Community Newspapers SERVING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SINCE 1958
MAY 24, 2010
TRIBUNE
Biscayne Bay
Coconut Grove residents host visit by President Clinton
Movie theater first phase of new entertainment complex
P
BY BECKY MANUEL aragon Theaters, the entity founded by the former executives of Muvico, is moving full-steam ahead with a new entertainment complex at CocoWalk in Coconut Grove. The first component of the complex will be a 1,500-seat luxury movie theater featuring reserved stadium seating, the only all Sony 4K high-definition digital projection in Miami, three 3D screens, valet parking, deluxe concessions, and full bar service. Such amenities promise amusement for patrons of all ages. The theater will open its doors the week-
Miami trial attorney Ira Leesfield and wife Cynthia hosted a private dinner at their Coconut Grove home on Sunday, Apr. 18, for good friend President Bill Clinton in support of the Clinton Foundation’s Global Initiative. At the exclusive event, President Clinton led a roundtable discussion on the Foundation’s work throughout the world and its current role in Haiti’s relief efforts. Twenty people attended, raising some $200,000 for the Foundation. Clinton’s visit to the Leesfield home coincided with his trip to Miami for his annual philanthropic summit, the Clinton Global Initiative University. Pictured (l-r) are Cynthia Leesfield, Jennifer Leesfield, President Bill Clinton, Ira Leesfield and Michael Leesfield (in front).
VOL. 28, NO. 21
end of June 4 with the much-anticipated film Sex and the City 2. Future plans for the project include luxury bowling, a private screening room with alternative content such as sporting events and concerts, and the opening of the trendy bar/lounge, U Bar. “We are thrilled about the opening of this unique complex; it will be such an important addition to the heart of this area,” said Bob Whelan of PMAT, the owner of CocoWalk. “The residents of Coconut Grove and the surrounding areas have eagerly awaited the finalization of this project, and the results will
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THEATER, page 2
Triumphal march for NWSA students going to graduation
Voices United’s Brunch raises funds for kids’ arts programs
V
BY SUSANNE PINEDO
oices United (VU), a Miamibased non-profit organization for children, devoted to promoting cultural diversity through the arts, had a successful brunch fundraiser on Sunday, Apr. 25, at the home of former Key Biscayne Councilmember Patricia Woodson Weinman in Key Biscayne. The event was organized by several of the town’s residents. More than 100 community members were in attendance, including former Miami-Dade
School Board member Betsy Kaplan; Lilia Garcia, former director of the Division of Life Skills and Special Projects for MiamiDade County Public Schools; Carole Masington, community activist and retired founding president of Informed Families/The Florida Family Partnership Inc., who also helped organize the brunch fundraiser. All three have been supporters of VU for more than 20 years. Also in attendance were many Voices United alumni.
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VOICES, page 2
New World School of the Arts (NWSA) celebrated its College Commencement ceremony on Apr. 27 in Miami’s historic Gusman Center for the Performing Arts. The 2010 graduating class of 67 performing and visual art students paraded triumphantly to the beat of African drummers from the famed arts conservatory through the streets of downtown Miami, where parents, friends and onlookers snapped photos and yelled congratulatory words. For the young artists, it was a remarkably beautiful afternoon because they had just accomplished their dream of becoming BFA or BM college graduates. More information is available online at <nwsa.mdc.edu> or 305-237-3135.