tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-366216112024-02-29T07:09:36.548+12:00Lazy journalistromanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.comBlogger285125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-66496908254684641092010-12-26T12:29:00.001+11:302010-12-26T12:32:56.100+11:30MDC students raise money for Nicaraguan villageBY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD<br />An avid walker, Julio Zelaya, 18, walked 14 miles on Friday, but not just to exercise.<br /><br />Instead, Zelaya, who was raised in Nicaragua, laced up his sneakers to walk in honor of children living under poor conditions in Chacraseca, Nicaragua.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Zelaya, who was born in Houston, knows first-hand the poor conditions Chacraseca residents live in.<br /><br />“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.”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />“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.”<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />“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.”<br /><br />Although the small rural village lives in poverty, residents want to move forward, said Sendin.<br /><br />“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.<br /><br />Salinas, a Nicaraguan, said it takes a group effort to help those in need.<br /><br />“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.”<br /><br />For information on the mission visit imaginationfederation.orgromanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-53593839233331635462010-12-26T12:28:00.000+11:302010-12-26T12:29:55.413+11:30Zoo lights up for holiday nightsRodolfo Roman<br />Special to The Miami Herald<br /><br />Zoo Miami will light up for the holiday season.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Admission is $8.95 plus tax per adult and $6.95 plus tax per child.<br /><br />The holiday celebration is a chance to see the park at night, said Cindy Castelblanco, a zoo spokeswoman.<br /><br />“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.”<br /><br />Visitors will get a full experience by wearing a pair of 3-dimensional glasses, which is included with admission.<br /><br />“When you view any bright distant light, you witness the magical patterns the glasses create,” she said.<br /><br />Visitors also can enjoy hot chocolate, egg nog, cookies and holiday music.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />For ticket information visit www.zoomiami.org.romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-48859557761769041872010-12-26T12:26:00.000+11:302010-12-26T12:27:39.919+11:30Pitbull donates toys in his old neighborhoodBY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD<br />Under the rain, Shenandoah Middle School student Anderson Cheatham, 13, played basketball with friends at Wynwood’s Roberto Clemente Park.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />"I love to play basketball," he said. "It is so much fun."<br /><br />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.<br /><br />"I can’t wait to play with the ball with my friends," said Anderson.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Not only were toys given away, but children and families enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, cotton candy, bounce houses and music.<br /><br />Derrick Turton, of Pitbull Productions, said Wynwood is dear to the rapper since he was raised in the area.<br /><br />"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."<br /><br />Students from William H. Turner Technical Arts High School and community members also volunteered to organize the event and distribute food and toys.<br /><br />Holding an umbrella, Wynwood resident Anna Echevarria said she was grateful for the effort.<br /><br />"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."<br /><br />Angie Lee of Youth Community Help Services, who coordinated the event, said it’s about brightening families’ lives.<br /><br />"We want to put a smile on these kids faces this holiday season," she said.romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-32566592211184490492010-12-26T12:22:00.001+11:302010-12-26T12:25:37.109+11:30Kwanzaa celebration set for SundayBY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />Special to The Miami Herald<br /><br />African American culture will be celebrated in South Florida this weekend.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />This year’s festival has been renamed after Mary Williams Woodard, who spearheaded the celebration.<br /><br />“This event has grown from a celebration in a member’s home to public venues with feast of various delicacies,” Wilson added.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />“Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to a principle honoring family and community,” Wilson noted.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />For information call 305-761-8952.romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-66970534807665708842010-12-13T11:40:00.002+11:302010-12-13T11:51:52.476+11:30IPad is simply awesomeMy 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.romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-84611032181027022892010-12-11T00:59:00.000+11:302010-12-11T01:00:15.734+11:30Nicaraguans celebrate La Griteria in Miami-DadeBy Rodolfo Roman<br /> Special to the Herald <br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />“It is a thrill to go out on the street to sing,” he said. “It is spiritually emotional.” <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />“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.”<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />“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.”romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-29692859489901297462010-12-08T03:49:00.002+11:302010-12-11T00:59:38.707+11:30Haulover gets new dog parkBy Rodolfo Roman<br />Special to the Miami Herald<br /> 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.<br /><br /> But for Richman and Mollie, those traveling days are over.<br /><br /> 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. <br /><br /> “The park means a lot to Mollie,” said Richman of his 18 month-old mascot. “All big dogs need to be exercised.”<br /><br /> He walks his pet about three times a day, but on the weekends he takes Mollie to the park for proper exercising.<br /><br /> 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.<br /><br /> From nearby village of Bal Harbour, councilwoman Patricia Cohen said the park brings the community together as pet owners can socialize.<br /><br /> “It is overwhelming,” said Cohen, who brought her mixed breed Chihuahua, Brownie. “We didn’t have a proper dog facility in the area.”<br /><br /> Bal Harbour helped out with the cause providing man power for the fencing and terrain installation.<br /><br /> 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.<br /><br /> 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.<br /><br /> 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.<br /><br /> Miami-Dade Commissioner Sally Heyman, who was joined by her chocolate Labrador Andy, said the park was needed in the area.<br /><br /> “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."romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-82600158719694916612010-12-06T06:14:00.000+11:302010-12-06T06:15:25.300+11:30For Attonito, ‘Mind Could Equal Victory’ Against BranchIt was only a matter of time before Rich Attonito entered the world of mixed martial arts. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />“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.”’ <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />The “Ultimate Fighter 11” alum says that his training at ATT helped prepare him for the big leagues. <br /><br />“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.” <br /><br />Today, the former wrestler feels confident in his well-rounded abilities. <br /><br />“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.” <br /><br />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. <br /><br />“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.” <br /><br />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. <br /><br />“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.” <br /><br />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. <br /><br />“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.” <br /><br />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. <br /><br />“He tells me, ‘be careful and have fun.’”romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-9336626848242103812010-12-06T06:13:00.000+11:302010-12-06T06:14:27.312+11:30Young Doral thespians take on MacbethBY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />SPECIAL TO THE HERALD<br />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. <br />The reason: Juan needed silence to focus reciting lines for the lead role in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.<br />Born in Argentina, the role of Macbeth was a challenge for Juan - whose first language is Spanish. <br />“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. <br />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. <br />To practice, Juan also walked around school carrying his script, reading it constantly in hopes of transforming into character. <br />“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. <br />Drama teacher Alexandro Madruga researched the play over the summer before presenting the idea to students. He is proud of the cast’s efforts. <br />“They stepped up to the plate, and they delivered,” he said. <br />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.<br />A native of Peru, she moved to the U.S. as a 1-year-old.<br />“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.” <br />Madruga said learning Shakespeare can be difficult. <br />“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.” <br />To help his students, Madruga spends 15 minutes in class leading vocal exercises. <br />“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.” <br />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.<br />More than 500 students, family members and Doral government officials packed the auditorium last week.<br />Edna Viteri came out to support her daughter, Ana Maria Gomez, and the rest of the cast. <br />“I see them [act] so fluently. It is so great,” she said. <br />Students had to learn stage techniques such as sword fighting.<br />In one scene, Juan as Macbeth battled Kristofer Mueller’s Macduff.. <br />“It is inspiring to see someone giving it their all to learn something that they don’t know too much about,” said Kristofer.<br />As for Agatha, playing Lady Macbeth made her nearly forget who she was. <br />“It was like, I am Lady Macbeth.”romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-10791305141145200512010-12-03T00:45:00.000+11:302010-12-03T00:46:01.231+11:30“Turkey Bowl” tradition alive at Tamiami ParkBy Rodolfo Roman<br />Special to the Miami Herald<br />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. <br /><br />Perez got together with friends and classmates to burn some calories right before enjoying the big Thanksgiving feast by playing flag football. <br /><br />“It is all about friendly competition,” said Perez, who played a seven-on-seven flag football game. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Friends, family members, and co-workers call, text and e-mail each other to set up the games. <br /><br />Perez can’t remember missing even one Thanksgiving football game. <br /><br />“We have been planning this for the past two weeks,” said Perez, a speech pathology major. “It is so much fun.” <br /><br />Although Johnny Gonzalez was competing against Perez, he said he wasn’t taking it easy on opponents. <br /><br />“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.” <br /><br />Football is a modern Thanksgiving tradition, with professional and college games airing throughout the day. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Southwest High graduate Brian Stewart made his debut at the Turkey Bowl at Tamiami.<br /><br />“I met new people and saw friends I haven’t seen in years,” he said. “You get to catch up on our lives.” <br /><br />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. <br /><br />Cathy Izaguirre came out to support her friends and take pictures to post on Facebook. <br /><br />“I like to take pictures of them and watching their faces,” said Izaguirre. “What else is there to do on Thanksgiving Day?” <br /><br />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. <br /><br />“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.”romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-52122798586071908282010-11-28T07:33:00.000+11:302010-11-28T07:35:11.806+11:30Plans to expand Bal Harbour Shops put on hold againBY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />Special to the Miami Herald<br />The Bal Harbour council once again put the brakes on plans to expand the village's upscale shopping mall -- for now. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />The council had also voted to defer the item at last month's meeting. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />``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.''<br /><br />A date for the workshop has yet to be set.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />A contract to purchase both properties and a site plan has not been finalized, Shubin said.<br /><br />Also at the meeting, Bal Harbour has chosen to change its election date process in order to save money. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />Currently, elections are held on the first Tuesday in April of odd numbered years. <br /><br />The change would save the village money -- and boost turnout, Mayor Jean Rosenfield said. <br /><br />``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.'' <br /><br />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.<br /><br />Bal Harbour resident Brian Mulheren applauded the action. ``We save money,'' he said. ``It is a good thing.''<br /><br />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.romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-45511173948386870022010-11-25T15:35:00.000+11:302010-11-25T15:36:26.286+11:30Miami historic district to hold art festivalArt, music and food will fill the air at the Mimo Historic district's inaugural Mimo ART Boulevard festival.<br /><br /><br /><br />BY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD<br />Culture aficionados can get a head start on Art Basel as the historic MiMo historic district will transform into a major artistic festival on Sunday. <br />The MiMo Biscayne Association will present the inaugural MiMo ART Boulevard festival from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at Biscayne Boulevard between Northeast 65th and 77nd streets.<br />Alisa Cepeda, the event's co-chair, said it's an opportunity to introduce the historic area to the community and visitors. <br />``It's a day to celebrate all that is great and happening in the MiMo Historic District while showcasing the area for the rest of our South Florida community and tourists alike,'' she said. <br />Art Basel Miami Beach, an art show, starts next month. MiMo ART Boulevard festival serves as a way to promote the MiMo District, artists, restaurants and talent who live in the area, added Cepeda. <br />Those who attend can see the recently installed LED sign of the Coppertone Girl. Participants will also have a chance to watch artists work along the boulevard and interact as they create their latest art work. <br />Festival-goers feeling artsy can grab a paint brush and help create a neighborhood mural on 7100 Biscayne Boulevard, while listening to about 10 live musical talents performing on stage like No Saints, Borrowed Time Band and Almost Blue. <br />Amy Aronson, who is the lead singer of the funk and rock group Almost Blue, thinks performing in her backyard is special. <br />``We're proud of our neighborhood,'' said Aronson, who lives in the area. ``It's really come a long way in the past few years.''<br />Aronson is the lead singer of the group, which includes about six members. Performing at local festivals help put local bands on the map, she said. <br />``This event and others like it help us to gain exposure while giving the event itself a hip image because the music and bands they bring are as good as any you'd see in a club,'' she said. <br />For food aficionados, there will be several chefs cooking several delectable dishes from local restaurants such as Kirs Wessel's Red Light and Michelle Bernstein's Michy's. Food tickets will be sold for $4. There will also be a wine area. <br />Children will also have an opportunity to draw at a hands-on art class. Cirque de Soliel-type street performers from the South Florida Circus Art School will be performing throughout the festival.<br />Animal lovers will enjoy a doggie talent show throughout the day at Smiling Pets, 7310 Biscayne Blvd. <br />To help kickoff the Christmas season, a tree-lighting ceremony will take place at the New Yorker Boutique Hotel, 6500 Biscayne Blvd., at 7 p.m. <br />For information, go to www.mimoartboulevard.com.romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-54801012434621280972010-11-24T01:26:00.000+11:302010-11-24T01:27:33.232+11:30Dance groups compete for a chance to star in a music video at a local charity eventDANCE CREWS COMPETED FOR TOP HONORS -- AND A SPOT IN A MUSIC VIDEO -- AT A LOCAL CHARITY EVENT<br /><br /><br />BY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />Special to The Miami Herald<br />Dance instructor Terrell Hammonds drove a bus filled with 40 children and teenagers from West Palm Beach to Miami, but it wasn't an ordinary field trip. <br /><br />His dance troupe, F.B.I. -- which stands for Fun Beautiful Intelligent -- laced up their shoes to perform the latest moves and compete against six other dancing crews in Stop the Violence and Dance, a charity event at the Caleb Center Auditorium on Saturday.<br /><br />Dancing groups from as far away as Ocala vied to win the $2,000 first prize and an appearance in a music video for recording artist Katrina Laverne Taylor, better known as Trina. <br /><br />First place was a tie between F.B.I. and Access Granted of Miami-Dade. The groups will split the cash prize but both will appear in the video.<br /><br />Wreckless, a dance crew from Broward, finished second. <br /><br />Hammonds said the art of dancing has served as a positive hobby for many of his students. <br /><br />``It has kept them off the street, jail and getting in trouble with their friends,'' he said. <br /><br />Wearing black and red dancing attire along with colorful makeup, F.B.I. member Zaria Raiford, 9, said performing is a chance at stardom. <br /><br />``I have fun with dancing,'' said Raiford, who showed off ballet and jazz moves on stage at the Caleb Center, 5400 NW 22nd Ave.<br /><br />``I have wanted to be on television since I was 4 years old.''<br /><br />Spectators paid $11 for pre-sale tickets and $20 at the door. A portion of the funds will be donated to the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 2166 NW 62nd Ave. Groups of four or more participants paid $150 to compete. <br /><br />The event was organized by songwriter and Miami Lakes resident Reginald Saunders in an effort to spread a positive message and showcase young talent.<br /><br />``Instead of those kids creating violence they are using their extra curriculum time to be seen and heard with the gestures of their bodies,'' he said. ``Music lets them move to the next level.''<br /><br />Trina was on hand to witness the up-and-coming performers as she sat in the front row. <br /><br />``The dancers spent a lot of time to try to create the show,'' she said. ``It was just a positive event.''<br /><br />The Miami-born rapper, songwriter and model graduated from Miami Northwestern High School and has released five albums, including Diamond Princess.<br /><br />At the event, spectators danced, clapped and screamed as artists performed moves like the ``kick ball chain.'' Poets, singers and comedians also took to the stage before each performance. <br /><br />Terry Shackelford, 27, a local dancer who has appeared on MTV's America's Top Dance Crew, led his 18-member dance group Access Granted. His member's ages ranged from 16 to 27. <br /><br />``Maybe I can push someone into the field and help them move up to have a professional life,'' said Shackelford, who performed to music artist's Ciara's song Gimme Dat. <br /><br />Access Granted member Shaquisa Wilcox, 16, has been dancing for three years and said the art has helped strengthen her relationship with her mother.<br /><br />``I used to talk back to my mother,'' said the Miami Northwestern High School student. ``Now, we spend a lot of time together.''<br /><br />Her mother, Linette Wilcox, hasn't missed a performance. <br /><br />``It makes me proud seeing her enjoy something she likes to do,'' she said.romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-29891541648316234202010-11-19T03:41:00.000+11:302010-11-19T03:42:59.201+11:30More than just a TreeWhoa, tannenbaum: Local designers transform traditional holiday trees into <br />creative objects of art as part of Florida International University's annual Festival of <br />the Trees. The event, which raises money for scholarships and other FIU programs, takes <br />place Thursday.<br /><br /><br /><br />BY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />Special to the Miami Herald<br /> <br /> <br /> For interior designer Jennifer Benjamin, children are at the heart of the holidays.<br /> <br /> "It really comes down to the toy or unwrapping of something," she said.<br /> <br /> Benjamin along with her co-workers at Hellmuth Obata Kassabaum, an architecture <br />firm based in the Design District, transformed her theory into art by creating a holiday <br />tree representing the festive spirit of children.<br /> <br /> The artwork will be one of many on display at the Florida International <br />University Design Department’s 24th annual Festival of the Trees in the Coverings Showroom <br />and Ironsides event space, 7610 NE Fourth Ct., at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, November 18. Tickets <br />are $55 and will including food, entertainment and drinks. Proceeds will benefit student <br />scholarships, field trips and guest speakers.<br /> <br /> The entries seek to demonstrate that positive change through design can make a <br />difference in the world -- and embrace the holiday spirit while going beyond the typical, <br />traditional tree. Judges will choose winners in categories of most responsible, most <br />inspired, most global and most humanitarian. <br /> <br />Benjamin's group titled its creation the "The Universal<br /> <br /> Imagination of Children''.<br /> <br /> The four-foot tree stands on a styrofoam base and looks like an inverted cone <br />supporting seven wooden sticks -- each representing a continent-- with a spiral wrapped <br />around the objects. Handmade marbles will be adhered to the spiral, said Benjamin. A <br />Slinky toy also inspired the design; a version was was made specifically for the project <br />at a metal shop, and intertwines with the elements.<br /> <br /> "Not every child is fortunate as the other,” said Benjamin, an FIU alumnus. <br />‘‘It’s a celebration of the child’s mind and creation."<br /> <br /> There will be 20 trees on display, which will be auctioned off.<br /> <br /> The FIU Interior Design Department Advisory Board works throughout the year to <br />organize the affair. <br /> <br /> "The event gives designers and artists a venue to display the versatility of their <br />talents to a wide audience," said Janine King, chairperson of interior design department <br />at FIU. <br /> <br /> As for Benjamin, who has participated four times, it's also a chance to share in <br />some holiday cheer with her co-workers.<br /> <br />‘‘It is an event that brings our office internally together," she said. "It builds us as <br />a team."<br /> <br /> For information visit www.festivalofthetrees.net.romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-12942721329723267092010-11-13T04:06:00.000+11:302010-11-13T04:07:22.708+11:30Celebrate Japan's fall holidays at the Ichimura Miami-Japan GardenBY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD<br />Thanksgiving is more than a week away, but South Floridians can get a head start by celebrating the holiday, Japanese style. <br />Friends of the Japanese Garden and the City of Miami will host two traditional religious rituals from the Land of the Rising Sun from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Ichimura Miami-Japan Garden, 1101 MacArthur Causeway, adjacent to Jungle Island. Parking will be free. <br />The rituals: Shichigosan, which translates to ``Seven-Five-Three'', and Niinamesai, which roughly means the Great Festival of Thanksgiving. <br />``Both are old Japanese customs and we want to introduce it to the people of the United States,'' said Agnes Youngblood, executive director of the non-profit organization Friends of the Japanese Garden. <br />Nakanishi Masafumi, who is a kannushi -- and ordained Shinto priest -- will be flying in from New York to conduct the religious ceremonies. <br />Youngblood said she had been working on the project since spring. <br />``It took me a while to look for a Shinto priest,'' she said.<br />In Japan, where Niinamesai is a national holiday, the ceremony is performed by the emperor.<br />The feast is an important date for the Shinto religion celebrated on November 23. The first fruits of the year's grain harvest are offered thanking the deities for their blessing, said Youngblood. <br />Shichigosan, a festival day dedicated to three-, five- and seven-year-old children, will also be celebrated. Traditionally, kids dress in kimonos and visit Shinto shrines to pray for a healthy life. At the same time, chitose ame, or thousand-year candy, is distributed to youngsters. Wrapped in edible rice paper, the red-and white candy is given in a bag with a crane and turtle -- symbolizing longevity in Japan. The children are only invited to participate in the ceremony to receive a blessing from a kannushi. The holiday is celebrated on Nov. 15. <br />Coconut Grove resident Etuko Kawamura will be participating with her daughter, Shiori Kawamura, 7. <br />``It is a good chance for her to study and learn about Japan,'' said Kawamura, who is from Tokyo, Japan. ``It is a great family event.''<br />The Japanese garden, which is about an acre in size, was donated by Kiyoshi Ichimura, founder of Ricoh Corporation of Japan, in 1961. <br />In addition to the ceremonies, there will be a bonsai exhibit, origami, ring tossing and kendama, a children's game. There will also be Asian food and items for sale. <br />The affair will be a learning experience, said Youngblood. <br />``I think people have a curiosity of seeing a kannushi and seeing him dressed in his clothes,'' she said in a phone interview. ``They need to witness it. It is very Japanese.''<br />For information visit www.friendsofjapanesegarden.com.romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-76240973922005795122010-11-13T04:05:00.000+11:302010-11-13T04:06:29.185+11:30Dragon boats will sail during Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat FestivalSpectators can watch the dragon boats race and enjoy oriental foods at Miami Marine Stadium on Saturday.<br /><br /><br />BY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD<br />Dragon boats will race on Biscayne Bay this weekend. <br />will feature more than 30 teams competing at the Miami Marine Stadium, 3601 Rickenbacker Causeway, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Check-in for racers starts at 8 a.m. <br />The festival preserves Chinese culture, said Joe Chi, president of Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. <br />``The Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival is a fantastic cultural event that brings us all together for cultural enhancement, community enrichment and solidarity,'' he said. <br />The festival is organized by the nonprofit Miami Overseas Chinese Association. The winning teams will receive special trophies and medals from Hong Kong and China . Corporate teams paid $800, Training was provided. <br />The dragon boats that will be used will be le crème de la crème, Chi said. <br />``We have fleets of 6 BUK Dragon boats. BUK Dragon boats are the top of the line in terms of dragon boats,'' he said. ``Designed in China, made in Germany, and retrofitted in Canada out of high tech carbon fiber.'' <br />Athletes will be paddling between the Miami Rowing Club and the Miami Marine Stadium. Over 25,000 spectators are expected to attend, Chi said. There will be different competitions including the 2000 meters for about 10 minutes. Levels of competition will be based on various skills and difficulty levels. <br />Michael Chen, founder of the Puff Dragon Boat racing team, has participated in the sport for seven years. <br />``It is a unique sport,'' said Chen, who will be paddling with his team Saturday. ``It is a group sport and it is fulfilling. <br />The Dragon boats used are Hong Kong style, which are 40 feet long, 4 feet wide and carry 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steersperson. Boats usually weigh 500 pounds. <br />The tradition of dragon boating dates back more than 2,000 years to South China in an effort to honor the dragon and commemorate Qu Yuan, a poet. <br />Aside from the race, there will be exhibitions, cultural shows, martial arts demonstrations and other performances from China and Japan. Also, food vendors will sell oriental-themed dishes. <br />``There will be fierce and riveting competition among the many participating dragon boat teams, vying for the honors of winning the races,'' Chi said. ``In the end, all will share the experience of a 2,500-plus-year dragon boat race that has been fun and rewarding in terms of character, cooperation and team building.'' <br />Go to www.miamidragon.com for more information.romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-89935253562390863692010-11-10T00:48:00.001+11:302010-11-10T00:50:07.098+11:30The 20th annual ExpoNica -- The Fair of the Americas will begin Friday at the Miami-Dade County Fair and ExpositionStarted by five brothers, the annual ExpoNica festival has been celebrating Latin American culture for nearly two decades.<br /><br /><br />BY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />Special to The Miami Herald<br />Natives of Latin America can immerse themselves in the traditions and culture of their homeland this weekend without traveling far. <br /><br />The 20th annual ExpoNica -- The Fair of the Americas will celebrate Latin American roots by highlighting music, food, crafts and artwork at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition grounds, 10901 Coral Way, in a three-day festival starting Friday.<br /><br />The cost is $11 for adults. Children under 8 and senior citizens are free. Parking is complimentary. <br /><br />The fair is open Friday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. <br /><br />More than 70 vendors will be demonstrating how to make typical ceramic decorations from Nicaragua, El Salvador, Colombia and Chile. <br /><br />``Miami will be celebrating all different cultures,'' said Eduardo Arroyo, executive director of ExpoNica International Inc., a nonprofit organization. ``It has become a tradition. People wait year round for the event.''<br /><br />Vendors from across Latin America will fly in to South Florida to sell pottery and jewelry, hammocks, clothes and art. <br /><br />For the first time, there will be a horse parade and a fashion show. Over 140 artists and musical bands will hit the stage performing musical acts like La Nueva Compañia from Nicaragua, Los Iracundos from Argentina and Binomio de Oro, which will be playing vallenato, a type of folkloric Colombian music. <br /><br />For food lovers, there will be 30 vendors selling traditional dishes like tortilla, carne asada, grilled steak, gallo pinto, rice and beans. Alcoholic beverages will also be sold. <br /><br />Alberto Jimenez, who owns Doña Arepa, a factory in Allapattah that produces sweet corn patties with mozzarella cheese, said the event is a marketing tool. <br /><br />``It's an event that brings in a lot of people,'' said Jimenez, who has sold his products at ExpoNica for more than 15 years. ``It's a great way to promote my product. People get to know the name and you sell your products to festival-goers.''<br /><br />The three-day event was founded by Eduardo Arroyo and his five brothers as a way to preserve Hispanic culture.<br /><br />In 1991, the fair began with an exhibition of Nicaraguan artisan pottery and folk art. Arroyo said he noticed South Florida's diversity, so the nonprofit incorporated other countries such as Brazil, Peru, Chile, and the Dominican Republic and much of Latin America, as well. <br /><br />For children, there will be entertainment like bounce houses and pony rides. <br /><br />``It is fun for the whole family,'' Arroyo said. <br /><br />For more information, go to www.exponica.org.romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-18815219996501798772010-11-07T09:50:00.000+11:302010-11-07T09:51:20.598+11:30New El Portal mayor to appoint task forceMayor-elect Daisy Black says she wants about 10 people to serve on an advisory group on village affairs.<br /><br /><br />BY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />Special to The Miami Herald<br />As her first order of business, newly elected El Portal mayor Daisy Black says she is organizing an advisory board of village residents.<br /><br />A former mayor in the late 1990's, Black got her old job back after defeating current mayor Joyce Davis in Tuesday's election. Vice Mayor Harold Mathis and Village Council member Linda Marcus reclaimed their seats. <br /><br />Village Council Seat 3 will be filled in a separate election within the next three months. Only one person, Omarr C. Nickerson, filed to run for that seat, but he didn't qualify because he was not registered to vote in the village, according to the village clerk, Albertha Patterson. <br /><br />For those elected last week, a swearing-in ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Village Hall, 500 NE 87th St.<br /><br />Black, a part-time substitute teacher for Miami-Dade, garnered 379 votes compared to her opponent's 315, according to the Miami-Dade County elections. Results are unofficial until certified by the canvassing board. Davis, a retiree, has been on the council since 2006 and has lived in the village for 13 years.<br /><br />A 20-year resident of the village, Black said she is ready to work with residents by setting up a task force.<br /><br />``The first thing I'd like to do is form a mayor's task force of El Portal citizens who will work with the El Portal Council and police department,'' said Black. ``We are a small village and this can be accomplished easily with a task force of about 10 residents. Any resident who would like to be a part of this task force should call the village clerk.''<br /><br />The village's population is 2,479 according to the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research. About 41 percent of village voters came out to cast their ballots, according to Patterson. <br /><br />Mathis, who won council Seat 1, is humbled for the victory. <br /><br />``Now that I have reclaimed my seat, I do have some thoughts, but right now I want and need to continue my work for the Villager's now that this election cycle is over,'' he said. ``Firstly, economic growth within the village limits and secondly, code enforcement.''<br /><br />Mathis, a paralegal, was appointed to the council in 2006, after county Commissioner Audrey Edmonson stepped down as mayor. Since then, Mathis, an 11-year resident, has served on the village's Administration and Finance committee.<br /><br />On council Seat 4, longtime council member Marcus, an independent grant writer, defeated newcomer Sadri Manrique. She has been on the council since 2004 and has chaired the code enforcement committee.<br /><br />Marcus said she is ready to push the village forward. <br /><br />``Election Day highlighted the residents' concern over issues such as use of the Rader Church and village maintenance to name two,'' she said. ``My first concern will be to speak with the residents who will drive project focus for the next term.''<br /><br />She has said she would like the village to buy the Rader Memorial United Methodist Church site located at 205 NE 87th St. noting that ``it could be used for a city hall or community center -- enough to fill a variety of uses and yet is not a fiscal drain.''romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-65524601666962171382010-11-06T00:55:00.001+11:302010-11-06T00:55:56.604+11:30Frausto Decisions Fujii, Lombard Retains at Bellator 34HOLLYWOOD Fla. -- Megumi Fujii is no longer perfect. <br /><br />Long considered to be among the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet, Fujii was defeated by relative unknown Zoila Frausto at Bellator 34 Thursday night, putting an end to the Japanese submission specialist's undefeated record. <br /><br />Frausto earned a split decision over Fujii to win the promotion's inaugural women's 115-pound title. In the evening's main event, middleweight champion Hector Lombard retained his belt, defeating Alexander Shlemenko by unanimous decision at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. <br /><br />Frausto’s win comes on the heels of an underwhelming performance against Jessica Aguilar at Bellator 31, as Frausto advanced to Thursday's tournament final with a contentious split decision victory. “The Warrior Princess” has tasted defeat only once, losing to Miesha Tate earlier this year. Fujii, who advanced to the final by submitting Lisa Ward, was intent on standing with Frausto, a strategy that backfired. <br /><br />In the first round, both fighters circled the cage to test each other. The heavy favorite to win, Fujii, who is trained by former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett, took the initiative in the early going and connecting with a head kick. However, Frausto’s impressive striking kept earning her points. At one point, both females swung with hard punches, connecting simultaneously. With less than a minute left in the bout, Frausto connected with a strong right kick that shook “Mega Megu,” taking her into the cage. The Japanese fighter was game, however, and attempted an unsuccessful takedown as the bell rang. <br /><br />After several exchanges in the middle rounds, both ladies entered the cage bruised and battered in the final frame. Fujii, always a submission threat, stuck to her roots and went for takedowns. In the clinch, Fujii landed several knees that damaged Frausto’s face. But it wasn’t enough, as Frausto continued to swing hard and eventually captured the title. <br /><br />As for the main event, it bore no resemblance to the champion's last two fights, in which he ran through Jay Silva and Herbert Goodman in six and 38 seconds, respectively. The Cuban native competed till the last round against Shlemenko to retain his middleweight championship belt. <br /><br />Shlemenko won Bellator’s season two middleweight tournament to become the number one contender for Lombard’s title. The Russian had enjoyed a winning streak similar to Lombard's, having won 15 of his last 16 contests. <br /><br />In the first period, Lombard, who defeated Jared Hess last year to become champion, opened up the fight with fierce combinations, rocking his foe. However, Lombard’s victory did not come easily, as the Russian countered with a spinning back fist. <br /><br />A knock out specialist, Shlemenko refused to quit despite taking heavy hits from Lombard. Promising to win by submission, Lombard sought a rear naked choke in the fourth round, but he couldn't seal the deal. Throughout the match, the Cuban was successful with his takedowns. <br /><br />Lombard, who seemed gassed, opened the fifth round with a vicious right that rocked Shlemenko, but the Russian fought back with one of many spinning back kicks. With less than a minute left in the fight, both men stood in the clinch with little action. Eventually the referee separated them, and the judges awarded the victory to Lombard. <br /><br />Other Bouts<br />JP Reese def. Bounmy Somchay -- TKO (Ground-and-Pound) 3:32 R1<br />Raphael Davis def. Tony Lopez -- Unanimous Decision<br />Mike Bernhard def. Dragan Tesanovic -- Unanimous Decision<br />Dan Cramer def. Igor Almeida -- TKO (Doctor’s Stoppage) 2:36 R1<br />Frank Carrillo def. Moyses Gabin -- Unanimous Decision<br />Ralph Acosta def. Tulio Quintanilla -- Split Decision<br />John Kelly def. William Kuhn -- Unanimous Decisionromanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-15399235914430892762010-11-06T00:54:00.001+11:302010-11-06T00:54:38.385+11:30Sunday's SeeFit Family Fun and Fitness Day in Miami Beach will raise money for blindnessA Miami Beach family, determined to help find a cure for their son's blindness, organizes an athletic day to raise money for research. The SeeFit Family Fun and Fitness Day takes place Sunday at Flamingo Park.<br /><br />BY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD<br />In 2007, Helen and Adam Mopsick welcomed their third son, Colton. <br />When doctor's diagnosed the infant with aniridia, a condition that left him without an iris and visually impaired, the Mopsicks nonetheless hoped science would find a way for their son -- and others -- to see.<br />To raise money for research, the Miami Beach family has organized SeeFit Family Fun and Fitness Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Flamingo Park track at 12th Street and Michigan Avenue. <br />The event will feature athletic competitions as well as food vendors, sack racing, carnival games, rock climbing, bounce houses and arts and crafts. <br />Proceeds will benefit The Vision For Tomorrow Foundation, a non-profit organization that funds research to help the blind and visually impaired.<br />``Our goal is to raise enough money to help fund research projects which help find a cure that will prevent his poor vision from further deterioration,'' said Adam Mopsick. <br />The Mopsicks said they were inspired by the book Crashing Through: A True Story of Risk, Adventure and the Man Who Dared to See, which tells the story of Mike May, who was born blind but had his sight restored almost 40 years later.<br />Helen Mopsick said she has been touched by the outpouring of support from friends and neighbors.<br />``We've been overwhelmed,'' said Mopsick, who will be at the event with her husband and sons Colton, 2, Jackson, 7, and Trent, 5 . ``We feel supported.''<br />Wendy Baum, co-president of the Chicago-based The Vision For Tomorrow Foundation, will fly in from Illinois for the event. <br />``It will be something of building memories together,'' she said in a phone interview. ``It will be special.'' Baum's 9-year-old son, Tyler, also suffers from aniridia.<br />The event features a CrossFit competition, sponsored by CrossFit 305, for individual male and female adults and families.<br />To compete, adults will have to pay $35 for adults and $15 for children ages 5 and up.<br />Competition includes lifting weights, box jumping, push-ups and pull-ups all within a required time and determined repetitions.<br />There will be three divisions of competition: advanced, intermediate and beginner. Winners will take home a trophy. <br />SeeFit Family Fun and Fitness Day has been in the works for about eight months.<br />The Mopsick family practices healthy habits and thought the event would be a great experience to raise awareness and promote exercise for families,while raising funds for a good cause. <br />``We are trying to create a day where families can enjoy as a team,'' said Adam Mopsick, a children's trainer at CrossFit 305, 5940 NE Fourth Ave.<br />Visit www.seefit.org or call 305--753-3190 for information.romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-73148685319820150242010-11-06T00:52:00.001+11:302010-11-06T00:53:19.589+11:30Hearts of gold raise money for diseaseThousands of people turned out for the American Heart Association's Heart Walk at Florida International University.<br /><br />BY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />Special to the Miami Herald<br />Susan Holloway, 46, has overcome adversity more than once: At 21 years old, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor -- and just six years ago she suffered a stroke. <br />``You need to tell yourself that you are in control of your illness and that you are a strong person,'' said Holloway, who had to undergo intensive therapy to learn how to walk and eat again. <br />Wearing a red cap signifying survival, Holloway was one of 9,000 people who signed up to run or walk 3.1 miles around Florida International University's main campus, 11200 SW Eighth St., during the American Heart Association's Oct. 30 Heart Walk.<br />The annual event helps raise funds and awareness for heart disease and stroke, among the top health threats in the nation.<br />It was the first time the event has been held there. John Rock, dean of FIU's college of medicine, said he was excited to see a large crowd. In the past, the event had been held at Tropical Park. <br />``I thought it would be important to have the walk at FIU because we are committed to find a cure for heart disease,'' said Rock, after speaking to participants. ``As a community, medical school and university, it is a great place for the heart walk to occur to allow us to celebrate what we bring to help fight this disease that affects all families.''<br />Saturday's event raised about $550,000 in donations to the American Heart Association, which will go into research, education and community programs relating to heart disease and stroke. <br />Mary Dargenis-Fernandez helped raise funds in honor of her husband Antonio Fernandez, who died of a cardiac arrest four months ago at 34. More than 60 co-workers, family and friends came out to honor Fernandez, who worked as general manager of a Chili's.<br />``He is with us today,'' said Dargenis-Fernandez of Miami Beach, sporting a yellow T-shirt with Antonio's name. ``This is just one step in our journey. We have a long way to go but I have an army of people behind me. We loved him and they love him and we want to turn this around.''<br />The team raised about $6,000. <br />For Teresa Bueno, a heart transplant coordinator at Jackson Memorial Hospital, it was gratifying to see patients healthy.<br />``When you see somebody so ill and you see them a week later after a transplant and you see them go home and they are able to do things that they couldn't do before is what keeps us going,'' said Bueno, whose team included 20 people who had received a heart transplant. <br />Heart transplant recipient and Miramar resident Jose Romero, 64, was overwhelmed to be surrounded by supporters. <br />``This cause is to pay back what we have received from God,'' said Romero, who received a heart transplant three years ago, ``and raise awareness to those who can donate their organs because this is a gift of life to those people who suffer.''<br /><br />For information visit www.miamidadeheartwalk.org.romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-52453518871415142282010-11-05T00:59:00.000+11:302010-11-05T01:00:11.434+11:30Mayor unseated in El PortalBy RODOLFO ROMAN<br />Special to The Miami Herald<br />Former El Portal mayor Daisy Black took her old job back Tuesday, defeating current mayor Joyce Davis, according to unofficial results. <br /><br />But incumbent council members Harold Mathis and Linda Marcus defeated their opponents to remain in office. <br /><br />Black, currently a Village Council member, is a part-time substitute teacher for Miami-Dade Schools. She served as mayor in the late 1990's. <br /><br />Davis, a retiree, has been on council since 2006. <br /><br />For Council Seat 1, Vice Mayor Harold Mathis, a paralegal, defeated political newcomer Marcus Parramore.<br /><br />For Seat 4, incumbent Linda Marcus, an independent grant writer, defeated novice Sadri Manrique. Marcus has been on council since 2004. <br /><br />Seat 3 will be determined in a separate election 30 to 90 days after Nov. 2. Only one person, Omarr C. Nickerson, filed to run for that seat, but he didn't qualify because he was not registered to vote in the village, according to the village clerk.romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-73012973100808406692010-10-30T01:38:00.000+11:302010-10-30T01:38:02.431+11:30Frausto Decisions Fujii, Lombard Retains at Bellator 34<a href="http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Frausto-Decisions-Fujii-Lombard-Retains-at-Bellator-34-27833">Frausto Decisions Fujii, Lombard Retains at Bellator 34</a>romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-56923892648364033162010-10-26T23:50:00.002+11:302010-10-26T23:52:11.237+11:30Council delays voting on request to expand Bal Harbour ShopsThe Bal Harbour Council puts off voting on a plan to expand Bal Harbour Shops.<br /><br /><br />BY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />Special to The Miami Herald<br />A proposal to expand Bal Harbour's upscale shopping mall has been put on hold. <br />At Tuesday's local planning agency meeting, the Bal Harbour Council unanimously voted to defer an ordinance by Bal Harbour Shops to amend land usage for two locations: Church By The Sea, 501 96th St., and Village Hall, 655 96th St. <br />The owners of Bal Harbour Shops want to purchase the sites to expand the mall to include retail stores, a high-end movie theater and a banquet facility, said attorney John Shubin, representing the Whitman family, who owns the mall.<br />``Many of you have probably lived here a long time probably knowing that the idea of expansion at The Bal Harbour Shops has been thought about by the Whitman family for probably 20, 30, 40 years,'' Shubin said. ``So there is no secret that expansion has been on the mind of the Bal Harbour Shops.''<br />A contract to purchase both properties and a site plan had not been finalized, he added.<br />The item will be discussed at next month's council meeting. The proposal would need two votes to be considered.<br />Mayor Jean Rosenfield said it was too soon for the council to decide the issue.<br />``We are committed to an open transparent process on all matters that come before the Bal Harbour Village Council,'' she said. ``I will make certain that all parties are heard on this matter prior to any decision being reached.''<br />In September, the Bal Harbour Shops submitted its application to amend the land usage on the Church By The Sea's 0.62 acres from institutional to commercial, and Village Hall's 0.336-acre property, from municipal to commercial.<br />Developer and owner Stanley Whitman, who was at the meeting, 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. Currently, the mall houses 100 stores, from Prada to Gucci to Bulgari, in addition to Neiman's and Saks.<br />Shubin said the Whitmans submitted the application because of Amendment 4. If approved on Tuesday, the proposed statewide amendment to Florida's constitution would require voter approval of changes to comprehensive plans that guide development in cities, towns and counties across the state. <br />The amendment, if approved, would give voters veto power over elected officials' decisions, such as the type the Whitman family is seeking.<br />Shubin said an approval by the council would have at least started negotiations, but also noted the process would not move forward unless there was a demand from retailers.<br />``We would like a signal from you of an affirmative vote that is worth our time and effort to at least begin the dialogue,'' Shubin said.<br />Not knowing the impact of Amendment 4, resident Neil Alter said approving the proposal would be premature.<br />``It seems like they are pulling the cart before the horse,'' he said. ``I don't know why it is necessary to approve something when, in effect, the respective counter parties have had no opportunity to consent to the process.''<br />Surfside's interim town manager, Roger Carlton, suggested the council be cautious, noting that traffic could become an issue if expansion occurred. Surfside lies just south of Bal Harbour. <br />``The studies for both of these applications of traffic acknowledges that 53 percent of the traffic movement coming to and from [the mall] is south of 96th Street,'' he said. ``Yet the study that was done on traffic is to the north of 96th Street.''<br />Bal Harbour resident Dina Cellini said she wouldn't be opposed to the mall's expansion. ``If this expansion is fabulous and tremendous for the community, in many respects it'll sell itself,'' she said.romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36621611.post-86511237190017977362010-10-26T23:50:00.001+11:302010-10-26T23:50:55.121+11:30Former Bal Harbour councilman suspended from law practiceJoel Jacobi, a former Bal Harbour councilman, is suspended from his law practice due to a finding by the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust.<br /><br />BY RODOLFO ROMAN<br />His failure to list the rental income he earned on a co-op he owned in Bal Harbour and a house he owned in North Miami Beach violated the Florida Bar's Rules of Professional Conduct. The Bar fined him $1,475.<br />The Ethics Commission ruled against Jacobi in February 2009; Jacobi appealed and a county court appellate panel upheld the conviction. The finding by the Ethics Commission led to more than $3,500 in fines, a Letter of Reprimand and the suspension ordered by the Florida Supreme Court.<br />In addition, Lynne Bloch-Mullen, Jacobi's opponent in the 2007 election, also filed suit, contending that Jacobi did not live in Bal Harbour in the year preceding the election, as required by the village charter. <br />A few days into last year's trial, Jacobi, who served on the council since 2002, resigned citing ``personal issues.'' <br />In a phone interview Monday, Jacobi's attorney Joseph Geller said his client agreed to settle with the Florida Bar.<br />``Mr. Jacobi agreed voluntarily to settle any questions about his conduct with the Florida Bar by agreeing to this brief suspension. We are confident he will be back practicing law in the near future,'' he said.<br />``It is unfortunate that someone who served with such dis 2tinction as a public official has had such a difficult outcome for what were essentially inadvertent mistakes, but Mr. Jacobi takes full responsibility for his actions and is moving forward with his life, and awaiting the birth of his second daughter any day.''romanowskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03204119287756021813noreply@blogger.com0