S & J Journal

 Lauren Smith, Charles (Chaz) Scurr, Bobbie Ibarra , Don Slesnick and Hector Vargas Joe Hovancak, Comcast Business Class ( South Florida Good to Great Awards Co-Chair) , Phillis Oeters, Baptist Health South Florida (Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Chair), Danette Gossett, Gossett Marketing ( South Florida Good to Great Awards Co-Chair)   and Barry Johnson (Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce President & CEO) On Monday, November 12th, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce kicked off their South Florida “Good to Great” Awards application process with a luncheon onboard the Norwegian Sky cruise ship honoring the past 31 winners. BankUnited is the proud sponsor of the awards which celebrates those businesses that have demonstrated success in our community. Applications are now available from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and open to all for-profit business.   Nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. on February 29, 2012.   ...

General Douglas Fraser, U.S. Southern Command, giving the keynote address at the Jungle Island Veteran's Day event.                  U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army General Martin Dempsey, incoming SOUTHCOM Commander Gen. John Kelly and outgoing  SOUTHCOM Commander  Gen. Douglas Fraser at Change of Command Ceremony on November 19, 2012 . General Douglas Fraser of the Southern Command is retiring after nearly 40 years of service to the United States Air Force. At a Veteran's Day celebration held at Jungle Island in Miami, the General was recognized along with other veterans for their outstanding dedication to protecting our country.     Last week, Gen. Fraser was also honored by United States Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, who commended his accomplishments in leading SOUTHCOM. Secretary Panetta described the Genera...

 Photo by Mitchell Zachs. The JOB’s Past Presidents with Mayors Gimenez and Cason. Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez presented a proclamation at the kick-off event held at the Biltmore Hotel, naming that day, September 18, 2012, Junior Orange Bowl 64th Anniversary Day. The “Sailing to New Adventures!” JOB Parade is on Sunday, December 30, 2012. Call 305-662-1210 for details.

The International Studies Preparatory Academy (ISPA) located at 1570 Madruga Ave. celebrated its new Coral Gables location this year. The only program of its kind in the U.S., it gives students the opportunity to take core subjects in a foreign language (French, Italian or Spanish) and uses both U.S. and European Union educational systems, thereby awarding dual diplomas. PHOTOS: Exec. Director of Dade Assoc. of School Administrators Delio Diaz with Coral Gables High Principal Adolfo Costa. Gemma Santos greets guests. Regional Superintendent Alexis Martinez, Principal of ISPA High School Alejandro Perez and former Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick.

The Gables Good Government (GGG) Committee hosted a reception last week honoring special guests Gus Barrera (2005-2008 Chairman of the Miami-Dade County School Board) and Dr. Larry Feldman (2010-2012 Vice-Chairman of the Miami-Dade School Board) with Outstanding Service Awards for their hard work and dedication as school board members and for making a new international high school in Coral Gables possible. PHOTOS: Honoree Gus Barrera receiving award. Honoree Dr. Larry Feldman with his wife Avis. New GGG officers installed at the meeting: Vice Presidents Enrique Lopez and Evelyn Budde, President-Elect Debbie Swain, Immediate Past President Jorge Alvarez, 2012 President Jeannett Slesnick, and Treasurer Richard Dewitt.

This past week Don Slesnick received the distinguished "Outstanding Civilian Service Medal," an award established by the U.S. Army to recognize private citizens that demonstrate exceptional public service. General Doug Fraser, Commander of the United States Southern Command (pictured at left with Don), said Don’s “consistent superior leadership within the community of South Florida has been exceptional and reflects his unwavering support of U.S. Southern Command and all military service members.” Congratulations, Don!

Recently, the United States Southern Command, here in Miami, had a premier screening of the movie "Red Tails" with Cuba Gooding, Jr. The movie about the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African American pilots during World War II, opens at local theaters January 20th and has received positive reviews for its inspirational message of resilience. The Alabama Crimson Tide football team saw the movie prior to the BCS national championship game; Coach Nick Saban quoted the motto of the Red Tails: "the last plane, the last bullet, the last man, the last minute, we fight." It seems the Airmen inspired a whole football team to greatness. Pictured: Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser and Cuba Gooding, Jr.; Original Tuskegee Airman Eldridge Williams and Gooding. Photo Credit: Spec. Scott Riley, U.S. Army.