The Community Foundation of Pinecrest’s Garden Pop fine art exhibition promises Miami Dade County teachers an opportunity to bring students to view original works of Andy Warhol, his contemporaries and other well known local artists. From November 9 through November 25, this fine art exhibition will be on display at Pinecrest Gardens.

Admission is free and event chair, Steve Steele, will accommodate requests from teachers for special tours. A fundraising preview night party will be held November 7, featuring live music, food and drinks from Whole Foods and Bacardi, a tour of the Gardens as well as an opportunity to view and even purchase great works of art with a portion of the proceeds benefiting charity. Among the many other sponsors who have committed to this new event include EWM Realtors, Bill Ussery Motors, and Aberto Romeu Photography, to mention a few.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the November 7 fundraiser go online to www.cfofp.org or call Gloria Burns at 305-968-3090.

The Blue at Doral’s 5300 Chop House held a Food and Wine Festival recently with proceeds benefiting Kids Hope United. Guests enjoyed tasting some great wines from Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, live music, and food prepared by The Blue’s new Executive Chef Tim Hughes. Judy Pasternac, Development Director for Kids Hope United, orchestrated a silent auction for the evening to complement this lovely poolside affair. The Blue’s General Manager Steve van Hemert and Food and Beverage Manager Jorge Rodriguez were on the scene to welcome guests.

Louise Gross, a travel agent, conference and meeting planner, and popular South Florida networker, was installed on September 30, as the 2010 President of Business Referral Group now celebrating its 10th anniversary. BRG meets every Tuesday in Coral Gables. Serving with Gross will be Jeffrey S. Benjamin, personal injury attorney, president-elect; Dominic Lamberti of Padgett Business Services, treasurer; and Eli Ristine of Pan Florida Realty, secretary. Other 2010 board members include Jim Carter of Element Funding, membership/ sergeant-at-arms; Sara Granzotti of Juice Plus, website; Derek Cohen, of Raymond James, parliamentarian; Carlos B. Castillo, of Seidman Prewitt Dibello and Lopez, P.A., past president; Connie Crowther, of Crowther & Company Communications, marketing; and members-at-large Rosemary Guilfoyle, of Public Adjusters, Inc., Julie Rico, of Rainbow Reproductions, Nereida Caceres, of Details Custom Cabinetry, and Sammi Siegel, of Coral Gables Counseling Center.

For more BRG information, go online to <www.businessreferralgroup.org>.

The Miami-Dade Business Leadership Network, that promotes employment for people with disabilities, held its 2nd Annual Fundraising Gala at Britto Central Gallery on Oct. 21, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the American Association of People with Disabilities’ “Disability Mentoring Day” Program. Funds raised benefited MDBLN’s internship program, which provides area businesses with a no-cost, funded internship program encouraging the employment of individuals with disabilities. Publix Super Markets, Inc. was the evening’s honoree. Until next week, keep making each day count.

Gloria Burns is Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pinecrest., a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, as well as a columnist for Community Newspapers. Keeping abreast of community activities is a challenge. If you would like to submit information for this column, please send your news via e-mail to < galburns@aol.com >.

With Veteran’s Day around the corner, GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club recently collected items to send to our local National Guard troops serving overseas.

Take heed if you are doing the same. Liquids must be wrapped. After packing dozens of boxes, CGWC members noticed a similar oversight, regrouped and got the packages off in good time. The Community Foundation of Pinecrest’s “Garden Pop” fine art exhibition promises Miami-Dade County teachers an opportunity to bring students to view original works of Andy Warhol, his contemporaries and other well-known local artists.

From Nov. 9 through Nov. 25, this fine art exhibition will be on display at Pinecrest Gardens. Admission is free and event chair, Steve Steele, will accommodate requests from teachers for special tours.

A fundraising preview night party will take place on Nov. 7, featuring live music, food and drinks from Whole Foods and Bacardi USA, a tour of the Gardens as well as an opportunity to view and even purchase great works of art with a portion of the proceeds benefiting charity.

Among the many other sponsors who have committed to this new event include EWM Realtors, The Corradino Gourp, Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, Costco, Rick Tonkinson/ Friends of Music, Appliance Doctor, Bustello Coffee, AC Fine Art, Community Newspapers, suPReme liaisons, Galloway Farm Nursery, and Aberto Romeu Photography, to mention a few. For more information or to purchase tickets to the fundraiser go online to <www.cfofp.org>.

More than 100 Scouts and parents recently gathered at the George Merrick Scout Property in Coral Gables for the Annual Scout Cookout. With help from National Deli, Shorty’s, Fritz & Franz, Peterbrooke and Cold Stone Creamery, the event also featured a presentation by Seth Prezant “The Bug Man” and his Wacky Wild Bug Show.

Children enjoyed learning about bugs and insects, and were especially thrilled to watch 18 brave parents compete in the bug-eating contest. They were cheered on as they ate crunchy, flavorful larvets with chopsticks. All boys, ages 6 to 10, are welcomed to join the Cub Scout pack and those aged 11 to 17 are invited to join the Boy Scout troop.

For more information, see the websites at <www.pack7.org> and <www.troop7.org> or call 305-443-7973.

Coral Gables High School’s “Band of Distinction” has an energetic new band director, Daniel Ibarra-Scurr. With big dreams for his talented students, he is looking for gently used band instruments — from woodwinds to brass to percussion. To make a tax-deductible donation, contact Lynn Stock, Band Booster vice president, at < lynnpstock@ mac.com >.

The Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables has tickets on sale for Coral Gables Homes Tour, on Saturday, Nov. 14. The tour will include five historically and architecturally significant homes and is part of the American Institute of Architects Miami Chapter’s annual month-long series of activities, Celebrate Architecture + Design 2009. Proceeds will benefit the Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables. For more information call AIA Miami at 305-448-7488. Until next time, keep making each day count.

Halloween brought thousands of youngsters to Sunset Drive on Halloween for a great family friendly street party with children dressed in adorable costumes accompanied by many parents doing the same. Closing off Sunset Drive to traffic offered the crowd a perfect place to stroll with their children and enjoy the afternoon. Of course, many had house parties as well that offered kids a safe Halloween experience. Five year old Ryan Barna, who loves skeletons, decided he wanted his birthday party on that day. Luckily his Grandma, Tania Stern, loves Halloween and was happy to host a bash like few others with more than 30 kids and many more adults in attendance.

Coral Gables Rotarians also took advantage of the Halloween theme with a Fifth Friday Social on Halloween Eve where they entertained a Group Study Exchange Team visiting from Peru Team Leader Raul Sanchez, a Rotarian from “Lima Colonial” and a past resident of that Club, surprised the party goers with his talent as a singer while others from his team gave a folk dance exhibition. Sanchez was joined by Milagros Mesones, an educational psychologist from Santiago; Elvira Gonzales, a CPA from Lima; Carlos Lechuga, from Brena, a graduate in Industrial Engineering and Business Administration and Karla Nunez, an advertising executive from Santiago.

Helping spearhead a welcome and arrange meetings for the GSE visitors was Yolanda Woodbridge. Among the many stops was one at Coral Gables City Hall to meet with Mayor Don Slesnick, also a Rotarian.

Speaking of Rotary, there are still spots open for The Rotary Golf Classic will be held Thursday, November 12, at The Biltmore Hotel, to benefit the Rotary Club of Coral Gables Charitable Foundation and The Rotary Foundation. Enjoy a great day of golf with lots of prizes. Entry fee of $150 for individual golfers includes green / cart fees, refreshments on course, gift bag, continental breakfast, lunch and awards presentations. There will also be a golf ball drop with lots of fabulous prizes for the lucky ticket holders. To purchase tickets, to sign up and/or request sponsorship information, call Chris Morrison at 305-582-7690 or Florida Team Golf at 305-255-3500.

In other news, the “Principal for the Day” program welcomed The Honorable William Thomas, Federal Public Defender Kathleen Williams and Suree Rambo, Assistant Manager at Cool-de-Sac: Play Café in South Miami, as participants on October 21. A program designed to help community leaders better understand the complex role of the school principal, also gives them a better perspective of the school system from within.

South Miami Rotarians and others looking for a make up meeting, check out the new Rotary Club at MetroZoo. They meet every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. and we believe it is the only Rotary meeting in the world that actually meets in a zoo. Until next week, keep making each day count.

Gloria Burns is Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pinecrest., a 501 (c ) (3) non profit organization, as well as a columnist for Community Newspapers. Keeping abreast of community activities is a challenge. If you would like to submit information for this column, please send your news via email to < galburns@aol.com >.

Wth cooler weather finally arriving, outdoor events abound. On the weekend of November 7 and 8, thousands attended the South Miami’s Art Festival, the Air Show in At Homestead AFRB, and a kick off for a three week long fine art festival, Garden Pop, at Pinecrest Gardens presented by the Community Foundation of Pinecrest (CFP).

Garden Pop began on Friday night with a reception for the media, followed by a fundraiser on November 7, both of which brought a crowd of art lovers who enjoyed meeting the local artists including Eileen Seitz; Erika King; and Purvis Young.

Event Chair Steven Steele, AC Fine Art, spearheaded this first annual event, working with the Village for the past year designing the space to make it functional for shows such as this. Steele recently joined forces with the Community Foundation of Pinecrest to make the event a success and to offer the public an opportunity to view some amazing pop art. Featured artists whose works will be on display through November 25 are Andy Warhol and his contemporaries, local artists mentioned earlier and Romero Britto.

Guests at the Garden Pop Preview Night parties enjoyed food provided by Whole Foods, a sushi bar from Sushi Maki, a Bacardi Bar, wine from Sunset Corners Wines and Liquors and music by jazz pianist Konrad Paszkudski sponsored by CFP board member Rick and Margarita Tonkinson and UM Friends of Music. Other event sponsors included Esslinger Wooten Maxwell Realtors, The Corradino Group, Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables, Costco, Mountain Valley Spring Water, Event Outfitters, A Touch of Class, Galloway Farm Nurser y, Appliance Doctor, Bustello Coffee, Anthony Askowitz-REMAX, Alberto Romeu Phontography and Papa John’s Pizza.

The illustrious crowd included Philanthropist Kirk Landon and Pam Garrison, Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner and her husband, Irving Lerner; Vice Mayor Jeff Cutler; Councilman Joe Corradino, Councilwoman Nancy Harter: CFP Chairman, Steve Beiley and wife, Vivian; CFP Secretary, Pam Schaefer and her husband, John; and CFP board members Pierre Apollon, with wife Lucy; Dan Heller, with wife Wendy; Luis Boue, with wife Lourdes; and Jennifer Wollmann South Miami Rotarians can now drive to MetroZoo for a make meeting. A newly chartered Club meeting meets there Wednesdays at noon and has the distinction of being the only club in the world that meets in a zoo. Club President Bill Tuttle and the Club’s founding members recently celebrated receiving their charter by posing for a photograph holding a very long python in front of the Tiger Temple.

The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame will be officially inducting the Hall of Fame Class of 2010. in the Spring and recently announced the Class: football All-American tight end Bubba Franks, All-American pitcher Alex Santos and current major league baseball player Jason Michaels. Joining them are Olympic diver Jenny Keim Johansen, tennis star Sid Schwartz, football player Jim Cox, basketball’s Ed Morris, and women’s athletic administrator Connie Nickel. For information on the banquet go to UMSportsHallofFame.com. Until next week, keep making each day count.

The Young Women’s Academy at JRE Lee in South Miami, which provides atrisk girls throughout South Dade with an opportunity to turn their lives around, set goals and get back on the right track, has become a great resource for our community.

The group is once again planning a holiday luncheon and this time it will be held at Pinecrest Gardens on Monday, December 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Students will be given a tour of the gardens and enjoy a lovely catered luncheon. In order to host this event for approximately 100 girls and 30 faculty members, they need to raise $1,800. Those wishing to help support this event should make checks payable to “J.R.E.Lee Opportunity School” and send them to Cindy Lerner at 5901 Moss Ranch Road, Pinecrest, FL 33156, GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club reached out once again this year to dozens of families whose children receive care at the Club’s free May Van Sickle Dental Clinic. The Club’s Second Vice President Debi Wilborn orchestrated the collection of food items from members who stayed after a recent meeting filling dozens of boxes of holiday food items for pick up by those needy families before Thanksgiving.

Arts Chair, Diana De Armas added a special touch this year by donating dozens of Thanksgiving cards for members to sign and use as tags for the baskets. She also donated to beautiful Thanksgiving floral arrangements that were auctioned off to raise funds for the dental clinic.

In addition, the CGWC members donated enough toiletries and feminine items to fill 71 gift bags for Agape Women, another outreach project these industrious women take on every year. For more information on how you can participate in this organization whose membership comes from all over the county, go online to <www.coralgableswomansclub. org>.

“Kitchen Dreams,” works in Glass by Ricky Bernstein will be on display at the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami Campus, 1301 Stanford Drive sponsored by Myrna and Sheldon Palley and the Art Alliance for Contemporary Glass. This promises to be a fun exhibit as the artist is a social satirist and visual storyteller who “draws the viewer into his larger-than-life cartoon dramas — a true slice of Americana.” There will be a happy hour on December 3, and then a champagne brunch (as part of Art Basel) on December 6, 9:30 a.m. Both events will include an artist’s tour. For information, call 305-284-3535 or visit .

Until next week, keep making each day count.

Gloria Burns is Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pinecrest, a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, as well as a columnist for Community Newspapers. Keeping abreast of community activities is a challenge. If you would like to submit information for this column, send your news via email to < galburns@aol.com >.

Civic leaders from South Florida visited Florida National Guard training at Camp Blanding, Florida, recently as part of a Department of Defense program coordinated by Florida Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

The group, who flew to Camp Blanding out of Opa Locka on a Coastguard C-130 aircraft, had an opportunity to meet with the approximately 4,300 Guardsmen and women, all members of the 53rd Infantry Brigade, who were training there prior to being deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Among those who witnessed firing of rifles and machine guns, combat training and enjoyed lunch with the soldiers were Martin Rosen, Vice President of Wells Fargo, Securities: Florida Guardsman Sgt. Jose Oliva, from South Dade; and Major Michael Mills of the South Miami Police Dept.

South Miami Rotarians continue their donation of hundreds of dictionaries and atlases to area schools, including most recently Avocado Elementary, Robert Morgan Adult Education, Ponce de Leon Middle School, JRE Lee Alternative School and Golden Glades Elementary.

The Club, which meets every Tuesday, will be canceling meetings on December 22 and 29. For more information on this Club, go online to www.southmiamirotary.org.

GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club delivered dozens of food baskets to needy families before Thanksgiving. They also have party plans for the children they serve in the Club’s free dental clinic. Dental Clinic Director, Dr. Iris Torres, is most grateful to members and community supporters like Joan Reitsma, of The Giving Tree, for ongoing donations of food and gifts. In fact, Reitsma’s donation of bags of yarn assisted the Club in participating in the Red Scarf project that gives scarves to young people graduating out of the foster care system.

Congratulations to Richard “Rick” Tonkinson, a Certified Financial Planner with Rick Tonkinson and Associates in Coral Gables. Tonkinson has been named as a Trustee of the Cleveland Orchestra Miami Residency.

Philanthropist, businessman and civic leader, Rick Tonkinson and his wife, Margarita, have very quietly provided substantial support for a broad range of charitable institutions over the years as trustees of the Rick Tonkinson and Family Charitable Fund.

With the economy in a slump and the chances of finding a job being slim, most people would probably be home drowning in their sorrows, but not Chris Coffey – This Guy Needs AJob! Who, you ask, is this guy? Well, he is former Rotary Group Study Exchange team member, Chris Coffey, a proud “Gator” holding a bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering and a master’s degree in business administration. Unemployed since October 19, 2009, he thought of a most creative way to not only post his resume, but to also target potential employers with a Web site that highlights his qualities. Check out www.ThisGuyNeedsAJob.com.

The South Dade Health Fair, which will be held Sunday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., at Redland Market Village Bargain Town, 24400 Packinghouse Rd., in Homestead and is worth the trip south for those without health insurance, or with limited health insurance. They can get free health care services thanks to sponsorship of the UM Medical School. For more information, please call: 305-243-3838 Until next week, keep making each day count.

Gloria Burns is Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pinecrest, a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, as well as a columnist for Community Newspapers. Keeping abreast of community activities is a challenge. If you would like to submit information for this column, send your news via e-mail to

galburns@aol.com.

Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre has a new holiday musical, Another Night Before Christmas, written by Sean Grennan and Leah Okimoto, the creators of Married ALIVE. The new production will make you laugh and leave you inspired with the meaning for the season. Two audience favorites complete the cast, Ken Clement and Irene Adian.

Clement, who played Ben Franklin in 1776 and was one of the co-stars of Big Bang; can always guarantee hilarity. Adian was perfect in the role of a social worker who on Christmas Eve gives leftover food from her office party, to a person she believes to be a homeless man on the street. The fun begins when he breaks into her home later that night and claims to be Santa. Clement and Adian have both the voices and acting skills that, combined with beautifully written script, make this production one you will not want to miss.

Another Night Before Christmas, runs through Dec. 27. For ticket purchase and other information, call 305-444-9293 or go online to <www.actorsplayhouse.org>.

Coral Gables Rotarians were fortunate to get a preview of the show during their Thursday meeting before opening night when Barbara Stein, executive producing director, addressed the club and brought with her Clement and Adian to perform a few of the songs accompanied by musical director David Nagy on piano.

Also in the spirit of the season, GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club delivered dozens of food baskets to needy families before Thanksgiving. Dental Clinic director Dr. Iris Torres is most grateful to members and community supporters like Joan Reitsma of The Giving Tree for ongoing donations of food and gifts.

In fact Reitsma’s donation of bags of yarn assisted the club in a Red Scarf project that gives scarves to young people graduating out of the foster care system. Reitsma also assisted with a $500 donation from Thrivent Foundation for Lutherans to help support the club’s free children’s dental clinic.

Congratulations to Richard “Rick” Tonkinson, a Certified Financial Planner with Rick Tonkinson and Associates in Coral Gables. Tonkinson has been named as a trustee of the Cleveland Orchestra Miami Residency.

Philanthropist, businessman and civic leader, Tonkinson and his wife, Margarita, have very quietly provided substantial support for a broad range of charitable institutions over the years as trustees of the Rick Tonkinson and Family Charitable Fund.

District Rotarians gathered for Rotary Day at Landshark Stadium to watch the Miami Dolphins play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 15. The crowd enjoyed socializing and getting to meet other Rotarians at a tailgate party and, of course, a close football game that ended with a Dolphin win.

Another successful year for District 6990 Rotarians who tackled this year’s Gates Challenge Helicopter Golf Ball Drop and raised $44,230 to date, with a few more dollars still expected. They now have raised close to $250,000 towards the district’s pledge of $300,000 by the end of 2012. The Gates Challenge seeks to eradicate polio worldwide and has been an ongoing goal for Rotary International. Until next time, keep making each day count.

Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre has a new holiday musical, Another Night Before Christmas, written by Sean Grennan and Leah Okimoto, the creators of Married ALIVE. This production will make you laugh and leave you inspired with the meaning for the season.

Two audience favorites complete the cast, Ken Clement and Irene Adian. Clement, who played Ben Franklin in 1776 and was one of the costars of Big Bang, can always guarantee hilarity. Adian was perfect in the role of a social worker who, on Christmas Eve, gives leftover food from her office party, to a man she believes to be homeless on the street.

The fun begins when he breaks into her home later that night and claims to be Santa. Clement and Adian have both the voices and acting skills that, combined with a beautifully written play, make this production one you will not want to miss.

Another Night Before Christmas, runs through December 27. For ticket purchase and other information, call 305-444-9293 or go online to <www.actorsplayhouse.org>. Coral Gables Rotarians were fortunate to get a preview of the show at Actor’s new show at their Thursday meeting before opening night when Barbara Stein, Executive Producing Director, addressed the Club and brought with her Clement and Adian to perform a few of the songs accompanied by Musical Director, David Nagy, on piano.

In other holiday happenings, for the third consecutive season, SERAPHIC FIRE AND THE FIREBIRD CHAMBER ORCHESTRA will perform Handel’s masterwork, Messiah on December 19 at 8:00 p.m. on the stage of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, at the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall. Tickets range from $15 to $75, and can be purchased now through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office at 305-949-6722 or online at <www.arshtcenter.org>.

By the way, check out the beautiful holiday wreathes on display at the Arsht Center generously donate to the Center by Rick and Margarita Tonkinson. This couple, whose financial planning firm is located in Coral Gables, also made a substantial contribution to the J r. Orange Bowl Caroling Competition that drew the best school choirs from all over Miami-Dade County to compete for prize money and entertain the public as crowds gathered at the 550 Biltmore Building around the large poinsettia tree the first week of December.

Merrick Festival’s Sally Baumgartner is the master mind behind this event which she has chaired for more than a decade. It continues to be a highlight of the holiday season for many visitors and residents while providing a way to showcase many talented young people in our community. Of course, this is but one of many ongoing events that make up the Junior Orange Bowl Festival. Look for news on many upcoming events including tennis, golf, basketball and, of course, the Jr. Orange Bowl Parade on January 2. For more information, go online to www.jrorangebowl. com or call 305-662-1210.

Finally, Annette Taddeo –Goldstein opened her Pinecrest home for a brunch on November 22 to help raise funds for the campaign of South Miami resident Lisa Lesperance, running for State Seat District 117. Lots of movers and shakers were in the crowd including Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner, Hon.Annie Betancourt, Hon. Betsy Kaplan, Gail Serota, Esq., Kritin Wipior, Diana Shinaberry, Cristy McClelland, Lorette Spalding (Grandma), Gabrielle D’Alemberte, Esquire, Dr. Shirley Merlin West, Karen Mashburn, Peggy Gaines, Dr. June Gentle, Myra Perez Damera, Esquire, Bonnie Askowitz, and Adriana Verdeja. Until next week, keep making each day count.

Gloria Burns is Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pinecrest, a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, as well as a columnist for Community Newspapers. Keeping abreast of community activities is a challenge. If you would like to submit information for this column, send your news via e-mail to < galburns@aol.com >.

The University of Miami’s Frost School of Music’s Holiday Dinner Gala, the 7th Annual Winter Wonderful!, held at the Fountainebleau Hotel on December 6, raised a record $156,000 to benefit undergraduate music scholarships at the University of Miami. The affair, chaired by Patti and Allan Herbert, honored Jon Secada, who received the Frost Achievement Award, and Marta S. Weeks, who received the Frost Legacy Award.

While the Frost School showcased their talented music students, the special guest artist, of course, was Jon Secada. During the affair Secada spoke with UM Friends of Music (FOM) Vice President, Rick Tonkinson, and accepted an Honorary Lifetime FOM Membership.

Among the many attending this holiday gala were Dean Shelly and Julie Berg, Ca rol Alexander, Thor Bruce, Dr. Morton and Irene Hammond, Frankie Hipp, Adele Neumann, Rick and Margarita Tonkinson, Hank Langston, Marian Krutulis, Julie Williamson, Alex and Abby Vicencio, to mention a few.

By the way, Jon Secada will receive his Friends of Music recognition at his outdoor concert at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens. Fairchild’s Valentine’s Day concert will be held on February 14, 2010. Save that date for a fabulous show and a great way to treat someone you love to a perfectly romantic event.

In other holiday activity, GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club collected more than 150 gifts for the children who visit the Club’s free May Van Sickle Children’s Dental Clinic that opens its services to school aged children in need though out Miami Dade County. A final push for gifts came in conjunction with the Club’s Annual Holiday Party held December 9 at their lovely clubhouse in the Gables.

Aside from collecting gifts and enjoying a massive Italian buffet brought by members themselves, the Club inducted ten new members. Vice President Debi Wilborn officiated over that ceremony and welcomed all to join the club in service to the community.

Following the installation, President Pam Schaefer wished all a happy holiday season and the party began with lots of music and dancing by all. For those looking to give back to the community through service, CGWC invites you to join their efforts. For more information, go to < www.coralgableswomansclub.org >.

Until next week, keep making each day count. May you all have a blessed and happy holiday season.

Gloria Burns is Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pinecrest, a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, as well as a columnist for Community Newspapers.

Keeping abreast of community activities is a challenge. If you would like to submit information for this column, please send your news via e-mail to < galburns@aol.com >.

South Miami Rotarians are already gearing up for the next club year and have recently elected the following new slate of officers and board: Doreen Reitnauer, president; Raquel Hickey, president-elect; Pansy Graham (current President), vice president; Brett Trembly, secretary; Don Streaker, treasurer; David Jacobs, Sergeant-at-Arms; and board members Fabio Fernandez, Lakitsia Gaines, Asaad Masoud, Mike Mills, Charles Ruiz de Castilla, Britt Steinhardt, Karen Vassell, and Felipe Vidal.

In other news, South Florida welcomes the New Year with a multitude of awesome events. The Orange Bowl Committee has lots of great events in the final planning stages culminating with The Fedex Orange Bowl Game on January 5, Land Shark Stadium. This game is a must for college football fans…those, that is, who are not flying to the Sugar Bowl to watch, with some sadness, UF’s Tim Tebow and the Gators’ most winning group of seniors play their final game as Gators.

Speaking of sad Gators, the President of the Gator Alumni Association and Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Mark Trowbridge lost a bet on the SEC Championship game with Chamber Chairperson UM’s Sarah Artecona, an Alabama alum. After the Gator’s first loss of the season to Alabama, Mark paid off the bet with a performance at the Chamber’s December meeting wearing Alabama attire and singing the Alabama fight song with Sarah. Even Gators fans found the display hilarious and showed that Gators are truly good sports.

As of this printing, of course, “The U” will be playing in the Champs Sport Bowl in Orlando, on December 29. Let’s hope for a winning outcome for this home team.

The Jr. Orange Bowl Tennis Tournament has completed another fabulous season of exciting tennis and heads turn now to the Jr. Orange Bowl Golf Invitational and the Jr. Orange Bowl Basketball Tournament wrapping up on December 30. Of course, an event that showcases thousands will be the big JOBC Parade in downtown Coral Gables on January 2, 2010. For more information on any of these events, go to jrorangebowl. com or call 305-662-1210.

Further north, at a grand dedication ceremony for the YMCA Village of Allapattah Family Branch, Congresswoman Carrie Meek thanked Miami Rotarian Rick Tonkinson for his $5,000 donation to support the Village. Tonkinson, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), has worked with several families in Allapattah, Miami Gardens, North Miami Opa-locka and South Miami for the past 18 years.

Finally, Hands on Miami is looking for volunteers on Saturday, January 9, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., to help revitalize and beautify Centro Mater School. This Little Havana institution needs help in transforming the school into a place students and staff can be proud to attend. Willing participants will be asked to paint, add artistic murals, and even create a tricycle trail. Minimum age limit: 6 years old. For more information, send an email to andrea@handsonmiami.org .

Until next week, keep making each day count and have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Gloria Burns is Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pinecrest, a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, as well as a columnist for Community Newspapers.

Keeping abreast of community activities is a challenge. If you would like to submit information for this column, please send your news via e-mail to

galburns@aol.com.

Hilarity reigned supreme at the King Mango Strut Parade in Coconut Grove where thousands of South Floridians and visitors enjoyed yet another successful event on Sunday, December 27, 2009. This annual spoof on the former King Orange Parade always provides lots of political and current events humor that sets this parade as unique and lots of fun. This year’s parade had represented Balloon Boy, the Salahis, and Tiger Woods, a senator or two and lots more that brought smiles and laughter from a very appreciative crowd

The New Year brings some great outdoor events and among the first will be the 59th Annual BeauxArts Festival at the LoweArt Museum on the grounds of the University of Miami, January 9 and 10, 2010. Thanks to the support of Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, Geico and Sir Galloway Cleaners, more than 100,000 patrons are expected to enjoy viewing and buying from as many as 250 juried exhibitors from around the US and abroad with cash awards totaling $20,000. In addition, look for the famed Student Artist Showcase, featuring art from students all over Miami-Dade County.

This event offers art for many budgets, live eclectic music and other free entertainment, children’s art experiences, fabulous dining options, and free admission all weekend to the Lowe Art Museum. One dining experience you will want to check out will be Gables Rotarian Bruce Kerestes’ amazing chicken wings. Ably assisted by J. Guarch and Abe Horowitz, these Rotarians will be selling wings to bolster their Club’s charitable giving coffers and, with 5,000 wings being prepared, they should do well. The Rotary Club of Coral Gables’ most recent donations were made to its Elder Theatre Project, a Halloween party for Merrick School for the mentally challenged, and to F.S. Tucker Elementary School to purchase computer headphones.

Speaking of charitable gifts, Gables Rotary’s Charitable Fund recently received a $10,000 grant from the Lady Suzanna P & Carlton Tweed Foundation. This money is earmarked to help with operating expenses for an upcoming Concert to End Polio which will be held at Gusman Hall at the University of Miami. The concert will be held on March 25, 2010. There will be 600 tickets and sales will be split between five local Rotary Clubs, including South Miami Rotary, with all of the proceeds benefiting PolioPlus.

In other news, Michael W. Casey III, a prominent labor and employment attorney and Managing Shareholder of the Miami office of national law firm Epstein Becker Green, was honored with the 2009 Distinguished Citizen Award by the South Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America.

The award was presented at the Council’s annual awards dinner and holiday auction on December 3. This Award recognizes community leaders for exemplifying the values of scouting through their service.

Casey has held leadership positions with the South Florida Council and Boy Scouts of America for more than 35 years, and served as President from 1982-1983.

By the way, in 2010, the Boy Scouts of America will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary. Congratulations to all those who work and volunteer for that fine organization. Until next week, keep making each day count and may you all have a happy and prosperous New Year.

Gloria Burns is Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pinecrest, a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, as well as a columnist for Community Newspapers.

Keeping abreast of community activities is a challenge. If you would like to submit information for this column, send your news via email to < galburns@aol.com >.

Thousands gathered on the streets of Coral Gables on January 2, to watch the best youth parade anywhere, the 61st Annual Junior Orange Bowl Parade. Festivities that night began with a preparade show sponsored once again by Miami Children’s Hospital and featuring The Our Lady of Lourdes Dancers.

Among the many enjoying the pre parade in the bleacher seating in front of Coral Gables City Hall were JOBC past presidents, politicians and sponsors; as well as the guests of the JOBC’s biggest ticket buyer, Lynn Bauer. Bauer, who used to throw big holiday parties for children, has opted the last few years to buy a section or two of the bleacher seating to support the JOBC and to entertain her guests. Lynn employed the services of Burger Bob’s Rita who prepared great dinner packages for all to enjoy while watching a parade.

Among her many guests were Hank Langston, who actually chaired the very first JOBC night time parade many years ago, and her new fiancé, UM Professor Hal Wanless.

The parade this year was dedicated to the memory of JOBC Past President Bob Self, who worked hard for decades ensuring a quality parade for our young people. He is certainly missed. In keeping with what Self strived for as a dedicated JOBC member, this year’s parade had something for everyone, showcasing much local talent as well as the participation of visiting bands including one huge marching band that came all the way from Minnesota.

On another nostalgic note, this year’s event included two cars from Carroll’s Jewelers, a parade staple for 61 years.

Sadly, Carroll’s is now going out of business and will be closing their doors in the near future. Of course, for those looking for special gifts, Steve Moorman is liquidating and offering some great buys, with plenty of time for Valentine’s Day.

While some businesses are closing, others are opening. In fact, a new restaurant, Smoke’t, featuring a southern kitchen menu, kicked off the New Year with its launch party on January 4. Smoke’t owners Chef Michael Altman, Brandon Lurie, and John Janette held a soft opening earlier that brought rave reviews. Preview guests enjoyed their exciting new menu, a taste of the South and tap, with everything from great barbecued ribs and pulled pork to creative appetizers and desserts that will delight any pallet. With big screen televisions all over the place, a beautiful bar, and lots of open spaces, this promises to be another “happening place” to enjoy good food, watch sports or congregate with friends. It is located on S. Dixie Highway across from the University of Miami, just south of Gables Waterway.

Finally, while many Florida schools had a disappointing bowl appearances, hats off to the University of Florida’s Gator football team for winning the Sugar Bowl in one of their best performances this season breaking all BCS records in the process.

What a way to send off the awesome senior class and welcome a new recruiting class of highly ranked players.

Until next week, keep making each day count.

Gloria Burns is Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Pinecrest, a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization, as well as a columnist for Community Newspapers. Keeping abreast of community activities is a challenge. If you would like to submit information for this column, send your news via email to < galburns@aol.com >.