Complete Miami Lakes Back-to-School Notes... ............See Pages 22-23
The original northwest Miami-Dade community newspaper for the Town of Miami Lakes & surrounding areas Vol. 39 No 16
305-817-4078
MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA
M. Lakes mayor suspended following arrest for alleged public corruption By David L. Snelling The Miami Laker staff FBI agents last week arrested Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi on a charge of public corruption and bribery, as part of a twoyear federal sting that also brought down Sweetwater Mayor Manuel “Manny” Marono and two lobbyists. The two mayors were arrested at their respective City Hall offices, as city employees watched incredulous as they were led away in handcuffs. The two were formally charged in federal court on a charge of conspiracy to commit extortion. Pizzi, 51, was released from jail on a $100,000 bond. In light of their arrests, Florida Governor Rick Scott suspended Pizzi, who’s also the town attorney for Medley, and Marono from office while they both await trial. “This is disappointing. Public officials must be held to the highest standards,” Scott said in a statement. “While we wait to see the evidence, the fact remains that elected officials must be held to the highest standard." The cases unfolded when the FBI acted on two tips about possible corruption, which led them to lobbyists Jorge Forte, North Bay Village’s former manager, and attorney Richard Candia. The two introduced Marono to an undercover FBI agent, who posed as an owner of a fictitious Chicago-based company called Sunshine Universal, which was used to facilitate federal grants from AmeriCorps’ federal recovery assistance program. The agent offered the grant money to Marono in a kickback scheme in exchange for working contracts with the city. The fraudulent grant was to help address local cities’ needs but Marono pocketed the money instead, FBI officials said. Marono is accused of taking about $40,000 in bribes and kickbacks since 2011, the U.S. District Attorney’s Office said. Following up on a second corruption complaint, the FBI decid-
A Look Inside:
MICHAEL PIZZI, serving his second term as Miami Lakes mayor, was arrested by the FBI on alleged public corruption and bribery charges. ed to float around the same fictitious company and grant to see if another elected official would take the bait. Candia introduced the undercover agent to Pizzi first in Medley. According to the U.S. District Attorney’s Office, Pizzi allegedly took separate payments in Medley and Miami Lakes totaling about $6,740 in exchange for issuing contracts by resolutions to the fake company. In the affidavit, upon the AmeriCorps’ approval of the assessment grant, no federal funds would be disbursed directly to the municipality. Instead, as the named administrator of the grant, the company pretended to receive the monies and subsequently notified Pizzi and Candia. To successfully carry out the grant, the undercover agent told the two the grant scheme was essentially a mechanism to enrich the participants, the affidavit said. To further the fraud scheme, Pizzi and Candia would have to participate in an audit or survey call purportedly conducted by AmeriCorps, but the call was conducted by an undercover agent.
(Please see Page 3)
VICE MAYOR CEASAR MESTRE assumes the role of Acting Mayor following the arrest and suspension of Mayor Michael Pizzi.
AUGUST 16, 2013
ML Chamber hosts M-D Property Appraiser on September 4.... See Page 4
Yecenia Martinez-Lopez named new Bob Graham principal
YECENIA MARTINEZ-LOPEZ takes over the helm at Bob Graham Education Center as the school celebrates its 10th consecutive year with an “A” FCAT grade. (See story on Page 20.)
South Florida Youth Symphony hosts successful summer camp in M. Lakes
JULY WAS A BRILLIANT MUSIC MONTH for 60 young musicians, ages 5-19, at the South Florida Youth Symphony Summer Music Academy held at Miami Lake Congregational Church. Two weeks of study was highlighted in a vibrant finish with students performing a community concert for a full house.
n Shula’s Golf Club hosts 11th annual Corey for St. Jude tourney on September 30................2
n News and notes of interest from the Town of Miami Lakes. See Pages...................... 8 and 9
n Miami Lakes announces resumption of programs for children, adults and seniors..........13
n Intensity Dancers’ Studios graduates accepted to New World and Joffrey Ballet..........6
n Ballet Etudes Schools salutes 2013 graduates and Ballet West dancer Sanford Placide...........11
n American High’s Corey Bell looks to spark football team to a state championship..................16
n Demolition of Miami Lakes Optimist clubhouse brings back many memories...........18
n Community Calendar, 13, School, sports and church news, 16-24; Classified ads.........25-27
PAGE 2
AUGUST 16, 2013
THE MIAMI LAKER
Shula’s Golf Club hosts 11th annual Corey for St. Jude tourney on Sept. 30 Shula’s Golf Club is hosting the 11th annual Corey for St. Jude Benefit Golf Tournament on Monday, September 30, to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The event kicks off with a 10 a.m. registration, grilled steak sandwiches at 11 a.m., and a shotgun start at noon followed by a silent auction and banquet/awards ceremony at Shula’s Golf Club. The event has raised over $380,000 for the children of St. Jude. Corey Sticco, son of Shula’s Golf Club superintendent, Tim Sticco, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1997 at the age of 7. His
COREY STICCO kisses the statue of St. Jude at St. Jude Chidren’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
parents, Tim and Dana, searched for the top surgeons in the world to secure the best outcome for their son. Corey received his treatments at one of the world’s most prestigious facilities for pediatric cancer, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Corey has had two brain surgeries, numerous eye surgeries, been revived from death, been a paraplegic, had chemotherapy, radiation, and many cutting edge treatments to ensure and enhance his quality of life. Corey is now 21 and cancer free. He is confined to a wheel-
chair, has use of only his right arm, and is accompanied by his service dog, Nutmeg. He would not be where he is today without the treatment and care provided by St. Jude Children’s Hospital. His desire to give back to St. Jude led to the creation of Corey for St. Jude benefit golf tournament and the family at Shula’s Golf Club has come together to assist him in his endeavor. For tournament registration, sponsorship information of any questions, contact Shula’s director of golf Kenny Fill at 305-8208170, or by email to kenny.fill@donshulahotel.com.
Com. Esteban Bovo Jr. urges EKG requirements for high school athletes As the opening of public and private schools is August 19, student-athletes have been donning the pads and helmets for the start of an exciting football season. But Miami-Dade County Commissioner Esteban Bovo Jr. is trying to prevent them from dying young on the football field or during practice. The lawmaker recently sponsored a resolution to urge the Florida Legislature to mandate that all Florida high school athletes undergo an Electrocardiogram, also known as an EKG, as part of their pre-participation physical evaluation to detect any
problems with their hearts. A Florida law currently requires the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) to mandate that all student athletes satisfactorily pass a medical evaluation each year before participating in any interscholastic athletic activity, but it doesn’t require an EKG. “This type of legislation will save student athletes’ lives,” Bovo said of his EKG mandated resolution. The debate over the lack of electrocardiograms for Florida high school student athletes stemmed from the untimely and tragic demise of an FIU baseball
star. In 2000, 20-year-old Ramiro “Toti” Mendez died after he collapsed during practice, and an autopsy divulged he suffered a sudden heart attack caused by Viral Cardiomyopathy. His mother, Maruchi Mendez, has been a vocal advocate for legislation requiring electrocardiograms for student athletes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 2,000 young adults under the age of 25 die of sudden cardiac arrest each year in the United States.
THE MIAMI LAKER
AUGUST 16, 2013
PAGE 3
Councilmembers stress scandal will not interrupt service levels for town (Continued from Page 1) For the scheme to succeed, Pizzi was required to mislead and lie during the audit call when answering questions about the progress of the company’s employees, their work product, professionalism, all to assess the effectiveness of the federal grant money, the affidavit said. In exchange for their roles, both Pizzi and Candia would receive cash payments and other valuable tangibles. If convicted, Pizzi could receive the maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. For the Town of Miami Lakes, Vice Mayor Ceasar Mestre becomes the acting mayor, according to the town’s charter, and the city must hold a special election in less than 90 days to select a new mayor to serve out the rest of Pizzi’s term. However, if he’s acquitted, he returns to his mayoral seat. During a news conference at Miami Lakes Town Hall hours after Pizzi’s arrest, Mestre along with councilmembers Manny Cid, Tony Lama, Nelson Hernandez and Nelson Rodriguez, addressed the media and some residents. Mestre declined to field questions because he said the investigation is still ongoing. Mestre announced plans to call a special meeting, where lawmakers would approve a special election date to pick a new mayor. He said their prayers went out to Pizzi and his family during his ordeal. “Remember, under the U.S. Constitution, everyone is innocent until proven guilty,” he said. “We will let the legal case run its course and see what the results are.”
Despite the mayor’s arrest, Mestre assured residents the town will continue to work hard and diligently for Miami Lakes. He reminded them Town Manager Alex Rey runs the dayto-day operations and not the mayor. “So we should continue to run services and projects at the highest level, and most importantly the upcoming budget,” Mestre said. “All this council wants is the best for our residents.” Pizzi, a New York native, first burst on the local political scene in the 1990’s when he won a seat on the defunct Miami Lakes Community Council. In 2001, he ran unopposed for an original Miami Lakes Town Council seat following the successful incorporation, and won reelection twice in 2002 and 2006.
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He yielded his seat to run for mayor in 2008, and he won a second term last year by defeating his political foe, Wayne Slaton, who was the town’s first mayor from 2001 to 2008. During his mayoral terms, Pizzi was the catalyst for Miami Lakes building its own government center building, which opened in April, and opening up N.W. 87th Avenue between N.W. 154 to 162 streets to alleviate traffic gridlock through a development agreement with the Lowell Dunn family. Pizzi also played a key role in ousting then-County Commissioner Natacha Seijas in a recall vote that also forced out Mayor Carlos Alvarez from political office.
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AUGUST 16, 2013
THE MIAMI LAKER
ML Chamber hosts Property Appraiser Carlos Lopez-Cantera
CARLOS LOPEZ-CANTERA
Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser Carlos Lopez-Cantera will be the special guest speaker at the next Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce’s monthly membership luncheon. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, inside the Grand Ballroom at Don Shula’s Hotel, 6841 Main Street. Networking starts at 11:30 a.m., Luncheon at 12 noon. Born in Madrid, Spain, and raised in Miami, Lopez-Cantera graduated from Miami Dade College and continued his studies at the University of Miami where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration. On August 14, 2012, MiamiDade County voters elected Lopez-Cantera as the county Property Appraiser. He campaigned on a platform to make interaction with the office of the property appraiser easier, increas-
ing community outreach, and being more responsive to the needs of county residents. Lopez-Cantera has an in-depth understanding of housing, planning, and growth issues which he has earned through his work in Miami-Dade’s real estate market for the past 15 years. As a licensed Realtor, he has worked in the industrial development field for over 10 years and from 2002 through 2004, served as a member of the Miami-Dade Planning Advisory Board. From 2004 through 2012, Lopez-Cantera served as a member of the Florida House of
ried to his wife Renee since 2005, and they have two young daughters, Sabrina and Sofia. Deadline to reserve a table is at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 30. Lunch admission is $30 for members and their guests who reserve; $35 for members and their guests who do not reserve before deadline (walk-ins); 35 for non members (cash only). For more information on this or any other Miami Lakes Chamber event, contact Marta Diaz at 305556-2212 or email mdiaz@ miamilakeschamber.com.
Former resident Lissette Campos named Tampa’s Hispanic Woman of the Year Lissette Campos-Perez has been named the 2013 Hispanic Woman of the Year by Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. The organization also named Santiago Corrada as the 2013 Hispanic Man of the Year for 2013. The award ceremony is scheduled for October 26. Campos-Perez, the daughter of Miriam and Sergio Campos of Miami Lakes, along with Corrada, were honored for the excellence in their endeavors to advance, promote, maintain, and enhance the Hispanic heritage, and who, by their outstanding contributions, have improved the quality of life in the Tampa Hispanic community. Campos is director of Community Affairs for WFTS TV
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THE MIAMI LAKER
AUGUST 16, 2013
PAGE 5
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AUGUST 16, 2013
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Intensity Dancers’ Studios graduates head to New World and Joffrey Ballet Intensity Dancers Studio celebrated the achievements of their students as they continue to move forward in their dance pursuits. Dance students Reese Garcia, 14, and Victoria Padron, 14, have been accepted into New World School of the Arts High School for the 2013 to 2014 school year.
Veteran students Alison Del Castillo, 17, and Janet Cesarotti, 16, have both been accepted into the Joffrey School of Ballet in New York for a two week summer intensive program. The Joffrey
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RE/MAX Unique welcomes new agents Eddie Rodriguez, broker-owner of RE/MAX Unique Realty of Miami Lakes, announced the addition of two new agents to his firm. Jackie Peguero is a Miami Lakes resident and residential agent specializing in both MiamiDade and Broward counties. Julio “JC” Barrero has over 23 years of residential/commercial experience in serving MiamiDade and Broward counties. He
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THE MIAMI LAKER
Special Town Council meeting voids contracts with lobbyists, firms connected in FBI probe By David L. Snelling The Miami Laker staff In the wake of suspended Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi’s arrest on a public corruption charge, town councilmembers severed ties with companies in connection with the scandal to give the city a new clean slate. During a special meeting last week at Town Hall, acting Mayor Ceasar Mestre, new vice mayor Manny Cid and the rest of the council rescinded five working contracts, including the FBI’s fake company and grant that brought down Pizzi, and a lobbyist who acted on behalf of the town in Tallahassee. Lawmakers ripped up the contracts for lobbying services with Becker-Poliakoff and the Fuentes Group. Attorney Richard Candia worked with Becker-Poliakoff law firm and had ties with the Fuentes Group.
M-D Libraries open Teen T-shirt design contest starting August 19 Miami-Dade County Public Libraries are holding their annual T-shirt design contest for teens between the ages of 12 and 19. Entry must be done in pen or marker and drawn directly onto the space provided on the entry form which is available at all library branches and online at www.mdpls.org/trw/t-shirt/tshirt.asp. This year's theme is "Seek the Unknown @ the Library." Artwork submitted must be an original design, created in black and white, which represents the theme. Artwork judging is done by library staff and is based on originality and interpretation of the theme. Words of the theme do not need to be included in submission. The first place grand prize winner will receive a Barnes and Noble Nook 16 GB 9" tablet and the winning design will be featured on T-shirts worn by all participants during the Teen Read Week program. First runner up will receive a $100 gift card to the arts and craft store, Michael's. Second runner up will receive a $50 gift card for Michael's. The Teen Read Week program is an initiative from the Young Adult Literacy Services Association (YALSA) which began in 1998 and encourages teens to read and seek out literature for the fun of it. Contest submissions will be accepted from Monday, August 19, until Saturday, September 7. For more information call the Miami Lakes Branch Library at 305-822-6520.
Candia cooperated with the FBI and introduced Pizzi to an undercover agent who posed as the owner of a company that facilitates federal grant money. Pizzi was accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks by pocketing the money instead of implementing grant funds in ways to help improve the town. Councilmembers canceled the contract with the FBI’s fraudulent company Sunshine Universal, which was used to administer grants from AmeriCorps’ federal recovery assistance program. Lawmakers also canceled a contract with Ygrene Energy Fund to administer the town’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program and the resolution that set up the program – all recommended by the suspended mayor in May.
AUGUST 16, 2013
PAGE 7
Girl Scouts ‘Bridge’ to new levels
GIRL SCOUT TROOP 500 held its annual “Bridging Ceremony” on Saturday, August 3 at Trattoria Pampered Chef Italian Restaurant in Miami Lakes. Pictured (from left) Senior Girl Scout Bianca Larsh, Sabrina Larsh, Marina McCready, Alannis Pacheco, Alexandra Perez, Karissa Larsh (Bridging to Cadette), and Samantha Perez (Bridging to Ambassador.) (Not pictured: Carine Ghannnoum, Bridging to Senior Girl Scout.)
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AUGUST 16, 2013
THE MIAMI LAKER
News and Notes from the Town of Miami Lakes
Special election October 1 for a new town mayor By David L. Snelling The Miami Laker staff Miami Lakes and Miami-Dade County appeared to be headed on another collision course over a special election dispute, as the town is seeking to pick a new mayor following the arrest of Michael Pizzi on bribery and corruption charges. But after much thought and dia-
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loguing, the county offered Miami Lakes an election date that would not violate the town’s charter. According to acting Mayor Ceasar Mestre, Miami-Dade Elections Department can administer a special election on Tuesday, October 1. Mestre called a special meeting on Tuesday, August 13, for councilmembers to officially approve the election date. The qualifying period would start on Monday, August 26 and end on Friday, August 30. Sitting councilmembers who wish to run for the mayor’s seat were required to submit a letter of resignation to the town clerk ten days before the qualifying period starts. The resignation would take effect on the date of the election. Councilmember Nelson Hernandez did resign his council seat on Monday, August 12, after for-
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Miami Lakes officials reiterated their point of violating their own charter to Miami-Dade Elections Department and the county changed its mind. Following the arrest of Pizzi and becoming Acting Mayor, Mestre, the former Vice Mayor at first indicated his interest in seeking the position to fill out Pizzi’s unexpired term. Subsequently, Mestre informed his council colleagues in a text message that “this is not the right time for me to run for mayor.” Besides Hernandez, several other residents have announced they are planning to run for mayor, including Miami Lakes’ first mayor Wayne Slaton (2001-2008), who lost to incumbent Pizzi last year. Another resident who has indicated his intentions to file for the mayor’s race is David “Doc” Bennett, who lost to Nelson Rodriguez in the Seat 1 council race last year.
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mally announcing his candidacy for the vacant mayor’s position. Hernandez was first elected in 2010 and was considering a reelection campaign in 2014. During a special meeting last week, Town Attorney Steven Geller said the county initially refused to conduct the special election during the November 5 general election which would violate the town’s charter. The charter mandates that once a public official has been suspended or removed from office with six months or more remaining on his/her term, a special election must be held within 90 days. The election date would be 92 days if the county held the election on November 5. Geller mentioned Miami Lakes night have to take the county to court to force Miami-Dade to call a special election before November 5 to comply with the town’s charter. But after the special meeting,
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The N.W. 87th Avenue expansion project in Miami Lakes to add four lanes between 154 and 162 streets is expected to be completed by January 2014, according to Beppi Ligonde, the project manager from Acosta Tractors. The county project is part of Miami Dade’s plans to add lanes further north to Miami Gardens. Ligonde said the project is 50 percent complete. The massive project will unite the west side with the rest of the town and alleviate traffic gridlock in the area.
Once completed, it will give residents an easier access to Royal Oaks Park, 16500 N.W. 87th Avenue. Acosta Tractors is also in charge of another project that goes hand and hand with the expansion of the 87th Avenue. Miami Lakes tapped the company to perform roadway and drainage improvements for N.W. 154 Street between 83rd and 87th avenues. The project is now underway and is expected to be completed by December.
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THE MIAMI LAKER
To conceivably help lower the town’s automobile insurance rates as insurers often compile a series of reports for accidents, thefts, fraud and other losses, Miami Lakes Councilmember Manny Cid is pursuing his request for Miami Lakes to have its own postal zip code. But since his proposal was approved by councilmembers in January, the town has yet to receive an answer from the United State Postal Service (USPS) for a zip code boundary review. According to Cid, traditionally, the USPS was supposed to provide an answer within 60 days after the measure was approved. “But unfortunately we are six months down the road and have yet to receive an answer,” Cid said. “Earlier this year, my colleagues on the council approved my proposal that Miami Lakes request a zip code boundary review from the (USPS). Obtaining our own zip code has long been sought by many of our residents. “A unique zip code would not only assist in our branding initiative, but might possibly lower our automobile insurance rates as insurers often compile statistics for accidents, thefts, fraud and
other losses by zip code to calculate risk factors and set their rates in those areas.” Cid said if a local government can’t receive appropriate service, then he could only imagine how the individual consumer feels. “Meanwhile, our 31,000 residents are paying potentially higher insurance premiums through no fault of their own,” he said. “Postal service has long been a universally-accepted function of the federal government. As such, the feds would do well in going back to basics and focusing on reforming and improving those institutions that most Americans agree they have the responsibility over – such as the Postal Service – instead of increasing their reach and scope into areas they should not be.” Cid said recently House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) introduced a measure to overhaul the USPS, which posted losses of $15.9 billion last year. He said hopefully it would include positive reforms that will increase efficiency and service not only in local Post Offices, but in the Postmaster General’s Office in Washington as well.
Town welcomes families and children to annual ‘Back-toSchool’ event on August 17 The opening of the new school year is just around the corner. On Saturday, August 17, Mayor Ceasar Mestre will welcome children and their families to the Town of Miami Lakes’ 5th annual “Back to School” event where he will be giving away backpacks
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Dear Residents: We were all surprised and saddened by the news that our Mayor, Michael Pizzi, was arrested on August 6, as a result of a Federal Task Force investigation. Our prayers go out to him and his family. As for our town, the entire Town Council stands united and will continue to work diligently for the best interest of our residents. As per the Town Charter, our government is a ManagerCouncil form of government. Mr. Alex Rey is the Chief Administrative Officer. Mr. Rey has a very capable and professional team that assist with the day-to-day operations. The Town Manager and his team of professionals will continue with the daily operations of running our town without interruptions. I have the honor and privilege to work with hard-working individuals on the Town Council who have Miami Lakes’ best interest at heart. We are united and committed to continue providing our residents with the best quality of life. To alleviate any concerns residents may have, I will have open office hours, Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sincerely, Mayor Ceasar Mestre
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News from the Town of Miami Lakes Councilmember Manny Cid continues push for zip code
AUGUST 16, 2013
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PAGE 10
AUGUST 16, 2013
THE MIAMI LAKER
JetStream hosts Goleman interns JetStream Federal Credit Union participated in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Summer Internship Program for the sixth consecutive year. Students from Barbara Goleman High School’s Academy of
Finance were selected to intern at JetStream Federal’s headquarters in Miami Lakes. The students, Latrice Sneed and Giselle Schmidt, worked in the various departments at the credit union, including Accounting,
Human Resources, Training, Business Development and Information Technology for a total of 150 hours each. These students will be majoring in Finance and Information Technology when they graduate high school in 2014.
BARBARA GOLEMAN HIGH SCHOOL Academy of Finance students Giselle Schmidt and Latrice Sneed were participants in the Summer Internship Program at JetStream Federal Credit Union. They are pictured with Joan Rainaldi (left), assistant vice president of Employee Development, and Mio Serrano (right), vice president of Human Resources.
Intensity Dancers win awards
DANCE STUDENTS at Intensity Dance Studio competed in a variety of competitions, each bringing home an award. Pictured (from left) Didi Hernandez, 13, won Ms. Junior Star System; Chloe Piñero, 15, won Ms. Teen Star System and Ms. Teen Primetime; Jeanelle Gomez, 18, was awarded Ms. Senior Star System; and Ashley Benfield, 17, won Ms. Senior Showbiz. All of the girls have been attending Intensity Dance Studio five days a week since the time they were seven years old. The studio congratulated them on their dedication and achievements.
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AUGUST 16, 2013
PAGE 11
Ballet Etudes Schools salutes successful graduates Less than a decade ago, Sanford Placide was taking his very first class at Ballet Etudes. With utmost dedication and supreme sacrifice, he excelled rapidly and graduated from the school in 2010. Today, he is a member of the prestigious company Ballet West featured in the television program “Breaking Pointe.”
Since 1981, close to 100 students have graduated from Ballet Etudes. Of those, nearly 25 percent have had professional careers in the ballet world and entertainment industry via dancing, teaching, and/or choreographing. Others have gone to careers in medicine, law, education, nursing, and architecture to name a few.
With varying degrees of natural talent, they all possessed the pieces in the puzzle to forge a career – discipline, focus, and energy which were often formed at Ballet Etudes after years of practice under their teachers’ guidance. This year, Ballet Etudes was proud and delighted to congratulate the 2013 graduates – Natalie
Alvarez, Melissa Folgueras, Nicole Rivera, and Ana Sanchez. These four young ladies completed over 15 years of training, have danced in numerous professional productions, and are all pursuing higher education at various universities.
Ballet Etudes Schools are located at 6812 N.W. 169 Street, north of Miami Lakes, and 415 W. 51 Place in Hialeah. For more information, call 305-558-3439, or 305557-1142, or visit www.balletetudesfla.com.
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New county Technology Learning Centers will offer free WiFi at various parks Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez launched an initiative on August 9 focused on expanding community Wi-Fi access along with new park-based Technology Learning Centers at 11 sites throughout the county. Sponsored by the South Florida Digital Alliance and with the support of the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, the MiamiDade Public Library System, and the Information Technology Department, the Technology Learning Centers will provide access to computers with will link to the Library System’s portal, the
Digital Alliance Portal, and the Miami-Dade Public Schools portal. Functioning as convenient virtual resource centers, the first three of 11 Technology Learning Center sites opened on August 9 at Westwind Lakes Park, Goulds Park and Olinda Park. The other eight, including Country Village Park north of Miami Lakes, will be up and running in the coming weeks. The county announced that its business partner AT&T is sponsoring broadband wireless services at no cost to each of the Technology Learning Centers.
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AUGUST 16, 2013
THE MIAMI LAKER
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THE MIAMI LAKER
Miami Lakes announces resumption of programs for kids, adults, seniors The Town of Miami Lakes announced its fall program schedule for children, adults and senior citizens beginning the week of August 26. All classes are free for Miami Lakes residents unless otherwise noted in the schedule. Mary Collins Community Center (MCCC), 15151 N.W. 82 Avenue Classes for Adults, ages 18 and above: Yoga, Mondays/Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30 a.m. (register first day of class); Yoga, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 7:30-8:30 a.m. ($130 for 29 classes, register first day of class); Line Dancing, Tuesdays/ Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (register first day of class); Painting 1, Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon (register August 20*); Painting 2, Fridays, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. (register August 20*); Open Table Tennis, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Wednesdays 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. (register on site). *(Registration on August 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Royal Oaks Park Community Center, 16500 N.W. 87 Avenue, on a first come, first served basis.) Classes for Seniors, age 55 and above: Tai Chi 1, Mondays/ Wednesdays, 9-11 a.m. (register first day of class); Tai Chi 2, Tuesdays/ Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. (register first day of class); Arts and Crafts, Mondays, noon to 2 p.m. (register first day of class); Knitting/Crocheting, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 1:30 to 3:05 p.m. (register first day of class).
Editorial/Advertising Office 15450 New Barn Road #103 Miami Lakes, FL 33014 Editor..................305-817-4007 News Desk.........305-817-4028 305-817-4078 Fax.....................305-817-4197 Advertising...........305-817-4015
Editor Roger A. Reece Reporter Roselind Romero Reporter David Snelling Ad Sales Guillermo Mendez Graphics Yvonne Salvatore Send editorial and photos to: miamilaker1@aol.com PRINTING - J.V. Mfg. Corp. Controlled Circulation to Zip Codes 33014, 33015, 33016, 33018
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Royal Oaks Park Community Center (ROCC), 16500 N.W. 87 Avenue: Classes for Adults, ages 18 and above: Jazzercise, Mon./Tues./Wed./ Thurs. 7-8 p.m. ($35 + $25 registration fee); Jazzercise, Sundays, 9:3010:30 a.m. ($35 + $25 registration fee); Dominoes, Tues./Wed./Thurs. 7:30-9:30 p.m. (register on site); Dominoes, Fridays, 6 to 9:30 p.m. (register on site); Spanish for Beginners, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 6-8 p.m. (register first day of class); Spanish Intermediate, Mondays/Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. (register first day of class). Classes for Seniors, age 55 and above: Sewing, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 2-4:30 p.m., (register first day of class). Classes for Children: Martial Arts (tots, age 5-6), Mondays/Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. (register August 20*); Martial Arts (beginners, age 7-14), Mondays/Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m.. (register August 20*); Martial Arts (intermediate, age 7-14), Tuesdays/Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. (register August 20*); Martial Arts (advanced, age 7-14), Tuesdays/Thursdays, 5:306:30 p.m. (register August 20*); Ballet 1 (beginners, age 5+), Mondays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. (register August 20*); Ballet 2 (intermediate, age 6+), Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (register August 20*); Ballet 3 (intermediate, age 6+), Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. (register August 20*); Ballet 4 (advanced, age 7+), Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (register August 20*); Jazz 1 (beginners, age 5+), Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. (register August 20*);
Jazz 2 (intermediate, age 6+), Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (register August 20*); Jazz 3 (intermediate, age 6+), Thursdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m. (register August 20*); Jazz 4 (advanced, age 7+), Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (register August 20*). *(Registration on Tuesday, August 20, from 6-9 p.m. at Royal Oaks Park Community Center on a first come, first served basis. Parents/legal guardians must be present to register their child and must provide copy of their child’s birth certificate and show a driver’s license.) Other Fall Programs: Just Run Miami Lakes – Begins October 2, Mondays/ Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m., free for ages 5-15. Registration on a first come, first served basis on Tuesday, September 17, from 4 to 5 p.m. at Mary Collins Community Center. A licensed satellite program of the Big Sur International Marathon that is non-competitive, encourages physical activity, promotes good citizenship, healthy eating, pride in accomplishment, family involvement, and fun. Start Smart Program – Begins October 1, Tuesdays, 4 to 5 p.m., free for ages 3-5. Registration on a first come, first served basis on Tuesday, September 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Miami Lakes Optimist Park office, 6411 N.W. 162 Street. A proven instructional program that prepares young children for the world of organized sports without the threat of competition or fear of getting hurt. Parents work together with their children in a supportive environment to learn all of the basic skills – throwing, catching, kicking and batting. For more information on Town Community Programs, call 305698-9308, or email Katya Lysak at lysakk@miamilakes-fl.gov.
Residents can now contact Miami Lakes town services using a free mobile application Miami Lakes residents can now get local government services easier and faster at their fingertips. The Town of Miami Lakes has launched its very own mobile phone application that lets anyone apply for services, get information and report important information. The Miami Lakes app conveniently allows residents to submit
results.
305-817-4015
requests, report issues, ask questions, along with the ability to post pictures using the GPS location detection. Residents can simply visit the “App Store” feature on their mobile phone, find “Search” and type in Miami Lakes Action Center and proceed to download the free app. It’s the easiest way for residents to stay in touch with their local government. More information, call Miami Lakes Town Hall at 305-3646100.
AUGUST 16, 2013
PAGE 13
Miami Lakes Meeting & Class Calendar The Town of Miami Lakes, M. L. Civic Association, homeowners associations, professional and volunteer groups have scheduled meetings and classes during August and early September
Town of Miami Lakes Please Note: Town Council, Planning & Zoning Board, and all Committee meetings are cancelled during August. Youth Activities Task Force September 4 7:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center Veteran’s Committee September 5 5:30 pm M.L. Govt. Center Cultural Affairs Com. September 5 7:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center (Following classes are free for Miami Lakes residents) All classes resume week of August 26 Yoga Mon./Wed. 7:30 am MCCC Yoga (Fee Course) Tues./Thurs. 7:30 am MCCC Line Dancing Tues./Thurs. 11:30 am MCCC Tai Chi M/Tu/W/Th 9:00 am MCCC Painting I Fridays 9:00 am MCCC Painting II Fridays 12:30 pm MCCC Table Tennis (adults) Wednesdays 12:30 pm MCCC Quilting Tuesdays 11:15 am MCCC Arts & Crafts Mondays Noon MCCC Knitting/Crocheting Tues./Thurs. 1:35 pm MCCC Senior Computer (Span,) Mon./Wed. 9:00 am ROCC Senior Computer (Eng.) Tues./Thurs. 9:00 am ROCC Ballet 1 Mondays 4:30 pm ROCC Ballet 2 Mondays 5:30 pm ROCC Ballet 3 Wednesdays 4:30 pm ROCC Ballet 4 Wednesdays 5:30 pm ROCC Martial Arts (tots) Mon./Wed. 4:30 pm ROCC Martial Arts (beginners) Mon./Wed. 5:30 pm ROCC Martial Arts (intermed.) Tues./Thurs. 4:30 & 5:30 pm ROCC Jazz 1 Tuesdays 4:30 pm ROCC Jazz 2 Tuesdays 5:30 pm ROCC Jazz 3 Thursdays 4:30 pm ROCC Jazz 4 Thursdays 5:30 pm ROCC Sewing Tues./Thurs. 2:00 pm ROCC Spanish (for adults) M/Tu/W/Th 6:00 pm ROCC Jazzecise (Fee Course) M/Tu/W/Th 7:00 pm ROCC
Homeowners Organizations Loch Andrews Loch Isle Lake Glen Ellen Lake Katharine Villas Royal Oaks Serenity Point Lake Sandra The Anchorage Fountain Park Lake Martha Loch Lomond West Villa Vizcaya Silver Crest North Loch Lomond Lake Carol
August 19 August 19 August 20 August 20 August 21 August 21 August 22 August 22 August 26 August 27 August 27 August 28 August 29 September 3 September 3
5:00 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:00 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:00 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:00 pm MCCC 7:00 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC
Miami Lakes Clubs, Professional & Volunteer Groups M.L. Garden Club buncoSeptember 4 11:30 am ROCC M.L. Cham. Comm. September 4 11:30 am Shula’s Hotel M.L. Bridge Club Mondays 11:30 am MCCC M.L. Kiwanis 2nd/4th Thurs. 6:30 pm Pampered Chef M.L. Toastmasters 1st/3rd Tues.7:00 pm ML Educational Center M.L. Lions Club 1st/3rd Tues. 7:00 pm Denny’s Hialeah MCCC is Mary Collins Community Center, 15151 N.W. 82 Avenue ROCC is Royal Oaks Park Community Center, 16500 N.W. 87 Avenue
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AUGUST 16, 2013
THE MIAMI LAKER
Among citizen concerns over new county budget is PSN branch library By David L. Snelling The Miami Laker staff As part of a county-wide protest of Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez’s proposed budget for 2013-2014 to cut 22 libraries, some Miami Lakes residents stood near the town’s library to express their disapproval. Though the library at 6699 Windmill Gate Road is not on the mayor’s chopping block, the residents wanted to show some solidarity with other county residents who are urging Gimenez to not cut the libraries in their communities. In addition, Miami-Dade Commissioner Esteban Bovo Jr. is also urging the mayor to explore cost savings to keep more libraries open and to provide more details regarding the impact of proposed library budget cuts to residents in his district. Palm Springs North Branch Library, which occupies a storefront at 17601 N.W. 78 Ave. in District 13, is one of the libraries that has been identified by the mayor’s office for possible closure. Bovo has requested the mayor’s office to provide current usage data and operating costs for the Palm Springs North Branch Library; to consider using existing County-owned facilities as small
branch libraries instead of leasing private storefront space, as the City of Hialeah now does successfully and any commercial uses that may be introduced to the library system that could generate additional revenues for libraries such as commercial bookselling and food vendors. “While my first priority remains with protecting the taxpayers, I believe that those of us in County government must explore every alternative before laying off employees or closing library facilities. Perhaps now is the time to reinvent our libraries,” Bovo said. “While the library concept has evolved over the years, libraries are a lifeline to many in our community who simply do not have access to the Internet or other information platforms. Additionally, many of our hardworking library employees often serve as the only adult mentor in the lives of our community’s young people.” The latest proposal by Bovo urged Gimenez and his staff to work closely with Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho’s office to identify school facilities that may be utilized to mitigate service impacts to the affected areas in District 13. The School Board unanimously
approved a proposal last week directing Carvalho to conduct a study and to partner with the county to identify school libraries, media centers and other school properties that the community may use in areas affected by proposed county library closures. Under political pressure, reports indicated that Gimenez may scale back on his proposed budget cuts for the libraries, firerescue service and the MiamiDade animal shelter. During one of a series of town hall budget meetings on August 6 at the North Dade Regional Library in Miami Gardens, residents, firefighters and pet lovers voiced their disapproval of Gimenez’s proposed budget cuts. Gimenez, who was on hand with county staff members, said he initially proposed the budget cuts in order to not raise property taxes but during the county budget hearings, lawmakers may find the money to offset a $15 million budget deficit and keep most of the services. Miami-Dade County budget hearings are scheduled for 5 p.m., Tuesday, September 10, and Thursday, September 19, at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center, 111 N.W. 1 Street.
USA Wireless AT&T retail facility relocates to Main St. An authorized AT&T retailer, USA Wireless, previously located in the Windmill Gate Shopping Center, is now at 6832 Main Street. This location is currently open to the public and offers all the same services found at any AT&T store, including cell phones, tablets, Direct TV, U-verse, plans, channels, equipment and installation, landline services, and bundle
options. New and refurbished equipment is available for purchase. The new location is currently hiring for sales representatives. For employment opportunities, visit the store to drop off resumes or e-mail them to ccarbajal@gousawireless.com. For more information visit www.att.com or call 305-8277888.
USA WIRELESS store manager Carlos Carbajal (right) is joined by sales representative Manuel Morel at the AT&T retail facility’s new location on Main Street.
THE MIAMI LAKER
AUGUST 16, 2013
PAGE 15
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AUGUST 16, 2013
THE MIAMI LAKER
Miami Lakes Optimist Club crowns Summer Basketball League champs The Miami Lakes Optimist Club crowned new champions in the boys and girls divisions for its Summer Basketball League. In the boys’ division, the Heat defeated the Spurs in the Mustang division, while the Spurs beat the Bulls for the Bronco Championship.
The Lakers beat the Celtics for the Colt title and the Bulls beat the Thunder in the Pony Division Championship game. In the girls’ division, the Liberty beat the Sparks for the championship. More than 400 kids (ages 7 to 18) participated in the Summer
MIAMI LAKES OPTIMIST CLUB’S girls’ Summer Basketball League championship team, the Liberty, includes (bottom, from left) Alyisa Boyles, Nia Webster, Mercy Gonzalez and Shayna Coram; (top, from left) coach Stephanie Ramirez, Jasmine Hernandez, Kathy Martinez, Brandy Taylor, and Optimist basketball commissioner Jim Hamilton.
Basketball League despite a challenge of barely having a place to practice. During the summer, most schools are closed and shut down their basketball gyms. “We had a great season of basketball,” said Optimist Club basketball commissioner Jim Hamilton. “Despite a lot of kids and their parents going on summer vacation and competing basketball leagues, we were surprised to have that many kids in the league.” Hamilton thanked Barbara Goleman High School and Hialeah Gardens High School for allowing the league to use their facilities. “Without their support, we wouldn’t have a summer basketball league,” Hamilton said. The Optimist Club also recognized the sponsors for the league, including Gancedo Lumber Company, Value Store It Self Storage, Miami Lakes Sports Shop, the Heritage Group and Nu World Title, LLC. Hamilton also thanked summer League division managers Jesse and Cathy Urbaneaz, Rey Valdes, Frank Narrero, Ken D’ Amour and Mychal Milian. “Without them, the league would be impossible,” Hamilton said.
Training for the Miami Full or Half Marathon on February 2nd, 2014.
American High football coach Corey Bell looks to spark the Patriots to a state championship By David L. Snelling The Miami Laker staff Head coach Corey Bell was the architect who rebuilt high school football teams into powerhouses at Edison and now American. Miami-Dade Public Schools administrators took note and offered him several coaching jobs, including the vacancies at defending state champions Central and Carol City. But Bell declined the offers and it wasn’t even a peripheral thought of leaving the Patriots because he built something “special” at American, a team he sees could win it all this year. Bell commences his third year at American and staying put gives his players confidence by placing a lot of credence in their on-thefield skills to get the job done. “This year’s team is absolutely the best team since I started coaching here,” said Bell, while watching his sweat-drenched players battle on the practice field under the scorching heat. “Like the program we built at Edison, we set our goals first and then accomplished them. The kids at American are doing the same. I see the football program going in a great direction. I like the movement.” Bell’s previous Patriots teams made the playoffs and he’s looking at a third consecutive postseason berth but with a different result. The teams lost in the quarterfinals to perennial powerhouses Broward’s Plantation and St. Thomas Aquinas, but with two district titles and experience with 11 returning starters, American, on paper, looks like a top contender. Seniors Edward Crouch and Elliot Taylor are battling for the starting quarterback job.
Bell said both players can lead the Patriots to a winning record but he has to pick one before opening day against his former team and alma mater Edison. He indicated the selection may come just a couple of days before the game. “The competition at quarterback is tough,” Bell said. When opting to run the ball, the Patriots have a pair of running backs to take some of the pressure off the quarterback. Isiah Williams and Kareem Bullard will start in the backfield and, American will depend a lot on Camel Bonds to run and catch the ball. “He has skills,” Bell said. “It’s all about getting the ball in his hands and watch him do great things.” Defensive lineman Donte Stevens will anchor the defense with a young but talented group of linebackers and defensive backs. “I think these guys are the best in the county,” Bell said. “If they communicate and perform well, it’s a very special unit.” Bell acknowledged he will have mixed emotions playing against his former team. During 10 seasons, he led the Red Raiders to five consecutive playoff appearances and threestraight district titles. His 2003 team was ranked No. 1 in Miami-Dade County, and 84 of his players went on to play for Division 1 A colleges. Bell said Edison hasn’t been the same since he left, missing the playoffs for seven consecutive season, and has compassion for his old team. “But it’s all about American football,” he said. “We have to do what we got to do to win.”
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THE MIAMI LAKER
Pace Senior High’s Kadesha Floyd on full basketball scholarship at Mississippi Valley State University
MONSIGNOR PACE HIGH SCHOOL girls basketball team guard, Kadesha Floyd, received a full basketball scholarship to Mississippi Valley State University upon graduation in June. "Her work ethic and humble attitude along with leading the team in rebounding helped the Lady Spartans to the playoffs for the seventh straight year. She has been a pleasure to coach and I know she will do well in college," said head coach, Kellina Swan. Floyd lives by a fitting mantra: "It was not easy coming in second, but the day you come in first made coming in second all worth it."
Dade Christian hosts Crusader Family Classic fishing tourney on September 7 Dade Christian School is hosting the Crusader Inshore/ Offshore Family Classic Fishing Tournament, scheduled for Saturday, September 7, at ShakeA-Leg Miami, 2620 Bayshore Drive in Coconut Grove. A captain’s meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 6, at Shake-A-Leg Miami. The tournament will include lines in, in-shore and off-shore fishing, check-in for in-shore and off-shore with weigh master, followed by an awards ceremony dinner at Shake-A-Leg Miami. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the FACE Foundation. The deadline for registration is Thursday, September 5 at 4 p.m. Participants can register online at www.dadechristian.org. For more information, call 305-827-8731.
Lakes resident Robert Meador on Dean’s List at Villanova Univer. Miami Lakes resident Robert Meador was named to the Dean’s List at Villanova University for the spring 2013 semester. The son of Dottie and Robert Meador, he is studying Finance in the Villanova School of Business. Recipients are honored by their college’s respective dean. To qualify, one must be a full-time student and earn a semester point grade of at least 3.5.
AUGUST 16, 2013
PAGE 17
‘The Moors’ wins Junior Team Tennis title
USTA JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS “The Moors” tennis facility for the 12-under category from the North Miami-Dade division won the 2013 Spring/Summer season, and previously won the 2012 Fall/Winter season as well. Pictured (from left) Liliana Lamelas, Lucas Yanez, Isaac Lumbi, coach Tania Gonzalez, Vanessa Centeno, and Lauren Melendez. (Not pictured: Alexander Pacheco.)
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AUGUST 16, 2013
THE MIAMI LAKER
Optimist clubhouse demolition brings memories By David L. Snelling The Miami Laker staff Built in 1976, the Miami Lakes Optimist Clubhouse was graced with the presence of NFL legendary Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula and the team’s former running back Tony Nathan, as well as future NBA stars Steve Blake and James Jones. And when Chicago Cubs outfielder Adrian Cardenas and the New York Mets Alex Ochoa played little league baseball at the Optimist Club, after a game they would run to the concession stand and indulge themselves inexpensively on hot-dogs. The fond memories built an
intangible layer of love, family participation and commitment around the decrepit facility, and new recollections will be forthcoming when the new state-of-the art building replaces the old clubhouse, which is scheduled to be demolished on Saturday, August 17. The Optimist Club will meet there for the last time on Wednesday, August 14. In 2005, Hurricane Wilma swept over the clubhouse in its path of destruction and it was beyond repairable. The Town of Miami Lakes created a master plan to renovate Miami Lakes Optimist Park,
which included a new state-of-theart clubhouse and gymnasium. The Optimist Club was started in 1970 by Dick Hatcher and Rivers Demby and they got the community involved with coaches, volunteers and sponsors. The organization made Miami Lakes Park its home once it was opened, but members needed a building for their meetings, award presentations, awards cases and a concession stand during practices and games. Roland Gomez led the initiative to help raise the $50,000 in 1975 to build the club house. It opened a year later. Gomez said Shula’s late wife,
Dorothy, hosted several fund-raisers and parties at the couple’s Miami Lakes home and the rest of the money came from a community campaign in which residents purchased a brick for $10. Hundreds of kids spent their Saturday afternoons knocking on residents’ doors to sway them to buy the blocks to help build the clubhouse. Albeit they collected the money needed for the building, the Miami Lakes community ran into some red tape. At the time, the county owned the park land and Gomez and other members of the Miami Lakes Optimist Club wanted to speak to county commissioners during a meeting to present their plans for the clubhouse. But the item wasn’t on the agenda.
Mayor’s mixed martial arts event has been canceled The mixed martial arts charity fight between Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi and Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez has been called off following the arrest of Pizzi on a public corruption charge. The September 6 fight at Milander Center billed as Mayhem at Milander was canceled. The fight was to raise funds for Best Buddies International and other charities for the two cities. According to Hernandez, refunds will be issued to sponsors and anyone who had purchased tickets for the event.
Gomez said about 100 people wanted to speak to lawmakers about a project for kids at no cost to the county. “We didn’t know if we were on the agenda or not so we went down there to speak,” Gomez said. “I told the county official that 100 people are going to be very upset if they don’t speak.” Eventually, the county concurred and the Optimist Club house was constructed. “We had to fight our way through county hall to get that done,” Gomez said. Gomez, who ran the soccer club, said he was actively involved with the Optimist program for 20 years and was glad to see kids who participated in sports come back in their young adult lives to coach kids. “It was kind of neat,” he said. “I coached soccer and for guys like myself who are responsible for these kids, it’s a good feeling.” Gomez said about 600 kids from the soccer program played in the Junior Orange Bowl tournament and when he stepped aside, even more teams participated in the soccer classic. Once the new clubhouse is finished, a new dimension will be added to honor former professional coaches and athletes who played sports and participated at the Optimist Club. The Miami Lakes Sports Hall of Fame will be housed at the new Miami Lakes Optimist Clubhouse. Some eminent names suggested for enshrinement include Shula, Blake, Jones, Ochoa, and Cardenas, along with former Dolphins tight end, the late Jim Mandich, former Dolphins running back Tony Nathan and Miami Heat assistant coach Keith Askins.
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Miami Dolphins and NFL host NFL Play 60 Character Camp for 300 boys and girls The Miami Dolphins partnered with the NFL and Hall of Fame offensive tackle Anthony Muñoz for a two-day NFL Play 60 Character Camp in Hialeah. The two-day camp was held last week at Ted Hendricks Stadium and hosted approximately 300 local boys and girls, aged 9-13, with little to no football experience. The children, mostly from local youth organizations, were taught football skills by former NFL players and current high school and college coaches. The camp focused on three components – Football, Play 60 and Character. The first portion consisted of teaching the kids how to play football; the Play 60 portion focused on teaching kids about exercising and proper nutrition; the character component focused on teaching kids traits such as honesty, integrity, selfcontrol and faith. The camp featured former NFL players Jeff Faulkner, Roy Foster and Jed Weaver in addition to Muñoz.
“I think for a lot of the kids it’s one of the biggest days of their lives. They watch television and see the Dolphins playing, so for them, it’s a dream come true,” said Ryan Betscher, director of the camp. “We want to give them a positive experience from the game of football. We want them to be life-long Dolphins fans and lifelong football fans.” Each camp participant received a football with a bilingual hangtag that offers youth an opportunity to view videos in Spanish and English that teach the basics of football on the NFL’s youth website, NFLRUSH.com. The NFL donated more than 30,000 footballs to youth as part of its Hispanic outreach initiative. “I think the Play 60 Character Camp is an excellent initiative, and I am glad we could be a part of it,” Miami Dolphins Youth Programs Director Twan Russell said. “This is an excellent way to introduce football to children who have had very little experience with the game.”
YOUNGSTERS do stretching exercises as part of the Miami Dolphins NFL Play 60 Character Camp that was held in Hialeah.
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ML United Soccer Club registration underway The Miami Lakes United Soccer Club is currently holding registration for the upcoming fall recreational soccer season and is inviting kids to put their skills to the test against the best competition in South Florida. Kids from ages 4 to 15 can register every Friday from 6:30 to
7:30 p.m. at the Royal Oaks Park Community Center, 16500 N.W. 87th Avenue. The cost of registration is $125. The season starts, Monday, August 26. Kids must bring their birth certificates and sibling discounts are offered if they qualify.
The recreational soccer season includes Adidas Major League Soccer uniforms, quality training, practice and game experiences on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and trophy presentation at the end of the season. For more information, call Alex Hernandez at 786-290-0558.
PAGE 20
AUGUST 16, 2013
THE MIAMI LAKER
Yecenia Martinez-Lopez named BGEC principal By Roselind Romero The Miami Laker staff Some things at Bob Graham Education Center never change like the 10th consecutive "A" grade achieved, announced in late July. This year, however, there is one change. The 2013-2014 school year introduces Yecenia MartinezLopez, fondly referred to as Mrs. Martinez, the newest addition to
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the administrative team as principal. Martinez was born and raised in Hialeah where her parents, Felix and Maria Muñoz, and her older brother, Felix Jr. Muñoz, instilled in her the importance of education and work ethic. The Muñoz family has lived across the street from Hialeah Senior High School for the last 45 years which played a role in inspiring a young Martinez to pursue education. "I was always captivated by the movement of students between bells and to see all these different cliques of people be brought together by one person. What power, I thought, to lead so many different people, to share knowledge and to cultivate the future," said Martinez. She has since spent 18 years in the field of education. Her pursuits in education began as inspiration from observing students at Hialeah Senior High to becoming one as part of the graduating class of 1992. She graduated
high school a year early and upon graduation attended Miami Dade College for her associate's degree. While working on her bachelor's at FIU for elementary education, she became a substitute teacher for North Hialeah Elementary School and Flamingo Elementary School. Following completion of her bachelor's, she began teaching fourth grade at Henry E.S. Reeves for two years. She received her master's degree in ESOL education and a specialist in elementary education from Nova Southeastern University. Martinez then taught third grade and academic excellence classes at Miami Shores Elementary School (MSES). It was there that her plans changed. The MSES principal at the time, Dr. Sherry Krubitch, offered Martinez the reading coach position, which Martinez initially declined, feeling that she was stepping away from what she had always aspired to become. "I had just painted my classroom for the new school year and I was putting up fabric on my bulletin boards. I had planned all my
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life to be a teacher, and retire as a teacher. I never saw myself as anything but a teacher," said Martinez. " I couldn't see it at the time but Dr. Krubitch had vision." Martinez later accepted the offer for reading coach after Krubitch's persistence and now refers to it as "the best decision" she ever made. Though Martinez's roots were in teaching, she had not considered how many more opportunities to touch lives could come from experiencing other facets of education apart from the teacher's classroom. "I realized I could do so much more for so many more people. I could tap into so many lives. I thank my great bosses who have given me incredible opportunities," said Martinez. Her position as reading coach led to her two years as an administrator of E.S.E. and then assistant principal for MSES for three and a half years. Martinez began the Principal Preparation Program (PPP) in 2007 during her time as assistant principal and before completing the program in 2008, she became principal of Edison Park Elementary School. After her time at Edison Park as principal she was called back to MSES to take on the role of principal after Krubitch was promoted from principal to regional director. After her principalship at MSES, Martinez became principal of Oak Grove Elementary for four years, and is now principal of Bob Graham Education Center. "Now I have the distinct honor to serve the Miami Lakes community. I'm here to serve and I'm very receptive to ideas and criticism. I want parents to feel that we are providing a well-rounded education coupled with love for their children. I'm glad to be working at a school that has enthusiastic teachers. It makes for a great equa-
YECENIA MARTINEZ-LOPEZ tion. Happy teachers and happy students equal happy parents," said Martinez. Martinez, and her husband Lazaro Lopez, have two children of their own, Christopher, 15, and Christian, 12. Martinez has hit the ground running since her move from Oak Grove Elementary and has been working closely with the assistant principals to create a master schedule of developments for teachers and workshops for parents. She believes that a school's success comes from the combined efforts of everyone at the school, parents and community members. "My favorite quote is by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.," said Martinez. "It reads 'Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.' I put a lot of love into what I do, because I love what I do. I think when you truly love what you do it makes all the difference."
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Miami-Dade Public Schools administers survey to learn students’digital device needs In response to the Miami-Dade School Board recently authorizing a digital convergence plan by Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho to provide wireless digital education services for students across the school district, a survey was administered to assess the digital device needs of the student population. The report examined the accessibility District students in grades 6-11 have to electronic devices. It assessed what electrical devices students currently had at home and/or could bring to school, as well as whether they had access to the internet outside of the house. The survey determined that most students had internet access at home or another location outside of school. In addition, they were permitted to go online to do schoolwork. Fewer than half of the students who have access to a portable electronic device thought that they could bring a device to school. Eighty percent of those surveyed had access to either a laptop or tablet at home, but only 40 per-
cent said they could bring it to school. Nearly half said they are comfortable with both digital and traditional textbooks. Thirty-seven percent of middle school students preferred digital textbooks, while 39 percent of high school students preferred traditional textbooks. Following the survey, a Request for Information (RFI) for digital devices will be issued to identify devices that meet instructional needs and that offer the best value for the price. Funds for the school district’s digital transformation will be provided by the 21st Century School General Obligation Bond Referendum approved by voters last November, which included $100 million for technology upgrades. A total of $82 million will be spent at school campuses included $38 million for projection systems, interactive technologies, and sound amplification systems. Another $44 million will be spent on upgrades to school networks.
North Pointe YMCA hosts special Pet Adoption event on Friday, August 16 Miami-Dade County Animal Services and the YMCA of Greater Miami will host a special pet adoption event to help bring shelter pets into loving homes and increase the number of pet lives saved from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 16, at the North Pointe YMCA Family Center, 7351 N.W. 186 Street, in northwest MiamiDade.
The event will celebrate the YMCA’s Back-to-School Back-toHealth bash, a free community event that aims to promote the countywide adoption of kittens, cats, puppies, dogs, and raise awareness of the importance of pet vaccinations, sterilization, and microchip implantation. All adoption fees are half off during the event.
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Christopher Vazquez named 2013 class Valedictorian at Archbishop McCarthy High Miami Lakes resident Christopher Vazquez graduated from Archbishop McCarthy High School as Valedictorian for the Class of 2013. While at Archbishop McCarthy, Vazquez maintained Principal’s Honor Roll all four
years. He was a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist, National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar, AP Scholar with Honors, and recipient of the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Vazquez will attend the University of Florida this fall.
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AUGUST 16, 2013
THE MIAMI LAKER
Most Miami Lakes area schools maintained previous FCAT grades The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) released elementary and middle school grades in late July. High school grades will be released later this year. The A to F school grading system has experienced many changes since it's institution leaving educators, administrators and superintendents across Florida questioning the validity of the system. The passing score on the FCAT Writing exam was bumped from a 3 to a 3.5 for this past school year. A safety net, keeping from any school from dropping more than one letter grade, was also instituted prior to the release of school grades. While overall grades dropped, leaving only 55 percent of Florida schools with an A or B compared to 71 percent in 2012, many Miami Lakes area school grades were unchanged. Miami Lakes K-8 Education Center, Bob Graham Education Center, Hialeah Gardens Elementary School, Spanish Lake Elementary, and Hialeah Gardens Middle School all received an A grade. Palm Springs North Elementary School and Joella C. Good Elementary School received a B grade. Miami Lakes Middle School, Lawton Chiles Middle School and Country Club Middle School received a C grade. Miami Lakes principals responded to the grades with a mixture of relief and reassurance that advances in learning have been
made, despite the grades assigned. Lawton Chiles principal Nelson Izquierdo encouraged the faculty and staff making sure to mention that points toward the school grade improved greatly. If the school grade criteria had been the same as the 2012-2013 school year, Lawton Chiles would now be "B" school. They were 15 points short of a "B" under new standards. "I am proud of the hard and smart work our teachers and students put in this year with an increase in our point totals. When looking at the majority of the middle schools in Dade County and the state of Florida, they had a significant decrease in their scores, however that was not the case for us," said Izquierdo. Maribel Dotres, principal of Palm Springs North Elementary also focused on learning gain indicators rather than the school grade assigned to them by the state. "The percent of third grade students meeting high standards in reading increased significantly from 54 percent in 2012 to 69 percent in 2013. This is a reflection of students meeting the challenges associated with raising the bar for student performance. If you look at these indicators, many of our students met the new higher proficiency cut scores, yet our school grade does not reflect this growth. As our Superintendent of Schools has addressed, the school grades this year are not necessarily reflecting what we are really doing as a school," said Dotres. Other schools, like Bob
Graham Education Center (BGEC) and Spanish Lake Elementary celebrated the continuation of their "A" grade streaks, which was the 10th consecutive year for BGEC and the 7th consecutive year for Spanish Lake Elementary. "The school grade is a true reflection of the remarkable commitment and dedication that all of the stakeholders have for the students that attend our school," said newly instated principal of BGEC, Yecenia Martinez-Lopez. Jaqueline Arias-Gonzalez, principal of Spanish Lake Elementary, noted the difficulty in keeping an "A" grade in a time with changes made to the system. "We are elated with the results, especially during a very difficult year to maintain our grade due to the many changes to the Florida accountability measures. However, with much determination and commitment, our students, teachers, parents, and staff members have worked together toward successful results," said AriasGonzalez. The release of school grades was promptly followed by accusations of former Commissioner of Education, Tony Bennett, and his involvement in making changes to a charter school in Indiana, where he was previously Indiana's schools chief. Governor Rick Scott accepted Bennett's resignation on Thursday, August 1. Pam Stewart was named Commissioner of Education following Benett's departure.
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Miami-Dade County Public Schools resume on Monday, August 19, for the 2013-2014 school year. Parents and students are urged to register early to avoid processing delays. Dates to remember: First day of class: Monday, August 19, 2013. Last day of class: Thursday, June 5, 2014. Teacher Planning Days (schools are closed): August 15, 16, September 5, October 25, November 8, 29, January 17, February 7, March 21, April 18, June 6. Holidays: Labor Day (September 2), Veteran's Day (November 11), Thanksgiving (November 28), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20), President's Day (February 17), Memorial Day (May 26). Important information for Miami Lakes area schools: Bob Graham Education Center 15901 N.W. 79 Avenue, Miami Lakes, FL 33016 Phone: 305-557-3303 Fax: 305-826-5434 Primary Learning Center 8875 N.W. 143 St, Miami Lakes, FL 33018 Principal: Yecenia Martinez-Lopez Assistant principals: Elizabeth Hernandez, James Jackimczuk, Jesus Mesa, Annette Riveron Trust counselor: Jeffrey Gardner Guidance counselors: Janet Qureshi (K-4), Sara Naranja (5-6), Joel Castellanos (7-8) Teachers: 160 Enrollment: 1657 School Hours: 8:20 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. (Pre-K through first grade) and 8:35 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. (second through eighth grade) Uniforms required. Miami Lakes K-8 Center 14250 N.W. 67 Avenue, Miami Lakes, FL 33014 Phone: 305-822-7757 Fax: 305-557-6595 Principal: Rosy L. Calvo Assistant principals: Susan Fisch, Lissett Robayna, Carlos Salcedo Trust counselor: Loretta Garcia Guidance counselors: Peggy Dufresne, Orlando Gonzalez, Marisol Vargas Teachers: 82 Enrollment: 1,326 School Hours: 8:20 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. (Pre-K through first grade), 8:35 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.; Wednesdays until 2:05 p.m. (second to fifth grade), 8:45 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.; Wednesdays until 2:25 p.m. (sixth through eighth grade). Uniforms required.
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HIALEAH GARDENS 3300 W 84 ST, #17
Hialeah Gardens Elementary School 9702 N.W. 130 St, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018 Phone: 305-827-8830 Fax: 305-818-7970 Principal: Rouben Yaghdijan Assistant principals: Rachel Autler, Ileana Robles
Guidance counselors: Olga Lopez-Nanney, Jeanette Alfaro Teachers: 78 Enrollment: 875 School Hours: 8:20 to 1:50 p.m. (Pre-K through first grade) and 8:35 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. (second through fifth grade) Uniforms Required. Open campus orientation: Saturday, August 17, 9 to 11 a.m. Spanish Lake Elementary School Main Campus: 7940 N.W. 194 St, Miami, FL 33015 Early Childhood Center: 19200 N.W. 79 Avenue, Hialeah, FL 33015 Phone: 305-816-0400 Fax: 305-816-0401 Principal: Jaqueline AriasGonzalez Assistant principals: Kathy Bustamante, Lizette Estavez, Anita Marti Guidance counselors: Grisell Perez, Ginette Sanchez, Teachers: 119 Enrollment: 1610 School Hours: 8:20 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. (Pre-K through first grade). 8:35 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.; Wednesdays until 1:50 p.m. (second to fifth grade) Uniforms Required. Lawton Chiles Middle School 8190 N.W. 197 St, Miami, FL 33015 Phone: 305-816-9101 Fax: 305-816-9248 Principal: Nelson Izquierdo Assistant principal: Yanelys Canales Guidance counselor: Laura Lotito Teachers: 40 Enrollment: 615 School Hours: 9:10 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. Uniforms Required. Country Club Middle School 18305 N.W. 75 Place Miami, FL 33015 Phone: 305-820-8800 Fax: 305-820-8801 Principal: Jose Fernandez Assistant principals: Carol Jeffrey, Viviana Lebena Guidance Counselors: Altrice Holloman, Mayra Aloma, Sonia Ofarrill Teachers: 68 School Hours: 9:10 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. Uniforms Required. Student orientation: August 17 at 9 a.m. in the cafeteria. Miami Lakes Middle School 6425 Miami Lakeway North Miami Lakes, FL 33014 Phone: 305-557-3900 Fax: 305-828-6753 Principal: Manuel Sanchez Assistant principals: Nora J. Bueno, Rafael Crespo Guidance counselor: Maria Macias Teachers: 42 Enrollment: 960 School Hours: 9:10 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. Uniforms Required.
(Please see Page 23)
THE MIAMI LAKER
AUGUST 16, 2013
PAGE 23
....for Miami Lakes area 2013-2014 school year (Continued from Page 22) Hialeah Gardens High School 11700 Hialeah Gardens Blvd, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33018 Phone: 305-698-5000 Fax: 305-698-5001 Principal: Louis Algaze Assistant principals: Andy Granados, Lee Krueger, Lesa Slocum, Edith Cimino Trust Counselor: Tom Binder Guidance Counselors: Marta Rodriguez, Dr. Jayne Caudhill, Maria Munoz, Clark Leander, Yvette Pino Teachers: 185 Enrollment: 3,100 School Hours: 7:20 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Uniforms Required. American Senior High School 18350 N.W. 67 Avenue, Miami, FL 33015 Phone: 305-362-0676 Fax: 305-828-7380 Principal: Luis Diaz Assistant principals: Chantal Osborne, Jason Glasford, Marion Rogers Trust counselor: Rosemarie Scott-Gibbs Guidance counselors: Martha Ruiz(10-11), Yvette Constant (1011), Yixsi Quintana (12) Teachers: 124 Enrollment: 2,063 School Hours: 7:20 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Uniforms Required.
Barbara Goleman Senior High School 14100 N.W. 89 Avenue, Miami Lakes, FL 33018 Phone: 305-362-0676 Fax: 305-827-0249 Principal: Joaquin Hernandez Assistant principals: Lizette Hevia, Gisela Rodriguez, Leonard Torres Trust counselor: Darlene Williams Guidance counselors: Ron Fisch (9), Raquel Blanco (9-12), Elizabeth Pina (9-12) Teachers: Over 100 Enrollment: 1,800 School Hours: 7:20 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Uniforms Required. Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High 7977 W 12 Avenue, Hialeah, FL 33014 Phone: 305-823-1330 Fax: 305-362-4188 Principal: Jose Bueno Assistant principals: Lisa Garcia, Ron Butler Trust counselor: Odalys Acosta Guidance counselors: Eileen Padro and Martiza Baez Teachers: 87 Enrollment: 1,600 School Hours: 7:20 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. Uniforms Required.
Pace Anglers Club’s 5th annual fishing tourney August 23-24 Monsignor Edward Pace Senior High School’s Pace Anglers Club is hosting its 5th annual Spartan Fishing Tournament on Friday and Saturday, August 23-24, at La Siesta Resort and Marina in Islamorada in the Florida Keys. The tournament, which has become a favored Spartan tradition, spans over two days and includes games, awards, and food in addition to the competitive fishing. Last year, over 100 anglers and their families and friends participated in the event, making it the largest tournament yet. Registration numbers this year have already surpassed last years’ tournament. Proceeds from this fundraiser go to the Spartans-4-Spartans pro-
gram at Pace High School. This program helps students that encounter extreme financial hardship in their junior and senior year. Also, money from this event assists the Pace Anglers Club. This unique club prides itself in giving students an activity that takes place outside of school and is safe and fun. The moderator, science teacher, Scott Giberson, challenges students academically by rewarding club members who hold the highest GPA and have shown the most improvement with a fishing trip alongside a celebrated captain and new fishing gear. For this year’s tournament registration and more information, visit the Pace Anglers Club website at www.paceanglersclub.com.
Miami Lakes Educational Center / Secondary and PostSecondary Divisions 5780 N.W. 158 St Miami Lakes, FL 33014 Phone: 305-557-1100 Fax: 305-557-7391 Principal: James Parker High school principal: AnaMaria Lopez-Ochoa Assistant principals: Tammy Thomas, Michael Tandlich Trust counselor: Gladys Duran Guidance counselors: Javier Lasaga, Ana Tigerino, Greg Campbell Teachers: 69 School Hours: 7:20 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Uniforms Required. Miami Lakes Educational Center Adult/Vocational Division Principal: James Parker Vice principal: Dr. Beverly Carter-Remy Assistant principals: Juan Gonzalez, Ana Varona, Wayne Jenkins Guidance counselors: Jackie Benjamin, Greg White, Vernon Wilder Teachers: 40 No uniforms. School Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School 6600 Miami Lakeway North, Miami Lakes, FL 33014 Phone: 305-362-5315 Fax: 305-558-2631 Principal: Ricardo Briz Assistant principal: Barbara Picazo Psychologist: Dr. Vivian PerezCaproni Curriculum coordinator: Cyndia Marrero Teachers: 40 Enrollment: 450 School Hours: 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Uniforms Required. Dade Christian School 6601 N.W. 167 St Miami, FL 33015 Phone: 305-822-7690 Fax: 305-826-4072 Principal: Matt Annett Assistant principal: Dinora Ramos Guidance counselor: Michelle Annett Enrollment: 650 School Hours: 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Uniforms required. Student orientations: Secondary school orientation on Thursday, August 15 at 7 p.m. Entire student body orientation and "Get Acquainted" day is scheduled for Friday, August 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monsignor Edward Pace Senior High School 15600 N.W. 32 Avenue, Miami, FL 33054 Phone: 305-623-7223 Fax: 305-521-0185 Director: Ana Garcia Dean of Academics: Rebeca Bautista Guidance counselor director: Carla Giberson Counselors: Melanie Otero, Ramon Rodriguez College advisor: Lillian Dubon Teachers: 60 Enrollment: 850 School Hours: 8 a.m. to 2:23 p.m. Uniforms Required. Mandatory new student orientation: Friday, August 16 at 8 a.m. in the cafeteria (school uniform and iPads are required). Mandatory new parent meeting: Friday, August 16 at 4:30 p.m. in the school chapel.
Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Scho ol
“Give your child the gift of a Catholic Education.”
Accredited PK3 through Eighth Grade
PK3• PK4 • VPK Certified Free After-Care • Catholic Education and Family Values • High Academic Standards • Mathletics and Accelerated Reading Programs • Experienced Faculty – Certified by State of Florida • Multi-cultural Family Atmosphere • Psychologist on Campus • Computer Lab, iPads-Apple TV’s – Applications for new SMARTboards, Broadcasting Club students available at • Music Program, Recorder Ensemble, the school office. Glee Club • Spanish • Art Education, Meet the Masters, Gallery Night • Athletic Programs for grades 3 to 8, Cheerleading, Danceline • Student Leadership Program, NJHS, Student Council • HSA, Dads’ Club, Family Involvement Welcome Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference.
305-362-5315
LA SIESTA RESORT AND MARINA will host the 5th annual Pace Anglers Club’s Spartan Fishing Tournament.
6600 Miami Lakeway North, Miami Lakes www.ollnet.com Under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Miami, Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Schools admission policy states that no individual shall be subject to discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.
PAGE 24
AUGUST 16, 2013
THE MIAMI LAKER
Echoes of the Heart Reflections on Life and Community Living By Dr. Jeffrey E. Frantz, Miami Lakes Congregational Church (Contact Dr. Frantz on the web at www.mlcchurch.com.) Back to school and new beginnings. Growing up in Aurora, Illinois and, before that, for seven years in rural Sugar Grove, Illinois, I remember the rhythm each year of the start of the school year. I remember being excited about my new classroom with my new teacher and classmates. I remember being a little anxious too, about all the newness; it's exciting but at the same time, a child can't help but wonder: Are people going to like me? Am I going to like them as well? Every year we all hoped the first day of school was going to be a good day. No doubt, the first year of school is the most traumatic. although it doesn't need to be. The first year connotes the most change for a child in life as we've known it. Suddenly, mommy or grandma aren't there every moment to make sure the wonderful world of our infant universe continues on its blissful rotation. Each new school year brings with it a particular new beginning. And then, there is the new school year at a different school, like the middle school or high school; or the new school in the town or city your family has just moved to. New beginnings can make us anxious and uneasy. Always, in any new beginning there is a whole list of unknowns and often
times, unknowns we can't control. But all of this can be a good thing in the larger sense because it is precisely such new beginnings that make possible our own personal growth and development. Every day, new beginnings are part of the process of life's unfolding. New beginnings allow us to move beyond the old; they allow us to start over. Some times, starting over is precisely what we need. We need a break from our past environments where, for whatever reasons, we were in a rut. We weren't using our talents; we were drifting, unchallenged, and on the edge of losing interest. One of the great things about our nation is indeed, the new beginnings our country affords. If we think about it, it is inspiring how new beginnings are so utterly impossible in America. With all the concern about the economy, immigration and a host of other issues, this is still the case. An enviable characteristic of the American way of life is that we are amazingly mobile. We don't have to feel forever trapped – in a relationship, in a job, or in a living situation. Any day we choose, if we work at it, make the necessary adjustments, and act with responsibility, we can start over. The key is to have the imagination to envision a different future. Once our imagined future has enough reality undergirding it, it's just a matter of making it happen.
New relationships (that lead to marriage or to a transformed work environment) happen all the time. Start-up businesses happen all the time as well, particularly in this age where advances in technology are so common. New ideas, new technology, and new possibilities continue to open doors of opportunity at an amazing rate. The symbolism of back to school is for all of us. Not only is back to school a good thing for our children and youth (being on a path of learning and growing is what their lives need to be about), but it is symbolically enriching for the rest of us as well. Back to school reminds us of the changes we, perhaps, need to make. It nudges us out of our routine. It reminds us that we need to rethink the business plan or the career path or the way we think about ourselves and our lives in the big picture of our life-situation. Back to school doesn't allow us to become complacent and lazy. It comes, every year, and welcomes us in. And while initially it might make us anxious or uneasy, in the big picture of our lives, we know it is good for us. We know we need to keep learning and growing and get out of our comfort zone so we can learn and grow some more. Back to school is here, Miami Lakes! May the school year that is before us be a good one for us all!
ILLEGAL DUMPING It’s not a victimless crime. It’s a serious environmental crime that impacts the quality of life in your community. For more information on illegal dumping prevention and proper waste disposal, call 3-1-1 or click www.miamidade.gov/publicworks.
M. L. Educational Center’s Karina Padron participates in Student Leaders program Miami Lakes Educational Center’s Karina Padron, a senior in the Cambridge Academy, journalism strand, was selected from South Florida to participate in the Bank of America Student Leaders program in Washington, D.C. The program connects and recognizes high school juniors and seniors who step outside of the classroom to contribute service in their own communities and beyond. Student Leaders are awarded paid summer internships with local nonprofit organizations and participate in a Student Leadership Summit held in the
nation’s capital. During the eight-week internship, students work 35 hours per week. They dedicate time to charity attend the summer leadership summit, meet members of the House of Representatives, including Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (RFla), and in their little down time, our national monuments and museums. The Bank of America program gives the students the necessary tools and resources they need to advance in leadership roles outside of school, in the workplace, community and country.
CONGRESSWOMAN ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN welcomes five of the Bank of America Student Leaders Program participants including Miami Lakes Educational Center’s Karina Padron (on the right) along with (from left) Anyssa Chebbi, Veronica Chua, Mia Spigelman, and Mahrlove Andrei.
THE MIAMI LAKER
Spanish Lake Elementary keeps ‘A’ grade level
Miami Lakes Area Houses of Worship Miami Lakes Baptist Church
Faith Is The Victory Fellowship
6250 Miami Lakes Dr. East Telephone: 305-823-3888 Sunday Worship......10:00 & 11:30 AM Midweek Service Wed.................7 PM
Telephone: 954-435-1313 www.faithisthevictoryfellowship.com Sunday Service.....................10:30 AM (Cobb Theaters – 6711 Main Street) Theatre 17
M.L. Congregational Church 6701 Miami Lakeway South Telephone: 305-822-4313 Adult Sunday School...................9 AM Children’s Sunday School.....10:30 AM Worship.................................10:30 AM
Sunrise Presbyterian Church 18400 N.W. 68 Avenue Telephone: 305-821-5841 Sunday School (all ages)........9:00 AM Worship.................................10:00 AM Spanish Worship...................11:30 AM
St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church 15650 Miami Lakeway North Telephone: 305-558-3961 Sunday Eucharist........................10 AM Children’s Sunday School..........10 AM Adult Bible Study.......................11 AM
San Francisco de Asis (Iglesia Episcopal) 15650 Miami Lakeway North Telephone: 305-558-3961 Misa en Espanol...................12:15 PM Escuela Dominical................12:15 PM
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 8201 N.W. 186 Street Telephone: 305-829-0049 Spanish service.............................9 AM English service.......................12:30 PM Tuesday (Spanish).........................7 PM Wednesday (English)....................7 PM
Palm Vista Community Church Meeting at Miami Lakes Middle 6425 Miami Lakeway North Telephone: 305-822-6999 Worship Service.........................10 AM
Temple Tifereth Jacob 5901 N.W. 151 Street Telephone: 305-557-2651 Call for Service Schedule
Iglesia Biblica Cristiana Español Servicios Telephone: 305-557-1959 Sunday service........................4:00 PM Wednesday Youth....................7:30 PM 6250 Miami Lakes Drive East
El Nuevo Comienzo 6701 Miami Lakeway South Services in Spanish Sunday service.........................2:00 PM Thursday service.....................7:00 PM
St. Andrews Lutheran Church 575 W. 68 Street Telephone: 305-821-3622 Sunday service (English)........9:00 AM Sunday service (Spanish).....10:30 AM Bible School...............................11 AM
Iglesia Cristiana Reformada Vida Nueve 5941 N.W. 176 St., Bldg. #5 Telephone: 305-244-9425 www.icrvidanueve.com
Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church 15801 N.W. 67 Avenue Telephone: 305-558-2202 Sunday services in English 9:30, 11 AM and 5:30 PM Sunday services in Spanish 8 AM, 12:45 PM and 7 PM Saturday services 8:30 AM, 5 PM Daily services 7 and 8:30 AM Confessions: Saturdays 3:30 PM
Mother of Our Redeemer Catholic Church 8445 N.W. 186 Street Telephone: 305-829-6141 Daily services (Spanish) 8:30 AM Saturday (English) 5:30 PM Saturdays (Spanish) 7 PM Sundays (English) 8 & 10:30 AM Sundays (Spanish) 9 AM, 12:30 PM, 7 PM
North Palm Baptist Church 7801 N.W. 178 Street Telephone: 305-558-2032 www.NorthpalmBaptist.org Sunday Bible Study.................9:15 AM Sunday Worship....................10:30 AM Wednesday Service..................7:00 PM
M.L. United Methodist Church 14800 N.W. 67 Avenue Telephone: 305-821-7274 www.miamilakesumc.net Contemporary services..........9:40 AM Traditional ServicesWorship10:00 AM Wednesday: Kids Bible Study....................4:30 PM Wed. Bible Study....................6:30 PM
New Testament Baptist Church The Gathering Place 6601 N.W. 167 Street Telephone: 305-558-4930 Sunday Service..........................11 AM Bible Study ............................9:45 AM Wednesday Bible Study...........7:00 PM Wednesday Youth Group.........7:00 PM
Spanish Lake Elementary (SLE) continues to maintain high standards for students and another “A” grade achieved for the 2012-2013 school year. The lowest performing students made learning gains in both reading and math, as well as the overall school population. High achievement levels were set and reached for fifth grade science. The higher Florida standards reflect the top quality staff at SLE that supports students with the best quality education possible. This year’s school theme is Dr. Seuss and his quote “Think left and think right and think right and think low and think...Oh! The thinkers you can think up if only you try!" The Spanish Lake Elementary School staff looks forward to welcoming students and families for the new school year under the direction of principal Jacqueline Arias-Gonzalez. Spanish Lake Elementary is located at 7490 N.W. 194 St. For more information contact the school at 305-816-0400.
COMPUTER REPAIRS
Certified (Computer Technician) 1. Is your computer giving you errors? 2. Has your computer “slowed” down/bogged down in speed while processing? 3. Do you need to learn anything about computing? 4. Problems with shutdown or Startup? 5. Want to set up wireless network or just upgrade? I can get rid of computer errors-speed it
16601 N.W. 77 Court Telephone: 305-822-0437 Home of The Orthodox Book Center Sat. Vespers.................................6 PM Sun. Matins............................8:40 AM Sun. Liturgy...............................10 AM Sunday School & Inquirer Classes
HELP WANTED
The Redeemed Christian Church of God Victory Parrish Worship Center 16261 N.W. 57 Avenue Telephone: 786-428-0078 Sunday service....................10:00 AM Tuesday & Thursday..............7:00 PM Friday service.......................11:00 PM
Hialeah Church of Christ
Voice for Jesus
Telephone 305-558-1060 (Temporary meeting location) Shula’s Hotel (Davis Cup Room) 6842 Main Street, Miami Lakes Sunday Bible Study.................9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service.......10:30 AM Sunday Evening Service..........6:00 PM Wednesday Bible Study...........7:30 PM
Cobb Miami Lakes Theatre #11 6711 Main Street 305-818-0565 Sunday service......................10:00 AM Youth service.........................10:00 AM Children services...................10:45 AM (Nursery provided)
(Editor’s Note: All information provided by individual houses of worship. Confirm service times by telephone.
Cleaning for home or office in Miami Lakes. Good ref. available. Free estimates. Call 305-200-7887.
Queen upholstered bed, brand new from City Furniture. Paid $800, sell for $400. Call 305-829-2214.
HELP WANTED
TILE INSTALLATION
Charter Schools experienced academic charter schools consultant is wanted. Full time person or team. Fax one page references to 305649-2767.
Tile & Marble Installation. Marble Polishing. Repairs/bathrooms. 305-803-6901.
305-621-4690 REASONABLE TREE SERVICE AND LANDSCAPING, INC. • Trimming • Shaping • Removals • Mulch & Hedges • Rock & Plastic
• Topping • Transplanting • Sodding • Fertilizing • Weeding
VERY REASONABLE PRICES. Free estimates/licensed-insured. 50 ft. Bucket Truck, Chipper Dump Truck, Stump Grinder & Bobcat Loader OVER
30 YEARS IN MIAMI LAKES JOHN E. BUZZELLA
305-621-4690
Best Prices!
• Residential/Commercial • All Plumbing Repairs • Drain & Sewer Cleaning & Repair • Camera/Video Leak Detection
Emergency Plumbing & Drain Service Call Us For FREE ESTIMATE
786-281-6355 State Licensed and Insured
ROY L. TAYLOR PAINTING ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Quality Professional Work Interior & Exterior Pressure Cleaning Roof Painting Carpentry Chattahoochee Sealing Driveway Sealing
Licensed - Insured
(305) 822-9081
5700 W. 12 Avenue Telephone: 305-821-3232 Worship Service...................11:00 AM
MISC. FOR SALE
FREE ESTIMATE
Orthodox Cathedral of Christ The Saviour
Palm Springs United Methodist Church
CLEANING
Jeffrey Donner
ANYTHING you need with a PC.
PAGE 25
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AUGUST 16, 2013
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Receptionist and Administrative Support Full time position with company in Miami Lakes area. Because of extensive telecommunications within North American market, excellent English communication skills required. Must have general office and computer experience.
Inventory Control/ Purchasing Dept. Asst. This position will be required to pull electronic components and assorted parts for kit assemblies of electronic printed circuit boards. Should have background in identification of electronic components. Soldering skills are a plus. This position can develop into a technical service support position, and would also require the ability to read and understand schematic diagrams and perform repairs to component level. Good communication skills and command of the English language are a must.
Electro-mechanical assembly and testing for access control devices. This company does mandated drug testing and background checks.
Please e-mail resumes to adm@selectses.com. When applying, please indicate which position you are applying for in the subject heading of the email.
Currently hiring for: • Nail Technician AVEDA Spa at Shula’s
• Houseperson (Hotel Indigo) • Valet Attendant (Shula’s Hotel) • Leasing Agent (Part Time) (Graham Residential Division) For a full description of responsibilities or to apply online, visit us at www.donshulahotel.com, www.miamilakes.com, or www.grahamresidential.com
EEOE/DFWP
PAGE 26
AUGUST 16, 2013
THE MIAMI LAKER
OWNER WILL BEAT ANY DEAL IN THE LAKES!
R
Electricity, Janitorial, Maintenance Included!
E A L
E
C
S T A T E
L A S S I F I E D
Suites from 200-8,000 sq. ft. From $13.00 - $20.00 per sq. ft. Full Service 14411 Commerce Way 5881-5901 NW 151 Street 14505 Commerce Way 6001 NW 153 Street 15291-15327 NW 60 Avenue
Brokers Welcome! We Will Create A Lease Deal To Fit Your Budget
ROOM FOR RENT
Your Hometown Realtors
Rooms for rent in Miami Lakes. Close to golf course. Utilities included. Many amenities. Easy local transportation. From $575. Call 786-357-3893.
Serving Miami Lakes And The
ROSA NELL HAMMER
Broker/Associate
305-827-8373 #104
ALLAN PELAEZ Broker/Associate
Surrounding Areas For Over 50 Years!
(305) 898-9315
(786) 301-9520
MIAMI LAKES
MIAMI LAKES
What if your realtor is also your neighbor?
Niurka Mejias, Realtor Short Sale Specialist/REO Certified GRG, Real Estate Company 14100 NW Palmetto Frontage Road, #101 Miami Lakes, FL 33016
786-506-0602 Cell
14341 Glencairn Rd. - REDUCED $639,000
14018 NW 82 Avenue, #15 - $335,000
Great home for entertaining and for a large family. Custom built 4/3 single story home on Lake Elizabeth. Marble entrance, stamped concrete circular driveway. Huge family room. two A/C's, 2 car garage, wood and bamboo floors. Tree lined gated community west of the Palmetto.
Great office/warehouse flex space unit in the Miami Lakes Business Park. 4 lrg. priv. offices plus lrg. open area ideal for work stations. Office space has 2 floors suitable for a lrg. operation. 21 internet ports, dual zoned A/C. Handicapped accessible bathroom. Kitchen area with microwave and refrierator, 20 ft. ceiling in the warehouse area. Mezzanine ready (owner to leave new base beams to new owner. Available for rent at $3,000 per month.
Email: nmejias2000@hotmail.com
Ask Your Neighbor! I am a residential and commercial Realtor.
PALM SPRINGS ESTATES
Mandy and Marie Rebull, Associates
MIAMI LAKES OFFICE
DING PEN
“Our family helping families since 1989” Team Rebull is well-known throughout all of Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Team Rebull has earned the respect of hundreds of gratified clients. Team Rebull always providing quality customer service going above and beyond. We work hard for your referrals – Waiting to hear from you! Hablamos Español y estamos listo para servirles.
PALM SPRINGS NORTH
8817 NW 175 Street - $379,000
7820 NW 185 Street - $365,000
7900 NW 155 ST, #108 - RENT $2,400
Great home in a quiet neighborhood near Miami Lakes. This 4/2.5 priced to sell gem has great curb appeal. Circular driveway and nice landscaping. Inside property features a spacious living area with vaulted ceilings and high hats, formal dining room and family room. Master bedroom has 2 walk-in closets. NEW energy efficient A/C. You will also love the private and tropical backyard. Wood fence all around, nice kidney shape pool, palm trees, covered patio & interlocking pavers. Hurry this house won’t last. NO HOA
Best priced lake front property in PSN. 2/2 plus office which can be turned into one additional bedroom and bath. Too many extras to list, boater’s paradise. Property has a sandy beach, wood deck and boat ramp. Huge backyard with plenty of room for pool. Interior features include: Remodeled & spacious kitchen with maple wood cabinets, huge master bedroom with jacuzzi, dual sinks & separate shower. Crown molding, tiled throughout, family room & high impact windows. great home for entertaining. Breathtaking views.
This executive corner office in the Miami Lakes (Royal Oaks ara) has everything you need for your business. Reception/waiting area, conference room, kitchen area, large work stations, closet space, two spacious bathrooms with marble floors. Your clients will be impressed. Plenty of guest parking. Pre-wired for satellite.
Miami Lakes Realty & Welcome Center • In The Lobby of Don Shula’s Hotel
6850 Main Street Miami Lakes, FL 33014 • (305) 822-9800
305-308-2901• 954-551-7879 305-770-4820
THE MIAMI LAKER CLASSIFIED ADS PERSONAL CLASSIFIED RATES: $5.00 per line, 3 line minimum ($15.00) Bold headlines and boxes count as two lines. Personal classifieds must be paid in advance. No phone orders, please! Phone
Name Street City
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Brand New Luxury Rentals in Miami Lakes
• 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Apartments from $1,400 • 2 and 3 Bedroom Townhomes from $2,000 • Granite countertops, laminate wood flooring, stainless appliances, incredible closets, in-unit laundry • Townhomes have direct access garages • Gated entry, on-site fitness studio, pool, half basketball court, bark park and 1.5 acre lake • Schools: Bob Graham Education Center (K-8), and Barbara Goleman Senior High School
The Residences at Lakehouse (305) 821-1138
MAIL TO THE MIAMI LAKER 15450 NEW BARN ROAD, SUITE 103 MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA 33014
Visit our website at www.grahamresidential.com 8340 Commerce Way, Miami Lakes, Florida Call for information on Move-In Specials!
THE MIAMI LAKER
“Professional Service, Educational Guidance & A Proven Track Record.” Arturo Rodriguez, P.A. 305-205-9785 Broker-Associate
AUGUST 16, 2013
PAGE 27
R E A L E S TAT E CLASSIFIED
Maria Victoria Zarate 305-308-9482 Realtor-Associate
Residential Real Estate “Owned and operated by NRT, LLC”
• Over 31 years of Real Estate Experience • Ranked Miami Lakes Top Producers 2001-2012 • The Only Coldwell Banker agents in Miami Lakes ranked among the Top 100 Professionals in Florida and Top 1% nationwide.
LUXURY OFFICE FOR RENT
Nobody In The World Sells More Real Estate Than RE/MAX For all your real estate needs, contact your local real estate firm, with over 15-plus years in the business.
KEY BISCAYNE - Spacious 2/2 ocean view unit. A must see! Fernando Arencibia, 786-512-3745
MIAMI LAKES OFFICE FOR RENT - 6175 N.W. 153 Street, #208. $975 includes 7% sales tax. Marina Bass, 305-582-8384
MIAMI/INDUSTRIAL - 3061 N.W. 24 Street. Warehouse zoned light mfg. 13,141 sq. ft. $1,800,000, Jose Armada Jr., 305-525-1297
PALM SPRINGS NORTH - 8540 N.W. 177 Street. Homepath 3/ 2, remodeled. 1,814 sq. ft. $299,500. Vicky Bosch, 786-302-6988
6500 Cow Pen Road, Suite 302, Miami Lakes Space available includes Executive Office and work area with three stations. Shared space includes reception, conference room, kitchenette, and copy room. Negotiable rent based on space required.
Call Javier Vazquez for details at 305-525-2510
LAKES ON THE GREEN - Corner location house, 3 beds/3 baths, garage, new kitchen, open island, granite counter top, back yard, tile floor, laundry room. Kathiuzka Chiquito, 786-316-5850
MIAMI LAKES CONDO - Cypress Village. Beautiful 2 bedroom/1 bath first floor unit, FNMA property. $149,900. Shelley McKenzie, 786-260-5316.
AVENTURA - 2905 Point East Drive, L-502. Beautiful views, 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo, $99,900. Yraima Morales, 305-803-4453.
VILLAS OF MIAMI LAKES - 7470 Miami Lakes Drive, #B101. Great first floor condo, 2 beds/2 baths, $130,000. Patricia Hachar, 786-973-1953
HIALEAH MANGO HILL - 3 bedroom/3 bath, 2,100 sq. ft. Bank owned. $129,900. Lynn Ancel Matos, 305-790-7952
MIAMI - 3940 S.W. 133 Avenue. Well kept 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2,396 sq. ft. $299,000. Jackie Peguero, 786-267-0717
SPRING VALLEY PEMBROKE PINES - 1059 N.W. 161 Avenue Great 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2,453 sq. ft., $329,900. Raquel Platt, 954-243-9597
PEMBROKE PINES - Park Place condo, adult community, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, large balcony with golf and lake views. $79,500. Eddie Rodriguez, 954-243-9597
MIAMI LAKES COMMERCIAL - Great water front lot next to Costco. Juan Sastre, 305-333-7320
VENETIAN GARDENS AT COUNTRY CLUB - 2 master bedrooms, 2 story, $109,000. Downpayment 3%. Mercy Sierra, 305-608-0185
Eddie Rodriguez, Broker/Owner RE/MAX Unique Realty Lake Katherine Shopping Center 6167 Miami Lakes Dr. East, Miami Lakes, FL 33014
305.822.7444
Website: www.wesellfloridanow.com
RE/MAX Realty 1 4100 NE 2nd Avenue, Suite 310 Miami, FL 33137
305.822.8216 *Copyright© 2013 RE/MAX, LLC. All rights reserved.
PAGE 28
AUGUST 16, 2013
THE MIAMI LAKER
9>;LHEB;J
SEVEN DEALERS IN ONE LOCATION! Mike Lowell & Miami Lakes Automall GM Fred Senra Invite You To Join The Team And Experience The Hometown Difference!
INTRODUCING OUR NEW
ZIPP LUBE SERVICE
17.95
$
s /), &),4%2 #(!.'% s 4)2% ROTATION s 3!&4%9 ).30%#4)/. Excludes synthetic oil and diesel engines. Some makes and models may be slightly more. Limited to 5 quarts of standard oil. Expires 8/30/13
300 Hometown
$
Discount! “Very satisfied with the professionalism, concerns and variety of product. I will definitely consider them for myself next time and recommend when opportunity arises.”
FOR MIAMI LAKES RESIDENTS Discount off any new or used car purchase from Miami Lakes Automall after price negotiation. Must provide proof of residence in Miami Lakes. Must present ad. Limit one per purchase. See dealer for complete details.
– Jorge F. DeApodaca Jr.
Visit Us Online: MiamiLakesAutomall.com Like Us:
facebook.com/MiamiLakesAutomall
th 1 6600 NW 57 Ave SOUTH SIDE OF THE PALMETTO EXPRESSWAY (SR 826) EXIT 826 AT NW 57TH AVE (RED ROAD)
1-866-782-8208