September 2025 Issue Egret by greatermiamishoreschamber

Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Comerce serving Miami Shores, Biscayne Park, El Portal and Little River for over 75 years.

CARLA PETERS , EXECUTIVE

CARLA PETERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

2025 EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Wes Pearce, Graber Realty Group TREASURER

Wes Pearce, Graber Realty Group

PAST PRESIDENT

Catherine McLaney, The Citadel

Rich Pototsky, CPA, Miami-CFO.com

Angela Dorney, Miami Shores Village

VICE

TREASURER

PRESIDENTS

Rich Pototsky, CPA, Miami-CFO.com

Kate Baumwell, Kate Baumwell Photography

VICE PRESIDENTS

Gigi Turkel, Core Design Group

Kate Baumwell, Kate Baumwell Photography

Angela Young, St. Rose of Lima Church School

Gigi Turkel, Core Design Group

2025 MUNICIPAL BOARD MEMBERS

Angela Young, St. Rose of Lima Church School

2025 MUNICIPAL BOARD MEMBERS

Jonathan E. Groth, Esq, Mayor, Village of Biscayne Park

Dorney, Miami Shores Village

Jonathan E. Groth, Esq, Mayor, Village of Biscayne Park

2025 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

Diego Caiola, The Florida Marketplace Group

Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli, Resident Member

Maria Leon, Little Stars Dentistry

SunJa Leon, The Nokkha Group

Vanessa Maggi, Maggi Realty Group

Mélida Matos, Doctors Charter School

Cristine Pacheco, Rustic French Home

Margarita Perez, MD, Miami Shores Medical Group

Julie Isha, Barry University

Deb Dziena, DD Hospitality & Events

Mark Piper, Northwestern

Cory Gittner, Mediatech

Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli, Resident Member

Julie Isha, Barry University

Meghan Grimbert , MGD Shop

Cory Gittner, Mediatech

Jon Harmeling, Chick-fil-A

Meghan Grimbert , MGD Shop

Robin Hechler, Horace Mann Middle School

Dennis Kleinman, First Equity \Mortgage Banker, Inc.

Sara Ryan, Museum of ContemporaryArt

Sara Ryan, Museum of Contemporary Art

Scott Smith, Ph.D., Barry University

Paula Szlufman, Primer Microschools

Christian Ulvert, Edge Communications

Carter Winkle, Ph.D., Barry University

Carter Winkle, Ph.D., Resident Member

2025 EGRET MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS

The Egret is designed by Carla Peters, MyWeeThree Design and Gigi Turkel, Core Design Group

Egret Photographer: Kate Baumwell Egret Editorial: Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli

The Egret is designed by Carla Peters, MyWeeThree Design and Gigi Turkel, Core Design Group Egret Photographer: Kate Baumwell Egret Editorial: Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli

The Egret • June 2025 • 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.

The Egret • September 2025 • 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.

2025 CHAMBERTRUSTEE MEMBERS

Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce

2025 CHAMBER TRUSTEE MEMBERS

Angela

Omarr C. Nickerson, Ph.D., Mayor, Village of El Portal

Service Above Self...in Action

Article by: Christine Franklin

Photo credit: Miami Shores Rotary Club

Step into almost any corner of Miami Shores, from the classrooms of our schools to the neighborhood businesses that give our village its character - and you’ll find quiet evidence of a group of residents who believe in rolling up their sleeves for the good of others. That group is the Miami Shores Rotary Club, a circle of professionals, volunteers, and civic leaders bound together by a simple but powerful creed: Service Above Self. Part of a global movement more than a century old, the Miami Shores Rotary has carved its own legacy here, becoming a cornerstone of local philanthropy, civic engagement, and fellowship.

The Rotary movement itself began in 1905 in Chicago, when attorney Paul Harris sought to recreate the kind of friendly spirit he had known growing up in a small town. What started as a small gathering of professionals soon expanded into one of the world’s most respected service organizations. Today, Rotary International counts more than 46,000 clubs

across the globe with 1.4 million members, all united by the same mission: bringing people together to create lasting change in their communities and around the world. In this global family, the Miami Shores Rotary Club is both proud and distinctive, serving a village with a unique identity and a spirit of generosity that has always defined it.

The Miami Shores chapter, like many others, was founded on the idea that service and fellowship can strengthen the social fabric of a community. Over the decades, it has witnessed waves of change in Miami Shores, from population growth and economic development to natural challenges like hurricanes - and through them all, it has remained steadfast. Older members often recall stories of the club stepping up in times of crisis, whether raising funds for local families affected by storms or organizing relief drives to help communities outside of Florida. That resilience is matched by celebrations of prog-

ress: scholarships handed out to graduating seniors, improvements made to parks or public spaces, or simply the countless volunteer hours poured into making life a little better for neighbors.

At the helm this year, from July 2025 through June 2026, is President Sharon Hawkins. Her leadership is collaborative and community-driven, reflecting her belief that Rotary’s strength lies in its connections. “Being part of the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce has been especially important to us,” Hawkins explains. “The Chamber connects us to businesses, to resources, and to opportunities for partnership. Rotary has always believed in building community, and our Chamber membership allows us to do that in a way that multiplies our impact.” Hawkins sees the Chamber not just as a partner but as a natural extension of Rotary’s mission. Both organizations are dedicated to fostering local growth, supporting businesses, and strengthening ties among residents. Together, they create momentum that makes Miami Shores a place where service and enterprise thrive side by side.

What makes the Miami Shores Rotary truly remarkable is the way it blends tradition with modern action. The club remains grounded in the Four-Way Test, which challenges members to consider truth, fairness, goodwill, and benefit in every decision they make. Weekly meetings provide not only a space to plan

projects but also to nurture friendships, share ideas, and welcome new members into a circle that values connection as much as action. At the same time, the club embraces innovation, tackling issues that reflect today’s realities - like supporting technology initiatives in schools, finding ways to promote environmental sustainability, and helping local nonprofits adapt to the digital age.

The Rotary’s local impact is woven into the everyday life of Miami Shores. Residents know the club best through its signature programs and events. Scholarship initiatives, for example, have become a hallmark of the club’s legacy, giving local students the resources to pursue higher education and, in many cases, return to the village as professionals who contribute to its future. These scholarships are not just financial gifts; they are investments in young people who carry forward the values of leadership and service. Fundraisers have also become part of the cultural calendar, drawing together families, business owners, and civic leaders. Often these events combine joy and purpose, dinners, auctions, or community fairs where the proceeds go directly to causes that matter most.

Rotary members also step in at quieter, less visible moments. When a local family is in need, when a school program lacks funding, or when a natural disaster disrupts daily life, the Miami Shores Rotary is there. Members recall delivering food and supplies in the aftermath of hurricanes, supporting medical needs through partnerships with clinics, and coordinating with larger Rotary International initiatives to provide relief abroad. These actions are not headline-driven; they are the kind of neighborly gestures that build trust and loyalty in a community.

Equally important to the Miami Shores Rotary is its role as a hub for fellowship. Members often say that the reason they stay is not just the projects but the people. Rotary meetings are as much about laughter and storytelling as they are about planning. Friendships form across generations and professions, creating bonds that endure well beyond service projects. That spirit of fellowship is part of what sustains the club. As one longtime member explained, “When you know that the people sitting beside you truly care about you, and about the same causes you do, it gives you energy to keep showing up and giving your best.”

For all its local work, the Miami Shores Rotary is also part of something much larger.Through Rotary International, the club contributes to global causes that reflect the same values. Members are proud to know that their contributions help in the fight to eradicate polio,

one of Rotary’s longest and most successful campaigns. They support efforts to bring clean water and sanitation to underserved communities around the world. They invest in literacy programs, maternal and child health initiatives, and peace-building efforts in regions that need them most. This dual identity –rooted locally yet connected globally – gives the Miami Shores Rotary its unique character. It allows members to serve their neighbor s while also being par t of a worldwide force for good.

Looking forward, the Miami Shores Rotary is eager to grow. Membership is always a focus, not simply for numbers but for the infusion of fresh ideas and energy. Younger professionals are particularly encouraged to join, with flexible meeting formats and mentorship opportunities designed to fit modern lifestyles. Hawkins often emphasizes that Rotary is not about how much time you give but about what you do with the time you have. “Everyone can contribute something,” she says. “The key is that you show up with a willingness to serve.” This philosophy is what makes the Rotary accessible and appealing to a wide range of people.

The club also sees collaboration as central to its future. Working alongside schools, civic groups, businesses, and other nonprofits, the Miami Shores Rotary aims to expand its reach and amplify its impact. Partnerships with local organizations have already allowed the club to co-sponsor events, support arts and cultural programs, and provide resources for health and wellness initiatives. These collaborations reflect a broader truth: no single group can solve every challenge, but together, a community can accomplish extraordinary things.

In many ways, the story of the Miami Shores Rotary Club is the story of Miami Shores itself: a place where values matter, where service is honored, and where neighbors come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. The Rotary is woven into the village’s identity – not always front and center, but always present, always ready, always willing. Its leaders, including this year’s board – Secretary Clarice Kodsi, Treasurer Jerome Hurtak, Chairmen Patrick Duffy and Drayton Osteen, and Honorary Member Neil Kodsi – provide important guidance, but the true power of the club lies in its collective spirit. Every member, from the newest recruit to the most seasoned veteran, plays a role in carrying the mission forward.

The Miami Shores Rotary Club reminds us that service above self is more than a motto, it’s a way of life. It’s seen in scholarships awarded, meals delivered, friendships formed, and partnerships strengthened. For 75 years, this spirit has shaped Miami Shores and left a lasting mark.

As the club reflects on its history, Rotary’s story is not just about the past, but the future. About what’s possible when a community unites with purpose. With new generations stepping forward, the club remains committed to today’s challenges while carrying its tradition of service into tomorrow.

For those who’ve encountered Rotary at an event or only heard about it in passing, now’s the time to take a closer look. Their Flag Project, the club’s main fundraiser, supports scholarships, food drives, youth programs, and more. For $75 a year, they’ll place a 3’x5’ American flag in your yard four times annually: Memorial Day, July 4th, Veterans Day, and Presidents Day. It’s a simple way to show patriotism and support local service.

The invitation is always open: learn more, get involved, and help make a difference right here at home.

For more information on the Rotary Club visit MiamiShoresRotary.com.

TIP OF THE MONTH

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2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms

1,520 Sq. Ft.

Listed at: $449,000

2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms

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The Numbers Are In! The Jack Coden Group is the #1 Team Again for Keller Williams in Miami !!! No One Sells Miami Better. We Have Been Selling At Record Prices For Over 25 Years.

2000 Towerside Ter #406

For Sale Welcome to 5 star resort-style living at The Towers of Quayside! This spacious 2-bed, 2-bath PLUS DEN is the highly desirable split floor plan w/ stunning views of the pool, zen garden, fountains & trees. Completely remodeled w/ custom finishes, features incl. a remodeled kitchen w/ granite countertops, tile floors throughout, separate washer & dryer area + a large balcony where you feel you are in a lush tropical garden. Addtl. features incl. spacious bedrooms w/ large walk in closets + tons of natural light. Enjoy 34 lush acres of amenities incl. 8 tennis courts, marina, gym, spa, indoor lap pool, 2 restaurants, + more. Gated community with 24/7 security & valet. Minutes from the Beach, Design District and major highways. Experience luxury, comfort, and convenience in the heart of Miami!

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2 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms

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1800 NE 114 St. #PH05

For Sale SELLER FINANCING AVAILABLE. New York chic meets Miami! This impeccably remodeled PH unit with 10’ ceilings was remodeled sparing no expense + feels like a luxury home in the sky! 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms plus DEN features open living areas with a chef’s kitchen with 2 ovens, huge fridge & separate freezer & walk-in pantry, private master suite with walk-in closet, ALL impact windows + remodeled bathrooms (including a steam shower). Breathtaking views of the wide water & Miami Beach skyline! The great room opens to a 30’ long balcony for an additional outdoor living room. Building amenities include a resort-style Bayfront pool, gym, 24 hour doorman plus bellman, valet, lobby bar, children’s playground & tennis & basketball courts. Located within a 10 minute DRIVE FROM THE BEACH, near all the local shops and restaurants.

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Business Spotlight: Thompson Staffing

Connecting People, Powering Business

In Miami Shores and throughout South Florida, businesses thrive on the strength of their people. Behind every successful law firm, bustling medical practice, or dynamic start-up is a team of professionals who make the work happen. For more than two decades, Thompson Staffing has been the quiet powerhouse connecting talent to opportunity, ensuring that companies across industries can grow, innovate, and serve their clients. Founded on a mission of excellence and rooted in a deep understanding of the South Florida business community, Thompson Staffing has become a trusted partner to employers and jobseekers alike. “Our clients don’t just need employees-they need the right employees,” says company president Sharon Thompson. “We take pride in finding that perfect match where skill, personality, and culture align.”

With over 20 years of experience in personnel staffing, Thompson Staffing has seen firsthand how the employment landscape has changed in South Florida. From the rise of technology-driven roles to the evolving needs of law firms, hospitals, and growing small businesses, the company has remained ahead of the curve. This longevity hasn’t come by accident. Thompson Staffing has built long-standing relationships with employers who return year after year because they know Thompson Staffing delivers. “Trust is at the heart of what we do,” says Sharon Thompson. “We recruit, screen, and provide only the top candidates, saving our clients time and ensuring their business never misses a beat.”

What sets Thompson Staffing apart is its ability to serve a truly wide range of industries. In the legal field, the firm places attorneys, paralegals, and legal assistants who become vital members of respected practices. In corporate offices, it supplies the support staff who keep businesses humminghuman resources managers, marketing professionals, social media coordinators, file clerks, secretaries, and receptionists. The firm also has deep expertise in finance and accounting, connecting companies with CPAs, controllers, accounts receivable and payable specialists, and billing clerks. Technology needs are met with IT and MIS staff who help organizations stay connected and secure in an increasingly digital economy. South Florida’s vital hospitality and medical industries also turn to Thompson Staffing for personnel who understand the unique demands of serving patients, clients, and

HAPPY HOUR

Sharon Thompson

guests in high-pressure environments. Whether a company is looking for a temporary hire to cover a leave of absence or a permanent employee to strengthen its leadership team, Thompson Staffing adapts to meet the need. This flexibility makes them a go-to solution for both Fortune 500 corporations and small neighborhood businesses alike.

The staffing process can often feel overwhelming for employers-sorting through resumes, verifying qualifications, and interviewing candidates who may or may not be the right fit. Thompson Staffing streamlines the process by doing all the heavy lifting, from recruiting and screening to presenting only those candidates who are ready to step into a role and succeed. Rather than bombarding clients with stacks of resumes, the company carefully curates a shortlist of candidates whose skills and personalities align with the specific workplace culture. This attention to detail saves employers time, reduces turnover, and ensures businesses can stay focused on what they do best.

For professionals seeking work, Thompson Staffing is more than just a staffing agencyit’s a career partner. The firm has built a reputation for connecting talented individuals with respected companies across South Florida. Jobseekers gain not only access to open positions but also the benefit of industry insight, resume guidance, and interview preparation. “Our candidates aren’t just filling a role,” says Sharon Thompson. “They’re finding a workplace where they can thrive.” Many have landed not just one position but ongoing opportunities that advance their careers and enrich their lives.

As an active member of the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce, Thompson Staffing is more than just a business-it’s a neighbor. The company’s commitment to the local community shines through in its partnerships with area businesses and its investment in local talent. Chamber

Director Carla Peters notes, “Members like Thompson Staffing are the backbone of our Chamber. They don’t just serve

clients-they elevate the entire business community by helping local companies thrive.”

As South Florida continues to grow as a hub for international business, healthcare innovation, and cultural entrepreneurship, the demand for qualified professionals will only increase. Thompson Staffing is ready to meet that demand with the same personalized service and professional excellence that has defined the company for more than two decades. In a world where talent is the true currency of success, Thompson Staffing ensures South Florida businesses are always rich in what matters most-people.

Businesses and jobseekers interested in partnering with Thompson Staffing can learn more at www.thompsonstaffing.com or by calling (305) 381-9111.