Miramar News - February 2023

ARTSCAPE MIRAMAR: THE ART THAT SURROUNDS MIRAMAR CULTURAL CENTER (MCC)

Miramar Cultural Center (MCC) continuously seeks new ways to grow community engagement with arts and culture. The latest addition is called MCC Artscape.

MCC Artscape features rotational Public Art-On-Loan as part of MCC’s annual program tied to its slogan “where community and culture converge”. The exhibitions allow premier sculptors: Robert Coons, Donald Gialanella and Atomik to display their art in the Botanical Garden and the green space around Miramar Town Center. These free public art displays humanize Miramar Town Center and add to the quality of life that arts and culture bring to the city.

Featured Art as described by the Artists:

Robert Coons

Quetzalcoatl’s Declination - A translation from the Mayan code that relates the epic battle between Quetzalcoatl and the Sun. It tells how the feathered serpent flew up to the Sun, challenged, fought, and defeated the Sun.

Donald Gialanella

Plenum Orb - The sculpture alludes to memories locked up in abandoned objects. Using a palette of familiar stainless-steel items, I created this large assemblage sphere that contain a mix of surprise, irony and humor. The repurposed artifacts are things people bought and eventually discarded, according to the vagaries of personal status and cultural values.

Celestial Fish - This piece is the culmination of fish sculptures I have been working on in a more modest size for over a decade. Over the years I have explored the shape of fish in all their myriad and fascinating forms, and finally felt confident enough to undertake the ultimate fish in this monumental scale.

Atomik

Untitled - A famous iconic orange character which emerged as a response to the demolition of the Miami Orange Bowl.

Miramar's Director of Cultural Affairs, Camasha Cevieux, stated “art in public places express community values, enhance our environment, transform a landscape and heighten our awareness. This annual program will be refreshed to invigorate MCC as a destination to engage collective community expression and reflect how we can imagine the world. Artists in FY2022 included a mixture of nationally acclaimed and local public artists inclusive of LEBO, ‘GRABSTER’ Marcus Borges, ‘AAKABO’ Aaron Bodden, Yuhmi Collective and ‘HAYZE’ Andrew Hayes.”

For more information, visit www.MiramarCulturalCenter.org

CITY OF MIRAMAR OFFICIALS

Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis

Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers Commissioner Winston F. Barnes

Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne Mayor Wayne M. Messam

Celestial Fish by Donald Gialanella

Quetzalcoatl’s Declination by Robert Coons

Plenum Orb by Donald Gialanella

Untitled by Atomik

MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER

ues the fight to beat cancer.

On Relay night, participants from the City of Miramar and City of Pembroke Pines will select an area on the field to setup a tent and decorate in the theme their team has chosen. Throughout the evening, participants will enjoy entertainment, games, music, great food, camaraderie and tons of fun!

Cancer survivors are invited to participate in the Survivor Dinner, where we will celebrate them and their caregivers. If you are or know a cancer survivor and would like them to be honored, please contact Kassandra Carvalho-Lindsay at kcarvalholindsay@miramarfl.gov or 954-602-3124.

I hope you are all staying healthy!

It is with great pleasure to announce that the City of Miramar, in conjunction with the City of Pembroke Pines, will host the Relay for Life Silver Jubliee (25th RelayVersary) event on Friday, March 20, 2023, from 5pm to 12 midnight. The event will take place at the City of Pembroke Pines Charter High Athletic Field, located at 17189 Sheridan Street. Relay for Life (RFL) is the nationwide signature event for the American Cancer Society. The event honors those who succumbed to cancer, cancer survivors, and everyone who contin-

Additionally, a luminaria candlelight ceremony will begin after dark at the RFL event, where participants may light a candle, or have one lit in their absence, as a memorial to a loved one who has lost their battle to cancer or in honor of a cancer survivor.

The City of Miramar has put together a team of employees, who are assisting in raising funds for this initiative. The City’s goal is to raise $20,000 and we are well on our way to meeting this year’s goal, thanks to our dedicated public servants.

If you haven’t done so yet, please sign up to be a part of our team and I look forward to seeing you at the 25th Relay-Versary. Together, we can fight cancer!

Thank you.

Hello Miramar!

CITY MANAGER DR. ROY VIRGIN

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Wayne M. Messam

we will not be silent on the Governor's action. Black History is American History and any child in our state should have the opportunity to learn about the African American experiences, contributions and struggles just as they are afforded that choice to learn about other cultures. I denounce the ban and urge the Governor to rescind this action.”

According to Florida Law, public schools are required to teach students about the history of African Americans, including the enslavement experience. Currently, the course has four major units:

1. The history of the African American diaspora

2. The period of slavery and abolition in the US

3. Various Black movements and

4. African American experiences today.

City of Miramar’s Mayor Wayne M. Messam has denounced Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to ban the Advanced Placement (AP) course on African American studies, for high school students.

Mayor Messam made this announcement at the City Commission meeting on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at City Hall. Ahead of his presentation, Mayor Messam stated, “I want it to be clear, as the Mayor of Broward's largest Black populated city,

Mayor Messam introduced this resolution which was passed unanimously by the City Commission. It adds to the public outrage of several Black Civil Rights, Religious and political leaders across the country.

According to the 2020 census, 45% of Miramar’s population are African American. Miramar was listed by SmartAssets, a fintech publication in 2021, as the number one city across the country where Blacks fared best economically.

MAYOR WAYNE M. MESSAM

Fireside Chat / Michael Eric Dyson and Luther Campbell with Mayor Messam

Clergy Luncheon for Black History Month

Mayor’s 5K held recently

Mayor Messam’s Longest Table event

MESSAGE FROM VICE MAYOR YVETTE COLBOURNE

Inaugural Miramar Mile Run!

I sponsored our first Miramar Mile Run at the Miramar Regional Park. Close to 250 participants, ran or walked a mile. The event drew people of all ages and from all walks of life. For some it was their first step on their fitness journey and for others a way to test their mettle. It was a fun and inspiring event for everyone. Thank you to our sponsors, vendors and participants. I look forward to our continued partnership as we strive to live healthier, active lives in our city.

Historic Miramar Holiday Lights

Hello Neighbors,

Hope you enjoyed the Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza Holidays and the New Year celebrations with family and friends. Happy New Year to each and every one of you. It is my sincere wish that 2023 brings you peace, happiness and prosperity.

2022 was an exciting year with many great events and accomplishments in the City of Miramar. I had the pleasure of hosting many community events, sponsored resolutions that positively impact our city, welcomed new businesses, and recognized community members. It was a pleasure to partner with many of you and to support your community initiatives. Below are some of my initiatives during the last quarter of 2022. I look forward to continue to work with you as One Miramar.

Veterans “Free” Park Pass ResolutionThank you for your service!

In November, 2022 I sponsored a resolution that was unanimously approved by the Miramar Commission that grants veterans, active military personnel and their immediate families free use of Miramar fitness facilities, tennis courts, recreation programs, swimming classes, and entrance to our Regional Park at no cost with a Veterans’ Pass. Apply in person at our parks office.

This past holiday season, the City of Miramar installed holiday lights and decorations on the median on Miramar Parkway in Historic Miramar. After years of advocating for this initiative, with the necessary infrastructure in place, we were finally able to light up Historic Miramar. I hope you were as excited as I was to see the beautiful lights.

Panama Independence Day Celebration

Celebrated Panama’s Independence Day in partnership with SoFlo Panamanian Association. Recognized members of the Panamanian community. Congratulations to Award recipients Carolina Normante, Community Service, former Police Chief Leonard Burgess, Outstanding leadership, SoFLo Panamanian, outstanding Community Organization and Panamanian Artist Lloyd Gallimore, “Los Beachers” Lifetime Achievement Award.

Save the Date

Low impact Aerobics

Fridays 9 AM

Youth Enrichment Center

Women's Empowerment Luncheon

March 16, 2023

Contact

Yvette Colbourne, Vice Mayor, City of Miramar 2300 Civic Center Place 954-602-3131

YVETTE COLBOURNE

VICE MAYOR

Breast Cancer Awareness - Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne with First Lady Jill Biden (Keynote speaker) and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz

Planet Fitness Anniversary: Hassan Bellevue (General Manager), Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne and Yahima Batista (Regional Manager)

St. Bartholomew Church Christmas eventFather Pierre Listo Charles with Vice Mayor Colbourne and one of the gift recipients.

MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER WINSTON BARNES

Hall Town Center, Shirley Branca Park, and other events throughout the month. I hope you took part in one of the many activities that ended the year 2022 and rang in the New Year.

We were privileged to host the wife of the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Mrs. Juliet Holness, who attended several events in our city and was a special guest at our reception in the Banquet Hall of our Town Center.

We had the pleasure of attending the Mayor's Aviation Academy. We met some enthusiastic young people who are either already or are preparing to make a career out of the industry. This was a most auspicious follow-up to our office, raising the matter of safety at the North Perry Airport. While the issue garnered some publicity, and many residents have expressed their gratitude for so doing, our office intends to continue pursuing the matter into 2023.

Hello Miramar

I'm Commissioner Winston F. Barnes, wishing you the Best for 2023. This season is a time for giving and sharing. During Thanksgiving, our office held a Turkey Giveaway Drive and delivered turkeys to several organizations in Miramar. I had the privilege to meet and talk with several of you as we loaded your vehicles at Fairway Park. Many of you expressed gratitude for being able to feed your families on Thanksgiving. I was humbled by your gratefulness and happy that we were able to assist those who came to the event.

The city continued its Christmas festivities with our Tree Lightening Event at City

By popular demand, we are hosting our Annual Kite Festival in March. Check our website for dates and times.

Have you connected with our Business Pulse Community, or are you aware they exist? The Economic Development & Housing Department is your resource to assist the local business community and residents in growing and prospering in the City of Miramar. Register and connect with them at 954-939-3271 or miramarfl.gov/business development.

If you need assistance to get connected with the correct department, call my office at 954-602-3142.

At your service

Commissioner Winston F. Barnes

COMMISSIONER WINSTON BARNES

MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER MAXWELL B. CHAMBERS

mitted to this great city of Miramar and each year

I am delighted to watch the expansions, improvements and growth this city accomplishes. We are all in this together. It takes a village to achieve success and flourish. I am honored to continue to represent you and “I am always here for you.” All the best for 2023!!!

EVENTS:

Our second annual Art and Fashion show weekend was held in the City Plaza on Dec 10th and 11th 2022. What a spectacular packed event hosted by Commissioner Chambers and the Jeffrey Lubin Group. Miramar residents were dazzled by two nights of exquisite fashionista designers and gorgeous models. Local artists showcased impressive art pieces in the City Hall Miramar lobby.

“While I’m living, thanks I’ll be giving.” Buju Banton

Greetings Residents, As we close 2022 and celebrate a successful year, I want to take this opportunity to thank every one of you for your continued support. I am com-

COMMISSIONER MAXWELL B. CHAMBERS

MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER MAXWELL B. CHAMBERS

REMINDERS:

I hope you didn’t miss City of Miramar’s first ever New Year’s Eve Ball Drop hosted by Commissioner Chambers. It was a smashing success. Both the daytime children’s ball and midnight ball drop events brought out record numbers of residents and non-Miramar residents who indulged in food, entertainment and a phenomenal countdown to 2023. Great news! This will be an annual event. See you December 31st, 2023.

I continue to host a bi-weekly food drive for Miramar Residents. Every other Thursday, please come and join us and invite anyone in need of food. Find us at the Miramar Methodist Church from 7 am to 9 am, located at 2507 Utopia Drive Miramar, FL 33023.

Please contact my office for additional information regarding our EMAP (Emergency Miramar Assistance Program) and EHEAP (Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the

Elderly Program) programs. These programs provide Miramar residents with emergency assistance for the elderly and those in need of financial assistance.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Our annual Family Night event will take place on March 4th, 2023. There will be more information coming soon.

Our 3rd annual Art and Fashion show will now be a Fashion week. A week- long event with Popup shows and various events throughout the week

of December 3rd-8th, 2023. We will wind up with a spectacular weekend of fashion and art on December 9th and 10th, 2023.

I have a lot more in store for 2023. Please check my Facebook and Instagram pages, the City of Miramar website and feel free to contact my office at 954-602-3157 for additional information.

Thank you again for allowing me to serve you.

“I AM ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU”

Hello Friends & Neighbors, I am grateful to be able to reach you through this medium once again. Thank you for your continuous support.

We closed out Hispanic Heritage Month on October 15th with our Latin Nights Awards Gala. This year's honorees included: Community Engagement Award, Ivan Parra, Broward Community ID Director, Broward Legal Aid; Education AwardDr. Alexandra Alvarez Ed. D; Business Entrepreneurship Award-Robinson Marte, Cofounder Tribeca Restaurant; Business & Corporate Citizenship Award-Jorge Carballo, President & General Manager NBC6/Telemundo 51, Miami. The event was emceed by Emmy® Award-winning journalist and news anchor, Jackie Nespral and featured live performances from award winning Venezuelan American singer Edward Mena and Gianpaul & Latin Soul

Band. Dancers from the Fajardo Elite Dance Academy also performed their Latin dance moves.

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month which was so important to highlight being that globally over 47,000 women and girls were killed by their intimate partners or family members in 2020 alone! I presented a proclamation to the Women in Distress organization, recognizing the work that they do to assist women and families facing this scourge!

Thanks to all who attended the Black British Heritage Celebration as we celebrated the contributions of Black Britons in the USA! This event showcased the British rich culture right here in Miramar and the South Florida region! Thank you again to the new Consul General, Rufus Drabble and his lovely wife, Stella for receiving the City of Miramar's Proclamation proclaim-

ing October as Black British History Month. Congratulations again to the honorees; Community Engagement AwardAnthony Fothergill, Chef; Entrepreneurship Award- Phillip Paul, Business owner; Business & Corporate Citizenry- Jacky Wright, Chief Digital Officer, Microsoft; Arts & Entertainment- Barry Biggs, singer; Arts & Entertainment-Rory “StoneLove” Gilligan, DJ.

On November 5th, I hosted our 3rd Broward County Community ID event. Community ID events allow those who are unable to obtain a State issued ID for whatever reason, the chance to be seen and come out of the shadows, right here in Miramar and the rest of the County!

Turkey Tuesday was a great success again this year! After leaving the western suburbs of Sunset Lakes where we donated over 150 turkeys to our residents, we cul-

minated Turkey Tuesdays at our Multicultural Complex in our historic eastern section where it was great to see some of my former students and parents all participating as we gave away another 150 turkeys!

#ILoveMyCity

Christmas came to an end, and it was simply a pleasure to be able to donate toys to our neighborhood kids during our Holiday Toy Drive-Thru event! Thanks to all our sponsors for their generosity! It’s such a special time of year! I had the opportunity to attend the Winter Candy Land event put on by the ESE team at Glades Middle School was a huge success! Kudos to principal Santana and staff as well as all the other sponsors who made this event possible!

I want to wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year!

Please look at my upcoming events!

Black British Month Proclamation presented to UK Consul General Rufus Drabble, his wife Stella, Commissioner Joy Smith of West Park, Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis and Vice Mayor Colbourne

Commissioner Davis with NBC 6-Telemundo President Jorge Carballo and Emmy Award winning host Jackie Nespral

UK Consul General Rufus Drabble, Honoree Jacky Wright and Commissioner Davis

Commissioner Davis presenting the Woman in Distress organization, a proclamation declaring October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis

Presents Black History Meets Reggae

Launch

February 1st

Miramar Town Center City Hall

10am-12 noon

Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis

Presents Reggae Icon Awards

February 22nd

Miramar Cultural Center Banquet Hall

6:30 PM-11 PM

Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis

Presents Selecta Showdown

February 24th

Shirley Branca Park

7PM-12AM

Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis

Hosts Afro Carib Festival Miramar

February 25th

Miramar Regional Park 5PM to 11PM

Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis

Presents Broward County Community ID Event

March 4th

Miramar Multi-Service Complex 10AM to 2PM

To contact my office regarding any concerns, please free to call (954) 602-3155 or email me at apdavis@miramarfl.gov

You may subscribe to receive email updates from my office, sign up at www.miramarfl.gov/Davis. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @4AlexandraDavis.

Turkey Tuesday with volunteers

Happy Holiday Toy Giveaway with Milcette Family

Halloween fun with Commissioner Davis and Jaida Bond

CITY OF MIRAMAR PUBLIC SAFETY

It’s the oldest cold case solved in Miramar history: Evelyn Marie Fisher-Bamforth was killed January 22, 1980. She was 32 years old. Evelyn’s horrific murder was one that the Miramar Police Department could never forget. Throughout the last four decades, her case was looked at time and time again. Recently, homicide Detective Jonathan Zeller decided to reopen Evelyn’s case. Evidence stored for more than four decades was retested with the latest DNA technology. The results yielded a one in five-and-a half billion match to Ronald Eugene Richards.

On November 30, 2022, a grand jury indicted Ronald Eugene Richards for sexual battery & murder. We are one step closer to justice for Evelyn.

Evelyn’s widower, John Bamforth, has never gotten over her murder, “You never have closure, as you can tell. But certainly justice for Evelyn is the most important thing.”

Unknown to the Bamforth family, at the time of the murder, Richards lived only 12 homes away from them. He is currently incarcerated for unrelated crimes.

“What’s most important is that even though nearly 43 years have passed, we did not let the person who did this get away with it. He will be held accountable,” Detective Zeller said.

CITY OF MIRAMAR

PUBLIC SAFETY CONTACT NUMBERS

Your local Police department offers a FREE Vacation Patrol Program that helps prevent residential burglaries. They will check on your home daily, while you are out of town, and look out for any suspicious activity. Contact: 954-602-4000 or visit the website at miramarpd.org for more information.

PUBLIC SAFETY CONTACT NUMBERS

Police Department

Dial 911 for Emergencies only

• To Report a Non-Emergency: 954-764-4357

• General Information: 954-602-4000

• Miramar Helpline: 954-602-HELP

• Code Compliance: 954-602-3174

• Criminal Investigations Division: 954-602-4120

• Human Resources: 954-602-3800

• Internal Affairs: 954-602-3843

• Property & Evidence: 954-602-4140

• Public Affairs: 954-602-4351

• Records Unit: 954-602-4300

• Victims Services Unit: 954-602-4130

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Emergency: 911

Non-Emergency: 954-764-4357

CITY OF MIRAMAR CUSTOMER SERVICE

Phone: 954-602-HELP (4357)

Yessenia Diaz is the 2022 Outstanding Crime Prevention Practitioner of the Year by the Florida Crime Prevention Association. Officer Diaz was selected for her innovative ways of communicating crime prevention techniques to our residents.

Seventy-five dog bites were reported to the Miramar Police Department in 2022. We suspect many more were not reported. Dog bites can be fatal to humans and other pets. They also could be costly. Bites can result in substantial vet/medical bills, loss of income for those unable to work due to the bite, code violation fines/fees, civil litigation and more. Please leash your dogs in public! Most owners never think their dogs are capable of attacking others.

CITY OF MIRAMAR PUBLIC SAFETY

COFFEE WITH A COP

Our officers recently enjoyed connecting with our community at Coffee with a Cop at Starbucks located at 3100 Dykes Road.

It takes a thief less than a minute to saw off a catalytic converter from underneath your vehicle. These converters are a hot commodity for the precious metal found inside. Help prevent crime by following the tips listed below and by calling police immediately, if you see something suspicious.

CITY OF MIRAMAR PUBLIC SAFETY

BALLIN’ FOR UNITY

GUNS FOR FUNDS

Ballin' for Unity was created by a school resource officer, who happens to be a former school teacher. It's more than just a basketball game between officers and students. It's an event promoting positive relationships between law enforcement and the youth in our community.

Guns for Funds was held on January 14, 2023. More than 50 unwanted firearms were turned in at the event. Free gun locks were also distributed to those who have guns at home. Will send by drop box.

A Red Carpet Affair

In true Miramar fashion the red carpet was rolled out on a beautiful Friday evening for seniors at the inaugural Red Carpet Affair gala celebrating National Senior Center Month. Miramar seniors walked the Red Carpet in their finest and were met with paparazzi and Hollywood lights setting the stage for what would be a true celebration at the Miramar Cultural Arts Center. The 2022 national theme for Senior Center Month, Strengthening Community Connections, was on full display with guests including Miramar elected officials Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne, Commissioner Maxwell Chambers, and Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis, Assistant City Manager Shaun Gayle, Master of Ceremonies Calvin Hughes of WPLG local 10 News and keynote speaker Charlotte Mather-Taylor, CEO of the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County.

The City of Miramar demonstrated its skill at building strong communities as the Red Carpet Gala host for this extravaganza as well as their commitment to partner with local corporations and agencies supporting Broward County seniors. The Area Agency on Aging for Broward County and Healthy Partners dazzled with Platinum sponsorships, with Humana shining as a Gold sponsor, and HCW Biologics continuing their support of Miramar seniors with a Bronze sponsorship.

Social Service’s Director Katrina Davenport said that a special night like this is simply an extension of the love and support her dedicated staff gives its seniors every day at the Southcentral Southeast Focal Point. She urged everyone to give them a call at 954889-2719 to find out themselves!

HAPPENINGS IN MIRAMAR

MIRAMAR BUSINESS AWARDS

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE & FESTIVAL

HAPPENINGS IN MIRAMAR

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 13TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONY HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE 2010 HAITI EARTHQUAKE

The City of Miramar has teamed with up with Sea Castle Elementary School to launch a Financial Literacy Program for fifth graders.

Ms. Susan Gooding-Liburd, the City's Chief Financial Officer, will deliver an eightweek age-appropriate financial education program where the children will learn about money management. The following subjects will be covered:

1. Banking Fundamentals

2. Opening your First Bank Account

3. Managing Credit Cards

4. Savings

5. Budgeting

6. Investing

7. College and Career Planning

8. Scholarships

The pilot program is an initiative of the City Manager's Office. Bringing the community together through partnerships and projects like this is a top priority for the City.

RE-NAMING OF FAIRWAY PARK TO NORMA D. MARTIN FAIRWAY PARK

MIRAMAR BUSINESS PULSE

City of Miramar’s Economic Development and Housing Department Receives Accreditation by the International Economic Development Council

The Only City in Broward County to Receive the Designation

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announces that the City of Miramar’s Economic Development and Housing Department (EDH) has been recognized as one of 71 economic development organizations across the United States and Canada to be accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO).

“Miramar’s Economic Development and Housing Department displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor,” said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle.

Anita Fain Taylor, Director of Miramar’s EDH added, “My team is honored to be given this distinction by the IEDC. We have a hardworking and dedicated staff who administer the various programs

that benefit our local businesses, and they continue to deliver with consistency and excellence.”

The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly held standards in the profession. The program consists of two phases: a documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, funding, programs, and staff of the candidate economic development organization.

Earning the AEDO accreditation tells the community and prospects that Miramar’s Economic Development and Housing Department has attained a measure of excellence assuring that their trust is well-placed and their business is in good hands.

Maintenance of the AEDO status is required every three years and is accomplished through documentation submission and/or onsite visits by a team of the AEDO subcommittee.

The International Economic Development Council is the largest membership association serving economic and community development professionals in the world. With over 5,000 members nationwide and abroad, IEDC offers the economic development profession one source for information and professional development, one voice for the profession and one force for advocacy. For more information on IEDC or the AEDO program, call Dana Crater at (910) 821.0245; fax (202) 223.4745; write to IEDC at 1275 K Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005; email dcrater @ iedconline.org; or visit IEDC’s website at www.iedconline.org.

Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers Sworn in as Mentor for 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project

Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers of the City of Miramar was sworn in as a Mentor of the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence Project at the Broadmoor Elementary School in Miami Dade. The 5000 Role Models of Excellence is an initiative that started with Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson who realized a disturbing pattern among young minority boys. They were either dropping out of school, doing drugs, or becoming incarcerated. To provide a meaningful and lasting solution, 5000 Adult Mentors are trained to intervene in the lives of the young men to lead them away from a life of crime to one where they can make a productive contribution to society.

When the initiative started in 1993, it was called, 500 African American Male Role Models of Excellence. However, there was an exponential increase in enrollment of mentors and students and the name was changed to the “5000 Role Models of Excellence Project” which speaks volumes to its success.

At the event, Commissioner Chambers was honored to be selected as one of the mentors and stated, “I know how

easy it is for young boys to become distracted, and as a mentor, I am happy to be able to provide that support to ‘at-risk’ youth who can see how they can make a meaningful contribution to uplift themselves and serve their communities. There are so many alternatives to crime that these promising young men can make, and I am pleased to be able to pass on knowledge and share my experiences and more importantly motivate them to do their best.”

At the event other Mentors stood tall as they received their red ties and met the impressionable young men at the school. Thanks to Frederica S. Wilson, who is now a member of the United States Congress the boys 9-19 years old will be able to reach their full potential and not become a statistic. The young men will all have to graduate from High School and attend college and be guided by their Mentor who will offer guidance on a regular, consistent basis. They boys will be taught healthy living, responsibility, respect, and attaining future goals.

For more information on the 5000 role models project they can be reached at 5000rolemodels@dadeschools.net.

Holiday Walk

The Southcentral/Southeast Focal Point hosted their annual Holiday Walk at the Miramar Cultural Center Botanical Garden on December 8th with almost 100 seniors taking advantage of the beautiful weather to get their steps in.

Seniors received certificates for completing the Arthritis Foundation’s evidence-based programs for the entire year designed to build their strength, endurance, balance, and agility. Social Services’ Health and Wellness Coordinator Janeille Brathwaite was proud to award the seniors for their hard work and dedication and to inspire them to stay active and healthy.

Humana, InTune Health, and Valencia Outreach sponsored the Holiday Walk and presented the following seniors with plaques honoring their commitment to health and wellness: Mavis Pratt, 80, was named the Most Active Senior 2022; Archie Brathwaite, 83, was named Most Improved Senior; and Miguel Rivera, 66, was the 2022 Cogni-Fit winner.

Mayor Messam was on hand to deliver opening remarks with Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis presenting seniors with their certificates. Miramar Fire and Police continued their long-time commitment to Miramar seniors by joining the seniors as they walked around the lake and on the dance floor with DJ Fantasma bringing Holiday vibes.

Customer Service Spirit Week

The City of Miramar’s Customer Service team (954-602-HELP) celebrated Customer Service Week November 14th-17th.

The team showed their team spirit all week and they’re here to serve you all year long!

Customer Service Week is an international celebration that calls attention to the importance of customer service and the people who provide it.

The goal is to:

• Boost morale and teamwork

• Reward employees for the significant work they do

• Raise awareness of the value of customer service

• Thank other departments for their support

• Remind those who use your services of your commitment to customer satisfaction

STAY FIT

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

HAPPENINGS IN MIRAMAR MIRAMAR MILE RUN

SPRING CAMPS

MIRAMAR CULTURAL CENTER

MIRAMAR CULTURAL CENTER

ARTSCAPE RIBBON CUTTING