2014-calendar-grid-page-5.jpgThursday, May 15

Bestselling Author Michael Pollan: The Center for Literature and Theatre at Miami Dade College (MDC), in collaboration with Books & Books, will host New York Times bestselling author Michael Pollan at 7:30 p.m., at MDC’s Wolfson Campus Auditorium, Room 1262, 300 NE Second Ave., downtown Miami. Pollan will present his new book, Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation. A free ticket to attend the reading is available with book purchase. Contact 305-442-4408 or visit booksandbooks.com

Haiti By Design: The Little Haiti Cultural Complex and Haiti Cultural Arts Alliance invite you to their Haitian Heritage Month Exhibition’s Grand Opening Cocktail Hour from 6-9 p.m., at the complex, 212 NE 59 Terr., Miami. Call 305-960-2969 or visit littlehaiticulturalcenter.com.

Friday, May 16

Women and Children are Covered: Broward Outreach Center – Hollywood, a division of the Miami Rescue Mission, will celebrate 10 years dedicated to helping homeless women and children experience new lives from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the center, 2038 Scott St., Hollywood. Yali Nuñez from Univision TV will be the keynote speaker and each guest will be given an umbrella as a symbol of being covered. Mayor Barbara Sharief of Broward County and Mark Beausoleil from AmTrust Bank will also speak at the celebration. Visit browardoutreachcenter.com

18th Annual Redland International Orchid Show:
An annual orchid show featuring more than 50 booths of educational exhibits and orchid vendors is scheduled for May 16-18 at Fruit & Spice Park, 24801 SW 187 Ave., Homestead. The American Orchid Society judged event showcases various types of orchids, plants and unique supplies for sale, as well as lectures by experts, raffles and international food. Admission is $10 per person and free for children under 12 years old. Doors open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Call 305-247-5727.      

From BBQ to Braai National Tour: Bold Flavors of South Africa: On a nationwide tour in select cities across the U.S., Wines of South Africa has paired with renowned chef Hugo Uys for a culinary collaboration that showcases how traditional braai (“bry”) food compares with America’s smoke-tinged masterpiece BBQ from 7 to10 p.m., at the Key West Garden Club, 1100 Atlantic Blvd. Presented by the Monroe Association for ReMARCable Citizens and hosted at the Key West Garden Club, the event features select grilled meats, seasonal salads, side dishes and desserts all paired with unique South African wines. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased online. Visit keystix.ticketforce.com

Saturday, May 17

5th Annual Leaders Awards Gala: Join actress Angela Robinson of Tyler Perry’s The Have and The Have Nots fame at Leaders Recognizing Leaders Inc.’s gala at 2 p.m. at 10800 W. Sample Road, Coral Springs. VIP reception and pre-show from 2-4 p.m., followed by a fashion show and awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $65. To RSVP, call Angela at 954-667-4570 or email angelas@lrlusa.org

Video Games Live: The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts presents an evening wherein gamers and music lovers alike can revel in the artful compositions during a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience at 8 p.m., at the center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.  The evening starts earlier in the Dreyfoos Lobby with a Guitar Hero Competition, costume contest and prize giveaways and game demos. Fans will also have the chance to meet top game composers and designers following the concert. Tickets start at $20. Call 561-832-7469 or visit kravis.org

Grand Opening Celebration: The Jessie Trice Community Health Center (JTCHC) is holding a celebration for its new Miami Gardens facility. Join JTCHC from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 4692 NW 183 St., for a fun-filled day. Activities will include insurance education, health screenings, children’s games and activities, the opportunity to meet JTCHC staff members, door prizes, music and much more. Visit jtchc.org

Sunday, May 18

Alcee Hastings’ Annual Re-Election Fundraiser: The public is invited to join Hastings and a very special guest, Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television, former majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, and Chairman of the RLJ Cos. at 12:30 p.m., at the Westin, 400 Corporate Dr., Fort Lauderdale. Visit alceeforcongress.com

Monday, May 19

MISSK Information Session: Come learn more about the opportunities offered at tuition free, African-centered Maruge International School of Self-Knowledge at 6 p.m., at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. The institution is now enrolling for grades K-1. Call 954-200-1373 or email ak@aktosu.com

Tuesday, May 20

Reflections on Financial Crises: Miami Dade College’s (MDC) The Center for Literature and Theatre, in partnership with Books & Books, will present Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner at 7:30 p.m., at MDC’s Wolfson Campus Chapman Conference Center (Room 3210), 300 NE Second Ave., downtown Miami. Secretary Geithner will discuss his new book, Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises with White House correspondent for Bloomberg News & Television Julianna Goldman. Contact 305-442-4408 or visit booksandbooks.com

Friday, May 23

Young At Art Museum  Fundraiser: Join Young At Art Museum for a fundraiser reception featuring Supersaturated, an immersive art exhibition dripping with color and sensory stimuli, at 7:30p.m., at the museum, 751 SW 121 Ave., in Davie. Guests will have a chance to participate in an art drawing, giving collectors and the public the chance to take home original works from some of today’s most exciting artists; enjoy an evening at the museum, with interactive art activities such as ceramics, recording sessions, printmaking and digital photography in the YAA Institute studios and enjoy creatively presented music, culinary delights and cocktails. Proceeds from the drawing will benefit the YAA Cooperative’s art exhibitions, as well as artist-led workshops for at risk and underserved youth and families. General admission tickets are $50 per person; $25 for students. Art raffle tickets also are available for $300, which include two general admission tickets and purchase of one of the works of art, valued greater than the ticket price. Contact Hannah Hausman at 954-424-5018.

Saturday, May 24

Pearls and Cufflinks: The Creative Society presents an intimate upscale business social for entrepreneurs and business savvy professionals, looking to showcase their gifts, talents, products and expertise from 6-9 p.m., at Studio 5 Ten, 4510 North University Dr., Fort Lauderdale. Professionals will have the opportunity to network with 80-100 of South Florida’s elite who can take your business or career to the next level in a live internet radio station and lounge. Semi-formal attire is required. Pearls for ladies, and cufflinks for gentlemen. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Visit eventbrite.com/e/pearls-cufflinks-tickets-10087878115