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South Florida in February was the place to be. Weather for the weekend of Feb. 21-22, following the Coconut Grove Art Festival, provided the South Miami Rotary Art Festival with a lovely weekend as crowds filled the streets enjoying the bands, art, and lots of great shopping options.
Kids had a blast in the children’s area playing games and even bouncing on a mini trampoline all inside the shaded entrance of the Bakery Center (and yes, I still call it that).
Kudos to the South Miami Rotary whose members and volunteers make the magic happy year after year. Kudos to all those who helped including event co-chair Laurie Kahn of Branches who was a guest to promote the event on Gloria’s Gab LIVE. To check out that show and others, go to cnewstv.com.
In other festival news, the Junior Orange Bowl Committee met at the University of Miami Alumni Center on Feb. 27, for a business meeting. Everyone was happy for the return of executive Ddrector Mimmi Balaam, back from Australia with visa credentials in order.
Mimmi, who now is gearing up for a new season, is a ball of energy and that enthusiasm is certainly contagious. Look for Mimmi to be featured on Gloria’s Gab LIVE in the near future.
The momentum with Mimmi in place is evident. In fact, at that meeting 10 new members were voted in and among them was former University of Miami Women’s Basketball head coach Katie Meier, along with Clarissa Garrido, Charlie Rua, Carlos de Cespedes, Carlos Rodriguez, Carol Der Garry and Daniel DeWitt.
The Way Forward Foundation (formerly The Woody Foundation) hosted its annual Lobster Feast at the Coral Reef Yacht Club on Monday, Feb. 23 — traditionally a day the club is closed. Countless lobsters were flown in for the spectacular evening, which over the years has helped the foundation distribute more than $1 million to programs that enhance the lives of individuals living with paralysis. These initiatives include free adaptive yoga classes, adaptive equipment lending programs, para-athlete sponsorships, and higher education scholarships.
Woody Beckham and the Beckham family warmly welcomed guests to the ever-growing event, which continues to bring together generous supporters eager to make a meaningful impact. Among those enjoying the evening were many of Bill Beckham’s fellow Rotarians, including Rick and Margarita Tonkinson, Nicolas Eterovic, Yoli Woodbridge, Greg Petrino, Sally Baumgartner Goodman, Robin Shelly, Norby Rudel, Bill Quesenberry, and Mike and Maria Kesti. Also spotted in the crowd were Norma Jean Abraham, Trish and Dan Bell, Bill Gregory and Pam Garrison.
Speaking of good food, celebrity chef Chris Valdes hosted the fifth annual EATZ by Chris Valdes at the newly renovated Loews Miami Beach Hotel. This invitation-only event brought together food lovers, influencers, and industry insiders ahead of the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival.
Guests were treated to bold, crave-worthy dishes curated by Chef Valdes alongside Loews executive chef Christopher Aguirre, plus a handpicked lineup of local chefs like Chef Adrianne and restaurant partners. Featured culinary experiences included offerings from Bistro Collins and The Sushi Bar, along with partners such as Florida Dairy Farmers, Mionetto Prosecco, The Florida Beef Council, Chef Adrianne’s Vineyard Restaurant & Bar, Bar Tulio’s, Birdie Bistro, and Arely PR. Timed with the festival’s 25th anniversary, EATZ set the tone for a week celebrating flavor, creativity, and community in true Miami style.
The Greater Kendall Business Association continues to draw great people including our Miami-s Community Newspapers’ Michael Miller who was the featured speaker addressing a packed room at Fogo de Chao across from Dadeland. Michael’s storytelling skills always are interesting and entertaining. He never disappoints us.
In addition to Michael, the guests also heard from the president and CEO of the Miami Dade County Fair & Exposition, Eddie Cora. Cora shared the impact The Fair has on our community by showcasing youth and giving out countless scholarships every year. Of course, the food, rides and entertainment at The Fair are guaranteed to make it a terrific experience and Eddie urged everyone to buy tickets early for best prices.
Check out these events:
Now through Apr. 30 – Pharaoh Immersive Experience presented by South Florida PBS; for info visit www.southfloridapbs.org.
Now through June 30 – The Titanic Immersive Experience presented by South Florida PBS; for info visit www.southfloridapbs.org.
Mar. 27 – CGWC’s Tee Time Under the Stars fundraiser at Granada Golf Course, 6-9 p.m., $60 per person includes lite bites, beer, wine and/or soda and golfing fun.
Apr. 8 – American Cancer Society Relay for Life, 8 p.m., St. Thomas University.
Apr. 10 – Karaoke Night at Birdie Bistro to benefit the Coral Gables Woman’s Club Children’s Dental Clinic.
Apr. 25 – Doral West Dade Woman’s Club fundraiser; Bus trip party to attend the Titanic Immersive Voyage at South Florida PBS headquarters in Boynton Beach; $150 per person includes refreshments on bus, ticket to Titanic experience and boxed meal on return with trivia games and prizes. Limited space. To reserve tickets or more information email Gloria@cnews.net.
May 1-3 – GFWC Fl Spring Convention, Orlando, Rosen Plaza
May 9 –1-4 p.m., Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Mother’s Day Brunch sponsored by South Florida PBS with a Titanic theme; 1009 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd.; $225 per person; visit www.coralgableswomansclub.org.
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.
