On Saturday night I had the privilege of attending the Third Annual Legacy Gala at the Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach. For those of you who have never visited this historic site in our community, what are you waiting for? The rich history of the Spanish Monastery dates back to 1133 AD when it was built in Spain, and then brought to New York in 1925 by William Randolph Hearst in 11,000 wooden crates. The pieces were then purchased 26 years later and brought to North Miami Beach for reassembling, and then was purchased again and given to the Bishop of Florida. The Monastery is an active church in the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida.
The Annual Gala is hosted by the Ancient Spanish Monastery Foundation, the purpose of which is “to advocate and support the preservation of art, antiquities, of the historically-designated Cloisters and its grounds.
I have been to many historic churches and other edifices, both here and abroad, and I will tell you that the Cloisters of the Ancient Spanish Monastery are among the most beautiful I have seen. The architecture is absolutely magnificent.
This was the second Gala in a row that I attended, and this year the Foundation’s event was even more spectacular than last year’s. Strolling through the Cloisters during the cocktail reception, it was easy to imagine being in ancient Europe and not in the heart of North Miami Beach. One could almost sense the soft footsteps of the Monks who walked through these same hallways centuries ago. Councilwoman Barbara Kramer, who happens to be a Trustee of the Foundation, drew our attention to the stonemasons’ markings etched into the walls, I truly was in awe. The reception was lovely and the food catered by Macy’s Catering was delicious. The evening had a joyous atmosphere and the event was a rousing success on all counts.
Each year, the Foundation honors several “outstanding leaders of the community “whose lives and work of community service have left a legacy for the future and merit special recognition. This year, the foundation’s president, Dr. Janie Greenleaf and the foundation committee honored:
Dr. Eduardo Padron, President, Miami-Dade College
Mr. Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent, Miami-Dade Schools
The Honorable Rosemary Barkett, Federal Judge, 11th Circuit
Mr. Gerald Grant, Jr., Director, Financial Planning AXA
Dr. Steven & Silvia Vanni, Founders, Mystic Force Foundation
The guests were a varied mix of who’s who in our local community from not only North Miami Beach, but throughout Miami-Dade County. The event was hosted by WSVN Channel 7’s Vanesssa Medina, who also presented the awards. NMB Mayor George Vallejo welcomed the audience, and Dr. Paul George presented an Historian Review.
A musical and dance presentation by the very talented South Florida singer/songwriter Ariel Rose closed out the evening. Ms. Rose also happens to be a recent graduate of Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School.
Our city was well represented by Mayor Vallejo, Councilwomen Phyllis Smith, Councilwoman Barbara Kramer, City Manager Roslyn Weisblum, City Attorney Darcee Siegel, City Clerk Pamela Latimore and Public Works Director Shari Kamali.
Our County Commissioner Sally Heyman was also in attendance, as well as Miami-Dade School Board Members, Dr. Martin Karp, Dr. Lawrence S. Feldman, Dr. Wilbert “Tee” Holloway and Ms. Raquel A. Regalado.
Once again a truly great evening was had by all. It was wonderful to see so many North Miami Beach residents and Greater North Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors support The Ancient Spanish Monastery, our treasured gem.
Stephanie Kienzle
“Spreading the Wealth”
