doral tribune february 2013

BY RON MANNExecutive Director, Doral Business Council

C hange is good andthis year saw sig-nificant change in

the City of Doral. We wel-comed a new City Hall,new Mayor and three CityCouncil Members.

We received national exposure withthe Trump Organization purchasing theDoral Golf Resort and Spa. We continue tobenefit from affordable commercial rents,favorable business environment and mostimportantly, an improving economy.

The City of Doral is certainly movingin the right direction and The DoralBusiness Council is proud to be leading thecharge.

Since its formation in 2004, the DBChas been a force for economic development,increased business awareness and contin-ued professional support for its members.With a corporate membership of over 200companies and 500 plus individual repre-sentatives, the Council produces over 35yearly events for its members and providesone of the best opportunities to build rela-tionships, meet other engaging profession-als and ultimately grow your business.

TTHHIISS PPAASSTT year saw the introductionof our Legacy Gala Awards. Almost 400attendees came out to the Doral Golf Resort& Spa for a fabulous Black Tie event tohonor three truly dynamic Doral businessleaders. Honorees for 2012 included for-mer Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez,Juan Del Busto, recently retired RegionalExecutive for the Federal Reserve and aDoral pioneer, and Stephen Musolino,Founder and President of Casa Linda Tile. We were also excited to relocate ourmonthly signature breakfast at Doral GolfResort & Spa and appreciate the relation-ship forged with the Trump Organization.

For 2013, we are planning some of ourmost impressive events to date.

In March we will be hosting our

HEALTH CARE CORNER

––––– See HEALTH CARE CORNER, page 5

Volunteering: Good forYou and Your Community

FEBRUARY 2013

Vo l u n t e e r i n gyour time andtalent can be an

extremely rewardingexperience, on manylevels. Many peopleachieve great satisfac-tion by offering their services to make adifference in the life of an individual or acommunity.

Around the country, more than 64million people participated in volunteeractivities in 2011, according to theBureau of Labor Statistics, representingabout 27 percent of the population.

Perhaps what the other three quartersof the population do not know is that vol-unteering is down right good for yourhealth.

A study by the Corporation ofNational and Community Service foundvolunteers had lower mortality rates,reported lower rates of depression (ifover the age of 65), and enjoyed greatersenses of self-worth and trust. Additionalvolunteer benefits: • Meeting new people• Making a difference in someone’s life• Making important networking contacts• Gaining work experience

There are numerous volunteer oppor-tunities available in the Miami-Dadecommunity. The key to finding the per-fect fit is to start with a few questions: • Do you prefer to work alone or as partof a team? • How much time are you willing to com-mit? • What skills can you bring a volunteerjob? • What causes are important to you?

Once you know the type of volunteerproject you’d like to pursue, you can checkout sites like <VolunteerMatch.com> tosee a list of opportunities.

Here in Doral, United HomeCare

Doral Business Council continuesleading the way with solid direction

BY BLANCA CEBALLOS

BY GLORIA BURNS

The Casamiro GlobalFoundation’s 12th AnnualAnniversary Gala was trueto its title “The World isAglow with Potential”.Hundreds gathered for thisblack tie affair at the HotelSofitel on Feb. 1 to enjoy aentertaining evening with asilent auction, awards cere-mony, dinner and dancing.While the program revolvedaround honoring socialentrepreneurs, one young 15year old artist, MagyulieGelves, a graduate of theFoundation’s Leadership Camp and stu-dent at DASH, certainly spoke volumesfor the work that Juan Casimiro and hisboard invest in creating entrepreneurs.Gelves not only donated a painting soldto World of Wines (the Cocktail Sponsor)

to benefit the Foundation, but also had atable of beautiful hearts made by specialneeds students. The idea for this program

Casimiro Global Foundation GalaCelebrates 12th Anniversary

Seen here at the Casimiro Global Foundation 12th Anniversary Gala are event emcee Mitch Schlimer,Charles Cheng, Graciella and Mayor Luigi Boria, Pedro Cheng and Marilyn Cheng.

Magdayulie Gelves seen her artwork created for the Gala.

–––––––––––– See CASIMIRO, page 5––––––––– See ECONOMIC LEADER, page 5

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM February 2013

NEW ACCIDENT ASSISTANT APP BYPANTER, PANTER & SAMPEDRO, P.A.

OFFERS ESSENTIAL TOOLKIT FOR AUTO ACCIDENTS

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Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A. has unveiled “Accident Assistant,” its newfree mobile app for Android and iPhone devices. The app connects users withhelpful resources on the scene of the accident via their mobile phone.Auto accidents are one of the most frightening and disorienting experiences in aperson’s life and yet one of the times people should be most alert and aware.Panter, Panter, & Sampedro P.A., a Miami-based personal injury law firm, haslaunched the Accident Assistant app, a free application that helps those in carincidents organize accident details during a stressful time.Accident Assistant offers useful tools for those in accidents, including:

• Recording accident information • Storing photographs and videotapes of the accident scene or injuries • A virtual insurance card • A flashlight for nighttime accidents • Instant texting with the Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A. office • Push-button calling • Case information submission

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This app makes it easy to quickly submit case information to Panter, Panter &Sampedro, P.A. for a free consultation and attorney review. The app also featuresinstant contact options like live texting with the law office, push-button calling andcase information submission.“We represent many car accident injury victims, and saw a need for a sim-ple, straightforward way to record all the vital details at the scene of theaccident, before memories fade,” says Mitchell Panter, co-founder of Panter,Panter & Sampedro, P.A.Studies show people overestimate their ability to remember things accurately;Accident Assistant will help improve retention. “Knowledge is power and we’dlike to help those in this kind of stressful situation retain as much as possible,”adds Brett Panter, co-founder.“One of the best features of the app is communication. You’re texting withyour attorney’s office in the moment; you can’t get better service thanthat,” says partner David Sampedro.This is the first app offered by Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A. To learn moreabout the app or to download it, search for “Panter Law app” in iTunes or GooglePlay. Additional information about Panter, Panter & Sampedro is available at Pan-terlaw.com.

February 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

BY LUCY TAMAJON

Reza Dehbzorgi of Minuteman Press,located at 8300 W FlaglerSt. (#155) directsa convenient on-line website where cus-tomers can shop and place orders for fastand convenient printing services.

However, in today’s hi-tech world, it’salso comforting to know that local businesspeople also find Reza’s personal service isalways available to help them make eco-nomical and expedient decisions with anyprinting need.

As President, “Reza Ray” (as he’sfondly called) ensures that his highly tal-ented staff provides the outmost in serv-ice\e excellence to every customer, acommitment reflected in from producingsimple business cards and newsletters tofour-color presswork, large signage andother more complex projects.

Reza, a member of the DBC Forum, anetworking group under the umbrella ofthe Doral Business Council, is also a proudRotarian, involved in many communityactivities with the City of Doral. In hisdown time, he also teaches Tai Chi.

Reza has the reputation for being “theman everyone calls for the job needed yes-terday” because he always comes through.

Visit Minuteman Press online at<mmpflagler.com> for more informationon how Reza’s expertise can help you build

a stronger business alliance with clientsthrough high quality printing reflectingyour company’s professionalism.

The DBC is committed to keepingmembers in the DBC Spotlight for a pros-perous 2013. Attend the monthly breakfastmeetings to put your business card in thedrawing for one of these special spotlightfeatures. DBC encourages everyone tokeep local businesses in the “Spotlight” fora prosperous 2013.

Minuteman Press DeliversPersonal Printing Services

Reza ‘Ray’ Dehbzorgi…of Minuteman Press

DBC Spotlight on Business


BY GLORIA BURNS

Among those athletes recognized bythe Miami Herald for Miami-Dade hon-ors were several student athletes fromMiami Christian School. Those MCSstudents included the following: forVolleyball receiving Honorable Mentionwere Cassandra Duenas and MelissaGonzalez; for Cross Country receivingHonorable Mention, Ernie Angueira,Rudy Marquez, Enzo Sinclair, and EthanGonzalez. On the MCS Bowling Team,Alex Yaniz received 1st Team honorswith the highest bowling average (222)in Miami Dade County for all public,charter and private schools. In addition,MCS Bowler Jeffrey Yaniz made 2ndteam while several fellow team membersreceived Honorable Mention includingAlex Roque, Joaquin Vila, AnthonyFebre, and Christian Vila.

In other sports related news,Elizabeth Rosillo was recognized by thehead referee at a recent soccer game forher quick actions in moving to prevent

harm to a young observer of the game,who was headed toward danger and hermother could not get to her quicklyenough to stop her. The Florida HighSchool Activities Association (FHSAA)official, Charlie Mather, gave her a“green card” and wrote an official reportwhich he submitted to the school and to

the FHSAA. Receiving a “green card”from a FHSAA official is a very rareoccurrence. In fact, this was the firstgreen card received by an MCS athlete inthe school’s history.

Homecoming in January is alwaysgreat time for school spirit and fun activ-

ities. Reigning over Homecoming wereJailene Rosado and Daniel Leistero, cho-sen by their classmates as HomecomingQueen and King. Completing the SeniorCourt were Anthony Alam, David Cruzand Meghan Leon. In addition, JohansPorras and Chrystal Zheng were the jun-ior prince and princess; ShamarlyBoregelin and Yosela Noriega were thesophomore prince and princess; and AldoRipley and Victoria Vila were the fresh-man prince and princess. The courtescorts were Melissa Gonzalez, AndreaSinclair, Andre Bergoignan, and DavidLopez.

On the alumni front, MiamiChristian congratulates graduate of theClass of 1998, Veronica Dominguez,who was recently named the HumanResource Director for BrunelloCuchinelli in New York City.

Plan ahead to visit MCS on February28, 4 -6 p.m., for the Admissions OpenHouse, 200 NW 109th Avenue.Interested parents may also call aheadand schedule a tour with Donna Gehringat 305.221.7754 x 773.

Miami Christian Athletes Receive Honors for Fall SportsMIAMI CHRISTIANUPDATE

Miami Christian’s Elizabeth Rosillo receives greencard from soccer official, Charlie Mather.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

MCS Homecoming Escorts Andre Bergoignan, David Lopez, Andrea Sinclair and Melissa Gonzalez.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

MCS Homecoming Queen and King, Jailene Rosadoand Daniel Leistero.

––––––––––––––––––––––

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HEALTH CARE CORNER from front page –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––—––––––

Doral Tribune6769 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355, Fax (305) 662-6980

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EXECUTIVE EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael Miller

EDITOR ...........................................................................David Berkowitz

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LEGAL ADVERTISING ..................................................................Georgia Tait

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PROOF DEPARTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Vavrek

GRAPHIC ARTIST ............................................Denise Cebrero, Isabel Ortega, Cristian Ortiz

PUBLISHER EMERITUS ..................................................................Ron Miller

Aventura News, Biscayne Bay Tribune, Coral Gables News, Cutler Bay News, Doral Tribune,

Kendall Gazette, Miami Beach News, Miami Gardens Tribune, Palmetto Bay News, Opa-Locka

News, Pinecrest Tribune, South Miami News, Sunny Isles Beach Sun, West Park News

ECONOMIC LEADER from front page –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––—––––––––––––

seeks volunteers to participate in itsVolunteer Community Service Program,United Friends for Seniors. The non-profitagency currently serves nearly 5,000 elder-ly and/or disabled adults across Miami-Dade County.

Volunteers make a difference the livesof seniors by visiting those who live aloneand by providing friendly companionshipand social contact with the community. Allit takes is the desire to give an hour and a

half of your time each month. United HomeCare is hosting a

Volunteer Open House on Feb. 12, from 10a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Caregiver ResourceCenter, 8400 N.W. 33 St., Suite 400.

Special 90-minute presentations will beconducted at 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., but walk-in visits are welcome throughout the day.

For more information, please contactBlanca Ceballos at 305-328-0875 or at<[email protected]>.

Womans Alliance Group Luncheon. InMay, we are planning our inaugural “20Under 40 Top Professionals in the City ofDoral”. A seminal event, we will identify20 up and coming professionals who workor live in Doral, highlighting each in a spe-cial magazine, the event and website. Ofcourse, we are planning our 2013 LegacyGala Awards in October, expecting over500 to attend our second installation year.

We are continuing our monthly signa-ture breakfast on the second Tuesday ofeach month with a roster of high-profilekeynote speakers. Miami-Dade SchoolsSuperintendent Alberto Carvalho speaksMarch 12.

WE ARE also planning an exciting listof After-Hours networking events andBusiness Spotlights for members to meetand interact on a more intimate level. OurDBC workshop series will continue tofocus on business and personal improve-ment with seminars planned on digital mar-keting, effective public speaking and busi-ness expansion opportunities.

We were fortunate to bring in numer-ous new members to the DBC this past yearincluding American Welding Society,Pointe Group Advisors, Jackson HealthSystem, Vidal Sprint, Sky Bank Financial,Virtual Tree, Nova Southeastern University,Keiser University, Carolina Ale House and

many more. Our renewal rate was amongthe highest in DBC history and we expectthat trend to continue throughout 2013.

I am also excited to announce the addi-tion of seven new members of the DBCBoard of Directors with Nelson Penalver ofLogistical Outsourcing installed as our newChairman. Nelson’s experience with organ-izations such as DBC along with his rela-tionships in the community ensure we havethe right leadership in place.

Keep up to date on DBC events andother happenings at our website:<www.doralbusiness.com> or call theoffice at 305-470-9597. Special member-ship incentives are now being offered.Mention the Doral Tribune to receive acomplimentary pass to an upcoming signa-ture breakfast.

AS ONE of the first members to joinback in 2004 and now as ExecutiveDirector, I have seen this organization growfrom its infancy to a leader in economicdevelopment and business expansion in theCity of Doral. I am committed to providingour members with the best opportunity tomeet and build new relationships, growtheir organizations and maintain a vibrantbusiness community in the City of Doral.

Ron Mann, DBC Executive Director,can be reached directly at <[email protected]>.

was a result of her camp experience andone encouraged by her teacher who helpedher get approval from the school board tomake this program a reality. Hearts wereon sale with proceeds being invested backinto the program.

The City of Doral was a presentingsponsor for the event while BIZ CPAs wasthe Lead sponsor. Among the many facesin the crowd were Doral Mayor Luigi Boriaand wife Graciella, Councilwomen CristiFraga and Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera,former Doral Business Council Chair GailBirks, Former South Miami Mayor HoraceFelui and wife Seda. In addition, LaurenHarper, Esq, of Charity Services Centers,P.A. was also lent a hand conducting on airinterviews during the reception.

Finalists for the Awards includedBaptist Health and * Right Management-Florida/Caribbean – for the Socially

Responsible Corporation of the Year;Barrington Irving and * Ted Kaplow, forthe Social Entrepreneur of the Year; and *Joshua Williams and Tae Tae Davis, for theYoung Social Entrepreneur of the Year. (*indicate award winners.)

The Casimiro Global Foundation wasestablished in 2000 offering camps, work-shops, internship opportunities and otherprograms and events that help young peo-ple here and abroad learn business, entre-preneurship and leadership skills whilealso developing intercultural understand-ing, discovering their passion and creatinginnovative solutions to social, environ-mental and economic challenges. In short,their mission is to encourage entrepre-neurs and innovators and to develop glob-al leaders.

For more information, visitcasimiroglobalfoundation.org.

CASIMIRO from front page ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––—––––––



Doral Business Council Hosted Signature Breakfast

(l to r) Michael DiPietro (Michael DiPietro, LLC), Lloyd Braithwaite (DaleCarnegie).

(l to r) Keynote Speaker,Carlos A. Migoya, President & Chief ExecutiveOfficer of Jackson Health System; Doral Vice Mayor Sandra Ruiz; andMayor Luigi Borgia.

(l to r) May Borgia, Lucy Tamajon City Manager Joe Carollo.

(l to r) Councilwoman Ana Maria Rodriguez, Lucy Gonzalez, CityManager Joe Carollo, Laura Beaton-Aguilera (Sabadell United Bank),Councilwoman Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera.

(l to r) Richard Lopez (Miami Dolphins) with support sponsor RicardoBelmar and guest.

(l to r) Stephen Musolino, Stephen Musolino, Jr., (Casa Linda Tile). (l to r) Ricardo Belmar (Nova SE University), Mayor Luigi Borgia, RicardoForbes (Baptist Health), Tony DeRosa (WestVest Associates).

(l to r) Former Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez, Councilwomen AnaMaria Rodriguez, Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera.

(l to r) Dr. Stan Johnson (Carlos Albizu University), Gloria Burns (MiamiChristian School), Carlos Rivero, Jr. (Regions Security).

(l to r) Marianella Watanabe (ComCast), Ana Hedman (AFLAC), MayorLuigi Borgia; Carmen Johnson (A.I.C.S), Leticia Lopez-Bigott (BaptistHealth).

The Doral Business Council jump started 2013 with a newBoard of Directors and a spectacular Signature Breakfastheld at Doral Golf Spa and Resort Jan. 15, drawing morethan 160 guests including city officials and staffs, heads ofsmall businesses and large corporations. Keynote speakerwas Carlos A. Migoya, President/CEO of Jackson HealthSystem and supporting sponsor, Nova SE University. Adynamic organization promoting economic development inDoral, DBC details are available by visiting <www.doral-business.com> or tel. 305- 470-9597.

Photos courtesy of SnapHappy Photos

(l to r) Patricia Lebrefre (BB&T), Barbara Romani (CitiBank).Continued on next page


(l to r) Ron Mann, DBC Executive Director, Keynote Speaker, Carlos A.Migoya.

(l to r) Dr. Alejandro Badia with breakfast guests (The Hand to ShoulderCenter).

(l to r) Doral City Manager Joe Carollo, and Mayor Luigi Borgia enjoyevent.

(l to r) Lucy Tamajon, Councilwoman Christi Fraga welcome guests.

(l to r) Doral Business Council 2013 Board of Directors: Nelson Peñalver, Michael DiPietro, J.R. Steinbauer, Jr., Maria Luisa Gonzalez Silva, SonyaCanas, Marti Bueso, Mara Falero, Jason Timmons, Armando Fernandez, Charles Cheng, Raul Pino, Eli Panell.

(l to r) DBC Board Member Eli Panell (Panell Law); Chairman, NelsonPeñalver, Logistical Outsourcing; and Board member ArmandoFernandez (HBW Securities).

(l to r) Iris Valdes (Sabadell United Bank), Miami Lakes CouncilmanNelson Hernandez, Lily Rivero (HBW Financial), Nury Soler, StaffAssistant to Sen. Marco Rubio.

(l to r) Guest with Reza Ray (Minuteman Press), Maria Luisa GonzalezSilva (Baptist Health), and Leticia Lopez.

Sonya Canas (MercantilCommerceBank), Raymar Rodriguez (FloridaExport Packers), Lupe Pimentel (MercantilCommerceBank).

Doral Business Council Hosted Signature Breakfast


Casa Linda Tile Hosts DBC After Hours

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954.760.7077 Broward Countywww.buxtonlaw.com

Casa Linda Tile opened its beautifulstore to host Doral Business Council’smonthly “After Hour Connections” eventon Jan. 23 with more than 100 membersand guests welcomed by the StephenMusolinos, Jr. and Sr. DBC Chair,Nelson Penalver, board members DBCExecutive Director Ron Mann, DoralMayor Luigi Boria and City Manager JoeCarollo were among the many enjoying

the networking event that featured horsd’oeuvres from Chef to Go. The Councilholds monthly “After Hours Connections”throughout Doral, featuring a local DBCmember as one of any membership bene-fits. For more information, visit website<www.doralbusiness.com> or tel. 305470-9597.

—Lucy Tamajon

(L-r): Stephen Musolino, Jr., Isabel del Castillo, of Miami International Mall; and Stephen Musoluno, Sr. wel-comed DBC guests.

Stephen Musolino, Sr. with guests and Doral Business Council members.

Over 100 membersand guests joinedto network andvisit showroom.

(All photos courtesy of SnapHappy Photos)


Rape, domestic violence, abuse,muggings and purse snatching — crimeswomen face every day, nearly always bymale assailants. With crime on the rise,women are at high risk when it takespolice nearly 22 minutes to get to thecrime scene after an initial report.

That’s why Anta’s Fitness and SelfDefense on Saturday,March 2, at 1:30 p.m.(along with over 50martial arts schoolsworldwide) will host“The Damini Project,”a free workshop onself defense, rape pre-vention, situationalawareness for females.

The Damini Projectoriginated from the JeetKune Do AthleticAssociation, dedicated tothe memory of JyotiSingh Pandey, a brutalgang rape victim in Delhi,India on Dec. 16, 2012,resulting in her death twoweeks later in a Singapore hospital.

Because India’s laws require the vic-tim’s name remain undisclosed in thecase of death (unless express permissionis granted by the family), the media hasonly reported the crime by nicknamingthe victim “Damini,” meaning “lighting”in Hindi.

Thousands of community members,however, soon began protesting acrossthe country, demanding justice forDamini and changes in Indian law to pro-vide better protections against suchcrimes. The Project’s guiding goal is toput an end to current “rape culture” atti-tudes that result in violence against, sex-ual assault, and victimization of womenthroughout the globe.

The free women’s workshop namedin Damini’s rememberance in Doral willtake place at my training center, 10721N.W. 58 St.

We’ll tell you how the criminal mind

thinks, what they want and do not want tohappen. We offer training in awarenessof surroundings, techniques and drills tocontrol adrenaline surges in a stressful oreven terminal situations.

As a practiced street defense instruc-tor with multiple certifications in Israeli,Thai and Chinese Martial arts, I’m wellaware of how a little knowledge of basicphysical deployment coupled with men-tal alertness can provide a strong defen-sive barrier against a sudden attack. I’veconducted numerous reality-based streetdefense and crime prevention seminarsthroughout the U. S. and have appearedon more than 100 local, national andinternational TV shows as a self defense,

women’s self defense and anti-bullyingexpert.

My goal through “The DaminiProject” is to empower women to valuethemselves and have the ability to fightfor their safety if necessary. The freeworkshop is presented as a communityservice, so that participants can learnhow to use everyday items found in purs-es or at home, to walk in peace withoutfear.

Because registration is limited, youmust call 305-599-3649 or visit<AntaMartialArts.com/the-damini-proj-ect> to sign up for this free opportunitynow. We’ll be pleased to help you walkunafraid.

Julio Anta has been writing for theDoral Tribune since 2000. He is thefounded Anta’s Fitness and Self Defensein 1998. You can reach him at 305 599-3649 or via the internet at<[email protected]>.

• Fitness & Defense •

GET FIT WITH ANTA

Julio G. Anta

Free Doral Workshop on March 2nd

will help Empower Women

Learning self-defense is a confidence builder.


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BY MELISSA LICHTENHELD

Laura Waterbury of Miami hasreceived the 2012 ‘Dream Award’ scholar-ship from Everest Institute-Hialeah forovercoming insurmount-able obstacles, obtainingher education and holding asteady job as a medicaloffice manager.

“The teachers andcounselors at Everestbelieved in me. They sawstrengths in me that I could-n’t see at the time. I am nowa new person, with a reno-vated self esteem and faithin the future,” Waterburysaid.

Waterbury was addict-ed to drugs for 25 years.Her addiction landed her injail a few times, isolating her from familyand friends. Her last arrest turned out to bea blessing in disguise. The court offered herthe opportunity to join a rehab programinstead of jail. She would also have to findemployment.

Accepting the challenge, Waterburyfound work as a housekeeper and befriend-ed a co-worker who was attending Everest.Through her, Waterbury saw that it waspossible to pursue goals late in life, regard-less of hardships. For Waterbury, thismeant first earning her GED certificate,and then going to work at 5 a.m. so she

could go to classes at Everest in the after-noon. Sleep was scarce; she averaged aboutfive hours a night.

Waterbury earned her diploma inmedical insurance billing and coding from

Everest with a 4.0 GPA and aperfect attendance record.Today, she is an office man-ager at Arvon & Associatesin Counseling, with officelocations in Aventura andDoral.

The Dream Award, givenby Everest and its parentcompany, CorinthianColleges Inc., recognizesgraduates who have changedtheir lives for the betterthrough education. Each ofCorinthian’s 100+ campusesselected an outstanding grad-uate, and a national Dream

Award winner was selected from amongthe campus winners.

Everest Institute-Hialeah is located at530 W. 49th St. in Hialeah, offering pro-grams in applied management, business,criminal justice with focus on private andhomeland security and on social and youthservices, medical assistant, medical admin-istrative assistant, medical insurance billingand coding, patient care technician, phar-macy technician and surgical technologist.

For information about EverestUniversity-Hialeah, visit www.everest.edu/campus/hialeah

Dream ScholarshipChanged Her Life

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BY PETER JUDE

Kendall Regional Medical Center(KRMC) has announced theappointment of Wendy A.Stuart as chief nursing officerof Kendall Regional MedicalCenter.

Stuart most recently waschief nursing officer at St.David’s Georgetown inGeorgetown, TX. Prior tothat she worked in SouthFlorida at JFK MedicalCenter in Atlantis andPlantation General Hospitalin Plantation, both HCA(Hospital Corporation ofAmerica) affiliates.

“Wendy is a great additionto our leadership team,” said Scott Cihak,KRMC CEO. “Her extensive experienceand nursing knowledge in both Pediatricsand Neonatal Intensive Care will be a greatasset as we continue to enhance the pediatricservices we offer to our community.”

Stuart has a Master of Science in Nursingfrom University of Toronto in Toronto,Ontario, Canada and a Bachelor of Nursing

Science (Critical CareNursing) from Queen’sUniversity in Kingston,Ontario, Canada.

Stuart has served as anadjunct professor for FloridaAtlantic University’s Collegeof Nursing in Boca Raton.She also has a background incritical care in adults andpediatrics.

Stuart and her husband,Brian, reside in CoconutGrove.

Kendall Regional MedicalCenter is a 412-bed, full-service hospital providing

24-hour comprehensive medical, trauma,burn, surgical, behavioral health and diag-nostic services, along with a wide range ofpatient and community services.

For more information, call 305-222-2200,or visit online at <www.kendallmed.com>.

Wendy A. Stuart named CNO atKendall Regional Medical Center

Wendy A. Stuart––––––––––––––––––––


THE DONOWAY CENTERFOR

CANCER TREATMENT AND PREVENTIONSurgical Oncology Associates of South Florida

Surgical Oncology & Breast Surgical Oncology

Practice Specializing in Cancer of Breast, Pancreas, Liver, GI Tract, Melanoma, Sarcoma, Thyroid and Parathyroid, Cancer Prevention and Risk Assessment, Surgical Oncology, Breast Surgical Oncology,

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www.TheDonowayCenter.comPhone: 954.986.6366 • 305.682.4993 • Fax 954.986.4355

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Breast Cancer Prevention

The Doral Business Council Forum, anetworking, category exclusive groupunder the umbrella of the Doral BusinessCouncil, meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdayof every month. The group’s steering

committee, led by 2013 Chair LizzWiegandt, meets the 4th Wednesday of themonth to review applications and makestrategic decisions that will help membersgrow their businesses.

DBC Forum forges ahead

Seen here at a recent DBC Forum Steering Committee meeting are (L to R) Theresa Gonzalez, MartiBueso, Lizz Wiegandt, Iliana Rodriguez, Gloria Burns, Norris Perez, Carlos Ruiz, Nubielena Medina andMartica Verdeja.

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With fuel economy of 26/38 mpg and a0-60 mph clocking of 6.9 seconds, the 2013Hyundai Veloster just may be the best sportcoupe compact on the market today. I espe-cially like the front end styling and thethree-door hatchback design.

The new Veloster now has a 1.6-liter 201hp Turbocharged-Gasoline Direct Injection(T-GDI) engine option that makes it a morepowerful, high-tech and fuel-efficient vehi-cle and more attractive to the next genera-tion of young buyers. The Veloster Turbo isa much needed addition as it competes in asegment that includes such hot machines asthe Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si andMini Cooper/Clubman S.

Hyundai says Veloster Turbo has a betterpower-to-weight ratio than its competitionand comes with a unique sport-tuned steeringand suspension hardware set. Only key com-ponents in the steering were upgraded for theVeloster Turbo, which has a quicker ratiosteering rack and a revised steering calibra-

tion to match, delivering precise cornering,feedback and control. The Turbo rides onKumho Solus KH25 215/40R18 85V tiresdesigned to deliver the best performancewithout compromising the ride.

All Velosters are fitted with a McPhersonstrut front suspension, coil springs, gasshock absorbers and a 24 mm diameterfront stabilizer. The rear suspension is alight-weight V-torsion beam, with an inte-grated stabilizer bar to allow bracing of thearms for greater stiffness and to further con-trol body roll. The rear suspension also usesmonotube shock absorbers for ride comfort.

All Velosters have electric power steer-ing that adjusts assistance instantly tochanging driving conditions while improv-ing fuel economy over a conventionalsteering system. Veloster has a turningdiameter of 34.1 feet, as compared withMini’s 35.1 feet.

As for design, the Veloster Turbo is a styl-ish with its bold hexagonal front grille,sculpted side skirts and dynamic rearbumper with prominent diffuser vents in thelower fascia. It’s available in a unique MatteGray paint and a set of 18-inch gray wheelswith chrome inserts completes the styling.

Inside, full leather seats with the word“Turbo” stitched into the seatbacks help

deliver a unique look and provide excellentsupport and comfort. An exclusiveSupervision Cluster offers the driver infor-mation in a larger, clearer and more inter-active format, thanks to the Cluster’s twoTFT screens located between the tachome-ter and the speedometer. Heated front seatsare also standard on the Turbo. The centerstack and controls resemble a sport bike

fuel tank and incorporate a push-buttonstarter and alloy pedals.

Pricing on the 2013 Hyundai VelosterTurbo starts at $22,725, about $2,500 morethan the base Veloster.

Grant Miller is the publisher of CommunityNewspapers. He may be contacted by calling305-662-2277 or by addressing email to<[email protected]>.

CAR CORNER

Grant Miller

Hyundai adds Turbo-GDI engine to 2013 Veloster lineup

Hyundai Veloster Turbo has a bold hexagonal front grille, sculpted side skirts and a dynamic rear bumper withprominent diffuser vents in the lower fascia.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––



BY JOHN BELL

Boca Raton-based The AltmanCompanies recently announced that it hasclosed on 24.6-acres in Kendall Squarenear Kendall Drive and SW 167th Avenuein West Kendall. Construction is scheduledto start immediately with first units to bedelivered in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Lenders for the Development are TDBank and Behringer Harvard. BradleyAssociates and BBX Capital are the equitypartners.

The 321-unit rental apartment communi-ty will feature a mix of one-, two- andthree-bedroom apartment homes and 6,000square feet of retail. Many of the apartmenthomes will offer lake views, and residentswill have a membership in their own clubwith a private resort style 5,000-square-foot clubhouse, which will offer excitingfeatures to residents for recreation andbusiness.

Other amenities will include a pool andspa, an outdoor activities pavilion withsports bar and demonstration kitchen,cabanas overlooking the lake, playground,beach volleyball court, dog park withbathing station, and a unique opportunityfor residents to grow their own organic

vegetables and herbs on 10- by 10-foot gar-den plots complete with a composter.

According to Joel Altman, chair of theAltman Companies, the community fea-tures an urban design based on traditionalneighborhood master planning withemphasis on pedestrian traffic featuringwide sidewalks, front porches, parallelparking, and one-way streets.

The neighborhood design is anchored by

a large 80-foot-wide, heavily landscapedpromenade with flowering trees and plazaswith water features, trellises and benches.The promenade ends at a two-acre parkwith a soccer field and a large obelisk sur-rounded by tall oak trees.

“It reminiscent of what you would findin some of the finer European cities,”Altman said.

“We are very pleased to be partnering

with the Altman Companies on this devel-opment, as we continue to build our invest-ment portfolio,” said Seth Wise, president ofBBX Capital Asset Management. “TheAltman Companies are highly respected inthe rental apartment field and we are excit-ed to partner with them to bring this excitingnew neighborhood to the Kendall market.”

For more information on the AltmanCompanies, go to <www.altmancos.com>.

The Altman Companies to build 321-unit rental development

A 321-unit rental apartment community shown in this rendering is being developed at Kendall Square in West Kendall.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


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Blame Irma La Douce for Coconut Grove Arts FestivalBY LEVI MEYER AND BOBBI SCHWARTZ

When you are stuck in traffic because ofthe Coconut Grove Art Show on February16-18, you can blame it on Irma La Douce.Yes, the year was 1963 and the sexyBroadway musical about the Left BankParisian Prostitute, later made famous infilm by Shirley MacLaine, was scheduledto open at the Coconut Grove Playhouse.The idea for the original Coconut Grove ArtShow was a publicity stunt to advertise thethe play and turn the already artsy streets ofCoconut Grove into a “Left Bank” filledwith local art to publicize the new show atthe Playhouse. I seriously doubt that fiftyyears ago when Charlie Cinnamon, theadvertising representative for thePlayhouse, came up with the idea for theArt Show he ever dreamed it would becomean Annual Event with over 150,000 visitorsa year, over 500 artists and vendors attract-

ingvisitors from all over the world.Today the Art Show is an event more

than an art show. With music, special parkand rides, last year;’s addition of CulinaryDelights as well as...oh yah, art, of course.

Back in the mid-1960s the art show wasjust a folksy, local event, something to doon a beautiful day in the middle of aMiami winter day. It was an excuse to goover to the Grove, park the car at any park-ing space you could find and walk aroundenjoying the local stores, a sweet snack atthe drug store on the corner. If you werereally good while your mother slowly,painfully looked at every piece of art thatsome local artist had stuck to a clothes linewith old fashioned clothes pins, she wouldlet you run around and play under theBanyan Trees in the park or watch the sail-boats bob about in Biscayne Bay. It was anexcuse to go to the Grove and be part ofsomething fun, different and local.

Now, fifty years later, Miamiansdebate how to get there or how to navi-gate the traffic. Even the locals bookrooms at Grove hotels months in advancefor a chance to see Coconut Grove as anative on foot and not have to deal withthe traffic... the best way to see theGrove. It’s an excuse for Miami kids who

live out of town in wintryplaces to come home and visitthe family in the middle ofFebruary and enjoy the GroveArt Show while in town. Everynative Miamian has alwaysknown what CharlieCinnamon knew back in1963... the eclectic architec-tural history mixed with theeccentric, creative flavor ofthe Grove always pulls on ourheart strings.

There is nothing like a ridedown Tigertail Avenue or driv-ing on South Bayshore Driveinto the Grove turning right atthe park and continuing upMcFarland Drive to GrandAvenue and Maine Highway tosoothe our restless souls.While sitting and sipping adrink upstairs in Cocowalkand looking down on one ofSouth Florida’s most beautifulintersections you, like mostMiami natives as well as manya tourist, ponder on what itmust be like to live in this per-fect paradise all year round.

The ghosts of the Grove’s early settlerslike Ralph Munroe and Kirk Munroe,bother writers but not related andMarjorie Stoneman Douglas smile downon the Grove Arts show. They knew whatmany an artist knew and what CharlieCinnamon knew.... location, location,location is everything and Coconut Grovehas it all... always did and always will.Remember that while sampling some ofMiami’s finest art, food and weather atthis year’s fiftieth anniversary celebra-tion. And, the next time you wonder whatit might be like to travel to France and seethe Left Bank, remember that in 1963Coconut Grove was the Left Bank underthe Palm Trees and take a trip to CoconutGrove and have dinner at Le Bouchon duGrove. You can sit, enjoy a roasted rack oflamb with Herbs of Provence served withwhite beans and Basil Pesto. Rather thanworrying on the Left Bank weather youcan take a walk under the coconut palms inthe Miami moonlight. Maybe one day youcan live there all year, who knows?

It’s only a shame you can’t take in adeep drama or a funny comedy at theCoconut Grove Playhouse which has beenshuttered up the last few years, the originalimpetus for the idea of the Art Show thathas out lived the Playhouse that was oncethe heart of Coconut Grove. Maybe oneday it will be open again, who knows?

Levi Meyer is a South Florida Real

Estate agent at Fortune InternationalRealty. He is a third generation Miaminative with a passion for all things in SouthFlorida and can be contacted via his web-site at <www.levimeyer.com>. Bobbi Schwartz,Levi’s mother, is a native Miamian, free-lance writer, and historian. She co-authorsthis column and blogs regularly at<www.hurricaneharbor.blogspot.com>.

‘MYMOTHER’SMIAMI’

Coconut Grove Arts Festival circa 1963––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Irma La Dolce, film poster 1963––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Hectorr Wiltz,, MD.,, CPI.Board Certified Dermatologist / FXM Research Miami

Hectorr Wiltz,, MD.,, CPI.

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FXMResearch enMiami está buscando hombres y mujeres de 18 años o más que sufrandeKeratosisActínica “pueden ser causadas por la exposición prolongada al sol, resultanen discretas lesiones abultadas, ásperas, secas, y escamosas en su cara y/o cuerocabelludo”, para participar en un estudio clínico de investigación que requiere cuatro [4]visitas. No se requiere seguro médico para su participación en el estudio.

Los participantes que califiquen recibirán:• Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado.• Los medicamentos bajo investigación o placebo sin costo alguno.• Compensación por tiempo y transporte hasta $200.00.

FXM Research in Miami is looking for males and females 18 years or older that sufferfromActinic Keratosis “can be caused by prolonged exposure to the sun, result in discrete,rough, dry, scaly bumps on the face and/or the scalp”, to participate in a four [4] study-visit clinical research study. Medical Insurance is not required for study participation.

Qualified participants will receive:• Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist.• Investigational Study Medication or placebo at no cost.• Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $200.00.

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FXM Research in Miami is looking for males and females 18 to 70 years of age thatsuffer from Toenail Fungus, to participate in a fifteen [15] study-visit clinical researchstudy. Medical Insurance is not required for study participation.

Qualified participants will receive:• Evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatologist.• Investigational Study Medication at no cost.• Reimbursement for time and travel up to USD $950.00.

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FXM Research en Miami está buscando hombres y mujeres de 18 a 70 años de edadque sufran de Hongos En Las Uñas De Los Pies, para participar en un estudio clínicode investigación que requiere quince [15] visitas. No se requiere seguro médico parasu participación en el estudio.

Los participantes que califiquen recibirán:• Evaluaciones por un Dermatólogo Certificado.• Los medicamentos bajo investigación sin costo alguno.• Reembolso por su tiempo y transporte hasta $950.00.

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Retailers agree that this past holidayshopping season was better than the previ-ous year. However, as the U.S. economyimproved, the influx of post-holiday billsalso may be a lot worse than past years.

The main question for a lot of consumersnow is: “How can you pay them off as pain-lessly as possible?”

Howard Dworkin of Consolidated Creditconfirms that a few years ago most peoplestopped using their credit cards, but thisseason he says, “Boy, they spent like ban-shees.”

According to the National RetailFederation, 2012 holiday spending went upabout 10 percent from the previous year tothe tune of $28 billion and unless you paidcash all those bills are coming due soon.

“Unfortunately, now it’s time to pay thepiper,” Dworkin said.

Doral’s Vivian Elesppe already is tryingto figure out how to pay off her growingholiday bills, “I have to readjust; pay a lit-tle less; find a way to budget better, and cutcosts somewhere,” she said.

What’s making it even harder? Likeeveryone else, her take home pay is lessthan last year’s because of higher payrolltaxes.

So how do we cut costs and pay off thecredit cards?

Coral Gables financial planner LaneJones of Evensky & Katz said it may makesense temporarily to reduce savings plansand use the extra take-home pay to acceler-ate paying off high credit card debt.

“You can always evaluate what you’rededucting into your 401k,” Jones suggest-ed. “I always hate to tell people to cut backtheir savings, but that’s one way to do it.”

Need some more ideas?Go through your bills and cut back all

unnecessary expenses — like dining out orall those premium cable channels you maynever watch.

Check your credit cards and pay off thehighest interest rates first. Try to use cashrather than credit as much as possible, anddon’t get trapped into thinking you can justmake the minimum payments.

“If you want to be in debt the rest of yourlife, just pay the recommended payments,”Dworkin warns, “If you do, you’ll neverget out of debt. It could take you 10 to 25years.”

Home mortgages are at all-time lowrates. If you can refinance and save moneyon your monthly payments, the extra cashcan go towards paying off holiday bills.

Need one last idea?Now is a great time to start a so-called

“Christmas Club” savings account for the2013 holiday season.

Want some more budget strategies?Just check out this link from the FederalTrade Commission on “66 Ways to SaveMoney.”

Visit <www.consumer.ftc.gov/arti-cles/0163-66-ways-save-money>.

Or check these links for more HomeBudgeting Help: <www.bankrate.com/cal-culators/smart-spending/home-budget-plan-calculator.aspx> or<www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/money-matters/managing-your-budget.shtml>.

Watch Al Sunshine’s “Money Watch”reports Monday-Friday on CBS4. You mayfind Al’s blog at <www.cbs4.com/catego-ry/blogs/al-sunshine>.

CBS MONEY WATCH

Al Sunshine

Consumers suffer from backlash of holiday bill

February 5 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

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Are Social Security benefits a gift to theretired from the taxpayers of America? Or isSocial Security a retirement plan that wesubscribed to and made monthly paymentswhile we worked anticipating that someday, when we retire, we would receive amonthly benefit?

What happened to the money taken frommy paycheck every payday all those longyears I worked starting as a bag boy atSafeway Grocery Stores in Washington, DC,as a young boy in high school? The moneywas deposited in the Social Security TrustFund.

How much is in the trust fund? Today itshould be $2.6 trillion. That’s not a milliondollars, not a billion dollars; it’s a trillion.That’s simple enough.

Just take my next month’s Social Securityinstallment out of the trust fund and depositit in my bank account. And, just think howlucky we are — $2.6 trillion earning divi-dends. Why, even if just invested in

Treasuries the monthly growth must be in themulti-millions. Right? Wrong!

Why do I say “wrong?” Because there is atrust, but it just doesn’t have any money in it.Why? Because the federal government hasborrowed the money and given the trust anIOU. In other words our federal governmentowes our Social Security Trust Fund $2.6trillion. Forget the lost interest.

So, you see Social Security is self-fundingand off budget. It’s only “on budget” becauseit is a federal debt. In other words the moneypaid out to Social Security beneficiaries isnot the obligation of the federal governmentand paid through the budget, which is fundedby taxpayer income tax payments andTreasury borrowing. We are just getting backthe money we contributed all these years.

I’ll bet, if we were collecting interest allthese years, we wouldn’t be short of funds tomeet our obligations, we would have a sur-plus in the trust account. But, why even thinkabout it. There is no way the federal Treasurycould ever pay back the money it has bor-rowed all these years to fund the operationsof our federal government.

So, here is our problem, now in 2013. Wehave too many seniors in retirement and notenough working Americans making paydaycontributions to Social Security to meet themoney needed to pay us old timers who are

living much longer than expected. If we can’tgo to the Treasury and say “pay back the $2.6trillion you borrowed” we better makeadjustments to the current program to remainsolvent, or better said, become solvent. Wemust become entirely self-financing or againbetter said, self-sufficient.

Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain, one-time Republican candidate for the presidency,said on Meet the Press, Jan. 23, 2011: “Wecould resolve the Social Security question onthe back of a matchbook.” And he is correct.

This is what must be done: Increase SocialSecurity taxes. In other words pay more nowso there will be something there when youretire. Increase the salary cap for the collec-tion of Social Security contributions. If wecan pay 4.6 percent of our paycheck when weearn up to $106,800 a year we could certain-ly make contributions up to say $250,000 ayear.

Make an adjustment to the amount ofmoney Social Security beneficiaries receive.Raise the retirement age. In 1935, whenSocial Security was created it was anticipat-

ed that the life expectancy for the averageAmerican was 67.1 years. Today it is 77.5.Common sense says we are working longerand the need, except for the disabled, to retireshould be later than 62.

I do not have the ability to make theadjustment calculations to meet the fourmodifications I cited above but once madeSocial Security would no longer be a federalbudgetary consideration. We would be self-sufficient, self-financing and no longer aproblem for the White House and theDemocrats and Republicans in the Congress.

It will take a little more space than theback of a matchbook to resolve. But you arecertainly correct, Sen. McCain, it is solvable.

We appreciate your opinions on this col-umn whether in agreement or disagreement.Please send your comments to (fax number)305-662-6980 or email to <[email protected]>. The opinionsexpressed in this column are not necessarilythose of this newspaper, its editors or pub-lisher.

KENNETH’S COMMENTARY

R. Kenneth Bluh • • • VIEWPOINT • • •Social Security: Entitlement or prepaid retirement benefit?


BY TERESA ESTEFAN

TotalBank recently donated the sculp-ture “Total Peace” by local artist MANOto Zoo Miami. The artwork, now situatedjust south of the zoo’s new PlayworldPlayground area, depicts a manatee withits offspring and originally graced the cor-ner of Red Road and Sunset in front ofTotalBank’s Red Sunset Banking Center.

The sculpture was a part of the SouthMiami Manatee Fest, a public art eventused to raise awareness for local naturalresources, waterways, wildlife and aquatictreasures.

TotalBank supports Zoo Miami’s com-

mitment to worldwide conservation andits efforts to heighten appreciation for theworld’s wildlife in the children of ourcommunity.

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152St. General zoo admission is $15.95 plustax per adult and $11.95 plus tax per child(3-12). Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.;ticket booths close at 4 p.m. Parking isfree. Annual pass holders and children 2and under under are free.

For more information on Zoo Miami,visit <www.zoomiami.org> or call 305-251-0400. More information aboutTotalBank can be found at <www.total-bank.com>.

TotalBank donates manatee sculptureto Zoo Miami to promote conservation

Ron Magill, communications director and goodwill ambassador for Zoo Miami, (left) and Mel Martin, senior vicepresident and market manager at TotalBank, are pictured with the manatee sculpture.

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Top 5 ways to celebrateValentine’s Day with kidsBY SUSSET CABRERA

Valentine’s Day is the time of year whenchildren can experience and learn theimportance of showing kindness towardsothers.

While parents are busy planning theirown romantic evening or getaway, theysometimes forget about incorporating theirchildren into their plans. To help makeValentine’s Day a memorable and enjoy-able holiday forevery family,Rachel Charlupski,founder of TheB a b y s i t t i n gCompany, has creat-ed a list of her “Top5 Ways to CelebrateValentine’s Daywith Children.”

Valentine’s Day isa great opportunityto spend qualitytime not only withyour significantother or spouse butwith your children.By creating a funand interactiveagenda aroundValentine’s Day,children can takepart in simple activ-ities that instill valu-able social and cre-ative skills. Charlupski recommends thefollowing ways to celebrate Valentine’sDay with children:

Cook Valentine’s Day Treats — Allowyour children to help you prepareValentine’s Day-themed recipes such ascupcakes, cookies or other tasty desserts.Select recipes that can be followed easily.Incorporate holiday toppings to yourrecipes and play festive music while theymix. Children feel a sense of accomplish-ment and pride with the end result, plusthey love to decorate and personalize theirown treats.

Create Valentine’s Cards — Ask yourchildren to help you gather materials fromnature or from your local crafts store to cre-ate and design your own Valentine’s Daycards. By having your children write theirown messages inside of each card for theirfriends and family members, you are help-ing promote their creative writing skills.The cards even may be mailed to long dis-tance relatives if prepared ahead of time.

Play Outdoors — It is important forchildren to play outdoors to help themdevelop their bodies while exercising at thesame time. Turn their favorite outdooractivities into a Valentine’s Day-themedgame. For example, children may play a“Heart Scavenger Hunt” which is a greatway for them to exert energy, to exerciseand to enjoy the local environment.

Invite their Friends Over — Play dateshelp children develop their social skills.

Invite their friendsover for any of theactivities men-tioned above andmake sure tomaintain closes u p e r v i s i o n .Parents also mayread Valentine’sDay books to thegroup of childrenand give eachchild a Valentine’sDay goodie bagfilled with tastytreats, Valentine’sDay cards andtheir favorite bookinside.

E n c o u r a g eVolunteering —There is no greateract of kindnessthan giving to oth-ers. Bring your

children along with you to visit a homelessshelter or deliver Valentine’s Day cards to anearby elderly center. These experiencesshow children to care about others in theircommunity while giving back.

By taking part in some of theseValentine’s Day activities, parents will beable to create lasting memories with theirchildren. Once parents are ready to takesome time off, Rachel Charlupski recom-mends hiring a trustworthy and experi-enced babysitter to take care of your chil-dren. Her company matches highly reli-able, fun and energetic babysitters to par-ents’ needs and requests. By providing par-ents with a sense of security and a profes-sional child care experience, the babysitterstruly help make Valentine’s a more enjoy-able day for the entire family.

For more information on RachelCharlupski or The Babysitting Company,visit <www.TheBabysittingCompany.com>or send email to <[email protected]>.

Rachel Charlupski–––––––––––––––––––––––––––


BY CATHY GUERRA

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the 14th annu-al “Moonlight and Music” Valentine’s DayConcert at the Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701SW 72 Ave., on Thursday, Feb 14. The concertstarts at 8 p.m. and the gate opens at 7 p.m.

This year’s concert will feature world-classsinger, guitarist and songwriter Allan Harris.Harris is best known for his interpretations ofjazz standards, but his smooth vocals and gui-tar style easily cross genres, from jazz to rockto blues. There also will be an opening per-formance by jazz pianist and singer ArielPocock, a University of Miami sophomore.

The annual Valentine’s Day Concert at theDeering Estate at Cutler offers guests theopportunity to celebrate their love at a roman-tic, outdoor concert under the stars on the edgeof Biscayne Bay. Guests are welcome to bringblankets, lawn chairs, and small picnic baskets,but no coolers are permitted. Refreshments andfood will be available for an additional fee. Ms.Cheezious and gastroPod food trucks will beonsite as well as Crepemaker.

Chef David Schwadron Catering andJoanna’s Marketplace are the official picnicproviders for the Deering Estate at Cutlerand can be contacted directly for preordered

meals. Call 305-238-5881 for Chef DavidSchwadron Catering and 305-661-5777 forJoanna’s Marketplace.

Concert tickets are $20 and can be pur-chased online for an additional fee or by call-ing the Deering Estate Ticket Office at 305-235-1668, ext. 233. The ticket office is opendaily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are non-refundable, rain or shine.

The Valentine’s Day Concert begins theannual Deering Estate Festival of the Arts (for-merly known as the SoBay Festival of the Arts)with events and programs held from Feb. 14-24.The 10-day celebration features literary, visualand performance art at the historic estate.

Some of the events and programs includea curated exhibition, Speak Now, whichplaces artistic interjections throughout thegrounds; one-night only art events; classicaland chamber ensemble concerts; a Curator’stour, and a spectacular closing Red CarpetWrap-Up are just some of the cultural expe-riences offered.

For information on the “Moonlight andMusic” Valentine’s Day Concert or theDeering Estate Festival of the Arts, visit<www.deeringestate.org> or call theDeering Estate Ticket Office at 305-235-1668, ext. 233.

‘Moonlight and Music’ Valentine’s DayConcert scheduled at Deering Estate

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BY JENNIFER MARTINEZ

Dade Christian’s Varsity Cheerleadersmade their annual trip to the Fellowship ofChristian Cheerleading National champi-onships in Orlando Jan. 2 with one goal inmind...to defend the national title they wonlast year.

After the preliminary round, the teamwas ranked first and then swept their divi-sion with awards for best tumbling, jumps,showmanship and stunts.

The following day, the team won firstplace in the finals to return home asNational Champions once again.

“We had rigorous practice every dayand were determined to win a title againthis year,” said Olivia Webb, senior captainof the relatively small (10 member) group.

“Sometimes people underestimate usbecause we are such a small team, so theydon’t expect much from us. But when westep on the floor, we hope to show themotherwise,” said Junior Co-Capt. AmandaDe Coro.

The girls and head coach, JenniferMartinez, excited to see what the rest of theseason holds in store for them, are evenmore excited to get a chance to defend theirnational title again next year.

DCS CheerleadersDefend Nat’l Title

National champion Dade Christian Varsity Cheerleaders include (l-r) Amanda Diaz, Cristyn Myland, AlyssaMartinez, Nikol Rodriguez, Olivia Webb, Isabel Oliva, Isett Rodriguez-Caceido, Dominique Phillips, Sofie Li,and Amanda DeCoro.

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