Wednesday, November 16, 2005
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CONTENTS:
Progress Made in Post-Wilma Efforts
People Helping People
City Workers Receive Messages of
Appreciation
Take Precautions Before
Hiring Contractors
Programs Keep
Coral Gables Seniors Healthy
Police
Department Starts Youth Driving Safety Program
‘Tis The Season To Be Jolly
Traffic Watch
Cultural Events
Roundup
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Progress Made in
Post-Wilma Efforts >>> Municipal workers and
contractors have been working relentlessly during the last two weeks to
improve the conditions of the City after the impact of Hurricane Wilma.
With power restored to homes last week, residents are concentrating on the
cleanup process of their homes and neighborhoods. The following is an
update onyour local government’s efforts in the restoration
process:
Coral
Gables workers began the first citywide pass-through for collection of
tree debris on Thursday, October 27 -just days after the latest hurricane
hit the area. Operations are moving rapidly in more than 40 separate
geographic zones and will continue for weeks until the last pile is
collected. The removal of hanging branches from City trees will also
be accomplished by contractors as part of the recovery process. The
collection of household refuse such as old furniture, or appliances, and
cardboard boxes (excluding garbage) has been temporarily suspended.
Residents should not place these materials out for collection until after
service resumes. Garbage collection is running on a regular schedule.
Regular recycling collection resumed on Monday, November 7. Any issues
involving City-owned trees that may have fallen on private property must
be reported immediately to 305-460-5135.
The previously announced Town Meeting by the
City of Coral Gables to discuss emergency response operations has been
rescheduled since the recovery process has been extended. The new date
will allow the opportunity to those who are still working in the recovery
process to attend and participate. The new date is Tuesday, December 13,
7:30 p.m. at the Coral Gables Country Club, 997 North Greenway Drive. City
representatives will be on hand to discuss emergency planning and
preparation, response, and recovery efforts including all phases of damage
assessment, debris removal, and other aspects including special needs.
Representatives from Florida Power and Light, Bellsouth, Comcast and
Adelphia will also be present in order to directly address issues about
restoration of electricity, phone and cable services.For
further information, please contact the City Manager’s Office at
305-460-5206.
The
Youth Center field is still closed due to severe damage to the lighting
system. The City is finding alternate sites for practices and games. For
more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at
305-460-5600.
Parking enforcement is now in effect. The Coral Gables
Trolley is running on normal schedules and routes.
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People Helping
People >>> In the
aftermath of Hurricane Wilma, many concerned residents offered their
valuable time to lend a helping hand. Among them were the members of the
Coral Gables RACES Team, who assisted the City’s Emergency Management
efforts and volunteered their time to communicate vital information over
ham radios when other forms of communications were not operable. Working
under the leadership of Captain Michael Erwin and assisted by the City’s
Video Production Manager Joe Keefe were George Abrams, David Allen, Henry
Caballero, Felipe Calderon, Michael Erwin, David Fernandez, Jim Hirshman,
Annie Morris, Don Morris, Tom Morris, Virgil Salisbury, Jason Swift,
Arturo Valdes-Fauli, Brandon Watson, and Jeff
Wright.
A message of
appreciation also goes to the following volunteers who acted as members of
the Neighborhood Information Center Teams that visited Coral Gables homes
and businesses after Hurricane Wilma to provide information and
assistance: John Arthur, Lettie Bien, Ed Brownell, Wayne Drake, Douglas
Hafner, Charles Johnson, Tamara Jones, Manuel Morales, Miles McGrane,
Frank Panebianco, Judy Pantoja, Al Pereira, Ray Poblocki, John Sorgie,
Catherine Stewart, Kathy Terry, and Sara
Vilat.
Finally, the
following members of the Coral Gables Police Explores, the Coral Gables
Fire Explores, the Coral Gables Police Athletic League, and the Coral
Gables Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.) Chapter assisted
in the distribution of seven truck loads of food, water and ice to
residents after the storm: Lilibet Aquino, Armando Alvarez, James
Chohonis, Alicia Davis, Andrew Davis, Daniel Diaz, Amanda Digiacomo,
Gregory Di Carlo, Raymond Duenas, Geronimo Fernandez, Joseph Freyre,
Andrew Herbert, Tamara del Rio, Isis Luna, Reinaldo Morales, Nicole
Pellon, Michelle Perez, Vivien Rodriguez, Brian Sellers, Cristal Smith,
Heather Smith and Samantha Victor. The City of Coral Gables appreciates
the remarkable spirit of cooperation of all these volunteers who showed
great leadership in this time of need.
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City Workers Receive
Messages of Appreciation >>> Many grateful residents who
saw firsthand the hard work of City crews in the monumental tasks of
recovery after the hurricane have been sending messages of appreciation
for a job well done. The City of Coral Gables would like to thank all
those residents who took the time to write a note of appreciation to the
many dedicated City employees, many of whom also had damaged homes and
families dealing without power for days.
Resident Georgia Penn Noble wrote: “The City of
Coral Gables did a fabulous job cleaning up after Wilma. The following day
as my daughter and I were out cleaning up the yard, City firefighters
checked with us and our neighbors to see if we were okay. They also tested
the fire hydrant to make sure it was operational. Our power was restored
quickly, and tree debris was removed within two weeks… My husband,
children and myself have lived in Coral Gables for over ten years and we
plan always to live in this wonderful city as long as we reside in South
Florida.”
This
message was sent to Public Service Director Dan Keys from Mary Lynch:
“Mr. Keys, I know this has been a trying fall for you and your
department. I am writing to tell you what a wonderful job your
department did in getting our street up and running. The trash has
been cleared and the trees trimmed. If the trees weren't so bare from the
storm, one would never know we had a hurricane. I can see your
department is working hard to restore Coral Gables to the City
Beautiful. Thank you so much on behalf of the residents of the 1000
block of Cotorro.”
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Take Precautions Before Hiring
Contractors >>> Many
Coral Gables residents are hiring for contractors to make repairs to their
property from damage caused by Hurricane Wilma. Following a disaster, the
demand for qualified contractors usually exceeds the supply, opening the
door for unlicensed contractors or rip-off artists, who may overcharge,
perform shoddy work or skip town without finishing the job. Because many
legitimate, licensed home repair companies are booked for months, anxious
homeowners who are eager to repair their property may neglect to take the
usual precautions when hiring contractors.
To avoid
unnecessary hassle and extra expenses and to ensure that home repairs are
done correctly and to code, follow these tips:Deal only
with licensed and insured contractors and verify the track record of any
roofer, builder or contractor; ask for a list of recent customers and get
recommendations from friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, insurance
agents or claims adjusters; check with the local consumer protection
agency, building officials, and the Better Business Bureau to see if
complaints have been lodged against any contractor you're considering;
don’t rush into a contract, and get a written estimate that includes any
oral promises the contractor made; ask if there's a charge for an estimate
before allowing anyone into your home;ask for explanations for price
variations, and don't automatically choose the lowest bidder; get a copy
of the final, signed contract before the job begins; resist dealing with
any contractor who asks you to pay for the entire job up-front; don't pay
cash and pay only by check or credit card and pay the final amount only
after the work is completed to your satisfaction; be skeptical of
contractors who encourage you to spend a lot of money on temporary
repairs; ask a knowledgeable friend, relative or attorney to review a home
repair contract before you sign; if you get a loan to pay for the work, be
cautious about using your home as
security.
Remember that if you don't repay the loan as
agreed, you could lose your home. If you suspect a repair rip-off, call
the Dade County Consumer Protection Division at 305-375-4222.
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Programs Keep Coral Gables Seniors Healthy >>>The City of Coral Gables invites
seniors who are 55 and older to a free education session about Healthy
Food Alternatives for Holiday Meals. A complimentary lunch will be served
and a demonstration of a meal preparation will be presented by guests
Melissa Coel and Nikki Guess from the Center on Nutrition and Aging at
Florida International University. The menu will be based on a traditional
Thanksgiving meal, which will be adapted to satisfy current dietary
guidelines. The event takes place on Friday, November 18, 11 a.m. at the
War Memorial Youth Center Theater, 405 University Drive. Participants must
R.S.V.P. by November 11 by calling 305-460-5609. Also, Coral Gables
seniors who are 65 and older can receive a Free Flu Shot and Health
Screening on Saturday, November 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coral
Gables Fire Station #2, 525 South Dixie Highway. This service is provided
by the Dade County Health Department. For more information, call the Parks
and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.
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Police Department
Starts Youth Driving Safety Program >>> Trying to foster better
communications between teenagers and their parents about the importance of
safe driving, the Coral Gables Police Department has developed a new
program called “SafeGuard.” The program, which is now in effect, is very
simple: when a driver between the ages of 15 and 17 receives a traffic
ticket, the Department will send a letter to the youth’s parents, advising
them of the citation. This letter will hopefully initiate conversation
between the parents and the young driver about safe driving. For more
information, call Lt. Paul Miyares at 305-460-5465.
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‘Tis The Season To Be
Jolly >>> A much
welcome rest from hurricane fatigue is the fast approaching holiday
season. The City’s Santa’s Workshop is the perfect opportunity for
children ages 5-12 to enjoy a few hours in December creating gifts and
ornaments while mom and dad help Santa with holiday shopping. Children can
participate on Saturday, December 3 or 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the
War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive. Registration deadline and
fees are as follows: November 5 and $22 for members, November 12 and $29
for residents, November 19 and $22 for non-resident members, and November
26 and $36 for non-residents. Also, don’t miss Coral Gables Senior High’s
“Band of Distinction” on Saturday, November 19, at 4 p.m. The band will be
leading the “Miracle on 136th Street Parade” around The Falls Shopping
Center in anticipation of the holidays.
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Traffic Watch
>>> Construction on the
Ponce de Leon Median Improvement Projects is currently on the final stages
of Phase Two. The following measures continue to be implemented:
> Sidewalk construction continues on the
intersections along the west side of Ponce de Leon Boulevard, from Alcazar
Avenue heading south.
> The four traffic
lanes on Ponce de Leon Boulevard continue to be shifted to the
east.
> 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.
> The valet service adjacent to Houston's, at the
corner of Ponce de Leon Boulevard and Miracle Mile, has been moved to
Miracle Mile.
> Alleys perpendicular to
Ponce de Leon Boulevard and within the boundaries of the construction area
will be monitored to make sure vehicles are not blocking the
alleyways.
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Cultural Events Roundup >>> The following cultural events
were announced recently. Dates and times may change, so please call ahead
of time. For a complete list of current and upcoming events in Coral
Gables, click here.
> November 17.
World-renowned lute player Hopkinson Smith comes to Plymouth
Congregational Church, 3500 Devon Road, at 8 p.m. to perform for the Miami
Bach Society. Entitled “The Winds of Change,” his program will include
works from England, Italy, and France from the early 17th Century. Tickets
are $25 general admission or $35 preferred admission. All students under
the age of 21 are admitted free with student identification card and
others are admitted for $5. For more information, visit www.miamibachsociety.org or
call 305-669-1376.
>
December 1. The unveiling of the Coral Gables Country Club
historic marker takes place at 4 p.m. in front of the Club’s entrance on
997 North Greenway Drive. The event is free and open to the public. For
more information, contact 305-460-5206.
> December 2-31. The New Theatre, 4120
Laguna Street, presents the world premiere of “Ladies and Not So Gentle
Women,” a play by Alfred Allan Lewis about the lives of several famous
women of New York and Paris high society. Performances on Thursday, Friday
and Saturday are at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 and 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $55.
For more information, visit www.new-theatre.org or call
305-443-5909.
>
December 3. The Growing Place of the First United Methodist
Church of Coral Gables will host its annual Art Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2
p.m. on the corner of Biltmore Way and Hernando Street. Artists interested
in participating should contact 305-441-7042. Admission is free to the
public.
> December 3-May 31,
2006. A breathtaking art exhibit by glass sculptor Dale
Chihuly takes place at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Fairchild will
extend its hours every Thursday night from 6-8 p.m. for visitors to enjoy
Tropical Chihuly Nights. Visitors will experience spectacular views with
dramatic lighting set against the Garden’s stunning landscapes. Admission
is $20 for members, $15 for children members (ages 6-18), $30 for
non-members, $20 for children non-members (ages 6-18), and free for
children 5 and under. For exhibit information visit www.fairchildgarden.org or call
305-667-1651.
> December
10. The City of Coral Gables invites
you to a Holiday Open House at the lovingly restored Coral Gables Merrick
House, 907 Coral Way, home of City founder George Merrick. The event takes
place on Saturday, December 10, 1-4 p.m. Join us for refreshments,
the musical entertainment of Juan Areco, and tours through the home. The
event is free and open to the public.
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