"It takes a Village ...." In this case it takes a Christmas Village.
Merry Christmas and have a very happy holiday season.
Monday, December 9, 2013
POD Dickens' Christmas Village - 2013
Its the holidays and preparations continue on this shortened period due to a later than usual Thanksgiving. This is our first year set up of Alexandra's Dickens' Christmas Village. It is expected to grow - and in a very well planned way (a little not so hidden pun there)
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Pinecrest family movie night - "Polar Express" and flashlight tours of the Gardens!
The Pinecrest holiday Family movie is coming up on Friday, December 13. The movie is "Polar Express".
All aboard for a wonderful night of flashlight tours, hot dogs, popcorn--and a full length feature animated film. Let your child enjoy the beauty, mystery and just plain old fun of the Gardens by night.
Flashlight tours begin at 7pm, movie begins at 8pm.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
South Florida Lawyers: Now Hiring! Musing on the Palmetto Bay search for new counsel - as does SDM and the Miami Herald
South Florida Lawyers: Now Hiring!
The South Florida Lawyers Blog muses on what the writer(s) term the jockeying among the legal elite to win municipal business. And now, for the second time this year, Palmetto Bay is searching for The Best that money can buy, to represent the Village. You can read about it here.
The competition is stiff, however, because Gray Rob attorney John Herin, Jr. has been on the job for a month on an interim basis. So far, no firms have applied. But that won't last, what with the Village paying $185 per hour.
The question I have been asked is whether this is an open and honest search or simply a beauty pageant to justify hiring of a preselected insider? I can't get through a typical day in court or at a legal event without being asked. So many firms are looking for business, but no one wants to apply merely to serve as fodder to justify the hire of another. Significant time goes in to the preparation of a proposal as well as preparing for and participating in a public interview. Time is too valuable to spend on a snipe hunt.
South Dade Matters (SDM) recently raised the same issue in: Bonus Post: Why don’t local law firms want to represent Palmetto Bay? Asking: Why is it, then, that our little village ain’t attracting flies? Perhaps qualified firms are conflicted out? Or maybe other firms think Gray Robinson has an inside track and they don’t want to waste time on applying for a closed deal?
SDM Says: Some or all of the above reasons are probably at play here, but SDM can’t shake the feeling that the qualified law firms in the area are looking at Palmetto Bay as an unstable government. Certainly, Palmetto Bay’s Mayor doesn’t offer much to allay those concerns.
The South Florida Lawyers Blog muses on what the writer(s) term the jockeying among the legal elite to win municipal business. And now, for the second time this year, Palmetto Bay is searching for The Best that money can buy, to represent the Village. You can read about it here.
The competition is stiff, however, because Gray Rob attorney John Herin, Jr. has been on the job for a month on an interim basis. So far, no firms have applied. But that won't last, what with the Village paying $185 per hour.
The question I have been asked is whether this is an open and honest search or simply a beauty pageant to justify hiring of a preselected insider? I can't get through a typical day in court or at a legal event without being asked. So many firms are looking for business, but no one wants to apply merely to serve as fodder to justify the hire of another. Significant time goes in to the preparation of a proposal as well as preparing for and participating in a public interview. Time is too valuable to spend on a snipe hunt.
South Dade Matters (SDM) recently raised the same issue in: Bonus Post: Why don’t local law firms want to represent Palmetto Bay? Asking: Why is it, then, that our little village ain’t attracting flies? Perhaps qualified firms are conflicted out? Or maybe other firms think Gray Robinson has an inside track and they don’t want to waste time on applying for a closed deal?
SDM Says: Some or all of the above reasons are probably at play here, but SDM can’t shake the feeling that the qualified law firms in the area are looking at Palmetto Bay as an unstable government. Certainly, Palmetto Bay’s Mayor doesn’t offer much to allay those concerns.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Third Annual - KFHA Holiday Program (Toy Giveaway) for the Children of Farmshare 2013
The Kendall Federation of Homeowner Associations (KFHA) is hosting a
Holiday Toy Giveaway for the Children of Farm Share. Friday, December 13, 2013 –
7:00 PM
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO THE KFHA
On December 13, 2013, the KFHA will host its Third Annual Holiday Program, featuring the Ferguson High School Lady Falcon Singers. There will be holiday treats, the Hanukkah Menorah will be lit and, of course, Santa Claus will arrive with gifts for the children of Farm Share from Florida City Elementary School.
The FUN will begin at 7:00 pm at the Kendall Village Center 'Civic Pavilion', 8625 SW 124 Avenue, Miami, FL, in front of the Regal Theater.
CLICK HERE to view the full KFHA news alert which provides official details.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO THE KFHA
On December 13, 2013, the KFHA will host its Third Annual Holiday Program, featuring the Ferguson High School Lady Falcon Singers. There will be holiday treats, the Hanukkah Menorah will be lit and, of course, Santa Claus will arrive with gifts for the children of Farm Share from Florida City Elementary School.
The FUN will begin at 7:00 pm at the Kendall Village Center 'Civic Pavilion', 8625 SW 124 Avenue, Miami, FL, in front of the Regal Theater.
CLICK HERE to view the full KFHA news alert which provides official details.
Pinecrest Police collecting holiday toys for kids - Benefits Kristi House and MCH Foundation
Police collecting holiday toys for kids | Pinecrest
There are many opportunities to give this holiday season. I periodically list a few of these efforts on my blog. There are so many outstanding holiday efforts. Remember, the Palmetto Bay Canal Association has a canned food drive as part of its annual Palmetto Bay Canal Association Holiday boat parade. Area churches and business groups also have food and gift collection efforts.
The Pinecrest Police Department is conducting its second annual Holiday Toy Drive to benefit the Kristi House of Miami-Dade and the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Collection boxes for new unwrapped toys in original packaging are located at the Pinecrest Municipal Center, Police Department Lobby, 12645 S. Dixie Hw., and the Pinecrest Community Center, 5855 SW 111 St., and Pinecrest Gardens, 11100 SW 57 Ave.
Toys will be collected through December 19, 2013, and delivered to both the Kristi House and Miami Children’s Hospital by members of the Pinecrest Police Department on December 20.
Please review the full Pinecrest Tribune Article (Police collecting holiday toys for kids) for information, and/or contact the event coordinator, Detective Paul Rivera at 305-234-2100.
There are many opportunities to give this holiday season. I periodically list a few of these efforts on my blog. There are so many outstanding holiday efforts. Remember, the Palmetto Bay Canal Association has a canned food drive as part of its annual Palmetto Bay Canal Association Holiday boat parade. Area churches and business groups also have food and gift collection efforts.
The Pinecrest Police Department is conducting its second annual Holiday Toy Drive to benefit the Kristi House of Miami-Dade and the Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Collection boxes for new unwrapped toys in original packaging are located at the Pinecrest Municipal Center, Police Department Lobby, 12645 S. Dixie Hw., and the Pinecrest Community Center, 5855 SW 111 St., and Pinecrest Gardens, 11100 SW 57 Ave.
Toys will be collected through December 19, 2013, and delivered to both the Kristi House and Miami Children’s Hospital by members of the Pinecrest Police Department on December 20.
Please review the full Pinecrest Tribune Article (Police collecting holiday toys for kids) for information, and/or contact the event coordinator, Detective Paul Rivera at 305-234-2100.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Congratulations Scott Dennis. Another Palmetto Bay alumnus does well. North Miami Beach swears in new Chief of Police.
THE TEAM continues to move forward and upward! -
It is now official, Chief
Scott Dennis was sworn in as last Monday evening (12/2/13) as Chief of Police for the City of North Miami Beach. It was an exciting
evening for the chief with his family past co-workers (including original Palmetto
Bay officials) in attendance to celebrate and wish him the best.
Things continue to go well for so many Village of Palmetto Bay
alumni. I was unable to attend the swearing
in due to being in trial, but I would hope that Chief Scott Dennis accepts this
blog post as my sincere congratulations for taking on the responsibilities as
Chief of the North Miami Beach Police Department.
Another one of the strengths of Palmetto Bay's first 8 years was its partnership
with Miami-Dade County and the creation of the contract MDPD/Village Policing Unit. Palmetto Bay continues
to prosper under this agreement. Chief
Scott Dennis was part of the transition team just after incorporation and them
was our initial Lieutenant, part of the leadership team with our first Village
Commander, Captain Michael Mouring. Lt.
Dennis was later promoted to Captain and later became Palmetto Bay’s second Village
Commander.
Congratulations Police Chief Dennis. Those in attendance who represented
your prior responsibilities and commitments speak volumes on how you build
bridges rather than burn them. Good luck.
We all wish you the best!
POD - meeting some of the performers at Book of Mormon
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
The end for Comet ISON. All build up with no grand finale.
The build up let to a giant let down as Comet ISON appears not to have survived its close encounter with the sun on Thanksgiving.
2013 Old Cutler Church Christmas Concert - this Saturday, Dec 7
Old Cutler Presbyterian Church (OCPC) presents
its 2013 Old Cutler Church Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 7. There are
two show times for this year, 4:00 PM and 7:30 PM. (Please note that the
children’s choir will perform only at 4:00 PM)
Old Cutler Presbyterian Church
14401 Old Cutler Rd
Main Sanctuary
Email: info@ocpc.org
Enjoy an evening filled with the sights and sounds of Christmas during
their annual concert performed by an array of musicians and vocalists from
their choir, orchestra, praise & worship band and children’s choir (4 PM
only).
This is always a very popular event that is not to be missed. Attendees
should plan to arrive early to guarantee a seat.
This is a great Christmas event where you can enjoy outstanding
performances with your neighbors, friends and family.
37th Annual OCPC Christmas Concert
Date: December 7, 2012Old Cutler Presbyterian Church
14401 Old Cutler Rd
Main Sanctuary
Contact: Church Office
Phone: 305-238-8121Email: info@ocpc.org
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Police Investigating Person Fatally Shot In Palmetto Bay « CBS Miami & WSVN reports
Police Investigating Person Fatally Shot In Palmetto Bay « CBS Miami
CBS Miami reports that Police are investigating an incident in Palmetto Bay where one person is dead after being shot.
The Miami-Dade Police Department, Homicide Bureau, is investigating the incident that occurred at 16021 Southwest 77 Court.
Police have identified the victim as 36-year-old Israel Rodriguez, who resided in the home.
Upon officers’ arrival, they observed a hydroponic lab inside the home.
Channel 7, WSVN coverage: Police: Man killed in Palmetto Bay shooting
WSVN-TV - 7NEWS Miam Ft. Lauderdale News, Weather, Deco
CBS Miami reports that Police are investigating an incident in Palmetto Bay where one person is dead after being shot.
The Miami-Dade Police Department, Homicide Bureau, is investigating the incident that occurred at 16021 Southwest 77 Court.
Police have identified the victim as 36-year-old Israel Rodriguez, who resided in the home.
Upon officers’ arrival, they observed a hydroponic lab inside the home.
Channel 7, WSVN coverage: Police: Man killed in Palmetto Bay shooting
WSVN-TV - 7NEWS Miam Ft. Lauderdale News, Weather, Deco
Postal Service decides it won’t open a post office near Coral Reef Estates - Palmetto Bay - MiamiHerald.com
Postal Service decides it won’t open a post office near Coral Reef Estates - Palmetto Bay - Miami Herald.com
This is great news for the neighbors! A bullet was dodged - this time - but it should not be up to the neighborhoods to defend themselves. Palmetto Bay officials need to be proactive, not reactive, in defending the community's quality of life.
Now Palmetto Bay needs to get back to the traffic calming program. It is the best defense for the neighborhoods. See: Eliminating traffic calming program leaves neighborhoods defenseless.
The vision of the original Palmetto Bay council was to make our village one of the most livable communities in the country. Traffic is a major factor that affects the livability. As speeding and vehicular volume increases, walking to the neighborhood store or even across the street to a neighbor’s house can be an uncomfortable event. I strongly recommend that a Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program be reinstated to provide neighborhood protection.
Palmetto Bay successfully worked with the county from 2002 to 2010 in traffic calming many roads. Palmetto Bay should be working now, not later, with the neighbors to properly calm the residential roads surrounding the Post Office site, saving the neighbors from new commercial and delivery traffic (which is projected to include 18 wheelers).
Everyone needs to realize that the path to solution starts at the local level and that is why I am calling for resumption in local investment in strategic long term improvements to our traffic issues. Continued lack of action only leads to an increase in the traffic problems as well as unpredictable and unwanted results in the future.
Fortunately, for ACRE (Association of Coral Reef Estates), it was not left to exercise its bargained for property rights in court. It shouldn’t have to be this way.
This is great news for the neighbors! A bullet was dodged - this time - but it should not be up to the neighborhoods to defend themselves. Palmetto Bay officials need to be proactive, not reactive, in defending the community's quality of life.
Now Palmetto Bay needs to get back to the traffic calming program. It is the best defense for the neighborhoods. See: Eliminating traffic calming program leaves neighborhoods defenseless.
The vision of the original Palmetto Bay council was to make our village one of the most livable communities in the country. Traffic is a major factor that affects the livability. As speeding and vehicular volume increases, walking to the neighborhood store or even across the street to a neighbor’s house can be an uncomfortable event. I strongly recommend that a Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program be reinstated to provide neighborhood protection.
Palmetto Bay successfully worked with the county from 2002 to 2010 in traffic calming many roads. Palmetto Bay should be working now, not later, with the neighbors to properly calm the residential roads surrounding the Post Office site, saving the neighbors from new commercial and delivery traffic (which is projected to include 18 wheelers).
Everyone needs to realize that the path to solution starts at the local level and that is why I am calling for resumption in local investment in strategic long term improvements to our traffic issues. Continued lack of action only leads to an increase in the traffic problems as well as unpredictable and unwanted results in the future.
Fortunately, for ACRE (Association of Coral Reef Estates), it was not left to exercise its bargained for property rights in court. It shouldn’t have to be this way.
Eliminating traffic calming program leaves neighborhoods defenseless - See more at: http://www.communitynewspapers.com/palmetto-bay/eliminating-traffic-calming-program-leaves-neighborhoods-defenseless/#sthash.5iPXuaUb.dpuf
Comet ISON May Have Survived | NASA - Outstanding photos for you to view
Comet ISON May Have Survived | NASA
I am still hoping for the big show. Click the link immediately above to view movie and photo updates on Comet ISON posted on NASA.Gov. Text below taken from the website.
Continuing a history of surprising behavior, material from Comet ISON appeared on the other side of the sun on the evening on Nov. 28, 2013, despite not having been seen in observations during its closest approach to the sun.
As ISON appeared to dim and fizzle in several observatories and later could not be seen at all by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory or by ground based solar observatories, many scientists believed it had disintegrated completely. However, a streak of bright material streaming away from the sun appeared in the European Space Agency and NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory later in the evening. The question remains whether it is merely debris from the comet, or if some portion of the comet's nucleus survived, but late-night analysis from scientists with NASA's Comet ISON Observing Campaign suggest that there is at least a small nucleus intact.
More information available from NASA.gov:
Related Links:
For more information on Comet ISON: www.nasa.gov/ison
To download recent ISON imagery: http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/Gallery/CometISON.html
I am still hoping for the big show. Click the link immediately above to view movie and photo updates on Comet ISON posted on NASA.Gov. Text below taken from the website.
Continuing a history of surprising behavior, material from Comet ISON appeared on the other side of the sun on the evening on Nov. 28, 2013, despite not having been seen in observations during its closest approach to the sun.
As ISON appeared to dim and fizzle in several observatories and later could not be seen at all by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory or by ground based solar observatories, many scientists believed it had disintegrated completely. However, a streak of bright material streaming away from the sun appeared in the European Space Agency and NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory later in the evening. The question remains whether it is merely debris from the comet, or if some portion of the comet's nucleus survived, but late-night analysis from scientists with NASA's Comet ISON Observing Campaign suggest that there is at least a small nucleus intact.
More information available from NASA.gov:
Related Links:
For more information on Comet ISON: www.nasa.gov/ison
To download recent ISON imagery: http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/Gallery/CometISON.html
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving - 2013. 20 years after the famous snow bowl gift
It was a cool 54 degrees at
7:00 AM in Palmetto Bay this Thanksgiving morning, a signal that the holiday
season is upon us.
Happy Thanksgiving.
There is much to be
grateful for this Thanksgiving. Alexandra, Katherine, Meredith and I wish you
and your family the happiest of holidays.
Like millions of others
across this great country, we will celebrate Thanksgiving, honoring a tradition
older than the nation itself. The Continental Congress proclaimed that the
"inhabitants of these states" observe a day of Thanksgiving back in
1782. Ever since then we set this day
aside to give thanks for all our blessings, and this year we have many things
for which to be thankful.
Please also take the time
to remember and help the less fortunate.
Many families and children are doing with less, Take the time to become
involved in a local charity, with time, if not a donation. There are many
ongoing charities that are looking for donations and volunteers. The Palmetto
Bay Canal Association will be collecting canned foods during its boat Parade
this December 21.
Thanksgiving is the busiest
traveling season of the year. Please be
aware and be safe.
One of my personal favorite
quotes about a holiday:
On Thanksgiving Day all
over America, families sit down to dinner at the same moment - halftime.
– (author unknown)
Speaking of football, this
is the 20 year anniversary of the Dallas Cowboy, Leon Lett’s, Thanksgiving Day
gift to the Miami Dolphins. I have embedded a video excerpting the event.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Those unplanned family conflicts at family holiday dinner. How do you deal?
An interesting read for the holidays. Is your family like the
Bailey's, the Waltons or the Simpsons at
holiday time? How do you handle the controversies?
Food fight! Disarm a combative holiday dinner, posted on CNN living, by Terri Trespicio, Martha Stewart Living.
Remember,
“You can choose your friends but you sho' can't choose your family, an' they're still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge 'em or not, and it makes you look right silly when you don't.”
― Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
Food fight! Disarm a combative holiday dinner, posted on CNN living, by Terri Trespicio, Martha Stewart Living.
Remember,
“You can choose your friends but you sho' can't choose your family, an' they're still kin to you no matter whether you acknowledge 'em or not, and it makes you look right silly when you don't.”
― Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
HAPPY CHANUKAH - 2013
This post is being completed as we near sundown the day before Thanksgiving and the start of Chanukah, 2013. Some will be fortunate to be celebrating two wonderful, meaningful holidays.
I want to wish a very Happy Chanukah, from the Flinn family -- Eugene, Alexandra, Katherine and Meredith.
Families celebrate the holiday season in many different ways, but one of the great things that we all have in common in our area is the overwhelming sense of community and responsibility to family that we share.
I am reminded, especially during the holidays, of the importance of family and the importance of maintaining our sense of civic spirit.
I hope during this holiday season as we celebrate and enjoy our families that each and every one of us takes a few minutes to think about those families who cannot be together – for the soldiers who defend our country, for the loved ones who must share in their sacrifice, and for those who are no longer with us, although we hold their memory dear.
I hope that we will also never forget and never stop striving to achieve the holiday ideal of “Peace on Earth.” Everyone can do their part to help create a better world simply by treating each other with understanding, kindness and respect. Each time you help another person, we all take another step closer toward true peace on earth.
Families celebrate the holiday season in many different ways, but one of the great things that we all have in common in our area is the overwhelming sense of community and responsibility to family that we share.
I am reminded, especially during the holidays, of the importance of family and the importance of maintaining our sense of civic spirit.
I hope during this holiday season as we celebrate and enjoy our families that each and every one of us takes a few minutes to think about those families who cannot be together – for the soldiers who defend our country, for the loved ones who must share in their sacrifice, and for those who are no longer with us, although we hold their memory dear.
I hope that we will also never forget and never stop striving to achieve the holiday ideal of “Peace on Earth.” Everyone can do their part to help create a better world simply by treating each other with understanding, kindness and respect. Each time you help another person, we all take another step closer toward true peace on earth.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Comet ISON update: It may be a bad break up. WASHINGTON: Comet dances with sun, death; giving mixed signals
WASHINGTON: Comet dances with sun, death; giving mixed signals - Politics Wires - Miami Herald.com
A 30% chance of survival? Not great odds, but I am still hopeful for a great show.
The early hours viewing are over until the comet makes its Thanksgiving Day slingshot around the sun.
It is now wait and see time, to determine whether the comet puts on a spectacular show or breaks apart from its close pass to the Sun: CNN reports online that comet ISON make be breaking up and may not survive the trip around the sun: Much anticipated comet may be in trouble.
Experts predict that the comet could put on a spectacular show in the weeks ahead if it survives, exploding in brightness as it releases dust.
Even if the comet dies, the Miami Herald reports that Johns Hopkins University scientist Carey Lisse (LIHS) said there's a good chance that people on Earth will get an interesting cosmic show. The comet's remains could paint the sky with a wide swath of green.
We will wait and see. I recommend that this holiday weekend will be a great time to take the family away from the city lights and spend family time gazing toward the heavens.
A 30% chance of survival? Not great odds, but I am still hopeful for a great show.
The early hours viewing are over until the comet makes its Thanksgiving Day slingshot around the sun.
It is now wait and see time, to determine whether the comet puts on a spectacular show or breaks apart from its close pass to the Sun: CNN reports online that comet ISON make be breaking up and may not survive the trip around the sun: Much anticipated comet may be in trouble.
Experts predict that the comet could put on a spectacular show in the weeks ahead if it survives, exploding in brightness as it releases dust.
Even if the comet dies, the Miami Herald reports that Johns Hopkins University scientist Carey Lisse (LIHS) said there's a good chance that people on Earth will get an interesting cosmic show. The comet's remains could paint the sky with a wide swath of green.
We will wait and see. I recommend that this holiday weekend will be a great time to take the family away from the city lights and spend family time gazing toward the heavens.
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