To experience Japanese culture one might take Continental’s new daily service to Tokyo or simply take an hour’s drive up to Palm Beach County and visit the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.

With 200 acres to work with, the museum only has begun to create a truly incredible park. The museum has a doll collection currently on display by Group Kaze, an association of doll makers centered near Tokyo, that is not to be missed, and a fine restaurant as well.

Seen enjoying what the museum had to offer were Gables residents Ken Shimanouchi, Consul General of Japan in Miami; Karen D’Onofrio, marketing director of Waste Management; several travel agents and corporate representatives, as well as Claudia Coupet, local manager for Continental Airlines and member of the Coral Gables Community Foundation’s board of governors.

The museum has promised to donate family passes to be sold at Coral Gables Community Foundation’s Annual Auction and Reception to be held on Nov. 3 at The Biltmore Hotel. However, to catch the doll collection, you’ll have to make the trip by Sept. 26. For under $5 per person admission, it’s well worth it.

Back in Coral Gables, there was also a lot of activity this week. Zac Bushong, of Merrill Lynch’s Jacksonville office, came down to hold an educational workshop for the officers and investment committee of Coral Gables Community Foundation. Among those enjoying breakfast and participating in this session organized by Chris Brunk, of Merrill Lynch’s Private Client Group, were Foundation chairman Jose Calvo, vice chairman Pat Clarke, investment chairman Dean Colson, Fran Giuffrida, Tom Cookson, Yolanda Woodbridge and Karen D’Onofrio. Bushong will return on Sept. 3, to help the Foundation co-host a breakfast seminar, to be held at The Biltmore Hotel, for lawyers and CPAs. Those needing continuing education credits should take advantage of this session and make reservations by calling 305-446-9670.

Rotarians also kept busy this week with a picnic at Matheson Hammock this past Friday (July 30) evening. While the social was coordinated by Sally Baumgartner, Joe Young seemed to have done all the work, picking up ribs and chicken from Shorty’s, getting ice and all the drinks. His efforts were well received as more than 50 people turned out to enjoy the warm but balmy evening.

With more ribs and chicken than needed, Rotarians sent the excess back to the station with Police Chief Jim Skinner whose communications people enjoyed a great meal.

Seen socializing with fellow Rotarians that night were Jason and Ethel Neal; Tim Beattie with Heather and new baby, Logan; Steve and Mapy Pallot and baby Joey; Joe and Jessica Lancaster and Joe Jr.; Todd and Claudine Wheeler and son; Phil Everingham; Gerry Walker; Linda Marling; newlyweds Ed Knox and Gail Ackerman; Jordan and Margaret Steele; Jan and Roger Ward; Diane Udel; Chuck Whitcomb; Rob and Judy Hatfield; Mike Baird; Quintan and Diane Hedgepeth and children; Cholly Capps; Martin Rosen; Marta Monsen; Jon and Judy Arthur; Larry Goodman; Ellen and Steven Chasens and more.

Noticeably absent from the Rotary social were Andy and Marianne Sipos, who left Thursday for Copenhagen to take a cruise on Holland America’s Rotterdam to visit, according to Andy, the polar ice caps.

Finally, the community bids a fond farewell to Renee Verhoff, who recently resigned as executive director of the Business Improvement District. Renee will join her fiancé, Doug, in Tampa. She will be missed.

Until next week, keep making each day count.

Gloria Burns is executive director of Coral Gables Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission of promoting projects and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for people living and working in Coral Gables. For more information on the Foundation, call 305 446-9670.