For nine years in a row, Tania and Israel Lapciuc have opened their home and their hearts to thank donors for contributing to help seniors and others in need through the Milk and Honey Campaign organized by Jewish Community Services.

“From Generation to Generation” was the theme of the most recent reception dinner hosted by the Lapciucs at their Miami Beach home to honor those who donated to this fall’s campaign. More than 130 guests gathered for the evening, which also was a celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary of the generous hosts.

Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho was a keynote speaker and there was a presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to JCS Senior Resource Development Associate Marian Mendelsohn by the Miami Beach mayor and commissioners.

The Milk & Honey campaign is held each year during the Jewish New Year when volunteers deliver 500 holiday food baskets to elderly and frail older adults in Miami-Dade County. It is just one of the group’s food distribution programs which include the JCS Kosher Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, five congregate meal sites and the similar Matzah Mitzvah & More food distribution campaign held in the spring. For more information, visit www.jcsfl.org.

ART AND JAZZ

Enjoy a perfect evening out at the Cultural Council ’s big event combining a fine art exhibition and a jazz concert from 6 to 10 p.m., Jan. 14 at the new South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211th St., Cutler Bay. The event follows in the tradition of more than 20 years of the nonprofit group’s award winning “In The Park With Art” and “Jazz Under The Stars.”

With “Art and All That Jazz” the Cultural Council will realize its mission of presenting an event in the auditorium that was the inspiration of the late County Commissioner Clara Oesterle during the County’s Decade of Progress in 1972. Residents who wanted to bring a love of art and music to the South Dade community formed the volunteer arts organization. Many of the original members are still active in the organization.

The art exhibit will feature works by selected artists such as watercolorist David Maddern, photographer John Andersen, and painter Margarita Vidal. And the Miami Wind Symphony will present its new jazz ensemble conducted by Rodester Brandon. The evening will also feature complimentary refreshments provided by area caterers and restaurants.

For tickets and information contact the SMDCAC Box Office at 786-573-5300. Ticket prices are orchestra $45, mezzanine $25, and balcony $15. High school and college students can pay $5 for balcony seating.

Visit the Center’s website to view the beautiful facility at www.smdcac.org. For more information about the Cultural Council, call 305-238-0703 or write to culturalcouncil.miami@gmail.com.

FLOWERING TREES

Guillermo Valenzuela will share knowledge about growing and maintaining flowering trees at the next meeting of the Tropical Flowering Tree Society at 7:30 p.m., Jan. 9 at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables. Members or TFTS now meet at a new location in the Corbin Building opposite the Garden House.

The group meets on the second Monday of each month and programs include speakers, rare flowering tree auctions, a bloom table, and refreshments. Visitors are welcome to attend at no cost. Become a member for only $30 a year. For information call TFTS at 305-389-5404, or go online to www.tfts.org or the TFTS Facebook page.