Monday, August 25

Ponce Association Presents Senator Gwen Margolis
Our Guest Speaker for next Monday, August 25, is Florida Senator Gwen Margolis, speaking on "Government Budget Cuts." As a State Senator during property tax reform legislation, she is well qualified to speak on the subject. Perhaps she will share some of the views in Tallahassee that have affected government budgets statewide. Senator Margolis leaves office at the end of her term this year. Now she is a candidate for the first elected Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser. The Ponce Business Association meets every Monday (except holidays) for lunch at JohnMartin's Restaurant, 253 Miracle Mile, at noon. Lunch is $20 for members and $22 for guests. Call 305-443-7973. http://www.PonceAssociation.org

Shakra Monday Specials
Shakra will come to your office or home to administer Chair Massages for a special rate of $70/hour. Visit their beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Yoga for Lunch at all levels from 12:15 to 1pm, Body Sculpting at all levels from 5:15 to 6:15pm, Basic Hatha Yoga at all levels from 6:15 to 7:30PM, and for Belly Dancing at intermediate level from 7:30 to 8:30pm. Enjoy their Zen-style and fully equipped locker rooms as well as class props for free. The first class for new students (Florida Residents) is always free at Shakra Relaxation Oasis, 271 Alhambra Circle. Call 305-774-1355. http://www.shakramiami.com

Martini Monday At The Biltmore Bar
The weekly Martini Monday is an event dedicated to the most chic of cocktails for the choicest of singles at the Biltmore Bar featuring half price Belvedere Vodka, Ciroc Vodka, and Smirnoff Vodka. The hotel's resident expert mixologists have developed a menu of Martinis unlike any other at the Biltmore Bar, 1200 Anastasia, starting at 6pm every Monday. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Fritz And Franz Monday Specials
The Fritz And Franz Bierhaus at 60 Merrick Way will once again be open every Monday with a fresh oven roasted Chicken with mixed salad plate special for $14.95. Call 305-774-0883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Acoustic Music Showcase And Wheat Beer At JohnMartin's
John Brown hosts the weekly acoustic music showcase, and special $5 pricing on JohnMartin's Wheat Beer each Sunday evening at JohnMartin's Irish Pub, 253 Miracle Mile. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com

Senator Mel Martinez: A Sense of Belonging
A Sense of Belonging: From Castro's Cuba to the U.S. Senate, One Man's Pursuit of the American Dream (Random House, $26.95) is the riveting account of innocence lost, exile sustained by religious faith, and an immigrant's gritty determination to overcome the barriers of language and culture in his adopted homeland. Senator Mel Martinez warmly recalls a bucolic childhood in Cuba, playing baseball, fishing at the beach, and accompanying his father on veterinary visits to neighboring farms. He also vividly recounts the harrowing changes under Castro that forced him to flee, as well as the arduous years he spent in American refugee camps and foster homes. And he captures the sheer joy of being reunited with his family after four years of wrenching separation. Having embraced life in America, he set about the delicate task of guiding his parents through their struggles with assimilation while also building his own family and career. Though his story ends in the hallowed halls of the U.S. Capitol, Martinez has never forgotten the boy who experienced the loss of liberty under Communism. Meet the senator at Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Boulevard at 7:30pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Late Night Specials At The Bar
Enjoy 2 for 1 drink specials from 11pm to 1am. Enjoy their selection of 48 bottled beers, 10 great brews on tap and the best comfort food at The Bar, 172 Giralda. Call 305-442-2730. http://www.gablesthebar.com