Thursday, March 17

Florida Memorial University Founder’s Day Convocation:  Join FMU at 10:30 a.m. as they celebrate a new era of leadership at the 132nd Annual FMU Founder’s Day Convocation. The theme is “Building Upon A Legacy: From Good to Great.”

The occasion takes place in the A. Chester Robinson Athletic Center on campus, 15800 NW 42nd Ave. in Miami Gardens. Dr. Henry Lewis III, the university’s new president, will deliver the keynote address and share the goals and objectives outlined in “Vision 2020,” a comprehensive ten-year plan he proposed to make FMU a “World Class University.” For more information about Lewis or the Convocation program, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at 305-626-3624.

Friday, March 18

Women's Impact Luncheon: Held in conjuction with Jazz in the Gardens music festival, the luncheon, from 11:30 a.m. — 1 p.m., features an afternoon of empowerment and education. Created by Mayor Shirley Gibson in honor of Women's History Month, the goal is to encourage women to live centeted lives by taking essential time for self-discovery and to pursue a joyful life full of endless possibilities. The luncheon will feature a panel of renowned experts: Stedman Graham, author, educator and businessman; Sandra Yancey, founder and CEO of eWomenNetrork; and Mary Harvey, former wife of actor and radio personality, Steve Harvey. The event costs $30 and is being held at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa, 3555 S. Ocean Dr., Hollywood. For more information, call Tiffaney Dale Hunter at 888-767-9765 or email her at thunter@tiffaneydale.com.

Sunday, March 20

Blight Buster’s Barbeque:  Join the Blight Buster’s Committee for a fundraiser to help make improvements to the Hollywood Lakes neighborhood at Jefferson Park, 1501 Jefferson St. The minimum donation is $10, but children 12 and under are free. For information call 954-921-3321.

Tuesday, March 22

Help for Business Owners:  The City of Hollywood has partnered with Accion USA to meet with Hollywood business owners about their capital needs and to accept loan applications from business owners who meet its program criteria. To schedule an appointment, call 786-556-9640. The city  is also sponsoring free one-on-one business counseling sessions with a business consultant to promote business success. All current and potential Hollywood business owners are encouraged to take advantage of the free sessions. Call 954-703-7976 for an appointment.

Wednesday, March 23

Free Seminar on Condo and HOA Laws:  From 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., the boards of homeowner and condominium associations and property management companies are invited to a complimentary seminar covering the new homeowner and condominium laws presented by Kaye & Bender P.L. The seminar will be held at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6th St. in Pompano Beach. To RSVP or for more information, call the office at 954-776-1999, ext. 230 or email KayeBenderSeminar@piersongrant.com.

Business Center Opening:  From 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., come and visit the City of Hollywood's new One-Stop Business Services Center at the Hollywood Branch Library, 2600 Hollywood Blvd. Obtain information about opening a business in Hollywood, necessary licenses, contact people, required forms and more. For more information or to register, e-mail rvazquez@hollywoodfl.org or call
954-924-2980.

Saturday, March 26

Dr. Jesse Walker Speaks at AARLCC:  From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., the internet broadcaster will discuss his soon to be published book, After the Passion…Then What? at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit www.drjessewalker.com or call 954-625-2810.
Sunday, March 27

Jazz at the UU:  Latin Jazz comes to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Miami, 7701 SW 76th Ave. in South Miami, at 4 p.m. with Sammy Figueroa & his Latin Jazz Explosion featuring special guests Nicky Orta (bass) and Daniel Sussinger (drums). Tickets are sold at the door and cost $15 for adults and $10 for students. Only cash is accepted. For more information, call 305-299-9958.

Ongoing:
Head Start Program Registration:  Miami-Dade Community Action Agency’s (CAA) Head Start/Early Head Start Program has begun its open enrollment for the 2011-2012 program year, which will begin in August of 2011.  Applications are being accepted until March 18, for pregnant women and children ages two months to five (5) years old (after September 1, 2011).  Applications are available at all Head Start/Early Head Start centers and CAA Community Service Centers throughout Miami-Dade County or downloaded from the County’s Portal at www.miamidade.gov/caa/hsrecruitment.asp.

The events calendar is published each Thursday. Please send your event to empyrealcommunications@gmail.com by the preceding Friday at 10 a.m.