City of West Miami City Manager Yolanda Aguilar; Nelson Hidalgo, Director of the Banking Center Division at TotalBank; Robert Revilla, Managing Director at TotalBank; City of West Miami Mayor Eduardo H. Muhiña; Luis de la Aguilera, President and Chief Marketing Officer, TotalBank; Ramon Ferran, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager at TotalBank; City of West Miami Commissioner Luciano L. Suarez; and Nicolás Fernández, Esq.
TotalBank recently broke ground on its latest Banking Center project in West Miami. Centrally located at 5782 SW 8th Street, the West Miami Banking Center will be a full-service, free-standing branch offering an array of TotalBank’s products and services, including drive-thru banking.
Participating in the Bank’s groundbreaking ceremony were special guests from the City of West Miami: Mayor Eduardo H. Muhiña, City Manager Yolanda Aguilar and Commissioner Luciano L. Suarez.
The opening of a new location in the City of West Miami is an integral part of TotalBank’s strategic plan for expansion in South Florida as it continues striving to meet the growing needs of the community.
About TotalBank
TotalBank is a leading consumer and commercial bank in South Florida with more than $2 billion in assets and 18 convenient locations throughout Miami-Dade County. Headquartered in Miami, TotalBank has served the South Florida community for more than 35 years, offering a broad range of domestic and international financial services to corporations, small businesses and individual consumers. The bank offers superior customer service focused on meeting the financial needs of customers while earning their confidence and loyalty. TotalBank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Banco Popular Español, whose member banks comprise Grupo Banco Popular, one of the leading banking groups in Spain with over $200 billion in assets and more than 2,500 banking centers. More information can be found at www.totalbank.com.
Students from Miami Beach Senior High and Miami Northwestern High School visit Jungle Island to learn about finances during the Real Money Bootcamp sponsored by City National Bank.
More than 100 students and volunteers participated in the Real Money Business Bootcamp at Jungle Island on Friday, Dec. 15. Hosted in partnership with Communities in Schools, the event brought together students from Miami Beach Senior High and Miami Northwestern.
Students participated in a variety of stations manned by counselors and volunteers and learned to make choices towards a career path as they leave for college as well as the financial implications of paying for their education, housing, transportation, entertainment, fitness, and insurance, and the skills to manage their credit and banking accounts.
During the previous two weeks, volunteers also visited the two schools and presented lessons on financial literacy and responsibility.
The Bootcamp began with fitness guru, Michael Moore of Hiperfit, and 18 Best Buy volunteers escorting the students off the bus at 8:30 a.m. After a welcome and special treat from Jungle Island, students entered into the Real Money Business Bootcamp in the Garden Outpost section of the jungle. The students each began with a set amount of income and spent 10-15 minutes at each station making sure to end up with a balanced budget.
The different stations included the Florida International University Career Station, The Continental Group Realty Housing Station, Warren Henry Auto Station, Best Buy Entertainment Station, Florida International University College Skills Station, Hiperfit Fitness Station, City National Bank Account Station, State Farm Insurance Section, and City National Bank Credit Station. Based on their appreciation for education and their eagerness to excel, the students were given “bonus money” to spend throughout the day. The experience and education provided by the station volunteers helped each student come out ahead of the game.
Throughout the next month, the students will be asked to complete a one-page essay about their experience. The top three winners will be chosen to receive scholarship money, which will be provided thanks to sponsor donations.
About the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce
The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1921 to promote the economic well-being of Miami Beach’s citizens, to improve the quality of life for the entire community, and to communicate the view of the business community on major issues of public policy.
About City National Bank
Headquartered in Miami, City National Bank of Florida (CNB) is the financial institution to which Floridians have turned for more than 65 years. The sixth-largest financial institution in the state, City National Bank of Florida was named the South Florida Business Journal’s Local/Community Bank of the Year in 2011. CNB is backed by Caja Madrid, founded more than 300 years ago and one of Spain’s largest financial institutions. CNB offers a diversified portfolio of financial products and services at 26 convenient banking centers from Miami-Dade County to the greater Orlando area.
In 2011, gourmet burgers, cupcakes and frozen yogurt topped the list of popular franchise trends. To start the New Year, The Sixth Annual Franchise Expo South returns to South Florida on January 20-22, 2012 affording visitors a unique opportunity to see what the future of franchising holds. From the basics of buying a franchise to launching a brand internationally, the show will address today’s hot topics, as well as attract thousands of entrepreneurs, current franchise owners, and returning veterans interested in owning their own franchise business. Sponsored by the International Franchise Association, the Expo will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center and will feature educational seminars and conferences, several of which have been approved for Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) accreditation, in addition to the franchisor exhibits on the tradeshow floor.
“Franchising is very important to South Florida’s economy, as it creates business opportunities for entrepreneurs and more local jobs, especially for the thousands of American troops who will be re-entering the workforce next year,” said Tom Portesy, president of MFV Expositions, producers of Franchise Expo South. “In fact, more than 825,000 franchises support 18 million U.S. jobs and contribute $2.1 trillion to our nation’s economy, proving that franchising has a significant impact.”
After three years of restrained growth, due to the recession and its lingering effects, franchise businesses show signs of recovery in 2012, with establishment growth forecast at 1.9 percent, according to a new report by IHS Global Insight for the International Franchise Association Educational Foundation. The Franchise Business Economic Outlook: 2012 forecasts modest growth in the number of establishments in each of the 10 business lines in the report, including automotive, business services, commercial & residential services, lodging, personal services, quick service restaurants, real estate, retail food, retail products & services and table/full service restaurants.
Franchise Expo South is designed specifically to allow prospective franchisees to discover which types of businesses match their needs. The tradeshow is a forum for potential candidates to do their research in person and meet with franchisors to ensure their potential investment is an ideal match. The expo floor will feature hundreds of exhibitors from food to professional service franchises including Hardee’s, The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co., Baskin-Robbins, EmbroidMe, Lucille Roberts, Red Mango, Sign-a-Rama, and Wireless Zone, along with thousands of attendees.
“Franchise Expo South offers the chance for franchise businesses to differentiate themselves from the rest of the competition as they connect with potential new small business owners across South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Portesy. “We welcome members of the community to explore the many different franchise opportunities available to them and learn about the benefits of owning a franchise business at the Franchise Expo South.”
About MFV Expositions:
MFV produces the leading franchise events worldwide. These global events consistently bring together franchise concepts, at all investment levels, with the most qualified visitors seeking to own their own business. For access to online franchise opportunities, MFV also offers web-based resources, lead management tools and solutions for generating sales. For more information about MFV Expositions, visit www.mfvexpo.com or call 201-226-1130.
We have added new and exciting festivals. We have launched a performing arts venue with a season line-up that includes theater, music and dance in our newly renovated Banyan Bowl. We have turned the Hibiscus Room into a full-time fabulous art gallery featuring a new exhibit every month. We have welcomed into our fold the CLEO Institute, founded by educator and environmental activist Caroline Lewis, who has taken on a global initiative of engaging people in the topic of climate change.
Our 14-plus acres are more lush and beautiful than ever, and on Oct. 17 the National Park Service announced the addition of Pinecrest Gardens to the National Register of Historic Places. The designation of the “Parrot Jungle Historic District” recognizes the historic significance of this incredible property that was once home to a world-famous tourist attraction.
It is our intent to renew this commitment to becoming a world-class attraction, offering our local community and beyond a cultural haven; a gathering place for families to enjoy, to celebrate, to laugh, to learn and to be entertained.
So, what’s up at the Gardens during the first two weeks in January? A lot!
FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
Jan. 14-15, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Come to one of Florida’s premiere juried art shows and enjoy an afternoon surrounded by spectacular visual arts in the most lush and luxurious setting now in its ninth year. Amongst a generous representation of the best artists and artisans in this area and beyond—you will find the perfect piece of art for your home, original jewelry for yourself or significant other, a great selection of delicious food, live music, and other activities for the entire family.
FARMERS MARKET
Open Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Grab your trusty straw tote because Bee Heaven Farms is back selling the very best in locally grown produce. But don’t stop there. The Market now boasts more than 60 vendors featuring fresh produce, locally farmed honey, fresh made pasta, arts and crafts and so much more. GARDENS GALLERY Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Our next exhibit opens Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. when the gallery will feature CCT-ART. CCT was founded by two mothers, all parenting special needs children, and a group of therapists whose concern and challenges led to a desire to offer their children creative stimulation while caring for their personal needs. Creative Children Therapy, through their Artists Realization Technology Program, continues to help children with special needs and profound disabilities put their inner-most thoughts on to canvas.
HONORING OUR FOUNDERS
In 2003, when the Gardens was purchased by the Village, there was a fundraising initiative dubbed our Founders Tree. By purchasing a leaf on this tree, one’s name would be etched, forever recognizing that name as a founding member in Gardens’ history. This year we have renovated our tree, and on Jan. 7 we will honor our founding members in a special ceremony as we officially launch our new membership drive for 2012.
BENEFIT CONCERT
The Community Foundation of Pinecrest, a non-profit organization, will present a Concert under the Stars featuring renowned jazz vocalist Nicole Henry on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Gardens’ performing arts initiatives and the Banyan Bowl. A wine and cheese reception at 7 p.m. precedes the concert. Tickets are $42 (includes reception) and may be purchased online at www.pinecrestgardens.org.
EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES
• The CLEO Institute amplifies civic engagement on environmental issues by bringing together scientists, educators, private and public sector leaders, and young people. You are invited to a community-wide film screening and discussion of the documentary Carbon Nation on Friday, Jan. 13, 7-9:30 p.m., with a follow-up discussion led by Caroline Lewis and her Youth Task Force leaders.
• Join us on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. for a special presentation on Basic Bonsai Techniques and Care in our Hibiscus Room. This wonderful lecture and workshop is free to the public.
TOUR THE GARDEN
Every Sunday at 11 a. m. and 1 p.m. we have scheduled tours given by our volunteers. These tours are free with an admission of $3 for adults and $2 for children.
Tammy Farris (center right) is surrounded by former students and friends at Dance Gallery.
Tammy Farris, who had been dancing most of her life, suffered a severe stroke in October 2011 that left the professional dance instructor wheel chair-bound, unemployed, and minus insurance. The South Florida Dance Showcase on Jan. 20 at Broward College is dedicated to help get her and other stroke victims back on their feet.
“My mother was told to get my things in order because they did not think I was going to make it,” Farris said. “I was found hours after passing out and immediately rushed to the hospital for surgery. They drained the blood out of my brain and performed a tracheotomy to clear my lungs. I don’t remember my first month in intensive care.”
Farris experienced the classic stroke symptoms of numbness on her left side and dizziness prior to passing out and attributes the stroke itself to high blood pressure and stress. In just a few months since the October stroke, she has regained partial use of her left arm and is attempting to learn to walk.
Like millions of Americans, Farris did not have insurance at the time of the stroke. She was teaching at Dance Gallery in the South Miami area after giving up her own studio to enable her to teach fulltime. Dance Gallery has sponsored several fundraisers on Farris’ behalf and they sell “Hope You Can Dance” bracelets for her, but more help is needed.
“I applied for Medicaid and finally did receive it but they do not cover occupational therapy so I started doing it on my own to continue to improve. I made so many calls to so many organizations but as soon as they found out I was a stroke victim they would say ‘oh, we don’t take stroke victims.’”
A branch of Medicaid called Medica offers limited occupational therapy which apparently Farris already has used up and so she continues to make calls to find a way to get help while doing what she can on her own — a risky gamble.
“I am living with my mom now and we have modified the house so I can take a shower in the wheelchair but there are so many things you cannot do with only one arm. I can’t cook; I can’t fold laundry. I have fallen four times already and, thank God, I have not split my head open because one time I landed on my face on the ceramic tile. This is why so many stroke victims end up back in the hospital,” Farris said.
A life of immobility to a lifelong dancer brought up in the studio of her mother, Virginia Harris, is not a proposition Farris is willing to accept.
“When something tragic and unexpected happens in life you have to fight. I believe you can achieve anything you desire if you work hard enough and believe in yourself,” Farris said.
Apparently this is the style of leadership she taught her nearly 500 students during the course of her career thus far.
“Her students love her and want to do more for her,” said Rosemary Baker, Dance Gallery director. “She has been in the dance community a long time and is very well known. She really relates to the students.
“Tammy is able to get on their level and explain things in a unique and effective way. If she is teaching ballet, for example, she makes it fun. Ballet is not fun for a lot of students but Tammy could make it fun for everybody.”
Many of Farris’ alumni have gone on to dance for the Miami Heat, the Miami Dolphins, and performed on national and international stages such as on the television program So You Think You Can Dance. Some have left travel engagements to come back to town and teach master classes to benefit Farris. Recently a group of students at Dance Gallery decided to post messages about the difference she has made in their lives.
“You are my motivation,” Alexis Browning said.
“You not only inspired me to dance but also to stay strong and always keep your head up,” Stephanie Pujol said.
“You are one of the best teachers I have ever had, not only an inspiration but also a role model,” Casey Ruiz said.
The First Annual South Florida Dance Showcase to Benefit Stroke Victims is Friday, Jan. 20, 7 p.m., in the Omni Auditorium at Broward College North Campus, 1000 Coconut Creek Blvd.
South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center (SMDCAC) in Cutler Bay and CultureShockMiami.com present Black Violin, a free concert on Sunday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m., sponsored in part by TD Bank.
Students, ages 13-22, may get tickets through www.cultureshockmiami.com. The general public may obtain a voucher to exchange for up to four tickets per person. For information on vouchers contact the SMDCAC Box Office at 786-573-5300 or visit online at www.smdcac.org for more information.
To most people, jazz, hip-hop, funk, and classical are musical genres. But to revolutionary music group Black Violin, they are nothing but ingredients. Combining a daunting array of musical styles and influences to produce a signature sound that is not quite maestro, not quite emcee, this group of two classically trained violinists along with their deejay and drummer, are redefining the music world-one string at a time.
With influences ranging from Shostakovich and Bach to Nas and Jay-Z, Black Violin breaks all the rules, blending the classical with the modern to create something rare, a sound that nobody has ever heard, but that everybody wants to feel.
Miami String Project opens the show. They are a dynamic youth string chamber orchestra comprised of talented young violinists, violists, cellists and bassists between the ages of 12 and 19.
This concert is meant to provide a way for students to be introduced to the new center and to participate in CultureShockMiami.com.
CultureShockMiami.com is a program run by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, dedicated to making Miami-Dade’s rich cultural life affordable and accessible to high school and college students ages 13-22.
Through the site, students may buy tickets for $5 to the best dance, music, theater, film and spoken word events in Miami-Dade County, and two-for-$5 tickets to museums. Tickets donated by cultural organizations are available for purchase through www.cultureshockmiami.com free of any taxes, fees or surcharges. A student must use the first ticket purchased, but the second ticket may be used by a person of any age.
When the members of Black Violin first learned to play their signature instruments — Wil B, the viola at 14, and Kev Marcus, the violin at the tender age of 9 — neither could have foreseen that it would become their livelihood, though it was already becoming their passion.
The two Florida natives first met while attending the Dillard High School of Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, a school whose exceptional music programs served to nurture their already budding talents. But it was not until the two were exposed to the work of legendary violinist Stuff Smith that the seeds that would one day become Black Violin were truly planted.
Smith, born in Portsmouth, OH, in 1909, was one of preeminent jazz violinists of the swing era, who went onto perform with names like Alphonse Trent, Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Sun Ra throughout a long and storied career. His final album and most soulful, titled Black Violin, so inspired and influenced the young Kev Marcus and Wil B that they eventually would name their band in honor of the man who had shown them that there were no limits to what the violin could do.
Gables residents can watch UM men’s basketball action for free.
Thanks to a 20-year Development Agreement between the City of Coral Gables and the University of Miami, Coral Gables residents can receive up to four free tickets per household for upcoming Hurricanes men’s basketball games.
“This is another example of how the City of Coral Gables and the University of Miami are working together for the benefit of residents,” said Pat Salerno, city manager.
Last year, all tickets were distributed.
Tickets for the following games are available:
Sunday, Jan. 22, noon, University of Miami vs. North Carolina State. Only 250 tickets are being distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, which began Monday, Jan. 9.
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 8 p.m., University of Miami vs. Maryland. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Monday, Jan. 23, at 8 a.m.
Saturday, Feb. 18, 1 p.m., University of Miami vs. Wake Forest. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Thursday, Feb. 2 at 8 a.m.
Sunday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m., University of Miami vs. Florida State University. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 8 a.m.
The games will be played at the BankUnited Center on the University of Miami campus. Tickets will be distributed in person at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Dr., no earlier than the designated distribution date. Residents must show proof of residential address. Tickets are limited to four per household.
For additional information, contact the Parks and Recreation Division at 305-460-5600.
Biker stands in front of a striking mural on a Wynwood building wall.
Early Sunday morning on Dec. 18, I did what I often do – put my bike on the back of my car and set out for a rolling view of whatever Miami has to offer. Actually, on this crisp morning, I threw my son’s bike on the back too, drove down Old Cutler and dropped him off at his friend Jose’s house near the Green Market. Along the way, I weaved around other bikers – you know, the kind who seem to irritate people.
I’m not one of those bikers, those flashy, aggressive, flying mobs wrapped in spandex like the Blue Man group, chattering madly and getting madly fit. No, I’m in the other kind of bicycling mode, the ones who only tie you up on the last Friday of the month — or occasional weekends — in the bowels of the city. We go looking for camaraderie differently, in this case, with art as the goal.
Allapattah Station was the meeting point and, to my surprise, a crowd of nearly 150 impatiently waited for the next late arriving Metrorail – the weekend Metrorail never arrives on time – why even publish a schedule? In any case, we never leave on time either.
Today’s group is called Emerge, a loosely affiliated, happy-go-lucky crew of folks who meet Tuesday evenings in Little Haiti at Sweat Records to plan community activities like this out of the goodness of their hearts. Today’s excursion, the Graffiti Bike Tour.
Leaders Dario and Olga know a lot about who has painted what, where they come from, when they were commissioned, and what they’re up to these days. In some cases, they break out notes to insure they get it right. They know where everything that is fit to print has been painted – legally and illegally as it goes. We weave in and out of alleys, avoid the broken glass, throw our hands in the air and shake’em like we just don’t care for getting flat tires and everybody takes a heap of photos – often on the iPhone.
A group of French tourists somehow are on the tour and Dario keeps asking if anyone can translate into French. Of course, the French speak English better than any of the bike riders who aren’t Haitian can speak French, but everyone manages; we ride, we stop, we ride, we stop. We photograph and some listen intently.
We hear about Retna, Books Bischof of Primary Flight, Above, RISK, Shepard Fairey and the local Puerto Rican brothers like Trek6 who began painting in Wynwood when it was primarily a local Puerto Rican neighborhood. If you listen carefully, you can imagine Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Basquiat nodding their heads. This could be the start of something new is rerunning in their heads.
It’s mostly legal and legit these days. Hundreds of legal pieces have been commissioned and during Basel on the cityside, Montana-Cans, the spray paint of choice for these artists, supposedly donated 8,000 cans of paint last year; few artists are getting paid. But a landscape has changed, people appreciate what they see, talk about it and participate in a scene which invites events such as this bike tour.
Carl Rachelson has a Masters Degree in Humanities and is an English teacher at Palmer Trinity School. He may be contacted via email at crachelson@palmertrinity.org.
(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.
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.”
Pictured (l-r) are Candy McDonald, Garden Club president; Georgia Bohn, special events, and Jan Gautney, publicity.
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.
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.
