Coconut Grove Town Hall

Commissioner Ken Russell is having a Coconut Grove Town Hall on Friday, May 3 from 6 to 9 pm.

There will be updates on
Code compliance
Public Works
Capital improvements
Parks and Rec
The NET office
Police
Green Grove Initiative.

The location is City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive

Summer art lessons for adults

Art Box is launching a new program catered to adults who wish to learn formal and classical art technique at an in-depth level.

The first course of this series, beginning on May 13, will be the "Classical Drawing Intensive." In this course, students will learn how to create drawings that successfully translate three-dimensional form with realism, depth, and atmosphere. Students will have the opportunity to work directly from stationary forms (still lifes) in monochrome scale, using charcoal pencils. 

This intensive takes drawing fundamentals to the next level, where different methodologies/techniques are applied to develop work with rich three-dimensional qualities, demonstrating control over the materials (charcoal & paper), accuracy, and understanding of drawing concepts.

Enrolled students will be working with their own reference material, learning how to arrange their own still lifes in engaging compositions. They will learn about the sight-size method, contours and values.

This intensive is open to all levels. Class meets once a week on Mondays for 2.5 hours for four weeks (10 hours total).

This new program is taught by artist and New World School of the Arts alum Johann Muñoz. Johann puts a very strong emphasis on individualized instruction that depends on the knowledge level, skill set, and area of interest of each student.

The Classical Drawing Intensive will occur from May 13-June 10 and will take place at the Art Box studio, located in the Mayfair in Coconut Grove at 2911 Grand Ave, Suite 400E, every
Monday from 7:00-9:30 pm.

To learn more, please visit artboxmiami.com or call Sofia for more information at 305-778-1270.

Special Indian-themed Chamber networker

The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce is having a joint Chamber event with the India-US Chambers and their guests on Wednesday, May 22. 

The event, from 5:30 to 8 pm will feature a performance of Indian dance by Ranjana Warier, artistic director of Rhythms of Dance and two time winner of the prestigious Knight Foundation Arts Challenge Award.

General admission is $20, members pay $15, which includes a welcome drink and exotic bites by Chef Ciro at Panorama at the Hotel Aria. Happy Hour prices follow.

Hotel Aria is at 2889 McFarlane Road.

Register here.

Grove Arts Assoc. to award scholarships

Art by Alex Gonzalez / NWSA

On Saturday, May 4, the Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association Scholarship Program will be awarding 20 graduating high school seniors from public and magnet schools with a $1,000 scholarship for their first year in college. 

The 2019 high school scholarship recipients attend the following Miami-Dade County schools: New World School of the Arts, Design and Architecture Senior High, Robert Morgan Educational Center, Coral Reef High School, Arthur & Polly Mays Conservatory of the Arts and Miami Charter School.

“The Coconut Grove Arts & Historical Association is so proud of its on-going efforts to provide talented young artists in Miami-Dade County financial assistance that may help them to embark on a career in the arts,” said Lilia Garcia, curator of the Gallery @ CGAF. “Our Association has provided over $100,000 in scholarships to deserving students during the years.” 
   
The Gallery @ CGAF will host an exhibition, named First Impressions showcasing the students’ artwork throughout the month of May. The student awards, which are made possible from private donations such as the "The Freed Family Scholarship," and “The Carol Massington Award of Excellence” will be presented on Saturday, May 4 from 6 to 9 pm.  Dr. Lawrence Feldman, M-DCPS Board Member, will be on hand for the presentation of recipients.  The opening night festivities are open to the public and complimentary refreshments will be served.  

The scholarship award recipients are carefully selected by the Arts Festival and Fund 4 Design & Art Education, an organization that has assisted in the selection process for more than five years. Fund 4 Design & Art Education consists of retired arts educators throughout the United States.

The Gallery @ CGAF, located at 3390 Mary Street in Mayfair-in-the-Grove, is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. and by appointment. For more information about the Gallery @ CGAF, please visit www.CGAF.com.

Empty storefronts are bad for the neighborhood

Fuller Street is lined with empty storefronts.

San Francisco has a new law where owners of empty storefronts have to register the empty storefront for an annual fee of $711.00. If they do not comply, the penalty is $2844.00, the idea of the registration is to give the city an idea of the rental situation.

I think a good way to keep storefronts from being empty is to fine the owners monthly. What good is a $711.00 fine on a store front renting for $10,000 per month? Pocket change.

We have way too many empty storefronts in the Grove. I'm not quite sure why. I know rents have gone up in many places and the current tenants cannot afford to stay, so they leave the storefronts remain empty. Why not let the tenants stay until the landlords find new tenants willing to pay the new rent increases? The landlords will still be receiving monthly rent and the storefronts won't sit empty. Fuller Street is an example of this. At one time it was lined with clothing boutiques, a pet shop and a hair salon, and also a bookstore for a bit. Now it is empty on one whole side of the street.

From an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, "Empty storefronts not only hurt neighborhood character, but also hurt other businesses by decreasing foot traffic in the area."

Ten years ago or so we had many galleries in the Grove because they took the space of empty storefronts. When a clothing store or chain store moved out, galleries moved in. They paid no or little rent and the Grove was so much better for it.

Six practical reasons to save old buildings

Saw this interesting article called, "Six Practical Reasons to Save Old Buildings," in the National Trust for Historic Preservation blog.

They say: "Simply put, 'historic' means 'old and worth the trouble.' " 

Something unheard of in Miami.

Some of the reasons are: "New businesses prefer old buildings" and "Old buildings are reminders of a city's culture and complexity."

You can see the full article here.

Celebrate Earth Week at The Barnacle

Celebrate Earth Week with Little Ladies and Gents Child Expo Events at The Barnacle Historic State Park.

The event is Sunday, April 28 from 11 am. to 4 pm. 

Lenny Batista will provide the tunes while you enjoy Earth-friendly products, food, games, and crafts. Picnics and leashed pets are welcome and bicycles are encouraged. Ride over and Bike Coconut Grove will valet your bike for free. 

All ages can pedal their way to delicious smoothies on the bike blender, and kids can decorate their wheels before joining the bike parade at 2 pm. 

Cost is $5 for ages 6 and up and $3 for ages 2 to 5. Kids under 2 are free.

The Barnacle is at 3485 Main Highway.

Bo's Miami Dog & Pet Festival is this weekend

Bo’s Miami Dog & Pet Festival is this weekend - outside and inside the Coconut Grove Women’s Club. Named after Bo a very special Lab/Mastiff mix.  

The goal of the event, being put on by Unlimited Sales Group, is to have a lot of fun with our dogs/pets, have some beers/wine. laugh, learn a thing or two and along the way help several local pet charities. 

The event is taking place Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28 from 2 to 8 pm on Saturday and 1 to 7 pm on Sunday.

There is nothing like it in South Florida so bring your dog or pet and enjoy the festival. 

Admission is free if you preregister on their website or on Eventbrite. For you procrastinators - $6.00 is the cost for tickets purchased on site. A portion of the proceeds will go to local pet charities.  

The festival features:
1. Thousands of pet loving consumers
2. A family friendly event
3. Yes, you can bring your dog or pet
4. Music
5. 75 Pet Product Exhibitors
6. Festival consists of pet products, food, drink, art/craft and more
7. No more than 1 or 2 of the same type of product means a lot see 
8. Live Demos
9. Contests with prices for Best Dressed Pet, Master/Pet Lookalike Contest and Smartest Pet
10. Beer and wine packages are available. 

For more info
miamifinewineandspiritsfestival.com or miamipetfest.com or call 305-812-7626

Playhouse gets a one week deferral

State Rep. Frederica Wilson's request for a deferral on the Coconut Grove Playhouse issue was granted at Thursday's Commission meeting. Sort of.

County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, who was present at the meeting agreed to a one-week deferral. There will be a special commission meeting on Wednesday, May 8, where the commissioners will decide whether to approve the county's demolition plans. The HEP Board already voted against it.

Residents and others spoke for and against the County's plans for the Playhouse and the question arose as to where was Ms. Wilson this past decade and why is she interested in saving the Playhouse now in the 11th hour?

Some feel that one week for her to catch up is not enough but again, where was she for 10 years? 

Others wondered why only one plan is being considered. Why can't other plans be considered?

Earth Day bike ride to The Barnacle

Bike Coconut Grove is having a family-friendly bike ride to The Barnacle Earth Day event on Sunday, April 28. You'll receive free tickets for all family members. 

This easy ride begins at Cocoplum Circle in Coral Gables at 12:30 pm. You can also join the ride at the Vanguard School (Main Highway & Douglas Road) at 12:45 pm. Then it's on to the Barnacle for kids' bike decorating, a bike parade, pedal-powered smoothies, Little Ladies and Gents Earth Day festivities, and more.

To join the ride and get your free tickets you must register online here. 

Veterans Water Sports Festival coming this weekend

The inaugural Veterans Water Sports Festival (VWSF) is taking place the weekend of April 27-28.  The purpose of the event is to bring veterans from across our nation together for a weekend of fun in the sun.  

On Saturday April 27 they will be at Crandon Park’s Paradise Cove beach shelter on Key Biscayne, sailing Hobie Trimarans and Kite Boards, Paddle Boards, Adaptive Kayaks and Ocean Kayaks.  On Sunday April 28 they will move to Coconut Grove at the U.S. Sailing Center in Kennedy Park for racing and cruising in a variety of sailboats.  

They will have a fleet of radio-controlled sailboats to race off the floating dock in Kennedy Park. The VWSF is a collaborative event between Team Paradise Sailing, Miami-Dade Parks Disabilities Services, and Veterans Adventure Group.  Approximately 50 Veterans are expected to participate over this two-day event. 

Team Paradise Sailing is a unique sailing organization that gives the disabled community an opportunity to sail at all levels of ability and expertise. Their boats are customized and adapted to match the abilities of the crew.

Miami-Dade Parks Disabilities Services builds memorable experiences and communities through well-designed parks and open spaces that are efficient, accessible, engaging and aesthetically pleasing, guided by the Parks Open Space Master Plan. They offer year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities.

The Veterans Adventure Group is a non-profit organization comprised of a group of veterans determined to make a difference in the lives of other veterans. They build, equip, train and execute the mission. Their "missions" cover the full range of extreme activities. Once the initial goal is achieved, participants keep the equipment, and their team can continue training together, setting new goals and achieving them independently with teams they sponsor themselves. 

Bluegrass Night at The Grove Spot

Bryan, Max and Ariele

Bryan Dubrow is building a monthly Bluegrass Night at The Grove Spot. This Thursday is their second month there.

Bryan, along with Max and Ariele will perform from 8 to 11 pm. It's free and open to the public.

"The band and I are looking forward to being back at The Grove Spot this week to play some of our favorite bluegrass, folk, and country music.  As individual musicians, and especially with this trio, we've found that audiences in Miami are attracted to the exciting and danceable nature of this music, perhaps more than they may have expected. Expect plenty of up-tempo tunes, vocal harmonies, fiddle solos, and instrument swapping to go down Thursday night," says Bryan.

The Grove Spot is at 3324 Virginia Street.

Congresswoman asks for deferral on Playhouse issue

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson sent a letter to Commissioner Ken Russell on Monday asking if he would defer the Playhouse decision planned for Thursday's meeting.

Ms. Wilson would like to be part of the conversation, she called it "a matter of extreme importance," and she would like the opportunity to be fully briefed on the subject as well as participate in an upcoming hearing.

On Thursday, April 25, the City Commission has the Coconut Grove Playhouse on the agenda. Commissioners are to decide whether to approve the County's plans. 

At the last HEP Board meeting, the board voted against the County's current plans, by a vote of 6 to 4, that the Certificate of Appropriateness and demolition permit were denied, yet the county is going to keep coming back and pushing their chrome and glass Arquitectonica structure on the public. 

Other plans, which are not being considered, include a larger theater by architect Richard Heisenbottle who is quite sure the grandeur can be returned to the playhouse without hurting the current structure. The seating capacity would be 700. Most of the interior would of course be redone including the stage area, but this is good in that it would allow larger productions and allow for larger sets. The basic plan calls for restoration and not demolition, which is the County's plan, to demolish most of the structure, only keeping the "wings" up front.

The Coconut Grove Theater Foundation, to which Heisenbottle is a part of the development team, has secured $11 million in private donations and pledges as of April 1. There is an additional $20.5 million that the state has for renovation of the playhouse plus City of Miami and county funding along with federal historic tax credits, bringing the total to almost $43 million. Mike Eidson is president of the foundation.

The Foundation prefers a 700 seat theater and a smaller 200 seat studio theater.
“I’m honored and proud to join the Foundation in its efforts to restore the Coconut Grove Playhouse to its past greatness,” Heisenbottle said. “For this cultural gem to have been shuttered since 2006 is a community disgrace and a civic embarrassment.”

There is a protest March on April 25 at City Hall, which will take place before the meeting. The time for the meeting and the protest has not been set yet. The idea is to send a message to the Commission about the over-bearing developers. 

UPDATE: Commissioner Russell will be requesting a deferral of this item on the May 25 Commission meeting. "Congresswoman Frederica Wilson reached out to me requesting more time to study this issue. She is deeply committed to the history and culture of Coconut Grove as well as its Bahamian roots," says Ken.

"I would like to see a successful project built on this site to bring back a cultural gem and much needed parking to the Center Grove, but I also believe it is critically important that we get it right, including giving the historical aspects of the project their due," he continued.

New BID director to be installed

Abigael Mahoney

There will be a new BID director as of May 3. Current director Nicole Singletary is stepping down for personal reasons.

This morning the BID’s Executive Committee voted to appoint Abigael Mahony as the Acting Executive Director for the organization. Ms. Mahony has worked for the City of Miami since January of 2017 as the Senior Aide in the Office of Commissioner Ken Russell. In her capacity as Senior Aide, she successfully developed and executed strategies to increase community engagement and education and has built strong interpersonal relationships with City Administration in addition to Commission and Mayoral staff.

Nicole Singletary

"I feel proud of what I have been able to accomplish with the support of my team, board and committee members over the last year and a half, including the launch of the free, on-demand transportation service through Freebee. Via partnerships with Entercom and Prism Creative Group thousands of locals and visitors have re-discovered Coconut Grove through our block parties and live music events. The lighting installation at Peacock Park, and most recently the interactive digital mural at the iconic Coconut Grove Laundry & Dry Cleaners are also beautifying our parks and streets while showcasing the district’s rich history and commitment to the arts," says Nicole.

Metrorail station being transformed into mini-city

This is the new project by the Adler Group and 13th Floor Investments which has broken ground at the Douglas Road Metrorail station. It's called Link at Douglas.

The 7-acre, $600 million project will consist of a public plaza surrounded by 250,000 square feet of office space, 25,000 square feet of retail shopping and 1500 residential apartments. 

The project will be built in phases over the next five years. The first tower will be 22 stories high with 312 apartments and 6000 square feet of retail, the second tower will be 36 stories high with 421 apartments and 17,000 square feet of retail. Construction will start this summer.

Miami Vibes: Yoga + Wellness Panel Discussion

Miami Vibes is having a transformational journey into Health and Optimum Wellness with a special tropical yoga class led by Sam Reynolds at the Kampong botanical gardens on April 27 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Sam Reynolds will guide you through a gentle morning flow inspired by the sounds of nature at the Kampong's open-air studio. A Q & A Panel Discussion will follow at 11:45 am with leaders in personal development sharing tools for transformation. The panel will be moderated by Crystal Tejera of Miami VIbes.

Coffee and light bites will be provided by Xol Coffee and Tea Company. 

Goodie bags provided by Ilo Gear

Tickets are $25 and open to the public. For Kampong members, the price is $15. Please email sam@journeysforthesoul.com for your member discount code. A portion of the ticket proceeds directly benefit the non-profit, Kampong, part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden.  Tickets may be purchased here.

Crystal Tejera has a passion for personal development and the practice of manifestation. She curates wellness content and partnerships for Miami Vibes Magazine. She’s a reflector by human design and enjoys sharing tools for transformation with those interested in up-leveling their vibes.

Sam Reynolds is an international yoga teacher based in Miami. Her mission is to inspire peace, one breath at a time. Her goal is to help students find a healthy balance in life and create an inner journey towards freedom and empowerment. 

Monica Reyes is a Life Strategist, an activist for compassion, speaker, and truth seeker born in NYC and living in Miami. 

Liz Nieves currently owns a Miami based Active Wear and Dance Wear Brand, ILOGEAR. Ilogear is manufactured locally and sold in 30 stores throughout the US, UK, Scotland, and Switzerland. 

Judi Pasos, Transformational Subconscious Psychotherapist, is a licensed mental health counselor and a certified yoga instructor. 

Admission includes a yoga class with Sam Reynolds, Miami Vibes panel discussion, and all-day entry to the Kampong Botanical Gardens. Part of your ticket proceeds benefits the non-profit, the Kampong. Mats are not provided.  

The Kampong is at 4013 Douglas Road.

Volunteer to help paint planters in Village West

Volunteers painting planters in September 2016

The Adopt-A-Planter, paint drive is Saturday, April 27. Come out and help beautify the Grove.

This project is focused on painting approximately 60 planters in Village West. Students and adults who volunteer and support this project will receive community service hours.

The goal is to paint and beautify all remaining planters along the streets. All painting supplies will be provided. 

Please contact Linda Williams to confirm your participation at 786-975-8058.

Water and refreshments will be provided.

The project is from 8 am to 3 pm. Meet at Christ Episcopal Church, 3401 Williams Avenue.

The project is sponsored by district commissioner Xavier Suarez, Home Depot and HOATA (The Homeowners and Tenants Association of Village West).

Chamber presents 'Tea and Mindfulness'

Lorna Owens

The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce is presenting "Tea and Mindfulness," a  series designed to help reduce stress, conflict, lack of focus and low productivity in the workplace on Tuesday, April 30.

Mindfulness is a state of awareness and a practice. It involves bringing your attention to the present moment and creating an attitude of curiosity and openness. It is not a forced practice. It is a secular practice backed by overwhelming scientific evidence. It’s like training a muscle - training your attention to be where you want it to be. This reduces our tendency to work on autopilot, allowing us to choose how we respond and react.

The event is presented by Lorna Owens, CEO of Desert Sage Wonderful World of Tea. Lorna, an attorney, is also a registered nurse, midwife, author, and international speaker to major organizations and governments in over 20 countries.

Attendees will experience some of the finest hand-blended, custom-crafted Teas and Tisanes from around the world.

The event is at CocoWalk West, 3rd floor rooftop terrace. at 3059 Grand Avenue.

Parking is available at Cocowalk parking garage.

Arrival and Registration is 3:45 pm, Seminar at 4 pm.

General Admission is $10 / free for Chamber members.

Reservations are limited to 30 so RSVP here now.

Easter Bunny seen on Main Highway

The Easter Bunny was seen on Main Highway today. Look for him while you're out and about the Grove Sunday.

Happy Easter / Happy Passover

Barnacle goes to the dogs this Cinco de Mayo

Celebrate at the 9th annual Woofstock hosted by The Barnacle Society in conjunction with Equipaws Pet Services as The Barnacle opens up to pups. 

Join in for food, live music from The Pitbull of Blues Band, dog adoptions, pet tricks, an animal blessing, K9 Officer demos, dog-friendly goodies and treats like doggy ice cream, and more from 11 am to 4 pm. on Sunday, May 5. Park in one of the neighborhood lots and enjoy a walk down the tree-lined path to spacious, bayfront lawn at 3485 Main Highway. 

Regular Park Admission is $2 per person, and children under 6 enter free. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Dogs must be on a hand-held leash.

Equipaws Pet Services has been providing dependable dog walking, dog running, pet sitting, and overnight services for the pets of Miami since 2011.

Join the Lou Gehrig's Disease Run/Walk May 11

The 17th annual Lou Gehrig's Disease Run/Walk will take place in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables on Saturday, May 11 starting at 7:30 am.

The 10K and 5K Run/Walk is one of the most enjoyable courses in all of South Florida. Running through Coconut Grove and Coral Gables allows the runner to have complete shade as you pass under the giant banyon trees. The proceeds from this years race go to the ALS Recovery Fund.

The race starts at Miami City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive.

Every dollar helps them to reach their goal, and they have made it easy for you to help. Please consider making a direct donation or create a fundraising page and a running team. Fundraising pages can be created for individuals or teams.

Early registration (Online only until May 10th):
$30 
$15 (14 and under)
Late registration (race day): $35 / $20 14 & under

WHATS INCLUDED?
Participant t-shirts for all registrants
Official race timing for the 10K & 5K Run categories
Awards for Top 3 Finishers as follows:
10K/5K Run: Award medals will be given to the Top 3 Overall (male/female) and Top 3 in each Age Group (male/female): 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74,75 and Over 
5K Wheelchair: Top 3 Overall

For more info, please email info@alsrecovery.org or call 305-971-5416

The registry page is here. 

Nominate a neighbor

The CBS tv show, "The Neighborhood," which stars Cedric the Entertainer and Max Greenfield, is having a contest.

In the spirit of the show, they are asking communities to nominate a neighbor who has made a positive difference, either within their neighborhood or to you personally.

"By nominating a deserving neighbor between April 15-May 15, you, your 'Great Neighbor' nominee, and two guests could win an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles to watch a live taping of "The Neighborhood's" second season this fall," says the promo.

Also, four deserving runners-up will receive a sponsored “Yard-e-que” block party for their immediate neighbors.

You can check out the show on Monday nights on CBS at 8 pm.

You can nominate a neighbor here.

Making a video at the Playhouse

Videographers will be recording everyone who would like to participate at the Playhouse on Thursday, April 18.

If you would like to be part of this, please be at the Playhouse at the corner of Main Highway and Charles Avenue at 4:30 pm on Thursday.

The history of the Grove Rotary Club

Norman Kassoff of the Miami Rotary Club will be the guest speaker at the April 18 meeting of the Rotary Club of Coconut Grove.  Kassoff will outline how Rotary started in Miami in 1917 and what it has accomplished. Miami’s early founders.  

Its first president was Dr. James Jackson, who participated in the early development and many civic aspects of the new City of Miami.  Upon his death in 1926, the community recognized Dr. Jackson for his many outstanding contributions by establishing Jackson Memorial Hospital in his honor. 

For the first 50 years of its existence, the club had representatives of local and state government, banking, airline, business and religious establishments as part of its membership.  

This allowed the club to partner with the public and private sectors in much of the community’s early development.  The Rotary Club of Miami was active in bringing to Miami the YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, Humane Society, and Lighthouse for the Blind. Several members of the club were signatories to the founding documents for the University of Miami.  

The Rotary Club of Coconut Grove meets every Thursday at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club, 2990 South Bayshore Drive at 12:30 pm. The cost of the meeting is $25 with lunch or $10 without lunch. Open to the public.

Happy Hour at Woman's Club

The Woman's Club of Coconut Grove is having an open house Happy Hour on Thursday, April 18 from 5:30 to 8 pm.

There is no entry charge, it's a networking event, everyone is welcome. There will be hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.

Members from The Woman's Cancer Association will be attending. Part of the proceeds from the cash bar will go to their association.

They will also be honoring  Commissioner Ken Russell with a plaque for his continued support to our club and their causes.

The Woman's Club is at 2985 S. Bayshore Court.

'Ode to Your Zip Code'

Theresa's poem

O, Miami, WLRN, and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens present an evening to celebrate poetry in South Florida and the completion of the “Ode to Your Zip Code” (affectionately called Zipodes) contest.

Join all the Zipode finalist for a reading and reception at Vizcaya, on Wednesday, April 24 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Tickets may be purchased here.

Our friend Theresa Calluori had a poem accepted. She lives in West Kendall and has a friend in the Grove who she always asks to come over, but her friend declines, saying that West Kendall is too far. That's her poem.

“Ode to Your Zip Code” is a South Florida-wide poetry call created by WLRN and O, Miami, a Knight Foundation-funded poetry festival, that turns the least lyrical designation of one’s home, a zip code, into an occasion for poetry.

Theresa Calluori

Beginning in March, WLRN and O, Miami accepted odes to South Florida zip codes in the form of the code itself: five lines, with each line containing the number of words designated by the zip numbers.  (For example, if you live in 33139, your poem would be 3 words, 3 words, 1 word, 3 words, 9 words.)

Every Friday in April, WLRN will announce the top ten poems of the week. All forty poets are invited to read their Zip Odes at Vizcaya. Submit your own here. To submit your own original poems and find out more about the contest, visit the O Miami website. Submissions are due by April 19.

Additionally, to round out the evening, O, Miami and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center will award the 2019 Marjory Stoneman Douglas Poetry Award. A brief ceremony and reading will kick off Zipodes. 

Light Bites will be provided by Dade County Food Group.

Vizcaya is at 3251 S. Miami Avenue.

Change of venue for Carollton meeting

Coconut Grove neighbors who have expressed interest in participating in open discussion on Carrollton’s proposed boys school  grades Pre K through 5. 

The meeting, previously scheduled for the Coral Reef Yacht Club has been moved to Hotel Aria (the former Sonesta). 

Carrollton has plans for a 350 student/50 faculty new school at the location where Villa Woodbine has operated as an event venue for the last 40 years at 2167 S. Bayshore Drive.

Please join  the discussion Monday, April 15 from 5:00 to 6:30, when committee members will be assigned for a covered community event, hopefully held before schools in the Grove start their summer break that commences Friday May 31.

The Aria Hotel is at 2889 McFarlane Road.

Please RSVP via text to 305-431-0336 or 305-785-8013.

Scooting around town

I guess the scooters aren't a new idea. This is 1916. 

English socialite and activist Florence Priscilla, Lady Norman, CBE was given this Autoped as a birthday present by her husband, Sir Henry Norman. She used it to travel to her office in central London.

Mass transit is not agreeing with me

This is a first world problem and I think it's important because we are trying to encourage public transportation, but when things like this happen the whole effort takes a back seat to us using our own private cars because we can depend on our cars. 

I had posted the NY Times story recently called, "Owning a car will soon be as quaint as owning a horse," but not at the rate our public transportation is going.

The last few times I tried to take mass transit, it hasn't worked out. It think the problem is that there aren't enough trolleys, Ubers or Freebees on the streets during peak times and it defeats the whole purpose.

During the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and Boat Show it was near impossible to get a Freebee and that's when you need it because it's near impossible to find parking during that time.

They changed the trolley route, making wait times double, so I have not taken it since. I like Freebee but it's not reliable and Uber is iffy.

On Saturday night I was headed to the Opera at Regatta Park. I didn't think I would find parking, so I decided to take Freebee. I summoned the app and it told me the driver would be by to pick me up in five minutes, then it went down to 4, 3, 2 and 1 minute and .... nothing. So I canceled the ride and started over. I did this about four times when finally a driver responded, but he told me there would be a 45 minute wait! 45 minutes! No. That wasn't going to work.

I then called Uber who arrived fast, and that was great.

I didn't stay for the full opera event because I had to be somewhere else, so I summoned Freebee after a bit and I got the same thing as before - no response. I could understand if everyone was leaving at once, but this was an odd time and there should not have been such a long wait. So I walked over to City Hall and summoned Uber because I felt it would be easy for the driver to find me there.

By mistake I summoned a pool car, that's when you share a ride, but I didn't want a pool. Pricing was basically the same for a private ride so I would have chosen that. I didn't know how to cancel the ride, so I went with it. It was a long wait and with the pool, you have to walk to locations to be picked up, they don't come right to you. I was at City Hall and the app told me to go to the southwest corner of Pan American Drive and S. Bayshore Drive, which isn't a thing. There is no such corner, it is the entrance to Grove at Grand Bay condo and the bank next door. 

So I walked there, actually I ran because the freaking app told me that the driver would be there in a minute, so I ran from City Hall to the Grove at Grand Bay condo. Only to wait, and wait, and wait in the dark. After about 20 minutes, the app cut off and and said something like, "Start your trip again." So I had to start from scratch.

And they charged me a $6.00 cancellation fee on top of that. This happened to me before, the drivers just apparently get flustered and dump the call, leaving people stranded in the middle of the night.

I ended up calling another Uber,  a private car this time, and it arrived fast and got me home.

I don't think Miami will ever get mass transit right. 

It was a beautiful night for Opera in the Park

Davina Rdriguez and Vincenzo Costanzo

Saturday night was perfect for an open-air opera performance at Regatta Park. Opera Italiana made a stop in Miami on their national tour. They have performed in New York but never Miami, this was their first time.

President and Music Maestro Alvise Casellati presented two great names in Italian Opera,  Davinia Rodriguez (soprano) and Vincenzo Costanzo (tenor), who sang for the first time together. The orchestra was composed of Miami’s top professionals in the first roles, leading local students and new graduates from the city’s major conservatories.

The concert was presented by the City of Miami, the Italian Consul General and Board Members of the Key Biscayne Piano Festival.

The performers were dressed in gown and suit, I had expected them in some sort of Opera dress and I was expecting a stage, but they performed at ground level next to the conductor and orchestra. The acoustics were perfect.

The park was crowded, I was told that there were 1000 seats and all were full and there was a lot of people standing around. It was very well attended and beautiful. People passing by or riding by on bicycles, even scooters, stopped in their tracks and surrounded the performers.

I'm sorry the photos are not so great, it was dark and I was not near the stage! In the past, I would have performers pose for me before the performance, but I started talking to a friend who I ran into and before you knew it, the sun was down and the show started.

Tea with Mr. Shakespeare

Celebrate the Bard of Avon at The Barnacle on Saturday, April 20 from noon to 2 pm. Join in the fun as the Florida Shakespeare Theater presents Tea with Mr. Shakespeare. 

Come in costume or try on one of theirs. Meet fairies in the Fairy Garden. Enjoy scenes and sonnets, and participate in arts and crafts, Renaissance dancing, rat pucking, sword fighting and more. Picnics and well-behaved pets on hand-held leashes no longer than six feet are welcome. 

Walk or bike over, or park nearby and use the Freebee app to request a ride to the park. The festivities are included with the regular park admission of $2 per person, and children under age 6 are free. 

The Barnacle is at 3485 Main Highway.

Chug on over to Chug's

Chug's, the new Cuban diner is open at Florentine Plaza.They opened right on schedule, Friday morning at 7 am. Above is Michael Beltran, chef and owner, in the kitchen.

The place was crowded at lunchtime and I passed by again at night and it was still crowded. It looks to be the new hang out spot in town.

The food is delicious and very fairly priced. A Cuban sandwich is $6.99! A friend and I had pie and coffee - a slice of berry pie, a cupcake, a cordadito and a Cuban coffee, it was $11.00. At other places in the village, that would be $18.00 to $20.00. I have a few more of the items and prices at a story I posted here last week.

The staff is young and nice and Michael is quite patient, I've stopped by often to get a story and on Friday, when it was all hectic and crazy on opening day, he was still calm, nice and pleasant. The whole place has an energy, a good vibe, about it, "It's electric!" is how a friend described it.

Florentine Plaza (3444 Main Highway), is full of life now. It's really enjoyable.

Chug's is open daily from 7 am to 11 pm. Breakfast will be available all day with a selection of breakfast only specialty dishes served from 7 to 11 am and lunch and dinner will be served 11 am to 11 pm.

A pan con lechon sandwich made with added duck confit, and a minuto fried fish sandwich, are part of the extensive menu.