Key Biscayne ride dedicated to cyclist killed in accident

More than 2,000 cyclists gathered to make a statement and pay tribute to Christopher Lecanne, who was killed in an accident on the Rickenbacker Causeway.

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
The Miami Herald
With a back brace and holding on to a cane for support, Miami resident Eduardo Lopez stood next to a makeshift memorial dedicated to Christopher Lecanne, the cyclist killed by an alleged drunken driver on the Rickenbacker Causeway.

``We felt this,'' said an emotional Lopez.

Lopez, a former member of the Cuban national cycling team, was himself hit by a car and suffered numerous fractures eight months ago near where Lecanne was killed last week.

Lopez is not able yet to ride a bicycle. But is waiting to go to rehab in hopes of getting back to the sport he loves.

Lopez was moved when he heard last week of Lecanne's fatal tragic accident.

``We cyclist are all a big family,'' he said in Spanish.

On Sunday, an emotional Lopez grieved alongside more than 2,000 cyclists on the Rickenbacker Causeway's Bear Cut Bridge as they remembered Lecanne. They dedicated a ride in his name.

Lecanne, who is survived by his wife and two children, will be buried in his native France, said a co-worker who asked not be identified.

Wearing white T-shirts inscribed with one of Lecanne's favorite sayings -- ``The journey is the thing'' -- family, friends and co-workers cried and placed flowers on the memorial, which included a bike spray-painted in white that was placed on a fence.

His family touched a street memorial sign placed on a barricade that read, ``Drive safely in memory of Christophe Lecanne.''

Lopez said the popular cyclist area is dangerous.

``The cars drive too fast here,'' said Lopez, who doesn't remember what happened after the car smashed into him.

The ride was organized by bicyclist groups to call attention to what organizers say is a need for improved safety measures for cyclists along the popular Rickenbacker and Crandon Boulevard routes in Key Biscayne.

Cyclists took off from Mast Academy and rode through Key Biscayne and on to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

For about an hour, police closed off a lane on the Bear Cut Bridge and transformed another into two lanes.

On their journey, bikers flooded the Bear Cut Bridge site as they paid respect to Lecanne with a moment of silence.

Witnesses said it took more than 15 minutes for fire-rescue to arrive after Lecanne was struck, a delay blamed in part on the reduction in operating hours of a nearby Miami-Dade firehouse. Emergency operators also apparently failed to call closer Key Biscayne and Miami fire stations.

Driver Carlos Bertonatti of Key Biscayne has been charged with multiple felonies, including DUI manslaughter.

Bertonatti, a U.S. resident born in Venezuela, was released from jail on bail.

Sitting on his black and red Ridley bicycle, Z-motion bicycle team member Jorge Alonso was riding the day Lecanne was killed.

``It felt like we lost a brother,'' he said.

Coconut Creek resident and member of the Broward Barracudas Nicole Swift drove to Key Biscayne for the memorial. About 30 cyclists from her team pedaled from Davie in honor of Lacanne.

``This is to make a statement to remind people to share the road,'' she said.

Some of the participants asked for safety measures to be added such as a concrete barrier that would shield cyclists from vehicles.

Designating the right-hand lane for use by pedestrians and cyclists in the early mornings and weekend hours, when vehicular traffic is light, was another suggestion.

key biscayne, florida

Music, art find a new home and boost tourism in Bal Harbour

BAL HARBOUR

Musical acts and movies by the beach highlight Bal Harbour's Cultural Series.

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Local musicians and artists in South Florida have a new spot to showcase their talents: Bal Harbour.

Looking for ways to boost tourism and promote local arts, the village launched Bal Harbour's free cultural series this month, featuring live musical performances and outdoor movies.

``One of the things important to us is to give local arts a platform,'' said Carolyn Travis, Bal Harbour's director of tourism marketing, in a phone interview.

On Thursday, the series continues with a beachside performance by The Gypsies -- composed of members of the Gipsy Kings -- along with New World Symphony at 7 p.m.

Next month's lineup includes Spam Allstars and a joint performance by Nestor Torres alongside musicians with the Florida International University School of Music. The village council recently approved $108,000 in village resort tax funds to pay for free concerts and movies that take place at Bal Harbour Shops and on the beach behind ONE Bal Harbour resort.

Local and national sponsors will also help cover costs, said Jay Smith, village director of community outreach.

All events are free for residents and visitors.

The series kicked off earlier this month with a performance by local Latin band Suenalo.

Suenalo manager Luis Gonzalez said the event, which he said drew about 200 people, helped promote the band.

``You get the respect of Bal Harbour's market, which has it all,'' he said in a telephone interview.

While places like Coral Gables and Miami Beach frequently showcase local musicians, Gonzalez said catching a show at the mall is a unique experience.

``It's a great feeling that you get because you can buy a purse and then you can stay and dance,'' he said.

The series continues through April, although Travis said, plans are in the works to start the series again in November.

Organizers are allowed to host events on the beach six months a year because of turtle season, which starts in April and ends in October, Travis said.

Mayor Jean Rosenfield said the series highlights local talent and Bal Harbour's scenery.

``The setting is magnificent,'' she said in a phone interview.

``A lot of cities have outdoor activities, but not with the ocean and palm trees.''

Barry University's connection to Haiti and its peril runs deep for many students

MIAMI SHORES

Haiti's heartache resonates throughout Barry University's community of students and faculty who remembered those lost with a candlelight vigil and pledged to continue relief efforts


BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Barry University graduate Bacheler Jean Pierre was on his way home from visiting family in Haiti when the earth shook.

He was standing in the waiting area of the Toussaint Louverture International Airport when the massive earthquake hit Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12, narrowly escaping as the roof of the airport began to cave.

``Everything just collapsed,'' said Jean Pierre, 25, who at first thought a plane had smashed into the building.

He ran out of a broken window unharmed.

Others, of course, were not so lucky.

Jean Pierre shared his story and grieved with dozens of students who gathered at the university's Landon Student Union Courtyard for a vigil and prayer service.

Jean Pierre, who graduated last month, returned to his alma mater on Friday, greeted with the hugs and tears from classmates and friends.

He said he was grateful to be alive but still in shock.

``I don't know how to feel,'' he said.

Students held an overnight lock-in to show their support for Haiti relief efforts at the university. More than 30 students slept on the floor wrapped in blankets in the cafeteria.

Holding a lit candle, Denae Brierre prayed for the victims with faculty, staff and students.

``It's a night of solidarity,'' said Brierre, secretary of the school's Haitian Inter-Cultural Association, which helped organize the event. Brierre's aunt died after her house collapsed.

``I can't complain,'' said Brierre, 19, who spent the night in the cafeteria. ``They have it worse because it was raining and cold. My grandmother is 82-years-old, and she is out there sleeping on the bare ground.''

The suffering in Haiti has resonated throughout Barry's student body and faculty, many of whom have ties to the Caribbean country, said Sister Linda M. Bevilacqua, university president.

``I think our university's and community's hearts are broken,'' she said. ``I know many people's lives have been forever affected by this tragedy.''

The memorial started with a vigil and prayer, led by campus minister Fernando Sorolla-Delgado. Prayers were in Creole and English. Students and visitors also wrote the names of those lost on a white paper posted to a window, which read, ``In loving memory of.''

When the disaster struck, the school created a Haiti relief task force to collect donations. The university also has teamed up with Notre Dame d'Haiti Catholic Center in Little Haiti and the nonprofit Food for the Poor.

The institution also has used electronic media to alert students about relief efforts.

After the vigil, about a hundred students headed to the Grill, where they enjoyed Haitian musicians, poets and dancers.

``This is a matter of unity, healing and support,'' said Barry faculty member Evelyn Cartright, who was still waiting to hear from family members missing in Haiti. ``We are not alone.''

Haitian guitarist and singer Elie Lapointe drove from Palm Beach to perform folk music from his birthplace.

``This is a youth movement,'' said Lapointe who plans on visiting Haiti. ``You have Haiti that's broken, and we need hands to help. And this starts at schools.''


barry university, miami shores, fl

Volunteers come together in the name of community during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event at Town Park Village

HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS IN SOUTH FLORIDA TOOK TIME TO HELP THOSE IN NEED AS PART OF THE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY HOLIDAY


BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Drawing on Martin Luther King Jr.'s life as inspiration, hundreds of South Floridians gathered in some of Miami's poorest neighborhoods Saturday for a day of volunteer service.

More than 700 volunteers came out to Town Park Village, 1680 NW Fourth Ave., to plant, paint and install energy-efficient porch lights as part of a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event.

Overtown resident Monique Lubin-Strachan was grateful for the helping hand, but her heart was heavy with worry over the catastrophic earthquake that had struck Haiti earlier in the week. A member of Lubin-Strachan's family is still missing from the quake.

``I have mixed emotions,'' said Lubin-Strachan, one of 500 residents at the 147-unit housing cooperative Town Park Village, a public housing facility. Lubin-Strachan has lived there for more than 20 years.

Volunteers from the nonprofit Hands on Miami, Bacardi employees, students from Florida International University, local public and private schools, and other helpers participated.

Not too far from Overtown, more than 100 Barry University students also beautified Gratigny Elementary School, 11905 N. Miami Ave., on Saturday.

Wearing an orange cap and gardening gloves, FIU student Carla Duenas planted for the first time in an effort to help those in need.

``I've always wanted to help,'' said Duenas, who drove from Weston. ``With the situation in Haiti, I thought donating wasn't enough, so I wanted to do something for the community.''

More than 20 high school girls from Miami-Dade and Broward counties' Ivy Rosettes hand painted rain barrels -- to help conserve water -- while volunteers drew images of musicians with notes on a mural. At the same time, men hammered nails onto 38 2-by-4s to build wooden trash receptacles. Buildings were also painted.

``This will help revitalize the area,'' said Leila Ripich, CEO of Hands on Miami.

Bacardi U.S.A., a spirits and wine producer, donated $25,000 to cover costs of 50 gallons of paint, more than 600 plants, 50 cubic yards of soil, 9,000 square feet of sod, 147 energy-efficient porch lights, first aid kits and school supply kits, which were distributed to children. The city of Miami also donated more than 100 trees.

The upgrade was needed, Lubin-Strachan said.

``We needed beautification so our property could get a better appearance to attract more people to let people know that we love our community,'' she said.

The improvements will raise the spirits, she said.

``When you walk into a community and see the building's paint peeling off and the landscaping isn't good, it brings the morale of the community down.''

Resident Zekevie Rollerson, 17, has noticed the difference.

``It's making the place look pretty,'' she said. ``To see change for the better makes me feel happy.''

In light of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, resident Patty Walker said the face-lift is only fitting.

``People here don't know us; they know nothing about us, but they are here,'' she said. ``I think it's a great representation of what Dr. King stood for.''

King, an icon of the civil rights movement, was born Jan. 15, 1929. Before he was assassinated in 1968, the Baptist minister had organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 and the March on Washington in 1963.

His birthday became a national holiday in 1986.

FIU alumni Jose Roces said volunteering is necessary.

``It teaches young professionals social responsibility because it's not about going out and getting money, but about giving back to the community,'' he said.

Farther north, about 200 Barry University students painted, cleaned and landscaped Gratigny Elementary School as part of the sixth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Challenge.

``It's important for students' overall growth,'' said Steffano Montano, coordinator of Barry University's De Porres Center for Community Service. ``It not only helps the outside community, but also helps students realize that their education is not just for themselves; it's for the world.''

Lubin-Strachan agrees.

``We really appreciate everyone that came out to utilize a Saturday. They could have been doing anything else. Instead, they came out and helped us,'' said Lubin-Strachan, who serves on the Town Park Village board as vice president.

Hundreds take wacky tour into rural Redland

REDLAND



BY RODOLFO ROMAN
SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD
Coral Gables resident Robert Burr, 57, remembers hanging out at his family's farm in Redland and watching pilots land their airplanes to meet the Strawberry King -- his Uncle Charley Burr.
``While we were standing there having a milkshake, people landed their airplane to buy some strawberries and shakes,'' said Burr whose family has run Burr's Berry Farm fruit stand and U-pick strawberry field for decades. ``I thought that was cool.''
Fifty-some years later, Burr shared those childhood memories with friends and strangers to show appreciation for a vanishing rural way of life at the ninth annual Redland Riot Road Rallye tour on Jan. 9.
``It goes back to something we have done since we were kids on a Saturday,'' Burr said. ``We'd jump on the station wagon and go out in the Redlands and get a bunch of goodies.''
Despite rain, wind and 40-degree weather, more than 100 participated in the car caravan adventure. They discovered 11 historical and tasty spots, where they had a chance to stock up on fresh produce, orchids, exotic fruits and homemade delicacies.
``A lot of people don't know about this place or any of the other places,'' Homestead resident Karen Crowley said at Cauley Square, a former rail station that has been transformed into quaint shops and restaurants.
More than 57 teams participated in the tour that included a contest. The tour is free, but registered teams paid $5 to cover costs of printing contest maps.
Participants were each given a map and 34 cryptic questions. They were answered by observing surroundings at the 11 stops such as at Whitney's Produce Market and Knaus Berry Farm, where people lined up to buy homemade cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate.
With a quizzical expression, Davie resident Ricardo Martinez stopped by Burr's Berry Farm to pick up some strawberries -- and answer the contest's questions.
``It's fun to come and answer the questions,'' said Martinez who attended his second tour. ``So far, I have answered most of the questions. Last year, I missed one.''
Tour goers answered questions like ``How many green children are playing in the fountain? -- referring to a fountain found in Cauley Square.
The team that turned in the most correct answers won a gift basket full of fruits, coupons and a hotel stay.
What started as a day out in the country for Burr and his friends has turned into an annual pilgrimage that brings both awareness and appreciation of a disappearing rural way of life.
``A lot of our lives are based on being hurried and having tight schedules and eating at fast food franchises and this is the opposite,'' Burr said. ``This is stuff freshly made like it was done 100 years ago.''
For Frances Varela, owner of Cauley Square, the annual event is also a financial boost.
It has ``an economic impact,'' she said.
Burr is glad to help out -- especially if it helps keep the Redland rural way of life.
``We want farmers to keep their businesses going and be profitable,'' he said. ``We don't want the farms to be turned into housing developments.
``People here are growing the most unusual and exotic stuff in the country,'' he added.
The wicked weather wasn't an issue for Detroit resident Carmen Specca, dressed in shorts, a T-shirt and jacket.
``We can't go to the beach so we come here,'' he said. ``We saw something interesting at Cauley Square: an artist who did art in tin, which is something different.''
The adventure concluded at Schnebly Redland's Winery, where team members warmed up by tasting tropical wine, crepes and barbecue.
``This is a fun way to drive through the back roads and visit the countryside,'' said New Yorker Patricia Shores. ``Because when you drive on the highway all you really see are malls and buildings.
``It is nice to know about your culture and history.''
For more information about the tour, go to www.redlandriot.com.
redland, fl

Three Kings Day parade revelers have blast despite chill

Thousands braved the rare frigid weather to celebrate the 40-year-old tradition of the Three Kings Day parade on Calle Ocho.



BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Bundled in four layers of clothing, Amarilys Sanchez stood on a Calle Ocho sidewalk with her two young children braving an unusual South Florida cold afternoon for the Three Kings Day Parade in Little Havana.

It was worth it: The parade brought back vivid memories.

``I remember coming here with my mom when I was 3 years-old,'' said Sanchez, 22, who was accompanied Sunday by her mother and a friend. ``She would bring me every year.''

Sanchez and her group were among the thousands who lined up on historic Calle Ocho and braved the rare Miami 37-degree weather to celebrate the 40th annual Parada de los Reyes Magos, or The Three Kings Day Parade.

On the coldest Three Kings Day Parade to date, the crowd watched more than 130 units including local fire department trucks, floats, high school marching bands, giant balloons, and folkloric groups dancing and parading along Calle Ocho between Southwest Fourth and 17th avenues.

It has become a tradition for many families. Many parents, who have grown up watching the parade, now bring their children. Sanchez is one of them.

``Since now I have my kids, it's important to share this moment with them,'' she said.

Local radio host Alberto Sardiñas said the event unites the community.

``This is a free way to come together and identify our community and realize we aren't alone,'' said Sardiñas, who attended his fourth parade.

Sardiñas added that every year the parade brings new entertainment.

``The parade gets bigger and better but also creative,'' said Sardiñas, referring to the wackiness of local radio personality Enrique Santos and co-workers who entertained the crowd while riding on a boat attached to a boat trailer shirtless in the cold weather.

Before the festivities started, more than 100 underprivileged children gathered at Jose Martí Park, 351 SW Fourth St., for a toy giveaway presented by Univisión radio and Amigos for Kids.

The recent cold front brought gusts of strong winds making it a challenge for parade participants to hold onto a giant Ernie from Sesame Street balloon similar to one from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

Fans tried to keep warm by dancing to cumbia, a Colombian musical style.

Fabiola Kappen's daughter was one of many who danced to Cumbia in the parade.

``We want people to know that our culture and traditions are in our kids because they are the future,'' the proud mother said.

Sporting a green and white Cumbia traditional dress from Barranquilla, Colombia, her daughter, Adjany Kappen, danced with nine other girls through the parade route.

``I like typical dances,'' Adjany said. ``I want all the kids to join me in our carnival.''

Her Cumbia dancing group was one of six folkloric groups that participated in the parade.

Wearing traditional biblical clothing, the Three Wise Men followed by their three camels kicked off the parade, while Hispanic celebrities like actress Angelica Valdes, Disney characters Goofy and Mickey Mouse, Santa Claus and local politicians waved to parade-goers.

Revelers also enjoyed a static helicopter pulled by a police vehicle, exotic animals and motorcycles.

The parade has become a tradition in South Florida. It was started by local radio personality Juan Amador Rodriguez. It is now the fifth largest Hispanic parade in the country.

Three Kings Day celebration is a Hispanic tradition with roots in Catholic traditions. Every Jan. 6 Hispanics celebrate the coming of the three magi to offer gifts to baby Jesus.

``Parades are street festivals that bring people together and have the young people come out,'' said Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick who attended Sunday's parade.

Slesnick added that it's a great way to display camaraderie between Miami and his own Coral Gables. ``It's our next-door neighbor and the city I grew up in,'' said Slesnick, who walked in his eighth appearance at the parade. ``We count on our mutual aid support.''

Parade watchers were grateful for all the participants.

``This is entertaining because you meet television and radio celebrities in person,'' said North Miami resident Evelyn Martinez, who hasn't missed a parade in almost 20 years.

``It's great for the family.''


southwest eighth street, Miami, FL

Too cold for snow? Bal Harbour cancels Saturday snow fest

Bal Harbour has canceled its seventh annual snow festival scheduled for Saturday ``due to highly anticipated inclement weather,'' according to a village news release.

Weekend weather forecasts predict even chillier temperatures and the likelihood of rain on Saturday.

The free event has been re-scheduled for Jan. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The annual winter festival feature a snow mountain for climbing and snowballs for fighting, as well as food and games.

The ONE Bal Harbour resort and spa funded the snow. For information call Bal Harbour's parks and recreation department at 305-866-8597.

-- RODOLFO ROMAN

Camp helps kids appreciate environment

A new kids camp for residents and tourists offers environmental lessons, thanks to the Miami Children's Museum.


BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Bal Harbour has teamed up with the Miami Children's Museum and the Sea View Hotel to launch a kids camp where youngsters will be able to learn about environmental conservation.

``It's part of a number of things we are doing to make Bal Harbour a better place to live and visit,'' said Mayor Jean Rosenfield. ``We want people to stay in Bal Harbour.''

The program will kick off Thursday at the Sea View Hotel, 9909 Collins Ave., which donated a room made kid-friendly with a chalkboard wall and cushioned carpet. The program, which will run Thursday through Sunday and holidays from 9 a.m. to noon, is available to children ages 5 to 12. It is open to Bal Harbour residents and their guests, as well as those staying at the Sea View Hotel and One Bal Harbour.

It marks the first time the Miami Children's Museum has worked with a municipality to develop and run a camp program.

``The museum has always wanted to branch out and bring our vision of learning to the rest of the community,'' said Danielle Black, associate director of museum experiences. ``We saw this as a perfect partnership opportunity.''

There is a $25 daily fee per child, which will go toward funding the program.

The program will also be funded, if necessary, by up to $30,000 from the village's resort tax fund, said Jay Smith, village director of community outreach.

Carolyn Travis, Bal Harbour's director of tourism marketing, proposed the idea to the council, noting that children's activities are a huge draw.

``Family in general travel together in a luxury market that we see today,'' said Travis in a phone interview. ``It only made sense to do this from a civic perspective, to make it available to residents and guests.''

Two teachers from the museum will be teaching the camp, which can enroll up to 25 children a day. Preregistration with reservation coordinators is recommended.

During class, children will make at least two different art projects along with indoor and outdoor activities including learning about the beach environment. Each week will feature a different theme such as Eco Explorers, where children will learn about recycling, conservation and what it means to be green, Black said.

The camp will run through early April, but Travis says she hopes the program will be extended through the year.

``As a community, we want to provide the needs of the community,'' said Travis.

For information, call the Miami Children's Museum 305-373-5437 ext 112.

Home Depot volunteers makeover Miami Rescue Mission's Women's center

THE MIAMI RESCUE MISSION WOMEN AND CHILDREN'S CENTER RECEIVED A MINI-MAKEOVER PROVIDED BY 40 SOUTH FLORIDA HOME DEPOT EMPLOYEES

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Sylvia Rojas, 57, lost her job as a certified nurse's aide a year and a half ago. She feared not having a place to live.

``The thought of being homeless got me depressed,'' said Rojas, who lived with her 7-year-old grandchild and ex-husband. ``It brought anxiety and made me feel worthless and useless.''

Rojas' sorrow turned to happiness on Tuesday thanks to 40 Home Depot volunteers who gave the 17-room Miami Rescue Mission Women and Children's Center a mini-makeover. Volunteers planted new trees, painted and installed two new washers and dryers at the center.

``I feel good because the place looks new,'' said Rojas, who with grandson Mckley Merritt has lived three months at the Center, 2250 NW First Ave., since being evicted for not paying rent.

Holding a paint roller and wearing an orange Team Depot T-shirt, Coconut Grove resident Kimberly Homer says volunteering is second nature to her.

``Learning to appreciate the little things keeps you humble,'' said Homer who has been participating in volunteer work since she was 14 years-old.

Homer, along with other Home Depot Gives Back volunteers, painted the living room and cafeteria area in beige and yellow using Glidden paint. The top floor was also painted using similar colors. The center staff picked the colors.

Helpers used 76 bags of mulch to add to the playground and the front area of the building. Volunteers also replaced and tightened loose pallets on the playground wooden fence, which was also painted in green and blue.

``We felt with today's economy, we would have more people finding themselves in the mission than there would normally be,'' said Tonia Morgan, Home Depot's district human resource manager for West Miami-Dade. ``Some people wanted to take a moment to give back.''

Home Depot donated a $4,500 gift card, which paid for the paint, mulch, and more than 80 plants such as bougainvilleas. The group also donated two dryers and two washers.

Marilyn Birriel, 21, who has been living in the center for three months, says the dryers and washers are essential.

``It's awesome. I didn't think they were going to do as much,'' she said. ``We needed the dryers.''

The playground was another area that needed to be revamped. Volunteers helped cut a large tree making way for space.

``The playground needed a tremendous uplift,'' said Antonio Villasuso, the Mission's Miami Center programs director. ``The playground had no mulch.''

The Miami homeless center can hold up to 17 adults and 40 children. Currently, there are 12 women and 22 children living there. Two blocks away, the men's center can house 250 people.

The Miami Rescue Mission, founded in 1922, serves 1,000 people at three campuses in Miami, Hollywood and Pompano Beach. The Christian faith-based center also offers several programs to help the homeless find work.

The center has had to convert offices into rooms because of an influx of homeless.

``There's a necessity of people coming in,'' Villasuso said. ``There has been an increase.''

Villasuso said the fix-up was much needed.

``This uplifts everyone's spirit not only during the holidays, but when they are living here they are going to use new things,'' he said.

While painting the playground wooden fence, North Miami resident Maja Hurtado said that helping women and children hits close to home.

``The kids deserve a good childhood,'' said Hurtado, a mother.

``They already have a rough situation. Whatever makes them better that makes me feel a lot better because they are the future.''

As for Rojas, the change is bringing inspiration for 2010.

``It lifts my spirits,'' she said, smiling.

For information on the Miami Rescue Mission, go to www.miamirescuemission.com.