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Senior and middle school choirs from all over Miami-Dade County performed in the Merrick Festival Caroling Competition and these choirs were so excited to be able to sing in front of an audience for the first time in over a year. Grand Prize winners included Coral Reef Senior High, Doral Academy Prep, Miami Arts Charter, Hialeah Sr. High, Miami Arts Studio, Florida Christian Middle School, St. Timothy’s, and Alexander Montessori K-8. St. Brendan’s Sr. High won the Rotary Music Award.
This annual competition is held in front of the 550 Biltmore Building in Coral Gables known for the enormous Christmas tree of poinsettias. Executive Director of the Merrick Festival, Sally Baumgartner, announced the winners of the competition at their final show on December 7, then the Grand Prize choirs gave a short performance to the delight of the crowd. This annual competition, which had to be virtual last year, is free to the public. Many of those attending the nightly shows enjoyed hot chocolate and sweets being sold as a charity fundraiser by the Coral Gables Senior High School’s Interact Club members, one of whom, Ana Maestre, sold candles for her Silver Knight project: “Finding My Aura” Women Empowering Women with Chapman Partnership program. This competition always has a way of putting us all in the holiday spirit while providing a way to showcase some extremely gifted singers like two winning soloists: Alain Diaz, from Miami Senior High, and Marcos Quinones, from New World School. Those two need to be on The Voice. They are that talented.
The Junior Orange Bowl Parade was held December 12, featuring local Jeopardy celebrity NAME? , numerous bands, floats and more bringing it back to its former glory. To see more on the parade and other events visit www.jrorangebowl.org.
Speaking of holiday spirit, lots of folks got out their holiday costumes for a fun morning on December 19 at Tropical Park to support the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bells Run. If you have never participated, sign up next year. Runners came in crazy costumes including elves, Santa and other colorful festive attire making this run one of my favorites. Look for more on this event next time. The GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club team raised lots of money at their December 7 Gringo Bingo at Clutch Burger featuring Steven Bradley as emcee and music donated by DJ Germain. Thanks to EZ Title Services and 1st Empire Elite Financial for their sponsorship.
Lots of celebrations being held this month including Scott and Belinda holiday party and toy drive that collects hundreds of toys for Lighthouse for the Blind and Toys for Tots. Much like Sime Realty, Creativas held their 20th Anniversary Toy Drive with a fabulous party at The Biltmore. Coral Gables Physical Therapy near Merrick Park is also collecting toys for Lotus and and PT Alex Guillen tells us they really need things for adolescents. In fact, Community Newspapers is also collecting toys for those in need and anyone wanting to donate can drop off items any time at our office at 6796 SW 62 Ave.
Yet another recent celebration was a party for Arely Ruiz and her firm Arely PR’s 10th anniversary at the CGWC clubhouse. Arely, who is a Past President of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club, won the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce’s Business Woman of the Year for her category. In addition to that party at the clubhouse, Arely also held a company lunch with a guest list that included good friend and client celebrity Chef Chris Valdes who’s been traveling lots with television appearances with Kelly and Ryan in New York, supporting charitable causes, and more. By the way, Chef Chris’ cook book, One with the Kitchen, would make a great Christmas gift for those who love to cook. It is available on Amazon. I have already added several of his recipes to my favorite meals.
Finally, join me on Gloria’s Gab LIVE show Mondays, at 10 a.m., where you will be introduced to people making a positive impact on our community. One of my guests on the weekly show was the CEO of the Orange Bowl, Eric Poms, who shared information on the game this year as well as all the many outreach programs the Orange Bowl supports. To view that show, visit https://www.facebook.com/Communitynewspapers/videos/632463724598272 or
https://youtu.be/JpaArJa-5HE.
This week, my guests will be the Jr. Orange Bowl’s Golf Invitational Chair, JR Steinbauer, and Basketball Tournament Chair, Chuck Little. The previous week’s show featured Jr. Orange Bowl’s Tennis Co-Chairs Barbara Waters and Abby Dresnick. To view these shows, visit cnews.net.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Until next time, keep making each day count, share an act of kindness every day and stay safe.
