Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale Volunteers Pitch In

By Jaye Abbate

As guests entered the concert hall on a recent Saturday afternoon, they were greeted with a calming atmosphere of soft lights, reduced sound levels, and minimal special effects. The welcoming setting is part of the innovative arts and healing programming presented by the award-winning female vocal group, Brazilian Voices. While the beautiful harmonies and familiar playlist of classic bossa beats and American favorites appeal to everyone, this show has been modified for children and adults on the autism spectrum and individuals with other sensitivity issues or developmental disabilities.

Helping check guests in, show them to their seats, and pass out eggshaped music shakers for audience members to play along to the music are just a few of the tasks that volunteers from the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale assisted with. As one of the region’s leading providers of music in healthcare settings, Brazilian Voices relies mostly on grant funding for this series, and the volunteer assistance allows them to reach more audiences in need. “Helping more people is what it’s all about,” said Rotary President Jaye Abbate. “People of all abilities came together, and it was a powerful, joyful experience for Rotary volunteers to be part of.”

The Brazilian Voices show was just one of more than two dozen community service projects the club has participated in during the past year, which have touched thousands in need locally and globally. Known as “people of action,” the 100-year-old all-volunteer group supports dozens of local charities as well as global projects addressing clean water, education, economic development, and disease prevention.

“Our motto is ‘service above self.’ We are just regular folks trying to do good in our own community and wherever there is a need in the world,” says Abbate. “We supported flood disaster relief in our own city this year, as well as relief efforts for our peers in Fort Myers. We provided aid to youth aging out of foster care in Broward County, and our support for clean water wells and the International Wheelchair Foundation has given the gift of mobility and clean water – things most of us take for granted – to thousands globally. That’s a lot of impact for a small band of volunteers!”

⊲ To learn more about Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale or become a member contact RotaryFtLaud@gmail.com or visit RotaryFortLauderdale.com.

June 1

Sunny Days/Starry Nights

Enjoy FREE admission and 2-for-1 All Day Happy Hour on the first Thursday of every month at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale. 11 am to 7 pm. Free drop-in art-making activities for children inspired by current exhibitions. Starry Nights is presented by Broward Health. Hosted at the NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, One E Las Olas Blvd. For more info call 954-525-5500 or scan the QR code.

June 8

School is Out

Celebrate the last day of school with the kids! Broward County Public Schools

Last Day of the School year starts Summer Break.

June 4

Latrice Royale

From Prison to Pristine! Celebrating 30 years in the biz, Latrice shares how she's risen from the lowest points in her life to becoming one of the World's most Beloved Queens. Letting nothing stand in her way, it's a story of resilience, heart, soul and determination! Latrice spills all the “Tea” through Comedy, Storytelling and Music. This incredible show will be hosted at The Parker for one night only! Show starts at 8:00 pm. Scan the QR code for details and tickets!

June 9

Movie Splashdown Night

A movie with a splash! Come join the fun and games with us, while lounging by the pool. Light refreshments will be served. June’s movie will be “Sonic the Hedgehog.” The film follows Sonic, a blue anthropomorphic hedgehog who can run at supersonic speeds. He teams up with a town sheriff, Tom Wachowski, to stop the mad scientist Dr. Robotnik.

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm at Bass Park. Scan the QR code for more info.

June 9

Food in Motion

Join local artisans, farmers, and food trucks on the second Friday of each month at Peter Feldman Park from 6-11pm. The event features Artisan Food Market, Fresh Produce, Food Trucks, Live Music, Vegan Options, Gourmet Baked Goods, Locally Made Products & More. Hosted at Peter Feldman Park, 310 NE 6th Street. For more info, email flaglerfoodinmotion@gmail.com.

June 13

Turtle Walk

Your adventure begins at the Museum of Discovery and Science with a presentation about turtles and then continues at Fort Lauderdale Beach where a Museum expert guides you to sea turtle nesting grounds. We can’t guarantee a nesting sea turtle will be spotted on every walk, but when it happens, it’s a natural wonder you will never forget!

8:00 pm - 1:00 am at the Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 SW 2nd Street. Scan the QR code for tickets and additional dates.

June 17

Stonewall Pride Wilton Manors

The Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival typically attracts 50,000 spectators and has a direct economic impact of more than $6 million dollars for the City of Wilton Manors, according to an independent study. Stonewall Pride celebrates the historic Stonewall Riots and the start of the LGBTQ+ human rights movement and how it has shaped our community. 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm in Downtown Wilton Manors. Parade starts at 7:00 pm. For info & tickets scan the QR Code.

June 19

Juneteenth: Freedom Day

On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger road into Galveston, Texas to enforce Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in the last, most remote known location in the South. Since then, the date has been celebrated as the end of American slavery. It is helpful to reflect on the darkest parts of our history in order for us to look forward. Join together with friends and neighbors to celebrate the freedoms we have and the progress that still needs to come.

June 28

Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Club

Celebrate “Wine & Wise Women Wednesdays” at the Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Club. Learn more about the historical women of Fort Lauderdale/Broward County and a reading of an excerpt from a historical woman in literature. Sip wine, learn, and share interpretations of the writing. $20 Ticket purchases include 2 drinks. (Non-alcoholic available). Cash bar available for drink purchases. The club will accept donations of any size at the door, which are very much appreciated! 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm at 20 S Andrews Ave. Scan the QR code for tickets & info.

June 25

Disney Pride Concert

Something magical is coming! Join the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida for a spectacular, new concert that celebrates LGBTQ+ life, love, family, and pride through the combination of timeless songs from the Disney songbook, curated video clips from the Disney vault, and the personal life experiences of local chorus members. Two shows, one at 3:00pm and one at 8:00pm. Hosted at Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker. Scan the QR code for tickets and more info.

June 30

Movies By Moonlight

June 18

Fathers' Day

Celebrate fathers, fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. Many countries celebrate it on the third Sunday of June, though it is also celebrated widely on other days by many other countries. Happy Father’s Day!

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and favorite movie date to see the family-friendly film “Hotel for Dogs”! This summer movie series takes place on the Main Lawn at Las Olas Oceanside Park. Come early to DINE at one of the local area restaurants, SHOP with the People and Pet Vendors or bring a picnic for a Dinner & A Movie experience under the stars. The movie is family and pet friendly and free to the public. Show starts at 8:15 pm.