Plot of inspiring children’s book can help all of us tap into our creativity and confidence

“One night, the Green sisters, Sofia and Jasmine, were tucked in their beds by Mami and Daddy, ending the evening with a hug and kiss on the forehead.

“Instead of dozing off to dreamland, the two sisters excitedly hopped out of bed and journeyed on a magical adventure led by their imaginations.”

The plot of inspiring new children’s book “Dream, Little Girl, Dream,” written by Stephanie Green, can help all of us tap into our creativity and confidence.

“Growing up in Colombia with a single mom, she always empowered me to be whatever I wanted and supported me,” Green said. “I wanted to share this with my daughters and with all children.”

Illustrated by Lovyaa Garg, “Dream, Little Girl, Dream” encourages children to pursue their dreams, and use their natural gifts to discover their purpose and uniqueness.

Green was born in Miami and raised in Medellín, Colombia. She later moved back to Miami where she now resides with her family. Her husband is Jeff Green, professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA.

“I wanted to make something special for my girls, for every kid, to dream big and be anything they want to be,” she said.

“Dream, Little Girl, Dream” is available at https://store.vervante.com/c/v/V4081903543-01.html

Music teacher retires after 39 years

Ray Modia, who retired in 2020, is called “an awesome force for incorporating music into the lives of thousands of students, their families, their schools, and their communities,” by 1308 Productions, the nonprofit organization devoted to public service and music education.

Affectionately called “Modia” by his students, the educator and band director for Miami-Dade Public Schools started in 1981 and is best known for his work at Miami Beach Nautilus Middle School.

Since retiring he has continued to perform and teach his method known as “Seminario de Musica.”

Modia has performed with Arturo Sandoval, Alex Acuna, David Sanborn, Kevin Scott, and the Buena Vista Social Club, and was a Grammy Award Nominee in 2017 and in 2014.

“For all he has done for music education in particular and for so many other people in general, 1308 Productions proudly shines this light on a truly extraordinary educator and person.

“Thank you, Ray Modia, and we will be watching as you pursue more great achievements in the years to come.”

5K to raise funds for needy kids

Walk, jog, or run May 29 in the We Tri 4 Kids virtual 5K to benefit Dade Legal Aid and Arts for Learning Miami.

The Dade County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section is presenting the event with Miami litigator Anthony Hearn who also serves as a Guardian ad Litem with Dade Legal Aid’s Put Something Back Pro Bono Project and as Secretary of Arts for Learning Miami’s Board of Directors.

“Through my service, I saw first-hand how much these agencies do for children in our community so I decided to raise awareness and contributions for them through my racing,” Hearn said.

Register by donating $25 to GOFUNDME.COM/WE-Tri-4-KIDS, using referral code T4G5K. Share your participation on the Strava app or join in at https://www.strava.com/clubs/wetri4kids

Donate old Rx and help clean waterways

The City of Coral Gables is continuing to urge the public to participate in its prescription drug drop-off and community cleanup programs.

Flushing medicine contaminates surface waters effecting the environment and our drinking water. Unused prescriptions also contribute to growing rates of accidental exposure or intentional misuse, especially by youth.

There is a prescription drug disposal bin in the lobby of the new Police and Fire Headquarters at 2151 Salzedo St., Coral Gables

Individuals can drop off expired or unwanted prescription drugs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More at www.coralgables.com/prescriptiondrugdisposal

The City is also part of the Great American Clean-Up Season until June 20. Residents are encouraged to collect litter and trash, and post photos. There are prizes! Check out the Clean Swell app and learn more at www.coralgables.com/keepcoralgablesbeautiful

Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.