The Kampong (4013 S. Douglas Road) is offering guided tours of their botanical oasis on Saturday August 6 and Saturday August 20. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the grounds and learn about the astonishing variety of plants, including the largest Baobab in the US (also known as the Tree of Life), currently displaying football-sized fruit.
The Kampong is the former home and garden of world plant explorer David Fairchild and later philanthropist and preservationist Catherine Sweeney.
On August 6 and August 20, gates open at 8:00 AM, and the 2-hour tour begins at 8:30 AM. Tour fee is $20 for adults, $15 for ages 62 and over and students with ID, $10 for children 4-12 years, and free for children 3 and under (accompanied by adult).
Reservations are required -- please call 305-442-7169 for more details. Wear comfortable walking shoes!
Jewelry designer Yvonne Rosemeier hosted her first wine and art exhibit at The Loft, her new European Boutique Located at 3190A Commodore Plaza on Friday night. The wines featured were from South America, the US and Europe and the art on display was all by Joseph Grant, Coconut Grove artist.
We caught Joseph as he arrived, he's always with art under his arm, you may have seen him walking around the Grove this way. His life is all about art, it's just part of him. He told me that he is thinking of doing some sculpting now, maybe a chess set!
At left are Joseph and Yvonne and at right, Yvonne is with her good friend, Leslie Ames, who owns the Goldie boutique on Fuller Street, here in the Grove.
From left, Andres Lemos, Nicky Prince and Joseph Grant.
Here are the media girls: Mary McBeth of the Coconut Grove Gazette and Betty Alvarez of Soul of Miami; at right is one of Joseph's works in progress in the window at The Loft.
It was a really enjoyable evening, I thought I would run in and out in half an hour and I ended up staying four hours! The Loft has a very friendly atmosphere and so many people stopped by for the event, and also, passersby heard the fun and music and just stopped in. Later in the evening, chairs were set up on the sidewalk and it turned into such a nice, old-fashioned type of summer night with friends visiting with friends.
This is exactly what Yvonne wants The Loft to be, a hang-out for friends and a place to hold events. From the very first event, it seems that Yvonne's vision is right on track. With the help of her husband Michael, The Loft really is becoming something special to the Grove. Stop by for one-of-a-kind gifts, hand-made custom jewelry, delicious wine and even locally made cigars. That's how we ended the evening, sitting outside, solving the problems of the world, with a glass of wine and a fine cigar. Doesn't get any better than that.
Joseph's paintings will be on display through next Saturday's Gallery Walk.
I've written about it before, it's the big buffet called "La Tavolata," at Calamari. It's the long, delicious buffet they serve on Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm. All you can eat for just $19.95. That's manager Josepe above, carving ribs, with German, one of the staff.
They are thinking of adding seafood to the mix, something that is not part of the buffet now. I never even noticed, there is so much, it's really not missed, but I suppose some shrimp and lobster couldn't hurt.
But for now, enjoy everything else, from fresh carved meat, to pasta, pizza, veggies and more. Calamari is at 3540 Main Highway.
The meeting took place about the SW 27th Avenue tree massacre yesterday afternoon, downtown at the offices of Commissioner Xavier Suarez, the only political figure who seems to be concerned about the issue, other than Michelle Niemeyer, chair of the Coconut Grove Village Council, who lead the charge in stopping the massacre.
People from all levels of the county showed up, no one from the City showed up, which says a lot, and folks from Tree Watch and Tree Man Trust showed up, a few nosey neighbors who were asked not to show up, showed up, the usual clowns suspects. I did not show up, because I was asked not to, so I got this report from a few people who were at the meeting.
The group went over the plans for the project. One amazing thing is that the large trees that were knocked down at the vigil site, were not destroyed, as was originally stated, to make room for the boats entering the Seminole Boat Ramp, now the explanation is that they needed to make room for the bike path that is being installed. I don't buy that simply because a bike path on that side of S. Bayshore was not part of this particular project and secondly, they could have meandered the bike path around the trees. Makes no sense to go green with bike paths yet, knock down every tree in the bike path's way to make room for the said path. Stupid thinking. Insane thinking.
The two phases of the project will be in two permitted parts and the county will not proceed with phase two until there is a total understanding by the citizens of what is to be going on. And as of now, there is no permit for any tree cutting for the rest of phase I and for phase II, the city took that away from the county and the county needs to apply for new permits, as if from scratch, but it's sort of a bit of closing the barn door after the animals got out. Some work will go on this week at the areas that have already been affected, so as not to have any project delay costs, but no other tree cutting or destruction will be permitted.
The only trees left that have not been touched by the county, but may need to be are a few mahoganies near the Shell gas station on 27th and US1 and some palm trees, which are slated for relocation (the palms, not the mahoganies).
A public meeting will be set up within the next couple of weeks where citizens will have their say. We'll let you know when and where that will be when it is announced.
One very interesting concept is that the county is "threatening" to remove the traffic circle that was part of the project near Tigertail and SW 27th Avenue, they say if a light is put in, it will save trees, especially the large tree that is shown in the photo above. There is already a light there and everyone agreed that a traffic light would be best, rather than the circle.
Michelle, speaking for the Village Council, asked that the area of the massacre, especially the trees on S. Bayshore near the Expo Center be replaced with something "great" as mitigation. Something that will be incredible, that will make a statement.Basically, it seems as if the county is stuck in the middle of the citizens and the city and the city seems to be at total fault here. First for not sending out the proper notices about the tree cutting, which is the law, and secondly by not being more involved in the project. True, it is a county road that is being transformed, but it is in the boundaries of the City of Miami.
It took Santiago Villegas and Liliana Dones of Tree Watch to get this noticed and Michelle Niemeyer to get the right thing done. They should be commended for being so involved and caring about Coconut Grove, as for other city officials, it's a matter of progress, and they should be ashamed of themselves, especially those who claim to love trees and the lush village atmosphere, but only talk the talk and turn their back on the issues when it is time to protect the tree canopy. Hypocrites they are.
I am so disillusioned by our so-called leaders about this and other projects that I think it is time that changes are made around here. Big changes. The arrogance, law breaking, money grubbing and rudeness have to be stopped. We need to change the Grove and the City of Miami back to a civil place. Right now they are not.
I have not met one citizen who is in favor of these so-called beautification projects (other than the handful who are told to be, or else). These ludicrous projects are thrown down our throats. Do the elected politicians realize that the citizens call the shots around here and not the other way around? Do the elected politicians realize they can be out on their asses any time by recall or simply by being voted out of office? Arrogant bastards. We know it's all about money, because if it was a cheap, simple project, it would not be fought for so hard, but when millions are at stake, it's all about that and not about what the tax payers, the ones who pay the bills, want. Shame.
The guys that bring you Grovetoberfest are having a free beer tasting on Monday, August 1 at The Grove Spot (3324 Virginia Street).
It's called "Invasion of the Belgians," which of course features Belgian beer. The tasting is from 6 to 8 pm.
For those of you lucky enough to know Belgian beer you already know that their beer is varied and flavorful. For those of you who don't know Belgian beer, well now is your chance to experience it for free.
They will have complimentary appetizers, free beer samples, and other give-aways. Please RSVP on Facebook here.
The Sale Rack is having an Out-With-The-Old-In-With-The-New Sale — making some room for new vintage goodies Allison picked up on a trip to the Midwest. The rack shown below is jam-packed with nothing over $15, and starting at $2.
The black dress, a vintage goodie, shown above, is a couture Lilli Diamond of California, and the dangerously short mini dress is an Allegro New York. The lovely and unique model is New Age Body Piercing's (3070 Grand Avenue) newest apprentice, Catia Levitt.The Sale Rack 3444 Main Hwy, Shop 20 (305) 537-6078 www.facebook.com/SaleRack
We're getting quite techie with the Great Grove Bed Race. Markham Unlimited, the Coconut Grove creative branding company, part of our team, designed a QR Code where you can get all sorts of info by just holding your smartphone up to the posters you see around town.
This one poster for instance will be a game you can play during the Pajama Pub Crawl, which is September 3, the night before the Bed Race. It's a bingo game where you can win free drinks at the participating bars.
Try it here, this image to the left will work, just hold any barcode reader or QR Code reader you have on your phone to the image. The game will come up. You'll also see other links there. You can actually sign up a bed using one of the links.
More QR Codes will be put on various posters and things promoting September's Great Grove Bed Race. As the posters and flyer cards change, so will the info on the codes.As for the Pajama Pub Crawl, it will be limited to 500 people this year. Pre-sales go on sale starting at the first Get Rolling Gathering, which is Thursday, August 4 at Jaguar (3067 Grand Avenue), starting at 7 pm. You can purchase tickets at The Bookstore (3399 Virginia Street) or at Barracuda (3035 Fuller Street) after that.
Pre-sale tickets are $20, tickets at the door (if there are any left) are $25. There are 10 bars involved in the Pajama Pub Crawl.
Join fellow Miami Boaters at tonight's fundraising party in support of Michelle Niemeyer.
Dinner Key Marina Resident, Michelle Niemeyer, is a candidate for Miami City Commission, District 2.
The event is at the home of Janis Horn, tonight, Thursday, July 28th, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at 2321 Secoffee Terrace.
Stop by for a drink and a chat, bring a friend. Ask Michelle about the fight to save our trees in Coconut Grove, as you know, she is leading the charge on saving our tree canopy. Let her know how you can help with that.
To RSVP call 305-520-5755 or email Lozano@MichelleforMiami.com.
To learn more about Michelle Niemeyer go to www.MichelleforMiami.com.
Marc Sarnoff is having a Meet and Greet for his re-election campaign as Commissioner District 2, City of Miami on Monday, August 1, at the Peacock Garden Cafe (2889 McFarlane Road).
The event is from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Enjoy complimentary wine, beer, sangria and appetizers.
To RSVP please contact Sue McConnell at mcconnell28@msn.com or 305-442-9235.
Our friends at the Coconut Grove Dog Rescue were robbed last week. All the food on premises was stolen! The perps stole yard items at the house and all the dog food (two month supply) and all the dogs treats (about 40 boxes).
Despite the loss, all dogs rescued have been given to good homes.
If you would like to help replenish the food supply, there is a donation button on their website here: http://coconutgrovedogrescue.com or you can call 786-566-1303 to donate dog food.
Join Coconut Grove artist Joseph C. Grant, Jr. and paint al fresco on Saturday at The Grove Spot (3324 Virginia Street). Joseph is conducting free art classes and live painting exhibitions on the patio from 11 am to 4 pm.
Bring the kids and enjoy a continental breakfast or choose from the fantastic brunch menu while they learn how to draw from a master.
From 11-11:45 for just $5, you and your kids can learn about art in a special class, create a masterpiece and take it home, even if you have never considered yourself “an artist”, this 45-minute session caters to artists and non-artists alike.
Afterwards, from noon till 4 pm professional artists are invited to paint and exhibit their work on the patio.
For more information about the class or if you are an artist wishing to paint and sell/exhibit your work, call Joseph: (917) 971-9116 or email him at: joe@josephcgrantjr.com.
Last night we attended one of the best Chamber networkers, it could be that it was at one of our favorite places, the Peacock Garden Cafe and it also was a going away party for one of our favorite people, David Guzikowski, Chamber Director, who is moving up north. Above are Gaea Garrity from Calamari, Richard Issa from Shake-A-Leg and David.
Far left is Lili Dones who is taking names down. She covers events for Community Newspapers, she's getting the names of, from left, Jeff Panky, Myriam Soberanes, Peter Guilierres and Rey Palacios.
We won! Ken Drodvillo, left, won a bottle of Tequila and I won the grand prize, this skyline painted photograph, created by local artist Johnny Valdez. I'm usually lucky in the Chamber raffles, I always win something.
Allison Cohen, self employed; Gloria Burns of Community Newspapers and Sandy Fernandez-Masciatti, branch manager of Regions Bank in Coconut Grove and new Chamber board member.
Amanda Alders, Laura and Pepe Oleas. Amanda has some big plans for culture and movie workshops in the Grove.
Erika King, Marilyn Tatman, Lilia Garcia.
Even though the party was in David's honor, he still managed to run the evening, he was working the entrance table, selling raffle tickets and here he is with Cely Pereda, calling the raffle prizes. I still don't know how the Chamber office is going to function without him.
Andres Lemos, the Chamber's membership consultant, looks on, as everyone listens for the raffle numbers.
We were told today that Confucio Express will not open tomorrow, due to some regulations from the Fire Department and they will open on Monday, August 1.
But we'll stop by tomorrow anyway, just to check it out. Guess we may have to wait a few more days for that Chow Mein and Chop Suey.
More on Confucio Express here.
Jewelry designer Yvonne Rosemeier is hosting her first wine and art exhibit at The Loft, her new European Boutique Located at 3190A Commodore Plaza on Friday, July 29. The wines featured are from South America, the US and Europe.
Artist Joseph C. Grant, Jr. will showcase selected pieces from his collection in addition to creating a brand new art-piece live during the tasting. The Tasting will begin at 7:00 pm and probably end somewhere around 9:00 pm.
As previously reported, this event is on target with Yvonne’s plans to make the Loft an event destination, for wine tastings, as well as other things like art showings and charity events.
Yvonne will also keep Joseph’s works on display for Gallery Walk during her soft opening on Saturday, August 6, 2011.
This will mark the first time that a boutique gets involved with gallery Walk by showcasing some works by local artists and may be the start for something big for the Grove!
For more information please contact her at 305-890-9790 or yvonne@yrcouture.com.
The Loft website is at www.theloftmiami.com and the YR Couture website is at www.yrcouture.com.
The Nityananda Center is changing the world one family at a time. The center offers free fun classes for the whole family.
Upcoming classes include:
July 30, 4 pm Women's Self Defense
Aug 28, 10 am Family Kung Fu Class
Sept 4, 10 am Family Yoga Class
The Nityananda Center is at 2829 Bird Ave., suite 10. For info, please call 786-333-1557 or visit their website here. The free classes are possible thanks to all those who support the Nityananda Center. The first center was opened by the Alexander Foundation FHF, Inc., a Not for Profit Corporation. Their mission is to raise the quality of life of all residents of South Florida through fitness, education, healing and insight.
The City is giving away 800 back packs in the "Ready, Set and Back to School We Go!" event, being held Friday, July 29 at Peacock Park.
From 10:30 am to 1:00 pm, Mayor Tomas Regalado and the NET office will treat kids from City of Miami schools to a full day of fun, which will include educational activities, lunch and the back pack giveaway.
It's a large effort with support from The City of Miami Police (Homeland, Bomb Squad, Swat, Motorcycle, Marine and Bike), Fire (Fire Truck and Rescue Truck) and Parks and Recreation Departments, the Florida Marlins, and El Zol 95.7, who have come together to create a memorable day for the city’s children.
The Village Council is a force to be reckoned with these days. It's gained it's momentum again and it's a pleasure to attend the meetings. Above are seven of the nine members from left, Renita Samuels-Dixon, Heather Bettner, Chair Michelle Niemeyer, Stephen Murray, Kate Callahan, Patrick Sessions and David Collins. Missing above are new council member David Himmel and and David Wells.
The Village Council has taken on various issues that people want to hear about, many, or I should say most, pertain to the neighbors and neighborhoods and less with business, although there is a mix of both. Their main issue now is the tree massacre. The Council, lead by Michelle Niemeyer, has taken charge, they have stopped the job from proceeding until all parties meet and figure out a solution to the destruction. It's in their hands now. The County and the City are taking the Council's lead in this.
At the monthly meetings, there are crime watch reports by the police commander Richard Gentry and the local Grove cops and many politicians stop by to share their views, just last week Commissioner Xavier Suarez came to speak on the state of the county and while present, he swore in the newest Council member, David Himmel.
Issues taken on by the Village Council recently include the tree massacre situation also the recent issue with the traffic light issue on Main Highway at The Cloisters and on-going discussions of Halloween, and how to contain it and cooperate with the neighbors.
It's getting good and there's usually a full house. The Village Council is always open to putting anything of interest on the agenda and neighbors are bringing their concerns and they are getting results. The Village Council puts it's clout where it's mouth is. Recently, Commissioner Xavier Suarez stated that he would bring all Coconut Grove-related issues to the Village Council before taking them any further. If the Council had a problem with an issue, he would take it back, rework it and not present it to the community until the Village Council approved.The council also has subcommittees which meet throughout the year:
Historical Committee, chaired by Renita Ross Samuels-Dixon
Planning and Zoning, chaired by Stephen Murray
Funding, chaired by David Collins
Waterfront, chaired by Michelle Niemeyer
Ad hoc Mercy Hospital Committee, co-chaired by Patrick Sessions and Kate Callahan
Ad hoc FPL power lines Committee, chaired by Stephen Murray
Tree Watch, chaired by David Collins, co-chaired by Liliana Dones
CrimeWatch, Liaison, Kate Callahan
Ad hoc PointeGroup Committee, chaired by Renita Ross Samuels-Dixon
To join any committee, or to have anything placed on a meeting agenda for the main Village Council meetings, please contact Michelle Niemeyer at mniemeyer@paymyclaim.com.
Congrats to RED Elite Personal Training Studio! They are celebrating their third birthday on Friday, July 29 at the studio (3206 Grand Avenue).
As part of the celebration, workout sessions will only be $29 from now until the end of the month.
For more details, check out their website: www.redelitept.com or call 786-218-1077.
Wow, Bailey's getting up there, he' 6 already and as they do every year, the Coconut Grove Gallery & Interiors is throwing an all-day party. This Wednesday, July 27, from 10 am to 7:30 pm, stop in and enjoy 20% off everything in the store.
In addition, enjoy refreshments all day long and there are treats for everyone including your four legged frineds, big or small, furry or not. Bring them by!
Coconut Grove Gallery & Interiors is at 2884 Bird Avenue, there's plenty of free parking in the lot. Call 305-445-7401 for more info.
La Bottega Rhythm & Wine presents French Soiree with Montserrat Franco and Tangi Colombel, the French singer and comedian, on Friday, July 29.
Montserrat, familiar to La Bottega audiences, has an amazing voice with "unlimited possibilitites," according to Aurora magazine.
Tangi has been the authentic French Cultural Ambassador touring the Alliance Francaise around the US for more than 10 years with his personal show that includes traditional chanson francaise and stand up comedy interacting with the audience.
Seating is limited, please reserve early by calling 305-444 -3493, please specify 7 or 9 pm seating. $30 per person includes wine reception. Wine List and Bar Service available during performance.
Special French Prix-Fixe Menu by Chef Carmen Trigueros, $55.
La Bottega is at 3540 Main Highway.
I took this photo at the Tree Vigil the Saturday night, so it's dark, but I wanted to show what nonsense it was that the Leandro Oña, the Chief of the Highway Division, was spouting to everyone at the Village Council meeting on Thursday night. He insisted that the large ficus trees had to be butchered so that they could decrease the size of the median to allow for a larger turning lane into the boat ramp.
If you look at this photo above, there are from 10 to 15 feet between the curb and the butchered trees. Isn't that enough to add a wider lane for traffic?
The rumor going around is that the trees were killed to make way for large pipes going under the ground. You see, there has been talk of putting a Bayside-type structure on the land that is either the Expo Center or as far away as the Chart House and Scotty's Landing and the pipes are needed for that eventual plan. I am in possession of the minutes from a 2009 Waterfront Implementation Committee meeting where a stanger came (a developer from out of town) and started talking of retail and parking lots on the waterfront. Many believe that the reason the trees were destroyed is because huge pipes are going underground there, to prepare that side of S. Bayshore Drive for the future plans. I may publish the section of minutes I have from that meeting next week.
Look at the image above, you can see the trees that were destroyed, look at their footprint -- huge! Now follow the red line. That is where the pipes will go down SW 27 Avenue under the ground, under South Bayshore Drive. And you'll notice that the trees were right in the path of the pipes. It IS NOT the Waterfront Implementation Committee who is in favor of this plan, this is private investors and some local politicians. In 2009 the vice president for Real Estate aquisitions from a large corporate holding company came to the Coconut Grove Waterfront Plan Implementation Waterfront Committee and raised the possibility of putting parking closer to the retail he wanted to put on the waterfront near where Scott's Landing is located. The Waterfront committee shot him down, but the fact remains that the leases for Grove Key Marina, Scotty's and the Chart House are up for renewal in 2012.
At a Chamber luncheon a few months ago a woman none of us knew, spoke glowingly about the beauty of Coconut Grove's bayfront and the need for something like the Embarcadero Center in San Francisco. We later learned that woman was the president of Panama Jack located in New York.
If you look at this photo, you can see all the space available for the turning lane, if indeed, they needed to widen the turning lane.
The meeting took place this morning regarding the tree killings in the Grove. A few arborists explained that the trees were not "perfect" so they needed to go, which is not acceptable to most people. The main gist of the meeting were the last two trees that were slated to go as part of Phase I of the SW 27th Avenue project, they are at the Shell gas station on 27th and US1.Various people seemed to be sent from our local government to spin some sort of yarn on how this is a good thing, there was a lot of urban planning talk about mitigation of trees and things like that. Most of it sounded prepared and scripted, coming from higher ups.
But the main focus is on how "imperfect" the trees are and that they are and could be a danger to people if they fall. But all trees are "imperfect" that is the very nature of trees. If every tree in the world was actually examined, there would be reason to knock them all down under the criteria being used for this street scape project.
The County wanted to proceed as scheduled and complete the demolition of trees and start Phase I, saying that they would meet with the public before Phase II, but they needed to get Phase I started. But luckily, friends of the trees, Liliana Dones and Santiago Villegas, of Tree Watch, claimed that once the huge pipes go into the ground as part of Phase I, it would be so easy for the County to say that Phase II must proceed so that the pipes connect to the Phase I pipes and screw anything in their path. Plus who can trust the county, or city at this point, to even meet with concerned citizens right before Phase II starts?
Michelle Neimeyer, chair of the Village Council, who was also present this morning, has scheduled a meeting with all parties involved. She wants the Village Council to stand up for the residents and their concerns about this important issue. A meeting will take place soon, it is not a public meeting, but will be a "working meeting" to decide what to do about the trees that were already destroyed and to try and decide how the new drainage system can be built without destroying everything in its path. At the meeting will be Village Council members, Tree Watch members, the City, the County, arborists, Public Works, contractors on the project and others concerned.
Right now, nothing can continute. All work as at a hault. Before anymore damage is done, there will be a long, detailed discussion.
"The intention it to create communication among all the organizations involved in this project," says Michelle Niemeyer. "In the end, it all affects the residents."
I would like to extend many thanks to the Coconut Grove Village Council for its leadership role in mediating a temporary stop to the County’s so called “beautification improvement” plans for 27th Avenue. Chairperson Michelle Niemeyer mastered the hearing with great leadership. My thanks go out as well to other Coconut Grove Community representatives and concerned citizens for standing together as ONE VOICE in condemning Miami-Dade Public Works for misrepresenting their improvement plans to the Coconut Grove Community. In addition, thanks to our County Commissioner Xavier Suarez for his solid pledge for full participation of the community with any future plans which may impact the quality of life of the Residents of Coconut Grove.
RAFAEL GUTIERREZ
Coconut Grove resident
Looks like Confucio Express is finally going to open this week at the former Qdoba space at 2982 Grand Avenue (next to FedEx Kinkos). According to the owners, Thursday, July 28 is opening day. It will be a soft opening at first and then they will have a grand opening once they get their bearings.
Confucio Express is an eat-in and take-out gourmet Chinese place and they will also deliver. If you eat in, it will consist of you ordering at the counter and then sitting down and the staff will bring the food over. So it is not a full service restaurant, but an economical, quality place. The place has been completely renovated and reconfigured. There's a lot of red, there are muraled walls and lots of seating inside and out.
Menu items include vegetarian dishes like Sweet & Sour Eggplant, Garlic Broccoli, Mapo Tofu with mixed veggies and Garlic Eggplant.
On the main menu there are favories like Chow Mein, Deep Fried Chicken Wings, Mongolian Beef, Pepper Steak, Beef Chop Suey, Beef with Broccoli, Shrimp with Broccoli and Shrimp Chop Suey.
They have a location on Coral Way, the prices there are $8.95 for the lunch special and $11.95 for dinner. All the specials come with fried rice and an egg roll.
To get a little peek at what they have in mind, here is their website: http://www.confucioexpress.com.
Now that we know what to look for, we can see the tiny signs the the city and county put up to warn us about tree killing. These signs were found by Tree Watch's Santiago Villegas on US1. I guess the county feels that this is adequate, you know, putting tiny signs, with tiny type on a highway where people are driving at speeds of 50 mph or more.
This sign, with a few more were posted on July 18, 2011. The sign says that the City of Miami Public Works Dept. is making Capital Improvements. The median at US1 and 30th Court will have four trees removed and 29 will be relocated in the public right of way.
Maybe this needs to be done, but again, no one was notified other than these pale small yellow signs. And people may be against the project and have a right to question it. If just one person complains, the project will be stopped. For more info, you may call the Public Works Dept. at 305-416-1200.
The Grove Tree Watch committee plans on appealing this.
Sorry about the late notice, but the tree meeting is at 9 am tomorrow morning, Monday, July 25 at the Shell Station at 27th Avenue and US1.
The notice just came in. Leave it to the county to give less than 12 hours notice for a meeting that concerns so many people.
This is open to anyone who would care to attend, but basically the meeting is for the County, the City, the Village council, Tree Watch and some arborists to try and figure out a solution to the tree massacre problems going on.
One of our favorite people is leaving town. David Guzikowski, Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce Director, is moving away.
So the Chamber is throwing him a goodbye party called "Bye, Bye David. It's a Networking Cocktail & Farewell event.
The party is Wednesday, July 27 from 5:30 -7:30 pm at the Peacock Garden Cafe (2889 McFarlane Road).
Cost is $5 Members, $10 Non-Members includes appetizers and drink plus 2-for-1 well drinks for the duration of the event
Please RSVP at Info@CoconutGrove.com or by calling 305-444-7270
Not a Coconut Grove Chamber Member? Drop them a line at Membership@CoconutGrove.com for information on membership levels, benefits, and pricing.
Are you a current member? Know someone that may be interested in becoming a part of the Coconut Grove Chamber? Send their contact at Membership@CoconutGrove.com. If they become members, the Chamber will credit your account with $25 which is applicable towards luncheons, networkers, eblasts or Chamber Membership - with no expiration as long as you are a member.
A lot of incredible people came out last night for the Tree Vigil, in honor of the trees that were massacred by the County this week, with the City's help. At dusk last night, folks started showing up at S. Bayshore Drive and 27th Avenue.
People were proud to stand up for the Grove's tree canopy. People are sad and furious over what happened this week and vowed not to let this happen again. Unfortunately, as we were at the vigil, someone came up with some notices that they found on US1, something about removing about 30 trees in the median there. I'll have more on that tomorrow. There is still time to fight that.
Santiago Villegas, from the Grove Tree Watch group, was the person who came up with the vigil idea. He lit candles and handed them out to everyone.
People stood around and talked and came up with plans to try and protect our tree canopy from all future infringement. Many said that it was bad enough to have to fight off land developers, but to have to fight your own government into going green over more cement is absurd.
Alexis Anderson brought a guitar and played, which added a nice touch to the evening. The Drum Circle was to attend, but didn't make it, but they did show up the night before but were turned away by the heavy downpour.
It was a nice get-together. Village Council chair Michelle Niemeyer was there and she filled in people on what had occurred up to this point.
It's nice to see that there are so many tree huggers around here, including me. It's just amazing that we need to fight to stay green. You would think with these 100 degree days all over the country that people would have a clue about leaving the greenery alone in the name of global warming, and simply in the name of shade.
Above with the children from left, are Dr. Avinash Pathengay, Santiago Vieggas, Lili Dones, Michelle Niemeyer, Alyn Pruett and Marc Allen. There will be more Tree Vigils and there will be lots of fighting to save trees in the future. I suggested to Lili, that the City Tree ordinance needs to be amended to better save the trees. She helped write the ordinance.
One touching thing that we all noticed was that the tree was looking at us with sad eyes. It also had a little sprout growing from under one of the eyes. The goal now is to have the trees saved and perhaps they will sprout again and be large and lush in about 10 years.
Today's Miami Herald article on the tree massacre says that the Grapevine will have all the info on Monday's meeting regarding the tree massacre. Basically, it's a walk-through meeting with members from the Village Council, the Tree Watch group, the county, city and Public Works and was not really open to the public, although people will not kept out if they do wish to attend.
The time and location have not been decided yet, we'll let you know when we know. It's basically going to consist of the groups walking around the area, trying to decide how the county should proceed with the rest of the 27th Avenue street project without cause much more tree damage.
In the meantime, there is the tree vigil Saturday night at 8 pm.
Join Dine at Taurus in the Grove — Coconut Grove’s most legendary bar – for happy hour. Taurus — recently voted Best Neighborhood Bar, Central — by Miami New Times stays true to its roots (having originally opened in the 1960′s and then recently reopened in 2009 after a 7-year break), offering a comfy setting, an extensive beer and cocktail menu (though wine is readily available) and great prices.
The event is Tuesday, July 26 from 6-8 pm. Cost: $10 in advance or $15 at the door. This includes one margarita and a selection of complimentary hors d'oeuvres like Taurus Sliders, Truffle French Fries, Chicken Wings and Pigs in the Blanket.
Valet parking is complimentary — and feel free to come in casual attire. While the event will take place in the cozy bar area, there will be overflow in the outdoor patio.
The Taurus is at 3540 Main Highway. To purchase tickets, please go to Dine magazine here.
I'm sure you have read about all the excitement going on regarding the filming of "Rock of Ages," all around the downtown area. Tom Cruise, Katherine Zeta-Jones and lots of others are staring in the movie, which takes place in the 1980's.
There is a Grove connection to the movie. Besides the locals who have played extras, you'll notice that when the movie comes out that Katherine Zeta-Jones is wearing a lot of vintage clothing from the era, including Pucci and other fashions and accessories. And it's coming from Niki Simon Blacker, at the Mayfair Antique Market.
The wardrobe designers for the movie have been at the Antique Market frequently stocking up on fashions for the movie. Good going Niki! Hope they give you a movie credit for your fab fashions on Katherine!
That's Diane, left, and Niki at the Antique Market, among the Pucci and Gucci fashions.
MAYFAIR ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES MARKET - 2900 GRAND AVENUE, COCONUT GROVE - OPEN FRI. SAT. SUN. 11 AM-6PM
The Tree Vigil was called off last night on account of rain. Just as people started showing up, all the heavens opens. Guess Mother Nature was crying over the murdered trees.
The Drum Circle was even a part of the vigil. We sat around in cars to wait out the rain, but it just never let up. There were seven of us in one car for awhile! We ended up at one of our houses hanging out for the rest of the night.
But tonight the Vigil is on again. It starts at 8 pm at the location of the worst massacre at S. Bayshore and 27th, next to the Expo Center, right at the Burn Notice studios. You can check the location out on Facebook check in or Foursquare. It's listed as the "Site Of Miami-Dade County's Coconut Grove Tree Massacre" on Facebook and the "Site of the Coconut Grove Tree Massacre," on Foursquare.
Bring candles, lanterns, lawn chairs and even musical instruments if you have them.
The Kampong (4013 S. Douglas Road) is offering guided tours of their botanical oasis on Saturday August 6 and Saturday August 20. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the grounds and learn about the astonishing variety of plants, including the largest Baobab in the US (also known as the Tree of Life), currently displaying football-sized fruit.
