BY RICHARD YAGER S anta Claus arrived early Dec. 7 for a crowd of delighted Florida City small fry and families at the Kendall Village Civic Pavilion, thanks to Kendall Federation of Homeowners Association (KFHA) volunteers. With a bag of goodies tucked under their arms, Farm Share kids snacked on pizza and cookies while enjoying upbeat Christmas songs performed by the John A. Ferguson Senior High “Lady Falcons” chorus. Then Santa distributed gifts to each and announced 20 raffle prizes including a boy’s bicycle and a Kindle Fire HD tablet as grand prize award. Key donors includ- ed Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Costco, First National Bank of South Florida, Miami-Dade Police Hammocks District, Farm Share, Amelia Toural, Dan Cowan, Steve’s Pizza, and McDonald’s. Teacher Carmen Krueger’s school media room also received a set of books, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Michael Rosenberg, Libby Perez and Iliana Petisco headed the KFHA team that included Nancy Rosenberg, Adolfo Perez and family, Joe Petisco and family, Miles and Lina Moss, Larry and Pam Kaplan, Jane and Bill Walker, Margaret Depass, Lee Zimmerman, Elna Epperson, Maggie Marrero, Lourdes Bravo, and Roderick Silva and family. E E ENDALL GAZETT ENDALL GAZETT K K communitynewspapers.com DEC. 25, 2012 - JAN. 7, 2013 Lynda Bell elected vice chair of Miami- Dade Commission One of Miami’s Community Newspapers –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Connecting local businesses. 305-669-7355 KFHA helps Santa Claus bring joy to youngsters BY MAURICE R. HERNANDEZ T he Miami-Dade County Commission on Tuesday, Nov. 20, elected Commissioner Lynda Bell as vice chair of the board in a historic move where, for the first time in county history, two women will serve in the top two leadership posts on the commission for a term of two years. The vote followed the election of Commissioner Rebeca Sosa as the commission’s new chair. Both Sosa and Bell will assume the new lead- ership roles in January. “I am overwhelmed by the high level of confidence my fellow col- leagues have placed in me by entrusting me to serve in this most important capacity,” Bell said. “I look forward to working closely with my highly respected and admired colleague, chairwoman-elect Sosa, and the rest of the county commission, as we continue to tackle the critical issues the residents of our beloved county –––––––––––––––––––– See BELL, page 6 ‘Stay happy and smiling’ says Ruth Moffett, 100 BY RICHARD YAGER “Y ou know, it takes a long time to be 100,” Rod Moffett was once told by his mother, Ruth, a mother of five who marked this holiday season by start- ing her second century. So where should Ruth celebrate her 100th birthday? What could be more fitting than Joe’s Stone Crab, now also marking 100 seasons after its founding in 1913 as a small lunch counter on Miami Beach. A 1:30 p.m. Saturday luncheon not only made Ruth Moffett’s Christmas special on Dec. 15 but brought several family members together for a weekend reunion, including three children and three of four grandchildren. Born on Dec. 12, 1912, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, nearly a half-century later Ruth Deery would settle in Miami to complete raising her family with Pictured in front of the Christmas tree at The Palace are Rod, Ruth and Wendy (Moffett) Morris. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––––– See MOFFETT, page 6 Commissioner Lynda Bell First grader Alexis Cortes wins bicycle. (Photo by Libby Perez)
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BY RICHARD YAGER
S anta Claus arrived early Dec. 7for a crowd of delighted FloridaCity small fry and families at theKendall Village Civic Pavilion,thanks to Kendall Federation of
Homeowners Association (KFHA) volunteers.With a bag of goodies tucked under their
arms, Farm Share kids snacked on pizza andcookies while enjoying upbeat Christmas songsperformed by the John A. Ferguson Senior High“Lady Falcons” chorus. Then Santa distributedgifts to each and announced 20 raffle prizesincluding a boy’s bicycle and a Kindle Fire HDtablet as grand prize award. Key donors includ-ed Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables, BJ’sWholesale Club, Costco, First National Bank ofSouth Florida, Miami-Dade Police HammocksDistrict, Farm Share, Amelia Toural, DanCowan, Steve’s Pizza, and McDonald’s.
Teacher Carmen Krueger’s school mediaroom also received a set of books, The Diaryof a Wimpy Kid.
Michael Rosenberg, Libby Perez and IlianaPetisco headed the KFHA team that includedNancy Rosenberg, Adolfo Perez and family, JoePetisco and family, Miles and Lina Moss, Larryand Pam Kaplan, Jane and Bill Walker, MargaretDepass, Lee Zimmerman, Elna Epperson,Maggie Marrero, Lourdes Bravo, and RoderickSilva and family.
Lynda Bell elected vice chair of Miami-Dade Commission
One of Miami’s Community Newspapers –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Connecting local businesses.
305-669-7355
KFHA helps Santa Claus bring joy to youngsters
BY MAURICE R. HERNANDEZ
T he Miami-DadeCounty Commissionon Tuesday, Nov.20, electedC o m m i s s i o n e r
Lynda Bell as vice chair of the boardin a historic move where, for thefirst time in county history, twowomen will serve in the top twoleadership posts on the commissionfor a term of two years.
The vote followed the election ofCommissioner Rebeca Sosa as thecommission’s new chair. Both Sosaand Bell will assume the new lead-ership roles in January.
“I am overwhelmed by the highlevel of confidence my fellow col-leagues have placed in me bye n t r u s t i n gme to servein this mosti m p o r t a n tc a p a c i t y, ”Bell said. “Ilook forwardto workingclosely withmy highlyr e s p e c t e dand admiredc o l l e a g u e ,chairwoman-elect Sosa, and the restof the county commission, as wecontinue to tackle the critical issuesthe residents of our beloved county
–––––––––––––––––––– See BELL, page 6
‘Stay happy and smiling’ says Ruth Moffett, 100
BY RICHARD YAGER
“Y ou know, it takesa long time to be100,” RodMoffett was once
told by his mother, Ruth, a mother of fivewho marked this holiday season by start-ing her second century.
So where should Ruth celebrate her100th birthday?
What could be more fitting thanJoe’s Stone Crab, now also marking100 seasons after its founding in 1913
as a small lunch counter on MiamiBeach.
A 1:30 p.m. Saturday luncheon notonly made Ruth Moffett’s Christmasspecial on Dec. 15 but brought severalfamily members together for a weekendreunion, including three children andthree of four grandchildren.
Born on Dec. 12, 1912, in Toronto,Ontario, Canada, nearly a half-centurylater Ruth Deery would settle in Miamito complete raising her family with
Pictured in front of the Christmas tree at The Palace are Rod, Ruth and Wendy (Moffett) Morris.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
––––––––––––––––– See MOFFETT, page 6
Commissioner Lynda Bell
First grader Alexis Cortes wins bicycle. (Photo by Libby Perez)
Interval Leisure Group Inc. recently hon-ored 17 employees as part of its ClubExcellence global recognition program.These awards are presented annually to out-standing individuals who make a differencein the lives of colleagues and customers,who include vacation exchange members,as well as resort and hotel clients.
Winners participated in a variety of edu-cational, recreational, and leadership activ-ities during their visit to Miami. Eachemployee received a Crystal Jade trophy,signed certificate, and a commemorativetimepiece.
“Recognizing people who are committedto our values and goals is one of the mostenjoyable things I do,” said Jeanette E.Marbert, chief operating officer of ILG.“Our Club Excellence Award winners leadby example and play a key role in creatinga positive work environment.”
The 2012 Club Excellence recipientsare: Warlito Asuncion, Cecilia Bagcal, andTiana Raymondo, Aston Hotels & Resorts,Hawaii; Matt Dawkins and Jackie Fry,Interval International, London; PamGarland, Meridian Financial Services,
North Carolina; Jo-Ann McNew (Florida)and Annette Pugmire (Utah), VacationResorts International; Sarah Scannone,Interval International, Italy; TresaVictorino, Interval International,Singapore; Noel Betancourt, TonyKnowles, Carlos Munoz, Cindy Perez,Jimmy Rabell, Interval International,Miami, and Cary Rodriguez and Scottie
Wilson, Interval International, Orlando.Interval Leisure Group is a leading glob-
al provider of membership and leisureservices to the vacation industry.Headquartered in Miami, ILG has morethan 3,500 employees worldwide. Thecompany’s primary operating segment isMembership and Exchange, which offerstravel and leisure related products and
services to about 2 million member fami-lies who are enrolled in various programs.
Interval International, the segment’sprincipal business, has been a leader invacation ownership exchange since 1976.With offices in 16 countries, it operates theInterval Network of approximately 2,700resorts in more than 75 nations.
More information about the company is
Interval’s Club Excellence global recognition program honors 17
17 employees were honored recently as part of Interval Leisure Group’s Club Excellence global recognition program.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Ever since receiving a copy of UnselfishWorld by Richard E. Sasso, we’ve been wait-ing for the right time to review its contents. ASouth Florida business executive, Sasso,President/CEO of MSC Cruises, N.A., has a40-year career in the cruise line business.
Now, he’s dedicated himself to restoringunselfishness as an instinctive condition ofhuman behavior.
Midway through his book, Sasso tells ofarriving outside a favored bagel shop withanother “regular” for a mutual caffeine fixand hastening to reach the door before her.
Noting a “look of anger on her eyes asshe assumed I was rushing ahead to beat herin line, little did she know the real reasonfor my rush was to thoughtfully open thedoor first so that she could enter before me.
“Imagine her facial expression, reactionand demeanor when it became apparent shehad misjudged my motive. Her expressionwas priceless, she seemed embarrassed tohave first shown her anger. More important-ly, she realized that instead of a selfish acton display, I was demonstrating an unselfishinstinct, and she was the benefactor.”
That small but unforgettable instant per-manently changed their daily relationship toexchanging smiles, a transformation thatSasso began to realize was a way toimprove his own world. Realizing how easy
it was to perform a simple act of courtesy,he became convinced that “One unselfishact every day is worth everything.”
His book challenges us “to overcome ourinstinct to be selfish,” adding “Don’t judgeothers because of their religious, politicalor social identities, but rather for theirefforts to display unselfish behavior.”
That philosophy changed Sasso’s life,convincing him that daily acts of unselfishbehavior, no matter how small, will notonly change our personal world but lead tochanging the world around us.
“Open your eyes, your hearts, and yourminds…pay attention to your surroundingsa bit more. You will notice situations thatencourage you to behave unselfishly.
“Acts of unselfishnessare the most rewardingthings we can do…don’tdo a good deed forthanks. Do it because it’sthe right thing to do,” hewrites.
Writing UnselfishWorld has become hisway to spread the wordand “help create an envi-ronment for you tobecome the mostunselfish person you can be.”
His theme: “Do what you can to changeyour own behavior to become unselfishand also encourage unselfishness in oth-ers.” (Today, among other simple unselfishacts, his family pools money to buyChristmas gifts for others, something thathad never before occurred to a busy andsuccessful career-oriented father).
Sasso is convinced that if each of uschanged simple acts of living from selfishmotives to instinctively unselfish behavior,human relationships throughout our worldwill also begin to change.
Reading through this unassuming 84-page volume could be a wake-up call forthose who hope humanity may somedayevolve into a peaceful society.
So, friends, be of good cheer and beginenjoying your own style of unselfishbehavior among family, friends, businessassociates and strangers, too.
It’s as simple as exchanging a smile.Isn’t that what the holiday season is all
about?Note: For information, visit on-line
<unselfishworld.org>.Thought of the Day:
The highest result of educationis tolerance.
— Helen Keller
Richard Yager contributed to thiscolumn.
Got any tips? Contact me at 305-669-7355, ext. 249, or send emails to<[email protected]>.
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face every day. As long as I am a publicservant, they can expect nothing less butthe highest standards of excellence andintegrity in public service they have allcome to expect and deserve.”
Commissioner Bell was elected to theMiami-Dade Commission on Nov. 2,2010 representing District 8, whichencompasses a significant portion ofsoutheastern Miami-Dade County,
including the municipalities of PalmettoBay, Cutler Bay and Homestead, withportions of Kendall and the Redland.
Prior to her service on the commisionBell had the distinction of serving as theonly woman mayor in the City ofHomestead’s 99-year history.
Commissioner Bell has been married toMark Bell for 28 years. They have threeadult children and nine grandchildren.
BELL, from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
MOFFETT, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
husband, John Moffett. She now enjoysretirement years at The PalaceRenaissance in Kendall where she cut apost-luncheon birthday cake, remark-ing, “This is a great place for me. I havegood food, family nearby and goodfriends. What else could I want?”
Joining their mom for her birthdaywere two of her three sons — Roderickof Miami and David of Orlando, anddaughter Wendy Morris of New YorkCity. Another son, Christopher, residesin Hawaii. A son, John, died in hisyouth, and Ruth’s husband passed awayin 1986.
In recent years, Ruth made her homeat Kings Creek but a Keys outing thatresulted in a broken hip six years agoconfines her to a wheelchair — noobstacle for her latest of many trips toMiami Beach.
She recalls summer visits during the1920s with her sisters, Toddy and Edith,and a brother, Bud, an exceptionalswimmer who earned pocket moneyplaying water polo to entertain Beachhotel guests.
Ruth later traveled the world with herhusband with stopping points in Englandand Turkey where John managed an AirForce Base Post Exchange before thecouple returned to the U.S. and settled inNew Jersey.
Recalling Miami’s appeal, theMoffetts left the frigid Northeast for anew home in Coral Gables in 1960.
“Just in time to experience HurricaneDonna,” Rod recalled.
After living in the Gables andKendall for more than 50 years, RuthMoffett begins her 101st year admittingto only one vice: Captain Morgan’sSpiced Rum. Meanwhile, she attributesher longevity to her “live and let live”attitude that marks an easy-going,never-complaining personality.
Keeping abreast of current affairs byreading The Herald each day, she decid-ed she would vote for the first time inthe recent Nov. 6 election — at 99 yearsof age.
Looking up with a cheerful laugh, sherecently summed up how to live to be100: “Stay happy and stay smiling.”
The solution to regaining our confidencein America is simple. The results are obvi-ous. The implementation is beyond difficult.
Unless we are certain the future is secure,we, the American people, will not spend.And, spending is the only way out of ourcurrent malaise — individual spending, thatis you and I, not government. Governmentspending temporarily creates jobs, but itsspending only gets us deeper in debt and thecontinued loss of confidence in our future.
When we say, “I am not sure” and decideto put off buying that new car and make theold one last another year we are holdingback employment growth. Only when man-ufacturers and retailers say,
“The demand for my product or servicehas outgrown my ability to meet demand”will they go out and hire more employees.It’s just that simple.
The myth that reducing income taxes forthe wealthy will result in their hiring more
employees is just that, a myth. No onespends money hiring more employees thanthey need. I wouldn’t. And I am sure youwould not.
The middle class will spend if they feel
confident in the future. There is the key
word — confidence. What will make you
and I feel confident about our future? Many
factors, but No. 1 is our belief that our
elected leaders have our best interests at
heart, and are less concerned about their
own futures. What they seem to miss is the
fact that we would return them to office
over and over again if we feel that they are
working for us.
Our elected officials in Washington, DC,
can make or break the public’s confidence.
The battle between Democrats and
Republicans for political dominance, a con-
cern for political party over the best interest
of America, is at the root of our problem.
Retiring U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman said it all
in his retirement speech from the floor of the
Senate a few weeks ago. It is worth quoting:“Today I regret to say as I leave the
Senate that the greatest obstacle that I seestanding between us and the brighterAmerican future we all want is right here inWashington. It’s the partisan polarization of
our politics, which preventsus from making the princi-pled compromises on whichprogress in a democracydepends, and right nowwhich prevents us fromrestoring our fiscal solven-cy as a nation. We needbipartisan leadership tobreak the gridlock inWashington that willunleash all the potential thatis the American people.”
Lack of confidenceworks its way all the waydown to local government.Here at home in Miami-Dade we would not havefought so hard, for so manyyears, to limit county com-missioner terms in office ifwe felt they put the public’sinterest first. We wouldhave been happy to let them die in office, ifthey put the citizens of the county ahead of
their futures.Lack of trust and confi-
dence in our political lead-ers must be restored to turnaround America. And onlyour elected leaders inWashington, Tallahassee,Miami-Dade and our localmunicipalities can resolvethe loggerhead.
Compromise is the word.Do it now, Washington,before it is too late.
We appreciate your opin-ions on this column whetherin agreement or disagree-ment. Please send yourcomments to (fax number)305-662-6980 or email to<[email protected]>. The opinionsexpressed in this column
are not necessarily those of this newspaper,its editors or publisher.
KENNETH’S COMMENTARY
R. Kenneth Bluh • • • VIEWPOINT • • •America must regain its confidence in the future
Three lost burglary suspects searching for afavorite restaurant wound up with multiplecharges and an uncommitted crime, leading tohonors for a Miami-Dade Police KendallDistrict officer’s vigilance.
Officer Christopher Casiano was awardedthe Kendall District’s Officer of the Month cita-tion for his alert performance on Sept. 12 whileon cruiser patrol in southwest Miami-Dade.
A “suspicious vehicle” call had been relayedby dispatch to Casiano who was on patrol in theimmediate area. A Kendall Breeze homeownerspotted three black males wearing gloves, cir-cling the neighborhood in a green Honda SUV.
Arriving in time to order a traffic stop on thevehicle on SW 120th Street just east of 122ndAvenue, Officer Casiano ordered the threeoccupants out of the SUV for interviews.
All three protested they had “become lost”while traveling from Homestead to the SweetTomatoes restaurant in Kendall, adding they
didn’t know its location.A check of the vehicle’s interior turned up
several pairs of gloves and spark plug itemscommonly used in break-ins, leading to arecords check that revealed all three subjectswith past histories of burglaries. Two of thesuspects are on probation and the car’s driverwas operating with a suspended license.
Charges were lodged against all three for loi-tering and prowling as well as probation viola-tions and one was additionally charged withobstruction by disguise for giving OfficerCasiano a false name.
“Your efforts resulted in the apprehensionand arrest of three subjects who were undoubt-edly preparing to commit a burglary,” said Maj.Delma Noel-Pratt in the citation honoringCasiano.
Commended for his alertness and procedure,Casiano received his special citation at theKendall District Citizens Advisory Committeemeeting from CAC chair Barry White and Maj.Noel-Pratt.
Three lost burglary suspectsarrested by vigilant officer
Pictured at presentation are (l-r) CAC chair Barry White, Officer Christopher Casiano and Maj. Delma Noel-Pratt.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
SAME DAYDELIVERY AVAILABLEWe’ll help you find the perfect
The Palace Royale’s “Make-a-Difference Club” members (l-r) Chris Weiher,Shirley Skolnick and Connie Otero helped raised money to buy Apple iPads forstudents at the South Florida Autism Charter School.
The term “Snail Mail” proved appropriate when Kendall resident Barb Yager recently pulled a magazine out of hermailbox. Attached was a local critter that might have been catching up on its reading or just hitching a ride for theprice of a stamp. There are days when your computer may be slow, but you likely won’t find one of these in youremail.
Now we know why it’s called ‘Snail Mail’
BY DIANE HIRTH
The Florida Fish and WildlifeConservation Commission (FWC) hasannounced the 2013 Python Challengewith its goal of increasing public aware-ness about Burmese pythons and how thisinvasive species is a threat to theEverglades ecosystem, including nativewildlife.
As part of the Python Challenge, boththe public and Florida’s python permitholders are invited to compete to see whocan harvest the longest and the mostBurmese pythons.
On Jan. 12, the Python ChallengeKickoff will initiate a month-long programof harvesting Burmese pythons from publiclands, and the public can see and learnmore about these large constrictors. Thekickoff is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at theUniversity of Florida’s Fort LauderdaleResearch and Education Center, which willhold its invasive species open house thatday.
“The FWC is encouraging the public toget involved in helping us remove Burmesepythons from public lands in SouthFlorida,” said Kristen Sommers, head ofthe FWC’s Exotic Species CoordinationSection. “By enlisting both the public andFlorida’s python permit holders in amonth-long competitive harvesting ofBurmese pythons, we hope to motivatemore people to find and harvest these large,invasive snakes. The Python Challengegives people a chance to sign up for a com-petition to see who can catch the longest orthe most pythons.
“Part of the goal of the Python Challengeis to educate the public to understand whynonnative species like Burmese pythonsshould never be released into the wild andencourage people to report sightings of
exotic species,” Sommers said.“We also expect the competitive harvest-
ing of Burmese pythons to result in addi-tional information on the python popula-tion in South Florida and enhance ourresearch and management efforts.”
Grand prizes of $1,500 for harvesting themost Burmese pythons will be awarded towinners of both the General Competitionand the Python Permit HoldersCompetition, with additional $1,000 prizesfor the longest Burmese python harvestedin both competitions. Funding for theprizes is provided by Python Challengesponsors. The largest Burmese python doc-umented in Florida was more than 17 feetin length.
Complete information on the PythonChallenge, including how to train and reg-ister for the competitions and more aboutupcoming South Florida events, is avail-able at PythonChallenge.org.
Many partners, including the Universityof Florida, The Nature Conservancy,Future of Hunting in Florida, WildlifeFoundation of Florida and Zoo Miami, areinvolved in the Python Challenge.
Florida currently prohibits possession orsale of Burmese pythons for use as pets,and federal law bans the importation andinterstate sale of this species.
The Python Challenge will concludewith a free Awareness and Awards Eventon Feb. 16 at Zoo Miami. Educational talksand exhibits will be available for all ages,with chances to encounter live Burmesepythons, meet the experts who research andcapture them, and learn about protectingthe precious resources of the Evergladesecosystem, including its native birds, mam-mals and reptiles. The winners of theGeneral Competition and Python PermitHolders Competition will be presentedwith their awards.
FWC seeks to increase awarenessby public with Python Challenge
Nationally recognizedauthor, adventurer and
entrepreneur Charles J.Kropke spoke to the
Dadeland-Pinecrest RotaryClub on Monday, Dec. 10,
about SOUTH BEACH:Stories of a Renaissance.
The lavishly illustrated coffee table-styled bookchronicles the businessentrepreneurs, builders
and civic leaders who pioneered Art Deco preser-
vation — transforming South Beach
into one of the travelworld’s most remarkablesuccess stories. Kropke
co-authored the book withEleanor Goldstein, a
nationally recognizedauthor, educator, and
philanthropist. Pictured atthe breakfast are Kropke
(left) and Dadeland-Pinecrest Rotary Past pres-
ident Ron Leiberman.
Author and entrepreneur Charles Kropkespeaks to Dadeland-Pinecrest Rotary Club
Ex Heat star Strickland honorarychair of Jr. OB Basketball Classic
BY NANCY EAGLETON
Pinecrest resident JudyAguirre’s thin and crispycookies always have beenpopular with everyone whoexperiences them. When sheshared them with the doctorsand nurses who were treatingher cousin Jani during herbattle with ovarian cancer, anidea was born — one greatproduct for one great cause.
Aguirre started her cookiecompany, Cookies for Jani,and began her mission of“baking for a cure, one cookieat a time.” She donates hercompany’s proceeds to theSylvester ComprehensiveCancer Center at theUniversity of Miami for can-cer research. Her deliciouscookies do so much more thanput smiles on people’s faces;they are a recipe for a cure.
“I chose the SylvesterCancer Center because it is acomprehensive center thattreats all cancers,” Aguirresaid. “So many people aretouched by this disease.”
Aguirre’s cousin Jani (JanetHaas) was diagnosed with ovarian cancerin 2006. She bravely battled and beat thecancer, and today the former professionaltennis player and University of Miami 1973Woman Athlete of the Year is back on thetennis courts coaching women’s tennisteams and student athletes at MiamiCountry Day School in Miami Shores.
But Aguirre knows that for others thebattle against cancer continues. More than1.6 million people will be diagnosed withcancer this year and she is determined tomake a difference in the fight against thedeadly disease.
The operation, which humbly began withJudy baking in her kitchen, now operatesout of a professional kitchen and requiresas many as four helpers during the holi-days. So, what is the secret ingredient thatmakes her cookies so irresistible?
“We all really enjoy baking these cookiesand that happiness and passion comesacross in the product,” Aguirre said. “Thesecookies are made with love.”
Her delicious cookies made with thefinest ingredients come in popular flavors,including chocolate chip, white chocolatechip, peanut butter and chocolate chip,coconut, chocolate coconut, M&M andoriginal, made with oatmeal, pecans and
cranraisins. New for the holidays, dulce deleche will be a Miami favorite. Aguirre alsorecently added gluten-free cookies to herlineup and says “they are the best gluten-free cookies ever.”
Bags, boxes and trays of cookies fromCookies for Jani make wonderful gifts forclients, co-workers, teachers, doctors, partyhostesses, family members and friends. Thebeautiful pink packaging features the HopeRibbon — a symbol that signifies the fightagainst all cancers — and a gift tag thatnotifies the recipient that their sweet treathas an even sweeter purpose.
“Our cookies make a very thoughtful anddelicious gift,” Aguirre said. “Everyoneenjoys receiving them and sharing them,and knowing that they support a goodcause.”
Aguirre graduated from the University ofFlorida and taught kindergarten for severalyears. The mother of three — Mindy,Andrew and Katie — is planning to expandher business, and her outreach. Proceeds ofher upcoming venture, Hugs and Pieces,will benefit the cancer services at MiamiChildren’s Hospital.
For more information and to place anorder, call 305-668-0055 or visit<www.CookiesforJani.com>.
Judy Aguirre is baking forcure, one cookie at a time
Judy Aguirre is busy baking this holiday season in her “Cookies forJani” kitchen.
A South Dade charitable founda-tion, the Early Development ofGlobal Education (EDGE), receiveda $10,400 in-kind grant from PaylessShoeSource which was distributed to520 children from low income fami-lies attending the EDGE Children forChildren school in Humacao, PuertoRico, on Wednesday, Dec. 12.
Each child received a $20 gift cardto purchase one or two pairs of newshoes from a local Payless store. Twoof the three EDGE founders, MercyHernandez and Irma Gomez, deliv-ered the gift cards to the children dur-ing a ceremony also attended by themayor of Humacao, Marcelo Trujillo;State Rep. Narden Jaime, as well asMaridaliz Matta and Zulema Cruz ofPayless ShoeSource stores inHumacao.
The school, Proyecto Head StartMunicipio Autonomo de Humacao, isone of a number of schools benefitingfrom the efforts of the EDGE in 10 coun-tries, impacting more than 13,000 chil-dren, including 40 percent in South
Florida.“Footwear is a basic need that many
of us take for granted, and yet a signifi-cant number of children need shoes,”said Hernandez, EDGE co-founder.“With rising unemployment and foodcosts, it is difficult for parents to coverbasic needs, thus making the holidaysan even more stressful time for strug-gling families. Groups and charities likeours who serve them are often insuffi-ciently financed.”
Hernandez said that studies show thatproperly fitting shoes can enhance self-confidence in children and aid in theirproper development and growth. Shedeeply appreciated the donation.
“The Early Development of GlobalEducation Charitable Foundationwould like to recognize PaylessShoeSource and its program ‘PaylessGives Shoes 4 Kids,’ the Caribe HiltonHotel of Puerto Rico, and donationsmade locally from the Perrine-PalmettoBay-Cutler Bay Rotary Club, PubGrill
Restaurant and Cooke Law Firm,”Hernandez said. “Without their supportand kindness this great event would not bepossible.”
Pictured at center are Mercy Hernandez (with sunglasses) and Irma Gomez of the EDGE Foundation; behind themare (l-r) Zulema Cruz and Maridaliz Matta of Payless ShoeSource and Mayor of Humacao, Marcelo Trujillo, and amember of his staff; between the Three Kings is State Rep. Narden Jaime.
(Photo by Arthur Asseo)
EDGE Foundation receives $10K for children’s shoesPage 18 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Dec. 25, 2012/Jan. 7, 2013
Luna Academy Preschool opensdoors to families in Kendall area
BY JOSE BOZA
Luna Academy, known for its progres-sive program in early childcare education,recently marked its grand opening forKendall area families at 9025 SW 72 St.
A local husband and wife team, Georgeand Amanda Luna, have created a newlyrenovated preschool facility tailored toyoung minds and complete with an openplayground.
“Our goal is to empower children withengaging programs in a warmhearted envi-ronment,” said Amanda Luna, owner andoperator of Luna Academy. “As we openour doors, we look forward to presentinglocal families with the highest quality ofearly childhood education available.”
The Luna Academy offers a triad cur-riculum aimed to provide preschool chil-
dren with a comprehensive approach to funlearning. Through Bilingual Learning, theprogram encourages rich vocabularydevelopment during stimulating lessonsand hands-on activities in Spanish.Additionally, with a special focus on cog-nitive, creative, emotional and socialskills, the program also consists of anABeka and Creative curriculum designedto build all the fundamental tools neededfor a successful school career.
Now serving children from infants toage 4, the Luna Academy currently wel-comes new enrollments and accepts chil-dren from the VPK and CDS programs.Operating hours are Monday throughFriday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For moreinformation, or to schedule a tour, call786-332-2189, or visit online at<www.lunaacademy.com>.
Pictured are Luna Academy owners Amanda and George Luna.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Heat’s Mario Chalmers visitspatients and families at MCH
Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers visited patients and families at Miami Children’s Hospital on Dec.16 to hand out donated toys, Heat shirts and gift cards to the children and pose for photos. Chalmers wasjoined by his parents, Ronnie and Almarie, and sister Roneka, representing the Mario V. ChalmersFoundation. Members of the community can join Mario Chalmers to support the children and families atMiami Children’s Hospital this holiday season and throughout the year by donating online at mchf.org.
Lynn Sampson is pictured in Oceanview Shades and Drapery’s new Coral Gables gallery/showroom.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY BARI AUERBACH
When designing the magnificent new CoralGables gallery/showroom for OceanviewShades and Drapery, founder Lynn Sampsonhad two major goals in mind: “To create a‘wow’ customer experience, and inspire imag-ination with innovative home automation con-cepts and the industry’s most impressive, fash-ion-forward window products and homeaccessories.”
After gracing Miami’s Design District formore than eight years, Sampson decided tocapitalize on an exciting opportunity toexpand and open a larger gallery/showroom inCoral Gables, just south of Miracle Mile, fea-turing modern concepts in textile treatmentsand the latest trends in home décor.
“Window treatments ‘set the stage’ for thecolor schemes and aesthetics of South Floridahomes, where we especially require treatmentsthat can help control heat and glare whileaffording privacy,” explained Sampson, a suc-cessful entrepreneur with decades of expertisein fashion design, interior design and the tex-tiles industry.
“Beyond a myriad of shade options, todaythere is a growing interest in draperies and‘soft treatments’ that can be highlighted withcustom accents reflecting personal creativityand originality while bringing ‘fashion’ intothe home,” she said.
“My concept was to open a gallery/show-room where you can be inspired by vibrant newcolors and textures — plus we’re introducing anextremely unique, state-of-the-art ‘ImaginationBar’enabling everyone to ‘touch, feel and expe-rience’home automation and motorization capa-bilities that can control everything from mediato temperature and security.
Automation has become a huge part of the
home environment and now technology ismore user friendly than ever before, thanks towireless controls.
“When people walk into our newgallery/showroom, they’ll see virtually every-thing ‘moving’ — from shades and draperies— to lights illuminating their path. We’ve alsoplaced great emphasis on placement to-scale,so it’s easier to envision how whatever catch-es your eye would actually look in yourhome.”
Oceanview Shades and Drapery has forgedstrong alliances with major international man-ufacturers including Jab, Osborne & Little,Designer’s Guild, Coulisse, Rodolph andCrestron Home Automation Systems.
“These strategic partnerships support ourefforts to showcase fresh products and fashiontrends,” said Sampson, who also is committedto bolstering the local economy by creatingjobs for associates including professional dec-orators/consultations.
“Our clients can always receive insightfulanswers to their questions enabling them tomake informed decisions and select productswithin personal budgets that create comfort-able, beautiful rooms.”
Sampson is looking forward to welcomingnew customers and welcoming back existingclients from cities all over South Florida whoalways share rave reviews about “fashion withan attitude” shades, draperies, upholstery, bed-ding ensembles, wallpaper, rugs and morehome beautiful products beyond your wildestimagination.
For more information about OceanviewShades and Drapery, 2522 Ponce de LeonBlvd. in Coral Gables, complimentary consul-tations or available decorating services, call305-442-2628, visit oceanviewshades.com orsend email to <[email protected]>.
Oceanview Shades and Draperyopens new showroom in Gables
BY BERNADETTE MORRIS
Baptist Health South Florida employeesalways jump on the opportunity to volun-teer with Habitat for Humanity, havingsponsored 24 homes in more than 20 years.Recently, Baptist Health employees ofdiverse backgrounds joined forces for aspecial Day of Service: Caring for OurCommunity to help revitalize and improvehomes for low-income families.
“We ended up having 55 Baptist HealthSouth Florida employees and family mem-bers who worked hard for five hours. Thevolunteers were split up among fivehomes,” said Arlenna Williams, assistantvice president of Baptist Hospital of Miamiand Immediate past chair of the Habitat forHumanity Miami board of directors.
Williams added that the Baptist crew didexterior painting (including prep) on fourhomes. The organization also sponsoredthe home of one of its employees, TerrieUlmer, for which the crew handled land-scaping in the front and back yard (includ-ing removing debris, laying grass, andplanting trees and flowers).
Baptist Health South Florida conductedan informal program prior to the revitaliza-
tion project’s start. Akeem Brutus ofCommissioner Audrey Edmonson’s Officewas there to network with the new home-owners in Liberty City (CommissionerEdmonson’s district). Additionally, BaptistHealth’s chaplain, Rick Morrow, gave amoving invocation and Arlenna Williams,provided opening remarks. Not only wereBaptist Health employees assisting withrevitalization projects in Liberty City, butthey also had 13 other concurrent serviceprojects going on from Homestead toBroward.
“At Baptist Health, we believe that everyman, woman and child should have a placeto call home — regardless of their race orbackground or economic standing,” saidRicardo Forbes, chief diversity officer forBaptist Health South Florida. “BaptistHealth always has and will remain commit-ted to providing hospitality to every nation-ality.”
Baptist Health has been active withHabitat of Humanity for over 20 years,having sponsored a total of 24 homes.This year, the organization sponsoredthree homes. Baptist Health also has had227 employees volunteer for a total of1,362 hours, resulting in the completion
of one home and the support of severalothers.
Baptist Health South Florida is a faith-based organization that believes caring issharing. Composed of seven hospitals and
more than a score of outpatient facilities,Baptist Health is visited by more than amillion patients annually.
For more information, visit online et<www.baptisthealth.net>.
BHSF conducts a Day of Service to support Habitat for Humanity
Terri Ulmer proudly stands by her home which was sponsored by Baptist Health South Florida.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Enjoy reduced after-hour admission‘Winter Wednesdays’ at Deering
BY RICHARD YAGER
The newest attraction at The Palms hasdebuted “take-in” dining along with beerfrom just about everywhere.
While introducing a suds-loving throng to500 choices of bottled beer — and 50 on tap— The World of Beer also opened its doorsto a “take-out/take-in” dining style that keptits inaugural crowd well fed on Dec. 3
A host of promotional specialties beganwith a raffle for prizes on opening night thatraised over $1,000 to benefit the SylviaAngel’s Foundation, a cancer fund thatassists serving personnel and families.
As several hundred attending the grandopening, the second of two beer emporiumsin the Kendall area began offering menuchoices from more than a half-dozen newrestaurants that have made The Palms a mag-net for eating and entertainment as well asshopping at SW 117th Avenue and KendallDrive (88th Street).
The World of Beer’s “eat-in” wrinkleallows customers to order almost any choicefrom gourmet hamburgers to Aussie steaksor Italian specialties from neighboringrestaurants just around the corner from Suite302, 8525 Mills Dr.
Among those who deliver in are: OutbackSteakhouse, Moe’s Southwest Grille, CGBurgers, Carmine’s La Trattoria, Chef
Chen’s Chinese Restaurant, La Fogata andSushi Maki of Kendall, all newly opened atThe Palms during the past two years.
Now in the last of three major phases toreplace the original Town and Country Mall,
The Palms contemporary design with a con-necting pedestrian plaza to attract both ashopping and dining “experience” seems tobe paying off.
“World of Beer will be the beer and enter-
tainment lovers’ destination in Miami,” pre-dicted Lisa Weatherston, director of market-ing for the RKE Franchising Group.“Dedication to excellent service, draft beerselection and top-notch live entertainmentsets us apart from the rest.”
The 3,160-square-foot business employsabout 35 service personnel, supervised byarea director Claude DeLucia and managerJamie Veillette, both of Kendall.
With The World of Beer open at Dadelandin East Kendall, The Palms’ locationbecomes the 34 in 11 Southeastern andMidwestern states to market rare imports anddomestic brews. For added local appeal,Kendall’s World of Beer features localFlorida brands including Schnebly, DueSouth Brewing, Tequesta Brewing Companyand Florida Beer Company.
A loyalty program awards customers withpoints for trying out uncommon beer selec-tions, and Monday through Wednesdaypatrons find one-quarter or one-half off reg-ular prices for draft or on-tap brews. A stackof board games from Checkers to “StressChess” is available to keep couples or four-somes happy while hoisting.
Hours at The World of Beer are Monday-Wednesday, 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Thursday-Friday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday, noon to 2a.m., and Sunday, noon to 1 a.m. For details,visit online at <www.wobusa.com>.
The World of Beer offers global tasting experience
Pictured during the opening of The World of Beer at The Palms are manager Jamie Veilette (left) and AimeeMekdeci.
Happyy HolidaysWe are open to celebrate with youOpen Christmas Eve and Christmas DayOpen New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
BY BRITTANY NGUYEN
Navarro Discount Pharmacy, the largestHispanic-owned pharmacy chain in theU.S. and an MBF Healthcare portfoliocompany, has opened its 32nd store at14055 SW 88 St. in West Kendall.
“The new store in West Kendall is wellpositioned in the Kendale Lakes Plazaamong other discount brand retailers,” saidJuan Ortiz, president/CEO, NavarroDiscount Pharmacy. “We are also pleasedto return to the Kendall area and meet thedemands of the community looking forNavarro’s everyday low pricing and uniqueassortment.”
The first 100 customers on opening dayreceived a free Navarro reusable bag filledwith product and there was free productsampling throughout the day. Free bloodpressure, glucose, cholesterol and weightscreenings were held on opening day con-cluding with a mini wine festival.
“The Kendall store has several newdepartments including a garden center,staffed opy center and a cafeteria,” saidGuillermo Mestre, store manager. The23,500-square- foot store layout featuresnew colors and enhanced signage inEnglish and Spanish, wider aisles, a fra-
grance section with added light boxes andmore products in the refrigerated food anddairy section.
Navarro’s unique services for cus-
tomers include a pediatric window forbusy parents, compounding pharmacyservices, a free Diabetes Club for adultsand children with diabetes, a Mommy and
Me Club and free prescription deliveryfor all customers.
Navarro’s signature products forHispanics also available in the West Kendallstore include Café La Llave Expresso coffeeand Fabuloso multi-purpose cleaner pluspopular brands such as Valentini, ElSembrador and La Fe. Navarro’s new VidaMia store brand products, with labels inEnglish and Spanish, also are availablethroughout the store in a variety of cate-gories including baby, beauty, food, house-hold, health and over-the-counter.
Headquartered in Miami, NavarroDiscount Pharmacy was founded inHavana, Cuba, in 1940 and opened its firststore in the U.S. in 1961. With 32 storelocations, Navarro is the largest Hispanic-owned drugstore chain in the U.S. As acommunity pharmacy, the stores cater toHispanic and ethnic markets and furtherdifferentiate themselves by offering manyproducts and services that are not found intraditional drugstores such as wirelessphones, designer fragrances, a large assort-ment of OTC and vitamins/supplementsand in-store health screenings as part theirWellness Wednesday program.
For more information, visit online at<www.navarro.com>.
Navarro Discount Pharmacy opens its 32nd store in WK
Navarro Discount Pharmacy’s new store recently opened at 14055 SW 88 St.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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Kiley J. Reynolds, D.O, physician owner, was introduced by theMayor of the
City of Miami, Tomas Regalado, during this exciting day. In attendance during
the day's celebration were theAssistant Manager of the City of Miami -Alice
Bravo, representatives from Florida SenatorMarco Rubio's office, members
of Chamber South, and other members of the Miami community. The ribbon
cutting represented a lifetime accomplishments for Dr. Reynolds whose goal
was to open his own practice to be able to help patients decrease their pain and
'Live your life again.' Dr. Reynolds stated 'this day represents the culmination
of hard work, dedication, and tremendous support from family and community.'
The day was filled with tours of this beautiful state of the art facility, free MRI
reviews and explanation for the public, fantastic raffle prizes, and refreshments.
Dr. Reynolds is a new pain management physician in the area who is fellowship
trained and board certified in Pain Management by the American Society of
Anesthesiology and American Board of Anesthesiology.
Superior Pain Solutions celebrated its Grand Opening on December 6th, 2012
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Miami Dade College recently hosted a reception to officially open “Toledo/Toledo: Full Circle,” an exhibition ofdesigner Isabel Toledo’s pieces and her husband Ruben Toledo’s paintings and drawings. The exhibition, free andopen to the public, will run through Feb. 2, 2013 at the college’s Museum of Art + Design located in the Freedom
Toledo exhibition of art, fashionopens at MDC’s Freedom Tower
Reader fascination with all things magicalin modern literature continues — from theHarry Potter novels to most recently,Deborah Harkness’ A Discovery of Witches.
Modern witches may be fantastical, yet his-tory reveals that in third-century Babylonia, inthe land where the word “magic” originated,real-life enchantresses used incantations foreveryday needs and desires.
Novelist Maggie Anton, author of theacclaimed Rashi’s Daughters series, shares ayoung woman’s entry into this world ofancient sorcery in Rav Hisda’s DaughterBook I: Apprentice (Plume Original; August2012; $16)
As Rome battles Zoroastrian Persia fordominance, Babylonia is in conflict. Amidthe turmoil, Talmudic sage Rav Hisda andhis colleagues struggle to establish newJewish traditions after the destruction ofJerusalem’s Holy Temple.Hisdadukh, Rav Hisda’s beautifuland learned daughter, is coming ofage. As a child, when asked whichof her father’s two best students —Rami or Abba — she wished tomarry, she shockingly answered,“both.”
Precluded from Torah studiesbecause of gender, Hisdadukh embarkson the torturous path to become a cha-rasheta, or enchantress, under the tute-lage of her brother’s wife, Rahel.
Soon Hisdadukh marries the older Ramiand is caught up in marriage and motherhood,although it is clear that Abba has not lost inter-est in her. When her newfound happiness isderailed by a series of tragedies, a grievingHisdadukh must decide if her path lies in theway of sorcery, despite the peril.
With Rav Hisda’s Daughter Book I:Apprentice, Anton brings ancient Babyloniato life from a woman’s perspective — weav-ing historical detail with complex charactersfor an engaging story of love and faith.
For details visit <www.ravhis-dasdaughter.com>.
Maggie Anton is the award-winning author of historical fic-tion series Rashi’s Daughtersand Rav Hisda’s Daughter aswell as a Talmud scholar withexpertise in Jewish women’s his-tory. She was born MargaretAntonofsky in Los Angeles, CA,
where she still resides.Raised in a secular household, she reached
adulthood with little knowledge of her Jewishreligion. In the early 1990s, Anton beganstudying in a women’s Talmud class taught byfeminist theologian Rachel Adler. Twentyyears later, she continues her learning individ-ually and with a study-partner.
Anton will appear in conjunction with theJewish Book Fair on Jan. 10, 7 p.m., at theDave and Mary Alper JCC, 11155 SW 112Ave. in Kendall.
Maggie Anton’s new novel weavestales of sorcery in ancient times
Maggie Anton––––––––––––––
Marco Drugs & Compounding is locatedat 6627 South Dixie Highway,
<www.marcodrugs.com>This article is intended to provide information on health-related matters. The ideas expressed cannot be usedto diagnose or treat individual health problems andshould not be taken as medical advice or instruction.
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BY SONIA MARTINEZ, RPHZinc is a mineral that is essential for
immune function, protein synthesis,wound healing and cell growth and isrequired by the body to make manyessential hormones. Due to food pro-cessing and soil depletion and interac-tions with medications such as proteinpump inhibitors (PPIs), zinc deficiencyis now a common problem. Fitnessenthusiasts are prone to zinc deficien-cy caused by sweating. Older patientswith poor dietary habits are especiallyvulnerable to zinc deficiency.Symptoms of deficiency includefatigue, poor appetite, digestive prob-lems, and smell and taste dysfunction.The Zinc Taste Test is an easy, inex-pensive method of assessing zinc defi-ciency in an office setting. Ask ourcompounding pharmacist for moreinformation about the Zinc Taste Testand customized treatment for zinc defi-ciency.
Miami Dade College (MDC) is search-ing for more alumni to feature in its alum-ni advertising campaign, “I Am MDC.”
Over the years, this important campaignhas been instrumental in highlighting suc-cessful MDC alumni through daily ads inlocal newspapers and on college marketingmaterials.
Beginning in 1998, the “I Am MDC”campaign has featured more than 3,500successful alumni. It showcases the contri-butions MDC graduates make to the com-munity and beyond. Their success alsosends a powerful message to potentialMDC students, as it validates the quality ofthe educational programs offered by thecollege.
“My fellow alumni serve as an inspira-tion to us all,” said Annabelle Rojas (MDC’84), executive director of the Miami DadeCollege Foundation.
For more information about being fea-tured in the campaign, call 305-237-3792or email <[email protected]>.
Miami Dade College is the nation’slargest institution of higher education withan enrollment of more than 174,000 stu-dents. It also is the nation’s top producer ofAssociate in Arts and Science degrees andawards more degrees to minorities than anyother college or university in the country.
The college’s eight campuses and out-reach centers offer more than 300 distinctdegree programs including several bac-calaureate degrees in education, publicsafety, supervision and management, nurs-ing, physician assistant studies, film, engi-neering, and others. In fact, its academicand workforce training programs arenational models of excellence.
MDC also is renowned for its rich cul-tural programming. It is home of theMiami Book Fair International, MiamiInternational Film Festival, the MDC Live!Performing Arts Series, the NationalHistoric Landmark Miami Freedom Tower,a sculpture park and a large art gallery andtheater system. MDC has served nearly 2million students since it opened its doors in1960.
Miami-Dade College seeking alumnifor ongoing ‘I am MDC’ ad campaign
BY JORGE MARTINEZ
Join the Fellowship of Christian Athletesas they celebrate athletes, coaches and par-ticipating communities at the 42nd annualOrange Bowl Prayer Breakfast. BaptistHealth South Florida once again will spon-sor the prayer breakfast on Saturday, Dec.29, 7:30 a.m., at Jungle Island.
This year’s breakfast includes a rafflethat features exclusive travel and leisureprizes. The breakfast will be emceed byformer South Florida television sportscast-er Khambrel Marshal and will feature for-mer Florida State University football greatSammie Smith as guest speaker.
Smith was born and raised in CentralFlorida where he fell in love with footballat an early age. While playing at ApopkaHigh School he began a legendary footballcareer and was recruited by FSU underCoach Bobby Bowden. At FSU, he demon-strated his extraordinary talents as a run-ning back and played with football greatDeion Sanders.
Smith was drafted in the first round bythe Miami Dolphins under Coach Don
Shula. As a running back with theDolphins, he played with Dan Marino andlater went on to play for the DenverBroncos with Coach Dan Reeves and JohnElway. His NFL career ended when he wasinjured, and Smith retired from the gamehe loved.
Following his retirement from football,he made a bad decision that landed him infederal prison where he served severalyears. There he deepened his faith andaccepted his calling to ministry after beingreleased in 2001. For more than a decade,he has been speaking publicly about hisexperiences and working with student ath-letes through the Fellowship of ChristianAthletes.
He currently lives in Lake County,Florida, with his wife, Shalonda, and theirchildren.
Tickets for the Baptist Health OrangeBowl Prayer Breakfast are $30 each or$500 to sponsor a table of 10. The event isopen to the public. For ticket information,call 305-445-1600. All proceeds from theevent will benefit the Fellowship ofChristian Athletes.
OB Prayer Breakfast to featureFSU’s Sammie Smith as speaker
PortMiami welcomed Mickey, Minnie,Goofy and Pluto recently as Disney CruiseLine celebrated its new homeport withCaribbean sailings departing from Miamibeginning in December.
“We are thrilled to welcome DisneyCruise Line to PortMiami” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez.“This is the first time the world renownedbrand will operate from South Florida.Disney Cruise Line is a great addition toour port’s growing roster of cruise brands.”
The Disney Wonder will begin sailingfrom PortMiami on Dec. 23 with a sched-ule of cruises to the Bahamas and WesternCaribbean. The Disney characters were intown on Nov. 28 to launch the move toMiami, which will serve as the cruise line’ssecond homeport in Florida.
“Disney Cruise Line has always cateredto the unique vacation needs of families —we are pleased to welcome them toMiami,” said Bill Talbert, president of theGreater Miami Convention and VisitorsBureau. “The powerful Disney and Miamibrands make a great combo in promotingour locale to visitors around the world.”
PortMiami, long known as the “CruiseCapital of the World,” is in the midst of amajor expansion that includes three newcruise lines and five newbuild vessels.
“The 2012-13 cruise season marks ourlargest expansion ever, bringing more newcruise brands and newbuild vessels here ina single cruise season than ever before,”said PortMiami director Bill Johnson.“Already the busiest cruise port in theworld, PortMiami looks forward to contin-ued growth of our cruise industry which isa critical component of South Florida’s
No. 1 industry, tourism.”In addition to the family-oriented
Disney line, the port recently welcomedupscale Regent Seven Seas Cruises to itsfleet. Regent began sailing from Miami inearly November and will add a second shipto itineraries in January. Additionally, theMediterranean line, MSC Cruises, willbegin sailing from PortMiami in the fall of2013 when it brings its newest ship, theMSC Divina here.
PortMiami recently welcomed theCarnival Breeze, the newest and largestship in Carnival Cruise Lines’ fleet. Othernew builds arriving at the port includeOceania Cruise Line’s Oceania Riviera,and Celebrity Cruise Line’s CelebrityReflection. Additionally, in 2014,Norwegian Cruise Line will bring theNorwegian Getaway to homeport inMiami.
PortMiami is among America’s busiestports and recognized across the globe withthe dual distinction of being the CruiseCapital of the World and the CargoGateway of the Americas. PortMiami con-tributes more than $18 billion annually tothe South Florida economy and helps pro-vide direct and indirect employment formore than 180,000.
For more information visit online at<www.miamidade.gov/portmiami>.
PortMiami welcomes Disney with Mickey and Company visit
Mickey Mouse soon will be a South Florida regular when the Disney Wonder begins sailing from PortMiami.
Redland Heritage Festival returnsto Fruit and Spice Park, Jan. 12-13BY CATHY GUERRA
Celebrate the New Year at the 38th
annual Redland Heritage Festival on
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 12 and 13, 2013
at the Fruit and Spice Park located at
24801 SW 187 Ave. in Homestead.
The Redland Heritage Festival, a Fruit
and Spice Park staple event, celebrates the
unique heritage and history of the Redland
agricultural community. Participating ven-
dors will showcase traditional natural arts
and crafts and nurseries will sell native
plants and tropical fruit trees. There also
will be a children’s area featuring pony
rides, face painting and “Water Walking”
as well as a variety of entertainment for
everyone.
Featured entertainment performing both
onstage and impromptu throughout the
park include: “Archibaldo” the Living
Statue, “Old Fashioned” music with Ed
and Geraldine Birbaum, and the “Amazing
Chris” who will dazzle spectators with
mind boggling magic and storytelling.
Live animal shows and an educational dis-
cussion of native Florida wildlife will be
conducted by naturalists from Zoo Miami.
Animals featured include exotic birds, rep-
tiles, snapping turtles, and other incredible
creatures.
Admission is $8 per person and children
under 12 years of age are admitted free.
Doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m.
For more information, call the Fruit and
Spice Park at 305-247-5727.
Fruit & Spice Park, operated by the
Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation
and Open Spaces Department, grows more
than 500 varieties of sub-tropical fruits,
herbs, spices, vegetables and nuts from
around the world on 39 lush acres in the
agricultural Redland. The park offers daily
botanical tours, fruit tasting and naturalist
led workshops.
For more information, visit online at
<www.fruitandspicepark.org> or call 305-
247-5727.
BY GABRIELA LAMBERTUS
Cirque du Soleil returns to Miami withTOTEM, a new Big Top production. Writtenand directed by Robert Lepage, TOTEM pre-mieres on Jan. 10, 2013 for a limited engage-ment under the blue and yellow Big Top at itsnew Miami location — next to Sun LifeStadium, Lot 14.
Since its world premiere in 2010, TOTEMhas visited over 15 different cities in four dif-ferent countries and performed in front ofmore than 1.5 million spectators. TOTEMmarks the eighth Cirque du Soleil Big Toptouring show to visit Miami since 1989.
Tickets are now available online at cirque-dusoleil.com/totem.
The word “totem” contains the idea of theorder of species. We carry in our bodies thepotential of all species, all the way to ourdesire to fly — like the thunderbird at the topof the totem pole.
Written and directed by Robert Lepage,TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of thehuman species from its original amphibianstate to its ultimate desire to fly. The charac-ters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle,the symbol of origin for many ancient civi-lizations.
Inspired by many founding myths,TOTEM illustrates, through a visual andacrobatic language, the evolutionaryprogress of species. Somewhere between sci-ence and legend, TOTEM explores the tiesthat bind man to other species, his dreamsand his infinite potential.
The cast of TOTEM comprises 52 per-forming artists from 19 countries.
Sponsors that Cirque du Soleil gratefullyacknowledges are Infiniti, CGI, Xerox andSun Life Financial as the Official Sponsorsof the US 2012-13 TOTEM Tour.
For more information about Cirque duSoleil, visit online at cirquedusoleil.com.
Cirque du Soleil returns toMiami with new production
Pictured isa HoopDancerfrom thenew Cirquedu Soleilproduction— TOTEM.
(Photo credit:OSA images)
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A tobacconist is an expert dealer in tobac-co and its related accoutrements.
My Tobacconist Smoke Shop in PalmettoBay definitely lives up to its name. The shop ishome to South Florida’s largest selection ofhookah, hookah accessories and tobacco, pre-mium cigarettes, pipes, pipe tobacco and more.
My Tobacconist recently celebrated itsfourth anniversary and its move to a new1,600-square-foot location on Fern Street —nearly double the size of its original location.The expanded space has allowed owners BenCarrasco and Wendy Gochenour to fill thewalls of their shop with more than 100hookahs, ranging in price from $20-$250.
Customers can choose from more than 80different hookah tobacco flavors, includingsuch popular brands as Starbuzz Tobacco,Social Smoke, Fantasia and Haze. For thosewho would like to enjoy smoking hookahwithout nicotine, My Tobacconist also offersa variety of non-tobacco alternatives.
Carrasco and his staff host a wildly popu-lar exhibition, demonstration and celebrationof hookah smoking every Wednesdayevening. Hookah Nite allows customers toexperience hookahs and try new flavorswhile mingling with friends in the indoorlounge and outdoor patio.
At My Tobacconist, customers will find avast selection of premium cigarettes, ciga-rette tobacco, rolling papers and clove cigarsfrom many of the world’s premier tobaccomanufacturers including Nat Sherman,Natural American Spirit, Djarum, Elements,Dutch Masters and RAW.
“I’ve developed relationships with well-known national and international manufac-turers to offer our customers the very bestproducts at the best prices,” Carrasco said.
Pipe smoking is making a comeback. MyTobacconist proudly stocks American-made
hand-blown glass pipes, a good choice forthe modern pipe smoker. Glass pipes can beblown into many forms and shapes and manyeven change color with use. Hand-blown,highly collectible and totally unique, eachpipe is a stunning work of art.
“We proudly support American glassblow-ers and don’t carry any imported glass,”Carrasco added.
Pipe enthusiasts also will discover that MyTobacconist has the largest selection of tradi-tional briar wood pipes in South Florida.
“These classic wooden pipes are like theones your grandfather smoked,” Carrasco said.
Hand-carved meerschaum pipes importedfrom Turkey make great gifts. These qualitypipes are carved from single blocks of meer-schaum, a mineral mined by hand in the sametraditional methods used hundreds of years ago.
For a healthier way to “smoke” try avaporizer from Silver Surfer, Magic-Flight orAtmos. Vaporizers heat the tobacco in a par-tial vacuum, and the active compounds arethen boiled off to form a vapor that can beinhaled. This process releases zero tar mak-ing vaporizing the healthiest way to“smoke.” My Tobacconist offers a full rangeof vaporizers and accessories.
Carrasco and his knowledgeable staff helptheir customers select the perfect product.Wander the shop and you will find uniquetreasures not found elsewhere: Novelty T-shirts and bags, jewelry, incense, candles,posters, wind chimes, masks and local artobjects. If you’re looking for a hip BobMarley item, My Tobacconist has that, too.
Stop by My Tobacconist Smoke Shop andstay awhile. The company is friendly, freecoffee is brewing and the vibe is great.
My Tobacconist Smoke Shop is located inFern Street Plaza at 9869 E. Fern St., inPalmetto Bay. For more information, call305-378-9223 or visit online at<www.MyTobacconist.com>.
My Tobacconist Smoke Shop offerspremier products and good vibe
The friendly team at My Tobacconist Smoke Shop will help you find what you are looking for and more.
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]>.
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