Miami International Mall Presents the Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Hispanic Culture and fall fashion come alive at Miami International Mall with the Eighth Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration, created in partnership with the City of Doral, and taking place Sept. 21-22. The event is FREE and open to the public.


The community will experience the diverse cultures and flavors of various Latin American countries through colorful, energetic fashion shows and interactive entertainment as local leaders are recognized through the Hispanic Star Awards.  Miami International Mall, one of Miami’s leading shopping destinations, is currently seeking nominations for each of the coveted “Hispanic Star” awards.


On Friday, Sept. 21, the Hispanic Heritage Celebration kicks off with a culturally-inspired reception honoring the Hispanic Star Nominees in front of local dignitaries, community leaders, prominent media and special guests at the VIP Reception, which serves as the kick-off for the weekend Hispanic Heritage Celebration. The nominees will also participate in a dynamic, show-stopping presentation of the hottest fall fashion looks beginning at 7pm. A silent auction will follow with the proceeds collected being donated to Simon Youth Foundation and a local charity.


On Saturday, Sept. 22, Hispanic Heritage Celebration continues at the mall with the announcement of the Hispanic Star Award winners.  Additional weekend festivities include authentic folkloric music and fiery dance performances, country heritage exhibits, art and flag displays, live entertainment and a spirited parade of native dresses from South America, Central America and the Caribbean presented by the City of Doral.


For more information please visit www.simon.com or Miami International Mall’s Facebook page.


Miami International Mall features more than 140 nationally-recognized stores including Bath & Body Works, bebe, Cache, Express,  Hollister, Guess, Gymboree, Limited, Nine West, Victoria’s Secret Beauty and Mayors Jewelers, plus department stores JCPenney, Kohl’s, Macy’s and Sears.


Miami International Mall is located at 1455 NW 107 Ave., Doral; in close proximity to the Miami International Airport. The mall is open Mon.-Sat., 10am-9pm, and Sun., 11am-7pm.  For more information, call 305-593-1775 or visit www.simon.com.

Miami Beach Botanical Garden Hosts FREE Performing Arts Events

Miami Performance and Visual Art Festival - July 26-29

The first of its kind, this free festival will offer workshops, artist's talks, performances and parties for four days. Presented by Edge-Zones, a non-profit arts organization, live performances will be presented to the public in a participatory discourse during the four-day program. This intensive contemporary arts event will take place at three different sites: Downtown Miami, the Miami Design District, and the Botanical Gardens. 

This innovative program will explore the breaking down of boundaries between visual art, music, dance and poetry. A dynamic dialogue between time-based art practice and its documentation will occur through a comprehensive exhibition of site-reactive installations. 

At 9:30 a.m. on the 26th, the festival will start with a meet-and-greet here at the garden, with artist's talks and lunch to follow until noon. Come to the garden to pick up a schedule of events, and visit the event website here.

On the 29th, performances, installations, and discussions at the garden will start at 9:20 a.m., with a free children's workshop at 10 a.m. Events continue until 8 p.m., where you can join the party with DJ Action Pat at 150 NE 40th Street, a pop-up performance space in Miami. 

Shakespeare Under the Sun - August 4 and 11, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily

The garden is hosting three outdoor plays produced by Arturo Fernandez of Ground Up & Rising. The first performance will be Julius Caesar, with two shows at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.  This is an hour-long, modern adaption of the Shakespearian classic. Ground Up & Rising is an award-winning,  non-profit theater organization with a vision "to replace the safe and already treaded with the avant-garde and risque." 

The producer, Arturo Fernandez, has been named as one of the Top 20 Artists Under 40 by the Miami New Times, and was given the 2010 Theater Visionary Award by the Miami ArtZine, amongst other accolades. Read more about Fernadez's performances and accomplishments here!

Start your weekend off right with a refreshing reminder of the performing talent Miami is known for. Some chairs will be provided, but everyone is encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on and enjoy the zoysia grass. For more information, 305-673-7256, Ext. 201.

Performances to follow will be Macbeth on August 26 and September 2, and Danny & the Deep Blue Sea, September 16 and 30.

For more information, please visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden website.

MAY Art Live On!

Before the summer fun begins, the city of Coconut Grove invites visitors to enjoy a night out with international art, hors d’oeuvres, friends and family. The Grove Gallery Walk, an event that takes place the first Saturday of each month, will continue with the May 5 event. 

The Grove Gallery Walk begins at 7pm and continues through 10pm. It is FREE and open to the public. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be made available at selected galleries, while live music at some locations.

* * * * * * * * * * *

This month RODEZArt.com Gallery (3015 Grand Avenue, Suite 237) will host the 24th annual exhibition by the National Art Exhibitions by the Mentally Ill (NAEMI), an organization dedicated to collecting, displaying and selling art by persons in recovery from mental illness. The exhibition features the works of artists from Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Spain and the United States. All 40 artworks featured in the exhibition will be available for sale with the proceeds benefiting the artists and NAEMI’s goals of helping artists from around the world.

Cristina Chacon Gallery (3162 Commodore Plaza, Suite 1f2) will feature artist Alberto González Vivo’s exhibit titled “Formas/Shapes.” His work ranges from geometric abstraction to Op art, influenced by his research on the production of artists Luis Tomasello, Julio Le Parc, Victor Vasarely, Martha Boto and Eduardo Moisset de Espanés, a generative geometry artist and creator of the Centre for Plastic Mathematical Research of Argentina. The artist’s use of light combined with geometric shapes and smart colors adds balance to his work creating effects of great magnetism.


May’s featured artist for FrameWorks Gallery (3196 Commodore Plaza) is fine art photographer Paul Marcellini. His photos capture the unspoiled scenes of wild Florida with breathtaking views of the Everglades. Through the end of May, Marcellini’s work will also be on display at the Everglades National Park Visitor’s Center.  In the past, he has been featured at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, The Winter Park Side Walk Festival, The Santa Fe College Arts Festival and The Islamorada Fine Art Expo. 


At Boswell Mourot Fine Art (3162 Commodore Plaza), May’s exhibit will feature all of the current gallery’s artists. Boswell Mourot is solely a fine art gallery, selling original paintings, mixed media and sculptures by international, national and local artists for the established and emerging collector. Artists include Hans Feyerbend, Karen Deilke, John Allison and Diana Ashley.


The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery (339 Mayfair Street, Suite 128) Meme Ferre will showcase her paintings for another month in her exhibition titled “Raw Energy / Energía Cruda.” Ferre’s pieces combine colors of the Caribbean and the iconic mysticism of India. She will also conduct a live program titled “Art Attack” during the opening, where she will paint to music.


The Jim Hunter Gallery (3390 Mary St. Suite 128) right next door will continue to feature Erika King’s retrospective collage collection, titled “Evolution of Spirit.” This exhibition displays iconic images of the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Statue of Liberty, Native Americans, angels and even Marilyn Monroe, through the use of familiar fragments of sheet music, stamps and torn foreign currency.


Art-inspired events such as these are provided by partnering galleries and the Coconut Grove BID. The Coconut Grove BID exists to improve the quality and financial success of the Grove’s commercial core. It enhances Grove parking, lighting, sanitation, marketing, and safety, as well as supporting special events. 


For more information on the Coconut Grove BID, or to see a map of participating galleries, visit www.coconutgrove.com or call 305-461-5506.

Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents the 17th Annual National Children’s Theatre Festival FREE Kids Fest Family Weekend, April 28-29

Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents an entire weekend of FREE theatre fun for the whole family at the 17th Annual National Children’s Theatre Festival Kids Fest Family Weekend.

Featuring activities geared toward children, Kids Fest will be held at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables on Saturday & Sunday, April 28-29 from noon to 5 p.m. To make reservations, call 305-444-9293 or visit www.actorsplayhouse.org. Advance reservations are strongly suggested.

The festival will feature the brand new children's musical Peter Rabbit and the Garden of Doom, chosen as the winner of the 17th Annual National Children's Theatre Festival Competition.

This year's Kids Fest Family Weekend will also present several other great events and activities, including displays of magic and comedy as well as special performances of Disney on Broadway presented by Actors’ Playhouse’s acclaimed youth performing troupe, The Musical Miracles. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the creative arts through a variety of hands-on Activity Stations such as Puppet Passion, Mask Mania, Costume Creations and Video “Dress Up” Studio. Characters like Cycler the Robot, The Mad Hatter, Alice in Wonderland, Dorothy, and more will appear on the scene to take photos with guests.

Finals for Young Talent Big Dreams, the most widespread local youth talent contest in Miami-Dade County will be held following the festival at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 28. Tickets for this event, which is modeled after the many reality TV talent shows that have gained in popularity in recent years, are just $10 for adults and children.

The Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre is located at 280 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. For more information please call 305-444-9293 or visit www.actorsplayhouse.org.

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Florida Renaissance Festival Debuts at Cauley Square Historic Village in Miami

Miami-area fans of the Florida Renaissance Festival can rejoice! For two special weekends, the Florida Renaissance Festival will be held for the first time ever at Cauley Square Historic Village in Miami. The festival weekend dates are March 31-April 1 and April 7-8.

“We are excited to return to Miami at our new location in Cauley Square Historic Village,” said Bobby Rodriguez, executive producer of the Florida Renaissance Festival.  “This year’s festival promises even more thrills and excitement for our loyal Miami fans.”

The featured entertainment will surely get the crowds going at this year’s Florida Renaissance Festival. Musical acts include local favorites, such as Celtic Mayhem, and nationally known acts like The Trouvaires. Also performing at the festival is Wolgemut, a colorful and energetic pipe and drum act, featuring talented musicians in traditional German Renaissance garb. Variety acts include the new Kamikaze Fireflies, The Duelists and the Washing Well Wenches. Fans will have the chance to interact with roaming entertainers, such as Gabriel Q, a creative puppeteer who works on stilts with elaborately costumed characters. And of course, the Florida Renaissance Festival would not be complete without its King and Queen, Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. The royal couple will be on hand to greet their royal subjects.

Guests can enjoy jousting tournaments, feast on hearty food and toast to the royal court with a tankard of ale or cider. The festival also will feature games of skill and chance that will challenge guests of all ages, including archery, the test of strength, Jacob’s Ladder and many more. Historical reenactments, sword fights and magical illusions are just some of the exciting events in store for this year’s festivities.

The Florida Renaissance Festival is produced by the nationally acclaimed Bobby Rodriguez Productions and strives to create an entertaining and cultural experience for adults and children alike.

The Florida Renaissance Festival at Cauley Square Historic Village will be open weekends (March 31-April 8) from 10 a.m. to sunset. Prices range from $20 for adults and $6 for children ages 6 to 11 years of age.  Children 5 and younger are free.  Group ticket rates are also offered.

The Florida Renaissance Festival has been seen by more than one million people in South Florida. This 16th Century production features more than 100 costumed performers and stage acts from around the world.

For additional information call 954-776-1642, visit www.ren-fest.com, follow on Twitter @flarenest, or on Facebook at The Florida Renaissance Festival.

Jewish Museum Honors Florida's Jews from Poland During Florida Jewish History Month

The Jewish Museum of Florida, 301 Washington Ave., Miami Beach

       This year's observance of Florida Jewish History Month, in conjunction with the Museum's current exhibit, "Wooden Synagogues of Poland and the Florida Connection," will honor the 80% of American Jews whose origins are from Poland.
       For the January 8 kick-off event, the Jewish Museum of Florida welcomes Floridian families with Polish roots, who will share their experiences in a panel discussion. Bring family and friends to join this FREE celebration. Walk-ins welcome or RSVP to 786-972-3175 or e-mail info@jewishmuseum.com. 
       Jews have lived in Poland for more than 1,000 years. Poland was the center of the European Jewish world before World War II, when the Holocaust resulted in the death of 90% (3 million) of the Polish Jews. By preserving the memories of families, such as those on this panel, the Museum is able to keep Jewish cultural heritage alive and transmit it to future generations. 
       At the January 8 kick-off event, the Museum will award cash prizes to the winners of its statewide student creative writing contest. The Museum challenged middle and high school students to connect to their own cultural heritage, by answering the following question: "How does a place tell a story that represents your cultural heritage?"
       As part of the celebration, Joe's Stone Crab restaurant is providing their famous key lime pie, designated in 2006 as Florida's official state pie. The founders of Joe's, Joe and Jennie Weiss, were the first Jews to settle on Miami Beach in 1913. Joe's is still owned and run by the family, and has been open since 1913.
       The concept for Florida Jewish History Month began at the Jewish Museum of Florida. Founding Executive Director Marcia Jo Zerivitz worked closely with legislators to translate the Museum's mission into a statewide observance. In April 2003, Governor Jeb Bush signed a bill into that officially designated the month of January as Florida Jewish History Month. Florida is the first state in the nation to have a month dedicated to the tremendous contributions of Jews in its state. 
       The success of Florida Jewish History Month inspired the legislation for Jewish American Heritage Month, also initiated by the Museum, and observed each May, with a Proclamation signed by President George Bush in April 2006. 

* * * * * * * * * *

Rachel Kosowski, 1938.

       The family of Rachel Kosowski (Abramowitz) settled in Kosov, Poland about 300 years ago. She was born in Yanov in 1928. The family's plan to immigrate to Palestine on September 7, 1939 was thwarted by the outbreak of World War II on September 1, when Germany invaded Poland. The family was arrested and sent to Siberia.
       In 1946, they were allowed to return to Poland to vote for the Communists; however, they found severe anti-semitism and government-sponsored pogroms there. An organization called Bricha (escape) had been formed to find and bring Polish Jews to Germany on their way to Palestine. Bricha rescued Rachel's family and sent them to a DP (displaced persons) Camp. Rachel met her husband there, U.S. Army Chaplain (1st Lieutenant) Mayer Abramowitz. The couple moved to Miami Beach in 1951.

Maria (2nd from left) and son, Allan
Horowitz (3rd from left), with Russian
soldiers outside of Warsaw, 1946.

       The family of Allan Horowitz (Hall) from Krakow walked east to the Russian area in 1939, when the Germans overran the western part of Poland. In 1941, when the Germans came, the family went into hiding. After the war they were liberated.
       Father, Edmund, worked for the Polish government but was purged by the Soviets and sent to Siberia. He broke out of prison and fled to Paris with his wife, Maria. Edmund and Maria separated from their sons so that the Soviets could not use the children as hostages. The family eventually reunited and immigrated to the U.S. in 1947.   

Shomir Atzarim Zionist Organization,
Poland Hebrew School, Biala Podlaska,1939.
Alice Weinglas (2nd row, top, 1st from left)
with classmates. Only five of this
group survived the Holocaust. 

       Alice (Weinglas) Vinik was born in Biala Podlaska between the two world wars. In late 1939, when the Germans came, her family escaped to the Russian side. They were captured by Russian soldiers and forced to live and labor in the forest.
       Alice met her husband, Max Eiman from Bielsko, Poland. The family members were finally released and reunited in 1946 and returned to Poland. Due to the antisemitism and pogroms, they escaped and were smuggled across the borders.
       After time in Displaced Persons (DP) Camps in Austria and Germany, Alice came to America in 1949, and settled in Miami Beach in 1956.

Louis Schneider wearing
an "Acolyte" outfit, 1944.

       Louis Schneider's parents, Joseph and Debora, were born in Lipsko/Narol. His family was separated when his father was caught by French police in 1942. Louis' mother attempted to smuggle Louis and his sister into Switzerland, but they were caught at the border.
       While traversing northern Italy, their train was bombed by American planes and they were rescued from the wreckage by Italians. Louis spent the rest of the war hiding as "Luigi Sarto" in a Catholic monastery in Italy.
       The family miraculously reunited in 1946.

       

* * * * * * * * * * 

       The Jewish Museum of Florida is housed in two adjacent lovingly restored historic buildings on South Beach that were once synagogues for Miami Beach's first Jewish congregation. The Museum's focal point is its core exhibit "MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida: 1763 to the Present." Interesting history and art exhibits change periodically.

       Currently on display are: "Wooden Synagogues of Poland and the Florida Connection," through March 18, 2012 and "Rabbi Irving Lehrman: His Life & Art," through January 15, 2012. A Collections & Research Center, Timeline Wall of Jewish history, several films, Museum Store filled with unique items and Bessie's Bistro for snacks complete the experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

       Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Museum is located at 301 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, and is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily, except Mondays, Civil and Jewish holidays. Admission: Adults-$6; Seniors-$5; Families-$12; Members and children under 6-Free; Saturdays-Free.

       For information please call 305-672-5044 or visit the website, www.jewishmuseum.com. 

The official logo for Florida Jewish History
Month, created by one of Miami's most
famous artists/residents, Romero Britto.

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Peace Palooza 2011: A Celebration of Love and Oneness at Tobacco Road

The Peace Palooza 2011 installment of this annual event will emphasize music by performers that made significant contributions in the 1960s; from Rock 'n' Roll, Soul, Pop, Reggae, Blues and other genres of music. There will be two stages of music and something for everyone to enjoy!

Proceeds from this event will be donated to a local nonprofit organization with a mission that promotes nonviolent action and seeks to reduce the use of violence worldwide.

Peace Palooza 2011 will take place on Sunday, Dec. 10 from 7pm-3am at Miami's first and oldest bar, Tobacco Road, which has city Liquor License #1. Tobacco Road is located at 626 South Miami Avenue. For more information please call 305-374-1198 or visit the Peace Palooza 2011 website.

Tobacco Road, a Miami landmark

The goal of Peace Palooza 2011 is to provide a vibrant, dynamic and fun Peace and Music Festival, while honoring a wonderful cause–Peace! We truly have an amazing roster of musicians and artists lined up to inspire attendees throughout the evening!

The 2011 line-up will feature an eclectic mixture of sounds and styles with highlights including:

• Featured Performers
• Multimedia Tributes
• Visual Art Gallery
• Artistic Marketplace
• Peace Community

Musical performers include Sweetbone, Nature’s Fury, Meno, Smiling Gums, and more! And don't miss spoken word poets Alonso, Rebecca "Butterfly" Vaughns, and Nikki Rodriguez. For a complete list of performers please visit the event website.

Peace Palooza 2011 will inspire everyone to dream for a moment by focusing on love, and the oneness all human share. This celebration will be a beautiful evening with people coming together and imagining peace for each of us personally and all of us collectively as we celebrate with an incredible mix of performers at Peace Palooza 2011!

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The books are coming....

....And the readers and writers will follow, as they do by the hundreds of thousands every year for the Miami Book Fair International.

The Fair, now in its 28th year, is a multi-day literary party in held November at Miami Dade College's Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami.

During the wildly popular Street Fair, held Nov. 18-20, more than 350 authors read and discuss their work, including the Latin American and Spanish authors who participate in the IberoAmerican Authors Program.

Thousands of South Florida schoolchildren will help kick off the Street Fair, making the trip downtown on Friday Nov. 18 to hear authors and participate in Children’s Alley activities, including theater, arts-and-crafts, storytelling and readings by children’s book authors. Comics and graphic novels are once again featured, with the school of comics on Friday and a new section just for kids and teens, as well as presentations over the weekend by renowned graphic novelists and illustrators.

During Street Fair weekend, more than 250 publishers and booksellers exhibit and sell books, with special features like the antiquarians, who showcase of signed first editions, original manuscripts and other collectibles.

The first Miami Book Fair International, founded by Miami Dade College and community partners, took place in 1984. Since then it has been recognized as the nation’s finest literary festival. In 2001, the Fair became part of the Florida Center for the Literary Arts at Miami Dade College, a cultural and academic initiative that promotes the advancement and appreciation of literature throughout the year.

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Bienvenidos a Miami y Sus Playas

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Magical Snowfall Returns for its 9th Year at Dolphin Mall

Dolphin Mall Rings in the Holiday Season with a Winter Wonderland in South Florida.

Dolphin Mall invites everyone to experience the ninth annual Magical Snowfall. The free winter festivities in Miami begin at Dolphin Mall at the Ramblas Plaza on Wednesday, Nov. 23, and continue into the New Year. There will be a snowfall at 7 p.m. daily, with an additional snowfall at 9 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.


Beginning Monday, December 19 there will be a 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. snowfall every day until Monday, January 2, 2012. There will be no snow on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Christmas Day (Dec. 25), New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31), or New Year’s Day (January 1, 2012).


In true Dolphin Mall holiday tradition, magical wands will be distributed every night to children under 12 years of age, when their parents sign up to receive the Dolphin Mall e-bulletin.

At the strikes of 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., the children will wave their wands in the air and magically the snow will return to the mall while illuminating the sky with a warm holiday glow. Youngsters can pick up their wands 30 minutes before each show. 


Dolphin Mall is an enclosed value retail/entertainment/dining destination with 240 retailers, restaurants and entertainment options. It is located just five miles west of Miami International Airport, where the Dolphin Expressway and the Florida Turnpike intersect. Shoppers can access the mall by taking Exit 27 off the Florida Turnpike. The address is 11401 NW 12 St., Miami. For information please call 305-DOLPHIN (365-7446).


Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with extended hours in the Ramblas Plaza entertainment area.


For a complete list of stores, dining and entertainment options at Dolphin Mall, please visit www.shopdolphinmall.com.


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Get Your Sheet Together Because it’s Going to Be Bed-Lam! The Great Grove Bed Race is Set for Sept. 4

In the mood for some mattress mayhem? Perhaps even a little bed-on collision? Then set your alarm for Labor Day Weekend and don’t hit snooze—because you’ll lose.

There’s no bedside manner required for this pajama party that’ll shake you out of your slumber and have you shedding your slippers and rippin’ your one-sies. This, Sleeping Cutie, is your wake-up call for the 2011 Great Grove Bed Race, where box springs will do battle. A tongue-in-cheek competition of racing homemade beds down the streets of Coconut Grove, the origins of the Great Grove Bed Race date back three decades.

Tireless teams consist of five members, with four ready-to-romp racers and one rider hitched to the headboard. Speed wins the ultimate exhale at the checkered flag, but awards also will be given for theme, creativity and décor (this being a consummate competition). Celebrity judges will be on hand to grade those looking to score away from home, and proceeds from this roll in the hay of hilarity benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.

Said Daisy Lewis-Salazar, Coconut Grove Merchant Group Event Director: “Racers, sponsors and fans all raising money to benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade—who wouldn’t get in bed with that?”

Miami residents, Coconut Grove merchants, and local clubs, businesses and organizations all are invited to pull back the sheets on this year’s affair, with festivities kicking off Saturday night (Sept. 3) of Labor Day Weekend with the Pajama Pub Crawl through participating Coconut Grove bars and restaurants.

Sunday (Sept. 4) is race day, with highlights to include Kids Storytelling Time; the Waiters/Waitresses Obstacle Course; a Pit Row Parade of decorated beds on display; and of course the 1/8th-mile trundle through the heart of the Grove Village. And to eliminate any awkwardness or hard feelings after the ontrack tryst, Grove merchants will host a post-race celebration complete with live music, interactive exhibits and perhaps even a little pillow talk—just no sleeping with the enemy...maybe....

This Labor Day weekend, Coconut Grove is the place to be for some laborious laughter! For event info please visit www.TheGreatGroveBedRace.com. Don’t sleep on it!

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1940. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to five Clubs serving 10,000 boys and girls year round, providing programs in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, health and life skills, career preparation, cultural arts and sports, fitness and recreation. Club staffing, initiatives, and programs are designed to inspire and enable young people and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. For more information, please call 305-213-9760 or visit www.bgcmia.org.

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Family Fun & Fireworks This 4th of July at The Village at Gulfstream Park

The Village at Gulfstream Park, South Florida’s ultimate shopping, dining and entertainment destination, together with Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino, invite you to a spectacular celebration filled with 4th of July events – a full day of fun things to do the entire family will enjoy!

The Village at Gulfstream Park

The festivities begin at 4pm, and include a special Kids Zone in The Village’s Champions Plaza, complete with a bounce house, face painting, balloon animal artist, arts and crafts, giveaways and live music from 4-8pm.

What’s a complete 4th of July experience without fireworks, you might ask? Well, we’ve got it covered! Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show over Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino starting at 9pm.

For more information, please visit www.thevillageatgulfstreampark.com, Facebook and Twitter.

Anchored by Florida’s premier thoroughbred racetrack and casino, The Village at Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s ultimate shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Utilizing the outdoor, lifestyle streetscape concept, The Village at Gulfstream Park is home to designer boutiques, specialty stores, restaurants and cafés. For a complete directory of shops and restaurants, visit www.thevillageatgulfstreampark.com.

The Village at Gulfstream Park is located at 501 S. Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, adjacent to the legendary Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino, less than two miles east of I-95. 

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Miami International Mall & The Falls Cook Up Family Fun With Simon Kidgits Club’s Super Duper Mini Chefs

Miami International Mall and The Falls invite children of all ages to roll up their sleeves and explore the fun side of food with hands-on learning activities during the Simon Kidgits Club’s Super Duper Mini Chefs event on Saturday, June 11 from 2-4 pm at Miami International Mall's Center Court (1455 NW 107 Ave., Doral) and The Falls' Center Court (8888 SW 136 St., Miami).

A past Mini Chef's Event

The mini chefs will transform the malls into magical kitchens as they make their own menu, decorate cupcakes and learn to make other culinary creations. Kids will receive an apron to help them make the sweet treats.

Kids are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to Feeding South Florida, a local nonprofit organization that works to reduce hunger by reducing waste. The organization does this by providing food and other grocery products; and by educating and engaging the South Florida community to fight hunger and poverty.

The Simon Kidgits Club’s Super Duper Mini Chefs event is free to members and $5 for nonmembers. Families can sign up for the Kidgits Club, during regular mall hours, for an annual membership fee of $5.  Membership includes a Kidgits Club membership card and T-shirt, scheduled entertainment and activities for families, a Birthday Club (including birthday card and gift redemption certificate), unique programs and offers, discounts and a quarterly newsletter. For more information, visit www.simon.com/kidgits.

For more information on the event, please call Miami International Mall at 305-593-1775 or call The Falls at 305-255-4571.

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There's So Much to do in May at Aventura Mall

Aventura Mall

Located at 19501 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura Mall is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. For more information call 305-935-1110, visit online at www.aventuramall.com, join the Facebook page or follow on Twitter.


Lacoste + Malandrino Event
Sunday, May 1, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Lacoste has partnered with world-renowned French designer Catherine Malandrino to create a romantic and youthful new women’s collection for Spring 2011. To celebrate the new LACOSTE + MALANDRINO collection, the Aventura Mall store invites shoppers to preview the new collection, sip on champagne, nosh on chocolates and pastries, and enter to win a raffle for a Lacoste gift certificate.

Crabtree & Evelyn Mother’s Day Shopping Events
Saturday, May 7
Receive a free Floral Fragrance 50ml product when you experience the Fragrance Layering Ritual (No purchase necessary. While supplies last.). Get a free tote bag gift including four 50ml Floral Fragrance Collection Products with any $75 purchase (Limit one free gift offer redemption per customer. While supplies last. Discount taken at register.)

Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders 2011 Final Auditions
Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Center Court
For the ninth year in a row, Aventura Mall will host the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders 2011 Final Auditions. The auditions will showcase the final 90 of 300+ candidates who auditioned for the 40 spots on the 2011 squad. Watch live performances by the 2011 Cheerleader finalists, meet the celebrity judges, and choose your favorite.
Event Overview:
10:15 Meet the Judges – host will introduce the panel of judges
10:30 Competition Kickoff – the event begins with performances by the contestants in groups of 5 and will include a short dance combination and personal introduction.
11:00 Individual Talent Segment - (Contestants 1-44)
During this portion of the competition each contestant must perform a one- minute solo presentation and entertain the judges with their dancing and/or singing ability.
12:00 15 Minute Break – Guest Appearance by Dolphins Mascot, TD
12:15 Individual Talent Segment - (Contestants 45-90)
1:30 Intermission/Judges Discussion
Judges submit their first round of scores. Miami Dolphins Fins Force engage the audience with opportunities to win prizes thru trivia contests and on-stage activities. Also former judges and cheerleaders will speak about their audition experience and take questions from the audience.
2:30 Final Production Number – The finalists have been preparing all week
for their final 30-minute high-energy dance and kick performance. This is the judges’ last look at the candidates before making their decision of who will make the 40 member squad.
3:00 Judges Deliberate – Judges recap the auditions and submit final scores.
On Stage - Performance by Youth Cheerleaders
3:30 Final Squad Announced – the 2011 squad announced live on stage for all those in attendance to witness.

Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 8
What better way to remember mom than with an Aventura Mall Gift Card.

Panasonic 2011 Experience Amazing Tour
Wednesday, May 11 – Sunday, May 15, Center Court
Panasonic is traveling the country to showcase the incredible lineup of advanced entertainment.  Experience the latest and greatest VIERA televisions, Blu-ray players, Home theater systems, LUMIX cameras and camcorders.  Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a Panasonic 3D Home Entertainment package as well as other great prizes.  Panasonic is bringing you amazing so you can bring amazing home.   Visit panasonic.com/amazing for more information.

Adopt-A-Pet
Saturday, May 14, 12 – 3 p.m., Center Court near Macy’s
Meet some furry new friends and learn how to adopt a dog or cat from the Humane Society of Greater Miami.


Creative Wednesday: Celebrate Creativity in Art with MoCA
Wednesday, May 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Rainbow Valley Playground
Make a Maraca using streamers and crayons! Participants will make their own maraca instrument to keep a creative beat. The program is co-sponsored by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA).

The Walkers Club Appreciation Breakfast
Thursday, May 19, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m., Fountain Court
The Walkers Club is a way to learn more about ways to keep fit and a great excuse to have fun. Sponsored by Aventura Hospital & Medical Center.

Nordstrom National Active Event
Saturday, May 21
The event will promote Nordstrom’s exclusive Zella active line and will focus on promoting active movement with customers.

Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale
Sunday, May 22, 12 – 4 p.m., Center Court
Local bakeries, restaurants, marketplaces and hotels will join the Great American Bake Sale at Aventura Mall with lots of good things to eat, cooking demonstrations, raffle prizes, and a cupcake decorating station. Proceeds benefit Feeding South Florida and organizations that assure children of access to good nutrition. Tickets for all bake sale items will be on sale at the event for $1 each or $10 for 13 tickets – a baker's dozen.

Summer Audi Event
Saturday and Sunday, May 28 & May 29, Center Court
Prestige Audi will display their top of the line Audi vehicles to delight shoppers. View the most desirable cars available and Audi Brand Specialists will be on location to answer questions.


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Miami Reggae Festival Raises Awareness of America's Hungry

The people behind Rockaz MVMT, a premier event production company with more t 15 years successful events to date, understand the importance of using the transformative force of music to stir social conscience, to actualize social change.

That is precisely what they aim to accomplish with the launch of a national Feed the Hungry campaign, using free, first-rate concerts to incentivize people to help feed America’s hungry. The national initiative kicks off in Miami, with the Miami Reggae Festival, Saturday, April 30, 3pm, at Coconut Grove’s Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Road.


“It’s important we started in our own back yard,” said event organizer Alfonso Brooks. “It’s doubly important we not wait for a natural disaster to recognize the growing hunger epidemic, or to seek out ways to help our brothers and sisters.”


The concert, where the only admission is a minimum donation of two non-perishable food items per person, features a lineup as diverse as Miami itself. From Jamaica - Luciano | Puerto Rico - Cultura Profetica, Colombia - Ephniko, Haiti - Jahfe, Canada Bonnie Casey, Miami - Spam All Stars, St. Maarten - Connis, the musicians themselves represent a collective conscious of cultural awareness, of giving back.


“Hunger knows no color, no creed,” Brooks said. “That’s why it was critical for us to ensure we offer a lineup that reflects the Miami landscape.”


And it is just as important for the benefactor of the event to serve a diverse population, ensuring the core message of unity and humanitarianism. Event organizers chose Curley’s House because of its reach. Curley’s House services the needy across Miami-Dade County, regardless or race, creed, color, religion or sexual orientation.


For more information please call 305-763-4509 or visit www.miamireggaefestival.com and facebook.com/rockazmvmt.




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Awesome April at Miami Beach Botanical Garden

Check the Miami Beach Botanical Garden's event page frequently!!

Wednesday, April 4 / 2-5pm

The Wholesome Grocer

Lillies and the Swallow
by Ed King  

The Garden serves as the pick-up point and resource for fresh, local and organic produce, grass-fed beef, free-range chicken and eggs, honey and seasonal foods from local growers. Sign up with Cindy Hill at Wholesome Grocer service, pre-order from her grocery list and pick up at the Garden. No application fee or minimum order. Telephone 305-496-4591 or visit www.onceuponacarrot.org

April 4-8

Neo-Pop Artwork by Ed King

An exhibit of artwork by neo-pop artist Ed King integrates plant and garden images with vibrant colors, black outlines and his signature stitching. Based in Miami, since 2003 King has been living his dream of creating fun and inspiring artwork for clients around the globe. The exhibit in the Banyan Room is free and open to the public. Opening reception on Tuesday, April 5 from 6-8:30pm

Saturday, April 9 / 10am

The What, When, Where and Why of Garden Design

FIU Professor Ronald Mossman will discuss principles of landscape design: putting the right plant in the right place; wind and weather considerations, and what to think about in landscaping your own garden. A question and question period will help homeowners address planting and design challenges in their own gardens. Orchids, bromeliads, flowering plants and trees for sale.

Tuesday, April 12 / Noon-2pm

Green Book Club

April book selection: The Future of Life by E.O. Wilson

Every Thursday / 6:30-7:30pm

Miami Beach Toastmasters

Polish your professional presentations and social interaction with Miami Beach Toastmasters meeting  every Thursday evening at the Garden. www.miamibeachtoastmasters.com

   

Japanese Garden at the
Miami Beach Botanical Garden

Tuesday, April 12 / 6-8:30pm

The Garden Annual Meeting

Lecture: "Putting the Zen into Gardening"

The Garden's Annual Meeting features guest speaker Min Mossman, author and authority on Japanese Gardens discusses how to put Zen in your garden and capture traditional Japanese garden design with Florida native plants and trees. Floral artist Israel Sands will demonstrate ikebana arrangements. Free and open to the public. Members will elect the Garden's Board of Directors.

April 18-22

Double Devine

Winners of the Audience Choice and Artist Choice awards at the June 2010 Devine Debris Art Exhibit at the Garden, Daniel Walker and Stefan VonFouts exhibit artworks that make an environmental statement. Opening reception Tuesday, April 18 from 6-8:30pm

Thursday, April 28 / 7-9ppm

Techniques of Healthy Organic Cooking 101

Join cooking instructor Cindy Hill to explore techniques for creating quick, easy and healthy meals. Learn simple steps that make big changes.  No previous cooking skills required. $35 per person, adults only. 786-216-7946 or onceuponacarrot@me.com

The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is located at 2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach. Please call 305-673-7256 or visit www.mbgarden.org for more information. 

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