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Local mom honored for non-profit work

2 Jul

A Miami Beach woman was named a finalist for a prestigious White House Fellowship for her work helping foster kids further their education.

Click here for story on Miami Herald.

By Rebecca Burton

Virginia Emmons, 36, co-founder and former CEO of Educate Tomorrow, works on the computer while holding her daughter Emma, 1, at the Educate Tomorrow office on Tuesday, June 26, in Miami Beach. As a community activist Emmons’ work helping at-risk foster youth obtain an education has led her to become a national finalist for the White House Fellows Class of 2012-2013. Max Reed / FOR THE MIAMI HERALD

Virginia Emmons of Miami Beach served in the Peace Corps, started a school in Africa and has helped jump start two nonprofit organizations in Miami-Dade County. It is no wonder why this 36-year-old was chosen as a finalist for one of the most prestigious fellowships in the country. Continue reading →

Fairchild Garden moves 75-foot tree to accommodate new building

2 Jul

Sometimes, you have to take on the small stories: Enjoy! Sorry for the sluggish blogging, working on about five stories right now. Stay tuned to see them!

Click here for story or just read below:

Construction of the new Rose-McQuillan Cultural Building at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables is about to start, now that its biggest obstacle, a 75 foot haldina cordifolia tree, has been safely transplanted.

The new one-story building will include an art gallery and display archival and historical information about Fairchild Garden.

The tree was originally collected in 1937 in India by Walter Koelz, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The tree, which was planted by David Fairchild 75 years ago, is the only one of its kind in the United States. Fairchild was a famous plant explorer who searched for useful plants.

The transplanting process was rigorous and took a year to complete. It was completed on Monday.

After an expert tree-transplanting team pruned the giant roots over 12 months, two cranes were used to successfully relocate the tree to the Fairchild Arboretum. Because of the tree’s size, it could only be moved within the cranes’ reach.

“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the moving of this exceptional beauty which is among the biggest trees in Fairchild Garden,” said Nannette Zapata, the garden’s chief operating officer. “This iconic tree is a treasured heirloom that will grace our grounds for many future generations to enjoy and cherish.”

Picture courtesy of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

Video

Baptist doctors give kids a reason to smile

27 Jun

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Shredding the Canals from Pinecrest to Palmetto Bay

22 Jun

It is summertime in South Florida, and being in some sort of water is a must.

While the conservation of water is crucial to the survival of our planet, using it for recreational purposes is a necessity for these wakeskaters.

Spencer Nellen, 22, attempts a 360 shove it.

Spencer Nellen and Andrew Johnson use the canals in their neighborhood to practice kick flips, shove-its and wake-to-wake jumps. A wakeskate is similar to a wakeboard, but without the feet bindings, and with grip tape like a skateboard.

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