Up north, some crazy, creative, funny Groveites with a quirky mind set for political satire held another great parade the Sunday after Christmas. The King Mango Strut Parade was held on a picture perfect South Florida day had to be one of the funniest ever with a crowd to match. As always, the Sierra Club had 50 members for their “Sierra Club Loves Global Warming “ unit with 50 people dressed as High Rise buildings under water, boats promoting inland Beachfront properties, and the most creative, a woman in a window frame fishing and catching a shark dressed man with her fishing pole and lure. The Hill Bullies from DC came in suits as did the Secret Service float that was too racy to print. The empty chair Clift Eastwood spoke to at the Convention was the Grand Marshal to give one an idea of the hilarity involved in this completely irreverent and, often times, R-rated parade which was the complete opposite of the Jr. Orange Bowl Parade held later that same day.
South Miami students had great success in the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee’s 25th Annual Essay Competition this year. Cosponsored once again by the South Florida Writers Association, this contest is open to 8th grade students in Miami-Dade County whose teachers submit work for adjudication. Winning writers, teachers, family and friends all gathered at Books and Books in Coral Gables for an awards reception on Jan. 5th, coordinated by JOBC member Connie Goodman-Milone, Creative Writing Chair. The writers placing in the competition included Sophie Ruiz, South Miami Middle School, who place first; Connor Cunningham, Palmetto Middle School, placing second; and another South Miamian, Audrey Barba, South Miami Middle School who place third.
For more information on this and other Jr. Orange Bowl events, visit www.jrorangebowl.com/creativewriting.
In other news, Jon Jay, a St. Louis Cardinals outfielder and Miami native, will host his 2nd Annual Celebrity Bowling Challenge on January 26, at Lucky Strike Lanes, on Michigan Ave. in Miami Beach. Proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade to support its many positive programs for 10,000 area youth. Jay is also a B&GC alum having played baseball at the Club for years. Along with other Major League Baseball stars, Jay will bowl with attendees during the fun-filled fundraising event. The evening will include red carpet arrivals, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, exciting bowling matches and more. Call 305-532- 0307 for more information.
Finally, volunteers will provide free basic income tax return preparation and free electronic filing to individuals with low to moderate incomes ($50,000 maximum income), individuals with disabilities, non-English speaking taxpayers, and the elderly at University of Miami School of Law School Campus, 1311 Miller Drive. Upcoming sessions are scheduled for Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 and Feb 27, 2013. SPACE IS LIMITED! Please contact Cecilia Calderon- Salzburg at 305-284-8195.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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