![Classic Car Show/Chili Cook- Off benefit Rotary's efforts](https://communitynewspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/PT-GloriasGab2-300x225.jpg)
Autoverks Classic Car Show drew a larger crowd with the onset of better weather December 19. Pinecrest resident and Gables Rotarian Fred Baddour underwrites this event that benefit the veterans projects of the Coral Gables Rotary Club and other charitable programs. This past show entertained the kids as well as adults with fire hose challenges (yes, Fred has his own Fire Truck), food for sale and a live band, Zero Defect. Because of Gables Rotary’s Chili Cook Off on February 21, the car show will take a hiatus that month as the focus will be on this Club’s inaugural event.Coral Gables Rotary President Greg Martini, of Pinecrest, affirms this Cook Off will be the first of many to be staged at Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park in Coral Gables from 2 – 6 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment, chili tasting, assorted other foods and drinks plus the competition for best chili with prizes that are already attracting entries, vendors and sponsors. For more information visit www.coralgablesrotary.org.
Earlier that same February 21 Sunday, District Rotarians will be enjoying a picnic at Tropical Park while across the way South Miami Rotarians will also be busy with their annual weekend South Miami Art Festival. For those who enjoy outdoor events, this is a perfect weekend of activities that also support numerous charitable outreach efforts.
![Classic Car Show/Chili Cook- Off benefit Rotary's efforts](https://communitynewspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/PT-GloriasGab1-300x169.jpg)
On the cultural front, Actors Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre continues to offer great shows with some terrific holiday special including the Trial of Ebeneezer Scrooge that just completed its run. On December 16, the Actors’ Young Professionals group had a reception before the show enjoyed by all. Guests enjoyed drinks with cheese and crackers as well as a pre show talk with Artistic Director David Arisco. Among a few of the those attending the pre show event hosted by Actors Public Relation Manager Brooke Noble were Raul and Carolina Ordonez, Ed Diaz, Jacqueline Coleman and Kristy Fueyo, to mention a few.
The next big musical coming up will be West Side Story that will run from January 27 to February 21, 2016. Tickets to this crowd favorite are sure to go fast. Coral Gables Chamber is offering members a chance to attend as a group on January 28, 7 p.m., reception followed by the show.$40 for members, $50 non-members, $20 for reception only. To book seats, visit <www.actorsplayhouse.org> or call 305-446-1657. Like the Chamber, other organizations are encouraged to call for special group rates.
Pinecrest’s St. Louis Catholic Church youth ministry makes decades long friendships for those involved. Most recently a group that met in their early teens got together and celebrated one of their members 40 th birthday. What a lovely legacy for that program. Congratulations to Cindy Mendizabal Gonzalez who is one of the last in her class to make the big 40.
May you all have a very happy New Year!
Until next time, keep making each day count.
If you would like to submit information for this column, please send your news via email to gloriagalburns@aol.com.