Wednesday, February 6, 2008
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CONTENTS:Coral Gables Voters Reject Charter Amendment
City Is Seeking Input On Boats Anchoring
New Rescue Treatment Becomes Available In Spring
City Hall Is Closed On Presidents Day
Gables Cavaliers Named Team of the Century
Landscape Protection Set On Ponce De Leon Median
Catch The Geocaching Craze
Looking for More Historic Clues
Seminars To Help Small Businesses
How Do We Communicate?
Traffic
Events Roundup
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Coral Gables Voters Reject Charter Amendment >>> Coral Gables voters rejected the idea to remove Section 22 from the City Charter at the January 29 Special Municipal Referendum, done in conjunction with the Presidential Primary election last week. According to unofficial results, the majority of voters -53.42 percent- were against the measure to remove a Trial Board which can be convened by a non-union employee who disagrees with disciplinary actions imposed by the City Manager. Only 46.58 percent of electors voted for the measure of amending the City Charter. In a strong showing of voters’ participation due in part by the Primary election and the Property Tax Exemption vote, 48.9 percent of all 29,319 registered voters cast ballots in Coral Gables.
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City Is Seeking Input On Boats Anchoring >>> The City of Coral Gables is seeking input from waterways residents concerning proposed amendments to the City Code regulating the mooring and anchoring of boats and other watercraft. A public meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 19, at 7 p.m. at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Garden House Auditorium, 10901 Old Cutler Road. The City intends to consider all input from residents and present a final draft of the proposed ordinance for City Commission consideration at the March 11, 2008 regularly scheduled meeting. For more information, contact Assistant City Manager Maria Alberro Jimenez at mjimenez@coralgables.com.
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New Rescue Treatment Becomes Available In Spring >>> Coral Gables paramedics responding to calls for help by patients suffering a heart attack will soon use a new life-saving technique only practiced by a few other places in the country. Coral Gables Fire Department rescuers will use induced hypothermia by pumping ice-cold saline into the blood vessels of people in cardiac arrest. The solution will cool down the patient’s core temperature, slowing down the metabolism and minimizing the damage to the brain and organs caused by lack of blood flow. Studies show that 49 percent of chilled patients survived to be discharged, compared to 26 percent of other patients. This cooling treatment has also shown remarkable results in treating spinal cord injuries, which the City of Coral Gables will also be among the first in the nation to deploy. All six rescue trucks in Coral Gables will be equipped with a freezer and paramedics will be trained by spring time. The new initiative is possible thanks to a $25,000 donation from the Cesarano family which will be used to buy equipment not only for Coral Gables rescue vehicles, but all others in Miami-Dade County.
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City Hall Is Closed On Presidents Day >>> In 1879 Congress deemed George Washington's birth date, February 22, a historic date worthy of holiday recognition, and today we celebrate Presidents Day the third Monday of February. Consequently, Coral Gables City Hall, as well as other City facilities, will be closed on Monday, February 18 in observance of this holiday. Garbage and trash collection, as well as recycling, will continue its normal schedule during Presidents Day.
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Gables Cavaliers Named Team of the Century >>> The Florida High School Athletic Association, as part of its “100 Years of Florida High School Football” celebration, has named the 1967 Coral Gables High School Cavaliers as Team of the Century. The award was presented by the FHSAA during a ceremony honoring the by-decade Teams of the Century at halftime of the Class 6A state championship game at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. Legendary coach Nick Kotys, who coached four different Coral Gables football teams to national championships, called the ’67 Cavaliers his best team ever. Finishing the season 13-0, the ’67 Cavaliers were the second of three Coral Gables football teams crowned national champions during the 1960s. The school’s first national championship was won in 1956. Also among the list of the “100 Greatest Players of the First 100 Years” were Coral Gables running back Frank Gore (2000) who was a third-round pick by San Francisco in 2005 and linebacker Ralph Ortega (1971) who later played in 1980 with the Miami Dolphins.
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Landscape Protection Set On Ponce De Leon Median >>> Pedestrians walking along the newly installed Ponce de Leon median are crossing the street at mid block, damaging in the process the landscaping and creating a potentially hazardous situation. For this reason, the City of Coral Gables is placing temporary crowd control ropes and posts in the median to deter the crossing and to protect the ground cover plants long enough for these plants to grow in the next six months. The City is asking all pedestrians walking on Ponce de Leon Boulevard to cross the streets at the intersections for their own safety, to help maintain and not destroy the downtown landscape for the community to enjoy.
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Catch The Geocaching Craze >>> Geocaching has arrived in Coral Gables. The popular sport involves hiding items in boxes, small or large, placing the coordinates of the cache on-line where anyone can download to portable Global Positioning Systems (GPS) machines and go on a treasure hunt. The Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center offers a training program to get started on the hunt and even rents out portable GPS machines for a nominal fee. There are dozens of caches hidden in Coral Gables, some hold interesting items, others are the locations of the City’s historic landmarks. Age is no boundary for this new sport, children and seniors can easily learn how to use a GPS machine in minutes and there are caches with varying degrees of difficulty. For more information on how to get into the Geocaching craze, call the War Memorial Youth Center at 305-460-5600.
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Looking for More Historic Clues >>> The Historic Preservation Association of Coral Gables will host its Second Annual Scavenger Hunt and the event promises to be more fun than ever. Families and groups can dash from clue to clue using GPS devices to solve historic riddles of the City Beautiful. On February 16, come solve the puzzles and return for a party with prizes at the War Memorial Youth Center. Registration and GPS training begins at 2:30 p.m. and groups have until 5 p.m. to complete the Scavenger Hunt. Registration is $10 for groups of up to five people. For more information, please contact the City of Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5605.
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Seminars To Help Small Businesses >>> On Thursday, February 21, the City of Coral Gables is hosting a small business workshop presented by Florida Atlantic University's Small Business Development Center. During this free, two-hour event, titled “The Small Business Tax Workshop,” learn how to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN), record keeping and accounting methods, different types of business organizations as they relate to paying taxes, and understand proper tax forms and legal business deductions. The workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. and takes place at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, at 405 University Drive. For more information or to RSVP, contact Jessica Wotherspoon at the City of Coral Gables Development Department at 305-460-5314 or jwotherspoon@coralgables.com.
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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.
> 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 on February 17, between Le Jeune Road and Salzedo Street; beginning at 9 a.m. throughout 4 p.m. for an Antique Car Show event.
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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.
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.
Mondays and Wednesdays: Exercising was never easier than this! Now seniors can enjoy aerobic routines 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 War Memorial Youth Center is located
at 405 University Drive. For more information, call 305-460-5600.
Tuesdays: Learn everything about Acrylic and Oil Painting in these
fun classes that welcome beginners and experienced artists. This is a great opportunity to explore
your talent and develop new techniques. Classes start from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Coral Gables
Senior High School, Adult Education Center; 450 Bird Road. For further information, call 305-443-4871
after 3 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: Always wanted to be a chorus girl? Join the Almost
Broadway classes at St. Philip's Church, 1142 Coral Way, from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Exercise
while dancing easy routines from Broadway shows. No registration necessary, just drop in and it's
free. All ages are welcomed. Straw hats will be provided. For more information
call 305-445-8740 or St. Philip's Church at 305 444-6176.
Wednesdays: Spend Wednesday afternoons at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center
for a 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.
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.
Now through 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.
Now through February 10: Fresh from the stages of New York, the new boy band sensation Altar Boyz, comes to Coral Gables spreading the word of faith with songs, tight jeans and synchronized choreography. The show runs at the Actors' Playhouse at Miracle Theater with performances Wednesday through Sunday. For hours and ticket information call 305-444-9293.
Now through February 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 orchid varieties 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.
Now through 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.
Now through 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.
Now through May 31: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is transformed into an open air art gallery as the monumental pop art sculptures of Roy Lichtenstein grace the garden. The exhibit runs in conjunction with Dale Chihuly’s A Garden of Glass exhibition located in the Windows to the Tropics Conservatory. Admission to the garden costs $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and $10 for children ages 6 – 17. Experience these amazing works of art at night every Thursday night. Poppin' Tropical Nights takes place from 6 – 9 p.m. Admission is $30 for adults and $20 for children ages 6 – 17. For more information, call 305-667-1651 or click here.
February 6: 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 – 6 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.
February 6 and 7: Philip Glass, one of the world's most renowned composers of opera and music for film is coming to the University of Miami's Gusman Concert Hall for two-evening presentations that will include performances and a personal interview with the composer. The event starts at 8 p.m. and entrance is free, although seating is limited and reservations are required. For more information, call 305-284-4940. The Gusman Concert Hall is located at 1314 Miller Drive on the University of Miami's Coral Gables campus.
February 7: Beginning on this day and throughout the end of April, all residents of The City Beautiful can benefit from Free Tax Preparations. The volunteers are certified by the IRS and they will be providing priority to the elderly and low income residents. The free tax preparation will be taking place every Thursday from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at the Coral Gables Library located at 3443 Segovia Street.
February 8: The Miami Bach Society starts the New Year with a concert of Music in the Spanish New World, Fra Angelico. Students from the University of Miami Frost School of Music will perform compositions from the little known repertoire from Latin America including pieces written in Bolivia, Peru and Mexico. The concert takes place at the Chapel of the Venerable Bede located at the University of Miami campus, 1150 Stanford Drive, at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, call 305-669-1376.
February 8: The University of Miami’s “Center on Aging” will be hosting a lecture open to the public on Friday, February 8. It is at the Main Campus Wellness Center on Dickinson Drive behind the Bank United Center. Professor Marshall B. Kapp will speak on: “The Liability Environment for Physicians Providing Nursing Home Care: Does It Make a Difference for Residents?” Professor Kapp is Co-Director of the Center for Health Law & Policy at the Southern Illinois University School of Law. This is a part of the Center on Aging’s ongoing series of Distinguished Lectures dealing with medical research, ethical, and legal issues of significance to our aging population. For more information, call 305-355-9080.
February 9: Grafting may seem like a mysterious and difficult procedure but it's really a precise, straightforward technique that can be learned like any other. Once mastered, you can multiply your favorite plants or choose from the incredible multitudes of cultivars and species not commonly available. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is offering a Grafting Workshop to be held at Fairchild's Williams Grove located in Homestead from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This very special hands-on workshop is only offered once a year. The fee is $130. For more information, call 305-667-1651, extension 3322.
February 9 & 16: The annual Coral Gables Farmers Market enters into its fourth week on Saturday, February 9, starting the morning off with Tai Chi exercises at the Merrick Park across from City Hall at 8 a.m. A gardening workshop on rain barrels begins at 9 a.m., followed by “A Conversation with Chuck Bohl,” director of the Knight Program in Community Building at the University of Miami School of Architecture. His lecture about the importance of place and placemaking for downtown Coral Gables begins at 9:30 a.m. At 10 a.m. enjoy a chocolicious cooking demonstration by Chocolate Fashion, and at 11 a.m. children can participate in a fun Valentine’s Day event presented by the Coral Gables Youth Center. On Saturday, February 16, enjoy the routine of Tai Chi exercises at 8 a.m. then at 9 a.m. learn everything about herbs in the garden, followed at 9:30 a.m. by “A Conversation with Historian Arva Moore Parks McCabe” as she shares colorful stories of the characters that dreamed up the City Beautiful. At 10 a.m. enjoy a cooking demonstration by Cacao, and conclude a fun day with scenes from “The Wizard of Oz” presented by The Actor’s Playhouse beginning at 11 a.m. The Farmers Market takes place on the corner of Miracle Mile and Le Jeune Road on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For a complete schedule of the events, click here.
February 10: The Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department invites every family to participate in a Valentine’s Bike Ride, an event intended to create an atmosphere of love, friendship, and sharing among family members during this special day. Bike riders will be escorted by police officers to guarantee safety and the route goes through beautiful Coral Gables scenery including Miracle Mile. Please register by 9 a.m.; the ride begins promptly at 10 a.m. at Ponce Middle School located across the street from the University of Miami campus. Bring your own helmet, gloves and water. For more information, call 305-460-5600.
February 13 & 20: Join fellow seniors for an enjoyable afternoon with a delicious catered lunch on Wednesdays. Let's Do Lunch will be held at the Chapel at University Baptist Church, the home of the Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue. Menus are available by calling the Recreation Specialist for Senior Services Anastasia Smith. The fee for residents and non-residents is only $5 per meal. Please register for lunch every Monday or pay for the entire month by calling 305-460-5609.
February 14: 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. Come to the Venetian Pool for the Annual Valentine's Day Dinner Dance scheduled for Thursday 14th from 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.
February 15: The City of Coral Gables wants to invite seniors to the Annual Senior Formal Lunch & Lecture which will be held this year at the Country Club of Coral Gables. The special guest speaker will be the new State Director of the AARP Lori Parham. This free event begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch followed by the lecture to begin at 12 p.m. Make your reservations by calling 305-460-5609.
February 16: The Coral Gables Police Department Marine Patrol Unit will offer a Florida State approved Boating Safety Course for individuals 21 years of age or younger, that would like to obtain permission to drive a vessel greater than 1o horsepower. The course will be conducted at the Cocoplum Yatch Club, 6500 Prado Boulevard from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $20 and includes all training material, books, certification card and lunch. For more information, call 305-460-5401.
February 17: The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami presents Denial and Acceptance. This 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.
February 17: The Antique Automobile Club of America presents the 8th Annual Classic Car Show on the Mile, an extraordinary exhibition of well preserved antique vehicles of all makes and models. The best presented cars will get awards. The exhibition will take place along Miracle Mile starting on Salzedo Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more details call Andy Leavy at 305-439-0910 or Ira Shapiro at 305-216-9837.BACK TO TOP
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