Jonathan E. Groth, Esq, Mayor, Village of Biscayne Park
Omarr C. Nickerson, Ph.D., Mayor, Village of El Portal
2024 GENERAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Andrew Bellinson, Esq., Bellinson Law Firm
Roni Bennett, South Florida People of Color
Robert Bourne, Robert Bourne Real Estate
Victor Bruce, Bruce & Bruce
Your Hometown Comprehensive Medical Care Providers. Serving Miami Shores, El Portal, Biscayne Park and Beyond.
Dennis Kleinman, First Equity \Mortgage Banker, Inc.
SunJa Leon, The Nokkha Group
Vanessa Maggi, Maggi Realty Group
Margarita Perez, MD, Miami Shores Medical Group
Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli, Resident Member
Julie Isha, Barry University
Kim Flower, Flight Wine Lounge and Shop
Cory Gittner, Mediatech
Jon Harmeling, Chick-fil-A
Robin Hechler, Horace Mann Middle School
Mark Piper, Northwestern
Scott Smith, Ph.D., Barry University
Paula Szlufman, Primer Microschools
Christian Ulvert, Edge Communications
DeAnthony Williams, Athletics Miami
Carter Winkle, Ph.D., Barry University
Ana Apaza Concha, MD
Luis Arias Urdaneta, MD
The Egret is designed by Carla Peters, MyWeeThree Design and Gigi Turkel, Core Design Group Cover Photograph: Kate Baumwell Egret Editorial: Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli
The Egret • August 2024 • 9620 NE Second Avenue Suite 201, Miami Shores, FL, 33138 • 305-754-5466 e-mail: chamberinfo@ miamishores.com • www.miamishores.com • facebook.com/MiamiShores, The Greater Miami Shores’ Egret is the official publication of the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce, and is published monthly. 7400 copies of the Egret are distributed to homes, apartments, and businesses within the villages of Miami Shores, Biscayne Park, El Portal, Little River and Upper East Side free of charge. Views expressed in this publication are those of the editorial staff and do not necessarily reflect those of the Board of Directors. Information in it is intended for Chamber member organizations as well as the residents of our communities. Please contact the Chamber for more information on membership, advertising, distribution, or content.
Margarita Perez Caminero, MD
Miami Art League Marks 30 years of Art Education
The Miami Art League is proud to celebrate 30 years at our current location in Miami Shores at 9709 NE 2nd Avenue. As a registered non-profit organization, we aim to provide the most affordable Fine Art Education to our community.
Founded nearly 100 years ago and having been based at various Miami Shores locations, the Miami Art League is a cherished institution for Fine Art Education. We have offered classes, workshops, exhibitions, and scholarship opportunities throughout Miami-Dade County. The Miami Art League is more than just an art school; it is a welcoming community for artists of all ages and skill levels residing in the heart of the Shores.
At the Miami Art League, artists can participate in drawing and painting classes, both with and without live models. They also have the opportunity to display their artwork in our collective exhibitions and art sales, and they can use the League as their
own studio during open studio hours. Interested artists may even organize their own one- or two-person shows at the League!
Art is a wonderful vehicle for lifelong learning and friendships. As we look forward to our Centennial Celebration, we are not only continuing our full monthly schedule of classes but also promoting various special events for the community. We invite you to explore your artistic skills at our new “Second Saturday Drop-In Art Activity,” offered on the second Saturday of each month beginning in September. This event is free of charge but requires an RSVP due to space limitations.
As part of the centennial celebrations, the Miami Art League will host a special exhibit in late October, The Legacy Exhibit, featuring original works by some of the more recent prominent artists associated with the League. This includes Peter Driben, a prolific American pinup artist from the 1940s and 1950s, and Carl Folk Sahlin, internationally renowned for his paintings of natives from South and Central America. Mr. Sahlin made many trips to remote areas to live with
the subjects he painted, and his work is featured at the Smithsonian. He also served as the League’s president in 1945. The exhibit will offer a rare opportunity for the community to closely examine exquisite classic works by renowned artists and will serve as the kickoff for the Miami Art League Centennial.
Check out other special events as well as our regular monthly offerings at MiamiArtLeague.com. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
For more information, contact us at MiamiArtLeague@ aol.com or 305-757-3161
The Doctors are in.
Miami Shores Medical Group: Committed to Community Health
By Liangy Calli
In January 2022, Dr. Margarita Perez Caminero and Dr. Luis Arias Urdaneta opened the doors of Miami Shores Medical Group, driven by a desire to serve our Village and contribute to a healthier community. As longtime residents of Miami Shores, they recognized that many of our adult neighbors had to travel significant distances to receive quality medical care. Their goal is to fill this gap by providing comprehensive healthcare services right here in our own community. Their mission is to promote wellness and health through preventive and specialized medical care and their practice is dedicated to fostering a positive patient experience through compassionate care and a commitment to excellence. Meet the Physicians:
Dr. Pérez Caminero (Cardiology)
Dr. Pérez Caminero earned her medical degree from the Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami and continued her training as a Cardiologist at the University of Virginia. Upon returning to South Florida, she specialized in Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. With over a decade of experience and board certifications, Dr. Pérez Caminero offers comprehensive cardiovascular care, emphasizing preventive cardiology and the management of complex cardiac conditions.
Her commitment to high-quality, compassionate care is deeply rooted in her personal and professional values. Dr. Pérez Caminero and Dr. Luis Arias Urdaneta were married in 2014. They are the proud parents of two wonderful boys, aged 7 and 5. The Village was their final destination after working for big companies for over 10 years. Dr. Pérez Caminero shares, “When working in a bigger practice you lose personal touch in numbers. We are of the thought that medical health goes hand in hand with people’s personal reality. Some people may call it romantic, but I truly believe that getting to know my patients and their families gives me an amazing opportunity to improve the
The Miami Shores Medical Group
is dedicated to serving their community. They are committed to promoting wellness and health in Miami Shores, striving to make a positive impact on their patients’ lives. They are a concierge type practice, without added costs, providing personal carethe way it is meant to be.
Mimami Shores Medical Group
209 NE 95th St., Suite 4, Miami Shores, FL 33138
Phone: (786) 206-8610
mutual understanding of their health conditions and treatment options. In 2022, the couple identified the need for good quality and personalized local medical care. Dr. Pérez Caminero comments, “Our focus is to be able to change and improve people’s lives. We are inspired by our own families. We enjoy serving patients and having the opportunity to serve in our very own community and surrounding neighborhoods”. Miami Shores provided everything they wanted to raise their family, a short commute, a safe environment, and a community filled with empathy and kindness.
Dr. Luis Arias Urdaneta (Rheumatology)
Dr. Arias Urdaneta received his medical degree from the Escuela de Medicina Luis Razetti in Caracas, Venezuela. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center, where he served an additional year as Chief Resident. There, he distinguished himself by earning the Howard Kane Resident of the Year award, and the American College of Physicians Chief Resident of the Year award. He then completed his Rheumatology fellowship at Harvard’s prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital.
Dr. Arias Urdaneta is dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of rheumatologic conditions, striving to create personalized treatment plans that align with the latest clinical evidence and patient preferences. His practice is grounded in honesty and integrity, ensuring excellent clinical care.
Dr. Ana Apaza Concha (Endocrinology)
Dr. Ana Apaza Concha’s path to becoming a highly respected endocrinologist began at Universidad Nacional San Agustín in Arequipa, Peru, where she earned her medical degree. She continued her medical training in South Florida, completing an internal medicine residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, followed by a fellowship in Endocrinology at the University of Miami. With over a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Apaza Concha specializes in treating a wide range of endocrine disorders, including diabetes, obesity, and metabolic bone disease/osteoporosis. She provides thorough evaluations for thyroid disease and nodules, offering fine needle aspiration biopsies when needed. Her commitment to patient care is unwavering, with board certifications from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism.
Dr. Apaza Concha’s approach to medicine is deeply personal. She believes that a strong physician-patient relationship is essential for achieving the best clinical outcomes. This philosophy aligns perfectly with her colleagues, Dr. Margarita Pérez Caminero and Dr. Luis Arias Urdaneta, who share her dedication to personalized care. Dr. Pérez Caminero and Dr. Apaza Concha, in particular, have a longstanding professional history, having worked together for 12 years before joining forces at Miami Shores Medical Group. Their shared vision for a more intimate, patient-focused practice made the transition seamless and natural.
For Dr. Apaza Concha, family is her greatest inspiration. She wants her children to see the value in loving what you do and embracing life’s ups and downs. Dr. Apaza Concha mentions, “I treat my patients like family and offer them the same care I would give my loved ones”. This compassionate approach is at the heart of the practice, where she emphasizes the importance of lifestyle choices in preventing diseases.
Dr. Apaza Concha advocates for healthy eating and regular exercise as key strategies to reduce the need for medications and maintain overall well-being. Balancing her professional and personal life, Dr. Apaza Concha is married with two children, aged 8 and 10, and a 1-year-old puppy. She acknowledges the challenges of being a working mom but finds it immensely rewarding. She hopes to instill in her children the value of pursuing what they love.
When preparing to paint your home for listing, opt for light creams, whites, and soft pale grays for the interiors. Lighter colors make the house appear brighter and more spacious. Buyers typically favor a light, bright home over a darker interior.
Unlocking Radiance:
Unlocking Radiance:
Dr. Andrea Trowers revolutionizes skincare with cutting-edge dermatology
Dr. Andrea Trowers revolutionizes skincare with cutting-edge dermatology
Dr. Andrea Trowers describes herself as someone lucky enough to be in love with her work. At her private practice in Miami Shores, Dr. Trowers successfully combines traditional dermatology with a thriving cosmetic practice. Dr. Trowers’
Dr. Andrea Trowers describes herself as someone lucky enough to be in love with her work. At her private practice in Miami Shores, Dr. Trowers successfully combines traditional dermatology with a thriving cosmetic practice. Dr. Trowers’
unusual Jamaican/German heritage makes her particularly sensitive to a diverse population with specific skin care needs.
unusual Jamaican/German heritage makes her particularly sensitive to a diverse population with specific skin care needs.
Dr. Trowers grew up in Westchester, New York. Her own battles with skin issues led to an early passion for dermatology. She received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in only three years. She then attended Emory University School of Medicine. Her dermatology residency was completed at Case Western University, where she was chosen to be Chief Resident. After completing a highly competitive fellowship at the University of Miami, she was honored to become a faculty member. Later, she opened her private practice in North Miami.
Dr. Trowers grew up in Westchester, New York. Her own battles with skin issues led to an early passion for dermatology. She received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University in only three years. She then attended Emory University School of Medicine. Her dermatology residency was completed at Case Western University, where she was chosen to be Chief Resident. After completing a highly competitive fellowship at the University of Miami, she was honored to become a faculty member. Later, she opened her private practice in North Miami.
Dr. Trowers has been practicing medical and aesthetic dermatology for twenty-three years. She relocated her practice to Miami Shores two years ago and she and her staff are so happy to be part of this community. Dr. Trowers was recently joined by her Nurse Practioner, AnaRita,
Dr. Trowers has been practicing medical and aesthetic dermatology for twenty-three years. She relocated her practice to Miami Shores two years ago and she and her staff are so happy to be part of this community. Dr. Trowers was recently joined by her Nurse Practioner, AnaRita,
HEALTHYAging SEMINAR
who started working for Dr. Trowers when she was eighteen years old. She went on to nursing school at Miami Dade College. She was then a nurse at Mount Sinai and the University of Miami ICU. She completed her Nurse Practioner degree at Nova Southeastern University and then returned to work for Dr. Trowers.
who started working for Dr. Trowers when she was eighteen years old. She went on to nursing school at Miami Dade College. She was then a nurse at Mount Sinai and the University of Miami ICU. She completed her Nurse Practioner degree at Nova Southeastern University and then returned to work for Dr. Trowers.
Dr. Trowers bases many of her aesthetic recommendations on the “living lab” of her personal experience and that of her staff. Her goal is to help her patients achieve a natural aesthetic by restoring what sun damage and intrinsic aging have stolen. Dr.Trowers and AnaRita also provide medical dermatology care covering all aspects of conditions affecting the hair, skin and nails.
Dr. Trowers bases many of her aesthetic recommendations on the “living lab” of her personal experience and that of her staff. Her goal is to help her patients achieve a natural aesthetic by restoring what sun damage and intrinsic aging have stolen. Dr.Trowers and AnaRita also provide medical dermatology care covering all aspects of conditions affecting the hair, skin and nails.
Great skin is the best accessory and it is Dr. Trowers’ and AnaRita’s goal to make sure that all of their patients have it! AndreaTrowersDermatology.com
Great skin is the best accessory and it is Dr. Trowers’ and AnaRita’s goal to make sure that all of their patients have it!
AndreaTrowersDermatology.com
Join us at the Meta Medical Mixer for an enlightening evening with a panel of esteemed physicians discussing longevity and healthy aging. Learn about the latest research and strategies for maintaining well-being as we age. Come and engage with experts, ask questions, and connect with others who are passionate about living well. Scan in the QR code & register today! Seating is limited!
Dr.
Dr. Ronel Corbin Healing Elephant
A ccessible Support
Team Georgeé The Value of Experience
Hiring the right real estate professional is critical. Team Georgeé elevates the real estate experience by providing industry leading value.
Georgeé proactively navigates potential challenges that her unique experience enables her to anticipate. Georgeé and her team understand the pivotal role that communication plays in creating satisfied clients and smooth transactions.
Visionary Expertise
L oyalty & Trust
Georgeé's career has encompassed the sale of thousands of homes, familiarity with diverse life scenarios driving real estate transactions, and experience maneuvering through multiple historical market shifts. Whether it is optimizing home staging, implementing precise pricing strategies, or charting a course for their future property-related plans, Georgeé gives her customers the edge.
Accessible Support
Built on a deep rooted ethos of honesty and integrity, Georgeé embodies these values in every interaction. This results in a clientele rich with repeat customers, many of whom have entrusted them with multiple transactions. Team Georgeé’s track record speaks volumes.
Georgeé proactively navigates potential challenges that her unique experience enables her to anticipate. Georgeé and her team understand the pivotal role that communication plays in creating satisfied clients and smooth transactions.
Unrivaled Experience
Loyalty & Trust
Built on a deep rooted ethos of honesty and integrity, Georgeé embodies these values in every interaction. This results in a clientele rich with repeat customers, many of whom have entrusted them with multiple transactions. Team Georgeé’s track record speaks volumes.
With a remarkable tally of over 3,500 satisfied customers, Georgeé's expertise has evolved from a foundation rooted in Miami Shores into a reputation as the foremost authority on the greater Miami area real estate market. This historical knowledge and the drive to stay current on today’s real estate, greatly impact their customer’s success.
Unrivaled Experience
E xpertise & Excellence
With a remarkable tally of over 3,500 satisfied customers, Georgeé's expertise has evolved from a foundation rooted in Miami Shores into a reputation as the foremost authority on the greater Miami area real estate market. This historical knowledge and the drive to stay current on today’s real estate, greatly impact their customer’s success.
E xpertise & Excellence
With a proven career, marked by unparalleled marketing strategies, they invest in the latest technology, photography, and partner with A+ allied resources. This arms their customers with the industry “best of” and sets new benchmarks of excellence.
With a proven career, marked by unparalleled marketing strategies, they invest in the latest technology, photography, and partner with A+ allied resources. This arms their customers with the industry “best of” and sets new benchmarks of excellence.
Elevate your real estate experience with Team Georgeé, where expertise and excellence converge seamlessly. Call 305-608-5269 or scan QR code.
Elevate your real estate experience with Team Georgeé, where expertise and excellence converge seamlessly. Call 305-608-5269 or scan QR code.
Ready for a good time and eager to meet new faces? Dive into the fun with the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce! Join us each month for our lively networking and social events. Whether you hit up one or join us for all, you’ll enjoy great company and exciting opportunities to connect. From casual mixers to engaging community gatherings, there’s something for everyone. Bring your enthusiasm and make new friends while expanding your network. We can’t wait to see you there!
Always an exciting evening at a Marlins baseball game.The event, hosted by Miami CFO, made the night even more memorable. It was a win-win!
Chamber networking event hosted by Pinch, where new faces were seen and new connections were made. It was a great Happy Hour where local professionals, shared insights, and expanded their network in a lively and engaging atmosphere.
Grand opening and ribbon cutting of the all-new Dinko Pickleball Complex Miami! The newest indoor pickleball courts for all skill levels. Swing by and check them out!
Car Enthusiast to Auto Expert: Growing up in the Automotive Industry
Steve Jensen grew up in California, where surfing and playing tennis were cherished pastimes. For him, these activities not only satisfied his competitive spirit but also paved the way for a collegiate tennis career. However, in the early 1980s, he made a pivotal decision to move to Florida, driven by his aspiration to follow in his father’s footsteps in the automotive industry. Steven Jensen, Sr., a prominent figure in the automotive business, had instilled in his son a deep-seated passion for cars from an early age.
Having been immersed in the automotive world since childhood, Steve Jensen seemed destined to carve out his own niche within it. His career began with a breakthrough opportunity in sales at a small Toyota dealership in Miami. Here, he was immediately captivated by the quality and allure of Toyota vehicles. Looking back on that period, Jensen recalls with fondness, “The Toyota Supra and MR2 were among the hottest cars in the market then. It was an exhilarating time to be selling Toyotas.”
After several years in sales, Steve transitioned to a larger Toyota dealership where he took on a new role in finance. Mastering the ins and outs of both sales and finance, Steve’s career took a significant leap when he was appointed President and Dealer Principle of Lipton Toyota in February, 2000. Running the only Toyota dealership in Fort Lauderdale, Steve quickly made substantial advancements during his initial two-year tenure, propelling Lipton to become a foremost Toyota dealer in the area. Lipton Toyota continues to uphold its esteemed reputation to this day.
With the support of his wife and three children, Steve has cultivated a culture of quality customer service that permeates every department at Lipton Toyota. “It’s about leadership and teamwork, and we excel in both,” remarks Steve. Under his leadership, Lipton Toyota has maintained its stellar reputation within the automotive industry and among its loyal customer base. Apart from offering great deals, Lipton Toyota is renowned for its community involvement. Over the years, Lipton Toyota has generously donated numerous new Toyota vehicles to local non-profit charities and sponsored various community events. Recent initiatives include supporting the annual Broward Sheriff’s Golf Tournament in Fort Lauderdale, PAWS Auxiliary of the Humane Society of Broward County, and sponsoring the local Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce pickleball tournament at the Miami Shores Tennis & Pickleball Club. Steve firmly believes that the key to Lipton’s ongoing success lies in giving back to the community, nurturing a skilled workforce through internal promotion, and retaining the best talent in the industry. “It’s our people who really make the difference,” he said.
What sets Lipton Toyota apart as one of the premier Toyota dealerships in the nation? Perhaps it’s the unparalleled convenience of its location on West Oakland Park Boulevard, just off I-95, drawing customers from Miami to West Palm Beach. Or maybe it’s the exceptional value and extensive selection of vehicles they provide. With over 30 different models of Toyota vehicles to choose from, and now with the all new
Land Cruiser back in the line-up, there is a vehicle that will fit your style and budget. And most notably, Lipton Toyota’s unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction has earned them a place among the top Toyota dealerships nationwide.
In 1989, Robert Lipton acquired what was formerly Oakland Park Toyota and rebranded it as Lipton Toyota. Today, they proudly celebrate their 35th anniversary under the stewardship of Steve Jensen, backed by an outstanding management and sales team, and supported by a dedicated family. The commitment to customer satisfaction is paramount, exemplified by receiving the prestigious Toyota President’s Award for years. Lipton has also been honored with the elite Board of Governors Award and Customer First Advisory Board Award from Toyota Motor Sales. These accolades highlight the unwavering pursuit of excellence and solidify the dedication to excellence and position Lipton Toyota as a leading Toyota dealership nationwide.
Lipton Toyota’s Summer Line-Up.
Whether you’re eyeing a brand-new Toyota, a Certified Toyota, or a reliable pre-owned vehicle, Lipton Toyota is just a quick 24-minute drive away.
Here at Lipton Toyota, we prioritize your satisfaction by offering Top Value for your Trade-in, Sign and Drive Programs and No Payments for 90 days. With an extensive selection featuring over 1200 new Toyotas and pre-owned vehicles, finding the perfect match for your lifestyle is effortless.
As Toyota finds new ways to create a better world by trying to reach carbon neutrality with our products, we now provide the widest range of low- and zero-emission vehicles, offering customers diverse options to minimize their carbon footprint.
Our goal is to make your car-buying experience both fulfilling and stress-free, because at Lipton Toyota, your satisfaction is our top priority.
“We have purchased six vehicles from Lipton Toyota and our buying and service experience has been exceptional every time.”
~ J. Bellinson (Miami Shores, FL)
“My first time leasing a Toyota at Lipton Toyota was truly exceptional. Getting there from Brickell was effortless, making the entire process convenient and stress-free.”
~ A. Di Paolo (Miami, FL)
“Our family loves our new Toyota Sienna and we are forever grateful to the managers and sales staff at Lipton Toyota for their professionalism and making the buying process so easy.”
