WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

Free Tickets For UM Men's Basketball Games
Available Only To Gables Residents

Thanks to a recently approved 20-year Development Agreement between the City of Coral Gables and the University of Miami, Coral Gables residents can receive up to four free tickets per household for the upcoming Canes Men’s Basketball games:
• Game 1: Sunday, December 12 at 4 p.m. University of Miami vs. Stetson University. Only 250 tickets are being distributed now on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Game 2: Thursday, December 30 at 6 p.m. University of Miami vs. Pepperdine University. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Tuesday, December 21 at 8 a.m.
• Game 3: Saturday, January 15 at 6 p.m. University of Miami vs. Boston College. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Tuesday, January 4 at 8 a.m.
• Game 4: Wednesday, January 19 at 9 p.m. University of Miami vs. Florida State University. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Monday, January 10 at 8 a.m.

The games will be played at the BankUnited Center on the University of Miami campus. Tickets will be distributed in person at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, no earlier than the designated distribution date. Residents must show proof of residential address. Tickets are limited to four per household. The Development Agreement between UM and the City of Coral Gables will also offer free admission tickets for upcoming women’s basketball and men’s baseball games. More information on upcoming offers will be made available as arrangements are finalized. For additional information, contact the City of Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.

Coral Gables Country Club Opens Banquet Facilities

More than 1,000 guests attended the official grand opening of the Coral Gables Country Club banquet facilities last week. City officials and Liberty Group hosts Nick and Nadia Di Donato introduced the newly restored venue following a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Country Club is being dramatically transformed into a luxurious facility with understated elegance. The Toronto-based Liberty Entertainment Group took over the management of the Club last year, signing a 30-year lease to run the historic club built in the 1920s. The facility boasts a magnificent grand ballroom and three satellite banquet rooms that can accommodate private functions. The restoration includes coral stone waterfalls, stunning crystal chandeliers, spectacular black marble foyers, rich Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors, ornate Italian marble columns and cornice molding. During the summer, the Country Club opened to the public its Liberty Caffé and Athletic Club. The Coral Gables Country Club is located at 997 North Greenway Drive. For more information, click here.

Save The Alhambra Water Tower Meets Tomorrow

Don’t forget to attend the kick-off event of the Save The Alhambra Water Tower project, scheduled for tomorrow, December 9 at 3:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend an event in front of the Alhambra Water Tower located at the intersection of Alhambra Circle and Ferdinand Street. There will be refreshments and live music, free and open to the public. The Save The Alhambra Water Tower project is bringing awareness to the history of the water tower built in the 1920s and the need to raise additional funds beyond the $200,000 that the City has budgeted for repairs and renovation. Plans are to raise an additional $50,000 through community donations. For more information, contact Kendell Turner at catkst@aol.com.

Merrick House Hosts Holiday Open House

The historic Merrick House, located at 907 Coral Way, will be hosting its annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 11, from 2-4:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The program features live music by Juan Areco, Santa’s arrival at 3:15 p.m., and caroling from 3:30-4:30 p.m. by singers from Our Lady of Lourdes Academy.  There will be ongoing face painting, refreshments, visits with Santa and self-guided tours of the home. The event is presented by the Coral Gables Merrick House Governing Board. For more information, call 305-460-5093.

Toy Drive To Help Underprivileged
Children This Holiday Season

The Coral Gables Police and Fire Departments, along with the Explorers from both departments, are organizing a toy drive to help underprivileged kids. Share the spirit of this holiday season by donating a new, unwrapped toy to the following locations: Fire Station No. 1 (2815 Salzedo Street), Fire Station No. 2 (525 South Dixie Highway), Fire Station No. 3 (11911 Old Cutler Drive) or Police Station (2801 Salzedo Street). Toys will be accepted until Saturday, December 21. A car wash to help raise money to purchase toys will be held at Fire Station No. 2 on Saturday, December 11 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. For additional information, contact the Police Department Community Affairs Unit at 305-442-1600.

Venetian Pool Is Closed December-January

The Venetian Pool at 2701 DeSoto Boulevard in Coral Gables will be closed through January 31, 2011. It will reopen to the public on February 1, 2011. General maintenance and repairs will be conducted at the pool and its facilities during this time. For additional information, contact the City of Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.