Hey, drivers…whether you live in Palmetto Bay or merely pass through it on a regular basis, you would do well to avoid speeding. That’s always a good idea for many reasons, but here’s a new one—the village is cracking down on speeders with a new program called “CITE”; the Comprehensive Improvised Traffic Enforcement Initiative. CITE targets all areas of the village, particularly those that are popular with speeders and drivers who ignore stop signs. “Using their own records and residents’ input, officials have assigned officers at known trouble spots during both morning and evening rush hours. Those who speed up will pay up.” We hear that fines range from $151 up to $369, and points are also levied. So a word to the wise…slow it down!
Southland Mall in Cutler Bay is all about the kids in May and June. On May 18th the Alexander Montessori School Choir will return for another of its popular performances. Then on Saturday May 19th the monthly Kids’ Club Event will be an interactive children’s magic show filled with music, games, prizes and much more beginning at 2 p.m. at Center Court. The Kids’ Club fun continues the following month on June 23rd with a Sing-A-Long with Dora event starting at 2 p.m. You can sign up for the Kids’ Club (well, your kids can) for free. It’s open to children 12 and under. Stop by the Guest Services Booth located next to the kids play area near the carousel and receive a free gift when you join. All activities are free. Then on Sunday, May 20th from 1- 4 p.m. at Center Court is the Read Conmigo Storytelling Event, something for the entire family, sponsored by Infinity Insurance and Read Conmigo! Become a member of Read Conmigo and receive a free bilingual book.
Make a difference in someone’s life… Speaking of reading, you can become an Adult Literacy Tutor. The Miami-Dade Public Library System is seeking volunteer tutors for Project L.E.A.D. (Literacy for Every Adult in Dade). Prospective volunteers must pass a background check and attend a one-day tutor training workshop (registration required). No previous teaching experience is necessary. For a complete list of requirements and to register for one of the tutor training workshops, contact Project L.E.A.D. at 305-375-5323 or email <projectlead@mdpls.org>.
The Tutor Training Workshops are Saturday, June 2, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the North Dade Regional Library and on Saturday, June 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the South Dade Regional Library.
Music! Miami Dade College’s MDC Live Arts closes its 2017-18 season with a gala event: Layali al-Andalus at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 at the Olympia Theater, 174 E. Flagler Street, featuring the National Arab Orchestra and special guests. The Ojalá / Inshallah season was named for the Spanish word for “I wish” and the Arabic phrase for “God willing” as a reminder of the Moorish impact on the Spanish language and Hispanic identity shared by so many greater Miami residents. This final performance, Layali al-Andalus, or “Andalusian Nights,” embodies the Arab-Hispanic connection, conjuring the oft romanticized historical place and time of cultural co-existence and exchange in an enchanting evening of Arab Classical music, flamenco and more.
Dedicated to performing and preserving the classical and contemporary traditions of Arab music, the 24-member National Arab Orchestra features violins and cellos alongside traditional instruments such as oud, qanun (zither), nay (reed flute) and a percussion section including riqq (Arab tambourine). The ensemble will be joined by esteemed Flamenco guitarist Jose Luis de la Paz, Flamenco dancer Niurca Marquez, and Flamenco singer Alejandro El Gambimbas (direct from Spain); Arabic singers Marian Layousse, Abdallah Moussa, and Sephardic singer Susana Behar. A pre-concert reception will celebrate the season, offering complimentary Mediterranean hors d’oeuvres and refreshments for all concert goers. For information visit <mdclivearts.org> or <olympiatheater.org>, and for tickets go to <tickets.olympiatheater.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=209>.
Thought of the Day:
Life is a succession of moments. To live each one is to succeed. – Corita Kent
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.
