Wednesday, September 19, 2007
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CONTENTS:Last Budget Hearing Scheduled For September 25
Mayor Elected To Florida League Of Mayors Board Of Directors
Communications Division Finalist At National Competition
Surplus City Vehicles And Equipment Going To Auction Block
City Purchases Park Land On Maggiore Street
Spend A Day At A Park(ing) Space
Meeting On University Metrorail Station Pedestrian Overpass Scheduled
Deadline For Senior Art Contest Extende
Parent Resource Guide Available On-Line
Listen to GABLES Radio 1620 AM
How Do We Communicate? Please Give Us Your Feedback
Traffic
Events Roundup
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Last Budget Hearing Scheduled For September 25 >>> The public has one more chance to participate in the last Budget Public Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, September 25, beginning at 5:01 p.m. at City Hall Commission Chambers, 405 Biltmore Way, on the second floor. City Manager David L. Brown presented budget proposals to City Commission on September 11, receiving approval on first reading for a millage tax rate of 5.25. City Commissioners will review the budget based on the 5.25 millage at second and final reading before adopting the annual budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2007.
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Mayor Elected To Florida League Of Mayors Board Of Directors >>> Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick was re-elected to the Board of Directors of the Florida League of Mayors during the organization’s meeting held last month in Orlando. He will serve a two-year term ending August 2009. Mayor Slesnick is a founding member of the Board of Directors, created in 2005 to provide a nonpartisan platform for mayors in the State of Florida to speak out on issues of urgent interest to their respective cities. The Board of Directors also took action to adopt the Mayors Green City Action Accord encouraging municipalities to participate in the Florida Green Building Coalition’s Green City initiative to advance the energy efficiency and environmental quality of Florida’s municipalities.
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Communications Division Finalist At National Competition >>> Congratulations to the team members of the City of Coral Gables Communications Division for becoming finalists in the 2007 Savvy Awards competition that recognizes outstanding local government achievements in communications, public-sector marketing and citizen-government relationships. The Savvy Awards competition is sponsored by the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA), saluting skilled and effective city professionals who have creatively planned and carried out successful innovations in communications. Coral Gables Television is a finalist in the category of Television and Video Interview/Talk Show for its public affairs 30 minutes show, Coral Gables Now. CGTV also is a finalist in the One-Time Special Television Programming for the documentary on Preserving the Heritage of the McFarlane District. Savvy award winners will be announced at the 3CMA Annual Conference to be held in Kansas City on October 26.
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Surplus City Vehicles And Equipment Going To Auction Block >>> The City of Coral Gables will auction its municipal surplus vehicles and equipment on Saturday, September 29 and Saturday, October 13, at Stampler Auctions, 5900 Washington Street, Hollywood, Florida. Among the 120 vehicles and automotive equipment to be auctioned are police cars, pickup trucks, mowers, garbage trucks, trash dump trucks, trash canes and police BMW motorcycles. Inspection of vehicles can be conducted from 8-10 a.m. the day of the auction. The auction begins immediately after until all the items are sold. For additional information, contact Stampler Auctions at 954-921-8888.
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City Purchases Park Land On Maggiore Street >>> The City of Coral Gables has purchased a triangular-shaped property at the intersections of Maggiore Street, Sansovino Avenue and Menendez Avenue to be converted into a City neighborhood park. The 20,427 square feet of land is located primarily in a residential neighborhood and will be purchased for $1,300,000 with funding received from the Miami-Dade County General Obligation Bond. A small playground, natural vegetation landscape and fencing are among the proposed ideas for the new park.
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Spend A Day At A Park(ing) Space >>> The City of Coral Gables will take part in a special event happening simultaneously in several cities throughout the nation. On September 21st, the Trust for Public Land and Coral Gables will transform a parking space in the City’s Downtown District into a park for residents and visitors to enjoy. The green space will be designed by the Public Service Department and assembled in a few hours that morning to show how easy it is to transform a parking space into an inviting place for people — not cars. The park’s design will be unique to Coral Gables portraying the character of the City. Come and experience this change of scenery from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the metered parking space at 210 Miracle Mile. The event will help explain the importance of conserving land for public projects. The City of Coral Gables is committed to this idea of conserving land for parks, gardens and natural areas. Currently the City boasts 35 parks with more being planned.
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Meeting On University Metrorail Station Pedestrian Overpass Scheduled >>> Miami-Dade Transit will hold a public meeting to discuss its plans to construct a pedestrian bridge over U.S. 1 at the University Metrorail Station on Thursday, September 27 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn University of Miami, Alhambra Meeting Room, 1350 S. Dixie Hwy. There will be an Open House at 4 p.m., and the presentation will begin at 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Free hotel parking is available. Local residents, business owners, City officials and other interested parties are invited to attend the public meeting to view architectural plans for the Pedestrian Overpass and provide comments. For information, call Jean Kouch at 786-469-5550 or send an email to mdtoutreach@miamidade.gov
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Deadline For Senior Art Contest Extende >>> Good news: The deadline to submit entry forms for the City's first ever senior art contest has been extended to Monday, October 15th, almost a month after the original deadline. This is a great opportunity for Coral Gables "golden" residents to display their artistic talents. The 2007 Celebration of Talent Art Contest will showcase the wonderful talents of seniors with the hope of inspiring others to express themselves through art. Seniors are encouraged to submit entries in the following categories: photography, paintings and drawings, hard crafts such as sculpture, ceramics and woodworking, and soft crafts such as needlework, quilting and weaving. This deadline is only for entry forms to confirm your participation in the contest. Actual art pieces art not due until mid November. It is permitted for artists to submit more than one entry in all categories. All art pieces submitted will be placed on display at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center on Friday and Saturday, November 16th and 17th. Prizes will be awarded in each category and for "Best in Show." For the 2007 Celebration of Talent Art Contest entry form, click here.
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Parent Resource Guide Available On-Line >>> Miami-Dade County Public Schools has published a Parent Resource Guide to provide a one-stop source of helpful tips and information so parents can guide children in their education. The guide explains what standardized tests each child will take in school, what parents need to know about student health and what do to make a difference in a child’s education. To access this publication, click here.
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Listen to GABLES Radio 1620 AM >>> If you’re driving around the City Beautiful, don’t forget to tune to 1620AM to listen to the latest news and information about the City of Coral Gables. Get updates every week of what is happening around town, such as government news, traffic updates and special events coming up. You can also listen to the history of Coral Gables, from the days of George Merrick to now. Listen to GABLES Radio 1620 AM, the new voice of Coral Gables.
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How Do We Communicate? Please Give Us Your Feedback >>> The City of Coral Gables would like to know what you think about its communication program and vehicles. To participate, simply log on to the City’s homepage and complete the on-line survey titled “How Do We Communicate?” The information gathered will help the City evaluate the effectiveness of all external communications. To go directly to the survey, click here.
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Traffic >>> Le Jeune Road between S.W. 16 Street and South Dixie Highway: As this project is being finalized, drivers may notice fewer road closures, however intermittent lane closures may be possible daily (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) at various locations between S.W. 16th Street and S. Dixie Highway/US-1 while workers complete minor roadway improvements that include concrete, signalization and paving work. Lanes on adjacent side streets will also be affected by this work. Please note that at least one lane will remain open at all times. Access to residences and businesses will be maintained and motorists will be allowed to turn left at major intersections. For more information, please contact Carlos Sarmiento at 305-499-2410 or via email at carlos.sarmiento@dot.state.fl.us.
> Kerwood Court: Crews contracted by the City’s Public Works Department will be working to improve the drainage on Kerwood Court. The project should take at least two weeks to complete. Access to the neighborhood will be maintained at all times.
> San Vicente Street and Aurelia Avenue: The Public Works Department has started working on the installation of a traffic circle on San Vicente Street and Aurelia Avenue. The project should take three weeks to complete. Expect delays in the immediate area during the construction phase.
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Events Roundup >>> Here is a partial list of upcoming cultural events in Coral Gables. Please call ahead to confirm, as dates and times may change. For a complete list of events in Coral Gables, click here.
Ongoing: The historic Merrick House, the family home of Coral Gables founder George Merrick, is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays for tours at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. The tour of this charming home built of coral rock, still home to the artwork and early possessions of the Merrick family, lasts about 45 minutes. Tickets are $5 for adults; $3 for senior citizens (ages 65+) and students with ID; $1 for children ages 6-12, and free for children ages 5 and under. The Merrick House, a remarkable example of South Florida architecture, is located at 907 Coral Way. For more information, call 305-460-5095.
First Friday of The Month: Art lovers flock to Coral Gables the first Friday of every month for Gallery Night. Boasting dozens of galleries, Coral Gables is the premier destination for art and cultural events. The City offers free trolley service to most of the galleries locations from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Some galleries may feature musicians for your entertainment. For a list of art galleries in Coral Gables, click here.
Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays: Promote relaxation after a hard days work with the gentle postures and breathing techniques of Yoga. Basic Yoga is offered at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Mondays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Create harmony in your body, mind and spirit. Members pay $11 for a single class or $41 for four classes, residents pay $15 per class or $55 for four classes, and non-residents pay $19 per class or $69 for four classes. The Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. For more information, call 305-460-5600.
Mondays: The Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center is offering a special yoga class just for seniors. Yoga for Seniors is meant to build strength, flexibility, balance and coordination in the older generation. The class is held on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the classroom next to the Fitness Center. Wear comfortable clothing, don’t eat two hours prior to the class and bring a towel. Registration is required at the front desk before attending the class. The Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. Classes cost $11 for members or $41 for a series of four classes. Residents pay $15 per class or $55 for four classes. Non-residents pay $19 a class or $69 for four classes. Call 305-460-5600 for more information.
September 19: The Lowe Art Museum is hosting a fascinating lecture on Stolen Peruvian Treasures. Dr. Carol Damian, a professor of Art History at Florida International University, inspected the priceless artifacts taken from graves and museums after artifacts were found and will offer a glimpse at the artifacts and the process of confiscation and repatriation. The lecture which begins at 7:30 p.m., is free to the Tribal Arts Society and University of Miami students, all others pay $10. The museum is located in the University of Miami campus at 1301 Stanford Drive. For more information, contact Linda Chapin at 305-284-4246 or at l.chapin@miami.edu.
September 19: Enjoy a unique dining experience with a Tequila Themed Dinner. The Southeast Regional Manager of Partida Tequila Thomas Smitherman is hosting the dinner at the Biltmore Hotel at 7 p.m. at the Courtyard Grill. Cellar Club and Premier Members pay $79 and non-members pay $99. Call 305-913-3203 for more information. The Biltmore Hotel is located at 1200 Anastasia Avenue.
September 20: The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce is holding a special Good Morning Coral Gables Breakfast at the Biltmore Hotel. That's when Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick will give the State of the City Address. An Installation Ceremony will also take place for the 2007- 2008 Board of Directors by the Honorable Jacqueline Hogan Scola. The event starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue. Onsite registration costs $20 and non-members pay $30. For more information, call 305-446-1657.
September 21: Parents, go on a date while the Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department takes care of your kids. Drop off your child at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center on Friday at 7 p.m. and enjoy the night while the children, ages 5 through 14, have a Sleep-over Party. Parents can pick up their child on Saturday at 9 a.m. This event is offered to parents every third Friday of the month at a cost of $27 for members, $36 for residents, and $45 for all others. For more information, call 305-460-5600 or click here.
September 21: At the next Lunch & Lecture series for seniors, learn how to Protect Your Money. Experts from the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission will provide seniors very useful information on how to protect financial assets. The information provided is specific to seniors. SEC representatives will be present to answer questions. Enjoy a free lunch at 11:30 a.m. before the lecture begins at noon. This event will take place at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue. Please reserve your seat by today. For more information, call 305-460-5609.
September 25: Learn about one of the most exciting archaeological sites in the country, above or below water: Little Salt Spring. Associate Professor of underwater archaeology at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science John A. Gifford will hold a lecture based on the current exhibition at the Otto G. Richter Library, Dive into the Past: An Exhibit on the Little Salt Spring Archaeological Site. Little Salt Spring is valued for the wealth of information about the first inhabitants of Florida more than 12,000 years ago. The lecture will take place at the Richter Library, 1300 Memorial Drive, from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. A reception will take place before the commencement of the lecture at 6 p.m. to make reservations for this event, contact Carlos Goycochea at 305-284-4026 or by email at cgoycochea@miami.edu.
September 27 - October 28: David Caudle brings to Coral Gables the world premiere of Likeliness. The dramatic play set in Colonial Boston is where an idealistic painter must create an idealized portrait of a tyrannical Loyalist's daughter. While the artist struggles to lie on canvas, the girl struggles to protect her identity. Be sure to catch this production at New Theatre on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. Tickets for Thursday and Sunday evenings cost $35. Tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday matinees cost $40. Students can purchase tickets a half hour before the show at $15. New Theatre is located at 4120 Laguna Street. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 305-443-5909.
September 26: Have you ever sampled classic Alsatian-inspired dishes? The Biltmore Hotel's Chef Ruiz will pair these cultural dishes with the legendary wines of Alsatian producers Pierre Sparr and Trimbach. The dinner will begin at 7 p.m. at the Palm d'Or Restaurant. Cellar Club and Premier Members pay $89, non-members pay $109. The Biltmore Hotel is located at 1200 Anastasia Avenue. For more information, call 305-913-3203.
September 26: The Coral Gables Woman's Club is hosting a Wine and Cheese Social. Make new friends and interact with other people who want to make a difference in the community. The event starts at 7 p.m. at the Clubhouse located at 1001-09 East Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Make your reservations today by calling Debi Wilborn at 305-595-9195 or by email at the2coolgirls@aol.com.
September 28: The internationally acclaimed chamber choir Seraphic Fire will start its 2007-2008 season with Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas. The musicians of Seraphic Fire will bring to life one of the greatest love stories in history. The performance will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables, 536 Coral Way, at 7:30 p.m. For ticket prices, call 305-476-0260 or click here.
September 28: The Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade will host a special fundraising gala called “A Magical Evening.” A cocktail reception will begin at 7 p.m. with dinner and the program starting at 8 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to sponsor a child through donations at the event which will take place at the Country Club of Coral Gables, 997 N. Greenway Drive. Tickets costs $250 per person. For more information call 305-446-9910, ext.13 or send an email to mgonzalez@bgcmia.org.
September 28: Interested in participating in lively debates about world news, the economy and our families? The Democratic Club invites residents of Coral Gables regardless of political party to attend its monthly meeting every fourth Thursday of the month. The meetings take place at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, at 7 p.m.
September 30: The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami will start its 2007–2008 Concert/Recital Season with a Musical Mosaic. The concert will take place at 8 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church located at 5690 N. Kendall Drive. For more information, call 305-439-7788.
September 30: Festival Miami 2007 brings you an afternoon
of Broadway, pop and a little swinging jazz concert. Tony award winning Broadway singer-actress
Debbie Gravitte, pianist Russ Kassoff and Miami native Johnny Rodgers and the Johnny Rodgers Band
will take the stage at 4 p.m. for a memorable performance. The concert will take place at the Maurice
Gusman Hall located in the University of Miami campus on 1314 Miller Drive. For ticket information,
call 305-284-4940 or click
here.
October 1: Grab your friends and head over to the Coral Gables
Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church at 1p.m. for a free viewing of the 2003 movie "Something's
Gotta Give" starring Jack Nicholson. Refreshments will be served. The Coral Gables
Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church is located at 624 Anastasia Avenue. For more
information, call 305-460-5609.
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