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For the GFWC FL’s President’s Project, members of the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove partnered with Easter Seals with a book especially written for children and donated to help underserved children in Little Haiti.
Designed to help children cope with emotional problems related with other children and their environment, the children’s book Mindful Pokie, was written by club member Billie Jean Baldwin, chair of the Environment Committee, and Alexandra J.L. DeLara of Easter Seals. The rainbow color bags distributed included the Mindful Pokie book, art supplies, face mask, snack bars, candy canes, and other snacks. The club’s aim was to support unity in diversity through love and acts of kindness, as well as for our planet and her inhabitants.
By the way, if you are looking for unique holiday gifts, check out the Artisanal Marketplace in the Grove at St. Steven’s Church on McFarelane, Fridays, 2-9 p.m. During the Coconut Grove Art Festival, this was one of my favorite places to shop and now it is back just in time for the holidays. Parking is free, always a plus, and shoppers will enjoy live music, as well.
In Coral Gables, the annual Merrick Festival Caroling Competition traditionally held in front of the tree at the 550 Biltmore Building went virtual and is available to view on YouTube thanks to the City of Coral Gables. Merrick Festival executive director Sally Baumgartner, and the 13 choir directors and staff are to be applauded for making sure the event happened.
The Rotary Club of Coral Gables has sponsored the Rotary Music Award since 1994 and the winner for a second year in a row was Doral Center Academy. As is the tradition, the winning choir will perform for before the club’s Zoom meeting.
To view the performances, visit www.facebook.com/RotaryCoralGables/videos/2664689803588237/?t=5.
Speaking of Rotary, fast acting Rotarians helped supply 100 turkeys to residents of Overtown. A call from Urgent Inc. to Coral Gables Rotarian Henryka Manes came 72 hours before a distribution of turkeys for Thanksgiving was scheduled for residents in dire straights who live in Overtown.
Manes, who has been working on a Rotary Satellite Club for Overtown, was known to the community and was called to help. Club past president Greg Martini calls contacting former member Bruce Siddens who ended up donating turkeys, bringing it all together for the giveaway on Nov. 23 at the outdoor space of Red Rooster Overtown restaurant. Turkeys were delivered on time and distribution went smoothly thanks to Urgent Inc. staff and its CEO, Saliha Nelson. Kudos to all who helped in this, including Peter Verbeeck.
Now that Gables Rotarians are aware of this need, the club can get an early start next year to double the amount and, hopefully, help with gifts for Overtown Children’s Christmas. Henryka hopes that as the Rotary Club of Coral Gables (RCCG) establishes the satellite Overtown Rotary Club that these activities will be adopted by the local club as their responsibility and supported by RCCG.
After having to cancel a November event, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club held its monthly Gringo Bingo at Clutch Burger on Dec. 15 with outdoor sitting to comply with COVID-19 protocols. 1st Empire Elite Financial & EZ Title Services generously sponsored the December evening of fun and games emceed by Steven Bradley. Proceeds will benefit the Coral Gables Children’s “Free” Dental Clinic that is in critical need of funding.
Finally, many thanks to all who sent flowers, cards or just wished me well after my fall and subsequent new hip replacement on Oct. 29. I am rebounding very quickly and have an amazing daughter to thank for being my advocate; Lynn Bauer whio gave me her condo to transition before going home where I have lots of stairs; my family and all those who stepped up to take over my responsibilities with work and charitable activities. I am so very blessed,
By the way, Gloria Gab LIVE Show resumed Dec. 15 with an amazing Junior Orange Bowl past president and long time JOBC Basketball chair, Chuck Little. In 2021, look for some more great guests who, like Chuck, are making our community a better place.
Until next time, keep making each day count. Please share an act of kindness every day and stay safe.
