For our friends in South Miami:
The tragedy in Orlando reminds us that shootings of any kind can be just a few steps away from places where we work and live. Only a few weeks ago an altercation took place less than one mile from city hall and the police station, leaving three people shot, including one who later died from gun wounds. We continually hear plenty of rhetoric about the crime rate in South Miami being the lowest in years but I wonder what the family of the victims may think about a crime rate reduction, when a loved one is laid to rest. Think of the wives and families who know that right outside their collective front doors, someone was gunned down and died.
So, city officials: can you do something about it? Is there not an imperative need for stepped-up surveillance in known high crime areas — even in the City of Pleas- ant Living? And a need for every citizen to be alert to suspicious activities — even if seemingly innocent?
Vice Mayor Bob Welsh is trying to make a point to the City Commission to pass a res- olution asking Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Trump Institute, as well as affiliated companies and people associated with its entities. Deferred for action at the last commission meeting, we applaud the effort and urge Commissioner Welsh to keep work- ing on it.
Just wondering: is the air in city hall good to breathe? Would someone find out and let me know? There appears to have been mold working its way around the structure and I’m not sure if anyone’s paying attention to it. BTW: If you work at city hall and your asthma is acting up or you have an unexplained cough, maybe you should visit your attorney after stopping by your physician… Just saying.
With a whole buncha commercial real estate recently sold in South Miami, I can’t help but wonder what properties will be headed to city hall for zoning variances and land use changes. Ran into a tree hugger the other day and she told me that developers are just plain out “bad people,” unwanted in our city. I was barely able to control myself as I asked her, do you mean the developers that built the local healthcare facility or the gro- cery store you go to, as well as the classy em- poriums where you enjoy everyday browsing? At that point, her rhetoric slowed down as she stumbled around to admit finally not all developers and their developments are so bad. As I said my goodbyes, she sat within a restaurant — developer built.
If you’re a bit adventurous and enjoy a really good time, head on over to The Classic Barber Shop in the shopping center on S.W. 62 Ave. and US1 to get some of your own hairs trimmed a bit to help you look magnif- icent. I’ve visited some really high-priced tonsorials as well as more affordable shops — some offering the whole big deal: sham- poo, facial, manicure and pedicure, neck massage, blow dry, eye brow and nose hair clipping and ear hair trims. Each place has its own special way of doing a great job and get- ting you to come back, and I admire their ef- forts. But “The Classic Barber Shop” tucked in back of a shopping center is the real deal.
It’s small and unpretentious and right to the point: half-dozen or so chairs lined up with big mirrors in front and in back of you as customers wait on nearby seats, not hidden away or in a waiting area but right there where the action takes place. And I gotta tell ya, there’s lotsa action with folks chatting away and catching up about what’s going on around town, especially in politics. To keep the interest and conversations going, there’s a TV sparking new commentary just in case material runs out. The barbers freely patter away with clients and folks awaiting their turn at bat.
So far, I’ve tried three different barbers and have been happy with each. Late last year, I started going there for a trim of my supposed beard which eluded me. “Nice try,” said my wife and son during a six-month attempt to become more manly. The point is, if you’re looking for an experience that’ll take you back to the vintage corner barber shop days with a plushness sorta like Versailles Restaurant on a busy day, go “The Classic” even when they’re very, very busy. If you’re like me and love gossip, you’ll enjoy these moments in surroundings of a bygone era. Oh, should mention: no credit cards. I think it’s part of their throw back style.
Went out of my zip code galloping over to Siam Palace on S.W. 99 Ave. and Sunset Dr. to enjoy a bit of Thai cooking and sushi. You’re going to enjoy this place. The staff is great, the atmosphere is super and I can tell you the Asian fare is first rate. We’ve put it high on our list for dining out with good friends and family. You can check out their menu online.
Speaking of food, ran into the South Miami Police Chief at Big Cheese the other day. He was, of course, dressed for the day and looking pretty spiffy for his age and line of work. Another time, he was BBQ’g (looked like chicken or maybe it was ribs) dressed in civvies and seemed to be having a much better time than a few days later after the shootings in our City of Pleasant Living. Let’s work on the “Pleasant,” folks by being alert and helping our cops cope with today’s terror-ridden society.
For our friends in Palmetto Bay:
There have been a variety of things of interest taking place recently in the village, and we should take note of them. First, we hear that the Dade County Council of PTA/PTSAs at their Masquerade Gala and Awards Ceremony that took place on May 26 presented the “Champion of PTA” to the Village of Palmetto Bay. The village was nominated by Miami Palmetto High School and the award recognizes “a community partner instrumental in the success of PTSA efforts to support a school.” Anna Hochkammer, Miami Palmetto Senior High School PTSA President accepted the award on the village’s behalf. On the official web- page, Palmetto Bay posted this note of appreciation: “The Village is honored for the countywide recognition and will continue to support local schools.” So congratulations to the village and its officials, past and present, and thank you Miami Palmetto Senior High School.
Next, although it took place just after the deadline for getting this in, there was a Village Council Special Meeting for the evening of June 15, dealing with some important is- sues regarding changes to the Village Charter, and in case you missed the meeting or were otherwise unable to attend, you can still see it in its entirely via the village website’s page listing video recordings of public meetings. Just visit this link on the internet and click on the special council meeting button: www.palmettobay-fl.gov/content/stream- ing-media-archive. Don’t have a computer but still want to see it? Just go to the Palmetto Bay Branch Library at Ludovici Park and use one of their computer stations. Isn’t technology wonderful?
And a fond farewell to outgoing Village Clerk Meighan J. Alexander, whose last day with the village was on June 15. Meighan has dutifully and officially served as Village Clerk for Palmetto Bay since March of 2003 and was its first and only clerk. That’s one of the three Chartered positions in the Village appointed by the Village Council. She has been in municipal government for more than 15 years, and had served as Clerk of the City of Florida City and the City of North Bay Village. She also served as first Acting Clerk for the then-newly incorporated City of Miami Gardens and for the Town of Cutler Bay when it started up. She served as Interim Clerk to provide service to the Town of Miami Lakes during its 2004 election. With a BA in English from Florida International University, a Microsoft Certified Professional Certificate, nationally ac- credited status of Certified Municipal Clerk, and has membership in numerous other municipal professional organizations. She has also been the village’s elections supervisor, among other duties. A person with her training, experience and dedication will be hard to replace, and the next city she works for will be lucky to have her. Thanks, Meighan, for your service to Palmetto Bay.
In the last issue there was a brief comment about and congratulations to the Cutler Ridge Women’s Club, which received an official Town Proclamation for “their passionate commitment to civic and community service and their volunteer efforts during the last 60 years.” Mayor Bell and Councilwoman Sue Ellen Loyzelle presented the proclamation at a special ceremony at East Ridge Retirement Village on May 24.
We hear that the Cutler Ridge Women’s Club was established in 1956 and has been dedicated to bringing women together to stim- ulate intellectual and social development as well as serve their community through educa- tional and charitable services. They are truly unsung heroes in the community, doing so many thoughtful and charitable projects throughout the years, such as wrapping bas- kets, collecting clothing and household goods to distribute to Camillus House, Purdue Med- ical Center and Safe Space, fundraising for school supplies for the children in Cutler Bay as well as sponsoring Child Shoeboxes to be sent filled with essential supplies to children overseas. Its members have assisted in es- tablishing a Parent Teacher Association at Cutler Ridge Elementary School, sponsored several scholarship programs and they have presented Outstanding Student Awards since 1962.
Mayor Bell said, “Over the years I have seen firsthand the many charitable works and kindnesses performed by the ladies in the club. They are a great source of friendship and support to one another and they also make time for many fun activities. I greatly admire each and every member and am thankful for all they do for our community, country, and for those beyond our borders.” Cutler Ridge Women’s Club members have also tirelessly and selflessly devoted their time and efforts to work on issues relating to international affairs by providing aid to victims of the Mexican Earthquake, Tsunami’s, and other natural disasters. They helped the community after the devastating 1992 Hurricane Andrew, tending to the community’s needs even though all of its members’ homes were damaged. They deserve a round of applause and “thank you’s.”
For more information regarding the Cutler Ridge Women’s Club please contact Carol Ann Medina at: 305-238-5106.
Mark these on your calendars… There will be a Town Council Workshop, the 1st Budget Workshop, on June 22 at 6:00 p.m. at the Town of Cutler Bay Council Chambers, 10720 Caribbean Blvd in Cutler Bay. There will also be a Public Involvement Meeting about the Town Center Plaza at Cutler Ridge Park, 10100 SW 200 Street, on June 28 at 6:00 p.m. Officials are inviting you to attend the Public Involvement Meeting to discuss the new Town Center Plaza, which will be located adjacent to the Town Hall Building. “Your thoughts and input are important to us. We hope to see you and hear your opinions.” Got questions? Call the Parks & Recreation De- partment at 305-238-4166 or if unable to at- tend the meeting send an email to: info@cutlerbay-fl.gov.
Thought of the Day:
It is not who is right, but what is right, that is of importance. — Thomas Huxley
Gary Alan Ruse contributed to this column.
Got any tips? Contact me at 305-669- 7355, ext. 249, or send emails to Michael@communitynewspapers.com.
