Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team.

Walt Disney got fired from a newspaper job for lack of ideas.

As a youngster, Beethoven was told he had no ear for music.

Jim Brown’s college coaches wouldn’t let him play as a freshman.

What do these people have in common?

Jim Brown will tell you that he, and the others, are examples of just how far determination will take you.

The former NFL star and actor paid his own way to Brevard last month to discuss the benefits of Amer-I-Can, a youth outreach program that is near and dear to his heart.

Amer-I-Can has for more than two decades turned “I can’t” into “I can” with a 90-hour, 15-chapter life management curriculum designed to empower individuals to take charge of their lives and achieve their full potential.

The founder and CEO of Ameri-I-Can, Brown travels across the country preaching the gospel of self-determination.

Brown was in Brevard at the invitation of Brevard Community College president Dr. Jim Drake. Several Brevard public schools used the program before state budget cuts ended its run in the Space Coast. Drake would like to see the program return.

“I feel the Amer-I-Can Program is a missing link that empowers those exempted from power,” Brown said.

“We believe in and work effectively with those whom society disregards.”

The self-help program, which is operational in 16 states, has impressive statistics. Rhode Island saw disciplinary incidents decrease by 52% after Amer-I-Can. In Connecticut, student GPAs increased by 18%.

“My belief is that teaching and sharing the program concepts related to self-esteem could significantly impact the problems our society faces today,” Brown said.

Although the program is open to all people, it is usually directed towards disenfranchised or at-risk youth, providing them with the personal skills needed for success.

Brown blames a lack of self-esteem as the cause for failure in life. His program shows participants how to achieve success and motivates them with goals. The program also helps participants address their past negative behavior and urges them to take responsibility for their own lives.

For many years, Brown has worked with gangs, from the Bloods and the Crips to the Mexican Mafia and the Aryan Nation to curb violence.

In Brevard, community leaders, including Al Dia publisher Javier Molinares, showed their support for Brown’s program during his visit to the Space Coast.

Officer Michael Cadore, community relations specialist with Rockledge’s Police Department, believes in the Amer-I-Can philosophy.

“As a law enforcement officer, I feel that anytime you have a program that minimizes idlet time and promotes self-determination and self-esteem for all cultures is great,” Cadore said.

“My hopes are to implement this program immediately, because if utilized correctly, it will contribute to better youths and community. It has proven to work in other areas in the nation and Brevard is no different.”

 

Gabriel and Damaris Aguilar celebrated the “Bohío’s teenager party”, last May 9th. with a big party.

 

By Maria Sonnenberg
For Al Día Today

PALM BAY — Damaris and Gabriel Aguilar are definitely doing something right, because their El Bohio restaurant last month celebrated 15 years in business. Such longevity is difficult in the restaurant business, one of the toughest of industries, where half of all new restaurants fail in their first year.

The Aguilars celebrated their restaurant’s anniversary by partying until midnight with their customers on May 9.

“We had zumba and salsa, a wine tasting and gifts for our customers,” said Damaris.

Aguilar credits El Bohio’s success to her family’s commitment to serving customers.

“This is a mom-and-pop business,” Damaris said.

“Our whole family works here.”

Her daughters help out as does her 20-year-old son before he entered the Army.

“My seven grandkids are always here.”

The Aguilars’ Palm Bay restaurant enjoys a devoted customer base.

“We have people who come here seven days a week,” Damaris said.

Although Chef Gabriel is Mexican, El Bohio focuses on Caribbean dishes as a nod to Damaris’ Puerto Rican roots.

El Bohio’s reasonable prices also keep customers coming back. As an example, Damaris points to the restaurant’s popular paella, a popular rice dish.

“Where else can you get paella for two people with lobster for just $30.99?” she asked.

New at the Babcock Street eatery: late hours on the second Saturday of the month, beginning June 13.

“We’ll be having karaoke and music and specials until midnight,” said Damaris.

The Aguilars plan for plenty of classic Latin melodies in the musical mix.

El Bohio is located at 4651 Babcock St. NE in Palm Bay. For more information call, 676- 6500.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays and until 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Sunday hours are noon to 8 p.m.

 

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