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Showing posts with label aventura residents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aventura residents. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Real Estate Broker in Aventura Fl

The City of Aventura is a small town with tremendous amounts of real estate high rise luxury condos with ocean views. Since this is the case, there are many real estate agents and brokers in Aventura, Florida. We have recently received many requests regarding the real estate in Aventura. Since we are not a real estate site, we wanted to find a way to address this request. So, in a previous post Aaron made available a way to search real estate. This post is a follow up and hopefully a new addition to our video interviews. We are calling it "Get to Know your Real Estate Broker," we will try to interview various real estate brokers in the area to give the residents of Aventura a chance to gain insight into who they are dealing with when it comes time to buy, sell, rent, or invest in real estate in Aventura.

Our first interview is of Gustavo Blachman from Terrabella Realty. We arranged this interview first because Aaron Gurland, one of our bloggers, is also Realtor at that office, so it was easy to put together. We'd like to setup a few more interviews of other brokers in various offices. If you are interested in this please contact us. In the meantime, enjoy the interview clip below from YouTube.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Glenn Fenster rides for epilepsy

We posted an amazing story about a man that biked from Alaska to Aventura. In case you missed it take a look at
http://cityofaventura.blogspot.com/2007/10/alaska-to-aventura.html

This post is a follow up to that story.

An announcement from Aventura's Glenn Fenster...

My son Nyle was diagnosed with Epilepsy when he was two years old. Since then, he has had hundreds of seizures. He has them everyday. They occur when he sleeps. Five years ago on the tennis court he went for a shot and a seizure occurred. He fell to the ground hard. By the time I got to him running as fast as I could the seizure had ended. I gave out my hand to help him up. He refused any help. I asked him, "How do you keep getting up"? He answered, "Dad, I've never seen you stay down." I decided right there I would do something that would raise the awareness of all who suffer from seizures the courage my son shows.

Days later I had a plan. I decided to bike from Seattle to Miami (47 days) 4036 miles completed in 2006. In 2007 I biked (65 days) 6200 miles from Alaska to Miami. This year I will bike 8100 miles. One might think the most difficult challenge would be the training. Day after day, riding mile after mile, cycling in rain, wind, heat, darkness. One might think it would be the terrain. Unable to practice in the mountains, they are a struggle to climb. One might think it's the 50 pounds extra of supplies I have to carry. One might think it would be the exhaustion I feel. One might think it is the loneliness of the asphalt. But no, the most difficult challenge for me is being away from my son.

It is my goal by 2010 to have raised $250,000. I want to send children like my son to Epilepsy supported summer camps throughout America and Canada. I want to break down the walls of stigma associated with Epilepsy. I do this to show everyone that no matter what disability of the mind or body, anything can be accomplished. That my son is like you and I. Epilepsy is what he has, Not who he is.

From Denver to Miami (The Long Way) - One Man’s 8100 Mile Bicycle Journey for Epilepsy


On April 28thth, 2008 Glenn Fenster will embark on a 8100 mile bicycle journey from Denver, Colorado to Miami, Florida (the Long Way).

Denver
Phoenix
LA
SF
Seattle
Vancouver
Calgary
Toronto
NY
Philadelphia
Atlanta
Orlando
Miami

His inspiration and reason for this ambitious undertaking is his 14 year-old son, Nyle, who has suffered from acute epilepsy since he was just two years old. Glenn is riding to show his son that no matter what the disability, everyone has the capacity to reach for their dreams. He does not ride just for his son, but for other kids and adults living with epilepsy.

In 2006 Glenn biked 4036 miles from Seattle Washington to Miami Florida, to promote epilepsy awareness, with the support of the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida. Last year’s ride from Alaska added another 2500 miles to his journey, along with the challenges of the ‘northern climate’, which can be unpredictable and definitely much colder then what he experienced previously. According to Mr. Fenster, “This trip pales in comparison to the courage my son and others exhibit each day”.

Follow the journey and show your support at his website, www.destinymaker.org

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Creating A New Mindset for Aventura Residents

I have posted a blog in the past that was written by Amanda Arcilla, and as a person that I know has a lot of experience and great ideas on one’s self motivation. I would like to share some of her valuable knowledge with our City of Aventura residents. Amanda herself was an Aventura resident for many years, and still frequents the busy, and prospering, streets of Aventura. Please check out and enjoy her thoughts, and maybe Aventura residents will prosper even more with her insights.

Five Steps on Developing a New Mind Set Anytime of the Year
For most of us at this time of year, we are trying to make good of what ever our New Years resolution we have set for ourselves. For most of the human population this will be unattainable for various reasons or another. One reason is that we have yet to develop a proper mindset to really achieve success or resolution in the area we're wanting it in. Here are five tips I'm sure will help you develop a new mindset towards success any time of year!

Tip #1. Give yourself permission to let go - We can only fully accept all the good things when we have the capacity and deep profoundness to receive it by. This happens when you release things that no longer serve the journey of your life and your personal happiness. The thing you once thrived on now drags your energy.
What ever you call it, pain, anger, fear, other people etc...get right with it and then let it go! Know that your spirit is bigger than the emotion and has a grander insight to your purpose.

Tip#2. Make peace with where you're at right now -You'll get to where you want to go a lot quicker!

Tip#3. Start exercising the "good feeling and thinking" thing- For most of us (you know who you are) who have read all the personal development materials, self help books, listened to all the tapes, cd’s, cassettes, motivational gurus, past and present leaders etc. on key insights to a better, healthier, happier, more prosperous life. Start applying what feels good to you.

Tip#4. Really identify what works for you in life and what doesn't - Don't feel you have to wait on something new or a better system to be invented to start taking action for yourself. You don't have to perfect someone else's formula. Remember this is not a one size fits all world. You're unique for a reason.

Tip#5. Share the wealth and pass on the energy of information - Your encouragement for other's joy and success will always come back ten fold, which will in return only catapult your success!

Life gets a lot easier when you set out to intentionally create through deliberation and not by default. For a free 30 minute coaching on creating the life of your dreams and for more information go to www.intentionalvibe.com
Amanda Arcilla is Success/Attraction Coach. Instigate your dream into reality, you can read her unique story and coaching information at http://Intentionalvibe.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles



Saturday, January 12, 2008

Williams Island resident Larry R. Handfield

There are many successful and interesting people who live in the City of Aventura. I think it's important to spotlight individuals that make a difference. The recent article from the Broward Times "Who's Who in Black South Florida: Larry R. Handfield, a humble man of loyalty, generosity and ethics" revealed that Larry Hanfield is an Aventura Florida resident within the 33180 zip code. He's a resident at Williams Island, the luxury condo community in Aventura.

Take a look at the article and learn about one of your neighbors in Aventura. Here's an excerpt from the Broward Times, written BY ADEYELA A. BENNETT

“Gov. Charlie Crist recently appointed our church member, Larry R. Handfield, to be the only minority, the only Miami-Dade County resident, and one of only two Democrats appointed by the governor to serve on the State of Florida Commission on Ethics,” the minister proudly proclaimed.

The congregation of about 200 mostly working-class Bahamians, Caribbean-Americans and African-Americans passionately applauded their brother's accomplishment.
The Florida Senate is scheduled to vote on Handfield’s appointment to this quasi-judicial body when it reconvenes in March. His term is slated to run through June 2009.

The nine-member commission, with a staff of about 20 employees in Tallahassee, serves as the guardian of standards of conduct for officers and employees of Florida and its political subdivisions, according to the commission's website. The commission also investigates and issues public reports on complaints of breaches of the public trust by public officers and employees.

Handfield is the principal in The Handfield Firm, a law firm of eight attorneys specializing in criminal defense in state and federal cases throughout the U.S.

Click to read more about Williams Island resident Larry Handfield

If there's an Aventura resident you feel deserves our attention, let us know.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

U.S. Customs Cracks Down

Aventura Florida has many residents that are in International businesses and have contact with various ports in and around Miami. Those Aventura Florida residents will appreciate this next article written by Florida attorney, Jennifer Diaz. This is part of our series to keep Aventura Florida informed and knowledgable regarding various business issues and topics.

Keep in mind that these articles are NOT meant to substitute direct communications with an attorney. In fact, there are many attorneys, or some call them lawyers, that are located in Aventura Florida. You might know a name of an Aventura Attorney or the name of a law firm in Aventura. Either way, contact an Attorney if you have any questions.

Here is the article. Enjoy.

U.S. Customs Cracks Down on "Gate Outs"

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Customs) is now requiring marine terminal operators to secure a bond against "gate out" violations. "Gate out" violations occur when cargo selected by Customs for inspection is offloaded from arriving vessels to marine terminals, and then delivered directly from the marine terminals, thereby avoiding Customs inspection entirely. Customs is now requiring all terminal operators and carriers to post bonds because of repeated "gate out" violations. The bond will guarantee payment of penalties incurred for "gate out" violations. Marine terminal operators have until January 20, 2007 to comply with this new bond requirement.

Customs has the authority to issue civil monetary penalties for "gate out" violations pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1595a(b). The penalty amount for such a violation is equal to the domestic value of the merchandise, and Customs has the authority to assess penalties against any party who is deemed to be responsible for the unauthorized removal or delivery.

Experienced customs and international trade attorneys may assist with mitigating penalties and in some cases even may get Customs to cancel penalties entirely. Mitigating factors that Customs considers include inexperience, general good performance, low error rate in the handling of cargo, and remedial action taken to prevent future violations.

Marine terminal operators affected are those who engage in commerce with containers and cargo arriving from foreign destinations, either public or private. The only exception is for those who exclusively deal with bulk cargo.

The new regulation requires marine terminal operators to have either an International Carrier Bond or a Marine Terminal Operator Bond filed at the port where the affected terminal is located. The amount of the bond must be at least $100,000, but is at the discretion of the local Customs Port Director. If a marine terminal operator already holds an International Carrier Bond, the bond amount must be at least $100,000. The minimum amount can be raised to $250,000 if it is deemed necessary by the local Port Director, specifically for marine terminal operators who have already incurred violations for allowing cargo to exit the terminal bypassing Customs authorization. The $250,000 limit may only be set based on terminal operators past performance, with approval of the Office of Field Operations in Customs Headquarters.
If marine terminal operators work out of more than one port, the International Carrier Bond or a Marine Terminal Operator Bond must be filed at each port where the operator has a facility. Separate bonds for each facility are not required.

Marine Terminal Operators without a bond by January 20, 2007 will not be permitted to handle international container shipments. The only exception is for Marine Terminal Operators owned by foreign corporations, and documentation from a surety that the foreign corporation has applied for the bond must be provided to the Port Director.

Customs & International Trade Department
Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.
www.becker-poliakoff.com

Tel: 954.987.7550
Fax: 954.985.4176
For further information, please contact:
Jennifer R. Diaz, Esq. or Peter A. Quinter,
Esq.jdiaz@becker-poliakoff.com
Tel: 954.985.6807

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free, written information about our qualifications and experience.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Real Estate in Aventura

Another great article submitted by an Aventura resident. You send it, we post it...

Real Estate in Aventura

There have been several posts on this Aventura Florida blog relating to real estate in Aventura. I decided to review each of the Aventura real estate posts and concluded that there is not a post regarding the decision to buy or sell real estate in Aventura. That’s when I knew taking the time to submit an article would have value. The goal of this article is to provide readers a highly rated destination on the topic of Aventura Florida real estate.

The City of Aventura Florida Blog is the key website for you to educate yourself when making a decision to invest in or sell Aventura real estate. Selling a home in Aventura Florida is a choice that is usually made by owners that wish to upgrade their current Aventura condo, while some return to their home country or state. Buying real estate in Aventura can be tricky and must be done carefully. The City of Aventura Florida Blog provides the most comprehensive Aventura real estate analysis which has been created to educate the residents of Aventura Florida who either own, rent, are buying, or selling real estate in Aventura.

I was impressed with the post regarding Florida short sales. It’s a great overview of short sales in Florida. This will prove to be relevant as pre-foreclosures, foreclosures, lis pendens, and short sales in Aventura are increasing daily. Furthermore, the various posts about the mortgage industry in Florida are very helpful. This article should be just as valuable for Aventura Florida residents.

If you are looking for an exciting place to live, Aventura is the right place. There are many amazing restaurants in Aventura. Also, there are plenty of shopping options available at the Aventura Mall. Those families looking for a great school, Aventura has a charter school that is highly rated. Aventura Florida is a city that has it all and is a perfect place to call home. When you are searching for Aventura real estate or any Florida real estate it’s advised that a professional real estate agent assist you in the process.

I have put together a short list of great links that are very helpful when doing research about the City of Aventura in Florida. I recommend that these links be added to the sidebar of this website. If you agree, please send an email to the blog contributors.


Aventura City Map


Aventura Building Permits


Aventura City Commission


Aventura Community Development


Aventura Community Services


Aventura Programs


Aventura City Contacts


I hope that these Aventura city links are useful for the residents of Aventura. These links are key areas on the website that I visit on a weekly basis. Sorry I had no time to take cool pictures of Aventura, but since most of you live here you know what the city looks like. I anticipate that this Aventura city overview will be helpful and give you some insight and valuable content regarding Aventura Florida.

That’s all I got for my first article submission, hope you liked it.

– Jerry Goldschmitz, Aventura resident since 1999

Monday, December 10, 2007

Trademarks and Copyrights with U.S. Customs

It won't take you long before you notice that the City of Aventura has a large International population. Also, there are many local residents that do a lot of International business. It's very common that individuals have various businesses which involve importing and exporting goods passed U.S. customs. That's why we decided to contact Jennifer Diaz of Becker & Poliakoff, regarding her relevant article. We're pleased to be able to post this great informative article; we anticipate it will be a popular read by the residents of the City of Aventura.

This issue was requested by one of our readers via email. Since we believe that this could benefit a lot of people in Aventura, Florida, we made it a post. If there's a topic that you'd like us to cover, please send us an email and we'll do our best. Enjoy the post...

Global Trends and Customs:
Why Record Trademarks and Copyrights with U.S. Customs?
By Jennifer Diaz and Peter A. Quinter
jdiaz@becker-poliakoff.com
pquinter@becker-poliakoff.com
TEL 954.985.4101
FAX 954.985.4176


Many companies mistakenly believe that registering a trademark or copyright with the U.S. Government provides the same protection and remedies as recording those materials with U.S. Customs. The processes achieve two different goals. The reason to register a trademark or copyright with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is to give the public notice of one’s ownership of the trademark or copyright. On the other hand, the purpose of recording a trademark or copyright with U.S. Customs is to partner with U.S. Customs to prevent the unauthorized importation of merchandise which bears a recorded trademark or copyright. U.S. Customs prevents counterfeit products from entering or exiting the United States when registered trademark or copyright holders record their trademarks or copyrights with U.S. Customs.

When a trademark or copyright is recorded with U.S. Customs, infringing merchandise may easily be detected by U.S. Customs at all 317 official ports of entry across the country. Once a trademark or copyright is recorded with U.S. Customs, the owner’s information is entered into an electronic database accessible to over 40,000 U.S. Customs officers in the United States and overseas. U.S. Customs uses this information to target suspect shipments for the purpose of physically examining merchandise which ultimately prevents the importation or exportation of infringing goods. To make sure a trademark or copyright is properly recorded with U.S. Customs, consider consulting an attorney who is familiar with the process.

Advantages to Recording a Trademark or Copyright with U.S. Customs

The first and most obvious advantage to recording a trademark or copyright with U.S. Customs, is that U.S. Customs will monitor and seize infringing merchandise at the ports of entry so that the trademark or copyright holder does not have to locate and prosecute every unauthorized importer, distributor, retailer illegally using its trademark or copyright. In 2005, U.S. Customs seized over $93 million worth of merchandise which infringed Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Clothing, handbags and footwear comprised over forty percent of the total merchandise seized, accounting for over $39 million worth of merchandise. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals, cigarettes, toys, and consumer electronics were a close second, accounting for thirty nine percent of the seized merchandise, worth over $27 million. At the midpoint of 2006, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security already seized almost 6,000 shipments—up seventy two percent over the same period in 2005.

Second, U.S. Customs has the authority to issue monetary fines against anyone who facilitates the attempted introduction into the U.S. of seized and forfeited counterfeit merchandise.

Third, U.S. Customs may go to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and request that those involved in the illegal activity be criminally prosecuted under the Trademark Counterfeiting Act of 1984. First time violators of this Act are subject to penalties of up to ten years imprisonment and/or a $2,000,000 fine, while repeat offenders are subject to 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $5,000,000.

Fourth, U.S. Customs may coordinate and participate in raids on counterfeit production facilities internationally. U.S. Customs officers located at American Embassies around the world routinely cooperate with foreign law enforcement agencies and share information for the criminal prosecution of manufacturers and exporters of counterfeit merchandise located overseas.

U.S. Customs e-Recordation System

Trademark and copyright recordations may now be filed online with U.S. Customs’ new Intellectual Property Rights e-Recordation (IPRR) online system. Before logging on to record a trademark or copyright, a trademark or copyright holder should be extremely knowledgeable with the Customs regulations found in 19 CFR Part 133, and the specific questions that will be asked on the application. Otherwise, consider consulting an experienced Customs attorney already familiar with the process.

The following is a checklist of the information you should have on hand before submitting your electronic trademark or copyright application.

• Description of trademark or copyright registered with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
• U.S. Patent & Trademark Registration Number
• Country of manufacture of protected goods bearing the trademark, or Country of manufacture of genuine copies or phonorecords of the protected copyright work
• Name(s) of any parent companies, subsidiaries,or other entities, that are under common control with, or share any type of ownership interest or relationship with, the U.S. trademark owner, or names of all parties authorized to use or reproduce the copyrighted work.

When filing a trademark through Customs’ e-recordation website, it is advisable to attempt to obtain "gray market" protection from U.S. Customs. "Gray market" goods are foreign-made articles bearing a genuine trademark or trade name identical with, or substantially indistinguishable from, one owned and recorded by a citizen of the United States or a corporation or association created or organized within the United States which are imported without the authorization of the U.S. holder.

Conclusion

It is extremely beneficial for a company to record its registered trademark or copyright with U.S. Customs, as U.S. Customs may be a company’s greatest, and most cost effective ally when it comes to trademark and copyright enforcement.

For further information, please contact:
Jennifer R. Diaz, Esq.
jdiaz@becker-poliakoff.comTel: 954.985.6807
Peter A. Quinter, Esq.
pquinter@becker-poliakoff.comTel. 954-985-4101
Customs & International Trade Department
Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.
www.becker-poliakoff.com
Tel: 954.987.7550
Fax: 954.985.4176
800.432.7712

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free, written information about our qualifications and experience.


Friday, November 30, 2007

City of Aventura Residents Have a Heart

Aventura residents, Paul and Mercedes Lederman, have given of themselves to help an animal who couldn't help herself. They found LOLA on the streets of the City of Aventura and she was sick, covered in fleas, hungry, and traumatized. Despite her poor condition they recognized the spark of life inside this animal. It took a split second and they rescued this dog. Lola was immediately taken to an animal hospital and she got the care she desperately needed. Her life was in danger and she had over 300 ticks on her. She was in shock when they found her and the theory is that she was broken hearted due to having been separated from her puppies. The vet bills have piled up and she needs further medical attention in order to continue the healing process. They're happy to report that now Lola is happy, healthy, and has a full belly.

Take a look at her transformation.

BEFORE



AFTER

A MESSAGE FROM LOLA'S FOSTER PARENTS -

Lola needs attention, help and we are doing our best.
We are trying to collect some money, to pay all her doctors bills.
We think we found her a home, but meantime we are the foster parents.
we rescued her with all of our love and good intentions, but not thinking of the financial part.
We appreciate if you can start sending this around to your friends and families, maybe with a little help here and a little there, we be able to keep helping her and others.
Thank you all .

To come to Lola's assistance, please send an email to: lolasfund@gmail.com
Please include your name, the amount you wish to donate and we will send you a link to contribute via paypal.


You can also send payment to the following address.
Please send checks or cash to:


3615 NE 207th Street #3103 Aventura, FL 33180
make checks payable to: Mercedes Lederman


I FEEL FORGOTTEN

I feel forgotten; I'm all alone
Where are the parents that I can call my own?
I feel forgotten, aren't you aware
I have no family, only foster care

In the mirror, I'm almost grown
It doesn't mean that I still don't need a home
Where are the people, who should be there?
My aunts and uncles, aren't they looking for me here?

I'm still waiting, you will see,
My mother promised, she would come and visit me
I feel forgotten, lost in the crowd
People wonder, why I'm angry and get loud

I feel forgotten, I want to hide
Why am I out here with no one by my side
I feel forgotten, lonely nights and lonely days
Why even try, no one wants me anyways

THANK YOU PAUL AND MERCEDES LEDERMAN!