Palmetto Bay resident Jamie Perez Sutta, who is the founder and artistic director of The Children’s Voice Chorus and whose young choristers performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall in June, tells us that they had their best summer camp ever with 50 young singers from all over the community. “On top of putting together a phenomenal end-of-camp concert, our singers wrote, recorded and filmed an original song called Break Free!” We took a look at it and the YouTube video is charming. You can see at it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-G5iimBBTM&feature=youtu.be. The chorus is based at Old Cutler Presbyterian Church in Palmetto Bay, located at 14401 Old Cutler Road, but students come from as far north as South Miami and as far south as Homestead. For information visit www.childrensvoicechorus.org or call 786- 216-7003.
Southland Mall’s fifth annual ‘Kids Week’ event on Saturday, July 26th, was a ‘rousing success’ according to Maggie Anzardo, the mall’s Marketing Director. “Kids Week has become a tradition and a signature event for the mall,” Maggie tells us. “Many of the standard sponsors returned, like Miami Children’s Museum, Zoo Miami, the Miami HEAT, The Marlins, and Superstar Productions. New partners like Raquel Torrent’s Art & Juice and Miami Samba were added to the lineup. Hundreds turned out to enjoy the daily activities of both educational and entertainment- based events for the entire family, all free.” Sara Haber from Miami Beach won a $500 mall gift card in the Facebook mall gift card contest. Southland Mall is located at 20505 South Dixie Highway. For info visit www.mysouthlandmall.com.
Knock wood? We just learned that an inventory of trees throughout the Village is taking place.
Palmetto Bay is working with a firm called E Sciences, Inc., and field staff will be inventorying trees in right-of-ways through the end of this year. Don’t worry about the cost! The USDA Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry program has granted funds in the amount of $15,000 to get the job done so they can learn the location, age, and condition of each street tree species. The goal is to set guidelines for where new street tree planting can take place, and also to assist in the preparation for and recovery after storm events. Contact Public Works or call 305-969-5011 for information.
The elections that will affect the shape of the Palmetto Bay Council are just a few months away, with several seats on the dais up for grabs. There appear to be a number of “meet and greets” and debates out there which give residents a great chance to get acquainted with all the candidates and sound them out on the important issues, so by all means, get involved. After all, it’s your village and your future. The purpose of incorporation and becoming a municipality was so residents could have more say in how things happen in their community. This is your chance to participate in the process.
Speaking of elections, congratulations to Daniella Levine Cava, the newly elected District 8 County Commissioner.
Thought of the Day:
The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
— Steve Jobs
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.