|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Now that the weather has cooled a bit, the holidays truly feel underway — with sparkling lights, festive gatherings, and, best of all, our community’s generous spirit on full display.
Across the region, cities hosted turkey giveaways and countless giving drives helped charities bring joy and comfort to those in need.
At the Coral Gables Woman’s Club, members continued their longstanding tradition of supporting families from their free Children’s Dental Clinic. Under the coordination of Dental Clinic Director Dr. Iris Torres, the club distributed 32 overflowing Thanksgiving food baskets. Members and friends also donated $20 gift cards, given to patients throughout December instead of toys they may not need. Learn more at CoralGablesWomansClub.org.
Another shining example of generosity comes from Coral Gables Rotarian Joan Reitsma, who, despite limited mobility and living at Oasis, remains deeply involved in Rotary’s outreach. This year, Joan donated boxes of blankets and hundreds of much-needed clothing items to two favorite club initiatives: monthly bingo Saturdays at the VA Hospital and the annual Thanksgiving Day meal service at Chapman Partnership. Among the Rotarians blessed to be able to volunteer serving meals this year were Club President Greg Petrino and Past Presidents Kelly Garces and Sally Baumgartner-Goodman.
On the cultural scene, opening night of Actors’ Playhouse’s Man of La Mancha was nothing short of extraordinary — one of the finest musical productions this writer has ever seen.
The cast delivered both laughter and deeply moving moments. The performance even drew Lin-Manuel Miranda, who surprised the cast as he came to support his dear friend Henry Gainza (Associate Director/Choreographer and featured performer). His backstage visit left the performers in joyful disbelief. This is a must-see show and a perfect holiday gift.
Meanwhile, the Merrick Festival Caroling Competition filled the community with music as 30 choirs competed for cash prizes. Led annually by Sally Baumgartner Goodman, the event showcases young talent from across Miami-Dade, supported by sponsors including Miami-Dade County, the City of Coral Gables, Holtz Children’s Hospital, and the Coral Gables Community Foundation. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables even funded a special award and invited its winning choir to perform at the club’s holiday luncheon — an annual highlight.
In other holiday news, the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bells Run took place on December 6, with timely support from the Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s December 2 Gringo Bingo fundraiser. Each month, the club partners with a different nonprofit, and December traditionally benefits the Arthritis Foundation. Kudos to volunteers Steven Bradley, of Vivo Sports and Social in Doral, who brings laughter and energy as the event’s regular bingo caller, and Corey Tennyson, who generously provided DJ services at Birdie Bistro.
For a festive shopping experience, visit the Festival of Trees Showcase at Miami International Mall (NW 87 Ave & 25 St. in Doral). Mall General Manager Maria Prado shares that this enchanting display features holiday trees designed by St. Thomas University fashion and visual merchandising students, each inspired by iconic mall brands such as Swarovski, Crocs, Aliss, Pandora, and Sephora. The exhibit offers a beautiful backdrop for holiday shopping, photos, and community enjoyment — and admission is free.
Check out these upcoming events and mark your calendar!
● Currently running through March 2026 – South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices. For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org pharaohs (Look for a new Titanic Experience coming in January 2026).
● Now thru Dec. 31 – Festival of Trees at Miami International Mall Doral – Free admission.
● December 12 – Celebration of 10th Anniversary of the dedication of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Doral – Bi-lingual masses all day.
● December 14 – Junior Orange Bowl Parade in downtown Coral Gables. juniororangebowl.org.
● December 9-17 – Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Tournament.
● December 27-30 – Junior Orange Bowl Basketball Tournament.
● January 3 – 6, 2026 – Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Tournament – Biltmore Golf Course, 8 a.m. daily.
● January 4, 2026 – Annual King Mango Strut Parade – Coconut Grove.
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.
