Coral Gables News 1.22.2013

JAN. 22 - FEB. 4, 2013 ––––––––––––– communitynewspapers.com –––––––––––– 305-669-7355

AUDREY FERNANDEZ

LORRELLE JOCK

GENE LIU

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

This is another in a series ofprofiles of outstanding studentsattending schools in CoralGables.

See profiles on page 7.

BY ALEX MARKEL

T hree eighth grade writ-ers were honored duringthe annual JuniorOrange Bowl CreativeWriting Contest awardsceremony at Books &

Books in Coral Gables on Saturday, Jan. 5.The three winners and their teachers wereawarded medals by Dr. Lawrence Feldman ofthe Miami-Dade School Board.

The theme of the contest was “How Can IHelp Build a Better Community?” The win-ner was Sophie Ruiz from South MiamiMiddle School, followed by ConnorCunningham from Palmetto Middle School,and Audrey Barba also from South MiamiMiddle School. Each student had the opportu-nity to read his or her winning essays at theawards ceremony.

“It was truly a shining moment to see thewinning students and teachers receive medalsfrom Dr. Feldman,” said Creative writingchair Connie Goodman-Milone.

This year’s winners were chosen frommore than 200 entries from students acrossMiami-Dade County. Each year the JuniorOrange Bowl Creative Writing Committeeinvites all eighth grade Miami-Dade studentsto submit an essay on a specific theme.

The Junior Orange Bowl Festival is possi-ble with the support of the City of CoralGables, Miami Children’s Hospital, OrangeBowl Committee, Miami-Dade CountyDepartment of Cultural Affairs, CulturalAffairs Council, Miami-Dade County TouristDevelopment Council, Miami-Dade County

Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.The Junior Orange Bowl Committee Inc. is

a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization thatserves the community of South Florida andthe youth of the world by providing opportu-

nities for wholesome, competitive and multi-cultural experiences.

For more information on the Junior OrangeBowl, call 305-662-1210 or visit the websiteat <www.jrorangebowl.org>.

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Junior Orange Bowl honors young writers at ceremony

Pictured (l-r) are creative writing competition winners Audrey Barba, Sophie Ruiz and Connor Cunninghamwith Junior Orange Bowl Queen Aria Armstead at the Creative Writing awards ceremony.

AA ssppeecciiaall ooffffeerr ffoorr oouurr rreeaaddeerrssBY GRANT MILLER

Publisher

Happy New Year!Miami’s Community

Newspapers wants to startthe new year by thanking ourmany loyal readers and offer-ing you a chance to see theUniversity of Miami’s bas-

ketball team in one of several games againsttop Atlantic Coast Conference opponents.

You can get up to four tickets to one of thefollowing games (while supplies last) bysending an email to <jaime@communi-

tynewspapers.com>. Please indicate thenumber of tickets desired as well as a secondgame choice should your first choice beunavailable.

Available games, dates and times are asfollows:

Boston College, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m.;North Carolina, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2 p.m.;Virginia, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 9 p.m.;Virginia Tech, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m.;Georgia Tech, Wednesday, Mar. 6, 9 p.m.,

and Clemson, Saturday, Mar. 9, 2:30 p.m.All games are played at the BankUnited

Center, 1245 Dauer Drive on the UM campus.

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Jan. 22 - Feb. 4, 2013

Jan. 22 - Feb. 4, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM


Downtown Coral Gables once againplayed host to the annual Junior OrangeBowl Parade in December.

Grand marshal Ron Magill led floats,bands, cheer and dance groups, motorcy-cles and cars, equestrian units and manyother local organizations down MiracleMile in celebration of another Junior

Orange Bowl Festival and this year’stheme “Sailing to New Adventures.”

The Junior Orange Bowl Parade ispossible with the support of the City ofCoral Gables, Miami Children’sHospital, AT&T U-Verse, and BarryUniversity as well as all of the paradevolunteers.

Junior Orange Bowl celebrateswith parade in Downtown Gables

The Hip-Hop Kidz perform during the pre-parade show.

Junior Orange Bowl Queen Aria Armstead is pictured with Jobie.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


The Southeastern Conference continuesits reign over NCAA football. Congrats toAlabama fans and condolences to the Irish.The day after the BCS ChampionshipGame, thousands of Crimson Tide/SECfans were still enjoying South Florida’s funin the sun following their impressive victo-ry over Notre Dame. Two such AlabamaTide fans, Gordon and Kathleen Ladner,were seen enjoying dinner with Gulliver’sHank Langston at Season’s 52 beforedriving back home the following day.

That same evening, Coral GablesChamber of Commerce Trustees weretreated to a networking reception hosted byGreg Barnes, president and COO of

Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables. As thefirst Chamber Trustee event of 2013, folksshared holiday stories and talked of plansfor the new year.

Among the many seen enjoying theevent were trustee chair J. Dustin Symesof City National Bank; Nicole Waters,Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables Fleet Sales& Business Development manager; cham-ber president Mark Trowbridge; chamberpast chairs Carolina Rendeiro, RonShuffield and Marc Berenfeld; NelsonPenalver, Logistical Outsourcing; LindaKnudsen and Javier Lichtl, BaptistHealth; Chris Colson, Second ChanceCredit, and John Allen, Home FinancingCenter.

Speaking of planning, Coral GablesRotarians next dinner in their Wine andDine for Charity series will be at AngeliqueEuro Café on Tuesday, Feb. 26. Eventchair Rodney Langer is working withrestaurant owners Carlos and YolandaRossi to plan a four-course menu with winepairings that will please wine lovers andfoodies alike. The price of the dinner, all inclusive, is $125 per person and proceeds

from this event will benefit the CoralGables Rotary Foundation and KristiHouse.

Additional funds from series sponsorsalso will be divided among Kristi House,CG Rotary Foundation, GFWC CoralGables Woman’s Club May Van SickleChildren’s Dental Clinic, Shake-A-Leg,and The First Tee Foundation. For reserva-tions, call Rod at 786-251-8459 or Gloriaat 305-968-3090.

In addition, Coral Gables Rotarianskicked off the New Year on Jan. 1 with theclub’s Annual Moose Milk Party at theGables home of Christopher and ChrisTyson. Everyone brought a covered dishand some were extraordinary such as theone provided by Dan Scipione. He notonly hunted and killed a wild pig, but alsocooked the meat for hours on end to pre-pare a truly delicious meal. Seen enjoyingthis and other great pot luck offerings were

club president Walter Alvarez and wife,Annette, as well as several past club presi-dents including Deborah Swain and hus-band, John; Yolanda Woodbridge andhusband, Fred, and Sally Baumgartner.

Finally, volunteers will provide freebasic income tax return preparation andfree electronic filing to individuals withlow to moderate incomes ($50,000 maxi-mum income), individuals with disabilities,non-English speaking taxpayers, and theelderly at University of Miami School ofLaw Campus, 1311 Miller Dr. Upcomingsessions are scheduled for Wednesdays,9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 and Feb27. Space is limited. Please contact CeciliaCalderon-Salzburg at 305-284-8195.

Until next time, keep making each daycount.

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

Championship celebration continues day after big game

GLORIA’S GAB

Gloria Burns

Pictured (l-r) are Alex Rey, Credomatic; Mike DiPietro, former vice mayor of Doral; past chamber chair Ron Shuffieldof EWM; Greg Barnes of Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables; chamber past chair Drew Kern of EWM Realtors.

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Pictured at theCoral Gables

TrusteeReception are (l-r) Carolina

Rendeiro ofRight

Management,Greg Barnes, ofMercedes Benz

of Coral Gables,and attorney

Laure Russo.


BY HELEN GYNELL

The Coral Gables CommunityFoundation will host its fourth annual Tourof Kitchens on Saturday, Jan. 26. Eight ofCoral Gables’ finest private home kitchenswill be open to the public and will offerfood tastings, table setting displays, andhome-related merchandise.

The tour begins any time from 10 a.m. onwith breakfast bites, coffee, and mimosasat Snaidero kitchens+ design showroom,4110 Ponce de LeonBlvd. At check in,tour participants willbe given a programbooklet containingthe tour map. Homeson this self-guidedtour will be open until2 p.m., and partici-pants may visit thehomes in the orderthey choose. Lastentry to the tourhomes will be 1:45p.m.

New this year, oneof the stops on thetour will be the Les Dames d’EscoffierMiami’s fourth annual “Giant GourmetGarage Sale” piggybacking on one of thetour stops (which will also feature thekitchen of a well-known local dessert chef).

The Tour finishes with a closing event inthe Books & Books outdoor courtyard, 265

Aragon Ave., from 12:30 to 2 p.m., featur-ing champagne, a wide array of desserts, adisplay on Kitchen Trends, and cookbookauthors who will be on hand to mingle andto sign books. Honorary chair and CoralGables’ First Lady Carmen Cason also willbe at the closing event to meet and greetparticipants.

Tour tickets are $50 per person and all-inclusive of food and beverages, and maybe purchased through the website at coral-

g a b l e s t o u r o f k -itchens.com, or atthe starting point(Snaidero) on theday of the tour.Participants alsomay call to buy tick-ets at 305-446-9670.

Proceeds benefitthe Foundation andthe Coral GablesSenior High SchoolCulinary ArtsProgram.

The Coral GablesC o m m u n i t yFoundation is a501(c)(3) nonprofitwith a mission to

improve the quality of life for all of thosewho live, work, study and/or play in theCity Beautiful. Since its inception, theFoundation has distributed nearly $4 mil-lion to worthy causes. To read more aboutthe Foundation or to make a donation,visit <www.gablesfoundation.org>.

Community Foundation to host 4th Tour of Kitchens fundraiser

Coral Gables High School senior Audrey Fernandezis involved in an organization called Angels of LoveJamaica. The charity helps critically ill underprivi-leged children.

“This past summer a few friends and I took a trip toJamaica to volunteer with the organization. Whilethere, I visited two hospitals, one in May Pen and onein Bustamante,” Fernandez said. “My friends and Irepainted some of the hospital rooms in May Pen, andin the chapel at the Bustamante Children’s Hospital wepainted a mural.”

They also played with the hospitalized children andvisited some sick kids in their homes.

“I hope to return this upcoming summer to see theprogress of some of the children and in the hopes thatI might once again cheer up their days, as they didmine when I visited,” Fernandez said.

At school, Fernandez is on the staff of Highlights,the Gables school newspaper. She has been the fea-tures editor and now is the Insight Section editor.

“This section could be considered an extension offeatures, however it focuses solely on one concept thatis of human interest and looks into the different aspectsthat make up that one idea,” Fernandez said. “As ofright now, Insight has covered the 2012 election cam-paign, the real cost of a public school education, andthe strength of weak ties (those made through connec-tions with others).”

One issue looked at the fear of the unknown, withspecial attention being placed on the idea of“doomsday.”

Her extracurricular activities include a Mu AlphaTheta board position and math tutoring.

“I feel that I have helped several students feel morecomfortable with any math problem they encounter,”she said.

Fernandez is a member of the National HonorSociety and has been recognized as an AP Scholar. Shealso is a National Hispanic Recognition Scholar forachieving high PSAT scores and maintaining a 3.0grade point average or higher.

— Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

Coral Gables High School senior Lorrelle Jock hasapproximately 550 community service hours, mostearned because of her participation in the school’s musicand drama programs.

Jock sings and plays guitar and a little piano.“I act as well,” she said.She is not only in a chorus, but she’s in DiViSi, the

school’s a cappella group.“We sing at a lot of charity events,” she said.Just before Winter Break, the group sang at a charity

event for orphans.The full chorus also performs at community events and

competitions. They sing at the Coral Gables TreeLighting ceremony every year.

“We participate in the caroling competition,” Jocksaid. “We have done really well.”

The chorus does well at district and state competitions,earning superior at districts (the highest rating) andexcellent at states. The group also traveled to Orlandolast year for the Heritage Festival and earned third placewith their performance. This school year the festival istaking place in Williamsburg, VA.

“I’m really excited about it,” she said.She also is excited about being selected for the All

State Honor Choir, which was scheduled for earlyJanuary.

Last year Jock was the alto section leader in the cho-rus. This year she’s one of the chorus captains.

“We’re in charge of the whole chorus,” Jock said.Along with being very involved in the chorus, she also

is president of Tri-M, the music honor society.“Tri-M hosts a monthly coffee house to give students

a place to sing or act,” Jock said.The coffee houses take place in the school cafeteria

and the décor depends on the upcoming holiday.Jock is the treasurer of the drama troupe, the competi-

tive acting group. She also is in the National HonorSociety.

She plans to pursue music in college and minor in psy-chology or business. Her college applications went out toUF, FSU, UCF, FIU, UM and NYU.

— Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

AUDREY FERNANDEZ

Compassion is a quality that is exhibited by CoralGables High School senior Gene Liu.

Liu is involved heavily in a charity called Angels ofLove, started by his uncle in Jamaica. The charity’s goal isto raise money to help critically and terminally ill childrenreceive treatment. The charity also seeks donations of gen-tly used clothes or old laptops.

“Most of them have cancer,” Liu said. “One was a vic-tim of crossfire and has a bullet in her head. We help withfunding for surgeries.”

The children are called “angels” and those involved inthe charity visit the angels’ household as well.

“Right now there are about 30-35,” Liu said. “Three arein remission and five have passed away. We also help withthe funeral costs.”

They find the children through the doctors and the hos-pitals.

“The doctors approach us with a candidate to become anangel,” Liu said. “They show the need and their financialsituation.”

Liu had been collecting the donations through word ofmouth but now he has approached organizations at Gableslike the National Honor Society and the InternationalBaccalaureate Honor Society to see if they can step up.

Liu is the school newspaper’s sports editor. Previouslyhe was a staff writer. He is vice president of tutoring forMu Alpha Theta and a member of NHS and IBHS.

He is the legislative advocate chair of the PTSA and oneof the assistant student advisors to the school board.

“I’m the first student to be on this school’s executivePTSA,” he said.

He loves sports and plays ice hockey. He played for theFlorida Junior Panthers, winning three major tournamentsand a state championship, but last year he had to go to ateam that was a little bit less demanding.

“I was a member of the Miami-Dade High SchoolHockey Alliance,” he said. “Also I was awarded theFlorida Scholastic League Hobey Baker award for charac-ter. I was assistant captain.”

His college applications include UM and UF in state.Out of state, he is applying to Johns Hopkins, WashingtonUniversity in St. Louis, Rice and Brown. He wants to be ananesthesiologist. — Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

GENE LIU LORRELLE JOCK



BY ROSIE TOBALINA

Locals in downtown Coral Gables areable to enjoy a break from the work weekwith free lunchtime jazz concerts eachWednesday on the Plaza of the CoralGables Museum, located on SalzedoStreet two blocks north of Miracle Mile.

“The city is pleased to be bringing backJazz in the Gables to residents and profes-sionals. This free music event and thechance to hear a different talented jazzperformer each week continues to gainpopularity, and is a great way to supportthe local art scene,” said Gables MayorJim Cason.

Lunchtime Jazz takes place at 12:15p.m. every Wednesday through Mar. 27,and features a different artist each week.Box lunches from Catering by Lovableswill be available for sale on-site. Therewill be two additional evening concertsscheduled for Feb. 1 and Mar. 7 at 8 p.m.

The event is a collaboration among theCity of Coral Gables, Coral GablesMuseum, Business Improvement District,Miami Jazz Coop, and civic sponsorsHBO Latin America, and Vizcaino, Gitlin& Zomerfeld, LLP – both of whom haveoffices in Coral Gables.

“Coral Gables has been home to ourLatin America offices for many years, andthis sponsorship is our way of saying‘thank you’ to the city and demonstratingour commitment to the community,” saidMiguel Oliva, vice president of PublicRelations and Corporate Communicationsat HBO Latin America.

Jazz in the Gables 2013 Schedule:Jan. 23, Sabado Gigante’s guitarist

Lindsey Blair;Jan. 30, The sounds of the FIU Jazz

Ensemble; Feb. 1, Special Evening Concert with

Daniel Strange Quartet at 8 p.m.;Feb. 6, The fabulous Tito Cruz Quartet;Feb. 13, Internationally acclaimed jazz

vocalist Paulette Dozier;Feb. 20, Latin jazz instrumentalist

Andy Harlow and band Salsamania;Feb. 27, The captivating, soul stirring

jazz singer Lenard Rutledge;Mar. 6, The entertaining music of the

Jack Siegel Band;Mar. 7, Special Evening Concert at 8

p.m. Artist to be announced;Mar. 13, UM’s award-winning jazz

vocal ensemble Extensions;Mar. 20, The sounds of MDC Faculty

Jazz Ensemble, andMar, 27, Acclaimed jazz steelpan play-

er Othello Molineaux.For more information, contact Michelle

Cash at 305-460-5313 or by email at<[email protected]>.

Popular Jazz in the Gablesreturns for another season

““TThhee cciittyy iiss pplleeaasseedd ttoo bbee bbrriinnggiinngg bbaacckk JJaazzzz iinn tthhee GGaabblleessttoo rreessiiddeennttss aanndd pprrooffeessssiioonnaallss.. TThhiiss ffrreeee mmuussiicc eevveenntt aanndd tthheecchhaannccee ttoo hheeaarr aa ddii ffff ee rreenntt ttaalleenntteedd jjaazzzz ppeerrffoorrmmeerr eeaacchh wweeeekk ccoonnttiinnuueess ttoo ggaaiinn ppooppuullaarrii ttyy,, aanndd iiss aa ggrreeaatt wwaayy ttoossuuppppoorrtt tthhee llooccaall aarrtt sscceennee .. ””

— Gables Mayor Jim Cason


BY ALLIE SCHWARTZ

Miami’s real estate elite gathered atArtefacto’s Coral Gables showroom in TheVillage of Merrick Park on Monday, Dec.17, 2012, as The Astor Companies andCervera Real Estate unveiled plans forMerrick Manor, Coral Gables’ newest lux-ury condominium.

At the cocktail reception, the developers

behind Merrick Manor — Astor’s father-and-son team Henry and Peter Torres — werejoined by Alicia Cervera Lamadrid and famedinterior designer Michael Wolk to give guestsan exclusive preview of the project’s never-seen-before renderings and designs.

With pre-construction prices rangingfrom the low $200’s to mid-$500’s, resi-dences at the 180-unit luxury developmentwill feature award-winning interiors and

furnishings by award-winning designerMichael Wolk Design Associates andexpansive views of Coral Gables and theiconic Biltmore Hotel.

Construction of the $80 million mid-rise,

located at 301 Altara Avenue, adjacent tothe Village of Merrick Park, will get under-way in the summer of 2013, with comple-tion slated for late 2014. For details visit<www.merrick-manor.com>.

Real estate elite preview Merrick Manor in Coral Gables

Pictured (l-r) are Alicia Cervera Lamadrid, Peter Torres, Henry Torres and Alicia Cervera.(Photo Credit: Max Reed)

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Famed interiordesigner Michael

Wolk previewsMerrick Manor

interior designs.

(Photo Credit: Max Reed)

BY RON BEASLEY

Like many South Florida residentsUrszula Dudek has developed a love affairwith the beautiful bromeliad. However,Dudek has taken her passion one step fartherby marrying her fascination with her artisticability to capture the beauty of the tropicalplant on canvas.

Recently, one of her bromeliad renderingswas judged so precise and colorful that it wonthe hearts and minds of the judges at the recentstate bromeliad conference in Orlando andthey awarded her painting a first-place ribbon.

For the record, Dudek is a member of theboard of directors of the Bromeliad Societyof South Florida.

Dudek, 53, originally from Poland, saidshe has been painting for “just about all ofmy life.” She came to United States in 1994and initially settled in Chicago, where shelived for nine years before moving to Miamiin 2003.

“I remember when I first started think-ing about doing this [painting] a littlemore seriously was when I was 14 andthere was time to choose your life andcareer,” she said. “I was torn betweenbeing a herpetologist and being an artist.My art teacher pushed me into art and artschool — which was not easy in Poland —

and I was chosen, so I was very lucky.”Today, Dudek lives with her significant

other in The Falls area where the backyardgarden of their home is covered with a vari-

ety of bromeliads. She has a 25-year-old son,who recently graduated from FloridaInternational University. Her home also isher studio and her bromeliad paintings invarious sizes adorn the walls.

“Most people describe my work as photoreality, but I disagree,” Dudek said. “Inphoto reality, you are trying to hide the brushstrokes. In my paintings, you can see thebrush strokes. Sometimes you have to lookclosely, but they are visible. So, I really don’tknow what to call my art — realism?Certainly, but not photo realism.”

And while her subject matter today is thecolorful plants of nature, it was not alwaysthat way.

“This has changed with my aging,” shesaid. “Years ago I was more into painting peo-ple, but I was never a fan of architecture orlandscape painting; I liked painting people.But now I am more into nature with my work.

“And how can I not be into nature when Ilive in Florida?” she asks rhetorically. “Thisis really what impressed me when I movedhere, the plants and the beauty of nature; Iwas really in awe. And especially now, whenI am really into bromeliads, as you can see.” Dudek also is a very active member of thePinecrest Garden Club.

“It was via the Pinecrest Garden Club that

I was lured to the Bromeliad Society ofSouth Florida and I started coming to theshows,” she said. “And I just fell in love withthose plants.”

She became so enamored that she becamea member of the board of directors of theBromeliad Society of South Florida. “If you see my garden, you will understandwhy I love plants,” she said. “I love garden-ing and I do a lot of work in the garden. As aresult, this is what I want to paint.”

Dudek is active and in many other villageactivities. She even painted one of the dogsfor Mayor Cindy Lerner’s recent “SmARTyDogs” program that raised money for villageschools. The dog that she painted ultimatelyfound a very special home.

“My dog was bought — you cannot believemy surprise — by my significant other,” shesaid. “He bought my dog at the auction andthe dog is now standing in our garden!”

Dudek will exhibit her artwork inFebruary at the Wirtz Gallery in the FirstNational Bank of South Miami, 5750 SunsetDr. Her paintings will be on display alongwith the artwork of three other talented localartists — Pauline Goldsmith, JacquelineHannon and Barbara Hesse Baron. Theexhibit opens Feb. 1 and continues throughFeb. 28.

Artist expresses her love of bromeliads on canvas

Artist Urszula Dudek stands before a copy of herbromeliad painting that won a blue ribbon at the statebromeliad conference in Orlando.

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BY GUADALUPE O’LEARY

As tragic as the stories behind the numbers,is the fact that the staggering statistics of pre-ventable deaths as a result of drunk-drivingcrashes no longer shock the public psyche.

Last year in the United States, 10,839 peo-ple died in drunk-driving collisions — oneevery 50 minutes. Car crashes are the leadingcause of death for teens and one in three peo-ple will be involved in an alcohol-relatedaccident in their lifetime.

The nation’s largest not-for-profit organiza-tion that compiled these figures — MothersAgainst Drunk Driving (MADD) — continuesits mission to eliminate drunk driving, serveaffected victims, and prevent underage drinkingduring the 2013 Certified 5K Run Like MADDand 5K Walk Like MADD on Saturday, Feb. 2,at Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40 St.

Now in its third year, the family-friendlyevent is a celebration-of-life spirited day forthe many MADD friends, supporters, organ-izers and affected families that have benefit-ed from the complimentary victim servicesprograms offered by the 32-year-old organi-zation. Every eight minutes a victim is assist-ed by MADD, whether with a shoulder to cryon at a cathartic meeting or a hand to holdduring one of the ensuing court trials that fol-low so many cases.

The Castillo Family of southwest Miami-

Dade County is one of those families grate-ful to MADD for helping them cope with theloss of father and husband Roberto Castilloin 2005. The 48-year-old world class runnerand businessman was stretching out at 7:30a.m. off SW 152nd Street on the morningHurricane Wilma was due when a severelyimpaired driver returning from a nightclubkilled him instantly.

“When my mom and I pulled up to thescene of the accident half an hour later Ithought what could my dad have possiblydone?” said son Robert Castillo Jr., who wasa 22-year-old FIU Sports Management majorat the time. “Never did I think something likethis could happen.”

Like so many families who cannot envi-sion a life-altering tragedy of that scopeentering their reality, Robert was over-whelmed and turned to MADD for help.

“Of course I had heard about MADD andyou sort of take them for granted until some-thing happens. My mom hides her pain andwouldn’t cry in front of me. I knew she andmy sister, Diana, needed someone to talk towho would understand.”

Today Robert is a basketball coach andelementary school physical educationinstructor who recently welcomed his firstson, Robert Castillo III, into the world. Heand his wife, Veronica; his mother, Diana,and sister are still active MADD supporters

who found healing and peace through theorganization’s support. They plan on listen-ing for the crowds’ cheers upon crossing thefinish line at Tropical Park Stadium after theRun Like MADD 5K on Feb. 2.

Janet Mondshein, MADD executive direc-tor, said the most beautiful part of the day ishow it brings victim families together to feel

the support of each other and the community.“It is a positive, fun event where people

are educated and enlightened,” Mondsheinsaid. “Victims are a stunning example ofwhy we choose to drive sober.”

For more information and to register orbecome a sponsor call MADD at 305-273-3744or go online to walklikemadd.org/Miami.

Walk/Run Like MADD 5K Festival offers community hope, healing

Pictured at the 2012 Walk/Run are (l-r) Chip Hobbs, Steve Rawlins, Luz Elena Llano, Marsha Maynard, and AngelaConway — employees of South Miami Hospital´s Addiction Treatment Center. (Photo credit: Jack Geist)

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BY SHEILA STIEGLITZ

South Floridians are invited to com-memorate U.N. Holocaust Memorial Dayon Sunday, Jan. 27, with specially selectedscreenings at the Cosford Cinema UMCoral Gables.

Ellen Wedner, director of the MiamiJewish Film Festival, has chosen featuresand documentaries that enlighten and pro-vide untold stories about a horrific time inworld history.

The films include Besa: The Promise (1p.m.), a true story about Albanian Muslims

who hid Jews duringWorld War II. Not onlydid these kind peopleopen their homes tostrangers at great risk totheir own well-being, butalso gave their sacredoath, the ancient besa, toprotect them and theirsacred texts.

The Last Flight of PetrGinz (3:15 p.m.) Thestory of Petr Ginz waslargely unknown untilthe ill-fated SpaceShuttle Columbia carriedthe boy’s artwork onboard. Born inCzechoslovakia, Ginzwas a child prodigy whoperished at Auschwitz.This inspiring film

reveals how his writings and illustrationscaptured the inhumanities of war withmaturity, objectivity and humor.

Foreign Letters (5:45 p.m.) is a bitter-sweet coming-of-age story and a love let-ter to the unshakeable bond of friendship.Set in the pre-email era of the 1980s,young Ellie, newly arrived to the U.S.from Israel, awaits letters from her bestfriend back home. Homesick, sufferingfrom the challenges of learning a new lan-guage and rejection at school, Ellie’s lifebegins to brighten when she meets aVietnamese refugee her age.

The film is based on the director’s per-sonal immigration experience.

The producers of Europa Europa pres-ent the German drama Child Prodigies,Wunderkinder (8:30 p.m.) told from achild’s point of view. With the onset ofWWII, the friendship of three musicalprodigies is tested as they deal with dif-

ferences of religion and nationality. Thechildren’s Jewish and German familiesmust decide if they will save each otherfrom the forces of both fascism and com-munism when the Nazis invade the SovietUnion.

Throughout the 10-day festival, filmsare screened at the Frank Theaters atIntracoastal Mall in North Miami Beach,the Colony Theater and the Regal CinemaSouth Beach 18 in Miami Beach. For com-plete movie listings and to purchase ticketslog on to <www.miamijewishfilmfesti-val.com> or call 1-888-585-FILM.

Tickets for the Miami Jewish FilmFestival, except for opening and closingnights, are $12.50 for general admission;$10.50 for seniors/students; $8.50 for FilmSociety members. A $160 Fast Pass pro-vides entry into all films. Film Societymembers receive discounts on tickets andfast passes and advance festival ordering.

Miami Jewish Film Festival coming to Cosford Cinema

In Child Prodigies, Wunderkinder the friendship of three musical prodigies is tested as they deal with differencesof religion and nationality.

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Foreign Letters is a bittersweet coming-of-age story and a love letter to theunshakeable bond of friendship.

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FXM Research in Miami is looking for males and females 12 to 35 years of age thatsuffer from FacialAcne, to participate in an eight [8] study-visit clinical research study.Medical Insurance is not required for study participation.

Qualified participants will receive:• Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist.• Investigational Study Medication at no cost.• Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $800.00.

¿Tienee ustedd oo alguienn quee ustedd conozcaAcnéé Facial?

FXM Research en Miami está buscando hombres y mujeres de 12 a 35 años de edadque sufran de Acné Facial, para participar en un estudio clínico de investigación querequiere ocho [8] visitas. No se requiere seguro médico para su participación en el estudio.

Los participantes que califiquen recibirán:• Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado.• Los medicamentos bajo investigación sin costo alguno.• Reembolso por tiempo y transporte hasta $800.00.

Do you or someone you know haveFacial Acne?

Hectorr Wiltz,, MD.,, CPI.Board Certified Dermatologist / FXM Research Miami

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¿Tiene usted o alguien que usted conozca

Keratosis Actínica?

FXMResearch enMiami está buscando hombres y mujeres de 18 años o más que sufrandeKeratosisActínica “pueden ser causadas por la exposición prolongada al sol, resultanen discretas lesiones abultadas, ásperas, secas, y escamosas en su cara y/o cuerocabelludo”, para participar en un estudio clínico de investigación que requiere cuatro [4]visitas. No se requiere seguro médico para su participación en el estudio.

Los participantes que califiquen recibirán:• Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado.• Los medicamentos bajo investigación o placebo sin costo alguno.• Compensación por tiempo y transporte hasta $200.00.

FXM Research in Miami is looking for males and females 18 years or older that sufferfromActinic Keratosis “can be caused by prolonged exposure to the sun, result in discrete,rough, dry, scaly bumps on the face and/or the scalp”, to participate in a four [4] study-visit clinical research study. Medical Insurance is not required for study participation.

Qualified participants will receive:• Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist.• Investigational Study Medication or placebo at no cost.• Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $200.00.

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BY SASHA HLOZEK

Chapungu SculpturePark, the world’s largesttraveling exhibit of Africanstone sculpture, hasannounced the arrival ofartist Agnes Nyanhongo toits current “Custom andLegend, a Culture inStone” exhibit at FairchildTropical Botanic Garden.

Ms. Nyanhongo is con-sidered among the mostimportant artists fromZimbabwe and has beennamed as one of the topfive women sculptors inthe world.

“We are very excited tohave Agnes joining us herein Miami, especially as thisis the first time we’veexhibited on the eastcoast,” said Roy Guthrie,Chapungu exhibit director.“We’re so glad that shewill be able to share herwarm, caring personalityand incredible skill withvisitors to the exhibit, aswell as in a more intimatesetting during workshops.”

Nyanhongo is from afamily of sculptors andworks in the hardest stone,preferring springstone,leopard stone and nyangastone. Her inspirations come from the role of women in traditional society and from theinteraction between family members. Much of her work is characterized by a sense ofpeace, calm and inner dignity. Demonstrating considerable courage in a predominantlymale field, she is respected and admired in her community and around the world.

On exhibit through May 31, the sculptures range in height from three to 10 feet andweigh between 600 and 6,000 pounds. They depict animals, families, customs, socialissues and creatures of legend. Carved primarily from opal stone, cobalt and springstone,the sculptures are grouped by theme in Fairchild’s lowlands: Custom and Legend, Family,Nature and Environment, Role of Elders, Role of Women, Social Comment, The SpiritWorld and Village Life.

The exhibit has garnered much praise and admiration around the world, including awriter at London’s Evening Standard saying, “These giant stone sculptures fromZimbabwe are the most hauntingly evocative images to come out of Africa in the past 100years. Undoubtedly the most important exhibition of contemporary African art ever seenin this country.”

For those interested in acquiring their own piece of art, the exhibit includes a tent fea-turing unique works that are available for purchase.

Aspiring artists have a chance to create their own masterpiece, as Nyanhongo will beleading several five-day workshops held Tuesday through Saturday in pavilion located inthe heart of the exhibit. No prior experience is required and the $500 ($625 for non-mem-bers) fee includes a sculpting stone from Zimbabwe, as well as a set of tools to keep.

For reservations and details, call 305-667-1651, ext. 3322.

Fairchild Botanic Garden welcomesworld-renowned resident sculptor

Protecting the Eggs by artist Agnes Nyanhongo–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY RAQUEL GARCIA

“I can’t wait to eat an orange,” said thepetite and feisty Abigail Desiatnikov of theU.S. moments after clinching her firstJunior Orange Bowl International TennisChampionship win in the Girls 12 division.

Another successful tournament has cometo an end after 10 days of tremendous ten-nis and mostly idyllic South Florida weath-er.

Desiatnikov defeated Ukraine’s DayanaYastremska (7-5; 7-5).

“I made it to the semi’s at Eddie Herr,the finals of Nike International, and nowwinning the Junior Orange Bowl,”Desiatnikov said. “That’s a lot of accom-plishments this year.”

The family made a deal that if she wonthe tournament, the holiday celebrationwould mean a trip to Arizona for theupcoming Arizona Super Nationals.

Michael Mmoh of the U.S. appears to beon his way to a bright future in tennisaccording to Peter Van Lieshout, travelingcoach for the IMG Academy.

“His dream is to win the Grand Slam,”Lieshout said. “He’s got the tools and tech-

niques; he just needs to keep improving.”Mmoh defeated Switzerland’s Marko

Osmakcic (6-4; 7-5).“This is my third Junior Orange Bowl

and it’s such a fantastic tournament,”Mmoh said after his big win. “I won’t becoming back next year and that’s a shame,but I plan on competing in the OrangeBowl.”

Mmoh won the Junior Orange BowlInternational Tennis Championship twoyears ago in the Boys 12.

“I wanted to come back this year strongand I didn’t lose a match,” he said.

Mmoh will go back to Bradenton fortraining with IMG Academy coach David“Red” Ayme for a few days and then toWashington, DC, for a holiday respitebefore the Junior Grand Slam in Brisbane,Australia.

In the Girls 14 division Maia Lumsdenof Glasgow, Scotland defeated GabriellaTaylor who is also from Great Britain (6-3;7-5). In the Boys 12 at Salvadore Park,Yshai Oliel of Israel defeated PatrickSydow of Aruba (6-3; 6-1).

Junior Orange Bowl Committee presidentDon Slesnick III grew up seeing his parents

involved in civic life through the OrangeBowl and decided to follow in their footsteps.

“My parents were presidents before meand I’ve always been involved with theparade; it is our marquee event,” Slesniksaid.

“My daughter, Cecilia, is 2 years oldnow and to see her jump up and downwhen the bands come down the street dur-ing the parade is wonderful. The JuniorOrange Bowl is a magical experience foryouth.”

Tournament director Jodi Steinbauer’steam of volunteers worked from sunup tosundown over the past 10 days and some-how managed to maintain their own athlet-ic endurance to make it another memorable

event.“Every year gets better and better,”

Steinbauer said.Slesnik wanted to give a special shout

out in gratitude to the volunteers whopulled it all together.

“I want to give thanks to all the volun-teers who managed 1,300 kids and par-ents and all that goes with that. To man-age it all without a hitch is a greatachievement.”

The Junior Orange Bowl Committee is anon-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicat-ed to the community of South Florida andthe youth of the world by providing oppor-tunities for wholesome, competitive andmulti-cultural experiences.

Stars of the future perform in JOB Tennis Championship

Yshai Oliel of Israel wins in the Boys 12.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Abigail Desiatnikov clinches her first Junior OrangeBowl International Tennis Championship win in theGirls 12 division.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––



BY PAUL ROBINSON

Can a Hurricane make it to Broadway?There is one former University of Miamistudent who certainly hopes so.

He is J Paul Nicholas and he is a risingactor and director plying his craft andapplying himself in New York City, proba-bly the toughest place to be a theater artistin the entire country.

A product of Miami Killian High, heearned an undergraduate degree from FIUin 1990, an MBA from UM in 1994, andmoved to the Big Apple in 1999. Since thenhe went on to earn an MFA in 2003 fromthe George Washington University inWashington, DC.

Despite enjoying many successes alongthe way, at times it has been a struggle forPaul. But he has stayed true to his passionand loyal to the pursuit of his dream. Andnow, finally, people are starting to takenotice.

In October 2012 he directed a revival ofthe Wendy MacLeod play The WaterChildren at Shetler Studios in NYC, whichwas favorably reviewed by The New YorkTimes, Backstage and the notoriously toughJohn Simon.

Backstage said, “Director J Paul Nicholasdelivers a clean, straightforward produc-tion” and John Simon said it was “niftilydirected by J Paul Nicholas…move heavenand earth to catch it.”

Then in November in Philadelphia he

performed in the world premiere of LucileLichtblau’s The English Bride at TheaterExile. J. Cooper Robb from PhiladelphiaWeekly said, “A searing performance: JPaul Nicholas is undeniably enigmatic,”and Debra Miller from StageMagazine.orgsaid, “J Paul Nicholas is charming and con-vincing — even surprisingly sympathetic.”David Anthony Fox from PhiladelphiaCity Paper said, “The character is likewisegiven a fine, nuanced performance by JPaul Nicholas, who manages to be thor-oughly charming, and a little frightening allat once.”

So what’s next?Broadway hasn’t called yet but Paul is

currently working with playwright JohnAnastasi to develop his latest (as yet unti-tled) play, with hopes of an Off-Broadwayproduction. In mid December he directed athree-day workshop of the piece, whichculminated in a private reading atManhattan Theater Club. And Paul contin-ues to appear in the long-running NBCseries, Law & Order: SVU as the publicdefender, Linden Delroy. This would markhis eighth season on the show.

Paul said someday he would love toreturn to his hometown and do whatever hecould to help grow the South Florida the-ater industry, as well as contribute to thedevelopment of young actors. In the mean-time he hopes to be seen on screens, bigand small, and makes landfall on Broadwaysoon.

Actor/director J Paul Nicholas hopesBroadway welcomes this Hurricane

J Paul Nicholas appears in the long-running NBC series, Law & Order: SVU as the public defender, Linden Delroy.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY BROOKE LEMAIRE

The Mayans used it to cure ailments andthe Aztecs used it as a form of currency.Spanish aristocrats made it into a sugarydrink. Regardless of how they used it, civ-ilizations throughout history have sharedone thing in common — their love forchocolate.

Celebrate all things chocolate atFairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s sev-enth annual International ChocolateFestival, sponsored by Whole FoodsMarket and AT&T U-Verse, Friday, Jan.25, to Sunday, Jan. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to4:30 p.m. each day.

Enjoy a decadent three days of cookingdemonstrations, lectures, plant sales and —of course — lots of chocolate sampling.Stop by the Edible Garden to find out howto make chocolate from scratch. Takehome a cacao or coffee plant at the PlantSale and start making your own delicioustreats.

Relax at the Chocolate Spa with minimassages and manicures or attend a yogaclass. Travel through the Rainforest,

Conservatory, Tropical Fruit Pavilion, andGarden House on the Choco Walk to smellchocolate-scented orchids, taste chocolatesfrom around the world, and participate inthe interactive demonstration “From Beanto Bar” presented by the Historic Divisionof Mars.

Don’t forget to walk through the newDiMare Science Village, which includesthe Wings of the Tropics butterfly exhibit.This year’s festival is sure to delight thechocolate lover in all of us.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden islocated at 10901 Old Cutler Rd. in CoralGables. Admission to the InternationalChocolate Festival is free for Fairchildmembers and children 5 and under. Fornonmembers, admission is $25 for adults,$18 for seniors 65 and older, and $12 forchildren 6-17. Those who walk, bike, ortake public transportation receive $5 offadult admission and $2 off child admis-sion. Those with a Military ID have freeadmission, with $20 for their spouses and$10 for their children.

For more information and a completeschedule, visit <www.fairchildgarden.org>.

Treat yourself to sweet weekendat Fairchild’s Chocolate Festival

Sampling some of the delicious chocolate treats is one way to enjoy the seventh annual International ChocolateFestival at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

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


SOUTH FLORIDA SCHOOLLEADER IN COLLEGEAND CAREER READINESS

A Revolutionary Vision Has ElevatedST. BRENDAN HIGH SCHOOL to the Forefront of Cutting-Edge AcademicsThis is a very exciting time in the school’s history. St.

Brendan High School is at the forefront of the cutting-edgeinstructional and technological evolution in the field of ed-ucation. The school is revolutionizing the way its teachersinstruct and the manner in which the students learn. Be-ginning with the 2013-2014 academic year, St. BrendanHigh School will be the only private high school in SouthFlorida to offer its students a fully comprehensive Acade-mies Program.Academies are essentially schools within the school.

They work very much like college majors, with students en-rolling in one of seven schools that focus on specific areas.Each has a specialized curriculum, electives, clubs, fieldtrips, invitational competition, as well as its ownresearch/internship partnerships with local universities,companies, hospitals, and other institutions. St. BrendanHigh School will offer:AlphaAcademy for gifted students,Champagnat Academy for students with specific learningdisabilities and/or ADD, Medical and Biological SciencesAcademy, EngineeringAcademy, Law and Global BusinessAcademy, Fine Arts Academy, and Liberal Arts Academy.The University of Miami, Florida International University,St. Thomas University, Clear Channel Media and Entertain-ment, and the Miami Heat, are among the many fine insti-tutions that have already committed to partner with St.Brendan High School to build the curriculum that will makethe school a leader in college and career readiness.

St. Brendan High School prides itself in the fact that100% of its graduates continue their academic journey intohigher education. By offering its students an AcademiesProgram, the school is ensuring that its students will be ac-cepted into the top universities in the nation and receivescholarships and grants in order to assist them during thesehard economic times. Any high school will get its studentsinto college; St. Brendan High School is pioneering theAcademies Program in order to guarantee that each studentwill be accepted into the best universities and receive themost scholarship assistance.St. Brendan High School also provides its students with

a comprehensive and challenging academic environmentwith access to the latest educational resources and the mosttechnological tools available. During the 2012-2013 aca-demic year, the school implemented a one to one iPad pro-gram in which each student has his or her own iPad. TheiPads enable students to have digital “text” books and notetaking applications, which ensure organizational skills andease of access to resources. Teachers use their iPads as aroaming “whiteboard” and are able to display their lessonsand engage students’ interest with the use of in-classroomApple TV’s. St. Brendan is also outfitted with 60” HighDefinition TV’s throughout the campus, which serve asbulletin boards for activities and announcements. Thereare no bulletin boards or flyers within the school, eliminat-ing the need for paper. This allows the school to be totally

“green” and continue its commitment as an environmen-tally conscious institution in the community.At St. Brendan, the focus of the athletics program is on

personal growth and fostering opportunities for collegescholarships. The school firmly believes that all athleticendeavors are an extension of its academic programs.Sports practice is life practice. The coaches hired by St.Brendan High School understand that the fields and courtsare an extension of the classroom. Students learn valuablelife lessons through practice and competition, includingsacrifice, trust, obedience, and growth. By encouraging itsathletes to become well-rounded, St. Brendan High Schoolensures that they are actively sought out by the top univer-sities in the nation. This academic year, Virginia Tech,Manhattan College, and New York Tech are among themany universities that offered full scholarships to St. Bren-dan athletes.St. Brendan High School has achieved this by creating a

physical and spiritual union with its faculty, staff, students,families, alumni, and the local community. The school’sadministration, faculty, and staff are interested in not onlywhat the students learn, but also in the individuals they willbecome. The holistic development of the students – intel-lectual, physical, social, and spiritual – is the main focus.Thus, every student has the opportunity to thrive and grow.For this reason, St. Brendan is a school where students canbe free to become the person they are called to be.



Miami Dadeland Pinecrest RotaryClub to host charity golf tourneyBY RANDY LEE

The Miami Dadeland Pinecrest Rotary Clubwill be conducting its annual golf tournament onFeb. 8 at the Biltmore Hotel and Golf Course.

This is not only a fun event, but it alsosupports the club’s projects that assist chil-dren in need. Your support at this criticaltime will make a significant difference in thelives of needy children in the community.

Past tournament proceeds funded scholar-ships to deserving students who have greatpotential, and supported such worthy causesas “Up with Kids” and the Cystic FibrosisFoundation.

The Tournament begins with an 8:30 a.m.with a shotgun start.

Sponsorship opportunities still are avail-able. For information call 786-596-9099 orsend email to <[email protected]>.

BY ANGELA IBARRA

IHOP, one of America’s most popularfamily-friendly restaurants known for“everything you love about breakfast,” onceagain invites guests to enjoy free pancakesduring National Pancake Day on Feb. 5,while celebrating Children’s MiracleNetwork Hospitals’ 30th Anniversary.

On this day, the restaurant chain hopes toraise $3 million as the first national fundrais-ing campaign to kick off the 2013 fundrais-ing year for Children’s Miracle NetworkHospitals.

During National Pancake Day, the compa-ny’s largest philanthropic event of the year,more than 1,500 IHOP restaurants across thecountry will invite guests to enjoy a compli-mentary stack of IHOP’s signature deliciousbuttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.Guests will be encouraged to make a volun-tary contribution to the local Children’sMiracle Network Hospital or other localcharities. One hundred percent of the dona-tions will help local charities provide vitalequipment, life-saving procedures and criti-cal care for sick and injured children.

This marks the eighth year that IHOPwill celebrate National Pancake Day,which to date has raised more than $10million for Children’s Miracle NetworkHospitals and other local charities. In 2012alone, IHOP raised more than $3 millionfor Children’s Miracle Network Hospitalsand other charities.

Guests visiting participating IHOPrestaurants in support of Children’s MiracleNetwork Hospitals also will have the optionto purchase “Miracle Balloons” for $1 and$5 each, throughout the month of Januaryleading into National Pancake Day, with allproceeds going to the Children’s MiracleNetwork Hospital. Participating restaurantswill display the balloons in celebration ofChildren’s Miracle Network Hospitals’30th anniversary. Those who buy a $5Miracle Balloon will receive a $5 off dis-count that can be credited toward their nextvisit.

For more information on NationalPancake Day, or to learn about Children’sMiracle Network Hospitals and make anonline donation, visit online at <www.ihop-pancakeday.com>.

IHOP to offer free pancakes,raise money for kids hospitals

Curry Middle School winscounty volleyball crown

Lamar Louise Curry Middle School in Kendall recently won the Miami-Dade County Public MiddleSchool Girls Volleyball Championship while going undefeated (11-0) for the 2012 season. Team mem-bers are (l-r, back row) Coach Armando Cuervo, Stephanie Malta, Alexandra Gonzalez, MariolaRodriguez, Michelle Cuervo, Leana Lu, Melanie Casal, Alison Gaitan, Coach Sonia Martinez and CoachTony Gonzalez; (front row) Carla Garcia, Melanie Cuervo, Alyssa Gonzalez and Juliana Perez.

BY BROOKE LEMAIRE

Gala in the Garden, the annual “socialevent of the season,” arrives at FairchildTropical Botanic Garden on Saturday,Feb. 2, at 6:30 p.m.

Now in its 20th year, the black-tie eventis Fairchild’s major annual fundraiser,with all proceeds supporting programs inconservation science, education, horticul-ture and collection management. Thetheme of this year’s gala is “BotanicalTapestry” and the co-chairs are SwaneeDiMare and Frances Sevilla-Sacasa.

The event’s activities will ensure anelegant and enjoyable evening. The nightbegins with a cocktail reception and silentauction at the Shehan Visitor Center.Guests then proceed to the exquisitely litand decorated Lakeside Marquee sur-rounded by a tropical paradise for anunforgettable night of first-class diningand dancing to the sounds of The SoulSurvivors Orchestra.

The stunning décor and delectable din-ner is provided by Le Basque, a premiercatering company based in Miami.Courtesy cocktails are provided by GreyGoose Vodka, a gala sponsor.

Individual tickets start at $600, andtables for 10 can be reserved for $6,000.To purchase tickets, contact SusannahShubin at<[email protected]> or call305-667-1651, ext. 3375.

For more information on Gala in theGarden, visit<www.fairchildgarden.org>.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden isdedicated to exploring, explaining andconserving the world of tropical plants. Itis one of the premier conservation andeducation-based gardens in the world anda recognized international leader in bothFlorida and international conservation.Fairchild is a not-for-profit organizationwith 45,000 members and is located at10901 Old Cutler Rd. in Coral Gables.

‘Botanical Tapestry’ awaits guestsof Fairchild’s Gala in the Garden



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BY WOODY GRABER

Children and families are invited to takea trip across the United States in MiamiChildren’s Museum’s new educational“WEEBLES Coast to Coast” exhibit, Jan.26 through May 5.

In the exhibit, created by Milwaukee’sBetty Brinn Children’s Museum in collabo-ration with HasbroInc., visitors willtravel to each ofthe 50 states toexplore U.S. geog-raphy, history andculture. Exhibitactivities featurefavorite Americantravel, sports andleisure pastimes,music from acrossthe nation, and funand importantinformation aboutwell-known peo-ple, places and his-torical events.

Children willpower a riverboatdown theMississippi, hit a home run at Fenway Park,build the Saint Louis Gateway Arch, ride amule into the Grand Canyon, snorkel inHawaii, explore the Florida Everglades andmuch more.

Visitors will enjoy planning their “trip”with a giant U.S. map and a touch-screenkiosk featuring the country’s geographicregions, important state facts, nationallandmarks and popular tourist destinations.Murals of beautiful American landscapesprovide the backdrop for engaging playareas that represent U.S. regions: Western,Mountain, Southwest, Midwest, Southeast

and Northeast, and create memorable stopsat the seaside, mountains, forest and desert.A special reading area is dedicated to U.S.geography, history, travel, and the idea that“a book can take you anywhere!”

The 2,500-square-foot exhibit is designedfor children ages 4-10. Hands-on activitiespresent opportunities for children to buildcognitive and social skills, be physically

active, curious andimaginative, andexpress them-selves throughmusic, movementand art.Educational con-tent in the exhibitreflects develop-mental milestonesfor early learnersset by the NationalAssociation for theEducation ofYoung Childrenand national aca-demic standardsfor school-agechildren.

The education-al “WEEBLES

Coast to Coast” exhibit is an adventure ofself-discovery for the whole family, only atMiami Children’s Museum, 980MacArthur Causeway on Watson Island,from Saturday, Jan. 26, through Sunday,May 5. Entrance to the exhibit is includedin each regular admission to the museum.Admission is $16 for adults and children,$12 for Florida residents, free for childrenunder 1 year and admission for members iscomplimentary.

‘For more information contact the muse-um at 305-373-KIDS (5437) or visit<www.miamichildrensmuseum.org>.

Take trip around the countrywith Weebles exhibit at MCM


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BY ALEJANDRA SERNA

Florida Grand Opera (FGO) has

announced the appointment of a new direc-

tor of development, Amy Funk, effective

Jan. 7. She will work closely with FGO’s

general director and CEO, Susan T. Danis,

a former colleague, in mapping out the

fundraising program as the company

approaches its 73rd anniversary.

“I am very excited to work with Amy

again, this time as part of the Florida Grand

Opera family,” Danis said. “She is an

engaging and results-driven professional

with a gift for cultivating relationships, and

her expertise will be a great addition to our

development team.”

Most recently, Funk served as the senior

associate director of annual giving for the

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, where

she started the initial rollout of a $4 million

capital campaign, engaging board members

and executive directors across seven

YMCA centers to expand local board mem-

bership and giving. She also was funda-

mental in securing a $1 million gift for the

YMCA and helped oversee a $12 million

capital campaign at Midwest Palliative &

Hospice CareCenter while running their

annual giving program.

Funk began her nonprofit career working

side by side with Danis in 2006, serving as

campaign manager for the public phase of

Sarasota Opera’s $20 million capital cam-

paign. Prior to entering the nonprofit field,

she made strides in the corporate sector

with companies such as MBNA America

and GE Capital.

Funk has a Bachelor of Arts in History

from Millikin University and earned a mas-

ter’s degree in non-profit management,

with distinction, from DePaul University in

June 2012. Funk currently is in the process

of moving to Miami with her husband,

Andrew Funk, an established operatic bass,

and their 7-year-old daughter.

Florida Grand Opera (FGO), the oldest

performing arts organizations in Florida,

celebrates its 72nd year of continuously

producing grand opera during the 2012-13

season.

Amy Funk–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

FGO appoints Amy Funk director of development


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BY LUCIANA SALAMÉ

Devon Seafood + Steak, an upscale but moderately pricedcontemporary American restaurant, opened its first SouthFlorida location in Kendall on Saturday, Jan. 12.

Here, diners will find a deliciously affordable menu ofprime steaks and fresh ocean fare, served in a chic yet unpre-tentious setting. At the helm of Devon’s kitchen is executivechef Scott Barrow, who has been tantalizing diners’ palates atDevon Seafood + Steak in Chicago for the past 12 years.

With its mouthwatering menu, impressive wine list, greatcocktails and modern new location, Devon Seafood + Steakis perfectly positioned to become the area’s hot new diningand lounge destination.

The ambiance at Devon is the epitome of casual elegance.Walls lined with reclaimed wood and accentuated by softhues of gray and blue make guests feel as though they are din-ing on a luxurious yacht. Cozy brown leather booths andchairs, and wooden tabletops give off a warm and invitingenergy while the steel, glass-encased wine cellar and blackgranite bar extend the nautical theme.

Devon seats 150 in the spacious dining room, 66 on theoutdoor patio, which boasts beautiful waterfront views, and28 in the private dining room. The lounge offers seating for48 guests and the intimate wine cellar room seats 12.

Executed by Chef Barrow, the flavor-forward, value-orientedmenu at Devon has plenty of delicious and diverse seafood andsteak options. Standout appetizers include mini New Englandlobster rolls served on a butter toasted sweet roll with chilledlobster salad, watercress and Old Bay spiced fries ($11.50);crispy tempura shrimp sushi rolls with cucumber, soy, wasabiand pickled ginger ($8.50), and jumbo lump crab cakes with

Creole remoulade and mango tartar sauce ($18). Devon willoffer a succulent array of fresh, raw East Coast oysters, BeauSoleil from New Brunswick ($2.50 each); Salt Ponds fromPoint Judith ($2.50 each); Quivett Creek from Rhode Island($2.75 each), and Rhode Island Wilds ($3.50 each).

Devon boasts an impressive array of entrees including blackgrouper with sweet potato maque choux, crawfish, Andouilleand espelette pepper sauce ($33); pretzel crusted trout with herbroasted potatoes, haricot vert, endive and bacon mustard vinai-grette ($28), and Nantucket bay scallops with butternut squashpuree, roasted cauliflower and a sweet and sour bacon gastrique

($31). The carefully selected prime steaks include a six-ouncecenter cut filet mignon ($31); a 12-ounce USDA Prime NewYork strip ($41), and an 18-ounce USDA Prime bone-in ribeye($45). All steaks are served with a choice of two seasonal sides.

In addition to the diverse menu, Devon Seafood + Steaklaunches Happy Hour on the patio and indoor bar, Mondaythrough Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m. Overseen by bar manager JeffMerritt, Devon’s handcrafted cocktails such as Pink Pops – X-Rated Fusion Liqueur (premium French vodka, rich bloodoranges, Brazilian passion fruit) and Domaine St. MichelleBrut, and the signature Devon Margarita – Sauza Hornitostequila, Agave nectar, Courvoisier VS, triple sec and margari-ta foam – as well as house wine and champagne by the glasswill be offered at an unbeatable $6. Well drinks and beer arediscounted during Happy Hour. Raw bar selections, such as $1oysters and $3 lobster claws will be available — the perfectcomplement to a glass of champagne or specialty cocktail.

Devon Seafood + Steak works with quality fishmongersand artisan producers to ensure only the highest-quality ingre-dients are used in the restaurant. Devon will purchase selectprime steaks from Jackman Wagyu Beef Ranch as well aswork with the dayboat program at Lynn Brother’s Seafood tosource sustainable seafood, both of which are located inFlorida. These high standards are implemented in the con-cept’s multiple locations which include Chicago, IL;Milwaukee, WI; Philadelphia and Hershey, PA.

Devon Seafood + Steak is located at 11715 Sherri Lane,inside The Palms at Town & Country in Kendall. Hours ofoperation are 5 to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 5 to 11p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 4 to 9 p.m. on Sunday.Reservations can be made online and via phone. Call 305-275-0226 or visit the website at <www.devonseafood.com>.

Devon Seafood + Steak opens first SF location in The Palms

Cozy brown leather booths and chairs, and wooden tabletops give off awarm and inviting energy.

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


BY TERESA MARTINEZ

Season two of the Belen Jesuit Cultural Series willinclude a performance by Puerto Rican actor, singer, com-poser and television personality Carlos Ponce on Saturday,Jan. 26, at 8 p.m. The Belen Jesuit Jazz Band conducted byMarlene Urbay will perform alongside Ponce’s classicAmerican and Latin standards.

“We are excited to welcome Carlos Ponce to the Belenstage,” said Jesuit Father Pedro Suárez, president of theschool. “He is not only an accomplished singer and actorbut he has managed to do both in English and Spanish. Ourstudents in the jazz band are looking forward to perform-ing with him and we are excited to invite the public tocome to our theater for what will be a fantastic evening.”

Belen Jesuit Preparatory School-Roca Theatre is locatedat 500 SW 127 Ave.

Show and ticket information are available online at<www.belenjesuit.org/culturalseries>.

The Belen Cultural Series is a cultural resource to the community while continuing toenrich the lives of students, their families, alumni, Belen faculty and administration.

Net proceeds from the Cultural Series benefit the Belen Scholarship Program. Everyyear Belen provides financial assistance to over 300 students, distributing $1.8 millionannually.

Carlos Ponce–––––––––––––––––––

Carlos Ponce concert to benefitBelen Jesuit Scholarship Fund


BY NANCY EAGLETON

The new year started on a positive note atSouth Miami Hospital as its new EmergencyCenter and Surgical Suites opened for patientcare earlier this month. Part of an $80 millionexpansion and renovation project that beganin 2010, the two-story addition enhances thehospital’s ability to serve patients from thecommunity and around the world.“South Miami Hospital’s new Emergency

Center and Surgical Suites represent a signif-icant milestone in the hospital’s 52-yearhistory,” said Lincoln S. Mendez, chiefexecutive officer. “This investment in ourcommunity demonstrates Baptist Health’scommitment to providing patients and theirfamilies expert, compassionate care.”Neurosurgeon Joseph Traina, M.D., long-

time South Miami Hospital physician andmember of the hospital’s Board of Directors,performed the first surgery in the new operat-ing rooms – a lumbar spinal fusion – on Jan.2. The following day, South Miami Hospital’sChief of Surgery Jorge Rabaza, M.D.,performed the second surgery in the newfacility – a robot-assisted gallbladder removal.The new Surgical Suites has 16 large

operating rooms equipped with the latestequipment and technology to supportadvanced surgical procedures, including thou-sands of robot-assisted surgeries performedeach year at The Center for Robotic Surgeryat South Miami Hospital. A fifth roboticsurgical system is among the technologicaladvances added to the new Surgical Suites.Robot-assisted surgery is revolutionizing

the field of minimally invasive surgery. TheCenter’s robotic systems enable surgeons tovirtually extend their eyes and hands intopatients’ bodies, helping to make complexoperations more precise and less traumatic.

For patients this means smaller incisions andless blood loss, shorter hospital stays andquicker recoveries.“More and more patients are asking for

robot-assisted surgeries,” said Dr. Rabaza.“Our new facility will help us continuemoving forward as one of the nation’s leadingsites for advanced robotic surgery, researchand education.”The specially-trained and Board-certified

surgeons at the Center for Robotic Surgery atSouth Miami Hospital perform gynecological,urological, colorectal, weight-loss and chestand throat surgeries using robotic technology.Several surgeons at the Center are consideredpioneers in the robotic surgery industry. Theyhave developed new ways to use the robot,and surgeons from around the world come totrain with them. The Surgical Suites’ observa-tion gallery facilitates physician and stafftraining.The new 40,000 square-foot facility is

four times larger than the hospital’s originalsurgical center. Ceiling-mounted surgicalequipment in the spacious suites keeps thefloors clear and gives the surgical staff moremobility during procedures. The robot’ssurgical camera relays the surgeon’s precisemovements to several flat screen monitorslocated around the room.The high-tech facility’s scrub stations, con-

trol desk and physician and nurse work areasare all strategically situated with efficiency –and patient safety – in mind.To complement the new Surgical Suites,

construction of 36 new pre- and post-procedure rooms and a new Central SterileProcessing is expected to be complete by theend of the year.To learn more, visit

www.BaptistHealth.net/SouthMiamior www.SouthMiamiRobotics.com.

High-tech healthcare: South Miami Hospital’s expansion and renovation enhances advanced surgery capabilities.Photo by Donna Victor

South Miami Hospital opens newSurgical Suites and Emergency Center

BY ANALY MENDEZ

Some 100 boys will descend upon theUniversity of Miami’s Frost School of Musicon Saturday, Jan. 26, for a morning of choralmusic making hosted by the Miami Children’sChorus, a Coral Gables non-profit music edu-cation and performance organization.

“Bring on the Boys,” a singing workshopfor boys with unchanged voices, developed bythe MCC, seeks to get boys excited and inter-ested in singing again. The past few decadeshave seen the steady decline of boys in schoolchoruses and many are asking why.

Put quite simply, boys say they just are nothaving fun in choir. The Miami Children’sChorus is looking to change this perceptionand the singing workshop for boys aims tomake singing a more dynamic experience foryoung boys.

The workshop, led by MCC music directorTimothy A. Sharp, will prove to all involvedthat boys can sing and that singing can be fun.Sharp has served as music director of theaward-winning Miami Children’s Chorus formore than two decades and teaches generalmusic at Vineland K-8 Center in Miami-DadeCounty.

As a performer he appeared with the cho-rus of Florida Grand Opera for five seasonsand he continues his FGO work, preparingchildren to appear in opera productions,including this season’s La Boheme and TheMagic Flute. Sharp has been awarded aMAXIE award by the New World School ofthe Arts in recognition of his contributions tothe arts for children; named Educator of Noteby the Young Patronesses of the Opera, andArts Teacher of the Year by the Children’sCultural Coalition.

The “Bring on the Boys” half-day work-shop explores the lifelong possibilities ofmaking music by singing. With the support ofSharp, the Miami Children’s Chorus, and theUniversity of Miami’s Frost Men’s Chorus —Maelstrom — boys in Miami-Dade Countycan be inspired, learning to feel comfortable

expressing their artistry and musicality.Maelstrom will perform for the boys during

the workshop and later will join them on stagefor a short free public recital at the conclusionof the workshop. They will serve as positiverole models for young boys with aspirationsof singing long term. At “Bring on the Boys,”boys can feel free to experience the joy ofbeing part of a choral group in a positive andsupportive team like environment much likethat of a sports team.

The truth is that choir provides an excellentpoint of entry for boys and families interestedin music and vocal training. Many male mem-bers of the Miami Children’s Chorus gotinvolved in singing and performing becausethey attended the “Bring on the Boys” work-shop. Some have even continued their musiccareers beyond middle and high school, study-ing to be music educators and vocal perform-ers in some of the countries leading musicschools, including the University of MiamiFrost School of Music.

For just $20 participants will get the highestquality singing instruction from MCC musicdirector, a workshop T-shirt, sheet music totake home with them and an afternoon snack.More importantly they will have the opportu-nity to meet boys from distant neighborhoodsof Miami-Dade County who share similarinterests and new friendships will be forged!Also, Miami-Dade County school musicteachers are encouraged to observe the work-shop and take some ideas to their own schools.

Be a part of this exciting workshop onSaturday, Jan. 26, 9 a.m.-noon; check-inbegins at 8:30 a.m. The workshop will takeplace at the University of Miami Frost Schoolof Music Victor E. Clarke Recital Hall.Registration is required. To register call theMCC at 305-662-7494. Group rates are avail-able. The deadline to register is Thursday, Jan.24.

For more information about the MiamiChildren’s Chorus, and its complete seasonschedule, call 305-662-7494 or visit online at<www.miamichildrenschorus.org>.

Miami Children’s Chorus to presentsinging workshop for boys, Jan. 26


BY NICOLLE NOEL UGARRIZA

René Marie is an award-winning singerwhose style incorporates elements of jazz,soul, blues and gospel. She is a fierce inde-pendent songstress who started her careerin her 40s.

Her show, called “Experiment In Truth,”comes to South Miami-Dade Cultural ArtsCenter (SMDCAC) on Friday, Jan. 25, at8:30 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 26, at 8:30 and10:30 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 27 at 3:30p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 onthe day of the show. Buy tickets online at<www.smdcac.org> or call the Box Officeat 786-573-5300.

The center is located at 10950 SW 211St. in Cutler Bay. Free parking is available.The SMDCAC Cabaret Series is sponsoredby Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay.

René Marie has become a heroine tomany — a woman of great strength exud-ing stamina and compassion, oftenexplaining how finding her voice and selfthrough singing gave her the courage toleave an abusive marriage. But since therelease of her recording debut,Renaissance, this Colorado-based singerhas also evolved into one of the greatestand most sensuous vocalists of our time.

Unmistakably honest and unpretentiouswhile transforming audiences worldwidewith her powerful interpretations, electri-fying deliveries and impassioned vocals,René Marie has drawn a legion of fans andmusic critics who find themselves not onlyentertained, but encouraged and evenchanged by her performances.

It is hard to believe that Marie didn’t singprofessionally until after she turned 40. Butin fact the Virginia native, married at 18,mother of two by 23, and a member of astrict religious group with her then hus-band, only occasionally sang in publicwhile she was focused on raising a family.It was in 1996 that Marie’s eldest son,Michael, urged her to take the plunge topursue a career.

“He told me that was exactly what Ineeded to do” she explained.

Two years later following an ultimatumby her husband to either stop singing orleave their home, she chose to leave after23 years of marriage.

What followed was a whirlwind of suc-cess and great critical acclaim rarely seenin the jazz world, from the LA Times to theWashington Post, from the Miami Heraldto the Chicago Tribune. She has receivedseveral awards throughout her career

including Best International Jazz VocalCD by the Academie Du Jazz (Paris,France) and has graced the BillboardCharts multiple times propelling her toheadliner status at major festivals in theU.S. and abroad including the prestigious

Women In Jazz festival at the John F.Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts;the Spoleto festival in Charleston, SC; theEdinburgh Jazz Festival (Scotland);Shanghai Jazz Festival (China), amongmany others.

René Marie to perform at SMDCAC Cabaret Series

Jazz singer René Marie


BY LUCIE O’SULLIVAN

A new and very welcome addition to theculinary scene in Palmetto Bay is the Indianrestaurant Ayesha.

Ayesha owner Mike Hussein says he waitedfor more than three years for what he calls “theperfect Village location” to become available.He says he wanted a site large enough to servethe Pinecrest community with corporateevents and Indian-style entertainment.

Hussein has a rag-to-riches story and is thepersonification of the American dream. Heemigrated from Bombay 27 years ago andbegan life here selling ice cream on the street infront of the Flagler Station mall. Today he runsfour successful restaurants, the others locatedin Key Biscayne, Palm Beach and Jupiter.Husain’s dream is to open more restaurants inMiami and maybe even develop a franchise topass on his passion for Indian food.

Patrons can expect a gastronomical delightin this unique and charming restaurant. Theflavors of Bombay are mixed with the spicesof southern India. Classic Indian dishes arefound on this menu, items such as tandoorfish, shrimp, lamb and naan breads. Ayeshaeven offers an excellent wine selection, as

well as chilled Indian beers Taj Mahal andKing Fisher.

Ayesha’s chef, Arvind Kumar, is a familymember who loves to whip up his specialty,the Slumdog Millionaire, a simple but delec-table chicken tika marsala.

Hussein says he wants to give his cus-tomers a personal touch and his concept is“on the spot” cooking using only the freshestof ingredients.

“Everything is cooked with love and noth-ing is pre-prepared,” he said.

Hussein is passionate about cooking andrunning his restaurant where he works 16-hour days. He adds that the restaurant isnamed for his daughter.

“I believe anything is possible with hardwork and passion for what you do,” he said.“America is still the land of opportunity!”

Ayesha Restaurant is located at 14151 S.Dixie Hwy. For information, call 786-732-4480.

DININGOUT

Ayesha Restaurant is an ‘Indian delight’

BY MAYRA HERNANDEZ

As South Floridians ring in the new yearand pledge to make their health a priority,TeamFootWorks, producers of theMercedes-Benz Corporate Run Series, isannouncing the 2013 5K Run/Walk racedates and welcoming the series’ new ben-efiting charity, United Way.

Having attracted a record-breaking29,000 participants in 2012, the race seriesonce again will take over South Floridawith three runs beginning in FortLauderdale on Apr. 4, continuing in WestPalm Beach on Apr. 17 and concluding inMiami on Apr. 25. Registration for eachrun is now open.

“United Way is committed to the healthand wellness of its employees and the vari-ous communities it serves,” said Harve A.Mogul, president and CEO of United Wayof Miami-Dade. “The health and wellnessof others impacts us all. When individualshave the opportunity to better health, thefull potential of our young people is real-ized; business productivity increases,healthcare costs are lowered and we all win.

“We’re honored to be involved with theMercedes-Benz Corporate Run series andlook forward to working withTeamFootWorks to help transform peo-ple’s lives and create healthy communitiesthroughout South Florida.”

The Mercedes-Benz Corporate RunSeries attracts more than 1,100 SouthFlorida Companies and incorporates a spe-cial competition to award the overall men’s,women’s and co-ed teams in 20 differentindustries. The run is open to employees ofbusinesses, corporations, government agen-cies, financial institutions and non-profits— regardless of company size.

Known as “Florida’s Largest OfficeParty,” everyone is encouraged to partici-pate and join their company team to walkor run as a group. Beginners can “ease intoexercise” with friends, gain inspiration andmotivation to continue walking and run-ning to improve overall health, while com-petitive runners have the opportunity toshine among their co-workers and lead thecorporate team to victory. Often this is thefirst step towards greater health and well-ness amongst South Florida employeesand their companies.

The runs will be held at the followinglocations:

Fort Lauderdale, Thursday, Apr. 4, 6:45p.m., Huizenga Plaza, 32 E. Las OlasBlvd.;

West Palm Beach, Wednesday, Apr. 17,6:45 p.m., Meyer Amphitheater, 104Datura St., and

Miami, Thursday, Apr. 25, 6:45 p.m.,Bayfront Park, 301 N. Biscayne Blvd.

“Whether the race series is your firststep toward fitness or an office tradition,the Corporate Run is about having fun,getting healthy and boosting companymorale,” said Laurie Huseby, race direc-tor, Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run. “Thebenefits of adding fitness to your life arenumerous and we’re proud to be commit-ted to that process for more than 28 years.”

Sponsors of the 2013 Mercedes-BenzCorporate Run series include the localSouth Florida Mercedes-Benz Dealers,American Airlines, BB&T, Baptist Health,Club Med, Sharp, UPS, Pearl Izumi,Southern Waste Systems and more.

For more information, contactTeamFootWorks at 305-666-RACE(7223) or visit <www.mercedesbenzcor-poraterun.com>.

Mercedes-Benz Corporate Runannounces South Florida dates


I liked the new Audi allroad when attend-ed the press preview last summer and drovethe car across the Colorado Rockies; I likedit even more after test driving it in Miami’straffic-snarled streets for a week.

The allroad (Audi specifically spells thename without caps for some unknown rea-son) is best categorized as a station wagon,albeit, a very nice station wagon. It combinesall-weather road capabilities with the drivingdynamics and style that are hallmarks toAudi.

The allroad returns following a seven-yearhiatus and it debuts in a package thatimproves on the original in significant ways— it is faster and more fuel efficient and itbenefits from all of the technological advan-tages that the Audi product line has experi-enced during the past decade.

The new allroad combines what premiumbuyers are looking for in a rugged crossoverwith the refinement of an executive sedan. It

is powered by the 2.0 TFSI turbocharged anddirect-injected, four-cylinder engine thatdelivers 211 hp and 258 pounds-feet of torqueand is paired with a fuel-efficient eight-speedautomatic transmission. Audi engineers havetuned the allroad to deliver plenty of torque atthe right times for effortless passing, acceler-ating from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.Quattro all-wheel drive is standard.

The allroad has a new electromechanicalsteering system that saves weight andimproves fuel economy — part of the Audiultra philosophy of optimizing materials while,at the same time, improving performance.

The allroad is at home on today’s urbanroads and gravel driveways alike, and areprogrammed Electronic Stability Controlassists drivers in bad weather and just aboutany other kind of driving condition.

As for design, the allroad has a uniqueSingleframe grille design with verticalchrome struts and angled upper corners,stainless steel skid plates and side sills, con-trasting body trim and alu-optic aluminumraised roof rails. Matte-finished lowerbumpers and wheel arches are standard,while paint finishes are available in GlacierWhite, Ice Silver and Phantom Black.

The allroad has the new Audi designtheme of sleek headlights and — in versions

equipped with xenon-plus lights — the sig-nature new LED lighting design. Circular foglights finish off the front and circular dual-exhaust openings mark rear.

The standard panoramic sunroof adds tothe cabin’s spacious feeling. Interior refine-ments include eight-way power seats, option-al heated front seats, a choice of three woodinlays, and a 505-watt Bang & OlufsenSound System with 14 speakers, which auto-matically adjusts volume and timbre to ambi-

ent noise in the car. The Sport Interior pack-age for allroad features 12-way power frontsports seats and Driver Assistance.

Pricing on the 2013 Audi allroad starts atunder $40,000.

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

2013 Audi allroad is a station wagon with style

LET’S TALK CARS

Ron BeasleyAUTOMOTIVE EDITOR

Audi allroad has a Singleframe grille with vertical chrome struts and angled upper corners, stainless steel skidplates and side sills, contrasting body trim and aluminum raised roof rails.

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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.

10740 SW 121 StLovely 3 bdrm/ 2 bath family home in thePine Shores community. Bright and spa-

cious kitchen with lots of storage and roomfor a large eat-in area or den.

Formal living & dining rooms. Privatefenced backyard with covered patio and

pool. 2 car garage.$385,000

19825 SW 87 CtWell-maintained 3 bedroom/2 bathroom,over 2,000 sq ft home in Cutler Bay. Largeliving areas. Tile floor and carpet through-out. Eat-in kitchen overlooks screened inpatio on a beautifully landscaped, 9,520 sqft lot. 2 car garage$215,000

1900 Pizarro 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 en-tertaining w/ courtyard off dining room andpavered patio in backyard. 1.5 car garage.$724,900/For rent $4,500 per month

4821 Ronda StExquisitely updated 4 bdrm/3 br, 3,250 sqft home on quiet Coral Gables street. Ex-pansive eat-in kitchen, spacious familyroom, living room & dining room. PristineOak hard wood floors throughout. Lushlandscaping on large, 11,886 sq ft lot. Im-pact windows and doors. 2 car garage.$975,000

10820 SW 74 Ct4 bdrm/ 2 bath, well-kept home on a wide,canal front lot in Pinecrest. Ready for yourupdates. Formal dining and living room.Large kitchen overlooks partially coveredbrick patio and pool. Beautifully land-scaped including a screened-in orchid

house. Shutters throughout. 2 car garage.$674,900

364 SW 19 RdBeautifully renovated Old Spanish home inThe Roads. 3 bdrm/2 bath with 2,374 sq ftof living area, on a 6,750 sq ft lot. Kitchenhas stainless steel appliances, gas range,

granite countertops, and wood cabinetry.Indoor laundry. French doors lead to patio

overlooking landscaped backyardand work shed.

$495,000

17070 SW 74 PlTastefully updated 4 bdrm/3.5 bath, 3,700sq ft home in gated community ofOld Cutler Palms in Palmetto Bay. Beauti-ful kitchen, expansive living areas, greatfor entertaining. Lush landscaping sur-rounds private pool and home on just over17,200 sq ft lot. 3 car garage. $725,000

2756 Day Ave #403Great 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

NEW LISTING NEW LISTING

SOLD

SOLDSOLD


Coral Gables News 1.22.2013

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Transcript of Coral Gables News 1.22.2013