Wednesday, January 9, 2008 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CONTENTS:
Special Municipal Election Set For January 29 Don’t Miss Powertalk with Commissioner Maria Anderson Carver Middle Makes the Grade Water Restrictions Tighten Coral Gables Mayor Recognized For His Leadership Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall… How Do We Communicate? Traffic Events Roundup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Special Municipal Election Set For January 29 >>> On Tuesday, January 29, 2008, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. the City of Coral Gables will hold a Special Municipal Referendum Election for the purpose of calling the qualified electors to vote on one amendment to the Charter of the City of Coral Gables. Voters will have an opportunity to retain or remove Section 22 from the City Charter. This provision allows a special Trial Board to be impaneled at the written request of any Coral Gables officer or employee not represented by a collective bargaining agreement who is removed, suspended, laid off or reduced in grade by the City Manager. The special Trial Board can convene to investigate and determine the propriety of the City Manager’s decision. All residents are encouraged to vote on January 29, 2008. For further election information, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 305-460-5207. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don’t Miss Powertalk with Commissioner Maria Anderson >>> Is overdevelopment in Coral Gables turning the City Beautiful into a City of Concrete? When a building goes up in Coral Gables, who should pay for the increased City services that are needed? That and much more will be discussed at the next Powertalk with Commissioner Maria Anderson. In this show, Commissioner Anderson answers some hard-hitting questions about development in Coral Gables. She will also talk about the original vision of George Merrick, taking it to the present and the future. You can watch Powertalk with Commissioner Maria Anderson tomorrow Thursday, January 10 at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., on Saturday, January 12 at 9 a.m. and then again on Tuesday, January 15 at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. The show is produced by the City of Coral Gables Communications Division. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Carver Middle Makes the Grade >>> G.W. Carver Middle School has made the grade once again. The Coral Gables magnet school is not only the top middle school in Florida, but the U.S. Department of Education has just named Carver Middle a “No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.” The program honors public and private K-12 schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. Schools do not apply for this award. Instead the Department of Education analyzes schools based on 10 criteria such as test scores and the progress of low performing students, inviting only those schools that meet all the criteria to submit applications. Carver Middle was one of 13 schools that were chosen to apply in the State of Florida. In November, Principal Libia Gonzalez and Carver’s teacher of the year, Madelin Vinat accepted the Blue Ribbon Award in Arlington, Virginia bringing home to Coral Gables a plaque and flag, which will be proudly displayed in the auditorium. This is the first time in more than 10 years that Carver has been the recipient of the Blue Ribbon Award, considered to be the highest honor that can be bestowed on a school. Congratulations to students, staff, faculty and administration for bringing academic excellence to Coral Gables. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Water Restrictions Tighten >>> Unprecedented drought conditions continue to plague our area forcing the South Florida Water Management District to make a decision never before taken. Starting January 15, residents of Coral Gables along with communities north to Orlando and south to Key West will only be allowed to water outdoors once a week. Addresses ending with an odd number may irrigate lawns and landscapes on Mondays between 4 – 8 a.m. or 4 – 8 p.m. Even street addresses may irrigate on Thursdays during the same above mentioned hours. Hand-watering with one hose is allowed for 10 minutes per day for landscape stress and to prevent plant die-off. No restrictions apply for other water uses such as washings cars and boats, pressure cleaning, etc. Coral Gables Code Enforcement Officers are on alert and are issuing fines to those who are not complying with the latest restrictions. For more information on the restrictions, click here. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Coral Gables Mayor Recognized For His Leadership >>> The City of Coral Gables has taken great steps this year to protect the environment while planning for a sustainable future. Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick has been at the forefront of that concerted effort, an undertaking that has not gone unnoticed. The Miami Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) conferred the Governmental Leadership Award to Mayor Slesnick at the December 11th Coral Gables City Commission Meeting. The AIA, based in Coral Gables for more than 77 years, is focused on protecting the environment through green living designs. The organization recognized Mayor Slesnick for bringing global warming awareness and environmental protection issues to the City of Coral Gables by signing the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, recently. On December 12, the American Jewish Congress/Southeast Region gave Mayor Slesnick another remarkable recognition honoring him with the Civic Leader of the Year Award. He was acknowledged for his leadership in the community and dedication to public service. The mission of the American Jewish Congress is to protect fundamental constitutional freedoms and democratic institutions. The Civic Achievement Award is presented each year to agencies and individuals who demonstrate extraordinary leadership, vision and commitment to the principles and ideals upon which the organization was founded. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall… >>> Who is the most City Beautiful of them all? The City of Coral Gables reached an agreement last month with the City of Orlando over the use of “The City Beautiful” trademark, so technically both municipalities can call themselves “beautiful.” The dispute began when the City of Coral Gables filed an application to register the mark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office reciting a date of first use of the term on January 1, 1933 followed by a filing claiming that Orlando has been using the term since April 30, 1908. A compromise was reached between the two cities, allowing Orlando to be The City Beautiful in Orange, Brevard, Citrus, Desoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Marion, Osceola, Okeechobee, and Pasco counties. Closer to home, Coral Gables is The City Beautiful in Miami-Dade, Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Monroe and Palm Beach counties. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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 BACK TO TOP- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Traffic >>> Le Jeune Road between S.W. 16 Street and South Dixie Highway: Florida Department of Transportation has completed its Le Jeune Road Project. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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. Wednesdays: Spend Wednesday afternoons at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center for Social Hour. Meet at the Chapel of University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to catch up with your friends, play a few games or just relax. January 9: Performers ages 10 through 21 are encouraged to audition for the Miami Childrens Theater's Mainstage Production A Year with Frog & Toad. The auditions will take place at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Theater located at 405 University Drive from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A one-minute monologue and up-tempo song is required and performers must come prepared to dance. For more information, call 305-274-3595. January 9: Join fellow seniors for an enjoyable afternoon with a delicious catered lunch every Wednesday. Let's Do Lunch will be held at the Chapel at University Baptist Church, the home of the City's Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue. On this day, enjoy a boneless breast of lemon chicken, oven roasted potatoes, tossed green salad, roll and homemade cookie. The menu for the entire month of January is available by calling the Recreation Specialist for Senior Services, Anastasia Smith. The fee for residents is only $8 per meal, $10 for non-residents. Please register for lunch every Monday of pay for the entire month by calling Ms. Smith at 305-460-5609. January 10 - February 10: New Theatre continues its main season with the world premiere of Fill Our Mouths by Lauren Feldman. Set in Paris, this play deals with a heterosexual woman's sexually adventuresome affair with a hard of hearing woman. As the relationship grows, both characters see themselves and the world around them in a different light. Performances will take place Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. Tickets range in price from $15 to $40. Please call the box office for more information at 305-443-5909. New Theatre is located at 4120 Laguna Street. January 13: Cellist Matt Haimovitz, known for bringing classical music to new listeners in surprising new venues, will be performing Maurice Gusman Concert Hall as part of Sunday Afternoons of Music. The concert starts at 4 p.m. Tickets for adults cost $40, seniors pay $32 and students pay $10. Gusman Concert Hall is located at 1314 Miller Drive. For more information, call 305-271-7150. January 16: Winner of the best off-Broadway Musical Outer Critics Circle Award, Altar Boyz is a laugh-packed musical comedy that will make its way through Coral Gables. The City's Senior Services Division has organized a group to watch this show coming to the Actors' Playhouse at Miracle Theatre. Please arrive at 7:30 p.m. at the Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, to receive tickets and seat assignments. Call 305-460-5609 for fee information. January 16: Join fellow seniors for an enjoyable afternoon with a delicious catered lunch every Wednesday. Let's Do Lunch will be held at the Chapel at University Baptist Church, the home of the City's Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue. On this day, enjoy a meat or veggie lasagna, Caesar salad, antipasto, roll and a fruit salad. The menu for the entire month of January is available by calling the Recreation Specialist for Senior Services, Anastasia Smith. The fee for residents is only $8 per meal, $10 for non-residents. Please register for lunch every Monday of pay for the entire month by calling Ms. Smith at 305-460-5609. January 18: Learn a very simple technique to Growing Salad and Vegetables From a Container. This unique class is being offered at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a fee of $50. Homegrown salads will be available to taste and students will receive seeds to get their own garden started. Fairchild is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. For more information, call 305-667-1651, extension 3322. January 18: All new music, choreography and routines have been incorporated in this anniversary edition of The “World Famous” Lipizzaner Stallions with a major emphasis on the historical background and foundation of the Lipizzaner breed of horses. The show starts at 7:30p.m. at the BankUnited Center, 1245 Dauer Drive, located on the University of Miami campus. Tickets range from $24.25 to $31.25. For more information, call 305-358-5885. January 20: Listen firsthand to a man being called the finest dramatic tenor before the public today. Tenor Ben Heppner will take the stage at the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive, at 4 p.m. during this season's Sunday Afternoons of Music program. Pianist Craig Rutenberg will be joining Heppner on stage. Tickets for adults cost $40, seniors pay $32 and students pay $10. For more information, call 305-271-7150. January 23: Join fellow seniors for an enjoyable afternoon with a delicious catered lunch every Wednesday. Let's Do Lunch will be held at the Chapel at University Baptist Church, the home of the City's Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue. On this day, enjoy fresh salmon, rice pilaf, Greek salad and a brownie. The menu for the entire month of January is available by calling the Recreation Specialist for Senior Services, Anastasia Smith. The fee for residents is only $8 per meal, $10 for non-residents. Please register for lunch every Monday of pay for the entire month by calling Ms. Smith at 305-460-5609. January 24: Meet local active individuals 55+ and enjoy a great meal together. Let's Do Dinner is a program specifically designed for active seniors who like to socialize. Every fourth Thursday of the month from January through April, seniors will meet at a local restaurant for dinner. In January the group meets at Havana Harry's, 4612 Le Jeune Road at 6 p.m. Call 305-460-5609 to make reservations by January 22. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For e-News en español, click here. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |