Greetings {name},

Saturday, May 12 is International Nurses Day, recognizing all nursing professionals for their contributions and commitment to quality health care.

May 12 is also Limerick Day, celebrating the birthday of writer Edward Lear (1812-1888) and Limerick poems, popularized by Lear in 1846 in his Book of Nonsense. There once was a girl from Nantucket... 

Sunday, May 14, the second Sunday of May, is Mother's Day. Established essentially by two women, Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis, it's a traditional time to honor mothers, grandmothers, mothers-in-law, and all motherly figures.

Monday, May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day, a time to honor federal, state and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Thursday, May 18 is International Museum Day, a good opportunity to visit, appreciate, and support your local museum.

Friday, May 19, the third Friday in May, is National Endangered Species Day, a time to raise awareness about the many animals that are on the endangered species list.

Saturday, May 20 is Armed Forces Day, an opportunity to pay tribute to all men and women who serve the United States’ armed forces. 

Monday, May 22 is National Maritime Day, reflecting the gratitude that Americans have for the maritime industry and the benefits it brings to the country.

Thursday, May 25 is National Missing Children's Day, an annual observation in the United States designed to highlight the problem of child abduction.

The beautiful blossom of the Vanilla Orchid vine opens only for one day.

Now Energized

Miami-Dade 2023 Solar Co-op

Residents and small businesses of Miami-Dade County are eligible to join this co-op to understand the fine details and get the best prices for clean green solar energy installations. Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is a national nonprofit helping people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights. SUN provides unbiased, installer-neutral support through each stage of the process of going solar. There is no obligation to install, and no cost to join. For details, send email to: flteam@solarunitedneighbors.org or visit the web page online.

This weekend

Mother’s Day Arrangements at R. F. Orchids

Pre-order your Mother’s Day flowers early so that they’re ready on time. Let the experts at R. F. Orchids create that special one-of-a-kind memorable gift of lovely orchids to express your thoughts on Mother’s Day. Deliveries available through Saturday, May 13. Call 305-245-4570. https://rforchids.com

May 10–14 from 10am to 5pm

Shop Mother's Day at Soroa Orchids

Discover a huge selection of orchids for Mother's Day at Soroa, 25750 SW 177th Ave, with specials on Cattleyas for $25 each -- buy four and get the fifth one free. New arrivals from Thailand -- featuring unique species and hybrids -- at incredible prices. Orchids arrangements starting at $25. Gift cards available. Call 305-247-2566. Get details online.

Free County Service

Irrigation System Assessment

Miami-Dade residents can qualify for rebates following a free irrigation system assessment. Eligible applicants can receive up to $500 for single-family homes and $2,850 for condominium associations in rebates per year. Learn more about the program and read tips on how to water wisely. Get details online.

Prompt Friendly Service

Pro Irrigation Solutions

When you need assistance with your home and garden irrigation needs, including ensuring compliance with the Miami-Dade County rebate program, contact Anthony Harris at Pro Irrigation Solutions for installation, service and repair. Estimates are free. Call 954-701-5206 or email proirrigationsolutions@gmail.com

Thursday, May 11 at 5:30pm

Women's Wellness Fair

Take a step towards wellness at CHI’s Put You First: Women's Wellness Fair at Community Health of South Florida, 10300 SW 216th Street. Get details and RSVP online.

Friday, May 12 at 10am

Career Resource Workshop

Looking for a job or looking to change careers? Visit this workshop at the Cybrarium to learn how to build your resume and discover resources for job hunting. Get details online.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Schnebly's Restaurant Weekends

Dine at Schnebly's Restaurant every weekend -- Friday from 11am to 10:30pm, Saturday from 11am to 10:30pm, and Sunday from 11am to 8pm. The extensive menu features a range of mouth-watering dishes that cater to all tastes and preferences. From their signature salads to the perfectly cooked meats and seafood, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Get details and RSVP online.

Friday, May 12 at 6pm

Le Jardin's Art & Jazz Under The Stars Fundraiser

As trailblazers in the community, Le Jardin Community Center is proud to generate awareness of the importance and impact of the Arts in education through creative interpretations. Get details online.

Friday, May 12 at 8pm

Country Night Friday

Get your Daisy Dukes and cowboy boots ready for Miami Brewing Company’s famous Country Night every Friday starting at 8pm with line dancing. Don’t worry if you don’t know how; the amazing 300PoundBlackGuy is there to pump you up and teach you the moves to become a Line Dancing pro in no time. Plus, artisanal beer galore to get those muscles relaxed. Admission is $10, and includes a jello shot or water bottle. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Sunday, May 14 from 11am to 3pm

Mother's Day Brunch at the County Club

A celebration of Motherhood Brunch takes place at the Redland County Club's Banquet Room for the whole family. Adults are $50, children are $18 and children 4 and younger are free. The club is located at 24451 SW 177th Avenue. Call 305-247-8503 x1. https://www.redlandgolf.com

Wednesday, May 17 at 6pm

FNGLA 2022 Buster & Demott Scholarship Dinner

Attend this special FNGLA event at the Redland Golf & Country Club to honor students who pursue careers in the horticulture industry with an award of $2,500 in an effort to assist in that endeavor. The country club is located at 24451 Southwest 177th Avenue. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Wednesday, May 17 at 6pm

Free Solar 101 Info Session

The Miami-Dade 2023 co-op sponsored by non-profit Solar United Neighbors is presenting a free Solar 101 Information Session online. Learn about solar energy and its benefits for your home, or small business. Join your fellow Floridians harvesting sunshine to lower their electric bills and build a clean, equitable energy system in the community. Get details online. 

Weekend of May 19-21

Redland International Orchid Festival

Located at the idyllic Redland Fruit and Spice Park in South Dade, the Redland International Orchid Festival is world renowned as a bucket list event for orchid lovers. Join the best orchid growers in the world along with fellow avid orchid fans for three and a half days of pure orchid mania at the Fruit & Spice Park. Get details and purchase discount tickets online.

Saturday, May 20 from 2 to 6pm

Military Appreciation Day in Homestead

The tenth Annual Military Appreciation Day brings excitement and entertainment to downtown Homestead, with food, drinks, live music, and special performances to mark the occasion. Check out the collection of vintage and modern military vehicles such as boats, weaponry, and other interactive displays. This free community event centers at the newly expanded and renovated Losner Park located at 104 North Krome Avenue. Get details online.

Tuesday, May 23 at 7pm

East Everglades Annual Orchid Auction

Make plans to attend the annual orchid auction presented by the East Everglades Orchid Society, at the University of Florida Miami-Dade Extension, 18710 SW 288 Street. Get details online.

Monday, May 29 from 8am to 11am

VFW Post 4127 Memorial Day Ceremony

The public is cordially invited to participate in the Memorial Day Ceremony sponsored by Homestead VFW Post 4127 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Old Dixie Hwy at SW 272 Street, honoring the memory of the men and women who have fought to defend our nation and liberty. The event begins with coffee and donuts at 7am before the opening ceremony at 8am. At 9am, the flag will be raised and lowered to half-mast followed by 21-gun salute by the Honor Guard, followed by TAPS. Join in  the posting of flags on the graves of all Veterans. Following the ceremony, all are invited to the VFW Post for hot dogs and hamburgers. The post is open every Tuesday through Sunday at 3pm for food, drinks, fun -- and most of all service to veterans -- at 601 NE 2nd Road. Get details online. Call 305-245-4535. https://vfw4127.org

One Stop Shop

Custom Metal Installations

B&K Installations, at 246 SW 4th Ave in Homestead, has been a pillar of Florida's manufacturing community since 1979 -- your one stop shop for all your fabrication needs, fully equipped for metal fabrication, machining and waterjet cutting projects. B&K is South Florida's leading manufacturer of Ag buildings, equipment and custom metal products. With their expertise and your vision, your concept can become a reality. Call 305-245-6968. https://www.bkinstall.com

Preston B. Bird and Mary Heinlein

Fruit & Spice Park

The Preston B. Bird/Mary Heinlein Fruit & Spice Park is the only tropical botanical garden of its kind in the United States. The tropical climate of the 37-acre facility can be found nowhere else in the continental U.S. and hosts over 500 varieties of fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and nuts, and other commercially important plant specimens from around the world. The Park showcases 150 varieties of mango, 75 varieties of bananas, 70 bamboo varieties, and numerous other exotic edibles. Visitors are invited to sample fruits at the tasting counter inside the Park Store or enjoy fallen fruit found along the trail. This Miami-Dade County park is host to many fine festivals and special events. https://redlandfruitandspice.com

A Unique Countryside Dining Experience

Royd’s on Krome Avenue

Bring the family to Royd's on Krome to enjoy the delightful ambience of Miami's countryside, featuring a mix of Latin and Southern comfort food, with fresh fruit milkshakes and home-made desserts. On the weekends, enjoy the mechanical bull rides, pony rides and a farm animal exhibit for the kids, with live music and a festive atmosphere. From the architecture to the agriculture, it's a beautiful family-friendly place -- a charming reflection of the Redland Region -- where you'll want to return again and again. Royd's is located at 20800 SW 177 Avenue. Call 305-799-8996. https://roydssfl.com