• On Saturday October 11th 7:30 p.m. ”The Moonlight Movies in the Park” start again.The movie is shown on a big screen at the event stage in The Weston Regional Park, located at 20200 Saddle Club Road.  They will be showing “The Spiderwick Chronicles” the movie starts at 7:30p.m. and you should bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. This event is free to everyone who would like to attend. More Info

• On  Wednesday, October 22, 2008 7:00 p.m. Don’t miss the “Kick off of the Arts and Culture Season” Sponsored by the Art Council of Weston. The event takes place in the Grand Ballroom at The Hyatt Regency Bonaventure From live music, refreshments to art exhibits and much more, this FREE event, open to everyone, will showcase the art and cultural events planned for the upcoming year.
• On Saturday October 25, 2008 froom4:00 p.m until 8 p.m. “Weston’s Fall Harvest Festival and Halloween Safety Expo” sponsored by Joe Dimaggio’s Childrens Hospital, City of Weston and BSO Weston will take place at Tequesta Trace Park at 600 Indian Trace Weston, Fl 33326. There will be a D.J., Free Cotton Candy and Snow Cones, safety demonstrations, health screenings, booths and lots of entertainment.  There events scheduled are as follows…………………

Children’s Costume Parade @ 4:30 p.m.

Pet’s Costume Parade @ 6:00 p.m.

Pumpkin Carving Contest @ 6:30 p.m.

** These are just some of the great events in Weston This month you can always check with the City of Weston Calendar for more ideas and fun things to do**

This custom built recently constructed home is in a great location.  Near the Orlando Area in Osceola County this beautiful home for sale has 4 bedrooms 3 baths and a 2 car garage. This spacious home has a large family room and kitchen with a breakfast nook. Location is key and this home has it. Close to brand new schools, shopping, and all of the marvelous attractions that Orlando has to offer.  Still this 2,963 square foot home is in a very quiet area away from crowds and traffic.  Take a tour of this home without leaving your seat.  Great for investors, vacation home, or year round living.

This lovely and versatile Banyan model features a split-plan with the master bedroom and bath separated from the two secondary bedrooms, approximately 1879 total square feet.

This open floor plan boasts high ceilings and neutrally painted walls.

Flooring:

• 18-inch tile laid on the diagonal
• Neutral ceramic tile throughout the living areas with neutral Berber carpet in the bedrooms

Kitchen:

• High breakfast bar
• 42-inch white cabinetry
• White appliances, including refrigerator, dishwasher, disposal, washer, dryer, microwave, and electric range

The kitchen opens to a large family room — a perfect fit for your large-screen HDTV.

Master Bedroom and Bath Suite:

• Large walk-in closet
• Double-sink vanity
• Roman Tub
• Glass-enclosed, waik-in shower

Protection:

• Guard-gated entrances at Royal Palm Boulevard and Saddle Club.
• Windows have solar protection which add a level of privacy while you enjoy the outside light through the vertical blinds.  Custom window treatments are modern, light and neutral which would blend with any decor.
• Hurricane panels are provided per Code.

The inside laundry room with overhead cabinetry and a wash-tub as an added plus makes for more room in your two-car garage.  Tropical, easy to manage landscape enhances the exterior and covered entry.

This lovely home is on a cul-de-sac street within walking distance of Savanna Commons which includes:

• A beautiful clubhouse
• Multiple pools
• Resort-like amenities for adults
• Miniature golf
• Basketball courts
• Playground and tot area for the younger set
• Walking and bike-riding trail.

Weston, Florida is known for its great schools.  These include:

• Gator Run Elementary (FCAT Scores)
• Falcon Cove Middle School (FCAT Scores)

This is a clean, crisp one-story home in one of the greatest communities built by Arvida.  This is a home you will enjoy for years to come.

Offered at $339,000

_________________________

CAVEAT: Prior to purchasing any property, please check the Broward County School site  and type in the address of the property.  Be advised that school boundaries are subject to change.

Gorgeous deep acre (1.09AC) sprinkled with majestic oak trees and nestled on a quiet, winding street in south Pinecrest. Build your “DREAM ESTATE” on this very private lot (47,480 square feet) or re-d0/add-on to the charming 1955 home on the property. The house has 2,617 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 2 car garage and a lovely screened pool/patio. Visit our open house on Sunday, January 27th, 2007 from 2 to 5pm. Check out www.miamispecialhomes.com for more photos!

Christine Scoates 305-903-8845

When I wrote the last entry about Village of Pinecrest parks I said I would next write about upcoming events.

The first big event will be held Wednesday, October 31, 2007, 6-8 PM at Evelyn Greer Park. It’s the 5th annual “Track or Treat”,a really big and fun halloween party. Treats will be passed out for everyone by the Village of Pinecrest Parks and Recreation Department as well as by local businesses. It’s safe; it’s lots of fun; all witches, goblins, ghosts and friends are invited. Its FREE. Children must be accompanied by an adult and bring their own bag for collecting candy. Put this on your calendar as an “absolutely must attend.” This is a “rain or shine” event; so even it it rains, bring your umbrella and have a blast!

November 11, 2007, 11:00 AM, as I mentioned in an earlier blog, there will be a memorial service at Veterans Wayside Park and the dedication of the new Veterans Memorial.

January 12 & 13, 2008, 10 AM to 5 PM we’ll be fortunate to have the 5th Annual Pinecrest Gardens Fine Arts Festival,a juried art show that attracts artists from all over the world. The 50 accepted artists will have art in the categories of 3D, Mixed media, Painting, Graphics, Jewelry, Photography and Fiber. The 2 day festival will decorate the already beautiful gardens with exceptional artwork as well as provide music, entertainment and activities for children. You definitely won’t want to miss it. You may even find that special piece for your home! Put it on your calendar now.

Good to put on your calendar now even though it seems a long time away is the 5th Annual Eggstravaganza, March 22, 2008, 10 AM to 1 PM in Pinecrest Gardens. This is for children age 12 and younger. They will be able to hunt for more than 20,000 eggs that will be hidden throughout the park. Egg hunts will be separated by age groups with each age group having three scheduled hunting times. There will be a golden egg hidden for each egg hunt; and the child that finds the golden egg will win a special prize. There will also be arts and crafts projects for the children, encounters with the Spring Bunny, photo opportunities with the Bunny, Bounce House, Face Painters, music and other entertainment. Would you let your young children or grandchildren miss out? No way! Plan ahead. Mark your calendar now even though March 22 seems far away.

The following month, April 5 and 6, 2008, 10 AM to 5 PM Pinecrest Gardens will be hosting the Backyard Paradise Festival. Along the lush landscapes and meandering walkways and streams appproximately 50 vendors of garden furniture, pools, ponds, landscape design, recreational structures etc., will be on site to exhibit products and answer questions. There will be educational demonstrations and workshops, arts and craft activities for children, musical entertainment, and food and drink vendors. Come and see what you could create for you very own Backyard Paradise!

I’ll be bringing you more information about special events in the Village of Pinecrest parks as the time gets closer. In the mean time, use the parks often. Enjoy the respite you’ll receive.

Park Hours:

Coral Pine 8 AM - 10 PM Daily

Evelyn Greer Mon -Thurs 10AM-10PM Fri 10AM-8PM Sat & Sun 8AM-8PM.

Suniland Mon - Thurs 10AM-10PM Fri 10AM-8PM Sat & Sun 8AM-10 PM.

Pinecrest Gardens Oct - May 9 AM - 5 PM June - Sept 9 AM - 6 PM.

Flagler Grove will be 10 AM - 9 PM daily when completed.

Veterans Wayside and Red Road Linear are presently available 24/7; but there aren’t any lights. Beginning October 1, 2007, Miami-Dade County will begin installing lighting along Red Road beside Red Road Linear park.

There are fees for some special facilities. There is a $3.00 per child fee for children 2 - 12 to use the Splash ‘n Play at Pinecrest Gardens . Fees for tennis courts run from $1.00 per hour for students, (Mon - Fri only 8AM- 5 PM) to $3.00 per hour 8 AM to sunset or $4.00 from sunset to 10 PM. There are other fees for renting various buildings, ball fields and facilities, as well as special caterer fees and film and photography fees. If you are interested in renting any of the facilities for a special party or event, click here for more specifics.

In the mean time, use the parks often - for FREE. They are a wonderful respite for busy, hectic lives!

And don’t forget - the Patch will be coming to Pinecrest October 18 - very close to Flagler Grove Park.

My next topic will be about upcoming events in the Pinecrest parks.

Pinecrest parks just .

Someone has to have the playing fields ready for all the baseball, soccer and football games. Tennis court surfaces have to be maintained. The rich, lush landscaping must be maintained. Someone has to schedule and keep track of all the events everywhere. Someone has to make sure all the bleacher seats, playground equipment, picnic tables etc. are properly maintained. Animals must be fed and cared for at Pinecrest Gardens. Fences must be maintained. Someone has to make sure the buildings and bathrooms are clean. Even light bulbs have to be changed at times. Bulletin boards at each park have to be updated and maintained. I’m sure there are many more chores than I have mentioned here.

So how does it all get done? In truth, I have no idea. Parks and Recreation Department employs about 30 people. Only about 30 people to do all of that? They all need to be commended.

The department is headed by the Parks and Recreation Director, Loren C. Matthews. She graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Leisure Services and Studies and is a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (National Playground Safety Institute). She is also an active member of the Florida Recreation and Parks Association.

Ms. Matthews’ support staff include:

Julie Durstine, Administrative Assistant

Wayne Myers, Park Manager for Pinecrest Gardens

Tony Lamazares, Park Manager for Flagler Grove, Coral Pine, Veterans Wayside, Suniland, Evelyn Greer and Red Road Linear parks.

Craig Morell, Horticulturalist

Claudia Caldwell, the gal that ably coordinates all the programs and events.

Pinecrest is so lucky to have these wonderful parks in this Village. As I’ve said before, parks make a huge contribution to the quality of life in this community that is so well known for it’s high quality of life. No wonder every one wants to live here!

Tomorrow I’ll tell you about the new park hours and fees for special events.

A fabulous Community Center and the Pinecrest Branch of the Miami-Dade Public Library system are well under construction adjacent to the presently open Pinecrest Gardens on additional land that was once part of the old Parrot Jungle. Because of a joint partnership the approximately $3 million construction cost for the library will be reimbursed to the Village of Pinecrest by the Miami-Dade Public Library system. The library will have 30,000 books and materials and will host numerous culture and educational programs. (see rendition below)

It is anticipated that when the community center and library are completed in 2008 the area will become social, educational, recreational, environmental, and civic hub of activity in Pinecrest. Just imagine how many activities will be available when these two wonderful additions are completed and open! Add those to all the activities already available in the parks in the Village of Pinecrest,

Flagler Grove

Coral Pine

Veterans Wayside

Suniland

Evelyn Greer

Red Road Linear

Pinecrest Gardens

and you have a positively incredible, inviting environment making the community even more desirable as a great place to call home. I’m repeating myself; but it’s no wonder everyone wants to live here.

Tomorrow I’ll be writing about how the parks are managed.

THE TYLER SCOTT GOLDBERG FOUNDATION is committed to
(a) preventing children from suffering injuries arising from the operation of
personal watercraft by serving as a vehicle for legislative change, a source of
targeted education in our schools, and an advocate for personal watercraft
design change,and

(b) easing the suffering of those whose lives are impacted by the types of
traumatic injuries typically associated with personal watercraft accidents through
providing financial support for relevant medical research, enabling and expanding
the scope and quality of services in trauma centers and pediatric intensive care
units, and assisting families in coping with the many difficulties encountered when
their child sustains similar injuries.If you would like to help or participate in anyway please click on the link below.Tyler Goldberg Foundation 5K Run/Walk

Tucked away in West Pembroke Pines is a park that encompasses the beauty of nature. Welcome to Chapel Trail Park Nature Preserve. Overseen by The City of Pembroke Pines, it is located at 19800 Sheridan Street (almost to US27, near but not actually in the Everglades). There is no parking fee and no fee to get in - it’s FREE. Open Monday through Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to dusk. Just park your car and take a walk along the 1650 feet of boardwalk that takes you through the 450 acre wetland. Along the way there are placards identifying native plants, birds, animals and reptiles you might see in your travels. The wetlands have become home to 120 species of wildlife. Canoe rentals (by the hour or all day) are available for a small fee. Its clean, educational, free and absolutely breathtaking. Don’t forget your camera.

For more information, Click here