Wednesday, February 22, 2006
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CONTENTS:Love is Grand in the City Beautiful
Farmers Market: Celebrating History and "Floral Design, Garden Style"
Celebrate Pioneer Day on March 11
Sidewalk Sale Boasts Fine Art, Designer Clothing
Merrick House Needs Greeters
Youth Center Needs Summer Camp Counselors
Children's Baseball, Softball and Soccer Programs Starting Soon
Updated Hearing Schedule for Zoning Code Rewrite
Spice Up Your Weekend with "Carnaval on the Mile"
Traffic Watch
Cultural Roundup
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Love is Grand in the City Beautiful >>> From classic stories of enduring affection, to tales of finding love in the most unexpected places, to multiple generations of the same family meeting their soul mates in Coral Gables, all the stories submitted for our "Greatest Love Story in Coral Gables" contest had one thing in common: the protagonists had a special spot in their hearts for finding love in scenic Coral Gables.
The stories were full of vivid recollections of famous Coral Gables landmarks such as the Biltmore Hotel, the Coral Gables Country Club, the Venetian Pool, Miracle Mile, and the Church of the Little Flower.
First prize went to Coral Gables resident Linda Wilson, who won the hearts of the judges for best story. Her entry recounts a love sealed with a first kiss at Tahiti Beach in 1961 that has survived more than 40 years. Wilson will receive a one-night stay in a junior suite at the Biltmore Hotel, one of the most alluring and preferred locations to celebrate weddings in the county, a landmark that is also celebrating its 80th Anniversary this year. The couple will also receive a dinner certificate for two under the stars at the romantic 1200 Courtyard Grill in the Biltmore Hotel.
Second prize went to Eric Moore, who met his wife Michele on Miracle Mile while she was peering into a wedding dress shop. Instead of exchanging phone numbers, Eric asked Michele to leave a note in the De Soto Fountain if she wanted to see him again. When Moore returned to the fountain, he was overjoyed to find a note from Michele. Moore will receive a $100 gift certificate for a special dinner at City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill, located at 45 Miracle Mile in Downtown Coral Gables.
Mónica Rodríguez, who met her future husband by sharing a small umbrella on a rainy day, won third prize. She will receive a $100 gift certificate for the sophisticated Country Club of Coral Gables' Garden Roomlocated at 997 North Greenway Dr.
The City received 13 entries that were judged by City Attorney Elizabeth Hernandez, Human Resources Director Marj Adler, City Clerk Walter Foeman and Fire Chief Richard Cook, all of whom have been happily married for years and know a little about enduring love.
To read the winning stories, as well as all the entries, visit www.coralgables.com on the Web.
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Farmers Market: Celebrating History and "Floral Design, Garden Style" >>> At 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, the popular Coral Gables Farmers Market presents, "Floral Design, Garden Style," a presentation on flower arranging from Kevin Scott of Preston Scott Design with Flowers. At 11 a.m. Saturday, March 11, bring the children to help celebrate Coral Gables history with an age-appropriate discussion of what makes our "City Beautiful," complete with a Coral Gables-shaped cake for the children to decorate - and then eat! Visit the Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through March 25 for fresh produce, mini-courses on food-related subjects, and entertainment for children - all conveniently located in front of City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way - just west of the intersection of Miracle Mile and Le Jeune Road. Free parking is available at the metered parking spots west of Le Jeune Road. Not to be missed are the free weekly gardening workshops at 9 a.m., cooking demonstrations at 10 a.m., and children's activities at 11 a.m. The ever-popular Tai Chi classes are held at 8 a.m., thanks to instructor Al Agon of Perfect Balance. To see a complete schedule of events, click here. For more information on the 2006 Farmers Market, call the Coral Gables Development Department at 305-460-5311, or e-mail Florence Dawson at fdawson@coralgables.com.
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Celebrate Pioneer Day on March 11 >>> Ladies, put on your bonnets, and gentlemen, dust off those top hats and head out in your "buggies" to the Pinewood Cemetery on Saturday, March 11, for a trip down memory lane. From 10 a.m. to Noon that day, presenters dressed in pioneer costumes will celebrate Pioneer Day, giving visitors a tour of the Pinewood Cemetery - the final resting place for more than 200 pioneers from the 1800s and early 1900s. Among them: veterans of the Seminole Indian War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I, as well as victims of the 1926 hurricane. Pinewood Cemetery, dating back to 1897, is one of the oldest burial grounds in Miami-Dade County. The featured guest speaker for Pioneer Day is Tom Lodge, author of The Everglades Handbook, and Understanding the Ecosystem. This event is free and open to the public, and is presented courtesy of the City of Coral Gables and the Pinewood Cemetery Advisory Board. Light refreshments will be served. Pinewood Cemetery is on Erwin Road, just south of Sunset Drive. For more information, call Betty Perez at the Coral Gables Historical Resources Department at 305-460-5093.
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Sidewalk Sale Boasts Fine Art, Designer Clothing >>> What's better than a morning at the Farmers Market, getting first dibs on the freshest produce in town? A morning at the Farmers Market and the Miracle Mile Sidewalk Sale, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 4, where savvy shoppers will find great buys on jewelry, fine art, designer clothing and hair and spa accessories, courtesy of the downtown-area merchants. So come early and enjoy the Farmers Market, then stroll over to Miracle Mile for the first-ever Downtown Coral Gables Sidewalk Sale. After that, cool off at one of the area's many popular restaurants, and then stay for great jazz and entertainment during "Carnaval on the Mile," which runs through Sunday, courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana. For more information, call 305-569-0311 or visit www.shopcoralgables.com.
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Merrick House Needs Greeters >>> Love history but don't have a lot of spare time to devote to it? Then consider volunteering as a "greeter" at the Merrick House, the boyhood home of Coral Gables Founder George Merrick. A perfect task for volunteers who don't have the time to undergo the training required to be a docent, greeters are merely asked to be available from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday afternoons to greet visitors and accept ticket fees at the Coral Gables Merrick House, 907 Coral Way, a lovely coral rock home listed on the National and local historic registers. This volunteer position requires no training and is a perfect way for someone who is friendly and sociable to make a contribution to our community's Historic House Museum. For more information, call Curator Mary Agnes Beach at 305-460-5095 or send an e-mail message to mbeach@coralgables.com.
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Youth Center Needs Summer Camp Counselors >>> Summer is still a few months away, but the Coral Gables Youth Center is already busy putting together a fun lineup of activities for this year's campers. An important part of the camp experience is the counselor, that friendly person who is always on hand to lead activities and make the children feel at home. If you enjoy working with children and being outdoors, then consider being a summer camp counselor this year at the Youth Center. Counselors conduct and participate in activities, field trips and special events for children in a recreational camp setting. Prospective counselors must have a high school diploma and strong communication and organizational skills. Previous work experience with children and CDA credentials are preferred. A 40-hour child care certification will be required within six months of hire. Starting salary is $7.87 per hour, or $8.74 per hour with HRS Certification. Time commitment is 30-40 hours per week, with some nights and weekends. Apply in person at the Human Resources Department on the second floor of the Police Department at 2801 Salzedo Street. For more information, call Vivienne Smith at 305-460-5630.
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Children's Baseball, Softball and Soccer Programs Starting Soon >>> Baseball, softball, soccer - you name it - if it involves hitting a ball, it's sure to be a hit with children. In just a few days, Coral Gables' young sports fans will have the chance to join some exciting leagues aimed at teaching children about sportsmanship as much as they are about having fun.
> The Coral Gables Youth Center Baseball Program is a community-supported league for boys and girls born in 1992-2000. Registration is now open for Coral Gables residents and Youth Center members. Non-residents who do not belong to the Youth Center may register their children starting on March 2. Fees for the program are as follows: $110 for members; $147 for residents who are not members, and $184 for non-residents who are not members. Evaluation days will be held on March 6-9, depending on age.
> The Girls Softball Program is strictly a recreational league for girls born in 1992-1997. All practices will be held at the Youth Center field or the newly renovated Phillips Park, 90 Menores Avenue. A minimum of 30 girls must register in order for the program to be held. Players must be available any day of the week for practice. Games will be held on Saturdays. Evaluation days are on March 4 and 8. Registration dates and fees are similar to the Baseball Program (above).
> The Kixs 4 Kids soccer program is designed for beginning players ages 3.5 to 12 and teaches the skills of the game through age-appropriate activities such as fun games, demonstrations and instructional scrimmages in a safe, non-competitive environment. Players will be grouped by age. The next session is from March 1 through April 15 and will meet at Jaycee Park, 1230 Hardee Road, on Wednesdays. Saturday classes are also available. Cost is $140 for a six-week session. Program Director Alex Sanchez is a former professional soccer player. For more information, call him at 786-226-7050 or send an e-mail message to coachalex@kixs4kidz.com. Also visit www.kixs4kidz.com on the Web for more information.
For more information on any of these programs, pick up a flyer at the Youth Center, 405 University Drive, or call 305-460-5600.
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Updated Hearing Schedule for Zoning Code Rewrite >>> Citizens and other interested parties, there is still time to participate in the rewrite of the Coral Gables Zoning Code - the set of laws that govern development and virtually every aspect of City planning. The next two hearings, this evening and on March 8, will be held at 6 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way. Another meeting will be held on March 22 from 1:30-7 p.m., also in the City Commission Chambers. To see staff reports, new Zoning Code provisions, public comments, maps and minutes of prior meetings online, click here. Paper copies of these documents are also available at the Planning Department at City Hall. For more information, call the Planning Department at 305-460-5211.
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Spice Up Your Weekend with "Carnaval on the Mile" >>> The famed Miracle Mile takes on a Latin flavor on Saturday and Sunday, March 4-5, with "Carnaval on the Mile," a jazz, art, food and wine festival held each year in conjunction with the popular Carnaval Miami series of events that includes Calle Ocho. Organized by the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana, this year's festival pays tribute to the sounds of New Orleans with special appearances by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band at 9 p.m. March 4 and 5:45 p.m. March 5. A special "Kidz Zone" promises mini Jeep rides, carnival rides, face painting and fun foods. At 6:30 p.m., parents are invited to bring lounge chairs and blankets to share an open-air movie with their children, as they "move it, move it" to the Island of Madagascar. A special children's jazz stage on Galiano will showcase performances by Miami Music Zone, the Lourdes Academy Jazz Catz, and Jazz Jam by the Gulliver Prep Jazz Band. For more information, call 305-644-8888 or visit www.carnavalmiami.com.
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Traffic Watch >>> Construction on the Ponce de Leon Median Improvement Project is currently in Phase Three. The following measures continue to be implemented:
> Sidewalk construction has been completed along the west side of Ponce de Leon Boulevard, from Alcazar Avenue heading south.
> Construction continues on the east side of the Boulevard, moving south to north. Traffic is still shifted to the west side.
> Drainage installations, corner demolitions and underground irrigation systems have been completed on the east side.
> Placement of curbing is now underway. Barricades have been installed along the east side of Ponce de Leon Boulevard, from Almeria Avenue to Alcazar Avenue, though access to businesses is still available.
> Police are ticketing people who illegally park inside the construction areas.
> Left turns are allowed only at the Miracle Mile and Alhambra Circle intersections of Ponce de Leon Boulevard.
> Left turns at the remaining intersections continue to be restricted, and police continue to enforce the "No Left Turn" signs.
> The Trolley stops along Ponce de Leon Boulevard at Valencia Avenue, Miracle Mile, Alhambra Circle and Minorca Avenue have been temporarily suspended.
> Alleys perpendicular to Ponce de Leon Boulevard and within the boundaries of the construction area continue to be monitored to make sure vehicles are not blocking the alleyways.
Two roadway improvement projects on Le Jeune Road, scheduled to start on February 20, may also impact traffic. The work involves installing a new water main along Le Jeune Road from SW 8 Street to Altara Avenue, as well as improvements to paving, curbs and sidewalks. The work will be performed around the clock and will involve some lane closures. Construction around Coral Gables High School will be completed during the summer to minimize impacts to the school. Access to businesses and residences will be maintained at all times during construction. For more information on this Florida Department of Transportation project, click here, or call Public Information Manager Carlos Sarmiento at 305-499-2410 or Project Administrator Marlon Lobban at 305-970-7476.
The following event-related street closures may impact
traffic:
> The Coral Gables Antiques
Market, presented by The Globe Café & Bar, takes place from 8 a.m. to
4 p.m. along the 300 block of Alhambra Circle, from Le Jeune Road to
Salzedo Street, on the following dates: March 5, 26,
andApril 2, 30. For more information, click here.
> The Coral Gables Farmer's Market takes place from
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday from Jan. 14 to March 25
in front of City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way. For more information, click here.
> "Carnaval on the Mile" takes place from 2 p.m. to
9 p.m. Saturday, March 4, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 5, along
Miracle Mile. For more information, click here.
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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.
15-26 February: The Jerry Herman Ring Theatre presents the plays Electra, and How I Learned to Drive, which won the 1998 Pulitzer Prize. The Theatre is offering a "two for one" package, where buying tickets to one play includes free admission to the other. Electra is playing at 8 p.m. tonight and on Feb. 24, and at 2 p.m. Feb. 25. How I Learned to Drive is playing at 8 p.m. Feb. 23 and 25, and at 2 p.m. Feb. 26. The Theatre is at 1312 Miller Drive, on the grounds of the University of Miami. Ticket prices vary. For more information, call 305-284-3355 or visit www.miami.edu/ring on the Web.
23 february : The Gilded Hand presents jewelry artist Sheryl Wultz, whose designs are inspired by the artistic nature of Mexican culture. The Gilded Hand is at 165 Aragon Ave., 305-442-1445.
24 February - 26 March: The New Theatre presentsDay of Reckoning, a play by Melody Cooper about the life of Lucy Parsons, wife of labor activist Albert Parsons, who many believe was unjustly convicted and put to death in connection with an 1886 labor demonstration in Chicago that turned violent. Performances are at the New Theatre, 4120 Laguna Street. Times and ticket prices vary. Call 305-443-5909 or visit www.new-theatre.org for more information.
1 and 3 March: The University of Miami Frost School of Music presents Dr. Donald Hodges, who will discuss the effects of music on the brain with two lectures, "What's Going on in There? Peeking into the Music Brain," at 8 p.m. March 1 at the Victor E. Clarke Recital Hall, and "Can Neuroscience Tell Us Whether Music Makes Us Smarter?" at 9 a.m. March 3 in Broby Hall. Both venues are located at the Frost School of Music, 5501 San Amaro Drive. Dr. Hodges is a Distinguished Professor of Music Education and director of the Music Research Institute at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The lecture is part of the Stamps Family Distinguished Visitors Series and is free and open to the public. For more information, call 305-284-4940 or visit www.music.miami.edu on the Web.
3 March: The Gilded Hand presents photographer Roger Miller and his exhibit, "On the Jazz in New Orleans," a collection of black-and-white images captured during the 2005 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The exhibit coincides with the Gables Gallery Night, an open-air celebration of art in downtown Coral Gables, held the first Friday of every month. The Gilded Hand is at 165 Aragon Ave., 305-442-1445.
6-18 March: The Miami Bach Society presents its annual early music celebration, featuring the classical music of Central and South America, written before 1800. Exploring this little-known repertory of Latin American music, the Society presents virtuoso performers playing works from their native countries. Jordi Savall, called "The King of Spain" by The New Yorker magazine, opens the event on March 6 with music from his native Spain. He brings his ensemble, Hesperion XXI, with 23 musicians and singers to perform music from Europe as well as pieces from the Old World taken to the New. Later in the week there will be artists from Bolivia, Guatemala, Argentina, England, France and the United States. Tickets range from $25 to $75 and all students up to and including age 21 are admitted free. Graduate student tickets are $5. For more information, call 305-669-1376 or visit www.miamibachsociety.org on the Web.BACK TO TOP
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