Do You Have Love for Miami?

When the sun is shining and the weather is sweet, you’re all, “I love Miami! This is the coolest city ever!” When skies are gray and highway traffic stresses you out, you’re quick to curse the 305. Which is it, fair-weather local? If you’re serious about your dedication to the Magic City, today’s the day to put up or shut up. It’s the 13th annual Hands On Miami Day, and you can help improve your city. From 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., more than 4000 volunteers will plant trees, clean up, and paint murals at 25 project sites throughout town, including schools and ecological sites. Events will be taking place from Homestead to North Miami Beach, so your “it’s too far away” whining won’t cut the mustard, slacker. Visit www.handsonmiami.org to figure out how you can help.

If you’re a know-it-all who doesn’t know much about the city just yet, brush up on your local architecture at the Miami Design Preservation League’s Art Deco Academy and Tour School. If you’re a prospective tour guide or just someone who has a regular rotation of out-of-town visitors crashing in your guest room, you should sign up. Through walking tours, guidebooks, and discussions, tour school founder and director Jeff Donnelly will reveal the history and architectural significance of Miami’s most notable structures. The series of three educational sessions begins today from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Art Deco Welcome Center, 1001 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach. Classes cost $30. Call 305-672-2014, or visit www.mdpl.org.
Sat., Nov. 3, 2007