Congratulations to Dr. James A. Thomas, who was just named Rotarian of the Year by the members of the Rotary Club of Perrine- Cutler Ridge/Palmetto Bay, in recognition of his outstanding commitment and service to the community. Thomas is currently the president of the organization for 2012-2013, and is the President and CEO of Computer Systems and Software. He’s also known for his work with the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade, which serves Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Pinecrest as well.
“I am both humbled and grateful for receiving the Rotarian of the Year recognition at our Rotary Club,” said Thomas, a long time resident of the area who was originally from Paducah, Kentucky and is married to Jamie Litty Thomas. The award was presented by fellow board member James Rogers, who was last year’s Rotarian of the Year.
The Rotary Club is a service organization that has many projects to benefit the community. Their regular lunch meetings are on the first and third Tuesday of every month. For information you can visit their website at <www.rotaryonthebay.org> or call 305-897- 6827.
Congrats to Cutler Bay for another great 4th of July celebration, with the Whispering Pines Parade and the Black Point Fireworks event. Hope you all had a safe and happy 4th!
Correction… It has come to our attention that in our last issue of the Palmetto Bay News the article about the Parks Workshop had a typo in the part about attendance at the first meeting that was held at Coral Reef Park. Instead of “three” it should have read “thirty” people attending that meeting. A missing zero can make a big difference!
Late breaking news update: County Commissioner Lynda Bell is giving a $1,000 sponsorship for the Summer Concert at Ludovici Park, partnering with the village to help make this first of its kind summer concert event a success. This will be a huge help and is greatly appreciated. Other generous sponsors are also participating. You won’t want to miss this!
And by the way… We also want to acknowledge recent Palmer Trinity graduate Andrew Miller (no relation!) who is a volunteer at Village Hall in the Communications Department assisting communications guru Bill Kress, until Andrew begins his communications/ public relations studies at the University of Miami in the fall.
FON FEST alert… we hear from Megan Sedlacek, the Media Coordinator for the upcoming Friends of Nature Music Festival, being billed as “Miami’s first eco-friendly music festival,” that the organizers are sending out a call for artists, non-profit foundations, vendors, and volunteers to help contribute to making the first edition music festival a weekend to remember. Early bird ticket sales just began on Monday, July 1. FON FEST is described as “an innovative environmentally conscious festival” taking place at the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park on Key Biscayne during the weekend of November 9 and 10. FON FEST is looking for artists who are interested in displaying their artwork onsite. FON FEST also wants to help nonprofit organizations spread their message to festival attendees in a unique, interactive setting. Organizers are accepting applications for vendors, food trucks, and food carts. Vendors have the opportunity to sell ecofriendly, organic, and unique crafts at various booth sites during the Festival. Food vendors are encouraged to get creative with their menus, offering vegetarian and healthy options. And since FON FEST is dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint and leaving the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park a healthy environment, the festival is looking for volunteers to help keep the grounds clean to make sure that attendees are in a safe, healthy environment.
For information or to purchase tickets, visit <www.fonfest.com>. For inquiries about sponsorships or partnerships, contact Ines Galindo at inesgalindo@fonfest.com.
Thought of the Day:
I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. — Thomas Alva Edison
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
