“YOU’RE NOT VOTING???” We all know someone making excuses not to participate in the Nov. 3 elections. In 2016, 40 percent of eligible Americans skipped the presidential election. What message have you, South Florida, for people saying they plan to waste this hard-won right of citizenship? Let them know, in approximately 100 constructive words, to appear in next week’s edition of The South Florida Times. Include your full name, city or town, a phone number for verification purposes only, and a preferred head shot if possible. Email with subject line VOTE, by Sunday, Oct. 25, to news@sfltimes.com.

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FRIENDS OF AARLCC ANNIVERSARY: Join the virtual 18th celebration of the Friends of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, Friday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/friends-of-aarlcc-18th-an-

niversary-virtual-celebr-tickets-122790825665

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"HACKATHON": Palm Beach Tech’s annual competition on Oct. 23-25 will go virtual this year and benefits two South Florida not-for-profits, Feeding South Florida and the Gift of Life Marrow Registry. This year’s tech theme is "Coding for Good." Visit palmbeachtech.org/meetups/hackathon.

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VOTER EDUCATION AND INITIATIVES: The One Voice One Vote Weekend from Saturday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 25 will include three separate voter education and mobilizations to aid Black citizens against suppression tactics and ensure that their vote counts in the upcoming November elections.

Initiative #1: Free Transportation to Early Voting, Saturday, Oct. 24, senior residents 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.; all residents 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Pick-ups will take place at the top of the hour. Voting Site: South Dade Regional Library, 10750 SW 211th St., Cutler Bay.

Initiative #2: Party at the Polls: Early Voting Tour, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. We bringin’ the vibes to the polls on the Black Stallion Party Bus. Meet us and dare to speak up, unite, vote, give, learn, get involved, think, help, love, and end racism. Target audience: Millennials (18-28).

Initiative #3: Souls to the Pools. Sunday, Oct. 25, 12 p.m. Let’s vote early together South Dade. One Church. One Community. Covid-19 parade style, decorate your vehicles. All participants will receive a catered lunch to go. The car parade will meet at Martin Memorial AME (Purple Church) and drive through the community to the South Dade Library to vote. Wear your mask and for the mail-in voters don’t forget to bring your completed ballot. Call 305-744-5758 or visit JGM@hiprockstar.com.

BALLOTS + BUBBLY + BRUNCH: The New Florida Majority will host as part of The 20for20 Campaign this Sunday, Oct. 25, noon – 2:30 p.m. at Bar One, 520 West Avenue #1, Miami Beach. The aim is to increase voter turnout and political engagement among Black communities in Florida. Visit fl4aef.com/20for20vote.

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JAMAICAN WOMEN OF FLORIDA (JWOF) HIGH SCHOOL FORUM OCT. 27: The 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. event will include information on the college application process, tips on selecting the ideal college, attaining academic success in a virtual environment, getting involved on campus, and maintaining scholarships. A panel of Jamaican women who are leaders in their respective fields will include past recipients of the JWOF scholarship program. Moderator will be Dr. Monique Blake Roswell, dean of Libraries, and Academic Success Centers at Broward College. Immediately following the forum, JWOF will begin accepting applications for its “Powerful Women…Next Generation” scholarship. The $5,000 ($1,250 yearly) scholarship is awarded annually to a first- or second-generation, Jamaican-American female graduate of a high school in Florida, to attend a post-secondary institution in the Fall of 2021. Register at jamaicanwomenofflorida.com/events

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“JAZZ: THE JOAN CARTWRIGHT COLLECTION”: The Spady Museum’s newest exhibit displays the contents of the noted South Florida musician/scholar’s vault, which includes photos, paintings and artwork by Charles Mills. The exhibit also features instruments and albums from local Delray Beach donors. The museum at 170 NW Fifth Ave. in Delray Beach showcases the contributions of members of the African Diaspora to Florida and the U.S. Call 561-279-8883 or visit spadymuseum.com.

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FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY COVID-19 Update: Beginning Oct.19, FMU transitioned to remote learning. With the exception of voting initiatives, the campus will be closed to all activities and campus-wide events. Spring and Fall 2020 graduates will be invited to join the Spring 2021 Commencement ceremony. Athletic programs have been cancelled for the remainder of the season. Currently enrolled student-athletes will retain their scholarships through the completion of the academic year if they choose to remain at FMU. The COVID-19 Dashboard, updated weekly with the most recent results of our community-wide testing (students, faculty, and staff), is the best resource for up-to-date information. Notified of two new reported COVID-19 cases this week, we immediately followed the Florida Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) protocols, including contact tracing and self-quarantining for the affected individuals. We look forward to welcoming them back to campus once they have cleared the medically specified isolation period.

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TIKIMARKET AT THE MARINA IS BACK TO SUNDAYS! But earlier, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and also selling fruits and vegetables in addition to other products. Facemasks and social distancing now will be required, but the island vibe will still be the same. Vendors can sign up by calling 561-352-6626, by sending an email to tikimarketrb@gmail.com, or by visiting tikimarketrb.com. The event is sponsored by the Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Agency. And did we say the TikiMarket is free? Yeah, mon!

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WEST PALM BEACH GREENMARKET HAS RETURNED: The county’s centerpiece farmer’s market, with a pandemic-ready theme – “Lettuce Shop Safely” – will run every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 17 along the city’s downtown waterfront. Admission is free. The market is dog-friendly (dogs must be on short leashes). Free, two-hour parking is available in nearby city garages before 1 p.m.The focus on safety also means: more space — at least 10 feet — between the market’s estimated 90 vendors; masks are mandatory; market-goers will find hand-sanitizing and washing stations scattered about and a designated walking path to follow, quick shopping is encouraged.

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SEND YOUR CORONA-NNOUNCEMENTS: To news@sfltimes.com