Palmetto Bay News 3.22.2011

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MAR. 22 - APR. 4, 2011

Annual Village Celebration attracts 3,000 attendees BY GARY ALAN RUSE

Mayor Stanczyk shows lack of effort on transparency

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almetto Bay marked the ninth anniversary of its incorporation with its annual Village Celebration picnic in Coral Reef Park on Saturday, Mar. 5. The event has become a large-scale “block party” for residents to get together in a relaxed way for a few hours of fun, and each year it seems to grow. An estimated crowd of 3,000 people attended the Village Celebration picnic, with folks consuming 2,500 ears of corn, 3,200 hot dogs, 4,000 sodas, 2,500 bottles of water, 2,500 slices of pizza and 3,000 donuts, according to village staffers. There also was live music, games for the kids and special displays to add to the fun. Palmetto Bay Mayor Shelley Stanczyk, who attended with other village council members, said she was pleased with how it turned out. “I love it,” Stanczyk said. “This is the best part, seeing everybody together. This is why we incorporated. It gives you that nice hometown feel.” Performing music at the bandstand were the Midnight Surprise Band, Christ Fellowship Academy “Counting Days”

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CELEBRATION, page 4

BY GRANT MILLER Publisher

Pictured are (l-r) former village council members Paul Heidhart and Eugene Flinn with current council members Joan Lindsay and Patrick Fiore. (See more photos on page 9)

Deering Estate seeks applicants for Artist in Residence program BY CATHY GUERRA

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ach year, the Deering Estate at Cutler reviews and accepts applications from a variety of visual and literary artists to participate in the onsite Artist in Residence program. There are generally five to seven residencies available on a rolling, juried application basis for three- to 12-month terms. Each resident artist has daily access to a 200-square-foot studio, art classroom and/lecture space for classes or work-

shops, onsite education and interpretive staff, the historic archives and the natural environment for inspiration and learning. The application deadline for the 201112 Artist in Residence program is Friday, Apr. 15. The application form can be found on the Deering Estate website at <www.deeringestate.org>. There are special residencies that do not require studio space. For example,

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Palmetto Bay Mayor Shelley Stanczyk is about half way through her first year as mayor and yet no action has been taken on meeting her campaign promises for increasing transparency. The first 100 days is the benchmark for performance for a new term of a U.S. President. This is the momentum period, the time to hit the ground running and turn promises into action. Lasting legacies either good or bad are often cemented into place within those first hundred days, but for Mayor Stanczyk, her first 100 days have passed without a single initiative making it to a council agenda. The lack of action toward her promise of greater transparency renders the concept just another meaningless political catch phrase used to get elected. Transparency of spending is more important as revenues shrink. The reduction of council travel as cost saving does not appear to be a topic of discussion, at least in public. Mayor Stanczyk and Councilmember Joan Lindsey, traveled at taxpayer expense in February to North Carolina. Mayor Stanczyk also recently traveled to Tallahassee. Each month the mayor is paid $2,000 and each council member $1,000. Is this money used for travel? Is there city policy to determine when council member travel is in the public’s best interests? Taxpayers should know specifics about travel, the specific purpose of the trip, the total cost, and what

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TRANSPARENCY, page 4

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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

Village should renew contract with Jane Forman Tennis Academy BY GRANT MILLER

Publisher Anyone who attended the Committee of the Whole meeting on March 14 cannot deny the passion and reason in Jane Forman’s speech. That renewing the contract of her iconic tennis program at Coral Reef Park is even in question is not only ridiculous, it is fiscally irresponsible. It is easy to balk at Vice Mayor Pariser throwing out numbers like the $3.4 million gross revenue made by Forman in the past five years. You could practically see the wheels spinning in the council members’ heads as they were thinking: “That’s a lot more than the $307,040 that was paid to our village by Forman.” And: “If we terminate this contract, that’s $3 million our city could earn from our courts.” However, any council member worth their salt should have done their homework by now. With the May 1 contract extension date just around the corner, council members really need to focus on the real numbers of just what terminating this contract will cost the Village and not on this vastly exaggerated $3 million in revenue. If the council terminates the contract, the village will have to repay Forman $140,804 for half the construction costs she incurred in refurbishing and repairing the tennis center. Even if you take into consideration Vice Mayor Pariser’s claims that not all the fees included in this sum are reimbursable, it is still a heck of a lot of money for the village to be giving away, especially when you consider that if they just renew the contract and revisit it in five years, that payout goes away. Next, no one seems to be considering the costs that it takes to run the type of tennis programs that the residents want. In 2010, Forman paid $464,103 in total expenses – including repairs, maintenance, equipment, staff, pro shop inventory, advertising and marketing, rent and utilities. Those are all costs the village will have to take on if we choose to terminate her contract and run the courts ourselves. Not

to mention that she brought in $462,000. That comes out to a loss of $1,800. How exactly does the council feel that the village can do the job better than an established professional? Mayor Stanczyk kept reiterating the word “vision” at the meeting. She wanted to know the council members’ visions for the future of the tennis center. What they all seem to be forgetting is that the residents elected these council members to represent them, their community and their visions – and the residents are voicing their vision loud and clear, if only the council members would just listen. Fifteen years of successful after school programs, summer camps, annual scholarships and professional tennis instruction will all disappear faster than you can say “game set and match” if we lose Jane Forman. The vast majority of the community has spoken out in support of the Jane Forman Tennis Academy remaining at Coral Reef Park. Our village has the best that tennis has to offer right now and as the self-proclaimed “Village of the Parks,” we need to hold on to that. It has taken Jane Forman since 1994 to build up the business she has now. For the government to think it can just step in and take over her profit margins is beyond preposterous. People want the structure of programs, lessons and leagues. We can’t take over the courts and leave them free for open play and expect to make those kinds of profits. For Coral Reef Park’s tennis courts to remain successful, the village would end up having to do exactly what Forman is doing for us now, but it would cost us money and time and we would never attain the quality we already have. Private vendors operate the tennis facilities in almost all public parks. It is the way of the tennis business; these are professionals, they know what they are doing. The Village of Palmetto Bay renegotiated the tennis contract five years ago and struck a 10year deal with The Jane Forman Tennis Academy to manage the tennis facility, promote community programs, offer summer camps and provide the best tennis instruction that money can buy. Since Jane Forman is living up to her end of the deal, Palmetto Bay needs to live up to its end and let JFTA finish the contract.

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

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Call to vendors to support Arts & Crafts Fair for DARE BY BILL KRESS

The Village of Palmetto Bay is seeking vendors to participate in a unique fundraiser in support of the Policing Unit’s DARE Program. The Palmetto Bay Arts & Crafts Fair on Apr. 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Ludovici Park, will feature up to 40 vendors. Each vendor pays a $25 registration fee to participate and proceeds from these fees will go toward the purchase of student workbooks and diplomas.

This year, hundreds of school children around the village will benefit from DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), the highly acclaimed program that gives kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence. DARE was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles and has proven so successful that it is now being implemented in 75 percent of the nation’s school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world. DARE is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives. For vendor registration, contact Officer Glasko at 305-278-4016 or visit the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit at Village Hall, 9705 E. Hibiscus St., weekdays, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. –––––––––––––––––––––––– Pictured are “DAREN” (essay) Award winner Jessica Espinoza (left) and Samantha Chappell, proud fifth graders at Howard Drive Elementary School graduated from the DARE program in November 2010.

Fifth graders at Howard Drive Elementary School celebrate completion of the DARE program on graduation day in April 2010. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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TRANSPARENCY,

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the trip accomplished. Were meals or other perks provided by vendors or lobbyists? Could telephone conferences been sufficient to carry out the people’s business? There needs to be full disclosure as to how any travel benefits Palmetto Bay taxpayers. Councilmember Howard Tendrich at a January committee meeting proposed making the village check register viewable online. No one would know about this as there are no minutes or record posted online as to what transpired at this meeting. This transparency initiative obviously was not met with approval from his fellow council members as months have passed with no action on this proposal. Why shouldn’t a resident see the actual expenditures of their tax dollars? Real answers should be available to residents and easy to obtain. We heard Mayor Eugene Flinn for years state that webcasting of council meetings would be possible once the village had a permanent home. Did that promise leave with him or is there a council member willing to pick up and realize that promise? The village has employees working within the new council chambers to broadcast the meetings on monitors within the council chambers. Now it is time to use those same employees to broadcast all meetings online. The technology and ability is there, only the will to do it is missing. And all meetings should be broadcast. The regular agendas appear light on substance while the committee of the whole meetings can have as many as 31 agenda items. There are important transparency differences between committee and regular council meetings in record keeping, participation and archiving. Official council meetings are attended usually by greater than 50 residents. A tape-recorded record is made and kept available. Minutes are kept and posted online where anyone can research what transpired at a past meeting. In contrast, the committee meetings are poorly attended. These meetings are not taped or video recorded and only what they term summary minutes are made. No minutes from

any committee meetings are posted online. How is a resident to know anything about what happened at any of these meetings, or is that the point? Public meetings are important to transparency. Newly elected Councilmember Patrick Fiore held a first — a district town hall meeting within his first 100 days, following through on his campaign promises. The large attendance at this meeting proved that village residents certainly were not suffering meeting burnout from the many meetings held in the early years. His leadership has led to the current vice mayor following by scheduling his first town hall meeting, occurring nearly two and a half years after his own election. The residents should be involved in deciding what is important. The mayor appears to decide what information to post on Facebook and in the e-currents, which has become a collection of photo opportunities and fluff on the latest ribbon or cake cutting. Where is the broader, more relevant data such as where the tax dollars were spent? Citizen’s may not always agree on what is important, or simply may not realize what is important in assessing the openness of the government. Perhaps the village council should follow in the steps of Pinecrest, which upon electing a new mayor, held an open strategic planning plan process to determine what the residents wanted for the foreseeable future. Palmetto Bay’s first mayor and council held literally hundreds of hours of public workshops to create the first eight years of government. Are the current residents no less deserving of the same consideration and opportunity to participate from this new council? It is too bad that the promises of greater transparency and accountability appear not to be self-executing, but, as the saying goes: If the people lead, the leaders will follow. The mayor and council work for you and you are entitled to results from the campaign promises. The first 100 days may be over, but three and a half years of the mayor’s term remain. Don’t let time dawdle as it may lead to the wasting of your tax dollars.

PALMETTO BAY JUMPS

CELEBRATION,

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

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Band and students of the Perrine Elementary band, dance and drama classes. Girl Scout Troop 623 sang the National Anthem during the opening ceremonies. Miami-Dade Police Department and Police Benevolent Association participated and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue had a fire engine and equipment there for photo ops with kids and even adults who wanted to put on a helmet and sit in the engine. Shotokan Karate Academy students put on a display and there were face-painting clowns plus bounce houses and slides for the youngsters. For adults there was a bus tour of the area conducted by the Historic Preservation Board. Sponsoring the event with donations or services were Edward Reese Holdings, Sunstate Bank, Waste Services, All Star Events and Krispy Kreme. Also pitching in were South Motors — BMW, Gus Machado Ford, Kendall Hyundai, Signs by Design, Ed’s Boot Camp, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Calvin Giordano and Associates, Maroone Nissan, Portland Construction, i-9 Sports, C B Sports and the Art Photography Parent Association of Southwood Middle School. St. Richards Catholic Church provided extra parking, RiteCare again provided the first aid tent, Holy Rosary Catholic Church helped out,

DEERING ESTATE,

as did Dottie Barton and other volunteers. Pat and Jim Gladieux brought their usual artistry to the corn roasting station, and with the pizza, hot dogs, drinks and snack items no one went away hungry. Village special events coordinator Mary Fernandez not only worked on the picnic for the first time, it was her first chance to experience the event as well. “It was challenging,” Fernandez said. “I’ve been hearing about this event since I started working here, about what a huge event it was and how it calls the community. But people who had worked it before kept telling me how everything just falls into place, and sure enough, it did. “Our staff was amazing. Our guys were grilling like grill-masters out there. Christ Fellowship volunteers were amazing. I’ve worked events with volunteers before, but never like this. They were motivated, courteous and a pleasure to work with. It’s amazing to see the amount of people who mobilize for this event and do such a great job at it. What a nice effort by everybody to put this on.” Fernandez has two small children, so it was something she also enjoyed attending. “It was just the perfect day to be out there,” Fernandez said. “You had the music, the food, the rides; the weather was gorgeous. My family had a great time.”

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literary artists, photographers and/or videographers are encouraged to apply as well although they may maintain studio space elsewhere. Residency programs for these artists are structured in a way to allow artists to use the estate as their muse or launch site for a specific body of work. Scheduled exhibitions are the primary component of this special residency program. All of the residency programs at the Deering Estate welcome self-motivated and focused individuals working in traditional and nontraditional mediums. Shared and collaborative residencies are accepted. Selected artists agree to devote no less than 30 hours per week to their artistic discipline or specific body of work on-site or off-site (this program is not designed for “weekend” artists). As part of their residency, artists agree to volunteer at least 10 hours per month to onsite or outreach educational programs. Artists work collaboratively with other artists to maintain guest access to studios during special events, weekend programs and as requested.

Artists contribute 10 percent of any art sales transacted during their residency back to the estate, and artists generally donate at least one completed piece to the Deering Estate Foundation that is representative of their style to stay at the estate. Artists are invited and encouraged to participate in various special events and educational programs that are held on the estate as well. In 2006, the estate began to invest in the development of programs specifically to engage local and international, juried, visual and performance artists to interact with the community. An avid art collector, philanthropist and amateur artist, Charles Deering sought to support artists and the creation of fine art. His tradition and innovative spirit continues on at the Deering Estate at Cutler today through various programs for artists and art enthusiasts — Artist in Residence, Art on Loan (semi-permanent and temporary exhibit), Permanent Collection, amongst others. For more information on the Deering Estate’s educational and cultural programs, visit online at <www.deeringestate.org>.

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Score on everything from fish to ghosts, if you dare Michael Miller EXECUTIVE EDITOR

AROUND TOWN First up…and we know this is close to the wire, there’s a free business workshop hosted by SCORE Miami-Dade and the Economic Development Council on Tuesday March 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Chamber South building, located at 900 Perrine Avenue. It will let you know the programs and services offered by the area SCORE, all-volunteer nonprofit group that provides free business mentoring and low-cost workshops. For more info call 305-378-9470. Booth or DARE…? Officer Glasko of the Palmetto Bay Village Policing Unit says that they still need vendors for the D.A.R.E. Program Fundraiser at Ludovici Park on April 10. It’s an Arts & Crafts Fair with up to 40 vendors, and there’s a $25 vendor registration fee, which is pretty reasonable, we think, considering the amount of public exposure and the good the program does in

the community. D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons taught from Kindergarten through 12th grade that teach students good decision making skills to help them avoid high-risk behavior to ensure they grow up healthy, safe and secure. Fundraiser proceeds go toward workbooks & diplomas. For more info call Officer Glasko at 305-278-4016. Who ya gonna call…? Like ghost stories? You might like the Deering Estate Spookover on Saturday, March 26th; from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. Overnight at the Deering Estate when the lights are out, with the League of Paranormal Investigators taking guests on a Paranormal Investigation of the historic houses and main grounds. “Equipment used to detect spectral presences – such as pendulums, dowsing rods, EMF meters and cameras are welcome!” A light breakfast will be served. Cost is $65 per person. To purchase tickets, please call the Deering Estate Ticket Office at 305-235-1668 ext. 233. Do you like to eat? Who doesn’t! The 7th Annual Deering Seafood Festival is scheduled for Sunday March 27, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the historic Deering Estate

at Cutler, 16701 SW 72 Ave. Lots of Florida’s freshest fish and seafood will be served up by Golden Rule Seafood Market, Whole Foods Market, Black Point Ocean Grill, Iggy’s Street Wok, Imlee Indian Bistro, Miller Alehouse, Paella Party, Rodbender’s Raw Bar & Grill, Shibui Japanese Restaurant and Sports Grill. Celebrity chefs Dean Max (3030 Ocean), Jouvens Jean (SAWA Village of Merrick Park), Sean Bernal (Sushi Samba) and Tricia Ferguson (co-author of Lionfish Cookbook) will offer tips and recipes, and the music of steel drums adds to the fun. Cost: $15 for adults in advance online (www.deeringestate.com/) or $20 at the gate. $5 for children ages 4-14; Children under 4 are free. (Admission includes park entrance and all activities excluding, food, drink, pontoon boat rides and rock climbing.) Deering Estate Foundation Members get free admission. Ride your bike and enjoy the free bike valet service at the Main Gate courtesy of Green Mobility Network! For more info call 305-235-1668. Don’t forget…the next Regular Council Meeting is on Monday, April 4, in the Village Council Chambers, 9705 E.

Hibiscus Street, at 7 p.m. Also, don’t forget that Village Hall will be closed Monday, May 30 in observance of Memorial Day. Want to get involved? We hear that there are three seats open on the Village’s fivemember Tree Advisory Board. If interested, please contact the Vice Mayor, or Councilmembers of District 1 or 2 regarding these respective appointment opportunities. Or contact Public Works staff for general information. There are also openings on the Art in Public Places Advisory Board, which reviews and suggests art pieces to be acquired by the Village. And we hear that the Historic Preservatiion Advisory Board is looking for help, too. Contact Planning & Zoning staff at Village Hall, 305-259-1234, for information. Thought for the Day: A player who makes a team great is better than a great player. — John Wooden

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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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

It’s hard to understand Florida Gov. Rick Scott R. Kenneth Bluh KENNETH’S COMMENTARY Like him or not, you must admit that Florida Gov. Rick Scott is a controversial individual. Recently it seemed the entire state of Florida, governors from around the country, law enforcement agencies and the press from around the South were down on the governor for his position on killing a database that could go a long way in controlling the illegal sale of drugs — drugs that are killing approximately seven Floridians a day. Now, we are gushing all over the governor for allocating $77 million of state funds to deepen the Port of Miami so it will accommodate larger freighters that will be coming through an enlarged Panama Canal in the next three years. Interestingly, the conservative Republican is funding a project that liberal President Barack Obama cut from the budget in order to keep federal spending down. The Port of Miami expansion, the gover-

nor recognizes, will create permanent employment for thousands of South Floridians. Contrast this with the Tampa to Orlando bullet train that was near funding by the federal government. The project was killed by Scott as he correctly anticipated the project would cost the taxpayers money when federal funding ended and private sector contractors could pull out of its financial support or file bankruptcy to avoid making up the inevitable financial shortfall that comes with all public transportation projects. Two pluses for the governor: killing the Tampa/Orlando bullet train and funding the Port of Miami. But, there is one big, big “minus” for the governor and that is his controversial “pill mill” position. Most of the governor’s decisions are based on the cost to the taxpayer. While I frequently disagree with his decisions, I am pleased that we have a governor that is watching how our tax dollars are spent. But, his position on the pill mill database isn’t based upon its cost to the community. While I would still not agree with him if his objection was a cost to the taxpayer, I would at least see some consistency to his position. No, his objection is that it is an unnecessary intrusion into the lives of Floridians. Republican and Democrat politicians in

VIEWPOINT Tallahassee, including the President of the Senate Mike Haridopolos, are expressing disbelief at his apparent callous concern for the lives of those that he governs. Even the company that manufactures the No. 1 prescription drug containing oxycdone, which is being illegally sold to druggies, has offered to contribute $1 million to fund a Florida prescription database. While it is obviously an attempt by Pardue Pharma, a Connecticut pharmaceutical manufacturer, to buy goodwill with the money, it would have made funding the program that much easier. Still, the million-dollar offer was rejected by the governor. Simply stated, the database would allow physicians and state investigators to identify “doctor shopping” patients who go from doctor to doctor to obtain prescriptions for potent painkillers then on to CVS, Walgreens and other pharmacies to fill their prescriptions. The current crackdown on doctors writing the prescriptions is only one part of the solution. We need to know who is obtaining the illegal prescriptions.

A Libertarian position of “no” government intervention in the lives of the citizens of this country is more than a little stretch in the governor’s attempting to keep government from controlling our lives. Some things must be regulated, intrusion into our private lives or not. We keep a database of individuals who are permitted to practice medicine, ditto accountants, hairdressers and auto drivers. Would the governor suggest that we no longer license and keep track of who is permitted to drive on our streets because testing them and keeping a database of who is licensed is an intrusion into the private lives of our citizens? Please, governor, what is the real reason for killing the prescription database? Level with us!

We appreciate your opinions on this column whether in agreement or disagreement. Please send your comments to (fax number) 305-662-6980 or email to <letters@communitynewspapers.com>. The opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily those of this newspaper, its editors or publisher.

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

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Letter to the Editor County agency uses predatory practices To the Editor: When you hear the word “predator” you think of a news clip on TV about child molesters or criminals that prey on senior citizens. In this case, it refers to the behavior of a Miami-Dade County agency that is just as destructive to people in our community. The agency is called the Department of Environmental Resource Management (DERM). I have a neighbor on Old Cutler in Palmetto Bay that bought his property and moved into his home in 1945, Mr. Elliott Burch. At age 30 or so, when Mr. Burch moved into 17601 Old Cutler Rd., he began operating his property as a horse breeding farm with his wife. At age 94, he continues to operate the horse farm and he has been a great neighbor. On Oct. 1, 2007 Mr. Burch found a “cease and desist” order posted on his front gate by DERM. This order alleged that he improperly trimmed mangroves and filled parts of his property. A year later, the Dade County Attorney filed suit and DERM engaged in its typical strong-arm tactics by recruiting the Army Corps of Engineers and Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). When Mr. Burch first moved into his property in 1945, there was no DERM or DEP. Every time there was a tropical storm or hurricane, Mr. Burch would clean up, rebuild damaged structures and restore his property from storm damage. Mr. Burch has been maintaining his property in the same manner he has for the past 65 years as we are all entitled to do under our rights to “historical maintenance” as defined in the statutes as well as rights to “quiet enjoyment” through our property deeds. As Mr. Burch got older, the cleanup, rebuilding and restoration that he could complete in a few weeks or months turned into multi-year projects. After the hurricanes and tropical storms hit in 2005, Mr. Burch was living alone at age 88. His paddocks (running areas for horses) were severely eroded from getting hit with three storms in one season and he fell behind his usual schedule for cleanup. While he was still cleaning up his property in 2007, someone in Palmetto Bay put a call into DERM to complain about Mr. Burch filling in his property. This is when his serious problems began. Knowing Mr. Burch had little financial means to defend himself, DERM began its usual predatory assault against him. Fortunately, attorney John Shubin agreed to represent him pro-bono. Unfortunately, Mr. Burch’s health started to decline. He has suffered a heart attack and a stroke recently, and now is wheelchair bound. DERM officials have a reputation for relentless pursuit of anyone they believe they can dominate in order to generate fines and revenues to help them meet their revenue goals. Sometimes DERM’s actions result in governmental confiscation of the properties. If you go to the DERM website, you will find a 46-page long fee schedule. DERM is the second largest taxing authority to Dade County taxpayers. If you look at the Dade County Budget for FY-2011, the county generates $991 million in real estate taxes and $47 million in sales tax. DERM’s tax on us (they call it revenue) according to page 216 of the budget is $48 million. That makes them second only to county real estate taxes. Unlike real estate taxes and sales tax that affect all of us equally, DERM focuses on a defenseless few at a time and systematically breaks them. There are many stories of people in our county that have lost everything and committed suicide or had serious health declines as a result of the action DERM took against them. I will continue to write about these cases to make people aware of the abuse of power that can occur within an agency that can and does operate using predatory tactics and the consequences it has on our community. More recently, after the DERM case was first dismissed, DERM conspired with the Federal EPA folks who sent notice of a $38,000 per day fine against Mr. Burch basically letting him know that if he doesn’t settle, they will take everything he has. DERM did this because they believed this case would “become political” and they wanted to hide behind the Feds who are oblivious to local political pressure. It’s time for all of us to notify our Dade County commissioners to begin the process of putting a leash on DERM. John DuBois Palmetto Bay

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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

Brains, beauty reign with student at Palmer Trinity BY SUZANNE GOTTLIEB CALLEJA

Palmer Trinity senior Sana Imam — already named Senior Class president, president of the Indian Cultural Appreciation Club, vice president of National Honor Society, Thespians and the Center for Writing — added another title to her list of accomplishments: “Miss IndoCaribbean Sapna (Dream) 2011.” The “Miss Indo-Caribbean Sapna (Dream) 2011 Pageant,” which celebrates young women of Indian descent, took place on Jan. 29 at the Mela Room in Orlando. Imam always dreamed of walking the runway. However, it wasn’t until she visited a local Indian festival with her family that her dream started to become a reality — as the owner of the “Miss Mastana Pageant” offered her a spot in next year’s competition. Excited by the opportunity, Imam knew she would need more practice. “I had never done a pageant before, and wanted to know what it was like,” she said of her pageant experience. Finding the “Miss Indo-Caribbean Sapna 2011 Pageant” online, she registered, and before she knew it, Imam was preparing for the big day. During the event, 20 young women, ages 13-24, competed for the Junior and Senior titles of “Miss Indo-Caribbean Sapna 2011” through a series of three rounds — Indian wear, talent, and evening gown. A succeeding final round — reserved for the top five contestants at the conclusion of the third round — would include current events questions with issues pertaining to the economy, cyberbullying, and women’s rights. For the talent portion, Imam performed a hip-hop Bollywood fusion dance routine, and after the third round, she was awarded “Miss Academic” for her impressive GPA and top class rank. After the final round, Imam was surprised to learn that she had been chosen as part of a three-way tie for first place. “I hadn’t attended any of the biweekly practices like my competitors had,” she said. “Making ‘top three’ was already a proud moment for me.” Only one remaining question could determine the winner: “If you were to win the title of ‘Miss Indo-Caribbean Sapna 2011’ tonight, what would you do for your community?” With the following answer, this Palmer Trinity student sealed the deal: “If I were to win tonight, then I would try to inspire the youth of my community. I want to help

Sana Imam ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

them understand that, as long as you have a passion for something, and are motivated, dedicated, and a hard worker, nothing else matters. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what your background is, or what your financial status is. As long as you have the passion to achieve something, you have the world in your hands,” she told the judges. “I’m proud to have been a part of this experience because I believe that embracing your background is an important part of who you are,” Imam said. With a mother from Guyana and a father from India, Imam believes she has the best of three worlds: a life in America with cultural ideals stemming from the nationalities of both her parents. At Palmer Trinity School in Palmetto Bay this diversity is celebrated. “I am proud of who I am,” Imam said. “Participating in this pageant was a great opportunity for me to showcase my diversity.”

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

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Annual Village Celebration attracts 3,000 attendees

Shotokan Karate Academy students demonstrate their skills. Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner (left) joins Palmetto Bay Mayor Shelley Stanczyk at the Village Celebration. Palmetto Bay Vice Mayor Brian Pariser helps at ice and water station.

(PHOTOS BY GARY ALAN RUSE)

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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

Beautification Award goes to Village Municipal Center

Pictured (l-r) are Joe Corradino, EDC chair; Frieda Brown, vice president of TotalBank, and Palmetto Bay Mayor Shelley Stanczyk. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY GARY ALAN RUSE

The March Beautification Award was presented by TotalBank and the Economic Development Council of South MiamiDade (EDC) on Tuesday, Mar. 15, to the Village of Palmetto Bay Municipal Center for its role in enhancing the area and serving as a beacon for new businesses. Presenting the award were TotalBank vice president Frieda Brown and EDC chair Joe Corradino. Accepting on behalf of the Village of Palmetto Bay was Mayor Shelley Stanczyk, who said she was

pleased with the recognition given the new village center. “I want to thank everyone for this award, and for the support that made it possible,” Stanczyk said, who added that the village had, since incorporation, worked hard to improve the beauty of the community and make it a place in which new businesses would want to invest. To nominate a business, group or individual for this award, call Frieda Brown at TotalBank, 305-964-4365, or the Community Development Committee of the EDC at 305-378-9470.

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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FPL selects area teachers to get classroom grants BY AMELIA GOMEZ

Florida Power & Light Company recently announced that several Miami-Dade teachers were selected to receive funding through FPL’s 2011 Renewable Energy Teacher Grant program. The winning teachers will receive the funding to support classroom projects that help teach students about renewable energy and adhere to the Florida State Board of Education’s Sunshine State Standards. In total, 43 teachers across FPL’s 35-county service territory have been selected to receive a total of $43,000 in 2011. “As renewable energy becomes more prevalent in the everyday lives of Floridians, an understanding of the technology is critical for our next generation of leaders,” said Manny Rodriguez, FPL’s external affairs manager for Miami-Dade County. “We applaud these dedicated teachers for creating forward-thinking, exciting projects that will enhance the science curriculum in their classrooms.” The winning teachers, schools, and projects in Miami-Dade are: Laurie Futterman, grades three through eight at David Lawrence Jr. K-8 Center. Students take on a real-life goal of reducing energy usage by educating their classmates, families and communities in “Reducing Energy Costs and Carbon Emissions One School at a Time.” Roberta Stanley, grade six at Arvida Middle School. In “Home Sweet Energy Efficient Home,” students become architects as they design blueprints for an efficient home, taking into consideration insulation, windows, lighting, appliances and landscaping. Suzanne Wojcik, grades kindergarten through five at Poinciana Park Elementary School. “Powered by the Sun Fun” enables students to assemble a variety of solar powered machinery including windmills, trucks, scooters, racecars and motorboats. Susy Chu, grade eight at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School. After learning about the functionality of solar panels, students will design and build a model for their own “Solar Powered Vehicles.”

Karen Helding, grade eight at South Dade Middle School. While enjoying home-cooked hot dogs and s’mores made from solar ovens built by hand, students will study the effects of climate change and create a cookbook with recipes in “Solar Cooker.” Mohanalatha Pamajala, grade nine at Coral Reef High School. In “Solar Vehicles – Saving Energy in Transportation,” students apply their knowledge to design, build and race a vehicle powered only by sunlight. Award recipients are selected by the National Education Energy Development (NEED) project, a non-profit organization working with energy companies and agencies to bring balanced energy curriculum and training to the nation’s classrooms. “We are honored to be a partner in FPL’s effort to provide teacher training, solar installations, curriculum and classroom grants to schools in its service territory,” said NEED executive director Mary Spruill. “In our second year of the program, we’ve seen strongly written grants that will raise the level of energy knowledge among Florida’s teachers, students and families. At a time of declining school budgets, these grants provide educators the opportunity to truly teach science and to integrate practical knowledge of energy in their classrooms.” The awards range from $500 to $3,000 per project, based on the proposed budget and number of students that will benefit, and come from the NextEra Energy Foundation, which is funded by shareholders of FPL’s parent company, NextEra Energy Inc., the nation’s largest producer of renewable energy from the wind and the sun. This is the second year for FPL’s Renewable Energy Teacher Grant program and is part of a larger commitment to the state. Projects were judged according to stated goals, energy content, creativity and plans for budget and evaluation. Completed projects may be featured on FPL’s Solar Station website at <www.FPL.com/solarstations>.

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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

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Estate becomes magical island during Deering Seafood Festival BY SHEILA STIEGLITZ

One very special day each year the historic Deering Estate at Cutler is transformed into a magical island with calypso rhythms, colorfully costumed dancers and mountains of Florida’s freshest seafood. This year the family-friendly celebration begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Mar. 27, when

Ferguson (co-author of Lionfish Cookbook), join him and share their unique recipes, and prepare delectable samples of seafood dishes for the cooking enthusiasts. Johnson & Wales culinary students work alongside the chefs and offer assistance in food preparation. Local restaurants prepare their specialties featuring scrumptious bounty from the

Florida’s freshest seafood is served at the historic Deering Estate at Cutler during the Deering Seafood Festival.

the seventh annual Deering Seafood Festival opens its doors to the sounds of steel drums with towering stilt walkers greeting each guest. Under the big top tent, Dean Max (3030 Ocean) who was recently crowned the King of American Seafood, heads the local celebrity chef cooking demonstrations. Chef Jouvens Jean (SAWA Village of Merrick Park), Chef Sean Bernal (Sushi Samba) and from the Bahamas Chef Tricia

sea. Golden Rule Seafood Market, Whole Foods Market, Black Point Ocean Grill, Iggy’s Street Wok, Imlee Indian Bistro, Miller Alehouse, Paella Party, Rodbender’s Raw Bar & Grill, Shibui Japanese Restaurant and Sports Grill offer an outstanding array of the freshest catch that includes delicious lobster, fried conch, shrimp egg rolls, grilled dolphin, garlic blue crabs and heaping mounds of shrimp that are steamed, fried, or just peel and eat.

Set in the biggest backyard on Biscayne Bay, the festival is non-stop fun. While a parade of Bahamian Junkanoo musicians playfully weave throughout the crowd, emcee Trent Aric, Channel 10’s chief meteorologist, keeps the onstage entertainment jumping with the Harbor Islanders, a lively Brazilian Revue, and the music of the popular VIVA Rock Band to close out the day. New to the Li’l Shrimp Kids Zone is the Deering Discovery Cove, created by the estate’s Educational and Interpretive Staff, where kids experience a simulated underwater archeological adventure. In the Cove, boys and girls build their own seaworthy exploration vessels and then embark on a journey where they will discover a mangrove shipwreck and pirates’ treasures, uncover fossils, and explore the fascinating bioluminescence of creatures that live deep beneath the sea. The Kids Zone also offers unlimited fun

on the inflatables, and serves a land lovers menu to keep everyone happy. Save time for pontoon boat rides aboard the Pelican Skipper to Chicken Key — an artists’ village featuring local artists and artisans crafters with original paintings, photography, crafts and jewelry — and a limited number of nature hikes and tours of the historic Stone House and Richmond Cottage. The Deering Estate at Cutler is a MiamiDade County park, located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. Admission includes park entrance and entertainment from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults are $15 in advance online and $20 at the gate; children (4-14 years old) are $5, and Foundation members are admitted free. Proceeds benefit the Deering Estate Foundation. For more information call 305-2351668, ext. 263, or go online to <www.deeringseafoodfestival.org>.

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To help job seekers prepare and search for jobs, the Miami-Dade Public Library System offers free classes and assistance. From computer classes and access to the Internet, to help with resume writing, job interviewing and test preparation, the library wants to prepare patrons who are entering the job market. Classes are conducted throughout all 48 branches and are available in English and Spanish. Basic computer skills, resume writing and email account setup classes are

available as well as classes on how to navigate the Internet to search for jobs. The library’s extensive databases include the Learning Express Library, which offers practice tests and skill-building courses. The library also offers individuals, who have a library account in good standing, the use of computers at any branch location. Individuals with their own laptop may access the Internet through the library’s free WiFi service. Visit online at <www.mdpls.org> or call 305-375-2665 for more information.

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Visit your local Florida Blue center for free, easy-to-understand advice to help you get the best care at the best price. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can walk you through our affordable coverage options to find one that’s just right for you. Whether you’re looking to buy a health or dental plan, get your healthcare questions answered faceto-face, or just want to experience our unique, interactive health and wellness games, we’d love to see you. We also have a free health fair the second Saturday of each month with free health screenings, kids activities and health tips for the whole family. Come see us today and open the door to a healthier you. Now open across from The Falls, 8895 SW 136th Street, 877-FL-BLUE-0, Mon - Sat: 10 am - 8 pm. Visit floridablue.com now and take a virtual tour. The Florida Blue center is brought to you by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

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Kanas Family Foundation gives $1M to United Way BY YANET OBARRIO SANCHEZ

United Way of Miami Dade has been presented with a $1 million donation from the John and Elaine Kanas Family Foundation. This gift represents the single largest individual unrestricted gift to the 2010 campaign, which will impact directly United Way’s work to advance the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all Miami-Dade residents. The gift was recognized at a reception with United Way board members and key supporters. Mr. Kanas is chair, president and CEO of BankUnited, the largest bank headquartered in Florida. In May 2009, he led a group of investors in purchasing the bank, and since then has spent much of his time in South Florida running the bank and getting to know the community. “My family and I have spent a lot of time in South Florida since I became involved with BankUnited,”

Kanas said. “As in many communities, there are not enough resources to meet the tremendous needs of underserved populations. We are honored to share this gift with an organization that is making such a difference in people’s lives. “Childhood education is an important element of preparing tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and employees. We know this gift will create better futures for children in South Florida.” Harve Mogul, president and CEO of United Way of MiamiDade, added, “We are so very grateful to John and Elaine for this most generous unrestricted gift, which will have tremendous impact on thousands of lives in our community who depend on the work of United Way. This is an incredible example of the family’s philanthropic spirit.” For information, visit online at <www.unitedwaymiami.org> or <www.facebook.com/UnitedWay Miami>.

John Kanas is surrounded by children from the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education — Vladimir, Isabella, Clara, Raul and Ronald. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

Families can ‘Hop Into Spring’ at Dadeland Mall on Mar. 25 BY IVONNE SNAVELY

Dadeland Mall invites families to “Hop Into Spring” at the Simon Kidgits Club’s Easter Celebration, featuring the beloved Easter Bunny. The event takes place on Friday, Mar. 25, 6:30-8 p.m. at Dadeland Mall (area in front of Kay Jewelers), 7535 N. Kendall Dr. Children will have the opportunity to take part in festive activities and face painting, with the choice to be painted as bunnies or colorful Easter eggs. Fantasy Theatre Factory will present Barnabus B. Bunny and Peter Rabbit in a delightful show featuring magic, juggling, comedy and carrots. For more information, call Dadeland Mall at 305-665-6226 or visit online at <www.simon.com>. The Simon Kidgits Club’s Easter Celebration is free to members and nonmembers. Families can sign up for the Kidgits Club, during regular mall hours, for a membership fee of $5. Membership includes a Kidgits Club membership card and T-shirt, scheduled entertainment and activities for families, a Birthday Club

(including birthday card and gift redemption certificate), unique programs and offers, discounts and a quarterly newsletter. For more information, visit <www.simon.com/kidgits>.

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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

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‘DMV to Go’ coming to Downtown Miami on Mar. 24 The Miami-Dade County Office of Community Advocacy joins efforts with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DMV) to bring residents “DMV to Go” on Mar. 24. This will offer residents a convenient central location in at the Miami-Dade Government Center, 111 NW First St. in Downtown Miami, for a number of DMV services such as license renewals, tag renewals and identification cards. Space is limited, so residents are encouraged to reserve a spot online at <www.miamidade.gov/ocr>. Anyone who is interested can visit the Stephen P. Clark Center, in the main lobby, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Office of Community Advocacy at 305-375-5730.

MIAMI HEAT’S JAMES JONES TO HOST MAR. 24 FUNDRAISER Miami Heat’s James Jones will show his support for the Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival during the “Get Your Sport On” fundraiser on Mar. 24 at Morton’s Coral Gables, 2333 Ponce De Leon Blvd. For a $10 donation to the Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival, attendees at the fundraiser will enjoy one free drink and light appetizers. Guests also will have the opportu-

nity to win a Marlins VIP Experience package, as well as Miami Heat tickets and a team autographed Miami Heat basketball raffled by Jones himself. All proceeds will benefit the Overtown Rhythm and Arts Festival, which aims to celebrate the rich history of one of Miami’s earliest settlements, Overtown. For more information, visit online at <www.overtownfestival.com>.

ENJOY A TASTE OF BRICKELL FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL A food wine festival, featuring over 50 fine dining establishments and vendors, wine garden, live concert and Kids Zone is coming to South Florida on Mar. 26, from noon to 10 p.m., at 1201 Brickell Bay Dr. There will be a food tasting beginning at noon followed by a live concert at 1 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Kristi House. More than 50 fine dining establishments in Downtown Miami and Brickell’s core will be featured along with, vendors, sponsors and non-profit organizations that will help bring thousands together to experience an exchange of food and music in the heart of Brickell on beautiful Biscayne Bay. For more information, visit online at <www.tasteofbrickell.com>.

COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS W.C.S. DRAMA DEPT. TO PRESENT ‘A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM’ The Westminster Christian High School (WCS) Drama Department presents Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Mar. 29 and 30, at 7:30 p.m., in the Guarch Family Auditorium, 6855 SW 152 St. in Palmetto Bay. One of Shakespeare’s great comedy plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream revolves around the adventures of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors and their interactions with the fairies who inhabit a moonlit forest. The story takes place in midsummer and is a complex farce featuring Hermia (senior Katherine Diaz) and Lysander (freshman Michael Martinez), and Helena (senior Camille Manso) and Demetrius (senior Miguel de la Rosa). Puck (freshman Anabella Mazariegos) is a major character who is full of mischief and tricks. Another visitor to the enchanted forest is Bottom (sophomore Justin Filpes). The play is directed by WCS drama instructor Rick T. Adams. For more information, contact the WCS Fine Arts Office at 305-233-2030.

ARCHDIOCESE OF MIAMI GALA SLATED FOR APR. 9 The Archdiocese of Miami will hold a gala on Apr. 9, 7 p.m., at the JW Marriott Marquis in Downtown Miami. Archbishop Thomas Wenski will attend the gala, which is being chaired by local philanthropist Bunny Bastian and will benefit the Leadership Learning Center at St. John Bosco Parish and the Pierre Toussaint Leadership Learning Center at Notre Dame d’Haiti Mission. The St. John Bosco center is a unique after school program that has obtained amazing results with at-risk kids. The gala will begin with a cocktail silent auction reception followed by dinner and dancing. For tickets and information, send email to Martha Velasquez at <mvelasquez@theadom.org> or call 305-762- 1051. VILLAGE OF MERRICK PARK TO HOST ‘FAMILY DAY’ EVENT ON APR. 9 Village of Merrick Park invites guests to

––––––– Continued on next page

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NEWS,

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

from previous page ––––

enjoy “Family Day,” an afternoon of shopping and fun for the entire family, on Apr 9. The event will take place at 358 San Lorenzo Ave. and will feature children’s activities throughout the center along with an interactive kids deejay and a scavenger hunt with prizes, celebrating the many children’s stores within the center such as Janie & Jack, Pottery Barn Kids and the recently opened Gymboree Play & Music and Pili Carrera. Another event component is a raffle benefiting the Children First Society for UM Pediatrics, a foundation dedicated to supporting the treatment and prevention of illnesses in children throughout South Florida and beyond. For more information, all Erica Diamond at 305-534-0081.

MIAMI WIND SYMPHONY SETS INAUGURAL SEASON PREVIEW The public is invited to attend the debut performance of the Miami Wind Symphony, an ensemble of South Florida’s finest professional woodwind, brass and percussion instrumentalists on Apr. 10 at 4 p.m. The concert will take place at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, 174 E. Flagler St., and will feature Aaron Copland’s A Lincoln Portrait narrated by WPLG-Local 10 News anchor Calvin Hughes.

Led by artistic director Rodester Brandon, chair of the Music, Dance and Theater Departments at Miami Dade College, the 50person ensemble is one of only two organizations of its kind in the United States. For more information, visit online at <www.ticketmaster.com>.

CONFERENCE TO FOCUS ON ETHICS IN PUBLIC OFFICE “When Politics and Ethics Collide: A Symposium on the Interplay of Ethical Standards in the Public Arena” will take place on Apr. 15, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the St. Thomas School of Law, 16401 NW 37 Ave. in Miami Gardens. Some of Florida’s most respected legal and political leaders will share their insights on challenges to the values and principles of those holding and seeking public office during a daylong conference sponsored by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust, St. Thomas University and the Daily Business Review. Topics for discussion will focus on the climate of corruption, campaigning and elections, the appearance of impropriety, lobbying and conflicts of interest. The registration fee includes morning refreshments, lunch and all materials. The cost is $40, if paid by April 13, and $50 at the door. CLE credits will be available. For more information and registration, visit <www.stu.edu/ethics> or call Cathy Hayes at 305-623-2324.

CHILDREN FIRST SOCIETY SUPPORTS U.M. PEDIATRICS Children First Society (CFS) is a young professional volunteer group at UM Pediatrics with a mission to fundraise for programs to improve child health issues. CFS is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting the wide array of programs at UHealth Pediatrics. The group also is committed to developing and expanding support and building a significant community of young individuals who have a passion for improving child health. UHealth Pediatrics is the largest research and treatment institute for children in the Southeastern United States. With 22 clinical divisions and centers, it provides a comprehensive approach to healthcare for the benefit of tens of thousands of infants, children and adolescents annually. As part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, the Department of Pediatrics is integrated into a dynamic research environment where innovative and effective treatments and cures are under development. For more information, call 305-534-0081. PAN AMERICAN ORCHID CLUB SCHEDULES MEETINGS, EVENT The Pan American Orchid Club (PAOS) is a society for orchid enthusiasts who want to learn about orchid varieties and their care. Meetings are conducted the third Tuesday of every month at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 11295 SW 57 Ave. in Pinecrest, starting at 7:30 p.m. As part of its mission, the club conducts an annual conservation service project. This year’s

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

project, conducted recently, involved attaching orchids to trees at the beautiful Pinecrest Gardens. The PAOS will have an orchid auction on Apr. 12. Come join and have a good time and take home a beautiful orchid.

COUNTY HELPING HOMEOWNERS MAKE HOMES WEATHER WISE Miami-Dade Community Action Agency’s Weatherization Assistance Program is assisting residents with making their homes more energy efficient. The program currently is accepting applications from qualified homeowners who may be eligible to receive free weatherization services to make their homes more energy efficient and reduce energy costs. Homeowners may receive home energy upgrades that include repair or replacement of windows, doors, low flow fixtures, replacement of ceiling insulation, appliances, repair or replacement of air-conditioning units, and water heaters among other services. Participation in the program is based on household income meeting established U.S. Poverty Guidelines, as well as, an energy home audit. Priority is given to families with children, the elderly and the disabled. Applications are being accepted at Community Action Agency Service Centers throughout Miami-Dade County. For additional information on the Weatherization Assistance Program or to locate a Service Center in your area, call the Community Action Agency at 786-469-4600.

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Healthy eating at heart of food festival, Apr. 10 BY ROBERT HAMILTON

The Heart of a Chef (HOAC): A Foodalicious Festival is a unique culinary experience to take place on Apr. 10. Once again, the Florida Heart Research Institute will be hosting the event in collaboration with the Miami Science Museum from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The emphasis will be on the prevention of childhood obesity along with educating people of all ages to live a heart healthy lifestyle. Through this festival, the Florida Heart Research Institute will show the community how to incorporate healthy options through fun initiatives within the day’s activities. Some activities will include free food tastings, wine with the wildlife, healthy substitution seminars, chef cook-off’s between Whole Foods vs. Le Cordon Bleu, Miami Dade Senior High Competition, and 1500º executive chef and Hell’s Kitchen runnerup Paula DaSilva vs. 1500º sous chef and fellow Hell’s Kitchen contestant Ben Walanka. Joining the teams will be 1500º kitchen staff Adrienne Grenier and Gerard Ladso Sr. Also featuring Slow Food Movement, presenting “What’s In Your Lunch Box” and Cindy Hill, founder of Once Upon a Carrot, a community-based organization dedicated to fighting childhood obesity. Jimmy Morales and daughter, Nora, will be co-chairs of the Heart of a Chef for the second year in a row. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida will

be this year’s presenting sponsor. In addition, Whole Foods is the title sponsor and continues to support this initiative annually. Other sponsors include HealthCorps, Brustman Carrino PR, Panache, Le Cordon Bleu, Nespresso, SmartWater, I Heart Olive Oil, CBS4, and The Gallery Interiors to name a few. To purchase tickets and for more information go online to <www.heartofachef.org>. Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death and disability in the U.S. There are more

than 50,000 deaths a year attributable to cardiovascular disease, and hospitalization costs to care for this disease will top $18.6 million in 2011. FHRI was founded more than 65 years ago as Miami Heart Research Institute, an international leader with a mission to Stop Heart Disease through cardiovascular research, education, and prevention programs. For more information regarding these and other projects at Florida Heart Research Institute, contact Staci Ehrenkrantz at 305-586-7025, or visit online at <www.floridaheartresearch.org>.

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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

Miami Children’s Chorus bound for South Africa BY ANALY MENDEZ

The Miami Children’s Chorus’ 2011 summer performance tour will include a trip to South Africa. In preparation for the trip the MCC will have a benefit concert and silent auction, titled “Ubuntu! Bound for South Africa,” on Mar. 25 at St. Philips Episcopal Church, 1142 Coral Way in Coral Gables, to raise funds for the tour. The auction begins at 6:30 p.m. and the concert at 8 p.m. Proceeds for this event will benefit the Miami Children’s Chorus South Africa Tour, and help to lower travel expenses associated with this choral tour for MCC families. The tour, scheduled for June 15-26, will give chorus members the opportunity to make long-lasting connections with the people of South Africa. They will have the opportunity to perform with South African choral groups, to experience South African culture, and to share American culture and joy of singing with South African audiences. The tour will go to Johannesburg, Soweto, Pretoria and Cape Town. It will

feature four concert presentations including joint concerts with South African Choirs, two workshops/choral exchanges with local South African conductors and choirs, a World Premier Performance of a new South African song, a Game Reserve Safari Experience, and a community service project with a local school. “Ubuntu!” will feature the spectacular musicianship of the Advanced Chorus, performances by MCC Alumni, as well as solo performances by several MCC members who will dazzle audiences with their singing and instrumental abilities. In addition to the artistry of MCC choristers and alumni, the evening will feature a silent auction. This activity has the potential to garner great attention from guests and to raise significant funds for the MCC community. The Miami Children’s Chorus is reaching out to the South Florida community and asking for support. For more information regarding the Miami Children’s Chorus, and its concert schedule visit online at <www.miamichildrenschorus.org> or call 305-662-7494.

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

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Seminar to discuss: How to run a clean campaign BY RHONDA VICTOR SIBILIA

Citizens considering running for elected office can learn how to do it right by attending the next Campaign Skills Seminar sponsored by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust. The seminar on Thursday, Apr. 7, 6:30 p.m., at the North Miami Police Department’s Community Service Room, 700 NE 124 St., will provide essential information on fundraising and record keeping to candidates, campaign treasurers, volunteers and anyone who wants to understand the legal and ethical obligations of seeking public office. Speakers include representatives of the Miami-Dade Ethics Commission,

State Attorney’s Office and Elections Department. The event is free and open to the public. Attorneys can earn Continuing Legal Education credits from the Florida Bar. For more information or to reserve a seat, call Robert Thompson at 305-3500630 or send email to <robthom@miamidade.gov>. The Ethics Commission was created in 1996 as an independent agency with advisory and quasi-judicial powers. It is composed of five members, serving staggered terms of four years each. Through a program of education and outreach, the commission seeks to empower the community and bolster public trust.

www.communitynewspapers.com

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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

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Is A Short Sale Right for You?

Robert Perdigon (left), president, and Scott Perdigon, attorney partner at Perdigon Title Services, 9100 S. Dadeland Blvd., PH1 / Suite #1701, Miami. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY PETER B. LAIRD

Recent data indicates that by the end of 2010 nearly half of all property owners in Miami-Dade County owed more on their homes than the properties were worth. That’s 245,530 underwater homes just in Miami-Dade. Statewide, the number jumps to 2.1 million. Do you owe more than your home is worth? Is a major illness, accident, job loss or divorce preventing you from making your monthly mortgage payments? Are you tired of paying for an investment property that has lost its value? You do have options, according to Robert Perdigon, president of Miamibased Perdigon Title Services, a fullservice title company founded in 2002. “In an ideal world, the best strategy is to continue paying your mortgage, wait for the market to correct, let your property appreciate and sell your house when the value has returned,” advises Perdigon. “However, we do not live in an ideal world and property owners need to know their options.” A foreclosure should be avoided at all costs, Perdigon says. Not only will you lose your home, you could also be forced to pay what you owe on your mortgage plus additional fees. Worse still, it will be reflected on your

credit report for three to five years. Your best option, says Perdigon, may be a short sale. In the past few years, short sales have become the leading distressed property solution. “With a short sale, your house is sold for less than what you owe on your mortgage, and your lender willingly accepts the proceeds from the sale as payment in full,” says Perdigon. “No lien is filed against you, the sale is reflected on your credit report for only 12 to 18 months, and in some cases the lender will even contribute up to $30,000 to cover your relocation expenses.” Before making such an important decision, though, seek professional advice. Perdigon Title Services has special expertise in handling short sales, and its attorney partner can guide you through all aspects of what can be a complex transaction. “We’ve successfully handled hundreds of short sale transactions over the past few years,” says Perdigon. “We’ll work closely with you, your realtor and your lender to ensure the quickest and best possible outcome for all.” For a free initial consultation to determine if a short sale is right for you, contact Perdigon Title Services at 305-728-8184, or e-mail rperdigon@perdigontitle.com.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

Feral and free roaming cats receive free spay, neuter

Pictured (l-r) are Dr. Sloane Robins; Dr. Patty Khluy; Dr. Millie Rosale; Miami-Dade Commissioner Carlos A. Gimenez, and Dr. Sara Pizano, director of Miami-Dade Animal Services. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY INSON KIM

A total of 97 feral and free roaming cats recently were sterilized by volunteer veterinarians at the Mobley Building in South Miami. The event, sponsored by Commissioner Carlos A. Gimenez, was organized with the help of Miami-Dade Animal Services and The Cat Network to address the issue of pet overpopulation and reduce the number of stray and abandoned animals at Miami-Dade Animal Services. In addition to volunteers from MiamiDade Animal Services and The Cat

Network, local private veterinarians and surgical technicians donated their services. Also assisting were students enrolled in the University of Miami’s pre-vet program. Residents were encouraged to bring in the cats to receive free treatment, as well as vaccination against rabies, de-worming, and ear tipping. “I want to thank all of the volunteers, especially the veterinarians who spent their day at the event,� said Commissioner Gimenez. “Spaying and neutering are the most effective ways of preventing unwanted litters. I encourage everyone to spay or neuter their pets.�

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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

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‘Young Talent Big Dreams’ contest winners announced BY YANEISY BLANCO

Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre — together with presenting sponsor, The Children’s Trust — recently announced the winners of “Young Talent Big Dreams,” the most widespread local youth talent contest in Miami-Dade history. A marathon of semi-finals and final competitions for student performers ages 8-17 was conducted at the Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. Participants competed for prizes ranging from master classes, public performance opportunities and cash awards to free tickets to local attractions and shows. The contest featured a total of seven categories including individual song, dance, spoken word and musical instrument, and group categories, including dance, musical groups and instrumental groups with vocals. The semifinals and finals were conducted before a live audience. Each act was allotted up to one minute during their preliminary audition performance, and was given two minutes for the semifinal and final-round performance. Two contestants in each performance category from each preliminary audition location competed in the semifinals and three contestants in each category in the semifinals advanced to the finals. A winner in each category and an overall winner were selected. “Young Talent Big Dreams” contest winners include: Patrick Barham, 12, Individual Musical Instrument and Overall Grand Prize Winner; Biana Pinchuk, 8, Individual Vocal; Denise McArthur, 15, Individual Spoken Word; Allondra Gonzalez, 13, Individual Dance; Nicole Elias, 17; Christopher Garriga, 15; Santiago Olaguibel, 16; Fernando Ferrarone, 15; Ryan Slatko, 17, and Miguel Fernandez, 17, of the Blue Money Jazz Sextet, Group Instrumental with Vocals;

Gabriella and Sabrina Martinez, 12, Group Musical Instrumental, and Sabrina Almedia, 10, and Kimika Popowski, 11, of Tap That Beat, Group Dance. Over a period of six months, hundreds of contestants attended six preliminary auditions in distinct geographic neighborhoods throughout Miami-Dade, including the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables, Joseph Caleb Auditorium in Miami; Mary Ann Wolfe Theatre at FIU in North Miami; Wertheim Performing Arts Center at FIU in West Miami-Dade; ArtSouth Sanctuary Theatre in Homestead, and Byron Carlyle Theater in Miami Beach. “It was an amazing conclusion to a year of planning, hard work and collaboration throughout Miami-Dade County,” said Modesto E. Abety, president and CEO of The Children’s Trust. “We are inspired by all the young talent and dedicated parents we’ve met along the way and look forward to providing many more opportunities to young people through this competition next year.” “Actors’ Playhouse is thrilled by the overwhelming success of our ‘Young Talent Big Dreams’ talent contest,” said Barbara S. Stein, executive producing director for Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. “It was clear by the enthusiasm of the contestants and their families that this opportunity meant a great deal to them personally by giving them the chance to showcase their talents to the community. “The judges had difficult decisions to make since the overall talent in the semi finals and finals was exceptional in all categories. We are proud of the contestants, all of whom are winners. Actors’ Playhouse is also proud of our partnership with The Children’s Trust, the presenting sponsor of ‘Young Talent Big Dreams,’ who allowed us to create this wonderful event,” Stein added.

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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

Search for global superstar includes auditions in Miami BY MICHAEL FABIANI

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Auditions for the highly anticipated singing competition The X Factor are set to begin on Sunday, Mar. 27, in Los Angeles and the search for the next global superstar will continue in Miami on Thursday, Apr. 7, at the BankUnited Center on the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus. Interested solo artists and vocal groups should sign up now for audition information at <www.fox.com/theXfactor>. The exciting new competition series is looking for talent young and old alike — with no upper age limit. The X Factor judges will travel the nation searching for undiscovered talent 12 years old or older — both solo artists and vocal groups — who are willing to brave the panel for a chance to make their dreams come true. In a departure from other singing competition series, the first time a contestant auditions for the judges, he/she will do so in front of an audience of thousands — raising the

stakes and increasing the pressure to impress not only the judges, but also a potential legion of fans. This will be the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence that it takes to become a global superstar and win an unprecedented $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music. Wristbands must be obtained from the venue the day prior to auditions. Additional audition details, including eligibility requirements, are available at <www.fox.com/theXfactor>. Hopefuls should check back regularly for updated information, rules and registration forms. As previously announced, Pepsi will serve as an official sponsor of The X Factor. The X Factor is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. Simon Cowell, Rob Wade and Siobhan Greene are executive producers for Syco Television. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia North America.

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

3/31/11— WALK-IN TO SAVE PUBLIC EDUCATION BY KAREN ARONOWITZ, President, United Teachers of Dade

On Thursday, March 31, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., I am asking each one of you reading this to go to any public school close to you, and show your support for public education by WALKING IN to a school. On this day, United Teachers of Dade, in cooperation with community organizations, parents, and many public sector employees including nurses, firefighters, police, transit workers and others will come out to our public schools to protect our children and the schools that serve them. We need you to join us. Thousands of citizens must stand up against the cuts to education funding that will leave children without the education they need for their future. Last year, two brave mothers staged a hunger strike because of the cuts their children faced in critical education programming. Unions often come under media fire for supposedly planning workplace walk outs, which we do not condone in any way. Instead, we want our entire community to stand with us as we WALK IN to schools to stand up for Public Education. Right now is a critical time. Our schools, our teachers and support

staff, and our children are in danger from legislation that cuts funding to our classrooms and places money in the hands of profiteers. It is urgent that we act together to demonstrate public outrage at what is occurring in Tallahassee. The Florida legislature is withdrawing billions of dollars of funding from public education and weakening the economic power of working Floridians. They are wasting money on programs known to be failures such as pay for performance models they are currently legislating. For example: • $215 million reduction to Miami-Dade Public Schools funding alone. • No funding provided to districts for a pay-for-performance model. • $2 billion wasted on creating more tests, not for the benefit of students. • Children placed in larger classes. • Children placed in virtual classes without a classroom teacher or interaction with other students. • Experienced and successful teachers fired for no reason at end of year. The Governor of Florida and other states have said they can’t afford to educate America’s children. How is it that the most prosperous, democratic country in the world would fail to educate her children? How dare this governor and legislators say they will not pay for public education! Walk in with us to our public schools on 3-31-11 to show our governor and lawmakers that the people will not tolerate these threats to our right to a public education system. The United Teachers of Dade represents 32,000 teachers and school support personnel in MDCPS. The union is committed to being a leader in creating public school reform, fostering a quality public education for all students and elevating the professional status of teachers, paraprofessionals, office employees, and all school support personnel.

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Krispy Kreme grand opening benefits Easter Seals efforts BY GARY ALAN RUSE

When the new Krispy Kreme opened its doors in Palmetto Bay for its grand opening on Monday, Mar. 7, it didn’t just launch a new location for the popular food franchise, it also benefited the local Easter Seals organization in several ways. Present for the special ceremony at 16851 S. Dixie Hwy. were James Cosentino, owner, and his daughter Marialana Lococo, vice president of operations; Luanne K. Welch, president of Easter Seals South Florida, and a number of students who participated in a cooking event. Lococo explained how it came about. “We initially put out a notice of ‘Bake the Cake’ for the store, and when people responded, we found out they were special needs kids, so we brought them into it so they could come here and really feel good about what they do at the culinary part of their school,” Lococo said. A check also was given to Easter Seals by James and Marialana to assist the work of Easter Seals. Welch was pleased by the donation and even more by the fact that the students were able to participate in the event. “Just like its brand promises to do, Krispy Kreme created a lot of joy at Easter Seals South Florida by including our kids in this grand opening event,” Welch said. “Our culinary arts high school students were delighted to design and create Krispy Kreme doughnut cakes and participate in the celebration. “We are grateful for Krispy Kreme’s monetary donation, too. Easter Seals relies on this kind of community engagement and support to help us make small miracles happen every day for children and adults with disabilities at Easter Seals.” Welch explained that the mission of Easter Seals South Florida is to provide exceptional services so that people with autism, Alzheimer’s and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in the community. Helping to welcome the new Krispy

Pictured (l-r) are Palmetto Bay Councilmember Joan Lindsay; students Claudette King and Jared Lopez; Palmetto Bay Councilmember Howard J. Tendrich; Ed Ludovici, Esq.; Marialana Lococo, vice president of operations, Krispy Kreme; James Cosentino, owner; Palmetto Bay Mayor Shelley Stanczyk, and students Andres Gomez and Joshua Morejon. (Photo by Bill Meiklejohn) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Kreme to Palmetto Bay were Mayor Shelley Stanczyk and Councilmembers Joan Lindsay and Howard J. Tendrich. Mayor Stanczyk presented the owners with a proclamation from the village. “After many years of offering sweet treats to South Florida doughnut lovers at the Tamarac, Ft. Lauderdale, and North Miami locations, Krispy Kreme in South Florida has served the shops’ local communities with pride and enthusiasm,” Stanczyk said. “Organizations, schools, churches, and agencies throughout the greater South Florida region use Krispy Kreme’s fundraising program to generate contributions to fund a variety of projects and initiatives. Even prior to opening their doors to the public in Palmetto Bay, Krispy Kreme has so generously opened relations with this community by supporting various village functions including the 2010 State of

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the Village, the grand opening of Thalatta Estate, and the 2011 Celebration Picnic.” Stanczyk officially proclaimed Monday, Mar. 7, 2011 as Krispy Kreme Day. Turning on its “Hot Now” light for the first time, the new Krispy Kreme made available to Palmetto Bay neighborhood residents classic treats like Original Glazed doughnuts, refreshing Chillers, hot coffee, fresh bagels and hearty oatmeal. “We’re glad to be here,” Lococo said. “We had an awesome opening week, better than our expectations. We’re very happy that the public has received us and made it such a great success. We plan on being here for a long time and we love being involved in the community. “We do a lot of charity events, and people can now do fundraising through here to raise money for their organization. We’re happy to be a part of this community and to create Krispy Kreme ‘magic moments’ for the people who haven’t tried our hot glazed donuts before.” For more information on Easter Seals, visit <www.southflorida.easterseals.com>.

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Eddy Lopez among artists featured in BAC exhibition Eddy Lopez is shown with his eight-color linoblock print, Birmingham (Paki), a reduction block technique, with full, rich, resonant shades of chocolate brown, black

BY ANN ROBBINS-UDEL

The Bakehouse Art Complex (BAC), a non-profit arts organization, celebrating its 25th anniversary year, on Mar. 12 opened its first, juried printmaking exhibit, “Impressed,” with the works of 27 emerging and mid-career, contemporary printmakers. The show continues through Apr. 1. “This elite show includes varied types of prints: etching, engraving, intaglio, drypoint, silkscreen, lithography, monoprint, woodcut, wood engraving and linocuts,” said Lauren Wagner, director of exhibitions and curator of BAC. “Artists are from Palm Beach, Dade and Monroe counties and works were juried by Pavel Ouporov, Suzanne Sherer and Tom Virgin.” Eddy Lopez is one of the outstanding artists whose works are included. “Major artistic influences include the late Jeffrey Olson as well as Old Master painters — Velasquez, Goya, Rembrandt,” Lopez said. Lopez emigrated to the United States from Matagalpa, Nicaragua, at age 9. He was sent to live with his much older siblings in Miami by his parents who wanted to protect him from the communist Sandinista regime’s draft of 12-year-old children. His English vocabulary consisted of “thank you” and “blue,” but he soon entered the gifted program in elementary school. As an Advanced Placement student at Southwest High School, he gained remarkable proficiency with computer-generated as well as hand-created art, under the direction of his teacher, Rita Touzet. Lopez thrived at Miami Dade College (MDC) with Alberto Mesa’s instruction, and at Florida International University with

Richard Duncan, where he completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts. Lopez now is a Master of Fine Arts candidate at the University of Miami, studying printmaking with Lise Drost, MFA, and has been awarded a graduate assistantship beginning this August. As marketing manager of MDC Community Education, he works in the area of design, rather than art. These are two distinct and separate areas. “Art explores ideas, some controversial; has no set purpose and [is] not always appealing to everyone. Design has a purpose, carries a message and has mass appeal.” His duties at MDC also include teaching responsibilities in which he enjoys giving students “the opportunity for growth to improve their lives and to help them gain an appreciation for the role of art and design in our daily living.” Lopez encourages his students to take an active, participatory role in community life by attending any and all art and cultural events, as well as giving back to the community by donating time and labor to mural painting projects for the Latin Jazz Festival at MDC and the Dade County Police 9-1-1 Call Center. He also donates time every week to giving pro bono art classes for cloistered nuns at Holy Trinity Monastery Convent in Hialeah. Lopez lives with Vincent, his white Maltese. Prospective students may reach him at 305-237-2634 and or via email at <elopez1@mdc.edu>. The Bakehouse Art Complex is located at 561 NW 32 St. and is open daily, noon-5 p.m. For more information phone 305-5762828 or visit online at <www.bacfl.org>.

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My Lawn Man wants to top my Live Oak Tree for the STORM SEASON. Should I have him do this? THE ARBORIST

BY RON VON PAULUS

No. Don’t top your live oak or any other hardwood tree such as a black olive or mahogany. A tree sometimes needs to be pruned to avoid interference with utility lines, buildings, or parts of the surrounding environment. Whenever pruning is required, it is important to avoid the practice of topping -- the removal of all parts of a tree above a certain height with no consideration for its structure or health. Long thought to reduce a hazard, topping is a temporary and ineffective solution that actually makes a tree more hazardous in the long run. • Topping "starves" trees by robbing them of their food-creating leaves. • Topped trees, in an act of defense, create shoots that grow quickly (up to 20 feet in one year) and are more prone to breaking. • Topping also makes trees more susceptible to insects and disease. • Topping creates "high maintenance

trees" that are expensive to treat, repair, and care for. Hurricane tree-trimming basics for hardwood trees • Reduction pruning is an effective alternative to topping. It reduces the size of longer branches by cutting back to a lateral branch. Some branches are removed at their point of origin. • Avoid excessive thinning of interior branches. It can lead to rapid growth of upright interior shoots and limb breakage. • The best way to learn to manage tree growth and maintain tree health is to consult a Certified Arborist. These tree care professionals know how to safely prune trees, and they can couch you as a homeowner how to best maintain and care for them throughout the year. Ron von Paulus is an International Society of Arboriculture certified arborist (ID # Fl5770A) and has more than 20 years experience working with trees in South Florida. He offers free consultations to homeowners and businesses. He can be reached at Big Ron’s Tree Service 305-588-3091 or by email at <ron@BigRonsTreeService.com>

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12929 SW 60 Aveโ ฆ.....................................โ ฆ.Pinecrest Pinecrest Elementary!! Great Price!! New Roof!! Fireplace, 3/2 with 2car garage, screened patio, over 2,300sq ft on builderโ s acre, beautiful trees! $583,500.

LD SO

TARA TOWNHOUSE! 7870 SW 89 Lane...Near Dadeland Estate Sale! Soaring ceilings! Over 2,500 sq ft, 2 master bdrms, office, 3 full baths, huge wrap around deck, 1 car garage. SOLD: $420,000.

CT

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DE N U 143 Morningside Driveโ ฆโ ฆโ ฆ.......โ ฆCoral Gables ESTATE SALE!! Steps from Coconut Grove!! Great floor plan, 4/3 with 2car garage, screened pool/patio, new roof, 2800sq ft on 10,400sq ft lot. $600,000

16780 SW 78 Aveโ ฆ.................................Palmetto Bay Short Sale! 5 Bdrms, 3 Baths, 2car gar w/pool, over 3,400sf in prime school district! Soaring ceilings, granite kit, recently painted. Offered at $515,000 D1304052

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Little Gables Gem!....................... 4521 SW 15 Street 3/2 Split plan with huge master suite, over 1,700 sq ft on 7.500sf lot. Walk to San Jacinto Park! Light and cheery! Move-in condition. REDUCED $369,000

E RL O E AL S R FO

Free-Standing Corall Gabless office building with US-11 frontage!! 2Story, 10 parking spaces, over 2,700sf, new roof. Bottom two units rented. Top floor 1,350sf-4offices, conference room, reception area. Building Offered at $799,000 or lease top floor at $2,300/mo

Executive Pinecrest RENTALโ ฆ................................. .11149 SW 78 Aveโ ฆ..Avail in July! 4bdrm +off/maids, 3bths, 2car gar, pool/patio,high ceilings, quality finishes, quiet street, over 4,300sfโ ฆ....................โ ฆ.Offered at $6,200/mo.

LD

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Represented BUYER, Listed by: JoAnn Forster, EWM 11100 Snapper Creek Road, Coral Gables Waterfront home w/5Bdrms, 4.5Baths, over 5,700SF on 1.2Acres in Gated Snapper Creek Lakesโ ฆ. $2,350,000

550 S. Dixie Highway โ ข Coral Gables, FL 33146

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 41

Page 42

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

CAPTURE SPRING BREAK –

INSTANT SAVINGS 12

MEGA PIXELS

3.6x 3" OPTICAL ZOOM

WAS $11700 $ NOW

$

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WAS $19700

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NEW LOW PRICE!

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$

$

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AFTER

60

WAS $29700

$

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$

AFTER

100

$

24700 $

$

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26700

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INSTANT SAVINGS**

AFTER

10.2

WAS $84700

WAS $58700

$

AFTER

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300

$

INSTANT SAVINGS**

AFTER

300

$

NOW

95700

INSTANT SAVINGS**

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**

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WAS $188700 NOW

158700

$

$

WAS $199700

AFTER

300

INSTANT SAVINGS**

$

NOW

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AFTER

400

$

INSTANT SAVINGS**

AFTER

50

INSTANT SAVINGS**

NOW

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AFTER

300

$

INSTANT SAVINGS**

WAS $239700 NOW

199700

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1080 p HDMOVIE

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4.5 3"

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Kit Includes 18-105mm VR Zoom-NIKKOR® lens

WAS $119700 NOW

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LCD DISPLAY

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INSTANT SAVINGS**

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250

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WAS $89700

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WAS $49700

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MEGA PIXELS

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150

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PURCHASE THE D7000 OR D300S AND GET THE FOLLOWING INSTANT SAVINGS:

$

NOW

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INSTANT SAVINGS**

11700

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40

PURCHASE THE D3000, D3100, D5000, D90, D7000 OR D300S AND GET THE FOLLOWING INSTANT SAVINGS: 55-200mm Zoom-NIKKOR lens

12

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Body Only

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nikonusa.com

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 43

Subaru Forester is a rugged, stable compact SUV Ron Beasley LET’S TALK CARS I like the 2011 Subaru Forester. It’s a compact SUV competing in the same class with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and others. It’s stable and rugged in off-road traveling and it has an excellent all-wheeldrive system that eases the going in tougher driving situations. The Forester’s all-wheel-drive system is standard and it really does give the vehicle excellent traction and handling in bad weather, and it’s well equipped with safety features. Forester was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety after getting a five-star rating in all government crash tests and a four-star rating for rollover resistance. Forester was introduced as an all-new model in 2009 after being redesigned to give it a wider track, a longer wheelbase, a double wishbone rear suspension, more cargo space and more rear-seat legroom.

It’s classified as a “crossover” vehicle, one with a car-based chassis that has been designed to deliver good handling and good fuel economy. The Forester is slightly longer than Honda’s CR-V and a little shorter than Toyota’s RAV4. The Forester XT has a distinctive functional hood scoop, five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, a chrome-tipped dual exhaust and a spoiler that juts over the rear window. On the inside, the cabin is nicely designed and the seats are comfortable, while driver visibility is excellent from all angles. The center stack has faux aluminum trim and holds the climate and audio controls. The center console is deep and slides forward four inches to provide an armrest. The rear seats are split 60/40 and fold flat to yield a huge 68.3-cubic-foot cargo area (33.5 cubic feet with the rear seat up). The rear seat also reclines and there’s a retractable center tray with fixed cup holders. For 2011, there’s a long list of improvements, including an all-new engine for the base 2.5X models (the 2.5XT keeps the same turbocharged 224 hp twin cam engine). The new engine has a slightly longer stroke and a slightly larger displacement, and a chain-driven double overhead

Subaru Forester XT has functional hood scoop, five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and a chrome-tipped dual exhaust. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

cam (it was a belt-driven single overhead cam before). The horsepower is the same at 170, but torque is higher at 174 pounds-feet at 4,100 rpm and fuel economy is improved to 21/27 mpg for either manual or automatic transmission. Forester 2.5XT models now include 2.5XT Premium and 2.5XT Touring, with the the Touring model replacing the 2.5XT

Limited as the top Forester model. Pricing ranges from $21,220 for the base model to $29,020 for the 2.5X Touring. 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>.

Page 44

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Page 45

DREWKERN.COM

OPENING DOORS TO SOUTH FLORIDA REAL ESTATE

As a second generation real estate professional, and a Miami native, I have an intimate understanding of our local market. Let me help guide you through the sometimes turbulent waters of buying and selling your most valuable asset. The process should be easy and enjoyable when you have the assistance of the right professional.

S IN 26 DAY T C A R T ON UNDER C

Drew Kern

Chairman Elect, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce

14720 SW 81 Ave.

20030 Cutler Ct.

Wonderful 3 bdrm/ 2 bath Palmetto Bay home, 2,173 sq ft, unique patio-entry from front door, large bdrms, family room with built-ins. Screened pool. 2 car garage.

REDUCED PRICE! 3 bdrm/ 2 bath Cutler Bay home, 2,431 sq ft, large bdrms, spacious family room/kitchen area. Largest lot in the community w/ great backyard and room to park a boat. Close access to Blackpoint Marina. 2 car garage. $299,000

$375,000

8108 SW 172 Te.

6525 SW 134 Dr.

Formal, two story, 4 bdrm/ 3 bath, 3,067 sq. ft., gated home in Groves of Old Cutler community. Expansive pool and patio. 2 car garage.

Great opportunity in Pinecrest! 4 bdrm/3 bath, set in lush Devonwood community. New impact windows, large living spaces, split bdrm plan. Pool/patio, 2 car garage.

$545,000

$695,000

14300 SW 68 Ave. REDUCED PRICE! Distinctive, 2 story, 5 bdrm, 4.5 bath gated estate on 1.5 acre. 4,724 sq ft. Vaulted ceilings, spacious en-suite bdrms, screened pool, tennis court. 2 car garage.

DAYS! SOLD IN 7

$950,000

6000 SW 108 St. Amazing Pinecrest family home in sought after area, 3 bdrm/ 2 bath, 2,308 sq ft, large bdrms, great room. 33,541 sq ft lot. Update or live in as is. 2 car garage. $699,000

13026 Nevada St.

7250 SW 41 St.

Waterfront home, Gables by the Sea. 5 bdrm/ 5 bath, two story, 4,585 sq. ft. 100 ft seawall, no bridges to bay. 2 car garage.

New construction commercial warehouse,6,000sqftwith2A/C units & tiled offices, 2 baths. Visibility from 40 St (Bird Rd). Lots of additional features. Fenced w/ 6 parking spaces. $1,495,000 for sale, $7,000/month for lease

$3,295,000 for sale, $11,500/month for lease

550 SOUTH DIXIE HIGHWAY, CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA 33146 305.329.7744 • KERN.D@EWM.COM

Page 46

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Pictured are the owners of Lots of Lox (l-r) Steve, Jimmy and Nick Poulos.

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Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

Mar. 22 - Apr. 4, 2011

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March 22 - 28, 2011

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Astrology Consultations

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Jeffrey Brock, well-known South Florida astrologer, is available for astrology consultations - discover the incredible sychronicity between the time and place of your birth and your personality. Astrology is being recognized as the “Rosetta Stone” of psychology.

305.279.2569 http://JeffreyBrock.com Email:

Website covers frequently asked questions about consultations and what to expect

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Brock120@bellsouth.net

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Jeffrey Brock is the Director of The Astrological & Metaphysical Research Center and has been teaching astrology since 1978. Mr. Brock also has extensive experience with personal & corporate leadership development and is a Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Licensed Avatar® Master.

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