More than 500 people, runners as well as many alumni, gathered at Barry University on February 15 for a beautiful morning race and festival. This was the University’s 2nd Annual 5K/ 8 K timed race with many runners dressed as nuns adding laughs. It proved a fun way to celebrate the University and the event went on well past the awards ceremony. The DJ kicked off the day with some line dancing and following the race many non-racing alumni joined the festival feasting on complimentary burgers, hot dogs, Italian Ice, fresh fruit and more. They even had a hot pretzel stand and great music through mid afternoon. On hand to welcome alumni and runners was 2004-2019 University President Linda Sister Linda Bevilacqua, OP, PhD. Of course, Barry, their mascot, was also there for photo ops.
Community Newspapers was proud to participate with numerous other sponsors including Figurella, an amazing place to lose weight and inches or just tone up; HV Designs, who generously donated all the back packs for the race participants; and the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club.
On the morning of February 18 the Village of Pinecrest dignitaries and veterans gathered at the Blue Star Memorial Marker at Wayside Park honoring the Armed Services. Pinecrest Mayor Joe Corradino, the Village Council, US Veterans, the SouthCom Chaplain and many others attended for a lovely service. The Pinecrest Garden Club (PGC), in association with the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, sponsored the event and served refreshments. As a tribute to our veterans, the Pinecrest Garden Club and the Village of Pinecrest have committed to the upkeep of the area where the Blue Star Memorial Marker is located at Wayside Park. Among the many garden club members helping that day were Anna Hochkammer, Mayor Joseph Corradino, Pinecrest Garden Club President Kelley Schild, Vice Mayor James E. McDonald, and Cecilia Prahl, Blue Star Memorial Chair, to mention a few.
On the topic of veterans, the Rotary Club of Coral Gables many of whose members live in the Pinecrest area, helped with a huge Valentine’s Day party for veterans at the Veterans Hospital complete with an orchestra, Dolphin cheerleaders, and Bernie The Heat Mascot.
This certainly brightened the day for patients, their families as well as veterans in the Community Living Center. Among the many helping that day were Yolanda Woodbridge, Jasper and Carol Brock, and Adriana Fajet. Yolanda Woodbridge and Sally Baumgartner are among a small group of Gables Rotarians who consistently volunteer for RCCG’s monthly Saturday bingo game at the VA, one of many ways the RCCG reaches out to serve others.
Speaking service clubs, on February 19, the GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club hosted the GFWC FL District 11 Arts Luncheon at their historic Coral Gables clubhouse. The District art show was judged the day with ribbons and entries from every category imaginable on display at the luncheon. The event also provided an opportunity to announced the District 11’s Volunteer of the Year winner, Elizabeth K. Fisher, from the Miami Springs Woman’s Club who is a truly outstanding volunteer and leader. Other wonderful nominees included Linda Hartwell, from Coral Gables Woman’s Club; Amy Spadaro, from Homestead Woman’s Club; Sylvia Heller, from the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove; Joyce Windhorst, from the Cocoplum Woman’s Club; Zamira Diaz, for El Portal Woman’s Club; Lorraine Harris, from the Northeast Woman’s Club; and Shirley Padron, from The Miami Woman’s Club. Elizabeth, who reluctantly let her club send in the nomination, is the GFWC FL District 11 Director. Elizabeth will be honored with other district winners at the GFWC FL Convention where the state winner will be announced. Stay tuned!
The GFWC Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Gringo Bingo at Clutch Burger on Giralda Avenue in the Gables will be held on Tuesday, March 10, from 7 – 9 p.m. This month’s party will benefit the Coral Gables Rotary Club’s International Committee programs in Haiti. Steven Bradley, host and owner of Clutch Burger, and DJ Germain, who donates his services providing music, always make this “Not just any bingo!” To RSVP email gloria@cnews.net.
Finally don’t forget to save the date, March 7th, for the The Villagers Garden Tour.This is a chance to visit select private gardens in the great Coral Gables and Pinecrest areas. For more information and tickets, visit: www.thevillagersinc.org
Until next time, keep making each day count.
