Bal Harbour's special wheelchair to help disabled enjoy beach

BAL HARBOUR

A wheelchair that can travel over sand will allow those with disabilities better access to Bal Harbour's beach.


BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to the Miami Herald

In an effort to make the sand and surf accessible to all beachgoers, Bal Harbour has purchased mobile equipment to benefit people with disabilities.

The village has purchased a specially equipped wheelchair for the village's nearly mile-long stretch of beach.

The chair will be available by reservation only.

Mayor Jean Rosenfield says the equipment is significant to the village.

``We are constantly looking for ways to make our beach more enjoyable for everyone who visits,'' she said.

Compared to a traditional wheelchair, the beach wheelchair's tires are wider, which keeps it from sinking into the sand.

Bal Harbour purchased the wheelchair for about $2,300. A third of that amount was paid for by proceeds from disabled parking violations. The rest came from tax dollars earmarked for beach beautification projects, said Jay Smith, village director of community outreach.

The village received the wheelchair, which is a stainless steel De-Bug Wheelchair manufactured by Deming Designs, earlier this month.

It is similar to those used on Miami Beach and at family attractions like Disney World, said Smith.

Dina Cellini, a Bal Harbour resident, said the new beach wheelchair is significant.

``It gives me great pleasure to know that our public beaches can now be enjoyed in a much more meaningful way by individuals in wheelchairs, be they residents, nonresidents or tourists visiting Bal Harbour,'' said Cellini.

The village has made other recent improvements to the beach area. The council recently approved bicycle riding on the beach's hard roadway area. Earlier this year, the council installed life ring stations along the walkway, which helped save the lives of two swimmers in November.

Currently, the village is taking reservations for the wheelchair up to a week in advance for one-day blocks. For reservations, call 305-866-8597.

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Re-creation of Christmas story inspires faithful

Young actors and a biblical setting brought the holiday spirit to Holy Cross Lutheran's Christmas event.

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Caroline Nozile raised her four children to read the Bible.

On Friday, those biblical stories were re-created at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 650 NE 135th St. in North Miami.

More than 300 people packed the building to get a glimpse of what it would have been like if Joseph and Mary were to have invited guests over their home in Nazareth.

``Being able to visualize it and read about it in the Bible and actually having them seeing it in real life is so amazing,'' said Nozile, who lives in North Miami.

Guests lined up outside the auditorium-cafeteria to walk through a replica of Joseph and Mary's home.

North Miami resident Macarena Sejour's 9-week-old infant, Kovu Sejour, played the role of baby Jesus.

``All of our family thinks this is special,'' Sejour said.

On stage, the imagined home of the holy family was on display, including a crib holding the baby Jesus, pots and pans and floor pillows. Candles illuminated the darkened auditorium, which was filled with the scent of incense.

``We wanted to create an experience for the kids,'' said Damaris Valdez, the church's youth and outreach director. ``You can learn by seeing and hearing.''

The actors and participants also ate a light dinner that is similar to what might have been served during biblical times, Valdez said.

The menu included soup and homemade bread -- with a modern twist: holiday cookies.

A Catholic church in Broward donated fruit for the meal.

The auditorium was transformed into an outdoor courtyard of tables with candles as centerpieces and covered in white tablecloths.

Wearing a blue headpiece and white robes resembling Mary, North Miami Middle School student Narzassia Batiste, 14, said it was an honor to play the role of Jesus' mother.

``I get to play someone who is marvelous,'' she said. ``The fact that God chose Mary to have Jesus, that's, like, wow. I feel blessed.''

In the church's courtyard, children played several games inspired by biblical tales, such as one set in Joseph's carpentry shop, where they raced to hammer a nail into wood.

Mary Oxar, an art teacher at the church's school, said the event serves as a reminder to the faithful. ``You tend to forget that Christ is the center of Christmas,'' said Oxar, who provided most of the props for the event. ``So, we hope this will help people think of Christ instead of the `I've got to buy this and got to go to that party' type of thing.''

Before the dinner, a packed church attended a worship service where children danced and sang. The sign language ministry, a group of 20 girls and women, also performed.

To make the event more realistic, organizers also had a rack of more than 100 costumes representing the biblical period for faithful to wear.

``Right now, the community is going through transitions and turmoil,'' said pastor Dennis Bartels. ``This is one way in which we can reach out and say, `Hey, there's hope for this world.' ''


650 NE 135th St., north miami

Nicaraguans celebrate Virgin Mary at traditional event

Nicaraguans came together for a Virgin Mary celebration in Little Havana, Sweetwater, Hialeah and Kendall.


BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special To The Miami Herald
Standing in front of a decorated altar with an image of Virgin Mary, Nicaraguan Maria Vellasquez sang to a statue of the holy figure, which brought back memories.

Vellasquez, a Catholic, said praying and signing to the patron saint of Nicaragua moves her.

``I have a lot of nostalgia,'' said Vellasquez, wearing a white T-shirt displaying an image of Mary. ``It helps me remember my family I have back home.''

On Monday, she was one of thousands of Nicaraguans who took to the streets of Little Havana, Kendall, Hialeah and Sweetwater to celebrate La Griteria.

It has been 20 years since she last celebrated the event in her native land.

``I feel very emotional and happy,'' said Vellasquez, who celebrated the religious affair at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, 1366 NW First St. ``I adore the presence of Nicaraguans.''

La Griteria is a boisterous celebration, where Nicaraguan religious followers pray and sing traditional songs in front of an altar with an image of Virgin Mary. The altar could be placed anywhere from a corner of a family house to a big stage. It is celebrated every Dec. 7.

While some sing songs to Virgin Mary, other participants make noise with whistles, tambourines and other instruments.

As the singing and praying is taking place, traditional Nicaraguan sweets and drinks, sugar cane and other gifts are distributed.

Also, in the religious affair, participants cry out, ``Who causes so much happiness?'' Others answer, ``Mary's Conception.''

To Nicaraguans, the celebration is a way to show gratitude for Virgin Mary's miracles.

``I have a daughter who was born prematurely and every year I come to sing to her,'' said Miami resident Hector Luis Castro.

``I am not leaving until everything is over with.''

More than 30 altars were set up at St. John Bosco Catholic Church's parking lot and across the street at a shopping center. Some Nicaraguans displayed their altars on the back of their cars.

The tradition started Dec. 7, 1857, in Leon, Nicaragua, when a priest wanted to bring joy to his country after it had endured a national war, Rev. Juan Carlos Paguaga, pastor of St. John Bosco, said.

``We see Maria like the mother that joins us and takes us towards Jesus,'' he said.

Paguaga, a Nicaraguan, says the tradition is meaningful to the Central American community.

``This is important in the Nicaragua community,'' he added.

He led a mass before celebrating outside on a stage set up at the church's parking lot.

``It's something we have been celebrating since we were kids and its part of our faith, culture and family,'' he added.

La Griteria has spread across the county.

In Sweetwater, Alcides Ortega, owner of a pharmacy, has celebrated La Griteria for more than 20 years.

``This is a satisfaction to maintain our faith to the Virgin,'' he said.

Several volunteers and employees handed out everything from bananas and lemons.

Almost 1,000 people sang religious songs as a live band played. And dancers performed Nicaraguan folklore.

Ortega's daughter, Nuvia Ortega said it takes her about three months to plan the theme of an altar.

``I am a devotee of the Virgin,'' said Nuvia.

The altar included the image of a large Virgin Mary along with colorful flowers inside a fish bowl, gold paper as a background and Christmas lights.

Although it's a Nicaraguan tradition, other Hispanic Catholics mark the event.

``I am happy to see the faith and love they have for the Virgin,'' said Hermas Sanchez, a Colombian.

He joined Vellasquez at St. John Bosco Catholic Church.

``People tend to forget about their traditions, but seeing this changes everything,'' said Sanchez who visited several altars.

But the celebration didn't end for Vellasquez who planned to celebrate La Griteria at her home Saturday.

``She is the mother of our savior,'' she said.

Winter fest draws community together

Samson Oceanfront Park was transformed with twinkling lights for the annual Winterfest celebration.

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD
Wind and rain didn't dampen the holiday spirit in Sunny Isles Beach.
Despite wicked weather, hundreds of residents and guests turned out for the annual Sunny Isles Beach Winterfest at the 70,000-square-foot Samson Oceanfront Park, 17425 Collins Ave., on Dec. 5.
``It's uplifting to get people in the spirit of the holidays,'' said Mayor Norman Edelcup after leading a countdown to flip the switch on thousands of twinkling lights in the park.
The park was transformed into a winter wonderland with the palm trees lining the perimeter of the open space wrapped with lights. Twinkling snowflakes also decorated light poles.
The lights will be on display at the park through January.
The event also featured inflatable bounce houses, slides and obstacle courses for children.
Sunny Isles Beach resident Jack Gold said the holiday affair offers a great ambience. ``It creates a tremendous family environment,'' said Gold, who waited in line with his 4-year-old son, Eliezer Gold, to ride an inflatable slide. ``It's a great place for kids.''
Guests were welcomed by old holiday favorites like the city's eight-foot-tall Peace on Earth globe, which is set in the middle of the park. The mainstay metal sculpture features all seven continents glowing with lights.
For the first time, visitors could ice skate: A portable synthetic-floor rink was set up on the north end of the park. The city secured a private sponsor to help pay for the new attraction.
An excited Nicole Raz, 5, skated for the first time.
``It's fun because I like sliding,'' she said.
Highland Oaks Middle School student Julia Gnip said the faux ice rink was surprisingly challenging.
``It's fun because you are here with your friends,'' said Julia, who ice skates as a hobby. ``But it's a lot tougher because it's not like real ice skating. Here you are basically walking.''
Grown-ups weren't left out of the celebration. Classic rock band Viva had parents dancing on a makeshift dance floor in front of the stage. The band opened up with Jingle Bell Rock, which led to the entrance of Santa Claus riding on a Sunny Isles Beach ocean rescue truck.
Soon after, children and parents lined up to take pictures with jolly ol' Saint Nick.
Sunny Isles Beach resident Aaron Herman said the event lets residents of all ages come together during the holidays.
``It's important because up until recently we didn't have a family oriented community,'' said Herman, who was joined by his family and neighbors. ``We had a lot of high rises going up but now we have a park activity and it allows families to come out.''
Despite the current budget woes, Edelcup says the city managed to find money a year ago so the event could move forward. ``It's important that we maintain these traditions and celebrate the holidays, even though the economy isn't the greatest,'' he said. ``We still want to be in a positive mood.''

Four new bus shelters on the way for transit riders

EL PORTAL

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
El Portal bus riders will soon be able to put their umbrellas away -- at least while they wait for their rides. The village will get four new bus shelters, to replace its unsheltered bus benches.

The village council recently approved a resolution allowing the bus shelters. Two shelters will be installed on North Miami Avenue, while the other two will be placed on Northeast Second Avenue.

The bus shelters will cost $25,500 and will be paid using federal stimulus funds, said Village Manager Jason Walker.

Walker says the shelters will come in handy.

``It is important to provide shelter during the rain season for El Portal residents utilizing Miami-Dade Transit,'' he said. The current benches are fairly old and have advertisements, Walker said. The new benches will omit ads. Councilman Harold Mathis says the equipment will improve El Portal's appearance.

``The shelters will be that added touch toward the village's improvement goals,'' Mathis said.

The bus shelters will be installed sometime next year, after the council has approved the final design.

Church program provides social setting for seniors

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Almost every morning, Manuel Rodriguez takes the bus downtown along with the rush of commuters. But Rodriguez isn't headed to work -- he's headed to the First United Methodist Church of Miami's community center.

For the past 25 years, Rodriguez, 87, has attended the Methodist community center's Senior Hot Meals Program, where more than 100 senior citizens enjoy healthy foods and activities like, yoga, dominoes, and lots of dancing.

``I feel happy with the program because it has been magnificent for me,'' said Rodriguez, who retired to Miami after working as a nurse in San Franciso.

``The food is always fresh here.''

The county-run program has been around for about 30 years at the First United Methodist Church of Miami, 400 Biscayne Blvd.

Senior citizens from across Miami-Dade County attend the program from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday, as well as Saturday. Individuals over 60 are welcome. A one dollar donation is recommended, but not required.

Rodriguez said he enjoys making new friends and hitting the dance floor at the church's Fellowship Hall.

``We have a table full of friends, where we talk about everything from family to politics,'' said Rodriguez, who asked to dance to Latin singer Elvis Crespos, Suavemente. ``I ask for music when things get quiet to feel the happiness, and then I take out the ladies to dance,'' he said.

Program Director Nuvia La Riva has worked with the senior citizens for six years. She said the job feels like a hobby.

``I was raised by my grandparents, so I am used to this ambience,'' La Riva said. ``They are part of my life.''

La Riva has help from Chef Raul Abuchaibe, who cooks everything from arroz con pollo to barbecue ribs. On an average day, he serves about 60 plates. The program also counts on about seven volunteers.

``This is so great because we work, but we are also serving the community,'' Abuchaibe said. ``These are people who are lonely so we need to keep them entertained and loved.''

Throughout the day, seniors enjoy a toast and coffee for breakfast along with a fruit for a midday snack. Lunch varies, but needs to follow the guidelines of a menu set by the county. Each afternoon meal includes a meat, bread, vegetables, salad, and a fruit.

Publix donates some food, though organizers purchase the majority of the food from The Daily Bread Food Bank.

Miami Beach resident Belle Thweny, 87, says the program is a learning ground.

``This is wonderful to learn from people from all over the world,'' said Thweny, who has attended the program for about 30 years. ``We learn the way they eat, speak and their style.''

There's also bingo and raffles, exercises, and information on nutrition and healthy living offered by county officials. In the past, members have been on field trips to Miami Seaquarium and Jungle Island.

But budget constraints mean no more field trips in the near future. La Riva says help is welcome.

``We need economical help,'' she said. ``We are very economically tight.''

Church Pastor Cynthia D. Weems says the program is much needed.

``Our church believes there is an even greater need now than ever before for programs such as Senior Hot Meals,'' said Weems.

La Riva says she feels part of one big family.

``They manifest a lot of love, since they need it,'' she said.

Pool attendant saves two tourists with newly-installed life preservers

BAL HARBOUR

A pool attendant saved two tourists, thanks to the village's new life preservers.

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
A pool attendant at a Bal Harbour hotel rescued two tourists from the ocean using the village's recently installed life preservers.

Dutch tourist Bart Van Kambam, 65, went out for a swim behind the Sea View Hotel, 9900 Collins Ave., on Nov. 13.

Van Kambam was caught in heavy currents. His wife saw him start to wave and yell for assistance. She turned to another tourist, Dennis Fosberg of Boston, who was already in the water. Fosberg tried to save Kambam, who was about 75 yards from the shore.

But Fosberg, 60, became exhausted fighting the current and called for help, too, said Bal Harbour Police Lt. Charles Merrill.

Sea View pool attendant Christian Gonzalez saw the men, grabbed two village life preservers and swam to the rescue.

``I had a nice shock, but we survived and we are happy with that,'' Vam Kambam said in a phone interview. ``This was a miracle that I survived this.''

At the Nov. 16 council meeting, council members and village police awarded Gonzalez, 23, with a plaque for his life-saving effort. His father Miguel Gonzalez also attended the meeting -- as did the men the younger Gonzalez saved.

After the meeting, the three men had dinner at the hotel, courtesy of the Sea View.

``The waves and currents were strong,'' said Christian Gonzalez, a tae kwon do national champion in his native Puerto Rico. ``All I thought was about saving their lives. I never thought of my life being at risk; I just needed to save them.''

Vam Kambam applauded Gonzalez's strength.

``He is strong''' he said. ``Without conditioning, he wouldn't have made it.''

Five months ago, the village installed 10 life preservers on poles along the nearly mile-long stretch of beach.

The life rings are installed near the emergency ``code blue'' telephones as well as on walking paths leading to the beach.

This is the first time the life preservers have been used in an emergency, said Merrill who advised swimmers to be cautious of the water.

``The waters have been choppy this time of year, the rip currents are stronger on some days than others,'' he said.

It was also the first time Gonzalez, a student at the Miami International University of Art and Design, has rescued anyone.

``All of my friends and family are proud of me,'' he said.

MetroZoo turns on the fun with `Holiday Nights with Wild Lights'

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
On Friday, Cutler Bay resident Greg Cekay stood in line, but not at the mall trying to take advantage of holiday sales.

Instead, Cekay was waiting to ride a camel with his 4-year-old daughter Samantha at Miami Metrozoo.

``It took some convincing to get her to ride,'' said Cekay, who is an avid zoo visitor.

Cekay was one of many South Floridians who attended the grand opening of Holiday Nights with Wild Lights on Friday at Miami Metrozoo, 12400 SW 152nd St. The event transforms the zoo from a safari to a winter wonderland. The holiday affair runs weekend evenings through Dec. 20.

Dozens of bright animal-shaped lights such as snakes and lions are set up throughout the zoo along with holiday-themed artificial trees.

Guests can also enhance their lighting experience by wearing three-dimensional glasses. The $1 fee for the glasses benefits the Zoological Society of Florida.

Kendall resident Maria Betancourt, a first-time night visitor at the zoo, watched magical patterns and holographic illusions in the lights thanks to the 3-D glasses.

``The lights give it a more festive event with the whole holiday spirit,'' she said.

Almost all of the animals were asleep, except for the crocodiles, white tigers, lemurs, flamingos and gibbons and Siamangs, primates that make loud noises. They captured the attention of fifth-grader Amin Esquivel.

``It's a little scary because you hear some weird noises at night you don't hear in the day time,'' said Amin, who was in line to take a picture with Santa Claus.

At night, visitors can also see other animals, such as hundreds of egrets that roost on several trees and lend the area a White Christmas feel.

``The zoo is home at night to a lot of animals,'' said Ron McGill, director of Miami Metrozoo, who pointed to the white birds covering a tree located in the center of a lake in the flamingo exhibit.

Metrozoo last hosted the event in 2000. After several requests from pass holders, the zoo decided to revamp the holiday idea and bring it back along with seasonal food favorites, McGill said.

``We've added more lights and more dimensions to it like hot chocolate and chestnuts,'' he said.

Designer Lisa Rispoli transformed the Dr. Wilde's World exhibit hall into Flore de Lisa's Winter Wonderland.

``It's one of the first [exhibits] in the country to incorporate Christmas and animals,'' Rispoli said.

The 7,000-square-foot building houses animated figures and 12 Christmas trees designed with different themes. The Safari tree features a lion on top of the tree and has giraffes and elephants as ornaments.

Visitors can win the trees by buying a $5 raffle ticket, which will support the Zoological Society of Florida and Metrozoo.

Families also have several photographic opportunities, including with children's character Diego from Dora the Explorer cartoon, and can ride a carousel in The Children's Zoo area.

Amin's father, Jonathan Esquivel, said the event put him and his family in the holiday spirit.

``It's something new to me,'' he said. ``The walking around and watching all types of Christmas trees is exciting.''

The West Miami resident said the park brings something new to his holiday life.

``It's not the same routine,'' he said. ``It's awesome.''

WinterNational Thanksgiving Parade celebrates its 35th year

NORTH MIAMI

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to the Miami Herald
For the past three years, FAMU student Nery Amaya has driven from Tallahassee to North Miami for the Thanksgiving holiday for more than a family visit: He comes to see his alma mater's marching band strut its stuff at the city's WinterNational Thanksgiving Day Parade.

``I came back to give back and show them my love,'' said Amaya, 21, a former member of North Miami High's Pioneer marching band who now plays the tuba for FAMU's Marching 100.

On Thanksgiving Day, Amaya stood beside his former marching band as he listened to them warm up before the Pioneers hit the streets of North Miami at the 35th annual parade.

Several floats, horses, honking fire trucks, public officials and local sports mascots paraded down North Miami's downtown corridor. The parade headed down Northeast 125th Street from Fourth to 12th avenues.

A crowd of about 7,000 sat on beach chairs, sidewalks and parade stands as they watched clowns on roller blades, beauty queens, and, of course, Santa Claus.

Hundreds signed up to march in the parade, which also featured floats, local police units riding bikes and a contingent of motorcycles.

Miami Country Day School seventh grader Sasha Kappos, 12, stood on the sidewalk with his family near the main stage at Northeast 125th Street and Eighth Avenue.

``I look forward to the motorcycles and candy,'' said Sasha, referring to several clowns on roller skates who threw candy into the crowd.

Peter Cruz brought a sporting feel to the parade as he set up a tent bright and early -- to tailgate.

``It's a small town parade that has a close attachment to local people and restaurants,'' said Cruz, who also set up a domino table. ``The parade is part of my family's life.''

Despite a sluggish economy, North Miami Mayor Andre Pierre said the city found ways to keep the parade running.

``This is the biggest event that can happen during the South Florida holiday,'' he said. ``We were able to keep this tradition going and we will continue to do it.''

The council made the parade a priority during the budget season, said city spokeswoman Pam Solomon. Local businesses also pitched in, donating staff T-shirts and cars to drive dignitaries and beauty queens in the parade.

North Miami is known for its large Haitian community.

Organizers set up a broadcast area titled the Kreyol Korner hosted by radio personality Guylene Berry of Koze Fanm Radio 1580 AM, who announced in English and Creole.

Resident Marie Joseph enjoyed listening to music from her native Haiti.

``The Haitian music helps people enjoy themselves and makes them happy,'' said Joseph who was joined by her family.

It was her fourth time attending the holiday affair. After the parade, she looked forward to a Thanksgiving feast. ``We have a lot of turkey to eat today,'' she said with a chuckle.

Ron Welsandt, director of marketing for the Greater North Miami Chamber of Commerce, said the parade has an economic impact.

``The parade helps bring people here,'' he said. ``And, hopefully they'll come back when the stores are opened.''

The parade started in 1973 as a marching band competition, organizers said.

Welsandt said the parade is the South Florida version of the Thanksgiving Day Macy's parade.

``It's interesting how the culture of North Miami has changed and the parade has changed with it,'' he said.

Although the parade has expanded, marching bands still compete for a prize. The WinterNational Parade committee will meet this week and choose the winning marching band.

As for Amaya, he said the parade is a great meet-up spot.

``This parade brings people who left Miami together and allows us alumni to see each other,'' he said.