Issuu

MIRAMAR

CITY BEAT

ISSUE FOUR | 2018

WWW.MIRAMARFL.GOV

TABLE OF CONTENTs MESSAGES FROM MIRAMAR’S CITY OFFICIALS 4

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN

MIRAMAR

MIRAMAR DAY 8 INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 10 I AM KING 13 SPECIALTY SUMMER CAMPS 17 RACHEL’S CHALLENGE 20 TOGETHER, WE ARE MIRAMAR

2018 WYLAND NATIONAL MAYOR’S CHALLENGE FOR WATER CONSERVATION April 1-30 Join the cause and earn a chance to win $5,000 in paid utilities. mywaterpledge.com

FREE MOVIE NIGHT! Saturday, April 28, 2018 7:00PM - 10:00PM

HAITI TOO RICH TO BE POOR: IDENTITY May 3 - July 12, 2018

A SPECIAL DAY WITH MOM! Saturday, May 5, 2018 10:00AM - 1:00PM

MIRAMAR DAY Saturday, May 19, 2018 5:00PM - 10:00PM

Botanical Garden

Miramar Regional Park

Miramar Cultural Center Ansin Family Art Gallery 2400 Civic Center Place

Miramar City Hall Shirley Branca Park 6900 Miramar Parkway

Miramar Cultural Center 2400 Civic Center Place

For more information, please call (954) 602-4357

2300 Civic Center Place | Miramar, Florida 33025

COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday, May 2, 2018 7:00PM

CITY CLERK’S

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Miramar City Hall Commission Chambers 2300 Civic Center Place

APRIL

16801 Miramar Parkway

JUNE

MAY

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

TUES

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

MON

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

www.MiramarFL.gov

H Holiday (City Closed)

C Commission Meeting

P Passport Day

Public Meeting

Messages From

Miramar’s City Officials

WAYNE M. MESSAM Mayor, City of Miramar

Did you know that it is illegal for any Florida City to pass a law regulating fire arms in any capacity? Many would think that their local elected officials would be in position to take sensible and constitutionally legal action to put safeguards in place to protect the public to lessen the prospects of mass shootings like what happened in Parkland. Florida Statutes not only preempt Miramar from passing local laws but it punishes local officials by even drafting such laws personally. In response to this restriction, I sponsored legislation to have the City of Miramar join other cities in filing a lawsuit to challenge the penalty provisions of Section 790.33 of the Florida Statutes that prohibits elected officials from passing local laws that regulate fire arms by removing them from office with no hearing and a civil fine of up to $5,000. This law was pushed through the Florida Legislature in 2011 by the National Rifle Association to chill mayors and other elected officials from talking about passing constitutionally allowed gun regulations at the local level. No other preemption in the state of Florida has this overreach. This lawsuit does not seek to take away or infringe upon the 2nd Amendment. It does seek to allow cities to explore all constitutional options to keep our communities safe like control assault style weapons from being allowed in our parks and government buildings. After the tragedy in Parkland, I received communication from residents asking what would we do as a city to prevent that very act from happening in our city. There is little we can do due to the current preemption laws by the State of Florida, however, I cannot look into the eyes of our children and residents and allow no challenge. That is why the City Commission has unanimously authorized this lawsuit to ensure your City Commission is empowered to respond to your demands for us to do something. #EnoughisEnough Yours in Service,

YVETTE COLBOURNE Vice-Mayor, City of Miramar

Greetings Miramar residents, We are certainly off to a very busy year already with beautification projects in our great city. My colleagues and I approved beautification dollars for Miramar Blvd as part of the 2013 bond and we approved the installation of a wall on Miramar Blvd from University Drive to Douglas Road to enhance the area. A survey is underway. As part of our city’s Adopt-a-Street program, I adopted Sherman Circle. I chose the 2.3-mile section because there are many opportunities for improvements and I am inspired by the willingness of the residents to engage and invest their own time to improve the aesthetics of the area. Our first order of business was held on Saturday January 27th where we had our first Clean Up Day of Service. Eighty volunteers from many of schools including New Renaissance Middle School, Miramar High School, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Everglades High School, Somerset School, Nova High School, Broward College, our homeowner’s/ condominium association for Lakeshore, Cottages of University, Honey Place and Montego Bay all participated in the clean-up. These groups along with the residents joined me in the maintenance and beautification project from 9am to noon. I am very proud of the work we accomplished to improve the area and I want to offer my deepest gratitude and thanks to everyone that came out for this day of service. On Saturday April 21, 2018, I hosted the 2nd Clean Up on Earth Day around Sherman Circle, where we improved the landscaping at the entrance of Sherman Circle from Jodi Lane. As your MPO representative, I continue to strive to improve our transportation and infrastructure systems i.e. Bus Shelters, road improvement, potential new bike lanes, bus routes etc., especially as the City is continuing growth with new developments.

DARLINE B. RIGGS Commissioner, City of Miramar

WINSTON F. BARNES Commissioner, City of Miramar

I have long subscribed to the notion that “all politics is local”. There are, however, times when local realities are overshadowed by developments at the national and federal level. As attitudes and actions about immigration continue to head into new and sometimes disruptive directions, we need only look in our own backyard for impacts. Over the last many months, persons who have attended the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in our city have been treated less than appropriately. Long lines, a lack of bathroom facilities, serious parking challenges are but some of the inconveniences the public has had to contend with. If therefore we all would like to maintain the good reputation of the City of Miramar, it is our responsibility to turn out in record numbers at election time this November. We would be assisting people regularize themselves in this country and upholding the hospitality of this country, and Miramar.

Dear neighbor, We are still committed to the promises we have made to you! On February 27, we were able to Host a community meeting at Miramar Methodist Church and bring City staff from Public Works, Utilities, Police, Fire, and Parks and Recreation Department. These Departments were all present to address City activities taking place in Historic Miramar, including upcoming summer programs at the parks, street repairs, upgrades at the water treatment plant, and a plethora of other community issues. Additionally, on January 28, we were able to organize a Black History cocktail event, along with Senator Oscar Braynon, to donate $8,500 to eight community organizations committed to supporting various issues from orphanages in Haiti, to teaching music locally. On January 17, the City had a meeting discussing their efforts in regards to Historic Miramar. My office has begun crafting a plan to jump start activities in Historic Miramar, from providing City-funded grants for roof repairs, driveway upgrades, window repairs, small business grants, work force training, Art in Public Places, etc. We are working with City staff to roll out the plan to the residents of Miramar, in an effort to improve the quality of life in Historic Miramar. I believe a small investment in our Historic District, will provide a massive benefit to all of Miramar. If you have not been able to participate in our Community Events, there is still time. Our annual Health Fair at Chamberlain College Miramar is scheduled for May 12th. For more information on any of our upcoming events, please feel free to reach out to my office at 954-602-3152. As always, we are working hard on making your priorities are our priorities.

MAXWELL B. CHAMBERS Commissioner, City of Miramar

Hello Miramar Residents, I hope everyone has enjoyed a wonderful Spring Break, as well as the Spring holidays, celebrating time with family and friends. The first three months of this year have been very busy. In addition to taking care of City business, I’ve hosted a round table meeting to discuss Building Healthy Military Communities, participated in Caribbean Week in Tallahassee and hosted a Zumba on the Plaza event to encourage our residents to take part in healthy activities. In addition, I had a wonderful time at the UniverSoul Circus this year, serving as the guest Ring Master and meeting with those of you who attended. I have two important events upcoming: (1) Citizenship Drive and Expungement Event on April 28 from 10am-2pm at the Miramar Multi Service Complex located at 6700 Miramar Parkway. For more information, call 1-888-600-5762 and (2) Pink, Pumps and Pearls Mother’s Day Brunch on May 12 from 12-4pm at the Miramar Cultural Center located at 2400 Civic Center Place in Miramar. For more information, call 786-292-1934. I hope you will be able to join us for these wonderful community events. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office at 954-602-3157 if you have any questions or need my support.

HELP US ENHANCE THE BEAUTY OF HISTORIC MIRAMAR In March, the Code Compliance Division of Miramar Police Department launched a new program: Team Code Compliance Enforcement (TCCE), specifically designed to enhance beautification of historic Miramar. TCCE unites code compliance officers from across the City to target areas of concern, such as overgrowth, parking on lawns, trash and debris and untethered dogs. Help us beautify our neighborhoods by contacting us with any areas of concern. Call 954-602-3174 or email codecomplaince@miramarpd.org.

Celebrating 63 Years of Pride and Diversity The City of Miramar celebrates its 63rd birthday on May 19, a celebration that has been a long-standing tradition in the City. The City was incorporated May 26, 1955 with about 2.9 square miles of land and a population of less than 200 people, which was hardly enough for a big birthday bash. Today, the City has grown to approximately 35 square miles and over 130,000 residents, who represent a variety of cultures and countries including Jamaica, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti and Venezuela, to name a few. When it comes to Miramar Day, they know how to celebrate, showing up in the thousands in recent years. “Miramar Day is going to be very exciting. This year, they’ll get to experience a different Miramar Day. It has more of an international feel to it,” said Lolita Dunn, Special Events Coordinator with the Parks and Recreation Department, who’s been planning City events, including Miramar Day, for the last 17 years. “The theme is acknowledging the various cultures of this beautiful, diverse community,” said Carla Meadows, also Special Events Coordinator with the Parks and Recreation Department. The days’ events will include live entertainment by Regina Belle, Kehv, Oro Solido, and Willie Stewart in “Rhythms of Africa”, a kids zone, and international vendors serving food and souvenirs. The parade will feature acts representing countries such as China, India (Bollywood) and the Bahamas (Junkanoos). Attendees will receive passports that they can have stamped after visiting each vendor. The more stamps received, the greater chance to win one of three grand prizes including a trip, a night out in Miramar or a gift bag. “For people that live in Miramar, they are very proud of where they live. They are very receptive to new things that we bring to the community,” said Dunn. Dunn says this pride is going to be on full display, bringing joy to the residents who attend year after year, but also for those who spend months planning it. “Every event to me is new. Even though Miramar Day has been here as long as I have, it’s always different. The theme behind it or the people you work with, it’s a different experience,” said Dunn. Miramar Day is taking place on Saturday, May 19 at 5pm-10pm at The Miramar Amp at Regional Park located at 16801 Miramar Parkway. Follow @CityofMiramar on Facebook for the chance to win 60 prize giveaways for 60 days leading up to Miramar Day. For more information about the event visit MiramarFL.gov or call 954.602.3178.

NEW RENAISSANCE MIDDLE SCHOOL

STAY

IS A CANDIDATE FOR

connected WITH MIRAMAR DEPARTMENTS

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

The International Baccalaureate, more commonly referred to as IB, is an entirely different approach to education. It not only prepares students for college, but makes these graduates the most highly recruited by top universities. This amazing opportunity will now be available for middle schoolers at New Renaissance Middle School. This is a call parents should not miss. The biggest benefit of the program is that it has received the attention of big firms and respected leaders for decades. An IB diploma offers an unparalleled opportunity to students. It entitles them to college credits in high school; a solid foundation in inquiry and research as well as having developed a global awareness; as well as the understanding of different perspectives. IB students learn to embrace these differences and explore what they learn through a variety of lenses. IB doesn’t tell schools what to teach rather it tells them how to teach. Structured units of study give students the opportunity to deeply examine their content through current real life situations. Further, IB helps students make connections in history, perform mathematical computations to application and so much more; bringing real value to learning. IB’s prestigious educational framework started in Geneva, Switzerland in 1964 where a group of educational pioneers identified a need to create an internationally based program that remained the same across borders and language barriers. Many ex-patriots that were stationed in different countries for temporary periods of time did not have a consistent educational transition for their children when being moved to a new assignment. IB was the first to create this continuum and has continued to do so ever since. Today, there are over 4000 schools worldwide that are implementing the International Baccalaureate curriculum. The IB Middle Years Program (IB/MYP) offers a variety of

8 subjects that students are obligated to take every year. Not only are core subjects required but so are the visual and performing arts, music, foreign languages, and technology. IB views these subjects not as electives but as necessities to develop and expose the whole child not only to academics but the arts as well. New Renaissance Middle School has designed an eight period schedule to facilitate this requirement and is now offering an abundance of electives in all categories to its students. Another very important component of IB/MYP is the learner profile. The learner profile is a set of 10 attributes that students work on developing as they grow. IB states, “The Relationships between teachers, students and approaches in teaching profoundly shape educational outcomes.” New Renaissance is dedicated to making that happen and is working closely with the International Baccalaureate Organization to make sure it does.

Channel 78

@CityOfMiramar TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS | 10AM

Community service is another very important part of IB. IB sees this commitment to community as an obligation for all. Students in their third program year or eighth grade, are required to complete a community service project. This is an action project whereby students investigate a need in their community and then put together a plan of action that will help address this need. It is remarkable to see young people try and make a difference in their cities. At the end of the project, students must put together a visual exhibit and presentation that will be evaluated by a panel of judges. The judging and exhibition take place in the spring followed by an evening celebration. Community stakeholders are all invited. New Renaissance is in the “candidacy phase” of the IB journey and looks forward to their much awaited visit by IB officials to show off all that they have done. Authorization for the MYP has been projected for the fall of 2018. We wish the best of luck to New Renaissance Middle School and its dedicated staff in making it an official IB World School; opening a whole new door for kids in our community Right Here In Miramar™.

PEMBROKE RD.

Historic Miramar

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION The Historic Downtown Revitalization Project includes constructing median and streetscape improvements, sidewalks, bike lanes, ADA-compliant concrete ramps, cross walks, roadway lighting, landscaping and irrigation along Miramar Parkway between SW 68 Avenue and SW 69 Way; and drainage improvements along SW 69 Way, adjacent to Shirley Branca Park. Budget: $1,327,608

TROPICAL HOMES AT HISTORIC MIRAMAR COMMUNITY GROUP DATE: TIME: LOCATION:

UNIVERSITY DR.

HISTORIC MIRAMAR COMPLETE STREETS PHASE II Historic Miramar Complete Streets, Phase II project will improve eight (8) streets within the area bounded by Pembroke Road to the north, State Road 7 to the east, County Line Road to the south, and SW 62nd Avenue to the west. The proposed improvements include construction of new sidewalks, ADA-compliant concrete ramps and cross walks at street intersections, pedestrian level lighting, and landscaping. Budget: $1,968,988

Meetings

PRESIDENT:

Tuesday, June 26, 2018 7:00 PM Miramar United Methodist Church, 2507 Utopia Dr. Mr. James Hepurn

MIRAMAR PKWY.

TURNPIKE

MIRAMAR PARK HOMEOWNERS GROUP

UNITED NEIGHBORS OF EAST MIRAMAR

DATES:

DATE: TIME: LOCATION:

TIME: LOCATION: PRESIDENT:

Tuesday, May 15, 2018 Tuesday, September 18, 2018 7:00 PM Fairway Elementary, 7850 Fairway Blvd. Mrs. Norma Martin

PRESIDENT:

Thursday, May 17, 2018 7:00 PM Multi Service Complex, 6700 Miramar Pkwy. Mrs. Mary Raynor US

441

ADULT DAY CARE CENTER

Completed in October 2016, this 3,800 sq. ft. facility provides assistance to adults with disabilities and includes a warming kitchen, dining room, meeting room and office support areas. Cost: $2,006,385

COUNTYLINE RD.

*Historic Miramar Board meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at Miramar City Hall, 2300 Civic Center Place.

RECENTLY COMPLETED

MIRAMAR PROVIDES NO HASSLE,

‘SAME DAY PERMITTING’

THURSDAY May 10TH , 12-2pm

The Department of Community and Economic Development provides “Same Day Permitting” every Tuesday at 7:30-10:00am, an expedited permitting process for the following residential structural projects: re-roof, shutters, windows, doors, patio slabs, driveways, fences, prefab sheds and screen enclosures.

Miramar Cultural Center 2400 Civic Center Place Miramar, FL 33025

A team of permit clerks, zoning and structural plan examiners review pertinent documents and drawings upon arrival. This allows customers to receive permits immediately instead of going through the standard process. On Tuesday, April 3, 70 building permit applications were received, reviewed and issued. In order to swiftly go through the “Same Day Permitting” process, all applications must be completely filled out. Applications are available online on at MiramarFL.gov, found under the Community and Economic Development Department and then by clicking on the Building, Permits & Inspections tab.

FREE & OPEN to Business Community Lunch Provided For more information, call 954.602.3145

“Same Day Permitting” is available every Tuesday at 7:30-10:00am at 2200 Civic Center Place in Miramar, but you must arrive by 9:50am in order to be accommodated that day. For more information call 954.602.3200.

I AM

KING

THE KING OF POP IS BROUGHT TO LIFE IN TOP TOURING TRIBUTE SHOW AT THE MIRAMAR CULTURAL CENTER

Sharing the same first and middle name as the man he impersonates, Michael Joseph Firestone says he was the biggest Michael Jackson fan growing up, and he still is today. He began impersonating the King of Pop in the late 1990s, a time when he says he was one of just four or five artists to take on this role.

main complaint was “Man, you sound like Michael Jackson” and I moved to Vegas. I started playing around with makeup and after a year, I learned how to approach it like a painting. Once I got the hang of that, I went full force with it. It kind of fell into my lap, really. At the time, there weren’t a lot of Michael Jackson impersonators in 1998-1999. There were maybe three to five guys that were good and I thought, “If they can do it, I can do it”.

After two decades of studying and perfecting Michael’s moves, Firestone brings his show “I Am King: The Michael Jackson Experience” to the Miramar Cultural Center on May 10 at 8 PM, a 90-minute live performance he describes as “theatrical awe” combining a choir, multimedia, dancers and non-stop high-energy.

There are a lot of Michael Jackson impersonators out there. What is unique about the show that you do? Honestly, I think it’s the fact that it’s live. It’s a four-piece band. We are actually using a choir in Miramar. My band, these guys smoke them all, and my dancers are tight. I think you get a real life feel of what Michael Jackson was and we also try to give it an element of theatrical awe. The video really adds to the show big time. This thing, it never stops, like a machine. There’s not a dull moment.

The City of Miramar goes one-on-one with Firestone as he describes this special show and how his very unique journey began. What can the audience expect from “I Am King: The Michael Jackson Experience”?

Part of Broadway Festival of South Florida July 20-22

How does the audience react during your show? Is it nostalgic for them?

I wanted to give this show more of a theater feel, more dramatic. A lot of multimedia in there. We try to hit as much as we can in an hour and half. It’s terrible because I want to put everything in, but you always have to do “Billie Jean”. You always have to do “Thriller” and “Beat It”, so those override other songs. We do “Liberian Girl”, which is nice because I get to breathe, but it’s also nice to do a song that people don’t recognize as much. You know who the real Michael Jackson fans are when that song comes on.

“Human Nature”, when I start singing that, people freak out! It’s hard to stay in your character when they are crying, and I know why. I’m pretty sure they are crying because they had a flashback moment and something triggered this emotion and they get very sad and happy. They will be smiling and they will be crying. Those are the hardest reactions. Michael Firestone is the King of Pop in “I am King: The Michael Jackson Experience” at the Miramar Cultural Center on May 10 at 8 PM. Tickets are $35, $45 and $60 for VIP seating, a meetand-greet with Firestone and a themed drink. To purchase tickets, visit MiramarCulturalCenter.org or call the Box Office at 954-602-4500.

How did your journey as a Michael Jackson tribute artist start? When I was 16 years old, I had a recording contract and the

CAMP IS HERE! A variety of camps offered by the City of Miramar allow kids to have fun, develop social skills, be introduced to new interests and participate in outdoor activities. Through our camps, we strive to provide an atmosphere where children have the opportunity to learn, explore, create, and grow in a nurturing and stimulating environment. There is a little bit of something for everyone.

Miramar introduces Specialty Camps! These are designed to provide an opportunity for kids to discover and explore new interests, activities and hobbies. They will develop skills, gain friendships and make memories. Specialty Camp ages vary per camp offerings. See individual camps for details. Please see Registration Requirements and Refund Policy.

CAMP LOCATIONS ANSIN SPORTS COMPLEX 10801 Miramar Boulevard (954) 602-4990

Miramar Sport Camps provide a fun, structured and supervised environment for kids ages 6 to 12. They will have the opportunity to be introduced to a new sport or improve their skills, learn fundamentals, and enjoy participating in a variety of group activities.

MIRAMAR REGIONAL PARK 16801 Miramar Parkway (954) 883-6951

While basketball, soccer or swimming may be at the top of some children’s summer camp wish lists, Sports Camps are not for everyone. For the child, adolescent, or teen who is interested in modeling and fashion, learning to play chess and golf, or producing music in a music studio, now they can do it this summer in Miramar’s all-new Specialty Camps! “I think it’s good to be able to give our residents a variety. Looking around, I don’t think our neighboring cities are doing this. It’s out of the box for us,” said John Kee, Operations Manager for the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. The full list of Specialty Camps for kids ages 6-12 include Xploration, a science and nature camp where campers will learn more about biology and zoology; Animativities, where drawing, painting and sculpting are a part of the daily itinerary; Runway in Paris, for the little superstars who can’t wait to dress up and strike a pose in front of the camera; and Jr. Chefs, a culinary and tasting camp sure to send your child home with skills to help out in the kitchen. For pre-teens and teens ages 12-17, Career Bound offers an introduction to trades and colleges where they will learn how to draft a resume and practice their interview techniques; and Beatz & Production, where campers get hands-on in a music studio and learn the ins and outs of music production.

SUNSET LAKES COMMUNITY CENTER 2801 SW 186 Avenue (954) 602-3340

There is also Pawn-N-Putt, an introduction to Chess and Golf for ages 8-17, and S.T.E.M. Evolution, which prepares children ages 8-12 with skills to compete in science, technology, engineering and math.

VERNON E. HARGRAY YOUTH ENRICHMENT CENTER 7000 Miramar Parkway (954) 602-4780

“The variety sets Miramar and our facilities apart. I think we have state-of-the-art facilities that a lot of cites don’t have, and also a friendly professional staff,” said Kee.

MIRAMAR REGIONAL AQUATIC COMPLEX

16801 Miramar Parkway (954) 883-6955

MIRAMAR GOES ‘OUT OF THE BOX’ WITH NEW SPECIALTY SUMMER CAMPS FOR KIDS

All of the Specialty Camps will take place at Vizcaya Park and include lunch and snacks. For more information on all summer camp programming, visit MiramarFl.gov.

SUMMER CAMP WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5 WEEK 6 WEEK 7 WEEK 8 WEEK 9

at a GLANCE

CAMP

LOCATION

AGE

RES/NR

Animativities

Vizcaya

6 - 12

$150/$180

Beatz & Production

Vizcaya

12 - 17

$105/$126

Career Bound

Vizcaya

12 - 17

$70/$85

Grand Slam

Regional

6 - 12

$50/$75

Hoops & Dunks

Regional

6 - 12

$50/$75

Jr. Chefs

Vizcaya

6 - 12

$70/$85

M.O.S.T. (Basketball)

VEHYEC

6 - 12

$9/NA

M.O.S.T. (Football)

VEHYEC

6 - 12

$9/NA

M.O.S.T. (T-ball)

VEHYEC

6 - 12

$9/NA

M.O.S.T. (Soccer)

VEHYEC

6 - 12

$9/NA

M.O.S.T. (Various)

VEHYEC

6 - 12

$9/NA

Pawn-N-Putt

Vizcaya

8 - 17

$105/$126

Runway In Paris

Vizcaya

6 - 12

$150/$180

Speed & Agility

Regional

8 - 17

$50/$75

S.C. (Basketball)

***

6 - 12

$105/$126

S.C. (Football)

***

6 - 12

$105/$126

S.C. (T-ball)

***

6 - 12

$105/$126

S.C. (Soccer)

***

6 - 12

$105/$126

S.C. (Various)

***

6 - 12

$105/$126

STEM Evolution

Vizcaya

8 - 12

$150/$180

Swim Camp

MRAC

6 - 12

$115/$138

VP Fitness

Vizcaya

6 - 12

$105/$126

Xploration

Vizcaya

6 - 12

$105/$126

X X

JOIN OUR MIRAMARVELS KIDS CLUB

for a fun filled summer brought to you by the childcare experts who know what kids want and need in a summer camp! Our campers will explore 9 weeks of amazing activities; from Character Focus and Learning Center Enrichments to Physical Fun and Special Field Trips. JUNE 11 - AUGUST 10, 2018 SO DON’T WAIT! REGISTER NOW!

X X

Cost | Residents: $150 per week Phone: (954) 883-5230

X X

• Silver Shores (Lic.46021) • Youth Center (Lic.45706) • Sunset Lakes (Lic.46209) • Fairway Park (Lic.45833)

X X

JUMP START TO KINDERGARTEN

X X

A fun and educational program created to prepare your child for the transition from Preschool to Kindergarten. The curriculum is designed to keep your child learning and engaged throughout the summer and will provide support to prepare them to enter Kindergarten. JUNE 11 - AUGUST 10, 2018

X X

Cost | Residents: $60.00 per week Phone: (954) 883-5230

LITTLE BROADWAY SUMMER CAMP

X X X

X X

This seven-week program is for children 8-14 years old that embraces the visual and performing arts and culminates with a public theater performance.

llCost | Residents: $700.00

s fu e s s a

Non-Residents: Additional 20%

Miramar Cultural Center Phone: (954) 602-4519

Fees listed are Residential rates. Non-Residents must add an additional 20% to all fees. Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

X X

*** Venon E. Hargray Youth Enrichment Center, Ansin Sports Complex and Sunset Lakes Community Center. All camps will be closed July 4th in observance of Independance Day. Lunch and snack included.

Non-Residents: Additional 20%

• Silver Shores (Lic.46021) • Youth Center (Lic.45706) • Sunset Lakes (Lic.46209) • Fairway Park (Lic.45833)

Non-Residents: Additional 20%

Miramar Fire Rescue Making It Okay to Talk about

Post-Traumatic Stress and Suicide with RACHEL’S CHALLENGE The statistics are staggering. A survey of more than 4,000 first responders found that 6.6 percent had attempted suicide, more than 10 times the rate of the general population, according to a 2015 article published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services

WHO IS RACHEL? Rachel Joy Scott was a high school student and the first person shot and killed during the Columbine High School shooting on April 20, 1999. Her mission, even then in high school, was to combat bullying and ensure that all people are treated with compassion and kindness. Rachel’s uncle, Larry Scott travels around the country, and most recently Miramar, sharing Rachel’s message through presentations and speaking engagements. Marie G. Guma, a psychologist specialized in treating those with substance abuse also presented to attendees. “We’ve partnered with a bunch of different organizations, found psychologists who work with firefighters and paramedics, as well as formed alliances with members of the military. This is in an effort to bring as many resources as possible to attack a major problem,” said Gregorisch. For more information on this initiative, please call 954.602.4834.

“We are human beings. We have feelings. It’s not really accepted and the big thing is to change this perception that we are super human. We are not,” said Jose Gregorisch, Public Information Officer for the Miramar Fire Rescue Department. Miramar Fire Rescue is trying to get ahead of the problem of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that first responders can experience after repeatedly seeing things in their career that many don’t ever see in a lifetime. “We have not had someone here at Miramar Fire Rescue take their own lives, but we do know that we want to get ahead of it. We don’t want it to reach the point that someone dies by suicide. We know that it is something we need to address because it has happened at other municipalities close to us,” said Gregorisch. Gregorisch says it’s equally important that Miramar Fire Rescue is a resource to the community through social and emotional training. On April 18 and 19, Miramar Fire Rescue offered four training sessions called Rachel’s Challenge. Trainings like these have been found to decrease the rate of suicides among all, including not only first responders, but also those in schools, businesses and throughout our community.

‘TOGETHER, we are miramar’ Miramar Residents Tell Their Stories in Mini-Documentary “Together, We Are Miramar”

The storytelling project, funded by the Community Foundation of Broward, was led by Director Kenny Riches and Project Director, Tameka Hobbs, who also serves on the Miramar Cultural Trust’s board. “It’s been great. I have gotten a chance to meet some wonderful and talented people who are sharing their gifts with the South Florida community, but who call Miramar home,” said Hobbs. Hobbs says the featured Miramar residents are from Haiti, Cuba, Jamaica, and different regions of the United States, representing the diversity of the Miramar community. As they experienced art gallery exhibit “Soaring: The Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen in South Florida”, and live performances including Peter London’s “Fire in the Coal Pot”, Elvis Presley tribute “One Night in Memphis”, and “Black Angels Over Tuskegee”, the true story of the Tuskegee Airmen, Hobbs says, “they started to see MCC through a new and appreciative lens.” She added, “Everyone was blown away by the programs.”

On April 8, the 20-minute story, “Together, We Are Miramar”, premiered at the Miramar Cultural Center in front of an audience of 180 residents and supporters. The minidocumentary tells the story of the Miramar Cultural Center through the eyes of eight Miramar residents and their families. Participants were selected after a call to the community went out to Miramar residents and businesses prior to the start of the cultural center’s 2017-18 season. From October 2017 through March 2018, a camera crew followed the selected eight volunteers as they experienced visual art, live performances, and cultural events at MCC. For some, it was their first experience in their home town’s theater, and for others, the center evoked feelings of familiarity.

It became a personally touching experience for her, as well, the more she learned about each of the volunteers’ intimate stories. On April 8, she believes the greater Miramar community connected with the individual stories in the same way, while also gaining a new appreciation for MCC and the arts and cultural experiences happening right here in Miramar. “What I want people to walk away with is a sense of pride, generally in the community of Miramar, but specifically in the excellent programming that is put on the at the Miramar Cultural Center,” said Hobbs “Together, We Are Miramar” premiered during a FREE family-friendly event hosted by MCC and Florida Grand Opera. During the event, families participated in voice lessons with FGO, stage make-up application, a costume tour and a 30-minute “Disney Goes to the Opera” themed FGO performance.

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