The Coral Gables Bar held a summer mixer at Duffy’s Tavern on July 8. Crazy enough, there were two candidates for judge for the same seat that held fundraisers that same night at the same location. You can imagine Duffy’s was packed — an good thing there were no soccer matches that night.

Among the many there for the Coral Gables Bar event were former Gables Bar presidents Bruce Bounds, Jerry Kavulich, and Jorge Fors Jr., Eddie Montoya, Jeff Flanagan, and Gabriel Quiroga.

South Florida celebrated Independence Day in grand fashion with picnics, parties, spectacular fireworks displays, FIFA excitement, and community gatherings that brought neighbors together throughout the holiday weekend.

For this writer, the Fourth of July began at the Rotary Club of Coral Gables’ annual picnic at Matheson Hammock Park. Coordinated by past president Sally Baumgartner, the festive afternoon featured delicious ribs, barbecue chicken, and all the traditional picnic favorites.

Among the many Rotarians and friends enjoying the celebration were Bill Quesenberry and his wife, Chie; Jim Skinner and his wife, Maria Korvick; Keith and Angela Phillips; Yolanda Woodbridge; Carol and Jasper Brock, and Dr. Phil Boswell.

The celebration continued into the evening as members and friends of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club gathered at Birdie Bistro, overlooking the Granada Golf Course, for a patriotic Independence Day fundraiser coordinated by Carmen Suarez and Rita Tennyson. The event raised nearly $1,500 to benefit students attending the Florida State Fire College in Ocala, where the intensive six-month firefighter certification program can cost between $10,000 and $13,000.

As part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Florida President’s Project, proceeds from this and similar fundraising events across the state help remove financial barriers for future firefighters by providing scholarships and purchasing essential safety equipment, including bunker gear.

Among those supporting the cause were Dr. Iris Torres-Rivera and her husband, Ralph; Dr. Ruth and Sam Martinez; Barbara Lapsley; Elena Leonardi; Helen Reguera; Mayra Dominguez; Judith Martinez; Arely Ruiz; Linda Hartwell; Nancy Desmangles and Breck; Vivian Garcia; Charlotte Reeve, and Martha Black.

Dates to save:
Now through July – Titanic: The Immersive Voyage, presented by South Florida PBS.
Now through end of August – South Florida PBS presents two new immersive VR experiences: Colosseum: The Legendary Arena and Napoleon: The Immersive Saga . More information is available through South Florida PBS Immersive Experiences.
Aug. 15 – Miami International Mall Crawl Walk benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association.
Oct. 3 – Family Resource Center’s Bowling Tournament – Bird Bowl (only a few lanes left). Reserve now at www.frc.org.
Oct. 24 – A Safe Haven for Newborns Annual Gala at Intercontinental Hotel Miami.
Oct. 30 – Voices for Children’s “Be A Hero Luncheon” at Loews Coral Gables Hotel.

As always, remember to count your blessings, share your smile with a kind word, and make a difference.

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