Opportunities and Reminders

Vol. 3, No. 3 8 March 2022

Early bird pricing ends March 18th. Get active while helping to support a cause*

(you can even walk if you want)!

Registration includes a finisher medal, 5k Shirt,

and a few surprises!

Register today at www.pelicanharbor.org/pelican-5k

*Pelican Harbor Seabird Station was founded in 1980 for the purpose of caring for injured brown pelicans and has grown into an internationally recognized center for seabird rehabilitation.

The Seabird Station accepts all native birds, mammals, and reptiles. Injured wildlife can be dropped off 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And, if necessary, the Station will send out a team to pick up the injured creature. 305-751-9840

SOUTH MIAMI'S FARMERS MARKET

The South Miami Farmers' Market is open every Saturday, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. It is located in front of the South Miami Library at 6000 Sunset Drive with FREE parking and ADA accessibility.

The market is brought to South Miami by the Urban Oasis Project. The Market's mission to bring fresh seasonal produce and quality, locally produced artisan food products to our community, to help educate its consumers about South Florida's bounty, and to improve the local economy by keeping local dollars local. Focusing on fresh, seasonal, local fruit, vegetables, eggs, and herbs, mostly organic or sustainably grown. Featuring vendors selling locally produced artisan wares, such as baked goods, jams, pickles, sauces, juices, and local honey, as well as live plants.

The Market accepts SNAP/EBT and doubles those benefits when used to purchase groceries. It is adding new vendors and products all the time.

HELP WITH FILING INCOME TAXES

FOUNDATION Tax-Aide Program is helping taxpayers with preparing and e-filing or filing their income taxes. In South Miami the program is available on

Mondays from

10:00 am until 2:00 pm at

Gibson Bethel Community Center, 5800 SW 66 Street. Taxpayers are seen by appointment. To make an appointment, one can do it by calling 305-668-3876 or showing up in person. After calling, please stop by the Center to pick up a packet. In the packet are forms: some explain the process and some should be completed by the taxpayer before his or her appointment.

Other South Dade times and locations are:

Tuesdays, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

~ Homestead Community Center, 43 NE 16 Street

305-245-4934* Homestead, FL 33030

Wednesdays, 2:00 pm - 6:30 pm

~ South Dade Regional Library, 10750 SW 211 Street

Cutler Bay, FL 33189

Thursdays, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

~ West Kendall Regional Library, 10201 Hammocks

Blvd., Miami, FL 33196

Fridays, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

~ Coral Reef Branch Library, 9211 SW 152 Street

Palmetto Bay, FL 33157

Saturdays: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

~ Pinecrest Branch Library, 5835 SW 111 Street

305-668-4571* Pinecrest, FL

* Call to make appointments, then go pick up packets.

CENSORSHIP

I am going to quote from the American Civil Liberties Union about the laws being passed to censor teaching about racism and gender:

"This wave of censorship efforts effectively gags educators and students from talking about issues of the most profound national importance, including systemic racism in our society. But the ability to discuss and debate ideas – even those that some may find uncomfortable – is a crucial part of our democracy. And most importantly, every young person has a right to learn an inclusive and complete history in schools, free from censorship or discrimination."

To read their whole article, click here. To take their pledge click here.

ATTIC INSULATION

Once again the Green Corridor is offering free attic insulation. If your attic is appropriate, a light foam that looks like fluffy cotton is blown into the space between your ceiling and your roof. This helps to cut down on heat getting through from your roof to the rooms below, or in cold weather, warmth leaking out through your ceiling.

Some time in November 2020, about 15 South Miami homes owners took advantage of this offer. I had it done in my house. The whole process was efficient and clean. I do notice a difference - especially on the hottest days.

If you are interested, please call or email Maria Garcia, the City Manager's Executive Assistant, at City Hall:

(305) 668-2510 mgarcia@southmiamifl.gov.

MARSHALL WILLIAMSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND

In February, former mayor Dr. Anna Price suggested to Patrick Robinson that he donate to the Marshall Williamson Scholarship Fund. Mr. Robinson was an NFL football cornerback and former South Miami resident. He agreed to be a sponsor of the fund at the $10,000 level.

Last year South Miami was able to give six students each a $2,000 scholarship. This year, thanks to Patrick Robinson, the City will be able to award either nearly twice as many or more generous scholarships.

There is always a need to help South Miami students with their advanced education - be it scholastic or vocational. If you would like to help, please contact the City Manager, the City Clerk, or me.

Stay healthy and keep safe!