AMERICAS CONTIGO

Americas Community Center Events August 13, 2013
	NETWORKING BREAKFASTS IN WESTON On Wednesday August 14th at our B2B   Mission Utica with: Yasmin Uddin and Graciela Beltran-Uddin   Mission Utica is a missionary project to help a school which was destroyed after a flood in Utica, Colombia. Our goal is to provide textbooks to all the students of the school.   Every Wednesday:   - Expand your network of contacts - Share information of your company or service  - Learn about new topics - Develop and drive your business!   Rick Case Honda    15700 Rick Case Honda Way  Davie, FL 33331  Hora: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM  - Registro: 7:50Am Costo: $10.00 NETWORKING BREAKFASTS IN DORAL Esta semana en el B2B de Doral Promueva su negocio y servicios a la  comunidad del Doral y entérese de los eventos que ocurrieron esta semana en Americas Community Center! Además de eso: - Expanda su red de contactos - Comparta información sobre su compañía o servicios   - Aprenda de temas nuevos - Desarrolle y promueva su negocio!            Carlos Albizu University 2173 NW 99th Ave Miami, Fl. 33172 Room 250  Hora: 8:00 AM- 9:30 AM Registración:  7:50AM  Costo: $10.00  Charla de Productividad Fertilización en la Mujer con:       Dr. Roberto Infante       Dia: 21de Agosto 2013 Hora: 7:00pm a 9:00pm Lugar: Rick Case Hyundai Weston Valor: $5
Check out the pictures of our most recent events!               B2B Weston - Luis A. Torres        B2B Weston - John Mcdonald   Salon de Las Americas              B2B Doral - Moises Peraza             14TH OF JULY INDEPENDENCE FIESTA & BUSINESS EXPO 2013                           Para ver mas fotos del evento ingresa a Latin People News   Upcoming Events

LUPITA FERRER Y EDWAR MENA, EN "LUPITA EN LA INTIMIDAD, AYER Y HOY"

AMERICAS CONTIGO

Weston's Networking Breakfast

This  Wednesday August 14th at our B2B  Mission Utica with: Yasmin Uddin and Graciela Beltran-Uddin               Mission Utica is a missionary project to help a school which was destroyed after a flood in Utica, Colombia. Our goal is to provide textbooks to all the students of the school. Friends of Humanity International helped us last year to make our first delivery of textbooks and materials but we were not able to supply books for all the grades. We are asking for donations whether it be in materials or money to help these children    Also use this opportunity to: - Expand your network of contacts - Share information of your company or service - Learn about new topics - Develop and drive your business! We look forward to seeing you there!      This breakfast will be sponsored by El Arepazo 2 - Weston Place: Rick Case Honda 15700 Rick Case Honda Way 2nd Floor Community Room Weston, Fl 33331 Time: 8:00 AM- 9:30 AM  Cost $10.00 Registration: 7:50AM   Bring a Friend! For more information, find us at: http://americascc.org/b2b.html

The Americas Community Cente

Congress to Consider Reforms of Food Stamp Eligibility LIBRE'S Garza: Time to Promote Economic Opportunity

For Immediate Release

August 12, 2013

Media Contact: Judy Pino, 202-578-6424 or Brian Faughnan, 571-257-3309

Congress to Consider Reforms of Food Stamp Eligibility

LIBRE'S Garza: Time to Promote Economic Opportunity

(Washington, D.C.) - With a slow economy, growing government dependence, and a federal deficit still in the hundreds of billions of dollars per year, the House of Representatives may soon consider legislation to reform eligibility rules for the rapidly-growing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or Food Stamps). The bill would reportedly end waivers allowing able-bodied adults without dependents to get food stamps for more than three months. It would allow states to exempt 15 percent of those currently on the rolls from this reform.

The intent is to promote economic opportunity, provide temporary assistance that would encourage participants to get out of poverty, and reduce out of control federal spending.

Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:

"When President Obama came into office, 32 million Americans received Food Stamps. If the economy were growing as it should, that number would fall as more Americans found work and were able to support themselves. Instead it has grown to 48 million overall. This is a serious problem. No one is helped when millions are unable to find work, and become wards of the taxpayers.

When the modern Food Stamp program was created in the 1970s, one in 50 Americans participated. Now the number is one in six. The millions of Americans who are unemployed or underemployed don't need another check from the government. They need jobs that allow them to earn a wage, to develop valuable skills, and to support their families. Congress should focus on ending a system that measures compassion based on how many people receive government assistance, rather than by how many no longer need it."

MIAMI BEACH

August 9, 2013

Miami Beach Implements Independent Review FDLE Reviews Israel Hernandez Investigation The City of Miami Beach requested the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to conduct an independent review of the facts and findings of the investigation being conducted by the Miami Beach Police Department into the in-custody death of Israel Hernandez. "I have complete confidence in the integrity and capacity of the Miami Beach Police Department to conduct a fair and thorough investigation. But the role of the FDLE will provide further assurance to the public of the thoroughness and transparency of the investigation," said Miami Beach City Manager Jimmy Morales. This independent review will be in addition to the review being conducted by the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office and the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office, both of which have been involved since the first day.

It's Back to School on August 19 Remember to obey traffic and pedestrian laws in school zones. Back to School Bash Friday, August 16, 2013; 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Flamingo Park - 14 Street & Meridian Avenue Free entertainment, arts & crafts and rides. Carnival game tickets and concessions sold. www.miamibeachparks.com School Orientations Nautilus Middle School: August 14 and August 16, 9:30 a.m. North Beach Elementary: August 16, 2:00 p.m. Miami Beach Senior High School: August 17, 9:00 a.m. School calendar: www.dadeschools.net Miami Beach All Stars For Public School Fifth & Sixth Graders This weekly program includes activities, games and projects that inspire for foster positive self-esteem. 305.673.7491 or taniacabrera@miamibeachfl.gov

Free Pediatric Mobile Clinic By Appointment University of Miami Pediatric Mobile Clinic & the City of Miami Beach FREE health care services to youth with no access or limited access to health care / medical insurance.  Next: August 21 & September 26 More info: www.miamibeachfl.gov, click on the Education tab. To make an appointment, please call 305.243.6407.

Register for the Free Leadership Academy & Learn the In & Outs of Your City Fall Session Begins September 9 Add the Neighborhood Leadership Academy to your resume. Get a fresh perspective on how to become more active in your community. The free, 15-week session provides information and resources to become a more knowledgeable member and participant in our community. Learn more here: http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/residents/scroll.aspx?id=13150. Caroline Defreze, 305.673.7010 or carolinedefreze@miamibeachfl.gov

SoundScape Cinema Series  Fall 2013 Movie Schedule Begins October 5  The new fall season kicks off with "The Great Gatsby" (2013). The popular free outdoor movie series will run every Wednesday night through December. Other movies include "Les Miserables," "Hello Dolly" and "Man of Steel."      Cinema Series Schedule: www.mbculture.com

Miami Beach Food Truck & Music Fest  Every Fourth Wednesday of the Month in 2013 5PM - 10PM, North Shore Bandshell, 73 St & Collins Av Wednesday, August 28 Food Trucks: 5PM - 10PM Live music: 6PM - 9PM Share the event with your Facebook friends & family More >

Beachwalk Project Begins South Pointe Park to Third Street, Third to Fifth Street Delayed When completed, the on-grade paver pathway will connect South Pointe Park to the existing serpentine promenade in Lummus Park. Phase I includes South Pointe Park to Third Street west of the sand dunes, along the hard packed area currently used by pedestrians. The second phase (Third to Fifth streets) lies in obtaining the easements and the approval of the upland properties.

Wooden Boardwalk at Former Seville to Close & Detour Approved Construction Continues The boardwalk behind the former Seville at 29 Street will close soon for approved demolition. Passage along the boardwalk will detour to Collins Avenue. The City continues to pursue options on elevation and surface materials of the new beachwalk in that area.

It's Hurricane Season! Plan, Prepare and Register    Miami Beach residents are reminded that Miami Beach is an evacuation zone and there are important preparations and procedures before and after a hurricane that you need to know. Hurricane season is from June 1 through November 30.    New Flood Relief Parking Program If your address has been identified as one that is located within a potential flood area, you qualify for temporary parking accommodation voucher during a flood activation. Notices sent to those affected areas. Click here for more info.    More information about how to prepare for hurricane season, including early registrations such as condo managers' re-entry passes, special needs, and pet evacuation): visit http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/oem/

Paint & Hurricane Shutter Program Low-income Homeowners May Qualify Have you home painted or hurricane shutter installed for free. Qualified Miami-Dade County homeowners may be eligible. Homeowners will be required to participate in a forgivable mortgage program which requires them in the home for up to 10 years after the upgrades have been completed. Click for for more information on how to qualify.

Alton Road / MacArthur Cswy Flyover Closed for FDOT Repairs Through August 13, 2013 FDOT is working with Miami-Dade County to adjust traffic signalization to improve mobility during construction. Miami Beach Police will also assist with the monitoring and mobilization. The Julia Tuttle Causeway is an alternate route.    More info >

It's WasteFULL Weekends Keep It Clean the First Weekend of Every Month | September 7 & 8  | 8AM - 8PM During WasteFull Weekends, take your bulk trash to the two dumpster locations:  75 St + Dickens Avenue (North Beach) < RECYCLE HERE 541 Jefferson Avenue (South Beach)   Remember to recycle, it's the law!

Protect Your Properties  Volunteer Opportunities to Restore the Sand Dunes   Saturday, August 24 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Volunteer Registration begins at 8:30 AM) Pancoast Park (Meet west of the dunes at 36 Street) More details.

Caring for Animals Keep Public Areas Clean & Follow the Code Animal Resource Officer Know of crimes against animals or other unlawful issues with animals in your neighborhood? Contact the Police Department's new animal resource officer, Mariana Jomarron at 305.673.7000, ext 3705. Spay & Neuter / Volunteer The Meow Mobile comes to Miami Beach twice a month to spay and neuter community cats at North Shore Open Space Park. This program is made possible by a grant from PetSmart Charities, Inc. Upcoming date: September 7. For an appointment and/or to volunteer: projectcatnsniphelp@gmail.com. Feed Them, Don't Litter Be aware of littering laws. If you are feeding stray animals, food cannot be placed directly on the ground including plants or leaves and sand dunes. Also when using plates, cans or other containers, these objects must be removed immediately. Do not trespass in sand dunes. Report Contact Code Compliance at 305.673.7555 if you see any dogs off leash; any dogs owners failing to clean after the animal; and littering; or any trespassing in sand dunes.

Commission Selects South Beach ACE (Tishman) for Convention Center Development Next Steps | Also, Ballot Question Coming in November Election After several months and an open public process, Miami Beach Commission selected South Beach ACE over Portman CMC to continue to the next development phase. Click here for additional upcoming meetings, videos, information and more. Email us your comments atmbconventioncenter@miamibeachfl.gov

Recycle, It's Easy & It's the Law  www.miamibeachfl.gov/recycle    All residential buildings and businesses must have recycling programs. It is required by City Code. Contact your waste hauler or other recycling company to initiate a recycling program for your building or business.   Single-bin Recycling: Residents living in multi-family buildings that do not currently offer recycling can take their recyclable trash (no sorting necessary) to 75 ST + Dickens Ave (which also recycles electronics) and 210 Second Street.

SAVE THE DATES: NEED VOLUNTEERS Need community hours? Volunteers are needed for these two events. International Coastal Cleanup Day Saturday, September 21, 8AM - noon Community Outreach at 305.673.7010, Lynnbernstein@miamibeachfl.gov   Community Service Day Saturday, September 28, 9AM - noon Office of Community Services at 305.673.7491, TalmageThornhill@miamibeachfl.gov

Traffic Alert: Road Construction Projects Alton Road Improvements Contact for Alton Rd project info: Heather Leslie, 305.905.5876 or heather@hmlpublicoutreach.com   For real-time traffic reports, call 511 or go to www.fl511.com. Check out the city's online GIS Traffic report. Call 511 for up-to-the-minute traffic reports throughout South Florida. Also listen to MB Radio 1670AM for weekly updates in Miami Beach. Miami Beach Weekly Radio Traffic Reports > Miami Beach Traffic Map > Construction Alerts > Subscribe to Receive Traffic Advisory via E-mail > Also, subscribe to weekly Traffic Advisories via email. Click update profile on the bottom of this email and then add yourself to the list. Construction information & updates>

Alton Road & Collins Avenue Construction: Detour Up Ahead Northbound at 17 Street will be Detoured to Meridian Avenue for Several Months Bookmark the FDOT Alton Rd project page: http://www.fdotmiamidade.com/current-projects/north-miami-dade/sr-907alton-rd-from-5-st-to-michigan-ave-1.html    More information on both projects: 305.905.5876 or Heather@hmlpublicoutreach.com

Download Free Miami Beach Report It App  Ask and Receive Answers, Report Problems, Request Services, Track and More   Frequently asked questions, request services and even express concerns on this online center. There is an extensive knowledge base of the most common questions asked. If the question is not listed, you can submit it for inclusion.  Learn more about Report It. |  Report It Online  Just download Miami Beach Report It from any phone app store. It's free. How to Download to your Phone

Stop Government Corruption  Report Suspected Wrongdoing to FBI Your cooperation is needed to root out corruption. If you suspect any wrongdoing of a government employee, please report it anonymously to the FBI hotline at 305.944.9101.

FLORIDA PTA

August 2013 eNewsletter Eileen Segal, President In This Issue * WE ARE PTA PROUD! * LEGOLAND PTA BENEFITS! * Leadership Commission * Membership is Year Round! * FLPTA Education Commission * Important Upcoming Dates * Thank you to our Sponsors Quick Links                      www.floridapta.org www.pta.org WE ARE   PTA PROUD!    The 2012-2013 legislative sessions has given PTA a strong name in the State of Florida. Florida PTA played a large role in the defeat of the Parent Empowerment Bill and the passing of the Texting and Driving Bill. We have been fortunate to have been an influence in the direction of these bills as well as other crucial legislation that affects the lives of our children.       As we continue our Advocacy efforts, we welcome back our Legislative Committee chaired by Mindy Gould from Miami-Dade County and our Resolutions Committee chaired by Linda Kearschner from Pinellas County. Both of these PTA leaders have proven their dedication and leadership to PTA.     The goals of these committees are : CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!   Mindy Haas,   President Elect  presidentelect@floridapta.org   JOIN PTA    RECEIVE MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS!    SEPTEMBER IS FLORIDA PTA DAYS!  (For All PTA Members in Florida)     ONLY $30 per person!  (THAT'S MORE THAN 1/2 OFF THE REGULAR ADMISSION PRICE!) CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS! Leadership Commission   I am so excited about the hard work that the Leadership Commissioncommittee chairs have been doing!   I am proud of Lauren Miller, ourStudent Involvement chair, for taking on the issue of texting while driving! She is working to spread the word through county councils and local units about ways to pledge to prevent this everyday hazard. I'm excited about the work Joe Piecorais doing with the M.E.N. committee!  Plans are underway for our next MEN's Summit, to be held in April at the state office, are coming together and I'm sure the workshops and guest speakers will be incredible! Jenny Dyess, the Family /Community Engagement chair has been a busy, making valuable connections to help bring new programs and information to help strengthen our families and bridge the gap between school and home! Our Leadership/Convention chair,Karen Gardner, and her "intern" Jen Martinez have already started on plans for 2014!  Mark your calendars now to be there in July! It's the goal of the Leadership Commission to provide the tools and resources necessary to help county councils and local units identify and grow potential leaders.  If YOU are interested in serving in a leadership capacity in your local unit or county, it's never too late!  Get in touch with them today and take a chance.....it may be the best move you ever make, and it will change your life for the better!! Cindy Gerhardt, Vice President for Leadership    leadership@floridapta.org    Message from the President  Summer is quickly coming to an end and we all are gearing up for a new school year. Florida PTA held a very successful Leadership / Convention, at Innisbrook Golf Resort.  We had over 1200 attendees and our National PTA's Membership Chair, Derrick Bryd, brought greetings from our newly elected National PTA President Otha Thornton.   Beth Devalos, MSW LCSW, from Seminole County Public Schools spoke about the children in Florida who are hungry and homeless. Dr. Tony Bennett, Florida Education Commissioner spoke to us on how important Parent Involvement is and what is Common Core. Patty Hightower, President of Florida's School Board Association brought us greetings on their behalf. We presented two awards to Senators Detert and Bullard for their advocacy efforts on behalf of all the children in Florida.  A heart felt thank you goes out to my Executive Committee, especially VP for Leadership, Cindy Gerhardt and our Event Chair, Karen Gardner.  Their tireless efforts along with the outstanding office staff made the event a huge success.  Based upon your positive feedback, I believe you all left inspired and empowered. If you didn't attend, you can still benefit from our workshops, go to our website and download our PowerPoint presentations. When you prepare your budgets this year, include a line item to attend next year's Leadership / Convention. Also check with your Council for the date of their Fall Leadership training. If you don't have a Council, no problem, call our State office and they will help you find training close to you or we will come to you. By now as a Local Unit President, you have met with your board, formed a budget committee, planned your calendar, and checked your bylaws to make sure they are up to date. I hope you have arranged monthly meetings with your principal.  Have you decided how you are going to run you membership campaign? Did you receive your kit of materials and membership cards from the state office?   Check our website for our incentives for our membership campaign. By the way, the number one reason people don't rejoin or join PTA is no one asked! As I embark on my second year as your Florida PTA President, I want to wish you all a most successful school year each an everyone one of you make a difference in all of Florida's children's lives. Please do not hesitate to contact me or the state office, we are here to serve you our members!   Why PTA? Because our children matter!!! Eileen L. Segal Florida PTA President president@floridapta.org   Membership is Year Round         Thank you for being a PTA member and volunteer in Florida! The Membership Development Team is comprised of the following committees: Awards Committee   Linda Nestor  awards@floridapta.org    Cultural Arts Committee  Deanna Neal reflections@floridapta.org  Membership Committee  Tammy Coker membership@floridapta.org     Resource Development Committee     Dawn Steward  resourcedevelopment@floridapta.org  Scholarship   Tammy Weaver  scholarship@floridapta.org  Much of what each committee does is listed on the website and in the Florida PTA Kit of Materials. CLICK HERE for   Some of the highlights for this year.  Kay M. Stagray,   Vice President for Membership Development  organization@floridapta.org  Florida PTA Education Commission wants to know ...."Did you hear about...?"   by Faye Norris, Vice President of Education   education@floridapta.org    This is the commission that wants to make sure you are kept informed regarding topics/issues concerning our children and youth.  Our committees, as indicated below, were very busy at our recent PTA Leadership Convention providing you with information that will allow you to be educated in dealing with educational, health and diversity issues with regard to our children. Some of the workshops we provided for you included Diversity Means, Alphabet Soup, Planning a Health & Wellness Fair and Navigating the Special Education Process. Thank you for the numerous positive comments that we received regarding how well the information met your needs. To obtain additional information relative to education, exceptional child, diversity, health and wellness, please feel free to contact: Diversity Outreach Committee LaTasha Green-Cobb, Chairdiversity.outreach@floridapta.org  Educates on the meaning of diversity; promotes diversity and inclusion in local units; reviews publications for inclusive content; assists in identifying potential leaders for the Board of Directors. Education/Learning Transitions   Danielle Thomas, Chair  learning@floridapta.org Provides information on funding for education; raises awareness of appropriate learning programs; identifies importance of early interventions; educates parents on curriculum and testing. Exceptional Child    Enrique Escallon, Chair   exceptional.child@floridapta.org Provides resource information to families of children with exceptionalities; disseminates information on IDEA laws and their affects; highlights activities designed to help care givers foster development in children with exceptionalities. Health and Wellness  Curtis Cobb, Chair     health.wellness@floridapta.org Encourages the constant evaluation of the effects of health and safety practices on children; promotes activities and resources that foster a healthy and safe environment for children; provides information to parents/teachers relative to importance of nutrition and exercise. Our goal is to continue to be a resource for you in all of these areas. Please do not hesitate to contact us. If we do not know the answer, we will research the information for you. We are here for you, the children and youth of Florida.....because our children matter!    IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES *   08/13/13  Reflections Webinar (See Reflections Forms on floridapta.org for details!)  SEPTEMBER - ALL MONTH....FL PTA DAYS AT LEGOLAND!   09/10/13  Reflections Webinar (See Reflections Forms on floridapta.org for details!) 10/01/13  Golden Early Bird Award 10/08/13  Reflections Webinar (See Reflections Forms on floridapta.org for details!) 11/15/13  DEADLINE to FILE YOUR TAXES (If your fiscal year ends June 30, then your filing deadline is November 15th. You can file any time between the close of your fiscal year and the deadline. Do not be late.)     11/15/13  Reflections (2015-16) Theme Search Deadline (see floridapta.org for details!)   12/01/13  Bronze Early Bird Award 12/15/13  Deadline for Dues submission for Reflections PTA participants.