Miami Laker 2014 January 3 by MiamiLaker

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The original northwest Miami-Dade community newspaper for the Town of Miami Lakes & surrounding areas Vol. 40 No 1

Miami Lakes area high schools earn ‘A’ and ‘B’ grades; M-DCPS schools outperform state Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto M. Carvahlo made the announcement at Miami Northwestern Senior High, which received its first ever performance grade of "A." "Today we are celebrating at a school that was labeled as a failing school for many years," said Carvalho. "We have seen that our students, with the support of family, community and organizations like Florida International University and JP Morgan Chase, can move from being known as failures to being champions. You are looking at success today – in students, teachers and administrators." For the third consecutive school year, M-DCPS has no "F" senior high schools. During the 2008 legislative session Senate Bill 1908 significantly changed the way senior high schools were to be graded beginning with the 2009-2010 school year. The bill required high school grades to include alternate measures of student achievement in addition to the vital foundation of Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) results in grades 9, 10, and 11. The additional measures provide an equal focus on college readiness, access to and performance on accelerated coursework, and graduation rates for all students and for those who are academically at-risk. Area high schools for Miami Lakes and surrounding areas boast only "A" and "B" letter grades. American Senior High School, Mater Lakes Academy High School, Hialeah Miami Lakes High School, Hialeah Gardens Senior High School, and Miami Lakes Educational Center all earned "A" grades and Barbara Goleman Senior High School earned a "B." Some area high schools have

(Please see Page 4)

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MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA

JANUARY 3, 2014

Dr. Jeffrey Frantz retires after 13 years at M. Lakes Congregational......(Page 9)

M. Lakes Educational Center celebrates seventh straight ‘A’ with trimming of principal Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC) is enjoying a great school year. Not only do the Jaguars have the highest high school graduation rate in the region, it is an "A" school for the seventh time according to recent data released by the state. The accomplishments met at MLEC called for a celebration. At the last pep rally for the 2013 year, as per tradition, the MLEC students filed into the gymnasium and settled in to watch principal James Parker have his head shaved by Student Government Association (SGA) officers and

other students. Initially, students were hesitant but in a few short moments his hair and mustache vanished. "It was so weird shaving and cutting his hair. I was scared because he is my principal! But I think it is pretty cool how he does this in honor of our school and takes pride in it," said freshman Cesar Zafra. Parker sat on a wooden stool in the middle of the gymnasium and SGA president Daniella Frissora got straight to work. After each officer took a turn, Parker called down other students to join in.

STUDENTS GATHERED AROUND Miami Lakes Educational Center principal James Parker to give him a new look just in time for the holidays. Parker's hair and mustache were cut and shaved as per tradition for another successful year after being awarded an "A" school grade.

Bob Graham Education Center hosts first annual holiday performance themed ‘Holiday Express’

SENATOR BOB GRAHAM and his wife Adele (center) attended the first annual Bob Graham Education Center holiday show on December 19 that was held at Barbara Goleman Senior High School. (See story and other photo on Page 2.)

n Cotral Lab opens first U.S. location with Miami Lakes headquarters.............................3

n News and Notes of interest from the Town of Miami Lakes. See Pages...................... 6 and 7

n “Papa Smurf” Jimmie Parrot retires after 33 year career at American High School..........16

n A look back at some of the major headlines and stories of 2013.........................................5

n Penn Libraries dedicates Kislak Center at the University of Pennsylvania......................10

n Barbara Goleman Senior High bowling teams earn district titles.........................................17

n Bob Graham Education Center students participate in Miami Book Fair..................19 n Community Calendar, 13, School, sports and church news, 16-23; Classified ads.........24-27

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JANUARY 3, 2014

THE MIAMI LAKER

Bob Graham Education Ctr. hosts ‘The Holiday Express’ Bob Graham Education Center (BGEC) held its First Annual Holiday Show on December 19. The theme for the performance was “The Holiday Express” and it featured The BobCat Dancers and the Baby BobCat Dancers. The show also included special guests performances from the Music Department, Band, the Cheerleaders, the Pre-K classes and students from Roxy Rodriguez, Reniel Mansito and Onelio Martinez's classes. The performers had the distinct honor to have M-DCPS School Board Chair Perla TabaresHantman, Senator Bob Graham and Adele Graham come out to enjoy the show. The performers also had North Region Superintendent, Vivian Santiesteban-Pardo and North Region Director Dr. Neraida Smith join them as well. It was a

privilege to have these honorary guests carve time out of their busy schedules to enjoy the show. It was a magical night for all. The administration at BGEC thanked all of the many teachers, support personnel and parents who made this show a huge success. Recognition also goes out to band director Carlos Perez, music teachers Audrey Carballo and Julie Locke, the cheerleaders coach Alexandra Rosa, and middle school teacher and dance coach, Mayri Martinez, for their commitment and passion in putting together the performance in such a tasteful manner. The production was magnificent and the choreographies were impressive. The dancers did an amazing job in delivering a phenomenal show along with the guest performers. The 'Holiday Express' definitely delivered!

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SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR Perla Tabares Hantman (center) is pictured with some of the dancers of the Bob Graham Education Center holiday show which showcased on December 19.

Miami Lakes businessman Aaron Lee honored by EO Global Communications Miami Lakes businessman Aaron Lee and Entrepreneurs’ Organization – South Florida (EOSOFLO) chapter have been honored with the EO Global Communications Committee Chairman award for outstanding efforts to promote the local group and entrepreneurship in the region. Lee and EO-SOFLO stood out among EO’s 9,000 members and 120 chapters from more than 40 nations around the world. Lee owns Illuminati Studios, a Miami Lakes digital marketing

agency founded in 2001. He is the communications cochair for EO-SOFLO, the global organization’s fourth-largest chapter. The local group has approximately 160 entrepreneur members in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties whose businesses account for more than $1 billion in revenues and 25,000 jobs in the tri-county area. Lee accepted the award in front of 800 business leaders at the EO Global Leadership Conference in Panama City. The winning efforts included developing EO-SOFLO branded and interactive “Learning Calendars,” newsletters, social media outreach, publicity and other communications. “Aaron Lee has done an amazing job for EO-SOFLO and the entire South Florida entrepreneur-

AARON LEE ial ecosystem with creative, compelling communications,” said president Mark Sanna.

THE MIAMI LAKER

JANUARY 3, 2014

PAGE 3

France’s Cotral Lab opens first U.S. location with M. Lakes headquarters

COTRAL LAB’S International Business Development manager Ricardo Allamelou (center) receives a Key to the Town of Miami Lakes from Wayne Slaton (second from right) and a welcome from Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Commission chairwoman Rebeca Sosa with Beacon Council president and CEO Larry Williams (right) and other Beacon Council members looking on.

Miami Lakes Mayor Wayne Slaton joined Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, MiamiDade Commission chairwoman Rebeca Sosa, and the Beacon Council in recognizing one of Miami Lakes’ local businesses, Cotral Lab. Cotral is a France-based manufacturer of customized hearing protection devices. Twenty years of expertise in hearing heath, and the number one manufacturer of Customized Hearing Protections in Europe, Cotral Lab’s new Miami Lakes location is their first in the United States. The implementation of the headquarters in Miami Lakes will add 15 jobs and $800,000 in capital investment within three years. The company makes molded hearing protection to prevent potential

Regus offers new office suites in Miami Lakes Business Park West Regus is now open in Miami Lakes Business Park West at 7900 Oak Lane, Suite 400, in the Leroy Collins building, and offering office space with no long term leases, up front capital or build-out costs. Regus offers opportunities for all sizes and types of businesses including virtual-based companies that are innovative solutions. The fourth floor offices also offer receptionists and on-site IT support, state of the art communications studios and professional meeting rooms. There are currently limited time specials on the private and fully equipped spaces. A business center, meeting rooms, business lounges and day offices are also

available in addition to office spaces and for a variety of days and times. Clients even have the opportunity to change locations from one office space to another during lease agreements with notice, depending on the size of the group. "People don't want to sit in traffic and drive a long way to an office. They want to work close to home. Technology allows us to do just that. We work how, where and when we want, which is leading to a dramatic rise in mobile working. Also, in an uncertain economy, people don't want long-term expensive leases. They want the flexibility to grow or scale back as needed, and also to test new markets," said Regus' South Florida

sales team leader, Tony Chaidez. Some of Regus' clients in South Florida include Google, Facebook and Bloomberg in addition to the dozens of start-up businesses and solo workers such as lawyers, and accountants. For more information or to book a tour, call Tony Chaidez at 305-744-2762 or visit www.regus. com. Booking space online saves an additional 10 percent.

hearing loss caused by working in industrial plants. With a presence in the U.S., France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland, Australia, and Finland, Cotral Lab has equipped more than 1.5 million employees in more than 21,800 companies around the world. “We are very proud and honored to receive a Key to the Town of Miami Lakes,” said Ricardo Allamelou, Cotral’s International Business Development manager. “This is a great opportunity for

us to renew our commitment of creating jobs in the region and generate value while we carry out our mission to preserve the health of people exposed to occupational noise-induced hearing loss. Thank you for trusting Cotral Lab and for allowing us to be a part of this great community.” “We are proud to welcome Cotral Lab’s headquarters to Miami Lakes and we applaud their efforts to positively contribute to our town’s economic development,” said Slaton.

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JANUARY 3, 2014

THE MIAMI LAKER

M-Dade public schools outperformed the state in ‘A’ and ‘B’ high schools (Continued from Page 1) seen improvements from "D's" to "A's" in the last 3 years alone. "We are celebrating the excellent results of these schools, which represent our community," said School Board Chair Perla Tabares Hantman. "We have seen many of these students, most of whom have had to learn a new language, completely adapt to a new culture,

perservere, and excel in school. We would like to congratulate our principals, teachers, staff and everyone involved in achieving this outstanding honor." Miami-Dade County Public Schools even outperformed the state in the percentage of "A" and "B" senior high schools with 86 percent of schools receiving an "A" or "B" and 95 percent of schools receiving a "C" or better.

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A total of 60 percent of senior high schools earned an "A" grade as opposed to the state's 48 percent. Despite the reduced economic resources available to the district and students, M-DCPS students continued to outscore their counterparts in many of the largest schools districts in the U.S. including New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Washington and Dallas. Student achievement placed Miami-Dade among the highestachieving school districts nationally in 4th and 8th grade reading and mathematics on the National Assessment for Educational Progress, administered to students who attend schools in 21 large urban districts. This is M-DCPS' third year of participation in the Trial Urban District Assessment (TUDA) program, which compares the achievement of students in large urban districts that face similar challenges with regards to poverty and high risk populations. "We are rightfully proud of our students' performance, which places them solidly among the highest in the nation," said Carvahlo. "The Miami-Dade School Board has empowered our educators to inspire students to achieve, and today's announcement confirms just how well they are performing with the support of teachers, parents, and the community behind them. While we lead urban America, much work needs to be done."

Miami Lakes resident, Doctor Thomas Ugarte, receives special honor from NAMA Long-time Miami Lakes resident Thomas R. Ugarte, M.D., was given a special "Distinguished Member Award" presented for the first time by the Nicaraguan American Medical Association (NAMA). On November 20, at the Rivera Country Club in Coral Gables, the NAMA hosted a special gala event to honor the Board of Directors and Ugarte. Ugarte received his award in the presence of Dr. Oscar Saravia and Dr. Francisco Espinosa. During Ugarte's career as an Ophthalmologist, Ugarte held positions such as Chief for the Department of Ophthalmology at Palmetto General Hospital,

Hialeah Hospital, and Palm Springs General Hospital. He was also a member of the Board of Directors at the Florida Society of Ophthalmology and president of the Miami Ophthalmological Society among other positions in medical societies in the country. In addition to the gala event held in his honor, Ugarte was also given a certificate from the International Association of Ophthalmologists which recognizes doctors of excellence. Ugarte is now a 2013-2014 Leading Physician of the World and Top Ophthalmology Specialist in Hialeah.

DR. THOMAS UGARTE (speaker) received an award for his achievements in Ophthalmology in the presence of Dr. Oscar Saravia (center) and Dr. Francisco Espinosa (left).

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THE MIAMI LAKER

JANUARY 3, 2014

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A look back at some of the major headlines of 2013 By The Miami Laker staff From politics to scholastic awards to major public works projects, many stories made headlines in Miami Lakes during 2013. The following is a brief recap of some of the top stories: Wayne Slaton returns as mayor for the town of Miami Lakes, winning a special election in October to replace suspended mayor Michael Pizzi, who was arrested on public corruption charges. Slaton, the catalyst for the incorporation movement, served as the town’s first mayor from 2001-2008. Frank Mingo wins Council Seat 4 during the October special election to serve out the remaining term of former Councilmember Nelson Hernandez, who resigned to run for mayor. After 12 years of renting space for a town hall building, Miami Lakes finally moved into its new state-of-the-art Government Center on Main Street in April. Town officials held a historic ribbon-cutting ceremony to usher in the new building and invited guests included Miami-Dade County Commissioner Esteban Bovo Jr., officials from The Graham Companies and the city of Opa-locka, as well as long-time residents who were part of the incorporation movement. In May, Miami Lakes Town officials broke ground on the N.W. 154 Street Project to add additional lanes between N.W. 84 and 87 avenues to alleviate traffic congestion and compliment the massive N.W. 87 Avenue project to open up the roadway between N.W. 154 and 162 streets. Both projects are expected to be completed early this year. In June, a majority of Miami Lakes voters changed the Town’s Charter through a mail-in ballot election to eliminate residential district council seats in favor of all at-large seats. According to the Miami-Dade Elections Department, among the 17,504 registered voters in the town, 2,517 (14 percent) cast their ballots, as 1,372 (54.86 percent) approved the charter change, while 1,129 (45.14 percent) voted to keep the original residential district seats intact. Since incorporation in 2000, the original town charter called for two at-large council seats, but now candidates can run for any of the

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four-year term council seats starting with the next regular election scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2014. In September, longtime Miami Lakes Optimist Club member Jim Hamilton received the South Florida Optimist International’s District Optimist of the Year Award, recognizing his achievements in the Miami Lakes community. He became only the second person at the Optimist Club to win the accolade. Current Governor of South Florida Optimist International, Jack McCall was the first, and it was only fitting he presented Hamilton the award during the annual Florida Optimist International Convention in Marco Island. McCall and Hamilton have been working side-by-side since they joined the organization 40 years ago. In February, Nick Mandich started a annual golf event to honor his late father and a way to give back to the community. The first annual Jim “Mad Dog” Mandich Golf Classic took place at Shula’s Golf Club in Miami Lakes. Jim Mandich, a former Miami Dolphins tight end who played on the 1972 undefeated team and Dolphins radio color radio commentator, died in 2011 of bile duct cancer. Nick Mandich, 25, said his father was such an influence in the community and he wanted to continue his legacy. Proceeds from the golf classic benefit the Miami Dolphins Touch Down Club, which Jim Mandich founded 12 years ago to give to the community and help former Dolphins players in need.

The Touchdown club gives a portion of its proceeds to help fight cancer in honor of Mandich. In April, Jose Abreu officially resigned as Miami-Dade’s aviation director, ending a successful eightyear career with the county, Miami International Airport and the millions of passengers who visit the Magic City. After Abreu announced his resignation in January to become senior vice president for the international engineering firm Gannett Fleming in Margate, Florida, the County Commission begged him to stay. But the 58-year-old Miami Lakes resident closed another chapter of his storied government career and is ready to write a new one in a field that was his first love since he was kid – engineering. In June, Miami Lakes residents began watching the Town Council Meetings live from the comfort of their own homes or at their kids sporting games by accessing the live webcast via the town’s brand new website. Residents access the meetings by scrolling down in the section “Miami Lakes Means Business” and click on “Town Council meetings.” The meetings are broadcast live from start to finish, and they are also available to watch at any later date. Webcasting the meetings live was an initiative of Councilmember Manny Cid, one of the campaign promises he made to area residents. In July, the Hialeah Miami Lakes High School’s Future Business Leaders of America traveled 3,000 miles to California to compete in a national prestigious competition. The group initially

won the state championship during the Florida Leadership Conference in Orlando, qualifying the sixmember team to compete for the national title in Anaheim, California. The group calls the national stage the cherry on top of their senior year. In October, the first SPEDParent Night Meeting took place at Barbara Goleman Senior High with the participation of a large group of parents of special needs students from several schools in the community. The event, the first of its kind for the parents is just the beginning and was a complete success. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Miami Lakes, a group of art students and their teacher at Miami Lakes Middle School created a mural reminiscent of the 1960s when the area was a cow pasture and a dairy farm. The giant-sized painting adorns the school’s wall at 6425 Miami Lakeway North near the students pick-up, drop-off point, creating an image to reflect the many academics, magnet programs, sports and elective courses the school has

to offer to students. But in the mural, the cows are portraying the students and teachers. “It shows the community what we have to offer in courses filled with a diverse culture and different colors to describe the atmosphere at the school,” said art teacher Irene Albalat. The mural mirrors the learning and recreation ambiance of the students’ everyday life that helped the school earn an A for five consecutive years.

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JANUARY 3, 2014

THE MIAMI LAKER

News and Notes from the Town of Miami Lakes Miami Lakes toy drive benefitted His House, Miami Children’s Hospital Spearheaded by Councilmember Frank Mingo, the Town of Miami Lakes, in partnership with Oliva Cigars Co., hosted a toy drive benefiting His House Children’s Home and the Miami Children’s Hospital. Over 100 toys were donated and more than $1,000 in gift cards were collected. On December 18, the Town Council delivered gifts to children

who visited Miami Children’s Outpatient Center in Miami Lakes during the holiday season. The council also met with Jean Cacares-Gonzalez, founder of His House, to deliver toys. “On behalf of the Town Council, thank you to Councilmember Mingo for spearheading this initiative and to those that donated to this effort,” said

Mayor Wayne Slaton. “Your generous support allowed us to spread some holiday cheer in our local community.” “Bringing a smile to a child’s face at Christmas is priceless,” said Councilmember Tony Lama. “Councilmember Mingo’s leadership made this happen. I am thankful for his work and the generosity of the Oliva family.”

Town seeks residents’ input for Comprehensive Planning Miami Lakes is seeking resident input as the town develops the Strategic and Comprehensive Plans. These plans will guide the next 10 years of the town’s growth. Resident participation will help identify key issues and opportunities as the town develops a vision to keep Miami Lakes “Growing Beautifully.” All participants will be entered into a raffle and eligible to win up to $200 in Visa gift cards. To complete the survey , enter the following address in your internet

browser: https://www.survey/mon key.com/s/tomlsurvey. For a printed version of the questionnaire, contact Nicole Singletary via email at singletaryn@miamilakesfl.gov, or call 305-512-7132. “We would like to encourage all Miami Lakes residents to participate in this community survey,” said Mayor Wayne Slaton. “Your input is key as we work together to plan for the next few years, and continue to make Miami Lakes a great place to live, work and play.”

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READY TO DELIVER TOYS to Miami Children’s Hospital are (from left) Councilmembers Tony Lama, Nelson Rodriguez, Tim Daubert and Ceasar Mestre, Mayor Wayne Slaton, Zunilda Guzman of Oliva Cigars, Councilmember Frank Mingo, Oliva Cigars employees Maria Elena Palenzuela and Omar Velazquez, and Vice Mayor Manny Cid.

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Miami Lakes has added a dynamic mapping tool to the town’s website which identifies the boundaries of homeowner’s associations (HOAs) in Miami Lakes. Users will be able to click on the area of interest and obtain contact information for each HOA and, where available, links to their governing documents or restrictive convenants. Visit www.miamilakes-fl.gov/ HOA to view its capabilities. Councilmember Tony Lama

and former chair of the Neighborhood Improvement Committee, said, “This was a request that came in from the community while I served as chair. I’m glad our town staff was able to make this happen for HOAs.” Currently, the site is incomplete, and information is being added as it is received. For more information on how to get an HOA online, contact Town Planner Brandon Schaad at schaadb@miamilakes-fl.gov.

Just Run Miami Lakes program open to children ages 5 to 14 Miami Lakes Youth Activities Task Force announced that registration remains open for the Just Run® Miami Lakes program. Just Run, in its fourth year, is a fun program that promotes fitness, healthy eating, good citizenship, and pride in accomplishment. The program is open to elementary and middle school students, ages 5 through 14, and is free. The program takes place every Monday and Wednesday from

4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Royal Oaks Park, 16500 N.W. 87 Avenue. “We encourage students to take part in this free program and enjoy the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle,” said Mayor Wayne Slaton. For more information on the program and to register, contact Amuz at 305-469-0895, or by email at amuzo@miamilakesfl.gov.

Town successful in achieving removal of pump moratorium Town of Miami Lakes recognized the efforts put forth by the town’s Building Official, Eliezer Palacio, in partnership with The Graham Companies, that has resulted in all pump stations in Miami Lakes that serve commercial areas being removed from moratorium. The moratorium has had a

direct impact on both the town and The Graham Companies’ ability to recruit and retain businesses. The problem stemmed from Miami-Dade County’s old sewer system and water treatment plants badly in need of renovation and replacement. Previously, any new sewage outflow that served these areas was prohibited.

THE MIAMI LAKER

JANUARY 3, 2014

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News and Notes from the Town of Miami Lakes Miami Lakes annual Holiday Town’s Start Smart Development Program Senior Social draws hundreds begins January 7 for kids ages 3 to 5 years Lakes announced the supportive environment to learn Registration is scheduled for to Alonso Community Center newMiami start date for the Start Smart all of the basic skills including Saturday, January 4, from 8 a.m. to Hundreds of senior citizens dressed in Holiday-themed attire came out to party at the Town of Miami Lakes’ annual Holiday Senior Social on December 14 at Roberto Alonso Community Center at Royal Oaks Park. As part of the event, the town’s Elderly Affairs Committee hosted a Toy Drive which brought a generous amount of toys and gifts that were donated to needy families through local schools. The free event was hosted by the Elderly Affairs Committee and sponsored by Chen Medical Center. Food was provided by Pampered Chef and music by the Easy Livin’ Band. Elite Medical Center, Palmetto Health Center, and Senator Rene Garcia all

donated gifts and gift cards for the raffle. “It was wonderful to see our town’s seniors come together to celebrate the holidays,” said Mayor Wayne Slaton. “Thanks to town staff, members of the Elderly Affairs Committee and all of those involved in making this event a great success.” “This is our way of saying thank you to our elderly,” said Councilmember Tony Lama. “Many of them work tirelessly as volunteers helping the community. Elderly Affairs Committee chairman Luis Collazo and his committee do so much for our elderly. His commitment and leadership is what allows us to better serve the elderly of Miami Lakes.”

Development Program. Over 100 children, ages 3 to 5 years, have participated in the sports development program over the past several years. The proven instructional program prepares children for the world of organized sports without the threat of competition or the fear of getting hurt. Parents work together with their children in a

throwing, catching, kicking and batting. The 7-week course begins on Tuesday, January 7, and will be held every Tuesday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Royal Oaks Park, 16500 N.W. 87 Avenue. Registration is $14 per child for the seven sessions. Space is limited and registration is on a first come first served basis.

2 p.m. at the Miami Lakes Optimist Park Marina, 6411 N.W. 162 Street. Parents or guardians must register in person by providing a copy of their child’s birth certificate and paying the registration fee by check. For more information on the Start Smart Program, contact Oscar Amuz at 305-469-0895.

TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES NOTICE IS HEREWITH GIVEN that meetings of the Town Council of the Town of Miami Lakes, Florida, and its committees, have been scheduled for the following dates, times and locations:

Town Council Workshop Tuesday, January 7, 5:00 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Neighborhood Improvement Committee Meeting Tuesday, January 7, 7:00 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Elderly Affairs Committee Meeting Wednesday, January 8, 8:30 AM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla.

MIAMI LAKES ELDERLY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE chairman Luis Collazo (left) is joined by lawmakers who attended the town’s annual Senior Holiday Social including, (from left) State Rep. Manny Diaz Jr., Mayor Wayne Slaton, Councilmembers Tim Daubert, Tony Lama, Ceasar Mestre, Nelson Rodriguez, Frank Mingo, and Vice Mayor Manny Cid.

Town congratulated area high schools for maintaining and achieving ‘A’ and ‘B’ grades School grades for all MiamiDade and Broward county high schools were released on December 18. The Town of Miami Lakes congratulated Miami Lakes Educational Center for achieving an “A” rating once again while Barbara Goleman Senior High’s rating improved to a “B” and Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High made a vast improvement achieving its first “A.” This is a result of the commitment and hard work put forth by the teachers, administration, parents and of course, the students. “Supporting our local schools is a top priority,” said Councilmember Nelson Rodriguez. “The town has always been a partner to the schools by helping them with tutoring funds. I’m very proud of all the hard

work the teaches and students have done to make these grade changes.” The town continues to support local schools through its Education Advisory Board. At the final budget hearing for fiscal year 2013-2014, the Town Council approved $22,500 to fund FCAT Tutoring for all six local schools. Highlighting the economic development aspects of well-rated schools, Councilmember Tony Lama said, “The education of our children is paramount. But what many don’t realize is that our commitment to our schools and these stellar results contribute to our solid property values and keeping Miami Lakes a highly coveted area to raise children and locate a business.”

Youth Activities Task Force Wednesday, January 8, 7:00 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting Thursday, January 9 7:00 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Public Safety Committee Monday, January 13, 6:00 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Town Council Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 14, 6:30 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Planning & Zoning Board Meeting Tuesday, January 21, 6:30 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Economic Development Committee Tuesday, January 28, 5:30 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. In accordance with the provisions of F. S. Section 286.0105, should any person seek to appeal any decision made by the Council with respect to any matter considered at these meetings, such person will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made; which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, persons needing special accommodation to participate in the proceedings should call Town Hall at (305) 364-6100, no later than (2) days prior to the proceeding for assistance. Please be advised that two or more Councilmembers may be in attendance at Committee meetings. This Notice dated December 27, 2013 at Miami Lakes, Fl. Majorie Tejeda-Castillo, Town Clerk

PAGE 8

JANUARY 3, 2014

THE MIAMI LAKER

Miami Lakes AutoMall’s toy drive benefits Essie Reed’s Team of Life

IN CELEBRATION of the holiday season, Miami Lakes AutoMall, its employees and customers, donated toys to Essie “Big Mama” Reed and her Team of Life Toy Drive which was held on December 20 at Ft. Lauderdale’s Lockhart Stadium. Last year, “Big Mama” and her team gave approximately 70,000 toys to local underprivileged children. Miami Lakes AutoMall believes in giving back and supporting the community. Pictured are Miami Lakes staff including (from left) David Martinez, Roly Villanueva, Fred Senra, Alex Martinez, Jorge Galindo and Miguel Rodriguez.

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Veterans need more than a day; they need a career! By Thomas A. Kennedy Special to The Miami Laker America is home to 21.2 million veterans – men and women who were willing to risk their lives for our country. Unfortunately, many of these veterans face a daunting personal battle here at home – finding work. According to the Labor Department, more than 700,000 U.S. veterans are currently unemployed. This simply isn’t acceptable. Our veterans have earned the opportunity to earn a living and take part in the very society they fought to defend. The most effective way to help them succeed in post-military life is through targeted efforts to extend educational opportunity . Since the 2008 financial crisis, competition for jobs has become fierce. Positions that once required a high school degree or less are being filled by college-educated applicants. This development presents a particular challenge for former soldiers, airmen, and sailors, many of whom enlisted without much education or civilian experience. Moreover, unemployed vets who find work typically take 43 weeks to land a job. Joblessness is stressful for all who have experienced it. However, many veterans face additional obstacles. At least 3 million were wounded in battle and still suffer from some form of disability. Among those who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, about 20 percent are living with

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post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression, and one in three cope with a serious psychological trauma. All these stats are troubling – and illustrate why Americans must commit to making sure veterans have the tools they need to build successful post-military lives. The best place to start is by broadening educational opportunity for our veterans. Indeed, education is often the determining factor in whether or not a veteran is able to thrive after returning to civilian life. One initiative has already made important progress in this respect. At the beginning of this academic year, 250 community colleges and universities committed to implementing best practices established by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Education, and more than 100 educational experts. These “8 Keys to Success” help connect veterans with academic, career, and financial help, and surround them with a community of students and fellow veterans who can encourage them as they further their education. For similar efforts to grow in number and effectiveness, more Americans need to get involved with private initiatives like Student Veterans of America and the Wounded Warrior Project. These two groups enable soldiers to draw on the skills they have already developed through military service and apply them to their post-military careers. We should always welcome opportunities to show our appreciation for those veterans who risked everything for our safety and security. But these brave men and women need more than our appreciation, they need our help. And, more specifically, they need opportunities to arm themselves with the skills to create a prosperous, fulfilling life. (Thomas A. Kennedy, Ph.D., is the executive vice president and chief operating officer at Raytheon. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1977-1983, attaining the rank of captain.)

THE MIAMI LAKER

JANUARY 3, 2014

PAGE 9

Dr. Jeffrey Frantz retires after 13 years as pastor of Miami Lakes Congregational Church Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Frantz, minister at Miami Lakes Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) retired effective December 31, 2013, after 41 years of local church ministry. Coming here from South California, Frantz began his pastorate in Miami Lakes in May 2000. A native of Aurora, Illinois, Frantz graduated from Grinnell College in 1966. Upon graduation, he served two years in the Peace Corps in Panama where he also met Yvette Dubois, to whom he has been married since 1970. After Panama, Frantz became the first American player/coach in basketball in Portugal. In 1972, Frantz entered seminary at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, graduating in 1976 with a Masters of Divinity and being ordained that same year at his first church in Palo Alto, California. Later, Frantz earned his Doctor of Ministry at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, and served churches in Buffalo, New York; Poway, California; Moreno Valley,

California;, and lastly, his longterm pastorate in Miami Lakes. Since 2001, Frantz has been the acting Dean of the United Church of Christ churches in the greater Miami area, convening monthly luncheons for the pastors and being the liaison between the Miami area-based local churches and the UCC Conference office in Orlando. In the Miami Lakes community, Frantz has served in multiple ways, performing baptisms, weddings and memorial services for hundreds of people and families. He has also led numerous interfaith events and services. When asked what most stands out for him over his four decades of local church ministry, he said: “Over the years, the most rewarding thing about Christian ministry for me has been the honor and joy of being with people during some of the most poignant and meaningful times of their lives – in baptisms, confirmations, weddings and memorial services.” Beyond local church ministry, Frantz has been a columnist of the

popular “Echoes of the Heart” column in The Miami Laker since 2001. Frantz and his wife, Yvette, plan on remaining in the Miami Lakes area, when not visiting their two daughters and grandchildren. Both university Political Science professors, daughter Natasha lives near London, England, with husband Lawrence and their children, Annika and Karolina. Younger

daughter Erica resides near Boston with husband Cliff and toddlers Luciana and Felix. Frantz’s last worship service was on Sunday, December 29. A retirement party for the couple is planned for Saturday, January 18. Those interested in attending may call the church office at 305-8224313, to make a reservation. DR. JEFFREY FRANTZ

‘Dogs on the Dunes’ days extended at Haulover Park By popular demand, the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department has extended its weekend “Dogs on the Dunes” activity at Haulover Beach Park to now include Wednesdays. This park activity offers a unique opportunity for dogs and their owners to swim and play together in a designated beach recreation area for dogs. The new operating schedule for “Dogs on the Dunes” is Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The

site is located on the south end of the park between lifeguard towers #2 and #3 (directly across from the park’s 3.3-acre dog park). Accommodations include a canine wash-down area and “doggie” bags. Dog owners are encourage to bring their own water to keep their pets hydrated. Haulover Beach Park is located at 10800 Collins Avenue. Visitor parking for the dog recreation areas is $2 per vehicle (must have a dog in the vehicle). For more information, visit www.miamidade.gov/parks.

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THE MIAMI LAKER

Penn Libraries dedicates Kislak Center at Univ. of Pennsylvania Over 200 guests joined the Penn Libraries in mid-November to celebrate the dedication and naming of the “Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts” at the University of Pennsylvania. The new space, centrally located on campus, is named in honor of Jay I. Kislak and his family, who were on hand for the celebrations. Kislak and the Kislak Family Foundation donated $5.5 million to the Penn Libraries to complete the $17 million renova-

tions to the 5th and 6th floors of the Van Pelt-Dietrick Library Center. This is the largest cash gift given to the Penn Libraries from a living donor. Kislak is an avid collector of books and artifacts and a longtime supporter of the university. A graduate of the Wharton School in 1943, he is the first of three generations of his family to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania. Younger generations include his son Philip T. Kislak who graduated in 1970, and

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her granddaughter Elizabeth Kislak, a 2010 graduate. The Kislaks’ donation also includes a number of rare books and manuscripts from the family’s collections. University president Dr. Amy Gutmann presented Kislak with a symbolic key sharing, “I am so pleased to present you with this key, a symbol both of our deep gratitude and of the worlds of knowledge you have unlocked through your great generosity to this university. You have made vast resources accessible in a profoundly transformative way for generations to come.”

JAY I. KISLAK(center) is joined by Penn Libraries vice provost and director H. Carton Rogers (left) and University of Pennsylvania president Dr. Amy Gutmann during the dedication ceremony for the “Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts.”

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JANUARY 3, 2014

PAGE 11

M. L. Educational Center conducts 10th annual Diabetes/Health screening

A MIAMI LAKES EDUCATIONAL CENTER student undergoes blood pressure testing during the school’s 10th annual Diabetes and Health Screening.

Barber’s Ink holds memorable grand opening including a wedding proposal by owner Barber's Ink, located in the Lake Katherine Shopping Center, opened it's doors in early December for the official grand opening of the newest barber shop in Miami Lakes. Owner George Betances sealed the day as one of his most memorable by proposing to his girlfriend moments before the ribbon was cut. "It was a special day in my life. I proposed to my beautiful girlfriend Jessica before cutting the

BARBER’S INK business partners George Betances (left), and his brother, Josenrique, celebrated the grand opening of their new shop in the Lake Katharine Shopping Center during December.

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ribbon. I felt as if it was a new beginning in our lives and a new journey. The grand opening was a great success and we are very grateful to everyone who came to show us love and support and made this dream a reality," said Betances. Already Betances is planning special events for the shop including hosting "Lights Out" every other Saturday, in which hair is cut under spotlights, wine is offered for adults, and beverages for children in a relaxing atmosphere. Barber's Ink will also feature free hair cuts every Tuesday for first time guests during January and weekly specials on products and haircuts.

The Health Academy at Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC) celebrated its 10th annual Diabetes and Health Screening at the school. Over 680 students were tested for signs of diabetes, blood pressure, height and weight, and body mass index. Students were also given a brief lifestyle assessment to determine if they are on the right path to a healthy lifestyle. MLEC’s Health Academy students, along with NOVA Southeastern University (NSU) College of Allied Health Sciences, worked together to test students. The “mini physical” alerts students, showing signs of possible physical ailments, the opportunity to see his or her family physician for early intervention to life threatening diseases. This hands-on learning tradition was started with an idea by former teacher Neil Eichelbaum (now retired) and Health Academy leader Glenda Algaze.

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MLEC is an academy based educational structure. Students select a career pathway and take courses toward entering the world of employment rather than “elective” courses. As members of the Health Academy, many students plan on becoming doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, medical assistants, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, first responders, EMT’s, or other medical professionals. The school also offers adult educational classes on campus including training that leads to an LPN degree. “Our mission became one of change, to help our students get on the right path to good health, and share what we were doing with other,” said Eichelbaum. The partnership with NSU’s College of Allied Health Sciences is unique to MLEC. No other high school has a screening program with this magnitude or hands-on learning. “This opportunity is incredible as our students get to apply skills learning in the classroom as well as learn about what will be expected of them when they enter college to study for health related

careers,” Algaze said. Tatiana Alectine is a junior in MLEC’s Health Academy and said, “I believe the Diabetes Screening is a great way to enlighten students about making positive lifestyle changes and in some circumstances, to save lives. It also opened my eyes to see certain skills I will need to obtain while studying for my career in medicine.”

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THE MIAMI LAKER

JetStream benefits two charitable organizations during the holiday JetStream Federal Credit Union employees benefited two local charitable organizations during the holiday season. JetStream collected donations to benefit the disadvantaged children and youth of His House Children’s Home during the season. In their continuing efforts to help His House families, employees donated a variety of gift cards, toys, toiletries, clothing, baby items and food. Established in 1989, the organization provides residential care for abused, neglected, and drug-exposed children in a home-like setting.

“I want to thank our employees for their generosity to the children and families of His House. Through their efforts we hope we made a difference in a child’s life this holiday,” said JetStream CEO Keanne Kucey. For the past five years, JetStream has partnered with The EDGE for their annual toy drive. All JetStream branch locations in South Florida were collection sites for the toy drive. The EDGE (The Early Development of Global Education) Charitable Foundation delivers over 1,000 toys annually to

migrant families, children victimized by domestic abuse and children victimized by human trafficking in South Florida. “Our toy drive is one of our biggest and most unique events annually because of the children we serve right here in South Florida,” said founder Priya Nembhard. “This is our fifth year partnering with The EDGE and it is great to see our employees contribute to this great cause,” said Mio Serrano, vice president of Human Resources.

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Standing before a packed audience, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan accepted an award from the Board of Trustees of Florida Memorial University (FMU). Jordan, who videotaped her contributions to the historically black university, was recently honored with the Community Leadership Award at the Bonaventure Hotel in Weston. “Florida Memorial University is one of the hidden jewels in District 1,” said Jordan. “They are responsible for building the foundation upon which many of our residents have built their careers.” Jordan has been instrumental in securing $5 million in funding for the new Multi-Purpose Arena. She has helped mold the minds of FMU students through her Summer Youth Internship

Initiative. Her efforts have forged a relationship between Florida Memorial University and the Performing Arts Center to provide exclusive performances to the FMU Lou Rawls Center. Jordan has helped build a rela-

tionship with the Opa-locka Airport and the FMU Baker Aviation Center, and she has also increased the usage of the Smith Conference center by encouraging organizations to utilize the site.

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THE MIAMI LAKER

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Beach Safety for the New Year One of the perks of living in South Florida is being able to enjoy the beaches year round. Instead of building snowmen, we build sandmen in the winter months. It seems like almost every visitor that comes into town this time of year wants to head out to the beach. A trip to the beach should be a fun event, yet we have to be mindful of hidden dangers in the ocean. Rip current advisories from the National Weather Service occur with frequency during winter. Navigating the ocean can be tricky. What may look like a small gentle wave can turn into an emergency in a minute because of currents or undertows below. Before heading out to the beach, check the tide. It is generally safer to swim in low tide. Be aware of the tides when you are in the water. During low tide, you may be able to walk out to sandbar, but when the tide comes back in, be mindful that you may need to swim in order to get back to shore. When at the beach, always remember to: • Never swim alone. • If possible, always choose to swim at a lifeguard-protected beach. • Closely supervise children at all times, even if they are not in the water. Swimmers need to be aware of currents. Currents can vary along the shoreline, and they continue to shift in direction and speed. The most dangerous currents are rip

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currents. They are powerful channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. Rip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers. Every year in the U.S., rip currents cause more than 100 drownings and account for approximately 80 percent of all beach water rescues. These currents do not pull swimmers under water – they pull swimmers away from the shore. Drowning deaths occur when swimmers are unable to stay afloat long enough to swim back to shore. Because rip currents can occur on any beach with breaking waves, everyone should know the basics of how to survive a rip current: • Remain calm and don’t try to swim against the current. Instead, swim out of the current in a perpendicular direction, following the shoreline. Once you are out of the current, then swim back to shore. • If you cannot swim out of the current, float or lightly tread water to conserve your energy until you

are out of the current, then swim to shore. • If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. Many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current. When choosing which beach to visit, try to go to one that has lifeguards. They will advise you of the water conditions and if any marine life, like jellyfish, are present. Lifeguard stands will use flags to warn the public of any hazards. Each flag represents something different. They are: • Double red flag means the “beach is closed to swimmers.” • Single red flag means “high hazard” because of high surf and/or strong currents. • Yellow flag means “medium hazard” with moderate surf and/or hazards. • Green flag means “low hazard” and calm conditions. • Purple flag indicates the presence of dangerous marine life. With the proper planning and preparation, the new year will start off as a safe one.

Tips on protecting children from hard to spot cyberbullying (SPMNet) Most parents are familiar with traditional bullying that takes place at school and on the playground, but a life has gone digital, so has bullying. “Cyberbullying, bullying that occurs through technology like computers and mobile devices, is often harder to detect than traditional bullying. The bully isn’t immediately visible and may not even be known to the victim,” says pediatrician Dr. Gwenn Schurgin O’Keeffe of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and author of “CyberSafe: Protecting and Empowering in the Digital World of Texting, Gaming and Social Media.” “Because of this, cyberbullying is often more upsetting to victims, with even more profound and long-lasting effects,” she says. While the anonymous nature of the digital world does pose a challenge to identifying cyberbullies, O’Keeffe notes parents can take an active role toward combating this 21st century problem. Here are tips for parents to get a handle on cyberbullying, whether your child is a victim, a bystander or even participating in the bullying: • Monitor your child’s digital technology use. Be on the lookout for behaviors like quickly switching screens and having multiple passwords and accounts. • Teach your child to come forward if he or she knows a friend is bullying others or being bullied. Being a bystander helps perpetuate the cycle and continue someone else’s pain.

• You may think your child is safely using a digital device in the next room, but any child online is at risk for being bullied. Not all children are going to let you know if there’s a problem, including teenagers. If your child is acting withdrawn, evasive or unusually said – especially after using a digital device such as a computer, video game or mobile phone – ask if everything is okay. Regularly converse to open the line of communication. • Cyberbullies may think they are acting anonymously, but they can be tracked by authorities. If your child is a victim, save the offending emails, IMs, and texts, and get the school involved if possible. • If you worry your child is in serious danger, or the other parents refuse to help end bullying, call the police. • Find out what your child’s school’s policies are on bullying, cyberbullying and digital devices. If the rules are insufficient, talk to the teachers and principal about establishing sensible regulations. • Don’t raise a bully! Foster empathy by talking regularly about how actions and words affect others. Set a good example by always treating others with respect yourself, both online and offline. • Don’t assume that a normally well-behaved child is guilt-free. The faceless digital world makes it easy for even good kids to sometimes be mean.

JANUARY 3, 2014

PAGE 13

Miami Lakes

Meeting & Class Calendar The Town of Miami Lakes, M. L. Civic Association, homeowners associations, professional and volunteer groups have scheduled meetings and classes during January:

Town of Miami Lakes Town Council Workshop January 7 5:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center Neighborhood Improvement Committee January 7 7:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center Elderly Affairs Com. January 8 8:30 am M.L. Govt. Center Youth Activities Task Force January 8 7:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center Cultural Affairs Com. January 9 7:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center Public Safety Committee January 13 6:30 pm M.L. Govt. Center Town Council Regular Meeting January 14 6:30 pm M.L. Govt. Center Planning & Zoning Board Meeting January 21 6:30 pm M.L. Govt. Center Economic Development Committee January 28 5:30 pm M.L. Govt. Center (Following classes are free for Miami Lakes residents) (Note: Some classes resume Jan. 6; others resume Jan. 13) Yoga Mon./Wed. 7:30 am MCCC Yoga (Fee Course) Tues./Thurs. 7:30 am MCCC Line Dancing Tues./Thurs. 11:30 am MCCC Tai Chi M/Tu/W/Th 9:00 am MCCC Painting I Fridays 9:00 am MCCC Painting II Fridays 12:30 pm MCCC Quilting Tuesdays 11:15 am MCCC Arts & Crafts Mondays Noon MCCC Knitting/Crocheting Tues./Thurs. 1:35 pm MCCC Senior Computer (Span.) Mon./Wed. 9:00 am RACC Senior Computer (Eng.) Tues./Thurs. 9:00 am RACC Ballet 1 Mondays 4:30 pm RACC Ballet 2 Mondays 5:30 pm RACC Ballet 3 Wednesdays 4:30 pm RACC Ballet 4 Wednesdays 5:30 pm RACC Martial Arts (tots) Mon./Wed. 4:30 pm RACC Martial Arts (beginners) Mon./Wed. 5:30 pm RACC Martial Arts (intermed.) Tues./Thurs. 4:30 & 5:30 pm RACC Jazz 1 Tuesdays 4:30 pm RACC Jazz 2 Tuesdays 5:30 pm RACC Jazz 3 Thursdays 4:30 pm RACC Jazz 4 Thursdays 5:30 pm RACC Table Tennis Tues./Thurs. 12 noon RACC Sewing Tues./Thurs. 2:00 pm RACC Spanish (for adults) M/Tu/W/Th 6:00 pm RACC

Homeowners Organizations

Royal Palm Estates Lake Elizabeth Loch Lomond Lake Carol Lake Cynthia Windmill Gate Loch Ness Lake Hilda Loch Lomond East Silver Crest South Royal Oaks Serenity Point Regatta Pointe Gramercy Park Loch Andrews Loch Isle Lake Glen Ellen Lake Katharine Villas Villa Vizcaya Lake Sandra The Anchorage Fountain Park Lake Martha Loch Lomond West

January 2 January 6 January 7 January 7 January 8 January 9 January 13 January 13 January 14 January 14 January 15 January 15 January 16 January 16 January 20 January 20 January 21 January 21 January 22 January 23 January 23 January 27 January 28 January 28

7:30 pm MCCC 7:00 pm MCCC 7:00 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:30 m MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:00 pm MCCC 7:00 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:00 pm MCCC 7:00 pm MCCC 7:00 pm MCCC 7:00 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC 6:30 pm MCCC 7:30 pm MCCC

Miami Lakes Clubs, Professional & Volunteer Groups

M.L. Garden Club bunco January 2 11:30 am MCCC Book Discussion Group January 10 1:00 pm MCCC M.L. Garden Club January 27 7:00 pm MCCC M.L. Bridge Club Mondays 11:30 am MCCC M.L. Kiwanis 2nd/4th Thurs. 6:30 pm Pampered Chef M.L. Toastmasters 1st/3rd Tues.7:00 pm ML Educational Center M.L. Lions Club 1st/3rd Tues. 7:00 pm Denny’s Hialeah MCCC is Mary Collins Community Center, 15151 N.W. 82 Avenue RACC is Robert Alonso Community Center, 16500 N.W. 87 Avenue

PAGE 14

JANUARY 3, 2014

THE MIAMI LAKER

HMLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Joshua St. Louis wins Orange Bowl Poster design; named to All-Star game

Youth Activities Task Force resumes Movies at the Park on January 10 Miami Lakes Youth Activities Task Force announced the resumption of its annual Movies at the Park series. The free movie watching event takes place at Miami Lakes Picnic Park West, 15151 Montrose Road (N.W. 82 Avenue).

The series kick-off is on Friday, January 10, at 7:30 p.m., and will continue every other week through February for a total of four films. Families are encouraged to bring chairs and picnic blankets. Pizza, popcorn and soda will be available

for purchase. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My kids absolutely love this experience,â&#x20AC;? said Councilmember Tony Lama. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is one of my favorite events put on by the Youth Activities Task Force and I hope to see a packed event.â&#x20AC;? For upcoming events and information, visit the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at w w w. m i a m i l a k e s - f l . g o v . Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Special Events and Committees coordinator Clarisell De Cardenas via email at decardenasc@miamilakes-fl.gov.

Miami-Dade Co. offers recycling of Christmas trees for Miami Lakes area customers

HIALEAH MIAMI LAKES SENIOR HIGH student Joshua St. Louis, was selected to represent his school in the DadeBroward All-Star Football Game. The game will be played on Friday, January 10 at Sun Life Stadium. Additionally, St. Louis is the first place winner for the Orange Bowl Art Poster design that included submissions from students in high schools in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

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Miami Lakes area residents who receive curbside waste collection service from Miami-Dade County can recycle their Christmas trees by taking them to one of the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trash and Recycling Centers, or the West Miami-Dade Home Chemical Collection Center. All trees brought in for recycling must be free of tree stands, lights, ornaments, tinsel and other decorations. The trees will be converted into mulch, available free to service area residents on a first-come, first-served basis beginning in mid-January. In the northwest Miami-Dade area, Trash and Recycling Centers are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the North Dade Landfill, 21500 N.W. 47 Avenue; Palm Springs North, 7870 N.W. 178 Street; and Golden Glades, 140 N.W. 160 Street. The West Miami-Dade Home Chemical Collection Center is located at 8801 N.W. 58 Street. Christmas tree mulch will be available at the North Dade Landfill for northwest MiamiDade area service area residents to pick up using their own bags or containers while supplies last. Residents who choose not to drop off their Christmas tree have two options: 1. Residents may cut the tree into smaller pieces and place it inside their green waste cart for collection. The tree must fit entirely inside the waste cart. Trees placed next to the waste cart cannot be collected by the automated waste collection truck. 2. The other option is for residents to place the tree at the curbside no later than Tuesday, January 7, and it will be picked up after January 7. For more information, visit www.miamidade.gov/publicworks or call 3-1-1.

THE MIAMI LAKER

JANUARY 3, 2014

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

JANUARY 3, 2014

THE MIAMI LAKER

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Papa Smurfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Jimmie Parrot retires after 33 year career at American High By David L. Snelling The Miami Laker staff At a time when racial tension among students at American High School boiled over, Jimmie Parrot stepped into the fray and eased the dissension by employing disciplinary actions and encouraging students to get along with their counterparts. He bridged the gap between hostility and understanding so much that white, black and Latino students called him Papa Smurf, referring to the 1980s cartoon featuring a small elf-like character raising a hundred smurfs in a tiny village. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was right around the time the Smurfs were out and the kids called me Papa Smurf,â&#x20AC;? said Parrot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t racial or negative, they loved to call me Papa Smurf and it stuck with me for all these years.â&#x20AC;? Parrot, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the defensive line coach and a faculty member, shared his fond memories, as heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retiring after 44 years as an educator and mentor to students who have gone on to be successful people. He spent 33 of those years at American. The 63-year-old was an assistant coach under five different head coaches and the team enjoyed three consecutive district

titles under Corey Bell. But his only regret was that American never won a state championship, and he said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a matter of time before the Patriots finally get over the hump and win a state championship. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to come,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coach Bell will get the job done.â&#x20AC;? The Miami native who graduated from Miami Jackson High said the Northwest Miami-Dade area was much different in the early 1980s. Then, the vicinity was surrounded by cow pastures and a diary farm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;N.W. 67 Avenue didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exist,â&#x20AC;? he said. After graduating from Bethune Cookman College where he played linebacker for the Wildcats, Parrot said he landed his first teaching job at Orchard Villa Elementary School in Liberty City. He later taught at Gladeview Elementary before the sour economy forced school officials to shut it down, and he was assigned to Hialeah Middle School. While working in the ESC Department, the principal discovered Parrot had the niche to keep kids on the right track. But he wanted to coach high school football and when he

opportunity surfaced, the principal at Hialeah Middle School did everything in her power to keep him there because he did a â&#x20AC;&#x153;greatâ&#x20AC;? job with he kids. To no avail. Eventually, Parrot was hired to be the defensive line coach at American and he never looked back. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After American was built, I always wanted to come here,â&#x20AC;? Parrot said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to help kids and coach here.â&#x20AC;? The most rewarding part of his job was seeing former students and athletes graduate from college and become successful business people and good citizens. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They did the right thing,â&#x20AC;? Parrot said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When they see me, they walk up and say now I get it. Everything you told me was right and they thank me for it.â&#x20AC;? Following his retirement party in December, Parrot said he plans to devote a lot of time at his church and mentor his 5-year-old grandson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to switch gears and do other things in my life,â&#x20AC;? he said. He said he will certainly miss the students and athletes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to miss being around them,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I hope to still be involved in some capacity because my blood bleeds red, white and blue.â&#x20AC;?

Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Give your child the gift of a Catholic Education.â&#x20AC;?

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PK3â&#x20AC;˘ PK4 â&#x20AC;˘ VPK Certified Free After-Care â&#x20AC;˘ Catholic Education and Family Values â&#x20AC;˘ High Academic Standards â&#x20AC;˘ Mathletics and Accelerated Reading Programs â&#x20AC;˘ Experienced Faculty â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Certified by State of Florida â&#x20AC;˘ Multi-cultural Family Atmosphere â&#x20AC;˘ Psychologist on Campus â&#x20AC;˘ Computer Lab, iPads-Apple TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Applications for new SMARTboards, Broadcasting Club students available at â&#x20AC;˘ Music Program, Recorder Ensemble, the school office. Glee Club â&#x20AC;˘ Spanish â&#x20AC;˘ Art Education, Meet the Masters, Gallery Night â&#x20AC;˘ Athletic Programs for grades 3 to 8, Cheerleading, Danceline â&#x20AC;˘ Student Leadership Program, NJHS, Student Council â&#x20AC;˘ HSA, Dadsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Club, Family Involvement Welcome Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School is fully accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference.

Our Lady of the Lakes varsity girls basketball team captures ACC North Division title Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s varsity girls basketball team finished their season undefeated and captured the All Catholic Conference North Division championship. With a record of 8-0, the team, under the direction of coach Eddy Fleitas, had a tremendous turnaround from being 0-8 last season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The team really came together,

played hard, and most importantly, did not quit,â&#x20AC;? said OLL athletic director German Garcia. All the hard work truly paid off in the end, and in one year, the team went from worst to first.â&#x20AC;? The OLL team clinched a playoff berth in the ACC 3A classification and hosted a semi-final game at the school last week.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; varsity girls basketball team clinched the ACC North Division championship. Pictured (bottom, from left) Angelina Davis, Samantha Arrieta, Alexa Gonzalez, and Erica Morales; (top, from left) Kristen Fleitas, Gabriella Perez-Robles, Veroneeka Dorval, Olivia Duff, Vanessa Perez-Robles and coach Eddy Fleitas. (Not pictured: Jasmine Mason.)

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THE MIAMI LAKER

JANUARY 3, 2014

PAGE 17

Barbara Goleman bowling teams earn district titles This past season, Barbara Goleman High School’s girls’ bowling team won the District Championship against Ronald Reagan Senior High for the second year running and finished 30th among the 192 teams that competed in the FHSAA State Championship Tournament. The tournament was held in Orlando

on November 9 and 10. Individually, Barbara Goleman’s Catherine Gutierrez finished in first place in the District with a 186 average and American’s Briana Futch finished in second place. In addition, five starting players from Goleman finished in the top 10 in the district, including

Optimist baseball/softball registration opens January 4 Boys and girls can register for the Miami Lakes Optimist Club’s 2014 baseball and softball season on three consecutive Saturdays, starting January 4 and continuing on January 11 and 18. The registration will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Miami Lakes Middle School, 6425 Miami Lakeway North.

Registration fee is $140 and participants must bring copies of their birth certificates. Opening night is scheduled at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 17, at Miami Lakes Optimist Park, where Mayor Wayne Slaton will throw out the first pitch. For more information, visit www.miamilakesoptimist.org.

Open table tennis available at R. Alonso Com. Center Miami Lakes offers free open table tennis play at the Roberto Alonso Community Center, 16500 N.W. 87 Avenue, every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 3:30 p.m. All levels and ages are welcome to participate and the town provides paddles and balls,

although participants may bring their own paddles. For more information about the program, contact Leisure Services manager Katya Lysak at 305-6989308 or by email at lysakk@miamilakes-fl.gov.

Gutierrez, Vanessa Galvez, Caroline Zamprogno, Gabriella Sallai and Christiana Gema. They have been together for four years and this win was bitter sweet as they celebrated an incredible season, yet had to say good-bye to their team mates. Co-captains Galvez and Gutierrez led the bowling team to the district championship after another perfect undefeated 11-0 season. The girls’ bowling team was District Champion in 2012 and District runner-up in 2011 and 2010. Coach Debbie Perez, who coaches both the boy’s and girl’s bowling teams, has been fortunate enough to work with these talented student athletes since 2005 and her reward is seeing how they have grown, learned to achieve and succeed, and showing them how far they can go with their hard work and dedication, both in and out of the classroom. It has been a run of titles for the Goleman bowling teams under the guidance of Perez with the boy’s coming in a District runner-Up in 2008 and District champion in 2009, 2010 and 2011. That’s eight District trophies for the bowling teams in six years. These student athletes rank in the top 15 percent academically and rank in the top in their sport.

UNDER THE GUIDANCE of Goleman's girl’s and boy’s bowling coach Debbie Perez (center) the girls bowling team (from left) Brittany Broquaido, Catherine Gutierrez, Caroline Zamprogano, Vanessa Galvez, Christina Gema, and Gabriella Sallai won the District championship for the second consecutive year.

M. Lakes Congregational Church hosts ‘Enhance Fitness’ twice each week Looking to get fit in the New Year? Then look to Miami Lakes Congregational Church to “Enhance Fitness.” This is a group exercise class led by a certified instructor that improves balance, flexibility, bone density, endurance, coordination, mental sharpness and reduces the risk of falling. The group is for persons aged 55 years and older.

Class times are Monday and Thursday from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., and Friday from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. The class meets in the Fellowship Hall at Miami Lakes Congregational Church, 6701 Miami Lakeway South, across from Miami Lakes K-8 Center. For more information, call the church office at 305-822-4313.

PAGE 18

JANUARY 3, 2014

THE MIAMI LAKER

MLEC Key Club and Girl Scouts visit His House Children’s Home Miami Lakes Educational Center’s (MLEC) Key Club and Girl Scout Troop 500 joined forces to give the kids of His House Children’s Home a day to remember. “The holidays are here,” said Sharon Zajac, a MLEC student and member of Troop 500. “Every one is so consumed in the shopping and the parties that we forget what is important.

“There are so many people in this world without a family or home. That is why, in a community effort, we wanted to do something special and give a little love and happiness to a group of kids.” The Field Day for the children at His House was made possible thanks to the collaboration of a group of people including volunteers from MLEC, Girl Scout Troop 500 leader Susy Larsh, Girl Scout Troop 267 leader Mayra Duarte, Marcio Larsh from Miami

Lakes Congregational Church, Anthony’s Coal Fire Pizza, and Bianca Larsh from the South Florida Youth Symphony. “We hope the children at His House had a day that brought them love and not a feeling of sorrow or abandonment. We hope they know they are a part of a community that cares,” Zajac added. “We only hope that more people get involved and don’t leave a matter this important to be pushed aside for generations to come.”

Our Lady of the Lakes JV boys flag football team wins ACC North Division title Our Lady of the Lakes JV boys Flag Football team are the All Catholic Conference North Division champions. At their final game, the Cheetahs defeated St. Theresa 248. Danny Delgado led the team with one rushing and one receiv-

ing touchdown. Justin Quintana led the offense with two touchdown passes, and the defense had three interceptions and forced a safety. The team wrapped up its season finished undefeated with a 9-0 record.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES ACC North Division champion boys JV Flag Football team includes (bottom, from left) Garret Baltar, Danny Delgado, Nicholas Gory, Nicolas Pombo, Michael Sanchez and Daniel Perez; (top, from left) coach Julio Sanchez, Daniel Zambrano, Michael Gonzalez, Brian Rodriguez, Paolo Jebian, Dylan Coombs, Justin Quintana, Dario Brugger, Andy Bello, Alex Morales, and coach German Garcia. MIAMI LAKES AREA GIRL SCOUTS and volunteers from Miami Lakes Educational Center’s Key Club held a holiday Field Trip at His House Children’s Home.

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HML’s William De La Vera named to Syracuse Posse 3 Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School senior William De La Vera has been selected to be part of Syracuse University Posse 3. Over 1,200 students across Miami-Dade County applied to Posse and only 40 were selected to be part of this program. Posse identifies public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential

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JANUARY 3, 2014

PAGE 19

Bob Graham students participate in Miami Book Fair The third grade students in the Extended Foreign Language/ Bilingual program at Bob Graham Education Center (BGEC) participated in this year’s Miami Book Fair International held at Miami Dade College’s downtown campus. The Miami Book Fair is the largest literary gathering in the Americas and this year celebrated its 30th anniversary with participation by some of the world’s top English and Spanish authors, creators, illustrators, entertainers, thinkers and leaders. This year’s featured country was Spain and the fair was kickedoff by the Prince and Princess of Spain. The students from BGEC participated in a session with best selling author and illustrator Geoffrey Hayes with each student

receiving a copy of his latest book. The students later saw a theatrical production in Spanish at the Prometeo Theater and they participated in the Paintbox where they made art projects as well as in the Rhythm Factory where they heard music, danced and participated in a “percussion petting zoo." The students also toured the College’s library and viewed the College’s National Historic Landmark Freedom Tower. A few of the students even got to meet Miami Dade College president and founder of the Miami Book Fair International, Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón. This was the first visit ever by a group of students from BGEC to the Miami Book Fair International.

Perla Hantman encourages participation in College Fair and Teen Driver Safety As proposed by School Board Chair Perla Tabares Hantman, the Miami-Dade School Board voted unanimously to promote and encourage participation in the 2014 Miami National College Fair, and also endorsed the 2014 Annual Teen Driver Safety Public Service Announcement (PSA) and Poster Contest that is open to all District Senior High schools. The College Fair, scheduled for February 9, noon to 4 p.m., will have representatives from more than 150 colleges and universities to provide information on admissions, financial aid, entrance exams and other related topics. The Fair is held at the Doubletree Miami Mart Airport Hotel & Convention Center at 777 N.W. 72 Avenue, in Miami. "The College Fair provides parents and students with excellent information about educational opportunities and choices," said Hantman, who has co-chaired the fair's local committee for 18 consecutive years. The Teen Driver Safety

Contest, now in its sixth year and similar to last year, will focus on the dangers of distracted driving, with heightened emphasis on the no-texting-while-driving law. "As part of my long-standing safety initiatives, the contest encourages and promotes pedestrian and vehicular safety," said Hantman. The contest will run from January to March 2014. One PSA and one poster each will be picked as winners of first, second and third place awards. The winning entries will be showcased for a three-month period on WLRN, one winner per month for each category, after the televised School Board meetings. Finally, winners will be recognized during the April 2014 School Board and MPO Governing Board meetings.

BOB GRAHAM EDUCATION CENTER third graders visited the 2013 Miami Book Fair International and participated in a series of engaging events. The students are pictured with their arts and crafts completed at the events.

Three Mother of Our Redeemer students honored at 2013 Academic Olympics Mother of Our Redeemer Catholic School (MOR) continues to achieve top honors from its students. MOR entered 21 students from its 7th and 8th grade classes to compete with other middle schools in the 2013 Academic Olympics held at Monsignor Edward Pace High School on December 7. MOR's Shelly Mena (8th grade), won first place in Language Arts, Jasmin Garcia (7th grade) earned second place in Religion, and Melissa Alvarez (7th grade) placed third in Music. MOR teacher Natalia Moncayo was responsible for the preparation of these students along with the support of Altagracia Ramos from the onset of the school year. Moncayo said, "We strive to provide an excellent education,

which shines throughout our students." MOR principal Ana Casariego congratulated all the students who competed, the winners and their coache. MOR is located at 8445 N.W. 186 St. and serves families with elementary and middle school children from pre-K to 8th grade with an enriched catholic education. For more information, call 305-829-3988.

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THE MIAMI LAKER

New Testament Church’s Streetside Manifesto band performs at Rescue Mission Miami Streetside Manifesto, the youth group band of the 4:12 Student Ministry at New Testament Baptist Church, decided to give back to those in need just in time for Christmas Eve. On December 24, the Miami Rescue Mission hosted their annual Christmas Eve banquet which fed over 1,000 needy families for this holiday season. Streetside Manifesto was invited Tuesday morning, as hundreds gathered, to perform some holiday sing-a-longs which was truly a rewarding experience. The crowd cycled through holiday favorites such as “O Holy Night” and ’’Come All Ye Faithful" and ended

MLEC’s Hilda Pinate honored by 99.1 FM (JAMZ)

with a cover of ”Oceans" by Hillsong United. When asked about their experience in performing for the families at Miami Rescue Mission, one of the band members, Marco Hernandez, said, ”This was such an amazing opportunity! I love doing this kind of stuff." The Streetside Manifesto band for the 4:12 Student Ministry seeks to bring hope to the hopeless through music. For more information about 4:12 and how to get involved with community projects, contact Pastor Abe Metellus at 786-5667158 or email at ametellus@newtestbaptist.org.

NEW TESTAMENT BAPTIST CHURCH’S Streetside Manifesto Bandmates (from left) Marco Hernandez (keyboard), Stefanie Metellus (vocals) and son Jeremiah Metellus, Jonas Maldonado (guitar and drums) and Jessica Barrera (acoustic guitar) all work together to bring hope through music.

HILDA PINATE, a senior at Miami Lakes Educational Center, was honored on December 13 as the Student of the Week by radio station 99.1 FM (99 JAMZ). The station recognizes outstanding high school students from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The selection is based not only on outstanding GPA but also for representing their school, family and community in a positive way. Pinate was honored for her academic success and community service. She is pictured at the 99 JAZZ studio where she joined DJ Khaled.

Two MLEC students place in math competition’s top 18

TWO MIAMI LAKES EDUCATIONAL CENTER STUDENTS, Mario Font (left) and Michan Walsh, placed among the top 18 students in the recent David Essner Mathematics Competition XXXIII held at the University of Miami. The two are juniors in the Cambridge Academy. A total of 122 students from 25 schools participated in the event.

FIU students advise HML seniors about law careers

EARLIER THIS YEAR, members from Florida International University's Black Law Student Association (BLSA) visited Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School (HML) to speak with 25 seniors regarding a career in law and applying to law school. The session was very informative as students gained insight on the process from GPA to LSAT testing. BLSA students are pictured here with HML principal Jose Bueno (center).

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Goleman accepting freshmen for its Capstone program By Roselind Romero The Miami Laker staff The AP Cambridge Capstone program, commonly referred to as simply the Capstone program, at Barbara Goleman Senior High School, has received praise from the College Board which has credited it as a "flagship school," a model for other schools to emulate. The Capstone program is still a fairly new program with only 20 participating schools worldwide, four of them in Miami-Dade. Up until now the Capstone program, which requires a year long introductory course, followed by three Advanced Placement courses and a research project including a 25 page thesis, has only accepted sophomores. Beginning for the 2014-2015 school year, Goleman is now accepting freshman applications for placement in the program. This opportunity, which the administration has quickly learned has not fallen on deaf ears after mounting applications poured in, is limited. "We have the honor of having a program that has advanced a tremendous amount of success in a short amount of time," said Goleman principal Joaquin Hernandez. Only 100 spaces are available for incoming freshman and as of early December, over half of those spaces were filled. The administration urges parents to inquire and fill out the necessary documentation needed for their child to be considered for the upcoming school year. There are no area boundaries to apply. A pool of diverse students is preferable and as such, all students are welcome to apply. "We want it to be all-inclusive. We want recruited students

including recent immigrants and special needs students," said Hernandez. The success the program has brought participating students has inspired many younger students to apply. Many students that are currently in the Capstone program have surpassed the requirements and have also dual-enrolled with Miami-Dade College for additional college credits. "We have moved from seven kids in dual enrollment to over 100 with 16 of those being juniors maintaining perfect unweighted GPA's," said Hernandez. Success in the program has not come solely from students' hard work, but the teachers and parents who invest time into molding motivated students. The Seminar AP teacher for the Capstone program, Maria Elbano, has had so much success in her classes, she has been selected by program coordinators to travel to New York City for additional training so she can train other Seminar AP teachers for similar success. "The kids amaze me and the reason why is because they're surrounded by intelligence," Hernandez said. "They're on the positive side of peer pressure. What are you able to do when there are endless possibilities? I don't think they see any boundaries. It's amazing when you tell a child that they can succeed, they believe it." Students completing their 25 page thesis can also use it as part of the college application process for universities that request samples of written work. To submit an application for the AP Cambridge Capstone program for incoming freshmen and sophomores, contact the school at 305362-0676.

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Mater Gardens Academy raises funds during ‘Movie Night Under the Stars’ In early December, Mater Gardens Academy (MGA) held a "Movie Night Under the Stars" event. Students and their families were invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to watch “Monster's University” on a large screen in the MGA field. Admission to the event was free but proceeds from concession stand items sold at the event were donated to the UMater campaign. UMater provides scholarships for students throughout Mater schools. Jessica DiPuglia, a 4th grade teacher at Mater Gardens and UMater coordinator further explained, "We raised over $600 in one night for the UMater campaign. This was a fantastic event that allowed families to come together and raise money for a great cause." The faculty and staff at MGA thanked the MGA Student Council for helping with the concession stand.

STUDENTS from the Mater Gardens Academy Student Council are pictured at the Movie Night Under the Stars concession stand that brought in over $600 in funds to go toward the UMater Campaign for student scholarships.

College Board honors M-D schools’ AP program Miami-Dade County Public Schools is one of 477 school districts in the U.S. and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the 4th Annual AP District Honor Roll for increasing access to AP course work while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP exams. Reaching these goals indicates that the district is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are likely to benefit from rigorous AP coursework.

From the AP Honor Roll, three AP Districts of the Year are selected, one for each category of district population size (small, medium, large), for their achievements in equity and excellence. Among schools with large-size populations, Miami-Dade County Public Schools achieved higher increases in AP participation and performance than any other district in the United States over the past three academic years. These successes in increased AP access and performance are particularly noteworthy among the district's traditionally underserved

student populations. "Receiving the Advanced Placement District Award validates Miami-Dade's focus on the importance of educating students to be future leaders of our global economy," said Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. "Miami-Dade's success is an example of why it is important to provide the opportunity for a wide range of students to participate in rigorous Advanced Placement courses, without an institutional fear of performance outcomes.

PAGE 22

JANUARY 3, 2014

THE MIAMI LAKER

Alberto Carvalho named Florida’s School Superintendent of the Year Miami-Dade Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho was named Florida's Superintendent of the Year on December 4 by the Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS). As Florida's Superintendent of the Year, Carvalho will represent the Sunshine State for consideration as national superintendent of the year. The announcement was made at the opening general session of the 68th Annual Joint Conference with FADSS, Florida School Board Association (FSBA), Florida School Board Attorneys Association (FSBAA), Florida Educational Risk Management Association (FERMA), Sunshine State School Public Relations Association (SUNSPRA), and the Florida Education Legislative Liaisons (FELL) at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay Hotel. Carvalho served as a keynote speaker for the event, using the theme "The Miami Miracle" a phrase used nationally to describe the unprecedented turnaround of the country's fourth largest school district.

"Those who choose the path as a public school superintendent do so not for the glory but rather the opportunity to make a positive difference in children's lives, and Superintendent Carvalho has certainly proved this time and time again as he has diligently worked to raise the educational bar for Miami-Dade County Public Schools," stated FADSS chief executive officer and Florida Senator Bill Montford. "Alberto is not only an exceptional superintendent with a proven track record of success; he is a true servant leader committed to educational excellence and he is very deserving of this award," added Montford. Carvalho, who has served as Miami-Dade County Public Schools' leader for five years, has consistently advocated for students across the state. He has taken on many issues including education funding, flexibility in the use of school dollars, school performance grades, and equality for English Language Learners, Exceptional Education Students,

ALBERTO M. CARVALHO (center) was named Florida’s Superintendent of the Year. He is joined by FADSS president Wally Cox (left) and FADSS chief executive officer Bill Montford (right).

Monsignor Pace High Jewish History students visit Temple Emanu-El, Holocaust Memorial Monsignor Edward Pace students in George Rodriguez's class room recently visited Temple Emanu-El and the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach to gain a richer understanding of the Jewish religion. Rabbi Mark Phillipe led the students on a tour of Temple Emanu-El explaining what occurs as he conducts the morning service as well as the meaning of the symbols displayed throughout. Students were able to view a Torah and appreciate the extensive work and procedure necessary to create one. Rodriguez, who teachers Jewish History, said "Our visit to

Temple Emanu-El Synagogue with Rabbi Phillipe allowed us to appreciate the profound meaning of Judaism, as well as the Jewish roots of the Christian faith." Following, the students visited the Holocaust Memorial where Rodriguez provided the students with background of the architecture and the importance of each stone and their origin. While there, students were able to meet Holocaust survivor, Paul Gast, who relived his experience and asked students to remember the Holocaust victims "by how they lived their lives, and not by how they died."

and children of undocumented parents. Carvalho successfully led a campaign for a $1.2 billion General Obligation Bond that will improve schools, provide new schools and enhance technology.

AS THE PACE HIGH SCHOOL field trip to Temple Emanu-El and the Holocaust Memorial comes to an end, students take a moment to view the memorial in its entirety and reflect on the many lives lost.

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THE MIAMI LAKER

Reflections on Life and Community Living By Dr. Jeffrey E. Frantz, Miami Lakes Congregational Church

Antelo’s announce birth of their son Dylan Antelo

DYLAN DEREK ANTELO was born on November 12, 2013, weighing 7 pounds and 5 ounces to parents Liani and Derek Antelo. The proud parents and grandparents, Enrique and Miriam Antelo, and Juan and Ada Valdez, are all longtime Miami Lakes residents.

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see where we go from there. So, this will be my last article, at least for a little while. I have enjoyed immensely the opportunity to do the column for these past 13 years, and to share my reflections, observations and insights on a wide range of topics. Please know that the comments and compliments of so many of you have meant a lot to me and will continue to inspire my pen as I enter this new season of my life. Life in Miami Lakes continues to be good, a rich multicultural and multilingual adventure for all of us. Interestingly enough, Wayne Slaton became mayor about the time I launched my Laker column and now, Wayne Slaton (much to my delight) has returned as mayor once again. As the world turns, we say. Plans for the future. Once I announced my retirement, I've been impressed at how genuinely happy people seem to be for me. Perhaps we all have the sense that life is fleeting, that we only have so much time, and that it's important to do what we need to do with our lives. What I do need to do is spend more time with my two wonderful daughters and their adorable families, which include our four grandchildren. For Yvette and me, what this means is we will be spending more time in England, where Natasha and her family live, and in the Boston area, where Erica resides with her family unit. And I admit, it will be nice not to have to always rush back to tend to some responsibility or commitment in the local church. In this same vein, Saturday nights will be a whole new experience for us. No more rising at dark to be off to the church on Sunday mornings. While I will miss the

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Tips for seniors living on fixed incomes

Echoes of the Heart (Contact Dr. Frantz on the web at www.mlcchurch.com.) Retirement and a new pace of life. Well, after forty-one years of local church ministry, I am retiring at the end of 2013. I turn 70 in mid-2014 and decided it was time. My spouse Yvette and I plan on remaining in the Miami Lakes area, where we have lived since May of 2000. With retirement in sight, I have two initial observations: First, planning one's retirement is a lot of work (I've certainly learned that these past six months). Secondly, I have lots of plans nestled in hopes and expectations for the years ahead. With the above in mind, I have also decided to take a year-long sabbatical from my "Echoes" column in The Miami Laker. Editor Roger Reece and I have agreed to re-evaluate after my year off and

JANUARY 3, 2014

special times in worship and other church-life observances (I will certainly miss the many wonderful people in my congregation), I will look forward to a slower pace and a new freedom to go with the flow and to actually not worry about deadlines. I look forward to living again in France (where we spent 14 weeks during a sabbatical leave in 2010) where I plan on making significant strides with my French. I look forward, as well, to getting back to California (we moved here from San Diego in 2000) where Yvette and I spent most of our lives, and to catch up with old friends out west. I also look forward to writing, although I'm not sure, yet, what form the writing will take. Hope to see you about town! My guess is I will continue to run in to many of you at Shula's Athletic Club where I work out three of four times a week, or at Einstein's Bagel where I like to stop by for a morning coffee and bagel while I read the morning paper and check out current happenings on my iPad. If you see me, wherever, please pass by to say hello! I love people and I love conversation about family, community life and things about things that matter. Through it all, I continue to believe that life is good and that the African teaching, Ubuntu, has got it right: I am what I am because of who we all are together.

(SPM Wire) With retirement accounts and real estate values still recovering from the recession, and living costs on the rise, many retired seniors are struggling to pay their bills. According to the National Council on Aging, 20 million Americans, 60 years of age or older, are economically insecure. But experts say that with the right tools and planning, you can avoid money woes. “The first step is to get a handle on your finances,” advises Aaron Forth, vice president and general manager of Intuit Personal Finance Group. “Knowing more about your current financial situation means you can more effectively stick to a budget.” Luckily, new tools are helping seniors on a fixed income to do just that. There are many things you can do to help make ends meet in an uncertain economy: Work From Home: If inflation is causing your living expenses to rise, but you’re on a fixed-income, you may want to consider taking on some part-time work to supplement your funds. Working from home is becoming an increasingly easy option for seniors who may be less mobile than during their younger days. Many companies hire part-time freelancers to complete work remotely. From tutoring to transcription services, you can earn extra dollars without getting off the couch. Budget Online:

If you’re still squinting over your checkbook ledger, it’s time to try something new. “Let software do the heavy lifting for you,” advises Forth, “It’s easy to make costly mistakes like missing bill payments when you’re doing it all by hand.” Take advantage of free services on the Internet like Mint.com. For those who prefer managing money on the desktop, purchase financial software like Quicken to help you manage your finances, create a budget, and meet financial goals. Cut Expenses: You may be familiar with traditional coupon clipping, but online sites like LivingSocial and Groupon can help you find helpful local deals on the things you need, such as medical exams and food, or the things you want, like birthday presents for your grandchildren. Just be careful to not get carried away on purchases. The best way to do this is to stick to goods and services that you would have bought at full cost anyway. And, of course, trim back on unnecessary expenditures. For example, many television programs are available for free online, making your cable bill a redundant expense. Likewise, if you use a mobile phone, consider eliminating your landline. Even if you’re living on a fixed income, there’s no need to go into debt. By tracking your sources of income and your expenditures, you can achieve your financial goals and avoid debt.

Give Your Christmas Tree New Life - Recycle It! ZĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƐ ǁŚŽ ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞ ĐƵƌďƐŝĚĞ ǁĂƐƚĞ ĐŽůůĞĐƟŽŶ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ from Miami-Dade County can recycle their Christmas trees by taking them to one of the County’s Trash and Recycling Centers* or the West Miami-Dade Home Chemical ŽůůĞĐƟŽŶ ĞŶƚĞƌ͘ dƌĞĞƐ ǁŝůů ďĞ ƌĞĐǇĐůĞĚ ŝŶƚŽ ŵƵůĐŚ͘ ALL TREES BROUGHT IN FOR RECYCLING MUST BE FREE OF TREE STANDS, LIGHTS, ORNAMENTS, TINSEL AND OTHER DECORATIONS. DƵůĐŚ ǁŝůů ďĞ ŵĂĚĞ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ ĨŽƌ ĨƌĞĞ ƚŽ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ĂƌĞĂ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚƐ ŽŶ Ă ĮƌƐƚͲ ĐŽŵĞ͕ ĮƌƐƚͲƐĞƌǀĞĚ ďĂƐŝƐ ǁŚŝůĞ ƐƵƉƉůŝĞƐ ůĂƐƚ͕ ďĞŐŝŶŶŝŶŐ ĂƌŽƵŶĚ ŵŝĚͲ:ĂŶƵĂƌǇ͘ ĂŶ͛ƚ ĚƌŽƉ Žī ǇŽƵƌ ƚƌĞĞ͍ sŝƐŝƚ ŽƵƌ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ ĨŽƌ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ĚŝƐƉŽƐĂů ŽƉƟŽŶƐ͘ &Žƌ Ă ůŝƐƚŝŶŐ ŽĨ ŚƌŝƐƚŵĂƐ ƚƌĞĞ ĚƌŽƉͲŽĨĨ ůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ŚŽƵƌƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵƵůĐŚ ĂǀĂŝůĂďŝůŝƚǇ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶƐ͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐĂůů 3-1-1 or visit the Miami-Dade ŽƵŶƚǇ WƵďůŝĐ tŽƌŬƐ ĂŶĚ tĂƐƚĞ DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ĞƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ ǁĞďƐŝƚĞ Ăƚ ǁǁǁ͘ŵŝĂŵŝĚĂĚĞ͘ŐŽǀͬƉƵďůŝĐǁŽƌŬƐ͘

Mon.-Fri. 7am 6:30pm *Christmas trees will not be accepted at the Chapman Field Trash and Recycling Center.

PAGE 24

JANUARY 3, 2014

THE MIAMI LAKER

Miami Lakes Area Houses of Worship Miami Lakes Baptist Church 6250 Miami Lakes Dr. East Telephone: 305-823-3888 Sunday Worship.........9:30, 11 & 12:30 Midweek Service Wed.................7 PM

M.L. Congregational Church 6701 Miami Lakeway South Telephone: 305-822-4313 Adult Sunday School...................9 AM Children’s Sunday School.....10:30 AM Worship.................................10:30 AM

Sunrise Presbyterian Church 18400 N.W. 68 Avenue Telephone: 305-821-5841 Sunday School (all ages)........9:00 AM Worship.................................10:00 AM Spanish Worship...................11:30 AM

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church 15650 Miami Lakeway North Telephone: 305-558-3961 Sunday Eucharist........................10 AM Children’s Sunday School..........10 AM Adult Bible Study.......................11 AM

San Francisco de Asis (Iglesia Episcopal) 15650 Miami Lakeway North Telephone: 305-558-3961 Misa en Espanol...................12:15 PM Escuela Dominical................12:15 PM

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 8201 N.W. 186 Street Telephone: 305-829-0049 Spanish service.............................9 AM English service.......................12:30 PM Tuesday (Spanish).........................7 PM Wednesday (English)....................7 PM

Palm Vista Community Church Meeting at Miami Lakes Middle 6425 Miami Lakeway North Telephone: 305-822-6999 Worship Service.........................10 AM

Temple Tifereth Jacob 5901 N.W. 151 Street Telephone: 305-557-2651 Call for Service Schedule

Iglesia Biblica Cristiana Español Servicios Telephone: 305-557-1959 Sunday service........................4:00 PM Wednesday Youth....................7:30 PM 6250 Miami Lakes Drive East

El Nuevo Comienzo 6701 Miami Lakeway South Services in Spanish Sunday service.........................2:00 PM Thursday service.....................7:00 PM

St. Andrews Lutheran Church 575 W. 68 Street Telephone: 305-821-3622 Sunday service (English)........9:00 AM Sunday service (Spanish).....10:30 AM Bible School...............................11 AM

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Hialeah Church of Christ Telephone 305-558-1060 (Temporary meeting location) Shula’s Hotel (Davis Cup Room) 6842 Main Street, Miami Lakes Sunday Bible Study.................9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service.......10:30 AM Sunday Evening Service..........6:00 PM Wednesday Bible Study...........7:30 PM

Fulfilled Life Church Telephone 305-244-8485 Country Club Middle School 18305 N.W. 75 Place Sunday Service (Eng.)..10:30 AM

Faith Is The Victory Fellowship Telephone: 954-435-1313 www.faithisthevictoryfellowship.com Sunday Service.....................10:30 AM (Cobb Theaters – 6711 Main Street) Theatre 17

Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church 15801 N.W. 67 Avenue Telephone: 305-558-2202 Sunday services in English 9:30, 11 AM and 5:30 PM Sunday services in Spanish 8 AM, 12:45 PM and 7 PM Saturday services 8:30 AM, 5 PM Daily services 7 and 8:30 AM Confessions: Saturdays 3:30 PM

Mother of Our Redeemer Catholic Church 8445 N.W. 186 Street Telephone: 305-829-6141 Daily services (Spanish) 8:30 AM Saturday (English) 5:30 PM Saturdays (Spanish) 7 PM Sundays (English) 8 & 10:30 AM Sundays (Spanish) 9 AM, 12:30 PM, 7 PM

North Palm Baptist Church 7801 N.W. 178 Street Telephone: 305-558-2032 www.NorthpalmBaptist.org Sunday Bible Study.................9:15 AM Sunday Worship....................10:30 AM Wednesday Service..................7:00 PM

M.L. United Methodist Church 14800 N.W. 67 Avenue Telephone: 305-821-7274 www.miamilakesumc.net Contemporary services..........9:40 AM Traditional ServicesWorship10:00 AM Wednesday: Kids Bible Study....................4:30 PM Wed. Bible Study....................6:30 PM

New Testament Baptist Church The Gathering Place 6601 N.W. 167 Street Telephone: 305-558-4930 Sunday Service..........................11 AM Bible Study ............................9:45 AM Wednesday Bible Study...........7:00 PM Wednesday Youth Group.........7:00 PM

Orthodox Cathedral of Christ The Saviour 16601 N.W. 77 Court Telephone: 305-822-0437 Home of The Orthodox Book Center Sat. Vespers.................................6 PM Sun. Matins............................8:40 AM Sun. Liturgy...............................10 AM Sunday School & Inquirer Classes

Palm Springs United Methodist Church 5700 W. 12 Avenue Telephone: 305-821-3232 Worship Service...................11:00 AM

The Redeemed Christian Church of God Victory Parrish Worship Center 16261 N.W. 57 Avenue Telephone: 786-428-0078 Sunday service....................10:00 AM Tuesday & Thursday..............7:00 PM Friday service.......................11:00 PM

Voice for Jesus Cobb Miami Lakes Theatre #11 6711 Main Street 305-818-0565 Sunday service......................10:00 AM Youth service.........................10:00 AM Children services...................10:45 AM (Nursery provided)

(Editor’s Note: All information provided by individual houses of worship. Confirm service times by telephone.

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Country Club of Miami Estates. $440,000 Sensational home. Home in on true contentment in this shuttered 4BR/2+BA residence. Welcoming foyer. MLS#A1876115 Carlos Lobato 954-434-0501/305804-1651

Adele Heights. $425,000 Stylish sensibility. Set your sights on luxury in this exceptional, fenced 3BR/3BA residence. Foyer. MLS#A1877265 Arlene Wallach, P.A. 954-434-0501/305-798-1455

Tresor. $394,900 Designers masterpiece, totally upgraded 3BR/2BA w/stunning pool. Wood kitchen cabinets, granite counter tops. MLS#A1851844 Armando Rebull 954-434-0501/305-308-2901

Fla Fruit Lands Co. $379,900 Delightful clear through! Life is pleasant in this 3BR/2BA home. Welcoming foyer. Fencing. Charming features! MLS#H913628 The Florida Sunshine Team 954-434-0501/954260-3780/954-849-7770

Embassy Lakes. $359,900 Generously-sized residence. Find a fabulous future in this shuttered 4BR/2+BA home. Community swimming pool. MLS#F1268402 Richard Ferris 954-434-0501/954-914-9466

Silver Lakes. $319,900 Home full of potential. Shuttered 4BR/2BA tasteful tempter. Welcoming foyer. Community swimming pool. MLS#A1879138 The Chenore Real Estate Group 954-434-0501/954775-5425

Flamingo Gardens-Black Ol. $315,000 Engaging residence. Welcoming 3BR/2BA home. Walk-in closets. Garage, fencing, storage shed. MLS#A1879767 Ben Schulman 954-434-0501/954-270-5527

Hialeah. $279,000 Charming 4BR/2BA pool home. Remodeled kitchen, ceramic tiles thru-out. Large front porch, patio, huge lot. MLS#A1862643 Chela Guede 954-434-0501/786-290-9913

Doral. $174,900 Carefree condo living. Take life easy in this hospitable 2BR/2BA condo. Delightful unit at an ideal price. MLS#A1849620 Delia Hollingsworth 954-434-0501/305-498-4856

Corinne Park. $145,000 It’s a warmly inviting home. Settle serenely in this noteworthy 3BR/2BA residence. Patio. An excellent buy! MLS#A1733802 Xiomara Castillo 954-434-0501/305-772-4001

Doral. $140,000 Carefree condo ease. Lead a leisurely life in this enticing 2BR/2BA condo. Community swimming pool. MLS#A1793320 Jyoti Laungani 954-434-0501/305-801-7890

North Miami Beach. $139,900 With that at-home feeling! Delightful canalfront condo with topscale touches like dock & game room. Elevators. MLS#A1859975 Edmy Gomez 954-434-0501/305-303-6161

Hialeah. $139,000 Cheery & bright on the lake. Hurry to see this attractive 3BR/2+BA townhome. Central H/A. Patio. Ownership ease! MLS#A1877467 Ondina Ruiz 954-434-0501/786-286-8809

Radio Heights. $126,000 Make a dollar-smart buy! Find real comfort in this fenced 3BR/2BA residence. Central H/A. Patio. MLS#A1840854 Chela Guede 954-434-0501/786-290-9913

Homestead. $98,900 A nice starter opportunity. Create a warm retreat in this rewarding townhome. 2BR/2BA. Central H/A. MLS#A1876188 Ondina Ruiz 954-434-0501/786-286-8809

• Top 5% of Realtors Nationwide! • Over 20 years experience in Miami Lakes, Miami-Dade and South Broward.

Select the Real Estate Professional Committed to Excellence, Professionalism, Great Service and Honest advice. Cellular:

305-798-1455 954-252-2950

Call me for a FREE market analysis!

www.arlenewallach.com

Are violations, liens and association issues keeping you from selling your home? Call me today.

Lynn Ancel Matos 305-790-7952 lynnancelmatos@gmail.com Wishing you a “Happy New Year” “I am all about results and resolutions.” With over $10,000,000 in sales in 2012

Unique Realty

6167 Miami Lakes Drive, Miami Lakes

“Professional Service, Educational Guidance & A Proven Track Record.” Arturo Rodriguez, P.A. 305-205-9785 Broker-Associate

Maria Victoria Zarate 305-308-9482 Realtor-Associate

Residential Real Estate “Owned and operated by NRT, LLC”

• Over 31 years of Real Estate Experience • Ranked Miami Lakes Top Producers 2001-2012 • The Only Coldwell Banker agents in Miami Lakes ranked among the Top 100 Professionals in Florida and Top 1% nationwide.

Residential \ Commerical \ Mortgage \ Rentals Corporate Relocation \ Closing Services

F L O R I D A M O V E S.CO M

Administered by American Home Shield

© 2013 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International, the Previews International logo and “Dedicated to Luxury Real Estate” are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification.

PAGE 26

JANUARY 3, 2014

THE MIAMI LAKER

To Buy, Rent or Sell, Call

The Team Saumell

R E A L E S TAT E C L A S S I F I E D

Martha & Gardenia Celebrating Our 29th year Anniversary ~ Se Habla Espanol

305-308-9621 Office: 305-825-4999

2550 West 84th Street • Hialeah, FL, 33016 E-mail: miamirealty@yahoo.com

RE/MAX Unique Realty & RE/MAX Realty 1 Newsletter All of the Agents & Staff at RE/MAX Unique Realty & RE/MAX Realty 1 would like to wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2014!! Thanking all of our clients who helped make 2013 another successful year!!

Eddie Rodriguez, Broker/Owner RE/MAX Unique Realty Lake Katherine Shopping Center 6167 Miami Lakes Dr. East, Miami Lakes, FL 33014

305.822.7444

RE/MAX Realty 1 4100 NE 2nd Avenue, Suite 310 Miami, FL 33137

305.822.8216

Featured Properties

Website: www.wesellfloridanow.com

This beautiful custom built mini estate is in the prestigious Royal Palm Estate subdivision. 24 hrs guarded gate community. All doors and windows are impact resistant. One master bedroom on first floor and main master is upstairs. Big gourmet kitchen with granite countertop, marble flooring. Huge terrace with pool that is excellent for entertaining and much more. A1852959

Amazing Corner Loch Lomond Unit in Miami Lakes. This Home boasts 2 bedrooms & 2 baths. This home has been completely updated with granite counter tops & cabinets in the kitchen, modernized bathrooms, roof was replaced in recent years, and this home is tastefully painted with neutral colors. Come see this gorgeous Miami Lakes beauty before it is gone. A1865260

Spacious split floor plan home in sought after Lake Patricia, Miami Lakes. Home features 4 bedrooms/2 bathrooms, large covered terrace on an oversize lot with plenty of room for a pool. Located in a great family neighborhood. A1832965

Great opportunity to own this one story, corner townhouse in gated community. This 2/2 has two master bedrooms, covered patio overlooking Lake Sandra. Huge master bathroom with roman tub and separate shower. A1883136

www.keyes.com Email: keyes276@keyes.com

Great 3 bed/ 2 bath home located on the west side of Miami Lakes., Very quiet and secluded neighborhood. Property features vaulted ceilings, family room, 1 car garage, new dishwasher & washer, accordion shutters as well as plenty of room for a pool. Great curb appeal as well. A1884910

Almost half an acre of land in gated Loch Lomond community in the heart of Miami Lakes. Home site faces the 4th hole on the Don Shula's golf course. Only a few vacant lots remain. Lot is currently used as a tennis court. HOME IS NOT FOR SALE so please do not disturb owners. Take advantage of this rare opportunity to build your dream home. A1855091

Impeccable two story, five bedroom, four bath home located in desirable Silvercrest Lake Estates. Circular paver driveway, two car garage. Beautiful garden and pool view. Spacious floor plan with convenient bedroom and full bath located on entry level. Spacious kitchen, working island, granite and stainless appliances.A1863854

Custom built 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on the West side of Miami Lakes. Gated community. Single story home overlooking serene Lake Elizabeth. Two A/C units, circular driveway,2 car garage, Marble entrance, Tongue and groove ceilings. Recently refinished Swimming pool (2011) with heated Jacuzzi. A1868493

Great warehouse space in prestigious Miami Lakes. Unit has a large conference area, 5 offices and a full bath with shower plus a 1/2 bath. Warehouse space unit has alarm and hurricane shutters plus lots of storage space. Unique and one of a kind. A1840037

Great opportunity to own a lakefront property in PSN. 3/2 Plus bonus room which can be converted into a master suite. One of the best panoramic views of the lake (boats and Jet-skis welcome). Plenty of room for a pool, large family room, and a newer roof from 2011. A1853720

305-822-9800

www.southfloridacareerinrealestate.com

6850 Main Street • Miami Lakes, FL 33014 • Miami Lakes Realty & Welcome Center in the lobby of Don Shula’s Hotel

THE MIAMI LAKER

What if your realtor is also your neighbor?

Niurka Mejias, Realtor Short Sale Specialist/REO Certified GRG, Real Estate Company 14100 NW Palmetto Frontage Road, #101 Miami Lakes, FL 33016

• 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Apartments from $1,400 • 2 and 3 Bedroom Townhomes from $2,000 • Granite countertops, laminate wood flooring, stainless appliances, huge closets, washer/dryer • Townhomes w/attached garages, 24 hr. maintenance • Gated entry, on-site fitness studio, pool, half basketball court, bark park and 1.5 acre lake • Schools: Bob Graham Education Center (K-8), and Barbara Goleman Senior High School

786-506-0602 Cell Ask Your Neighbor! I am a residential and commercial Realtor.

Serving the Miami Lakes community for over 35 years as a full service Realtor! • Tough times call for a Tough Agent • Member of the President’s Circle • Member of the International Diamond Society • If you are considering selling and want a reliable agent that gets the job done, call me. I can help you close!

Closing Agent/Attorney

PAGE 27

Brand New Luxury Rentals in Miami Lakes

Email: nmejias2000@hotmail.com

Vera Cox

JANUARY 3, 2014

The Residences at Lakehouse (305) 821-1138

305-542-1944 305-817-2170

vera.cox@coldwellbanker.com

Visit our website at www.grahamresidential.com 8340 Commerce Way, Miami Lakes, Florida

Debbie Lee Wilson, Realtor Call Your Specialist Realtor Since 1988 • 305-788-5008 ACM International Realty, Inc.

WWW.DEBBIELEEWILSON.COM • WILDEBB1@GMAIL.COM

THINKING OF SELLING • BUYING • RENTING • FORCLOSURE • or SHORT SALE? I can help as I have helped many other home owners!

Fred Special. Nice corner home in PSN. 4 beds/2 updated ba’s. 2,239 sq. ft. Spacious 2car garage plus storage room. Fountain and hot tub stays as is. Roof 9 years old, Central A/C 5 years new. Stamped concrete driveway. Lots of parking. No HOA. Park your boat or RV. New, nice and cozy kitchen w/granite counter and new appls. W/H is leased, stove, dryer are gas and owned. Lg. utility room. Sprinklers front and back. Close to I-75 Broward & 826 Dade. Walk to Sedano’s and Publix. Priced right. Call Debbie 305-788-5008

Beautiful New Villa. Just bring your tooth brush, no worries. Everything is new. Fantastic family room 17 1/2 X 13 1/2, screened patio overlooking lake, new porcelain tile floors. Just painted inside and out. A/C five years old, roof will be replaced in a year by association. Close to pool and guest parking. 2 park spaces in front. HOA includes cable, lawn service, 24 hour patrolled/gated security, clubhouse facilities and roof repairs @ $240 month. $180,000. Call Debbie 305-788-5008.

Key West-style home. PSN lakefront, A Tropical Paradise! You will not want to water ski and jet ski in 3 lakes. 4 leave this beautiful home with lush plants and flowers that surround the gatedbedroom, 2 bath, 2,112 sq. ft. living childproof pool. Sea wall holds the ski boat area. Private beach. Keep your RV or and lift, and the jet ski lift. After a full day's boat at the dock. Ski boat included. fun, park your boat at the dock and relax Association fee $120. Call to see. Call under the tiki hut. Four bedrooms, 3 upstairs, with loft, three bathrooms. New Debbie 305-788-5008. hurricane approved roof, impact windows and French doors. Serious buyers with proof of funds. Call Debbie 305-788-5008.

Townhouse For Rent. 2 bedroom, 2 bath. 24-hour security. All tiled, washer/dryer, kitchen updated. Den can be office or baby room. 2 parking spaces in front, lots of guest parking. Cable and Club House facility included. Call Debbie 305-788-5008.

New Moors Villa Townhouse. 2 bedroom/2 bath and patio with storage room. Completely remodeled incl. all electrical, plumbing, Art Deco kitchen cabinets, new S/S appliances. Roof in good condition and association will replace roof in a year. Porcelain floors. New W/D in unit. 24 hour security. 2 assigned parking spaces, plenty of guest parking. Below market value. Straight sale, no FHA. Price not subject to appraisal. Must close with Attorney Oscar Delgado’s title company. $200,000. Call Debbie 305-788-5008.

Condo For Sale. Second floor 2 bedroom/2 bath. Updated appliances and cabinets. Central A/C condenser new, new roof, just painted inside and out. Updated 2 bathrooms, plenty of closet space, W/D in unit. Very nice with one assigned parking and lots of guest parking. HOA includes clubhouse facilities, roof, insurance, 24 hour gated security and private patrols, water and Comcast. $112,000. Call Debbie 305788-5008.

Liz Special. Single family home with 5 large bedrooms, 2 updated baths. Just painted inside. New doors, tile floors, new kitchen w/grantie counter and appls. New W/D front load. Family room, formal dining room, high ceilings. 2-car garage. Plenty of parking. 24-hour gated security. HOA $180 month and up to date. Straight sale. Call Debbie 305-7885008.

Carol’s Special. Very spacious corner villa, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, huge master bedroom, formal large family and living room. Larger than tax roll. Garage converted. Roof replaced 2002, tiles replaced 2013. 24-hour security, close to I75 and 826 and shopping center. HOA $69 month includes painting and lawn. Priced right, straight sale, conventional or cash only. Call Debbie 305-788-5008.

PSN lake and large salt water pool home. Jetski, waterski, or just fish and relax, perfect for BBQ and watcing the games. 4 bedrooms/2 baths, updated bathroom.Tax roll is wrong, lot is 9,885 sq. ft. overlooking wide lake. Real wood cabinets and granite counter and new top of line appliances. Stove is gas and owned, waterheater and dryer are gas and leased. A large storage room can be 5th bedroom with walk-in closet. Roof and central A/C replaced new after Wilma. All tile floors. EZ to show.Call Debbie 305-788-5008.

PAGE 28

JANUARY 3, 2014

THE MIAMI LAKER

CHEVROLET

Thank you Miami Lakes for making 2013 an amazing year! We wish you all good luck, health and prosperity for 2014!

300 Hometown

Discount! FOR MIAMI LAKES RESIDENTS Discount off any new or used car purchase from Miami Lakes Automall after price negotiation. Must provide proof of residence in Miami Lakes. Must present ad. Limit one per purchase. See dealer for complete details.

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