We hear from Maurice R. Hernandez that District 8 County Commissioner Lynda Bell, in collaboration with the Parks Foundation, and the generosity of Flagler and Academica, will be hosting her Second Annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway at South Dade Park on Saturday, July 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. “This fun-filled family event will benefit financially disadvantaged school-age children residing in District 8. In addition to the giveaway, join us for a resource fair with activities for the kids to enjoy, including a raffle! Free food and fun for the entire family (while supplies last).”
The backpack giveaway is exclusively reserved for underprivileged children who reside in County Commission District 8. However, all other attendees are welcome to partake in the day’s activities. For those who wish to register for a backpack and for more information about the event, please RSVP by contacting Commissioner Lynda Bell’s district office at 305-378-6677. South Dade Park is located at 28151 SW 164 Avenue.
Hey kids…! Maggie Anzardo let us know that Southland Mall is having its third annual mini kids’ convention, or ‘Kids Week,’ from July 23rd through July 28th. The festivities kicked off on Center Court Monday, July 23rd with Miami Children’s Museum’s interactive program based on their newest traveling exhibit ‘Summer Games,’ and ‘Kids Week’ highlights include a wing eating contest on Thursday, July 26th from 5-7 p.m., courtesy of Buffalo Wild Wings, a children’s magic show on Friday, July 27th at 3 p.m., capped with a three-hour grand finale on Saturday, July 28th from 12-3 p.m., sponsored by Sprinkles Magazine, ZOO Miami, and ESPN Deportes.
“Southland is excited to present its third annual ‘Kids Week’ event,” said Anzardo, who is marketing director at Southland Mall. “This mini kids’ convention has become one of two signature events at the center and will be held every summer at Southland.” Southland Mall is also giving away a $500 mall gift card. Simply visit <www.mysouthlandmall.com> and click on the gift card widget on the upper-left hand corner of the home page to register your entry via Facebook or Twitter. The winner will be announced during the Kids Week grand finale on Saturday, July 28th.
Yard sale fans, take note! The Village of Palmetto Bay has an article posted on their official website with some really great tips about yard sales, most from veteran garage-sale enthusiast Judy Jones. Some are things you might think of on your own, but many you might not be aware of and could help, whether you’re a buyer or a seller. Here’s the link to check it out: <www.palmettobay-fl.gov/content/garage-sale-shopping-tips>.
We received an email from Cutler Bay resident Steve Zarzecki, who is feeling positive about the way things are going. “I believe that a new day has dawned here in Cutler Bay. We now have an interim Town Manager who has demonstrated a commitment to responsiveness, cooperation, and outreach. Our mayor can now work for the people of Cutler Bay without obstruction and defiance. Our Town Council has made a public commitment to ‘move forward’ for the good of the community. I believe that this new spirit of communication, cooperation and civility can (and should) become the norm in our community. We can all learn to respect each others’ opinions, even though we may not agree with them. This is how our local government is supposed to work — representative democracy at its best.”
Cheers for Palmetto Bay Mayor Shelley Stanczyk for braving the needle at the blood drive recently sponsored by the village police department. It was a worthwhile cause and more people need to get involved.
And don’t forget that the locally made film, “Hidden Rage,” about bullying and violence in schools, is now out on DVD and available just about everywhere.
Thought for the Day:
No man’s life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session. – Mark Twain
We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it. – William Faulkner
Good can imagine Evil, but Evil cannot imagine Good. – W. H. Auden
Gary Alan Ruse contributed to this column.
Got any tips? Contact me at 305-669-7355, ext. 249, or send emails to <Michael@communitynewspapers.com>.
It seems as if South Dade Park is one of a slew of areas that are participating in this giveaway to kids who need a backpack this coming year. Great read.