Habitat for Humanity to dedicate new homes
The Middle Keys Habitat for Humanity invites the Keys Community to its newest Home Dedication Ceremony taking place on 64th Street, Oceanside, on Saturday May 17 at 10 a.m. Please join our four deserving families, Habitat volunteers and City Officials as we pass on the keys to home ownership!

"8TP" transition program helps reduce Monroe County School violence
The "8TP" or eighth-grade transition programs that took place last week at all three Monroe County public high schools were designed by students for students through the sponsorship and leadership of Monroe Youth Challenge Program to reduce school violence.

Immediately after the first 8TP, the Safe and Drug-Free Schools Report showed the number of violent acts against persons, harassment, and fighting incidents on all three campuses dropped. From the school year 2004-2005 to 2005-2006 reports dropped at Coral Shores from 19 to 4. Marathon went from 25 to 22 incidents and Key West dropped from 21 to 16.

The MYCP-sponsored transition programs are designed to benefit eighth-grade classes merging into the district’s three high schools. In Marathon, the program is called 6TP because it focuses on the incoming middle school class.

Statistics indicate that ninth-grade is a critical year for high school students and the success or failure of a student during this year is connected to drop out rates among at-risk students. The creators of the 8TP, all former students of CSHS, designed the program to address some crucial developmental assets that these and all youth need which is to feel connected, safe and have a sense of choice and self confidence.

Monroe Youth Challenge Program is a project of the Monroe County Education Foundation to foster acceptance, respect, and success in the youth of Monroe County. For more information about this project or any other MYCP-sponsored program call MYCP Director Sunny Booker at (305) 293-1400 ext. 53319 www.monroe.k12.fl.us/mycp.

Bougainvillea Gallery needs an artist!
The recently relocated Bougainvillea House Gallery of Marathon has an opening for a panel artist effective May 1st. Interested artists must reside at least part time in the Keys.
This cooperative gallery has been in business nearly 10 years and is home to 20 artists from Key Largo to Key West.

The gallery's new location is MM53.2 (Gulf-side) at the Marathon Chamber and Visitor Center. Call the gallery for more information at 305-743-0808, or if interested in an application...contact president Ann Lynch at 305 743-7513 or cell at 305-731-8683..or e-mail rtannie@bellsouth.net. 

Aqua Ranch hosts Memorial Day Fish Dip Cook-Off!
Join the caring folks at the Marathon Aqua Ranch for a fantastic fish-themed Memorial Day. Featuring the 1st annual Aqua Ranch Fish Dip Cook-Off, the event is open to everyone in the community, and past or current members of the military get in free. The fish-dip competition entry fee is $15, with a $5 donation suggested for those who would like to judge. Prizes will be provided awarded to the top three winners. Not interested in eating fish? Then feed them! The aqua ranch specializes in breeding and raising giant oceangoing cobia. Here you can feed these gentle giants and even hop on an eco-friendly electric powered boat and buzz around the waters of their 3-acre habitat.

 Event-goers should be sure to ask Charlie and Doug about the Aqua Ranch Mission: finding a sustainable solution to living on land through the use of aquatic resources.
For more information call 305-743-6135.

Z’s Jigs and Products Presents "Casting for our Troops: Individuals Fundraiser"
What a way to support our Troops! Marathon's famous "Casting for our Troops" Tournament Fundraiser is about to begin again this year. However, this time the competition is just for individuals. The official casting league tournament will start up in November. Join the fun on Monday May 19 at 7 p.m. at Sparky’s Landing. Just bring a small spinning rod, a few sinkers and plan to cast for accuracy and glory to support American Soliders. The event is sponsored by Z’s Jigs & Products, Inc. and Sparky's Landing and benefits Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc.

 The casting tournament goes through June and July on Monday nights at 7 p.m. Sign up by stopping at Sparky’s Landing. Prizes will be awarded every Monday for the top three individual scores and for the most bull's eyes. The donation is $5 per person for 5 casts. All proceeds will benefit the charity, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach. The donation will help defray shipping costs for more than 500+ care packages sent each month to U.S. military personnel serving overseas.

Local Community Leader Elected to State Habitat for Humanity Board 
 Bob Calhoun, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Key West & Lower Florida Keys, was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Florida Alliance of Habitat Affiliates. This organization represents all of the Florida Habitat for Humanity offices in legislative issues, as well as regional and state-wide funding development to help solve the affordable housing crisis.

 Calhoun brings a wealth of experience to the Board, having worked with Habitat both nationally and internationally since 1992. He has a strong background in development and in seeking out creative means to fund housing for families in need. His election to this Board will allow him to make a significant contribution to the success of the Florida Habitat affiliates for many years to come.