Coral Gables News 11.13.2012

NOVEMBER 13 - 26, 2012 ––––––––––– communitynewspapers.com –––––––––––– 305-669-7355

BY GLORIA BURNS

Doug Jolly, vice president forDoctors Hospital in Coral Gables, isan inspiring man whose kindnessand generosity of spirit are obviousto all.

He shares his many talents bybeing involved actively in numerouscommunity organizations and serveson the board of the Coral GablesMuseum, Miami-Dade CountySchools Athletic Advisory Boardand FIU Athletic Council. In addi-tion, Jolly is president of the DadeSchools Athletic Foundation(DSAF).

While Doug Jolly hales fromAtlanta, GA, he grew up in SouthFlorida and considers himself anative. As a youngster, Jolly attend-ed David Fairchild Elementary,South Miami Junior High and theng r a d u a t e dfrom CoralG a b l e sSenior Highin 1969 withyet anotherG a b l e sGreat, ChipWithers. Hefurthered hiseducation atMiami DadeCommunityCollege and

GABLES GREAT

DOUG JOLLY

–––––––––––––––––– See JOLLY, page 6

Doug Jolly inspireswith kindness and generosity

––––––––––– See DIAMOND, page 6

Former Gables Mayor Slesnick’sportrait now hangs in City Hall

BY JOSHUA JONES

T he Coral Gables Chamberof Commerce honoredexcellence in business atthe 2012 Diamond

Awards presented by Montica Jewelry atthe Hyatt Regency Coral Gables onThursday, Nov. 1.

CBS4’s Lissette Gonzalez served asemcee at the annual awards luncheon.

Each year, the chamber’s DiamondAwards shine the spotlight of recognitionupon outstanding Coral Gables business-es. It is the chamber’s signature awardsprogram, each year honoring excellencein business achievement, corporate citi-zenship, customer service and workplaceenvironment.

The prestigious Diamond Awards hon-ored businesses in seven different cate-gories this year. The winners, by catego-ry are:

• Hearts on Fire Award (LargeBusiness), City National Bank;

• Princess of Hearts Award(Small/Medium Business), ProMDPractice Management;

• Diamond in the Rough Award(Emerging Business), STARS School forAutism;

• Outstanding Non-Profit Award,

Gables Chamber honors 2012 Diamond Award winners

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BY LEE STEPHENS

D on Slesnick’s portraithas joined those ofthe 22 other formerCoral Gables mayorsdating back to 1925.

Slesnick held that post from 2001 to2011.

Current Coral Gables Mayor JimCason unveiled the portrait on Oct. 16

and, together with Mr. Slesnick, hung itin the Mayor’s Reception Room at thehistoric city hall. Many of Slesnick’sfamily members, commission colleaguesand friends came to commemorate thisspecial moment.

“I am thrilled to join my fellow mayorson these historic walls, but the real honorwas the privilege of serving the citizensof Coral Gables for the first decade of the21st Century,” Slesnick said.

Current Coral Gables Mayor Jim Cason (left) unveils former Mayor Don Slesnick’s portrait tohang at City Hall. Also pictured is Jeannett Slesnick.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM November 13 - 26, 2012

Gables student meets with U.S. Rep in Washington, DC

Katherine Glickman,a Coral Gables stu-

dent and resident,visited Washington,DC, where she met

with U.S. Rep.Ileana Ros-Lehtinenregarding her expe-rience as part of the

Washington YouthSummit on the

Environment hostedby George Mason

University.

November 13 - 26, 2012 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

BY GARY ALAN RUSE

Books & Books in Coral Gables markedits 30th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 3,with a large-scale party that attracted morethan 500 people and closed the street onwhich the store is located.

Starting at 7 p.m. and continuing untilafter 9 p.m., the special event packed inlongtime customers in a street party thathad gourmet food, wine and music, as wellas perfect weather. Additionally, all booksin the store were on sale at a 30 percent dis-count in honor of the anniversary.

Books & Books was founded in CoralGables by Mitchell Kaplan in 1982 as asmall bookstore that steadily grew andacquired devoted fans as a gathering placefor writers as well as readers. It now alsohas locations in Miami Beach, Bal HarbourShops, Westhampton Beach, GrandCayman, Miami International Airport andthe Museum of Art.

Kaplan said he deeply appreciates thecontinuing success of the independentbookstore, which is becoming a rarity ina time dominated by large nationalchains that control much of the market.

He said that makes the anniversary cele-bration and the turnout all the moremeaningful.

“To see all of our customers and friendswho support us here makes these 30 yearsall worthwhile,” Kaplan said. “It’s exactlywhy we do what we do. For such a commu-nity that’s in this one little space, it’s veryprofound. It’s a hard thing to flourish as anindependent bookstore these days, and weare thrilled that we are able to continue todo it.”

Participating chefs from notable areagourmet restaurants included Allen Susser,Bernie Matz, Michelle Bernstein, NormanVan Aken, Douglas Rodriguez, ThomasBuckley, Abe Ng, Steve Haas and CindyHutson. Desserts were provided by Books& Books own café.

Books & Books is located at 265 AragonAve. in Coral Gables. For informationabout upcoming author readings and booksignings, visit online at <www.booksand-books.com> or call 305-442-4408.

Over 500 help Books & Books celebrate its 30th Anniversary

Owner MitchellKaplan (center) talks with customerChristinaMagalde in thebookstore’spatio.

Some 500attended theoutdoor streetparty for Books& Books’ 30thAnniversary.



Local Rotarians and Rotary’s District6990 Group Study Exchange chair and pastpresident of the Coral Gables Club,Yolanda Woodbridge, recently welcomeda GSE team from India.

As Hurricane Sandy was gathering steamfarther south, the team arrived spendingtime in Broward and then traveling to theBahamas where, you guessed it, they had alonger stay than expected and some dayswith no power.

The group’s team leader, Rajeev Sood,past dstrict governor of District 3080 andpast club president, traveled here withUrmi Mehta, an MBA from PunjabUniversity in Chandigarh; Jasmine KaurMalhorta, a senior system engineer; SanjitSingh Paul, a partner in Sunshine Gardens,and Hillary Victor, a principal correspon-dent for the Hindustan Times Media Ltd.

While they all enjoyed the Bahamas andthe thrill of experiencing their first hurri-cane, all were happy to return the Miamiarea where they visited numerous clubsincluding Woodbridge’s home club for ajoint meeting on Nov. 1 with the MiamiRotary Club.

Before making a presentation to theGables Rotary Club, the team from Indiavisited City Hall meeting Mayor JimCason and other city officials. After pre-senting at the joint club meeting at theCountry Club of Coral Gables, the groupvisited various businesses in their fields andconvened again at the Biltmore Hotel toshare the day’s activities, discussed upcom-ing plans and once again thank YolandaWoodbridge, whom they call MamaFlorida, for coordinating their visit.

Aside from hosting the GSE team, thatsame week Coral Gables Rotarians wereinvolved in other outreach efforts includingcelebrating Halloween eve with children atJackson Memorial, an annual affair that allappear to love. Next up, look for the the2012 Helicopter Golf Ball Drop, on Nov.29, 11 a.m., followed by the ninth annualGolf Classic, 12:30 p.m.

For more information contact ChrisMorrison, <[email protected]>, orvisit <www.coralgablesrotary.org>.

The GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Clubfacilitated the distribution of handmaderocking horses to children on Oct. 23 at theHyatt Regency Coral Gables. Building therocking horses from scratch was a teambuilding experience for employees of KBDTravel. After assembling and painting thehorses, they were surprised to learn thatthey would be able to see the happy faces ofseveral children who were able to come thatday to receive their special gift.

Thanks to some quick work on the part ofKBD Travel CEO Rob Hafer who collabo-

rated with GFWC CoralGables Woman’s Clubpresident MireyaKilmon, a call went outto the counselor atTucker Elementary, aschool adopted by theclub, to find deservingchildren all of whomreceived a horse per-sonalized with theirnames. Additional rock-ing horses where sent toKristi House, a fosterhome for abused chil-dren, where they weregratefully received.

Kilmon and herdaughter, JesseniaFrancisco, who also is

a member of the CGWC joined Hafer andhis employees at the event to witness toassist in this magical moment for both thechildren and the employees.

Mercantil Commercebank recentlystepped up as presenting sponsor for theInaugural Doral Business Council LegacyGala held at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa.This inaugural event drew a crowd of 400guests and honored three incredible individ-uals who have impacted South Florida in apositive way: Juan Carlos Bermudez,Doral’s first mayor; Juan del Busto,regional executive, Federal Reserve Bank-Miami, and Stephen Musolino, founder of

Casa Linda Tile and Marble who isacknowledged by his peers as the“Godfather of Tile.” Among the programspeakers were DBC executive director RonMann, who emceed the affair; SonyaCanas, vice president of MercantilCommercebank, and award presentersEneida Bermudez, Maria del Busto andStephen Musolino Jr.

Until next time, keep making each daycount.

If you want to submit information for thiscolumn, send your news via email to <[email protected]>.

Local Rotarians welcome exchange visitors from India

GLORIA’S GAB

Gloria Burns

Pictured at the Hyatt Coral Gables are some very happy KBD Travel employees surprised to be able to see facesof children benefiting from their efforts.

Pictured during a visit to the Mayor’s Office in Coral Gables are (l-r, top) GSE team members Sanjit Singh Pauland Hillary Victor, GSE chair Yolanda Woodbridge, Coral Gables Mayor Jim Cason, GSE team leader RajeevSood, Rotarian Gloria Burns; (bottom) Coral Gables Rotary Club past president Deborah Swain with GSE teammembers Urmi Mehta and Jasmine Kaur Malhorta.

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Mireya Kilmon and her daugh-ter, Jessenia Francisco, showoff one of the many rockinghorses built by KBD Travelemployees and donated to some very appreciative children.

Seraphic Fire and Firebird ChamberOrchestra;

• Minority-Owned Business Award,Sonshine Communications;

• Outstanding Restaurant Award, CiboWine Bar, and

• Ideal Workplace Award, GuardianshipProgram of Dade County.

“Each business that was chosen for theseprestigious awards stand out as brilliantexamples of the Coral Gables businesscommunity,” said John O’Rourke III,owner of Montica Jewelry and title sponsor.

“We are proud of all of the finalists andcongratulate the winners for outshining thecompetition,” he added.

“It was an absolute honor to havereceived this honor from such a prestigiousorganization like the Coral GablesChamber of Commerce. I am grateful andhumbled by it dearly,” said BernadetteMorris, president and CEO of SonshineCommunications and winner of theMinority-Owned Business Award.

“I am very honored to accept this awardon behalf of our staff, dedicated board ofdirectors and mostly on behalf of theclients we serve,” said Jerry Santeiro, exec-

utive director of the Guardianship Programof Dade County and winner of the Princessof Hearts Award. “Quality in the workplaceis generated by the people that work withus and have the difficult task of caring fora very vulnerable population.

“I thank the Coral Gables Chamber ofCommerce for recognizing the great work

that the Guardianship Program does inMiami-Dade County,” he added.

The 2012 Diamond Awards are pre-sented by Montica Jewelry and spon-sored by the City of Coral Gables,Envision Possibilities, City NationalBank, Logistical Outsourcing and U.S.Century Bank. In-kind support is provid-

ed by Belle Fleur, Frameworks, HyattRegency Coral Gables and Photo Offset.The media sponsor for this event isSouth Florida Business Journal.

For more information on the chamber,visit online at <www.coralgablescham-ber.org> or follow on Facebook at<www.facebook/coralgableschamber>.

DIAMOND, from page 1

Pictured (l-r) are Anthony Di Donato, Coral Gables Country Club; Raquel Hickey, City National Bank; Salvatore Catania, Cibo Wine Bar; Karen Pascual, City National Bank; DustinJ. Symes, City National Bank; John O’Rourke III, Montica Jewelry; Jerry Santeiro, Guardianship Program of Dade County; Marisol Martinez and Eglee Nunez, STARS School forAutism; Bernadette Morris, Sonshine Communications; chair Darla Thompson, Cherry Bekaert & Holland; Jose Carreras, ProMD Practice Management; Patrick Quigley,Seraphic Fire and Firebird Chamber Orchestra; Cindy Birdsill, City of Coral Gables, and Nelson Penalver, Logistical Outsourcing Inc.

(Photo credit: Alberto Romeu Photography)

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graduated from Florida InternationalUniversity in 1978. In 1986, he earnedhis MBA at the University of Miami.

Jolly credits his initial involvementwith volunteerism to the much belovedretired principal of Coral Gables HighSchool, Ralph Moore, whose memorycontinues through a scholarship fundcreated on his retirement. When Mooreasked Doug in 1993 to become involvedwith the Miami-Dade Schools AthleticAdvisory Committee as a part ofDoctors Hospital Sports Medicine’ssupport to high school athletics, Jollysaid there was no way to say “no.” Infact, Jolly has served on the board ofDASF, a 501(c)(3) non profit, eversince and, for the last several years, hasserved as its president.

Preferring to promote his non-profitwork, Jolly explains that the DSAF’smission is that of raising private sectorfunds to provide financial assistance toDade County public high school athleticprograms as a means of reducing highschool dropouts and drug use in schools.

For the past 10 years, the organization

has been hosting an annual golf tourna-ment that several years ago connectedwith Eric Reid and Tony Fiorentino whoare the television play-by-play broadcast-ers for the Miami Heat. They not onlyagreed to lend their names to support thetournament but later connected DASFwith Ron and Lauren Book and their501(c)(3) organization, “Lauren’s Kids.”

DSAF and Lauren’s Kids now havepartnered to host the Reid andFiorentino Call of the Game Dinner andCelebrity Golf Classic in March of2013. The golf tournament will beplayed at Turnberry on Thursday, Mar.7, while the gala will be at the HardRock on Saturday, Mar. 9.

While volunteer work is rewarding,Doug Jolly also enjoys being with hisfamily, sailing, photography and evenplaying the guitar, something he has donesince his teens. Added to those talents arehis leadership skills that have made anenormous impact on organizations inwhich he has been involved. A humbleman, Doug Jolly is one of the nicest peo-ple you will ever meet.

JOLLY, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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Legendary University of Miami swim team coach Bill Diaz, surrounded by alumni, holds a proclamation fromMiami-Dade County honoring him during ceremonies at the Tom Kearns UM Sports Hall of Fame.

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BY LEE STEPHENS

Legendary University of Miami swimteam coach Bill Diaz was honored on theUM campus recently by more than 65 for-mer swimmers and divers who came fromaround the world to pay tribute to him.

Diaz, a longtime Pinecrest resident,coached the team for 14 years and was asuccessful Miami-Dade County highschool swim coach before taking the UMjob.

Interim UM athletic director BlakeJames opened the reunion ceremonies bywelcoming the returning athletes and pre-sented Coach Diaz with a warm, personalmessage from UM President DonnaShalala.

“As head coach, Diaz was the drivingforce that helped establish our swimmingand diving programs as centers of nationaland international prominence,” Blake said,reading from Shalala’s statement. “Yourlegacy remains vibrant today and onecould say that you’re still keeping the scorewith the Bill Diaz Scoreboard installed atour campus swimming pool.”

Alumni programs director RickRemmert presented Coach Diaz with aproclamation from Miami-Dade CountyMayor Carlos Gimenez and the countycommission declaring Friday, Oct. 12, as“Bill Diaz Day.”

“We want to recognize Coach Diaz andour alumni athletes, and honor their sincerededication to the University of Miami,”Remmert said. “Twenty five Hurricane

swimmers and divers are enshrined in theUM Sports Hall of Fame. Our hope and ourcommitment is to reach out, remain in con-tact and encourage everyone to keep thosegreat memories alive.”

On Saturday, Oct. 13, Coach Diaz andthe alumni athletes were recognized on thefield during UM-North Carolina footballgame for having 55 All American swim-mers and divers, winning multiple nationalindividual and relay swimming titles andfor placing two Hurricanes — DavidWilkie and diver Greg Louganis — onOlympic teams and winning Gold Medals.

“It truly was a remarkable couple ofdays to have everyone back in Miami oncampus to see each other,” Coach Diazsaid. “Everyone took pleasure in renewingold friendships and seeing the modern newUM facilities and the development that hastaken place over the past 40 years.”

In 1973, with the advent of the landmarkTitle IX legislation, the UM became thefirst college in the United Sates to offer aswimming scholarship to a woman underthe leadership of Coach Diaz. Two yearslater, the Hurricane women’s swimmingand diving team won the first of back-to-back (1975-76) AIAW NationalChampionships. Several members of thoseteams were on hand at the reunion to honortheir former coach.

University of Miami athletics is rich inhistory and much of it is enshrined at theTom Kearns University of Miami SportsHall of Fame. For more information, call305-284-2775.

UM swimming and diving teamalumni honor Coach Bill Diaz


Mortgage burning marks final payment on Museum Annex

Making the final payment of the $2

million loan to build theCoral Gables Museum

Annex named afterMarian and Robert

Fewell, Bob Fewell pre-sented the final check tothe museum’s executive

director, Chris Rupp.Fewell is seen here withChris Rupp and another

founding donor, LynnBauer, burning the

mortage in front of theAnnex Building.


BY JULIA BERG

Terence Blanchard, artistic director of theHenry Mancini Institute at the University ofMiami Frost School of Music, has announcedthe Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra willpresent a dance-inspired program featuringDuke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite at 8 p.m.on Friday, Nov. 30, at UM’s Gusman ConcertHall, 1314 Miller Dr. in Coral Gables.

The work is an upbeat multi-movement jazzinterpretation of The Nutcracker by PeterTchaikovsky, created in 1960 by Duke Ellingtonand his musical collaborator Billy Strayhorn.

Titled “Terence Blanchard Presents: AConcert Of American Music,” the programalso will feature Aaron Copland’s belovedAppalachian Spring, a ballet suite for 13instruments inspired by ballet music thatCopland composed for famed dancer andchoreographer Martha Graham in 1944.

There also will be two world premieres byHenry Mancini Composition Fellows, DavidPegel (The Pilgrim) and Rafael da Lima dePiccolotto (Asa, Zóio e Matulão) that utilize thesame instrumentation as Copland’s classic work.

Blanchard will host a pre-concert talk at7:15 p.m. for young people involved in the

institute’s community outreach program,HMI Outbound.

Scott Flavin, resident conductor of the HenryMancini Institute Orchestra, and StephenGuerra, managing director of the HenryMancini Institute, will conduct the concert.

Tickets are general admission and priced at$15 for adults/$10 for seniors and children,and are on sale now via the Frost School’swebsite <www.music.miami.edu/concerts>,or by phone at 305-284-2400.

Concert at UM to highlightmusic of Ellington, Copland

Terence Blanchard(Photo by Jenny Bagert)

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BY JEREMY KATZMAN

Through the support of more than3,500 runners and walkers and corporatepartners, the Hyundai Hope On WheelsSecond Annual Miami Children’sHospital 5K (MCH5K) Presented byTotalBank raised more than $450,000 forthe children and families at MiamiChildren’s Hospital, more than double theamount raised through the inauguralevent. The recent MCH5K was run for thesecond straight year in front of CoralGables City Hall.

Featuring fundraising teams created inhonor of patients and former patients, aswell as those wishing to make a difference,the MCH5K showcased the many lives thathave been impacted by Miami Children’sHospital and celebrated the children.

This year’s MCH5K Hero, 8-year-oldcancer survivor Alberto Hernandez,inspired participants to cross the finish line.

“Alberto is a very special example of oneof the hundreds of thousands of childrenMiami Children’s Hospital helps each andevery year, said Lucy Morillo-Agnetti,Miami Children’s Hospital Foundationpresident and CEO. “The outpouring ofsupport from both our community and

employees makes it possible for us to helpfund research, equipment, medical expertsand projects that allow Miami Children’sHospital to provide the highest level of careto the children.”

Hyundai Hope On Wheels hosted a“Handprint Ceremony” at which severalcancer survivors, including Alberto, had theopportunity to decorate a Hyundai withtheir painted hands.

“Hyundai Hope On Wheels is proud tosupport institutions like Miami Children’sHospital that continue the fight againstchildhood cancer,” said Zafar Brooks,director and board member of HyundaiHope On Wheels. “Our team’s donation inthe amount of $115,847 to MiamiChildren’s Hospital is part of Hyundai

Hope On Wheels’ September initiative,which has funded more than $11 million inpediatric cancer research grants this monthalone.

“This is a cause that is important to usand we believe with the support of our deal-ers, hospital partners, online communityand 5K runners and walkers our goal offinding a cure is attainable.”

Michael Baiamonte, voice of the NBAChampion Miami Heat, served as emceeand participants had the opportunity to heartheir names called out like the pros. Formerpatient Leia Schwartz sang the NationalAnthem and dignitaries, including CoralGables Mayor Jim Cason, Miami-DadeMayor Carlos Gimenez and Miami-DadeCommissioner Esteban Bovo, presentedproclamations to commemorate the specialoccasion.

Kohl’s Cares announced a grant for near-ly $150,000 as part of a partnership withMiami Children’s Hospital to promote year-round bike and helmet safety for children.Kohl’s Cares launched this year’s programat the MCH5K by providing free bike hel-mets and safety information to children andfamilies in attendance.

CJ George, Hyundai Hope On Wheels

2012-13 National Youth Ambassador,

sounded the horn to begin the race.

The event featured a timed 3.1-mile (5

kilometer) run and walk. Miles Murphy of

Miami Beach was the top male finisher at

16:46 and Erika Huerta of Miami was the

top female finisher at 18:33. They each

received a Samsung Illusion 3G

Smartphone courtesy of Verizon Wireless.

The MCH5K also included a Kids Fun

Race allowing children to complete shorter

differences while still supporting their fel-

low children.

For more information and to view runner

times and photos from the event, visit

online at MCH5K.com. To learn more

about the Foundation and offer support,

visit <www.mchf.org>.

MCH 5K Run/Walk raises more than $450,000 for children

The Hyundai Hope On Wheels team presents a donation in the amount of $115,847 to Miami Children’s Hospital.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––



BY GARY ALAN RUSE

Once every three years SouthwoodMiddle School’s Magnet Dance programpresents its traditional holiday productionof The Nutcracker ballet. This year marksthe return of the special event and it takesplace on Dec. 6 and 7, 7 p.m., in the schoolauditorium.

Hilda M. Jimenez, Magnet Dance direc-tor at Southwood, said that 110 students areinvolved in the production, along with pro-fessional guest artists dancing the role ofSugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier.

“Our Magnet Dance program is a three-year program and The Nutcracker is doneevery three years, so every dancer willhave the opportunity to be in it one of thethree years they are here,” said Jimenez,who is in her 18th year at the school.Besides the dance students, students frommagnet programs such as drama, music,photography and other departments are

involved in the production.“I think it’s important for all artists to

experience other art forms because at somepoint you will cross over into one of the artforms,” Jimenez said. “As an artist youwant to be well rounded or at the very leastbe exposed to other forms that you are nota part of. In addition, collaborating withother departments brings the school togeth-er and gives us all a sense of family andgreat school spirit.”

Jimenez, who currently is the school’sonly dance director, said that the way thestudents, parents, school staff and others allpitch in is what makes it such a spectacularproduction with the costumes, sets andother details.

“My program could not ever survive orexist to the caliber it does if it wasn’t for allthe parent and faculty and staff participa-tion,” Jimenez said. “There are manydetails that go into having a top notch pro-gram and it can’t be done by one person.

“In addition, I think it sends a positivemessage to the dancers and the communi-ty to see their parents and many teachersgetting involved. It makes the dancers feelspecial and these great adults are setting afantastic example for all. I encourage alldance teachers to embrace their parentsand faculty and staff, they make a worldof difference.”

Rehearsals have been underway forweeks already and continue as the dancestudents fine tune their performances. Allseem to be excited about participating inthis year’s production.

“I feel honored to be in such a specialevent as The Nutcracker because it’s awell known ballet that will be part of mydance memories forever,” said 13-year-old Alexis Leonard. “I was very excitedwhen I was picked as the lead CandyCane and I know this will only enhancemy future in dance.”

Ginger Grande, also 13 years old, islooking forward to the event as well.

“To be participating in The Nutcracker issuch a privilege because not many dancersever have the opportunity to be part ofsomething so magical,” Grande said. “It’s agreat experience for all and now for me asthe role of Dew Drop.”

Thirteen-year-old Emely Zamora agrees,remembering past productions she hasseen.

“Participating in The Nutcracker hasalways been a dream of mine since I was alittle girl and to be the Snow Queen hasmade it even more special,” she said.

Southwood Middle School is located at16301 SW 80 Ave. in Palmetto Bay.

Tickets will be sold one week in advanceat the school — $5 for students and chil-dren, $10 for adults, all general seating. Forinformation call magnet lead teacher Mrs.Llano at 305-251-5361, ext. 2224.

The Nutcracker ballet returns to Southwood Middle in December

Pictured during rehearsal are (l-r) Emely Zamora, Ginger Grande, Marcelina Lancaster and Leslie De Los Reyes.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Pictured (l-r) are Olivia Cosio, Emely Zamora and Leslie De Los Reyes as they rehearse for the production.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY GARY ALAN RUSE

Sarah Roda, a 13-year-old Palmetto Bayresident for the past five years, is pursuing adream with a determination and wisdom nottypical of many youngsters her age.

An eighth grader at Southwood MiddleSchool who loves horses, Sarah has beenaccepted into the three-month exclusiveEmerging Dressage Athlete Program inWellington.

“Anyone who has known Sarah will with-out a doubt admit that she is ‘horse crazy,’”said her mother, Laura Roda. “Not your typ-ical young child horse craze, but one that isintellectually intertwined with the love ofhorse psychology and physiology and howwell it combines with the graceful art ofClassical Dressage.”

Her mom said that Sarah dreams ofbecoming an Olympic Dressage competitorand one day have her own barn where shecan disseminate her knowledge to otherdreamers and their horses. This will requiretraining and hard work, but she is sure Sarahis more than up to the task, especially afterbeing selected as one of only 12 riders fromaround the country to participate in the pro-gram at Wellington.

“She’s a very centered and mature young13-year-old who kind of stuck her neck out

there and didn’t think in a million years she’dmake it, and basically she will be leaving forthree months going to Wellington to train fulltime with Lendon Grey,” Laura Roda said.

Grey is well known in the Dressageworld, having participated on two Olympicteams (1980, 1988) and in the WorldChampionships and World Cup.

“I think Sarah’s the only one here inFlorida that will be going there,” Laura Rodasaid. “She’s actually one of the youngest.The majority of them are 18, 19 or 20.Lendon Grey is very well known for helpingyouth. Every year she does a special summerfestival up in New York. This was the inau-gural year for the winter intensive trainingprogram and she actually managed to get oneof the biggest farms in Wellington to open upits doors to permit her to do this, and the farmgave her 12 stalls.”

Grey sent out a letter to all interested partiesasking for resumes. From those it was nar-rowed down to a smaller group of students whowere asked to send in videos of what they’vedone and scores from their competitions.

“Of course, Sarah being young she didn’thave as much as some of these other girls,”Roda said. “But she said, ‘Oh, it doesn’t mat-ter, Mom, I’m going to do it anyway.’”

Another challenge was that Sarah’sArabian gelding, Tryst, is smaller than the

breeds of horses normally used in Dressage.But that didn’t stop Sarah either, and LendonGrey is reportedly looking forward to work-ing with the remarkable team.

Sarah is enthusiastic.“I’m really excited and it’s an amazing

opportunity for me because I found a pas-sion; I love it so much,” Sarah said. “I absorbmyself in it, and to be able to do this is real-ly cool because I feel like I’m moving for-ward in following my dream and I can reallystrive toward what I want.”

Sarah first learned about Dressage whileher family was living in Germany for twoyears due to her father’s job. She acquired herlove of horses early on. Her whole familyrides and her sister competed nationally withthe Arabian districts in other types of eques-trian events. Then a year and a half ago Sarahdecided to change course, did her research onDressage, found a trainer and started.

“You can make it competitive, but I like tomake it about building up, going through thelevels of Dressage, and my trainer, Christina

Fiebeck. She’s really helped me a lot; she’sreally great. It’s just about following mydream, what makes me happy.”

Being in the Olympics one day is a goal,but remarkably not her main one. Her out-look is more “grownup” than that of someadults. For her, it’s more about learning thanwinning ribbons.

“I’m going to push my hardest and try myhardest and you know if I don’t end up goingto the Olympics, at least I’ve done what Iwanted to do,” Sarah said. “I just want tohave fun with this, try my hardest and knowthat I at least did what I wanted to do.”

To raise funds to help cover the costs ofthe three-month stay in Wellington, LauraRoda has set up a website at<www.gofundme.com/D4K-for-Sarah>.Sarah also hopes to have a “dog wash” eventin Palmetto Bay’s Dog Park to raise money,and to put together with her Dressage trainera “holiday fun day” sometime in Decemberto get kids and grownups involved and learnmore about Dressage.

Sarah Roda and her Arabian horse are following a dream

13-year-old Sarah Roda gives a kiss to her horse Tryst. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


BY PAULA FERNÁNDEZ DE LOS MUROS

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s state-of-the-art DiMare Science Village, coveringmore than 25,000 square feet and featuringfive buildings including the Clinton FamilyConservatory featuring a splendid butterflyexhibit, the Glasshouse Café, Windows tothe Tropics Conservatory, and the WhitmanTropical Fruit Pavilion, is scheduled to openon Dec. 1.

“The opening of the ButterflyConservatory and Science Village bringstogether the fusion of nature’s magnifi-cence and the enormous breadth of scien-tific research and technology available atour fingertips today,” said Dr. Carl Lewis,director, Fairchild Tropical BotanicGarden. “Educating our children todayabout conservation science, the careersavailable to them, and the impact they canmake, is absolutely critical in the 21stCentury.”

A canopy of oak trees, some more than 50years old, frame the architecture of the con-servatory’s exterior. Leading visitors throughthe conservatory is a unique path garnishedwith a variety of plant imprints courtesy ofFairchild Garden’s staff, volunteers and chil-dren who participated in summer camp pro-grams. As guests enter the ButterflyConservatory, volunteers will be on hand tooffer information and welcome them into theconservatory, which is ADA accessible.

Creating a wonderland of nature, an out-door screened enclosure arouses the senseswith butterflies by the thousands, hum-mingbirds, palms and trees wrapped withFairchild’s extensive collection of rareorchids, all alongside a beautiful streamthat flows throughout the length of the con-servatory.

Upon entering, visitors encounter aButterfly Metamorphosis lab where,through a glass wall, they can view butter-fly chrysalis that are undergoing metamor-phosis. Butterfly Conservatory staff can be

viewed in the lab conducting research andobserving as the butterflies emerge.Emerging butterflies will be released twicea day into the conservatory as part of itsinteractive programming for guests.

Visitors continue next into the Windowsto the Tropics Conservatory where theywill experience some of the tropicalworld’s rarest plants; plants too sensitiveeven for Miami’s mild winters. In addition,visitors will enjoy a majestic “CorchidTree” — a large cork-covered PVC treethat is designed to exhibit rare epiphytesand orchids.

Next, the Tropical Fruit Pavilion intro-duces visitors to the world of tropical fruit.Guests will see cacao (from where choco-late comes), the vanilla orchid, the rareMangosteen and more.

The new Glasshouse Café, which isdirectly across from Fairchild’s rainforest,exhibits a large glass chandelier by DaleChihuly and 20 foot high ceilings that peerinto the Conservatory through floor to ceil-

ing glass doors. The café’s popular menuhas been broadened to include organic andlocally grown food, includes seating of upto 150 people and is available for privaterentals.

The Science Village will showcase thetalent and accomplishments of Fairchild’sconservation team by directly connectingscientists and their activities with the hun-dreds of thousands of visitors to theGarden. Fairchild’s five-year vision is tosupport the science education initiativeswith 10 PhD scientists, 20 PhD studentsand 40 undergraduate research students.

The undergraduate and graduate courseofferings taking place at the ScienceVillage bring Fairchild’s existing environ-mental educational programs, TheFairchild Challenge, the highly successfulmultidisciplinary environmental educationprogram for grades K-12 directly into apipeline.

Fairchild has upheld strict environmentalstandards during the development phase,

the result of which allows the ScienceVillage to become LEED certified. Thisnew scientific hub marks the first time in50 years that Fairchild’s team of scientistswill be working on-site with the opportuni-ty to interact with students, visitors and thecommunity. Since the 1960s, Fairchild‘sscientists worked from a separate facilityone mile from the garden.

Fostering a strong sense of pride inMiami’s environment, conservation sci-ence and community, the Science Village isequipped with the Dr. Jane HsiaoLaboratories — four cutting-edge educa-tional labs including the Jason VollmerButterfly Metamorphosis Lab for pupaerearing, a Micro-propagation Lab for prop-agating rare orchids, palm, cycads andother endangered topical plants; a DNALab for biodiversity and conservation stud-ies; and a Microscopy and Imaging Labwhich enables scientists to study plants andbutterflies in minute detail.

A unique alliance for scientific study, thelaboratories are installed with computerscreens, Wi-Fi, and live webcams to facili-tate lectures, and allow visitors to experi-ence the work taking place inside of thelabs, outside. The large-sized classroomsallow college and graduate students fromFlorida International University, theUniversity of Miami and the University ofFlorida to extend their education.

The Tropical Science Institute named inhonor of Dr. James A. Kushlan, a well-known South Florida biologist and wetlandconservationist and sponsor of Fairchild’sbird conservation initiative will be housedin the Science Village. Its overarching goalis to collect under one umbrella the scienceactivities of the garden and to facilitatecoordination and increased cooperationamong South Florida’s scientists, conserva-tionists, and educators engaged in tropicalscience, conservation and higher education.

For additional information, visit<www.fairchildgarden.org>.

Science Village to open Dec. 1 at Fairchild Botanic Garden

Pictured is the Clinton Family Conservatory.(Photo by Ben Thacker)

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



BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

Justin Menendez’s family was devastatedwhen his 13-year-old brother Jason commit-ted suicide a few years ago. Menendez creat-ed the JAM Foundation in honor of hisbrother and set out to alert teens and theirfriends about the teen suicide crisis.

“I was in contact with the medical examin-er in Miami-Dade County,” Menendez said.“In 2011, there were 27 suicides of young peo-ple under age 25. Eight of them were 19 andyounger. In 2012, from January to June, therewere already 25 suicides and eight of themwere 19 and younger. When I saw the numberof teens is already tied, it was like, wow.”

Some of those suicides were by kids asyoung as 12. It frightened him that thosenumbers were so high in just the first sixmonths of the year.

“I was telling my mom, ‘I’m scared to fol-low up; I’m scared to see what that numberis now,’” he said.

Now a student at FIU, Menendez goes toarea high schools to speak to students aboutthe problem of teen suicides.

“As of now, we have five that are alreadyin contact with us and want us to have apresentation at that school,” he said.

“When we present to a school, we partnerwith the Ganley Foundation. I speak withtheir executive director. Grace Carricartefrom the Ganley Foundation always givesthe mental health perspective and the depres-sion and I go up and talk about my brother.”

For far too long, suicide was a taboo sub-ject, but Menendez wants to bring it out intothe light.

“This isn’t contagious, you can’t catch itby talking about it,” he said. “But talkingabout it brings awareness.”

The purpose of the talks is to teach thekids the warning signs.

“If two kids can relate to what I’m saying,then I’ve done my job and everything is per-fect,” Menendez said.

His courage in coming forward and sharinghis pain with fellow students in assembliesearned him a Silver Knight nomination fromArchbishop Coleman Carroll High School.

“The feedback from the schools is life-chang-ing,” Menendez said. “We’ve had anythingfrom ‘I was planning to kill myself next week’to ‘I was planning to kill myself tonight.’”

He said depression is the leading mentalillness that leads to suicide, although it’s notthe only one.

“The Stand Up and Speak campaign Istarted is helping,” Menendez said. “Even ifyou stand up and speak for the kid who walksthe hall by himself. You can be a non-depressed student and feel lonely. Depressionis the most common mental illness.”

Gay and lesbian teens are at risk for sui-cide. Menendez said he has talked to a fewwho told him his talk helped them.

“I’ve spoken to many of them. That’s def-initely another huge thing. They are takingtheir lives because of their sexual orienta-tion, which is absolutely terrible.”

So far in 2012 he and Carricarte have spokenat eight schools and to some 3,500 students.Next school year he would like to branch outand speak to schools outside of Miami-Dade.

“I hope to do this for the rest of my life,”Menendez said. “It’s not easy balancing full-time student work and the organization butit’s worth it.”

Menendez was scheduled to participate inthe Out of the Darkness Community Walksponsored by Stand Up and Speak, a projectof the JAM Foundation, on Nov. 11 at theUniversity of Miami.

For more information go online to<www.standupnspeak.com> or <www.the-jamfoundation.org>.

Student goes to schools to talkto kids about suicide prevention

Justin Menendez speaks to students at Robert Morgan Education Center about the problem of teen suicide.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


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BY JENNIFER AGRESS

Palmer Trinity School, on Oct. 27, ded-icated a 22-kilowatt solar power system,the first project of its kind in SouthFlorida, in conjunction with SolariaDesign and Consulting Co., a companybased in the Florida Keys.

This independent educational institu-tion, serving grades 6-12, plans to utilizethis new addition not only to save energycosts but also as an educational tool tocontinue to promote sustainability efforts.

Designed to provide 22 kilowatts ofelectricity to the school, this solar electricpanel installation comprises 1,866 squarefeet of Trina solar panels. This photovolta-ic system includes a total of 98 solar elec-tric panels, each of which produce 225watts of electricity. These solar panels arepowering the athletic fields as well as a

portion of the school library.Also included in the design is a solar

charging station to give students and facul-ty the opportunity to charge their comput-ers and cell phones.

“We are very excited about this new ini-tiative, which allows us to explore ways tolower our energy cost while extending ourefforts in sustainable education,” saidSean Murphy, head of school.

Because the school’s new solar powersystem is attached to the electric utilitycompany grid, it provides electricity to thecommunity when not being used on cam-pus. As a result of this effort, PalmerTrinity School also received a rebate fromFlorida Power & Light Company (FPL).

During this event, Murphy honoredJulie and Bob Reynolds, parents of PTSstudent Delaney (Class of 2017), for theirgenerous contributions to the project. Dr.

Leopoldo Llinas, direc-tor of sustainability atPTS, and FabianaVivacqua (Class of2014) explained howthis new installationwill serve as an educa-tional tool to all PalmerTrinity School students,and representativesfrom FPL brought oneof their electric vehiclesto the event and wereon-site to answer anyquestions about theinstallation’s renewableenergy technology. Thisceremony took place atnoon, just before kick-off of Palmer TrinitySchool’s HomecomingGame.

“Students are now

able to view online, in

real time, the production

of the solar panels, ana-

lyze how production is

affected by weather con-

ditions, determine the

amount of money saved

on energy, and calculate

the pounds of carbon

dioxide averted from the

atmosphere,” Dr. Llinas

said. “With this system,

our school is transitioning

to a future that includes

more sustainable energy,

and is helping students

evaluate energy

resources.”

For more information

about the school, visit

<www.palmertrinity.org>.

For more information

about FPL, visit online at

<www.FPL.com>.

Palmer Trinity installs largest solar system of its type in Miami-Dade

The photovoltaic system includes an array of 98 solar panels.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Pictured (l-r, front) Fabiana Vivacqua, Delaney and Owen Reynolds; (rear) Dr. Leopoldo Llinas, Bob and JulieReynolds, and head of school Sean Murphy.

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

Because the school’s newsolar power system is

attached to the electric utility company

grid, it provides electricity to the

community when notbeing used on campus.As a result of this effort,Palmer Trinity Schoolalso received a rebatefrom Florida Power &


BY RACHEL SHAPIRO

Representatives from Miami-DadeCounty and the Economic DevelopmentCouncil of South Miami-Dade joinedFlorida Career College (FCC) for the offi-cial ribbon-cutting ceremony of its 11thand newest Florida campus, located at11731 Mills Dr. in Kendall.

“We look forward to being a vital part ofthe Kendall community by providing neweducational opportunities that reflectindustry-current job training require-ments,” said David Knobel, president andCEO of FCC. “Our mission is to train stu-

dents for careers that are in demand so theycan move directly from the classroom intothe workforce.”

The Kendall Campus offers diploma anddegree programs with hands-on careertraining for Medical Assistant Technician;Patient Care Technician; Medical FrontOffice and Billing; Health ServicesAdministration; Cosmetology; Nursing,and Heating, Ventilation and AirConditioning.

For more information about the KendallCampus of Florida Career College, call thecampus at 305-384-7900 or visit<www.careercollege.edu>.

Florida Career College celebratesopening of new Kendall Campus

Pictured (l-r) are Peter England, vice chair of the Economic Development Council of South Miami Dade; DavidKnobel, president and CEO of Florida Career College, and Mick Jones, CEO and executive director of the EconomicDevelopment Council of South Miami Dade.

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

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BY LEE STEPHENS

The Miami-Dade County Parks,

Recreation and Open Spaces Department’s

Disability Services Division has been

awarded a 2012 Olympic Opportunity

Fund grant totaling $24,000 — from the

U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC),

Paralympic Division.

The funds will be used to create Miami-

Dade County Parks’ new “COVERT

Project” (Connecting the Outdoors with

Veterans through Education, Recreation

and Training) that will enable local dis-

abled veterans to enjoy the sports of

archery, sports shooting (air rifles/guns),

kayaking and swimming.

The following are the upcoming

COVERT session days, times and locations:

Archery, 10 a.m.-noon, Nov. 15, 29, and

Dec. 6, Camp Owaissa Bauer, 17001 SW

264 St., Homestead;

Shooting Sports (Air Rifles/Guns), 10

a.m.-noon, Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20

and 27, Trail Glades Gun Range, 17601

SW Eighth St., Miami;

Kayaking, 10 a.m.-noon, Mar. 7, 14, 21,

28, Apr. 4 and 11, Crandon Park, 4000

Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, and

Swimming, 10 a.m.-noon, Apr. 18, 25,

May 2, 9, 16 and 23, AD Barnes Pool,

3701 SW 72 Ave., Miami.

Program dates are subject to change.

Limited transportation will be provided

from the Bruce W. Carter Department of

Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Miami.

Participants must pre-register in order to

secure spots as space is limited. Program

participation is limited to disabled veterans

with the following disabling conditions:

spinal cord injury, amputation, and trau-

matic head injury. Some restrictions in par-

ticipation may apply to certain sporting

activities.

For more information and to pre-regis-

ter, contact Miami-Dade County Parks

Certified Therapeutic Recreation

Specialist Jody Cox at 305-234-1673 or

send email to <[email protected]>.

Miami-Dade County Parks Disability

Services is one of a few organizations

nationwide to receive the 2012 Olympic

Opportunity Fund grant through the

USOC, U.S. Paralympics Division. The

USOC has awarded more than $2 million

in grant funding to a total of 97 organiza-

tions in support of Paralympics sport and

physical activity programs for disabled

veterans and disabled members of the

Armed forces. The Olympic Opportunity

Fund is provided through a partnership

between the USOC and the Department of

Veterans Affairs.

Grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000

were provided to USOC partner organiza-

tions to increase the number and quality of

opportunities for physically and visually

impaired veterans to participate in physical

activity within their home communities

and in more advanced Paralympic sports

programs.

In its third year, the Olympic

Opportunity Fund has provided more than

$4 million to 223 USOC partner and com-

munity programs resulting in thousands of

veterans with physical and visual impair-

ments who are participating in sports pro-

grams and opportunities at the regional and

national levels.

For information about Miami-Dade

County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit

<www.miamidade.gov/parks/>.

USOC grant enables disabledvets to enjoy outdoor sports

BY ALICIA WHITLEY

The official start of the holiday season getsunderway when the 16th annual Miracle on136th Street Holiday Parade marches into TheFalls on Saturday, Nov. 17, at 4 p.m.

Sponsored by South Miami Fiat, BeachesResorts, Cox Radio (Easy 93.1 and 97.3 theCoast), and Baptist Children’s Hospital, thisyear’s Holiday Parade benefits the South DadeYMCAFamily Center, which is opening a brandnew facility at the end of the year.

Celebrity grand marshal Coco Jones, fromDisney Channel’s original movie Let It Shine,will lead the way. Jones also has had recurringroles on Disney Channel’s So Random! andGood Luck Charlie. Coco recently signed toHollywood Records and has been in the studioco-writing and recording all-new original musicfor her highly anticipated debut album.

Free and open to the public, this year’s paradewill feature local marching bands, bag pipers,stilt walkers, junkanoo band, mariachi band,Brazilian dancers, Dixieland band, penny-far-thing bike, local dignitaries, and more. The JollyOld Elf himself will make his long-awaited firstarrival of the season along with Mrs. Claus andtheir little helpers.

“The Falls is thrilled to welcome Coco Jonesand our other special guests to the Miracle on136th Holiday Parade,” said Julie Goldman, mall

manager at The Falls. “It isexciting to celebrate our 16thyear of this event. The Falls’Miracle on 136th StreetHoliday Parade has become aSouth Florida tradition thatwelcomes the spirit of theseason.

“We always enjoy seeingso many people attend theparade. We are honored tohave the opportunity tobring such a wonderfulevent to the community thathelps create holiday memo-ries that will last a lifetime.”

Spectators are encour-aged to arrive early to lineboth sides of the paraderoute before the 4 p.m. start.The parade route, which is located on theBoulevard in between the center and the parkinglot, will start at the east end of The Falls in frontof Bloomingdale’s and wind through the entirelength of the center, west toward Macy’s.

Coco Jones will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. onCenter Court following the holiday parade to per-form joyous holiday music, plus a single off herupcoming album. Guests also will see Two NightStand by Macy’s, and performances by Cache plus afire-eating dancer by Bloomingdale’s. Additionally,

the guests will see routines by aBrazilian Dance Troupe and aPolynesian Drum Band on theCenter Court stage.

Following the Parade, thelights of the season will comeaglow at The Falls as hundredsof thousands of lights thatshowcase giant animal topiar-ies and elaborate water ele-ments to include elephants,giraffes, peacocks, camels,dolphins and more will illumi-nate the shopping center’s gar-dens and waterfalls. Santa willtake up residence and be avail-able for photos in Center Courtat the Santa House.

Retailers will offer great hol-iday shopping opportunities,

in-store promotions and specials. Many of theseare included in The Falls Holiday Coupon Book,including a chance to win the family vacation ofa lifetime to any Luxury Included BeachesResort, located in the beautiful Caribbean islandsof Jamaica and Turks & Caicos. Visit SimonGuest Services at The Falls for more informa-tion, including rules and regulations.

The YMCA of Greater Miami and the SouthDade YMCA Family Center is a leading non-profit committed to strengthening communities

through youth development, healthy living andsocial responsibility. The Y impacts the GreaterMiami community by nurturing the potential ofkids, improving individual and communityhealth and well-being, and giving back to ourneighbors. The Y connects the communitythrough four Family Centers, three preschools,and many after-school, youth sports and daycamp programs throughout Miami-DadeCounty and the Upper Keys.

In January 2013 the South Dade YMCAFamily Center opens a new wellness centerwhich will serve more than 3,500 familiesthrough healthy and life-changing programs. Tolearn more, visit <www.ymcamiami.org>, con-nect on Facebook or Twitter, or call toll free 1-877-969-9622 to find a Y near you.

The Falls, located on SW 136th Street at S.Dixie Highway (US1), is one of the largestopen-air shopping, dining and entertainmentcomplexes in the U.S., featuringBloomingdale’s, Macy’s, American Girl, andmore than 100 stores, restaurants, and cafés aswell as Regal Cinemas and The Fresh Market.Stroll the one-level, covered walkways sur-rounded by a million-gallon waterscape andlush tropical foliage. The Falls sits on a 55-acre site featuring 821,000 square feet ofretail space with more than 100 specialtystores and two department stores,Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s.

Celebrity grand marshal Coco Jones joins South Florida holiday tradition

Coco Jones––––––––––––––––––––––––


BY DONNA SHELLEY

R&T Signature Grill recently began itsspecial fundraising efforts on behalf of theMiracle League of Miami-Dade.

Dan Kaplan, the restaurant’s owner hitupon an idea to attract customers to his neweatery while fundraising. On the thirdFriday of every month from 4 to 10 p.m., 15percent of all purchases will be donated tothe Miracle League. Donations will helpfund the construction of the first leaguebaseball field in Miami designed specifical-ly for children with special needs.

When speaking of his charitable effortsfor the league Kaplan said, “I’ve alwaysknown that giving back is good for businessand good for the community. Every kid andparent should have the opportunity to expe-rience sports and the joy of sports.”

The field where dreams of baseball will,at last, be realized by children with specialneeds begins with the Howard PalmettoBaseball Softball Association (HPBSA), alongstanding organization that has beenintegral to youth sports in South Floridasince 1962. HPBSA offers boys and girls T-ball, baseball, and softball played in theparks of Miami-Dade County, Village ofPalmetto Bay and Village of Pinecrest. In

2011, HPBSA turned its attentionto building a program for childrenwith special needs.

The goal of the newly formedMiracle League of Miami-Dade isto construct a new type of baseballfield that removes the barriers thatkeep children with special needsfrom enjoying one of America’smost popular sports. Fundraisingfor the $1.5 million project wasgiven a major boost by a $100,000donation from the Florida Marlins.

Nationally, there are 235Miracle Leagues in the U.S., manyof which receive significant finan-cial support from Major LeagueBaseball teams. The league haspartnered with Miami-DadeCounty Parks to locate the field atTamiami Park, 11201 SW 24 St.

Keith Reilly, executive boardmember and co-chair of theMiracle League, has been, accord-ing to co-chair Karl Sturge, the“fuel” behind the idea.“The impetus for this was having

a child with special needs come tothe HPBSA and having no way forhim to play. This effort has already

proven to be a tremendous success for fam-ilies and the league,” said Reilly.

Anthony Nodarse and his mother,Grissel, attended the event. Anthony andother children with special needs were look-ing forward to their first game to be playedin the beginning of November. Wearing hisnew baseball shirt, Anthony proudly smiledfor the camera.

“It has been so hard to find some placefor him to play baseball. He wasn’t accept-ed. I signed him up for the Miracle League.He just wants to play,” said Grissel, fightingback tears.

Roasters ’n Toasters (open for breakfastand lunch) recently added a new concept totheir business, the R&T Signature Grill, afamily and sports-oriented lunch and dinnerspot. Roasters ’n Toasters (established in1984) is a New York-style deli and cateringbusiness. Roasters ’n Toasters has threelocations — in Pinecrest, Skylake andMiami Beach. R&T Signature Grill is locat-ed at 9471 S. Dixie Hwy., in Pinecrest,across from Shorty’s.

For more information, call 305-663-3000or visit the website at <www.rntsignature-grill.com>. To get involved with theMiracle League, visit its website at<www.miracleleagueofmiami.org>.

R&T Signature Grill hosting Miracle League fundraisers

Dan Kaplan, owner of R&T Signature Grill, donates check for MiracleLeague to Sandy Robinson, executive board member and fundraisingcochair, with Elijah DeArmas (left) and Anthony Nodarse (right).

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


BY STEPHANIE ROJAS

Baptist Health South Florida recentlypartnered with local Girl Scout volunteersfor a morning of “green happiness” as theyplanted more than 350 native small treesand shrubs at Girl Scout Camp Mahachee.

The historic site, spanning more than 11acres, was dedicated for the use of GirlScouts of Dade County in 1948, and hasserved as a troop camp, day camp and acenter of community activities. The volun-teer efforts aimed to restore the native ham-mock and develop the canopy in the area.Baptist Health South Florida donated awide array of native foliage, includingGumbo Limbo, Marlberry, Satin Leaf andKrug’s Holly, among others.

“The native habitat at Girl Scout CampMahachee is a priceless asset to our localGirl Scouts,” said Sally Ann Boggess, chiefoperating officer for the Girl Scout Councilof Tropical Florida Inc. “We are grateful toall the Baptist Health volunteers whohelped ensure that Girl Scout CampMahachee will be enjoyed by generationsof Girl Scouts to come.”

Additionally, the greenery planted duringthe event helped to restore the tree canopy as

a part of the Million Trees Miami Initiative, acommunity-wide effort to plant 1 milliontrees by 2020 in order to achieve a 30 percenttree canopy cover for Miami-Dade County.Planting these trees supports the HealthyCommunities goal area in GreenPrint, a com-munity plan to reduce greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions, cut energy, water and fuel

consumption, and help develop a sustainablecommunity for future generations.

Baptist Health South Florida is thelargest faith-based, not-for-profit health-care organization in the region. BaptistHealth includes Baptist Hospital, SouthMiami Hospital, Baptist Children’sHospital, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular

Institute, Mariners Hospital, HomesteadHospital, Doctors Hospital, West KendallBaptist Hospital and Baptist OutpatientServices. Baptist Health Foundation, theorganization’s fundraising arm, supportsservices at all hospitals and facilities affili-ated with Baptist Health. For more infor-mation, visit BaptistHealth.net.

Baptist Health, Girl Scouts partner to restore camp’s native hammock

Baptist Health South Florida and Girl Scout volunteers join together for a morning of “green happiness” as they plant more than 350 native small trees and shrubs at GirlScout Camp Mahachee.

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


BY JENNIFER TISTHAMMER

For the first time in 10 years, the Deering Estate atCutler will host the 2012 “Deering Goes to the Birds”on Saturday, Nov. 17, featuring lectures and walkingtours of the natural areas led by local birding expertsand enthusiasts.

From the moment you walk onto the estate,bird activity is evident. Red-bellied woodpeckersnest in trees; mockingbirds sing in the short-leafed fig trees; ospreys are spotted carrying a fishto a favorite perch. Visitors might even catch aglimpse of a catbird, a blue-gray gnatcatcher, or,if you’re lucky, the sudden swift flight of a white-crowned pigeon.

Shorebirds search for food in the mangroveprop roots and a plethora of songbirds can beheard in the surrounding hammock of trees.Activities and programs for the entire family andbird enthusiasts of all ages will be held at this annu-al event, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event is free with regular admission — $12for adults and $7 for children (ages 4-14).Participating organizations include TropicalAudubon Society, Nature Conservancy,Everglades National Park, AIRIE–Artists inResidence in Everglades, Florida InternationalUniversity, Crandon Park Nature Center, andMiami-Dade County EcoAdventures.

Schedule of events for Deering Goes to the

Birds on Saturday, Nov. 17:7:30 a.m. — Bird Walk: Take a 1.5-hour trek

through the Deering Estate’s tropical hardwoodhammock and pine rockland habitats in search ofSouth Florida’s elusive avian residents;

10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Book Nook by the Bay“Birding,” enjoy family story time, on-site eco-arts and crafts, science programs and more;

10:30 a.m. — “Episodes and InterestingUnknowns with John James Audubon” withArtists in Residence in Everglades (AIRIE) pho-tographer Krista Elrick. Follow her on a photo-graphic journey as she shares her perspective andcontinues to make photographs in the same wet-lands, forests, and shorelines where John JamesAudubon hunted, wrote about and painted birds.

Noon — First lecture (30 minutes with time forQ&A after)., Topic is “Urban Oases: the impor-tance of South Florida to migratory birds.” Haveyou ever wondered why South Florida is such animportant habitat for birds? Come learn about theimportance of your own backyard in providinghabitat and shelter for migratory birds, as well ashow urbanization is affecting these birds and howscientists and citizens are working together to dis-cover ways to improve these habitats. FeaturedSpeaker: John Withey, PhD. Dr. Withey is an asso-ciate professor in Florida International University’sSchool of Environment, Arts and Society. Hisresearch focuses on the responses of terrestrial ver-

tebrates, especially birds, to human influence. Hetakes an interdisciplinary approach by integratingavian ecology with economics, urban planning,and other social science to better understand birdsin urban systems.

1 p.m. — Second lecture (45 minutes withtime for Q&A after). Topic, “The AtlanticFlyway and Conservation Efforts.” The AtlanticFlyway encompasses some of the hemisphere’smost productive ecosystems, including forests,beaches, and coastal wetlands. The DeeringEstate at Cutler is part of the Biscayne BayImportant Bird Area (IBA) which includes BirdKey, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park,Biscayne National Park, Deering Estate atCutler, and Matheson Hammock Park. Comelearn about conservation efforts TropicalAudubon Society leads in our community andhow you can help. From the northern AtlanticCoast and through the Caribbean to SouthAmerica, Audubon is working to support thisavian superhighway’s 500-plus bird species andmillions of individual birds.

Featured Speaker: Laura Reynolds, executivedirector, Tropical Audubon Society. Reynoldsfirst became involved in TAS as a member andthen as a board member in 2005. Since 2008, shehas served as the executive director of TropicalAudubon Society. Tropical Audubon Society is anon-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization

comprised of dedicated citizens who care aboutthe quality of South Florida’s environment andserve as outspoken advocates for betterment.

2 p.m. — Workshop: Caring for Injured Birdsand Wildlife. Learn how to properly care for andhandle injured birds and other wildlife you mightencounter in your daily life. Find out whom tocall, what to do, and how to make sure that bothyou and the animal stay as safe as possible.

5 p.m. — Bird Walk: Take a 1.5-hour trekthrough the Deering Estate’s tropical hard-wood hammock and pine rockland habitats insearch of South Florida’s elusive avian resi-dents.

The Deering Estate at Cutler, a Miami-Dade County Park, is located at 16701 SW 72Ave. Palmetto Bay. This 444-acre natural andarcheological preserve and historic site is list-ed on the National Register of Historic Placesand serves as a center for education, cultureand recreation. Historic house tours areoffered daily with admission to the estate.EcoAdventure Tours also are offered through-out the year for an additional fee.

For more information on the DeeringEstate’s educational and cultural programs,visit <www.deeringestate.org>.

For more information about the TropicalAudubon Society visit <www.tropi-calaudubon.org>.

‘Deering Goes to the Birds’at Deering Estate, Nov. 17 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM November 13 - 26, 2012

Pictured are the new owners of Lots of Lox (l-r) Steve, Jimmy and Nick Poulos.

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BY SUE ARROWSMITH

One of the leading healthcare servicesproviders in the region, Leon MedicalCenters, is investing in the future of theindustry by making a $5 million donation toMiami Dade College’s (MDC) acclaimedSchool of Nursing on Oct. 30.

The special event with students, faculty,alumni, healthcare professionals, and com-munity leaders took place at MDC’s WolfsonCampus where a check presentation wasmade and remarks delivered. The donationalso coincided with the 50th anniversary ofthe School of Nursing which opened itsdoors in 1962.

The school will be renamed the BenjaminLeon School of Nursing at Miami DadeCollege. More importantly, the donation willcreate program enhancements, opportunitiesfor faculty development and a cohort of Leonnursing scholars to bolster Leon MedicalCenters’ workforce and the industry’s.

The United States is facing a critical short-age of nurses, with no sign of abating. Theproblem is especially severe in SouthFlorida. The Leon gift will go a long way inmitigating these hurdles in the region’shealthcare industry.

“I cannot think of many other institutionsthat have positively impacted as many livesin our community as Miami Dade College,”said Benjamin Leon III, president and CEOof Leon Medical Centers and an MDCTrustee. “This is our way of thanking thisfine institution and encouraging it to contin-ue building a better community through edu-cation and opportunity.”

Leon Medical Centers selected MDCbecause of its shared commitment to medicalexcellence and to the community both organ-izations serve.

“This donation is one more step in ourcommitment to medical excellence and ourcommitment to our community,” saidBenjamin Leon Jr., chair and founder ofLeon Medical Centers. “You can’t have med-ical excellence without having exceptionallyprepared and professional nurses. They arethe frontline of medical excellence.

“We are fortunate to have many MDCSchool of Nursing graduates serving thepatients of Leon Medical Centers and withthis donation look forward to having manymore,” he added.

“We are extremely grateful and pleasedwith the generosity of the Leon family,” saidDr. Eduardo J. Padrón, president of MiamiDade College. “They have raised the bar ofcivic engagement and giving for all to follow.Thanks to their gift, we will take our alreadynationally renowned School of Nursing toeven greater heights and, more importantly,expand our impact in the community.”

Meeting local workforce demands,MDC’s Medical Campus has trained morethan 50 percent of the nurses in Miami-DadeCounty. It also offers more than 20 in-demand programs including PhysicianAssistant studies, Opticianry, EmergencyMedical Technician studies, PhysicalTherapist Assistant studies, Dental Hygieneand much more.

Its students also serve the community pro-viding critical healthcare services, perform-ing 52,000 clinical days per year at 800 sitesin Miami-Dade and Broward counties, plusan additional 30,000 hours of communityservice. The School of Nursing is celebrating50 years of excellence during this 2012-13academic year.

For more information about the School ofNursing, call 305-237-4101 or visit online at<www.mdc.edu/medical/Nursing>.

Leon Medical Centers donates $5M to MDC School of Nursing

Pictured (l-r) are Benjamin Leon Jr., chair and founder of Leon Medical Centers; Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, presidentof Miami Dade College, and Benjamin Leon III, president and CEO of Leon Medical Centers and an MDC Trustee.

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

BY JEREMY KATZMAN

Nearly 700 community, business andsociety notables were taken through a boldand elegant depiction of “A FrostedMasquerade Affair” at Miami Children’sHospital Foundation’s 2012 DiamondBall on Saturday, Oct. 27, at the JWMarriott Marquis Miami.

The event raised nearly $4 million,including announced gifts, to supportworld-class care at Miami Children’sHospital.

Guests of the Diamond Ball had theopportunity to see the world premiere ofthe Bald, Brave, Beautiful I Will Survivemusic video (visit YouTube.com/MiamiChildrens to view), whichGrammy Award-winning artist GloriaGaynor recorded with Miami Children’sHospital patients and supporters to raisefunds to help find a cure and providehope to children facing cancer.

“No child should ever have to face alife-threatening disease like cancer,”said Gaynor via video salute. “I am ask-ing you to step up and support the Bald,Brave, Beautiful patients at MiamiChildren’s Hospital because kids andchemo do not go together.”

Following the music video premiere,Gaynor was inducted into theAmbassador David M. WaltersInternational Pediatric Hall of Fame.

Guests of the Diamond Ball had theopportunity to hear from 10-year-oldleukemia patient Briana Vega, whoappeared in the music video withGaynor and shared her experience as apatient at Miami Children’s Hospital.

“This hospital is not a regular hospitalto me,” Vega said. “It’s a carnival withsome bumpy rides. I’m lucky to be get-ting my treatment where the nurses anddoctors are kids at heart and where it’sall about the children.”

Miami Children’s Hospital

Foundation board member RavneetChowdhury and Anand Chowdhurywere so inspired by Vega’s story thatthey immediately pledged a $1.75 mil-lion donation in the young girl’s honor.

Named for the first chair and presi-dent of Miami Children’s HospitalFoundation (MCH Foundation), theAmbassador David M. WaltersInternational Pediatric Hall of Fame wascreated in 1986 to recognize and honorindividuals who have made significantcontributions to the health and happi-ness of children everywhere. It is thehighest honor bestowed by MCH

Foundation.Previous inductees include leg-

endary children’s advocates Gloriaand Emilio Estefan, Barbara and JackNicklaus, Dwyane Wade, BeyoncéKnowles, Walt Disney and AudreyHepburn, among others.

“We are blessed to celebrate a womanwho was selected for her work on behalfof children not just in her own backyard,but on a global level,” said LucyMorillo-Agnetti, president and CEO ofMCH Foundation.

“For years Gloria has supported avariety of leading children’s causes and

other philanthropic organizations andwe are proud to induct her into our mostprestigious fraternity.”

Ranked among the top fundraisers inFlorida, the Diamond Ball also featuredDaymond John, founder and CEO ofFUBU and Star of ABC’s Shark Tank, asemcee, with entertainment by the DrewT Band.

Other notable Diamond Ball attendeesincluded Miami Heat guard MarioChalmers, Sports Illustrated supermodelNina Agdal, actor Juan Soler, CBS 4anchor Shannon Hori and The RealHousewives of Miami cast membersAdriana DeMoura and Alexia Echavarria,and others.

In addition to the gift from theChowdhurys, Miami Children’sHospital Foundation announced threechallenge grants from the BatchelorFoundation totaling $800,000 over thenext two years ($500,000 and$150,000 for 2013 and another$150,000 for 2014).

The Diamond Ball Committee wasled by chairs Marile and Jorge LuisLopez, iinternational chairs Ravneetand Anand Chowdhury, and auctionchairs Lauren Sturges-Fernandez andDJ Kerr.

Sponsors included Premier Beverage,Sabadell United Bank, Duty FreeAmericas, Brown & Heller, AmericanAirlines, Tri-City Electric, Selecta maga-zine, Accord Productions, Lava Studio,Maria Elena Headpieces, WOW Factor,JW Marriott Marquis Miami, Rene Ruiz,Mayda Cisneros, Laura Buccellati andShark Branding.

To learn more about the MiamiChildren’s Hospital Foundation and offersupport, visit <www.mchf.org>, become afan on Facebook at<www.facebook.com/MCHFoundation>,or call 305-666-2889 (toll free: 1-800-987-8701).

Diamond Ball raises nearly $4M for MCH Foundation

Pictured (l-r) are 2012 Diamond Ball International chair and Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation (MCHFoundation) board member Ravneet Chowdhury, MCH Foundation president and CEO Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, 2012Diamond Ball chair and MCH Foundation board member Marile Lopez, and 2012 Diamond Ball Auction chairs DJKerr and Lauren Sturges-Fernandez.

(Photo Credit: Orlando Garcia)

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


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9504 SW 125 Terrace, Miami, FL 33176Luxurious 5BD/4.5BA/4,068SF in guard gated private enclave of OakRidge Falls. Formal Living & Dining rooms. Wood and granitekitchen. 2CG, Porte-cohere & circular driveway. Heated pool & patio.

5852 SW 54 LN, Miami FL 33143Being sold "As-Is" . Gorgeous new 6 bdrms, 7.5 bath residencewith 8650 total SF. Distressed wood flooring, fireplace, circularstaircase & extensive woodwork. Master has sitting room &balcony. Solid wood cabinets with granite & pantries. Smartsystem alarm capabilities. Huge terraces with wood ceilingsprivate cul-de-sac. Price includes adjacent 48,000 square footlot on private cul-de-sac. Multi-folio sale. SF per seller.

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12311 SW 94 AV, Miami FL 33176First 7 homes built! Don't miss the opportunity to buy at pre-construction prices in Estates by The Falls, exclusive guard gatedprivate enclave. Six models to choose from in this new phase.Floor plans from 4,500 to 5,500, lots from 15,000 to 28,000 SF.Luxurious finishes including marble & wood flrs, Barrel tileroof, crown moldings, impact windows/doors, solid doors, top ofthe line SS appliances, generator ready, landscaping, pool &more. 5 bed 5 bath 2 car garage. Owner is motivated !

12041 SW 64 Avenue, Pinecrest, FL 33156Storybook brick colonial nestled on 46,000 lot in Pinecrest.Beautifully updated to please the most discerning. Upgradesinclude a professional chef’s kitchen. Plantation shutters andFrench doors throughout. A breezy covered terrace, pool & tenniscourts complement this beauty.

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BY RICHARD YAGER

They call it “Rock that Burger” with aColombian flair.

When you enter Kendall’s newest ham-burger emporium in Snapper Creek Plaza,you quickly will understand why. One wallis emblazoned with a tribute to “Rockers” ofpast years, their photo images arranged in achecker board-like montage.

On an opposite wall hangs a dismantledrocker’s drum set, artistically placed as modern“pop” art and flanked by a row of guitars.

“The design was my sister’s work, partlydue to my rock band, Detour, that I led forthree years,” grinned 37-year-old FlavioAlarcon who guided Kendall’s latest ham-burger venture into a rocker’s heaven withbrother, Andres, 25; sister. Angela, 31, and ahelping assist from their mom, MiryanAlarcon.

Wooden slat chairs and eight tables alongwith chrome-plated stools for a small lunch-eon bar in a blazing red color scheme com-pletes an upbeat interior décor.

But what about the burgers — and those“Yellow Dogs?”

“They’re different,” explained theAlarcons. “You have to taste them to seewhy. We have a special seasoning that makes

them that way.”What makes their “Yellow Submarine”

hamburger unique is a homemade pineapplesauce, a holdover from the days when theAlarcons’ popular Yellow Submarine foodtruck drew passionate crowds of WestKendall Colombians for rarities like apineapple-spiced hot dog.

“Oooooh! Is that hot dog good!” tweetedone customer who said the Yellow Dog“won my heart in the hot dog world.”

A colorful menu card lists that “ParadiseCity” hot dog with a combination of moz-zarella cheese and house-made pineapple,mustard and tomato sauces.

The “Yellow Submarine” burger high-

lights the same pineapple-spiced toppingalong with tomato, lettuce and onions.

You can also Rock Your Burger with acombination of exotic-toppings includingjalapeño peppers and banana peppers.

To keep an American flavor, there’s also achoice of Chicken Wings (10 for $6.99) withhomemade barbecue or Buffalo sauce, as wellas French or “Loaded” chili fries. Beveragesvary from canned sodas to Corona, Budweiseror Heineken beer, topped off by an espresso,latte or cappuccino.

So how can a Colombian family outdo aShula Burger, due to open just a mile or sosouth of their 6-month-old operation?

“Just try us, and you’ll see!” chorused theenterprising trio who grew up learningAmerican tastes after the family left itsnative Cali 15 years ago to open a businesscalled Home Necessities before branchingout into catered food services.

“Folks have spread the word about ournew place, including many fellowColombians who knew us from our YellowSubmarine days on Kendall Drive at SW147th Avenue,” Flavio added.

Rock That Burger is open from noon to 9p.m. every weekday and from noon to 10 p.m.Saturdays and Sundays at 7138 SW 117 Ave.For take-out, call 305-270-2110.

Burger emporium wants to ‘rock’ your tastebuds

Andres, Angela and Flavio Alarcon bring Rock That Burger to Kendall. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––



BY LAURA PHILLIPS

Not knowing how to use a computer orbrowse the Internet puts families at adisadvantage.

Families with school-aged childrenneed to be digitally connected and literatein order to help their children thrive inschool, and Internet skills are basicrequirements for many jobs in today’scompetitive marketplace.

Digital literacy is virtually a necessity tocomplete homework assignments, writeresearch papers, apply to college, find andapply for jobs, and to file for unemploy-ment. As part of a growing national effortto bring digital literacy and the power ofthe Internet to the people who do not cur-rently have access and skills, the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and OpenSpaces Department has partnered withComcast to offer Miami-Dade families atrio of free “Internet Essentials” computertraining classes at Goulds Park, 11350 SW216 St.

The classes are:“Basic Computers and Microsoft

Software” — Offers an introduction tocomputer basics, such as general computercomponents and acronyms; powering-onand shutting down a computer; use of themouse and keyboard, and installing andmaneuvering Microsoft software programs,including Microsoft Word and Excel.

“Finding and Applying for Jobs Online”— Presents strategies for successful onlinejob-hunting and submitting resumes andjob application forms.

“Keeping Children Safe on the Internet”— Informs parents about potential threatstheir child may encounter while browsingthe Internet and offers tips for keeping them

safe and responsible in their Internet use.The Internet Essentials classes will take

place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from11 a.m. to noon; Mondays and Wednesdays,6-7 p.m., and Saturdays, 9-10 a.m.

There is no need to bring a computer, aslessons will be taught on classroom com-puters; however personal laptops may beused. To ensure appropriate accommoda-tions, advance registration is required forthe Internet Essentials classes. To register,and for information about these and otherMiami-Dade County Parks programs andrecreational activities available to the com-munity at Goulds Park, call 305-255-2399,or visit <www.miamidade.gov/parks>.

About 30 percent of Americans, many ofwhom are living near or below the povertyline, remain on the wrong side of the digi-tal divide. They possess little to no com-puter literacy, do not have broadbandaccess at home and/or do not have a homecomputer or device capable of supportinghigh-speed Internet use. That’s whyComcast created Internet Essentials — thelargest and most comprehensive broadbandadoption program in America.

As a component of Comcast’s InternetEssentials program, Comcast is providinglow-cost broadband service for $9.95 amonth and the option to purchase a full-service, Internet-ready computer for under$150. Households with at least one childwho receives free or reduced price lunchesthrough the National School LunchProgram may qualify. Call 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376) to requestan application, and visit <www.inter-netessentials.com>.

For information about Miami-DadeCounty Parks call 3-1-1, or visit<www.miamidade.gov/parks/>.

County joins Comcast to offerfree internet training classes


11th Miami Short Film Festivalannounces films, new events

See us online at:www.communitynewspapers.com

BY JESSIE ALLEN

With more than 700 international sub-

missions, 80 short films (under 20 min-

utes) have been chosen to screen in the

11th annual Miami Short Film Festival.

There will be 15 different blocks, each

consisting of seven or eight films that

share a common theme — including love,

horror, locals, documentary, and experi-

mental. Some notable appearances

include Gael Garcia Bernal in Zalet(Republic of Serbia), and Tony Award

winners Ed Asner and Mark Rydell in

Good Men (USA).

Films will screen Nov. 26-30 at the

Paragon Grove 13 at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.,

and Miami Beach Cinematheque at 9 p.m.

On Nov. 25, a special Kid’s Program will

run at the Miami Children’s Museum

including five films targeted to children

ages 2-8 from noon to 4 p.m. On that same

date, a complimentary family-friendly

showcase of highlights from the festival

will take place at the North Beach

Bandshell as part of the City of Miami

Beach Cultural Affairs Program and

Cultural Arts Council’s “Fresh Air Fund”

program from 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 24, begins the festival at

The Lot Bar in Paragon Grove 13 and will

include the unveiling of custom artwork

by local artist, and President Obama’s

two-time winner of “Runway to Win,”

Phil Fung. After parties will occur follow-

ing the last screening block every week-

day in various venues throughout Coconut

Grove and at Chalk on South Beach. The

festival ends on Dec. 1 with an awards

ceremony at the Mutiny Hotel, where

winning filmmakers in different cate-

gories will be announced.

This year’s sponsors include Paragon

13, The Lot Bar, Stella Artois, The Mutiny

Hotel, Conill, Figment Group, Midtown

Video, Concept International Realty. The

festival is made possible with the support

of the Miami-Dade County Department of

Cultural Affairs and Cultural Affairs

Council, Miami-Dade County Mayor and

Board of County Commissioners, City of

Miami Beach Department of Tourism and

Cultural Development, Office of Cultural

Affairs, and the Miami Beach Mayor and

City Commissioners.

The Miami Short Film Festival is a

501(c)(3) non-profit cultural organiza-

tion dedicated to promoting national,

international and local short films. For

more than 10 years, the event has been

the launching point for original scripts,

new cinematography and film tech-

niques, innovative perspectives, and

unique forms of true emotion and expres-

sion captured on film.

For more information visit online at

<www.miamishortfilmfestival.com> or

call 786-510-3738.


BY LUISA YEN

The Orange Bowl recently announced

its new Kicks for Kids Business Challenge,

a program providing South

Florida business owners the

opportunity to get involved in

giving back to the local com-

munity, and to make a splash

on the biggest stage in college

football.

The Kicks for Kids

Business Challenge will sup-

port the Orange Bowl’s

newest youth program by the

same name.

Entering its second year,

Kicks for Kids provides South

Florida children with new or

gently used athletic footwear,

ensuring them the opportunity

to participate in and reap the

rewards of youth sports and

exercise. Last year, more than 1,000 chil-

dren received shoes as a result of the pro-

gram, enabling them to play sports, and in

turn, benefit in the way of leadership,

socialization, cooperation, interpersonal

skills and overall health.

To drive collections this college football

season, the Kicks for Kids Business

Challenge invites locally based businesses to

join in the collection. The business that col-

lects the greatest number of youth athletic

shoes, and/or makes the largest donation to

the Kicks for Kids program will be awarded

a 2013 Discover Orange Bowl marketing

package valued at more than $25,000. It’s a

chance to market the business to approxi-

mately 70,000 fans who will be in atten-

dance and millions watching at home.

Components of the grand prize package

will include:

• Four tickets to the 2013 Discover

Orange Bowl;

• Four tickets to the

Orange Bowl Game Day Fan

Zone;

• A parking pass;

• One page advertisement

in the 2013 Discover Orange

Bowl game program;

• One video board men-

tion during the 2013

Discover Orange Bowl;

• A dedicated website

story on OrangeBowl.org;

• One page advertisement

in a future issue of Inside theOrange Bowl magazine, and

• One TV feature segment

on a future Inside theOrange Bowl TV show air-

ing Tuesday afternoon on

Sun Sports.

“Kicks for Kids is a tremendous pro-

gram that eliminates the most basic road

blocks so South Florida kids can partici-

pate and reap the benefits of sports,” said

Eric Poms, CEO, Orange Bowl

Committee. “Last year the Orange Bowl

donated 1,000 pairs of shoes and this year

we are increasing our goal to 1,500.

“The Kicks for Kids Business Challenge

is an exciting way for the Orange Bowl to

engage the local business community while

helping as many children as possible.”

The Kicks for Kids Business Challenge

will run through Nov. 30. For more infor-

mation including registration, shoe collec-

tion and full contest rules, visit online at

community.orangebowl.org.

Orange Bowl engages businesswith Kicks for Kids Challenge

To drive collections thiscollege football

season, theKicks for Kids

BusinessChallenge

invites locallybased

businesses tojoin in the collection.

BY GINNY GUTIERREZ

PortMiami, the Cruise Capital of theWorld, is poised for new growth as it wel-comes an impressive roster of new cruiselines and new vessels to its fleet in comingweeks boosting even further the cruiseindustry’s contribution to local tourism.

The 2012-13 cruise season was to launchwith the arrival of six ships in eight weeks,the first being the Regent Seven SeasNavigator on Nov. 8. Along with the reloca-tion of its sister ship the Regent Seven SeasMariner on Jan. 7, 2013, the luxury brandwill now homeport at PortMiami.

Also, coming in the next eight weeks are:Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest and largest

ship, the Carnival Breeze;Oceania Cruises will introduce its newest

ship, the Oceania Riviera to the U.S. mar-ket at PortMiami;

Celebrity Cruise Lines will begin sailingits newest ship, the Celebrity Reflection,from PortMiami. The ship is the fifth in theline’s premium Solstice Class, and

Disney Cruise Lines will enter the Miamimarket when the Disney Wonder beginssailing from PortMiami for the first time.

Additionally, the Mediterranean line,MSC Cruises will begin sailing from

PortMiami in Fall 2013 when it brings itsnewest ship the MSC Divina here.Furthermore, in 2014, Norwegian CruiseLine will launch the Norwegian Getaway,currently under construction in Germany.

“PortMiami, long known as the CruiseCapital of the World, is well-positioned fornew growth,” said PortMiami director BillJohnson. “We look forward to what is ourlargest expansion ever of new cruise brandsand new build vessels in a single cruise sea-son.” Johnson noted that PortMiami recent-ly trademarked its designation as “CruiseCapital of the World,” which recognizesthat the port is where modern day cruisingbegan and is the world’s leading cruise port.

PortMiami is Miami-Dade County’s sec-ond most important economic engine con-tributing $18 billion annually to the localeconomy and supporting more than 180,000

jobs in Greater Miami. For the past fouryears, more than four million cruise passen-gers have traveled through PortMiami annu-ally, more than any other port in the world.

PortMiami’s impressive roster of 14cruise lines offers a wide-range of itiner-aries to destinations in the Bahamas,Mexico, Caribbean, South America andbeyond. PortMiami terminal facilities areamong the most modern in the world andprovide easy passenger boarding and depar-ture. Currently underway are $15 million inimprovements to PortMiami’s CruiseTerminal D, which will homeport theCarnival Breeze.

The growth at PortMiami is in conjunc-tion with the tourism numbers recorded bythe Greater Miami Convention and VisitorsBureau (GMCVB) which earlier this yearannounced a record-breaking 13.4 millionovernight visitors in 2011. Greater Miamiand the Beaches offers a wealth of pre- andpost-cruise options for cruise passengers toextend their travel or vacation with stays inthe destination.

“Cruise passengers are important to thecontinual growth of Greater Miami’s traveland tourism industry as they contribute mil-lions of dollars annually to the local econo-my and generate jobs by staying in hotels,

riding in taxis, eating in restaurants, visitingattractions and shopping,” said GMCVBpresident and CEO William D. Talbert III,CDME. “We are delighted to welcomecruise passengers from around the worldwho come to PortMiami and contributemightily to tourism, Miami-Dade County’sNo. 1 industry.”

Welcoming events will be held by the

Greater Miami Convention and Visitors

Bureau for each of the new ships scheduled

to set sail and the public is welcome to

attend them at Smith & Wollensky in

Miami Beach. Details for those scheduled

to depart before year’s end are as follows:

Oceania Riviera (Oceania Cruises):

Scheduled to set sail on Nov. 29 at 6 p.m.

with its welcome event from 5 to 7 p.m.Carnival Breeze (Carnival Cruise Lines):

Scheduled to set sail on Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. withits welcome event from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Celebrity Reflection (Celebrity Cruises):Scheduled to set sail on Dec. 5 at 4:30 p.m.with its welcome event from 3:30 to 5:30p.m.

Disney Wonder (Disney Cruise Line):Scheduled to set sail on Dec. 23 at 5 p.m.with its welcome event from 4 to 6 p.m.

For more information on PortMiami, visit<www.miamidade.gov/portmiami>.

PortMiami welcoming new vessels, more cruise lines

CRUISE NEWS


Nominations open for 25th year of In the Company of WomenBY EDITH TORRES

The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, inpartnership with the Miami-Dade CountyCommission for Women and Miami-DadeParks, Recreation and Open Spaces, isseeking to honor outstanding Miami-Dadewomen for the 25th Annual In theCompany of Women Awards Ceremony tobe held in March 2013.

Timed to coincide with Women’s HistoryMonth, In the Company of Women recog-nizes the accomplishments of professionalfemale leaders in the community in the fol-lowing categories:

• Outstanding Woman in Arts andEntertainment;

• Outstanding Woman in Business andEconomics;

• Outstanding Woman inCommunications and Literature;

• Outstanding Woman in Education andResearch;

• Outstanding Woman in Governmentand Law;

• Outstanding Woman in Health andHuman Services;

• Outstanding Woman in Science andTechnology;

• Outstanding Woman in Sports and

Athletics;• Community Spirit Award;• Mayor’s Pioneer Award, and• Posthumous Award.New this year, two women will be select-

ed for the category of “Outstanding Womanin Government and Law,” one elected andone non-elected.

The Community Spirit Award recognizesan outstanding woman who, through volun-teering, has made a difference within thecommunity. No professional background isrequired.

The Mayor’s Pioneer Award honors atrailblazer who has proven leadership, cre-ativity, and vision in addressing communi-ty issues and advancing the status ofwomen in Miami-Dade County.

The Posthumous Award is in honor of awoman who has passed away and recognizesher contribution within Miami-Dade County.

All honorees must demonstrate professionaldevelopment, community responsibility, lead-ership and vision, contribution to women’sprogress and promotion of pluralism.

To download the nomination form, visit<www.miamidade.gov/parks/women.asp>.Completed forms must be mailed to LauraMorilla, executive director, Miami-DadeCounty Commission for Women, 111 NW

First St., Suite 1034, Miami, FL 33128.Nominations must be postmarked byFriday, Dec. 14.

A committee of community leaders willreview nomination forms in order to deter-mine the nominee’s eligibility. Emphasiswill be placed on the nominee’s contribu-tion to women’s progress in her profes-sion/area of interest. For the Mayor’sPioneer Award, emphasis will be on overallinvolvement in the community andwomen’s progress. Appointees fromMiami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A.Gimenez office will review the nomina-tions for the Mayor’s Pioneer Award.

Nominators are required to complete thenomination form and submit nine copies ofthe form along with nine photocopies ofany newspaper or magazine articles about

the nominee, if available. If nominating forthe Mayor’s Pioneer Award, submit onlythree photocopies of the nomination form,along with three photocopies of recommen-dation letters from three individuals, notincluding the nominator, and any support-ing materials including newspaper or mag-azine articles.

Nominations that fail to include theseitems and/or do not meet the applicationdeadline will be automatically disqualified.Nominations will not be accepted viaemail. Past recipients of the In theCompany award are not eligible.

For more information and for a list of pastaward recipients, go to<http://miamidade.gov/parks/women.asp>or contact Laura Morilla at 305-375-4967,or via email at <[email protected]>.


BY JESSE SCHECKNER

The first thing a person will notice afterwalking into Batteries Plus, located at 6400S. Dixie Hwy., is how welcoming it is. Theshelves are well stocked with batteries andlight bulbs, but everything is convenientlywithin reach. Interactive displays compar-ing the cost benefits and energy efficiencyof their light bulbs are all over the store andthere is every imaginable kind of batteryavailable, from cell phone and laptop bat-teries to ones for motor vehicles and cord-less tools.

This is all part of the design that hasallowed the company, which presently has517 stores nationwide, to grow in such adifficult economy. It is one of the manythings which attracted Carlos Quinones, avital and friendly husband and father oftwo, to purchase a franchise two years ago. One doesn’t just buy a Batteries Plus fran-chise, order inventory and set up shop,however. There is a considerable amountof preliminary work to be done before thedoors ever open.

“Part of the reason we’ve been so suc-cessful is that we go through an intensivetraining program which includes threeweeks of battery and bulb ‘boot camp’ and53 hours of online work,” says Quinones.

All five of the people employed have gonethrough the process, making for a very welleducated and informative staff. With the advancement of both battery andlight bulb technology, purchases may bemore costly, but are fewer and further inbetween. It is natural to assume that a busi-ness such as Batteries Plus would considerevery sale to be important – and they do – butthey also are very much interested in creatinga lasting relationship with their clientele.

“Before we sell someone a battery, wetry to do a full analysis of the device tomake sure the purchase is necessary and

that the problem doesn’t exist elsewhere,”Quinones says. “We try to educate the cus-tomer by asking important questions andgive them the bulb or battery that best suitstheir needs.”

This particular Batteries Plus franchise isalso involved with the community in otherways apart from commercial retail. In addi-tion to participating in a national batteryrecycling program that is free to local resi-dents, the store is also taking part in anambitious program – assisted by govern-ment grants and incentives – to re-lamplocal businesses with CFL (compact flores-cent light) bulbs.

“Companies used to have to pursue thesedeals,” Quinones says. “Now we and thegovernment are proactive about it.”

The company is very aware of the imme-diate needs of the surrounding area as well.This was exemplified in the days leadingup to what fortunately wound up beingmuch-ado-about-nothing in HurricaneIsaac. When many businesses were bury-ing their heads in the sand, Batteries Pluswas not only open, but was receiving anemergency delivery full of hurricanenecessities.

With such positive community relationsand an equally honest and straightforwardapproach to their business practices,Batteries Plus appears to be headed in theright direction for success. Though it tookthem 13 months to find the right locationfor their first store, Carlos Quinones iseager to begin branching out.

“As the business takes off, hopefullywithin the year we’ll start looking for morelocations and grow at that rate,” he says. Batteries Plus is open seven days a week.

For more information, call 305-661-4567, email <[email protected]> or go online at <www.batteries-plus.com>.

Batteries Plus charges ahead

Pictured are(l-r) BatteriesPlusemployeesFelipe Pelaezand RoxanaSoler, withowner CarlosQuinones.

BY PATRICIA ROJAS

While military deployments and hospital

stays may keep many of our nation’s

heroes away from their families this holi-

day season, the American Red Cross is col-

lecting and distributing cards that send

words of encouragement, gratitude and

cheer.

Now through Dec. 7, Americans can

give something that means something by

sending a card of thanks and support to

members of the Armed Forces, veterans

and their families.

“It just takes a moment to sign a card to

share your appreciation for the sacrifices

members of the military community

make,” said Sam Tidwell, CEO, American

Red Cross South Florida Region. “You say

thanks, we’ll do the rest.”

The Red Cross is inviting the public to

send messages of thanks and holiday cheer

until Dec. 7 by mailing them to: Holiday

Mail for Heroes, PO Box 5456, Capitol

Heights, MD 20791-5456.

Pitney Bowes Inc. receives cards at the

special Holiday Mail post office box, and

screens them for hazardous materials.

Pitney Bowes screens, packages and ships

the cards at no charge, and contributes

thousands of volunteer hours at sites

around the country.

Red Cross volunteers across the United

States and on military installations over-

seas then sort and deliver the cards

throughout the holiday season. The Red

Cross and Pitney Bowes have received and

distributed more than 4.7 million cards for

members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veter-

ans and their families since the program

began in 2006.

To ensure that cards are delivered in time

for the holidays, they must be postmarked

no later than Dec. 7. Individuals are asked

to refrain from sending “care packages,”

monetary donations, or using glitter or any

other kinds of inserts with the cards. More

information and card requirements are at

redcross.org/holidaymail.

The public can connect with fellow

card senders through Facebook at face-

book.com/redcross and Twitter.com/red-

cross using the hashtag #holidaymail.

The Red Cross relies on the support of

the American people to carry out its mis-

sion of service to the 2 million members

of the U.S. Armed Forces, 24 million

veterans and their families. During this

holiday season, people also can support

all Red Cross services by making a

financial donation at redcross.org or by

calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Individuals

also can give the gift of life by making

an appointment to give blood at red-

crossblood.org or by calling 1-800-

REDCROSS.

‘Holiday Mail for Heroes’available through Dec. 7


BY BRIAN FOX

Kendall Toyota presented a ToyotaTundra to the Pelican Harbor SeabirdStation (PHSS) at the dealership onThursday, Nov. 1, as part of the Toyota “100Cars for Good” program, a major philan-thropic initiative in which the automaker isgiving away 100 cars to 100 nonprofits overthe course of 100 days. The 100 Cars forGood program is the first Toyota initiativethat engages the public to determine howcorporate philanthropic donations areawarded.

PHSS will use its new Tundra to surveylocal marinas for injured pelicans andwildlife, rescue and care for wounded ani-mals and as transportation for PHSS staff togive educational presentations at neighboringschools throughout Miami-Dade County.

“We are overwhelmed by Toyota’s gen-erosity,” said Brian Fox, PHSS executivedirector. “Receiving a truck as a donationwill significantly enhance our ability to saveand treat injured wildlife in the Biscayne Bayarea. This will certainly enable us to increaseour overall efforts in Miami.”

Founded in 1980, PHSS is recognizedboth nationally and internationally for itsdedication to seabird rehabilitation. While itspecializes in brown pelicans, the center

rescues, treats and cares for all sick, injuredor orphaned wildlife with a mission to fos-ter and promote the preservation, protectionand propagation of pelicans and otherwildlife. Each year, PHSS heals thousandsof animals affected by mankind and returnsthem to their ecosystem. The organizationalso provides other community services toinclude education programs, conservationresearch, outreach initiatives and resolvinghuman-wildlife conflicts.

“We are proud to be a part of Toyota’s100 Cars for Good program and presentSeabird Station with their new Tundra,”said Frank Marsala, Kendall Toyota generalmanager. “We live in a vibrant city andSeabird Station is a remarkable place mak-ing a huge impact in Miami and the wildlifethat inhabits the area.”

Kendall Toyota is located at 10943 S.Dixie Hwy. The dealership has beeninvolved in various charities to include its

most recent and favorite initiative of award-ing Miami-Dade County Teacher of theYear with a new Toyota.

“At Toyota, we appreciate what a signifi-cant impact a new car can have for nonprof-its in their work,” said Michael Rouse, vicepresident of diversity, philanthropy andcommunity affairs for Toyota Motor Sales,USA. “All 100 of the winners of the 100Cars for Good program are providingextraordinary and much-needed services,and we thank Kendall Toyota for their rolein delivering Pelican Harbor SeabirdStation’s car to help them with their impor-tant work.”

The selection process began May 14 byprofiling five finalists at <www.100carsfor-good.com>. Individual members of thepublic were able to vote for the nonprofitthey believe can do the most good with anew vehicle. The charity with the mostvotes at the end of each day became thewinner of one of six Toyota models.Additionally, each runnerup will receive a$1,000 cash grant from Toyota.

A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain war-ranty also will be provided for each vehicle,compliments of Toyota Financial Services.To learn more about the 100 Cars for Goodprogram, visit<www.100carsforgood.com>.

Toyota donates a truck to local wildlife hospital

Frank Marsala (left) of Kendall Toyota presents Brian Fox (right) of Pelican Harbor Seabird Station with a 2013Toyota Tundra as part of Toyota’s “100 Cars for Good” program.

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


The Doctors Cohn make Miami Smile

What could be better than working with one of your children every day?Dr. Jack Cohn has the good fortune of having two of his sons, Adam, andAaron follow in his professional footsteps.Dr. Jack Cohn grew up in South Miami and attended Coral Gables High

School. Years later after graduating Dental school at Medical College ofVirginia in Richmond he longed for his South Florida weather and lifestyle.Dr. Jack has practiced Dentistry in South Miami/Kendall for thirty-sevenyears. During this time he has been President of the South Dade Dental So-ciety and a delegate to the Florida Dental Association. Dr. Jack has achievedthe status of Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. His constant par-ticipation in post-graduate education is probably what piqued Dr. Adam’sand Dr. Aaron’s interest in the dental field.Dr. Adam Cohn grew up in the Palmetto area and attended Palmetto Sen-

ior High School then attended the University of Florida and received hisdental degree at Nova Southeastern University. His plan was always to re-turn to his neighborhood and join his father. Since graduating from dentalschool in 2007 he has been involved in several local dental societies andstudy groups. Dr. Adam has participated in the pro bono Pankey InstituteDental Access.Dr. Aaron Cohn also grew up in the Palmetto area and attended Palmetto

Senior High School. He then attended the University of Florida for under-graduate studies and ventured north to receive his dental degree from Tem-ple University Dental School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After a fewwinters he was glad to head back to his hometown of Miami. Dr. Aaron im-mediately immersed himself in the local Dental Societies as had his fatherand brother.The Drs. Cohn also brought computerization and the latest digital radi-

ography (x-rays) to the practice which recently relocated to 9840 S.W. 77Ave. Together Drs. Cohn designed their ideal office with state of the arttechnology. A website has been added to facilitate patient education atwww.smilemiamidental.com. All of the latest cosmetic procedures areavailable and implant based Reconstructive Dentistry is also performed.The caring part of patient doctor relationship s is what Dr. Jack has em-

phasized during their tenure together, “Nobody cares how much you knowuntil they know howmuch you care.” Maintaining this type of work enviro-ment has been their mission. The doctors have a gentle bedside manner andthis “family” practice is a labor of love. They employ a gentle and caringstaff that have been a part of the team for many years. The staff takes pridein making sure each and every patient is relaxed, comfortable and at ease.Smile Miami invites you to visit the office at 9840 SW 77th Avenue,

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The Kia Optima may be the best buy in amidsize family sedan on the U.S. markettoday.

Since being completely redesigned in2010, Optima has become Kia’s best seller.Built at Kia’s plant in West Point, GA, the2013 Optima lineup has been expandedwith the new and sporty top-of-the-lineLimited trim.

The Optima has a sleek silhouette, anaggressive stance and a bold face, with theKia badge on the tabbed grille complement-ed by projector headlights. The rooflineconnects with the pronounced shoulderline, leading to sculpted flanks and accentu-ating the extended wheelbase. Flared wheelarches and a raked cabin create a sedan witha graceful muscular presence.

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The new top-of-the-line Limited trimbrings a level of sporty refinement, addingunique 18-inch chrome wheels, daytimerunning lights, red brake calipers, chrome-accented side sills, chromed-side mirrorsand a rear spoiler.

In addition to its sporty personality, theOptima is loaded with standard conven-ience features and functionality, such as a

six-way adjustable driver’s seat with powerlumbar support, tilt and telescopic steeringcolumn, glove box cooling capabilities andautomatic light control. Additional standardinterior features include power door locks,power windows and sun visor extension.

The 2013 Optima offers a choice of twofuel-efficient, powerful Theta II engineswith gasoline direct injection (GDI),including a 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder or a2.0-liter GDI turbo engine. A 2.4-literhybrid powertrain also is available. The2.4-liter GDI engine produces 200 hp,while the 274-hp 2.0-liter turbo GDIengine (SX models) delivers V-6 type

power with four-cylinder efficiency. Eachengine is mated to a six-speed automatictransmission with Sportmatic clutchlessshifting. Both engines deliver good fueleconomy; the 2.4-liter four-cylinder posts24/35 mpg while the 2.0-liter turbo GDIgets 22/34 mpg.

Base price on the 2013 Kia Optima LX is$21,200.

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

2013 Kia adds sporty Limited trim to Optima lineup

LET’S TALK CARS

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Licensed & Insured

• Tree Trimming• Consultation• Stump Grinding• Landscaping• Lawn Services• Fertilization• Sprinkler Repair• Debris Removal• Backhoe Service• Driveway Pavers• Fencework - All Types• Chickee Huts• Outdoor Kitchens• And More

Impact resistant Windows and DoorsHigh Performance Accordion Shutters

Hurricane Panels

CLOSED OPEN

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Call 305-803-7602for a free estimateLicensed and Insured

Florida State License SCC 131150340

Miami Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties Approved

PROTECT YOUR BIGGEST INVESTMENT NOW!!!We Manufacture and Install


CORPORATE APPROVED



DESSERT: Pumpkin & Apple Pie (Not Included)

1995$per person

(Drinks, Tax & TipsNot Included)

Only

10% OFF Meals

at Restaurants

TurkeyServed with two sides:

Mashed potatoes & gravy,sweet potatoes, green beans,

broccoli & sweet corn

Baked HamServed with two sides:

Mashed potatoes & gravy, sweetpotatoes, green beans, broccoli

& sweet corn

STARTERSGarden Salad,

Served with raspberry vinaigretteMAIN ENTREES

(Served with dinner roll)

22400 Old Dixie Hwy,

TEA ROOM : 305-258-0044

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Caribbean Meat LoafServed with two sides:

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&Miami, Florida 33170


What’s The Difference? Don’t be confused

305.267.1426

• 25 years in Tree and Landscape Care,disease control, nutritional programs, interiorand exterior pest management and treetrimming services.• Fully licensed, insured, State CertifiedPest Control Operators and ISA CertifiedArborist.• On-going,in-house, twice a weektechnician’s training.• Quality control personnel conductingon-site property evaluations• All vehicles have GPS for routingefficiency and tracking.• One Two Tree is a drug free work placeand all employees undergo backgroundchecks.• Family owned company you can trust.

We’re the innovators..not the imitators!

Tree & Landscaping Care

7250 S.W. 42 Tr. Miami, FL 33155www.onetwotree.com

Certified tree andpalm trimming

Licensed Interior & Exteriorpest control

Education Training Accountability

OPENING DOORS TO SOUTH FLORIDA REAL ESTATE

ESSLINGER WOOTEN MAXWELL, INC., REALTORS305.329.7744 • [email protected] • WWW.DREWKERN.COM

DREWKERN

As a second generation real estate professional, and a Miami native,I have an intimate understanding of our local market.

Let me help guide you through the sometimes turbulent waters of buyingand selling your most valuable asset. The process should be easy and enjoyable

when you have the assistance of the right professional.

107400 SWW 1211 StLovely 3 bdrm/ 2 bath family home in the

Pine Shores community. Bright and spaciouskitchen with lots of storage and room for a

large eat-in area or den.Formal living & dining rooms. Privatefenced backyard with covered patio and

pool. 2 car garage.$385,000

73600 SWW 1088 TerSpacious 5 bdrm, 3 bath home boasts over4,200 square feet, with large screened inpool and outdoor bar. Updated kitchen.

Front bedroom combines two bedrooms tomake one large room. Spacious formal

living and dining rooms. Perfect forentertaining. 2 car garage.

$845,000

19000 Pizarroo StMediterranean style home in Coral Gables! 4

bdrm/ 3 bath, built in 1989. Renovatedkitchen with custom cabinetry, granite

counter tops and stainless appliances. Onebdrm & full bath downstairs. Great for enter-

taining w/ courtyard off dining room andpavered patio in backyard. 1.5 car garage.$724,900/For rent $4,500 per month

238011 Overseass Highwayy (MileMarker 23.8) Rare opportunity to find 9.46acres on the Bay in Summerland Key.Commercial property, previously a shrimplarva farm. Seller represents 7.71Acres areupland (335,848 sq ft) 990 feet of frontageon Overseas Highway, West side is onKemp Channel, and the east side is on alagoon. $1,495,000228000 SWW 1555 AveCustom built 3 bdrm/ 2 bath home in TheRedland. Tucked away on half an acre sur-rounded by lush landscaping includingfruit trees. Master bedroom has woodburning fireplace & balcony. Two bdrmson the first floor. Quiet neighborhood, sit-uated on a corner lot on a dead-end street.$299,0003644 SWW 199 RdBeautifully renovated Old Spanish homein The Roads. 3 bdrm/2 bath with 2,374 sqft of living area, on a 6,750 sq ft lot.Kitchen has stainless steel appliances, gasrange, granite countertops, and woodcabinetry. Indoor laundry. French doorslead to patio overlooking landscapedbackyard and work shed.$495,000

170700 SWW 744 Pl

Tastefully updated 4 bdrm/3.5 bath,3,700 sq ft home in gated community of

Old Cutler Palms in Palmetto Bay.Beautiful kitchen, expansive living

areas, great for entertaining. Lush land-scaping surrounds private pool andhome on just over 17,200 sq ft lot.

3 car garage. $725,000

27566 Dayy Avee #403

Great opportunity for young professionalsor investors. 2 bdrm/ 2 bath condoin secure & gated, Grove Haus building.Updated kitchen. Laminate flooringthroughout. 1 assigned parking space.1 block from Biscayne Bay. Walkingdistance to the shops and restaurants ofCoconut Grove. $235,000


Coral Gables News 11.13.2012

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Transcript of Coral Gables News 11.13.2012