This document is the January 2014 issue of the UPTOWN South Florida magazine. It includes sections such as Upfront with news articles, Upcoming with community events, Home Decor Tips with an article on refreshing a home, and UP&OUT with social happenings. The magazine covers neighborhoods in Northeast Miami-Dade County and is intended to inform residents of local news and events.

1. January 2014
UP & OUT
WishY Were Here
ou
UPCOMINGS
Activities & Happenings
UPFRONT
New, Now & Noteworthy
Home
DécorTips:
A New Look
for the
NewYear
Aventura • Bal Harbour • Bay Harbor Islands • Biscayne Park • Eastern Shores • Golden Beach
Highland Lakes • Miami Shores • North Miami • North Miami Beach • Ojus
Skylake • Sunny Isles Beach • Surfside + Hallandale Beach (special Uptown neighbor)

3. • January 2014
Managing Director
Alan Rifkin
mfar99@hotmail.com
Editor
Martha Sternberg
marthasternberg@comcast.net
Happy
2014!
DEPARTMENTS
5 UPFRONT
9
Fresh fruits and vegetables right from the farm
are now available every Sunday at the new
Aventura Green Market. Find out the time and
place here.
8
Art Director
Joanna Gazzaneo
joanna.gazzaneo@gmail.com
Historian
Seth H. Bramson
Photographer
DeJean Dessous
Distribution
Baron Express, Inc.
954.297.0731
UPCOMING
Interior designer Robin Lechner says there
is no better time for a fresh look than at the
new year. Here she explains the easiest and
most effective ways to renew and refresh the
interior of your home.
12
18
22
18
UP & OUT
A menorah lighting, tree lighting and a wild wing
ribbon cutting walk into a bar... Not really, but
what did happen is revealed.
UPDATE
Once a mangrove jungle on the edge of Biscayne
Bay, Aventura’s beginning was an adventure for
a group of visionaries who thought a vertical
community with a golf course and on the bay
couldn’t lose. They were right. by Seth Bramson.
UPTOWN SOUTH FLORIDA MEDIA
20295 NE 29th Place, Suite 200
Aventura, FL 33180
305.788.0823
© 2014 UPTOWN SOUTH FLORIDA
MEDIA, not-for-profit. UPTOWN SOUTH
FLORIDA magazine is published monthly.
All rights reserved.
The entire content of UPTOWN SOUTH
FLORIDA magazine may not be
reproduced without the written consent
of the publisher. UPTOWN SOUTH
FLORIDA magazine reserves the right to
edit, rewrite or refuse material.
UPTOWN is comprised of Northeast Miami-Dade County: Aventura • Bal Harbour • Bay Harbor Islands • Biscayne Park
Eastern Shores • Golden Beach • Highland Lakes • Miami Shores • North Miami • North Miami Beach • Ojus • Skylake
Sunny Isles Beach • Surfside + Hallandale Beach (special Uptown neighbor)
UPTOWN south florida magazine • January 2014
3

4. UPfront
new, now & noteworthy
Approaching Holiday Season
Means Increased DUI Patrols, Arrests
By Kevin Warmbrandt, Esq.
A
Kevin J.
Warmbrandt,
Esq., a former
prosecutor with
experience
handling
DUI, criminal
defense and the
defense of all
traffic offenses,
has served
Miami Dade,
Broward and
Palm Beach
Counties for 25
years.
s the winter holiday season approaches,
police in South Florida will be stepping
up their DUI enforcement activity. If you plan
on going out drinking, the best way to ensure
you don’t get ensnared in these police efforts
is to take a cab, use a designated driver or
make other arrangements to get home.
community service and completing DUI school. To be sure, in this
case a driver’s insurance rates will increase significantly.
To pull you over for a suspected DUI, the police
first must have a reasonable suspicion you
are violating the law or committing a traffic
infraction. In fact, minor traffic violations are
one of the most common ways the police find
and stop impaired drivers. Speeding, weaving
in and out of lanes of traffic, running a stop sign
or red light are some examples police look for
to spot potentially impaired or drunk drivers.
Understanding the difficulty of remaining calm, even at roadside
it is not necessary to answer any of the officer’s questions,
especially if the officer asks if you had anything to drink. It’s up to
the investigating officer to collect the evidence he or she needs to
determine if you should be arrested.
Once being pulled over, the police officer will
begin to assess whether a driver is impaired.
This will include the officer’s observations of
certain signs of impairment such as bloodshot eyes, the odor
of alcoholic beverage, slurred speech, unsteadiness and the
display of other visible signs of impairment.
The officer may also request roadside or field sobriety
exercises such as a balance exercise, touching a finger to
the nose, walking a line (even imaginary) heel to toe and
following a pen with the eyes.
It is at this point the officer decides if there is
probable cause to arrest the driver. If so, the
driver will be placed under arrest.
In Florida, a DUI conviction comes
with steep penalties for even first time
offenders. Among these are probation, a
court ordered license suspension, fines and
surcharges exceeding $1,000, performing
WHAT TO DO IF PULLED OVER FOR DUI
If you are pulled over and being investigated for a suspected
DUI or other charge, it is important you are courteous to the
police officer.
You should exit your vehicle if asked but you don’t have to consent
to a search of the vehicle. If asked to submit to the field sobriety
exercises or a breath test you are not legally required to submit.
However, a refusal to submit to a breath test will result in an
administrative suspension of your driver’s license for a year.
If you have been charged with a DUI, you
should contact an experienced DUI defense
attorney as soon as possible, In Florida, you
have only 10 days from the date of arrest to
act in order to fight the suspension and keep it
off your record or seek a permit of eligibility to drive.
An experienced attorney can begin immediately to work
for you to determine the strengths and legality of the evidence
against you.
Whatever choices you make during this festive time of year, the
last thing you need is for anyone to judge you for that choice,
therefore use caution and common sense when you know you
will be drinking.
Have a safe and happy holiday.
Kevin J. Warmbrandt can be reached at 305.895.5588 or kjwlaw41@aol.com.
4
UPTOWN south florida magazine

5. UPCOMING
activities & happenings
MOCA gets grant for Nollywood project
MOCA interim director and
chief curator Alex Gartenfeld
accepts a 2013 Knight Arts
Grant from Knight Foundation
President Alberto Ibarguen,
left, and Matt Haggman,
Program Director/Miami.
Green Market in Aventura at Last
The City of Aventura is proud to sponsor its first season of weekly green
markets. The Aventura Green Market is held every Sunday from 9 a.m.
to 2:30 p.m. at Founders Park South, 3105 NE 190th St.
The Museum of Contemporary Art received a Knight Arts Challenge
grant for their Nollywood project to expose South Florida audiences to
global art centers through a film festival focused on cinema in Nigeria,
home to one of the largest film industries in the world.
With local vendors selling delicious fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy foods,
and even jewelry and crafts, the Aventura Green Market encourages and
maintains a community’s healthy lifestyle.
The grant is part of $2.72 million that was disbursed to 49 local arts
organizations and projects that represent a blend of art and technology
that celebrates South Florida’s uniqueness. Together, the 2013 winners
will infuse South Florida’s neighborhoods with creativity.
For more information, please contact the Community Services
Department at 305.466.8008 or 305.466.0183.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is at 770 NE 125th St. in
North Miami. Phone: 305.893.6211, www.mocanomi.org.
UPTOWN south florida magazine • January 2014
5

6. UPCOMING
activities & happenings
BIOTECH Wellness Center:
Finding A Balance Between Health And Beauty
A
comprehensive center for
regenerative medicine, beauty and
wellness, Biotech Wellness Center
strives to complement advanced
medical equipment with current and
safe medical and aesthetic therapies.
All services are overseen by Dr. Trini
Vega, a board
certified specialist
in internal medicine
and practicing
throughout
Miami-Dade
County. Medically
supervised weight
loss HCG therapies
are available
using anti-aging
and regenerative
medicine including:
bioidentical
hormone therapies
and nutritional
intravenous
supplementation
therapies. Leg, vein and hair removal
treatment include state of the art
cosmetic laser treatments and
advanced pulsated light to improve
the appearance of the skin. Treatments
include laser permanent hair reduction,
wrinkles and scar treatment.
Biotech Wellness Center is located in the Waterway Shops
in Aventura at 3575 NE 207th St., Unit B3.
For more information call 305.692.9154
or visit www.biotechwellnesscenter.com.
6
UPTOWN south florida magazine
Holiday Lights
at Enchanted Place
Light up North Miami
For more than 19 years,
the Holiday Lights
at Enchanted Place
have dazzled and
awed South Floridians during the holiday season. Located
on NE 137th Terrace off of 16th Avenue in North Miami, this
amazing neighborhood light display is a ‘must-see’ holiday
tradition for all.
Experience the spectacular holiday display
as you drive through the streets, while
volunteers have a merry good time handing
out candy and collecting essential donations
that support Care Resource in the fight against
HIV/AIDS. You might even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus! This
event runs during the month of December from 6 PM to 11:30
PM. There is no charge but donations are welcome.
For more information about Care Resource,
visit www.careresource.org.

7. UPCOMING
activities & happenings
Bloomingdale’s Kitchen Happenings
DelrayART Opens on Harding
Artist Joe Davis recently
opened DelrayART at
9482 Harding Avenue,
a Miami-Dade version
of his original gallery in
Delray Beach. “We show
a small group of artists
and photographers
whose work refl ects
a contemporary sensibility on coastal themes,
water, beach and the ocean,” he said. Surfside
residents commissioned several pieces from him,
so he set up his new gallery near them. Call Joe
at 305.206.7282 or visit www.delrayart.com
Cafe Ragazzi
Celebrates 20 Years
Congratulations to the owners and staff of Cafe
Ragazzi on the celebration of their 20th anniversary
at 9500 Harding Avenue. The milestone event was
marked with a special red carpet event attended by
a huge crowd of Surfsiders and guests.
Culinary Demonstrations at The Main Course Kitchen on 3.
Tuscany al Verano Book Signing
Saturday, December 21, 1 pm
Come meet Verano Petri for a
Tuscany al Verano book signing,
culinary demonstration and tasting
and to hear his amazing saga of
growing up in war torn Italy and then
making his way across the Atlantic to
find the American Dream.
Chef Lauretta
Russomanno
Chief Culinary
Specialist
Bloomingdale’s
Aventura Mall,
19555 Biscayne
Boulevard,
Aventura. For more
information call
305.792.1288.
Hilda Lopez
Saturday, December 28, 1 pm
Watch Hilda Lopez create her
delectable cupcakes from scratch
just for you! You crave it, she bakes
it… and makes your day sweeter
one bite at a time!
Chef Demetrios Pyliotis
Saturday, January 4, 1 pm
Come join Chef Pyliotis from
Poseidon on South Beach for a
culinary demonstration as he melds
native flavors to produce Grecian
works of culinary art!
Xavier Bonnafous
Saturday, January 11, 1 pm
Associate Prepared Foods Chef
at Whole Foods Market shares
the secrets of his “Culinarymania”
during a culinary demonstration
and tasting!
Chef Letty Alvarez
Saturday, January 18, 1 pm
See Letty Alvarez Cupcake Chef
and Owner of LA Sweets as she
bakes up her extraordinary cupcakes!
Randee Kessler
Saturday, January 25, 1 pm
Randee Kessler, Lifestyle Coach
will present a lecture, culinary
demonstration and tasting for a
balanced start to the New Year!
Expires 03/31/14
UPTOWN south florida magazine • January 2014
7

8. UPCOMING
activities & happenings
Home DÉ cor Tips:
A New Look For A New Year
By Robin Lechner, Interior Designer
O
Robin Lechner
is the founder
and principal of
Robin Lechner
Designs.
ne of the easiest and most effective ways
to renew and refresh the interior of your
home and transform an entire design scheme
is changing the color of walls and ceilings.
Because it covers such a large surface area, no
interior design element affects the mood and
atmosphere of a room more than paint.
And although it’s one of the least expensive
elements of home design, people find color
selection one of the most difficult choices. Yet
color is just the beginning of the journey -metallics, suedes, stenciling, and other finishes and effects can be
achieved with a paint brush or roller.
you’ll be using the
room before making a
decision.
Choose The
Right Finish:
A matte finish is
understated and
softens a space. Add
a texture like suede,
and the room takes
on a warm and calm
feel. Texture also gives
a wall depth. The
light is absorbed and
scattered rather than reflected. Matte and egg shell finishes are
preferred for walls that have flaws and are not completely smooth.
Gloss and metallic paint finishes create visual focus and heighten
mood. They accentuate details and are perfect to highlight a focal
point like a fireplace mantel or accent wall. It’s wonderful in kitchens
for added shimmer to complement the sheen of lacquer cabinetry,
stainless steel, and tile.
Use High Quality Paint: The better the quality, the finer
Be Inspired: Color inspiration can come from anywhere or
anything. It can be found in a favorite toss pillow, part of a rug
pattern, a piece of art, or from nature. Your primary color choice will
serve as a launch pad for adding fabrics, furnishings, accessories,
and other accent colors.
Try Before You Buy:
Lighting affects colors. Paint
will look different at various
times of day and under
natural and artificial light.
Buy pint sized cans in a few
different shades, and paint
two coats on each wall,
allowing the paint to dry.
Check how the paint looks
under the conditions that
and smoother the finish, and the more saturated the color will
appear.
Wall Coverings: Another
option for wall treatment is wallpaper.
It’s my favorite element to include
in a home’s design scheme. Paper
gives a room depth, texture, and a
feeling of movement. Try a dramatic
pattern on the walls (and always the
ceiling) of a powder room. A mural or
grasscloth ups the elegance and sophistication of a dining room.
A pattern with texture and shimmer is warm and welcoming in an
entry hall and a floral is romantic and cozy in a bedroom.
It’s not necessary to paper all walls in a room. Experiment with
papering one wall behind a bed, a fireplace wall in a library, or a
single wall in a bathroom.
Robin Lechner Designs is a full service interior design firm serving South Florida, New York and the Hamptons.
Robin Lechner can be reached at 305.940.7892. Mention this article to receive a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation.
www.robinlechnerdesigns.com
8
UPTOWN south florida magazine

9. UPfront
new, now & noteworthy
FROZEN YOGURT VS. ICE CREAM
The Great Debate Unraveled
W
hen comparing fro-yo to ice cream, there are some
stark contrasts between the two. Ounce for ounce,
apples to apples, yogurt has less calories and fat. So
what’s the big freakin’ difference?
The difference between ice cream and frozen yogurt?
(1 cup serving of vanilla flavored dessert)**
The Skinny on Yogurt
Fro-yo has ice cream licked when it comes to nutritional
benefits. Let’s first talk composition. Fro-yo is mostly
made from milk (solids and fats) and yogurt culture as
compared to ice cream, which is typically made from
heavy cream. Yogurt is also lower in fat and calories. In
addition, fro-yo has another significant benefit over ice
cream – probiotics. Probiotics are a beneficial form of
bacteria. They are found in yogurt and
other fermented products and aid in the
digestion of food. Although it is questionable
as to which yogurts have probiotics (some
may not survive the freezing process),
some South Florida stores such as
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt offer
only yogurt that has been
awarded the Live and Active
Culture Seal by the National
Yogurt Association.
*Add 100-200 calories per cup to flavored ice cream and for each 1-2 ounces of many ‘mix-ins’ in yogurt
**Source info: labels and frozen yogurt information for soft serve. These values can vary greatly with flavor
and brand.
+ Daily value=1000 mg calcium
Chart provided by Children’s Hospital Colorado
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Aventura located in the newly renovated
Town Center Aventura (Publix & Party City Shopping Center) is at the
forefront of the fro-yo revival. Menchie’s offers its own Private Label
Collection of flavors made from milk that is rBST-Free and the entire line
is certified kosher and carries the Live and Active Culture Seal by the
National Yogurt Association.
A Hot Climate
Calls for a Cool
Healthy Treat
With the speed of a hurricane
sweeping across the Atlantic, the
fro-yo obsession has taken South
Florida by storm. Having grown
up in New York, lived in L.A. for
more than 15 years and Aventura
for the past 5 years, Chris Hess, owner
of Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt Aventura says, “South Florida
rivals perhaps only L.A. when it comes to health-obsessed,
nutrition-conscious people. That combined with a yearround climate that is conducive to bikinis, board shorts
and other clothing that leaves little to the imagination; the
chance to offer a healthy alternative to ice cream seemed
like a no-brainer.”
Here to Stay
Growing from a mere $25 million in sales in the 80’s
to an estimated $2.5 billion in 2012 there is no doubt
frozen yogurt is here to stay. That is good news for South
Floridians. If you have not yet sampled the new generation
of frozen yogurt you just might be in for a surprise.
03/31/14
UPTOWN south florida magazine • January 2014
9

10. UPfront
new, now & noteworthy
CARPE DIEM By Barbara Greenspan Shaiman
“Children have never been very good at listening
to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate
them.”
—James Baldwin, writer and civil rights activist
Barbara
Greenspan
Shaiman is
an educator,
entrepreneur
and social
entrepreneur.
W
e don’t typically use the word
“character” to describe a 6 year old.
But at what age is it apparent that a child
possesses qualities of character? At what
point do you say, “Oh, darn, I forgot to teach
them character”? 12? 20? Babies aren’t
born having an opinion about anything at all.
They’re a tabula rasa, just waiting for input
from us.
With the goal of wanting our children to thrive in a competitive
society, we push to develop them academically, athletically,
even musically. But so often we forget to develop their hearts.
Why not include character-building, such as making sure their
teeth are straight and their homework is done? As parents and
concerned citizens, we know if the next generation is to reach
its potential to improve our society, we have to participate
actively in the learning process.
10
UPTOWN south florida magazine
It is as true as it is cliché: Children learn by example. As my
mother always said, “If you don’t do it, don’t say it.” We must
teach compassion by showing it. We have to take advantage
of every opportunity to discuss values, ethics, and making
wise choices with our children from childhood throughout
adulthood. With young children, encourage them when
they show character. Many families create reward charts for
completing chores where their children are incentivized for
completing household tasks. Why not create a “Character
Chart” as well? Reward children for being kind to their siblings,
resolving conflicts, being courteous or calling or visiting their
grandparents. Character doesn’t just happen. It needs to be
modeled, reinforced, and rewarded. We have to engage our
children in conversation and have real dialogues about moral
dilemmas so that when they are faced with a problem they’re
comfortable coming to us for advice.
Give Them Roots
It is important that we help young people understand where
they came from, and to feel that they are a part of a legacy
bigger than themselves. Think about the people and events in
your family history that have influenced you. Have you done
enough to share this information with the next generation?
You never know what aspect of your family’s history will spark
their interest. Maybe there was an event or a tragedy in your

11. UPFRONT
family that will motivate them to take action. They may also be
inspired by the actions of heroic and courageous members of
your family, and feel driven to make their own mark.
Don’t wait to share your family history with your children. If you
are lucky to have elderly relatives who are still living, record or
videotape oral histories. Have them explain the context of family
photos, and describe the characteristics and values of other
family members. If this isn’t possible, do a research project to
find out about your family’s background. Or take a trip with your
family to trace their roots and learn firsthand about their lives.
This is a great way to discuss what your family stands for, and
to pass on values from one generation to the next.
Make Your Own Traditions
In our busy, frenetic lives, simply finding time to be with your
family is a true challenge; let alone finding time to do service.
Don’t separate the two. Like so many endeavors, the process
can begin at home. Home is our center, and often a source of
strength. Begin at home.
new, now & noteworthy
Some families have regular meetings to discuss everything
from schedule conflicts to moral and ethical dilemmas. One
family I know has mandatory Sunday dinners where each
family member has the floor for at least ten minutes, rebuttals
optional. Another family calls meetings to make major
decisions. In this way, everyone is heard, whether his or her
suggestion is acted upon or not. At the very least, this exercise
teaches that it’s important to allow individuals to have their say.
Everyone’s voice matters.
Doing Service as a Family
There are several ways for the family to be together in service to
others. Is there someone in town who has suffered a fire, death,
or other traumatic event and could use some help? Make a
meal and deliver it to them while they heal. Or mow their lawn,
take out their trash, or run errands for them. Your example as
parents, neighbors, and friends could make a lasting impression
on your children about what it means to belong to a community
-- to demonstrate caring and respect for others.
Barbara Greenspan Shaiman is an educator, entrepreneur and social entrepreneur. She is the founder of Champions of Caring
www.championsofcaring.org and www.embraceyourlegacynow.com.
UPTOWN south florida magazine • January 2014
11

12. UPfront
new, now & noteworthy
Miami Israel Bonds Women Event
Features ‘Looking for Lilith’
Art with Purpose
T
he Miami Israel Bonds Women’s Division kicked off its
2014 campaign with a Pre-Art Basel event, Looking for Lilith.
It featured the art of Sheila Elias at her North Miami studio, in
celebration of women and to support of the State of Israel, by
investing in Israel bonds.
Artist and event hostess Sheila Elias addresses guests at Pre-Art Basel
event at her studio
12
UPTOWN south florida magazine
The event attracted a high-end crowd of 200 attendees who enjoyed
a fabulous evening celebrating a talented artist and the Israel Bonds
Women’s Division Kickoff event. Curator R. Gonella said, “Elias
showcases various parts of the female psyche through effects
of the media. This retrospective invites the viewer to experience
power, struggle, exultation, and determination, all characterized
through distinctly feminine personalities. Executed with grace, the
exhibition focuses on challenging male superiority, not through
negativity, but through the celebration of women.” In combination
with Elias’ fabulous art, the event décor featured stunning floral
arrangements provided by event sponsors Chase Bagnell and
partner, John Eckhardt, CEO/Design Director of Creative Collection

13. UPfront
new, now & noteworthy
Leslie Loewenthal,
Loewenthal Agency PR/
Marketing, Sheila Elias,
Sheila Elias Studio and
event hostess, Sponsor
John Eckhardt,CEO/
Design Director Creative
Collection by Petal Pushers
and Events by Petal
Pushers, Melanie Weinstein
professional liaison,
Israel Bonds Women’s
Division and Israel Bonds
Miami Women’s Division
Chairwoman Suki J. Gross
by Petal Pushers and Events by Petal Pushers, who excel in creating
magnificent design environments and extraordinary special events
that feature stunning custom silk and live floral arrangements, trees
and fine accessories.
Israel Bonds Women’s Division facilitates a connection between
Jewish women and the modern State of Israel. By offering
opportunities that both strengthen financial portfolios and also
benefit Israel’s economy, the Women’s Division is uniquely
positioned to provide women with the means to achieve financial
goals in a significant, yet personal way.
Miami Israel Bonds Campaign is led by Sheryl Tepper Weitman,
Executive Director; Lyon (Lenny) Roth, General Chairman;
Suki J. Gross, Women’s Division Chairwoman and Brenda
Bracha Vargas, Young Investor’s Division Chairwoman. Melanie
Weinstein, Registered Representative, is the professional liaison
for the Women’s Division initiative and, in conjunction with the
chairwoman and committee coordinates all Women’s Division
events and activities.
Suki J. Gross said, “As Miami
Israel Bonds Women’s Division
chairperson, I have definite goals
in mind to raise both money and
awareness for our beloved State of
Israel, so that it continues to flourish
and enhance all of our lives with
its abundant achievements and
advances in Technology, Medicine,
Melanie Weinstein & Suki J. Gross.
and Science. My desire is to have
women of all ages join together in
this effort. We currently have two campaigns doing this important
work; The Women’s Division and The Young Investors Society. The
Women’s Division is generally thought of as the Elder part of our
community, but my vision for future of these groups, is to see them
mingling, learning, and bonding as we blend some of our efforts to
work together to create the same powerful bond that the people of
Israel share in recognizing and strengthening the good for all involved
and with people of all faiths.”
NORTH MIAMI
BEACH
• MON - $.65 WINGS (4-CLOSE)
• WED - KIDS EAT FREE (4-9PM)
& ON WED - TRIVIA (8-10PM)
DELIVERY: CALL 305.819.8500
OR ONLINE AT
WWW.DELIVERYWOW.COM
UPTOWN south florida magazine • January 2014
13

14. UPDATE
then & now
Education in Global Leadership Starts in North Miami
By Vanessa Vázquez
F
ounded in 1967 in Colombia, South America, UAC has evolved
into a global leader in international education. For more than 45
years, UAC has established its reputation for international leadership
and entrepreneurial training and is proud of its more than 50,000
successful alumni throughout the world. The university has campuses
in North Miami and Colombia.
The North Miami campus at 13120
Biscayne Blvd. opened in August, 2012
with the goal of offering education
in research and developing leaders
and entrepreneurs who work in a global marketplace. Faculty use
multicultural and multinational teaching methods and research to
create a unique global education system. For professionals and
students who are excited about learning, UAC offers a one-of-a-kind
global education experience. Undergraduate and graduate programs
are offered in computer information systems and management.
The School of Professional and Continuing Education offers
courses and certificate programs in a variety of disciplines designed to
help working professionals and executives reach their goals. As part of
the school’s commitment to educating global leaders, UAC leverages
14
UPTOWN south florida magazine
its connections across the globe with education missions. Students
see first-hand the way business is conducted in other countries, as
well as broader cultural and decision making customs.
Global teaching at UAC is not only learned from local professionals
with hands-on experience in their fields, but also by learning from
global professionals in foreign institutions. The truly global perspective
comes from interaction with professionals, culture and professors
with a unique perspective to our own. Global Course structure,
organized by UAC School of Global Management, takes students to
other countries around the world for dynamic learning and internship
experiences turning them into true global citizens with a solid outlook
on management.
Since its foundation, UAC has been committed to pioneering many
educational processes and providing the highest level of education
and professionalism. With ambitious projects in the areas of
academics, culture, social involvement, and community, the university
has highlighted great contributions, not only to the Caribbean region,
but also to Colombia.
To learn more, visit www.uacedu.com or call 305.328.9090

15. UPCOMING
activities & happenings
UPTOWN Chamber Happenings
Aventura/Sunny Isles Beach
Chamber of Commerce
Start the year off with
the ASIB monthly
breakfast at Mo’s
Bagels & Deli and
join the nicest people
in Aventura. From 8 to 9:30 a.m.,
enjoy a bagel, a schmear, some
danish and coffee and network
with other area professionals.
Free for members, $5 for potential
members. Mo’s Bagels & Deli is
at 2780 NE 187th St. in Aventura.
Bring plenty of business cards.
For more information call Jon
Rogoff at 305.332.5989.
UPTOWN Business
Monthly Networker
Come network and promote
your Uptown business.
Registration begins at
5:30 p.m. at Lexus of North
Miami, 14100 Biscayne Blvd.
Parking is available in the rear
on the second floor employeeparking area.
Cost: FREE for members of
ANY Chambers of Commerce.
$10 for non-chamber members.
For more information, send
email to Uptown business
network coordinator Adam
Weizer, adam@servistree.com
Sunny Isles Beach
La Terrazza Grand Opening
& Ribbon Cutting. Join the
Aventura/Sunny Isles Beach
Chamber of Commerce from
6 to 8 p.m. at the grand
opening and ribbon cutting of
La Terrazza Restaurant at
18090 Collins Ave. in
Sunny Isles Beach. Now
under new ownership and
management, enjoy hors d’
oeuvres and a complimentary
drink. Free for members, $5
for potential members. Contact
Jon Rogoff at 305.332.5989.
North Miami Beach
Happy & Healthy New Year
Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 6
p.m. at the McDonald Center,
17051 NE 19th Ave. Rooms 1,2,3.
Call 305.944.8500 for more
information.
North Miami
The North Miami Chamber of
Commerce will hold its monthly
membership luncheon from
noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Miami
Shores Country Club, 10000
Biscayne Blvd., Miami Shores.
The guest speaker will be the
police officer of the year. Cost:
$25. To RSVP contact Ron
Welsandt at 305.891.7811.
UPTOWN south florida magazine • January 2014
15

16. Hello Everyone,
Here is what we are currently working on at the ASIB
Chamber of Commerce:
BIZZBASH EXPO: Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Three major business organizations in Northeast Miami
Dade County have come together to present a BizzBash
Expo FREE to the general public. The Greater North Miami
Chamber of Commerce, Greater North Miami Beach
Chamber of Commerce and Aventura/Sunny Isles Beach
Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsoring a BizzBash
Expo to be held on Wednesday, January 29th, 2014 at
Florida International University Kovens Conference Center,
15100 Biscayne Boulevard in North Dade. The hours are
from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
BizzBash Expo will feature over 100 local businesses
showcasing their products. The event will have entertainment,
food samplings, health screenings, bloodmobile, fabulous
raffle prizes and giveaways.
We are expecting a large turnout for this FREE event!!
We encourage everyone to bring their family, friends and
business associates!
This is an excellent way to get to know the businesses in our
community!
Be part of BizzBash Expo...Businesses can call any of the
Chamber offices for more information regarding expo tables
and sponsorships that are still available.
• Greater North Miami Chamber – 305.891.7811
• Greater North Miami Beach Chamber – 305.944.8500
• Aventura/Sunny Isles Beach Chamber – 305.332.5989
or visit www.bizzbashexpo.biz.
Also,
Event Name: Condo College Certification Course 101
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 29, 2014, 11AM-4:30PM
(Immediately prior to the BizzBash Expo at Kovens Center)
Audience: Condominium Unit Owners in Aventura, Sunny
Isles Beach, Bal Harbor, Hallandale Beach, North Miami
Beach, Miami Beach and North Miami.
Description of event: College level training for current and
future board members, and interested unit owners, who
want to learn about:
THE LAWS, ACCOUNTING, RISK MANAGEMENT
AND INSURANCE, ENGINEERING AND GENERAL
MANAGEMENT for Condominium Associations.
This event will introduce unit owners to the condo college
program that has been created to satisfy State Certification
requirements. For more information and to reserve space
in the class, please call Robin at 786.441.9600 or email
robin@floridianmanagement.com
The fee is $45 and includes lunch and refreshments at breaks.
Also,
The ASIB Chamber of Commerce is launching a new
community-building service called Chamber for Good
which allows local charities to raise their visibility within the
community and also provides businesses and philanthropic
individuals an easy way to become aware of local charitable
needs, causes and events. It is the ultimate community
building tool!
Bringing individuals, organizations and businesses together
to achieve great things is a key focus of the chamber. The
Chamber for Good system provides a clearinghouse that
serves to connect all local charitable organizations and causes
with the individuals and organizations within our community
that are eager to support local needs. Chamber for Good
makes it EASY to Give Local.
This tool allows us to harness the goodness of our residents
and businesses and really strengthen our community in a way
that we haven’t been able to before.
Also,
The ASIB Chamber has created a new membership category,
The Good Citizen... Please see the full page information
on the Good Citizen Membership and join today. The ASIB
Chamber and other Chambers are essential to the success of
all our communities.
Les Winston
President
Aventura Sunny Isles Beach Chamber of Commerce
For other information about the Aventura Sunny Isles Beach Chamber of Commerce, visit
asibchamber.org
16
UPTOWN south florida magazine

18. UP& OUT
wish you were here
‘Tis the Season
A menorah candle lighting and
Christmas tree lighting ceremony
was held in North Miami Beach
on NE 19 Avenue near City Hall.
Mayor George Vallejo was joined
by several city council members,
chamber of commerce members
and area residents.
WING CLIPPING
A ribbon-cutting
ceremony was held at
the grand opening of
Buffalo Wild Wings
in Aventura Town Center.
Mayor Susan Gottlieb and
Commissioner Howard
Weinberg joined restaurant
owner Seth de Kanter,
Aventura-Sunny Isles Beach
Chamber president Les
Winston and other chamber
members at the festivities.
18
UPTOWN south florida magazine

19. UP& OUT
wish you were here
MONTHLY MUNCH
The Aventura Sunny Isles Beach Chamber of Commerce recently held its monthly lunch at Novecento,
18831 Biscayne Blvd. in Aventura’s Town Center. The speaker was Ilan Sredni on business technology support.
The event is held at noon on the second Wednesday of the month and is a great opportunity to network with
business professionals.
UPTOWN south florida magazine • January 2014
19

20. UP& OUT
wish you were here
CHAMBER CHOW
The Aventura Sunny Isles Beach Chamber of Commerce recently held its monthly lunch at Novecento,
18831 Biscayne Blvd. in Aventura’s Town Center. More than 50 professionals were in attendance. The speakers
were Marc Rabinowitz and James Weinstein from Aventura Insurance Group on How the New Health Care
Laws Affect You. The event held at noon on the second Wednesday of the month features a guest speaker, a
delicious meal and is a great opportunity to network with business professionals.
20
UPTOWN south florida magazine

21. UP& OUT
wish you were here
WING STOP
The Greater North Miami
Beach Chamber of Commerce
welcomed the newest Wing
Stop franchise to its city.
Several city council members
joined owner Kristen Campbell
at the grand opening ribboncutting ceremony. The store is
located at 1452 NE 163 Street.
WOMEN’s & TEENS HEALTHCARE
BATTERIES + BULBS
Several North Miami Beach
city council members,
chamber of commerce
members and healthcare
professionals attended a
ribbon-cutting ceremony
at the grand opening of
Women’s and Teens
Healthcare clinic, located at
16876 NE 19 Ave.
Located at 1759 NE 163 St., Batteries + Bulbs
offers a wide variety of batteries, for everything
from automobiles to watches; and light bulbs,
in all sizes and styles. Several city council
members and the new police chief were on
hand to help store owner Tomas Arossa cut
the grand opening ribbon.
UPTOWN south florida magazine • January 2014
21

22. UPDATE
then & now
HISTORY OF AVENTURA
By Seth H. Bramson
N
Seth H. Bramson
is Adjunct
Professor of
History at Barry
University,
FIU and Nova
Southeastern
University’s
Lifelong
Learning
Institute.
ot that long ago, the incorporation of Aventura
was nothing more than a pipe dream.
Many in Greater Miami will remember those
unincorporated days in northeast Dade County,
when all that was visible in what is now Aventura
were a few motels, coffee shops, tourist cabins
and several marine-related businesses. They
sat among a couple of dredging operations that
deepened the lakes whose banks were hard by
Biscayne Boulevard and its waters lapped on
shore a few feet from the road.
One unsuccessful effort was made to build a
deepwater port on the east side of the Boulevard,
and during the mid-1950’s Atlas Terminals
convinced the Florida East Coast Railway to lay a
spur across Biscayne Boulevard near 186th Street,
ostensibly to serve what was supposed to become a bustling hub for
oceangoing steamers. It never happened, however, by the mid-1960’s,
the crossing was so infrequently used the state put up an “exempt”
sign, effectively ending rail service across the Boulevard. No longer
did trucks and buses have to stop for the crossing. By 1975 the tracks
were removed and soon there was no sign of the former railway or
Atlas Terminals.
After its incorporation on Oct. 7, 1981, and before Aventura attained
cityhood in November, 1995, area leaders created a joint council to
oversee a self-imposed taxing district within Metro-Dade County.
This self-named body hired security firms, arranged preferred vendor
Century 21 - Ben’s Best: Barely remembered today, with Aventura delis such as
Bagel Cove, Mo’s Bagels and BagelWorks, Ben’s Best Restaurant at 2966 Aventura
Boulevard was a popular spot before Aventura became a city. Shown here in the
late 1970s or very early 1980s.
contracts, local shuttle services and made many of the improvements
in infrastructure the city enjoys today. But with all the joint council did,
founding members like George Berlin, Leonard Brenner and the rest
knew the real and ultimate answer was cityhood.
The reasons area residents wanted a city were numerous. They
wanted the right to determine their own affairs; they wanted a much
faster police response than the lengthy time (at times as much as 20
minutes) Miami-Dade Police took; and residents had grown weary of
being a “donor” community and paying a larger percentage in taxes to
the county than they received back in services.
Some may wonder about a sense of community in today’s Aventura,
made up of more than 35,000 residents who live almost exclusively
in high and low rise apartments and condominiums, as well as in
luxurious townhomes. There are few private homes, most facing the
Turnberry golf course. The Turnberry Isle Resort and Aventura Mall
bring a sense of elegant commercialism to the city.
Sun Deck: Artist’s rendering of what the initially-named Century 21 on Morgan
Bay at 18321 Biscayne Boulevard, one of what would become Aventura’s earliest
condo developments, was to look like.
Aventura has accomplished much in its short time: Aventura’s fully
funded charter school, The Aventura City of Excellence School
(ACES), opened in August 2003; a recreation center that is the envy
of many cities; a community center; a city-owned theater and cultural
arts center; houses of worship and several parks. The crime rate is
among the lowest in the state and the tax rate compares favorably with
any city of affluence in America. Aventura has a sense of warmth and
community which most other cities can only envy.
Seth H. Bramson is nationally known as the foremost authority on the history of transportation to, from, and within Florida.
He is company historian of the Florida East Coast Railway and author of 17 books, all relating to South Florida local and Florida transportation history.
For more information or to reach the author, visit www.sethbramsonbooks.com.
22
UPTOWN south florida magazine