Ahead of her latest release, we sat down with bestselling author Rochelle B. Weinstein to talk writing, workshopping and what’s on her nightstand.
Love Letter to Miami
Mike Eidson may seem like a quiet force for artists in the community, but his impact on the creative scene is loud.
Unmasking The Queen of Salsa
Step inside a world honoring salsa legend Celia Cruz in an exhibit and concert series by Pinecrest Gardens.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU
Our personal injury law firm has obtained in excess of a billion dollars in verdicts and recoveries for clients and is recognized as a leader in plaintiffs’ personal injury and wrongful death, class actions, mass torts, and other areas of litigation
Colson Hicks Eidson, one of Miami’s oldest and most accomplished law firms, is considered among the top trial firms in the United States, having won hundreds of multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for its clients.
–Chambers USA, 2022
WHAT WE PROVIDE WHO WE HAVE HELPED
Our personal injury lawyers have a long history of serving individuals, groups of individuals and businesses in a wide range of lawsuits. Our trial attorneys are highly regarded for their depth of legal experience, responsiveness to client concerns and ethical tactics, both inside and outside of the courtroom. Our law firm receives respect throughout the legal community, which recognizes Colson Hicks Eidson for its various distinguished achievements.
We are or have been actively engaged in the following and many other cases:
• Takata Airbags MDL
• Champlain Plaza
• Allergan Biocell MDL
• Monat Marketing MDL
• Parkland Shootings
• Elmiron Eye Injury MDL
• 3M Combat Earplugs MDL
• BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
• Ford Firestone MDL
• Toyota Sudden Acceleration MDL
• Zantac MDL
• Camp LeJeune Contamination Claims
SA NEW BEGINNING
SPRING IS MORE THAN time for cleaning—it’s time to turn a new page. As the new Local Editor of AQUA Pinecrest, my goal is to forge and cultivate new relationships within the Pinecrest community. Most of all, I want residents to see themselves in the words and photos we publish. I’m so grateful to get to know all of the lovely local contributors and see what they have to offer. And based on previous issues, they’ve done a great job so far. This issue was an opportunity to make new connections and even friends, which I believe yielded relatable work that captures the village’s spirit. Our cover star, Mike Edison, is the perfect example of this. Relationships are a huge part of his work as a lawyer and as an investor in South Florida’s arts scene. Instead of hyping himself up, he constantly points us to other Miami residents who make his nonprofit’s
cultural offerings a memorable addition to the area.
Author Rochelle B. Weinstein’s presence in this issue cannot be missed, as you may have read her book column in past issues. Now, we feature one of her books; But even she could not help but plug some of her local author friends and talk about their upcoming novels. Speaking of art, we were honored to include local fashion designer Raquel McCloud. Her story shows how close bonds can stretch across the country and find a home in Florida. Her work is influenced by her native Ojibwe culture but resonates with all walks of life through familiar styles and silhouettes.
I’m excited to provide a platform for each of these people, not just because they shine so brightly in their photos, but because we get to share in their joy once the story is told. There is so much about Pinecrest that I am curious about, and I have a feeling there is much more to uncover here. Just speaking with Cristina Blanco, Pinecrest Gardens executive director and curator of their Celia Cruz exhibit, showed us that Pinecrest has so much to show off. The amount of care and dedication that went into procuring the salsa legend’s items and unearthing her untold story makes this piece worth a read. We are enthusiastic to capture the multi-faceted life of Pinecrest. None of these wonderful relationships we’re building are an accident, and I hope you see the intention behind every story this March.
Warmly,
Morgan C. Mullings Editor
Advertising Director
Daisy Abreu
daisy.abreu@wainscotmedia.com
Creative Director Kijoo Kim
Editor
Morgan C. Mullings
Columnists
Gerry Barker
Uma A. Peña-Cabrera aquasouthflorida.com
WAINSCOT MEDIA
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AQUA Pinecrest magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Pinecrest and surrounding areas of South Florida, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
GERRY BARKER
Gerry’s two passions are writing and travel. Atlanta-born and Texas-raised, he left an award-winning media career to see the world. Today, he maintains a website, North Palm Beach Life, and works as a freelance travel writer. Follow his adventures every month in Wanderlust
JACQUELINE FRIEDLAND
Jacqueline Friedland is the USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of both historical and contemporary women’s fiction. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and NYU Law School, she practiced as a commercial litigator for as long as she could stand it. After a brief stint teaching at the Benjamin Cardozo School of Law in Manhattan, she returned to school to earn her Masters of Fine Arts in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College. Her fifth novel, Counting Backwards, is forthcoming from Harper Muse in March 2025. Jackie lives in Westchester, New York with her husband, four children and two dogs.
UMA A. PEÑA-CABRERA
Raised in New Jersey by Dominican parents, Uma got her start after graduating as a first-generation student in Sri Lanka volunteering in the mental health sector. In 2022, Uma moved to Miami to pursue her second degree in fashion design. She transitioned into fashion writing, contributing to Fashion Talk and Istituto Marangoni Miami As a contributor, Uma intends to highlight local artists in the community achieving extraordinary things. When she’s not writing, Uma loves to design clothing, upcycling garments and advocating for sustainability. Follow her on Instagram @curatedbythelab.
Modern Streetwear from a Native Perspective
Meet Raquel McCloud, a talented Ojibwe designer who lives and learns in Miami.
BY UMA A. PEÑA-CABRERA
RAQUEL MCCLOUD, ORIGINALLY from Minnesota, was 13 when she learned that she had Native American lineage, and she certainly never imagined finding her footing in fashion. Raquel grew up to serve in the United States Navy and later became a part of the LAPD. In the midst of life’s phases, a whirlwind romance led her to Miami where she attended Istituto Marangoni, a boutique design and fashion school, to pursue a degree in fashion. With the seeds of self-discovery planted, Raquel began to water her Indigenous roots through reconnection, education and her apparel brand.
How did fashion show up for you? Did fashion pique your interest immediately or did it find you along the way? When I was younger, I always had an interest in fashion. I played fashion games on the computer and watched fashion shows. When it came to dressing myself, I never could call myself a fashionista. When you’re in the military or law enforcement, everything becomes very uniformed. I wouldn’t say I was adventurous when I was out of uniform. It was a very cookiecutter kind of thing: jeans, sneakers and a T-shirt. I would get dressed up every once in a while, but it didn’t seem like a priority at the time.
It wasn’t until I left law enforcement that I was like “OK, how can I do or explore something different?” I took it as a time to explore something else that I might be interested in and for me, clothes are second skin. Some people want to dress a certain way, but they don’t know how or they don’t feel comfortable, or if they do, will they be judged? I truly feel like once you dress in something that is authentically you, your whole attitude changes toward everything you do. That’s what drove me; The emotional and psychological connection to it versus the overall aesthetic. It’s been a journey for myself as well, reflecting what fashion looks like for me What’s my style? I had been dressing a particular way for the last 10 years. It’s been interesting for me to feel like I’ve been in this role of masculinity, then realizing I don’t always have to be, I can be feminine too.
How has your background in law enforcement influenced your artistic journey?
I think all of my experiences have been able to shape that. For me, being able to let out my creative side was freeing. I’ve always loved art, creating something, working with my hands and putting that energy towards something that you can physically see, touch. So, with my military and law enforcement background, it’s having that discipline in order to create that vision and make it happen. It started as “I should do this,” to “OK, I’m going to get it done.” For me, it was having the discipline to make it come true.
Tell me about your brand, 4 Corner Culture.
I am Ojibwe from Red Lake Minnesota; I have lineage ties to the Bear Clan. I didn’t grow up around my culture, and I actually didn’t know I was Native American until I was 13, when I learned I had a different biological father who was. He was registered with the tribe so, from there, I found out about the other side of my family. I got to visit the reservation and meet my grandmother before her passing I learned another side of myself. I am still in my journey of re-connection, that meaning learning the language, our dances and traditions and just immersing myself in my culture.
I call it Indigenous streetwear. The styles
lean towards a masculine silhouette, but it is unisex wear. Every piece has a cultural significance, even within the name. The number four is a major component to our culture. It honors the four directions signifying that the creator is in every direction and is always there to guide us.
I have a garment that is inspired by the medicine wheel. The medicine wheel is a circle with two lines, one in the middle and one horizontally, and each quadrant is a different color. It basically explains how to live a well-rounded life at every stage of life. It honors the four directions, the four elements. It’s an ever-connecting circle because that’s how life is: We are all connected and it’s never-ending.
For me, it’s important to let others who feel disconnected know that it’s ok to want to reconnect. It’s just having to put the work in. With my brand, it’s also about educating others that we are still here, we are modern people. Yes, we honor our traditions by wearing regalia, learning the language and
keeping those traditions alive, but we are still modern people.
Are there any projects you’ve done that you’re super proud of?
Yes! There’s another jacket I created as a collaboration with another Indigenous artist. It’s a bomber jacket made from vegan leather. The jacket design was created by Caitlin Newago. Caitlin is the owner of Bizaanide’ewin and she is a Bad River Ojibwe. She is an artist, designer and tattoo artist and does amazing work! I reached out to her and proposed the jacket design and collaboration idea. She was all for it! She created this beautiful design that captured traditional Ojibwe designs with flowers, blueberries and strawberries, also known as the heart fruit. It was really to highlight other Indigenous artists and bring their work to life in other ways.
Follow Raquel McCloud on Instagram @4cornerculture and via her website at 4cornerculture.shop.
A Tropical Hometown Escape
Florida’s very own Winter Park is the season’s best travel destination when you’re looking to stay close to home.
BY GERRY BARKER
THE IDEA OF TAKING A STROLL is inviting. The Central Florida town of Winter Park emulates that enchanted feeling and is just 30 miles north of Orlando—perfect for a pleasant staycation/ weekend getaway.
The town is called Winter Park, located about seven miles north of Orlando. This charming city, home to some 30,000 people, boasts an array of shops, restaurants, historic hotels, museums, water sports and—just like the Big Apple—has its own Park Avenue adjacent to Central Park.
The Sunshine State has always been a magnet for northern business tycoons, and it’s the same for Winter Park. Sparked by a railroad connection in the 1880s, businessman Loring Chase, from Chicago, teamed with Oliver Chapman to buy the land which would become the city. After four years of precise planning and building, they put out the “open” sign and invited snowbirds to check it out.
And come they did.
While over time it has expanded and modernized, Winter Park still retains its small-town enchantment that draws visitors by the hundreds of thousands yearly. Aside from taking a road trip, you can hop on The Amtrak Silver Star and Silver Meteor service Winter Park en route from Miami, stopping at the historic depot in Central Park just steps away from the main thoroughfare, Park Avenue.
Here are just a few of the attractions you may want to add to your list:
This page, clockwise from top: Tiffany Chapel; The Amtrack Station; Mustard Spaghettini ‘Cacio E Pepe.’
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Located near downtown on Lake Osceola, tour boats leave daily every hour between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With an open-air design and seating for 18 passengers, it’s an hour-long, guided tour across three lakes and two canals. You’ll learn a lot about the town, its history and the wildlife that calls these waters home, as well as the sprawling estates of the rich and famous.
Rollins College
One of Florida’s oldest universities, this private, liberal arts school was founded in 1885. On its beautiful grounds that span 70 acres, you’ll find The Rollins Museum of Art as well a statue of its most famous alumni, Fred “Mr.” Rogers. Here, there is also the Alfond Inn, a boutique hotel whose proceeds fund scholarships and which also hosts a collection of modern art.
The legacy of Morse, a successful Vermont businessman who became Winter Park’s biggest landowner (the one-time Morse family estate is now a nature preserve, known for its orange trees and free-roaming peacocks), houses the most extensive collection of works by Louis Tiffany in the world. This magnificent collection of glass and jewelry includes the famed Tiffany Chapel created for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, restored to its original glory.
Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden
Noted Czech-American sculptor Albin Polasek retired to Winter Park in 1950, and this museum, the artist’s Mediterranean-style home and studio, houses over 200 of his works. You can also check out the historic Capen-Showalter House, rescued from demolition and relocated at the museum (the 4,200 square foot residence was cut in half and floated across Lake Osceola).
Park Plaza Hotel
Featuring grandeur on a smaller scale than its New York counterpart, time has seemingly stood still at this hotel at the edge of Central Park. Built in 1922, it has welcomed visitors and celebrities alike over its long history. Each of its 28 lovingly restored guest rooms retain their original charm, and don’t miss taking a ride of the hotel’s original, brass-door elevator, made by the Jacksonville Elevator Company.
Park Avenue
Shopping, restaurants, art galleries—you’ll find it all as you walk this main thoroughfare. We stopped at locally owned Prato, which offers both sidewalk and indoor seating. Their signature dish may be the oddly named, “Mustard Spaghettini ‘Cacio E Pepe’ (cheese and pepper),” but if you like Italian, go for it.
In Winter Park, you won’t run out of things to do. But if so, the theme park capital of the world is only a few minutes away.
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
When you combine White Lotus and Virgin River, you get Rochelle B. Weinstein’s newest book: A novel filled with depth and magical moments.
SECRETS AND DAYDREAMS UNVEILED IN We Are Made of Stars M
BY JACQUELINE FRIEDLAND
MIAMI AUTHOR ROCHELLE B.
WEINSTEIN is a force. This prolific writer of women’s fiction didn’t always expect she’d become a novelist. Following a bustling career in the music industry, Rochelle took a risk on writing her first book, and it became a runaway bestseller. Since that time, she has churned out seven more novels, hit bestseller lists, dazzled readers and developed a devoted fan base. I interviewed Rochelle ahead of her latest release, We Are Made of Stars, available Feb. 25.
Eight novels. Wow. A lot of authors set out to write one. It’s been a number of years now since you first started writing. Tell us what the journey has been like for you, how it’s changed over time and what motivates you to keep at it.
Writing that first book was a lark. I had a story to tell and no understanding of the publishing world or the challenges involved in seeing that story in print. That book sat under the bed for years until a carpool mom suggested her book club read it. They loved it. So began years of querying agents and
piling up rejections that could wallpaper a bathroom. I got kicked down a lot, but here’s the thing—I got right back up. That self-published book What We Leave Behind became a USA Today Bestseller. An agent and publishing deal followed. When I teach, I prepare my students for the ride. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. And the marathon is a roller coaster with plenty of ups and downs. Every author I know imagines throwing in the towel—walking away—but writers write. They can’t not write. What motivates me to keep going? Doing what I love to do. Connecting with readers. Finding hidden gems in the people and places around me and turning them into magic.
Speaking of which, your hometown, Miami, plays a role in many of your stories. Tell us how ‘place’ has led you to dream up the unique and emotional stories in your books.
Setting is another character in my novels. I need to feel rooted to a place to write about it. A stop at Vizcaya inspired pivotal scenes in When We Let Go A trip to the Florida Keys became the setting for This Is Not How It
Ends Places I’ve lived or visited frequently— Los Angeles, New York, North Carolina— always appear within the pages.
But I do love writing about Miami. We have such a vibrant city, and its picturesque beaches make for great visuals. Having grown up here—born in Mount Sinai Hospital—I’ve witnessed the evolution of the wholesome, breezy beach town to the bustling, cosmopolitan city. I’m proud of Miami, at every stage, and love featuring local favorites from past and present.
Once place is determined, I sprinkle nuggets that reflect the culture. There’s always themes of relationships, family, loss and redemption. I like to tackle the gray areas.
Tell us about We Are Made of Stars.
I’ll whet your appetite with my elevator pitch: Seven days in summer. Eight lives forever changed. Think White Lotus meets Virgin River
Sounds fantastic! The novel takes place at ‘Vis Ta Vie,’ a charming inn located in the mountains of North Carolina. The warmth and magic create an important and alluring part of the story. What made you want to set the story here?
The novel is based on the Inn at Little Pond Farm in Vilas, North Carolina. We’ve spent many summer evenings dining at the
communal table (ten guests) while a gourmet chef prepares a four-course meal. Gatherings of strangers, friends and wine typically unearth drama and connections, and I knew I had to write a book which captured these moments. I’m also partial to these mountains, having spent summers there since the age of four. Lots of Miami families sent their children to sleepaway camp in the area. It holds many of my favorite memories.
With a cast of ten characters and six points-of-view, each with their own obstacles to overcome, how did you keep track of the players while allowing their distinct qualities to jump off the page?
Remind me of this promise: I will never write another book with as many characters. Multiple POVs was a complete pull-my-hairout-of-my-head experience, challenging and impossible at times to weave the threads and keep track of the characters’ inner workings and arcs. I stapled six poster boards together with pictures of my characters and index cards detailing each chapter’s objective. Spread across the floor, I hopped around the life-size timeline like a game of Twister. It was a bit of a nightmare!
Tell us more about life in Miami. How do you take advantage of all the city has to offer?
When I’m not hunkered down at my desk,
A SINCERE STORYTELLER
“Rochelle is one of those rare and special people who has not only intellect and exceptional talent, but also so much heart and generosity that she does everything in her power to champion and support the people in her orbit. Her off-thecharts emotional intelligence and innate kindness translate in her fabulous writing. Her compelling stories have a trademark emotional honesty with complex characters that never fail to take you on a poignant journey. To sum it up, Rochelle is like her books—she never disappoints, she only makes life richer.”
Samantha Greene Woodruff, bestselling author of The Lobotomist’s Wife and The Trade Off.
you can find me on the water enjoying dolphin sightings. Sundays in fall are spent cheering on my beloved Miami Dolphins, though the team has broken my heart a bit in recent years. My husband and I (Bear) love riding bikes on the boardwalk in Bal Harbour and Surfside, or we’ll venture south to Books & Books to check out the shelves. I read a ton! Sitting on my balcony overlooking the water or on the beach is the perfect spot. You can find us enjoying a delicious meal at The Palm or Emilio’s in Bay Harbor. Unlike most people, I’ve never tried coffee in my life, so no coffee shops or cafes for me.
Your book recommendations are regularly featured in this magazine and in your newsletter. Can you tell us what books are on your own nightstand?
Counting Backwards by Jacqueline Friedland. Have you heard of it? A brilliant story releasing March 11. Nicola Kraus’ The Best We Could Hope For (May 1), Wally Lamb’s The River
Weinstein recently gave an Author Presentation called “Building Author Visibility” at the Miami-Dade Local Author Book Fair on Jan. 25.
is Waiting (May 6) and Annabel Monaghan’s It’s a Love Story (May 27).
As someone who’s always got another book percolating, are you able to tell us what’s next?
The next book is The Fault in Our Stars meets Me Before You Does that sound emotional enough for you? I loved writing this book— an epic love story—and the best part: The couple grew up on Miami Beach in the seventies and eighties. Rascal House. Fisher Park. Fun Fair. Need I say more?
What’s the best way for readers and writers to connect with you and stay informed about what you’re up to?
I love connecting with readers and friends through my website/newsletter at rochelleweinstein.com. Or follow me on Instagram @rochellebweinstein or Facebook. Make sure to stop by Books & Books for your copy of We Are Made of Stars.
SANCTUARY: Mike Eidson’s Love
Ambitious projects meet tenacious work ethic in Mike Eidson’s artsfocused restoration.
BY MORGAN C. MULLINGS
L
LEWIS “MIKE” EIDSON CARES about his neighbors. Before he became the historic philanthropist he is known as today, he was a budding lawyer trying cases to make our streets safer. As the founders of the Miami Chamber Music Society and the Coconut Grove Playhouse Foundation, the Eidson family’s impact is deeply felt.
His last name is one of three at Colson Hicks Eidson, a top firm located in Coral Gables with a 50-year legacy. Around the corner from the firm is the iconic bookstore and cafe, Books & Books. Its arched windows and textured walls are reminiscent of Italian architecture— something Eidson considered when restoring the old building into the landmark it is today. He was inspired by the original architect of Coral Gables, Phineas Paist, who designed several of the iconic stone buildings seen in the planned community. By maintaining Paist’s legacy while bringing something new to the table, Eidson would go on to bring a rare arts and culture experience to Coral Gables.
THE LAW OF THE LAND
It was his first big case in 1975. Colson Hicks won $3 million for families after a young woman died in a Ford Pinto explosion. Eidson joined the firm after serving in Vietnam and began learning just how much he cared about protecting consumers and how to use his newfound power as a lawyer to change victims’ lives. Under Bill Colson’s guidance, they reached an $8 million settlement in 1986 and a $100 million settlement in 1998—all in the
name of lost family members or wronged hospital patients. As Eidson became a more established trial lawyer, he helped shape litigation tactics for taking on large companies.
“It was always one basic argument. It was economically and technically feasible to make these changes, which would have prevented this death or injury,” Eidson said. But traditional litigators were always telling them they could not do it, and he set out to prove them wrong. “I didn’t know what I was going to do when I went to work with them,” he said of his mentors Colson and Bill Hicks. “Dean Colson is my partner…but I was with his father, the guy that taught me how to do all this.”
Now with his successes as senior partner of the firm and with his nonprofit Sanctuary of the Arts, he has established himself among the great men that created Coral Gables and the generations of faith leaders in the city.
SANCTUARY: A PLACE OF REFUGE AND SAFETY
“This is what we saved. And look at it, it’s spectacular,” Eidson told AQUA Pinecrest as he gave a tour of St. Mary’s church. Most of the time, Eidson sees potential in things that others do not. The story of St. Mary’s, the first African American church in Coral Gables, ends with a community’s refuge returned. Asking the city to save a building means proposals, commission meetings and lots of red tape. “My wife and I are very big believers in community or we wouldn’t be doing this and trying to make this a great place to live.”
On Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday weekend, Historic Coconut Grove church members gathered on the church’s new dance floor to celebrate Dr. King in an annual theatre performance. But before 2023, it was known as the dilapidated church marked for bulldozing.
Using his nonprofit Sancutary of the Arts’ resources, Eidson fast-tracked the restoration of the historic building, turning it into a dance studio for the neighboring school children to use. “My best friend always says, ‘you always see
Colson Hicks Eidson moved their headquarters to Coral Gables after 35 years in Downtown Miami.
something before anybody else sees it.’”
Eidson does not view himself as a savior of anything and sometimes quips that his part in the philanthropy “doesn’t matter.” But without him, residents wouldn’t see small kids walking from school to the church to dance after classes.
He purchased the building for $860,000 when the roof was caving in, replaced the roof and floors and made it an extension of Sanctuary of the Arts’ reach as an umbrella arts organization. Their operation, however, is stationed mainly at the historic First Church of Christ, Scientist building on Andalusia Ave. This is where locals have been experiencing a remarkable arts experience that doesn’t often exist beyond the Adrienne Arscht Center downtown. On Jan. 23, they hosted The Cleveland Orchestra’s Chamber Ensemble, and on Jan. 25, Dimension Dance Theater of Miami made their debut on the Sanctuary stage.
“The artists love it. I was really surprised. I was afraid that they wouldn’t like the fact that we have a limited backstage, but they don’t care, they want to perform. And the space itself is spectacular,” Eidson says. His wife, Dr. Margaret Eidson, calls it a jewelry box—the crown jewel being the ceiling with its halo glow and sheer size reminiscent of the pantheon’s famous hole to heaven.
Eidson did not mention architect Paist without mentioning Coral Gables founder George Merrick, who was the Christian Scientist responsible for the building’s signature stucco look. “Most people didn’t even notice it was there. Now everybody gets to enjoy it,” he said. Sanctuary for the Arts has continued to make upgrades, and now the space has enough speakers and lighting to host Broadway-style theatre productions.
The building also hosts the annual State of the Arts meeting. On Jan. 21, about 150 people gathered there over breakfast to discuss how their organizations could work together and advance the city’s art offerings and education. Eidson says it was as if “every arts organization
Dancers usually practice in the church’s original service space, before they moved into the main building when the congregation grew.
in the city of Coral Gables were there.” In collaboration with the Coral Gables Community Foundation, they welcomed representatives from the University of Miami, Actor’s Playhouse, GableStage Theatre Company and Mayor Vince Lago.
FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT
Eidson loves to gush about the dancers. As former president of the Miami City Ballet board and chair of the Adrienne Arsht Center, this comes as no surprise.
Sanctuary of the Arts took popular dance shows like Carnival of the Animals and Men Who Dance to Broward Center for the Arts and Latin America. During the summer, there are choreography series and children’s dance classes. Artists who come from other countries stay at the hotel next door and walk back and forth from Sanctuary like it is their home.
Dancers are at the top of his list when it comes to collaborators. Rafi MaldonadoLopez, Sanctuary of the Art’s principal managing director and accomplished dancer and choreographer, has been Eidson’s good friend since their days working with the Miami City Ballet. He is responsible for taking Men Who Dance and his take on Carnival of the Animals to places like Canada and Brazil.
Eidson said he is also honored to work with Edward Villela, founder of the Miami City Ballet, because, “It really started with him. He knew every single thing,” Eidson said. From putting on a ballet show, how the costumes are made, to the ideas behind famous productions, Villela answered all of Eidson’s questions.
“It was incredible, it was like taking college classes.” He gave another shoutout to Alice Arja, their international curriculum consultant. “I couldn’t do it without her.” An accomplished
ballet dancer from Brazil, Alice Arja is a respected teacher at Sanctuary. “In walks this woman who had created a syllabus to teach ballet in particular, all over the world,” Eidson said.
Eidson’s generosity has attracted “kind and generous artists” that carry the sheer weight of a packed theatre schedule, classes and interfaith experiences. “We thought it was appropriate for the arts, to leave it as a sanctuary. That’s what they were. We’re repurposing it without
losing the original purpose,” he said. That’s why Mosaic Miami, longtime interfaith community nonprofit, works and uses 18 classrooms in the buildings every day. Partnering with Sanctuary for the Arts and other local theater programs resulted in educational events like a film series and moderated discussions.
“This country has gotten to where it’s either friends or enemies…and I’m doing everything I can to change that, so that people can get along better,” Eidson said.
UNMASKING THE Queen of Salsa
Pinecrest Gardens’ recent exhibition features the singer’s real belongings, and a concert series honors her legacy.
BY MORGAN C. MULLINGS
QQUEEN OF SALSA CELIA CRUZ was a lot like the residents of South Florida. She was born to a Haitian mother and a Cuban father, and Florida has the largest concentration of Cuban Americans and Haitian Americans in the country. Living in Miami means being connected to these two countries’ cultures in a fascinating way. To properly showcase Cruz’s connection to her culture in the year of her 100th birthday, Pinecrest Gardens opened a new exhibit on Dec. 8 about her early life and accomplishments. “Here she is, an Afro-Cuban breaking into, at the time, a very male-dominated profession,” Exhibit Curator and Pinecrest Gardens Executive Director Cristina Blanco told AQUA Pinecrest.
A TOUR THROUGH THE EXHIBIT
The exhibit begins with the band Cruz first performed with: La Sonora Matancera, an established and popular band in Cuba for about 30 years before she joined as lead singer. Before the fancy colorful outfits and designer shoes, she was the small dark-skinned girl in an ordinary dress at the center of a large group of instrumentalists. “She was on a very different path, to become an educator,” said Blanco. “And then she discovered that she had this special gift, which was her voice.”
Exhibit viewers might first stop at her childhood confirmation photos by the entrance if the video screen of Cruz’s earliest performances weren’t so captivating. “We started the exhibit with 19 minutes of archival video so you can get little tidbits of her performing with the band,” she said. Because of a partnership
with the Celia Cruz Estate, Pinecrest Gardens was able to use videos and historic photographs officially and connect with external owners of Cruz’s items. “[The estate] themselves loaned us some objects on display.”
The other focal point is a dress completely recreated down to the seams—though it isn’t the original that Cruz wore, it’s still an exact replica. But if Pinecrest residents wanted to see some of her real fashion, they could ogle several sets of heels that Cruz wore on stage. “I was very impressed by the shoes, and they really caught me by surprise,” said Blanco. Many never noticed that some of her shoes had no heel, but rather an extended bottom piece of the shoe that allowed for more comfortable wear.
“The shows were cabaret style shows where there were maybe four or five hours where you’re standing on your feet. They were made by Mexican designer Miguel Nieto with that in mind. Sometimes, you don’t always pay attention to the shoes…because it’s not where your eyesight is.”
After Cruz’s big break with La Sonora Mantancera between 1950 to 1965, she worked hard performing in clubs and joining the Tito Puente Orchestra in the 60s. As Salsa, a genre in its infancy at the time, gained traction, she became associated with the Fania label and shined among the many men who dominated the Latin music industry.
A LASTING LEGACY
Among the exhibit’s close-ups of her is a series of advertisements, including one for her performances at the Tropicana. The flashy salsa
frontwoman we most commonly see today comes out in cabaret and club residences, especially at the Tropicana Night Club where she gave some of her most legendary shows. “Here, she’s exploded. We wanted to put this image of her on a pedestal,” said Blanco.
It’s almost as if Cruz is shouting ‘Azúcar!’ through the photos. “When she explodes, everyone wants her to be a part of their program or to interview her or to [have her] participate in cabaret shows.”
Near the Tropicana pictures, Cruz is seen smiling with the Cuban singing and dancing group Las Mulatas del Fuego. Not far off is an iconic photo of her singing and dancing in a studio with the incomparable Benny Moré and a live audience. Moré was another Black singer and Cuban sonero who sang at the cross section of Latin and African music that was popular in the 50s. The two can be heard together on the commemorative
album Recuerdos de Cuba Cruz also performed on Homenajes de Beny in 1978, an album to honor Moré after he passed. They both are considered part of the foundation of modern Salsa.
Blanco highlighted a popular piece at one corner of the room: A caricature of Cruz on the cover of Bohemia Magazine “One of my favorite pieces in the exhibition is actually this one,” she said.
Juan Davis, a cartoonist for the Cuban publication, drew her likeness to fill the page, her features exaggerated for all to see in the biggest magazine out of Havana.
“So when it was published, and then it was put away, it had not been seen. He had kept it as part of his collection.” It was another acquisition by the Celia Cruz Estate that made it into the exhibition and captured her larger-than-life presence. Editions of Bohemia are usually only seen in the University of Florida Digital Collections.
Cruz’s original cabaret photos reveal just how much she performed in the 60s and 70s alone.
ON THE STAGE
The exhibit and following performances achieved Blanco’s goal: “Let’s educate people.”
Despite this being Cruz’s 100th year, visitors left Pinecrest Gardens with at least one thing they’d never heard about her. However, those who have seen the Broadway musical know a lot more.
Just before the exhibition closed on Feb. 2, Pinecrest Gardens held a concert as part of their ongoing series, featuring Afro-Cuban singer Lucrecia who played Celia in Celia El Musical Without the stage makeup and wigs, she’s still the multi-talented superstar Lucrecia— but when they put her in blonde hair and slip on those rumbera-style sleeves, Celia Cruz comes to life again. There is no one better to ring in her centennial, in a place Cruz frequently visited, than Lucrecia. All two shows were sold out with
waiting lists weeks before the event.
“When you close your eyes, she will be Cuba’s voice for us. She will be Celia,” said Blanco. And Lucrecia was. Rather than providing an impersonation of Celia for the audience or using a track, the band actually used old music sheets from her time with La Sonora Matancera. On Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, Lucrecia sang some of Cruz’s earliest music while adding in the more recognizable hits.
As the exhibit closes, Blanco wants Pinecrest Gardens visitors to know that Cruz was as generous as she was talented. “She recognized the gift that she had that helped her lift her out of where she was, and then she gave that gift away to help lift other people. That’s why we chose to spotlight this period instead of just doing what we already know.”
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When you close your eyes, she will be Cuba’s voice for us. She will be Celia,”
Blanco
Cristina
Exhibit Curator and Pinecrest Gardens Executive Director
Cheek to Cheek
Put down your regular blush and give a different color a try.
BY MORGAN C. MULLINGS
WHETHER YOU WEAR a full face of makeup every day or you like to look a little more awake with chapstick and mascara, blush is the final step that elevates a look. But don’t just go with the first pink shade you see in Sephora—there’s a whole world of color to explore.
AQUA ROUGE
ORANGE
Chanel Joues Contraste Intense in Rouge Franc (Available at Ulta, $55)
This Chanel blush is so light and creamy that there’s no reason to be afraid of the deep orange color. Orange is great for brightening dark areas and hiding hyperpigmentation. It’s a classic if you want a no-makeup makeup look that still makes your skin look bright and flawless. Apply to the lower parts of the cheek for a rounder, glowy look.
PINK
HUDA Beauty Blush Filter in Ube Cream (Available at Huda Beauty, $23)
Liquid blush can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know how much to put on before blending it in.
HUDA Beauty’s Blush Filter is exactly what it says. It looks like a filter on the skin instead of a pink blotchy mess, even when you build it up. Pink is great for a sweeter look and works on any part of the face for a subtle glow. It’s great to wear alone, but in this shade, it’s even better when mixed with deeper blush tones. Apply closer to the center of the face or underneath the eyes to softly brighten your look.
RED
Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Island Glow Lip & Cheek in Pinched Cheek Glow (Available at Charlotte Tilbury, $40)
Most makeup wearers tend to stay away from red blush for fear that it will be too vivid or clownlike. Contrary to popular belief, red will actually make the face look the most naturally flushed since our natural blush is red. It comes off as sweeter and more endearing, and Charlotte Tilbury’s Pinched Cheek Glow comes in a cream pot—easy to swipe on a bare face but still works on top of powder if necessary. It also works on all skin tones. This blush won’t overpower a pale face but still shows up on deeper skin. Apply to the apples of the cheeks to look naturally radiant.
PURPLE
NARS Powder Blush in Teased (Available at Sephora, $34)
If you know old-school makeup brands, you know that NARS is unrivaled in the blush category. So many classics come from this brand, but their shade of purple on the face can be daunting. This color is best for deepening your look and creating some drama. It also has a cooler tone than the oranges and reds, helping you add color to the face without taking away from other elements of your makeup. If you want a sharper look, blend this into your contour or bronzer. Apply specifically to the upper cheekbones and into the temple to really carve out the face.
A Relaxing Escape
For a peaceful and cultural weekend getaway, look no further than the Palm Beaches.
BY GERRY BARKER
WHETHER YOUR INTERESTS include world class museums, entertainment, upscale shopping or a day on the links, you can find it all in the Palm Beaches, known the world over as America’s resort playground. You can trace its name back to 1878, when the Spanish ship Providencia wrecked here on its way from Havana to Cadiz. Instead of gold or silver, its cargo was a load of coconuts from the British West indies. Those beached coconuts grew into a beautiful grove of palm trees, and the area previously known as
Lake Worth was renamed Palm Beach. It quickly evolved into a resort destination after railroad magnate Henry Flagler opened his Royal Poinciana Hotel in 1894.
Today, almost 60 billionaires call Palm Beach home, but you don’t have to be rich to enjoy the sun, sea and sand that provide year-round recreation. Here is just a small sampling of things to do:
Golf. Palm Beach County is home to almost 150 golf courses, and one of the most scenic is located between
the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. The Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course has been touted twice by Golf Digest as ‘The Best Par 3 in the U.S.,’ and it was ranked No. 1 by Golf Magazine (second-place award given to the short course at Augusta National. Also popular for its ocean view and food is the Al Fresco restaurant, offering weekday breakfast and weekend buffet along with lunch and dinner). More information can be found at: golfontheocean.com.
Worth Avenue. Often compared to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, this four-block span in Palm Beach fronts the Atlantic Ocean and features luxury brands shopping, upscale restaurants, art galleries, one-ofa-kind boutiques and charming off-street “vias” that are worlds unto themselves.
Named after General William Jenkins Worth, it’s become an iconic symbol of the Palm Beach lifestyle for over 100 years. For a limited time, you can sign up for a 75-minute historical walking tour led by Rick Rose, historical docent. Don’t be surprised if you see a celebrity or two. More information can be found at: worth-avenue.com.
The
Morikami Museum and Gardens.
For lovers of culture and nature, The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located in nearby Delray Beach. Its almost 200 acres include two museum buildings, the gardens and a bonsai garden, as well as a library, gift shop and Japanese restaurant. It hosts a number of events and festivals yearround, including tea ceremonies and classes. Wander through its six gardens and find your
zen. More information can be found at: morikami.org.
Restaurants. If you want a change of pace or are looking for something more old Florida, there are a number of options. One is John G’s Restaurant, a local favorite since 1972. Guests line up to have their Cinnamon Nut French Toast, Hawaiian omelets and their Famous Fish and Chips. Craving seafood? You might want to head to the Old Key Lime House in nearby Lantana—Florida’s oldest waterfront restaurant, built in 1889. Its views of the sunset over the Intracoastal are legendary. Boasting South Florida’s largest tiki bar, you can’t leave until you’ve tried their key lime pie. More information can be found at: oldkeylimehouse.com.
Opposite page, left: Worth Avenue. Right: Norton Museum of Art. Bottom: Tour on Worth Avenue. This page: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, courtesy of the museum.
Norton Museum of Art. Art lovers shouldn’t miss an opportunity to visit the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach. Founded in 1941 by Ralph Norton, the former head of the Chicago-based Acme Steel Co., it is now the largest museum in Florida with a permanent collection of over 8,200 works in five curatorial departments: European, American, Chinese, Contemporary and Photography. It also hosts a 37,200 square foot sculpture garden. Refer to their website for current exhibit information: www.norton.org.
Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Named for Raymond F. Kravis, a prominent geologist and philanthropist from Tulsa who wintered in Palm Beach for more than 35 years, it opened in 1992 on the highest point in Palm Beach County—formerly Connie Mack Field, which for more than 60 years hosted spring training for the Philadelphia Athletics and the St. Louis Browns. Today, nearly 550 performances take place at the Center each season, drawing half-a-million guests, including Broadway shows, symphonic orchestras, concerts and ballet. More information can be found at: kravis.org.
The Bullish U.S. Economy
Taking a look at the state of the American economic system.
IN RECENT ECONOMIC ANALYSES, the United States has presented a picture of robust growth, significantly altering the narrative from potential downturns to one of sustained expansion. Here’s a detailed look at the factors that are fueling this bullish economic environment:
• Revised Data: Recent economic data revisions show higher GDP and GDI, indicating stronger growth than anticipated.
• Avoiding Recession: The economy has successfully navigated through monetary tightening without entering a recession, debunking earlier forecasts.
• Increased Productivity: There’s a notable increase in productivity, potentially due to technological advancements, which could lower unit labor costs and manage inflation.
• Higher Incomes and Savings: Upward revisions in personal income, especially non-labor income, have led to increased savings, enhancing economic stability.
• Policy Adjustments: These developments might influence the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies, possibly leading to less aggressive interest rate hikes.
• Future Outlook: This trend suggests a decade of growth ahead, driven by technology and innovation, positioning the U.S. to lead global economic prosperity.
In conclusion, the U.S. economy’s current trajectory is not just a recovery from past downturns but a springboard into a potentially long-term growth phase. This bullish outlook, supported by robust data revisions, not only reassures investors and policymakers but also sets a hopeful tone for global economic trends, suggesting that the U.S. might lead the world into an era of technological and economic prosperity.
Every investor’s situation is unique, and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.
The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation.
Any opinions are those of Al Maulini and not necessarily those of Raymond James.
STARTING FROM THE $700,000’s
Cassia introduces a new dimension to upscale living in Coral Gables. Located in the heart of the Merrick Park District, this captivating address offers city sophistication with stunning views of skylines, lush tree canopies, and sunsets.
1925, ‘The City Beautiful’ Courtesy of the Raul Valdes-Fauli Archives, City of Coral Gables Historical Resources and Cultural Arts Department.
