Miami Metrozoo hosts beer festival to draw new crowd

How do you get young adults to come to the zoo? One word: beer.

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD
Miami Metrozoo will play host to a party, but not for the animals.
Local beer lovers will have a chance to taste domestic and imported brewskies at the inaugural Brew at the Zoo at Metrozoo, 12400 SW 152nd St., from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.
The social gathering helps bring a young crowd said Cindy Castelblanco, the zoo's director of marketing and integrated communication.
``We partnered up to make this happen at the zoo, which is a first for us and a chance for us to bring a segment of the population to the zoo that usually is not our regular visitor,'' Castelblanco said.
Beer lovers can taste from a list of more than a hundred beers. Local brewers like Florida Beer, Holy Mackerel Beers, Inlet Brewing Company and Titanic Brewing Company will have their products available.
Other well-known beer companies like Samuel Adams, Polar, Aguila and Asahi will also offer tastings.
Aside from the beer, food lovers can dig in on several meals such as roasted barbecue chicken with Caribbean style BBQ sauce or an old school sloppy Joe sandwich. The food is not included with entrance fee.
The Dan Band, which has appeared in movies like Old School and The Hangover, will perform live. Also, Juke and King Bee will hit the stage. Zoo spokesman Ron Magill will emcee a Call of the Wild Contest.
In the contest, participants will try to mimic the best animal call or sound that they can.
The winner gets a membership to the zoo and other prizes. A DJ will be spinning the turntable and a lot of head banging will be taking place with an air guitar contest.
As an added bonus, Brew at the Zoo ticket holders will receive a discount to the zoo's admission through Sept. 30.
``We want everyone to have a great time at the inaugural Brew at the Zoo event,'' Castelblanco said. ``We encourage everyone to drink responsibly or assign a designated driver for the evening.''
Advance tickets start at $25, but a $65 VIP ticket includes the Taste of the Wild Catering, a tented area and spirits like Finlandia Vodka of Finland, Tequila Herradura and Jack Daniels. The entrance fee will help benefit the zoo.
Miami Metrozoo teamed up with the Miami New Times, which has presented other beer festivals in Broward.

Bal Harbour offering free fitness classes by the beach

The village of Bal Harbour has launched a complimentary fitness program on the beach.


BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Known for luxurious shopping, art and culture, Bal Harbour is adding another task to tourists' and residents' to-do list: fitness.

The village launched a complimentary fitness program on the beach jetty area behind the ONE Bal Harbour Resort, 10295 Collins Ave., late last month. Pilates and yoga classes are being instructed by Naomi Lowit, owner of Nomi Pilates in North Miami.

Lowit said the classes are fun for all ages and levels. ``We incorporate a little bit of everything,'' she said. ``It includes stretching, core-moving and fast-pace exercising.''

Classes take place Tuesdays at 9-10 a.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The classes are opened to residents, visitors and the public.

The village is using $1,800 from village resort tax funds to pay for the program, said Jay Smith, village director of community outreach.

Looking for ways to boost tourism, Bal Harbour recently incorporated the free Cultural Series, featuring live musical performance and outdoor movies.

Lowit is no stranger working with local municipalities to promote health. She recently held boot camp classes at Miami Beach. Lowit has been an instructor for about 10 years and said the classes are a healthy -- and frugal -- experience.

``You really don't need money. You can be at the beach, exercise and meet some new people,'' she said. ``It offers something extra they can add to their vacation.''

Classes are about 50 minutes. Participants are encouraged to bring a towel, water bottle and a mat.

The program will soon incorporate a list of speakers this summer to discuss healthy cooking methods and other fitness topics.

Fitness classes take place behind ONE Bal Harbour Resort, 10295 Collins Ave. Yoga and beach pilates are offered Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Classes are free to the public. For information, go to www.nomipilates.com or call 305-866-4633.

N. Miami honors Aventura bookstore

Aventura's Borders bookstore was recognized for its efforts to get books into the hands of young readers.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/16/1582330/n-miami-honors-aventura-bookstore.html#ixzz0lYfgU5X0


BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
The Borders Books and Music Store in Aventura was recently recognized for its efforts to provide books to local kids.

The city of North Miami recognized the store on Tuesday with a proclamation declaring the day in honor of the nearby Borders.

Borders has partnered with the Friends of the North Miami Public Library, which has tried to get books into the hands of kids from low-income families. The store helped collect more than 1,000 books -- corresponding to 652 individual titles -- worth more than $8,000.

``Being given the award is an honor to us all, but it is truly a reflection of the good nature and generosity of our customers as well the hard work and passion of our employees,'' said Borders general manager Eladio Sarmiento.

Sarmiento had his staff offer patrons the opportunity to purchase an additional book to donate to local libraries.

The books were given to youngsters and distributed by the North Miami Public Library, Opa-Locka Library, the North Miami Beach Public Library and the Miami Rescue Mission and Safe Space, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence.

``A tough economy usually results in unfortunate cost cutting to public education and our local libraries have certainly endured the hit,'' said Sarmiento.

North Miami Public Library director Joyce Pernicone said the gift is gratifying.

``It is amazing what can be accomplished when people work together to improve the quality of life in the community,'' she said. ``Reading is the cornerstone of success and book ownership at a young age will benefit the child and the community now and in the future.''

Currently, the spring holiday Books and Bunnies campaign is taking place at the store, 19925 Biscayne Blvd. The collection started in March and will continue through May.

For information, call 305-891-5535.

Eco-friendly festival at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne to celebrate Earth

Food, music and a celebration of the environment will be on tap for Sunday's Earthfest in Key Biscayne.

By RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Thousands of people are expected to celebrate Earth Day a little early on Sunday at the fourth annual Earthday in Key Biscayne.

The festival will be at Crandon Park, 6767 Crandon Blvd., from noon to sundown Sunday. Admission is free. There will be a $6 parking fee per car, which will benefit Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation.

Earthfest will showcase seven performers, including musicians like Soulflower and drummer Jude Papaloko. An earth ceremony will be conducted by Lucho. Over 10 food vendors including vegetarian foods and 30 artisans will display their work. Visitors will have a chance to walk through an exhibit called Key, in which musical instruments are used to simulate the sounds of nature.

Since its inception, Earth Learning, a nonprofit organization, and Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation have put the festival together.

Founder of Earth Learning Mario Yanez, said the performers are more than a song and dance.

``Our performances are not just entertainment but are selected for their message of conscience and responsibility for our planet and our future generations,'' he said.

Earth Day is celebrated April 22. It was founded by the late U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, D-Wisconsin, as a way to appreciate Earth's environment.

Donations will be collected to benefit Earth Leaning, Yanez said. Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs and donations help pay for the event he added.

Yanez said the event is open to everyone. Workshops on gardening and creating an energy-efficient home will also be included.

``We offer to meet people wherever they are in their conscious evolution and help make the transition to a more ecologically sustainable way of living through our workshops,'' he said.

Revelers will also have an opportunity to participate in an interactive exhibit and eco demonstrations. There will be children's activities.

Festival-goers are encouraged to bring old computers, appliances and electronics to an on-site recycling center.

Yanez said Earthfest creates unity.

``This event gives our community a space to celebrate and reflect,'' he said. ``It brings out the best in people; they can take off their masks, and they are there to enjoy themselves in the company of others who are there for similar reasons.''

For information, visit www.earthfest.us.

AFL 3 The return of Krazy Horse

Press release
Hollywood, FL--- For those who believe the world’s most exciting fighters are only on television, think again. Action Fight League presents the next generation: Gamebred MMA fighters at Rock-n-Rumble 3 at the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 7:30 p.m. Friday June 4. Action Fight League brings the new breed of MMA warriors to South Florida. Culled from the nation’s elite MMA teams, they are masters of every discipline with uncanny abilities. Warriors that were born in the gym and raised in the game. The men and women who step inside the AFL cage are today's Spartans, ready to take MMA to unprecedented heights.

On his way to becoming the best pound-for-pound MMA fighter in the world, Charles Daniel "Krazy Horse" Bennett (40-16-2) vanished from the sport. One of the most feared and naturally gifted rivaling GSP, his disappearance has been shrouded in controversy and mystery, Krazy Horse has now emerged to continue his quest. He chose the AFL and the Seminole Hard Rock to make the next grand statement and continue his rise to MMA superstardom. With 40 top fights under his belt, Bennett is an ultimate force and plans on annihilating his opponent.

An Elite XC veteran, Bennett holds audacious victories over former CBS/Showtime Networks lightweight champion Karl James Noons, and former featherweight King of Pancrase Yoshiro Maeda. He is coming off a first-round knockout defeat by Bobby Green at King of the Cage “Fight 4 Hope” in California, so expect Bennett to bring the heat.

Another superstar will also bring the crowd to its feet. Fresh off a February victory against top-ten lightweight Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal, Luis Baboon Palomino (12-5) is sure to rock the house with a display of greatness that will surely make his foe think twice before squaring off with the knockout artist. Out of his 12 victories, seven have come by knockout.

If that were not enough, For the first time anywhere in MMA, Rock-n-Rumble 3 is debuting the legendary Brazilian Jiu Jitsu extraordinaire, Pablo Popovitch. Pablo’s ready to display his third degree black belt skills and a unique style never seen before in Pro MMA. A uncanny master at the art of submission, Popovitch took first place in the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship in 2009. Make sure not to miss this man’s arsenal live.

Rock-n-Rumble will feature 11 main card fights including top female mixed martial artist Jessica Aguillar (7-3). Jessica, another next-gen star will be looking for her third consecutive victory, Ailton Barbosa (5-2), Yuri Villefort (5-0), Caleb Archer (3-0), Hayder Hassan (3-1), James Winn (2-10), Crafton Wallace (19-4-1) and more, including a potential world-class surprise.

Rock-n-Rumble (Formerly Rumble at the Rock) 1 and 2 have been major South Florida MMA mega events bringing sell-out and near sell-out crowd and tickets for this event are expected to scarce. Don’t be left out of the action and purchase your tickets now.

Tickets are priced for families at $30, $50 and VIP tickets at $125. Seats will go on sale on or before April 23rd at the Hard Rock Live Box Office, open Monday – Saturday from noon to 7pm. Tickets also are available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open one-hour prior to show start time

About Hard Rock Live
Hard Rock Live, a spectacular state-of-the-art facility has quickly emerged as the entertainment capital of South Florida . Attracting music, comedy and sports fans, this 5,500-seat indoor arena further expands the ultimate entertainment experience at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. For more information please visit www.hardrocklivehollywoodfl.com.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino provides quality guest experiences where South Floridians can play, stay, dine, and shop. Eighty-nine tables offer Blackjack, Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, Texas Hold’em Bonus Poker and Let it Ride on a nearly three-acre casino floor. Play one of the more than 2,500 Vegas-style slots including the Native-American casino linked Multi-Area Progressive Jackpots and Mega Jackpots. Separate high-limit rooms for table games and slots, in addition to a non-smoking room are available for guests to enjoy. Loyal Player’s Club members experience an exclusive VIP Plum Lounge and celebrity show kitchen. Convene in The Poker Room at Seminole Paradise for Texas Hold ‘em, limit Texas Hold ’em, Seven Card Stud and two dollar and four dollar limit Omaha Hi Lo games. Located inside the casino is Hard Rock Café-Hollywood, part of Hard Rock’s 127 globally recognized rock ‘n roll themed restaurants.
The Green Lodging Certified by the State of Florida, AAA, Four Diamond rated resort showcases 500 luxurious guest rooms, 16 restaurants and lounges, 40,000-square-feet of meeting room space, a European-style spa, auto salon, 22 retail shops, 14 nightclubs, Paradise Live, and Hard Rock Live. Located on State Road 7 ( U.S. 441) in Hollywood , Florida . Take I-95, exit Stirling Rd. and travel west to 1 Seminole Way . For more information, call (954) 327-ROCK, 1 800-937-0010 or visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com.

Bal Harbour to host Ten-In-One music fest April 22

By RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Indie performers will be hitting the sand as Bal Harbour concludes its cultural series with the inaugural Ten-In-One music fest.

The performances will be at ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa's Cabana Green area, 10295 Collins Ave., at 7 p.m. April 22.

Named after the circus sideshows of the past, the festival will showcase up-and-coming musicians, such as West Palm Beach indie rock band Surfer Blood, which will headline. Other bands -- including ANR, Matthew Ian, and Turbo Fruits -- will be jamming on stage. DJ Contra will be spinning the turntables between sets featuring live musicians from the University Of Miami Frost School of Music. The event is free.

Revelers will also be able to take a trip to the past by taking pictures in old-fashioned photo booths and enjoy popcorn and carnival stands out in the open air.

Earlier this year, Bal Harbour launched the cultural series in an effort to boost tourism and promote local arts. The program features free live musical performances and outdoor movies, which took place at Bal Harbour Shops and on the beach behind ONE Bal Harbour resort.

Acts like Spam Allstars, a joint performance by Nestor Torres alongside musicians with the Florida International University School of Music have all been part of the entertainment. The village council approved $108,000 in village resort tax funds to pay for the series.

Plans are in the works to start the series again in November. Organizers are only allowed to host events on the beach six months out of the year because of turtle season, which starts in April and ends in October, said Carolyn Travis, village director of tourism marketing.

For more information, go to www.balharbourflorida.com.

Plan to redraw districts may wait for census results

Village officials say they want to wait for U.S. Census figures before redrawing council districts -- but that means the changes won't happen before next year's elections.


BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Bal Harbour's plan to redraw village council districts might not come anytime soon, after officials decided to put a hold on redistricting until the results of the 2010 U.S. Census are released.

The village council unanimously voted to table plans to reconfigure the boundaries of districts at a March meeting.

But, if the village decides to wait for the census results, it won't be able to change the boundaries in time for the April 2011 elections.

Census population results will be available in December, said U.S. Census media specialist Helga Silva.

But any changes to the village's district map would have to be done at least six months before the April elections, according to Village Clerk Ellisa Horvath.

Council members said they wanted to wait until the new population numbers are available before reconfiguring districts, something that has been talked about for years.

``I would base it on the new census that's coming up,'' said Councilman Martin Packer. ``Why base it on something that's 10 years old?''

The village hired as a consultant Ronald Schultz, professor emeritus at Florida Atlantic University's Geosciences Department, who presented several alternatives at the meeting. Schultz recently helped redistrict North Lauderdale and Coconut Creek.

Schultz says changing district boundaries would help balance population across the districts.

Currently, the population of District 1, represented by Mayor Jean Rosenfield is 1,047. The least populous District 5, represented by Assistant Mayor Joni D. Blachar, has 487 residents, according to Schultz. The village's total population is 3,414.

Rosenfield said that although the village will wait for the results of the census to redraw the boundaries, discussions about the subject are ongoing.

``This could be brought up at the next meeting,'' she said. ``Please understand what tabling means. That means we can all go home and think about it.''



Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/13/1576602/plan-to-redraw-districts-may-wait.html#ixzz0l0lICs4N

Huerta, Warren Advance in Bellator Tourneys

Thursday, April 08, 2010
by Rodolfo Roman (rroman@sherdog.com) (Photos by Dave Mandel)

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. -- Roger Huerta submitted undefeated Chad Hinton with a kneebar 56 seconds into the third round at Bellator Fighting Championships 13 at the Seminole Hollywood Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, advancing in the promotion’s lightweight tournament.

In the co-main event, Huerta, who passed on a renewal contract with the UFC in January 2009, and Hinton started the bout dancing around until they clinched. Huerta landed knees and punches and then connected with a left hand, but later ended up giving his back to Hinton on the ground. Hinton took advantage of Huerta’s position and worked for a rear-naked choke, but Huerta slipped out. Huerta landed a flurry of punches right before the bell.

In the second round, Huerta took Hinton down with a double-leg and landed a heavy right hand and hammerfist. In the final round, Huerta pulled a reversal that amazed the crowd and led him to victory. Huerta, who was the first mixed martial artist to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, used the reversal to transition into the fight-ending submission.

Huerta will move on to the semi-finals for a shot at the Chicago-based promotion’s champion Eddie Alvarez.

Meanwhile, Georgi Karakhanyan defeated Bao Quach at 4:05 into the first round, knocking Quach out with a vicious right knee that left his foe out cold. Karakhanyan was the first featherweight to advance in the promotion’s 145-pound tournament, and will vie for a chance to face champion Joe Soto.

Quach bled early from a cut above his left eye after taking a couple kicks and knees from Karakhanyan. Quach tied up Karakhanyan and dragged him to the floor, but couldn’t keep his opponent on the mat. Karakhanyan, a product of the California-based Millenia gym, took advantage and landed a damaging right knee, then returned to pounce with punches, signaling the referee to step in.

In another lightweight bout, Greg Jackson protégé Carey Vanier defeated Joe Duarte by technical knockout at 4:14 into the third round.

Duarte stepped into the bout on five days’ notice for Janne Tulirinta, who had visa issues. Duarte, a former U.S. Army Ranger and Purple Heart honoree was game, but Vanier was ready. From the clinch, Vanier attacked Duarte’s body with a right hand. Duarte attempted to sink in a weak guillotine attempt, but was no match for Vanier. Varnier took the reigns from there, battering Duarte with punches throughout before coaxing out the stoppage in the third round.

In another featherweight tournament bracket, Greco-Roman wrestling standout Joe Warren defeated John Eric Marriott with a unanimous decision.

Averting two submission attempts in the first round, Warren easily took Marriot down in the second. Marriot continued to search for submissions from his back, while Warren landed minimal damage from above.

In the third round, Warren landed a kick to Marriot’s gut, before taking him down again. Marriot worked for an armbar, but Warren slammed out. Warren was awarded 30-27 marks across the board.

Bellator’s second season continues on April 15 at the Chicago Theatre in Chicago.

In other bouts:
Vagner Rocha def. Francisco Soares -- TKO (Punches) 2:07 R2
Edson Diniz def. John Kelly -- Submission (Kneebar) 4:36 R1
Mikey Gomez def. Moyses Gabin -- Unanimous Decision
Chris Manuel def. Ralph Acosta -- Submission (Guillotine Choke) 0:35 R3

Festival encourages good eating to fight heart disease

Local Chefs will duke it out to promote healthful eating and lifestyle at the third annual Heart of a Chef at the Miami Science Museum.

By RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
South Florida's top chefs will be battling it out in the kitchen at the Miami Science Museum in an effort to raise awareness about the nation's number one killer: heart disease.

The Florida Heart Research Institute has teamed up with the museum, 3280 S. Miami Ave., to host the third annual Heart of a Chef, a ``foodalicious'' festival, from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Guests can watch local chefs compete, and enjoy wine, food tasting, a farmers' market offering some of the finest produce and food products, and a Sushi making class. For the kids, the event will include a cupcake and chef hat decoration class.

Prices are $30 for adults and $13 for children at the door. All proceeds will benefit the organization, which assists in research, education and prevention programs. The fee includes museum activities.

``The goal is to stay true to our mission: To educate the community that there is a lifestyle change to live a heart healthy life,'' said Staci Ehrenkrantz, special projects with Florida Heart Research Institute Education and Prevention.

The affair will bring Food Network's and Galavision/Univision celebrity cook Ingrid Hoffman, who will be judging the professional local chef challenge between Kurtis Jantz from Trump International and Randy Brown from the Mini Bar located in the Design District. More than 800 guests are expected.

Not only will professionals be competing, but future cooks too. Coral Gables Senior High and John A. Ferguson Senor High students will be participating in a cooking challenge, the culmination of a county-wide contest. The winner gets a day at Le Cordon Bleu, a famed cooking school. Middle school students will also compete in a vegetable carving contest. Cash certificates will be awarded to the winner.

Attorney Jimmy Morales and his daughter Nora Morales, 16, will be chairing the event. Morales said the affair will be beneficial.

``We know it will be a fun as well as an educational experience for all the families that attend,'' Morales said.

Ehrenkrantz said it's going to be rewarding.

``It's a successful event because it shows the community that they have a profound organization that is driven to stop heart disease,'' she said.

Founded 60 years ago, the Florida Heart Research Institute is an international leader with a mission to stop heart disease through cardiovascular research, education and prevention programs. Heart disease is the leading cause of the death in the country, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Aside from the healthful eating and demonstrations, participants in Heart of a Chef can learn from the museum's Heart Smart, a 500-square foot interactive bilingual traveling exhibition featuring information on research process engaging visitors in heart health.

A healthy scavenger hunt for children will also take place, since organizers are focusing on childhood obesity. Ehrenkrantz said the event is more than enjoying good food. ``It's important because it's not only about eating and having fun but it is about learning how to eat healthier and having fun,'' she said.

Battling lung cancer takes climbing 55 floors

Hundreds will climb 55 floors at downtown Miami's Wachovia Financial Center as part of the annual Fight for Air Climb Miami to benefit the American Lung Association in Florida.

By RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
When rescuing people from buildings, Sunrise firefighter Rena Ferrara is no stranger to climbing stairs.

But on April 17, stair climbing will have an emotional meaning for Ferrara: She will climb 55 floors at downtown Miami's Wachovia Financial Center in memory of her father, Charles Ferrara, who died of lung cancer in 2007.

``This is an inspiration every year. It is emotional,'' said Ferrara, who will be attending her fourth event. ``I know what a person that has lung disease goes through.''

She will join more than 600 people at 200 S. Biscayne Blvd. for the sixth Annual Fight for Air Climb Miami to benefit the American Lung Association in Florida.

Event registration starts at 8 a.m. with the stair climbing beginning at 8:30 a.m. Parking is free for the climb in the Financial Center's parking garage. Participants will climb in 15 second intervals to avoid congestion in the stairwell. The climb of 1,210 steps is open to people 10 years and older. There is a $25 registration fee and participating teams are suggested to raise at least $100. To register visit www.fightforairclimbmiami.org.

All proceeds will support research, education and advocacy program that help the American Lung Association save lives by preventing lung disease, wrote Julie Selvaggi, Development Manager, in an e-mail.

The American Lung Association was founded in 1916. According to the organization, lung cancer is the leading cancer killer among men and women in the country. It is estimated that there will be over 215,000 new cases of lung cancer this year.

``Not only is the climb a fun community event, with generous support from the local fire department, but all of the money that is raised goes back into community programs that help us to fight for healthy lungs around South Florida,'' she wrote.

Selvaggi also said the goal is to raise $130,000 through corporate sponsorships, registration fees and fundraising.

Also at the event, climbers will compete for prizes and incentives for fast times and fundraising efforts. There will also be a post-party after the climb at the Miami City Club on the 55th floor, where participants will enjoy food from local vendors and live music by The Fire Brigade. Hundreds of firefighters from across the state will also show their support by climbing in full firefighting gear.

As for Ferrara, who lives in Cooper City, she is looking to raise about $2,000 with the help of friends, firefighters and family. Ferrara said she is up for the meaningful challenge.

`I am always training, so I will be used to it,'' she said.

FIU hosting walkathon for cystic fibrosis

Experts, survivors and their supporters join to raise funds to fight cystic fibrosis.

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
rroman@MiamiHerald.com
Florida International University alumnus Ernesto Calderin, 25, will be visiting his alma mater again -- but not to hit the books.

Instead, he will be educating a crowd of supporters about a disease he has battled his entire life: cystic fibrosis.

On Saturday, Calderin will be one of many participants attending the West Dade Great Strides walkathon for cystic fibrosis at Florida International University's Modesto A. Maidique Campus, 11200 SW Eighth St. The event will serve as a fundraiser for cystic fibrosis research, education and programs.

``It's rewarding and it makes you feel good,'' said Calderin of his efforts to spread awareness. He was diagnosed with the genetic disease at 3 years old.

Registration starts at 8 a.m. at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. The three-mile walk around the campus starts at 9.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, housed in Bethesda, Maryland, is devoted to curing and controlling the disease.

About 30,000 adults and children in the country are affected by cystic fibrosis, which causes life-threatening lung infections and serious digestive complications. More than 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of the disease's gene. According to the organization, the median survival age has improved from early childhood in the 1950s to almost 37 years .

At the event, participants will enjoy music, breakfast and lunch and other entertainment. Registration is free, but donations are encouraged. Medical experts and people diagnosed with the disease will also be on hand to educate the public.

``The disease is something that's becoming manageable,'' said Rebekah Kharrazi, chairperson for the walkathon. ``People are now able to live longer, but thanks to research we see the life expectancy getting higher.''

Kharrazi said the goal is to raise $25,000.

The disease hasn't stopped Calderin from having a normal life: He competed on his high school wrestling team, has traveled abroad and earned a degree in criminal justice. He credits fundraisers for helping to improve his life.

``It's because of these efforts that hopefully there will be some sort of a cure; that is the intention,'' said Calderin.

The affair is one of many taking place around the country and state. Last week, a walk was held in Islamorada. On April 17, a walk will be held in Key Biscayne and in Miami Lakes.

For more information, go to www.cff.org/great_strides.