doral tribune april 2013

T he DBC enginesare running atfull speed. We

are working aggressivelyon the different commit-tees, each of which playsan integral role in thisorganization. One of the

best ways to grow your business and max-imize your membership is by gettinginvolved in one of the 11 working com-mittees of DBC that form the life-bloodof our organization.

With dedicated Chairs, serving in aleadership capacity, each committee doessignificant work to support the strategicmission of the DBC. Each year the com-mittees convene to set goals for theupcoming year, laying out those prioritiesthat will keep the organization well-posi-tioned as the voice for the Doral businesscommunity.

Most committees meet monthly on aset day and time. Choose a committee togrow your business and choose one togrow professionally.

The current committees areEducation, DBC Forum, FinancialServices, Small Business, Healthcare,International Business, Trustees,Ambassadors, Women’s Alliance, Arts,Culture & Entertainment, andCommercial & Industrial Real Estate.

The Education Committee had itsfirst event of the year on March 12 at aSignature Breakfast in the Doral Golf SpaResort, sponsored by Florida NationalUniversity (FNU). We had an excellentturnout for the event, due in part by thepresence of the keynote speaker, MiamiDade School Superintendent AlbertoCarvalho.

Mr. Carvalho impressed the audienceas he eloquently described the remarkableprogress achieved during his five-yeartenure as leader of the nation’s fourthlargest school district. The event was a

BY NELSON PEÑALVERChairman

Doral Business Council

HEALTH CARE CORNER

––––– See HEALTH CARE CORNER, page 5

The Power of OlderAmericans....

APRIL 2013

Committees Key DBC Success

BY BLANCA CEBALLOS, Manager

––––––––––––– See SUCCESS, page 5

Older Americansplay an incredi-bly important

role in our community,sharing their talents,wisdom, and life experi-ences with families,friends and neighbors. They are produc-tive, active and influential members ofsociety, and their numbers are growing.

There are more than 41 million peo-ple aged 65 and older in the United States.By 2025, that segment of the population isexpected to nearly double.

Some 17 percent of Florida residentsare seniors, highest of any state, accordingto U.S. Census data. Here in Miami-DadeCounty, seniors currently make up 14 per-cent of the population.

Since 1963, May has been designatedOlder Americans Month, a time to cele-brate the vitality and aspirations of olderadults and their ability to make a real dif-ference in our communities.

This year’s theme, established by theAdministration on Aging, is “Unleash thePower of Age!” to highlight the signifi-cant contributions made by hundreds ofthousands of older Americans across ournation.

Seniors volunteer throughout ourcommunity as mentors, coaches or com-panions to people in need. They contributetheir job skills and expertise to communi-ty projects and organizations.

At United HomeCare, seniors volun-teer to help some of the nearly 5,000 eld-erly and disabled adults we care for, byassisting them with shopping and lightchores or just making a friendly visit.

One of our volunteers in her 60’s hascontributed a few hours each month forthe past 10 years, helping a UHC clientwho is in her 80’s. This beautiful friend-

Caregiver Resource CenterUnited HomeCare

6 Women Recognized asDoralian Women Leaders

BY LEE STEPHENS

In honor of Women’s HistoryMonth, Doral Mayor Luigi Boria and theCity Council created a special Women’sHistory Month Proclamation entitled“Transcending Boundaries – CreatingBrilliance” to recognize DoralianWomen Leaders.

Winners in the 26-plus years cate-gory were: Business: Elizabeth (Lizz)Wiegandt, Cadillac Director of MaryKay; Arts: Tied between MarielaRomero, writer of telenovelas, and MariaA. Bilbao, retired from Miami DadeCollege involved in Doral arts and cul-ture; Communications: Gloria Burns,Columnist and Marketing Representative

of Miami Community Newspapers andthe Doral Tribune; Community: CarolinaSivoli, civic activist.

The 25 and under honor was award-ed to Emily Bello-Pardo, FIU student; aposthumous award was named in honorof Andrea Nicole Castillo.

Runners-up included GiselaThomas, Dilia Melean Tomassetti,Tailleen Arias, Jessie López, BeckyMiller, Elena Ortega-Tauler, Esq.,Carmen Gómez, Liana Hernández,Manuela Guardia, Malexys Morales andDominique Barbara.

Nominations were opened towomen residents of Doral in two age cat-

Doralian Women Leaders include (l-r) Maria “Toni” Bilbao, Gloria Burns, Lizz Wiegandt with Doral ViceMayor Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera, Mayor Luigi Boria, Councilwoman Ana Maria Rodriguez, Emily Bello-Pardo and Carolina Sivoli, . (Not in photo: Mariela Romero). All received a Proclamation from MayorBoria and were honored at a luncheon catered and served by DIVIETO Italian-American Fusion.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

––––––––––– See WOMEN LEADERS, page 5

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM April 2013

April 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

BY GLORIA BURNS

The week before Easter, Fr IsraelMago, Pastor, treated the congregation ofOur Lady of Guadalupe Church to therecently revised draft renderings of thecongregations’ new church.

For most of the parish members, thestory behind this building campaign isnothing short of a miracle.

It seems every obstacle turned out tobe God saying “not yet, I have a betterplan”. And so it happened that ananonymous donor from Mexico devotedto the Virgin of Guadalupe, learning of theefforts of this parish, offered a two-for-one match of funding to help build achurch that would be able to accommo-date what is quickly becoming one of the

largest parishes in the Miami DadeCounty. While the originaldesign for the temporary church waswould have held 900, the new design for aMarian Sanctuary permanent churchbuilding will hold 1300.Architects from Mexico will be visitingsoon to unveil the final plans to an excitedcongregation that has managed to form abeautiful church family, despite having torent space from Doral Charter HighSchool where for weekly masses, and useoffice spaces for other meetings. In fact, the Youth Group so quickly out-grew its space that the group now meets ata donated warehouse space on 114th Ave.For more information of Our Lady ofGuadalupe Catholic Church, visit<www.olgdoral.org>.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Plans for 1,300

Doral Public Works Department hasbegun a roadway construction project alongNW 114th Avenue from NW 39th Street toNW 41st Street that involves lane closuresand detours.

For safety measures, traffic lanes andsidewalks may be closed at times with laneclosures occurring from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Affected roadways are NW 114th Ave. andNW 41st St.

The project is anticipated to take

approximately 75 calendar days.Scheduled work may change due to badweather or other unexpected conditions.

For more information, contact ProjectAdministrator Wilfredo Suarez Mulkay at<[email protected]> or City of DoralPublic Works Department, Tel. 305-593-6740.Email: <[email protected]> or visit the City of Doral website<www.cityofdoral.com> for additionaldetails.

NW 114 Avenue Project Begins

Doral Tribune6769 S.W. 62 Avenue, South Miami, FL 33143 • Phone (305) 669-7355, Fax (305) 662-6980

www.communitynewspapers.com

PUBLISHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grant Miller

EXECUTIVE EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael Miller

EDITOR ...........................................................................David Berkowitz

WRITERS, COLUMNISTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Beasley, Kenneth Bluh, Robert Hamilton,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Linda Rodriguez-Bernfeld, Gary Alan Ruse, Lee Stephens, Al Sunshine, Richard Yager

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Albie Barnes, Beatriz Brandfon,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roberta Bergman, Celia Canabate, Diane Chasin, Henry Chau,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lori Cohen, Diane Maddox, Denzel Miles, Ann Robbins-Udel,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fara Sax, Diane Sedona Schiller, Walter White

LEGAL ADVERTISING ..................................................................Georgia Tait

BOOKKEEPING .......................................................................Jesus Toledo

PROOF DEPARTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Vavrek

GRAPHIC ARTIST ............................................Denise Cebrero, Isabel Ortega, Cristian Ortiz

PUBLISHER EMERITUS ..................................................................Ron Miller

Aventura News, Biscayne Bay Tribune, Coral Gables News, Cutler Bay News, Doral Tribune,

Kendall Gazette, Miami Beach News, Miami Gardens Tribune, Palmetto Bay News, Opa-Locka

News, Pinecrest Tribune, South Miami News, Sunny Isles Beach Sun, West Park News


SUCCESS from front page ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––—–––––––––––––––––––——

HEALTH CARE CORNER from front page –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––—––––––

tremendous success, well represented bylocal schools and many members of theDBC. The Committee Chair, along with theentire Education Committee, presented afabulous program and provided an excel-lent networking opportunity for the partici-pants.

There are exciting new plans in theworks, such as the Fourth AnnualOverseas Chinese Gala, Celebrating AsianPacific American Heritage Month, at the

Intercontinental Hotel, May 18. We’vealready sent out SAVE THE DATEnotices and we are getting ready for won-derful evening of fun and networking.More to come, so stay tuned!

Once more, words cannot express mygratitude to our members for their loyaltyand support. On behalf of the members ofour Board, thank you for making our jobeasier — as we GROW TOGETHER….ONE CONNECTION AT A TIME!

ship bloomed from a simple act of caringand compassion. In celebration of OlderAmericans Month in May, UnitedHomeCare invites Doral residents to partic-ipate in United Friends for Seniors, UnitedHomeCare’s volunteer program. Volunteerscan make a difference in the life of a seniorby visiting with those who live alone andproviding friendly companionship andsocial contact with the community.

Our next monthly Volunteer OpenHouse, where you can learn about the pro-gram, will be on Thursday, April 25,between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the UHCCaregiver Resource Center, located at 8400NW 33rd Street, Suite 400, Doral, FL33122.

For more information, contact BlancaCeballos at 305-328-0875 or at<[email protected].>

WOMEN LEADERS from front page –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––—––––––––—––––––

egories: 26 years and over, and 25 yearsand under, with judging based on achieve-ments that transcended the city limits infour areas of impact: the arts, business,communications, and community.Final judging by Mayor Boria, Vice-Mayor Bettina Rodriguez-Aguilera andCouncilwoman Christi Fraga Mar. 18,2013, preceded announcement of winnersat the City of Doral Council meeting,

Each received a framed proclamationacknowledging their endless work and ded-ication to the City of Doral that has ‘tran-scended boundaries and created brilliance.’All finalists received certificates ofacknowledgment. Doralian WomenLeaders Initiative was presented by ViceMayor Rodriguez Aguilera to bring aboutcommunity awareness for Doral’s womenleaders.



(The following comments are excerptedfrom testimony in Tallahassee by MartiBueso, a business woman owner support-ing Sen. Bill 306 to allow a one-cent touristtax increase in Miami-Dade County forSun Life Stadium expansion).

Modernization of Sun Life Stadiumwill positively impact your business! Butyou have to go after the business! Peoplewill not come to you asking to help youincrease your sales.

This project will help attract futureSuper Bowls, including the 50thAnniversary Super Bowl in 2016, CollegeFootball Championship games, Pan Amgames, international soccer, etc. But howwill that impact you?

For me, the “Power of One” was high-lighted the week between Christmas/NewYear’s, a typically slow business time, byrecounting how a positive impact of justone event affected one small business:Trias Flowers. (One week, one game: thehistoric New Year’s Day Orange Bowlgame, Northern Illinois vs. FSU).

Not waiting for business to trickledown, we contacted the two universitiesand local organizations directly. The uni-versities hosted events for their alumniand supporters, and the University ofMiami also held events around the cityduring Orange Bowl week.

Trias provided flowers for several ofthese events, grossing dollars that would-n’t have been available if these eventswere not brought to Miami. It allowedTrias, celebrating 100 years in business; tokeep the workforce at full staff, withouttemporary hourly cutbacks, Driversworked full shifts; a few earned overtimepay.

The results: one employee took his petto the veterinarian; another took children

to see Cinderella at Actor’s Playhouse, athird took his mother for an MRI; andfourth paid for family haircuts. Stillanother visited ZooMiami; one visitedJungle Island; another went to the dentist.A lot of money? No.

But small business owners know howwe survive day by day, one sale at a time,one connection at a time; $1 spent withanother. The Miami Dolphins, the firstprofessional sports team in Florida, hasgrown up with our community, supportingus with their various philanthropic dona-tions and service projects.

They’ve backed tourism and jobs byattracting Super Bowls and NationalChampionship games and by moving theircorporate headquarters to Miami-Dade. Iencourage you to become informed aboutthis potential project and its impact onsmall businesses.

Over 80% of businesses in Dade aresmall companies with fewer than 20employees. Without opportunities fromadditional venues, we can only continueselling to each other. That’s why I applaudthis great nation of opportunity; creatingways to assist people with their eagernessand enthusiasm in their quest for success...

For more information on the modern-ization plans for Sun Life Stadium, visit<MiamiFIRST.com>.

Doral Business Forum

Speak Up!Small Businesses Should Support Stadium

Maria Bueso, Past Chair, DBC Forum testifies.


Hector Catano and Frank Trelles, for-mer executive vice president and vicepresident of WestVest Associates respec-tively, are teaming up to launch

C o r n e r s t o n eInternational Realty(CIR) of Doral. ` The pair com-bines over 20 yearsof commercial realestate experienceand more than $500million in closedtransactions.

“The last twoyears have seen ourmarket quickly

rebound,” said Catano. “Vacancy ratesare at a five-year low and the purchasingmarket is also improving. We felt that thetiming was right to make this move.”

CIR, a brokerage and advisory firm

representing property owners, investorsand tenants in South Florida, will also adddevelopment, financing and propertymanagement divisions to provide a full

spectrum of servic-es.

“Our focus is toprovide the highestlevel of service toour clients,” saidTrelles. “By addingthese services ourclients will benefitgreatly by having allthese services underone umbrella andsimplify the transac-

tion process.” While CIR’s Miami headquarters will

be in Doral, the company plans to estab-lish offices in Venezuela, Colombia andBrazil.

Former WestVest TeamLaunching Doral Firm

Frank TrellesHector Catano


BY GLORIA BURNS

MMiiaammii CChhrriissttiiaann SScchhoollaarr students AlinaAndrews, Joey Campos, and AndreaSinclair competed in the MCS History Daycompetition, under the direction of Scholarsand AP Instructor, Mr. Wayne Williams,each winning first place in their respectivecategories.

Alina and Andrea then competed in theAll-County History Day competition inwhich Alina again took first in the All-County “Documentary” category whileAndrea also won first in the “ResearchPaper” category. The next step for these twocounty-wide winners: competing in astatewide “National History Day” to be heldthis May in Tallahassee.

In addition, 15 MCS students receivedhonors in this year’s Scholastic WritingCompetition. Congratulations to these stel-lar students: Alina Andrews (Poetry andPersonal Essay/Memoir), Joey Campos(Person Essay/Memoir), Damon Carrazana(Science Fiction/Fantasy), Luis Castro(Poetry, Personal Essay/Memoir), RosaCastro (Flash Fiction), Elisha Cordeau(Poetry, Personal Essay/Memoir), DanielGalarza (Poetry, Personal Essay/Memoir),Christopher Gonzalez (Poetry, PersonalEssay/Memoir), Melissa Gonzalez(Personal Essay/Memoir), Naomi Granado(Poetry, Personal Essay/Memoir), SonaliKhiyani (Poetry, Personal Essay/Memoir),Joshua Mishaan (Flash Fiction), AlejandroQueija (Personal Essay, Memoir), ElizabethRosillo (Poetry, Personal Essay/Memoir),and Andrea Sinclear (Poetry/PersonalEssay/Memoir).

AAmmTTrruusstt BBaannkk in Doral Plaza held amulti-school contest on “What Valentine’sDay Means to Me” with Miami Christian’selementary students entering the contest

with student drawings reflecting “What theHoliday Means to Me.” Branch ManagerMaria Mendez visited the MCS campus toaward the first place prize to Janelle Diaz(Grade 5); second place to Zoe Campos(Grade 1).

TThhee MMCCSS “Intro to Engineering” classwith instructor Margot Youssef visited theEngineering Department at FloridaInternational University, interacting withFIU engineering students, participated inchemistry and physics experiments, andchecking out student projects in roboticsand biomedical developments. As a result,the students have been invited to participatefor FIU credit in a special summer courserelated to computer programming and engi-neering.

AAss ppaarrtt ooff his “14 Days of NeighborlyLove”, former MCS student and MiamiDade County Commissioner, Jose ‘Pepe’Diaz, included a gift of plants from CostaFarms for campus landscaping. Placed instrategic locations, the plants have enrichedthe look of the campus.

Next Admissions Open House at MCSis Thursday, April 11, 4- 6 p.m., a greatopportunity for prospective families to meetthe MCS staff and tour the facilities.

Call Donna for more information at305-221-7754 ext.773.

MCS Students Shine in Scholastic CompetitionsMIAMI CHRISTIANUPDATE

Top prize winners Janelle Diaz (left) and Zoe Campos(right) display Valentine’s Day messages with MariaMendez, of AmTrust Bank.

Plant gifts from Miami Dade County CommissionerJose Diaz received by Dr. Lorena Morrison, MCSPrincipal.

First place winners in History Day competition include (l-r): Alina Andrews, Joey Campos, Andrea Sinclair.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Daily 7:00 am - 10:00 pmParish Center: 11402 NW 41 Street, Suite 221

Pastor Reverend Israel E. MagoFor information on marriage and baptism, call 305.593.6123

WeeklyMass Schedule

Saturday Vigil5:30 pm (English)6:30 pm (Spanish)

Sunday9:00 am (English)

10:30 & 12:00 Noon (Spanish)

Confession15 minutes prior to Mass

Ourr Ladyy off GuadalupeCatholicc ChurchInvites you to join us for Mass

Mass Location:Doral Academy High School

11100 NW 27th Street, Doral, FL


Adonel Concrete was recent-ly named “Concrete Supplier ofthe Year” by the Latin BuildersAssociation of Miami, and pre-sented at the LBA Awards Galaat the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Founded in 1984 by LuisGarcia, the company maintainsnine plants in Miami, FortLauderdale, West Palm Beachand Fort Pierce.

In January 2010, Adonelexpanded its operations to Haiti

to help rebuild its earth-quake-damaged areas andnow operates two plants inthat country, supplying con-crete for several projects inPort-Au-Prince. Adonel has more than 210employees and a fleet of 120trucks.

The LBA is a non-profitorganization associated withthe construction businessthroughout South Florida.

Luis Garcia,President/CEO

Adonel Concrete

BY JENNIFER MARTINEZ

Dade Christian School chapter of theFuture Business Leaders of America(FBLA) raised an impressive $1,400 dur-ing March of Dimes week, March 18-22. Dade Christian School has been involvedmany years through FBLA and its advi-sor, Mrs. Linda Virtue, now in her lastyear as sponsor.

Club members sold wristbands withproceeds targeted for research and educa-tion to prevent birth defects and promotehealthy pregnancies. A special chapelprogram was held on Mar. 19 informingstudents about March of Dimes.

A video made by a DCS senior stu-dent, Linda Flores, told stories of several

families affected by premature birth,bringing tears to the eyes of many.

The week culminated in a March forBabies Mar. 22 when students clad inwhite and purple gathered in front of theschool, holding flags and banners withthe March of Dimes logo emblazoned onthe front.

Students from elementary to highschool bolstered the cause as FBLA offi-cers led a cluster of students whomarched twice around the school withchildren proudly holding supportive signsaloft.

Learning to work for the benefit ofothers was a valuable experience, and theefforts made at DCS during the March ofDimes week enriched the lives of all.

School Business LeadersRaise $1400 in March

Latin Builders Honor Adonel Concrete


DBC Signature Breakfastfeatures Carvalho

At the March 12 DBC SignatureBreakfast, Miami Dade County School’sSuperintendent, Alberto Carvalho, pro-vided members of the Doral BusinessCouncil with an inspirational talk duringwhich he reiterated the importance of our

children’s education to the economicprogress of our community. The DBCthanks Florida National University forsponsoring the March breakfast. The DBCmeets monthly at the Trump Doral GolfResort and Spa.

Superintendent Alberto Carvalho seated here with School Board Member Susie Castillo.(Photos courtesy of SnapHappy)

Seen here at DBC breakfast are Raul Pino, Ginger Poulos, Rene Negron and Peter Jude.––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


BY MARK SELL

In late 2010, John Acosta, a 27-year-old Venezuelan-American sergeant in theU.S. Air Force, hit upon the idea for hisMiami adaptive pajama top company whenhis family was plunged into the world ofend-of-life caregiving.

Acosta’s grandfather, William RonaldBiggs, then 78, was losing a 12-year battlewith Parkinson’s disease. The family physi-cian made the difficult choice to initiatehome hospice care.

Not so many years before, Biggs hadbeen an advertising and PR powerhouse inhis native Michigan, whose company boardincluded lifelong friend and mentor NFLfootball coach George Allen and esteemedeconomist Paul McCracken. Biggs was anavid golfer and author of two popularbooks, dedicating the proceeds to scholar-ships. Now he was bedridden and helpless.

Acosta’s grandmother and Biggs’ wifeof 57 years,- Ruth Ann, found herself themain caregiver, charged with keepingAcosta’s father clean, dignified and free ofbedsores and other afflictions as he facedhis final journey.

Dressing was, surprisingly, one of themost painful things. Changing a shirt wasagony. Never one to complain, Biggswould endure the sharp pain, especiallywhen his family members tried to dress orundress him with his arms stiffened fromParkinson’s.

John helped as he could, and hisyounger sister worked particularly hard. Hewas frustrated by the lack of products andresources to make life easier for both thecaregiver and the patient.

“It struck me that there just had to be abetter way,” Acosta said.

So Acosta hit upon his idea. Why notcreate tasteful sleepwear with soft, breathe-able cotton that unbuttons in the front withsnaps all up and down the sleeves? With anopen back, dressing and undressing couldbecome, as it were, a snap.

An estimated 1.4 million Americansparticipate in hospice care every year, andthat number is only expected to grow. Addto that the number of paraplegics, quadri-plegics and others permanently or eventemporarily deprived of mobility. Withopen backs and quick snaps down thesleeves of the garments, caregivers canchange clothes without avoidable lifting orremoval of intravenous devices or monitor-ing systems, saving time and injury on hos-pital floors.

Soon thereafter, Acosta gave birth tohis company: Comfort Care Clothing Co.,lodged in a Hialeah factory and reached at

<www.comfortcareco.com>. Now 29, Acosta has since left the Air

Force after eight years’ service, and isembarking on his journey as a Miamientrepreneur, as he and his wife are expect-ing their first baby.

The business is still in its early stagesbut maturing steadily, with CentralAmerican and Asian manufacturers readyto produce the adaptive pajama tops ondemand. The garment lists for $35.99 andcomes in blue for men and pink for women.

Demographics are on Acosta’s side.The population of those 85 and older hasgrown from just over 100,000 in 1900 to5.5 million in 2010. The U.S. CensusBureau projects that population will morethan triple to 19 million by 2050, whenAcosta will be 66 and perhaps gettingready for retirement. By 2030, 20 percentof America will be 65 or over. By 2050, theAmerican Health Care Association projectsthat 27 million people will use long-termhealth care services.

Acosta is convinced that he is ontosomething: “As the business grows, I lookforward to expanding the offerings,” hesays.

Comfort Care Clothing Co. investorshave provided $150,000 in seed money.Those investors include: Gabor Marquez;Cesar Rodriguez; Mikel Aramburu, andCarlos and Enrique Gill. The group hasextensive experience in financing andinvesting in businesses, which includingfood factories, art dealerships, broadcast-ing enterprises and the medical deviceindustry, among other businesses.

For critical care nurse Audra Austin

of Chicago, the adaptive clothing, particu-larly with the snap-on sleeves, comes at theright time.

“I have seen end-of life issues both as

a caregiver of grandparents and as a criticalcare nurse,” says Ms. Austin. “As a socie-ty, we place so much emphasis on extend-ing and preserving life, but the everydayand very real human concerns are oftenoverlooked.

“Something as simple as the rightkind of garment does more than ease backstrain and cut workers’ comp claim forcaregivers. It helps preserve the ideals ofhonor, dignity, and respect to individualpatients and families both during their livesand when nearing the end of life.”

For John Acosta, it’s not just a busi-ness, but a mission: “There’s a sandwichgeneration out there of people in their 40s,50s and early 60s. They are raising chil-dren and caring for parents.

“That trend is only going to continuefor the coming decades. And it is a passionof mine to build a company founded ondignity for the patient and ease for the care-giver.

“As someone about to become a newfather, I‘d like to create something thatdoes my children and children of parentseverywhere proud.”

John Acosta of Comfort Care Clothing Company

“A Better Way” says Venezuelan-American Ex-Sgt. Acosta

Caregiving Ordeal Sparked Birth of Hialeah Comfort Care Clothing


Rep. Joe Garcia honorsColumbus High School

U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia (right), pictured with Brother Kevin, recently visited Columbus High School to pres-ent a copy of a Congressional Record statement that honors the school for 55 years of service to the com-munity. Rep. Garcia entered the statement into the Congressional Record on Feb. 12. During his visit toColumbus, the congressman talked with students and was interviewed by reporters from the school’s CCNNTV station and other local news media. Garcia also toured Columbus’ Mas Technology Complex accompa-nied by two alumni who now work for him, district manager Raul Martinez Jr. and director of communica-tions Giancarlo Sopo.


BY CHRISTOPHER GONZALEZ

We live in the twenty-first century, atime where almost anything and everythingis technologically based.

This is an age where technology hasbeen incorporated into nearly every facet oflife, replacing older ways and simplifyingour daily lives in a multitude of ways. Overthe last two decades, during which we haveexperienced the largest growth in dailytechnology, we have seen the changes inevery area and in an unprecedented way ineducation field.

Students no longer have the need tospend countless hours at the library search-ing through piles of books in order to studyfor an upcoming test or finding the materi-al needed for a research paper.

Students are now capable of directlyaccessing whatever they need through theInternet, a world literally at their fingertips.The school environment has foreverchanged and the way everything was donejust ten years ago is a thing of the past. Miami Christian School has taken advan-tage of technology in a big way. Students

participate in an integrated laptop programand teachers perform daily lessons usingSmartBoard technology.

Several classes are offered that do noteven require textbooks because the classinvolves the use of a virtual books, capableof being accessed through the Internetwhich allows the security of always havingthe books accessible.

Miami Christian is also investedthrough the online software program calledEdline, allowing students and parents aliketo check for upcoming events and home-work assignments as well as weekly gradesand report cards. Through the same web-site, parents may communicate with teach-ers regarding questions about assignmentsor other matters.

As technology continues to grow andimprove, one can be certain that qualityeducational institutions like MCS will keepits technology up to date, providing its stu-dents with the best learning experienceavailable.

(Christopher Gonzalez is a junior at MiamiChristian School)

Technology TransformingMCS Educational Systems

MCS Special Report

Instructor Juan Delgado at Smartboard with (l-r) Elizabeth Rosillo, Lukas Velasquez, Rex Magann, physics stu-dents.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Former Bank Lawyer Fightsfor Miami Homeowners

By Ann LinoShould I pay the mortgage on my home? What about the taxes and

condo fees? What’s the worst that can happen if I don’t pay? What’s the

best I can hope for?

There are so many people offering advice. Realtors will tell you to sell.

Bankruptcy attorneys will tell you to go bankrupt. Loan modification

services will tell you to ask nicely for a loan modification. One attorney

who spent years representing banks in foreclosures, Bruce Jacobs, will

tell you to negotiate from strength.

Bruce Jacobs is not only a former bank lawyer, he is also a foreclosure

defense client. “I didn’t want to go bankrupt or spend the rest of my life

paying for this mortgage mess,” said Bruce. “I had five mortgages on two

properties underwater by almost $500,000.00. I stopped paying and put

up a fight. Now, I have one property with one mortgage.”

There are plenty of reasons to fight. Banks got a bailout of $7.7 Trillion

in almost interest free loans from our taxpayer dollars. They pay out billions

in bonuses to Wall Street executives while Main Street is left to fight

for themselves. The loan modification programs are not working.

Homeowners run in circles before getting denied or offered a deal that

only helps the bank make more money.

Bruce is part of a national group of dedicated lawyers fighting back

against banks. They train at seminars around the country and online to

share resources and develop cutting edge strategies in foreclosure

defense. Many of the attorneys are former bank lawyers who, like Bruce,

are passionate about fighting for meaningful help for their clients.

Bruce has lectured on foreclosure defense at continuing legal education

seminars for other attorneys and realtor offices so more homeowners have

access to his strategies.

“The goal is either a meaningful loan modification with a principal

balance reduction, a release from the debt, or to fight to clear the mortgage

off the property,” said Bruce about most of his clients. “There are reasons

banks filed ‘robo-signed’ fraudulent documents in foreclosures all over

the country. Many have serious paperwork problems which makes

proving the right to foreclose in a

courtroom difficult.”

To schedule a free consultation

with Bruce Jacobs at his

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Moss & Associates of Fort Lauderdaleand Lebolo Construction Management ofBoynton Beach has been awarded a $15million contract to supervise the construc-tion and design of a three-story high schoolexpansion at Divine Savior Academy inDoral.

Design and permitting work has begunon the 108,000-square-foot facility withconstruction scheduled to start July 1 witha completion date of August 2014.

The new addition will include a three-story classroom, an auditorium/chapel,gym and fitness center along with athleticfields, courts and new parking.

The architect of the building isSomerville, Inc., of Green Bay, WIMoss-Lebolo will manage

other key design team members whilecoordinating with Somerville on architec-tural aspects.

The Divine Savior Academy serves500 students grades PK3 through highschool.

The fully-accredited school includes31 teachers, 9 paraprofessionals, a full-timeESL teacher, full-time resource teacher, anadmissions director, a guidance counselor,a college counselor, and two school admin-istrators.

The three-building campus is locatednear the intersection of N.W.58th St. andN. W.102nd Ave. in Doral, and is headedby School Pastor and SuperintendentCarlos Leyrer and Senior Pastor CarlLeyrer

Divine Savior AcademyBegins Major Expansion

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The inaugural ‘Los Carnavles of theLatin Builders Association has beenscheduled as a fund-raising event for theorganization’s non-profit Children andFamilies Foundation Saturday, April 20 ata Star Island estate off Miami Beach.

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BY DONNA SHELLEY

A breezy March day at Miami’s TropicalPark sets the stage for a kickball tournamentorganized by a Leadership Miami class toraise funds for PATCHES, an acronym forPediatric Alternative Treatment, Care,Housing & Evaluation Services, a pre-scribed children’s extended-care organiza-tion. Leadership Miami is sponsored by theMiami area Chamber of Commercedesigned to educate and develop communi-ty leaders in a nine-month program.

Nurses Kyle Smith and Joanie Ippolitoare the founders of Patches and serve aschief officers.

“In our community, my fellow nursesand I saw a need to establish a care facilitydevoted to children who are medicallyfragile, said Smith. “So we decided to startsuch a facility ourselves.”

In 1999, Smith and Ippolito maxed outtheir credit cards, took loans using theirhomes as collateral, cashed-in their 401Kfunds and, with their husbands helping,cleaned, painted and outfitted the firstPATCHES facility in Homestead. Theycleared the hurdles with licensing, permit-ting and establishing their non-profit status.

By 2005, they opened the doors, provid-ing daily nursing care, 12 hours per day,Monday through Friday for children inneed from birth to 21 years.

The purpose of PATCHES is to providenursing care to children with medical con-ditions that prevent them from being leftalone or without some kind of medicalsupervision in a professionally staffed, safeand caring environment. The facilities arelicensed by the state.

Fostering self-esteem and self-confi-dence in the child is of the priority atPATCHES. They provide a nurturinghome-like place where children can playand socialize with other children in a set-ting that is more cost-effective than hospi-tals or nursing homes.

Parents can rely on Medicaid and otherinsurance to assist in the costs associated

with their child’s stay. If they have no wayto pay initially, a way will be found. In anycase the philosophy at PATCHES is simple.

“We are not going to turn a child away,”said Ippolito.

And so, here on an idyllic South Floridaday, an organized adult kickball tourna-ment made up of 350 participants compris-ing 18 teams of 12 members was played.

Members of the teams paid to compete

and raise money for a worthy cause.Thanks to the efforts of Paul Wilson, the

visionary behind the event, this LeadershipMiami class raised $21,000, enough moneyto fund a large portion of for establishing a“snoozling” room at the Florida CityPATCHES facility. A snoozling or(Snoezelen) room provides a multi- or sin-gle-sensory experience for children byusing lighting, color, sounds, music and

scents for stimulation that does not relyentirely on verbal communication. Theroom reduces stress and aggression, andfosters relaxation.

PATCHES also received a large boostfrom Baptist Hospital in Homestead whenit funded new cribs. They also donated aday of service in which 100 Baptist Healthemployees help to spruce up the groundsand paint the Florida City facility.

Jessica Berrin, Government andCommunity Relations for Baptist Health,reports that the much-anticipated openingof the snoozling room is scheduled for Apr. 26.

For information, go to <www.patches-ppec.org> or call 305-242-8122.

PATCHES joins Leadership Miami for kickball fundraiser

(Following is a summary of Doral Business Council Committees missions, meeting datesand contacts).

Internationall BusinessThe international committee is unique and covers a wide array of industry sectors and

business opportunities. Its main goal is to provide a forum for its members to meet andinteract with companies and individuals working within the International community inDoral. It also functions as a platform to identify and seek business opportunities andaddress issues that affect international trade and commerce in our region. The internation-al committee produces the International Awards each November with honors presented tovarious companies and individuals for their accomplishments in this sector over the pastyear. Open for members and invited guests only

Chairperson Efrainn EE Soraa Soral Global

Email [email protected] April 24,May 29 Location Intercontinental Hotel

DBCC ForumThe DBC Forum is one of the most effective ways to build intimate and long lasting

relationships for its members. Using the popular “industry protected network environ-ment” model, the DBC forum meets several times a month to share business leads, refer-rals and key information while also enhancing personal business development goals. TheDBC Forum members are some of the most active among our group with many also serv-ing on other committees and boards. Interested businesses should contact Event Chair

Chairperson Elizabethh Wiegandtt Mary Kay

Email [email protected]: April 3, 17; May 1, 15. Location: El Tropico Restaurant

HealthcareThe Healthcare committee is one of the oldest and most established within the DBC.

The primary mission is to promote and create awareness for the Healthcare community inthe City of Doral. Industry sectors covered are varied and include hospitals, physicians,diagnostic centers, homecare and other medical related facilities. Major initiatives for2013 include a focus on the changes affecting businesses with the enactment of theAffordable Healthcare Act and panel discussions on corporate Wellness Programs. TheHealthcare Committee produces the Annual Healthcare Breakfast each October as well asquarterly panels and networking events. Open for members and invited guests only

Chairperson: Peterr Judee Kendall Regional Medical Center

Email: [email protected]: April 16, May 23Location: United Home Care, 8400 NW 33rd St.

Ambassadorss CommitteeThe Ambassadors Committee includes some of the more active members of the Doral

Business Council. Its primary goal is to focus on the acclamation of new members intoour organization as well as retention of existing members. Committee members take aleadership role at all events, assisting in the coordination of meetings, seminars and otherDBC related activities. Ambassadors are the eyes and ears of the organizations and areconsidered to be a valuable resource in attaining new members.

Chairperson: Carloss Riveroo Jrr President, Regions Security

Email: [email protected]: April 2, 16; May 7, 22Location: DBC Office

DBC Committees:

‘Engage & Lead’Arts Culture and Entertainment (ACE)

Cesar Murillo

Financial Services

Mara Falero

Small Business

Nelson Penalver

Trustee

Nubielena Medina-Gomez

Education


Continued on next page


International Business

Efrain E Sora

DBC Forum

Elizabeth Wiegandt

Healthcare

Peter Jude

Ambassadors Committee

Carlos Rivero Jr

Artss Culturee andd Entertainmentt (ACE)) The primary purpose of the ACE Committee is to foster cultural activities for the DBC

as well as the City of Doral. The focus is to bring together those organizations and indi-viduals who work in or support the arts and showcase them in a setting that is available formembers and non-members alike. The Doral Business Council feels strongly that thedevelopment of cultural venues in the City is vital for a strong and diverse community tothrive. The ACE committee provides a window for our members to gain access to the richcultural activities that are available in the City of Doral. Open for members and invitedguests only

Chairperson: Cesarr MurilloEmail: [email protected]: Second Friday of each monthLocation: Contact DBC office for details

Financiall ServicesThe Financial Services Committee provides its members with an outlet for most

finance and regulatory related topics. Its participants are derived from the membership’sfinance, banking and insurance industries, with most having been affiliated with the DoralBusiness Council for many years. In addition to providing regular updates on the issuesthat affect the finance industry as a whole, the committee also provides a series of network-ing events, private tours and privileged access to those members who may be interested ingetting involved. Open for members and invited guests only

Chairperson: Maraa FaleroJet Stream Financial

Email: [email protected] Dates: April 5, May 2Location: JetStream Federal, 7975 NW 12 St.

Smalll BusinessThe DBC Small Business Committee will support the small business community by

generating new business opportunities and solutions for the common challenges facing thisgroup today. This group of members will strive to provide opportunities to create new rela-tionships generate exposure and develop a strong network of partners to serve the largestsegment of the DBC member companies. Open for members and invited guests only

Chairperson Nelsonn PenalverLogistical Outsourcing

Email [email protected] April 2, May 7Location Marriott Villas, 4101 NW 87Ave.

TrusteeThe Trustee Committee represents and coordinates all activities, events and member-

ship opportunities for Doral Business Council Trustee members. The Trustee membershiplevel of the DBC represents its highest level of involvement in terms of cost, commitmentand amenities provided. The Trustee Committee assists its members in building strongrelationships with other area executives and decision makers that help further expand theirinfluence in the community. The Trustee committee also plans and coordinates exclusiveTrustee only luncheons, special events and private introductions. Open for Trustee and DBC Board Members only

Chairperson: Nubielenaa Medina-GomezPresident, NMG Consulting

Email: [email protected] held: April 5, May 3 Location: Marriott Villas, 4101 NW 87 Ave.

EducationThe Doral Business Council’s Education Committee provides a direct resource for

those members who are looking to build relationships within the education and learningsectors of the organization. Primary focus of the committee is to foster growth and createawareness of education related initiatives and programs in the region with a specific inter-est in the City of Doral. Participants regularly inform DBC members about the programs,courses and facilities available for continued and executive related classes. The educationcommittee is comprised of business partners / chamber members of the community, edu-cation personnel members who work within the numerous public and private colleges, uni-

Continued on next page

versities and specialty programs and this hands-on knowledge provides a valuableresource to the group. Open for members and invited guests only

Chairperson: Arlenee MartinezMiami-Dade County Public Schools

Email: [email protected]: April 30 (Last Tuesday of the month)Location: West Campus, Miami Dade College

Womanss Alliancee Groupp (WAG)The DBC has a long history of supporting woman related issues and initiatives in the

business community and the Womans Alliance Group is focused on support, guidanceand most of all enhancement for woman in the workplace. The WAG Committee presentsa regular series of seminars, panel discussions and an annual luncheon all designed to pro-mote and bring woman together in the business community. Open for members and invit-ed guests only

Chairperson: Christiee FragaCouncilwoman, City of Doral

Email: [email protected]: Contact DBC office for datesLocation: Marriott Villas, 4101 NW 87th Ave.

Commerciall andd Industriall Reall Estatee (CIRE)The Commercial and Industrial Real Estate sector is booming in Doral and the DBC

is at the forefront of this vibrant and vital industry. Creating awareness, building relation-ships and education initiatives are the goals of the CIRE Committee with many of itsmembers having extensive experience in real estate, banking, construction and design.Open for members and invited guests only

Chairpersons: Jasonn TimmonsGreat Florida Bank

Email: [email protected]: April 24, May 29Location: Contact DBC office for location


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doral tribune april 2013

Documents

small business

international business

dbc forum

dbc enginesare

seniors volunteer

committee togrow

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older americansplay