JUNE 14 - 27, 2011
Obelisk artist Joshua Wiener visits Southwood art classes BY GARY ALAN RUSE
MDPLS, Miami Dolphins Foundation present Summer Reading Program
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oshua Wiener, the Colorado-based artist who recently completed installation of his artwork on the traffic circle obelisk at SW 168th Street and 87th Avenue in Palmetto Bay, made a two-hour presentation to three classes of art students at Southwood Middle School on Wednesday on June1. The students, two-thirds of whom are in the school’s art magnet sixth grade classes, gathered in Southwood’s auditorium for the first part of the special program, a talk and slide show by the artist on how the project came about and why he chose the design that he did. Wiener gave the students an inspirational and informative address on being an artist, on how he approaches each project from the initial idea through development and completion, and on connecting with people through his art. “The real value in how to refine yourself as an artist, or in anything, is in practice,” Wiener told them. “Every time you pick up a paintbrush or a stone chisel and work on something you get better.” Also attending the presentation in the auditorium were Jenifer Berse, an art
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BY VICTORIA GALAN
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Artist Joshua Wiener (left) discusses the project with art magnet teacher Jenifer Berse while students work.
Village residents form watchdog group to ensure accountability
OBELISK, page 4 BY CHRIS SAILSBURY
ALL TYPES OF COVERAGE FROM OVER 100 TRUSTED, COMPETITIVE, INSURERS
305.238.1000
Savings & Service Since 1950
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ffective, efficient, accountable governance requires an informed citizenry. But, with the responsibilities of work and family, many individuals are challenged to find the time to be involved. A group of Palmetto Bay residents are responding to that challenge with the formation of Palmetto Bay Village Voice Inc. (PBVV). The group has incorporated with the State of Florida with the specific purpose to “…increase local government transparency and accountability through
education and communication, and to promote active resident participation in our community.” “Our goal is to ensure that all of the citizens of the village are informed and that they are heard,” said PBVV chair Rick Cook. “Governments tend to travel the path of least resistance,” he added. “The community needs to know that when the village council and manager make decisions, those decisions are based upon the interests of the entire community and not just the most –––––––––––––––––––– See
WATCHDOG, page 4
he Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) and the Miami Dolphins Foundation are teaming up for another exciting summer of reading for people of all ages. The 2011 Summer Reading Program continues through Saturday, July 23, with a number of special events and programs in branches throughout the county. The program is divided into three themes: “One World, Many Stories” for children 12 and younger; “You Are Here,” for teens 1318, and “Novel Destinations,” for adults. Children and teens are encouraged to read for two or more hours each week, which qualifies them to receive an entry ticket for the Grand Prize drawing. Grand prizes include a Miami Dolphins VIP Training Camp Experience; Miami Dolphins VIP Game Day Experience; Miami Dolphins Memorabilia; gift cards to Barnes and Noble, Gamestop, Best Buy, Toys ‘R Us, among many others. For adults, the weekly challenge is to “travel” to a novel destination through books, ebooks or VHS/DVDs. Prizes include a Barnes & Noble Nook eBook Reader and $100 gift certificates to Publix, Barnes and Noble, or Olive Garden restaurant. Special summer programs include magic and juggling shows, sing-a-longs, a manga workshop and much more. Everyone is invited to register at their nearest branch. The Summer Reading Program is sponsored by the Miami Dolphins Foundation with additional support by the Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library. For more information, call 305-375BOOK (2665).