Katie Masucci Director of estate and gift planning, American Cancer Society Everyday help: For Masucci, giving back is a natural part of everyday life, a habit she credits to her mother’s example and one she appreciated even more while making charitable appearances as a Miami Heat dancer. “In my family, it’s just part of our
On the days when she dons her traditional white chef’s coat, it can be said that Paula DaSilva wears her heart under her sleeves instead of on them. That’s because the Coconut Creek resident and new chef de cuisine at Burlock Coast on Fort Lauderdale Beach has three (visible) tattoos on her arms that give
With gently used soccer balls and cleats, Mica Wenger, a senior at Miami Palmetto Senior High School, helps give back by moving forward. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve watched my brother play competitive soccer,” she says. “Over the years, it’s been hard not to notice how easily his equipment would get destroyed
The holidays are a time for gatherings— community gatherings to raise funds for worthy causes; gatherings of friends and co-workers, who toast the season at holiday parties. And, of course, gatherings of family. Trimming the Christmas tree or finding just the right menorah is the fun part, but the real work takes place around the
In September, Coco Bambu, an award-winning Brazilian seafood restaurant, sailed into Miami Beach with a plethora of land and sea dishes. Founded by Afranio and Daniela Barreira, the Miami Beach space—inside a large, two-story art deco building on Alton Road—is the couple’s first U.S. location, joining 28 restaurants across South America. The Barreiras, who are
Patrons can expect the unexpected at Byblos, the eastern Mediterranean restaurant where bar manager Bart Cannizzaro likes to surprise with his unusual cocktails. Byblos (1545 Collins Ave., Miami Beach) offers cuisine with Turkish, Lebanese, Moroccan and Persian influences. Cannizzaro says those flavors also permeate the cocktails. “What I like about working at Byblos is all
If some people are born natural dancers, then Britt certainly is one of them. The Miami Dolphins cheerleader started dancing tap, jazz and ballet at age 3 and didn’t stop, becoming a ballroom dancer at 12 and learning rumba, salsa, jive and cha cha. Britt (the team doesn’t share its cheerleaders’ last names for privacy
Coconut Creek resident Irene Feldman had no idea that a trip to the cardiologist would lead to 10 years of generosity. Every holiday season since that visit a decade ago, Feldman has donated toys to needy children through the Fort Lauderdale-based Children’s Aid Club. “There was a sign on the door [from the Children’s Aid
When Erika Valbuena first told her students that they would be part of Coconut Creek’s first art show for students with special needs, many of them couldn’t contain their excitement, asking her every day when they could start on their creations. As the autism coach at Tradewinds Elementary School, Valbuena always looks for ways to
It’s the festive time of year again, and with it come shopping lists, family visits and holiday social calendars in full swing. Entertaining can be a daunting task during any season, but toss in out-of-town guests and tightened schedules, and it’s tempting to forgo the effort altogether. Amy Peskin has seen plenty of parties. As
