A little spray here, a little spray there . . .

Erica Kutner read about the face and body painting in the Grapevine and ran over to the Windisch-Hunt gallery for a little face design.

The streets are getting crazy already. The Seminole Boat Ramp is full of police paddy wagons and the cops there are quite rude too, so I would suggest not getting too crazy tonight, they are on edge already.

Photo by AnnaMaria
Windisch-Hunt

Halloween fun has already started in the Grove

Marina, Rafaela, Carmela and Oscar started celebrating Halloween today at Bice Bistro at CocoWalk.


Joaquin and Irina stopped traffic on Main Highway this afternoon.


The port-o-potties are all lined up on Virginia Street, along CocoWalk's side wall, ready for the large crowds tonight.

Will you be out and about tonight? If so, maybe you'll be part of our Coconut Grove Halloween slide show tomorrow. Come out tonight, look for yourself in the Grapevine tomorrow! See ya!

"Rocky Horror Picture Show" this weekend

It's Time Warp time with the showing
of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"
at the Arts and Minds Center
including dinner.

Info here.

Quick restaurant change on Main Highway

Grab & Go on Main Highway is now New York Roma Pizza. Tomas, who owns New York Roma Pizza on McFarlane Road now has changed the little fast food place on Main Highway to an annex of the pizza place.

The funny thing is that we had passed by at one point last night and it was Grab & Go, we ate somewhere else, walked by again and new counters were in and the new pizza place was raring to go! All within an hour.

They will also serve sandwiches and fast food, but the main thing is pizza now.

Rumor has it . . .

That they want to move the King Mango Strut from the center grove to Peacock Park. Hope this is just a rumor because moving the best Grove event of the year from the main streets to a park is a bit stupid. A parade belongs in the center of town, on the streets, not a park.

Dr. Zoe Lewis discusses her new book

Dr. Zoe Lewis had a book signing and held a short discussion last night at The Bookstore.

Her new book "I hope they know . . . The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer's Disease and Care" was the subject. Say that three times fast.

The doctor's website is here: http://zoealewis.com/

Coconut Grove is ready for Halloween

The CocoWalk annual Halloween Bash is tonight, from 8 pm to 1 am. Kids trick or treating is from 3 to 8 pm and the adult costume contest is at 9 pm.

Of course, the whole Grove will be full of revelers all dressed up for this year's wild Friday Halloween. Stop in at Scarefest House of Horror first for some Halloween fun, also at CocoWalk.

Also, don't forget Grove Isle is having their Fright Fest Party, Anokha is having the Condom USA Fetish Party, and Basil's in the Grove is having a party. The band Danger Flow will be filming their video tonight and there's a Sexy Women's Halloween costume contest. The winner will appear in the video.

Also added to the list is Halloween at Sammy C's. There will be a band called Rock and Roll Circus, beginning at 9:00 pm. Valet parking is $5.00.

Come to the Grove, park in one of the garages, and just walk around and pick and choose your event. There's a lot going on this year and the streets will be wild!

Boo!

Here are a couple of great Halloween decorations in North Grove.


Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

The Great Grove Picnic is back

After celebrating the Great Pumpkin this weekend, plan on coming to The Great Grove Picnic on November 9. This is the 5th year for the Great Grove Picnic.

From 3 to 6 pm at Peacock Park, the village will be celebrating, well, just celebrating being Grove residents.

Bobby Ingram and Friends will be performing. The picnic is free and open to everyone. Bring a blanket, a basket of food and drink and come out and meet your neighbors.

For more information contact Dave Villano at dvillano@yahoo.com or Glenn Terry at bettermiami@yahoo.com

Buy an ad, receive two free Tina Turner tickets

We have two remaining Tina Turner tickets for tonight. They are great floor seats. They are yours if you buy an ad in the Grapevine today before 3 pm. The ad must be a 250 x 250 pixel ad, run for 8 weeks. The ad is the size of the Coconut Grove Real Estate blog ad at right below.

For those of you who keep telling us that you want to run ads and support the Grapevine, now is the time to put your ad where your mouth is. You'll be supporting us and seeing a legend perform at the same time.

Ad rates are here. Email us asap.

Another Coconut Grove Halloween event

Basil's in the Grove (3301 Grand Avenue) is having a Halloween party on Friday. The band Danger Flow will be filming their video that night and there's a Sexy Women's Halloween costume contest. The winner will appear in the video.

The band is playing from 10 pm to 2 am. There will be drinks and appetizers. They will not be serving dinner.

Also, don't forget Grove Isle is having their Fright Fest Party, Anokha is having the Condom USA Fetish Party, there's the Scare Fest Haunted House at CocoWalk and downtown Grove will be full of people in costumes. So it looks like the Grove is the place to be this Halloween.

There's plenty of parking in the surrounding garages.

Will remembered

It's nice to see the county has remembered
Will Johnson by naming part of Bird Avenue
after him.

This sign is at 33 Avenue on Bird Road.

Have your face or your whole body done if you dare

AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt and Linda Blissberger will be doing face and airbrush body painting for the Halloween madness in the heart of the Grove near all the action this Friday at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue).

Walk in or to avoid long waits, make an appointment by calling 772-480-3131 or emailing: grovite1@mac.com.

Prices vary and could be anywhere from $10 to $200. Bring your costume makeup, glue on warts, whiskers, hats, etc. or just yourself and they'll get you done up right and, yes, they also do hair.

Dead in the water and on the water

According to recent reports, the new president and CEO of Mercy Hospital, John C. Johnson, says that they have no intentions at Mercy on putting their land on the market any time in the foreseeable future. The land, once the subject of massive protests is now going to remain vacant land.

Mr. Johnson said that there will be no condos or assisted living facility or office buildings built on the 6.7 acres where The Related Group once had hopes of building.

The Related Group's project was so out of scale for the neighborhood and it seemed that every court that looked at it agreed with the protesting neighbors. The City of Miami Commission, ignored their own growth rules and agreed to rezone the property for the massive project, called 300 Grove Bay Residences, which happily for most neighbors concerned is a dead deal and never to return. We hope.

For stories on the on-going saga, you can do a search up in the blog search box for "Mercy project" or "300 Grove Bay Residents" or "Related Group" and the stories will all pop up.

Fusion Folk Americana at The Barnacle Under Moonlight

The Barnacle Society is presenting Jennings and Keller for an evening of music filled with Fusion Folk Americana at the Barnacle under Moonlight concert on Thursday, November 13, 2008 from 7-9pm at The Barnacle Historic State Park (3485 Main Highway)

The acoustic duo of Jennings and Keller are drawing recognition throughout the country for their unique blend of music which they call “Fusion Folk Americana”. It draws elements from their diverse musical backgrounds which range from New York’s Broadway musicals to the honky-tonks of West Texas.

Laurie Jennings Oudin has been a singer, songwriter and guitarist for many years but in 2006 abandon other pursuits to embark on a full-time music career. “Dana Keller is a veteran pedal steel, dobro, and guitar player who has spent years performing on stage and in the studio.” When these two diverse talents perform together, they entertain with unique music that is difficult to define but easy to enjoy.

Admission:
$7.00 for adults and kids age 10 and over
$3.00 for children ages 6-9
children under 6 are free

Gates open at 6:00 pm; music plays from 7-9 pm rain or shine.
For additional information call 305-442-6866.

Multi-tasking Mom

AnnaMaria and I have been trying to catch this elusive multi-tasking Mom on her roller blades for the longest time. We always see her out on South Bayshore Drive, but never are in the right position to get the photo. Harry Emilio Gottlieb managed to get the shot.

Waiting for the perfect photo is sort of like hunting elk, only it's more eco-friendly and the subjects are a lot prettier.

I told AnnaMaria that I never seem to get the right biker photos. The bicyclists going 40 mph, refuse to slow down for me to get the right shot.

I voted at City Hall today

So I went to City Hall this morning, about 9 am, and I walked right in and voted. No lines!

It actually took me longer to vote (the ballot is very long) than to wait.

The extended hours seem to be working. Either that or people still think the polls open at 11 am.

First impressions

This was the scene this weekend as tourists wandered around from the tour buses. It's very urban and New York-ish. I feel bad for the guy on the floor, but I guess he really doesn't belong there in the center of town making a first impression for tourists getting off the buses.


And if you're lucky, you don't get this guy, you get the 80 cents guy, below. He sits there and asks tourists, actually he asks anybody walking by for 80 cents. Always 80 cents. But he gets many tourists as they exit the Miami Nice bus. A trapped audience.

Need last minute Halloween stuff?

The Party Wholesaler at 2638 SW 28 Lane has all those last minute Halloween items you may need. I had forgotten about them, I usually stop in every year. I was at Shell Lumber getting cleaning supplies with Sylvia and we happened to drive by. I got some costume accessories there for the big Grove Halloween night.

Oh yea, that's Sylvia behind the mask.

BID update

According to David Collins, BID (Business Improvement District) forms have all gone out. 107 entities (landlords) will be voting on behalf of 264 portfolios (businesses). David is in charge of the BID.

Many people have questioned why the The Grand Bay office building is included in the BID. They feel that it is overpowering the voting in favor and that it's an office building and not a store or restaurant or that sort of business that would be part of the Center Grove. Rumors are going around that 90 votes came in from that one building, but if there are a total of 107 votes, that doesn't make much sense.

David said that the BID extends down to Darwin Street, which includes the Double Tree Hotel and The Grand Bay is part of that, too.

Meet Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera tonight

Reminder: Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera will be at the Bookstore in the Grove tonight from 7 to 8:30 pm. More on Rep. Lopez-Cantera here: www.lopezcantera.com

Making it difficult to vote

I went bright and early in the cold to vote today at City Hall. To my chagrin, they were closed. The hours have changed this week. Last week they opened at 7 am, this week it's 11 am.

Why?

Our state is making it difficult when it should be so easy.

Park and enjoy

The newly renovated post office parking lot is now open. Have at it.

Village Council does not like Commission's cavalier attitude

At the last City Commission meeting, in September, Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones upset many people by saying that the Coconut Grove Waterfront Master Plan should be considered an "Inspirational Plan," and is not written in stone. Those who spent four long years on the project took offense to this. Spence-Jones said she had "a million" master plans in her district and none were adhered to and so why should the Grove's Waterfront Master Plan be adhered to?

This was in reaction to the proposed Grove Harbour Marina office building project, which came out of left field long after the Waterfront Master Plan was finally completed and approved. Most Grove residents are against the Grove Harbour project saying that an office building does not belong on the water's edge and that the plan should have been brought up during the waterfront planning stages and not brought up after final approval was signed.

Last night at the Cocoanut Grove Village Council meeting, Joyce Nelson, who has worked on the Grove waterfront issues since 1990, stood before the Village Council members and said she was very offended by Michelle's comments. Joyce said, "I think every person in Coconut Grove should be personally insulted by her comments."

Council member David Collins (left) explained that the waterfront issue absorbed thousands of working hours by the community as well as the Sasaki Group who drew up the plans. It was a long process that hundreds of people were involved in. David felt that not only Michelle Spence-Jones, but other Commissioners felt that this project was almost a whim of some large planning company.

He said, "This was not a good moment for democracy in the Grove," meaning that hundreds of concerned citizens were literally in on the planning since day one and the City Commission's jaunty attitude is disrespectful to taxpayers.

The point of the plans was to get community input said Michelle Niemeyer, Village Council head. And yet, some City Commissioners are not taking it seriously.

Council member Felice Dubin (right) suggested writing a letter to Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, letting her know how the community feels about her comments, since hers were the most memorable and offensive.

Felice also made a motion to prepare a resolution about the Grove Harbour Marina project, saying that the Village Council wants to make their views clear that they are against the project and they are totally in favor of keeping the Waterfront Master Plan as-is, in spite of Michelle Spence-Jones.

Lottie Person, (left) council member, got quite upset and defended Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones' comments. She said the Village Council was "crucifying her."

To that end, the Village Council changed the resolution to affect all City Commissioners. Basically, they want to say they are against the attitude that the Commission shows to public master plans. The resolution will also be turned into a letter signed by all Village Council members and published in the newspaper.

"Push to the Presidency" at RED gym

RED, the gym at 3206 Grand Avenue, will be promoting a “Push to the Presidency” event
on November 1.

They will have a push-up contest to support the presidential candidates in the upcoming election. Each contestant will do as many push-ups as they can in one minute and the total will be added to their candidate. The Grove mostly consists of Obama supporters, I think, so this will be an easy win for him in push-ups, anyway (and condoms).

Prizes will be given for the most push-ups by a man and woman during the event. The event will start at 10 am. Winners will receive gift certificates to Solaire Spa as well as for RED Personal Training and its several Boot Camp programs. More info: 786-218-1077 / www.redelitept.com

Filming on Commodore Plaza today

Lots of filming went on at Christabelle's Quarter on Commodore Plaza today. Telemundo’s “El Rostro de Analia," took over the place from early today and will be there until 11 pm.

We all like when there is filming in the Grove. It's a clean, fun industry. They didn't even block traffic. It all took place on the sidewalk and inside the restaurant.

Chamber's After Hours Club is tomorrow

The Chamber of Commerce is having their After Hours Club at Le P'tit Paris (3105 Main Highway) on tomorrow, October 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

A complimentary glass of wine and hors d'ouvres are included in the door price and additional wine by the glass or bottle at special prices is available. Plus there are raffle prizes.

Admission is $5.00 for chamber members and $10.00 for non-members.

RSVP 305-444-7270 or email info@coconutgrove.com

Figure drawing classes start this week

Hilary Branch will be holding figure drawing classes at Blu Moon Studio of Art (3444 Main Highway) every Tuesday evening. Various mediums will be covered.

Hilary studied art at Wimbledon School of Art and Design in London and studied figure drawing with Ian Woodrow, the English artist and painting with Charles Breaker, one of hte last of the Newlyn School in Cornwall, England.

She taught arts and crafts in Norfolk, England and moved to the US in 1994. She had three watercolor paintings accepted for the Biennale in Florence in 2000.

Hilary is convinced that within every person is a creative spirit that sometimes needs a little help to express itself and claims that anyone can learn to draw because drawing is not really about drawing -- it's more about looking. Techniques can be learned and the results are often surprising.

The cost of four classes is $120.00 and includes the model fee. Classes are Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 pm.

To sign up for classes, or to get more information, please call 305-529-5006

Fright Fest, Fetish and more in the Grove this Halloween

Fireside Fridays at Grove Isle is having a "Fright Fest" party on Halloween night. This is open to the public. There is no cover fee.

Along with popular DJ's they will have their usual waterfront dancing and bayside dining and a super costume contest. There is also a Betty Bangs swimsuit fashion show with accessories from Rock Band, plus a special appearance by the Red Bull Girls.

There's an open bar from 7:30 to 8:30 pm and cash bar from 8:30 to 11:30 pm. Parking is available by valet on premises and there will also be a shuttle from Mercy Hospital. A portion of the proceeds will go to the American Heart Association. Please RSVP to dining@groveisle.com

Also, don't forget the Fetish Party at Anokha! Details here.

And of course, you know the whole Coconut Grove central business district will be one huge street party on Halloween.

Somebody buy her a clue

Tonight at the Village Council meeting, one thing deliberately placed on the agenda is a Discussion of Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones comments on the Waterfront Master Plan.

If I remember right, at the last Commission meeting, she felt the whole Waterfront Master Plan was a joke and it was meant to be changed whenever anyone has a whim. She called it an "Inspirational Plan." Forget the past four years of planning, meetings, gobs of money spent and laborious work. She feels that in her district they change them practically on a daily basis, so we should, too.

Guess that's why her district is like it is. They do whatever they feel like without any planning or regard for the public input there. We don't want that here Michelle. We believe in quality of life.

Her email address is mspence@miamigov.com, if you would like to give her your thoughts.

The Village Council meets tonight at 7 pm at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive).

Other items on the agenda:
Crime update
Explanation of Amendments on voting ballot
Peacock issue update

This week at The Bookstore in the Grove

October 28, 2008
Meet your State Representative . . .
Meet & Greet with Carlos Lopez-Cantera, 7 pm
More information: www.lopezcantera.com

October 30, 2008
The Bookstore in the Grove and The International Institute for Human Understanding present Dr. Zoë A. Lewis, 7-8 pm. Spotlight on Local Authors Series, Book Signing and Short Discussion Dr. Lewis will discuss her book, "I hope they know....The Essential Handbook on Alzheimer's Disease and Care."
For more information: http://zoealewis.com and www.iihu.org

The Bookstore in the Grove is located at 3399 Virginia Street / 305.443.2855

Men in tights

The "Shadow People" were out and around the Grove again yesterday. You could see them on every street, almost on every corner. They were scaring the bejesus out of people. I don't know why, with Halloween coming up and all, it isn't that strange to see people in costume is it?

Anyway, they are promoting some sort of website for Yahoo or something.

Kids 4 Obama, bounce houses, slides and everything else

Today was the Kids 4 Obama event in Peacock Park. I'm not quite sure how kids can be for Obama, but I guess they can be, they just can't vote.

Anyway, there was lots of fun in the park, bounce houses, games, food and even a stage where children performed. Nestor Torres was also scheduled to perform and children's book author Judy Blume was also there, giving her support.


The "Fired Up" voting march passed by at one point, which added more excitement to the park event. And best of all, prices were quite decent. I got a very large hotdog and a coke for four bucks. I didn't even finish the hot dog, it was so big.

Drop in for some great real estate advice

Grove realtor Riley Smith is having one of his quarterly Real Estate Talks at Green Street Café (3468 Main Highway) tomorrow, October 27, from 7 to 8:30 pm.

It's an informal get together where Riley gives some great advice on buying and selling in today's crazy real estate market. Drop by for a few drinks and some expert ideas.

Fired up and marching to vote

Today a group of Obama supporters had a march called "Fired Up and Ready to Vote." They started at the Farmer's Market location on Grand Avenue and marched up Grand, down to McFarlane Road, turned on McFarlane, up to South Bayshore Drive and from there, marched all the way to City Hall to vote.

Leading the group was City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, above right and Annette Taddeo, left, who is running against Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in Florida's 18th Congressional District (our district).


An antique City of Miami fire truck added some color to the march and so did some police on horseback (not shown). Traffic was stopped on Main Highway as the marchers did their thing.

Run an ad, receive Tina Turner Tickets

Run a 250 x 250 pixel ad for 12 weeks (3 months) in the Grapevine and receive two Tina Turner tickets for this Thursday's show at the American Airlines Arena.

These are floor seats, in section 4.

Ad rates are here: www.coconutgrovegrapevine.com/ads.htm

The ad is the size of the Coconut Grove Real Estate Blog and the Carlos Lopez-Cantera ads.

The ad must be a new ad and must be in and paid for in full by Wednesday morning. Email us for info. The address is at the upper right.

Fired up and ready to vote?

A group is meeting near CVS today (3300 Grand Avenue) at 1 pm and they plan on marching to the polls at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive) to cast their votes en mass. It's called "Fired Up and Ready to Vote." If you would like to join them, please be at the CVS before 1 pm.

Also, don't forget the Kids 4 Obama Festival at Peacock Park today, from noon to 6 pm.

"Voices" proudly premiers in Coconut Grove

"Voices," the documentary by film maker Jeffrey Poitier, which chronicles the Grove's beginnings in Village West, settled by Bahamians in the 19th Century, premiered last night at the AMC movie theater at CocoWalk. The four year project, which features stories and interviews of Grove pioneers was enjoyed by a full house at the matinee and also the later evening showing.

Focaccia Rustica, Greenstreets, Anokha, Bice Bistro and Jaguar catered the affair and CocoWalk AMC donated the theater.

Above are Louise Caro, Reggie McKethan with film maker Jeffrey Poitier and Rene Woohead.


Michele Turner and Al Johnson; Aisha and J.S. Rashid; Marylin Haynes Smith with Don Parchment and Lisa Remeny.


Grovites Bonna Cooper, Dennis James Breedlove, activist Lottie Person, Rock Stephens.


Film poster artist Rodney Royal, artist Alen Laird, with Lasonya Starling whose father appeared in the film "Billy."


Grovites Alonzo Johnson whose sister Ellen Malett was featured in the film, with Denise Cruz and James R. Bethel.

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

This was the way the Grove looked for most of the afternoon. At one point, all the lights went out and all the emergency alarms came on, up and down Grand Avenue and Main Highway, but things got back to normal fast.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Show stopper

Last night, Fred Hunt drew a lot of attention as he painted in the window at the Windisch-Hunt Fine Arts Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue). He'll be there tonight, as well.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Mangoheads off to Key West Fantasy Fest to party it up

The Mangoheads, the group from the King Mango Strut, headed to Key West for Fantasty Fest this morning.

I found a bunch of them near the Playhouse and an even larger group was having breakfast at Greenstreet Café.

Above are Ron, Keith, Susan, Bobby, Amy and Esther. At left is Atena, from Celestial Treasures.

Below is Duane as Joe the Plumber, Kristi as Michelle Obama, Antoinette as Tina Fey Sarah Palin and Deborah as Josephine the Plumber.


Below, Theresa Calluori, center, is ready to party on the bus for the long Key West trip, she has a pirate/wench costume which she plans to put on enroute. That's also Earl Wesson in white tee, Janet Gonzales next to Theresa, Charlie Smidrod with the eye glasses and Kevin Figgmaurite in orange.

The lovely Grove waterfront today

This is what the Grove waterfront, near City Hall, looks like today with all the election signs. The place is mobbed with annoying people with placards and things, thinking they are going to sway you to vote their way.

Does that work? Do these people who run in front of your car and shout holding signs work to change votes? Maybe, but I think probably the opposite way. I think they may offend undecided voters into voting for the oppostion.

Journalism the easy way, just "borrow" the story

Mark Potter from MSNBC and NBC is set up at City Hall today doing stories on early voting. Wonder where he got the idea of City Hall and the beautiful Grove backdrop, maybe here?

He is saying on tv that it is a warm, humid day in Miami, but I found it to be cool and with very low humidity today. Interesting how things have their own spin. It's all relative.

I chased the local daily newspaper off. Notice they no longer steal my stories and reprint them in their newspaper a few days later? This was going on for a long time and some stories were practically word-for-word, taken from here. My plagiarism lawyer is on top of that.

The next stolen story that appears may have me and the blog in the spotlight, since we will take it to court and the offending writer will probably not have a career in journalism ever again. Since I read them the riot act, the local daily has had no Grove human interest stories since they don't have the brains to go out and get their own and they are forbidden from stealing mine any more.

I would get stories, post them and the reporter would literally call people in the stories and say, "I read this in Tom's blog, can you give me a quote?" That's what they called journalism. I can show you stories taken word-for-word from me, but I won't unless I see one more story published. Then the whole world will see it. I will expose this big time if it happens again.

The lively little plaza

Akashi Grove has really livened up the little plaza off of Fuller Street. So many of my favorite places are there -- Blu Moon Studio, Danny's Revolution Bicycle Shop, Atena's Celestial Treasures and Brenda's Boutique. It's really a lively little place now.

Kids 4 Obama Festival is tomorrow

Sandbar Grill bouncer clinging to life

The Sandbar Grill, Condom USA next door and an attempted murder. Herald story here.

The floor now looks like an ice skating rink

This is Tommy from Suds Domestic Services. They do a great job on bringing the shine back to dull floors. I had little mishap with Mop & Glo on my marble floor (don't ask) and Suds Domestic was able to get it back to new again.

You can call Noelle at 305-233-6707 or 786-269-7210 for free quotes. They actually show up on time and will keep at it until the job is done right.

I am still on a sugar high!

We ate at The Knife (3444 Main Highway) the other day. Last time I was there it was Fuddruckers. I liked Fuddruckers better, I'm not too much into buffet places and while the salad bar is large and consists of good things, the meat, poultry and fish at The Knife, are dried out and leave something to be desired.

But I will go back. Why? The desserts and coffee. Here is Tiramisu and a delicious Chocolate Flan. It is well worth the trip for the deserts!

Wine tasting tonight

Full house for Woman's Club reopening party

Last night, the Coconut Grove Woman's Club held their grand reopening party. The ladies were proud to show off their extensive club renovations. Above from left are President Nancy Boggio with Doreen LoCicero, Publicist Penny Lambeth, Joyce Nelson, Barbara Lange and Ron Nelson.


Mia Steirheim of CocoWalk arrived with guests Rachel and Daniel of Goldiamor Fine Jewelry; at right are Sandy Riley assisting pianist Peggy Hall both Woman's Club members.

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Celestial Friday planned for Halloween

Atena at Celestial Treasures (3444 Main Highway) is having another Celestial Friday on Halloween, October 31, entitled "Protection of the Spirit, Soul and Physical Self."

It will be an afternoon workshop with a healing circle and meditation. A free lecture is planned for 3 pm with informative handouts available all day. The lecture is about tools you can uses to protect yourself, your home and your loved ones from evil and negative forces.

It's about 15 minutes long and will include a list of items you can use easily and effortlessly.

You are invited to for a fairy reading with Atena and see what energies are troubling you or what protection you really need for only $35. A reading lasts approximately 20 to 45 minutes. Atena is available for readings every Friday at Celestial Treasures.

For info: 305-297-5516 or visit: http://MysticalFlorida.com

Meet and greet with Rep. Carlos Lopez- Cantera

Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera will be at the Bookstore in the Grove (3399 Virginia Street) on Tuesday, October 28 from 7 to 8:30 pm. More on Rep. Lopez-Cantera here: www.lopezcantera.com

Annual Pink Gala -- a passionately pink affair

The Second Annual Pink Gala is taking place Sunday, November 2 at Flavour night club (2895 McFarlane Road).

This "passionately pink affair" is a party for a cause. This high fashion, high energy event will be filled with live music, drink specials, great prizes and special performances and a DJ keeping the party going all night.

Proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure cancer association, in memory of Linda Martens.

There's a VIP party from 8 to 9 pm and the doors open for the gala at 9 pm. Advanced purchase price is $20.00 and VIP tickets are $30.00, which includes entrance to the VIP party, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cocktails from 8 to 9 pm. For tickets and info, please call 800-654-9180, ext 231.

She liked the idea of more artists in the Grove

I was in one of the galleries and a lady walked in. I guess she assumed I was the gallery owner. She started going on about how she was enjoying the new galleries that have opened in the Village.

She said she missed the old days when there was art all over, she even mentioned that Winn-Dixie was where Mayfair is now, that's really going back. I don't think she missed the Winn-Dixie, but I think she was just trying to pin down a certain time period. She enjoyed the little stores and galleries in the old houses up and down Virginia and Oak, I remember them, too.

But anyway, she went on about how the Grove had changed so much, but that she sees it is going back in the right direction. I found that quite interesting. People know the Grove as an artists community and she said we need to capitalize on that more. While the Gap and Chili's are great, we need to be something that the rest of Miami isn't in order to draw more tourists.

A faster way to vote

According to an elections clerk, a voter can deliver a completed absentee ballot to the early voting site without having to wait in line, but you can only do this for your own ballot (bring ID). Other people's ballots have to be delivered to the Department of Elections.

Getting ready for the holiday season

For the past couple of weeks, workers have been
changing out the small twinkle lights on the
trees up and down Grand Avenue.

These aren't Christmas lights, they are up
all year round, but they especially look good
during the holiday season when the rest
of the decorations are up around the village.

City Commission defers Grove Harbour issue

It appears that the City Commission has deferred the Grove Harbour issue at tomorrow's commission meeting. They are now seeing that there is major concern by neighbors and that there is strong support against the project.

More details to come.

Please keep emailing those involved, it is working.

City Manager Pedro Hernandez: pgh@miamigov.com
Mayor Manny Diaz: mannydiaz@miamigov.com
Comm. Marc Sarnoff: msarnoff@miamigov.com
Comm. Angel Gonzalez: agonzalez@miamigov.com
Comm. Joe Sanchez: jsanchez@miamigov.com
Comm. Tomas Regalado: tregalado@miamigov.com
Comm. Michelle Spence-Jones: mspence@miamigov.com

Live theater in the Grove tonight and tomorrow; Go!

This is the perfect opportunity to not just say "we support the arts" but to actually get off your butt and support local artistic events by showing up. And don't forget Rocky Horror on Nov. 1.

Admission is $15. All proceeds benefit the Academy of Arts & Minds Drama Department.

If it's Wednesday, it must be Disco Night at Sammy C's

Sammy C's (3540 Main Highway) is having Disco Happy Hour every Wednesday, from 5 pm to midnight.

Ladies drink free champagne and wine from 5 to 7 pm and drinks are 2 for 1 from 5 to 8 pm along with a complimentary buffet from 5 to 7 pm.

Retro disco music will be played all night. For more info: 305-441-9737.

Laverne and Shirley move over, it's the Barb and Barb Show!

I was talking about the two Barbaras the other day. Well here they are, Barbara Pope (left) and Barbara Lange, Obama-ing up the Grove.

Now they have another Obama location on McFarlane Road at New York Roma Pizza. The space was donated by owner Tomas, also owner of Grab & Go and other Grove restaurants. The sign was installed by Grove carpenter Ron Snizek. The girls supervised as you can see here.

Early voters are finding a long, hot, slow process

Marilyn Kreisberg of Key Biscayne is all smiles after voting at City Hall right here in the Grove.


The wait can be over two hours to vote, yet people are waiting in the hot sun. It might be a good idea to bring an umbrella and sun screen if you plan on waiting.


The staff was nice enough to hand out water to those waiting. One slow up is that the poll workers are thoroughly checking ID's. Please have your voting card and photo ID ready so as not to prolong the wait any longer for the people behind you. It's a long ballot on top of that. Some precincts have up to three pages -- back and front.

That's another thing. Please be sure to check both sides of the voting ballots you receive. There is voting to be done on both sides of the sheets. At least the people waiting in line have a beautiful view -- this is what the Mayor and City Commissioners see from their cushy offices. Is it any wonder they don't want to move City Hall downtown?

Photos by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Shadow people

These shadow people have been all over the Grove today. They are promoting some sort of website. They won't talk if you speak to them, but as you can see, they will pose.

These are actual people, I know the top photo looks like a cut out or something, but it's a person.

This other photo looks like the guy is peeing on the brick sidewalk at the Mayfair Hotel, but the water was on the floor already when he raised his leg to pose for me.

Dollar girl

She only costs a dollar? No wait, that's the new Coconut Grove Optical across the street. Eye exams are only one dollar.

I am told that the crew from "Burn Notice" goes to Coconut Grove Optical. They keep promising to send me pictures of Sharon Gless and crew, but still no photos.

They have an interesting political exit poll

Condom USA on Grand Avenue has an interesting way of taking the presidential exit poll, they do it with condoms.

They are selling Obama and McCain condoms and I guess by the look of sales, Obama is winning, or he could be losing depending on how you look at things.

Fish Fry! You going?

The Coconut Grove Sailing Club is having a Fish Fry on Saturday, October 25 from 5 to 9 pm. Please make reservations by calling 305-444-4571 ext 18 or just stop by the bar and sign up.

This is for members and their friends only.

An enjoyable afternoon

We were at Le P'tit Paris for lunch today and who was at the table next to us, B&B -- Barbara Pope and Barbara Lange, on a break from Obama canvassing.

If you see a couple of Barbara's at your door, open up and hear them out. They are a trip, they talk over each other and finish each others' sentences, they were enjoyable. We had to rush to beat the meter maid to the car, or we would have spent more time with them.

Try the mussels at Le P'tit Paris, they are enjoyable, too.

Please email City Commission about Grove Harbour sham

While I don't believe they read their emails or even care about what others think, I am told that they do go by the numbers of emails they receive. So here are the emails of the people concerned with the three story office building proposed for the Grove Harbour Marina site.

The City Commission meeting is this Thursday and it appears that the Grove Harbour agenda is early in the morning, which is a shame, because people are working at that time and not able to attend the meeting. So it's important to let your views be heard.

Please email them and put something in the subject line like: "Please vote NO on Grove Harbour Office building," or something like that, so if the email is not opened, at least the subject line can be seen.

Here are the email addresses, lets bombard them:

City Manager Pedro Hernandez: pgh@miamigov.com
Mayor Manny Diaz: mannydiaz@miamigov.com
Comm. Marc Sarnoff: msarnoff@miamigov.com
Comm. Angel Gonzalez: agonzalez@miamigov.com
Comm. Joe Sanchez: jsanchez@miamigov.com
Comm. Tomas Regalado: tregalado@miamigov.com
Comm. Michelle Spence-Jones: mspence@miamigov.com

Regalado is on the fence, I am surprised by this, since he is usually in the Grove's corner. So he may be important to email. Spence-Jones seems like a lost cause, but perhaps if she sees it our way, we can see things her way when she tries to get things done in Village West.

Joe Sanchez totally confuses me. He never seems to care about the Grove and Angel Gonzalez is a loose canon and I never know what he will say.

Sarnoff is against the project and the Mayor and City Manager should be emailed just so that they know how people feel.

Coconut Grove Woman's Club holding grand reopening party

The Coconut Grove Woman's Club is having it's Grand Reopening Reception Thursday, October 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. As you know the club's renovation was a long time coming, but it looks fantastic. The new handicap accessible entrance and bathrooms have made it a place for all to enjoy.

There will be complimentary butler passed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. Please RSVP before the end of today to shaneil@leadingcaterers.com

"Gold Fork Award" up for grabs

It's time for the Iron Fork 2008 competition. Watch South Florida's top chef's battle head-to-head for the prestigious "Golden Fork Award."

This October 30, from 6 to 10 pm, the Miami Science Museum will turn into a gourmand's delight. Sample the finest food from over 20 of the area's best restaurants including Cita's Italian Chophouse and Sammy C's from the Grove.

Celebrity judges include Chef Allen Susser from Chef Allen's, Chef Dean James Max from 3030 Ocean and Chef Zach Bell from Cafe Boulud. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more info and advance sales, please go to: www.newtimesironfork.com

There's also a Halloween costume contest with great prizes in different categories.

"Voices" premiers Saturday at CocoWalk AMC

The premier of the "Voices" Documentary is Saturday, October 25 at CocoWalk. This is a free event and there is a meet and greet before the 7 pm showing.

Sidney Portier and Lou Gossett Jr. are scheduled to be in town for the local documentary by Jeffrey Portier, Sidney's nephew.

"Voices" is a four year project which chronicles the beginnings of Coconut Grove, which started in Village West and was settled by Bahamians who left their island and settled here in the 1800s.

Today is the deadline to be assured of a seat. If you are interested in attending please email
Sue McConnell now with your name, number of seats requested, and your phone number.
Seating is limited. Your name will go on the list for the evening show. Be sure to check in when you arrive. Email: mcconnell28@msn.com

Albita and Pitbull at Museum of Science concert

A couple of Grove-related deaths

Coconut Grove's infamous Greg Gillingham (known as Mr. Halloween) died last Friday in Montevideo, Uraguay. He had been living there with his girlfriend Rebecca for the last couple of years. They think it was a heart attack.

Many old Grovites will remember Greg and his wild Halloween parties at his Tigertail house. Something is being planned in his memory, probably in the next week or so and there is also talk of a tribute in this year's King Mango Strut.

Speaking of the Strut, the Mangoheads are headed to Key West Fantasy Fest next weekend. A bus will be picking up the group near the playhouse on Saturday morning.

Another death felt in the Grove was that of activist Yvonne McDonald who died of cancer last week. Yvonne was an aide to Commissioner Marc Sarnoff and was responsible for many community programs in Village West and was on the Village West Homeowners and Tenants Assoc. and Urban Empowerment Corporation to name a few.

Funeral services are tomorrow at 10 am at Christ Episcopal Church, 3481 Hibiscus Street.

Art awards handed out today for En Plein Air contest

Awards were given out today by Commissioner Marc Sarnoff for last week's En Plein Air art contest. For artists, first place went to Dan Bondroff, second place went to Ruth Karp and third place went to Erik Speyer. In photography, there were two awards, first place went to Don Kesler and second to Juan Serrato for their black and white images.

Don will now have a one month showing of his work at the Windisch-Hunt Art Gallery, where the awards were presented.

Above, from left are AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt, Juror Monda Mandall from the International Fine Arts College, photographer Don Kesler, Grove artist Karen Deilke, Comm. Marc Sarnoff, artist Erik Speyer, artist and winner Dan Bondroff and artist Ruth Karp.

You can see Dan working on his winning piece here. All the art may be seen daily at the Windish-Hunt Gallery at 2911 Grand Avenue. They open at 10 am and usually are open until 10 pm.

McDonald's is now outsourcing their order takers

I found out an interesting, yet spooky thing today at McDonald's. When you order at the drive thru, you are speaking to someone in another state, possibly another country.

That sweet syrupy voice is some lady not actually inside McDonald's. I found that out when I asked for a key lime pie and she didn't know what that was. I said, "It's on the menu. Are you out?" And she replied, "I don't know, ask at the window. I'm actually not inside the restaurant."

So when I asked at the window, two disgruntled employees told me that indeed, the woman was elsewhere and that many customers had complained about the robot-like quality of the service. I honestly didn't like it either. Each day that I go for coffee she is the same, reading from a script, same thing every day and I found that sort of weird and unfriendly.

I'll take Natasha's loud, harsh gravely voice yelling into the speaker any day over the robot woman. I guess McDonald's is trying to save money, but it would be nicer if they paid a couple of people a salary in our community to do the job and actually kept the jobs local.

Will somebody lock him up in a mental ward already?

Today in the Hearld, Waterfront Advisory Board chairman Stuart Sorg, probably the most hated man in the Grove, goes on and on about how an office building on the Grove waterfront is a good thing.

There are so many reasons why Stuart needs to be locked up somehere with a hot cup of cocoa and this is at the top of the list. Almost every member of the Waterfront Advisory Board has some sort of vested interest on the waterfront, whether it be in the Grove or the Miami River. Why are these people running the Waterfront Advisory Board? It's like having the elephant guard the peanuts. Does anyone think they are looking out for the interests of the public rather than their own selfish interests?

In the words of Stuart Sorg: "It will make the Coconut Grove waterfront the envy of the nation."

How about being the envy of Grove residents for a change Stuart, and doing what they want? His comment proves that this is about commercialism and not about what is good for the community. Who cares what the nation wants? How about doing what Grove residents want? We are the ones who have to live with it.

The whole purpose of the proposed building is to lease space to yacht brokers and possibly rent out party space on the top floor. This is a commercial enterprise that wants to take over public right of way -- property YOU OWN as a taxpaying citizen. These days it is the envy of the nation to go green, not pollute the waterfront.

Raping the waterfront is not the way to go and allowing Commissioners from other districts to vote on this is even more of a crime. When do Grove residents get to choose their own destiny without forces from miles away calling the shots?

The City Commission meets Thursday at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive). Let's take the Grove back. Show up and fight. I would suggest writing the commissioners, but that seems to be a lost cause, most are dim bulbs and have their own agendas. You can see that their minds are made up before ever entering the chamber and they just go through the motions. When election time comes around, we must see that most are replaced. And we will.

Related stories are here, here, here and here.

You are invited to a Masquerade and Fetish party

Did you hear about the Masquerade and Fetish party? It's this Halloween at Anokha, the Indian Restaurant (3324 Virginia Street) sponsored by Condom USA (3066 Grand Avenue) -- reminds me of the old Grove days when things were bohemian.

The party is from 10 pm to 3 am on October 31. From 10 to midnight, there is free food and vodka and goodie bags filled with goodies from Condom USA (don't ask).

According to one of the staff at Condom USA, "The party will go to the edge, but not over the edge." Go with an open mind and an appetite for adventure. And it is just blocks from all the madness on Grand Avenue! Gotta love it.

The cost is $25.00 for one person and $40.00 per couple. There will be a costume contest with prizes for first, second and third place. Part of the proceeds go to Planned Parenthood.

The Hotel guests across the street at Mayfair are going to be in for quite a site as they enter and exit the hotel.

For more info, please call 786-552-1010 or email sales@condom-usa.com

I heard it through the Grapevine . . .

Which local wine shop was closed down by force because of overdue bills mostly brought on by a lien placed by a local daily newspaper wanting to be paid for their advertising?

Times are hard and newspapers are having problems, but it's a shame this had to happen this way with all the police showing up and making such a scene and all.

Octo-Beer-Fest in full swing

I just passed the Sandbar Grill and it's wall to wall people at the Octo-Beer-Fest. I didn't take any photos to protect the innocent. But if you are up for a good time, the party goes on until 9 pm.

At one point, the entrance line went from Sandbar's door down to Fuller Street. Lots of beer drinkers around today!

Kids 4 Obama event next weekend in Peacock Park

Women for Obama-Miami and Mayor Manny Diaz are hosting a special free and open-to-the-public event called "Kids 4 Obama: A Family Festival for Change" next Sunday, October 26 from noon to 6 pm at Peacock Park.

Activities include a special performance by Nestor Torres, YES WE CAN Children’s Arts & Crafts Village, Change Obstacle Course and Bounce House, Video for Change tent, Obama Boutique, Smokey the Clown, steel pan lessons featuring Samuel Johnston, vocalists eight year old Sofia Zamboli, thirteen year old Elisa Diaz and fifteen year old Cafidia Stuart, The Big Blue & You Foundation featuring kids TV show host Danni, kids art demonstrations and lessons by Phil Fung, pop artist and winner finalist for the http://www.moveon.org/ Manifest Hope Gallery contest and muralist and visual artist Reality, food, arts & crafts vendors and more.

The event will feature a “Get out the Vote” drive to the polls for early voting and will also highlight Senator Obama’s policies on the arts, children, education and healthcare.

Grove Peacocks to be on tv tomorrow morning

Remember when CBS News came out to do a story on the peacocks? Well it's on tomorrow morning on the CBS Sunday Morning Show at 9 am.

There is a "Peace for Peacocks" petition here.

Free Yoga Miami celebrates one year anniversary today

Free Yoga Miami had quite a turnout today for their one year anniversary celebration in Kennedy Park. Not too far away were the little guys learning soccer. It's a beautiful day in the Grove today.


Photos by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Last weekend for Bird Bath

Monday is the last day for the Bird Bath at 2829 Bird Avenue. As you know, they are closing after more than 30 years in the same location.

The remaining equipment will be sold by public auction on the Bird Bath premises on Thursday October 23rd at 11am.

More info on it can be found at http://www.jaysugarman.com.

Coming up at The Bookstore in the Grove

October 19, 2008
Meet & Greet in Support with Annette Taddeo - Democratic Candidate for Congress, FL-18th
Hosted by Lauren Smith & Mel Meinhardt
5:30 pm - 6:45 pm
For more information: www.votetaddeo.com

October 22, 2008
Ellen Prager, 7:30 pm
"Chasing Science at Sea"
Filled with firsthand accounts of the challenges and triumphs of dealing with the extreme forces of nature and the unpredictable world of the ocean, Chasing Science at Sea is a unique glimpse below the water line at what it is like and why it is important to study, explore, and spend time in one of our planet’s most fascinating and foreign environments.
For more information: http://www.earth2ocean.net/

Ongoing Events at The Bookstore include:

Children's Story Telling Hour - Thursdays at 3:30 pm and Saturdays at 11:30 am
If you would like to tell a story or bring a special book to read, just let them know.

Tarot Readings by Nicky are Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday from 6-9 pm.

The Bookstore in the Grove is located at 3399 Virginia Street / 305.443.2855

A sea of orange

The pumpkins arrived today, right on schedule, at the Boys and Girls Club on 32nd Avenue and US1. They are so fresh, they still have the dirt on them from the fields. They're a bit late this year, but they're available now for pumpkin pickin'.

What's with all the rude drivers out there?

Lately it seems, I am running into the rudest drivers in the Grove. I once did a story on how polite Grove drivers were, but times seemed to have changed.

People honk in traffic for no reason, they cut you off and are just very hostile. The other day I stopped on the corner of Mary Street and Florida Avenue to ask someone something and this rude jerk behind me sat on his horn until I moved. For all he knew, I was a lost tourist asking for directions, but he honked until I moved aside and then he raced to wait in line to park in the garage on Florida Avenue. People do this all the time, they cut you off, just to be first at the red light it seems. Hurry up and wait.

I actually don't ever honk in traffic. I don't know why, I think it's a throwback to the '80s, during the Cocaine Cowboy days, when people were scared stiff to honk the horn back then, you literally could get shot at a stop light if you did that. So maybe it's carried over.

If you try to cross Grand Avenue by foot, stay alert, because drivers will not stop and let you walk across, especially at Matilda and Fuller Street. Also, if you try to make a turn say from Matilida onto Grand beware, no one will slow down or stop to allow you access. In my neighborhood we give up leaving at rush hour times. We cannot make a left turn onto South Bayshore Drive at those times, people block the intersection and god forbid they wave you in. They sit, stare ahead and ignore that you even exist.

But I found one place where people are actually civil. It's McDonalds on US1 and McDonald Street. I go there for coffee often and I have found that no matter who turns into the drive thru from any direction, people wave you in. Two cars can be arriving at once and one will wave the other in without a fuss. On the other side of the parking lot others will wait for you to enter and leave and actually stop to allow you access. This is the only place I have found these days where people are acting like human beings while in vehicles.

This civility does happen all over the rest of the state and country, I find this to be the case when traveling. But for some unknown reason, Miami drivers are animals and it is now spreading to the Grove (except at McDonalds).

Walk like an Egyptian

Harry Emilio Gottlieb caught this work crew working on the Grand Bay Hotel. Looks like they are working on a pyramid.

Children's casting call at Grove Gap store

The GAP in Coconut Grove is having a children's casting call tomorrow at CocoWalk from 11 am to 5 pm. They are looking for the country's cutest kids.

Twenty finalists will win a trip to San Francisco for a professional photo shoot and other prizes including a GapKids wardrobe. For more info: 305-529-9499 or please visit: http://www.lilsugar.com/2113323

Second Obama office opens in Grove

The Coconut Grove for Obama staging office, on the 3rd floor of 3121 Commodore Plaza, will officially open this Sunday, October 19 and will be open daily through Election Day from 10 am to 9 pm. The other office is at Grand Avenue and Douglas Road.

There will be regular phone bank shifts daily and door-to-door canvassing shifts daily. They also need help with transportation to the polls and with data entry collected by the phone banks and canvasses. You may sign up for events by going to the group's page: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/CoconutGroveforObama

Walk-ins looking for information or to volunteer are more than welcome.

The group's primary objective at this point is to contact likely Obama supporters and be sure they will vote early or by mail and to be sure they have not had trouble with either their registration or their Vote-by-Mail Application.

Any questions specifically regarding volunteering should be sent to Kathryn Villano at CoconutGrove4Obama@yahoo.com

Let's do the Time Warp again . . .

The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to Coconut Grove after all these years. You Grove old-timers will remember that the movie played for years every weekend at the old movie theater on the corner of Grand and McDonald. The post office later expanded into that space. I am sure they are still digging out toast crumbs and other things.

"Octo-Beer-Fest" at Sandbar Sports Grill

The Sandbar Sports Grill (3064 Grand Avenue) is having their "Octo-Beer-Fest" beer party this Saturday, October 18 from 4 to 9 pm.

For $25.00 you can try different beers from around the world. To sober up in between, might I suggest their chicken fajita. After all these years, I still think that is the best fajita in Miami and it's my favorite thing on their menu. I had it for lunch today, in fact.

Good grief, Charlie Brown, where is the Great Pumpkin?

The tent has been up for weeks, but it has been sitting empty. But rest assured that the pumpkins are coming tomorrow. I am told by the Boys and Girls Club at 32nd and US1, that the pumpkin patch will be full of the orange little devils tomorrow. So Halloween season may finally begin!

It's time for Vizcaya's annual Halloween Sundowner

The Vizcayans are throwing their annual Halloween Sundowner on Saturday, October 25 from 8 pm to midnight. For tickets, please call 305-856-4866 or visit here for all the info.

The continued uglification of Tigertail Avenue

While I hate to stand in the way of progress (actually, I do), are the new solar powered school zone flashers going up near Ransom Everglades on Tigertail necessary?

Tigertail used to be such a pretty and scenic street, but they put in the that ugly traffic calming device and plan on putting in others and now the flashing lights.

Normally I would agree that a flashing light is needed at school zones, but if you have ever tried to drive down Tigertail at school start and end times, you would see that there is no way to speed or even move around that area due to traffic congestion because parents are dropping off and picking up their spoiled brats who can't take the bus or walk (like I did through miles of snow when I was a young 'un).

So adding massive poles and lights and traffic signals to Tigertail is not needed and will only hurt the historic winding road. Ransom actually looks like a prison from the Tigertail entrance. It's pretty on the South Bayshore side.

Mercy condo project is dead; long live quality of life

The "Best News of the Year Award" goes to the fact that the 300 Bay Residences project at the Mercy Hospital site is dead. The uber-rich will have to make do without the overbearing out-of-character greed pit for now. Story here.




Graphic by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Art winners to be announced

This Sunday at 2 pm, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff will be announcing the winner of last weekend's En Plein Air art contest, "Coconut Grove Through the Eyes of the Artists," at the Windisch-Hunt Arts Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue).

This watercolor of a Bahamian Cottage in Village West was done by Ruth Karp.

There will be refreshments, including samples from Yogurbella. So stop in for art, refreshments and fun, it's all free and open to the public.

Debate Watching Party tonight

Kate Gould is hosting a "Debate Watch Party" tonight, for the final presidental election, at Le P'tit Paris (3464 Main Highway). It begins at 8:30 and ends at 10:30 pm. Le P'tit Paris is offering discounts on drinks. So get there early for a good seat.

High above the maddening crowds

I never get tired of this. Here's officer Jose Pastor, one of our proud mounted officers, patrolling the Grove with Sara. You can see the mounted police more and more these days, everybody enjoys them.

Free Yoga Miami celebrates one year in Kennedy Park

The free yoga classes at Kennedy Park are turning one year old on Saturday, October 18. They will be celebrating at Kennedy Park (at the Kirk Street intersection) from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.

The celebration includes guided yoga classes, faith yoga with blind individuals, guided meditation and a raffle. "Free Yoga Miami," is the new name of the group, which makes classes free and available to everyone. They do accept donations and those donations go to various charities. Last year they raised $10,000 which went to Camillus House, earthquake victims in Peru, Miami-Dade public schools and others.

For complete info the group can be looked up on Facebook.com as Free Yoga Miami. And soon they will have their own website through the Free Yoga Foundation which will be announced at the day of the event! (http://www.freeyogafoundation.org).

Village of Center Grove meeting tonight

The Village of Center Grove meeting is tonight regarding the Grove Harbour project.

Here is a photo of the current dockmaster's office. As you know there are plans to fill this whole dockspace with an office building.

The residents are not amused.

Meeting details here.

Besides the fact that they want to literally build an office building right on the waterfront, what about the Charthouse restaurant next door? The Charthouse is being moved back as part of the Waterfront Masterplan. Shrimp boats will be on the waterfront behind the Charthouse, right next door from this dock. So basically, working shrimpboats will be docked next to an office building if this office building is built.

It's as simple as a walking sign

I was just driving around and noticed that there is a big tree blocking the roof of Johnny Rockets, so the sign cannot go there. But I got an an idea -- how about a person with a sandwich board standing around the big bend at McFarlane and S. Bayshore and the person advertises various events on the board -- and get this -- they give out samples from Grove restaurants.

Each day, a different restaurant is represented and different samples are given out.

It's as simple as putting up a sign

I am always surprised at how so many Grove businesses like to bitch about lack of business, while others can't keep up with the crowds. Another thing I've noticed is that no one advertises the Grove. Oh yea, once in awhile, there's a cute billboard on US1, but that's not what I mean.

Thousands of cars pass through the Grove daily. Workers pass through on their way to and from downtown by the carload. How about a sign or two informing this captive audience about what's going on? And if you've ever tried to get to and from downtown at rush hour, it truly is a captive audience. People from South Dade, Pinecrest, Cutler Bay, etc., literally sit in traffic in the Grove.

The perfect location of course is the turn near Peacock Park, where McFarlane meets S. Bayshore Drive. Also, perhaps right in the center of town. How about signs, maybe something like an Amber Alert on top of Johnny Rockets, maybe something more subdued, that tells what is up this week or weekend?

How about a sign that says, "Come back this weekend for CocoWalk's Haunted House!" Or "Art Stroll, this Saturday -- come back for free appetizers, drinks and art!" Something like that. All of these drivers stuck in traffic may make a note of it and actually come back with their families or friends for various events. The signs could and should be changed out weekly and everyone should get a chance at having their info posted. Restaurants could be posted, like, "New menu at Sammy C's! Stop in for free samples!" Or "Cita's is now open, try our anti pasta!" Or how about stores -- "Did you see the new fashions at IOS? Come in for 10% off."

That's what we need. Why are businesses, the merchant's association and other groups sleeping? Let's bring people back here.

There are still a few weeks left to see I Love Miami 365

Ricky Falcon (shown here) at the Butter Gallery (3135 Commodore Plaza) tells me that there are only a few more weeks left for Alissa Christine's exhibit of her I love Miami 365 project, where she is taking a photo somewhere in Miami every day of the year this year.


It's quite interesting to see the work that Alissa has produced so far. That's her own eye in the bottom right photo hanging in the center of the gallery.


Of course Ricky's art is displayed in the gallery, too. For more info, please call 305-303-6254 or just stop by the gallery

Stone crabs for $1.00 at Monty's!

Les, over at Monty's tells me that Monty's is celebrating their 40th Anniversary this Thursday, October 16 with $1.00 Stone Crabs! I didn't believe it when I first heard it, so I actually went over this morning to ask him. It's true.

From 6 pm to 11 pm, get your fill for $1.00 per claw at Monty's in the Grove (2550 S. Bayshore Drive, 305-856-3992).

Kickball to raise money for cancer programs

There's an All-Star Midseason Party for the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA) at the Sandbar Grill on Friday, October 17 after the kickball game at Peacock Park, all to raise money for Castaways Against Cancer.

Charity Bracelets can be purchased on the field from 7 - 8:30 pm for $5 or at the door after 9 pm for $10

The winning team will get 8 pitchers of beer the following week or at a later date.

For more info, please call Bob Shustack at 305.608.6900 or email kickball@6feet.com or the website is here: http://www.6feet.com/

The end of a long Columbus Day Regatta weekend

It was a wild Columbus Day Regatta again this year. Boats of all sorts hit the bay, some to race, most to party.



One funny scene was the busload of tourists, below, next to City Hall, checking out the boaters. This one guy to the left, didn't seem too thrilled with me taking his photo though.

This dad and his two daughters
did a little boating, but perhaps
it was a bit much for them,
so they enjoyed the rest of the
afternoon at Scotty's Landing.

Lots of people enjoyed the Regatta from the shore it seems. Bikers, skaters, walkers and even dog lovers all watched from afar.

This one guy with his furry friend seemed to have the best seat in the house. A nice bench under a shade tree, at the water's edge.

Painting in the rain

This morning's rain didn't keep artist Jeff Passage from going out early to complete his work for the En Plein Air art competititon.

Jeff is known for his Grove scenes.

The winner of the competition will be announced next weekend by Commissioner Marc Sarnoff.

Photo by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt

Speak Easy, with a touch of class, opens on Main Highway

Justin August and Jimmy Whisper have opened Speak Easy, above Boardwalk Tavern at 3421 Main Highway.

"We chose to invoke the spirit of the traditional Prohibition-era speak easy. A place where people could come to avoid the public consensus and speak the peace of mind that comes along with a true sense of freedom," said Justin.

He is entranced by old classic cocktails and small boutique spirit manufacturers and that's just what you'll find at Speak Easy, open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Jimmy (shown here) performs a beachy jazz set every Friday and Saturday night, accompanying the "hand crafted cocktails" that come from the "libatious brain" of Justin, the Mixoligist behind the madness. Their cocktails are made from fresh juices, herbs and assorted fresh seasonal fruits. They only offer premium drinks, starting at $8.00. Memberships are available.

"No jager bomb drinking juggheads allowed. Our nights begin at 9 pm and end when everyone is satisfied," says Justin.

Cocktail party and treasure hunt at Grove Gallery

Coconut Grove Gallery & Interiors (2884 Bird Avenue) is hosting a cocktail party to benefit the YWCA. Their invitation is a treasure hunt map, which will be used to win prizes. The party is Thursday, October 16 from 4:30 to 7:30 pm.

This is a free networking event with donations being accepted,but not required. All proceeds of this event will benefit the myriad of programs and services offered by the YWCA of Greater Miami-Dade

A treasure hunt map will be given to guests as they enter and instructions for the treasure hunt festivities during the event. The map is made up of different pieces of specific items in the Gallery and the prizes will be great according to the Gallery.

Lorna Owens will be signing her new book, "Everyday Grace, Everyday Miracles."

Please RSVP: Gussie Flynn at 305-377-9922 x 203.

A letter from Monty Trainer

Dear Friends,

It is with great pleasure that I write on behalf of my friend and our State Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera who is up for re-election on November 4th. Carlos has been representing our community in Tallahassee for the last four years, and we could not have asked for a more effective or responsive elected official for our area. While in office, Carlos has been a champion of Property Tax Reform, sponsoring seven different property tax bills including a 1.35 % property tax cap similar to proposition 13 from California. He also sponsored and passed the toughest mortgage fraud legislation in our State's history.

Carlos has also been extremely attentive to the needs and issues pertaining to our beautiful Coconut Grove. He regularly attends community meetings. homeowner association meetings, and Grove events, and not just at election time. He has addressed issues and concerns of the Grove such as the safety in the CVS parking lot on Grand Avenue, street lighting throughout the Grove, and the noise ordinance. He has sponsored specific legislation to help our Business Improvement District in the heart of the Grove, and has also named streets for some of the dear friends and community leaders we have lost like our friend Will Johnson.

For these reasons and many others, I ask you to support the best legislator that Coconut Grove has ever had. Oh.... and did I mention that he lives in the Grove. Maybe that's why he sees our issues through our eyes because he is one of us. Thanks for your support and if you have any questions about Carlos feel free to call him at 305-461-0300. Carlos is also endorsed by our District 2 Commissioner Marc Sarnoff.

Monty Trainer

Today in the Grove

Lots going on in the Grove today. Above is Johnny Rockets GM Jen, with one of her staff stopping traffic in the middle of town.

Jon Silkworth and Andrew Raskin of Bam Solar Power were working today, while everyone else played around them. But at least they did it outdoors at Starbucks, enjoying the scenery.

Nicky and her daughter were enjoying Sunday in the Grove at Le Bouchon. Nicky reads cards at the Bookstore.

Grovite Alex Rodriguez (another A-Rod) left, entertaining his friends at Aladdin.

He is smoking a Hookah pipe.

Artist Audrey Scott surrounded by all that makes Coconut Grove a destination.


Below, artist Larry Joe Miller from Hollywood, FL returning with his entry in the En Plein Art art contest going on all weekend.


Photos by AnnaMaria
Windisch-Hunt

Homeowners Assn. against Grove Harbour office building

Four out of five board members of the Coconut Grove Park Homeowners Association (CGPHA), in the North Grove, have voted against the Grove Harbour office building -- on the waterfront. The reasons cited are that the building does not meet the 50 foot setback rule, which does not comply with the Charter Amendment, that's it's a commercial building on the waterfront, and there is no parking.

CGPHA is encouraging its members to attend the Village of Center Grove meeting Wednesday, October 15 at the Sailing Club (2990 South Bayshore Drive) from 7 to 8:30 pm where this item will be discussed. Carlos Lopez-Cantera state rep who is running for re-election and Annette Taddeo, candidate for Congress in our district, who is running against Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, will also attend this meeting.

En Plein Air continues today

Artist Richard Del Ponte is painting his En Plein Air project in front of Vizcaya. For some unknown reason, Vizcaya doesn't want painters on the property. Photography is okay. Perhaps they think a crazy painter may go wild with the paints and destroy things on the property -- maybe paint moustaches on the works of art hanging on their pristine walls? Weird.

Anyway, Richard will be out there again today, working on his painting. Look for his fellow artists all around the Grove again, working on their projects in part two of En Plein Air Grove-style.

New Age Music at Barnacle Under Moonlight

Peter Betan and Marc Berner will be offering an evening of New Age Music at the Barnacle Under Moonlight Concert on Tuesday, October 14.

Betan and Berner bring an eclectic blend of acoustic sounds to their performance. Peter Betan, an acoustic finger-style guitarist and talented singer-songwriter, has sold over 100,000 albums of his original music.

Marc Berner, a multi-instrumentalist, has performed with world-renowned artists. With flute, piccolo, saxophones, small percussion and singing he brings a unique style and flair to any concert he plays.

The event is from 7 to 9 pm (rain or shine), gates open at 6 pm. The Barnacle is at 3485 Main Highway. For more info: 305-443-6866

Blankets or lawn chairs and picnics are welcome, but alcohol and pets are not permitted at the concerts.

Admission:
$7.00 for adults and kids age 10 and over;
$3.00 for children ages 6-9;
children under 6 are free.

Early morning bikers

Typical weekend morning scene on South Bayshore Drive. This is at Glencoe Street.

New Obama office opens in Grove

There is a new Obama group in the Grove called "Organizers for Change." Their office is at 3674 Grand Avenue, at the corner of Douglas Road in Village West, open weekdays from about 10:30 am to 8 pm. Obama signs and bumper stickers are for sale here. The group is also trying to get an office on Commodore Plaza.

Volunteers are needed to run phone banks and to get the vote out by canvasing the neighborhood. Early voting starts October 20, so if possible it would be a good idea to vote early to avoid long waits on election day, voter turnout is expected to be very large this year. Miami City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive) is the easiest place for Grove voters to vote early.

Early voting times and locations can be found here for the whole county: http://www.miamidade.gov/elections/vote_early.asp

If you would like to volunteer for the Obama campaign, it's easy to sign up on line and be on the email list for updates, events and other things. You may do that here: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/CoconutGroveforObama.

There is a "get out the vote" event on Sunday October 26 at 1 pm. People will be meeting near the CVS and the farmers market (near Grand Avenue and McDonald Street). A planned march to City Hall will follow, where everyone will then vote early. After the march at 2 pm there will be a Kids for Obama event in Peacock Park with lots of fun stuff for the family.

Laughter in the rain

The rain this afternoon didn't stop these three lovely ladies from enjoying the Grove today. The rain moved in and out fast and cooled things down a little. It was 95 degrees earlier in the day.

Keeping watch

This would make a perfect subject for the artists who are all around the Grove today. Wonder if any of them can paint fast enough to capture this. Well, I guess the photographers can get a good photo. Oh yea, I just did.

En Plein Air off to an early start

Local artist Dan Bondroff shows off his canvas stamp this morning. He is one of the many artists entering the En Plein Air art contest today. Photographers and artists have been streaming in. The event is three days, so artists who have not come in today, can also show up tomorrow.


I caught Dan a little while later on one of the Grove street corners, doing his thing. This is what we need a lot more of -- artists creating around the Grove. It adds a lot of life and ambiance to the village. This weekend you'll see many because of En Plein Air.

If you're coming into the Grove, there is plenty of parking available in the garages. It's a busy weekend with the regatta boaters in and out all day, too. Come out, see artists at work. Enjoy the sunny day. There's a lot going on, there are many new restaurants open and the streets (and bay) are full!

They want green jobs, when do they want them? Now!

The rally was held in Peacock Park this morning in an effort to bring attention to environmental problems. The main focus seemed to be the concept of bringing green jobs to Florida now.


The big inflated globe brought many people to the park to hear speakers, including Congressman Ron Klein, Kendrick Meek, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, State Representative Oscar Braynon II. That's me with the whole world in my hands.


I was with Harry, who brought up a very interesting issue -- the globe they used seemed to be earth after global warming. Florida is barely there and Cuba and the Caribbean islands are totally under water.

Pace yourself, Dudes!

People are already heading out to the flats, Stiltsville and Elliot Key for the Columbus Day Regatta. It's a long, three-day event. I'm not quite sure why some people left at 8 am today, but that's when this photo was taken, right behind the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. I don't know what I was doing out at the crack of dawn either, but here you have it.

Dr. Art Fournier to lectures at The Bookstore this week

The Bookstore in the Grove and The International Institute for Human Understanding present a book signing and lecture with Dr. Art Fournier. Dr. Fournier will give a talk about AIDS in Miami, AIDS in Haiti - Then and Now.

His book is entitled "The Zombie Curse." The event is at 7 pm, Thursday, November 13.

The Bookstore in the Grove is located at 3399 Virginia Street / 305.443.2855

The Grove's big weekend begins

So far, the weather is cooperating today. The boaters are linking up, ready to start the regatta (they like to start partying early). The artists are signing up for the En Plein Air contest and the big earth balloon is being inflated at Peacock Park.

Let the Columbus Day weekend begin!

Columbus Day Regatta and En Plein Air envelope Grove

The infamous Columbus Day Regatta is this weekend and the crowds will be out. Also this weekend is the En Plein Air art contest, which was rescheduled after the rainout last weekend and the Environmental summit is also this weekend in Peacock Park and Greenstreet Café.

The above painting by Fred Hunt, who was named "Miami Master" in 2005 has a home in Key Biscayne, it is indicative of some of the regatta shenanigans.

The painting is available on tiles and there are reproductions for anyone interested. But as you read this, Fred is painting away on a new series of regatta paintings, which will go for $150.00 each. This is a great way to own an original Fred Hunt painting, his paintings usually start at $1400.00.

The original painting at left was done by AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt and was used as the image on the regatta poster in the past. The Windisch-Hunt Gallery will be tying in the regatta and art all weekend and will be open from 7:30 am to 10 pm.

Also some good news about the En Plein Air event -- Fairchild Tropical Gardens and The Kampong have offered free admission to the artists, allowing them access to their grounds for the "paint out." While Fairchild is not part of the Grove, it is part of the contest making up for Vizcaya's lack of participation.

But we're hoping that most of the artists are out on the streets and waterfront where they can be seen and enjoyed while they work.

Noisy politics in the Grove

I hear that Focaccia was a little wild at breakfast this morning when a table full of Obama fans got into it with a table of McCain fans. It seems the s--t hit the fan.

I may pop in tomorrow for part 2.

Embattled school head Alberto Carvalho was at breakfast at another local eatery with a bunch of filthy talking buds. Alberto was all decked out in pink tie and Armani-looking suit. He was more subdued than his noisy buds. I would think Alberto would want to be low key these days and not sit with a bunch of guys yelling out f-this and f-that.

I have to get out to breakfast more often.

I returned home yesterday to see three police cars and my next door neighbor all upset. I thought there was murder or something. It ended up that another neighbor stole her Obama signs off her lawn, so she called the cops.

They actually went after the guy and arrested him. They claimed vandalism.

I thought I was at Fairchild Tropical Gardens for a second

The post office was once the dump of the Grove, now it just may end up being the nicest place.

The parking lot project is almost done, they are planting trees and shrubs today and soon the blacktop will go down. The black fence around the property is really nice. It's a quality fence that adds a lot to the property.

More parking is available on the street now since all the barricades have been removed. Parking is free on the street for up to 30 minutes until the project is done.

Slow down, people

The police were out this morning with their radar, catching speeders on Grand Avenue.

This one cop was at Grand and Matilda, I have seen them many times at the corner of Mary and Grand, where people blow throught the stop signs.

Photo by Harry Emilio Gottlieb

Where's the Halloween store?

There doesn't seem to be a Halloween store in the Grove this year. For years someone would take over an empty storefront but the good news is, there aren't many empty storefronts in the Grove these days, so I guess there is no place for someone to set up shop for the month.

I thought that possibly the old Qdoba would be a good location or the storefront on the other side of FedEx/Kinkos, that was used for the wardrobe storage during Marley and Me's time here. Guess not.

Scaring up some discounts

Special discounts are being offered at a few CocoWalk businesses if you go to the Scarefest House of Horror.

Just show your admission ticket at Hooters for 10 free wings, Monday thru Thursday or receive 10% off at Chili's or ArtWay66 Gallery is offering a $20.00 portrait for only $15.00.

En Plein Air to be held this weekend

OK, they're going to try it again. This weekend is the En Plein Air art "paint out," which will be all over the Grove. It was rained out last weekend. And since this weekend is the Columbus Day weekend, a third day was added.

The schedule is:
Saturday - 8 am to dusk
Sunday - 8 am to dusk
Monday - 8 am to 6 pm

This is a great weekend for the event since the Grove will be hopping with people. The popular Columbus Day Regatta will be going on and lots of tour buses have been unloading happy European shoppers all over the Grove. And with the three day weekend, it's sure to be a busy place around here -- add the artists to the streets and it's really going to be a happening weekend -- the place to be.

The awards reception will be October 19, the following Sunday, tentatively 2 pm, with Commissioner Sarnoff presenting the awards.

Jesus on wheels

Jesus, one of the security guards at Mayfair, has been all over today on his Segway. Look for him from Grand Avenue around to Virginia, up on Florida Avenue and back on Mary Street. He makes a complete circle around Mayfair. You can't miss him in the bright yellow raincoat. He's on the lookout for naughty and noisy celebrities.

Girl fight awakens guests at Mayfair Hotel

It seems that the Mayfair Hotel now has the dubious distinction of being the "bad boy" hang out spot in Miami. According to today's New York Daily News, Michelle Rodriguez and her girlfriend had a major blow out at the hotel this past weekend. Story here.

First, Cabana One gets the neighbors riled with all the noise and now celeb fights. Love it!

This actually can only help tourism in the Grove. Hundreds of people a day are finding us by typing "Cabana One" into the search engines, and our stories come up. People are literally looking for Cabana One and Mayfair by the thousands, daily.

Artist Atena Komar offering limited edition prints

Many people admire the beautiful painting on the wall behind the desk at Celestial Treasure (3444 Main Highway). So now, artist and owner, Atena Komar is creating a limited edition series of this artwork.

The prints will be 5" x 7" in size, and will come with a custom mat that makes it suitable for immediate framing. Some framed pieces and unmatted prints will be available as well. All images will be signed by Atena.

The cost for the prints will be starting at $15. Also, for one day -- Sunday, October 12 from 3 to 6, there will be an incredible offer of $100 savings on the original M.I. Series, this is for either the Manifest or The spirit of New Orleans. For more info, please call 305-461-2341

CBS comes out to film the peacocks

That's Doc Ward, South Grove resident (in orange) with a couple of guys from the CBS crew who were out yesterday filming a story on the now-famous Grove peacocks.


Here are Doc's neighbors Suzy and Phil Stapleton being filmed for the CBS Sunday Morning show to be aired either October 18 or 25. We'll keep you posted.


Of course the real stars were the peacocks who performed right on cue.

Lots of Grabin' and goin' going on

I wish I had trademarked the phrase "Grab and Go," it seems that it's everywhere now.

I used it here to describe Focaccia's morning drive-by breafast and then there is the Grab & Go food spot I wrote about here. And now Starbucks has some sort of Grab 'n Go thingie, as you can see by the photo above.

"Coconut Grove Grapevine -- Grab 'n Go News to start your day." It sounds good, wonder how it would look on a t-shirt.

Celebs turn out for Cabana One grand opening

It was a mini Sopranos reunion last Saturday at the grand opening of Cabana One at the Mayfair Hotel. Rob Isler (above) and Jamie-Lynn Sigler, his Sopranos sister were part of the festivities. Other celebs included Salt-N-Pepa, Chris Evans, Kristen Cavallari, and Gabrielle Union.

For pics of the pool/club area, please click here. And come back daily for celeb gossip from the club!

Rehage Jewelry invites you to "Pink Upon a Star"

Steven Anton Rehage Jewelry (3162 Commodore Plaza) is having a "Pink Upon a Star" charity event to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the world's largest and most progressive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, "dedicated to curing breast cancer at every stage - from the causes to the cures, to the pain and anxiety of every moment in between."

The Pink evening is this Friday, October 10 from 6 to 10 pm.

Rehage's one-of-a-kind pink collection will be available the evening and through October 31. 25% of all retails sales and 50% of all retail sales from the "pink" collection will go to the Foundation, through the end of the month.

Pink champagne, light nibbles and massages by The Spa at Mandarin Oriental will be part of the "pink evening." There will be door prizes, too.

For more info, please call 305-441-0414.

Artist Jobie Steppe speaks out

I received the following from Jobie Steppe (right), the Grove artist who is having problems with code violations because of his art displays on Gifford Lane. He's frustrated because he was cleared of all code violations on September 30, yet he says code enforcement keeps harassing him. I met with Jobie yesterday. Jobie asked me to publish this in the Grapevine and I agreed.

I suggested that Jobie not name names, but he insisted that they appear. I took them out anyway, out of fairness, since I don't know their side of the story. They are more than welcome to respond here with their side of the story. The letter is written in the third person. Jobie wrote it about himself.

Type these words into a Google search engine: "Miami Corruption" and you get 1,890,000 results. Type in "City of Miami Corruption" and you get 214,000 results. Type in "Miami Code Enforcement Corruption" and you get 58,000 results.

Now, type into the Google search engine: "artbyjobie.com," and you get tropical sun sets, birds, flowers, Picassos, Van Goghs and Andy Warhols.

Jobie suffered brain damage while serving in the United States Armed forces in 1963, and was taught and instructed to practice art to compensate for post traumatic stress by the Veterans Hospital in Miami, Florida.

Jobie and his wife, Cristina drive a van, fitted with a mobile easel, into the Florida Keys. While Cristina fishes, Jobie beach combs through the swamp and muck and mangroves searching for flotsam to incorporate into his broken art tiles to form his mosaic art pieces. Jobie uses exotic driftwood blown in by the prevailing northeasterly winds to frame his art pieces and no trees are felled or destroyed.

Jobie finds his tiles in salvage yards and trash piles throughout Miami, Home Depots, Brazil, Morocco, Italy and China; breaking the tiles to form his colorful and unique mosaic murals. Jobie then displays his art murals on the swale/easement in front of his house and not his property so that passersby and his neighbors can enjoy and engage in friendly, peaceful, tranquil conversation and harmony.

However, the corrupt City of Miami and many of its employees/agents hate Jobie and have attempted to blackmail and extort up to $10,000.00, in an up front cash payment fine to avoid code violations for Jobie's "heinous" activity.

One Miami Code enforcement Officer, made the first attempt at extortion demanding $5,000.00, followed by another Officer who demanded $10,000.00. [Editor's note: Jobie named names, they were removed here].

Jobie called the supervisor of one of the Code Enforcement Officers, who along with a City of Miami Police Officer, as witness, cleared all of Jobie's code violations on September 30, 2008 at 11:00 am. [Editor's note: names were removed here again from Jobie's original letter].

However, someone with the city attorney's office [name removed] ordered the officer [name removed] off the artbyjobie.com case and ordered Jobie to remove the website titled artbyjobie.com from the world wide web. So, Jobie transferred the artbyjobie.com site to the Miami City Mayor's office so that the Mayor's Office could count the phone calls and collect any profit and donate the proceeds to the people of Miami and the taxpayers who have to pay for all of Miami's corruption via court decisions against these public officials and their agents at code enforcement, the fire department and elsewhere.

People of dubious character, much like antigens and antibodies, have levitated to positions of employment and power within the government of the City of Miami to suck the lifeblood from our community. They are parasitic and we, the people, are their prey. The Miami government is like a cancer, a parasitic tumor that lives off of productive cells and sucks them to death.

Not every employee is a cancerous tumor; a poisoned entity, yet it is a corrupt environment and if left unchecked can bring about the fall of communities and entire civilizations.

Please allow Jobie to demonstrate how to eliminate this cancer!

Signed,
Eugene Jobie Steppe
3270 Gifford Lane
Coconut Grove, Florida 33133
ejobie@bellsouth.net

New regulations may affect fishing for grouper

Local fishermen might lose rights to fish for grouper and they are upset. A new regulation is set for a vote that will eliminate their ability to fish for grouper for four months out of the year (January thorugh April). The new regulation will also affect the bag limits for the rest of the year.

This regulation will affect charter captains, recreational anglers, and tourism. There is a meeting at Scotty's Landing tonight at 5:30 to voice your concerns. Read more here.

Grab & Go -- if you can catch them open

I think Grab & Go, on Main Highway, is finally open daily now. I passed by today and there they were. I told them that I pass by daily and that no one is there, but they swear they are open.

Their hours are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 am to 11 pm and the weekends, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 am. Guess they don't sell liquor if they are open until 5 am. Apparently they are closed Thursdays.

I love their concept of a run in and run out place, so I hope they make it. Here are Tomas (right), the owner with Felipe, the chef, and Jennifer.

You may know Tomas from New York Roma Pizza on McFarlane Road, he owns that and he is also the owner of the new Swiss restaurant and chocolate shop (with ice cream and other goodies), opening up in about a month on Commodore Plaza.

A call for Clean Energy and Environment Solutions

Local leaders from across different sectors of the South Florida community will hold a rally and press conference in Coconut Grove this Saturday, October 11, to thank Members of Congress for their leadership on environmental issues and call on them to take bold and decisive action on clean energy solutions to the immense challenges that Americans currently face with the economy, energy costs, and global warming.

Look for a 20-foot, inflated model of the earth in Peacock Park, where the audience will hold “Clean Energy Now” signs as part of a photo petition to be sent to Members of Congress.

The program for Saturday looks like this:

11:00-11:15: Check-in and sign-making for photo petition at Peacock Park
11:15-11:30: Photo ops with speakers and audience at Peacock Park
11:30: Program of speakers - Community Conversation at Green Street Café (3468 Main Highway).

Speakers include Congressman Ron Klein, Kendrick Meek, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, State Representative Oscar Braynon II among others.

RSVP to Courtney Brigham at cbrigham@environmentflorida.org or (408) 505-2764, then come and bring friends on the day of the event, listen to our speakers, and show your support by posing for a picture in front of our giant earth prop!

Art classes now in session at Blu Moon Studio

The new Blu Moon Studio of Art (3444 Main Highway -- all the way at the top) now has classes in session. There is something for everyone and artist and owner, Sheri Friedman is there to assist.

Classes include basic drawing, stained glass, figure drawing and more, for adults. For children, classes include "Exploring Mixed Media" and "Mommy and Me -- Making Art Together."

"Portfolio Preperation" for middle school and high school and college (different classes) should be pretty popular for young artists.

Classes are held all different days and times so for info on that, please call Sheri at 305-529-5006
or 305-794-0329 or email blumoonstudio@att.net

Coconut Grove Halloween is the place to be

Halloween in Coconut Grove is the place to be this year. On Friday, October 31, the streets in front of CocoWalk will turn into a big Halloween party, as it does every year. People will parade up and down Main Highway, Grand Avenue and even end up at Commodore Plaza. But leading up to the big night we have the Scarefest House of Horror at CocoWalk.

I went by to take pictures and they led me into a small dark area, it was before opening time, so I was alone in the haunted house. As I waited in the dark, all sorts of noises were heard and lights started flickering and ghouls started shaking and this dude, Igor popped out, dripping with blood.

Scarefest is open Wednesday thru Sunday and is two floors of frighetning fun. All the info like cost and times are at their website here.

Chamber networker at Sammy C's

They move to the beat of their own drum

AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt (center) sat in with the little drum group at Mayfair's plaza this past weekend. As you know, AnnaMaria would love to get a Drum Circle going in the Grove. The plaza at Mayfair or even under the overhang by the old Qdoba would be a great area for this.

The Drum Circle brings a lot of healing energy to the area and is a lot of fun. People could even buy drums right on the spot at the Out of Africa store at Mayfair and join in. AnnaMaria was showing me some Drum Circle videos she took in Woodstock, NY this summer. They look like a lot of fun and each one has it's own feel and mood. More to come on this.

Andy Clark offers a new Boot Camp training program

Andy Clark's new SET (Seal Evolution Training) Boot Camp starts October 11. His Boot Camp partner, Laz, is a former US Navy SEAL, so if you are serious about getting in shape, this is for you.

The Boot Camp is in Kennedy Park nightly. "Hell Day," at the end of the program is Saturday morning, November 9. According to their website: "SET introduces a revolutionary new breed of fitness which combines Navy SEAL combat fitness with civilian based results producing exercises."

For all the details, please check out: http://www.sealevolutiontraining.com

It's like being in another world

I found all the Beautiful People. They're at the new pool on the roof of the Mayfair Hotel called the "Cabana One Lounge and Pool Club ." As you can see, it's like being in another world; like floating on air. The long drawn-out construction project was well worth the wait. These are the first published photos of the new rooftop space.


The full bar has large flat screen tv's along with a wait staff who will serve you right at your lounge chair or cabana.


The views are spectacular, the skyline isn't bad either.


The pool is open daily, but the Cabana One Lounge and Pool Club (which consists of a DJ) is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and all day Sunday. I know many of you have heard them around the neighborhood, the poolside DJ is quite loud.

Colorful day in the Grove

Margie added a lot of color to the festivities in the Grove today. It was a busy Sunday since the rain cleared out.

Akashi Grove opens tomorrow

After non-stop delays, Akashi Grove is opening tomorrow at 3444 Main Highway. I ran into May, Mark and Barbara, who were getting last minute preparations done.

Tomorrow, Monday, from 7 to 10 pm, is the grand opening, where they will be offering free hors d'oeuvres and drinks to those who stop by. Then starting on Tuesday, they will be open from 11:30 am to 10 pm and may adjust the hours depending on the way things go their first week.

They will be open 7 days a week.