TO: Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Douglas E. Smith, City Manager
DATE: February 17, 2016
Title
RECOGNITION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. / TOGETHER WE MAKE IT GREAT DAY OF SERVICE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
BACKGROUND: On January 18, 2016, the City of Margate hosted the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. / Together We Make It Great Day of Service. The City’s service project was the creation of a butterfly garden at Southgate Park. In addition to the City’s project, community members had the opportunity to lead their own projects. Below is a list of community projects in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
• Atlantic Technical College and Technical High School: Created and delivered Valentine’s Day cards to nursing home residents. In addition, students continue to dedicate time to tutor at Margate Elementary School.
• Atlantic West Elementary School: Students created a “Peace Garden” by painting and planting wooden flower signs with the word “peace” written on each in different languages. The garden was then set up outside for all to enjoy.
• Coconut Creek High School: The School hosted a “Campus Service Day” which included a campus clean-up, painting, and planting.
• Green Earth Community Garden, Inc. (Cokesbury United Methodist Church): Volunteers planted a mango tree at Cokesbury United Methodist Church. In time, the fruit from this tree will be donated to families in need.
• Margate Elementary School: During the week leading up to Dr. King's birthday, students discussed the contributions that Dr. King made to our country. Before making the "I have a dream" catchers, students learned about traditional Native American dream catchers (used to protect against bad dreams) and compared that idea to what their "I have a dream" catchers would represent - a beautiful piece of artwork in which they could express their good dreams for the school and community. Each student made an "I have a dream" catcher (colorful chenille stems in the shape of a heart with yarn woven around them). The “I have a dream” catchers were on display at Southgate Park during the planting of the butterfly garden. In addition, students created two large posters of Dr. King. One poster is currently displayed at City Hall.
• Rise Academy: Students visited VIP Pavilion which provides dedicated memory care to residents suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Students read and sang to the residents. Every student at Rise Academy created personal cards with inspirational poems for residents at VIP Pavilion.
CONTACT PERSON: Adam Reichbach, Assistant to the City Manager