Guests Can Savor the Savings at Dolphin Mall Restaurants 'During the Delicious Discounts At Dolphin Mall' Promotion

From August 10 through 19, Dolphin Mall will host “Delicious Discounts At Dolphin Mall,” where patrons can choose from an array of dining options at discounted prices! Participating restaurants will offer 25 percent off food and beverage bills, excluding alcoholic beverages, taxes and tips.

“We are delighted to bring this new exciting dining event to our patrons,” said Madelyn Bello Calvar, marketing & sponsorship director for Dolphin Mall. “The promotion allows our guests the opportunity to experience a range of dining options at a fantastic value.”

Guests interested in the program are required to visit the Information Booth at the Ramblas Plaza (Entrance 3) in the mall to obtain their Dolphin Mall Delicious Discounts Card. With the Discount Card, customers can try as many of the restaurants as they wish, on their schedule and budget. The special discount applies to the entire bill excluding alcoholic beverages, taxes and tips. Additional restrictions and exclusions apply. The Delicious Discounts Card cannot be combined with any other offers. The Discount card can only be used by one person per household from August 10 to August 19, 2012.

The line-up of participating restaurants at Dolphin Mall includes:

Mojitos Cuban Cuisine is a tropical hideaway at Dolphin Mall, named after the traditional Cuban drink, the Mojito, and the specialty drink of the house in 14 different flavors. In keeping with the Cuban tradition, they pride themselves with preparing and serving only the most authentic Cuban dishes.

Rotelli Pizza & Pasta is a neighborhood Italian eatery that has a well-rounded menu, unique appetizers, traditional and gourmet pizza, freshly made gourmet pastas, hearty soups, salads tossed to order, fresh seafood and much more.

Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar is more than a wing joint, boasting 14 signature sauces. The popular hangout is a fun, edgy, high-energy and easygoing restaurant -- much like the personalities of their guests!

Catch of the Day is an exciting seafood bar and grill where guests can kick back and unwind. Enjoy great food and fun in a relaxed atmosphere.

Dave and Buster’s serves great food in a casual setting, with fun and spirited bars. Whether it's interactive games and simulators, it’s a unique experience that has something for everyone.

CinéBistro is an experience that offers anyone who has a passion for movies and a palate for great food an environment unlike anything they have ever experienced before.

Johnny Rockets is an old-fashioned hamburger and malt shop that takes diners back to the Happy Days. Food, fun and friendliness reminiscent of feel-good Americana. The menu includes classic American burgers and fries, hand-dipped shakes and malts, plus apple pie as good as Mom's.

Dolphin Mall’s Delicious Discounts promotion rules and restrictions are available at Dolphin Mall’s Information Booth located at Ramblas, Entry 3, and also via the website www.shopdolphinmall.com.

Dolphin Mall is an enclosed value retail/entertainment/dining destination with more than 240 retailers. 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 of the Florida Turnpike. 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 entertainment area.

Preview the stores, the styles and the savings at www.shopdolphinmall.com.

Give $3, Save 30% at Miami Seaquarium, All Proceeds from Offer Benefit South Florida Animals

In a continuing effort to help local animal charities, Miami Seaquarium introduces the Give $3, Save 30% offer, which gives guests the opportunity to donate to one of their favorite charities and receive a 30 percent savings on admission to Miami Seaquarium. Following the success of the last two years’ similar promotions which raised more than $46,000 in donations for wildlife related charities, this year’s promotion will benefit south Florida-based charities including Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-a-Pet, Humane Society of Broward County and South Florida SPCA Horse Rescue.


The offer starts on July 30 and runs until September 30. To participate visit www.miamiseaquarium.com for a donation form.

“Miami Seaquarium has a long history of reaching out to and assisting charities of all types,” said Andrew Hertz, General Manager. “We are happy this year to focus the fruits of these promotions on three very worthy charities that help dogs, cats and horses.”

Guests may choose from one of the following charities:


Humane Society of Greater Miami
The Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet is a limited admit, adoption guarantee facility dedicated to placing every dog and cat in our care into a loving home, and to promoting responsible pet ownership and spay/neuter programs. Adoption guarantee simply means that every animal under our care is safe from the threat of euthanasia for as long as it takes to find them a forever family.

Humane Society of Broward County
The Humane Society of Broward County provides shelter, aid and responsible adoptions to animals entrusted to our care, and educates the community about respect and kindness to all animals.


South Florida SPCA Horse Rescue
The South Florida SPCA, founded in 1992, is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of abused, neglected and abandoned horses and other large animals. We also educate the community about responsible animal care, animal ownership and promote the welfare of animals through local and national advocacy.


Miami Seaquarium, South Florida's most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits. General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $39.95 and $29.95 for children (ages 3-9). More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com; also "Like" Miami Seaquarium on Facebook.


Miami Seaquarium is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, an international organization committed to the care and conservation of marine mammals. Accreditation by the Alliance means this facility meets or exceeds all the standards of excellence for marine mammal care, husbandry, conservation and education.

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.

Zoo Miami's $5 Days Return July 4-8

Look no further for affordable family fun for the Fourth of July. For the third year in a row, Zoo Miami is offering a sweet summer deal of $5 admission, backed up by Ford Motor Company.


"Zoo Miami is such a great community resource and we want as many families as possible to enjoy it," said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company.  "In celebration of Independence Day, Ford is pleased to provide support so that the Zoo is accessible to more people during this holiday week."

Representatives from Ford will be setting up shop in the zoo on July 4, 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors will receive giveaways when they register to win a new Ford Focus and will be able to view some of their latest car models.


Guests visiting Zoo Miami on these discounted days can enjoy a few other goodies in addition to visiting the lions, tigers and bears along with the normal attractions offered by the zoo.  On July 7, Blue Bell will be helping guests cool down by distributing free samples of ice cream to lucky zoo visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as part of Scoops for Conservation, a partnership between the Zoological Society of Florida and Blue Bell Ice Cream that encourages donations for wildlife conservation. Pepsi Next will also be distributing free samples to help keep visitors refreshed on July 7 & 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


“There is always so much to explore and take part in at the zoo, so for $5, it’s really a steal,” said Eric Stephens, Zoo Miami Director. “Each visit is like a whole new experience.”


To help plan the perfect visit, Zoo Miami has launched a handy mobile application for iPhone and Android owners that equips users with a map, calendar, animal information and more. The application can be found by searching for Zoo Miami in the App Store or Android Marketplace. Free Wi-Fi is also offered in four large, convenient locations throughout the zoo.

For the whole Zoo Miami experience, guests should plan to explore the new Playworld Playground for some wet and wild fun for the kids. If visiting on a weekend, the Hippo Slide, the world’s largest inflatable water slide, is open to the public for a seriously slippery experience.


Along the way, the Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station allows visitors to get up close and personal with a giraffe’s 14-inch tongue for a few bucks. Guests can also feed our Indian rhinoceroses, hop on for a camel ride or choose from the many different ways to travel through the zoo to view and learn about all our animals.


The special and limited $5 admission days are available only from July 4-8 and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.


Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 Street; Miami, FL 33177. General Zoo Admission is: $15.95 per Adult and $11.95 per Child (3-12), plus tax.  Children under two, Zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 9:30 am-5:30 pm; ticket booths close at 4 pm.  For more information please visit www.zoomiami.org or call 305-251-0400.

Zoo Miami’s Playworld Playground Is Now Open

Jungle Journey

Zoo Miami is excited to announce the opening of its new Playworld Playground that contains two play areas, Jungle Journey and Ocean Voyage. With more than 1.5 acres of play and picnic space, kids ages 12 and under have plenty of room to explore the splashing water features and jungle gym while parents supervise in comfortable shaded seating.

In the Jungle Journey playground, children have 11 play features to help them create their own adventures. While the jungle gym could keep them busy for a while, kids can find themselves making their way past a wobbly bridge, through a hollow log and escaping life-size gorilla and hippo figures. Their imaginations may take them on a wild journey, but kids remain safe on spongy floors as they bounce around the playground.

After their jungle adventure, kids can cool down by splashing through spouting blow holes and overflowing buckets of water in the Ocean Voyage playground. This water-themed area includes 28 features that are guaranteed to get kids dripping wet. It would be hard to stay dry around water shooting cannons, a whale tail waterfall, and touch-activated rods spraying water. The ocean theme comes to life with shells and glossy starfish on the floor as guests walk in.

Ocean Voyage

“This $1 million state-of-the-art playground has been a highly-anticipated addition to Zoo Miami,” said Eric Stephens, Zoo Miami Director. “We are so excited to open it and offer our guests a top-notch play experience.”

Directly next to the playgrounds are two new shaded pavilions that are available to rent for special events like birthday parties or picnics.

With parents and kids sure to work up an appetite, the Playworld Playground is conveniently located next to the new and improved Oasis Grille. There guests can chow down on everything including hot-dogs, salads, fruit, burgers and refreshing drinks in the shade of the African-outpost themed area before heading to their next adventure in Zoo Miami.

Speaking of adventures, now guests can rent pedal boats, water tricycles and kayaks on the lake at Amazon and Beyond on weekends (Friday-Sunday) and holidays from 10am-5pm.

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 St., Miami. General Zoo Admission is: $15.95 per adult and $11.95 per child (ages 3-12), plus tax.  Children under 2, Zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 9:30am-5:30pm; ticket booths close at 4pm.  For more information please visit www.zoomiami.org or call 305-251-0400.

Summer Camp Returns To Miami Seaquarium: Runs from June 11-Aug. 17 for Campers Ages 5-18

With summer vacation right around the corner, parents are often looking for exciting and innovative ways to keep their children engaged in education outside the classroom. Summer Camp 2012 at Miami Seaquarium offers students from kindergarten to high school the opportunity to learn about animals, environmental awareness, and so much more at summer camp. Summer Camp 2012 at Miami Seaquarium will run from June 11-Aug. 17, for campers ages 5 to 18.

Summer activities for kids will focus on educational topics according to their grade level. These activities include lessons on pollution, recycling, water and its properties, invasive and endangered species, animal adaptations and more. Special pricing at Dolphin Harbor is available for parents who wish to enroll their campers in an unforgettable Dolphin Interaction program.

Curriculum for each grade level at Summer Camp 2012 at Miami Seaquarium will revolve on a one-week schedule with additional weeks optional. Camp hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with early and late care available for an additional charge.

For Summer Camp enrollment or additional information, please call 305-361-5705, Ext. 298, 207, or 520. Summer Camp Miami Seaquarium information & registration forms are available on our website at www.miamiseaquarium.com.

Miami Seaquarium, South Florida's most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits. General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $39.95 and $29.95 for children (ages 3-9). More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com.

Miami Seaquarium is an accredited member of the Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, an international organization committed to the care and conservation of marine mammals. Accreditation by the Alliance means this facility meets or exceeds all the standards of excellence for marine mammal care, husbandry, conservation and education.

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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Bunny-Palooza Hops onto the Scene at Miami Seaquarium: Celebrity Grand Marshal For Easter Parade, Continuous Egg Hunts, More!

Salty the Sea Lion

Easter Weekend in Miami gets underway with Bunny-Palooza 2012 at Miami Seaquarium, which hops onto the Easter scene from Friday, April 6th to Easter Sunday, Sunday, April 8th, with the largest parade in the event’s more than 10 year history. 

Ariana Grande of hit TV Show Victorious,
to serve as Grand Marshal of Easter Parade
during all three days of Easter weekend

The Easter Parade will feature Ariana Grande, who plays Cat Valentine, on the hit TV show Victorious.


In addition, guests will enjoy continuous Easter Egg Hunts throughout the day, candy galore and five acres of adrenaline pumping fun with bounce houses, ‘Giant Fun Slide,’ Rock Climbing Wall and many prizes and surprises.  


A discount offering of $8 off admission to Bunny-Palooza is available with a receipt or coupon from Publix Supermarkets.  Each day 10 lucky fans will have the opportunity to Meet and Greet with Parade Grand Marshal Ariana Grande. For more information on Bunny-Palooza and how to enter to win a Meet and Greet with Ariana Grande visit www.miamiseaquarium.com.




“Easter is a big deal at Miami Seaquarium,” said Andrew Hertz, General Manager at Miami Seaquarium. “This year, by bringing in a celebrity Grand Marshal we are building on the tradition that we have created over the course of more than 10 years. The 2012 Bunny-Palooza will be bigger and better than ever before. We are happy to welcome Ariana Grande to our parade and invite all her fans to come out to see her.”


The Easter Parade will start at 12:30pm on each day, complete with marching bands, strolling performers, costumed characters and of course the Easter Bunny. In addition, during the festivities, bunny hoppers should be on the lookout for a Golden Egg, which will be hidden in one goodie bag that will be given out during Bunny-Palooza. The Golden Egg will give one lucky child and up to three other family members or friends, admission to Miami Seaquarium for their entire lifetime. 


For more information please call 305-361-5705, Ext. 225.  Miami Seaquarium is located at 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami.


Miami Seaquarium, South Florida's most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits.


General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $39.95 and $29.95 for children (ages 3-9). More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com.  Like Miami Seaquarium on Facebook.

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.

The Annual Miami International Map Fair Takes Place This Weekend at HistoryMiami

This annual Miami International Map Fair showcases antique maps, rare books, panoramas and atlases from around the world! The fair takes place Saturday, Feb. 4-Sunday, Feb. 5, from 10am-5pm, at HistoryMiami, located at 101 W. Flagler Street. 

Peruse and purchase antique maps from some of the finest map dealers in the world. Learn about maps through a series of lectures by experts in the field and enjoy special events held throughout the weekend. For a complete list of events during the Map Fair, please see the official website.

Admission is $5 for HistoryMiami members and $15 for non-members. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Admission includes entrance to the international dealer’s marketplace, access to expert opinions on your own map(s), and the opportunity to win door prizes. Proceeds from Map Fair go toward maintaining and improving HistoryMiami exhibitions, educational programming and community outreach programs.

For more information regarding HistoryMiami’s Miami International Map Fair, call 305-375-1492, e-mail mapfair@historymiami.org, or visit the official website.

The Fitzgerald & Kanner Trust for Historic Maps was established to endow the Miami International Map Fair, to support the growth of HistoryMiami's map collection, and to foster an appreciation of historic maps through exhibitions, publications and educational programming.

In 1990 an anonymous donor established the Joseph H. Fitzgerald Trust for Historic Maps as a part of the museum's endowment. The Trust is named after  Joseph H. Fitzgerald in honor of his long service to HistoryMiami and avid interest in maps. The Trust has grown through donations of generous friends and map enthusiasts. For more information about the Trust please call 305-375-1615 or e-mail  development@historymiami.org.

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Sea Trek Reef Encounter at the Miami Seaquarium

The Sea Trek Reef Encounter is a helmet diving experience that allows guests to become one with the Miami Seaquarium's 300,000-gallon tropical reef aquarium, while moving in ethereal slow motion in a near zero gravity diving system.

"Sea Trekking," developed by Sub Sea Systems, can be experienced by non-divers, ages 10 and above; no certification or swimming skills are necessary. In the magnificent Reef Aquarium at the Miami Seaquarium participants may Sea Trek as deep as 15 feet under the "sea" to swim with more than 3,000 fish and 80 different species of marine life.

The Sea Trek Reef Encounter at Miami Seaquarium lasts approximately 90 minutes, including an orientation session. Twenty minutes are spent under warter.

General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $38.95 and $28.95 for children (ages 3-9). The Sea Trek Reef Encounter costs $99 per participant; $39.95 for adult observers (ages 10 and older), $29.95 for a child observer (ages 3-9), and observers under 3 are free. Book today by calling 305-365-2501.

Miami Seaquarium, South Florida's most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits. More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com and on Facebook.

Sea Trek Reef Encounter Restrictions

For safety reasons, please review the following information. Guests participating in the Sea Trek Reef Encounter must meet the following requirements:

* Be at least 10 years of age.

* Guests under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a paid adult participant.

* Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a supervising adult who pays the observer fee. (General park admission also applies.)

* SCUBA certification is not required.

* Eyeglasses are permitted, but no sunglasses. (Transition lenses are acceptable.)

* Guests must wear a wetsuit during Sea Trek Reef Encounter.

* Guests are not permitted to wear jewelry.

For more information please see the Sea Trek website.

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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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Let the Experts Show You Around Town! Book A Tour with HistoryMiami Today

Downtown Miami's skyline, including the famed InterContinental Hotel.

Delve into the past and experience the sights, sounds and cultures of South Florida with a City Tour or Private Tour.

HistoryMiami offers educational tour opportunities for adults of all ages to learn more about the history of the region. Tour guides look forward to welcoming visitors on a memorable journey of the region’s history, both on-site in the museum galleries or off-site at the many historic neighborhoods, landmarks and sites throughout South Florida.

City Tours feature walking, bike, boat, and coach tours with internationally-acclaimed historian, Dr. Paul George, and eco-historian Frank Schena, as well as other tour guides, prepared to share their expertise on various topics related to Miami and South Florida history. 

Dr. Paul George

For more than two decades, Dr. George has toured his way to local, national and international acclaim by conducting city tours around South Florida. A Miami native, prolific author and Miami-Dade College professor, he has gained fame for his uncanny ability to recall the most impressive details about the people and places that make the region so unique.

Private Tours are customized to meet each group’s individual needs. All personalized tours include a one-time free admission pass to the HistoryMiami Museum, located at 101 West Flagler Street in downtown Miami. For more information please call the City Tours Department at 305-375-1621, or e-mail citytours@historymiami.org.

Up-Coming Tours:

For a complete list of tours, please visit: 

www.historymiami.org/files/pages/city-tours_happenings_fall2011-3.pdf

Welcome to Miami and the Beaches

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A Sweet Treat For The Entire Family: Miami City Ballet’s Holiday Production Of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

2011 Performances:

Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami ● December 15-18

Broward Center, Fort Lauderdale ● December 21-24

A Nutcracker doll will come alive, a Sugar Plum Fairy will dance, snowflakes will fall and smiles from children of all ages will rain down as Miami City Ballet, Florida’s internationally-acclaimed company under the direction of Founding Artistic Director Edward Villella, presents its enchanting holiday production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker.

Miami City Ballet School students From Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to Perform With MCB’s Internationally-Acclaimed Dancers!

Based on the story The Nutcracker and The Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a captivating tale of a little girl’s Christmas Eve dream about a handsome prince, a mouse king, toy soldiers and dancers from faraway lands set to the beloved music of Tchaikovsky, brought to life by a cast of more than 100 dancers and children.

Nothing short of a Broadway spectacular, the production features glorious sets, lavish costumes like the ones worn by the Arabian and Chinese dancers, magical special effects, such as a Christmas tree that soars from twelve to thirty feet tall, and fanciful choreography that takes the spectator on a magical journey to the Land of Sweets. 

With its sumptuous décor and dazzling character dance numbers, Miami City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is a must-see holiday extravaganza for everyone young and old: children, parents and grandparents! 

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Performance Schedule & Information:

● Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

Ziff Ballet Opera House

1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

Thursday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 17 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 18 at 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

● Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Au-Rene Theater

201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale

Wednesday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 22 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 23 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 24 at 1:00 p.m. 

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Tickets Available At:

● Miami City Ballet

2200 Liberty Ave., Miami Beach

(Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)  

305-929-7010; toll-free: 877-929-7010

www.miamicityballet.org

● Adrienne Arsht Center

1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 

305-949-6722

www.arshtcenter.org

● Broward Center

201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale 

954-462-0222; toll-free: 1-877-311-7469

www.browardcenter.org

Tickets range in price from $20 to $68. 

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Miami City Ballet performs in the "Tri-County" South Florida area; in Broward County at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, in Miami-Dade County at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, and in Palm Beach County at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Miami City Ballet is presented as the resident ballet company at the Naples Philharmonic Center in Naples, Fla. The company also tours extensively.

Welcome to Miami and the Beaches

Bienvenidos a Miami y Sus Playas

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