AUGUST 24 - 30, 2010 ALL TYPES OF COVERAGE FROM OVER 100 TRUSTED, COMPETITIVE,INSURERS 305.238.1000 Savings & Service Since 1950 BY GARY ALAN RUSE P almetto Bay on Wednesday, Aug. 18, officially became one of only 118 cities throughout the United States to be recog- nized as a “2010 Playful City USA” commu- nity. The designation was presented by KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organiza- tion dedicated to saving play based in Washington, DC. Mayor Eugene P. Flinn Jr. was pleased with the news. “I’ve always been a proponent of our parks systems and of getting our kids out for fresh air, sunshine and exercise,” Flinn said. “This recognition from KaBOOM! comes at a great time and is especially appreciated. We are committed to maintaining and improving our parks for our kids and for our adults as well.” BY GARY ALAN RUSE P almetto Bay art student Taylor “Tae Tae” Davis, who last year made news by persuading art sup- plies manufacturers to donate products to her school’s art classes hit hard by budget cuts, and again in May for bringing the joy of art projects to homeless children to lift their spirits, has found her mission brought to a national audience. After word of her efforts spread through the Huffington Post and numerous other websites, Tae Tae was interviewed by Kelly Cobiella of CBS Evening News with Katie Couric for a fea- ture segment airing during the 6:30 p.m. broadcast on Aug. 6. Besides the at home interview, the network camera crew followed Tae Tae on one of her art project visits to a homeless shelter and in touching images helped convey the message that the kids there are like the children in anyone’s family and why getting involved is so important. Tae Tae was interviewed recently by AOL.com and CNN, who also were expected to run stories on her efforts to make a difference. To see a video of the CBS segment visit online at <http://thetravelingcan- vas.com/> or <www.cbsnews.com/sto- ries/2010/08/06/eveningnews/main6750 607.shtml>. Village art student’s efforts earn spot on network news ––––––––––––––– See WORKSHOPS, page 4 ––––––––––––––– See PLAYFUL CITY, page 4 Palmetto Bay awarded ‘Playful City’ designation County launching residential energy savings workshops BY MAGGIE FERNANDEZ M iami-Dade County’s Office of Sustainability is launching residential Home Energy Savings Workshops, hosting one in each of the 13 commission districts. The workshops are being conducted in partnership with the non-profit Dream in Green to educate residents on energy efficien- cy and conservation and provide homeown- ers with the information, resources and incen- tives to reduce their utility costs. Participants will receive a free energy savings toolkit val- ued at more than $100 and learn to track household energy consumption/reduction. Most importantly, participants will save money by learning how to reduce energy use in their homes by 20-30 percent. “Simply put, saving energy saves money,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez. “During challenging eco- nomic times, it is so important to help resi- Taylor “Tae Tae” Davis (left) is pictured with Kelly Cobiella of CBS News. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Parks and Recreation director Fanny Carmona Gonzalez is pictured with neighborhood children at the playground in Coral Reef Park.
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AUGUST 24 - 30, 2010
ALL TYPES OF COVERAGE
FROM OVER 100 TRUSTED,COMPETITIVE, INSURERS
305.238.1000Savings & Service Since 1950
BY GARY ALAN RUSE
PP almetto Bay on Wednesday,Aug. 18, officially became oneof only 118 cities throughoutthe United States to be recog-
nized as a “2010 Playful City USA” commu-nity. The designation was presented byKaBOOM!, a national non-profit organiza-tion dedicated to saving play based inWashington, DC.
Mayor Eugene P. Flinn Jr. was pleasedwith the news.
“I’ve always been a proponent of ourparks systems and of getting our kids out forfresh air, sunshine and exercise,” Flinn said.“This recognition from KaBOOM! comes ata great time and is especially appreciated.We are committed to maintaining andimproving our parks for our kids and for ouradults as well.”
BY GARY ALAN RUSE
PP almetto Bayart studentTaylor “Tae
Tae” Davis, who lastyear made news bypersuading art sup-plies manufacturers todonate products to herschool’s art classes hithard by budget cuts,and again in May forbringing the joy of artprojects to homelesschildren to lift theirspirits, has found hermission brought to anational audience.
After word of herefforts spread throughthe Huffington Postand numerous otherwebsites, Tae Tae wasinterviewed by KellyCobiella of CBSEvening News withKatie Couric for a fea-ture segment airingduring the 6:30 p.m.broadcast on Aug. 6.
Besides the at homeinterview, the networkcamera crew followedTae Tae on one of herart project visits to ahomeless shelter and in touching imageshelped convey the message that the kidsthere are like the children in anyone’sfamily and why getting involved is soimportant.
Tae Tae was interviewed recently byAOL.com and CNN, who also were
expected to run stories on her efforts tomake a difference.
To see a video of the CBS segmentvisit online at <http://thetravelingcan-vas.com/> or <www.cbsnews.com/sto-ries/2010/08/06/eveningnews/main6750607.shtml>.
Village art student’s efforts earn spot on network news
––––––––––––––– See WORKSHOPS, page 4
––––––––––––––– See PLAYFUL CITY, page 4
Palmetto Bay awarded ‘Playful City’ designationCounty launching residential energysavings workshops
BY MAGGIE FERNANDEZ
MM iami-Dade County’sOffice of Sustainabilityis launching residentialHome Energy Savings
Workshops, hosting one in each of the 13commission districts.
The workshops are being conducted inpartnership with the non-profit Dream inGreen to educate residents on energy efficien-cy and conservation and provide homeown-ers with the information, resources and incen-tives to reduce their utility costs. Participantswill receive a free energy savings toolkit val-ued at more than $100 and learn to trackhousehold energy consumption/reduction.Most importantly, participants will savemoney by learning how to reduce energy usein their homes by 20-30 percent.
“Simply put, saving energy savesmoney,” said Miami-Dade County MayorCarlos Alvarez. “During challenging eco-nomic times, it is so important to help resi-
Taylor “Tae Tae” Davis (left) is pictured with Kelly Cobiella ofCBS News.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Parks and Recreation director Fanny CarmonaGonzalez is pictured with neighborhood children atthe playground in Coral Reef Park.
Page 2 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 24 - 30, 2010
August 24 - 30, 2010 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 3
BY GARY ALAN RUSE
Jim Araiza is running for mayor of PalmettoBay in the Nov. 2 election.
A 43-year resident, he and his wife, JanaSheeder, grew up in the community and havelong been active in civic matters.
“I am running for mayor to tackle ourbiggest challenge — to balance grand visionswith the community’s financial realities,”Araiza said. “If we are to fulfill the will of thepeople, we need to bring property tax reliefand greater discipline in spending to the fore-front of issues.
“For the past few months, I have walkedfrom home to home, visited with hundreds ofresidents and listened to what issues are impor-tant to their families. One message camethrough, loud and clear. We in Palmetto Bay arenot immune to the economic turmoil that con-fronts our county, our state, and our nation.”
Araiza believes that his background andskills will be especially helpful in fulfilling theduties of mayor of Palmetto Bay.
“The most important skill I will bring to theMayor’s Office is my most basic talent — I lis-ten,” Araiza said. “When you listen to the res-idents, you realize they are rejecting candi-dates and incumbents who boast governmentand political experience.
“Regular folks want conservative, common-sense leadership. Relying on 25 years of exec-utive and corporate finance experience, I willintroduce money-saving and revenue-generat-ing ideas to help keep the village on solidfinancial ground. I believe there are workablesolutions available that will enhance our qual-ity of life without creating a hardship for tax-payers and residents.”
Araiza cites his experience as a certifiedpublic accountant and certified financial plan-ner, and years at the helm of large, privateenterprises as honing his ability to lead.
“With a ‘real-world’ background, I am themost qualified candidate to direct our financialaffairs and expand the transparency of our vil-lage administration,” Araiza said.
Among his top priority goals if he is electedmayor are several things he considers to be ofcritical importance.
“My responsibility as mayor is to put asidemy interests, and listen and focus on the will ofthe residents,” Araiza said. “After meeting somany kind folks, one on one, our primary mis-sion is clear — to increase village governmenttransparency and accountability, to seek soundbudgetary processes and fair council policies,and to promote active resident participation inour community.
“Residents are also concerned with thefinancial impact of rules and actions by vari-ous entities outside the village, notably differ-ent levels of government such as the countyand state, and commercial interests, like insur-ance companies,” he said. “We must protectour residents’ health, safety, and well-being.As mayor, I will work to establish a residents’Advocacy Policy to champion property insur-ance relief, petition for environmental protec-tion, and hold the line on our county’s urbandevelopment boundary.”
Araiza is a graduate of ChristopherColumbus High School and earned hisBachelor of Arts in Accounting from St.Thomas University, with post-graduate workto become a CFP and CPA. He was the ownerof James J. Araiza, PA, Certified PublicAccountants, and is on the board of directorsof Optical Management Advisors andSailAway Yacht Charter Consultants Inc., abusiness he and his wife run.
He is a member of the Palmetto BayBusiness Association (PBBA), CaribbeanYacht Charter Association (CYBA) andMediterranean Yacht Brokers AssociationNetwork (MYBAnet).
Araiza is a board member of South FloridaHearts United (pediatric care foundation) andDade County Sports Foundation Inc. (athleticprograms for underprivileged youth). He was acontributing political columnist forCommunity Newspapers’ Palmetto Baymonthly edition in 2006-07 and, since 2009,managing editor of Eye on Palmetto Bay
Community Blog.
He has done volunteer work for the Miami-
Dade Police Department Animal Services
Unit, Miami-Dade Rescue Railroad, Sanctuary
Animal Refuge, Village of Palmetto Bay
(Special Events Committee), Fairchild
Tropical Botanic Gardens, and Adopt-a-Pet.
Araiza said his parents, John and Frances
Araiza, instilled a deep sense of small town
pride in him and that their commitment to
church, neighborhood, and local charities set
the tone for his own pledge to community serv-
ice. He also credits his wife, Jana Sheeder, for
her major role in the community and his life.
“It is Jana who constantly reminds me of the
quote by Mahatma Gandhi, ‘Be the change
you want to see in the world,’” Araiza said.
He said he has sought to create effective
change in the village and South Florida and
hopes to continue.
“We have an opportunity and a challenge —
to come together, work as one, and make
Palmetto Bay and South Florida a better place
to live,” Araiza said. “I truly believe we can
bring conservative, common sense ideas
straight from the residents to Village Hall.”
For more information, visit his website at
<www.jimaraiza2010.com/>.
Jim Araiza in the running for village mayor’s seat
Jim Araiza–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Parks and Recreation director FannyCarmona Gonzalez also was appreciative.
“We have worked so hard to make ourparks the best they can be for our residents,”Gonzalez said. “I am so happy we were cho-sen as a Playfuy City for 2010.”
Each of the 2010 Playful City USA commu-nities demonstrated creative commitments to thecause of play. KaBOOM! also selected PalmettoBay for its outstanding dedication to play. Anotable aspect of its commitment to children,Palmetto Bay recently implemented the ParkSystem Survey and Needs Assessment to surveyall park properties and playspaces to identifyneeds and service gaps within the community.
The award project was conceived at atime when many communities face budgetcuts that have left funding for parks andrecreation departments nationwide at thelowest level in decades.
KaBOOM! wants to prioritize play andensure that children are healthy by provid-ing the time and space for play, and PlayfulCity USA is part of that effort. It’s the fourthyear of the annual program.
First Lady Michelle Obama announcedthe launch of the “Let’s Move” campaign in2010 to help solve the problem of childhoodobesity within a generation in a variety of
ways, including unstructured play.“An extreme misconception exists in our
country that play among children is a luxurywhen, in fact, it’s an absolute necessity,”Darell Hammond, KaBOOM! CEO and co-founder, said in a prepared statement.
“For decades, this notion dominated ouractions and we continue to see the damagingresults — a monumental lack of playspacesfor children and skyrocketing childhoodobesity rates. Palmetto Bay refused toadhere to the status quo and realized all chil-dren deserve a municipal commitment to thecause of play. These 118 Playful City USAcommunities serve as beacons for the rest ofour nation that an investment in children isan investment in our future.”
A report from the National League ofCities indicated that 70 percent of city offi-cials are responding to the economic crisisby making personnel cuts, while a pre-sum-mer National Recreation and ParksAssociation survey found that 55 percent ofits members suffered budget cuts in 2010with more expected next year.
For the third consecutive year, Florida ledthe nation with the most Playful City USAcommunities with California and Arizona shar-ing second place for the second straight year.
For more information on the KaBOOM!Playful City USA program, including appli-cations for 2011, visit onkline at<www.kaboom.org/playfulcityusa>.
dents. That’s why the energy savings work-shops are taking place in every corner ofMiami-Dade County.”
The free energy savings toolkit willinclude items such as a programmable ther-mostat, hot water gauge, LED sensor night-light and compact florescent light bulbs(CFLs). According to Energy Star, if everyAmerican home replaced just one light withan Energy Star qualified CFL, we wouldsave enough energy to light more than threemillion homes for a year, save about $700million in annual energy costs, and preventnine billion pounds of greenhouse gas emis-sions per year, equivalent to the emissions ofabout 800,000 cars.
The first in a series of workshops will takeplace at the Adopt-A-Tree event on Saturday,Aug. 28, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Miami-DadeCounty Fair and Exposition’s Arnold Hall,11200 SW 24 St. A list of scheduled work-shops is available online at<http://green.miamidade.gov>. Call 3-1-1 orvisit <http://green.miamidade.gov> to regis-ter; limited to 50 residents per workshop.
The Home Energy Savings Workshops arepart of the county’s energy efficiency cam-paign, a communitywide energy educationprogram managed by the Office ofSustainability that will engage residents to
gain support for energy conservation, renew-able energy, recycling, and waste reductionand serve as a catalyst for long-term behaviorchanges resulting in reduced energy usage.
Other elements of the campaign include:upcoming residential and business energysavings challenges, light bulb exchanges,upcoming residential and business energysavings challenges, and upcoming incentiveprograms for low-income residents. Learnmore at <http://green.miamidade.gov>.
On Sept. 14, 2009, Miami-Dade Countywas awarded $12,523,700 through the EnergyEfficiency and Conservation Block Grant(EECBG) Program which is funded under theFederal Stimulus Plan (American Recoveryand Reinvestment Act), and administeredthrough the Department of Energy and thecounty’s Office of Sustainability.
The countywide Energy EfficiencyCampaign is one of 13 projects fundedthrough EECBG Program, which includes amix of energy management projects, citizenoutreach and education, sub-grants,pilot/demonstration programs, constructionprojects, and incentive programs. A com-plete project list is available at green.miami-dade.gov.
To register and for additional informationcall 3-1-1 or visit online at<http://green.miamidade.gov>. The first 50registered residents who participate willreceive the free energy savings toolkit val-ued at over $100. Limit one per household.
PLAYFUL CITY, from page 1 ––––
WORKSHOPS, from page 1 –––
Page 4 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 24 - 30, 2010
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Lawyers, the law and legal matters are allover the news these days, and maybe weshouldn’t be surprised by that, seeing as howelections are happening this month and inearly November as well and that alwaysseems to be a peak time for case overloads.Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay folks seem tobe encountering legal questions and issues aswell.
Retiring (termed out) Palmetto BayMayor Gene Flinn, who is a lawyer himself,found his own name on legal papers as aresult of his run for the District 8 CountyCommission seat being vacated by retiringKaty Sorenson. First a blogger charged thathe had not properly resigned his seat as mayorbefore qualifying, and then an attorney repre-senting someone filed a suit stating the samething and calling for Flinn’s name to beremoved from the ballot, and disqualification.
You have to wonder whether the folks
yelling for “action” are really just sincerewatchdogs of the political scene, or ifmaybe, just maybe, they might possibly bemotivated by less pure intentions and arehoping to affect the outcome of the elec-tion, either by having him disqualified, byimpugning the candidate, or by confusingthe voters into thinking that a vote cast forhim would be wasted because he’s not real-ly on the ballot officially. A noble objec-tive, or just typical dirty tricks?
Perhaps we’ll never know, but what wedo know is that last Thursday Circuit CourtJudge Ron Friedman ruled in Flinn’s favor,refusing to remove him from the ballot ordisqualify him. We also know that CutlerBay Mayor Paul Vrooman and PinecrestMayor Cindy Lerner came to bat forFlinn by showing up at the hearing to sup-port him, which Flinn reportedly deeplyappreciated.
I’m also hearing complaints from candi-dates in both communities about their cam-paign signs being stolen from the yards ofthose supporting them. Some of that maybe simple acts of youthful vandalism, but Isuspect much of it is attributable to over-eager supporters of rival candidates,which, come to think of it, is also childish.
Both involve legal issues as well.I think everyone will be glad when elec-
tion time is over!Legal issues are also coming to a head in
at least two Kendall matters that popped upin zoning decisions during the summermonths. First off, former Chair PeggyBrodeur has begun a legal challenge of herown Community Council 12 actions rec-ommending rezoning to build an eight-story condo at Colony of Dadeland by a 3-2 approving vote. An earlier 3-3 tie tabledthe matter, so Ms. Brodeur left the meeting,believing the matter had failed of actionwhen the public hearing was closed and thetie vote recorded.
Also on the horizon: a legal suit chal-lenging grand fathered rights of the Churchof Jesus lease where original restrictionsapproved a 100-pupil school on GallowayRoad property, now cleared of old oaks tomake way for the new Riviera High Schoolwith enrollments of several hundred. Bothmatters are just as hot as Kendall’s 90-degree August temperatures!
An eco-friendly Flamingo? A new planfor Everglades National Park calls for bik-ing and walking trails and a circulatingshuttle for visitors without their cars, once
they drive 30-some miles southwest ofHomestead. A lodge, rental cabins andcampground have been the only overnightpark accommodations since two 2005 hur-ricanes wrecked existing structures. So faronly the campgrounds have been put backto use. New facilities proposed by theNational Park Service include a modest 30-room lodge and 24 cottages elevated towithstand a hurricane storm surge. The for-mer Flamingo restaurant would be remod-eled to a new visitor center.
For information, go to the NationalPark Service web site athttp://www.nps.gov/ever/parkmgmt/flamingomasterplan.htm
Thought for the Day:It’s not the hand that signs the laws that
holds the destiny of America. It’s the hand that casts the ballot.
– Harry S. Truman
Gary Alan Ruse and Richard Yager con-tributed to this column.
Got any tips? Contact me at 305-669-7355, ext. 249, or send emails to<[email protected]>.
Lawyers are certainly in the news these days
AROUND TOWN
Michael MillerEXECUTIVE EDITOR
August 24 - 30, 2010 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 5
Palmetto Bay News6769 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355, Fax (305) 662-6980
www.communitynewspapers.comPUBLISHER ..................................................................................................................................Grant MillerEXECUTIVE EDITOR .....................................................................................................................Michael MillerEDITOR.................................................................................................................................. David BerkowitzWRITERS, COLUMNISTS..............................................................Ron Beasley, Kenneth Bluh, Robert Hamilton,
Linda Rodriguez-Bernfeld, Gary Alan Ruse, Lee Stephens, Al Sunshine, Richard YagerADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES..........................................................Albie Barnes, Beatriz Brandfon,
Roberta Bergman, Ana Caceres, Celia Canabate, Diane Chasin, Henry Chau, Sharon Christian, Cecile Fanfani, Diane Maddox, Denzel Miles, Ann Robbins-Udel,
Fara Sax, Lori Schwadron, Diane Sedona Schiller, Walter WhiteLEGAL ADVERTISING ..................................................................................................................... Georgia TaitBOOKKEEPING ............................................................................................................................ Jesus ToledoPROOF DEPARTMENT....................................................................................................................Isabel VavrekGRAPHIC ARTISTS .............................................................Catalina Roca, Isabel Ortega, Angie Gago PUBLISHER EMERITUS.......................................................................................................................................... Ron Miller
COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSAventura News, Biscayne Tribune, Coral Gables News-Tribune, Doral Tribune, Kendall Gazette, Cutler Bay News, Palmetto Bay News,
Pinecrest Tribune, South Miami News, Sunny Isles Beach
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Lawyers,
Palmetto BayMayor Gene Flinn,
CutlerBay Mayor Paul Vrooman PinecrestMayor Cindy Lerner
Legal issues
Also on the horizon:
An eco-friendly Flamingo?
Thought for the Day:
Page 6 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 24 - 30, 2010
Now Serving
The market value of real estate inMiami-Dade County, as we all too wellknow, is down and still falling. With valuesfalling tax revenues received by local gov-ernments are obviously less.
As a result county governments andmany municipalities are seriously consid-ering millage increases to offset their loss-es. This means that while home values aredown taxes will remain the same or, insome cases, increase.
There are several ways to handle thisproblem. Aside from increasing the fees wepay if we want to build a home, park ourcar at a county park, get married, registerthe purchase of a car, or buy a dog tag, thecounty must become more efficient and cutits costs of operations.
Miami-Dade County Commissionersalready have mandated a 5 percent reduc-tion in county employee salaries. That,
except for the county bus drivers whomight be receiving a $500 to $1,000 bonusjust to come to work, already is in place.
School boards and local governmentsacross the United States are waiting, withbaited-breath, to learn if President Obamais successful in creating another multi-bil-lion dollar fund to help local governmentsmeet their current budgets; keeping alivethe hope that a better day is just around thecorner.
If we knew, for sure, that next year wewould find revenues increasing to coverthe cost of running our governments then aone time stimulus from Washington wouldmake sense.
The real truth is that the value of realestate is going to continue to go down.Just the other day, I heard on WLRN thatbanks are holding 900,000 foreclosedhomes off the market. They fear thatadding 900,000 more homes to the num-ber of foreclosed homes they are current-ly trying to sell would only furtherdepress the market and values would con-tinue to plummet. At some point, I fear,more and more homeowners are going tosay “the hell with it. I will never see equi-ty in my home. Let it go to foreclosure
and I will go out and rent — far cheaper.”The problem is that municipalities,
county and state governments must real-ize that Washington can’t continue to bailthem out. Our local governments aregoing to have to make drastic cuts to stayalive. Rainy-day funds have been exhaust-ed. We can’t borrow and Washington willsome day say, “Sorry, we are out ofmoney!”
More and more citizens are saying“America, stop trying to run the world. Weare going broke.” We still have troops inGermany since the end of World War II.That was 65 years ago. The parents oftroops serving in Europe, today, weren’teven born when WWII came to an end. Westill have troops serving in South Koreaand that so called police action ended 57years ago. And, unfortunately unless wechange our way of thinking, we will havetroops staying to Iraq and Afghanistan formany years to come.
The money we are spending to “defend”the world could be better spent at homedefending our boarders, feeding, housingand educating our poor and running a moreefficient, smaller government. We arespending our nation into a financial holefrom which we might not rebound. It is nota Republican problem, nor is it a Democratproblem. It is a mentality that has existed inWashington since the end of WWII.
We must redefine the way we are spend-ing the money Washington is borrowing.Let’s keep it at home. Borrow less and makeour domestic needs our No. 1 priority.
We appreciate your opinions on this col-umn whether in agreement or disagree-ment. Please send your comments to (faxnumber) 305-662-6980 or email to <[email protected]>. Theopinions expressed in this column are notnecessarily those of this newspaper, its edi-tors or publisher.
KENNETH’S COMMENTARY
R. Kenneth Bluh –– VIEWPOINT ––Washington can’t support local governments
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August 24 - 30, 2010 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 7
Rosie Bruno doesn’t like fighting trafficor long lines when she needs to go to herbank. That’s why she uses her smartphonefor most of her banking needs.
“It avoids all the traffic, congestion andlong lines inside,” the Doral resident toldme. “It makes banking much easier and itsaves a lot of time.”
She is not the only one who thinks smart-phone technology is revolutionizing theway we do our banking. All you have to dois check out your favorite online app storeto see that smartphone banking programsare booming. They are available for severaldifferent platforms including iPhones,Blackberries and Android cell phones.Most are offered for free by some of thecountry’s biggest banks.
These banks are becoming more sophis-ticated every day. There is even a new appfrom Chase, which allows users to skip thebank completely if they need to deposit acheck. Using their smart phone camera,consumers take a picture of the check. Theimage is then sent through the cell phone tothe bank, where it’s deposited into theiraccounts.
Chase claims that their smart phone secu-rity is completely safe.
“We’ve got some of the world’s bestencryption available and it’s as safe as wecan possibly make it,” a Miami retail bank-ing manager told me.
However, cyber security experts at theU.S. Secret Service warn that nothing is
risk free.
The Secret Service investigates bank
fraud and cyber scams, and it has seen cases
recently where wireless networks here and
across the country have been intercepted by
cyber-thieves. Those so-called network
intrusions have resulted in personal infor-
mation being used in some identity theft
cases throughout the nation. In fact,
America’s biggest network intrusion case
was based right here in South Florida.Cyber crime investigators warn smart
phone banking may be convenient, but itdoes have its downside.
“I think the public needs to be aware thatpublic wireless networks are not as secureas regular cellular phone edge or 3G cover-age,” a cyber crime specialist based out ofthe Secret Service’s Miami Field Officeacknowledged.
I asked if there are thieves out there look-ing for personal date on public wireless net-works to rip us off. He didn’t waste anytime before answering.
“Absolutely,” he replied.The bottom line: Smartphone banking is
convenient and can save us time. But cybersecurity experts suggest people stay offpublic, un-secured wireless networks whentransmitting any personal or financialinformation. Instead, stick to your digitalcell phone connection, which is moresecure. If you electronically scan anychecks and transmit them to your bank,make sure they get credited to the rightaccount. It’s also a good idea to hold ontothem for a while to make sure they havecleared. When you’re sure they havecleared and been credited to your account,shred them like the banks do.
Watch Al Sunshine’s “CBS MoneyWatch” Monday-Friday beginning at noon.
CBS MONEY WATCH
Al Sunshine
Some new safety warningsabout ‘smartphone’ banking
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Children and youth across Florida have theopportunity to become “Health Heroes” bylearning about childhood obesity, designingprograms to address it and implementing theprograms in their communities.
UnitedHealth Heroes is a service-learning,health literacy initiative designed to encour-age young people, working with educatorsand youth leaders, to create and implementlocal hands-on programs to fight childhoodobesity. As childhood obesity rates areincreasing, according to the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention,UnitedHealth Group is taking the fight toFlorida and offering UnitedHealth Heroesgrants to schools and youth-focused, commu-nity center-based programs.
Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded toprograms that demonstrate a clear under-standing of the health risks associated withchildhood obesity; propose creative solutionsto fighting obesity in their schools and com-munities, and can be easily implemented,scaled and measured. In addition, each grantalso engages participating youth in service-learning, an effective teaching and learning
strategy that supports student academicachievement, and helps students developtheir workplace readiness skills.
To obtain an application, visit online at<www.YSA.org/HEROES>. The website alsocontains more information about the programas well as “First Responders: Youth AddressingChildhood Obesity Through Service-Leaning,”a step-by-step manual that helps youth, par-ents, teachers and other volunteers deploy YSAservice-learning models to fight childhoodobesity in their communities.
Applications must be submitted onlinebefore midnight, Oct. 22. Grant recipientswill be notified in December and January.
“With the UnitedHealth Heroes program,we are helping young people take action toimprove their overall health and quality of lifein a way that’s not only educational, but bene-ficial for their communities,” said Dr. ManuelSelva, chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcareSouth Florida. “We believe that as peoplebecome more aware of health issues throughhealth literacy and advocacy initiatives theywill make positive changes to live better lives.We look forward to seeing the creative ideasyoung people come up with to help fight obe-sity and encourage healthier living.”
Calling all ‘Heroes’ to joinchildhood obesity fight
Job security formany occupations that30 years ago promiseda steady job for a per-
sons entire working years are nowempty promises.
Whether you are a teacher, line-man or telephone tech, the currentcorporate policy is to make fewerpeople do more work.
Technology has eliminated jobsand will continue to do so. Ask a trav-el agent what the internet has doneto their income.
The days of the company treatingyou like a family are gone. The rulesof the employment game are drasti-cally different and not for the betterfrom the point of view of the employ-ee.
It is critical that all employeesregardless of age or time with thecompany really start to get theirfinancial act together now. Manypeople have their current employ-ment as their plan A and they have
not created a plan B. Plan B is whereyou no longer work for your currentemployer.
You should prepare yourself a“What if” scenario. This may includenew employment, other income, goback to school, consider starting acontractor business, relocate, reviewyour bills, etc. There is a lot to thinkabout.
Change in life is a certainty. Eitheryou are reacting to it or proactivelycontrolling your future.
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Securities offered through Securities America Inc memberof FINRA/SIPC. Rick Tonkinson Registered Representative.Advisory Services offered through Securities America Advisors,Inc. Rick Tonkinson Investment Advisor Representative. RickTonkinson and Associates, Inc. & Securities America compa-nies are not affiliated.
������������� ������� ��������������Page 8 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 24 - 30, 2010
August 24 - 30, 2010 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 9
Jon Beisenherz and Barbara Parker are pictured with their hometown newspaper in St. Remy, France.Behind them is a reproduction of a self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh.
Residents take hometownnews on visit to France
Page 10 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 24 - 30, 2010
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Members of Boy Scouts Troop 457, Kendall United Methodist Church, recently attended Summer Camp at BSA Camp Rainey Mountain in Northeast Georgia. The members of the troop earned a number of meritbadges during the week including Orienteering, Enviromental Science, Swimming, Rifle Shooting, Archery, etc.
Local Boy Scout Troop 457 attends camp in Georgia August 24 - 30, 2010 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 11
Page 12 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 24 - 30, 2010
August 24 - 30, 2010 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 13
Athletes, ‘play it safe’by using mouth guards
BY MICHAEL BILELLO
Orthodontic Specialists of Florida(OSOF) and Orthodontic Specialists of NewEngland (OSONE) recently announced thatthey will provide middle and high schoolstudent-athletes with custom-fitted mouthguards during the month of August at all oftheir locations throughout Florida and NewEngland at no cost, while supplies last.
“We are very excited to join theAmerican Association of Orthodontists(AAO) and NFL Hall of Famer EmmittSmith in promoting the use of qualitymouth guards during athletic play,” saidAlan D. Shoopak, DMD, founder andowner of OSOF and OSONE.
“My staff is committed to schedulingand facilitating the fittings, as well as pro-viding the student-athlete with a state-of-
the-art mouth guard from SafeTGard andit’s all free,” he added.
According to the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDCP), baseball,soccer, basketball and football account forabout 80 percent of all sports-related emer-gency room visits for children betweenages 5 and 14.
“I have seen too many injuries walkthrough our doors that could have beenprevented had the athlete been wearing afitted mouth guard, so collectively as ateam, we will be protecting thousands ofgreat smiles during the upcoming schoolyear,” Dr. Shoopak said.
To schedule a student-athlete fitting atone of OSOF and OSONE’s locations, call1-888-800-4BRACES or visit <www.flori-da4braces.com/>. Mouth guards availablewhile supplies last.
NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith promotes the use of quality mouth guards during athletic play.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Page 14 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 24 - 30, 2010
BY STEVE AROCHO
Baseball Tomorrow Fund (BTF)recently announced the awarding of thirdquarter grants totaling more than$215,000 to six communities across thecountry, including Miami.
The Baseball Tomorrow Fund, a pro-gram formed by Major League Baseballand the Major League Baseball PlayersAssociation, promotes the growth ofyouth baseball and softball throughoutthe world by awarding grants to supportfield renovation and construction proj-ects, equipment and uniform purchases,coaches training material and otherselected program expenses.
Among the grant recipients was theSouth Florida After School All-Stars ofMiami. The grant will provide fundingfor the development of its first organizedsports program, which will be a baseballleague with partner M-E Baseball, a localrecreational youth baseball league.
The South Florida After School All-Stars program is the local chapter of anational program that provides year-round, school-based academic, enrich-ment and health programs to middleschool students.
Since its formation by Major LeagueBaseball and the Major LeagueBaseball Players Association in 1999,the Baseball Tomorrow Fund hasawarded over 480 grants totaling morethan $18 million to non-profit and tax-exempt organizations in the U.S.,Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean,Europe and Asia. Approximately214,009 youth players have benefitedfrom programs and facilities supportedby the Fund.
The Baseball Tomorrow Fund receivesapproximately 500 applications each yearand awards grants on a quarterly basisafter a selective review process.
For more information, visit online at<www.baseballtomorrowfund.com>.
Local organization among recipientsof Baseball Tomorrow Fund grants
The Office of Miami-Dade CountyMayor Carlos Alvarez invites senior citi-zens to participate in “Scam Jam,” a freeeducational event that will address the lat-est scams and fraud attempts on the elderly,on Tuesday, Aug. 31, at the West-DadeRegional Library, 9445 SW 24 St., from 10a.m. to noon.
The Scam Jam event is a two-hour infor-mational session for seniors about the latestscams and frauds affecting them, and howthey can better protect themselves. Some ofthe participating agencies include: FloridaSenior Medicare Patrol; Office of theInspector General; Florida Department ofFinancial Services, Fraud Division;Medicaid Fraud Control Unit; Miami-DadePolice Department, Domestic CrimeBureau Elder Exploitation Unit, and Officeof the Attorney General.
For sign language interpreters, assistivelistening devices or materials in accessibleformat, call 305-375-1545 at least five daysin advance.
GIRL SCOUT TROOP 270 SLATESSPAGHETTI DINNER ON AUG. 28
Girl Scout Troop 270 is holding aspaghetti dinner fundraiser at the Woman’s
Club of Homestead on Saturday, Aug. 28,5-7 pm. Tickets are $10 per person.
Troop 270 is working on the Gold Awardwhich is the highest award for girls ages14-18 or in grades 9-12. They are workingdiligently with the community on buildinga commercial playground at the SilverPalm United Methodist Church. They haveaccomplished many other projects and tohelp assist them with their goal.
For more information, contact DebiHoak, leader, at 305-257-2095 or via emailat <[email protected]>.
TEENS T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST AT MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC LIBRARIES
The Miami-Dade Public Library Systemis inviting teens, ages 12-19, to participatein its annual T-Shirt Design Contest pro-moting the theme “Books with Beat.”Entry forms are available at all librarybranches and online at <www.mdpls.org>,now through Friday, Sept. 10.
The teen with the winning design willreceive a $100 gift certificate to an artsupply store, an autographed football anda certificate from the Miami Dolphins,and will have his or her design repro-duced on T-shirts to be worn by partici-
pants during the official observance ofTeen Read Week, Oct. 17-23. Teen ReadWeek is a literacy initiative of the YoungAdult Library Services (YALSA), a divi-sion of the American Library Association,which encourages teens to read just forthe fun of it.
The program is sponsored by the Friendsof the Miami-Dade Public Library and theMiami Dolphins Foundation.
TEMPLE BETH AM TO HOST‘ROCK ‘N ROSH HASHANAH’
Temple Beth Am invites the communityto celebrate the start of the Jewish NewYear at the informal and family-friendly,“Rock ‘N Rosh haShanah Under the Stars,”a unique, open-air service in the courtyardon Wednesday, Sept. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m., atthe synagogue, 5950 N. Kendall Dr. inPinecrest.
The schedule for the evening’s activitiesis as follows: 5 p.m., picnic in the court-
yard, activities for children; 6 p.m., RabbiGreengrass, Rabbi Kempler and CantorSegal will conduct a special “RoshhaShanah Under the Stars” service featur-ing the Rock ‘N Shabbat Band.
Patrons are encouraged to dress comfort-ably, picnic-style. Open seating is availablein the courtyard area of the temple. Bringyour own food, beverages, blankets andchairs. Although this service is free andopen to the community, registration via<www.tbam.org> is requested.
For more information, contact Rita Diazat 305-667-6667, ext. 107, or by email at<[email protected]>.
PRIMERICA OFFERS NO CHARGEPERSONAL FINANCIAL REVIEW
Dario Luna, an independent representa-tive of Primerica Inc., is conducting anOpen House on Thursday, Sept. 9, 7:30
Free educational event on scams set for seniorsCOMMUNITY NEWS BRIEFS
––––––– Continued on next page
August 24 - 30, 2010 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 15
See how your children (K-5) can benefit from the individualizedinstruction our Rabbi and teachers give each child.
Music, art and dance will be interwoven withthe regular curriculum throughout the year
Ahavat Olam, 10755 S.W. 112th Street, Miami (On the grounds of Killian Pines United Methodist Church)
A Synagogue That Embraces All Jews and Interfaith Families
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Page 16 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 24 - 30, 2010
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p.m., at 12350 SW 132 Ct., Suite 108,that will provide, at no charge, a valuablecomputerized personal financial needsanalysis for those attending.
Attendees are asked to complete a briefquestionnaire that is entered confidentiallyinto a proprietary computer program. TheFNA helps people organize and prioritizetheir objectives and enables them to intelli-gently explore options for achieving thesegoals in a variety of vital areas, such assavings for retirement and education fund-ing, as well as debt management andincome protection.
Those interested in receiving an FNAwho cannot attend an Open House can con-tact Luna at 305-595-1818 to schedule apersonal appointment.
Additional information about Primericais available at <www.primerica.com>.
MIAMI-DADE COOPERATIVE EXTENSIONPRESENTS COURSE ON HORTICULTURE
If you have a career in the plant nurseryor landscaping industry, now there is anopportunity to improve upon your craft andget the most out of your work product.
The Miami-Dade Cooperative ExtensionDivision is offering a seven-week course
on horticulture every Tuesday, beginningSept. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the JohnD. Campbell Agricultural Center, 18710SW 288 St., in Homestead. Classes runthrough Nov. 9. The deadline to register isTuesday, Sept. 14.
Course participants will learn aboutproven practices in plant propagation,plant nutrition, irrigation, pest manage-ment, landscape installation, nursery pro-duction and marketing. ContinuingEducation Units (CEUs) will be availablefor FDACS, ISA and FNGLA after eachsession.
The cost to register is $180 per personand includes University of Florida text-books, publications, hand-lenses andrefreshments. Space is limited, so reserveyour seat today. For details, call Patty at305-248-3311, ext. 225.
LEARN EVERYTHING YOU WANTTO KNOW ABOUT C.A.T. SCANS
Everything You Want to Know AboutCAT Scans is a Baptist Health programoffered at the Westchester Health ResourceCenter, 8820 Bird Rd., Suite 400, onThursday, Sept. 23, from 1 to 2 p.m.
The speaker is CAT technician JuanMorales. The program is free, but space islimited and registration is required.
For more information and to register,call 786-596-3812.
SPECIAL 10-WEEK MAGIC CLASSCOMES TO PINECREST GARDENS
Pinecrest Gardens, located at 11000 RedRd., will be hosting an introductory 10-week class on the art of street, close-up andparlor magic featuring interactive instruc-tion by Antino Art, House of Flying Cardsfounder and president. The class will takeplace on Saturday mornings, 10 a.m. tonoon, from Sept. 25 through Dec. 12.
This will offer instruction, including thebasics such as the history of magic, per-formance workshops, presentation strate-gies and special guest magicians. Therewill be live demonstrations and lessons onmagic with playing cards, coins, rings,paper clips, soda cans and other effects androutines. A final, full-length show will beperformed by students at the end of theseries.
The cost of the 10 classes is $150 andincludes all materials. For more informa-tion or to register, call 305-669-6990 orvisit online at <www.pinecrest-fl.gov>.
PROGRAM DISCUSSES ‘WHENTO VISIT AN URGENT CARE’
“When to Visit an Urgent Care” is aBaptist Health program offered onWednesday, Sept. 29, from 10:30 to 11:30a.m., at the Edward and Arlene FellerCommunity Room, located at LudoviciPark, 17641 Old Cutler Rd., second floor.
The speaker is Urgent Care supervisorOzzie Drago.
The program is free but space is limitedand registration is required. For more infor-mation and to register, call 786-596-3812.
SEMINAR ON ELECTION ANDFUNDRAISING REGULATIONS
The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethicsand Public Trust is sponsoring a seminaron election and fundraising regulations onThursday, Sept. 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at theMiami City Commission Chambers, 3500Pan American Dr. in Coconut Grove.
The seminar will provide essential infor-mation to declared candidates, individualsconsidering running for election or anyonewho wants to understand the legal and eth-ical obligations of seeking public office.Speakers include representatives of theMiami-Dade Ethics Commission, StateAttorney’s Office, Elections Departmentand Miami-Dade League of Cities.
For more information, call RobertThompson at 305-350-0630 or send emailto <[email protected]>.
‘VEIN VEIN GO AWAY’AT S. MIAMI HOSPITAL
“Vein Vein Go Away” is a Baptist HealthProgram being offered on Wednesday,
NEWS, from previous page ––––
––––––– Continued on next page
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Marco Drugs & Compounding6627 South Dixie Highway • Miami, FL 33143
August 24 - 30, 2010 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 17
Sept. 29, from 7 to 8 p.m., in the Victor E.Clarke Building at South Miami Hospital,6200 SW 73 St.
The speaker is Dr. Juan Carlos Pereda,vascular surgeon. The program is free, butspace is limited and registration isrequired.
For more information and to register,call 786-596-3812.
FRIENDS OF THE ORPHANSPLANS FUNDRAISING EVENT
Friends of the Orphans invites thecommunity to save the date Friday, Oct.22, 7-11 p.m., for an evening like noother to open hearts and make a differ-ence at this year’s “All the World to OneChild” glamorous fundraising cocktailgala and silent auction at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach.
Enjoy the beauty and artistic sur-roundings of Evolution and feast on anunbelievable array of gourmet delicaciescreated by Ritz-Carlton chefs to tanta-lize all of your senses. Participation willhelp transform the lives of more than3,600 orphans and disadvantaged chil-dren in nine Latin American andCaribbean countries who rely on supportto break the cycle of poverty andbecome productive members of theircommunities.
For more information, contact AnaMartinez, regional development managerof the southeast region, at 305-663-6211 orvia email at <[email protected]>.You also can visit <www.friendsoftheor-pahns.org>.
LOCAL FAMILIES INCLUDE SHOEBOXES ON SHOPPING LISTS
Kids in the Miami area can make a realdifference to a child in need by simplykeeping the box from their new schoolshoes and filling it with various schoolsupplies for children in need.
Operation Christmas Child plans tohand-deliver shoe box gifts to more than 8million struggling children in 100 coun-tries this year. An effort that massivemeans the project needs the help of Miamifamilies, not only during the holidays, butalso right now.
Individuals and families can helpneedy kids worldwide by either helpingto enlist families, churches, Scout troops,community groups and businesses totake advantage of back-to-school salesby collecting discounted school suppliesfor shoe box gifts, or by filling shoeboxes with school supplies, toys, neces-sity items, hard candy and a letter ofencouragement. Step-by-step shoeboxpacking instructions are available at<www.samaritanspurse.org>.
For more information on how to par-ticipate, call 1-407-852-3728 or visitwww.samaritanspurse.org. NationalCollection Week for gift-filled shoebox-es is Nov. 15-22, however, shoeboxgifts are collected all year at theSamaritan’s Purse headquarters inBoone, NC.
‘HOW SWEET IT IS’ BRINGS DELICIOUSFUN TO THE SHOPS AT SUNSET PLACE
The Shops at Sunset Place, 5701 SunsetDr. in South Miami, will present, “HowSweet It is,” a scrumptious celebration tobenefit local charities, on Thursday, Nov.18, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“How Sweet it is” will feature lavishdisplays of all-you-can-eat desserts, liveentertainment and a Kids Zone withfamily-friendly activities such as cookiedecorating, trail-mix creation stationand more. The ticket price is $20. Theevent is free for children under the ageof 10.
For more information, call 305-663-0482 or visit online at <www.simon.com>.
NEWS, from previous page –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Page 18 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 24 - 30, 2010
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BY KAREN LAMONICA
Looking to combine a mini-vacationwith some early holiday shopping thisfall? Then treat yourself to a fun, shoppinggetaway at the recently renovatedRenaissance Resort at the World GolfVillage in St. Augustine.
This fall, the resort will offer a pair ofshopping packages that will enable con-sumers to take advantage of the low pricesoffered by two of the country’s largest out-let malls located just minutes away. Thepackages include the “Prime Outlets Shopand Stay Package” and the “PremiumOutlets Shop and Stay Package,” so visi-tors may choose the mall that best servestheir shopping needs.
The “Prime Outlets Shop and StayPackage” includes deluxe accommoda-tions, breakfast for two daily in the resort’s500 South Restaurant; a voucher to beredeemed at Prime Outlets for a $100 giftcard valid at any of the 75 outlet stores,and a VIP coupon book worth hundreds ofdollars in savings at participating stores.
Recently renovated and expanded,Prime Outlets features Gucci, JuicyCouture, Cole Haan, Michael Kors, Guess,Hugo Boss Factory Store, kate spade, LizClaiborne New York, Kenneth Cole andSaks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th. The outletmall is located just 10 minutes south of theresort.
The package starts at $199 per room, pernight, plus tax and is available throughDec. 31, based on availability. It is notavailable to groups of 10 or more roomsand cannot be combined with any otherpromotion. When making a reservation,reference promotional code ZH5.
The “Premium Outlets Shop & StayPackage” is an alternative package thatincludes a $100 gift card at the St.Augustine Premium Outlets, which has
85 name brand and designer outletstores, including Ann Taylor FactoryStore, Banana Republic, BrooksBrothers, Calvin Klein, J. Crew, NikeFactory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren,Reebok, Tommy Bahama and TommyHilfiger.
The package includes deluxe accom-modations, breakfast for two in the 500South Restaurant; a voucher for a $100gift card valid at any of the 85 outlets; afree VIP gift, and a Premium Outlets VIPcoupon book good at participating stores.
The Premium Outlets are located oneexit south of the Renaissance Resort, a 10-minute drive. The package rate is from$202 per room, per night, plus tax and isavailable through Dec. 31, based on avail-ability. It is not available to groups of 10or more rooms and cannot be combinedwith any other promotion. When making areservation, reference promotional codeZH4.
“Both are great packages for anyonewho likes to shop or for anyone who sim-ply likes to make their dollars go far whenshopping,” said Mark Schwantner, generalmanager of the Renaissance Resort.“These two packages provide a greatoption to choose which outlet mall worksbest for you, or you can take advantage ofone package one night and the other pack-age another night to stretch your shoppingdollars.”
Taking advantage of the package willallow vacationers to experience the newlyrenovated Renaissance Resort, which
completed a $10-million renovation in2008. The resort is located within the6,300-acre World Golf Village adjacent tothe World Golf Hall of Fame. The renova-tion included remodeling all 301 gue-strooms and suites, the billiard room, dra-matic changes to the lobby atrium andentry area, expansion of the fitness center,and renovating the restaurant and bar.
All guest rooms and suites now havenew furniture, window treatments, light-ing, flat-screen television sets and theMarriott JackPack, which provides com-plete connectivity to the guests for laptops,MP3 players, digital cameras and videogame players. The rooms and suites have acontemporary design with an Asian theme
that includes rich red bed coverings, crispwhite linens, and a neutral gold colorscheme. Rooms also have high-speedInternet access, two telephones with dataports, a wet bar and refrigerator, and in-room coffee.
On-site offerings at the RenaissanceResort include an indoor professional golfsimulator, a sauna, pool, hot tub and full-service concierge. Guests also are an easywalk from the Hall of Fame’s 18-hole put-ting course, the 132-yard Island ChallengeHole, the IMAX Theater and the Walk ofChampions.
For more information, call 1-888-740-7020 or go online to<www.WorldGolfRenaissance.com>.
Renaissance Resort offers fall ‘Shop & Stay’ packages
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asonal home here in SouthAdam Madkour of the famedng Water Company continuese bond he shares with Southurant operators and aficiona-ning.al springs in Upstate New
folks once traveled fromhe world to “take the cure” inld water, is where Saratogar originated. It is one of thebottled waters, and after 138s committed to offering thewater from deep beneath the
ack foothills.re are approximately 1,500n Saratoga Springs, NY, and
number of “New York trans-many. In fact, in 2006 alone,00,000 New Yorkers becameoridians.aid it is the same with bottledess restaurants and food serv-throughout South Florida seed demand for the noticeable
ght question why we get our
sparkling water all the way from NewYork,” said Robin Seger, who with herhusband, Patrick Farnault, is owner/opera-tor of Sugar Reef Grill in HollywoodBeach. “After they taste Saratoga SpringWater on our beach-side patio, they realize
it’s the only thing you can drink in thisoasis. Its cobalt blue bottle also matchesour Sugar Reef mosaic tiles.”
Many eateries have a variety of wines,beers, and soft drinks, but not alwayswater. Restaurant owners and managers in
the foodservice industry are provide a large number of brands for their beverRestaurant operators believe a water menu as a differentiatsomething that attracts the higsetting clientele.
“For us, selling bottled waessarily about the profit,” Plagata, general manager of The Mile of Coral Gables, whtion of this key factor. “Restafrequently look for a brand ntheir water bottles. Customespecially the sparkling drinkvery clean flavor, which goesour food.”
Madkour observes that Flogenuine appreciation for thebottled specialty, noting thatstates nationwide, Florida resa greater frequency of re-ordof any other state in the union
“As long as people keSaratoga, we’ll keep supplyfully another 138 years,” he s
For more information abSpring Water visit online at <gaspringwater.com>.
toric NY spring water popular with local din
Pictured with the cobalt blue Saratoga Spring Water bottle is Ernesto Plagata, general manager of Ortanique onThe Mile of Coral Gables. (Photo Credit: Murnor Studio)
August 24 - 30, 2010 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 27
Page 28 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 24 - 30, 2010
, 2010 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM
and Vitara has developed a rep-ompact but rugged little SUVmbination of off-road capabil-d composure. Most recently,
Edmunds.com picked it for thet Affordable SUVs” list andde tapped it as a “Best Buy”
Vitara has a classic SUV look,nt and rear overhangs and lotsce. It has a reinforced unibodystiff structure incorporating anframe, four-wheel independ-and four-wheel disc brakes.
Vitara does a good job of bridg-ween weekday commuting andnturing. It seats five comfort-/40 split-folding reclining rear
e rear seats up, there is 24.4storage space; with the seat-cargo space expands to 68.9
The Grand Vitara was upgraded last yearand given a new fuel-efficient four-cylinderengine and a more powerful V-6, so there islittle change for 2010. The Suzuki-developed2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 166hp and 162 pounds-feet of torque, whiledelivering 19/26 mpg. The 3.2-liter V-6(18/24) develops 230 hp and 213 pounds-feetof torque and is available for Grand VitaraXSport and Luxury models. The V-6 has vari-able valve timing for both the intake andexhaust camshafts. Both engines use a zero-maintenance timing chain rather than a belt.
The four-cylinder engine can be teamedwith a standard five-speed manual transmis-sion or a four-speed automatic transmission,while the V-6 is matched to a standard five-speed automatic transmission. OptionalRWD models, Single-Mode four-wheel driveor 4-Mode full-time four-wheel drive areavailable. An Electronic Stability Program isstandard for all Grand Vitara models, alongwith a rollover sensor for the standard sidecurtain airbags.
The Grand Vitara has a dash-mountedtransfer case switch and in the 4H positionfor highway driving, the electronically con-trolled on-demand four-wheel-drive systemapplies traction to the front wheels only asneeded, maximizing traction and optimizingeconomy. For off-road or low-speed power
and traction, the switch is move to high-range4H Lock or low-range 4L Lock to engage thecenter differential lock.
The V-6 models with Four-Mode full-timefour-wheel drive also have Hill DescentControl and Hill Hold Control for better driv-er control and safety on steep slopes.
For RV owners, a Grand Vitara equippedwith an automatic transmission or with the 4-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system canbe flat-towed. Switching the transfer case
control into the neutral positmize driveline wear and prevmiles from accumulating onBase price on the Suzuki G$26,999.
Ron Beasley is the automMiami’s Community Newspapcontacted by calling 305-662or by addressing email cor<[email protected]>.
0 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a ‘rugged little S
LET’S TALK CARS
Ron BeasleyAUTOMOTIVE EDITOR
Grand Vitara has classic SUV look with short front and rear overhangs and lots of wi–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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