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Clubs unite for celebration, service and seasonal joy – South Miami
By Gloria Burns
November was a month of fellowship, thanksgiving and celebration.
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs FL’s District 11 with its 13 clubs from north Miami-Dade to Key West, gathered for their annual District Meeting at the Miami Springs Woman’s Club. District 11 director and past president of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club Dr. Ruth Martinez welcomed everyone introducing guest speakers Sara Dessureau, GFWC Florida president, and Rachel Sturgis, Junior Clubs director.
President Sara announced that the goal of raising $150,000 for the Flight of Honor for women veterans was exceeded. Thanks to the generosity of members, GFWC will provide an all-inclusive trip beginning with dinner in Lakeland before a chartered flight to Washington, DC. Veterans and their escorts — all women — will visit historic landmarks including Arlington Cemetery before returning home to a warm welcome from club members. She also noted that plans are also underway to support the creation of a national monument in DC honoring women.
Other meeting highlights included the election of Shirley Pardon, past president of The Miami Woman’s Club, as District 11 director for 2025-27, and recognition of Iline Davila, president of the Coconut Grove Woman’s Club, who accepted a trophy for recruiting the most number of new members this year.
In other club news, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club presented a Veterans Month program featuring retired Air Force Lt. Col. Duilia Turner on Nov. 12. Turner shared her experiences as a foreign affairs advisor and scientist, supporting shuttle missions at Cape Canaveral — including NASA’s STS-95 with Sen. John Glenn — serving as chief meteorologist for President Barack Obama aboard Air Force One, and leading the Women, Peace, and Security Program at U.S. Southern Command. Kudos to Civic Engagement chair Ann Ryan for coordinating this inspiring program.
If you are looking for something different while shopping for the holidays you will want to visit the Festival of Trees Showcase at Miami International Mall in Doral at NW 87th Avenue and 25th Street. This seasonal showcase features beautifully decorated holiday trees created by St. Thomas University fashion and visual merchandising students, each inspired by some of the mall’s iconic brands, including Swarovski, Crocs, Aliss, Pandora, Sephora, and more. These festive masterpieces will be displayed throughout the mall, offering a seasonal backdrop for holiday shopping, photos, and community enjoyment and admission is free.
Events to mark on your calendar
Currently running – South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices. For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org›pharaohs
Now until Dec. 31 – Festival of Trees at Miami International Mall; free admission
Dec. 9-17 – Junior Orange Bowl International Tennis Tournament
Dec. 12 – Celebration of 10th Anniversary of the dedication of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Doral; bi-lingual masses all day.
Dec. 14 – Junior Orange Bowl Parade in Downtown Coral Gables; juniororangebowl.org
Dec. 27-30 – Junior Orange Bowl Basketball Tournament
Jan. 3-6, 2026 – Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Tournament at Biltmore Golf Course, 8 a.m. daily
Jan. 4, 2026 – Annual King Mango Strut Parade in Coconut Grove
In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.
Cutlines:
1) Members of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club and the Doral West Dade Woman’s Club are pictured at General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) District 11 Annual Meeting at the Miami Springs Woman’s Club.
2) Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Duilia Turner (left) is pictured with Ann Ryan at Coral Gables Woman’s Club.
3) LEFT: Members of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club have dinner after filling 32 large Thanksgiving baskets with food and other cooking items for families of the patients of the club’s free children’s dental clinic.
