Miami-Dade County recently announced the “Waste Watch” program for Waste Management Inc.’s (WMI) drivers and “Waste-Watch-Like” program for county- employed drivers.
The programs will train waste collection drivers to report suspicious and criminal activities to law enforcement while out on the job. The official launch and demonstration took place on Nov. 30 at the Miami Science Museum.
This past May, the Miami-Dade County Commission adopted chair Joe A. Martinez’s resolution directing the Mayor’s Office to present a report detailing the best methodology and implementation schedule to create both programs.
The objective of WMl’s existing Waste Watch program is to enhance community safety by providing timely information to local police and emergency services. This program trains drivers of Waste Management’s vehicles within the locality to look for and report suspicious or criminal activity to authorities.
Martinez believed this model would be beneficial for the county’s own Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) and proposed a training program for DSWM truck drivers to follow this methodology to assist residents.
“The Waste Watch program will aid in the efforts to decrease crime in Miami- Dade County,” Martinez said. “Drivers from our Solid Waste Department are frequently out at times of the day when residents are at work and away from their homes, an opportune time for break-ins and other illegal activities. Having an extra set of eyes on the street will give residents peace of mind.”
The county’s DSWM will work with WMI and implement the Waste Watch program for WMl’s drivers within a four- to six-week period. A WMI team based in Atlanta, GA, would be brought in to coordinate with local law enforcement/ emergency response agencies and provide training for their waste truck drivers.
The driver training includes instruction on how to respond to various types of incidents, such as: crime in progress, unattended child, house fire and non-emergency situations that warrant investigation. Drivers are instructed not to place themselves in harm’s way, but are encouraged to report what they see and take reasonable actions to protect life and property.
Implementing the DSWM portion of the program will require development of an in-house training program partnered with WMI. Development of the DSWM program would require the support and cooperation of the waste union and may require changes to the collective bargaining agreement. The informal initial reaction of waste union representatives was very positive.
For more information, contact Martinez’s office at 305-375-5511.
The downward spiral South Miami has taken over the past 22 months saddens many of us who have worked hard to improve our city through years of dedication and involvement.
As we have witnessed, beneficial accomplishments for the overall good for our city have not come to fruition. Pseudo-intellectual doublespeak may impress naïve college freshmen, but it will never replace common sense and efficacious leadership.
For then candidate Phillip Stoddard, the beginning of his web of deception began two years ago. The F.I.U biology teacher turned politician illicitly recruited his impressionable F.I.U. students to work on his campaign. With an alleged nod and a wink assuring a good grade, they went knocking on the doors of unsuspecting South Miamians, innocently spreading their teacher’s lies and deception.
Citizens of South Miami should not have their rights violated nor should they be disrespected at Commission Meetings. South Miami should not be the laughing stock of the county such as when current Mayor Stoddard wrote a letter to a citizen banning her from all future commission meetings. Though he had no choice but to retract the letter, a supposed educated man who once proclaimed, “Power to the people” should have realized that it is simply wrong and a complete violation of a citizen’s first amendment rights.
Our city’s annual budget should not be manipulated for self-promoting political purposes. A budget should reflect realistic and correct revenue projections as well as accurate expenses. Unrealistic revenue projections by over 7% compounded by underestimated and omitted expenses by as high as 9% will only create a major problem for the next commission, and more importantly to South Miami taxpayers. It is little wonder that this commission has looked at annexing huge parts of the neighborhood area from the Palmetto Expressway and Sunset north to Bird Road.
Expected lawsuit settlements along with all attorneys’ fees should be included in the budget as clear and transparent line items. Taxpayers should not have to pay for lucrative politically motivated contracts to cronies or allow the overpriced outsourcing of our departments. These practices once reserved for Banana Republics are now prevalent in South Miami. Once again, these issues serve as sources of rumors of corruption placing South Miami in the same league as certain Caribbean and Latin American countries.
As a resident and taxpayer contributing 12 plus years of service to our city, I am concerned over the lack of direction, lack of leadership, poorly run government, unproductive meetings and unprofessional treatment of our city employees.
Some of you may already know that I am not running for election this February. I would, however, like to take this opportunity to thank many of you for offering me your support. It is both humbling and rewarding to know that my administration is fondly remembered for having made positive tangible differences throughout South Miami.
It is now time for a positive knowledgeable city commission to return civility and direction to the city.
On February 14, we will have an opportunity to vote for honest and effective leadership. You can cause a change come election day and vote for the three best candidates whom will lead the city of South Miami with common sense, dignity and respect.
Horace G. Feliu
Former Mayor
2002-2004 & 2006-2010
horacefeliu@bellsouth.net
City National Bank of Florida (CNB) has named William Gallagher as Senior Vice President and Real Estate Banking Relationship Manager. Mr. Gallagher will be headquartered at the bank’s 1450 Brickell office. Mr. Gallagher has more than 20 years of real estate banking experience in the Miami market. Prior to City National, he served as senior vice president at Mellon United National Bank and Sabadell United Bank. He has brokered a number of large commercial real estate transactions in South Florida including an $85 million construction loan on the retail/office/parking garage at 1111 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, a $53 million construction loan on Portofino Tower in Miami Beach and a $52 million line of credit for airplane hangars at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.
“Bill has a wealth of experience and a great knowledge of the South Florida real estate market,” CNB President and Chief Executive Officer Jorge Gonzalez said. “He will be an invaluable asset as we continue our lending growth.”
The Zoological Society of Florida, Host Committee and Zoo Miami, as a prelude to the legendary “Feast With The Beasts” dining event at the zoo, has scheduled the Beastkeeper VIP Party, a wild evening of tantalizing tastes from fine South Florida restaurants, open bars, exotic animal encounters from Zoo Miami, and cool music.
The event is Saturday, Jan. 28, 7-11 p.m., at the residence of Chris and Irene Korge (event co-chair), 10355 SW 67 Ave. in Pinecrest.
The funds raised will help support the Zoological Society of Florida’s wildlife education and conservation programs on behalf of Zoo Miami. Complimentary valet parking will be provided.
Exquisite fare will be served from the following excellent restaurants: Truluck’s Seafood, Steak and Crab House, Caffé Abbracci, Zucchero Ristorante-Bistro, and Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant and Wine Bar. The Office Cake and Wicked Confections will be satiating sweet cravings with delectable desserts.
An extravagant silent auction will include items like jewelry, trips, handbags and art.
The $500 Beastkeeper VIP Party Passport tickets include admission to Feast With The Beasts (8 p.m. to midnight) and the VIP cocktail reception (7 p.m.) on Friday, Mar. 2, at Zoo Miami. Tickets to Feast With The Beasts are $175.
For tickets, sponsorship and more information, visit online at www.fwtb.org or call 305-255-5551.
The Zoological Society of Florida is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that supports Zoo Miami through education, conservation and outreach programs; marketing and public relations; volunteer services, and financial support for the construction of new exhibits.
Death and loss touch everyone in often unexpected and profound ways. They produce a mix of thoughts and feelings and impact an individual’s life on many levels. Some reactions are obvious and some are more subtle.
Aside from the feelings of pain and loss there can be some unrecognized, uncomfortable feelings associated with the passing of someone close to you that you cared about. Sometimes there are unexpected feelings of shock, numbness, regret, guilt and longing.
Even when the decline is prolonged and death is imminent, the death itself, when it occurs, can still come as a shock. It is often hard to believe that the person is truly gone.
People often experience an immediate numbness. It allows them to get through the initial days after the death. When it wears off the person feels the loss more acutely. This can bring increased pain and grief. There can also be feelings of regret especially if you were not there and you were unable to say, “Good Bye.” There are frequently feelings of inadequacy and guilt.
When death is near
We sometimes fear
We sometimes dread
The words and deeds we left unsaid.
It came so suddenly, your end.
Did I do enough my friend?
Was I there when you needed me?
Was I the best that I could be?
The finality and irreversibility of the death invokes certain unique feelings as well. People frequently want one more minute with the deceased. One more question to ask. One more statement they feel the need to make. One more word they want to hear. One more reassurance that they are looking for. Make sure you are as attentive as you can be to those experiencing a life threatening illness. Then there will be fewer regrets and less or no guilt.
Very often the family and friends experience a special wish and longing. They are not ready to let the individual go “I wanted more time with you.” expresses their feelings after the loss.
Patricia Frank is a Licensed Psychotherapist. She can be reached at 305-788-4864
Richman Greer PA, a law firm offering a wide range of litigation and business-related legal services in Miami and West Palm Beach, has announced that it will relocate its Downtown Miami office to the 396 Alhambra office complex — a new, two-tower, 275,081-rentable-square-foot (rsf) mixed-use office and retail development located in the heart of the Downtown Coral Gables Business District.
The firm will occupy a total of 10,755 square feet of Class A office space in the project’s newly developed 156,000 rsf North Tower. Financial terms of the lease were not disclosed.
“In order to manage the firm’s continued growth, and continue providing outstanding service to our local and international clients, we made the decision to move our Miami office to Coral Gables and its vibrant multinational business community,” said Manuel Garcia-Linares, managing shareholder, Richman Greer PA.
“We were attracted to the top quality of the 396 Alhambra project, its LEED certification, proximity within the commercial business district as well as the economic stability of the City Beautiful, where many of our attorneys live and are already involved in the community.”
Celebrating 50 years in South Florida, Richman Greer will relocate to 396 Alhambra in Coral Gables from its current Downtown Miami office at Miami Center joining tenants such as CitiBank NA, international architecture firm RTKL Associates, internet company Terra Networks, and marketing/communications firm KabooKaboo.
David Valdez, Danet Linares and Andres del Corral of Blanca Commercial Real Estate represented landlord 396 Alhambra LLC in the transaction, while David Prevé of CresaPartners represented Richman Greer PA.
“Richman Greer’s relocation to 396 Alhambra from a Class A building in Downtown Miami is a good example of the strong appeal of the Coral Gables market,” said Linares, executive vice president of Blanca Commercial Real Estate. “This is an ideal location for companies large and small seeking premium office space in a newly constructed office building that is located in the center of one of South Florida’s most desirable submarkets.”
The announcement of Richman Greer’s move to 396 Alhambra’s North Tower follows the delivery of the project’s first phase, the seven-story, 87,000 rsf South Tower, which underwent a dramatic renovation and modernization, converting the 1960s-contructed building into luxury class A office space. The project’s North Tower is slated to open in the first quarter of 2012, with Richman Greer’s move scheduled for July.
Designed by Miami-based architectural firm The Fullerton Group and constructed by Balfour Beatty, 396 Alhambra is located at 396 Alhambra Circle.
Learn more at www.396alhambra.com. For leasing information, contact David Valdez, Danet Linares or Andres del Corral of Blanca Commercial Real Estate at 305-577-8850.
Karen-Eileen Gordon is seen during filming of the movie, A Free Bird, in Panama City.
Actress Karen-Eileen Gordon, who grew up in South Florida and lived and worked here for awhile before heading out to Los Angeles, has traveled back to the area for work in a new TV series titled Magic City.
The series, which debuts on the Starz network in the spring, has the talented screen and voice-over actress feeling as if she also traveled back in time. Written entirely by Mitch Glazer, executive producer, the show is set on Miami Beach in 1959 in the fictional Miramar Playa Hotel.
“Working in this story setting, on those sets designed to transport you right back to 1959 Miami Beach, was mind-bending,” Gordon said. “A wormhole whisked me 50 years into the past. My acting teachers and coaches really drilled into me that as an actor, I’m responsible for seeing the setting internally. Having an authentic drop-dead gorgeous set to back up the inner vision is like performance rocket fuel.”
The first episode opens on New Years Eve 1958-59, amid the glitter and glamour of a beach hotel like the Fontainebleau or Eden Roc, run by hotel king Ike Evans, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan.
“My character is Florence, Ike’s longtime executive secretary,” Gordon said. “Bringing her to life was a fabulous adventure. To fund his expensive hotel vision, Ike involves himself with a mob boss. His three kids and former-showgirl wife, Vera, believe he’s an above-board guy. None of them has any idea how hard he’s struggling to break his pact with the devil.”
Gordon, who attended public schools in Broward, got a degree in economics at Harvard and did her post-grad work at the University of Bristol in England, lived in South Miami, Coral Gables and Miami Lakes for about nine years, working at Tinsley Advertising, the Miami Herald, Miami Dade College, and Venture Productions where she was a radio writer/producer for the Armed Forces Radio Network.
She recently made a movie in the panhandle, called A Free Bird, a comedy feature now in the final stages of post-production.
“I’d never been to Panama City,” Gordon said. “I had the honor of filming the female lead, Tammy. She’s a Southern whirlwind with a heart the size of an ocean, scheming to get her common-law husband to step up to the ‘relationship plate.’”
Gordon thinks that local viewers especially will enjoy the new Magic City series, although she admits to being completely biased because she loves both the show and South Florida.
“It’s astoundingly faithful to the history of the time period, both in the authenticity of the visuals and in the storylines,” Gordon said. “Mr. Glazer grew up on Miami Beach in those years, so he knows the people and surroundings from the inside, and it’s a delicious view. The New Years Eve that launches the first episode was the evening that Havana fell to Castro’s rebels. The Kennedys, the mob, the CIA, Frank Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack all held court. All of the celebrities of that day wanted to perform and stay here.”
As someone who grew up, lived and worked in South Florida before, to be here working on a series set in Miami’s past is, in Gordon’s words, “like hitting the actor lottery.”
“To be able to return to the place that I consider my true hometown, the place where I grew up and where I got my creative start, is heaven,” Gordon said. “And for an added helping of amazingness, to be here working on a series set in Miami’s past is an extraordinary gift. To explore the seismic shift of Florida’s social and psychic landscape at the 1958/1959 junction, and to time travel and feel what that era was like for everyone living there. Delicious.”
We leave 2011 with a sense of community pride for the extraordinary efforts of our citizens, commission, administration and businesses that, through their hard work has us striving. We leave 2011 with gratitude for the generosity of our area residents and businesses that purchased gifts which ensured a happy Christmas for over 800 children who live in our city. You also gave generously to our Thanksgiving feast. The year 2011 demonstrated through its challenges and opportunities that we live and work in a warm and caring community. It is hard to believe another year is just beginning. I am excited for our new year. The economy is slowly beginning to thaw; projects are beginning, and more will follow.
Our Commission and staff are committed to working so that we position our city to be ready to reap the benefits from an improving economy. We have a vision and mission for our city from which we will build strategies to guide us to a successful future. I’d like to say at this time that it was a privilege to serve as your Mayor this past year. I am looking forward to 2012 with confidence and optimism for our community. I want to express my gratitude to all of you for the continued public trust that you have honored me with by allowing me to continue as your Mayor. I respect this position and consider it an honor and privilege to serve the residents of West Park. I want to officially congratulate Commissioner Fyffe and Commissioner Mack on their reelection.
Both have lifelong roots in the City, and I know that they will serve our city well. They have already demonstrated their service with their knowledge and commitment over the years. This year was very significant for our city as we officially opened our New City Hall. I am sure that those who attended the “Open House” were impressed. This state of the art facility will enable our Staff and Commissioners to meet the needs of the 21st century in serving our community. I would personally like to thank our Administrator and his staff for the countless hours required so as aid myself and the Commission in implementing our vision for the City. Although the budget process this past year was grueling and will only be more challenging this coming year we are committed to preserving a stable tax rate in West Park while maintaining quality services. Some of the accomplishments for the past year were as follows:
ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2011
• Grants: Following are grant applications prepared during the period indicated above:
1. Through Broward County’s Division of Housing Finance and Community Development, we submitted grant applications for various projects and secured over $300,000 in Community Development Block Grants.
2. Received grant for Youth Summer Program (Camp B.R.A.V.E.R.Y) for over $160,000 through the Children’s Services Council.
3. Submitted $125,000 grant application for parks improvement to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program.
4. Received the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant in an amount of $6,801 from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. These funds were used for surveillance cameras at the New City Hall.
5. Received the Home Depot Foundation community Beautification grant of $1,500 for the City’s Extreme Mailbox Makeover program.
6. Received $154,000 grant for establishing a single-stream recycling program throughout the City. The fund will assist with the purchase of recycling carts and for the program’s public outreach materials.
7. Secured $541,000 in grants from the Florida Department of Transportation for improvements to SW 56 Avenue, between Pembroke Road and County Line Road.
• Reduced Fire Department Annual Expenses: Negotiated a revision to the Fire Service contract with Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Department and the Village of Pembroke Park. The negotiation resulted in a 50%-50% split of the total operating cost with the Town of Pembroke Park. These efforts resulted in a savings of $538,429.30. Additionally, after restructuring the Emergency Medical Transport process, the emergency medical transport fee was estimated to yield $310,000 in revenue for Fiscal Year 2010-11, an increase of $72,500 in transport revenue. The negotiation of emergency medical transport fee and amendment to the current fire rescue services agreement generated a total savings of $655,929.30 to the City.
• New Residential Waste Collection Services: In an effort to reduce expenses and increase revenue, we elected to renegotiate the residential solid waste collection services through a request for proposal process. The saved the City over $250,000 cost for the collection service compared to prior year and improved services to the residents, to include:
1. Provided a free 96-gallon cart to all residents for garbage collection.
2. Provided a free 96-gallon cart to all residents for recycling collection.
3. Reorganized the bulk trash collection for better quality service and cleaner neighborhoods.
Also in consideration of the privilege granted to our service provider (WastePro) for the use of our roads, streets, easements, alleyways, swales and other public places; WastePro is required to pay a franchise fee of 15% of their gross revenue. This is an estimated increase of $92,100 from the amount we receive from the county last year.
• New Stormwater Utility Program: A Stormwater Utility Program was established in accordance with section 403.0893 of the Florida Statute. The program is intended to generate revenue sufficient to plan, construct, operate and maintain stormwater management system. In addition, this revenue will be set aside for such activities as storm drain cleaning, new drainage system construction, and various water quality initiatives required under the NPDES. This program is estimated to generate over $350,000 annual revenue.
• New Insurance Program: With continue effort to reduce expenses while increasing services, a new insurance benefit was negotiated by allowing insurance providers to submit prices and compete with the City’s current insurance provider (FIMT). The process resulted in better insurance benefits through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and at over $78,000 less than FIMT annually.
• Implementation of the West Park Enterprise Zone: The city was successful in receiving the state designation as an Enterprise Zone. The designation allows the city to be a target area for economic revitalization which offers financial incentives to businesses that invest in or are within the City. Incentives offered include: Job Tax Credit; Property Tax Credit; building Material Sales Tax Refund and Building Equipment Sales Tax Refund.
• Opening of New City Hall: The City negotiated and signed a lease with Interstate Development for construction of a New City Hall and Commission Chamber (first City Hall). The new City Hall further defines West Park as a municipality and provides administrative staff with the tools and space to improve the level of service to residents as the city grows; the Commission Chamber provides a formal, state of the art space for the public to attend Commission meetings.
• City Newspaper: The City established the West Park Community Newspaper in our effort to continue improving communication with residents.
• Playful City Designation: The City was recognized and designated as a Playful City USA. This designation allows the city to partake in the following:
1. Be included in a national media campaign and be provided local media support and receive priority status in accessing all KaBOOM! resources including playground builds, trainings, and grants opportunities.
2. Receive highway signs, awards and special incentive opportunities in honor of Playful City USA status.
3. Be given access to online resources and communication vehicles to keep connected to Playful City USA communities nationwide.
4. Be recognized at national municipal leadership and recreation conferences.
5. Receive priority status for KaBOOM! Playground builds and grants.
• Prescription Discount Card Program: The City partnered with The National League of Cities and CVS Caremark to provide the Prescription Discount Card Program to residents. The program allows the city to offer savings on prescription drugs to residents who do not have health insurance; a traditional pharmacy benefits plan for prescriptions not covered by insurance. The residents will save an average of 20 percent of the full retail cost of prescription medication. Benefits of the program include:
• NO COST to the City
• NO COST to residents
• Average savings of 20%
• 9 out of 10 pharmacies participate in the program – more than 60,000 nationwide
• No enrollment or membership fees
• No limit on how many times the card may be used
• No age requirements
• Coverage for all family members
• Pet medications used to treat human conditions are covered
• New Website: The City launched a new, user-friendly website in October which provides up to date information for residents. The website also features an interactive calendar, and links to current announcements, events, and the Community Newspaper.
• Code of Ordinances Launched Online: The City’s Code of Ordinances was officially posted online in November, 2011. This allows residents and the general public to access any of the City’s ordinances at their convenience. The City’s Code can be accessed at:
http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.aspx?productId=14982.
• Transfer of Property from FDOT: The City signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Florida Department of Transportation for the turnover of drainage retention ponds along State Road 7. In an effort to spur economic development in the City, the City desires to develop this portion of State Road 7 into an urban boulevard which would include commercial buildings, pedestrian friendly sidewalks, pedestrian lights and landscaping. This acquisition will bring potential revenue to the City’s tax base as these sites will be used as developable property, thus reducing property taxes in the future.
• Traffic Calming Study Area A Improvements: The City Commission held several traffic calming workshops and adopted a traffic calming plan for Study Area “A”. The boundaries of Study Area “A” include:
• North Boundary: Hallandale Beach Blvd
• South Boundary: County Line Road (NE 215 Street)
• West Boundary: State Road 7
• East Boundary: SW 56th Avenue The project will involve construction of various traffic calming devices such neighborhood circles, speed humps, speed tables and/or raised intersections at designated areas. The improvements will significantly improve traffic congestion and increase safety along these roadways.
• McTyre Park Master Plan: The City Commission approved a conceptual master plan for McTyre Park in an effort to meet the increased usage and demand for the park’s facilities. The master plan will define a meaningful balance between open field play areas; facilities for after school programs and events; improved vehicular parking; food and beverage concessions; exercise trails; a gymnasium and expanded green space areas. This master plan will result in a state-of-the-art, family friendly facility that residents will enjoy for years to come. Finally, I wish to thank West Park residents for their tolerance, patience, and support as we continue to move our City forward. I promise to continue to be readily accessible and responsive as your Mayor for the next five years. It was a privilege to serve as your Mayor this past year. I look forward to 2012 with confidence and optimism for our wonderful community. My ultimate mission is that West Park remain a great place to live and raise a family! May each of you have a wonderful New Year full of good health, peace and love.
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU, GOD BLESS WEST PARK AND GOD BLESS AMERICA
When former mayor Julio Robaina Jr was a student at South Miami Senior High School his father got injured in an unsafe vehicle while working for the city. His dad’s post-accident treatment and the lack of courtesy Robaina observed when speaking before the commission in later years were enough to convince him he could do a better job. Citing similar challenges today of low staff morale and a divided community in decline, termed out State Representative and property management company owner Robaina will run for the mayoral seat opening in the February 14 election. “When I was mayor morale was so high employees voluntarily attended city events and would willingly stay at work after 5pm if necessary. It is hard to see how things have regressed since we became the All- America City. Once again civility is gone,” said Robaina.
A graduate of David Fairchild Elementary School, South Miami Middle School , and South Miami Senior High (and not to be confused with the former Hialeah mayor of the same name) Robaina got his start in local politics with the South Miami Homeowners Association (SMHA) after SMHA leaders Joyce Schecter and Joyce Hernden saw the potential in the young man who went to city commission meetings and spoke out.
“I was taken in by SMHA and invited everywhere. They taught me how to serve the residential and business community while protecting the quality of life. I first volunteered on Paul Young’s campaign and he became vice mayor. Mayor Tom Cunningham was a mentor and he encouraged me to run for office and that’s how I got started in local government. My roots run deep,” said Robaina.
In 1998 Robaina won his first commission campaign and received enough votes to enter city hall as vice mayor. He subsequently ran for mayor and won and served three consecutive terms from 1998 to 2002 before resigning during his third term in office to run for state representative.
“When you are born and raised in the community, this is about family. When I was in office, the commission had no agendas and mutual respect for everyone on the dais. The city saw the renaissance of downtown with outdoor dining and pedestrian friendly sidewalks. We worked in the community redevelopment agency area (CRA) and never forgot about our northern residents. We planted trees and acquired two parks (All America and Van Smith). Property values went up and taxes went down. We got to see our projects come into fruition,” said Robaina.
During his tenure Robaina said he brought 18 million dollars into city coffers by going to Tallahassee for Dade Days and through various other fundraising efforts and leaving office for Tallahassee was an effort to continue the revenue stream flow into South Miami. While serving as State Representative for District 117 he says he brought in another four million dollars before the monies dried up.
Of current issues Robaina supports the Murray Pool saying it is a critical project that must be seen to completion because the lives of kids who live near canals and may not know how to swim are at stake. He supports tempered annexation saying there are pockets of homes bordering South Miami that are benefitting from services due to inter-local agreements but not paying taxes on garbage pickup and 911 responses for example. “When I was mayor communities like Lakeridge and Bridgepoint approached us to be a part of the city. We can be a beacon once again.” Robaina supports the Madison Square development but is wary of another possible mega-mall.
“With the help of architect Victor Dover we started having charetttes (town hall style meetings on pertinent issues) back then and the residents developed the city documents to create a road map for development. We took a diamond and started polishing it. This is the kind of unity I want to bring back to the commission while not forgetting the business community,” said Robaina.
Some people call winter football or basketball season, but with the advent of cooler weather, January seems very much to be running season, especially with the ING Miami Marathon and Half- Marathon coming up in Jan. 29.
With this in mind, I thought I’d turn devote this column to getting ready for marathons, although I do want to add (on behalf of myself and others) that marathons usually include a “walking” component, which is also a great way to stay fit.
This column’s recommendations from Chris Sebelski, who is an assistant professor of physical therapy at St. Louis University. He penned it as a suggestion for New Year’s, but it seems like perfect timing now.
HERE ARE HIS TRAINING TIPS:
• Make sure you’re in good physical shape. Get a complete physical before e you start training, because it’s better to prevent injuries than try to recover from them.
• Set realistic goals. If you haven’t been exercising in awhile, start with a walking/jogging mix. Set reasonable goals. Some people feel very tired for the first few weeks after exercise, so set a reasonable goal you can stick to. “Think about small steps and celebrate the victories,” he says. (By the way, being inactive seems impossible in our Miami Beach lifestyle, but it is true in other parts of the country, like St. Louis!)
• Anticipate setbacks. Life happens. You may get a cold, get extra busy at work, or suffer an injury. “There will always be off days when you can’t fit in a workout or your time isn’t your best,” he notes. If there’s a day when you still want to run, but have less time, or are feeling not quite as energetic as usual, recalibrate your goal to one that you can meet.
• Eat Smart. As you start burning more calories, you may find yourself hungry. “Be smart about the type of calories you eat, by including plenty of lean proteins and whole grains.” Also, think hydration, and drink plenty of water.
• Train with a buddy. “Running is hard work, and after the first month or two of diligent training, you may find yourself getting off-track,” he notes. Training with a buddy adds a social aspect and can keep you motivated.
• Utilize Cross Training: Include other forms of exercise in your training program, like hitting the gym to strengthen your core. “Core training builds strength, which, in turn, helps you breathe as you run, “ Sebelski notes. For information on the upcoming ING run, visit www.ingmiamimarathon.com.
Chamber member Charlotte Libov is a journalist, professional speaker and the author five health books, including “The Women’s Heart Book,” which was made into a PBS special. She works out at Equinox South Beach. For more information, call Robin Conn at 305-673-1172 or visit www.equinox.com.
When an artist relocates from her place of birth in Eastern Europe to the cold winds of Chicago, and then on to the sunny warmth of South Florida, it is bound to be reflected in her art. Urszula Dudek’s paintings combine that vast range of experience into cohesive works, and the public will soon be able to view some of her pieces when they will be on display in a show on Florida’s nature at the Pinecrest Gardens Gallery beginning on Feb. 3.
Tropical breezes practically jump from Urszula’s canvases as she captures the color, the feel and the vibrancy that typifies the South Florida landscape that she has come to love. The greens, purples, pinks and blues that she uses convey a sense of vigor and warmth, and her acrylic paintings, generally large and inviting, highlight some very dramatic flora that draws the eye to their inner depths.
Urszula began her career in Poland, and soon after she graduated from the School of Fine Art she was immersed in the world of commercial art and commissions. In 1994 she moved to Chicago, and there the pull of opposing political ideologies found expression in her work as a graphic designer and decorator. Then in 2003, when she came to Miami, she was exposed to a degree of freedom that she had never before witnessed. This inspired her to return to painting after a long absence, and since beginning anew in 2009, she has perfected her craft in a remarkably short period of time.
She was a featured artist at the Bromeliad Society of South Florida show at Fairchild Tropical Garden in 2010 and 2011, she participated in Artists in Bloom at Fairchild as well, she displayed some of her work at Painters’ Passions H Gallery in Miami, at the Ramble at Fairchild in 2010 and 2011, at the Art of Bromeliads 2011 Extravaganza in Daytona Beach, and her dog “Kaiser’s Friend” holds an honored spot in Pinecrest Gardens as part of the smARTy Dogs For Smart Schools program that can be seen throughout Pinecrest.
Dudek’s work has not gone without significant recognition. She was awarded the “Best Artist” at the 2011 Bromeliad Society of South Florida show at Fairchild Tropical Garden, second place at the Bromeliad Society show for her acrylic painting, and Best of Show at the Peabody in Daytona.
In addition, Urszula has donated paintings to the Community Garden Charitable Fund’s silent auction at their annual soiree to benefit Pinecrest Gardens. Her work is on display in private collections in Chicago, Miami, and in Warsaw, Poland, and she is the subject of an article in the International Cryptanthus Society magazine. Two of her paintings also grace Fairchild Gardens’ 2012 calendar.
This talented and dedicated artist is also an important member of the South Florida community. She donates her time to several organizations, and she still finds time to garden in her backyard where she draws inspiration for her painting, pastel and colored pencil work. Lately she has begun to explore new avenues by painting on silk.
Urszula Dudek may be contacted at 305-781-0477 or at www.UrszulaDudekart.mosaicglobe.com. For Gardens Gallery information, call 305-669-6990.
Pictured (l-r) are Nada Sater, CEO and co-founder of Running With Sole, several students and Spirit Week winners from Ms. Tassy’s class, and Nellie Tassy, Riviera Day School fourth grade teacher.
Riviera Day School recently celebrated the end of its annual Spirit Week with a trophy presentation to the winning class and a check to a local charity.
Nellie Tassy’s fourth-grade class, winners of the Spirit Week trophy, got to help local children in need by donating their $500 winnings to Running With Sole, a local non-profit whose mission is to provide shoes to all in need, sports shoes to inner city and homeless children from ages 3 to 18, and promote physical activity and prevent childhood obesity.
“Engaging and educating children on the benefits of an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits is what Running With Sole is all about,” said Nada Sater, CEO and co-founder of Running With Sole.
“Riviera Day School’s donations will help us continue our programs so that inner city and homeless children feel empowered with self confidence and self respect,” she added.?
“It was a nail-biting competition but my class won this whole thing against the rest of the school and I am so proud of them. But the best part was that we got to help others.” Tassy said. “When it was time to select a charity, I told my students about Running With Sole and the great work they do with children. They all loved the idea and agreed it was the best choice,” she added.
This is the second time Riviera Day School has donated to Running With Sole. Last year the school donated $500 to the organization.
Miami-Dade County recently announced the “Waste Watch” program for Waste Management Inc.’s (WMI) drivers and “Waste-Watch-Like” program for county- employed drivers.
