Wednesday, November 28, 2007
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CONTENTS:Holiday Season Begins With Tree Lighting Ceremony
Tis The Season’ For The Merrick House Open House
And the Art Contest Winners Are...
I Saw Mommy Kissing A Parking Meter
Junior Orange Bowl Caroling Competition Begins Today
Help To Make The Season Bright
City Is Recognized For Excellence In Financial Reporting
Valet Parking In Downtown Opens New Station
Safety Tips To Remember During The Holidays
How Do We Communicate?
Traffic
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Holiday Season Begins With Tree Lighting Ceremony >>> The season gets off to a holly, jolly start on Friday, December 7 with the City of Coral Gables Holiday Spectacular at City Hall and Merrick Park beginning at 5 p.m. Across from City Hall, Merrick Park is transformed into a winter wonderland offering lots of activities for the family from 5-10 p.m. including carnival games, trackless train, face painting, candy land and more. Stage performances also begin at 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. including performances from Actors’ Playhouse. At 7 p.m., members of the City Commission will welcome the arrival of Santa Claus and will turn on the light switch for the gigantic holiday tree outside City Hall. This evening, children can take pictures with the old bearded fellow dressed in red from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. After this day, Merrick Park will be open from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. every day until December 23. Come take pictures with Santa on Thursdays and Fridays from 5-10 p.m. or Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m. For additional information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.
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‘Tis The Season’ For The Merrick House Open House >>> There'll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the yard. That’s right: Carolers dressed in 19th Century costumes will welcome visitors at the Merrick House Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 8, from 2-5 p.m. Bring your holiday spirit to the Coral Gables Merrick House at 907 Coral Way to witness the arrival of Santa, enjoy the music of guitarist Juan Areco, taste some incredible food and share time with family, friends and neighbors. The event is free and open to the public and is presented by the Coral Gables Merrick House Governing Board and the City of Coral Gables. For more information, contact the Historical Resources Department at 305-460-5095.
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And the Art Contest Winners Are... >>> The City’s first ever Celebration of Talent Art Contest for Seniors was a great success and helped to promote the talents of many golden residents. All of the colorful pieces submitted to the contest were on display in the theater of the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center earlier this month for the community to see. Judges who are professionals in the art world took great care in picking the winners in all four categories: Painting/Drawing, Photography, Hard Crafts, and Soft Crafts. All first place winners in their respective categories received an “Associate Plus” membership to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. The winners are as follows:
Painting/Drawing – Ruth Biel
Photography – Alfred Feingold, MD
Hard Crafts – Olga Causo
Soft Crafts – Betty Roxborough
A special Best in Show prize was awarded to Ruth Biel. The Coral Gables resident received two tickets to an opening night at Actors’ Playhouse and dinner for two at Ortanique on the Mile. Congratulations to all who participated in the contest.
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I Saw Mommy Kissing A Parking Meter >>> Forget about kissing Santa Claus underneath the mistletoe: if you run out of time in your parking meter, don’t be afraid to find a parking ticket on your windshield -you will only get a holiday courtesy ticket. Yes, Parking Enforcement Officers in Coral Gables do have a heart this holiday season and will not ticket you from December 1 through December 25 if you have exceeded your overtime parking for one hour, not to exceed one per day. Instead, the holiday greeting on your windshield extends your parking for another 60 minutes in your meter overtime and it comes along with lots of holiday wishes. And to thank you for your business year-round, there will be free parking in Coral Gables on December 23, 24 and 25, as well as on New Year’s Day.
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Junior Orange Bowl Caroling Competition Begins Today >>> Today is the official start of the 2007 Junior Orange Bowl Caroling Competition which takes place at the steps of the 550 Biltmore Way Building. This year the competition welcomes 30 Miami Dade public, private and parochial schools, which compete each night starting tonight from 7-10 p.m. and ends on Sunday, December 2, with performances from 3-6 p.m. The schools compete for $20,000 and prizes are awarded in the Junior and Senior Division for small ensembles, full choirs and show choirs. Winners return for a short program to accept awards on Tuesday, December 4, beginning at 7 p.m. The competition is made possible through the support of more than 30 local foundations, municipal organizations, corporations, local businesses and the support of the City of Coral Gables and Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs. For more information, contact Sally Baumgartner at 305-491-4180.
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Help To Make The Season Bright >>> This is the time for gifts and giving and if you want to share your good fortune with those in need, consider donating a toy for a sick or poor child. From now until December 23, new and unwrapped toys for children ages 3 through 15, can be dropped off at Coral Gables Fire Station No. 1 (2815 Salzedo Street), Fire Station No. 2 (525 South Dixie Highway) and Fire Station No. 3 (11911 Old Cutler Road), from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Toys can also be dropped off at all three Publix supermarkets in Coral Gables. The toys collected will be delivered to Miami Children’s Hospital, Barnyard After School Care and local churches. For financial sponsors, contact Laura Rodriguez from the Fire Department at 305-460-5576.
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City Is Recognized For Excellence In Financial Reporting >>> The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) presented the City of Coral Gables with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The City’s financial report was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards demonstrating a spirit of full disclosure to clearly communicate its financial story. The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 16,000 government finance professionals.
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Valet Parking In Downtown Opens New Station >>> Good news for holiday shoppers and restaurant connoisseurs: a new centralized valet station has opened at the 100 block of Miracle Mile. This fourth valet parking spot is located between the new Nexxt Café and Le Boudoir. Other places where patrons can valet park on Miracle Mile are on the zero block (north side) between Tarpon Bend and City Cellars; on the 200 block (north) between Houston’s and JohnMartin’s; and on the 200 block (south) between Benihana and Ortanique. The price for Centralized Valet Parking is $6 between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. After 6 p.m., the price is $8. For additional information, contact the Business Improvement District at 305-569-0311.
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Safety Tips To Remember During The Holidays >>> The holiday season is a time when the malls are packed, the parking lots are full, and everyone is busy shopping or running errands. It is also the time when thieves take advantage of this situation and, if not careful, shoppers can be the target of unpleasant crimes. Before you hit the stores, the City of Coral Gables wants to remind you of the following important safety tips for this holiday season:
> Shop with friends or relatives if possible. There is safety in numbers
> When you shop, be alert in crowded places. Pickpockets’ favorites are revolving doors, jammed aisles and elevators.
> Carry the day’s most expensive purchases closest to your body.
> If you take your children with you, keep a close eye on them while shopping.
> Teach your children to go to a store clerk or security guard if ever separated from you in a store or mall.
> Return to your vehicle to periodically check it and reduce the amount of items that you are carrying.
> Store packages in the trunk, or out of plain view.
> Avoid dark areas, short cuts, cul-de-sacs, and suspicious persons.
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How Do We Communicate? >>> 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.
Don’t forget to listen to GABLES Radio 1620 AM on your car radio!
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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.
> Anastasia Avenue and Biltmore Way between Hernando Street and Le Jeune Road: As a result of the much anticipated Tree Lighting Ceremony, both Anastasia Avenue and Biltmore Way will close at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 7th and will reopen at approximately midnight.
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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 28 & 29: Tomorrow is the last day you can donate new or used books and give the gift of literacy. Bring books for children ages 3 to 17 to Coral Gables Elementary, 105 Minorca Avenue, local AmTrust Banks or call 305-446-2001 to schedule a pick up. The books will be delivered to local charities.
November 28 – December 29: The Actors’ Playhouse Musical Theatre for Young Audiences presents Ludwig Bemelmans’ classic tale of Madeline’s Christmas. This play is sure to please young audiences. The production will take place on Saturdays at 2 p.m. with additional holiday performances on Sunday, December 23 at 5 p.m. and Monday, December 24 at 7 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and children. The Playhouse is located at 280 Miracle Mile. For more information, call 305-444-9293 or click here.
November 29: Take a Sunset Conservatory Tour at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Conservator Manager Jennifer Davit will lead a private tour as the sun sets from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Learn about some of the rare plant species and view the horticultural displays. Participants will enjoy wine and cheese in an intimate setting following the tour. The fee is $40 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-667-1651, extension 3322.
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 their physicians. General admission for this event costs $125 and VIP tickets costs $250. For more information, call 305-243-9088.
November 30 - December 2: Fritz & Franz Bierhause presents Bluesfest, a festival promoting blues music. Festival times are as follows: Friday 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free. The cultural event will tale place at 60 Merrick Way. For more information, call 305-774-1883.
November 30 - December 23: On the eve of an election year, the Actors' Playhouse at Miracle Theatre invites you to take a trip back to the Watergate scandal through the play 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. Performances will take place Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $38.50 for weeknights and matinees, and $46 for Friday and Saturday evenings. The Actors' Playhouse offers a 10 percent discount to seniors who purchase tickets the day of the performance. Students pay $15 for rush tickets sold 15 minutes before the curtain goes up. The Playhouse is located at 280 Miracle Mile. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 305-444-9293.
Thursdays in December: The Biltmore Hotel features light jazz performances every Thursday night at Cascade Poolside Bar & Grill. This month the Fernando Ulibarri Trio will be performing at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Biltmore Hotel is located at 1200 Anastasia Avenue.
December 1: If you love cacti and other succulents, don't miss a demonstration on How to Grow Succulents in Your Garden. Curator of Herbaceous Monocots Harvey Bernstein will show you exactly how to care for these tough survivors of the plant world. The informative workshop will take place from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. at a cost of $35. For more information or to register, call 305-667-1651, extension 3322.
December 2: The Chopin Foundation presents the winner of the 2006 Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition Stephen Beus. Beus will be performing at Granada Presbyterian Church located at 950 University Drive starting at 3 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 305-868-0624 or click here.
December 2: Sunday Afternoons of Music for Children presents The HotShots with their Production Four Parts Harmony Plus – Holiday Concert. The quartet of friends is sure to please children with their unique music. The concert will take place at the Phillip & Patricia Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, at 3 p.m. Adults pay $12 and children pay $10. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-271-7150.
December 3: Bring your friends to the Adult Activity Center for Movie Mondays. Watch the 2004 comedy Christmas with the Kranks. 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.
December 4: Join Downtown Coral Gables for the Season's Greenings reception, featuring a collection of one-of-a-kind celebrity-designed trees. All trees will be auctioned off that night, of which all proceeds will directly benefit The Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami. In addition, Season's Greenings will feature gift with purchase promotions at select Downtown Gables shops, horse-drawn carriage rides, live music and more! This event will take place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information call 305-569-0311.
December 6: The City of Coral Gables and Florida Atlantic University’s Small Business Development Center have teamed up to offer small business owners a seminar on How to Build Effective Contracts with Clients. This seminar provides a roadmap of contract planning and its work breakdown structure. Also, become aware of standard clauses, and the elements of legal enforceable contract. This insightful offering will be held at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, for free. The seminars begins at 6:30 p.m. and concludes at 8:30 p.m. Register by calling Jessica Wotherspoon at 786-388-9040 or by email at jwotherspoon@coralgables.com.
December 6: The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the holiday season with the 11th Annual Holiday Party. The “Taste of the Season” will be held in the Country Club Ballroom-Terrace at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue. Feast on a large variety of dishes from the finest restaurants in South Florida. The event not only offers guests the opportunity to mingle with other business owners and members of the community. It is also a great way to give back to the community. Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped gift for a child, teen or senior. The party starts at 5:30 p.m. and concludes at 8:30 p.m. Please register by December 3rd. Members pay $25, non-members pay $35. Make reservations online at www.coralgableschamber.org.
December 6 & 8: Growing Herbs in South Florida has its own unique requirements. Carolyne Coppolo, owner of the Redland Herb Farm will share techniques for nurturing healthy herbs. The lecture to take place on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. will cover the seven deadly sins of herb growing. On Saturday students will enjoy a field trip, herb breakfast, workshop and tour of a 100 year old historical farm house from 9:30 a.m. until noon. The fee for each day is $55. For more information, call 305-667-1651, extension 3322.
December 7, 8, 14 & 15: The Miami Childrens Theater Mainstage Productions presents the play Babes in Toyland with the music of Victor Herbert. This holiday inspired production is based on a toy shop belonging to a wicked man who turns children into dolls. Children from the community auditioned and will have roles in the play. All performances will be held at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Theater, 405 University Drive. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for children. For information on times, call 305-274-3595.
December 9: Known for his popular series Close Encounters with Music, Cellist Yehuda Hanani will perform in Coral Gables during Sunday Afternoons of Music. The concert will take place at the Phillip & Patricia Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive, at 4 p.m. Admission for adults costs $40, seniors pay $32 and students pay $10. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-271-7150.
December 10: The City of Coral Gables Disability Affairs Advisory Board invites you to experience a unique holiday chorus. The Awesome Aurburndale Achievers, a group of elementary school children both deaf and hearing will present holiday music along with kindergarteners known as Happy Tappers. The students will use sign language to interpret holiday songs. This free presentation starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Westin Colonnade Hotel’s Main Staircase, 180 Aragon Avenue.
December 19: The Coral Gables community is invited to participate in a Holiday Celebration to be held at the City's Adult Activity Center at University Baptist Church. Spend the afternoon enjoying lunch and music in the company of family and friends as this event is not just for seniors. The holiday celebration starts at 12 p.m. at a cost of $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents. The church is located at 624 Anastasia Avenue. The deadline to register is December 12. For more information or to make reservations, call 305-460-5609.
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