MDC students raise money for Nicaraguan village

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD
An avid walker, Julio Zelaya, 18, walked 14 miles on Friday, but not just to exercise.

Instead, Zelaya, who was raised in Nicaragua, laced up his sneakers to walk in honor of children living under poor conditions in Chacraseca, Nicaragua.

The chemical engineering major was one of 400 students who walked 1,080 person-miles at the Miami-Dade College Kendall campus’ track, 11011 SW 104th St., at the first annual Walk2Nicaragua event hosted by Imagination Federation Organization, a non-profit. The distance between Miami and Chacraseca is about 1,080 miles.

The event was in an effort to raise awareness and funds for children studying at the Chacraseca school, Hermandad de Maryknoll. Chacraseca is a rural village of 8,000 people in the northwest of the Central American country. Nicaragua is the second-poorest country in the western hemisphere.

Zelaya, who was born in Houston, knows first-hand the poor conditions Chacraseca residents live in.

“I know what these people go through,” he said. “Those people pretty much don’t live in poverty, but it is misery. This is a key to help them progress.”

Three years ago, Miami Dade College English professors Carlos Gonzalez Morales, Alex Salinas and Emily Sendin started Imagination Federation Organization, which is a chapter of Friends of Students for 60,000, a non-profit dedicated to assisting the poor.

As part of their mission, professors and students travel to Nicaragua at least three times a year to interact, teach and assist children. Airfare and hospitality are paid for by volunteers. With funds raised, houses, schools, classrooms and latrines have been built and rebuilt. Also, uniforms, school supplies, teacher’s salaries and lunch have been provided by monetary funds. The project also includes planting organic gardens and working with students from UNAN-León, a public university. Plans to open a secondary school are in the works.

Morales said about 80 percent of students drop out of school by the fifth grade in the village. The effort will serve as a launching pad for Nicaraguan students to better their lives, Morales said.

“By giving these students the opportunity to go to high school, we hope to make a positive impact on the community as a whole,” he said. “These youngsters could serve as role models for the younger generations who would also want to go to school and earn a secondary and college education.”

At the walk, Miami-Dade college students sold Nicaraguan organic coffee, baked goods, ceramic ornaments and raffles in order to collect funds. Walkers individually raised monetary funds, as well. Each student and faculty member walked about 4 miles. Other fundraising events like bake sales are held throughout the year.

Friends and family sponsored Bertha Campos’ walk with $100. Campos, who is 20 and was born in Cuba, said she would like to share her educational opportunities.

“As a university student I have been fortunate to have my studies paid for through the honors college,” she said. “So I know what it is to fulfill your dreams through school.”

Although the small rural village lives in poverty, residents want to move forward, said Sendin.

“This community is unique in that they have a strong desire to better themselves; they eagerly search for the tools that will help them empower themselves and break cycles of poverty,” she said.

Salinas, a Nicaraguan, said it takes a group effort to help those in need.

“We are all related. We are all Miamians. We are all Latinos and we are all human beings,” he said. “We are coming together as a community that does not worry about nationality, race or language.”

For information on the mission visit imaginationfederation.org

Zoo lights up for holiday nights

Rodolfo Roman
Special to The Miami Herald

Zoo Miami will light up for the holiday season.

Animal lovers can enjoy the zoo’s second annual Zoo Lights event, featuring animal-shaped lights, carolers, and holiday entertainment. The event opens Friday and runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30, except Dec. 24 and 25, at the zoo, 12400 SW 152nd St.

Admission is $8.95 plus tax per adult and $6.95 plus tax per child.

The holiday celebration is a chance to see the park at night, said Cindy Castelblanco, a zoo spokeswoman.

“The Zoo is rarely open at night, so this is your opportunity to experience it when most of the animals are asleep,” she said. “The zoo is very dark at night, so during these 12 nights, the pathways will be lit by beautiful, bright animal-shaped lights.”

Visitors will get a full experience by wearing a pair of 3-dimensional glasses, which is included with admission.

“When you view any bright distant light, you witness the magical patterns the glasses create,” she said.

Visitors also can enjoy hot chocolate, egg nog, cookies and holiday music.

Several animals like Flamingos, tigers and children’s zoo animals will be available. Also, there will be camel, trackless train, and Wildlife Carrousel rides for a fee. There will be an opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus and Nickelodeon’s Diego, from Dora the Explorer, for purchase.

On select nights, there will be Yuletide Carolers, Karaoke Caroling and performances by local school choirs and dance groups at Dr. Wilde’s World Plaza.

For ticket information visit www.zoomiami.org.

Pitbull donates toys in his old neighborhood

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD
Under the rain, Shenandoah Middle School student Anderson Cheatham, 13, played basketball with friends at Wynwood’s Roberto Clemente Park.

Anderson killed time shooting hoops, while his mother, brothers and sisters waited in line to enter the park’s Dorthy Quintana Community Center Building to get a new basketball.

"I love to play basketball," he said. "It is so much fun."

He and his family were among more than 450 people who attended the annual Toy A-Way event Saturday at Roberto Clemente Park, 101 NW 34th St.

"I can’t wait to play with the ball with my friends," said Anderson.

Over 500 toys were donated to neighborhood kids ages 1 through 16 by hip-hop musician and Miami native Armando Pérez better, known as Pitbull. William Rice, better known as DJ Rice, and other community members also donated toys.

The event was hosted by Planetpit.com, the city of Miami and the Imaginate Foundation, a non-profit organization. Everything from Barbie and Bratz dolls to footballs and pre-paid cell phones were given to children who were pre-registered by park officials. Bicycles and other soccer balls were also raffled.

Not only were toys given away, but children and families enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, cotton candy, bounce houses and music.

Derrick Turton, of Pitbull Productions, said Wynwood is dear to the rapper since he was raised in the area.

"Because of the financial times this is a way of giving back," he said. "It’s not about the presents or any of this stuff it is really about these kids having a good holiday."

Students from William H. Turner Technical Arts High School and community members also volunteered to organize the event and distribute food and toys.

Holding an umbrella, Wynwood resident Anna Echevarria said she was grateful for the effort.

"We are appreciative because sometimes we don’t have things for the kids so we do what we can," she said. "So for them to do this for us, it touches our heart; it shows that they care."

Angie Lee of Youth Community Help Services, who coordinated the event, said it’s about brightening families’ lives.

"We want to put a smile on these kids faces this holiday season," she said.

Kwanzaa celebration set for Sunday

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald

African American culture will be celebrated in South Florida this weekend.

Florida A&M University’s National Alumni Association along with the Community Builders Holistic Development Corp. will host the 21st annual Mary Williams Woodard Legacy Kwanzaa Celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 6161 NW 22nd Ave., in Liberty City, on Sunday. The event is free.

The holiday affair will help the community understand “the importance of celebrating faith, family and culture along with continuing the legacy and vision Mary Williams Woodard bestowed on this event each year,” Romania Wilson, president of the Miami-Dade chapter of FAMU’s alumni association, wrote in an e-mail.

This year’s festival has been renamed after Mary Williams Woodard, who spearheaded the celebration.

“This event has grown from a celebration in a member’s home to public venues with feast of various delicacies,” Wilson added.

The weeklong holiday honors African-American heritage and was created by Maulana Karenga in 1966. It is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Activities include lighting a kinara, a special Kwanzaa candleholder. The holiday concludes with a feast and gift giving.

“Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to a principle honoring family and community,” Wilson noted.

At Sunday’s event, participants will wear traditional clothing. The feast will feature typical Kwanzaa dishes. A silent auction will also take place to benefit a FAMU fund in honor of Woodard. Visitors will enjoy the sounds of music, drummers, dancers and soloist.

For information call 305-761-8952.

IPad is simply awesome

My hat goes off to Steve Jobs and his latest invention,IPad. The technical wonder offers so many simplicities it is unbearable. The machine allows you to control every electrical machinery in your home from your television set to your surround sound. Personally, I second guessed my purchase but once I opened the box and played with the machine I fell in love. I am a journalist, writer and avid reader, so the IPad allows me to work and entertain easily. I am not that much of a movie buff, but when I have the itch I simply look for my Netflix, where movies stream crystal clear. I am not an Apple representative, however, the technical advance is pure desire and productive.

Nicaraguans celebrate La Griteria in Miami-Dade

By Rodolfo Roman
Special to the Herald
For the past seven years, Fort Lauderdale resident Roberto Landero has rented a U-Haul truck, but not for moving purposes. Instead, Landero has kept a family Nicaraguan tradition alive by renting the truck and transforming its storage space into a decorated altar with an image of the Virgin Mary to celebrate La Griteria, a Catholic religious holiday in the Central American country. “I do this for the love of Maria,” he said.

On Tuesday, Landero’s creation was one of many altars set up in Sweetwater, Little Havana, Kendall, and Hialeah, where Nicaraguans hit the street to pray, sing and honor the Virgin Mary, the patroness of their home country.

Landero’s altar included an image he purchased in Spain, several types of flowers, colorful paper, Christmas lights and hand-made designs. He started working on the project in July. His colorful altar had a theme, El Jardin de Maria, which translates to The Garden of Maria. It took him two days to set up the altar, which he placed at the parking lot of Laguna Plaza, 10735 W. Flagler St.

“It is a thrill to go out on the street to sing,” he said. “It is spiritually emotional.”

La Griteria- a boisterous celebration that translates roughly to “the yelling” - 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, other participants make noise with whistles, tambourines and maracas. Traditional Nicaraguan sweets and drinks like chicha de maiz and gifts are distributed.

At nearby Our Lady of the Divine Providence Catholic Church, a bundled up Berna Miranda walked out of mass to celebrate La Griteria on the church’s parking lot.

“It brings me a lot of beautiful memories of my country, Nicaragua,” said Miranda, who last celebrated the event in her country 32 years ago. “It is our tradition. Every Dec. 7 we go out to the streets to sing. I get really emotional when I see the large crowd.”

More than 10 altars were set up at the West Flagler Plaza shopping center, 10720 W. Flagler. 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.

Hialeah resident Miguel Vanegas carried several candles. His goal was to light a candle at every altar he stopped by to sing. He remembers celebrating the event in his native country as a child.

“People get together in Nicaragua for a spiritual gathering,” he said. “I never miss it. We always wait and look forward to next year’s Dec. 7.”

Haulover gets new dog park

By Rodolfo Roman
Special to the Miami Herald
North Miami resident Hal Richman would have travel to nearby Aventura - or north to Fort Lauderdale - so his Golden Retriever, Mollie, could run and socialize with other dogs.

But for Richman and Mollie, those traveling days are over.

On Saturday, both joined more than 30 pooches and their respective owner for the grand opening of the Dog Park at Haulover Park, 10800 Collins Ave.

“The park means a lot to Mollie,” said Richman of his 18 month-old mascot. “All big dogs need to be exercised.”

He walks his pet about three times a day, but on the weekends he takes Mollie to the park for proper exercising.

The addition to the area is a 3.3-acre dog park with separate enclosures for small and large dogs to roam around and exercise off-leash. The place is also accessible to people with disabilities. The park also features water fountains for both dogs and humans and pooper scooper stations with plastic dispensers and waste cans. The $175,000 project was funded with Safe Neighborhood Park and Building Better Communities bonds money.

From nearby village of Bal Harbour, councilwoman Patricia Cohen said the park brings the community together as pet owners can socialize.

“It is overwhelming,” said Cohen, who brought her mixed breed Chihuahua, Brownie. “We didn’t have a proper dog facility in the area.”

Bal Harbour helped out with the cause providing man power for the fencing and terrain installation.

Haulover Park also includes a mile and a half stretch of shores along with shaded picnic facilities, seaside concessions, kite ships and tennis courts. There is a $5 fee for access to the park.

This marks the fourth installment of Miami-Dade County regional dog parks which also include Amelia Earhart Park, Tropical Park and Greynolds Park. Currently, a fifth regional dog park is being developed at West Kendall Park. The county also offers 13 neighborhood dog friendly parks.

At the grand opening, a ribbon cutting took place along with free give aways from Pet Supermarket, which has partnered with the county for the effort. The park, which used to be open space, is still not completed as other phases will soon follow and include shaded areas, landscaping, small pavilion, picnic area, trees and an obstacle course for all types of dogs.

Miami-Dade Commissioner Sally Heyman, who was joined by her chocolate Labrador Andy, said the park was needed in the area.

“There are so many cities and unincorporated areas around here with condominiums and there are dogs that don’t have their own backyard,” she said. “This makes it everyone’s backyard."

For Attonito, ‘Mind Could Equal Victory’ Against Branch

It was only a matter of time before Rich Attonito entered the world of mixed martial arts.

The 33-year-old New Jersey native was exposed to sports at a young age by his father, Rich Attonito, Sr., who wrestled, as well as played and coached football.

“It was a natural profession,” says Attonito, who remembers attending wrestling duals and football games with his dad and serving as a water boy. “I followed his footsteps.”’

Following in his father’s footsteps, Attonito wrestled and played football in high school. He went on to become an NCAA Division I wrestler at Hofstra University, a background which has served him well in MMA and helped him amass a 9-3 record, including a pair of wins inside the UFC.

Nicknamed “The Raging Bull,” Attonito decided to enter the cage after seeing the success of former wrestling teammates Jay Hieron and Phil Baroni, UFC and Strikeforce veterans both. Boxer Leo “The Italian Lionheart” Loiacono also pushed Attonito to join the sport, training him in New Jersey, where Attonito worked as a personal trainer after graduating from Hofstra with a bachelor’s degree in film production. Attonito had long been a fan of the UFC, so the decision to transition into MMA wasn’t a tough one to make.

Five years ago, after suffering a loss at a show in Atlantic City, American Top Team leader Ricardo Liborio and fighter Wilson Gouveia invited Attonito to train alongside them. Attonito packed his bags and moved to Coconut Creek, Fla., without hesitation.

The “Ultimate Fighter 11” alum says that his training at ATT helped prepare him for the big leagues.

“It was the best decision I’ve made,” he says. “It’s an environment to help you succeed. If you put in the time and work, success is sure to follow.”

Today, the former wrestler feels confident in his well-rounded abilities.

“Every aspect of my game has improved. Howard Davis is my coach, and my boxing is crisp. It’s the little details that separate guys from being okay to great. Having someone like Ricardo Liborio looking over you, it’s hard not to be successful. Even my wrestling got better.”

On Saturday, Attonito will continue pursuing his dream of becoming a top contender in the UFC middleweight division when he meets Dave Branch (7-1) at “The Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale” in Las Vegas.

“I’m excited about this fight,” says Attonito. “I plan to close the year on a positive note. [Branch] is a well-rounded fighter, from his striking, jiu-jitsu and wrestling -- he can be dangerous in any aspect. He’s an athletic guy, just like me, but I am ready to go 15 minutes strong.”

Aside from focusing on sharpening his technique for the Branch bout, Attonito says he’s dedicated much of his training to the mental aspect of the fight game.

“I’ve read some books here and there and have reached out to some mentors to help empower me,” he says. “When push comes to shove, when two guys are evenly matched, the mind could equal victory.”

Another victory in the Octagon could bring Attonito a step closer to a 185-pound title shot, but the Jersey boy says he’s not thinking of gold just yet.

“I’m looking to make a career by being in the UFC. I focus [on] one fight at a time. I know if I train and fight hard, I’ll have more of an opportunity.”

As for Attonito’s father, he’s attended a couple of his son’s fights, but he still plays the role of the protective parent.

“He tells me, ‘be careful and have fun.’”

Young Doral thespians take on Macbeth

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
SPECIAL TO THE HERALD
For the past two months, instead of socializing with friends at Ronald Reagan High’s cafeteria during lunch,senior Juan Gamero, enjoyed his meal by himself inside the auditorium.
The reason: Juan needed silence to focus reciting lines for the lead role in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Born in Argentina, the role of Macbeth was a challenge for Juan - whose first language is Spanish.
“Since English is not our first language that means I had to do a little extra research and had to try harder to learn the language,” said Juan, 17.
His hard work paid off as Juan and 20 of his cast members of Macbeth received a standing ovation from the crowd after performing a 50-minute production of Shakespeare’s play at the high school’s auditorium, 8600 NW 107th Ave., on Nov. 24. The $5 entrance fee will help pay for the production.
To practice, Juan also walked around school carrying his script, reading it constantly in hopes of transforming into character.
“I found it very challenging, but I saw it as a goal I wanted to reach, because once you learn Shakespeare, everything else seems a bit easier,” he said.
Drama teacher Alexandro Madruga researched the play over the summer before presenting the idea to students. He is proud of the cast’s efforts.
“They stepped up to the plate, and they delivered,” he said.
The Tragedy of Macbeth, written in Elizabethan England during the early 1600’s about the killing of a Scottish king, takes place a world away from the world Agatha Cravero is familiar with.
A native of Peru, she moved to the U.S. as a 1-year-old.
“It is kind of difficult to remember certain lines because it is in a different kind of language since it is old English,” said Cravero, who played Lady Macbeth.”You have to seem like you are not Hispanic, and it is difficult since we live in Doral.”
Madruga said learning Shakespeare can be difficult.
“It is written in a language in rhyme and in a way we are not used to speaking,” he said. “We live in a day where we want information immediately. Shakespeare takes his time delivering the message.”
To help his students, Madruga spends 15 minutes in class leading vocal exercises.
“It is a matter of developing your ability to inflict to find out what word to accent,” he said. “I told them to say the word out loud if not I would tell them to look up the word.”
Wednesday’s performance was just the beginning for the cast. The real challenge comes when students perform in front of judges at the One Final Act district competition taking place at Hialeah High School on Friday. Schools that are successful at districts go on to compete at the state level.
More than 500 students, family members and Doral government officials packed the auditorium last week.
Edna Viteri came out to support her daughter, Ana Maria Gomez, and the rest of the cast.
“I see them [act] so fluently. It is so great,” she said.
Students had to learn stage techniques such as sword fighting.
In one scene, Juan as Macbeth battled Kristofer Mueller’s Macduff..
“It is inspiring to see someone giving it their all to learn something that they don’t know too much about,” said Kristofer.
As for Agatha, playing Lady Macbeth made her nearly forget who she was.
“It was like, I am Lady Macbeth.”

“Turkey Bowl” tradition alive at Tamiami Park

By Rodolfo Roman
Special to the Miami Herald
Holding a football in hand, Florida International University student Janessa Perez played quarterback and tried to avoid a sack by scrambling out of the way.

Perez got together with friends and classmates to burn some calories right before enjoying the big Thanksgiving feast by playing flag football.

“It is all about friendly competition,” said Perez, who played a seven-on-seven flag football game.

On Thursday, her group was part of hundreds of amateur football players who hit the open field at Tamiami Park, 11201 SW 24th St., and other recreational venues in South Florida to compete in annual “Turkey Bowls” - the nickname for amateur football games held on the holiday.

Friends, family members, and co-workers call, text and e-mail each other to set up the games.

Perez can’t remember missing even one Thanksgiving football game.

“We have been planning this for the past two weeks,” said Perez, a speech pathology major. “It is so much fun.”

Although Johnny Gonzalez was competing against Perez, he said he wasn’t taking it easy on opponents.

“It is a great opportunity to have fun with your friends and play,” said Gonzalez, who is studying political science at FIU. “We have the true Thanksgiving spirit that is why we come out to play and have some competition.”

Football is a modern Thanksgiving tradition, with professional and college games airing throughout the day.

At Tamiami Park, amateurs ran different plays and tested each other’s athletic ability throughout the day on the big opened field in front of the fairground entrance.

Southwest High graduate Brian Stewart made his debut at the Turkey Bowl at Tamiami.

“I met new people and saw friends I haven’t seen in years,” he said. “You get to catch up on our lives.”

Players brought tents, reclining chairs, drinks, snacks and orange cones to set up the boundaries of the field. Teams are picked before the games take place.

Cathy Izaguirre came out to support her friends and take pictures to post on Facebook.

“I like to take pictures of them and watching their faces,” said Izaguirre. “What else is there to do on Thanksgiving Day?”

Michael Aguila, 26, came out at 9 a.m. to set up the cones on the field. He said every year new players are added to his playing crew. About 20 friends and family members joined Aguila to play five hours of football.

“It is camaraderie amongst all of us,” said Aguila, who has played on the Turkey Bowl for the last 10 years. “We play, make fun of each other and motivate ourselves. Instead of going out and having drinks we get together and play.”

Plans to expand Bal Harbour Shops put on hold again

BY RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to the Miami Herald
The Bal Harbour council once again put the brakes on plans to expand the village's upscale shopping mall -- for now.

The council voted unanimously to defer two proposals that would amend land usage for two locations: Church By The Sea, 501 96th St., and Bal Harbour's Village Hall, 655 96th St. The parcels of land are key to the Bal Harbour Shops proposed expansion plans.

The council had also voted to defer the item at last month's meeting.

Council members agreed that representatives of the Bal Harbour Shops, the village and Church By The Sea should meet in a workshop before presenting the matter to the council again.

``Personally, I would love to see the shops expand,'' Councilman Martin Packer said at the Nov. 16 meeting. ``It's good for the village because we would get increased taxes, however, the sense of the council and am sure it has come across is that the council wants to see something concrete not specifically something.''

A date for the workshop has yet to be set.

The owners of Bal Harbour Shops would like to purchase both sites to possibly expand the mall to include retail stores, a high-end movie theater and a banquet facility, said attorney John Shubin, representing the Whitman family, which owns the mall. Developer and owner Stanley Whitman opened Bal Harbour Shops in 1965 on the site of the former World War II army barrack. Whitman persuaded Neiman Marcus to open its first store outside of its native Texas. In 1976, Saks Fifth Avenue followed.

In September, the Bal Harbour Shops submitted its application to amend the land usage on the Church By The Sea's site of just over a half acre from institutional to commercial, and Village Hall's site, about a third of an acre, from municipal to commercial.

A contract to purchase both properties and a site plan has not been finalized, Shubin said.

Also at the meeting, Bal Harbour has chosen to change its election date process in order to save money.

The village council voted unanimously on second reading to change the election date to be held in conjunction with the national elections on the first Tuesday in November of even numbered years.

Currently, elections are held on the first Tuesday in April of odd numbered years.

The change would save the village money -- and boost turnout, Mayor Jean Rosenfield said.

``Other benefits for our residents include a greater interest in the November nationwide election, as well as the opportunity for our residents to participate in the early voting option,'' she said. ``We hope that these factors will translate into greater participation by our residents in the voting process.''

The village must reimburse the Miami-Dade County Elections Department for all its costs associated with the election by hosting elections in April, said Jay Smith, community outreach director.

Bal Harbour resident Brian Mulheren applauded the action. ``We save money,'' he said. ``It is a good thing.''

Approving the ordinance means that the term for current council members would be extended by 19 months. Terms for council members are four years. Candidates qualifying period will also be adjusted.