South Florida's Entertainment News & Views: Local

On July 4th, my life as I know it was changed. My beautiful daughter, Wendy, was en route to her brother’s house for her nephew’s birthday party, but, as we waited, she was in a serious car crash. We didn’t get a call, (a call a mother should never have to hear), but after she was one hour late, I told my son, Barry, to call the police. Call it intuition; I knew something was terribly wrong. The police told him to call the hospitals. He called Hollywood Memorial, and to our horror, she was there, cut out of her car by the jaws of life and air lifted to the Trauma Center. We left my son’s house in a caravan of cars; Don and I, her father Larry Friedman and his family, all of us in complete disbelief. Our trip to the unknown was in silence; other than my son calling the hospital for a report. No news…“still being worked on.”
When we arrived at the hospital, we were given the news that Wendy had suffered a crushed pelvis, ruptured bladder, neck fracture, shoulder injury, collapsed lung, and broken ribs. “Sit tight,” they told us, as they attended to her. And so we did, for five frightening weeks, with the help and strength of wonderful friends and family, all of whom brought food, tokens, prayers and love.

What would we have done without Phyllis and Sam Green? Bookie and Dave Rogers, Howard Salus (who kept everyone posted on her progress), Ken Adams, who was at the hospital at 9:00am every morning so that he could get the report for me before I took the long walk to I.C.U. to find out how she fared throughout the night. He greeted me with encouragement; “Wendy did very well last night.” I am so very grateful to everyone who came and supported us; people from the ship lines who sat vigil with us and prayed; Robin, Sue, Mary Ann, Diane, Eli Compton’s phone call from Norway. All our friends: Sharon and Jay, Toby and Lolly, Eve and Rhonda, Sharon and Rabbi Sam who prayed with me in the chapel, Larry Toppal, Jerry and Peggy Grant, Audre and Bobby Breen, Jim Potrock from out of nowhere bearing gifts, who had Bagel Cove send cookies, Sonia and Julie who called often from New York, Rodi and Mark, Holly and Vic, Gladys, Nancy, Barbara, Francesca, Doris, Lilyan, Sandy, Josie O’Donnell whose angel I held in the palm of my hand for 5 weeks, Sal Richards, who cried, when after a tracheotomy, Wendy finally spoke to him, Richard Terry (what a stand-up guy) who gave blood, Norman (Candid Camera), his wife Gita, who also gave blood. Wendy required 10 units of blood; we gave back 16, thanks to some wonderful people.
Thanks to all of my Leading Ladies, the Transplant Foundation, Footlighters, and everyone for caring and calling (forgive me if I have forgotten anyone, the doctors say that I have been in shock as well). My son and daughter-in-law, and grandson (who stood on a step stool to kiss her forehead in ICU), Aunt Joan, who held me up, her daughters Robin and Caryn with Lance and Rachel, the fabulous trauma doctors (we call the Dream Team) at the wonderful Hollywood Memorial Hospital, a #1 trauma center.

Heartfelt thanks to all of Wendy’s friends: Karen and Paul, Deanna and Scott, who spoon-fed her for 3 days to give her nourishment, Terri, Seth and Sophie, Debbie, who held my hand, Melissa, Seth and his sister who gave blood, Kristy, who bought soft pillows for us to rest better, Lynda and Yvette, who kept saying “she’s gonna make it,” April for all the cookies she baked for the waiting room, Ingrid, Danny for the blood and flowers, and caring, Rebecca, his mother, for giving blood.

They say, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Special thanks to Amy Rogers, Wendy’s fabulous assistant and close friend, who held the office together, and love to my husband, Don Casino, who set up our den into a hospital room for Wendy to come home to rehabilitate.

Wendy goes back to the hospital this week to have her fixator removed. After that, she has 5 more weeks before she can get up and walk. Her rehab will be hard, but she’ll do it because she’s brave, beautiful, and stubborn. Until then, she’s with Don and me at our home, with thanks to Gerlie and Cherry, who watch her 24 hours a day. Look for another progress report; we’ll keep you posted. Thanks for your prayers…they worked.

Love,
Candi and Don

P.S. To Robin Cahill at RCCL, Sue Carper at NCL, Roger Hawk at Princess, Cheryl Fleur at Holland America; G-d Bless all of you… you held us together…this is unconditional love.

PHOTO IDS

1. Wendy Friedman

Miami City Ballet School Announces
Adult Open Classes

Miami City Ballet School will offer Adult Open Classes beginning Tuesday, September 7, 2004. Adults of all ages and levels of dance experience can have fun while keeping in shape in special Jazz and Ballet classes taught by dance experts at the Miami City Ballet School. Classes are to take place at Miami City Ballet’s studios at 2200 Liberty Avenue on Miami Beach. There is a $12 (cash only) fee for each class. Cards good for 8 classes can also be purchased for $80.

Teaching the Jazz classes will be Richard Amaro, an international master Jazz teacher. Intermediate/Advanced Jazz classes will be held on Tuesdays and Fridays from 6-7:30pm. A Beginning/Intermediate Jazz class will be held on Thursdays from 6-7:30pm. A Beginning/Stretch class will be held on Saturdays from 10-11:30am. Mr. Amaro has danced in film, television, commercials, numerous Broadway shows including West Side Story, Jerome Robbins Broadway and Kiss of the Spider Woman, as well as music videos with Prince, Tina Turner, Vanessa Williams and Michael Bolton. He has choreographed Chita Rivera and All That Jazz, Dreamgirls National Tour, and the music video “Diamonds and Pearls” for Prince.

Whitney Shulman will teach an Open Ballet Class on Mondays from 6:30-8pm. Ms. Shulman has danced professionally as a soloist with Boston Ballet, Ballet Internationale, Indianapolis Ballet, Ballet Arizona and Demetrius Klein Dance Company. She has a BFA in dance from the State University of New York, Purchase College.

Glenn Harris, a full-time instructor with the Miami City Ballet School, will teach an Open Ballet Class on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-11:30am. Mr. Harris, born in New Zealand, began his career with the Australian Ballet where he danced in soloist and principal roles. He then performed with the Opernhaus Ballet in Zurich and the Joffrey Ballet in New York. He has also appeared in Broadway hits including Carousel and Fosse.

Miami City Ballet School has a state-of-the-art facility and is considered to be among the top ballet training grounds in the country. The School is under the direction of Linda Villella. The curriculum is based on the dynamic evolution of classical dance as it enters the 21st century and beyond. The teachers and staff are dedicated to providing complete preparation for the demands of a professional career in dance including technique, role characterization, presentation, and the various elements of staging.
For more information, contact the Miami City Ballet School at 305-929-7007.

Women’s Fund Raises $5,000
for Youth Ballet Program

The Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade County raised approximately $5,000 for the Thomas Armour Youth Ballet Scholarship Program at an event recently held at the 1390 Brickell Bay, a new luxury condominium being developed by The BBB Group.

More than 100 members and guests gave donations to the Thomas Armour Youth Ballet Scholarship Program, which provides classical ballet training to disadvantaged children throughout South Florida. Kenneth Baboun, President of The BBB Group, contributed a matching donation from the proceeds raised at the event. Fortune International, Miami’s foremost residential real estate and brokerage firm, also donated funds to the program.

“The success of this event came from the thoughtfulness of our members and the strong support of Kenneth Baboun, The BBB Group and Fortune International,” said Tiffany Zientz, Director of Development for the Women’s Fund. “The sales center for 1390 Brickell Bay was a beautiful location for the event and we couldn’t be happier with the results.”

All of the proceeds from the event will be used to fund the expansion of the program to a second facility in Homestead, Florida. The donations received at the event will help to “build out” an already donated space, purchasing items such as leotards, tights and ballet slippers for at least 60 girls, dance barres, wall mirrors, and a sound system. As a result of a $5,000 grant from the Women’s Fund in 2003, a satellite program in ballet instruction was set up in collaboration with the Miami Dade Public School System at Morningside Elementary School.

Located between Brickell and the Bay, 1390 Brickell Bay combines luxury and location with an unsurpassed value. Available one- and two-bedroom residences are priced from $200,000 to more than $1 million. That price includes designer finishes plus all of the on-site amenities and services one would expect in a luxury Brickell building. These facilities include two heated pools, recreational sun deck with city and bay views, and a fully-equipped fitness center, while residences feature nine-foot ceilings, granite kitchen countertops, marble flooring in master bathrooms, full-size washer and dryer, spacious walk-in closets and more.

With sales recently surpassing 75 percent, the 374-residence, $150 million tower is being developed by Miami-based BBB group. Bernard Zyscovich, the mastermind behind the Lincoln Road Retail and Cinema Complex, China Grill and the refurbishment of the historic St. Moritz hotel, serves as architect, creating 1390 Brickell Bay’s distinctive three-tiered design that should, upon completion, add a dramatic statement to Brickell Avenue’s waterfront skyline. Fortune International, Miami’s premier, full-service residential real estate firm, serves as the exclusive brokerage in charge of the sales and marketing for 1390 Brickell Bay Zyscovich.

The Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade is 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. The Fund is a catalyst for social change and economic justice with the goal of creating a community where all women and girls reach their full potential. Its grant making, along with advocacy, training and community building are the key elements used to achieve this goal. Through the years, the work of the Women’s Fund has focused on the indisputable connection between poverty, low self-esteem, inadequate healthcare, job access, domestic violence, sexual assault…and being female. To address these inadequacies, it funds innovative programs that are preventative, confront discrimination, promote leadership and foster economic self-sufficiency.

For a private tour of 1390 Brickell Bay, call 305-372-1390, visit the sales center at 1401 Brickell Avenue, Miami, or visit www.1390brickellbay.com. To learn more about the Women’s Fund or make a donation, visit www.womensfundmiami.org.

PHOTO IDS

1. Edgardo Defortuna, Ina Charles and Andrea Greenberg
2. Kenneth Baboun, Tiffany Zientz, Jennifer Tisthammer, and David Evensky

NOTABLES Founder and President Bella Goldstein
Caps Decades of Exemplary Leadership
to Fundraiser Organization
Goldstein Steps Up to Chairman’s Post,
While Dworkin Becomes New President

It was as much a labor of love for the community, as it was a gift of solitude for her husband of more than 32 years. When the late builder/developer Lester L. Goldstein embarked on his legal education in fall of 1975, his successful realtor-auctioneer wife Bella “got out of my way for three years [and] got herself heavily involved in charities, so her days were full of meaningful things,” he stated in a 1989 “Man of the Year” profile in Miami Today.

One of the meaningful things to result from Bella Goldstein’s foray into philanthropy is the Alzheimer’s Care Committee/NOTABLES of Douglas Gardens. The birth of the group, which she single-handedly established with Lester’s support in January 1987, marked the arrival of the area’s first and only major fundraising organization exclusively dedicated to Alzheimer’s. It was originally the brainchild of her brother, the late Louis C. Fischer, who was then Assistant Director of Development at the Miami Jewish Home & Hospital for the Aged at Douglas Gardens, where she is a FOUNDER and volunteer.

Launched as a two-person team of volunteers, NOTABLES is today a powerhouse fund-raiser to a growing multi-million-dollar endowment that supports special Alzheimer's programs at Douglas Gardens and in the community. With a roster of national and international supporters that reads like a social registry, the organization’s ranks now number more than 1,500, with chapters in Miami-Dade, Aventura and Broward.

“It wasn’t very easy in those early days to garner support for Alzheimer’s care,” recalls Goldstein, whose fundraising efforts netted over $1 million during the organization's first two years of operation. “But anyone who knows me can tell you I refuse to take ‘no’ for an answer, especially when it’s something this important and close to my heart,” she says of the disease that now affects an estimated 4.5 million Americans. “Our vision was to create a resource in the community that would provide care in the absence of a cure for this devastating disease."” Buoyed in large part by generous underwriting from corporations and individuals, including South Florida’s prominent Potamkin family, “we have succeeded far beyond my wildest imagination.”

After nearly two decades of service to the organization she founded, Bella Goldstein has announced she will step down as NOTABLES President. The change in guard elevates Goldstein to Chairman’s status of the organization that will kick off its 2004-2005 social season later this fall.

Mickey Dworkin, who currently serves as Co-Vice President of the Miami-Dade chapter alongside Hildine Potashnick, will in turn assume the presidential post. The installation will take place during the group’s October 26 opening meeting and season preview luncheon at the Wyndham Miami Beach Resort.

Dworkin, of North Miami Beach, was presented with the 2004 Forge Award for her work in support of Douglas Gardens’ Alzheimer’s programs and medical services at NOTABLES’ Celebrity Gala held earlier this year. A past president of The Cancer Lifeline and Grand Founder of the University of Miami’s Department of Pediatrics, she was also instrumental in securing increased corporate funding to expand programs at the Louis C. Fischer Alzheimer’s Adult Day Services center in Miami—a key beneficiary of NOTABLES fundraising.

“Mickey has extensive leadership experience in the organization,” Goldstein says of her friend and colleague. “Above all, she has the tenacity and determined drive to lead the NOTABLES organization forward in its goals” of growing the support programs and expanding the organization's presence in the Broward and Palm Beach communities, among other aims.

Goldstein says her decision to step down was sparked by her desire to expand the organization, and groom new leadership for the philanthropic community.

“NOTABLES is by no means a traditional group,” says Goldstein. “Yes, a lot of our growth is from within, among family membership enrollments. But we have a growing influx of young business professional [such as noted interior designer and Aventura chapter President Stuart Geller] who want to—and need to—become more involved in the issues affecting the world.”

A successful businesswoman whose work as a volunteer with various health agencies includes the Miami Jewish Home and Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Bella Goldstein has blazed an impressive trail across South Florida.

Among her decorated volunteer record, she helped launch the “Project: New Born” philanthropic organization of the Newborn Neonatal Special Care Center of the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. She has also used her creative talents and networking skills to benefit the Diabetes Research Institute, the Zoological Society of Florida, Metrozoo and other organizations.

Although lessening the leadership reins, she has no intentions to decrease her service with the NOTABLES organization or her impact on the community she helped shape.

“I love taking care of the babies and the elderly, because the less vulnerable in between [those stages] can certainly take care of themselves,” she quips. “One does not ‘retire’ from caring for others and working to better the community in which we all live.”

Fun and Philanthropy Run Neck-and-Neck
at FOUNDERS and Men’s Club Annual
“Day at the Races”

A lightning fast steed named Baldski’s Line rode the muddy trail to victory during the fourth relay at Calder Race Course. Sponsored by the Miami Jewish Home & Hospital for the Aged at Douglas Gardens, the horse race was all a part of a fun-filled “Day at the Races” hosted by the Home’s FOUNDERS and Men’s Club auxiliaries.

Chaired by FOUNDER and Men’s Club statesman Solomon Garazi, owner of the powerfully built Master Fly that placed third in the opening race, the benefit this year drew a crowd of nearly 100 spectators and gaming enthusiasts to the popular Miami track. The social, which held court in the private Turf Club, was also co-chaired by FOUNDER Ruth Neinken; George Stein, a FOUNDER and Past President of Men’s Club, who now serves on the group’s executive board; and the Executive Vice President of Men’s Club, Howard Stein, recent recipient of the prestigious Florida Health Care Volunteer of the Year award.

The annual “Day at the Races” event, which raises funds for programs and services as the landmark Home & Hospital for the Aged—the Southeast’s most comprehensive geriatric care facility since its establishment in the late 1940s—is a prelude to the Home's exciting 2004-2005 social season that kicks off later this fall.

In addition to the grand 22nd Annual FOUNDERS Gala on December 11 honoring “First Lady” Hazel Cypen and Chairman of the Board Emeritus and Honorary President Judge Irving Cypen, the season promises some competitive golf and tennis play during the 2005 SunTrust/Douglas Gardens Classic co-sponsored by Men’s Club at Westview Country Club on March 16, 2005.

Beginning on October 20, Men’s Club will launch its latest series of informative bi-monthly speakers' series, “Men’s Club Matters,” including keynote addresses from Bio-Feedback expert Dr. Bernard S. Brucker from the University of Miami, and Wall Street whiz Nikki Ross.

For more information on the Men’s Club, including membership and investment opportunities, contact Development Associate Judy Fisher at 305-751-8626, ext. 2178. To learn more about Douglas Gardens’ FOUNDERS program, contact Director of Development Norma A. Orovitz at 305-751-8626, ext. 2124.

Miami Children’s Museum
Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Miami Children’s Museum will celebrate its one-year anniversary with a series of events throughout the month of September 2004, culminating with the museum’s first annual fundraising gala, “Be a Kid Again,” on October 2, 2004.

“Our first year of operation has been amazing,” said Deborah Spiegelman, Executive Director, Miami Children’s Museum. “We surpassed our attendance and membership goals and launched an incredible roster of programs including birthday parties, field trips, classes, camps, clubs and special events. We’re grateful to the community for embracing and supporting us. We look forward to continue bringing educational enrichment and entertainment to every child in our dynamic city.”

Roster of Events
In celebration of its first birthday, MCM’s signature Skyline Cone will be lit up in special colors through to the gala!

Tuesday, September 7, 11am—Birthday Bash—Stop by the museum and help Miami Children’s Museum blow out candles in celebration for our 1st birthday! Join MCM for birthday cake and for unique, free and fun drop-in activities themed around our birthday celebration. Admission to the museum is free for MCM members and children under 12 months; adults and children $10.

Saturday, September 11, 10am-6pm—Community Heroes Day—Visitors can enjoy demonstrations from our local heroes including City of Miami Police Department and City of Miami Fire Department, among others. Admission to the museum is free all day in honor of our community heroes.

Friday, September 17, 6:30-8:30pm—Free Museum Evenings—Come and explore hundreds of bilingual, interactive exhibits; special entertainment; hands-on art activities and birthday cake. Admission to the museum is free from 6:30-8:30pm.

Saturday, September 18, 11am—2004 Young Art Exhibition—The Young Art Exhibition is a cooperative effort between the Miami Children’s Museum, the Italian government, Carpe Diem and the Children’s Museum in New York, to showcase the children’s artwork internationally. The exchange took children’s art from Miami and New York to Italy in May 2004 and children’s art from Italy to the Miami Children’s Museum beginning September 18. Admission to the museum is free for MCM members and children under 12 months; adults and children $10.

Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26, 10am-6pm—Drop-in Activities—Join the MCM for unique, free and fun drop-in activities themed around our birthday celebration. Admission to the museum is free for MCM members and children under 12 months; adults and children $10.
Saturday, October 2, 2004, 8:30pm—Be a Kid Again Gala—Come out and play for the museum’s first annual fundraiser and silent auction. Honorary Chairpersons Tracy and Alonzo Mourning lead an evening that calls for everyone to bring out the child within. Proceeds benefit the museum’s educational programs. Tickets are $175 per person. For more information, contact Lisa Bowser, 305-373-KIDS (5437), ext. 130 or email lisa@miamichildrensmuseum.org.

To learn more about the Miami Children’s Museum and its anniversary events, call 305-373-KIDS (5437) or visit www.miamichildrensmuseum.org.

EuroKitchen to Exhibit Designer Italian Kitchens
at Miami Home Design and Remodeling Show
September 3 - 7

EuroKitchen, the leading Italian kitchen and bath designer in South Florida, will be an exhibitor at the Miami Home Design and Remodeling Show from September 3rd through 7th at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Attendees will be able to preview five fully outfitted models, ranging from traditional to contemporary and sleek ultra modern, and order the kitchens of their dreams direct from the manufacturer at factory prices.

EuroKitchen offers European styling, the finest craftsmanship and competitive prices. Since the company designs all products in Italy and stocks locally millions of dollars in inventory at all times, buyers can have high-quality kitchens delivered and installed in days.

For more information on EuroKitchen or to make an appointment to visit the showroom, located at 7500 NW 41st Street in Miami, call 305-513-0066.

The Miami Home Design and Remodeling Show is Florida’s largest home related event and is open to the public. The event showcases over 1,200 products of the finest home furniture, accessories and design and remodeling services.

For more information and show hours, call 305-667-9299.

PHOTO IDS
1. EuroKitchens

The Waverly at Surfside Opens Sales Center

The Waverly at Surfside has opened its onsite sales center at 9201 Collins Avenue. The condominium community offers two living options; The Waverly Garden Villas, comprising villa-style residences in a four-story building, as well as The Waverly Beach Tower, a 12-story building with 64 residences priced from the low $300s, recently sold 85 percent of its units in just one week. Sales Manager Ileana P. Caballero of Coldwell Banker The Condo Store, along with Kate Thomas and Christine Schubert, two dedicated sales associates, are on hand to give property tours, show the 1,100 square-foot model residence, and help buyers select floorplans.

The residences in The Waverly Garden Villas are priced from the low $300s and are ready for immediate occupancy. One, two, and three bedrooms range from 835 to 1,608 square feet.

Residents of both buildings enjoy shared community amenities, including a private beach club with direct ocean access, an infinity-edge oceanfront swimming pool, a garden pool with spa, state-of-the-art fitness center and volleyball court. Indoors are an executive conference room, a club room with lounge and billiards table and covered parking.

The Waverly at Surfside is being converted by Atlanta-based Margolias Realty Group. Coldwell Banker The Condo Store is the exclusive sales agent. Mauriz/Salazar & Associates is the architect. The Garden Villas are located at 9172 Collins Avenue; The Beach Tower is located at 9201 Collins Avenue.

For more information, call 305-867-8778, or log onto www.waverlysurfside.com.

PHOTO IDS
1. The Waverly at Surfside

The Q Club Secures $110 Million
Construction Loan

The Q Club Resort & Residences, the 333-unit oceanfront condo/hotel in Ft. Lauderdale Beach, has secured its $110 million construction loan. The Miami office of Holliday Fenoglio Fowler LP, arranged the financing on behalf of the developers, who began construction onsite at 505 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd. with their own capital three months ago. Completion is scheduled for fall 2006.

“Our sales have exceeded 65 percent and Stiles Corp. is making solid progress on the project. The collaborative team effort has enabled us to move forward with delivering an unsurpassed lifestyle in an architecturally enticing building,” notes Picot & Co.’s Rosalia Picot, Sales and Marketing Manager for The Q Club.

Robert Kaplan, Managing Director of Holliday Fenoglio Fowler LP, agrees that the strength and the integrity of the development team positioned them to secure favorable financing. “The banks were extraordinarily enthusiastic about providing the capital necessary to assist the developer in executing his business plan.”

Taking shape on almost two acres of prime oceanfront land, The Q Club will be a clean, contemporary-style building with a spectacular sixth-floor pool deck that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Through Hilton Hotels Corporation, which will be managing and operating the condo/hotel, The Q Club will also offer 24-hour valet, security, concierge, a multilingual front desk, daily housekeeping, room service and laundry facilities. There will also be 12,000 square feet of ground-floor retail with an oceanside bistro.

Fully furnished, finished and outfitted studios, one and two bedrooms and penthouse residences range from the mid $300s to over $2 million.
Visit the onsite sales center, call 954-727-9995, or visit www.Qclubresort.com.

PHOTO IDS
1. Q Club

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