Wednesday, May 17, 2006 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CONTENTS:George Merrick Statue To Be Unveiled In Front of City Hall City To Host Hurricane Preparedness Workshops Direct Connect Your Business Burglar Alarm With Coral Gables Police Do You Have A Question For Your Local Government? Help The City Water Newly Planted Trees And Sod City Beautiful Named Tree City USA For 21st Consecutive Year Oh Say Can You See… Just Say “No” To Driving Alone On May 18 Historic Home Owners Association Meets Tonight How Your Yard Can Survive Hurricane Season Don’t Miss Annual “Tour Of The Gables” 5K Run/Walk Actors’ Playhouse Now Enrolling For Arts Summer Camp Traffic Watch Cultural Roundup - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - George Merrick Statue To Be Unveiled In Front of City Hall >>> In 1927, the Coral Gables City Commission approved “a suitable memorial to Mr. (George) Merrick as the founder and developer of the City” as part of the land conveyance from the Coral Gables Corporation to the newly incorporated City. Three years ago, Coral Gables resident and Garden Club member Betsy Adams discovered that the forgotten resolution had never come to fruition. On Tuesday, May 23, at 4 p.m., a 12-foot bronze statue of George Merrick in a symbolic posture overlooking Miracle Mile will be unveiled in front of City Hall. The historic gift is the result of the tenacity and fundraising ability of the City of Coral Gables Garden Club, a group of volunteers founded in 1925 with just nine members by Merrick’s wife, Eunice Merrick. Today, the Garden Club has 200 active members responsible for the creation of the City Beautiful entrances at Red Road and Coral Way, and Douglas Road and Miracle Mile, among other civic projects. To be unveiled on top of a 6-foot base of coral rock, the George Merrick statue is the work of respected Mississippi sculptor Bill Beckwith, who was commissioned by the Garden Club after an intense search for artists. To fund the monument, the Coral Gables Garden Club has raised more than $200,000 through various events over the last three years, and has received money and in-kind donations from the community and the City of Coral Gables. The event is free and open to the public. To R.S.V.P., please contact the Garden Club at 305-661-2917 or 305-665-7966. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City To Host Hurricane Preparedness Workshops >>> With just a few weeks away before the start of hurricane season, the City of Coral Gables wants to ensure that all residents and businesses are prepared for the next storm. The City’s Public Safety Committee will host two free Hurricane Preparedness Workshops, on Thursday, June 1, 7 p.m. at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center and on Thursday, June 22, 7 p.m. at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Come learn how to prepare yourself to survive on your own for the first 72 hours after a storm. Don’t get caught unprepared to face this year’s possible storms. The Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens at 10901 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables. For additional information, contact Anna Garcia at the Coral Gables Police Department at 305-460-5637. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Direct Connect Your Business Burglar Alarm With Coral Gables Police >>> Stay one step ahead of thieves and connect your burglar alarm directly to the Coral Gables Police Department, in addition to the existing connection that you have with your alarm company. If the burglar alarm is activated, the alarm will ring simultaneously at the alarm company and at the Communications Center of the Coral Gables Police Department. Officers will be immediately dispatched and can often be on the scene within minutes. The Direct Connect program eliminates the time differential between the time when the alarm company is notified to the time that the Coral Gables Police Department is contacted by the alarm company. You may incur a one-time cost from your alarm company if you do not currently have a duplex reporting alarm system. After that, Direct Connect, which is not currently available for residential use, is completely free. For more information on Direct Connect, contact the Police Department Community Affairs Section at 305-460-5401 or click here to print and fill out a response form. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do You Have A Question For Your Local Government? >>> If you have an important question for your local government or a concern you would like to send immediately to City leaders, the City of Coral Gables has an easy way to let your voice be heard. Visit the City’s web site at www.coralgables.com and use the Better Place system, an on-line system to enter a request and track responses. Click on the “Citizen Service Request” accessible at the home page of the City of Coral Gables, and then click on “Enter your new request.” In here you must input your request for information, in addition to your contact information such as telephone or e-mail address, and the category of your inquiry. Once all the information has been submitted, you will receive a request number so that you may track the resolution of your request on-line. For additional information, contact the Information Technology Department at 305-460-5482. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Help The City Water Newly Planted Trees And Sod >>> With the weather predictions of partly sunny, highs in the lower 90s and little chance of rain being right on target in the past few weeks, the City of Coral Gables would appreciate the assistance of residents in watering newly planted trees and sod in your neighborhood. As part of the post-hurricane recovery, City workers so far have planted 642 new trees and 365,000 square feet of fresh sod and are approximately half way through with planting throughout the City. Currently three water trucks are spraying these areas to beat the current drying effects of Mother Nature. Newly planted trees and sod need a lot of care to become established and City workers are working hard to maintain the program, but the task is enormous. So please, if you see a new planted tree in front of your home or a new area of sod in your neighborhood, help the City by watering daily, preferably in early morning, until the rainy season takes over. The City of Coral Gables appreciates your support in maintaining City trees during this important growing time. For additional information, please contact the Public Service Department at 305-460-5134. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City Beautiful Named Tree City USA For 21st Consecutive Year >>> It is hard not to notice the lush trees canopied over sidewalks and streets in the City of Coral Gables. Trees serve as a visible reminder of what makes this city truly beautiful. The National Arbor Day Foundation, for the 21st consecutive year, has named Coral Gables a “Tree City USA.” This prestigious national recognition is more meaningful after last year when, in the aftermath of Hurricanes Wilma and Katrina, the City of Coral Gables lost nearly 2,000 trees. Trees play an essential role in our community and in our lives. One mature tree releases as much oxygen as 10 people inhale in a year. Trees also provide many benefits such as acting as filters for chemicals and sewage, purify the air, slowdown storm water runoff, provide cooling shade, control soil erosion, muffle neighborhood noise and increase the property value of your home. For more information, contact the City’s Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Oh Say Can You See… >>> Do you know the words of “The Star-Spangled Banner”? A recent survey shows that two out of three Americans do not. As a result, the National Association for Music Education began a campaign to re-teach Americans the National Anthem. The City of Coral Gables has joined this campaign to promote patriotism and pride and has been named an “All-Star City” for its commitment to participate in the National Anthem Project. During the May 9th City Commission Meeting, a Certificate of Recognition was presented to the City of Coral Gables for championing the importance of America’s patriotic musical heritage and especially of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” For additional information, contact the Office of Public Affairs at 305-460-5205. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Just Say “No” To Driving Alone On May 18 >>> South Florida Commuter Services, a program of the Florida Department of Transportation, is asking all commuters to and from Coral Gables to participate in the Second Annual Commuter Challenge on Thursday, May 18. Commuters are being asked to say no to high gas prices by leaving their car at home and choosing to carpool, vanpool, to ride the Coral Gables Trolley, county transit or Tri-Rail, or even bike or walk to work. Last year, more than 4,500 commuters took the challenge and the number is expected to double this year. Each employee who registers and participates in the “Commuter Challenge” will be entered for the chance to win a $1,000 commuter package which includes gas, tolls, or transit passes. The business with the most participating employees will receive $1,000 worth of transportation benefits such as transit passes, SunPasses, bicycle racks, or any other transportation needed for the company. For additional information, click here. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Historic Home Owners Association Meets Tonight >>> At 7 p.m., the Historic Home Owners Association of Coral Gables will host their annual membership meeting at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue. The public is invited to attend and hear architect Jorge L. Hernandez speak on the design and plan for the new Coral Gables Museum. Hernandez has been commissioned to design the renovation of the City of Coral Gables old fire house, future home of the Coral Gables Museum. Photographer Robert Klemm, author of “Landscapes of Coral Gables” will also sign copies of his pictorial book. For more information, contact Lisa DeNunzio at 305-445-6740. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - How Your Yard Can Survive Hurricane Season >>> Hurricanes have always been a threat to the South Florida landscape, but recent trends make preparing your yard for this year’s hurricane season even more important. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden presents a class on “How Your Yard Can Survive Hurricane Season” on Saturday, May 20, from 9-11 a.m. Pre-registration is required. This class will teach you how to prepare your yard before the hurricane season begins, as well as what to do after a hurricane strikes. Sound horticulture principles will be brought to light and tough hurricane veteran plants will be named and discussed. This course is a must for newcomers to South Florida. Fee is $45 per person. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables. For more information, contact Paula Fernandez de los Muros at 305-667-1651, ext. 3392. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don’t Miss Annual “Tour Of The Gables” 5K Run/Walk >>> >>> This Saturday is your opportunity to participate in the 11th Annual Baptist Health Tour of the Gables 5K Race and Walk presented by the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. The run or walk begins and ends at City Hall at 405 Biltmore Way on Saturday, May 20, at 7:30 a.m. and tours through scenic parts of Coral Gables. Proceeds of the event will go toward local community charitable organizations. For information on sponsorships, contact Linda Reynolds at 305-446-1657. To register on-line, click here. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Actors’ Playhouse Now Enrolling For Arts Summer Camp >>> Actor’s Playhouse is now accepting enrollment for the Conservatory Summer Children’s Camp and Teen One-Act Showcase. The summer camp will help children to hone skills in action for theatre, camera and musical theatre, as well as develop self-esteem and greater communications skills. The Summer Theater Camp will run in two sessions, the first one from June 5 through June 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the second session from July 3 to July 28, same days and hours. The Teen One-Act Showcase will be held June 19 through July 28, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Many of the program students have become important regional actors and have appeared on Broadway and in national road tours. For additional information, call the Actor’s Playhouse at 305-444-9293, ext 606 or click here. BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Traffic Watch >>> Construction on the Ponce de Leon Median Improvement Project is currently in its final stages, with construction of the median now underway. Areas around the construction area 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. > Improvements on Le Jeune Road continue: From S.W. 9 Street to S.W. 16 Street, the southbound corridor will be closed on Le Jeune Road. A barrier wall will be placed on the westside 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. The watermain installation, drainage and concrete work will also be performed along Le Jeune Road. Detour signs and access for local traffic for businesses and residences that travel from Le Jeune Road to westside streets will be posted at S.W. 13 Terrace. Local traffic on side streets, from S.W. 9 Street to S.W. 15 Street, will have access to enter Le Jeune Road, southbound only. > Also, the northbound corridor on Le Jeune Road will be closed from S.W. 9 Street to S.W. 14th Street. Detours signs and access for local traffic will be posted at various locations. Direct access to and from Le Jeune Road will be provided for S.W. 13 Terrace and S.W. 13 Street. Access for local traffic on side streets will be available via S.W. 41 Avenue. Access for local traffic only for S.W. 11 Street will be provided through the work zone. > Beginning on Monday, May 22nd, single lane closures will occur at the south end of S.W. 40th Street/Bird Road at the intersection of Palmarito Street from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. while workers perform drainage installations. This work is scheduled to take approximately one month. For more information, please contact Carlos Sarmiento at 305-499-2410. The following event-related street closures may also impact
traffic: 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. May 19: The Third Annual CubaLibre Block Party takes place on Friday beginning at 4 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Presented by Globe Café at the 300 block of Alhambra Circle in Downtown Coral Gables, the event celebrates Cuba’s rich cultural heritage with a night of traditional music featuring Willy Chirino, Avana, Anabel and Y Ke o Ke. For more information contact 305-445-3555 or click here. May 21: Sunday Afternoons of Music for Children presents the Miami City Ballet Dancers in Come Dance with Us, an interactive journey through the process of preparing a ballet performance, from start to finish. Children in the audience will be invited to come on stage and learn some basic steps and partnering. Performances at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, Phillip & Patricia Frost School of Music, University of Miami, 1314 Miller Drive in Coral Gables. Tickets are $12 adults and $10 children. For more information, call 305-271-7150 or click here. May 19 & 20: The jungle is jumping with jazz when Miami Children’s Theater presents Disney’s Jungle Book at the Coral Gables Youth Center Theater, 405 University Drive. Join Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the gang as they swing their way through madcap adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan. Specially adapted from the beloved film, this musical includes all your favorite Disney tunes, like “The Bare Necessities,” and “I Wan’na Be Like You.” Performances take place at 8 p.m. on May 19 and 20. Tickets purchased in advanced are $12 for general admission and $10 for children. Tickets purchased at the door are $15-$20. For more information, contact 305-274-3595. Through June 3: The Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents the world premier of The Boy From Russia, written by Miami playwright Susan Westfall. The play is a heartwarming story about how a couple’s dream to expand their family takes them on a journey to Russia. The Miracle Theatre is located at 280 Miracle Mile. Performance dates and ticket prices vary. For more information, call 305-444-9293 or click here.BACK TO TOP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - For e-News en español, click here. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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