Wednesday, December 1, 2004
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CONTENTS:Coral Gables Merrick House Grand Reopening
Revised Schedule for Zoning Code Rewrite
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Merrick Park
Coral Gables Fire Department excels in cutting edge patient care
Restoration of Historic Preservation Projects
Become a volunteer docent at the Merrick House
Holiday safety tips
2004 Annual Caroling Competition
Bach Society presents: A Concert of French Christmas Music
Charity Golf Tournament at the Biltmore Hotel
Employee of the Month: Trish Rodriguez
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Coral Gables Merrick House Grand Reopening >>> Join the City of Coral Gables as it celebrates the grand reopening and holiday open house of the newly restored home of Coral Gables founder George Merrick. The event will showcase the renovations of this celebrated home, which include the installation of new flooring, the refurbishment of the wooden staircase, as well as the upgrading of the kitchen and air-conditioning system. The festivities are co-presented by the City of Coral Gables and the Coral Gables Merrick House Governing Board and will take place on Saturday, December 11, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at 907 Coral Way. Refreshments, musical entertainment by Juan Areco and tours through the home will be provided to all guests. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, please contact 305-460-5095.
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Revised Schedule for Zoning Code Rewrite >>> Once again residents of Coral Gables have a great opportunity in the upcoming weeks to get involved in the rewrite of the Zoning Code. In order to provide ample time to review the proposed code, a revised schedule for the rewrite will be presented and discussed at the December 14, City Commission meeting in the City Hall Chambers. The revised Code and schedule will be available at www.coralgables.com upon City Commission approval. The next public hearing, scheduled for December 7 will also be postponed until further notice. For more information, please call 305-460-5211.
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Tree Lighting Ceremony at Merrick Park >>> Come and celebrate the holidays and a fun-filled evening as Mayor Donald Slesnick and the Coral Gables City Commission host the annual 2004 Holiday Spectacular and Tree Lighting Ceremony at Merrick Park, in front of City Hall, at 405 Biltmore Way. The event which takes place on Friday, December 3, from 5-10 p.m. will feature a variety of activities, ranging from live musical performances to pictures with the featured guest, Santa Claus. At 7 p.m., the real magic takes place as the Holiday Tree Lighting begins followed by the awaited arrival of Santa Claus and the skillful performances from the Actor's Playhouse Children's Musical Choir. This event is free and open to the public. For more information regarding the featured activities, please contact Fred Couceyro from the Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.
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Coral Gables Fire Department excels in cutting edge patient care >>> Thanks to the initiative of the Fire Department's Emergency Medical Services, the City of Coral Gables has become a leader in the use of an innovative procedure known as Rapid Sequence Intubations (RSI). The RSI procedure, which is now used at all times on the City rescue units, was used most recently during a very serious emergency rescue operation that ultimately saved the life of a patient. Congratulations to the City of Coral Gables for being the first municipality in Miami-Dade to use this RSI procedure on a full-time basis.
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Restoration of Historic Preservation Projects >>> Currently, the City of Coral Gables is repairing and restoring many of the historically significant fountains, plazas and entrances that date back to the 1920's. Some of the most important completed projects have involved the historical restoration of the Ponce de Leon Plaza, the City Hall Cupola, the roof at the Miracle Theater and the complete renovation of the Merrick House. The City will continue to restore and preserve the many culturally significant structures which are so unique to the City Beautiful. For more information, contact 305-460-5093.
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Become a volunteer docent at the Merrick House >>> Interested in learning about local history and culture? Then, come join the Merrick House Docents and make life-long friends who share an interest in history and the arts. The City of Coral Gables Historical Resources Department is calling for volunteers to serve as docents for the historic Coral Gables Merrick House located at 907 Coral Way. Interested individuals, who would like to devote one or two afternoons per month, may attend the orientation sessions that will be held at the Coral Gables Merrick House on Wednesday, January 13, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 15, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. If you would like more information about this volunteer opportunity or to RSVP for the orientation sessions, please contact Mary-Agnes Beach, Museum Curator at 305-460-5095.
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Holiday safety tips >>> As the holiday season approaches, the Coral Gables Police Department offers a helpful tip as residents drive around town to purchase the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Always be aware of your surroundings while standing at checkout lines in shops, restaurants and grocery stores. Too easily, individuals standing close to you, can use a cellular phone to take a picture of your credit card in order to commit this type of identification theft. So remember, take extra care while out and about this holiday season in order to prevent unfortunate circumstances. For more information, contact the Police Department at 305-442-1600.
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2004 Annual Caroling Competition >>> Kick off the holiday festivities at this year's Junior Orange Bowl Caroling Competition. The caroling competition, which has become a holiday tradition in the City Beautiful, will take place on Wednesday, December 1 through Saturday, December 4 from 7 to 10 p.m. and Sunday, December 5 from 3 to 6 p.m. Join the different school-children as they perform free concerts on the steps of the 550 Biltmore Way building each evening. Winners return on Tuesday, December 7 to perform a short program and receive awards. For more information, call 305-419-4180.
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Bach Society presents: A Concert of French Christmas Music >>> On Sunday, November 28, 2004 at 4:00 p.m., the Miami Bach Society, a grant recipient of the City of Coral Gables will host a concert entitled Joyeux Noel. The program includes French Noels as well as variations in works by Lelande, Balbastre, Daquin and other French Baroque composers. The concert will be held at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral located at 464 N.E. 16th Street. Tickets to the concert are $25 for general admission and all students under the age of 21 are admitted free. For more information or to order tickets, call the Miami Bach Society at 305-669-1376.
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Charity Golf Tournament at the Biltmore Hotel >>> The Coral Gables-based World Olympians Association (WOA), in conjunction with the Easter Seals, will sponsor the Easter Seals Annual Golf Tournament at the Biltmore Golf Course, 1200 Anastasia Avenue on Friday, December 10, 8:30 a.m. Participants will have the chance to meet inspiring Olympic athletes and contribute to the Easter Seals Foundation. For more information call 305-446-6440.
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Employee of the Month: Trish Rodriguez >>> Congratulations to Trish Rodriguez, who is the City of Coral Gables Employee of the Month for December. Trish, who is a Community Affairs Assistant for the Police Department, has been honored for her exemplary level of service during the City's emergency preparations throughout the hurricane season. During the season, Trish demonstrated her full professionalism by providing constant information to more than 2,000 residents looking for answers regarding the hurricane situation. The City is honored to have such a dedicated and helpful employee! To view a video clip that discusses Trish's accomplishments at the City, click here.
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