TULLE

BITING DOWN AN INTERVIEW WITH RALPHIE THE ‘DEMON DOG’

This female calico is 12 weeks old. She’s very sweet, loves to play and enjoys being in the arms of a human. She’s litter trained. If you would like to make Tulle a part of your family, or to learn more about other pets available for adoption, give Upper Keys Humane Society (UKHS) a call at 305-451-3848. UKHS is a not-for-profit no-kill shelter that provides food, shelter, medical care and adoption services for unwanted and abandoned animals.

Thursday, May 18

• Tween String Pull Painting, for ages 10-13, at 4:30 p.m. at Key Largo library. Use paint and string to make unique designs on paper. Supplies and snacks provided.

• Islamorada Village Council special meeting to discuss land use at 3 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center.

• Art Walk from 6 to 9 p.m. at Morada Way Arts & Cultural District, Islamorada.

Friday, May 19

• Coral Shores High School Class of 2023 parade at 5 p.m. on the Old Highway; lineup begins at Forest Tek, Islamorada.

Saturday, May 20

• I.CARE dive and coral transplant at 8:30 a.m. at Islamorada Dive Center. Visit icareaboutcoral.org to learn more and sign up.

• Activate & Ascend Your Life and Business Workshop from 9 a.m. to noon at MM 105, Key Largo. $111. In-person or on Zoom. More info or sign-up contact melinda@melindavanfleet.com or check out www.melindavanfleet.com.

• Aquanauts to Astronauts exhibit opens with meet-and-greet with Sydney Hamilton, aerospace engineer and astronaut, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at History of Diving Museum, Islamorada.

Sunday, May 21

• I.CARE dive and coral transplant at 8:30 a.m. at Conch Republic Divers, Tavernier. Visit icareaboutcoral.org to learn more and sign up.

Tuesday, May 23

• Mote Marine Laboratory tour through Islamorada nursery at 2 p.m. at Bud N’ Mary’s Marina, MM 79.8, oceanside, Islamorada. Visit mote.org/tours to sign up.

• Florida Keys Toastmasters hybrid meeting at 6 p.m. at Keys History & Discovery Center, Islamorada. For more information, call 305-923-6546.

• Coral Shores Senior Night at 6 p.m. at Coral Shores High School Performing Arts Center.

Wednesday, May 24

• Just Older Youth (JOY) Center classes from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Visit justolderyouthinc.org for a complete schedule.

• Coral Shores High School graduation at 7 p.m. at the football field.

Mental Health Awareness

SATURDAY, MAY 20th Registration 8:00 a.m.

Mental health and suicide prevention can save lives.

NAMI Miami-Dade is part of a national organization that offers free mental health programs. We are here to listen, offer a friendly voice and provide support to create awareness and help prevent suicide.

If you’re in crisis, please call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Established as a not-for-proﬁt organization in 2007, MarrVelous Pet Rescues and Adoptions (MPR) a 100% foster-based animal rescue and adoption organization serving the Florida Keys with a mission to provide immediate counsel, care, medical treatment, and shelter for animals in need until permanent adoption is achieved, as well as to promote education for responsible animal care, spay and neuter, microchipping, and training.

With a staﬀ of two, one full time and one part time, Suzi Youngberg and Lisa Layne, led by a volunteer board and assisted by a team of volunteers, they handle all rescues, fosters and matches. Animals live in foster care until they are adopted. "This provides a nurturing environment and allows us to expose the animals socially as well as introduce them to home life," Suzi said. "Staﬀ, volunteers and fosters get to know the animals which helps expedite a strong match with the adopting parties." Through MarrVelous's social media presence and our website connected to national databases, animals needing foster care and adoption are widely promoted. Oﬞen, adoptive parents share stories, photos and updates. More than 130 dogs were rehomed in 2022 with 58 of those being puppies under six month old.

Monthly activities include free community dog training with an animal trainer/behaviorist and Yappy Hours at various outdoor local establishments. At the Rescue House, fundraising and social events are held, and the annual gala is every November at Snook's Bayside.