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 children's playground at Rotary Park on Ponce is a delightful setting for young families.

Coral Gables Woman's Club Centennial Year: celebrating one hundred years of volunteer service to the community — and highlighting the significant contributions of women in the first century of Coral Gables. Find out how you can buy a memorial brick to commemorate a loved one. gfwccoralgableswomansclub.org/

Sunday, May 14th

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

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.

Last Curtain

El Huracán at GableStage

As Hurricane Andrew threatens Miami, a mother and daughter ready themselves for the storm, but Abuela takes shelter in a world of memory, music and magic. A powerful tale of family and forgiveness, El Huracán, written by Miami native and recent Academy Award winner Charise Castro Smith (Disney’s Encanto), reveals what can be rebuilt in the aftermath of life’s most devastating tempests and what can never be replaced. A Florida Premiere inspired by Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Starring Barbara Bonilla, Gabriell Salgado, Adriana Sevan, James Puig, Emma Garcia Seeger and Thais Menendez. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Final Weekend

Enchanted Fairies at Fairchild Gardens

Embark on a magical quest at Fairchild -- enchanted fairy doors have magically appeared throughout the Garden, with each one holding a clue leading to a charming Fairy Village. As you wander through the Garden, keep your eyes peeled for the Spring Fairy and her fairy friends. With a map in hand, you will explore the beauty of the Garden, and adventure to find twelve whimsical fairy doors. Each door holds a clue that will bring you one step closer to unraveling the mystery of the Fairy Villages. Tickets includes general admission to explore the Garden. Get details and purchase tickets 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 5pm

Opening Reception - Fairchild’s Artists in Bloom

Fairchild’s art instructors and students honor the beauty of nature in a fine art exhibition featuring their original works at this opening reception. One of a kind works of watercolor, oil and acrylic paints, and botanical illustrations bring into focus the growth of the artists’ technique and creativity, all while exploring the world of tropical flora. As a bonus, this exhibition will be taking place during the Spring Plant Sale and Mother’s Day weekend -- included in the price of Garden admission. Get details and RSVP online.

Friday, May 12 at 7pm

Van Gogh Listens - Moonlight at Barnacle

Enjoy a night of live music under the Miami's starry sky as the Barnacle Under Moonlight concert series presents Van Gogh Listens. Get details and purchase tickets online.

May 12–14

Frozen at Area Stage

For the first time in forever, you can enjoy the magical story of Frozen Jr at Area Stage. A story of true love and acceptance, Frozen Jr. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. Get details online.

Saturday, May 13 from noon to 5pm

Family Day on Aragon

Coral Gables Museum welcomes families for special activities every second Saturday of the month with arts & crafts, live performances, and more. Get details online. https://coralgablesmuseum.org/portfolio-item/familyday/

Saturday, May 13 at 1pm

Centennial Mother’s Day Tea at the Woman's Club

The Coral Gables Woman's Club is celebrating their Centennial Year -- and their fourth annual Mother's Day Tea Party is sure to be the event of the season. Spend an afternoon indulging in immaculate bubbly and teas, delightful finger sandwiches, delectable sweets, stunning live music, and a little bit of scandal to top it all off. Take your place in society and celebrate your charitable nature to benefit the Coral Gables Children's Dental Clinic. Get details and purchase $100 tickets online.

Saturday, May 13 at 4pm

Mainly Mozart Festival

The Miami Chamber Music Society is excited to announce the 30th Anniversary of the Mainly Mozart Festival, a must-see event featuring a breathtaking lineup of classical music performances. Running from May 13 to June 11, the Festival will take place at multiple venues in Coral Gables and Miami Beach. This year’s festival is dedicated to a composer whose exceptional talent, hard work, and enduring influence transformed the course of western classical music. The event will showcase performances by some of the world’s most esteemed artists and ensembles, debuting the Miami Chamber Music Society’s ensemble-in-residence and highlighting the exceptional Fellows from the fellowship program. This is an exceptional opportunity to experience the beauty and artistry of classical music while celebrating this momentous anniversary. Tickets are $10 to $30. Call 786-556-1715. Get details and order tickets online.

Saturday, May 13 at 7:30pm

Maria João Pires

Hailed by The New York Times as “an elegant technician and probing interpreter” and acclaimed for her recordings of music by Mozart, Chopin, and Schubert, Portuguese pianist Maria João Pires makes a rare Miami appearance at Gusman Concert Hall, made possible through the generosity of the Patrick Park Foundation and Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Park.

Get details and purchase tickets online.

Saturday, May 13 at 8:45pm

Carmen at Gables Cinema

This story follows a young and fiercely independent woman who is forced to flee her home in the Mexican desert following the brutal murder of her mother. Benjamin Millepied began to explore his interest in filmmaking by making short films, while at the New York City Ballet in his early twenties, where he was both a principal dancer and choreographer. His mentor, the legendary American choreographer, director, dancer and theatre producer, Jerome Robbins, worked in classical ballet for stage, film, and television. For Millepied, Robbins' film version of West Side Story is the quintessential filmed musical and a source of early inspiration. Get details online. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/carmen/

Sunday, May 14 from 9am to 12:30pm

Mother's Day Brunch at Bellmónt Spanish Restaurant

Celebrate this special day at Bellmónt Spanish Restaurant with a delicious brunch, featuring sangria and mimosas, while savoring traditional Spanish dishes. Get details online.

Sunday, May 14 from 10am to 5pm

Mothers' Day at Fairchild Garden

Pamper the special moms in the Garden with Picnics, Plants, Mimosas, and more. 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.

Starting May 17

Actors' Playhouse presents Proof at Miracle Theatre

David Auburn’s Proof is an elegant and engaging story of passion, genius, and family bonds. The story combines elements of mystery and surprise with old-fashioned storytelling to provide a compelling and entertaining theatrical experience. This winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama will receive its first professional production in Miami in over 20 years. Get details and purchase tickets 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. https://redlandorchidfestival.com