Commissioner Barreiro's latest e-News. Mom & Pop Small Business Grant applications available Inside!

February, 2018

Your District 5 Staff

Commissioner

Bruno A. Barreiro

Bruno@miamidade.gov

Loreta M. Sanchez

Chief of Staff

Loms@miamidade.gov

Marlene Avalo-Gonzalez

Legislative Aide

Avalo@miamidade.gov

Lourdes N. Cortes

Scheduling Secretary

Lour@miamidade.gov

Elizabeth Tejera

Constituent Services Aide

Ext@miamidade.gov

Amarylys Diaz

Constituent Services Aide

Amdiaz@miamidade.gov

Christie Toledo-Fernandez

Aide to Commissioner

Toledo@miamidade.gov

Maurice R. Hernandez

Communications Aide

MRH@miamidade.gov

Alice Gonzalez

Constituent Outreach Aide

AliceG@miamidade.gov

Maria Elena Sanchez

Receptionist

Mes2@miamidade.gov

Manolo Fernandez-Cano

Commission Aide

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

It seems like only yesterday that we all rang-in the New Year together.

February may be the shortest month of the year but it is certainly filled with plenty of opportunities to address the many challenges our community continues to face. From transportation issues, modernizing our infrastructure to continuing to tackle the effects of Sea Level Rise as a result of Climate Change.

This month is well-known as the month of Love. Valentine's Day is the time to renew your meaningful relationships whether you have a significant other or are renewing old friendships and getting closer to your family. In this spirit, we have the opportunity to celebrate Black History Month and acknowledge the countless contributions that Black Americans have made to our centuries-old American heritage.

This month's e-News is filled with information designed to enhance your quality of life, as well as inform you of fun activities you and your family can enjoy together.

My office is always open to you and your family on any issue or concern you may have regarding your county government. I also encourage you to email me personally regarding any issue and share any opinions you may have for improving the community we all love and call home.

I hope you find these monthly e-News mailings informative and useful and ask that you share them with your family, friends, and co-workers so that they may receive their own updates on the activities of their county government and their community.

Thank you,

Black History Month

February is the month of the year where we, as a nation, recognize and celebrate the many social, economic and cultural contributions that Black Americans have made toward the greatness of our country since before its founding. Through much sacrifice, injustice, and persecution, these proud Americans have persevered in every field, and are a vital part of our American story and national fabric. Please click on the banner to learn more about Black history and the proud heritage many have left behind, as illustrated in the video below .

Valentine's Day

Wednesday, February 14th

Valentine's Day is that special time of the year dedicated to renewing your love with your significant other, as well as reaffirming the ties that binds us all with with close friends and family. May you enjoy this very special day filled with joy and happiness.

President's Day

Monday, February 19th

Since the adoption of our Constitution, 229 years ago, there have been 45 men who have led our country through wars, civil, social and cultural uncertainties, as well as numerous economic upheavals with a steady hand. On President's Day, may you reflect on the contributions and sacrifices these brave men have made for our country throughout our history.

From the Dais...

Around Town

Transit congestion in Miami-Dade County is one of the most frustrating and stressing issues facing our residents today. I am thankful to all the local leaders and stakeholders who took time out of their schedules to participate and strategize on workable transportation solutions during the 2017-2018 Transportation Summit this past week.

As our diverse community grows, solving this critical issue is vital to our prosperity and our overall quality of life. I was delighted to have taken part in this most important event, and look forward to working with local, state and federal leaders to help bring commonsense solutions to our transportation issues on behalf of our residents and our international visitors alike.

Shenandoah Family-Fun Day at Shenandoah Park

It was such a pleasure to have the "Barreiro Clan" spend family fun-day at the 3rd Annual Shenandoah Day at Shenandoah Park this past Saturday, January 27th. This great tradition brings neighbors and their children together in a safe and fun environment, strengthening the bonds of community while everyone enjoys carnival games and delicious food under the bright Florida sun.

We can't wait for next year!

County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez Delivers his

7th Annual State of the County Address

On January 30th, I had the honor of introducing Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez as he delivered his 7th Annual State of the County Address at the Miami-Dade County Auditorium. Mayor Gimenez spoke of the economic and social progress we made as a community in 2017, as well as the many challenges and priorities that we must address in 2018 and beyond for the betterment of our great county.

Community Resources

To Download your Free "Mom & Pop Small Business Grant" Application, click on the Banner Below

Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP)

EHEAP is a program that provides assistance for home energy emergencies to qualified, low-income households with at least one person 60 years of age or older .

Applicant households must meet financial eligibility guidelines , and have an imminent energy crisis. A crisis may be an impending cut-off of utility services or an unusually hot or cold season energy expense, resulting in a past due account.

An eligible household is limited to receive two crisis benefits per year: one during the heating season ( October through March ) and one crisis benefit during the cooling season ( April through September ). After the EHEAP application is completed and eligibility is determined, assistance is provided until available funds are exhausted.

Alliance for Aging, Inc. , is an non-profit organization dedicated to the needs of our community's seniors. If you need assistance applying for EHEAP or other services, please don't hesitate to contact their staff at (305) 670-4357 where they would be happy to assist you.

The Miami-Dade Public Library System needs Tutors!

The Miami‑Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is looking for professional educators to join our homework help team to provide tutoring in reading, science and mathematics to students grades K‑12 at MDPLS branches across the county .

Tutors will work with students one‑on‑one and/or in groups to help them with their homework assignments in the applicable subject area in three hour sessions during non‑school hours, including Saturdays .

Hourly rate: $34.00

State of Florida professional and/or educator’s certificate must be curren t.

Please email your resume and expression of interest to: tutoring@mdpls.org

Kids' Corner

All Kids Included – Accessible Arts Experiences for Kids (AKI)

The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs promotes inclusive arts and cultural programs in school settings and throughout the community so that kids of all abilities and their families can participate fully in the arts. For complete information about the program's schedule and how your child can be a part of this constructive program, including joining its mailing list, please click on the banner below .

Click on the "Live Like Bella" Banner below for

Complete Event Registration Information

Be sure to click on the banner above for complete information on AileyCamp Miami!

Talk of the Town

The Golden Ticket - Your Passport to the Arts!

The Golden Ticket Arts Guide provides FREE tickets to the arts for seniors who are residents of Miami-Dade County !

The Golden Ticket Arts Guide features FREE cultural offerings for Miami-Dade County senior residents, ages 62 and over . Seniors can enjoy everything included in the Golden Ticket Arts Guide free of charge. To obtain a copy of the Guide, simply click on the Golden Ticket above and download your copy. To obtain your actual tickets, just click on the picture above. It's that simple!

If you wish to be informed of upcoming performances and art shows, simply call 305-499-8755 or complete the Golden Ticket mailing list form and provide your name, address and contact number to be added to the 2017-2018 mailing list and receive your free copy via US Mail.

Golden Ticket guides are also available for pick-up at local Miami-Dade Public Library System branches and Miami-Dade County Commission district offices. Contact your local library for availability.

Join the Miami Design District, in partnership with Arts Encounters, for a FREE guided tour of the neighborhood's world-renowned public art led by art critic, journalist and educator, Margery Gordon.

Two tours a month showcase selections of public artworks, exploring signature favorites and fresh additions along distinctive routes.

Monthly, Saturday afternoon excursions, feature monumental Sol LeWitt sculptures that now grace the entrance to the Design District from Biscayne Boulevard. On the third Wednesdays of each month, evening tours include visits to the Paradise Plaza framing Bus Stop , an installation by Urs Fischer, and multifaceted designs just completed for the Museum Garage.

To RSVP , please click on the banner.