CARIBBEAN TODAY w 11b y PAnIC HERITAGE mOnTlT ~ A Caribbean Today feature Every year, between September and October, Hispanics celebrate their history, culture and achievements. It is a time when the United States commemorates the traditions of its residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish- speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point of the celebration because it is the anniversary of the Independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its Independence on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18. The month-long celebra- tion includes educational events and activities to raise awareness about issues affect- ing Hispanic Americans in the U.S. In honor of "Hispanic Heritage Month", the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, brought information about restoration of Florida's Miami-Dade and Broward counties. A child at the John F. Kennedy Library in Hialeah, Florida enjoys the interactive CERP kiosk after a Flamenco performance during "Hispanic Heritage" celebrations. The Corps participated in local events organized by public libraries. Last month they installed kiosks that described the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), and provided infor- mation about how the plan will affect the lives of South Floridians and how everyone has the opportunity to become involved in saving the Everglades. The kiosks included images of the Everglades and pertinent ecological facts translated into Spanish. Accompanying children's but- tons and print materials for adults and younger readers were also provided. 0 Miami libraries to present art, cooking, entertainment Hispanics in U.S. celebrate heritage The Miami-Dade Public Library System will commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of programs and exhibitions at branches throughout the Miami-Dade County in South Florida. Beginning Oct. 2, library visitors will be treated to author presentations, folkloric performances, cooking demonstrations, children's programs, and art exhibitions. There will also be presen- tations exploring the history of dance, including the salsa and mambo. MDC offers MIAMI In commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Miami Dade College will present an array of free events, such as art exhibits, lectures, film screenings, com- edy shows and dance classes throughout October at each of MDC's eight campuses in South Florida. Contact the following campuses for information about events scheduled there: * Hialeah Campus, 1780 W. 49th St., 305-237-8700 * Homestead Campus, 500 The first two years of course requirements at Broward Community College are identical to state university programs. Plus, your nationally recognized BCC degree guarantees admission to a state university in Florida. Choose from many accredited academic and career degrees at BCC. You will receive a high-quality, prodigious education at BCC. You have our word. Get your degree from BCC. Day, night, weekend and online classes are available. Apply today! 954.201.7200 www.broward.edu O BROWARD t6 COMMUNITY WKPCOLLEGE WE KEEP YOU THINKING, In addition, photojournal- ist Randi Sidman-Moore explores the joining of cul- tures in "Lox with Black Beans and Rice: A portrait of Cuban-Jewish life"; children's author Katie Sciurba, shares her inspiration for writing "Oye CL ,l' a novel dedicat- ed to the legendary Celia Cruz, and the "Colorin Colorado" puppet theater will present tales from Mexico. All events are free and open to the public. For more information, call 305-375-2665 or visit www.mdpls.org. free events College Terr., 305-237-5555. InterAmerican Campus, 627 S.W. 27th Ave., 305-237-6000 Kendall Campus, 11011 S.W. 104th St., 305-237-2000. Medical Center Campus, 950 N.W. 20th St., 305-237-4000 North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27th Ave., 305-237-1000. West Campus, 3800 N.W. 115th Ave., 305-237-8000. Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. Second Ave., 305-237-3131. 0 October 2007