Palmetto Bay News 2.19.2013

FEB. 19 - MAR. 4, 2013 –––––––––––––– communitynewspapers.com –––––––––––––– 305-669-7355

ALL TYPES OF COVERAGE

FROM OVER 100 TRUSTED,COMPETITIVE, INSURERS

305.238.1000Savings & Service Since 1950

BY CATHY GUERRA

T he sights, sounds and fla-vors of Asia return to theFruit and Spice Park forthe 24th annual Asian

Culture Festival on Saturday, Mar. 2,and Sunday, Mar. 3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. TheFruit and Spice Park is located at 24801SW 187 Ave.

The Asian Culture Festival is a fun-filled family event that offers a virtualday trip to Asia. Festival-goers will

enjoy a variety of Asian arts, crafts,entertainment, plants and exotic cuisine.Events include a Malaysian no-handsvolleyball tournament known as SepakTakraw, Chinese Lion Dances, DragonBoat display, Japanese Taiko drummersplus demonstrations of fruit and veg-etable carving.

Other highlights include Thai,Bangladeshi, Indian folk, classical music,and dance. There will be demonstrationsof Ikebana, Japanese flower arrangements,and Origami, Japanese technique of fold-

ing papers into decorative shapes such asflowers, animals, etc.

The festival is sponsored by the Thai-American Association of South Florida,Miami-Dade County Asian AdvisoryBoard, and Miami-Dade County Parks,Recreation and Open Spaces Department.

Admission for adults is $10 and chil-dren ages 6-11 are $5.

Children 5 and younger are free.For information about Miami-Dade

Parks call 3-1-1, or visit <www.miami-dade.gov/parks>.

Get a taste of Asian culture at Fruit and Spice Park event

BY GARY ALAN RUSE

V illage of Palmetto BayMayor Shelley Stanczykwill host a Town Hallmeeting on Feb. 27 so the

community can discuss with her the sub-ject of “Your Tax Reserves – Vision andPriorities: Parks and Capital Projects.”

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. atthe Edward and Arlene Feller CommunityRoom of the library building in LudoviciPark, 17641 Old Cutler Rd.

“This is for envisioning and to see whatpeople need,” said Mayor Stanczyk in aFeb. 9 interview. “We want to talk abouttraffic calming. There’s a lot of areas thatcould use traffic calming, that would ben-efit the entire village as well as the peoplewho live right in that area. So we want to

hear from peoplewho want their traf-fic calming done,and what their feel-ing about the parksis and what theywant to do.”

She also is seek-ing input from resi-dents about the pos-sibility of acquiring

Village Mayor Stanczyk to host Town Hall meeting on Feb. 27

BY GARY ALAN RUSE

T wo members of the Palmetto BayVillage Policing Unit, Officers PeterJudge and Patience Glasko, receivedweekly awards in early February from

Citizens Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County for theirwork with children at Coral Reef Elementary. In 2012they jointly won the Youth Crime Watch Advisor of theYear award.

Both are pleased but believe that what is more impor-tant is the validation of the work they are doing.

“I don’t think it’s just being personally recognized,” saidOfficer Judge. “I think it lends credence to the entire pro-gram as a whole. It just says what we’re doing is good.”

The Youth Crime Watch program has the officerscurrently meeting with students at Coral ReefElementary for one hour a week and they hope it mayexpand to other schools.

“Every week it’s a new topic,” Officer Glasko

Officers Judge and Glasko earn Youth Crime Watch recognition

–––––––––––––––––––– See OFFICERS, page 6MAYOR STANCZYK

–––––––––––––– See MEETING, page 6

Parents and children register with Officers Patience Glasko and Peter Judge forradKIDS self-defense classes with the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit. Pictured (l-r) areTony Metka, Zachery Nickel, Mackenzie Metka, Karen Nickel, Amanda Nickel, AlexisOsman and Laura Metka.

(Photo by Palmetto Bay Intern Ray Boyle)

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Feb. 19 - Mar. 4, 2013

Feb. 19 - Mar. 4, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Commissioner Lynda Bell addresses members of the Palmetto Bay Business Association.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY MAURICE R. HERNANDEZ

Newly elected Miami-Dade Commission

vice chair Lynda Bell recently addressed an

audience of 150 small business owners and

local civic leaders during the monthly lunch-

eon meeting of the Palmetto Bay Business

Association conducted at Christ Fellowship

Church in Palmetto Bay.

Surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd, Bell

informed the attendees how pleased she was

of the many accomplishments she has been

able to make for her district and the residents

of the county, as a result of the mutual coop-

eration among her colleagues and the close-

working relationships she has fostered with

the municipal leaders of her district since her

election to the commission in 2010.

Moreover, Bell praised the members of

the Palmetto Bay Business Association and

organizations like it that “not only identify

the economic problems we face, but actively

forge new partnerships with public and pri-

vate sector institutions to tackle the issues of

chronic unemployment, help establish and

guide new businesses, and assist those who

are open, remain open for the overall

improvement of our quality of life.”

Bell reminded the attendees to rousing

applause that “you clearly understand that

government does not create jobs or prosperi-

ty for our residents. It is you and the private

sector, whom, given the right tools, have the

ability and the sheer drive to lead us to a new

age of economic recovery for all our people.”

Commissioner Bell was elected to the

Miami-Dade Board of County

Commissioners representing District 8 on

Nov. 2, 2010. Her commission district

encompasses a significant portion of south-

eastern Miami-Dade County, including the

municipalities of Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay

and Homestead, with portions of Kendall

and the Redland.

Commissioner Lynda Bell addressesPalmetto Bay Business Association

It’s almost here, folks. Palmetto Bay’s11th Annual Celebration Picnic will takeplace on March 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. atthe usual place, the landmark Coral ReefPark, 7895 SW 152nd Street. This popularyearly event allows village residents to gettogether for an old-fashioned communitypicnic with complimentary beverages andfood, including “all the roasted corn-on-the-cob you can handle.” There are free rides forthe kids, musical performances by localschools and groups and special booths andexhibits. Thousands are expected to turn outto celebrate Palmetto Bay’s incorporation in2002 as an independent municipality. Theycall it Palmetto Bay’s signature annual event,and it’s true. And since the village is a com-mitted “green” city, they’re encouragingthose who can to ride their bike or walk, butthere is parking onsite and nearby.

Put these on your calendar... There willbe a Committee of the Whole (COW)Meeting on Wednesday, February 20, at 7:00

p.m., in the Village Hall Chambers, 9705East Hibiscus Street, Palmetto Bay. Theissue raised at the last council meeting aboutthe possible hiring of a new village attorneymay be discussed. Then there will be aZoning Public Hearing and Special CouncilMeeting on Monday, February 25, at 7 p.m.also in the Village Hall Chambers. Pendingtopics are a Site Plan approval request toestablish a day care facility use for 145 chil-dren between the ages of three months andfour years of age at 14875 South Dixie Hwy,Unit B, and a request by WestminsterChristian Private School to modify a set ofpreviously approved plans. For informationcall Village Hall at 305-259-1234.

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) is establishing a Congressional OutreachOffice in the Town of Cutler Bay. HerCongressional Aide Lourdes Ruiz will be atCutler Bay to meet with constituents on issuessuch as: immigration, veteran’s affairs, SocialSecurity, Medicare, housing, U.S. Academynominations, tours of the U.S. Capitol, or anyother federal issue. This will take place from10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Thursday of themonth at the Town Hall, Council Chamber,10720 Caribbean Boulevard, Suite 115, inCutler Bay. If you need more info, contactLourdes Ruiz at 305-934-9441 and/or viaemail at <[email protected]> or

contact the Miami Congressional Office at305-668-2285. Lourdes will also be atPalmetto Bay Village Hall on WednesdayFebruary 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.,but that is one day only.

Movie anyone? Miami-Dade CountyCommission Vice Chair Lynda Bell asked usto let everyone know about the Free MovieNight on Friday, February 22, 6 p.m. to 9p.m., at Somerset Academy - Silver Palms,which is located at 23255 SW 115 Avenue.There’s free popcorn and refreshments, andall are welcome to attend. “Don’t forget tobring your blankets and lawn chairs,”Lynda’s office tells us. “We will be collect-ing books to benefit needy charter schools.”

If you’re a Miracle Theater fan and youdrove through the Gables last week andnoticed the marquee covered up and barri-cades in front of the building don’t panic!The landmark building is merely undergoinga little sprucing up, according to aspokesperson from Actors’ Playhouse, whichoperates the theater for its various stage pro-ductions and student programs. Next up forthem is In The Heights, which runs fromMarch 6 to April 7. Music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and book by Quiara AlegiaHudes. Winner of four 2008 Tony Awards®including Best Musical, In The Heights is “asensational show about chasing your dreams

and finding your true home.” Actors’Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre is at 280Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. For informationvisit <www.actorsplayhouse.org/> or call305-444-9293.

The Holocaust Documentation andEducation Center (HDEC) announced its2013 Spring Student Awareness Day seriesthat will serve over 2,500 students.Attendance is open to high school studentswho are home schooled and from public, pri-vate and parochial schools in Miami-Dadeand Monroe counties. Reservations arerequired through school teachers or schooladministrators. The dates of the upcomingevents are: March 5, April 4, April 16, andMay 2, 2013. Please call Amanda McGee at954-929-5690, or email<[email protected]> for more informa-tion, or visit <www.hdec.org>.

Thought of the Day:Anyone without a sense of humor

is at the mercy of everyone else.— William Rotsler

Gary Alan Ruse contributed to this column.

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

The village’s 11th Annual Celebration Picnic is March 2

AROUND TOWN

Michael MillerEXECUTIVE EDITOR


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

www.communitynewspapers.comPUBLISHER ...................................................................................................................................Grant Miller

EXECUTIVE EDITOR ......................................................................................................................Michael Miller

EDITOR................................................................................................................................... David Berkowitz

WRITERS, COLUMNISTS...............................................................Ron Beasley, Kenneth Bluh, Robert Hamilton,

Linda Rodriguez-Bernfeld, Gary Alan Ruse, Lee Stephens, Al Sunshine, Richard Yager

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES................................. Albie Barnes, Beatriz Brandfon, Roberta Bergman,

Celia Canabate, Diane Chasin, Henry Chau, Amy Donner, Diane Maddox, Denzel Miles, Miller Myers,

Ann Robbins-Udel, Fara Sax, Lori Cohen, Diane Sedona Schiller, Karina Soave, Walter WhiteLEGAL ADVERTISING ..................................................................................................................... Georgia TaitBOOKKEEPING ............................................................................................................................ Jesus ToledoPROOF DEPARTMENT.................................................................................................................... Isabel Vavrek

GRAPHIC ARTISTS ............................................................ Denise Cebrero, Isabel Ortega, Cristian OrtizPUBLISHER EMERITUS.......................................................................................................................................... Ron Miller

Aventura News, Biscayne Bay Tribune, Coral Gables News,Cutler Bay News, Doral Tribune, Kendall Gazette, Miami Beach News,

Miami Gardens Tribune, Palmetto Bay News, Opa Locka News,Pinecrest Tribune, South Miami News, Sunny Isles Beach Sun, West Park

We will not return solicited or unsolicited editorial material including stories, columns and or photographs.

Please make sure that you have duplicate copies of the material.

PALMETTO BAYJUMPS

bayside property for the village because, ifthey would be useful to the community, itwould make sense to get them now whilethe prices are still low.

“There are a couple of pieces of baysideproperty that are available,” Stanczyksaid. “Wait a little bit longer and you’reback in a very competitive market.”

The Mayor said that she wants to dis-cuss the possible projects residents maywant and using some of the village’sreserve funds to make those possible.

“It’s really a vision and getting the tem-perature of what the residents see in thefuture,” Stanczyk said. “We have a verysufficient, more than sufficient, reserve andwe need to use the reserve for the servicesand the betterment of the community now,because it’s the people who live here nowwho have contributed that money. Not in10 years. Those funds are not really meantto be a savings account or an investmentportfolio. It’s to be safe, financially, if anyevent were to occur, but it’s not to contin-ue building so that all you do with themoney instead of providing services and

improved facilities is to keep saving. It’sreally there to give them a quality of life,for the people who are here now.”

Besides traffic calming and acquiringproperty for additional access to the bay,another topic to be discussed is communi-ty facilities at the different parks.

“Palmetto Bay Park has space to do acommunity center,” Stanczyk said. “Wecould do that.”

The mayor also is seeking input on thevillage’s education compact and on thefuture of the Franjo Triangle/CommercialIsland, and hopes that residents will partic-ipate and voice their opinions.

“We want to hear from them,” she said.“I want to hear from them. That’s the pointof my doing this, is that we want to hearfrom the community. They have a lot ofopportunities. The time is really now tofocus on what you think you might want todo with the savings that we’ve been able toaccumulate and hear what the people wantto do.”

For more information call Village Hallat 305-259-1234.

MEETING, from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

explained in a Feb. 7 interview. “We’regoing to get into the middle schools likeSouthwood. They’re interested. I was therelast night and they’re interested and eager toget the ball rolling.”

Topics have covered everything frompersonal safety to an overview of policeprocedures such as crime scene photogra-phy, latent fingerprinting, casting shoeimpressions in dirt, even the dangers posedby speeding drivers.

“We had our motor units come out and welet kids run radar in front of the school, thelaser and the Doppler so they got to see howthat works,” Officer Judge said. “We’ve hadtwo of our detectives here talk to them aboutwhat general investigation does as far ashandling burglaries or other crimes.”

The sessions, which are conducted in an age-appropriate way, have covered Internet safety,teasing and bullying, and how to respond tostrangers who may have bad intentions.

“We tell them, if an adult approachesyou asking for help, that’s not your job tohelp them,” Officer Glasko said.

Besides making the students more awareof potential crimes in their neighborhoods,the program is intended to improve commu-nications between youngsters and the police.

“My biggest complaint with the kids is,they’re in the grocery store and the parentsays, ‘If you don’t stop crying I’m going totell the police to take you away,’” OfficerJudge said. “That’s the worst thing youwant to tell them about the police, becauseif they’re in trouble they’re not going to goto that officer. So what we’re doing isshowing them that we’re normal people.We have families and kids like them. Ourprofession is law enforcement. We’re hereto help, no matter what the problem is.”

Part of the program involves answeringquestions from students who are clearly influ-enced by the television shows they watch,which rarely match the reality of police work.

“Like they’ll show one officer in any ofthose TV shows and he just does everyaspect of the investigation,” Officer

Glasko said. “It’s not accurate. We have afew people who are always asking ‘What ifyou find a dead body?’ I think it’s becauseof what they watch.”

Officer Judge said that the most impor-tant part of their work with students willnot yield results until later.

“When you’re dealing with kids you’renot going to really see the outcome today,”Judge said. “These kids now are 10 or 11years old, so you won’t see the effectwe’ve had on them for eight to 10 years.When they’ve finished high school andgone on to college, what their perception isof the police, how they become an adult.”

Both Judge and Glasko are CertifiedSchool Resource Officers, and besides theYouth Crime Watch program they areworking in the Officer Friendly program,radKIDS program and anti-drug program— DARE. It’s personal as well as profes-sional for them.

“We both have kids,” Officer Judge said.“There’s no dollar amount you can put onkids’ safety.”

Judge also appreciates the support fromthe village and community.

“The thing about the programs is obvi-ously getting support from CommanderTruit and the village council and villagemanager,” Judge said. “We do get grantmoney to run a lot of them, but some of itdoes come from internal funds, so havingthe manager and council behind that isvery positive.”

Officer Glasko wanted to stress that factthat there are important free services avail-able that village residents aren’t takingadvantage of yet.

“We have a lot to offer,” Glasko said.“The car seat program — we got trainingin child passenger seating and we haven’treally had anyone come to utilize that freeservice. We’ll come and inspect the carseat, make sure your kid is in the right carseat and instruct the person how to put itin. We put that information out there, evengoing to all of the daycares, saying ifyou’ll just host us for the day we’ll set upa tent and do this. That’s just one thing.”

For more information call the PalmettoBay Village Policing Unit at 305-278-4001.

OFFICERS, from page 1 ––


Hi-Tech Air ServiceFPL PARTICIPATING INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORSM

13339 SW 88 AVE. Miami, FL 33176 305-969-2600

FINANCING AVAILABLE

THE BEST SERVICE AND INSTALLATIONSIN MIAMI - DADE COUNTY

Hi-Tech Air ServiceASK FOR NANCY, TINO, OR JOHN

CACO49302


The community went into shock when

they first heard the news that Steve Ross,

the owner of the Miami Dolphins, wanted

the taxpayers, through the hotel bed tax, to

foot the bill to upgrade his Sun Life

Stadium. Dejá vu all over again.

First we got stuck with a lease so badly

written that to this day the profitable world

champion Miami Heat franchise hasn’t

been required to pay a dollar to the county

for the use of the AmericanAirlines Arena.

Then the fiasco with the Marlins P+ark that

will go down in Miami history as the

biggest boo-boo ever committed by our

elected officials.

Now, we are being asked to fund a por-

tion of a $400 million, with the inevitable

cost overruns, rehab of Ross’ Sun Life foot-

ball stadium. Seems he want to cover the

seats with a roof so the fans will not be

exposed to the sun and heat or to a sudden

rainstorm. No, no, no. Why do they need

it? Ross said without the upgrades Miami

would lose all hope of landing any future

Super Bowl games. And, we all know that

a Super Bowl game brings millions and

millions of dollars to the community. So,

come on Miami, fork over the bucks.

Hey sports fans. The 2014 Super Bowl

game will be played up north. What would

happen if the fans were subjected to anoth-

er three-foot snowstorm? Would fans actu-

ally show up for the game? Would they be

allowed to drive to the stadium in three feet

of snow? Would the game be played before

an empty stadium? I’ll bet they would wish

for a suntan in the heat of a South Florida

game — new roof or no new roof to protect

their heads from the elements.

My first reaction was “No!” Enough is

enough with the give me money for anoth-

er sport facility. It wasn’t that many years

ago that we demolished the first basketball

arena, built at taxpayer expense, because it

wasn’t big enough to meet the Miami

Heat’s needs. Remember their move two

blocks east to the new AmericanAirlines

Arena on the bay?

Then I started listening to the whole

story. Ross is willing to pay 51 percent of

the $400 million needed to upgrade the sta-

dium. Words I never heard from the owner

of the Miami Marlins. Then I started think-

ing. The University of Miami plays its foot-

ball games at the stadium. I have attended

sellout soccer games at the stadium. I don’t

like them but the fans pile into Sun Life

Stadium to watch Monster Jam truck dem-

olition shows. And, only the Dolphin

owner has made financial donations to

local high school sports facilities for the

youth of our town.

Then Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos

Gimenez tells the National Football League

“Commit to us that we will be awarded the

2016 or ’17 Super Bowl game and Miami-

Dade will back the stadium upgrades.”

Lastly, what we should have done with the

Marlins Park, we will do with Ross’

request — put it on the ballot and let the

taxpaying voters of Miami-Dade vote the

deal up or down.

All of a sudden it sounds like a winner.

Our Florida legislature approves the

plan. Ross guarantees his 51 percent

contribution. Miami voters give the plan

their blessing. It is true, a Super Bowl

games in Miami is a big, big financial

boost for the community. Everyone

gains. So let’s do it. Let’s show the

world that we aren’t against Miami’s

sports community. We are just opposed

to bad deals that hurt the pockets of the

taxpayers of Miami and the visitors to

our community that pay millions each

year in bed tax dollars.

This time we are doing it right.

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

KENNETH’S COMMENTARY

R. Kenneth Bluh • • • VIEWPOINT • • •Dolphins’ stadium rehab — a different story this time


Here’s some rare good news for taxpay-ers. The acting head of the IRS hasannounced a massive national crackdownto prevent billions of dollars in taxpayerrefunds from being stolen by scammersnationwide.

And the agency also is apologizing toidentity theft victims over how long it istaking for scammed taxpayers to get theirlegitimate refunds back.

The national crackdown follows recentwarnings that the IRS could possibly issueas much as $21 billion worth of bogus taxrefunds over the next five years. Taskforces in 32 states began the year focusingon trying to make it harder for ID thieves torip off taxpayer identities in the hardest hitareas of the country including New York,Philadelphia, Atlanta, Tampa and Miami.

Federal prosecutors say South Floridaremains one of the worst places in thecountry for identity theft and it warns thatTax ID theft here is spreading like a virus.

“We just had someone who owned a drycleaning business get involved in this,”explained U.S. Attorney for South FloridaWifredo Ferre. “We have ex-NFL footballplayers here in South Florida committing

this kind of crime. We’ve seen individualsworking for Holocaust survivors. We haveseen folks in Social Security offices com-mit this kind of fraud and we’ve also hadan indictment of an ex-Marine who wascommitting this kind of fraud.”

The IRS says it also is trying to get legit-imate refunds back to identity theft victimslike South Miami-Dade’s Lauri King. Shehas been waiting since last March to get herrefund back after learning her tax ID hadbeen ripped off.

The agency confirms it still has about300,000 taxpayers waiting to get theirrefunds back, after processing about onehalf million checks so far for earlier vic-tims. It says it is trying to cut processingtime, which is still running about 180 days.

King said she needs her refund now.“I think it’s insane,” she said. “This is

crazy; it’s ridiculous. I mean we’re goingon 2013 already and I haven’t even settledup on 2011 yet; it’s ridiculous.”

Her case has finally been referred to theagency’s taxpayer advocates office afterher problem was brought up to the office ofU.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (Florida).

The IRS says it has issued more than700,000 special taxpayer identificationnumbers the past year to try and prevent vic-tims like Lauri from having her tax refundripped off a second time this tax season.

Watch Al Sunshine’s “Money Watch”reports Monday-Friday. You may find Al’sblog at cbsmiami.com.

CBS MONEY WATCH

Al Sunshine

IRS promises to crackdown on tax scammers

BY ARELIS FERRO

Sometimes it’s not what you know, butwho you know. Chamber South’s 14thannual Business Expo is the place to seeand be seen on Thursday,Feb. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m., atthe Datran Center Atriumadjacent to the MiamiDadeland Marriott.

The Business Expo issponsored by FirstNational Bank of SouthMiami, WilliamsonAutomotive Group, BaptistHealth South Florida,Wiremasters Electric,Spiderboost, and others.The event is made possibleby the Chamber SouthSmall Business Committeein partnership with the Datran Center.

The Expo is home to many exhibitorsand features complimentary hors d’oeuvresfrom local eateries, a cash bar, music, a raf-fle featuring a grand prize vacation cour-

tesy of Proficient Travel Inc. and HardRock Hotels.

The Datran Center is ideally locatedbetween the Metrorail Dadeland South sta-tion and Datran I and Datran II office tow-

ers in DowntownDadeland.

The Business Expobrings business peopletogether in the perfect set-ting for networking andmeeting new prospects.This year’s Expo is high-lighting “TechnologyCorner.” Visit theseexhibitors to learn about thelatest in marketing technol-ogy and how it can benefityour business.

Some exhibit spaces andsponsorships still are avail-

able, but space is limited. For more informa-tion contact Chamber South today and joinin for a memorable and successful event.

To learn more visit<www.ChamberSouth.com>.

Chamber South 14th annual Business Expo set Feb. 21

The Expo is home tomany exhibitors and

features complimentaryhors d’oeuvres fromlocal eateries, a cashbar, music, a raffle

featuring a grand prizevacation courtesy of

Proficient Travel Inc. andHard Rock Hotels.


BY ELOISE E. RODRIGUEZ

The Miami-Dade County Fair &Exposition has received a second placeAgricultural Award of Excellence from theInternational Association of Fairs andExpositions (IAFE) headquartered inSpringfield, MO, as well as three Awards ofDistinction for Competitive Exhibits indiverse categories.

One award was received for the overallagricultural program offered to the non-agri-cultural fairgoing public. The Fair created aspecial program developed specifically forthird graders, called the Howdy Program.This is the second time it has been awardedwithin the IAFE Agriculture Program.

The Fair received a second place in theNew or Unique Division of CompetitiveExhibits for its newest culinary division,Superintendents Challenge: Cooking UpChange, which was open to the food servicepersonnel within the Miami-Dade CountyPublic Schools system. The winning entrywas added to the MDCPS school lunchmenu.

The organization also received first placein the General Display Photo category, forphotos of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescuewhich were displayed in an interactive areain Arnold Hall, as well as third place forGeneral Display Photo Series for a four-

photo series of the center aisle exhibit thatwas developed, created and built by Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

There are a total of 15 Agriculture Awardand 11 Competitive Exhibits categories, eachdivided into five divisions by attendance,that a fair or expo can enter. The entries areevaluated and judged by a team of industryleaders. These individuals are selected fromthe membership of International Associationof Fairs and Expositions, which has over1,200 members from around the globe.

The awards were presented at an AwardsBreakfast during the 122nd Annual IAFEConvention held in Las Vegas, NV. The Fairtakes great pride in knowing that the eventhas been selected for this prestigious honor.The Agriculture Awards are sponsored byJohn Deere, which is an avid supporter of theFair and Expo Industry around the world.The Competitive Exhibits Awards are spon-sored by North American MidwayEntertainment.

“I am absolutely delighted that we wereable to bring all these awards back home toMiami-Dade County and to the Youth Fair,”said Bob Hohenstein, president and CEO.“This was an intense international competi-tion and, as they do in conjunction with eachspring’s Youth Fair, our CompetitiveExhibits team did a magnificent job. The2013 Youth Fair promises even better

Competitive Exhibits and programs for all ofour guests.”

The Miami-Dade County Fair andExposition, known for generations as TheYouth Fair, is a private, not-for-profit organ-ization that has donated well over $10 mil-

lion in scholarships, awards and cash premi-ums to Miami-Dade students and is dedicat-ed to supporting education and South Floridaagriculture. The Fair will take place Mar. 14-31. For more information, visit <www.fair-expo.com> or call 305-223-7060.

Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo earns international recognition

The Howdy Program was developed specifically for third graders.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


BY KERRY GREEN-PHILLIPS

The Knitting Club of The Palace Suitesrecently found a particularly rewarding proj-ect for Hurricane Sandy relief, which helpedstudents at two East Rockaway, NY elemen-tary schools.

The knitting club members pooled theirtalents creating blankets, hats and scarves forthe children in grades K-6 of Center Avenueand Rhame Avenue Elementary Schools thathad their homes damaged or destroyed byHurricane Sandy.

“Knitting for a purpose really fueled theircreative energies,” said Via Butler, thelifestyle director at the Suites. “My assistant,Nava Harari-Knopf, had been looking for acharity-oriented project for their talents andthe ladies embraced the idea of a Sandyrelief effort.”

When Butler learned from a resident’sdaughter that a Miami school was collectingitems for Rhame Avenue, the knitters —Alicia Botero, Virginia English, JeanMandell, Lee Shapiro and Dorothy Siegle —wanted to get involved as well. Working with the school principal, Harari-

Knopf coordinated the Knitting Club’s effortto send 30 blankets plus 20 hats and scarvesto keep students warm during the wintermonths.

The knitting group meets weekly and isdedicated to their craft. While studies haveshown that knitting, crochet and other repet-itive needlework offers numerous healthbenefits and helps prevent and managestress, pain and depression, which in turnstrengthens the body’s immune system, thesocial interaction is a benefit too. The ladiesderive tremendous satisfaction knowing theirwork is helping others.

The Palace campus also includes ThePalace Renaissance, which offers assistedliving; The Palace Royale, offering “cateredliving,” and The Palace Nursing andRehabilitation Center, a Medicare five-starcommunity, which received the Governor’sGold Seal Award and is the No. 1 ratedskilled nursing facility in Florida, accordingto U.S. News and World Report magazine.

The Palace also operates two communities

in Homestead, The Palace Gardens, anassisted living community, and HomesteadManor Nursing Home as well as The Palaceat Home, a Medicare-certified home healthagency.

The Palace’s newest community senior

luxury rental community is now under con-struction in Coral Gables and will be SouthFlorida’s first urban senior living communi-ty. The Palace at Coral Gables is pre-leasing.

For more information, call 305-270-7000or visit <www.ThePalace.org>.

Palace Suites residents help students affected by Sandy

Students show offblankets, hats andscarves knitted byThe Palace SuitesKnitting Club.

Dorothy Siegle, a member of the Knitting Club, is pic-tured with blankets for students affected by HurricaneSandy.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––



BY LYNN WILLE FICHMAN AND PAUL SASSO

The seventh annual Soiree at PinecrestGardens is quickly approaching. OnSaturday, Feb. 23, the Garden Fund is host-ing its annual fundraiser “Soiree in theGardens.”

As an all-volunteer organization, allprofits go directly to support the historicPinecrest Gardens. While the organiza-tion’s initial focus was on revitalizing thebotanical aspects of Pinecrest Gardens, ithas expanded its efforts to educational andtherapeutic endeavors.

The Garden Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-prof-it organization, has been in operation since2006, when the condition of the Gardenswas far from what it is today. The Villageof Pinecrest and the community hasworked tirelessly over the years to improvegreatly the former Parrot Jungle from thecondition of its purchase in 2001.

If you have not been there recently, youmay not recognize the place. The revital-ization of various areas, rehabilitation ofthe original entrance, new well and irriga-tion systems, new plantings, and mosaicpathways are just a few of the many thingsthat have happened over the years. Manyof these things have been made possible inlarge part by the Garden Fund’s annualSoiree fundraiser.

The Garden Fund has proposed the reha-bilitation of an educational conservatory atsignificant cost as well as an extensive ren-ovation to a 3,500-square-foot section thatwill be known as the Caribbean Hammock,and work on it will begin soon.

The Soiree is the biggest and most lucra-tive fundraiser of the year, and because it isa rare nighttime affair in the Gardens, it hasbecome a highly anticipated event. Thisyear’s fete will include appetizers and asilent auction on the terrace, an open barcourtesy of Bacardi USA, wine courtesy ofWhole Foods of Pinecrest, the raffling of aone week cruise donated by NorwegianCruise Lines, a multi-course dinner anddecadent dessert extravaganza, whileenjoying a live short performance by CityTheatre and live music for an unforgettablenight at Pinecrest Gardens.

This year, Norwegian Cruise Lines hasdonated a one week cruise for two which isbeing raffled at the event, and can be usedon any of its ships and/or itineraries. As aninnovator in cruise travel with a 46-yearhistory of breaking the boundaries of tradi-tional cruising, most notably with the intro-duction of “Free Style Cruising,” it is set tounveil two new 4,000-passenger vessels,Norwegian Breakaway and NorwegianGetaway, under construction for deliveryin April 2013 and January 2014. TheNorwegian Getaway, will be the largestship to homeport year-round in Miami andwill sail Eastern Caribbean voyages begin-ning in February 2014. This will be anexciting addition to the Garden Fund’s2014 raffle.

Ticket prices are $125 per person, andtables of 10 are offered at $1,100. Forinformation or to purchase tickets, go to<www.gardenfund.org>, or call 305-669-1028. All proceeds from the Soiree willdirectly benefit Pinecrest Gardens.

Soiree at Pinecrest Gardenscoming Saturday, Feb 23

www.communitynewspapers.com


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

Authentic Cuban Gourmet Food

Open Lunch and Dinner • Generous and Delicious and Fun! • Mon-Thu-Sun 11am - 9pm Fri & Sat 11am - 11pm

12313 S Dixie Hwy. Miami, FL 33156

305.259.1550$20.00 minimum order for delivery.

FollowUs on

www.malangacafe.com

1.- Roast Pork Sandwich / Pan con Lechón2.- Shredded Beef Sandwich / Vaca Frita Sandwich3.- Shredded Chicken Sandwich / Vaca Frita de Pollo Sandwich4.- Cuban Sandwich / Sandwich Cubano5.- Midnight Sandwich / Medianoche6.- El Santiaguero / White Rice Covered with Red Beans,

Pork, Diced Tomatoes and Sweet Plantains.Soda and Chips included.

LUNCH SPECIALS $7.95Any of these choices

The World’s Best Pan con Lechon



Rumor has it...Best Breakfast in Town!

305.969.0075 • 8739 SW 136 St.

Come try it for Yourself

EARLY BIRDDinner with Sinatra

Soup or Salad,Pasta & Dessert$995 4pm-6pm

$10Any purchaseof $50 or more

May not be combined with anyother offer. With coupon only.

Expires 02/25/13

8739 S.W. 136th St. • 305-969-0075(Across the street from The Falls)8739 S.W. 136th St. • 305-969-00758739 S.W. 136th St. • 305-969-0075

www.facebook.com/delgiornopasta

OFF

Serving BreakfastSaturdays & Sundays Only

8am - 1pm

20% OFF

20% OFF

20% OFF

20% OFF

Breakfast Only


BY GRISELLE MARINO

Surrounded by the love, respect and

admiration of family, friends and cowork-

ers, Fire Chief Dave Downey assumed

command of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue

(MDFR) on Feb. 1.

MDFR celebrated its first ever Change

of Command ceremony in order to pay

tribute to retiring Fire Chief William

“Shorty” Bryson, a 38-year veteran of the

fire service and the new Fire Chief Dave

Downey, who brings 30 years experience

as a firefighter, company officer, battalion

chief, division chief, and assistant chief of

operations. The ceremony took place at

MDFR’s Training Facility located at 9300

NW 41 St. in Doral.

Changes of command ceremonies are

steep in tradition; these ceremonies are a

formal, symbolic passing of responsibility,

authority and accountability of command

from one leader to another. The event

began with the preliminary honors, and

ended with the symbolic passing of the

guidon, or “colors.” Passing the guidon

from one chief to another represents the

passing of trust and wellbeing of a sector

from one to another, but it also perpetuates

the seamless tradition of vigilance, service

and integrity.

“I am torn even now leaving this won-

derful organization,” Bryson said. “I leave

knowing that Chief Dave Downey knows

this department better than anyone. I see

good things coming from his leadership

and wish him all the luck.”

In addition to Chief Downey’s work

experience, he has completed numerous

professional courses and earned his asso-

ciate and bachelor’s degrees in Fire

Science, as well as a master’s degree in

Public Administration. Moreover, he has

certifications as a technical rescue techni-

cian, flight medic, task force leader and a

fire instructor. Currently, he serves as a

National Urban Search and Rescue

(US&R) Task Force representative with

the Federal Emergency Management

Agency (FEMA).

MDFR originated as a single-unit fire

patrol in 1935. It has grown into the

largest fire rescue department in the

Southeast. According to the 2011 National

Run Survey published in the June, July,

and August 2012 issues of Firehouse

Magazine, MDFR was ranked the fifth

largest fire department in the U.S. and the

department’s Aerial 2, stationed in Liberty

City, is the busiest aerial-ladder-truck in

North America for the third consecutive

year. This ranking is a result of responding

to 5,190 calls last year, 389 responses

more than the second place aerial from

Denver, CO and 650 calls more than the

third-ranked aerial in San Francisco, CA.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue conductsfirst Change of Command event

Fire Chief Dave Downey assumes command from retiring Fire Chief William “Shorty” Bryson.

(Photo Courtesy: Eric Goodman)


BY SUZY TRUTIE

The Miami-Dade County Commission

confirmed Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez’s

appointment of J.D. Patterson Jr. as the

Miami-Dade Police Department’s new

director at its Feb. 5 meeting. Patterson

assumed his new role immediately over-

seeing the department’s 4,065 employees

and $526 million budget.

“Director Patterson’s proven experience,

leadership skills and unquestionable

integrity make him the ideal person to lead

our Police Department,” Mayor Gimenez

said. “He rose through the ranks and has a

unique understanding of our community

and the department’s operations, its poli-

cies and management.”

Police director J.D. Patterson Jr.confirmed by county commission

Miami-Dade Police Department director J.D. Patterson Jr. (left) is congratulated on his confirmation by Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez.

(Photo by Armando Rodriguez)

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


BY RICHARD YAGER

Struggling at times to keep its hangaropen, South Florida’s Wings Over Miami AirMuseum is looking for sponsorships, from$200 to $5,000, for its Mar. 15 “GolfClassic” at Miccosukee Golf and CountryClub in Kendale Lakes.

“Because of the way our lease is struc-tured with Miami-DadeCounty Aviation, events likethis are critical to keep themuseum open and SouthFlorida military aviation his-tory alive,” said Suzette Rice,president, Wings OverMiami, the volunteer non-profit organization adminis-tering the museum.

Wings leases the hangar atthe far western side ofKendall-Tamiami ExecutiveAirport from the county’sAviation Department for apayment of $6,185 permonth.

“The museum is totally self-supporting,”Rice explained. “Because most of the muse-um’s warbirds and other aircraft can actuallytake to the air, Wings Over Miami is the only‘flying museum’ south of the Orlando area,”

Rental fees paid to the county, combinedwith a weak economy of recent years that haslimited contributions, has resulted in anincreasing standing debt with Miami-DadeCounty, which Rice and the board haveworked to restructure with the AviationDepartment.

In 2012, the Wings board received anagreement from the county to consolidate anexisting debt of back rent, penalties and 18percent interest (with an additional 18 per-cent interest) totaling $134,673 (without anadditional 18 percent interest), an amount thenon-profit began paying back on a quarterlybasis last September.

The back rent, interest and penalties addup to quarterly payments of $14,769 for themuseum’s all-volunteer board which is faced

month-to-month with raising sufficient fund-ing for the museum’s rent and expenses.

The museum has not missed a rent pay-ment or even been tardy with a paymentsince late 2011, Rice said, adding that thenon-profit organization has paid back thecounty almost $417,000 since the end of2006.

“As of Jan. 23 of this year, the museumactually now owes more interestthan principal on its outstandinginvoices,” Rice noted.

Board members hope the GolfClassic at Miccosukee Golf andCountry Club in Kendale Lakeswill attract aviation fans andmajor businesses in graduatedamounts of $5,000, $2,500,$1,000 and $200 as supportingsponsors. All will receive on-course refreshments, a gift bag,lunch and an awards ceremonydinner, in addition to the golfround.

“In the past, events like ourClassic Cars Show and Fly-ins

helped subsidize contributions from thecommunity since the board and other donorswere intent on the museum preserving mili-tary aviation history,” Rice explained.

“But tightened budgets and risingcosts has now put the museum in a criti-cal situation. That’s why the golf tourna-ment is a vital event to keep the museumin operation.”

In addition to its exhibits, Wings servesas an educational center for aviation histori-ans and has honored the services of bothmale and female aviators prominent in U.S.aviation.

The facility also serves the Kendall-Tamiami Airport’s Civil Air Patrol Squadronthat fosters aviation careers among teens andan operational base for adult members whooften help with emergency air and rescueoperations.

Hurricane Andrew in 1992 launched aseries of events that changed the museum’sfortunes when the airport took a beating

from the storm’s fury. At that time, aviationenthusiast Kermit Weeks’ personal collec-tion of warbirds and other planes wassecured in a hangar named “Weeks AirMuseum,” a vintage collection that wasdestroyed.

After the storm, Weeks salvaged hisremaining planes and moved them to PolkCounty, subsequently giving birth to “WingsOver Miami” Museum devoted to perpetuat-

ing South Florida aviation and military histo-ry, a place where visitors see restored vintageairplanes taxi out of the museum onto anadjoining tarmac.

The museum is open at 14710 SW 128St., Wednesday through Saturday, 10a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sundays, noon-5 p.m.For more information, visit<www.wingsovermiami.com> or at<www.facebook.com/wingsovermiami>.

Golf Classic aims to keep air museum ‘flying high’

Suzette Rice–––––––––––––––

Restored aircraft attract visitors to Wings Over Miami.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFETWHERE YOU CAN EAT HEALTHY

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 FeaturingFine Japanese & Asian Cuisine, Sushi,

Seafood & Hibachi Grill

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)

the best & freshest sushi in town!

Stop by and have lunch or dinnerat Shinju and say hello to Ma Linda!

Six Gulliver senior athletessign college letters of intent

Six Gulliver Preparatory School seniors signed at the Prep’s Spring National Signing Day ceremony onWednesday, Feb. 6, at the Prep’s Atrium, 6575 N. Kendall Dr. Pictured (l-r) sitting at the table are GulliverPrep senior athletes Jordi Dalmau, who will play football at Colgate University; Bo Ellis, who will play foot-ball at Harvard University; Nicole Harris, who will play soccer at Troy University; Kai-Lin Hernandez, whowill play soccer at High Point University; Grant Siegel, who also will play football at Colgate University,and Sophia Trujillo, who will take her soccer talents to San Diego State University. Family and coaches sur-round the students.

BY LEE STEPHENS

Along with the many sports thatlocal parks have to offer, PalmettoBay Park now is offering affordabledance lessons.

Classes — including jazz, contem-porary and ballet — are taught by pro-fessional dancer Vilma Borbolla whowas trained by the renowned BalletConcerto School of Miami.

After many years performing withBallet Concerto, she has dedicatedherself to teaching. With a passion fordance, she is spreading the spirit ofdance in the community by offeringher expertise right in the center ofPalmetto Bay Park at very a accessibleand reasonable cost. Classes rangefrom beginners through advanced.

Registration is open for the winterterm, which ends with a performanceat Deering Estate.

For more information contact VilmaBorbolla at Ballet at the Park, 786-343-2184.

Village park now offering affordable dance lessons

Pictured (l-r) are Vilma Borbolla’s dancers at Palmetto BayPark: Gabriella Herrero, Melissa Guillen and Priscilla Guillen.

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

786-430-425120505 S. DIXIE HWY. SOUTHLAND MALL (NEXT TO MOVIE THEATER)

Your NeighborhoodItalian RestaurantTM

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATEDMonday - Sunday 11am - 11pm

Like Mama used to make.

FREE ENTREEwhen you buy one

entree and two beverages.Not valid with any other specials or discounts, or prior

Purchases, no copies, not refundable for cash, not for resale.One coupon per party, order or household.

Exp. 3-31-13.

Not valid with any other specials or discounts, or priorPurchases, no copies, not refundable for cash, not for resale.

One coupon per party, order or household.Exp. 3-31-13.

FREE CHEESE PIZZA

Not valid with any other specials or discounts, or priorPurchases, no copies, not refundable for cash, not for resale.

One coupon per party, order or household.Exp. 3-31-13.

CATERING AVAILABLE

Early Bird Dinners

Served with soup or salad, garlic rolls, coffee and dessert3pm – 6pm daily (must be seated by 6pm)

NO SHARING OR SUBSTITUTIONS

Whole wheat pasta available for only $2

Choice of Pasta:Linguini, Angel Hair, Penne, Spaghetti, Paccheri Pasta, Spinach or Cheese Ravioli

Choice of one of one of the following sauces:Marinara Sauce, Tomato Sauce, Garlic and Oil, Meat Sauce,

Meatball with Tomato or Marinara, Sausage with Tomato or Marinara10.99

Salmon BruschettaGrilled filet of Atlantic salmon topped witha cold mix of diced tomatoes, red onions,

basil, garlic and aged balsamic vinegar andextra virgin olive oil. Served with vegetable

or pasta 15.99

Tilapia Francese 15.99Linguini with Red/WhiteFresh Clam Sauce 14.99Mussels Marinara 13.99Penne & Broccoli 11.99

Add chicken only $3Add shrimp only $4

Meat Lasagna 12.99Baked Ziti 11.99

Fettuccine Alfredo 12.99Eggplant Parmigiana 13.99

Penne PrimaveraChoice of light marinara or

Alfredo sauce 13.99

Gorgonzola Crusted SalmonSalmon crusted with spinach and Gorgonzola

cheese finished with garlic scampi sauce.Served with vegetable or pasta 16.99

Grilled SalmonGrilled salmon on a bed of sautéed spinach

served with vegetable or pasta 15.99

Veal Parmigiana 15.99Veal Milanese

Lightly breaded veal cutlet pan seared withfresh tomato, mixed baby greens, fresh

squeezed lemon and extra virgin olive oil15.99

Chicken Parmigiana 14.99Chicken Marsala 14.99Chicken Piccata 14.99

Chicken Francese 14.99Chicken Cacciatore 14.99

DELIVERYDELIVERYTAKE OUT • DINE INTAKE OUT • DINE IN

DELIVERYTAKE OUT • DINE IN

when you buy one largepizza with 3 toppings.

Take out & Delivery only

FREE EARLY BIRDwhen you buy one earlybird and 2 beverages.

(up to 12.00) Dine in only (up to 12.00) Dine in only



Asof 2010, Florida has been ranked 43rd in per-student educationalfunding with respect to the rest of the nation, and the state has continuedto cut back on funding for educational programs. We the People is a

stimulated congressional hearing competition that provides students with anopportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutionalprinciples and ideas. This Program inspires active citizenship among the students,and enables them to form opinions on important present day issues. Many schoolsin Florida partake in this competition but only one can represent the state at thenational level. On January 11th, 2013, that school was Miami Killian Senior HighSchool. The school holds a legacy of sorts, having reached national level numeroustimes in the past. Killian earned its proud “A” grade this year, and the membersof the We the People team certainly reflect that pride and capability.This year, the Killian We the People team faced many staggering challenges- a

new teacher, for one, who had never taught the course before, and a single studentmentor for all six competitive units. “Everyone doubted the capability of the teamthis year due to the many hindrances it faced, but I never lost hope, and the hardwork paid off” says Veronica Joubert, the student mentor. The students themselvesseem like almost a breathing analogy for the founding principles of our nation,being from a variety of backgrounds and creeds and never failing to come togetheras a team, tied together by the constitution. They juggle a challenging curriculumin addition to preparing for the competition, many of them are involved inAdvanced Placement classes or holding jobs. Still, the students display theirdedication by practicing after school, on holiday breaks, and on weekends.Despite all of these challenges, Killian’s team pulled through and is now quali-

fied to move on to represent Florida on a national level. Unfortunately, the trip’sprice is nothing to sneeze at- just $30,100.00, with a $6,900.00 deposit on February15, 2013. The students are now faced with a lack of funding from both the stateand the federal government. This incredible program used to receive federal fund-ing, but is now receiving only meager educational funding. So the students arefundraising and holding events at the school, as well as looking to the communityand state for donations. If you would like to donate for Miami Killian’s We thePeople team to represent your state at the national competition, please make allchecks out to Miami Killian Senior High School , with a letter specifying that themoney is going to theWe The People team. If you have any questions please con-tact the principal of the school Mr. Ennis, at Tennis.dadeschools.net.

We the People

BY ALONZO HARDY

In the annals of Miami-Dade County sportshistory, Mays High School in Goulds (nowArthur and Polly Mays 6-12 Conservatory ofthe Arts) holds a special place.

Under coach Earl Dinkins, with coachRufus Tribble assisting him, the Rams wonthe school’s first and only state baseballchampionship in 1957.

With the effective pitching of the BohlerBrothers — Dennis and L.J. — the MaysHigh Rams won the Florida InterscholasticAthletic Association State BaseballTournament at Daytona Beach.

In the first game, the Rams eliminatedCocoa Monroe High Wildcats by a score of

11-2 and in the second game the Ramsdefeated George Washington Carver HighFighting Eagles of Delray Beach by a scoreof 7-6. This was a tense moment. EmoryCollier saved the day by hitting a two-runtriple in the bottom of the 11th inning. Itended in a bunt by James Rolle, who wasthrown out.

The final game in which the opponentwas Stanton High Blue Devils, was won bythe Rams. The score was 12-1.

In this game, Jimmy Edgecomb hit adouble and a single, James Rolle hit a sin-gle, Herbert Pratt hit a double and L.J.Bohler a double. Excellent defenses weredisplayed by Harvey Cooper, CurtisYoung, Nathaniel Russ and Wilbert Bryant.

Remembering when Mays Ramscaptured state baseball crown

Pictured are the 1957 Mays Rams Baseball Champions (l-r, kneeling) Lee Andrew Waters, L.J. Bohler, JimmyEdgecomb, Emory Collier, Wilbert Bryant and Dennis Bohler; (standing) assistant baseball coach Rufus Tribble;Carl Hanna, business manager; Curtis Baker, Curtis Young, Nathaniel Russ, Bob Cunningham, Herbert Pratt, JamesRolle, Harvey Cooper and head coach Earl Dinkins.

(Photo courtesy of Harvey Cooper)

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

BY WUI WEI

Dancing dragons, Shin Jiang

Dance from Northwestern China, Chi

Pao Fashion Runway Show, and an

illustrious visit from 11 Tibetan

Monks of the Drepung Loseling

Monastery in Southern India are just

some of the recent community events

hosted by Zen Village in Coconut

Grove, 3570 Main Hwy.“The year is off to an auspicious

beginning,” said Zen Village founderand executive director Master ChufeiTsai. “We are so grateful to the com-munity for being present at theChinese Lunar New Year celebrationand the sacred Sand Mandala paintingceremony during the Monks visit.”

Founded in 2005 as a sanctuary for

under-served populations and as a

peaceful resting place for high achiev-

ers, Zen Village has been a refuge and

healing space for more than 8,000

members since its inception.

The spirit of this year’s endeavors

at Zen Village (and partner not-for-

profit organizations, Heart for

Humanity and Zab Sang Institute) are

based on the concept of “Ashokbya.”

Ashokbya is a Sanskrit word suggest-

ing an unshakable mindful conscious-

ness in life towards wisdom, peace,

love and prosperity.

“It is an expression of life in con-

nection to the divine,” said Master

Tsai. “We create beauty and mean-

ing and art from everyday life with

an attentive unwavering mindful-

ness to do the right thing. This way

we bring about peace and prosperity

in our own lives and that of our

community.”

The Ashokbya spirit continues with

the Grassroots Festival in Historic

Virginia Key, Feb. 21-24. Zen Village

will host The Healing Arts and

Sustainability Fair at the festival.

Over 10,000 art and music lovers

— many from upstate New York —

are expected to head south for four

days of classic independent music and

international performance art through

Yoga, Martial Arts, Meditation,

Dance, Tea Ceremony, and a range of

activities for youth of all ages.

Inner Circle, Donna the Buffalo,

Rusted Root and Spam All Stars are

just a few of the bands headlining the

music festival.

“We are creating art from expres-

sion through the beauty of presenta-

tion,” said Master Tsai. “This is Zen

Living and Ashokbya in action.”

Volunteer driven, Zen Village also

offers an extensive catalog of cours-

es designed not only to provide

hands-on training in a range of disci-

plines for community leaders, but to

assist youth as well in the profound

challenges they face, and to bring

inspiration and relief to underserved

populations.

Zen Village is a 501(c)(3) not-for-

profit cross cultural, inter-faith organ-

ization, Buddhist temple and sanctu-

ary that promotes eco-living, sustain-

ability, and holistic wellness.

To find out more information about

Zen Village or the Healing Arts and

Sustainability Fair at the Grassroots

Festival Feb. 21-24 call 305-567-

0165, send email to <office@zenvil-

lage.org>, or visit the website at

zenvillage.org.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Master Chufei Tsai, Zen Village founder andexecutive director, welcomes all for tours and

consultation.

Zen Village hosts Chinese New Year, other recent events in communityFeb. 19 - Mar. 4, 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

BY GARY ALAN RUSE

David Scherker, an 11th grade student atCoral Reef High School, was one of threewinners in a national anti-bullying videocontest sponsored by the U.S. Governmentthat received almost 900 sub-missions. Begun last fall, thecompetition’s results wereannounced on Feb. 1.

His video, It Starts WithOne, as one of two receivinghonorable mention earned a$500 cash prize and will befeatured on the <www.stop-bullying.gov> website.Scherker made the video dueto his own encounters withbullying and his hope to pur-sue a career in filmmaking.

“Well, two things motivat-ed me,” Scherker said. “One was the factthat this contest provided me a chance toshow a few of the different types of bully-ing that occur throughout school. Manythink of mainly verbal or physical, but iso-lation is another extremely prominent formof bullying. Though I have rarely beenphysically bullied, I have had verbal abuseand isolation throughout middle school.

“Two, my dream for college is to go toCalifornia for film school — USC andUCLA being at the top. I saw this as anopportunity to build up a résumé, whilealso informing the United States of a sim-ple way to stop bullying.”

Now 17, Scherker was 16when he made the video. He putit together in less than a week,using 15 actors from theschool’s Drama Magnet pro-gram.

“I planned and wrote Mondayto Wednesday, worked with myTV Production teacher DavidErnsberger, who was a cine-matographer, on how to frame itto make editing as easy as pos-sible on Thursday, and filmed itentirely in two hours on Friday,running around the school,”

Scherker said. “I edited Friday andSaturday to turn it in Sunday.”

With only two hours to film and nochance for reshooting scenes, it was a chal-lenge because of the time factor, but one herose above with good planning and the helpof the others participating.

“Fortunately, my drama teachers. AnaMederos and Nicole Quintana. allowed me

to film during the class that day, and all ofthe actors were very cooperative andworked very well, allowing me to finishfilming in time,” Scherker said. “Besidesthat, I just had to sit in front of the comput-er using Final Cut Express for severalhours editing to get it done in time.”

Scherker said that in high school, espe-cially Coral Reef, people are more under-standing and he has seen less bullyingthere, but that no school is completelywithout bullies. He hopes that his videoand the concept behind it will enlighten thepublic on the different styles of bullyingand show how simple it is to end it.

“Bullies feed off of the support frompeers,” Scherker said. “Much of the time,bullies do mean things to be funny or to beliked by others, not with the sole intentionof being mean. Even the times they arebeing funny can severely hurt people’s feel-ings. Cut off that peer support and bullieslose their power and often their motivation.”

Besides having been a victim himself,

Scherker has seen others being bulliedthrough isolation, verbal abuse, and evenphysical abuse and has taken a stand bybefriending those who have been bullied.His goal is to inspire others to do the sameand make a school a more pleasant envi-ronment for everyone.

“I hope that this video can be used as atool to show that there are alternatives tobullying,” Scherker said. “Even if the videochanges the perception of a handful of peo-ple, or even one person, my video was a suc-cess because it would have made someone’slife better.”

The judges of the competition wereDeborah A. Temkin, PhD, of the U.S.Department of Education; Erin Reiney,MPH, CHES of the U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services, and StephanieRapp, MSW, LCSW-C of the U.S.Department of Justice.

Scherker’s video can be seen online at<http://stopbullying.challenge.gov/sub-missions/10738-it-starts-with-one>.

Coral Reef HS student a winner in national video competition

DavidScherker(right) ispictureddirecting ascene inthe video.

David Scherker–––––––––––––––––


550 S. Dixie Highway • Coral Gables, FL 33146

Christine Stiphany, CRS REALTOR®

ESSLINGERWOOTEN MAXWELL, INC.

Accredited Luxury Home Specialist

Chairman’s Club - Top 1% Nationally

7320 SW 146 Terrace........................................Palmetto BayLovely 4.3 + office + bonus room on 21,000sf lot with lushfoliage and private backyard with sparkling pool & patio. Woodfloors, granite kitchen, light and bright! Over 4,100sf in excel-lent school district. Offered at $695,000.

1421 Ancona Avenue...........................................….Coral GablesFrench Colonial Charmer totally renovated in ’06. 3 Bdrms + office+ game room, 3.5 Baths, 1 car garage. Stunning finishes.www.1421AnconaAve.com Offered at $1,095,000

14540 Sailfish Lane…..........................................…Coral GablesGated community “King’s Bay” – New marble and wood floors -Available Dec. 15 – 2-Story home with 5 Bdrms, 3 Baths, familyroom, breakfast room, fireplace, pool, 2 car garage. Offered at$3,790 per month.

6740 SW 94 Street...........……..................................….PinecrestUnique 2-story home on half acre in Pinecrest Elementary schooldistrict with 4 Bdrms, 3.5 Baths, new roof, granite kitchen, fire-place, resort style pool and loaded with mature oaks and fruittrees. Offered at $797,000

2575 S Bayshore Drive, Unit 5B........................Coconut GroveRepresented BUYER, Listing agent is Nancy Yialouris of YialourisRealty. Spacious 3/2 with stunning views, wood floors and over-sized balconies. Over 1,750sf. Sales Price $625,000

www.miamispecialhomes.com • Email: [email protected]

Coral Reef Medical Park Office/Condo…..near Jackson SouthHospital. 9299 SW 152 Street, Unit 206 – Pediatrician’s office –Over 1,230sf with 4 patient rooms, 2 bathrooms, exec office, jun-ior office, lab, file room, administration. Offered at $225,000 forsale or $3,000/mo. Lease.

6355 SW 113 Street...........…….................................….PinecrestGated Acre with N/S Tennis Court! Lovingly maintained 3/3,sparkling pool/patio, ready for your updates. Offered at $795,000

12550 Moss Ranch Road……..................................….PinecrestLush Tropical Acre surrounded by multi-million dollar properties!Build your dream home or remodel this 1955 2-Story Ranch homew/pool & fireplace. Sales Price $775,000

305.903.8845

SOLD

10960 N Bayshore Drive.................................................$550,000Just North of Miami Shores & across from Biscayne Bay! Art DecoMasterpiece with 4Bdrms +office+”man cave”, 3.5Baths, over2,700sf and totally remodeled!

SOLD

Gated Snapper Creek Lakes.............................Coral Gables5505 Arbor Lane - Traditional Elegance and Southern Charmnestled on 1.18 acres. Three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2-cargarage, gorgeous pool/patio, totally updated in 2007.www.5505ArborLane.com. Offered at $2,499,000.

17602 SW 84 Avenue..................................................…$314,900Palmetto Bay! 1970 original Jennings Home! 3/2 with 2 car side-entry garage and screened pool/patio. Corner lot with 15,000sf –ready for your updates! Sales Price $275,000

FOR L

EASE

FORSALE

OR LEASE

REDUCE

D

UNDER C

ONTRAC

T

SOLD

REDUCE

D

UNDER C

ONTRAC

T



BY MARITZA ARCEO-LOPEZ

Easter weekend in Miami getsunderway with BunnyPalooza2013 at Miami Seaquarium,which hops onto the scene fromFriday, Mar. 29, to EasterSunday, Mar. 31, with the largestparade in the event’s nearly 15-year history.

Guests will enjoy continuousEaster Egg Hunts throughout theday, and five acres of adrenalinepumping fun with bounce hous-es, “Giant Fun Slide,” rockclimbing wall, plus many prizesand surprises. A discount of $8off admission to BunnyPaloozais available with a receipt orcoupon from PublixSupermarket.

“Easter weekend is a big dealat Miami Seaquarium,” saidAndrew Hertz, general managerat Miami Seaquarium.“BunnyPalooza 2013 is muchmore than a traditional egg hunt;it offers families three days offun with acres of shows, activi-ties and even a parade.”

The Easter Parade will startdaily at 12:30 p.m. completewith floats, bands, strolling per-formers, costumed charactersand, of course, the Easter Bunny. Duringthe festivities, bunny hoppers should be onthe lookout for a Golden Egg, which willbe hidden in one goodie bag atBunnyPalooza egg hunts. The Golden Eggwill give one lucky child and up to threeother family members or friends, lifetimeadmission to Miami Seaquarium.

For more information visit<www.miamiseaquarium.com>. Miami

Seaquarium is located at 4400Rickenbacker Causeway.

Miami Seaquarium, South Florida’smost popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the pub-lic 365 days a year. General admission toMiami Seaquarium is $39.95 and $29.95for children (ages 3-9). More informationon Miami Seaquarium is available at<www.miamiseaquarium.com>.

Easter Weekend to get underwaywith Seaquarium’s BunnyPalooza

This Easter Bunny hides his eggs underwater at Miami Seaquarium.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Marco Drugs & Compounding is locatedat 6627 South Dixie Highway,

Tel: 305-665-4411 • Fax: 305-663-3258Email:[email protected]

www.marcodrugs.com

Like us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/marcocompoundingThis 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.

Sonia Martinez, RPH - Marco Drugs

Photo byElla Woodson

March Is National ColorectalCancer Awareness Month

Marco Drugs and Compounding will provideyou with compounded medications preparedwith the highest standards and with highquality bulk materials, traditional prescrip-tions and high grade nutraceuticals, supple-ments and multivitamins. We provide to youhealth information in a clean, comfortable,fun and safe environment. Make us yourdoorway to total health.

BY SONIA MARTINEZ, RPHColorectal cancer is the second lead-

ing cause of cancer-related deaths inthe United States, when consideringcancers, which affect both men andwomen. The risk of developing colorec-tal cancer increases with advancingage. More than 90% of cases occur inpeople aged 50 or older. According tothe Centers for Disease Control, ifeveryone aged 50 years old or olderwere screened regularly, as many as60% of deaths from colorectal cancercould be avoided. Screening can detectcolorectal cancer early when treatmentworks best, or find precancerous polyps(abnormal growths) in the colon or rec-tum, which can be removed before theyturn into cancer. Some studies showthat increased physical activity andmaintaining a healthy weight maydecrease the risk for colorectal cancer.Researchers are examining the role ofcertain supplements, such as calcium,vitamin D, and selenium, in preventingcolorectal cancer.


BY ANA M. POVEDA

Eight Westminster Christian School

Band members were selected to the

District Honor Band, and two were select-

ed as first chair in their sections.

Selected to the High School District

Honor Band were: Dylan Charlton (first

chair, percussion), Edwin Ulloa (first

chair, tuba), Christina Loisel, Taelor Suris,

Tristan Suris and Rachel Lundgren.

Selected to the Middle School District

Honor Band were Angie Font and Alfonso

Betancourt.

“I couldn’t be prouder of their musical

skill, rehearsal diligence, stage presence,

and Christian character, which they dis-

played constantly,” said Joy Harden, WCS

Band director. “They rehearsed for about

12 hours this weekend with intensity and

passion, alongside the other talented musi-

cians of our district.”

Westminster Christian School Band members selected to High School District Honor Band are (l-r) RachelLundgren, Dylan Charlton, Christina Loisel, Tristan Suris, Taelor Suris, and Edwin Ulloa. Middle School stu-dents are not pictured.

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

Westminster Christian studentsselected to District Honor Band


BY LEE STEPHENS

According to American CancerSociety’s 2012 statistics, one in everytwo men and one in every three womenwill be diagnosed with cancer in theirlifetime.

In 2013, approximately 100,000 newcases of cancer will be diagnosed with inthe state of Florida alone. Those numbersare overwhelming in print. However, forthose actually diagnosed, the time thatfollows this information often is crowdedwith fear and great concern — both forpatients and their loved ones.

For more than 10 years, the CancerSupport Community Greater Miami(CSCGM) has helped those impacted bycancer improve their quality of life byproviding free educational and emotionalsupport to cancer patients and their lovedones.

Since inception, the mission of thisnon-profit organization has been to helpcaner patients — from the moment ofdiagnosis — with research-based psy-chosocial services. Since 2002, theCSCGM has seen more than 21,000patients and family members.

The Cancer Support CommunityGreater Miami will host its 11thAnniversary Heart and Star AwardDinner on Thursday, Apr. 11, at TempleBeth Am in Pinecrest. John Arasi; BrianaVega, and Richard Zakheim, MD, will behonored at this prestigious signatureevent.

Arasi will be receiving the “Championof the Community Spirit” Award for hisphilanthropic and community leadership;Vega, the “Champion of the Human

Spirit” Award for her work as a cancersurvivor — the first child to ever receivea Champion honor — and Dr. Zakheim,The Founder’s Award, for outstandingvolunteer leadership.

More than 400 business and philan-thropic leaders from Greater Miami willbe in attendance for the event.

“John, Briana and Richard areextremely deserving honorees who havedone so much for cancer awareness, ourmedical community and for Miami-DadeCounty in general,” said DanielleSpiegelman, executive director of theorganization. “We are grateful and proudto have them as our Heart and StarHonorees as well as supporters and advo-cates of the Cancer Support CommunityGreater Miami. They have each per-formed extraordinary acts of kindnessand have selflessly worked to inspirehope and action.”

The 11th Anniversary Heart and StarAward Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. onThursday, Apr. 11, at Temple Beth Am,The Richard and Janet Yulman Campus,5950 N. Kendall Dr.

Committee leadership for this fundraisingevent is comprised of the following:Jennifer Stearns Buttrick, Chanin and AdamCarlin, Candace D. Falsetto, Ana HughesFreund, Carmen Perez, Aida and JosephRoisman, Lourdes Rosales, Kim Sarkisian,Amy Scharlin, Debra Schottenstein, KaraStearns Sharp, Edie Spiegel, Carole Wrightand Pamela Zakheim.

For more information, call Danielle F.Spiegelman, Cancer SupportCommunity Greater Miami executivedirector, at 305-668-5900. Visit theorganization’s local website at<www.CancerSupportCommunityMiami

Cancer Support Community to honor trio of supporters

BY REBECCA KLEIN

Mix one part moonlight and one part

martini; stir in a fabulous auction and

entertainment for a twist of fun; serve

with delectable nibbles, drinks and sweets

with a room full of friends and you get the

perfect recipe for a memorable night.

The members of Congregation Bet

Breira Samu-El Or Olom invite the com-

munity to join them for their 19th annual

Moonlight and Martinis Auction event on

Saturday, Mar. 2, at 7 p.m.

Along with an exciting auction consist-

ing of fabulous items, the event will offer

a “Deal or No Deal” themed raffle game

where anyone with a raffle ticket has a

chance to be selected as a contestant and

every contestant will win a prize. The

evening concludes with guests being

treated to an after party celebration with a

live performance by the band Blackstar.

“This is a community event that will

appeal to many people that want to have a

fun evening in our neighborhood and

know that the funds raised will go to a

good cause,” said Amy Simons, event

chair. “Your investment of $18 entry will

help educational programs at our syna-

gogue, plus you are guaranteed a fun time

with complimentary appetizers, cocktails

and amazing auction items, plus live

music to finish off the evening.”

Pre-sale tickets for the “Moonlight and

Martinis” event at Congregation Bet

Breira Samu-El Or Olom are $18 per

person. Tickets purchased at the door are

$20 per person. Registration is available

online at <www.bbsoomiami.org>. Bet

Breira Samu-El Or Olom is located at

9400 SW 87 Ave. (behind Baptist

Hospital).

For more information, contact the syn-

agogue office at 305-595-1500.

Congregation to host an eveningof Moonlight and Martinis, Mar. 2

BY PAULA FERNÁNDEZ DE LOS MUROS

The Vizcayans will host their fifth

annual Preservation Luncheon, fondly

referred to as the “Hat Luncheon,” at the

historic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens,

3251 S. Miami Ave., on Tuesday, Feb. 26.

The al-fresco luncheon will be blos-

soming with stylish hats and elegant

attire galore, reminiscent of fashionable

daytime soirees in the formal Italianate

gardens, which were a tradition in

Vizcaya’s early years at James Deering’s

European-inspired home, opened in

1916. This year’s chair for the

Preservation Luncheon is Lydia Touzet.

The afternoon will begin with a glorious

cocktail reception on the Garden Mound

where guests will be welcomed by

enchanting string music as they sip on

champagne and enjoy decadent hors d’oeu-

vres. Trumpets will then cue guests to pro-

ceed to a lavish dining experience in a

beautifully decorated pavilion that includes

an exquisite four-course lunch catered by

Thierry’s Catering, Lanson champagne and

wines by Chateau D’Esclans. Gift bags

will be provided courtesy of Neiman

Marcus Coral Gables.

“It’s very exciting to be part of the fifth

annual Vizcaya Preservation Luncheon to

celebrate the splendor of the gardens and

to raise funds to protect, preserve and

restore the treasured estate,” said Leslie

Bowe, president of The Vizcayans “We

hope to continue engaging our

Preservation founders and partners as

well as welcome new partners to this

wonderful event.”

The Vizcayan’s Preservation

Luncheon, inspired by the Central Park

Conservancy’s “Hat luncheon” held each

year in New York, was founded by

Norma Quintero in 2009 during her term

as president of the Vizcayans in an effort

to raise money to protect the estate’s

viewshed. All proceeds from this and all

Vizcayans’ events currently benefit a

comprehensive restoration plan for

Vizcaya’s buildings, gardens and outdoor

statuary.

Individual tickets are $300 and tables

of 10 are $3,000.

For more information and to purchase

tickets, call 305-856-4866, ext. 3, or send

email to <[email protected]>.

Hats on for The Vizcayans’ annual Preservation Luncheon on Feb. 26

Stylish hats and elegant attire will be in fashion for The Vizcayans’ annual Preservation Luncheon.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––



Asof 2010, Florida has been ranked 43rd in per-student educationalfunding with respect to the rest of the nation, and the state has continuedto cut back on funding for educational programs. We the People is a

stimulated congressional hearing competition that provides students with anopportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutionalprinciples and ideas. This Program inspires active citizenship among the students,and enables them to form opinions on important present day issues. Many schoolsin Florida partake in this competition but only one can represent the state at thenational level. On January 11th, 2013, that school was Miami Killian Senior HighSchool. The school holds a legacy of sorts, having reached national level numeroustimes in the past. Killian earned its proud “A” grade this year, and the membersof the We the People team certainly reflect that pride and capability.This year, the Killian We the People team faced many staggering challenges- a

new teacher, for one, who had never taught the course before, and a single studentmentor for all six competitive units. “Everyone doubted the capability of the teamthis year due to the many hindrances it faced, but I never lost hope, and the hardwork paid off” says Veronica Joubert, the student mentor. The students themselvesseem like almost a breathing analogy for the founding principles of our nation,being from a variety of backgrounds and creeds and never failing to come togetheras a team, tied together by the constitution. They juggle a challenging curriculumin addition to preparing for the competition, many of them are involved inAdvanced Placement classes or holding jobs. Still, the students display theirdedication by practicing after school, on holiday breaks, and on weekends.Despite all of these challenges, Killian’s team pulled through and is now quali-

fied to move on to represent Florida on a national level. Unfortunately, the trip’sprice is nothing to sneeze at- just $30,100.00, with a $6,900.00 deposit on February15, 2013. The students are now faced with a lack of funding from both the stateand the federal government. This incredible program used to receive federal fund-ing, but is now receiving only meager educational funding. So the students arefundraising and holding events at the school, as well as looking to the communityand state for donations. If you would like to donate for Miami Killian’s We thePeople team to represent your state at the national competition, please make allchecks out to Miami Killian Senior High School , with a letter specifying that themoney is going to theWe The People team. If you have any questions please con-tact the principal of the school Mr. Ennis, at Tennis.dadeschools.net.

We the PeopleRachel Seymour-Newton findsher gifts in love dogs bringBY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

Most children can’t wait untiltheir birthday because they want abirthday party with lots and lots ofpresents. Not Rachel Seymour-Newton.

When she was about to turn 9,she told her mom she wanted herparty to be used to raise money tosave dogs.

“I heard about a lot of dogs beingabused and I wanted to help,”Seymour-Newton said.

Since then, all of her birthdayparties have focused on raisingmoney for Friends Forever Rescue.Friends and family are asked todonate dog food or money insteadof giving Rachel presents.

At one of those parties, theSeymour-Newton family brought inpuppies for the children to play withand the guests left with photos of them-selves playing with the puppies. At anoth-er, guests were told to bring their family petand, for a $30 donation, mom JaimeSeymour-Newton, who is a photographer,would take portraits of the pooch.

The parties have raised several thousanddollars. Party guests also have donatedmany, many bags of food to feed the res-cued dogs.

Rachel is turning 13 on Sept. 11 and sheand her mom are working on the biggestfundraiser yet.

“We’re going to try to do something real-ly big,” Jaime Seymour-Newton said.“We’re having some of her friends and herparents come to this meeting and make itbig and make it different.”

They have a meeting scheduled withPinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner to talk aboutwhere the event should be held.

At the same time, Rachel Seymour-Newton is working on the service projectthat is part of the Jewish tradition when agirl has her bat mitzvah. (Boys have a barmitzvah.)

“I’m going to do something with thedogs as well,” she said.

Rachel Seymour-Newton hasn’t beensatisfied with just raising money. She alsohas taken in dogs (and helped train them).The dogs eventually are adopted by otherfamilies.

“We’ve fostered 20 dogs in the past fewyears,” Jaime Seymour-Newton said. “Wedo one or two at a time. It’s a gift for us aswell. I’ve learned a lot from my daughter.It’s been very rewarding for us as a family

and for the dogs.”In a twist of roles, Rachel has been

teaching her mom how to let go of the fos-ter puppies when they are adopted.

“My mom gets attached,” Rachel said.“We all have to let them go. We can’t keepevery dog.”

They usually foster puppies because thefamily pooch doesn’t like bigger dogsinvading his home.

“We have had one dog since August,Billy the Kidd; he’s the biggest mush ball,”Rachel said. “We think he’s a lab rottiemix. His brother looks like a rottie, and helooks like a lab.”

She especially is concerned about thepuppy because he is a black lab.

“People don’t like to adopt the blackdogs because they think they are scarierand meaner,” Rachel Seymour-Newtonsaid.

One of the reasons she loves to help outat the shelter is because of the love andaffection she gets from the dogs. She saidthey will give that same love and affectionto the family that adopts them.

“Most of the dogs at the shelter, they areused to being abused and they’ll try toplease you,” she said. “They were abusedso they try to be nice.”

Rachel Seymour-Newton also has startedthe Friends Forever Dog Club. Membersvolunteer at the Friends Forever shelter toget the dogs ready for their showings at PetSmart at SW 136th Street and S. DixieHighway.

For information, go online to<www.friendsforeverevents.com/landing>.

Rachel Seymour-Newton poses with a canine friend.

BY JESSICA LUGER

Fifteen public schools from across the

country, including Kendall’s Leewood

K-8 Center, have won $40,000 in tech-

nology as finalists in Samsung’s Solve

for Tomorrow contest, a national compe-

tition to raise enthusiasm for science,

technology, engineering, and math

(STEM) education.

Three grand prize winners will be cho-

sen by a panel of judges; a fourth will be

chosen by Samsung employees, and a

fifth — the Community Choice Award

winner — will be determined by public

online voting. The grand prizewinners,

who will be announced at the South by

Southwest Interactive Conference in

March, are invited to a special awards

ceremony on Apr. 17 in Washington, DC.

The students at Leewood K-8 Center

created a short video submission on tack-

ling water pollution in the Everglades by

creating a sustainable garden project to

supply naturally grown produce without

pesticides containing harmful pollutants.

The video can be seen online at

<http://tinyb.it/5052C1ED3E14>.

Online voting for the Community Choice

winner is open until 11:59 p.m. EST, Mar.

4, at <www.samsung.com/solvefortomor-

row> and the Samsung Facebook Solve tab

at <www.facebook.com/SamsungUSA>.

“We are very excited about our final-

ists and congratulate them for the cre-

ativity and hard work they showed

through their entries,” said David Steel,

executive vice president of corporate

strategy of Samsung Electronics North

America. “Solve for Tomorrow provides

an opportunity for students and teachers

to apply their creativity and knowledge

of science, technology, engineering, and

math to real world environmental issues

in their communities.

“We hope the challenge of this contest,

together with the technology for winning

schools, will help inspire the students of

today to become the leaders and innova-

tors of tomorrow.”

More than 1,600 schools across the

country entered the contest that began in

August 2012 with an essay response to

how STEM can help the environment in

their community. Seventy-five class-

rooms — 25 from each of the following

three categories: rural, suburban, urban

— selected as semi-finalists received a

Samsung camcorder, laptop, and Adobe

editing software to create videos to com-

pete in the video phase of the contest that

answered the challenge: How can STEM

help improve the environment in your

community?

The 15 finalists now have a chance to

win one of five grand prizes valued at

$110,000 from Samsung, the Adobe

Foundation, and DirecTV.

As part of Samsung Hope for

Children, the company’s philanthropic

initiative focusing on health, education,

and sustainability, Solve for Tomorrow

encourages teachers to engage students

in STEM by raising enthusiasm for

these subjects and addressing the tech-

nology gap in classrooms. With the top

15 schools each receiving at least

$40,000 of technology and the top five

receiving at least $110,000 of technolo-

gy, the total value of prizes awarded to

participating schools total more than $1

million.

Leewood K-8 Center among finalists inSamsung’s Solve for Tomorrow contest


12451 South Dixie Highway • Miami • 305.235.2852

15% OFFAny Lighting Purchase with this coupon

LIGHT BULBS UNLIMITED / 12451 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY305-235-2852 • NOT VALID WITH OTHER OFFERS OR PRIOR PURCHASES.OFFER EXPIRES 5/5/13 • *DOES NOT APPLY TO SPECIAL SALE ITEMS.

Thousandss off Lightt Bulbs

BEST PLACE TO SCREW INA LIGHT BULB

LIGHT BULBS UNLIMITEDLIGHTING SHOWROOM

LIGHTT UPP YOURR HOMEE ANDD YOURR LIFEE

Recessed, Picture & Track, Cabinet,Garden & Landscape Lighting

Save Time and money with 20,000Hours Light Bulbs

NEW TIMESBEST OF

MIAMI 2006


BY GARY ALAN RUSE

This year marks the 30th anniversary of theMiami International Film Festival and duringa press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 29, at theNational Historic Landmark Freedom Towerin downtown Miami the program for the 10-day event beginning Mar. 1 was announced.

Miami Dade College, which now owns theFreedom Tower (the former Miami Newsbuilding), produces and presents the festivalthat has grown steadily over the years. Aftera video montage of vintage news reports ofpast festivals, MIFF executive director JaieLaplante announced that there would be 117feature films, including many world, NorthAmerican and U.S. premieres.

For the first time in MIFF history, the festi-val will open and close with documentary fea-tures, Twenty Feet from Stardom directed byMorgan Neville and Venus and Serena direct-ed by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major.

“The fact that these were two of the mostcompelling, overwhelming, joyous films thatwere in our program made them naturalselections to be in our gala and conclusion,”Laplante said.

The festival films will be presented at twohistoric landmarks, the Gusman CenterOlympia Theater and MDC’s Tower Theater,as well as at Coral Gables Art Cinema, OCinema, Regal South Beach and MiamiBeach Cinematheque.

It is estimated that the annual festival attractsmore than 70,000 audience members and morethan 400 filmmakers, producers, talent andindustry professionals. There are six competitioncategories with many films vying for awards indocumentary, dramatic and other divisions

A guest at the press conference was RuthShack, who served three terms on the Metro-Dade County Commission in the 1970s and’80s, and who sat on the original MIFF boardof directors in the festival’s first year, 1984.She remembered how extraordinary that was.

“The sheer audacity of the idea blew us all

away,” Shack said. “Miami’s modern historyhas been short, and clearly the film festivalwas one of the most audacious, one of themost visionary and one of the most excitingconcepts to come along. There was skepti-cism that the film festival would last, but Ithink others would agree with me that thesheer joy of having made it 30 years later israther remarkable.”

Laplante asked her what the highlightswere for her of that very first film festival.

“It was the people involved,” Shack said.“It was having people come from other com-munities to ours to look around, to see someof these films that were being shown and torecognize us as a player in a field that wereally knew very little about.”

Laplante acknowledged that it has notalways been smooth sailing for the festival,even in more recent years, but even thoughthere have been some challenges, “we’re in avery good place here.”

Shack agreed, noting that when MDC tookthe helm, it made a difference.

“When the college stood up and said ‘wewill be a part of this exciting adventure,’ I thinkwe all had a great relief that it was going to sur-vive,” Shack said. “Here was an organizationwith a stellar reputation in the community andan interest in not only film but how film wasmade. It made me feel a whole lot better.”

MIFF will bestow Career Achievementawards to Academy Award-winning directorFernando Trueba and Academy Award-nomi-nated director Lasse Hallström, best known forhis film What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. RiverPhoenix’s last movie, Dark Blood, will makeits North American premiere at the festival.

“If you’re not at the movies every day inthe first 10 days of March, you’re in thewrong place,” Laplante said.

Shack added, “I think it’s going to be anextraordinary festival.”

For tickets and information visit<www.miamifilmfestival.com> or call 305-405-MIFF (6433).

Miami International Film Festivalcelebrates its 30th anniversary

MIFFexecutivedirectorJaieLaplante(left) interviewsguest RuthShack.

Kendall Christian School is celebratingtheir 40th birthday with a BirthdayBash/Touch-a-Truck Day on February23rd from 10am – 2pm.Nestled on Kendall Presbyterian

Church’s 7-acre campus, on HistoricKillian Drive, Kendall Christian Schoolhas been serving our community for thepast 40 years. It will celebrate its 40thBirthday Bash on Saturday, February 23rd,with a Touch-a-Truck Day, a freecommunity event, from 10:00 am to 2:00pm, at 8485 SW 112th Street.Kids of all ages can have a safe,

up-close, hands-on experience with over30 vehicles including semi-trucks, policevehicles, an ambulance and a helicopter.Also on hand will be the Florida MarlinsMobile, K9 units fromMDPDSWAT, con-struction equipment, local food trucks andmuch more.Touch-a-Truck Day will also be a

Kendall Christian Alumni reunion.Thousands of children have enjoyed aquality Christian education over the pastfour decades. Our graduates have gone onto attend Miami’s top private schools, andmore recently the most coveted publicschool magnate programs. Many havefamilies of their own now, and KCSwouldlike to see them all come home. All KCSalumni are encouraged to come, bring the

family, and make sure to stop by theAlumni Table.If you’ve never visited, KCS encourages

you to come see what it’s all about. Thequiet, inviting campus, with its “forest” ofoak trees and cheery classrooms is like ahome-away-from-home for its students.KCS offers strong academics, a fullmusic and art program, Spanish, and achallenging science program taught in ourscience lab. KCS also boasts the latest incomputers and technology, including aniPad Lab and “smart” boards in allclassrooms grade K4 to 5th grade.But none of that means anything without

the right faculty. KCS students are taughtby a highly qualified, caring faculty, wholove what they do.Janet Franco, parent of an alumni and

4th grade teacher for over 9 years, knowswhy she does what she does. “I love toinstill the love of discovery and learning inchildren,” says Mrs. Franco. “KCS is aplace where both happen every day.”Teri Lacret, whose children also gradu-

ated from KCS, has taught science to K5through 5th grade for 7 of her 14 years atKCS. “I love teaching science,” says Mrs.Lacret, with a big contagious smile,“because it’s so exciting and interactive!And through science, I am actuallyteaching them about God and His amazing

creation.”Claudia Gonzalez, PTF President,

mother of 3, and KCS parent for the lastten years, says she loves the atmosphere atKCS. “It feels like a family,” she says.“The teachers are open and easy to talk to.They take a sincere interest in theirstudents, and that’s important to me as aparent.”At the head of Kendall Christian School

is Principal Cindy Krepcho, who came toKCS four years ago and offers over 17years of administrative experience. “It isso rewarding to lead such a dynamic team.I feel privileged to work with such an out-standing and caring faculty and staff,” saysMrs. Krepcho, who has seen the schoolthroughmany changes and improvements,especially in the area of technology. “Theschool has undergone significant changesover the last 40 years,” Mrs. Krepchoaffirms, “but our core stays the same. I’mproud to be part of this thriving ministry.”Kendall Christian School wants to

welcome you to their campus on Touch-a-Truck Day, Saturday, February 23rd. Butyou are always welcome to stop by for atour. No appointment is necessary. Thedoors are always open for those curiousabout what makes KCS truly special. CallKCS at 305-271-3723 or visit on the webat www.kendallchristian.com.

Celebrating

February 23rdfrom 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

BY ALICE FISHER

Walk for the Animals, presented

by Pet Supermarket, is scheduled for

Saturday, Feb. 23, at Bayfront Park

(301 N. Biscayne Blvd.) and is an

exciting and worthwhile activity for

the entire family and, of course,

dogs.

Walk for the Animals is the

Humane Society of Greater Miami’s

largest annual community fundrais-

er. More than 4,000 animal lovers

will gather together for a morning

filled with fun activities for dogs and

the people they own.

This year the event will be adding

an “Adoption Center,” sponsored by

Pet Supermarket, where local rescue

groups are invited to bring their pup-

pies, kittens, cats and dogs so many

loving and permanent homes can be

found. All adoptable pets will be

spayed/neutered, microchipped and

up to date with vaccines.

Miami-Dade Commissioner Sally A.

Heyman is the grand marshal and NBC6

meteorologist Ryan Phillips will emcee the

event for the fifth year. There will be fun-

filled activities for the entire family,

including all of our furry friends. Sponsors

will be offering music, games, prizes, prod-

uct samples, and great food. There will be

a special Bakery Tent filled with mouth-

watering pastries to be enjoyed with a fab-

ulous cup of Coffee Brake coffee.

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and

entertainment will be provided from

9 a.m. until noon. The one-mile stroll

around the park (with or without a

dog) begins at 10 a.m. The minimum

donation for an individual walker is

$50 and includes a Walk T-shirt, a

goodie bag and doggie bandana. Or,

form a pack (team) with your family

and friends and receive personalized

pack goodies. Big Dog Packs are for

walkers 18 years of age and older and

Proud Pup Packs are for those under

18. The Pack raising the most money

will be recognized at the event with a

special surprise.

For more Walk information, visit

<www.humanesocietymiami.org>,

or to register go to <www.firstgiv-

ing.com/hsgm>.

“Every dollar raised from the Walk

goes toward sheltering more than

300 homeless cats and dogs in our

care every day,” said Donna Tallon,

Humane Society executive director.

“In addition, the funds help support our

spay/neuter services, quality adoptions,

humane education and pet therapy.”

Humane Society invites Miamians to Walk for the Animals, Feb. 23

Thousands gathered with their pets to participate in last year’s Walk for the Animals.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


custom made drapery • valances • shutters • wood blinds • silhouetteroman shades • cornices • swags • honeycomb • solar shades

woven wood • shades • bedspreads • luminettes • pirouette

family owned • over 35 years experience • mon - fri 9-5 • sat 10-2

1999$/sq.ft.

shutter sale!With this offer. Not valid with other offersor prior purchases. offer expires1/30.13

305-255-6991

10%off

40%off

custom roman shades

labor(No COM)

With this offer. Not valid with other offersor prior purchases. offer expires1/30.13

With this offer. Not valid with other offersor prior purchases. offer expires1/30.13

up to

HunterDouglas®blinds & shades

8781 sw 132 st. miamiwww.rickandnancyswindowfashions.com


2 X 1 All Bottles of Wine and Liquor All Day LongOnly for Tables with Lunch and Dinner

Steakhouse is nowopen in Coral Gables

Argentina’s FamousALL-YOU-CAN-EAT

Authentic Argentine Steakhouse

Alhambra Towers121 Alhambra Plaza305 448 2511

Alhambra Towers121 Alhambra Plaza305 448 2511

Lunch Specials Starting at $9.90


“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

BELLYPUTTE

RS

15% OFFALL GRIPS10% OFF

Come visit Nelson,Eddy, Billy, Alfy & Alex


If you’re looking for a small car that’s

sporty and nimble and won’t steal your

money at the gas pump, then check out the

new 2013 Chevrolet Spark. It’s a sporty four-

passenger, five-door hatchback designed to

appeal to first-time buyers and city residents.

The Spark is powered by an Ecotec 1.25-

liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-

speed manual transmission and gets 38 mpg

on the highway (a plug-in electric model will

be available by early summer). Spark is

affordable, boldly styled and comes in some

fairly outrageous colors, including Salsa

Red, Jalapeño, Denim, Lemonade and

Techno Pink, as well as the more traditional

Black Granite, Silver Ice and Summit White.

Spark has excellent maneuverability and

comes with 10 standard air bags.

Spark is available in three models — LS,

1LT and 2LT — and while it looks like a

three-door hatchback, designers have clever-

ly disguised the rear doors by integrating the

handles into the C-pillar. The technique gives

Spark a sporty appearance without sacrific-

ing five-door comfort and utility. An inte-

grated spoiler over the rear hatch enhances

the appearance and improves aerodynamics

for fuel efficiency.

Up front, Spark has a prominent two-tier

grille and the Chevy bowtie logo. The

“stretched” windshield is accentuated by a

single arc roofline, while the wheels-out-

body-in stance, body-color front door han-

dles, standard 15-inch aluminum wheels and

body sides without cladding give the Spark a

sleek, almost aggressive look.

Large elliptically shaped halogen head-

lights stretch from the front fascia to the A-

pillar and the clear, polycarbonate lenses and

chrome-coated headlight bezels are sculpted

into the forward corners.

Spark’s interior complements its sporty

exterior. The motorcycle-inspired column-

mounted instrument cluster has a large, full-

color LCD screen that provides digital feed-

back to the driver. Decorative inserts in the

front door and instrument panel add a premi-

um touch, as does the ice blue ambient light-

ing and faceplates across the door pockets

and dash. Air conditioning and power win-

dows are standard.

Spark also has lots of storage space, with

numerous bins located throughout the cabin

and a cargo area of 11.4 cubic feet behind

rear seat. With the rear seat folded, there’s

31.2 cubic feet of hauling space, and the rear

seat splits 60-40 to allow long items (such as

skis) to be transported along with a rear-seat

passenger.

Spark also is loaded with the latest elec-

tronic technology. It comes with MyLink

Radio, a seven-inch color touch screen radio

capable of displaying smartphone-based

music, videos, photos and contacts for

hands-free calling. MyLink Radio comes

with embedded apps for Pandora Internet

radio, Stitcher Smart Radio and the available

BringGo full-function GPS navigation.

Pricing on the Chevy Spark starts at

$12,185, although the PEV model will cost

just under $25,000 after incentives.

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]>.

Chevy Spark is a nimble ‘get around town’ mini car

LET’S TALK CARS

Ron BeasleyAUTOMOTIVE EDITOR

Spark is a five-door hatchback with a prominent two-tier grille, a “stretched” windshield and a single arc roofline.

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

TUTORING SERVICESSubject Areas Taught:

SAT Prep (math), ACT Prep (math), GRE Prep (math), Algebra I & II, Geometry, Calculus, Statistics,

Physics, College Physics, Chemistry, Organizational Skill, Memory,

Technical Writing.

Shane Smoleny

786-367-671315 Years Experience

Office near Baptist Hospital

SERVICESSERVICES SERVICES SERVICES

HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

SERVICES

NEED ATUTOR?• Reading • Math • Language Arts • Español

Get help from the best!786.651.0862

ANDREA

SERVICES

Feb. 19 - Mar. 4, 2013

SERVICESSERVICES

BUSINESSBUSINESS HELP WANTEDREAL ESTATEBUSINESS HELP WANTEDREAL ESTATEBUSINESS

SERVICES

SERVICESSERVICES SERVICES

WANTED

HELP WANTED

WANTEDGARAGE TO

RENT OR OTHERINSIDE STORAGE

FOR CAR305-607-0137

BABYSITTER (42)

Working in daycare.Babysitting evenings

& weekends.References available.786.537.0127

��

��'��"$��%& ��'$��" #�!(

��

PAINTER•

HANDYMANCall me forestimate

786-337-2374HELP WANTED HELP WANTED

ProfessionalManicuristNeeded!

Need to rent3 chairs

$130 each.305.254.6292305.772.3823

HELP WANTEDNow hiring!New deli inPinecrest.

Kitchen help,waiters,

waitresses,cooks,

bus boys.

305-233-2377or email [email protected]

Brown Mackie College seeking

minimum Masterlevel Adjunct

Faculty to instructGeneral Educationcourses at our two

locations now located in Miramar

and Miami.Email:

[email protected]

Reading and Math • PK to Grade 6ALSO: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science

Study SkillsOrganizational Skills,

Informal TestingAt your quiet house ($60) or mine ($50)

Call 305-595-0222 or Cell 305-934-3039

MASTER TUTOR

MIAMI BEACH2 bdrm/2 bath luxury

high rise condo, corner unit with

balcony, mexican tileall over, unbelievableview, building has allamenities possible,walking distance tothe ocean, shops &restaurants. No pets.Require one year

lease. $1400/month.Call owner:

305-460-5831

- CLASSES FOR KIDS & ADULTS -

MATH INTERNET COMPUTERS PUBLIC SPEAKING EBUSINESS

Algebra, Geometry, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Email, FaceBook, Twitter, eBay, PayPal, Skype, Photoshop, Web Pages, iPhone, iPad, Kindle, Apps, Video Editing, Business Presentations.

Call us Today at 305-298-8907 IN ENGLISH EN ESPAÑOL EM PORTUGUES

Repair DoctorElectrical • Plumbing

Sprinkler & Pool PumpsLocks & Dead Bolts

Garage Door OpenersTV & Sound Systems Installs

Assembly ServicesHandyman Services

FREE ESTIMATES!!

FFrraannkk330055--221133--55996699

[email protected]

CBC 1253232

DO YOU OR A LOVED ONE NEED HELP WITHALCOHOL OR SUBSTANCE RELATED ISSUES?

Paul Merker has helpedhundreds of individualsand families

PAUL MERKER, MS, CAPAddiction TherapistConfidential Counseling

[email protected]

7600 SW 57th Ave, Suite 215South Miami, FL 33143


HOME INSURANCE RATES UP?Get Certi�ed Re-Inspection

Guaranteed to Reduce Premiums

Tropical Property Inspections305-972-9535

CGC 057001


BUSINESSBUSINESS BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS

• MARBLE & TILE INSTALLATION• ALL TYPES OF TILE REPAIRS

• COMPLETE BATHROOM REMODELING• BATHROOM/SHOWER CONVERSION

Gonzalez Tile & Marble, Inc.

LICENSED & INSUREDOVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE • FREE ESTIMATES!

TEL: 305-803-6901

Dr. Patricia BrumleyRealtor - Associate

Certified New Home SpecialistCRS - Certified Residential Specialist

SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist -sensitive to age 50+ issues and priorities

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

and Operated

TUTORINGMath, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics

BASIC MATH, ALGEBRA, GEOMETRY, TRIGONOMETRY,PRECALCULUS, CALCULUS, PHYSICS, STATISTICS,

CHEMISTRY AND STANDARDIZED TEST PREP

SECOND GRADE THROUGH COLLEGE

George: 786-512-3030Michael: 954-558-3934

Email: [email protected]

• All levels• Individual and group sessions• Online and independent courses25%

OFF


Garay Kitchens & Baths, Inc. Best prices in town!

• Traditional and Modern Designs• Solid Paints and Stains Available• Computerized Drawings• Contractor Friendly• Complete Remodeling• Free Estimates

We Build Custom CabinetsOver 20 years of experience!

Let us help you withyour cabinet needs. We offer quality

experience and serviceyou can count on!

Alex Garay 786.252.8474Email: [email protected]


FREE ESTIMATES • 305-233-0699

Licensed & Insured

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

Impact resistant Windows and DoorsHigh Performance Accordion Shutters

Hurricane Panels

CLOSED OPEN

��

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

Florida State License SCC 131150340

Miami Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties Approved

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


VEDT TE AP OPRTE APORAORARACORPP


• NCSF Certified• Reiki Master • Post Rehab Training• Functional Training for Older Adults

Sibyl Adams

All ages and fitness levels welcomeFeatured fitness blogger for seniority matters.com

A Personal Touch FitnessSensitive Personal Training

[email protected] Phone: 786.395.1588

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


9471 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY, PINECREST, FL, 33156

305-663-3000

full service, casual dining,high end sub shop

RnT Signature SALADSChopped Greek, Chopped Italian, Chopped Veggie Delight, Chopped Turkey BLT, Chopped Chef Salad,

Chopped Caesar, Lamb Gyro Chop-Chop Salad, Chopped Jerk Chicken, Chopped Thai Cobb,

Chopped Waldorf Chicken, Chopped Mediterranean Chicken, The Kitchen Sink Salad

Meatballs and Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, SaladFried Chicken, French Fries, Macaroni SaladHot Open Turkey, French Fries, Cole SlawChicken or Eggplant Parmesan, Pasta,Garlic Bread.

Family Meals serving a family of 4

Pitcher of Soda: $2.50 | Each additional person: $7.00

305-663-3000

www.RNTSignatureGrill.com

WE DELIVER & CATERWE DELIVER & CATER

only $24.99

NOW SERVING WINE AND BEER ON TAPNOW SERVING WINE AND BEER ON TAP

healthy optionsA variety of freshly cut Hot or Cold Subs wrapped inlettuce or served in a Whole Wheat sub, Multi-grain

sub or Whole Wheat Pita.

CATERING MENUSignature Six Foot Subs, Signature Jumbo Wings,Super Signature Salads, RnT Submarine Platter,

Boxed Lunches, Hot Signature Subs,RnT Signature Hot Buffet, Dessert Platters

Daily DiNNer Specials

Now serving freshly sliced RnT HotN.Y. Pastrami & Corned Beef on Rye

NOW SERVING WINE AND BEER ON TAP

Buy one Lettuce Wrapor Sub and get thesecond one half off

with purchaseof beverages.

Coupon expires: 2/28/2013

Buy any one of ourHealthy Gourmet

Chopped Salads and receive the second one

half off withpurchase of beverages.

Coupon expires: 2/28/2013


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


STATE OF THE ART BANKING

Cutler Bay20351 Old Cutler RoadCutler Bay, FL 33189-1831Phone: 305-238-0925

Coral Gables2901 S. Le Jeune RoadCoral Gables, FL 33134-6690Phone: 305-567-0600

Palmetto Bay14095 South Dixie HwyMiami, FL 33176-7222Phone: 305-256-0900

www.sunstatefl.com • State of the Art Banking

Palmetto Bay Business Associationmembers enjoyed the monthly luncheon

on February 7th at Christ Fellowship


Palmetto Bay News 2.19.2013

Documents

Transcript of Palmetto Bay News 2.19.2013