Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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CONTENTS:
Building And Zoning Director Is Terminated
Get A Key Of The City
Hometown Hero Makes A Visit To Coral Gables
Golden Residents Showcase Their Art
Coral Gables Television Wins Two Savvy Awards
Take Precautions To Prevent Staph-Infections
Local Businesses Receive Chamber’s Diamond Awards
Smile, You’re On Red Light Catching Camera!
Transportation Experts Get A Trolley Tour
How Do We Communicate?
Traffic
Events Roundup
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Building And Zoning Director Is Terminated
>>> After being placed on administrative leave
last year as a result of an internal investigation of the department, Building and Zoning Director
Margaret Pass was terminated three weeks ago. City Manager David L. Brown made the decision after
confirming violations of the City’s administrative rules and regulations. Services offered
by this department continue to be fulfilled without interruption. Until a replacement is found,
Assistant City Manager Maria A. Jimenez is overseeing the Building Division while Assistant City
Manager Dona Lubin supervises the Zoning Division.
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Get A Key Of The City
>>> You don’t have to be royalty or a popular
celebrity to get a key to the City of Coral Gables. You can have a key, a CashKey, that will
save you from filling your pockets with needless coins if you want to use the parking meters in The City Beautiful. Besides
accepting nickels, dimes and quarters, the parking meters of Coral Gables now accept a practical
key that is inserted into the meter and electronically registers the amount of parking time needed.
And you won’t have
to think about having the right amount of coins with you. Just insert the pre-programmed key
with a value of $25, $50, $75 or $100 and it will deduct 25 cents from the programmed amount to
register 25 cents worth of time with each key insertion up to the maximum time allowed. When the
amount programmed on the CashKey is finally exhausted, you may return it to the Parking Department
or any of the other locations listed below and purchase more time:
> Publix, 2551 LeJeune Road
> Business Improvement District, 224 Miracle Mile
> Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, 224 Catalonia Avenue
> Coral Gables Finance Department, 405 Biltmore Way
> Coral Gables Youth Center, 405 University Drive
> Le Provencal, 382 Miracle Mile
For additional information, contact the City of Coral Gables Parking Department at 305-460-5540.
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Hometown Hero Makes A Visit To Coral Gables
>>> Dr. Donald Hopkins, born and raised in Coral Gables,
a man who former president Jimmy Carter calls a hero, will make a stop in Coral Gables next weekend
to visit his family and friends. He is also scheduled to be interviewed by Coral Gables Television
to talk about his work toward advancing peace and health worldwide. Hopkins is Vice President of Health
Programs for the Atlanta-based Carter Center and was instrumental in the eradication of smallpox,
saving an estimated 50 million lives. He is now involved in a campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease
in poor villages of Africa. In his honor, the City of Coral Gables established in 1990 the Donald
Hopkins Scholarship Program to help young black residents complete their educational and career goals
in the hopes that a younger generation will find inspiration in his outstanding life and career.
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Golden Residents Showcase Their Art
>>> Don’t miss the long-awaited Celebration
of Talent Senior Art Show, taking place on Saturday, November 17 from noon to 9 p.m. at the War Memorial
Youth Center, 405 University Drive. Presented by the Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department,
the Senior Citizen Advisory Board and the Cultural Development Board, this exhibit will display the
winners of the City’s first art contest for residents 55 and older. The celebration of art
features paintings, sculptures, photography and crafts created by the most artistic Coral Gables
golden residents. An opening reception and awards presentation takes place the day before, on Friday,
November 16, from 7-9 p.m. also at the War Memorial Youth Center. The reception, open to the public,
is sponsored by The Palace. For additional information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department
at 305-460-5609.
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Coral Gables Television Wins Two Savvy Awards
>>> The City of Coral Gables was honored at the
recent Savvy Awards sponsored by the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA),
competing against other municipalities in the nation and receiving two awards for successful communications.
The award ceremony took place during 3CMA’s 19th Annual Conference held in Kansas City, Missouri,
last October. Coral Gables Television received a Silver Circle Award in the category of Television
and Video Interview/Talk Show, population group 23,100 – 670,000, for its public affairs show “Coral
Gables Now.” Judges applauded the show’s “very professional look with a nice sense
of the community.” CGTV also won an Award of Excellence for One-Time Television Special Programming
for its original documentary “Preserving the Heritage of the McFarlane Historic District.” The
Savvies salute skilled and effective city, county, and agency professionals who have creatively
planned and carried out successful innovations in communications.
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Take Precautions To Prevent Staph-Infections
>>> The City of Coral Gables is joining other government
and health officials to remind all residents that it is important to take simple precautions to prevent
drug-resistant infections that have been confirmed recently in the area. School-aged children, as
well as athletes who participate in sports where sweat and other bodily fluids may be exchanged, should
be extra careful to protect against a MRSA skin infection. MRS (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus) is a drug-resistant skin infection that causes red, swollen, painful boils. These skin infections
commonly occur at sites of visible skin trauma, such as cuts and abrasions, and in areas of the body
covered by hair. The infections are usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact
with shared items or surfaces such as towels or razors. Be vigilant of the following 5 C’s
factors: Crowding, frequent skin-to-skin Contact, Compromised
skin (cuts or abrasions), Contaminated items and surfaces, and lack of Cleanliness.
The best protection to prevent a staph-infection is to emphasize basic hygiene such as washing your
hands regularly with soap and water and not sharing personal items, as well as keeping open wounds
covered.
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Local Businesses Receive Chamber’s Diamond Awards
>>> Congratulations to all the winners of the
Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce 10th Annual Diamond Awards for providing exceptional products
and services to the community. The awards are given for business achievement, business involvement,
corporate citizenship, customer service and workplace environment. The winners of this year’s Annual Diamond Awards
are: Baptist Health (Go Green Business); Women's Fund of Miami-Dade County (Small Non-Profit
Business); Miami Children's Hospital Foundation (Large Non-Profit Business); Compass Office Solutions
(Diamond In The Rough Business); the investment management company Earl M. Foster Associates (Small
Business); Victoria & Associates Career Services, Inc. (Medium Business); and the CPA firm Berenfeld,
Spritzer, Shechter & Sheer (Large Business).
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Smile, You’re On Red Light Catching Camera!
>>> Coming soon to an intersection near you, are
traffic signal cameras that will record when motorists run a red light. The City of Coral Gables
will shortly begin the process to find a vendor that will install an automated photographic red
light traffic enforcement system at intersections in the City of Coral Gables. In other words,
think twice before running a red light, even if you don’t see a police officer, because
the camera above you is recording vehicle movements -in fractions of every second capable of recording
the license tag numbers of vehicles involved. The City recently approved the Intersection Safety
Ordinance to promote compliance with red light signal indicators and to adopt a civil enforcement
system. Expect to see these cameras mounted on busy intersections throughout Coral Gables. Once
implemented, the City will first issue warning notices for 90 days. Failing to stop at a steady
red-light signal would place the offending vehicle in violation of this Ordinance, and violators
will receive a $125 fine in the mail.
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Transportation Experts Get A Trolley Tour
>>> The Coral Gables Trolley was a hit at the Rail~Volution
conference held on November 1, when transit experts got to see first-hand the success of this transportation
system in a three-hour mobile workshop through Downtown Coral Gables. The national conference gathered
transit practitioners from all perspectives who believe strongly in the role of land use and transit
as equal partners in the quest for greater livability and greater communities. Attendees included
elected officials, developers, advocates, urban planners, transportation experts, financers, citizen
groups, architects and many others from across the country.
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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 work 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 now working on the 200 block alley on the north side of Miracle Mile.
> 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 will be completed
by the Thanksgiving Holiday.
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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 14: Enjoy an exceptional gastronomic experience prepared by the Biltmore’s Palme
d’Or Chef de Cuisine Philippe Ruiz featuring white and red wines from Brodeaux. This Bordeaux
Wine Themed Dinner will begin at 7 p.m. at Palm d’Or Restaurant located at 1200 Anastasia
Avenue. Cellar Club and Premier Members pay $89 and guests pay $109. For more information or to make
reservations, call 305-913-3203.
November 15: The Business Improvement District of Coral Gables wants to hear what
you think about the City's downtown area. Residents, business owners and customers of shops and
restaurants located on or near Miracle Mile are invited to attend the Annual Stakeholders Meeting to
share thoughts, express concerns or get informed. Hors D'oeuvres will be served at 6:30 p.m. and
the meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the Aragon Room of the Westin Colonnade Hotel, 180 Aragon Avenue.
Please make reservations by calling 305-569-0311 or through email at info@shopcoralgables.com.
November 15: From non-fiction to bestsellers, and fiction to history, the topics are endless for
book lovers. The Parks and Recreation Department has created a Book Lovers Club for
seniors to be held at the City’s Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church every third
Thursday of the month. (No meeting in December). The meeting will take place in Room 112 from 1
p.m. to 3 p.m. Please bring a book you would like to discuss. University Baptist Church is located
at 624 Anastasia Avenue. For more information, call 305-460-5609.
November 16: Parents, go on a date while the Coral Gables Parks & 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 children 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.
November 16 & 17: The City of Coral Gables Senior Advisory Board presents the
City's first ever Celebration of Talent Art Contest. There were 40 senior resident
entrants that will present a total of 113 exhibits of artwork for judging. The art pieces will be
on display at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center on Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday
from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. For more information,
call 305-460-5609.
November 17: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is hosting
its 67th Annual
Ramble – A Garden Festival. The Ramble is Fairchild's celebration of tropical living
and an opportunity to explore one of the world's greatest botanic gardens. This event allows the
opportunity to meet with plant experts, purchase plants, rare books and taste the finest foods
and much more. Admission to the garden is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for children ages
6-17. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 305-667-1651 or click
here.
November 17: The Greater Miami Symphonic Band, responsible for
the wonderful music enjoyed during the fireworks extravaganza at the Biltmore Hotel on Independence
Day, will be performing at Gusman Concert Hall at the University of Miami. The band will share the
stage with Alto Saxophone Soloist Dale Underwood. Gusman Hall is located in the University of Miami
campus at 1314 Miller Drive. The concert begins at 8 p.m. with an admission price of $10 for adults
and $5 for students. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-273-7687.
November 18: The Miami Bach Society will hold its second concert of the season. Baroque
and Beyond, Miami Bach Society Chamber Orchestra will perform concertos of Bach and Vivaldi,
John Ritter's Suite Antique and the premier of Nick Strimple's recent composition. The concert will
be held at St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 1142 Coral Way, at 4 p.m. For ticket information, call
305-669-1376.
November 18: The Frost Symphony Orchestra will bring the story of Peter & the
Wolf to life through the music of Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. This Sunday Afternoon
of Music for Children production is one the whole family will enjoy. The event starts at 3 p.m. at
the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive. Tickets for adults costs $12 and children pay
$10. Call 305-271-7150 for more information.
November 19: Bring your friends to the Adult Activity Center for Movie Mondays.
Watch the timeless classic Miracle on 34th Street. The plot for this 1947 holiday favorite
revolves around a nice older man who claims to be Santa Claus. When Santa is institutionalized as
insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real Santa. 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 26: Let your competitive side shine during Game Sessions at
the City of Coral Gables Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church. Enjoy board games, cards,
scrabble, checkers, chess and more in the chapel starting at 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. University Baptist
Church is located at 624 Anastasia Avenue.
November 27: The UM School of Law, Department of History and The George Feldenkreis Program in
Judaic Studies of the College of Arts and Sciences invites you to a luncheon talk on The
Politics of Remembering and Forgetting. This informative talk will be given by guest speaker
Omer Bartov, a John P. Birkelund Distinguished Professor of European History at Brown University.
The event starts at 12:20 p.m. on the 4th floor Faculty Seminar Room of the Law School. Please make
reservations for this event by November 23rd. Lunch will be served. For more information, email ccjs@miami.edu.
November 27 – December 8: With the Holidays fast approaching thieves will be on the prowl looking to take advantage of holiday shoppers. The Coral Gables Police Department is offering Self Defense Classes for Women that will not only help you survive a threatening situation but will help you reduce the risk of being involved in a situation. R.A.D. classes will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays November 27 and 29 and December 4 and 6 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday December 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The classes will be taught by a R.A.D. Certified Police Instructor and held in the Police Department, 2801 Salzedo Street. The cost of the class is $65. To register, call 305-460-5401 or email jbruzos@coralgables.com.
November 28: The Parks and Recreation Department is arranging for a group of seniors to view one
of Actors’ Playhouse latest productions Martha Mitchell Calling. This dramatic
play shows how a larger than life socialite and wife of Nixon’s Attorney General John Mitchell
used her influence and intelligence to help expose the Watergate scandal. The performance starts
at 8 p.m. but you must arrive at 7:30 p.m. to receive tickets and seating assignment. For more information
on tickets, please call 305-460-5609. The Playhouse is located at 280 Miracle Mile.
November 29: See the world famous Rockettes kick up their heels
during a 90-minute live production at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. A bus will depart
the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, at 12:15 p.m. and returning at
5: 15 p.m. Residents pay $71, non-residents pay $78. Fee includes Mezzanine section seat and transportation.
Registration deadline is November 16th. For more information or to reserve your seat, call 305-460-5609.
November 29: Enjoy a great Party in the Park, Village of Merrick
Park that is. Dozens of restaurants are teaming up for a night of food, spirits and desserts all
for a good cause. Proceeds from this event will benefit the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive
Cancer Center. The event starts at 7 p.m. at the Village of Merrick Park, 358 San Lorenzo Avenue.
A special fashion show will feature cancer survivors and physicians. General admission for this event
costs $125 and VIP tickets costs $250. For more information, call 305-243-9088.
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