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The original northwest Miami-Dade community newspaper for the Town of Miami Lakes & surrounding areas Vol. 39 No 23
305-817-4078
MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA
DECEMBER 6, 2013
Town Hall meeting on December 7 to solicit residents’ input on town’s Beautification Plan Town of Miami Lakes is hosting a Town Hall meeting at noon on Saturday, December 7, at the Government Center, 6601 Main Street, to solicit residents’ input on the town’s proposed Beautification Plan. The plan addresses issues including median planting improvements, pocket/neighborhood park beautification, gateways, crosswalk beautification and other right-of-way improvements typical of most streetscape beautification projects. The complete master plan concept can be found on the town’s website at www.miamilakesfl.gov./beautification. The town has budgeted $300,000 to start implementation of the plan this fiscal year. The town is seeking resident’s input on what should be the town’s look for the future. The plan will be a phased approach focusing first on chosen intersection and gateway improvements as well as construction of new entry features. The first phase focuses on the following areas: • Gateway improvements at N.W. 87 Avenue and I-75, as well as Miami Lakes Drive and the Palmetto Expressway; • Intersection improvements for Ludlam Road and Main Street; and
Perla Hantman reelected chair of M-D School Board
PERLA HANTMAN (See story on Page 2)
Town salutes vets during 34th parade GATEWAY at N.W. 87 Avenue and I-75 with one of four options including Sylvester Palms, groundcovers and specialty paving. • Roadway improvements along Ludlam Road where overhead utility lines are located. For residents who are unable to attend the Town Hall meeting, the town still solicits their input via email at bmp@miamilakes-fl.gov. Include resident’s name, address and contact phone number within the body of the email with preferred options from the online options. Residents may also contact the town via phone with their preferred options by calling 305-3646100, ext. 1132, or visit in person at Government Center, 6601 Main Street, to leave feedback.
Bob Graham cheerleaders in ‘Making Strides’ Walk-a-Thon
GATEWAY at Miami Lakes Drive and Palmetto Expressway with one of four optioins including Silver Buttonwoods, groundcovers and specialty paving.
A Look Inside:
Month long events planned at Miami Lakes Methodist Church.............(See Page 2)
BOBCAT CHEERLEADERS from Bob Graham Education Center, along with their parents, rallied up for the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk-A-Thon” held at Marlins Park in early November. The cheerleaders are committed to becoming more involved in their community and volunteering their time to bring awareness to a great cause. “I am very proud of this dedicated group of young ladies for their activism,” said coach Alexandra Rosa. Pictured (bottom, from left) Amanda Interian and Nicole Velazquez; (middle, from left) Jackie Diestro, Yigany Interian, Victoria Martin, Estefani Gonzalez, Sofia Velazquez, Jennifer Perez, Gabriela Garrastacho, Kelly Cerchiai, Rochelle Castillo, and coach Rosa; (back, from left) Allison Montalvo, Brenda Paez, Alexia Casalins, Arielle Couso, Syan Rivera and Emily Rodriguez.
n Jim Hamilton honored as South Florida Optimist of the Year..........................................4
n News and Notes of interest from the Town of Miami Lakes. See Pages...................... 6 and 7
n Miami Lakes Optimist president, Mike Sanchez, doubles as cyber security expert..............12
n Greg Netto named as new Town of Miami Lakes Public Works director..........................5
n Council approves extension of Town Manager’s contract to March of 2019..........................8
n Pace High’s varsity basketball team enjoys undefeated 5-0 season start..............................18
THOUSANDS waved American flags and cheered as the Town of Miami Lakes honored veterans at the 34th annual Miami Lakes Veterans Day Parade on November 10. The parade was followed by a ceremony honoring the parade’s Grand Marshall, Major Charles James (above). Participants included marching bands from local high schools, JROTC’s, local sports clubs, a variety of scouting units and many more. (See more Town of Miami Lakes news and notes on Pages 6 and 7.)
n Gina Shireman named American Senior High’s Teacher of the Year...............21
n Community Calendar, 15, School, sports and church news, 18-27; Classified ads.........28-31