City Beautiful e-News

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

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CONTENTS:
Becoming A Safer City Than Last Year
Learn To Help Save Lives
Gables Goes High Tech With TRIM Solution
Kids Pick "Best Of" Coral Gables: Part 2
Special Hurricane Newsletter Coming Soon
Hurricane Survival: What To Do About Garbage, Debris & Trash
Watch Coral Gables Television On The Web
Coral Gables Contributes Significantly to Aix-en-Provence Sister City
Free Seminars To Strengthen Small Businesses
Employees Train On National Incident Management System
Traffic Watch
Cultural Roundup

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Becoming A Safer City Than Last Year >>>  There are many reasons why 43,000+ people call Coral Gables home: picturesque tree lined streets, a proud heritage, cultural exchange, and piece of mind. Safety is an important indicator of quality of life and the City of Coral Gables is making great strides in that area. The City has just released this year's crime statistics through the month of May. A year to date comparison shows total offenses are down 14.81 percent, total non-violent crimes are down 14.08 percent and total violent crimes are down 26.67 percent as compared to this time last year. Included in the non-violent crimes category are burglaries which are down by 45.16 percent. The reduction in crime is attributed to a fully staffed Police Department and the recent introduction of the squad system which assigns officers to groups or squads that patrol a section of the City for a period of four months. This allows officers the opportunity to become familiar with the intricacies of the neighborhood and residents being served. For a list of the complete crime statistics, contact the Police Department Community Affairs Unit at 305-460-5401.
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Learn To Help Save Lives >>>  In a medical emergency, seconds can make the difference between life and death and getting the right help early on is crucial. The City of Coral Gables Fire Department wants to empower residents by teaching them a couple of the most fundamental life saving techniques: CPR and the use of portable AED's or Automated External Defibrillators. On Saturday, July 22nd at 9 a.m., the Fire Department will offer a free three-hour course about the key steps to perform CPR on adults, children and infants and the proper way to use a defibrillator. The public is usually first on the scene of a medical emergency so equipping the community with the information and skills necessary to offer aid will only increase the victim's chances of survival. There is normally a charge for the class but the Fire Department felt it was important to get as many people trained as possible. The class will be offered once a month and held in the Community Training Room at Coral Gables Fire Station 1 located at 2815 Salzedo Street. There are a limited number of seats available so register in advance by calling 305-460-5588.
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Gables Goes High Tech With TRIM Solution >>>  The City of Coral Gables will begin in the very near future deployment of an electronic records and document management system that will significantly increase municipal efficiency. TRIM Context 6 Solution, a creation of Tower Software, the leading enterprise content management provider, will act as an electronic warehouse whereby all of the City's historical documents and images, reports, contracts, agendas, presentations, e-mails, videos, drafts, crime statistics, photos, audio and other vital information will be captured. This electronic database will provide a simple way for public agencies, researchers, developers, community organizations, residents and anyone who deals with local government, to retrieve official information quickly. Introduced by the Office of the City Clerk to provide an electronic workflow of key functionalities, this is the first phase of a project envisioned with the collaboration of local universities and the most technologically advanced companies in the field. For additional information, contact the Coral Gables Office of the City Clerk at 305-460-5209.
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Kids Pick "Best Of" Coral Gables: Part 2 >>>  South Florida Parenting magazine asked kids what were the favorite spots to learn, play, shop and eat and the results are part of the "Kids Crown Awards." Coral Gables took top honors in many of the categories. In addition to the winning categories in the last edition of e-News, Coral Gables also did well in the dining category. Here's a list of "Best Of" spots in the City for children:
> Best Place Where Kids Eat Free: Denny's (Gold), 1 Miracle Mile & 1150 South Dixie Highway; Chicken Kitchen (Silver), 111 Miracle Mile
> Best Healthy Fast Food: Chicken Kitchen (Gold), 111 Miracle Mile; Subway (Silver), 2211 Ponce de Leon Boulevard & 279 Miracle Mile; Pollo Tropical (Bronze), 2350 Douglas Road
> Best Fun Place for Dinner: T.G.I. Friday's (Gold), 1200 South Dixie Highway; The Café Bistro, (Judges Choice) Nordstrom Village of Merrick Park, 4310 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
> Best Frozen Treats: Cold Stone Creamery (Gold), 261 Miracle Mile; Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream (Bronze), 358 San Lorenzo Avenue
> Best Specialty Bakery: Publix (Gold), 2551 South Le Jeune Road & 1500 South Douglas Road; Don Pan (Silver), 400 South Dixie Highway
> Best Unusual Kids' Menu: T.G.I. Friday's (Bronze), 1200 South Dixie Highway

For a complete list of all the categories and the winners click here.
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Special Hurricane Newsletter Coming Soon >>>  Arriving soon in your mailboxes is a copy of the Special Hurricane Edition of the City Beautiful News, a one-time publication that offers important information on how to prepare for the next storm. Residents should read this bilingual edition and keep it handy for future references to find out what you can expect from your local government before, during and after a hurricane. All residents and business owners of the City of Coral Gables will receive this 16-page publication in the upcoming weeks. This publication contains important phone numbers to have during an emergency situation. You can also download a copy of the Special Edition Hurricane Newsletter from the City's homepage at www.coralgables.com. For additional information, contact the City of Coral Gables Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205.
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Hurricane Survival: What To Do About Garbage, Debris & Trash >>>  Unfortunately, there is no known way to divert hurricanes from reaching land or control the damaging winds that the storms produce, but there are steps you can take to minimize the effects of a storm on your property and neighborhood. It all starts with taking in your trash. The following are tips to keep in mind before a storm:
> City collection schedules will change when a storm is coming so do not leave any garbage, debris or trash outside. Place it instead in a garage or an enclosed space.
> Don't wait until the last minute to properly trim branches and trees. There is no guarantee that City crews will have the time to collect the yard waste.
> Check storm drains in your neighborhood for accumulation of leaves, debris and trash. Clear drains out to prevent clogs which can eventually lead to flooding.

Equally important are the steps you take after a hurricane. Just a few minutes of work on your part could facilitate the City's recovery efforts. After a storm be sure to:
> Have patience. It may take days before the City can reinstate garbage, trash and recycling pickup routes.
> Organize piles of debris on your property's designated trash area. Make separate piles for yard waste, home debris and discarded home appliances.
> Check for updates from the City of Coral Gables on any special pickup dates or when garbage and trash services will resume normal schedule.

For more information on hurricane preparedness watch Coral Gables Television or click here.
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Watch Coral Gables Television On The Web >>>  You can now check the new original programming being produced by the staff of Coral Gables Television by clicking here and visiting the City's web site. Special programs like "Weathering the Storm" can be viewed by watching the live streaming at the City's web site. Don't miss the new Coral Gables Television original magazine-style show "On The Scene" for a look at the exquisite Coral Gables lifestyle or view the monthly public affairs interview show "Coral Gables Now." You can also view re-runs of the latest City Commission meetings. Comcast subscribers can watch Coral Gables Television at Channel 77 and Adelphia customers can view it on Channel 97. For programming ideas, contact Mike Rocha at Coral Gables Television at 305-460-5521.
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Coral Gables Contributes Significantly to Aix-en-Provence Sister City >>>   The City of Coral Gables goes to great lengths to strengthen the bond it has with its Sister Cities.  A delegation representing Coral Gables consisting of the Dean of the Language Department at the University of Miami David Ellison and attorneys and members of the French American Chamber of Commerce Steve Edelstein and Malcolm Wiseheart recently returned from our Sister City Aix-en-Provence, France after participating in a Sister Cities Forum. The meetings, coordinated by the Aix-en-Provence Department of Economic Development, focused on environmental concerns, economic growth and world tensions, among other topics. The forum was part of a larger celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of one of Aix's most famous residents, French Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. The City Of Coral Gables played an important role in the celebration. In August of 2005, the City was asked to help its Sister City Aix-en-Provence to raise funds for a statue of the painter. Less than a year later, the tireless fundraising efforts of the Coral Gables International Affairs Coordinating Council paid off, raising $6,000, the City's contribution to the creation of the Cezanne statue. Another delegation from Coral Gables including chairman of the IACC Raul Suarez and former Coral Gables banker Tom Noonan attended the unveiling and inauguration of the statue earlier this year where the City received much praise and recognition for its participation in the project. During the Sister Cities Forum, Aix leaders reiterated their most heartfelt appreciation for the City Beautiful's contribution to preserve the memory of their world renowned artist. For more information on Coral Gables' Sister City Program, call the Development Department at 305-460-5310.
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Free Seminars To Strengthen Small Businesses >>>  Small businesses are essential in Coral Gables as the businesses add character to the City, provide quality of service for residents and visitors, add greatly to the overall vitality of the local economy and provide critical jobs, goods and services for the community. In an effort to strengthen ties with this municipality and maintain success, the City of Coral Gables will host several seminars and workshops presented by Florida Atlantic University's Small Business Development Center specifically designed for operating or starting small businesses. Once a month, topics of the free seminars will include small business financing, business plans and ownership and how to obtain much needed loans. The first seminar, Financing Your Small Business, takes place on Thursday, August 17, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive. Business owners will learn how to obtain the money to start or expand business from private and government sectors as well as the different types of financing options. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact Jessica Wotherspoon from the Development Department at 305-460-5314 or email at jwotherspoon@coralgables.com.
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Employees Train On National Incident Management System >>>  The City of Coral Gables has adopted the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as the basis for handling emergency events and is training all essential personnel on a uniform system to respond to homeland security issues. Under the NIMS implementation plan, Coral Gables employees are trained to conform to a consistent nationwide approach for all levels of government, from local to the federal level, to work effectively together to prepare and respond to emergency situations. In addition to the training of first responders such as fire, emergency medical, law enforcement, and emergency management, other personnel from the areas of public works, public service, and other support personnel will be knowledgeable in a nationally standardized response should a national emergency situation occurs. By City resolution, the City of Coral Gables adopted on June 6 the National Incident Management System as the basis for emergency management in the City.
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Traffic Watch  >>>  The southbound corridor of Le Jeune Road from just north of Bird Road to just past Altara Avenue in Coral Gables will be closed.  Barrier walls will be placed on the west side of the median on Le Jeune Road for a lane shift of the southbound traffic to the northbound side with one lane in each direction. Watermain installation work will be performed along Le Jeune Road between Bird Road and Altara Avenue. The north entrance of the Coral Gables High School parking lot located on Le Jeune Road will be permanently closed while the work is being completed. The southernmost entrance to the high school parking lot will be open and accessible for all local school traffic.
> Be advised that there are traffic backups in this area so plan on adding a few extra minutes to your commute time or use an alternate route. The City of Coral Gables Police Department is fully aware of the situation being caused by the construction. Traffic officers in the area have been assigned to help relieve any traffic congestion that may occur. Officers are also on the look out for drivers speeding through neighborhoods trying to get around the construction and are helping to minimize all effects possible on neighboring streets.
> Construction on the Ponce de Leon Median Improvement Project is currently in its final stages. For the past few weeks, installation of the irrigation system and work on the drainage system by the Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department has taken place overnight. Landscaping is now underway with dozens of trees and shrubs being planted on the median. This part of the project is scheduled to be completed by July 19. Areas around the construction zone have been barricaded, and "No Left Turn" signs are still in place. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution while driving around the construction zone.
> The northbound corridor on Le Jeune Road will be closed from S.W. 9th Street to S.W. 14th Street. Barrier walls will be placed on the east side of the median on Le Jeune Road for a lane shift of the northbound traffic to the southbound side with one lane in each direction. Watermain installation work will be performed along Le Jeune Road between SW 9th Street and SW 14th Street. Detour signs and access for local traffic from Le Jeune Road to the east side streets will be posted at various locations. Direct access to and from Le Jeune Road will be provided for S.W. 13th Terrace and S.W. 13th Street. Local traffic on side streets of SW 9th Street through SW 15th Street, except SW 11th Street will have access to area via S.W. 41st Avenue. Access for local traffic only for S.W. 11th Street will be provided through the work zone.
> Single lane closures will occur at the south side Bof Bird Road at the intersection of Palmarito Street from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. while workers perform drainage installations. The work is scheduled to take one more week. For more information on any of the above listed projects, please contact Carlos Sarmiento at 305-499-2410.
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Cultural 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 boyhood 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 is located at 907 Coral Way. For more information, call 305-460-5361.

July 12 - September 3: Experience suspense, fear and a hearty laugh all in one play. The Mystery of Irma Vep comes to The Actors' Playhouse at Miracle Theatre. See why newly wed Lady Enid is having such a tough time adapting to life in her new home especially when a portrait of her husband's previous wife starts watching her every move. Catch the show on Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $37.50 per person. On preview days of July 12 and 13 the admission price is $30 per person. To purchase tickets call the Box Office at 305-444-9293, extension 1. Dates may change in August, so please call in advance for more information.

July 13: The Summer Concert Series continues with Jubilant Sykes, a talented baritone who has won the respect of some of the finest conductors and opera companies of our time. On Thursday at 8 p.m. discover why Sykes is considered one of the best. The recital From Schumann to Showboat will include classic, spiritual and early Broadway music and will be held at the Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Boulevard. Tickets for both performances are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets call 305-448-7421, extension 33 or click here.

July 14: Authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson will launch the sequel to the bestselling children's book, Peter and the Starcatchers with the new adventure of Peter and the Shadow Thieves. This new book will be released on Friday, July 14 at 6 p.m. at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue with a celebration that includes music, fun activities, and book reading beginning at 7 p.m. For more information, call 305-442-4408.

July 20: The City of Coral Gables invites seniors age 55 and older to a day of fun on the high seas aboard a Seascape Cruise. Enjoy brunch, live music, poolside activities, and Las Vegas-style casinos. The ship leaves at 7:30 a.m. and arrives back at port at 6:30 p.m. The cost of the trip is $35 which includes the cruise, transportation, brunch buffet, a "fun book" full of coupons and $5 of play at the casino. You must register by calling Helen Barnfather at 305-460-5609.

July 24, 26 & 31 - August 2 & 5: The Coral Gables Police Department will be offering a women's self-defense program called R.A.D. (Rape, Aggression, Defense). Certified Police Instructors will teach you the basic principles and techniques to use during confrontations and personal defense. Women who want to participate must attend all of the Monday and Wednesday classes at a total cost of $65. The classes which will be held at the Coral Gables Police Department at 2801 Salzedo Street are scheduled for Mondays, July 24 & 31st, Wednesdays, July 26 and August 2nd from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday August 5th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Class size is limited so register in advance by calling the Coral Gables Police Department's Community Affairs Unit at 305-460-5401.

July 28: Calling all children who want to know what it feels like to be a music superstar: All Access Live, in association with Radio Disney, presents Kids All Access, an interactive all access backstage pass to experience every aspect of a live concert. The event will include introductions to lighting, sound and instruments by up and coming musical band The Drive Home. Kids will take a tour backstage of the dressing rooms, stage plus a tour bus and enjoy a musical and dance showcase. The grand finale includes the music of the very popular Billboard #1 album High School Musical. The event is open to children of all ages from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the BankUnited Center located at the University of Miami at 1245 Dauer Drive. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster by calling 305-358-5885. The cost is $20 per person and $12 per person for groups of 20 or more.

July 30: Come and watch as several species of butterflies fly delicately through the flowers and plants of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden on Butterfly Day. Learn to identify South Florida's butterfly species and grow plants that attract them. Experts will also take you on a tour of Fairchild to discover all four life stages of a butterfly. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located on 10901 Old Cutler Road. Enjoy Butterfly Day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information call 305-667-1651.

Through September 10: The Lowe Art Museum celebrates equality for girls in schools with the exhibit Game Face: What Does a Female Athlete Look Like? On display will be 182 photographs featuring well known and amateur athletes. The Lowe Art Museum is located in the University of Miami Campus on 1301 Stanford Drive. For more information exhibit hours and admission prices call 305-284-3535.
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