Village Green Man

Miami Beach Botanical Garden - The 11th Annual Tour of Private Miami Beach Gardens

2012-02-18T13:38:00.001-05:00

Miami Beach Botanical Garden
Presents:
The 11th Annual Tour of Private Miami Beach Gardens

Saturday, March 17, 2012

A once-a-year opportunity to visit six outstanding residential gardens that include private island properties, a tortoise habitat and edible garden created at a waterfront estate, and elegant personal retreats designed by several of South Florida's leading landscape architects

Photo by Robin Hill

The tour is self-guided: drive yourself or bicycle.
Gardens are open 10 a.m. to 3a.m.

Tour tickets: $25 advance/ $30 day of tour

Tickets online at www.mbgarden.org
Telephone: 305-673-7256 ext. 206
E-mail lajamieson@mbgarden.org

Sale of orchids, plants, books, souvenirs, jewelry, housewares and
gems & junque throughout the day at 2000 Convention Center Drive
Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day at our public garden.
Free admission all day at Miami Beach Botanical Garden

On March 17 only, 11AM to 4PM, the Garden hosts the Truck Stop
with Miami's trendy food trucks serving fast and fun lunches and snacks.

Featuring:
Latin Burger
The Fish Box
Gastropod
SugarYummyMama

Like us on Facebook
For more information: www.mbgarden.org

Miami Center for Architecture & Design Design Charette - 2/25/2012

2012-02-17T15:55:00.002-05:00

Miami Marine Stadium Update

2012-02-16T15:39:00.000-05:00

MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact: Don Worth
305-742-9238 dontonton@gmail.com

Miami Marine Stadium Update

WHAT: Local and National Leaders Gather to Show Support for
Restoration of Miami Marine Stadium

WHEN: Friday, February 17, 2012, 10:00 AM
Press Conference at 10:15 AM. Tour of Miami Marine Stadium at 10:45

WHERE: Miami Rowing and Watersport Center
3601 Rickenbacker Causeway, Virginia Key, 33149

WHO: Elected Officials including Tomas Regalado, Mayor of Miami; Miami City Commissioners Marc Sarnoff, Francis Suarez, Willy Gort; Franklin Caplan, Mayor of Key Biscayne; Xavier Suarez, Commissioner, Miami-Dade County, Raquel Regalado, Miami-Dade School Board

Guests Including: Hilario Candela, architect of the Marine Stadium; Bonnie Burnham, Executive Director, World Monuments Fund; Robert Hammond, Co-Founder, Friends of The High Line (NYC); Philip Aarons, Founding Chair, Friends of The High Line; Tony Goldman, Goldman Properties; Senior Officials, National Trust For Historic Preservation; Becky Roper Matkov, Executive Director, Dade Heritage Trust; Greg Bush, Virginia Key Planning Coalition

BACKGROUND: On January, 24, the Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority (MSEA) approved a Resolution and Memorandum of Understanding between Friends of Miami Marine Stadium, the Miami City Commission and MSEA. This legislation now represents a first step to the creation of a partnership which will lead to the restoration and operation the Marine Stadium. The matter is now before the Miami City Commission and approval is expected shortly.

The Marine Stadium initiative, which started in 2008, has now attracted national and international support. The leaders above will discuss the importance of the Marine Stadium and next steps in the plans for restoration.

Photo Opportunities: Interior and exteriors of Miami Marine Stadium and Basin
High Resolution images and digital media kit available

More information at: www.marinestadium.org

Artecology Expands to Coconut Grove

2012-02-15T13:30:00.000-05:00

Artecology is proud to announce the re-location of the all day "Enviro- Art" concept making its debut in the heart of Miami’s bohemian tapestry, Coconut Grove thanks to such overwhelming interest and response. After working with the production power behind Rockaz MVMT and most recently One Love Nutrifest, Iraklis Kalamenios, the founder of Artecology Organization, has confirmed Artecology’s presence at the 2nd annual Miami Reggae Festival encompassing every piece of green and shade throughout the larger and more spacious Peacock Park on Saturday April 28th 2012.

The two pro-culture platforms are guaranteed to have an impact on Miami’s forward-thinking momentum currently taking shape over Miami’s masses. It will be a day of art, celebration, music, and plenty of local goods and grub to keep you and your little ones, smiling and swaying throughout the day.

The event will be divided into these areas:
Arts & Crafts, Kids Area in conjunction with Big Blue & You Foundation and Fertile Earth Foundation, Local Food Court, 305Green Village, and a Women’s Wellness and Yoga Center.

Each area is being spearheaded by local community based organizations to ensure the local aesthetic is properly represented. According to Iraklis Kalamenios, Artecology’s mission is to use the power of music, art and culture including performing, digital and visual arts, to provide awareness to the environment in a unique way.

All participants will have the opportunity to represent their craft and/or specialty among other like-minded, equally earth conscious individuals in a relaxed outside music-making setting.

From now until the end of February there are reduces rates for vendor spaces.
Reserve your space now!

Prices are as follows:
Handmade Arts and Crafts $125 (end february) - $150 (March 1 - April 10) - after April 10 = 175$
Retail and Businesses $225 (end february) - $250 (March 1 - April 10) - after April 10 = $275

For more information please visit artecologyweb.com or email artecologyweb@gmail.com.

2012-02-14T17:50:00.000-05:00

Join us for the USGBC South Florida's Miami-Dade Branch GREENWORKING event at the Brickell Irish Pub!

Come unwind with the Miami-Dade Branch and enjoy an an evening of GREENworking at the Brickell Irish Pub. Expand your network while you mingle and meet with other branch and chapter members in a casual, fun atmosphere.

This is a free event and open to everyone.

Our networking events are always highly attended so be sure to rsvp!

Complimentary cocktails from 7-8PM

Suggested $10 donation (tax-deductible)

Business Casual Attire

Educational Presentation: Brickell Green Space

Special Thanks to our Sponsors & Affiliates:

Urban Land Institute

Miami Downtown Development Authority

City of Miami Office of Sustainable Initiatives

Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Brickell Green Space

Miami Urbanist

Environmental News & Views

Miami New Times

Zahn Development

Tsao Design Group

Cervera Real Estate

Megacity Events

REGISTER HERE

Wynwood Green - Sundays on the Green 2/26/2012

2012-02-08T09:24:00.001-05:00

Bringing our community together in Wynwood for events that inspire our minds to think green and experience something new. Working in collaboration with 305Green, I Am Your Villain, Ground Up Collective and WVUM we will be doing monthly events with Farmer's Markets, half-pipes, educational presentations about environmentally friendly ways to live and most of all will include fun things to do for the whole family in Miami...and it's OUTSIDE!
Vendors interested please email info@wynwoodgreen.org

http://www.wynwoodgreen.org/

GASC Family night February 24, 2012

2012-02-02T18:53:00.004-05:00

Please join the German American Social Club for our monthly Family Night - fun and games for all ages. The bar will be open and food will be served!

February 24, 2012 - 6:30 doors open until 11 pm... See you There!

University of Miam - Architecture Lecture 1/30/3012 - The Brazil Lecture

2012-01-30T13:52:00.001-05:00

Miami Beach Botanical Garden - Jan 29 - Music in the Beautiful Spaces

2012-01-28T13:21:00.001-05:00

Miami Beach Botanical Garden
2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach
Presents:

Sunday,
January 29
at 6:00 PM

Admission in
advance: www.sobechamberensemble.org
$20 adults,
$10 students and seniors
Buy Tickets Online
Admission
at the door: $25 adults, $15 students and seniors

South Beach
Chamber Ensemble, Inc.
1135 Euclid
Avenue, Suite #1
Miami Beach,
Florida 33139

305.673.2183
mandrews17@mindspring.com
www.sobechamberensemble.org

International Artecology Festival

2012-01-27T09:29:00.003-05:00

International Artecology Festival
15 april 2012
Coral Gables, Fl / Ponce de Leon & Alhambra plaza

A FREE Public Event For Arts, Crafts & Music Lovers, Families, and Green Enthusiasts.
International green vendors, artists and educators coming together to raise environmental awareness, and to promote sustainability in a practical and entertaining manner.
The International Artecology Festival uses the power of music, arts, and culture including performing, digital and visual arts, to provide awareness of its cause in a unique way. The Festival includes an array of environmentally focused events throughout the City of Coral Gables, including concerts featuring internationally acclaimed jazz, fusion, and world music artists.
This multidimensional event has been hugely successful in Europe since 2005. It is produced by Artecology, a European based not-for profit organization dedicated to promoting environmental awareness, plus green technology and products, by using the entertaining and transforming power of music, arts & culture.
The International Artecology Festival is designed to accommodate 120 tents and booths of national and international green vendors, artists and non-profit organizations.
For more information on festival participants, pricing, sponsorships and how to get involved, contact Iraklis Kalamenios artecologyweb@gmail.com.

THE FESTIVAL…
Over 120 artists from all over the world will exhibit and perform to celebrate and support the green movement at the International Artecology Festival 2012. Original artwork from all over the world will be offered, including: painting, ceramics, photography, crafts, jewelry and sculpture at the Arts and Crafts booths. International LIVE musical entertainment will appear on the Main Stage and will be provided throughout the course of the festival along with a Kid’s Corner with green education & activities just for the kids. Vendors with organic and natural food offerings and beverages will be sold at the International Food court. Businesses promoting Eco-tourism to international destinations and Eco friendly products will be displayed in the City Green Life Area. You can experience Yoga, Wellness speakers and sample organic products at the Women’s Wellness & Yoga center. This event marks the start of an ongoing and new sustainable future.

THE CHARACTER…
The Artecology Festival is a multidimensional FREE event which embraces and highlights each location with their own individual characteristics to help promote Eco-sustainability and environmental awareness. By using the transforming power of music and the arts, we take a practical approach to educate the community on how we can help protect and sustain our world for generations to come.

THE HISTORY…
First started in Greece in 2005 where the festival established itself as an annual event then later was organized every year in different cities, as the festival’s popularity grew.For 2012 the festival will be produced also in Spain and Germany, and will cross the Atlantic to be hosted for first time in the USA by the city of Coral Gables, FL.

WHO’S ATTENDING…
Music, Arts and Crafts lovers of all ages. Eco-friendly, nature and health minded individuals, families and kids.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
click here for VENDOR info
click here for SPONSORSHIP LEVELS info
To reserve a space and receive the application form (no application fees) send as please your website link, or images about your art, business, non profit to mailto:artecologyweb@gmail.com
Your generous support enables us to bring live music, arts, crafts, exhibitions and environmental awareness to festival attendees and promote the local community. Don’t miss this great opportunity to have your products and services showcased locally and worldwide through the International Artecology Festival.

REASONS TO PARTICIPATE & SPONSOR
Local & Worldwide Exposure for your businesses.
Support the fine Arts.
Support the excellent cause: environmental awareness.
Tap into the fastest growing sector in today’s economy, the ecology and sustainability movement.

Emails Needed to help Save the Everglades - Friday Jan 27th Deadline

2012-01-26T11:38:00.002-05:00

We need your help now to protect the Everglades.
Miami-Dade Expressway Authority is planning to expand the 836 Dolphin Expressway west toward Krome Avenue and then south to Tamiami Airport. This project would accelerate westward development, threaten agriculture, and threaten Everglades restoration.
Please email written comments to tgarcia@mdxway.com by this Friday, January 27, 2012.

Here's a sample comment to cut and paste or put in your own words.

I ask the MDX board to remove the 836/Dolphin Expressway Southwest Extension (project 83618) from its 5-year plan. I question the necessity of the this project and am concerned about the impacts to residents, agriculture and America's Everglades.

I believe this road is unnecessary and will actually will increase, not alleviate, congestion on SR 836. Commuters currently have the option of taking several highways into downtown Miami. The existing 836, the Florida Turnpike, the 874, the 878 and the 826. Most of these roads have been or are currently being rebuilt to handle greater capacity. Future and existing toll revenues should be used to maintain these roads and provide for public transit alternatives, not to build new roads into environmentally sensitive areas.

The project will threaten Everglades National Park and nearby federally-protected wetlands. A new layer of highway extending away from the city will fuel sprawl because of its proximity to the Urban Development Boundary. This highway would attract development of agricultural and wild lands buffering the Everglades and pose a direct threat to the $12 billion federal-state Everglades restoration project.

Your name
Address
Phone number
Email

Thank you for your support!

UEL Miami - Open Space: New Visions. Saturday January 28, 2012. 10 am - Noon

2012-01-24T14:22:00.003-05:00

UM School fo Architecture - 1st Lecture of 2012 - Rojo 1/25/2012 @6pm

2012-01-20T09:50:00.001-05:00

GASC Family night - January 20, 2012. 6:30 - 11:00 pm

2012-01-19T09:01:00.002-05:00

Come join the German American Social Club for our monthly Family night – a night of fun and games for all ages! Please see flyer attached for details.

MiaGreen Expo & Conference - January 26th & 27th

2012-01-16T10:42:00.002-05:00

Germany vs. Greece - Soccer at the GASC - Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 11:00am

2012-01-13T16:12:00.003-05:00

Please join the local German team taking on their Greek colleagues for a friendly game of soccer this weekend at the German American Social Club...

Wynwood Green Launches - a cultural hub

2012-01-05T11:53:00.003-05:00

Wynwood Green is proud to present a ‘new’ one-of –kind outdoor daytime experience in the artery of Miami’s artistic community. In association with Armory Studios, I Am Your Villain, Ground-Up Collective, 305Green, WVUM and Gab Studios comes an organic monthly outdoor space in Wynwood that will harness creativity and showcase the best locally owned businesses, organizations and people that Miami has to offer.
Wynwood Green will be the cultural hub for the local community through environmental presentations, pop-up demonstrations, workshops and fitness.

WHAT : Sundays on the Green is an organic, evolving outdoor space that will harness creativity and inspire minds to think green and support our local artists, businesses and community.

WHEN : Monthly Series Every Last Sunday of the month beginning January 29th noon-7pm, with a LIVE show in the Armory Studios after every event at 7pm.

WHERE : On the green adjacent to Armory Studios in the heart of Wynwood. 572 NW 23rd Street.

DETAILS : Visit wynwoodgreen.org or email info@wynwoodgreen.com.

ABOUT WYNWOOD GREEN : Wynwood Green is an organic, evolving outdoor space that will harness creativity and inspire minds to think green and support our local community.

WHAT TO EXPECT : Monthly Market featuring Music, Pop-Up Demonstrations, Fitness, Local Vendors, Workshops, Skateboarding and Environmental Presentations.
Wynwood Green is a Bike-Friendly, Pet-Friendly, Recycle-Friendly Outdoor Space.
Think Local. Choose Responsibly.

University of Miami lecture: Alastair Gordon. November 18, 2011, 6 pm

2011-11-15T09:31:00.000-05:00

Sebastian Eilert named AIA Miami - Sustainable Design Architect of the Year 2011

2011-11-08T15:43:00.001-05:00

At the wonderful 57th Annual Design Awards & Installation gala of the AIA Miami, held Saturday night at the amazing Gleason Theatre in Downtown Miami, many deserving Architects and design related professionals were recognized.
The Silver medal was presented to John R. Forbes, AIA; the People's Choice was awarded to Jenifer Briley (who also received the Excellence in Architecture and Sustainable Building awards) and the Sustainable Design Architect Award was given to your truly, Sebastian Eilert, AIA of Sebastian Eilert Architecture.

It is a great honor to be recognized by my fellow practitioners in these challenging times for the efforts put forth to make South Florida more sustainable, one project at a time...

THANK YOU!!

Burgerliscious event in Coral Gables - 11/03/11

2011-10-28T15:13:00.002-04:00

Register for the mouth watering Burgerliscious event taking place next Thursday, November 3rd at Ponce Circle Park. Join us from 6:00-10:00PM for some gourmet burgers and beer pairings courtesy of Sam Adams!

Purchase VIP admission and get unlimited access to the Brown Forman VIP Tent!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

See you all there!

USGBCSFL GreenWoring tonight - Brickell Irish Pub 7 pm

2011-09-29T16:02:00.001-04:00

Join us for the
Miami-Dade Branch GREENWORKING event at the Brickell Irish Pub!

Come unwind with the Miami-Dade Branch and enjoy an an evening of GREENworking at the Brickell Irish Pub. Expand your network while you mingle and meet with other branch and chapter members in a casual, fun atmosphere.

Our networking events are always highly attended so be sure to rsvp!

Complimentary cocktails from 7-8PM
Suggested $10 donation (tax-deductible)

Business Casual Attire
Educational Presentation: LEED Credentialing Update

Rooftop Gardens in places like Austin Real Estate

2011-09-28T16:28:00.002-04:00

Guest contribution from James Kin. Similar climate in Texas...

The recent craze to hit city dwellers is rooftop gardening. Rooftop gardening, as its name suggests, is when people garden on their rooftops. Rooftop gardening can make an urban outdoor space more appealing and colorful. It can also be an opportunity for people to grow their own vegetables as a sustainable food source. This practice is a fixture of the Austin real estate scene, as Austin, Texas evolves into a place that embraces big city life and nature at the same time.
So, now that you know what rooftop gardening is, you might want to know how it works. A rooftop garden is installed in layers to prevent unwanted leaking and damage to buildings. Layers are also essential to ensure that there is a sufficient amount of soil for plants to grow. There are five layers that are required to successfully start a rooftop garden. Below are the five layers in the order they must be installed on the roof.

• Waterproof layer
• Roof membrane
• Filter sheet
• Moisture blanket
• Soil and plants

People who want to make the task of installing a rooftop garden less arduous can purchase a pre-packaged rooftop garden kit. These rooftop garden kits come with all the supplies you will need to start up your garden. They are also reasonably priced and come in both small and large sizes to suit your needs. If the idea of building the garden on your own is still intimidating, there are many professional landscapers who can assist you. Professional landscapers will ensure that your garden turns out to be a beautiful addition to your home. However, hiring a landscaper will significantly increase your costs.
It is important to keep in mind that not all kinds of plants grow well on a rooftop. Your choice of plants should depend on your personal taste, the design of your roof, and the climate in your area. If you are a novice rooftop gardener, you may want to look into low water plants, Alpines, moss, ferns, sedum, and succulents to start out. These plants grow will in most conditions and do not require too much upkeep. If you are interested in growing food in your garden, tomatoes and bell peppers are relatively easy to grow in most areas.
You don’t need a green thumb to start a rooftop garden. If you purchase a pre-packaged kit and plant things that do well in most climates, you will find yourself with a beautiful garden in no time.

GASC Miami Family Night - September 30, 2011. 6:30 pm.

2011-09-22T12:04:00.001-04:00

Join the German American Social Club of Greater Miami for our Family night- an evening of fun and games!

September 30, 2011 from 6:30 to 11 pm...

Winzerfest Miami - September 10, 2011

2011-08-29T16:42:00.002-04:00

The German American Social Club will a Winzerfest on Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 6:30.
This is sure to be a wonderful event!

Brickell Green Space - Miami Parkland

2011-08-26T10:44:00.000-04:00

A project to increase the public green space in Brickell, increasing quality of life and making Brickell a better place!

Why a Park?

There is a critical shortage of public space developing in Downtown Miami and especially Brickell. As occupancy rates and population continue to increase there are limited options for the expansion of public space to handle the increased need and demand by our citizens. We must act as a City immediately to secure available lands for the health, quality of life and livability of our community.

The Park

Brickell and Downtown as a whole need more centrally located active parkland for people. An active use park measuring at least 5 acres is proposed. The be similar in nature to Margaret Pace Park or Kennedy Park, both very successful parks within Miami. The new Brickell Park could contain a running track, sports field, flexible open space, trails, gardens and a riverwalk promenade.

Starting today we are launching the campaign through www.brickellgreenspace.com and as a architecture/urban planning professional I wanted to make sure you were among the first to know. I hope we can count on your leadership and support in our drive to increase public green space within Brickell and Miami by becoming a signatory of the petition and joining our cause! Please help us spread the word by sharing this email or our website to your friends!

Upcoming event with “Mesothelioma cancer”

2011-08-18T13:25:00.001-04:00

“On September 26, 2011, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation will hold its eighth annual Mesothelioma Awareness Day. First organized in 2004 by several Meso Foundation volunteers, this organization is proud to sponsor this event which has grown to help raise both awareness and funding for this devastating disease.
Mesothelioma cancer that results from asbestos exposure. Symptoms of this cancer are generally difficult to notice and may not appear at all until the disease reaches its later stages. However, this annual event hopes to dispel some of the mystery surrounding this disease by educating about the risks of developing this cancer.
For more information regarding Mesothelioma Awareness Day, go to www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com.”

USGBC SFL Miami Brach - GREENWorking @ Blu Martini. 8/12/11

2011-08-11T10:45:00.001-04:00

Miami-Dade Branch -- Summer Cool-Off Dinner & GREENworking Blue Martini (Mary Brickell Village) 900 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL
Date: 12 Aug 2011 5:00 PM

Join us for the Miami-Dade Branch Summer Cool-Off at Blue Martini in Brickell
Come enjoy delicious complimentary appetizers and entrees with the Miami-Dade Branch and Blue Martini in Brickell. Expand your network while you mingle and meet with other branch and chapter members in a casual, fun atmosphere.

Our networking events are always highly attended so be sure to rsvp!
Suggested $10 donation (tax-deductible)

Business Casual Attire
Educational Presentation: LEED Credentialing Update

More information and online registration: Miami-Dade Branch -- Summer Cool-Off Dinner & GREENworking

Miami Soccer festival at Kendall Soccer Park - July 30-31, 2011

2011-07-11T17:30:00.000-04:00

The Kendall soccer park, located at 8011 SW 127th Avenue will host soccer festival on July 30-31 that will be free and open to the public! Presented by Soccer 5 USA and Miami-Dade Parks, the 2 day festival will have varying co-ed teams playing 11v11, 7v7 and 5v5 tournaments. For information, call 1-888-575-2976 for team entry fees and look for other notices in the Herald and other publications. It is bound to be a great festival!

Das Boot - 30th Anniversary screening in Miami Beach

2011-07-06T09:46:00.002-04:00

The instant-on Generation - Excellent article by Bruce Turkel

2011-06-21T10:38:00.003-04:00

A great article about observatios of our current generatin and trends by Bruce Turkel. See more of his writing at his website:

www.TurkelTalks.com

The Instant On Generation

I was a kid back in the dark ages of transistor radios. If a friend told me about a cool new song, I’d tune in to WQAM and wait until they played what I was waiting for. Usually it would take an hour or more if the song was hot. While I waited I’d get my cassette recorder plugged in and loaded so I could tape the song. Invariably, I’d miss the beginning and inadvertently record my mom calling me for dinner over one of the verses.

Sometimes I had a little allowance money burning a hole in my pocket and wanted to order something from the ads on the back of my comic books – sea monkeys, say, or X-ray specs. I’d get my mom to write a check, put it in an envelope and root around for a stamp. Then I’d drop it in the mailbox and wait the four to six weeks the small print warned me about. I’d religiously check the mailbox every day after school but that didn’t make the package arrive any sooner.

Things are different today. When my daughter gets a text message about a great new band she has to hear, an MP4 file of the actual song usually accompanies the SMS. If not, she can go to YouTube or the iTunes store, download the song to her phone and listen to it right away.

If my son wants to buy something, he can simply order it online and have it Fed-Ex'd to him in a day or two. And while he waits he can track his package as it wings its way across the country. No one over 45 actually cares where the package is until it arrives in their hot little hands but younger consumers need to know when it’s in Tulsa, when it’s in Memphis, and when it’s on the delivery truck.
Of course if it’s a book he wants, he can just one-click order it on Amazon and have it transmitted to a Kindle, iPad, or laptop in less than 60 seconds.
These buyers are labeled by a lot of names these days, – Generation X, Generation Y, Echo Boomers, Millennials – demographic titles based on when they were born. But I think it would be more accurate to name them psychographically, based on the trait they all share: their instant gratification addiction. My genius friend David calls them The Instant On Generation – the hordes of people who have grown up with the “what have you done for me next” demands of digital technology and don’t know how to function in an analog environment.

Unfortunately for them, world events are conspiring to make things very difficult for Instant-ons. Thanks to the combined effects of a burgeoning world population, expanded financial opportunity in the under-developed world and the democratization of technology, there are more people on airplanes, more people in restaurants, more people consuming natural and man made resources, and more people traveling around the world than ever before. And while Instant-ons are perfectly happy to zoom along in their digital environments, finding their friends on FourSquare, making reservations onOpenTable, and communicating with each other 24/7 across Facebook and Twitter, the sheer number of people expecting immediate service in the carbon universe is an unscalable mess that slows everything down.

Before you start pining for the good old days, remember that things weren’t that fast before. It’s just that there were far fewer people clamoring for service and those people were way more willing to wait their turn. But older consumers didn’t grow up with the instant reward and response of videos games. They didn’t grow up with the instant gratification of flash frozen prepared foods heated in a microwave. And they didn’t grow up with a 24/7 communication device glowing greedily in their pocket.

Tomorrow’s consumer did, and tomorrow’s marketer is going to have to figure out how to successfully service people who live the lyrics to the Queen song: “I want it all and I want it now.”

Talking about today’s sped up world, Steven Wright said, “If you put instant coffee in a microwave you almost go back in time.” Funny thing is I don’t smell coffee. I smell opportunity. Specifically, how to make Instant-ons happy? An improved customer experience is one way: think Disney World’s line management techniques or the TSA security experience at Las Vegas’ McCarran Airport. Here in Miami, wealthy wannabe American Instant-ons can even hire people to stand in line for them at immigration.

But all of these solutions are just Band-Aids. The true moneymakers will be the ones who figure out how to reconcile Instant-ons’ digital expectations with analog reality.

Renewable Energy Lecture and Exhibit - Coral Gables Museum. June 03, 2011 7pm

2011-06-03T16:54:00.001-04:00

Join me tonight for the openign reception and lecture on Renewabe Energy and Germany at the Coral Gables Museum...
June 03, 2011. 7 pm.

European focused property management in Miami

2011-05-27T15:32:00.003-04:00

I am very happy to share another quality find for services in the Greater Miami area. Swiss Property Management is absolutely in line with the high expectations that SEA stands for and provides to its clients. For property management, maintenance and other services related to upkeep. Take a look at them. Here is some more information in their own words:

About us:
Swiss Property Management Corp. was established in Miami 2010.
Founder and Owner Oliver R. Oberhauser is an Austrian citizen, born and educated in Switzerland. He has been working in the Banking Industry in Switzerland and the US for almost 20 years. During this time he was involved in Real Estate transactions (Residential & Commercial) in Switzerland, Germany, Spain and the United States. Oliver is fluent in German, Swiss German, English and French.

Our goal is to provide highest quality of service and customer satisfaction. We do it the Swiss Style:
Reliable, Professional, Tailor Made

Our Services:
House Care
We take care of your house or apartment when you are travelling or living abroad.
Payments
We manage payments for you (Electricity, Water, Gas, Taxes, Insurance, etc.)
Site visits
Regular site visits make sure that everything is in order with your property.
Maintenance / Repair
If you need a plumber or your A/C is not working you can contact us 24/7. We can provide you with the professionals you need.
Landscaping / Pool Services
We work closely with Landscape Architects and Gardeners. Pool Services and repairs available.
Supervision of Construction
If you are remodeling or building an apartment, house or office, we supervise the construction and make sure that your quality standards will be achieved.
Rentals
If you want to rent your home, we help you find a tenant and manage the whole process. Move in/out, Keying, Collecting Rent, Reporting, Cleaning, Tenant Relation.
Cleaning / Pest Control
We can provide you with a cleaning team and take care of Pest Control.
Concierge Services
You need pick up at the Airport? Want to rent a car, a yacht or even a plane? Do you want a case of Red Wine or Champagne? Let us know, we can organize it.
Network of Professionals
If you need a Tax Attorney an Immigration Lawyer, CPA, Doctor, Dentist, Realtor, Architect, Interior Designer, Banker etc. let us know. We know the right professionals.

Family Night @ GASC Miami - Friday May 27, 2011

2011-05-26T10:31:00.002-04:00

As one of the directors of the German American Social Club of Greater Miami, i would like to share the following:

The German American Social Club will again have a Family Night this Friday, May 27, 2011. Please join us for this fantastic event of games and fun. We hope to see you all then on Friday.

11919 SW 56 Street (MIller Drive)
Miami, Florida

USGBC South Florida - GREENWorking - networking event. May 19, 2011 Viceroy

2011-05-17T14:06:00.002-04:00

A nice event from teh USGBC South Florida Chapter coming up this Thursday May 19, 2011 at the Viceroy in Miami.

"Join us at the
Miami Dade & The Keys Branch's GREENWORKING event at Club 50 (Viceroy at Icon) in the heart of Brickell

Come unwind with the Miami Dade & The Keys Branch and enjoy an an evening of GREENworking at Club 50 in the heart of Brickell. Expand your network while you mingle and meet with other branch and chapter members in a casual, fun atmosphere.

Our networking events are always highly attended so be sure to rsvp!

Complimentary well-drinks from 7-8PM

Suggested $10 donation (tax-deductible)

Business Casual Attire"

2011 EPA Earth Day Events and What You Can Do

2011-04-13T16:47:00.001-04:00

In Washington DC - Join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17 for Earth Day on the National Mall. With more than 40 interactive exhibits, kids and adults can have eco-fun with hands on activities, art, music and storytelling. Visitors will learn how to. Also, the 7th Annual National Sustainable Design Expo on April 15-17 on the Mall features environmentally friendly, sustainable technologies developed by college student teams from across the country.

Around the country - EPA offices around the country are listing events and activities in and near your community. Events range from easy, family-friendly events to more strenuous volunteer environmental cleanup opportunities. For example, there's a Mystic River cleanup in Massachusetts, Auntie Litter's Parade in Birmingham Alabama, the Mountain Area Earth Day Fair in Evergreen Colorado, and many, many more. See the events page to find events, dates, and times near you!

Events page: http://www.epa.gov/earthday/events.htm for DC and around the country.
ONLINE ACTIVITIES

Pick 5 for the Environment. Join others in the US and around the world and commit to small steps that fit your lifestyle, but are powerful actions that help protect the environment.
http://www.epa.gov/pick5

State of the Environment Photo Project - Starting in April 2011 and over the coming year to Earth Day 2012, EPA is inviting photographers to submit photos on the state of the environment as they experience it, to add to the Documerica project. Read more about the history of Documerica and how to enter your photos.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/1667216@N23/

Sign up to get a daily environmental tip by email during April, and listen to the daily audio tip podcast.
http://www.epa.gov/earthday/tips.htm

Join us on Facebook and share your Earthday experiences, or use hashtag #earthday on Twitter.
http://www.facebook.com/epa
http://twitter.com/search?q=%23earthday
On the go? Get your daily tip from EPA's mobile site!
http://m.epa.gov
¿Habla español? Aprenda más acerca del Día del Planeta Tierra y de lo que usted puede hacer para ayudar a proteger el medio ambiente. Escuche los podcasts ambientales. Inscríbase para recibir un consejo por correo electrónico en abril.
http://www.epa.gov/earthday/espanol

University of Miami - April 08: The Economic and Ecological Case for Good Urbanism

2011-04-07T14:31:00.001-04:00

The Economic and Ecological Case for Good Urbanism
April 8th, 12:30 pm

In this eye-opening presentation Joe Minicozzi presents cutting edge research that reveals the dramatic impact that different types and patterns of development have on the fiscal health of our communities. If you are looking for the fiscal foundation for creating sustainable communities don't miss this lecture!! Bring your elected officials, your planning staff, your real estate developers and brokers, your property tax assessors!! You will see the plans, buildings and places in your community in a whole new light by the end of this lecture.

Description: Joseph Minicozzi, AICP is the Executive Director for the Asheville Downtown Association. He also partners with Public Interest Projects, Inc. (PIP); a private for-profit real estate development company focused on historic preservation, urban infill, and investing in business start-up in downtown Asheville, NC. Joe is a founding member of the Asheville Design Center, a non-profit community design center dedicated to creating livable communities across all of Western North Carolina. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from University of Miami and Masters in Architecture and Urban Design from Harvard University.

Cost: Free and open to the public
Location: Jorge M. Perez Architecture Center, Glasgow Lecture Hall, 1215 Dickinson Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146
More information: mredu.arc.miami.edu

April 10, 2011 at the GASC - 1st Annual Friendship Soccer Cup

2011-04-06T14:41:00.002-04:00

Please see flyer for the upcomign Friendship Soccer Cup at teh German American Social Club in Miami. 11919 SW 56th Street (Miller Drive), this sunday: Arpil 10, 2011.

Floating Stage Design Contest Awards Ceremony+Dinner May 2 at the Rusty Pelican

2011-04-05T11:20:00.000-04:00

Since February, we have been collaborating with DawnTown, the annual public international architecture ideas competition for Downtown Miami, to sponsor a design contest for a floating stage of for the Miami Marine Stadium. The competition is co-sponsored by the Miami Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Dade Heritage Trust. The contest has picked up a great head of steam with over 160 teams- from all over the world - already registered to enter. The Awards Ceremony will feature a viewing of contest entries, announcement of the winner and semi-finalists, a presentation by Frank E. Sanchis III, Director of United States Programs for the World Monuments Fund and a three course, sit down dinner-all for only $30! Click here for details. Viewing of contest entries and cocktail hour begins at 5:30, dinner begins at 6:30 and the Awards Ceremony starts at 7:30 PM.

Tickets must be purchased in advance no later the April 25 Deadline by calling Dade Heritage Trust at 305-538-9572

Integrated & Regenerative Design workshop - April 1, 2011

2011-03-31T09:07:00.003-04:00

Excellent workshop coming up Friday April 01, 2011. 1-5 pm. Earn 4 CEU's in the process.

Village Green Man

Marine Stadium Floating Stage Design Contest

2011-03-26T10:40:00.001-04:00

For more information on the competition, please contact the following:

Joachim Perez , Executive Director Don Worth, Co-Founder
DawnTown Miami Friends of Miami Marine
Stadium
dawntownmiami1@gmail.com
dontonton@gmail.com
Website: www.Dawntown.org
Website: www.marinestadium.org
DawnTown's Awards Ceremony for Floating Stage Design Contest
On Monday, May 2, 2011

Winners Will Be Announced During Awards Dinner
At the Rusty Pelican Restaurant on Virginia Key

Miami, FL-DawnTown, the annual
International architectural competition, announces that the awards Ceremony
for the Miami Marine Stadium Floating Stage Design Competition will be held
Monday evening, May 2 at the Rusty Pelican restaurant on Virginia Key.

The event will feature a display of all of the contest entries as well as
the announcement of the winner and semi-finalists. There will also be a
keynote speech by Frank E. Sanchis III, the Director of the U.S. Programs
for the World Monuments Fund. Tickets for the event, which includes a sit
down three course dinner, are only $30. Viewing of the entries and cocktail
hour will begin at 5:30 PM, dinner will be at 6:30 PM, and the Awards
Ceremony and keynote presentation begins at 7:30 PM.

This year's competition seeks creative architectural ideas for the design of
a floating stage to complement the Miami Marine Stadium. The Miami Marine
Stadium, located on Virginia Key just five minutes from downtown Miami, has
become an internationally recognized icon - now slated for renovation by the
City of Miami and a key priority of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado.

The contest, announced in January, has drawn significant attention. "We're
delighted with the response" said Joachim Perez, Executive Director of
DawnTown. "We're seeing more entries than we have compared to other contests
we have run, and there is a lot of international interest as well."

Built in 1963, the 6,566 seat Miami Marine Stadium has played an important
role in the City's cultural history. Originally built for boat racing, it
also hosted many Concerts, Easter Sunrise Services, Television Shows,
Political Rallies, and Boxing Matches - all from a floating stage that was
towed directly in front of the Stadium. During performances, the Stadium
became an "aquatic theatre in the round" -surrounded by the many boats
attending the events. The Miami Marine Stadium was shuttered by the City of
Miami after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 (though there was no hurricane damage)
and has remained closed ever since.

In 2008, a new organization called Friends of Marine Stadium was formed
under the aegis of Dade Heritage Trust, Miami-Dade County's foremost
historic preservation organization. The Friends group has successfully
focused national and international attention on the structure. The Stadium
is now considered an architectural gem. Designated Historic by the City of
Miami, the stadium has achieved international recognition through inclusion
on the 2009 "11 Most Endangered List" of the National Trust for Historic
Preservation and the 2010 Watch List of the World Monuments Fund. Even
singer Jimmy Buffett, who performed many concerts there, taped a public
service video endorsing restoration of the Marine Stadium. .

DawnTown is fortunate to have Hilario Candela on the judging panel. Candela
designed the Stadium at age 28 and is now a leader in the efforts to restore
it almost a half century later. "I look forward to receiving the proposed
entries to the competition" said Candela, "This is an opportunity to think
outside the box, but with a real project."

The complete Jury for the DawnTown 2011 Floating Stage design competition
includes:

Hilario Candela, Architect of the Miami Marine Stadium in1963
Walter Meyer, Principal of Local Office Landscape Architect
Jorge Hernandez, Architect and Co-Founder of Friends of Miami Marine Stadium
Michele Oka Doner, Internationally recognized Artist
Lawrence Scarpa, Principal of Brooks + Scarpa
Frank Sanchis, Director of U.S. Programs of the World Monument Fund

"We are thrilled with the Floating Stage Design contest" said Don Worth,
Co-Founder of the Friends of Marine Stadium, "This is an 'ideas' contest and
we are hoping to see some great creative concepts that will foster as many
different types of events and viewing experiences as possible." The Friends
group is helping to sponsor the contest awards, along with Miami Chapter of
the American Institute of Architects, the National Trust for Historic
Preservation and Dade Heritage Trust.

Tickets for the event must be purchased by April 25. For more information
and to purchase tickets, call Dade Heritage Trust, 305-358-9572

Michael Graves lecture at UM - March 24, 2011 - 6 pm

2011-03-23T16:08:00.000-04:00

A Grand Tour – A lecture by Michael Graves, FAIA
Thursday, March 24, 2011
6:00 pm
Stanley and Jewell Glasgow Hall
Jorge M. Perez Architecture Center
1215 Dickinson Drive
Coral Gables campus

DHT Antique & Vintage show & tell - March 23, 2011

2011-03-21T14:49:00.000-04:00

Dade Heritage Trust's
"Antique & Vintage Show and Tell"
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Dade Heritage Trust
190 SE 12th Terrace, Miami

Bring your favorite heirloom, garage sale find or Mid-Century vintage piece for evaluation with Art and Antique Appraiser Tara Finley of Anubis Appraisal & Estate Services, Inc., who will also talk about how to identify your hidden treasures. Tour the 1905 original clinic of Dr. James Jackson, now the headquarters of Dade Heritage Trust, Miami's largest nonprofit historic preservation organization. Refreshments served.

FREE Admission.
$10 donation per item evaluated.
RSVP to 305-358-9572 or email info@dadeheritagetrust.org

Integrated and Regenerative Design lecture - 4/1/11 1-5 pm

2011-03-15T17:07:00.002-04:00

30 Easy Recipes for Greener Cleaning

2011-03-15T08:53:00.003-04:00

This is a wonderful article on green cleaning by a fellow blogger, RNCentral.com

30 Easy Recipes for Greener Cleaning:

While keeping your home clean can play a big part in keeping you healthy, you may be doing more harm than good if you're using harsh and potentially harmful substances. It may seem simpler to just pick up cleaning supplies at the store, but making your own at home won't require a degree in chemistry-- just some basic household essentials and a few minutes. If you've ever wanted to try some greener cleaning recipes, then here are some to get you started. There's a recipe to help you clean nearly every room of your home, keeping things healthy for both you and the environment at the same time.

Basics

These basic cleaning recipes will help you get started with greener cleaning.

Cleaning Kit: If you want to construct the perfect green cleaning kit, use this list from the Care2 network to bring together all the items you'll need, including baking soda, washing soda, tea tree oil and vinegar.

Read more on their website that also includes links to more details...

Water Choice best practice Forum. University of Miami - Feb 28, 2011

2011-02-17T10:58:00.001-05:00

Leaders Call for Information, Best Practices in Water Choices
February 14, 2011 — Coral Gables — The University of Miami will host the Florida Earth Foundation’s Water Choices Forum II on February 28 at the BankUnited Center Fieldhouse, 1245 Dauer Drive, on UM’s Coral Gables campus.
Florida faces many complex challenges around water quality and regulation; natural systems and restoration; and planning for growth, distribution, and treatment. During the first Water Choices Forum, leaders and experts from across the state called for expedited formation of a water ethic. The second forum, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 28, will examine and discuss the challenges and implementation of the EPA Nutrient Numeric Criteria and an exploration of the use of water credits across the state.
Several divisions of the University of Miami are engaged in the forum, including the Leonard & Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem and Science Policy, The Knight Center for International Media and the School of Communication. The event will be streamed online at http://knight.miami.edu
“The Abess Center is honored to support this event. Water resource management is a critical issue on a global scale, particularly as the effects of extraction for agriculture, industry and human consumption are exacerbated by pollution and climate change. It will take a concerted effort across disciplines and stakeholder groups to confront the challenges we face,” said Abess Center director Kenneth Broad, associate professor of marine affairs and policy at UM’s Rosenstiel School for Marine and Atmospheric Science. “This conference is an opportunity to bring diverse perspectives to bear on the policy issues regarding appropriate criteria for allowable nutrient levels and allotment of water credits.”
The mission of the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy is to create innovative, interdisciplinary initiatives that bridge the gap between science and environmental policy. The Abess Center is the nexus for flexible undergraduate and graduate programs, which gives students the opportunity to learn in a problem-solving context and gain substantial hands-on experience.
The Florida Earth Foundation, a collaborative partner with UNESCO and center of training and best practices in sustainability, has committed to a think tank approach to the forums. Participants will take an active role raising questions, testing definitions, and setting the agenda for emerging conversations.
“Our Foundation is committed to respond to calls for discussion and international best practices as we approach a period of big water challenges in our regions, in the courts, and in the industry,” said Florida Earth Foundation Board Chair, Ernest A. Cox. “Leaders and experts from all fields that deal with water want a place to draw on the best possible data, express their concerns, and seek consensus. Our board has made these forums our 2011 priority.”
The conference will include a diversified audience of water system managers, public officials, international experts, attorneys, law students, scientists, educators, videographers and documenters, and engineers. Their counsel will impact the Florida Earth Foundation’s compendium of online best practices and recommendations on the future of water in Florida. The Employ Florida Banner Center for Water Resources will also provide an update on the strong job and career connection to technical training and certification in the industry.
Fairfield Index, Inc. President Don Upton, a nationally renowned expert on regionalism and collaboration, will moderate the discussion. Other noteworthy participants include Jeff Fulgham, head of GE’s Ecomagination and Dr. Cameron Brooks, Director of Water for IBM’s Smarter Planet Initiative.
The Knight Center for International Media, based at the University of Miami School of Communication, will show an excerpt of its award-winning documentary on the subject of the world’s water crisis, One Water.
Thanks to sponsors, the event will offer international audiences the opportunity to ask questions of the panelists.
Registration for the event costs $195, and includes lunch. Students with ID can register for free for limited seating. To register, or for background and notes from the first Forum, and details on CEU credits visit www.floridaearth.org or call the Florida Earth Foundation, 561-686-3688.
# # #

The University of Miami’s mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to our community and beyond. Committed to excellence and proud of our diversity of our University family, we strive to develop future leaders of our nation and the world. www.miami.edu.
Florida Earth Foundation is missioned to bring people together through education, public outreach, and facilitation to ensure the future integrity of Florida’s environment and quality of life. This mission is carried out in by developing new and enhancing existing FEF programs, and by seeking out and funding qualified projects through the grants and initiatives. The Florida Earth Foundation is committed to the guiding principles of: non-advocacy, partner engagement, resource pooling (combining resources and collaborating with partners to avoid duplicative efforts in programs and projects), gap-filling (seeking areas of endeavor that represent gaps in programmatic activity and educationally-related infrastructure); and diversity. More information on the Florida Earth Foundation is available at www.floridaearth.org.

Green Associate prep course at Chamber South - 2.19.2011

2011-02-14T12:20:00.003-05:00

www.ChamberSouth.com for more information or contact Sebastian@SebastianEilert.com

Greenworking in Miami - LA Bar 2/17/11 @ 7pm

2011-02-10T10:02:00.000-05:00

Join us for the
Miami Dade & The Keys Branch GREENWORKING event at LA Bar in the heart of Brickell
Come unwind with the Miami Dade & The Keys Branch and enjoy an an evening of GREENworking at LA Bar in the heart of Brickell. Expand your network while you mingle and meet with other branch and chapter members in a casual, fun atmosphere.

Our networking events are always highly attended so be sure to rsvp!

Complimentary well-drinks from 7-8PM
Suggested $10 donation (tax-deductible)

Business Casual Attire

MiMo Conference in Miami - March 11-12

2011-02-09T16:11:00.000-05:00

For Immediate Release Contact: Becky Matkov
305-358-9572; info@dadeheritagetrust.org

Miami Marine Stadium to Be Spotlighted at “Meet MiMo” Conference March 11-12th

The Miami Marine Stadium, once threatened with demolition, will be showcased at a Dade Heritage
Trust conference on Miami Modern Architecture, to be held March 11-12, 2011 at the Eden Roc Hotel
on Miami Beach.

Designed by the Cuban American architect Hilario Candela at the age of 28, the Miami Marine Stadium on Virginia Key is considered an icon of Modernist architecture. Sited on the blue waters of Biscayne Bay, the Marine Stadium’s cantilevered roof appears to float over the 6500 seats of the stands below. From its opening in 1963 to its closing after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the Marine Stadium was a place of spectacle and celebration, with boat races and concerts on a floating stage.
Dade Heritage Trust and its Friends of the Marine Stadium have campaigned for three years to rescue this landmark, securing its historic designation by the City of Miami and attracting national publicity and widespread support for its reuse.
A presentation on the Marine Stadium will be given at the conference by Don Worth, a co-founder of Friends of Marine Stadium, who will discuss plans towards its restoration.

Architect Hilario Candela will be honored at the conference’s “Living Legends” luncheon for creating a Modernist masterpiece, “an architecture for that place where the land and the sea kiss.”
A boat tour of the Marine Stadium and Basin on Virginia Key is planned for Saturday, March 12th.

AIA Continuing Education Credits will be offered at the “Meet MiMo” Conference .
Dade Heritage Trust’s partners include the National Trust’s Trust/Modern, the Florida Trust, DoCoMoMo-US/Florida, the University of Miami and the University of Florida. Sponsors are Miami Dade County Cultural Affairs, Bacardi U.S.A., Inc., The Villagers, Inc., The Goldsmith Family Foundation, and Swire Properties.

Full conference registration, including presentations, luncheon, Bacardi reception and tours is $275; $240 for DHT members.

For full details and to register, contact Dade Heritage Trust, 305-358-9572, info@dadeheritagetrust, www.dadeheritagetrust.org.

GSA Trades shop is officially Miami Dade County’s first LEED certified building.

2011-02-01T11:27:00.002-05:00

This morning, in the Commission meeting of February 01, 2011 county mayor Carlos Alvarez officially announced the first LEED certified building as the GSA Trades Shop facilities. The LEED plaque was presented by Carole Schafmeister of the South Florida USGBC to the mayor and the commission. Many of the GSA staff were present in the chamber as was the Director, Jose Perez and the design Team of PJB and consultants, the builder MCM and the LEED AP, Sebastian Eilert.
Special thanks to Ruben Bravo of MCM, who’s ongoing efforts during all phases of the project, including the follow up with all of the team, were invaluable to the project’s success.

Congratulations to the county and the staff… may the Trades Shop facility set the tone for all new buildings in the county.
Before honoring the LEED certified project and team, the mayor declared today to be Mr. Percival day, who was honored with the declaration and also presented Greenline, the county’s sustainable initiative plan. We are very interested to see the commission continue in the path that is outlined by the plan and how it will continue to make Miami Dade County more sustainable, in all departments.

German American Social Club - Family night this Friday January 28, 2011

2011-01-25T15:09:00.002-05:00

As a new director for the GASC (German American Social Club) of Greater Miami, please join us this Friday, January 28, 2011 at the club for a fun Family night with Table Tennis (Ping Pong), Skat and other fun games and food...

See you there!

USGBC South Florida - Cliamte Refugees screening. January 19th

2011-01-13T15:53:00.002-05:00

The USGBC South Florida chapter is presenting a networker screening on January 19th, 2011.

101 Way to Conserve Water in College - guest contribution

2010-12-17T10:11:00.001-05:00

Nice article about more ways to conserve water:

www.onlineclasses.org

50 Ways to Go Green at your Wedding - Guest Blog

2010-11-01T21:09:00.001-04:00

Interesting story about what you can do to Green up your wedding.

Today, green is the new white. To truly go green for your big day, you may have to sacrifice an extravagant dress, artisan-designed invitations and plastic decorations, but who really needs those things anyway? Green weddings are just as beautiful, chic and enjoyable as any other wedding, but with the bonuses of saving money, being environmentally friendly and getting back to the basics. Here are 50 ways to go green at your wedding:

Green Wedding Guides

These green wedding guides will help brides and grooms explore their eco-friendly options and get inspired in no time.

1.Green Wedding Shoes: Get inspired by these cool Southern California style weddings and DIY decorations that are cheap and eco-friendly.
2.Great Green Wedding: From eco-friendly wedding flowers, green wedding invitations to re-used wedding gowns, this blog provides tons of resources to green any wedding.
3.Eco-Beautiful Weddings: By the looks of this ultra-chic wedding blog, you'd never guess they plan environmentally-friendly weddings.
4.Ecopolitan Bride: This site will make you rethink the normal wedding traditions and consider more original ideas, such as ethically sourced birthstones, vintage bouquets and organic cotton wedding dresses.
5.Wedvert: Check out this site's experts tips and resources for planning a green wedding that minimizes your environmental impact and still looks beautiful.
6.Etsy Wedding: Eclectic brides, who also care about the environment, will enjoy this innovative bridal blog and its eco-friendly finds.
7.Emerald Weddings: Get inspired by the green weddings this Seattle-based wedding consultancy puts together.
8.Green Bride Guide: This site has awesome resources and clever ideas to guide you through green wedding planning.
9.Ethical Weddings: See what this online green wedding magazine and planning resource can do to green your weddings to the max.
10.How to Reuse it Creatively: From paperless RSVPs, a reused wedding dress to bringing your own food to the reception, this blog will teach you new creative ways to make your wedding green.

Read More:

http://www.toponlinecolleges.com/blog/2010/50-ways-to-go-green-at-your-wedding/

50 Online Resources for Eco-Friendly Schools - Guest contribution

2010-10-18T09:10:00.002-04:00

Please see a good article on the "50 Online Resources for Eco-Friendly Schools" published on Bestcollegesonline.net

Village Green Man

Lutron Radio Ra 2 - Residential Specification Seminar - Thursday, October 28 in Plantation

2010-10-15T09:57:00.000-04:00

Please find information below for the upcoming Lutron Radio Ra 2 Residential Specification Seminar happening at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida Experience Center in Plantation, FL:
• Thursday, October 28th, 2010 - Click to Register

This is a Free 1-day course to learn about the latest technology in residential lighting and energy control systems including:
• Energy savings through automated control systems
• Touchscreen integration
• Thermostat controls
• Vacancy detection
• Preset dimming systems throughout the home

If you are involved with medium to high-end residential construction, please read below and plan to attend to learn more about the latest in wireless lighting control, Radio Ra 2.

Sly

Interested in the rapidly growing market for residential energy-savings technologies?

Attend Lutron’s Specifier Qualification training, focused on the ground-breaking RadioRA 2 wireless light and shade control system, featuring Lutron’s patented Clear Connect™ RF technology.

RadioRA 2 was built specifically to address the emerging, tech savvy, and environmentally conscious mid-market consumer, who demands a simple to use, reasonably priced, IP “connected” technology which can be easily installed in an existing home.

Now is the time to develop the retrofit market for energy-savings technology! (100 million existing homes, vs. 650,000 new homes being built in 2010—and a difficult new construction outlook).
Save energy effortlessly, beautifully and add an entirely new element of convenience to your customers’ lives with RadioRA 2.

RadioRA 2 offers the progressive “trend setting” interior designer, architect, remodeler and builder the greatest opportunity for differentiation and comparative advantage amongst a challenging economic environment.

RadioRA 2 & Lutron Products
• Lutron products save the world over $1 billion a year in energy and lamp costs.
• Lutron shading solutions reduce HVAC costs, harmful UV rays and unsightly glare.
• RadioRA 2 light and shade control reduces a building’s carbon footprint.

Lighting Control–change how you experience light
Just as the shift from horse and buggy to automobile changed how we experience transportation, moving from the switch to lighting control will change how we experience light. RadioRA 2 is the vehicle for this change!

We invite you to share a day with us to explore our exciting RadioRA 2 lighting & shading control technology:
Course Syllabus:
• 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Course Overview
• 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM RadioRA 2 Essentials Designer Software/Product Knowledge/Specification Workshop (Lunch & Experience Center Tour included from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)
• 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM Quick Quote Tool/Product Reference Guide/Specification Documents (including CSI Spec)/ Literature & Marketing Tools
• 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM High Impact Abbreviated Sales & Business Training (featuring USGBC’s LEED for Homes and REGREEN for existing homes, NAHB Green Standard, Energy Star for Homes, Home Star, Title 24 and American Energy & Security Independence Act discussion)

RadioRA 2 Specifier Software Access Program RadioRA 2 Qualified Specifiers will earn access to the innovative and robust RadioRA 2 Essentials Designer software package (100 devices). RadioRA 2 Qualified Specifiers will be updated as new and improved software products are released.

Who Should Attend
• Interior Designers (ASID welcome)
• Architects (AIA welcome)
• Builders (NAHB welcome)
• Remodelers (NARI welcome)
• Kitchen & Bath dealers (NKBA welcome)

Costs
Course is free of charge!

Happening at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida Experience Center in Plantation, FL:
• Thursday, October 28th, 2010 - Click to Register

Blogs on Sustainable Buildings - Guest contribution by Ron Delfs

2010-09-30T11:00:00.001-04:00

This is a great blog worth looking at. Look for the post: "25 Best Blogs at the Forefront of Sustainable Building”

http://www.environmentalsciencedegrees.net/blog/2010/25-best-blogs-at-the-forefront-of-sustainable-building/

Village Green man

water...what kills people

2010-09-21T11:02:00.003-04:00

What we really need is water. This is a great little clip about the water use (and waste) on a global scale...

http://www.newsweek.com/2010/09/12/george-will-earth-doesn-t-care-what-is-done-to-it.html?gt1=43002

Village Green Man

Sebastian Eilert, AIA to speak at Arkiforum 10 in Santo Domingo – November 18, 2010

2010-08-31T13:38:00.002-04:00

It is with great pleasure that I share this year’s Arkiforum 10 conference for Architects in the Dominican Republic. I have been asked to be the Keynote speaker for this one day conference addressing global and local concerns of green building. It is particularly exciting to be part of the sustainable efforts beyond the borders and the reach of the US.
The conference will take place November 18, 2010 in Santo Domingo. Please see the events flyer and help spread the word...

www.matchtalent.com.do

Village Green Man

City Miami free FRUIT TREE Giveaway - August 21, 2010 8 - noon

2010-08-19T14:43:00.001-04:00

A great opportunity to get a free fruit tree!

The City of Miami along with some great sponsors is having a fruit tree giveaway this weekend. It will be help at the Belafonte Talcolcy Park located at 6161 N.W. 9th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33123. 8am to noon.

Pre-registration is available at your local NET office. See flyer for more details!

USGBC LEED scholarships due this Friday...

2010-05-04T11:33:00.002-04:00

...a great opportunity for students and young professionals to cover the cost for the LEED GA exam.
The USGBC Chapter LEED Scholarships are due this Friday, May 7th. They are for Students and Emerging Professionals, 30 and younger and will cover all costs associated with accreditation.

see the flyer below.

Florida Green Building Law: Florida’s Renewable Energy Landscape – Past, Present, and Future

2010-04-29T17:32:00.002-04:00

Excellent article on FloridaGreenBuildignLaw.com on renewable energy in Florida:

As a professional in the solar power industry, I’m frequently asked why Florida, the “Sunshine State,” doesn’t have an abundance of solar panels on its rooftops. While the sun’s rays fall generously on the state, our legislature and utilities have prevented the development of a renewable energy industry in Florida that would spur economic growth, create jobs, and draw investment. Indeed, a strong clean energy market is more about regulations and incentives than it is about sunshine and motivated consumers. This gap between potential and policy drives Florida-based renewable energy companies, such as mine, to seek work in other states.

read more HERE

Bike Miami days coming back to the Grove - Sunday April 25

2010-04-19T16:34:00.002-04:00

The City of Miami continues its green movement by once again bringing back the Bike Miami Days. Bann the cars and ride, skate, scroll through the streets of the Grove. A great way to end Earth Day week…

Learn more at their blog: bikemiamiblog.wordpress.com

The German

German parking garage...a very green building!

2010-04-13T16:04:00.004-04:00

STATE OF THE ART GERMAN PARKING GARAGE

This is pretty amazing! Can you imagine how all of this operates?

And how do they lock each car in its cubicle for safety? (Actually, that is not much of a concern because no one could possibly get inside it here, but the Germans will lock each car anyway.)

Talk about German efficiency! The two photos above were taken at a new parking garage in Munich , Germany . The actual space that the facility occupies is approximately only 20% of a comparable facility with the traditional design that is used primarily in the United States .

Not only is the German structure less expensive to build, but vehicles are also "retrieved" in less time and without the potential of being damaged by an attendant.

It seems that Germany remains in a very leading positoin when it comes to sutianbel buildings. Surely some elements that we can use and learn form here in the US.

The German

top 50 greenest building arounf the world

2010-04-12T10:10:00.002-04:00

Top online engineering degree, a blog by Betty Jones, has created a magnificient list of some very sustainable buildings around the world. take a look:

http://toponlineengineeringdegree.com/?page_id=122

The German

Miami Riverday - April 10, 2010

2010-04-07T15:55:00.003-04:00

This Saturday, Aril 10, 2010 from 11 am to 4 pm, enjoy a free Riverday at Lummus park. See the flyer for more information or click HERE.

The German Architect

Dream in Green Miami Kick off event April 10, 2010 - Keep the dream alive!

2010-04-06T09:20:00.000-04:00

Kick off Earth Month 2010 by joining Dream in Green for Cocktails and Hors D'oeuvres, a Silent Auction, Entertainment and More!

Dream in Green is asking for your support to help expand our Green Schools Challenge program in South Florida. All proceeds from the event will go to support the Green Schools Challenge.

Visit www.dreamingreen.org for more information and to register.

The Our Green Schools Challenge program involves students and staff directly in designing and implementing environmental and energy solutions at their schools. The Green Schools Challenge helps local schools save money by reducing their overall energy consumption through student-led conservation initiatives. While conserving energy at their schools, students learn important lessons about environmental sustainability, which are later applied at home and in the community.

During the upcoming 2010-2011 school year, Dream in Green seeks to make the Green Schools Challenge program available to all schools in Miami-Dade County and also expand our Broward County pilot program. To accomplish this goal WE NEED YOU!

HELP KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE by attending our fundraising event, donating, and spreading the word about this important program.

Non-Profit MemberDream in Green is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is funded through grants and donations. We depend on sponsors like you to continue bringing valuable educational programming to students, teachers and communities in South Florida.

Dream in Green is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is funded through grants and donations. We depend on sponsors like you to continue bringing valuable educational programming to students, teachers and communities in South Florida.

Health Insurance for Foreign Nationals, Worldwide

2010-04-05T15:33:00.000-04:00

I have been looking for good health insurance coverage for a very long time. With my German background and living experience, the US health insurance system was always challenging to understand and accept. Even with the newly passed health insurance reform, there are many gaps in coverage and cost that simply do not compare to what I know about insurance in my home country and other places in the world.

As a small business owner I also explored group insurance, something that requires 4+ employees to be worthwhile. Finally, the relationship of premium and deductable was simply amazing to me. My last coverage had a $5000 deductible, a monthly premium of over $300 and many exclusions.

I finally found a great coverage from a European based company. They insure worldwide and only insure foreign nationals, i.e. people who are not living in their country of citizenship. Fitting the profile I have signed up and am extremely happy with my coverage. In fact I am so happy, that I am writing about it and offer the insurance to those who are interested.
There are straight forward deductibles, the one I selected is extremely low ($125) and the coverage excellent. There are also no pre-existing condition exclusions and the carrier will not drop you. Furthermore, this company offers a few simple affordable perks, such as disability insurance, dental and personal liability.

If you are fed up with eh US health insurance system and/or are in search of a new provider, or know someone else that fits the profile, give me a call @ 786.556.3118 or email me.

Sebastian Eilert, AIA, LEED AP.
SeasbtianEilert@gmail.com

Shades of Green @ Village of Pinecrest for Earth Fest

2010-04-01T17:39:00.002-04:00

SHADES OF GREEN: Sustainable Initiatives
Awarded “Best Green Film” to Screen in Miami at Pinecrest Gardens

(March 31, 2010) WKLG’s world premiere of SHADES OF GREEN: Sustainable Initiatives receives award for “Best Green Film” at the Delray Beach Film Festival.

Shades of Green was shot on location in South Florida and employed a local crew from WKLG Inc.

The film was directed by Gavin Bagwandeen, produced by Doug La Rue, and written by Executive Producer Susan Spinnato. Additional local crew members include Editors and Camera Operators Adrian Arias & Jason Gracia.

The film features local leaders and professionals including Mayor Carlos Alvarez, Mayor Manny Diaz, Commissioner Katy Sorenson, Sustainable Architect Sebastian Eilert, Founders of Congress for the New Urbanism; Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk and Andres Duany, Citizen Activist Albert Haram-Alvarez, and numerous select others.

The film was recognized and celebrated as its title was called and granted the award for “Best Green Film” by Dr. Michael Posner at the festival’s award ceremony in Delray Beach.

In its 5th year, the Delray Beach Film Festival; founded and directed by Dr. Michael Posner, has been coined the “Sundance of the South,” as it affords independent filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work. Taking place in the environmentally conscious city of Delray Beach, the festival has gone “green;” including a green category for competition, hosting a green workshop, and initiating a beach clean-up. This is the third consecutive year WKLG has screened films at the festival with Ferdinand Magellan: The Presidential Pullman winning “Best Short Documentary” in 2008.

Shades of Green documents what is happening in South Florida as it takes the needed steps towards a sustainable future. Introduction to key organizations informs viewers of current discourse and policy shaping. The continuum of Smart Growth, New Urbanism, and Green Building is introduced with supporting examples. Relationships between land-use and transit are examined to show how wise-planning and other initiatives play integral roles in energy conservation and efficiency.

Shades of Green is an educational outreach documentary film illustrating how individuals, businesses, and governments can save resources, energy, and money - while benefitting the environment and health of all living things.

A free screening of Shades of Green will take place at the Pinecrest Gardens’ Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 25th at 2:30pm.

Shades of Green will also be screening at the Santa Cruz Film Festival in May and the Central Florida Film Festival this summer.

WKLG Inc. - Doug La Rue is co-founder of WKLG Inc. which has owned and operated FM Radio Station WKLG better known as STAR 102.1FM since December of 1984. In 1986 he expanded into the Commercial Photography, Video, and Film business, with an active interest in preserving South Florida’s history through multi-media creativity. The company’s scope of interest has expanded to include preserving South Florida ecology and increasing awareness of social issues and solutions.
For more information, please visit: www.wklginc.com

Earth day is coming... City of Miami Goin' Green. April 24, Bayfront Park

2010-03-25T16:41:00.003-04:00

With Earthfest approaching, i am sure that we will have many great events around town. Here is the first one that came to my attention:

City of Miami, Goin' Green at Bayfront Park. April 24, 2010, runs from 10 am to 7 pm.
Check out the link:

http://www.miamigoingreen.com/

Village Green man

Haiti Earthquake charette @ UM. March 24, 2010

2010-03-23T09:51:00.002-04:00

The AIA Miami and the University of Miami, School of Architecture, have teamed up to bring a 5 day Charette to assist with Post Earthquake planning for Haiti, the event will start March 24.

Please click on the flyer for more information!

Village Green Man

Architecture and Community Round Table @ AIA Miami. March 24, 2010. 7 pm.

2010-03-18T14:39:00.001-04:00

If you are interested in sustainable or socially conscious architecture and like to get a little more involved, this will be a great round table to attend and find out more about 4 organizations for Architects, Designers, Architects to be and those interested in the field…

AIA Miami Office. March 24, 2010 @ 7 pm.
See you there!

Village Green Man

Shades of Green screening - Delray Film Festival. March 27, 2010

2010-03-09T10:17:00.002-05:00

Please join me in the Premier Screening of Shades of Green - Including your Village Green Man!

Mark Your Calendars!

SHADES OF GREEN will premiere at the Delray Beach Film Festival!

Saturday, March 27th at 3:15 pm

Delray Beach Public Library
100 West Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach FL, 33444

Screenings at the library are free and open to the public - so bring your friends and family and spread the word.

After the film, a “Green Workshop" will take place at a nearby venue at 5pm. The panel will be comprised of several local experts/professionals in the environmental field. The workshop will serve as an opportunity for Q's & A's after a day of "green films" and will cover various green topics.

About the film:

SHADES OF GREEN documents what is happening in South Florida as it takes the needed steps towards a sustainable future. The film offers insight into the complexities and interconnectedness of our impact on the environment, and how South Florida initiatives can serve as a model to solve some of these problems. Relationships between land-use and transit are examined to show how wise-planning and other initiatives play an integral role in energy conservation, efficiency, and securing a healthy planet.

To view trailer:
http://wklginc.com/shadesofgreen.htm
For more information:
Email: susan@wklginc.com Websites: www.wklginc.com, www.dbff.us

Dade Heritage Trust - Alvaro Bungalow Ribbon Cutting

2010-02-20T16:14:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately I had to miss the event, but there was some excellent attendance as some front page coverage in the Miami Herald by Andres Viglucci.

This little project was a great success and my stepping stone into the world of Historic Preservation. Even though most of the green building features that I had initially recommended did not make into the project, the building in itself as sustainable triumph. With the excellent work by Hugh Ryan, this gem was restored to its earlier simple glorify and is now home to another fine nonprofit organization.

Interested in the building and maybe others that we can save? Consider to join the Dade Heritage Trust as a member… (click here) and look out for the Dade Heritage Days with this years theme: New Faces, Old Places. March 01 -April 30, 2010

Village Green man

East Little Havana bungalow gets new owners, a fresh life
By ANDRES VIGLUCCI

For 40 years, Rolando and Mercedes Alvarez lovingly tended their elegant, gabled Miami bungalow, a 1921 landmark sitting atop a slight rise roughly a long touchdown pass from the Orange Bowl -- until, aging and in declining health, they agreed to sell to a developer who planned to tear it down.
Six years later, the OB is gone. But the Alvarez abode abides, saved from certain ruin by Dade Heritage Trust, and newly and fully restored inside and out.
Saturday, the Hubbard-Alvarez bungalow at 138 N.W. 16th Ave. -- now an official historic landmark named for the two families who occupied it, and lightly converted to office use -- begins a fresh life.

Read More...

Miami Marine Stadium Update

2010-02-02T16:02:00.004-05:00

With the new year on its way, it is great to see the efforts to save the Miami Marine Studium continue.
Consider joining the friends of Marine Stadium and support our effort.

Village Green Man

Latest news:

Results of Engineering Study of Miami Marine Stadium
Friends of Marine Stadium and the World Monuments Fund are pleased to release the results of the engineering study which has analyzed the structural condition of the concrete in the Stadium. In a nutshell, we have good news-with a caveat.

While a study by City of Miami in the summer of 2008 estimated the costs of concrete restoration to be as high as $15 million, it was based on an examination of previous documents and a visual inspection. Our study, done by the highly respected engineering firm of Simpson Gumpertz and Heger (SGH), estimated the costs of the concrete work to be anywhere from $5.5 million to $8.5 million, depending upon how much work is done to extend the life of the facility. The SGH study was in-depth, utilizing core sampling and x-ray techniques to evaluate the structure.

SGH is especially well qualified to examine the Marine Stadium since they had done a study of the Stadium after Hurricane Andrew in 1993. In fact, Michael Brainerd, who was an engineer for SGH in 1993, was the Senior Project Engineer for this study. Structural Preservation Systems (SPS) provided the cost estimating for the City's study in 2008 as well as for our study.

The "qualifier" in this is that SGH has recommended that we examine the condition of the piles below the ground and under the seabed. We do not know their condition-and it is important for us to document this to insure a more accurate cost estimate. Therefore, we will have to fund a second study. Another caveat- the cost estimate provided by SGH does not include other necessary improvements such as: new seats, railings, bathrooms, ADA accessibility requirements.

The results of this study did not surprise Jack Meyer, the original engineer of the Stadium with Dignum Associates. Jack has been involved in the effort to save the Stadium since we started in winter 2008. He has provided us a complete set of engineering plans-which has been vital to our effort. Here's what Jack has said: "When we built the Stadium in 1964, it was built to the highest standards. The workmen took great pride in this project and it was very well engineered. When we poured the first concrete shell on the roof, I estimated that the roof would dip 18 inches. It didn't. It dipped six inches. That building is not going to fall down."

You can read the engineering study by going to our website, www.marinestadium.org and going to the section "City Reports". it is the first link in this section.

What Did You Experience At the Marine Stadium?
The Marine Stadium has a colorful and storied history. So many memorable events took place here during its 28 year run from 1964-1992: boat races, Easter Sunrise services, concerts of all types, sculling, TV shows, political rallies, boxing, and much, much more (to the left is Sammy Davis Jr. hugging Richard Nixon at a very famous campaign rally in 1972 ). We are hard at work trying to document these events. Click here to see the list we have compiled so far. We know the list in- complete, so email us with who or what you saw that is not included!

Better yet, please participate in our project to document great memories of the Marine Stadium. As you know, Girl Scout Hannah Imberman is compiling these memories for a book called IF SEATS COULD TALK. Just jot down your best, most personal memory of the Marine Stadium-and email it to Hannah at ifseatscouldtalk@gmail.com A couple of paragraphs is fine. We have over 70 stories so far!

A Busy Time For us

2010 is off to a stellar start. Students from three classes at the University of Miami-a Town Planning class, an MBA Finance Class, and an Architecture and Land Use Planning Class-will be collaborating to develop and test some alternatives for the Marine Stadium site and Basin area. We hope this will provide useful information as the City continues work on the Virginia Key Master Plan.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation held a Board meeting in Miami in January, with the Trustees and staff from the Regional Offices participating. We took them on a boat tour of the Basin and made a presentation about the Marine Stadium. We appreciate both the support and involvement of this important organization.

The Marine Stadium was featured in season premier of Burn Notice, the #1 rated show on Cable Television, on January 21. We noted a significant spike in website traffic after the show.

Since the beginning of January, we have made presentations to the following groups:

Downtown Miami Partnership
Coral Reef Yacht Club
South Florida Triathletes
Latin American Business Association
City of Miami Sports and Exhibition Authority

No matter where we go, the Marine Stadium is always well received. If there is a group or organization that you think would be interested in hearing a presentation about the Marine Stadium, please let us know!

Jorge Hernandez
Becky Roper Matkov
Don Worth

Friends of Marine Stadium
www.marinestadium.org

Coral Gables Eco Expo - February 05, 2010

2010-01-29T10:08:00.003-05:00

Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and the Go Green Taskforce present the first Eco Expo to be held on February 05, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables. This should be a great event and I congratulate the City of Coral Gables for moving in an even more sustainable direction.
Please see more details on the flyer below.

Village Green Man

Green Associate study review - January 23, 2010 @ 9 am

2010-01-18T15:22:00.004-05:00

Join your Village Green Man teaching you how to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam. This weekend... January 23, 2010 @ 9.00 to 1.30 pm

Village Green Man

The Techincal Review of the USGBC Green Associate Requirements course will provide a detailed technical review of the LEED® Green Associate requirements rating system and other related material to pass the US Green Building Council LEED Green Associate exam. Related topics will include the registration and certification process, LEED® Online and the role of the LEED AP® as well as an overview of the USGBC mission and current available rating systems. The course will be instructed by Sebastian Eilert, AIA, LEED AP® principal of Sebastian Eilert Architecture and adjunct faculty at the University of Miami. The course will provide snacks & refreshments. Registration, examination and related costs are the responsibility of the student. This course is not provided or endorsed by the USGBC or its affiliates.

Recent feedback from our LEED AP® Training Courses

“I did it!!!! Passed with a 179 grade. Thanks again.” – Naomi C. Harrison, LEED AP®, McHarry Associates

“I took the exam this past Tuesday and I am happy to report I scored a 184.Your course was a major factor in calming me down and giving me the confidence to take the exam. Thanks again.” – Scott Flegel, LEED AP®, Premier Building Solutions Limited.

Location: Metro 1 Green Building Resource Center | 120 NE 27th Street #200, Miami, FL 33137

Cost: $210 for members | $250 for non-members

TREEmendous Miami fundraiser - January 22 in Coral Gables!

2010-01-17T13:27:00.001-05:00

The non-profit tree planting group, TREEmendous Miami, has worked to restore and increase the tree canopy in Miami-Dade County. In its 10 year history, TREEmendous Miami has been fortunate enough to sustain its many tree planting projects through city, county and state grants. We have planted trees at schools, in parks, along main thoroughfares such as US1 and lined numerous neighborhood streets with much needed shade and beautification fostering community pride. We have engaged thousands of volunteers in the process, including students who have earned community service hours whle learning how to plant and care for trees. Additionally, we check on and maintain our plantings.

We are now looking to the community -- individuals and businesses -- to invest in our environment by supporting future TREEmendous Miami tree planting projects including some environmentally endangered areas of the County, as well as additional schools, parks and neighborhoods.

On Friday, January 22, 2010, TREEmendous Miami will be having its first fundraising event at JohnMartin's Restaurant in Coral Gables on Miracle Mile. Appetizers will be provided by Green Gables Café and Publix Supermarkets. Please attend (see invitation below). If you are unable to attend, we hope you will consider making a tax-deductible donation to TREEmendous to help further our mission of planting, protecting and preserving trees in Miami-Dade County.

January 14. South Florida EGB series: Energy and Atmosphere

2010-01-08T21:05:00.001-05:00

Upcoming event information:
Emerging Green Builders Present: How to LEED with Energy and Atmosphere Republic Services Corporate Headquarters, 1391 NW 136 Avenue, Sunrise, FL
Date: 14 January 2010, Thursday 06:00 PM

Emerging Green Builders Present: How to LEED with Energy and Atmosphere
You won't want to miss attending the next presentation in the UGSBC South Florida Chapter's Emerging Green Builders' popular "How to LEED" series. On January 14, in Sunrise, the beautiful and mega-efficient corporate headquarters of Republic Services will be the featured topic and tour. Registered to achieve LEED Silver Certification, the session will be broken into two highly educational components. Click on the flier below to learn more.

Happy New Year 2 0 1 0

2010-01-01T12:43:00.002-05:00

To all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Village Green Man

Miami Herald feature of Sebastian Eilert

2009-12-29T09:49:00.003-05:00

Great picture and some interesting thoughts about how guests can stay over if you have limited space. Read the article at Herald Online....

Village Green Man

http://www.miamiherald.com/781/story/1397302-p2.html

How to green your South Florida home – Part II

2009-12-22T21:15:00.000-05:00

How to green your South Florida home – Part II

USGBC South Florida - New membership directory for sustainable firms

2009-12-14T14:20:00.002-05:00

another great advancement by the US Green Building Council, South Florida Chapter. The addition of a membership directory. Find Sebastian Eilert right here:

http://usgbcsf.org/Content/Members/MemberPublicProfile.aspx?pageId=386430&memberId=1700484

Village Green Man

In the chapters words:

On behalf of our organization's Board of Directors, I am pleased to present a new benefit to our valued members. Effective immediately, the Chapter's popular website (www.usgbcsf.org) has added to its menu an online Membership Directory.

Check it out! You can use the Simple Search (on which the page opens) or utilize the Advanced Search to explore the list by any number of logical categories (e.g., company, LEED AP, industry sector, city, Branch) or any combination thereof.

This new benefit -- highly requested during our recent membership survey -- will allow individuals looking for green-building and sustainability professionals and companies to find you. As a benefit of membership, only USGBC South Florida members are listed.

The only thing that most members now need to do is take a few minutes to login and create your profile. After doing so, you will be able to register for events and special programs, renew online, and make donations to our nonprofit organization. You can update and maintain your email and personal profile; note your Branch affiliation(s); include your company's website, logo and a short summary about your company or yourself; list your professional accreditation ... and more. In short, we've designed this to be a terrific marketing tool for you.

A "current" membership and membership record will also allow you to receive the Chapter's discounted rates in the future when you register for a program or event, as well as free admission to our monthly Branch meetings. Obviously, too, an updated membership record will allow you to continue to receive communications from the Chapter. (Has your membership lapsed? To renew click here.)

The volunteer leadership of the USGBC South Florida Chapter hopes that you enjoy this new membership benefit. Please update your profile and please login to the website whenever you are going to register for Chapter events and Branch meetings. If you are having trouble logging in, click here and follow the instructions.

Thanks for your ongoing support of our nonprofit organization. If we can ever be of any assistance to you or your company or firm, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Take care ...

Miami Marine Stadium Update - A great year for the Stadium!

2009-12-08T09:13:00.001-05:00

As the year comes to an end, here is the latest from the Friends of Marine Stadium:

Village Green Man

Friends of Marine Stadium Logo Contest Logo Contest

We had 34 entries in our contest to design a logo for Friends of Marine Stadium. Because of the number of intriguing entries, this has been a very difficult decision for our panel of judges! After much deliberation, the winner is Alejandra Marquez. Alejandra's winning entry can be seen by clicking here . We are delighted with it. And we thank all the graphic artists for participating in our contest and being involved in the Marine Stadium effort. We will leave up all of the entries on our website.

More Press

There is a terrific article on the Marine Stadium in the December issue of Metropolis Magazine. Click here to see it. After you click, you can go to the previous page to see another image of the Marine Stadium. In fact, check out the whole magazine.

Press continues to be an important focus for us and our dynamic duo of Penny Lambeth and Violette Sproul are working on more media and print pieces.

What You Can Do

It is the end of the year, which means time to make your tax deductible contributions. If you believe in the restoration of Marine Stadium, please consider us! Our all volunteer organization has made great progress, but relies on your support. You can join Friends of Marine Stadium for only $60, tax deductible-and you'll become a member of Dade Heritage Trust (DHT), Miami Dade County's foremost preservation organization. When you join, you will receive a copy of Preservation Today, DHT's annual magazine format publication which features Miami Marine Stadium. Click here to print out a copy of the application. And if you have already joined for the year, please consider making an extra contribution to our cause, which is tax deductible. Checks should be made out to Dade Heritage Trust and sent to DHT at 190 SE 12th Terrace, Miami, FL 33131 with a notation "for Friends of Marine Stadium".

Holiday Party

Finally, click here to see an invite for Dade Heritage Trust's Holiday Party, which is Dec. 17. The party is at a beautiful home in Coral Gables and features food and beverage. Cost is only $45; $40 for members of Friends of Marine Stadium and Dade Heritage Trust, RSVP by December 10. This is a lovely, classy evening and a wonderful way to support our parent organization, Dade Heritage Trust-and a great way to connect up with other Marine Stadium supporters!

Friends of Marine Stadium won the 2009 Historic Preservation Award from the Miami Chapter of the American Association of Architects (AIA). The award was presented at the AIA Annual Dinner in November. Miami AIA was our first sponsor-and is one of the many organizations supporting restoration of the Marine Stadium. Congratulations to all of us!

Holiday Cheers

Jorge Hernandez
Becky Roper Matkov
Don Worth

Friends of Marine Stadium
www.marinestadium.org

HOK Green AHA Moment at Greenbuild 2009

2009-11-21T14:37:00.002-05:00

One of the exhibitors at this years Greenbuild tried a little different approach and I believe created something very interesting and valuable in the process. HOK decided to listen to the audience instead of marketing their services directly.
The "Green AHA Moment" filmed and recorded is shared on YouTube and is a great collection of how individuals across the industry have come to green building.

Watch, vote and share:

General summary or "Best of..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgjxkkaokv4

Yours truly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPyFwrMiwhI

Village Green Man

Green Happy Hour in Miami! Thursday November 19, 2009. 6;30

2009-11-18T13:54:00.003-05:00

Join the AIA Miami and Architecture for Humanity – Miami tomorrow, Thursday at Green Street Café for the Architecture month Green Happy / Drinking for Humanity.
Meet like minded individuals and learn more about sustainable and socially conscious design in South Florida. Also enjoy some free appetizers… See you there!

www.GreenStreetCafe.net

3468 main highway
coconut grove, FL 33133
(305) 444-0244

Village Green Man

SustainLane local cliamte action challange - click and vote...

2009-11-17T17:17:00.001-05:00

SustainLane is heading up the Local Action Challenge in partnership with Hopenhagen, an international movement to drive action on climate change at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen this December.

Cities across the country – like Miami,FL – have sent in their top-ten lists of actions they’d like residents to take in order to combat climate change and otherwise care for the planet right in their own communities.

Residents who take their cities’ challenge, complete tasks on the list and upload photos of themselves doing so. They are then entered into weekly drawings to win prizes donated by green business sponsors.

Here’s how to play:

1. Go to www.SustainLane.com/hopenhagen
2. Choose your city.
3. Choose a challenge.
4. Take a photo of yourself in action.
5. Upload it.
6. Win a prize.
7. Repeat.

Miller Coors Lideres - young leaders across America.

2009-11-17T09:34:00.001-05:00

My wife, Anjenys Gonzalez-Eilert, is one of 12 Liderers in the US currently looking to be awarded. If she wins, a wonderful Hispanic organization, Cuban American National Council will receive a contribution. Please help this happen, take a moment to vote at http://www.millercoorslideres.com

Spread the word, forward this to friends.

Village Green Man

Dade Heritage Trust fundrasier at Crazy Pianos - Coconut Grove.

2009-11-05T15:21:00.002-05:00

Join Dade Heritage Trust (DHT) for a fun fundrasier to benefit the Miami Marine Stadium efforts to save this magnificent structure.

The event will be at Crazy Pianos and feature Jimmy Buffet songs. You also get a drink with your doantion.

This will be a fun night to benefit a great cause.

November 10, 2009. 6:30 to 9:30.

Village Green Man

AIA Miami green building award for Sebastian Eilert

2009-11-03T19:32:00.003-05:00

It seems that yours truely was awarded the Sustainable Design Architect Award for 2009 from the American Institute of Architects, Miami Chapter.

Celebrations are November 21, 2009. I will follow up with an actual post of the award.

Thank you for recognizing my efforts to advance the sustianable building movement and community in Miami and South Florida.

Village Green Man

Modernism The Recent Past in Florida

2009-10-29T16:23:00.001-04:00

Modernism The Recent Past in Florida

Posted using ShareThis

Metro Crawl this Friday - Miami Energing Green Builders.

2009-10-27T11:35:00.002-04:00

This friday start the Halloween weekend of right by joining the Emerging Green Builders of the USGBC South Florida for a fun twist on the pub crawl...a metro crawl. The event will start and end in South Miami with a hop on the metro to Tobacco Road. Sure to be a fun and green time!

October 30, 2009.

see flyer for more information

http://www.usgbcsf.org/events?eventId=96247&EventViewMode=2&CalendarViewType=0&SelectedDate=10/23/2009

Village Green Man

Plastic...and the effects. Midway Atoll

2009-10-26T09:43:00.002-04:00

It is very frustrating and a urgent reminder to change our wasteful ways when looking at images like the dead albatrosses at Midway Atoll...

http://chrisjordan.com/current_set2.php?id=11

Think about these, next time you throw away plastic or purchase something in plastic! Help make a difference to prevent more atrocities like this to occur and continue.

Village Green Man

Virginia Key News - Miami

2009-10-23T08:55:00.002-04:00

THank you Blanca for sharing this.

Tomorrow planting day...volunteer and help. See below for other updates realting to Virgina Key.

Village Green Man

VIRGINIA KEY DUNE PLANTING Oct. 24 - International Day of Climate Action Urban Paradise Guild invites volunteers to help plant the new dunes on Virginia Key. http://www.urban-paradise.org/node/130 as part of the International Day of Climate Action http://www.350.org/node/7972

GHOST OF TEDDY ROOSEVELT influenced Virginia Key Master Plan delay
The Miami City Commission voted 4-0 to defer Virginia Key Master Plan until May, 2010. This gives more time to public input and the opportunity to develop a plan that preserves the ecology, cultural and historic assets and beauty of the island.
Miami Commissioner Tomas Regalado invoked the memory of conservation president Teddy Roosevelt to make his decision."What would Roosevelt say?" Regalado asked, recounting the conservation president who created five national parks during his tenure.“I think he would say, if you want to make money from Virginia Key you don’t develop the place. There’s nothing else like this.” Regalado said preserving the island’s beauty and nature and restoring the Marine Stadium would bring people from all over the world to Miami, to photograph and visit the unique wilderness island next to a major city."History will judge what we do with this island. We need to get it right," Regalado said. More details on Commission meeting: http://urbanenvironmentleague.blogspot.com/search/label/Virginia%20Key

MIAMI MARINE STADIUM one of 93 sites worldwide named to "Watch List" by World Monuments Fund. http://www.wmf.org/project/commodore-ralph-middleton-munroe-miami-marine-stadium"Why it matters: .... the stadium represents the modernity of a growing city and the international cultural influences that helped shape it. Miami Marine Stadium defined a significant shift in American architectural style from staid civic buildings to exuberant structures reflecting changing tastes and a desire to project the city as a forward-looking place.
Newstory: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091019/ap_on_re_us/us_miami_marine_stadium

JIMBO'S SENDS OUT AN SOS Friends of Jimbo say that the city has reinstituted a $5 entrance fee even for those just going to Jimbos and this could drive Jimbo out of business. Details on this and the day of action Nov. 14:http://www.jimbosplace.com/SaveJimbos.html"Jimbo's is known..as one of the last refuges from the urban sprawl of Miami."http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/jimbos-place-flipper-tv-location/

even more Marine Stadium news...

2009-10-21T20:53:00.001-04:00

...this time from the Associated Press...

read the articel here:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091019/ap_on_re_us/us_miami_marine_stadium

Vilalge Green Man

Watson Island building proposal - a new Miami

2009-10-20T14:10:00.003-04:00

This is truely amazing! giving a entirely new look to the entrance from Miami to Miami Beach. Talk about building, green buidlig, any building...

http://www.miapoliscity.com/proposal.html

Village Green Man

South Miami (SoMi) Mag going green article

2009-10-19T10:50:00.000-04:00

South Miami (SoMi) Mag going green article

More great Miami Marine Stadium News!

2009-10-19T10:12:00.003-04:00

As a supporter of the effort to save the Miami Marine Stadium, I have posted a number of good news and events in the past. Here is the latest update from the Friends of Marine Stadium

learn more and support the effort at:

Friends of Marine Stadium
http://www.marinestadium.org/

Vilalge Green Man

We've got more good news to report. The Marine Stadium has been named to the 2010 Watch List of the World Monuments Fund.World Monuments Fund (website, wmf.org) is the foremost organization dedicated to the preservation of significant architectural and cultural heritage sites worldwide.
Every two years, they publish a list of significant sites that are considered to be endangered. The Marine Stadium made the list, which includes sites such as New Gourna Village in Luxor, Egypt, the Desert Castles of Ancient Khorzim in Uzbekistan, Taliesen and Taliesen West (Frank Lloyd Wright), the Historic City Center of Buenos Aires, and Antonio's Gaudi's Temple Expiatori De La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. You can go to the World Monuments Fund website to see the complete list.
Inclusion in this list brings the Marine Stadium extraordinary international recognition and it also continues and expands our involvement with the World Monuments Fund. In October, 2008, we received a letter of endorsement from the Fund. And in June, 2009, the World Monuments Fund helped finance and organize an independent engineering study of the Marine Stadium. The field work for the study was completed last week and we hope to have the results in the next several months.

Publicity:
The recent endorsements of the World Monuments Fund and Jimmy Buffett have presented us with a terrific press opportunity. Violette Sproul and Penny Lambeth are now developing a national PR campaign. We are seeing strong interest, and we have already been contacted by some major publications.
Press is significant because it generates valuable contacts, awareness, and credibility.

Virginia Key Master Plan
On October 8, the revised Virginia Key Master Plan was presented to the Miami City Commission. After many speakers and much discussion, the Commission decided to request more work be done on the plan and to have it come back to the Commission in May of 2010.
We are very pleased with the result. The most recent draft was much improved, but we believe more work is needed to be done. It will also provide an opportunity for the new Administration and Commission (Mayoral and Commission elections in early November) to continue moving the process forward.
We must caution, however, that given the current economic environment, there is no direct funding anticipated for any of portion of the plan-including the Marine Stadium.
Delay of the plan provides us with additional time to scope out the feasibility of the Marine Stadium-and to seek additional funding sources.
Finally, we might note that the Administration has decided not to appeal the October, 2008 decision of the City's Historic and Environmental Preservation Board to include both the Marine Stadium basin and an envelope of land around the Stadium in their historic designation. This is also good news-it will both increase the liklihood that we will be able to access historic tax credits and it will help assure that any new construction near the stadium goes through a design review process to assure compatibility.

Save The Date!
Our "parent" organization, Dade Heritage Trust, will be holding a fundraiser at Crazy Pianos in Coconut Grove on November 10, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM. More information will follow in future updates. At the fundraiser, we will be unveiling Preservation Today, a magazine style publication that will feature articles and photographs on the Miami Marine Stadium. We are very excited about this publication-the galley proofs look great. All members of Dade Heritage Trust and Friends of Marine Stadium will receive a copy of it.
If you would like to make sure you get a copy, please consider becoming a member of Friends of Marine Stadium. Attached is our membership form; the $60 contribution is tax deductible, allows you to support our effort to restore the Marine Stadium, and provides you with a membership in Dade. Heritage Trust, Miami Dade County's foremost preservation organization.

Conclusion
The successful restoration and operation of the Marine Stadium is a very large and complex task, and we should not underestimate the challenges.
But we've had a good month. Actually, a very good month. So enjoy the attached image of the Marine Stadium by Coconut Grove activist and photographer Harry Emilio Gottlieb.
Does the Stadium look like the jaws of an alligator or origami? You decide.
And since we're in a really good mood, attached to this email is another image (just click to open the file)-of Jimmy Buffett jumping off the floating stage at the Stadium at the end of a concert.

Architecture for Humanity First annual party!!! - Miami Chapter October 23, 7 pm!

2009-10-18T17:12:00.002-04:00

Do not miss the first annual Retrosp[A]ctive party from the Miami Chapter of Architecture for Humanity. Learn what was accomplished in the first year and be part of what is happening for the next!

Ocotber 23, 2009 from 7-10 pm. 7610 NE 4th Court.

Village Green Man

Tetris House – Pinecrest

2009-10-14T10:03:00.000-04:00

Eurohabitat contracted Sebastian Eilert Architecture for the new LEED certified home to be erected in Pinecrest. This is likely to be the first certified home in this town. The project will go beyond the LEED standard and will evaluate and provide truly sustainable living concepts with a strong European influence.

The project will have a central pool and very clear lines that will use it as a centrepiece. The project name, “Tetris” is reflected in plan and elevation and will be more than just an architectural exercise. The use of materials, landscape, forms and finishes will reflect innovation, user friendliness and creative design.

Some key features beyond the pool, will be a roof terrace, natural light throughout, a vegetated growing wall and solar panels, among other. Check back for project updates.

http://eurohabitatgreen.com/

Village Green Man

Global Heritage Fund on CNN

2009-10-13T09:35:00.001-04:00

A note from teh Global Heritage Fund about upcoming features on CNN. Very worth watcing and supporting!

Village Green Man

In their words:

"Dear Friends and Supporters of Global Heritage Fund,

CNN International’s "World's Untold Stories" will air a 30-minute Special on GHF’s work in conservation, community training and development to help preserve the Mirador Basin in Guatemala.

Despite 6 years of progress and $6 million invested, Mirador still faces accelerating threats, including massive fires and looting, illegal logging, poaching and encroachment.

Below are the air dates for the 30-minute special on the work of GHF at Mirador. Only Available on CNN International.

Tuesday, Oct 13 8:30 AM ET, 12:30pm ET
Saturday, Oct 17 12:30pm ET
Sunday, Oct 18 7am ET, 2:30pm ET, 10pm ET
Tuesday, Oct 27 8:30am ET 1:30pm ET
Saturday, Oct 31 12:30pm ET
Sunday, Nov 1 7am ET, 2:30pm ET, 10pm ET

*note: CNN International is a different channel than CNN. Please check your local channel guide.

Nearby Tikal National Park generates over $240 million a year in revenues, and has been protected thanks to its tourism and national park status. Mirador, like Tikal, is the Number One economic opportunity for Guatemala and its people - if GHF can help save it before it's too late.

"World's Untold Stories" showcases courageous correspondents telling intimate stories of society's most vulnerable people. Renowned archaeologist Dr. Richard Hansen and I are interviewed by CNNi on the challenges and solutions for Mirador’s future.

This is GHF's first broadcast Special by CNN, and we hope global media exposure will elevate the global crisis of our endangered and vanishing heritage, and propose new, innovative solutions for heritage conservation and community development.

Please share this with friends and family.

http://cts.vresp.com/c/?GlobalHeritageFund/d345097448/92c4667fea/c8c93b9631

To make a donation, please go to:

http://cts.vresp.com/c/?GlobalHeritageFund/d345097448/92c4667fea/e3542d60f4"