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    Local PR Firm Wins Agency of the Year, Joins Global Network, Names New Clients

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    Community Press Releases
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    The Conroy Martinez Group, a bilingual, full-service public relations, marketing and social media firm, was named the Gold Award Winner for “Small Agency of the Year” by the Bulldog Reporter, a leader in media intelligence for the PR industry.

    Judged exclusively by top journalists from leading media outlets such as, The New York Times, “Fox News” and The Washington Post, the Bulldog Reporter evaluates employee retention and management, account retention and growth through new business acquisition as well as other industry benchmarks.

    Additionally, the agency has joined the ranks of a consortium of 41 agencies worldwide as a Florida based affiliate of the Public Relations Global Network (PRGN), one of the world’s top four international networks of leading independent public relations agencies. The combined resources of PRGN deliver targeted public relations campaigns in more than 80 markets around the world to clients across six continents.

    The Conroy Martinez Group also has become the agency of record for the Miami production of Cirque du Soleil’s, Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour™ and Miami Jewish Health Systems, one of the largest and most innovative healthcare providers in the southeast United States.
    “Being named Small Agency of the Year is an honor that encourages us to continue to serve our clients above and beyond,” said C.L. Conroy, President of the Firm. “In addition, we are happy to become part of a global network of P.R. agencies that offer our clients literally, the world.”

    The Conroy Martinez Group represents clients on a regional, national, and international basis. Founded in 1990, the firm specializes in representing clients in the health care, corporate, hospitality, entertainment, real estate and retail industries, as well as non-profit, and new product launches. The agency follows the philosophy of providing personal service and counsel –and most importantly — proven results to clients representing a variety of industries. More information on The Conroy Martinez Group is available at www.conroymartinez.com.

    Beverlee Kagan Antique; Vintage Jewelry Unveils Holiday Collection, Showcase to Benefit Nonprofit

    By
    Community Press Releases
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    You can still sparkle this holiday season thanks to the new affordable collection at Beverlee Kagan Antique and Vintage Jewelry (www.kaganjewelry.com), 5831 Sunset Dr., where the small shop has more than 30,000 one-of-a-kind new, vintage, and art deco pieces.

    Beverlee Kagan’s holiday collection is a mix of styles the store is known for – glamorous costume jewelry from the 1930s, creative original designs, Victorian masterpieces and stunning vintage crystal bracelets, earrings and necklaces to delight any bride, girlfriend or mother.

    The store will host the Beverlee Kagan Antique and Vintage Jewelry Holiday Showcase from 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15 with complimentary wine and hor d’oeuvres. The store will donate a portion of the proceeds to the South Miami Drug Free Coalition. The event is free and open to the public.

    “We set out every year to find pieces that appeal to shoppers tastes and trends. This year we’ve been able to add designs that are striking and affordable, and no two pieces are alike,” says Steve Kagan, the shop’s owner.

    The Beverlee Kagan Holiday Collection features an array of original pieces by the store’s exclusive designer, Manuel Picasso. His collection of necklaces and earrings showcase the use of earthy turquoise, vintage stones and beads, and pearls ranging in price from $40 to $400.

    A newly released selection of vintage brooches – from $35 – $95 – comes in crystals, rhinestones and faux pearls to name a few. A stately 1920s crystal necklace ($255) looks as stunning as diamonds but without the price.

    Kagan’s mother, Beverlee, opened the store – still in its same location – 22 years ago. She built the shop’s remarkable 30,000-piece collection on the premise that beautiful jewelry is as much about good design as it is precious stones.

    “Sometimes you come across the most exquisite piece of jewelry made out of rhinestones, but it captures the attention like something from a jewelry store on Fifth Avenue,” Kagan said.

    Even after Beverlee Kagan’s passed away in 2001, the store staff continued adding to the stores vast collection by looking for remarkable new and classic costume jewelry to inspire shoppers. The store’s manager, Ana Picasso, is a jewelry expert high skilled at coordinating pieces with outfits and for selecting the ideal gift.

    About Beverlee Kagan Antique & Vintage Jewelry
    Beverlee Kagan Antique & Vintage Jewelry opened in the heart of South Miami in 1989. The store has more than 30,000 pieces of vintage, antique and original designs ranging in price from $25 to $2500. The vast collection features Victorian, Art Deco, American, European, Indian and Mexican jewelry. The shop also features antique pieces from jewelry masters of the Thirties and Forties like Trifari, Hollycraft, Hattie Carnegie, Regency and Goldette. Learn more at www.kaganjewelry.com or call 305-663-1937.

    Treading water isn’t fun. How to get to dry land.

    By
    Ray Princiotta
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    By Ray Princiotta….
    Underwater real estate – We all know someone…a friend, a co-worker, a relative… maybe it’s you. Like millions of Floridians, you bought your home during the boom, and mortgaged 80-90% of the purchase price, which at the time seemed reasonable. Then came the crash and your property has lost 40-50 % of its value. Now you have a mortgage that is more than the property is worth, and your monthly carrying costs are draining your savings. You are starting to fall behind on your mortgage and are ducking calls from your lender. If this is you or a friend, here are some suggestions on how to resolve your situation…

    First, make the decision to take action to end the pain. If you’re embarrassed it is understandable, butmore than 1 in 3 people are underwater on their mortgage.

    Second, to determine your situation, fill out a financial analysis (download at www.rayonrealestate.com)

    Third, check out the various Lender and Federal programs that are available for distressed homeowners. Your choices include:

    • Loan Modification: This is can be a good option, if you are eligible. Lenders may lower your interest rate and reduce your payments; or reduce the principle amount; and in some cases, possibly forgive accumulated past due payments, interest and penalties.

    • Short Sale: Based on your specific situation, your lender would agree to allow the sale of your property for the current market price, based on their appraisal.AShort Sale is generally the least damaging to your credit.

    • Deed-in-Lieu (DIL): With a Deed in Lieu of foreclosure, you, the borrower, will convey all interest in your property to the lender to satisfy the loan in return for a waiver of deficiency. Another benefit is that a DIL hurts your credit less than a foreclosure does.

    • Foreclosure: Foreclosure is a legal process whereby the mortgage lender or other secured creditor repossesses a property after the owner has failed to comply with the terms of the mortgage. When the process is complete, the lender can sell the property and keep the proceeds to pay off its mortgage and any legal costs, and can file a claim for a deficiency judgment against the borrower.

    Fourth, to fully explore these options you’ll need to work with an experienced Realtor® or real estate attorney.

    With all of the Federal and Lender programs available to you there is no reason to passively allow your property to be repossessed. Foreclosure is the worst possible option, and for many, a Short Sale is a good solution, but you need to take action. Remember, there is no free lunch! You can stay in the property, but every month you miss a payment, your deficiency increases; and your credit suffers greatly. Also, by continuing to live in this bad situation, you are preventing yourself from “Resetting your Life”.

    Maria Campos Wins Community Service Award

    By
    Community Newspapers
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    Also honored: (l-r) Elsa Thompson, Josefina Piñeiro, Norma Franquiz, with award-winning Maria Campos, Francisca Arguelles, Elisa Prieto, Gerry Smith.

    Ms. Maria Campos of Robert King High Towers is winner of “Dedicación Latina,” a UnitedHealthcare campaign recognizing contributions of Miami older adults to the community. Eight fellow-nominees were honored for extraordinary volunteer contributions at Doral Golf Resort & Spa October luncheon emceed by Univision national morning show host Ana Maria Canseco.

    Ms. Campos, a native of Cuba and 43-year resident of Miami, serves as president of the Robert King High Towers Council at the public housing community, helping seniors with limited resources.

    Other “Dedicación Latina” honored were Elsa Thompson for helping with hurricane victims and visiting the infirm; Francisca Argüelles, founder of a community “Literature Club;” Nabil Batarseh for keeping community members physically and socially active in an Elderly Affairs Committee; Norma Franquiz,  foster mother of many children who also serves as a volunteer for Angel Backpack, helping disabled children.

    Also honored:  Josefina Piñeiro, school volunteer who helps disabled children; Elisa Prieto who visits and brings food to sick neighbors;  Gerry Smith, President, Hialeah Women’s Club, for keeping elderly mentally active in her bilingual jewelry-making class with proceeds benefiting autistic children; Hector Torres, President, Senior Hispanic Coalition and Calle Ocho Chamber of Commerce, for providing elderly care.

    Nominees were selected by the Miami-Dade community residents with voting held during recent community events and a dedicated Facebook page. “Dedicación Latina” is an educational platform to sharing information about Medicare and providing Hispanic older adults with information on Medicare choices.

    Baptist Children’s NICU event reunites patients, medical staff

    By
    Community Newspapers
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    Dianne Pena, RN, (center) and Miriam Dunn, RN, (right) share a special moment with baby Lianni Gonzalez, age 7 months, together with mom, Krizia Perez, during the 19th annual NICU reunion at Baptist Children’s Hospital. Lianni, born at 34 weeks, spent the first two weeks of her life in the George Batchelor/Gloria Vasta Lewis NICU at Baptist Children’s Hospital. Former NICU patients and their families were reunited during the event with the doctors and nurses that cared for them during their stay in the hospital. Children were treated to face painting, clowns, train rides and more.

    Speedway rides put smiles on faces of young patients

    By
    Ron Beasley
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    By Ron Beasley….

    Dr. Ray Mummery, an automotive writer and avid racecar enthusiast, drives while his young passenger enjoys the day.

    When you’re faced with the prospect of fighting a ravaging disease like cancer, it can be debilitating, if not downright devastating. If you are a child, that battle is even more chilling.

    That’s why Rides ‘n’ Smiles has become such an important event each year at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. It’s a day when ailing youngsters can come to the speedway and be treated special, and get to ride around the track in some of the hottest, most exotic cars on the market today at speeds in excess of 100 mph.

    On Nov. 26, the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, more than 130 youngsters converged on the Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Southern Automotive Media Association’s (SAMA) third annual Rides ‘n’ Smiles event. At the end of the day, virtually all of the kids sported broad smiles and had a feeling of accomplishment, of having had a day of fun in their lives in spite of being faced with some very difficult days ahead.

    Rides ‘n’ Smiles is the brainchild of SAMA vice president Bill Adam. He is an automotive writer, an accomplished race car driver and a popular television motorsports analyst. He conceived the idea of bringing ailing kids from Baptist Children’s and Miami Children’s hospitals to the speedway, where members of the automotive association would spend the day giving them fast and exhilarating rides around the race track in many of the hottest new cars on the market today.

    Most of those cars are provided by the manufacturers, although some are supplied by private owners. This year’s participating manufacturers included Chevrolet (Corvette and Camaro convertible), Dodge (Challenger), Ford (Boss 302 Mustang), Mercedes Benz (SLK), Subaru (WRX), Nissan (370Z convertible), Lexus (ISF), and Porsche (911 GTS convertible). Also on track were privately owned cars from Fort Lauderdale lawyer Bill Scherer (Ford GT), Doug Von Allmen (Audi R8 V-10), Tom Gonzales (Corvette ZR-1), and Ron Vogel, vice president of Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale,  (with Maserati convertible and Ferrari 458 Challenge race car, and Infiniti G37).

    Additional cars were displayed by Miami lawyer Lance Joseph (1969 Camaro 427 and a custom Toyota Celica GT), Aston Martin (new Vantage convertible), Chris Kavanaugh (Ferrari 599), Bob  and Jeanne Panoff (supercharged Dodge Viper and a supercharged Dodge Challenger), Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, Subaru, Lexus and Toyota.

    “This day has become so rewarding to so many people, that it has grown to become a special part of our lives,” Adam said. “We all look forward to it and, literally, to seeing the smiles and tears on the faces of everyone — children, parents and volunteers. It is a humbling experience and makes all the effort worth it.”

    In addition to the exciting rides around the racetrack, the children and their families were treated to a delicious Italian lunch provided by Homestead-Miami Speedway and presented with certificates attesting to their membership in the 100 MPH Club.

    At the end of the day, each child was given a gift bag worth more than $50 containing model cars, key chains, a canvas back pack and numerous other items donated by the auto manufacturers and area businesses.

    “Rides ‘n’ Smiles just keeps getting better every year,” said SAMA president Paul Borden, who drove one of the cars and gave the kids rides around the track. “I found the children even more enthusiastic than ever and it was a real giggle-fest in the Dodge Challenger all day. I think my very first rider got in the car with some trepidation because he wanted to ‘go slow.’

    “I took it easy, of course, but you should have seen the big smile on his face as I went through turns three and four the first time at a moderate speed. I have a feeling that by the end of the day he was like most of the other kids who, when asked if they wanted to go slow or go fast, responded, ‘Go fast!’”

    It was a very special day for everyone.

    Voices For Children Foundation honors MVPs at annual luncheon

    By
    Ashley Katz
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    By Ashley Katz….

    Pictured (l-r) are Nelson F. Hincapie, Voices For Children Foundation president and CEO; Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, and Laurie Jennings, Local 10 News anchor and event emcee

    City officials, community leaders, professionals, and committed child advocates gathered to help Voices For Children Foundation honor its 2011 Most Valuable Protectors (MVPs) at the 17th annual Be A Voice Awards Luncheon on Oct. 20 at Jungle Island.

    The Most Valuable Protectors are members of the community who have shown an outstanding commitment to the fight against child abuse. The event raised more than $100,000 towards the organization’s goal to ensure that every child in the Miami-Dade County foster care system is represented by a Guardian ad Litem.

    For the fifth consecutive year, the event was sponsored by Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, PA.

    “We are proud to support Voices For Children and applaud the critical role it plays in our community to protect the most vulnerable and the most valuable — our children, our future,” partner Jay B. Shapiro said.

    Attendees were given a personal perspective on the importance of the Guardian ad Litem program through the emotional and candid testimonial of a former foster child, Angelica. Smoking marijuana at age 12 and living on the streets, she quickly became involved in a life of crime dealing drugs and stealing. At 15, with 14 arrests to her name, Angelica met her guardian, the person whose consistent support inspired her to change her life. Now a high school graduate, she looks forward to studying architecture at Florida International University.

    Local 10 News anchor and event emcee Laurie Jennings spoke about the need for the community’s support in the fight against child abuse. A mother of two and a 2007 MVP recipient, Jennings explained how the organization’s mission is very close to her heart and was honored to present the four Most Valuable Protector Awards to: Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez, LeadershipAward; Richard Hersch, Esq., Legal Advocacy Award; American Express Charitable Fund, Philanthropy Award, and Office Depot Foundation, Voices For Children Award.

    Nelson Hincapie, Voices For Children Foundation president and CEO, addressed the audience thanking them for their support.
    “Without the continued support of our munificent sponsors, the over 3,300 children currently in foster care would go unheard,” Hincapie said. “We are humbled and honored by the generosity and passion of these wonderful philanthropic leaders and companies.”

    The mission of Voices For Children Foundation is to raise funds to ensure that every abused, abandoned, and neglected child in Miami-Dade County has a court appointed Guardian ad Litem to represent the child’s best interests in court and that financial assistance and other resources are available to meet their needs.

    For more information about Be A Voice, visit online at www.BeAVoice.org.

    Bric Peeples eyeview

    By
    Raquel Garcia
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    By Raquel Garcia….

    Photographer Bric Peeples and Jo-Ann Gardner

    Although yacht boat captain Bric Peeples has been around the world, when he talks about the images in his photography it is the sound of a child making new discoveries along his first quest beyond the family front stoop. Peeples recently celebrated the opening of his first photography art exhibit on the Galapagos Islands at First National Bank of South Miami’s Kendall Branch.

    “I fish for a living, love boating, and get to see some of the most amazing places in the world. I would always take pictures and got so many compliments it inspired me to keep at it. The Galapagos is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. To see the natural progression, the wildlife, the flowers and the interesting rock formations, it was just incredible,” said Peeples.

    Incredulous indeed are the images captured of sea lions in mid-kiss, a giant tortoise’s face smothered in his banana meal, a “King Lizard” with his rooster head regalia and the “Great Sapphire Wing” hummingbird at rest. But Peeples finds beauty not just in classical images of nature but also in civilized works like the interior rotunda views looking up from an area church captured in Quito, Ecuador.

    “We spent a full day driving around the rain forest outside and around Quito and there are 40 churches within one square mile, 40 churches. In one of them, the entire interior is covered in gold leaf,” said Peeples.

    Peeples’ next adventure will be an Amazon trip to fish for fresh water piranha and to capture a whole new series of images for his collection. The Galapagos Photography Art Collection will be on exhibit at First National Bank of South Miami’s Kendall Branch at 7887 North Kendall Drive through the month of January. To find out more about Bric Peeples visit:
    bricpeeplesphotography.com or call 305-282-1006.

    Children Celebrate Red Ribbon Week

    By
    Community Newspapers
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    From The Parks and Recreation Department

    Red Ribbon Week is a United States initiative of prevention and education about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Celebrated on October 23 to 31 every year, students all over the country make pledges to live drug and alcohol free. The City of West Park took part in this year’s festivities as children who participate in our after school program learned about the dangers of drugs and alcohol the entire week. As part of the culminating event, children proudly made a sign at the entrance of McTyre Park letting everyone know that we are a Drug Free facility!

    For more information on this program or others observed in the City, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 954-985-1990.

    Pet Rabies Vaccination Clinic

    By
    Community Newspapers
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    From the Parks and Recreation Department

    On Saturday, November 05, 2011 the City of West Park and Broward County Animal Care hosted a Pet License & Rabies Vaccination Clinic at Mary Saunders Park as a service to pet owners in our community. The clinic gave families the opportunity to vaccinate their pets against rabies and get them licensed with the County. A total of 339 animals were treated between 9:00am and 2:00pm! The event was open to all Broward County residents and attendees ranged from as far as Weston and Margate.

    For more information about the next vaccination clinic or others offered throughout the County please contact: Broward County Permitting, Licensing and Consumer Protection Division – Animal Care and Adoption Section by visiting www.broward.org/animal, or go in person to: 1870 SW 39th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, or by phone at 954-359-1010.

    Boys and Girls enjoy K.I.S.S snack & supper program

    By
    Community Newspapers
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    The Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County began its Snack & Supper Program to benefit all Club members on September 12, 2011. This program goes through the entire school year which ends on June 8, 2012. The main funding source for this program is the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is administered by the Florida Department of Health. This afterschool nutrition program at BGCBC also receives United Way of Broward County funding to assist in serving our members at each club.

    Supper is served Monday through Friday (during the school year) at all clubs from 5:15 pm – 7:15 pm. When schools are closed supper serving time is from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Recently, West Park City Commission members visited the Carver Ranches Club along with County Commissioner Barbara Sharief and Representative Joe Gibbons to show support for this program.

    Nutritionally balanced meals are provided to all children regardless of race, color, sex, disability, age, or national origin during the school year at the Clubs. All children, ages 6 -17, must be a registered Boys & Girls Clubs member to be eligible for snacks and suppers at no charge and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. The program is only approved for geographical areas of need where 50 percent or more of the children qualify for free and reduced price meals during the school year.

    In the first eight weeks of this program, Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County has served more than 40,000 snacks and suppers. Several parents have expressed gratitude and excitement about the Snack & Supper Program. More than 50 percent are from single parent, female headed or male headed households and work long hours. Parents can now spend quality time with their children instead of worrying about what to prepare for dinner. They know their child has already had a nutritious supper while at the Club.

    WEST PARK HURRICANES CHEERLEADING UPDATE

    By
    Community Newspapers
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    From the Parks and Recreation Department

    You can hear them each Saturday – cheering, clapping, chanting and energizing entire parks! Cheerleaders of the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance presented by Sports Authority motivate the tacklers and perform for crowds every Saturday. These dedicated squads practice during the week while trying to balance schoolwork, social activities and family life.

    This year, the spotlight shifted from the gridiron to the stage at the OBYFA Cheer & Dance Championships presented by Sports Authority on Sunday, November 6, 2011. The doors opened at 8:00 a.m. at Nova Southeastern University’s Don Taft Center, as the Orange Bowl Committee WEST PARK HURRICANES CHEERLEADING UPDATE (OBC) hosted an estimated 1,300 cheerleaders and dancers. The 300,000 squarefoot facility hosted competitions throughout the day and saw our cheerleaders bring home a first place and a second place trophy after bringing home two first place trophies at the Miami Extreme Youth Cheerleading Competition held the previous week at the University of Miami Bank United Center.

    Cheerleaders and dancers performed in front of judges, who are current and former cheerleaders and cheer coaches, and were then scored based on projection, fundamentals, dance/choreography, team precision, overall appeal and sportsmanship.

    For more information on Hurricanes Cheerleading and other programs, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 954-985-1990.

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