Wednesday, October 31, 2007
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CONTENTS:Enjoy A Safe ‘Trick Or Treat’ For Halloween
Special Municipal Referendum Proposed For Next Year
Now Serving Three Million Riders
Model Citizens Help Spread The Word
Donald Ross Greens At Biltmore Looking Really Good
Pay Your Parking Tickets
Meet Directly with Public Safety Leaders in the City
Traffic
Events Roundup
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Enjoy A Safe “Trick Or Treat” For Halloween >>> Halloween is an exciting holiday for all children, and there are lot of places to go in Coral Gables. Check the listing of special things to do in the events section. However, roughly four times as many children ages 5-14 are killed walking on Halloween night compared with other evenings of the year. According to the National Safety Council, the major dangers are not from witches or spirits but rather from falls and pedestrian/car crashes. It is very important for motorists to be especially alert on Halloween and watch for children darting out from between parked cars, or for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs. Before children start out on their “trick or treat” rounds, parents should make sure an adult supervises the outing for any children under age 12, instruct children to travel only in familiar areas and along established routes, to stop only at houses that are well-lit and never to enter a stranger’s home. Carrying flashlights will help children see better and be seen more clearly. Using these common sense tips will help prevent a hazardous evening. To play a Halloween Safety Game, click here.
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Special Municipal Referendum Proposed For Next Year >>> Coral Gables City Commission gave the approval to hold a Special Municipal Referendum Election during the Florida Presidential Preference Primary of January 29, 2008 to vote on whether the City Charter should be amended to delete Section 22 pertaining to the Trial Board. Voters will have an opportunity to retain or to remove from the City Charter the provision which allows for a special Trial Board to be impaneled at the written request of any Coral Gables officer or employee who is removed, suspended, laid off or reduced in grade. Currently, the special Trial Board can convene to investigate and determine the propriety of the City Manager’s decision.
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Now Serving Three Million Riders >>> The Coral Gables Trolley reached another important milestone this month when it transported passenger number 3 million on October 11. Next month, the transportation service that travels on the busy Ponce de Leon Boulevard from the Metrorail Station to Southwest Eighth Street, will celebrate its fourth anniversary. The Trolley began on November of 2003 with five vintage-looking vehicles, thanks to funding provided by the half penny transportation surtax. Originally, City administrators expected to transport about 1,000 people per day. Today, the City operates 10 Trolleys transporting 4,500 to 5,000 people each weekday to and from Downtown Coral Gables. Do you love the Trolleys too? Share your experiences by sending your comments at e-news@coralgables.com.
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Model Citizens Help Spread The Word >>> A group of young girls between the ages of 8 and 11 from various local schools, who are part of the Girls Scout Troop 373, will help the City of Coral Gables in an awareness campaign about the City’s electronic newsletter. On Friday, November 2, from 4-4:30 p.m., Girl Scouts be collecting subscriptions to the free City Beautiful e-News from pedestrians along Miracle Mile and Ponce de Leon Boulevard, in front of Barnes and Noble. According to troop leader Ivonne Reilley, the girls picked this project to help the community become aware of the many projects going on in the City of Coral Gables, and to achieve a Model Citizen Badge. After the project, the Girl Scouts will meet with Commissioner Maria Anderson at City Hall Commission Chambers to learn about leadership opportunities for women and to receive a well-deserved proclamation from Mayor Don Slesnick for the model citizenship.
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Donald Ross Greens At Biltmore Looking Really Good >>> The restoration of the Biltmore Golf Course — which has delayed its opening to the public — is going so well that it will provide for a much more satisfying experience for golfers looking to play in a Donald Ross course. Restoration designer Brian Silva researched the work of Donald Ross, one of the great golf course architects of the early 20th century and the designer of both the Biltmore and the Riviera golf courses. Ross designed the Biltmore’s 18-hole, 6,800 yard, par 71 course in 1925. He emigrated from Scotland to the United States around the turn of the century to become a golf professional. His true talent proved to be designing more than 500 courses during his 45 year career, including the Pinehurst No. 2 course, the Seminole in Florida, Oakland Hills in Michigan, Oak Hill in New York, and Scioto and Inverness in Ohio. Local golfers can check on future tee times, by calling the Biltmore Golf Course at 305-460-5364.
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Pay Your Parking Tickets >>> The City of Coral Gables is cracking down on drivers who have unpaid parking tickets. The Parking Department has a new system called AutoVu that’s been installed in City vehicles. Cameras mounted on the vehicle reads the license plates of parked vehicles while the car is driving down Coral Gables streets. The system alerts the Parking official when a vehicle is stolen or has five or more outstanding citations. Once a vehicle has been identified, a tow truck will be called in to impound the vehicle. The AutoVu system, which was given to the City by Miami-Dade County at no cost, resulted in the impoundment of 50 vehicles in just the first month of use. The cities of Miami and Miami Beach are also using this technology. For more information on the AutoVu system, call the Coral Gables Parking Department at 305-460-5363.
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Meet Directly with Public Safety Leaders in the City >>> Concerned about crime in your neighborhood? Have a fire safety issue? The Coral Gables Public Safety Committee is ready to hear what’s on your mind. The Committee, formed two years ago following a need to facilitate community involvement and increasing citizen awareness in public safety, holds public meetings once every two months in various sections of the City. You may remember, last year, this same committee organized public meetings during hurricane season to help residents prepare homes and themselves for a storm. Members of the Committee are residents of the City who represent the different City districts. Police Chief Mike Hammerschmidt and Fire Chief Richard Cook are present at all meetings to personally hear from the community. The next Public Safety Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 20th at 6 p.m. at Fire Station 2 which is located at 525 South Dixie Highway. If you have a topic to discuss at the meeting, please email the information to publicsafetycommittee@coralgables.com or call 305-460-5502.
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Traffic >>> Le Jeune Road between S.W. 16 Street and South Dixie Highway: Florida Department of Transportation has completed its Le Jeune Road Project.
> Alleys behind Miracle Mile: Crews are working on making the alleys more functional for pedestrians and cars. The Public Works Department is improving or adding drainage systems in the alleys and later repaving the entire alleyway. Crews have completed work on the 300 block of Miracle Mile and are headed east one block at a time.
> Avenues between Durango and Toledo Streets: Contractors working for the Public Works Department will be working on the drainage system on Calbira, Tendilla, Escobar, Roderigo, Andres and Algaringo Avenues which are bordered by Durango Street to the east and Toledo Street to the west. Once the drainage system has been improved, crews will repave the road. This project is expected to begin in the near future.
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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.
Mondays: Seniors are invited to start every Monday morning with a fresh cup of coffee at the City of Coral Gables Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church. Chat with friends and get caught up on the latest news all over a free cup of coffee. The Morning Coffee Club will meet in room 112 every Monday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue.
November 1: The University of Miami School of Frost opens its Opera Theater season with Menotti ReMixed. Expect a new vision of scenes from operas spanning from 1937 to 1986 from composer Gian Carlo Menotti. The performance starts at 8 p.m. at Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive. Admission for adults is $20, seniors $10 and UM students, faculty and staff can enjoy the performance for free. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-284-4886.
November 1 – 10: The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami presents its 24th Gala Season of Festival Miami. The festival, which ends on November 10th, boasts a wide range of musical talent. Some of the upcoming concerts include a concert from School of Frost composition students, Ramsey Lewis Trio, Swinging Brazilian Jazz Machine and a grand finale concert. For a complete list of events and ticket information, call 305-284-4940 or click here. All concerts will be held at Maurice Gusman Hall, 1314 Miller Drive.
November 2: The internationally acclaimed chamber choir Seraphic Fire will explore the numerous musical styles which have embraced Amazing Grace as their own. The musical concert Amazing Grace: A Journey through Gospel, Spirituals and Bluegrass will take place at the First United Methodist Church, 536 Coral Way, at 7:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-476-0260.
November 3: The Gold Diggers’ 2007 Fall Fundraiser will be a spectacular gala evening with dinner, live music, silent and live auctions and great entertainment. This year’s fundraising event will be held at the Riviera Country Club, 1155 Blue Road, starting at 6:30 p.m. Gold Diggers, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization, has raised over $1 million for charities such as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of South Florida and The Food for Life Network. Admission to this fundraiser with the theme “The Great Gatsby” is $75 per person and $1,000 for a VIP tables for 10 people. Reservations can be made by calling Suzette Curry at 305-772-3897.
November 4: The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami presents Soundscapes – A Transatlantic Journey concert. The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church located at 1142 Coral Way. For more information, call 305-439-7788.
November 4: The Chopin Foundation of the U.S. brings the winner of the 2007 Grand Prix Animato Piano Competition, pianist Roman Rabinovich to Coral Gables. The concert will take start at 3 p.m. at Granada Presbyterian Church located at 950 University Drive. Admission is free. For more information, call 305-868-0624 or click here.
November 4: Learn about Coral Gables’ historic MacFarlane Homestead Subdivision when you attend the next Miami Pioneers/ Natives of Dade meeting. Guest Speaker and the City’s Historical Resources Director, Kara Kautz, will discuss the ongoing restoration efforts being undertaken by several organizations and government entities including the City of Coral Gables. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. at the Central Christian Church which is located at 222 Menores Avenue.
November 4: The City of Coral Gables and the Rotary Club of Coral Gables invite you to participate in a scenic bike ride through the City Beautiful. The Cycling Celebration will take place the first Sunday of the month. The whole family is invited to participate. This is a police escorted ride. Meet at 10 a.m. at Ponce Middle School paralleling Dixie Highway.
November 5: Who said exercising can’t be fun? Seniors can dance their way to better health with Dancercise. This fun and healthful class will meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the chapel at the Adult Activity Center located at University Baptist Church. Please register for this class in advance. Residents pay $4 a month and non-residents pay $5 per month. Sign up by calling 305-460-5609.
November 5: Bring your friends to the Adult Activity Center for Movie Mondays. Watch the 2000 comedy “Best in Show” featuring a large cast of well known actors. The movie will start at 1 p.m. in the chapel at University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue. The viewing is free and refreshments will be served.
November 7: Every year brings a new beginning. Life changes and therefore we change. Before the 2008 year rolls around, prepare for it with a great attitude toward handling life transitions. Life Transition Consultant, Certified Grief Counselor, Author and Educator Ligia M. Houben will be the guest speaker at the next Lunch and Lecture series. A free lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. with the presentation starting at 12 p.m. at Fellowship Hall at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center located at University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue. Please make your reservations for this free event by November 5th by calling 305-460-5609.
November 7: Make this Thanksgiving stand out from the rest by attending a Thanksgiving Paper Craft Demonstration and workshop by Luisa Guillen of Tiffy New York. The presentation will take place at Paper Emporium, 231 Aragon Avenue, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. You’ll have a chance to create your own Thanksgiving keepsake and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate to Paper Emporium and Tiffy New York Thanksgiving Table Setting kit. For more information or to reserve your spot, call Paper Emporium at 305-445-7090.
November 7: Enjoy the distinct flavors of history in a glass and indulge in the wines of the renowned Antinori family, which has been making wine for over 600 years in the regions of Tuscany and Umbria. This Marchese Antinori Italian Wine Theme Dinner prepared by the chefs at the Biltmore Hotel will begin at 7 p.m. at the 1200 Courtyard Grill located at 1200 Anastasia Avenue. Cellar Club and Premier Members pay $59 and guests pay $75. For more information or to make reservations, call 305-913-3203.
November 7 – 17: The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre presents its own concert version of the Stephen Sondheim groundbreaking musical Sunday in the Park with George, one of the most acclaimed musicals of our time. Concerts will be held at the Ring Theatre, 1312 Miller Drive, on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For ticket information, call the box office at 305-284-3355.
November 8: The City of Coral Gables and Florida Atlantic University’s Small Business Development
Center will be showing small business owners how to Think Outside the Box in 12 Steps to
a Successful Marketing Strategy. The seminar includes understanding the factors that make
up the business environment, how to define the market for a product or service, and how to use your
research to create a marketing plan for your business. This seminar is free and will be held at the
Coral Gable War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more
information or to reserve your seat, contact Jessica Wotherspoon at 305-460-5314 or by email at jwotherspoon@coralgables.com.
November 8 – December 9: With a world dependent on emails, text-messages and camera phones,
do a bride and groom really need to be in the same country to go on a honeymoon? That’s the
issue facing the characters in the New Theater production titled For Better. This
play is a hilarious new farce that pokes fun at our overdependence on the gadgets in our lives. Show
hours are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. Tickets costs $35 on Thursdays,
$40 for Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday matinees and $15 for students. For more information or to purchase
tickets, call the box office at 305-443-5909.
November 9: The American Guild of Organists will hold one of its concerts in Coral Gables.
The South Florida Hymn Festival featuring David Cherwien will take place at the
First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables, 536 Coral Way, at 7:30 p.m. Come and sing your favorite
hymns with one of the country’s most exciting and creative organists and composers. This event
is free and open to the public. For more information, call Joanne Schulte at 305-389-9482.
November 10: Learn great culinary techniques from Chef Sean Brasel of Touch Restaurant during an Interactive Culinary Demonstration with Chef Sean Brasel and Perrier Jouet Champagne Luncheon. See Chef Brasel in action at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, at 12 p.m. Cellar Club and Premier Members pay $48 and non-members pay $60. To make reservations, call 305-913-3203.
November 11: Learn about the history of Matheson Hammock Park during an Eco-History Walking Tour. Eco-historian Frank Schena from the Historical Museum of Southern Florida will describe how the park was once an Indian hunting ground. Meet at the parking area just east of the traffic light at 9610 Old Cutler Road at 10 a.m. to start the tour. Museum members pay $20 for the tour, non-members pay $25. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 305-375-1621.
Through November 30: Master Nakajima Hiroyuki has donated two pieces to the Consulate General of Japan in Miami to be put on display at City Hall. The pieces represent the contemporary movement of Japanese Art. Master Hiroyuki’s work is described as contemporary art based on Japanese calligraphy. His two paintings can be found on the second floor of City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way. The exhibition is on display Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.BACK TO TOP
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