WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2011

Swearing In Of Elected Commission Members
Set For This Friday

An Investiture Ceremony for newly elected Commission members takes place this Friday, April 15 at 11:30 a.m. at City Hall in the Commission Chambers. The ceremony will be televised live on Coral Gables Television, Channel 77. The Oath of Office will be administered by the Honorable Frank A. Shepherd from the Third District Court of Appeal. A reception will follow the ceremony. On Tuesday, Coral Gables voters elected Jim Cason as Mayor, Frank Quesada as Commissioner for Group Four and reelected Bill Kerdyk Jr. as Commissioner for Group Five. The Mayor will serve for two years, while the Commissioners will serve in their roles for the next four years.

Celebrate Spring With “Eggstreme” Hunt & Carnival

Come join us for what could be the egg hunt of a lifetime! Hundreds of colorful eggs stuffed with candy and prizes will be ready for the taking on Saturday, April 23, at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive during the City of Coral Gables “Eggstreme” Hunt and Carnival.  The celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. with an awesome egg hunt at the Youth Center field where prized eggs will be evenly distributed to make sure everyone has a chance to fill up their baskets. And if you find a gold, silver or bronze egg, you’ll win a fabulous prize.  The egg hunts starts promptly at 10 a.m., so don’t be late. Immediately after, family and friends can enjoy the Egg Hunt Carnival, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon where they’ll find food, games, rides and arts and crafts. The egg hunt, rides and carnival games are all free to the public. For more information, contact the City of Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.

Ask Me! I’m A Coral Gables Ambassador

On Monday, April 11, friendly and easy-to-spot Ambassadors began providing street-side, concierge-like services in Downtown Coral Gables. You’ll see them in action offering hospitality services, answering questions about the City and its history, giving directions, handing out literature such as maps and brochures, and providing information on local hotels, restaurants and current happenings. Four out of the City’s 10 Parking Enforcement Officers, who are on our downtown streets daily serving as the eyes and ears of the community, are also your “Ambassadors” as they see and talk to visitors and residents. In order to offer the best possible service, the Coral Gables Ambassadors have been trained by Miami-Dade College Center for Service Excellence and are certified in first aid and CPR. You’ll find them wearing distinctive orange polo shirts with “Ambassador Ask Me!” logos on the back. They also have very visible orange vehicles branded with Coral Gables Ambassador’s logos and travel through the Downtown areas promoting the program. The new program will make the Downtown area a friendlier and more enjoyable place to visit.

Residents Invited To Free Concert
By Frost Symphonic Winds

As part of the recently approved 20 year Development Agreement between the City of Coral Gables and the University of Miami, Coral Gables residents are invited to attend a delightful free concert. On Monday, April 25, at 8 p.m., the Frost Symphonic Winds will take the stage at the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive on the campus of the University of Miami. The Frost Symphonic Winds is comprised of students from the Frost School of Music. Directed by Thomas Keck, the Symphonic Winds provide audiences with programs consisting of the highest quality literature representing diverse musical styles. Free parking is available at the University of Miami Campus after 4 p.m. For additional information, contact the City of Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.

Wednesday Jazz In The Gables
Continues With Great Performances

Today’s act for Wednesday Jazz in the Gables is the FIU Latin Jazz Ensemble and the FIU Jazz Combo playing a fusion of Latin and American jazz music. The free event takes place from noon to 2 p.m. at the Plaza of the Coral Gables Museum on the corner of Salzedo Street and Aragon Avenue. The weekly series, which lasts until April 27th, presents jazz musicians performing at lunchtime. Box lunches from your favorite Coral Gables restaurants (La Tartine for today; Pasha’s for April 20th) will be available for purchase. Coming up on Wednesday, April 20 is the UM Stamps Jazz Quintet featuring stellar young jazz musicians from across the nation who, after auditioning for the Frost School of Music, were each offered a full four-year scholarship by the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation. For more information, contact the City of Coral Gables Economic Sustainability Department, at 305-460-5313 or click here.

Children Learn Importance
Of Water Safety At Venetian Pool

Learning to swim is an important skill to know, especially in Florida where there is an abundance of bodies of water and swimming pools. Recently, the Venetian Pool was the center of attention for the “Learn To Swim” community safety campaign, sponsored by the Miami Heat, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, the American Red Cross and the City of Coral Gables. Local children enjoyed an afternoon of swimming instruction and learned the meaning of water safety. Since swim season is here, the Venetian Pool is offering plenty of opportunities to get involved either as a swimming instructor, a junior lifeguard or by taking swimming lessons during the summer. The Venetian Aquatic Club is currently looking for volunteer swimming instructors for the summer. They are hosting a complimentary membership brunch for volunteers at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 28 at the Venetian Pool, 2701 DeSoto Boulevard. Volunteers will be trained in the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Course. If you enjoy swimming and would love to teach at the Venetian Pool, please call 305-460-5306 for more information.