Hialeah kids learn the basics, joys of art

Young students' art work created during a summer arts program in Hialeah was featured at an awards ceremony.

By RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Pointing at his sketch of smiling fishes at sea surrounded by two bells, Marcus A. Milam K-8 Center student Victor Coello, 13, admired his latest work of art.

But his work was more than creativity: It was a dedication to his grandfather, Ramon Coello, who recently died.

``The fishes represent my brother, and one fish is my grandfather ringing the bell,'' said Victor, who enjoys fishing with family members. ``They are happy because my grandfather came back.''

Two weeks ago, Victor's drawing was just one of many mixed media art pieces on display at the annual Children's Art Exhibit and Awards Ceremony at Wilde Community Center, 1701 West 53rd Terr.

The works were created by Hialeah children ages 6 through 17 who participated in the park's eight-week summer arts program led by artist Neri Quieros. The youngsters competed for art supply store gift cards.

Victor had four drawings on exhibition, including a pastel drawing of a piranha eating another fish with the reflection of the animal hitting the sea.

``If I draw something mysterious, I won't know what it is,'' said Victor. ``It makes the picture interesting.''

The summer art program, which began in 1995, kicked off in late June and had 18 youngsters enrolled. Classes were $15 for the eight weeks, and art materials were included. Participants attended classes Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 4 to 6 p.m. The program is held year round and is also offered to adults.

Quieros focuses on teaching the students everything from artistic techniques to the study of various disciplines in art, including water color and pastels. She is proud of the kids.

``These kids are special because they want to be here,'' said Quieros. ``I am impressed by how these kids are so artistic.''

Last year, Quieros directed children to create collages, but was inspired to work with mixed media art this year after visiting an art gallery. She is grateful for art. ``Art is a miracle,'' she said. ''It is something God blessed us with.''

At the event, the parents were able to see the hard work the artists put in while enjoying snacks and refreshments. More than 40 drawings were on display featuring everything from Disney characters to flowers and musical instruments.

Krystal Gonzalez, 13, drew a saxophone using pastels.

``I like using my imagination and painting it,'' said Krystal, a seventh-grader at Mater Academy Middle-High School.

Students competed for Jerry's Artarama art supply store gift cards. Children competed in different age categories.

Krystal's mother, Monica Gonzalez, said art has been instrumental for her daughter.

``This is something that encourages creativity and it could benefit them in the future,'' she said. ``It also keeps them away from things that are bad. It keeps them busy.''

Leonardo Diaz, 17, is an alumnus of the art program and credits his success to the education provided.

``They teach the rudimentary or the basics and go along from there,'' he said. ``It is good because it gives you the benchmark to learn art.''

Nonprofit helps kids in need get school supply

Local businesses and nonprofit organizations helped less-fortunate children days before the school year kicked off



By RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
The recession has been a tough time for the Pavon family.

Dad Yitzhak Pavon, a mechanic, has been jobless for almost two years and mom Awilda Pavon is the only source of income for now.

So as the Pembroke Pines couple's two children prepared to enter the classroom for the first time this school year, it has been economically difficult to buy supplies for the youngsters.

``It is hard,'' said Awilda Pavon, an accountant.

Luckily for the Pavons and other local families, the nonprofit Young Dreams Community Outreach, with the support of local officials and businesses, held a back-to-school event Saturday at Juan Pablo Duarte Park, 2800 NW 17th Ave., in Allapattah.

More than 600 book bags, school supplies such as index cards and folders and over 750 books were distributed to less fortunate children.

``Doing these things help so much,'' said Pavon, who drove from Broward with her family. ``The littlest thing like a pencil, crayon or ruler is a blessing.''

Searching through her new book bag Pavon's daughter Andrea, 9, said she felt prepared for schoolwork.

``I feel happy because I got all the school supplies I needed,'' said Andrea, who received everything from a Pokeman handbook to crayons and a pencil sharpener.

The event attracted more than 500 people who enjoyed free lemonade, hot dogs, arepas, tutoring, raffles and games.

Young Dreams Community Outreach executive director Jordana Zarut, 25, was inspired to host the event after attending a Christmas drive last year. The effort hits close to home.

``There are a lot of parents who are without a job and can't afford school supplies,'' said Zarut, who lives in the area and is a single mother.

The nonprofit, which started last year, had dropped boxes for its donate-a-book drive throughout Miami, where more than 750 books were collected. The book bags were donated by Miami Commissioner Willy Gort. The organization held fundraisers to collect funds to pay for the school supplies.

Several local businesses came out to support, like Midtown Miami barbershop Upper Kutz, which offered free haircuts to children in a makeshift barbershop.

``This generation here needs young professionals to show them the way,'' said Rey Agnew, owner of Upper Kutz. ``It is a way to show them the different opportunities that are out there.''

Comstock Elementary fourth-grader Alexis Rivera said he looked forward to his new haircut.

``I want to look nice for the girls,'' he said with a smile.

Children also participated in a sack race, dance-off contest, CPR training and a fashion show on a makeshift runway. Donated prizes like boxing gloves and school supply bags were raffled.

Despite the economic crunch, there are several ways to help families in need, said Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado.

``We need to send a message that the government is uniting the private sector to give something back to the population and give them hope that they are not alone,'' he said. ``We want to let them know that they have access to a book bag that there are services available without using the government's money.''

Not only did youngsters enjoy music and food, but they got to learn about careers. City of Miami police and fire departments allowed children to step inside the vehicles.

Gabriel Garmendia, 8, won second place in a dancing contest that took place on a stage. He won a movie ticket.

``It feels awesome,'' said Gabriel, who was sweating after dancing under the sun.



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Art, drama and music to mix on Miami Lakes' Main Street

Local artists will be on display at The Weekender, a free cultural event on Miami Lake's Main Street.


BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to the Miami Herald
Computer graphic designer Carlos Hugo is looking forward to his retirement -- but he doesn't plan on relaxing or traveling. Instead, he said, he will focus on his love of art.

``Art is my life,'' said Hugo, who is also a painter.

Hugo, a Hialeah resident, will be one of many artists showcasing their work at The Weekender, a free cultural event taking place at Miami Lake's Main Street town center, 6709 Main St., from 7 to 11 p.m. Aug. 27 and 28.

``It is great when people recognize and critique your work,'' said Hugo, who started painting at an early age. His paintings are inspired by dreams and emotions.

. ``The people feel something about it.''

The event is in an effort to boost adult patrons to Main Street, said Chanel Prada, public relations director.

``A cultural stimulation is just what is missing to enhance the area and promote the unique boutiques, stylish residences and dining variety that Miami Lakes has to offer,'' she wrote in an e-mail.

A makeshift gallery will take over a former clothing store located next to the COBB Movie Theater. The 6,000 square feet of open space will feature about 20 local artists. There will also be an open-mic session featuring drama recitals, poetry and music.

Renda Writer, chief editor of WeMerge magazine, will be hosting the open-mic session. Complimentary appetizers from Alibi Restaurant, Martini Bar and Costco, along with beverages, will be provided.

Conga Breeze, a South Florida duo whose music mixes pop, Latin and blues, will perform. Face painters and sketch artists will also be on hand for the youngsters.

Suzana De Paola, Main Street property manager for the Graham Companies -- and herself an artist -- said the event is motivational.

``This event is an inspiration to me as I feel great joy to share such beauty that is art with the local community as well as to see my fellow artists emerge,'' she said.

De Paola said Main Street is planning to host the event every last weekend of the month.

Artists can exhibit their work for free, but space is limitted and exhibitors must be previously approved. Open-mic performers should arrive before the event in order to sign up to participate. For more information, contact Chanel Prada at 786-499-9247.

Negocio rescata una tradición familiar

By RODOLFO ROMAN
Especial para The Miami Herald
De su niñez, Stephen Borge recuerda con cariño haber comido manjares de hielo con su familia en los populares Raspados Loly's en su ciudad natal Managua, Nicaragua.

Más de 20 años después, revive esos momentos con su esposa e hijos con una nueva versión de Raspados Loly's en Sweetwater.

``Son deliciosos'', dijo Borge, quien disfrutaba un raspado verde de sabor a cereza. ``El sabor me recuerda a mi niñez''.

La versión local de Raspados Loly's es propiedad y es operada por Brenda Guatemala, la hija de la empresaria nicaragüense que hizo a Raspados Loly popular en el país centroamericano.

``Estoy tan orgulloso de seguir sus pasos'', expresó.

Guatemala, de 56 años, quien abrió su tienda en Sweetwater hace 22 años.

La ya fallecida Eloísa Guatemala comenzó a hacer los raspados hace 50 años con la esperanza de ayudar a las finanzas de la casa mientras su esposo, Juan José Guatemala, estudiaba paradentista.

Al romper el hielo de su vaso con una cuchara plástica, Borge fue uno de los muchos que disfrutó la delicia nicaragüense en una tarde húmeda en la tienda, localizada en el Centro Comercial Managua, en el 10404 de W. Flager.

``Son una tradición para los nicaragüenses'', aseguró Borge, quien vino manejando con su familia desde Boca Raton.

La delicia consiste en hielo raspado de un bloque, servido en un vaso y mezclado con un sirope espeso y dulce de la elección del cliente.

Brenda Guatemala dice que le tomó varios años a su madre crear el popular sirope de dulce de leche. Agregó que su madre visitó a una monja en Costa Rica que era conocida por sus milagros. La religiosa colocó su mano sobre la cabeza de Eloísa y le dijo que una vez que regresara a casa todo estaría bien, recuerda su hija.

Eloísa Guatemala comenzó a distribuir raspados gratis desde su casa y posteriormente comenzó a cobrarlos. Ella abrió más tarde su tienda en Managua, y sus hijos y su esposo le ayudaron a vender el producto.

Brenda Guatemala dejó Nicaragua debido a la situación política en el país en la década de 1980. Ella abrió una tienda de raspados a sólo unas cuadras de la actual tienda en Sweetwater, pero la empresa no despegó. Ella dijo que el sirope era un poco grumoso y demasiado espeso.

Y todavía no había una base de clientes de nicaragüenses nostálgicos por un sabor de casa.

``Aquí no había nada nicaragüense cuando llegué'', dijo Guatemala, quien agregó que ella había aprendido el secreto de su familia antes de inmigrar a Estados Unidos. ``Yo pensé que les vendría bien a los exiliados nicaragüenses''.

Luego de varios intentos, y con la ayuda de su madre, Guatemala contó que al final le salió el sabor verdadero y comenzó a vender el producto desde su casa de Sweetwater. Con el tiempo, ella ahorró dinero para abrir la tienda actual.

Raspados Loly's, bautizado así por el sobrenombre de Eloísa, ofrece seis sabores: el popular dulce de leche, tamarindo, piña, fresa, cereza amarilla, jocote (una fruta centroamericana) y el relleno, que es una mezcla de sirope de leche y panqué. La tienda vende además otros sabores, como el mango, cuando es la temporada de esas frutas. La textura gruesa, a veces espesa es lo que hace al raspado diferente de otros tipos de nieve.


Guatemala y su hijo Michael Villavicencio, de 27 años, trabajan en la tienda. Ellos contratan temporalmente otros trabajadores durante el concurrido verano. Los precios van de $2.50 a $6 por un raspado ``extra-large''. También se venden nieves y helados, así como DVDs y música nicaragüenses.

Dentro de la tienda, es inconfundible el sonido de los empleados raspando el bloque de hielo.

Detrás del mostrador, un retrato de gran tamaño de Eloísa y Juan José Guatemala cuelga en una pared amarilla, para recordar a los clientes la creadora original.

Los hermanos de Brenda Guatemala operan varias tiendas Raspados Loly's en Nicaragua, incluyendo la original en Managua. Brenda dijo que esta histórica golosina ha venido a Sweetwater para quedarse.

``La nueva generación está asumiendo la tradición'', dijo. ``He visto venir a gente con sus hijos de brazos que les dejan probar los raspados''.

Guatemala dijo que quiere que su hijo siga también los pasos de su familia --y planea dejar en algún momento la tienda en manos de su hijo Michael, quien ha estado trabajando en Raspados Loly's desde que tenía 17 años.

El lugar ha sido visitado por figuras nicaragüenses como el ex presidente Enrique Bolaños y el ex jugador de béisbol de las Grandes Ligas Dennis Martínez. Además, ha atraído a personas de otras nacionalidades, como Antón Pérez, vecino de Hollywood, cuyos padres son de Costa Rica y Cuba.

``Yo le doy a esto 10 puntos en base a 10'', dijo Pérez, quien saboreaba un raspado relleno. ``No hay nada como estos helados increíbles''.

Lombard Flattens Goodman in 38 Seconds at Bellator 24

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. -- Bellator middleweight champion Hector Lombard continued his run of dominance and passed his latest test with ease, as he knocked out former NFL running back turned mixed martial artist Herbert Goodman at Bellator 24 on Thursday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

The end to the non-title bout came 38 seconds into round one, as Lombard posted his 15th consecutive victory.

Lombard swung for the fences to start the bout and attacked his opponent with strong hands. To his detriment, Goodman decided to exchange with the champion. His bid came up short, as Lombard caved in Goodman with a powerful combination that sent him stumbling into the cage. Lombard sealed it when he connected with a crushing right hand and follow-up ground strikes that left Goodman out cold.

In one of two women’s 115-pound tournament quarter-finals, American Top Team’s Jessica Aguilar submitted Lynn Alvarez with an arm-triangle choke 4:01 into the first round.

Aguilar worked for a takedown from the clinch early in the first round and ultimately succeeded, landing in side control. With the home crowd supporting the local favorite, Aguilar exerted top control, as she flowed effortlessly from half guard to side mount, all while working towards the arm-triangle. It appeared that Aguilar had cinched the choke, but Alvarez rolled her over and escaped. A short time later, Aguilar was back on top, improving her position and working for the choke yet again. This time, she successfully secured the arm-triangle and forced her opponent to tap out.

In another women’s quarter-final, pre-tournament favorite Megumi Fujii remained unbeaten, as she defeated last-minute replacement Carla Esparza with an armbar 57 seconds into the second round.

The two women traded blows to start the fight and engaged in a series of exchanges, with neither fighter gaining the upper hand. Throughout the exchanges, Fujii periodically shot for takedowns, though she enjoyed no early success. With a little more than a minute left in round one, Fujii succeeded in taking down Esparza. However, she failed to accomplish much, as Esparza kept her in closed guard and forced the referee to restart the fight as the round came to a close.

Fujii went for a takedown early in the second round, forced a scramble and threatened Esparza with a leg lock. As Esperza pushed out her leg, Fujii scrambled across her back and locked up the armbar for the tapout.

Meanwhile, Neil Grove annihilated fellow UFC veteran Eddie Sanchez in the first round of their heavyweight tournament quarter-final, finishing him 92 seconds into the first round.

Just a few seconds into the fight, Grove landed a strong left jab that floored Sanchez. Grove followed with vicious ground-and-pound, and the damage he exacted resulted in visible swelling under Sanchez’s left eye. Sanchez attempted a couple of submissions, to no avail. When Grove backed away and allowed Sanchez to return to an upright position, he slowly stood, and the fight was called.

Other Bouts
Tulio Quintanilla def. Brian Eckstein -- KO (Punches) 2:48 R3
Yves Edwards def. Luis Palomino -- Unanimous Decision
Farkhad Sharipov def. Eric Luke -- Unanimous Decision

Raspados Loly's shaved ice is nostalgic taste of Nicaragua

BRENDA GUATEMALA WANTED TO BRING A SWEET TASTE OF HER HOMELAND TO SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE -- AND FOLLOW IN HER MOTHER'S FOOTSTEPS



BY RODOLFO ROMAN
SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD
As a child, Stephen Borge fondly remembers eating ice-cold treats with his family at the popular Raspados Loly's in his hometown of Managua, Nicaragua.
More than 20 years later, he is reliving those moments with his wife and children with a newer version of Raspados Loly's in Sweetwater.
``They are delicious,'' said Borge, who enjoyed a green cherry-flavored raspado. ``The taste reminds me of my childhood.''
The local version of Raspados Loly's is owned and operated by Brenda Guatemala -- the daughter of the Nicaraguan entrepreneur who made Raspados Loly's popular in the Central American country.
``I am so proud of following her footsteps,'' said Guatemala, 56, who opened her Sweetwater store 22 years ago.
The late Eloisa Guatemala began making the raspados 50 years ago in hopes of helping out with the household finances while her husband, Juan Jose Guatemala, studied dentistry.
Breaking the ice in his cup with a plastic spoon, Borge was one of many patrons who enjoyed the Nicaraguan treat on a hot and humid afternoon at the shop, located in Centro Commercial Managua shopping center, 10404 W. Flagler.
``They are a tradition for Nicaraguans,'' said Borge, who drove with his family from Boca Raton.
The treat consists of ice shaved from an ice block served in a cup and mixed with thick, sweet syrup of the customer's choice.
Brenda Guatemala said it took her mother several years to create the popular dulce de leche syrup. She said her mother visited a nun in Costa Rica who was known for miracles. The nun placed her hand on Eloisa's head and told her that once she returned home everything would be fine, said her daughter.
Eloisa Guatemala began distributing raspados for free from her home, then began charging. She went on to open her store in Managua, and her children and husband helped her sell the product.
Brenda Guatemala left Nicaragua amid the country's political unrest in the 1980s. She opened a raspados store just a few blocks from the current Sweetwater store -- but that venture didn't take off. She said the syrup was coming out a bit lumpy and too thick.
And there wasn't yet a customer base of Nicaraguans nostalgic for a taste of home.
``There was nothing Nicaraguan when I got here,'' said Guatemala, who said she learned the family's secret recipe before she immigrated to the United States. ``I thought it would serve well for the Nicaraguan exiles.''
After several tries and help from her mother, Guatemala said she finally got the taste right and began to sell the product from her Sweetwater home. She eventually saved money to open up the current store.
Raspados Loly's, named after Eloisa's nickname, features six flavors: the popular dulce de leche, tamarind, pineapple, strawberry, yellow cherry, jocote, a traditional Central American fruit, and relleno, which is a mixture of the leche syrup and pound cake. The store also sells other flavors like mango when the fruits are in season. The thick, sometimes chunky, toppings are what make a raspado different from your average snow cone.
Guatemala and her son, Michael Villavicencio, 27, work at the store. She hires temporary employees during the busy summertime. Prices range from $2.50 to $6 for an extra-large raspado. Snow cones and ice cream cones are also sold, as are Nicaraguan DVDs and music.
Inside the store, the sound of employees shaving the block of ice can't be missed. Behind the counter, a large framed picture of Eloisa and Juan Jose Guatemala hangs on a yellow wall, reminding customers of the original creator.
Brenda Guatemala's siblings operate several Raspados Loly's stores across Nicaragua, including the original in Managua. Brenda said the historic treat is here to stay in Sweetwater.
``The new generation is taking on the tradition,'' she said. ``I have seen people come in here with their infants who let them try raspados.''
Guatemala says she also wants for her son to follow in the family footsteps -- and plans to eventually hand the store over to her son, Michael, who has been working at Raspados Loly's since he was 17 years old.
The eatery has been visited by Nicaraguan figures like former president Enrique Bolaños and former Major League baseball player Dennis Martinez. It has also attracted people of other nationalities, like Hollywood resident Anton Perez, whose parents are from Costa Rica and Cuba.
``I rate this ten out of ten,'' said Perez, who enjoyed a raspado relleno. ``There's nothing like these amazing ice creams.''

El Portal among bidders to buy a former church site

The village government is one of several bidders for a vacant church property in El Portal.



By RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
El Portal is interested in buying the former Rader Memorial United Methodist Church site.

Village Manager Jason Walker said El Portal made a $2 million offer for the church site, 205 NE 87th St., but was rejected earlier this year.

Town officials aren't sure what they'll do with the site.

``We would have to find the use that is compatible with the neighborhood and that it makes financial sense,'' Walker said.

The building has caught the attention of possible buyers. Last year, the Village Council shut down a proposal to turn the site into a charter school. MG3 Development Group wanted to buy and expand the building for use as a for-profit charter school

According to the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser's website, the property is assessed at $2,730,084. The property owner is seeking $3 million.

The developer had planned to lease the property to Imagine Charter Schools.

Imagine, which started in 2003 and has more than 70 schools and 35,000 students nationwide, has five schools in Florida.

The former church once housed a private school and preschool.

In 2006, the property was sold to the Archdiocese of Miami, which planned to use the building as a residence for nuns.

But plans fell through and the church put the property on the market.

The charter school would have accommodated students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Since their original proposal, the developers had decided to reduce the student number to 600 and nixed plans to expand the building.

But that plan also faced opposition from residents fearing traffic issues.

Aside from El Portal, other parties are eyeing the property.

``There are others interested in the property,'' said David Duckworth of Flagler Real Estate Services, who is representing the archdiocese in the sale.

Walker said the village may make another offer.