A Bridge from the Past to Connect
the Future on Exhibit at the Museum of Science

The “Golden Horn Bridge,” designed in 1502 by Leonardo da Vinci for Sultan Bajazet II of Constantinople (now Istanbul), was never built. But now, thanks to Norwegian artist, Vebjørn Sand, who discovered the plans for the bridge while searching through archives for another project, the world can see a scale model of the bridge as Leonardo designed it. South Floridians are among the elect: The bridge model will be on exhibit and open to the public at the Museum of Science from February 24, 2006, through mid-summer, before settling in its permanent home at the Victoria and Albert Museum, in London.
 
Artist Sand hoped the bridge would be built in Norway, but there was no river requiring a bridge. Finally, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration decided to turn the idea into a pedestrian bridge, open to foot and bicycle traffic, in the township of As. The resulting wood rendition of the bridge looks more like a model for Danish Modern furniture than a copy of Leonardo’s original drawings: beautiful and sleek, but not Leonardo.
 
Enter Taffy Gould, a Miami native and Museum of Science Board Member, who read of the original bridge and thought it the perfect way to span the space between the new Museum of Science and the Miami Art Museum, in Museum Park. “What better way to connect these two important institutions than by a bridge designed by the most famous scientist/artist of all time,” she says. Gould is hoping to convince the Museum Park site planners what everyone who’s heard about it has agreed: “This not only symbolizes the connection between Science and Art; it also would be a fabulous tourist attraction for Miami.”
 
Join Dr. Bert S. Hall, from the Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology at the University of Toronto, as he lectures on his research and findings of the complexity of Leonardo da Vinci’s work.  
 
The Leonardo Bridge Exhibit is brought to the Museum through the generous donation of sisters Taffy Gould and Lauren Gould. Free with paid admission.
 
For further details, contact Taffy Gould at 305-668-4549.

 
Travel back in time and celebrate the history and architecture of Hollywood, Florida’s Diamond of the Gold Coast, at the first annual Vintage South Florida festival. On March 5th from 10am – 6pm, Hollywood Boulevard between Young Circle and 21st Avenue in Downtown Hollywood, will be reminiscent of days past with entertainment, vintage automobiles, street performers, antique vendors and celebrity-look a-likes that reflect the era pre-1955. Highlighting the event will be an onsite museum exhibit consisting of photographs and artifacts that depict the history of the city, starting with the findings of Joseph Young in the 1920’s and continuing through the 1950’s. 
 
To compliment the onsite museum, Richard Roberts, Director of the City of Hollywood’s Records and Archive’s Division, will be on-site autographing his comprehensive photo journal, Images of America:  Hollywood, Florida, which consists of unique photographs of a Hollywood few people remember.  History buffs, residents, and tourists alike will take joy in the images outlined in his book:  the fledgling business district along Hollywood Boulevard and Harrison Street, the gracious elegance of the Hollywood Beach Hotel, the Riverside Military Academy, and retractable roof of the Country Club are some images readers can expect to see. Additionally, local Hollywood historians and authors, Susan Gillis, Randall Robinson, and Joan Mickelson will be on-hand signing copies of their books as well. 
 
Another feature of the day will be Going, Going, Gone an exhibit presented by the The Broward Trust for Historic Preservation, which pays tribute to Mid-Century Modern Architecture. The style, representative of an exuberant post World War II building boom that lasted for nearly three decades from 1945-1972, is the signature architecture of Broward County. This photographic journey through time highlights outstanding South Florida structures dating back to the middle of the 20th century. 
 
“We are extremely excited about this inaugural festival dedicated to celebrating the history of and architecture of Hollywood,” said Lisa Liotta, Deputy Director of the Downtown Hollywood CRA. “All are encouraged to come Downtown and partake in the days festivities and relish in the sights and sounds of times past. From the book signings to the Barbershop Quartets or the Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin look-a-likes, this festival has something to appeal to everyone.”
 
Throughout the day, Eric Allison and his Dixieland Band will stroll through the streets filling the air with the sweet sounds of 1920’s New Orleans jazz, while the main stage will host Betty Comora and her Rip-Roaring 20’s show, followed by Garry Lawrence and his Sizzling Syncopators. Both performances reflect the authentic style and instrumentation of 1920’s pop music. Other features of the festival include a vintage car show guaranteed to delight any automobile enthusiast, an Antique and Collectible Outdoor Market along with clowns, balloon twisters and arts and crafts for children. Before the day’s end, be sure to purchase the commemorative Vintage South Florida poster and visit the numerous restaurants and shops open for business in Downtown. 
 
For more information, visit www.downtownhollywood.com or call 954-921-3016.

Travel Back in Time with Vintage South Florida Car Show

The first annual Vintage South Florida festival in Downtown Hollywood will feature pre-1940 vehicles from 10am to 6pm Sunday, March 5 along Hollywood Boulevard between Young Circle and 21st Avenue.

Car show trophies in five categories will be awarded at 5pm. Every entered vehicle will receive a keepsake dash plaque, commemorative Vintage South Florida cap and complimentary lunch for two at Universe Café.

There is no charge for car show registration or admission to the Vintage South Florida festival, which will celebrate the history and architecture of old Hollywood with 1920s-style entertainment, an Antique and Collectible Outdoor Market, old-time celebrity look-alikes, clowns and arts & crafts for children, a museum exhibit of photographs and artifacts from Hollywood's history, and book signings by local historians.

To register for the car show, call 954-926-3377. For more information on Vintage South Florida, call 954-921-3016.

This spring, more than $100,000 in college scholarships will be awarded to dedicated high school seniors by The Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center, announced Phillip M. Clark , President and Chief Executive Officer of the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center. The Fair is the largest local scholarship sponsor for high school students in Miami-Dade County.

Graduating seniors wanting a slice of the $100,000 ìpieî have until March 10, 2006 to submit applications. Each scholarship will be $2,000 in value and applications are made available to all high school seniors who plan to attend an accredited college, university or trade school in the fall of 2006. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate a commitment to voluntary participation in school and community activities.

îThe Fair remains committed to its primary role in this community,î commented Mr. Clark. ìThat is, lending its support to our youth by providing scholarships and sponsorships through the public and private schools. We are particularly proud of what we have accomplished with the scholarship program and how significant its impact has been on our students.î

Since the inception of The Fair's scholarship program 34 years ago, more than $1.8 million has been awarded to Miami-Dade County seniors enrolled in private and public schools.       

Application forms are available at the College Assistance Offices of all private and public schools throughout the county.  Home schooled students may pick up and return their applications to the school they would have attended.

Awarding more than $500,000 annually in scholarships, awards and premiums along with outstanding educational student and youth programs, the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Inc., is more than just an 18-day fair and a sought after venue for community events and festivals held throughout the year. The not-for-profit organization is a South Florida institution that is there for the community throughout the year.  In addition, The Fair provides every Miami-Dade County student in both private and public schools with free admission to The Fair. The Fair has also contributed $2 million toward the F.I.U. Football Stadium and $1.4 million toward the development of the F.I.U. Performing Arts Center.

The Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition Inc. will be celebrating its 55th year beginning March 16th to April 2nd, 2006 and is expected to attract more than 800,000 visitors. Ranked as one of the largest and most successful fairs in the nation, the Miami-Dade County Fair is an 18-day event which includes some of the best rides, games, food and shows in Florida. In addition, during the off-season, the Fair Expo Center serves South Florida as a venue for community events, youth programs, summer camps for kids sponsored by the Miami-Dade County Parks Department, competitions, festivals, shows and corporate functions.

Aventura Hospital and Medical Center Proudly Presents
CPR-Olympics, Launching Life Link:
a Free Community CPR Training Initiative

Aventura Hospital and Medical Center presents Life Link ñ a FREE community CPR training program that will train hundreds of Aventura residents on the latest necessary techniques that could one day help them save a life!  Please join us as we launch this fantastic community event with Olympic Gold Medalist Bob Beamon , your neighbors and elected officials. 

Sign-up for your CPR class at the launch and receive a free Life Link T-shirt! The Life Link Spokesperson is Bob Beamon. Entertainment will be by Dr. Michael M. Krop Sr. High Classical Jazz Band.

The program will take place on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at 9am at Aventura Hospital & Medical Center, 20900 Biscayne Boulevard. Complimentary Valet. Refreshments will be served! Please RSVP to 888-256-7692.

Step Back to the 16th Century at the Renaissance Festival

by Sue Lynn
Contributing Writer

It might be a long drive from Miami to Deerfield Beach, but don't miss taking that drive in order to experience the 14th Annual Renaissance Festival and Artisan Village. It would be your loss of experiencing several hours of fun.

We've all been to art shows, craft shows, jewelry shows, Art Deco shows, but they take a back seat to this year's Renaissance Festival when visitors step back to the 16th century. Presented at Quiet Waters Park in a sequence of Saturday's and Sunday's running through March 19, this is a family oriented outing that children of all ages can enjoy.

Step back in history to bygone days, thanks to the winning combination of people who work the festival; booths that are set up in an area of the park; live performances throughout the day, street performers and demonstrations adults and children will enjoy.

King Henry VIII and Queen Katherine of Aragon make appearances at several events. They are approachable royal people pleasers. Who would have thought royalty would be mixing with the common folks?

In fact, all the men and women playing roles of vendors and entertainers dressed in their Renaissance clothing have taken on the vocabulary of the Renaissance era. Visitors in shorts or jeans are addressed as, ìSire, Madame or Mi Lord, how can I help thee?î It is said with smiles and good humor. Dedication to actors playing their parts is commendable because the ìactorsî are into their roles and are not bashful about it.

Some of the delights children can experience during the week-end festival (produced by Bobby Rodriguez Productions), in addition to the Middle Ages hearty food, are rides and games, such as giant chess, barrel rides, the dragon ride and an all new Knights Challenge, a test of strength and wit where one patron is knighted daily.   There is a charge for the children's rides and food, as well as merchandise available at vendor booths.

A ìRoyal Feastî consisting of a five-course lunch with Renaissance styled entertainment takes place on Saturday and Sunday. The entertainment is adult-oriented, so attendance with young children is not recommended. A charge of $63 includes the five course meal, entertainment and entrance fee.

Visitors can enjoy the Royal Joust with ìknightsî atop horses who vie to knock an opponent off his steed. For this and other entertainment offerings, such as mud wrestling, Washing Well Wenches, Minstrels of Mayhem, Harling Irish Dancers; Birds of Prey, Curious Magic, Impossible Impressions and other attractions, there is no additional charge.

Instructive entertainment includes watching glassblowers and crafters plying their trades. A printed schedule, as well as a map showing where each attraction is located and what time each takes place, is given to every visitor.

Pets are not allowed at the festival, however for $10 one can ìboardî the family dog at Houndstooth Inn, located at the main gate, for four hours.   Each pet gets personal attention and play time.

To reach Quite Waters Park, take I-95 to Hillsboro Blvd. Go west to Powerline Road. Drive south to the park entrance. The festival is open President's Day, February 20, and patrons over 65 and under 12 who visit on that day get free admission before 12 noon.  

Gate tickets are $20 for adults, $7 for children 5-12. Children under 5 are admitted free. Online tickets can be printed from a computer to save $2 per ticket. Hours are 10am to 6pm with the last communal event, a Pub Sing, attended by the king and queen, takes place. No charge for parking. The web address is www.Ren-Fest.com .   Call 954-776-1642.  

Walk for the Animals Presented by VCA Animal Hospitals to Benefit the Humane Society of Broward County

Join over 3,500 fellow animal lovers and dogs for a morning of fun at the Humane Society of Broward County's ì16th Annual Walk for the Animalsî presented by VCA Animal Hospitals. The event, chaired by Terri Warren and Merrie Meyers-Kershaw , will take place Saturday, March 4, 2006 at Esplanade Park (in front of the Museum of Discovery & Science). Registration is 8am and the 1.25 mile walk begins at 10am. Help raise money to support the shelter and its programs, while earning goodies for you. Last year $385,000 was raised and with your support, the walk is sure to be the biggest ever!

If you would like to participate, you'll need a registration form, so please stop by any VCA Animal Hospital, the Humane Society of Broward County, Las Olas Riverfront, any BankAtlantic location, or any Broward County IHOP or you may visit our website at www.walk4theanimals.com and print out a form.   

All walkers are also encouraged to create their own fundraising web page.  It's easy to create and only takes a few minutes. You can personalize the web page with a photo and message. Once created, you can send that link to all of your friends and family and they will be able to easily make a donation by credit card towards your fundraising goal. To set up your own personal web page, please visit www.justgiving.com/walk4theanimals . 

The Humane Society of Broward County is a private, non-profit organization that relies 100% on donations from people and companies who want to make a difference for homeless animals. The shelter is not affiliated with any other organization.

The Biltmore International Food & Wine Week

A Three-Day Celebration Featuring All Reserve,
Single Vineyard & Upper Tier Wines

With an uncommon zest for bringing cheer, The Cellar Club at The Biltmore, in cooperation with Wine Spectator magazine, presents the Tenth Annual Biltmore International Food & Wine Weekend, (May 5-7, 2006) to benefit the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. The annual extravaganza, which has raised more than $6 million in support of South Florida charities, is the only major festival in the country to feature all Reserve, Single Vineyard & Upper Tier wines, along with a cast of international and local celebrity chefs and world-renowned winemakers.

The Biltmore International Food and Wine Weekend's three glorious days of continuous food, wine and entertainment, kicks off on Friday, May 5th with the 3rd Annual Anne Bennett Memorial Golf Classic. Following the Golf Classic is the Grand Wine & Food Tasting featuring more than 20 award-winning restaurants, over 70 wineries, and Musical Journey by South Beach DJ Pierre Zonzon . The evening culminates with the wildly popular Wine & Giggles comedy show hosted this year by celebrity comedienne Joy Behar of ABC TV's ìThe View.î 

The Grand Wine & Food Tasting is a true sampling of the finest wines available and best foods from Miami's hottest dining spots including:  Azul, Blu, Blue Door at Delano, Brasserie Les Halles, Chef Adam, China Grill and Dragon, Joe's Stone Crab, 1200 Courtyard Grill, La Cofradia, Max's Grille, Mendoza Restaurant, Ola Steak, Ortanique on the Mile, Palme d'Or, Shula's Steak House, Social at Sagamore, The Biltmore, Trattoria Sole, and Tuscan Steak, just to name a few.

Saturday's festivities will include the spectacular Winemaker Dinner with acclaimed superstar chefs Pilar Sanchez , Executive Chef of Pilar in Napa, California; Govind Armstrong , Executive Chef of Table 8 in Los Angeles, California; and Roland Passot , Chef/Proprietor of La Folie in San Francisco, California. The Champagne reception and gourmet dinner will be highlighted with a live musical performance by Cuban singing sensation Albita .

Sunday, May 7th the Celebrity Chefs Interactive Culinary Luncheon and Silent Auction features the celebrity chefs as they oversee the preparation of an interactive gourmet lunch. Tables will be hosted by some of the world's most distinguished wineries.

The weekend will also be of particular appeal to wine collectors and connoisseurs from around the world. Guests may even purchase wines at the Grand Tasting at special prices. The primary motivation of The Biltmore International Food & Wine Weekend will, as always, be philanthropic ñ with a secondary commitment to the celebration and showcasing of unparalleled gastronomic excellence.

Hotel packages for the Biltmore International Food and Wine Weekend are available starting from $750 per person, per night. These weekend packages include deluxe accommodations and tickets to the signature events. For further information on these hotel packages, please call 800-727-1926 or visit www.biltmorefestival.com.

For further information about the schedule of events and individual tickets, contact the Cellar Club at 305-445-8066, ext. 2095 or visit www.biltmorefestival.com .

Top Chefs to Demonstrate their Recipes and Techniques
at the 2006 Coconut Grove Arts Festival ®

The 2006 Coconut Grove Arts Festival® will showcase the culinary arts as never before with the addition of the Culinary Arts Pavilion. Located at one of the main gateways to the Festival at Peacock Park, the Pavilion will feature select chefs from some of the areas favorite eateries and world famous Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts who will offer cooking tips and demonstrations. In addition, major coffee purveyor Starbucks will share home brewing fundamentals, famed mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim will demonstrate his hot and cold beverage recipes using Equal and there will also be daily nutritional seminars for children and adults by Chef Paulette Bilsky . The set for the Culinary Arts Pavilion is being provided by La Cuisine Gourmet in Coral Gables.

Showcases will take place at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 3:30pm each day of the 43rd Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival®, February 18, 19, and 20, 2006 (Presidents' Day weekend). The Culinary Arts Pavilion is included in Festival admission. No separate admission is charged.

Culinary Arts Pavilion Demonstration Schedule

Saturday, February 18, 2006

10:30 AM ñ Chef Paulette Bilsky ñ Junior Chef Program

Chef Paulette Bilsky will introduce Superfoods to kids of all ages through an interactive cooking program in the Culinary Arts Pavilion.   Adults will learn how to incorporate Superfoods into their children's diets for better overall nutrition.   Recipes will include green beans with cider, great balls of almond butter, 5-minute tomato/bean salsa with corn chips and lem-honey-ade.   Chef Paulette is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University who enjoys sharing new and innovative recipes and cooking techniques to help improve the quality of life for children.

11:30 AM - Starbucks Barista

Patrons are encouraged to spend time with a Certified Coffee Master from Starbucks Coffee as they share the four fundamentals of brewing great coffee at home.

12:30 PM ñ Tony Abou-Ganim (Fine Living Network) and the Equal Traveling Bus

In celebration of National Coffee Month, Tony Abou-Ganim, who can be seen demonstrating the art of cocktail preparation on the Fine Living Network program, ìRaising the Bar: America's Best Bar Chefs,î will be unveiling of the Miami results of the 2006 Equal/Zagat Survey. This includes both the Best Brewed Beverage Bets, a guide to the top 10 places to get a variety of coffee and tea beverages; and Trends in coffee and tea preference (for example, 56% of Miami residents prefer regular coffee over other flavored coffee and tea beverages). Tony will also demonstrate the art of mixing both hot and cold beverages. These original recipes will incorporate Equal sweetener. Tony will discuss Equal as a flavor enhancement and Equal's new flavor sticks.

The media savvy mixologist is the co-host of "Taste of Vegas," a local weekly radio talk show on KSFN-AM, writes a monthly column for Las Vegas Magazine on cocktail industry trends and is working on his first book, "The Modern Mixologist." In addition, Tony's specialty drinks have been featured in top consumer magazines including Vanity Fair , Wine Enthusiast , Fortune , Wine Spectator , The New York Times Magazine , Nightclub & Bar , Cheers and Santé . His innovative approach to cocktails has landed him regular appearances on many television networks, including CNBC , Fine Living Network and the Food Network . In 2003, Tony received the Gold Medal for the United States at the 2003 Bacardi-Martini Grand Prix World Finals held in Turin, Italy.   He frequently serves as an Industry Expert for numerous organizations and conventions.

1:30 PM ñ Budweiser Chef

Budweiser's Chefs will demonstrate recipes prepared with beer including Bud Select 3 Bean Chili, Budweiser Beer Cheese Soup and Bud Light Beer Bread.

3:30 PM ñ Le Cordon Bleu

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts features classical French techniques and modern American technology, representing a combination of the finest in European and North American culinary arts training.

Chef Gordon and Chef Kane, along with their students from the Le Cordon Bleu College of the Culinary Arts will be demonstrating vegetable carving and will create Vegetable Bouquets.

Sunday, February 19, 2006

10:30AM ñ Chef Paulette Bilsky ñ Junior Chef Program

See notes above.

11:30 AM - Starbucks Barista

See notes above.

12:30PM ñ Budweiser Chef

See notes above.

1:30 PM ñ Chef Hugh Sinclair ñ Executive Chef and Owner of Irie Spice, Inc. Personal Chef & Catering Service

Visitors to the Culinary Arts Pavilion will learn from Chef Hugh how to prepare Jerk Coriander Crusted Shrimp Satay with Cucumber Tomato Relish, Mache Greens and Curry Mango Aioli.   This tantalizing dish combines world flavors with an injection of Caribbean attitudes.  

Chef Hugh A. Sinclair is a South Florida resident who migrated here from the Caribbean. He is a Certified Culinarian who has a passion for food and a taste for great service. Chef Hugh earned a Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville in Architecture before going on to earn an Associate degree in the Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University in North Miami. Chef Hugh gained valuable professional experience working in different capacities at some of south Florida's Premier establishments namely: Turnberry Isle Resort, Charlie's Crab, Cascades and Bimini Boatyard. Chef Hugh was also a former Personal Chef for Lamar Odom, formerly of The Miami HEAT. Chef Hugh won the TomatoFest® International Tomato Recipe Contest in 2005 and was a second place finalist in the American Egg Board's 2004 Global Flavors Recipe Contest.

3:30 PM ñ Le Cordon Bleu

See notes above.

Monday, February 20, 2006

10:30 AM ñ Chef Paulette Bilsky ñ Junior Chef Program

See notes above.

11:30 AM ñ Two Chefs

Chefs from this South Miami eatery will prepare some of the fresh and innovative fare that has made their restaurant a favorite of critics and foodies alike.

12:30 PM ñ Pastry Chef Albert Uster - Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate ñ

Chef Albert will talk about the history of chocolate and offer chocolate samples.   He may also conduct an interactive truffle making session with the crowd.

Miami resident Chef Albert, a Gourmet Food Sales Representative for hi s father's company, Albert Uster Imports, Inc. (AUI) headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD, was trained as a pastry chef at Konditorei Freytag in Zurich. Chef Uster will be presenting the dessert at the opening dinner for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival the following week.

Following in his father's footsteps, Swiss-American Chef Albert has been setting the standards of culinary excellence. He prides himself on his dedication to the highest quality products and services which has made AUI the leader in pastry and chocolate products for the professional chef. AUI also answers industry demand for consolidated gourmet food buying. It extends its hand to executive chefs, bringing premium quality sweet, savory and frozen items to top restaurant and hotel kitchens across the country.

1:30 PM ñ Chef Oscar Del Rivero - Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar and Latin Grill, Coconut Grove

Patrons visiting the Culinary Arts Pavilion will learn how to prepare Classic Ceviche Peruano from Chef Oscar Del Rivero, who is recognized for his masterful work with ceviche. Chef Oscar will also prepare Jaguar's Tortilla Lasagna -ñ a wonderful combination of Italian and Mexican food.

Chef Oscar Del Rivero has an outstanding reputation as an innovative chef having worked at many prestigious Miami Beach hot spots including Talula, The Palms and the Delano. His flare for creating delicate Latin dishes attracted Eduardo Durazo, owner of the Jaguar Restaurant Group, who hired him for the Coconut Grove location. Chef Oscar is a firm believer that ingredients should be simple, yet unique and flavorful.   

3:30 PM ñ Starbucks Barista

See notes above.

The 43rd Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival will take place February 18, 19, & 20, 2006 (Presidents' Day Weekend). Festival hours will be as follows: Saturday, February 18: 10am ñ 6pm; Sunday, February 19: 9am ñ 6pm; and Monday, February 20: 9am ñ 6pm.

The Festival's mile long path, featuring literally hundreds of artist's booths, will begin on McFarlane Road and gently flow along South Bayshore Drive offering spectacular views of Biscayne Bay, swaying palm trees, the greenery of Peacock and Myers Parks and the cityscape of downtown Coconut Grove.  

Admission to the Festival is $5 per person, per day. Children 12 and under are free as are Metrorail Golden Passport and Patriot Passport holders. The Festival is also offering a 3-day pass for $12. Residents of Coconut Grove in the 33133 zip code can enjoy the Festival all three days for only $5 with a specially priced 33133 pass. A portion of the proceeds from Festival admissions will benefit the Coconut Grove Arts and Historical Association, Inc. Building Fund which will be used to create and operate a permanent home in Coconut Grove for the Arts Festival. The facility will include class rooms, exhibit spaces, administrative offices, and art education programs and year round art exhibits.   

For additional information about demonstrations and seminars at the Culinary Arts Pavilion and/or the Festival, please call 305-447-0401 or log onto www.coconutgroveartsfest.com .  

13th Annual Miami International Map Fair Breaks Event Attendance Record at the Historical Museum

The largest local and international crowd ever of map dealers, collectors and enthusiasts convened in downtown Miami over the weekend at the Historical Museum of Southern Florida for the 13th Annual Miami International Map Fair. Nearly two thousand fairgoers, braving heavy rains on Saturday and neglecting Super Bowl party preparations on Sunday, perused and bought over $4 million worth of antique maps.

ìIt's become the principal one-stop shop, superceding the London Map Fair,î says Ashley Baynton Williams , editor of Map Forum and next year's Map Fair keynote speaker. Over 50 prominent antique map dealers from England, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Germany, France, Australia, Argentina, Canada and the United States participated in the fair. Antique maps from the fifteenth to the last century, ranging from $100 to $500,000 , were sold. Fairgoers brought in their own maps for an expert opinion, some astonished to learn how much their maps were worth.    

One of the most striking maps that sold was a rare vellum hand-colored portolan, a manuscript nautical chart. It fetched for $140,000. Several dealers donated historic prints and maps of early Florida to the Historical Museum's permanent collection.

On Friday, February 3, map dealers, donors and collectors enjoyed a private cocktail and dinner party at the Radisson Miami Hotel. On Saturday evening, a mojito cocktail reception was sponsored by The Private Bank of Bank of America. On Sunday, dealers enjoyed a breakdown party sponsored by Salomon, Kanner, Damian & Rodriguez, P.A., with the help of Map Fair host committee member Natalie Segal .

The weekend included lectures at the neighboring Miami-Dade Main Library. Map scholar Thomas Suarez gave a fascinating lecture on ìPacific Isles: The Curious Case of the Islands of Solomon.î Key note speaker Dr. Matthew Edney , Director, History of Cartography Project, University of Wisconsin, spoke on ìThe History of Cartography: A New Era, a New Vista,î and James Flatness of the Geography and Map Division at the Library of Congress gave a talk to an enthusiastic crowd on ìResources Available to the Map Collector.î

Special guests throughout the weekend included John Hebert , head of the Geography and Map Division at the Library of Congress, Alice Hudson , Chief of the Map Division at the New York Public Library, BrandsMart's CEO Michael Perlman , title sponsor of the Map Fair, Miami art collector and philanthropist Micky Wolfson , George Neary of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Map Fair host committee members Jean and Jay Kislak, Dr. John and Karen Nordt ; Dr. Joseph and Bette Rubini ; Lorette and Robert David ; the Historical Museum of Southern Florida's President/CEO Robert McCammon and his wife Karen ; the Historical Museum of Southern Florida's Chair-Elect Dennis Campbell and his wife Debbie , Map Fair Founder and Chairman Dr. Joseph Fitzgerald and his wife Monica and Map Fair Manager Marcia Kanner and her husband Lewis .

Map Fair proceeds will benefit the Historical Museum's map acquisitions, exhibitions, educational programs and general advancement. The 14th Annual Miami International Map Fair will be held January 27 and 28, 2007 . A change in the traditional dates of the first weekend in February was made due to Super Bowl XLI being held in Miami. For more information, contact Marcia Kanner at the Historical Museum at 305-375-1492 or email mapfair@historical-museum.org .

Immediately following next year's fair will be the Historical Museum's first map cruise to the Caribbean, featuring unique manuscript maps of each destination from the Library of Congress: Barbados, Tobago, Grenadines, Dominica and St. Lucia. The seven night adventure aboard Windstar Cruises Wind Surf will depart at midnight on January 28, 2007. For more information, call Kendale Lakes Travel at 305-385-3191 or email kendalelakestravel@fdn.com .

PHOTO IDS

1. Dr. Joseph Fitzgerald and his wife Monica and Map Fair Manager Marcia Kanner and her husband Lewis

Zoological Society of Florida's Seventh Annual Ball of the
Wild 2006 at Miami Metrozoo to take Place Saturday, March 4

Ball of the Wild 2006 is the seventh annual fundraising gala benefiting the Zoological Society of Florida's education and conservation programs on behalf of Miami Metrozoo, on Saturday, March 4 from 7pmto midnight. 

Theresa L. and William R. O'Donnell , Chairs of Ball of the Wild and avid Zoo supporters, invite guests to an elegant black-tie evening catered by the exquisite Parties by Pat from Key Biscayne. The Zoo's pathways, crawling with wild animal encounters, will lead guests to the silent auction where they can bid on more than 40 extravagant items like a four-hour party in Boca on a 1994 Ferretti yacht, seven night Celebrity Cruise or Carnival Cruise for two, Sandals Resort or Beaches Resort three night getaway, Romero Britto Serigraph prints, and a 10-day pet vacation at Doral Centre Animal Clinic. Guests will also be invited to participate in an exciting live auction hosted by the witty Dave Barry and to dance the night away to live music provided by Karina Iglesias & Special K . Live auction items include an original Craig Bone oil painting titled ìElephant Fest,î a Party with the Animals hosted by Ron Magill , a 16-night INTRAV/Clipper Cruise, and a seven-night stay in the Sun Valley, Idaho home of Patricia Molinari , the owner of Parties by Pat. 

ìHaving attended and enjoyed Ball of the Wild for many years, I joined the planning committee last year. This year Bill and I are pleased to chair this event that supports Metrozoo, the beautiful gem that we have here in our very own backyard. The Zoo is experiencing phenomenal growth and the more I learn about the good work it does in conservation and education, the more compelled I am to spread the word. The Tropical America exhibit will be over the top when it opens in late 2007,î said Theresa L. O'Donnell, Co-Chair of Ball of the Wild 2006. 

Goodwill Ambassador and Zoo Communications Director Ron Magill will be the recipient of the 2006 Wildlife Ambassador Award. Magill has played a crucial role in Metrozoo since it opened in 1981 and even a year before that at the Crandon Park Zoo. As the primary spokesperson for the Zoo and a champion for wildlife, he has developed and directed local and international projects, like the Cheetah Conservation Program, in conjunction with Metrozoo's conservation education goals.

Even though sponsorship opportunities are still available, there have been many generous gifts already received from private donors as well as public companies.  

Two of the four $25,000 Bengal Tiger sponsors are longtime zoo supporters Cynthia W. Knight and R. Kirk Landon and Pamela Garrison .  The other two Bengal Tiger sponsors are Comcast and Duty Free Air & Ship Supply (DFASS). The Ball of the Wild immediate past chairs Ana and Cecil Milton and the current chairs William R. and Theresa L. O'Donnell (DeSimone Consulting Engineers) are $15,000 African Lion sponsors. Florida Power & Light is a $10,000 Florida Panther sponsor. The Zoological Society of Florida is also grateful to their $5,000 Clouded Leopard sponsors that include: Bank United; Burger King Corporation; Carnival Cruise Lines; Colin A. Browning; Nancy Denison; Eaton Vane Investment Council; Esserman Automotive Group; Leidesdorf Charitable Foundation, Inc.; Mellon Private Wealth Management; Pricewaterhouse Coopers, LLC; Regions Bank; Ryder System Charitable Foundation Inc.; San Remo Developers; Shutts & Bowen, LLP; and Wachovia.

Since Ball of the Wild is considered to be one of the premier social events of the season, seating is limited to the first 500 guests. Tickets are $500/person and tables range from $5,000-$25,000 each. For more information about Ball of the Wild or to make a reservation, please call the Zoological Society of Florida at 305-255-5551, ext. 110, or visit www.ballofthewild.com .

PHOTO IDS
1. NO CAPTION

King Henry The Eighth Rides Again at the
14th Annual Florida Renaissance Festival

For the first time since 1536, King Henry the VIII rides again exclusively at the Florida Renaissance Festival opening Saturday, February 11 at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. The 14th installment of one of the premier Renaissance Festivals in the country will expand this year to six weekends now running through March 19.

Join his majesty King Henry VIII as he competes three times daily in the jousting tournaments. Twelve stages of continuous entertainment will delight families of all ages ñ from musical performances by minstrels to sword fights and mystical magical illusions. Historical reenactments, fairies, dragons, birds of prey shows and more adorn this traditional 16th Century English Village.

Street performers will be entertaining visitors as they make their way among the more than 120 artisan booths who will demonstrate everything from glass blowing to toy making while exhibiting and selling their wares.

Highlights of the festival, which also offers hearty food from the Middle Ages and rides and games for children, include the World's Largest Rocking Horse, Giant Chess, Barrel Rides, a Dragon Ride and an all new Knights Challenge ñ a test of strength and wit where one patron will be knighted daily.

There will be an abundance of authentic medieval fare from freshly made kettle corn to roasted turkey legs, which can be washed down with a swig of mead or ale. For those with hearty appetite, the festival offers the Royal Feast, a five-course meal served at noon each day, hosted in the great hall by King Henry VIII and Queen Katharine of Aragon.

Online tickets can be printed from the patron's home computers not only saving money but time as well. Gate tickets are $20 for adults and $7 for children 5-12. Children under 5 are admitted free.

The 14th Annual Florida Renaissance Festival hours are 10am ñ 6 pm Saturday's and Sundays February 11 ñ March 19. The festival is also open President's Day, February 20, patrons over 65 and under 12 who visit on President's Day get free admission before 12 noon.

Ren Fest is produced by the award winning Bobby Rodriguez Productions and is sponsored in part by The Sun-Sentinel, Community Bank of Broward, Broward County Transit, Pepsi, Guinness, Comcast, South Florida.com, South Florida Parenting and hosted by Broward County.

For more information, call 800-3-RENFEST, 954-776-1642 or visit www.Ren-Fest.com.

King Jewelers Hosts Benefit for the Holocaust
Documentation & Education Center and Museum

On Thursday, March 23, King Jewelers is hosting a star-studded fundraising event to benefit the Holocaust Documentation & Education Center and Museum . The event will be held from 6 to 8pm at King Jewelers, 18625 Biscayne Boulevard in Aventura. Mel Dick of Southern Wine & Spirits will be the evening's emcee.

A $100 donation to the Holocaust Museum enters you to win fabulous prizes including spectacular jewelry and fine timepieces. The live auction includes a Fantasy Getaway -- trip for 2 to anywhere in the world on any airline at anytime; a trip to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C including airfare; a cruise for 2 and much more!

All proceeds from the live auction, silent auction and raffle will benefit the Holocaust Museum.  Southern Wine & Spirits has generously donated the cocktails for the evening and Steven G Interiors and Judith Ripka are co-sponsoring the event with special coverage by City & Shore Magazine. The host committee includes some of South Florida's finest: Scott & Maxine King, Mel & Bobbi Dick, Honorable Elaine Bloom, Romero Britto, Mayor Mara Giuliani of the City of Hollywood, Rositta Kenigsberg, Karen & Michael Matluck, Jordan & Lesli Ross, Mario & Rachel Sapoznik, Michelle Simon (Publisher of City & Shore Magazine ), and Shelly & Miriam Sitton.

The Holocaust Documentation and Education Center was established in 1979 as a nonsectarian, non-profit, multifaceted organization. The vision was to create a permanent and irrefutable record of the Holocaust. The first South Florida Holocaust Museum will be a unique setting of memory and hope. The museum will challenge the hearts and minds of present and future generations and will leave each visitor changed.

In addition, King Jewelers is accepting donations of items to be auctioned off. For more information or to donate an item, please contact: Julie Lando, Director of Marketing, King Jewelers, 18265 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, FL  33160; call 305-935-4900 or email Julie@kings1912.com.

Let It Snow!

Guests at 4th Annual Galaxy Gala Experience
ìA Night of Optical Illusionsî

An unusual weather disturbance blew through downtown Miami on a recent Saturday night: snow! Even more unusual, the snow fell inside the InterContinental Hotel's ballroom. The phenomenon was an illusion designed specifically for the Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium's fourth annual Galaxy Gala ñ A Night of Optical Illusions. 600 unsuspecting guests were covered in the flurry as illusionist Scott Bernard filled the ballroom with snow, an environmental event that hasn't happened in Miami since the 70s. The snow completely vanished in 90 seconds.

ìOur gala committee selected the theme of optical illusions because it melds science with art,î said museum president Gillian Thomas . ìThe snow storm was the highlight of our gala and our guests were amazed to experience this kind of weather activity in Miami.î

Snow was just one of the many illusions performed at this year's gala, presented by the museum's Board of Trustees. The black tie event celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Planetarium, the 30th season of the nationally viewed StarGazer television show, as well as the 40th year of museum summer camps. The night kicked off a year of commemorations highlighting the museum's impressive legacy while building on its vision for the future, which includes a new $175 million Museum of Science and Planetarium facility on the waterfront at Bicentennial Park.

ìThis year we're celebrating the museum's past and future,î Thomas said. ìWe are on an exciting journey to create an impressive state-of-the-art new home that will inspire people to learn more about science and technology. The gala is an example of our strength. We merged Miami's creative side with science to fashion a unique event and a fabulous party.î

Deco Productions, South Florida's premier special events coordinator, transformed the InterContinental Hotel ballroom, and the orchestra City Lights serenaded a star-studded list of attendees.

For more information about the Miami Museum of Science and Planetarium, visit www.miamisci.org .

PHOTO IDS

1. Gillian and Resse Thomas
2. The snow falls at the Museum of Science and Planetarium's fourth annual Galaxy Gala

The Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels, a consortium of seven hotels in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, released their 2006 Passport to Savings coupon booklet this month. The exclusive booklet, which is given to guests of the Downtown Disney Hotels at check-in, contains discounts and specials for area dining, shopping and entertainment, as well as area maps and the schedules for the hotels' complimentary bus service to the Disney theme parks, water parks and Pleasure Island.  

ìThe Passport is a great way for travelers to have even more fun while stretching their vacation budget,î said Brad Houghton , co-chairman of the organization's marketing committee. ìIt's just one of many exclusive perks that guests receive while staying at one of the Downtown Disney Hotels.î

The Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels consist of the Best Western, Holiday Inn, Doubletree Guest Suites, Grosvenor Resort, Hilton, Hotel Royal Plaza and the
Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa.  With a total of 27 restaurants, more than 3,600 rooms and scores of amenities, they offer a rate, space and menu to please
every guest.

The Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels are located on Disney property, and are within walking distance of some of the area's best shopping, dining and entertainment. Guests staying at these "Official Walt Disney World" hotels receive special perks not available at hotels outside of the Disney Resort, such as the
ability to purchase Disney tickets at their hotel; complimentary transportation to all four Disney theme parks, two of Disney's water parks Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island; advance tee times at all five Disney golf courses; priority seating arrangements for Disney dinner shows and theme park restaurants, and discounts at selected area restaurants, attractions and stores.

To make a reservation or for more information about the Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels, visit www.DowntownDisneyHotels.com .

In its commitment to create opportunities for all people to experience the arts, the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood will hold a Free Admission Day on Sunday, February 19 from 1 to 4pm. The featured exhibition ìIllegal Artî is a multi-media show celebrating what is rapidly becoming the ìdegenerate artî of a corporate age: art and ideas on the legal fringes of intellectual property.

The Art and Culture Center always offers complimentary admission to its members; children under 13 who are accompanied by an adult; and firefighters, police officers and teachers working in Miami-Dade or Broward County.

Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10am to 5pm; Thursday, 10am to 8pm; and Sunday, 1 to 4pm. Free parking is available at the Center, which is located at 1650 Harrison St. For more information, call 954-921-3274.                       

The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood is a vibrant, regionally distinct, contemporary visual and performing arts organization offering visual art exhibitions, theatre, music and dance performances. Educational programming includes adult and children's arts classes, after-school programs, camps and other art curriculum. The Center is committed to creating opportunities for all people to experience the visual and performing arts.

More information is available at www.artandculturecenter.org .

Levis JCC Thrift Shop Re-Opens
to Rave Reviews at Plum Park
Prices Slashed for Presidents Day Sale, February 20  

As thrift shops go, this one sets the standard. After a post-hurricane relocation to new digs at its new facility in the Plum Park Shoppes, the upscale Levis Jewish community Thrift Shop has settled into its new facility and is open for business.

Visitors are invited to experience the new Levis JCC Thrift Shop at its Presidents' Day sale on Monday, February 20, 10am - 5pm, when customers will enjoy a 50 percent discount on nearly all merchandise storewide.

New development in East Boca made it necessary for the Levis JCC Thrift Shop to relocate after nearly 16 years on S.E. 1st Street. The attractive new store at the Plum Park Shoppes, located at 141 N.W. 20th Street, made it possible to offer a more selective inventory of high-quality furniture, household treasures, designer clothes and accessories than ever before.  

The new location also provides better access for customers with additional parking spaces. The Levis JCC Thrift Shop anticipates being joined by several other charitable Thrift shops, creating a thrift shop shoppers' paradise.

"We're so happy to have made the move to The Plum Park Shoppes," says Marianne Jacobs , Associate Executive Director of the Levis JCC. "The response from the community has been tremendous, and we are enjoying great synergy with our neighboring Thrift Shops."

In addition to its customers who range from vintage fashion plates to bargain hunters, and even those who glean thrift shops to re-sell merchandise on on-line auctions, The Levis JCC Thrift Shop has helped many families who have lost their belongings due to hurricanes and other circumstances.

Proceeds from the Levis JCC Thrift Shop help the community provide extensive social services and financial assistance for families, as well as elderly and children's programs and services for individuals with special needs.

"Our goal," adds Jacobs, "is to raise the needed funds to allow as many people as possible access to the many programs and services offered at the Levis Jewish Community Center. Whether buying or donating to the shop, the community can help make a difference."

The Thrift Shop is currently in need of high quality, gently used donations of household items including furniture, clothing, and other useful merchandise.

Complimentary furniture donation pickup available. To donate items, volunteer or for more information call 561-368-3665. The Levis JCC Thrift Shop is now open at the Plum Park Shops at 141 N.W. 20th Street, Boca Raton. Hours are Monday - Saturday , 10am - 5pm.

Have you found true love? Are you looking for someone to cuddle with and someone who will listen to everything you have to say? If you said ìyesî to any of these questions, than you must visit the Humane Society of Broward County on February 11th and 12th for their annual ìAdopt a Sweetheartî event. The shelter always has a variety of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens looking for homes for life and during the event there will be plenty to choose from. 

Students from Flanagan High School are creating beautiful gift goodie bags and if you adopt a dog or cat one year or older your new friend will go home with a plethora of goodies, to get the two of you started on the right paw. Kids at Sandpiper Elementary school will be making Valentine's beds for the cats, and Hollywood Central Elementary will be making Valentine decorations to brighten up the shelter.

A bake sale, courtesy of volunteers and staff and our HSBC Teen Club, will offer a variety of sweets to tempt you and raise money for our Walk for the Animals on March 4.

Be sure to stop by the shelter located at 2070 Griffin Road, just a block west of I-95. The Sweetheart Event will take place on Saturday from 10am ñ 6:30pm and Sunday from 10am - 5:30pm. The adoption fee for dogs is $85, puppies $95 and cats and kittens are $70. The adoption fee for all pets includes spay/neuter, up-to-date vaccinations, 14 day health care plan courtesy of VCA Animal Hospitals, tattoo and ID tag for identification, heartworm test for dogs and feline leukemia test for cats, and a friend for life. 

Call the shelter at 954-989-3977 or visit www.humanebroward.com to view pets available for adoption.

Broadway Babies Luncheon & Lecture
a Big Hit on January 30, 2006

What do you get when you put together six musical theater pros along with a professional piano accompanist performing for a group of over 80 guests in a knockout venue? Caldwell Theatre Company's second of its Luncheon/Lecture Series was an incomparable hit, with its very own Broadway Babies musical review of standards by Steven Sondheim, Frank Loesser and Candor & Ebb, just to name a few of theater's greatest songwriters represented.

Following on the heels of its successful debut luncheon in November (where soprano Joan Gallo entertained with arias and the history of art songs), Caldwell's second Luncheon/Lecture fundraising event took place in Carmen's at the top of The Bridge Hotel of Boca Raton. With fabulous views as a backdrop for the entertainers, and Caldwell's Artistic Director, Michael Hall , lecturing on the background of musical theater, guests enjoyed a luncheon followed by 10 musical numbers by outstanding performers.

Elizabeth Dimon and Bruce Linser opened with a cheeky duet of Irving Berlin's ìYou're Just In Love,î followed by Bruce Linser's ìSome Enchanted Evening;î and ì Luck Be A Lady Tonight . î My Fair Lady 's ìWouldn't It Be Loverlyî was interpreted by Laura Turnbull , with full cockney accent, while Jacqueline Knapp infused ìSo Whatî from Cabaret with her own, distinct style. Musical Director Kevin Wallace accompanied each singer with flair and perfection.

Irene Adjan's powerful rendition of Jule Styne's ìDon't Rain on My Paradeî was followed by an amusing ìWhat Makes Me Love Him?î by Laura Turnbull.  Angie Radosh's mournful lament to Stephen Sondheim's ìSend in the Clownsî came before Elizabeth Dimon's ìCrossword Puzzleî from Starting Here, Starting Now , which led up to the afternoon's rousing encore of ìPeopleî by Irene Adjan.

Friends of Caldwell Co-Chairs Mimi Sadler and Ursula Kalt plan the luncheon and lecture series for months with seamless attention to detail so that this elegant and stylish spectacular went off without a hitch.

Broadway Babies will be followed by an Artistic Impressions series hosted by Michael Hall, Artistic and Managing Director of Caldwell Theatre Company, on March 8 at Boca West Country Club.

Friends of Caldwell invite you to join them the March 8 event. For more information, call 561-995-2331 or e-mail: info@caldwelltheatre.com or write to: Friends of Caldwell, c/o Caldwell Theatre Company, 7873 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487.

PHOTO IDS
1. Floss Keesely, Jan McArt, Susan Zipper and Charlotte Robinson at Caldwell's Broadway Babies Luncheon/Lecture
2. Rear:  Lulu Thomas, Mimi Sadler and Jean Grabill.  Front:  Betty Barnes, Sally Dannenbaum and Dena Lavine at Caldwell's Broadway Babies Luncheon/Lecture

Photos courtesy of SIGVISION

Winter Party ìCharts a New Courseî
with Expanded Lineup of Cultural Events

Following on the heels of last year's successful expansion of the Winter Party Festival event lineup, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has added several new events to the 2006 Festival, which takes place March 1-6. The events are designed for those who wish to experience the multi-faceted cultural aspects of Miami in addition to the ever-popular Winter Party social and dance events.

An estimated 10,000 people are expected to converge on Miami for Winter Party Festival, presented by Bacardi Limón. Now in its 13th year, Winter Party is a celebration of the social and cultural landscape of Miami, with proceeds benefiting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

ìWhile many of the people who attend Winter Party enjoy the club events, there are those who also seek to experience more of Miami's cultural offerings,î says Joe Guerrero , 2006 Winter Party Festival Co-Chair. ìWe have created events that will appeal to all segments of our diverse community, as well as encouraging involvement from the local community.î

Featured Cultural Events

Wednesday, March 1:

Movie Under the Stars ñ 8pm: The Surfcomber Hotel, 1717 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach. here! and the 8th Annual Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival present a special outdoor screening of the hilarious gay sports comedy Guys & Balls , set in a rural German town where soccer is everything. Tickets : $15 in advance / $20 at the door.

Thursday, March 2:

Miami Art Museum Welcomes Winter Party ñ 6pm: 101 West Flagler Street, Miami.  Enjoy complimentary cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and live music at a reception, followed by an illustrated talk by acclaimed artist James Rosenquist at 6:30pm. Tickets: Reception free to Winter Party guests; $5 for lecture.

Forces of Nature: An Evening of Powerful Performances ñ 8pm: Manuel Artime Theater, 900 SW 1st Street, Miami.  Winter Party Festival brings to the stage a group of nationally recognized and local performers whose powerful voices and razor-sharp wits are truly ìforces of nature.î Featuring comic legend Kate Clinton , Broadway star Billy Porter , opera legend Ada de Luque , along with local favorites the Rough Riders , Kevin & Caruso and the Miami Gay Men's Chorus . Meet the performers at a VIP reception following the show. Tickets : $55 in advance / $65 at the door / $100 VIP (includes post-show reception).

Friday, March 3:

Navigating Erotica at the World Erotic Art Museum ñ 6pm: 1205 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach. One of the newest additions to South Beach, the World Erotic Art Museum boasts the world's largest public collection of erotic art, with thousands of historical and contemporary pieces on view. Valued at some $10 million, the collection fills 12,000 square feet and has attained serious attention for its historic as well as its artistic value. Complimentary cocktails provided by Bacardi; hors d'oeuvres courtesy of The News Café.  Tickets: $15.

Dinner and the Symphony ñ 6pm: Dinner at The Van Dyke Café, 846 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 8pm Performance, New World Symphony, 541 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Following dinner at The Van Dyke Café, enjoy a fabulous performance of The Gypsy Violin at the New World Symphony. Two renowned artists ñ conductor Lawrence Foster and violinist Robert McDuffie ñ give the audience a glimpse into the passionate world of Hungarian music. Tickets: $125 ; Limited to 50 patrons.

Women's Wine Tasting ñ 7pm: Vine Wine Shop & Tasting Loft, 7657 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. This lesbian-owned wine shop is hosting a private tasting for the women of Winter Party, featuring wines and hors d'oeuvres from France and Spain. Tickets: $40; Limited to 30 Winter Party Festival attendees.

Artemisia at Fache Arts ñ 8pm: 2300 North Miami Avenue, Miami. This night of art, music and fashion for the women of Winter Party features works by some of South Florida's most talented female artists, music by DJ IQ and a special appearance by celebrity chef Sandee Birdsong , with her presentation of Glass Art and Food. Open bar by Bacardi.  Tickets : $20 advance / $25 door .

2(x)ist Presents Winter Party Runway: A Moonlight Fashion Extravaganza ñ 8:30pm: Euclid Circle, Lincoln Road at Euclid Avenue, Miami Beach. Winter Party hosts this showcase of fashions by 2xist, Red Carter and the students of Design & Architecture Senior High (DASH). The outrageous Elaine Lancaster is the emcee for the evening. Co-sponsored by Level Realty. Free.

Saturday, March 4:

Dinner and the Ballet ñ 6pm: Dinner at TiramesU, 721 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach; 8pm: Performance, Miami City Ballet, at the Jackie Gleason Theatre, 1700 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach. The program consists of Serenade (Tchaikovsky / Balanchine), Funny Papers (Pop Novelty Tunes / Taylor) and Symphony in C (Bizet / Balanchine).  Tickets: $125 (limited to 50 guests).

Complete details, including the entire schedule of Winter Party Festival events, may be found at www.winterparty.com .

Marilyn Monroe in ìLet's Make Loveî
to Highlight Valentine's Day Launch of
Forthcoming Erotic Film Festival Presented
at World Erotic Art Museum

In an homage to one of the world's most beautiful and gifted actresses, Marilyn Monroe's Let's Make Love will mark the Tuesday, February 14, 8pm Valentine's Day launch of the World Erotic Film Festival to be held thereafter on weekends at the World Erotic Art Museum, 1205 Washington Avenue.

A celebration of the woman who more than any other represented ìloveî in all its
erotic and sensual glory, the evening festivities will feature complimentary refreshments and gifts to all who attend.

Followed by the showing of Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange , starring Malcolm McDowell , Friday and Saturday, February 17, and 18, McDowell will again be seen as the star of Caligula , Friday and Saturday, February 24 and 25. The cartoon version of Marquis de Sade scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 3 and 4, will be followed by an ìEvening of Erotic Cartoons,î Friday and Saturday, March 10 and 11. Screenings will be at 8pm, with no additional charge added to the general museum entrance fee of $15.

With all films chosen to reflect a major aspect of the museum's collection, those attending Let's Make Love will have the opportunity to view several of the   paintings and artifacts that museum owner Naomi Wilzig has collected that track Monroe throughout her career. Let's Make Love co-stars French actor Yves Montand with whom Monroe had an affair during the making of the film in 1960.

A Clockwork Orange will be of particular interest to viewers for on display at the museum is the original art sculpture of the famous phallic prop which shocked audiences when the film was first shown in 1971. One of Kubrick's great masterpieces, A Clockwork Orange , with its theme of ultra sexual violence, can conceivably be viewed as the forerunner of such daring later films as Lolita , with its theme of sexual obsession, and his final film, Eyes Wide Shut , a compelling psychosexual journey, which starred Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman .

Malcolm McDowell, whose performance in A Clockwork Orange was as fierce as it was brilliant, will again star in the festival line-up as Caligula . Also starring such famed contemporaries as John Gielgud and Peter O'Toole , the 1979 film, sometimes described as ìthe largest budget porn film of all time,î traces the rise and fall of the sex-obsessed Emperor of Rome whose orgies were legendary and whose depiction by McDowell is considered to be one of the most graphic of his career.

ìBawdy, gleefully rude, and memorable,î is how New York Times critic, Janet Maslin, described the cartoon version of Marquis de Sade . Set in Bastille Prison in 1789 on the eve of the French Revolution, the off-beat film was conceived by satirist-caricaturist Roland Taylor . Based on the erotic writings of the famed 18th century aristocrat credited with having the name ìsadismî created in his wake, the cartoon imagery imagines de Sade in the company of a bizarre group of outrageous colleagues, all of whom are caught in the storm of the cultural and political revolution.

As befitting an erotic film festival, the final film in the current series will feature ìAn Evening of Erotic Cartoons,î a contemporary grouping of some of the more widely known cartoon characters whose fame is widely known and whose subject matter is bound to create an evening of old time ìcamp.î  

The World Erotic Art Museum is located at 1205 Washington Avenue. Seating is limited with advance tickets now on sale. The museum is open seven days a week from 11am to midnight. Admission is $15 per person which also includes viewing of the film.  

Further information is available by calling 305-532-9336 or by visiting www.weam.com .

PHOTO IDS

1. Malcolm McDowell in Caligula
2. A Clockwork Orange , starring Malcolm McDowell

James Denton of ìDesperate Housewivesî
to Headline ìDesigners & Darjeelingî at
The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass on Saturday, March 4ô

ìDesigners & Darjeeling,î a charity shopping tea featuring celebrity guest James Denton , will be held to celebrate the opening of The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass on Saturday, March 4 at 1pm. T he open-air shopping promenade adjacent to Sawgrass Mills® with a new collection of high-end luxury outlets and elegant dining options will serve as the venue for this event to benefit the Junior League of Boca Raton in support of JLBR C.A.R.E.S and Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale in support of Ronald McDonald House.

James Denton, well known for his role as Mike Delfino in the Golden Globe Award- winning ABC hit drama series ìDesperate Housewives , î will be the guest speaker at the charity event. Denton has appeared in several television shows, series and big-screen films, including ìOur Town,î ìFace/Offî and NBC's ìThe Pretender,î before landing his big role as the mysterious plumber on ìDesperate Housewives.î Denton recently hosted the 2006 Miss America pageant.

ìThis is a great way to celebrate The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass,î said Octavio Ortiz , general manager of The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass and Sawgrass Mills. ìS urrounded by a cast of characters on ëDesperate Housewives' who are always in fashion, Denton will be the perfect guest for the opening celebration of the upscale, high-fashion stores at The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass.î

Attendees of ìDesigners and Darjeelingî will also enjoy a delightful tea and the chance to participate in a silent auction with wonderful merchandise compliments of select stores at The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass. Anyone who purchases an event ticket will be eligible to enjoy a host of shopping privileges that are valid the entire day from 10am to 9 pm.

ìThis is a terrific opportunity for us to raise money for two charities that we support,î said Regan Such of the Junior League of Boca Raton and Erin Hemminger of the Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale. ìWe are very excited that our two chapters have the opportunity to partner together and we greatly appreciate that The Mills Corporation invited us to be a part of their grand opening celebration.î

The Junior League is an organization committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Tickets to ìDesigners & Darjeelingî are $40 in advance. Space is limited. To purchase tickets, contact the participating organizations or log onto www.thecolonnadeoutlets.com .

The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass offers an impeccable group of fine outlet stores including Barneys New York Outlet, Burberry, Coach Factory, Cole Haan Company Store, Crate & Barrel Outlet, David Yurman, Escada Company Store, Fitelle, Hugo Boss Factory Store, Kate Spade, Malo, MaxMara Outlet, Miss Sixty USA, Nurielle, Salvatore Ferragamo Company Store, St. John Company Store, Stuart Weitzman, Valentino and Vilebrequin. In addition, The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass features a relocated and expanded Neiman Marcus Last Call® Clearance Center, as well as a new outside entrance to OFF 5TH Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet.

Complementing these premium shops, an assortment of refined restaurants enhances this new addition. Grand Lux Cafe, already a popular dining spot in five other major U.S. cities, is now open and enjoying its debut in South Florida at The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass.  P.F. Chang's China Bistro and Villagio will open at later dates. In addition, Coco's Day Spa and Salon will offer luxurious pampering for men and women.

The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass will also host ìRole ModelsÖA Tribute to Arts & Culture,î on Friday, March 3 at 6:30pm. This prestigious event, with celebrity guest Ivana Trump , will honor seven outstanding individuals for their commitment to shaping the thriving arts and culture in the community. Seven respected arts organizations, including the African American Research Library & Cultural Center; ArtServe; Art and Culture Center of Hollywood; Broward Center for the Performing Arts; Florida Theatrical Association; Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, will share 100 percent of the proceeds.

Tickets for ìRole ModelsÖA Tribute to Arts & Cultureî are $100 per person or $1,000 per table. To purchase tickets, contact the participating organizations or call 954-730-7730, ext. 105. Event information is also available at www.thecolonnadeoutlets.com .

Two Blind Leaders Have Vision in Leadership

A momentous milestone was reached in celebrating the beginning of the 75th anniversary year for Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The organization will be run by two totally blind leaders. James Kracht, Esq. , has been installed as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, while recently Virginia Jacko was appointed President and CEO. Having these two blind leaders also creates a first in the history of all nationwide agencies providing rehabilitation services to the blind.  

This historical leadership team was validated by a congratulatory message from Carl Augusto , President of American Foundation of the Blind. "I do not know of another community based rehabilitation organization serving blind people that have both a CEO and board chair who are blind. On behalf of all of us at the American Foundation for the Blind, hearty congratulations on 75 years of outstanding service to people with vision loss in the greater Miami area. The Miami Lighthouse was one of the first organizations in this country to specialize in working with older people experiencing vision loss - and you've done it well for these many years!" Seventy-five years ago when Dolly Gamble and Helen Keller were instrumental in starting the Miami Lighthouse, they would have been incredulous about this historic moment.

Virginia and Jim were appointed for their talent and achievements, not because of their blindness. Their blindness does make them more sensitive to the needs of the blind and visually impaired, but the loss of sight never hampered them from being the best they could be. These two talented people continue with the Miami Lighthouse's history of insight in vision. Over the past 75 years, not only has the Miami Lighthouse assisted the sight-impaired, but has had a tradition of generating leaders. For example, those involved as board members raised the funds to purchase the land for Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, one of the world's most outstanding ophthalmic facilities; during World War II blind clients helped the war effort by helping to make military clothing, sorting aircraft nuts and bolts and other projects; due to many requests from those in our community, a program to specifically help blind babies and their families was created.

2006 is the Diamond Jubilee of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind, the largest and oldest agency in Florida providing services to those suffering from vision impairment. As CEO Jacko says, "A blind person can do anything a sighted person does, they just need to come to the Miami Lighthouse to learn how to do things differently." Many events are planned to celebrate this very special year including a 75th Anniversary Gala to be held on November 4th at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.

PHOTO IDS

1. Newly elected Lighthouse for the Blind Chairman of the Board James Kracht, Esq., and CEO/President Virginia Jacko

Art and Culture Center of Hollywood Offers
Master Class with Dance Now! Ensemble

The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood will present a master class taught by Dance Now! Ensemble's Co-Artistic Director Diego Salterini on Saturday, February 11, 2006. Appropriate for all skill levels, this jazz technique class will take place from 11am to 12:30pm at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, 1770 Monroe St. Theater doors open at 10:30am.

Originally from Rome, Salterini studied ballet and modern dance with Mamy Raoemeria, Ranko Yokoyama, Luc Buic, Michelle Ellis, and Flavio Bennati. He also participated in workshops both in Europe and the United States with teachers such as Max Stone, Susie Taylor, Roger Dillhaunty, Michelle Kadison, and Mia Michaels. Prior to coming to Miami in 1997, Salterini was the lead dancer and assistant choreographer for various Italian television and theater productions as well as a jazz dance teacher.

In Miami, he has danced with Momentum Dance Company, Karen Petersen and Dancers, Zanadu, Kevin Black Productions and Ballet Flamenco La Rosa. Salterini also worked in productions for Univision and on several music videos. In 1997, he formed the Dance Now! Ensemble with Hannah Baumgarten before returning to Italy the next year to perform in ìACID,î under the direction of Gisella Johnson. Salterini has also danced with the Michael Uthoff DanceTheatre as a founding member in 2003, and continues to work with Uthoff as principal dancer.

A teacher at private studios throughout South Florida, he serves as adjunct faculty at Florida International University, Dillard Center for the Arts, and Casa Dei Bambini, Montessori Environment. Salterini's choreography has been showcased at Florida Dance Festival and several venues throughout South Florida. He is also the choreographer for the pop girl-group The Gemz.

Cost is $12 per person. To register or receive more information, call 954-924-8175 or visit www.artandculturecenter.org .

2006 South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Debuts New Kidz Cooking Demonstrations
 
by Nancy Powell
Culinary/Special Events Columnist

It’s never too early to learn the art and science of cooking. Exuberant celebrity chefs and culinary personalities Emeril Lagasse, Rachael Ray, Alton Brown and Giada De Laurentiis all credit their Moms for piquing their culinary interests -- and now aim to do the same for your child by giving them an opportunity to learn some basic recipes from some big-name cooks that could even pay huge dividends later on. The demonstrations are each followed by a book signing!
 
Saturday, February 25, 2006: 11am: Cooking with Emeril Lagasse; 1:30pm: Cooking with Rachael Ray; Sunday, February 26, 2006: 11am: Cooking with Alton Brown; 1:30pm: Cooking with Giada De Laurentiis.
 
“Kidz Kitchen,” Grand Tasting Village, Ocean Drive & 13th St., Miami Beach, children 5-16yrs. (Children must be accompanied by an adult and adults must be accompanied by a child).
 
2006 South Beach Wine & Food Festival: Winning Wine Seminars
 
Saturday, February 25, 2006:
 
Taste Wine Like a Master Sommelier: Marriott, South Beach, 1-3pm, ($100): "double-blind tasting"; what professionals look for; and learn how to identify different varietals and styles of wine following the Master Sommelier technique of wine identification.
 
Barolo vs. Brunello: Marriott, South Beach, 10-11am, ($75). The battle royale of Italy’s reds! Barolo, the king of Piedmont and Brunello, the queen of Tuscany, side by side without any distractions.
 
“Wine Spectator” Magazine Wine Seminars: Hotel Inter-Continental, Miami, 10am-6pm, ($300). A serious education in the finer things in life in an all-inclusive daylong series – six distinct mini-courses and an informative “wine luncheon” - offers guests a comprehensive view of today’s vin scene, while sipping from your keepsake Riedel glass!
 
Sideways Taste-off: Pinot Noirs vs. Merlots: Marriott, South Beach, 12:30-1:30pm, ($75). This blind tasting pits a recent star of the silver screen, Pinot Noir, and the champion of red-wine sales, Merlot, against your taste buds.
 
Sunday, February 26, 2006
 
From Spain with Amor: Marriott, South Beach, 10-11am, ($75). Fall in love with some of Spain’s best wines (classics and up-and-comers) and pair them with delicious cuisine created by Mosaico Chef Juliana Gonzalez to compliment the featured vino!
 
Italy’s Noble Reds: Marriott, South Beach, 12:30-1:30pm, ($75). Taste the biggest, boldest reds Italy has to offer, from the timeless classics to the new stars on the scene including Barolo, Barbarescos, Super Tuscans, Amarones and much more!
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