Exemplary Service - January 2008
 
Celebrating Jewish Heritage Month • Investor Education @ your library
A Boonoonoos Concert

Celebrating Jewish Heritage at Century Plaza Branch

The Exploring Jewish Heritage Grant Project at Century Plaza Branch Library was a resounding success, with more than 200 people attending their Klezmer Kick Off event. The Klezmer Kick Off featured the music of The Heavy Shtlel Band, which entertained the crowd with its keyboard-based Yiddish dance music. A discussion of klezmer music was also held as part of the project, as well as a literary program, "A Look at the Life of a Yiddish American Writer - Isaac Bashevis Singer." 

Investor Education @ your library

On January 26, 2008, South Regional/Broward College hosted an Investor Education @ your library workshop led by Ben Tobias. The program included an introductory lecture by Tobias followed by a small group session in which participants broke into seven groups of beginner, intermediate and advanced investors to discuss investment strategies and financial planning.

Jamaican Theatre and Comedy Celebrated at the Louise Bennett-Coverley Reading Festival

Folklorist, writer, and actress Louise Bennett-Coverley (affectionately known as Miss Lou) was honored during the two-day Louise Bennett-Covereley Reading Festival. The Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley, known as Jamaica's First Lady of Comedy, was described as "the only poet who has really hit the truth about her society through its own language."

Miss Lou's poetry, which was written in Jamaican idiom, was vital in breaking down the stigma attached to the use of this island dialect, inspiring other Jamaican entertainers such as musician Bob Marley and writer Trevor Rhone. She was a pioneer in Jamaican theatre who wrote in the language that she and those around her spoke.

The Festival, held at South Regional/Broward College Library, explored and celebrated her life and work through panel discussions, a fashion story, and readings of her poems and stories. A Boonoonoonoos Concert (boonoonoonoos is a Caribbean word for happiness) was also held, attracting a range of performers who rocked the crowd and honored the legacy of one of the Caribbean's most beloved entertainers.