May 2024 Egret

Shores

Thank you to our Green Day sponsors.

You help make special events possible.

The Green Day Festival is still thriving in its fourteenth year. With the focus on promoting eco-friendly practices, the growing attendance speaks volumes about the increasing interest and commitment to sustainability here in our community. Kudos to everyone who participated, whether they were performers, organizers or attendees. It’s inspiring to witness such a large gathering coming together to celebrate music, sustainability, and community.

Catherine

Rich

CARLA PETERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

2024 EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

VICE PRESIDENTS

Kate Baumwell, Kate Baumwell Photography

Wes Pearce, Graber Realty Group

Gigi Turkel, Core Design Group

Angela Young, St. Rose of Lima Church School

2024 MUNICIPAL BOARD MEMBERS

Angela Dorney, Miami Shores Village

Jonathan E. Groth, Esq, Mayor, Village of Biscayne Park

A special “Thank You” to the sponsors who help make events like the Green Day Festival possible! Their support helps create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. It’s wonderful to see our local businesses, along with companies near and far getting involved in supporting events that bring our community together and create lasting memories. Here’s to many more years of success for the Green Day Festival!

Omarr C.

2024 GENERAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Andrew Bellinson, Esq., Bellinson Law Firm

Roni Bennett, South Florida People of Color

Ian Bravo, Primer Microschools

Robert Bourne, Robert Bourne Real Estate

Victor Bruce, Bruce & Bruce

Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli, Resident Member

Julie Isha, Barry University

Kim Flower, Flight Wine Lounge and Shop

Cory Gittner, Mediatech

Jon Harmeling, Chick-fil-A

Robin Hechler, Horace Mann Middle School

Sherrell Hobbs, Ph.D., Doctors Charter School

Dennis Kleinman, First Equity \Mortgage Banker, Inc.

SunJa Leon, The Nokkha Group

Vanessa Maggi, Maggi Realty Group

Margarita Perez, MD, Miami Shores Medical Group

Mark Piper, Northwestern

Scott Smith, Ph.D., Barry University

Christian Ulvert, Edge Communications

DeAnthony Williams, Athletics Miami

2024 EGRET MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS

The Egret is designed by Carla Peters, MyWeeThree Design and Gigi Turkel, Core Design Group Cover Photograph: Gigi Turkel, Egret Editorial: Liangy S. Fernandez-Calli

Views expressed in this publication are those of the editorial staff and do not necessarily reflect those of the Board of Directors. Information in it is intended for Chamber member organizations as well as the residents of our communities. Please contact the Chamber for more information on membership, advertising, distribution, or content.

2024 CHAMBER TRUSTEE MEMBERS

Nickerson, Ph.D., Mayor, Village of El Portal

GREATER MIAMI SHORES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Hello Miami Shores Families,

My name is Rachel Perry, and I am thrilled to introduce our new microschool, opening its doors in the heart of our community at the Miami Shores Community Church. As a native of this vibrant neighborhood, I am honored to lead this exciting educational venture alongside Primer, an organization committed to reimagining education with and for our community.

I was three years old when my family settled into our home on 94th Street, marking the beginning of my upbringing in our community. My early schooling at Miami Shores Elementary instilled in me the pursuit of excellence and a commitment to quality in everything I do. Alongside my teachers, the countless afternoons at the local recreation center ingrained a strong sense of community and underscored the importance of accessible education. As the eldest of four children, I closely observed the growth and learning of my siblings within our neighborhood, especially at the Miami Shores Community Church—the very site of our new school. I can still vividly recall the exuberant performance of my youngest brother at his MSCC Christmas show, his toddler enthusiasm electrifying the space. These pivotal moments, coupled with the support of my wonderful family, laid the foundation for my career in education and my dedication to creating nurturing environments where children flourish.

After over a decade in various educational roles, from City Year corps member to school principal, I bring back to Miami Shores a wealth of experience and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Our new school, in partnership with Primer, is a testament to our shared vision: an education system that values the individual potential of each student.

Why Primer and Why Miami Shores?

Primer has demonstrated a dedication to excellence in education by cultivating high quality educators and working alongside them, communities and families to grow schools. We are committed to making personalized education accessible. Our scholarship program ensures affordability without compromising on the

educational experience.

Primer is a different kind of school. We move away from a test-centric approach, which too often stifles natural curiosity, to a model that nurtures a lifelong passion for learning. Our educational philosophy is built on three fundamental commitments:

Student Agency: We empower our students by involving them in setting their own learning goals every five weeks, closely supported by educators and families.

Mastery of Core Academics: Every child at our school will achieve proficiency in literacy and math, individualized to their learning stage. Whether it's an advanced fourth-grader practicing seventh-grade math or a secondgrader catching up on foundational phonics, we ensure each student progresses at their pace.

Pursuits Aligned with Interests: Our curriculum includes 'pursuits,' project-based learning opportunities that align with students' interests, from robotics to visual arts, empowering them to explore and excel in their passions.

We are very excited about our partnership with Miami Shores Community Church. The school will be situated primarily on a renovated second floor, with access to the church’s lush green spaces where we are adding new playground equipment. As the Campus Leader, I will be one of five dedicated educators committed to providing an exceptional learning experience for our students.

Primer Miami Shores is now enrolling students in grades K-8. As we prepare to open, we invite you to join our journey and be a part of shaping a new educational chapter. Let's work together to create a place where our children can grow, learn, and succeed.

I look forward to meeting many of you while reconnecting with the community. Together, we will continue to build on the strong foundation of Miami Shores, nurturing the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators. www.primer.com

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Community.Commerce. Connection. Miami Shores’ winning formula.

By Christine Franklin

Throughout the year we celebrate holidays, anniversaries and many other traditions. This month we celebrate Mother’s Day. It’s a day to show gratitude for all the love, care, and sacrifices that mothers make for their children and families. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the importance of maternal figures in our lives and to make them feel cherished and valued.

Carla Peters, a mother to three and a friend to many, has been a permanent figure in Miami Shores for much of her life. Growing up not far from downtown Miami Shores, a graduate and swimmer at North Miami Senior High School, she has always had a love for graphic art, which was her major in college. Carla recalls riding her bike to the Saturday kids’ matinees where the Miami Theater Center “MTC” currently stands (and far too many late night Rocky Horrors there, too). Candy from the 5 & 10 that was once a prominent institution on 94th Street, and sitting at the lunch counter at Howard Johnson, which once stood on the property that now houses Starbucks, That’s It Salon, Subway, Smoothie Express and other popular establishments. Carla states, “Miami Shores was – and remains – a great community, where people still walk, ride their bikes and check on their neighbors. I feel that our community fosters inclusivity and creates an environment where everyone feels welcomed and empowered to contribute positively. It’s a community that encourages active participation, dialogue, and collaboration, growth and prosperity.

“When I first moved here, I was pleasantly surprised to meet so many women as neighbors, who turned out to be powerful business women right here in the local area. It quickly became apparent that this town

not only offers a warm and inclusive atmosphere that makes forming friendships a breeze, but also fosters a friendly spirit that’s perfect for socializing with girlfriends over wine or indulging in some retail therapy.

“As it turns out, I found that there are so many incredibly talented, intelligent women who own businesses here, that it was a natural progression for us to start the Chamber’s “Women in Business” networking group, which has since flourished.

“Living and working in a community that people are so passionate about feels like a stroke of luck, especially with the super-convenience of comprehensive healthcare, beauty services, great spots to meet a client for a delicious meal, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation like enjoying a drink with friends or exploring the many charming retail shops. It’s like having everything I need right in my backyard.”

“ Miami Shores was – and remains –a great community, where people still walk, ride their bikes and check on their neighbors.”

The Peters family has a long history in Miami, with ancestors who were among the early settlers and prominent figures in the city’s development. They contributed to shaping the city’s culture, economy, and infrastructure, leaving a lasting legacy.

The decision to raise her three daughters in Miami Shores was an easy one. “Miami Shores provides a supportive and enriching environment where I knew my children would grow, learn, and thrive.The combination of safety, education, diversity, and recreational opportunities made it an ideal place to start a family and plant our roots.”

The girls couldn’t be prouder of their mother: “Our

mom has always made us feel safe. We are always her highest priority and she’s always been there when we needed her. Some of our fondest memories are when our mom would take us to museums and art galleries. She really has a love for the arts and she’s always made sure that we would have the opportunity to share in that love as well.”

Carla reflects, “They truly are Shores kids, from learning to swim at the Shores pool, birthday parties at Shipwreck Cove, hundreds of bike rides and walks through our tree-lined streets. Karate classes, art classes, tennis classes. And we’ve never missed a marshmallow drop. These days, the older two high school seniors work at the community center, at the pool as lifeguards, as karate senseis, babysitters, and tutors. As they head off to college this year, I know they will take with them the fond memories of their childhoods in this idyllic village.”

Carla’s journey from Corporate Production Director at New Times to Executive Director of the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce has been an enriching experience. Transitioning from a role in media and creative direction to a leadership position within a local chamber of commerce provided her with a unique perspective and skill set to make a meaningful impact on the community.

With a solid background in print design, she was able to bring her expertise in editing, art direction, and design to her role at the Chamber. These skills have been instrumental in her work with the Egret Magazine, where she has applied her creative vision to showcase Chamber members’ businesses, events, and stories within Miami Shores, Biscayne Park, El Portal and the surrounding communities.

Team Georgeé The Value of Experience

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Georgeé proactively navigates potential challenges that her unique experience enables her to anticipate. Georgeé and her team understand the pivotal role that communication plays in creating satisfied clients and smooth transactions.

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Unrivaled Experience

With a remarkable tally of over 3,500 satisfied customers, Georgeé's expertise has evolved from a foundation rooted in Miami Shores into a reputation as the foremost authority on the greater Miami area real estate market. This historical knowledge and the drive to stay current on today’s real estate, greatly impact their customer’s success.

E xpertise & Excellence

With a proven career, marked by unparalleled marketing strategies, they invest in the latest technology, photography, and partner with A+ allied resources. This arms their customers with the industry “best of” and sets new benchmarks of excellence.

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1071 NE 95th St.

During your home search, it’s essential for both you and your spouse to compile a list of your top five priorities and communicate these to your real estate agent from the outset. Make sure to prioritize your budget as the number one item on your list.

A common request made by some home sellers is to “price my house high and see if we get luck y. ” However, the strategy behind setting your home's asking price warrants meticulous consideration. The initial impression your propert y makes anchored by its listed price and aesthetic presentation is paramount An exorbitant price tag, contrar y to expectations, might not captivate the intended audience. As insights from U.S. News Real Estate reveal, even amidst a fer vent market where demand outstrips supply, buyers remain judicious, undeterred by inflated prices.

The consequence of overpricing extends beyond immediate buyer disinterest It may potentially sideline your propert y as buyers prioritize more realistically priced options. This hesitancy can prolong the selling process, possibly necessitating a price reduction a move that could inadvertently signal underlying issues to prospective buyers, further complicating the sale.

The pivotal role of your real estate agent cannot be overstated in navigating these intricacies. Leveraging our extensive market expertise, we are adept at determining an optimal pricing strategy that harmonizes with current market conditions, the unique attributes of your propert y, and comparable sales data This precision in pricing enhances the likelihood of receiving multiple competitive offers, thereby accelerating the sale process without compromising on value.

While the temptation to maximize return on investment is understandable, the art of pricing necessitates a balanced approach that prioritizes market alignment over aspirational valuing In partnership with a seasoned real estate professional, you can ascertain a price point that not only resonates with the market's pulse but also positions your propert y for a swift and successful transaction.

M

# P R O P E

Her transition to Executive Director of the Chamber expanded her role and responsibilities, allowing her to leverage her experience and leadership qualities to

serve the Chamber’s mission and enhance its presence in the community. In this role, she has been responsible for strategic planning, community outreach, partnership development, and advocating for the interests of Chamber members. Along with the implementation and planning of events like our annual Green Day Festival and Citizen of the Year, she continues to plan for more events throughout the year where people and businesses can network and grow. Overall, her journey from Production Director to Executive Director demonstrates her adaptability, leadership skills, and commitment to making a positive impact on our community.

This month we celebrate Carla and all those other im-

portant maternal figures in our lives who have shown their countless sacrifices, support, unwavering love, guidance, and care.

Carla Peters, con’t

From

Our Very Own VILLAGE COBBLER

Shop Local This Mother’s Day

Honoring one of the oldest businesses in our downtown Village, The Village Shoe Repair stands proudly at 203 NE 97th Street. It was established in 1937, not too far from where it is located today, exchanging ownership and ultimately remaining a family-owned venture since 1967. John and Iris Cir inese moved back from North Carolina to South Florida in 1977 to support John’s father and assist with the shop following an accident. With a heri tage steeped in shoe cobbling from both sides of the family, John has been immersed in the master craft since childhood. Taking over officially in 1984, they reminisce about the convenience of finding everything they needed right here in the Village. Iris mentions, “We never had to leave, there were

Looking for that perfect gift for Mother’s Day? Check out our local shops, gyms, hair and nail salons, and more for a great present or gift card. And if you want to add a little something extra, how about a gift certificate for a family photoshoot or a headshot from one of our premier photographers, who will capture that special moment. And after that exciting day of shopping for mom, stop by one of our local restaurants for a bite; maybe a nice glass of wine at the local wine bar or some craft beer at the brewery.

The Chamber is a business advocacy organization representing its member companies and helping to increase their business through referrals, education, and other marketing activities.The Egret Magazine is an effective way to let our local communities know about your business. It‘s produced and printed locally and is hand-delivered to every home in Miami Shores, El Portal, and Biscayne Park.That‘s over 7,200 homes! It‘s also delivered to parts of Little River and to businesses throughout these communities. Every advertising dollar spent

When you shop local you’re not only supporting the local economy but also fostering a sense of community and connection among your fellow residents. Directly supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners here in our community helps them thrive and grow,

pharmacies, clothing stores, a hardware store, a grocery store, a bakery - it was all right here.” A visit to Village Shoe Repair feels like a journey back in time, where craftsmanship is celebrated. Cele brating 56 years of marriage in July, the Cirineses work side by side, taking immense pride in their work. Beyond shoe repairs, their services extend to belt and purse repairs, key making, and even baseball glove relacing. As John puts it, “We’ll repair any goods that fit in our machines.”

to the Chamber

We’re thrilled that you have joined our community of businesses.

which in turn contributes to the overall economic health of our neighborhoods.

in the Egret Magazine helps the Chamber put on community events like Green Day, and to promote our local businesses and members, which puts money right back into our community. For advertising opportunities, call Carla Peters, Executive Director of the Chamber (305) 754-5466 or email her at ChamberInfo@MiamiShores.com.

One of the most charming benefits is that local businesses often offer unique and handcrafted items that you won’t find in big-box stores. These one-of-a-kind gifts can add a personal touch to your Mother’s Day gifts and show how much you care.

The Egret Magazine is a product of the Greater Miami Shores Chamber of Commerce, and has been bringing you local business news for over 70 years.

Also keep in mind that shopping locally can have environmental benefits. By reducing the distance you travel (along with the need for long-distance transportation of goods) you’re lowering carbon emissions and helping to preserve the environment.

Local businesses contribute to the distinctive charac-

MEGHAN GRIMBERT DESIGN COMPANY is a residential interior design studio that creates timeless homes with approachable luxury in mind. From initial design concept to installation and stag ing, Meghan’s design team is hands-on throughout.

165 NE 96th Street | Miami, Shores, FL 33138 305-381-0422 | MeghanGrimbertDesign.com

style.

SCRATCHER GIRLS offers scratch therapy, which is a type of therapeutic touch that uses light scratching and tracing movements with the tips of the nails.

To learn more call or visit: 786-315-9373 | ScratcherGirls.com.com

ter of our community, adding to its charm and identity, while making it a more vibrant and appealing place to live and visit. When you shop here, you’ll build relationships with the people behind the businesses. You get to know the owners and employees, creating a sense of trust and loyalty that you don’t often find in larger, impersonal chains.

Supporting local businesses is an investment in the future of our community. And when small businesses thrive, they create jobs, support local causes, and reinvest in the area, helping it grow and prosper over time.

PHYSIOLOGIX offers physical therapy and wellness services from a physio and certified strength and conditioning specialist inside the Premier Fitness Facility in Downtown Miami and Miami Shores.

For a list of local Chamber members visit: MiamiShores.com

To make an appointment call or visit: 305-902-6644 | Physiologixpt.com

THE SHORES GOURMET MARKET carries a variey of currated pastas, cheeses, fresh bread, specialty olive oils, balsamic vinegars and much more. Open 7 days a week.

213 NE 97th Street | Miami Shores, FL 33138 305-528-4287 JVC Property Holdings professionals can assist you as a buyer’s agent or listing agent, with relocation, foreclosure and property management. 211 NE 97th Street | Miami Shores, FL 33138 786-763-2813

Happy Mother’s Day

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