Mario Ortiz Jr. is a music teacher at Miami Lakes K-8 Center by day, but moonlights as a feisty trumpet player and salsa bandleader whose band, Mario Ortiz All Star Band, has been nominated for "Best Salsa Album" for its 50th Anniversary album in the upcoming 15th Latin Grammy Awards. This is the band's second nomination, the first was in 2010 for the 45th Anniversary album. Ortiz and his band are celebrating 50 years of musical...

  Voice of Love Training and Development, in partnership with The Children’s Trust, will host its annual Cross Country Jingle Bell Jog 5K at 8 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, at Shula’s Golf Club Par 3 course, 7601 Miami Lakes Drive. Free activities for children will include a fun kid’s dash with prizes, bounce houses, face painting and balloons. Pre-registration is $25 and $30 on the day of the race. All proceeds go to...

  Barbara Goleman Senior High is hoping for a “true homecoming” this school year. In addition to the school’s regularly scheduled homecoming game and dance is a Grand Alumni Homecoming Celebration. Goleman faculty and staff have invited all Goleman High School alumni back to “the swamp” to reconnect and relive the experiences that made them Gators on Saturday, November 8. Festivities begin at 3 p.m. and...

  High school and college students who are looking for government experience to help them succeed in their professional careers can apply for Miami-Dade Commissioner Esteban Bovo Jr.’s internship program that serves the constituents of District 13. The program is open to students 16 years-old and older who also need community service hours for high school and college credits. The program will facilitate students with hands-on...

 

Discover Montessori Academy, located at 15650 Miami Lakeway North, invites the community to a Trunk or Treat event on Halloween, October 31 from 7 to 9 p.m. Volunteers will decorate the trunks of their vehicles with a variety of themes. Children and adults alike are encouraged to come in costume and visit each vehicle to collect treats while enjoying music, bounce houses and refreshments.