calendar-2_web.jpgThursday, Nov. 14

Light Up Lauderdale: Join Mayor Jack Seiler as he flips the switch to kick-off this year’s 10-week festive celebration during the fifth year of this free family holiday spectacular showcasing the dazzling display of lights and decorations along the Riverwalk at 6:30 p.m. in Esplanade Park. Enjoy a special performance of holiday musical selections by the Girls Choir of South Florida, sleigh rides around the park, face paintings and a special visit by Santa.


Breast Cancer Early Prevention and Risk Factors: Gilda’s Club South Florida is hosting a free workshop for women of color.  This workshop is co-hosted by the Fort Lauderdale Chapter of The Links Inc., one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations made up of professional women of color. The featured speaker is Dr. Janet Nguyen-Sperry, Radiation Oncologist  from Broward Health. This workshop is free and open to the public and runs from 6 – 8 p.m., at Gilda’s Club South Florida,119 Rose Dr., Fort Lauderdale. RSVP required to attend. Call 954-763-6776.

Friday, Nov. 15

Young at Art 8th Annual Recycled Fashion Show: Young At Art Museum will host Superheroes: Restyled! featuring music; hors d’oeuvres and libations by Whole Foods Market Plantation and Pembroke Pines; a martini bar by Blue Martini; a swag bar; a “Gently Loved” Recycled Designer Handbag silent auction; “up-cycled” décor by IKEA Sunrise and one-of-a-kind, edgy clothing designs showcased by teen models during a supercharged New York-style runway show at 7 p.m. at the museum, 751 S.W. 121 Ave., Davie. The show challenges young teen designers to pay homage through original, chic couture to superheroes from the golden age of comic books who helped to shape the values of an entire generation. Tickets are $35 and proceeds will benefit Young At Art’s teen leadership and at-risk youth programs. Contact Hannah Hausman at 954-424-5022 or visit youngatartmuseum.org

Law Enforcement Networking Mixer: National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and the National Black Prosecutors Association will host a professional networking mixer from 5-8 p.m., at the Martini Bar, the Village at Gulfstream Park, 601 Silks Run, Hallandale Beach. The event is free. For other information, call 954-410-1075.

Saturday, Nov. 16

Cash Mob Noir: In flash-mob style, spend at least $20 on one day in support of a black businesses, then hop on the Miami Trolley for $10 for a 45-minute guided tour of Historic Overtown with stops at The Black Archives and the Black Police Precinct. Enjoy a buffet-style menu during lunch, happy hour or dinner and experience a great social ambience, networking, soul food and live music from 2-8 p.m., at Jackson Soul Food, 950 N.W. Third Ave. Visit cashmobnoir.eventbrite.com

The Storybook Festival: All are invited to the 12th Annual StoryBook Festival’s King “Author’s” Round Table of Tales from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at Southwest Regional Library, 16835 Sheridan St., Pembroke Pines. The free festival offers a day of music, dance, storytelling, storybook characters, crafts and activities for youngsters and their families. Attendees can listen to renowned storytellers tell tales from the days of knights and dragons as well as new stories and classic favorites. Call 954-357-6580.    

Dance Under the Stars: Dance Now Miami presents an evening of dance at the North Beach bandshell at 7 p.m. This is a sneak peek at Water’s Edge: The Long Walk. The company will introduce ATMA and Heritage Dance Project to the community. For other information visit dancenowmiami.org

Book Launch: What happens when a “Think Happy Guru,” invites positive South Florida literati to one of the nation’s trendiest dental spas for a night of fun and celebration? You get Champagne Smiles, A Think Happy Book Launch soiree. From 7 – 9:30 p.m., Miami author Craig Stafford, AKA the Think Happy Guru, will celebrate the launch of his new book Think Happy Nine Thought Paths To Happiness at the super chic Dr. Patty’s Dental Boutique in Fort Lauderdale. The author will share excerpts from Think Happy. Tickets are $20. Every guest will receive an autographed copy of the book. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Voices for Children of Broward County the nonprofit affiliate of the Guardian ad Litem Program.

Sunday, Nov. 17
Blue Gala:
The Miami-Dade Democratic Party will present awards to five outstanding Florida Democratic leaders at the party’s first-ever Blue Gala at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables from 5:30 – 9 p.m. The Lifetime Civic Leadership award will be presented to the Honorable Carrie P. Meek; the Party Leader award will be given to longtime Democratic champion and Democratic National Committee member Stephen Bittel; Senator Oscar Braynon will receive the Legislative Champion award; Representative David Richardson will receive the Breaking Barriers award; & prolific Democratic fundraiser Jon Adrabi will receive the Rising  Star award.  

Monday, Nov. 18

Book talk at AARLCC: At 6 p.m., Novia Reid—a young author and social worker—will share her thoughts on her devotional book, Just You and I at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center. Subtitled, “Devotions from the Heart,” her book holds thoughts, poems and stories in the form of devotions aimed at young people, especially women. The African-American Research Library and Cultural Center is located at 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. Call the Welcome Desk at 954-357-6210.

Wednesday, Nov. 20

The Downtown Bay Forum: A Luncheon with the theme “Economic Development in Miami-Dade: Are we doing enough? will be 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at Wolfson Auditorium at Temple Israel, 137 NE 19th St., Miami. Free self-parking available. Panelists includeLarry K. Williams, president & CEO, The Beacon Council and Kenneth Lipner, economist. Call William Pena Wells, 305 898-0243 or Email: wpw@williampenawells.com

Friday, Nov. 22

Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce luncheon: Kathleen Cannon, president and CEO of the United Way of Broward County is the speaker at the next Women’s Leadership Council luncheon to be held on Friday, Nov. 22 at the Marriott Pompano Beach at noon. Sponsored by the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, tickets must be purchased in advance and are $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Purchase tickets online at pompanobeachchamber.com or by calling 954-941-2940.

Ongoing:

Branches Volunteers: The faith-based non-profit invites anyone interested in helping people “Grow Deeper and Climb Higher” to volunteer for its Thanksgiving Meal Delivery Program as drivers, chefs and more. It also seeks volunteers to serve as tax preparers during tax season. Call 786-507-3996 or visit branchesfl.org

Volunteers Needed: Musicians On Call is currently seeking musicians and volunteers. The program brings live and recorded music to the bedside of patients in healthcare facilities and currently has weekly programs at South Miami, Jackson Memorial and Joe DiMaggio hospitals. Musicians and volunteers should be able to commit to one evening a month for two hours to help deliver the healing power of music. Email Monica at monica@musiciansoncall.org

Kiskeya Night: Enjoy a cultural night of poetry and other artistic expressions every third Thursday at 7 p.m., at Eclectic Miami Café, 13227 N.W. Seventh Ave., North Miami. Admission is $10. Call 786-210-8852 or visit eclecticmiami.com

Feed the Homeless: S.E.E.K. Inc. will feed the homeless in the City of Overtown every first Saturday of each month from 2-4 p.m. between 14-15 Streets and First Avenue.  S.E.E.K. is a not-for-profit organization serving youth of diverse backgrounds by providing public services that promote self-advocacy skills, strategic thinking skills, and community involvement to become lifelong problem solvers. Email seekingempowerment@gmail.com