James “Jim” T. Barker truly is part of the fabric of Coral Gables. That said, he actually comes from the Deep South (North Florida).

Born in Valdosta, GA, his family moved to Jacksonville when he was a year old. After graduating from high school in Jacksonville and serving six years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and Berlin Airlift, Barker attended Jacksonville University where he graduated with honors in 1959. In fact, he is a member of the first fouryear class to graduate from JU and continues to support his alma mater.

He then moved to South Florida and, for more than two decades, was Corporate Affairs manager for Southern Bell, lobbying in Tallahassee, handling public relations as well as managing the Coral Gables office, the largest facility in area. As a consultant, Barker now helps businesses with marketing, public relations and community affairs, an area in which he is an expert. He currently serves on the board of directors of International Finance Bank.

Barker’s Southern drawl and affable ways form a combination that has served him well over the years. Volunteering time as a member of various non-profit and community boards, Barker’s natural leadership abilities quickly come to the surface as he meets challenges in both the business and non-profit arena. Before long, he is in charge.

This becomes evident as one reviews the many organizations for which he has become president. Among that list are such notables as the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Junior Orange Bowl Committee, Orange Bowl Committee, Dade League of Cities, and Rotary Club of Coral Gables. In addition, he has served as an board member of the Rotary Club of Miami, not to mention all the other offices he has held as a non-profit volunteer for the previously named organizations as well as the Disabled Boy Scouts of Dade and Goodwill Industries.

In fact, Barker was the campaign coordinator for United Way in 1978 and 1983, and then, in 1985, the United Way community chair, no easy task. He served nine years on the board of directors for Doctors Hospital and was appointed by Florida Gov. Reubin Askew to the Florida Council of International Development.

Barker’s love for the City of Coral Gables inspired him to run for the city commission where he was elected to three consecutive four-year terms ending in 2001.

A man of faith, Jim Barker serves as Sunday school director at University Baptist Church where he also has volunteered time in the past as a Deacon in addition to serving on the Finance and Jail ministries.

In 2008, Barker was a distinguished honoree for the George E. Merrick Award of Excellence.

Jim Barker resides in Coral Gables with his wife, Montye.

What could be better than working with one of your children every day. Dr. Jack Cohn has had the good fortune of having his son, Adam, follow in his professional footsteps.

Dr. Jack Cohn grew up in South Miami and attended Coral Gables High School. Years later after graduating Dental school at Medical College of Virginia in Richmond he longed for his South Florida weather and lifestyle. Dr. Jack has practiced Dentistry in South Miami/Kendall for thirtyfive years. During this time he has been President of the South Dade Dental Society and a delegate to the Florida Dental Association. Dr. Jack has achieved the status of Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. His constant participation in post-graduate education is probably what piqued Dr. Adam’s interest in the dental field.

Dr. Adam Cohn grew up in the Palmetto area and attended Palmetto Senior High School then attended the University of Florida and received his dental degree at Nova Southeastern University. His plan was always to return to his neighborhood and join his father.

Since graduating from dental school in 2007 he has been involved in several local dental societies and study groups. Dr. Adam has participated in the pro bono Pankey Institute Dental Access Days with his Dad.

Dr. Adam Cohn also brought computerization and the latest digital radiography (x-rays) to the practice which recently relocated to 9840 S.W. 77 Ave. Together Dr. Adam and Dr. Jack designed their ideal office with state of the art technology. A website has been added to facilitate patient education at < www.smilemiami.com >.

All of the latest cosmetic procedures are available and implant based Reconstructive Dentistry is also performed. The caring part of patient doctor relationship is what Dr. Jack has emphasized during their tenure together, ” Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care”.

Maintaining this type of work environment has been their mission. Both doctors have a gentle bedside manner and this “family” practice is a labor of love. They employ a gentle and caring staff that have been a part of the team for many years. The staff takes pride in making sure each and every patient is relaxed, comfortable and at ease.

Smile Miami invites you to visit the office, for more information call 305-598-1428.

G. W. Carver Elementary and G.W. Carver Middle schools will host their 35th annual “Friends of Carver” Casino Night Cocktail and Silent Auction on Friday, Apr. 23, from 7 to 11 p.m., at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club, 1001 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd. in Coral Gables.

The cost is $40 per person and includes hors d’oeuvres, beer/wine, and some gambling chips. Additional casino chips can be purchased at the event. To RSVP, purchase tickets or for additional information, contact chair Alba Biondi at 305-323-2595 or by email at < albabiondi@gmail.com >.

Guests will play popular casino games such as Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps. The top casino winners will receive prizes. While taking a break from the tables, attendees can partake in appetizers and hors d’oeuvres, and bid on a variety of fabulous auction items. Auction items include a four-day cruise to the Caribbean, restaurant certificates, hotel accommodations, entertainment tickets and much more.

The event is sponsored by the Parent Teacher Associations at G.W. Carver Elementary School and G.W. Carver Middle School. Proceeds will go towards the purchase of a new sound system for the G.W. Carver Auditorium, shared by both schools. G.W. Carver Elementary School, with students currently enrolled in grades K-5, is located at 238 Grand Ave. in Coral Gables. Little Carver, as it is fondly known, offers a Pre-International Baccalaureate/Foreign Language Program for Spanish and Italian.

For information, visit online at < http://littlecarver.dadeschools.net//lcarver08 >. G.W. Carver Middle School is a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, an “A” school, and is the No. 1 ranked middle school in the state of Florida. Amagnet school for international education and advanced academics, G.W. Carver Middle School is the only public middle school recognized by the French, German and Spanish governments and accredited by France and Spain. All students at G.W. Carver Middle School study French, German, Spanish or Italian and their respective cultures at an advanced or honors level. G.W. Carver Middle, is located at 4901 Lincoln Dr. in Miami.

For more information, visit online at < http://carver.dade.k12.fl.us >.

Dr. RANDY GROH

Apassion for dentistry and photography, along with a desire to make our community a better place, combine to keep Dr. Randy Groh, DDS, busy on a regular basis. Whether he is treating dental patients in his Coral Gables office, providing dental care for wild animals at area attractions, or volunteering as a member of various civic and charitable organizations, Groh always can be counted on to do his best, and always with a smile.

Born in Wilmington, DE, in 1960, Groh grew up in Media, PA. He distinguished himself early on by graduating with academic distinction from S w a r t h m o r e College and then graduating cum laude from Georgetown University School of Dentistry. After moving to Florida in 1986 to complete his first post-doctoral residency at Miami Children’s Hospital, he spent a year at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital completing a Fellowship in Anesthesiology.

This year Groh celebrates his 22nd year in dentistry in Coral Gables. For the past 10 years he has worked out of his Alhambra Circle location, where he partners with two other Gables icons, Richard Souviron and Arnie Mannis. The three doctors make up The Dental Leaders team and offer more than 100 years of dental practice experience.

Groh is a co-founder of the Craniofacial Team at Miami Children’s Hospital, which coordinates care and treats children with cleft palates and other facial differences. Both Groh and Souviron are the Veterinary Dental Consultants for Miami Metrozoo, Jungle Island, and Monkey Jungle, where they have treated lions, tigers, elephants, and even hippos.

Of course, Groh’s special expertise in cosmetic dentistry has brought him national acclaim for work he has done for professional athletes and models who have graced the covers of many magazines. In fact, the 2005 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue contained no less than eight photographs of his cosmetic patients.

While renowned as a dentist, Groh also is an accomplished photographer. He chairs the Junior Orange Bowl Committee’s Annual Photography Competition, an event he took over and brought to a new level with more participants than ever and quality entries from public and private schools from all over Miami Dade County.

In addition, Groh is a very active member of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables and frequently may be seen volunteering his time for the club’s many outreach programs and matching funds for worthy causes.

Like his friend, Ron Magill of Metrozoo, Randy Groh never travels without a camera and he takes the most incredible photos one can imagine. You may ask any of his patients about his talent in this regard as his photographs decorate the walls of his offices to the delight of his many patients.

Groh has been married to his wife, Jan, for 18 years and they have three children.

Are you looking for a onestop summer camp that will provide an exciting, well-rounded summer experience for your child?

City Trekker Summer Camp at the new Coral Gables Museum offers eight weeks of fun and educational activities for children ages 5-12, from June 21 through Aug. 13.

The summer camp explores the City of Coral Gables though a variety of disciplines and takes advantage of all the cultural destinations and activities that the City Beautiful has to offer.

Through special presentations, art activities and fieldtrips that will support weekly themes, campers will come to better understand their natural and man-made environments. Campers will learn about architecture, landscape design, art, urban planning, as well as historic and environmental preservation.

The Coral Gables Museum provides a safe place to create, play and learn. Campers will be grouped according to age. Camp will take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early drop-off and late pickup are available. Discounts for multi-week registration are available.

The mission of the Coral Gables Museum is to celebrate the City Beautiful with a focus on architecture, urban design and planning, as well as sustainable development and environmental preservation through education, scholarship and exhibitions. Engaging a variety of partners — schools, universities and professional organizations — through interdisciplinary programming and exhibitions, the museum will provide visitors with skills to better understand the environment, and thereby determine the future of their communities.

Additional information concerning the Coral Gables Museum may be found online at < www.coralgablesmuseum.org >.

For 90 years, its lively membership has been comprised of composers, performers, teachers, music professionals and music lovers. Its activities have included concerts, competitions, galas and monthly meetings. The club’s philanthropy has resulted in scholarship money for young musicians, and its founding member was none other than composer Mana-Zucca, who settled in Miami and brought musical talents from around the world to perform in her home, which was dubbed “The Carnegie Hall of the South.”

The Miami Music Club was founded in 1920 for the express purpose of distributing scholarship money to young, talented musicians on a career path. While many of its original members have passed on, its enrollment continues as fresh faces of all ages become members.

President Ana Rodriguez was a Miami Music Club scholarship recipient, and is excited to be giving back to the club that gave her so much. She and Dr. Laura Keith, vice president, are busy performing concerts, holding competitions and increasing enrollment.

The Miami Music Club will host its fundraiser, the Annual Gala 2010, on May 12, 1 p.m., at the Steinway Piano Gallery in Coral Gables. Ana Rodriguez and Laura Keith will perform selected one piano-four handspieces, some of which are quite rare. Composers include Shubert, Chopin, Dvorak, Cervantes, Saint-Saens and Barber, who is included in honor of the centennial year of Barber’s birth. The Chopin piece, Variations in D Major, Opus Posthumous, is the only composition he wrote for one piano-four hands, and is so rare that it had to be ordered from Poland because no publisher in the United States distributes it.

The Annual Gala 2010 will include a catered lunch and drinks. The cost is $35, and the money goes directly to the Miami Music Club’s scholarship fund. The event is open to the public. Appropriate business attire is requested.

Part of the enthusiasm Ana Rodriguez feels for this historic club is due to the scholarship money members once awarded her. She went on to earn her Master of Music degree from the Mannes College of Music. This Cuban-American pianist specializes in Latin American music, and has performed extensively in concerts and recitals in Europe, Mexico, Canada and the United States. She has been presented in prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie’s Recital Hall and Merkin Recital Hall, and has been televised and broadcast on radio in New York and Mexico.

Rodriguez also has received several prestigious awards, including the Puerto Rican Cultural Association’s Emilia Conde Award for young talent, Artist International Special Presentation Award in Carnegie’s Recital Hall, and Artist International Alumni Award in Merkin Recital Hall. She also was seen and heard in the movie Fourhand, where she plays solo and chamber music.

Laura Keith received her doctorate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Miami. The subject of her dissertation was Mana-Zucca, a child prodigy, pianist and composer who was integral in bringing classical music to Miami in the 1920s.

Dr. Keith has maintained a piano studio for many years and is the vice president of the Miami Music Teachers Association, as well as vice president of the Miami Music Club. Her students range in age from 3 to adult. Dr. Keith recently gave a lecture recital in Portland, OR, at the National College Music Society Conference, and performed in the Miami Civic Music Piano Gala Concert at UM’s Gusman Hall. For more information on the Miami Music Club and membership opportunities, visit online at < www.themiamimusicclub.org >.

For 90 years, its lively membership has been comprised of composers, performers, teachers, music professionals and music lovers. Its activities have included concerts, competitions, galas and monthly meetings. The club’s philanthropy has resulted in scholarship money for young musicians, and its founding member was none other than composer Mana-Zucca, who settled in Miami and brought musical talents from around the world to perform in her home, which was dubbed “The Carnegie Hall of the South.”

The Miami Music Club was founded in 1920 for the express purpose of distributing scholarship money to young, talented musicians on a career path. While many of its original members have passed on, its enrollment continues as fresh faces of all ages become members.

President Ana Rodriguez was a Miami Music Club scholarship recipient, and is excited to be giving back to the club that gave her so much. She and Dr. Laura Keith, vice president, are busy performing concerts, holding competitions and increasing enrollment.

The Miami Music Club will host its fundraiser, the Annual Gala 2010, on May 12, 1 p.m., at the Steinway Piano Gallery in Coral Gables. Ana Rodriguez and Laura Keith will perform selected one piano-four handspieces, some of which are quite rare. Composers include Shubert, Chopin, Dvorak, Cervantes, Saint-Saens and Barber, who is included in honor of the centennial year of Barber’s birth. The Chopin piece, Variations in D Major, Opus Posthumous, is the only composition he wrote for one piano-four hands, and is so rare that it had to be ordered from Poland because no publisher in the United States distributes it.

The Annual Gala 2010 will include a catered lunch and drinks. The cost is $35, and the money goes directly to the Miami Music Club’s scholarship fund. The event is open to the public. Appropriate business attire is requested.

Part of the enthusiasm Ana Rodriguez feels for this historic club is due to the scholarship money members once awarded her. She went on to earn her Master of Music degree from the Mannes College of Music. This Cuban-American pianist specializes in Latin American music, and has performed extensively in concerts and recitals in Europe, Mexico, Canada and the United States. She has been presented in prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie’s Recital Hall and Merkin Recital Hall, and has been televised and broadcast on radio in New York and Mexico.

Rodriguez also has received several prestigious awards, including the Puerto Rican Cultural Association’s Emilia Conde Award for young talent, Artist International Special Presentation Award in Carnegie’s Recital Hall, and Artist International Alumni Award in Merkin Recital Hall. She also was seen and heard in the movie Fourhand, where she plays solo and chamber music.

Laura Keith received her doctorate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Miami. The subject of her dissertation was Mana-Zucca, a child prodigy, pianist and composer who was integral in bringing classical music to Miami in the 1920s.

Dr. Keith has maintained a piano studio for many years and is the vice president of the Miami Music Teachers Association, as well as vice president of the Miami Music Club. Her students range in age from 3 to adult. Dr. Keith recently gave a lecture recital in Portland, OR, at the National College Music Society Conference, and performed in the Miami Civic Music Piano Gala Concert at UM’s Gusman Hall. For more information on the Miami Music Club and membership opportunities, visit online at < www.themiamimusicclub.org >.

With more than 15 new restaurants, merchants and cultural venues debuting in Downtown Coral Gables in the coming months, Miracle Mile is abuzz with action.

Dining is the talk of the town with celebrity chef Norman Van Aken making his highly anticipated return to the Gables and the Ale House introducing its casual brand of fun to the area. Additionally, J. Del Olmo bridal salon and Reminiscence antiques and accessories have relocated to accommodate a 300-seat Seasons 52. The healthy grill and wine bar will take over six storefronts on the north side of the 300 block of Miracle Mile between Salzedo Street and LeJeune Road.

“There’s a lot of excitement in the air this spring, notably in the 300 block,” said Mari Gallet, executive director of the Business Improvement District (BID) of Coral Gables. “While we, like other major retail districts, saw some storefronts go dark during the height of the recession, a considerable amount of development has been underway since late last year, and we are looking forward to what the second half of 2010 will bring.

“As of Apr. 15, we had 93 percent of all of the storefronts on Miracle Mile leased, which is one of the lowest commercial vacancy rates in Miami-Dade County.” Cultural projects nearing completion include the Coral Gables Cinemateque and the Coral Gables Museum, which has announced an opening date of Oct. 10. Women’s apparel, home furnishings, bridal accessories and salons round out the list of newcomers.

New and relocated businesses include: Now open Abrabanel Rugs, Fine handmade Persian and Oriental carpets, 349 Miracle Mile; Agonagona, Women’s apparel for all occasions, 252 Miracle Mile; Anton Acero Beauty Studio, Beauty salon, 380 Miracle Mile; Avante-Garde, Sushi, salads and sandwiches, 30 Giralda Ave., and Twinkle Twinkle, Bridal accessory studio, 40 Miracle Mile.

Coming soon

Ale House, Casual dining food and drink chain, 101 Miracle Mile; Bellobaby Rooms, Bedding, décor and accessories, 347 Miracle; Mile Coral Gables Cinemateque, Art cinema offering international programming for all age groups, 260 Aragon Ave.; Coral Gables Museum, Focusing on the history, art and architecture of the local area, 285 Aragon Ave.; Iron Sushi, Casual dining Japanese restaurant, 70 Aragon Ave.; La Estrada, Furniture, 257 Miracle Mile; Norman’s 180, Casual dining restaurant by Chef Norman Van Aken, the “founding father of New World cuisine,” 180 Aragon Ave.; Panera Bread, Bakery-café restaurant offering breads, sandwiches, soups, salads and bakery items, 137 Miracle Mile; Seasons 52, Fresh grill and wine bar, 335 Miracle Mile; Studio 61, Beauty salon, 61 Miracle Mile, and Wine Fashion Florence Café, High fashion retail showroom selling Tuscan fashion and food, 220 Aragon Ave. Relocations J. Del Olmo, Bridal salon, 324 Miracle Mile, and Reminiscence, Antiques and accessories, 357 Miracle Mile.

Downtown Coral Gables and Miracle Mile is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood infused with a chic European feel.

Decorated with tree-lined streets and Mediterranean architecture, the historic area boasts some of Miami’s finest boutiques, acclaimed restaurants and lively cultural venues. With more than 160 retailers and more than 70 restaurants, Downtown Coral Gables and Miracle Mile is a sophisticated destination to shop, live, play and work.

For more information and a directory, visit online at < www.shopcoralgables.com >.

Humanitarian, physician, author and family man, Dr. Pedro Jose Greer is someone whose passion to help those less fortunate is a movie script waiting to happen. He is one of those people who bring home the message that one person can make a difference. One only has to look at Greer’s accomplishments to comprehend how this one man has changed the lives of so many.

Dr. Joe Greer, who has a joint private practice with his father, Pedro Greer Sr., also is the assistant dean of Academic Affairs at the Florida International University School of Medicine, where he serves as chair of the Department of Humanities, Health and Society.

In 1984, inspired to never let anyone die alone after the death of his sister four years earlier, Greer happened onto Camillus House in search of the family of a homeless man he had encountered who was dying of TB. That initial outreach to one man, gave way to his founding Camillus Health Concern, an agency that provides medical care to more than 10,000 homeless patients a year in Miami, as well as of the St. John Bosco Clinic, where he is medical director. That clinic provides basic primary medical care to disadvantaged children and adults in the Little Havana community.

Over the years Greer has been recognized by several U.S. Presidents for his work with Miami’s poor. He also has received three Papal Medals, “Pro Ecclesia ET Pontifica” and was knighted by the Knights of Malta and the Order of St. Gregory the Great. In addition, he was the recipient of the prestigious MacArthur “genius grant.”

Greer’s autobiography, Waking up in America: How One Doctor Brings Hope to Those Who Need It Most, is both inspiring and a great read. He has published more than 25 articles and book chapters on subjects from digestive disorders to poverty in America and has been featured on every major television networks as well as HBO and PBS.

While Greer completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Florida, he received his medical degree from La Universidad Catolica, Madre and Maestra. He completed his post doctoral studies at the University of Miami where he was chief medical resident and a fellow in hematology at the center for liver diseases, a fellowship in gastroenterology, earning two post doctoral fellowships.

Greer serves on a multitude of high profile boards and is a sought after speaker who is both entertaining and inspiring. He is a man whose sense of humor brings laughter and whose passion for the homeless and disenfranchised can bring tears to the most stoic of individuals.

He has lectured at Harvard, Emory and the University of Florida, always encouraging medical students to continue his outreach. A family man, Greer is married to Janus and has two grown children, Alana, 25, and Peter, 22.