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As we enter 2024, take a breath and try to recover from a very busy December. Reflecting on the latest happenings which have been nonstop this past month, look for coverage here and in the next issue on the many festivals, parties, fundraisers and specials events held in our community.
Speaking of festivals, The Merrick Festival Caroling Competition, produced by Sally Baumgartner, entertained crowds in mid-December for several nights with performances by amazing choral groups the winner of which received thousands in prize money. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables sponsored an award for performance with original content won by the Academy for Innovation Education (AIE). That choir was then invited to entertain the club sponsoring the cash award at its Dec. 14 meeting. Look for all the winning choirs in this paper.
On December 10, 2023, the 74th Annual Junior Orange Parade, titled “Miracle on the Mile: A Holiday Parade and Celebration,” rocked the mile, chaired by Michael Green, he and his hard-working committee put on an amazing event that was an explosion of fun and music with floats, marching bands from all over and more. Grandstand ticket holders also enjoyed a great pre-parade concert by Jay Valor and band with a VIP reception featuring food by Rita Tennyson (R Catering) with lots of mascots and fun photo ops for young and old alike.
Junior Orange Bowl Committee events continue with the renowned JOB Golf Invitational running from January 2 – 6, 2024, at The Biltmore Golf Course. To find out about all the events and programs, visit www.jrorangebowl.org. Spectators are welcome.
On December 13, Coral Gables Bar held a mixer that served as a toy drive hosted by Al Maulini, in his new offices for Private Wealth Management of Coral Gables—Raymond James. The place was packed with holiday cheer and tons of toys were collected for the Family Resource Center that night. Among the many enjoying the evening with this writer were Coral Gables Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, Judge Patricia Pedraza, Rick Alberti, Claudia Pernudi, Kat Barrow-Horth, Reed Horth, Michelle Urbistondo, Cristy Garcia, Bruce Bounds, Jerry Kavulich, and Dr. Jose Gurevich.
Incredibly gusty winds and rain that began December 14 and on through the weekend did not deter many from their holiday parties although some charity walks did have to be postponed on Saturday as did the Merrick House holiday event on Sunday, December 17.
On the 14th, while the Coral Gables Community Foundation held their annual holiday party for donors at the home of Bill Bonn and Ruben Ceballos, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s board dinner, coordinated by Past President Arely Ruiz, was held close by at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel that was also packed with party goers and special events activity. CGWC members enjoyed appetizers with Prosecco followed by dinner with drinks and a “White Elephant” gift exchange that’s always fun. Among those attendees were President Ruth Martinez, Barbara Lapsley, Nancy Desmangles, Iris Torres, Linda Hartwell, Carmen Suarez, Meredeth McKissick, Luisaura Alvarez, Theresa Gilmore, Carol Horkowitz, Kim Davison, Elizabeth Hicks, Monica Uramis, and Luisaura Alvarez.
Save the date of January 6, for the Voices for Children Gala at the Mandarin Hotel. Check out my Gloria Gab LIVE show this week to learn more about the Gala and the amazing work Voices for Children carries out in our community. Following that Gala, don’t miss the King Mango Strut Parade in Coconut Grove on January 7, 2 p.m., a crazy parade you must experience. Call out to Freds!!! Please join this writer, “a friend of Fred”, and be a part of the parade. Just come and find the Freds to join the unit.
Finally, The Villagers Holiday House Tour featured some amazing historic homes including one of the very oldest built in 1923 and owned by Ana and Rafael Penalver, The Merrick House and the Coral Gables Woman’s Club where the boutique was held with Rita’s Café.
Look for more and some of these events in the next issue.
Until next time, share your time and talent, count your blessings, and have a Happy New Year!
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