Miami's Community Newspapers White Logo
Home Blog Page 2072

Take the Cadillac CTS-V out for a spin — but hang on tight

Take the Cadillac CTS-V out for a spin — but hang on tight

When you think of the Cadillac brand, an image of a vast piece of machinery larger than your living room may come to mind.

Luxury, easy driving, and comfort that will eat up the miles were all synonymous with Cadillac four decades ago.

But today, Cadillac has successfully reinvented itself into a brand that young people entering the luxury car market definitely want to buy. This was certainly the case upon Cadillac releasing the CTS-V Series in 2004, and continues to be so with the most recent refresh in 2016 — the most powerful Cadillac ever sold.

The 2018 Cadillac CTS-V is a high-performance version of the regular CTS sedan. With 640 horsepower coming from a 6.2 litre supercharged V8 borrowed from the Corvette Z06, the two-ton family sedan can go from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 200 miles per hour. This isn’t your grandfather’s Caddy. Even with the summer tires that came on our test car, we were able to spin the rear wheels without even trying. Don’t tell the cops.

The CTS-V has a truly state-of-the-art chassis and suspension that allow it to take corners better and impart more communication to the driver than other high-performance luxury sedans. That suspension also allows it to have an impressively comfortable ride for a performance car.

So what is new with the 2018? Well, first on the list, the CTS-V gains an updated infotainment system interface and two USB charge ports for the rear passengers. Passengers also will appreciate the Luxury package’s sunshades, seat heating, and rear climate controls. It’s even got a smart folding rear seatback. Also make sure to consider the CTS-Vs with the optional Recaro sport seats; they are quite attractive.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, summer performance tires, Brembo performance brakes, an electronic limited-slip differential, a magnetically controlled adaptive suspension, an automatic parking system, xenon headlights with auto high beams, automatic wipers, a driver auto-dimming mirror, remote ignition, keyless ignition and entry, forward collision warning, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, lane departure warning and intervention, and rearview and curb-view parking cameras.

Comfort and entertainment features include dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power-adjustable front seats (with heating, manual thigh extenders and power-adjustable bolsters), driver-seat memory settings, leather and simulated suede upholstery, a heated power-adjustable steering wheel, a simulated suede headliner, a 12.3-inch all-digital gauge display, a head-up display, an eight-inch touchscreen interface, OnStar communications (with 4G LTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot), wireless smartphone charging, Bluetooth, three USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a navigation system, and a 13-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with satellite and HD radio.

What was really cool about my test car was the Carbon Fiber package that adds a carbon-fiber hood vent, spoiler, front splitter and rear diffuser.

Driving-wise, this car offers classic American muscle with state-of-the-art handling capabilities which is where the CTS-V shines and has a leg up on its staunchest German rivals. Also, the ultra-solid brakes are an excellent match to the engine and easy to modulate. And the steering response in Touring mode feels spot-on and delivers decent feedback.

On fuel economy, the CTS-V achieves a respectable 14 mpg/city and 21 mpg/highway. At $102,000, it definitely undercuts its German competitors on price.

So if you’re looking for one of the most thrilling high-powered sedans on the market, this Caddy has to be on your shopping list.

Grant Miller is the publisher of Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or via email at Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.

Paramount celebrates banner moment as tower tops off

Paramount celebrates banner moment as tower tops off

To celebrate a banner moment in the construction of — and flag the building’s unwavering international sales — developers and construction crews of Paramount Miami Worldcenter flew 50 flags from around the world atop the Miami Skyline as yo salute the more than 550 construction workers of the monumental tower.

The signature residential tower of the massive 27-acre mixed-use Miami Worldcenter development topping off celebration was set for Friday, Aug. 3, 11:30 a.m. Paramount Miami Worldcenter developers Dan Kodsi, Nitin Motwani and Art Falcone, and the project’s general contractor, CoastalTishman, a joint venture between Coastal Construction and AECOM Tishman, marked the highpoint along with hundreds of construction workers, engineers and sub-contractors involved in the project with a ceremonial on-site luncheon.

In United Nations-like display, the streaming flags symbolized each of the different nationalities represented among the tower’s buyer pool including: Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Kuwait, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.

City of Miami awarded $200K grant for affordable housing

The City of Miami has been selected by the Center for Community Investment (CCI) to take part in Connect Capital, an initiative that assists communities in attracting and deploying capital in low-income and disinvested areas.

“This grant enables us to better serve some of Miami’s most vulnerable residents,” said city manager Emilio Gonzalez. “The work funded by this initiative will help make Miami a more resilient community.”

Miami was competitively selected as one of six teams across the country to participate in Connect Capital. Teams consist of local leaders from a range of sectors and disciplines who tackle problems that are considered by residents to be critical to the well-being of the community.

Miami’s team comprises representatives with strong backgrounds in planning, residential construction, community development and non-profit advocacy. The team’s main goal is to work towards preserving and creating a combined 12,000 affordable housing units in Miami within five years, and to bring affordable housing to the forefront of conversation in the city.

“We have an ambitious goal to help thousands of our city’s residents who are struggling to pay their rent and mortgages,” said George Mensah, director of the city’s Department of Community and Economic Development and a member of the Miami Connect Capital team. “I’m hopeful that our collaborative team of partners can create lasting change in Miami and address the housing affordability crisis.”

The other Connect Capital teams are based in Central Appalachia; Coachella Valley, CA; Milwaukee, WI; Richmond, VA, and Seattle, WA. With funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), Connect Capital provides each team with a range of support including customized coaching, facilitated peer learning, and a two-year, $200,000 grant from RWJF to fund a local staff position dedicated to advancing the team’s work.

“Connect Capital is a way to make capital flow to places where it doesn’t go on its own, to address the shortage of affordable housing, reduce health disparities, or minimize the impact of flooding on vulnerable places,” explained Robin Hacke, executive director of CCI.

Persons interested in joining Miami’s Connect Capital mailing list, to receive the latest updates and information on the initiative, can send email to connectcapital@miamigov.com.

 

Jones Beach legal settlement provides safety for endangered birds

Jones Beach legal settlement provides safety for endangered birds
Jones Beach legal settlement provides safety for endangered birds
Piping Plover and chick. (Photo by Matt Filosa/Shutterstock.)

Based on a judicial order and settlement entered on August 6, the Piping Plovers that nest annually at Jones Beach State Park in New York will no longer face the risk of predation from feral cat colonies inside the Park’s boundaries. The plover, a small shorebird, is federally protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as a Threatened species in the Atlantic Coast region, and is listed as Endangered under New York law.

A lawsuit filed by American Bird Conservancy (ABC) in March 2016 alleged a violation of the ESA based on a concern that New York State Parks was not doing enough to ensure that feral cats do not harm the protected Piping Plovers and their chicks.

Subsequent discussions between ABC and New York State Parks led to a settlement that provides protection to the plovers from cat predation.

Under the order and settlement, the cats currently living in colonies at Jones Beach will be humanely trapped and removed from the park by the end of the year to a sanctuary where they will be cared for. If the cats cannot be humanely relocated immediately, a limited number of cats will temporarily remain in a fenced area at the park. State Parks has also agreed that any new cats found in the park will be trapped and removed so new cat colonies do not exist at the park in the future. The agreement means that the plovers and their chicks will no longer face the possibility of predation from cats.

“We are delighted to reach this agreement,” said Mike Parr, President of American Bird Conservancy. “By removing the cat colonies, New York State Parks has ensured a much safer environment for the plovers to help them nest successfully in the future.”

Rose Harvey, Commissioner, New York Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, said, “Jones Beach State Park is simply not an appropriate place for stray or abandoned cats. We are pleased this agreement with American Bird Conservancy strikes a sensible balance between protecting the Piping Plover and relocating the feral cats that have been dropped off in the park in as humane a manner as possible.”

“Cats make wonderful pets but harm wildlife when allowed to roam outdoors,” said Grant Sizemore, Director of Invasive Species Programs at ABC. “Every year, cats kill an estimated 2.4 billion birds in the U.S. alone. Feral cats, listed among the world’s most harmful invasive species, are particularly problematic. As a result of this settlement, we’re thrilled that the Piping Plovers at Jones Beach State Park will be better protected from feral cats.”

State Parks is committed to maintaining a safe environment for the Piping Plover and regularly takes steps to protect their habitat, including pre-season fencing of plover nesting areas, signage, monitoring, exclosures on nests, public education and outreach, driving restrictions, and predator monitoring.

ABC was represented in the case by lawyers from the New York Office of Goodwin Procter.

American Bird Conservancy is dedicated to conserving birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. With an emphasis on achieving results and working in partnership, we take on the greatest problems facing birds today, innovating and building on rapid advancements in science to halt extinctions, conserve habitats, eliminate threats, and build capacity for bird conservation. Find us on abcbirds.org, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@abcbirds1).

Keeping up with Ruth Jacobs — she’s 90 and fabulous

Keeping up with Ruth Jacobs — she’s 90 and fabulous

Ruth Jacobs embraces the “no moss grows on a rolling stone” adage, and she is living proof that it must be true. At 90 years young, the San Antonio native and Coral Gables resident remains the very embodiment of volunteerism and altruism, and has a posse of friends and followers so vast it would eclipse any modern teen’s social orbit.

To mark her July 20 milestone birthday, her legion of admirers gathered at the charming “Doc Thomas House” on Sunset Drive.

The frame cottage anchors the Tropical Audubon Society (TAS) campus, is a Dade County Historic landmark, a Florida Heritage Site and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Like statuesque Ruth, it has great bones and is built of sturdy stuff (in its case, Tidewater Red Cypress and Dade County Pine). Its 1932 pedigree makes it “one of my favorite ‘Old Miami’ places,” Ruth informed the nearly 100 folks gathered to fête her on a sultry, midsummer Miami night.

Indeed, the joint was jumping. Just about anyone who was in town and had ever met or worked with the historic preservation advocate had RSVP’d “Yes!” As the celebrants gathered, Django Reinhard 1930s Jazz tunes set the vintage mood.

“We have never had a parlor crowd like this for anyone or anything, and we host celebrity artists, politicians, scientists and activists all the time,” TAS events director Amy Creekmur observed.

Commissioned by original owner Arden Hayes “Doc” Thomas (a South Miami-area pioneer and TAS benefactor) and designed by architect Robert Fitch Smith, the historic house is Ruth’s cup of tea. That the architect’s son, Donald Smith, and noted Miami historian Arva Moore Parks were among Ruth’s well-wishers was not surprising.

A history buff and storyteller at heart, Jacobs, a former model and Texas beauty queen, was captivated by Miami’s compact history from the outset. She landed here in 1964 with three children in tow when Riddle Air Lines transferred her now-late husband Tom to the burgeoning aviation hub. Shortly after arriving, the young family settled on S. Alhambra Circle in 1965. In addition to digging into local history, the mother of five jumped headfirst into the PTA when fraternal twins Caron and Chris entered first grade at Sunset Elementary. Her trajectory from involved parent to host of “PTA Center Stage,” which aired on PBS-WLRN from the 1970s through the 1990s, was notable.

In the mid-1970s, Ruth joined Dade Heritage Trust (DHT). She vividly recalls helping with its first project, the Wagner Homestead WLRN Documentary. Ruth later served two terms on the DHT board and was named education chair; she presently volunteers as a history docent at The Biltmore Hotel on behalf of DHT.

“I like people to be aware that they live in a fascinating place with a colorful history; it’s not just sun and sand,” she said of Miami.

As passionate as Ruth is about historic preservation and education, working toward a cancer cure is what drives her. For going on 55 years she has volunteered with Woman’s Cancer Association of the University of Miami where she has served variously as president of the Bush Chapter and chaired annual fashion shows to raise funds for cancer research. When Bush Chapter recently merged with Barton Ravlin Chapter, so did ever-adaptable Ruth.

The fit and fabulous 90-year-old is irrepressible. A few years ago, she joined The Villagers, which provides funding for preservation projects and scholarships for students pursuing careers in historic preservation. “I always like to say, ‘The Villagers put their money where their mouth is.’ They just don’t talk about preservation, they fund it,” Jacobs said.

To meet this inspirational woman and bask in her aura, take a Ruth-led historic tour of The Biltmore Hotel. (Contact DHT at 305-358-9572 to inquire about Ruth’s one-Sunday-per-month docent schedule.)

Hotel Colonnade hosts Appreciation Party for Coral Gables Woman’s Club

Hotel Colonnade hosts Appreciation Party for Coral Gables Woman's Club

Members of the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club and major donors were celebrated and thanked for their efforts during a lovely reception underwritten and hosted by the Hotel Colonnade in the Aragon Cafe on Aug. 6.

On behalf of the CGWC board of directors and club members, club president Arely Ruiz thanked Hotel Colonnade general manager Ian McClendon, food and beverage manager Roger Vivas, and their accommodating friendly staff for providing a perfect venue, delicious hors d’oeuvres, drinks and amazing service. During the evening, Arely took a break in the festivities to present several donors with gifts as a thank you for their ongoing support.

The affair also served to kickoff plans for the 2019 Gala to take place Feb. 9, 2019. Several major donors were recognized including the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation, Delta Dental, Coral Gables Community Foundation, Miami’s Community Newspapers, Coral Gables Hospital, The Giving Tree and many others.

Among the many attending were Blanca Ceballos, Hernando and Elizabeth Valenzuela, Yvonne Llauro, Donna Myrrill, Kim Davison, Valerie Valenzuela, Barbara Lapsley, Dr. Iris Torres, Ana Lam, Mireya Kilmon, Jessenia Francisco, Kate Swain, Noreen Timoney, Shirley Pardon, and Aileen Ortega.

In Rotary news, two recent speakers at the Rotary Club of Coral Gables discussed issues critical to our quality of life. First up was Alice Bravo who addressed the club on July 26. Bravo shared updates on current projects and future transportation-related plans for our county.

The following week, on Aug. 2, the club heard from Eric Eikenberg, CEO of The Everglades Foundation.

This was especially timely with the toxic algae threat becoming more severe and threatening wildlife and our waters. There can be help to stem this if we proceed building a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee to take toxic water from lake, process it and let it drain to the south. Problem is, the legislature needs to move on this; the funding is there. Eric stressed the importance of contacting our law makers and has an easy way we can all do this. Text 52886 and then type in WATER. That one step will make your voice heard.

On the cultural scene, the return of the hilarious hit, Big Bang, opened at Actors’ Playhouse in the Gables on July 27. This two-man musical comedy, starring Nick Santa Maria and Ken Clement, was brought back by popular demand and it is no surprise it received a standing ovation.

Aside from a great show, opening night theatergoers enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner compliments of Catering By Lovables and, of course, the open bar courtesy of Bacardi.

Among the many guests seen enjoying the evening were Jack Thomson, and former Gables Mayor Dorothy Thomson, School Board member Marta Perez, Fran Sevcik, Valerie Valenzuela, and Roy Gonas.

In other news, The Ponce Society of Young Professionals, the Coral Gables Community Foundation’s young professionals group, hosted its annual Shirt anjd Tie Drive at Copper 29 on Aug. 7. This annual drive began in 2012 and is combined with an after-hours reception. As always, members and guests generously donate dress shirts, ties and pants so that the Coral Gables High School Football team can continue its tradition of dressing up on game days.’

The Ponce Society plans to distribute these items to the football team during a pizza party before the team’s first game of the season. Kudos to Joe Lancaster of La Salle Dry Cleaners who has kindly donated his dry cleaning services for the donated items.

Several Coral Gables Rotarians joined Rotarians from around the district to attend a Rotary2Rotary social event on Aug. 8 at Actors’ and had a chance to enjoy the show. For many Gables Rotarians it was a double header. Earlier that same evening, they attended a social the club hosted in conjunction with the Coral Gables Bar Association. The event served as a mini fundraiser at the new Aloft Hotel on LeJeune and was coordinated by Rotarian and CGBA member Kelly Garces. It is always great to find opportunities to work together with other organizations to share ideas.

PACE Center for Girls fifth annual Believing in Girls Luncheon will be held on Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Hotel Colonnade, 180 Aragon Ave. in Coral Gables.

Until next time, keep making each day count.

See Star Wars film under the stars at the Barnacle

See Star Wars film under the stars at the Barnacle

See Star Wars film under the stars at the BarnacleFor a really cool way to spend a great night out with the family, head over to Coconut Grove’s Barnacle Historic State Park for the popular “Movies in the Park” program with the next viewing scheuled for Friday, Aug. 24, at 8:30 p.m.

Presented by the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District (BID), visitors are invited to bring their blankets and chairs for an evening under the stars to watch Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

And the best part is admission is free and there is a Freebee shuttle service that totes moviegoers form and to neighboring parking lots and garages, before and after the event. Or visitors can save gas and take advantage of a bicycle valet service at the park, provided by Bike Coconut Grove.

For more information, visit www.coconutgrove.com.

If you want to land a great spot on the lawn, get to the park early, at 8 p.m., when the gate opens. Also, note that no pets are allowed.

Need a nudge remembering the story line of this 2017 Star Wars hit (rated PG-13)? Well here you go: Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order.

Looking ahead, the Sept. 28 film is Meet the Fockers, also rated PG-13. In this movie, newly engaged Greg and Pam join Pam’s straitlaced family on an RV trip to Miami to meet Greg’s eccentric parents. Get ready for lots of laughs with this film.

Located at 3485 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove The Barnacle Historic State Park is administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. For information about the park, call 305-442-6866 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/park/The-Barnacle.

Pahl Physical Therapy celebrates the opening of their relocated office

Pahl Physical Therapy celebrates the opening of their relocated office

What was old is new again. Pahl Physical Therapy celebrates the opening of their re-located, well known South Miami physical therapy office.

Thirty-Four years ago Craig Pahl, PT, MHS began practicing physical therapy in South Miami. A graduate of the University of Miami Physical Therapy program, and former adjunct instructor for the department, he soon gained popularity in the treatment of orthopedic patients in the community.

Pahl Physical Therapy and Pilates, P.A. now enjoys the addition of Craig’s son Nathan Pahl, DPT, also a graduate of the University of Miami Physical Therapy program. Together, the therapists are committed to provide caring, effective, and personalized treatment as they have in the past.

Now relocated at 8267 South Dixie Highway, the modern, newly renovated office provides first floor convenience and easy access for all patients. They provide extended office hours from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., and Sunday’s upon request. They differ from other facilities in that every treatment is provided by a licensed physical therapy (not assistants or aides). Please call them with any additional questions at 305-665-7848. (Se habla Espanol.)

What superstar athletes can teach us about branding

What superstar athletes can teach us about brandingMiami city commissioners recently approved a public referendum on David Beckham’s Major League Soccer complex, which features a 25,000-seat stadium, retail, restaurant and office space, a hotel and a public park, all built on what is now a city-owned golf course near Miami International Airport. When Miami residents head to the polls this November to vote on the proposed no-bid process, Miamians will have much to debate about the stadium plans, including impacts on the surrounding community, traffic, environment, etc. All that aside, the stadium has one advantage that is hard to ignore:

Beckham.

Yes, one of the partners who seek to benefit in this mega-venture is also one of the most recognizable athletes (people?) on the planet. According to The Sun, the professional soccer star turned Armani underwear model turned multi-million dollar business mogul earned a staggering £18.75 million in 2017 from the “commercialization of the ‘David Beckham’ brand.” Yes, he made that much money simply by being himself.

So how does a public figure become a marketable brand? The transformation is not the same each time — for instance, Beckham’s rise to prominence is different from that of Kim Kardashian or Michael Phelps — but to be a successful brand, an individual must have two things:

1. A gripping story, and
2. Widespread appeal.

Enter Lebron James. After leaving Cleveland for Miami, Miami for Cleveland, and Cleveland for Los Angeles, the 33-year-old MVP finds himself on the receiving end of a $153 million deal with the Lakers. Beyond sports, he’s the owner/co-owner of an entertainment company, a marketing firm, an English soccer club, and the national Blaze Pizza chain. He even has his own charitable foundation, centered around providing “education and co-curricular educational initiatives” to kids and teens. With 41 million Twitter followers, King James has built a sizable following, sold more signature Nike shoes than any other active player, and has his hands in more projects and investable properties than we care to count.

Lebron James’ narrative is full of ups and downs. It’s authentic, non-linear and never dull, and his talents on and off the court have widespread appeal. This is ultimately why we care about him—and why he has transcended basketball stardom to become a recognized and revered brand on the global scale.

While your brand may not play for the Lakers or have its own signature sneaker, you can still invest time in crafting a gripping brand story that captures consumers’ attention and entices them to follow your every move. Consider Burt’s Bees, a company founded in 1984 by a local artist and a beekeeper. Behind their sleek website and modern designs is a rich, deeply personal history, a passion for nature and nutrition, and commitments to sustainability and responsible sourcing. As for the appeal: Burt’s has created an extensive line of skin care and cosmetic products that meet the needs and desires of an ever-expanding customer base all over the world.

Remember: Before Lebron was “King James”… he was a hardworking ball player at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. Before David Beckham was “David Beckham”… he was the mascot for Manchester United. Don’t overlook humble beginnings, and don’t assume that success is achieved overnight. Instead, focus on stellar storytelling and provide products and services that have widespread appeal. Concentrate on those two pivotal elements (and communicating them effectively), and you’ll have your own Nike deal in no time.

About Brand Poets
Founded by Tana M. Llinas, Brand Poets is a collective of strategists, visual storytellers, and digital artisans crafting smart, poignant campaigns that command attention. www.brandpoets.com

Take the Cadillac CTS-V out for a spin — but hang on tight

Take the Cadillac CTS-V out for a spin — but hang on tight

When you think of the Cadillac brand, an image of a vast piece of machinery larger than your living room may come to mind.

Luxury, easy driving, and comfort that will eat up the miles were all synonymous with Cadillac four decades ago.

But today, Cadillac has successfully reinvented itself into a brand that young people entering the luxury car market definitely want to buy. This was certainly the case upon Cadillac releasing the CTS-V Series in 2004, and continues to be so with the most recent refresh in 2016 — the most powerful Cadillac ever sold.

The 2018 Cadillac CTS-V is a high-performance version of the regular CTS sedan. With 640 horsepower coming from a 6.2 litre supercharged V8 borrowed from the Corvette Z06, the two-ton family sedan can go from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 200 miles per hour. This isn’t your grandfather’s Caddy. Even with the summer tires that came on our test car, we were able to spin the rear wheels without even trying. Don’t tell the cops.

The CTS-V has a truly state-of-the-art chassis and suspension that allow it to take corners better and impart more communication to the driver than other high-performance luxury sedans. That suspension also allows it to have an impressively comfortable ride for a performance car.

So what is new with the 2018? Well, first on the list, the CTS-V gains an updated infotainment system interface and two USB charge ports for the rear passengers. Passengers also will appreciate the Luxury package’s sunshades, seat heating, and rear climate controls. It’s even got a smart folding rear seatback. Also make sure to consider the CTS-Vs with the optional Recaro sport seats; they are quite attractive.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, summer performance tires, Brembo performance brakes, an electronic limited-slip differential, a magnetically controlled adaptive suspension, an automatic parking system, xenon headlights with auto high beams, automatic wipers, a driver auto-dimming mirror, remote ignition, keyless ignition and entry, forward collision warning, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, lane departure warning and intervention, and rearview and curb-view parking cameras.

Comfort and entertainment features include dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power-adjustable front seats (with heating, manual thigh extenders and power-adjustable bolsters), driver-seat memory settings, leather and simulated suede upholstery, a heated power-adjustable steering wheel, a simulated suede headliner, a 12.3-inch all-digital gauge display, a head-up display, an eight-inch touchscreen interface, OnStar communications (with 4G LTE and a Wi-Fi hotspot), wireless smartphone charging, Bluetooth, three USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a navigation system, and a 13-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with satellite and HD radio.

What was really cool about my test car was the Carbon Fiber package that adds a carbon-fiber hood vent, spoiler, front splitter and rear diffuser.

Driving-wise, this car offers classic American muscle with state-of-the-art handling capabilities which is where the CTS-V shines and has a leg up on its staunchest German rivals. Also, the ultra-solid brakes are an excellent match to the engine and easy to modulate. And the steering response in Touring mode feels spot-on and delivers decent feedback.

On fuel economy, the CTS-V achieves a respectable 14 mpg/city and 21 mpg/highway. At $102,000, it definitely undercuts its German competitors on price.

So if you’re looking for one of the most thrilling high-powered sedans on the market, this Caddy has to be on your shopping list.

Grant Miller is the publisher of Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or via email at Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.

Positive People in Pinecrest – Hannah Sprinkle

Positive People in Pinecrest - Hannah Sprinkle
Positive People in Pinecrest - Hannah Sprinkle
Hannah Sprinkle

New Westminster Christian graduate Hannah Sprinkle is preparing to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Sprinkle plans on majoring in biology. Her goal is to go into research – either researching cancer or genetics.

“They are two subjects I find interesting,” she says.

She’s been a science enthusiast throughout high school. One summer she participated in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute research program for high school students. Through the program, Sprinkle was part of the research team at the University of Miami for a study on ovarian cancer. At the end of the program, she and her research partner presented a paper on their work.

She took what she learned from that research and put together a science fair project. She spent seven weeks last summer on her project and preparing the science project board and writing a report.

She put together a board for the regional fair.

“Everything is printed onto the board,” she says.

Her project was good enough to be one of the 18 in Miami-Dade to qualify for the state science fair.

So she made a bigger presentation board for the state science board.

“I added a few pictures and changed some paragraphs.”

While she didn’t place in the state science fair, she loved the experience. She particularly loved seeing other people’s projects.

At Westminster, Sprinkle took her community service seriously. She and a friend created a program called Angels in Action.

They’d go to the East Ridge Senior Center once a month to do a craft or something creative with the seniors.

“We started doing it the end of our sophomore year,” she says. “I guess we were trying to bring a light into the community.”

She liked being able to help brighten someone’s day.

“I guess we felt that it was one of the areas in the community that didn’t have as many people go to it,” she says. “We saw clubs that were focused on animals. We didn’t see anyone focused on East Ridge. A community that hadn’t been reached yet. A lot of time they get left there and they don’t have their families visit them. A lot of community service clubs don’t go there.”

They worked primarily with the seniors in the assisted living section of the East Ridge community.

Last Halloween they painted pumpkins and used stickers to create jack-of-lanterns.

“If it wasn’t a holiday, we’d do something like a birdhouse,” she says.

Sprinkle was instrumental in starting a chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

“We had the African Children’s Choir come and do a benefit at the school,” she says. “They came and they performed a concert.”

The proceeds from the concert were donated to orphanages in Africa. The students at Westminster worked to find places for the children from the choir to stay while they were in Miami. They also worked as ushers at the sold-out concert.

Sprinkle began singing in the Westminster choir in seventh grade. Until last year, she sang soprano but her senior year she switched to middle when she got into the Honors Girls Ensemble.

Over the years she’s performed in the Westminster dinner theater and at competitions where she has received excellent ratings.

She hopes to continue to sing, possibly in a musical club while in college.

Sprinkle was involved in several honor societies where she had leadership roles. She was in charge of tutoring for the National Honor Society, vice president of the National English Honor Society, and secretary of the Science Honor Society.

Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

Bahamas Panter style

Bahamas Panter style

Bahamas Panter styleThe Panter family is pictured during their visit to Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Thanks for taking along your favorite newspaper.

- Advertisement -