OCT. 30 - NOV. 12, 2012
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State of Village Address features notable ‘firsts’ BY GARY ALAN RUSE
almetto Bay Mayor Shelley Stanczyk gave the State of the Village Address on Wednesday, Oct. 17, the 10th year the annual event has taken place, but with several notable “firsts” that added significance to the Palmetto Bay milestone. For the first time, the address took place at Village Hall instead of Palmetto Bay Village Center as it has in the past. The event also was simulcast via live-streaming video and on WBAY Channel 77. After a reception in the promenade in front of Village Hall at 6:30 p.m. that drew 250 people, the event moved inside to the council chambers for the address. Southwood Middle School Jazz Band provided cocktail hour music, The Children’s Voice sang the National Anthem and the
Village council candidates lobby voters for support
BY GRANT MILLER
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Jim Araiza addresses the audience at the Palmetto Bay Candidate Forum. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– BY RAQUEL GARCIA
Mayor Shelley Stanczyk gives the State of the Village Address. (Photo by All Star Event Photos.)
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ADDRESS, page 6
Time for village to settle with Palmer
he six candidates for the Palmetto Bay Village Council met recently in a community forum sponsored by the Palmetto Bay Village Voice. The well-attended event in the Palms Room of the Village Center ran just over two hours and was moderated by Rhonda Victor Siblia, community outreach coordinator for the Miami-Dade County Commission on Ethics and Public Trust. After the candidates introduced themselves, questions were selected from the audience on local issues such as community involvement, campaign financing, environmental concerns, police management, charter amendments, and future growth. Each candidate had two minutes to state his or her position. Beyond the spontaneous outbreak of
applause after comments made on some of the more controversial topics like campaign donation origins and the Neighborhood Protection Charter Amendment (NPCA), it was a smoothly run and amicable evening. Four out of the six candidates did not support the NPCA. District 2 candidate Jim Araiza said it would only bring more litigation to the city and there were plenty of lawsuits to deal with already. Vice mayor candidate Karyn Cunningham said although she supports the protection of neighborhoods, she was against the NPCA because it was “too political.” District 2 candidate Tim Schaffer supported it to protect “our way of life” and “give residents an opportunity to decide
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CANDIDATES, page 6
Publisher
Who will step forward to settle the Palmer Trinity issue, Palmetto Bay’s most divisive issue? The tactics of letting the courts make all the decisions have been devastating for Palmetto Bay. Will 2013 be the year where a statesman (or woman) steps forward to show some leadership and bring an end to this black cloud overhanging the village? Mayor Shelley Stanczyk failed to address Palmer at her 2012 State of the Village. It certainly is important. All we know to date is that the litigation before the Third District Court of Appeal ended very badly for Palmetto Bay with a decision that will haunt future councils and residents for many years to come. Now simply known as “the decision” the court published its opinion that the current Palmetto Bay Council (actually
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PALMER, page 6
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Oct. 30 - Nov. 12, 2012
Oct. 30 - Nov. 12, 2012
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Dog’s ‘best friend’ joins in support of Pets’ Trust
Television personality and dog trainer Cesar Millian — pictured here with Pets’ Trust spokesdog Pepe Sal — appeared in support of Pets’ Trust Miami at 101 Exhibit Art Gallery in the Design District on Oct. 15. The event, in partnership with NatGeo Mundo, included a private screening of Cesar’s new show and an exclusive art auction featuring works created by world-renowned artists. Voters will have an opportunity to vote in a straw (Photo credit: Liam Crotty Photography) ballot in support of the Pets’ Trust on Nov. 6.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Oct. 30 - Nov. 12, 2012
The main grounds of the estate will open to guests on the first Wednesday of each The Deering Estate at Cutler will offer $5 month for a reduced rate of $5 and free for after-hour admission on the first Wednesday Deering Estate Foundation of each month beginning on members. There will be limited Nov. 7 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Deering access to the buildings; only as part of its “Winter restrooms will be open. Guests Estate at Cutler Wednesdays” program. will be able to meander through will offer $5 Sometimes the most beautithe public outdoor areas and after-hour ful time on the estate is after enjoy the evening. hours. The rich colors of admission on the The Deering Estate at Cutler, evening reflect off the boat a Miami-Dade County Park, is first Wednesday turning basin, flocks of birds located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. in of each month gracefully swoop in to roost Miami. This 444-acre natural for the night in a nearby tree beginning on and archeological preserve and island, and a simple peace historic site is listed on the Nov. 7 from 5:30 takes over the historic houses. National Register of Historic to 8:30 p.m. Bring a loved one, family, Places and serves as a center for as part of its friends, a glass of wine or a education, culture and recrepicnic and join in for “Winter “Winter ation. Historic house tours are Wednesdays” on the main offered daily at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays” lawn of the estate. Chef David 3 p.m. and are free with estate program. Schwadron Catering and admission. For more informaJoanna’s Marketplace are tion on the Deering Estate’s official picnic providers for the Deering educational and cultural programs, visit Estate at Cutler. online at <www.deeringestate.org>.
Oct. 30 - Nov. 12, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Ghosts and goblins, road construction and more Michael Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR
AROUND TOWN Traffic woes... Most of you know by now of the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) construction work that is going on along US1 in Palmetto Bay from SW 136th Street to SW 168th Street, involving drainage work, replacing sidewalks, curbs, gutters and whatnot. Some lanes will be closed, some will be open, and although some of the work is scheduled to take place at night when fewer drivers are on the road, some will be done during the day, so take that into consideration during your daily commutes. And as drivers abandon US1 to avoid the construction congestion, look for the alternative roads such as Old Cutler and 87th Avenue to get more traffic. And drivers—stay calm and watch out for the kids walking to schools. Some of this will be completed in a few weeks, but the project overall is expected
to last until April of 2013. Oh, and the IBus is presently “non-operational” too. Trick or Treat for Children... Hey, if you get the kids dressed up a little early on Halloween you might want to make a stop at the Eureka East Shopping Center on SW 184th Street in the 9800 block. Candy will be given out for children in costumes from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the various shops there on Wednesday, October 31st. Eureka East Shopping Center, is on the dividing line between Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay. The event is FREE. Call 305-251-1520 for more info. Birthday salutes in the Village. There were a couple of birthdays that happened just before press time that should be mentioned. Alexandra Flinn, that notable author of Young Adult novels such as “Beastly” and “Cloaked” (and the wife of that guy named Gene who was the village’s first mayor) celebrated her birthday on Oct. 23rd. Coincidentally, Wanner Fonseca, the village cashier who started working there in April of last year after being in Parks & Recreation also celebrated his birthday on Oct. 23rd. He turned
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28. Belated birthday greetings and many happy returns to both. Dog Lovers may enjoy checking out a new website if they’d like to throw a party for their favorite pets (and maybe a few doggy friends). It’s <www.pupcakepoochparties.com>. Shannon Gault tells us that you can find everything you need to party with your best friend. “Delicious pupcakes and dog cakes and special treats all made to your dog’s liking, that taste and smell just as good as yours,” says Shannon. They also have party dresses for the girl doggies, aloha shirts for the boys, bandannas, dog themed party decorations and more. If you’re signed up for the village email newsletter, you may be hearing from someone you don’t know, according to an advisory from village staff. “This special edition e-Currents is to advise you that an individual by the name of David M. Singer has requested the list of all e-mail subscribers to our Village newsletter. Under the laws of the State of Florida, disclosure of public records is the norm unless there is a specific exemption. In the case of an email list that is accessible to the city, the e-
mail list is a public record and subject to release. Additionally, while we believe your privacy should be respected, Mr. Singer may use the list without your approval. We realize you may experience some inconvenience as a result of the release of your e-mail address; however, the Village must follow the Florida Sunshine Laws.” David M. Singer is Chief Executive Officer/CFO of Berkowitz Development Group, Inc., 2665 South Bayshore Dr., Suite 1200, Coconut Grove, FL 33133. His phone is 305-854-2800 and his e-mail address is <dsinger@berkowitzdev.com>. Thought for the Day: Rudeness is the weak man’s imitation of strength. — Eric Hoffer Gary Alan Ruse contributed to this column. Got any tips? Contact me at 305-6697355, ext. 249, or send emails to <Michael@communitynewspapers.com>.
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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
ADDRESS, from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Miami-Dade Police Honor Guard gave a spectacular presentation of colors. Phillis Oeters of Baptist Health, a sponsor of the event, gave the welcome remarks and introduced Mayor Stanczyk, who in turn introduced the village council, charter officers and village staff. Stanczyk also acknowledged visiting VIP’s such as MiamiDade County Commissioner Lynda Bell and South Miami Mayor Philip Stoddard. After a short video celebrating the 10th year of the village’s incorporation, Mayor Stanczyk began. “As you all know, Palmetto Bay was incorporated in September 2002,” Stanczyk said. “The birth of our city, like the birth of our nation, didn’t come without a fight. I’m sure former Mayor Eugene Flinn, attorney Ed Ludovici, and our current Vice Mayor Brian Pariser will be more than happy to share some of their early war stories with you.” Stanczyk went on to talk about the improvements to the park system, mentioning each park and its special attractions. Next she mentioned education. “I am very proud of our village’s schools — thanks to the dedication of our remarkable principals, administrators and parents who work so hard to make sure our children succeed,” Stanczyk said. Mayor Stanczyk praised the work of the Palmetto Bay Village Policing Unit. “Your council recently voted to help this effort by adding two police officers to the force for this fiscal year,” she said. “Once again, we have one of the best response times to calls for service — emergency and non-emergency. Commander Truitt and his dedicated officers are to be commended for this remarkable trend, year after year.” She also praised the Public Works Department, which has made significant advances in roadway improvements, traffic calming and stormwater drainage. Stanczyk said that sidewalk repairs and installations of new sidewalks would continue. The mayor promised improvements to IBus service and ongoing beautification enhancements as well. “Once again — four years in a row — we have received Tree City USA recognition and were awarded the Tree City Growth Award for our continued outstanding commitment to our tree canopy,” Stanczyk said.
She mentioned the attention that Planning and Zoning has been receiving about ordinances creating “appropriate standards” for non-residential uses in residential neighborhoods. “We love our churches and schools and we love our residents,” Stanczyk said. “We want all to be able to live in harmony. To that end, we have worked hard to create laws to protect everyone’s interests. Just as residents don’t want to be surprised when they discover a large development comes to their neighborhood, we also want to make sure that developers are not surprised by provisions of the laws that were not clear to them.” She spoke about the Code Compliance Department’s Lot Maintenance and Abandoned Properties Program, tackling foreclosed properties that have been allowed to fall into disrepair. Stanczyk said she is proud of the Art-in-Public Places program, which is managed by Planning and Zoning. Next she mentioned the Building Department and improvements there. “When we first took over this function, our average turn-around for permits was seven days for homes. Now, it is 1.28 days. The average was 15 days for businesses; now, it is 1.57 days.” Stanczyk mentioned that the millage rate has been held at 2.447 since 2009 and reminded everyone that out of their entire tax bill, only 13 percent goes to Palmetto Bay. The rest goes to county government, the public school system, South Florida Water Management District, and other services. “In this contentious world that we currently live in, our community is not immune,” Stanczyk said in closing. “I urge all of us to work together, to be respectful of each other, and to realize that while we may have different views, we can express these views with courtesy. “We all come from different backgrounds, different ethnicities, different cultures, but we are all human beings who have basically the same needs — we strive for a sense of contentment. Like any family, we may have our battles, but… in the end, we are all residents of Palmetto Bay and we share a goal — to make this village the best community to live in.”
Go Green...
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Oct. 30 - Nov. 12, 2012
CANDIDATES, from page 1 the nature of the village.” Vice mayor candidate John Dubois vociferously opposed the NPCA goals, agreeing with Araiza that they exposed the village to liability and calling it “an expansion of the principles behind the moratorium that was recently passed.” District 2 incumbent Howard Tendrich also was opposed to the NPCA because he said it diminishes the strength of the council and elected local government officials’ ability to do their job. Incumbent Vice Mayor Brian Pariser supported the NPCA. He called the liability concerns “scare tactics” and said the “community has to be protected.” When asked whether Palmetto Bay should continue contracting with the Miami-Dade Police Department, all seemed to agree the arrangement was working well, however there were different interpretations on how to handle crime. Pariser said Palmetto Bay is a low crime area and 75 percent of calls come from the “Dixie corridor” or commercial district along US1. Cunningham agreed but said neighborhood safety came up often as she was knocking on doors. She used an example of an elderly couple she went to see who just recently had experienced a break-in. They would only speak to her through a window out of fear for their safety “and I’m not really that scary” she added jokingly in one of the few lighter moments of the event. Dubois said break-ins and vandalism were big worries for residents. “Everyone I talked to knew someone affected by crime,” he said.
PALMER, from page 1
Regarding making changes to Coral Reef Park to provide lighting for evening games on the playing fields all concurred it was a bad idea, however Cunningham supported a neighborhood strategic plan to gauge community sentiment. Schaffer said more residents were using the facility so lights were unnecessary. Tendrich said for 40 years there have been no lights and the park services provided programs for all. Araiza agreed with the status quo but called the concession stand a “$1.3 million mistake.” Retired medical social worker Brenda Storch shared her thoughts on the forum afterwards. A resident for over 20 years, she said she was supporting Pariser and Schaffer. Storch’s home borders Palmer-Trinity School and she said although she lost her quality of life when the school expanded; she wants to protect her neighbors from the same fate. “My house is right next door to the school,” Storch said. “The lights shine in my windows at night, I can’t sleep and the trucks come through at 7 a.m. every morning. I’m on social security and my home is all I have. I don’t want others to go through what I went through.” Resident Joe Garcia grew up in Cutler Ridge and has been a resident of Palmetto Bay since 1993. He said the forum was informative. “I have a good understanding now of the candidates and their positions and ideas,” Garcia said. Although he is not completely decided on who he will vote for, he said he is much closer to a decision. “I’m not 100 percent sure but very close. I’m a businessman and I think I agree with both businessmen John Dubois and Jim Araiza…but Howard Tendrich is still in the running.”
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three of the five) acted either from “wishful thinking” or “more likely a willful disobedience” when the village council placed a 900student limit on Palmer Trinity School after a lower court told the city, in effect, to allow up to 1,150 students. These are words of sharp rebuke and reflect a court that grew weary of the endless litigation. Attorneys I have spoken to appear to all agree that Palmetto Bay is not going to find any warmer reception from the trial courts than it has received from the appellate court. In fact, word is out that all cases could have been settled. There could have been peace in the community. A school could have gone back with full energy and resources to teaching. A community could have begun healing and begun to move forward on more productive endeavors. I know how confident the three-person majority running the village council — Brian Pariser, Shelley Stanczyk and Joan Lindsay — were in total victory over Palmer. Unfortunately, the residents and students are stuck in the middle, having no voice and worse, no ability to influence any change in
ongoing lawsuits. As litigation observers can attest to — only settlements bring closure. The council never negotiated. Palmer won. Palmetto Bay lost both in court and in credibility in future lawsuits. Palmer now has its 1,150 students, but the lawsuits continue over the arbitrary actions of the village council in denying Palmer its property rights and a fair hearing. Lawsuits that probably were meaningless were energized by an appeal court’s published opinion giving credibility to the Palmer claims that its rights were being trampled on by a council that engaged in “willful disobedience” of prior court orders. The “wishful thinking” of Mayor Stanczyk, Vice Mayor Pariser and Councilwoman Lindsay failed badly in litigating the appeals. These same three now want to continue to litigate only tactics on to the trial courts. The residents and schools of Palmetto Bay deserve better. It is time to step forward and negotiate a reasonable settlement to the remaining lawsuits. The politicians need to know that this is not about their egos. Lawsuits should be properly managed in the best interest of the residents.
Oct. 30 - Nov. 12, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Palmetto Bay Food & Music Festival to benefit veterans
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The Palmetto Bay Food and Music Festival will take place on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at the Palmetto Bay Village Center. It is a special event not only for fun and entertainment, but also to raise awareness and funding for the local veterans support organization, Thinking of You Services. Florida Rock Stars is presenting the event to “bring the community together in a ceremony to celebrate our nation’s veterans.” Those veterans who attend will be presented with a certificate of recognition and the mayors of Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay have been invited to participate. “Florida Rock Stars can think of no greater cause than to support those special people who put their lives on the line for their country, our veterans,” said Mickey Filippucci, one of the event organizers. “We don’t think they get enough recognition for their courage and sacrifice defending our freedom. Florida Rock Stars salutes our veterans on this Veterans Day.” The upscale festival features some of the finest local Classic Rock bands in South Florida, including The Regs, Mr. Nice Guy, 3 Feet Closer, Eclipse and the X’s. In addition, gourmet food will be served up by the Food Truck Invasion, which will be rolling out 20 food trucks to provide assorted dining experiences. There will be
cash bars and numerous other vendors to add to the festival experience. Gates open at 3 p.m. and the show runs from 4 to 10:30 p.m., rain or shine. No coolers may be brought onto the grounds. Palmetto Bay Village Center is located at 18001 Old Cutler Rd. Tickets are $20 at the gate while advance tickets are $15 online at the Florida Rock Stars website. Reserved VIP tables (8 tickets) with cocktail waitress service are available for $200. For more information, visit <www.floridarockstars.com>. Florida Rock Stars is building a new local entertainment network to “connect local talent and local live entertainment venues with local communities through good music and good times.” F r e d d i e Ambrose, a veteran who with his wife founded Thinking of You Services, said he appreciates the effort Florida Rock Stars is making to help his organization. “I think that’s very commendable of them raising money for different charities and I thank them for choosing us for this particular event,” Ambrose said. “I hope everyone will come out to support us. Also, anyone who has friends, church members or family members overseas, contact us and we will send them a free care package for Christmas.” To submit names of service men and women send an email to Ambrose at <defi9@msn.com>.
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Oct. 30 - Nov. 12, 2012
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If you are one of the thousands of South Florida homeowners insured by the state-run Citizens Insurance program, you may have received a letter from them recently, or from another insurance company that you’ve probably never heard of. It is all part of a recent effort by Florida Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature to “shrink” Citizens Insurance and move policyholders to private companies. However if you threw the letters out, you will automatically be “depopulated” to a company you may know nothing about, even if you haven’t given your approval. It’s called a “Negative Option” plan and, according to a member of the group’s board of directors, it’s intentionally aimed at ousting as many policyholders as possible off Citizens’ roster. To date, 84,000 policies already have been “taken out” and it’s believed that as many as 210,000 more — mainly based in High Risk Coastal Areas of South Florida — have been earmarked for removal. The goal is reduce Citizens’ exposure and allow private companies to take over more “risk” in the event of a bad storm, but critics argue that the way the program is being enacted does not give homeowners enough information about the new companies, nor does it boost their ability to pay claims in the event of any major storm losses. To make the situation even more precarious, there’s a 30-day countdown for this recent group of homeowners “selected” for depopulation that expires on Nov. 6. In simple language, that means if you do nothing and fail to send back the proper “Opt
Out Forms” to “Say No,” you automatically will be removed from Citizens Insurance and your homeowners’ insurance coverage will be taken over by a new company. Unfortunately, Citizens Insurance offers very little about the plan on its website. As a result, many homeowners may be frustrated with the lack of information on “Just Saying No.” However, CBS4 has investigated the situation which may help you decide for yourself whether you want to accept the new coverage, or to opt out and stay with your current Citizens policy. Still, some customers like Doral’s Waldo Faura say its new plan is optional; customers can just say no…but he says that Citizens isn’t telling its customers all the details. “Absolutely not,” Faura added. “I think Citizens has been on the path to push insurance policies for the insurance companies at the expense of the insured, and this is another means and another way of doing it.” If you get a letter from a private company that wants to take over your Citizens’ coverage, you may want to check out its website for more information. I crunched the numbers and found that the plan targets approximately 200,000 policies through an automatic negative option aimed at increasing private insurance coverage. To decline the offer from a private insurer, you have to file a formal opt-out form within 30 days. If you received one of these letters from the state’s Citizens Insurance program, you must formally notify them by Nov. 6 and let them know you want to stay in the program and not be “taken over” by another company. Citizens has a special hotline set up to handle questions at 1-888-685-1555. You also can get more information from your local insurance agent. For more details on the latest “Insurance Depopulation Plan” and how it may affect your insurance coverage, go to: <www.citizensfla.com/about/depopinfo.cfm>.
Oct. 30 - Nov. 12, 2012
COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
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Several local issues also appear on Nov. 6 ballot R. Kenneth Bluh KENNETH’S COMMENTARY A word of warning: Unless you want to spend an hour or more in the voting booth, spend time at home reading the ballot that has been included, on two occasions, in the Miami Herald. Or, go online for a copy of the sample ballot found on the county’s website. Another choice is to call 305-499-8444 to request an absentee ballot. It will take you an hour or more just to read, and understand the proposed amendments to the Florida Constitution. FYI, I spent more than a day researching and preparing to write my last article on the state constitution and this one on local issues. Now, let’s look at the proposed county charter amendments. Relating to Term Limits of County Commissioners Simply stated “Shall County Commissioners serve no more than two consecutive four-year terms in office excluding terms of service prior to 2012?” Much has been written and much has been said about this subject. Many want to include terms served in the term limit amendment. Some demand including a salary increase. Certainly an increase in salary is warranted and long overdue. However the question of terms limits, in this proposed amendment, is clear and easy to understand. I recommend voting “YES.” Technical Amendments to Home Rule Charter This amendment will clarify titles of subsections of the charter, correct and update cross-references between provisions and delete references to offices and agencies that have been abolished. This will make it easier to read and understand the charter. I recommend voting “YES.”
Requiring Extraordinary Vote to Include Additional Land within the Urban Development Boundary The amendment, if passed, would require two-thirds of the county commission to approve the expansion of the UDB (Urban Development Boundary) which currently only requires a simple majority –— half plus one vote. Vote “YES.” This will reduce influence by the few commissioners who place their personal relationships over the best interests of the community. Pertaining to Changes in Municipal Boundaries and Creation of New Municipalities This amendment covers two subjects: (1) Annexation by municipalities of portions of adjacent unincorporated county and (2) the incorporation of Annexation: The amendment proposes that county commissioners “consider” the benefits of any proposed annexation of commercial areas…” I would assume that commissioners “consider” the benefits of all annexations — both commercial and residential. New municipalities: County commissioners on Aug. 23 set forth an additional method by which new municipalities can be created. Basically the county will require that 20 percent (previously 25 percent) of the registered voters in the area desiring incorporation so indicate their desire by signing petitions. Petition gatherers have six months to collect the petitions (previously 60 days). The procedure still contains many ways for members of the county commission to interfere in the process. However, on balance, this is the best opportunity parties interested in incorporation have had in the last 10 years. I recommend a “YES” vote. Penalties and Enforcement of Citizens’ Bill of Rights This amendment, if passed, would eliminate loss of office or employment if an elected official or county employee willfully violates citizens’ protection under the Citizens’ Bill of Rights?
• • VIEWPOINT • • I feel we need more enforcement, not an easing of current penalties, therefore I recommend voting “NO.” Option for Filling Mayoral or County Commissioner Vacancy This amendment contains two provisions: (1) It would extend to 90 days the current 45 days to call an election to fill the vacated seat(s) and (2) Authority to transfer certain mayoral powers to the county commission chair or other designated commissioner in the event of a vacancy or incapacity. It takes 90 days for the community to select candidates for election to the position of mayor or county commissioner in the event of a sudden death or resignation. I like this portion of the proposed amendment. However, I do not like the concept of the county commission absorbing “certain” powers in the event of incapacity. Who determines “incapacity?” As much as I like the first portion of the proposed amendment I must recommend a “NO” vote.
paying for the improvement. Obviously the vote is “YES.” Any improvement to the tennis facility, which will bring increased employment, increased revenue to the county and greater international recognition of our community, at no cost to the taxpayer, is fantastic and greatly appreciated. Non-Binding Straw Vote on Funding Improved Animal Services Programs We are being asked if we would approve increasing our county tax millage by 0.1079 to fund improved animal services. Vote “NO.” It is a good cause. And, I do love animals. But, any additional revenue we could collect must be spent on the needs of our children, our seniors and the disadvantaged members of our community.
Regarding Mayoral Conflicts in County Procurement The amendment relates to situations where the mayor declares a conflict of interest in a procurement giving authority to the county commission to exercise authority over the conflict. Too much authority by the commission over the office of mayor, who without the old style county manager position is now responsible for the management of the county government. I recommend a “NO” vote.
Non-Binding Straw Ballot on Contracting with Companies Doing Business with State Sponsors of Terrorism The law, if passed, would forbid our county from contracting with any company that is doing work in any country that is listed by our federal government as a sponsor of terrorism such as Cuba. Even if approved, I cannot see how our county government could monitor such a law. Let me ask you one simple question. Has the Italian company that is going to build replacement cars for our Metrorail system done business inside Cuba? I bet that question wasn’t asked much less thought of. How about the company that sells the county toilet paper or paper clips? Need I say more? I recommend a “NO” vote.
Structures and Modification for the Tennis Center at Crandon Park Our county charter requires an approval vote of the county voters to authorize any modifications or improvement to county structures such as the Tennis Center, regardless of the fact that the taxpayer will NOT be
We appreciate your opinions on this column whether in agreement or disagreement. Please send your comments to (fax number) 305-6626980 or email to <letters@communitynewspapers.com>. The opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of this newspaper, its editors or publisher.
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Activist’s confinement spotlights plight of homeless dogs and cats BY RAQUEL GARCIA
A few weeks have passed since local businessman Michael Rosenberg was picked up as a stray and taken into the impound truck for the ride to the Miami-Dade County Animal Services Shelter and the cage he would call home for three days and two nights. Rosenberg was the first biped in the history of the county facility for homeless and abandoned dogs and cats to spend a weekend in a cage and draw attention to the euthanizing of more than 20,000 dogs and cats each year at the Medley location. Since “The Pets’ Trust” straw ballot publicity campaign began, supporters like Gloria Estefan and Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan have rallied for the cause. “This is a historic moment for animal rights in Dade County,” Rosenberg said. “If we don’t vote, we keep killing animals like we’ve been doing for decades and if we stop we can be the model for the whole country.” What began as an invitation from Rosenberg to Animal Services director Alex Munoz to speak at the Kendall Federation of Homeowner Associations (where Rosenberg is president) led to the formation of The Pets’ Trust.
The citizen initiative’s goals are to “improve animal welfare, increase adoptions and decrease overpopulation by providing free and low-cost spay/neuter, low-cost veterinary care and educational programs.” The grassroots group succeeded in getting a non-binding referendum on the Nov. 6 ballot (#240) to ask the community to support the initiatives. If the straw ballot passes, it is then up to the Miami-Dade County Commission to approve and begin allocating resources to get things in motion. County Commissioner Sally Heyman is sponsoring the legislation. “As long as we have an excessive population of domestic pets we are never going to get in front of the mass euthanizing,” Heyman said. “When I became a commissioner 10 years ago there was no dedicated funding source for animal services; it was fines and rabies tag money. We’ve come a long way in 10 years.” According to Heyman, if the voters and commission vote yes, it will then take approximately two years and $20 million in revenue to turn the numbers around. The average homeowner’s cost would be about $10. Funding protocol and management issues would be dealt with next. She said goals
Michael Rosenberg is pictured during the second day of his voluntary confinement with homeless dogs and cats at Miami-Dade County Animal Services Shelter. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
would move step by step. “Changes will happen over a course of time. As a commission we would need an agenda so we can come up with mechanical things with The Trust and auditing and collecting money. We will not be jumping ahead but strategically planning the next steps.” “It will take a while to build,” Rosenberg said. “Unfortunately we don’t have a natural constituency that can support us. Dogs and cats don’t have money so it’s tough. If you vote ‘yes’ that’s when the key turns but don’t expect a miracle the same day.” Miracles seem to be happening already as Rosenberg said he has been amazed and impressed at the generosity and kindness Miami has to offer. “I can’t look at Miami the same way again,” Rosenberg said. “We hear such negative things about our hometown but the gen-
erosity and kindness and support this has created has blown me away. It doesn’t matter if you’re black, white, Hispanic, Buddhist, I’ve been getting calls from everybody asking ‘how can we help.’” Rosenberg said part of the challenge has been to educate people on the 120 or so animals brought into the facility daily and the ensuing 50 to 60 that are euthanized daily to make room for the latest arrivals. “The amount of animals brought to Animal Services is really a drop in the bucket. I won’t take the newborn kittens born recently on my doorstep to Animal Services because they will probably be killed and many others like me would do the same, but it doesn’t solve the problem. It’s one of those things you don’t like to think about, like your own funeral. But unlike your own funeral this is something we can solve, and we are going to solve it.”
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Local novelist wants readers to learn about Rio de Janeiro BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD
In two years the World Cup will take place in Rio de Janeiro and two years later the Olympic Summer Games. Before then, Cassia Martins wants people to know her city so she wrote a novel called Born in Rio. “I really wanted to show the world what makes Rio such a special place,” Martins said. She said the novel is a story of personal growth that develops in Rio. “I think a lot of it has a lot to do that I lived most of my adult life out of Rio,” she said. “I wanted to write an engaging story and take people through this journey of my main character, Rita.” Rita is a banker in New York who leads a hectic lifestyle. She’s lived in the Big Apple for 15 years when suddenly something happens to her mother. “She had an estranged relationship (with her mom),” Martins said. “She was drawn to come back to Florida.” Unfortunately the events don’t turn out well. When Rita finds a box of letters about her mother, what she learns takes her back to Rio. In writing Born in Rio., Martins wanted to take people to Brazil and through its customs. Although she has lived most of her adult life in the U.S., she loves her native Brazil and wants her readers to love it as well. “I really worked very hard in showing the soul of Brazil,” Martins said. “This was one of the main reasons why I wrote the story. I wanted people to see Brazil. The main character was born there but left. She sees Brazil through foreign eyes.” Martins returned to Rio to write the book. She graduated from Boston University and
Cassia Martins is pictured in front of the famous landmark statue in Rio de Janeiro.
has an MBA in marketing. When she was working on her application for Wharton School of Economics at Penn, she said it made her think about where she was and what she wanted out of life. “That’s when I first started thinking about the story,” Martins said. “When I graduated, I had the story shaped. Then it was a matter of taking the time to write it and I wrote it in nine months.” Her process was to write 700 words a day. “I was very structured. Sometimes the words were not good, but still I did it. I learned to respect myself in terms of how far I can go and how I can respect myself.” It wasn’t always easy. The days she had writer’s block were tough but she tried to relax and focus on something else. “But when I least expected it, the words would come to me,” she said. Once Born in Rio was completed, she began the process of self-publishing. She chose to use Amazon’s service Create Space because it allowed her to have control over her book. “I really like the process,” Martins said. “It was able to be out to the public pretty fast after I created the book.” Martins lives in south Miami-Dade. She came to the U.S. as a teen and her family stayed in the Miami area while she went off to get her degrees. She came back to South Florida for her family. These days, she works in finance and spends her spare time promoting her book. In fact, a signing was scheduled for late September at Books and Books and she will be at the Miami Book Fair International on Nov. 18. For more information, go to her website at <www.borninrio.com>.
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Homestead High Feeder Pattern Curriculum Expo set for Nov. 5 BY RAUL CALZADILLA JR.
Miami-Dade County Public Schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; South Region Office and Dr. Alexis Martinez, region superintendent, will be hosting a Curriculum Expo featuring all schools within the Homestead High School Feeder Pattern on Thursday, Nov. 15, 6:30 p.m., at the Homestead Community Center, 1601 N. Krome Ave. in Homestead. All current students, prospective students, their parents and community members are invited to come and learn about the innovative curriculum programs, academies, magnet programs, enrichment activi-
ties, iMAP initiatives, clubs and extracurricular activities the schools have to offer. Administrators, teachers and students will be on hand to answer questions. Student performances will be featured. Participating schools include: Robert Morgan High, Campbell Drive K-8 Center, Coconut Palm K-8, Gateway Environmental K-8 Center, Leisure City K-8 Center, Peskoe, I & B K-8 Center, Neva King Cooper Educational Center, Title I Migrant Services, and Air Base Elementary. If you want more information about this topic, contact Air Base Elementary School at 305-258-3676.
Killian High School Feeder Pattern Curriculum Expo set for Nov. 13 BY THOMAS ENNIS
Miami-Dade County Public Schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; South Region Office and Dr. Alexis Martinez, region superintendent, will be hosting a Curriculum Expo featuring all schools within the Miami Killian High School Feeder Pattern on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m., at the Miami Killian High School Gymnasium, 10655 SW 97 Ave. All current students, prospective students, their parents and community members are invited to come and learn about the innovative curriculum programs, academies, magnet programs, enrichment activities, iMAP initiatives, clubs and
extracurricular activities the schools have to offer. Administrators, teachers and students will be on hand to answer questions. Student performances will be featured. Participating schools include: Arvida Middle, Devon Aire K-8 Center, Gloria Floyd Elementary, Glades Middle, Kendale Elementary, Kenwood K-8 Center, Leewood K-8 Center, William Lehman Elementary, Miami Killian High, Snapper Creek Elementary and Sunset Park Elementary. If you want more information about this topic, contact Miami Killian High School at 305-271-3311.
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Oct. 30 - Nov. 12, 2012
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‘Miracle on 136th Street’ Parade welcomes start of holiday season
Some 20,000 spectators are expected to attend the annual Holiday Parade at The Falls. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY ALICIA WHITLEY
The Falls Shopping Center, 8888 SW 136 St., will ring in this holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 17, with the 16th annual “Miracle on 136th Street” Holiday Parade that promises to be bigger and better than ever. Local celebrities and their families will ride in one of the many vintage convertible cars during the parade, led by Parade Grand Marshal Coco Jones, star of Disney Channel’s Let it Shine movie. This year, the Holiday Parade benefits the South Dade YMCA Family Center. “The Miracle on 136th Street” Holiday Parade is attended annually by more than 20,000 residents. The parade features
marching bands, stilt walkers, clowns, vintage cars, community groups and internationally recognized costumed characters, along with the season’s first official appearance of Santa on his very own float. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and line both sides of the parade route before the 4 p.m. start. The parade route, which is located on the Boulevard in between the center and the parking lot, will start at the east end of The Falls, in front of Bloomingdale’s and traverse the entire length of the center, west to Macy’s. Activities take place from 4 to 10 p.m. For more information about The Falls, located at US 1 and SW 136th Street, call 305-255-4570 or visit online at <www.simon.com>.
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American Red Cross announces recipients of Spectrum awards
Honorees pictured are (l-r) Marina Bryant, Julie Grimes, Kathryn Q. Mikesell, Janelle Patty, Patricia Robbins, Penny Shaffer, Olga M. Ramudo, Jeanett Slesnick, Sabrina Cohen and Mary Young. Not pictured: BlueCross BlueShield of Florida Philantrhopy Award, Irene Korge. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY PATRICIA ROJAS
The American Red Cross recently introduced 11 outstanding women leaders who will be receiving the Sara Hopkins Woodruff Spectrum Awards for Women during a luncheon on Mar. 5, 2013 at the InterContinental Miami Hotel. The honorees serve as exceptional examples of the humanitarian principles of the American Red Cross: Humanity, Impartiality, Independence, Unity, Neutrality, Universality and Voluntary Service. “Spectrum” refers to the impact these women have on a broad scope of community life and also reflects the spectrum of cultures represented in our community. The 2013 Sara Hopkins Woodruff Spectrum Award for Women honorees are: BlueCross BlueShield of Florida Philanthropy Award, Irene Korge; Rosalind Ludwig Chairmen’s Award, Jeanett Slesnick; Cervera Real Estate Ambassador Award,
Penny Shaffer; Bank of America Cultural Award, Kathryn Q. Mikesell; J. N. McArthur Foundation Education Award, Mary Young; Mercantil Commercebank Entrepreneurial Award, Olga M. Ramudo; Baptist Health South Florida Healthcare Award, Sabrina Cohen; Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association Hospitality Award, Julie Grimes; The Ethel and W. George Kennedy Family Foundation Volunteerism Award, Patricia Robbins; Barbara Nelson Red Cross Service Award, Janelle Patty, and Swanee and Paul DiMare Youth Award, Marina Bryant. To purchase tickets for the Mar. 5 luncheon, or for more information on the Spectrum Awards, contact Kenia Tedesco at 305-728-2512 or send email to <Kenia.Tedesco@redcross.org>.
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Stone sculptures from Zimbabwe to be displayed at Fairchild Garden BY PAULA FERNÁNDEZ DE LOS MUROS
“Chapungu: Custom and Legend, a Culture in Stone,” soon will grace the lowlands of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden with 82 unique, hand-carved sculptures by African artists from Zimbabwe. The seven-month exhibition from Nov. 1 through May 31, 2013, will depict beautiful stone carvings of animals, families, customs, social issues and creatures of legend. Carved from opal stone, cobalt and springstone, these alluring works of art will be grouped by theme in Fairchild’s lowlands: Custom and Legend, Family, Nature and Environment, Role of Elders, Role of Women, Social Comment, The Spirit World, and Village Life. These amazing sculptures range in height from three to 10 feet and weigh between 600 and 6,000 pounds. “Each of these sculptures is a unique, one of a kind creation that the artists have produced based on their own ideas and passions,” said Roy Guthrie, Chapungu curator. Many of the 35 artists represented are from Zimbabwe’s native tribe, the Shona people. The Shona tribe believes that the “Chapungu Bird” is a good omen, bringing them protection and good fortune. Chapungu is a metaphor for the Bateleur Eagle, Terathopius ecaudatus, a powerful bird of prey that can fly up to 300 miles a day at 30 to 50 miles an hour and lives in the savannahs, open forests and semi-deserts of central and southern Africa. In addition to enjoying the exhibition, visitors and the community can create their own original sculpture with the help of a Chapungu artist in residence during one of several fiveday workshops conducted Tuesday through Saturday in a pavilion near the lowland’s palm collection. No experience is required. The $500 fee includes a sculpting stone from Zimbabwe, a set of tools to keep and instruction by prominent Zimbabwean artists. For reservations and details, call 305-6671651, ext 3322. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is dedicated to exploring, explaining and conserving the world of tropical plants. Considered the greatest tropical botanic garden in the world, Fairchild exhibits some of the tropical world’s rarest and most beautiful plants within the tapestry of an iconic landscape design. Fairchild is a one of the world’s best science, conservation and education-based gardens and a recognized international leader in both Florida and international conservation. It has conservation programs in over 20 countries throughout the tropical world including the Indonesia, South America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. Fairchild’s palm and cycad collections are considered the best collections in the world and are nationally recognized by the American
Aunt Admonishing Child by Rachel Ndandarika ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Public Gardens Association. It is also home to the American Orchid Society. The Fairchild Challenge is the largest science-based education program in the U.S. reaching more than 150,000 schoolchildren. Fairchild hosts popular events like the Chocolate, Mango, Orchid, Food and Garden, Ramble and Edible Garden Festivals, as well as an internationally acclaimed Art Program, GardenMusic Festival, concerts, plant shows and sales, and evening events and is the cultural and community hub in South Florida. Fairchild is a not-for-profit organization with 45,000 members and over 1,200 volunteers. Fairchild is located at 10901 Old Cutler Rd. in Coral Gables. Admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors, $12 for children 6-17 and free to children 5 and under and Fairchild members. Information is available at <www.fairchildgarden.org>.
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Boys and Girls Clubs to begin Christmas tree sales, Nov. 19 BY DURﾃ右 ROSS
For more than 35 years, Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been selling Christmas trees and wreaths to help bring holiday cheer into many South Florida households, and it continues this tradition. To kick off the 2012 selling season, Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade will hold a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony at the tree lot on Monday, Nov. 19, 4:30 p.m., at the Hank Kline Club, 2805 SW 32 Ave. Attending will be Santa Claus, local dignitaries and Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade representatives. The trees, beautiful Fraser firs from North Carolina, stand five to 14 feet tall and sell for $55 and up. Plain and handdecorated wreaths also will be for sale, starting at $35. One hundred percent of proceeds from the trees and wreaths sales will benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, which serves 10,000 boys and girls in Miami-DadeCounty with positive pro-
grams year-round. The tree lot is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. seven days a week from Nov. 19 to Dec. 15 (or until trees are sold out). For more information, visit online at <www.bgcmia.org>.
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‘Digging Miami:’ Free lecture at Deering Estate at Cutler BY JENNIFER TISTHAMMER
Arts & Craft Festival Saturday, November 10th • 8am-3pm Central Presbyterian Church 12455 SW 104 St. Crafts • Gifts • Food Trucks and more Free admission & free parking. 10x10 Vendor spaces $35.00, call 305-274-4007
The Deering Estate at Cutler, in partnership with the Archaeological Society of Southern Florida, presents a free lecture on the second Thursday of each month. The next lecture is scheduled for Nov. 8, 7 p.m., in the Visitor Center Auditorium at the Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 SW 72 Ave. Topic is “Digging Miami” and the presenter is Robert Carr. The pace of change of Miami since its incorporation in 1896 is staggering. Miami’s development continually erases monuments and traces of indigenous people and historic pioneers while ironically leading to archaeological treasures that have lain undiscovered for centuries. In “Digging Miami,” Carr traces the rich 11,000-year human heritage of the Miami area from its first inhabitants through the arrival of European settlers and up to the early 20th century. Carr was Dade County’s first archaeologist, later historic preservation director, and held the position at a time when redevelopment efforts unearthed dozens of
impressive archaeological sites, including the Cutler site, discovered in 1985, and the controversial Miami Circle, found in 1998. “Digging Miami” presents a unique anatomy of this fascinating city, dispelling the myth that its history is merely a century old. Currently the executive director of the Archaeological and Historical Conservancy Inc., Carr’s career spans over 30 years. As Dade County’s first archaeologist, he was instrumental in the implementation of the Historical Sites Preservation Ordinance. Carr is a prolific writer, from trade periodicals to technical reports to books. The Deering Estate at Cutler, a MiamiDade County Park, is located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. This 444-acre natural and archeological preserve and historic site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a center for education, culture and recreation. Historic house tours are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. with admission to the estate. For more information on the Deering Estate’s educational and cultural programs, visit <www.deeringestate.org>.
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Miami Science Museum’s Reptile Day scheduled Saturday, Nov. 3 BY DUREE ROSS
Reptile lovers and those who want to learn more about the intriguing creatures are invited to attend Miami Science Museum’s Reptile Day on Saturday, Nov. 3. Reptile Day will include entertaining and interactive activities about many different reptile species including: • Meet and greet with Animal Planet’s Gator Boys celebrities Chris and Ashley; • Python Control in the Everglades presentation by Shawn Heflick, host of National Geographic’s Python Hunters; • Live venomous snake handling show by Venom One; • Eyes and Ears (invasive reptile detection and reporting training) presentation by Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (ECISMA); • Alligator aquaculture presentation by Gatorama; • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission airboat display; • Live invasive reptile display by ECISMA; • Reptile artifacts from MSM Collection Vault; • Live python animal presentation by MSM herpetologist; • Turtle race; • Eat Like a Reptile by Chef Kat Duran; • Outdoor tables featuring Venom One, FWC, ECISMA, Shawn Heflick of National Geographic’s Python Hunters, Gatorama, Animal Planet’s Gator Boys celebrities Chris and Ashley and Gator Boys merchandise sale, Zoo Med prizes, Eat Like a Lizard; • Pet reptile contests: Attendees can enter
their pet reptiles in several contests for prizes. Each pet entry will receive two free admission tickets (limit one pet entry per family). • Arts & crafts activities: Activities will include a sea turtle craft, spiral snake craft, and chameleon camouflage challenge (Learn how camouflage is used as a survival technique as you color the chameleon to make it disappear into the background.); Fun-filled floor demos at Reptile Day will be: Alligator vs. Crocodile — Think you know the difference between the two? Complete venn diagram to identify the characteristics of each, then visit them in our Wildlife Center. Sea Turtle Bingo — Grab a “turtle egg” and follow the life stages of a sea turtle as you play this game of survival. Reptile Scavenger Hunt — Complete the scavenger hunt to learn more in-depth info about our reptile residents. Feeding Frenzy — Match the prey item to its reptile predator. Guess the Number of Eggs — Clutch size (the number of eggs laid in a nest) differs greatly among lizard species. Can you guess how many eggs each species lays? Lizard Personality Quiz — Lizards have interesting personalities, just like we do! Take this personality quiz to find out which lizard you fit in best with. Reptile Day is sponsored in part by Venom One, ECISMA, Gatorama, MSM Collection, Zoo Med, GEICO, Tom Crutchfield, and United Pet Group Inc. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Donald Uricchio at <duricchio@miamisci.org>.
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Animal Services to benefit from Miami Improv show BY XIOMARA MORDCOVICH
Miami Improv, 3390 Mary St. in Coconut Grove, presents “Puppies and Kittens!” on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m., offering a special night of standup comedy that is great fun for a good cause. All proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department. The show features local comedians Forrest Shaw, Lisa Corrao, John Wynn and Nery Saenz, all of whom are proud owners of adopted pets. Tickets are only $15 and can be purchased online at <www.laughstub.com/buyTicket.cfm?showTimingID= 177735&buy>. “How often can you say that your fun night out on the town is actually doing something good for society?” said Lisa Corrao, comedian and organizer of event. “Tickets get people an evening at the best comedy club in Miami with some of the top stand-up comics in Florida, all while helping to save puppies and kittens. It’s a win-win situation.”
“Tickets get people an evening at the best comedy club in Miami with some of the top stand-up comics in Florida, all while helping to save puppies and kittens. It’s a win-win situation.” — L i s a C o rr a o c o m e d i a n a n d o rg a n i z e r o f Each year, Animal Services receives over 30,000 pets. The goal of this event, as with any event in which the department participates, is to increase pet adoptions and community awareness and involvement with the shelter. For more information, visit <www.miamidade.gov/animals> or call 3-1-1.
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Luncheon event to benefit therapeutic riding center BY ROBERT HAMILTON
Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding lessons to people with disabilities, will host the First Annual Shoe Fairies Luncheon on Sunday, Nov. 4, noon-3 p.m., at 8500 SW 182 St. in Palmetto Bay. Participants can register online at <www.shoefairies.eventbright.com>. The Shoe Fairies Luncheon, co-chaired by Linda Peterson and Helen Picard, will reach out to more than 100 women in an effort to raise funds to support equine assisted therapy programs for hundreds of affected children and adults as well as local veterans returning from war with PSTD and social disabilities. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on select items offered through a silent auction as well as participate in an early holiday shopping event with local vendors. The afternoon also will feature a fashion show courtesy of Cocoa Couture and a luncheon by Relish Miami. “In its first year of operation, Whispering
Manes has positively impacted the lives of dozens of Miami-Dade children with muscular and cognitive disorders,” Picard said. “We are confident that with the enthusiastic participation of women from our community, we will be able to extend the programs to many more affected children and local veterans.” The Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center is located in the heart of Horse Country in Kendall. Its mission is to benefit children and adults with special needs or disabilities by offering them the opportunity to interact with dedicated horses in a manner that promotes physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Through programs at Whispering Manes people can develop therapeutic relationships with horses, crossing boundaries of speech and physical disabilities in a way that encourages healing and improved self-esteem. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information about the First Annual Shoe Fairies Luncheon or to register or donate online, visit online at <www.whisperingmanes.org>.
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Hormones — for KEEPS! BY SONIA MARTINEZ, RPH
The results of the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) were released at the 23rd annual meeting of the North American Menopause Society in October 2012. The conclusion: Bio-identical hormones (estradiol and micronized progesterone) - started soon after the start of menopause - improved depression, anxiety, and cognitive function in healthy women. But, perhaps most importantly, bio-identical hormones did this without posing any cardiovascular disease risk, and were shown to be superior to synthetic conjugated equine estrogens (CEE). CEE are the form of hormones that were used in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), a large government-sponsored study which found an increased risk of breast cancer associated with CEE, leading many women and health care professionals to seek information on options such as bioidentical hormones.
Photo by Ella Woodson Sonia Martinez, RPH - Marco Drugs
Marco Drugs and Compounding will provide you with compounded medications prepared with the highest standards and with high quality bulk materials, traditional prescriptions and high grade nutraceuticals, supplements and multivitamins. We provide to you health information in a clean, comfortable, fun and safe environment. Make us your doorway to total health. Marco Drugs & Compounding is located at 6627 South Dixie Highway, Tel: 305-665-4411 • Fax: 305-663-3258 Email:marcodrugs@bellsouth.net <www.marcodrugs.com> This article is intended to provide information on healthrelated matters. The ideas expressed cannot be used to diagnose or treat individual health problems and should not be taken as medical advice or instruction.
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Prostate Cancer: The second leading cause of death in men BY SANJAY RAZDAN, MD, MCH
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 241,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States this year, and more than 28,000 men will die of the disease. With these startling statistics, it is important for men and their families to be aware of the disease, understand who is most at risk and what they can do today to lower their chances of battling prostate cancer. What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer refers to abnormal cells in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate is situated just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. A normal prostate is about the size of a walnut. Who is at risk for p rostate cancer? Prostate cancer can affect men of any age but it is most common in men over the age of 50. Eight out of 10 men who suffer from prostate cancer are over the age of 65. African-American men are at higher risk as well as men with a family history of the disease. Men who eat a high-fat diet or who are obese also may have increased chances of getting prostate cancer. What can be done to lower the risk of getting the disease? While researchers continue to study the effect of diet and other lifestyle factors on a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer, there are some changes that may be associated with a decreased risk of the disease. Men are encouraged to eat a diet low in fat, especially animal fat, and include more fruits and vegetables. According to the National Cancer Institute, studies show that a diet high in dairy products and calcium also may be linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, although the increase may be small. What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? In most cases, early stage prostate cancer does not produce any symptoms, but they may begin to appear as the cancer grows. Symptoms include: Difficulty starting to urinate;
Less force to the stream of urine; Frequent urination, especially during the night; Pain while urinating; Blood or pus in the urine; Pain in hip, lower back or lower part of the pelvis, and Unintended weight loss and/or loss of appetite. What types of options are available to t reat prostate cancer? Prostate cancer can be treated successfully if it is caught early, before it spreads to other parts of the body. One treatment option for patients at Jackson South Community Hospital is the daVinci S Robotic Surgical System, which allows the surgeon to perform minimally invasive procedures, such as removal of the prostate, in hard-to-reach areas with more precision. Because this technology is less invasive than other surgical options, patients experience minimal pain, less blood loss and a smaller risk of infection. Patients undergoing this procedure can expect an excellent chance of being cured with a return to normal activities within days. In some cases, the surgery may be an outpatient procedure. In the majority of cases, patients are not troubled with incontinence or impotence. How can men learn more about p rostate cancer and the various treatment options? The Urology Center of Excellence at Jackson South Hospital is a resource for state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and treatment for prostate and other urologic problems. We’re always innovating and on the leading edge of developing the latest techniques for beating cancer, improving urinary function and restoring sexual function. For more information or to schedule an appointment call the Urology Center of Excellence at Jackson South at 305-5472364 or visit the Jackson Health System website at <www.jhsmiami.org>. Sanjay Razdan, MD, MCh, is the director of Jackson South Hospital’s Urology Center of Excellence. Dr. Razdan, who is well known for his expertise in advanced surgical procedures in endourology and urologic cancer, was one of the first urologists in Miami-Dade County to perform radical prostatectomy procedures with the daVinci S robotic Surgical System.
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Having a conversation about Long Term Care Needs By Laura Traeger Having a conversation to think through long term care needs helps you evaluate how a loved one’s long term care needs may impact their or your financial security. Almost 40% of people believe they will need long term care, yet most people don’t take action until something happens. This puts you at a disadvantage due to a pre-existing condition and may cause family members to make spur of the moment, emotional and uninformed decisions. Having honest conversations can reduce stress and allow everyone to make decisions more comfortable later. What would you do if you received a call today regarding a family member who required immediate long term care assistance? 73% of people cannot answer that question. If you as an adult child have these concerns on your mind, chances are your parents do too. Most people are five times more concerned about being a burden to their family than they are of dying. Seniors want to be able to afford quality care in a setting they chose as well as protect their spouse and loved one’s quality of life. One survey found the national median for a year of nursing home care to be $77,000 and the cost for an inhome licensed home health care aide to be $19.00 per hour. Part of retirement strategy should include planning for long term care. What are your options? Public Programs Many people feel the government will pay for long term care expenses. Medicare generally covers a skilled nursing facility after a hospital stay of at least 3 days, for a limited amount of time. Medicaid contributes towards care but requires the savings you’ve worked hard for to be spent down. Private/Family Support You may look to family and friends to provide care. This decision may require moving closer to where these individuals live. Consideration must be given to whether they have the time, ability and physical and financial resources to provide care. Self-Funding You may also assume the primary financial risk for your long term care costs. Review the cost of care in your area and consider inflation. This will help you determine the amount of savings that should be set aside for long term care. Long Term Care Insurance Long term care insurance is designed to help reimburse the cost of skilled or custodial nursing care in your home or in a facility. It provides a pool of money if you are unable to perform two of your daily living activities such as eating, dressing, getting in and out of bed, bathing or if you suffer from a cognitive impairment. Sometimes this coverage is available through your employer. If not speak to a professional who can help guide you through the process of selecting the right policy to fit your needs.
For more information on how to get this conversation started, email: ltraeger@kahn-carlin.com. You can also find more information at www.longtermcare.gov
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Oct. 30 - Nov. 12, 2012
Foundation seeks residents’ help in making Miami better BY JEANMARIE C. FERRARA
The Miami Foundation is on a quest to help the residents of metropolitan Miami achieve a more rewarding quality of life and love for their city — and needs their help to achieve it. “We asked: ‘What can we do to make our place, our city, more attractive to an increasingly mobile and global society?’” said Javier Alberto Soto, president of The Miami Foundation. “Our answer: We will marshal our foundation’s $160 million in financial resources to help target initiatives that will measurably improve MiamiDade’s quality of life.” The foundation has mapped out a strategy in “Our Miami: Soul of the City,” a new initiative that is the result of research that compares how Miamians feel about their community with statistics reflecting how the community actually performs. The foundation will use the information to advance public policy and support community projects, including programs that promote college degree attainment, attract the best and brightest young talent to Miami and create a stronger sense of community. “We believe intuitively — and our research confirms — that younger
Miami skyline
Miamians hold the key to our future success,” Soto said. “The leaders of tomorrow are today’s recent graduates, young professionals and emerging creative class. But we must ensure that these leaders of tomorrow make their homes and their livelihoods here today. Our Miami is the starting point to make that happen,” he added. “This body of research has helped us identify the community’s needs,” said Nancy Jones, vice president for development and communications at The Miami Foundation. “Our financial resources however are only one piece of the solution. We need participa-
tion and input from the community to be effective in addressing these issues. “Our board of directors and staff have been steadfast in their commitment to making this a game-changing project. Nobody needs a report that will sit on a shelf,” she added. Jones said a good place to start is with the interactive website at ourmiami.org. The website’s colorful graphics illustrate research findings about how Miamians feel and how we perform in the economy, education, leadership, safety, social life, openness, aesthetics, and basic services. “You can also find a interactive quiz and discover what attaches you to Miami,” Jones said. The website also will serve as the hub for people to submit ideas on how to make their Miami neighborhood better. The foundation will use the ideas for making grants to individuals and organizations to carry out neighborhood projects. “There is one caveat to these grants. You can’t do it alone. You have to mobilize a group of people to work together,” Soto said. Our Miami stems from a three-year study, called Soul of the Community, which was funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Soul of the Community surveyed residents of metropolitan Miami and 25 other cities nationwide to explore what they like most about where they live and
which factors play the biggest roles in connecting people to their place. Perhaps more importantly, the study looked at how those factors contribute to the local economy. The Knight Foundation study found that beautiful natural surroundings, great weather, social openness, a thriving arts scene, night-life, good educational systems and job opportunities, among others, are the attributes that make people love Miami most. In turn, when people love where they live they develop strong pride in their community, a positive outlook on its future and the community thrives economically. The Miami Foundation reached into its own back yard by commissioning Florida International University researchers, who evaluated the areas of community attachment in greater depth. The research found several areas of discrepancy, such as the perception that public schools provide poor quality education. Instead, research proves Miami-Dade County high schools outpace peers in Florida for their programs aimed at increasing AP courses, especially among traditionally underserved students. “If more people like living in Miami, then they are more likely to put down roots and become civically engaged. This creates community stability and economic success. Therefore, it makes sense for us to invest in and strengthen those things that attach Miamians to the community,” Soto said.
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Author bases her latest novel on life aboard dad’s sailboat BY ROBERT HAMILTON
Former Coconut Grove resident and novelist Ann Lee Miller has incorporated her eye-rolling adolescent years living aboard a sailboat at Dinner Key Marina into her second novel, The Art of My Life, which launched Sept. 25. As an 11-year-old, Miller’s moving aboard the Annie Lee warranted little more than a yawn. “My dad, a dead ringer for Willie Nelson, had already packed the family into a VW van for a year to pan for gold out West and in Mexico, pitched us a tent on a St. John beach in the Virgin Islands, and built a dinghy in our 27th Avenue and 11th Street rental house he had to dismantle to get out the door,” Miller said. Her father, Dick Fetterman’s, second boat — a 36-foot yawl — he built in the yard out of plywood and fiberglass. Miller watched the boat take shape from skeleton to upside down ark to floatable RV during her elementary years at the old Shenandoah Elementary School. Familiarity made hauling the yawl by crane to the Miami River and moving aboard seem like no big deal. Miller slept in the aft cabin beside a pile of lumber, terrorized by a spider the size of her hand and a spare palmetto bug months. Perhaps, just maybe, her or two. Every mornfamily drama wasn’t the boat’s ing she tore down the fault. But, according to Miller, the dock on her bike, boat did become the crucible that “rattling the teeth out broke her parents’ marriage. of my head,” to Saint Still, she recalls positives from Hugh’s Catholic the ages 11, 12 and 13 at the mariSchool. It was 1969na. Her family rescued an injured 71, and passed-out turtle the size of a car tire and hippies littered nursed it back to health in the cockBayfront Park’s pit of the Annie Lee. Her father benches. Hair played Ann Lee Miller taught her and all the other “dock in the Coconut Grove –––––––––––––––––––– rats” life skills like how to open a Playhouse where the actors performed naked. The cool, quiet coconut with a hammer and screw driver lower level of the Coconut Grove Library, without spilling the milk, filet a fish by shrouded in swaying greenery, became sticking your fingers into the eye sockets Miller’s sanctuary, the place she escaped for a good grip, and rub a blow fish’s stomach till it puffed up, then throw it back into into fiction. In the afternoons she shimmied into her the bay to deflate and swim away. On weekends Miller’s family putted into bathing suit, cannon-balled off the end of Pier 1, looked both ways, and dodged boat Biscayne Bay with a 10-horse Johnson outboard, then raised sail on mismatched traffic to the nearby island. “I thought my life was unremarkable masts, one aluminum, one wood. Of sailing, Miller said, “I was bored silly because every other kid at the marina lived and snacked on powdered eggs and grilled it, too,” Miller said. She calls the 36-foot sailboat an aquacul- peanut butter sandwiches while Mom and I ture for mold and dysfunction that launched read Gone With The Wind aloud — she her — in lieu of therapy — into writing. But skipping the racy parts; I ferreting them out more telling is the fact that sailboats appear later.” Buoys made her folks crazy. Miller’s in all four of her completed novels — two more books will debut within the next six father knew “red right returning,” but he
FOOTNOTES
was colorblind. Her mother recognized colors, but not what they meant. So, Miller got handy with the depth sounder — a long mop handle with notches carved at foot intervals. Once, the pole stuck in seaweed and mud with Miller attached. She screamed bloody murder as the Annie Lee sailed off. Since her father had captained the University of Miami’s swim team in college, “I darn sure knew how to swim. But boy howdy was he PO-ed when he had to fetch me from the shallows.” Miller’s younger brother, Richard James “R.J.” Fetterman Jr., a surfer who settled on Maui, hadn’t completed his swimming indoctrination when the family moved aboard and still ran around the dock with a Styrofoam football on a belt circling his waist. Every month or so, their father hacked off another slice of the thing till her brother could swim on his own. R.J., who still says these were the best years of his life, rode his tricycle full-tilt off the end of the dock. A fully clothed stranger jumped in to fish him out. Their dad had to dive for the trike. The next time R.J. cycled off the end of the pier, their father went after him, and the tricycle stayed at the bottom of the bay. Even at her snottiest, Miller said, she couldn’t help being grateful for pram sailing lessons she took adjacent to Bayfront Park where she picked up the much appreciated life skill of capsizing — one she has indulged many times. The actual going over didn’t thrill her. What she loved was standing on the dagger board, flipping the mast upright, and watching water sluice off the sail. Her sailing companions have failed to share her fascination. Staying up late, armed with nets and spotlights when the shrimp were running, did have its appeal. But the 11-, 12-, and 13year-old Miller whined about picking fish bones out of her spaghetti, wearing zinc oxide as a second skin, and never-ending
boat chores. “If I’d known I was living the swan song of my parents’ marriage, making lifelong friends, packing memories like a thousand sea sponges into a dock box — maybe I would have rolled my eyes less and said ‘thank you’ more,” Miller concluded. Today she’s saying thank you by penning novels that capture life aboard ship. Miller’s new book, The Art of My Life, chronicles a guy trying to get his charter sailing business off the ground. The novel is available in e-formats at Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, and Smashwords.com. Paperback versions can be purchased at Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com. About the novel: Cal walked out of jail and into a second chance at winning Aly with his grandma’s beater sailboat and a reclaimed dream of sailing charters. Aly has the business smarts, strings to a startup loan, and heart he never should have broken. He has got squat. Unless you count enough original art to stock a monster rummage sale and an affection for weed. But he had only ever loved Aly. That had to count for something. Aly needed a guy who owned yard tools, tires worth rotating, and a voter’s registration card. He’d be that guy or die trying. For anyone who has ever struggled to measure up — and failed. About the author: Ann Lee Miller earned a BA in creative writing from Ashland (OH) University and writes full-time in Phoenix, but left her heart in New Smyrna Beach, where she grew up. She loves speaking to young adults and guest lectures on writing at several Arizona colleges. When she isn’t writing or muddling through some crisis — real or imagined — you’ll find her hiking in the Superstition Mountains with her husband or meddling in her kids’ lives. For more information visit online at AnnLeeMiller.com.
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Bestselling author to teach writing to tweens and teens BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD
Libba Bray, whose new book The Diviners recently hit the shelves, will be a featured author during the 2012 Miami Book Fair International Literary Encounters program on Friday, Nov. 16. Bray won the Printz Award, the award for best YA (Young Adult) for her book, Going Bovine, about a boy with Mad Cow disease. Bray’s books all have hit the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. She will be teaching five writing seminars for 500 teens. “I’m going to give them life lesson, like make sure you always have toilet paper or tissues in your purse,” she joked. She said that when she teaches teens about writing, she has a favorite exercise that includes improv. “We get up and build a story together. It involves audience participation. It’s a more involved, fun thing. If we have time, then we get to go through it twice.” After that, Bray takes questions from the students. “I always tell them they can ask me anything they want to talk about, whether its
Libba Bray (Photo credit: Vania Stoyanova) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
writing, publishing or life. I like the students to be driving the bus as much as possible.”
The book fair begins Nov. 11 and the street fair is Nov. 16-18. While the book fair features a huge variety of books, it has expanded its programming for children. The children’s program has been renamed “Generation Genius.” The idea is that children should not only have fun when going to the book fair, but they should learn. The Literary Encounters are expected to draw 1,122 students on Thursday from 25 different schools and 4,069 on Friday from 80 different schools. Some authors also will be sent to 45 schools on Thursday and Friday. “We expanded the number of days that we have programs for students,” said Lissette Mendez, creator of the Generation Genius programs. “When we first started out, it was only on Friday that we had students come and there were only three authors. We’ve expanded the number of days. We have eight authors on Thursday making presentations. On Friday we have 15.” The kids are bused in for the sessions. In some instances, the schools pay for the buses, and in other cases the book fair pays. “We have five sessions in each grade
group,” Mendez said. “There are five different high school authors. They pick one that day to be the official author. She [Bray] is doing that presentation for 500 students.” The book fair provides programming for students of all ages. The author encounters is one of the oldest programs provided by the book fair, as is the Children’s Alley. But the focus of the programs is changing. “In the past, what we’ve done is dedicated a venue to a book or a concept,” Mendez said. “Instead of saying this is going to the Wizard of Oz, for example, this is going to be dedicated to science. It’s one of the subject areas that kids learn.” Other featured areas will be music, art, history and culture, and anthropology. The book fair also has the Generation Genius Reads program, which distributes 3,500 books to children. This year the Kindergarten First Grade titles are How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills and Otto the Book Bear by Katie Cleminson. Last year, the Center for Literary Arts distributed 17,536 books to children. “That’s part of what we’re doing; we’re getting books in the hands of the student,” Mendez said.
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School visits top agenda for bestselling fantasy author BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD
It isn’t often that students in Miami-Dade County get the chance to meet a bestselling author. But many will be able to do so Nov. 7 and 8 when Cinda Williams Chima, the author of The Crimson Crown, comes to Miami. On Nov. 8, at 4 p.m., she will be at Books and Books in Coral Gables for an informal meet-and-greet while she signs books. “I really wanted to have a public opportunity to meet readers,” Chima said. She said she expects to do two or three schools in a day. “When I work with a publisher to visit schools, it’s usually one presentation in a school,” she said. “People can come to the store that afternoon or pre-order the book and have it signed while I’m there.” Chima’s latest book, The Crimson Crown, was released Oct. 23. It is the fourth book in The Seven Realms series. “There are some people who still think it’s a trilogy,” Chima said. “I still see reviews on Goodreads, why did it end like that? If the end of Gray Wolf Throne left you hanging, there is one more book!” Chima laughed and said some people who don’t like to read series until they are done started the series and weren’t happy about having to wait for the fourth book to come out. The books have been spaced about a year apart. “The story is about Hans and Raisa. There will be some surprises,” she said. “My 20something son who is a very smart reader, he called me and said, Cinda Williams Chima ‘Mom, I did not see –––––––––––––––– this coming.’” She adapted the setting of The Seven Realms series from an adult series she wrote that didn’t sell. “When I focused on YA, I realized I already created a world and characters I loved,” she said. “I took some of the characters I know from the adult series and took them back to what they would have been at 16 and 17.” The setting works so well, readers often tell her they cannot believe how detailed and real the world is. “I spent a lot of time on it. I’ve written hundreds of words in my adult novels and now hundreds and thousands of words in
FOOTNOTES
YA,” Chima said. “I know the world really well and I hope it comes across on the page.” Chima also is known for her Heir Chronicles series, starting with The Warrior Heir, The Wizard Heir, and The Dragon Heir. It continues to be so popular that she’s now writing sequels. “I’m under contract to write two more books in the Heir series,” she said. “They asked if I would be willing to write two more. I’m finally having fun with it. It was hard to go back and get my head into it.” Chima writes every day but she also has times when she sprints through to reach her deadline. She has a daily word goal, usually 1,000 words a day — which is about four pages. Keeping to that goal will get her to 30,000 words a month. This spring, however, she wrote 95,000 words in three months. “Another writer once said, ‘I can fix anything but a blank page,’” Chima said. “Once you have it down you can make it pretty.” Chima will be at Books and Books, 265 Aragon Ave., on Thursday, Nov. 8, at 4 p.m. For information, call 302-442-4408 or go online to <www.booksandbooks.com>.
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Richard S. Kalski, M.D. is the vision correction specialist... where patients can receive the treatment they need Residents of our county are fortunate to have access to one of the latest and most accurate laser treatments for cataract, corneal and refractive surgeries in the world. In the skilled hands of ophthalmologist Dr. Richard S. Kalski, patients can receive the treatment they need from the LenSX laser by Alcon at a state of the art facility, the South Florida Surgery Center, located on SW 70 St in South Miami. Dr. Kalski, a native of Cleveland, Ohio is a physician who believes in arming his patients with information, providing a complete packet about his services, what to expect during and after surgery, and even a video on his website in which his patients describe their experiences with eye surgery. His treatment includes pre- and postoperative personal phone calls to each patient. Cataracts, something that may be on the increase as Baby Boomers age, are generally the consequence of surviving a certain number ofbirthdays. Witness the famous Impressionist artist Claude Monet (1840 – 1926), whose vision was severely
impacted by cataracts, after the age of 72; some believe they interfered with his ability to accurately see color from 1915 on. Today, modern techniques in cataract surgery and intraocular lens replacement would have made Monet’s eye troubles easy to remedy. Dr. Kalski says that cataracts are a matter of “when,” not “if.” The issue about them is that surgery is only necessary when the condition greatly hampers one’s ability to see clearly, a la Monet. The approval by the FDA of foldable artificial lenses (intraocular lens or IOL) in the 1990s moved the treatment of cataracts into a realm that was much better for the patient with healing time being greatly reduced. With the invention and approval of the Alcon LenSX in the United States, cataract and other surgeries are safer, smaller incisions are required and can self-heal without suturing, healing time for the patient is reduced and there is much less swelling as a result of the procedure. Because the equipment relies on discrete patient information entered by the doctor, the solutions Dr. Kalski believes in aiming patients with information. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
are custom tailored for each patient. Results are extremely accurate and certain routine maneuvers are easily replicated, thanks to this state of the art equipment and the skilled hands of an ophthalmologist like Dr. Kalski. Another major improvement in artificial lenses is their ability to solve certain vision challenges such as astigmatism and other issues that may require glasses or contacts. These premium lenses are available and decisions about choosing one over the other should be made in consultation with the doctor. Dr. Richard Kalski is a board certified
ophthalmologist who is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and performed his residency at CWR’s Ophthalmology program. Also, he is the recipient of the “Physician’s Recognition Award in Continuing Education” from the American Medical Association and has published and presented his work worldwide. He may be reached at 305-665-2023 and his medical office, Vision Correction Specialist, is located in Kendall at 7000 SW 97 Avenue, Suite 114. For additional information, feel free to go to: www.kalskivision.com
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‘4 Downs for Finance’ essay contest features wide receiver Davone Bess BY AMY HOFFMAN
Dolphins wide receiver Davone Bess and BankUnited, one of the largest banks headquartered in Florida, are teaming up to promote financial literacy among South Florida’s youth with the second annual “4 Downs for Finance,” which kicked off in September. Through Monday, Dec. 3, students ages 13-18 in Florida can register online at <www.4downsforfinance.com> to access age-appropriate money tips and submit an essay telling why they think saving is important. During each gameday radio broadcast throughout the regular football season, one winner will be announced live on the radio and will win a football autographed by Bess. At the conclusion of the season one lucky grand prize winner will be chosen from the weekly winners to receive a $1,000 cash prize and an opportunity to meet Bess. “BankUnited is happy to team up with Davone Bess again this year to help teach Florida’s youth about the importance of
saving money,” said John Kanas, chair, president and CEO of BankUnited. “Positive messages about earning, spending and saving money, when instilled at a young age, can help form healthy financial habits later in life, setting our community’s young people on a path of financial success.” As part of “4 Downs for Finance,” BankUnited and Bess share money tips with youth such as: • Earn money by getting a part-time job or helping mom and dad around the house. • Save part of what you earn, at least 10 percent. • Save a portion of monetary gifts you receive for holidays and birthday gifts, at least 10 percent. • Open a savings account for the money you save and deposit it as soon as possible to avoid spending it. • Set a savings goal. Be ambitious enough that you have to work for it but realistic enough that the goal is achievable. For more money tips or to register for “4 Downs for Finance” visit www.4downsforfinance.com.
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Catch some ‘ZZZ’s by the Sea’ at Miami Seaquarium campout BY MARITZA ARCEO-LOPEZ
Miami Seaquarium welcomes marine adventures for the whole family with the new “ZZZ’s by the Sea” family campout on Saturday, Nov. 10, through Sunday, Nov. 11. Families are welcome to camp under the stars to watch the night sky light up while participating in an exciting oceanic journey throughout the day. Featured activities include a behindthe-scenes look at the park, exploring all there is about marine life, and lessons on conservation. The two-day event offers science presentations, marine mammal shows, breakfast, lunch, snacks and much more. Families also will have the opportunity to explore a variety of marine creatures by
booking one of the many interaction sessions with manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, sea lions and more. All participating families will need to bring a family tent and camping equipment. The cost is $50 per participant. A minimum of two people is required to reserve a camping area. A non-refundable $100 deposit is required before Oct. 19. For more information call 305-3615705, ext 520. Miami Seaquarium, South Florida’s most popular tourist attraction, is a familyoriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $39.95 and $29.95 for children (ages 3-9). More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at <www.miamiseaquarium.com>.
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Miami International Auto Show promises a whole new ride BY MELISSA NOBLES
Big changes are in store this year for fans of the South Florida International Auto Show. Most notably, the show will officially change its name to the Miami International Auto Show (MIAS), paying homage to the alluring destination it has called home for the last 42 years. The show also will be sporting a whole new look, complete with new exhibits and interactive elements, when it opens on Nov. 9 for its annual 10-day run at the Miami Beach Convention Center. “We are so excited to unveil the new features of the Miami International Auto Show, and feel the name now truly reflects the culture and history of this time-honored South Beach event,” said Mario Murgado, chair of the Miami International Auto Show. Among the new exhibits planned for this year’s show is Eco Experience, which will educate environmentally conscious consumers with cutting-edge displays focused on renewable energy and alternative fuel vehicles. Show-goers also will be able to experience select electric cars inside on the main show floor, during a first-time-ever
This 1956 Chrysler Windsor Newport is one of the cars featured in the Havana Classics section of Memory Lane. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
inside track event. The redesigned show debuts its first ever “Topless in Miami” exhibit, presented in partnership with the Southern Automotive Media Association (SAMA). This unique showcase will allow guests to fully experience a convertible car in a picturesque Miami environment, while never leaving the showroom floor. Recognizing the impact of social media, the 2012 show will offer the hundreds of thousands of show attendees an opportuni-
ty to connect and interact with each other in real time via Twitter. Prominent screens will be displayed at high traffic points across the show floor, encouraging visitors to engage in a conversation about their experience at the Miami Show. In addition to the new exhibits, showgoers can expect to see returning favorites such as Memory Lane, which will feature American muscle vehicles and a special exhibit showcasing classic automobiles from Havana. In Million Dollar Alley, vis-
itors can fantasize about their ultimate joy toy, a six-figure motorcar. Camp Jeep and an outside test drive program will put visitors behind the wheel of popular new models. “As always at this auto show, car enthusiasts and the general public alike can see and experience hundreds of new cars up close and personal, all under one roof,” Murgado said. “It’s a once-a-year chance to get a glimpse of the newest models and to see what the future of the industry will hold.” Each year, approximately 40 major auto manufacturers fill the hall with several hundred new cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs, making this event one of America’s top five in attendance. The South Florida Automobile Dealers Association, which today comprises more than 190 dealerships in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties, has been the official sponsor of the South Florida International Auto Show since its inception in 1971. For more information on this year’s event, contact show coordinator Cliff Ray at 305-981-1448 or visit the auto show’s website at <www.sfliautoshow.com>.
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Meet and mingle with baseball Doral Buick GMC makes greats on 2012-13 MSC cruises buying an auto simple BY CHERYL FENSKE
Baseball fans will have the opportunity of a lifetime to cruise with baseball legends representing leading teams on select 201213 Caribbean sailings of MSC Poesia. Guests can interact with former Major League Baseball stars as they sail to incredible Caribbean destinations onboard MSC Poesia on several “Baseball Greats” theme cruises. This is the ninth year MSC Cruises has hosted these popular cruises with a changing lineup of players. Host and emcee for all of the onboard activities on each cruise is former New York Yankees star pitcher Stan Bahnsen. “Baseball Greats” cruises offer free guest/player activities including a playerhosted trivia game, a question-and-answer session, a guest pitching contest and a lively storytelling session. Baseball players host hitting, fielding, base running, and defense strategy clinics. A free autograph session is one of the most popular aspects of the “Baseball Greats” experience. These Caribbean cruises sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale and feature the following itineraries and baseball greats (the lineup of participating players is subject to change): • 10-night “Southern Caribbean Dream,” calling at San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. John’s, Antigua; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Roseau, Dominica; Philipsburg, St. Maarten, and Freepost, Bahamas, with three days at sea. Players are Jesse Barfield, Glenn Beckert, Bill Russell, Dave Campbell and Stan Bahnsen. Sails Dec. 11, 2012. • 7-night “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment,” calling in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Nassau, Bahamas, with three days at sea.
Doral Buick GMC recently completed an extensive renovation to better serve its customers. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY NANCY EAGLETON Juan Marichal, pictured in his playing days, is one of the baseball greats scheduled. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Feb. 9, 2013 sailing — Ken Griffey Sr., Jim Fregosi, Stan Bahnsen, Ed Herrmann and Larry Parrish; Feb. 23 sailing — Tommy Davis, Cookie Rojas, Stan Bahnsen, Clarence Jones and Juan Marichal; Mar. 9 sailig — Gorman Thomas, Gary Peters, Stan Bahnsen, Wallace Johnson and Rico Petrocelli. • 7-night “Colors of the Caribbean,” calling at St. John’s, Antigua; San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Freeport, Bahamas, with three days at sea. Apr. 6, 2013, sailing — Randy Hundley, Stan Bahnsen, Jack Billingham and Ellis Valentine. For more information about MSC Cruises and its “Baseball Greats” theme cruises, visit online at <www.msccruisesusa.com>, call 1-877-665-4655, or contact your local travel professional.
Car buying isn’t like it used to be — and that’s a good thing. The motto at Doral Buick GMC is “where car buying is made simple.” Gone are the days of spending hours on dealership lots searching for the best car at the best price. At Doral Buick GMC, the VIP experience starts on the Internet. “More than 70 percent of our customers research the vehicle and price online,” said Aric Gasper, Doral Buick GMC’s managing partner. “Customers shop from the comfort of their home or office and chat with our online sales specialists. When they come in, they’re ready for a test drive and visit to the finance office. The process of buying a vehicle can take as little as 45 minutes.” Once at the dealership, customers will find a recently renovated, state-of-the-art facility. After a two-year, $2.5 million renovation, Doral Buick GMC now touts a sleek and modern showroom, service drive and Certified Service Department. The new customer lounge, Internet café and kids’ playroom provide customers and their families with enhanced comforts when visiting the dealership. More exciting things are happening in 2013. Gasper confirmed that most GMC and Buick vehicles will be launched with significant updates or full redesigns. “This includes GMC’s full-size trucks and SUVs, as well as the popular Sierra and Sierra HD pickups,” he added. Vehicle incentives and hassle-free financing also make car buying simple. Gasper reports that finance rates have never been better. In addition, Doral Buick GMC has special financing services for those customers with troubled credit. Whether purchasing a new vehicle or certified pre-owned vehicle from Doral Buick GMC, cus-
tomers can expect the same top-notch level of convenience and customer service when they visit the Certified Service Department. “Technology drives our Service Department,” Gasper said. “Mobile apps alert the customer when it’s time to schedule service and alert us when a customer’s vehicle service light is activated, allowing us to easily diagnose the issue.” The Service Department, which services all makes and models, is open extended hours six days a week for customer convenience. Customers receive a free first oil change and a complimentary car wash with each service visit. Loaner cars also are available. Doral Buick GMC, conveniently located 20 minutes from “everywhere,” just off State Road 836, east of NW 87th Avenue on 12th Street, is the brand’s largest facility in Florida, and a volume leader in the state and Southeast region. Since purchasing the business in 2007, Gasper has applied his 20 years in the automotive industry to put his stamp on the dealership and grow his team from 36 to 64 employees. “We strive to offer our customers a premier facility, product and experience when they shop with us,” Gasper said. Doral Buick GMC also partners with the community to support worthy causes. To raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness in October, the dealership sold pink wiper blade covers and donated $1 for every Facebook “Like.” “Nearly 90 percent of our employees have been affected or have a family member or friend who has been affected by breast cancer,” Gasper said. Doral Buick GMC is located at 8447 NW 12 St. For more information, call 786-2458310, or visit <www.DoralAutomotive.com> or connect on Facebook or Twitter.
Oct. 30 - Nov. 12, 2012
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2013 Scion FR-S means return of pure sports car Ron Beasley AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR
LET’S TALK CARS The 2013 Scion FR-S is a hot new sports car that made me think of my college years when I was zipping around the campus in a snappy little MGA roadster. Oh, it’s not quite the same, but pretty darn close. The FR-S — which stands for Frontengine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport — is Toyota Scion’s definition of an authentic rear-wheel-drive sports car. And it is a very well-balanced automobile, with excellent power and handling characteristics, quite nice styling, flexible utility and pretty darn good fuel economy (34 mpg on the highway with the six-speed automatic and 30 mpg with the stick). It is the fifth model to join the growing Scion family, following the xA, xB, tC and iQ. The FR-S is sleekly styled, with a low hood and roofline, giving it an aerodynamic shape that channels air cleanly over to the top. The front-end has a menacing face
made up of sharp lines, a wide lower intake and angular projector-beam halogen headlights. The rear fascia sits low and wide, with aerodynamic lower treatments that surround the sporty dual exhaust system, while LEDs illuminate the edgy taillights; center-mounted backup lights finish the muscular design. The FR-S interior has 2+2 seating with the front seats mounted very low, almost too low, while the rear seat folds down flat for more flexible space. A large center-mounted tachometer is the focus of the three-gauge cluster and features a programmable shiftindicator with a small but intense indicator that lights up when redline is reached. The driver can set the warning to go off in 100rpm increments, starting at 2,000 rpm. A chime can be programmed to sound when redline is approached. Speed is monitored by both digital and analog gauges. The FR-S is powered by a new 2.0-liter D4S naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru. The partnership began by combining Subaru’s newly developed, horizontally opposed engine and Toyota’s cutting-edge D-4S injection system, which incorporates both direct and port injection for each cylin-
New Scion FR-S is sleekly styled, with a low hood and roofline, and an aerodynamic shape.
der — one injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber, the other a port injector located above the intake valves. Adopted from the Lexus IS F, D-4S injection is a new technology for the Scion family. The D-4S system uses the direct injectors at all engine speeds. The FR-S heads utilize dual variable valve timing, making adjustments to the intake- and exhaust-cam timing to help optimize power, torque and fuel mileage. The D-4S system, partnered with a high 12.5:1 compression ratio, results in an
impressive 200 horsepower and 151 poundfeet of torque. The flat-four mates with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Pricing on the 2013 Scion FR-S starts at $24,200. Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to <LetsTalkCars@aol.com>.
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