August 18, 2005

We are proud to announce the Chamber Advantage Health Plan, a joint effort by the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce and Vista Healthplan. This plan can dramatically reduce the costs of providing a comprehensive health plan through your Chamber membership. For more information, please call the Chamber at (305) 361-5207 or Odalis at (786) 262-8409
New Members

Union Credit Bank
Richard Hervis

Union Credit Bank is a full service community bank serving the Greater Miami area from our historical Wilford H. Burkhart House and Office. We are a dynamic “Y2K” institution, our history is short but our shareholders have enjoyed a long and successful business trajectory.  At Union Credit Bank we are true to our slogan “Watch Yourself Grow!” Our full line of accounts offers tremendous convenience and great rates. We are an active member of the community. Please stop by and say hello, we are never too busy to take a minute to find out what is of interest to the community we serve. 

The Wilford H. Burkhart House and Office was built in 1937 during the Mediterranean Revival, an architectural style that was popular in southern Florida during the 1920s and '30s. Its elegance and craftsmanship was typical of buildings lining South Miami during this era. The 2-story masonry structure featured a concrete block structural system and walls lay in stucco. The hipped roof was sheathed in Mission tiles. The most noteworthy detail to the old building is the decorative multicolored glazed tile, which graced the entrances and arched bays of the front facade. The building was renovated in 1991 for the offices of Union Credit Bank. The renovation succeeded in preserving the historic building by placing the old facade in our lobby.

Union Credit Bank
Richard Hervis
1150 South Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33130
Tel: (305) 398-9000; Fax: (305) 372-0246
www.unioncreditbank.com
RHervis@unioncreditbank.com


Fortune International Realty
Ofelia McBride

Ofelia McBride of Fortune International Realty: I have been a resident of Key Biscayne for over ten years. I am active in the island community, being a member of the Key Biscayne Community Center and the St. Agnes Church.  I have volunteered for the NASDAQ-100 Open as well as I have helped organize the Fun Run event to raise money for an after school program for inner city children of West Coconut Grove. 

I have been married to my husband Robert for twenty-four years.  We have two children, Gabriel 18, and Anthony 14.

Prior to moving to Key Biscayne, I lived in Manhattan for twelve years where I worked in the publishing business. I am joining the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce with the desire of increasing my involvement in the community.

Fortune International Realty
Ofelia McBride
260 Crandon Blvd, Suite 25
Key Biscayne, FL
Tel: (305) 361-3440; Fax: (305) 361-9709
OMcBride@fir.com


Calendar of Events

Thursday, August 18 6:30pm: The Cub Scouting youth program for boys is recruiting!!! Now is the time to join the fun and excitement of America’s foremost youth program for boys – Cub Scouting. The ‘Join Cub Scouting Event’ for the Cub Scout pack on Key Biscayne will be held at the Cafeteria of the Key Biscayne Community School. Designed for boys ages 7 to 10, Cub Scouting combines outdoor activities, sports, academics, and more in a fun and exciting program that helps families teach ideals such as honesty, good citizenship, and respect. 

For more information, please contact
Moises Caballero
Boy Scout District Director
(786) 258-2805
or
Jorge Mora
Village of Key Biscayne’s Crime Prevention Officer and Pack Committee Chair
(305) 365-5555


Friday, August 19 6 – 8pm: "3rd Fridays" at MSD Biscayne Nature Center Welcome Back Sea Turtles! Come Participate and Learn about Sea Turtles that nest and hatch right here in Crandon Park, Key Biscayne!

  • 6:00pm - 7:00pm:   Sea Turtle games, arts and crafts, walks
  • 7:00pm - 8:00pm:   Sea Turtle presentation
  • 8:00pm - 8:30pm:   POSSIBLE (not certain) Sea Turtle Release from hatchery

$5 for Adults, $3 for kids and Members FREE and a $5 parking fee.
Refreshments will be sold 
Live Music!

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center
Madelyn Mateo
6767 Crandon Blvd.
(Crandon Park North Entrance, *directly across from golf course)
Key Biscayne
305-361-6767 x128
madelynmateo@mindspring.com 


August 21 - September 15:  Pfeiffer Fitness, LLC is calling on all teachers to reduce their stress and improve their energy in this busy back-to-school season.  All teachers will receive a 20% discount on Pilates and/or Poolates packages purchased in August and September. 

For more information, please contact 
Pfeiffer Fitness
Boo Pfeiffer
305-773-0560
www.poolates.com
info@poolates.com


Tuesday, August 23: Key Languages begins its 25% Discount on registration fee for evening group lessons. If you and a group of family members or friends are thinking about learning a new language, call Key Languages on August 23! If all student s enroll together, Key languages will offer you 25% off the registration fee!

Key Languages
800 Crandon Blvd, Suite 101
Key Biscayne, FL
Tel: (305) 365-5530; Fax: (305) 365-8255
www.keylang.com
info@keylang.com


Wednesday, August 31 5:30pm – 7:30pm: The Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, and Coconut Grove Chambers of Commerce are hosting a free networking event at the new Firkin Friar English Pub in Coconut Grove! Come join us at Coconut Grove’s newest two-story bar and restaurant, located in the Commodore Plaza in the heart of the Grove. Party Poker will hold a Poker Tournament in the Restaurant for those who want to gamble for prizes donated by members of all 3 Chambers. Our hosts at Firkin Friar English Pub will be offering complimentary English hors d’oeuvres and 2 complimentary drinks for all members who attend.

The networking event is complimentary for members of the Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, or Coconut Grove Chambers of Commerce only.

Please RSVP with the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce at
88 West McIntyre, Suite 100
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Tel: (305) 361-5207; Fax: (305) 361-9411
info@keybiscaynechamber.org 


August & September: Costa Med, Argentinean and European Bistro offers Summer Lunch Take Out Menu!

  • Traditional Caesar Salad Topped With Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast
  • Mixed Baby Green Salad Tossed With Red Onions, Carrots, Cherry Tomatoes, And Grilled Chicken Breast
  • Greek Salad Tossed With Red Onions, Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes, And Imported Feta Cheese
  • Yellow Fin Tuna Salad Over A Bed Of Romaine Lettuce And Balsamic Reduction
  • Whole Wheat Linguini With Fresh Tomato Sauce
  • Fresh Oven Baked French Baguette With Danish Ham, Mozzarella, Served With A Side Salad

Pass by their lovely restaurant today to pick up a delicious lunch special for only $5.95! Soda or water will be an additional $1.00.  Please note that this special is for takeout only.

Costa Med
260 Crandon Blvd, Suite 46 (Square Plaza)
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-7575


August & September: In the Hot summer months, cool down at the Bayside Hut with a refreshing Margarita, Pina Colada or any one of our new and delicious Island Oasis frozen drinks!  Bayside Hut's new brand of frozen drinks is sure to please everyone in the family.   So stop in for drinks and snack on a variety of delicious appetizers like our famous conch fritters and crab cakes! 

Bayside Hut
3501 Rickenbacker Causeway
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Tel: 305-361-0808


Thursday, September 8 5pm – 8pm: “Invitation To The Arts.” The Jackie Gleason Theatre of the performing arts unites the cultural community with this unique, cross-cultural artistic extravaganza.

  • The “Invitation to the Arts” serves as the official networking event for the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce as part of the Beacon Council, the Coalition of Chambers of Commerce, and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.
  • 3,000 people are expected in attendance to this event.
  • 5:00pm: The Cocktail Reception begins. There will be complimentary hors d’oeuvres and open bar as well as entertainment by over 80 arts organizations that will highlight their upcoming arts season.
  • The pre-show entertainment will feature stirring songs by the Decotones, of which our very own board member Dr. John Martin is a part!!!
  • 7:00pm: The main stage performances begin, which will include the Miami City Ballet.
  • After the show, all guests will be invited on-stage for a scrumptious dessert reception and an insightful Backstage Tour!

All who wish to attend must RSVP to the “Invitation to the Arts” by calling (786) 276-2611. Leave your name, number in your party, telephone number, and professional affiliation.


September 16, 2005, 5pm : Deadline to enter your essay to the 3rd annual Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest!  Governor Bush and first lady Columba Bush invite Florida’s K-12 students to participate in Third Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest. Winning students receive full scholarships!

Essay Guidelines are as follows:

  • Entries must be e-mailed to essay@myflorida.com or mailed to the Executive Office of the Governor: 400 S. Monroe Street, Suite 206, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.
  • Entries must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. (EST) on September 16,2005.
  • Each student may enter only one essay, no longer than 500 words.
  • Essays submitted must include: contestant's name, home address, telephone number, school the student attends, grade level and title of the essay.
  • Essay must be accompanied by a parental consent form in order to be considered.

Those interested in participating in the essay contest and obtaining more information on other Hispanic Heritage Month events should visit www.floridahispanicheritage.com or call (850) 488-5394 for more information.

Official Rules and Guidelines can be found on: www.myflorida.com


Saturday, September 17 at 9am.: Join us for the Florida Coastal Clean-up at the Key Biscayne Beach Club. In past years, we have seen a turnout of approximately 200 participants. Come be a part of this wonderful volunteer opportunity! Sponsors are needed for water.

For more information, please contact
Michele Estevez-Hayes
Key Biscayne Zone Captain
800 Crandon Blvd. Suite 210
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Office: 305-361-3262 - Fax: 305-361-5789
michele@micheleandassociates.com


Possible traffic problems on August 28, 7:30am: Please be advised that the Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy will be taking place at Crandon Park, Key Biscayne. For any further questions or information, please call 305-665-0133.

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Key Biscayne Community School, your local Miami-Dade Public School, is looking for Dade Partners to sponsor various programs during the school year. Join United Capital Markets, Keyes Realty, American Gymsters, The Academy of Martial Arts and others in supporting our children and their education. For more information please contact the Dade Partners Liaison Ms. Mirta Pont, TRUST Counselor at 305)361-5418.

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The Islander News has won eight Florida Press Association Awards in the 2004-2005 Display Advertising Contest. Awards were won in the following categories: Small Retailer, Professional Services, School and Instruction (2), Entertainment/Dining, Best Ad Series, Best Use of Clip Art and Special Publication.

In the Special Publication category, The Islander entered the 2005 "Island Life: The Official Guide and Directory of the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce."

"We are particularly pleased with this award," said Islander Editor and Publisher Nancye Ray. "Ten years ago when we launched the 'Key Biscayne Living Guide' we knew we had a quality product. After we combined forces with the Chamber to help them fulfill their needs in a magazine, we knew the publication would only get better over the years, which it has. It's nice to be recognized by our peers and is also wonderful recognition for the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce," added Ray.

First-, second- and third-place winners will be announced during the Florida Press Association conference in Orlando next month. In July, The Islander received four editorial awards from the Florida Press Association during a convention in Key West. 

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Odalis M. Lopez of Sterling Benefits Group, LLC has changed her contact information. Please update your records. 1673 SW 67 Avenue Miami, Florida 33155 Phone 305-667-9283 Fax 305-266-4676 Cell 786-262-8409

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Looking for an emergency guest speaker? Hector Ceballos, a Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor, would like to offer your organization his services as an emergency guest speaker, who will give you peace of mind when you plan speaking events.  If you have ever had a guest speaker cancel at the last minute, you can appreciate having ready access to a seasoned public speaker who can fill in on a moment's notice. Hector Ceballos has made numerous presentations to public audiences covering a wide variety of investment-related topics. 

If you are interested in taking advantage of the emergency guest speaker service and would like more information, please contact Hector Ceballos of Morgan Stanley at: Tel: 305 375-6658; Fax:305 347-6765 Hector.Ceballos@MorganStanley.com

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Megan Nocerino is the new American Cancer Society Community Representative for Key Biscayne! She is incredibly enthusiastic to be a part of this wonderful organization, and is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Key Biscayne community!  Megan Nocerino is writing to inquire about a convenient time to meet with any and all residents of Key Biscayne in the near future.  Through Relay for Life, a community has the opportunity to show its spirit, passion, and humanity. 

Megan Nocerino looks forward to personally meeting EACH of you for coffee, and to introduce herself to you.  Remember, every day, we are changing the world... let's make tomorrow even better than today!

Please call or e-mail Megan to find a convenient time to meet at YOUR earliest convenience: Megan Nocerino, Community Representative American Cancer Society; 3901 NW 79th Avenue, Suite 224; Office: (305) 779-2859, Cell: (305) 519-4758  Fax: (305) 592-5140


The eGrapevine is published by the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce. To subscribe or unsubscribe to the eGrapevine click here or send an e-mail to eGrapevine@keybiscaynechamber.org. Subscriptions are open to the public. To have your event published you must be a member of the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce.

Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce
88 West McIntyre Street - Suite 100
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Tel:305.361.5207 Fax: 305.361.9411
www.keybiscaynechamber.org
info@keybiscaynechamber.org