Two individuals who have contributed much to the South Miami community through the years were honored by the Rotary Club of South Miami on Thursday, February 19, during a reception hosted at the First National Bank of South Miami and sponsored by the Shops at Sunset Place.
Karen Dorfman and John Sorgie were named charter members of the new Stellar Support Society established by the South Miami Rotary Art Festival committee to recognize individuals who have given long term service to the success of this event. Dorfman and Sorgie have been deeply involved in the show since its inception in 1984, when Sorgie inaugurated the show during his presidency of the Red/Sunset Merchants Association.
It was a magical night for the guests of the opening night for Les Misérables at Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, the first regional production of the most celebrated musical of all time and the longest running musical worldwide. Artistic Director David Arisco recruited some of Miami and the country’s best talent for a show that will long be remembered as a crowning achievement for this award winning theatre.
In the role of Jean Valjean, David Felty’s remarkable voice is one that touches one’s very soul. In fact, his performance earned show stopping applause while the entire cast received a long standing ovation following the opening night show. Complementing him was a cast of more than 30 actors who could have as easily been on Broadway as right here in South Florida. Trent Blanton (Javert), Gary Marachek (Thenardier), Melissa Minyard (Fantine), Christopher Myers (Marius), Gwen Hollander (Eponine), Patrick Jones (Enjoras), Margot Moreland (Madame Thenardier) and Nikka Wahl (Cosette) were but a few of the cast making this show an experience you will not want to miss.
The gala opening night festivities on March 6, included a pre-performance dinner courtesy of Ortanique, a bar provided by Bacardi and dessert after the chow provided by Crepe Maker. On hand were many VIPs, season tickets holders and important sponsors all of whom enable Executive Producing Director Barbara Stein and Actors’ to bring shows like this to South Florida. Les Miserables will run through April 5. For tickets, call 305-444-9293.
Thanks to major sponsor Bear-A-Bear as well as Coral Gables Woman’s Club, Coral Gables Chamber, and Claire Flanagan Whitehurst, top graduating elementary school students will be honored at a breakfast recognition event to be held March 25th, at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. The Hyatt has been that is once again hosting the event. Event organizer, Joan Reitsma, of The Giving Tree, is pleased to have funding to invite students from several schools to this wonderful affair that will feature Gables Chamber President Mark Trowbridge as a guest speaker.
The event is organized through Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation and all donations to the event are tax deductible. This event as well as another recognition breakfast in April honoring top graduating middle and senior high schools is dependent on private funding. Those interested in supporting this event should call Joan Reitsma at 305-445-3967.
The 41st Annual University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame Banquet will be held Thursday, April 23rd at Jungle Island, and the Hall of Fame Golf Tournament is scheduled for Friday, April 24th at the Miccosukee Golf and Country Club. The Class of 2009 includes Edgerrin James, Tim James, Aubrey Huff, Warren Bogle, Davian Clark, Mike Sullivan and Cathy Morse Further south, the Community Foundation of Pinecrest (CFP) has launched its new website: cfofp.org. Designed by local attorney and IT guru, Richard Stern, the site is also hosted pro bono by Dan Scipione and Camteq.
CFP board member Hank Langston and Gulliver Schools was one of the recent sponsors of the Taste of Pinecrest held March 8 at Pinecrest Gardens, an event organized by the Pinecrest Business Association with Kendall Toyota. Gulliver Schools graciously provided their sponsor table for this new Community Foundation of Pinecrest to give away free balloons to children and promote the Foundation mission’s of serving the community.
Thousands enjoyed a day of great food with dozens of restaurants and caterers on hand with a variety of food options, while sponsors entertained with games and a field of great rides was enjoyed by the children. Certainly a great success and the perfect way to end a glorious South Florida weekend.
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, please send your news via e-mail to < galburns@aol.com >.
