south miami news 8.9.2011

AUGUST 9 - 22, 2011

–––––––––––––––––––––– See J.R.E. LEE, page 9

J.R.E. Lee to become hybridcharter school on August 22

––––––––––––––––––––– See LEADER, page 7

Local civic leader David Tucker remembered

BY RAQUEL GARCIA

FF or 27 years, retired journal-ist and civics teacherPhillip David Tuckerdressed in his cotton white

and blue pinstripe suit and holding histrusty cane would come to City Hall tohold the city commissioners accountable.Although Mr. Tucker passed on July13th, his memory forever lives on in theannals of South Miami history and hislegacy is fittingly represented by thebrass tag that bears his name along withthe red, white and blue ribbons at thefront row centerseat he alwaysoccupied.

“He was thefirst one tospeak at cityc o m m i s s i o n

BY RAQUEL GARCIA

WW hat was initially per-ceived as another privatecharter school encroach-ing on precious South

Miami community property may actuallybecome an innovative locally-oriented newschool. J.R.E. Lee opens August 22nd as anuntested hybrid private-public partnershipprogram for incoming sixth graders. Hopesare to eventually evolve into a middleschool.

When City of South Miami officials andlocal residents learned that the Miami-Dade County School Board was proceedingwith a pseudo charter school at J.R.E. LeeCenter without the initial consultation andcooperation of the local community, thehackles went up.

A large sign outside J.R.E. Lee at 6512 SW 62 Avenue announces new charter school.

SSoouutthh MMiiaammii PPoolliiccee EExxpplloorreerrssppllaaccee ssiixxtthh iinn ssttaattee ccoommppeettiittiioonn

Mr. Tucker’s former seat at the city commissionmeeting memorialized in his honor with a brassname tag and red white and blue ribbons

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Incoming Principal of the J.R.E. Lee Academy forInternational Education Charter School Vera Hirsch(left) alongside Dr. Helen S. Blanch, AssistantSuperintendent of the Miami-Dade County PublicSchools after addressing the city commission.

BY RAQUEL GARCIA

TT he South Miami PoliceExplorer’s year of intense train-ing paid off as the team finished

in sixth place out of 31 teams at the recent2011 Florida Association of PoliceExplorers State Competition, held inOrlando, Florida.

During the competition, five outstandingteam members, Captain Jerome Blain,Major Cristopher Zambrana, LieutenantsRichard Perez and David Celis and

Sergeant Dailin Roman, competed in eightlaw enforcement categories that includedcrisis intervention, traffic accident inprogress, crime scene, search and arrest, aswell as optional categories such as moun-tain bike course, physical agility and colorguard presentation. South Miami’s teamranked second in male physical agility andcolor guard.

Police Explorers Post 256 advisor,

–––––––––––––– See EXPLORERS, page 3

––––––––––––––

David Tucker, while a student

at The Citadel

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Detective Joe Mendez, said, “The team’stremendous success this year demonstratestheir leadership and character. Some are deal-ing with very tough issues in their home lifeand yet despite that, they managed to consis-tently excel in training routines and performtremendously by ranking sixth in the statecompetition, under intense pressure from thejudges and other competitors.”

Although not all of the Explorers compet-ed in the state competition, the entire 15member team worked together, role-playingand advising one another, throughout theyear. In addition, the members have loggednearly 6000 hours of community service andhave received more than 10 President’sVolunteer Service Awards.

“These kids are so good. They figure outdetails in scenario settings that they have noteven been taught,” said Mendez. “In a hypo-thetical burglary, there are always differenttwists and turns. They know how to deducethe appropriate responses in new settings thatcome up, even if they have not been throughthose specific cases in training.”

Mendez continued, “The best part of beinga part of this program is the privilege of help-ing to shape the lives of young men andwomen leaders who clearly are on track to bevery successful in life.”

Capt. Blain, one of the young leaders on the

Police Explorers team who will be graduatingthis year, has placed either first or second inall of the competitions in which he competed,according to Mendez. “Everywhere I go withhim, people comment on his professionaldemeanor,” Mendez said. “He is in charge ofthe drill team and color guard team thatranked second in the state competition, andnow he is going off to college.”

Blain gained instrumental experience overthe years while active in the Boy Scouts andJunior ROTC at Coral Gables Senior High.He attributes the training in these variousprograms as part of the preparation for thesuccess he has enjoyed with the PoliceExplorers.

“Working with different techniques to devel-op leadership skills over the years, as well asworking with a variety of people and behaviorshas allowed me to apply principles I learnedfrom the different programs,” said Blain. “Ithas been a once-in-a-lifetime experience and Ithink every young person should get a chanceto be involved in a program like this.”

As Blain prepares to attend NorwichUniversity in Northfield, Vermont, withplans to major in Criminal Justice, he isgrateful for the support he has received fromhis family and Det. Mendez.

“My mom is so proud of me,” said Blain.“It’s great – everywhere we go, she will tell

everybody about my accomplishments withthe team. Det. Mendez has been one of themost dedicated advisors I have ever workedwith. He is so positive and he puts in somuch personal time to help us achieve ourgoals. I appreciate him as a positive role

model, not just for us on the team but for thecommunity as well.”

South Miami Police Explorers Post 256advisor Det. Joe Mendez can be reached at305-663-6301 or via email [email protected].

South Miami

South Miami Police Explorers are all smiles after a victorious day. Pictured are (l-r) Major Cristopher Zambrana,Lieutenant David Celis, Explorer Kassandra Morales, Sergeant Dailin Roman, Lieutenant Richard Perez, ExplorerYessica Martin and Captain Jerome Blain.

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LEADER, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

August 9 - 22 , 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

South Miaminews

Miller Publishing • Community Newspapers6796 SW 62 Avenue • South Miami, FL 33143

305-669-7355www.communitynewspapers.com

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––PUBLISHER

Grant [email protected]

EXECUTIVE EDITORMichael Miller

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORSDavid Berkowitz, Richard Yager

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PUBLISHER EMERITUSRon Miller

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Sunset Quickprint’s John Sorgie got ahead start on the weekend with an officeparty for fellow members of Profit Inc.,one of the oldest business organizations inSouth Florida. Much like a family, thisgroup welcomes others to join them. Whilethe economy is eking along, it’s moreimportant than ever to associate with mutu-ally-trustworthy people who can help referbusiness. Among many enjoying ribs andfood trays from Titanic were Dr. JoeBriggle, Robert and Elena Kemper,Mike Sutta, Robert Beans, RobertoGomez, Louis DeSouza, Kemp Mobley,and Jose Alonso. To learn more about thisgreat networking group, call FrankObregon at 305-710-7345.

With Labor Day right around the cor-ner,‘Are you ready for some FOOT-bawwlll?’ FIU Panthers and Head Coach

Mario Cristobal open at home againstNorth Texas on Thursday, September 1,kicking off a great football weekend. TheMiami Hurricanes are looking forward toan exciting opening game with new HeadFootball Coach Al Golden leading the‘Canes against the Maryland TerrapinsMonday, September 5, while further north,the University of Florida Gators will playat home against FAU Saturday, September3. With the pro players and owners reach-ing accord, it should be another great yearfor all of us pigskin fans!

Labor Day weekend also arrives with amultitude of festive community events asCoconut Grove prepares for its “BedRace,” one of the years most hilariousevents. The third annual “Great Grove BedRace” takes place Sunday, September 4th .Open to the public, this a free communityevent, and fundraiser in the Grove willgather its fair share of celebrities andextremely-quirky and comical folks, pro-viding a unique experience for participantsand spectators alike. Best of all, the racebrings the community together and pro-motes a positive economic impact onGrove Village while raising funds for theBoys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. A

six-hour event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., beprepared for a great time. Anyone with agreat and, more importantly, hilarious bedwith wheels may now enter at $225 for afirst-time “virgin” team (one bed, five par-ticipants) or $175 for returning veteranteams, both fees to include late registrationas needed with 100% of all fees paid goingto the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.Final entry deadline is 5 p.m., August 26.For more information visit:www.TheGreatGroveBedRace.com.

The following weekend, in commemora-tion of the tenth anniversary of 9/11, every-one is encouraged to join the South Florida5K Freedom Run and Park Festival, onSaturday, September 10, at J.C. BermudezPark in Doral with proceeds directed tocharitable programs benefitting the mili-tary. Event Chair, Raul Mas Canosa hasenlisted the support and participation ofSouthCom as well as police and fire

departments throughout South Florida. Afestival featuring Latin Grammy Awardwinner Nestor Torres with entertainmentand food for all will make it a great day formorning for family fun.

Finally, Zoo Miami will show its appre-ciation to those who have or who are nowserving in the military. During August,any active-duty member or veteran pre-senting a valid military ID can enter thezoo with a “buy one, get one free” admis-sion (valid for up to six) or get 15% off thezoo’s annual pass, valid 365 days. Militarymembers also get 25% off regular adult orchild admissions the year-around when IDis presented at entry.

Until next time, keep making each daycount.

If you would like to submit informationfor this column, please send your news viae-mail to [email protected].

Quickprint Networks; Labor Day Football, Bike Race, too!

GLORIA’S GAB

Gloria Burns

Far right, John Sorgie serves up ribs at open house as Dr. Joe Briggle (far left) and others check the spread.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Pictured are (l-r) Jose Alonso, Mike Sutta, Kemp Mobley, Frank Obregon and Elena Kemper at Sunset Quickprintopen house.



South Miami Resident Donna Shelley offers her original perspective on the recent cancellation of the proposed Bike SoMi community

ride due to City Manager Hector Mirabile’s insistence that permits were required before the ride could proceed.

SOUTH MIAMI

SIGHTINGS

GabrielMontego

enjoys anevening on thejob at the local

supermarket

Alfredo Gilbertof A&A PowerGenerators with cousinGuillermoGilbert andMercy Beltranat Town Kitchen & BarRestaurant

Artist Federico Carosio III stands before one of hiscreations at the First National Bank of South Miami

To sponsor ‘South Miami Sightings’ contact:

[email protected]

Nicole Rodriguez of Isabella’s Salon takes a stroll with herbeloved four year old Pomeranian Lily


The United States Treasury has never inthe history of our nation defaulted on itscredit obligations. America proudly carrieda “triple-A” credit rating.

Our government obligations are the goldstandard of the world. When individualsaround the world are concerned about thesafety of their country’s financial stability,they turn to the United States Treasuryobligations as a safe haven for their money.

Why place this standing in jeopardy?Just wait until Americans find out that theinterest rate they might pay to buy a homehas gone up. Just wait until the cost of buy-ing a car is more expensive. Just wait untilAmericans, especially those that have notbeen tracking the day-to-day stupidity inWashington, find out that it will cost moreto live because a bunch of politicians haveplaced their concern for their politicalfuture over the interest of the Americanpublic — over the future of the United

Statets as a nation.Both political parties have been playing

the chicken game in the debate over raisingthe nation’s debt ceiling. Both Democratsand Republicans are to be criticized overthis partisan debate. Both sides have beenwaiting till the last minute hoping the otherside will acquiesce.

President Barack Obama had given inwith billions in proposed spending cutswhile the Republican side, in fear of losingTea Party support, has taken up the mantleof Sen. Ron Paul, who is quoted as saying,“I don’t like the word ‘compromise.’”

I hate to tell you Mr. Senator, but “compro-mise” is the basis upon which Washington,actually any elected body, functions.

Sen. Paul, what have you and yourrightwing Tea Party buddies done to the“full faith and credit of the United States?”The fear of potentially not meeting ourobligations is almost as bad as if we hadnot increased the debt limit at the very lastmoment.

When Americans — Democrats, inde-pendents and the bulk of the RepublicanParty — wake up and see how you havedamaged America’s image, they willremove you and most of your super right-wing colleagues from office come the next

election. I feel we are experiencing thebeginning of the end of the Tea Party stran-glehold on the Republican Party.

I am certain that the bulk of the votingAmerican public wants to see us balancethe federal budget, reduce the deficit, stoptrying to fund the financial needs of every-one living on our planet, and reduce ourmilitary spending, but not so quickly that itwill strangle America’s future.

Tea Party, are you aware that yourexpenditure reduction demands for anagreement to raise the debt ceiling is two-thirds on the backs of the poor and only onethird on the well-to-do? You are talkingabout two-thirds of the voters of America.Watch out!

How foreign investors will react toour not being able to settle our domesticdifferences in a more orderly manor topay our debts as they come due is fairlypredictable.

In our personal lives we can always callour mortgage holder and say, “I can’t payyou today but I will pay you next Fridaywhen I get paid.” Not great for the individ-ual’s credit standing, but acceptable. It is adifferent story with the U.S. Treasury. Ifwe hadn’t raised the debt ceiling we couldhear the Treasury saying “sorry, we can’t

pay you the money we owe you. Tax rev-enues are down and we don’t know whenwe can, as Congress might kill our abilityto borrow!”

For years America will be suspect. Nexttime the subject of increasing our creditlimit, if necessary, no one, that is no one,will lend our country money.

Interesting that a recent public opinionpoll, as quoted in The Week, (July 29, 2011)indicated that 66 percent of those surveyedsaid any final deal should contain a combi-nation of spending cuts and tax increases.Thanks, elected officials. See you at thepolls next election — that is if Americanvoters remember these days in the summerof 2011.

We appreciate your opinions on this columnwhether in agreement or disagreement. Pleasesend your comments to (fax number) 305-662-6980 or email to <[email protected]>. The opinions expressed in this col-umn are not necessarily those of this newspa-per, its editors or publisher.

KENNETH’S COMMENTARY

R. Kenneth Bluh VIEWPOINTWaiting till the last moment makes us look irresponsible

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meetings during citizen comment and ninetimes out of 10, he would talk about patriot-ism, constitutional law and respect for gov-ernment,” said retired South Miami princi-pal Richard Ward. “Sometimes he wouldtake the commission to task for things he didnot feel they were doing right.”

His daughter Lisa agrees. “He couldreally ruffle some feathers, but he didn’tseem to care if he was popular or not, hewas undaunted,” she said. “He would readevery single page of the commission meet-ing packet beforehand and long before theaudio visual back-up he had a true point ofreference on city politics. He was unafraidto point out the shenanigans of those inoffice and hold their feet to the fire.”

In his pockets, Mr. Tucker always carriedwith him a handful of cellophane wrapped redand white striped peppermint candies to giveout to folks he might encounter at church, thehospital or grocery store throughout the day.His motto was “you never really know whatburden someone is leaving their house with orwhat bumps in the road they may be encoun-tering in life, so always be kind to strangers.”He would offer a peppermint candy and say“remember, God loves you.”

Daughter Lisa said those candies alsoserved as a point of contemplation or med-itation for Mr. Tucker. “He declared, ‘if I’mnot going to say something nice to some-one, I’ll take a minute and put a peppermintcandy in my mouth and think on it. Overthe years, I ate a whole lot of peppermintcandy,’” she recalled him saying. “It wassymbolic and it was a reminder to pausebefore making big decisions that will affectyour future. When I was at a crossroads inmy life, changing careers or moving, hewould remind me to truly reflect beforemaking big decisions.”

Along with his candies, Mr. Tucker also

always carried with him a pocket-size ver-sion of the Constitution of the United Statesand the Declaration of Independence. “WhenI took him to his doctor appointments and wewould be sitting in the waiting room, hewould never read the magazines, but ratherthe constitution,” said Lisa. “It alwayssparked conversation with people around us,often from other countries, who wouldinquire about what he was reading. It seemslike a small thing, but over months andmonths he did this and tried to set an exam-ple. He just felt like that if you followed thepath the forefathers set down for us youwould not veer too far to the right or the left,but rather maintain a steady course. Hebelieved in serving God, country, and familyand tried to maintain that until the end. Evenwhen he was in great pain he would say,‘God I don’t understand this, but I know I amworthy of it and I can handle it.’”

David Tucker was originally from Macon,Georgia. He ran high school cross countryand graduated from the University of Georgiawith a degree in journalism and advertising.He completed two years at The Citadelbefore being drafted in 1941. Mr. Tuckerserved in the 11th Field Artillery of the 24thInfantry Division of the United States Armyin the South Pacific before being honorablydischarged. He is survived by his wife Helen,daughters Lisa and Leslie and son Bill.

In 2008, he received a key to the city ofSouth Miami for his unwavering dedicationto democracy. A resolution was recentlypassed by the city expressing sympathy tohis family for his passing and acknowledg-ing him as a “great humanitarian withabsolute integrity who put the best interestsof the community before his personal inter-ests and served with distinction in a long listof public offices.” On August 15th, DavidTucker would have turned 92 years old.

LEADER, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

An antique table at the Tucker household containing the American Burial Flag, historical media and memo-rabilia along with his trade mark, peppermint candies.

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BY JOHN MAXSWEEN

Japan needs your help after being struck

by a devastating earthquake on Mar. 11.

Because of the disaster Japan will be

unable to host the 20th anniversary of the

Toyota World Junior Golf Team

Championship until next year. Since the

championship’s inception, the Junior

Orange Bowl Committee (JOBC) has

sponsored and selected the American team

for the Championship with the coordina-

tion of golf coaches from around the

United States.

The warm hospitality and goodwill of

the Japanese people have touched the lives

of many of the junior golfers who have

been fortunate enough to participate in the

championship. Therefore, in light of the

championship’s anniversary year being

postponed, the Junior Orange Bowl is tak-

ing this opportunity to give back to the

Japanese citizens in their time of need.

The Junior Orange Bowl Committee in

coordination with the Bank of Coral

Gables has set up a bank account to assist

with the Toyota Relief Fund effort for the

victims of the Great East Japan

Earthquake. It has been estimated that

Japan’s initial recovery will take at least

five years and the full recovery much

longer than that, thus any support will go a

long way toward helping the cause.

Contributions may be tax-deductible and

100 percent of the donations will go

directly to helping the victims.

The idea for creating this relief fund

came from two local teenage golfers

whose fathers are past presidents of the

Junior Orange Bowl and have been

involved with the Toyota World Junior

Golf Team Championship since its

beginnings.

Lindsay Kerdyk, daughter of Coral

Gables Vice Mayor William “Bill” Kerdyk

and Julie Steinbauer, daughter of Junior

Orange Bowl Golf director J.R.

Steinbauer, conceived the idea of creating

a fund to assist the Japanese recovery

efforts during a round of golf at the

Biltmore Hotel. They brought the idea to

their fathers and the fund was created.

By the end of May more than $11,000

had been raised thanks to donations from

the Junior Orange Bowl Committee, Royal

Canadian Golf Association, Colombian

Golf Federation, and European Golf

Association. Additional donations from

other golf federations around the world

have already been pledged. The fund

remains open and the general public is

welcome to make contributions to help

bring it closer to its final goal.

Send your donations to: Bank of Coral

Gables, Junior Orange Bowl Japan Relief

Fund, 2295 Galiano St., Coral Gables, FL

33134. Make your checks payable to

Junior Orange Bowl Japan Relief Fund.

Should you have any questions, call the

Bank of Coral Gables at 305-500-9501 or

the JOBC at 305-662-1210.

The JOBC Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3)

organization that serves the community of

South Florida and the youth of the world

by providing opportunities for wholesome,

competitive and multi-cultural experi-

ences. For more information on the Junior

Orange Bowl Committee, call 305-662-

1210 or visit the website at <www.jror-

angebowl.org>.

Junior Orange Bowl createsfund for Japan relief efforts

“If this becomes another private charterschool that does not serve the immediatecommunity, then you should all resign,”declared retired South Miami MiddleSchool Assistant Principal Richard Ward tothe commission when the news broke.

Community activist, retired social work-er and J.R.E. Lee student from 1952 to1958 Sarah Ann Tompkins said, “We havechildren that live in the neighborhood thathave to deal with dangerous traffic walkingto Ludlam and South Miami Elementaryand if you are going to reopen a historicschool, it should be for the residents of thecommunity and they should have first pri-ority.”

The mayor and city commissioners wereequally dismayed at the prospect of theJ.R.E. Lee Academy for InternationalEducation Charter School opening onAugust 22nd on what all agree was a “fasttrack.”

While presenting the program before thecommission at a recent meeting, AssistantSuperintendent at Miami-Dade CountyPublic Schools Dr. Helen S. Blanch saidthat according to Superintendent AlbertoM. Carvalho, “We have no time to waste.We will start small, build it and the parentswill decide. It is a community school.”

According to Blanch when public schoolproperty like J.R.E. Lee becomes unoccu-pied and available, as has the recently dor-mant alternative school, the property is at apremium and according to Florida statutes,is fair game for private charter schools toscoop up.

“We had to move on this project rightaway because just this year we havereceived more than 90 charter school appli-cations for the board to make decisions

on,” explained Blanch. She also added thatarea schools are under capacity, with SouthMiami Middle School at 84 percent capac-ity and Ludlam Middle School at 66 per-cent, so J.R.E. Lee did not qualify forboundary school status by the class-sizeamendment in the Florida state statutes.

“We are proud of the J.R.E. Lee nameand it will be maintained,” said Blanch.“This is a hybrid model that has never beentried before and although the school boardwill not cover day to day operations, butrather operate on the back end, we are notcharging rent. It will be run as a not-for-profit organization and we are committedto absolute transparency.”

Blanch also stated that although Floridastate statutes require recruitment of stu-dents be district-wide, there is no intentionof working apart from the community, butrather South Miami student recruitmentwill be a priority.

Invitational flyers to area residents, auto-mated calls to family households and anopen house are all part of the outreach.However, Mayor Phillip Stoddard and arearesident FIU Professor Dean Whitman bothstated at a recent commission meeting thatthey did not receive the flyers.

Professor Whitman also said, “Let’s justhope there aren’t going to be a bunch ofLincoln Navigators driving through theschool. Nobody walks to school anymoreand there is no bus transportation at theseschools. Every student will probably betransported alone in a vehicle and there willbe a considerable traffic load in a shortperiod of time.” He also added that anyonewho is unhappy about this decision shouldcontact Miami-Dade County school boardmember Raquel Regalado, who serves

South Miami District Six.Since the announcement of J.R.E. Lee’s

new program was made, school boardmembers and incoming principal VeraHirsch have met with the mayor and citycommissioners and explained in detail thepilot program that will include Net Books,or small notebook computers, for allincoming sixth graders as well as a $9.95per month arrangement with Comcast forinternet access to needy students. “We arereaching out to the digital divide at homeand planning ahead,” said Hirsch. “Werealize many parents already have pur-chased school uniforms and made arrange-ments for the fall, but we are here to showthat schools of choice and communityschools can all play in the same sandbox.”

Richard Ward has been appointed to thesix-member governing board for the J.R.E.Lee Academy for International EducationCharter School. He is cautiously optimisticabout what the future will foretell. “I feelfar better about it than I did a few weeksago and I am pleased that it will not be con-trolled by outside sources. That’s why Iaccepted a position on the board,” he said.“But it is way too early to tell how thingswill unveil. Boards take time to develop.Ultimately, the aim is to have a satisfactoryethnic ratio in the school that will serve theimmediate community.”

Commissioner Brian Beasley appearedpleased that a school whose reincarnation

the city commission had no authority todetermine will serve the community,although he hoped that jobs for the areacould be a guaranteed part of the makeup.

Vice Mayor Valerie Newman said thatshe still has mixed feelings about the plan,although they have creatively workedaround some critical issues. “If what theysay is accurate, than it is workable. But, Ifear these noble goals will eventually go bythe wayside and another traditional charterschool will take over. I have very littlehope they can sustain this model overtime.”

Community activist Sarah AnnTompkins reminisced about her favoriteteacher at J.R.E. Lee Middle School – MissLane. “She had a special spirit to make apositive imprint on children’s lives,” shesaid. “She treated everyone with a uniqueregard and would always say ‘you can doit, even when you thought you could not.’”

If the new hybrid school can accomplishthose brilliant historical models set by theoriginal J.R.E. Lee faculty, they will passthe community test.

For more information on the J.R.E. LeeAcademy for International EducationCharter School opening up for incomingsixth graders on August 22, call 305-883-3900. For concerns about the anticipatedopening, contact South Miami District Six,Miami-Dade County School Board mem-ber Raquel Regalado at 305-995-1334.

J.R.E. LEE, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Archival photograph of deceased civic activist and African American community leader Marshall Williamsonand his wife Elmora who donated the original property on which J.R.E. Lee stands.

(Photo courtesy of Sarah Ann Tompkins)–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––



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BY ALEJANDRA CASTRO-NUÑEZ

The Miami-Dade Cooperative

Extension Division is hosting a two-day

workshop on Wednesday, Aug. 24, and

Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Miami-Dade

Water and Sewer Department, located at

3071 SW 38 Ave.

The courses will offer training on basic

irrigation principles of operation and

maintenance of irrigation systems, water

conservation applications, and rules and

regulations.

Session A will take place on Aug. 24,

8 a.m.-5 p.m., and has a registration fee

of $100 for members. This course will

offer an introduction to Landscape

Irrigation Maintenance in Florida. In

addition, the curriculum will cover

basic irrigation components, obtaining

site information, underground piping

systems, sprinkler performance, control

systems, operating and maintenance

procedures, irrigation codes and stan-

dards, and smart technology.

Sesson B will be on Aug. 25, 8 a.m.-

noon, and has a cost of $50 for members.

This class will focus on technology and

practices for water conservation in land-

scape irrigation.

Session C on Aug. 25, 1-5 p.m., has a

cost of $50 for members, and will focus on

local ordinances, and regional rules and

regulations pertaining to water conserva-

tion efforts in local municipalities and in

the State of Florida for landscape irriga-

tion systems.

Non-members also can attend the work-

shops for an additional fee.

For information on Florida friendly

landscaping, visit the Florida Yards and

Neighborhoods website at <www.green-

yardsmiami.blogspot.com>.

The Miami-Dade Cooperative

Extension is a partnership of the Miami-

Dade Consumer Services Department and

the University of Florida’s Institute of

Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Extension to host Landscape Irrigation Training Workshop

Never Pay Another Expensive Repair Again

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BY GARY ALAN RUSE

In some families, sibling rivalry is thenorm, but sisters Christine and JenniferHenry are not only close-knit in their familylife, they also have teamed up to form MODMedia LLC., a public relations and eventsfirm representing clients in the areas of fash-ion, hospitality, entertainment and realestate.

Always in the Greater Miami area, bothyoung women graduated from FloridaInternational University with degrees inCommunications and Public Relations andworked as interns in a number of area mar-keting firms, magazines, businesses andorganizations before striking out on theirown two years ago to create a business thatappeals to their personal passions.

“We have always been lovers of fashionand the communications field,” Christinesaid. “It’s so exciting to work with an up-and-coming designer, boutique or venue, andhelp assist them in branding and marketingtheir location to the public.”

The sisters agree that their family lifemade working together not only easy butinevitable.

“We have always been close, and beingeach other’s best friends as well as family isthe perfect match for success,” Christineexplained. “We are the perfect balance atMOD Media, Jennifer’s strengths are myweaknesses and vice versa. We know that nomatter what, we will always be family. It’sgreat to have that support behind you whileyou work, and that person pushing you tosucceed.”

Jennifer said that their individual strengthscombine to make them a better team on proj-ects.

“Christine complements our partnershipwith her honesty, smile, work ethic andexemplary grammar skills that I sometimes

lack,” Jennifer said. “She handles all of ouraccounting and business infrastructure whileletting me focus on the creative campaignsand artistic design that I bring to our compa-ny.”

For Christine, there is a mutual apprecia-tion for Jennifer’s skills, approach and sup-port that makes their job easier.

“She is incredibly creative and a go get-ter,” Christine said. “Jen really knows how tosearch and find new business for MODMedia. She is great at creating and designingour overall look, website, and handling ourbranding. She is definitely my rock!”

They just completed their most ambitiousproject to date, coordinating the secondannual MOD Swim Week at the SagamoreHotel in Miami Beach. They couldn’t behappier with the results.

“It’s been a dream,” Christine said. “Oursecond year at producing this amazing event,and this year was even more of a success.With the help of the amazing staff at theSagamore we were able to really make ourvision and concept a reality. Our fabuloussponsors and designers helped make it thatmuch more perfect. We can’t wait for nextyear.”

Their original interest in fashion led themto go beyond just representing other design-ers and to launch their own line of vintageclothing called Vintage Coquette.

“We spent some time browsing variousstores and traveling to Amsterdam and Parispurchasing some divine pieces that we wereable to alter and make our own,” Christinesaid. “The collection is vibrant and fun andreally shows how another woman’s clothescan be translated and styled to fit your look.It’s exciting and so fun to be able to find agreat piece at an affordable price and be theonly girl in the room wearing it.”

For more information visit online at<www.modmediamiami.com>.

JenniferHenry (left)is pictured

with her sis-ter Christine.

Christine and Jennifer Henrymake their job a ‘sister act’

Persons interested in the ecosystemrestoration efforts being planned in theBiscayne Bay region are invited to attend ameeting of the Biscayne Bay RegionalRestoration Coordination Team (BBR-RCT) on Aug. 12. The meeting is takingplace from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the NOAASoutheast Fisheries Science Center,Statistics Building, located at 75 VirginiaBeach Dr.

A detailed agenda and directions can befound at the Task Force home page at<www.sfrestore.org/calendar>. Directionsalso are available by calling 305-361-4200.

The public is encouraged to attend andopportunities will be provided to makepublic comment throughout the meeting atthe discretion of the chair.

For more information, contact MaryPlumb, Task Force public affairs officer, at305-348-1662 or visit the Task Force homepage at <www.sfrestore.org>.

BACK TO SCHOOL FUN FESTRETURNS TO DOLPHIN MALL

Dolphin Mall, located at 11401 NW 12St., will usher in the new school year withits annual Back to School Fun Fest on Aug.13, from noon to 5 p.m., in the center’s

Ramblas Plaza area.Dolphin Mall’s Back to School Fun Fest

includes special character sing-a-longshows, magic show, musical entertainment,face painters, games, hula-hoop contests,balloons, giveaways and more.

Dolphin Mall will distribute an exclu-sive back to school deal flyer at the eventfeaturing discounts as well as provide afree backpack with a purchase of $250 ormore. Customers must present same-dayreceipts totaling $250 or more at the infor-mation booth located in the Ramblas Plazato receive a free backpack.

Customers can take advantage of thespecial backpack offer through Aug. 21 orwhile supplies last. Limit one backpack percustomer.

For more information, visit online at<www.shopdolphinmall.com>.

BATH & BODY WORKS TO HOSTPARIS AMOUR FRAGRANCE LAUNCH

Bath & Body Works just might makeyour dream a reality at the Paris Amourlaunch event celebrating the latest additionto the Signature Collection taking place onAug. 13 at your local store.

Discover how Paris Amour, the captivat-

ing new scent, was created and enter to wina romantic Paris getaway for two. At theevent, attendees also will have the opportu-nity to vote on the next SignatureCollection scent.

Even if your travels don’t take you toParis, you still can experience the mostromantic city in the world at your localBath & Body Works.

For more information, call 1-800-756-5005.

STATE REP. DWIGHT BULLARD TO HOSTFUTURE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION FORUM

State Rep. Dwight M. Bullard will host“The Future of Florida’s Public EducationForum” on Aug. 15, 6 p.m., at theSouthridge High School Auditorium,19355 SW 114 Ave.

Focusing on the future of public educa-tion, the forum will solicit a broad spec-

trum of community thinking. Educators,students, parents, business people, commu-nity members and interested citizens areinvited. The panel will consist of leaderswithin the education community.

Thirty minutes prior to the forum, par-ents and students are invited to the“Empowerment Hour.” Organizations willprovide information to students and par-ents, increasing their level of preparednessfor this school year and graduation.

ANTI-BULLYING WORKSHOP SLATEDAT BRANCH LIBRARY IN PINECREST

The Miami-Dade Public Library System’sPinecrest Branch Library, 5835 SW 111 St.,will conduct a “How to Stop Bulling” work-shop on Aug. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Biscayne Bay Regional Coordination Team to host meeting

COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS

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This timely discussion will teachyoungsters and their parents how to avoidbeing a target of bullying, how to empow-er themselves and become more confident.There also will be exercises in leadershipskills building.

For more information, contact thebranch at 305-668-4517 or visit online at<www.mdpls.org>.

PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM HELPSSTUDENTS GO BACK TO SCHOOL

Now that summer is almost over, theMiami-Dade Public Library System wantsto be a student’s source for informationand entertainment.

Helpful programming will include: theSpanish Wrangler who will teach a littleSpanish through song and dance;MassMutual’s Kids Smart Start financialliteracy program which will teach kidsabout banks, saving money and makingwise financial decisions, and the FoodDetectives who are on the case to discoverhow the kitchen is like a laboratory.Participants will learn how acids, basesand liquids combine to make the food yourbody uses as fuel.

There also is a lesson to be learned with

the Morikami Museum and GardensJapanese Crafts where you will createunique paper figures and Book ‘n’Cookin’, a fun-filled story and handy les-son in nutrition where you will learn tomake healthy, satisfying lunches forschool.

For details on these programs and for alist of everything going on in August, visit<www.mdpls.org> and click on theCalendar of Events, or call 305-375-BOOK (2665).

BELEN JESUIT VERSUS COLUMBUSIN FOOTBALL GAME ON SEPT. 9

The annual rivalry football game thatattracts alumni from two of Miami-DadeCounty’s most prestigious, private, all-male Catholic Schools — Belen Jesuit vs.Christopher Columbus — will take placeon Sept. 9 at FIU Stadium, 11200 SWEighth St.

Alumni are invited to take part in pre-game festivities by joining the tailgatefrom 5 to 7 p.m. followed by kickoff at7:30 p.m.

More than 10,000 spectators are expect-ed for the game, with partial proceeds ben-efiting the Belen Alumni Association.

For more information contact RicardoR. Raimúndez, assistant director ofAlumni Services at Belen, 786-621-4667or via email at<[email protected]>.

NEWS, from previous page ––––

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BY IVONNE SNAVELY

Dadeland Mall has announced that the2011 Simon GamePlay tour, connectingfans of all ages to the hottest video gamesbefore they are launched officially andavailable in stores, will come onWednesday, Aug. 10, and Thursday, Aug.11, from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., at CenterCourt.

Simon GamePlay, powered by CokeZero, will take place exclusively in 26Simon properties around the country. Forthe third consecutive year, GameStop, theworld’s largest multi-channel video gameretailer, is the retail partner for Simon’sGamePlay.

“GameStop is always looking for waysto share the excitement of video gamingwith the community, so we are thrilled to bea part of the Simon GamePlay Tour again in2011,” said Mike Dzura, senior vice presi-dent of stores for GameStop.

The free event will launch onWednesday, Aug. 10, at Dadeland Mall,and wraps up Sunday, Nov. 13, in Ontario,CA. Last year, more than 900,000 gamersacross the country participated in SimonGamePlay.

“One of the great things about SimonGamePlay is that it has something for everygamer — young kids to parents to hard-core gamers,” said Tod Dalberg, vice pres-ident of business development for Simon.

“The tour is one of our most successfulin-mall programs, and we’re excited topresent it to consumers across the country,”Dalberg added.

“We are really looking forward to bring-ing this exciting event to Miami,” saidHumberto Maldonado, director of MallMarketing and Business Development of

Dadeland Mall. Dadeland Mall is the per-fect place for this terrific event that appealsto all ages.”

The recently launched Nintendo 3DSgaming system will take center stage at thisyear’s GamePlay. A “Nintendo 3DSLounge” — decked out with couches,snacks and games — will be at the dispos-al of shoppers wanting to kick back andcompete on their handheld 3DSs.

For the super competitive, Nintendooffers “Street Pass,” an opportunity to showoff video skills in tournament-style playusing Nintendo 3DS devices. GamePlaywill display all of the action on two flatscreens so shoppers can cheer on partici-pants as they compete for the highest score.

The tour also offers 10 gaming pods,including two mature zones, with a varietyof products from leaders in the video gam-ing industry, including 2K Play, Capcom,Eidos, SEGA, Namco-Bandai, WarnerBrothers Interactive, THQ, 2K, Atari, andEdios/Square Enix.

Get sneak peak at hottest newvideo games at Dadeland Mall

“GameStop is always lookingfor ways to share the excitement of video gamingwith the community, so we are thrilled to be a part of the Simon GamePlayTour again in 2011.”

— Mike Dzura, senior vice president of stores for GameStop.


Former patientElizabeth Gomez

gives a warm helloto her nurse,

OrlandoBetancourt, ARNP,at the Critical CareChampions Dinnercelebrated recentlyat Baptist Hospital.Gomez, who called

her former nursean angel, spent

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and 22 days in the hospital for septic

shock. The specialevening reunited

former patientswith the doctorsand nurses who

cared for themduring their

hospital stay. Theyearly event gives caregivers and patients who survived life-threatening illnesses a chance to celebrate life

and a return to good health. (Photo by Mabel Rodriguez)

Hospital’s Champions Dinner:A chance to say ‘thank you’


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BY LEWIS MATUSOW

Former University of Miami linebacker

Darrin Smith (www.Attitudeofa-

Champion.com), a two-time All-America/

National Champion and a two-time Super

Bowl winner with the Dallas Cowboys,

recently received the Rising Star Award

from Fresh Start Family Services of

Homestead.

Smith, a motivational speaker, gave the

keynote address at Fresh Start’s recent

first annual “Star Awards” at the William

F. “Bill” Dickinson Community Center

Ballroom.

“To have someone of Darrin’s stature

as our keynote speaker was a fantastic

way to kick off our first fundraising

event,” said Dr. Ted Greer Jr., president

and CEO, Fresh Start Family Services.

“He has created a powerful message of

a champion that is fitting for men, women

and youths from all cultural backgrounds,

corporate America, and the nonprofit and

faith communities,” Dr. Greer said. “He

inspired and motivated our audience of

individuals of all ages and professional

backgrounds including our mayor and

vice mayor.”

Companies and civic organizations from

throughout the United States and Caribbean

have called upon Smith to address and moti-

vate their corporate employees and sales

forces with his “Attitude of a Champion”

presentation. For these organizations, his

message of positive, forward thinking and

overcoming barriers — no matter how for-

midable they may seem — has stimulated

and excited his audiences. They walk away

from a Darrin Smith speech with a “yes I

can” attitude.

Fresh Start is a nonprofit organization

offering a wide array of programs and

services to children, youths and families,

including individuals living at or below

the federal poverty level. The organiza-

tion serves as a much needed safety net to

help individuals and families needing

community resources to achieve a fresh

start in their economic, educational,

vocational, career, health and social

development activities.

For more information or to bookDarrin Smith for a speaking engagement,contact Lewis Matusow, Total SportsMarketing, at 305-238-1889 or sendemail to <[email protected]>.

Darrin Smith, former two-time University of Miami AllAmerica/National Champion and two-time Super Bowlwinner, (right) receives the Rising Star Award from Dr.Ted Greer Jr., president and CEO of Fresh Start FamilyServices.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Darrin Smith receives recognitionfrom Fresh Start Family Services


BY JENNIFER VALDES

The Florida Marlins have announced thatGrammy Award-winning artist Wyclef Jeanwill perform at the season’s final BakerConcrete Super Saturday on Sept. 3. Thelive on-field concert will follow theMarlins’ game against the PhiladelphiaPhillies starting at 7:10 p.m.

Jean closes a 2011 Super Saturday sea-son that saw acts such as Pitbull, T-Pain,Ludacris, The Beach Boys, Gilberto SantaRosa, and Fuego with Los HermanosRosario deliver incredible post-game per-formances. With the new Marlins Ballparkset to open in April 2012, the Sept. 3 showwith will be the final Marlins SuperSaturday at Sun Life Stadium.

Preparing to release his self-titled albumwyclefjean later this year, Haitian-bornsinger and producer Wyclef Jean first roseto fame as part of the hip-hop trio, TheFugees. With The Fugees, Jean won aGrammy for Best Rap Album in 1996 forThe Score, which sold 18 million copiesworldwide. In 1997, Jean released his firstsolo album, The Carnival, which includedhit singles We Trying to Stay Alive, GoneTill November, and Guantanamera, sellingfive million albums worldwide.

He has since released seven studioalbums including The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II aBook, Masquerade and The Preacher’sSon. Jean also has made several notableguest appearances on No. 1 hit singlesincluding Maria, Maria with Santana andHips Don’t Lie with Shakira.

Baker Concrete Super Saturdays alsofeature pregame parties at The Strike Zoneat Gate H including:

• Celebrity, player and alumni autographsessions;

• Appearances from Billy The Marlin,the Mermaids and Manatees;

• Special prizes and live TV/radio

broadcasts, and• Interactive giveaways for fans.Fans can enhance their Super Saturday

experience by purchasing VIP “Pit Passesfor $25 each online at<www.marlins.com/supersaturdays>. Thepasses provide on-the-field access for thepost-game concert.

For more information on the final SuperSaturday and to purchase tickets, call 1-877-MARLINS or visit the Marlins’ offi-cial websites at <www.marlins.com> and<www.marlinsbeisbol.com>.

Wyclef Jean to perform for finalMarlins Super Saturday, Sept. 3

Wyclef Jean––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Have a unique experience at

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BY IVONNE SNAVELY

Get ready for back to school at DadelandMall, Miami’s premier fashion-forwardshopping destination, during tax-freeweekend — Friday, Aug. 12, to Sunday,Aug. 14.

To kickoff the weekend of super savingson back-to-school essentials, DadelandMall is inviting families to enjoy a fashionshow, interactive activities and a nutritionpresentation on Friday, Aug. 12, from 3 to4:30 p.m.

Families will get a front row seat to seethe latest fall fashions for children fromNordstrom, JCPenney, Justice, Gymboreeand TOUS. The free-to-the-public fashionshow, taking place in Center Court, is sureto get kids excited to hop on the school busand arrive to class in style.

In addition to the fashion show,Dadeland Mall will host its monthly SimonKidgits Club event with fun back-to-schoolactivities and a nutrition presentation fromMiami Children’s Hospital. The hospital’s

dietician will show kids and parents how toprepare healthy meals and snacks and sharetips on making smart eating habits fun andfresh all year-long.

“We anticipate a lot of families gettingready for back to school, so we’ve createda great event just for them,” said HumbertoMaldonado, director of mall marketing andbusiness development of Dadeland Mall.“Parents will be able to kick off their back-to-school shopping with a look at the latesttrends, while learning to prepare healthymeals for kids.”

The nutrition presentation and SimonKidgits Club activities are free for SimonKidgits Club members and will take placein front of the Art of Shaving. Families cansign up for the Simon Kidgits Club for $5during regular mall hours at Guest Servicesor online at <www.simon.com/kidgits>.The Simon Kidgits Club is sponsored byFlorida Blue.

For more information on Dadeland Mall,call 305-665-6226 or visit online at<www.simon.com>.

Back to school with tax-freeweekend at Dadeland Mall


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BY KERRY GREEN-PHILLIPS

In honor of Make A Difference In A

Child’s Life Month, Palace Royale resi-

dents recently delivered back-to-school

supplies to the Children’s Home Society,

one of Florida’s oldest private not-for-prof-

it organizations providing services to chil-

dren and families.

The assisted living residents are part of

The Palace Royale’s newly formed Make A

Difference Club, which was created to give

back to the community at large and support

South Florida charities.

“Regardless of their age and physical

limitations, our residents have so much

wisdom, love and compassion to offer oth-

ers,” said entertainment director Pamela

Parker, who organizes the club. “They

want to contribute and still be a vital part

of society.”

Backpacks filled with calculators, dic-

tionaries, composition books, glue, scis-

sors, highlighters, markers, pencils, granola

bars and water bottles were assembled by

the group’s 12 members. Children’s Home

Society will provide the bags to children

awaiting foster care or adoption.

“We’re so fortunate to live a wonderful

lifestyle at The Palace and we understand

the importance of ‘paying it forward,’” said

resident Doris Feibelman. “The future of

the world is in the hands of the young. We

hope our assistance will leave a legacy that

will have a positive ripple effect for the

next generation.”

A special touch was the personal message

residents wrote for each child receiving a

backpack. One note read, “Reach high, for

stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for

every dream precedes the goal.”

“The notes exemplify the spirit of our

residents,” Parker added. “This was the

perfect opportunity to kick off our cam-

paign of giving back.”

The club plans to complete four commu-

nity service projects each year and the next

initiative will be geared to the homeless

during Thanksgiving.

Located at 11355 SW 84 St., The Palace

Royale features “catered living,” a new

concept offering all the services of tradi-

tional assisted living with special emphasis

on residents’ cognitive abilities.

For more information, call 305-270-7000

or visit online at <www.ThePalace.org>.

Seniors ‘Make A Difference’ in lives of young students

Make A Difference Club member Lauren Meyer receives a hug from a student.


BY LEE STEPHENS

Strokes in infants and children are rare,

but they do happen. Research shows that

about one in every 4,000 full-term births

have a recognized form of stroke.

These odds did not matter to Jacqueline

Serrano. When her son Ryan was 4 months

old, and after noticing he wouldn’t use his

left arm, she learned from doctors that he

had suffered a stroke in utero — in other

words, before he was born.

“I was both shocked and devastated to

hear that my son had suffered a stroke. All

my tests during pregnancy were normal,

and when I received the news I was led to

believe my child would be severely limit-

ed,” Serrano said.

A stroke in a child can have lifelong

effects. It may impair motor skills, lead to

learning disabilities, and even affect lan-

guage development. In Ryan Serrano’s

case, he would be diagnosed with hemiple-

gia, meaning that the left half of his body

suffers from a form of paralysis.

With no cure in sight, to address his

hemiplegia, the Serrano’s were encour-

aged to undergo various forms of therapy.

“Once diagnosed, my son Ryan started a

heavy dose of both physical and occupa-

tional therapy in order to help him develop

his motor functions. He started his therapy

at four months old and continued to the

age of 6. It was grueling; we did some

form of therapy three times a week until

one day Ryan said, ‘I don’t want to do this

anymore.’ He was tired.”

As Ryan got older, therapy no longer

provided the motivation he needed nor

was it having the same effect as it did

when he was a child. His parents decid-

ed to give him a break but after noticing

that he was beginning to digress, started

looking into other options other than tra-

ditional therapy. Eventually, through

much research, Jacqueline heard about

fitness trainers that worked specifically

with kids.

“I met Jose Lima, one of the trainers at

the Health Joint Fitness Club [8015 SW 40

St.] and signed up Ryan for personal train-

ing sessions three times a week,” Serrano

said. “Since it was more fitness and health

focused, I knew it would interest him.

Today, after two years, the change has

been amazing — both physically and emo-

tionally. He not only has a positive,

healthy role model, but Ryan has also

developed his strength, has muscle defini-

tion, is more mobile, and can actually use

his left arm now.”

Regular physical fitness activity

throughout life is encouraged as being

important for preventing diseases and pro-

moting physical and emotional well-being.

For children with disabilities or chronic

conditions, these benefits can have more

impact. There are many demonstrated fit-

ness gains to be obtained by following an

appropriate fitness program.

“When Ryan first came in, the first thing

we did is give him a fitness test,” said Jose

Lima, Ryan’s personal trainer for more

than three years at the Health Joint. “At the

time he did not have much function with

his left hand and his motor skills weren’t

that great either. Half of the equipment we

couldn’t use. However, after six months of

consistent training we grabbed our first

bar, and eventually started using some of

the equipment. I am very proud of his

progress.”

Kids with his type of condition may not

ever get to 100 percent mobility but as

Lima said, “I can assure that with the right

exercise and persistence he will get to at

least 80 percent.”

For the Serranos, 80 percent sounds just

right as it is better than results achieved

through other alternatives. In short, an

exercise program of strength and

endurance training may be a safe and fea-

sible option for children with disabilities,

as the benefits can be immeasurable.

Ryan, now 15, and in high school, has

started to experience a new life by improv-

ing the functionality of his left side.

“The training I’ve received from Jose at

the Health Joint has changed my life,”

Ryan said. “I get one-on-one training and I

get to challenge myself physically, results

of which I see improve with every passing

year. Being able to do simple things like

going kayaking and doing sports is just

amazing, as they are things I was never

able to do before. I have learned that exer-

cise is progress, it has helped my body and

my confidence.”

For more information on fitness pro-

grams for children with special needs call

305-261-4004 or visit online at <www.the-

healthjoint.com>. More information

regarding hemiplegia can be found at

<www.chasa.org>.

Hemiplegic teen leads normal lifewith help of his personal trainer


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BY LINDA RODRIGUEZ BERNFELD

In July 2007, four-and-a-half-year-oldBella Torres became paralyzed overnight.

Her father, Raymond Rodriguez-Torressaid she had no prior symptoms of an ill-ness when it happened, although she previ-ously had complained of a stomachache.That complaint had been checked out byher pediatrician who ran tests that ruled outany problems.

“That was the first sense of somethingseriously wrong,” he said.

He rushed home from his meeting inOrlando and met his family at MiamiChildren’s Hospital, where his father hadbeen chief of staff for 16 years.

“They performed a lumbar puncture,”Rodriguez-Torres said. “It came back posi-tive for a disease she didn’t have —Guillain-Barre syndrome. She started treat-ment for that.”

He was horrified, since he knew aboutthe disease as his father had a bout with ityears before. In its worst case, Guillain-Barre could cause the respiratory system tobe paralyzed.

The experimental treatment his fatherreceived is now the standard treatment thatis given over five days. But on the fifth day,they could see the paralysis was notimproving. The doctors suggested onemore test. The test showed Bella hadAlveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in the formof enormous tumor wrapped around herspine. It’s a rare childhood cancer that’svery aggressive.

“She had cancer in her jaw, her foot, hershoulder, her rib, her hip, her knee, herhand and later in her brain,” Rodriguez-Torres said.

The doctors told Rodriguez-Torres andhis wife, Shannah, that Bella would neverwalk again and with stage four cancer, sheprobably wouldn’t live.

But the family was not willing to give upwithout a fight.

“What we decided to do is to try a chemo

protocol for six weeks and see if itchanged,” he said. “Bella began therapythat afternoon. I found myself in the great-est point of despair.”

Until Bella’s illness, Rodriguez-Torreswas not a religious man. Raised in theCatholic Church, he was a lapsed Catholic,but during those dark days he believes Godtalked to him through a friend and told himhe needed to have an army of people topray for his daughter.

“When I hung up the phone I felt differ-ent,” Rodriguez-Torres said.

His brother and sister-in-law developedthe website <www.PrayForBella.com> tohelp bring people together to pray for hisdaughter. And people all over the worlddid pray.

“They prayed from as far away as Japanand Australia,” he said. “We even had con-ference calls where we would all pray inunison, together.”

After the first round of chemo, the tumorhad shrunk 94 percent and then a scanshowed the other areas of her body werecancer free.

“Today Bella is the only known survivorof her kind of cancer in the world,” he said.“She can walk, jump and play. She is acheerleader at her school. Bella’s case wasinvestigated by the Catholic Church and isofficially known as a miracle.”

Rodriguez-Torres believes that Virgin

Mary also made several visitations based on

things his daughter told him, things that were

impossible for the child to know otherwise.“I don’t know why we were chosen for

this,” he said.The experience changed his life.

Rodriguez-Torres became a certified lifecoach working with families of childhoodcancer patients pro bono. His book, WhyNot Me, is the publisher’s bestseller and hespeaks at churches and events about whathappened.

“I am the happiest man you will speak totoday, tomorrow and the next day,” he said.

Pictured are Raymond, Shannah, Rayna and Bella Rodriguez-Torres.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Man writes book about daughter’s miraculous recovery from cancerAugust 9 - 22 , 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM


BY LEE STEPHENS

Lisa Hayes was a teenager when shedecided to skip school one day and not lieabout it. She came out clean to her motherand warned her that nothing could stop herfrom making the endless line to get ticketsfor U2. That was in 1992.

In June 2011, the Irish band’s explosive360° Tour hit the Sun Life Stadium with amassive stage and all the energy four heartsfrom Dublin can deliver. Hayes was theretoo. She was one of thousands who waitedyears to see the band perform. When theyfinally came out, a little after 9 p.m., the sur-real steel machine known as “The Claw”really came to life and everyone let go.

“Thank you, Miami. Muchas gracias. Andthank for your patience,” said Bono, dressedin black. The Edge on the guitar also woredark clothes while Adam Clayton and LarryMullen balanced it out in white.

People of all ages and backgrounds camefor this moment. They wanted to be part ofthe special night. They danced to In TheName of Love, Miss Sarajevo, Zooropa, Cityof Blinding Lights and sang whenever Bonogave them the chance, which he graciouslydid several times. The crowd also respondedto his calls for freedom, peace and love andgrew emotional when old footage of the bandin its younger days came on the giant TVscreen.

South Florida fans expected the politicalreferences and the lead singer’s famousmoans, but they did not expect a personalgreeting (“Hello, Miami”) from NASA astro-naut Cdr. Mark E. Kelly nor did they expectto hear Burmese political prisoner Aung SanSuu Kyi thank them for their support.

Aside from the touching broadcasts, high-lights included A Beautiful Day and Wherethe Streets Have No Name. During Hold MeThrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me Bono’s leather

jacket emanated red lights like lasers. Lateron white lights shone on the entire stadium.For the audience it was as if celestial lightshad taken over the whole space. The bandthen followed with With or Without Youbefore ending the night with Moment ofSurrender.

With his glowing mike now turned blue,Bono took off his jacket and grabbed a hang-er right there on the stage before saying“Good night, Miami. Thank you. America isa great idea. We love your country.”

It was the vision of a band that has grownup together that allowed for such an emo-tional performance and dramatic stage.Reports had “The Claw” standing at fourlegs/tentacles but from higher seats it lookedas if it had hundreds of arms and legs. Thefortunate crowd at ground level melted withthe centerpiece spectacle and their palmsfloating in the air gave the illusion of amechanic animal gone wild.

Nobody really knows if it was a spiderfrom outer space or a spaceship carryingaliens. The fact is it cost more than $20 mil-lion and delivered the intimate feeling theband wanted for this tour, which alreadyholds the record for highest-grossing tours ofall time. The Rolling Stones’ Bigger BangTour held the previous record with $558 mil-lion.

If waiting is an indication that an amazingshow is in the works, as a wine gets betterwith time, then South Florida fans will prob-ably not mind waiting even longer for U2 tocome back.

In the meantime, should your kid ever askyou what U2 360° stands for, tell them that isthe formula for the hottest, biggest concertthat toured the planet at least up until 2011. Ifthey do not believe you, ask them to skipschool one day and get in line for tickets thatwill test their patience but ultimately changetheir life.

U2 brings back memories with South Florida concert


BY ELIZABETH AMORE

Now in its 28th season, Festival Miamifeatures a diverse blend of exciting perform-ers showcasing their talents alongside stu-dent and faculty artists.

The dynamic program includes 23 con-certs organized into four themes: GreatPerformances, featuring legendary artistsand composers; Creative American Music, amélange of new compositions by student andfaculty composers; Jazz and Beyond, guar-anteed to spark your groove, and Music ofthe Americas, a cultural firestorm spanningtwo hemispheres.

In addition, visiting artists who conductfree lectures and master classes will giveaudiences an insider’s insight. Festival Miamiwill begin on Oct. 1 and conclude on Nov. 4.

This year Festival Miami brings twoPulitzer Prize-winning American composers— Gunther Schuller, headlining openingnight with the Frost Symphony Orchestraand Frost Chamber Players, and MichaelColgrass, who unveils two contemporaryworks with the Frost Wind Ensemble.

The festival also offers three piano con-certs, including Chopin Competition winnerClaire Huangci, renowned Liszt expertJerome Lowenthal, and a two-piano concertfeaturing the incredible Santiago Rodriguezand UM Frost School of Music dean andacclaimed pianist Shelton “Shelly” Berg per-forming music by George Gershwin.

Other highlights include NEA Jazz MasterBenny Golson, singer-songwriter LivingstonTaylor, salsa music master Willy Chirino,and the vivacious Lucy Arnaz, performingher father’s sensational arrangements.

For closing night, Festival Miami is co-presenting a concert with JazzRoots: ALarry Rosen Series at the Adrienne ArshtCenter, featuring UM Frost School’s own

Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra with newartistic director Terence Blanchard, and anall-star roster of guests including MichaelFeinstein, Dave Grusin, Mark O’Connor,Denyce Graves, and Monica Mancini.

Festival Miami has set a precedent duringthe past 27 years by providing a series thatblends artistically and culturally diversemusic with educational opportunities.

The festival offers 20-30 concerts eachseason, providing for people of all ages thechance to be enriched by live musical per-formances. It is unrivaled in its scope ofmusical presentations and is known through-out South Florida, the U.S., and the interna-tional community for its cultural contribu-tions while expanding academic opportuni-ties and cultural enrichment to all of SouthFlorida and its visitors.

The festival’s concert series is unparal-leled in its scope of musical magnitude andincludes stellar guest artists, the FrostSchool’s widely known artist-faculty andstudent ensembles, and an educational mis-sion that includes children’s concerts, mas-ter classes, lectures, forums, and concertsthat highlight historically significant events.

For a complete listing of concerts and toorder tickets online visit <www.festivalmi-ami.com> or send email to <[email protected]> for additionalinformation. The Festival Miami AdvanceTicket Sales Office phone number is 305-284-4940. Hours are Monday-Friday from9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10a.m. to 6 p.m. All performances are at theMaurice Gusman Concert Hall, located atthe Phillip and Patricia Frost School ofMusic, 1314 Miller Dr. on the University ofMiami’s Coral Gables Campus (unless oth-erwise noted).

For more information on the Frost Schoolof Music, visit <www.music.miami.edu>.

UM’s Festival Miami featuresdiverse blend of performers

FLORIDIANS WIN IF AT&T AND T-MOBILE COMBINE

AT&T’s acquisition of T-Mobile USA offers tremendousbenefits for consumers. BothAT&T and T-Mobile are in thebusiness of keeping up with con-sumer demand. The acquisitionwill help the combined compa-nies to continue to meet thisdemand by providing them withthe capacity to drive innovationand competitive prices for con-sumers. And most importantly, itwill help the combined compa-nies deliver what consumersexpect in a wireless world – fewerdropped calls, faster speeds andaccess to state-of-the-art mobilebroadband Internet service –whether they live in a large city, asmall town or rural areas.

The acquisition will benefitFlorida consumers in many ways:improving service quality andnetwork capacity, fostering inno-vation, increasing competitivepressure and helping to ensurethat America remains a globalleader in mobile broadband. TheU.S has led the world in mobilebroadband usage and innova-tion. From 2007 to 2010, datavolumes on the AT&T networkincreased by a staggering 8,000percent. By 2015, that data vol-ume is expected to be eight to 10times what it was in 2010. BothAT&T and T-Mobile USA facespectrum shortage or even spec-trum exhaustion in some mar-kets, challenging each compa-ny’s ability to support the boom incustomer demand. The acquisi-tion provides the fastest, mostefficient and certain solution tothe impending wireless exhaus-tion facing both companies.

Combining these two compa-nies facilitates the spread ofmobile broadband coverage,which can bring small towns andcommunities many benefits ineducation, health care and eco-nomic development. With theapproval of the merger, AT&T

has committed to provide cutting-edge 4G Long Term Evolution(LTE) mobile Internet service tomore than 97 percent of the U.S.population – that’s more than 300million Americans, nearly 55 mil-lion more people and one millionadditional square miles thanunder our pre-merger plans. LTEwill give more businesses locatedin rural America the same power-ful tools enjoyed by those locatedin major cities. And, rural con-sumers will particularly benefitfrom real-time access to a widerange of resources that would nototherwise be as readily available.

The expanded 4G LTEdeployment and increased spec-trum efficiencies resulting fromthe acquisition will help tie ourcommunities to one another.Through distance learning pro-grams, schools will be able tobring specialized teachers totheir students and will be able tobring students new curriculumand experiences. Smaller andlarger districts will have the sameopportunities. Telemedicine serv-ices will allow residents in ruralcommunities to get remote treat-ment from doctors in differentareas. With access to cutting-edge technology, area smallbusinesses will be able to staycompetitive with larger compa-nies.

In the end, the combination ofAT&T and T-Mobile’s compatiblenetworks will lead to communitydevelopment and economicgrowth. Florida must be able tokeep up in the digital age.Expanded advanced, high-speedmobile broadband services willspur demand for new innovativeapplications and service for all ofus. Getting these services tomore hard-to-reach communitiesand businesses and maximizingthe existing services we have willimprove the quality of life here inFlorida.

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BY TERE ESTORINO

Miami Dade College (MDC) soon willoffer a new Bachelor of Science with amajor in Biological Sciences (BS-BS) tomeet the local demand for trained profes-sionals in the biological/life science indus-tries in South Florida, thanks to unanimousapproval from the Florida Board ofEducation.

Students choosing to pursue this degreeat MDC can select one of three concentra-tions: biotechnology, biopharmaceuticalsciences, or science education. Graduateswill be prepared for in-demand careerssuch as those of biological scientists,research technicians, microbiologists, natu-ral science managers, or science teachers.

“We are extremely pleased to offer thisnew degree,” said Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón,president of Miami Dade College. “Weknow that our students will serve to fulfill acritical workforce need in areas that are piv-otal to our local economy, and to the eco-nomic development efforts in this region.”

The BS-BS degree program will allow

graduates to tap into the burgeoningdemand for biological scientists with four-year degrees, projected to increase by 21percent during the next decade. Degreecandidates can take advantage of the seam-less transfer of existing credits toward thedegree and the many other benefits of aquality education at MDC, including sig-nificantly lower tuition compared to otherinstitutions, and the ability to access class-es with convenient schedules and locations.

The development of the BS-BS is anoth-er example of MDC responding to theworkforce needs of the dynamic communi-ty it serves. In addition to more than 300associate degrees and certificate programs,the BS-BS is MDC’s eighth baccalaureateprogram, following the recently added BS.in Electronics Engineering Technology.

The BS-BS degree offers hands-on expe-rience that emphasizes skill sets and work-force-driven training that is essential and inhigh demand by local employers.

For more information, call theBiology/Health and Wellness Departmentat 305-237-1101.

MDC to offer new bachelor’sdegree in Biological Sciences


BY BARBARA FERENCZI

The third annual celebration of bed rac-ing will take place in Coconut Grove dur-ing Labor Day Weekend, Sunday, Sept. 4.

The Great Grove Bed Race is a freecommunity event and fundraiser in theGrove each year. It is attended by celebri-ties and proves that a community can cometogether, have fun, be unique and raisefunds for charity

The six-hour event is scheduled to takeplace from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The wildlycomedic bed race involves rolling bedsdown village streets in Coconut Grovewith the local South Florida community,individuals, businesses, organizations, andclubs sponsoring the beds.

Teams consist of five members, four rac-ers and one rider, racing against the clockuntil the fastest beds in each division aredetermined. Divisions are Men’s,Women’s, Co-Ed and Corporate/Over 30.Those finalists go head-to-head in a race

for the top position.More important than the speed trophies

are the top prizes awarded for theme, engi-neering, décor, best overall and crowdfavorite through the race’s TEXT your votetelecom sponsor.

Open to the public, the race is organizedas a fun community event to improveawareness and economic impact to theGrove and raise funds for the Boys andGirls Clubs of Miami-Dade.

Race registration fee is $125 per team(one bed, five participants) with the finalentry deadline of 5 p.m. on Aug. 26. Onehundred percent of the registration fee goesto the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.

Many activities will take place duringthe day along with the Bed Race; there is aParade of Beds, theme contest (best cos-tumes and cheers would help in winningthis), decoration contest, etc.

For more information visit online at<www.TheGreatGroveBedRace.com>.

Great Grove Bed Raceset to roll on Sept. 4

This team representing the University of Miami competes in the 2010 Great Grove Bed Race.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––



BY LEE STEPHENS

Many of Florida Power and Light’semployees from Miami to Juno Beachparticipated in the recent ForgottenSoldiers Outreach (FSO) “Christmas inJuly” annual packing event at FSO’sNational Operation Center located inLake Worth.

Since 2004, the FPL’s CommunityVolunteer Corps (CVC) have been hold-ing fundraisers and collection drives tohelp Forgotten Soldiers Outreach intheir mission of sending out monthly“We Care” packages.

FPL’s Debbie Riley (Miami) andMargarita Truitt (Juno Beach) presenteda check in the amount of $6,041 toLynelle Zelnar, executive director andfounder, and Bob Nichols, FSO nationalchair. These funds were raised via thecompany’s annual “Jeans Day”fundraiser conducted at FPL’s JunoBeach and Miami locations.

Many FPL employees currently areregistered with the Armed Forcesand/or have had family members serv-ing in which they benefit from the FSOprogram. Not only are the employees of

FPL committed to their own personneland their families who have been calledto duty, but to all of the U.S. servicemenand women deployed overseas.

“Our troops certainly deserve an extraholiday, so in lieu of our normal month-ly packing events, we decided to up theante and send them Christmas style “WeCare” packages, Zelnar said.

“The support we continue to receivefrom Florida Power and Light Companysets a great example to other businessesin the surrounding community andthroughout the country, of what itmeans to be able to do ‘something’ toshow your support of our troops,”Zelnar said.

“Since 2003, FSO has benefited closeto a quarter of a million of our military.It is more important now then ever totruly show our support and send our ser-vicemen and servicewomen that ‘littlebit of home’ to assure they are not for-gotten.”

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach Inc., is anational 501(c) tax-exempt corporationand can be reached at 1-561-369-2933or by email at <[email protected]>.

FPL gives check, participatesin ‘Christmas in July’ for FSO

Pictured (l-r) are Lynelle Zelnar, executive director of FSO; Debbie Riley, FPL Miami; Margarita Truitt, FPL JunoBeach, and Bob Nichols, FSO national chair.

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


BY SANDRA RODRIGUEZ

UPS and United Way of Miami-Dade haveonce again teamed up for the UPS 5Krace/walk benefiting United Way’s work in theareas of education, income and health. Therace will take place Saturday, Sept. 17, at theCoral Gables City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way.

“For almost three decades, UPS has beengiving back to communities nationwide,”said Harve Mogul, president and CEO,United Way of Miami-Dade. “Now, ourcommunity has the opportunity to helpUPS and United Way continue to advancethe common good by creating opportuni-ties for a better life for all.”

To pre-register for the UPS 5K, partici-pants must submit their entry forms by 1 p.m.on Friday, Sept. 16, via the Internet at<www.unitedwaymiami.org/ups5k>. Earlyregistration is only $20. Race day registrationbegins at 6 a.m. on Sept. 17 for a cost of $25.

“UPS employees are dedicated to sup-porting the communities where they liveand work, and we encourage everyone to

put on their running shoes and join us inthis effort,” said Romaine Seguin, presi-dent of UPS Americas Region. “This greatrace with the United Way gives everyone achance to walk, run, cheer and have a goodtime while supporting a good cause.”

For those unable to run, participantshave the opportunity to volunteer on raceday or enjoy fun activities for the entirefamily. For more information on becominga race sponsor, or to form a team, contactJessica Silverman at 305-646-7011 or <sil-

UPS 5K event to benefitUnited Way of Miami-Dade

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BY DESIREE LLERENA

The Simon Youth FoundationScholarship program, sponsored by SimonYouth Foundation, a national nonprofitthat champions education opportunities forstudents of all backgrounds, awarded$5,600 to Miami-Dade County high schoolstudents, so that they may pursue a post-secondary degree.

Simon Youth Foundation assists youth inSimon Mall communities nationwide byproviding scholarships to help them realizetheir hopes of going to college.

Scholarship recipients LourianneApollon, Daniela Serna, Sonja Castel andKristina Oliva were presented with a cer-tificate during an intimate luncheon at theKnife Restaurant in Miami InternationalMall. Representatives from DadelandMall, Miami International Mall, The Fallsand The Shops at Sunset Place were inattendance to congratulate and recognizethe students chosen from their Simon Mallcommunity.

The following recipients received $1,400

each toward their university of choice:Lourianne Apollon of Miami for

University of Florida, Dadeland Mallrecipient;

Daniela Serna of Miami for BrownUniversity, Miami International Mallrecipient;

Sonja Castel of Miami for University ofMiami, The Falls recipient, and

Kristina Oliva of Coral Gables forPratt Institute, The Shops at Sunset Placerecipient.

“The administration and staff at theSimon Miami Malls are proud to participatein the scholarships program with SimonYouth Foundation,” said Dailen Rodriguez,director of mall marketing and businessdevelopment for The Falls. “The awards[remove] some of the financial obstaclesthat may have prevented their continuedlearning.”

To date, the Simon Youth FoundationScholarships program has granted $1.15million in nationwide scholarship awards in2011 to recipients who plan to attend post-secondary institutions.

Simon Youth Foundation awards$5,600 to high school students

Verizon Wireless, the nation’s largest wireless provider, is leading the effort to educate teens about how toresponsibly use technology to promote healthy relationships. The Verizon Wireless Teen Technology Panelprogram conducted recently included Boys and Girls Club teens and representatives from the Miami commu-nity. Collectively, the group discussed the warning signs of abusive dating relationships and explored howtechnology can be used to promote positive relationships among teens. Pictured on the panel are (l-r) DanielRodriguez, Det. Cora Mann of the North Miami Beach Police Department, Alex Lopez, Paula Owen ofSafespace Foundation, Adrian Abreu and Christine Brouri.

Verizon works to educate teens on dating violence


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Chevrolet’s beautiful new CamaroConvertible made its debut in January at theLos Angeles International Auto Show and itwas an immediate hit; American consumersloved it.

With the top up, the Camaro Convertiblehas the same sleek profile as its sibling hard-top. With the top down, it is much moreseductive, and the overused term of “sleekand sexy” only begins to describe its beauty.

The Camaro Convertible’s underlyingbody structure has been re-worked to accom-modate the very tight and nicely tailored topmechanism. GM engineers made four pri-mary additions to strengthen the body struc-ture and eliminate cowl and steering wheelshake.

They added a tower-to-tower brace underthe hood, installed a new transmission sup-port reinforcement brace, added an under-body tunnel brace and installed front and rearunderbody “V” braces. The end result is a

convertible automobile that has a good look-ing profile and handles very much like asport coupe.

Additional structural safety reinforcementsinclude a hydroformed tube in the A-pillars,an inner reinforcement bracket in the wind-shield header, a reinforced front hinge pillarand reinforcements inside the rockers toimprove noise and vibration characteristics.The changes give the car’s body better bend-ing characteristics and torsional stiffness.

Designers also wanted to eliminate theappearance of convertible top support ribs, sothey used composite knuckles rather thanaluminum, extended the top material belowthe belt line and revised the top’s stitch linesfor a smooth, taut and carefully tailoredappearance that retains the sleek roofline ofthe coupe.

The power top retracts in about 20 seconds,folding in a simple “Z” pattern, and latcheswith a single twist handle at the center of thewindshield header. Turn the latch to the openposition, push a button and the windows godown and the top goes down. And you don’thave to be parked to activate the top; you candrop it on a spur-of-the-moment, such aswhile stopped at a traffic light.

A folding, one-piece tonneau covers thefolded top for a finished look and an accesso-ry windscreen is available that installs behind

the front seats to limit wind buffeting whendriving with the top down.

The Camaro Convertible is available in thesame configurations as the coupe. The stan-dard model comes with a 312 hp direct injec-tion V-6 engine that delivers 29 mpg high-way. The SS model has a 426 hp 6.2 liter V-8 engine under the hood. A six-speed manu-al transmission is standard equipment and asix-speed automatic is an option.

Other distinguishing characteristicsinclude locating the OnStar/XM/AM-FMradio antenna on the deck lid on LT models

without the RS package; embedding theradio antenna in the rear spoiler on RS-equipped LT and SS models and moving thetrunk lock cylinder to the rear seat area for acleaner exterior.

Pricing starts at $30,000, including $850destination charges.

Ron Beasley is the automotive editor forMiami’s Community Newspapers. He may becontacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261,or by addressing email correspondence to<[email protected]>.

Chevrolet has a hit with new Camaro Convertible

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TUTORING SERVICESSubject Areas Taught:

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15 Years ExperienceShane Smoleny786-367-6713 0830GT

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SERVICES

HELP WANTEDHELP WANTED FOR SALE

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� �� "��!�� $!"�MS in Bus. Adm.Or B.A in Bus+5

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CCOOLLOORR PPRREESSSS CCOORRPP.. MMiiaammii FFLLBS in Administration + 5 ys exp. in printing business. Design & manage Strategic planning; determine theviability to add new lines of merchandise; managebudget, cost and productivity in graphic design &printing; marketing research for new clients that require assistance in printing products of all types;proficient in design and printing software; Appleworks, Dreamweaver & Fireworks, Flash Presentation, web sites development HTML, SWF,Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash, Plotter HP5500 UV ink, Hot/Cold 72 Laminator, Gerber EdgePlotter Print & Cut, Heidelberg DI Digital Press 42,Xante Digital Press. Email Resume:ccoolloorrpprreessssccoorrpp@@ggmmaaii ll ..ccoomm

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REAL ESTATE

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ENGINEERING MANAGERLIMA AUTO SALES INC

Miami, FL (Opalocka)Information Syst Eng. Degree+5 yrs exp. in Vehicles

Sales business; develop systems andtechnological platform to ease the purchase of vehicles on web site;

Knowledge of Free Trade Agreementbetween Peru/USA and Peruvian

Customs laws; preparation of budget, installs and troubleshoots; develop network; technical support; head ofComputer/Tech Dept email resume:

email resume:[email protected]

0719DM

Business Adm.

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bachelor’s in

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req. by regulatory

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Only Mail res:TSI Lavajet Corp.

1578 NW 165 St.

Miami, FL 33169

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FOR SALE BY OWNER4 BEDROOM 3 BATH

15’ X 30’ POOL LOT 130’ X 150’

DEAD END STREET ON CANALINSIDE NEEDS MINOR WORK

AND PAINT, YARD NEEDS T.L.C.

$475,000.00

305-505-0504

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Digital Hair SalonRentando

estaciones paraestilistas y

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Master in Int’l Busi-ness req. Conferwith personnel con-cerned to ensuresuccessful Func-tioning of newly im-plement systems orproceduresOnly Mail Res:

GGrraapphhiicc SSyysstteemmssIInntt’’ss IInncc..

3331 NW 82 Ave,Miami FL 33122

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must. Flexible hoursincluding mornings,evenings weekends

& holidaysSpecialty toy store inPinecrest, resume or

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FREE CYLINDER LOCKwith every move in

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 9 - 22, 2011

PINA-BRITO & ASSOCIATES PA9950 SW 107th Ave. #204

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Located in Kendall(305)274-1565 (Main)

(877)274-1568 (Toll-Free)

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Planning & organizing medical services& programs. Governing nurses & other

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Fast-paced, M/E/P Engineering Firm in Coral Gables is looking for a self-

motivated, energetic individual to assist our 12-person staff with overall

administrative duties. Responsibilities would include typing, answering

phone, filing, ordering supplies, shop drawing submittals and more.

Candidate for this full-time position should be fluent in both English and

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try preferred, proficiency with MS Office required. We are an equal

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Employment Opportunity

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FREE Estimates

Residential&

Commercial

Re-Roofing

Licensed and Insured.ROOFINGCONTRACTORS

Cell: 305.986.3270Off: 305.758.7503

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Service: Installation Maintenance New Construction Remodeling Repair

WILLIAM CARPENTER - President/Owner

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• Owner on every job • Specializing in roof leak repairs

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Cauley Square Historic Railroad Village is aNostalgic Village that offers a Glimpse of OldSouth Florida at its best. Spend the day or a lazyafternoon shopping and casually strollingthrough the shaded garden paths. It is locatedwithin ten acres of lush tropical gardens, foliage,plants & flowers, birds, fountains, sculpturesand private patios.

Cauley Square

Cauley Square Historic Village22400 Old Dixie Hwy. Miami, FL 33170

305-258-3543


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Don’t let your child’s hard work this year be lost during the summer.Students can lose up to 2-3 months of content retention during thesummer break. You can avoid having your child struggle to catch up in the fall through summer tutoring sessions.

• Reading (from basic phonics to skill specific comprehension reinforcement) • Math (basic math drills to skill/benchmark specific instruction) • Study Skills (organization, outlining, note taking) • Essay writing (prewriting, proofreading, editing, grammar, spelling, word usage) • Spanish• FCAT review for summer retest!

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Selective Cut, Inc.Complete Tree, Landscaping, Lawn Service &

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Tree Trimming • Full Lawn Maintenance

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Custom Concrete Driveways

One call does it all!

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COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 9 - 22, 20110823RB

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DIRT CHEAP

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We are a full service plumbing company

• Expert Drainline Technicians

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August 9 - 22, 2011

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Paul Merker has helpedhundreds of individuals,families and teens

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GREEN DISHDISH

FREE TV!ALL Major Stations60+ Digital ChannelsMade of Recycled Materials

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Meets 2nd and 4th Monday7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

9700 South Dixie Hwy., Suite # 650Miami, Florida 33156Call: 305.610.7260

Jewish RecoveryGroup

Sponsored by Jewish Community Services 0901MY

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• Pay off current mortgage, eliminating monthly payments• Pay off credit card debt• Establish grandchild education fund• Repair the home: New roof? Paint?• Establish an emergency "cash" fund• Pay medical bills• Take a vacation

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The Pinecrest Community Center now offersmore than 4200 square feet dedicated solelyto getting fit. The facility proudly provides thelatest equipment from industry leaders Precor,Lifefitness, and Hampton.

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Village of Pinecrest • Parks and Recreation Department, Pinecrest Community Center5855 Southwest 111 St. Pinecrest, FL 33156 • 305-284-0900

You can register online for all classes and programs at: www.pinecrest-fl.gov/parks

As part of the �� THE PINECREST COMMUNITY CENTERis offering a “Quick Start” to fitness package that includes a

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EXPIRES 8/19/2011

south miami news 8.9.2011

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