The RocDoc, Dr. Stephen Etkin, was featured recently at a recent Jr/ Sr. High School Achievement breakfast held at the Westin Colonnade on May 8. Top students from nine area schools were recognized with certificates and metals during an entertaining morning event presented by the Miami-Dade Chapter of Thrivent Financial and coordinated by Joan Reitsma, owner of The Giving Tree and the Coral Gables Friends of Education. Before presenting the students their awards, RocDoc, a local gastroenterologist who happens to be a professional musical and song writer as well, spoke to the students about pursuing their passions even when it may not be your career. Who better to speak on that than a well respected doctor who uses his musical talents and medical knowledge to educate youngsters. The numerous songs he has written and performs are available on CD at RocDoc.com. Once you listen to this, you will find yourself singing the songs. They are just that catchy and memorable. Of course, for Eskin, that is the point as he seeks to make learning medical concepts easy and fun.
Speaking of fun, on May 2nd, there was a similar recognition breakfast, this time for the elementary school grads, also at the Westin Colonnade. That breakfast program featured a few numbers from Actors’ Playhouse production of EXCELLENT CONQUEST. The cast from that show, roller blades and all, performed numbers from the show with music and lyrics by Actors’ Playhouse Musical Theatre for Young Audiences Children’s Theatre’s Earl Maulding, who directs the show, and Scott Morlock. By the way, registration is now open for the many theatre camp programs offered by Actors’ Playhouse. For information, call 305 444-9293 X 621 or visit www.actorsplayhouse.org
Both of these May student achievement recognition events are annual affairs coordinated by Joan Reitsma, of owner of The Giving Tree; presented by Miami-Dade Chapter- Thrivent Financial; hosted by the Westin Colonnade; and sponsored by the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club, Claire Frances Whitehurst, Gulliver Schools, the Rotary Club of Coral Gables, and the Education Foundation of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce.
In other news, the Rotary Club of Coral Gables tackles another great fundraiser with their next Wine and Dine for Charity Dinner on Tuesday, June 4, at the Westin Colonnade. This dinner will benefit Shake-A-leg and the charitable programs of the Coral Gables Rotary Foundation. With the Westin hosting this dinner, Westin’s Chefs Thomas Russo and Brian Harding have prepared an amazing four course dinner with wine pairings that are sure to delight. An all inclusive price of $125 per person includes a champagne reception at 6:30 p.m. sponsored by Yolanda Woodbridge, YWAssociates, followed by an exquisite dinner, wines, door prizes and more. This promises to be a sell-out event and seating is limited. To reserve your space, call Coral Gables Rotary’s Event Chair Rodney Langer at 786 251-8459 or Gloria at 305 968-3090.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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