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Resolution 2023-32774RESOLUTION NO. 2023-32774 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME SELECTION COMMITTEE, AND RATIFYING THE INDUCTION OF JUDY DRUCKER, SEYMOUR AND EDITH GELBER, NANCY LIEBMAN, MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS, MARK SAMUELIAN, MOHAMMED ALI, JERRY LIBBIN, AND RUSSELL GALBUT AS MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME. WHEREAS, on September 25, 2017, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2017-29987 approving the creation of a Miami Beach Hall of Fame to be located on the South Concourse Wall of the Miami Beach Convention Center; and WHEREAS, nominations for the 2023 Hall of Fame were accepted from February 15, 2023, through May 17, 2023. As a result of this process, twenty-two (22) nominations were received; and WHEREAS, the Hall of Fame Selection Committee was convened to review all applications and consider recommending up to five inductees, with at least one induction being a posthumous honor; and WHEREAS, on May 18, 2023, the Hall of Fame Committee held their first meeting and during this meeting, the Committee discussed the application process, qualifications criteria and scoring rubric. Following the meeting, Committee members were provided the twenty-two (22) nomination packages, along with the scoring rubric; and WHEREAS, on June 9, 2023, the Hall of Fame Committee reconvened and invited submitters to speak on behalf of each nominee, which was followed by public comment; and WHEREAS, based on total averages determined from the scoring rubrics, a motion was unanimously passed to recommend the following five inductees into the Hall of Fame: Nominee Score Judy Drucker 96 Michael Tilson Thomas 96 Seymour and Edith Gelber 93 Nancy Liebman 91 Mark Samuelian 88 WHEREAS, at the June 9, 2023 City Commission meeting, the Hall of Fame Committee made the following recommendations for future Hall of Fame cycles: 0 Delete criteria requiring at least one posthumous honor • Submitters should be allowed to select multiple categories of expertise on the application form • Include additional criteria for ineligibility as follows: No family members of sitting elected or appointed public officials shall be eligible for nomination; a moratorium for a period of three (3) years after leaving office shall be placed on the nomination of family members of elected and appointed officials. • Include a preliminary meeting prior to scoring to discuss the candidates being nominated to deem nominees as "Qualified" or "Not Qualified". • Analyze scoring matrix to determine if the average score was fair if a member deemed the nominee as "Not Qualified", and WHEREAS, at the September 13, 2023 City Commission meeting, the Mayor and City Commission approved the recommendations of the Committee, and also approved Mohammed Ali, Jerry Libbin, and Russell Galbut as 2023 Miami Beach Hall of Fame inductees; and WHEREAS, a celebration to honor the 2023 Miami Beach Hall of Fame inductees is scheduled for Thursday, October 5, 2023, 10AM, Miami Beach Convention Center, South Concourse. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA that the Mayor and City Commission hereby approve the recommendations of the Miami Beach Hall of Fame Selection Committee, and ratify the induction of Judy Drucker, Seymour and Edith Gelber, Nancy Liebman, Michael Tilson Thomas, Mark Samuelian, Mohammed Ali, Jerry Libbin, and Russell Galbut as members of the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. PASSED and ADOPTED this 1311 day of Se ber 023. ATTEST: SEP 2 Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk Dan Gelber, Mayor 0 2023 APPROVED AS TO FORM & LANGUAGE & FOR EXECUTION City Attomey Date MIAMI BEACH COMMISSION MEMORANDUM TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager DATE: September 13, 2023 SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME SELECTION COMMITTEE, AND RATIFYING THE INDUCTION OF JUDY DRUCKER, SEYMOUR AND EDITH GELBER, NANCY LIEBMAN, MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS AND MARK SAMUELIAN, AS MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME. RECOMMENDATION Adopt this Resolution BACKGROUND/HISTORY On September 25, 2017, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2017-29987 approving the creation of a Miami Beach Hall of Fame to be located on the South Concourse Wall of the Miami Beach Convention Center. The Hall of Fame Selection Committee was established to review the applications, deliberate, and decide who deserves the coveted recognition. The Selection Committee and Hall of Fame nomination process is outlined as follows: 1. Selection Committee A nine -member Commission -appointed Selection Committee for the Hall of Fame, plus two atiarge members from the local community. Appointees could be knowledgeable in the following fields of expertise: • Business • Education • Arts and Entertainment • Philanthropy • Sports • Public Service • Literature and History 2. Hall of Fame Eligibility A person would be eligible for induction to the City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame if that person meets one or more of the following criteria: • Had significant impact on the City as a whole • Made a lasting and positive impact on the City Page 2136 of 2938 • Had significant ties to the City, was born in Miami Beach, and/or made Miami Beach his/her place of residence or business Ineligibility: • No sitting elected or appointed public official shall be eligible for norrinabon. A moratorium, for a period of five (5) years after leaving office, shall be placed on the norrrnation of elected and appointed officials. • Members of the Miami Beach Hall of Fame Selection Committee may not submit nominees or be considered for nominations. • Individuals cannot nominate Ywrrksdves. 3. Nomination Process Nomination packages include the following: • Nominee's name, contact information and, if applicable, date of death • Biography highlighting the nominee's personal history and connection to Miami Beach, including the major accomplishment(s) of the nominee and how they relate to Miami Beach. • Two letters of recommendation which demonstrate how the nominee is relevant and valuable to Miami Beach • As part of the nominating package, nominators must identify themselves and their relationship to the nominee. • The Selection Committee would consider up to five inductees to recommend each year, with at least one induction being a posthumous honor. • The Selection Committee would then make its recommendations to the Commission, and the Commission would ratify the annual inductees. • The City has established a repeating selection process, which occurs biannually, with an event to induct new honorees ANALYSIS Nominations for the 2023 Hall of Fame were accepted from February 15, 2023 through 5 PM on May 1, 2023. (Applications were extended through 4 PM on Wednesday, May 17, 2023). As a result of this process, twenty-two (22) nominations were received and are noted as follows: Name of Nominee Nominated By Muhammad Ali Christopher Lee Ray Breslin Prakash Kumar and Debi Quade Sabrina Cohen Charlotte Libov, Rosa Betancourt Frank and Marian Del Vecchio Jean Dasburg Jacobson Judy Drucker Dr. Lynette Long Russell William Galbut Pamela D. Brumer Seymour and Edith Gelber Barbara Gelber and Judy Gelber Susana Gimenez Gustavo Briand DeAnne Connolly Graham Mirielle Enlow and Amani Ayers Jerry Libbin Jorge M Gonzalez Nancy Liebman Merle Shama Mathieu Massa Morgan Allibert George Neary Hannah Baumgarten, Grisette Roque Marcos, Linda Page 2137 of 2938 Borst Kolko Bruce Orosz Paul Lardi Silvia Parra Jesus Pacheco Mark Samuelian Mohammed Islam, Susanna Purucker Bruce Scheinberg Mohammed Islam Ronald W Shane Elaine Roden Stewart Stewart Dena Stewart Michael Tilson Thomas Marci Falvey Barbara Walters Joseph Magazine Dona Zemo Lori Bakkum On May 18, 2023, the Hall of Fame Committee held their first meeting. During this meeting, the Committee discussed the application process, qualifications criteria and scoring rubric. Following the meeting, Committee members were provided the twenty-two (22) nomination packages, along with the scoring rubric. On June 9, 2023, the Hall of Fame Committee reconvened and invited submitters to speak on behalf of each nominee, which was followed by public comment. Based on total averages determined from the scoring rubrics, a motion was unanimously passed to recommend the following five inductees into the Hall of Fame: Nominee Score Judy Drucker 96 Michael Tilson Thomas 96 Seymour and Edith Gelber 93 Nancy Liebman 91 Mark Samuelian 88 During the June 9, 2023 meeting, the Hall of Fame Committee made the following recommendations for future Hall of Fame cycles: 1. Delete criteria requiring at least one posthumous honor 2. Submitters should be allowed to select multiple categories of expertise on the application form 3. Include additional criteria for ineligibility as follows: No family members of sitting elected or appointed public officials shall be eligible for nomination; a moratorium for a period of three (3) years after leaving office shall be placed on the nomination of family members of elected and appointed officials. 4. Include a preliminary meeting prior to scoring to discuss the candidates being nominated to deem nominees as "Qualified" or "Not Qualified". 5. Analyze scoring matrix to determine if the averaged score was fair if a member deemed the nominee as "Not Qualified" A celebration to honor the 2023 Miami Beach Hall of Fame inductees is scheduled for Thursday, October 5, 2023, 10AM, Miami Beach Convention Center, South Concourse. Page 2138 of 2938 N/A FINANCIAL INFORMATION The Hall of Fame is funded in the amount of $50,000 through the FY 23 budget process. Amounts)/Account(s): 440-0442-000343-25421-551-00-00-00- CONCLUSION The Administration recommends adopting the recommendations of the Hall of Fame Committee. Applicable Area Citywide . .N.. :u IN oll I vi 1 Fi a 7-� No Strategic Connection Prosperity - Market and promote Miami Beach as a world class arts, culture, and quality entertainment destination. Legislative Trackina Tourism and Culture ATTACHMENTS: Description o Application Submssions for Nominees Page 2139 of 2938 MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME NOMINATION FORM >>> Please Type All Information <<< NOMINEE'S INFORMATION Nominee's Name: Judy Nelson Drucker Nominee's Occupation, Field of Achievement or Title: Founder, Great Artist Series, Cultural Artist Nominee's Category of Expertise (Select one from the options below): R Artist/ Architect/ Designer/ Scientist Athlete Business Leader Civic Leader Family Legacy Date of Death (if posthumous nomination): March 30, 2020 Questions 1 -5: Fully explain your answers for all questions. Please put the nominee's accomplishments in context; show how they are relevant and valuable to Miami Beach. Enter a brief biography highlighting the nominee's personal history and connection to Miami Beach. Judith Nelson Drucker (Drucker) was bom in Brooktyn, New York, on June 20, 1928. Her mother, Lillian Levine was an opera singer and a classical pianist and inspired in Drucker a love of music. Her father, Isidore Nelson, was a Russian Jewish immigrant in the clothing business. As a child musical prodigy, Drucker studied piano at the New York College of Music and voice at the Juiliiard School and the Curtis Institute of Music. In 1941, she and her family moved to Miami Beach, Florida where Drucker attended Miami Beach High School (MBHS). In 1945, Drucker graduated from MBHS. Drucker was inducted into what is now known as Miami Beach Senior High School (MBSHS) Alumni Association Hall of Fame and her photograph is proudly displayed in the lobby to the MBSHS Audrtonum. While at MBHS, Drucker befriended famed journalist and classmate Barbara Walters In college, Drudker metDavid Ducker, a law school student and former Marine. The couple were married shortly before she graduated. Drucker had three children with David Drucker - Kathy Drucker, Yidu Drucker Schwartz and Andrew Drucker, sewer, grandchildren and six greallVandchikinen. As a young bride, Drucker studied voice at the University of Miami' s School of Music. She sang coloratura soprano with the Coral Gables PhiR-karrix"c Symphony and performed on Broward in New York City and with the Greater Miami Opera. Drucker also sang at the Latin Quarter nightclub in the ritzy area of Palm Island, just past the cruise ships moored at the Pori of Miami, owned by Lou Walters, Barbara Walters' Father, Greater Miami Opera, and The Jackie Gleason Show. Page 1 of 4 Page 2140 of 2938 2. Describe the nominee's lasting contributions to Miami Beach, In 1967, Drucker launched the Great Artists Series at Temple Beth Sholom with ;he support of Rabbi Leon Kronish and a $5,000 grant from the Temple. Drucker' s concert series was so successful that within a year it outgrew Temple Beth Shalom and moved into the much larger Jackie Gleason Theater. Drucker staged sellout performances at all of the major performance venues in South Florida including the Miami -Dade County Auditorium, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, the New World Center, and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Drucker brought the most talented and sought-after artists to Miami Beach including Luciano Pavarotti, Beverly Sills, Isaac Stem, Vladimir Horowitz, Yo-Yo Ma, Leonard Bemstein, itzhak Perlman, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Evgeny Kissin, Richard Tucker, Twyia Tharp, Zubin Mehta, Pinchas Zukerman, Daniel Barenboim, Wynton Marsalis, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Cecilia Bartoli and the Three Tenors, and conductors James Conlon, Michael Tilson Thomas, Ramon Tebar. On January 22, 1995, Drucker produced Pavarotti on the Beach. Whether it tuxes, speedos or watching offshore, for the 120,000 people in attendance, it was the opportunity of a lifetime Pavarotti was happy to do the concert for Drucker with whom Drucker had become friends. For decades he affectionately called her, "Judy beauty." Miami Beach Mayor Seymour Gelber called it "the greatest cultural event in the history of the beach. " Not only did Drucker culturally shine the worldwide spotlight on Miami Beach for over 40 years but Drucker was integral in bringing Soviet Jewish Refuseniks, who were persecuted in the former Soviet Union for their religious beliefs, to live and thrive in Miami Beach. In the 1970s, Drucker worked tirelessly with the Miami Beach Jewish Federabon to help relocate Soviet Jews to Miami Beach to allow them the freedoms of a better life in the United States of America. Drucker also gifted the refuseniks with tickets to her cultural performance presentations so that the new immigrants can culturally integrate into their new lives. Drucker has most definitely had a positive and long-lasting effect on the Miami Beach community 3. Describe the significant impact of the nominee's achievements. Quantify the answer where possible. Drucker established the Great Artist Series and founded the Concert Association of Florida. She was the Artistic Director of both the Colony Theatre and the Florida Grand Opera. Drucker developed the organization into the largest classical presenter in the southeastern U.S. and brought to South Florida a vast array of the world' s most famous vocalists, opera singers, orchestras and dance companies. She loomed large over Florida' s cultural orbit for almost a half -century. Not only did greatest names in the world of classical music perform in South Florida because of Drucker but a lot of the great names we know as the greats were discovered by Drucker. Drucker singlehandedly changed the cultural scene in South Florida and proved there could be more to the region than sun in the fun. She said it herself, "I taught the community to recognize great talent." Page 2 of 4 Page 2141 of 2938 4. Present evidence that the nominee's achievements have (or will have) enduring value to Miami Beach. Where applicable, focus your comments on change that has been or will be created and how that change is expected to last over time. Drucker established a rich cultural legacy in South Florida. Drucker was responsible for some of the area' s most memorable music and dance performances. With her strong artistic instincts and eye for talent, Drucker' s events were the must -see events of the season. With her determination and adherence to strong artistic values. Drucker made musical history in South Florida. Her contributions were so extensive that she was honored with extensive obituanes in both The New York Times on April 7, 2020 and The Miami Herald on March 31, 2020 amongst others. Miami now has a thriving cultural scene in the music and the arts because of her glass ceiling shattering contributions. In Drucker' s The New York Times obituary Itzhak Perlman is quoted as saying that "I don' t think of Judy as an impresario. I think of her as a friend. " "Judy Drucker was a true champion of music and musicians, said Michael Tilson Thomas, ArtJsbc Director of the the New World Symphony." She referred to herself as an ' impresana' and she really was. I am amongst the countless international musicians that she brought to Miami for the first time. "Back in those pioneering days it was her warmth, her love and knowledge of much and her super raring treatment that brought us all balk again and again. She was tough, courageous, irreverent and always on the right side of things. I miss her greatly," - South Florida Classical Review, Judy Druci:er Obituary, March 30, 2020 (Link to the 2016 Interview with Michael Tilson Thomas and Judy Drucker conducted by Angela Shlyakhov, former Execudve Vice President of the Great Artists Series and writer for Mark Bryn, President of the Great Artists Series https://wvwv.youtube.comiwat&?v=zsHmMWavdKoI "A lot of the great names we know as the greats were really discovered by Judy. She was aware of them long before they were household names, " Mark Bryn, President of Drucker' s Great Artists Series told the Miami Herald in November 2017 when the classical music community honored her with a tribute concert to celebrate "series' 50th anniversary. 5. Enter a list of the nominee's significant awards. The Carbonell Awards prestigious George Abbott Award was awarded to Judy Drucker, Concert Impresana for the foundation of the Concert Association of Fbnda as a cultural showcase for the world' s premier artists, 1979. ImpressansJudy Drucker, who graduated with a Bad elor of Music in 1W, was named as Distinguished Alumna try the Urwersiry of Miami Frost School of Music, 1988. DrucJker awarded the Govemor' s Award for the Arts, 1986 Awarded a Destmgt rshed Service Award by the Miam Beach Chamber of Commerce. 1990 Lifetime AchievementAwardat the 7010 Arts Gala. Citizen s Irrterested in the Arts awarded Drucker the Champion of the ArtsAwerd, 2011. Judy Drucker Boulevard dedicated now Arsht Center at Biscayne Boulevard now 12th and ' 3th Street, 2012 Awarded Golden Baton by the Miam, Symphony Orchestra, 2014 Awarded a State Histoncisl Marker by the State of Florida, entitled Judy Nelson Drucker, Cutnrral Imprssana (2017) Drucker' s Historical Marker is housed in front of Temple Beth Shalom at 4144 Chase Avenue, Mianr Beach, Out of over 1,000 Florida Historical Markers, at the time, less than 15 Historical Markers were dedicated to women' s achievements. The Histoncol Marker was sponamed by Krishna and Marc Bryn and the Great Artists Series, Honorary Doctor of F ne Am awarded by the International Fine Arts College Honorary Doctor of Music awarded by Florida IntemationalUniversity 6. Provide two (2) letters of Recommendation. (Please attach this within the submission) Page 3 of 4 Page 2142 of 2938 SUBMITTER INFORMATION Nomination Submitted By: Dr. Lynette Long Title/Occupation of Submitter: Chair, Miami Beach Commission for Women Relationship to the Nominee: Admirer (Example: friends, colleague, student, employee, relative, etc.) Address of Submitter. 650 West Avenue, Apt. 501, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (Street Address, City, State, Zip Code) Telephone: 301-325-6976 Email Address: drlynettelong aagmall.Com Nomination Package Checklist: Before submitting the City of Miami Beach Nomination Form, make sure you have done ail the following. Completed the Nomination form. Please refrain from sending petitions, photographs, books, resumes, Curriculum Vitaes (CV), etc. in lieu of completing the nomination form. aIncluded two (2) letters of recommendation. The letters of recommendation must be submitted in conjunction with the nomination form. Signature of Submitter: Lynette Long Date: 03/13/2023 Page 4 of 4 Page 2143 of 2938 ONE RI.SCAVNE TOWER, SUITE. 2600 ,nvo sou rH RISCAVNE 901'LEVARD MIAMI. FLORIDA 33131 March 10, 2023 Miami Beach flail of Fame Nominating Committee Miami Beach Department of Tourism and Culture 1755 Meridian Avenue, 5th Floor Miami, Beach, Florida 33139 TELEPHONE (305) 374-0401 FA(-S►111.E (305)372-Na F:-MAIL: MarL'i Rnnlawxom Re: Judy Nelson Drucker 2023 City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame ;domination Dear Miami Beach Hall of Fame Nominating Committee: My name is Mark Bryn. I am the Founder of Bryn & Associates, P.A., d!b;a Bryn Law Group, a Miami -based law firm and, in 2016, I was designated by Judy to succeed her as the President of Judy Nelson Drucker's Great Artists Series. I am proud to nominate my dear long- time friend and the founder of the Great Artists Series Cultural Impresaria, the late, great Judy Nelson Drucker for the distinguished honor of being inducted into the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. I first mct Judy in the 1970s when I attended religious studies classes at Miami Beach's Temple Beth Sholom. At that time, Judy was presenting her cultural series at Temple Beth Sholom. I was always interested in the arts and culture. Judy and I became fast friends. I had the huge honor of picking up several world-renowned artists at the airport whcn they arrived for Judy's performance presentations. Judy's efforts in those early years to bring culture and art to the Miami & Miami Beach areas which were then a cultural wasteland. Judy instilled in me, and I dare say the entire South Florida community, a lifelong passion of the arts in me and for that I am grateful to her. As the years went on, I had the privilege of being by her side and supported many of her musical ventures. Judy was never afraid that she did not have all of the pieces in the place at the same time. Judy figured that if she could get the artists, she would get the funding or if she got the funding, she would get the artists. Judy was truly a groundbreaking presenter and was millions of miles ahead of her time — a time when there were no women performance presenters. The greatest performers in the world of classical music and dance performed in South Florida, and they performed, in large part, because on Judy's welcoming love and compassion for the artists and her savvy business sense. Judy presented Beverly, Sills. Cecilia Bartoli, Renee Fleming, Dame Kid Te Kanawa, Winton Marsalis, James Galway, Yo-Yo Ma, Andre Watts, Page 2144 of 2938 March 10, 2023 Page 2 of 2 Roberta Peters. Joseph Kalichstein. lean -Yves Thibaudet, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Twvla Tharpe. among many others. I ler concerts featured Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti. Judy's good friend Luciano Pavarotti, whom she performed with in the early days, called her "Judy Beauty." Pavarotti performed for Judy many times in South Florida. Most notably was the January 1995 much heralded and unforgettable Pavarotti on the Beach performance on the sands of Miami Beach before over 110,000 people. Judy was truly an unforgettable glass -ceiling shattering cultural force! Thank you for your consideration. ark Bryn v Page 2145 of 2938 Nomination of Judy Nelson Drucker To 2023 Miami Beach Hall of Fame "I need culture to live!"- Judy Nelson Drucker Nominee's Name: Judy Nelson Drucker Nominee's Occupation, Field of Achievement or Tile: Cultural Presenter Nominee's Category of Expertise: Cultural/Artist Date of Death (if posthumous nomination): March 30, 2020 1. Personal History. Connection to Miami Beach. Judith Nelson Drucker (Drucker) was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 20, 1928. Her mother, Lillian Levine was an opera singer and a classical pianist and inspired in Drucker a love of music. Her father, Isidore Nelson, was a Russian Jewish immigrant in the clothing business. As a child musical prodigy, Drucker studied piano at the New York College of Music and voice at the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music. In 1941, she and her family moved to Miami Beach, Florida where Drucker attended Miami Beach High School (MBHS). In 1945, Drucker graduated from MBHS. Drucker was inducted into what is now known as Miami Beach Senior High School (MBSHS) Alumni Association Flail of Fame and her photograph is proudly displayed in the lobby to the MBSHS Auditorium. While at MBHS, Drucker befriended famed journalist and classmate Barbara Walters In college, Drucker met David Drucker, a law school student and former Marine. The couple were married shortly before she graduated. Drucker had three children with David Drucker - Kathy Drucker, Vicki Drucker Schwartz and Andrew Drucker, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. As a young bride, Drucker studied voice at the University of Miami's School of Music. She sang coloratura soprano with the Coral Gables Philharmonic Symphony and performed on Broward in New York City and with the Greater Miami Opera. Drucker also sang at the Latin Quarter nightclub in the ritzy area of Palm Island, just past the cruise ships moored at the Port of Miami, owned by Lou Walters, Barbara Walters' Father, Greater Miami Opera, and The Jackie Gleason Show. 2. Describe the nominee's lasting contributions to Miami Beach. Page 2146 of 2938 In 1967, Drucker launched the Great Artists Series at Temple Beth Sholom with the support of Rabbi Leon Kronish and a $5,000 grant from the Temple. Drucker's concert series was so successful that within a year it outgrew Temple Beth Shalom and moved into the much larger Jackie Gleason Theater. Drucker staged sellout performances at all of the major performance venues in South Florida including the Miami -Dade County Auditorium, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, the New World Center, and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Drucker brought the most talented and sought-after artists to Miami Beach including Luciano Pavarotti, Beverly Sills, Isaac Stern, Vladimir Horowitz, Yo-Yo Ma, Leonard Bernstein, Itzhak Perlman, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Evgeny Kissin, Richard Tucker, Twyla Tharp, Zubin Mehta, Pinchas Zukerman, Daniel Barenboim, Wynton Marsalis, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Cecilia Bartoli and the Three Tenors, and conductors James Conlon, Michael Tilson Thomas, Ramon Tebar. On January 22, 1995, Drucker produced Pavarotti on the Beach. Whether in tuxes, speedos or watching offshore, for the 120,000 people in attendance, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. Pavarotti was happy to do the concert for Drucker with whom Drucker had become friends. For decades he affectionately called her, "Judy beauty." Miami Beach Mayor Seymour Gelber called it "the greatest cultural event in the history of the beach." Not only did Drucker culturally shine the worldwide spotlight on Miami Beach for over 40 years but Drucker was integral in bringing Soviet Jewish Refuseniks, who were persecuted in the former Soviet Union for their religious beliefs, to live and thrive in Miami Beach. In the 1970s, Drucker worked tirelessly with the Miami Beach Jewish Federation to help relocate Soviet Jews to Miami Beach to allow them the freedoms of a better life in the United States of America. Drucker also gifted the refuseniks with tickets to her cultural performance presentations so that the new immigrants can culturally integrate into their new lives. Drucker has most definitely had a positive and long-lasting effect on the Miami Beach community. 3. Describe the significant impact of the nominee's achievements. Quantify the answer where possible. Drucker established the Great Artist Series and founded the Concert Association of Florida. She was the Artistic Director of both the Colony Theatre and the Florida Grand Opera. Drucker developed the organization into the largest classical presenter in the southeastern U.S. and brought to South Florida a vast array of the world's most famous vocalists, opera singers, orchestras and dance companies. She loomed large over Florida's cultural orbit for almost a half -century. Not only did greatest Page 2147 of 2938 names in the world of ciassical music perform in South Florida because of Drucker but a lot of the great names we know as the greats were discovered by Drucker. Drucker singlehandedly changed the cultural scene in South Florida and proved there could be more to the region than sun in the fun. She said it herself, "I taught the community to recognize great talent." 4. Present evidence that the nominee's achievements have (or will have) enduring value to Miami Beach. Where applicable, focus your comments on change that has been or will be created and how that change is expected to last over time. Drucker established a rich cultural legacy in South Florida. Drucker was responsible for some of the area's most memorable music and dance performances. With her strong artistic instincts and eye for talent, Drucker's events were the must -see events of the season. With her determination and adherence to strong artistic values, Drucker made musical history in South Florida. Her contributions were so extensive that she was honored with extensive obituaries in both The New York Times on April 7, 2020 and The Miami Herald on March 31, 2020 amongst others. Miami now has a thriving cultural scene in the music and the arts because of her glass ceiling shattering contributions. In Drucker's The New York Times obituary Itzhak Perlman is quoted as saying that "I don't think of Judy as an impresario. I think of her as a friend." "Judy Drucker was a true champion of music and musicians, said Michael Tilson Thomas, Artistic Director of the the New World Symphony." She referred to herself as an `impresaria' and she really was. I am amongst the countless international musicians that she brought to Miami for the first time. "Back in those pioneering days it was her warmth, her love and knowledge of much and her super caring treatment that brought us all back again and again. She was tough, courageous, irreverent and always on the right side of things. I miss her greatly," - South Florida Classical Review, Judy Drucker Obituary, March 30, 2020 [Link to the 2016 Interview with Michael Tilson Thomas and Judy Drucker conducted by Angela Shlyakhov, former Executive Vice President of the Great Artists Series and writer for Mark Bryn, President of the Great Artists Series - htips:i/www.voutube.comiwatcli?v-zsHmMWavdKol "A lot of the great names we know as the greats were really discovered by Judy. She was aware of them long before they were household names," Mark Bryn, President of Drucker's Great Artists Series told the Miami Herald in November 2017 when the classical music community honored her with a tribute concert to celebrate the series' 50th anniversary. Page 2148 of 2938 5. Enter a list of the nominee's significant awards (In Chronological Order) The Carbonell Awards prestigious George Abbott Award was awarded to Judy Drucker, Concert Impresaria for the foundation of the Concert Association of Florida as a cultural showcase for the world's premier artists, 1979. Impressana Judy Drucker, who graduated with a Bachelor of Music in 1948, was named as Distinguished Alumna by the University of Miami Frost School of Music, 1986. Drucker awarded the Governor's Award for the Arts, 1986 Awarded a Distinguished Service Award by the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, 1990. Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2010 Arts Gala. Citizen's Interested in the Arts awarded Drucker the Champion of the Arts Award, 2011. Judy Drucker Boulevard dedicated near Arsht Center at Biscayne Boulevard near 12`h and 13`h Street, 2012. Awarded Golden Baton by the Miami Symphony Orchestra, 2014. Awarded a State Historical Marker by the State of Florida, entitled Judy ,Nelson Drucker, Cultural Impresaria. (2017) Drucker's Historical Marker is housed in front of Temple Beth Shalom at 4144 Chase Avenue, Miami Beach. Out of over 1,000 Florida Historical Markers, at the time, less than 15 Historical Markers were dedicated to women's achievements. The Historical Marker was sponsored by Kristina and Mark Bryn and the Great Artists Series. Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts awarded by the International Fine Arts College Honorary Doctor of Music awarded by Florida International University Page 2149 of 2938 CANTOR RACHELLE NELSON March 13, 2023 Miami Beach Hall of Fame Nominating Committee Department of Tourism and Culture 1755 Meridian Avenue, 5tn Floor Miami Beach, Florida 33139 Re: 2023 Miami Beach Hall of Fame Nomination for Judy Nelson Drucker Dear Miami Beach Hall of Fame Nominating Committee: My name is Cantor /Rabbi Rachelle Nelson, and I am the very proud niece of Judith Nelson Drucker. I am the Emerita Cantor of Temple Beth Am in Pinecrest, and the Cantor in Residence at Temple Israel of Greater Miami. It is both an honor and a privilege to share some of my thoughts and memories of my Aunt Judy in support of her nomination into the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. Miami Beach was a cultural desert until Empresario Judith Drucker came along. With her endless energy, her fortitude, her talent, and her vision, the Great Artist Series on Miami Beach was born in the late 1960's. Very often I was invited to my aunt's home to dine in the company of some of the most brilliant opera singers, ballerina's, instrumentalists, pianists, and conductors the world had ever heard and seen. For me, it was just another delicious dinner party with my family and if I was lucky, my aunt also did some of the cooking! My fondest memoryoccurred during my third year of Cantorial School in New York City. I received a call from my aunt who asked me if I would like to go with her to the apartment of Luciano Pavarotti for dinner. She told me that he had just flown into New York with his own pasta and pesto's from Italy. I was excited to meet him but after joining my aunt, we had to first make one more stop, a bakery. Judy chose a delicious looking cheesecake and told the young man behind the counter that it was for Pavarotti. He became elated and carved his name and phone number on the side of the cake, letting us both know that he was an opera student at Julliard School. That was a fabulous moment! When we finally arrived at his home, Luciano opened the door and with a big, strong, voice, called our "Judkala"! The evening was fantastic, and I ended up at the piano playing all the broadway showtunes by ear while he sang each one of them. Of the many incredible moments I shared with my Aunt Judy, this one topped them all. Page 2150 of 2938 Judith Drucker was a dynamo in every way, and her gifts to Miami will continue to keep giving. She was an inspiration to me, and a very generous and giving human -being. May the memory of my aunt, Judith Drucker, continue to inspire and influence the greatest talents in the arts today and her name will surely shine amongst the many stars in the Miami Beach Hall of fame. Thank you for your consideration. Cantor Rachelle Nelson Dacantor84@gmail.com Page 2151 of 2938 Cantor Nelson began her career with Temple Israel as a Cantonal Soloist when the South Dade location was still open. Then, as she was completing her studies to become a Cantor, she would spend her weekends traveling from school in New York to Miami in order to serve as a student Cantor. Cantor Nelson has the honor of being the very first female Cantor and graduate of Hebrew Union College/School of Sacred Music to serve in Miami -Dade and Broward counties. Recently concluding an awe-inspiring 29 years of service at Temple Beth Am, we are so fortunate to have Cantor Nelson join us while we prepare to celebrate our upcoming centennial. She will no doubt add depth and history to a highly anticipated year of celebrations. Cantor Nelson is highly recognized and regarded throughout the world as a composer of Jewish music, with several compositions published by Transcontinental Music in New York City. She is skilled in several instruments: voice, piano, flute, and guitar. She has performed in concerts and workshops throughout the United States and Europe and has taught Jewish Music history at the University of Miami. In addition, she has helped lead services for Shabbat evening, Shabbat morning, and Havdalah services at URJ Biennials. Currently, Cantor Nelson hosts The Jewish Voice, a live streaming show on Thursdays at 7 pm, where she features leading artists in the world of contemporary Jewish music. Page 2152 of 2938 7�t+tf. Page 1 of 1 -OrU Page 2154 of 2938 file://,'F:/INFO/SALL/Sandra/Cultural%20Affairs/Hall%20of%20Fame/Hall%20ot"/o20Fa... 5/ 19/2023 Page 1 of 1 Page 2155 of 2938 file:///F:/INFO/SALUSandra/Cultural%20A ffairslHall%20oPlo20Fame/Hall%20oPlo20Fa... 5/ 19/2023 -119W JUDY NELSON DRU( Kil R. CULTURAL IM PRF,SARIA !:4 41 r to t rip% jit P1 I j• Ott .1', lot if, 1967 Dru, bcr w 'ail n, f Lillian Nris�iro. a As h I N rr,-j%i( al -I m t.! i 1.1,tn• ()f Mult" -I!, I thr :(iiilo,,r i :S .'I, ;rtk% Instifult! 1), Mullc She %;iPq Colnrr.lura , +pri,r. %W. I:-- .''r.11 able% V?iiiharmontc. %yMjJjc3nV arl Pertz-f-icA *:,, Gables k* r, , I ► Is seft York Citv an-1 wtth the Miami (.)vrr.: tlru< ker rf.tt k,rti-,tN Series w;-3, i,) "4f.f.t%slul thist in thr Igh'. sh. the cultural series -ind t-)rmcd the i)war(!-wsnrmj . 4­ ch f I Vtrtda (f A I ) A6 t t h or helm f! 1, c :o, f sin ;,.;, r r c r e t i r n o I I - P uttenti(Pro -., d presenter •oi the *­rld % '..,;rat ury hesto-.1%. r tj rl,l.,, t, r % lo[ ilo;t%, ;pera tt:,r% b 'Ort e-1 .!.,r( r companies. Au,ly %rl%on 1) r u,_ k w.- r 5, n. ar 9 . In . .. I honorary tic q r cc i a Drc Nr i to' of Fins! r t. ! r jnjCr-1d1V-rd! F I n r arts f ri I]*'qr .1 rt.j a Doc t,)r dt r '? M u lit. t U n I v r r s i t Y Her t"'Ato *1 nt--,,l '. .1 Iture t, OWL low mono AW I * Ovwqv� - Page 1 of 1 Page 2157 of 2938 file)//F:11NFO/SALUSandra/Cultural%20Affairs/Hall%20of%20Fame/Hall%20oP%20Fa... 5i 19/2023 MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME NOMINATION FORM >>> Please Type All Information <<< NOMINEE'S INFORMATION Nominee's Name: Michael Tilson Thomas Nominee's Occupation, Field of Achievement or Title: Co -Founder and Artistic Director Laureate of the New World Symphony Nominee's Category of Expertise (Select one from the options below): F✓ Artist/ Architect/ Designer/ Scientist Athlete Business Leader Civic Leader Family Legacy Date of Death (if posthumous nomination): Questions 1 -5: Fully explain your answers for all questions. Please put the nominee's accomplishments in context; show how they are relevant and valuable to Miami Beach. Enter a brief biography highlighting the nominee's personal history and connection to Miami Beach. Michael T Non Thomas is Artistic Director Leureste of the Miam, Beach4ased New World Symphony (NWS), as well as Music Director Laureate of the San Francesco Symphony and Conductor Laureate of the London Symphony OrcheWa. With a career spanning neerty six decades, he is one of the most renowned and respected Conductors in the history of oronestral music. Mr, Tilson Thomas W-founded the New Worid Symphony in 1987, choosing Miami Bead+ for rts potential for growth and its embrace of the arts. A postgraduate ordtesual academy deducted to prepanng young musicians of diverse backgrounds for IsaderstW rules in ciaswcel mxtsic. NWS has long beer al to forefront of developments in the arts and in education. As Artistic Director ..aureate he works with VWS Fellows to further their performance abilities and to expand their understanding of professional responsibilities in our ever -changing musical environment In its 35 years, NWS has produced more then 1,200 aturmi, 90% maintam careen n music working in over 30 countries across the globe. Since 2011. the campus of the New World Symphony has been the technologically, advanced, Frank Gehry-designed New World Carter in the heart of Muria Beach. The New World Canter wts buill at the intersection of tadtntAW, music and education, and is Frank Gehry's first South Florida commission. Mr, Tilaon Thomas's vision for the New World Center was with Miami Be@& in mind - a cultural hub where the Miami Beach community could enjoy free concerts by watching in SoundScape Park outside the concert haft. When not in use far I ve performances. he committed to the City that NWS will show visual art on the wait for all to ariloy. For years, Mr. Tillson Thomas has called Miami home and has brought the world's most revered guest artists to perform as solasts for Miami Beach audiences. Page 1 of 4 Page 2158 of 2938 2. Describe the nominee's lasting contributions to Miami Beach. Though Michael Tiison Thomas's career is international, he often says his legacy lies in Miami Beach through the New World Symphony. For 35 years, he has brought the world's most talented young musicians to Miami Beach to hone their craft. While here, they perform over 60 concerts each season, over one third of those performances are free for the Miami Beach community. Mr. Tilson Thomas has also crafted community engagement activities that place NWS Fellows into schools, hospitals and community centers to provide educational performances and lectures. After their three-year fellowship ends, many NWS alumni have stayed in Miami Beach to continue the community connections sparked while they were a Fellow. An example would be alumnus Sam Hyken, who co-founded Nu Deco Ensemble, a thriving chamber ensemble based in Miami Beach. Michael Tilson Thomas is at the heart of the Fellows' entrepreneurial spirit and connection to community. He has inspired the talented youth of South Florida through NWS's annual Side -by -Side Concerts, where local young musicians perform alongside NWS Fellows and Mr. Tilson Thomas at the New World Center; and has led the creation of Project 305, where NWS sourced materials from Miami and Miami Beach residents to create Miami in Movements, a symphonic documentary and an authentic representation of our city, that embraces issues of race, class, ethnicity, wealth disbursement, sea level rise, natural disasters and community well-being. With the New World Center campus and NWS's WALLCAST® concerts, he has revitalized the Beach's culture offerings for locals and tourists alike. Our outdoor audiences are frequently a melting pot of ages, cultures, languages — a glimpse at the vibrancy of our Miami Beach community. He is also memorialized forever as the only human token part of the Miami and the Beaches Monopoly game. 3. Describe the significant impact of the nominee's achievements. Quantify the answer where possible. By creating the New World Symphony, Mr. Tilson Thomas is shaping the future of orchestral music. He has mentored over 1,200 musicians who now perform and teach in over 30 countries around the world, including every major orchestra in the U.S. His vision and entrepreneurial spirit, embraced by NWS alumni, is defining the art form in every way. Some orchestras have more than 20 NWS alumni, that's 25% of the orchestra who have trained under Mr, Tilson Thomas. Through online mediums, like NWS's MUSAIC and webcasts, as well as NWS's pioneering work with distance learning, he has reached even more audiences and young musicians. Musicians and artists all over the world know of MTT and see through his work that Miami Beach is a vibrant hub of culture, youthfulness and infinite dreams. Page 2 of 4 Page 2159 of 2938 4. Present evidence that the nominee's achievements have (or will have) enduring value to Miami Beach. Where applicable, focus your comments on change that has been or will be created and how that change is expected to last over time. When speaking of creating NWS in the 1980s with Ted and Lin Anson, Michael Tilson Thomas describes walking down a derelict Lincoln Road and Ted telling him that his (MTT's) dream would change everything, and it has. NWS has been at the heart of Miami Beach's cultural revival, starting with its renewal of the Lincoln Theatre, NWS's home for over 20 years. Now in the New World Center, NWS and its campus attract intemationai and national tourists. Staff and artistic leaders from organizations all over the U.S. have traveled to Miami Beach to witness Michael Tilson Thomas's vision and taken their inspiration to create ensembles and performing arts centers inspired by what Mr. Tilson Thomas built in Miami Beach. When the campus opened in 2011, former City of Miami Beach Mayor Neisen Kasdin predicted that "no building in recent years will have as profound an effect on so many fields of endeavor and so many aspects of society and culture as this." Today, current Mayor Dan Gelber calls the New World Center one of Miami Beach's cultural crown jewels. This is the work of Michael Tilson Thomas and his vision for classical music --both the art and where and how it's shared —will impact Miami Beach and the world for decades to come. 5. Enter a list of the nominee's significant awards. Twelve Grammy Awards; 2019 Kennedy Center Honoree, National Medal of the Arts; inducted into the California Hall of Fame and the American Academy of Arts and Letters; Musical America's Musician of the Year and Conductor of the Year, Gramophone Magazine's Artist of the Year; Officier de I'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France; two-time Carnegie Hall Perspectives Artist; Peabody Award winner for radio series "The MTT Files" 6. Provide two (2) letters of Recommendation. (Please attach this within the submission) Page 3 of 4 Page 2160 of 2938 SUBmnTER INFORMATION Nomination Submitted By: Marci Falvey Title/Occupation of Submitter: Vice President of Communications, New World Symphony Relationship to the Nominee: Colleague (Example: friends, colleague, student, employee, relative, etc.) Address of Submitter. 500 17th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (Street Address, City, State, Zip Code) Telephone: 786-393-2494 Email Address: marci.faIvey' nws.edu Nomination Package Checklist: Before submitting the City of Miami Beach Nomination Form, make sure you have done all the following. aCompleted the Nomination form. Please refrain from sending petitions, photographs, books, resumes, Curriculum Vitaes (CV), etc. in lieu of completing the nomination form. Included two (2) letters of recommendation. The letters of recommendation must be submitted in conjunction with the nomination form. Signature of Submitter. Date: Page 2161 of 2938 05/01 /2023 Page 4 of 4 KNIGHT FOUNDATION ALBERTOISAROdEN President April 30, 2023 To Whom It May Concern: Regarding: Miami Beach Hall of Fame Dear Fellow Citizens: 1 write in support of the nomination of Michae: Tilson Thomas for the honor of membership in the Miami Beach Hal'. of Fame. I endorse his nomination with the greatest enthusiasm, and without anv reservation. My position as president of the Knight Foundation for the last 18 years has allowed me to see some of the most significant civic, artistic and cultural contributions made to our community and the world by citizens of Miami Beach and Miami -Dade County. In my opinion, none match the world-wide renown and impact on his field of Michael Tilson Thomas. MTT, as he is affectionately known, is one of the premier classical music conductors in the world. Fie is also known and respected throughout the world of music as a teacher, musician and composer. His brilliant career as music director of the San Francisco Symphony spanned 25 years and began after he had already founded, along with Lin and Ted Arison, the New World Symphony in Miami Beach in 7987, where today he is Artistic Director Laureate. During all that time as head of two important musical organizations, he was guest conductor throughout the world and his recordings of classical music are among the most highly regarded. Since the time that he worked with the legendary Leonard Bernstein, the classical music world has considered MTT one of its most accomplished and consistently outstanding musicians. MTT and his husband, Joshua Robison, have made Miami Beach their home and have given our community the distinction not only of a wonderful orchestra but of one of the great music education programs for young professionals, drawing applicants from around the world. Anyone who enters the New World Center on 17th Street, or attends a concert in Soundscape Park, just outside the symphony hall, can't help but appreciate the enormous contribution to the cultural, social and civic life of Miami Beach that this complex has brought us. I have felt it every time I see families enjoying a concert there, when I have attended weddings or other celebrations in the building, or attended conferences there. It is a genuine community space that lifts our minds as well as our spirits. And it is also an important generator of commerce, drawing, as it does, hundreds of thousands of people annually to Miami Beach. When it was built, the New World Center cost approximately $167million. It was significantly supported by Carnival Corporation, the Anson Arts Foundation, the Kovner Foundation, Miami Dade County. Yamaha, Truist Bank and, of course, the City of Miami Beach. Many others have also contributed including Knight Foundation, which has invested and committed more than $15 million to make New World a leader in the training of musicians and the use of digital and social media technologies to produce and disseminate music. All of those contributions are not as important, however, as the one by the citizens of Miami Beach. Not only has the City provided the land and leadership from its public officials, but its 2050 Tigertail Avenue, Suite 600 (305)908-2601 ®ibarguen Miami, FL 33133-5301 aitgkf.crg Page 2162 of 2938 citizens recently voted in favor of a $159 million general obligation bond for the arts that included an announced amount of $5.7 million intended for the New World Symphony. Knight Foundation supports arts in community programs around the country. I assure you, what the citizens of Miami Beach did in the general obligation bond is extraordinary support of an institution they have claimed as their own. And I am just as sure that the development of this world -class institution would not have happened without the vision, courage, skill, inclusion and tenacity of Michael Tilson Thomas. Generations of professional musicians -- in the many thousands -- playing in orchestras around the world received training at New World in Miami Beach. The impact on classical music is incalculable. Their openness to new thinking about music is remarkable and their acceptance of new technology to engage the audience and disseminate the music is outstanding. It is also one of the premier presenters of diverse musicians in the classical music world_ '.NTT has won a dozen Grammy Awards, appeared on more than 120 recordings and is a conductor the w•orld's best musicians are happy to play for. There's good reason why CBS's 60 :Minutes and ABC's Nightiine have featured him and why he has been awarded just about every prize in the classical music world. Our country has awarded him among its highest civilian honors, the National Medal of Arts by President Barak Obama, and in 2019 he was celebrated as part of the Kennedy Center Honors. For all of his fame and genius, he remains Michael, MTT, a teacher, a neighbor and a friend. I feel privileged to second his nomination to the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. Sincerely, Alberto Ibarguen President, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Page 2163 of 2938 akerman April 28, 2023 City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame Department of Tourism and Culture 1755 Meridian Ave, 5th Floor Miami Beach, FL, 33139 Neisen O. Kasdin Akerman LLP Three Brickell City Centre 98 Southeast Seventh Street Suite 1100 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: 305.982.5629 Fax: 305.374.5095 Re- Miami Beach Hall of Fame I Recommendation letter — Michael Tilson Thomas It is my great honor and pleasure to endorse the nomination of Michael Tilson Thomas to the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. 1 have known Michael for 34 years since my wife, Ana, and I were season ticket subscribers to the New World Symphony's ("NWS") first concert series at the Lincoln Theater on Lincoln Road. Later, as a City Commissioner and Mayor, I worked with Michael to help fulfill his vision and dream to create an important civic and cultural space in the heart of Miami Beach, the Frank Gehry designed New World Center and West 8 designed Soundscape Park. Years later, I served as Chair of the NWS Board as MTT's dream became a reality and was designed and built. The NWS is the preeminent cultural anchor in the City of Miami Beach and the New World Center is renowned globally. However, it is not only because of this very direct and profound impact of MTT on the life and course of the City that he should be honored. MTT, a long time Miami Beach resident, is one of the great geniuses of our time. He is widely considered one of, if not the most important figure in orchestral music of the last 50 years - often referred to as the successor to his mentor and close friend, Leonard Bernstein, as a conductor, composer, teacher and leader in the evolution and popular outreach of orchestral music. Michael's greatest laboratory for this work has been the New World Symphony, which he created in Miami Beach 35 years ago and has served as Musical Director until this past year. The New World Symphony is considered the world's most important post -graduate musical institution and is widely viewed as in the forefront of innovation in orchestral music through new presentation formats, multimedia, internet learning etc. Hundreds of NWS Fellows now populate orchestras throughout the world, each one an ambassador who relates their extraordinary experience as a Fellow for 3 years in Miami Beach. This is an added gift to the City that will keep on giving for generations. 1 could write forever about Michael's seminal accomplishments, among them his 25 year tenure as Musical Director of the San Francisco Symphony, vaulting it into position as one of the world's greatest orchestras, or his role in sparking the revitalization of Lincoln Road and making Miami Beach the cultural hub of the region because of the New World Symphony's 20 + year residency at the Lincoln Theater(1989-2011). 1Qf953R9 2 Page 2164 of 2938 Page 2 April 28, 2023 What makes Michael's nomination so compelling, beyond his global stature and importance, is the profound and lasting effect he has had in shaping the community we have today, in its finest sense, and for many generations to come. Few figures in the history of Miami Beach have had such an important and positive impact. 1 wholeheartedly recommend Michael Tilson Thomas for nomination to the City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame. ,01953R92 AKE � LLV ,f Neown 0 KaAfin Page 2165 of 2938 KNIGHT FOUNDATION ALBERT()IBARGOEN President April 30, 2023 To Whom It May Concern: Regarding: Miami Beach Hall of Fame Dear Fellow Citizens: I wnte in support of the nomination of Michael Tilson Thomas for the honor of membership in the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. I endorse his nomination with the greatest enthusiasm, and without anv reservation. My position as president of the Knight Foundation for the last 18 years has allowed me to see some of the most significant civic, artistic and cultural contributions made to our community and the world by citizens of Miami Beach and Miami -Dade County. In my opinion, none match the world-wide renown and impact on his field of Michael Tilson Thomas. MTT, as he is affectionately known, is one of the premier classical music conductors in the world. He is also known and respected throughout the world of music as a teacher, musician and composer. His brilliant career as music director of the San Francisco Symphony spanned 25 years and Megan after he had already founded, along with Lin and Ted Anson, the New World Symphony in Miami Beach in 1987, where today he is Artistic Director Laureate. During all that time as head of two important musical organizations, he was guest conductor throughout the world and his recordings of classical music are among the most highly regarded. Since the time that he worked with the legendary Leonard Bernstein, the classical music world has considered MTT one of its most accomplished and consistently outstanding musicians. MTT and his husband, Joshua Robison, have made Miami Beach their home and have given our community the distinction not only of a wonderful orchestra but of one of the great music education programs for young professionals, drawing applicants from around the world. Anyone who enters the New World Center on 17th Street, or attends a concert in Soundscape Park,;ust outside the symphony hall, can't help but appreciate the enormous contribution to the cultural, social and civic life of Miami Beach that this complex has brought us_ I have felt it every time I see families enjoying a concert there, when I have attended weddings or other celebrations in the building, or attended conferences there, It is a genuine community space that lifts our minds as well as our spirits. And it is also an important generator of commerce, drawing, as it does, hundreds of thousands of people annually to 'Miami Beach. When it was built, the New World Center cost approximately S167million. It was significantly supported by Carnival Corporation, the Anson Arts Foundation, the Kovner Foundation, Miami Dade County, Yamaha, Truist Bank and, of course, the City of Miami Beach. Many others have also contributed including Knight Foundation, which has invested and committed more than $15 million to make New World a leader in the training of musicians and the use of digital and social media technologies to produce and disseminate music. All of those contributions are not as important, however, as the one by the citizens of Miami Beach. Not only has the City provided the land and leadership from its public officials, but its 2850 Tigertail Avenue, Suite 600 (305) 908-2601 Vibarguen Miami, FL33133-5301 ai4kf org Page 2166 of 2938 citizens recently voted in favor of a $159 million general obligation bond for the arts that included an announced amount of $5.7 million intended for the New World Symphony. Knight Foundation supports arts in community programs around the country. I assure you, what the citizens of Miarru Beach did in the general obligation bond is extraordinary support of an institution they have claimed as their own. And I am just as sure that the development of this world -class institution would not have happened without the vision, courage, skill, inclusion and tenacity of Michael Tilson Thomas. Generations of professions; musicians - in the many thousands -- playing in orchestras around the world received training at New World in Miami Beach. The impact on classical music is incalculable. Their openness to new thinking about music is remarkable and their acceptance of new technology to engage the audience and disseminate the music is outstanding. It is also one of the premier presenters of diverse musicians in the classical music world. M'I7 has won a dozen Grammy Awards, appeared on more than 120 recordings and is a conductor the world's best musicians are happy to play for. There's good reason why CBS's 60 Minutes and ABC's Nightbne have featured him and why he has been awarded just about every prize in the classical music world. Our country has awarded him among its highest civilian honors, the National Medal of Arts by President Barak Obama, and in 2019 he was celebrated as part of the Kennedy Center Honors. For all of his fame and genius, he remains Michael, MTT, a teacher, a neighbor and a friend. I feel privileged to second his nomination to the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. Sincerely, Alberto Ibaroen President, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Page 2167 of 2938 akerman April 28, 2023 City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame Department of Tourism and Culture 1755 Meridian Ave, Sth Floor Miami Reach, FL, 33139 Neisen 0. Kasdin Akerman LLP Three Brickell City Centre 98 Southeast Seventh Street Suite 1100 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: 305.982.5629 Fax: 305.374.S09S Re: Miami Beach Hall of Fame I Recommendation Letter — Michael Tllson Thomas It is my great honor and pleasure to endorse the nomination of Michael Tilson Thomas to the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. I have known Michael for 34 years since my wife, Ana, and I were season ticket subscribers to the New World Symphony's ("NWS") first concert series at the Lincoln Theater on Lincoln Road. Later, as a City Commissioner and Mayor, I worked with Michael to help fulfill his vision and dream to create an important civic and cultural space in the heart of Miami Beach, the Frank Gehry designed New World Center and West 8 designed Soundscape Park. Years later, I served as Chair of the NWS Board as MTT's dream became a reality and was designed and built. The NWS is the preeminent cultural anchor in the City of Miami Beach and the New World Center is renowned globally. However, it is not only because of this very direct and profound impact of MTT on the life and course of the City that he should be honored. MTT, a long time Miami Beach resident, is one of the great geniuses of our time. He is widely considered one of, if not the most important figure in orchestral music of the last 50 years - often referred to as the successor to his mentor and close friend, Leonard Bernstein, as a conductor, composer, teacher and leader in the evolution and popular outreach of orchestral music. Michael's greatest laboratory for this work has been the New World Symphony, which he created in Miami Beach 35 years ago and has served as Musical Director until this past year. The New World Symphony is considered the world's most important post -graduate musical institution and is widely viewed as in the forefront of innovation in orchestral music through new presentation formats, multimedia, internet learning etc. Hundreds of NWS Fellows now populate orchestras throughout the world, each one an ambassador who relates their extraordinary experience as a Fellow for 3 years in Miami Beach. This is an added gift to the City that will keep on giving for generations. I could write forever about Michael's seminal accomplishments, among them his 25 year tenure as Musical Director of the San Francisco Symphony, vaulting it into position as one of the world's greatest orchestras, or his role in sparking the revitalization of Lincoln Road and making Miami Beach the cultural hub of the region because of the New World Symphony's 20 + year residency at the Lincoln Theater(1989-2011). 701953R9;2 Page 2168 of 2938 Page 2 April 28, 2023 What makes Michael's nomination so compelling, beyond his global stature and importance, is the profound and lasting effect he has had in shaping the community we have today, in its finest sense, and for many generations to come. Few figures in the history of Miami Beach have had such an important and positive impact. I wholeheartedly recommend Michael Tilson Thomas for nomination to the City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame. 7019538912 tiincerel.. /� AKER SIM. LIT /I � A Neisen O. KwA in Page 2169 of 2938 MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME NOMINATION FORM >>> Please Type All Information <<< NOMINEE'S INFORMATION Nominee's Name: Jerry Libbin Nominee's Occupation, Field of Achievement or TMe: Business Leader Nominee's Category of Expertise (Select one from the options below): Artist/ Architect! Designer/ Scientist Athlete Business Leader 7 Civic Leader 1-1 Family Legacy Date of Death (if posthumous nomination): Questions 1 -5: Fully explain your answers for all questions. Please put the nominee's accomplishments in context; show how they are relevant and valuable to Miami Beach. Enter a brief biography highlighting the nominee's personal history and connection to Miami Beach. See Attachment for Question 1 Answer Page 1 of 4 Page 2170 of 2938 2. Describe the nominee's lasting contributions to Miami Beach. See Attachment for Question 2 Answer 3. Describe the significant impact of the nominee's achievements. Quantify the answer where possible. See Attachment for Question 3 Answer Page 2 of 4 Page 2171 of 2938 4. Present evidence that the nominee's achievements have (or will have) enduring value to Miami Beach. Where applicable, focus your comments on change that has been or will be created and how that change is expected to last over time. See Attachment for Question 4 Answer 5. Enter a list of the nominee's significant awards. See Attachment for Question 5 Answer 6. Provide two (2) letters of Recommendation. (Please attach this within the submission) Page 3 of 4 Page 2172 of 2938 SUBMITTER INFORMATION Nomination Submitted By: Jorge M. Gonzalez Title/Occupation of Submitter: Village Manager, Bat Harbour, FI Relationship to the Nominee: Colleague (Example: friends, colleague, student, employee, relative, etc.) Address of Submitter: 655 96th Street Bat Harbour, FL 33154 (Street Address, City, State, Zip Code) Telephone: 305-866 -4633 Email Address: JGonzalez@BaiHarbourFL.gov Nomination Package Checklist: Before submitting the City of Miami Beach Nomination Form, make sure you have done all the following. Completed the Nomination form. Please refrain from sending petitions, photographs, books, resumes, Curriculum Vdaes (CV), etc. in lieu of completing the nomination form. Included two (2) letters of recommendation. The letters of recommendation must be submitted in conjunction with the nomination form. Signature of Submitter. % Date:T 12 Pige 4 of 4 Page 2173 of 2938 Jerry Libbin - Hall of Fame Application Question 1 Response. Jerry moved to Miami Beach in 1,982 to become the founding Executive Director of a newly forming Miami Beach Jewish Community Center (JCC) located at 4221 Pine Tree Dr. He served in this capacity and butlt programming literally from the ground up. The initial building was formerly a private residence that the City acquired and designated it for recreational purposes to ease the concerns of residents on PineTree Dr. that there might be an expansion of condominium construction north of Tower 41 along the intracoastal. During his tenure at the J C.C. he became involved ;n numerous civic organizations including the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce and he became an Honorary Lifetime Trustee in the organization in 1982. In addition to his service on various committees at the Chamber of Commerce, in 1986, Jerry joined and became President of the Miami Beach Rotary Club, as well as the Nor -isle Optimist Club in the same year. An accomplishment that has never been replicated. In the late 80's Jerry was elected as the President of the North Beach Development Corporation and led that organization for two years during which time the Byron Carlyle Theater closed and jerry recognized the significant adverse impact that the shuttered theater would have an the North Beach community. He led the Board and successfully lobbied the City to purchase the theater at a fraction of the appraised value. From 1990 until 2005 Jerry served as President of his Normandy Shores Homeowners Association (HOA) and was also asked to serve the city on various city committees including Budget Advisory, and the Planning Board. In 2005, Jerry was elected to the first of two terms as one of our City Commissioners and shortly after his reelection in 2009 he was hired as the President and C.E.O. of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce. Jerry is completing his 13th year at the helm of the Chamber of Commerce and has announced his retirement at the end of 2023 Page 2174 of 2938 Jerry L+bbin - Hall of Fame Application Question 2 Response: One of the little known accomplishments Jerry takes great pride in is his organization of the Homeowner Associations in North Beach while he was President of his own Normandy Shores H.O.A. He learned of the plans that the City had for a General Obligation Bond and he understood that the funding was not to the advantage of the North Beach residents, as they were only planned to receive $7 million from a $90 million dollar offering. This only fed into the belief by many North Beach residents that North Beach was viewed as a step -child. Jerry organized the Homeowner Associations in North Beach and held a meeting with the City Administration to express their concems_ The result was a complete overhaul of the planned bond offering where North Beach received a much greater share, approximately equal to that of both Mid -Beach and South Beach. Jerry's foresight on the importance of saving the Byron Gartyle and making it a vital part of North Beach is a vision that is still in process, however, the very fact that time and again. residents of North Beach demand that the Byron Carlyle become a vibrant contributing part of the cultural landscape in North Beach justifies his judgment. Another cultural landmark that Jerry fought for as a Commissioner was the worth Beach BandShell, which needed shelter from both scorching sun and rain in order to become a viable facility. Only recently has this vision become a reality and the community now enjoys a myriad of fantastic programs in the North Beach BandShell. Perhaps the contribution that Jerry is most proud of is his leadership that brought to life the New World Center as we know it today. When Jerry sat on the City Commission, this fantastic project was proposed as a Frank Gehry designed state of the art symphony hall and attached garage. The City made a commitment of $15 million however, when it came time to make the payment, there were several Commissioners that began to waiver on whether or not the City should invest this much money. Jerry was a dear voice of support from the outset and he made sure that the city did in fact provide the full $15 million. He understood that this was another cornerstone in making Miami Beach relevant as a cultural arts community, along with the amazing Art Basel Miami Beach, which had its first successful year in 2002 and actually put Miami Beach on the map in terms of culture. Jerry served our city as a City Commissioner from 2005-2013. He was ahead of his time in promoting cufturaf tourism. He was known to be fiscally responsible, as well as a staunch advocate of our residents. An example of his advocacy on behalf of the tens of thousand of residents that live in condominiums in our city as well as all of those throughout the State of Florida is when Commissioner Cibbin organized a community meeting to protect the rights of residents by lobbying the State Legislature to amend sectior 718.303 (3) a, which once approved, 'allowed an association to suspend, for a reasonable time, the right of a unit owner, or a unit owner's tenant, guest, or invitee, to use the common elements, common facilities, or any other association property for failure to comply with any provisions of the declaration the association bylaws, or reasonable rules of the association." Page 2175 of 2938 There had been a huge controversy when residents did not pay their association fees and were still taking advantage of the common facilities such as the swimming pool and the associations were powerless to prevent it. Jerry collected over 3,000 resoluticns from condo associations state-wide which he brought with him to Tallahassee to present along with testimony to the committee. Jerry is proud of the role he played in convincing the State Legislature to amend section 718.303 to protect the rights of all condo residents in Miami Beach and throughout the State of Florida. As the President and C.E.O. of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Jerry has often been called upon to organize our community business leaders around significant issues None was more important than Covid-19 and the shutdown of all businesses in March If 2020 Jerry was asked by then City Manager, jimmy Morales, to put together business leaders from every major industry, as well as from the religious community and to develop recommendations to the City Commission for how to safely reopen each industry. Jerry is very proud that almost every single recommendation was approved by the City Commission and he takes great personal satisfaction in knowing that he was able to play such a vital role in getting both our res dents and our businesses back to at least a new normal at that time. Jerry has always been a strong supporter of Public Education, and was happy to support Mayor, Mattie Bower's lead when she required that every child in all of our Miami Beach Public Schools must have the opportunity to participate in the international Baccalaureate Program, and when he was hired by the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce in 2010, he made it part of his mission to contribute to the cost of the training of the teachers for this program from the Miami Beach Chamber's Education Foundation. He also established many new programs over the past 13 years for the benefit of our students. Among the most significant initiatives that he was responsible for was raising the initial funding to make sure that the 3 public schools in our city that did not have a nurse were able to obtain one He did this by entering and winning a national competition among 30 other non-profit organizations in ten cities across the country that had identified a serious health concern �n their community. The 530,000 prize was only the start as Jerry went on to raise almost 5150,000 more for the schools and ultimately convinced the Children's Trust to provide a nurse and full-time medical assistant in each school at a cost of $270,000, The most recent project that Jerry has taken on is the funding of a brand new culinary arts kitchen to support the opening of a ProStart program at Miami Beach Senior High. This is a nationally recognized program that provides Juniors and Seniors with a two year curriculum, and gives them a certificate of completion upon graduation The current equipment in the Beach High Culinary Arts room is antiquated and would not provide the type of environment to entice bright and enthusiastic students to enter the field of hospitality. Something that Miami Beach is known for world-wide. The Chamber Education Foundation, under Jerry's leadership, has already raised $230,000 and has placed the order for brand new state of the al equipment which should be installed in a brand new kitchen that Jerry was able to get the Dade -County Page 2176 of 2938 School Administration with the support of School Board member, Licia Baez Geller to commit to rebuilding at a cost of $960,000. The School Administration has agreed to cover all of the cost for design, permitting as well as ventilation and complete renovation of the room. Page 2177 of 2938 Jerry Libbin - hall of Fame Application Question 3 Response. Jerry's impact on the reallocation of the $90 rillior bond issue to include significantly more funds for projects in North Beach was a testament to his leadership, but more !rnportantty it gave residents throughout North Beach the sense that they were finally being recognized and valued equally with other parts of the city. This was a significart starting point and today, there are numerous projects that are under way and in various stages of design and or construction. The City Commission has held many workshops in North Beach to develop a master plan and to incorporate the input from the homeowners. Tne impact of Jerry's leadership in getting the city to purchase the Byron Ca.dyle Theater was visionary and residents have consistently demanded that this facility be saved and that it be utilized as a cultural arts facility for the community. The current City Commission has finally identified the funding necessary to rehab the building and to bring it back to life, which will have a positive impact on all of North Beach, as well as the businesses in this part of the city for decades to come. The leadership that Jerry provided in making sure that the Frank Gehry designed NWC had the funding that it needed to build the world class fadlity that it has become was instrumental in the process, and now more than ever as the city seeks to transform itself into more of a cultural destinatior, the investment at the time proves it was a sound one. The NWC and the New World Symphony Orchestra is recognized world-wide as a transformative program and has had a significant impact on the quality of the cultural programs offered throughout the world. Mus,cians that have had their training in Miami Beach and then been hired to play +n orchestras throughout the world have led to the moniker that the New World Symphony is in fact, America's Orchestral Academy. The commitment that Jerry has had to public education and to the students in our Miami Beach Feeder Pat'.ern, is nothing short of remarkable. The Chamber Education Foundation over the past 13 years of his tenure as C.E.O. of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, has been responsible for over $6 million dollars of value provided to the students. This comes in the form of many partnerships, principally with the City of Miami Beach and the surrounding municipalities, as well as with The Children's Trust. Every year that the Chamber Education Foundation provides some direct funding to the Rental Health Programs that are afforded students in every Miami Beach public school, The Children's Trust has agreed to continue to fund the full cost of the Nurses in all 8 of our Schools. The value of the nurse rr each school is at least $90.000 and the Chamber Education Foundation along with our municipal partners also provides approximately $140,000 of mental health services. In today's society with the pressures on our children in school the value of providing both the health and mental health services is well beyond what one can calculate as for many parents it would mean that they must leave work to pick up their child at school if there was not a nurse in the school and this would translate to lost income to the family and lost productivity to the employer. Page 2178 of 2938 The latest initiative that the Education Foundation has undertaken under Jerry's direction to fully fund brand new kitchen equipment to the tune of $300,000 is going to pay long term dividends for the students over the next few decades, who will be able to enter the workforce directly out of high school and obta n a high paying job in the hospitality industry after completing the ProStart two year certificate program. This nationally acclaimed program will also have an immediate positive impact on our local businesses as well, because the students in the ProStart Program are required to do both paid and unpaid in-service training in local hospitality venues. This will be a blessing for our hospitality industry that is struggling to find qualified candidates to hire for their establishments. That is why so many of our businesses have contributed financially to this $300,000 project and why our City Commission agreed to match the first $100,000 that the Chamber raised. Page 2179 of 2938 Jerry Libbin - Hall of Fame Application Question 4 Response The changes in North Beach since the late 80's and early 90's when Jerry aroused the spirit of the homeowner's in North Beach have been happening mcrementalty over the past decade and will continue to evolve as is witnessed by the new investment in North Beach both by the private sector, as well as the City. Over the next five years. North Beach will likely become one of the few places in our city for indi iduals to find attainable housing in developments that are being built for Co -living spaces Additionally, the most recent General Obligation Bond issue has funding for a major new aquatic center, as well as the Byron Carlyle Theater at last, among many other Park and infrastructure improvements. There is no doubt that North Beach's time is now and it will continue to thrive for decades to come, as the development on Ocean Terrace and ultimately upon the grounds of the old Deauville Hotel bnng fresh energy to the community that will stimulate significant tax dollars in the newly created Tax Increment Finance District. The global impact of the New World Center and the musicians that are trained in our city have already had an enormous cultural impact on Miami Beach and the symphonies fortunate enough to hire some of our world class musicians, however, it is also the value of the many concerts and programs offered by the NWC which have elevated the quality of life for our residents and visitors alike. A facility like ours is simply put, one of the finest gems in our city and that is the reason that our Mayor gives his State of the City addresses from the NWC and why such prestigious organizations as the Aspen Institute hold their major programs inside of A. The impact that Jerry has had on students over the past decade and more has been substantial however, the legacy of a program such as Pro Start currently being developed is going to impact thousands of students over the coming decades and will provide immediate relief to our hospitality industry that is starved for talent. The graduates from our high school ProStart program will become the next great chefs and restaurant managers over the corning decades. Page 2180 of 2938 Jerry Libbin - Hali of Fame Application Question 5 Response 1982 Founding Executive Director of the Miami Beach Jewish Community Center 1986 President of Miami Beach Rotary Club 1986 President of Optimist Club of Miami Beach 1990-2005 President of Normandy Shores Homeowners Association 1993 & 1994 Jewish Community Center Community Service Award 1999-2002 President of North Beach Development Corporabon 2001 Supreme Court of Florida Court Appointed Mediator 2000-20C1 Kiwanian of the Year 2002 Selected Kiwanis's George Hixson Fellow 2005-2013 Miami Beach City Commissioner 2008 & 2009 Excellence in Education Award by Kapow Organization 2010-Present President and C.E.O. of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce 2011 Recognized by the Veterans of Foreign Affairs for founding the Veteran's Day Parade in Miami Beach 2011 ECOMB Emerald City Award 2012 Normandy Award Page 2181 of 2938 akerman April 20, 2023 City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame Department of Tourism and Culture 1755 Me,idian Ave, Sth -'loor Miami Beach, FL, 33139 Neisen 0. Kasdin Akerman LLP Three Brickell City Centre 98 Scutheast Seventh Street Suite 1100 Miami, FL 33131 Tel: 305.982.5629 Fax: 305.374.5095 Re: Miami Beach Hall of Fame I Recommendation Letter — Jerry Libbin i write to recommend Jerry Libbin for the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. I have known Jerry for over 30 years since he came to Miami Beach to run the Miami Beach Jewish Community Center which he took over at a time when it had questionable viability and built it into a stable and important community asset. Similarly, Jerry brought his business acumen, energy and organizing skills to his role as President of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce for many years, helping to maintain the Chamber's role as a leading voice of the civic and busness communities and as an important advocate for progress and investment in the community During Jerry's tenure as a City Commissioner he continued his leading role as an advocate for progress and investment in the community. He also was very supportive of the arts, including his advocacy of City support for the New World Symphony's Frank Gehry designed New World Center and West 8 designed Soundscape park. I wholeheartedly recommend Jerry for nomination to the Hall of Fame. 5incemly. AKEJRN� LLP Ncis&'n O. Kesdin Page 2182 of 2938 t' FIRST HORIZON. April 19, 2023 Letter of PiKommerldatiort Dear Evaluation Committee for the City of Miami Beech Hall of Fame, The purpose of this letter is to recommend former City of Miami Beach Commissioner and current PresideWCE0 of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Jerry libbin forthe City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame. I've known Jerry for the past 15 years, both personally and professionally. Jerry has been a Civic leader since arriving to Miami Beads In 1982. He's had a significant impact on the formation of what Miami Beach has become today. I worked dosely with him as Chairman of the Board for the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce from 2013- 2016. During that time, we partnered to help boost the City s economy by helping the business community in their development needs. Additionally, we created programming that helped professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs achieve bitch business goals. I worked very closely with him on various projects that helped the Miami Beach community, such as the Chamber's Heroes Breakfast, which was organized under his leadership and my tenure as Chairman. This event showcases the great work our city's first responders do by selecting local heroes that have shown valor in the We of duty and awarding them thousands of dollars in gifts. Jerry supports Miami Beach by raising funds, through the Miami Beach Chamber Education Foundation, to benefit public education. We worked together on establishing the links Project, which raises thousands of dollars for teacher grants and scholarships to graduating seniors at Miami Beach Sr. High School. He is a highly dedicated community member that is dynamic and possesses a gift in bringing people together. Despite these formidable gifts, he Is a humble and approachable person who kyves to share his extensive knowledge with others and Is a creative thinker. As a Commissioner, Jerry showed tangible results from his policy initiatives dealing with fiscal responsibility, public education, International trade, economic development, arts and culture, sustainability, neighborhood improvement projects, and condominium owner rights. Jerry is also a stakeholder in the Oty of Miami Beach, having been a resident for many years. In closing, it is with sincere conviction that I enthusiastically recommend Jerry Libbin for the Catty of Miami Beach Hap of Fame. Thank you for your consideration. �Sincerely, / r' G(�C I ,�l �C.lQ Michael S. Goldberg Senior Vice President, Privat nking Group Manager Past Chairman of the Board, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Firm Horizon Bank en0 filth ,r God`•ey aoaa :�Uite 1C2 M an. Beach. =L 33'4C 305-6+t-4160 Page 2183 of 2938 MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME NOMINATION FORM »> Please Type All information <<< NOMINEE'S INFORMATION Nominee's Name: Nancy Liebman Nominee's Occupation, Field of Achievement or Title: Civic Leader and Activist Nominee's Category of Expertise (Select one from the options below): 1-1 Artist/ Architect/ Designer/ Scientist Athlete Business Leader © Civic Leader Family Legacy Date of Death (if posthumous nomination): Questions 1 -5: Fully explain your answers for all questions. Please put the nominee's accomplishments in context; show how they are relevant and valuable to Miami Beach. Frtter a brief biography highlighting the nominee's personal history and connection to Miami Beach. Nancy Weinstein Liebman was born on August 17th, 1936 in Jersey City, N.J. She attended the Teacher's College at New Jersey State. In 1954, Nancy met Norman Liebman and two years later they were married. Liebman taught grade school for a number of years in South Jersey. In 1959, Nancy and her husband moved to Miami Beach so he could complete his medical internship. Once settled they started a family and soon had three children Mark. Jill and Penny. In 1966, when the Vietnam War broke out, Nancy' s husband was drafted to serve as a military physician. Their whole family had to move to an Air Force base in Omaha, Nebraska. A few years later the family was able to return to Miami where the kids attended Biscayne Elementary. A devoted mother. Nancy got involved with the PTA. Soon she was elected to serve as PTA President. Then in 1979, Nancy became aware that many of Miami Beach' s historic structures were at serious risk for demolition. Feeling compelled to join the preservation movement, she had no idea this would start her lifelong career as a civic leader, community activist and historic preservationist. Page 1 of 4 Page 2184 of 2938 2. Describe the nominee's lasting contributions to Miami Beach. One of Nancy's first successful projects with other activists in the 1980's was preventing Miami -Dade from changing the Venetian Causeway into a 4 lane highway. In 1982, Nancy helped organized the National Trust's first visit to Miami Beach to advocate for protection of historic buildings. This visit led to further protections against demolition for historic buildings on a local level. One of her other original activism projects, was lobbying in D.C. for Miami Beach's historic buildings to legally retain their original names. This rule still applies until today. In 2014, Nancy was the founder of the local community activist's group called "Miami Beach United". This group still is very active today uniting the city's activists into a single coalition group which can more effectively achieve the goals of historic preservation. Many of its members are very involved in Iocai politics and serve on a number of the City's committees. During covid, Nancy not one to be idle began writing a book of her memoirs. In 2021, her book " Preservation Dreams" was published to the delight of many of her admirers. Unstoppable, Nancy went at it again coming out with her next book "Another Landmark Bites the Dust" in 2023. This book compiled from her archives, contains many of her Letters to the Editor of the Miami Herald and dozens of articles from the 1980's through the 2000's, where her impassioned pro -preservation sentiments are quoted. Describe the significant impact of the nominee's achievements. Quantify the answer where possible. During the 1980s, Nancy served for nine years as a Board Member of the Miami -Dade Heritage Trust. In 1987, Nancy was appointed to the Historic Preservation Board. She would serve on that committee for six years, sometimes as the Chair. In 1989, Nancy was then appointed as Executive Director to the Miami Design Preservation League, where she would serve for the next three years. In 1993, Nancy decided to throw her hat in the political arena and ran for Miami Beach Commissioner. After elected, she would serve for two consecutive terms from 1993-2001, always supporting preservationists v. developers. During all these decades, Nancy was consistently writing pro -preservation letters to the editor of the Miami Herald. Hundreds of her letters were published in the Herald from the 1980's up to the year 2003, always voicing her strong opinions on the benefits of keeping Miami Beach's original charm through preservation. Page 2 of 4 Page 2185 of 2938 4. Present evidence that the nominees achievements have (or will have) enduring value to Miami Beach. Where applicable. focus your comments on change that has been or will be created and how that change is expected to last over time. One of her first successful projects with other activists was preventing Miami -Dade from changing the Venetian Causeway into a 4 lane highway. In 1982, Nancy helped organize the National Trust's first visi to Miami Beach to advocate for local protection of historic build ngs. One of her other original activism projects was lobbying in D.C. for Miami Beach's historic bu ldings to legally retain their original names. This rule still applies today During the 1980s, Nancy also served for nine years as a Board Member of the Miami -Dade Heritage Trust, In 1987, Nancy was appointed to the Historic Preservation Board She would serve on that committee for six years, sometimes as the Chair In 1989, Nancy was then appointed as Executive Director to the Miami Design Preservation League, where she would serve for the next three years In 1993, Nancy decided to throw her hat in the political arena and ran for Miami Beach Commissioner. After being elected. she would serve for two consecutive terms from 1993-2001, always supporting preservationists v developers In 2002, Nancy served as President of the Urban Environment League of Greater Miami for four years One of the goals she took on during that time was fighting development that would destroy a portion of the Everglades In 2014, Nancy was the founder of the local community activist's group called "Miami Beach United". This group still is very active today uniting the city's activists into a single coalition group which can more effectively achieve the goals of historic preservation. Many of its members are very involved in local politics and serve on a number of the City's committees. Once again in 2016, Nancy was appointed to serve on Miami Beach's Historic Preservation Board She would dutifully attend their monthly meetings up until this last January 2023. 5. Enter a Fist of the nominee's significant awards In 1998, Nancy was awarded the "Recognition of Historic Preservation" from well known Miami Modern architect, Norman Giller. 6. Provide two (2) fetters of Recommendation. (Please attach this within the submission) Page 3 of 4 Page 2186 of 2938 Nomination Submitted By: SUBMITTER INFORMATION Merle Shama Title/Occupation of Submitter: Member of Miami Beach Commission for Women Friend Relationship to the Nominee: (Example: friends, colleague, student, employee, relative, etc.) Address of Submitter: 11 Island Avenue, #911, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (Street Address, City, State, Zip Code) Telephone: 646-250-3910 Email Address: mede.shama@gmail.com Nomination Package Checklist: Befor submitting the City of Miami Beach Nomination Form, make sure you have done all the following. Completed the Nomination form. Please refrain from sending petitions, photographs, books, resumes, Curriculum Vitaes (CV), etc. in lieu of completing the nomination form. Ir Included two (2) letters of recommendation. The letters of recommendation must be submitted in conjunction with the nomination form. Signature of Submitter. / J� 'L Date: Page 4 of 4 Page 2187 of 2938 Nancy Liebman I support the nomination of Nancy Liebman to the Miami Beach Hall of fame for three reasons: 1. Her leadership in developing the effectiveness of the Miami Design Preservation league; 2. Her pioneering role on the Miami Beach Commission; and, 3. Her work making the story of Miami Beach preservation a local and national model. In her book SovirV South Beach, Marty Stohk describes the preservation movement on Miami Beach as an "ensemble performance." True enough, but there was one player who stood out: Nancy Liebman. Though not a founder of the Miami Design Preservation League, Nancy Liebman eventually became Execuhve Director of MDPI during a critical period of its history, providing the kind of leadership needed for stability and effectiveness. Building on the federal designation of the Miami Beach Archilectural District in 1979, MDPL began a successful series of local historic designations under her leadership. In 1993, Nancy Liebman was elected to the Miami Beach Commission, running explicitly as a preservationist. When elected, the preservation interest on the Commission was in the minority. Succeeding elections made preservation the majority position, a point of view that City officials had to heed. Following service on the Commission, Nancy Liebman made the story of South Beach preservation a model for efforts on Biscayne Boulevard, throughout Miami -Dade County through the Dade Heritage Trust, and finally with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In the story of Miami Beach preservation, Nancy Liebmar is a "most valuable player." Leff Donnelty 305 458-0671 Page 2188 of 2938 1000 Itrracc �uilc I'llh. Nliarrii, FI i.tl 1N April 21, 2023 Re: Nancy Liebman — Miami Beach Hall of Fame To Whom It May Concern: Nancy Liebman is especially worthy of the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. I met her in 1996 when I was I installing a butterfly garden at Biscayne Elementary School where she had been president of the PTA when her 3 children were young. She became the executive director of the Miami Design Preservation League, City of Miami Beach Commissioner for two terms, formed Miami Beach United, the MIMO District on Biscayne Boulevard in the Upper Eastside and has just finished her term on the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board. Since the pandemic she has written two books —'Preservation Dream: Reflections of a Miami Beach Activist" and "Another Landmark Bites the Dust: A Deco Preservationist's Scrapbook." Nancy's commitment to Miami Beach and her unwavering support are my reasons for recommending her for the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. Sincerely, Claire L. Tomlin, President The Market Company, Inc. Page 2189 of 2938 10 53 Abt HM,_preswv#Mon_4631605A26)py j6,10-196? httpti+'wrrw.miarlyd.SZrWwrtvalimo_aarbdutt__rnayesl2021109/F1M�,,2tWIO 6.jpy 1.1 ARTHUR J. MARCUS_A_RCHITECT P.A. 1800 NCR'• H ANDRFWS AVE%;E tt71' • SORT .AUDERDALE. FIORIDA 33311 • t 305-467-6141 email: arhufmarcus"Qamnet • web. www.arth,rrmarcut.corr April 27, 2023 Panel of the Miami Beach hall of Fame Department of Tourism and Cult,;re 1755 Meridian Avenue - 5th floor Miami Beach, FL 33139 To whom it may concern: I would like to nominate Nancy Liebman as a member of the City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame. Nancy has had a remarkable public career serving the people of Miami Beach and has had a positive and far reaching impact on our community and on the Preservation of our historic environment. Throughout her public career Nancy has been a masterful voice in guiding Miami Beach through a host of community and political leadership issues. While most of those involved in politics tend to retire from public life after stepping down from being Commissioner, Nancy just stepped up her activism by forming new community organ zations and inspiring new generations of leadership. I am one of those who has been deeply influenced by Nancy and her activism. I first met Nancy around 1993 shortly after moving to South Beach, when we both attended a community meeting in South Beach. In our conversations at that first meeting I was immediately impressed with her impassioned and intelligent defense of historic preservation while at the same time fully understanding the pressures of development in Miami Beach. Nancy's not so subtle suggestion about getting involved with the Historic Preservation Board really gave me the inspiration to begin an alternate career as a community activist, alongside my career as an Architect. Eventually I joined the HP board where I eventually became chaff, of both the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board and the Design Review Board. And today I am chair of the City of Fort Lauderdale Historic Preservation Board. Page 2191 of 2938 Nancy's continued dedication to the preservation of our shared heritage sets an example for all of us and has had a positive and lasting impact on everyone in the community. Nancy so well understands the dance of preservation, and development in Miami Beach, and early on understood that the only way to truly influence public policy was to run for public office and be able to formulate policies from the inside. Nancy's long career of public service on behalf of the citizens of Miami Beach - through the City of Miami Beach Commission, the City of Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board, Miami Design Preservation League, Urban Environment League, Miami Beach United and Dade Heritage Trust - speaks for itself. With all these achievements in mind i nominate Nancy Liebman for membership in the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. Thank you for your consideration. Yours truly, Arthur J. Marcus Page 2192 of 2938 2 Michael C. Gongora, Esq. Shareholder Board Certified Specialist, Condominium and Planned Development Law Phone: (305) 250-1014 Fax: (305) 442-2232 mgongora@beckerlawyers.com Becker & Poliakoff 121 Alhambra Plaza 10th floor Coral Gables, Florida 33134 April 28, 2023 To Whom It May Concern: Becher I would like to take this opportunity to recommend Nancy Liebman for the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. I have witnessed first-hand Nancy's dedication to our City both as a Miami Beach Commissioner and Activist. I met Nancy in 1993 when she first ran for Commissioner and have witnessed her work throughout the years for non- profits, the arts and historic preservation. Nancy has advocated for historic preservation through the Miami Design Preservation League, as a Commissioner, as a longtime member of the Historic Preservation Board. Nancy's organization and persistence have produced multiple successful events for great causes in our community. She is a leader in our city and for the historic preservation community and has positively impacted many through her hard efforts. I appreciate Ms. Liebman's dedication to her work and her passion for our City. As such, it is with pleasure that I offer my support for her for the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. Very truly yours, Michael C. Gongora MCG/ma +:•.,: becke•la:•. �B's cn-7 Page 2193 of 293 r da Ne.% ,ersey 4a:. Yo'k •:bash:nglon D C a VH?3 *0 St AM N,,ncy4.,e1Mmjr-(c{2x ,py i600.7501 vVs;'UteviLvwssnc.cwQ&vp-contentlupbada'2022Mi#Nency-ibb lw1W x! of 2938 ;! 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F - lClrlif- rj' } At Soe4 . ,lira _A K{-� �-�a�YAi� •Lr i.• �;: �:• ih a :': '�S. •t' .- :.• •+•' ci- i i'� "r+ �Ijsr ' :..s � 4 �3 �• ' •J.1' I a May 1, 2023 Miami Beach will never be blessed with a more beloved commissioner as Mark 5amuelian whose second term was cut short due to his sudden death. The West Avenue Neighborhood Association, of which I am the former president, always made Mark our first call to ask for help or to illicit his advice as he was the most trusted people's commissioner. Mark actually coined the phrase, "The Resident Coalition". Mark focused on resident concerns like completing the Baywalk, mitigating any negative effects of road raising, and pulling the plug on short term rentals. In a relatively short time on the commission, five years, Mark accomplished many complicated issues, he walked the walk. And I mean that two -fold, because Mark was a walker, he walked everywhere, and everyone always saw him walking throughout the city as if he was keeping his eye on everything. And he loved the city so, I believe he is still watching over us! And that why we love Mark and would love to see him elected to the Miami Beach Hall of Fame. Regards, Gayle Durham 1455 West Avenue, Apt 804, Miami Beach, FL 33139 C 305.812.5331 Page 2200 of 2938 ------- Original message ------- From: ED GARCES <KrciloL aol.corn> Date: 5/1/23 4:20 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Susanna aurucker <s� ruikerQbell south net> Subtect: Mark Samuelian To whom it may Concern I would also like to see Mark Samuelian inducted into the Hall of Fame. Mark was a class act and truly loved and cared about Miami Beach and its residents! There was nevef a time when I would email him when I didn't receive a response". The man was a true Mensch ! I miss all the amazing photos he would post on Facebook! Ed Garces 1200 West Ave M8 FI 33139 212-695-4948 Sent from my ♦Phone Page 2201 of 2938 • - •�:: • .. ...�,.,Kmv .N....r.. �. f, . , c]Y'.. - . - _. .. +12t-., •4 - c ...-.+; o t;�1; xQ.n`y,.. • ... .. Office of the Mayor 1666 Kennedy Causeway, Suite 300 North Bay Village, FL 33141 Tel: (305) 756-7171 1 Fax: (305) 756-7722 Websitc: www.northbayvillage-fl.gov May 1, 2023 City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame Department of Tourism and Culture 1755 Meridian Avenue, 5'" Floor Miami Beach, FL 33139 RE: Character Reference City of Miami Beach Commissioner Mark Samuelian To Whom It May Concern: This letter shall serve as a character reference and recommendation for City of 'Miami Beach Commissioner Mark Samuelian. I am the Mayor of North Bay Village and have been elected to serve for three consecutive terms. Throughout the years I had the great pleasure and opportunity to collaborate with Commissioner Samuelian on matters relating to our surrounding municipalities. Ile was an exceptional individual who cared tremendously about the City of Miami Beach where he spent many years working to benefit the residents. If my office can be of assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me or the North Bay Village Administration at 305-756-7171 Sincerely, 0�� Brent' tham Mayo BLlac ���' North bay Village