Coral Gables Rotarians began 2016 with their annual Moose Milk Party at the Gables home of Richard and Luba DeWitt on Jan. 1. Everyone brought a favorite dish to share while drinking a bit of Moose Milk (gin and vanilla ice cream) or opting for something less alcoholic like a milk shake.
Rotarians are excited about the new year with plans for their inaugural Chili Cook Off, brainchild of club president Greg Martini. This day of food, fun and music is scheduled for Feb. 21 at Ponce Circle Park. They already have many interested in competing with their chili like one that was served at the Autoverks Classic Car Show that benefits Gables Rotary’s veterans programs.
In other Rotary Club news, program chair Sally Baumgartner has lined up a good group of speakers for the January meetings including Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez for the Jan. 7 meeting and Raquel Regalado, Miami-Dade School Board member and candidate for county mayor, on Jan. 14. The Jan. 21 meeting will feature performances by cast members from West Side Story coming to Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre this month. Finally, on Jan. 28, the club will be addressed by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Xavier Suarez.
Coral Gables Rotary meets every Thursday for lunch at the Courtyard Marriott on downtown Coral Gables on LeJeune Road. Visiting Rotarians always are welcomed.
The GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club closed 2015 with a party for the children who are served by the club’s free children’s dental clinic. Food, gifts and a visit from Santa made for a festive day. Santa came with more than just gifts for the kids; he also presented a check for $1,000 to support the efforts of the club and its dental clinic that provides more than $220,000 in free dental care annually to children who fall between the cracks in the healthcare system.
To further support this amazing dental clinic, the members are preparing for a Black & White Gala on Feb. 13, at their beautiful historic clubhouse, 1009 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd. in Coral Gables. Tickets are only $75 and will include dinner, dancing and a silent auction.
For more information on the gala or how to join this dynamic group of women who come from all over South Florida, visit www.gfwccoralgableswomansclub.org.
Yet another gala is in the works for Feb. 27. The Junior Orange Bowl Committee is preparing for its annual gala to take place at the Conrad Miami. Honorees for this affair include John and Pam Admire; Miami’s Community Newspapers and City of Miami Springs. The evening will feature a silent auction, dinner and dancing, and promises to be a regal affair.
Wishing all of our readers a healthy, happy and prosperous new year filled with blessings.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
If you want to submit information for this column, send your news via email to gloriagalburns@aol.com.
