Wednesday, January 23, 2008
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CONTENTS:Early Voting Going On, Election Day Is Next Tuesday
City Manager Selects New Fire Chief
Coral Gables Farmers Market Is Here
City To Host Robotic Parking Discussion
Teddy Bears Donated To Police Department
Make Your Reservation Now For Valentine’s Celebrations
Get Fit At The Youth Center
Preventing Stormwater Runoff Pollution
Call DERM For Environmental Complaints
How Do We Communicate?
Traffic
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Early Voting Going On, Election Day Is Next Tuesday >>> Coral Gables voters don’t have to wait until Tuesday, January 29 to cast their votes for the Special Municipal Referendum or the Presidential Preference Primary. Early voting is going on at the Coral Gables Branch Library, 3443 Segovia Street today, Thursday and Friday of this week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Election day is next Tuesday, January 29, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. 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. The elimination of the Trial Board only affects employees not represented by a union. The majority of City employees are represented by collective bargaining agreements which provide grievance procedures. Non-union employees will continue to retain rights to a grievance procedure as provided for in the City’s Personnel Rules and Regulations. All registered voters are encouraged to vote on Tuesday, January 29, 2008. For a current list of polling locations in Coral Gables, click here.
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City Manager Selects New Fire Chief >>> Deputy Fire Chief Walter R. Reed, a 20-year veteran with the Coral Gables Fire Department, has been selected as the new Fire Chief of the City of Coral Gables. The announcement was made by City Manager David L. Brown, who made the selection from two highly regarded finalists. Reed, who will begin his new post on February 1, replaces retiring Fire Chief Richard Cook. Chief Reed brings a wealth of fire prevention, medical, life safety, and emergency management experience and leadership to Coral Gables. He began working for the City of Coral Gables on April 1987 as a firefighter/paramedic. He was promoted February 1993 to Fire Lieutenant and later to Fire Captain on July of the same year. In January 1998, he was promoted to Division Chief and has managed all divisions in the Fire Department. From March to August 2002, he was Acting Fire Chief, working closely with the City Manager and Directors implementing City-wide strategic and operating plans. In October 2002 he was again promoted to Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal, assisting the Fire Chief in emergency management, budget development, fire prevention, operations and professional standards. He holds a Masters of Public Administration from Florida International University and he was a Summa Cum Laude graduate from the University of Cincinnati where he received a Bachelors of Science, Fire and Safety Engineering.
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Coral Gables Farmers Market Is Here >>> It’s time to head outdoors and enjoy Florida’s fresh produce and pick up some cooking and gardening tips along the way. It’s all part of the annual Coral Gables Farmers Market. Every Saturday through March 29, start the morning off with Tai Chi exercises at Merrick Park across from City Hall at 8 a.m. The popular gardening workshops conducted by local experts start at 9 a.m., followed by cooking demonstrations by local chefs at 1o a.m. Every Saturday, children can participate in various activities and art & crafts at 11 a.m. The Farmers Market takes place on the corner of Miracle Mile and Le Jeune Road. For a complete schedule of the events, click here.
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City To Host Robotic Parking Discussion >>> The public is invited to participate in a Robotic Parking Panel discussion to take place on Wednesday, January 30, from 1-3:30 p.m. at Coral Gables City Hall, Commission Chambers. Among the topics to discuss is the viability of a robotic parking solution in the City of Coral Gables. Participating in the panel are parking professionals Leonard Bier, Gary Cudney and Ron Schuman. For additional information, contact Jessica Wotherspoon at 305-460-5314.
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Teddy Bears Donated To Police Department >>> Ponce de Leon Middle School student Ryan Eastham wanted to share the excitement over his Bar Mitzvah with children confronting stressful situations. The young student managed to collect more than 100 teddy bears and donated the bears to the Coral Gables Police Department. The donated bears will be assigned to police vehicles so that officers can give the cuddly stuffed animals to frightened children during difficult circumstances. Ryan also presented each Commission member with their own stuffed animals at the January 8th City Commission meeting.
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Make Your Reservation Now For Valentine’s Celebrations >>> Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic celebrations of the year and the City of Coral Gables wants you to have a special memory with your loved ones. The popular Daddy & Daughter Dance at the Venetian Pool is scheduled for Friday, February 8, from 7-9 p.m. Music, dancing, dinner, pictures and lots of fun for fathers and daughters make this night an unforgettable occasion. Please register by February 2 since space is limited. Come to the Venetian Pool for the Annual Valentine’s Day Dinner Dance scheduled for Thursday, February 14, 6-10 p.m. The event includes open bar, dinner, a picture and dancing. Reservations are required by February 7. For more information contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.
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Get Fit At The Youth Center >>> The most popular New Year’s resolution is to lose weight and get in shape and there’s a couple of new programs at the War Memorial Youth Center that can help you achieve these results. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. try the Boxing Conditioning class where you can learn the boxing fundamentals such as stance, combination punching and offensive and defensive techniques. The cost for members is $200 for four weeks; $266 for residents and $332 for non-residents. Also offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9-10 a.m., is Azucar Aerobics & Conditioning, a fun workout that combines high impact aerobic dance with body sculpting and toning exercises. You can exercise while doing salsa, merengue, cumbia and reggeton. Child care is available to Youth Center members. Classes cost $7 for members; $9 for residents and $11 for non-residents. The War Memorial Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. For additional information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.
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Preventing Stormwater Runoff Pollution >>> Rainy days in South Florida are very common during the summer, and if not careful, these downpours can cause stormwater pollution. As stormwater flows over driveways, lawns and sidewalks, water picks up debris, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants. Stormwater can flow into a storm sewer system or directly into a lake, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies used for swimming, fishing and providing drinking water. Polluted runoff is the nation’s greatest threat to clean water. So what can you do to help? Here are 1o things you can do to prevent stormwater runoff pollution:
1) Use fertilizers sparingly, and sweep driveways, sidewalks and gutters.
2) Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams.
3) Vegetate bare spots in your yard.
4) Compost yard waste.
5) Use least toxic pesticides, follow labels and learn how to prevent pest problems.
6) Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces and consider a rain garden to capture runoff.
7) Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveway.
8) Check your car for leaks and recycle motor oil.
9) Pick up after your pet.
10) Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly.
Adopt these healthy household habits and help protect lakes and coastal waters. For additional information, click here.
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Call DERM For Environmental Complaints >>> The Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) responds to environmental complaints and emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The following situations should be reported to DERM immediately: Liquid waste discharges or spills into storm drains, street drains, parking lot drains, waterways or onto the open ground; Tanker trucks dumping waste into manholes, drainage structures, waterways, or on the ground; Any spill or discharge to the environment of suspected (hazardous) waste; Chemical spills or dumping incidents; any dumping of chemical drums or containers or abandoned drums; Discharge or spills of gasoline, oil or waste hydrocarbons; fuel fumes in drainage structures or manholes; Discharge or spills of pesticides; any dumping of pesticide containers; Sewage overflows from any source; Smoke or dust emissions from any facility; Any severe odor or vapor that affects the eyes and/or breathing, or results in skin irritation; Turbid (cloudy) water in any waterway, canal, or Biscayne Bay; Removal, cutting or bulldozing of trees, including mangroves in coast (particularly during the evenings or on weekends); Fish kills (numbering more than 50 fish in one general location); Any dredging or filling in or along Biscayne Bay. Call the DERM Complaint Desk at 305-372-6955. Environmental Crimes may be reported to the Miami-Dade County Police Department Environmental Crimes Unit at 305-477-1616.
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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.
> Red Road (S.W. 57 Avenue) from 33rd Street to 60th Street: Florida Department of Transportation will be commencing its sidewalk improvement program which will cover and affect traffic on Red Road/S.W. 57 Avenue. The goal of the project is to modify sidewalks and pedestrian signals in order to comply with the current requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The following are the affected locations where new sidewalks and crosswalks will be installed: Red Road/S.W. 57 Avenue from south of 60th Street to S.W. 58th Terrace on the west side of the road; from S.W. 54th Terrace to S.W. 51st Terrace on the west side of the road; from S.W. 48th Street to S.W. 40th Street on the east side of the street and S.W. 34th Street to S.W. 33rd Street on the west side of the street. The project will include installation of new signage and pavement markings, pedestrian signalization, relocation of existing light poles and relocation of landscaping on some of the construction sites. FDOT anticipates it will take two years to complete this project. Expect intermittent closures of sidewalks and intersections during construction and there may be some lane closures. For more information, call Marta Rodriguez-Trudeau at 305-860-3740.
> Fred B. Hartnett/Ponce Circle Park: Due to a special event being held at the park, 2810 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, one of the inner traffic lanes around the circle will be closed from 9:00 a.m. until midnight on Saturday, January 26. Expect delays if you are traveling through the area.
> Biltmore Way between Le Jeune Road and Hernando Street: Every Saturday throughout March 29 the Farmers Market will be closing down the East and Westbound lanes of Biltmore Way from 5:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
> Miracle Mile between Le Jeune Road and Salzedo Street: Miracle Mile will be closed completely between Le Jeune Road and Salzedo Street, on Sunday, January 27 from 8 a.m. throughout 4 p.m. for a special event. Seek alternative routes during those hours.
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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 and Wednesdays: Exercising was never easier than this!!! Now seniors can enjoy aerobic routine while combining dancing in the 60 minute Dancercise class. Instructed by senior volunteer Belkis Frangente, the class features stretching, light aerobics and easy to follow dancing movements with music from across the globe. Senior residents pay $4 per month and non-residents $5 per month. Classes begin at 10 a.m. in the Adult Activity Center located at University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue. For more information call 305-460-5500.
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 23: The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce is hosting the seminar "How to Build a Powerful Team" which provides techniques on how to motivate a group of individuals to perform at their peak. The seminar is ideal for bosses, managers, and even coachers who desire to develop skills for powerful communication and motivation. The event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel; 50 Alhambra Plaza. Members pay $45 and Non-members $55. For reservations call 305-446-1657.
January 24, 31: Thursdays are not ordinary weekdays anymore in the City of Coral Gables. The Biltmore Hotel proudly presents Live Jazz Concerts at the beautiful Cascade Poolside Bar and Grill every Thursday night, featuring the performance of “The Papo Delgado Trio” from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. For information or reservations, contact The Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue or by phone at 305-445-1926.
January 24 & 26: Growing Herbs in South Florida has its own unique requirements. Carolyne Coppolo, owner of the Redland Herb Farm, will share her techniques for nurturing healthy herbs. The lecture takes place on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 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.
January 26: Salsa, Merengue, Latin food, and a lot of fiesta can be enjoyed during the crowning ceremony of the Colombian Queen Carnaval de Barranquilla 2008 featuring the performances of Wilfrido Vargas and Juan Piña. This is an event for the entire family at the Fred B. Hartnett/Ponce Circle Park, 2810 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, from 4 p.m. through 11 p.m. Admission is free, although VIP seating is available for a charge of $20. More information is available at 305-820-8825.
January 27: Step back in time and enjoy an Antique Car Show that will display more than 100 classic automobiles. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. along Miracle Mile between Le Jeune Road and Salzedo Street.
January 28: Bring your friends to the Adult Activity Center for Movie Mondays. Watch the 2005 comedy Cheaper by the Dozen starring Steve Martin. 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.
January 29: Learn which are the Top 40 Tried and True Plants for the South Florida home garden. This informative class is being offered at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at a cost of $35. Fairchild is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. For more information, call 305-667-1651, extension 3322.
January 30: 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 Chicken Parmigiano, pasta tossed salad, roll and a homemade cookie. Menus are 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 Smith at 305-460-5609.
January 30 - March 29: The 'Prince Street Players' version of The Wizard of Oz makes its way to the Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Theatre. This funny and clever musical is sure to entertain both the largest and smallest of munchkins! Saturday performances begin at 2 p.m. The Actors’ Playhouse is located at 280 Miracle Mile. For more information, call 305-444-9293.
January 31 - February 21: Created with the homeowner in mind, this three-session workshop offered at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden will emphasize suitable Tropical Landscape Design techniques. Consideration will be given to garden aesthetics and maintenance requirements for planting. Students are encouraged to bring a plot map and photos of their homes to enable the instructor to assist in starting their designs. The classes will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays (no class on February 14). The fee is $130. Fairchild is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. For more information, call 305-667-1651, extension 3322.
February 1: Historian Arva Moore Parks offers lectures and tours of the Preview Exhibition of the Coral Gables Museum during Gallery Nights. On this night, Moore Parks will focus on George and Eunice Merrick: A Love Story. On display will be original love poems and letters that illuminate the romance and commitment of two remarkable people who lovingly created a city of beauty, love and passion. The event starts at 7 p.m. at the Old Spanish Village Sales Gallery located at 2901 Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
February 1: See the latest fashions that are showing up on the runways during this season's Ebony Fashion Show. The show takes place at 8 p.m. at the BankUnited Center, 1245 Dauer Drive. Tickets cost $35. For more information, call Kay Madry Sullivan at 305-235-8654 or Mary Jones at 305-253-3137.
February 1: The Kiwanis Club and Old Spanish Village present Art in the Park, a special event featuring live music, artists and refreshments. More than 50 artists of growing national and international reputation will display their works and do live art demonstrations for the public. The event is held every first Friday of the month under the stars at Fred B. Hartnett/Ponce Circle Park, 2810 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, from 7 – 11 p.m. The Art in the Park concert series brings a musical element to the famous Gables art walk. For more information, click here
February 5 - 19: Picture a stunning collection of orchids in full bloom in your garden, patio or Florida room. Learn basic orchid culture for the four most popular orchids when you attend Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden's three session class on Orchid Culture for the Beginner. Classes are held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. The fee is $80. Fairchild is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. For more information, call 305-667-1651, extension 3322.
February 6: Take a Sunset Conservatory Tour at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Conservatory Manager Jennifer Davit will lead a private tour as the sun sets from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. to 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.BACK TO TOP
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