Surprise birthday party for the "Grovefather"

Monty Trainer was surprised with a large birthday party on Thursday night. The invitation only party brought out half the Grove and many gate crashers, too, but who could blame them, it was the event of the season.

The them was the "Grovefather." Above left, is Monty upon arrival, seeing the many friends who were present at Atchana's at the Mutiny. At right are Camille DePhillips and Richard Issa.


State Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera, who was just named majority leader, with Monty and District Commissioner Marc Sarnoff.


Corky Dozier, Atchana Capellini and Giana Levya.


Alice Land and Ed Prelaz; Robert Perente was one of the first to sign the big Grovefather poster at the entrance. I think I was the first. Many were dressed in "Godfather" themed clothing. The invitation and cake and t-shirts all were an image of Monty with the Grovefather logo mimicking the Godfather logo.


Donna Sweeny, AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt, Gina Hubler, Trina Collins.


Giana Levya, Monty and Maria Korge.


Katrina Gallegos looks on as Monty cuts the cake. There were also delicious cannolis. The menu was all Italian, Monty's favorite type food.


Tom Falco, Camille DePhillips; Alan Campbell, Sylvia Quinn Cordes.


Atchana and staff prepared an incredible Italian feast of spaghetti and meatballs, eggplant parm and lasagna.


Donna Sweeny, Vickie Delgado, Lilia Garcia, Jim Hunter.


By the end of the night the board was full of well wishes from all of Monty's friends. Speaking of Atchana's, one of our favorite places, The Miami Herald thought it was great, too. They did a review yesterday.