District Rotarians/Grove Bed Races gather for socials

District Rotarians/Grove Bed Races gather for socials
District Rotarians/Grove Bed Races gather for socials
Daisy Lewis, Deano Kastis and Sonia Jacobson at Acropolis for Great Grove Bed Race pre event.

Rotarians from several South Florida clubs gathered for a Rotary2Rotary night at Shula’s 347 on October 9th. District Governor, Ellen Blasi was on hand to welcome the crowd who enjoyed meeting new people and sharing information on their current charitable projects. Among the crowd was Michael Noble, of the Noble Peace Prize family, who currently presents this award. Among the many members attending this after hours social were Yolanda Woodbridge, Sally Baumgartner, Chris Morrison, Rolf Frankfurter, Robert Smyczynski, Mario Avalos, Elaine Pons, Philip Wang, Rene Negron, Joe Roth, Elizabeth Silverman, Terri and Carlos Bolado, to mention a few.

Speaking of Rotary, the Gables Rotary Club is one of many new entries participating in the November 3rd Great Grove Bed Race. Rotary’s bed is sponsored by Shell Lumber whose president, Jesus Guzman, is a new Coral Gables Rotarian. Aside from Rotary several other new entries this year will include a bed from the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club sponsored by Miami’s Community Newspapers; a bed entry from the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee as well as , Coral Gables Hospital and the Westin Colonnade.

On October 10th, racers had an opportunity to gain inches in the race at a gathering for a kick off hosted by Acropolis, the Coconut Grove Greek restaurant on Main Highway. Teams gained one inch for every person attending. Folks from an event sponsor, Sapient, won that challenge with twenty people while another sponsor, Sidewalk Salads, also brought a sizable group. October 10 was coincidentally the birthday of co event organizer, Barbara Ferenzi, who was surprised by a creatively decorated cake in the shape of a bed entry enjoyed by many family members after the program.

The other half of this dynamic race organizing duo, Daisy Lewis, welcomed everyone and introduced Dress for Success founder and executive director , Sonia Jacobson, whose organization will be this year’s race beneficiary. At the encouragement of Acropolis owner Deano Kastis, Sonia finished her short speech by breaking a plate Greek style to much laughter. Among the many seen enjoying the evening with this writer were Bruce and Michelle Jacobs, Ami Frey, and Walter Alvarez, to mention a very few.

District Rotarians/Grove Bed Races gather for socials
Jim and Carol Brock with MCIV Executive Director, Annette Alvarez and her husband, Past President of Coral Gables Rotary Club, Walter Alvarez at National Day Celebration.

In other news, hundreds gathered to celebrate the National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on October 8th at Jungle Island. Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami Philip Wang and his wife welcomed guests, among whom were government dignitaries many of whom bought proclamations to honor the day. Keynote speaker for the night was University of Miami, Rudy Fernandez , who praised Taiwan as a role model for democracies worldwide. He listed several little known facts including that there are more patents per one million in population that any other country in the world. Following the program, guests enjoyed drinks and a variety on culturally diverse food items from Italian to Asian. Several Coral Gables Rotarians and their spouses were in attendance congratulating Philip Wang, a newly inducted Gables Rotarian. Seen enjoying the evening were Past Coral Gables Rotary Club presidents Yolanda Woodbridge, Don Slesnick, and Walter Alvarez; Coral Gables Vice Mayor Bill Kerdyk Jr.; former Gables Vice Mayor Chip Withers; Coral Gables Rotary President Elect Carlos Bolado; Jeannette Slesnick, Greg and Nancy Martina, Carol and Jim Brock, to mention a few.

Finally, local artist Nancy Martini will have a solo exhibition of her collection,”The Food Forest” on Nov 8th, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Tropical Audubon Society in South Miami, 5530 Sunset Drive. It promises to be a fun evening as Joanne Meagher has agreed to sing a few nature songs and Nancy’s daughter , Grace, may even sing along as well. Nancy, of course, will be doing an eco art talk about her work. Admission free to public

Until next time, keep making each day count.

If you would like to submit information for this column, please send your news via e-mail to gloriagalburns@aol.com.

District Rotarians/Grove Bed Races gather for socials
Director General Philip and Mrs. Wang welcome John
Burns and Yolanda Woodbridge at National Day for the
Republic of China (Taiwan) celebration.

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A graduate of the University of Florida with a major in Spanish, Burns has an extensive background in advertising, marketing and reciprocal trade, travel , non profit consulting and management. Before joining Miami's Community Newspapers as a columnist and marketing specialist, Gloria was the Executive Director of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee (6 yrs.) and first Executive Director of the Coral Gables Community Foundation (14 yrs.) and the Pinecrest Community Foundation (1 ½ yrs) . Burns' volunteer activities led her to become a columnist for Community Newspapers writing Gloria’s Gab, that focuses on the non-profit activity, and a host of an online show, Gloria's Gab LIVE. Gloria serves the board of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables as Civic and Charity Chair, and is involved in the club's International Committee. She is an active Life Member of the Jr. Orange Bowl Committee and is Secretary of the Merrick Festival. She serves on the board of directors of the Coral Gables Woman' Club as Publicity Chair and also coordinates the club's monthly fundraiser for various charities with Gringo Bingo at Clutch Burger. In addition, Gloria participates in numerous other charitable events and is a member of the Business Forum Group, Profit Inc., the Greater Miami Festival & Events Association and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. In other volunteer activity, Gloria helps Miami Christian School with fund-raising and PR; is an Ambassador and volunteers for events for A Safe Haven for Newborns. She is an active member of the Music Ministry at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church where she enjoys singing in the choir every weekend.