On July 1, the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club (CGWC) held a meeting at their clubhouse with a distinctive patriotic theme appropriate for the coming Independence Day weekend. This new club project entails sending a variety of much needed items to our local National Guard troops serving overseas.
Members began collecting items and brought dozens of bags full of things listed on the troops’ wish list.. Debra Adam, who is spearheading this project, collected patriotic themed prizes for a raffle to raise funds for shipping costs and Debi Wilborn provided materials for club members to make handmade cards. The cards will be delivered in the shipment to the troops to let them know they are not forgotten and that they are appreciated.
Among the many participating in the activities were Coco Plum Woman’s Club President Maxine Bizette; CGWC President Pam Schaefer; CGWC Past Presidents Claire Frances Whitehurst and Barbara Lapsley; Carmen Suarez: Gloria Burns; Christy Saxon-Hernandez; Nadine Laguette; Gael Jose; and new members, Patti Hendon, Pat Bosco, Ellen Wilborn, Karin English, to mention a few.
Speaking of good projects, the Rotary Club of Coral Gables Rotarian of the Year, Judy Pantoja, continues to organize an amazing variety of community outreach projects for the Club. In fact, a group of Rotarians will be at the VA for Veteran’s Bingo on July 18, will be serving lunch at Camillus House on August 8, and are scheduled to do a Coastal Clean up on September 19, and that is just the tip of the iceberg for this industrious group. Other Rotary Clubs interested in joining these efforts, are welcomed.
On the education front, best-selling business writer, Keith Ferrazzi, is coming to town during his nationwide book tour. The University of Phoenix will be hosting his local visit on Tuesday, July 21, 6 – 8 p.m., at the EPIC Hotel, 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way. Ferrazzi will discuss his latest book, Who’s Got Your Back, which has just debuted at #1 on the New York Times® Best Seller List. The book examines why peer support is so vital to career success and personal satisfaction. Admission is free but reservations are required. RSVP at: www.phoenix.edu/whosgotyourback .
Leadership Miami, sponsored by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, is seeking applications for their annual program that brings together 120 of Miami-Dade County’s emerging leaders to gain knowledge of how our community works. It provides opportunity for participants to meet and get to know the community’s structure and gain a better understanding of our future needs. The program will run October, 2009, to the beginning of May, 2010.
There is a focus session on the first Saturday of each month after the twoday Opening Conference in October. Participants are divided into six groups and each group will complete a community service project of their choosing by graduation. In addition, fieldwork is assigned to give participants further insight into the South Florida community.
For information, contact Cameron Sisser at < Cameron.sisser@gamil.com >.
Until next week, keep making each day count.
Keeping up with what’s happening in our community is quite a challenge and I am certain there are many activities I miss. If you would like to submit information for this column, send your news via email to < galburns@aol.com >.
