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Positive People in Pinecrest – Emma Angeletti.

Positive People in Pinecrest - Emma Angeletti.
Positive People in Pinecrest - Emma Angeletti.
Emma Angeletti.

Palmetto High School rising senior Emma Angeletti is passionate about the environment. She and her siblings have created a community service project and environmental non-profit called back2earth with the goal of educating people about the environment and convincing them to begin composting, among other things.

One of the problems is full landfills and food waste in those landfills.

“A lot of people end up throwing away food,” she says.

That food waste creates problems in the form of methane gases.

“Huge amounts of methane are created in landfills,” she says.

The solution is compost piles or boxes in yards.

“That’s one of the ones we promote,” she says.

Composting creates rich nutrients that can be put back in the soil. That helps agriculture reduce the need for fertilizers and improves water retention in the soil, which means less watering. Composting is great for gardens but can be done by those who don’t garden but are happy to help the environment.

“You do it in a compost box which is closed, with a mesh on top. An animal cannot open it,” she says. “If done right, the most is it’s going to attract is worms, which is good.”

She and her siblings have done school presentations to talk about the benefits of composting. They are working on starting a composting pile at George Washington Carver Middle School.

“It was in a relaxed environment. They were listening. It was great,” she says. “We had a Tupperware of fresh compost to show them that it’s not dirt, it’s fertilizer, and it’s nutrient rich.”

They started a composting program in South Miami with the hopes that they can make enough compost to sell to farmers.

“It would reduce the need for pesticides because it’s nutrient rich,” she says.

They’ve been working on the program throughout the year. They have given people buckets to collect the food scraps – minus meats, dairy products or eggs – and then they collect the buckets once a week.

They are hoping to bring composting to Palmetto High. Angeletti has talked to the Advanced Placement Environmental Science teacher about setting up a program and she’s interested.

“I was thinking about starting a club like that,” Angeletti says. “If that doesn’t work out, I’d try to make it an independent program.”

One of the catalysts of their commitment to the program is what they perceive as the dissolution of the federal Environmental Protection Agency in the past year. She and her siblings were talking about the situation and decided this was something they could do to help the environment.

“My brother has worked closely with the mayor of South Miami,” she says. “He’s also associated with the CLEO institute. He applied to be a climate speaker.”

They are putting an emphasis on educating the public because it doesn’t require extensive mobilization, it just requires someone to listen.

At school, Angeletti has been a member of Key Club and Interact. This past year she was in the Asian Culture Club.

She’s an athlete who is seeded sixth or seventh on the Palmetto Tennis Team. She played in most of the tournaments until it was time to go to the playoffs, where they could only take the top five seeds. The team went on to win the state championship.

She says playing for the team was awesome.

“I’m typically a shy person so I’m not that involved in school. The tennis team, it made me conquer that shyness,” she says. “The tournaments are a different energy. Even if I’m not playing its great watching.”

Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld

It’s time for a ‘strong mayor’ system in the City of Miami

2020 GMC Yukon Denali
Grant Miller, Publisher
It's time for a ‘strong mayor’ system in the City of Miami
Grant MIller

There’s a petition underway to change the City of Miami’s Charter to create a strong mayor system, with the mayor becoming the city’s top administrator. Called the Strong Miami proposal, it seeks to add transparency, efficiency and accountability to city government.

How would it help?
A strong, people’s mayor would be the elected chief executive of the city, responsible for its day-to-day operations, while the commission would function as the legislative branch, approving the budget and passing or repealing ordinances. Such a separation of powers is common in most big cities across the United States and throughout other levels of government. With this arrangement, the commission would provide important checks and balances to the executive functions of the mayor.

The change would make the mayor responsible for a $1 billion budget and running the day-to-day operations of the city including selecting the police and fire chiefs. Currently, the mayor doesn’t vote on commission items and the duties of running the city fall to an unelected administrator who does not answer to the voters.

Right now, answering the question of “who is in charge?” can be very confusing in Miami. Sometimes the answer is the commission, while other times it is the appointed city manager. Not having clear defined roles with responsibilities can be a frustrating situation within the city and for residents, businesses, and other organizations that expect their elected mayor to be the main point of leadership for the municipality.

The proposed change also gives voters the power to recall the mayor, which incentivizes the top administrator to be transparent and efficient, and promotes accountability.

Some might ask if the change to a strong mayor system would give too much power to one person. I think itis just the opposite. It would transfer the power currently held by the appointed city manager as “head of the administrative branch” to an elected person who has to answer to voters.

As it stands now, the city manager is not elected by Miami residents. He or she reports to both the mayor and the commission and is responsible for the administration of all units of municipal government and for carrying out policies adopted by the commission. The city manager also has the authority to exercise control over all departments and divisions, as well as to appoint and remove all directors and all subordinate officers and employees in the city departments.

Although the city commission can hold the city manager accountable, the system is unstable with frequent turnovers in the position. In the past 20 years there have been 15 managers, with each manager having an average tenure of a little over a year.

A strong mayor would have the people’s support behind him or her and will be accountable to residents directly. The mayor is elected citywide and not by districts as city commissioners are, which allows the mayor to put forward a vision for Miami that takes into account and balances the needs of all commission districts.

The mayor will continue to have veto authority over any legislative, quasi-judicial, zoning, master plan or land use decision of the city commission, including the budget or any particular component contained therein. The commission has the power to override any vetoes with a four-fifths’ vote.

To accomplish this change, Miamians for an Independent and Accountable Mayor’s Initiative (MIAMI), filed the request for a change to the charter and began collecting signatures to get the proposal on the November ballot. More than 10,000 signatures of residents who support this initiative have already been collected. They need all signatures on the petition by Aug. 7.

To sign the petition, you can register on the website www.strongmiami.com.

I think this is an idea whose time has come, and which most everyone should be able to get behind.

Coral Gables Community Foundation awards over $50,000 to non-profits

The Coral Gables Community Foundation recently awarded more than $50,000 in grants to 24 deserving non-profit organizations in the community.

The Coral Gables Community Foundation and its Community Giving Committee, chaired by Foundation board member David Olazabal, twice a year awards grants to non-profit organizations that address issues within the Foundation’s focus areas — Education, Arts and Culture, Historic Preservation and Social and Health Services — and that serve those who live, work, learn or play in Coral Gables.

“The generosity of our donors, supporters and fundholders throughout the year make our grant making possible,” said Mary Snow, executive director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation. “We are proud promoters of philanthropic efforts throughout Coral Gables and are glad to be able to support so many organizations fulfill their goals.”

The Coral Gables Community Foundation supports the great work of its Spring 2018 Grantees: Baptist Health South Florida, Camillus House, Cavalier Football Team, City Theatre, Community Arts Program at Coral Gables Congregational Church, Coral Gables Museum, Coral Gables Women’s Club Dental Clinic, Crystal Academy, Friendship Circle, George Washington Carver Middle School, George Washington Carver Elementary, Guitars over Guns, Home Team Miami, ICU Baby, Junior Orange Bowl, Lotus House, Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, Nico’s Promise at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Opera Atelier, Pridelines, Seraphic Fire, St. Alban’s Child Enrichment Center and Thomas Armour Youth Ballet.

“Being able to support so many worthwhile organizations is a major point of pride for the Foundation,” said Jack Lowell, chair of the Coral Gables Community Foundation Board of Directors. “The effort of our Community Giving initiative adds to the footprint of the Foundation and enhances the quality of life in Coral Gables.”

The deadline for the Foundation’s fall grant cycle is Oct. 5. To apply, visit http://gablesfoundation.org/giving/grants/. For more information, visit www.gablesfoundation.org.

Ferelei Silva launches new inspiring CD

Ferelei Silva launches new inspiring CD

Ferelei Silva launches new inspiring CDFirelei Silva, cantautora Católica, ella representa a un equipo de servidores que se dedican a la evangelización a través de su musica y presentaciones en vivo. Junto a su esposo Alberto Silva y sus amigos Mickail Martinez, Pablo Paredes, Marina Grau, Stephanie Rodriguez y Juan Ignacio Fontana, respondiendo al llamado del Señor y poniendo a su servicio sus talentos realizan la mision de llevar la palabra en todas sus presentaciones, ademas de dictar charlas, conferencias, talleres relacionados con la familia y el servicio dentro de la Iglesia.

Firelei actualmente esta promocionando su nuevo trabajo musical ( Cerca de Ti) con 6 hermosos temas inspirados en la palabra de Dios, en su mayoría en Salmos. Ya lo pueden adquirir en las diferentes plataformas (iTunes, Spotify, Apple music, Google Play, YouTube) y en las tiendas católicas (Lupita’s Corner, Nuestra Fe Católica y en el Santuario de Schoenstatt) para contactos pueden llamar a 3055270967 o escribir a fireleisilva@bellsouth.net.

Prime Fresh Products brings on a classic chip with pride baked in

Prime Fresh Products brings on a classic chip with pride baked in
Prime Fresh Products brings on a classic chip with pride baked in
Top-notch packaging of Prime Planet Tostones is well worth the investment because it ensures the flavor is that of a freshly fried patacon.

Here’s some fresh news! Over the past few months, Prime Fresh Products, a division of Prime Group based in Doral, has expanded distribution of its tasty new treat all across Miami and beyond. These distinctively packaged “Prime Planet” Tostones, now showing up on local grocers’ shelves, are proof positive that Prime Fresh Products takes real pride in their products.

For South Florida snackers who don’t know yet know the joy of biting into a crispy delicious toston, these popular chips are standard fare among local latinos and chip aficionados. The Prime Planet variety is made from fried plantains grown and harvested in Ecuador using traditional techniques – and even packaged there on the spot to ensure the highest standards of flavor and quality.

Each step is controlled by Prime Fresh, from sourcing the plantains to the final packaging, which is specially designed to deliver Tostones to consumers in the freshest possible way.

“We took our time to find the best possible quality ingredients because anything else simply wouldn’t do,” says Prime Group CEO Roger Paredes.

“Just one touch and it’s clear that even our packaging is top notch,” he continued. Rather than using the same every-day foil you might find in a bag of other leading-brand chips, Prime Planet chips come in a thicker, more securely sealed bag that feels high-quality – because it truly is.

“This may increase the price ever so slightly, but it is well worth the investment because the flavor is that of a freshly fried patacon,” Paredes noted.

Prime Planet Tostones come in three flavors, chili, lime, and salted. All three of these are fantastic flavors on their own, but the tradfitional salted flavor works incresdibly well with toppings like sour cream and guacamole.

Located in almost 400 smaler stores throughout South Florida – and now in 190 Publix Supermarkets across in the region – the chips are also available in the Prime Fresh online store, sold along side the company’s Maduritos chips which are packaged and sold in the same high quality manner.

Prime Fresh Products is the youngest of the Prime Group brands. As an innovative international food and beverage company, Prime Planet mission is to bring delicious and nutritious products to people’s lives. In addition to Tostones and Maduritos, other products under the label include Prime Natural Hearts of Palm and Prime Natural Avocado Oil.

For more information visit http://primeplanet.net/ or to order right away, to enjoy during your world cup celebrations, shop now at http://a.co/28Ydz3w.

Prime Group is a worldwide cargo shipping company and an international fresh food shipping enterprise with locations in major cities from Los Angeles to Bogota and beyond. For information visit http://primegroup.aero/.

Doral celebra el 10º aniversario de su departamento de policía

Doral celebra el 10º aniversario de su departamento de policía

Doral celebra el 10º aniversario de su departamento de policíaLas celebraciones continúan en la ciudad de Doral, esta vez celebrando el 10º aniversario del Departamento de Policía de Doral. Para honrar este hito importante, el Alcalde, el Consejo y el Jefe de Policía invitan a los residentes y miembros de la comunidad a unirse a ellos en la Celebración del 10º Aniversario el sábado 14 de julio de 2018 en la Subestación de Policía de Doral, ubicada en 3719 NW 97 Ave.

El evento comienza a las 11:00 a.m. y celebra la última década de servicio de los valientes hombres y mujeres del Departamento de Policía de Doral que han honorablemente mantenido segura a nuestra comunidad. La celebración incluirá una ceremonia especial con presentación de video, demostraciones policiales, exhibición de fotografías, comida y entretenimiento en vivo.

¡La Celebración de 10 Años del Departamento de Policía de Doral es posible gracias a la generosidad y el patrocinio de la Oficina del Comisionado del condado de Miami-Dade, José “Pepe” Díaz y de Sprint.

Brightline partners with Talent4Change to Sponsor BUZZitFORWARD initiative

Brightline partners with Talent4Change to Sponsor BUZZitFORWARD initiative
Brightline partners with Talent4Change to Sponsor BUZZitFORWARD initiative
The BuzzBoxx mobile barber shop

Brightline, Florida’s new hospitality-focused express intercity passenger rail service, is partnering with Talent4Change, a non-profit charitable organization, to sponsor BUZZitFORWARD, a mobile barbershop initiative in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties aimed at working with youth and homeless organizations.

Talent4Change will use its mobile barber shop, the BuzzBoxx, to offer free haircuts and mentorship to underprivileged youth and members of the homeless community who take Brightline’s rail safety pledge or a brief tutorial on rail safety.

Brightline and Talent4Change kicked off the BuzzBoxx Tour recently at the Overtown Youth Center, the Broward Partnership, and as part of the Juneteenth Freedom Festival in South Miami.

“We are thrilled to have Brightline as a sponsor of the BUZZitFORWARD initiative. Their support will help us expand our reach and make a difference in more communities throughout South Florida,” said Amir Youssef, BUZZitFORWARD program creator.

“Everyone knows, when you look good, you feel good and our goal in using tools like the BuzzBoxx is to help equip kids with self-confidence while encouraging them to use that boost to become better, more responsible members of their community,” Youssef said. “Educating them about rail safety is an important element of the program.”

Brightline and Talent4Change will be working with homeless organizations, youth centers and back to school events to host 40 BuzzBoxx activations in South Florida this summer. All BuzzBoxx barbers have been provided mentorship training so that they know how to best address the youth one-on-one, and to provide the encouragement and follow up needed to help them succeed. Educating kids on rail safety awareness will be a key component of the partnership between Talent4Change and Brightline, as Brightline remains committed to equipping the public with the knowledge necessary to stay safe around all tracks and highway-rail grade crossings.

“We are working with a number of community partners on a creative approach to discuss rail safety with members of the homeless community and engage our youth,” said Ali Soule, Brightline’s director of public affairs and media relations. “The BuzzBoxx allows us to provide a quality service and spread our message on rail safety.”

As part of its expanded outreach plan that began in early 2017, Brightline continues to work with Operation Lifesaver, a nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing incidents near railroad tracks. Brightline’s outreach campaign has included working directly with safety ambassadors at railroad-roadway crossings to educate drivers and pedestrians about rail safety, in addition to hosting trainings for local first responders, increasing Vehicle Message Signs at grade crossings, distributing literature to schools along the FEC Railway/Brightline corridor, running public service announcements in three languages on South Florida’s broadcast and radio channels, and training Brightline team members as Operation Lifesaver volunteers.

Brightline is operating 11 northbound and 11 southbound trips per day connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Guests can purchase tickets at any of the three Brightline stations, on the Brightline app and at www.gobrightline.com.

Gloria’s Gab: No rest for the summer weary

Gloria's Gab: No rest for the summer weary

As summer speeds by, many of us are on vacations but its business as usual for business groups and nonprofits that are keeping active with countless meetings, many of which are planning functions for the fall. South Florida

Rotarians recently attended Rotary International’s Annual Convention in Toronto, along with 25,000 other Rotarians from around the world who convened to share and learn. Among the many notable speakers addressing the members were former First Lady Laura Bush, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Princess Royal Anne, and Rotary International’s President Ian Risely, all of whom address issues such as healthcare, Polio

Plus, literacy and bringing clean water being of utmost importance. Having clean water and sanitation in schools enables children to attend and bringing water to villages can also help create peace and avoid conflicts. It goes without saying that everyone who attended left with a sense of mission and was inspired by many of the speakers who were working on ground to help make a positive impact through Rotary.

2017-18 District 6990 Governor, Alan Cohn, 2018-19 DG Drew Monahan, District Governor-Elect Ray Williams and DG Nominee Peter Verbeeck were on hand with a large contingent from South Florida including this writer, Helene Dudley, Karen Vassell, Ellen Blasi, Yolanda Woodbridge, Susan Fornaris, Carol Alexander, Carol Brock, Michael and Maria Kesti, Elihu and Lee Phares, Ellen and Mike Book, Mike Stafford, Dave Skinner, David Jacobs, Linda Singer, Nanette Carmody, Richard Bates, Katherine Jeffries, Susan and Robin Shelley, to many others to mention. Next year’s convention will be in Hamburg, Germany and folks are already registering.

Speaking of global organization, the world’s largest youth festival, the Junior Orange Bowl, is gearing up for its upcoming festival season with the unveiling of its 70th Annual Junior Orange Bowl Parade. Scheduled for the Sunday after Thanksgiving on December 2, the parade’s Co- Chair Don Slesnick III and JOBC President Frandley DeFile welcome South Florida schools and businesses to participate. In celebration of active youth and community, a parade full of colorful floats, community groups, marching bands, and other creative parade units. This traveling party will wind its way down the newly designed streetscape on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, the Host City of the Jr. Orange Bowl.

This festival, including this parade, was created to showcase our communities youth members. This immense undertaking is only made possible through the sustained support of its sponsors: the Orange Bowl Foundation, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, City of Coral Gables and Miami-Dade County. Those interested in more information may visit. For the parade specifically, contact parade@jrorangebowl.org for participation or sponsorship information.

In other upcoming events to mark on your calendar, look for the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer to be held September 22, at Tamiami Park, 10901 SW 24th Street. Sign up today at stjude.org/walkrun or call Jess Cerda for more information at 305 537-1422/ jess.cerda@stjude.org.

A Safe Haven for Newborns is also planning its 8th annual A Wonderland in Safe Haven Gala on Saturday, October 20, 7 p.m., at the Intercontinental Hotel in Downtown Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza. Thus far this organization has helped save from abandonment, and possible death, more than 282 babies. Kudos to founder Nick Silverio and the many volunteers that work countless hours to help raise funds in order to help pregnant women and save the lives of so many infants. For information on sponsorship or tickets, visit www.asafehavenfornewborns.org.

On the business front, New York Life’s Rosemary Guilfoyle hosted a lovely open house in her Doral office on June 14 for members of one of South Florida’s oldest business networking groups, Profit Inc. This dynamic group meets two Thursdays a month at the 94th Aero Squadron restaurant and during the off weeks at member’s offices for after hours. Those interested in learning more about this organization may visit www.profitinc.org or email info@profitinc.org.

Finally, congratulations to Steven Seltzer whose Doral based Comet Delivery has doubled its footprint with the opening of a new Stuart, Florida facility. The new branch expands the company’s immediate service area to include Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee and Palm Beach counties.

Until next time, keep making each day count.

Doral Bar Association hosting immigration seminar for business owners

The Doral Bar Association is hosting a seminar that will address many of the immigration issues affecting Doral business owners. The free event is the second of the DBA’s series of instructive seminars geared to inform and educate the Doral business community on various “hot topics” around legal issues concerning small and large businesses.

The seminar series compliments DBA’s vision of promoting awareness and understanding within the greater Doral community of various laws and municipal ordinances which impact local residents and businesses. The series also highlights the association’s commitment to cultivate a positive relationship between the community and local legal professionals.

The seminar will take place July 18 and address recent changes to U.S. immigration policy as they relate to foreign workers. The seminar will also provide practical guidance on how to best navigate the ever-changing business immigration landscape. The free event is open to the Doral business and legal community. Leslie Snyder, a board-certified immigration attorney, will conduct the seminar.

According to Santiago Cueto, an international business attorney and DBA’s founding president, the seminar is important for any Doral enterprise that hires foreign workers.

“In today’s global economy, it is more important than ever that foreign workers be able to cross our border swiftly, with certainty and frequency. Knowing and understanding how to navigate through our nation’s complex web of business immigration laws is a solid competitive advantage for any U.S. Company that seeks to attract the best and brightest from around the world,” he said.

The event, at ConcreteSpace, 3400 NW 78th Ave, Doral, FL 33122, between 7:30 and 9 a.m. includes a complimentary light breakfast.

To RSVP or for questions, contact Santiago Cueto at 305-777-0377 or via email at sc@cuetolawgroup.com.

Biltmore Tennis Center Pro-Shop building undergoing renovation

Biltmore Tennis Center Pro-Shop building undergoing renovation

Biltmore Tennis Center Pro-Shop building undergoing renovationThe Pro-Shop building at the Biltmore Tennis Center is being renovated. During the construction period, limited tennis courts will be accessible to pass holders and social players. Staff will be working temporarily inside a trailer nearby which can process cash transactions only. All tennis summer camps are relocated to Salvadore Park Tennis Center, 1120 Andalusia Ave. The Salvadore tennis courts schedule until Aug. 10 is as follows: Monday through Friday, 7-9 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-9p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
(Photo courtesy City of Coral Gables)

Fresco y Más donates a whopping $103,000 to The League Against Cancer

Fresco y Más donates a whopping $103,000 to The League Against Cancer
Fresco y Más donates a whopping $103,000 to The League Against Cancer
By early June, customers at Fresco y Más stores had contributed in excess of $103,000 to go toward the League Against Cancer.

Through generous customer donations, along with additional contributions made by Fresco y Más|Contribuye, the local grocer recently donated in excess of $103,000 to The League Against Cancer (La Liga Contra el Cancer), an organization that provides much-needed medical care for underserved cancer patients in South Florida.

Recognizing the importance of supporting stronger communities, Fresco y Más activated a community donation program across all Miami area Fresco y Más stores that began on May 23. Over a two-week period, funds were raised through generous customer contributions made in Fresco y Más stores at the checkout counters.

According to Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, “We sincerely thank our associates and customers in Miami for their charitable contributions. This donation represents our commitment to the Miami community and the League Against Cancer. It is our privilege to partner with La Liga to help make a difference in the lives of individuals battling cancer and to proudly supports this wonderful organization.”

Since 1975, more than 65,000 men, women and children from 50 countries have received world-class medical treatment, screenings and support from the League Against Cancer. Today, over 200 doctors provide voluntary services to the League’s patients and over 300 full and part-time volunteers assist in the operation of the clinic.

Since opening in June 2016 Fresco y Mas has been a proud supporter of La Liga donating over $200,000 during the first two years. Fresco y Más presented this year’s donation to La Liga during the organization’s live telethon, which aired on Telemundo, June 2.

About Fresco y Más was founded in 2016, Fresco y Más grocery stores serve Hispanic communities throughout South Florida. Fresco y Más is a subsidiary of Southeastern Grocers, which is one of the largest supermarket chains based in the Southeast.

For more information, visit www.frescoymas.com and www.segrocers.com.

Doral celebrates Police Department’s 10-year anniversary

Doral celebra el 10º aniversario de su departamento de policía

Doral celebrates Police Department’s 10-year anniversaryThe celebrations continue in the City of Doral, this time celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Doral Police Department. To honor this important milestone, the mayor, council, and Police Chief invite residents and members of the community to the anniversary celebration, Saturday, July 14, at the Doral Police Substation, located at 3719 NW 97 Ave.

The event starts at 11 a.m. and celebrates the past decade of service from the brave men and women of the Doral Police Department who have diligently and honorably kept our community safe. The celebration will include a special ceremony with video presentation, police demonstrations, photography exhibit, food, and live entertainment.

The Doral Police Department 10 Year Celebration is made possible by the generosity and sponsorship from the office of Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz’s Office and Sprint.

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