The unveiling ceremony for the Coconut Grove Children’s Mosaic Mural will be held next Friday, October 7 at 3:00 p.m. at the U.S. Post Office at 3191 Grand Avenue. Everyone is invited.
Over 80 area children were involved in the two year project, whose drawings and paintings inspired the marine-themed mosaic mural, and the dedicated team of local artists lead by Cyndy Hill (right) and Eileen Seitz (left), who along with more than 100 local volunteers, spent hundreds of hours constructing the mural panels.
When the federal bureaucracy threatened to derail the project, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen stepped in and the group was able to obtain permission from the U.S. Postal Service to erect the mural on the outside wall of the U.S. Post Office Coconut Grove Branch.
“The Children’s Mosaic Mural is truly about community, with people from throughout Coconut Grove contributing to the effort and pulling together as ‘One Grove’,” said Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, whose staff worked diligently to find the necessary resources for the artists, from donated tile, stone and mortar to engineering expertise to the enormous work and storage spaces needed to complete the project.The idea to place a mural at the Coconut Grove Post Office came about initially as a way to combat graffiti. Grovite Harry Emilio Gottlieb, started the charge against graffiti by getting involved, mostly by bringing the deplorable condition of the post office to light.
The earliest fruit of this collaborative effort appears in the watercolor painting “Layers of Love,” by Eileen Seitz, who drew from Cyndy Hill’s design concept and which serves as the basis for the mural. The mural design takes its major elements directly from original children’s paintings and drawings gathered from Coconut Grove Cares/ Barnyard Community Center, Shake-A-Leg Miami, Blu Moon Studio of Art, and other contributors.
In addition to those organizations, youths from Coconut Grove Elementary School, Coral Gables High School, Ponce de Leon Middle School and the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, as well as additional local artists and community members, helped to the assemble the 56 panels that comprise the mural.
“It shows what a dedicated group of people can do,” artist Hill said. “It took local people, local government and local businesses to accomplish this mural project.”
The St. Stephen’s Art Show has opened the application process for the 24th Annual show, which will be February 18 to 20 this year.
Be one of more than 160 top artists and fine craftspeople during South Florida’s premier art weekend at the St. Stephen’s Art Show. Enjoy three days of sales on the shady campus of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, within steps of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, which is the same weekend. While the St. Stephen’s Art Show originally began as a hot dog stand on church property during the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, the Show, it has long been considered a nationally important show in its own right.
This not for profit event helps to fund outreach programs in the Coconut Grove and Miami area. To increase the charitable giving permitted by the event, the St. Stephen’s Art Show charges a $2 admission to adults and children over 12. St. Stephen’s offers a range of cultural, spiritual and entertainment offerings to the community as part of its vision to be “The Heart of the Grove, and Reaching Beyond."
Apply to be one of our select artists and Fine Crafts people, and be a part of “Art is in the Heart."
Today is the first day to apply. You may do that here: www.zapplication.org.
The Mad Hatter Arts Festival is back this year on October 29 and 30. There is a new format with artists exhibiting both at The Barnacle Historic State Park and along Main Highway from the Cloisters to Calamari. This is sure to be a magnificent site under all that foliage and greenery.
Something new this year is the Chalk It Up! portion of the festival, where artists actively show their talents with chalk painting the pavement. You can actually watch them in action at the parking lot across from the UPS Store, next to Fuller Street.
The Mad Hatter Arst Festival is also seeking sponsorships. This is a great way for your business to be involved. In addition to becoming a sponsor or offering coupons or event-themed specials, there’s a chance for a visible presence at the heart of the Festival. For example, reserve a space in your business’ name at The Barnacle to offer promotional material: coupons, samples, menus, upcoming event flyers or work at Saturday evening’s Alice in Wonderland movie showing at The Barnacle. They can promote your restaurant as a source of a take-out picnic dinner for movie goers.
This year’s Mad Hatter Arts Festival is shaping up to be quite the community event. The deadline for printing and advance promotion is rapidly approaching and they want you to be a part of this. Call 305-528-4971 or email Volunteer@MadHatterArtsFestival.com to discuss the best way the Festival can promote your business.
The Children's Mosaic Mural Project is going to finally be installed next week, on the Post Office wall. This is the project that has been going on for two years. We explained it all in
this story.
This week, the grid has been going up on the wall. This will hold the 56 30" x 30" panels, designed by local school children and coordinated and worked on by local artists lead by Cyndy Hill and Eileen Seitz.
A big unveiling party is planned for the ribbon cutting, the invitation is supposed to go out next week to the community. It may end up being a large street party, right in front of the mural.
The Historic Preservation Board (HEP) has made a decision regarding Plans #11-207 on SW 27th Avenue, regarding the two mahogany trees in front of the Shell gas station, shown here. These are the only two trees left that were part of the Phase One project during which 15 trees were removed without proper prior notification.
According to Alexander Adams, AICP City of Miami Planning and Zoning Department Preservation Officer, The HEP Board is currently in discussion with the Tree removal applicants (Miami-Dade County Public Works) to see which option they would like to take.
The applicant has two options: Revise the plans so as not to impact the trees or Submit plans to the Planning Department Preservation Section to be scheduled on the October 4 Preservation Board agenda. The application for HEPB can be found at http://www.historicpreservationmiami.com/ under COA tab, applications.
At this point the item is scheduled to be heard at the HEP Board's regular monthly meeting at the City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive) Tuesday, October 4, at about 3 pm. All concerned citizens are urged to show up to show their support for saving the trees.
Also on schedule is an earlier appeal we submitted regarding plans to remove trees along the US 1 medians. That plan is a project of City of Miami Public works and they have been given the same options as the County in their particular case.
The Miami Conservatory of Music will resume their free monthly concerts this Saturday, October 1, during the Coconut Grove Gallery Walk.
Their live performances by the fountain at the Mayfair Promenade are very popular and attracts a large audience who appreciate the cultural experience. With the weather cooling off at night, it's a real treat to enjoy the performances as the sun sets, back in a quiet area of the Grove.
This month, world renowned percussionist and new faculty member Bobby Thomas Jr. is featured. Bobby will be accompanied by some of his most advanced students, the promenade will be filled with contagious rhythms and tunes for all.
Come out and enjoy this free event from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and support live music.
There is an opening reception for artist Chris Riggs for Mayor at the Blu Moon Studio on Saturday, October 1, during the Gallery Walk.
Chris Riggs for Mayor was born and raised in New York City and is currently working in both Miami and New York. Chris began painting at the age of 3, and by age 11 was painting murals in abandoned buildings and train tunnels throughout the city. His influences include street art, African art, Aboriginal art, Picasso, Keith Haring, Pollack, Basquiat, and Andy Warhol.
Chris will be showing his large scale works, and is creating some brand new pieces especially for this show. Please come out and give him a warm Miami welcome.
The reception is from 7 to 10 pm. Blu Moon is at 3444 Main Highway, all the way up at the top of the building. If you haven't visited, it's worth the trip. Blu Moon is like going back in time, enjoy an artists studio/gallery the way it used to be in the Grove.
All the other Coconut Grove galleries will be open from 7 to 10 with art, music and refreshments for Gallery Walk, which happens the first Saturday of every month.
It's was a perfect mix of familiar and new at last night's Chamber mixer at Siam Oishi. Lots of familiar Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce faces mixed with lots of new faces from the Downtown Miami Brickell Chamber. The large crowd filled the restaurant from one end to the other and then spilled out onto the sidewalk out front.
Grove Chamber gurus Sandy Fernandez-Masciatti and Andres Lemos hand Sary Mabjish, of Teva Pharmaceuticals, the grand prize -- a stay at the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel. Sary bought some raffle tickets at the last moment before the numbers were called and ended up winning the grand prize!
At left: Lionel Nerette and Dianne Santamaria, at right Shaun Smith of Discounts for a Cause.
Yaniv Ness of Heart Tango, the speed dating service, with Grovite Liane Ojito.
Delicious Thai beer was part of the evening, provided by Intuon Poonsawat, Erika Rodriguez and Mariana Mendes, who were kept busy the whole time.
Coconut Grove Chamber board members Sandy Fernandez-Masciatti and Jeffrey Pankey, flank
musician Ronnie Brooks.
Grove Chamber prez Tony Noboa, Sary Mabjish, Tom Falco.
There is one safe oasis these days in Coconut Grove -- it's The Kampong (4013 S. Douglas Road).
The Kampong is offering guided tours of the waterfront gardens and estate on Wednesday, October 5, Wednesday October 19, and Saturday, October 29. Particularly spectacular right now is the evergreen Calabash tree resplendent with colossal, green fruits growing directly from nodes on the trunk and branches.
Nestled in an 11-acre tropical oasis, The Kampong was the private home and garden of famed plant explorer David Fairchild, and later, philanthropist and preservationist Catherine Sweeney.
Gates open at 10:00 am, and the 2-hour tour begins at 10:30 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 -- go to kampong.ntbg.org to reserve your spot or call 305-442-7169 for more details. Wear comfortable walking shoes!
On October 27, the Kampong is hosting the Ark of Taste Benefit Dinner. Chef Michael Schwartz of Michael's Genuine Food & Drink will prepare a menu celebrating the endangered and divine Seminole Pumpkin. The benefits of this evening will help fund Slow Food Edible edible school gardens for our under resourced schools in Miami and The Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden. Tickets are $250 each. You may order tickets online here.
Years ago, one of my sisters-in-law and I used to get incredulous about all the tree removal in the county, we used to joke, but not happily, that every piece of greenery in the county is being removed for development. The one saving grace seemed to be Coconut Grove, but these days, we seem to be living in the bizarro world with all of the tree removal projects planned.
This was sent out by public works yesterday, it appears that some sort of tree removal is planned for a property on Royal Road, which involves the removal of 323 trees!
Coconut Grove's TreeWatch is looking into this. It appears to be in the right of way, yet it is near the Ransom campus and also near a private estate. They are believed to be Australian Pines, so there doesn't seem to be much anyone can do since they are considered an invasive species. The estate is apparently clearing the trees so they can see the bay. Something like they did along the Rickenbacker Causeway. Here's the notice.
PUBLIC NOTICE: This is a City of Miami - Department of Public Works Intended Decision per City Code Chapter 17 for any alteration to the existing trees located in the Public Right of Way or in Public Property.
Applicant: City of Miami Public Works Department
Project Location: Royal Road between Main Highway and Biscayne Bay
Project Scope: Per application received the scope of intended work consists of the Removal of three hundred and twenty three (323) trees.
This project information and Reason for Removal, Planting, Tree Survey, Disposition plans, Mitigation plans and Appeals regarding this Intended Decision can be obtained at the Public Works Department located at:
City of Miami - Public Works Department
444 SW 2nd Avenue, 8th Floor Miami, FL 33130 Telephone: (305) 416-1200 Attn: Regina Hagger
As reported in the September 16 Coconut Grove Grapevine's coverage of the recent Grove streetscape meeting (story here), "Liliana Dones, co-chair of Coconut Grove's TreeWatch, asked if Fuller Street could be closed permanently in an effort to save all the trees that were set to be replaced. (Story on streetscape plan here).
She was told that the trees are infected and/or diseased and they need to be replaced..." Her concerns have been mirrored by others regarding the destruction of trees along Commodore Plaza. I, too, seriously question the need for the wholesale destruction of the trees along Fuller Street and Commodore Plaza, and feel the BID should provide Grove residents with answers to the following questions:
1) Who is the consultant that determined that the trees are "infected and/or diseased"?
2) Does this consultant have a degree in Plant Pathology?
3) If not, what experience does this consultant have in field diagnosis of tree diseases?
4) As a former employee of the US Department of Agriculture and Director of statewide plant disease program, I know that visual symptomology is often misleading and plant diseases cannot be definitively diagnosed unless the presence of the causal organism is confirmed by a laboratory. Was the diagnosis of the Fuller Street trees as "infected and/or diseased" confirmed by a lab?
5) If so, what lab was used?
6) What is the scientific name of the pathogen has been determined to be infecting and causing disease in these trees?
7) Is the pathogen infecting and/or causing disease in these trees a virus, bacterium, or fungus8) Have all available treatment options been investigated to determine if the infection can be controlled in the trees without killing them?
All Grove residents who wish to see the Grove's tree canopy protected, especially that of Fuller Street and Commodore Plaza, should add their voice to mine in insisting that the BID provide answers to the questions above and assurance that all reasonable options are considered before allowing the trees to be destroyed.
Michael Hornyak
Coconut Grove, FL
Editor's note: I have sent these eight questions to David Collins, head of the Coconut Grove BID. I'll report back his response.
Local fireman and activist Elvis Cruz has produced a full length independent film called All Men Are Beasts, which is playing at the Paragon Grove 13 through October 6. Elvis not only produced the film, he also wrote and directed it. And he acts in it, too! That's Elvis in a scene from the movie with Tia Bakes and Meredith Lasher at Crandon Park.
The romantic comedy was filmed around Miami over a three year period. Elvis calls it a Miami version of "Sex and the City."
The plot was explained to me like this: A high school English teacher divorces her childhood sweetheart, re-enters the dating game, gets by with a lot of help from her friends and writes a book about it.
The cast, along with Elvis, includes Tia Bakes, Meredith Lasher, Mark Schauder, Christopher D. Brown, Oscar Cheda, Steve Triplett, Tanya Bravo and Shelley Gordon.
Elvis also wrote a book by the same name. The 336-page book, which includes still photos and script excerpts from the movie was released this month.
This website has showtimes and more info and a link to the preview: http://allmenarebeasts.com/
The Coconut Grove Village Council is seeking to fill two seats.
The current board members will appoint replacements at the next meeting on October 20, but the appointment form must be filled in and returned by October 7, 2011.
There is a cost of $100.00 to register for consideration. They have the form and all info on filling it out and returning it on their website here.Council members Stephen Murray and Heather Bettner both moved out of Coconut Grove, so they both had to step down.
Coconut Grove celebrated Pan Am and the new Pan Am TV show Sunday night at a special party held at the Peacock Garden Cafe. Coconut Grove, being ground zero for Pan Am for so many years, brought so many of Pan Am's former employees out to celebrate. Many said they felt the event was a family reunion. There was plenty of memorabilia to see, too. Everyone had a story to tell of travels to exotic places, with long working hours, yet making time to hang out with peers as they saw the world together.
Above, former Pan Am stewardesses Vivian Clausen, Alina Lopez, Liz Marzullo and Brunny Dougherty enjoy the party.
The Peacock Garden Cafe rolled out the red carpet with their attentive and first class service. High top tables held beautiful flower arrangements and the food was perfect. Above, Marilyn Blossom, Pamela Blossom and Theresa Sarnoff check out some memorabilia.
A trolley provided by the Coconut Grove BID, shuttled people back and forth from the restaurant in Center Grove to City Hall, the former Pan Am terminal, where a tour was given by Dr. Paul George, Miami historian.
Those who worked for Pan Am in the 1960s talked about how glamorous it all was. The tour was fantastic, Dr. George had his heart in every detail he shared at the old Pan Am terminal at City Hall.
Captain Kirk Linderman, his wife, Ande Wilson, former stewardess; and Mallory Frank, Pan Am Corporation model.
Marilyn Blossom holding pictures of her deceased mother, Jane Alexander, whose job it was to keep track of airline schedules for Pan Am so many years ago.
Christina Henze Duenas, former stewardess, holding a photo of herself from back in the day.
Laurie Jennings, Channel 10 news anchor, shared her experiences of traveling all around the world as a high school and college student. Her step father was a Pan Am pilot and he took her all around the world with him. This is where she got the journalism bug -- the idea to tell stories about world events.
Sky Steward blogger, Gailen David and Steven Licata with the new retro Pan Am bags which are sold at Palm Produce stores.
Stefan Zachar III, Mallory Frank (Pan Am model), Caroline Zachar pose on actual Pan Am seats taken from one of the old planes, in front of a Pan Am step and repeat logo wall.
Rafael Gutierrez, Mallory Frank and Erica King.
From left: former Pan Am stewardesses, Sandy Stubbes, Ande Wilson, Emily Ramirez Ceshker.
Esther Lozano, Mary MacDonald and Michelle Niemeyer on the trolley.
The evening ended with the premier showing of the ABC-TV show "Pan Am," which is on at 10 pm, Sunday nights.
Next month, Coconut Grove will be the scene for the Pan Am World Wide Family Reunion, where hundreds of former Pan Am workers will come to reminisce about the old days of Pan Am. It is the 20th anniversary of Pan Am's demise.
Photos by Rafael Guiterrez.
The Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church (117 Grand Avenue) is in need of volunteers to help with their "Homework Help" initiative.
This requires manpower and supervision of students completing homework assignments in different subjects during this school year. Volunteers are asked to contribute at least two hours per day or you can give a full five hours per session.
This will help hundreds of children in the community. If you have time to give, please contact Chamara Porcher at 305-300-7790 or shadygrove117@gmail.com.
Nityananda Center (2829 Bird Avenue) is holding a Women's Defense Workshop, through the Alexander Foundation (AF), which is open and free to the public, on Saturday, October 8 from 4 to 6 pm.The AF is a not for profit corporation which offers services and educational opportunities to improve the quality of life in our community. This community class in women's self defense is called SPEAK. This is an acronym, alluding to finding a voice and way of moving when faced with stress or limiting circumstances.
This SPEAK (Women's Self Defense) Community Class addresses challenges that determine these things:
Speed
Finding the simplest, most effective and quickest way to take control.
Power
Committing to being fully engaged in the here and now.
Experience
Repetitious training creates response-ability. The fire drill prepares you for the unexpected experience.
AccuracyEmpowering awareness through 'seeing' clearly.
Knowledge
Using your body's inherent 'knowledge' to empower skill.
These all contribute to how you face and deal with managing change, risk-taking and conflict.
Attendees will learn basic self defense techniques and equally important, mental and emotional strategies to enjoy a healthy and peaceful quality of life.
Master Chet Alexander is the founder of the Alexander Foundation International Martial Arts Temple and has been training in martial arts for 35 years. He has a 7th Dan Black Belt.
Master Chet has trained many world famous teachers and champions and has fought professionally.
This workshop is an opportunity to draw on this great resource, have a lot of fun and get in shape. Remember the journey of a 1000 miles starts with one step! The workshop is free of charge and open to all women, all fitness levels. No previous experience is necessary.
Saturday, October 1, is the date of the next Coconut Grove Gallery Walk.
The new BID budget granted the Gallery Walk committee $7200 to use as they see fit, most usually goes towards advertising. Music must be part of the deal, according to the BID, so that there are musicians throughout the Grove on the first Saturday of each month for Gallery Walk.
Still being debated at the Gallery Walk meetings are whether all the galleries in the Grove are "legitimate galleries." Who is to say what is art? How can you pick and choose what a gallery is? I am not sure which galleries they are questioning, but just because you don't like the art in a particular place, does that make it not a gallery? It may be a crummy gallery, but it's a gallery isn't it?
Also, brought up at the last meeting was the subject of including other businesses, not just galleries as part of Gallery Walk night. That's the way it is in may other places around the country. Storefronts show art on the Gallery Walk night, making it a totally engaged art community on that one particular night of the walk. I wrote about this in the past, how Punta Gorda, FL does this for their Gallery Walk nights and they don't even have galleries in Punta Gorda!
“Friends of Grove Art” is being discussed as being a sub-committee consisting of artists and residents who will participate in making the Grove a better art expirience. 40 to 50 people would be a good amount to have as part of this group who would network and share ideas to make the Grove Gallery Walk experience better.
One other issue that is bothering some members of the Gallery Walk group is that some galleries are not open all the time -- the only Saturday night that they open is Gallery Walk Night and they are not open during normal weekday hours. This needs to be remedied so that people who visit the Grove have the full art experience and they can enjoy all that the galleries have to offer.
Trivia Tuesday for Hallowpalooza is Tuesday, September 27 at The Grove Spot (3324 Virginia Street).
Shake-A-Leg Miami is the beneficiary this year because this past January Woody Beckham, the cousin of one of the organizers's of Hallowpalooza, Lucy Foerster, suffered a spinal cord injury that has left him paralyzed from the chest down. "Let me tell you that this injury hasn't stopped The Woodman from being the amazing young gentlemen that he is and who he aspires to be. He is spreading awareness every where he goes and wants to give back to his new community. So let's lend a hand by spreading the word and raise some serious money," says Lucy.
Shake-A-Leg Miami is the Coconut Grove organization that uses the marine environment to improve the health, education, independence and quality of life for all with an emphasis on individuals with physical, developmental and economic challenges.
Trivia night is at 7:30, cost is $10 per person.
Any questions or want to know more about Shake-A-Leg Miami email Lucy.Foerster@gmail.com. If you would like to make a donation and can't attend she'll give you more instructions to do so.
Don't forget to follow Hallopalooza on twitter at @HallowpaloozaFL
They also have a facebook event page check it out and RSVP here.
The Pan Am Launch Party is tonight at the Peacock Garden Cafe. This is to celebrate the new TV show which starts on ABC tonight. All 150 tickets have been sold, but I am told that they may let more people in and you can pay at the door ($25.00).
Info on the party here.
Speaking of Pan Am, you may see a lot of former Pan Am employees around the Grove next month. On October 20 to 23, Pan Am is having a "World Wide Family Reunion." It's been 20 years since Pan Am went out of the business, but the former employees are like family and they celebrate Pan Am whenever they can. Above is what is now Miami City Hall, an original Pan Am terminal. The planes would take off and land in the water.
Coconut Grove being such an integral part of Pan Am's history, only makes it the logical place to hold the reunion. There are supposed to be 500 to 800 guests coming. They will stay at the Courtyard Marriott and the Mutiny. This is also the Centennial of aviation, which started in 1911, so there are lots of things planned. A tour of City Hall, the former Pan Am Terminal is high on the agenda also a guided tour of aviation pioneer Glen Curtiss's newly restored Miami Springs Mansion with a stop at the Pan Am Flight Academy.
The Hangar Party is the largest event, being held at the historic Coast Guard Hangar at Shake-A-Leg. After the official reunion there is a choice of two cruises departing the Port Of Miami.
These Pan Am people sure know how to party.
The restaurant owners in town need eyeglasses or better smart phones. They seem to contact me when they don't intend to.
One guy would call me in the middle of the night quite often, asking about the restaurant. He would call at 1 am or 2 am and ask me questions, not realize that I wasn't the Tom that managed his restaurant. I finally had a word with him and he stopped.
The other day I got a bunch of text messages from another restaurant owner asking if his kid's swimming lessons were still on. Huh?
Tom is a common name. They should add a last night to their phonebook listings.
You may remember that the Coconut Grove Elementary School was looking for people to adopt their gardens. We'll, they are all adopted, prepped and ready to plant. We're proud of the 5th grade garden since that's the one we sponsored. Doesn't it look great! Imagine it with actual plants and veggies growing!
Saturday, Sept. 24, is "Moving Planet Day." It's a day to "move beyond fossil fuels."
The worldwide really is meant to draw attention to climate crisis by doing all sorts of things. One simple way is not to drive the car that day, ride your bike. Another way is to point arrows at problem sites (corporate targets, gas stations, etc.).
Along with bicycling, kayaking, skateboarding, rollerblading and more are a good idea.
In Miami, there are quite a few things planned from a Beach Rally to a bicycle trip to the S. Miami Farmer's Market. You can see the list here (just put the city or zip code in) and visit the website to get more ideas on what the whole day is about.
The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce is having it's next Networker at Siam Oishi, the Thai restaurant. This is one of my favorite places in the Grove and they have moved to a new, larger space at 3409 Main Highway.
The networker is Wednesday, September 28 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. The Downtown Miami Brickell Chamber of Commerce will join in, too. When they join in, a lot of people show up and it's a lot of fun. It's a great way to meet new people from outside the Grove, because the Brickell and downtown people come into the Grove for the mixer.
Enjoy a complimentary wine or beer and hors d’oeuvres with admission, additional drinks at Happy Hour 2 for 1 Prices.Raffle Prizes: include a Free Night at the Sonesta Hotel, valued at $150; $50 Gift Certificate for dinner at Siam Oishi and more.
Cost is $5 for Grove Chamber members $10 Non-Members.
RSVP to 305-444-7270 or info@coconutgrove.com.
Hallowpalooza is back for it's third year. That's the Halloween Party with a purpose. This year, they are raising funds for Shake-A-Leg Miami, the Coconut Grove organization that uses the marine environment to improve the health, education, independence and quality of life for all with an emphasis on individuals with physical, developmental and economic challenges.
Hallowpalooza is Saturday, October 29 at 9 pm.
Admission of $20 which includes open bar, costume contest and live entertainment along with other tricks and treats.
The party is at 2985 Aviation Avenue in Coconut Grove. They have a Facebook fan page here. And you can follow them on twitter at: @HallowpaloozaFL
Francesca from the popular Miami Food Truck, Mac'n, is hosting a special vegan all-you-can-eat brunch at Govinda's dining club Saturday, September 24 from 10 am-2 pm. Mac'n is South Florida's first vegan food truck.
Govinda's is at the Hare Krishna temple at 3220 Virginia Street. Mac'n changes the menu weekly but they serve Mac and Cheese of course and Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Pickles, Portobello, Pea and Mozzerella Mac 'n Cheese, Peach Cobler Cupcakes and so many other vegan items.
They may be reached at info@macnfoodtruck.comCost is $15 and tickets must be purchased in advance here.
Rodez Art Gallery at CocoWalk, is hosting a special fundraiser benefiting Margo Gignac. Margo, a promising Coconut Grove ballerina, was involved in a devastating, life-changing car accident in the early hours of December 3, 2010.
Her injuries were so severe and her condition so grave that police who arrived on scene treated Margo'ssituation as a potential homicide. Amazingly; however, due to Margo's amazing guts, determination, and sheer strength, she survived but she is now paralyzed and facing difficult circumstances as she does not have insurance to cover physical therapy which she desperately needs on a daily basis.
The event will feature a silent auction with all proceeds benefiting Margo, as well as a percentage of all artwork sold during the evening. Margo and her mom will be on hand to accept all cash donations.
The event is Saturday, September 24, from 7 to 10 pm.
More on Margo here: http://www.gomargogo.com/.
The Coconut Grove Ballet held a benefit in March. Photos here.
Eight children from Coconut Grove Cares and the Barnyard in Coconut Grove will be honored on Friday at City Hall in a red carpet event on Friday, September 23.
Arts to Literacy along with The Other Side Movement will honor the students for their skills in writing, directing, acting and filming in 30-second public service announcements that will be shown on TV nationally, part of the "Chose Life," campaign.
The mission is to help tranform the mindsets of youth away from gun violence, domestic violence drunk driving, teen pregnancy, etc. The students' short films will be shown.
A red carpet will be out in front of City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive) from 6:30 to 9:00 pm, including a limo drop off for the students, who will walk the red carpet and receive their own award that resembles the famous Academy Awards Oscar.
This is free and open to the public.
For more information Please call 800-365-6208.
The Fresh Market has pumpkins out already. Isn't it still too early for that? They'll be rotten by the time Halloween comes around I think.
They also have pumpkin pie out for sale. That, I bought, that's my favorite type of pie along with cherry and blueberry. When the eggnog hits the shelves, then we'll really know the holidays are coming.
The AMJam is back this Friday, September 23, at the Academy of Arts and Minds (3138 Commodore Plaza). Show time is from 7 to 11 pm.
This is the free-for-all (and free to enter) talent show that anyone is allowed to participate in. Everyone is welcome to come out and support the talented performers or actually be a performer. Show off your own talent!All unabashed artists of all persuasions from every corner of Miami-Dade County are invited to participate: actors, musicians, poets, dancers, singers, writers, painters, etc. This is open to students and adults.
Show your artistic mojo to win the grand prize. Relax, unwind and let yourself go performing you're most recent and poignant work.
There are only two rules: 1. Be good at what you do; 2. Be ready when your turn is called.
For info, please contact Mily Lopez at 305-607-5650.
The City is over $60 million in the hole and needs to cut back, I may have a solution. How about these guys? Get rid of them. Or at least tone them down a bit.
It doesn't look bad here, but every Friday, these trash pick up guys block traffic for sometimes blocks. No matter what street you turn down, there they are blocking traffic. Usually they block both lanes of traffic so cars are backed up in both directions.
It never fails that when you're in a rush, there they are like huge prehistoric monsters, blocking your path for long periods of time.
More than one person has approached me about this and said that a good way for the City to save money would be to stop the weekly pick-ups and go down to monthly. That may work. Instead of having these guys on every single street on Fridays, how about having certain zones for pick-ups so that they will not be everywhere at once.
The North Grove could be the first Friday of the month, the South Grove the second Friday and so on. It would save tax dollars and also save wear and tear on peoples' nerves when trying to navigate around these contraptions.
There is a Craft Beer Tasting at El Carajo (2465 SW 17 Avenue) on Wednesday, September 21. The fall seasonal beers will be paired with choice chef selected appetizers.
Featured Beers List
- Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin
- Weyerbacher Imp Punkin Ale
- Cigar City Good Gourd
- Brooklyn Post Road
- Dog Fish Head Punkin Ale
- Sierra Nevada Harvest
- Brooklyn Octoberfest
- Becks Oktoberfest
- Brooklyn Sorachi Ace
- Blue Moon Grand Cru
Beer Tasting Menu
Assorted Cheese Platter - Great with Fruit Beers
Kobe Beef Sliders - Awesome with any beer!
Pumpkin Pie - Tastes great with Pumpkin Beers
The tasting is from 7 to 9 pm, appetizers are included.
The cost is $20 per person, no RSVP is needed. Questions: 305.856.2424.
The Around the World Food & Wine Event is Saturday, September 24. Restaurants and catering companies from South Florida will be featuring their best. Included are Los Ranchos Steakhouse, Lou Lou le Petit Bistro, Elwoods Gastro Pub, Thierry's Catering and Fine Food Events Catering. There will also be live entertainment and exhibits. The music includes Salsa, Soft Rock, Jazz and Progressive.
Sample some of the best food and wine from 7:30 to 10:00 pm. This is all indoors.
The cost is $80 per person which includes all food and wine, but today only, September 20, Dealtificate is offering half price admission. Get your tickets online today and pay only $40 per person. You may purchase that today only here. You'll have to sign up for Dealtificate to get this deal.
VIP tickets are $120 each. They include Red Carpet Entrance and Special VIP area with live music entertainment, table of cheeses and fruits to enjoy with Wine, exquisite culinary food and open bar. Also all Wine tastings and food samples. Those tickets may be purchased here.
Dress Code: Business casual. No hats, T-shirts or shorts permitted. 21+ event.
The event is at the Miami Science Museum (3280 S. Miami Avenue).
The Around the World Food & Wine Event will benefit Pillars of Love, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the world and spreading love including: sheltering, feeding and educating orphaned children all over the world and helping with natural disasters. Their goal is to build Pillars of Love and create a better world for the less fortunate.
For info, please email Pillarsoflove@aol.com
JCI Coconut Grove is having a general membership meeting and Special 35th Anniversary announcement on Wednesday, September 21 at Jaguar (3067 Grand Avenue).
Stop on for free appetizers and happy hour drink specials. The fun is from 7:30 to 10:30 pm
There is a suggested donation of $5.00 to benefit the 2011 Holiday Toy Drive and Easter Seals.
Jaguar has great ceviche and Latin American steaks, veggie lasagnes, conchita pibil pork tacos and more.
Bombay Sapphire is having an art contest as part of its Artisan Series. in partnership with Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. Our friend, local artist Lisa Remeny, has a piece in the contest. It's called, "A Perfect Day on the Harbour," the glory of the tropics on a sunny afternoon.
You may vote for Lisa's piece here: http://agenda.complex.com/sapphireart. You'll see her piece under the Florida section. You can vote daily up until October 31, 2011.
Two grand prize winners will have their air displayed at the Rush Gallery in New York City during February 2012 and the winners receive a trip to New York.
Good luck, Lisa!
Jesse Vasquez, the general manger at the Cruz Building, gave me the scoop on what is going on there.The Cruz Building is the former Christabelle's Quarter and The Ivy location on Commodore Plaza. It's now open for business again. They are strictly using the building as event space for private events such as weddings, product launches, parties, charity events, and things like that.
The rate for renting the building is $6,500 (weekdays) and $8,900 (weekends) for a five hours function for 250 people and $15 per person over 250.
They have done some renovations inside and the space is available to you any time you're ready. I keep saying that the space would be perfect for one of those murder mystery dinner parties, you know, for charity or something. With Halloween coming up, I'm sure the space will come to some good use.
Email or call Jesse at JVazquez@CruzBuildings.com or 305-801-2691 to schedule an appointment.
Living Social is offering a VIP pass to next month's Grovetoberfest for only $44. That's a regular $89.00 value. You can get the deal all day here.
The VIP pass entiles you to "one-hour early admittance to the festival, access to the VIP Lounge with a special selection of high-end brews and food, a commemorative glass, a VIP badge, a real restroom, and no lines at the beer booths."
Grovetoberfest is in Peacock Park on October 15 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. It's a world-class beer tasting event, where you can sample hundreds of craft brews from around the world. There is live entertainment on the big stage and lots of food, too.
Alien Endurance, along with TriJungle is offering a 17-week Miami Half Marathon Group Training Program from October 8 to January 29.
There is a free info meeting tonight, Monday, September 19 at 7 pm at TriJungle (2829 Bird Avenue).
Train for the most exciting Half-Marathon in Florida, the ING MIAMI! This program will be perfect for beginners to intermediate level runners. You'll receive great coaching, structure, and many options for group runs!
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
- Certified Coaches designing and leading program
- 2 tracks to participate in: walk/run program or run program
- Online Training Program with calendar schedule of all workouts
- Daily email reminders of all planned workouts
- Minimum 4 weekly group sessions
- Special Clinics on hydration, nutrition, strength training, gear, and more
- Running shirt and other free gear
- Sports drink and gels provided at all Long Runs
- Fun training in a group environment
For info, pleae call 305807-2896 or email: info@alienendurance.com
Remember the Most Valuable Blogger Awards that CBS4 was having? We'll we won People's Choice in the "Local Affairs" category. Random Pixels blog won the Editor's Choice for that same category. Congrats Random Pixels! And thank you readers for choosing the Coconut Grove Grapevine as your favorite Local Affairs blog!
Thanks to our friend Dave Weiss for nominating us.
You can see all the categories and winners here.
Have you seen the police on the corner of Mary and Grand giving out tickets to anyone who does something wrong on the corner (traffic-wise that is).
I have mixed emotions. I know they are doing their job, but the way they are picking off people is amazing. But then again, maybe people deserve to be ticketed for speeding and going through the stop signs on that corner. It's an all-way full stop.
Some Grovites have taken to kibitzing with the cops while they happily ticket the traffic scofflaws. They actually sit on the ledge at the Mayfair and visit with the cops who are nicely under the shade, having a good old time giving out tickets in between gossiping with the locals. I am guilty with kibitzing with the Grovites who are there, but not with the cops, I don't know these particular cops so I have not engaged them, I don't want to encourage them or make them feel welcome.
I think I might have gotten a ticket myself today because I think I didn't come to a full stop as I came up the hill there (by the way, that big ugly sign is gone), but a poor lady was throwing a tantrum with the officer after she was stopped and that took all the eyes off the traffic and onto that scene, in fact, when a passed a few minutes later, there were a bunch of police cars added to the situation. I guess the lady really was not pleased with getting a ticket and the cops in return were not going to take her tantrum lying down.
A bunch of bikers stopped by the Grove today. They parked in front of the AC Fine Art Gallery and then walked over to the Sandbar to hang out.
Lots of bikers also hang out at Calamari on the weekend. 
The unveiling ceremony for the Coconut Grove Children’s Mosaic Mural will be held next Friday, October 7 at 3:00 p.m. at the U.S. Post Office at 3191 Grand Avenue. Everyone is invited.
