Well folks, it’s 2015. Happy New Year to you and yours! Of course, we all know it’s only the number of the date that’s new. Most things are still the same. We still have some work to do on the economy, we still have American men and women in the armed services overseas, many in harm’s way, who need our appreciation and support, and we still have the day-to-day tasks that need doing. But both Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay have some new people on their councils and there are interesting and hopeful new things on the horizon. And if we choose to think of the new year as a fresh start, well, that’s all to the good.
Speaking of the armed services, more than 120 third and fourth grade students at Dr. Edward L. Whigham Elementary School in Cutler Bay decided to give a spirit boost to as many of our troops as they could by participating in a letter writing campaign to let our soldiers know how much they are appreciated. After learning of our service members’ contributions to the nation, the students wrote letters to active duty service members and then mailed them to Operation Gratitude before Thanksgiving so they could arrive by the holidays.
“Students, who addressed their letters simply to ‘Dear Hero,’ shared some of their favorite pastimes, talked about the weather and included hand drawn pictures,” Adrian Delesdernier, an Education Specialist at Whigham, told us. “Additionally, students who practiced their writing skills using the new Florida Standards, made sure to thank the soldiers for their service to our country.”
Things like that can and do make a difference to our troops stationed overseas.
New committee. The Village of Palmetto Bay has five available seats on the Special Events Advisory Committee. Are you interested? Created by the Council to assist in the planning and organization of all future Village events and helping coordinate the fun, the members of this committee would also offer input and recommendations to the Village’s Parks and Recreation Department. “Like the Village’s other advisory boards, this committee is bound by Florida Sunshine laws and serves at the will of the Council,” they tell us.
“The Special Events Advisory Committee will meet with the Director of Parks and Recreation and offer assistance with regard to community events defined in the Village Budget; and, provide input and recommendations to the Village Council for improvement, if necessary, and recommend future events.” So if you’re a resident of the village and want to get involved in suggesting and planning upcoming events, submit an application to be submitted with a resume to the Village Council. For information, call Village Hall at 305-259-1234.
Just to spice things up! The town of Cutler Bay is having their Sixth Annual Chili Day in Cutler Bay event on Saturday, January 10, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The location, as before, is Cutler Ridge Park, 10100 SW 200th Street, in Cutler Bay. This is a popular event each year and gives area chefs a chance to compete for prizes for the best chili, salsa or cornbread. It also gives residents a chance to eat these favorite foods! Besides the food, camaraderie and activities there will be music by local band Cutler Stew. For information call Fred Bobson in the Parks and Recreation Department at 305-238-4166.
Thought of the Day:
Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty; they merely move it from their faces into their hearts.
— Martin Buxbaum.
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.
