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School is out and high school and college grads threw their caps in the air to celebrate. For the graduates of UCF in Orlando, graduation day fell on Cinco de Mayo, making it a day for all to party. Among those were my granddaughter, Allison, whose final year came with a hurricane that flooded her building and two cars after dealing with Covid and remote learning. That said, she and her classmates who endured much the same, persevered, and finished against many odds. Kudos to all those who endured COVID, storms and uncertainty and still brought home the prize.
In other news, the University of Miami tennis great and 1993 UM Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Jodi Steinbauer, has retired after serving as the Jr. Orange Bowl Tennis Tournament Director for the last 26 years. Under her watch, this prestigious international tournament grew tremendously, much to her credit. Jodi celebrated her retirement with a party on June, at Doral Park Country Club. Among the many on hand for the event were several family members including husband, J.R. Steinbauer; father-in-law, John Steinbauer; and daughter Erica. Also, enjoying the evening with this writer were Miami Dade County Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez with wife, Vivian; Jr. Orange Bowl President, Lisa Albizu-Vazquez; JOB Past President, Chuck Little, with his wife Nancy; JOB Past President Samantha Jones; Connie Milone with lots of other JOB members and friends.
During the evening, many photos were shared including several from Jodi and JR’s recent Alaskan cruise.
Speaking of the Jr. Orange Bowl, JOB President Lisa Albizu-Vazquez was recently presented with a $15,700 check from the Miami Kiwanis Foundation. The club has been an ongoing supporter of JOB Basketball for decades.
Speaking of cruises, cruising seems to be at the forefront for best vacations and there are so many options. It seems yet another great ship is coming soon for NCL named the “VIVA.” If it is anything like the PRIMA that launched last year, cruisers are in for a treat.
More on that in an upcoming issue as they will be sharing plans soon.
On the cultural scene, the Frost Chopin Festival returns to the Gusman Concert Hall at the University of Miami from June 25 – July 2. This weeklong series will offer unforgettable performances that feature such notables of the Frost School of Music as pianists Dang Thai Son, Dmitri Ablogin, Kevin Kenner and Dean Shelly Berg. The rising star virtuoso students of the Frost Chopin Academy will join remarkable artists to perform during the week. As a bonus, all guests can take advantage of enlightening workshops by Prof. Kenneth Hamilton, whose book, After the Golden Age: Romantic Pianism and Modern Performance, has become an “indispensable resource to classical pianists seeking to better understand the manner of 19th-century piano performance traditions.”
Finally, partnerships between businesses and charities are always inspiring but some are especially heartwarming. Kendall Chick-fil-A franchisee owner Justin Lindsey has a lifelong passion for working with people with disabilities; so working with the WOW Center, an adult day training center that supports 200 adults with developmental disabilities is a perfect match. Recently, individuals from the WOW Center hand delivered beautifully created centerpieces that featured ceramic flowers they had made. An idea the Center’s executive director Natalia Wong developed. The arrangements will be on tables at the restaurant to be enjoyed by all. Over the time Justin has worked with WOW, he has hired 8-10 adults including Nick who started as a Team member and is now a Team Lead and Trainer.
Until next time, share your talents, count your blessings and not your challenges, and make a difference.
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