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For the past few years there have been reports that independent bookstores are struggling. Since Amazon transitioned from online marketplace to a powerhouse verb, where “amazon-ing” books (or any items) became the popular method of shopping, local businesses are on the slow decline. Then 2020 happened. It’s a strange conundrum, and presents a catch twenty-two. Yes, it’s a great thing that anyone anywhere in the world can order books through Amazon, arriving at lighting speed to your doorstep the next day. Yes, it’s a great thing that people in this apocalyptic phone addictive time still want to read (Gasp!) and Amazon deserves their kudos. And yes, online shopping has been a literal life saver during lockdown phases of the pandemic when many people couldn’t leave their homes safely. But the ease and accessibility of Amazon, coupled with brick and mortar store closures from the pandemic, have now hit independent bookstores at an urgent time. THE FLIGHT BACK Image courtesy of Dunbar Old Books One independent bookstore owner has no fear against Amazon, and has had success pre-pandemic making book sales online. Mary Ann Talmage is the owner of Dunbar Old Books, specializing in old and rare books for over twenty five years in Miami. “We sell online and we have a lot of global sales.” Ms. Talmage doesn’t consider Amazon competition. “I don’t think about Amazon. They’re superficial. We are more in depth.” Now more than ever independent bookstores across the country have reached a critical point facing permanent closures. South Beaches’ iconic Books & Books location on Lincoln Road closed (sort of) permanently in June due to high rent prices, slower book sales, and pandemic shut downs. Currently that location remains open as a cafe. Still called Books & Books….but minus the books. (BYOB- bring your own book.) Image courtesy of Books & Books Books & Books’ location nestled in Coconut Grove is still open and still hanging on. “We take things day by day and solider on” says bookseller Katherine Wakefield. Ms.Wakefield commented that the tourist foot traffic during what is now considered high season for the area has been slower in comparison to other years. “We did have a family from England the other day which was nice to see.” Despite these setbacks however, Books & Books pivoted to creating a larger online presence. Known for their in person events with rousing notable authors, these events are now being broadcasted online. “It’s been great because we've been able to reach a larger audience.” Ms.Wakefield credited the American Booksellers Associations as a helpful ally in the fight to keep revenue strong. CREATIVE MARKETING Image courtesy of the American Booksellers Association "October is The New December" was a month-long marketing initiative urging shoppers to buy now and not to wait until December for holiday shopping. The American Booksellers Association's website has a “marketing assets” section for independent bookstores to use freely and to circulate in their local areas. This marketing strategy will continue through the holiday season with "November is The New December," and "December is The New December." The message being, buy now if you can. Ms. Wakefield is looking forward to the weeks ahead, which is always an exciting time for Miami book lovers. Image courtesy of Miami Book Fair The Miami Book Fair is a yearly event which begins in the middle of November. This year the fair will be virtual with free online registration Typically, the fair draws hundreds and hundreds of bibliophiles, notable authors, poets, and publishing industry bigwigs for a week of events, panels, and discussions. Margaret Atwood, Mark Doty, Rumaan Alam, Ross Gay, Ann Patchett, Joy Harjo, Robert Haas, Lauren Groff, and Joyce Carol Oats will be in attendance. Oh, and Lenny Kravitz. The panel and events are the most diverse in recent years, and anyone can attend from the comfort of their home. This fair comes at an important time, reinforcing the values of literature, the community it creates, and why we love books in the first place. In the spirit of supporting your local Miami bookstores, here’s a quick list of a few top Miami centric works of literature to enjoy while we wait for our present reality to brighten up. If you are able to, please go to your local Miami bookstore or order online. For information about registration for the Miami Book Fair please visit the link below. Miami Book Fair Dunbar Old Books Books & Books American Booksellers Association By Eden Herbstman

On Wednesday, October 21, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) hosted their Annual Tourism Meeting at the Miami Beach Convention Center, marking the Center’s first official event since March 2020. A record number of 478 people tuned in virtually and nearly 200 attended the socially distanced event in-person. At the event, the GMCVB announced two noteworthy events scheduled to take place in Miami-Dade: the Aesthetic Society convention in April and the Latin Grammy’s in November. Panelists included William D. Talbert, CDME, President & CEO of the GMCVB, Bruce Orosz, Chairman of the Board of the GMCVB, and other representatives from the Miami Beach Convention Center. Attendees learned more about the status of Miami’s tourism industry and toured the newly opened Miami Beach Convention Center, with new safety features and guidelines that follow all important public health measures. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of GMCVB

PowerPlay Powerboats, builder of luxurious performance powerboats, is celebrating the U.S. debut of its Walker’s Cay 30 at the 61st Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Owned by Tom Mason, who has spent more than 40 years in the boating industry and is the former owner of custom center-console builder Midnight Express, PowerPlay Powerboats is joining forces with PowerPlay Yachts, founded by Dieuveny “DJ” Jean Louis, for global distribution. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is taking place Oct. 28–Nov. 1, 2020 at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, located at 801 Seabreeze Blvd. Established in 1997, Midnight Express was the original luxury performance customizable powerboat with a center-console and multi-engines in the marketplace. Mason purchased PowerPlay Powerboats in 2005 and sold Midnight Express in 2006. After a ten year non-compete, Mason relaunched the PowerPlay Powerboats brand into the marketplace in 2017 with the Rum Runner 30. Sunseeker, located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, handles the sales for PowerPlay Powerboats. PowerPlay Powerboats and PowerPlay Yachts are symbiotically moving forward to expand the brand and lifestyle into the international yachting marketplace and lifestyle. Mason brings over four-decades of experience in the boating industry and his history with Midnight Express, while Louis brings his knowledge with Toast Distillers, Inc., a Miami-based spirits conglomerate best-known for its ultra-premium vodka, Toast™. Toast Distillers specializes in developing brands internally, as well as in facilitating the branding and distribution needs of other specialty spirits companies. The company's products include a full range of ultra-premium to midline and well-line spirits products for vodka, rum, gin, tequila and whiskey. Toast™ Vodka was the official sponsor of the 35th America’s Cup, one of the oldest and best-known trophies in international sailing yacht competitions. In 2016, Toast Vodka, along with Goslings Rum, served as the official vodka of the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series; and the 2017 America’s Cup finals in Bermuda. Toast Distillers, Inc., has seen an immense increase in brand recognition in recent years. PowerPlay Powerboats currently features the vessels Rum Runner 30 and Walker’s Cay 30, which are completely customizable. · The Rum Runner 30 features 6-foot head room inside the console with a full flushing head. It boasts an innovative walk-through transom, with full width swim platform. Its exclusive dry bilge design offers 2.8 miles per gallon at 30 miles per hour, with twin 200s. The overall length with engines is 32.6”. Its fuel capacity is 200 gallons. Top speeds can go up to 48-52 miles per hour with a single 425, and 67–71 miles per hour with twin 400s. Additional features include a custom aluminum T-top with color-matched canvas and built-in grab handles, forward-facing lounge seat on front of the console, 5-foot below deck storage, and more. · The Walker’s Cay 30 features 6-foot head room inside the console with a full flushing head. It boasts an innovative walk-through transom, with full width swim platform. Its exclusive dry bilge design offers 2.4 miles per gallon at 30 miles per hour, with twin 200s. The overall length with engines is 32.6”. Its fuel capacity is 200 gallons. Top speeds can go up to 48-52 miles per hour with a single 450, and 72–75 miles per hour with twin 450s. Additional features include a custom aluminum T-top with color-matched canvas and built-in grab handles, forward-facing lounge seat on front of the console, 5-foot below deck storage, and more. · Salacia 38, the brand’s concept boat, will launch in late 2021. The vessel will feature a wet bar and have the capability of speeds up to 90 miles per hour. The vessel features 6-foot head room inside the console with a full flushing head. It boasts an innovative walk-through transom, with full width swim platform. The overall length with engines is 41.9” and its fuel capacity is 400 gallons. It’s available with twin, triples or quad outboards. Top speeds can go up to 70 miles per hour with twin 450s, 80 miles per hour with triple 450s and 90 miles per hour with quad 400s. Additional features include a second row of captain’s chairs, a custom fiberglass top, and built-in grab handles, forward-facing lounge seat on front of the console, 7-8-foot below deck storage, and much more. Gas or diesel stern and surface drives are available and application speeds are available upon request. With the launch of its concept boat Salacia, PowerPlay Powerboats is honoring its long heritage of high-performance, competitive racing DNA. Salacia, was named after the female divinity of the sea, Neptune's queen, and is known as the goddess of salt water and serenity. In ancient Roman mythology, Salacia was worshipped as the goddess who ruled the depths of the ocean and is characterized by the calm and sunlit aspect of the sea. PowerPlay Powerboats uses the most advanced technology combined with innovative design techniques to build its luxurious performance powerboats. All vessels go through a 78-point inspection prior to delivery. There is a 3-year bow-to-stern warranty on all parts and systems. “We are pleased to partner with PowerPlay Yachts and take the exposure of PowerPlay Powerboats to a global level,” said Mason. “With our history and experience in the boating industry, and DJ’s success in branding, it’s a win-win situation. We look forward to showcasing our incredible vessels at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and introducing the Walker’s Cay to the U.S. market.” “I’m excited to bring our branding savvy to PowerPlay Powerboats and gain national attention for this incredible company,” said Louis. “We’re happy to incorporate PowerPlay Yachts to expand the PowerPlay Powerboats marketplace and promote the boating and yachting lifestyle.” PowerPlay Powerboats will be located at the Red Zone H/I Dock 59A-B on the North side at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show at Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach. The Rum Runner 30 and Walker’s Cay 30 will be displayed in-water. For more information, visit Powerplaypowerboats.com. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of PowerPlay Powerboats

During this Thanksgiving season, over 1 million households throughout Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties are experiencing food insecurity. Feeding South Florida®, the leading domestic hunger-relief organization serving South Florida, is offering two different ways that the public can help those in need during this special holiday: Adopt-A Family and the Thanksgiving Food Frenzy. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Feeding South Florida needs the community’s assistance more than ever before to help provide families with Thanksgiving meals. In the communities that Feeding South Florida serves (Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties), the need for food assistance has more than doubled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Thanksgiving is one of the hardest times of the year for families who struggle to make ends meet,” said Paco Vélez, president and CEO of Feeding South Florida. “The COVID-19 pandemic has produced an economic crisis unlike anything since the Great Depression. One in five adults and one in four children are currently facing food insecurity.” “Due to the pandemic, this year, there are food supply chain issues which have caused the cost of protein to rise and ingredients for side dishes to be in short supply. Through our Adopt-A-Family and Thanksgiving Food Frenzy initiatives, the public can come together to help make this Thanksgiving memorable for families experiencing hardship,” he continued. Adopt-A-Family (now through Nov. 23): For only $25, anyone can provide a Thanksgiving meal box to a family of four. The meal box includes one turkey, fresh produce, traditional sides, gravy mix, and dessert mix. To adopt a family, simply visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org/donate-now. To ensure Thanksgiving meal boxes are ready in time, all donations must be placed by Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. Thanksgiving Food Frenzy (Oct. 26–Nov. 6): This is a friendly competition in which groups host Food + Fund Drives and earn volunteer hours for the chance to win the title of “Ultimate Thanksgiving Hero” in their designated category. All groups are welcome to participate. Awards will be given to the top participants in the categories of School, Construction/Real Estate, Law, Financial Institution, Hospitality/Food + Beverage, Health Care, and Government. Participants can register at https://www.jotform.com/FeedingSouthFlorida/fsffoodfrenzy, and they will receive Feeding South Florida’s Thanksgiving Food Frenzy toolkit, which provides step-by-step instructions and ideas. The way to win is to provide the most meals by donating pounds of food and raising funds. Every meal provided = one point. For food, 1.2 pounds = one meal, and for funds, $1 = 9 meals. Ways to participate include: 1) Start a Physical Food Drive by visiting www.jotform.com/FeedingSouthFlorida/FSFfoodfrenzy. Plan a time, place and type of collection vessel(s) for the drive. Get creative and use things like cardboard bins for the food vessel. Set a goal. Drop off collected items Monday–Friday, 2:30–4:30 p.m., at Feeding South Florida, located at 2501 SW 32nd Terrace, Pembroke Park, FL 33023; or Feeding Palm Beach County, located at 4925 Park Ridge Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33426. 2) Launch a Virtual Food Drive/FUNd drive by visiting www.firstgiving.com/event/FEEDINGSOUTHFLORIDA/FSFfoodfrenzy. Create a customizable fundraising page, set a meal goal and spread the word. 3) Volunteer for bonus points at Feeding South Florida or Feeding Palm Beach County, on Tuesdays–Saturdays, from 8:30–11:30 a.m. or 1:30–4:30 p.m. (total pounds sorted is converted into meals ― and points). Register at volunteer.feedingsouthflorida.org. 4) Promote participation/mention Feeding South Florida on social media for bonus points (each post is worth one point.) Food drives will accept non-perishable items only. Items in glass jars or expired items will not be accepted. It is requested that items that are already in packed cases, cartons or boxes are not opened. Items needed for the Thanksgiving food drive are gravy mix, canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, mashed potato mix, pie crust & mix, and cornbread mix. The most-needed general food drive items are peanut butter, cereal, mac & cheese, pasta, rice & beans, canned soups, canned meats, canned fruits & vegetables, canned meals, pop top food items, granola bars, fruit cups, applesauce, and diapers. Donations must be received by 5 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2020 at either Feeding South Florida or Feeding Palm Beach County to be counted toward the competition. If a group delivers all food and monetary donations to Feeding South Florida or Feeding Palm Beach County directly, the group will receive a 10% bonus of the total meals donated by the group. All groups compete within their industry, and groups with multiple offices or locations will compete as a single entity. The total number of meals collected, including all bonus points, will be added and divided by the number of employees in the group. This does not apply to schools. Feeding South Florida can only pick up food drives of 1,000 pounds or more. For more information, visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org or call 954.518.1818. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Unsplash

‘Tis the season to give back! For almost 50 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been selling Christmas trees and wreaths to help bring holiday cheer into South Florida homes and to create great futures for area youth. This year the tradition continues at the Hank Kline Club tree lot. The tree lot will be open seven days a week, starting Monday, Nov. 23 until trees are sold out. The trees, gorgeous Fraser firs, hand-selected in North Carolina, stand 5-feet to 14-feet tall with a starting price of $65. Hand-decorated wooden reindeers and poinsettias are also available starting at $15. Proceeds will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s many positive programs, including its In-Person Virtual Learning Program, after school programs, homework assistance, computer training, social skills, dance, arts and crafts, professional mentoring, and summer and athletic programs, for area youth who need them the most. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Club is following all CDC guidelines including social distancing efforts and mandatory face masks for entry. The organization is monitoring updates from Miami-Dade County and public health officials, and will continue to respond based on their guidelines. When: The tree lot is open seven days a week, starting Monday, Nov. 23 until trees are sold out. Hours: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26 Hours: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Unsplash

This holiday season, with family, friends and colleagues spread far and wide, top bartenders from Miami, New York, and Los Angeles are coming to your screen to teach you and your loved ones how to make a delicious cocktail at the Santa Teresa ‘1796 Virtual Speakeasy.’ Though you may not be able to gather in person over the holidays, due to ongoing social distancing restrictions, you can still gift them a memorable experience. Renowned Miami bartenders -- including Derek Stillman (The Sylvester), Chris Rolon (Vista), and Shauna O’Neil (Sweet Liberty) among others  -- can teach you and your guests how to make a drink worthy of the people you’re thankful for this holiday season – Salud! 1796 Virtual Speakeasy Details DESCRIPTION During the months of November and December, consumers can sign up for the ‘1796 Virtual Speakeasy’, purchase a bottle of Santa Teresa 1796 and enjoy a virtual cocktail class with dates ranging from November through January. Elevate your cocktailing this year and learn how to make Santa Teresa 1796 cocktails like the La Trova Old Fashioned, Hot Buttered Rum, or Ponche Crema, a drink similar to eggnog that is a Venezuelan holiday tradition. Along with being a perfect gift for family/friends, the 1796 Virtual Speakeasy is also an ideal alternative for work holiday parties. HOW Sign up for a class and purchase a bottle of Santa Teresa 1796 HERE. Don’t forget to use the following VIP code SHIPST to get free bottle shipping. Transport your loved ones to the best of Miami's, NYC, or LA cocktail scenes. WHEN Dates ranging from November – January PARTICIPATING BARTENDERS: Miami Derek Stillman (The Sylvester) Chris Rolon (Vista) Shauna O’Neil (Sweet Liberty) New York Meaghan Dorman (The Raines Law Room) Ireen Ha (Dante) Samantha Casuga (Dead Rabbit) Los Angeles Niko Novick (The Nomad Hotel) Yael Vengroff (Spare Room) Gianna Johns (Harvard & Stone) Product Santa Teresa 1796 Description From the oldest Venezuelan rum brand, Santa Teresa 1796 is one of the first super-premium rums to employ the Solera Method, an artisanal processing method featuring a blend of light, heavy and pot still rums aged 4 to 35 years. Santa Teresa 1796 features a palate that hearkens back to scotch and whisky, with notes of tobacco, leather, molasses and dark chocolate. Dark and bold with rich notes of molasses, vanilla and cherries, the Venezuelan premium rum has a similar flavor palate to the finest dark spirits on the shelf. Packaged in a stylish cylindrical tin, Santa Teresa 1796 makes gift wrapping a breeze. Gold Medal 2019 Beverage Tasting Institute. Price: $44.99 SRP for 750ml By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Santa Teresa.

For many, the work-from-home lifestyle has become the new normal. The option to change up the location of that ‘home’ is becoming increasingly enticing as borders slowly begin to open around the world. Luxury travel advisor network, Virtuoso, has seen the trend expand as of late, noting “If micro-vacations were born from a lack of time, extended stays are the answer to a strained work-life balance brought on by incessant Zooming,” stated Misty Belles, Managing Director of Global Public Relations. The following properties have taken their hospitality to the next level with extended stay deals that offer a true home-away-from-home – from the Costa Rican rainforest to the beaches of Anguilla. Anguilla + St. Martin Travelers can make Belmond Cap Juluca in Anguilla their home-away-from-home when the property reopens on November 1, 2020 with the new Long Stay offer. When booking a 30-, 60-, or 90-day stay, guests will receive daily breakfast, a 60-minute spa treatment per week in the Arawak Spa, a welcome dinner on arrival, unlimited laundry, $100 resort credit per day, a dedicated host, and the Anguilla entry fee. Sister property Belmond La Samanna – just a 25-minute private boat ride across the Caribbean Sea – will similarly offer this deal for extended stay travelers when it reopens in St. Martin on December 1, 2020. Costa Rica Nayara Tented Camp is one of the first luxury camps in Central America. Located in the Arenal Volcano National Park, the year-round camp is the brainchild of owner Leo Ghitis who was inspired by the luxury canvas lodges of Africa and Asia. The air-conditioned accommodations, each generously sized at 1,496 square feet, have been built at a higher altitude on the hillside to provide unobstructed views of the volcano. The indoor/outdoor design of the Camp blends contemporary, barefoot-luxe touches and unique-to-location design features: a master suite created as a nod to traditional African safari style tents fused with a Costa Rican sense of place; canopy beds with a botanical headboard mural; private plunge pools fed by natural mineral hot springs; and double-head outdoor showers. Guests who book stays 30 days or longer receive 35% discount on accommodations, along with laundry service, twice daily cleaning service, valet parking, breakfast and daily yoga. Oracabessa, Jamaica There's no better way to spend the week than with toes in the sand and a Red Stripe in hand. Travelers who book 30 nights or more at GoldenEye in the quiet fishing village of Oracabessa will receive 30% off accommodations. Previously Ian Fleming's home and the site where he penned all 14 James Bond novels, today the property is owned by Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell. Set along the pristine coast, among lush tropical gardens and around the calm waters of the property’s lagoon and secluded beaches, the 52-acre estate now encompasses 45 stand-alone villas, cottages, and Beach Huts. Guests also have the option to book Fleming's original five-bedroom home, where his writing desk remains. Daily breakfast and unlimited laundry are included. Not valid December 20, 2020-January 3, 2021. Maldives Following months of being cooped up at home, the ‘close to home travel’ trend just won’t cut it for some. Built-up wanderlust means getting as far away as possible, and the Maldives is open of business. With the ‘Live Unforgettable’ offer, guests of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi staying seven nights or longer will receive a 30% discount on accommodations including roundtrip airport transfers via the property’s fleet of yachts, daily breakfast, and nightly dinner credit of $100 per person for two. Privacy-seekers might opt to make a Stella Maris over-water villa their home-away-from-home, which is only accessible by traditional dhoni boat and features a private infinity pool, BBQ setup, and hammocks swimming over the turquoise blue ocean. Available now through December 20, 2020. Palm Beach, Florida White Elephant Palm Beach will debut on November 4 as a sister property to Nantucket’s iconic White Elephant Resort. The new hotel, being completely reimagined by Boston-based architecture firm, Elkus Manfredi, represents the total renovation of the Bradley Park Hotel, which dates back to the 1920’s and was one of the first hotels in the area. The 32-room and suite White Elephant Palm Beach will maintain the welcoming feel of a private residence, with each accommodation offering a private outdoor space. Among the amenities, guests will have complimentary use of Priority Bicycles and BMW vehicles, as well as exclusive access to Barton & Gray yachts. Guests who book stays 30 days or longer will receive a 15% discount on their accommodations. County Clare, Ireland Set on 450 acres with gardens based on the same designs as the Gardens at Versailles, Dromoland Castle can trace its heritage back to the 16th century when it was home of the O’Brien family and last high kinds of Ireland. Two couples or a family of four can now make this once royal home their very own with a month-long stay in the Grania O’Brien Suite. The two-bedroom apartment features its own kitchen, fireplace, and private terrace with a garden and outdoor space. With the long stay offer, guests can take advantage of the 18-hole golf course with daily access to the golf academy and the golf buggy. The rate includes unlimited laundry, daily breakfast, 24/7 IT support for those setting up a home office, and a personal host to attend to guests’ every need. Cost for 30 nights is €29,000 (approximately $34,182 USD) (valid September 1, 2020-April 1, 2021, excluding Christmas and some closed out dates) *Americans are welcome in Ireland right now, but must self-quarantine for 14 days. Watch this space: When it reopens on October 16 following a large scale renovation, The Dupont Circle in Washington DC will have an extended stay offer. More details to come. By ML Staff. Images courtesy of each mentioned venue.

Latin artist and muralist Luis Valle, popularly known by his creative persona, El Chan Guri, will be creating a colorful installation in celebration of Venezuela at CityPlace Doral. The Miami-based artist, who will begin painting the mural on Wednesday, Oct. 28, as part of the “Art Wall Alley” event, will pay homage to the country’s national flower, the orchid Cattleya mossiae, known as flor de Mayo, and its national tree, the araguaney. Valle will unveil the finished installation in early November. “It is important for me to paint a mural at CityPlace Doral that the Venezuelan community of Doral can relate to,” says Luis Valle. “I chose to incorporate the country’s national flower and national tree because I like to use natural elements in all of my works of art.” “CityPlace Doral is excited to welcome Luis Valle, and we will continue working with local schools and artists to fuse art with the center’s shopping and dining experiences,” says Alex Schreer. “It’s important that we shine a light on the remarkable art community throughout Miami, especially since Art Basel is no longer taking place this year.” CityPlace Doral guests will have the opportunity to watch Valle painting the mural at the upscale shopping, dining and entertainment destination. CityPlace Doral has implemented a number of important policies and procedures to safeguard the health and well-being of its valued guests and employees. The open-air entertainment destination has taken into account the best practices recommended by national experts like the CDC, as well as state and local health care officials, to determine the appropriate steps to make CityPlace Doral a place where guests feel comfortable venturing back into public and reconnecting with friends and family. When: Beginning Wednesday, October 28 | 10 a.m. Where: CityPlace Doral 8300 NW 36th Street Doral, FL 33166 About CityPlace Doral: CityPlace Doral is an attractive leisure destination offering a collection of memorable dining, shopping, wellness and entertainment experiences. Featuring 250,000 square feet of retail space, CityPlace Doral is a master-planned, mixed-use development nestled in the dynamic employment center of Doral in the heart of Miami-Dade County. CityPlace Doral combines the vision of world-renowned architects, designers and artists creating the next crown jewel of prosperous dining, entertainment and upscale shopping in one of South Florida’s growing cities. CityPlace Doral includes more than 40 dining, shopping and entertainment destinations for all palettes and walks of life, and the property’s entertainment retail component is anchored by a roster of first-class tenants from all over the country. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Luis Valle

Miami-Dade County Auditorium will be hosting a new Drive-Through Theatre Experience mini contemporary dance performance on our outdoor stage this November. "brigid baker wholeproject" presents "Crown", a dance event. "Crown" (corona) is an initiation and a creation for solo dancer to the music of Arvo Part. The performance heralds in the Return of the Bird Tribes. We are the Pattern Beings, the Winged Ones, the Light Bearers. We are the reality of your perfect spirits, coming. A three and one-half billion-year creative process culminates in your awakening. The Bird Tribes whose seeds have lain dormant in human hearts for thousands of patient circlings of this earth around her star. In the whisper of the pines, in the call of the hawk, in a child’s sleepy yawn, the new world comes dawning. Image provided courtesy of brigid baker wholeproject “Crown” is the initiation for an evening’s piece, Return of the Bird Tribes. To ensure the health of our patrons, performers, and staff, Coronavirus (COVID‑19) safety measures will be in place. When arriving at the Auditorium, staff will guide you to a parking space in the lot behind our main building. Once parked, tune in to the corresponding FM Station on your radio for a front and center dance experience, all while remaining socially distanced and safe. Performance runtimes are approximately 15 minutes long and will repeat several times after the first presentation. Performances take place on Saturday, November 7 at 7:30, 8:00 & 8:30 pm. Tickets are free, but an RSVP is required to attend. As Miami-Dade County begins to reopen, the Auditorium will continue to provide diverse and affordable arts experiences for residents and visitors. Celebrate the arts and enjoy your favorite performers in a safe and secure outdoor setting as we transition over to a new normal of performing arts. Miami-Dade County Auditorium is managed by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, with funding support from the office of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners. The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council develop cultural excellence, diversity and participation throughout Miami-Dade County by strategically creating and promoting opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, and our residents and visitors who are their audiences. For more info, visit www.MiamiDadeCountyAuditorium.org. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Miami Dade County Auditorium

Through the recent approval of a new Rising Tide Car Wash location in Coral Springs, the City of Coral Springs, Mayor Scott Brook, Vice Mayor Joy Carter and Coral Springs Commissioners Shawn Cerra, Larry Vignola and Joshua Simmons have demonstrated that Coral Springs is an inclusive city, promoting a progressive environment supportive of individuals with autism. Rising Tide Car Wash, a groundbreaking social enterprise with a primary mission to employ adults with autism, already has two locations in Parkland and Margate. The addition of the Coral Springs location will make Broward County the national leader in the self-supported employment model for adults on the autism spectrum. Rising Tide brings an increased awareness to the community at large about the importance of employing individuals on the autism spectrum, and their capability to participate in and contribute to the community. The Coral Springs Commission recently approved the development of the Rising Tide Car Wash location at 10340 Royal Palm Boulevard, Coral Springs, FL 33065. The Coral Springs location will continue bringing inclusivity to the city, creating 25 more jobs, opportunity and a sense of pride for community members who are on the autism spectrum. The City’s Building Department has ensured that the location ― which conforms to all of the city’s codes ― will not impact surrounding neighbors. Rising Tide will not impede traffic, and adheres to Coral Springs’ sound requirements, producing less noise than the existing ambient noise. Rising Tide will install landscaping which will also significantly reduce any noise. There is no lighted building signage higher than the roofline that would be viewable to the surrounding homes. “The support that the City of Coral Springs Commission, Economic Development team and Building Development team have shown for us to build this new location showcases that Coral Springs is an inclusive community,” said John D’Eri, CEO of Rising Tide Car Wash. “This third Rising Tide location is an incredible step forward for Broward County, as it puts it in the national spotlight as the No. 1 self-supported employment ethos for adults on the autism spectrum. “Currently, unemployment among people with autism is approximately 85 percent, and at least 500,000 more individuals with autism will enter the workforce in the next decade,” he continued. “Rising Tide and the City of Coral Springs are changing the root cause of this unemployment: Society views autism as a disability, as opposed to a diversity.” With construction expected to begin in spring 2021 with the proper city building permits, the Coral Springs location is slated to open in late 2021 or early 2022. Rising Tide has design plans to present and work on with the City of Coral Springs. Built as a custom car wash from the ground up, the Coral Springs Rising Tide Car Wash will feature state-of-the-art equipment in a convenient location, set back from Royal Palm Boulevard and an access road. Its operating hours will be 8 a.m.–7 p.m. The Coral Springs Rising Tide Car Wash location is made possible through the incredible community support including the City of Coral Springs; the Coral Springs Commission; U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch; Parkland Vice Mayor Bob Mayersoh; former Parkland Vice Mayor David Rosenof; Margate Mayor Tommy Ruzzano and the Margate City Counsel; Dan Daley, Florida State Representative; Michael Alessandri, Executive Director of UM-NSU CARD; Dr. Sonja Clay, Broward County Public Schools Director of Exceptional Student Learning Supports, Secondary; Stacy Wolfe, Broward County Public Schools Transition Supervisor; Donna Bussiere, Director of Atlantis Academy Coral Springs; Patricia Giner, Director of LIFE Programs at Atlantis Academy; Krista M. Hadeed, MS, Utter Brilliance Speech Pathology; Carole Zangari, Ph.D., Executive Director, NSU CARD Satellite; Helene Fisher, Professor at Nova Southeastern University; Melody Erez, Acorn and Oak Therapy; Nathaniel Flynn, Job Coach at Atlantic Technical College; Laura Glorioso, Job Coach at Atlantic Technical College; Andrea Jacobs, Esq., Brodzki Jacobs Law Partner, Coral Springs; and Luke and Lynn Gardella Zenda. Rising Tide, a high-quality car wash, is one of the largest employers of people with autism in the U.S. Rising Tide and its consultants created an innovative model that breaks the car washing process into 46 distinct steps. Employees work in a mirror image of each other, and are able to thrive off the repetitive structure to produce extraordinary results. John D’Eri, and his son Thomas D’Eri, COO of Rising Tide Car Wash, co-founded Rising Tide Car Wash in 2013 to develop a scalable solution to employing individuals with autism. They were inspired to do this by watching John’s son and Thomas’ brother Andrew, a vibrant young man with autism, struggle to find his place in the world. Rising Tide Car Wash is one of the largest employers of people with autism in the U.S. Rising Tide has been honored with the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week designation; The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), Blind Services, and Vocational Rehabilitation’s Florida Exceptional Employers designation; Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award, Community Service Leadership Award from the International Carwash Association® (ICA), Employer of the Year by the Autism Society, Small Business of the Year by South Florida Business Connection, the Autism Society’s Adam Heavner Memorial Award for Employer of the Year, TEDxCoconutGrove’s Hope Prize, and more. By ML Staff. Image courtesy of Rising Tide Car Wash.

Wynwood, the colorful and happening district in Miami, has become one of the most well-known creative spots in Miami even around the international art scene. This once warehouse district has transformed itself into an urban unpretentious art center. It currently is home to a multitude of art galleries, retail stores, antique shops, vibrant bars, restaurants, and open-air street art. In order to keep Wynwood at the center stage in the art world, a range of improvements has been drafted, financed, and approved. Miami Living takes a closer look at Wynwood's "Master Plan" for beautification, improvement, and integration. Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID) In 2013, the city took into account the increasing popularity of the area and created the Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID) Board of Directors. The board's mission is "to build upon Wynwood's roles as a globally recognized center for arts, innovation, and culture," while improving security, sanitation, and advocating for the quality of life of the residents, area employees, and visitors. Streetscape master plan During their September meeting, BID endorsed and recommended the approval of a new plan for the district. In collaboration with the Planning and Zoning Department, the BID has gone forward with establishing the City of Miami's first Neighborhood Revitalization District (NRD) in Wynwood. The "Streetscape Master Plan" was proposed by ArquitectonicaGEO, a Miami-based architectural firm that focuses on urban planning and landscape. Currently, the NRD-1 plan consists of multiple parts, and "it's not just beautification," as Alberta Garcia, the chair of the Wynwood BID stated. Of the many improvements that will be made, there are certain measures that have been prioritized including interconnectivity of the neighboring districts, safety and mobility, and climate change. Social Connectivity In order to inter-connect and cross-connect Wynwood with the surrounding districts, the Wynwood Walks initiative consists "of three Woonerfs, several linear parkways, street-end parks (play streets), bicycle corridors, edge parks, and wellness loops." Typically the streets in the United States are designed for the sole use of motor vehicles giving pedestrians little space for mobility. To combat this issue in the 50-block arts district, living streets known as Woonerfs will be installed. Woonerfs are designed to be available for activities with the main interest of pedestrians and cyclists in mind. Safety and Mobility The Arts District brings in millions of visitors each year. From work, to play, to living in the area, these community members are a large part of why BID is improving upon the area. To ensure safety and mobility, the plan is structured to introduce: 600 ft or longer cross-walks Widened sidewalks Protected bike paths Visible cycle tracks Expanded curbs at intersections Resiliency The city of Miami finds itself with major flooding problems due to the proximity of the coastline and the city's low elevation. As the Florida weather and unpredictable Hurricane season is among us, the city has found that it is vital to protect the vulnerable streets of Wynwood. Typically, draining infrastructure moves the stormwater at a fast rate not giving it time to filter. To utilize the surge, the upgraded method will capture the stormwater runoff allowing it to absorb into landscape elements that will include native plant species, trees, and more. Recognition Wynwood’s revitalization plan has received national coverage from the American Planners Association due to its forward-thinking, extensive details, and involvement with community members. So far, Wywnwood's continuing revitalization efforts have resulted in: 7,500 new jobs 5 million annual visitors $1.5 Billion local investments & spending The design process was largely influenced by public input. ArqGEO held dozens of public hearings, community workshops, and board meetings to reaffirm that they addressed all the issues and challenges in the district while protecting Wynwood's character. To learn more details on Wynwood's Streetscape Master Plan, click here. Words by Brooke Klaiman, thebrookealexa.com, Story by Wynwood Improvement District, Photo Credits: Wynwood BID, ArcGEO

In one of his many letters decrying modern art, Lionel Lindsay, my favourite aesthetic reactionary, wrote, “Pauvre Vincent – but he had his idea!” Vincent van Gogh, who changed forever our ways of seeing, was indeed an artist of ideas. Because of the intensity of his life – his poverty, his sense of both the glory and judgement of God, the way he died – more than any other artist, he seems to embody the abject. It was only after his death that van Gogh became one of the most famous artists of all time. As most of his works are now in public collections, the art market has in the past behaved shamelessly when a van Gogh painting is made available for sale. Still, such is the power of van Gogh’s art that the beauty of his small, intensely painted works easily overcome the tawdry machinations of the art market. Vincent van Gogh Irises (1889): small, intensely painted work. Wikimedia Commons The efforts of the entrepreneurs behind Van Gogh Alive are another matter. This is described in its publicity material as: “The world’s most acclaimed and visited multi-sensory, COVID-aware experience celebrating one of the most feted artists of all time”. The name “van Gogh” is the hook. The reality is that after reading a bland, sanitised account of van Gogh’s life in the waiting area, visitors are ushered in to a large area where for 45 minutes a series of animated images based on blow-ups of the artist’s work are projected onto giant screens with “cinema-quality surround sound”. I am still trying to work out the connection, if any, between a blasting of Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Little Swans from Swan Lake and pixillated flowers. That at least is less heavy-handed than introducing the segment of the last years of the artist’s life with Saint-Saën’s Danse Macabre. Giant wilting sunflowers outside the exhibition space. Author provided As well as projecting photographic reproductions of van Gogh’s work on a scale designed to overwhelm the viewer, some images are animated so that leaves and flowers change their relationship, while crows fly over golden wheat. The exhibition even includes a range of scents so visitors are “surrounded by a vibrant symphony of light, colour and fragrance”. There is no doubt Van Gogh Alive is a technical achievement and, as the publicist made great pains to point out at the media preview, a COVID-safe event in this age of pandemics. So why was my reaction one of disgust rather than pleasure? Grande Exhibitions, the company that has toured this event to over 50 cities around the world, claims to create “a fresh and safe approach to art and culture”, as though they are both stale and inherently dangerous. In a recorded speech, the company’s founder Bruce Peterson said he had previously had the unfortunate experience of being accompanied by discontented children when visiting actual exhibitions of art. He felt sound and light shows loosely based on great art were the solution. However, I strongly advise any parent against bringing a small child to this event, where there is no escape. A still from the exhibition in Rome. Grande Exhibitions Time and attention Great works of art reveal their secrets after a long gaze. They need the viewer’s time and attention. That is why return visits to much-loved art are so rewarding. Each visit gives something more. The blasting of giant reproductions with surround sound is an experience that has little to do with the art it purports to honour. Grande Exhibitions are able to create this “tribute” for only one reason. Vincent van Gogh died in 1890. His art is therefore out of copyright, as is the musical accompaniment. This means anyone can reproduce or modify his work. Van Gogh has influenced many fine artists. Martin Sharp was so inspired by his dream of a Yellow House where artists would live and work together that he initiated Sydney’s Yellow House in Kings Cross. More recently, the youngest Yellow House participant, George Gittoes, established another Yellow House with his performing troupe in Jalalabad in Afghanistan. Gordon Bennett’s 1988 painting Outsider incorporates elements of both Starry Night and Bedroom at Arles to make a profound statement on how his sense of self had been colonised by European culture. While paying tribute to van Gogh, none of these artists claim their works represent him. By the time the trustees of art galleries in Australia came to appreciate van Gogh’s work, his art was beyond their budget capacity. For many years the National Gallery of Victoria believed a painting in its collection, Head of a Man, was by van Gogh, but in 2007 finally agreed with expert opinion that it was a fake. In 1990, the Art Gallery of New South Wales purchased Head of a peasant, one of many studies he made of the poor and honourable. However larger Australian galleries do have extensive holdings of artists influenced by van Gogh, including John Russell, the Australian who befriended him. Next year the National Gallery of Australia will exhibit Botticelli to Van Gogh, an exhibition from the National Gallery, London. This will include one of the real, the small, the marvellous paintings of Sunflowers painted by van Gogh. Viewers can see the intensity of his colour, the controlled vigour of his brush strokes, and experience the pleasure of the gaze instead of the nausea of the blow-up. By Joanna Mendelssohn. Principal Fellow (Hon), Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne. Editor in Chief, Design and Art of Australia Online, University of Melbourne. By Karen Bella & William Butler. Special thanks to The Conversation for this story and images. You can support the independent network which provides news by donating today.