Wednesday, December 27, 2006
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CONTENTS:Let's Throw A Parade!
No Parking Enforcement During Gallery Nights
Help Is Here For Opening Small Businesses
Gables Delegations Visit Guatemalan Sister City
Caroling Now Showing At Coral Gables Television
Gables Receives State Historic District Grant
Native American Sculpture On Exhibit At Ponce Circle Park
Driving Correctly Through Traffic Circles
Last Chance To Nominate Best Landscaped Property
Coral Gables Senior High Takes First Place
Making Life Easier For Seniors With Hearing Loss
Traffic
Events Roundup
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Let's Throw A Parade! >>> Marching bands, colorful floats and lots of community pride will be on display at the 58th Junior Orange Bowl Parade, a must-see for all ages on Saturday, December 30, beginning at 7 p.m. Join hosts Jill Beach and Joe Keefe as they describe for the audience and television viewers this dazzling spectacle that has become the City's signature event during the holidays. This year, the parade theme is "A Caribbean Adventure" highlighting festive tropical nights, fun under the sun, and even a few pirates along the way. The parade will be broadcasted live on Coral Gables Television, Channel 77 for those with Comcast service. To ensure a successful parade, streets around the area will be closed as listed. Biltmore Way from Le Jeune Road to the fork at Andalusia Avenue will be closed prior to the event. On the day of the parade, beginning at Noon, the following streets will be closed: Alhambra Circle (Le Jeune Road to Merrick Way) and Biltmore Way (north side from the fork at Andalusia Avenue to Segovia Street). Starting at 3 p.m., the following streets will be closed: Biltmore Way (Anderson Road to Segovia Street); Segovia Street (Coral Way to Valencia Avenue) and Alhambra Circle (Blocks 100, 200, 300 & 400). Starting at 5:15 p.m. the following parade route will be closed for vehicles: Miracle Mile (Ponce de Leon Boulevard to Le Jeune Road), Ponce de Leon Boulevard (Miracle Mile to Alhambra Circle), Biltmore Way (Hernando Street to Segovia Street), Alhambra Circle/Plaza (Le Jeune Road to Merrick Way), and all perimeter streets surrounding the parade route. Starting at 6 p.m. Le Jeune Road north and south of City Hall will be closed. Streets will reopen after the conclusion of the parade. Tickets will be sold on parade night at the Junior Orange Bowl Ticket Booth located in Merrick Park, beginning at Noon. For additional information, call the Junior Orange Bowl Committee at 305-662-1210 or click here.
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No Parking Enforcement During Gallery Nights >>> On January 5, February 2 and March 2, enthusiasts of Gallery Nights can enjoy an unexpected perk: no parking enforcement between the hours of 6-10 p.m. Parking on City garages will also be free during these hours. The decision was made as a trial basis to entice more patronage of Gallery Night, an event held the first Friday of every month where art lovers stroll through the City's gallery venues. For more information, contact the City of Coral Gables Public Affairs Office at 305-460-5205.
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Help Is Here For Opening Small Businesses >>> If your New Year's resolution is to open a small business in Coral Gables, there's a friendly face in the Building and Zoning Department that will help you through the process. Small Business Coordinator Jose Gomez is now in charge of assisting those who are opening a new business or trying to relocate in Coral Gables. Gomez will guide applicants through any change of occupancy issues or will refer the application to the Development Review Committee. If any problems occur in the process, he will be ready to assist business owners in receiving attention from the proper department. Gomez will ensure that merchants in Coral Gables receive user friendly information on the steps involved in opening a business in the municipality. Gomez also offers similar guidance to residential property owners who are making construction enhancements or repairs to their own homes. To contact Jose Gomez, contact the City of Coral Gables Building and Zoning Department at 305-569-1803.
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Gables Delegations Visit Guatemalan Sister City >>> Representatives from the City of Coral Gables Fire Department visited Sister City of La Antigua, Guatemala last month to deliver much needed emergency equipment. Fire Chief Richard Cook delivered several key pieces of technologically advanced fire equipment to assist La Antigua Fire Department. A Thermal Imaging Camera -which can be worn by firefighters to assist in locating victims trapped in a fire and also used to find fires hidden behind walls- was donated along with two Automatic External Defibrillators to assist patients who experience cardiac arrest. This is not the first collaboration between these two fire departments united by a strong sister city relationship since 1993. The City of Coral Gables previously donated a fire truck to La Antigua, which is still being used today. In October, representatives from the Coral Gables International Affairs Coordinating Council also traveled to La Antigua for four days to discuss programs of mutual benefit to these two municipalities.
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Caroling Now Showing At Coral Gables Television >>> Watch the outstanding performances of local youth during this holiday season by tuning to Coral Gables Television, which can be viewed on Channel 77 if you have Comcast cable service. You can view the Awesome Auburndale Achievers, also known as the Triple A chorus, performing at the main staircase of the Colonnade Hotel. This elementary school group combines both deaf and hearing students to interpret holiday music. To view the Triple A chorus, click here. You can also admire the winners of the Junior Orange Bowl Caroling Competition, including the Westminster Christian School in an adorable performance of Santa Baby. To view this talented vocal group, click here.
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Gables Receives State Historic District Grant >>> The City of Coral Gables will designate more historic districts, thanks to a grant received by the Florida Department of State. Recently, the state awarded the City $20,000 to survey other areas that can be designated as historic. Coral Gables currently has more than 200 locally designated properties, including 11 local historic districts for a total of 600 protected properties, making this municipality a national model for the preservation of properties of historic and architectural significance. The areas within Coral Gables that are being considered for historic designation include residences in Alcazar Avenue, Alhambra Circle, Castile Avenue/Plaza, Country Club Prado, Obispo Avenue and Santa Maria Street. These areas represent homes built in a variety of sizes and styles that represent a cross-section what City founder George Merrick attempted to create. For more information on this project, contact Kara Kautz from the City of Coral Gables Historical Resources Department at 305-460-5090.
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Native American Sculpture On Exhibit At Ponce Circle Park >>> "Kachina Symbolism IV" is the sculpture in bronze now on exhibition through June of 2007 at Fred B. Harnett/Ponce Circle Park, 2810 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Sculpture artist Dan Namingha, born and raised on the Hopi reservation in northeastern Arizona, is an internationally known contemporary artist whose works are in significant public and private collections throughout the world. Drawing and painting was a natural part of Hopi childhood. Growing up in an Indian reservation gave Namingha a way to express personal strong feelings about culture and environment leading to a path of creative freedom. One-man exhibitions have been held at the Fogg Art Museum of Boston, The Carnegie Mellon of Pennsylvania, The Palm Springs Art Museum of California and numerous others. In 1983 an exhibition of his works traveled throughout Europe for four years sponsored by the United States Information Agency. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, "Dan Namingha may well be the most gifted, original and important Native American painter currently at work."
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Driving Correctly Through Traffic Circles >>> Driving through a traffic circle can be a dangerous proposition, especially if unfamiliar with the rules of the road. Many drivers do not follow the rules while driving through a traffic circle causing unnecessary accidents. Traffic circles and roundabouts are designed and installed to improve traffic flow and reduce traffic crashes. Most roundabouts and traffic circles do not require stopping, which allows vehicles to move continuously through intersections at the same low speed. Traffic circles are designed to move all traffic through a counterclockwise direction. Vehicles approaching the traffic circles or roundabouts yield to circulating traffic, however, drivers must obey all signs to determine the correct right-of-way in the roundabout and traffic circles. In the City of Coral Gables, there are currently 48 traffic circles as a result of the Traffic Calming Program. If you have a traffic calming concern in your neighborhood, call the City of Coral Gables Public Works Department at 305-460-5018.
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Last Chance To Nominate Best Landscaped Property >>> December 31 is the last day to send nominations for the Landscape Beautification Awards. Homeowners, professional landscapers, neighbors and the general public are welcomed to submit nominations for the Landscape Beautification Awards. The awards are not restricted to single family homes. Commercial properties are also encouraged to participate. Nomination forms are available at the Public Service Department by clicking here. For more information, call the City of Coral Gables Public Service Department at 305-460-5131.
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Coral Gables Senior High Takes First Place >>> There is no debating Coral Gables Senior High School 's Debate Team is in a class of its own. After competing with over 24 teams from schools throughout South Florida, Coral Gables Senior High's debate team rose above the rest, taking home three awards at the Nova High Speech and Debate Tournament. Student Michael Levenstein was the first place champion in the Lincoln Douglas Debate in a one-on- one philosophical debate where he had to argue for and against victims using lethal force in reacting to repeated abuse. Michael Neal also clenched the first place championship in the Extemporaneous Speaking category where he drew topics from a hat and was allowed 15 minutes to eloquently prepare a 6-minute speech. Michael's topics included the United States' negotiation with Iran and Syria to bring peace in Iraq and how will the election of Daniel Ortega affect U.S. relations with Nicaragua. Finally Michael Lopez and Chris Howard came in fourth place in the category of Duo Interpretation where the team had to memorize part of the recent Broadway play "The Producers" and act it out in a creative way without looking at each other, among other rules. This is the first time in 10 years Coral Gables Senior High School receives such prestigious awards and accolades in this area of study. Congratulations to Coral Gables High!
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Making Life Easier For Seniors With Hearing Loss >>> Don't miss the January 12th "Tea & Talk" lecture at 12 Noon at the War Memorial Youth Center Theater, designed for residents 55 years of age and older. Speaker Felix A. Cernuda from the Florida Telecommunications Relay Inc. will talk about equipment designed for individuals with hearing and vision loss, speech impediments and loss of mobility. The talk is presented by the Deaf Services Bureau Inc. Although no equipment will be distributed at this event, residents can be informed of what is available at no cost to Florida residents who meet certain criteria. The War Memorial Youth Center is located at 405 University Drive. To reserve a spot, please contact Helen Barnfather at the City of Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5609.
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Traffic >>> Le Jeune Road from S.W. Eighth Street to Alhambra Circle: The Florida Department of Transportation has shifted all traffic to the southbound side of Le Jeune Road between S.W. Eighth Street and Alhambra Circle. Work is now being completed along the northbound side of Le Jeune Road. Traffic flow will remain in this configuration for approximately the next four months while construction work is completed in this area. During this phase of construction, one lane will remain open in each direction and access to residences and businesses will continue. Contractors have made great progress with this project and will now focus on completing drainage, lighting, sidewalk, curb and gutter work, and resurfacing the road during this phase of construction. The side streets of Madeira and Alcazar Avenues have been affected by watermain and lateral pipe installations associated with this project. Drivers can expect temporary lane closures between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., however access to local traffic will be maintained at all times. Expect delays if traveling through the area.
> Le Jeune Road from Alhambra Circle to South Dixie Highway: Construction on Le Jeune Road has been expanded south to South Dixie Highway. A single lane closure will continue on the outer southbound lane on Le Jeune Road between Andalusia Avenue to the north and Ponce de Leon Boulevard to the south near Dixie Highway. The lane closure will be in effect between 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. A single lane closure will also affect northbound traffic on Le Jeune Road as the outer northbound lane closes from Zamora Avenue south to Ponce de Leon Boulevard before reaching Dixie Highway also between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. You may encounter traffic delays in the area as crews pour concrete, update sidewalks, lighting and draining systems and resurface the road. All access to side streets for residents and businesses will remain open.
> Construction of a building will affect traffic on the outer northbound lane of Le Jeune Road between Palermo and Sevilla Avenues. The outer lane will experience intermittent closures from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. as private contractors work on sidewalk and curb reconstruction. For more information on any of these projects, call Public Information Specialist for the Florida Department of Transportation Carlos Sarmiento at 305-499-2410.
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Events 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 family 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, a remarkable example of South Florida architecture, is located at 907 Coral Way. For more information, call 305-460-5095.
First Friday of The Month: Art lovers flock to Coral Gables the first Friday of every month for Gallery Night. Boasting dozens of galleries, Coral Gables is the premier destination for art and cultural events. The City offers free trolley service to most of the galleries locations from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Some galleries will feature musicians for your entertainment. For a list of art galleries in Coral Gables, click here.
December 29: Moving from your childhood neighborhood can be traumatic for a teenager. Imagine being forced to move to another country. That's the real life tale of journalist Mirta Ojito who crossed the Florida Straits during the massive influx of Cubans into the States in 1980. Ojito will be discussing her new book written in Spanish, titled Tomorrow: Memories of a Cuban Exodus, at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue, at 8 p.m. For more information call Books & Books at 305-442-4408.
December 30: Come out to enjoy the 58th Junior Orange Bowl Parade. Hundreds of children, colorful floats and marching bands will fill the streets of the parade route during this year's Caribbean Adventure theme. The Junior Orange Bowl Parade is a dazzling spectacle that you shouldn't miss. The big event will take place on Saturday at 7 p.m. on Biltmore Way and Segovia Street then north on Ponce de Leon Boulevard to Alhambra Circle. For more information call 305-662-1210.
December 30 - January 28: GableStage presents the southeastern premier of David Mamet's Romance. The theatrical performance takes place in a traditional courtroom setting; that's about the only thing traditional about this performance. The show will touch on several controversial issues which will stir up all sorts of emotions. Show times are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Ticket prices vary from $34 to $40 depending on the performance. GableStage is located at the Biltmore Hotel on 1200 Anastasia Avenue. For more information call 305-445-1119.
January 3: Seniors, bring a picnic and your friends to enjoy a lovely night of a Folks Blues Music Under the Stars at the Barnacle Historic State Park. The bus leaves the Coral Gables Youth Center at 5 p.m. and returns at approximately 10 p.m. Today is the last day to make reservations for the trip which costs $20 for residents and $25 for non-residents. The fee includes transportation and entrance into the park. Call 305-460-5609 to reserve your spot.
January 3: Calling all aspiring young performers in Coral Gables. The Miami Children's Theater is putting out a casting call for the future production of Cinderella. Auditions for the Cinderella play will be held Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the War Memorial Youth Center Theater, 405 University Drive. Please come prepared with a song and monologue. For more information call 305-274-3595.
January 6: Start the New Year learning a new dance. The seductive and improvisational moves of Argentine Tango will be taught at the War Memorial Youth Center. Enrollment is now open and classes start on Saturday, January 6th for a period of four weeks. Class for beginners starts at 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. for intermediate and advanced. Resident members of the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 Biltmore Way, pay $38, residents pay $50 and non-residents pay $66. For more information call Sean Erwin or Yanira Collado at 786-521-4529.
January 6 & 13: The AARP continues offering a 55 Alivecourse for seniors ages 50 and over that can help reduce traffic accidents. The two-day Saturday session will be held at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a fee of $10. After completing the course seniors will receive a certificate. Most auto insurance companies will give provide a discount on insurance premiums for taking the course. For more information, contact Fred Collard at 305-663-1792 or call the Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.
January 7: At the young age of 18, pianist Rachel Naomi Kudo is stirring up the classical music world with her recitals and concerto performances. On Sunday, you can listen to her skills as Kudo performs at the Granada Presbyterian Church, 950 University Drive, at 4 p.m. The event is free for members of the Chopin Council and $55 for non-members. For more information or to purchase tickets call 305-868-0624.
January 9: No need to go to the theater to catch the latest films, just head over to the War Memorial Youth Center Theater and join fellow seniors on Tuesday at 1 p.m. The selected new release will be announced one week prior to Movie Day. The event is free and refreshments will be served. The War Memorial Youth Center Theater is located at 405 University Drive. For more information call 305-460-5609.BACK TO TOP
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