At the School Board Meeting of April 17, 2024, School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas proffered agenda item H-16, directing the Superintendent of Schools to start the process of reviewing and updating School Board Policy 2340 – Field and Other District-Sponsored Trips, and established administrative procedures, and School Board Policy 8640 – Transportation for Field and Other District-sponsored Trips, as needed, to ensure that all aspects of the safety of students and teachers are carefully analyzed and executed; and report to the Board by April 30, 2024, a plan to accomplish the action proposed in this agenda item.
A field trip offers both students and teachers a rare opportunity to learn and grow outside the four walls of the classroom. Field trips offer a valuable learning knowledge for students, allowing them to explore, engage in fun activities, and gain exposure to new experiences. The educational benefits of field trips are easy to see, but we cannot forget that children’s safety on these trips is priority number one.
School Board Policy 2340 – Field and Other District-sponsored Trips, delineates Board policy and addresses administrative procedures that should be included for the operation of both field and other District-sponsored trips. This policy was adopted May 11, 2011. School Board Policy 8640 – Transportation for Field and Other District-sponsored Trips outlines the transportation policy for field and other district-sponsored trips. This policy became effective July 1, 2011. Therefore, this item seeks to direct the Superintendent of Schools to start the process of reviewing and updating School Board Policies 2340 and 8640, and established administrative procedures, as needed, to ensure that all aspects of the safety of students and teachers are carefully analyzed and executed.
The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA) is pleased to announce the expansion of its board with the appointment of Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Moise as Board Chair, alongside five new board members. The announcement comes as former Board Chair William Lehman has been honored with the title of Chair Emeritus.
“Having served on the board for more than seven years, I remain committed in this new role to ensuring that MOCA and all that the museum offers resonates deeply with the North Miami community and achieves international recognition,” says Dr. Moise. “What sets MOCA apart is its dedication to showcasing underrepresented voices and stories, reflecting the diversity of South Florida. My vision is for MOCA to serve as a catalyst for cross-cultural understanding, fostering connections both locally and globally.”
“We are delighted to welcome such prominent figures to our board as we continue expanding on our mission and internal growth,” said Chana Sheldon, MOCA Executive Director. “As the institution grows, we stay as rooted as ever in our mission to be a steward of our city and its ever-evolving cultural landscape. We look forward to working alongside Dr. Moise in his new role as Board Chair, confident that his leadership will help broaden the diverse impact of the museum, ensuring that it remains a vibrant hub of cultural exchange and enrichment for all.”
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Dr. Moise moved to the United States at age 17 and later earned his medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Following his studies in Chicago, he came to Miami to pursue a Master in Business Administration and Juris Doctor at the University of Miami.
Dr. Moise served in the United States Air Force Reserve as a flight surgeon for more than 21 years. Through this work he earned the rank of colonel, the highest position awarded to an American of Haitian descent at that time. In 2023, President Joe Biden awarded Dr. Moise the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
Arriving at MOCA with years of expertise across various fields, Dr. Moise brings a strong commitment to engagement and advocacy for underserved communities. Since 1984, he’s been at the helm of Comprehensive Health Center, one of the leading medical centers in the region. Through his role as a primary care physician, he has treated more than 25,000 patients in the local community. In this work, Moise became deeply rooted in all aspects of the North Miami neighborhood, with particular investments in the Haitian community and cultural sphere. Over the last four years, he also expanded his practice and specializations to include medical aesthetics, opening Comprehensive Medical Aesthetics, where he is the owner and medical director. Dr. Moise is also a devoted husband and father; he and his wife, Mirjam, have two children.
“As Mayor, I am thrilled to extend a heartfelt welcome and congratulate Dr. Rudolph Moise as the Chair of MOCA’s Board,” said North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme. “His vision and expertise will undoubtedly elevate our cultural landscape and inspire our community.”
As MOCA’s Board Chair, Dr. Moise will help to further the museum’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, expanding educational initiatives, and creating meaningful collaborations with local and international partners.
“North Miami’s arts scene has undergone remarkable growth and transformation over the years, with MOCA playing a pivotal role in shaping its evolution,” Dr. Moise adds. “As a resident and physician deeply embedded in the community, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of MOCA’s art and programming on the neighborhood.”
In addition to this new chair seat, MOCA’s Board of Trustees has almost doubled in the last year, bringing in a multitude of new voices and perspectives from various backgrounds. Five new board members join Dr. Moise in this expansion, including: Linda Heller Kamm, Jumaane N’Namdi, Whit Williams, Ariana Waller, and Diego Polenghi. Collectively, the new Trustees bring a diverse range of expertise spanning law, art, finance, technology, and wealth management, enhancing the museum’s operations, acquisitions, and engagement strategies, and reflecting the diversity of South Florida.
To learn more about MOCA’s board, upcoming programming and exhibitions, please visit the museum’s website.
About Dr. Rudy Moise
Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Moise was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and moved to the United States at age 17. Dr. Moise earned his medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He later earned a Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor from the University of Miami. Since 1984, Dr. Moise has been the President and Medical Director of Comprehensive Health Center, treating more than 25,000 patients in the local community. Dr. Moise is a successful businessperson, having been awarded the “Black Business of the Year Award” by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the “Community Leadership Award in 2004. In 2005,The Business Journal named Dr. Moise one of five finalists for the “Best Physician of the Year” Award in South Florida.
About the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami
MOCA North Miami presents contemporary art and its historical influences through exhibitions, educational programs, and collections. Inspired by its surrounding communities, MOCA connects diverse audiences and cultures by providing a welcoming place to encounter new ideas and voices and nurturing a lifelong love of the arts. MOCA developed from the Center of Contemporary Art which was inaugurated in 1981. The establishment of the permanent collection coincided with the institution’s move into its current building designed by Charles Gwathmey of GSNY in 1996.
Under the direction of Executive Director Chana Sheldon and a newly installed Board of Trustees, MOCA showcased My Name is Maryan curated by Alison Gingeras during Miami Art Week in 2021, which traveled to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art in late 2022. The museum also premiered AFRICOBRA: Messages to the People during Art Basel Miami Beach in 2018. AFRICOBRA: Nation Time, the next chapter of the exhibition, was selected as an official Collateral Event of Biennale Arte 2019 in Venice, Italy. Other original exhibitions include: Jamea Richmond-Edwards: Ancient Future curated by Adeze Wilford(2023), Didier William: Nou Kite Tout Sa Dèyè curated by Erica Moiah James, Ph.D. (2022), Michael Richards: Are You Down? co-curated by Alex Fialho and Melissa Levin (2021), Raul de Nieves: Eternal Return and The Obsidian Heart curated by Risa Puleo (2020), and Alice Rahon: Poetic Invocations curated by Teresa Arcq (2019).
Blue whales are fascinating animals. At 24-30 metres in length (longer than a basketball court) they are the largest creatures on Earth. They are also among the rarest. Estimates suggest that there are only around 5,000 to 15,000 blue whales left in the world.
Their populations experienced a 89-97% decline due to commercial whaling activities worldwide that started in the North Atlantic in 1868. Blue whales were primarily valued for their blubber, transformed into oil and used in cosmetics and soap, for the lubrication of industrial equipment, and as lamp oil. In 1978, the last deliberate capture of a blue whale was recorded off Spain.
Today, blue whales are found in all oceans except the Arctic. They usually migrate from their summer feeding grounds where they almost exclusively feed on krill to their winter breeding grounds. However, their migration patterns are still poorly understood, particularly in the Indian Ocean, where limited research has been conducted.
Historically, the Seychelles archipelago – off the coast of east Africa – was an opportunistic whaling ground for Soviet whaling fleets en route to and from the Antarctic. In the waters of the northern Indian Ocean, whalers illegally killed more than 1,200 blue whales, including 500 near the Seychelles, between 1963 and 1966.
Since then, no dedicated research had occurred to assess the abundance of blue whales in this region until 2020, when I partnered with the University of Seychelles, Oceanic Films (UK) and my colleague, Kate Stafford, to investigate.
We carried out two expeditions in November 2020 and 2021. After surveying about 5,500km across the northern Seychelles, we had a total of five sightings of up to 10 blue whales.
This was a phenomenal finding. We were prepared to not see any blue whales due to the high level of hunting that occurred fairly recently and absolutely no information was available since the last blue whale was killed in the region in 1964.
When blue whales were sighted, we approached them slowly to obtain details of their group size and behaviour. Photographs of both left and right sides of the dorsal region were taken to identify them.
Because colouration patterns are unique to each animal, we knew that at least five individuals were identified during this expedition.
After sharing our pictures with other research groups working on blue whales in the Indian Ocean, no “match” was found. This means the whales we identified in Seychelles might have been photographed for the first time ever!
Even though blue whales are no longer hunted and are protected by several international conventions, they are still listed as endangered on the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species. They face a range of threats. For instance, shipping traffic causes noise pollution that can alter communication and lead to collisions. Climate change is also affecting the distribution and abundance of their key food, krill.
Finding the whales
The blue whale’s vast oceanic habitat and elusive nature make them incredibly challenging to study. Moreover, their deep dives and extensive migrations spanning thousands of kilometres present logistical hurdles for researchers aiming to track their movements and behaviour.
Understanding their ecology, population dynamics and conservation therefore requires innovative and resource-intensive research methods, such as systematic surveys from large vessels or planes to assess their abundance or satellite tagging to investigate their movements and migrations.
Our expeditions consisted of vessel-based visual surveys that focused on the deep waters (500−2,000 metres) off the northern portion of the Mahé Plateau.
In addition, for over a year, we placed a hydrophone (an underwater microphone capable of recording whale vocalisations) in an area where blue whales were likely to occur. This allowed us to confirm that blue whales in Seychelles were more common than we thought but highly seasonal (even though we recorded blue whale calls throughout the year), primarily from December to April.
This method also revealed that our expeditions (in November of 2020 and 2021) did not occur when blue whales were the most abundant. It means that our future surveys will have to take place during the months of March and April, when their abundance is at its peak.
Their songs matched those of blue whales recorded near Sri Lanka (about 3,100km from Seychelles), in the central tropical Indian Ocean. The seasonality in Seychelles is similar to the presence of blue whales in Sri Lanka, which is also highest from December to April.
After spending five weeks scanning the ocean, we recorded a total of 23 species of whales and dolphins in 30 days of active search effort, which is remarkable.
We recorded over 100 sightings of Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni), a non-migrating whale species exclusively living in tropical and subtropical waters, but also many sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and beaked whales. The presence of all these species in Seychelles suggests that the environment is productive enough to support large quantities of cetaceans. We will further investigate this in the future, particularly to ensure that these extraordinary animals, including blue whales, persist in these waters.
Of the four subspecies of blue whale that we know exist, three are known to be present in the Indian Ocean. We believe that the pygmy blue whale is the subspecies visiting Seychelles, based on the physical characteristics of the animals we observed and, most importantly, the nature of their call.
The pygmy blue whale is generally smaller than other subspecies. It typically reaches lengths of around 21-24 metres. Other blue whale subspecies, such as the Antarctic blue whale, can grow to 30 metres or more. The pygmy blue whale is primarily found in the southern hemisphere and has acoustic characteristics that are distinct from others, particularly Antarctic blue whales.
What’s next?
Because of our blue whale discoveries, we have engaged with local tourism operators and the government, particularly to identify measures to limit the impact of the potential development of whale watching as an activity. These are positive steps towards their conservation. The involvement of local students at the University of Seychelles and young researchers is also critical for the long-term sustainability of research and conservation initiatives.
We still know so little about blue whales. But the data collected in Seychelles gives us hope and encourages us to do more.
We now need to increase our research efforts to assess the abundance of these blue whales in Seychelles and discover why they are using Seychelles’ waters. Do they just breed or feed in these waters, or both?
We also want to gain further insights into what they eat and how the changing climate is affecting their distribution and behaviour in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.
Dance NOW! Miami Program III featuring world premiere of “Pop”
WHEN:
Friday, May 17 in Broward & Saturday, May 18 in Aventura, both shows 8 pm
WHERE:
Broward Center for the Performing Arts Amaturo Theater, 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th Street, Aventura, FL
ADMISSION:
For Broward, $50 reserved seating, $20 for students with valid ID, at box office only. For Aventura, $45 reserved seating, $20 for students with valid ID at box office only. Advance tickets for both venues at www.dancenowmiami.org/events/pop.
FOR MORE INFO:
(305) 975-8489 or info@dancenowmiami.org
TThe snap, crackle and pop of contemporary dance has a destination this season when Dance NOW! Miami presents its Program III, Friday, May 17, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Amaturo Theater, and Saturday, May 18, at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, both at 8 pm. The program will feature the world premiere of Diego Salterini’s musical and dance journey Pop, a restaging by Daniel Lewis of his Open Book, and a revival of Hannah Baumgarten’s Tethered.
Pop explores themes of love, despair and coming-of-age to an iconic score of 80s and 90s music hits, reimagined by long-time Dance NOW! Miami collaborator, composer Davidson Jaconello. “This new piece draws on my own memories of the two featured musical decades, and the arc of my own life,” said Dance NOW! Miami Co-Artistic Director Salterini. “I hope that it will evoke the audience’s own experiences as well, through the universal language of dance.” Pop includes sets and lighting from Bruce F. Brown, and costumes by Haydee and Maria Morales.
Daniel Lewis is a dance legend and Miami icon, having first been the Limón Dance Company Artistic Director in New York City, and then becoming the Founding Director of the Dance Department at South Florida’s New World School of the Arts. He will restage his modern dance piece Open Book, which premiered originally in 1981, on the Dance NOW! Miami company dancers. This autobiographical work, based on Lewis’ own poem, “Life Is an Open Book,” features music from Gustav Mahler, Richard Wagner, and Gioachino Antonio Rossini.
Dance NOW! Miami Co-Artistic Director Baumgarten’s contemporary ballet, Tethered, is a celebration of pure physicality and visceral movement, unpacking the ways in which we are all tied – tethered – to one another. It features four dancers and an original score by Davidson Jaconello and Felix Rosch, with sets and lighting from Bruce F. Brown, and costumes by Haydee and Maria Morales.
Tickets for Broward are $50 reserved seating, and $20 for students with valid ID, at box office only. For Aventura, tickets are $45 reserved seating, and $20 for students with valid ID, at box office only. Advance tickets and full information are available at www.dancenowmiami.org/events/pop. Both venues are fully wheelchair accessible, with adjacent parking. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts Amaturo Theater is located at 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL; the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is at 3385 NE 188th Street, Aventura, FL. To request materials in accessible format, or any disability accommodation, visit www.dancenowmiami.org or contact Dance NOW! at (305) 975-8489 and info@dancenowmiami.org.
Support for Dance NOW! Miami, and its performances, is provided in part by the National Endowment for the Arts; the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture; the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes); the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners; the City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council; the City of Coral Gables; Funding Arts Broward; Citizens Interested in Arts; Miami Salon Group; the Kirk Foundation; the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation; Florida Dance Education Organization; Miami Dance Futures; Foundation for New Education Initiatives; Miami ArtZine; the Samara Fund; the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau; the South Beach Group; KCC Productions; Akerman Law firm; Northern Trust Bank; the City of Miami Parks and Recreation Department and the Little Haiti Cultural Complex; and other donors. Dance NOW! is also funded by The Children’s Trust. The Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County. Dance NOW! is in a resident company of the Little Haiti Cultural Complex and the Miami Beach Bandshell.
Over the last four years, animal services departments across the nation were tested like never before. Pet adoptions skyrocketed during the pandemic, when 2% more animals left shelters than came in, according to Shelter Animals Count, a nationally trusted source on shelter pet data. But in the last two years, that trend has reversed, amounting to an all-time high of homeless animals across the United States. Experts attribute the crisis to a variety of factors, from the rising cost of living to increased housing insecurity.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
Miami-Dade too felt the challenge, and through the committed efforts of community organizations we have been at the forefront of tackling this crisis head on. Our Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department is leading these efforts – with the support of loyal and dedicated volunteers like Yolanda Berkowitz who believe in our core mission to care and love our animals.
Yolanda’s visionary and compassionate leadership led her to launch her nonprofit, Friends of Miami Animals Foundation (FOMA), whose mission is to save and improve the lives of homeless pets. FoMA is leading the way towards the elimination of pet homelessness and suffering in Miami-Dade County by addressing underlying issues contributing to pet overpopulation and abandonment. Through partnerships, spay and neuter programs, volunteer and foster initiatives, as well as public awareness and education, FoMA is a leader in animal welfare in our community.
Through FoMA’s partnership with Wings of Rescue and sponsorship, there have been 1,000+ animals moved from Miami Dade County Animal Services to no-kill rescue partners in the Northeast and Canada, where pets were able to safely find forever homes. Through the WOW Mobile and medical grants provided to clinical partners, FoMA has invested more than $1 million to keep pets with their families and out of our sheltering system. FoMA has recruited more than 500 new volunteers and fosters, helping ease the burden of care on shelter staff members and creating connections between Miami-Dade Animal Services and our community.
Yolanda’s tireless and deep-rooted commitment to the work of pet services is demonstrated through FoMA’s donation of more than $100,000 in facility improvements to our County Shelter and other rescues in Miami-Dade County, to provide things like play yards, fencing, and other needed physical improvements to create a better quality of life for pets in the shelter system. Through grants to Miami-Dade Animal Services and other partners, FoMA has given more than $75,000 towards pet retention programs such as food relief, training, and other initiatives to help more owners keep their pets at home.
Miami-Dade is known for our community service and residents who step up to do important work, but Yolanda Berkowitz stands out because she talks the talk, and walks the walk. Now more than ever we need her passion and long-term vision for animal services, which is why we are grateful she is willing to do even more through an appointment to the newly formed Miami-Dade Animal Services Advisory Board. This new county Advisory Board will help guide key decisions and provide ongoing support to our innovative and committed Animal Services Department led by our director, Annette Jose, and a dedicated team of county staff.
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Let’s Chat with Disco George and special guest, Chef James of La Doña
For more news, be sure to go to https://www.communitynewspapers.com
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
State Sen. Lauren Book leads Walk in My Shoes participants through Downtown Miami on Saturday, Apr. 6.
The Lauren’s Kids Foundation — a Florida-based nonprofit that works to prevent child sexual abuse and help survivors heal — has been trekking 1,500 miles across Florida from Key West to the Panhandle in the name of child safety and abuse prevention.
Led by State Sen. Lauren Book, the Walk in My Shoes campaign has traversed the state throughout the month of April during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
In Miami-Dade County Sen. Book and the Walk in My Shoes participants trekked through Homestead with MUJER, through Goulds up to Coral Gables, then from Brickell to Wynwood in partnership with Kristi House Children’s Advocacy Center, and from the Hard Rock Stadium east to North Miami.
“As a parent, the statistics are scary: one in three girls and one in five boys will become a victim of sexual abuse before their 18th birthday, and one in five children who touch a digital device will be sexually solicited online,” said Sen. Book, a survivor who has successfully changed laws in the Florida Capitol through her advocacy. “We’re walking to shine a light and educate communities, because 95 percent of this abuse is preventable with education and awareness – and personal safety doesn’t have to be a scary or uncomfortable topic.”
Sen. Book was joined by thousands of walkers throughout her month-long journey, including educators, advocates, and survivors all walking hand-in-hand for change. The Walk in My Shoes began in 2010; since that time, tens of thousands of participants have joined to walk across the state raising awareness about child sexual abuse prevention and honoring the 42 million survivors living in the U.S. today.
Lauren Book, MS ED, founder and CEO of Lauren’s Kids, is an internationally recognized child protection advocate, best-selling author and Florida state senator who works every day to protect childhood. She is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, suffered at the hands of a trusted caretaker from the time she was 10 until the age of 16. Armed with the knowledge that 95 percent of sexual abuse is preventable through education and awareness, Book has worked to turn her horrific personal experience into a vehicle to prevent childhood sexual abuse and help other survivors heal.
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
Naftali Group hosted a memorable groundbreaking event for JEM Private Residences on Wednesday, Apr. 6, at 1016 NE Second Ave. The event featured speeches from Peggy Olin, CEO of OneWorld Properties; Miami Commissioner Christine King; Miki Naftali, chair and CEO of Naftali Group; Bernardo Fort-Brescia, founding principal of Arquitectonica; David Rockwell, founder and president of Rockwell Group, and Daniele Naftali, executive vice president of Marketing and Design at Naftali Group, followed by a ceremonial shovel dig.
JEM Private Residences will serve as a landmark focal point within the city’s iconic Miami Worldcenter.
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
Education is the most empowering force in the world. It breaks down barriers, develops skills, creates opportunities, and builds confidence. In today’s economy and workforce, a postsecondary education can truly change a person’s life.
I am living proof of this and grateful for Florida Prepaid College Plans.
Like many Miami residents, I was born to two Cuban immigrants. My grandparents had come to the United States to rebuild their lives and provide all they could for their children.
For my grandparents, this meant repeating their education. They spent over a decade of their lives attending college, all while raising their own family in a new country. The sacrifices that my grandparents and parents made greatly influenced my decisions as a parent.
My father attended medical school in Spain and my mother was raising a newborn – more than 4,000 miles away from the comforts of everything they knew. When they moved back to Miami, I can’t imagine it was an easy decision for them to put money every month toward my Florida Prepaid College Plan. My college years probably seemed like a lifetime away, as they managed and cared for myself and three younger siblings.
Thanks to their sacrifice, I was able to complete my bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Florida International University and graduate debt free. I had the financial freedom to then focus on gaining experience in my field. I began my career in hospitality, working for industry leaders like The Biltmore Hotel and the Four Seasons Hotel in Miami, and then co-founded my own boutique event firm.
When my husband and I became parents, one of the first things we did as a family was to start a Prepaid Plan for both of our children, providing them the same financial security and debt-free future that our parents had gifted us so many years earlier.
Florida Prepaid College Plans are the lowest prices they have been in 10 years, starting at just $34 per month. Open Enrollment is available now until Apr. 30. I encourage all families to consider this gift and sign up your children, grandchildren, godchildren, or other school-age family members for plans.
Gloria Fonts Suarez is the spouse of City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
Pictured at the ribbon-cutting ceremony are (l-r) Commissioner Ariel Fernandez; Commissioner Kirk Menendez; Danny Rodriguez, co-founder/CEO, Blue Missions; Leslie Ramos, CEO, Blue Missions; Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson; Matthew Anderson, assistant director Mobility & Sustainability for Coral Gables, and Catherine Cathers, Cultural Arts Department of Coral Gables.
What happens when a local non-profit, Blue Missions, sets out to educate the public about local water issues? Not your typical public awareness billboard.
The organization recently unveiled a public art exhibit that blends talented young creatives, augmented reality technology, and public officeholders to demand attention in different dimensions for the sake of clean water.
Brought to life by the creatives at Vaco Studio and Sunken Blimp, the installation was approved by the Coral Gables City Commission as part of the city’s Art in Public Places program. It features a hanging cylindrical “well” adorned with illustrations by Miami artist Nic Vasquez.
When standing underneath it and scanning the QR code, onlookers are taken on an augmented reality exploration of the water cycle, transporting them to the South Florida wetlands without leaving Coral Gables.
“This valuable resource is often overlooked or taken for granted and we all have a role to play in protecting it so that it can continue to give life to future generations,” said Leslie Ramos, CEO at Blue Missions Group.
The idea behind this concept was the brainchild of Ramos who has been serving creatively with Blue Missions since 2015.
“I saw other public art displays that gained traction in person and online and thought this medium is such an untapped tool for awareness building,” she said.
Ramos envisioned an art display with a dual purpose.
“Our water source flows right below our feet. I imagined giving it the attention it deserves by bringing it overhead. Ultimately, the creatives at Vaco took the assignment and ran with it to design the floating well.”
In alignment with the organization’s mission to inspire stewardship of water resources, the piece isn’t just aesthetics, it also educates the viewer about how water travels through the environment before reaching the taps and the many threats it faces along the way. To accomplish this, The Water Below Us leverages augmented reality technology to bring every phase of the water cycle to life so that viewers can learn about the threats facing our source, the Biscayne Aquifer, today.
The piece comes at a time when major cities around the world are struggling with water scarcity, and environmental agencies are releasing reports that warn of worsening conditions due to pollution, deforestation, population growth, misuse, and changing climate patterns.
“An educated public is more likely to care and take action on these issues. You can go without a lot of things, but not a single day without water,” Ramos said.
Taking The Water Below Us from concept to reality took collaboration between the public sector, the nonprofit, and the private sector.
“It was really cool to bring together different stakeholders that normally wouldn’t rub shoulders. Each one contributed unique talents and resources to create something that meets different goals for everyone involved,” she said.
Coral Gables is no stranger to the vibrant art scene. In 2018, Giralda Plaza drew a lot of Instagram-worthy attention with the Umbrella Sky Project.
“These artistic installations enliven Coral Gables’ Downtown and encourage both locals and tourists to interact with art in new ways,” said Catherine Cathers, Cultural Arts Department for the City of Coral Gables. “With The Water Below Us, we’re not only adding art appeal to a pedestrian walkway but also educating those who come to enjoy the restaurants and ambiance by taking them on a journey of a drop of water.”
The Water Below Us can be viewed through May 21 at Giralda Plaza, 255 Giralda Ave., between Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Galiano Street. Admission is free.
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
Attending thw Rotary Club of Coral Gables Fifth Friday social are (l-r): Dr. Phil Boswell, RCCG president Frank Sexton, Tom Gallagher, Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson and Christina Constantini.
Women’s clubs make a difference addressing community needs
Pictured at Origen on Miracle Mile for the launch of Lele Reis’ new line are designer Leticia Matheus (center) and her many fans.
Women’s clubs make a difference addressing community needs
Pictured at Origen on Miracle Mile for the launch of Lele Reis’ new line are Leticia Matheus (center) with CGWC board members Saesha Tennyson and her mother, Rita Tennyson, owner of R Catering.
Women’s clubs make a difference addressing community needs
It seems everywhere one turns, there are General Federation of Women’s Club District 11 clubs in South Florida making a positive impact with programs and initiatives — from showcasing young artists and musicians and cleaning up neighborhoods to collecting for those in need and holding countless fundraisers to support the various clubs’ many charitable efforts.
The Young Artists’ Gallery (YAG) of the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove marked its 22nd anniversary on Mar. 23 by announcing the recipients of its 2024 scholarships and awards that totaled $34,700. Some 300 people braved the rain to attend the awards ceremony.
YAG coordinator Lisa Remeny deserves credit for producing this juried art show and scholarship program that showcased the art of so many talented Miami-Dade County public school students while also providing them with opportunities for financial support and a chance to sell their art.
Cocoplum Woman’s Club also is showcasing talented musicians from the FIU Musical Theatre Department at its fourth annual Lunch and Broadway event on Wednesday, Apr. 24, 11 a.m., at the Coco Plum Woman’s Club, 1375 Sunset Dr. in Coral Gables. The affair will benefit the club’s Max Gruver Scholarship given annually to a Coral Gables student and, for a second year, to a migrant student from Homestead. For tickets, call Kim Schain at 305-322-4626.
Yet another active club, the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club will hold its fifth annual Mother’s Day Tea, chaired by Rita Tennyson, on Saturday, May 11, 1-4 p.m., at 1001 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd.
This promises to be a great way to treat your moms, aunts, daughters, and friends to a fun-filled afternoon at a crazy “Mad Hatter” event. If you are into costumes and hats, please come dressed for a magical Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon of fun with music, Prosecco, tea, delicious delights by R Catering and a silent auction. Tickets are $125 or $85 for those under 21 years. For sponsorship opportunities or tickets, visit gfwccoralgableswomansclub.org.
Speaking of hats, hats off to Lynn Bauer, Hal Wanless, Jerry Kavulich, Dr. Chaviano, Tom and Kim Davison, Carlos & Mayra Rossi, and Miami’s Community Newspapers for supporting Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s monthly “Dingo” Gringo Bingo at Bay 13 Brewery & Kitchen with the always entertaining Steven Bradley and the music of DJ Germain. This charity event, most recently held Apr. 16, is always a great party.
Thanks to our generous in-kind donors as well such as Kings Bowl in Doral, who provide great prizes for the lucky winners; Clutch Burger; Threefold Café; Seasons 52, and more.
Over the years, this event has raised around $100,000 or more for CGWC’s charities including the club’s own free childrens’ dental clinic.
Coral Gables Rotarians, who also do such great work in our community, celebrated Fifth Friday hosted by Ana Fournaris at Keyes Real Estate in March. Club president Frank Sexton was on hand with dozens of others to enjoy a lovely social that this club holds every month that has a Fifth Friday. Among the many seen enjoying the event were Coral Gables Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, Bill Beckham, Bill Quesenberry, Sally Baumgartner Goodman, Larry Goodman, Debbie and John Swain, Phil Boswell, Tom Gallagher, Carol Brock, Hadley Williams, Dipak Joshi, Henryka Manes, and Christina Constantini.
Finally, CGWC members include some amazing women. One such woman, Leticia Matheus, whose company Lele Reis just launched a new collection of jewelry, held a celebratory party at Origen on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. Designer Leticia, who six weeks prior had delivered a beautiful baby boy, welcomed friends from the local woman’s clubs and fans for the unveiling of the new line on Mar. 29.
Aside from getting a chance to purchase some lovely new jewelry from Leticia and clothes from Origen, ladies especially enjoyed getting a peek at Leticia’s new baby boy and his older sister and dad at the party. Leticia is one of several entrepreneurial women who are members of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club and people of all ages are welcomed to join.
Until next time, share your time and talents, count your blessings, and make a difference.
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For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
Coral Gables Trust, one of the fastest-growing trust and wealth management firms headquartered in Florida and a leading provider of Wealth Management, Trust and Estate, and Financial Planning services, has announced five key appointments to its board of directors.
William D. Pruitt, president of Pruitt Enterprises LP, Pruitt Ventures Inc., and founder of Ocean Azul Partners, has been appointed as chair of the board of directors. He previously served as vice chair and assumes the position following the passing of chair Allan Pekor in January.
Pruitt has had a distinguished career, having retired from Arthur Andersen & Co. as the managing partner for Florida, the Caribbean, and Venezuela. Additionally, he has served as an independent director on multiple corporate boards and actively engages with charitable and educational organizations, including the University of Miami and the National Association of Corporate Directors. Pruitt has been a dedicated member of the board of directors since October 2009.
Richard H. Wilson Jr. has been appointed as vice chair of the board of directors. He was appointed to Coral Gables Trust’s board in 2023.
Wilson is the founder and president of Patrician Capital, managing diverse portfolios encompassing real estate, agriculture, art, and investments. His experience includes serving as a vice president at Citi Trust and as an assistant vice president at Grand Bank and Trust of Florida.
Wilson is dedicated to charitable causes, holding the position of trustee for the CAR Foundation and serving on the boards of Alterna Equity Partners and the University of North Carolina Greensboro-Bryan School of Business.
Frank Gonzalez has been named as a member of the board of directors. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant with significant experience providing audit, business consulting, SEC compliance and advisory services to organizations in a wide range of industries including real estate, financial institutions, technology, and telecommunications. He is highly experienced in the rigorous regulatory and compliance standards applied to these industries and works with both domestic and international banking organizations.
Gonzalez is the board chair of United Way Miami, past chair and president of the Orange Bowl Committee and currently serves on the boards of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Breakthrough Miami, and Center for Financial Training.
Steven McKean, an entrepreneur and executive with a strong focus on technology and finance, has been appointed as a member of the board of directors.
As founder and chair of ApexEdge (aka Billshark), he integrates AI and machine learning to revolutionize subscription management services. As the CEO of Acceller Inc., he led the company to be recognized on the INC 500 list and as the South Florida Business Journal’s “Best Place to Work.” McKean is dedicated to community service, serving on boards and mentoring with organizations including Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Endeavor.
Jeffrey A. Pfleger has been named as a member of the board of directors. As managing principal of Pfleger Financial, he heads the private client division specializing in tax and financial planning strategies for high-net-worth individuals in the U.S. and abroad.
Prior to Pfleger Financial, he was a senior vice president at Bessemer Trust, delivering investment and fiduciary services to its ultra-high net worth clients. His primary responsibilities were expanding client relationships in the Southeast region and delivering unique and customized tax and financial strategies to individuals and families. He began his career with KPMG as a CPA in Miami.
Pfleger is active with many professional groups and civic boards including the Orange Bowl Committee, and the Estate Planning Council.
“Coral Gables Trust is extremely fortunate to have such distinguished and experienced professionals lead our Board of Directors,” said Donald A. Kress, CEO and president of Coral Gables Trust. “We value highly the insights and experience they bring to our board and management team that will be invaluable in our ongoing growth.”
This esteemed group of individuals brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the board of directors, further strengthening Coral Gables Trust’s commitment to providing exceptional financial services and stewardship for its clients.
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
Naftali Group hosted a memorable groundbreaking event for JEM Private Residences on Wednesday, Apr. 6, at 1016 NE Second Ave. The event featured speeches from Peggy Olin, CEO of OneWorld Properties; Miami Commissioner Christine King; Miki Naftali, chair and CEO of Naftali Group; Bernardo Fort-Brescia, founding principal of Arquitectonica; David Rockwell, founder and president of Rockwell Group, and Daniele Naftali, executive vice president of Marketing and Design at Naftali Group, followed by a ceremonial shovel dig.
