MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2015

This Monday we observe Memorial Day, a day to honor the brave men and women who gave up their lives in defense of our ideals and country. We owe our peace and democracy to them.

We must continue to remember the sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers who have lost their lives on our behalf. May they rest in peace. Thank you.

Brief History: The first Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. On Memorial Day, we honor the men and women in uniform who gave their lives in service to our Nation. Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The occasion is also marked in almost every State on the last Monday in May.

Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day, asking Americans wherever they are to pause in an act of national unity. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom.

The flag should be flown at half staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds and naval vessels throughout the United States, and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. All people of the United States are requested to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary period.
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Questions about how and when to properly display the US Flag? One of many online resources: http://www.afa.org/members/uscode.asp

June 4th - end of school - Students are invited to celebrate End of School Year at Coral Reef Park

THE FUN RETURNS! Coral Reef Park is the place to be at dismissal for this school year! Meet your friends on June 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Coral Reef Park for some water-balloon and water-slide fun. "Splash Bash" is a supervised session of madness and mayhem that allows our students to let off the pressure of the rigorous school-year in a safe and fun way. 

Please take the time to watch our promo video for this event:

Parks Program Preview - Splash Bash
Summer is officially here. Meet your friends on June 4 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Coral Reef Park for some water-balloon and water-slide fun on the last day of school. "Splash Bash" is a supervised session of madness and mayhem that allows kids to let off the pressure of the rigorous school-year in a safe and fun way.
Posted by Village of Palmetto Bay on Saturday, May 23, 2015

Palmetto Bay - our "Village of Parks" - with activities for all ages and interests of residents.

Poetic insight in preparation for this Memorial Day 2015: The remembrance poppy and the poem In Flanders Fields.

“In Flanders Fields" was written one hundred (100) years ago this month, on May 3, 1915 by Lt. Col. John McCrae who was a physician, poet, author, artist and soldier serving in World I. Flanders is a region of Europe that comprises parts of Belgium and France. This poem resulted in the remembrance poppy becoming one of the world's most recognized memorial symbols for soldiers who have died in conflict.

This poem can be found online at http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Photos of the day - unveiling of "Harry Troeger Way"

Wednesday. 5/20/2015 - Village officials, neighbors and the "Friends of Harry Troeger" gathered to honor Harry Troger with the unveiling of a street sign in his memory. 

Harry lived in his Palmetto Bay home for 60 years. He will be remembered by neighbors and friends as a pioneer who built his home by hand with timber and coral rock - and a demolition.  

The sign designates the street on which Mr. Troger built his home and lived.  See the Miami Herald article of November 21, 2014, by Melhor Marie Leonor, Friends of Harry wake up to find Troeger cabin reduced to ‘rubble’ for back story on this home and the preservation efforts of the "Friends of Harry."

Amy Creekmur, a member of Friends of Harry, recognized that “(Harry) was green before green architecture existed…..”

Harry Troeger was originally from South Bend, Indiana.  He moved to what is now incorporated as Palmetto Bay in 1949, paying $250, plus $35 in closing costs, to buy the 7,260-square- foot lot at 8940 SW 156th St. For nearly 60 years, Harry lived in the home, without electricity or running water, the only water drawn from a well via a pump he built himself.

Harry died in 2008 at age 92.

Read more, by clicking on an earlier story by the same Miami Herald source, originally posted Nov 11, 2014: Fight to save wooden cabin pits Walden vs. suburbia in Palmetto Bay. Note that this story also contains slide show photos of the home and its inhabitant, Harry Troeger.

Palmetto Bay's Yoga By The Bay - great start - Sunday, May 17, 2015.

What a great start to a Sunday!

Your backyard on the bay was calling out for you to come and enjoy another innovative and FREE activity at Thalatta Estate. Having fun yet?

Part of the group posing with instructor Maria Luisa Tovio

Thank you to those 40 or so, who joined us for "Gentle Yoga by the Bay" at Thalatta Estate Park.

Don't worry, several more Sunday dates planned through August. According to Instructor is Maria Luisa Tovio. 

All you have to do is RSVP, sign a one-time waiver, bring your own yoga mat and water bottle -- and get ready to savasana. 

Future Dates: May 24, June 7 & 14, and Aug. 2 & 9. 

RSVP via email or call 305-259-1234. 

Also see comments below for a quick promotional video that Village Staff created for you, to serve as a reminder -- and to make you laugh a little... (Staff seems to have a little Town of Pawnee "Parks & Rec" feel to them recently).

Village of Parks Events - Gentle Yoga by the Bay
GENTLE YOGA ON THE SHORE OF BISCAYNE BAYJoin us for "Gentle Yoga by the Bay" at Thalatta Estate, FREE on Sundays, starting May 17, 9:30 - 11 am. Instructor is Maria Luisa Tovio. Sign a one-time waiver, bring your own yoga mat and water bottle -- and get ready to savasana. Dates: May 17 & 24, June 7 & 14, and Aug. 2 & 9. RSVP via email or call 305-259-1234. Get details: http://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/content/thalatta-estate-park-17301-old-cutler-road#Yoga
Posted by Village of Palmetto Bay on Friday, May 15, 2015

Health Day - Participated in the Baptist Health Tour Of The Gables 5K - Sat., 5-16-15

Great work - Thank you - City of Coral Gables, Coral Gables Chamber and Baptist Health South Florida.  A great time was had by many at the Tour Of The Gables 5K held Saturday morning, May 16, 2015.

from left to right: Megan & Karyn Cunningham - Eugene & Alexandra Flinn

City Hall - Granada Golf Course

The finish

Photos of the Day - the May 13 Responsible Gardening Workshop at Thalatta Estate “Flower Arranging Tropicals

What a evening to spend time at Palmetto Bay's - your - 'Backyard on the Bay.' About 22 people attended and were treated to a demonstration at Thalatta Estate Park on how to use our local flowers and leaves in spectacular arrangements.  Held May 13, the "Flower Arranging Tropicals," is one of a series of Responsible Gardening Workshops presented by Palmetto Bay resident and Master Gardener Terri Stephen, in partnership with the University of Florida/Miami-Dade County Extension.  I am posting some photos taken from this evening here for you to view the event. 

I think its time for you to come on out and enjoy an evening at Thalatta Estate.  A link to to official webiste listing of upcoming events is posted at bottom of this post.  I look foward to additional public events at our Thalatta Estate.  

Thank you,

Eugene Flinn

Learn about composting, mangos, and much more in futureworkshops. Visit the Village website or the Village Facebook for details and updates.

Save the date - Nov 1 - 2015 - FIRST Annual Palmetto Twilight Color Run and Concert

This will be an outstanding event – and there is plenty of time to get ready. The Palmetto HS PTSA is going big on this. It is not just a run - it is a COLOR run! And there is a concert.

This is true family entertainment that I look forward to the success of this event in the Village of Palmetto Bay - your Village of Parks.

WHAT IS A COLOR RUN? : runners past through various stations placed along the route where they are showered with multiple colored powders.  These powders can be made from a food-grade corn starch.  I my opinion, this is yet another reason for you to take part and enjoy the festivities!

The 5K run and concert will take place on November 1, 2015, at Palmetto Bay Park: 17535 SW 95th Av., Palmetto Bay. This 5K is for the benefit of Miami Palmetto Senior High School PTSA - a great event for a great cause. This will be a 5K Color Run, food and music in beautiful Palmetto Bay Park. Run at dusk and spend the evening at the concert afterwards!

CLICK HERE to go to the official Palmetto HS Facebook event page for more information and to join the event (more information will continue to follow as it is released).

2015 NICHE RANKINGS -Coral Reef Elementary is ranked 75 – among Best Public Elementary Schools in Florida

Best Public Elementary Schools ranks 40,403 elementary schools based on key student statistics and 4.6 million opinions from 280,000 students and parents. A high ranking indicates that the school is an exceptional academic institution with a diverse set of high-achieving students and faculty, and the students are very happy with their experiences.

An additional 8,824 schools received a grade but were not eligible for ranking.

Coral Reef Elementary is #75 in Florida and #13 on the Metro list followed by Palmetto Elementary (#86 in Florida / #18 on the Metro) and Pinecrest Elementary (#88 / #19)

Outstanding. Congratulations to the teachers, administration, volunteers, students and parents. A lot of hard work goes into this school.

Budget Workshop - 1 - May 11th, 2015 - budget workshop kick off

Budget Workshop - 1 - May 11th, 2015

Click the above link to watch the Monday, May 11, 2015, budget workshop kick off.  The meeting lasted a single hour.   This workshop is the start of the public outreach on the budget. There will be other meetings in the future - at least one held in each district as well as meeting with civic groups upon request.

Our doors are ALWAYS open for any meeting.  You can e-mail your comments/suggestions to the entire council with a single e-mail: Council@palmettobay-fl.gov.

And note one of the comments: out of 18 people total in attendance - 5 came by bicycle (and one walked). Not bad, not bad at all.  

Public events continue at Thalatta Estate Park - May 13 at 7 p.m. "Flower Arranging Tropicals"

Come on out and enjoy our backyard on the bay!

May 13 - Arranging Tropicals

Tap into your inner floral designer. See a demonstration at Thalatta Estate Park on how to use our local flowers and leaves in spectacular arrangements, May 13 at 7 p.m. "Flower Arranging Tropicals" is the latest in a series of Responsible Gardening Workshops presented by Palmetto Bay resident and Master Gardener Terri Stephen, in partnership with the University of Florida/Miami-Dade County Extension. Learn about composting, mangos, and much more in future workshops. Visit the Village website or the Village Facebook for details and updates.

RSVP Now, Arranging Tropicals, May 13, 2015, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Register via email

 

CLICK HERE to view the official Village of Palmetto Bay e-blast concerning this - and other Palmetto Bay events coming up.

Happy Mother's Day - 2015

Enjoy this very special day! We wish all of our mothers and grandmothers a very special Mother's Day.

As we honor our mothers on Mother's Day this year, I am filled with great pride and comfort when I think of all that my mother is and all that she has done and still is doing for me as well as her other children, grandchildren and even a great-grandchild. I can’t imagine where we would be without her. My mother worked tirelessly to give my sister, brother and me every advantage she could. She never stopped trying to expand our minds, our worlds, and our experiences. She helped us grow into the best people we could possibly be.

Sadly, many mothers never get the recognition they so rightfully deserve for all of the sacrifices they make. Sacrifices like going to bed hungry so we can go to bed full, working tirelessly so we may have a place to sleep, taking us to doctor visits, giving us our medications, our groceries, and making trips to movies and fast food places with our friends. Simple acts. But all selfless acts. What a mother does.

Mother’s Day is also a day to celebrate the warm and loving memories of moms who may not still be near but are always present deep within our hearts. Never far from us in spirit. And it is a day to remember the spirit and generosity of so many non-traditional mothers among us, because after all, a mother’s love comes in so many different and beautiful forms.

So don’t forget, your neighbor may be a mother, the cashier at the supermarket, your co-worker, customer, teacher and preacher may very well be a mom. Grandmothers, sisters, aunties… They have all made such an impact in this world … Honor them all, thank them all, and remember them all on this day.

Tell her you love her and show appreciation for all those years she has loved you back unconditionally.

A day to appreciate the loving presence other mothers have on their children, the wonderful things she does for them, and the compassion she shares so selflessly so that they may grow strong and know love and nurturing and sensitivity and understand

Happy Mother's Day!

Eugene Flinn