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Mega Celebration for Leading Ladies
Starts Another Decade
by Phyllis Green
Special to EN&V
  
It was a party! A Real Party! Packed with fun-filled activities, entertainment and beautiful people! It was a Surprise Party, celebrating the ten glorious years that Leading Ladies has been supporting the Transplant Foundation here in Miami. In that time, the concept of a Transplant House for the families and patients awaiting and recovering from organ transplantation has become a reality; awareness of this medical phenomenon has become mainstream, and this organization that was started by eleven founding Board members boasts of having a roster of 400, and raising close to $800,000.
So, to commemorate this milestone, Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort hosted an exquisite Cocktail Hour last Wednesday for the many Leading Ladies and friends, and indeed they were among stars: President Nancy Sutton, Officers Katie King, Rodi Alexander, Phyllis Green, Holly Carroll, Candi Casino, Rachell Paston, Claudia Genteel, Lillyan Winepol, Past-Presidents Tootsie Singer Zander and Diane Lapin, Board Members, Beverly Berland, Louise Brown Brandman, Veronica Fuchs, Doris Glazer, Beverlee Gluck, Lillian Kaye, Sonia Klein, Eve Milgram-Linet, Dee Reiner, and Barbara Stuart. Adorable clown Josie O’Donnell, with her circus antics, sparked the lively crowd of well-wishers. Master of Comedy and Dialects Francesca lured the people into getting their fortunes told. Even in fun they thought she was a genuine seer. Over the petit Shrimp, Crudités, and Cocktails, prominently displayed vintage photos of the Board and Principals thrilled the onlookers, highlighted by a huge publicity poster of the late Bea Kalmus.
With an unexpected change from the Ballroom to the Bay Room, guests entered the decorated room amidst musical balloon centerpieces, hats, blowers, candy donated by Tootsie Zander and Lillyan Winepol, and souvenir birthday gifts, donated by Lil Kaye. After a “welcome” parody of “It’s Today” sung by Chairladies Phyllis Green, (hey, that’s me!) Rachell Paston and Claudia Genteel, President, Nancy Sutton addressed the filled-to-capacity crowd with her parody of “That’s Entertainment” called “We’re Leading Ladies.”
History was then made when Liaison Candi Casino presented the largest donation ever to Transplant Foundation Executive Director Eli Compton and Past-President Paul Klein: the $50,000 balance of an $80,000 bequeathal by beloved member, Bea Kalmus, through the efforts of her attorney Senator Paul Steinberg. Eli graciously accepted this and in turn presented a plaque of appreciation for 10 years of service. This was capped off with some warm stories told by Claudia Genteel about Bea, who was a former singer and forerunner of radio talk show hosting. After playing a short recording of Bea herself singing, Claudia lent her exquisite soprano to the strains of “It Had to be You.” Special Guest Jeff Goldstein spoke of his illness, which resulted in a double-lung transplant and answered several pertinent questions regarding his procedure, praising the efforts of the foundation assisting patients and families at their time of need.
Many surprises took place at this party, including the board, comprised of so many talented performers, on stage singing an impromptu “One” before the cake and ice cream. But the delicious cherry on top was most definitely in the personality of Star Entertainer, Andy Corridori, who arrived on the scene early that day to lend his sound-system, and then, hours later, exploded on stage with his movie star good looks, poise and multi-talents. With a fabulous singing voice, he delivered the likes and likenesses of Andy Williams, Tom Jones, Elvis, George Burns, Dr. Ruth, Kermit, and even Sarah Vaughn. His Michael Jackson rocked the house. This is a young man destined for stardom, so remember you saw him at Leading Ladies!
Yes, the day was longer than usual, but the support for this event was truly immeasurable: Barbara Malament, Reservationist, and her gals, Bookie Rogers and Gladys Lipton; Piano virtuoso and Arranger, Peter Fuchs for musical accompaniment: Veronica and her raffle sellers, Jack and Dee Reiner for the Spotlight pick-up and return, Louise and Rachell for it’s operation; Eve, Claudia, Lillyan, Katie, Lil, Nancy, Dee, Candi, Sonia, Veronica and all who contributed raffles; Holly Lipton and Rodi for distributing centerpieces; Mimi Z. for the shopping; Barbara Brighton and our other Holly for distributing membership forms; Diane for watching over the dolls in lace dresses that were given to contributors; Jordan Childs for auctioning a 2 night vacation at Trump International, our Super Stars Josie, Francesca and Andy, and all those wonderful people who remain pledged to this most essential charity. The people we can always count on. The people who always remember, we are all doing something very important; for there, but for the grace of G-d go I; or you.
PHOTO IDS
1. Sensational entertainer, Andy Corridori
2. Chairladies Rachell Paston, Phyllis Green, and Claudia Genteel, seated
3. President Nancy Sutton accepting plaque from Eli Compton, Executive Director, Transplant Foundation
The Miami Beach Antique Jewelry,
Watch and Fine Silver Show a Gold Mine
by Marguerite Gil
Arts and Entertainment Writer
It should have been a mob scene. It should have been a filled-to-capacity Miami Beach Convention Center crowd. Unfortunately, Wilma was blowing into town and the exhibitors were flying out; what a shame because we now know that Wilma was late for her Sunday rendezvous and the display cases at the MBCC could have continued showing some exquisite jewelry throughout the planned 3-day event.
We arrived on Saturday afternoon. Unlike in years past, the MBCC was lacking the usual multitude of jewelry aficionados, which resulted in a number of the out of town exhibitors packing up their expensive merchandise and heading for safer cities 24-hours ahead of schedule. Organizers decided to close the show one day early rather than risk staying open during the storm.
For the few of us who were present, (eureka !!!), it was like finding a gold mine. Window shopping for the “bling” was a breeze. Merchants were very helpful and more than willing to ‘negotiate’ with potential patrons. Needless to say, the quality of fine jewelry, high-end timeless pieces and the unique selection of gold and gemstones was unbeatable. Antique diamonds were brilliant, Columbian emeralds were captivating, rubies and sapphires were memorable and guests were thoroughly enthusiastic with their credit cards.
Several dealers shared their overall lack-of-client disappointment with us. But everyone untimely agreed, that safety was much more important than sales. Some of the exhibitors, with whom I spoke, assured me that they wouldn’t let this hurricane dissuade them from coming back next year. I certainly didn’t let Wilma keep me from taking advantage of some really great bling-bling bargains. It was truly a buyer’s market.
This event travels around the U.S.A. throughout the year. For a schedule of locations and dates, visit www.dmgantiqueshows.com.
Send your arts and entertainment events information to megs@gate.net.
PHOTO IDS
1. Legends in Time, specializing in antique jewelry, was a great place to shop at the show
2. The Miami Beach Antique Jewelry Watch & Fine Silver Show, waiting for clients on a Saturday afternoon
Photos by Marguerite Gil
La Paloma Restaurant’s Halloween Interactive
Murder Mystery Play Rescheduled to November 5
Due to Hurricane Wilma, "A Shot in the Dark" Halloween Murder Mystery Event at La Paloma Restaurant has been rescheduled from its original date of Sunday, October 30th. It will now take place on Saturday, November 5th at 7pm. All previous reservations will be honored for the new date.
La Paloma Restaurant is located at 10999 Biscayne Blvd. For more information, call 305-672-4357.
2005 Dranoff International Two Piano Competition
Begins with Thrilling Concert and Reception
 
The Dranoff International Two Piano Foundation kicks off its 2005 Dranoff International Two Piano Competition with a memorable concert and reception with past Dranoff gold medal winners on Tuesday, November 8, 2005 at 6pm in Coral Gables at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 50 Alhambra Plaza.
Four world-renowned pianists, 1993 gold medal winners German and Canadian artists Marcel and Elizabeth Bergmann, and 2003 gold medal winners Swedish and Chinese artists Per Tengstrand and Shan-shan Sun will raise the curtain on the 10th Dranoff International Two Piano Competition. The concert will take place on November 8 and will begin the celebration of the largest and most highly esteemed two piano competition in the world. The Dranoff Competition brings the cultural spotlight and hundreds of international visitors to Miami, and generates tremendous excitement enlightenment and engagement for our community members in the experience of an international music competition.
The Dranoff kickoff concert on Tuesday, November 8, featuring Duo Bergmann and Tengstrand-Sun Piano Duo will begin the 10th Dranoff International Two Piano Competition celebration with the music of Mozart, Ravel, Schubert, and Gershwin.
For more information, call 305-572-9900.
PHOTO IDS
1. The Bergmann Duo
2. The Tengstrand-Sun Piano Duo
DCA’s Annual Reception and Program
—A Good Night was had by All
The Dade Cultural Alliance held its Annual Reception and Program October 19th at the University of Miami's Clark Recital Hall. DCA board members David Alt, Laura Bruneyand Cheryl Jacobs organized the event, sponsored by the University of Miami, Select Vodka, and Catering by Loveables. Candidates supported by the DCA for upcoming elections were in attendance, including City of Miami District 5 candidate Georges William.
Highlights of the evening included guest speaker UM President Donna Shalala's keynote address, Grassroots Advocacy: Powerful Impact of Organized Arts Groups and Individuals and a Festival Miami Performance by the Frost Chamber Players. DCA members also elected the officers for their board of directors: Barry Steinman, Chair; Lilia Garcia, Vice Chair; Carleen Spano, Secretary, and Jose Garcia, Treasurer.
For more information, visit the DCA website at www.dadeculture.org.
PHOTO IDS
1. Dade Cultural Alliance board members Paul Thompson and Lilia Garcia enjoyed the festivities with Betsy Kaplan, Dr. Norman Gladsden, and former DCA chair, Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick at the DCA's Annual Reception and Program
South Florida Auto Show Unfazed by Hurricane
Despite the recent impact of hurricane Wilma, one of the nation’s largest auto shows will open on schedule Friday, November 4 in the Miami Beach Convention Center. The South Florida International Auto Show presented by Progressive Direct will exhibit more than 1,000 of the industry’s newest models.
“The storm is gone, power is up, and the new cars are on their way,” said Rick Baker, Executive Vice President of the South Florida Auto/Truck Dealers Association, sponsor of the 10-day show. “We expect lots of Wilma-weary people to visit the show. It’s something the whole family can enjoy. And everyone needs a break after this hurricane.”
Some lucky person will win a customized new 2005 Scion tC, this year’s giveaway car courtesy of Toyota, Southeast Toyota Distributors (SET) and Automundo Magazine. The show will fill one-million square feet with the newest 2006/2007 cars, trucks and accessories along with exotic motorcars in Million Dollar Alley presented by XM Satellite Radio, antiques in Memory Lane and beautiful bikes in Motorcycle Row. Press events will include the auto show debut of the all-new 2007 Cadillac Escalade and new models from Ferrari, Ford, Hyundai, Lincoln-Mercury, Maserati, Nissan and Subaru.
Tickets to this year’s show are $10 for adults and $3 for children 6-12. Discount tickets to the show are available at participating new car and truck dealerships and McDonald’s restaurants in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
The South Florida Auto-Truck Dealers Association, comprising more than 220 dealerships in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties, has been the official sponsor of the South Florida International Auto Show since 1971.
For more information on this year’s event, contact Show Coordinator Cliff Ray at 305-947-5950 or visit the auto show’s web site, www.sfliautoshow.com.
PHOTO IDS
1. More than 1,000 cars, trucks and SUV’s will be on display at the 35th anniversary South Florida International Auto Show presented by Progressive Direct, which runs from November 4 – 13 at the Miami Beach Convention Center
World Erotic Art Museum in Miami Beach
Now Open as a Major Tourist Attraction
by Ron Levitt
Contributing Writer
After visiting the new World Erotic Art Museum, it doesn’t take one long to realize he or she is getting a preview of an institution which will become one of the most visited venues in Miami Beach. What makes it most intriguing is, of course, the collection of valuable erotic art on display at this new museum, located at 1205 Washington Avenue. But, in addition to noting the neat and orderly historic collection is the realization that one woman, by herself, has been able to amass such a historic $10 million display. Insiders who were invited to the extraordinary opening of this one-of-a-kind museum were given a special inside-look at a multi-room display of gold, silver, bronze and sculptured art from around the world, spanning several centuries.
Author/benefactor Naomi Wilzig created this cultural attraction, which Miami Beach officials are already touting as one of the most unusual and interesting venues being offered to residents and visitors. Wilzig, a native of New Jersey, is the widow of the late Siggi Wilzig, the CEO and President of The Trust Company of New Jersey who gained international prominence as a founder of the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. and as the first Holocaust survivor to lecture cadets at West Point. It was their eldest son, Ivan, now founder of the Peaceman Charitable Foundation, who entreated his mother to “bring me some erotic conversation pieces” for his bachelor apartment.
Now, fourteen years later, visits to antique shops and flea markets across the United State and throughout Europe have resulted in Wilzig being acknowledged as one of the nation’s preeminent collectors of erotic art, amassing a collection of approximately 4,000 pieces considered to be the greatest collection of fine erotic art in the United States. She says that collecting has long since passed being “my little pastime. It is time to bring it to the public.”
Mrs. Wilzig—now-a Miami Beach resident—is the curator as well as the museum’s guiding light. She has entrusted the museum to a professional staff which includes General Manager Jeffrey Harris.
Wilzig explained that there is one erotic museum in California, but it just houses modern art, and one in New York which is primarily a library. “I want to be sure people understand our museum is all fine art…..this is not porn….only the finest in historic art collected over years.”
The museum is housed on 12,000 square feet of the mezzanine where patrons are greeted in a foyer dominated by the legendary Fountain of Diana, The Huntress. Proceeding through a carpeted series of fiber optic-lit cubicles, on display is an extraordinary mix of paintings, sculptures, and tapestries visually illustrating the historic perspective of erotic art drawn from the early days of the Roman Empire to the contemporary world of such memorable art sculptures as the famous male prop made famous in Stanley Kubrick’s controversial 1971 film, A Clockwork Orange. Wilzig has authored five books on her personal erotic art journey.
Michael Aller, Chief of Protocol for the City and its Tourism and Convention Director, said it was appropriate that such an exceptional exhibit “be located in the hottest destination in the world.” He said it will be a major magnet for visitors.
The World Erotic Art Museum contains a research library of over 250 volumes on erotic art purchased by Wilzig. Mrs. Wilzig explains that these are works of art that illustrate the evolution of erotica, the cultures and the time frames in which they were created. Patrons can view artistic treasures depicting the biblical era, Greek and Roman mythology, antiquities from Asia, China, Japan, India and Africa. Contemporary art is also prominent. Discovered through Wilzig’s global travels, the various works illustrate some of the most controversial political and sociological issues in recent decades.
The World Erotic Art Museum is open seven days from 11am to midnight. Admission is $15 per person. For more information, call 305-532-9336 or visit www.weam.com.
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