Historic designation status of Ace Theatre could spark $2.3 million redevelopment plan.

Dorothy Wallace has spent 30 years trying to restore the Ace Theatre on Grand Avenue.

With the help of her daughter Denise Wallace, she is now trying to get historic designation status from the City of Miami's Historic and Environmental Preservation Board - a move that would likely draw in part of the funds needed to reopen the theatre, a popular Saturday night hangout for blacks well into the 1950s.

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Security

Recent robberies plague West Grove

Four robberies have occurred recently in the West Grove, members of the Coconut Grove Village West Homeowners and Tenants Association learned recently.

“These aren’t visitors who are being targeted,” said Neighborhood Resource Officer Jorge Colina. “They are residents of the West Grove. It appears the offenders are from the West Grove as well.”

The news of the robberies comes at a time when crime overall in Coconut Grove is in decline, Colina said.

But he urged West Grove residents who do not have alarms in their homes to keep their car keys by their bedsides at night. If they hear or see something suspicious, pressing the panic button could scare away potential thieves. It also will help prevent cars from being stolen if homes are broken into.

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Arts

The Kampong offers kids’ concert series

The favorite childhood tales of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Little Red Riding Hood will highlight the Kampong’s upcoming Kids Concert Series.

The March 20 concert, performed by several musicians from Orchestra Miami , features classical musical instruments.  Different instruments represent the characters of the fairy tales.

“It’s such a great way to introduce children to instruments, to get them to listen and engage them,” said Kampong director Ann Parsons. “It really captures their attention.”
It is vital, she said, for parents to help their children find connections to music.

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Announcement, Security

All-Grove Crime Watch Meeting

An increase in criminal activity in the areas of West and Center Grove will be on the top of the agenda March 10 at the All-Grove Crime Watch meeting.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the Great Room at St. Stephen’s Church, 2750 McFarlane Rd,, located in the back area of the church grounds.

Parking is free at the surface parking lot next to the church. Let the parking attendant know you are there for the Crime Watch meeting.

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Uncategorized

Grove Crime Watch Meeting Update

A boost of criminal activity is taking place in West and Center Grove, with cars being broken into when items such as handbags and other valuables were in plain view, according to the All-Grove Crime Watch. Miami police are advising residents to store all valuables left in vehicles in a safe place.

Officials advise that any suspicious activity should first be reported to 911 for an emergency and to 305-579-6111 for non-emergencies.

The Business Improvement District will be providing two additional police officers to watch over residential areas on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, the group reported. One will patrol from 7 p.m.- 2 a.m., the other from 9 p.m.- 5 a.m.

The next All-Grove Crime Watch meeting will be held March 10 in the Great Room at St. Stephen’s Church, 2750 McFarlane Rd. For more information, email Robert Loupo at rloupo@aol.com or call 305-310-8769.

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Uncategorized

Silver Bluff Elementary says “Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss”

Silver Bluff Elementary students will mark Dr. Seuss’ 106^th birthday March 2 by dedicating part of their day to reading their favorite Dr. Seuss books.

Theodor Seuss Geisel, who was born March 2, 1904, wrote more than 60 books for children before dying in 1991.

All grade levels will participate as part of the “Read Across America” initiative, a national promotion that honors his life and work. It’s a great way, said Assistant Principal Nancy Sapiro, to promote reading throughout the school and the community.

For more information regarding the school and upcoming events, visit silverbluff.dadeschools.net or call 305-856-5797.

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Politics

Village Council discusses Brown House, Glass House, Playhouse

Determined to help beautify historic Charles Avenue, Renita Samuels-Dixon recently told the Coconut Grove Village Council that “the oldest street in Coconut Grove” needs and deserves some attention.

One of two members representing the West Grove on the Village Council, Samuels-Dixon said the street’s historic homes include E.W.F. Stirrup Residence, 3242 Charles Ave., and the Mariah Brown House, 3298 Charles Ave. The Stirrup home was built by one of Miami’s first black millionaires, the Rev. Ebenezer Stirrup, a Bahamian who made his fortune in real estate. The Brown House is a replica of the original house built in 1889 by Mariah Brown, one of the first black Bahamians to settle in Coconut Grove. Plans have been under way to do repairs and enhancements to the Brown House and later open it as a museum.  But the effort needs money, Samuels-Dixon said.
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