City seeks applications
for appearance award

FORT LAUDERDALE — The city of Fort Lauderdale is accepting nominations for this year’s Community Appearance Awards, which are presented each year to encourage aesthetic awareness and to acknowledge individuals and organizations who are working to enhance, improve and beautify the Fort Lauderdale community.

Community Appearance Awards recognize homeowners, architects, landscapers and developers for their individual efforts to enhance the City’s visual image and economic vitality. Neighborhood associations are recognized for projects that positively affect the area of the association. Since the program’s inception in 1978, hundreds of commercial buildings, office towers, residences, and landscape improvements have been nominated for awards. Sponsorship of the program comes from the community in the form of corporate and private donations, as well as from the City of Fort Lauderdale.

Applications must be postmarked by 5 p.m. Feb. 13, and mailed to the Community Appearance Board, Lauren Gambino, Sustainable Development, 914 Sistrunk Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311.

Mindingall sponsors
domestic violence workshop

MIAMI — Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, Miami-Dade School Board member and longtime educator, will present the annual “No More Broken Hearts” – Domestic Violence Workshop, which is open to the public.

The session is for adults of all ages; a panel of professional experts and survivors will address the issue. The event will occur at 10 a.m. Feb. 21 at Charles R. Drew Community Center, 1801 NW 60th Street in Miami. Breakfast and lunch are included.

RSVP at the following link:  http://www.eventbrite.com/e/no-more-broken-hearts-domestic-violence-workshop-tickets-9018038195

Culture, crafts to highlight
Black Heritage Festival 

MIAMI GARDENS — In honor of Black History Month, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan and Miami Gardens Councilman Rodney Harris are hosting the second annual Black Heritage Festival.

The festival, which will include culture, crafts and creative artists, takes place noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex, 3000 NW 199th Street, in Miami Gardens.

“It is incumbent upon us to help preserve our culture,” said Commissioner Jordan. “While we plan to celebrate our contributions during Black History Month, the reality is our Black History should be celebrated 365 days a year.”

Attendees will enjoy the uplifting voices of Jesus People Ministries International Gospel Choir, African fashions, Miami Norland High School’s drumline, Simone’s Just Dance Studios, Jazz ensemble from Florida Memorial University, and much more.

Sponsors for the Black Heritage Festival include Carrie Concessions Inc., IBEW Local Union 349, Marlins Foundation, Orion Jet Center, AT&T Inc., D. Stephenson Construction Inc., EAC Consulting Inc., EBS Engineering Inc., Santana Moss Foundation, Subway, Haagen Daz, Dunkin’ Donuts, Parks Foundation, Black Affairs Advisory Board, Miami-Dade County, and H&R Block.

For more information regarding the Black Heritage Festival, call (305) 474-3011. 

                      Compiled from staff, wire reports