Louis has been giving advice for over five years
Whether he is answering questions, offering directions or providing suggestions on where to shop or dine, Louis has yet to disappoint. I joke with him about having such great patience. My solution to the non-stop questions would be "Google it!" but Louis takes his time and answers the same questions over and over again daily, as if he just heard them for the first time.
He promotes Coconut Grove, and has helped with many events by either donating his time or being part of the committee; things like Snow Days, Coconut Scavenger Hunts, Mad Hatter Art Festival and outdoor movies and especially anything Barnacle-related, as he is on The Barnacle Board of Directors. He is always a part of the King Mango Strut, this year his car (with him driving), will be used by one of the groups. The Strut is Sunday, December 27.
Visitors are thankful for the free information he provides during their visits. It encourages them to stay and explore, if they are aware of what we offer.
Louis is up for a Golden Coconut Award this year from the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce for "Community Service."
“He is the Grove’s go to guy,” said David Collins, former executive director of the Coconut Grove BID. “Louis truly loves Coconut Grove and it shows when he greets visitors and welcomes the tour buses. The goodwill he generates daily for our community is amazing.”
He also does little things that make a big difference like having graffiti removed or street lights replaced. A funny story is that during the Christmas tree lighting recently at CocoWalk, I mentioned to him that there is one street light that is so bright, that it's ruining the photos, it was washing them out. I just said it off the cuff, not really thinking that he is the guy responsible for the lights. He replied, "I just had the light fixed, it was dead for so long and now it's working. People complain if the light is not working, then they complain if the light is working! You can't win around here!"
Many of you may know Louis from his days at Borders Books and he also managed Hibiscus Hill and Sparkle Plenty, all Grove stores. He was elected to the board of the Village of Center Grove, and is a member of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce.
Louis proudly proclaims, “I have the best position as Ambassador. People really love the help and advice I am able to offer.”
posted by Tom Falco at 5:00 AM
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10 Comments:
Louis is indeed a Grove Treasure. He well deserves being honored with a Golden Coconut. With his dedication, knowledge and love of the Grove he is best qualified to be our representative at City Hall.
I love love love and did I say love Louis? In the years I've had the pleasure of knowing him, I have never witnessed a moment when he wasn't kind or was smiling. Louis truly deserves that award and much more. The Grove is lucky to have him.
Thank you, Louis.
Louis is a great guy and a nice person. Always friendly and helpful. Just wish he would quit smoking so we can have him around here for many years more!
There is NO ONE more deserving of the Golden Coconut award than Louis. He represents the best of the Grove and his smile welcomes visitors and locals alike to our beloved village. He never fails to help and goes far beyond being an ambassador...his love of the Grove shines in his face and in his willingness to go the extra mile. I sincerely hope that he will be given recognition for his contributions by being awarded the Golden Coconut this year!
Is he a volunteer or is he doing his job the best way he can? Is he a City of Miami employee? The reason I ask is because unless he is a volunteer, no matter how great he is,shouldn't the award go to someone that does community service and not his job?
Booth created by Sarnoff.
Booth may have been created by Sarnoff but was beautified and put to life by one of our talented grove artists Eileen Seitz.
Louis is always smiling and willing to help others. He is a great representive of the Grove!
Great Job Louis! Congratulations on your anniversary. Your smile lights up the Grove.
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