Stuff my grandmother and mother taught me, and a few things I picked up on my own:
STOP BEING SO POLITE. As women we are taught to be nice, to not be rude. You know what, until this rapist is caught, be rude.To stay safe, be sensible. Go with your gut. If something or someone creeps you out, don't worry about looking foolish. Scream. Hit the accelerator, lean on the car horn, RUN.
IF IT IS DARK AND DESERTED, DO NOT approach a car you think is looking for directions. Stay back, keep walking, just point to nearest big intersection tell them "go there and ask for directions" or say I don't know. Make your friends get out of the car and walk you to your front door. Even in the rain.
LOCK THE DOOR TO THE CAR, ALWAYS, even if you are just waiting for your friend to get in.
STOP TEXTING while you are walking the dog.
IF YOU MUST WALK ALONE AFTER DARK, WALK WITH A PURPOSE, and have the keys to your car, or front door out, in a fisted hand with the key poking through your middle and index fingers. If someone is following you cross the street. Keep comfortable flat shoes in your car so you can ditch the 4 inch platform shoes the minute you get into the car while you are still in a crowded, well lit area, that way you will not be teetering around when you get home, and can run, should you actually have to.
GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS, their work schedules and routines. Years ago, when I live in New York, I was attacked in my building while I waited for the elevator on my way to work at 8 am. I made my get away because I knew exactly which neighbor was home at that time and ran to his door screaming. It saved my life.
ORGANIZE WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS, building association or homeowner or tenants association. Organize with friends and neighbors to walk your dogs in groups of 2 or more.
GET PROFESSIONAL PROTECTION: a Brinks alarm or whatever they are called now. They've been spending a ton of money on ads about the name change promotion so maybe they have a special deal. Get a high beam light that switches on when they detect motion. It will annoy your neighbors but, so what? No rapist is going to hide in the bushes with out that thing flashing on every time he moves.
CHANGE YOUR ROUTINE. Change your running, walking or jogging patterns. This guy is serial and has been stalking the neighborhood, so fake him out.
IF YOU ARE IN YOUR CAR ARRIVING HOME LATE AT NIGHT AND THINK SOMEONE IS FOLLOWING YOU, head to the downtown area of the Grove, to where there is a crowd, Moe's Sandbar, Greenstreet. Or to any of our hotels: Mayfair, Sonesta, Mutiny. Or the firehouse on Day. If it is after 3 am, head to Flanigans.
Mike Smith and Elena V. Carpenter (Publisher of Miami Monthly Magazine); Doris and Charnley Conway (VP of UPS)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade hosted their Third Annual Gala last weekend, featuring a “Wild About Kids” theme at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove. The gala’s chair was philanthropist Lana DeSimone and the co-emcee was chef and TV personality Ralph Pagano, host of FLN’s Pressure Cook, who was also featured in TV’s Iron Chef & Hell’s Kitchen. His co-emcee was Michele Gillen, CBS4 I-Team Chief Investigative Reporter.
Alex Rodriguez-Roig (Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade), Christina Rodriguez-Roig and Olga Guilarte
The highlight of the night was a special performance by children from Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade of Abbott and Costello’s Who’s on First routine. After their performance, the children walked around the ballroom encouraging guests to sponsor a child through a $250 donation. All proceeds benefited the five clubs in the Miami-Dade area.
“The Gala celebrated how wild we are about our kids. The children in our community count on our organization to have a place where they can attend after-school and summer programs for studying, sports, mentoring and organized activities,” stated Alex Rodriguez-Roig, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.
The Femfessionals group had a luncheon attended by 60 women at Calamari yesterday. Guest Speaker was Lourdes Castillo de la Pena, who was appointed by the Florida Attorney General as Commissioner to the Florida Status of Women. She spoke on how community involvement impacts the status of All Women. The Femfessional events are monthly networking luncheons for women.
Host a Traditional Thanksgiving Feast at home without cooking. Let the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove's Chefs prepare a lavish Thanksgiving dinner for you and your guests.
Order a four-course gourmet meal that you simply pick up on Thanksgiving Day, transfer it to your own dishware and it serves from six to eight guests. Everything is beautifully packed and will be ready to go Thanksgiving Day between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm.
The menu includes: Sweet potato and chestnut candies, picked garden greens, house dressings, roasted turkey with giblet gravy, range rosemary corn stuffing with spiced pecans, olive oil crushed Yukon with Gorgonzola cream festive medley of Fall harvest vegetables and a homemade pumpkin pie all for for just $135.00 plus tax.
There are a limited number of Turkey to Go feasts available, the deadline to order is Tuesday, November 24 at 2 pm.
Another rape in Center Grove occurred early this morning on Virginia and Day. I took the composite down of the assailant because it may or may not be the same one from Halloween.
The assailant is described as a black male, 5' 7", 175 pounds, medium build, wearing blue jeans, black windbreaker, dark shirt, black skull cap and a red bandana over his mouth.
The victim apparently was sitting in her car in the area of Mary and Day Avenue waiting for a friend to come join her, and the assailant entered the car through the passenger door.
The assailant had a gun, and the crime began as a robbery.
The assailant then had the victim drive to a nearby parking lot, where the sexual battery occurred.
Although there are similarities in the area where the attack occurred and the description of the assailant, police have not been able to determine that this assailant is the same one who committed sexual battery on Halloween morning.
A composite sketch of the assailant is presently being done.
The area is still roped off and police are still investigating. Everyone is urged to remain alert and vigilant and report anything suspicious. Call 911 immediately or the non-emergency number: 305-579-6111.
Keep the non-emergency number in your cell phone to report anything suspicious -- call 911 if you see something happening.
We got breakfast at Havana Grove and then wandered over to the Used Book Fair at the Academy of Arts and Minds (3138 Commodore Plaza). Monika Mora and Alex Riviere, above, are a couple of the students involved in the event.
For $1.00, you can get any paperback book and for $2.00, you can get any hardcover book.
All money raised goes to the Honey Shine Mentoring Program for underprivileged girls. The Book Fair runs until 5 pm today, November 21.
Last night, on the tv news, there was a report, which actually was an announcement about a DUI checkpoint in Coconut Grove from 8 pm to 1 am. It was some sort of "drunk driving awareness program."
Ironically, this comes out right after the 5 am bar closing issue was talked about and since when do the police announce a DUI checkpoint? Isn't the point to catch people unaware and not warn them to "avoid the Grove" or get caught? Who set this up and then leaked it to the news in time for the nightly report?
This reminds me of many Thursday nights when flashing police cars are set up on Commodore Plaza for hours on end, with no other business than obvious punishment to the businesses for 5 am talk -- it's a way to scare the business away from the Grove on one of their busiest nights.
As you all know by now, freedom of speech is dead in the Grove these days. You speak out, you get punished, usually where it hurts -- in your pocketbook.
So since the news outlets were told ahead of time about the DUI checkpoint in the Grove, many feel that the Grove was singled out, and all the partiers knew to keep away and hit South Beach, South Miami, Mary Brickell Village and other entertainment districts, where the situation says, "Welcome -- we want you here!"
Le Café Pop is preparing to open at 3425 Main Highway. Currently they are looking for wait staff and a cook.
They will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some items on the lunch menu include:
- Confit de canard (Duck leg confit with frisée and sautéed potatoes) - Parmentier de canard et sa salade (Duck confit with mashed potatoes) - Cassoulet toulousain (White beans stew with sausage, pork, lamb and duck Confit) - Pavé de Cabillaud lardé sauce moutarde (Cod with bacon and mustard sauce) - Saumon à l’unilatérale (Grilled salmon) - Entrecôte bordelaise (Grilled Rib eye, with French Fries and red wine sauce) - Onglet à l’échalote (Hanger steak with Fries served with compote of shallot, red wine sauce) - Filet de bœuf Roquefort (Beef tenderloin with French Fries and Roquefort sauce) - Filet de bœuf béarnaise (Beef tenderloin with French Fries and béarnaise sauce) - Steak Tartare (Raw ground beef, egg yolk, and condiments with French Fries)
They are still working on pricing, we don't have that yet.
There are salads, appetizers and desserts, too.
For more info or to apply for a position, please call 786-362-5901
The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway) is holidng its popular Old Time Dance on Sunday, November 22 from 6:30 to 10 pm.
$10 admission is the price for adults and chidren under 10 enter free.
Dance to the music of the Mudhole Control under the outdoor Micco pavilion. Contras, Squares, Cirlces and Waltzes are on the dance card. Instruction is offered for beginners.
Co-presidents of the Senior Committee at the Academy of Arts and Minds School (3138 Commodore Plaza, Andrew Webster and Johanna Roessler-Smith, are hosting a used book fair this Saturday, November 21 from 9 am to 5 pm to raise money for the Honey Shine Mentoring Program for underprivileged girls.
A couple of friends who live in the Grove called me to tell me how excited they were about Coral Gables' Village of Merrick Park's Christmas tree lighting ceremony last night. They loved the atmosphere, the music, the whole festiveness of it all. Their kids really loved it the most. Here is Merrick Park's Santa arriving last night.
I was told that many people there last night were Grovites.
The first of three Snow Days is planned for the Grove for December 5, there will be eight tons of snow in the street, the shops will all be lit up, Santa will arrive, but I don't think there is an actual Christmas tree.
There is talk of lighting the few dying palms in the center triangle at Virginia and Grand, in front of The Bookstore, but we need a huge Grove-style Christmas tree.
City Hall has a Christmas tree and thousands of people come out for their lighting ceremony every year. It could be the free food, but there is music and a ceremony and a whole to do about it. Why not here?
A huge Christmas tree in the center of the village would be perfect. Carollers in costume and music around the Grove all season would be perfect. We are a small village; it would be so nice if we looked like what a small village is supposed to look like at holiday time. We don't.
There was talk of 100 Christmas trees being placed around the village at one point, now there is not even one, except for CocoWalk and Mayfair, which doesn't count since most people don't see them or know they are even there.
The Village Council meeting was very civil the other night, both sides had their turns to speak and the Village Council heard them all. There was applause from the audience on both sides and I even enjoyed Ron Nelson's remarks about the Grapevine, he said that the story I wrote about people in the shadows and calling them names was disgraceful and not right.
The whole room turned to look at me sitting in the back row, but honestly, I enjoyed that part and it didn't phase me at all. I did regret calling people "mafia," and not being civil myself in that story, but I was not embarrassed about being called out in public. I knew 90% of the people in the room and I consider them all friends, so it was just friends looking back at me after Ron called me out.
In fact, I ran into CBS4 reporter Gio Benitez downstairs after the meeting, and asked him about putting that on the news. But Gio said that he only had one and a half minutes of sound bite to show on the news out of the whole three hour meeting, and that wasn't the sound bite they would use. Too bad, we could always use the publicity.
Speaking of being civil, there was one part where a number of the Grove residents (those mostly on keep the 3 am closing time) just walked out after they had their say. The Village Council did not even speak yet to voice their concerns and opinions and this huge mass of people just stormed out as if on cue. Guess they knew the majority of the Village Council is in favor of the 5 am closings, and they didn't want to give them the courtesy of hearing their reasons why, which were very interesting and compelling.
It was very rude and uncalled for and didn't help their cause. Here is the video report that ended up on CBS4.
This Thanksgiving, book your out-of-town guests in Mayfair's luxurious suites for only $139 per night.
The Mayfair Hotel & Spa is recognized as one of South Florida's most unique hotels, a tranquil oasis in the center of the vibrant exitement of Coconut Grove, steps from sailing on Biscayne Bay, sidewalk cafes, galleries and shops, and minutes from everywhere else.
Luxurious guestrooms feature private terraces and Japanese got tubs. And don't forget the fabulous rooftop pool and cabana lounge and Jurlique Spa.
To book, call 305-441-0000, and ask for the Thanksgiving Rate, which is good for any night or combination of nights from November 23 -27, 2009.
CocoWalk's Holiday Preview Fashion Show and Toys for Tots Toy Drive is tonight, November 19, at 7:30 pm.
Enjoy the eclectic styles from retailers such as Palm Produce, White House / Black Market, GAP and many more as International Models take to the 80 foot runway that in the courtyard.
The show will run to the beats of DJ Bill James and feature specials, discounts and giveaways throughout CocoWalk.
Please bring one new, unwrapped toy to show to support Toys for Tots.
I don't want to pick on one person or group, but I found this quite telling about the All Grove Crime Watch organization at the Village Council meeting last night. They seem to either be so against one person -- John El Masry at Mr. Moe's or they seem to be so blinded by their fearless leader Commissioner Marc Sarnoff or they are just selfish NIMBY people and really don't care about other areas of the Grove, or the rest of the City of Miami for that matter.
Regarding the 3 am vs. 5 am debate, Robert Lupo, head of All Grove Crime Watch, stood up before the Village Council and used the same old drunk drivers killing nurses and teachers story as the reason for being against the change back to 5 am for the bar closing time. (Someone forgot to send him the memo that that lame excuse is too laughable and stupid to use now).
But either way he and his group don't seem to be too worried about most nurses and teachers because when Liliana Dones, on the Village Council, asked about Flanigan's, on Bird Avenue, not too far from Robert's own house, he said he is indifferent to Flanigan's, which closes at 5 am. This is on tape, thanks to the Grand Avenue News, who taped the whole meeting for future broadcast.
Robert actually said, he doesn't care about the rest of the City of Miami. Just his area. Guess dead nurses and teachers (what about nuns and school children?) are ok as long as it isn't on his block.
As for the rest of the neighbors who stood up and spoke, they were brief and really did not give a reason for being against the change back to 5 am. They just don't want it. Keep in mind that these were the neighbors who showed up, I am assuming that most of the Grove neighbors don't care about the issue or want to play fair and feel that the Grove needs to be on the same playing field as the rest of the city when it comes to bar closing times.
As for the police, Commander Jorge Martin was asked about crime statistics. They didn't have many figures, but it appears that crime is down about 23% (including disturbance calls), but of course some people were quick to bring up that crime would be down since Grove attendance is down. If no one is in the bars and restaurants and on the streets, then who would be out there to commit the crimes. No one.
Windisch-Hunt Fine Art welcomes Roy A. McLendon to the gallery. AnnaMaria is featuring three artists all over the age of 75.
The featured artists are all highly collectible and have all had their art in museums. Roy is one of the original Highwaymen who is self taught and hails from Vero Beach.
The exhibition, called "Our Regional Treasures," will be up through December. These artists have brought honor and distinction to the state of Florida.
The painting shown here is by Roy, called "Road to Orlando."
Two students from St. Hugh Catholic School, and Coconut Grove residents Aliana and Alexsa Gonzalez-Leyva (7th and 4th Grade) have been chosen as part of the cast for Madeline's Christmas at the Actor's Playhouse in Miracle Mile. The play runs today through December 26.
Immaculata La Salle High School (3601 S. Miami Avenue) is currently preparing for its first major dramatic event of the 2009-2010 school year. "The Ricky and Nicky Show (live from Miami)," is a murder mystery dinner theatre production, set at the live recording of a late night talk show.
Audiences will be drawn into the illusion of a recording studio and witness an array of guests and performance acts, dine on delicious Miami flavored food and help solve the mystery of the most unfortunate murder. This is no ordinary high school play, It's an interactive experience for all to enjoy.The performances take place on December 3, 4 and 5 at 7 pm in the Cafeteria (Bayshore Ballroom). Tickets are $20 (including dinner). For info: 305-854-2334.
Do you have a secret eggnog recipe? Compete to be the Best Eggnog in Coconut Grove, on Saturday, December 5, from 5 to 7 pm in the Courtyard at CocoWalk during the Coconut Grove Holiday Kick-Off on Snow Days in the Grove.
Eggnog will be judged on taste, presentation and overall.
If you are not an eggnog expert, do you love to bake? Do you have a gingerbread recipe that puts a smile on the face of even the grumpiest Scrooge? CocoWalk is hosting it’s inaugural Holiday Gingerbread Man Competition. The event will also take place on December 5 from 2 to 4 pm. The community will judge who makes the Best Holiday Gingerbread Man in town.
This will be judged on gingerbread man decor and overall. Prizes will be announced closer to the events, you must be 21 or older for the Eggnog competition.
Deadline to sign up for both events is December 1. Please email to Naomi@cocowalk.net .
The Village Council meeting went well last night at the Abanico Theater, atop the Academy of Arts and Minds School. The 3 am vs. 5 am bar closing time was discussed and everyone had a chance to speak. It basically comes down to the residents present, wanting 3 am to stay and the business owners (not just the bars, but most business owners) want the 5 am bar closing time back.
Ron Nelson, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff's Chief of Staff, called me and the Grapevine out for this story, (Coming out of the Shadows), calling it disgraceful, and I have to say, I have always liked Ron and for what he did last night, I really like Ron even more now. I like and respect people who call me out to my face (not necessarily in front of about 250 people and tv cameras, like last night). But it's nice to be up front and honest rather than hold things in and comment anonymously here.
Elena Carpenter from Miami Monthly said that those who used to party late into the wee hours are growing old now and so they want the Grove to grow old with them, which should not be the case. Rightly so, she said self control and law enforcement are the issue for 5 am bar closings.
John El Masry, owner of Mr. Moe's, gave the analogy of having a house with termites and just tenting one closet to get rid of the problem. So if drunk driving and noise and late 5 am bar closings are the problem (which is the line being sold), why is only one little sliver, Coconut Grove, being closed at 3 am when the rest of the City of Miami's special entertainment districts are open until 5 am, 7 am and even some are open 24 hours now. Why not protect everyone from the nasty old drunk drivers and close everyone down at 3 am.
As Liliana Dones, Village Council member says, "Same am" for the whole City, and maybe even County.
Nathan Kurland spoke for the Village of Center Grove (VOCG). They are against the change back to 5 am and they have a resolution that says so, but Nathan personally spoke out in favor of grandfathering Mr. Moe's and allowing them the 5 am closings. Nathan personally agrees that Mr. Moe's was done wrong. He is for 5 am if the majority of people are for it.
One interesting thing: the Village of Center Grove consists of less than 40 members. It's amazing how this mighty little machine calls so many shots and they really are not very well represented in the scheme of things. Strength without numbers.
Trina Collins, was probably the sweetest speaker last night. She spoke of her niece, a college honor student, who loves Mr. Moe's and misses the 5 am closings. She asked that Mr. Moe's be grandfathered in for 5 am closings because the college students love it and the majority of them are respectable people who are young and like to be out late.
Gary Hecht, Village Council member, spoke of his recent trip to South Miami on a Saturday night, about 8:30 pm, and how it was so lively and jumping, while the Grove was totally dead at the same hour. He now understands the perception issue of 5 am and sees how it affects business all day and night. He said that the Grove has a failing urban core that needs to be saved now. And he agrees that the return to 5 am is a start.
David Collins of the BID says that the BID has made no formal announcement or stand on the 5 am issue, which is strange, since the BID is all about business and you would assume they all would be for more business, which the 5 am change would bring.
Village Council members Michelle Niemeyer is for 5 am, so is Liliana Dones, who talked of her youth in the Grove, staying out late, enjoying life and how the young people today should have the same privilege and choice. Felice Dubin and David Collins were not too clear on their stance, Lottie Person was in favor of the return of 5 am and emphatically loves Mr. Moe's and likes being out late herself. Martin Zilber wondered if Commissioner Sarnoff has the Grove's best interest at heart. And Gary Hecht, of course gave his great story of South Miami and his reasons of why the Grove should be open until 5 am.
Village Council members Adam Weirich was not present because of a family emergency and Alyn Pruett left early for another board meeting elsewhere. We know that Adam is for the change to 5 am and don't know where Alyn stands on the issue.
This sitting Village Council may not revisit the issue and it may be left to the newly seated Village Council in December or January.
Boardwalk Tavern (3421 Main Highway) is having a Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive Thursday, Friday and Saturday (November 19-21).
Bring three items of canned food at receive a free beer! This is a great way to give something back this holiday, and enjoy something to be thankful for -- beer!
High Gear Cycling is partially open at 3210 Grand Avenue. Currently they have some bikes in and they are doing repairs and selling parts, they plan to open fully on December 1. Look for children's and adults's bikes, racing bikes and this all includes sales and rentals.
Above are Pedro, Gustavo and Ricky. Reach them at 305-444-2175.
The Village Council meeting is still on tonight, November 18 from 6 to 8 pm at the Abanico Theater (3138 Commodore Plaza). Please show up!
The new Village Council will be introduced and then the discussion will be about the 3 am to 5 am bar closings. This is the first reading and it will be a discussion only, everyone is encouraged to come out. The 5 am issue is quite important and has been put off for months. This is not going to happen and we hope everyone shows up to voice their concerns.
Susie Essman, one of the stars of Curb Your Enthusiasm, signed her new book last night at The Bookstore in the Grove. She had the crowd laughing as she read chapters from "What Would Susie Say?" her new bestseller. There was wine and hors d'oeuvres and a lot of friends on hand.
Above, Sandy Francis and Felice Dubin, owners of the bookstore, flank Susie. Below, Susie gets ready to sign AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt's book as Liliana Dones and her husband Santiago Villegas, look on.
District Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, sent out a letter today, to the Village Council president's outgoing, Martin Zilber, and incoming Patrick Sessions, stating that he would like to have a public meeting in January to "afford all sides to place before the City of Miami Commission the issue of the cessation of alcoholic sales in Coconut Grove at 3 am."
Crazy Pianos is kicking off the holidays early with a pre-holiday party on Friday, November 20. From 6 to 8 pm, enjoy two for one priced drinks and appetizers, your first drink is free.
Money raised will be used for Blanch Park improvements including buying sand and mulch.
These fine items may be found at Palm Produce, at their two Coconut Grove locations -- the first floor at CocoWalk and the atrium at Mayfair (by the bull sculpture). Above left: Beaded Purses, $16.50; Right: Jibbits for your Crocks, $2.50 and up.
The offer a nice selection of men's hats starting at $28.00.
From left: Unyx lowcut dress ($88.00) with Dr. Sholl's sandals ($59.95); For men: US Polo Assn. black shirt ($38.00), Mix Studio Linen/Cotton white pants ($48.00) and Giorgio Brutini Le Glove shoes ($68.00); Ladies White Samuel Don Ruffel coat ($138.00) with Sat Guru bag ($68.00).
Two shows are currently casting in our area: HGTV's "Color Splash" with David Bromstad. It's one of those makeover shows, if interested, please email apombo@edelmanproductions.com with the following info:
1) names of homeowners 2) Photo of homeowners 3) cell phone 4) occupations 5) explanation of room or rooms that need to be made over. Why? 6) Photos of rooms that need to be made over 7) photo of front of home 8) address/area (Miami/Coconut Grove) 9) There may be a slight chance that homeowners may need to contribute a financial portion to the makeover (on top of what the production company will contribute to it) What do you feel comfortable with contributing to makeover? $______
The second show is ABC's "Secret Millionaire" (previously on Fox), an uplifting documentary-style series that takes viewers into the heart of America's social issues.
Each episode focuses on a different millionaire who goes undercover to experience real life in America's poorest neighborhoods. Challenged with living on minimal wages, the millionaires immerse themselves in a community faced with hardships. On the final day, the Secret Millionaires will select three deserving recipients, reveal their true identities, and donate a total minimum of $100,000.
Do you have everything in life that money can buy and feel like giving back?
Monteripoli Wines and Olive Products of Italy, is celebrating its official US debut at a special reception and wine-tasting at La Bottega Enoteca Sociale (3540 Main Highway) on Thursday November 19, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
The event, in conjunction with the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce, the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce South East and the Grove Garden Trilogy, which includes Calamari, Taurus and La Bottega, will benefit Casa Valentina, the organization that helps teen women who age out of foster transition successfully into independent living.
The minimum donation of $15, plus 10% of all sales of its wine and olive oil products occurring from November 19 through December 31 will go to this wonderful Coconut Grove based organization.
Featured Wines, including Chianti, Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Barbera D’Asti, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Campo Vecchio, Grillo, Ciuri and Nero D’Avola, which will be served along with samplings of the Monteripoli Extra-virgin and Extra-virgin Organic olive oils, as well as a selection of La Bottega’s excellent cheeses and fresh-baked bread.
I find it odd that the City of Miami is shunning the Village Council and refusing to allow them to use City Hall space anymore for their meetings. When in reality, the City of Miami should vacate the Grove and actually have their offices in downtown Miami, not at the Grove's high-end waterfront location.
The City should allow the Cocoanut Grove Village Council access to City Hall because of the mere fact that they are actually in Coconut Grove. It should be out of pure courtesy.
I still have not heard back from Mayor Regalado about City Hall regarding the Village Council. I know he has much more pressing problems on his desk at the moment, they don't even have a City Commission at this point, without a quorum, there is no Commission, is there?
On the other hand, if the Grove wants to be it's own city and wean itself away from Miami, it might be a good idea to start with the Village Council and have the Village Council meet away from City Hall and not depend on Miami City Hall for anything at this point. The mayor seems to have turned his back on the Grove, let's all turn our back on him.
Local face-painter, Ivonne Lanza (above left) was caught wearing this tall hat at the Mayfair Antiques Market this weekend as part of the Mad Hatter Festival.
Hopefully at next year's festival there will be a hat contest and a hat parade. People really went out of their way to create great hats for the event.
Another favorite was Q (above right), who had this wacky tall grass hat. I stupidly cut the top off here when taking the photo, but it had peacock feathers at the very top and a sparrow and even a small Santa Claus at the back.
And of course, maybe the best overall costume and hat had to go to Audrey Scott, local artist.
As you know, we are still collecting money the rest of this week for the Thanksgiving Meals Outreach program here.
And if you would prefer to actually give food items, rather than money, the NET office is also collecting to put together baskets for Thanksgiving. They are looking for turkeys and the rest of the meal items like potatoes, bread, canned gravy, beans, stuffing and so on.
Many local markets are offering two for one specials, so this is a good opportunity to just pick up the extra item when you are shopping and you can donate the item you get free.
They are receiving donations at the NET office (2820 McFarlane Road) from 8 am to 5 pm, until this Wednesday, November 18, 2009.
For more info, please call Faye McFadden at 305-960-4670.
The Great Grove Picnic was still going on at dusk yesterday, we hurried over after the Mad Hatter ended. At left, Greg , Sarah and Nicole Andrews enjoyed the picnic. At right: Lucia showed the other kids how to work the hoola hoop.
On Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 pm, District Commissioner Marc Sarnoff is holding a Town Hall Meeting at the US Sailing Center (2476 S. Bayshore Drive). This will be an open forum to discuss pending issues, and he has requested representatives from Capital Improvement, Solid Waste, Police, Parks, Public Works and the NET office to participate in this meeting.
The Town Hall Meeting is for residents that live between the geographic boundaries of Aviation to SW 22nd Avenue and Tigertail to SW 27 Terrace.
Since July, concerned neighbors have been meeting every six weeks with Comm. Sarnoff and key city department heads to address issues affecting the neighborhoods. The have petitioned the city to resurface the streets, questioned the effectiveness of the NET office, asked for crosswalks in certain areas, complained about poor drainage and also asked for new turf for the playground at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Mini Park.
They have complained about the homeless roaming the streets and pointed out abandoned homes, un-kept properties and other things that affect the quality of life.
One major issue being worked on regarded the Miami Parking Authority (MPA). It had been planned to start decal parking for all Grove residents for one yearly fee, but as of now, at the last minute, the program was pulled.
This great idea was the sole project of the North Grove neighbors, who worked closely with the Parking Authority for months, but the program was squashed. It will probably come up again in the future as being the project of one local politician or other, but it honestly was the North Grove neighbors who were instrumental in coming up with the program along with the MPA.
The meter fees will be going up to $1.50 soon, so the decal parking would have been a nice thing.
The Village Council is meeting on Wednesday, November 18 from 6 to 8 pm at the Abanico Theater (3138 Commodore Plaza). That is atop the Academy of Arts and Minds school. You take the elevator to the top.
The new Village Council will be introduced and then the discussion will be about the 3 am to 5 am bar closings. This is the first reading and it will be a discussion only.
I have contacted Mayor Regalado, but still have not heard back his reasoning on having the Village Council vacate City Hall. It's ironic being that City Hall is on Grove land and they are shunning the Grove Village Council, who should have more rights to that land and building than the City of Miami, which really should have their offices and chambers downtown.
The answer I keep getting is that they want to rotate homeowner groups and give everyone a chance at being on tv and meeting there, yet they are sending the Village Council out without being able to be on tv or able to meet there. This is very strange and not making much sense at this point.
The chambers are sitting empty and no one is using them other than the City Commission right now and there is not really even a City Commission right now, or at least a quorum. It's really very, very weird.
Nobody wanted it to end. The Mad Hatter Arts Festival was what the Grove needed -- a rollback to the old Grove. Saturday and Sunday were filled with art, fun and people. So many new people visited the Grove and so many wore crazy mad hats, that the whole event ended up being a beautiful success.
Thousands of dollars in Grove Bucks went out to those who got in the spirit by wearing mad hats and the bucks were spent right away, even though they expire on December 24.
Closing the north end of Grand Avenue was a stroke of genius. The traffic easily flowed around the closed area and the street from Mary to Virginia, including the Mayfair Promenade, was a real Grove happening. From what we hear the Tea Party Invitations, which consisted of restaurant and bar specials, brought people in droves to the other end of the Grove, which was a great way to include them in the festival.
There is already talk of what to do for next year's event and dare I say, there is talk of closing the street on a monthly basis and possibly moving Snow Days here for the three weeks. What the Commodore Block Party and First Saturday Art Stroll have been trying to do was accomplished this past weekend at the Mad Hatter. The Coconut Grove Merchants Group knocked this one out of the park -- again. Remember The Great Grove Bed Race? They are now two for two.
For more photos, we have a slew of them at our Facebook Fan Page here.
Susie Essman will be at The Bookstore in the Grove (3399 Virginia) to sign her new book "What Would Susie Say?: Bullsh*t Wisdom about Love, Life and Comedy," on Tuesday, November 17 from 6 to 8 pm.
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to meet one of the stars of HBO's hit comedy Curb Your Enthusiasm!
Marielena del Campo, at St. Hugh's finance office, graciously accepts the donation of over $1000, raised by Coconut Grove Grapevine readers for the Thanksgiving food drive. The money will go toward St. Hugh's Outreach Program to buy Thanksgiving dinners for families in need. Thanks to your generous contributions, many families will not go without this year.
We are still collecting and would love to be able to hand over more of your generous support. You may donate here.
The Theater Institute is presenting "Comedy, Crosswalk Regionals 2," performed by local students and professional actors on Friday, November 20 at the Miami Science Museum (3280 S. Miami Avenue).
Show time is 8 pm.
This is a night of improvisation where local student groups compete in exercises for a spot at the finals. The comedy challenge show will feature skits, music, dancing, improvisation exercises, and audience participation games.
The Mad Hatter Arts Festival is on again today from 11 am to 6 pm. It was a lot of fun yesterday, we gave lots of Grove Bucks out randomly to people wearing wild, mad hats. We'll do that again today and also we passed out thousands of Tea Party Invitations, which were used to get special deals at bars and restaurants around the Grove. Those will be handed out again today.
The festival is near the Mayfair end of the Grove, but the rest of the Grove was busy, as well. The bars and restaurants did lots of business. Sandbar, Barracuda and Mr. Moe's were packed. Focaccia sold their special recipe hamburgers and had lines literally down the block. Greenstreet, Calamari, Georges and Le P'tit Paris and Cita's did quite well, too.
The new Switch restaurant had tables outside (shown above) and they did a great business with $5.00 beer pitchers and $8.00 Paella.
We had breakfast at Greenstreets with out wild mad hats and that drew a lot of smiles and attention for the festival.
It's a shame the festival ends at sunset, it's so nice seein some vendors lit up at night, one vendor at the promenade at Mayfair, took advantage of his location and he stayed open awhile longer after most closed up.
Hope to see you all out there again today enjoying the art, music, people and great weather.
Katrina Browne, whose provocative film documentary Traces of the Trade has been critically acclaimed since its Sundance Film Festival debut, will attend a screening and lead a discussion of her film at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (2750 McFarlane Road) on Sunday, December 6 at 7:30 pm. The screening is open to the public and free of charge.
Browne made the devastating discovery some years ago that a branch of her New England family, the DeWolfs, had been prominent in the slave trade from 1769 to 1820. Her research uncovered that buying and selling Africans was more than just a family business. It was a cornerstone of North American commercial life. The film follows nine family members as they retrace their family’s triangle trade from Rhode Island to Africa to the DeWolfs’ family-owned Cuban sugar plantations.
Katrina Browne is the niece of parishioner Ann Strickland.
Plymouth Congregational Church, also in Coconut Grove, has joined with St. Stephen’s in sponsoring this event for the community. The film will be shown in the church’s Great Hall, to the rear of the McFarlane parking lot.
Join Miami's savvy and successful businesswomen for lunch and networking on November 20 at Calamari (3540 Main Highway).
Guest Speaker is Commissioner Lourdes Castillo de la Pena, who will speak on "How Community Involvement Impacts the Status of All Women" and "7 Steps to Turn Business Cards Into Business." There will be a mini-workshop by Michelle Villalobos of Mivista Workshops and Seminars.
It's a perfect day for the Mad Hatter Festival. The Grove is brimming with Mad Hats. At left, Audrey Scott is the Mad Hatter! She recreated the Mad Hatter logo hat and is wearing it all over town. She won a lot of Grove Bucks for that hat -- Grove Bucks are being handed out for the best hats to people in the crowd.
At right, Sheri Friedman is preparing for her free children's hat making workshops at 1 and 4 pm. A party hat and pirates hat will be part of the workshop.
While at the festival, ask for the Tea Party Invitation -- most of the artists have them at their booths -- they are filled with great weekend restaurant and bar specials. One popular Grove restaurant is giving a full 20% off the bill all weekend if you show them the invitation! There are plenty of food and drink specials all around the Grove this weekend with the invitation.
Artists Elizabeth Chacon and Rosie Brown have their art set up side by side at the Mayfair Promenade and Candice Paige Meyer has her art at Mayfair's Atrium (by the bull sculpture).
The early morning bikers drove through at set-up, adding to the charm of the day.
The Mad Hatter Festival is today and tomorrow, November 14 and 15, from 11 to 6 both days, come out and enjoy the arts and crafts and get some of that old-time Grove feel. The two day line-up is here.
And stick around for the Block Party tonight from 6 pm to 3 am on Commodore Plaza.
Jack E. Davis, author of the book "An Everglades Providence: Marjory Stoneman Douglas" and "The American Environmental Century," will be in The Bookstore (3399 Virginia) for an afternoon book signing on tomorrow, November 15 at 3 pm.
Jack E. Davis is an associate professor of history at the University of Florida. He is editor of "The Wide Brim: Early Poems and Ponderings of Marjory Stoneman Douglas" and co-editor of "Paradise Lost? The Environmental History of Florida."
Karen Deilke was one of the artists at Coconut Grove Bank's Art Under the Stars event last week. It's a yearly event which showcases local artists. It's a great networker for the artists who meet new admirers, show off their work and promote themselves and their art.
While the Taste of the Grove party was going on, right across the parking lot, the Mad Hatter hat-making party was happening. Ironically, a lot of the conversation at the Taste party was about the Mad Hatter; nice bit of cross promotion going on.
Hats were being made for this weekend's big Mad Hatter Arts Festival (Saturday and Sunday all around the Grove). Above left, Katrina Boler, Steve Licata and Daisy Lewis, committee members, show off their creations. At right, Felice Dubin poses with her hat, which still had wet paint on it.
My hat will be made from the round plastic containers that held some of the decorations used at the Garland-making party, which was earlier in the week.
As you know, Grove Bucks will be randomly handed out to people wearing great hats, so wear your funniest, wildest and maddest hat and you'll probably have someone or two come up to you and hand you some Grove Bucks, which can be used at participating Grove stores until December 24.
Ransom Everglades is hosting “Mayhem in Miami III,” a High School Robotics Competition, tomorrow, November 14 in the Ransom Middle School Gymnasium (2045 S. Bayshore Drive).
This will be a a great chance to learn about high school competitive robotics and see firsthand a “sport” that is exciting students about science and technology.
“Mayhem in Miami III” will showcase student-built combat and task-oriented robots. The competition will run from 12:30 to 6 pm. Spectators will be admitted at no charge.
In December 2009 CocoWalk will welcome Ouzo Blue Greek Taverna, taking the place of Los Ranchos on the 3rd floor.
Ouzo Blue is opening their third restaurant in under 12 months bringing together the warm tradition of Greek hospitality with delicious Greek Cuisine, updated with a contemporary twist.
According to their promo: "You will find the marrying of flavor and aroma, the crisp tang of traditional seasonings, and the freshest ingredients drawn from the land and sea. Ouzo Blue captures the zest of life, gathering of friends, and the simple appreciation of delicious food with a comfortable, warm ambiance and friendly, knowledgeable staff."
Ouzo Blue will feature traditional Greek dancing and belly dance shows nightly
Nick Deysher and In The Nick of Time Music are playing a two-day concert event to promote the new kids’ music CD, "People, Places and Things." Set to coincide with the Mad Hatter Art Festival, Nick and friends will be playing two afternoon shows on Saturday and Sunday, November 14 and 15 from 3:00-4:30 pm at the Barnacle State Historic Park (3485 Main Highway).
The event is free with $2 park admission. "People, Places and Things" is the second studio release from In The Nick of Time and features 14 original songs.
Last night was the unveiling of the Great Taste of the Grove poster (left) at the Mutiny Hotel. Atchana's East/West Kitchen supplied the food and drink. It was a great night out by the pool, the weather was beautiful and everyone seemed to be there.
Above are Gary Ciuca, co-chairman of the Chamber's January event, with Prince Media Development’s President Heather Bettner, who oversees all event operations and sponsorship sales. With them are Lupe and Tony Noboa, Tony is president of the Chamber.
Also in attendance were Monty Trainer, Camille DePhillips, Sue McConnell, Sylvia Quinn, Katherine Phillips, Richard Issa, Erica and Adam Kutner, Antoinette Baldwin, David Guzikowski, Mary McDonald, Michelle Alvarez, Doreen LoCicero, Erika King and so many more friends, it really was a great turnout.
Some of us joked about putting the Grove "characters" in a reality show, it's funny how we are all at odds in the day and then at night, bygones are bygones and we can all party and hang out together as friends. Lots of good reality tv there.
Antoinette said the name of the show should be "Desperate Grovites," which we all liked. I joked about us being right at the pool's edge and as usually happens in a reality show, someone ends up in the pool, so it was the perfect setting.
Antoinette had some good news about the King Mango Strut -- she and Glenn Terry met with City Manager Pete Hernandez, who mediated, and they had a nice discussion on how to make the Strut happen this year. Which it will. Details to come.
The Great Taste of the Grove is January 9 and 10 this year, in Peacock Park. Look for me in the rum booth (selling, not drinking, well, maybe I'll have a taste).
