M Ensemble Company Presents Inspiring Drama FROM THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA

The M Ensemble Company invites you to see FROM THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA, a compelling and inspiring drama by Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland.  Dates are April 17th through May 11th.  This professional production is staged at the M Ensemble Actors Studio located at 12320 West Dixie Highway in North Miami.   Show times are 8:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; and, 3:00 p.m. matinees on Sunday.      

Based on a true story, From the Mississippi Delta chronicles the hard life of a black girl born in Greenwood, Mississippi in 1944.  Directed by New York’s Jerry Maple Jr.,this riveting play stars Tampa actress Brandii Edwards, Miami’s Carolyn Johnson and Carey Hart.  All actresses play multiple roles spanning gender and race.  Dr. Holland’s coming-of-age story is a magnetic memoir of a young girl’s life derailed by poverty, molestation, rebellion, expulsion from school, prostitution, shoplifting, jail and assault.  However, the troublemaker finds saving grace when she stumbled across the civil rights movement and found herself developing into a leader. 

Dr. Holland’s emotional account of her life was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize award.  She never forgot a community of civil rights workers, friends and her ‘street family’.  After twenty years of struggle to ‘be somebody’…that young rebellious girl danced across the stage at the University of Minnesota to accept her Ph.D.  Comments Director Jerry Maple Jr., “This play is for all people who have fallen down but gotten up by God’s grace and mercy.”
          
Tickets are $30 for the Opening Night performance, reception and cast party which includes additional entertainment.  General Admission is $25; $20 for students and senior citizens.  Group discounts for all shows are available for 20 or more persons.  However, groups of five to nineteen persons can receive discounts for Thursday evening performances.  The theater is handicap accessible; please call in advance to arrange seating. 

                       

Rucht D`Oleo Designs

Fresh Beauty and Fashion

Rucht D`Oleo Designs and Fresh Beauty Studio are joining together to offer their select clientele a night that will be all about Fresh Beauty and Fashion.

Come to Rucht D`Oleo Designs to enjoy three hours of fashion and beauty tips while you shop the latest trends at incredible savings. You will have the opportunity to have a private make-up consultation with Nikol Johnson, creator and founder of Fresh Beauty Studio.

Please RSVP by Sep 26th. Fresh Beauty Studio will be offering mini makeup applications featuring the latest fall colors. With a purchase of any 2 cosmetics receive a free gift (while supplies last).

Also receive 20% off on Rucht D`Oleo`s new Fall-Winter collection, which include the most chic dresses for the upcoming holiday season.

Enjoy complimentary wine and cheese all evening while you update your fall wardrobe and create a new color palette.

Rucht D`Oleo Designs
Friday Sep 28th, 200 From 7p.m. to 10p.m.
773 NE 125 St, North Miami, Florida 33161 (305) 892 4481
info@ruchtdoleo.com

Rucht D`Oleo Designs

Officially established in January 2006, Rucht D`Oleo Designs is a new, trendy, sophisticated women’s boutique located in North Miami, carrying the latest fashion trends of the season.

Fresh Beauty Studio

Fresh Beauty Studio is a complete on location makeup studio right at your front door, photo shoot or production. Nikol Johnson creator and founder of Fresh Beauty Studio is a veteran in the fashion industry; after winning FORD Models “Supermodel of America” contest for Miami in the early 1990’s, she gracefully traveled the world working in print, national commercials, film and runway. She is an active member of Screen Actors Guild. After a 15 year run in the modeling industry, Nikol moved forward with her passion for skin care and cosmetics and became a makeup artist in 1996. She has worked for Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier and Lancôme. She graduated from the nationally recognized Cosmix School of makeup artistry. She is also a licensed esthetician. Accessibility is a unique and important aspect of Fresh Beauty Studio’s services. Nikol’s expertise in skin care, cosmetics and makeup application is available on yachts, private planes, off hours, on location and out of state.
Visit her website at www.freshbeautystudio.com or 954-850-1065.

The Zed Gallery

Galvin Calls for Theater Use Committee

Dogma Coming to Downtown NoMi

MoCA Announces Expansion Plans

Trees Planted Downtown

Starbucks Brings Live Entertainment

Bored? Tired of staying at home? Want to meet some new and exciting people? Want to get enticed by the sultry sounds of live Jazz Bands?, poetic vibes, & intoxicating scents of great coffee? If your answer is Yes to these questions than come on down and indulge into this invigorating environment at
Starbucks @ 750 N.E. 125th St. (parking in rear)

Check out our wonderful & very entertaining line up enlisted below:

Friday, 4/20/07 at 7pm - Mecca & Family Poetry Night....
Saturday, 4/21/07 at 8pm - Jazz by John McMinn....
4/22/07 & Every Sunday at 7pm - "StAgE tHerApy" Poetry Nights Hosted by Will Da~Real One Bell
(vibe set by DJ Make It Do What It Do).....
Tuesday, 4/24/07 at 7pm - Open Mic Music Night hosted by Adrian Gverra...
4/25/07 & Every Wednesday at 7pm - Koffeeoke (Coffee & Karaoke), choose from over 60,000.
Hosted by KJ Ste7en....
Most Thursdays at 7pm - Jazz by Mel Morley...
4/26/07, Thursday at 7pm - Pablore Black a.k.a. Mr. Muzik with a Reggae Jam Session....
4/28/07, Saturday at 8:30pm - " Sir Majesty" with InDiE rOcK....
5/8/07, Tuesday at 8pm - Landon Knoblock Jazz Trio

REMEMBER, these events are held at Starbucks @ 750 N.E. 125th (parking in the rear)

.....BE THERE OR BE SQUAREEEE!!!!!!!!!!!.....

Starbucks in NoMi Now Open

Downtown North Miami's first Starbucks, Located at 750 NE 125 Street is now open. Join your friends in the new 79-seat coffeehouse for a festive toast of Christmas Blend as the season of cheer has arrived at Starbucks. The 1,800 square-foot storefront was formerly occupied by Heirlooms of Tomorrow.

NoMi Clean-Up Begins

Tony Crapp, director of North Miami's CRA, provided this opportunity to update everyone on the progress so far in the implementation of our Phase I of the Commercial Corridor Improvement Program (CCIP):

Downtown Projects Approved!

The North Miami city council has approved several new projects designed to improve the aesthetics of the Downtown NoMi corridor. Here is a recap:

* Pressure cleaning of the brick pavers on the sidewalks and plazas, including one "deep cleaning" and one regular cleaning. Work will be performed on the weekend to minimize disruption to businesses. The cleanings will occur during August and September.

* Repair and improve the fountain located in the plaza between NE 6th Avenue and West Dixie Highway. Water will finally run again!

* Remove the mahogany trees that pose problems with leave and bird droppings. Trim back others where necessary.

* Install 53 trash receptacles in the downtown area.

* Remove all concrete furniture located along NE 125 Street, between NE 6th and 8th Courts. Fill in area with plants, sand, and/or new pavement.

The council also awarded a grant not to exceed $70,000 to La Baguette, located at 680 NE 127 Street, for a facade renovation. This money comes from the federal Community Development Block Grant program. It will allow one of the most-visible businesses in the area to spruce up their building.

Resolution Establishing Sidewalk Cafes Passes

The North Miami city council has passed a groundbreaking resolution allowing sidewalk cafes on city rights-of-way. This is a giant leap forward for our city and I expect it to help boost restaurants, especially in the NoMi arts district.

Sidewalk cafes provide a unique environment for relaxation and dining. Our new legislation allows for outdoor seating while providing standards that protect the safety of customers. Proof of insurance must be provided by the city to the dining establishment, as must drawings depicting the layout of the proposed dining area. Permits must also be attained, but the first year of the permit is free. There will be a $50 annual renewal fee every year thereafter.

The ordinance was co-sponsored by Mayor Burns and myself.

Savino & Miller Design Studio

12345 NE 6th Ave
North Miami, FL 33161
Tel. 305.895.9082
Fax 305.892.9083
E-mail: barry@savinomiller.com
http://www.savinomiller.com

NoMi Projects Receive Boost through CRA

When the CRA governing board (city council) adopted the 2005-06 budget for our Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), several Downtown NoMi projects received boosts. Thanks to the leadership of Councilman Galvin and Mayor Burns, $100,000.00 was set aside to provide incentives to businesses either already located within or wishing to relocate to the NoMi arts district. In the past, a similar incentive fund helped Burrito's Grille buy outdoor seating and assisted Luna Star Cafe with an air-circulator. The new funds, which must be applied for through city hall, could be used for similar small programs, or perhaps to entice major businesses to set up shop in NoMi.

Additionally, it was agreed that money for landscaping NE 125 Street could come out of the Road Construction section of the CRA budget. Though no specific landscaping project has been agreed upon, identifying an up-front funding stream was of great importance to Councilman Galvin.

NoMi Legislation Wins Approval

In recent weeks, the city council has approved three pieces of legislation I proposed. Since they directly impact NoMi, I wanted to tell you about them:

• Prohibiting the Use of Paint Window Covering that Exceeds 25% of the Total – This makes it illegal for businesses to paint-over their windows, as one near city hall recently did. There are also storefronts covered with adhesive stickers and/or adhesive reflective material that are aesthetically undesirable. The ordinance requires storefronts to maintain at least 75% of the window frontage with see-through visibility at all times.

• Prohibiting Liquor Packaging Businesses in the Downtown Overlay Arts District (NoMi) – Though restaurants can still sell liquor, packaging stores can not open in the area.

• Creating a section to our Nusiance Ordinances entitled “Private Property Nuisance Abatement” – This specifically requires owners of properties that are termite-infested to take immediate steps to get rid of the termites. This helps adjoining property storefronts who previously were powerless if a neighbor with termites refused to tent.

Heirlooms of Tomorrow Inc at 662 N.E. 125 St

Phonee: 305-899-0920
Email them at: hot_gifts@bellsouth.net

Belvair for Modern Living at 859 NE 125th Street. 

Open Thursday thru Saturday, Noon - 6 pm. 
Email at belvair@hotmail.com

Vermillion Gallery at 765 NE 125 Street. 

Phone them at 305-893-7800.  
Dealing in 20th Century furnishings, and fine art, circa 1920s-1960s.
Web: http://www.galleryvermillion.com or email at susancutler@earthlink.net

Colors Style & Design clothing at 773 NE 125 Street.
Phone at 305-895-9141.
Email: colorsstyle@aol.com

Visit the Luna Star!

The great Luna Star Cafe, located at 775 NE 125 St., has been named "Best Coffeehouse" by
the Miami New Times newspaper.  Luna Star is very deserving of this recognition!
Luna is open Tuesday thru Sunday, from 10:00 am till 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays and
w eekdays till midnight. 
Check out their web site at: http://members.aol.com/luna13star/index.html

M-Ensemble Dance Company -

Florida's oldest established African-American theater company offering musical, contemporary, classical and original plays; theater workshops for children and adults; and special vibrant presentations for Kwanzaa and Black Music Month.  12320 West Dixie Hwy.
Web: http://www.mensemble.com

"NoMi" Gallery Walks Continue

Join us on the last Friday of each month as ALL the galleries in NoMi are featured.

The Gallery Walk is the perfect opportunity to explore the many new galleries, restaurants and cafes located in the city’s downtown arts district on NE 125th Street. The North Miami arts district is known as NoMi (short for North Miami.) For information, please call MOCA at 305/893-6211.

The excitement starts at 7:00 pm with many of the galleries opening their doors.  Of course, refreshments at the Luna Star are always available (775 NE 125 Street).  At the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) at
770 NE 125th Street, visitors can pick up NoMi Gallery Walk information and coupons, and view MOCA’s current exhibitions.  The Museum of Contemporary Art and participating NoMi galleries will be open until 10:00 pm.  Jazz at MOCA will present a free outdoor concert in the plaza outside the Museum of Contemporary Art at 8:00 pm.

Downtown NoMi is fast becoming one of Miami-Dade County’s most vibrant cultural districts. Galleries, alternative art spaces and restaurants are increasingly finding the area to be an ideal location thanks to its affordability, easy access to major highways, ample free parking, and proximity to the Museum of
Contemporary Art.

Downtown NoMi is also home to a variety of restaurants serving a wide range of world cuisines from West African and Italian, to Chinese and Mexican.

New Exhibits Always Featured
New exhibits are always opening at the Museum of Contemporary Art and all the other NoMi galleries.

Performing Arts Network Opens North Miami Home

The widely known and respected Performing Arts Network (PAN) has opened a new home at 13126 West Dixie Hwy.  PAN has long been considered a cultural hub for arts activity as well as a laboratory for new artists and new work.  Among other things, they offer an array of dance classes for children and adults. 

We are extremely excited to have PAN as part of our city.  For more information on their programs, call 305-899-7730 or email PANMiami@aol.com

City Establishes Guidelines for Downtown Incentives Fund

The City Council established at Downtown Incentives Fund as part of the FY 2001-2002 budget.  $100,000 was appropriated.  The Downtown Business Area is defined as the area of the city that is bounded by NE 6 Avenue on the west, NE 126 Street on the north, NE 9 Avenue on the east, and NE 123 Street on the south. 

Eligible businesses for grants from the fund are those businesses that promote the arts and culture of the city and include, but are not limited to, art galleries, restauratns, antique stores, bookstores, coffee shops, music clubs, and dance studios.

Persuant to the resolution, the city manager is authorized to provide grants not to exceed $5,000 for capital expenditures for eligible businesses. 

Additionally, the city manager is authorized to assist new eligible businesses by providing a grant covering first month's rent and entering into an agreement with the renting landlord to provide for a guarantee of security deposit and last month's rent.  The resolution also provides for $10,000 to be spent on cooperative advertising.  All other expenditures would require city council approval.

Artists Get Break on NE 125 St.

Artists hoping to start a business in our downtown area get a financial break.   New occupational license fees are in effect, allowing artists and antique dealers to get licenses for less money.
Antique and art dealers pay only $25.00 annually, down from the old fee of $77.00. 
Museums and art galleries pay only $10.00. 
I feel these reductions will help our downtown revitilazation. 

Museum of Contemporary Art
Located at 770 NE 125 Street, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) opened its
building in February, 1996.

The 23,000 square foot structure is a site for discovering new artists, contemplating the work of
contemporary masters, and learning about our living cultural heritage.  MoCA maintains an active exhibition schedule, presenting 8 to 10 exhibitions annually.

Visit their web site at http://www.mocanomi.com

Traffic Calming
To help create the appropriate atmosphere for our downtown, it would be helpful to eliminate the "speedway" traffic along 125 Street.

By adding a landscaped median down the middle, and reducing the lanes to one each way, I think we
would go a long way toward that.

We will soon hire a traffic engineer to study the feasibility of this idea.  Though I want motorists to travel 125 Street, it is not productive for them to use it as a quick short cut between Biscayne Boulevard and I-95.