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Arbor Day -- the day to celebrate all things green and shady.  The holiday originated in Nebraska in 1872 and is now celebrated worldwide. 

Miami Springs is the most beautiful, safest, friendliest place to live in South Florida.  We live in Miami Springs because it is a community in an urban area where there are not very many “communities” left.  Those of us with children, especially small children, revel in the fact that there are hundreds of eyes and ears -- starting at the top with our police force, including our neighbors and friends, and ending in our own backyards -- looking out for the safety of our children. 

While our churches, clubs, and organizations -- those small groups -- are the basis for our community, it is our commitment to our green space that further sets us apart from our neighboring cities.  I can’t imagine anyone in Miami Springs advocating for development of our precious golf course, but maintaining our “green triangle” takes more than just a commitment to the golf course. 

In 2009, the Council changed the ordinance to allow citizens to cut down any tree without replacing it.  I strongly opposed the change.  With the assistance of the Board of Park and Parkways, we rescinded the changes to the ordinance and the Code. 

I also advocated for money in the budget to pay to replace the trees we have lost within the city.  This year we have already purchased 33 trees and have submitted a grant for an additional 75 trees.  I hope to reach my goal of planting 100 trees in Miami Springs this year -- and every year after that as well.

 
 
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Are we troopers or what?  UM Family Night at the Florida Marlins game is always very well attended.  The kids had a great time.  


 
 
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A little known fact about me -- I want to be a librarian when I grow up.  I LOVE the library.  I have had the pleasure of reading to our local preschoolers during National Library Week for a few years now.  Unfortunately, it comes on the heels of the election and everyone is exhausted.  But, this year, we had a our brand new local library to enjoy.  If you have not visited, the new library is beautiful.  It is located at 401 Westward Drive and is open every day except Friday and Sunday.  Find more information here.


 
 
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On April 11, 2011, I was sworn in for a second term on the Miami Springs City Council.  I was pleased that our neighbor, a Miami-Dade County Circuit Court Judge, The Honorable Judy Rubenstein, agreed to swear me in for a second time.  Judge Rubenstein is a well-respected and hard working member of our judiciary.  In these trying times, our Judges do not get enough respect, support, or pay.  The true public servants are our Judges.  Please thank her for her service next time you see her around town.


 
 
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River Cities Festival was April 8 to April 10, 2011.  Against my better judgment, I agreed to work a shift at the dunk tank on Saturday night.  Wally Clark took this photo of me.  It was cold, wet, dirty, loud, festive, fun, and completely over the top!  And, every year Avery and Mason love it more and more.  Can’t wait till next year.  Keep up the good work festival committee -- you are appreciated more than you know.