MAST student turns dog walkers’ stickers into project helping the hungry amid pandemic

When MAST Academy sophomore Jaïm Steele set out to find “a simple solution to a neighborhood dilemma,” our community was a simpler place.

In early March, the initial project featured the little poo emoji on stickers for trashcans. The stickers allowed Coconut Grove dog walkers to see whether it was OK — or not — to deposit dog poop bags in the residents’ curbside bins.

Jaïm’s “YesPooNoPoo” initiative allowed residents to purchase one of the sticker choices for $5 with the funds going to a good cause to “Show Where You Stand on Poo in Your Can.”

Now that the coronavirus pandemic has altered all our lives, Jaïm, 15, is implementing a temporary change of plans.

“Although I remain committed to supporting my three favorite charities — Miami Waterkeeper, Project Hiu, and The Humane Society of Greater Miami — in the long run, during the months of April and May all sticker purchases will temporarily benefit Feeding South Florida,” Jaïm said.

“This organization has set up a COVID-19 fund to help people that experience food insecurity due to the pandemic.”

Jaïm would like to expand the fundraising to neighborhoods outside Coconut Grove.

“I imagine this problem is not unique to my neighborhood,” Jaïm said. “Anyone, anywhere, can order a sticker and I will send them through the mail.” His project has already had donors from as far away as Minnesota.

“All proceeds from the sale of my stickers, including all additional donations to YesPooNoPoo, will benefit Feeding South Florida, which is able to provide seven meals for every dollar donated.

“So far we have raised over $200! Half of that money came from first responders in Broward that decided to support YPNP after our family made some washable masks for them,” Jaïm said.

The initial mission remains a big topic in posts on social media. The issue was so popular at the beginning of the “YesPooNoPoo” initiative that Jaïm received about $750 in the first two and a half weeks of launching the project, factoring in the cost of stickers.

“It is apparent by the posts on Nextdoor that disposal of dog waste is still a hot topic in our neighborhoods. This is a great time to remind your neighbors through word of mouth, Nextdoor, Facebook or Instagram to purchase their own YESPOO or NOPOO sticker (or gift them one!),” Jaïm said.

Jaïm is a writer for the MAST Academy school newspaper, The Beacon, and originally got involved in the project after noticing heated discussions on Coconut Grove’s Nextdoor app.

“They were about whether or not dog walkers should be allowed to throw their sealed poop bags in homeowners’ garbage cans. Some don’t see a problem with it, while some are strongly against it. I came up with a solution that all neighbors could get behind.”

To order a “YesPooNoPoo” sticker and help out Feeding South Florida at the same time, visit www.yespoonopoo.com where you can also follow Jaïm’s blog.

“Because of social distancing guidelines, I will only take donations through Venmo or Cash App and all stickers will be mailed. I will only drop off stickers in your mailbox (no personal contact) if you are a Coconut Grove resident,” Jaïm said.

“Together we can make our neighborhood friendlier while at the same time helping families that are experiencing hardship because of the pandemic.”

Golf prodigy is only 8 years old

Axel Monssoh, who attends St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School in Coconut Grove, may only be 8 years old, but this week the world knows more about him through a story published in the international Golfworld on www.GolfDigest.com

Before the coronavirus pandemic, Axel would practice two to three times a week on the Key Biscayne course.

His mom Marie Arnoux said he has golf in his genes.

“I grew up in a family of golfers, and Axel is the fifth generation of golfers in our family. Playing golf is so much more than a game. It is a great lesson for life, a great opportunity to spend time with friends and make new friends.

“As a parent and caddie, it is a learning experience to watch him play without fear. Whether he is happy or disappointed of the shot he made, I always praise his efforts regardless of the outcome. We are so grateful to have been introduced to this game,” Arnoux said.

Axel, who started playing with a plastic club when he was just 1 year old, said, “The secret to my success is my passion. Even when I make a mistake, I know I can make it up on the next shot.”

Remember, he’s only 8.

By the time he was 2, he was playing on the golf course with his mom and dad.

“I was hitting the ball from 30 yards to the green,” Axel said.

Now known for breaking course records for his age group on some of the same courses that give PGA professionals their biggest tests, last year Axel won the prestigious US Kids World Championship, played at the renowned Pinehurst resort in North Carolina, with the lowest score in the event’s 20-year history in the Boys 7-and-under division.

In early 2020, he was already dominating by winning every tournament he entered.

“Axel is a natural athlete who loves golf,” his mom said. “He is not only a big hitter, he is also very precise with his iron play and his short game. Axel is an outstanding putter, which helps his score. He also has a very good understanding of course management. Like any great athlete, he is very competitive and can be a perfectionist.”

He said what he loves most about golf is playing with his friends and family. Before the pandemic closed golf courses they played together almost every weekend.

“Golf has always been important in our family because we all play the game. We like to spend time on the golf course together and make some great memories. We also like traveling together for golf tournaments,” Axel said.

“My brother Victor, who is 5 years old, is also passionate about golf and is playing in tournaments. It is very fun to play with him.”

Axel’s mom said he is a natural leader who inspires his peers to play with passion, and he never gives up.

“Axel is so driven that he sometimes makes us think that this difficult game can become a little easier when we play with passion. This is just like life in general.”

If you have news for this column, write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com.

This story was originally published April 30, 2020 at 6:00 AM.