Spotlight 98-250425

During times too often coarse or rough, the graceful and delicate art of calligraphy can bring peace of mind and body.  Monica Hine, a local calligrapher and Grove resident, leads an expressive journey through this art form with a live demonstration at a fundraiser for Plymouth Preschool.  The slower pace of the handwritten note, she hopes, can spark curiosity and invite others—young and old—to fall in love with letters again. Plymouth Congregational Church.  3400 Devon Road. Saturday 4/26, 10:00 a.m.  

Earth Day rides onward as the Dade Heritage Trust, Friends of the Commodore Trail and the Friends of the Underline lead casual cyclists on The Nature Loop bike ride – a 3-mile circuit that connects the Underline and Commodore Trail and features some of the most biologically diverse areas of each.  Riders will see lush landscapes where native species thrive, and witness the vibrant migration of the iconic Atala butterflies. Stops at Simpson Hammock Park and Alice Wainwright Park are planned.  The Nature Loop starts and ends on the Underline at the Vizcaya Metro Station Plaza, 3201 SW 1st Avenue. Saturday 4/26, 10:00 a.m. – noon. Free registration required.

Family-friendly bike rides with a special City of Miami police escort continue.  This weekend’s ride is sponsored by Bike Coconut Grove, the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District, the City of Miami Police Department Coconut Grove Team and Friends of the Commodore Trail.  How nice to spend quality time with your loved ones while enjoying a safe and organized bike ride. Bring your bikes, helmets and smiles!  Coconut Grove Playhouse parking lot, 3514 Main Highway. Saturday, 4/26, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.  Free but please register here to let them know that you’re coming.

The Kampong celebrates Earth Day with a Mangrove Cleanup. Free garden admission is includes the opportunity to help protect South Florida’s vital coastal ecosystems.   Scientists from Florida International University will be on hand to share insights about mangroves, their role in our environment, and their ongoing research in the region. It’s a great way to give back, learn something new, and spend the morning in our beautiful garden.  The Kampong, 4013 S. Douglas Road. Saturday 4/26, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.  Free with registration.  Please bring your own gloves!

The University of Miami’s Coral Gables Campus is a treasure trove of architecture, history, and natural beauty. Celebrating the University’s centennial anniversary, Bike Walk Coral Gables and the Coral Gables Museum lead a bike tour of the U-M campus. Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables.  Sunday 4/27, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Modestly priced tickets.  Bring your helmet 🙂 Waiver required.

Bike Walk, and Roll to School Day returns to Coconut Grove and celebrates the start of National Bike Month.  Coconut Grove Elementary is the destination and the event will feature an all-new traffic calming configuration at Matilda Street and Oak Avenue. Although only temporary, the ‘modal filter’ will facilitate safe access to the bike lane, reduce neighborhood through traffic, and reduce traffic conflict points. The CGES PTA co-sponsors the event.  Many students (and parents too!) will gather at Blanch Park (Shipping Avenue between Virginia and Allamanda Streets) Thursday 5/1, 7:50 – 8:00 a.m. and then…Off they go!  Priceless photos are free.   Don’t forget your helmet.