Palmetto Bay News 12.25.2012

DEC. 25, 2012 - JAN. 7, 2013 –––––––––––– communitynewspapers.com ––––––––––––– 305-669-7355

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T he Miami-DadeCounty Commissionon Tuesday, Nov. 20,elected CommissionerLynda Bell as vice

chair of the board in a historic movewhere, for the first time in county histo-ry, two women will serve in the top twoleadership posts on the commission fora term of two years.

The vote fol-lowed the electionof CommissionerRebeca Sosa asthe commission’snew chair. BothSosa and Bell willassume the newleadership roles inJanuary.

“I am over-

–––––––––––––––––– See BELL, page 6

Lynda Bell elected vice chair of Miami-Dade Commission

Commissioner Bell

BY GARY ALAN RUSE

M embers of GirlScout Troop714 in PalmettoBay recently

completed a special project to ben-efit American soldiers overseas byparticipating in the “America’sMoms for Soldiers” program. Thegirls, ages 13 and 14, are all in theeighth grade and have been togeth-er since preschool.

Troop leader Judi Amoreexplained how it came about andwhy it appealed to them.

“We chose the project as part ofa Journey that our troop is doing,

Girl Scout Troop 714 members send care packages to soldiers

Pictured withthe boxes they

packed are (l-r) Lisa

Amore, VictoriaHarris, JuliaRichardson,

Meredith Flinn,Claire Landon,

and SydneyHoward.

(Photo by Keith Landon) See GIRL SCOUT, page 6

BY GARY ALAN RUSE

A bbey Franklin, an eighthgrade student in theMagnet Art Program atSouthwood Middle

School, won the “Best in Show” awardfor her painting during the 2012Bromeliad Society International WorldBromeliad Conference. She received herengraved crystal trophy the week of Dec.5 when the awards certificates arrived atthe school.

Hosted by the Florida Council ofBromeliad Societies, the world confer-ence took place at the Caribe Royal inOrlando from Sept. 24 to 30. The confer-ence is primarily for amateur and com-mercial growers of bromeliads but an artexhibition featuring adult and student artwas part of the event.

Sharon Biddix, a retired art teacherand member of the South FloridaBromeliad Society for the past 12 yearsexplained the significance of the eventand the win.

“Every year the Bromeliad Societiesall over the United States and otherplaces come to state conferences, butthis world-wide conference only comesonce every 10 years, so this was a greataccomplishment,” Biddix said.

Biddix said that she had never been toa world conference before and that oneof the big judges, Dean Fairchild, hadseen the student artwork fromSouthwood and from Palmetto for 10 to12 years and has been judging the Miamishow at Fairchild Gardens every year

SSoouutthhwwoooodd mmaaggnneett aarrtt ssttuuddeenntt wwiinnss aawwaarrdd aatt iinntteerrnnaattiioonnaall eevveenntt

Abbey Franklin is pictured with her prize-winning artworkand trophy in the patio at Southwood Middle School.

(Photo by Jenifer Berse)–– See ART STUDENT, page 6

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BY MARK WEINBERG

The community of Palmetto Bay usheredin the second day of the holiday ofHanukkah with the lighting of an innova-tive ice sculpture menorah on Dec. 9.

As the melting water began to cascadedown the large candelabra, Mayor ShelleyStanczyk, Vice Mayor John Dubois andCouncilmembers Patrik Fiore and JoanLindsay had the honor of lighting the “can-dles” of the holiday. The street was crowd-ed with local celebrants, all of whombrought greetings and insight into the holi-day celebration.

Rabbi Zalman and Chani Gansburg ofChabad of Palmetto Bay welcomed thecrowds at the parking lot at Old CutlerRoad and SW 168 Street. The lively eventwas accompanied by joyous holiday musicto which participants danced and sangalong. Latkes (fried potato pancakes) anddonuts, traditional Hanukkah foods, wereserved. Exciting raffles, children’s activi-ties, and light up Menorah necklaces madethe night fun for the whole family.

For more information about Chabad ofPalmetto Bay visit online at<www.JewishPalmettoBay.org> or call786-282-0413.

Menorah lighting highlights village Hanukkah celebration

Palmetto BayMayor ShelleyStanczyk lights the ice sculpturemenorah.

The Annual Holiday Boat Parade &Canned Food Drive took place onDecember 15, its third year now, anddonated a lot of food to the Village’sHoliday Food Drive. Kudos to thePalmetto Bay Canal Association and all thecaring folks who gave canned goods andother foodstuffs for the cause.

The boat parade started in Coral ReefPark at 5:30 p.m. and traveled south on theC100 canal through Palmetto Bay, passingBill Sadowski Park, and ending in thesouthwest part of the village.

The canned food was collected for“Feeding South Florida” (formerly knownas the Daily Bread Food Bank), and partic-ipants in the boat parade were able to pickup canned food collected by residents whothen handed it off from the canal banks tothe boaters. The Palmetto Bay Canal

Association is made up of Palmetto Bayand Pinecrest residents who are both usersand stewards of the local canal system, andis made up of pleasure boaters, fishermen,skiers and even folks in canoes and kayaks.

The canned goods collected were pre-sented to the village at the zoning hearingon Dec. 17. What a great way to have a funholiday event that also contributes to aworthwhile project! There are photos of itall on the village website and on theirFacebook page, so check it out.

In case you didn’t know it... EveryMonday the village’s Weekly CrimeReport is posted online on the official vil-lage website at <http://www.palmettobay-fl.gov>. The one for the week of Dec 10,2012 to Dec 16, 2012 was the latest oneposted as of the deadline for this issue, andthere wasn’t a lot there for a good sizedcommunity. There were seven burglaries orthefts and a stolen license plate decal list-ed. In one case the police observed the bur-glars in action, caught and arrested themand returned the stolen property to theowner. Good show, members of the VillagePolicing Unit!

And by the way, if you’d like to getinvolved in the village’s Crime Watch pro-gram and help keep criminal activity to aminimum you should contact OfficerJudge of the village police or call 305-278-4018 to join a neighborhood CrimeWatch. The program “organizes neighbor-hoods of single-family homes, apartmentcomplexes, and gated communities tolearn about crime prevention, homelandsecurity, and disaster preparedness.”

Since our deadline for this issue fell aday or so before December 21 we can’tcomment on that whole “MayanDoomsday” thing, at least from a resultsstandpoint, but if you’re reading this dur-ing Christmas week when the papers comeout, then obviously we’re all still here. Andalthough not many folks took it seriouslyanyway, it should be pointed out that theMayans never did actually predict the endof the world on that date. Their long-viewmillennial calendar just happened to cycleon that date and a number of enterprisingfolks (some of them likely the same oneswho wrote books about the projectedcalamities of the “Y2K” effect on comput-

ers, which also turned out to be nonsense)decided to make money by exploiting peo-ple’s fears. Anything to make a buck, andnot even an honest one at that.

Best holiday wishes from all of us hereat Miami’s Community Newspapers, andmay the coming year be a better one foreveryone!

Thought of the Day:The highest result of education

is tolerance. — Helen Keller

Gary Alan Ruse contributed to thiscolumn.

Got any tips? Contact me at 305-669-7355, ext. 249, or send emails to<[email protected]>.

A village holiday tradition yields charitable results

AROUND TOWN

Michael MillerEXECUTIVE EDITOR

Palmetto Bay News6796 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355, Fax (305) 662-6980

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PALMETTO BAYJUMPS

GIRL SCOUT, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

whelmed by the high level of confidencemy fellow colleagues have placed in meby entrusting me to serve in this mostimportant capacity,” Bell said. “I look for-ward to working closely with my highlyrespected and admired colleague, chair-woman-elect Sosa, and the rest of thecounty commission, as we continue totackle the critical issues the residents ofour beloved county face every day. Aslong as I am a public servant, they canexpect nothing less but the highest stan-dards of excellence and integrity in public

service they have all come to expect anddeserve.”

Commissioner Bell was elected to theMiami-Dade Commission on Nov. 2,2010 representing District 8, whichencompasses a significant portion ofsoutheastern Miami-Dade County, includ-ing the municipalities of Palmetto Bay,Cutler Bay and Homestead, with portionsof Kendall and the Redland.

Prior to her service on the commisionBell had the distinction of serving as theonly woman mayor in the City ofHomestead’s 99-year history.

Commissioner Bell has been married toMark Bell for 28 years. They have threeadult children and nine grandchildren.

BELL, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––

called, ‘Agent of Change,’” Amore said.“We chose this particular project because itwas important to help the soldiers who arein Afghanistan. The idea is to give a pack-age to soldiers who might not have rela-tives back home who are sending themthings, so they don’t have to be the onlyones not getting mail. Also, in some places,they have a hard time getting basic items.We loved being able to help the soldiers.”

Troop 714 ended up sending 68 boxes topeople in the military. Alexandra Flinn,whose daughter Meredith is one of the GirlScouts involved in the project, said thatgathering the items to send to soldiers hadspecial meaning for them.

“All the girls know either a relative orfamily friend overseas,” Flinn said.“Meredith’s uncle is a major in the U.S.Army. He’s been overseas twice and willbe deployed to Afghanistan sometime inthe next year. Lisa’s cousin was deployedto the Middle East four years ago, and isnow serving in the Netherlands for threeyears. Victoria has an uncle who is apilot.”

One of the mothers in the group hadheard about the project and told the rest.They liked it, and proceeded to collect

donated items from many people to packinto the boxes. Lisa Amore, daughter of thetroop leader, told what they gathered to putinto the care packages.

“Food, like beef jerky and granola bars,toiletries like wipes, hand sanitizer, and lipbalm, entertainment like magazines andplaying cards,” she said. “Also, we wroteletters to include.”

The girls did not include information toget a reply, so they may never know theimpact their efforts had on the soldiers.Still, they are confident it will lift the sol-diers’ spirits.

More can be learned about the organi-zation by visiting their website,<www.americasmomsforsoldiers.com>.Those not interested in doing a whole col-lection can just donate money to theorganization. Also, since Girl Scouts arehaving their cookie sales in the nextmonth, people can donate to the GirlScouts’ “Cookies from the Heart” pro-gram, which also benefits soldiers bysending them Girl Scout cookies.

“We loved being able to help the sol-diers,” Lisa Amore said. “It would feelgood knowing we helped them and madetheir lives a little happier.”

with 19 other judges from around the state.“He’s an art lover and he’s just smitten

by the talent of these students,” Biddixsaid. “This magnet program is phenome-nal. If you just looked at the artwork anddidn’t know it was from a middle schoolmagnet program, you would assume it wasadult artwork.

“They use mixed media and are taughtto look at things with a creative eye. Forthe world conference Fairchild requestedthis talented magnet work because he saidno other shows have magnet work like wedo on a consecutive basis.”

Franklin, the accomplished young artist,was delighted with the win, but wasn’texpecting it.

“I was shocked,” Franklin said. “I’mreally happy. I worked a long time on thatpiece so I’m really proud of it. I’m happythat I got the award — very surprised, buthappy about it. I’ve taken art classesthroughout my life and have been in theSouthwood Art Magnet since sixth grade. Ilove to draw flowers and anything withbright colors is pretty much my style.”

Southwood principal Magda Pereira saidshe is impressed with the young artist andher accomplishment.

“Abbey is one of the many treasures wehave at Southwood Middle School,”Pereira said. “Her remarkable talent exem-plifies the devotion and passion she has forthe arts.”

In the magnet program each grade levelis split between two teachers and at midyear they switch students so they have theadvantage of the expertise of two art teach-ers and their curriculum each of the threeyears they are there. Respected magnet artteachers Jenifer Berse and Leslie McKinleyhave been Abbey Franklin’s instructors.

Beatriz Llano-Scherker, magnet leadteacher at Southwood, commented on theimpact the school’s programs have on areayoungsters.

“Southwood continues to be a placewhere students’ dreams can become areality in an intellectually stimulating,emotionally nurturing, and creative envi-ronment,” Llano-Scherker said. “Themission of Southwood Middle School’sCenter for the Arts magnet program is toengage the curious and creative studentin an intensive visual and performingarts environment.”

ART STUDENT, from page 1



The solution to regaining our confidencein America is simple. The results are obvi-ous. The implementation is beyond difficult.

Unless we are certain the future is secure,we, the American people, will not spend.And, spending is the only way out of ourcurrent malaise — individual spending, thatis you and I, not government. Governmentspending temporarily creates jobs, but itsspending only gets us deeper in debt and thecontinued loss of confidence in our future.

When we say, “I am not sure” and decideto put off buying that new car and make theold one last another year we are holdingback employment growth. Only when man-ufacturers and retailers say,

“The demand for my product or servicehas outgrown my ability to meet demand”will they go out and hire more employees.It’s just that simple.

The myth that reducing income taxes forthe wealthy will result in their hiring more

employees is just that, a myth. No onespends money hiring more employees thanthey need. I wouldn’t. And I am sure youwould not.

The middle class will spend if they feel

confident in the future. There is the key

word — confidence. What will make you

and I feel confident about our future? Many

factors, but No. 1 is our belief that our

elected leaders have our best interests at

heart, and are less concerned about their

own futures. What they seem to miss is the

fact that we would return them to office

over and over again if we feel that they are

working for us.

Our elected officials in Washington, DC,

can make or break the public’s confidence.

The battle between Democrats and

Republicans for political dominance, a con-

cern for political party over the best interest

of America, is at the root of our problem.

Retiring U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman said it all

in his retirement speech from the floor of the

Senate a few weeks ago. It is worth quoting:“Today I regret to say as I leave the

Senate that the greatest obstacle that I seestanding between us and the brighterAmerican future we all want is right here inWashington. It’s the partisan polarization of

our politics, which preventsus from making the princi-pled compromises on whichprogress in a democracydepends, and right nowwhich prevents us fromrestoring our fiscal solven-cy as a nation. We needbipartisan leadership tobreak the gridlock inWashington that willunleash all the potential thatis the American people.”

Lack of confidenceworks its way all the waydown to local government.Here at home in Miami-Dade we would not havefought so hard, for so manyyears, to limit county com-missioner terms in office ifwe felt they put the public’sinterest first. We wouldhave been happy to let them die in office, ifthey put the citizens of the county ahead of

their futures.Lack of trust and confi-

dence in our political lead-ers must be restored to turnaround America. And onlyour elected leaders inWashington, Tallahassee,Miami-Dade and our localmunicipalities can resolvethe loggerhead.

Compromise is the word.Do it now, Washington,before it is too late.

We appreciate your opin-ions on this column whetherin agreement or disagree-ment. Please send yourcomments to (fax number)305-662-6980 or email to<[email protected]>. The opinionsexpressed in this column

are not necessarily those of this newspaper,its editors or publisher.

KENNETH’S COMMENTARY

R. Kenneth Bluh • • • VIEWPOINT • • •America must regain its confidence in the future

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Florida restaurant inspectors recently

announced some major changes in how

they will start checking out kitchens. These

changes are meant to improve food safety

statewide and do a better job guaranteeing

safer food. Starting Jan. 1, changes will be

made in the way restaurants are inspected

and how consumers are warned about pos-

sible allergens in their meals.

As part of a National Food Safety crack-

down, the new guidelines follow changes

in the National Food Safety Codes that

were mandated by Congress and the U.S.

Food and Drug administration in 2009.

Aimed at making prepared foods safer

and cutting down on food-borne illness-

es, the new guidelines state that chil-

dren’s foods can no longer simply be

warmed up, but must be fully cooked to

kill off any potentially dangerous food-

borne bacteria. More public disclosures

on menus about possible allergens like

fruit and nuts in prepared foods to pre-

vent possible severe allergic reactions

will be included.

Restaurants still will face a minimum of

two mandatory food safety inspections a

year. Inspection violations will be better

classified into three categories, two of

which are in effect now to help pinpoint

specific food safety problems and fix them.

The new classifications will provide more

detailed information for food safety areas

that need to be improved.

Inspection reports are available online at

myfloridaliscense.com, and consumers still

have the right to ask for, and be shown, a

restaurant’s most current inspection report.

Alain Turras wonders how safe and

healthy the food is when he goes out to eat.

He said every now and then he doesn’t feel

well afterwards.

“Sometimes you go out and wonder

about how the food is being cooked,

whether it’s healthy,” he said. “Sometimes

after eating at a restaurant, I’m not feeling

very well.”

The Florida Restaurant Association sup-

ports the changes, which will be phased in

statewide starting in January. Some local

restaurant operators say it may be mean

more “red tape” for them, but they don’t

think it will be a major problem at all.

“It’s ‘red tape,’ but it shouldn’t be too

bad since a good operator ought to be doing

it right, anyway,” said Lee Neal, a Doral

restaurant operator.

Florida remains one of the few states in

the nation that doesn’t “grade” food safety

and require those grades to be openly post-

ed for customers to see. But we still have

the right to ask to see a restaurant’s latest

health inspection form under state law.

For more information visit online at

www.myfloridalicense.com>.

Watch Al Sunshine’s “Money Watch”reports Monday-Friday on CBS4. You mayfind Al’s blog at <www.cbs4.com/catego-ry/blogs/al-sunshine>.

CBS MONEY WATCH

Al Sunshine

Florida’s restaurant inspections:Major changes coming on Jan. 1

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BY NANCY EAGLETON

Only four out of 86 high

school volleyball teams make it

to the 8A FHSAA Girls

Volleyball finals, and the Coral

Reef Senior High School team

was one of them.

It was the first time in the

school’s history that the girls vol-

leyball team made it to the state

competition. The road to the final

four also included other histori-

cal firsts for the school — first-

place finishes in the Greater

Miami Athletic Conference vol-

leyball tournament and Region

4-8A Championship.

“It really was a Cinderella

story for us,” said Barracudas

head coach Yasmin Ortiz. “We

weren’t expected to make it all

the way.”

But they did. The team of four

seniors, five juniors, four sopho-

mores and two freshmen battled a

tough team from Winter Park in

the semifinal match played on

Nov. 13 in Kissimmee. Although

defeated, the Barracudas’ third

place finish was a just reward for a

successful season. The team ended

its playing season with a 25-6

record.

“Getting to the state finals was

always the ultimate goal for this

team, and the girls worked very

hard to get there,” Coach Ortiz said.

“I went to state finals during high

school, and I wanted these girls to

experience that same success.”

Volleyball is Ortiz’s passion.

After high school, she attended col-

lege on a volleyball scholarship,

played pro volleyball and coached

at the college level. This is the fifth

year she has coached the Coral Reef

girls team, and each year the num-

ber in her team’s win column has

increased. Ortiz also serves as the

Boys Volleyball coach and teaches

honors biology and Spanish at

Coral Reef.

With a year-round focus on con-

ditioning and training, there is no

doubt that the Coral Reef Girls

Volleyball team will be a force to be

reckoned with again next year.

CRHS Girls Volleyball team makes first trip to final 4

The Barracudas girls volleyball team: (l-r, front row) Captain Daniela Leal, Danielle DeSouza, Trina Malone; (middle row) Paulina Persson,Janel Kemp, Ashley Amoedo, Jasmin Hodge, Kristine Rios; (back row) manager Oscar Rouco, Raquel Alespeitti, Andrea Alespeitti, KatrinaGonzalez, Erika Hyman, manager Malik Audain, Baylee Waterman, Adara Anselmo, manager Greg Deverson and head coach Yasmin Ortiz.

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


BY LEWIS MATUSOW

Palmetto Bay resident Gerald Grant Jr.,branch director of financial planning forAXA Advisors LLC in Miami and authorof Bold Moves to Creating FinancialWealth, has been named winner of the2012 Darwin Davis Award for CommunityService.

“ I have never met a more genuinely car-ing person,” said branch manager LuisChiappy. “His motivation and drive arefueled by his desire to do well by doinggood for others… his most important con-tribution is his tireless effort to volunteer,where he dedicates a substantial part of histime giving back, getting involved andmaking a difference.”

The community service award, namedfor the late Darwin Davis, AXA Equitablesenior vice president, in honor of his long-standing dedication to community and thecompany, is presented to AXA Advisorsfinancial professionals and AXAEquitable employees who have madeextraordinary contributions in service,community development, communityservice and volunteerism.

The AXA Foundation will make a$10,000 contribution to the nonprofitorganization of Grant’s choice.

“I am honored and humbled to receivethis award,” Grant said. “I was raised withthe belief that giving back to the communi-ty — and making it a better place to live,both now and for the next generation — isextremely important. That is why I aminvolved in South Florida.”

Grant generously donates his time,shares his financial wisdom, conducts freecommunity financial workshops and serveson the boards of many nonprofit, commu-nity and industry organizations. These

include the Orange Bowl Committee,United Way of Miami-Dade, FloridaInternational University, Florida A&MUniversity, National Association ofInsurance and Financial ServicesProfessionals, Phi Beta Sigma fraternityand Sweet Home Missionary BaptistChurch.

In 2011, Grant was named winner ofAXA Advisors’ highest honor, theNational Honor Associate Award, as wellas being inducted into the Miami DadeCollege Hall of Fame.

Gerald Grant Jr. wins AXACommunity Service Award

Gerald Grant Jr., author of Bold Moves to CreatingFinancial Wealth, has been named winner of the2012 Darwin Davis Award for Community Service byAXA Advisors LLC.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY KERRY GREEN-PHILLIPS

Students at the South

Florida Autism Charter

School (SFACS) in

Hialeah now have addi-

tional technology at their

fingertips, thanks to the

generous donation of

seniors from The Palace

Royale, an assisted liv-

ing community in

Kendall.

The residents, mem-

bers of the community’s

“ M a k e - a - D i f f e r e n c e

Club,” recently donated

brand new Apple iPads

to the school with a mis-

sion to provide education

and services to individu-

als with autism spectrum

disorders in Miami-Dade

and Broward Counties.

“One of our residents,

Georgina Roces, attend-

ed a club meeting and

shared a photo of her

grandson who attended

SFACS. She also men-

tioned the school’s wish

list for their special

needs students,”

explained Pamela Parker,

director of social activities. “The group

voted and decided to make this wonderful

school their next project.”

Throughout the summer, “Make-a-

Difference Club” members sold candy on

Friday’s in The Palace Royale’s lobby to

raise money to buy the iPads for the

school. Roces joined the ladies each week

— accompanied by the photo of her

grandson — to educate candy purchasers

about autism and the exceptional educa-

tion provided by SFACS.

“Unfortunately Mrs. Roces became ill

during the fundraising efforts,” Parker

said. “The club held a lovely reception for

her, where she was joined by family and

neighbors. She was presented with a beau-

tiful plaque which now hangs at SFACS.”

On Saturday, Aug. 18, the “Make-a-

Difference Club” members’ hard work

culminated with an emotional presentation

ceremony, held in memory of Roces. Four

Apple iPads, each engraved with “A Gift

to the Students of SFACS from The Palace

Royale,” were donated to SFACS.

Students, teachers and parents attended

the event.

“The Palace is so proud of this amaz-

ing group of residents who continue to

give their time and talents to noteworthy

causes throughout South Florida,” said

Helen Shaham, president of The Palace

Group. “They illustrate that age isn’t a

limitation and are already hard at work

raising funds to support another charita-

ble organization.”

Located at 11355 SW 84 St., The Palace

Royale features “catered living,” a new

concept offering all the services of tradi-

tional assisted living with special empha-

sis on residents’ cognitive abilities.

For more information, call 305-270-

7000 or visit online at

<www.ThePalace.org>.

The Palace Royale seniorsdonate 4 iPads to SFACS

The Palace Royale’s “Make-a-Difference Club” members (l-r) Chris Weiher,Shirley Skolnick and Connie Otero helped raised money to buy Apple iPads forstudents at the South Florida Autism Charter School.

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



The term “Snail Mail” proved appropriate when Kendall resident Barb Yager recently pulled a magazine out of hermailbox. Attached was a local critter that might have been catching up on its reading or just hitching a ride for theprice of a stamp. There are days when your computer may be slow, but you likely won’t find one of these in youremail.

Now we know why it’s called ‘Snail Mail’

BY DIANE HIRTH

The Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation Commission (FWC) hasannounced the 2013 Python Challengewith its goal of increasing public aware-ness about Burmese pythons and how thisinvasive species is a threat to theEverglades ecosystem, including nativewildlife.

As part of the Python Challenge, boththe public and Florida’s python permitholders are invited to compete to see whocan harvest the longest and the mostBurmese pythons.

On Jan. 12, the Python ChallengeKickoff will initiate a month-long programof harvesting Burmese pythons from publiclands, and the public can see and learnmore about these large constrictors. Thekickoff is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at theUniversity of Florida’s Fort LauderdaleResearch and Education Center, which willhold its invasive species open house thatday.

“The FWC is encouraging the public toget involved in helping us remove Burmesepythons from public lands in SouthFlorida,” said Kristen Sommers, head ofthe FWC’s Exotic Species CoordinationSection. “By enlisting both the public andFlorida’s python permit holders in amonth-long competitive harvesting ofBurmese pythons, we hope to motivatemore people to find and harvest these large,invasive snakes. The Python Challengegives people a chance to sign up for a com-petition to see who can catch the longest orthe most pythons.

“Part of the goal of the Python Challengeis to educate the public to understand whynonnative species like Burmese pythonsshould never be released into the wild andencourage people to report sightings of

exotic species,” Sommers said.“We also expect the competitive harvest-

ing of Burmese pythons to result in addi-tional information on the python popula-tion in South Florida and enhance ourresearch and management efforts.”

Grand prizes of $1,500 for harvesting themost Burmese pythons will be awarded towinners of both the General Competitionand the Python Permit HoldersCompetition, with additional $1,000 prizesfor the longest Burmese python harvestedin both competitions. Funding for theprizes is provided by Python Challengesponsors. The largest Burmese python doc-umented in Florida was more than 17 feetin length.

Complete information on the PythonChallenge, including how to train and reg-ister for the competitions and more aboutupcoming South Florida events, is avail-able at PythonChallenge.org.

Many partners, including the Universityof Florida, The Nature Conservancy,Future of Hunting in Florida, WildlifeFoundation of Florida and Zoo Miami, areinvolved in the Python Challenge.

Florida currently prohibits possession orsale of Burmese pythons for use as pets,and federal law bans the importation andinterstate sale of this species.

The Python Challenge will concludewith a free Awareness and Awards Eventon Feb. 16 at Zoo Miami. Educational talksand exhibits will be available for all ages,with chances to encounter live Burmesepythons, meet the experts who research andcapture them, and learn about protectingthe precious resources of the Evergladesecosystem, including its native birds, mam-mals and reptiles. The winners of theGeneral Competition and Python PermitHolders Competition will be presentedwith their awards.

FWC seeks to increase awarenessby public with Python Challenge

Nationally recognizedauthor, adventurer and

entrepreneur Charles J.Kropke spoke to the

Dadeland-Pinecrest RotaryClub on Monday, Dec. 10,

about SOUTH BEACH:Stories of a Renaissance.

The lavishly illustrated coffee table-styled bookchronicles the businessentrepreneurs, builders

and civic leaders who pioneered Art Deco preser-

vation — transforming South Beach

into one of the travelworld’s most remarkablesuccess stories. Kropke

co-authored the book withEleanor Goldstein, a

nationally recognizedauthor, educator, and

philanthropist. Pictured atthe breakfast are Kropke

(left) and Dadeland-Pinecrest Rotary Past pres-

ident Ron Leiberman.

Author and entrepreneur Charles Kropkespeaks to Dadeland-Pinecrest Rotary Club



BY ALEX MARKEL

The Junior Orange Bowl Basketball

Classic has announced former Miami Heat

and NBA star Mark Strickland as the hon-

orary chair for this year’s holiday tourna-

ment. This year marks the 24th anniversary

of the tournament, which will take place at

Ronald Reagan/Doral Senior High School

on Dec. 27-29.

Strickland played nine NBA seasons,

most notably for the Miami Heat from 1996

to 2000. He has more than 20 years experi-

ence as a player and coach in the NBA,

CBA, and WBA. Strickland has extensive

coaching experience at the Division-1 colle-

giate level and professional ranks with the

NBL and NBA-Development League.

Strickland will be launching his Pogo-

Man Basketball Academy in Miami in

January 2013. Pogo-Man Basketball

Academy will offer personalized basic

skills and exercise programs. In addition to

personal coaching of other professional ath-

letes and youth, Strickland is head coach for

Gulliver Preparatory’s Junior Varsity team.

“The Junior Orange Bowl is very proud to

welcome Mark Strickland as the honorary

chairman for this year’s Basketball Classic”

said Chuck Little, tournament chair.

“Strickland has served as a role model both

on and off the court in the South Florida

community for many years and exemplifies

the message the Junior Orange Bowl con-

veys to all of its youth participants”.

This year’s JOB Basketball Classic fea-

tures some of the top teams from around the

state of Florida and the nation. Top teams

from South Florida include defending 8A

State Champion and JOB Basketball Classic

Champion Hialeah Gardens. The most

notable talent in this year’s tournament is 6-

foot-8 center Kennedy Meeks, a UNC com-

mitment, out of West Charlotte High

School.

Tickets will be available at the tourna-

ment site; admission is $7 for adults and $3

for children. All proceeds will benefit the

Junior Orange Bowl.

For more information on the Junior

Orange Bowl, call 305-662-1210 or visit the

website at <www.jrorangebowl.org>.

Ex Heat star Strickland honorarychair of Jr. OB Basketball Classic

BY NANCY EAGLETON

Pinecrest resident JudyAguirre’s thin and crispycookies always have beenpopular with everyone whoexperiences them. When sheshared them with the doctorsand nurses who were treatingher cousin Jani during herbattle with ovarian cancer, anidea was born — one greatproduct for one great cause.

Aguirre started her cookiecompany, Cookies for Jani,and began her mission of“baking for a cure, one cookieat a time.” She donates hercompany’s proceeds to theSylvester ComprehensiveCancer Center at theUniversity of Miami for can-cer research. Her deliciouscookies do so much more thanput smiles on people’s faces;they are a recipe for a cure.

“I chose the SylvesterCancer Center because it is acomprehensive center thattreats all cancers,” Aguirresaid. “So many people aretouched by this disease.”

Aguirre’s cousin Jani (JanetHaas) was diagnosed with ovarian cancerin 2006. She bravely battled and beat thecancer, and today the former professionaltennis player and University of Miami 1973Woman Athlete of the Year is back on thetennis courts coaching women’s tennisteams and student athletes at MiamiCountry Day School in Miami Shores.

But Aguirre knows that for others thebattle against cancer continues. More than1.6 million people will be diagnosed withcancer this year and she is determined tomake a difference in the fight against thedeadly disease.

The operation, which humbly began withJudy baking in her kitchen, now operatesout of a professional kitchen and requiresas many as four helpers during the holi-days. So, what is the secret ingredient thatmakes her cookies so irresistible?

“We all really enjoy baking these cookiesand that happiness and passion comesacross in the product,” Aguirre said. “Thesecookies are made with love.”

Her delicious cookies made with thefinest ingredients come in popular flavors,including chocolate chip, white chocolatechip, peanut butter and chocolate chip,coconut, chocolate coconut, M&M andoriginal, made with oatmeal, pecans and

cranraisins. New for the holidays, dulce deleche will be a Miami favorite. Aguirre alsorecently added gluten-free cookies to herlineup and says “they are the best gluten-free cookies ever.”

Bags, boxes and trays of cookies fromCookies for Jani make wonderful gifts forclients, co-workers, teachers, doctors, partyhostesses, family members and friends. Thebeautiful pink packaging features the HopeRibbon — a symbol that signifies the fightagainst all cancers — and a gift tag thatnotifies the recipient that their sweet treathas an even sweeter purpose.

“Our cookies make a very thoughtful anddelicious gift,” Aguirre said. “Everyoneenjoys receiving them and sharing them,and knowing that they support a goodcause.”

Aguirre graduated from the University ofFlorida and taught kindergarten for severalyears. The mother of three — Mindy,Andrew and Katie — is planning to expandher business, and her outreach. Proceeds ofher upcoming venture, Hugs and Pieces,will benefit the cancer services at MiamiChildren’s Hospital.

For more information and to place anorder, call 305-668-0055 or visit<www.CookiesforJani.com>.

Judy Aguirre is baking forcure, one cookie at a time

Judy Aguirre is busy baking this holiday season in her “Cookies forJani” kitchen.

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


BY GARY ALAN RUSE

A South Dade charitable founda-tion, the Early Development ofGlobal Education (EDGE), receiveda $10,400 in-kind grant from PaylessShoeSource which was distributed to520 children from low income fami-lies attending the EDGE Children forChildren school in Humacao, PuertoRico, on Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Each child received a $20 gift cardto purchase one or two pairs of newshoes from a local Payless store. Twoof the three EDGE founders, MercyHernandez and Irma Gomez, deliv-ered the gift cards to the children dur-ing a ceremony also attended by themayor of Humacao, Marcelo Trujillo;State Rep. Narden Jaime, as well asMaridaliz Matta and Zulema Cruz ofPayless ShoeSource stores inHumacao.

The school, Proyecto Head StartMunicipio Autonomo de Humacao, isone of a number of schools benefitingfrom the efforts of the EDGE in 10 coun-tries, impacting more than 13,000 chil-dren, including 40 percent in South

Florida.“Footwear is a basic need that many

of us take for granted, and yet a signifi-cant number of children need shoes,”said Hernandez, EDGE co-founder.“With rising unemployment and foodcosts, it is difficult for parents to coverbasic needs, thus making the holidaysan even more stressful time for strug-gling families. Groups and charities likeours who serve them are often insuffi-ciently financed.”

Hernandez said that studies show thatproperly fitting shoes can enhance self-confidence in children and aid in theirproper development and growth. Shedeeply appreciated the donation.

“The Early Development of GlobalEducation Charitable Foundationwould like to recognize PaylessShoeSource and its program ‘PaylessGives Shoes 4 Kids,’ the Caribe HiltonHotel of Puerto Rico, and donationsmade locally from the Perrine-PalmettoBay-Cutler Bay Rotary Club, PubGrill

Restaurant and Cooke Law Firm,”Hernandez said. “Without their supportand kindness this great event would not bepossible.”

Pictured at center are Mercy Hernandez (with sunglasses) and Irma Gomez of the EDGE Foundation; behind themare (l-r) Zulema Cruz and Maridaliz Matta of Payless ShoeSource and Mayor of Humacao, Marcelo Trujillo, and amember of his staff; between the Three Kings is State Rep. Narden Jaime.

(Photo by Arthur Asseo)

EDGE Foundation receives $10K for children’s shoes COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Dec. 25, 2012/Jan. 7, 2013


Luna Academy Preschool opensdoors to families in Kendall area

BY JOSE BOZA

Luna Academy, known for its progres-sive program in early childcare education,recently marked its grand opening forKendall area families at 9025 SW 72 St.

A local husband and wife team, Georgeand Amanda Luna, have created a newlyrenovated preschool facility tailored toyoung minds and complete with an openplayground.

“Our goal is to empower children withengaging programs in a warmhearted envi-ronment,” said Amanda Luna, owner andoperator of Luna Academy. “As we openour doors, we look forward to presentinglocal families with the highest quality ofearly childhood education available.”

The Luna Academy offers a triad cur-riculum aimed to provide preschool chil-

dren with a comprehensive approach to funlearning. Through Bilingual Learning, theprogram encourages rich vocabularydevelopment during stimulating lessonsand hands-on activities in Spanish.Additionally, with a special focus on cog-nitive, creative, emotional and socialskills, the program also consists of anABeka and Creative curriculum designedto build all the fundamental tools neededfor a successful school career.

Now serving children from infants toage 4, the Luna Academy currently wel-comes new enrollments and accepts chil-dren from the VPK and CDS programs.Operating hours are Monday throughFriday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For moreinformation, or to schedule a tour, call786-332-2189, or visit online at<www.lunaacademy.com>.

Pictured are Luna Academy owners Amanda and George Luna.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


Heat’s Mario Chalmers visitspatients and families at MCH

Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers visited patients and families at Miami Children’s Hospital on Dec.16 to hand out donated toys, Heat shirts and gift cards to the children and pose for photos. Chalmers wasjoined by his parents, Ronnie and Almarie, and sister Roneka, representing the Mario V. ChalmersFoundation. Members of the community can join Mario Chalmers to support the children and families atMiami Children’s Hospital this holiday season and throughout the year by donating online at mchf.org.

Lynn Sampson is pictured in Oceanview Shades and Drapery’s new Coral Gables gallery/showroom.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY BARI AUERBACH

When designing the magnificent new CoralGables gallery/showroom for OceanviewShades and Drapery, founder Lynn Sampsonhad two major goals in mind: “To create a‘wow’ customer experience, and inspire imag-ination with innovative home automation con-cepts and the industry’s most impressive, fash-ion-forward window products and homeaccessories.”

After gracing Miami’s Design District formore than eight years, Sampson decided tocapitalize on an exciting opportunity toexpand and open a larger gallery/showroom inCoral Gables, just south of Miracle Mile, fea-turing modern concepts in textile treatmentsand the latest trends in home décor.

“Window treatments ‘set the stage’ for thecolor schemes and aesthetics of South Floridahomes, where we especially require treatmentsthat can help control heat and glare whileaffording privacy,” explained Sampson, a suc-cessful entrepreneur with decades of expertisein fashion design, interior design and the tex-tiles industry.

“Beyond a myriad of shade options, todaythere is a growing interest in draperies and‘soft treatments’ that can be highlighted withcustom accents reflecting personal creativityand originality while bringing ‘fashion’ intothe home,” she said.

“My concept was to open a gallery/show-room where you can be inspired by vibrant newcolors and textures — plus we’re introducing anextremely unique, state-of-the-art ‘ImaginationBar’enabling everyone to ‘touch, feel and expe-rience’home automation and motorization capa-bilities that can control everything from mediato temperature and security.

Automation has become a huge part of the

home environment and now technology ismore user friendly than ever before, thanks towireless controls.

“When people walk into our newgallery/showroom, they’ll see virtually every-thing ‘moving’ — from shades and draperies— to lights illuminating their path. We’ve alsoplaced great emphasis on placement to-scale,so it’s easier to envision how whatever catch-es your eye would actually look in yourhome.”

Oceanview Shades and Drapery has forgedstrong alliances with major international man-ufacturers including Jab, Osborne & Little,Designer’s Guild, Coulisse, Rodolph andCrestron Home Automation Systems.

“These strategic partnerships support ourefforts to showcase fresh products and fashiontrends,” said Sampson, who also is committedto bolstering the local economy by creatingjobs for associates including professional dec-orators/consultations.

“Our clients can always receive insightfulanswers to their questions enabling them tomake informed decisions and select productswithin personal budgets that create comfort-able, beautiful rooms.”

Sampson is looking forward to welcomingnew customers and welcoming back existingclients from cities all over South Florida whoalways share rave reviews about “fashion withan attitude” shades, draperies, upholstery, bed-ding ensembles, wallpaper, rugs and morehome beautiful products beyond your wildestimagination.

For more information about OceanviewShades and Drapery, 2522 Ponce de LeonBlvd. in Coral Gables, complimentary consul-tations or available decorating services, call305-442-2628, visit oceanviewshades.com orsend email to <[email protected]>.

Oceanview Shades and Draperyopens new showroom in Gables

BY BERNADETTE MORRIS

Baptist Health South Florida employeesalways jump on the opportunity to volun-teer with Habitat for Humanity, havingsponsored 24 homes in more than 20 years.Recently, Baptist Health employees ofdiverse backgrounds joined forces for aspecial Day of Service: Caring for OurCommunity to help revitalize and improvehomes for low-income families.

“We ended up having 55 Baptist HealthSouth Florida employees and family mem-bers who worked hard for five hours. Thevolunteers were split up among fivehomes,” said Arlenna Williams, assistantvice president of Baptist Hospital of Miamiand Immediate past chair of the Habitat forHumanity Miami board of directors.

Williams added that the Baptist crew didexterior painting (including prep) on fourhomes. The organization also sponsoredthe home of one of its employees, TerrieUlmer, for which the crew handled land-scaping in the front and back yard (includ-ing removing debris, laying grass, andplanting trees and flowers).

Baptist Health South Florida conductedan informal program prior to the revitaliza-

tion project’s start. Akeem Brutus ofCommissioner Audrey Edmonson’s Officewas there to network with the new home-owners in Liberty City (CommissionerEdmonson’s district). Additionally, BaptistHealth’s chaplain, Rick Morrow, gave amoving invocation and Arlenna Williams,provided opening remarks. Not only wereBaptist Health employees assisting withrevitalization projects in Liberty City, butthey also had 13 other concurrent serviceprojects going on from Homestead toBroward.

“At Baptist Health, we believe that everyman, woman and child should have a placeto call home — regardless of their race orbackground or economic standing,” saidRicardo Forbes, chief diversity officer forBaptist Health South Florida. “BaptistHealth always has and will remain commit-ted to providing hospitality to every nation-ality.”

Baptist Health has been active withHabitat of Humanity for over 20 years,having sponsored a total of 24 homes.This year, the organization sponsoredthree homes. Baptist Health also has had227 employees volunteer for a total of1,362 hours, resulting in the completion

of one home and the support of severalothers.

Baptist Health South Florida is a faith-based organization that believes caring issharing. Composed of seven hospitals and

more than a score of outpatient facilities,Baptist Health is visited by more than amillion patients annually.

For more information, visit online et<www.baptisthealth.net>.

BHSF conducts a Day of Service to support Habitat for Humanity

Terri Ulmer proudly stands by her home which was sponsored by Baptist Health South Florida.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––



BY CATHY GUERRA

The Deering Estate at Cutler will offer

$5 after-hour admission on the first

Wednesday of each month from 4 to 8:30

p.m. as part of “Winter Wednesdays.”

On Jan. 2 and Feb. 6, enjoy a glass of

wine or a picnic on the main lawn of the

estate and take in the rich evening colors

reflecting off the boat turning basin.

Chef David Schwadron Catering and

Joanna’s Marketplace are the official

picnic providers for the Deering Estate

at Cutler and can be contacted directly

for preordered meals. Call 305-238-

5881 for Chef David Schwadron

Catering and 305-661-5111 for Joanna’s

Marketplace.

The main grounds of the Estate will be

open to guests for a reduced rate of $5 and

Deering Estate Foundation Members

receive free admission. There will be lim-

ited access to the buildings, only rest-

rooms will be open. Guests will be able to

meander through the public outdoor areas

and enjoy the evening.

The Deering Estate at Cutler, a Miami-

Dade County Park, is located at 16701 SW

72 Ave.

For more information on the Deering

Estate’s educational and cultural pro-

grams, visit <www.deeringestate.org>.

Enjoy reduced after-hour admission‘Winter Wednesdays’ at Deering

BY RICHARD YAGER

The newest attraction at The Palms hasdebuted “take-in” dining along with beerfrom just about everywhere.

While introducing a suds-loving throng to500 choices of bottled beer — and 50 on tap— The World of Beer also opened its doorsto a “take-out/take-in” dining style that keptits inaugural crowd well fed on Dec. 3

A host of promotional specialties beganwith a raffle for prizes on opening night thatraised over $1,000 to benefit the SylviaAngel’s Foundation, a cancer fund thatassists serving personnel and families.

As several hundred attending the grandopening, the second of two beer emporiumsin the Kendall area began offering menuchoices from more than a half-dozen newrestaurants that have made The Palms a mag-net for eating and entertainment as well asshopping at SW 117th Avenue and KendallDrive (88th Street).

The World of Beer’s “eat-in” wrinkleallows customers to order almost any choicefrom gourmet hamburgers to Aussie steaksor Italian specialties from neighboringrestaurants just around the corner from Suite302, 8525 Mills Dr.

Among those who deliver in are: OutbackSteakhouse, Moe’s Southwest Grille, CGBurgers, Carmine’s La Trattoria, Chef

Chen’s Chinese Restaurant, La Fogata andSushi Maki of Kendall, all newly opened atThe Palms during the past two years.

Now in the last of three major phases toreplace the original Town and Country Mall,

The Palms contemporary design with a con-necting pedestrian plaza to attract both ashopping and dining “experience” seems tobe paying off.

“World of Beer will be the beer and enter-

tainment lovers’ destination in Miami,” pre-dicted Lisa Weatherston, director of market-ing for the RKE Franchising Group.“Dedication to excellent service, draft beerselection and top-notch live entertainmentsets us apart from the rest.”

The 3,160-square-foot business employsabout 35 service personnel, supervised byarea director Claude DeLucia and managerJamie Veillette, both of Kendall.

With The World of Beer open at Dadelandin East Kendall, The Palms’ locationbecomes the 34 in 11 Southeastern andMidwestern states to market rare imports anddomestic brews. For added local appeal,Kendall’s World of Beer features localFlorida brands including Schnebly, DueSouth Brewing, Tequesta Brewing Companyand Florida Beer Company.

A loyalty program awards customers withpoints for trying out uncommon beer selec-tions, and Monday through Wednesdaypatrons find one-quarter or one-half off reg-ular prices for draft or on-tap brews. A stackof board games from Checkers to “StressChess” is available to keep couples or four-somes happy while hoisting.

Hours at The World of Beer are Monday-Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Thursday-Friday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, noon to 2a.m., and Sunday, noon to 1 a.m. For details,visit online at <www.wobusa.com>.

The World of Beer offers global tasting experience

Pictured during the opening of The World of Beer at The Palms are manager Jamie Veilette (left) and AimeeMekdeci.

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


ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFETWHERE YOU CAN EAT HEALTHY the best & freshest sushi in town!

Fine Japanese & Asian Cuisine, Sushi,Seafood & Hibachi Grill

8800 S.W. 72ND ST. MIAMI, FLORIDA 33173 • TEL: (305) 275-8801 • FAX: (305) 275-1249

PR

ICE

S

$17.95 (Mon-Thur)

$19.95 (Fri-Sun)

$8.95 (Kids 10 & under)

FREE (Kids 3 & under)

DINNER$11.95 (Mon-Fri)

$12.95 (Sat-Sun)

$6.95 (Kids 10 & under)

FREE (Kids 3 & under)

LUNCH

Same Elegant Buffet Feast Featuring

FRESH, JUMBO ALASKAN SNOW CRAB LEGS

Senior Citizens 60+ $2.00 OFF DINNER • Opening Hour: Lunch 11:30am-3:30pm • Dinner 5:00pm-10pm (Mon-Thu) 5:00-10:30pm (Fri-Sun)

Happyy HolidaysWe are open to celebrate with youOpen Christmas Eve and Christmas DayOpen New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

BY BRITTANY NGUYEN

Navarro Discount Pharmacy, the largestHispanic-owned pharmacy chain in theU.S. and an MBF Healthcare portfoliocompany, has opened its 32nd store at14055 SW 88 St. in West Kendall.

“The new store in West Kendall is wellpositioned in the Kendale Lakes Plazaamong other discount brand retailers,” saidJuan Ortiz, president/CEO, NavarroDiscount Pharmacy. “We are also pleasedto return to the Kendall area and meet thedemands of the community looking forNavarro’s everyday low pricing and uniqueassortment.”

The first 100 customers on opening dayreceived a free Navarro reusable bag filledwith product and there was free productsampling throughout the day. Free bloodpressure, glucose, cholesterol and weightscreenings were held on opening day con-cluding with a mini wine festival.

“The Kendall store has several newdepartments including a garden center,staffed opy center and a cafeteria,” saidGuillermo Mestre, store manager. The23,500-square- foot store layout featuresnew colors and enhanced signage inEnglish and Spanish, wider aisles, a fra-

grance section with added light boxes andmore products in the refrigerated food anddairy section.

Navarro’s unique services for cus-

tomers include a pediatric window forbusy parents, compounding pharmacyservices, a free Diabetes Club for adultsand children with diabetes, a Mommy and

Me Club and free prescription deliveryfor all customers.

Navarro’s signature products forHispanics also available in the West Kendallstore include Café La Llave Expresso coffeeand Fabuloso multi-purpose cleaner pluspopular brands such as Valentini, ElSembrador and La Fe. Navarro’s new VidaMia store brand products, with labels inEnglish and Spanish, also are availablethroughout the store in a variety of cate-gories including baby, beauty, food, house-hold, health and over-the-counter.

Headquartered in Miami, NavarroDiscount Pharmacy was founded inHavana, Cuba, in 1940 and opened its firststore in the U.S. in 1961. With 32 storelocations, Navarro is the largest Hispanic-owned drugstore chain in the U.S. As acommunity pharmacy, the stores cater toHispanic and ethnic markets and furtherdifferentiate themselves by offering manyproducts and services that are not found intraditional drugstores such as wirelessphones, designer fragrances, a large assort-ment of OTC and vitamins/supplementsand in-store health screenings as part theirWellness Wednesday program.

For more information, visit online at<www.navarro.com>.

Navarro Discount Pharmacy opens its 32nd store in WK

Navarro Discount Pharmacy’s new store recently opened at 14055 SW 88 St.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


For Ticket Purchase $50 in advance $60 at the door Includes: Champagne Glass Live music, DJ Music & Party Favors

Experience the New Year in anOld Town with fun for the whole family:Cash Bar AvailableClassic Rock & Roll BandCall in Advance to Reservea Table 305-878-1410 y

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Accepting New Patients

Kiley Reynolds, D.O.Interventional Pain

Management Physician

Full Service PainManagement Care

American Board of Anesthesiology

8200 SW 117th Avenue,Suite 312, Miami, FL 33183

Ph: 305.595.7246Fax: 305 595 7242

www.superiorpainsolutions.com

Board Certifiedand

Fellowship Trained

Kiley J. Reynolds, D.O, physician owner, was introduced by theMayor of the

City of Miami, Tomas Regalado, during this exciting day. In attendance during

the day's celebration were theAssistant Manager of the City of Miami -Alice

Bravo, representatives from Florida SenatorMarco Rubio's office, members

of Chamber South, and other members of the Miami community. The ribbon

cutting represented a lifetime accomplishments for Dr. Reynolds whose goal

was to open his own practice to be able to help patients decrease their pain and

'Live your life again.' Dr. Reynolds stated 'this day represents the culmination

of hard work, dedication, and tremendous support from family and community.'

The day was filled with tours of this beautiful state of the art facility, free MRI

reviews and explanation for the public, fantastic raffle prizes, and refreshments.

Dr. Reynolds is a new pain management physician in the area who is fellowship

trained and board certified in Pain Management by the American Society of

Anesthesiology and American Board of Anesthesiology.

Superior Pain Solutions celebrated its Grand Opening on December 6th, 2012

In the FamousWarehouse District by the Falls next to Battaglia Shoes8845 SW 132 St. • Miami, FL 33176 | 305.491.5651

Where High end and vintage meet... With prices that can’t be beat!Where High end and vintage meet... With prices that can’t be beat!Open: Monday to Friday 10:30am - 6pm - Sat. & Sun. 10am - 5pm

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Where high end and vintage meet... With prices that can’t be beat!

Everything in the Store

Opening Special

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GRAND OPENING IN OUR NEWLY REMODELED STORE

Where Class & Vintage Meet

Upscale Furniture Consignment Gallery


“Hottest Golf Store In Town”

7045 SW 87th Ave. • Miami, FL 33173(305) 275-9070 • Fax: (305) 271-6085 • [email protected]

www.planetgolfmiami.com

Custom Club FittingOne Stop Tournament ShopPre-Owned Equipment

Golf Gear Complete InventoryWide Selection High End LinesSpecial Summer 10% Off

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM December 24, 2012

www.superiorpainsolutions.comPh: 305.595.7246 Fax: 305 595 7242

Accepting New PatientsKiley Reynolds, D.O.Interventional Pain

Management Physician

Full Service Pain Management Care

Board Certifiedand

Fellowship TrainedAmerican Board of Anesthesiology8200 SW 117th Avenue, Suite

312, Miami, FL 33183


Miami Dade College recently hosted a reception to officially open “Toledo/Toledo: Full Circle,” an exhibition ofdesigner Isabel Toledo’s pieces and her husband Ruben Toledo’s paintings and drawings. The exhibition, free andopen to the public, will run through Feb. 2, 2013 at the college’s Museum of Art + Design located in the Freedom

Toledo exhibition of art, fashionopens at MDC’s Freedom Tower


BY JAVIER PEREZ

Reader fascination with all things magicalin modern literature continues — from theHarry Potter novels to most recently,Deborah Harkness’ A Discovery of Witches.

Modern witches may be fantastical, yet his-tory reveals that in third-century Babylonia, inthe land where the word “magic” originated,real-life enchantresses used incantations foreveryday needs and desires.

Novelist Maggie Anton, author of theacclaimed Rashi’s Daughters series, shares ayoung woman’s entry into this world ofancient sorcery in Rav Hisda’s DaughterBook I: Apprentice (Plume Original; August2012; $16)

As Rome battles Zoroastrian Persia fordominance, Babylonia is in conflict. Amidthe turmoil, Talmudic sage Rav Hisda andhis colleagues struggle to establish newJewish traditions after the destruction ofJerusalem’s Holy Temple.Hisdadukh, Rav Hisda’s beautifuland learned daughter, is coming ofage. As a child, when asked whichof her father’s two best students —Rami or Abba — she wished tomarry, she shockingly answered,“both.”

Precluded from Torah studiesbecause of gender, Hisdadukh embarkson the torturous path to become a cha-rasheta, or enchantress, under the tute-lage of her brother’s wife, Rahel.

Soon Hisdadukh marries the older Ramiand is caught up in marriage and motherhood,although it is clear that Abba has not lost inter-est in her. When her newfound happiness isderailed by a series of tragedies, a grievingHisdadukh must decide if her path lies in theway of sorcery, despite the peril.

With Rav Hisda’s Daughter Book I:Apprentice, Anton brings ancient Babyloniato life from a woman’s perspective — weav-ing historical detail with complex charactersfor an engaging story of love and faith.

For details visit <www.ravhis-dasdaughter.com>.

Maggie Anton is the award-winning author of historical fic-tion series Rashi’s Daughtersand Rav Hisda’s Daughter aswell as a Talmud scholar withexpertise in Jewish women’s his-tory. She was born MargaretAntonofsky in Los Angeles, CA,

where she still resides.Raised in a secular household, she reached

adulthood with little knowledge of her Jewishreligion. In the early 1990s, Anton beganstudying in a women’s Talmud class taught byfeminist theologian Rachel Adler. Twentyyears later, she continues her learning individ-ually and with a study-partner.

Anton will appear in conjunction with theJewish Book Fair on Jan. 10, 7 p.m., at theDave and Mary Alper JCC, 11155 SW 112Ave. in Kendall.

Maggie Anton’s new novel weavestales of sorcery in ancient times

Maggie Anton––––––––––––––

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<www.marcodrugs.com>This article is intended to provide information on health-related matters. The ideas expressed cannot be usedto diagnose or treat individual health problems andshould not be taken as medical advice or instruction.

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BY SUE ARROWSMITH

The acclaimed Center for Literature and

Theatre @ Miami Dade College (MDC)

has announced that parents and guardians

of children ages 4-7 can request a copy of

the picture book How Rocket Learned toRead by visiting the Center’s website and

joining the Generation Genius Reads Club.

Rocket is the Fall 2012 Generation

Genius Reads Official Selection for First

Graders. Thousands of books already have

been distributed to kids through the

schools.

In How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad

Hills, a curious puppy named Rocket

learns how to spell words out from an

enthusiastic little yellow bird that wants to

teach.

In addition, Otto the Book Bear has been

chosen as the Spring 2013 Official

Selection for Kindergarteners. Otto

explores the world outside his usual home

and discovers a library full of book charac-

ters, just like him.

Both books encourage learning and

exploration and the value of challenging

yourself to do something new. Thousands

of Otto books will go to kindergarteners in

Miami-Dade and Broward schools in

January. Parents and guardians again will

be able to sign up individually to the

Generation Genius Reads Club to receive a

free copy of Otto.

“It’s all about developing love of books

and reading at an early age,” said Alina

Interian, director of Cultural Affairs at

Miami Dade College. “When kids love to

read, they have an easier time in school,

across the subjects.”

The Center is able to carry out these

book giveaways, and other literacy pro-

gramming for children, thanks to the gen-

erous support of foundations and other

sponsors.

The Center for Literature and Theatre at

Miami Dade College promotes reading,

writing and theater at locations throughout

South Florida by consistently presenting

activities open to all. Its Generation

Genius programs for children and teens

promote literacy and learning.

Its creative writing program has national

appeal, and courses are taught by local and

visiting authors. The Center produces the

annual Miami Book Fair International,

regarded as the largest and finest literary

gathering in the U.S. It also is home to

Prometeo Theatre, the nation’s leading

Spanish language, conservatory-style pro-

gram offering training for actors, and fea-

turing performances throughout the year.

In 2012, the Center celebrates its 10th year

with a renewed commitment to the

advancement of literary and theatre arts.

To request a free copy of the book and

for more information, call 305-237-3940

or visit <www.thecenteratmdc.org>.

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BY TERE ESTORINO FLORIN

Miami Dade College (MDC) is search-ing for more alumni to feature in its alum-ni advertising campaign, “I Am MDC.”

Over the years, this important campaignhas been instrumental in highlighting suc-cessful MDC alumni through daily ads inlocal newspapers and on college marketingmaterials.

Beginning in 1998, the “I Am MDC”campaign has featured more than 3,500successful alumni. It showcases the contri-butions MDC graduates make to the com-munity and beyond. Their success alsosends a powerful message to potentialMDC students, as it validates the quality ofthe educational programs offered by thecollege.

“My fellow alumni serve as an inspira-tion to us all,” said Annabelle Rojas (MDC’84), executive director of the Miami DadeCollege Foundation.

For more information about being fea-tured in the campaign, call 305-237-3792or email <[email protected]>.

Miami Dade College is the nation’slargest institution of higher education withan enrollment of more than 174,000 stu-dents. It also is the nation’s top producer ofAssociate in Arts and Science degrees andawards more degrees to minorities than anyother college or university in the country.

The college’s eight campuses and out-reach centers offer more than 300 distinctdegree programs including several bac-calaureate degrees in education, publicsafety, supervision and management, nurs-ing, physician assistant studies, film, engi-neering, and others. In fact, its academicand workforce training programs arenational models of excellence.

MDC also is renowned for its rich cul-tural programming. It is home of theMiami Book Fair International, MiamiInternational Film Festival, the MDC Live!Performing Arts Series, the NationalHistoric Landmark Miami Freedom Tower,a sculpture park and a large art gallery andtheater system. MDC has served nearly 2million students since it opened its doors in1960.

Miami-Dade College seeking alumnifor ongoing ‘I am MDC’ ad campaign

BY JORGE MARTINEZ

Join the Fellowship of Christian Athletesas they celebrate athletes, coaches and par-ticipating communities at the 42nd annualOrange Bowl Prayer Breakfast. BaptistHealth South Florida once again will spon-sor the prayer breakfast on Saturday, Dec.29, 7:30 a.m., at Jungle Island.

This year’s breakfast includes a rafflethat features exclusive travel and leisureprizes. The breakfast will be emceed byformer South Florida television sportscast-er Khambrel Marshal and will feature for-mer Florida State University football greatSammie Smith as guest speaker.

Smith was born and raised in CentralFlorida where he fell in love with footballat an early age. While playing at ApopkaHigh School he began a legendary footballcareer and was recruited by FSU underCoach Bobby Bowden. At FSU, he demon-strated his extraordinary talents as a run-ning back and played with football greatDeion Sanders.

Smith was drafted in the first round bythe Miami Dolphins under Coach Don

Shula. As a running back with theDolphins, he played with Dan Marino andlater went on to play for the DenverBroncos with Coach Dan Reeves and JohnElway. His NFL career ended when he wasinjured, and Smith retired from the gamehe loved.

Following his retirement from football,he made a bad decision that landed him infederal prison where he served severalyears. There he deepened his faith andaccepted his calling to ministry after beingreleased in 2001. For more than a decade,he has been speaking publicly about hisexperiences and working with student ath-letes through the Fellowship of ChristianAthletes.

He currently lives in Lake County,Florida, with his wife, Shalonda, and theirchildren.

Tickets for the Baptist Health OrangeBowl Prayer Breakfast are $30 each or$500 to sponsor a table of 10. The event isopen to the public. For ticket information,call 305-445-1600. All proceeds from theevent will benefit the Fellowship ofChristian Athletes.

OB Prayer Breakfast to featureFSU’s Sammie Smith as speaker


BY ANDRIA C. MUÑIZ

PortMiami welcomed Mickey, Minnie,Goofy and Pluto recently as Disney CruiseLine celebrated its new homeport withCaribbean sailings departing from Miamibeginning in December.

“We are thrilled to welcome DisneyCruise Line to PortMiami” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez.“This is the first time the world renownedbrand will operate from South Florida.Disney Cruise Line is a great addition toour port’s growing roster of cruise brands.”

The Disney Wonder will begin sailingfrom PortMiami on Dec. 23 with a sched-ule of cruises to the Bahamas and WesternCaribbean. The Disney characters were intown on Nov. 28 to launch the move toMiami, which will serve as the cruise line’ssecond homeport in Florida.

“Disney Cruise Line has always cateredto the unique vacation needs of families —we are pleased to welcome them toMiami,” said Bill Talbert, president of theGreater Miami Convention and VisitorsBureau. “The powerful Disney and Miamibrands make a great combo in promotingour locale to visitors around the world.”

PortMiami, long known as the “CruiseCapital of the World,” is in the midst of amajor expansion that includes three newcruise lines and five newbuild vessels.

“The 2012-13 cruise season marks ourlargest expansion ever, bringing more newcruise brands and newbuild vessels here ina single cruise season than ever before,”said PortMiami director Bill Johnson.“Already the busiest cruise port in theworld, PortMiami looks forward to contin-ued growth of our cruise industry which isa critical component of South Florida’s

No. 1 industry, tourism.”In addition to the family-oriented

Disney line, the port recently welcomedupscale Regent Seven Seas Cruises to itsfleet. Regent began sailing from Miami inearly November and will add a second shipto itineraries in January. Additionally, theMediterranean line, MSC Cruises, willbegin sailing from PortMiami in the fall of2013 when it brings its newest ship, theMSC Divina here.

PortMiami recently welcomed theCarnival Breeze, the newest and largestship in Carnival Cruise Lines’ fleet. Othernew builds arriving at the port includeOceania Cruise Line’s Oceania Riviera,and Celebrity Cruise Line’s CelebrityReflection. Additionally, in 2014,Norwegian Cruise Line will bring theNorwegian Getaway to homeport inMiami.

PortMiami is among America’s busiestports and recognized across the globe withthe dual distinction of being the CruiseCapital of the World and the CargoGateway of the Americas. PortMiami con-tributes more than $18 billion annually tothe South Florida economy and helps pro-vide direct and indirect employment formore than 180,000.

For more information visit online at<www.miamidade.gov/portmiami>.

PortMiami welcomes Disney with Mickey and Company visit

Mickey Mouse soon will be a South Florida regular when the Disney Wonder begins sailing from PortMiami.

CRUISE NEWS


Redland Heritage Festival returnsto Fruit and Spice Park, Jan. 12-13BY CATHY GUERRA

Celebrate the New Year at the 38th

annual Redland Heritage Festival on

Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 12 and 13, 2013

at the Fruit and Spice Park located at

24801 SW 187 Ave. in Homestead.

The Redland Heritage Festival, a Fruit

and Spice Park staple event, celebrates the

unique heritage and history of the Redland

agricultural community. Participating ven-

dors will showcase traditional natural arts

and crafts and nurseries will sell native

plants and tropical fruit trees. There also

will be a children’s area featuring pony

rides, face painting and “Water Walking”

as well as a variety of entertainment for

everyone.

Featured entertainment performing both

onstage and impromptu throughout the

park include: “Archibaldo” the Living

Statue, “Old Fashioned” music with Ed

and Geraldine Birbaum, and the “Amazing

Chris” who will dazzle spectators with

mind boggling magic and storytelling.

Live animal shows and an educational dis-

cussion of native Florida wildlife will be

conducted by naturalists from Zoo Miami.

Animals featured include exotic birds, rep-

tiles, snapping turtles, and other incredible

creatures.

Admission is $8 per person and children

under 12 years of age are admitted free.

Doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m.

For more information, call the Fruit and

Spice Park at 305-247-5727.

Fruit & Spice Park, operated by the

Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation

and Open Spaces Department, grows more

than 500 varieties of sub-tropical fruits,

herbs, spices, vegetables and nuts from

around the world on 39 lush acres in the

agricultural Redland. The park offers daily

botanical tours, fruit tasting and naturalist

led workshops.

For more information, visit online at

<www.fruitandspicepark.org> or call 305-

247-5727.

BY GABRIELA LAMBERTUS

Cirque du Soleil returns to Miami withTOTEM, a new Big Top production. Writtenand directed by Robert Lepage, TOTEM pre-mieres on Jan. 10, 2013 for a limited engage-ment under the blue and yellow Big Top at itsnew Miami location — next to Sun LifeStadium, Lot 14.

Since its world premiere in 2010, TOTEMhas visited over 15 different cities in four dif-ferent countries and performed in front ofmore than 1.5 million spectators. TOTEMmarks the eighth Cirque du Soleil Big Toptouring show to visit Miami since 1989.

Tickets are now available online at cirque-dusoleil.com/totem.

The word “totem” contains the idea of theorder of species. We carry in our bodies thepotential of all species, all the way to ourdesire to fly — like the thunderbird at the topof the totem pole.

Written and directed by Robert Lepage,TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of thehuman species from its original amphibianstate to its ultimate desire to fly. The charac-ters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle,the symbol of origin for many ancient civi-lizations.

Inspired by many founding myths,TOTEM illustrates, through a visual andacrobatic language, the evolutionaryprogress of species. Somewhere between sci-ence and legend, TOTEM explores the tiesthat bind man to other species, his dreamsand his infinite potential.

The cast of TOTEM comprises 52 per-forming artists from 19 countries.

Sponsors that Cirque du Soleil gratefullyacknowledges are Infiniti, CGI, Xerox andSun Life Financial as the Official Sponsorsof the US 2012-13 TOTEM Tour.

For more information about Cirque duSoleil, visit online at cirquedusoleil.com.

Cirque du Soleil returns toMiami with new production

Pictured isa HoopDancerfrom thenew Cirquedu Soleilproduction— TOTEM.

(Photo credit:OSA images)

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BY NANCY EAGLETON

A tobacconist is an expert dealer in tobac-co and its related accoutrements.

My Tobacconist Smoke Shop in PalmettoBay definitely lives up to its name. The shop ishome to South Florida’s largest selection ofhookah, hookah accessories and tobacco, pre-mium cigarettes, pipes, pipe tobacco and more.

My Tobacconist recently celebrated itsfourth anniversary and its move to a new1,600-square-foot location on Fern Street —nearly double the size of its original location.The expanded space has allowed owners BenCarrasco and Wendy Gochenour to fill thewalls of their shop with more than 100hookahs, ranging in price from $20-$250.

Customers can choose from more than 80different hookah tobacco flavors, includingsuch popular brands as Starbuzz Tobacco,Social Smoke, Fantasia and Haze. For thosewho would like to enjoy smoking hookahwithout nicotine, My Tobacconist also offersa variety of non-tobacco alternatives.

Carrasco and his staff host a wildly popu-lar exhibition, demonstration and celebrationof hookah smoking every Wednesdayevening. Hookah Nite allows customers toexperience hookahs and try new flavorswhile mingling with friends in the indoorlounge and outdoor patio.

At My Tobacconist, customers will find avast selection of premium cigarettes, ciga-rette tobacco, rolling papers and clove cigarsfrom many of the world’s premier tobaccomanufacturers including Nat Sherman,Natural American Spirit, Djarum, Elements,Dutch Masters and RAW.

“I’ve developed relationships with well-known national and international manufac-turers to offer our customers the very bestproducts at the best prices,” Carrasco said.

Pipe smoking is making a comeback. MyTobacconist proudly stocks American-made

hand-blown glass pipes, a good choice forthe modern pipe smoker. Glass pipes can beblown into many forms and shapes and manyeven change color with use. Hand-blown,highly collectible and totally unique, eachpipe is a stunning work of art.

“We proudly support American glassblow-ers and don’t carry any imported glass,”Carrasco added.

Pipe enthusiasts also will discover that MyTobacconist has the largest selection of tradi-tional briar wood pipes in South Florida.

“These classic wooden pipes are like theones your grandfather smoked,” Carrasco said.

Hand-carved meerschaum pipes importedfrom Turkey make great gifts. These qualitypipes are carved from single blocks of meer-schaum, a mineral mined by hand in the sametraditional methods used hundreds of years ago.

For a healthier way to “smoke” try avaporizer from Silver Surfer, Magic-Flight orAtmos. Vaporizers heat the tobacco in a par-tial vacuum, and the active compounds arethen boiled off to form a vapor that can beinhaled. This process releases zero tar mak-ing vaporizing the healthiest way to“smoke.” My Tobacconist offers a full rangeof vaporizers and accessories.

Carrasco and his knowledgeable staff helptheir customers select the perfect product.Wander the shop and you will find uniquetreasures not found elsewhere: Novelty T-shirts and bags, jewelry, incense, candles,posters, wind chimes, masks and local artobjects. If you’re looking for a hip BobMarley item, My Tobacconist has that, too.

Stop by My Tobacconist Smoke Shop andstay awhile. The company is friendly, freecoffee is brewing and the vibe is great.

My Tobacconist Smoke Shop is located inFern Street Plaza at 9869 E. Fern St., inPalmetto Bay. For more information, call305-378-9223 or visit online at<www.MyTobacconist.com>.

My Tobacconist Smoke Shop offerspremier products and good vibe

The friendly team at My Tobacconist Smoke Shop will help you find what you are looking for and more.


The Subaru Outback has been a company

mainstay since it was introduced in Japan in

1994. For 2013, it gets revised styling, a new

and more efficient powertrain, and it debuts

the new EyeSight driver-assist system.

Additionally, chassis enhancements

improve both ride quality and agility, and

there are new amenities and audio/infotain-

ment capabilities.

Outback has a restyled front end, with new

headlights, grille, front bumper and fog

lights, giving it a more powerful appearance.

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive dis-

tinguishes the Outback and it continues with

8.7 inches of ground clearance, higher than

many crossovers and some dedicated SUVs.

The 2013 Outback 2.5i models debut a

new double-overhead-cam (DOHC) 2.5-liter

FB series Boxer engine for increased per-

formance and fuel efficiency. The new

engine produces 173 hp and 174 pounds-feet

of torque. The new engine produces greater

low-end torque across a broad speed range,

making the 2013 Outback 2.5i models feel

more responsive in everyday driving.

Outback 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models

offer a choice between a standard six-speed

manual transmission and the second-genera-

tion Lineartronic CVT, which is standard on

2.5i Limited models. Outback 3.6R models

continue with a 256-hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder

Boxer engine and five-speed electronically

controlled automatic transmission. Subaru

says the 2013 Outback 2.5i with the

Lineartronic CVT gets 24/30 mpg.

The 2013 Outback models debut Subaru’s

new EyeSight driver-assist system, which

integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-

Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane

Departure Warning. EyeSight uses a stereo

camera design developed by Subaru to pro-

vide a detection angle wider than that of

radar-based systems.

The EyeSight system processes stereo

images to identify the vehicles traveling in

front, as well as obstacles, traffic lanes and

other items. Below speeds of 19 mph,

EyeSight is capable of detecting pedestrians

or objects in the vehicle’s path and can acti-

vate in order to mitigate or even avoid the

collision.

Under certain circumstances, EyeSight is

able to bring the car to a complete stop. At

speeds above approximately 19 mph, EyeSight

can apply the brakes when an object is detect-

ed, and will attempt to brake if the driver takes

no evasive action, or does not brake appropri-

ately, to help mitigate collision damage.

The Lane Departure and Sway Warning

feature can detect if the car begins to wander

outside the intended lane without a turn sig-

nal being used, or if the car begins to sway

within the travel lane.

Intended for freeway use, EyeSight’s

Adaptive Cruise Control system can maintain

a safe distance from the vehicle in front,

braking and/or accelerating the car as needed

to maintain the driver-selected target speed

and traveling distance.

Pricing on the 2013 Subaru Outback starts

at $23,495.

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 Subaru Outback has new engine, revised styling

LET’S TALK CARS

Ron BeasleyAUTOMOTIVE EDITOR

Outback has arestyled frontend, with newheadlights,grille, frontbumper and foglights.

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12498 SW 127th Ave. • Miami, FL 33186E-Mail: [email protected]

LET ME SELL YOUR HOME!With my market savvy and knowledge of yourneighborhood, I can sell your home fast and for

top dollar. “Your Real Estate Consultant For Life!”Call Pat at 305-613-8421, I can make it happen!

Cell: 305-613-8421 • Fax: 305-251-4094 • Office: 305-251-4044

Independently Owned

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Property Tax AppealsFor houses, hotels, apartments, shopping centers, office buildings,

restaurants, warehouses, hospitals, commercial properties.Contingent basis. $20 filing fee.

Law Offices ofPost & Gonzalez, P.L.

66 W. Flagler Street, Suite 300 • Miami, Florida 33130(305) 379-1500

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our quali�cations and experience.


ARE YOU 62 OR OLDER? Then a Reverse Equity Mortgage could be right for you!

Para Información En Español: 305-491-6862

For A No Obligation Review Call786-247-0547

Equal Opportunity Lender

9485 SW 72 Street, Suite A150Miami, Florida 33173

FHA Approved Lender

• Use the Cash Any Way You Choose • Continue to Own and Live In Your Home• Buy a Home

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


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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.

73600 SWW 1088 Ter

Spacious 5 bdrm, 3 bath home boasts over 4,200 squarefeet, with large screened in pool and outdoor bar. Updatedkitchen. Front bedroom combines two bedrooms to make

one large room. Spacious formal living and dining rooms.Perfect for entertaining. 2 car garage.

$795,000

19000 Pizarroo St

Mediterranean style home in Coral Gables! 4 bdrm/ 3bath, built in 1989. Renovated kitchen with custom cabi-netry, granite counter tops and stainless appliances. Onebdrm & full bath downstairs. Great for entertaining w/courtyard off dining room and pavered patio in backyard.1.5 car garage. $699,000/For rent $4,500 per month

170700 SWW 744 Pl

Tastefully updated 4 bdrm/3.5 bath, 3,700 sq ft home ingated community of Old Cutler Palms in Palmetto Bay.Beautiful kitchen, expansive living areas, great for enter-taining. Lush landscaping surrounds private pool andhome on just over 17,200 sq ft lot. 3 car garage.

$725,000

20020 Cutler Ct (Seller)

15995 SW 240 St (Seller)

4218 Braganza Ave (Seller)

15305 SW 77 Ct (Buyer)

605 W Flagler St TS6 (Buyer)

1155 Brickell Bay Dr #505 (Buyer)

935 Palermo Ave #2B (Seller and Buyer)

9394 SW 77 Ave #F9 (Buyer)

2020 SW 99 Ave (Seller and Buyer)

4990 SW 64 Pl (Buyer)

818 Medina Ave (Seller)

515 Palermo Ave (Buyer)


15725 SW 87 Ct (Seller)

13500 SW 73 Ct (Seller)

6525 SW 134 Dr (Seller)


810 Lugo Ave (Seller and Buyer)

23190 SW 157 Ave (Seller and Buyer)

8891 SW 208 Te (Seller)

1501 Bella Vista Ave (Seller)

12821 SW 82 Ave (Buyer)

1340 Blue Rd (Seller)

1519 Granada Blvd (Seller)

7620 SW 109 Ter (Seller)


10220 SW 86 St (Seller and Buyer)

15354 SW 170 Ter (Buyer)

3901 S Ocean Dr #8Q (Seller and Buyer)



18800 SW 92 Ave (Seller)


1430 Tunis St (Seller)



6201 SW 50 St (Buyer)



8010 SW 63 Pl (Seller)

421 Sevilla Ave (Buyer)


5990 Paradise Point Dr (Buyer)

8125 SW 152 St (Buyer)

12192 SW 123 Pass (Seller)

14601 Snapper Dr (Seller)

12041 SW 64 Ave (Buyer)

6222 Paradise Point Dr (Buyer)


Palmetto Bay News 12.25.2012

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Transcript of Palmetto Bay News 12.25.2012