PUBLISHERS – READERS COMMENTS

ANOTHER NEW BEGINNING

Fall ushers in new collegiate and NFL action, premieres of TV network shows, another new mobile device (that may, or may not explode in your pocket), school projects for kids (and parents too!) and so much more. With October, we welcome another new volume year for your SOMI Magazine. I want to start by acknowledging those retail business, restaurants, institutions and service providers who have contributed to the success of this publication with their advertising and, in many cases, their personal support over the past eleven years. A list of our advertisers and business subscribers in on the inside front cover. I thank you!

As we begin another year, we typically run out some creative changes, and I hope you like what we’ve done with the graphics on some of our regular features.

Editorially we continue the magazine’s commitment to promote and support those regional cultural institutions and resources which are in our “backyard.” Many readers have favorably commented and appreciate the magazine’s coverage.  We’ve brought our readers to Fairchild Tropical Garden, HistoryMiami, the Perez Art Museum, Coconut Grove’s Barnacle and recently to the Adrienne Arsht Center, with a tribute to their tenth anniversary.  In this issue, we salute the centenary of Miami’s Villa Vizcaya, a magnificent museum and garden.  Vizcaya is “home” to me, as for some ten years, starting in the early 80s, I was the marketing producer for Vizcaya’s signature event at that time, the Italian Renaissance Festival, bringing Italian artists and performers to Vizcaya as a unique aspect of the festival.

In this issue, we continue our salute as well to the centenary of the National Park Service with a visit to the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson.  Many readers commented on our last issue with the stunning cover photo of the everglades mangroves by a local artist Paul Marcelini.

Another feature which is especially appreciated is the focus on businesses which are observing milestone years: 10, 20, 25 and more years here in our hometown.  In this issue, we single out Isabel Merritt and her fine home accessories gallery of wonderful finds, who has been on Red Road for the past 25 years. In our upcoming issues, we’ll be acknowledging Mack Cycle’s 60th anniversary and the City of South Miami itself, which observes its 90th birthday this June.

There are big changes on the horizon in South Miami. The new ownership of The Shops at Sunset Place are finalizing their plans for submission to the city for a hotel, two apartment buildings and a multifaceted “revitalization” of this nine acre site at the Red Road & US1 entrance to our retail and dining district. And at the Metrorail station, plans for an eight story Class A office building are laid out, with anticipated completion in 2018. This modern office building is at the Sunset Drive entrance to our shopping and dining district.   Both of these developments are critical for the life of our business district and for the longevity of the city itself.

As a founding sponsor of Art Night South Miami, I’m delighted to invite you to “Get Your Art On” and come on out for “SOMIartwalk©.” The ninth season begins on October 14, and is held on the second Friday of each month through March, 2017.  Unlike other communities which have multiple art galleries and host art night events, South Miami relies on its responsive retail establishments to host artists and our tree-lined sidewalks to showcase visual and performing artists.

And speaking of art, put on your calendar the 45th annual ChamberSOUTH Juried Fine Art Festival held on Sunset Drive the first weekend of November.

That’s about it from me.  Now it’s your turn to BE PART OF THE CONVERSATIONsm.  Let us know what’s your take on our magazine changes and happenings  in “SOMI.”

Just in case you haven’t gone there, SOMI Magazine is online (www.somimag.loc).  We’ve changed the website up to make it a more interactive tool for you to stay in touch with all things SOMI.

Enjoy the start of Volume XII, No.1, and thanks for sharing SOMI Magazine with friends.

All the best!