Biscayne Bay Tribune 2.20.2012

See Grove Section Inside

County reviewing Code in effort to make it more business friendly

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See CODE, page 4

––––––––––––––––– See HISTORY, page 4

BY ARLEEN GOMEZ

In an effort to make Miami-Dade Countymore business friendly, Miami-DadeCounty Commission chair Joe A.Martinez joined forces with the FloridaInternational University (FIU) College

of Law to review the Miami-Dade County Code inorder to identify provisions that delay, impede orhinder the manner in which business and industryinteract with the county.

The details of the code revision initiative werepresented at FIU’s College of Law on Tuesday,Jan. 31.

Phase One of the project involves law studentsidentifying the application of a particular Codesection to one or more businesses. Phase Two ofthe project will delve into what Code provisionsshould be revised and, if so, in what manner.

The goal is to have these law students, along

Pictured (l-r) are FIU president Mark Rosenberg, Miami-Dade County Commission chair JoeA. Martinez, FIU law student Vanessa Pinto, and College of Law dean R. Alex Acosta.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY LEE STEPHENS

T he Miami-Dade BlackAffairs Advisory Board’sHeritage Planning

Committee unveiled the 2012 BlackHistory Month Exhibit recently with aprogram featuring music, entertainmentand a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Miami-Dade Commission chair JoeA. Martinez, along with county com-missioners Barbara Jordan, JeanMonestime, Xavier Suarez and mem-bers of the Black Affairs AdvisoryBoard, honored African Americanwomen pioneers in South Florida aspart of the ceremonies, which also paidtribute to several women trailblazers inthe railroad industry.

Black History Month Exhibit unveiled at Government Center

Members of the Miami-Dade Black Affairs Advisory Board join county officials in opening the 2012 Black

History Month Exhibit in the Miami-Dade County Stephen P. Clark Government Center.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY TARNELL CARROLL

T his spring, Miami DadeCollege’s (MDC)acclaimed School ofBusiness will offer free

workshops to small and moderate sizebusinesses in Allapattah, Overtown,downtown Miami and surroundingareas, as well as specific areas ofMiami Beach as part of its SmallBusiness Education Program spon-sored by Citi Foundation.

Beginning in March, the five freebusiness seminars and workshops willbe offered in English and Spanish forexisting and potential entrepreneurs.

The first workshop series for exist-ing businesses only will take place onThursdays, Mar. 8, 15 and 22, from5:30 to 9:30 p.m., in English, in room3210-5, and on Wednesdays, Mar. 14,21 and 28, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., inSpanish, in room 3208. Topics cov-ered will include finance, credit, mar-keting and selling techniques, fundingsources, and more.

MDC’s School of

Business to offer

free workshops

––––––––––––––– See BUSINESS, page 4

SERVING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SINCE 1958

VOL. 30, NO. 8FEBRUARY 20, 2012

Community NewspapersBiscayne Bay

TRIBUNE

BY ARLEEN GOMEZ

Retired Miami Dolphins player Jason

Taylor received resounding applause in

Miami-Dade Commission Chambers as he

was honored by county officials for his

15-year football career and service to the

community.

Commission chair Joe A. Martinez pre-

sented Taylor a proclamation declaring

Jan. 24 as “Jason Taylor Day” in Miami-

Dade County. He also was commended by

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez, who

gave Taylor the Key to the County, and

Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz, chair of

the Miami-Dade Sports Commission.

With a NFL career spanning 15 years,

Jason Taylor spent 13 seasons in a

Dolphins uniform, becoming a stellar

defensive player who collected more sacks

than any player in Dolphin history and a

NFL record holder for career fumble-return

touchdowns.

Aside from his exceptional football

career, Taylor is known for giving back to

his community. In 2004, he established the

Jason Taylor Foundation, a non-profit

organization that supports and creates pro-

grams to facilitate the personal growth and

empowerment of South Florida’s under-

privileged children. Since its inception, the

Jason Taylor Foundation has contributed

more than $2 million in programs and serv-

ices to more than 40 different organiza-

tions, awarded 35 middle school students

college scholarships, and annually gives 50

kids $300 back-to-school shopping sprees.

Taylor graciously accepted the awards,

thanking officials and the community for

their support. He also congratulated and

signed autographs for Miami Norland High

School’s varsity football team, which was

honored earlier in the morning for being

Class 5A State Champions.

“It was privilege to be able to honor

Jason Taylor for everything he has con-

tributed to our community,” Martinez said.

“His dedication and hard work on and off

the field are what makes him a role model.

I am confident that whatever endeavor he

takes on he will continue to do great things,

especially for this community.”

For more information, contact

Martinez’s office at 305-375-5511.

Miami-Dade County recognizes Jason Taylor with his own day

Miami-Dade County Commission chair Joe A. Martinez shakes hands with retired Miami Dolphins defensivelineman Jason Taylor after presenting the athlete with a proclamation.

(Photo by Armando Rodriguez/Miami-Dade County)––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM February 20, 2012

February 20, 2012 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM


LIFE IN THE FAST LANEBY KAREN ARONOWITZ,President, United Teachers of Dade

Don’t press that button! You knowwhich one. SEND. How many ofus have pressed that button in amoment of anger, a moment that isfollowed by ten minutes of terrorand years of living with words thatcan never be recalled.

Heck! (OK, not heck, but this is afamily paper.) I can’t believe I sentthat to my boss, my manager, mysister-in-law, my kid, reply all—thelist goes on and on. Some of us haveeven gone so far as to write a secondemail requesting that the first emailwas sent in error, promptingeveryone to run to read what theymight have skipped.

Ah, me. Life in the connectedlane. Are we really saving time? Wespend more time mopping up themesses we create with our instantmessages than we would have spentcooling down, composing a letter,burning the letter in a can, rewritingthe letter and sticking it in a drawerfor later because we are out ofstamps.

So, in service to my fellowinterconnected, intergalaticcitizens, I have provided a list of

responses that you can useinterchangeably as an instantresponse (a requirement of this bravenewworld) which allows you to takesome time before you answer, whilestill providing an answer. Try ‘em,you’ll like ‘em!

I’ll get back to you by early nextweek.

Let me run that suggestion by theteam.

I see what you mean. (Ha!ha! Itdoesn’t mean you agree! – No, this isnot part of the response! Don’t pressthe SEND. . .too late.)

Let me think that over. (People willpuzzle over this one for days.)

I’m going to consult _____on that.

Have you run that by legal?

And finally, the coup de grace:

I’m required to reportthis to _____________________.

I hope this helps! It’s no usereplying faster if we end upundoing what can’t be undone andrequires more work, or in the case ofsisters-in-law, more frequent contactthan ever before! Bye for now. I’moff to the post office for a stamp.

The United Teachers of Daderepresents 35,000 teachers andschool support personnel inMDCPS. The union is committedto being a leader in creatingpublic school reform, fosteringa quality public education forall students and elevating theprofessional status of teachers,pa rap ro f e s s i ona l s , o f f i c eemployees, and all school supportpersonnel.

Mercedes-Benz Corporate Runregistration has gone online

BY MAYRA HERNANDEZ

After 27 years of managing loads ofpaper registrations, TeamFootWorksannounces some big changes are comingto the 2012 Corporate Run series as therace goes green.

For the first time since the race’s incep-tion in 1985, all participants in theMercedes-Benz Corporate Run series willsubmit their registration paperwork online.In addition, onsite registration no longerwill be available at each of the 5K runs,which begin in Fort Lauderdale on Mar.29, wind through West Palm Beach on Apr.18 and conclude in Miami on Apr. 26.

“With 25,000 plus participants, we arealways looking for ways to improve theMercedes-Benz Corporate Run Seriesexperience,” said Laurie Huseby, racedirector. “By taking the registrationprocess online, we are utilizing technolo-gies that will make the process easier forall race participants. Registration is easyand can be done on our website,<www.mercedesbenzcorporaterun.com>.”

Race dates and registration deadlines areas follows:

Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run — FortLauderdale, Thursday, Mar. 29, 6:45 p.m.,Huizenga Plaza, 32 East Las Olas Blvd.,Fort Lauderdale, $30 until Feb. 23; $35from Feb. 24 through Mar. 8. No registra-tions accepted after Mar. 8.

Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run — West

Palm Beach, Wednesday, Apr. 18, 7 p.m.,Meyer Amphitheater, 104 Datura St., WestPalm Beach, $30 until Mar. 14; $35 fromMar. 15 through Mar. 28. No registrationsaccepted after Mar. 28.

Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run —Miami, Thursday, Apr. 26, 6:45 p.m.,Bayfront Park, 301 North Biscayne Blvd.,Miami; $30 until Mar. 22; $35 from Mar.23 through Apr. 5. No registrations accept-ed after Apr. 5.

With a special competition that awardsthe overall men’s, women’s and co-edteams in 20 different industries, theMercedes-Benz Corporate Run series, a5K (3.1-mile) Run Walk, attracts morethan 800 South Florida Companies and isopen to employees of businesses, corpora-tions, government agencies, financial insti-tutions and non-profit organizations — nomatter how big or small. With the goal ofpromoting health and fitness at all levelsand provide a venue to boost companymorale and encourage camaraderie in theworkplace, all companies are encouragedto participate and may enter an unlimitednumber of employees to walk or run as agroup.

A portion of the proceeds from each racewill benefit the South Florida Chapter ofthe American Red Cross. For more infor-mation, contact TeamFootWorks at 305-666-RACE (7223), <www.teamfoot-works.org> or visit online at <www.mer-cedesbenzcorporaterun.com>.

More than 20,000 runners begin the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run in Miami.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


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BY LINDA BROWN

The Annual Gathering, hosted byRecovery Ministries — an independent,nationwide network of Episcopal laity andclergy, dioceses and parishes, schools,agencies and other institutions — willaddress the effects of addiction, in all of itsforms, in relation to the church’s mission.

The 2012 Annual Gathering of theRecovery Ministries will take place Apr.12-14, hosted by the Diocese of SoutheastFlorida, at the historic Trinity Cathedral inMiami.

Once a year, the different diocesan recov-ery committees, from throughout theUnited States, meet to exchange ideas andlearn about different aspects of addictionrecovery by gathering together. The theme,this year, due to the tropical location ofMiami, is “Life’s a Beach, Come CelebrateRecovery on Ours.”

In 2012, the national Gathering willtake place in Miami. There are expectedto be groups from all corners of thenation and everywhere in between.There will be workshops by leadingrecovery experts, but also time to havefun with other like-minded persons. The

workshops are open to anyone in thecommunity who might be interested. TheGathering is not a strictly religiousevent. Current members will be in atten-dance, and new members will be sure topartake, due to the location of the eventin South Florida.

In addition to the serious nature of theevent, one of the reasons for theGathering is to place an emphasis on hav-ing a good time with the various activitiesrelated to the event and the area, leavinga positive memory of Miami for the out-of-town participants.

Recovery too often is seen as a harsh anduninviting topic. The mission of theGathering is to show, by example, thatrecovery also is truly happy, joyous andfree.

“This is a fantastic event for the localcommunity and the participating addictionspecialists,” said Jack Geist, chair of theGathering. “New friendships made and newideas heard bring wonderful value to thisexceptional learning experience.”

For more information about sponsorshipsor event registration, visit the website at<www.episcopalrecovery.org> or contactJack Geist at 786-218-9007.

Gathering of Recovery Ministries taking place in Miami, Apr. 12-14

Pictured (l-r) are The Annual Gathering committee members Rev. Ann Goraczko, Rev. Charles Humphries, JacquelineLowe, Teresita Calero, Jack Geist and Wendy Barraco. (Not pictured: Rev. Paul A. Rasmus and James Carlton)

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

www.communitynew

BY MITCH DRIMMER, CAMCommunity Association Manager

Before the real estate melt-down five years ago, commu-nity associations really had iteasy when it came to collec-tions. When a unit stoppedpaying maintenance fees,chances were likely the ownerwas not paying the mortgage,

and condo associations and HOAs coulddepend on the banks to advance any collec-tion process by foreclosing the unit, andreplacing a delinquent owner with a timely-paying occupant.

Those were the days when the bankswere partners with associations. Today, how-ever, things have changed, i.e., the ‘partner’has often packed up and headed for the hills.Banks are now stuck with a tremendous num-ber of bad, non-performing real estate loanswritten during the real estate bubble.

Now, many keep those loans on theirbooks rather than foreclose on the real estatethey took as collateral. (The reasons for thosedecisions could be the subject of another col-umn). Nevertheless, many banks simply arenot foreclosing on delinquent units, leavingcondos and HOAs holding the bag for non-payment of dues and fees.).

So the question becomes: what shouldcondo associations and HOAs do to protectthemselves by recovering the funds that arelegally due to them? IF unit owners fail to paytheir unit dues and fees, innocent owners whopay on time must make up the difference...

For most boards of directors, the result isusually to turn over a delinquent owner to theassociation attorney because that’s where allproblems are sent when a legal solution isneeded. However, in many cases, communityassociation lawyers are NOT collectionlawyers, and have little experience in collec-

tion matters, depending only upon what theyknow and believe. Unfortunately, for manyassociations, that can mean taking an unneed-ed loss - perhaps even a big one - especially ifthe attorney is not sufficiently creative oraggressive.

Condo and HOA lawyers for the mostpart depend upon what is known as the“statutory cap” (as defined by (a) the lesser of12 months assessments or (b)1% of the firstmortgage) as the standard for what the asso-ciation can and should collect. This paltryamount is less than what attorneys usuallycharge for their services, often\n resulting inan association not only not collecting lessthan what it is owed but even charged fortheir attorney’s collection efforts. That’s notonly is bad business — it doesn’t need to hap-pen that way.

Whether utilizing an attorney or collec-tion agency, association boards need to arriveat a collection solution that recovers not onlythe statutory cap but any legal cost involved,as well as accumulated interest, and fees thatoccur during the collection process. It can bedone and it’s being done, every day.

Your association’s must also be sure itscollection process it utilizes knows the bankinvolved has “standing” when it comes to aforeclosure. If it does not, the association isentitled to collect everything owed to them —not just the amount represented by a statutorycap. Ask the right questions to understandnot only who best handles collections, buteven more importantly, how well the individ-ual or agency represents your association’sbest interests.Mitch Drummer, a licensed CAM, is VicePresident of Association Financial Services,an accredited collection agency specializingin finance, business process outsourcing andcommunity associations. For information,visit www.associationfinancial.com ortel.305-677-0022 ext. 804.

Community Association Beat

What Ass’n Should Expectfrom Collection Solutions...

BY J.P. LOYELLO

Miami Marlins president David Samsonwill run 50 miles on Apr. 27 to raise fundsin honor of the construction workers whomade Marlins Park a reality with 100 per-cent of the proceeds raised will be donatedto 10 “Charities of Choice.”

To date, the run has raised over$500,000 through sponsor and individualdonations.

“Building Marlins Park has been a laborof love for thousands of people for manyyears,” Samson said. “The opportunity tonot only thank each of the workers forhis/her dedication, but also raise moneyand awareness for 10 very worthy chari-ties, is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“The larger and more interesting challengeis working together to effectuate change,both locally and nationally. Those who havedonated have come to the same conclusion,and together, progress will be made.”

The first leg of the run will start at thecorner of Atlantic Avenue and AIA inPompano Beach and conclude at homeplate of Marlins Park prior to the 7:10 p.m.Marlins/Diamondbacks game. The runwill consist of five-mile intervals dedicat-ed to a specific Charity of Choice, with arunner representing that specific charityjoining Samson for the five-mile leg.

The Charities of Choice are: ALSRecovery Fund, Challenged Athletes

Foundation, Liga Contra el Cancer, TheMiami Foundation – Miami FellowsScholarships, The Michael J. FoxFoundation for Parkinson’s Research,Boys & Girls Clubs of America, JewishFederation of Broward County, MiamiChildren’s Hospital, University of MiamiMultiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence,and Stand Up To Cancer.

Samson has run many marathons acrossthe country including four New York CityMarathons, the Boston Marathon and theMiami Marathon. Earlier this month, hecompleted the Disney “Goofy Marathon”that consisted of a half marathon onSaturday followed by a full marathon onSunday.

Also, in 2006, Samson became the firstactive team president to complete the FordIronman World Championship Triathlon inKona, Hawaii. In addition to swimming2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, and then run-ning a full marathon, all in 15 hours, 36minutes, Samson personally raised over$250,000 for the Marlins Foundation, theChallenged Athletes Foundation (“CAF”)and other local Hawaiian charities.

Pledges can be made atmarlins.com/samsonrun. Log on to the siteand select one of 10 charities and theamount of the donation. If you have anyquestions about your donation send emailto <[email protected]> or call305-623-6497.

Marlins’ Samson to run 50miles to benefit charities

Community Newspapers


BY GABRIELA LAMBERTUS

Cavalia, whose horse-and-human produc-tion received standing ovations and criticalacclaim in Miami in 2010, has announced that,in partnership with the Adrienne Arsht Centerfor the Performing Arts of Miami-DadeCounty, it will make Miami its second U.S.tour stop for its all-new show.

Set to open Mar. 13, 2012, Odysseo will beperformed at the same site as in 2010 —Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami — butthis time under a White Big Top more than twicethe size. Tickets are available now at <www.cav-alia.net> or by calling 1-866-999-8111.

Surrounded by awe-inspiring projectionsand visual effects, some 70 horses and 55artists embark together on a journey, travelingthrough amazing natural landscapes.

“The horse has been a partner of humanitythroughout the ages,” explained NormandLatourelle, president and artistic director ofCavalia. “It’s thanks to horses that humansimagined they could travel to the ends of theearth.

“This powerful and natural wonder of ananimal enabled mankind to bridge cultures, tocreate alliances amongst people, and thus tofreely roam the planet. He has been one of themost important instruments in the evolution ofhumanity. This is the essence of Odysseo.”

Latourelle continued, “We had such greatsuccess in Miami last time around that weknew it would be one of our first tour stopsonce we finished creating our all-new show.”

Miami is the only Florida stop slated forOdysseo’s U.S. tour.

“The Arsht Center is proud to partner onceagain with the internationally renowned cre-ators of Cavalia, which brought so much joy toMiami audiences when it debuted under the

big top in 2010,” said M. John Richard, presi-dent and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center.“This new production, Odysseo, will captivateMiami audiences with its pristine beauty, boldacrobatic feats, and remarkable artistry.”

Odysseo is presented under the world’slargest touring big top. Covering an area ofmore than 100,000 square feet — two and aquarter times larger than the original Cavaliashow’s tent — the new big top houses a

27,000-square-foot stage.“We’ve created an even bigger big top to put

as few limits as possible on our horses andartists, allowing them to play, run, dance, jumpand twirl around to their hearts’ content,”Latourelle said.

Inside, an immense theater seats 2,290 peo-ple with no obstructed views. By redefining thescale and possibilities of a touring space,Odysseo can accommodate even more in theway of equestrian arts, acrobatics, music, mul-timedia wizardry and special effects, the signa-ture ingredients of a Cavalia show.

For its exclusive run in Miami, Odysseo willbe presented under the White Big Top atBicentennial Park in downtown Miami.Tickets are on sale now at the introductoryprice of $59.50 to $109.50 plus applicable feesfor regular tickets.

For guests who desire an extraordinary out-ing, the show can be customized for an extend-ed experience from $144.50 to $199.50,including a Horse Lover’s Package that letspatrons tour the Cavalia stables after the show,and the VIP Rendez-Vous Package whichincludes a tour of the stables after the show, acocktail/dinner reception and much more.

Special pricing also is available for children(ages 2-12), juniors (13-17), and senior citizens(65-plus). For ticket information, visit<www.cavalia.net> or call 1-866-999-8111.

Cavalia is returning in March with an all new show, Odysseo

Some 70 horses and 55 artists will perform in Cavalia’s all-new show, Odysseo.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


BY W. DAVID ALLISON

Miami-Dade Community Action andHuman Services Department’s(CAHSD) Head Start/Early Head StartProgram has begun its open enrollmentperiod for the 2012-13 program yearwhich will continue through Apr. 17.

Applications are being accepted toprovide services to expectant mothersand children ages 2 months to 3 yearsin the Early Head Start Program and 3years old (by Sept. 1, 2012) to 5 yearsold (after Sept. 1, 2012). The programalso provides services to families withchildren with special needs.

Applications are available at allHead Start/Early Head Start centersand CAA Community Service Centersthroughout Miami-Dade County.Applications and a list of Head StartCenters may be downloaded from thecounty’s portal at <www.miami-dade.gov/cahs>.

Head Start is a federally funded com-prehensive child development pro-gram, serving low-income families.Services available through this pro-gram include health, mental health andnutrition, assistance with disabilities,education, social services, and parentinvolvement. Head Start strengthensthe ability of children to cope withschool and their total environment asthey progress in age.

In Miami-Dade County, the HeadStart/Early Head Start program serves6,756 children and families. The pro-gram welcomes children with disabili-ties that have a current IndividualizedEducation Plan (IEP) or IndividualizedFamily Support Plan (IFSP).

Head Start/Early Head Start is acomprehensive early childhood educa-tion program that puts children andfamilies first. For additional informa-tion or to locate a Head Start Center inyour neighborhood, call 786-469-4622.

Head Start/Early Head Startbeginning open enrollment


BY SHARI GANTMAN

Twenty-three organizations throughoutBroward, Miami-Dade and Monroe countieshave been awarded grants of up to $168,000by the Health Foundation of South Florida toimprove the health of people living in thosecounties.

The grants, which total $1.8 million,address community health needs, includingincreasing access to quality; primary healthservices; oral healthcare; breast, cervical andcolorectal cancer screenings, and opportuni-ties for physical activity and nutritiousfoods. The combined impact of the fundingis expected to reach and improve health forthousands of residents.

“The funding enables Health Foundationto work with community partners who bringexpertise and resources to improve people’shealth, with a focus on prevention and earlyintervention,” said Health Foundation chairDivina Grossman, PhD, RN, FAAN. “We areproud to partner with grantees in addressingcommunity needs to ensure all residents haveopportunities for better health.”

In Miami-Dade County, grants wereawarded to:

Baptist Health of South Florida,$75,000 to open a nurse practitioner-led out-patient clinic designed to reduce hospitalreadmissions;

Carrfour Supportive Housing, $80,000to create a healthy food hub that extends intolow-income neighborhoods;

Chapman Partnership, $100,000 toincrease access to primary healthcare forhomeless families and individuals;

Citrus Health Network, $100,000 toestablish a new primary care clinic forhomeless individuals in the Hialeah area;

Community AIDS Resource, $41,000 toincrease the productivity of a dental clinic

by adding a part-time dental hygienist;Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation,

$129,000 to provide preventive oral healthservices to school-aged children, and

Easter Seals South Florida, $60,000 toopen an adult day care facility for patientswith Alzheimer’s and memory disorders.

Additional Miami-Dade County granteesinclude:

Florida Heart Research Institute,$80,000 to provide preventive health screen-ings and access to community-based healthcenters for those needing follow up;

Health Council of South Florida,$40,000 to continue a Web-based repositoryof Miami- Dade County specific health data;

Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation,$168,000 to expand the Doral Dental Clinic;

New Hope CORPS, $50,000 to help dis-abled, homeless individuals access health-care and other basic needs;

Open Door Health Center, $100,000 toprovide primary care services to low-income, uninsured residents, and

The Education Fund, $93,000 to supportexpansion of an integrated, nutrition schoolgardening program and development of atrain-the-trainer model for sustainability.

Health Foundation of South Florida, anonprofit grant-making organization, focus-es on going beyond traditional funding todrive change, achieve measurable impactand collaborate with partners who can helpimprove health for residents.

Since 1993, the foundation has awardedmore than $92 million on its way to makinga healthy difference in the lives of SouthFloridians.

For more information, call 305-374-7200or visit online at <www.hfsf.org>. Fordetails on Health Foundation’s $7.5 millionHealthy Aging Regional Collaborative, visitonline at <www.healthyagingsf.org>.

Health Foundation awards morethan $1M to local organizations

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www.communitynewspapers.com

BY TERE ESTORINO

Miami Dade College (MDC) is hostingits seventh annual Free Community HealthFair on Saturday, Feb. 25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., atthe Medical Campus, 950 NW 20 St.

Services being offered at the fair includebone density screening, glucose and cho-lesterol tests, a limited number of freemammograms, and dental and visionscreenings. There also will be informationon nutrition, heart disease and cancer pre-vention; a blood drive, and much more.The MDC Health Fair is open free to thepublic.

A “Stress Relief Zone” will include freechair massages and other services, as wellas on-site pharmacists from the FloridaPharmacy Association providing medicalinformation. The Centers for Medicare and

Medicaid Services (CMS) will be on site toanswer questions.

In addition to medical services andscreenings, there will be a Children’sCorner with face painting, balloons, abounce house, arts and crafts and more.

The fair’s main goal is to provide healthinformation and services to those whomight not otherwise get regular medicalattention.

“This year’s fair provides an opportuni-ty to improve our community’s health anddevelop new strategies that will impactlives in a positive manner,” said Dr.Armando Ferrer, president, MDC MedicalCampus.

For more information about the healthfair, or to obtain information about spon-sorships, contact Mark Everett at 305-237-4434.

MDC Medical Campus to hostFree Community Health Fair

My uncle Maury used to drive a Buick andI remember thinking that it was a car for oldpeople. How wrong I was.

After spending a week behind the wheel ofthe 2012 Buick LaCrosse with eAssist, I canonly say that I love this car. The LaCrosseeAssist is the hybrid model and that is reallyan amazing new technology. It’s also a bitdisconcerting and really takes some time toget used to it. For example, every time I cameto a stop at a red light, I had the feeling thatthe engine cut off. It didn’t, of course; it justswitched modes.

Another thing I liked about the BuickLaCrosse Hybrid was the amazing gasmileage that it delivered — 25 mpg in the cityand 36 mpg on the highway. The size of thetrunk was another thing I liked about theLaCrosse. There was enough space to stow allof my kids’ stuff and that was cool. Each seatwas exceptionally comfortable and the head-up display really made it easy to keep to the

speed limit. I would highly recommend thiscar to families looking to purchase a sedan.

For the record, the LaCrosse eAssist sys-tem is mated to a 2.4-liter Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine mated to thenext-generation six-speed automatic trans-mission. It uses power stored in an advanced,air-cooled lithium-ion battery to provideneeded electrical boost in various drivingscenarios, optimizing engine and transmis-sion operation. An advanced 115-volt lithi-um-ion battery and latest-generation 15-kWmotor-generator unit help increase fuel econ-omy through:

• Regenerative braking, which provides upto 15 kW of electricity to charge the battery.

• Providing up to 15 hp (11 kW) of electricpower assistance during heavier acceleration.

• Automatic and smooth engine start-stopfunctionality when the vehicle is stopped.

• The use of electricity instead of gasolinewhen stopped.

• Aggressive fuel cut-off during decel-eration down to zero mph for added fuelsavings.

• Intelligent charge/discharge of the high-voltage battery.

The eAssist system captures up to 15 kWof energy that normally would be lost duringbraking and uses it to recharge the lithium-

ion battery. The system also shuts down fueldelivery in certain deceleration conditions,further improving fuel economy. While infuel shut-off mode, the motor-generator unitcontinues spinning along with the engine toprovide immediate and smooth take-offpower when the driver presses on the accel-erator. As the vehicle comes to a stop, theengine’s start-stop function is active whenthe motor-generator unit brings the engine toa smooth stop to position it properly for asmooth restart when the brake is released.

A hill-assist system captures brake pres-sure to help keep the vehicle stationary wheneAssist’s start-stop function is activated on amoderate or steep grade, allowing the driverto accelerate more smoothly from a stop. Pricing for the 2012 Buick LaCrosse witheAssist starts at $29,960.

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

Car Corner

Grant Miller

Buick LaCrosse — not the Buick your uncle drove

Buick LaCrosseis nicely styledand has plenty

of storage spacein the rear.



BY DUREE ROSS

State Farm has donated $14,500 in

support of the future Miami Science

Museum exhibition and programs that

will explore how hurricanes have shaped

and will continue to affect the physical

and social landscape of South Florida.

State Farm’s funding specifically will

fund a bilingual interactive emergency

preparedness kiosk, to be located at the

current museum, where visitors can find

valuable information and resources to

better prepare them for natural disasters.

The funding also will support two

major events at the museum: “Feel the

Force: Hurricanes and Other Hazards” to

take place on June 2, and a special event

marking the 20th anniversary of

Hurricane Andrew set for Aug. 24. Both

events are designed for the community

and are scheduled to take place during

museum operating hours.

“Increased awareness is key in lessen-

ing the risk of injury and destruction

from natural disasters,” said Jose Soto,

State Farm community specialist. “This

exciting partnership with the Miami

Science Museum will help spotlight hur-

ricane awareness for South Florida fami-

lies, helping them understand the impor-

tance of disaster preparedness.

“Our State Farm mission is to help

people prepare for the unexpected, and

this collaborative hurricane prep effort

will help protect and increase the safety

of Florida families,” Soto said.

The exhibition will feature the tech-

nologies and expertise of Florida

International University’s International

Hurricane Research Center and will pro-

vide visitors valuable opportunities to

investigate the instruments and methods

used to predict, track and assess these

monumental storms.

At the heart of the exhibition, will be

the museum’s interactive spherical dis-

play known as “Magic Planet,” a system

that enables visitors to explore the glob-

al dimensions and local impacts of hurri-

canes, including the possibility of

increases in storm frequency and intensi-

ty, as well as possible impacts from the

confluence of rising sea levels and hurri-

cane-associated storm surges.

This exhibition also will include an

interactive feature that tests the viability

of visitor-built model houses against hur-

ricane force winds, and an air canon that

simulates the way debris flies during a

major storm. The exhibition will open in

phases coinciding with both Feel the

Force and Hurricane Andrew events.

Miami Science Museum is located at

3280 S. Miami Ave. The museum is open

every day from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Admission is free for MiaSci members

and children under 3; students (with

valid ID), seniors (62 and older) and

children 3-12, $10.95; adults are $14.95.

Parking is free.

For more information about the current

museum or our future home, the Patricia

and Phillip Frost Museum of Science,

visit <www.miamisci.org> or call 305-

646-4200.

State Farm donates $14.5K forMiami Science Museum exhibit


BY BROOKS WALLACE

Representatives of the University of MiamiMiller School of Medicine’s Department ofPediatrics were surprised recently when CVSCaremark representatives of the CVSCaremark Charitable Trust, a private founda-tion created by CVS Caremark Corporation,showed up at their doorstep with a check for$30,000 from the Trust.

The visit was part of CVS Caremark’snationwide “Day of Giving,” a one-day eventwhich included visits from CVS CaremarkCharitable Trust representatives to severaldeserving nonprofits across the country, sur-prising them with the grant funding they hadrequested.

The surprise visits were timed to coincidewith the announcement that $4.3 million hasbeen awarded in grants from the CVSCaremark Charitable Trust to 98 nonprofitorganizations across the country in 2011,which includes multi-year grants from previ-ous years.

“We were thrilled to see CVS CaremarkCharitable Trust colleagues at our doorstepwith a large check for the amount of fundingwe had requested,” said Michelle Schladant,PhD, Clinical Program manager at the MillerSchool’s Department of Pediatrics. “We wantto extend a heartfelt thank you to the CVSCaremark Charitable Trust for recognizingthe work we do in Miami to make a positiveimpact in our local communities.”

The grant for the University of Miami willsupport the Mailman Center, one of the top 10programs in the United States for children withneurodevelopment disabilities and chronic ill-

nesses. The Mailman Center annually servesmore than 19,000 children and youth withautism and other neurodevelopmental disabili-ties and chronic illnesses.

The grant from CVS Caremark CharitableTrust will provide bi-lingual language inter-ventions to 50 young children with autismand related disorders using the most advancedassistive technology.

“We are so excited to help University ofMiami Miller School of Medicine start 2012in a positive way with much-needed fund-ing,” said Eileen Howard Boone, vice presi-dent, CVS Caremark Charitable Trust. “All ofthe nonprofit organizations we support shareour commitment to providing greater accessto healthcare and medical services andimproving the lives of children with disabili-ties. The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust ishonored to work with University of Miamiand all of its nonprofit partners to help peopleon their path to better health.”

The 2011 grant recipients were chosenthrough the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust’sannual grant cycle in which awards rangefrom $10,000 to $50,000 for one-year sup-port. These grants align with the CVSCaremark Charitable Trust’s efforts toimprove the quality of health and well-beingof underserved populations and also alignwith CVS Caremark All Kids Can, a signatureprogram of the CVS Caremark CharitableTrust and CVS Caremark that is committed tosupporting children with disabilities.

For more information on the CVSCaremark Charitable Trust visit<http://info.cvscaremark.com/community/ourimpact/charitable-trust>.

Pictured at the grant presentation are (l-r) Danny Armstrong, PhD, director of the Mailman Center ClinicalProgram; Michelle Schladant, PhD, manager at the Miller School’s Department of Pediatrics, and Carlos Ojeda,CVS district manager.

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UM Miller School gets surprise$30,000 from CVS Caremark

Biscayne Bay Tribune 2.20.2012

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Transcript of Biscayne Bay Tribune 2.20.2012