Moon Valley Neighborhoods: Coral Gables Estates BY JULIE PEK Behind the gate, Ivan greets residents and visitors to Coral Gables Estates. This community was established in the early 1980’s when folks started to buy parcels and build their custom homes. Most of the homes are on a minimum of ½ acre and some have amazing city views from atop Moon Mountain. In the 1990’s Gail and her husband Dom, bought a home behind the gate where they raised their family. “We were drawn to the area because of the large lots and all the privacy,” said Gail. “There are also two tennis courts in our neighborhood, and I play on them with my friends,” she added. With not a lot of turn-over, Gail and her family have developed many friendships over the years. “My mother visited quite often from the East, and even she became part of the neighborhood!” Gail said. Approximately 160 homes make up Coral Gables Estates. There is an HOA that serves the needs of the community and provides for the 24-hour manned guard gate. Home prices range from $650,000 to $2 million and most are over 3,000 sq. feet. Currently there are a few vacant lots available and ready to be built on. If you’re looking for privacy, and want to build your dream home, Coral Gables Estates could be your place! Contact me for more information.
18 April 2020 | info@mvtattler.com
Celebrating Our Graduating Seniors BY CH R I S T Y VA N D E R S E E
“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” - Coco Chanel This perfect quote set the stage for the National Charity League, Inc. (NCL, Inc.) Moon Valley Chapter Senior Recognition Class of 2020 event on March 1, 2020. The theme for the event was Chanel since the icon herself often spoke about how important it was for a woman to be an individual and think for herself – a quality that all our graduating seniors hold in spades. The Senior Recognition event serves as a way for our chapter to celebrate the accomplishments each of these young women and their mothers have achieved throughout their NCL journey. It provides a chance to share all the high school and NCL accomplishments of each senior, as well as their favorite philanthropy and leadership role. It also gives each girl an opportunity to talk about their future plans. In the beginning of this journey, some of these girls may have started off not knowing what to expect, while others were familiar with the organization through friends or siblings. Some were excited about it, while others may have been hesitant to start. One thing they all agreed upon as they reached their last year is that they had no regrets, only wonderful memories. This is a journey taken by their mother’s side at a time when teenage daughters might not be as close to their mothers as they once were during their younger years. At Senior Recognition, a common theme was heard when these young women said their farewells – they thanked their mothers for the experience of NCL.
In an elegant Chanel inspired program, the seniors each wrote a message to their mothers. Megan Bladine wrote, “Mom, I’m so glad that we joined NCL and stuck with it. You are such an inspiration and have helped me grow in my leadership and service, you have helped me become the person I am today, and I am thankful we have shared this 6-year journey together. Love you!” This is why NCL has become so important to me. My younger daughter and I joined when she was in the 7th grade, and she is now a freshman in high school. Looking at her across the table wearing a dress and heels, smiling as she was talking to a friend seated next to her (who she didn’t know before NCL), I was so happy. You see, she’s my quiet child. NCL has made her step out of her comfort zone. She has made new friends outside of her school and is holding leadership positions. One day, sooner than I’m truthfully ready for, it will be her Senior Recognition. I know she too will look back with fond memories at the 6 years with NCL, taking this journey by my side. NCL, Inc. is a philanthropic organization with over 200 chapters across the country that all share the mission of fostering strong mother-daughter relationships through community service, leadership development and cultural experiences. Members include girls ranging 7th to 12th grade along with their mothers. For more information, visit our website at moonvalley.nationalcharityleague.org
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