‘Spirit of the Season’ tradition lives on

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January 11, 2012

DSCF3319 — (L to r) William Thompson, Thomasena Thompson, James McCants and CRA board member Denise Covington outside the Thompson residence.

South Miami Icon David Bethel was a teacher at Ludlam Elementary, South Miami Middle School and J.R.E. Lee before becoming a commissioner from 1996 to his 2004 retirement. A few years before his passing Commissioner Bethel began a special holiday tradition that continues today. The 2011 “Spirit of the Season” awards for home decorations in the community redevelopment agency area enjoyed another beautiful season.

Twinkling lights in reds, greens, blues and whites, a sea of giant candy-canes, and Santa Claus with his green-hooded elves led by Rudolph and a sleigh of reindeer were all to be enjoyed by the passerby in an outdoor winter wonderland tucked in the heart of South Miami.

“Commissioner Bethel galvanized the community to begin a new tradition of outdoor holiday lights and decorations to expand the spirit of the season among neighbors and friends in the community redevelopment agency (CRA) area. His Spirit of the Season legacy lives on today,” said Programs Coordinator and Community Outreach Director for the CRA James McCants.

Five homes in particular were honored this year for their creative and colorful displays. James and Margaret Dean of 62 Street outdid themselves yet again with their one of a kind six foot ornaments individually crafted by Dean. In shapes of candy canes and snowflakes the larger than life creations bedazzled the front lawn. “I see a design and it just comes to me, I make it. Each one takes about 45 minutes or so to do. Instead of going to the store and buying them, I make my own.” Jacqueline Hill Moultry of 62 Terrace and her son Jaiden went for a “Disney on Ice” theme. Giant fancily wrapped presents decorated their front lawn while Mickey Mouse and Tiger and Rudolph and friends seemed to be skating around the gifts.

Thomasena and James Thompson of 63 Street must have hired the Jolly Green Giant to set up their lights. The bright twinkling colors wrapped around the trunks of tall palm trees and the rest of the beautifully landscaped tropical foliage.

At Rosa Gragg’s house on 63 Terrace, Santa Claus and his friendly elves were gathered around the front lawn celebrating what appeared to be a party hosted by none other than Frosty the Snowman. His snowman arm was waving hello as if in invitation to join along.

“Every display is a winner,” said McCants. It is always a pleasure to see the beautiful colorful lights and enjoy the enthusiasm of those who participate for all in the community to celebrate the spirit of the season show.”

Each home receives a sign to add to their unique display that reads: “Spirit of the Season Award. In recognition of your efforts to share holiday cheer and inspire community pride.” To find out more about the “Spirit of the Season” David Bethel community tradition and other CRA community outreach programs contact James McCants at 305-796-2536 or email jmccants@southmiamifl.gov.

South End Plumbing still going strong after 43 years

By

Jose Cassola

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January 10, 2012

PT-SouthEndPlumbing — Pictured (l-r) is Rick Fisher, his father Thomas Fisher and daughter Sandy Moore, all principles in the family operated South End Plumbing.

When Thomas and Nancye Fisher bought South End Plumbing in 1970, the couple knew nothing about owning a business and even less about plumbing.

“I could do small jobs, little things here and there, but I learned everything about plumbing here,” said Thomas, 81, who lives in Palmetto Bay. “Before I bought the business, I worked a corporate life. I didn’t like it. I was tired of it. I wanted to own my own business and this just happened to be available for sale. So my wife and I settled into plumbing and here we are 40 years later.”

The Fisher family — including son Rick, 56, and daughters Sandy Moore, 55, and Cindy Fox, 52 — settled into Miami in 1960. Thomas worked nine years for Milgo Electronics and a year for Burger King before he found the plumbing business.

Established in 1968, South End Plumbing, 8805 SW 129th St., does a wide range of full service jobs, including general repairs, sewer and drainage cleaning, pump installations, water heater replacements and complete bathroom and kitchen alterations.
Thomas is still very much involved in the family operation, performing house calls and assisting plumbers on the job. His wife died of cancer in 2010. She was the secretary and treasurer, handling all the bookkeeping of the business and dispatching calls.

“Mom was very instrumental in the rise of the business,” said son Rick. “She was the overseer of everything that went on in this company and worked until nearly the end.”

Rick has always been involved in his parents’ business. From an early age, he helped mom and dad on summer breaks away from school. He began working full-time when he was 23 and hasn’t stopped.

“I do a little bit of everything,” he said.

“Answer phones, make house calls. I’m a gopher of sorts and technically oriented like my dad. Plumbing is all I’ve ever done and all I’ve ever known.”

Rick’s sisters never delved into the family business like their big brother did. But Sandy has gotten more involved since their mother died.

“My background is in interior design,” Sandy said. “I’ve always joked if daddy owned a bridal shop, I would be happy to come to work.”

She is quick to point out that though she doesn’t like handling the bookkeeping of the family business, she does love the customer service aspect.

“I love going the extra mile to cater to every customer’s needs,” she said. “I love taking care of them in every way. In business, you do everything for the customer to make their experience the most satisfactory as possible. That’s what I love most about the job.”

Grace Deleon, 56, of Westchester said the customer service at South End Plumbing is what has kept her coming back for nearly 30 years.

“There’s no one else I trust or find more reliable than South End Plumbing,” Deleon said. “It’s great to do business with someone you trust. You never have to worry about being overcharged for anything. They get the job done right and they are affordable.”

Another longtime customer, Helen Stephan, 59, of South Miami, said the service at South End Plumbing is top notch.
“Over the last 26 years, they’ve corrected everything that needs to be done on my home and they’ve never failed me yet. I couldn’t ask for better service,” Stephan said. “I just recently moved and I fully intend to use them for any future plumbing needs on my new home.”

Stephan’s old home off Davis Road and Old Cutler has actually been serviced by the Fisher family for as long as South End Plumbing has been in business.

“We worked on that house when it belonged to the Greenbergs, also longtime customers,” Rick said. “Then when it changed hands to the Stephans. Now Helen’s niece has bought the home and she’s also a customer. We almost feel that’s our home.”

For more information, call 305-235-7177 or go to www.southendplumbing.com.

Garden Club’s third holiday party draws good turnout

By

Gary Alan Ruse

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January 10, 2012

The Palmetto Bay Garden Club celebrated its third annual holiday party on Dec. 19 with more than 67 members and guests attending.

Held at the home of Guillermo and Candy Cancio-Bella, guests included Palmetto Bay Mayor Shelley Stancyzk, Vice Mayor Brian Pariser and Councilmembers Howard Tendrich and Joan Lindsey. Club president Candy McDonald reported that the group of gardening enthusiasts has been busily at work on a special effort for the community.

“The club’s current project for the village is the entrance to Coral Reef Park Tennis Center,” McDonald said. “Committee members Sharon Kujawa, Ines Mander, Henry Clifford, Bev Gerald and myself have been working closely with the village’s parks personnel regarding this project. The planting for this project should take place in early January.”

The Palmetto Bay Garden Club is open to all gardening and non-gardening residents.

“Our speaker for Jan. 24 will be Gabriele Marewski, master gardener and owner of Paradise Farms,” McDonald said. “Gabriele grows gourmet vegetables and will discuss the seasonal timing of planting as well as the ins and outs of planting successful kitchen vegetables.”

The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at the Edward and Arlene Feller Community Room in the library building at Ludovici Park, 17641 Old Cutler Rd.

For information contact Candy McDonald via email at candymcdonald@bellsouth.net.

Jane Roberts K-8 students receive lesson in philanthropy, teamwork

By

Gloria Burns

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January 10, 2012

Kapow KRMC 1215 — Jose Trueba’s students help Peter Jude prepare a check for presentation during KRMC’s visit to Jane S. Roberts K-8 Center as part of the KAPOW program.

A recent visit from Kendall Regional Medical Center volunteers gave Jose Trueba’s sixth grade class at Jane S. Roberts K-8 Center a lesson in philanthropy and teamwork.

This visit was part of a year-long School-To-Career program called KAPOW (Kids And the Power Of Work) presented by Learning for Success Inc. in conjunction with Kendall Regional Medical Center (KRMC). Through KAPOW, teachers and volunteers from more than 90 South Florida businesses and organizations collaborate to teach lessons that connect classroom learning with real world workplace skills.

During the visit, students participated in a check presentation made to Learning for Success Inc. with Peter Jude, KRMC’s director of Marketing and Public Relations. Kendall Regional Medical Center donated $1,500 to Learning for Success Inc., a not-for-profit organization.

They also then turned their efforts to a team-building exercise with volunteer Karen Henington. Forming teams, they strategized on how to pass oranges to each other without repeating the method of transfer from one student to the other. Following that the group celebrated by squeezing the oranges and enjoying the fresh juice.

The classroom visits such as this will culminate in May with a field trip to KRMC. At that time, students are able to utilize the workplace skills learned in the classroom in a real world environment.

“The KAPOW program makes my job easier,” Trueba said. “Reinforcing the importance of concepts such as teamwork and positive work habits provides our students with the skills they need to reach their goals,” he added.

“Participating in KAPOW provides our volunteers with a great deal of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment,” Jude said. “This is an opportunity for KRMC to impact the lives of our youth.

Jane S. Roberts K-8 Center uses the KAPOW lessons, taught monthly by KAPOW volunteers, to fulfill school improvement goals. “Cross Curriculum Connections” sections contained in each KAPOW lesson help teachers integrate KAPOW lesson concepts into areas such as math, science, social studies, writing, art and technology.

To find out more about KAPOW, contact John Casbarro, KAPOW coordinator, at john.casbarro@gmail.com at 1-954-680-3916 (office), 786-877-0334 (cell) or visit online at www.kapowlfs.org.

Students, parents and teachers help beautify Carver Elementary

By

Rosie Tobalina

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January 10, 2012

Carver beautify — Volunteers help plant more than 300 shrubs and 100 plants at G.W. Carver Elementary.

A great example of community pride was demonstrated on Dec. 10, when students, parents and teachers all worked together to help beautify G.W. Carver Elementary in Coral Gables.

The school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) was awarded a $2,000 beautification grant by the University Baptist Church resulting in more than 300 shrubs and 100 plants being planted at the main entrance of the school along Grand Avenue.

The happy volunteers were grouped to help paint the historic school sign and decorate special mosaic tile plant vases. At the end of the day, the participants enjoyed an outdoor barbecue and celebrated the successful completion of this school beautification project.

Pete De La Torre is the voice for business success in South Florida

By

Susan Smith

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January 10, 2012

Sitting in the studio at 880 AM The Biz radio station with headsets on and microphone at the ready, Pete De La Torre announces his Renatus Group Business Hour program. “Welcome to today’s show folks. We have some wonderful guests and lots of good news to share about what is happening in South Florida’s business community.” Renatus Group President/CEO De La Torre has reinvented himself as the dynamic leader of a business networking firm and as a professional coach helping industries get back on their feet.
“For over 30 years I have worked in South Florida and Latin America for various businesses and all of that diverse experience has helped me become who I am today. I recently did a “720” degree turn and reinvented myself. I am now in a position where I can take all those years of critical professional experience and use them to help other up and coming businesses meet quotas and goals in today’s ever-changing market.”
Prior to launching his new business, De La Torre served for seven years as Executive Director for the Doral Business Council (DBC). As the first staff person hired it was De La Torre’s mission to develop the membership base by presenting the DBC to the business community. By providing ample professional opportunity to members, the nascent group grew to over 500 professionals representing 70 different industries under De La Torre’s watch.
“From my years at the DBC, to the time I spent traveling the Americas in the flower importing business and then volunteering with various boards and managing teams and committees, I have developed hundreds of contacts with business leaders in the community. I am parlaying those connections and experience along with my extensive research library of resources to help businesses reinvent themselves.”
De La Torre contends that he has never seen such a challenging economic environment. “So many people are out in the cold and displaced. The concept of reinventing myself was behind developing Renatus Group. Renatus is Latin for ‘born again’ and the driving force behind this work is to help businesses reinvent themselves as is necessary in this market.”

Through a combination of consulting services, business development training to include future classes in partnership with Miami Dade College, and business facilitation training or matchmaking, De La Torre believes he has all the tools to warm up introductions and be a professional center of influence to hundreds of
business professionals.

“We need to be like a speed boat in today’s economy; move very fast and be able to change courses rapidly. Adaptability and flexibility are the order of the day. Having the courage to act ‘out of the box’ and implement new ideas is the way to maneuver and be successful now.”

“Ultimately I hope to make an impact on the economic development in South Florida and work not only with businesses but also with non-profit organizations. We want to take this vision and voice internationally, I am not doing this alone, I surround myself with winners. The radio show is just another effective way to reach out and be the voice for business in South Florida.”
To find out more about Renatus Group visit www.renatusgroupfl.com, contact CEO Pete De La Torre at 305-490-2348 or email Pete@RenatusGroupF.com.

Peace Mural to Stir Immigration Debate

By

Raquel Garcia

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January 10, 2012

Artist Huong has created a new mural the “IMMIGRATION Wall of Borders.” The over eight foot tall and 200 foot long immigration-themed exhibit will be unveiled to the public on January 14, 2011 at the Artist’s Studio at 7900 SW 77 Avenue from 2pm to 6pm. The mural is sponsored by the Peace Mural Foundation whose mission it is to promote civic education and action for peace and justice through the arts. This interactive project is aimed at continuing dialogue on immigration-related issues so near to Huong’s heart. Huong arrived in the United States in 1975 when fleeing the fall of Saigon with her young son. “Art can do what talking heads cannot. It inspires, disturbs, and evokes personal responsibility,” said Huong. After the unveiling on January 14, the foundation will be seeking a public space to house the exhibit. Call 305-915-1018 to find out more about “IMMIGRATION Wall of Borders” or email immigrationmural@gmail.com. Website is: peacemural.org.

Zumba Creator Beto Perez

By

Community Newspapers

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January 10, 2012

Dancer, Choreographer and Zumba creator Alberto “Beto” Perez of Colombia with energized fans on the rooftop parking garage above Metropolis Fitness Gym. Metropolis sponsored Beto’s Zumba Master Class to benefit the JT Children Foundation Inc. charity helping disadvantaged children in Guatemala.

Village to celebrate Arbor Day with poster contest, free trees

By

Gary Alan Ruse

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January 10, 2012

Arbor Day 2 — Councilmember Howard Tendrich (back row, left) welcomes Palmetto Bay residents Hal Feldman (back center), Feldman’s wife Judy (back right), daughter Emma (front center), and son Andrew (front right) to 2011’s free tree giveaway.

In Palmetto Bay this January Arbor Day won’t just be a date on the calendar, it will be an opportunity for students to participate in a poster contest and for residents to get a free tree for their yard.

Mary Shie Fernandez, village program and events coordinator, explained how they have made an effort to get everyone involved in this two-day event set for Jan. 20 and 21.

“There are two components,” Fernandez said. “One is the poster contest. We reached out to all the Palmetto Bay Elementary schools, both private and public. We’re asking the fifth graders. I think fifth grade is a good age because they’re really starting to understand the impact of Arbor Day on their community and trees, and it gives them an opportunity to be a part of something special. The theme for this year is ‘Trees Are Terrific.’”

Fernandez said that the poster entries will be turned in by Jan. 13, will be judged by the village’s Tree Board, and the winner will be announced on the village website on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

“Then on the 20th the winning school will get a visit from the council,” Fernandez said. “They’ll do the tree planting there, to award the winning school. We are so committed to always try to be greener, to be a ‘tree city.’ Getting them to do posters, we saw so many talented kids last year. It also gives the teachers a little more opportunity to talk about Arbor Day.”

The next day, Jan. 21, is “Shade Palmetto Bay,” when the village is giving away free trees to residents from 10 a.m. to noon.

“That’s going to be at Ludovici Park again,” Fernandez said. “It worked out really well last year. People drive in through the parking lot where we have it set up. We verify that they are residents of Palmetto Bay, and then they get to pick what tree they want.

“Public Works contacted different nurseries on donations for these trees. We asked for saplings — smaller trees so people don’t have to come out in big trucks. It will be something that will fit into a normal car.”

Fernandez explained that the Tree Board will be working with them on this as well, providing care instructions and background information on the trees residents will be getting. Although Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care with the official day being the last Friday in April, most states designate their day of observance based on climate. In Florida, due to its wonderful year-round weather, Arbor Day is celebrated on the third Friday of every January.

Councilmember Howard J. Tendrich said he is looking forward to the event because he has a long-standing commitment to the environment.

“As a proud participant in the Tree City USA program, Palmetto Bay is excited to host this two-day Arbor Day celebration,” Tendrich said. “Our celebration not only offers a fun, educational component for village youth, but the event also involves parents and other adults by motivating them to plant free trees throughout our community.”

For updated information on the event residents are asked to check the village website at www.palmettobay-fl.gov or call 305-259-1234.

“So please be sure to join us at ‘Shade Palmetto Bay’ for a free tree,” Tendrich said. “It’s a great way to spend a Saturday with the family and neighbors, helps to raise awareness of the importance of trees, and further beautifies our village.”

Gables Farmers Market back on Saturdays starting Jan. 21

By

Rosie Tobalina

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January 10, 2012

Farmers-Market-4444 — Visitors enjoy the great outdoor weather at the Farmers Market every Saturday morning and their choice of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Coral Gables Farmers Market, now in its 21st season, will be back every Saturday beginning on Jan. 21 and continuing through Mar. 31. The Farmers Market takes place from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. in front of City Hall, at the intersection of LeJeune Road and Biltmore Way.

Just-picked produce, along with baked goods, gourmet specialty foods and plants, will be available for sale. Other activities include live music, a free Tai Chi class at 8 a.m., a free gardening workshop conducted by local experts at 9 a.m., a master chef demonstration from one of Coral Gables’ finest restaurants at 10 a.m., followed by children’s activities for the younger market shoppers at 11 a.m.

Enjoy the great outdoor weather by visiting the Farmers Market every Saturday morning for your choice of fresh fruits and vegetables and then walk to Miracle Mile to spend the rest of the day at any of Downtown’s various shops and restaurants.

For a schedule of the Farmers Market activities, visit www.coralgables.com or contact the Parks and Recreation Division at 305-460-5600.

Tuesday is the night for jazz fans at Blue Martini

By

Richard Yager

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January 10, 2012

Jazz 2 — WDNA’s Howard Duperly presents Steve Kirkland (left) for live broadcast.

The Blue Martini has put Kendall on the map for jazz fans on Tuesday nights. “For adults and young professionals, it’s the place for high-end, night club styled entertainment featuring live jazz,” said Steve Kirkland, operator of the Miami-Dade College Jazz Institute’s summer camp for young jazz musicians.

Kirkland has sent many students on their way to jazz careers, including Marcus and E. J. Strickland, as well as the Libidio Band with Danny and Christina Morris, former Kirkland students at Hammocks Middle School where he has been band director for 25 years.

When not involved teaching music, he leads the “Mr. K Band” now drawing packed crowds Tuesday nights to Kendall’s Blue Martini to hear live jazz, the kind of performances usually associated with South Beach or Coconut Grove night spots.

Opening doors only a year ago in the “The Palms,” the Blue Martini brought an upscale nightclub setting to The Palms amidst fashionable retail stores and restaurants that replaced an outdated mall at Town & Country Center on Mills Drive.

During the fall, increasing numbers of jazz fans from WDNA/88.9 FM, Miami’s popular jazz-oriented station, turned out to hear Steve Kirkland’s live jazz shows on Tuesday nights at the Blue Martini. The combination proved so successful that the station began live hour-long remote broadcasts from 7 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 29, featuring the “Mr. K Band” and vocalists.

“Since we began hourly spots, we’ve seen crowds double at Blue Martini,” said Howard Duperly, sales and marketing manager for WDNA.

Duperly, a former Kendall resident, agrees the Blue Martini is “setting a high entertainment standard in this area.

“Tuesday nights are normally considered a downer for nightclub business. Now, hundreds of fans regularly show up for our broadcasts.

“I know,” he laughed. “We only give out 100 blanks each night to win a T-shirt or free concert tickets and they’re all gone in minutes.”

“We’ve done occasional live broadcasts at events like the Miami Book Fair, but this has turned out to be the perfect place for a weekly remote, expanding our audience for jazz.”

Longtime station jazz programming hosts like Michael Valentine and Frank Consola share emcee duties with Duperly.

Vocal stylist Rachel Perry, who has been featured with stars like Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz and Jon Secada, traveled from Davie on Dec. 27 as guest artist, opening with her set with Duke Ellington’s Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.

“It’s really a great place to perform and hear jazz,” said the recording artist who began her career with Emilio Estefan Productions and has both co-written songs and appeared on several Grammy-award winning albums.

The Mr. K Band includes Steve on tenor sax; Nomar Negroni, drummer; Robert Gonzalez, keyboards; Hal Roland, keyboards and vocals; Chegui Calderon, bass; Cayo Iturraide, bass, and Rhea Olivia, regular vocalist.

Kirkland said his interest revolves around “a love of the music” rather than as a sideline to make extra dollars.

“People really enjoy the energy and passion we put into our performances,” he added after a near-standing room crowd cheered the band’s latest Blue Martini performance.

“I play for people, and I try to pull them into our performance. I love to see people happy.”

For information on the Mr. K Band, visit www.misterkband.com or call 305-807-9142; the Blue Martini telephone is 305-630-2583 or visit BlueMartiniLounge.com.

Town continues negotiating details of new school

By

Gary Alan Ruse

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January 10, 2012

CBHS Centennial MS — Centennial Middle School

As the Town of Cutler Bay enters the new year, the issue of a high school for the community remains unresolved as delicate negotiations continue with the Miami-Dade County School Board.

“There’s no doubt that we will have a high school,” said Mayor Ed MacDougall on Dec. 28. “But we just don’t have a final agreement with the school board administration. We’re not certain where the high school will be, whether it will be at Centennial or at Cutler Ridge Middle School, or if it will be shared between the two.

“We’re trying to work out some details in negotiations with them now, but because of the holidays the school board administration won’t be up and running until the first week of January.”

The Cutler Bay Town Council, during a special meeting on Sept. 20, reached a decision regarding a muchdesired high school, dropping the proposal of a charter school in favor of one that is part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system, which will be partially funded by town revenues.

“I can tell you this, though,” MacDougall said. “We have come a long way in our quest for a high school for the people of Cutler Bay and we will continue down that path until we exercise our full resolve in securing that high school. It will be done.”

Part of the mayor’s reported concern has been the need to keep the options fluid during talks and avoid getting locked into one set of announced plans before everything has been satisfactorily resolved.

“As far as the people of Cutler Bay, we just want a safe environment that has the capacity to hold enough students that will take care of our residents and of course any other residents outside of Cutler Bay, if there’s room,” he said.

“That falls in the school administration’s court because they have to figure out, of these facilities that they have, which is the best suited for the academic programs that we want to put in the schools, and we’ll do the same thing.”

MacDougall said that it’s not an easy problem to solve because each of the two schools has issues as far as its facilities that need to be addressed, and it is a matter of which is the more economically feasible and safest for all students.

“For me, as mayor, not only do I want this high school for Cutler Bay, but I also want us to be able to have an ongoing seat at the table as far as our schools and what we can bring as a partnership,” MacDougall said.

As of deadline time, the Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay was scheduled to conduct an open round-table discussion on “A High School in Cutler Bay,” at the Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Steve Zarzecki invited everyone to attend.

“Our Town Council continues to work for the benefit of our community by striving to ensure a quality education system here in Cutler Bay,” Zarzecki said. “There are negotiations underway with the Dade County School Board to bring a high school to our town. As of today, there are no agreements or decisions, and there are many questions and concerns.”

‘Spirit of the Season’ tradition lives on

South End Plumbing still going strong after 43 years

Garden Club’s third holiday party draws good turnout

Jane Roberts K-8 students receive lesson in philanthropy, teamwork

Students, parents and teachers help beautify Carver Elementary

Pete De La Torre is the voice for business success in South Florida

Peace Mural to Stir Immigration Debate

Zumba Creator Beto Perez

Village to celebrate Arbor Day with poster contest, free trees

Gables Farmers Market back on Saturdays starting Jan. 21

Tuesday is the night for jazz fans at Blue Martini

Town continues negotiating details of new school

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