The Miami Laker January 5, 2018 issue

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The original community newspaper for the Town of Miami Lakes & surrounding areas

Vol. 44 No 1

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MIAMI LAKES, FLORIDA

A look back at highlights of 2017

By The Miami Laker staff Like many South Floridians, Emily Maranda recalls vividly the day when Hurricane Irma hit South Florida and left a trail of destruction, as the Category 4 storm cost the state of Florida billions of dollars in damages.

But the Miami Lakes resident marveled at the solidarity residents demonstrated while providing relief to those devastated by the storm, and the town’s fast-track approach for its clean-up and recovery efforts.

Council members, town staff and volunteers removed heavy debris from neighborhoods, commercial areas and the parks, and delivered ice and water to

residents left without power for days. Residents pulled together in the aftermath to overcome the challenges of rebuilding their lives.

Mayor Manny Cid was the face of the town’s clean-up and recovery efforts, conceivably among the fastest cities in Miami-Dade to remove uprooted large trees and debris throughout the 6.5 square mile town.

“Hurricane Irma hit us hard but we hit it back,” Cid said.

“We had no fatalities and no major injuries in Miami Lakes.”

In addition, the town got assurance that FEMA will reimburse Miami Lakes most of the

JANUARY 5, 2018

Mayor Manny Cid will speak to M.L. Chamber on January 10... ...................(See story on Page 5.)

Hurricane Irma advanced the birth of Harry the Bull

money it spent to rid the massive scattered fragments.

Since he took over the mayoral office in 2016, Cid has been thrust into the spotlight last year, making the rounds to appear on local television and radio programs to improve the town’s brand, and meeting with state officials in Tallahassee and county officials to offer solutions to the ongoing traffic problems.

But the limelight included making perhaps the toughest decision during his first year as mayor.

Two months before the storm, a career opportunity of a lifetime FROM IRMA TO HARRY Hialeah Gardens Middle School (Please See Page 2) weathered the storm extremely well and in the aftermath left the school with Harry, the baby bull. Harry was born September 20 to the school’s Zebu cow, Summer, which was donated by The Graham Companies. Summer was scheduled to give birth at the beginning of October, but the storm was sure to offset nature’s path and an earlier delivery was the result. Students named the calf Harry since his name sounds like a hurricane. He has not disappointed the school, and has been an inspirational addition allowing students to continue to expand their knowledge. He weighed 45 pounds at birth.

Bob Graham Education Center students get a special holiday visit

More family fun in store at Town’s Movies at the Park

SANTA CLAUS and MRS. CLAUS visited both the main campus and Primary Learning Center at Bob Graham Education Center just before the Christmas holiday break. The students had milk and cookies, took pictures, and enjoyed the band teachers playing holiday music during the joyous festivity.

A Look Inside:

(See Page 6 for Movies at the Park schedules.)

I MLEC journalism students I Miami Lakes K-8 Center I Bishop Billy Baskin is I Our Lady of the Lakes take a look at the future of the names Kristina Cala as Teacher keynote speaker for Town’s Catholic Church and School Town of Miami Lakes...........4 of the Year................................8 MLK Unity Breakfast............10 mark two anniversaries.....26

I News and Notes of interest I Ana G. Mendez University I Pace head football coach I Community Calendar, 15, from the Town of Miami Lakes. unveils new campus in Miami Joe Zaccheo awarded Coach of School, sports and church news, See pages.......................6 & 7 Lakes Business Park................9 the Year honors....................18 18-28, Classified ads...29-31

A look back at many of the highlights of 2017 PAGE 2

JANUARY 5, 2018

(Continued from Page 1) blew away Vice Mayor Tony Lama, who stepped down to take a new job as a software engineer for Amazon in Seattle, Washington.

Lama was the second council member to resign after accepting a new position out of town.

Cid chose to appoint Marilyn Ruano to the Town Council to replace Lama until the county’s 2018 August election and her confirmation was unanimously approved by council members.

Cid said he chose Ruano since she has been involved in the town’s affairs since incorpo-

THE MIAMI LAKER

ration. She was president of the Royal Palm Estates Homeowners Association, served on the Miami Lakes Education Advisory Board and attended every council meeting to voice her opinions on significant issues. “I don’t want a rubber stamp, I want someone who’s independent,� Cid said. “I want someone who’s going to challenge our ideas and make us better.�

No matter which year it is, traffic congestion is always Miami Lakes’ achilles heel, and when the results of a 2017 FDOT traffic study suggested

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no major impact to the roadways by opening two I-75 bridges at N.W. 170 and 154 streets, the town’s elected voices vehemently rejected the analysis.

At issue is opening up N.W. 154 Street, which Miami Lakes and Hialeah reached an agreement to keep the roadway closed to traffic after the latter city annexed the large area to the west of I-75 over a decade ago.

County Commission Chair Esteban Bovo and Commissioner Jose “Pepe� Diaz sponsored two separate legislations to open up the two bridges to mitigate gridlock in the burgeoning areas in Hialeah, but part of the traffic study was conducted when the schools were closed and during a holiday, town officials claimed.

The town threatened legal action to stymie the county’s efforts to the bridges, and further, hired an engineering firm to conduct a study to determine the exact estimate of additional vehicles during peak hours, and traffic generated by patrons for the new Mega Mall.

Cid and Councilmember Nelson Rodriguez appeared before county commissioners in November to dispute the traffic study and expressed a concern over the funding of the Palmetto Expressway underpasses at N.W. 160th and 146 streets to minimize the traffic.

On a brighter note for 2017, Miami Lakes’ plea for a grant for the town’s transportation enhancement projects, including more mobility for N.W. 59 Avenue and N.W. 79 Court, was successful.

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tation Planning Organization’s governing board approved $2 million for the projects, as part of the group’s 2017 Transportation Alternatives Program which includes new sidewalks, safe pedestrian crossings, bike lanes, pedestrian scaled lighting, and accessible pedestrian signals along N.W. 59 Avenue between 154 and 176 streets.

And Miami Lakes received more good news regarding enhanced mobility.

Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) decided to include the 87th Avenue extension to I-75 and the Gratigny Expressway in its transportation improvement plans, four months after Florida Governor Rick Scott vetoed $1.5 million for the project.

The ground breaking for the project should begin sometime this year, according to Cid. Blasting continues to have seismic consequences for Miami Lakes, as the explosions are allegedly causing damages to residents’ homes and cracks in their driveways and swimming pools.

But the $350,000 allocated by the state legislature to study the issue is a major step in resolving the problem.

State Representatives Manny Diaz jr., and Jose Oliva, and State Senator Rene Garcia secured the funding during the 2017 Legislative Session.

For the future of senior citizens, the Town Council approved The Graham Companies’ project to bring a Senior Village project to Miami Lakes, which includes 220 age-restricted apartments in four 4-story buildings, a 4-story assisted living facility with a maximum of 100 beds, a 4-story skilled nursing facility with a maximum of 80 beds and a community center for the elderly population.

In the education community, Miami Lakes Educational Center principal Lourdes Diaz was named the 2017-2018 North Region Principal of the Year, which qualifies her as a candidate for the county-wide honor, and her school has been named a 2017 Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America.

But Miami-Dade County Public Schools Board chairwoman Perla Tabares-Hantman had the biggest surprise for 2017.

She announced Barbara Goleman High School will be converted to a Mega Magnet program starting with the 20182019 school year.

Unlike a traditional Magnet program, the Mega Magnet program teaches more than a set of skills, as students have a new way of looking at the work with a creative place where students feel safe and are enthusiastic about learning and participating in school activities.

She said a $15 million federal grant over the next five years allows the school district to enhance education opportunities for students at the highest levels of academic achievement with Goleman leading the way with the Mega Magnet program.

For sports, Miami Lakes inducted its inaugural class into the town’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

The group included longtime Miami Lakes Optimist Club member Jack McCall; former Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula, the all-time winningest coach in NFL history; former MLB player Alex Ochoa; and former Dolphins’ tight end Jim “Mad Dog�

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Major changes coming to Town of Miami Lakes PAGE 4

JANUARY 5, 2018

By Abigail Castro and Alexandra Reboredo (Miami Lakes Education Center Journalism students) Special to The Miami Laker A lot has changed in Miami Lakes since its incorporation in December 2000. There are more homes, schools and businesses that have replaced many of the town’s iconic cow pastures.

Miami Lakes is growing, but it is also working hard to hold on to its small town feel. Home to weekly farmer’s markets, movies in the park and open Town Hall Meetings, Miami

Fire Chief Ron Bernard honored on retirement after 31 years

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Ron Bernard was recently honored during a ceremony celebrating his retirement after 31 years of service.

As the Battalion Chief, Bernard managed and worked with various groups in the county’s fire department, which included ensuring the safety of the firefighters and providing the necessary equipment and resources for emergencies.

Bernard, who rose through the ranks during his threedecade career, also was responsible for administrative duties and training of firefighter cadets.

THE MIAMI LAKER

Lakes is one of the few, if not the only, cities that advocates community involvement and allows these events to rest on voluntary efforts. Now, as part of Mayor Manny Cid’s campaign initiatives, the town will be seeing many changes in the upcoming year.

“These events are organized and run by volunteers, residents and people who go to the committee meetings,” says Cid. As the only candidate in the 2016 mayoral election who grew up in the town, he knew that committees weren’t always run this way.

“When I served on the Economic Development Committee, the committees were very autonomous. Then there were several years where the committees were converted into different fractions where you had council members serving on committees,” says Cid. “Once you put a councilmember on there, it changes the dynamic.”

“When I got elected, we went back to the way it should be. If somebody wants to volunteer and give their precious time to this community, they should be able to do so and come up with whatever events they want to. I shouldn’t be dictating what happens.”

Cid has stayed true to his campaign promise by implementing “Mayoral Office Hours” on every first and third Saturday of the month where the office is open to hear Miami Lakers’ concerns. Just recently,

the mayor shared a phone number where residents can text him 24/7.

If a resident can’t attend a Town Hall meeting, they can record a video from their smartphone stating their opinion on an issue, and the video will be played and considered at the meeting.

“It gives people, really, an opportunity to participate in government in whichever way that they wish to do,” Cid explained.

By listening to his constituents in a way that few other mayors in Miami-Dade County do, he has realized two major issues in the town: Public health and traffic – and traffic is indeed a heated point of contention among Miami Lakes residents.

“The traffic in Miami Lakes is horrible,” said Helena Castro, activities director at Miami Lakes Educational Center and also a town resident, who is concerned not only with the current gridlock, but to what she says will be even more traffic congestion.

“I can only look to the future with dread as construction continues to progress. It will only bring more traffic headaches for anyone that has to commute through the area.”

The town, according to Cid, is working on the issue. They have also signed agreements to mitigate some of the most prominent traffic issues.

“This upcoming year you’re going to see a lot of work on

Ludlam and traffic gets talked about all the time, but we actually went out there and fulfilled those promises,” says Cid. “On Ludlam, a third lane is going to be created going North under the Palmetto Expressway.

“According to engineers, that’s going to improve traffic flow in that area by 50 percent because it won’t have that bottleneck there anymore.”

On N.W. 67 Avenue and the Gratigny, the town has already received approval for a $28 million dollar project working with Miami-Dade Expressway Authority to create more on-ramps and off-ramps to the Gratigny.

The Town also have an agreement with MDX so N.W. 87 Avenue, between Hialeah and Miami Lakes, will have an entrance to I-75 and the Gratigny Expressway.

It is possible that by the end of this month, all of the streetlights on N.W. 154 Street west of the Palmetto Expressway will be synchronized in real time through communication with smart devices that analyze traffic in certain areas.

“We’re looking at a 10 to 15 percent [traffic] improvement on 154th,” says Cid. The Town of Miami Lakes now has a partnership with Spin, a deckless bike-sharing company.

Bikes have been deployed since November 18 around Miami Lakes West Park. Using a smartphone, residents scan the bike tag, pay a fee and the bike unlocks automatically.

Soon to come to Miami Lakes is “Freebee,” which is already being used in Brickell and South beach. It will allow for two six-passenger, street legal, motorized, battery-powered golf carts to be on-demand via smartphone.

Optimist Park – which hasn’t been touched since the 70’s – will be seeing redevelopment through a $4 million dollar investment. “You’re talking about putting in new basketball courts with an airnasium, redoing the tennis courts, and redoing the concession stands,” shared Cid. The town has passed three components to the redevelopment of Optimist Park: Install a cell tower, new LED lights, and an agreement with East Bay. “Then at that point the decision, we’ll make in six months – if we borrow the money, if we come up with an agreement with a vendor to build it out and we do a payment plan, or if we just pull it out of reserves one time or look at capitals dollars for that.”

Aside from bettering the health of the people of Miami Lakes, it is also expected to remove people from the streets, and, hopefully, congestion as a whole.

Over 30,000 people now call Miami Lakes home, according to the town’s official website. It is an area that continues to grow, and the mayor hopes it continues to live up to the town’s motto, “Growing Beautifully.”

Mayor Cid speaks at Chamber luncheon Jan. 10 THE MIAMI LAKER

The guest speaker for the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce’s first event of the new year is Mayor Manny Cid. Cid, 33, will discuss the town’s plans for 2018 and past accomplishments during the group’s monthly membership meeting, which is scheduled for Wednesday, January 10, starting at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch at 12 noon.

Cid, an associate at Horizon Properties of Miami, was voted the town’s mayor in 2016, and

served as a council member from 2012 to 2016.

The 24-year Miami Lakes resident was a senior legislative aide to two state representatives in Tallahassee, and served on the town’s Youth Activities Task Force and Economic Development Committee.

His legislative duties included working on important legislations such as the Carbon Monoxide Safety Law and a bill which helped Florida International University recruit a new

Miami Lakes Elderly Affairs Committee, in partnership with Mount Sinai Medical Center, will present their third seniors health workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9, at Town Hall, 6601 Main Street.

The presenter will be Dr. Jeffrey Lin, a cardiologist board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography and vascular ultrasound. He is also an active member of the Sports and Exercise Cardiology section of the ACC and has published research and spoken at

international meetings in the areas of cardiovascular imaging and sports cardiology.

Dr. Lin’s topic is “Keep Exercising at Any Age: How to Keep Up with Those That Are 20 Years Younger.” A light lunch will be served sponsored

by Mount Sinai Medical Center and the event is open and free for anyone who wishes to attend.

For more information about the Elderly Affairs Committee and their events, visit www. miamilakes-fl.gov/eac.

Elderly Affairs Committee presents ‘Keep Exercising at Any Age” on January 9

your hometown news.

JANUARY 5, 2018

PAGE 5

medical school facility.

In addition, he was part of various appropriations for Miami Lakes residents including securing funds for storm water drainage improvements.

Currently, Cid has served on the boards of various charitable organizations including the National Art Exhibitions of the Mentally III, and the Miami Dora Foundation, a non-profit organization which offers food, clothing, education, medical and dental care for povertystricken children.

He is also co-founder and former president of the HialeahMiami Lakes Republican Club and currently serves as a youth baseball coach at the Optimist Club of Miami Lakes.

Cid is a graduate of the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials, an educational program sponsored by the Florida League of Cities and the John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government.

Cid and his wife, Melissa, have two young sons, and the family reside in the Villa Vizcaya community, where he serves as a board member of its Condominium Association.

The deadline to reserve a table is January 5 at 12 noon. To reserve, call Marta Diaz at 305556-2212 or email mdiaz@ MAYOR MANNY CID will address the Miami Lakes Chamber luncheon at noon on January 10. miamilakeschamber.com.

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News and Notes from the Town of Miami Lakes PAGE 6

JANUARY 5, 2018

THE MIAMI LAKER

Movies at the Park features Home Improvement Expo ‘Despicable Me 3’ on Jan. 5 set on Super Saturday Jan. 20 Don’t miss out on the “One in a MINION” chance to see Illumination’s animated hit “Despicable Me 3” featuring an all-star cast including Steve Carrell, Kristen Wiig, Julie Andrews and more.

Miami Lakes’ Youth Activities Task Force and sponsor Bella Mar Real Estate Group invite residents and families to be taken on one last criminal heist with Gru and his long-lost charming, cheerful, and more successful twin brother Dru. The Movies at the Park showing is free and is set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 5, at Miami Lakes Picnic Park West, 15151 N.W. 82 Avenue. Don’t forget to bring blankets and chairs and grab a bite to eat at

the food trucks.

The next presentation in the Movies at the Park series will be “Boss Baby” with another allstar cast including Alex Baldwin, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow and more.

The briefcase-carrying Boss Baby and his -year-old brother Tim team up to stop the dastardly plot of the CEO of Puppy Co. at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 19, at Miami Lakes Picnic Park West.

The series continues at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 9, with a presentation of “Wonder Woman.”

For more information about the Youth Activities Task Force and its events, visit www. miamilakes-fl.gov/yatf.

Miami Lakes Neighborhood Improvement Committee (NIC) will present its 1st Annual Home Improvement Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, at the Mary Collins Community Center, 15151 N.W. 82 Avenue, as part of Super Saturday at the Park.

Attendees can turn their home from a fixer-upper to a dream home by taking the opportunity to check out numerous home improvement related businesses and organizations that will be exhibiting, distributing literature, and providing information about their services.

Other events scheduled for Super Saturday at the Park include: • NIC’s Community Bike Ride with SPIN Bike Sharing Program on the new 5.5 mile family-friendly route starting at Miami Lakes Picnic Park East Youth Center, 6075 Miami

Lakes Drive East. Registration opens at 9 a.m.

• Farmer’s Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Miami Lakes Picnic Park West.

• Yoga in the Park, free from 9 to 10 a.m., provided by 305 Yoga Studio.

• Boot Camp, provided by Fit Like Me Miami, from 9 to 10 a.m., first class is free, $5 per class following.

Businesses interested in being a vendor are urged to download the registration form by visiting www.miamilakesfl.gov/nic. Deadline to register is Friday, January 12. All forprofit organizations need to include a copy of state license and certificate of insurance.

For more information, contact Communications and Economic Development Specialist Charisma Glassman at glassmanc@miamilakes-fl.gov.

Notice of Special Election for the Proposed Special Taxing Districts

Notice is hereby given that a Special Election will be held on January 23, 2018 for qualified electors residing in the service areas proposed to be transferred to the Town of Miami Lakes for their administration. For this purpose, all registered voters that live in the proposed Special Taxing Districts areas, will be eligible to vote Yes or No for the proposals.

All marked ballots must be received by the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections by 7:00 pm on the day of the election.

The Special Taxing Districts areas are: • Miami Lakes Section One • Loch Lomond • Royal Oaks East • Royal Oaks Section One • Lake Patricia • Lake Hilda Gina M. Inguanzo Town Clerk

Please join us for a

Developer Information Session Sponsored by Alari Holdings 1, LLC To learn about upcoming plans for

New Office Building

Create online registrations for Winter Youth classes on Jan. 8

Residents interested in registering their child or children to participate in the Town of Miami Lakes Archery, Golf, Pre-Teen Fitness, and Start Smart Soccer programs are encouraged to create an online registration account by visiting www.miamilakes-fl.gov/parkres.

Online registration for winter classes will take place at 5 p.m. on Monday, January 8.

Archery: The Youth Archery program is a 6-week program available for children 7-15 years of age.

Hook A Kid On Golf: A 6week program developed by the National Alliance for Youth Sports designed to introduce the basics of golf, while teaching the etiquette of the game to children between 7-12 years old.

Start Smart Soccer: Created by the National Alliance for Youth Sports, the Start Smart Soccer program is designed to help children, between the ages of 3 to 5 years old, prepare for organized soccer by using safe and fun equipment while developing motor skills.

Pre-Teen Fitness: A 6-week program aimed at combating childhood obesity while instilling healthy and active lifestyle habits. Available for children ages 10-14, the program includes on-field activities such as jumping drills, obstacle courses, and plyometrics to enhance speed and agility to ensure a solid foundation for physical activity.

Registrations for Bricks for Kidz, Guitar and Violin lessons, Code Explorers and Keyboard, can be done through the Town’s outside providers.

For more information, visit www.miamilakes-fl.gov/recprograms, or contact Community and Leisure Services manager Kristina Labossiere at labossierek@miamilakes-fl.gov.

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News and Notes from the Town of Miami Lakes THE MIAMI LAKER

Public Information session on Freebee transportation services set for January 11

The Town of Miami Lakes will host a public information meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, at Town Hall, 6601 Main Street, to introduce the new transportation services provided by Freebee ridesharing.

With transportation being a major concern for many Miami Lakes residents, Freebee is a partnership being launched to provide residents free rides around town.

All the user has to do is download the app at www.ridefreebee.com, request a ride through the app, select a desti-

JANUARY 5, 2018

PAGE 7

Social Security Benefits Workshop set for January 13

Miami Lakes’ Elderly Affairs Community Center, 15151 online services. The program Committee will host a Social N.W. 82 Avenue. will be followed by a question Security Benefits 101 The Social Security and answer session.

Workshop sponsored by The Administration will be leading For more information on the Graham Companies from 10 the workshop to educate the Elderly Affairs Committee and a.m. to noon on Saturday, community on the Social their events, visit www.miamination for pickup, and confirm January 13, at the Mary Collins Security program and available lakes-fl.gov/eac. the pickup. Freebee will become available to residents and visitors on Monday, January 22.

It’s a fun, green and free travel option currently available ini Miami’s most popular neighborNOTICE IS HEREWITH GIVEN that meetings of the hoods, including Miami Beach.

Town Council of the Town of Miami Lakes, Florida, The “Freebee” cars are ecoand its committees, have been scheduled for the friendly and electric. following dates, times and locations: The meeting will start at approximately 6 PM and will Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting end at 7:30 PM. For more information, visit www.ridefreebee.

Thursday, January 4, 7:00 PM com or contact Michelle Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Gonzalez at gonzalezm@ Elderly Affairs Committee Meeting miamilakes-fl.gov.

TOWN OF MIAMI LAKES

Wednesday, January 10, 8:30 AM Miami Lakes Optimist Clubhouse, 6411 N.W. 162 Street, M. Lakes, Fla.

Youth Activities Task Force Meeting Wednesday, January 10, 7:00 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Public Information Meeting on Freebee Thursday, January 11, 6:00 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla.

Town officially kicks off SPIN Bike-Sharing program on Saturday, January 20

Miami Lakes will officially kick off its new partnership with the SPIN Bike-Sharing Company at the Neighborhood Improvement Committee’s (NIC) 2018’s first Community Bike Ride at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, starting at Miami Lakes Picnic Park East - Youth Center, 6075 Miami Lakes Drive East.

On this FREE SPIN Day, community bike ride attendees will get the chance to take free SPIN bike rides, as well as take advantage of special promotions for future rides. NIC will debut

a new Community Bike 5.5mile family-friendly route beginning at the Youth Center location.

The SPIN bikes are orangecolored bikes equipped with onboard GPS unit and cellular modems allowing an operation on a station-less bicycle sharing system using a mobile app for reservations. Since the bikes are station-less, they can be parked anywhere within the Town at designated landscape/furniture zones on sidewalks.

For information and reservations, visit www.spin.pm.

Miami Lakes Youth Center will be hosting several fun and exciting programs for middle and high school students at “The Spot” in from 6 to 8 p.m. during January at 6075 Miami Lakes Drive.

Friday, January 12 - Trivia Challenge. Who knows “The Spot” best! Join in for special “Spot” trivia questions with fantastic prizes.

Wednesday, January 17 -

Rockstar 101. Rock out with Rockstar 101. Put on a costume for the close-up of a Rock Concert starring You! Wednesday, January 24 Open Hang Night. The Youth Center is equipped with a billiard table, table tennis, indoor basketball shootout game, Xbox One and more. Bring friends and “hang out.”

For more information, visit www.miamilakes-fl.gov/thespot.

The Spot has January events

Education Advisory Board Meeting Thursday, January 11, 6:30 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla.

Economic Development Committee Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 5:30 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Town Council Regular Meeting Tuesday, January 16, 6:30 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Veterans Committee Meeting Thursday, January 18, 6:00 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Neighborhood Improvement Committee Meeting Thursday, January 18, 7:00 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Planning & Zoning Board Meeting Tuesday, January 23, 6:00 PM Miami Lakes Government Center, 6601 Main Street, Miami Lakes, Fla. Public Safety Committee Meeting Tuesday, January 23, 6:30 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 the above events/meetings.

This Notice dated December 29, 2017 at Miami Lakes, Fl. Gina Inguanzo, Town Clerk

PAGE 8

JANUARY 5, 2018

THE MIAMI LAKER

Town seeks nominations for Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon March 3

Miami Lakes’ Cultural Affairs Committee is seeking nominations for its Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon in honor of Women’s History Month which is scheduled at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, at the Roberto Alonso Community Center, 16500 N.W. 87 Avenue.

The Nomination Applications may be found at www.miamilakes-fl.gov/cac, and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, to Community and Leisure Services manager Kristina Labossiere via email at labossierek@miamilakesfl.gov.

Women who either live or work in the Town of Miami Lakes may be nominated in the following categories:

Arts: A women who has contributed to the cultural life of the community through theatre, dance, music, art or literature.

Business: A professional woman in a position as owner, CEO or high-level manager of a business or industry.

Community and Civic Affairs: A leader, supervisor, administrator, manager or member who has contributed to the community.

Education: A woman educator, administrator, or director of a public or private institution of learning who has been outstanding in the field.

Government: A woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the community through her work in or with local government.

Health Service: An individual who had made an outstanding contribution in the health services field.

Humanitarian: An outstanding woman who has contributed to the community. This individual may, or may not be, affiliated with a commercial, professional or non-profit agency or group.

Volunteer: A woman who has made an outstanding contribution in serving the needs of others.

For lunch reservations, contact Nathalie Garcia via email at garcian@miamilakes-fl.gov or call 305-364-6100.

Miami Lakes K-8 Center names Kristina Cala Teacher of the Year

By Megan Placeres Special to The Miami Laker It is with great pride that we congratulate our Miami Lakes K-8 Center Teacher of the Year, Kristina Cala.!

Cala is a phenomenal gifted teacher, has educated students for 12 years, and is a role model to others. She exhibits dedication and persistence in teaching students and giving them the fun learning environment they deserve.

Her passion for teaching was inspired by her mother, Gladys Pineda, who is also an educator and played a big part in her decision to become a teacher.

Cala has always known that her career would involve helping children and providing a love for learning. As a teenager, she exhibited characteristics of a teacher and applied herself as the “mother hen” amongst her friends.

Cala is happily married and has two beautiful children who have impacted her as a person and a teacher. They taught her that not only do they want to learn, but they want to have fun doing it. As a parent, she wants to hear about their day. They are not going to come home talking about that hard math test, they’re going to come home talking about that fun project they did in science. Cala applies this in her classroom where she teaches all the core subjects while incorporating fun learning experiences that make any

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lesson memorable.

Being Teacher of the Year is a huge honor and privilege that Cala does not take lightly. She genuinely cares about her students. She makes every effort to engage with them so that they will get the maximum benefit from what is being taught in class, while at the same time giving them the confidence and resilience to believe in them-

selves and their abilities.

Learning is a process that will shape their future, but it is how children receive this information that will make them want to stand up and lead successful careers, be the parents, working adults, and productive members of tomorrow’s society. Thank you to Mrs. Cala for making the future that much brighter.

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Ana G. Mendez University unveils new campus in Miami Lakes

By Kayleen Padron The Miami Laker staff In 1941 in Puerto Rico, Ana Gonzalez de Mendez made her mark on bilingual education by founding the Puerto Rico Junior College, which was later changed to her namesake. With sister universities sprouting in Texas, Washington, D.C., and even various areas in Florida, Ana G. Mendez University finally made its way to Miami Lakes and its new campus in a building in Business Park West specifically designed for the school.

AGMU has put priority on bilingual students through teaching multiple courses in both English and Spanish. The director of the local campus, Dr. Ramon Garcia, has 40 years of experience in education in both Latin America and The United Sates. “The need for bilingual education at all levels has changed tremendously,� Garcia said.

Because of the large population of Hispanics and Latinos

FIU soccer coaches receive Staff of the Year honors

After guiding Florida International University men’s soccer program to one of its most memorable seasons in school history, the coaching staff were recognized for their accomplishments.

First-year head coach Kevin Nylen, along with assistant coaches Ben Mallue, Jean Camera and Patrick Lopez, were named the Southeast Region Division I Staff of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches. “I’m proud of our staff and of the work this season,� said Nylen. “Ben, Jean and Pat have been fantastic all season. Our players and myself are very fortunate to be able to work with them every day.�

This season the Panthers posted a 12-2-4 record and a 6-0-2 mark in Conference USA, earning their first-ever C-USA regular season title. The Blue and Gold finished the regular season with an 11-0-4 record, the first time in school history that the Panthers recorded an undefeated regular season.

The Regional Staff of the Year recognition will be honored at the College Coaches Awards Reception on January 18, 2018 at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Independence Ballroom in conjunction with the 71st annual United Soccer Coaches Convention.

here in South Florida, the need to expand a curriculum’s language has increased. Through AGMU’s Discipline-Based Dual Language Immersion Model, students are able to study all programs and courses interchangeably in English and Spanish, switching off dialects every week. “Studies have shown that learning two languages helps enhance brain function,� explained Garcia. “Studying a higher education degree simultaneously in two languages is a way to both become a bilingual professional, and have better opportunities in the job force, especially in South Florida.�

With over 1,000 students, AGMU was still able to make

THE MIAMI LAKER

JANUARY 5, 2018

PAGE 9

room for displaced students from Puerto Rico during this past year’s hurricane season.

Additionally, the school donated over $72,000 in scholarships to those students who needed to move to the U.S. to continue their studies.

Miami Lakers and many other local residents flooded the campus and made it the “command center� for donations. Over 500 volunteers and thousands of South Florida residents came to the month-old campus to lend a hand in support of Puerto Rico.

Being Miami Lakes’s firstever higher-education institution, AGMU will continue to be a strong presence not only in this community, but in the collective of South Florida.

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For more details and/or to download the entry form please visit: www.mainstreetmiamilakes.com or contact The Graham Companies at 305.817.4050

BGEC Civics students tour Camillus House PAGE 10

JANUARY 5, 2018

Students from the Civics Engagement Academy (CEA) at Bob Graham Education Center continue meeting with community leaders throughout the state to learn about how governments, non-profits and other community organizations are run.

In mid-November, the students were hosted by Camillus House CEO Hilda Fernandez, a Miami Lakes resident, on a site visit to one of the Camillus House campuses to learn about the mission and work of that organization.

Camillus House is a nonprofit agency serving the poor and homeless in the community.

THE MIAMI LAKER

It has grown steadily over the years from a small soup kitchen into a full-service center offering a comprehensive â&#x20AC;&#x153;system of careâ&#x20AC;? for the poor and homeless â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a seamless step-by-step process designed to bring persons from a life on the streets back to permanent housing.

In addition to hearing from Fernandez, the students also met with other staff members and toured the facilities to learn about the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was very impressed by the questions and level of interest of the students in learning how community organizations contribute in making our communi-

ties even better places to live,â&#x20AC;?

Fernandez said.

These opportunities to meet with leaders enhances what the students learn about as part of their academic program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When our students hear directly from the individuals who make things happen, it brings to life what we read about and discuss in our classes and provides our students with invaluable real life lessons,â&#x20AC;? said CEA teacher Jackeline Hernandez.

The Camillus site visit, along with others the students have made during the past year, was organized by the Bobcat Law Society, the booster group which assists the CEA teachers.

PICTURED at the site visit to Camillus House are (from left) CEA teacher John Brady, Bobcat Law Society president Ramiro Inguanzo, Camillus House staff Bryan Person, Hilda Fernandez, Xiomara Suarez, and Alessandra Larichia, and CEA teacher Jackeline Hernandez, along with some of the CEA students who presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Camillus House staff.

Students have traveled to Tallahassee to meet with State Senators, Representatives, Legislative staff and lobbyists to learn about the state legislative process.

They have met with Senator Bob Graham along with the Miami Lakes Town Council to learn about the federal and local levels of government. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The CEA continuously tries

Renowned international orator Bishop Billy Baskin is keynote speaker for the inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast

Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid and the Town Council, in partnership with the Cultural Affairs Committee, will host an inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast to commemorate his life, work, and ideals for peace and unity.

The breakfast will be held at the Roberto Alonso Community Center, 16500 N.W. 87 Avenue, at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 15. The event is free but attendees need to register by Wednesday, January 10, by contacting Nathalie Garcia at garcian@miamilakes-fl.gov, by calling 305-364-6100.

The keynote speaker will be prominent Miami Lakes resident and international orator Bishop Billy Baskin who has served as Senior Pastor of the New Way Fellowship Praise and Worship Church for more than 50 years.

Baskin has received his Doctorate and Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degrees in Ministry from South Florida Theological Center. He also holds a Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University.

In addition to presiding over his home church, Baskin has

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to follow the advice given by Graham regarding civics education by creating as many opportunities for the students to personally connect with their government and community organizations in dynamic and interactive ways,â&#x20AC;? said Ramiro Inguanzo, president of the Bobcat Law Society parent booster club.

BISHOP BILLY BASKIN established ministries in Zimbabwe, the Caribbean, Russia, and Johannesburg, South Africa.

His New Way Fellowship congregation numbers more than 2000 active and committed members and where he, along with his lifelong partner, Bishop Catherine P. Baskin, preside over three standing-room-only worship services every Sunday.

Baskin and his wife have four children, 14 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

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The Spot Youth Center hosts Zoo Miami field trip THE MIAMI LAKER

Middle and high school students are invited to join “The Spot” Youth Center for a field trip to Zoo Miami from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 20.

Zoo Miami, also known as The Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, is the largest

JANUARY 5, 2018

and oldest zoological garden in Florida and the only sub-tropical zoo in the continental United States.

South Florida’s unique climate allows the zoo to keep a wide variety of animals from Asia, Australia and Africa, representing a broad mix of species

PAGE 11

that is unlike any other zoo in the country.

Registration fee for the field trip is $10 and is required by Monday, January 15, by contacting Chris Hovde via email at thespot@miamilakes-fl.gov, or by calling 305-819-7768.

STU business grad Fabian Heinrich attends Harvard

Fabian Heinrich, a graduate student at St. Thomas University’s Gus Machado School of Business, attended a graduate course at Harvard as part of his graduate studies.

Although the course was part of the Harvard MBA program, it was offered at Harvard Law School, and taught by Dr. Bruce Hay, a former clerk for the United States Supreme Court.

The class, “Judgment and Decision Making,” met twice a week for three hours. The first half of each class consisted of the professor teaching, while the second half focused on discussions based on short case analyses and the application of what was learned in lectures.

The class material was tested during midterms and final exams. A final presentation in which student groups had to analyze real life scenarios concluded the course.

On his experience, Fabian said, “During the seven-week course, the professor taught us how biases influence the decision making of individuals and how to best approach them.” He added that “the semester was a once in the lifetime experience.”

Heinrich graduated from STU at the top of his class with a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business in December 2016.

Currently, he is completing his MBA degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance and a certificate in Data Analytics, Class of 2018.

He is a role model in the classroom and leads by example on the field where he spearheads the Bobcats’ soccer team as team captain.

FABIAN HEINRICH

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Barbara Goleman’s Giving Gators students and families tour new MDFR Station 64 in M. Lakes PAGE 12

JANUARY 5, 2018

On December 10, MiamiDade Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Abel Fernandez and his team welcomed students from Barbara Goleman Senior High School (BGHS) and their families for a tour of the new Miami Lakes Fire Rescue Station 64 along with a special holiday celebration and gift baskets for all

THE MIAMI LAKER

students and families.

Joining the non-profit Giving Gators were sponsor representatives from Nu World Title LLC, Dream Life Realty, PRMG Doral, and Kurz Real Estate Corporation.

Fernandez sealed the event with an inspirational message of hope and motivation for all

attendees.

Other guests included Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid, BGHS principal Joaquin Hernandez, assistant principal Robert Inza, music teacher Zackary Chambers and Town MVP volunteer Tony Fernandez.

Miami Lakes Vice Mayor Frank Mingo qualifies for District 103 candidacy after successful petition campaign Miami Lakes Vice Mayor Frank Mingo has been busy at work asking District 103 constituents to sign a petition which would qualify him to run for State Representative in 2018, to represent the town and city of Hialeah.

Mingo is seeking to replace term-limited State Representative Manny Diaz Jr., who is running for the Senate.

Mingo, the first to qualify for a 2018 legislative race via petition, wanted to show his local support from all over the House District and in less than two months picked up 1,338 verified petitions when only 898 were

required.

“The support from the House District 103 has been overwhelming,” said Mingo. “I plan on continuing to work to win the support of the entire House District.”

Mingo said he is banking on the support from his fellow Town council members to help him win an office at the State Capitol.

“My plan is to continue to work with my colleagues to help Miami Lakes and all of House District 103, if I have the privilege of being elected by the people,” said Mingo.

PICTURED at tour of Miami Lakes Fire-Rescue Station 64 are (from left) Daylin Garcia of Giving Gators, students Mario Padilla, BGHS principal Joaquin Hernandez, students Christian Lamas, Ermys Mir, Josue Rodriguez, Miguel Berre, Andrew Garcia, Alejandro Berre and Merly Lopez, Chief Abel Fernandez, sponsor William Ledesma, Fire Fighters Cecilia Santos, Miguel Mendez, and Warren Burwick, Lt. Angelica Kenyon, volunteer Tony Fernandez, Nu World Title sponsor Denis Brenes, Mayor Manny Cid, assistant principal Robert Inza, band teacher Zackary Chambers and Marisol Morales of Giving Gators.

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Special holiday time at Spanish Lake Elementary THE MIAMI LAKER

The holidays were a time of joy and coming together through many events for the Spanish Lake Elementary family. Students were made aware of Miami’s diverse cultural population with knowledge, respect, and interest.

The spreading of holiday spir-

it was kicked off by coordinator Sergeant Wendy Heller from the Miami-Dade Police Department who spearheaded The Holiday Toy Drive. Grisell Gajano, guidance counselor, also started the Holiday Food-Drive. The students’ hearts were filled with joy through the gift of giving.

Area firefighters participate in Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Climb

HUNDREDS OF FIREFIGHTERS and civilians participated in the annual Miami Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Climb in Downtown Miami to honor New York City firefighter Stephen Siller, who perished along with 342 other firefighters when the World Trade Center Towers collapsed during the September 11 terror attacks. Firefighters from Miami-Dade, City of Miami, Miami Beach and Hialeah made the climb inside the Southeast Financial Center, which is the tallest all-office building in the state of Florida, standing 764 feet in height and has 55 floors.

JANUARY 5, 2018

PAGE 13

Academically, students experienced a successful Science Fair Night with new and innovative blue ribbon science fair projects.

Reading Under the Stars gave students an opportunity to explore reading activities outside during the evening with family and friends. Mercy Sabates, media-specialist, had the most popular new booth that had Scholastic books set up along with a BOGO sale.

The month of December opened with the kindergarten Winter Show. Each of the 12 kindergarten classes performed through singing as well as dancing numbers while dressed in their holiday best. With students performing in their shining moment, families learned the true meaning of the holidays.

The celebrations ended with a three-day run of the spectacular Chorus Holiday Show under the direction of the three SLE music teachers – Jackson Bunn, Diana Gonzalez, and Elizabeth Vazquez.

The program effectively incorporated the exploration of multicultural traditions, world history, various languages and the usage of rhythm instruments, recorders, voice, and body movement. By the end of the show, everyone was on their SPANISH LAKE ELEMENTARY students perform during feet giving a standing ovation. three-day run of the Chorus Holiday Show.

Miami Lakes Branch Library sets January events PAGE 14

JANUARY 5, 2018

Miami Lakes Branch Library announced the following programs that are available for the public during January: For Children and Families: Science in the City – Enjoy hands-on lessons infused with experiments to spark interest in STEM. Each new lesson builds upon the previous lesson. For ages 8-18 years old. Space is limited so contact branch to register. Meets at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 27.

Homeschool Science Class – Children learn how to create different science projects.

Space is limited. Contact branch to register. Scheduled at noon on Wednesday, January 17. iLUMA (inter-generational literacy using music and art) is an arts integration program that combines music, literature, world culture and art with reading comprehension, memory and listening skills. Program is open to children from VPK to 5th grade and seniors looking to improve their memory skills.

THE MIAMI LAKER

Scheduled at 11 a.m. on Thursdays, January 11, 18 and 25.

Paws to Read – A reading program designed to improve the literacy skills of children through the assistance of therapy dogs who serve as literacy mentors. Parents may bring a book or choose one from the library collection. Event scheduled at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 13.

For Teens: Dungeons and Dragons Club - Play this fantasy role playing game and create your own adventure. For ages 13 and up at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, January 8 and 29.

P2PU Presents Learning Circles – A study group designed for people who would like to take online courses while interacting with fellow learners.

Featured course: “The Rise of Superheroes and Their Impact on Pop Culture.” To register, visit https://learningcircles. p2pu.org/en/signup/miamilakes-library-411/register.

Meets at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, January 9, 16 and 30.

Teen Club Presents: Movie Night – “Spiderman: Homecoming,” PG-13, presented by Town of Miami Lakes Education Advisory Board at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2.

Teen Club – Play video games, watch anime, draw, play Dungeons & Dragons, or discuss books, at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, January 9, 23 and 30.

Presented by the South Florida Chamber Ensemble at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 31.

Library Lego Club – Imagination is key as participants build and create with LEGO. All ages are welcome at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 20.

STEM Saturdays – An interactive lesson and hands-on activities with FIU undergraduate and medical students. For ages 5-15 years old. Contact stemsaturday@gmail.com for more information. Scheduled at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 6.

Movies and Stories for Kids – Favorite movies for family and friends. Call the branch for movie listings. Event presented

by Town of Miami Lakes Education Advisory Board at 3 p.m. on Wednesdays, January 10, 17 and 31.

Talking is Teaching. Talk, Read, Sing for Toddlers en dos idiomas – Bilingual stories, songs and activities for toddlers. Best for ages 18 months to 3 years old. Space is limited.

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For Adults: Meditation Classes – Join in for meditation derived from Raja Yoga, a discipline that helps develop inner calm, clear thinking and personal well being. Scheduled for 11 a.m. on Fridays, January 12, 19 and 26.

Book Discussion Group – Call or visit the branch for this month’s title. Scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16.

USCIS Information Table – United States Citizenship and Immigration Service staff will provide information, materials, and answer questions about the citizenship process, at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 22.

Mario Diaz-Balart Outreach Table – A member of Congressman Mario DiazBalart’s staff will be available to discuss federal issues and address any concerns a constituent may have with a federal agency from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24.

Miami Lakes Branch Library is located at 6699 Windmill Gate Road and is open Monday and Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m., and Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The branch is closed on Sundays. For more information, call 305-822-6520.

Sabine Joseph, a junior in the journalism strand of the Cambridge Academy at Miami Lakes Educational Center, was named an AICE Scholar with Merit.

The Cambridge AICE Diploma is a group certificate which requires learners to study a rigorous and advanced curriculum

in addition to passing (AICE) exams in order to receive university credit for those courses.

Joseph not only completed the coursework and passed those exams, but scored far above the average of majority of test takers in the United States, earning her the Merit Distinction.

MLEC’s Sabine Joseph is AICE Scholar with Merit

SABINE JOSEPH (center) is congratulated by MLEC principal Lourdes Diaz (left), and Academy leader Erica EvansDeSimone.

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Relocation Strategies opens Miami Lakes office THE MIAMI LAKER

By Kayleen Padron The Miami Laker staff Owners of South Florida’s Relocation Strategies branch, Carlos Erban and his partner, Eduardo Torres, transfer businesses both large and small – whether it’s a family-owned small business or a large industrial plant. Their goal is to make moving services much easier for their clients, which is why they have coined themselves as “wedding planners” for businesses looking to grow.

“We are at the center of all the coordinating managing that is required for a corporation’s relocation. Typically, we work with corporate offices and industrial,” Erban said.

Besides the usual furniture moving, the partners are in charge of overseeing various contractors for different reasons – IT, and even architectural services are needed during a company’s expansion.

“Everything from furniture, the cubicles, the moving, the architects, electrical work, security systems…IT is usually the biggest issue. Companies don’t want to interrupt their business, so we come in to achieve that so they don’t lose productivity,” he said.

Relocation Strategies works with clients up to six months in advance to make sure every-

RESULTS

the miami laker

305-817-4015

Editorial/Advertising Office 15450 New Barn Road #103 Miami Lakes, FL 33014

Editor..................305-817-4007 News Desk.........305-817-4028 305-817-4078 Advertising...........305-817-4015

Editor..............Roger A. Reece Reporter.........Kayleen Padron Reporter...........David Snelling Advertising......Megan Medina Social Media.Kayleen Padron Graphics....Yvonne Salvatore Send editorial and photos to: rromero@miamilaker.com Controlled Circulation to Zip Codes 33014, 33015, 33016, 33018

Published Semi-Monthly 1st & 3rd Fridays News/Advertising Deadline: 10 days preceding

thing goes smoothly come move-in day. In addition to saving clients money, Erban and Torres do most of the heavy lifting to also save them the headache.

While property management, furniture vendors, rigging and even special needs vendors report directly to the project management – project management reports directly to the client. Almost like a wedding planner reporting directly to the bride and groom while also juggling the cake, flowers and venue.

It’s something almost everyone would look past, but Erban and Torres highlight a relocator's important role in the upgrading of a business.

“Typically when there is an office move, almost always something goes wrong,” sighed Erban. “You move once every ten years, so office managers usually don’t have experience in moving an entire office. So now all of a sudden, you even have the CEO involved.”

Although their first big project was all the way in San Francisco, Relocation Strate-

Miami Lakes

Meetings Calendar

The Town of Miami Lakes, homeowners associations, professional and volunteer groups have scheduled meetings during January:

Town of Miami Lakes

Cultural Affairs Com. Jan. 4 7:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center Elderly Affairs Com. Jan. 10 8:30 am M.L. Opti. Club H. Youth Activities Task Force Jan. 10 7:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center Public Information Meeting on Freebee Jan. 11 6:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center Education Adv. Board Jan. 11 6:30 pm M.L. Govt. Center Economic Dev. Com. Jan. 16 5:30 pm M.L. Govt. Center Town Council Meeting Jan. 16 6:30 pm M.L. Govt. Center Veterans Com. Meeting Jan. 18 6:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center Neighborhood Improvement Com. Meeting Jan. 18 7:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center Planning & Zoning Board Jan. 23 6:00 pm M.L. Govt. Center Public Safety Committee Meeting Jan. 23 6:30 pm M.L. Govt. Center Homeowners Organizations Lake Elizabeth January 1 7:00 pm MCCC Lake Carol January 4 7:30 pm MCCC Silvercrest North January 8 7:00 pm MCCC Loch Ness January 8 7:30 pm MCCC Silvercrest South January 9 7:00 pm MCCC Loch Lomond East January 10 7:00 pm MCCC Lake Cynthia January 10 7:30 pm MCCC Windmill Gate January 11 7:00 pm MCCC Royal Palm Estates January 11 7:30 pm MCCC Loch Andrews January 15 7:00 pm MLOP Loch Isle January 15 7:00 pm MLOP Lake Glenn Ellen January 16 7:30 pm MCCC Serenity Point January 17 7:00 pm MCCC Royal Oaks January 17 7:30 pm MCCC Regatta Pointe January 18 7:00 pm MCCC Gramercy Park January 18 7:00 pm MCCC Lake Elizabeth January 22 7:00 pm MCCC Lake Martha January 23 6:30 pm MCCC Loch Lomond West January 23 7:30 pm MCCC Villa Vizcaya January 24 7:30 pm MCCC Anchorage January 25 7:00 pm MCCC Lake Sandra January 25 7:30 pm MCCC Fountain Park January 29 7:30 pm MCCC Miami Lakes Clubs, Professional & Volunteer Groups M.L. Cham. Com. Wed. Jan. 10 11:30 am Shula’s Hotel M.L. Garden Club Mon. Jan. 22 7:00 pm MCCC M.L. Bridge Club Mondays 11:30 am MCCC MLCA Bridge Club Thursdays 11:00 am MCCC M.L. Quilting Club Tuesdays 11:15 am MCCC M.L. Kiwanis 2nd/4th Thurs 6:30 pm Pamper.Chef M.L. Toastmasters 1st/3rd Tues.

ML Educ. Center M.L. Lions Club 1st/3rd Tues, 7:00 pm Bev. Hills.

MCCC: Mary Collins Community Center, 15151 N.W. 82 Ave. RACC: Robert Alonso Community Center, 16500 N.W. 87 Ave. MLOP is Miami Lakes Optimist Park, 6411 N.W. 162 Street MLYC is Miami Lakes Youth Center, 6075 Miami Lakes Drive E. MLPW is Miami Lakes Picnic Park West, 15151 N.W. 82 Avenue

JANUARY 5, 2018

gies is looking at prospective jobs here in Miami Lakes as well.

“We do have a proposal out to a large distributor who wants to move to Miami Lakes, and they’ve already decided on the warehouse. They’re still in the process of doing some evaluations. We haven’t landed the contract yet, but they’re moving from North Miami to Miami

PAGE 15

Lakes,” Torres said.

In addition to close relationships with local brokers, the partners are even building relationships with Miami Lakes’ Graham Companies.

For more information about the company visit www.relocationstrategies.net or www.relocationstrategies.net/south-florida.

Classes and Recreation Calendar

The Town of Miami Lakes has scheduled the following classes and recreation activities during January.

(Note: Some classes start on January 10, others on January 22.)

(Youth Programs)

(All classes are free unless noted by [$])

Ballet 1 Ages 5-7 Ballet 2 Ages 7-9 Ballet 3 Ages 9-11 Ballet 4 Ages 11-16

Mondays Mondays Wednesdays Wednesdays

4:30 pm MCCC 5:30 pm MCCC 4:30 pm MCCC 5:30 pm MCCC

Jazz 1 Ages 5-7 Tuesdays 4:30 pm MCCC Jazz 2 Ages 7-9 Tuesdays 5:30 pm MCCC Jazz 3 Ages 9-11 Thursdays 4:30 pm MCCC Jazz 4 Ages 11-16 Thursdays 5:30 pm MCCC Just Run Ages 5-14 Tues.Thurs.

4:30 pm MLPW Martial Arts Tots Ages 6-8 Mon./Wed. 4:30 pm MCCC Martial Arts Beginners Ages 7-9 Mon.Wed. 5:30 pm MCCC Martial Arts Intermediate Ages 8-10 Tues./Thurs.

4:30 pm MCCC Martial Arts Advanced Ages 11-16 Tues./Thurs.

5:30 pm MCCC Open Hang Nights (Themed Nights) Ages 11-17 Select Wed./Fri. 6:00 pm MLYC YMCA After School Care [$] Ages K-8th Grade 2:00 to 6:00 pm RACC YMCA After School Care [$] Ages K-8th Grade 2:00 to 6:00 pm MLYC Guitar & Violin [$] Ages 7-12 Wednesdays 4:30 pm MLOP Code Explorers [$] Ages 5-10 Thursdays 4:30 & 5:30 pm MLOP Archery Ages 7-15 Fridays 4:30 pm MLOP Code Explorers for Homeschoolers [$] Ages 5-10 Tuesdays 10 and 11 am MLOP

(Adult Programs) Boot Camp by Fit Like Me Miami [$] T/Th 18+ Boot Camp by Fit Like Me Miami [$] S 18+ Open Play Dominoes Mon. to Fri. 18+ Line Dancing 18+ Tues./Thurs.

Painting 1 18+ Fridays Painting 2 18+ Fridays Painting 3 18+ Wednesdays Spanish Advanced Conversational 18+ Mon./Wed. Spanish Intermediate 18+ Tues./Thurs.

Yoga 1 18+ Mon./Wed. Yoga 2 [$] 18+ Tues./Thurs.

Yoga in the Park 18+ Saturdays

6:30 pm MLPW 9:00 am MLPW 6:30 pm RACC 11:00 am MCCC 9:30 am MCCC 12:30 pm MCCC 10:00 am RACC

6:00 pm MCCC 6:00 pm MCCC 7:45 am MCCC 7:45 am MCCC 9:00 am MLPW

(55+ Senior Programs) Arts & Crafts Mon. (Ages 55+) 12 noon MCCC Computers (English) T/Th (Ages 55+) 9 & 11:15 am MCCC Computers (Spanish) M/W (Ages 55+) 9 & 11:00 am MCCC Knitting/Crocheting T/Th (Ages 55+) 1:00 pm MCCC Sewing T/Th (Ages 55+) 1:30 pm MCCC Tai Chi Mon.-Th. (Ages 55+) 9:00 am MCCC MCCC: Mary Collins Community Center, 15151 N.W. 82 Ave. RACC: Robert Alonso Community Center, 16500 N.W. 87 Ave. MLOP is Miami Lakes Optimist Park, 6411 N.W. 162 Street MLYC is Miami Lakes Youth Center, 6075 Miami Lakes Drive E. MLPW is Miami Lakes Picnic Park West, 15151 N.W. 82 Avenue Shula’s GC is Shula’s Golf Club, 7601 Miami Lakes Drive

PAGE 16

JANUARY 5, 2018

THE MIAMI LAKER

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JANUARY 5, 2018

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Pace football coach Joe Zaccheo awarded Coach of the Year honor PAGE 18

JANUARY 5, 2018

By Raquel Edmundson Special to The Miami Laker As head coach and a longtime member of Monsignor Edward Pace High School’s Football program, Coach Joe Zaccheo was named Coach of the Year in the fifth Annual Tournament of Champions South Florida High School Awards Sponsored by Warren Henry Automotive Group. Zaccheo, a legend in the high school sports arena, received the award during a breakfast and ceremony celebrated on Friday December 15 at the Warren Henry Range Rover Showroom in Miami Gardens.

Zaccheo has been Pace’s Athletic Director and head football coach since the late 1990s.

In 2006, three years after winning a state title, he stepped away from the sidelines and left the role of head football coach.

It was two years ago when Zaccheo decide to return to coaching the Spartans with hopes of once again obtaining a State title.

Last Spring however, Zaccheo and the Pace Spartan football team was faced with the challenge of seeing nine of their starters transfer out to other schools. Even with the obstacle presented, the team did not waiver and approached the 2017-2018 season with a winning spirit. That drive is what

THE MIAMI LAKER

Hialeah Miami Lakes and Mater Academy basketball teams have best school records for 2017 season

The boy’s basketball teams from Hialeah Miami Lakes and Mater Academy posted the best records among local high school teams to close out 2017.

On, Tuesday, January 9, the two teams clash to kick-off the new year.

The Trojans (6-1, 6-0) have won six consecutive games and the Lions (7-2, 5-0) are on a three-game winning streak.

Meanwhile, Barbara Goleman’s boy’s basketball team ended 2017 with a 69-53 victory over Westland Hialeah, bringing the Gators’ record to 85, 5-2, and seeking a strong finish in the second half of the regular season in hopes of returnPACE head football coach Joe Zaccheo accepts Coach of ing to the regional playoffs. the Year in the fifth Annual Tournament of Champion South Florida High School Tournament of Champion Awards sponsored by the Warren Henry Automotive Group on December 15. lead them to win seven of eight tor. The kids, my staff, my games and allowed the team to administration, they’re the ones advance to the playoffs for the that played the music.” first time in seven years and the He went on to express that Class 4A regional finals. this type of recognition was “the As Zaccheo received the best feeling ever, because it award, joined by the school’s kind of vindicates what we were principal Ana Garcia and Dean trying to do at this program. of Students Valarie Lloyd, he About not worrying about who addressed the audience saying, ‘did not’ want to be here but “It’s a great honor to receive who ‘did’ and was willing to this, but I’m just the band direc- buy in.”

Under new head coach Phillip Jackson, the Gators have won five straight games after dropping their first game of the season against South Plantation, and won eight out of 13 games.

The Gators are led by senior center Julio Perez, who’s averaging 12.5 points, 10 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots per game, junior guard Randy Almonte (11 points and five steals per game), junior guard Jason Blanco (11 points and 1.4 steals) and senior guard Justin Tracey (10 points, five rebounds and two steals).

Up next for the Gators is Ronald Reagan (2-9, 1-6) when the two teams meet on Tuesday, January 9.

BARBARA GOLEMAN HIGH SCHOOLʼS boy’s basketball team has won 8 of 13 games during the current season. They meet Ronald Reagon on January 9.

FIU soccer star Santiago Patino is a semifinalist for 2017 MAC Herman Trophy

Florida International University men's soccer standout Santiago Patino has been named one of 15 semifinalists for the prestigious 2017 MAC Hermann Trophy following a vote by NCAA Division I soccer coaches, the school announced late last month.

“Santi being recognized as a top player in college soccer is great,” said FIU men's soccer head coach Kevin Nylen. “He is a top player and had a great season. I’m very happy for him.”

Leading the Panthers to one of its most successful seasons in program history, Patino ended the regular season leading Conference USA in almost all offensive categories, including goals, points, goals-per-game, points-per-game, and game-winners. He was tabbed C-USA Offensive Player of the Week five times on the year, and was named C-USA Offensive Player of the Year, Player of the Year, the Golden Boot Award recipient, and was named First-Team All-C-USA. On the year, he tallied a total of 35 points and 15 goals, the most the program has seen by an individual player since 1996.

Patino led the nation in goalsper-game and points-per-game for several weeks throughout the season, including top-five rankings in total points and goals.

His success on the pitch assisted the Panthers in leading the nation in scoring offense for a majority of the 2017 campaign.

The MAC Hermann Trophy, the most coveted individual honor in NCAA Division I soccer, has been awarded annually since 1967. The 2017 MAC Hermann Trophy banquet will be held at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis on January 5, 2018, to announce this year's winners.

SANTIAGO PATINO

St. Thomas baseball team plays exhibition game against Chinese National Baseball team THE MIAMI LAKER

JANUARY 5, 2018

PAGE 19

St. Thomas University’s baseball team played a Fall exhibition against the Chinese National Baseball team on a recent Saturday afternoon at Holman Stadium at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach. In the exhibition, the Bobcats defeated the Chinese National team 7-2.

The Bobcats-Chinese National game was part of a series of exhibition games for the Chinese national team as it prepares for their upcoming season and ultimately the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The event proved to be a meaningful experience for the STU team as it competed against a national team from the other side of the world, while having the opportunity to interact with the Chinese players.

BASEBALL PLAYERS from St. Thomas University and the Chinese National team pose for “It was a great experience and a joint photo during their recent exhibition game which the Bobcats won 7-2. we were honored as a team to have the opportunity to compete to, compared to the style of play against a team of this caliber,” we play at STU,” added senior said senior Chris Rodriguez, the outfielder and captain Oscar starting pitcher for the Bobcats. Rodriguez.

“They are the future Olympic St. Thomas, under the directeam for China and to come out tion of head coach Jorge Perez, with a win is a huge confidence is ranked 21st in the preseason booster for us to bring into the NAIA poll and enters 2018 havseason.” ing made three consecutive trips It was a fun experience being to the NAIA National Chamable to go out there and compete pionships Opening Round. against a World Baseball In 2015, the Bobcats finished Classic team like China and to runner up at the NAIA World also be able to compare the dif- Series and are hungry for anothferent styles of play that the er trip to Lewiston, Idaho.

Chinese players are accustomed

www.miamilaker.com

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Mater Lakes’ wrestling team scores wins in Coral Park tourney PAGE 20

JANUARY 5, 2018

Despite missing several key wrestlers and forced to forfeit two matches, Mater Lakes Academy scored some big wins over their toughest rivals during the Coral Park Holiday Duals tournament, which took place the weekend of December 15.

The Bears compiled a 6-2 record for the first month of the season following the round robin.

Their rivals, Mater Academy and Coral Gables, stood in their way but Mater Lakes crushed the competition.

Senior Cole Schwartzberg (220-pound division) and junior

THE MIAMI LAKER

Omar Armengol (132 pound division) led the Bears with an 8-0 record during the weekend tournament.

Junior David Alvarez (195) and junior Danny Rodriguez (195) both finished 4-0, while freshmen Justin Zerbinati (106) finished with a 6-2 record.

Their teammates, Rafael Alvarez, Steve Altamirano, Luis Blanco, Ethan Vergara, Gonzalo Perez, Jorge Rodriguez and Douglas Boutemy, also scored key wins for Mater Lakes Academy.

But the Bears had to forfeit two matches as the tournament

came down to the wire.

Omar Armengol defeated state ranked Jonathan Ley in an overtime thriller to help the Bears clinch the victory, and eighth grader Vergara and freshman Perez emerged victorious with big upset wins as well. Other notable wins over state ranked opponents include wins from Schwartzberg, Altamirano, Alvarez, and Boutemy.

The Bears next match is on January 4 in the inaugural FHSAA District Duals at Somerset Academy in Pembroke Pines.

Mater Lakes’ varsity soccer captain, Sabella Santiago, signs to play at St. Thomas University for 2018 season

Mater Lakes Academy outside defender Sabella Santiago has signed to play women's soccer for St. Thomas University beginning in the 2018 season, according to head coach Michelle Smith who made the announcement during a news conference.

Santiago is a captain for Miami Lakes Academy's varsity soccer team and has helped lead the MLA team to a 9-2-2 start for the 2017-18 season.

Santiago is also a key member of the highly successful Miami Lakes United Soccer Club travel team.

An honors student, Santiago

has excelled in the classroom.

She is a National Social Studies Honor Society member and a member of Mater Lakes Academy's Marine Science Club.

Santiago will enroll at St. Thomas as a freshman and is expected to play outside defender for the Bobcats who are coming off a strong 12-3-1 overall record and an 8-2 Sun Conference record in 2017.

“Isabella is an accomplished defender who will be a great fit for us at STU,” said Smith. “She will be an important addition to us as we solidify our defense for 2018.”

MATER LAKES ACADEMYʼS wrestling team finished a successful opening month of the season with major wins in the Coral Park Holiday Duals tournament.

SABELLA SANTIAGO

THE MIAMI LAKER

JANUARY 5, 2018

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

JANUARY 5, 2018

THE MIAMI LAKER

Mater Gardens Academy marks winter Mater Academy’s Erika Medina accepted into the break with ‘Bookabration’ parade

By Kayleen Padron The Miami Laker staff When winter break rolls around, schools usually hold an end-of-the-year celebration with singing and dancing; Mater Gardens Academy has a different holiday send-off for students and their parents.

Since 2008, the school has its annual Bookabration Parade, a fun and educational event where each grade is assigned a specific author and students are invited to dress up as a character inspired by one of their books.

Unlike usual school Christmas traditions, Mater Gardens hosts this creative way to commemorate the joy of reading.

Outside the campus in the bus loop, the street in front of the school is usually closed to host all students, faculty, staff and even parents during the festivity. In addition to dressing up, students are also taught about their selected authors in unit studies during class.

The parade is overseen by principal Lourdes Isla Marrero, assistant principal Pilar Mayte Fernandez Rives, coordinator and first grade teacher Janely Santi as well as the many other teachers and staff.

“Education is not only about learning that takes place inside of the classroom, but about interactions and experiences beyond the classroom,” Pilar Fernandez-Rives said.

“Bookabration provides students with the rich experience to portray classic literary works

American Musical Drama Academy in New York

MATER GARDENS ACADEMY third graders salute “Ghost Town at Sundown” during the school’s end-of-semester “Bookabration” parade. and to enjoy the process of rep- representing “Blood Of The resenting the books outside of River” by Elisa Carbone the classroom.” marched through the bus loop.

The parade begins with the Miss Spider made a special oldest grade and descends down appearance with dangling legs to Pre-K. Dozens of eighth and all during one class’s adapgraders were dressed up as tation of Ronald Dahl’s “James greasers and socks as part of and the Giant Peach,” and one S.E. Hinton’s classic “The class’s portrayal of “My Many Outsiders.” Followed by fairy Colored Days” by Dr. Seuss tale characters from “Brothers’ earned cheers from the entire Grimm and The Seven Habits crowd when they released Of Happy Kids” by Sean dozens of multicolored balloons Covey. during their turn to march.

“This is a time for celebrating “It was an honor to put such everything we love,” Marrero an amazing event together said. “Books have the power to alongside the wonderful teachtake us to another world. They ers, assistants, and interventionhave the power to make us ist in our committee. Instilling a smarter and creative, that’s why love for reading is a constant we take the time to celebrate goal here at MGA along with them.” fun,” exclaimed Bookabration As Pocahontas’ “Colors Of coordinator Santi.

The Wind” started blasting “Who doesn’t love a parade?” through a stereo, fifth graders

Mater Academy High student Erika Medina just gained a foothold in the film industry.

The senior drama student was accepted into the American Musical Drama Academy in New York, as she took a giant step of reaching her dream of becoming a film and theatre star.

Following her summer conservatory with AMDA, which included an audition, one of the directors noticed her acting skills and her application was expedited.

She is the first student at Mater Academy to be accepted into the AMDA. Celebrating more than 50 years as one of America’s premier conservatories for the per-

forming arts, AMDA is recognized throughout the industry for its rich history and tradition of launching some of the most successful careers in theatre, film and television.

AMDA began its journey in 1964 as a musician theatre school emerging from the vibrant Manhattan arts scene, and was created with a simple but powerful idea of creating a school run by professional performers, for performers.

The AMDA is an integral part of the New York performing arts community with support from Broadway’s theater elite such as Sammy Davis, Dina Merrill, Carol Channing, Richard Burton and renowned actress Elizabeth Taylor.

MATER ACADEMY student Erika Medina being interviewed after her acceptance to American Musical Drama Academy.

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Mater Lakes Academy alumni return to join staff THE MIAMI LAKER

Mater Lakes Academy has had seven graduating classes starting with the Class of 2010.

Many students usually graduate high school and run off to college to start their post-secondary education and move on to their professional careers, but Mater Lakes Academy has had the pleasure of having 14 alumni return and work for the school.

“Mater Lakes was a tiny school in comparison to what it is today. One aspect I enjoyed the most was that because we were such a small school at the time, we enjoyed a very closeknit community feeling with everyone,” said Andrew Curbelo from the Class of 2012, who is currently a social studies teacher.

Stephanie Quintero, another graduate from the Class of 2012 and a current mathematics teacher, said “I enjoyed the environment, the friendly students and staff. I had so many great moments.”

A common theme amongst the alumni that have returned is the familial atmosphere they felt as students that they feel is even stronger as employees.

“I loved that everyone was so close to each other. It felt like a big family,” said Andrea Romeo, Class of 2016, and current front desk clerk.

“Being a member of the first graduating class, we always took pride in being the foundation for this school,” expressed Ana Sanchez, 2010 grad and coding teacher. “I always felt

The application period for Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ magnet programs across the school district is currently underway. Applications will be accepted through Monday, January 15.

In addition to the many exciting programs that were offered last year, parents and students will be able to choose from new

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For additional, call 305-9951922.

like I was part of a family, while I was a student and even more so now as a teacher.”

When asked what their favorite course at Mater Lakes was, Ashley Garcia, Class of 2014, Ashley Arguelles ‘15, Persephone Bouza ‘16, and Laura Mendez ‘16 all ranked Early Childhood Education as their favorite course. “I loved the hands on experience,” said Bouza, recent grad and Cub Academy teacher.

The Bear Alumni have some advice for current MLA students: “Make the best out of

JANUARY 5, 2018

every day as a student while you can. One day, it’ll all be gone and you will miss it,” explained Ariel Gomez ’12 and media specialist.

“My advice would be to stay focused, you will use everything again in college. Push for that dual enrollment, push to get scholarships. Free school is the best school,” said Ashley Garcia ‘14 and Cub Academy teacher. “Pay attention in class, you will use it again,” said Laura Mendez ‘16. “Your senior year goes by fast make sure you enjoy every minute by par-

PAGE 23

ticipating in all events. High school memories do last,” said Ashley Arguelles.

“I didn’t realize how many of our kids came back, it shows me that we have done something right, when they want to come back,” said principal Rene Rovirosa.

Mater Lakes Academy is a Miami-Dade County Public Charter School, with students enrolled in sixth through 12th grade. For more information, visit the school’s website at www.materlakes.org.

Magnet applications due January 15

MATER LAKES ACADEMY alumni who are now part of the school staff include (from left) Ana Sanchez ‘10, Michel Jimenez ‘11, Luis Gonzalez ‘11, Andrew Curbelo ‘11, Carlos Lopez ‘12, Stephanie Quintero ‘12, Ariel Gomez ‘12, founding principal Rene F. Rovirosa, Peter Llerena ‘13, Ashley Garcia ‘14, Ashley Arguelles ‘15, Andrea Romeo ‘16, Laura Mendez ‘16, and Persephone Bouza ‘16. Not pictured: Gustavo Rovriosa ‘10.

Pace High School celebrates Christmas in big way PAGE 24

JANUARY 5, 2018

By Raquel Edmundson Special to The Miami Laker Students, faculty and staff at Monsignor Edward Pace High School returned from the Thanksgiving holiday prepared to celebrate the Christmas season in a big way. In late November, the campus began setting up festive Christmas trees, garland and Nativity scenes as students took great pride in spreading holiday cheer across various events held both on and off campus.

On December 8, the school celebrated a mass in celebration of the feast day of the Immaculate Conception, reminding students of the Virgin Mary’s willingness to accept God’s plans for her.

Other Christmas activities on campus included the lighting of advent candles at the beginning of each week as students were reminded to reflect on the sig-

THE MIAMI LAKER

nificance of the season.

Students were even given a special performance during their lunch periods where Pace Fine Arts Department presented the story of the Nativity.

Students went on to enjoy holiday song lip synching contents, a tacky sweater day and other friendly competitions among the four grade levels. Pace employees were invited to bring their own children and grandchildren to the annual Tykes Christmas Party where Pace families had the opportunity to participate in fun crafts, enjoy Christmas treats and even meet and receive special presents from Santa.

But perhaps the most impactful event that the Spartans participated in during the Christmas season was NBC6’s Caravan of Joy toy drive.

Members of Pace’s Drama Club, Leadership, Health and

Medical Society, National Honor Society, SGA, Science National Honor Society and Spartan Ambassador Society collected over 600 unwrapped toys for families in need across South Florida.

This is the seventh year Pace has participated in the event which culminated in a live television morning broadcast on December 15. Throughout the morning, Pace’s Spartans in Harmony choir sang traditional Christmas carols while live on air with NBC 6’s Roxanna Vargas, who is a 2002 Pace High School alumni and the current host of the popular “6 In the Mix” daily lifestyle show.

The Spartans were delighted to spread the spirit of the season both on and off campus and are excited to welcome the New Year with more opportunities to lend a hand to their local community.

PACE HIGH SCHOOLʼS Spartan’s in Harmony Choir performed during the NBC6 live morning broadcast on December 15. The school collected over 600 toys for the station’s Caravan of Joy 20th Annual toy drive

Pace High Drama students find success in District 8 Thespian competitions

By Raquel Edmundson Special to The Miami Laker The Monsignor Edward Pace High School Drama Club is enthusiastically looking forward to States following two very successful district competitions held earlier this month.

PACE HIGH DRAMA students competed in district competition where they earned numerous On December 2, the Spartan Excellent and Superior awards as well as a Critics Choice Award for their Production team. Thespians, known as Troupe

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5457, competed among local public and private schools in the District 8 Thespian Competition held at the Miami Art Studio.

The group obtained an Excellent Award for Makeup Design, a Superior for Solo Musical and three Superiors for Duet Acting. Additionally, the Spartan Drama students earned the Critic’s Choice Award for Production Team – a first in Pace history.

Victory continued for the Spartans as the group competed in a second district competition at Miami Beach Senior High School on December 16. They brought home six Superiors in the categories of Small Group Musical, Monologues, Playwriting, and Large Group Musical.

The State International Thespian Convention and Competition will take place in Tampa’s Staz Center on March 13-18 and this will be the 11th consecutive qualifying year in which Pace students will be in attendance.

Under the direction of first year Theatre Director, Marianne Martinez, the Pace drama students are eager to set off to States with the strong momentum they gained in districts in categories both on and off the stage.

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JANUARY 5, 2018

PAGE 25

Mater Academy’s Andres Bobcat Dancers’ Holiday Dance Recital Almonte wins first place in Impromptu Speaking final Mater Academy 10th-grade student Andres Almonte recently took first place at the Impromptu Speaking Competition at the 2017 Innov@te-Career and Technical Education (CTEC) event at Miami-Dade College.

Almonte was among CTEC students from middle and high schools who competed in the areas of Impromptu Speaking, Culinary Arts bake-off, CPR, and logo designs.

The event was a collaboration of Miami Dade College and Miami-Dade Public Schools CTE Department.

Erik Heinrich, senior manager of state, local and education business development at Ruckus Wireless was the keynote speaker for the event.

M-D College and Hispanic Heritage join forces to aid Empowering Latinas Program

The Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) and Miami Dade College have formed a partnership which focuses on enriching the HHF’s and Century 21 Real Estate’s Empowering Latinas Program, an educational and business opportunity to help Latina entrepreneurs in South Florida earn a real estate license.

MDC’s role for the program is contributing to the cultural and intellectual enrichment of South Florida communities by training up to 100 Latinas to become licensed real estate agents in the Greater Miami area.

The deadline to apply was closed on December 8 and candidates will be selected on Friday, January 5.

MDC will support this initiative through an informative and motivational kick-off event and sessions on Monday, January 15 and Sunday, January 28.

The graduation ceremony is scheduled for Monday, February 26.

“At MDC, we believe that opportunity changes everything.

We are thrilled to partner with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to expand opportunities for Latinas in the important real estate industry,” said María Carla Chicuén, Special Projects assistant to the President.

To learn more about the program, visit empoweringlatinas. eventbrite.com.

ANDRES ALMONTE

BOB GRAHAM EDUCATION CENTERʼS Bobcat Dance Team held their fifth annual Holiday Dance Recital last month with the theme Santa's Workshop. Family and friends enjoyed several dance routines and even Santa Claus joined the team during this festive occasion.

Dance coach Mayri Martinez was congratulated for her hard work, dedication and passion for dance which made the memorable night a success.

Saturday, January 20, 2018, 11:00 AM

For more information about our school, you may visit our Facebok page at: https://www.facebook.com/OurLadyoftheLakesCatholicSchool.

Our Lady of the Lakes marks two anniversaries PAGE 26

JANUARY 5, 2018

By Kayleen Padron The Miami Laker staff Our Lady Of The Lakes Catholic Church started like most ventures in Miami Lakes – on a dairy farm.

“The parish is a lot like Jesus.

Just like Jesus was born in a stable and grew up to do great things, this parish was born on a dairy farm and has grown to do great things as well,” exclaimed Father Jose Alvarez, the church’s current priest, as the church celebrated its 50th anniversary in December and marked the 30th anniversary of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School.

Through the efforts of parishioners and three pastors, Father Miguel Goni, Msgr. Francis Fazzalaro and Rev. Father Edmond Whyte, Our Lady Of The Lakes has become a staple for Catholics in this humble community. Although the church was supposed to be named St. Bernards, trailblazing parishioners chose a name that was similar to the characteristics of the area.

With Father Miguel Goni as founding pastor, the church held its first Sunday mass on April 9, 1967, with over 300 parishioners in attendance. With an increase in Hispanic migration in the late 60s, Lady Of The Lakes held its first-ever Spanish mass on November 12, 1967, and added another one soon after in 1976. In the mid 70s Father Edmond Whyte succeeded Goni’s beneficiary Msgr.

Francis Fazzalaro.

THE MIAMI LAKER

as well as a 10-foot long bronze crucifix.

During the 1980s talks about a school in addition to the parish OUR LADY OF THE LAKES priests and parishioners celewere in the works. Father brated an Anniversary Mass in December marking the 50 Whyte and Ed Kearns created a year history of the church. three-phase construction plan to achieve their goal. In August 1987, Our Lady Of The Lakes Catholic School opened its doors.

Sister Mary Carol Koester has been principal of the school since then, and now directs 17 teachers and 500 students.

As stated in their anniversary mass pamphlet, “Together, as members of one community, one parish, one faith, we move forward prayerfully into the next 25 years.”

Our Lady Of The Lakes continues to play a vital role in the lives of Catholics in Miami Lakes, and will maintain its importance for years to come.

For more information about either the church or school, visit the website at www.ollnet.com.

Miami Lakes K-8 students collect gifts for Christmas

In the wake of an increase in parish life, additional gatherings and activities were added to usual masses.

“I am always edified by the life and warmth the parishioners bring to it. This is a very caring community,” said Father Alvarez.

As time went on, in 1984, the church added a ‘permanent House of God’ that featured beautiful stained glass windows

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MEMBERS of the Future Educators of America, National Elementary and Junior Honor Societies, Student Council and Pre-Law class at Miami Lakes K-8 Center joined forces to collect toys for children in need during the Christmas holiday.

The toys were given to the Marine Toys for Tots program, which helps support millions of less fortunate children for Christmas. Miami Lakes Councilmember Tim Daubert, a former U.S. Marine, helped the students deliver the toys to make the Christmas season bright for needy kids.

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Five St. Thomas graduate students compete with Ivy League peers

Five graduate students at St. Thomas University shared center stage with their counterparts from Ivy League Schools, facing off in an investment competition to demonstrate their investment and risk management skills.

Fabian Heinrich, Tony Mamodaly, Elaine Pons, Luis Martin and Garrick Amedee represented St. Thomas University at the Peeptrade University Challenge, as they found themselves matching wits with students from Princeton, John Hopkins University, the University of Chicago, MIT, the London School of Business, and the University of Miami.

The five Bobcats finished in the top three by managing a $1 million portfolio which has returned 12.24 percent.

The top five teams, which includes STU, recently presented their portfolio strategy to a professional panel of judges at the University of Chicago, who announced the three top winners.

St. Thomas was the top performing school in the United States.

The competing students are members of the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) at STU. The SMIF has both undergraduate and graduate students managing a realmoney portfolio under the guidance of faculty advisers Dr. Leslee Higgins, associate dean Lloyd Mitchell, and professor

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In Memoriam:

JANUARY 5, 2018

Educator Louis E. Pease

Louis Edwin Pease of Hiawassee, Georgia, passed away peacefully on December 8 at his home.

He was born on March 8, 1940 in Hialeah, the son of the late Everett Pease and the late Marie Ruth Geiger Pease.

He received an undergraduate degree from Duke University, a Masters degree from John Hopkins University, and a PhD from Florida State University.

He was a professor at Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School for many years.

Pease was passionate about the arts, history, politics and Duke basketball.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Braterman Pease in 2015. He was a member of the Mountain Synagogue in Franklin, North Carolina.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law Meredith and Mica Maddry of Atlanta, brother and sister-in-law Gerald and ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY graduate students Fabian Helen Pease of Spring Hill, Heinrich, Tony Mamoday, Elaine Pons, Luis Martin and Florida, several nieces and Garrick Amedee competed in the Peeptrade University Challenge.

Kevin Brady, the latter of which has offered guidance to the Peeptrade competitors through his experience as an equity trader.

The investment competition and the SMIF highlight two ways the students that attend the Gus Machado School of Business enhance opportunities to add value to their classroom training.

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PAGE 27

LOUIS EDWIN PEASE nephews.

A memorial service was held on December 12 at the Mountain View Funeral Home in Blairsville, Georgia.

The family requests donations may be made to FHS Society, www.fshsociety.org in memory of Pease.

PAGE 28

JANUARY 5, 2018

Miami Lakes Area Houses of Worship

THE MIAMI LAKER

6250 Miami Lakes Dr. East www.GoElevateChurch.com Sunday Worship..............9, 11 & 1 PM Youth: Fridays..............................7 PM

Fulfilled Life Church Telephone 786-378-2356 Country Club Middle School 18305 N.W. 75 Place Sunday Service (Eng.)..10:30 AM

Sunrise Presbyterian Church

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

Elevate Church

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

18400 N.W. 68 Avenue Telephone: 305-821-5841 Worship.................................10:00 AM (Children’s Church) Servicio en Espanol...............11:30 AM

The Church of the Epiphany

15650 Miami Lakeway North Telephone: 305-558-3961 www.episcopalmiamilakes.com Sunday Eucharist...................10:30 AM Children’s Sunday School.....10:15 AM Adult Bible Study.......................11 AM Misa en Espanol......................9:00 AM 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 School Auditorium 6425 Miami Lakeway North Telephone: 305-822-6999 Worship Service....................10:30 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

Iglesia El Nuevo Comienzo

6701 Miami Lakeway South Services in Spanish Sunday service.......................12:30 PM Thursday service.....................8:00 PM

Faith Is The Victory Fellowship

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 Traditional Worship Service.10:00 AM Contemporary Service..........11:30 AM (Child care and children’s/youth Sunday School during both services.)

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

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

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

5941 N.W. 176 St., Bldg. #5 Telephone: 305-244-9425 www.icrvidanueve.com

5700 W. 12 Avenue Telephone: 305-821-3232 Worship Service...................10:45 AM

St. Andrews Lutheran Church

Iglesia Cristiana Reformada Vida Nueve

Hialeah Church of Christ

Palm Springs United Methodist Church Voice for Jesus

Cobb Miami Lakes Theatre #11 Telephone 305-558-1060 6711 Main Street (Temporary meeting location) 305-818-0565 Shula’s Hotel (Davis Cup Room) Sunday service......................10:00 AM 6842 Main Street, Miami Lakes Sunday Bible Study.................9:30 AM Youth service.........................10:00 AM Sunday Worship Service.......10:30 AM Children services...................10:45 AM (Nursery provided) Sunday Evening Service..........6:00 PM Wednesday Bible Study...........7:30 PM (Editor’s Note: All information provided by individual houses of worship.

Confirm service times by telephone.

In Memoriam:

Remembering those we lost in 2017

As the Town of Miami Lakes ushered in a new year, residents reflected on the events that impacted their lives in 2017, and the great heroes who were lost as longtime Miami Lakes residents.

These military veterans, church founders, community and philanthropy leaders and longtime contractors certainly had an impact on the lives of residents, who will forever keep their memory alive.

• Patricia “Pat” Culbertson Graham, the matriarch of the Graham family that developed Miami Lakes and widow of Willian A. Graham, passed away in her sleep.

She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1924 to Roy and Cynthia Culbertson.

As a college student at the University of Minnesota, where she studied journalism, she met Bill Graham who was stationed there for training with the Army Air Corps.

An encounter at the Student Union changed her life forever, as they were soon married and moved to Miami. The couple lived in Coral Gables and Miami Springs before moving to Miami Lakes.

They had five children, Sandy Graham Younts, Bill E. Graham, Carol Graham Wyllie, Cynthia Graham Gordon and Beth Graham Martinez.

A lover of education and culture, Patricia Graham held numerous community and philanthropic leadership roles in South Florida.

• Longtime public relations person as well as a historian and preservationist Penny Lambeth. The Miami Lakes resident served as vice president of TREEmendous Miami, a volunteer group that helped plant

l hoo r Sc e t f A e Car

thousands of trees throughout Miami-Dade County.

• Laurie Stamper Eliasson, 61, passed away in Maryland following a long battle with Corticobasal Degeneration.

She was part of the first graduating class at Hialeah Miami Lakes High in 1973, and earned her degree at Florida State University in 1977.

She retired from the Air Force as a Colonel after 30 years of military service.

• Longtime Miami Lakes resident Carolyn Furlong passed away at the age of 90.

She ran her own insurance and benefits company for more than 60 years, and she blazed the trail for women who started their own businesses in a male dominated field.

• The Rev. A. Bertram Miller, founding minister of Miami Lakes Congregational Church, passed away at the age of 90 after he fell and injured his head while on his way to Vermont for the summer.

Miller followed in the footsteps of his father who was a Congregational minister.

Miller grew up in South Dakota, New Hampshire and Connecticut.

He fought in World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy V12 program.

He graduated from Harvard in 1947 and Yale Divinity School in 1950.

• Longtime Miami Lakes resident Admiral Diego Hernandez, whose military career spanned from 1955 to 1993, died following complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was 83.

Hernandez served in a variety of assignments in Navy fighter squadrons, flying from aircraft carriers deployed around the

world.

He flew two combat tours during the Vietnam War and was highly decorated for gallantry in action.

• Longtime Miami Lakes resident Dorothy Ball died due to Parkinson’s disease at the age of 81.

Ball dedicated her life to helping others, empowering women through her work with Zonta International as area director, by helping those less fortunate through her United Protestant Appeal (as president) and recording audio books for the blind.

She also counseled girls at a Miami juvenile detention facility, mentored an immigrant woman to read and write English and taught Sunday school for 18 years at Sunrise Presbyterian Church.

• Donald B. Boyd, retired USCGR, passed away following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 66.

Boyd was a retired airfield operations supervisor with the Miami-Dade Aviation Department at Miami International Airport and retired USCG Reserve CW04 with four years active duty and 30 years reserve duty.

Boyd was an avid photographer and many of his aviation photos are well-known throughout the world.

• Longtime Miami Lakes resident William Noble passed away at the Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center in Miami.

Noble was past president of the Hialeah/Miami Springs Rotary Club.

He attended Miami High, the University of Florida, and then joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. After the war, he graduated from the University of Miami with honors, and he was a proud veteran and member of the American Legion.

Noble had a distinguished 35year career with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and retired as principal of Hialeah Miami Lakes High School.

• Paul F. Chestnut Sr, passed away at the age of 83.

He was one of the longest serving electrical contractors in Miami Lakes.

His company was part of the original development of Miami Lakes performing electrical contracts on residential and commercial properties.

Chesnut was born in Nassau and came to the United States as a teenager and joined the U.S. Marine Corps.

THE MIAMI LAKER

JANUARY 5, 2018

PAGE 29

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50 ft. Bucket Truck, Chipper Dump Truck, Stump Grinder & Bobcat Loader

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SINCE 1976 IN MIAMI LAKES JOHN E. BUZZELLA

ANCHOR ROOFING • Tile Roofs • Flat Roofs • Metal Roofs

Vera Cox

305-542-1944

Call us for an estimate! ccc 1326710

3/2.5 luxury townhome with 2-car garage, gated community, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, wood laminate floors, hurricane impact windows, fitness studio, 24 hr. maintenance. From $2570 monthly. Call 305-821-1138.

Congratulations to Vera Cox for achieving a very successful year in 2017 with over $7 million in closed sales.

Vera Cox, an agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, would like to thank all her clients and customers in Miami Lakes for the privilege of representing them in 2017.

An astute business woman, and talented Real Estate professional with over 36 years of real estate experience, Vera, a 40-year resident, says she has watched Miami Lakes develop into one of the most desired communities in South Florida and understands the community’s popular appeal.

Over 15 Years Experience

305-691-7707

FOR RENT

vera.cox@coldwellbanker.com

Closing Agent/Attorney

305-817-2170

If You Are Thinking About Selling Your Home, Let’s Talk. Call me today!

Lynn Ancel Matos 305-790-7952

lynnancelmatos@gmail.com

“I am all about results and resolutions.”

Unique Realty

6167 Miami Lakes Drive, Miami Lakes

WE SELL MIAMI LAKES!

“Professional Service, Educational Guidance And 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 34 years of Real Estate Experience • Miami Lakes Top Producing Agents 2001-2016 • The Only Coldwell Banker agents in Miami Lakes ranked among the Top 100 Professionals in Florida and Top 1% nationwide.

artrodriguezrealestate.com

Debbie Lee Wilson, Realtor

Call Your Specialist Realtor Since 1988 • 305-788-5008

WWW.DEBBIELEEWILSONSELLSHOMES.COM • WILDEBB1@GMAIL.COM

THINKING OF SELLING • BUYING • RENTING • FORECLOSURE • or SHORT SALE?

I can help as I have helped many other home owners!

Beautiful single family home. Home is child proof and every room is safe. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, lots of upgrades, new pool and jacuzzi with safety features, new updated kitchen w/granite countertop, extra large pantry, spacious living and family room, true 2-car garage. Master has enclosed A/C deck on 2nd floor, All tiled, wood upstairs, 2 masters, 1 on 1st floor. Full clubhouse facilities. 24-hour gated security. No HOA approval required.

Call Debbie 305-788-5008. FOR SALE!

Palm Springs North. This home is an original in a family community. 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, garage can be converted to a third bedroom and enough room for a 2nd bathroom. Roof is 5 years old. Does have an attic and can install central A/C. Home is solid, just needs some TLC. Great family community. Miami-Dade County patrolled night and day. Lot size is 11,623 sq. ft.

Call Debbie 305-788-5008.

Step into a nice surprise. This very spacious 3 bedrooms, 2 updated bathrooms home features a fully updated kitchen w/extra cabinet space, 2,637 adjusted sq. ft. Beautiful wood floors. Master is spacious w/a sitting area for office or TV room, Roman bathtub, and his & hers closet spaces. Washer and dryer located in laundry rom. True 2-car garage. Roof is 5 years new. Large fenced back yard with plenty room for a pool. Home is priced right.

Hot Listing. Corner townhouse, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room and separate dining room. updated kitchen and appliances. Tiled floors except master has carpet. Plenty of guest parking and 2 assigned parking spaces in front.

1,545 sq. ft., built in 1982. Close to I-75 and 826. Security features 24-hour patrol, gated community. Olympic size pool, Nautilis equipment, basketball, racquetball, tennis and kiddie playground and pool.

Call Debbie 305-788-5008. FOR SALE!

Call Debbie 305-788-5008. FOR SALE!

Beautiful Lakes on the Green updated single family home. All 4 bedrooms are large, 2.5 updated bathrooms. 2,728 sq. ft. Amazing pool 15X30 feet, 6 foot deep, In a Key Weststyle setting. Wood floors and stairs throughout. Updated kitchen w/wood cabinets and granite counter top. Spacious master w/ nice sitting area and super large bathroom. A loft can be an office. Large family and living room. Truly a family entertaining home.

Call Debbie 305-788-5008. FOR SALE!

Extremely well kept lakefront home. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, with 1-car garage in highly sought after Miami Lakes on Sable Drive.

1,873 sq. ft. living area built in 1969. New A/C, all appliances 1-year new. All tiled floors. Roof 14 years well kept. Great schools, low taxes.

Spacious enclosed Florida room overlooking tranquil lake. Relax on a floating raft. No association fee. Great neighborhood.

Call Debbie 305-788-5008. SOLD

Lakeview For Rent in Palm Springs North.

One bedroom, private home, full bathroom and kitchen efficiency. All tiled. Central A/C new 1 year. New appliances and countertop. $900 month, 1st, last and one month security.

Includes electric, water and Comcast, no internet. No smokers. Must have background check and credit report.

Call Debbie 305-788-5008.

FOR RENT. ELEGANT! Single family 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-story, built 1991, 2-car garage, Central A/C 8 months old, roof 8 years old. Tile and wood floors. Very nice patio. patio furniture stays. $2,400 month, 1st, last and 1 month security. Community has olympic-size pool, clubhouse, tennis, racquet ball, baseketball. No HOA approval. Will need 2 months pay stubs, background and credit check.

Call Debbie 305-788-5008.

THE MIAMI LAKER

JANUARY 5, 2018

PAGE 31

Live in Miami Lakes Luxury

Serving the Miami Lakes community for over 36 years as a full service Realtor!

9431 West 35th Avenue – Hialeah

• Large 1, 2 and 3 bedroom rentals • 2 and 3 bedroom Townhomes* • Stainless steel appliances with • Resort style pool with granite countertops* large sunning area • Washer & Dryer in every unit • Controlled access entry • 24-hour emergency maintenance • Shula’s Athletic Club Benefit * Select units

For Sale $540,000

Mediterranean-style home in gated community. This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home with a 2-car garage sits on a large lot with a beautiful lake view. Over $30,000 in upgrades. Crown molding, S/S appliances, granite top and back splash, accordion shutters, custom walk-in closet, pavers in back yard.

Vera Cox

305-542-1944

vera.cox@coldwellbanker.com

Closing Agent/Attorney

305-817-2170

Visit our website at www.grahamresidential.com

Featured Properties

LL

Gorgeous home in Miami Lakes. Originally a 4/2, now used as a 3/2 with an open den. Can be converted back to bedroom. 24-inch travertine floors in living areaas, laminate flooring in bedrooms. Remodeled kitchen and bathroom, Entrance features 40-foot palm trees and natural stone driveway. Heated pool with new pump, cascading waterfall and lots of extras. High efficiency washer/dryer, new A/C. Priced to sell. $425,000. A10388801.

This amazing home looks like a model. Home includes master suite w/master bath plus terrace overlooking extraordinary lake views; junior master suite with junior master bath, plus 3 extra bedrooms with oversized common bathroom. Dual central A/C units. Custom kitchen with wood cabinets, top-of-the-line appliances, 2 living rooms, 2 dining rooms, breakfast area, family room, open terrace overlooking Lake Martha. 2-car garage, vaulted ceilings. $782,000. A10386938.

Rare opportunity to own a cozy single family home in desirable gated community of The Moors. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1-car garage with enclosed back patio. Split floor plan with washer/dryer. Home needs some upudating but priced right to allow updating to buyer’s liking. Excellent for a first time buyer or as an investment opportunity. Low HOA and taxes. Maintenance covers pool, tennis, gym, guard gate, etc. $269,000. A1038261.

Desirable Pier Pointe 3 home includes 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 half bath downstairs, California closets in all rooms, updated kitchen, bathrooms and floorings, screened terrace, 1-car garage. Accordian hurricane shutters.

Top-of-the-line appliances, washer/dryer and move. $319,900. A10378411.z

Rare opportunity to own a unique 1.92-acre estate in prestigious Miami Lakes neighborhood of Loch Lomond. Elegant estate is located on best lot in area with unparalleled wide open lake views. Beautiful pool overlooking the lake, private beach area, large pavilion with built-in BBQ. Separate lot also for sale. Home buyer has right of first refusal to purchase all together. $1,950,000. A10354536.

Great opportunity to live on an exquisite lake front property in the heart of Miami Lakes. This gem of a home sits on over half acre offering plenty of greenery for enjoyment. Entire second floor is private master suite incl. oversized closet, master bath with separate shower/tub, and large balcony overlooking pool and lake. 4 large bedrooms downstairs. Plenty of room to entertain an immense family room. This size lot is unheard of in Miami Lakes. $985,000. A10375798.

Beautiful lakefront home in Rivera Isles offers great floorplan with one bedroom and full bath downstairs. Master bedroom with sitting area spacious enough for an office on second floor.

Home offers large kitchen tastefully remodeled overlooking living room with beautiful lake views. This home is truly remarkable.

Community features a pool, basketball and tennis courts, exercise room and more! $530,000. A10374099.

Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with onecar garage in excellent condition. Room for a pool. Cilrcular driveway. Brand new central A/C, washer and dryer and dishwasher.

Master bath remodeled 2 months ago. Big family room, Property half block from Miami Lakes K-8 Center school. Ready to move in! $464,900. A10366613.

Custom-built Royal Oaks home on the canal.

High ceilings, huge master bedroom w/large open balcony. Plenty of extras incl. 2-zone AC, central vacuum, fireplace, bay windows and skylights. Roof replaced in 2005. 24/7 guard-gated community. Mostly impact windows and some hurricane panels. 2-car ample garage. 1/1 downstairs, 4/2 upstairs.

Private street with low traffic. Room for a pool. $521,000. A10359961.

Amazing corner unit 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms on 4th floor. Ceramic floors throughout except in master bedroom. Galley kitchen with breakfast nook. Housing for older persons 55+. Roll-up shutters on balcony. Courtesy transportation, club house, theatre, health club, restaurant, market place with pharmacy, cafeteria, hair and nail salon and lots of amenities to enjoy. Building located next to pool. Sellers motivated. Will consider all reasonable offers. $133,000. A10358562.

Keyes Miami Lakes • 6850 Main Street • Miami Lakes, FL 33014 • 305-822-9800

PAGE 32

JANUARY 5, 2018

THE MIAMI LAKER

SEVEN N DEAL LERS A LL IN ONE O LOCATION CATION! N DEALERS ALL LOCATION! CHE VROLET ET CHEVROLET

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