JANUARY 2014
Khaas Baat : A Publication for Indian Americans in Florida

Florida News

GUJARATI SAMAJ OF TAMPA BAY ELECTS 2014 OFFICERS

Gujarati Samaj President Jyoti Gandhi

The Gujarati Samaj of Tampa Bay recently elected its officers for 2014. Leading the over three-decade organization is President Jyoti Gandhi; Sudhir Shah (vice president); Jayesh Patel (secretary); Jigisha Desai (treasurer); and Mukesh Patel (social secretary).

This year, President Jyoti Gandhi looks to reactivate a women's forum, senior citizen and youth committee. Also in the works are a visit to the BAPS temple in Atlanta and CNN or Coca Cola factory for seniors; educational seminars on immigration and taxes; health awareness seminar on breast cancer, diabetes, etc.

The Samaj will hold Makarsankrant (kite flying festival) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12, at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N. U.S. 301, Tampa. Holi will be celebrated on Sunday, March 16, at the same time, same venue. Samaj membership is $65 for adults and $40 for students and seniors.

For more information, call Jyoti Gandhi at (727) 534-3767 or visit www.gujaratisamaj.org


MOTORING/GOLF EXTRA

Stacy Lewis, left, Nicole Smith, Beatriz Recari and
Cristie Kerr each won a 2014 Kia Cadenza.

4 LPGA TOUR PROS WIN KIA CADENZAS FOR 0UTSTANDING PERFORMANCE, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

By NITISH S. RELE

Kudos to Stacy Lewis, Nicole Smith, Beatriz Recari and Cristie Kerr for earning a key to the 2014 Kia Cadenza premium sedan because of their outstanding performances on-and-off the course in last year’s season. The four LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) Tour pros were honored recently with the Kia Performance Awards for accomplishments in statistical, performance and community categories at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples. The event was put together by the CME Group Titleholders.

“The Kia Performance Awards are an integral part of the relationship between Kia and the LPGA as they recognize outstanding achievements by some of the best golfers in the world,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing and communications, Kia Motors America. “As one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S. over the past five years, we are pleased to offer the 2014 Cadenza, Kia’s highly praised premium sedan, to the Kia Performance Awards winners for their accomplishments on-and-off the golf course.”

ABOUT THE CADENZA

The front-wheel-drive and European-inspired Cadenza shares its platform with the Hyundai Azera. It offers a sole 3.3-liter V-6 GDI engine pumping out 293 horsepower @ 6400 rpm and 255 pounds-feet of torque @ 5200 rpm. Power reaches the front wheels through a crisp-shifting 6-speed auto transmission. An independent MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension handles the rough road surfaces with little sacrifice to one’s backside.

Some creature comforts are dual-zone auto climate control, leather on the plush seats, shifter and steering wheel, 10-way power driver and 4-way front passenger seats, tilt/telescopic steering column, 8-inch navigation system, Infinity audio system, analog clock and UVO eServices. Starting at about $35,100, the Cadenza is a tough competitor for proven premium sedans. Despite the 3,668-pound weight, it is amazingly athletic, peppy, competent and eye-catching.

ABOUT THE WINNERS

Lewis earned her second-consecutive Kia Drive to the Top award, which is given to the player with the most top-10 finishes of the season. In 2013, Lewis amassed 17 top-10 finishes in 24 tournaments played through the Mizuno Classic in Japan. Last year, she also was ranked No. 3 in the world and on the LPGA Official Money List. 

LPGA Tour rookie Smith clinched the Kia Power Drive, awarded to the player with the longest driving average in 2013.  The long-hitting Californian averaged 274.9 yards per drive on the year. Smith was a three-year member of the Symetra Tour prior to her rookie season in 2013 and ranked second in driving distance in 2012, ending the season at 269.1 yards. 

Recari earned the Kia Most Compelling Performance, awarded to a player with an exceptional performance and voted on by fans at LPGA.com and the LPGA’s official Facebook page. The Spaniard clinched her third-career victory at the Marathon Classic. Recari’s triumph in Toledo was her second win of the 2013 season.

Kerr is the winner of the Kia Community Assist award, which recognizes a player who makes exceptional contributions to charity organizations or community programs. Since 2009, Kerr’s annual charity event named Birdies for Breast Cancer raised more than $2.5 million for cancer research. Three years ago, the Miami native opened her own health center at the LibertyHealth Foundation at Jersey City Medical Center.

Besides sponsoring the Kia Performance Awards, Kia is the Official Automotive Partner of the LPGA, title sponsor of the Kia Classic and Official Tournament Vehicle for five LPGA events.

For more information, visit www.kia.com

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