O c to b e r 2 0 1 2 • v o l.1 0 • is s u e 5 - South Florida Social

October 2012 • vol.10 • issue 5

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October 2012 | www.SouthFloridaSocial.com | facebook.com/SouthFloridaSocial

Finally, we are back. 

Because we ended last season 

with the May issue, we have had an 

extraordinarily long sabbatical; thus, it’s 

even harder to get back into work! 

The best part of the beginning of the 

season for me is that it also is the beginning 

of football season! 

Don’t ask me why, but I joined a Fantasy 

Football League. 

Like the Dolphins, I am off to a dismal 

start (could that be because I missed the 

online draft?). 

Nonetheless, it’s fun and hopefully my 

team will put up with my neophyte ways. 

For the charity world, it doesn’t get better 

than South Florida. Throughout the summer, 

invitations continued to pour in which 

means that many of you are continuing 

your work throughout the summer season. 

After all, people in need, innocent children 

left abandoned or abused, and abandoned 

or abused pets never take a vacation. 

Summer for me included several fun 

trips, including one back to Tennessee for 

a class reunion. (Let me warn you, this is 

dangerous territory for anyone over 60.) 

Be prepared for meeting a lot of people 

who are much older than you. I mean, really, 

I didn’t recognize many of my former 

classmates until they came up and began 

talking. I even asked one classmate, to my 

later dismay, “What did you teach?” 

A table was set up with the senior class 

photographs of those who had passed on. 

Among them were my first kiss (spin the 

bottle), my first crush and many former 

good friends. 

I recognized more people on the table 

than I did of those who attended. 

But it was a rewarding experience. 

I visited my best friend in high school 

and her family, as my parents are both deceased. 

I had forgotten the beautiful dewsplashed 

mornings, listening to the mocking 

birds as they flew to the bird feeder 

on the front porch (That’s right, the front 

porch.) People in the South love to sit on 

the front porch. A quiet calm reigned over 

the nights, with a stillness that we never 

hear in this part of South Florida. 

And the hospitality and southern cooking! 

I guess you have to be from the South 

to appreciate that, but it is catching on, 

as my sophisticated New York daughter 

occasionally tells me she enjoyed “cornbread” 

at a restaurant in the city. 

From the class reunion, it was off to 

D.C. where I joined friends from Amsterdam 

(these contacts came about through a 

student who stayed with me one summer 

while studying English here). We were 

there for a global insurance conference. 

But we had plenty of time for sightseeing. 

We stayed at the luxurious, 4-star 

Ritz-Carlton at 1150 22nd St., NW in 

downtown D.C. 

The hotel was wonderful, just a short 

walk to the White House, Georgetown 

and several other landmarks along Pennsylvania 

Avenue. 

Tourists and protesters were in abundance 

in front of the White House, along 

with thousands of Girl Scouts who were 

celebrating their 100th anniversary. 

We all were hurriedly whisked away from 

the front of the White House when President 

Obama’s helicopter came in to land. 

We also visited the Arlington National 

Cemetery (by taxi). This is a tremendously 

moving experience, and gave me 

renewed respect for our fallen heroes 

who gave the greatest gift one can give 

for their country: their lives. The 200-acre 

picturesque site has daily “funerals” and 

guests are free to tour the grounds at their 

own pace. 

D.C. is a fabulous trip in the summer 

with so much to do. By taxi, we went to 

the quaint city of Alexandria for dinner. 

Luckily for me, the place that we initially 

had planned to dine had more than an 

October 2012 | www.SouthFloridaSocial.com | facebook.com/SouthFloridaSocial 

fromthepublisher 

hour wait to be seated, so we opted for 

The Fish House where I spent my time 

running between the restaurant and the 

sports bar to watch the Heat play Boston 

in the play-offs. A shocking experience to 

be surrounded by people who did not appreciate 

our Heat, and there were plenty 

of good-natured barbs between me and 

a gentleman at the bar until my friends 

came and rescued me. (I’ll bet those same 

people have new respect for our Miami 

Heat today!) 

If you’re planning a visit to D.C., 

I highly recommend the Ritz-Carlton 

where we stayed. And be sure to include 

access to the Club Lounge on the 9th floor 

in your reservation. 

It gives you an intimate opportunity to 

meet fellow guests, and also enjoy free 

cocktails, a continental breakfast, hors 

d’oeuvres and desserts or cordials. 

If Curtis is still there as concierge, be sure 

you ask him for his incredible Cappuccino. 

That about does it for my travels, with 

the exception of family visits to Virginia 

and New York. 

On a serious note, please don’t forget to 

vote in November. I implore you to not let 

your emotions nor all the pundits decide 

whom you will choose. Instead, my hope 

is that you will carefully study everything 

as independently as possible about the 

candidates, where they stand on issues, 

their past records of service, and who best 

can get our economy moving again. 

Please pray for our nation. 

Until next time... BETTY 

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Symphony of the Americas 

to host Style & Substance Luncheon Nov. 27 

Honorees Richard Kazares, left; Susan Rindley, Shannon Brooks, Lynne McGrath, Symphony president; Maestro James Brooks-Bruzzese, Renee LaBonte, Manya Lowry, Johanna Maytin, Dr. Stephen Abel, Jerry Rosenthal 

On Nov. 27, the Symphony of the Americas Society 

will host its annual Style & Substance 

Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty Six, 

honoring prominent individuals who have distinguished 

themselves through outstanding service and commitment 

to the community. Symphony of the Americas will pay 

tribute to this exceptional group, who has reached out to 

touch the lives of untold numbers of people through their 

generous gifts of time, talent, and resources. 

Publisher/Editor 

Betty Williams 

Associate Editor 

Mary Preece 

Advertising Account 

Executives 

Mary Jo Rogers 

Ree Cole 

Kathryn Summer 

Creative Director 

Juan J. Millán 

Graphic Design 

Peter Windsheimer 

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Web Video 

Tom Weber 

Contributing Writers 

Jennifer Cohen 

Bob Leonardi 

Mary Giuseffi 

Arianne Glassman 

Elliot Goldenberg 

Kevin Lane 

Deborah Hartz-Seeley 

South Florida Social is published bi-monthly 

during the high social season by: 

South Florida Social Inc. 

3032 E. Commercial Blvd., #21 

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 

You may also view the entire paper and 

annual social calendar at: 

www.southfloridasocial.com 

For editorial, call: 954.781.1715 

For advertising, call: 954.781.1790 

South Florida Social Inc. accepts no liability 

for the accuracy of statments made by outside 

contributors, third party articles or advertisers. 

We welcome your press releases and 

photographs. Material submitted become the 

property of South Florida Social. 

Copyright: 2012 South Florida Social Inc. No 

part of this publication may be reproduced 

without the written permission of South Florida 

Social Inc. 

Honorees are: 

Sharon Gustafson and her daughters, Susan Rindley 

and Shannon Brooks, who demonstrate how the tradition 

of community service continues from generation to generation. 

Dr. Stephen Abel, the Assistant Dean for Extramural 

Affairs at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental 

Medicine Lauderdale, and has been instrumental in 

establishing a free dental clinic offering services to dozens 

of domestic abuse victims at Women In Distress of 

Contents 

The Cover 

On The Cover 

On 

Broward County. 

Honorable Howard Finkelstein, the elected Public 

Defender of Broward County, who hosts his own show, 

“Help Me Howard,” on WSVN Channel 7 News. 

Richard Kazares, an active supporter of many local 

organizations such as the Opera Society, PAWS, Cystic 

Fibrosis Gold Coast Guild, Children’s Home Society, 

Symphony of the Americas, Royal Knights for Chivalry, 

and Broward Sheriff’s Advisory Council. 

Continues on page 6 >> 

This issue of South Florida Social is dedicated to the 

memory of Jane Mercer Katterhenry. She will be deeply 

missed in the philanthropic and business community. 

Person to Person .................................................................................. 10 

Birthday, graduation celebrations and travels dominate summer activities of several 

of Broward’s movers and shakers. 

Making a Difference ............................................................................... 12 

The American Red Cross has added a new program to its numerous services, this 

one helping our service men and women and their families, made possible through 

a donation from AutoNation. 

Time Out With .................................................................................... 20 

28-year-old Samantha DiBianchi has enjoyed a meteoric rise, both professionally 

and in philanthropy. South Florida Social sits down with Samantha to find out how 

she has accomplished so much in her brief career. 

Gridiron Griller.................................................................................... 22 

Former Miami Dolphin Johnny Offerdahl starts a new season of “grillin’ and 

chillin’ with several former Dolphins. 

The Symphony of the Americas will host its annual “Substance & Style” 

luncheon on Nov. 27 at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale. 

Seen on the cover are Maestro James Brooks-Bruzzese and three of the 

13 honorees: Sharon Gustafson, center; with her two daughters, Susan 

Rindley, left; and Shannon Brooks, right. (See story, above. See more 

photos on page 6. Cover photo by Tiffany Photographic.) 


Children’s 

Home Society 

Readies for Annual Gala 

on October 20 th 

Michele Green, standing; Lorraine Thomas, seated left; and Janice Lahaye are readying for the gala that celebrates 110th year of Children’s 

Home Society in Florida. The event will take place Oct. 20 at the Westin Beach Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-453-6411 for information. 


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CHS Annual Gala 

to benefit Children’s Home Society 

of Florida’s East Broward Auxiliary 

FORT LAUDERDALE: Guests are invited 

to CHS’s 22nd annual gala, set for Oct. 

20,at the Westin Beach Resort & Spa. 

The evening will feature a birthday 

celebration of the organization’s 110 

years of service to Florida’s most vulnerable 

children, silent and live auctions, 

and entertainment by the renowned 

“Marvelless Mark.” 

Michele M.Greene will be honored 

with this year’s R. David and I. Lorraine 

Thomas Child Advocate of the Year 

award. This award recognizes individuals 

and groups who have made a significant 

impact toward improving the lives of 

abused, neglected and abandoned children 

throughout Florida. 

Brenda Boyar and Jody Brown are 

event co-chairs. They are assisted by several 

members of the committee that plans 

the signature event to raise funds to benefit 

the 2,500 Broward County children and 

their families that are served through the 

Intercoastal Division. I. Lorraine Thomas 

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is honorary chairperson. 

Sponsorship and corporate underwriting 

opportunities are available, ranging 

from $50 to $25,000. Tickets to the ball 

are $200. Current sponsors include I. Lorraine 

Thomas, Westin Beach Resort& 

Spa, Coldwell Banker, Lighthouse Point 

Chamber of Commerce and State Farm- 

Michele Greene Insurance Company. 

For information, call 954-453-6411. 

CHS of Florida was created in 1902. It 

is the largest and oldest statewide private 

non-profit provider of services to children 

and families in Florida. 

Twenty-three years ago, five special 

women, Janice Lahaye, Pam Masters, 

Lucille DeAngelo, Kathy Clarkson and 

Bijette Gebron founded the East Broward 

Auxiliary. They joined with I. Lorraine 

Thomas to lead a capital campaign, raising 

more than $3.2 million to build the I. 

Lorraine Thomas Children’s Home and 

Family Support Center. 

(Continued from page 4.) 

Symphony of the Americas 

Manya Lowry returned to the Fort Lauderdale 

area a short time ago and has already 

become actively involved with The 

Royal Dames of Cancer Research, Museum 

of Discovery & Science, Cystic Fibrosis, 

1000+ Club, Symphony of the Americas 

and numerous other area charities. 

Johanna Maytin has contributed much 

to the Fort Lauderdale community. 

Through the years, she has supported 

worthy organizations such as Cystic 

Fibrosis, Pinion, and the 1000+ Club, 

among others. 

Jerry Rosenthal is CEO of Tire Hut in 

Fort Lauderdale and major contributor to 

the Wines of the World Dinner & Auction 

benefiting the Symphony of the Americas 

and the annual Cigar & Wine Dinner in 

support of Junior Achievement. 

Dr. Amy Swan is a renowned forensic 

psychologist who helped establish legislation 

for victims of domestic and sexual 

violence. She has also worked as a pro 

bono Guardian Ad Litem in contentious 

divorce cases for the past nine years. 

Thelma and Denis Archer Jotcham, 

longtime residents of Fort Lauderdale, 

have been actively involved in community 

service for many years and have a rep- 

utation as generous contributors to many 

organizations in Broward County. 

Lynne McGrath, president of the Symphony 

of the Americas Society, chairs the 

Style & Substance Luncheon. The event 

will include a performance by the Symphony’s 

Chamber Orchestra. The annual 

Style & Substance Luncheon benefits the 

Symphony’s Outreach Programs, which 

reach more than 35,000 people annually. 

Now in its 25th season, the Symphony 

of the Americas, Broward’s own professional 

orchestra, was recently designated 

as a Broward County Major Cultural Institution. 

Since it was founded in 1987, 

the orchestra has experienced continuous 

growth, bringing the best of classical 

music to the multi-cultural population of 

South Florida. Its focus is enriching the 

lives of the people it touches through the 

wonderful power of music. 

For more information about the Symphony 

of the Americas, visit its website 

www.symphonyoftheamericas.org. For 

questions about the Style and Substance 

Luncheon, contact Luncheon Coordinator 

Judy Marini at 954-644-9049 or judymarini@aol.com 

1 Honoree Richard Kazares with his wife Mary. 2 Honoree Dr. Amy Swan 3 Maestro James 

Brooks-Bruzzese, left, with Howard Finkelstein. 4 Maestro James Brooks-Bruzzese. 5 Thelma 

and Denis Archer Jotcham. 

Seen, from left, standing: Ali Mendez, Alfredo Aguirre, Brenda Boyar and Sherry Manley. Seated, 

from left: Ruby Foster, Jody Brown, Sandy Coghlll and Mercedes Loy. 

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Neiman Marcus 

hosts reception/fashion 

show for PAWS 

Members of PAWS (Pets are Worth Saving) and 

other guests enjoyed a reception, followed by 

a glam fashion show at Neiman Marcus in the 

Galleria. 

Guests were greeted with a glass of champagne and 

munched on hors d’oeuvres prepared by Blue Moon Fish 

Company. 

They were also treated to free chair massages, compliments 

of Red Door Salon. 

South Florida Social features several guests during the 

reception that preceded the fashion. 

1 Mary Garber and Dr. Rick Bruns. 2 Sally Helfer visits with 

Rusty Smith, general manager of Neiman Marcus. 3 Attorney 

Elizabeth Dombovary and Noel Brown. 4 Luann Alorro, owner of 

Tease Salon, left, and Jonelle Milton. 5 Realtor Susan Rindley 

visits with Blue Moon Fish Company Chef Alan Fergee. 6 Noel 

Brown, left; Debbie Dolchin; Chris Bonet and Roberta Kenworth. 

7 Shirley Cornish left; Mary Garber; Harriet and Henry Pownall. 

8 Rusty Smith, GM of Neiman Marcus, left; Joanie Sabo of 

Neiman Marcus and Robin Levinson. 

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3 

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page10 

HOPE South Florida will host its annual 18-hole, best ball scramble, ForeHOPE, 

Monday, Oct. 15 at the Coral Ridge Country Club. 

Denis Watson 2007 Senior PGA Open Champion, will host the event. 

Contact Stephanie Lateulade at 954-566-2311, or slateulade@hopesouthflorida.org. 

Patrick Sallarulo had 

plenty to celebrate 

this summer, mainly 

his graduation from Cardinal 

Gibbons High School. Seen 

with him at his celebration 

party is legendary singer/ 

resident Connie Francis, 

who broke into song for 

one of her favorite friends, 

Patrick. The celebration 

took place at the home of 

Patrick’s father Paul. 

A 

big congrats to Lindsay Giambattista, a budding fashion designer who founded the 

non-profit Taylor’s Closet in Pompano Beach, an organization that provides designer 

clothing to needy and at-risk girls in South Broward. Lindsay entered a contest 

hosted by Seventeen magazine, which has resulted in her being featured on the cover of 

the October issue. (See below.) 

The magazine was searching for a girl who combined her designing talent with helping 

others through volunteerism, and Lindsay decided to enter. The rest is history and no one 

deserves this honor more! 

Taylor’s Closet was named after Lindsay’s twin sister, who died at birth. 

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toperson personby Betty W illiams 

Harry Durkin, active with numerous charities and his favorite, the Fort Lauderdale 

Notre Dame Club, is an inspiration to us all. He recently celebrated his 80th 

birthday, and for the occasion at the Assumption Catholic Church in Lauderdale 

by the Sea, he was joined by not only many friends, but also his extended family of grown 

children and grandchildren who traveled from throughout the U.S. to celebrate with him. 

Harry is standing, at left, with his wife Alice beside him. 

KayeLynne Northcutt is not afraid of 

adventure – even if it takes you to 

ports that some people might not 

consider visiting. 

This summer, she took a four and halfmonth 

voyage aboard the Queen Mary II, 

visiting 26 ports and 20 countries. 

But KayeLynne opted to go on her own 

adventure at the various ports. Instead of 

the ones offered for the tourists, she chose 

to visit parts of Shanghais, Cairo, a dunes 

safari into the Nanib Desert in South Africa, 

lunched with Zulus in Africa, and was able 

to rent a plane and flew to Kakadu in the 

northern territory of Australia (the Outback). 

She also managed to fly a seaplane in Dubai. 

(Kayelynn and her late husband Tom were avid 

pilots, so she was thrilled to get back into the 

cockpit, of course with another pilot.) 

She did manage to find some elegance 

in her travels, enjoying a fabulous dinner in 

Dubai. One of her favorite ports, she said 

was Singapore. 

KayeLynne is also a member of the 

Compass Rose Society for the DAR (Daughters 

of American Revolution), and plans to attend 

a DAR event in Naples this month. 

KayeLynne Northcutt readies to board this 

single-engine plane in northern Australia 

where she flew with her tour pilot to Kakadu. 

Bella’s group joined forces with Tease Salon to collect back-to-school supplies for 

children who are being raised by their grandparents and other needy children. Seen 

below with the large stash of school supplies to distribute are, from left, Domonig, 

Luann, Andrew and Leilani Alorro of Tease. Continuing, from left, Dr. Marietta Glazer; her 

granddaughter and adopted daughter Gabriela; Dr Ira Glazer and granddaughter/daughter, 

Bella, who is the namesake of Bella’s Group. The group is already off and running, again 

with collaboration of Tease, to collect new unwrapped gifts for children, ages 5 to 18 for the 

holidays. Go to www.foreverfamily.org for information. 



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Fourth annual ‘Dancing with the Stars’ 

raises $70,000 for The Pantry of Broward 

The fourth annual Dancing with the 

Stars of Broward delivered an evening 

of high-energy dance routines 

for its 400 guests – and $70,000 in crucially 

needed funds for The Pantry of Broward. 

Proceeds helped the non-profit provide 

food and other support services to hundreds 

of seniors on low, fixed incomes and 

also for grandparents raising their children. 

Five local “celebrities” were paired 

with professional dance instructors for 

weeks of rehearsals. 

The celebrity dancer to shimmy away 

with first prize was Susan Renneisen, director 

of special events for Seminole Hard 

Rock Hotel & Casino. Her partner was 

Alex Matar, professional dancer. Other 

“celebrity” dancers were Laurina Anderson, 

Marc Canon, senior VP of corporate 

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communications, AutoNation Inc.; Johnny 

Williams, managing partner, ProMotion 

Sports & Entertainment and Katrina 

Wright, vice president of community relations, 

Bank of America. 

Gary Correll of Publix, Jen Klaasens 

of The Wasie Foundation, Traci Miller of 

Miller Construction Company, Pembroke 

Pines Mayor Frank Ortis and celebrity 

athlete Twan Russell were judges of the 

competition. 

Gale Butler of AutoNation and Ginny 

Miller of Miller were event co-chairs. 

The non-profit Pantry of Broward provides 

food and other support services to 

more than 425 clients throughout Broward 

County. 

For information, visit www.thepantryofbroward.org. 

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1 Marc Cannon with dance professional Elizabeth Sky. 2 Johnny Williams with dance professional Lisa Thomas Anderson. 3 WSVN Channel 7 GM Bob Lieder visits with B. J. Buntrock, foiunder of Pantry 

of Broward and now a board member. 4 Co-chair Gale Butler, right, visits with Joy Satterlee, director of the Art & Culture Center of Hollywood. 5 Tom and Ginny Miller, event co-chair. 6 Champion 

dancer Susan Renneisen and dance professional Alex Matar. 

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Hugh’s Culinary hosts annual cook-off fundraiser for PACE Center for Girls 

Culinary aficionados gathered at the end of the season 

for the always popular cook-off fundraiser for PACE 

Center for Girls, a non-profit organization that provides 

girls and young women an opportunity for a better future 

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3 4 5 

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through education, counseling and advocacy. 

Sheila Bechert, owner of Red Trombone Art Gallery, was 

the event chair. 

1 Hugh McCauley, owner/chef of Hugh’s Culinary, instructs the group of chefs behind him before the action begins in the large commercial 

kitchen. 2 Joe and Kelley Patano, couple at left; Sheila Bechert, event chair; and Nancy Fischer. 3 Standing: Aggie Pappas, executive director of 

PACE, left; Patricia and Robert Radice Jr., standing; and seated, board member Robert C. Radice, longtime supporter and advocate of PACE Center 

for Girls. 4 Dave Levy, owner of MaiKai, one of the competing restaurants, with his wife, Adrianna Cupples and Kulani Gelardi, also owner. 5 

Harrald Neurik, chef/owner of Bouillabaise and accompany Bierhaus and Satchmo Blues, prepares one of his Austrian delicacies, while Broward 

Bank of Commerce President Keith Costello gives his assistance. 6 John Day and Joanne Snead were among guests. 7 Kathy Molinet, left; Fort 

Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler and Gale Butler of AutoNation were culinary judges. 8 Tara Escribano, left, teacher at PACE Center for Girls; Shelly 

Servidio, program director with her husband Jim; and Barbara Ferguson, special projects manager for PACE. 


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Chuck Stanley, Nova Singers’ musical director. 

Nova Singers still going strong By ELLIOT GOLDENBERG 

During the summer of 1976, as the nation was celebrating 

the bicentennial anniversary of its historic 

birth, a different kind of birth was taking place in 

Broward County as well – that of a chorus. 

That chorus would eventually become known as the 

Nova Singers. It came about not by a stroke of Thomas Jefferson’s 

quill pen, however. It became a reality after one of 

the local colleges discontinued its own community chorus 

and Peggy Joyce Barber, musical director at Stranahan High 

School – and later inducted into Florida’s Music Educators 

Hall of Fame – decided to take the bull (or the French horn) 

by the horn. 

Still, as a new would-be chorus gathered in her living 

room, it soon became clear to Barber and her small group 

of vocalists that they really had no idea about what was involved 

in starting or running a chorus. Not to be deterred, 

they knew that they wanted to give it a try. And they soon 

found a kindred spirit in Nova University – today known as 

Nova Southeastern University. 

Special Olympics honors its 

2012 top Broward County Award Winners 

Special Olympics Broward County, based on Nova 

Southeastern University, recently hosted its 2012 

annual awards ceremony, recognizing all the athletes, 

sponsors, volunteers and friends who had helped the 

organization continue its effort to provide free services to 

nearly 800 athletes annually. 

This year’s honorees included: Gale Butler and Dr. Richard 

W. Meli, honorary board members of the year; The Current, 

NSU’s newspapers, as media organization of the year 

award; Kathleen Hanks, Timothy Gillette Law Enforcement 

Torch Run Award; Kerri Leonardo, Ivy McMahon 

Inspirational Athlete Leadership Award; Meredith Adams 

of University School of NSU, youth volunteer of the year 

award; Joe Brill coach of the year award; Lykes Family, 

family of the year award: Sue Brill, Melvin and Phyllis Zarefsky 

Volunteer of the Year award; Jennifer Brill, The Dan 

Taft Athlete of the Year award; Nova Southeastern university, 

recipient of The Pinion Inc. local organization of the 

year award; and Paul Sallarulo, Special Olympics Broward 

County Hall of Fame induction. 

The awards ceremony was hosted at NSU, which is home 

to the Special Olympics Broward County Chapter, the only 

chapter in the nation that is housed at a private university. 

1 Paul Sallarulo, at podium, is inducted into the Special Olympics 

Broward County Hall of Fame. 2 Dr. Richard W. Meli, second 

from right, was named honorary board member of the year. With 

him, from left, are Paul Sallarulo and Johanne Marcoux; Paul 

Meli Sr., center; and Dr. Meli’s wife Dione, right 3 Gale Butler 

is recipient of one of two honorary board members of the year. 

4 Linda Mills, left, executive director of Special Olympics 

Broward, presents award for Pinion Local Organization of the 

Year to NSU student and George Hanbury, president of Nova 

Southeastern University, recipient of the award. 5 Youth 

Volunteer of the Year Meredith Adams with NSU President 

George Hanbury. 6 Joe Brill receives the “Coach of the Year” 

award. With him are wife Mindy and daughter. 7 Kevin Precadio, 

right, accepts the Media Organization of the Year award for 

NSU’s “Current” publication. 

16 

It would prove to be a match made in musical heaven. 

While Nova University didn’t have a music program at 

the time, the school nevertheless agreed to become the fledgling 

chorus’ sponsor. So with borrowed music, and within a 

few months, the group proved ready for “prime time” – and 

presented its first concert as the Nova University Singers. 

The group, which in time became known as the Nova 

Singers, would expand to the more than 140 singers it has 

today – none of whom get paid – while maintaining a music 

library of more than 700 selections. With a repertoire as diverse 

as its members, the group continues to play classics to 

Jazz – and just about everything in-between. 

In the immortal words of Sonny and Cher, “The beat 

goes on.” 

Barber, the founder and director emeritus, is still with the 

group. Anthony Ciotti is the group’s accompanist and Chuck 

Stanley is musical director 

“Probably my greatest satisfaction is seeing the joy on 

the singers’ faces as they perform,” said Stanley, who also 

1 

2 

The Nova Singers appear in formal attire as they prepare to please yet another audience who appreciate fine music. 

4 5 

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is a past president of the Nova Singers, and, like Barber, has 

been with the group since its inception. 

A charter member of the choral group, who sings baritone, 

Stanley once took the Nova Singers to perform at New 

York’s Carnegie Hall. 

Simply put, the Nova Singers, like their director, relish 

the simple joy of performing in front of an audience – especially 

a large audience. 

“Because they truly love what they do, and the singers 

definitely enjoy each other, our group has a real family atmosphere,” 

Stanley said. 

And the finished product, he believes – good enough to 

perform at Carnegie Hall – is the sum of all its parts. 

“You could say,” said Stanley, “that it’s a real team sport.” 

For the remainder of this year the Nova Singers are scheduled 

to perform on November 30, December 2, and December 

4. For more information including times and locations of 

the performances, please go to the Nova Singers’ website at 

www.nova.edu/novasingers. 


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Royal Knights’ 

reception at the home of 

Drew and Sandy Romanovitz 

The beautiful Fort Lauderdale home of Drew and 

Sandy Romanovitz was the setting for an end-ofseason 

reception for the Royal Knights of Cancer 

Research, the male counterpart of the Royal Dames of 

Cancer Research. 

Guests enjoyed the beautiful ambiance, cocktails and 

hors d’oeuvres, and the camaraderie of their fellow members 

and their guests. 

3 

1 Drew and Sandy Romanovitz, host couple. 2 Mary and Richard Kazares. 3 Realtor Larry Rowe, left, with Zola and Ave Keller. 4 Dr. Hal and Mary Garber. 5 Michael and Carol Asser. 

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Samantha DeBianchi. 

(Photo courtesy of Kara Starzyk 

and Society Scene, Sun-Sentinel.) 

Annual Conine All-Star Classic 

raises $255,000 for Joe DiMaggio Children’s 

Hospital Foundation and Conine Clubhouse 

HOLLyWOOD, FL. – More than 132 golfers hit the links 

at the 18th annual Conine All-Star Golf Classic, one of 

South Florida’s most successful and longest running 

sports celebrity golf tournaments. 

The event was an outstanding success, raising more 

than $255,000 for the Foundation, which helps underwrite 

operations of the Conine Clubhouse, a home-awayfrom-home 

for families of children under care at the Joe 

DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. 

Former major league ballplayer Jeff Conine and his 

wife Cindy hosted the event. Calder Casino & Race 

Course returned as title sponsor. 

“We were thrilled to partner again with Jeff and Cindy 

and sponsor this amazing event,” said Austin Miller, president 

and general manager of Calder Casino & Race Course. 

Participating celebrities at the tournament included Jason 

Taylor, Chris Volstad, Gaby Sanchez, Tony Nathan, 

Bob Brudzinski and Anthony Carter. 

1 Cindy Conine and Suzy Marsh. 2 Austin Miller, president and 

general manager, Calder Casino & Race Course, and Jeff Conine. 

3 Cindy and Jeff Conine. 4 Former Miami Dolphin Olindo Mare, 

left; Chicago Cub pitcher Chris Volstad (former Marlin); Miami 

Marlin pitcher Ricky Nolasco and Miami Marlin catcher John 

Buck. 5 Kevin Janser, vice president and executive director 

of I Children’s Hospital Foundation; Austin Miller, president 

and general manager, Calder Casino & Race Course and Frank 

Sacco, president and CEO Memorial Healthcare System. 6 Jeff 

Conine and Greg Marsh, event co-chairs. 

20 

Time out with…… Samantha DeBianchi 

For a 28-year-old woman, Samantha 

DeBianchi has already accomplished 

more than most of us will in a lifetime. 

Samantha is the daughter of real estate attorney 

Paul DeBianchi and mom, Valerie, who 

has been active in numerous non-profit endeavors 

throughout the years while still dealing 

with the debilitating disease, MS. Samantha 

says her parents’ influence on her decisions 

has allowed her to pursue her dreams. 

Samantha earned her Florida real estate license 

in 2009. Now a broker, she opened her own company, 

DeBianchi Real Estate in July 2011. 

She graduated from Florida Atlantic University 

at age 20, with a major in communications 

and a minor in sociology. She went on to Nova 

Southeastern University where she earned her 

MBA in business. 

Her working life began in the nightclub industry 

on South Beach. She was general manager 

at Deck 23 right after her college days. 

“When everyone else was out, I was managing 

Deck 23,” she says. But the work paid off 

as her position allowed her the opportunity to 

meet the upper echelon in the hospitality business, 

as well as many celebrities. 

This gave her a built-in network of potential 

clients for real estate, the industry that had 

been her goal since she was a young girl. 

“I was always good a monopoly,” she laughs. 

And having a father who specialized in real 

estate was an asset for her as well. 

“My dad would often take me with him 

1 

4 

when he was going out to check on investment 

property,” she said. Before her dad, her grandfather 

also had influenced her as he, too, was 

in the construction business and built many 

homes in the area. 

“From the first grade, I was interested in 

selling. I would buy toys that I thought my 

classmates would like, and sell them the toys,” 

she recalls. 

In addition to real estate, Valerie created 

a course in nightclub management and now 

serves as an adjunct professor, teaching the 

course at Florida International University. She 

had 84 students this semester. 

But perhaps the biggest coup for DeBianchi 

recently came about when Fox News network 

contacted her to be a contributor when the network 

was focusing a program on real estate. 

She has appeared three times as of this writing, 

discussing real estate in South Florida, her 

opinion on interest rates, and when it is a good 

time to invest in real estate. 

But life hasn’t always been a perfect world 

for this young woman. 

“I was bullied when younger because of the 

way I looked,” she recalls. The irony of that is 

that she was recently featured on the cover of a 

local magazine that was showcasing Broward’s 

“hottest” singles. 

This didn’t come about overnight. 

“I came home from school crying every day, 

wishing my parents would home school me.” 

She also had health problems that had attrib- 

2 3 

5 6 

uted to her overweight. She also had an abnormal 

amoung of facial hair, and it was during 

this period that a doctor discovered she had a 

brain tumor. 

She underwent a surgery through her nose 

to her head at age 15 to remove the benign tumor. 

But it had stunted her growth, and resulted 

in more health woes such as osteoporosis 

and arthritis. 

Today, you would never know that this beautiful 

young woman had overcome so many setbacks 

to her health when she was a young girl. 

She is active in numerous charities, and, in 

fact, says she gives five percent of her profit to 

the client’s charity of choice. 

She is co-chairing Beach Bash for the Cystic 

Fibrosis Foundation, which will take place Nov. 1. 

“I like helping people,” says DeBianchi. 

She also admits that she is a perfectionist, 

and sometimes allows her work to consume her. 

That is likely the reason she has decided to 

go on an African Safari with a friend this month. 

“Someday I want to be a motivational 

speaker,” she says. 

“I am never going to retire. I want a big family. 

Just need to meet the right guy.” 

But for now, she says the best feature of her 

life is the fact that she can wake up each morning 

and do exactly what she wishes. You can 

bet that wish will include pursuing her dreams 

in real estate, teaching and working on charitable 

causes. 

— BETTy WILLIAMS 


Out ‘n About Guess 

Interior Digs co-owner Ken Brennan visits with a guest at last year’s ‘Let It Snow’ party. This year’s 

‘Let It Snow’ gala will take place at Interior Digs, 258 Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale by the Sea, 

from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10. 

The Diamonds and Doggies one-year celebration drew hundreds of guests. Above, several enjoy the 

festivities outside the Diamond and Doggies store, located at 111 Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale by 

the Sea. Folks at Diamonds and Doggies are gearing up for a Halloween Costume Contest. Details 

are available at Facebook.com/diamondsanddoggies. 

you can tell that we are late getting 

out of the gate with this issue. We 

apologize to all the restaurants and other 

businesses that we have yet to contact, and 

promise to be back in full swing in the December 

issue. Also, we realize that we were unable to 

include several events such as the Leadership 

Broward Foundation, Health Mothers-Healthy 

Babies and the Compase Rose City for DAR in 

this issue due to space restrictions. Please look 

for these events in the December issue. 

Also, please remember to observe October as 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

The venerable and always-fun Blue Martini 

on Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale will host 

“The Pink Party,” starting at 8 p.m. Saturday, 

Oct. 20. The event will feature drink specials and 

live entertainment. Best of all, it’s a fundraiser to 

support Breast Cancer Awareness efforts. 

Numerous events are taking place, including 

many hosted by “Glam-A-Thon,” which you can 

Google and find. There are also many “Making 

Strides” walks during October. Check our online 

calendar at www.southfloridasocial.com. 

We have to tell you about the few places we 

did visit during the time before this issue. 

One is the opening of the new Copacabana 

Supper Club at 219 S. Andrews Ave., Fort 

Lauderdale. 

The restaurant/club has a retro-glamorous 

appeal. Latin cuisine and live music is promised 

nightly so, with the large dance floor on the lower 

level, it makes for a fun evening. 

Several of Fort Lauderdale’s movers and 

shakers were at the recent opening. (Sorry, but 

I didn’t take my camera!) 

The venue offers a full tapas restaurant 

featuring Latin cuisine and tapas desserts. The 

Copa band is a high-octane ensemble that will 

draw dancers to the floor, especially those who 

love the Latin beat. 

Nuccia McCormick, Sharron Navarro, Chacko 


Zachariah and Patti Ireland were but a few of the 

familiar faces. 

On the northeast side of town, Dominick 

Casale, his daughter Dominique and their team 

at Diamonds and Doggies played host to more 

than 500 people at their one-year anniversary 

party held on Saturday, Sept. 1. 

Guests enjoyed a fantastic DJ spinning the 

latest hits, great food and open bar, catered by 

the Italian Food Depot, face painting, a bounce 

house and a train ride for all the kids to enjoy. 

The streets were blocked off to make way for 

tables and a dance floor so all the guests could 

relax and have fun. 

The raffles were a big draw as Dominick 

and his team collected gift certificates from 

local restaurants, gave away six Techno Sports 

watches, a diamond necklace valued at more 

than $1,000, and an adorable Pug puppy. Raffle 

tickets were sold for $1-each with the proceeds 

donated to Share-A-Pet, a local charity. 

“We were very pleased to see a lot of our 

customers return with dogs and jewelry they 

purchased over the last year,” said Casale. “It 

was like a great family reunion!” 

The store was packed with new and repeat 

customers, all admiring the adorable selection of 

teacup and toy breed puppies and bulldogs, too. 

The evening also introduced a new holiday 

tradition…the Running of the Bulls! Set for July 

4, 2013, Diamonds and Doggies will host the first 

running of the bulls event. With the street blocked 

off, anyone with an English or French bulldog will 

be allowed to enter the contest, a race to the 

finish line with prizes and bragging rights for the 

owner and his pet. Sign up at the store located at 

111 Commercial Blvd. in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. 

“We hope to see even more people at our 

next event,” said Casale. Event information, 

including the Halloween Costume Contest, and 

specials are available by going to Facebook.com/ 

diamondsanddoggies. 

21

North Beach Art District continues to thrive off A1A 

The North Beach Art 

District, an eclectic 

enclave of shops, 

bars and restaurants, 

bounded by A1A (off Galt 

Ocean Mile) and Oakland 

Park Boulevard to the 

south, continues to bustle 

with activity, even in the 

summer months. 

22 

The Red Trombone 

Gallery (which will be 

closed until Oct. 17) has 

hosted several art shows 

this summer and also participates 

in the art walk 

that takes place on the first 

Saturday of each month. 

Owner Sheila Bechert 

is taking a break with a 

Red Trombone Art Gallery owner Sheila Bechert, right, poses 

with art patrons, including Cheryl Jalbert, second from left. 

Seen at 33rd Street Wine at one of the venue’s many parties are, 

from left, former New Yorker Dr. Serge Saadoun; Debra Stabins 

and owner Candace Proctor. In background, a portrait of Stabins 

and her popular doggie, ‘KiKi’ is visible. 

visit to Italy, the country 

that produces many of the 

artists who are featured in 

the gallery. 

When the gallery opens 

in mid-October, Tom 

Swimm, internationally 

collected California artist, 

will be the featured artist. 

The gallery supports 

numerous charities, including 

PACE Center for 

Girls and Pantry of Broward. 

Candace Proctor’s 33rd 

Street Wine Bar also is a 

big participant in the Art 

Walk, even incorporating 

art work in her charming 

little wine bar. 

The place is hopping on 

Saturday evening, always 

with a great band. 

Candace celebrated 

her: Virgo” party on Sept. 

13 and encouraged all Virgos 

and friends to join the 

party. And her wish was 

granted, with a full house 

showing up to celebrate. 

Candace also has hosted 

several parties to celebrate 

her artwork, which 

she proudly displays in 

the bar. 

The Gridiron Griller 

By Johnny Offerdahl 

Stradford’s Short Ribs 

Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 4th Round of the 1987 draft, RB Troy 

Stradford rookie year in the NFL was nothing short of miraculous. Standing tall at 

no more than 5’10”, Troy had over 1,000 combined rushing & receiving yards and 

7 touchdowns earning him NFL’s Offensive Rookie-of-the-Year honor. Don’t let 

Troy’s physical stature or grilling recipe fool you. They are both a package of style 

& sizzle. Chef Greg McGowan, Executive Chef at Hyatt’s Pier & Pelican Landing, 

has teamed up with Troy to make a run for your taste buds with this tropical 

rendition of their boneless short rib recipe. Good luck trying to tackle this duo! 

READY - Line up your ingredients... 

Chimichurri: 

• 1/2 C chopped parsley 

• 1/2 C chopped basil 

• 2 T chopped garlic 

Dry Spice: 

• 2 T jerk spice blend 

• 1 T cumin 

• 1 T coriander 

• 1 T red chili pepper flake 

• 1/2 C extra olive oil 

• 1/3 C vinegar 

• 1 T granulated garlic 

• 1 T granulated onion 

• 1 T sea salt 

Guava BBQ Sauce: 

• 2 C barbecue sauce • 1 C passion fruit puree 

from the store • 1 C sweet chili 

• 2 C guava puree • 1/2 T sriracha 

Meat: 

• 4 pc 6oz boneless short ribs 

PREP - Prepare your entrée, rubs, dressings & sauces… 

Chimichurri: Mix all the ingredients. 

Sauce: Combine all ingredients and mix well. 

Meat: Coat the ribs with dry spice blend seasoning evenly and mix with 1/4 cup olive 

oil. Marinate for 24 hrs. 

LETS GRILL! - Take it to the Grill... 

Pre-heat the grill to 400 (Medium High) and cook steak approximately 4 minutes 

on each side. Let the meat rest for 3 minutes. Slice against the grain, top with BBQ 

sauce and serve with chimichurri. 

Recommended wine pairing... Murphy Goode Cabernet Sauvignon 

Johnny says… 

“Grappling Troy Stradford on the field was highly unlikely, 

but tackling Stradford’s Short Ribs on the grill is a huge hit!” 

The Gridiron Griller 

. . . still undefeated! 

www.gridirongriller.com 

Pelican Landing is located on the intercostal waterway outside the Hyatt Pier 66 hotel – 2301 SE 17th St 

Causeway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Chef Greg McGowan teamed with Miami Dolphin Great Troy Stradford. 

© Offerdahl’s Café Grill… the home of the Gridiron Griller! 

• Salt & pepper to taste 

• 1/2 T smoked black 

pepper 

• 1 C hoisin sauce 

• 1 T spice blend 

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, December 1 st 

Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Tailgate Festival presented by Walgreens 

For tickets & info go to gridirongrilloff.com 



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O c to b e r 2 0 1 2 • v o l.1 0 • is s u e 5 - South Florida Social

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