Old Time Dance tonight

The Miami Ski Club is holding it's "Old Time Dance" at The Barnacle (3785 Main Hwy.) tonight from 6 to 10 pm. The Mudhole Control Band will be playing "traditional American" dance music including waltzes from the 1800s. Rae Newoman, the dance caller will instruct you on the dance "moves".

So if you feel like going back in time, bring your chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner.

The cost is $10 members and $15 guests. For more info, please call Pam at (305) 772-1500 or e-mail specialevents@miamiskiclub.net. The Miami Ski Club's website is here: http://www.miamiskiclub.com/

AND DON'T FORGET, PJs IN THE PARK IS ALSO TONIGHT AT KENNEDY PARK.

Be a block captain

Crime Watch block captains are still needed. For info, please call Peggy Bader at 305-322-6339.

Grove scene

A film crew was using Ludo's in a restaurant scene the other day. Main Highway was buzzing with activity.

Desperate Developers

Rebecca Wakefield has a good article in the Sun Post on the Mercy circus and the low life developers.

PJs in the Park

It's "PJs in the Park" time again, this Saturday, March 31st. You have probably seen the green and white banners all over the Grove this past month.

From 4 pm to 8 pm, Kennedy Park (2600 S. Bayshore Drive) is the scene of the pajama party. As usual, it is a family event full of performances, games a raffle and rickshaw rides and so much more. As if it wasn't enough to have movies in Peacock Park, Night at the Museum will be shown after sunset in Kennedy Park, too.

More movies in the park

"Casablanca" under the stars was such a hit in Peacock Park that movies in the park are back.

Tomorrow, in Peacock Park, at 7:30 pm, "The Women" will be shown, starring Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer and there will be a U.S. premiere of "As Old As My Tongue", a film about Bi Kidude, a music legend from Zanzibar.

Bring blankets and folding chairs. The movies are free.

No vote yet on Mercy land scam

The City Commission postponed the Mercy Hospital rezoning vote until next month.

Comm. Joe Sanchez suggested postponing the issue saying he needed more time before voting. I don't know if this is good or bad, but at least he didn't rush to a decision.

Comm. Marc Sarnoff tried to get them to vote against the project, asking the other commissioners to side with him, the district Commissioner, but apparently three on the board have no respect for Marc and his knowledge of the area.

The Related Group has no respect for Vizcaya or the neighborhood and as usual is out for the almighty dollar. Mercy Hospital is a shameless whore. The developers lowered the height to 318 feet from 410 but this is bullshit.

So now it is back to the circus on April 26, 2007. It is a shame that this nonsense has to go on and on when respectable people like Arva Moore Parks speak against the project, but are totally ignored. It's all about the money -- lining people's pockets. It really is sad.

Mercy vote tonight

Beth Dunlop wrote a great article in "The Herald" about the Mercy monstrosity called "Dark Shadows Loom for Vizcaya". The vote is tonight pertaining to the Mercy land rape and The Related Group's lack of conscience and non-stop greed quest.

I know some of you who comment here say we need progress, but non-stop greed and destroying quality of life is not progress. Paid off politicians sicken me.

Sayblee Darsale Salon

The Sayblee Darsale Salon is having their grand opening Friday, March 30th.

Located at 3190A Commodore Plaza, they offer International hair extensions and twists and have a special on manicures and pedicures and men's haircuts. For more info: 305-648-0055.

A stupid idea.

Harry Emilo Gottlieb sent me this photo, I have been meaning to ask about this.

Who is the genius that came up with this crosswalk signal on South Bayshore Drive? Have you seen it? The pedestrian pushes the button and then ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE. All sorts of lights and signals start going off on all sides of the street -- it looks like a jackpot machine at a casino. It is so disturbing and unexpected that I am surprised there have not been any auto accidents. Cars come to a complete stop out of shock and awe. You can hear the cars coming to a screeching stop on a daily basis. It's looks like an explosion or fire that just ignited.

It's totally unsightly and stupid -- too way over the top.

Neighbors meeting neighbors

Here are some pictures from the Grove Crime Watch block party yesterday afternoon. If you click on them, they will open larger.

Breakfast

Glenn Terry brought up an interesting question in his Neighbors column today: Where is there a decent (and cheap) place for breakfast in the Grove, now that the Latin American Restaurant is gone from 27th and US1).

I have been eating healthy lately -- oatmeal, usually at home -- but for a while I was going to Deli Lane on Brickell, Berries, which has a nice atmosphere or La Carreta on SW 8th Street -- I go to the Gold's Gym near there (don't get me started on the crap Shaq gym again). Nowhere in the Grove enticed me, and it wasn't even about price, it was about a decent hearty breakfast.

I noticed that The Sandbar Grill serves breakfast, and if that is as good as their fajitas, that may be an interesting place to try.

Any suggestions?

A quiet oasis amidst the madness

There are so many things going on this weekend in the county, but it seems not much is going on in the Grove except for the block party tomorrow.

The Lipton-Nasdaq-Sony-whatever it is tennis thing is in Key Biscayne, there is the Doral WGC-CA Championship, with Tiger Woods, there is Indy car racing in Homestead and the Fair is on in West Dade. There are a few plant shows and sales including one at the old Parrot Jungle location in Pinecrest, there is a Crawfish Boil at Fairchild Tropical Garden and the list goes on including jazz and the Ultra Music Fest and more and more.

All of this not in the Grove, which is nice because before or after these events you can visit the two farmers markets, have lunch or dinner or coffee or shop peacefully and then enter the madness of all the other events. A full list of things to do today is here at the Herald.

Sandbar Grill has the best fajitas

I found the best fajitas and they are right here in the Grove at the Sandbar Grill (3064 Grand Ave.)! I have been going to Baja Fresh on Miracle Mile a lot to get good fajitas and also Sergio's on Coral Way, but I found these incredible fajitas right in our own back yard! They are big, delicious and fresh. Try 'em.

This photo was taken with my cell phone and doesn't do them justice.

And they take the Code 33 Card at the Sandbar Grill, too!

La Salle High School Hall of Fame

The Immaculata -- La Salle High School Alumni Association is hosting its annual Hall of Fame Induction Dinner tomorrow at 7 pm (3601 S. Miami Ave.).

The 2007 honorees include Ileana Bravo, a four-time Emmy-award winning journalist and Francisco Angones, who has practiced law for more than 30 years and was recently elected President-elect of the Florida Bar Association.

The Faculty Inductees are Sister Marie Therese Evrard, a long time teacher and administrator at the former Immaculata Academy, and Carmen Grosso, a former coach who went on to join the football staff at the University of Miami and more recently helped assemble the football program at Florida International University.

Tickets are $75 a person, call 305-798-2791 for tickets and info.

Block party

The 3rd Annual All Grove Crimewach Block Party is this Sunday, March 25 from 4-6 pm at the corner of Wakeena and Natoma in North Grove. Rain or shine. (If you click on the map, it will open larger).

There will be games for kids, music and drinks and raffle prizes, including four $25 gift certificates from Shell Lumber. Bring a dish to share - finger food would be perfect.

This is for everyone all over the Grove, not just the North Grove neighborhood.

It's a great way to meet new people and and mingle with neighbors. You can learn how to reduce crime in your neighborhood and meet Crimewatch leaders, police commander and officers, Citizen on Patrol (COP members) and the Village Council Chairman.

Volunteer to be a COP or Crime Watch Leader or Block Captain - inform your neighbors of what is happening in the neighborhood.

For info email: pbader1@bellsouth.net.

Meeting tonight

Gary Hecht, the Chair of the Village Council, has put a great issue on tonight's meeting agenda. He wants to stop the selling off of the Grove to developers and wants to stop the proliferation of McMansions and zero property lines.

The meeting at 6:30 at the Glasshouse on McFarlane, at Peacock Park. You know, the NET office.

Commissioner Marc Sarnoff is already looking into this issue and now is your chance to talk back and state your concerns about this overdevelopment and greed proliferating all over the Grove.

Grove scenes

Why can't all Grove buidlings look like this? This is that new restaurant being built on Commodore Plaza.

A quiet Main Highway early on a weekday.

Fuller Street

Yoga near the bay

Every Wednesday, Yoga classes are being held at the Barnacle (3485 Main Hwy.) from 6 to 7:30 pm. It actually is a nice tranquel place on the bay to meditate and do yoga.

Fee is $13.00. For info, please call 305-442-6866.

Old Grove

I went to see this old house in the Grove -- it's from 1914 and it is for sale.

1914 -- and nothing has been upgraded. I told the realtor that I would prefer to live in The Barnacle if that was the case. She joked that the 1914 house was older, even though we both knew it wasn't. But honestly, if you want to go back in time and see what it was like back then, check it out at 3717 Matheson Avenue. I don't think she'll mind me writing about it since she wants to sell it.

She says David Fairchild lived there or was involved in some way. The grounds are magnificent, there is all sorts of trees and plants. Very nice. It reminded me of the Waltons house but I think their house was more modern than this. I wish I had taken my camera to show you the kitchen. It would be perfect for a set for a period movie.

The house across the street, also for sale, is from 1931. That's an interesting place to see, too. I really enjoyed going back in time. I felt like such an old-timer in the Grove of old.

The Fit is performing tonight

The Fit, from left Joe, Joel, Mary, Andy and Brant

The Fit will be playing tonight from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Club 3484 Main Hwy. (former Tuscany). The new owners of the place (next door to Senor Frog's) have done a really nice job with the decor and food, and they are actively trying to build a following as a true music nightspot (something that the Grove hasn't really had since the Taurus closed its doors).

So why not go out and support a great local band?

Wanna be a soap star?

"I Wanna Be A Soap Star" has a casting call this Saturday, March 17 at the Grove Sonesta Hotel. The fourth season is casting for a regular role on NBC's "Days of Our Lives."

You can get the enrollment form here and bring it with you on Saturday. The try-outs are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sonesta Hotel & Suites in Coconut Grove (2889 McFarlane Road).

Guinness Record presentation set for Saturday

The 2nd Annual Charity Tennis Event & St. Patrick's Day Gala Dinner benefiting the Save-A-Limb Fund, is Saturday, March 17th. It will be the scene of a Guinness World Record presentation to one of the international tennis pros participating in the event's exhibition matches.

South African tennis pro, Wayne Ferreira (shown here), will be recognized for playing in the most consecutive Grand Slam tennis tournaments as an active player.

Saturday's tennis exhibition and clinics for children and adults will take place from 11am to 5pm on the Grove Isle courts and will feature many tennis pros.

Tickets for adults attending the tennis-only portion of the event are $100, with children under 18 priced at $20. Dinner and tennis tickets are $500 per couple. Dinner only is $150 per person or $250 per couple.

For information on tickets and info on everything, call Liz Martinez at the Grove Isle Hotel & Spa, 305-860-4319, or Henri-James Tieleman at 305-858-9928 / cell: 202-256-5034

All Grove Crime Watch meeting tonight

The Coconut Grove All Grove Crime Watch community meeting is tonight from 7 to 9 pm at the Great Hall at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church (2750 McFarlane Road).

There is free food, door prizes and free parking. Be sure to tell the parking attendant you are there for the meeting and he'll stamp your ticket.

It's fun in the Great Hall, it's like a Gilmore Girls episode, where the whole town comes out for the town hall meetings.

For more info, call Robert Loupo at 305-448-3245 or Yvonne McDonald at 305-446-5827.

The Grove Crime Watch website is here: www.grovecrimewatch.com

What is it that you want?

I have to laugh at how so many of you comment and have such opposite opinions about me personally.

Case in point: On one post I say I was killing time in the Grove and I am put down in the comments section for wasting my life. In another post I say I am in a rush and I am told in the comments section that I am an impatient person and patience is a lost art. So which is it?

Perfect day for an art stroll

Yesterday was a perfect day for an art show, and the Gifford Lane Art Stroll was the place to be. It was packed. I think there were more people this year than last year. Small, shady Gifford Lane is a perfect location, too. (If you click on the pictures, they will open larger).

Here's Anna Marie Windish-Hunt proudly showing off her work (and selling, too). That's Anna to the left with art lovers Pierre and Marie.

The singer was very good. She sang a lot of Gwen Stafani stuff. When I first arrived, as I was walking from around the block, I thought it was canned music from the radio or something. And then I was pleased to see the band.

There was all sorts of work from traditional to these sea shell creations.

There seemed to be more artists this year than last year, too.

These funny faces were created by Diane Karmiol, a local artist.

There seemed to be as many dogs as people -- they came by foot and baby stroller.

Art Stroll today

It's a beautiful day for the Gifford Lane Art Stroll. Check it out today.

Shaq 24 Hour Fitness is run by morons

I was ready to join the Shaq 24 Fitness gym today. After many years of running to Golds Gym in Coral Gables, I figured I should stay in my own neighborhood.

Only they wouldn't let me. They actually told me at the front desk that I needed to go through a 35 to 40 minute tour and that they could not walk me through in 5 or 10 minutes to refresh my memory of the facility, because I had been there other times.

They refused. So since I didn't want to get a parking ticket (I only had about 10 minutes left on the meter) and I was late for a lunch date, I left. They lost me as a customer, they lost two friends who were considering joining and also two of my neighbors. And maybe countless others because of their stupidity.

There I am in with credit card in hand, but it had to be done their way. Guess they wanted me to have the whole experience, where they push things on you like training sessions and other things you don't need. I won't go back. I suggest you don't either, there is something fishy there.

Marjorie's house to stay where it is

Looks like the Marching Marjories from the King Mango Strut, shown here, got their wish: Marjory Stoneman Douglas' house will be staying where it is. It won't be moving to Fairchild Tropical Garden.

Hopefully the home can be renovated, restored to its former "glory" and small groups can visit on occasion, not overwhelming the neighbors, who, are concerned about that. Herald story here.

Akashi

Looks like Akashi, the Japanese restaurant, is opening in the old Tasti D-Lite location. If it is the same as the one in South Miami, that would be an excellent addition to the Grove.

27th Avenue updates

The plans for 27th Avenue were discussed at a recent meeting. I was going to post them here, but Transit Miami did such a great job, I'll just send you over there to see what was discussed and planned.

I am not against beautification at all, but I just don't think taking property away from businesses under this eminent domain law is right and I don't see how Crook and Crook, Shell Gas and Burger King will ever make the Grove have a nice, classy entrance from US1.

A traffic circle at one busy intersection makes no sense. Leaving the traffic light does. This is a major roadway, not some winding scenic road in a quiet area where just a few cars go by. The traffic circle will only delay traffic, not help it move along.

Gifford Lane Art Stroll

The ninth annual Gifford Lane Art Stroll is this Sunday, March 11, from 12 noon until 5 pm -- located on the 3200 block of shady, tree-lined Gifford Lane -- near the Kirk Munroe Park. It will be the only lane in town with more artists than you can imagine.

The festival is small and quaint. There are no vendors selling food or booze -- instead you will see some neighbors grilling wonderful things which are for sale for a dollar or two -- all of which they later donate to charity. Dave Collins served up some delicious cucumber punch last year. I remember that. :)

More than sixty artists will be displaying their art. “It is Florida old-style,” says artist founder Trina Collins. “We only hold the Stroll one afternoon a year, but now we have a number of residents on this block that purchased homes on Gifford Lane because of the Art Stroll. It’s got amazing people energy. It is a real friendly afternoon in the Grove.”

Once again this year, all of the participating artists at the Art Stroll will be giving away a cash percentage of their art sales to two Coconut Grove charities -- this percentage will be added to contributions made by the public and neighbors living on the block. The two benefiting charities from the Grove are the St. Stephen’s AIDS Ministry and the St. Alban’s Day Care Center in the Village West.

The extremely popular South Florida band “Out of Da’ Blues” will once again be delighting the crowd, as will their drop-in musical guests. There is plenty of street dancing as the party progresses.

If you click on this map, it will open larger.

Brenda's Boutique

Brenda's Boutique is having a 50% off sale on all dresses. And she'll be having some new jewelry items in the store, too. Check her out on Fuller Street.

Out and about

I had to kill a lot of time in the downtown Grove area today and it was nice to see a lot of the Grove's movers and shakers all over the place. I should have taken their photos and run it as a collage. Next time.

A few of you have been telling me about the Art Stroll this weekend. I did receive all the info and I am running a post about it tomorrow.

And to the guy who works in The Gap who asked if I was a tourist, because I seemed so laid back and relaxed, boy, you don't know me at all. But thank you for the compliment. I gave him a Grapevine business card and we talked briefly about the Home Depot, he was asking about what is going on. I had to tell him no one has a clue.

New exhibit at The Heart of the Grove

GroveHouse Artists and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church announced the opening of a new exhibit in The Heart of the Grove (3439 Main Hwy.) which begins this Friday, March 9 at 6 pm. Rob Friedman will be performing.

Ugly

If the powers that be would like to make 27th Ave. nicer, how about not allowing ugly things like this to be built? That would be a good start.

My friends and I call this building "Betty" because it is so ugly. It looks like a bomb shelter.

27th Avenue renovation plans stink

The Village Council will be hearing the latest proposal for the plans on making over 27th Avenue on Tuesday at 7pm at City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive). The largest concern is the County taking over the swale area at some properties through the eminent domain law. This will virtually wipe out parking at EZ Kwik (shown above) and probably make Slice-n-Ice (shown below) history.

Not fair. When are we going to start thinking of people and quality of life? Every time the City or County has some project in mind it ends up being a major issue. Can't some trees be added to 27th Avenue -- lots of trees -- and maybe clean up some sidewalks and plant some flowers? Isn't this good enough? Is it necessary to destroy businesses?

The same goes for the waterfront plan. Does the whole area need to be demolished? Can't the convention center be knocked down -- green space added and that be it?

I often feel that these projects are all about money. Rather than save tax payers money, it is the opposite -- large sums are thrown at businesses who are all on the take and have some connection to the City or County. Small projects don't put money in people's pockets, large massive projects do, so rather than plant something here or there, it is a huge construction project that takes years, takes lots of money and serves no one except those involved in the project. Enough! Try fixing a sidewalk or two, that is what is needed. Plant a tree.

Rua Metrorail project meeting

The Planning Advisory Board meets 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, at Miami City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive) to decide on the Rua Metrorail mess being planned at 27th and US 1. Hopefully they will shoo him off and the Latin American Restaurant will be back. (I like to dream).

Traffic is at a standstill at that intersection already, when will the City start voting for quality of life?

Grove scene

Corner of Mary and Florida, on an overcast winter's day. You may enlarge the photo by clicking on it.

The Marjorie Stoneman Douglas house

NBC6 has a report and some video and slide shows pertaining to the Marjorie Stoneman House. There is also a message board where you can leave your opinions on what should be done with the house. Some want it moved to Fairchild Tropical Gardens, others want it to remain where it is and be opened as a museum, the neighbors are torn between history and excess traffic if the house is opened to the public.

You can see the report and video and slide show here.

Anonymous blog comments

I noticed that a couple of letters in this month's Miami Monthly refer to this blog and refer to anonymous comments about Marc Sarnoff. By the way, Marc responded to the comments in this blog on Feb. 5, 2007.

I have gone back and forth considering what to do about anonymous comments. I know that most newspapers and magazine will not publish anonymous comments and they require the person's full name, address and phone number, but I think blogs are different.

I allow the anonymous comments because I feel that people have a right to speak up and by the very nature of the blog, it is "live" and anything that is commented on can easily receive a follow-up comment defending another point of view. I don't think we would have such lively conversations if anonymous comments were not allowed because, honestly, 99% of the people who comment, whether signed or not, make valid points and it would be a shame to not see the points of view from those who wish to remain anonymous.

I have removed nasty and vicious comments and I have tried moderating the comments by not allowing them to be published until I review them, but I don't want to censor anything since anyone stating questionable information can easily be corrected and usually is corrected instantly by the next people who comment.

One thing that does disturb me is that people have said to me that they post their comments anonymously because they would be verbally attacked on the streets if their identity was known.

Keep Grand Avenue high rise free

Someone left a comment on a previous post about the "Cocostyle" monstrosity on Grand Avenue. That thing across from CVS.

The place sits empty and probably will for quite awhile, it really is an ugly building and is out of place for the area. It's a pleasure to see that the condo canyon plan went bust, for now anyway.

During the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, they emailed me and asked me to help promote an art event in the lobby. Of course this was not them being altruistic by helping starving artists, it was a shoddy self promotion idea, trying to capitalize on the art show crowds.

I felt bad for the poor artists who were in an empty building, trying to show their art far from the actual crowds but there was no way I was going to help promote that or any other project that was built out of pure greed and is bad for the area.

I didn't even know that was a condo, I thought it was an office building. It is ugly -- no ambiance. The car wash next door is more pleasing to the eye.