipping www.ericsoutboard.com 8755 S.W. 129th Street Miami, Fl 33176
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THE MINDFUL DI VORCÉE
Don’t Miss a Thing in 2015 BY DEBBIE MARTINEZ, DIVORCE COACH
T
HAT OLD SAYING, “SOMETIMES we look so long at the closed door, we don’t see the one that has opened,” so it is with divorce. I find in my practice that divorced women and men spend so much time and energy continuing to look at that one door that in most cases didn’t just close but slammed in their faces, instead of the many doors that have opened up for them. I invite all of you to make “Don’t miss a thing” your mantra this year. Here are the five things that can be your focus: 1. Take risks. Make a list of all the things that mean taking a risk to you. Not dangerous to your health, mental well being, or your wallet, but things out of your comfort zone. Start doing them and see how free and empowered you feel. 2. See things through the eyes of a child. This doesn’t equate with being immature but by seeing things in life with that awe and wonderment that can bring joy back into every day. 3. Take on a different perspective. Stop taking things personally. See those that have hurt you
opinion it is the best book out there on to seeing things differently so you can totally forgive and move on. 5. Leave the past in the past. You can’t do a retake, so stop beating yourself up with the “what ifs.” Let it stay where it is meant to stay, which is not with you today or tomorrow. Be in the moment. Two things can’t occupy the same space at the same time, so if you are ruminating about the past, you can’t be enjoying the present. It is a new day, a new year, a new chapter, and a new mantra. “Don’t miss a thing.” not as the enemy but as a teacher. Trust that there is a plan and all will work out the way it should be. Don’t get caught up in other people’s drama.
4. Forgiveness is truly the key to moving on. You will feel an increase of energy as you regain the energy spent on holding onto the anger and resentment. Pledge to no longer give your wounds power. Choose to see what happened between you and another as an opportunity to heal something within yourself. Remember, you will always draw to you that which you think and believe. I highly recommend the book Radical Forgiveness. In my
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Debbie Martinez, MA is a certified, mindful life coach specializing in divorce (aka: heartbreak coach). She professionally coaches clients on how to avoid the breakup backlash and live better, not bitter. As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator trained in collaborative divorce, Debbie gives clients the tools they need to successfully untie the knot and stand strong in the wake of adversity. She brings her formal training and life experience into her coaching practice to empower and educate clients through their divorce journey and onto new beginnings. You can contact Debbie at debbie@thepowerofdivorcecoach.com.
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53
PE T C ARE
CHA MBER NE WS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47
Chamber South is The Small Business Champion
Lumps/Bumps and Your Pet (cont.) this time your Veterinarian may refer you to an oncologist (yes, animal oncologists are a real thing). An oncologist provides clients with the most current and comprehensive treatment options and can counsel them on what is the most appropriate option for their pet. »» I Am Against Chemotherapy/Radiation For My Pet – Chemotherapeutics have come a long way since they were first introduced to veterinary medicine. Approximately 80% of animals that receive chemotherapy have no side effect and of the 15-20% who do experience side effect, they are of mild severity (nausea, diarrhea). Most animals are treated as outpatients and receive their medication in the comfort of their own home. It is not unusual for owners to refuse chemotherapy when their pet has just recently been diagnosed with cancer. It is a difficult and emotional time, but I urge all my clients to do their research and at least consult with an oncologist. Even if they elect not to pursue further treatment, at least they have made an educated decision. »» I Can’t Afford Chemotherapy/Radiation – Financial constraints are a reality and you are not alone. Let your Veterinarian or oncologist know that your budget is limited. They will work with you on making educated decisions on where your funds are best allocated for the treatment of your pet. Early detection is key for your pets’ health. If you are concerned with a lump or bump on your pet, do not hesitate to contact your Veterinarian. Dr. Marianne Cerda, is a Veterinarian at Galloway Veterinary Hospital in Pinecrest, FL. A native of Miami, Dr. Cerda’s interests include internal medicine and hospice care. As an advocate of preventative medicine, Dr. Cerda emphasizes the importance of client education both to better pet health and strengthen the owner-pet bond.
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HAMBERSOUTH IS THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR GREATER SOUTH Miami-Dade County, providing leadership and vision in our communities, including South Miami, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, and Greater Kendall. Since its creation in 1931, ChamberSOUTH has become an effective voice for local business and is committed to improving the economic vitality of the community. We begin February with the first in a series of workshops aimed to help our community small businesses prosper. This month, we host the Understanding the Affordable Care Act workshop to identify how this law affects us, our businesses, and our employees. The workshop includes a presentation, Q&A session, and one-on-one navigation sessions. Presented in partnership with Catalyst Miami, the Health Council of South Florida, and FoundationSOUTH on Wednesday, February 4th, 3:00-5:00pm, at the ChamberSOUTH office in Palmetto Bay. FEBRUARY EVENTS Our Network Luncheon is a CHAMBERSOUTH WORKSHOP: fun, informal event where you’ll UNDERSTANDING THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT meet everyone in the room. We Hosted by ChamberSOUTH February 4th • 3:00 – 5:00 pm have members who do 40% of their ChamberSOUTH • 900 Perrine Avenue, Palmetto Bay business as a result of their regular NETWORKING LUNCHEON & NEW attendance at this event. Want to MEMBER ORIENTATION learn more about ChamberSOUTH Presentation by Miami-Dade County Small Business Development Division: “Doing and meet our amazing Ambassadors? Business with Miami-Dade County” Come to Brio Tuscan Grille at The Hosted by: ChamberSOUTH Small Falls on Wednesday, February 11th, Business Committee Wednesday, February 11th, 2015 at 11:00 am for our New Member Orientation 11:00 am • Luncheon 11:45 am Orientation, then stay for a fantastic Brio Tuscan Grille at The Falls lunch and quality networking beginBUSINESS AFTER HOURS Sip and Paint • Hosted by ArtSouth ning at 11:45 am. This month, the Thursday, February 19th, 2015 • 5:30 – 7:30 pm ChamberSOUTH Small Business ChamberSOUTH • 6410 SW 80th Street, South Miami Committee host Lawanda WrightIMPACT GOALS CONFERENCE Robinson of the Miami-Dade County Hosted by Chairman Kent Crook and Chair-Elect Claudia Cancio Small Business Development Division Friday, February 27th, 2015 to educate our members and guests Registration 7:15 am on how to do business with MiamiMiami Dadeland Marriott Breakfast, 8:00 am Dade County. Luncheon, 12:00 pm Business After Hours is one of VIP Reception, 5:30 pm ChamberSOUTH’s premier networking events, allowing members to meet, exchange ideas, and make important, long-lasting bonds in a comfortable setting while giving the hosting business an opportunity to showcase their workplace and gain valuable exposure. This month, our ArtSouth invites you to join us at the ChamberSOUTH office in South Miami on Thursday, February 19th, 5:30-7:30 pm for a Sip and Paint. Sip on wine while an artist guides you to make your very own piece of art to take home and cherish. The IMPACT Goals Conference is the opportunity ChamberSOUTH’s members to shape the future. This great event is hosted by Chairman Kent Crook of WireMasters Electric and Chair-Elect Claudia Cancio of First National Bank of South Miami and run by The Vrooman Group. Members will gather to have a direct impact on the future of ChamberSOUTH. This all-day conference begins with a breakfast presentation hosted by the ChamberSOUTH Education & Business Coalition and presented by Chapman Partnership. In between our goal-planning sessions, we will have a stellar luncheon presentation hosted by the ChamberSOUTH Governmental Affairs Committee. We will end the day with a VIP Reception hosted by the ChamberSOUTH Trustee Committee. Be a part of this team-building day at the Miami Dadeland Marriott on Friday, February 27th, beginning at 7:15 am. In addition to serving the business community by providing monthly networking opportunities, ChamberSOUTH is also a resource to the community at large. ChamberSOUTH is THE SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION. For more information on any of these events, contact ChamberSOUTH by visiting www.chambersouth.com or calling 305-661-1621. To Advertise in The Florida Villager, Please call 786-505-1817
Vote for the 2015 BEST OF THE BEST 100
$
Mail entire page to: Best of the Best - The Florida Villager P.O. Box 566660, Miami, FL 33256-6660 Results will be announced in the May 2015 Special Issue: Best of the Best • Reader’s Choice Awards.
VOTE ONLINE THEFLORIDAVILLAGER.COM/BESTOF
PRIZE DRAWING for qualified entries. One winner selected at random.
RESTAURANTS Overall __________________________________________ Breakfast ________________________________________ Burger __________________________________________ Chinese _________________________________________ Dessert _________________________________________ Happy Hour ______________________________________ Italian __________________________________________ Lunch Menu______________________________________ Mexican _________________________________________ Pizza Place ______________________________________ Salad ___________________________________________ Service _________________________________________ Steak House _____________________________________ Sub ____________________________________________ Sushi ___________________________________________ HOME SERVICES A/C Specialists ___________________________________ Cabinetry _______________________________________ Cleaning Service __________________________________ Floor Covering ____________________________________ Florist __________________________________________ Handyman ______________________________________ Interior Designer __________________________________ Kitchen Remodel _________________________________ Landscaper ______________________________________ Mold Removal ____________________________________ Mover___________________________________________ Outdoor Lawn Service _____________________________ Painter __________________________________________ Plumber_________________________________________ Pressure Cleaner __________________________________ Real Estate Company ______________________________ Realtor (Listings) __________________________________ Realtor (Sales) ____________________________________ Roofer __________________________________________ Tile & Grout Cleaner _______________________________ Window Treatments _______________________________
PRODUCTS & SERVICES Accountant ______________________________________ Attorney ________________________________________ Attorney (Business) ________________________________ Attorney (Family law) ______________________________ Attorney (Personal injury) ___________________________ Auto Repair ______________________________________ Car Dealer _______________________________________ Car Wash ________________________________________ Cellular Company _________________________________ Clothing Boutique _________________________________ Computer Repair__________________________________ Country Club _____________________________________ Dry Cleaner ______________________________________ Frame Store______________________________________ Groomer ________________________________________ Insurance Agent __________________________________ Jeweler _________________________________________ Liquor Store _____________________________________ Personal Trainer __________________________________ Pet Sitter ________________________________________ Photographer ____________________________________ Travel Agent _____________________________________ Veterinarian ______________________________________ Workout Facility __________________________________ CHILDREN ACTIVITIES After School Care _________________________________ Birthday Party Place _______________________________ Dance Camp _____________________________________ Dance Studio _____________________________________ Dance Team _____________________________________ Gymnastics ______________________________________ Karate Studio ____________________________________ Music Instruction _________________________________ Pre-school _______________________________________ Private School ____________________________________ Summer Camp ___________________________________ Tutor Services ____________________________________
DID WE FORGET ANYONE? MENTION YOUR FAVORITE… __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________
IC
Vote for your favorite! Rules are simple. 1. You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license to qualify. 2. Complete at least 15 categories and mail in ballot by April 15, 2015 to qualify (one entry per person), one ballot per envelope.
EA WA R DS
READER’S CHOICE AWARDS
C R E A D E R ’S
HO
SALON & SPA Overall Salon & Spa________________________________ Barber Shop _____________________________________ Colorist _________________________________________ Facial ___________________________________________ Hair Design ______________________________________ Manicure ________________________________________ Massage ________________________________________ Pedicure ________________________________________ Tanning Salon ____________________________________ Waxing __________________________________________ MEDICAL & DENTAL (CHILDREN & ADULTS) Chiropractor _____________________________________ Dentist (Cosmetic)_________________________________ Dermatologist ____________________________________ Emergency Room _________________________________ Eye Care Center ___________________________________ Hospital _________________________________________ Laser Center _____________________________________ Mental Health Counselor ___________________________ Obstetrician / Gynecologist _________________________ Orthodontist _____________________________________ Pediatric Dentist __________________________________ Pediatric Hospital _________________________________ Pediatrician ______________________________________ Periodontist _____________________________________ Plastic Surgeon ___________________________________ Weight Loss Center ________________________________ LOCAL Local Event ______________________________________ Local Landmark __________________________________ Place To Be Seen __________________________________ Place To Hide ____________________________________ Use Of Local Tax $ _________________________________ ________________________________________________
NOMINATIONS FROM NAME ____________________________________________________________________ Address, City, Zip___________________________________________________________ Phone ___________________ Email___________________________________________
SEEN ON SCENE
MLK DAY
Communities in Schools of Miami and their Americorps team participated in a Martin Luther King Day of Service as part of National Mentoring Month. More than 50 volunteers attended to take part in a beautification project to renovate Poinciana Park Elementary.
THE GIVING TREE
Every year at Howard Drive Elementary, media specialist Arlene Young organizes a Giving Tree service project. With a beautifully decorated tree placed in the media center, students are asked to bring a new, wrapped gift for an underprivileged child. Gifts are delivered to the Homeless Assistance Center to be distributed. This year, Howard Drive collected over 100 gifts for needy children at the Center. Picture attached: Pictured left to right, Art Teacher Laura Rossano, Media Specialist Arlene Young and Principal Deanna Dalby, with several student helpers
Ana Martinez-Oletta
Gabriella Cepeda
Kelly Eriksen
Stefani Tolchin
Lidong Wang
BEAUX ARTS STUDENT ARTIST SHOWCASE
On January 13, Palmer Trinity art students were recognized for their inclusion in the annual juried art competition Beaux Arts Student Artist Showcase at the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami. Participating students in grades 6 to 12 from across Miami-Dade County were given the opportunity to present their work to the art community in a museum setting. Exhibiting students included: Ana Martinez-Oletta, Stefani Tolchin, Alexander Reinhard, Kelly Eriksen, Patricia Amo Peletier, Lidong Wang, Maria Alvarez, Gabriella Cepeda.
RIVIERA PREP FORENSICS CLUB ON THE MOVE
Riviera Prep Forensics Club students recently competed in a tournament at Miami Beach Sr High along with 200 other students from Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Duo teams Lucas Delgado and Ray Aguila, and Ignacio Gutierrez and Matthew Bryant won second and fourth place respectively in Duo Interpretation. Krysten Chavez won third place in Congressional Debate. Their finishes qualify them for the Catholic Forensic League (CFL) Grand Finals on March 3rd. If they place in the top 6 again, they will move forward to the National Tournament for the CFL this summer.
In December, Palmetto Elementary held its Field Day which included individual and team events as well as a school-wide spirit challenge.
JAZZ IN THE GABLES
On January 14, the Jazz in the Gables concert series began. Guests flocked to the Coral Gables Museum Plaza to enjoy the music and were offered a special treat when renowned jazz singer Kevin Mahogany made a rare South Florida appearance. Concerts will continue every Wednesday through April 1 at 12:15 pm. Coral Gables Hospital is this year’s lead sponsor for the series.
ARBOR DAY
The Village of Palmetto Bay hosted an Arbor Day celebration at Palmetto Bay Park on January 16. Guests were invited to join Boy Scout Troop 20 in planting a live oak tree.
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FIELD DAY
www.thefloridavillager.com | February 2015
“OUT TO LUNCH BUNCH DAY”
On January 14, Palmetto Elementary held its annual “Out to Lunch Bunch Day”, an event where every student went to Lunch Bunch joined by more than 100 parents and other volunteers who came out to read to the students and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Every table was full and picnic blankets dotted every courtyard and corner of the school. “Out to Lunch Bunch Day is, without question, one of the best days of the year at Palmetto Elementary,” remarked Principal Eric Torres. “Not only do all our students get to enjoy a break from their routine and have lunch outside, but it’s a great reminder to parents, grandparents, and other community members about how special our Lunch Bunch program is,” he added. “Hopefully they’ll come back a different day and take a group again.”
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