District 6990 Rotarians weathered a rainy day on the Biltmore Golf Course for their annual tournament held November 4 and joined Coral Gables Rotarians for their weekly lunch meeting featuring Dolphins Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Adam Grossman, who gave a great update on coming changes to expect at the stadium once the Marlins move.
Following lunch, Chris Morrison announced the winning team led by Gables Rotarian Bill Beckham with Chuck Mercer, Bob Cooke and Rocky Young. At that point everyone walked out to Golf Course to view the 2010 Gates Challenge Helicopter Golf Ball Drop as a helicopter pilot dropped 1,500 (or more) numbered balls purchased by donors for a chance to win great prizes, should their ball fall closest to the hole. Lucky winners included Key West Rotarian Scott Newberry of Key Largo and Sergio Suerin, Rotary Club of Weston.
Also November 4, a crowd of more than 200 packed the ballroom at Jungle Island for The Alliance for Aging Positive Living Dinner and Award Ceremony, an affair honoring 14 amazing people (one more impressive than the next) — all of whom seem ageless and tireless in their efforts to make our community a better place by helping others. Those honored: Barbara Erickson, Irving R. Eyster, Belkis Frangente, Owen S. Freed, Bob Gintel. Dr. Carol Hoffman- Guzman, Cecilia Hunt, Liz Kern, RN/MS, Allan Kosky, Marian Kline Krutulis, Gilda Rey, Max Silver,Esq., Sang Whang and Dr. Freeman Wyche. Celebrities in the crowd noted for their own involvement with good works included NBA great Alonso Mourning, a good friend of Kolsky, as well as emcee Ana Margo, actress, producer and director who now has launched her own jewelry line ”The Ana Margo Collection”
The Barnacle Society celebrating its 25th anniversary held a “Bights and Bubbly” party November 6, featuring author and historian, Arva Moore Parks, as guest speaker. Founded in 1985, The Barnacle Society was the second Citizens Support Organization chartered in the State of Florida and founding members include some of Miami’s earliest preservationists, including Arva Moore Parks, Sallye Jude, and Mrs. Findley Matheson. Located on the eastern shore of Biscayne Bay, the original home of Ralph Middleton Munroe displays early Florida living by one of Coconut Grove´s most charming and influential pioneers. The Munroe family sold the property to the State of Florida in 1973.
On October 29, Gulliver Schools held an induction ceremony and dinner for its own Athletic Hall of Fame with more than 30 years of athletic heritage recognized, honoring coaches, student-athletes, administrators and friends of the athletic program. The inaugural dinner at Preparatory School gymnasium began with a cocktail reception followed by dinner and a program. Inductees included Gulliver founders Marian Krutulis and husband, Joseph Krutulis (March 27, 1918 – June 27, 1983), as well as Jan Gomez, Chuck Tobey and James Williams. Award winning journalist with WECT News in Wilmington, N.C. and Gulliver alumnus, Max Winitz, emceed the evening that packed the beautifully-decorated gym with friends, family, former staff and alumni for a truly memorable night.
Finally, the Beach Colony Club had its Autumn Celebration Party at the Hyatt Coral Gables November 5. Among those enjoying the evening were the host committee: Roger and Joann Trombino, BBC President Robin and Susie Shelley, Rick and Margarita Tonkinson, and Edward “Skip” and Geri Berounsky.
Until next time, keep making each day count.
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