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    Farm Bureau’s Katie Edwards to address CBBA members

    By
    Gary Alan Ruse
    -

    Katie Edwards, executive director of the Dade County Farm Bureau, will be the keynote speaker at the next meeting of the Cutler Bay Business Association on Thursday, May 13.

    The meeting will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Palmetto Bay Village Center, 18001 Old Cutler Rd.

    Edwards, in addition to managing the 4,000-plus-member Dade County Farm Bureau, maintains governmental, media and industry relations. She joined the Farm Bureau staff as director of communications in July 2003 and was promoted to executive director in January 2004. She has a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Clemson University, and is the founder and past president of Florida Agri-Women.

    “I’m going to give an overview of different business opportunities in agriculture, and emerging trends,” said Edwards in an Apr. 20 interview. “It’s coming on the heels of the county’s passage of three ordinances that pertain to expanding opportunities for agribusiness — like the bed and breakfast — and trends in agriculture that include things like being able to process more food products than what we grow here locally, and also expanding agricultural land uses.”

    Edwards was honored as the 2005 Agriculturist of the Year by the Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce. She was the first woman and the youngest person to be inducted into the Farm Bureau’s prestigious Hall of Honor in 2008.

    The Dade County Farm Bureau was established in 1942, the first county Farm Bureau in Florida. A variety of tropical fruits, exotic plants and winter vegetables are produced in Miami-Dade, providing roughly $2.5 billion locally and statewide. Edwards believes that her presentation will be of interest to a variety of people in South Florida.

    “The topic is not just for farmers, but also for people who want to get into the culinary side or the marketing side,” Edwards said. “We need help to keep these growers in business, so hopefully it will resonate with the majority of the folks there.”

    For more information about the meeting or the CBBA in general, call Cyndi Rogg at 305-609-1096 or send her an email at < Sencyn1@bellsouth.net >.

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    Southridge grad stationed aboard attack submarine

    By
    South Florida News
    -

    U.S. Navy Public Affairs P etty Officer Second Class Harlie Williams III, a 1992 graduate of Southridge High School, is stationed aboard the nuclear fast attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750). He is one of more than 2,500 men and women of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard taking part in Fleet Week 2010 in Port Everglades.

    This is South Florida’s 20th annual Fleet Week celebration of the maritime services, which continues through May 3.

    For Williams, Fleet Week is a chance to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the South Florida scene. During his Navy career, he has visited ports all over from San Diego to Hawaii to Dubai.

    As a submarine sonar technician, Williams and his peers serve as the eyes and ears of the boat while submerged below periscope depth. “We search for, detect and classify all manner of seagoing vessels for the purposes of navigational security and intelligence gathering,” Williams said.

    But what does that really mean for Williams and his shipmates?

    “It’s not like in the movie Hunt for Red October,” Williams continued. “Oddly enough, it’s more like the guy in the Matrix trilogy whose job is to look at a display and interpret all the goings on in the matrix. To someone on the outside, it all looks like a bunch of lines on a green screen. It takes a trained eye and a team of professionals to sift through all the data and come up with useful information that can make or break a submarine mission.”

    Williams enlisted in the Navy 14 years ago to see the world, serve his country and reap the benefits of being a Navy veteran. Several of Williams’ family members also served in the Navy, including his cousin Ronnie Kiel, who was a great inspiration to him. Williams said Kiel was one of the first black chiefs of the boat on a nuclear ballistic missile submarine. Chief of the boat is the senior enlisted position, difficult to attain and highly revered in the tight-knit submariner community.

    Fast-attack submarines such as the Newport News, are multi-mission capable — able to deploy and support special forces operations, disrupt and destroy an adversary’s military and economic operations at sea, provide early strike from proximity, and ensure undersea superiority. The submarine is 360 feet long, displaces 6,900 tons of water, and can travel in excess of 25 knots. Newport News’ armaments include Tomahawk cruise missiles and MK-48 advanced capability torpedoes.

    During the visit to Port Everglades, Newport News, as well as other participating ships and units from the United States, Canada and Germany, will take part in various community relations projects, parades and celebrations. This event also provides an opportunity for the citizens of South Florida to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, firsthand, the latest capabilities of today’s maritime

    26,000 ladybugs to be released for Earth Day

    By
    Gary Alan Ruse
    -

    A major shipment of 26,000 lady bugs recently delivered to a south Miami-Dade nursery are the main attraction of Palmetto Bay’s third annual Earth Week Celebration, which continues through Apr. 24.

    These “ladies in waiting” have been laying dormant in a secure refrigerated location for release at six local schools this week to demonstrate the important role they play as “nature’s pesticide.”

    While students at Perrine Elementary, Howard Drive Elementary, and Christ Fellowship Academy have released a total of 10,000 of these colorful beetles, three more schools are scheduled on Apr. 22, Earth Day.

    “Ladybugs are a member of the beetle family that feed on aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and mites, all of which can decimate local plants,” said Patricia Kyle, manager of Galloway Farm Nursery. “That’s why we stock them, as a natural — and fun — way for people to protect their gardens from intruders.”

    Ladybugs respond to cooler temperatures by slipping into a motionless, dormant state. Upon exposure to warm temperature, such as sunny mornings in South Florida, they spring to life and begin their work.

    Kids learn this valuable green-friendly lesson through classroom instruction leading up to the hands-on distribution of ladybugs in their schoolyards during Earth Week, lead by Mayor Eugene Flinn and members of the Palmetto Bay Village Council.

    “By appreciating the Earth and by knowing how it is changing, we can make responsible life decisions — and enlighten our children to do the same,” Mayor Flinn said.

    The remaining supply of ladybugs are scheduled for release on Earth Day at Coral Reef Elementary (9-10 a.m.), Alexander Montessori (10-11 a.m.), and Winhold Montessori (11 a.m.-noon). Earth Day was established as a celebration intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth’s environment.

    In the U.S., Sen. Gaylord Nelson met with President John F. Kennedy and urged the recognition of Earth Day. Since January 1970, many countries decided that a global observance needed to be recognized; therefore, Apr. 22 is recognized as Earth Day each year. This year, hundreds of millions of people in more than 180 countries are expected to participate in Earth Day activities.

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    Street names honor school, landmark, ex-councilmember

    By
    South Florida News
    -

    During the next few weeks, village residents may be surprised to come across some Palmetto Bay signs reading “Dolphin Crossing.”

    Don’t be alarmed, as there are no real dolphins on the streets — unless of course you spot the mascot of Coral Reef Elementary School. On Apr. 12, the Palmetto Bay Village Council approved a co-designation of the portion of SW 152nd Street that lies in front of the school in honor of the “Home of the Dolphins” and the school’s reputation for excellence.

    In addition, street signs along a portion of SW 168th Street (from Old Cutler Road east to SW 72nd Avenue) will be co-designated as Deering Estate Way in recognition of the historic landmark. Officials at the Deering Estate at Cutler were thrilled with the move, as it literally puts the name of this local attraction in the visible pathway of thousands of daily commuters along Old Cutler, many of whom are unaware of the estate’s location.

    In other street-related news, the village council unanimously voted to name the traffic circle at SW 160th Street and SW 82nd Avenue after Paul Neidhart, Palmetto Bay’s first elected village official and former two-term councilmember, in recognition of his significant contributions to roadway and traffic improvements within the village. Other actions at the meeting included:

    • Contract approved with Edward Reese Holdings Inc. to provide concession facilities at village parks for at least three years;

    • Thalatta Park Improvement Fund to be established to designate revenues received from Thalatta Park rental income (derived from weddings and other social functions) for the renovation of the park’s main house;

    • Overall project budget approved on the Palmetto Bay Village Hall and Municipal Complex (to provide for remaining items such as landscaping, furnishings, etc.);

    • Village Council approved a resolution urging Florida Gov. Charlie Crist to veto Senate Bill 6, which affects public school teachers’ salaries;

    • The village acted to partner with the neighboring municipalities of Pinecrest and Cutler Bay to support the Seventh Annual Community Fireworks Display at Black Point Park on Independence Day.

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    Jackson South Hospital expansion still on track

    By
    Gary Alan Ruse
    -

    Despite recent concerns over the financial stability of the Jackson Health System, plans for the new Jackson South Community Hospital still are on track, according to Robert G. Cuming, vice president and chief administrative officer of the hospital.

    In a presentation to members of the Economical Development Council of South Dade (EDC) in Palmetto Bay on Apr. 13, Cuming assured them that work on the expansion and renovation of the facility, located at 9333 SW 152 St. (Coral Reef Drive), continues and that the improved hospital will have a positive impact on the community.

    “There will be greater access to medical services locally, and we will be hiring approximately 80 people in addition to the 700 we already employ there,” Cuming said.

    The expansion will result in 157,000 square feet of new construction and 23,000 square feet of renovations. There will be 48 new private rooms designed with soothing interiors and 12 new critical care beds. The Emergency Department will double its capacity, with 20 additional ER bed spaces and with emergency cardiology services. An expanded outpatient facility will ease access to diagnostic services such as imaging and gastrointestinal procedures.

    Cuming said that the first phase of the emergency room expansion should be ready by August, with the second phase following in November. Work on the “Tower” section of the complex is expected to be completed by August 2011.

    The complex will feature seven new operating room suites equipped with stateof- the-art systems and technology, and there also will be a new pharmacy and a new cafeteria with outdoor eating areas, as well as a new central energy plant. Cuming said that the present facility continues to function while construction is underway, and that although construction contractor trailers take up a lot of the parking spaces in the front, there still is plenty of parking on the north side of the complex, accessible from SW 150th Street. He urged everyone to avoid parking on the east side in spaces belonging to businesses there as it may result in their cars being towed.

    Laura Lagomasino, business development director for Jackson South, who ran the PowerPoint presentation for the meeting, said afterward that a prime reason for the expansion plans going forward, even in difficult times, was the county’s desire to keep the two important auxiliary facilities (Jackson North and Jackson South) open for the benefit of the communities.

    “So Jackson Health System reexamined everything and worked out a solution,” Lagomasino said. “And I think that the North and South facilities will balance things out with Jackson Memorial, which is a public hospital and teaching center as well.”

    Cuming closed his remarks with high praise for the staff of Jackson South, who already have been treating patients in the area for years and continue to do so. “The men and women who work in that hospital are phenomenal,” Cuming said. “Jackson purchased the facility, formerly Deering Hospital, in July of 2001. Many people that I meet there were employees at Deering, so they bring a wealth of experience and institutional memory about the hospital, and that’s a very valuable component of the care that they provide to our community.”

    ‘Park View Café’ is more than a concession stand

    By
    Gary Alan Ruse
    -

    The new concession stand close to the baseball field and other sports areas in Coral Reef Park is ready to open, but won’t be just a shack to get hot dogs and hamburgers during games.

    The “Park View Café” is a spacious, beautifully designed building with a large overhanging roof providing shade agnd shelter for tables along its veranda. It will have a more extensive menu including a number of healthy food items, and will be open during the summer months from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    “It’s not just for games,” said Kirk Hearin, Palmetto Bay Parks and Recreation manager. “It will be a great spot for visitors and office workers to get away to and have lunch while they enjoy the beauty of the park or watch people having fun. Work on the concession building began roughly a year ago, and with construction, painting and other details now complete, the “Park View Café” may be open by the time you read this, certainly no later than the first week of May.

    Hearin also said that the park’s Wi-Fi system, which had been out of operation for a time, is now reinstalled, so park goers can use their laptops while they enjoy the café’s food and view.

    Palmetto HS seniors learn one of life’s hard lessons

    By
    Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld
    -

    On Shannon Melendi Safety Day conducted recently at Palmetto High, seniors learned about the Miami teen who was abducted and killed by a predator while attending college in Georgia. The seniors were warned in no uncertain language that what happened to her could happen to them.

    Participants included U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Miami-Dade School Board member Larry Feldman, Palmetto High principal Howard Weiner, Palmetto teacher Angel Menendez, Miami-Dade Schools superintendent Dr. Alberto Carvalho, Miami-Dade School Police Chief Charles Hurley, Miami-Dade Police Major Grace O’Donnell, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Javier Souto, and Luis and Yvonne Melendi.

    “She will be forever 19 years old,” said Ros-Lehtinen, who was the event’s emcee. “She was gifted and talented, a young college sophomore. The news of Melendi’s disappearance was devastating to the South Florida community as well as Emory University where she attended. Ten thousand posters were put up asking for help along with 60 billboards. It took more than 11 years to arrest and convict Colvin (Butch) Hinton of the crime, although he was named a person of interest from the start.

    “He’s up for parole next year because of budget cuts,” Ros-Lehtinen said. “It will be up to you to tell the parole board he should not get out of jail.”

    Petitions were passed out for students to sign and to take home for their parents and friends to sign.

    “You must be aware of your surroundings,” she warned. “Please heed this warning.” When Feldman took his turn at the mike, he told the students that it’s in their nature to think they are invincible but that it is their job to make sure their parents don’t go through what the Melendis went through. “Stay vigilant. Please take care of yourself,” he said. “We don’t want to be up here for another student.”

    Major O’Donnell praised Commissioner Souto for introducing the Miami-Dade law that requires that all park personnel and volunteer coaches who use the parks get background checks, are fingerprinted and must show proof of citizenship.

    “This is not in effect in other places,” she said. “Our predator unit goes out and does surprise checks of park employees and those who work Santa’s Enchanted Forest, The Fair and volunteers. This is an effort to keep you safe.”

    The most emotional speaker was Menendez, who had been Melendi’s soccer coach. He choked up during his presentation.

    “The day Shannon was kidnapped, raped and murdered, she made three bad decisions,” he said. “The first was making plans with someone she just met. The second was she got into his car and the third was when she got into danger, she didn’t make a scene.”

    He urged the students to forget everything they were taught about not making a scene.

    “We were wrong,” he shouted. “What you’ve got to do is make a scene.” Menendez talked about how charming and nice serial killer Ted Bundy seemed, which is why he was successful in abducting and killing so many women. “Bundy removed the door inside door handle,” Menendez said. “How often do you check if the car has an inside door handle? Once they got into the car, they are essentially dead.”

    Luis Melendi said his family was so innocent before Shannon disappeared. “I don’t want any of your parents to have to stand up here on a stage,” he said. Yvonne Melendi told the students that when they go out, to please let someone know where they are going and with whom. “So if you do disappear, we can find you,” she said.

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    Commissioner Sorenson honors Small Business Grant recipients

    By
    South Florida News
    -

    Miami-Dade Commissioner Katy Sorenson congratulated the recipients of the Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program during a mandatory training workshop on Wednesday, Mar. 30, at the South Dade Regional Library.

    A committee comprised of South Dade business leaders selected 32 grant winners from a pool of more than 120 applicants. Home-based businesses received up to $2,000 and businesses operating within a commercial property received a maximum grant amount of $4,000.

    Leroy Jones, executive director of Neighbors and Neighbors Association (NANA), created the Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program to financially assist business owners throughout Miami-Dade County. Since the program’s inception in 1999, more than 4,000 business owners from all 13 districts have received funding.

    As a result of last year’s budget cuts, there was a 30 percent decrease in available funds for the Mom and Pop Grant Program, with each commission district receiving $89,250 in available funds for the program.

    “The Mom and Pop Grant Program has helped so many small businesses in my district that I wanted to make sure we had enough funds for at least 30 businesses,” Commissioner Sorenson said.

    “Fortunately, I had $10,750 in carryover funds, raising the total available funds in District 8 for the Mom and Pop Grant Program to $100,000.”

    ASPCA selects county as its newest partner community

    By
    South Florida News
    -

    The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) recently announced that Miami-Dade County has been selected as the newest ASPCA Partner Community — one of 10 communities nationwide currently working with the ASPCA to provide positive outcomes for at-risk and homeless pets.

    The ASPCA partnership will include the following Miami-area animal welfare agencies: Miami-Dade Animal Services (county-run and operated); Humane Society of Greater Miami (a non-profit shelter), and The Cat Network (a local spay/neuter and TNR group). “We are thrilled to be working with Miami-Dade County on this new partnership,” said Ed Sayres, ASPCA president and CEO.

    “We are extremely hopeful that these agencies — which have already displayed ship,” said Ed Sayres, ASPCA president and CEO.

    “We are extremely hopeful that these agencies — which have already displayed tremendous growth potential by collaborating on joint adoption events and spay/neuter clinics — will continue to build on those accomplishments and affect positive changes for animals most at-risk in the Miami community,” he added.

    “Our community is honored and grateful to be an ASPCA Partner and looking forward to a collaboration that will ultimately decrease the euthanasia rate of our shelter pets,” said Dr. Sara Pizano, director of Miami-Dade Animal Services.

    “Homelessness is the No. 1 risk factor for companion animals in the United States,” Sayres said. “We know there are no ‘quick fixes’ to ending the unnecessary euthanasia of unwanted pets, but we do know, and have proof, that collaboration among all groups in striving to reduce the unnecessary euthanasia of these animals can work. We believe that our partnership in Miami will enable our partners to save even more lives.”

    Since the ASPCA began its Partner Community program in 2007, nearly 700,000 animals have been adopted, returned to owners, or spayed/neutered as a result of the exceptional collaboration among partner agencies in each community.

    In addition to Miami, ASPCA’s Partner Communities are Austin, TX; Buncombe County, NC; Charleston, SC; Cleveland, OH; Oklahoma City, OK; Sacramento, CA; Shelby County, AL; Spokane, WA, and Hillsborough County, FL.

    For more information about the ASPCA, visit online at < www.aspca.org >.

    Celebrating Earth Week with a look toward the heavens

    By
    Gary Alan Ruse
    -

    As part of Palmetto Bay’s Earth Week activities, the Southern Cross Astronomical Society (SCAS) participated with the village in two locations, according to village spokesman Bill Kress and Barb Yager, SCAS outreach director.

    “Monday I did an astronomical program for about 25 fifth graders in their Perrine Elementary School Library and displayed Spaceweather and NASA photos,” Yager said.

    “Tuesday I did another one hour program for 125 students from first through sixth grade in the large vestry of Christ Fellowship Church, at 8900 SW 168 St. Then they all lined up to see my NASA and astronomical photos before going to the large chickee outside to line up for safe solar viewing where Mike Smith, SCAS’s solar expert, had his large 11-inch diameter telescope aimed at the Sun with the professional filter that protects our eyes from UV rays to prevent blindness.”

    Although minimal activity occurred on the solar surface, Yager reports that she displayed a large poster showing the Sun and the protective magnetic field that surrounds Earth, and that she fielded lots of questions from some very bright students.

    Bill Kress said he was impressed with the presentation.

    “This was the perfect turnkey event for the village,” Kress said. “The SCAS provided a great program for the kids that fit in with Earth Week activities and we were pleased to have them participate.”

    Coloring books entertain young hospital patients

    By
    South Florida News
    -

    A new charitable project called Color Us Well showed patients at local children’s hospitals how to get creative, get inspired and get well.

    Uniting local artists, Color Us Well put together coloring books, featuring original artwork from some of the area’s most celebrated creative minds like Jose Bedia, Carlos Luna and Ferdie Pacheco. The acclaimed, emerging, and young talents involved, all designed a coloring book page with their unique style and message of hope, advocating that art can heal.

    More than 200 books where donated during Color Us Well Days to Joe DiMaggio and Miami Children’s hospitals. To celebrate the artists and those who participated in touching the lives of hundreds of young patients, Color Us Well will host a commemorative event on May 13, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the Viceroy Hotel’s Club 50. Artist appearances, a live interactive painting by John DeFaro, and a charity art auction are all in store for the attendees.

    To further the cause of helping children in need, all proceeds from the event, including the $10 entry donation, will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Norwegian Cruise Line has donated a four-day Bahamas cruise as the grand raffle prize, a top-notch item guaranteed to generate excitement and additional donations to the cause. Club 50 will give the first 50 guests a complimentary drink in addition to drink specials for the evening. RSVP is suggested at < info@coloruswell.com >.

    Inspired to give back to the community through taking a Landmark Education course, entrepreneur and graphic designer Elyssa Renert founded Color Us Well. In addition to supporting the local arts community, Jill Ruddy joined forces and expanded the project by including artwork created from children in South Florida. For more information about the project and artists involved, visit online at < www.coloruswell.com >.

    Childen’s Trust Famiy Expo free at fairgrounds on May 8

    By
    South Florida News
    -

    The Children’s Trust 2010 Family Expo, sponsored by Target, will host its fourth annual free all-day festival to provide parents with direct access to educational, health and social services in a fun and festive atmosphere, on Saturday, May 8, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Expo Center, 10901 Coral Way. Already the largest free event of its kind in the community, with record crowds of more than 25,000 in prior years, the Children’s Trust is accommodating the growing attendance by utilizing both on-site exhibit halls once again. The event features workshops and more than 250 exhibitors showcasing information about summer and after-school programs, injury prevention, vaccinations, programs for children with special needs, pre-kindergarten registration, KidCare and much more. Each hall will have stages packed with entertainment; face painting; balloon sculpture; magicians, and character greeting for children to meet Nickelodeon’s Fairly Odd Parents, the Backyardigans and many popular Disney look-a-like characters from Toy Story, The Lion King and others, including some classic storybook characters. A special reading corner will feature storytelling and free books to take home.

    The Miami Children’s Museum will operate an elaborate arts and crafts area and the Florida Marlins tent features T-ball and speed pitching practice. The Children’s Trust will give away free gifts to the first 3,000 children.

    Admission, parking, all activities and entertainment are free. Food will be sold by vendors of the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition Center.

    “In these difficult economic times, with so many families in need, an event like this becomes even more important to connect families to valuable services and especially in a fun and entertaining atmosphere that provides families with an opportunity to share quality time together at little or no cost to them,” said Modesto E. Abety, president and CEO of the Children’s Trust. “At a time when most corporate sponsorship is diminishing, we are fortunate to have significant, continued support from Target to allow us to continue the expansion of this event.”

    The sponsorship grant is part of an ongoing effort by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since opening its doors, Target has given 5 percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today that equals more than $3 million every week.

    “At Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve,” said Laysha Ward, president, community relations for Target. “We’re proud to partner with the Children’s Trust as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work.”

    For more information about the Children’s Trust Family Expo, call 2-1-1 The Children’s Trust Helpline or visit online at <www.thechildrenstrust.org>.

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