It's their money, they can do what they want

Looks like Mercy Hospital is taking some of that money they sold themselves out for to have their hospital signs waxed. They were crying about needing all that money to update the medical equipment, but today a mobile car washing/waxing company had a few trucks out with workers literally waxing the signs all around the facility. Guess their salaried maintenance crew was out on vacation or something and the signs had to get done.

I took the picture with my cell phone, sorry about the poor quality.

We want culture, please

I had to laugh at the comment left below on the Back to the Future post about the Playhouse. The rude commenter (lobbyist?) says that more condos and stores and a mixed-use development is what is needed in the Grove.

I see it differently -- it seems that every time The Barnacle has a music event, the whole town shows up. Last December, "It's A Wonderful Life" was probably the most spectacular event we had in the Grove, that's if you don't count the outdoor showings of Much Ado About Nothing, which drew standing room only crowds -- even in the rain.

Even Blue Man Grove draws massive crowds on a street corner! And don't get me started on the Arts Festivals and Taste of the Grove and all the other cultural things we do. They all bring out massive crowds from the whole county.

I think the person who left the comment needs to get to know his/her neighbors and the tourists. As far as I can tell, culture is what people want. Not more condos.

Changes at Starbucks

Doug Olson of Coast to Coast with Gino Vasques at the Grove Starbucks.

There's a new kind of thing going on at Starbucks, if you were in this morning things were different. If you had your coffee there (not take-out) you had a choice of the regular cup or this great new ceramic mug.

The big shots from Starbucks are in town from Seattle this week, they are staying and meeting at the Mayfair Hotel.

Below is District Manager Sachita Subramania. He actually brought coffee across the street to AnnaMaria the other day because the coffee machine was broken when she stopped in. Rather than make her wait, he told her he would bring it over and here he is -- service with a smile. Sachita will be here throughout Starbucks' move across to CocoWalk.

Michael Hubbard (below) in for his morning java he is a consultant for Growth Capital.

Back to the future

A tourist asked a couple of us the other day for a "Where" magazine, he was looking for theater listings to see some sort of play or performance in the area. Shame we didn't have the Grove Playhouse to send him to.

One of my neighbors is an old Grovite. He was telling me one night that he played with the Monroe kids at The Barnacle when it was just "their house." He says the playhouse was a movie theater back then and they also had a soda fountain in the lobby, which I remember being told before.

Love the idea of the Playhouse being turned not only into a theater again, but maybe a place to show old movies -- a revival house, and an old ice cream shop or soda fountain in the lobby would be great too.

Art presentation at Grove Gallery and Interiors

Coconut Grove Gallery and Interiors (2884 Bird Avenue) is presenting recent work by the renowned artists Jack Amoroso and Hollye Davidson. Also featured will be jewelry designer

The opening reception, "Hidden Colors" is Friday, May 2 from 5:30 to 8 pm Marilyn Cale. For preview appointments, please call Sheila Kuhl at 305-445-7401 ext, 217. There is free parking at the Mary Street entrance.

Big turnout for Chamber networker at Pisco's

It's still going on, but we hate to waste time, so here are some pictures of tonight's Chamber of Commerce networker at Pisco's. Above are Sharon Silver, Mary Strusenberg, Marilyn Tatman, and Judy Campo from Coldwell Banker.

Raquel Patterson and her husband Mike Moore. She is with Luxury Living Realty and he with MWM Solutions. I remember Raquel from her Grove Hill days.

H. Allen Benowitz, photographer, with Alberto, smiling owner of Pisco's passing around the Peruvian specialties they have on their menu. This Chamber networker was a coup for Pisco's.

Doreen LoCicero of Crepe Maker with artist Lisa Remeny.

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

I had an interesting talk with the neighbors

While I was at Mrs. Brown's house, I got to speak with a few of the neighbors from Florida Avenue. I asked them about the proposed Grand Avenue project, not too far from them.

You would think that being blocks away, they would be for it, but it seems the would rather have more of the Rebuilding Together crew fix up the neighborhood, than have a strange developer come in and knock down their history.

They do like the idea of a Publix or Trader Joe's being built, they feel Milam's is ripping them off and they would appreciate the lower prices that the other two stores could offer. Also, they like the idea of new jobs coming into the area. They don't like the thought of major construction projects, especially blocks and blocks of it. A few resent all the high rises they see in the distance now.

They don't trust anything developers say and they don't understand the point of displacing so many people. This is their home, why uproot them to line the pockets of strangers with no ties to the neighborhood? The people being displaced want to stay in the neighborhood, not end up someplace like Florida City, where the nearest "affordable housing" seems to be. The people being displaced are being displaced for the benefit of whom? The builders and the remaining neighbors?

They feel that the people being displaced are "taking a bullet" for the rest of the neighborhood and especially the developers. Imagine if you were told that you have to move out, vacate and move far away. No more Grove for you, go enjoy another part of the county as your home. Think about it.

One neighbor told me that he could look up and see sky when he was younger, now he sees the green roofs of the Ritz Carlton and other high rises in the distance. He said that he has lived in the Grove his whole life and would prefer that his Village West neighborhood be left alone, other than the refurbishing jobs that Building Together is doing.

I found my talk with them quite interesting. Maybe the people voting on the project, like the zoning and planning board and city commissioners (not the developers), should walk around the neighborhood one day and chat up the neighbors and see what they really think.

Many of the neighborhood people don't come to the city meetings, they are afraid of speaking up, but I do think they need to be heard.

Coconut Grove Great Chicken Wing Cook-off

Attention chicken wing fanatics! This summer CocoWalk is set to host the first ever Coconut Grove’s Great Chicken Wing Cook-off. Held in honor of Hooters’ 25th anniversary, restaurants from the Coconut Grove area will compete in several categories including Best Traditional Wing Sauce, Most Creative Wing Sauce, and People’s Choice.

Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the winners. The cook-off will also feature a live DJ, beer specials, restaurant mascots, and surprise guests. The wings will be available for purchase through tickets to be sold on the day of the event. All Coconut Grove area restaurants are invited to participate. For more information call (305) 444-0777 or visit www.cocowalk.net.

The event will be held from noon to 6 pm on Saturday, June 28.

New exhibit at Dharma Studio

Dharma Studio (3170 Commodore Plaza) is presenting an exhibition for the effervescent Latin American artist, Katiuska Gonzalez (shown below, right). The show will feature recent works by the young emerging talent and will be curated and attended by her long time mentor and friend Baruj Salinas (below left).

Baruj, the prominent and internationally awarded Cuban American Master painter, illustrator, printmaker and architect as well as the co-founder of the artists group GALA or La Vieja Guardia (the old guard) has inspired and influenced Katiuska unconditionally for years.

In Baruj’s words “Katiuska has an affinity with art, she is not afraid to tackle large canvases. She has become an artist that knows her métier and has evolved with natural talent. She chooses her subject matter to suit her tastes and uses a reduced palette that gives her work a professional finish. Her present exhibition at Dharma Studio deals primarily with her series of “Pueblitos”, all of them infused with a special light that comes from her deep spirituality.”

The show will open with a reception on Friday, May 2, starting at 6 pm and the exhibit will continue through May 17, 2008 . This is a rare opportunity to participate in an evening with mentor and protégée.

For info, please email: dharmastudio@earthlink.net or call 305.461.1777.

Another successful event at Heart of the Grove

Yesterday's Heart of the Grove art sale went very well. Local Grove musicians Stephan and Bonnie Mikes really livened things up with the sitar and flute, but there were also free beverages, cookies and refreshments. Above, inside the gallery, Grove residents Charity Johnson and Susan Murray giggle over mother's day gift items.

Below, is an outside display of Grove resident Jenifer B's jewelry. Jenifer is a regular contributor to the Heart of the Grove.

The Grove Slam starts Thursday

The Grove Slam, "The World's Funnest Fishing Tournament," is May 1 to 4. There's a Captain's Meeting at Monty's (2550 S. Bayshore Drive) this Thursday, May 1 at 5 pm.

Entry fee for the tournament is $395.00 for a team of four anglers (they will waive the late fee of $100.00 if you mention The Grapevine). Each participant will receive a t-shirt, backpack and wristbands for the open bars and food.

Social wristbands are available for $20/day – gets you access to the open bar and food.

Fishing is on Saturday, May 3, along with the Dock Party and weigh-ins, which start at 3:30, DJ Laz and the Miss Hotfish Bikini contest is at 6 pm.

First prize is $15,000 (highest combined weigh of 5 dolphins). There will also be prizes for the Largest Dolphin, Wahoo, Kingfish, Lady Angler Largest Fish, Junior Angler Largest Fish and additional calcuttas.

For everything you need to know, visit the website here: www.groveslam.com

They also made a new promo video from last year’s footage; see that here: http://www.oceanpromotions.com/videos.html. Click on the one that says "2007 Grove SLAM Orange Crush!"

"Rage" hits Commodore Plaza

Steven Anton Rehage, known as "Rage," has opened a jewelry store at 3162 Commodore Plaza #1F1. His website is here: http://stevenantonrehage.com/

Here are a couple of Rage's creations. On May 16, Rage is celebrating 50 years of the peace sign with "May Peace Be With You" as the theme.

MS 150 Bike Tour Fundraiser

John Voss, Clayton Clavette and Dr. George Suarez are presenting the annual Multiple Sclerosis 150 Bike Tour Fundraiser at the original home of the Grove's own John Peacock (2131 S. Bayshore Drive) on Wednesday, April 30 from 6 to 9:30 pm.

There will be an open bar and live auction. 100% of the proceeds will go to the MS Society. For more info, please call 305-992-3050 or email: clayton@lavishliving.com

For more info on the actual May 3, Miami to Key Largo bike tour, please click here.

The Little Art Show had a big turn out

The "Little Art and Antique Car Show" at Plymouth Church, held yesterday, had quite a turnout. The hour-long event could easily have run all day.

Here are Glenn and Francesca Terry with their creations. The art was shown in a large meeting room, right off the courtyard.

There were some quite amazing pieces. There were also refreshments of all sorts from coffee and punch to cookies and cupcakes and more. One table with deserts made with flan was a hit.

Ricky Schechtman, right, rings up the first cupcake purchase to Maggie James from the North Grove.

The old cars really fit in with the historic background.

This would be an excellent place for a large art show. I know there isn't much parking and the grounds are very special and don't need people trampling them, but the atmosphere is perfect for an art fundraiser, or even a pumpkin patch in the fall.

Gotta Love it

Here's Danny Lovett of Revolution Bicycle Services at 3444 Main Highway. Danny has one of the few Grove businesses open on weekend mornings. Stop in for sales, service and accessories. For more info: www.revolutionbicycles.com

Block party last night

Rocky, shown here, threw a block party last night on Inagua Street, in the North Grove.

And Los Diablos entertained the neighbors. They will be performing at Sunfest next week.

The whole neighborhood was out.

The little guitars on the cupcakes were a hit.

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Everything, including the kitchen sink

I stopped by one of the Rebuilding Together projects going on this weekend in the Grove. This project was at Mrs. Brown's house on Florida Avenue. That's Mrs. Brown above, center with the crew from Gillette Construction Company from Palm Beach Gardens.

Apparently it works like this: a volunteer construction company is given a house, in this case, Mrs. Brown's house, and they work with volunteers from the community to fix up the house.

Here is Michael from Black Tie Pressure Cleaning. He is preparing new screens that will go over the new windows.

I half expected to see Ty Pennington or Paige Davis jump out from behind a truck, it was just like the shows you see on tv. A large crew pitched in and did things that needed doing.

Tom here is working on one of the bathrooms. Another bathroom was having safety rails installed in the bathtub.

Herminio is fixing the hot water heater.

Here, the old window is being taken out so brand new windows can be installed.

The volunteer crew even replaced the kitchen sink. They installed smoke detectors, too, and really did a great job for Mrs. Brown.

Many of the neighbors wanted to know where they could sign up to be next. It was an impressive thing to see.

Chamber's night of networking

Please click on the image for larger version.

HOATA meeting is tomorrow

Tomorrow night, April 28 from 7-9 pm, the Village West Homeowners and Tenants Assn. (HOATA) is meeting at 3750 S. Dixie Hwy. at the Rolle Center. For info please email Pierre Sands at alittletreeservice@yahoo.com

Another "Family Day" at Mayfair

Shawn and Iris Steele arriving with kids for Mayfair's "Family Day."

Ashley Castillo was doing community service hours. She is in the 11th grade at Carrollton School of the Sacred heart. She was helping AnnaMaria set up for the kids' Peace project.

Hunny the Clown.

The Story Teller has a captive audience. Shows you are never to old to hear a good tale or two. He has a repertoire of adult tales also.

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

A day in the park

Today Radio Lollipop from Miami Children's Hospital (above) and Best Buddies (below) are having outings in Kennedy Park. It's a great day for it. Both groups were laughing it up and having a ball.

If you blink, you'll miss it -- try not to blink

This from Glenn Terry:

"We're throwing a party mañana [Sunday, April 27] that only lasts an hour. If you come, you'd better come on time. It's The Grove's Little Art and Antique Car Show held at Plymouth Church. The public is invited. Bring money but not much. It'll be fun so GO.

"It's where the Plymouth people bring out the art they have created during the year for a little show. The work is so-so but it's kinda cool and prices are cheap. A potion of proceeds go to a youth group charity. Francesca and I will be selling stuff that me and my son, Ian, made. Outside will be an antique car show and yes, our old VW camper will be a part of that."

The show is 11 am to noon. Plymouth Congregational Church is at 3400 Devon Road.

Blue Man Grove plays to appreciative crowd

Blue Man Grove played to a standing room only crowd last night at Pommes & Pané Café. It was their recording debut -- they actually made a recording of the event right there at the café. "Route 66" and other mellow songs were the theme of the night. Check them out every Friday, same time, same place.

It's a nice, Grove-y place to be. The guests at the Mayfair House hotel always have a smile on their faces when they exit right into this scene. It really is a great way to start (or spend) a Friday night.

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Heart of the Grove Mother's Day Event

Local sitar player Stephan Mikes
will perform from 11-5 pm.

Please click on the image for a larger version.

Coconut Grove rebuilding project is tomorrow

Tomorrow, April 26, 2008 is designated as National Work Day for "Rebuilding Together."

The Miami chapter of Rebuilding Together will be refurbishing 15 to 20 homes in Coconut Grove this year. Local construction companies have provided building materials and skilled labor. Now house sponsors and volunteers are needed to assist in the refurbishing project.

If interested, check in and registration starts at 7 am and goes throughout the day at St. Matthew Church (3616 Day Avenue). Breakfast and lunch is provided for all workers.

For more info, please call James McCants at 786-290-2214.

Rebuilding Together is the nation's largest all-volunteer organization whose mission is to preserve and revitalize homes and communities, assuring that low income elderly and disabled homeowners live in warmth, safety and independence. Rebuilding Together Miami is a non-profit organization that refurbishes approximately thirty homes a year in the local community.

Of couse I'm not surprised

Of course the planned project next to the Kampong was approved yesterday. Was anyone surprised?

There is not a project in this City of County that is not approved. Sickening.

The only good news about this is that the large lot size of the project and the small quantity of homes being built, means less traffic and less development.

Moving the Urban Development Boundry

I like to stay on Grove topics, but this does affect the county and our future.

The sell outs on the County Commission ignored everyone except the greedy developers yesterday and agreed by a 9-4 vote to move the Urban Development Boundry.

Says Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz: "Hold the line. What it does say is we need a compelling purpose." Guess Pepe was asleep on Earth Day. Water, air and quality of life doesn't matter to him.

The other sell outs: Joe Martinez, Natacha Seijas, Audrey Edmonson, Rebeca Sosa, Dorrin Rolle, Bruno Barreiro, Barbara Jordan and Javier Souto.

The Green people: Commissioners Katy Sorenson, Carlos Gimenez, Sally Heyman and Dennis Moss.

Herald story here.

Payday service with a smile

Personal Banker, Allison J. McCreary-Wilson at Coconut Grove Bank. The oldest continuous bank in the county, has no sub-prime investments and did not get caught up in the housing loan frenzy.
That from CEO Charles A. Schuette, via current bank statements.