The GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club does more than just own and operate an amazing free children’s dental clinic and support numerous charitable causes, the club’s members also break for fun programs and an annual prom for a local school.
Most recently, on May 17, club vice president Susie Tilson taught a group of more than 25 members how to create their own flower arrangements. This hands-on program left everyone with a beautiful topiary to take home and served to help new members interact with seasoned members all to benefit Hacienda Girls Ranch.
The club attracts members from all over the county from Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest to Doral, Brickell and even Broward. The club meets the first and third Wednesday of every month and any woman looking to better serve the community is invited to join. For information, visit www.gfwccoralgableswomansclub.org.
Speaking of the club, the education chair, Kate Swain, worked with members on May 18 to host the club’s annual prom for the students at Tucker Elementary. Following the flower arranging, members switched gear and helped Kate set up for the following day’s event. Prom, as always, was a hit with the kids who enjoyed dancing, pizza, ice cream sundaes and thanking the women with a framed drawing they made to hang in the club’s dental clinic.
Among the ladies helping with the Kate with the affair were DCF Certified Director of Children’s Programs at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, Isabel Chica, who was the featured speaker at Coconut Grove Rotary’s May 18 luncheon at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club where they meet every Thursday at 12:15 p.m.
Program chair Richard Martin always provides interesting speakers that inform and inspire, like Isabel who has a total of 23 years of education experience and has been with Miami Lighthouse for the Blind for 14 years. Isabel joined Miami Lighthouse for the Blind in 2003 as it launched its Blind Babies Program and has worked since supporting the program’s growth and development as well as managing other children’s programs including the STAR Summer Program.
In addition to her professional experience in the field, Chica, the parent of three high achieving boys — two of whom are visually impaired — speaks from experience giving her a unique understanding of the field, what a family needs for support and advocacy.
In other Rotary news, Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theater previewed its new musical comedy, It Shoulda Been You, at a club meeting on May 18 before opening night. Artistic director David Arisco introduced three of the cast who came to perform and give the crowd a teaser.
This promises to be yet another big hit and look for more about opening night festivities in next issue. Good news for the coming season, this writer was happy to hear that returning will be Big Bang, an all-time favorite hilarious musical comedy that tells the history of the world in song in 90 minutes. A must see. as well as this current show about a Catholic/Jewish wedding that brings twist and turns and lots of laughs.
Finally, on May 23, a crowd gathered at Park Grove Sales Gallery to celebrate Michele Oka Doner and the debut of her new book, Intuitive Alphabet. Michele, known for creating inlaid sea life artwork on the floor of Miami International Airport, along with a strong presence across the nation’s most prestigious museums and cultural institutions, held a captivating discussion that night with guest Alastair Gordon that focused on the topic of found objects as art. Happy guests that evening left with a signed copy of the book as well as helpful tips on finding art in everyday objects.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
