7.24.2012 Palmetto Bay News

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JULY 24 - Aug. 6, 2012 –––––––––––– communitynewspapers.com ––––––––––––– 305-669-7355

BY GARY ALAN RUSE

WW ith November’s gener-al election just aroundthe corner, campaign-wise, candidates are

getting into the races for city and countyseats that are up for grabs. In responsecounty officials presented a CampaignSkills Seminar on Tuesday, July 10, thatwas hosted by Village Hall in PalmettoBay.

Joseph Centorino, executive director ofthe Miami-Dade County Commission onEthics and Public Trust, greeted thoseattending the session and explained thepurpose of the seminar, which was to helpcandidates avoid ethics violations andother difficulties.

He then introduced Carolina Lopez,Maria Acosta and Vanessa Innocent of theMiami-Dade County Department ofElections, who gave PowerPoint presen-tations on the steps to becoming a candi-date, financial disclosure forms, qualify-ing dates, campaign treasurer reports andother campaign regulations.

In an interview after his presentation,Centorino explained the need for suchseminars for first-time candidates espe-cially, although even veteran office hold-ers can benefit.

“In our experience a lot of people get introuble, not because they’re bad people

–––––––––––––––––––– See SEMINAR, page 6

––––––––––––––––– See PROJECTS, page 6

Joseph Centorino addresses a Campaign Skills Seminar in Palmetto Bay Village Hall Council Chambers.

Village Hall hosts county’s Campaign Skills Seminar

BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

TT he Fairway Heights-ColonialDrive Civic Association ishosting a Candidates Forumon Aug. 2, 7 p.m., at the

Kingdom Covenant Ministries Church,10300 SW 162 St.

At least 14 candidates have committed tothe event, including both candidates run-ning for Property Appraiser.

Dan Millott, forum coordinator, said that58 candidates in contested races were invit-ed and 14 had accepted invitations as ofJuly 13.

The Fairway Heights-Colonial DriveCivic Association has sponsored the candi-date forums for years, with Millott at thehelm.

“They have been well received by thepublic and the candidates,” he said. “This

year we have contested races for Miami-Dade County mayor, county commissionDistrict 9, state attorney, state senate, staterepresentative, U.S. Congress, and propertyappraiser, plus races for county and circuitcourts.

“That means we shall have an interestingevening,” Millott added.

With redistricting redrawing congres-sional districts, U.S. Rep. David Riveranow is running for District 26. He is one ofseven candidates in the race. So far, chal-lenger Gloria Romero Roses has acceptedthe invitation to speak.

State senate candidate Ron Saunders willbe there as well as Pedro Garcia and CarlosLopez-Cantera, who are running for proper-ty appraiser.

The forum is free for the candidates andopen to the public. For more information,call 305-238-6034.

Candidates’ forum set forSouth Miami-Dade races

BY RICHARD YAGER

BB ikers and pedestrians who use theS. Dixie Highway (US1) corridorhave more improvements on the

way following construction of a bridge overthe westbound entrance to the Snapper CreekExpressway (SR 878) earlier this year.

Florida Department of Transportationbegan one project near Palmetto Bay on July16 at a cost of $3.7 million with a second nearPinecrest due to begin on Aug. 13.

The twin developments ultimately willcost $7.2 million, largely to provide pedestri-an safety and improve access for bicyclistsalong US1.

Both projects are intended to dovetail withcompletion of the $4.5 million bicycle andpedestrian bridge erected on the west side ofUS1 at SR 878. That project connects pedes-trians and bikers with the Metrorail M-Pathroute for a distance of approximately 20 milesto downtown Miami from the intersection ofSW 67th Avenue.

FDOTS spokesperson Heather Leslie saidthe improvements are “part of the effort toenhance use of bicycles” and connect the M-Path bike route with the Greenway bike trails,a long desired objective of biking enthusiastsin southwest Miami-Dade.

On July 16, FDOT was scheduled to begin$3.7 million in reconstructing US1 from SW136th Street to SW 168th Street to includenew safety modifications to the C-100 Canalbridge, a wider outside lane for bicycles andinstallation of seven new pedestrian trafficsignals. The project is due to be completed byApril 2013.

On Aug. 13, FDOT is scheduled to beginsimilar work on US1 between SW 136th andSW 102nd streets, a $3.4 million contract thatalso will install a new pedestrian signal at SW

$7.2M in projects to upgrade biking,

walking safety on US1

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM July 24 - Aug. 6, 2012

July 24 - Aug. 6, 2012 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Palmetto Bay resident Teri Abraham-Vogel steps out on Friday night (July 6) for some tasty barbecueduring the Palmetto Bay Village Center Food Truck Carnival. (Photo by Raquel Garcia)

Food trucks make appearance atPalmetto Bay Village Center



As Palmetto High’s assistant principal forcurriculum Victoria Dobbs is doing cuttingedge work helping students achieve newheights and helping the school move forwardeven during the transition of welcoming anew principal.

“She’s amazing and she’s made my firstyear so seamless because of her knowledge,”said Alison Harley, Palmetto High principal.“She’s amazing. The way she’s able to han-dle everything. She’s so knowledgeable. Shestays so calm about everything.”

One of the innovations Dobbs put inplace this past school year was a class tohelp students get all the credits they needfor graduation.

“This is a class that I created for studentswho needed to do credit recovery,” she said.“I found a program that the district has.”

She was able to use that program to helpthe students make up the credit in myriadclasses. Some students needed as little ashalf a credit while others needed more.

“This program is used at other schools thathave eight period days,” Dobbs said. “Noone else has used it as a seventh period sothat students can come to a lab and keepworking.”

The program is web-based and the lessonsare in video form.

“I had heard about this course from someof the schools that had more at-risk stu-dents,” she said. “They were using this as ameans to help their students to recovercourses. They were able to build it in withintheir school days. We are in a six-period bellschedule, so they would be missing some-thing else. No one else had thought to do it

as a seventh period. So we were able to addit on to another day.”

Harley said the after school class was sosuccessful it will be incorporated into theschool day for the 2012-13 school year.

Dobbs was one of six finalists forAssistant Principal of the Year because of herleadership and work ethic. She wasn’t thewinner for the district, but everyone atPalmetto believes she is a winner.

Dobbs began her career as a teacher forthe emotionally handicapped in 1991 atNatural Bridge Elementary in north Miami-Dade County. She worked there a couple ofyears and then worked at Gilbert PorterElementary in the Hammocks for a couple ofyears. Dobbs worked at W.R. ThomasMiddle for five years and went on to be aprogram specialist at Miami Southwest Highfrom 2001 to 2006. She has been at PalmettoHigh since 2006.

“I liked working at Southwest. It was avery nice school. I love Palmetto,” Dobbssaid.

At Palmetto, she has been responsible forspecial education, gifted and the ESOL pro-gram. She participates in FCAT testing.

“I work directly with the teachers,” shesaid.” I work with the curriculum, testing,data, work with the staff so they can readdata and organize it so they can use it effec-tively to tailor their lessons.”

She analyzes the results of the testing tosee how Palmetto students fared and whatareas need additional work.

She also works with the PTSA in parentaloutreach.

In the upcoming school year, Dobbs willbe involved in the new Cambridge Academyprogram.

Assistant principal helps students,teachers succeed at Palmetto High

Victoria Dobbs, Palmetto High assistant principal for curriculum, was a candidate for Assistant Principal ofthe Year.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Palmetto Bay News6769 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355, Fax (305) 662-6980

www.communitynewspapers.comPUBLISHER ..................................................................................................................................Grant MillerEXECUTIVE EDITOR .....................................................................................................................Michael MillerEDITOR.................................................................................................................................. David BerkowitzWRITERS, COLUMNISTS..............................................................Ron Beasley, Kenneth Bluh, Robert Hamilton,

Linda Rodriguez-Bernfeld, Gary Alan Ruse, Lee Stephens, Al Sunshine, Richard YagerADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES..........................................................Albie Barnes, Beatriz Brandfon,

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COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSAventura News, Biscayne Tribune, Coral Gables News-Tribune, Doral Tribune, Kendall Gazette, Cutler Bay News, Palmetto Bay News,

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We will not return solicited or unsolicited editorial material including stories, columns and or photographs. Please make sure that you have duplicate copies of the material.

We hear from Maurice R. Hernandez thatDistrict 8 County Commissioner Lynda Bell,in collaboration with the Parks Foundation,and the generosity of Flagler and Academica,will be hosting her Second Annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway at South DadePark on Saturday, July 28th, from 10:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m. “This fun-filled family eventwill benefit financially disadvantagedschool-age children residing in District 8. Inaddition to the giveaway, join us for aresource fair with activities for the kids toenjoy, including a raffle! Free food and funfor the entire family (while supplies last).”

The backpack giveaway is exclusivelyreserved for underprivileged children whoreside in County Commission District 8.However, all other attendees are welcome topartake in the day’s activities. For those whowish to register for a backpack and for moreinformation about the event, please RSVP

by contacting Commissioner Lynda Bell’sdistrict office at 305-378-6677. South DadePark is located at 28151 SW 164 Avenue.

Hey kids...! Maggie Anzardo let us knowthat Southland Mall is having its third annu-al mini kids’ convention, or ‘Kids Week,’from July 23rd through July 28th. Thefestivities kicked off on Center CourtMonday, July 23rd with Miami Children’sMuseum’s interactive program based ontheir newest traveling exhibit ‘SummerGames,’ and ‘Kids Week’ highlights includea wing eating contest on Thursday, July 26thfrom 5-7 p.m., courtesy of Buffalo WildWings, a children’s magic show on Friday,July 27th at 3 p.m., capped with a three-hourgrand finale on Saturday, July 28th from 12-3 p.m., sponsored by Sprinkles Magazine,ZOO Miami, and ESPN Deportes.

“Southland is excited to present its thirdannual ‘Kids Week’ event,” said Anzardo,who is marketing director at Southland Mall.“This mini kids’ convention has become oneof two signature events at the center and willbe held every summer at Southland.”Southland Mall is also giving away a $500mall gift card. Simply visit <www.mysouth-landmall.com> and click on the gift cardwidget on the upper-left hand corner of the

home page to register your entry viaFacebook or Twitter. The winner will beannounced during the Kids Week grandfinale on Saturday, July 28th.

Yard sale fans, take note! The Village ofPalmetto Bay has an article posted on theirofficial website with some really great tipsabout yard sales, most from veteran garage-sale enthusiast Judy Jones. Some are thingsyou might think of on your own, but manyyou might not be aware of and could help,whether you’re a buyer or a seller. Here’s thelink to check it out: <www.palmettobay-fl.gov/content/garage-sale-shopping-tips>.

We received an email from Cutler Bayresident Steve Zarzecki, who is feeling posi-tive about the way things are going. “Ibelieve that a new day has dawned here inCutler Bay. We now have an interim TownManager who has demonstrated a commit-ment to responsiveness, cooperation, andoutreach. Our mayor can now work for thepeople of Cutler Bay without obstruction anddefiance. Our Town Council has made a pub-lic commitment to ‘move forward’ for thegood of the community. I believe that thisnew spirit of communication, cooperationand civility can (and should) become thenorm in our community. We can all learn to

respect each others’ opinions, even thoughwe may not agree with them. This is how ourlocal government is supposed to work —representative democracy at its best.”

Cheers for Palmetto Bay Mayor ShelleyStanczyk for braving the needle at the blooddrive recently sponsored by the villagepolice department. It was a worthwhile causeand more people need to get involved.

And don’t forgeet that the locally madefilm, “Hidden Rage,” about bullying andviolence in schools, is now out on DVD andavailable just about everywhere.

Thought of the Day:The world is a dangerous place.

Not because of the people who are evil;but because of the people who don’t do any-

thing about it.

— Albert Einstein

Gary Alan Ruse contributed to this

column.

For news tips call 305-669-7030 or sendemails to <[email protected]>

Back to school backpack giveaway at South Dade Park, July 28

AROUND TOWN

Michael MillerEXECUTIVE EDITOR


and want to break the rules,” Centorinosaid. “It’s because they don’t know therules and they’ve never really beenexposed in any comprehensive way to thedetails of the rules that govern elections.

“There are many laws and rules thatcome into play and a lot of people who getinto politics with the best of intentionssometimes, because they’re not fullyaware of the rules, find themselves in somedifficulties. So to the extent that we canprevent them from getting into trouble atthe outset of their political career, wewould regard that as a positive thing.”

When asked if he was seeing anythingdifferent going on these days compared tothe way things were five, 10 or 20 yearsago, he said that some things haven’tchanged but others have.

“A lot of the same problems crop up,”Centorino said, then added, “but I’ve seenpeople get involved with even less experi-ence than maybe they used to have. It usedto be that people had at least some back-ground in a campaign or working for acampaign or being around the government,but today you see people getting involvedwho have almost no background and whoare interested sincerely but who are proneto committing mistakes because of thatlack of background.”

Fifteen people attended the two-hoursession, including Palmetto Bay VillageClerk and Elections Officer MeighanAlexander, Mayor Shelley Stanczyk, ViceMayor Brian Pariser and CouncilmemberHoward Tendrich. Resident John Dubois,who will be running in the November elec-tion for a seat on the council, was there, aswas Marden Muñoz, the campaign treasur-er for Cutler Bay Vice Mayor ErnieSochin, who is running for re-election, anda woman who is another possible CutlerBay candidate.

Although not planning a municipal race,candidate Helen Williams thought theseminar was important, saying, “I’m run-

ning for mayor of Miami-Dade Countyand I think I should be here to hear this.”

Centorino said that as more communi-ties have become incorporated the interestin holding public office has grown.

“There are more positions to run for,”he said. “The community councils whenthey came in created a whole raft of peo-ple running for office who had never runbefore, and the incorporation movementhas created more levels of governmentand more people involved in the process,which overall may be a healthy thing, butit also is a situation that can lead to trou-ble if people don’t get properly informedand prepared.”

Rhonda Victor Sibilia, community out-reach coordinator with the EthicsCommission, explained that mid-July was-n’t too early to learn the rules.

“This one is really for those people whowant to run in November,” Sibilia said.“We’ll probably have another seminar inNovember or December, but that will befor people thinking of running next year,because you really have to find out thisinformation ahead of time. For anyone inthe August elections it’s already too late.”

She also advised candidates that if theyhave questions about procedural thingsand local matters, such as what forms tofill out or about putting up campaign signs,they should contact the clerk or electionsdepartment of the city in which they’rerunning. For ethics issues they should con-tact the Ethics Commission.

Centorino agreed.“We have a hotline; we have a website,”

Centorino said. “We give opinions to peo-ple, and it’s always a great idea if peoplearen’t sure about the right thing to do in acertain situation to call for an opinion. Wecan’t cover all the bases in this kind of aprogram, but we try to hit the highlightsand essential things. But there are alwaysquestions that come up, and those are thequestions that need to be asked before peo-ple get into trouble.”

The website for the Ethics Commissionis <www.miamidadeethics.com> and theEthics Hotline Number is 786-314-9560.

SEMINAR, from page 1 ––––

120th Street. Project work due for completionin 2013 also will include widening left turnlanes at several intersections, leveling drive-ways to match the road grade and tree removal.

Lane closures that can affect late nightmotorists on US1 in both areas will take placefrom 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Sunday throughThursday, and from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Fridayand Saturday until work is completed in 2013.

Both projects will see sidewalks sectionsrebuilt; curbs, gutters and pedestrian rampsreplaced; new pedestrian signals installed at

key intersections; guard rails replaced; newunderground drainage sections installed;repaving, re-striping and updating signage.

All work is scheduled in stages to alleviatetraffic congestion and property entrances willremain open through the length of both proj-ects, according to the FDOT announcement.

For detailed information, contact SteveMcClure, PE, at 305-662-0226 or visit theFDOT website at <www.fdotmiamidade.com>with special traffic advisories available by dial-ing 5-1-1.

PROJECTS, from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––



Fourteen months ago I wrote about ourstate legislature’s attempt to dilute the powerof three liberal Florida Supreme Court jus-tices by asking the public to vote to increasethe number of justices by three.

The three new seats on the bench would befiled by appointment from the governor.Obviously, the governor would appoint con-servatives to fill the three seats effectivelyturning the Supreme Court into a very conser-vative bench. It would make the implementa-tion of laws favored by the Republican-domi-nated legislature much easier.

The proposed legislation did not obtainsufficient votes in the legislature to becomelaw and the makeup of the court remainedthe same.

Then, three months ago Gov. Rock Scotttook the process one step farther and attempt-ed to find a technicality to remove the samethree Florida Supreme Court justices whowere appointed by former Gov. LawtonChiles, a Democrat.

His targets are Barbara Pariente, PeggyQuince and R. Fred Lewis, all of a liberalpolitical persuasion. Behind the governor’saction was Restore Justice 2012, a Tea Party-backed conservative group, which has fund-ed similar conservative actions.

Florida Supreme Court justices are notelected by the voters of our state, but areappointed by the governor. Our state consti-tution requires that all appointed judgesmust, once every six years, appear on the bal-lot for a “yes” or “no” retention vote. Part ofthe retention process calls for the appointedjustices to complete the appropriate retentionforms, which requires the notarization oftheir signatures.

It seems that in the middle of the courtsdeliberations on the redistricting of politicalboundaries the three justices took a one hourbreak to complete the retention forms and beable to file them in a timely fashion. The formswere signed by the three justices and notarizedby staff — salaried employees of the state.

The governor asked the FDLE (FloridaDepartment of Law Enforcement) to investi-gate whether the judges violated the lawwhen they used state workers to notarizetheir paperwork. The findings would be usedto remove the three justices from thisNovember’s ballot.

Now, two Seminole County residents have

filed a lawsuit in Leon County court askingthe secretary of state to remove the samethree justices from the November ballot.Their contention, the same as the governor, isthat the three justices improperly used stateemployees to notarize forms. They contendthe one hour taken by the three justices tohave their papers notarized cost the statethousands of dollars while attorneys andstate employees sat around waiting for thethree justices to return.

Then, last week, Leon County StateAttorney Willie Meggs said the case againstthe three Supreme Court justices on chargesthat they illegally used state salaries employ-ees in campaign activities should be dropped.The state attorney stated, “Using statesalaried employees to notarize their formsdid not constitute furthering one’s [politicalelection] campaign.”

Ironically, but not acknowledged by thetwo Seminole County petitioners, the legisla-ture or the governor, is the fact that therequested FDLE’s investigation determinedthat the other four justices, all Republican

appointments, also used court employees tonotarize financial disclosure forms.

Our founding fathers, of very diversepolitical ideologies, came together to form anation that would not have taken place if theystuck by their individual concepts of how ournew nation should be created.

Today, the question we must all face is howdo we convince our elected officials, thatregardless of their political party interests,they must find a way to work together for thesurvival of America. Remember the words ofPresident Abraham Lincoln: “a house dividedcannot long survive.” Our houses, both inTallahassee and Washington, are so divided.The future of our country is at stake.

We appreciate your opinions on this col-umn whether in agreement or disagree-ment. Please send your comments to (faxnumber) 305-662-6980 or email to <[email protected]>. Theopinions expressed in this column are notnecessarily those of this newspaper, its edi-tors or publisher.

KENNETH’S COMMENTARY

R. Kenneth Bluh VIEWPOINT Lawsuit aims at removing liberal Florida Supreme Court justices


Green Dot has become the nation’s No.1 provider of prepaid debit cards, but withtheir rise in prominence, there’s been anincrease in scams that have taken advan-tage of the services that they offer.

There have been 84 complaints since2011 regarding the Green Dot cards, andaccording to a spokesperson for the FloridaAttorney General’s office, these numbersare increasing at a rapid rate.

An advisory was issued by the BetterBusiness Bureau when nearly 40 borrowerslost tens of thousands of dollars sendingfinancing charges on MoneyPaks. Accordingto the Federal Trade Commission, thievesrunning scams now are asking for MoneyPakpayments, and more than 40 percent of theirvictims are over the age of 70.

Green Dot does not take responsibilityfor any fraudulent act that may occurthrough the use of its card. The moneyloaded onto the MoneyPaks is untraceable,similar to any common wire transactions.

Companies similar to Green Dot, suchas MoneyGram and Western Union, haveadopted fraud detection programs andelectronic transaction flagging systems,making Green Dot the ideal choice victimfor con artists.

Purchasing Green Dot prepaid cards iseasy as they are found at most large retail-ers, major discount store chains, and drugstores. The MoneyPaks can be utilized tosecurely store funds until which time thatthey are transferred to another account orloaded onto another debit card. They arenot meant for direct purchases.

Law enforcement and consumer agen-cies have agreed to partner with Green Dotin hopes of isolating the previous scamcases.

MoneyPak has provided a simpler wayto send money where you need it the most.Consumers have the option to load up to$1,500 each day on MoneyPaks for just$5.95 per transaction. The money is heldby a partner bank of Green Dot, andaccessed through the number on the backof the card.

Fraudulent acts take place by coercingvictims to load their MoneyPak cards, andthen call back with the access number.Unfortunately, victims are unaware of howsimple it is for crooks to gain access andempty out the accounts when usingMoneyPaks.

Green Dot encourages all customers tobe aware of common scams and followthese additional steps:

• Never give your MoneyPak numberout to strangers.

• Never give out receipt informationfrom a previous purchase to another party.

• Only use your MoneyPak to reloadprepaid cards or other accounts you maycontrol.

• Refuse offers to buy a MoneyPak andshare the number/receipt information byemail or phone.

• To use your MoneyPak with otheronline merchants, transfer the money to aPayPal account before paying the mer-chant. Do not email your MoneyPak num-ber directly to any merchant.

• Do not use the MoneyPak to pay taxesor fees in order to claim “winnings” on for-eign lottery or prize promotion. Unless it’san approved MoneyPak partner, do not useyour MoneyPak for any offer requiringyou to pay up front.

A list of approved MoneyPak partners isavailable on the Green Dot website.

CBS MONEY WATCH

Al Sunshine

Prepaid card fast becomingideal choice for cons artists

Those who study politi-cal history will note thatmost political establish-ments almost always needa perpetual enemy — realor imaginary.

Take Palmetto Bay,where the current officials

continue to bombard residents with far toomany instances of the political bogeyman.First it was Palmer. What started out as alegitimate zoning dispute, but turned into apolitical scare tactic by Mayor ShelleyStanczyk and Vice Mayor Brian Pariser asa tool for extending floundering politicalcareers — and they are spending hardearned tax dollars to do it. The courts haveconsistently ruled against the Palmetto Bayofficials, even going so far in a recent opin-ion that the elected officials acted eitherfrom “wishful thinking” or “more likely awillful disobedience” of prior court orders.The court outed Palmetto Bay, not Palmer,as the bully.

The cleanup is not even done withPalmer and Palmetto Bay officials aremoving onto the next scare. They nowhave a new enemy to scare you into vot-ing for them. The officials are misleadingthe public that “only three members ofthe council have tried to protect the com-munity from overdevelopment. Thosedevelopers waiting at the gate ofPalmetto Bay to get rid of those councilmembers are only looking to fill theirpockets.”

Really?Walmart in a residential district? A

ginormous high school by ChristFellowship Church? Again, really? Themisinformation from some officials growsbolder with each failed attempt. Where isPalmetto Bay on the pending CharterSchool lawsuit? Now there is anotherBogeyman that needs some seriousexploitation.

Bogeyman politics is the last refuge for ascoundrel and is employed to allow theenactment of regulations that will harmmany more than just the alleged bogeymanand undermine anyone who disagrees withthose employing the bogeyman; but mostimportant of all, it is used to keep the cur-rent elected officials in power.

This is similar to the wartime presidentargument: To not reelect a sitting presidentin time of war is bantered as a sign ofweakness in the face of the enemy. You

love your country, don’t you? Supporterswill insist that all good patriots need torally around the flag and do your part toallow the president to bring the conflict toa successful conclusion. This is not recenthistory. I am told that this rhetoric wasemployed in the re-election of JamesMadison. Similarly, a bogeyman isemployable as the reason not to shift poli-cy direction on a local level or risk loss ofthe great effort against evil. The bogeymancan even be used as a tool to extend termlimits as those holding office will assureyou that only they can protect you.

Everyone should be concerned. Thepolitical fear mongering can lead to newover-reaching rules and regulations thatwill affect everyone, not just the stated tar-get of hatred. An example would be a “newand improved” noise ordinance or otherregulations designed to make sure thatsounds from that school’s soccer game orswim meet does not waft over into a neigh-boring yard.

Sounds peaceful. What’s the problem?Well just wait until a neighbor is miffedbecause there are one too many cars on thestreet or near his/her home for your kid’sbirthday party and they don’t happen tolike the sounds of screaming kids on thetrampoline or cannon balling into the pool.

Those regulations you thought were tobe employed only against the big badbogeyman are now shutting down yourseemingly normal activity at your homeor business. Explain that to your spouseor worse, explain that to your childrenand guests or customers.

To rephrase the character PresidentAndrew Shepherd in the 1995 movie TheAmerican President: The problem of thecurrent mayor and vice mayor isn’t thatthey don’t get it. Their problem is that theycan no longer sell it! We have serious prob-lems to solve, and we need serious peopleto solve them. And whatever your particu-lar problem is, I promise you, the mayorand vice mayor are not the least bit inter-ested in solving it. They are interested intwo things and two things only — makingyou afraid of it and telling you who’s toblame for it. That, ladies and gentlemen, ishow you win elections.

I believe that Palmetto Bay residents andbusiness owners realize that such serioustimes require something more than inanerhetoric and spending millions in legal feesby all sides. This coming election needs tofocus on the need for vision, fairness andconsistency, not a helping of scare tacticsof the political bogeyman.

BY GRANT MILLER Publisher

It’s bogeyman after bogeymanfor this Palmetto Bay Council



BY LAURA M. LAGOMASINO

Dr. Lawrence Feldman, Miami-DadeSchool Board vice chair, on June 28 pre-sented Dr. James A. Thomas, chair of theEconomic Development Council of SouthMiami-Dade (EDC) a proclamation recog-nizing the EDC for its contributions to andsupport of the residents and communitiesof South Miami-Dade County.

The council’s primary objective is tosupport the expansion and retention of

existing businesses, to increase the overalleconomic vitality of local communities,and to attract new, diversified businessesand new jobs to the area.

Founded in 1992, the EconomicDevelopment Council of South Miami-Dade is a local not-for-profit economicdevelopment corporation encouraging thekind of development that creates a betterfuture for both businesses and residents.

To learn more, visit online at <www.edc-southdade.com>.

Dr. Lawrence Feldman presentsproclamation recognizing EDC

Pictured at the presentation are Dr. Lawrence Feldman (left) and Dr. James A. Thomas.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––



When a traffic accident took the life ofMichael Sanchez and left Gabriel Maynoldia quadriplegic, Julio De La Mata and hisfriends had trouble coping with the tragedy.

They attended Sanchez’s funeral servicesand the annual mass honoring him, but foundit difficult to leave the tragedy behind as theytried to go forward with their lives.

Then last year De La Mata and his buddiesrealized they wanted to honor their fallenfriends and organized the Hoop4Hope event,a three-on-three basketball tournament.

“I decided with my business partner,Javier Perez, it’s time to turn our focus andour attention,” De La Mata said. “We shoulddo what we can for Gaby. Last year was anenormous success.”

The basketball event took place at St.Kevin’s Catholic Church and was so success-ful that this year it is being held on Aug. 4 atBelen Jesuit Preparatory School. The cost toenter is $150 per team.

“Now it’s a one day event, maybe nextyear, if we get a large crowd, a two-dayevent,” he says.

“Last year we had some big sponsors. Wehad Norwegian Cruise Lines, Hard Rock,Wendy’s, McDonald’s, and Sports Authority.We expect support from all again. Last year

we had 150 participating and 500 spectatorsshowed up.”

This year they are expecting 300 partici-pants and 1,000 spectators.

While De La Mata is reluctant to talk aboutthe accident because there still are lawsuitspending, he does say it was one of Miami’sworst. The boys had left a party in the

Kendale Lakes area, near the golf course andtheir car ended up wrapped around a tree.

The money raised will go toward purchas-ing a wheelchair accessible van forMaynoldi’s use.

“Basically we have it within reach,” De LaMata said. “It’s going to be very possible forus to get it done.”

Putting on Hoop4Hope has changed De LaMata’s life for the better. He says giving backto the community helped him find himself.

He and his partner started the Giving MuchMore (GMM) Foundation. The initials comefrom Mike, the friend that passed away, Mack,his partner’s little brother who also died in anaccident on the way back from Disney World,and Gaby, their friend who is quadriplegic.

“Since this is our second year, everythingis generated toward Gaby,” De La Mata said.“This is just a stepping stone for the future.”

He said they are starting with the basketballtournaments but one day they hope to alsoproduce kickball or flag football tournaments.

“After that, maybe galas, silent auctions,things like that that the community wantsgoing on,” he said. “We’re going to be open-ing up the doors and look for other families[to help] — people who have been affected,as we have, by accidents. Young people aredying in cars. Not from drinking and driving,it’s from being young and dumb.”

De La Mata said the accident that claimedhis friend’s life caused a lot of dark years inhis life.

“It changed my life in the negative. You don’thave to go to the dark,” he said. “Other familiescould contact us and tell us their stories.”

For more information, go online to<www.hoop4hope.com>.

Childhood friends raising money, awareness through ‘hoop’ event

Teams to play basketball to help the victim of a car crash.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


BY KARLA DAMIAN

For the first time since it opened in 1984,Metrorail will add a new rail line that willprovide easy access to Miami InternationalAirport (MIA). On Saturday, July 28, Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) officially will open its23rd Metrorail station — the new MiamiInternational Airport (MIA) Station.

Trains serving Metrorail’s new OrangeLine will take passengers to all stationsbetween Dadeland Southand Earlington Heights,continuing west towardsthe new MIA Station.

The 2.4-mile Metrorailextension to MIA, whichruns parallel to State Road112 and crosses the MiamiRiver, is considered thecenterpiece of the People’sTransportation Plan(PTP). The PTP, which isoverseen by the Citizen’sI n d e p e n d e n tTransportation Trust(CITT), is the half-pennysales surtax approved byMiami-Dade voters in2002. Construction ofMetrorail’s extension andstation were funded with$404.7 million from the PTP surtax and$101.3 million from the Florida Departmentof Transportation (FDOT).

“This is such an exciting project for ourcommunity, and it’s going to be a hugebenefit for our residents and visitors,alike,” said Miami-Dade County MayorCarlos A. Gimenez. “By directly linkingour airport to our urban center, we’re join-ing the ranks of the great world cities —London, Paris, Tokyo — that alreadyenjoy this kind of dynamic, game-chang-ing connectivity.”

Metrorail’s new service will make it possi-ble for millions of Miami-Dade County resi-dents, visitors and airport employees to havea reliable and seamless Metrorail connectionto and from the airport’s MIA Mover, whichwill take transit riders directly into the air-port. It also will provide a boost to the localeconomy by creating jobs and facilitatingwork-related travel, reduce greenhouse gasemissions and improve travel time by takingvehicles off local roadways.

“With this new serviceto the airport, every hoteland business in downtownMiami, Coconut Grove,Hialeah, Kendall, andeverywhere else along theMetrorail system willnow be at the front doorof Miami InternationalAirport — the largest eco-nomic engine in theregion,” said Ysela Llort,Miami-Dade Transitdirector.

The new MIA Station isa multilevel structure thatwill provide passengerswith a central transferpoint to Metrobus andlater to Tri-Rail, Amtrak,Greyhound, tour buses and

other modes of transportation via the MiamiCentral Station, which currently is underconstruction. The Miami Central Station isbeing sponsored and built by the FloridaDepartment of Transportation.

For information on the Orange Line and newMIAMetrorail station, visit online <www.miami-dade.gov/transit> (on mobile devices,<www.miamidade.gov/transit/mobile>), orcall 3-1-1, Monday-Friday, from 7 a.m. until 8p.m., and on Saturday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.Closed on Sundays and during county-observedholidays.

Metrorail extension to MIA to begin service on July 28

“This is such anexciting project for

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— Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez

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BY RAQUEL GARCIA

The Miami Disc Golf Association(MDGA) recently installed an 18-holechampionship disc golf course at thePalmetto Bay Village Center in hopes thefast growing sport will continue to catch onin the community.

Similar to golf, the game involvesthrowing a Frisbee-like flying disc into abasket from approximately 230 feet awayon an average. Scores are based on thenumber of shots made into the basket. An18-hole course generally is around two tothree miles long with varied topographyand “hazards” spread out about the fairwayto challenge players.

MDGA president George Alvarez found-ed the not-for-profit organization in 2011and has since set up baskets in locationslike Fuchs Park and Gibson-BethelCommunity Center, but the Palmetto Baycourse is the largest so far.

“It is a great sport for anyone in anyshape and any age,” Alvarez said. “Withthe exception of the purchase of the discsthe game is free so it is an economical sportfor families and the baskets generally lastup to 20 years. It is also a great way to stayin shape as one round [18 holes] is gener-ally about two to three miles.”

The appeal of getting back to nature andspending the day outdoors seems to havecontributed to the growth of a sport thathas been around in various incarnations

since the 1960s. In the past decade, discgolf has more than doubled in popularityand is played in over 40 countries world-wide according to the Professional DiscGolf Association (PDGA) based out ofAtlanta, GA.

“When I lived in Charlotte, NC, therewere only three courses. Now they have upto 33. The sport has exploded and we arehoping to do the same thing for Miami,”Alvarez said.

The MDGA team has been around thecommunity visiting nursing homes, theYMCA, Special Olympics, and otherorganizations to teach interested playersand educate the public on the benefits ofdisc golf.

Although the Palmetto Bay VillageCenter course opened a month ago, theystill are in the installation stage. Funds arebeing raised to pay for baskets and keypadsfor scoring. To raise money for the coursea “Miami Vivo” social will take place atthe Palmetto Bay Village Center on July26. Restaurants, retailers, and health-cen-tered businesses will have booths and localmusic will be provided by “Van GoghListens” and DJ “Vibe.” The event is freeto the public with prices ranging from $5 to$10 for food and drinks at each station.

To find out more about the Miami DiscGolf Association and “Miami Vivo”fundraising events contact MDGA presi-dent George Alvarez at 786-457-6214 orsend email to <[email protected]>.

Disc golf course installed atPalmetto Bay Village Center

Miami Disc Golf Association president George Alvarez scores a basket.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


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BY REBECCA KLEIN

What better way to gather with fellow con-gregants and friends at a Friday night servicethan by devouring hundreds of pounds of milkchocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate.

Members and friends of Temple Bet BreiraSamu-El Or Olom in Kendall will have thechance to find out at the synagogue’s 20thannual Chocolate Lovers Shabbat Service tak-ing place on Friday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m.

The annual Bet Breira Samu-El Or OlomChocolate Lovers Shabbat service is thebrainchild of congregation member LindaHornik.

“This is my 20th Chocolate Shabbat,”Hornik explained. “It began, I guess, as a lark,20 years ago during a Temple calendar meet-ing, that the summer Friday theme Shabbatswere being assigned. There were the educa-tors, the lawyers, the doctors, the Sisterhood,the Men’s Club.

“I said, I thought it was in jest, that I hadlong ago left teaching and while I am a moth-er and always will be a mother, a mother’sShabbat did not have a real tug to it. My chil-dren were grown and on their own. So I said

the next best thing to loving my children wasmy love of chocolate. And so it began. It hasalways been something done with love andthe knowledge that everyone looks forward tothis every year. Chocolate Lovers Shabbat is asweet, sweet dream that I am allowed to pur-sue every year. After all, chocolate never goesout of style,” Hornik said.

The Chocolate Lovers Shabbat has beenpopular right from the start, especially attract-ing families with young children to services.Temple administrators and Hornik are expect-ing more than 300 people to attend the specialservice on Aug. 10. Hornik is planning a dis-play and tasting of more than 100 differentchocolate candies. An abundance of home-made chocolate desserts such as chocolatecakes, pies, and chocolate-covered fruits andnuts also will be on display for sampling.

Congregation Bet Breira Samu-El Or Olomserves both Conservative and Reform congre-gants. Rabbi David Schonblum leads theConservative movement and Rabbi JaimeAkelpi leads the Reform movement. The syn-agogue is located at 9400 SW 87 Ave. inKendall. For more information, call 305-595-1500.

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BY YANEIZA ECHEZARRAGA

Nicolas Ortiz, 15, of Miami, is theyoungest person in the country to participatein the Formula 1000 racing championshipseries.

His passion for speed and drive to succeedhave led him to achieve a high level of driv-ing experience by competing in difficult divi-sions, earning several wins and podium fin-ishes since a very early age. During his latestrace in May of this year at the F1000 GrandPrix of Motorsport in Canada, Ortiz, theyoungest driver on the racetrack, finished inthe top five.

Ortiz started racing go-karts at age 13.Since then, his sole focus has been to con-tinue advancing in the motorsport world andone day become a Formula 1 driver. Hisstrong commitment to racing has not, how-

ever, affected his performance at school.Recently recognized for his academicachievements, Ortiz is an outstanding stu-dent involved in various extracurricularactivities including volunteer projects withKey Club and Ventana de los Sueños, a localcharity that supports autism research.

Ortiz admits his family is part of thesecret to his success. Racing is a familyaffair at the Ortiz’s household. His parentshave committed not only long hours toaccompany him to his training sessions andraces abroad, but also all of their savings, asthe investment for each individual race canamount to hundreds of thousands of dollars.Native to Cartagena, Colombia, mom anddad are immigrants who came to the UnitedStates chasing the American dream and arenow very proud of their young son with bigdreams.

Nicolas Ortiz, 15, is youngestFormula 1000 racecar driver

Nicolas Ortiz––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


BY CATLEYA SORNMAYURA

Nicole Patrick of Miami has been namedone of only 43 Emerson Scholars receiving afull scholarship to attend Interlochen ArtsCamp, the world’s premiersummer arts program foraspiring young musicians.

Emerson scholars areselected to the competitivesummer arts program fromamong the top applicants.

Patrick, 18, is attendingInterlochen Arts Camp thissummer to study percussionand perform with distin-guished youth ensembles.She is the daughter of Chadand Lori Patrick. Althoughshe spent her first threeyears of high school atCoral Reef High School (CRHS), Patrickgraduated from Interlochen Arts Academy inInterlochen, MI. She studies classical percus-sion with her father and Sergio Carreno, anddrumset with Daniel Susnjar. At the ArtsAcademy, she studied with Jeffrey Irving andJohn Alfieri.

Patrick has played in the pit for numerousmusicals at Miami Children’s Theater andArea Stage Theater Company. She has wonthe Young Artist Award and Senior Honors atthe Academy as well as the John PhilipSousa Award at CRHS.

Patrick will attend the University ofMichigan as a double major for Jazz andClassical Performance. In the future, shehopes to play professionally for Broadwayproductions or tour as a musician.

“I am so happy I get to return toInterlochen after the best school year ever!”

Sponsored by Emerson of St. Louis, theEmerson Scholar Program provides theopportunity for outstanding high school musi-

cians to attend Interlochen Arts Camp, locat-ed in northwest Michigan. The EmersonScholars Award provides full tuition, privatelessons, and room and board for the six-weeksummer program. This is the 23rd year

Emerson has sponsored thescholarship program.

“Every year, Interlochen ArtsCamp brings together some ofthe most talented and motivatedstudents from around theworld,” said Interlochen presi-dent Jeffrey S. Kimpton.“Thanks to the generosity ofEmerson, we are able to extendeven more opportunities to tal-ented young artists by provid-ing them with an experienceunlike any other.”

To be eligible for theEmerson Scholarship, stu-

dents must be in grades 9-12 and demon-strate exceptional skill and proficiency onharp, string, wind or percussion instruments.

“To be recognized as an Emerson Scholarputs these students in a most elite and presti-gious group of talented people,” Kimptonsaid. “It is quite an honor, not only for thestudents themselves, but also for the peopleand places that helped them to become thepromising young musicians they are.”

Interlochen Arts Camp is part of the non-profit Interlochen Center for the Arts, theonly community in the world that bringstogether a 2,500-student summer camp pro-gram; a 500-student fine arts boarding highschool; lifelong opportunities for arts educa-tion and enrichment; two 24-hour listener-supported public radio stations, and one ofthe nation’s largest arts presenters with 600events annually.

For admissions information, call 1-231-276-7472, or visit Interlochen online at<www.interlochen.org>.

Nicole Patrick attendingInterlochen Arts Camp

Nicole Patrick–––––––––––––––––––

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BY SUE ARROWSMITH

Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Honors

College will host a 10-year alumni

reunion on Friday, Aug. 10, 6 p.m., at

the college’s National Historic

Landmark Freedom Tower, 600

Biscayne Blvd.

Honors College alumni are invited to

attend.

The event offers alumni an opportuni-

ty to see old friends, network and learn

about all the new, innovative happenings

at MDC.

Dubbed an “Ivy Stepladder” in a

major Time magazine report in 2005, the

Honors College is a unique college-wide

initiative within MDC that is designed

to meet the needs of a select group of

high-achieving, academically talented

students with demonstrated leadership

ability who thrive from collaborations in

an intensely focused, multi-dimensional

learning environment in and out of the

classroom.

During the past decade, these remark-

able alumni have excelled academically

and beyond while serving communities

locally, nationally, and internationally.

They have gone on to obtain degrees

from Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Johns

Hopkins, Massachusetts Institute of

Technology, Mt. Holyoke, Georgetown,

University of North Carolina-Chapel

Hill and New York University, among

other top institutions.

For more information or to RSVP for

this event, call 305-237-7077.

Miami Dade College to host 10-yearreunion for Honors College alumni

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BY GRISELLE MARINO

Miami-Dade FireRescue saved threepuppies from a town-house fire that tookplace on Monday,July 9, in southwestMiami-Dade County.

Upon arrival, firecrews were advisedthat there was a litterof puppies still insidethe house.Firefighters were suc-cessful in locatingand rescuing the pup-pies from the burninghome. Paramedicstreated three puppieson scene by adminis-tering oxygen with apet oxygen mask thentransported them to alocal animal hospitalfor additional treat-ment.

All MDFR trans-port units areequipped with a set ofpet oxygen masks.The masks are used atfire scenes when petsare rescued and havesuffered smokeinhalation. They arespecially designed to fit over an animal’ssnout and come in three different sizes toaccommodate different types of domes-tic pets.

MDFR has been fortunate to have var-ious community organizations donate themasks. Pet oxygen masks are not dispos-able and can be cleaned and reused.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue saves puppies from fire

Lt. Karen Chambers treats one of the puppies administering oxygen with a petoxygen mask.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

As students and theirfamilies enjoy the finalweeks of summer vacation,the new school year beck-ons and Florida Power &Light Company has an-nounced its plan for sup-porting STEM (science,technology, energy andmathematics) education inFlorida schools for the 2012- 2013 academic year.FPL’s commitment to STEM education has led the company to develop a compre-

hensive inventory of tools and programs to help schools provide excellent and dynamicSTEM education to students.“Research shows that STEM education is critically important to ensure that today’s

students are prepared for tomorrow’s competitive economy,” said Pam Rauch, FPLvice president of Development and External Affairs. “We know that many teachersreach into their own pockets to supplement their teaching and to help bring lessons tolife. It is our hope that these programs will inspire additional creativity, ease burdenson our teachers and make a lasting impact on Florida’s students.”

Here is a brief overview of the various programs:

New traveling school assembly program, offered to schools at no charge• Designed for kindergarten through fifth grades in schools throughout FPL’s serviceterritory.• “Men in Black: The Kilowatt Connection” is a live drama that will delight students,while teaching them all about energy conservation.• Show is produced by the National Theatre for Children.• To schedule a show, call 800-858-3999, ext. 1

Adopt-A-Classroom Matching Donation• FPL will offer 1,500 classrooms $25 donations through Adopt-A-Classroom (orga-nization links teachers with community partners and funds to purchase supplies forthe classroom).• Middle and High School Teachers working in STEM subjects in the 28 school dis-tricts FPL provides service.• To qualify for the match, a teacher must receive at least $25.00 donation throughwww.AdoptAClassroom.org/fpl <http://www.AdoptAClassroom.org/fpl> .

Teacher Grant Programs• All public, private and charter school teachers in FPL’s service territory are eligibleto apply for grants to create classroom projects focused on any form of energy educa-tion.• Grants are awarded in increments of $500 to $2,500 and the application deadline isNovember 15, 2012. Winners will be announced by the end of this year.• For more information, please visitwww.fpl.com/community/learning/solarstations.shtml

FPL’s 2012-2013 plans to support STEM education in Florida is part of FPL’slarger commitment to the state. This is the fourth year FPL has supported the EnergyTeacher Grant Program, which has now awarded more than $122,000 for 120 teacherprojects across FPL’s 35-county service territory. The awards come from the NextEraEnergy Foundation, which is funded by shareholders of FPL’s parent company, Nex-tEra Energy, Inc., the nation’s largest producer of renewable energy from the windand the sun. Beyond the teacher projects, FPL has installed Next Generation SolarEnergy Station arrays at 14 educational facilities across Florida and built three large-scale solar power plants to supply power to its customers.

FPL energizes STEM education in Florida schools

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BY KATHLEEN LABRADA

The Miami-Dade County Commissionadopted landmark legislation sponsored byCommissioner José “Pepe” Díaz during itsJuly 3 meeting designating the Miami-Dade County Animal Services DepartmentShelter as a “no kill’ facility.

“Pet owners and animal loversthroughout Miami-Dade have been wait-ing for a ‘no kill’ policy to be imple-mented at our Animal ServicesDepartment,” Commissioner Diaz said.

“The No Kill Equation provides alterna-tives to euthanizing animals by partneringwith community organizations and reach-ing out to residents about the importance ofsterilizing their pets to decrease our straypopulation. As a pet owner myself, I lookforward to seeing this plan in action in thecoming months,” he added.

“As the proud owner of two wonderfulpets, including a rescue dog, I’m pleasedthe county commission has adopted thispolicy,” said Miami-Dade County MayorCarlos A. Gimenez. “I hope this will fur-ther encourage residents to visit our shelter,adopt these loving animals and give thempermanent, new homes.”

Becoming a “no kill” shelter means hav-ing a 90 percent or better rate of animalssaved at the county’s animal shelter due tospecific programs developed by the “nokill” movement in the United States, whichprovides alternatives to animal sheltereuthanasia. The resolution is modeled afterthe No Kill Equation, a program modelwhich changes the way shelters operate andprovides the animal-loving public an inte-gral role in that operation.

A forthcoming mayor’s report will beconsistent with the No Kill Equation andinclude:

• Comprehensive Adoption Programs;• Free-Roaming Cat Trap/Neuter/Return

Programs;• High-Volume, Affordable Spay/Neuter

Services;• Large-Scale Volunteer Foster Care

Programs;• Rescue Group Transfers;• Proactive Pet Retention Programs;• Proactive Pet Redemptions;• Medical and Behavioral Programs;• Public Relations/Community

Involvement, and• Volunteer Programs.Miami-Dade County Animal Services

Department director Alex Muñoz hasembraced these ideas and wants to expandon the work already being done by the shel-ter, which last year saved a large majorityof stray and abandoned dogs.

“A lot more work is needed to reduce thenumber of cats brought to the shelter andincrease the number of cats adopted,”Muñoz said. “The implementation of ‘nokill’ programs will require the developmentand implementation of new programs andthe expansion of current efforts. The sheltercannot do this alone and like other successfulcommunities, we need our residents’ help.”

Animal Services Dept. shelterdesignated a ‘no kill’ facility

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Youngsters enjoy 2011Back to School Splash at The Falls. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY ALICIA WHITLEY

With the 2012 Florida Tax-Free Holidayproviding a bit of relief for parents duringthe back-to-school season, The Falls isringing in the new school year in style withthe eighth annual Back to School Splash.

As the mall prepares for this busy time ofyear, several retailers are getting ready foran eventful weekend with the latest fallfashions, accessories, school supplies andelectronics to start the school year off right.

The three-day sales tax break begins at12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 3, and ends atmidnight on Sunday, Aug. 5. During thisperiod, retailers will not be required to col-lect state and local sales use tax on mostfootwear, clothing, backpacks and schoolsupplies priced less than $100.

The Falls has once again aligned withSouth Florida Parenting to host the Backto School Splash, celebrating the start ofthe school year and taking place onSaturday, Aug. 4, and Sunday, Aug. 5,from noon to 5 p.m. each day.

This free, family-friendly event will fea-ture a trackless train that can transportfamilies between Macy’s andBloomingdale’s, bounce houses, sand cas-tle art, lunch bag decoration and othercrafts, and a pirate treasure hunt.Additionally, Holtz Children’s Hospital

will present a Teddy Bear clinic and SouthMiami Hospital will showcase crown andpirate hat-making crafts. Young visitorswill be able to enjoy a magic show presen-tation from James Changefield and danceperformances as well as classes courtesy ofHip Hop Kidz. Back to School-themedvendors will be on-hand to present a vari-ety of products and services to attendees.

“The Falls is thrilled to partner onceagain with South Florida Parenting to pro-vide a fun and convenient way for familiesto take advantage of the tax-free holiday,”said Dailen Rodriguez, director of market-ing and business development at The Falls.“Our retailers are providing incredibledeals this year on top of the tax-free dis-count which is sure to please parents, whileour event elements provide activities forchildren of all ages to enjoy.”

Shoppers will also find tax-free deals atDadeland Mall, Shops at Sunset Place andMiami International Mall.

Before hitting the mall, shoppers cancheck out even more savings by visitingthe Simon Retailer Showcase wherecoupons and other retailer deals await at<www.simon.com>. Not sure what clothesare school uniform approved? Stop byGuest Services for a list of school require-ments, which stores to find the appropriateattire and which stores have the best deals.

The Falls to celebrate tax-freeweekend with events, incentives


BY STEPHANIE ROJAS

The Greater Miami Chamber ofCommerce celebrated the accomplishmentsof outstanding local military personnel dur-ing its 25th annual Military Service Person ofthe Year Awards. The awards were presentedon Wednesday, July 11, at the chamber’smonthly Trustee Luncheon at Jungle Island.

The recipients of the 2012 MilitaryService Person of the Year Awards are:

Petty Officer Second Class DinorathAdams, United States Navy, United StatesSouthern Command;

Petty Officer Third Class JoshuaColumbo, United States Navy, United StatesSouthern Command;

Petty Officer Second Class Eric J. Ernst,United States Coast Guard, Air StationMiami;

Master Sergeant Francisco G. Gonzalez,United States Air Force, Homestead AirReserve Base;

Corporal Luchmy Luc, United StatesMarine Corps, Marine Forces South;

Master Sergeant Eduardo Marin, UnitedStates Air Force, Special OperationsCommand South, and

Sergeant First Class Marcos Vazquez,United States Army, Recruiting Command.

The program also recognized Colonel

Lettie Bien, United States Army (Retired),with the Lifetime Contribution to MilitaryService Award, and featured remarks byColonel Danny R. McKnight, United StatesArmy (Retired), veteran of the raid inMogadishu, Somalia as chronicled in themovie and book Black Hawk Down.

The 2012 Military Service Person of the

Year Awards were made possible through thegenerous support from presenting sponsors:Florida National University, American RedCross of Greater Miami & the Keys, UnionInstitute & University, and supporting spon-sors: The Allen Morris Company; The BeaconCouncil/Miami-Dade Defense Alliance; TheConroy Martinez Group; Florida Blue, ios

Health Systems; Morrison Brown Argiz &Farra LLP; Miami-Dade CountyCommissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, District 12,and Show Technology Inc.

For information about the chamber’sMilitary Affairs Committee, contact ReinaDeleon at 305-577-5438 or by email to<[email protected]>.

Chamber announces recipients of Military Person of the Year Award

Pictured are (l-r) Petty Officer Second Class Eric J. Ernst, Master Sergeant Francisco G. Gonzalez, Sergeat First Class Marcos Vazquez, Colonel Lettie Bien, Petty Officer Third ClassJoshua Columbo, Petty Officer Second Class Dinorath Adams and Corporal Luchmy Luc.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY ILEANA PORTAL

The Doral headquarters office of

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local McDonalds restaurant

owner/operators and recipients of

the 2012 HACER scholarships.

Each year, the Ronald McDonald

House Charities/Hispanic American

Commitment to Education

Resources (RMHC/HACER) awards

scholarships to high school seniors

of Hispanic descent. Since 1985,

RMHC/HACER has awarded more

than $13 million in scholarships to

more than 11,000 Hispanic students

in the U.S. Recipients are selected

on the basis of academic achieve-

ment, financial need and community

involvement. Each year, HACER of

South Florida distributes more than

$20,000 to local high school stu-

dents; each student received $2,000

to assist with his or her studies.

“As a community bank headquar-

tered in Miami, it’s important for us to

work with local organizations that are

impacting our hometown,” said

Armando Trabanco, senior vice presi-

dent and regional manager for U.S.

Century Bank.

“At U.S. Century Bank we have

embraced education as one of our most

important causes and through the year,

we support a number of initiatives that

are enabling the youth of our commu-

nity to attain their educational goals.

We welcome the students who are

recipients of these HACER scholar-

ships and applaud the local

McDonalds owners/operators who are

making these students’ dreams become

a reality,” he added.

“The HACER scholarship program

has grown and has helped thousands of

Hispanic students pursue their educa-

tional goals thanks to the generous

donations of McDonald’s owners/oper-

ators in Miami,” said McDonald’s

owner/operator Yoyi Rodriguez. “We

are pleased to have helped so many

Hispanic students achieve their educa-

tional goals.”

U.S. Century Bank hosts event for HACER Scholarship Awards

RMHC of South Florida HACER Scholarship winners (l-r) Kevin Pardinas, Melissa Quintana, Priscilla Suzal-Wright,Xiaowen Wu, Nicolas Carchi, Pamela Saavedra, Lissette Noda, Elianne Vazquez, Kendrick Cancio and Emily Salvador arejoined by Ronald McDonald at the 14th annual South Florida HACER Scholarship Award ceremony at US Century Bankheadquarters. Pardinas and Salvador were chosen from among thousands of applicants across the country for the nation-al $100,000 scholarship given to four students each year. Pictured in the back are Alejandro Krauskopf, David Beltran andMathew Penna.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


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Further your fairway swing withclub fittings at Planet GolfBy Conchita Smith

The pros behind the driver at Planet Golf are taking the game to new heightsin South Florida. With the help of sophisticated technology like the FlightScope launch monitor, precise club fittings are becoming a new local industrystandard.Launch angles, ball speed, club speed, and spin can be improved substan-tially when outfitting a player according to Alfy Martinez. “The launch monitoris a fitting tool,” said Martinez. “It gives us the information we need to properlyfit the right club shaft for a golfer. A client who swings at 78 miles an hourcan substantially increase the speed of his driver and be swinging at 80, 81miles per hour.”Store patrons are invited to invest an hour or so with one of the experiencedstaff members and swing at the in-store hitting bay to determine proper clubfitting. The launch monitor and simulator will then take the data and formulatea profile for the right shaft and head club combination possibilities.“Getting fitted for the right clubs will help any golfer on a day to day basis,”

said Fittings Specialist NelsonMesa. “One of the most crucial ele-ments on the course is to have theright lie angles of club head toground for the best swing. You wantto make sure you are entering theground at the flattest and most effi-cient level.”Because grip will vary depending onindividual body type and arm length,customizing the club for the best fitis an indispensable feature optionfor best game play. Standard meas-urements of arm length and height

are also taken. “The days of just buying off the rack are over,” said Mesa. “Ifyou are going to invest between $700 and $2000 on a new set of clubs youwant to get something that will fit you for a while. We offer complimentary fit-tings for every club or set of clubs purchased.”Billy Baldwin estimates the savings to clients to be between $45 and $60 forthe no charge fittings. “We customize for the client to suit his or her needs,”said Baldwin. “We are here for a long term relationship. We treat our clientslike family and want them to feel secure so when they walk out of the storethey are taking home what they really need.”The Planet Golf family has over 30 years combined experience in the busi-ness, all under one roof. “Launching the fittings to make the game easierand more effective for our clients has been a big part of our transition herein the past year,” said Alfy’s twin brother Eddy Martinez. “We are so happyto all be working together, our clients are finding us and we are making themhappy as well.”“You come in the store and everybody is greeting you and in a good mood,”added Mesa. “People drive from all over Florida to visit Billy and the twins.They have done an incredible job helping golf evolve locally and state wide.”

The Planet Golf Family: Nelson Mesa, EddyMartinez, Billy Baldwin, Alfy Martinez andAlex Giraldi

Planet Golf Headquarters at7045 SW 87 AveTo find out more about Planet Golf,call [email protected]

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BY ERIK STEIN

In celebration of what would have been

the 70th birthday of the Grateful Dead’s

Jerry Garcia, NCM Fathom Events and

Rhino Entertainment will present “A

Birthday Celebration: The Grateful Dead

Movie Event” on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 7

p.m., at Movies @ The Falls.

During this special in-theater gathering,

fans will be treated to the 1977 cinematic

concert journey The Grateful Dead Movie,

as well as a special birthday commemora-

tion on Garcia directed by Justin

Kreutzmann featuring the Dead’s Bob Weir

and other surprise guests.

Tickets for “A Birthday Celebration: The

Grateful Dead Movie Event” are available

at participating theater box offices and

online at <www.fathomevents.com>. For a

complete list of theater locations and

prices, visit the NCM Fathom Events web-

site (theaters and participants are subject to

change).

The pre-show birthday commemoration

features Weir and other luminaries reflect-

ing on Garcia and also gives fans an inside

look at Weir’s new state-of-the-art multi-

media studio, the Tamalpais Research

Institute (TRI). Audiences also will see a

slideshow of rare photos of the band set to

a previously unreleased live track.

“Bringing The Grateful Dead Movie

back to U.S. cinemas is the ultimate way

for Dead fans to celebrate Garcia’s 70th

birthday,” said Shelly Maxwell, executive

vice president of NCM Fathom Events.

“This one-night event will allow fans to

gather at their local theaters to honor

Garcia as they once again experience the

music that made him a legend.”

This one-night event will be broadcast to

more than 450 select movie theaters across

the country through NCM’s exclusive

Digital Broadcast Network. NCM Fathom

Events and Rhino Entertainment recently

teamed up for the highly successful cinema

presentation of “Grateful Dead Second

Annual Meet-Up At The Movies 2012” in

April of this year, as well as “The Grateful

Dead Movie Event” in April 2011.

Recorded more than 35 years ago under

the direction of Garcia and co-directed by

Leon Gast, The Grateful Dead Movie was

shot in October 1974 at the Winterland

Arena in San Francisco prior to the

Grateful Dead taking a two-year sabbati-

cal. Debuting at the Ziegfeld Theatre in

New York City on June 1, 1977, the movie

chronicles several different facets of the

original Dead Head phenomena and

includes band performances of U.S. Blues,

One More Saturday Night, Casey Jones,

Playing in the Band and Sugar Magnolia,

among other Dead classics. The Grateful

Dead Movie has become an iconic staple of

popular culture for Dead Heads.

Grateful Dead Movie BirthdayCelebration on the ‘big screen’

Ocwen Loan Servicing ChoosingPrincipal Balance Reductions overAggressive Foreclosure Defense

For a FREE consultation withBruce Jacobs & Associates,call (305) 444-2242or watch his free webinar:“Strategies for anUnderwater Mortgage” atwww.negotiatefromstrength.com.

It’s not a strategic default if youstop paying your mortgage unlessyou have a strategy.

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There may be good news if Ocwen Loan Servicing is handling yourloan. Ocwen is taking a new approach to help underwater homeown-ers. They call it the “Shared Appreciation Modification" (SAM)Program. The test for the SAM program is whether principal balancereductions produce better results than fighting against an aggressiveforeclosure defense.“It’s about time.” said Bruce Jacobs, a former bank lawyer who now

represents homeowners in foreclosure, “since I started fighting fore-closures in 2008, I found banks rejected principal balance reductions.They only considered debt forgiveness if the homeowner moved out ofthe home."Ocwen recently started the SAM program and has settled with home-

owners that are aggressively fighting their foreclosure in Court. These“SAM’s” reduce the principal balance of underwater mortgages to 95%of today’s fair market value. If the house goes up in value, the bank isentitled to a share of the profits when you sell.“I find many banks are still missing critical documents needed to

show the right to foreclose on underwater mortgages.” Said Jacobs,who is also a foreclosure defense client. “I had five mortgages on twoproperties underwater by almost $500,000.00. I stopped paying andfought. Now I have one mortgage left on one property. It was originallywith Countrywide Home Loan. I know they have serious problems withtheir paperwork. I wish Ocwen was handling my loan.”Jacobs is part of a national network of dedicated lawyers fighting

back against Banks. They train at seminars in Las Vegas, Orlando,New York City and online to share resources and develop cutting edgeforeclosure defense strategies. Many of the attorneys are former banklawyers who, like Jacobs, fight for meaningful help for their clients.Jacobs has also lectured in real estate offices and at continuing legaleducation seminars for other attorneys.“There are reasons banks filed “robo-signed” fraudulent documents

in foreclosures all over the country. Many tried to cover-up seriouspaperwork problems which made proving the right to foreclose in acourtroom difficult.” said Jacobs. “The goal for most of my clients iseither a meaningful loan modification with a principal balance reduction,forgiveness of the debt, or to fight to remove the mortgage from theproperty.”

By Ann Lino

• Owe more than your home is worth?• Not paying your mortgage?• Facing Foreclosure?


BY SANDRA RODRIGUEZ

Ultimate Miami LLC— creator of

Miami’s hottest talent competitions

showcasing local rising stars in the fields

of mixology, music and culinary arts —

currently is accepting entries for the ulti-

mate Miami bartender through Tuesday,

July 31.

Participants will compete for a cash

prize of $5,000 and the title of Miami’s

Ultimate Bartender. The inaugural event

takes place on Saturday, Sept. 29, 9

p.m., at Stage 305 inside Magic City

Casino and will feature eight finalists

competing for the grand prize.

American pop-punk band, Bowling for

Soup, also will be present for a special

musical performance.

“We are thrilled that Magic City

Casino will be the home of the ultimate

Miami bartender competition and look

forward to witnessing the crowning of

Miami’s Ultimate Bartender on

Saturday, Sept. 29, in our newest venue,

Stage 305,” said Scott Savin, chief oper-

ating officer of Magic City Casino. “It

will be an incredible evening filled with

great energy and entertainment includ-

ing live music by Bowling for Soup. We

invite the public to join us for this spe-

cial occasion.”

Ultimate Miami’s mission is to discov-

er and support local talent by providing

the competitive environment that allows

them to shine. Phase One of the Ultimate

Miami competition requires participants

to complete a free registration form

online at <www.theultimatemiami.com>

or submit it in person at the Magic City

Casino Players Club by Tuesday, July 31.

Phase Two of the competition involves

an online fan vote that will determine the

finalists. Phase Three completes the com-

petition, when the eight finalists battle

for the title of Miami’s Ultimate

Bartender in front of a live audience on

Saturday, Sept. 29.

As a grand finale to the day’s competi-

tion, Bowling for Soup will take the

stage. Bowling for Soup is an American

pop-punk band, which originally formed

in Wichita Falls, TX in 1994. The song

1985 from their Top 40 album, A

Hangover You Don’t Deserve, reached

No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in

2004. Their cover of the song Stacy’s

Mom was recently released as part of a

three-track single. In addition, the song,

Girl All the Bad Guys Want earned them

a 2002 Grammy Award nomination.

UPCOMING ULTIMATE MIAMICOMPETITIONS:

• Ultimate Miami Band, Nov. 10; tak-

ing entries starting Aug. 13.

• Ultimate Miami Food Truck, Jan. 5,

2013; taking entries starting Oct. 8.

• Ultimate Miami Voice, Mar. 2, 2013;

qualifying events starting Nov. 1.

• Ultimate Miami Dessert, May 4,

2013; taking entries starting Feb. 4, 2013.

• Ultimate Miami Deejay, July 13,

2013; Taking entries starting Apr. 8, 2013.

Magic City Casino, located at 450 NW

37 Ave. in Miami, offers free self parking

with valet parking available as well. For

more information about Ultimate Miami,

visit <www.theultimatemiami.com> or

call 305-631-4536.

Last call: Miami’s UltimateBartender search underway


BY PAULINA NARANJO

The Greater Miami Convention and

Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) has

announced the 11th Annual Miami Spice

Restaurant Program — the wildly antici-

pated summer celebration in which

Greater Miami restaurants offer dis-

counted three-course lunch and dinner

menus.

To make dining deals spicier, new to

the program this year is a second option,

which will be available simultaneously

from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, offering Miami

Spice fans more diverse and wide-rang-

ing dining options.

The expanded format of Miami Spice

— presented by American Express and

sponsored by Stella Artois and Bacardi

rum — will consist of a two restaurant

groups: Luxury Restaurants and Fine

Dining Restaurants.

• Luxury Restaurants will offer three

course prix-fixe lunches at $23 per per-

son, dinners at $39.

• Fine Dining Restaurants will feature

menus at $19 for lunch, $33 for dinner.

All Miami Spice menus include an

appetizer, entrée and dessert as part of

the fixed price, which excludes tax and

gratuities.

“Our 2012 revitalized Miami Spice

program embraces the city’s ever-grow-

ing culinary scene,” said William D.

Talbert III, CDME, president and CEO of

the GMCVB. “The expanded program

gives Miami diners more options and

more opportunities to savor the region’s

great restaurants.”

For an up-to-date list of participating

restaurants, menus and scheduled

events, visit the Miami Spice

Restaurant Program’s dedicated website

at <www.iLoveMiamiSpice.com>.

Restaurateurs who wish to be consid-

ered for Miami Spice should send email

to <[email protected]> for

information.

Miami Spice restaurant program to offer expanded dining options


Byy Annn Lino

A newly formed full service immigration law firm, The Hermanni Law Group,recently established offices in Coral Gables and has since recruited severalnew attorneys to provide clients with a full plate of immigration services. Theimpetus for creating this firm came from Kurt Hermanni, who had earned agreat reputation as a skilled, honest and competent international lawyer ded-icated exclusively to the practice of immigration law.

Hermanni remembers a time when a client’s friend called from New York tohelp his detained nephew get a bond from an immigration judge in KromeDetention Center. Thereafter, the family only wanted him despite the addedtravel expenses.That level of trust and dedication has propelled the HermanniLaw Group to handle cases throughout the United States. That is not hard tounderstand given the number of cases in which immigrants have been vic-timized by less principled and trustworthy attorneys. Passionately committedto serve his clients, Hermanni has developed relationships that have dramat-ically increased his client base through satisfied client referrals.

Seeing the growing demand, Hermanni has recruited a group of outstand-ing lawyers all of whom have a general competency in general immigrationlaw but also have a focus in variety of critical areas. While Hermanni is fluentin English, Spanish and Italian, his entire team his fluent in English and Span-ish.

The firm is currently comprised of five full-time house attorneys: Kurt Her-manni, Senior Partner; Norma Lorenzo, Managing Attorney; and AssociateAttorneys Patricia Hernandez, Consuelo de le Ossa, Jenna McQuid andGreg Greenberg.

The Hermanni Law Group currently represents numerous internationalcompanies throughout the world, with clients in Latin America, Europe, Asiaand the Middle East, in support of their employees’ short-term or long-termplacements in the United States. Additionally, the firm represents clients fac-ing immediate removal from the United States and those seeking asylum,Cuban Adjustment and adjustment status. Successful representations havefocused on defense of marriage fraud claims and cases involving violenceagainst women. The firm’s distinguished clientele includes a former SouthAmerican President and his family, several foreign dignitaries, a former mili-tary General, military attaches, professional athletes, and foreign investorsfrom China, Serbia, Colombia, Venezuela, Spain and Italy.

The Hermanni Law Group is located at 2655 LeJeune Road, Ste. 800,Coral Gables, FL 33134. Ph: 305 640-8222 or Mobile 786-271-6699. Visitour website at www.legalizationlawyer.com.

Immigration Law FirmRecruits Top Staff

BY NANCY EAGLETON

At the three dermatology offices of

Hector Wiltz Jr., MD, located in Kendall

and Homestead, Dr. Wiltz collaborates

with Eric Bussear, MPH, PA-C, to help

patients of all ages achieve and maintain

healthy and beautiful skin.

They combine their knowledge and vast

experience to offer patients a full spectrum

of medical and aesthetic dermatologic pro-

cedures, including treatments to combat

acne, skin conditions such as psoriasis,

skin cancer and the signs of aging.

Dr. Wiltz, who is board certified in der-

matology, received his medical degree

from Temple University School of

Medicine in Pennsylvania and completed a

dermatology residency at UMDMJ-

University Hospital in New Jersey. He has

been practicing at his Bird Road office

located in Kendall Regional Medical

Center for 20 years, and specializes in

medical dermatologic procedures.

Eric Bussear, PA, began his medical

career at the age of 19 as a Corpsman for

the U.S. Navy. He received his Physician

Assistant degree and then obtained a mas-

ter’s in Public Health from Nova

Southeastern University where he also

served as a professor. Bussear has obtained

vast experience in surgery throughout his

medical career, and specializes in cosmetic

dermatologic procedures and surgery.

The pair offers a variety of treatments to

help patients gracefully fight aging,

including chemical peels, exfoliation treat-

ments, Botox, injectable fillers and laser

procedures. To determine patients’ goals

and establish the best treatment plan,

Bussear offers new patients a free cosmet-

ic consultation.

Botox, one of Bussear’s favorite treat-

ments, helps combat forehead and brow

lines and gives the eyes a lift.

“I love the results my patients achieve

with Botox,” he said. “It’s the No. 1 cos-

metic treatment in the country and there’s

a reason — it flat out works. When admin-

istered properly, it’s the perfect anti-aging

remedy and it changes people’s lives.”

For a one-two punch against aging,

Bussear recommends partnering Botox

treatments with filler — such as Juvederm,

Radiesse or Restylane — to replace vol-

ume lost in the cheeks and lips and plump

up laugh lines.

“Lips are my specialty,” Bussear said. “I

can help patients achieve the lips of their

youth — lips that are fuller and have that

natural edge.”

Dr. Wiltz and Bussear offer a variety of

lasers, which are effective treatments for

fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, pig-

ment disorders, blood vessels, vascular

birthmarks, psoriasis, angiomas, vitiligo

and unwanted tattoos and hair.

“The CO2 laser remains the gold stan-

dard for resurfacing skin,” Bussear said.

“With this treatment, patients need to plan

for downtime. On the other hand, the CO2

fractional laser delivers powerful results

without the harsh side effects. I typically

perform this laser on a Friday and people

are back to work on Tuesday.”

In the age-old fight against acne, which

can affect people at any age, chemical

peels can be combined with pharmaceuti-

cal grade exfoliating products to achieve

clearer skin. These same treatments also

are successful to combat pigmentation

issues common in Latino and Asian skin.

Preventing, diagnosing and treating skin

cancer is a priority for Dr. Wiltz and

Bussear. They take time to educate their

patients on the proactive and preventive

steps they can take to keep skin healthy at

all ages and stages. Dr. Wiltz also is a

teaching practice. Students from Miami

Dade College and Keiser University

Physician Assistant program shadow Dr.

Wiltz and Bussear to gain clinical knowl-

edge from expert dermatologists.

The offices of Hector Wiltz Jr., MD, are

located at 11760 Bird Rd., Suite 451, 305-

227-9233; 7400 Kendall Dr., Suite 411,

305-670-0178, and 151 NW 11 St., Suite

201, Homestead, 305-245-1332.

Hector Wiltz Jr. MD, helps put your best face forward

Achieve healthy and more youthful looking skin atoffices of Hector Wiltz Jr., MD.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY PAUL BORDEN

It seems such a natural fit — convertiblesand South Florida — you might think that itwould have been the first thing to come tomind when the board of the SouthernAutomotive Media Association (SAMA),which is based in Miami, began mullingover ideas for another event to add to itsyearly calendar.

When the organization was formed inMarch 2007, the first thing it did was workwith the South Florida Auto DealersAssociation to coordinate an awards pro-gram for the South Florida InternationalAuto Show.

That fall, SAMA selected its first “Star ofthe Show” of the event, which draws morethan 600,000 visitors annually in the fall tothe Miami Beach Convention Center — theCadillac CTS.

The following year, SAMA held its firstRides-N-Smiles event, treating pediatricpatients from Baptist Children’s Hospitalwho suffer from chronic childhood illnesssuch as cancer, diabetes, Crohn’s and Colitis,and brain injuries, to a day of rides aroundthe Homestead-Miami Speedway roadcourse in luxury performance cars.

In the past couple of years, that event has

grown to add families from MiamiChildren’s Hospital and continues to growthanks to the efforts of Bill Adam, SAMAvice president. The 2012 Rides-N-Smiles isscheduled for Nov. 10 at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.

But always in the back of everyone’s mindwas the idea of a third event for the spring to

balance out the schedule. It would be looselybased on the Texas Truck Rodeo competitionthat the Texas Auto Writers Association con-ducts in the Lone Star State, but featuringanother automotive segment. Though pickupsand SUVs are popular in South Florida, espe-cially when it comes to towing boats, theydon’t really fit into the area’s image.

Consideration was given to luxury cars.After all, you can’t drive up and downMiami Beach’s Ocean Drive withoutencountering at least one and usually severalexotics that make you stop and go “whoa.”That idea never got off the ground.

Then thoughts turned to the evolving“Green Car” market of hybrids and electricvehicles. But that didn’t take off either.

Finally, at a breakfast board meeting,someone broached the idea to feature a con-vertible competition, and that got unanimousand enthusiastic approval.

Thus “Topless in Miami” came into being.From the name, you might think this meet-ing was held during cocktail hour, but cof-fee, orange juice and tea were the only bev-erages on the table.

The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne also wasthe unanimous choice for the headquarters asthe hotel not only is in an exotic beach loca-tion, but has a big auxiliary entrance thatwould serve as a staging area for the cars. Aconvenient, short driving area along CrandonBoulevard that presents several great photobackdrops is available right there as well.

It works this way: SAMA members takethe cars out for quick spins and score themon design, driving experience, and the easeof raising and lowering the tops. One-buttonoperations that secure themselves get highmarks. Several factory representatives are inattendance to answer questions and ridealong to offer additional information if themedia member desires.

The process begins in the morning andcontinues through late afternoon when allthe scores are tallied, and winners in four

categories plus an overall Convertible of theYear are announced during a banquet thatevening.

It is a fun to participate, but it’s not exact-ly an easy task. The quality of the 17 vehi-cles entered in the most recent (June 14) sec-ond annual competition reflects the stridesthe industry as a whole has made in recentyears in overall quality and design.

The other difficulty is getting the vehiclesinto a proper category as well as defining thecategories. Luxury, small and sports cars aresomewhat obvious segments, but a fourthpresented a bit of a challenge. The decisionwas made to classify convertibles with four-passenger capacity as “family” vehicles. Itworked out great in 2011 when the NissanMurano CrossCabriolet was the winner of the“family” category, but classifying the win-ning 2012 Chevrolet Camaro as a “familyconvertible” might be stretching things a bit.

But those are details that are to be workedout in the future. The turnout of 71 SAMAmembers for 2012, nearly 20 more than thenumber of members who took part in thefirst year’s event, would seem to be evidenceof the enthusiasm SAMA members have forTopless in Miami.

Other winners for 2012 are the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster as Convertible ofthe Year; the Jaguar XKR-S as LuxuryConvertible of the Year; Camaro as BestFamily Convertible; Audi TT S-TronicRoadster as Best Sports Car Convertible,and the Gucci edition of the Fiat 500C asBest Small Convertible.

The Fiat was a repeat winner in the catego-ry from the inaugural event in 2011, when theAudi R8 Spyder won the voting for 2011Convertible of the Year. Other winners in 2011were the BMW 650i, Chevy Corvette, and, asmentioned, the Murano CrossCabriolet.

But considering the support from the man-ufacturers and the turnout of the member-ship, a sixth winner on a bright, sunny SouthFlorida day was SAMA itself.

SAMA’s ‘Topless in Miami’ features top convertiblesPictured (l-r)

are the winnersof the SAMA

second annualTopless in

Miami competition:

Fiat500c GucciEdition;

Mercedes BenzSLS AMG;Chevrolet

Camaro; AudiTT-S, and

Jaguar XKR-S.


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BY ALICIA WHITLEY

Dadeland Mall has announced an excit-ing array of retail and dining options join-ing the property including Misaki, KingKone Hand Rolls, Strive and Crepe Maker.Additionally, Zara has expanded its storeand added a Zara Children section andKoko & Palenki has moved to a largerlocation within the mall.

“Dadeland Mall is always striving toenhance our exciting mix of retailers,” saidMaria Prado, mall manager. “We arepleased to welcome each of these vibrantnew tenants to the property.”

Misaki, a luxurious, high-end jewelerspecializing in pearls opened its doors inthe spring. The brand, which has been spot-ted on celebrities such as Julianne Hough,Nicole Scherzinger and Sarah Hyland,strives to combine the timeless and classicbeauty of pearls along with contemporarydesign. The 508-square-foot space is locat-ed next to Michael Kors.

Zara, the popular international fashioncompany offering on-trend looks forwomen, men and children, has expanded itscollection, which became available to shop-pers in May, to include a Zara Children. TheZara Children line offers sizes for boys andgirls that range in age from 2 to 14. The16,499-square-foot store is located next toSaks Fifth Avenue inside the mall.

Strive, a retailer specializing in footwear,recently opened 1,556-square-foot store

next to Nordstrom inside the mall. Striveoffers a wide selection of Crocs.

A Miami staple, Koko & Palenkiexpanded to a 3,147-square-foot spacebetween the Apple Store and Victoria’sSecret earlier this month. The shoe andaccessory-focused store offers designerlooks in familiar names such as Elie Tahari,Mystique, Pelle Moda, True Religion andBoutique 9. Stylish shoppers also can findapparel and looks from Alice & Olivia,DVF, Rebecca Minkoff and many more.

King Kone Hand Rolls just openedinside the food court and offers a healthier,unique dining option. The “kone”-shapedpackaging allows customers to enjoy theirselection on the go, forever changing theway sushi is consumed. A large selection of“kones” including spicy tune, ceviche,Mexican, crunchy salmon, dragon and moreare available along with traditional rolls anda variety of sides, desserts and “kombos.”

C repeMaker, a delicious addition in theeast mall area near Aeropostale and sched-uled to open mid-July, offers a wide varietyof sweet, salad and savory crepe combina-tions. Kids’ crepes and breakfast crepesalso are available. The CrepeMaker con-ception came from the Parisian street cartvendors, and after opening its first locationin 1992, the CrepeMaker now boasts loca-tions from coast to coast.

For more information, visit the SimonProperty Group website at<www.simon.com>.

Dadeland Mall welcomesvariety of new tenants


BY LEE STEPHENS

After piloting its programs locally for twoyears, UrbanPromise Miami officiallykicked off its services in the South Floridacommunity recently with an inaugural cele-bration at the Coral Gables Museum thatdrew nearly 300 attendees and raised$60,000.

UrbanPromise Miami, a non-profit organi-zation serving children in high-risk urbanareas in Miami-Dade County, is based on thesuccessful program model of UrbanPromiseCamden in New Jersey that works to helpyouth graduate and succeed in what has beencalled “one of America’s most violent cities.”For its success in Camden, UrbanPromise hasbeen featured on ABC’s 20/20 and the OprahWinfrey Network (OWN).

“We were inspired by the differenceUrbanPromise has made in Camden, andwe’ve replicated that model here,” said Dr.Ana M. Ojeda, co-founder and executivedirector of UrbanPromise Miami. “AlthoughMiami is often depicted as a tourist’s para-dise, the truth is Miami is one of the poorestbig cities in the country. The youth in oururban areas face overwhelming hurdles, andour role is to provide them with opportunitiesand support that might not otherwise be

available to them.”Through its after school and summer camp

programs, UrbanPromise offers tutoring,academic enrichment activities, professionalcoaching in reading, professional psycholog-ical counseling, and arts and sports activitiesto youth ages 5-18 at no cost. Its uniqueStreetLeader Program also provides teenswith vocational and leadership training, asthey are taught to serve as mentors and campcounselors to younger children in the pro-gram.

UrbanPromise Miami’s mission is to equipchildren for academic achievement, lifemanagement, leadership, and spiritualgrowth. Its after school and summer campprogram site currently is located in EastLittle Havana.

During the inaugural celebration,UrbanPromise Miami StreetLeaders sharedtheir experiences from participating in theprogram.

“The UP staff and interns taught me whatit meant to trust somebody for the first time,”said one 17-year-old in a written testimonialdisplayed at the event. “They were patientwith me and accepted me for who I was. Ifelt welcomed and loved from the moment Iwalked in, despite the walls I had put uparound me.”

Another event highlight included the“Chen Medical Challenge” issued by Dr.Gordon Chen, ChenMed senior vice presi-dent, who also serves on the UrbanPromiseMiami board. Dr. Chen called on attendees topledge a dollar a day to sponsor a child for afull year. Many attendees stepped up to thechallenge, filling out pledge cards to sponsorchildren for a full year of after school andsummer camp programs with UrbanPromise.

The celebration featured a live perform-ance of classic rock hits by local band PeopleYou Know and a silent auction. Guestsincluded Miami-Dade State AttorneyKatherine Fernandez Rundle, Judge AndreaRicker-Wolfson, Judge Jorge Rodriguez-Chomat, Judge Deborah White-Labora,Judge Migna Sanchez-Llorens, and Judge

Don Cohn, School Board vice chair Dr.Lawrence Feldman, and Coral GablesCommissioner Frank Quesada. Major eventcorporate sponsors included ChenMed,Mayoral Dermatology, and Cantera &Associates.

“We’ve started with a site in East LittleHavana, and we plan to continue growing toother under-served neighborhoods,” saidKristy Nuñez, Esq., UrbanPromise Miamico-founder. “The need is so great; we can’twork fast enough to meet it. Our vision is toequip children to avoid negative life choicessuch as dropping out, drugs, and crime andgive them the guidance and tools to graduateand succeed.”

For more information, visit <www.urban-promisemiami.org>.

Organization brings hope, opportunities to urban youth

Pictured (l-r) are Judge Migna Sanchez-Llorens, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle andUrbanPromise Miami co-founder Kristy Nuñez, Esq.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


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BY MELISSA LICHTENHELD

Mark Schusterman, athletic director andsoftball coach at Gulliver PreparatorySchool, is this year’s National High SchoolSoftball Coach of the Year, an award present-ed by the National High School CoachesAssociation.

Schusterman is a 32-year coaching veter-an in five sports. During his 26th seasondirecting the Raiders girls softball program,the team won its third consecutive statechampionship. Gulliver Prep, the first highschool in the county ever to take back-to-back state titles, won 3A state titles in 1998,2001, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

“In receiving this award, my thanks goout to my outstanding staff and coaches forall their hard work that allows me todevote time to this team of fantastic stu-dent athletes,” Schusterman said. “Thisaward also belongs to the softball coachingstaff, which has worked so hard to makeall this possible.”

This is Schusterman’s second consecutivenational award for coaching softball. In2011, ESPN Rise awarded Schusterman itsNational Coach of the Year title.

Schusterman, who began his coaching

career with Gulliver Schools in 1985, wasnamed Gulliver Prep athletic director in2007 after serving 13 years as athletic direc-tor of Gulliver’s Middle School. He hascoached softball, cross country, football,boys basketball and girls basketball. He ledGulliver to its first state title in 1998. In2009, he was inducted into the FloridaAthletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

A graduate of Florida InternationalUniversity with a degree in history, he beganhis coaching career at Miami Killian High in1980, then became head basketball coach atMiami LaSalle High in 1984. The next yearhe moved to Gulliver Prep, where he taughthistory classes for his first 10 years alongwith coaching.

In 2001, the Miami Herald named himMiami-Dade County Male Coach of the Year.He currently serves as Florida AthleticCoaches Association’s state softball chair and isa member of the Florida High School AthleticAssociation softball advisory committee.

The NHSCA is a nonprofit organization thatprovides leadership and support to coachesand administrators and their programs.

For more information about GulliverSchools visit online at <www.gulliver-schools.org>.

Gulliver’s Mark Schusterman namedNational HS Softball Coach of Year


Farms in South Miami-Dade County pro-duce most of the winter vegetables for thenation. In the summer, other crops take cen-ter stage, including mangos and other fruits.

Tom Rieder, a member of the Dade CountyFarm Bureau, said farming is the county’ssecond largest industry.

“It’s not just a job, it’s a way of life,”Rieder said. “Some of them [farmers] havegone to college, some have PhD’s. It’sbecome difficult because of the free tradeagreement and with the price of rents.”

Rieder should know, he’s a Realtor atRieder Realty, specializing in agriculturalreal estate, working the agricultural side ofthe business from Orlando south.

“I’ve been doing this for a little over 40years,” he said. “Agriculture has always beenmy focus. There are some real problems theyare having now. This free trade withMexico…”

Another problem is who is going to pickthe crops. The anti-immigration rhetoric andstrong anti-immigrant laws passed inAlabama and other Southern states havescared away many migrant workers. Cropsare often picked by undocumented immi-grants who are willing to do jobs thatAmericans won’t.

“There are a lot of people who physicallycan’t go out there and pick crops for 8-10hours a day,” Rieder said. “The farmingdown here is different from the rest of thestate. Most of our fields down here you gettwo crops a year.”

Those crops can be beans, tomatoes,squash and zucchini. Rieder said they arestarting to see some farmers growing sugarcane on land that ordinarily wouldn’t be usedfor farming but does very well for sugar cane.

Along with vegetable and fruit crops, theRedland and Homestead areas also are hometo land and container nurseries.

“One of our nurseries, Costa is probablyone of the largest in the country,” Rieder said.“We have a type of soil named marl. It holdsthe moisture and, because it does not havemuch rock in it, it’s easy for the farmers toroot prune.”

The soil clings to the roots, which helpskeep the plants and trees alive and thrivingwhile in the containers. It also helps when thetree is transplanted.

However, the nursery business is tied toconstruction.

“When construction fell off, so did the in-ground nursery business,” he said. “The con-tainer nurseries, they are shipping them allover the world. They’ve created a market.”

The advantages of farming in SouthMiami-Dade include access to water and landthat is less susceptible to frost.

Rieder said the Farm Bureau is encourag-ing farmers to look at the idea of selling pro-duce directly to the consumer.

“We’re trying to come up with a method ofbeing able to sell direct, trying to contactrestaurants and clubs,” he said. “We can pro-vide fresh fruits at a better price.”

There also are bus tours available. Thosetours take the people to packing houses andthey can buy fruits and vegetables right there.

“Most produce goes to Lakeland and ispacked and brought back down to Miami,”Rieder said.

Farmers work closely with the FarmBureau and the Farm Bureau works closelywith the agriculture extension offices of theUniversity of Florida on a variety of issues,including pesticides.

One of the most recent issues farmers havebeen alerted to is the Redbay AmbrosiaBeetle, which is harmful to avocado trees.

Rieder said farmers in the region are tryingto get federal funding for experimenting withnew types of farming, like hydroponic farm-ing, that could allow row crops to grow yearround.

Miami-Dade agriculturehelping feed the nation

Pictured are row crops growing in South Miami-Dade County.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Cutler Bay Business Association LuncheonNETWORKING on July 12, 2012

Photos by: Gary Alan Ruse

Cyndi Rogg andWade Nembhard draw businesscards for prizes.

Ivonne Cuesta (right), who is running for County Judge,receives a doorprize.

Cyndi holds pictures as Darryl tells about hisnew granddaughter.

Alva R. Royston, President of A. Randall Financial(left) and Sue Cruz, CEO of Playville Party Rentals.

CBBA President Cyndi Rogg (center) withother members.

Sally Sims, VP Marketing and Business Development,University Credit Union.

Wade Nembhard gave a presentation onsocial media marketing for business.

CBBA member Jean Tong Noon is picturedenjoying the meeting.

In the Palm Room of Palmetto Bay Village Center. A luncheon of barbeque burgers, hot dogs,fixings and treats.

CBBA Vice President Darryl Boyette (right) andhis wife Elizabeth provided the meal.

A good turnout of members networking despite therainy day.

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Audi has become a major player in theU.S., and a recent report that it sold morevehicles in June than in any month sinceentering the market 42 years ago onlyserved to solidify that fact. Audi set a newall-time monthly U.S. sales record with12,664 vehicles sold, a 26 percent increaseover June 2011, and the 18th consecutivemonthly sales record.

On the heels of those figures came theannouncement that Audi will bring back theiconic “allroad” in the 2013 lineup, a popu-lar model discontinued in 2004. Audi hon-chos believe the time is right for the returnof a station wagon type of vehicle with all-weather capabilities and great drivingdynamics. The new allroad does that andimproves on the original by combining thebest elements of a rugged crossover and anexecutive sedan. It’s faster and more fuelefficient, and with 7.1 inches of ground

clearance, it meets the outdoor lifestyleneeds of today’s consumer.

The allroad has a sleek design and a tallerprofile, rides on 18-inch wheels (19-inchersare optional), and has a unique single-framegrille design with vertical chrome struts andangled upper corners. Stainless steel skidplates and side sills, contrasting body trimand aluminum raised roof rails highlight theprofile, while matte-finished lowerbumpers and wheel arches are standard.Sleek headlights and circular fog lights fin-ish off the front, while circular dual-exhaustopenings polish the rear.

The allroad is wonderfully responsivewith its 2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine that delivers211 hp and 258 pounds-feet of torque,mated to a fuel efficient eight-speed auto-matic transmission. It clocks 0-60 mph in6.5 seconds; Quattro all-wheel drive is stan-dard and a new electromechanical steeringsystem saves weight, improves fuel econo-my and refines performance.

On the inside, the allroad is spacious,with plenty of front-seat headroom and 27cubic feet of cargo space, almost doublethat with the rear seats folded flat. Apanoramic sunroof is standard, along with

eight-way power seats, a choice of threewood inlays and a 505-watt Bang &Olufsen Sound System with 14 speakers.

The allroad is loaded with technology,including adaptive front lighting and Audiside assist, which uses radar to monitor thespace behind and beside the car and detectsany vehicles in adjacent lanes. An optionalDriver Assistance package adds adaptivecruise control, which keeps the vehicle at aconstant distance from the vehicle ahead.

Allroad also offers Audi Connect, aGoogle Earth integration to navigation that

gives panoramic high-resolution 3D satel-lite views and aerial imagery. Audi Connectalso provides a factory vehicle integrationof Wi-Fi service, allowing connections forup to eight devices.

Base price on the 2013 Audi allroad is$39,600.

Ron Beasley is the automotive editor forMiami’s Community Newspapers. He maybe contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext.261, or by addressing email to<[email protected]>.

Popular Audi ‘allroad’ returns in 2013 model lineup

LET’S TALK CARS

Ron Beasley

Audi allroad has a sleek design and a unique single-frame grille with vertical chrome struts.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

RIVIERA HEALTH RESORT NEWS- July 2012 -

Combining post-acute care and rehabilitation services within a luxury bou-tique hotel environment, Riviera Health Resort is proud to announce thatit has welcomed its first guests to the state-of-the-art, 223-bed facility.Poised to redefine the way healthcare is delivered to South Florida, Rivi-era Health Resort features an array of complex care services that cater tothe needs of guests that require short and long term care as they transi-tion from the hospital to home, with an emphasis on post-stroke and hipand knee replacement recovery. Riviera Health Resort’s multi-facetedteam of trained specialists assist guests in expediting their recoveryprocess and restoring function through a highly-focused, personalizedprogram of integrated therapy. Call us today to schedule a visit. You andyour loved ones could not be in better hands.

Dr. Ismael Roque-Velasco, one of the area’smost respected professionals in the arena ofpost-acute care and rehabilitation, is the ChiefAdministrative Officer of the newly-opened Rivi-era Health Resort. Earning accolades for hisvisionary approach, Dr. Roque-Velasco brings20 years of success to the one-of-a-kind facility.“Dr. Roque-Velasco will be an instrumentalfigure in achieving the facility’s goal of redefin-ing the way healthcare is delivered,” said Rich-ard Stacey, CEO of Riviera Health Resort.

Congratulations toAlina Richardson

(L-R) Dr. Israel Cabrera, Medical Director,Riviera Health Resort; Julissa Diaz, MSPT,Clinical Liaison/Business Development, RivieraHealth Resort; and Ms. Alina Richardson.

Dr. Ismael Roque-Velasco NamedChief Administrative Officer

Our first post-elective surgery guest,who is now up and about, and backhome after rehabilitating from a totalhip replacement. Thank you for yourfaith in Riviera Health Resort.

Riviera Health Resort’s post-acute care and rehabilitation offerings are designed forindividuals who have experienced a recent injury, illness, procedure – such as jointreplacement – or suffered an impairment.

Our Services

Riviera provides guests with an intensive, highly-focused program of integratedtherapy, including physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapy; neuropsy-chology with cognitive therapy; and IV therapy; wound care; cardiac recovery; sportsmedicine rehabilitation and more.

The facility’s Outpatient Rehabilitation offerings promote the continuum of care andwellness and include services such as functional assessments, physical therapy,audiology, vestibular rehabilitation, back/spine programs, women’s specialized well-ness, post-joint replacement programs, and sports medicine rehabilitation amongnumerous others.

Visit UsRiviera Health Resort is located at 6901Yumuri Street in Coral Gables. For a consul-tation and tour of the facility, contactRiviera’s guest services team at 786-517-6999 or visit www.rivierahealthresort.com

Riviera Health Resort Now OpenAccepting Medicare and Select Insurance Plans


BY KELLY ALLOCCO

The most comprehensive economic impactstudy of the nonprofit arts and culture indus-try ever conducted in the United States, Arts& Economic Prosperity IV, was announcedrecently by Americans for the Arts, thenation’s leading nonprofit organization foradvancing the arts and arts education.

Miami-Dade County’s Department ofCultural Affairs participated in tandemwith 181 other communities and regionsacross the country representing all 50states, focusing on two areas: (1) the eco-nomic impact of spending by culturalorganizations, and (2) the impact of event-related spending by these organizations’audiences.

Miami-Dade County’s nonprofit arts andcultural organizations represent a signifi-cant business industry in Miami-DadeCounty — one that generates almost $1.1billion in local economic activity, an almost17 percent increase over the last studyreleased five years ago. This spending —$673.95 million by nonprofit arts and cul-tural organizations and an additional$402.2 million in event-related spending bytheir audiences — supports 29,792 full-time equivalent jobs.

Attendance at cultural events also showsan increasing trend, demonstrating thatMiami-Dade’s audiences are growing, rep-resenting over 13.5 million cultural atten-dees annually as compared to 12.7 millionfive years ago when the last study was con-ducted. These results put Miami-DadeCounty among the top tier of comparable

metropolitan areas and demonstrate howthe arts are effective catalysts for strength-ening the economy and making Miami-Dade County more competitive nationallyfor business, tourism and the arts.

“This landmark study confirms what weall know to be true — the arts and culturalindustry in Miami-Dade County is a majorforce in making this a world-class metrop-olis for business and a great place to raiseour families,” said Adolfo Henriques, chairof the Miami-Dade Cultural AffairsCouncil. “Our outstanding cultural com-munity is putting us on the map as one ofthe newest and most culturally vibrantplaces in the world and as the ‘go-to’ desti-nation for economic and cultural innova-tion and diversity.”

The rapid rise of Miami-Dade County’sarts and cultural industry is a national suc-cess story. Today, there are more entertain-ment and educational opportunities forfamilies and children than ever. Miami’svibrant cultural life is a direct contributor tothe county’s resurgence as a center forinternational tourism and commerce.

Culture helps to understand and cele-brate the community’s remarkable diversi-ty and history. Investments in arts and cul-ture industry continue to enhance the qual-ity of life for Miami-Dade County’s resi-dents and visitors, strengthen the localeconomy and play a strategic role in devel-oping, attracting and retaining creative peo-ple, and nurturing creative industries.

The full text of the local Miami-DadeCounty study is available online at<www.miamidadearts.org>.

County’s arts and culture sectorgenerates $1 billion for economy

Community Newspapers

BY HOLLY ZAWYER

In recognition of the bravery and dedicationof America’s heroes, Hawks Cay Resort in theFlorida Keys has announced it will once againhonor military, fire and rescue, law enforce-ment and medical personnel through itsHeroes Welcome Program.

Running Aug. 20 through Nov. 18, the annu-al program features starting rates at just $99,special discounts on resort activities and a seriesof tribute events. A portion of proceeds of eachroom booked will benefit the Firehouse SubsPublic Safety Foundation and, through a uniquepartnership with renowned artist Guy Harvey,additional charity organizations dedicated toassisting our heroes and their families.

“Hawks Cay is a place for families to recon-nect and bond through unique and fun activi-ties,” said Sheldon Suga, Hawks Cay Resortmanaging director. “We are honored to be ableto host America’s heroes and their loved oneswith tributes, celebrations, and the relaxationthey deserve.

“This is our fourth annual Heroes Welcomeand we’ve expanded the programming this yearto include events and activities each weekendthroughout the season that honor the variousdivisions of our heroes — from police and fire tomilitary and medical personnel,” he said. “Thisis our way of giving thanks, paying homage, andabove all celebrating our heroic guests.”

The highlight of the Heroes Welcome pro-gram is the resort’s weekly “Heroes in Action”tribute ceremony that takes place every Saturdaynight at sunset around the Resort’s famous FirePit. The heartwarming slideshow and videopresentation feature pictures provided by guestsand iconic imagery that is followed by a lightingceremony as a tribute to all fallen heroes andthose currently in action. The evening continueswith live music under the stars.

Additional events planned throughout theprogram includes a touch-a-truck experience;fishing tournament, and the resort’s Down atthe Docks celebration, a dockside eveningevent featuring Coast Guard demos, local ven-

dors and live entertainment.Visit www.HawksCayHeroes.com for a cal-

endar of events.For the first time in the history of the pro-

gram, the resort has partnered with renownedartist Guy Harvey who will create a souvenirshirt commemorating this year’s HeroesWelcome and honoring its participants. A por-tion of proceeds from the program will go to acollection of charities selected by Guy Harvey,including Birdies for the Brave, which sup-ports members of the U.S. Armed Forces andtheir families. Another portion of the proceedswill go to Firehouse Subs Public SafetyFoundation, an organization created byFirehouse Subs, a fast-casual restaurant with508 locations, to better equip, educate andfund public safety entities.

While the $99 starting rate is limited toAmerican heroes, all resort guests can receivea special 20 percent off the best available rateby making a donation of $2 to supported foun-dations. For Heroes Welcome reservations,visit <www.HawksCayHeroes.com> or call 1-888-313-5749.

Hawks Cay Resort, located on Duck Key inthe middle Florida Keys, is the premier destina-tion in all of the Florida Keys for outdoor fun.

Alongside the emerald water of the AtlanticOcean, guests enjoy offshore, flats and back-country fishing; diving; kayaking; kiteboard-ing and standup paddle boarding programs;Cliff Drysdale tennis program; Segway toursand the only resort-based Dolphin Connectionprogram in the continental U.S.

The 60-acre resort boasts 177 guestroomsand 225 two- and three-bedroom villas, a full-service marina, five signature restaurants, salt-water lagoon, five swimming pools, kid andteen clubs and the award-winning CalmWaters Spa. A member of Preferred Hotels &Resorts and a AAA Four-Diamond Awardrecipient, the resort is owned and operated byNorthview Hotel Group, which completed a$35 million resort renovation in 2008. Theresort has been rated by local brides and votedThe Knot Best of Weddings 2012 Pick.

Hawk’s Cay Resort creates Heroes Welcome Program


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BA in Civil Eng & 5 yrs exp. req. Prepare budgets bids and contracts & direct

the negotiation of research contracts.

OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

Mail resume to:RL Global Supply Tech Inv., LLC2315 NW 107 Ave, Suite 1M39

Doral, FL 33172

BA in Bus. Adm. or IndustrialRelations. 5yrs exp. req.

Prepare management reportsdefining & evaluating problemsand recommending solutions.

EASY FUN JOBKendall area

Female preferredMust have a valid driver’s licenseoccasionally to drive a 2012 car

Part time availableSalary/Days/Hours open

Must be personableContact Herb at 786-242-8878

HELP WANTED

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ANALYST

Mail resume to:Coral Sun Marine Cons, LLC2800 Biscayne Blvd, Suite 333

Miami, FL 33137

Bachelors in Economic and 5 yrs exp. req. Provide advice& consultation on economic relationships to businesses,public & private agencies.

OPERATIONSRESEARCHMANAGER5 yrs exp. & BA in

Business Adm. Req. Prepare management

reports defining & evaluating problems

& recommending solutions.

Mail res to:Brefaro’s

Nobile Food LLC5340 NW 165 Street

Hialeah, FL 33014

BUSINESSMANAGER

BA in Business Ad. & 5 yrs exp. Req. Prepare or direct

preparation of financialstatements, Business activity reports, annual

budget required by Regulatory agencies.

Mail res to:USA Laminates LLC200 W. 24 StreetHialeah, FL 33010

SALONFOR SALE

Located onSunset & 95th.Great location

& great parking.$20,000.00

For moreinformation call305.775.3933

Tobacco Cessation Counselor NeededThe Florida Keys Area Health Education Center, Inc. (AHEC) isseeking a full time health care or social service professional

(Bi-Lingual a must) to work in the South Dade and HomesteadAreas. Candidate must be self motivated in reaching out to communities and healthcare providers and have counseling

experience. Professional training will be provided for the selectedindividual to assist them with counseling techniques and

dependency assessments. Qualified candidates should sendtheir resume and cover letter to Michael Cunningham, CEO at [email protected] or fax it to 305-743-7709. EOE

BARBERKendall Area~

Bilingual, withexperience for upscalemen’s barber shop.Call 305-505-0813

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM July 24 - Aug 6, 2012


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Your referral is my biggest compliment!!

Great for investment as a rental or to live. Hasscreened in porch going along property that looksdirectly at pool. On ground floors with no steps too.Freashly painted 3/2 with huge rooms and hugeclosets. Located at Castle Condo's out Kendall and109th.

10903 N KENDALL DR - $125,000

FOR SALE

6131 SW 128 St, Pinecrest ...................Short Sale........ .$2,199,0007/9 Mansion with the best schools, elaborate everything

10903 N. Kendall Drive, Apt. 112 ................Only..................$125,0003.2 at Castle Condo’s - 2 steps from pool

9390 W. Flagler Street, Apt. 221B................Only................. $99,000Gated community - open layout/tiled

3024 Center St .........................................Pending...............$199,900Coconut Grove - 2/2.5 with roof top patio

9055 SW 73 Ct, #1009, Metropolis ........Short Sale..........$199,0003/2 Granite Kitchen

13231 SW 105 ave, Falls Area ............................................$474,0004/2.5 with 2 car garage/pool/large yard/Updated.11048 SW 154 Pl ..................................Pending...................$149,000Fabulous 3/2 Townhome with Garage, screened patio,tankless water heater

12312 SW 148 Terrace .............................Pending...............$ 99,0002/2 townhouse in Villas of Deerwood

7740 Camino Real G205 ..........Aproved Short Sale..........$ 67,000

I work with Buyers, Sellers and Rentals! Please look for moredetails on these wonderful homes at Pammayers.com

List with the best!EWM sells a million dollar home every 18 hours!

You can’t afford to list with anyone else!

Updated 4/2.5 home that is 2700 sq ft and 18000sq ft lot. Really great layout-granite kitchen, break-fast area, 2 car garage, inside laundry area, tileand oak wood floors, hurricane shutters, greatstreet centrally located to jump on turnpike exten-sion or US 1. Everything is done! Just move in!

13231 SW 105 AVE - $474,000

Wonderful 2/1 at super price. Modern, clean,regular sale and in gated community with pool.Located between Palmetto and Turnpike - superinvestment or live there.

9390 W FLAGLER ST - $99,000

“LET ME BRING YOU HOME!”Pam Mayers

PINECREST

KENDALL WEST FLAGLER

FOR RENT15300 SW 106 Terrace ......................................................................... $$950Unit 534--1/1 ground floor unit with washer/dryer and large screened inporch

615 Lindell Blvd, Delray Beach..........................................................$1,7003/2 home with 1 car garage-ease side-large family room

One of a kind 7/9 Pinecrest, Short Sale withgranite baths, kitchen, fireplace, elaboratemoldings. Very distinctive home for South Florida.Cabana and tree play house for your parties.Regardless of age!

6131 SW 128 ST - $ 2,199,000

FALLS AREA

Featured Listings

Thegood--First you see this updatedhome on the Internet. Eighty-fivepercent of buyers preview their

home on the Internet. The people boughtit in 2005 or they took out an equity lineon top of their mortgage and now they areupside down and need to sell. It hasupdated baths, granite kitchen and theymoved the pool to build a wrap aroundporch that is amazing for parties. Theprice is great and even your husband isexcited. You both leave work early so theback yard can be seen in the daylight.You love it!!! (Short sales are betterpriced than regular homes but not as goodas foreclosures. ) I put in a contract rightaway. What should you pay? Depends ifyou get in a competition. If that happensexpect to pay full price or more. Theseller usually has a lawyer they insist youuse-so they now pay your title becausethey are the escrow and title agent.Which does save you big money. You getthe house and now are thoroughly con-fused what the time line is. Be assured

friends will tell you horror short sale sto-ries—all factual of course. You only haveto put $1000 down. There is no moneyspent on inspections or an appraisal rightaway. How bad can it get?The Bad-So the money is sent to the

sellers title and escrow lawyer. I recom-

mend my customers to hand drop it by tosee the law firm or title company. If it isa PO Box that is not a good sign. Theseare the people who are negotiating theshort sale. A short sale is much moreabout the seller than the buyer. Now theseller must give extensive records show-ing they qualify for a short sale. Then thebank that holds the mortgage does anappraisal to see if the price is true marketvalue. If they want more money the bankwill counter. ( I just had a condo that wasbought for $48K get a counter of $67K .)If the bank changes the price you can can-cel the contract. (So what is an Approvedshort sales?--homes that already have theappraisal and the bank has approved thesellers financial situation-RARITY) Didthe sellers mention there are two mort-gages? Amuch harder short sale. That isa question to always ask!! Both mortgagecompanies can agree on the short sale butthe first has to okay the payoffs for thesecond. Maybe they want the secondmortgage to get $3000 and the secondmortgage wants $5000. Yes, this is usual-ly the pay off price even if the secondmortgage is $75K. The first mortgagecan nix it because they are in control.This after 6 months of waiting.The Evil-the bank approves the short

sale. Usually the bank gives 30 days butthe paralegal was on vacation and no onetold you-- now you have 25. The contractis LIVE and all dates start quick. Timefor that much bigger second deposit-ouch.The banks give exact dates with specificsand the sellers have to sign this. Makesure you get a copy. So now your mort-gage guy has to jump on the appraisal andyou need to have the inspection lined upyesterday. Don't forget to do the insur-ance inspections at the same time! If aproblem is found with the home the sellerusually doesn't have money to fix it butmaybe the bank does. One of my cus-tomers got a free roof--but that is a rarity.Are you excited to close and move in?Remember, the owners are living therefree. Do you think they want to movefast? Would you?Actually I work with a short sale

lawyer, Dania Fernandez, and we do thisall the time. No short sale is perfect butyou can find great deals. It is truly a les-son in patience. My sister, Christy foundout she was pregnant in June. Went intoshort sale contract in July. Life was good.She closed last week on her short sale.She delivers in two weeks. Then we aregoing to have an amazing party under herwrap-around-porch by her moved pool.

Should you buy a short sale? orShoot yourself in the foot. It might feel the same at times. So here iswhat you should expect in a short sale-the good, the bad and the evil.



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7.24.2012 Palmetto Bay News

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