Prima Ballerina Katia Carranza and store owner Gaby Martinez.
Ballet Boutique , one of the latest new stores to open in South Miami, enlisted the help of her friend Katia Carranza, Prima Ballerina of the Miami City Ballet and Ballet of Monterrey, to participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, August 23. Located at 7322 Red Rd., this is the first US store for The Ballet Boutique owner Gaby Martinez who credits their success with a method she created to avoid the foot injuries for ballerinas working “on pointe” . Among the crowd enjoying the evening were Gaby’s long time friend from Merida, Mexico, Aida , Aida’ s daughter etc. Little ballerinas also got a chance to have Katia autograph a photo as a souvenir.
On the sports front, Dolphins game, billed as the dress rehearsal for the upcoming season, drew a nice crowd on August 24. Despite a last minute loss, it was a great game during which this writer enjoyed sitting near some incredible teachers involved with Teach for America, whom the Dolphins hosted that night. One teacher, Jordan Butisantoso, who taught math in Liberty City last year arranged for his former students to attend the game and it was a joy to watch. Mr. Buti, as his students refer to him lovingly, shared that teaching these students was an eye opening experience and one he treasures. It was obvious his students loved him as much as he does them. It was also gratifying to see once again how committed the Dolphin organization is to our community and our young people.
Florida Federation of Woman’s Club’s local clubs are as active as ever. The GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club held a charity bingo night recently for Shot for Life. International Committee Chair Mitzi Jenner with club member Ana Lam orchestrated a fun evening where many new members got to socialize with long time members while raising more than $440 for the charity.
Further south, the ladies of the GFWC Coco Plum Woman’s Club held “Ann’s 6th Annual English Tea Party”, on August 21. More than 95 ladies attended the event that was chaired by Ann Robson. Guests came wearing assorted hats for a chance to win prizes for the most elegant, the most funny and the most original. Best of all, event raised $2,500 to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
In other service club news, Rotarians are called to join Gables Rotarians for the 2013 Coastal Cleanup at Matheson Hammock Park on Saturday, September 21. Join thousands of volunteers worldwide , on this day as millions of pounds of litter are collected from beaches and waterways. It the dirtiest fun day you will ever have ending (so it is rumored) with drinks and socializing at a nearby outdoor restaurant bar. For more information, contact your local Rotary.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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