The Rotary Club of Coral Gables attracted one of its most popular speakers, University of Miami Baseball Coach Jim Morris, on a very unlikely day.
Hours before the No. 1 ranked Hurricanes were to play No. 2 ranked North Carolina on May 15, Coach Morris spoke to an enthusiastic group of Rotarians at the Westin Colonnade. He talked about his first days at UM, noting he was asked to select hotels for various away games including one for Omaha. That was one indication his would be a tough job. Going to Omaha (home of the College World Series) was expected. Then he noticed that the National Championship runner up trophy was used as a doorstop in one of the bathrooms and he knew UM was a special place, especially for baseball.
Speaking of University of Miami, best wishes go to retiring Athletic Director Paul Dee who was honored during a retirement dinner on May 14. Dee has had a very successful career at the University of Miami and will certainly be missed by all.
That same Wednesday evening, the Two Hundred Club of Greater Miami, held its semi annual dinner meeting at The Biltmore Hotel. This organization helps the families of police officers and firefighters of Miami-Dade County who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Two Hundred Club president Harold Humphrey presided over the evening while David Brown introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Antonio Villamil, president and CEO of Washington Economics Group. Villamil shared his insight into the current economic climate and answered questions following his presentation to a very responsive audience.
Among the many members on hand to hear Villamil and to get an update on the charitable fund the group supports were Susan Perry-Fuhrman, Gayle Bainbridge, Orlando Soto, John Brumbaugh, Huber Parsons, Hank Langston, Jerry Kavulich, Judge Izzy Reyes, Doug Oppenheimer and John Krutulis.
Opening night at Actors’ Playhouse attracted a sellout crowd for the comedy thriller, Thumbs. The many VIP’s and season ticket holders enjoyed this show that featured a talented cast as well as a good story line with lots of twists and turns and some great comical moments. Among the many enjoying the evening were Linda Faber, Bob Mayer, Bonnie Mayer, executive producing director Barbara S. Stein, Dr. Lawrence Stein, Jane Noppenberg, Elizabeth Juerling, Mariano and Patty Fernandez, Minnie Bandel, Steve Bandel, Kerry Whitaker, W. Allen Morris, Les Oppenheim and Eddie Cutillas, to mention a few.
On May 9, the American Civil Liberties Foundation of Florida announced the winners of the first Zelda Glazer Civil Liberties Writing Competition during its annual ACLU Greater Miami Chapter Law Day event. First place finisher Kimberly Carpel, a student in Debra Miller’s class at Design and Architecture High School (DASH), was awarded $1,500 to pursue her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida. Second place finisher Gensy Yero, a student in Jo Ann Jones’ class at Miami Central Senior High School, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship as was the third place finisher Amanda Labora, a student in Karen Sutton’s class at MAST Academy.
The writing competition is an opportunity to recognize civil liberties scholarship that enhances an understanding of the principles of the U.S. Constitution. Created last year, the Zelda Glazer Scholarship Fund honors the memory and lifelong work of an amazing woman who for more than 40 years worked as a well-loved and respected Miami-Dade County Public School Language Arts teacher and administrator.
A stalwart group of Cycling Rotarians visited one of their own, Terry Long who recently took a fall at Flagler Beach and ended up in the hospital. Now at HealthSouth Rehab, Terry’s buddies tackled a 30-mile ride to make a visit and check on Terry, who is recuperating very quickly and anxious to get back to cycling and to her duties as administrator of the Coral Gables Club.
Coral Gables Garden Club’s 82nd Annual Luncheon was truly “A Tropical Paradise,” with everything created for the event befitting that theme. More than 125 people attended the affair at the Riviera Country Club. Guests enjoyed a Champagne Hour before entering the ballroom that was alive with the sounds of tropical birds and a thunderstorm recording in keeping with the theme. To complete the picture, tropical rainbow runners and large glass vases filled with bird of paradise arrangements adorned the tables.
Luncheon chair Judith Arthur and cochair Evelyn Budde welcomed guests before colorful tropical dancers provided entertainment. After the luncheon, new members were introduced and the 2008-09 officers were installed, headed by president Donna Box. Committee members responsible for the success of the day were Betsy Adams, Gloria Zannis, Aurelia Corbitt, Garlin Lewis, Charlotte Henderson, Josette Herzeca, Nita Norman, Eva Zwigard, Sandy Milledge, Sharon Trbovich, Isabel Balmaseda, Jana White, Gail Mase Mercedes Forero, Jane Morrison, Anna Louise Fulks, Ruth Biel and Joyce Davidson.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
