Fishing tournament fundraiser for Palmetto Bay family - Sat July 6

Parker-Haar Charities holding 6th annual Hook for Hope fishing tournament to raise money for Palmetto Bay residents, the Shanahan family

 

Palmetto Bay/Cutler Bay: Local charity, Parker-Haar Charities, Inc. is raising money to help longtime Palmetto Bay residents, the Shanahan family.  Robert Shanahan was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and lost his voice as a result of the cancer. Rob is a pilot who had just starting work with a local Miami airline when he was diagnosed. He is unable to work while going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments & is having surgery in May to try & restore his voice. Because he had only been employed a few weeks, he lost his job without any benefits or unemployment and won't be able to return to work for approx. six months. 

 

Parker-Haar's 6th annual Hook for Hope fishing tournament will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Black Point Marina. Lines in the water at 7am. Entry fee before June 30th is $200 per boat with four anglers, $50 per additional angler. Prizes include $1,500 for first prize, $1,000 second prize. There are additional prizes including for female & junior anglers as well as raffles & a silent auction. An after party will be held at Black Point Marina with performances by local band, Cutler Stew, after weigh-in & raffles beginning at 3:30pm. 

 

Parker-Haar is looking for sponsors for this event as well as donation of items/services for their raffle & silent auction. 

 

Parker-Haar Charities, Inc. was started by Rebecca Parker & Kimberly Haar to help families going through tragedies in the Pinecrest/Palmetto Bay/Cutler Bay Area. They raise money through events such as Florida Rockstars & Hook for Hope. 

 

For more information, visit: http://www.phcharities.org/ or contact Rebecca Parker at tel:786-863-2994 / Kimberly Haar tel:305-321-5171  mailto: 2hearts@phcharities.org

Happy Earth Day - Friday, April 22, 2016.

Happy Earth day - 2016.

Palmetto Bay is committed to Earth Day in such a big way, we take a full week to celebrate. Green activities, all free to the public, have been going this week and run through this weekend.

Today is the 46th Earth Day Celebration.  What, if anything, are you doing to mark this event?  Please feel free to CLICK HERE for past updates on Earth Day. I recommend that you also take the time to review the Official Green Page of Palmetto Bay: "Palmetto Bay Village Green" which has both information of all the events of the week as well as the ongoing green efforts of our village.

Of course, no special day is complete without viewing Google's special Earth Day animated doodle on the Google site. 

A brief history of Earth Day: The April 22 Earth Day, was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, and was first organized in 1970 to promote ecology and respect for life on the planet as well as to encourage awareness of the growing problems of air, water and soil pollution.

Some relevant posts on my personal blog include Invasive Species, creating a backyard oasis, Celestial Events: there have been many posts throughout this blog covering these topics and how they are relevant to our South Miami-Dade Communities. Please take the time to check a few out.

Coral Reef Park upgrade - what do you think? Wait until it gets dark!

I am waiting to see if anyone notices the recent installations.  Your comments please.

We will until it gets dark to see if anyone notices. 

Family Ride - DeNito's Appreciation Ride 2016 - May 15th - its an early event. Join us.

There are only two weeks left to register.

DeNito's APPRECIATION RIDE "EVERGLADES"  -- May 15th, 2016 -
IMPORTANT NOTE - Registration closes May 8th, so don't delay.

This ride is to show appreciation to cyclists and their families. To gather all, family and friends, to ride together in a safe environment, suitable for all levels of cyclists (18 and over) from beginners that only want to STROLL A FEW MILES to those who want to RACE TO THE FINISH.    THEN WE EAT!!!

Come for the food. We’re doing it Latin style.

    Slow cooking a 130lb PUERCO. Translation, that’s a PIG.
    Arroz Imperial, Plátanos, Arroz y Frijoles, Pan, ensalada.

Translation: Chicken and yellow rice, Plantains, rice & beans, Bread and salad.

    Come for the drinks
    “OPEN BAR”
    “FREE BEER”
    Soft drinks
    Recovery drinks.

    Come for the RIDE.
    GET OUT and away from the city hustle.
    This ride is enclosed in the Everglades National Park.
    Ride at your own pace and for your own distance.
    Perfect for all level cyclists.
    NO DIRECTIONS NEEDED! It’s one road.
    NO INTERSECTIONS!
    NO POLICE!
    NO SPEED LIMITS!
    NO GETTING LOST!
    Rest stops every 13.
    SAG constantly circling, can pick you up wherever you are.

    Location:
    The Flamingo Visitor Center lies roughly 38 miles south of the park main entrance. (START LINE)
    Cycle through this unique and beautiful eco system and maybe see some of the wildlife that inhabit it.

    The Ride Home.

    Invite your family to the feast. Adults $20, Under 21 $10, Kids under 12 eat free.
Or keep the party going. Charter buses will be picking us (and our bikes) up to take us back to the start. (1hr ride)

Date:                   May 15th, 2016
Time:                   Pedals up at 8am
Location:            Start at Everglades National Park Entrance, 40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034-6733

Optional:          If you want to ride a longer distance, there will be an optional start location leaving at 7:00am. This option adds 15 miles. Bob’s 7-Eleven, 12720 SW 200 Street.

Registration:    $60.00 includes, Park Entrance, Park Permit, SAG, Food and beer, Open Bar, Charter bus transport.

If you've signed up already, thank you. If you haven't, check it out and sign up soon. Registration closes May 8th.

Thanks in advance,
Anthony and Wendy DeNito

REGISTER HERE

What is DeNito's Ride for Kids about? : 

DeNito’s Ride for Kids focuses directly on kids that are unable to ride bikes due to mental or physical disabilities. We believe that every child should enjoy the same opportunity to get out and ride bikes. We are working with a manufacturer in the USA to offer safe, stable and stylish choices for kids with lower levels of ability, providing them a new form of mobility, exercise, therapy and most importantly, the joy of cycling.

Mayor Flinn's Editor note:  This is an incredibly noble purpose from a person who donates a percentage of every sales commission to this effort.  The cause should draw you in, if the bike rides are not reason enough.

Water Summit - watch the video posted online

"Why Water Matters" - Thank you County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava for bringing this event to Palmetto Bay.  There was an overflow crowd present (pun intended). This event was held Saturday, April 9, 2016.

Support your local community theatre - Palmetto HS presents: Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Bring the family - support our local community school students.

Final performances of Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – tonight (Friday, April 15, 2016) at 7 PM, Tomorrow, (Saturday, April 16 – at 2:30 PM).

Even local pets (the Sterling's family guard) Brody has a role!

Photos of the Day - Palmetto Bay proclaims April 11 - UM Baseball Coach Jim Morris Day

April 11, 2016, was a great day for UM and its fans.  It was my honor to be present and part of the recognition of the outstanding career of UM Baseball Coach, Jim Morris, who just reached 1,000 wins at UM, 1,500 total wins overall.  The UM Baseball team had just reached #1 in all the baseball polls for the first time since 2008.  

Palmetto Bay Council Member Tim Schaffer, UM Baseball Coach Jim Morris & Eugene Flinn

Both Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay proclaimed April 11, 2016, UM Baseball Coach Jim Morris Day - the procs were presented at the Village of Palmetto Bay at the Miami's Community Newspapers lunch and learn.  State Representative Kionne L. McGhee also recognized Coach Morris with State recognition.

Palmetto Bay Council Member Tim Schaffer, UM Baseball Coach Jim Morris

 

& Eugene Flinn - 'throwing up the "U"'

 Of course - part of the South Miami-Dade Transit Team were present - collaboration.

State Rep. Kionne McGhee, Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner & Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn

 I could not resist remarking how nice it would be, if we could ride the light rail from our respective cities ultimately disembarking at the UM Metrorail station to attend UM Baseball games. 

Interview / debate: Buses Versus Rail: Which Would You Prefer? wlrn.org

WLRN - More buses or rail, which do WE prefer?  Which is better suited to fixing the problems?  As Mayor of Palmetto Bay, I am pushing to actually implement the solution now, rather than merely pushing off the problem a few years. 

We, the residents of South Miami-Dade, are suffering under crushing traffic. 

WLRN online article (with a link to the radio program):

We recently spoke with Mayor Eugene Flinn of Palmetto Bay and Vice Mayor James McDonald of Pinecrest about the debate between new bus lines versus more rail.
The county has a plan for $115 million  to go toward a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in the South Dade.
Leaders, like Mayor Flinn, along with leaders from Homestead and three other municipalities, challenged Miami-Dade officials on that issue, and are pushing for rail instead. 

Click onto the highlighted headline link to view the full WLRN online article: Buses Versus Rail: Which Would You Prefer? wlrn.org - By Luis Hernandez • Apr 12, 2016 

 

Climate 101 -Simple as it gets- April 28, 2016, 6:30-9 PM

CLEO'S Climate 101 Workshop

Join us for a free workshop (& PIZZA) where we will simplify basic climate science, discuss solutions, and prioritize steps we can take individually and collectively.   We  keep it simple. No science degree needed.

Thursday, April 28, 2016 | 6:30 pm - 9 pm Edward & Arlene Feller Community Room at Ludovici Park  17641 Old Cutler Road, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157

Register now! NO CHARGE - $50 Waived thanks to  Support from Miami-Dade County Commissioner Levine Cava

Check out what past participants have had to say about their workshop: 

 

"I really enjoyed the simplicity of the presentation. The presenters brought a confusing topic down to an understandable level for the audience."

Loved it! Extremely informative, engaging, good balance of technical facts and resources. Feeling more motivated!"

 

Photo(s) of the Day - 332nd Transportation Battalion Change of Command Ceremony

I was honored to attend the 332nd Transportation Battalion Change of Command Ceremony on Sunday, April 10, 2016. LTC Walter Flinn Incoming Commander.

Colonel M. Steward, Commander, 641st RSG (in Center),
LTC  W. Flinn, Incoming Commander, 332 Trans BN, (Left) and
LTC C. Grammond, outgoing Commander, 332 Trans BN (Right)

Congratulations to Lt. Colonel Walter Flinn on accepting this command assignment/responsibility.  You make us all proud.

This was a day of ceremony that was well narrated, giving the history of this unit and explaining the purpose and ceremony involved in the change of command.

My thanks to all the members of this unit for their service.

 

Save the date! Earth Week activity - CLEO Institute - Thursday, April 28

I am pleased to be a co-sponsor of this event.  Please plan on attending.

Palmetto Bay and Neighboring Cities are collaborating with The CLEO Institute to provide An Interactive Climate 101 Workshop 

- Climate science-Seriousness-Solutions -

When: Thursday, April 28

Where: Edward & Arlene Feller Community Room

Time: 6:30-9:00 pm

Registration: Required
305.284.0908
CLEO: Climate Leadership Engagement Opportunities
www.CLEOInstitute.org

Fees: $50 fee waived - thanks to a grant from Commissioner Levine Cava

For more information, contact:
_______________

Caroline Lewis

Founder & Executive Director 

The CLEO Institute 

Pinecrest Gardens

Introducing the "Green Team"!

I am proud to accept a "Green Team" Club shirt from Coral Reef Elementary PTA President Erica Watts. [given to me at the Educational Advisory Committee (EAC) meeting of Tuesday, 4/5/2016 - Erica Watts is a member of our Village EAC, along with currently serving as Coral Reef PTA president].

The Mission of the CRE Green Team is "... to promote and improve environmental stewardship, teach civic responsibility through school-wide initiatives and nurture a passion for sustainable living practices in order to strengthen our community."

The Students, Teachers, administration, staff and Parents, particularly those hard working PTA Teachers/Parents are hard at work to be recognized as a "Green School". 

And special thanks and congratulations to Melissa La Rosa and Andrea Orellana.

GO Green!  Go Team CRE!

Check out these links:
CRE PTA "Green Team" Page
http://ourgreenschools.com/oldsite/assets/coral-reef-elementary.pdf

Reflections on the 2016 Pinecrest/Palmetto Bay/Cutler Bay Relay for Life. Thank you ACS, participants, volunteers, Village and our YCIB

Alexandra and I had the honor to participate in the 2016 Pinecrest/Palmetto Bay/Cutler Bay Relay for life on Saturday, April 2nd. This year was particularly exciting for me as this marked the first year of participation for Palmetto Bay's first youth board, officially known as the "Youth Community Involvement Board" (YCIB). I have taken the liberty of posting various photographs taken throughout this day long event. 

 

First of all: Congratulations to the Palmetto Bay YCIB's "Team Toby Keith" at our Relay for Life.  You all worked hard and were very successful in raising money.  Your booth was outstanding.  Each of you worked hard and took on significant responsibility to make this event a success.

I am so proud of all of you:  Agnes Bartha, Tatum Rivera, Patrick Barber, Jacob Dewitt, Jacob Tisthammer, Katie Signori, Charles Noguera, Alexander Santana, Mark Merwitzer, Jackson Ribler, and Valentina Maldonado.

Below: The event itself started at noon, kicking off with a Welcome Ceremony and the team lap.  It was great to see all of the different groups represented on the track, especially all of the school groups. Everyone then took their turns walking the relay while bands and other groups performed for the crowds.

 Photos above from Team Toby Keith on the team walk!

The Team booth looked great - drinks and popcorn were sold to raise money for the cause. Council member Tin Schaffer (below left) was available to assist in the heavy lifting.

 

 Below - YCIB member - parents including Lynn Signori and Heather Rivera.  Also Pictured Coral Reef Elementary PTA President Erica Watts (above left) and Alexandra Flinn (below right, far right).

Pinecrest (above left) and Cutler Bay (below) were well represented as were Howard Drive Elementary, with a booth (manned the entire event by their Principal) and Coral Reef Elementary including performances by their JV & Varsity Cheerleaders.   

Team Cutler Bay - above

CRE Cheerleaders performing and their family members capturing the moments - family time!
Below - photos with Howard Drive Elementary Principal Deanna D. Dalby - below right with Palmetto Bat Parks Director Fanny Carmona

The most toughing moment came at 8 PM with the luminaria ceremony.  It is a humbling experience to read all of the names and messages surrounding the track.  Alexandra and I dedicated luminaria in honor of both our fathers, Rebecca Ribler, & Ofc Randy DiStefano. Seeing all of those individuals candles is always very moving for me.  As the American Cancer Society says, every candle has a name.  Thinking about all of the those families that have been affected by cancer in some way is just incredibly humbling.  

It’s such a powerful reminder of why everyone is out there doing, working so hard to make a difference. YCIB member Jackson Ribler gave a moving tribute to his mother, Rebecca, who lost her battle with cancer coming up on one year this month.  I had the honor of knowing as well as working for and with his mother Rebecca Ribler.  Her husband Larry is pictured below, lighting a luminaria with son Jackson.

The photo above right does not do the justice to Jackson's tribute to his mother.  If anyone has a better photo, please send it to me.  Thank you Jackson for sharing what this event meant to you; how much you mother meant and thank you YCIB members for your support for Jackson. 

Rebecca, Larry and Jackson Ribler.  Photo from the Council installation, December 1, 2014. We all miss you Rebecca. RIP.