Aventura news 2.22.2012

Page 26

Page 26

AVENTURANEWS.COM

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE BY KAREN ARONOWITZ, President, United Teachers of Dade

responses that you can use interchangeably as an instant response (a requirement of this brave new world) which allows you to take some time before you answer, while still providing an answer. Try ‘em, you’ll like ‘em!

February 22 - 28, 2012

Miami-Dade County recognizes Jason Taylor with his own day

I’ll get back to you by early next week. Let me run that suggestion by the team. I see what you mean. (Ha!ha! It doesn’t mean you agree! – No, this is not part of the response! Don’t press the SEND. . .too late.) Don’t press that button! You know which one. SEND. How many of us have pressed that button in a moment of anger, a moment that is followed by ten minutes of terror and years of living with words that can never be recalled. Heck! (OK, not heck, but this is a family paper.) I can’t believe I sent that to my boss, my manager, my sister-in-law, my kid, reply all—the list goes on and on. Some of us have even gone so far as to write a second email requesting that the first email was sent in error, prompting everyone to run to read what they might have skipped. Ah, me. Life in the connected lane. Are we really saving time? We spend more time mopping up the messes we create with our instant messages than we would have spent cooling down, composing a letter, burning the letter in a can, rewriting the letter and sticking it in a drawer for later because we are out of stamps. So, in service to my fellow interconnected, intergalatic citizens, I have provided a list of

Let me think that over. (People will puzzle over this one for days.) I’m going to consult _____on that. Have you run that by legal?

Miami-Dade County Commission chair Joe A. Martinez shakes hands with retired Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Jason Taylor after presenting the athlete with a proclamation.

And finally, the coup de grace:

(Photo by Armando Rodriguez/Miami-Dade County)

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I’m required to report this to _____________________. I hope this helps! It’s no use replying faster if we end up undoing what can’t be undone and requires more work, or in the case of sisters-in-law, more frequent contact than ever before! Bye for now. I’m off to the post office for a stamp. The United Teachers of Dade represents 35,000 teachers and school support personnel in MDCPS. The union is committed to being a leader in creating public school reform, fostering a quality public education for all students and elevating the professional status of teachers, paraprofessionals, o f f i c e employees, and all school support personnel.

BY ARLEEN GOMEZ

Retired Miami Dolphins player Jason Taylor received resounding applause in Miami-Dade Commission Chambers as he was honored by county officials for his 15-year football career and service to the community. Commission chair Joe A. Martinez presented Taylor a proclamation declaring Jan. 24 as “Jason Taylor Day” in MiamiDade County. He also was commended by Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez, who gave Taylor the Key to the County, and Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, chair of the Miami-Dade Sports Commission. With a NFL career spanning 15 years, Jason Taylor spent 13 seasons in a Dolphins uniform, becoming a stellar defensive player who collected more sacks than any player in Dolphin history and a NFL record holder for career fumble-return touchdowns. Aside from his exceptional football career, Taylor is known for giving back to his community. In 2004, he established the Jason Taylor Foundation, a non-profit

organization that supports and creates programs to facilitate the personal growth and empowerment of South Florida’s underprivileged children. Since its inception, the Jason Taylor Foundation has contributed more than $2 million in programs and services to more than 40 different organizations, awarded 35 middle school students college scholarships, and annually gives 50 kids $300 back-to-school shopping sprees. Taylor graciously accepted the awards, thanking officials and the community for their support. He also congratulated and signed autographs for Miami Norland High School’s varsity football team, which was honored earlier in the morning for being Class 5A State Champions. “It was privilege to be able to honor Jason Taylor for everything he has contributed to our community,” Martinez said. “His dedication and hard work on and off the field are what makes him a role model. I am confident that whatever endeavor he takes on he will continue to do great things, especially for this community.” For more information, contact Martinez’s office at 305-375-5511.


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