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As we welcome in 2024, lots of holiday events closed out 2023.
The Merrick Festival Caroling Competition, produced by Sally Baumgartner, entertained crowds in mid-December for several nights with performances by amazing choral groups, the winner of which received thousands in prize money. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables sponsored an award for performance with original content won by the Academy for Innovation Education (AIE). That choir was then invited to entertain the club sponsoring the cash award at its Dec. 14 meeting.
The 74th annual Junior Orange Parade, titled “Miracle on the Mile: A Holiday Parade and Celebration,” rocked the Mile on Dec. 10. Parade chair Michael Green and his hard-working committee put on an amazing event that was an explosion of fun and music with floats, marching band and more.
Grandstand ticket holders also enjoyed a great pre-parade concert by Jay Valor and band with a VIP reception featuring food by Rita Tennyson (R Catering) with lots of mascots and fun photo ops for young and old alike.
Junior Orange Bowl Committee events continue with the renowned JOB Golf Invitational running from Jan. 2 to 6 at The Biltmore Golf Course. To find out about all the events and programs, visit www.jrorangebowl.org.
On Dec. 13, Coral Gables Bar held a mixer that served as a toy drive hosted by Al Maulini in his new offices for Private Wealth Management of Coral Gables-Raymond James. The place was packed with holiday cheer and many toys were collected for the Family Resource Center that night.
Among those enjoying the evening with this writer were Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson, Judge Patricia Pedraza, Rick Alberti, Claudia Pernudi, Kat Barrow-Horth, Reed Horth, Michelle Urbistondo, Cristy Garcia, Bruce Bounds, Jerry Kavulich, and Dr. Jose Gurevich.
Incredibly gusty winds and rain that began Dec. 14 and continued through the weekend did not deter many from their holiday parties although some charity walks did have to cancel on Saturday as did the Merrick House holiday event on Sunday, Dec. 17.
On Dec. 14, while the Coral Gables Community Foundation held its annual holiday party for donors at the home of Bill Bonn and Ruben Ceballos, the Coral Gables Woman’s Cluib’s board dinner, coordinated by past president Arely Ruiz, was held nearby at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel that also was packed with partygoers and special events activity. CGWC members enjoyed appetizers with Prosecco followed by dinner with drinks and a “White Elephant” gift exchange that’s always fun.
Among those attendees were president Ruth Martinez, Barbara Lapsley, Nancy Desmangles, Iris Torres, Linda Hartwell, Carmen Suarez, Meredeth McKissick, Luisaura Alvarez, Theresa Gilmore, Carol Horkowitz, Kim Davison, Elizabeth Hicks, and Monica Uramis.
Save the date of Jan. 6 for the Voices for Children Gala at the Mandarin Hotel and, of course, the King Mango Strut Parade in Coconut Grove on Jan. 7 at 2 p.m., a crazy parade you must experience. Call out to Freds! Please join this writer, “a friend of Fred,” and be a part of the parade. Just come and find the Freds to join the unit.
Finally, the Villagers Holiday House Tour featured some amazing historic homes including one of the very oldest, built in 1923 and owned by Ana and Rafael Penalver; the Merrick House and the Coral Gables Woman’s Club where the boutique was held with Rita’s Café.
Look for more and some of these events in the next issue.
Until next time, share your time and talent, count your blessings, and have a Happy New Year!
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