WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2011
Gallery Night Trolley Program: A Model For The Nation
It's been only four months since the City implemented its Gallery Night Trolley program and it's already becoming a model of innovation. The program was selected by the National League of Cities (NLC) to be featured in its City Showcase, a premier awards program that recognizes and celebrates city achievements. "Throughout its history, the City of Coral Gables has understood the importance of art and culture in creating a desirable and livable city, so we are thrilled to be able to connect and support the local galleries with the Gallery Night Trolley," said Mayor Jim Cason. During the NLC's national conference in Phoenix, Arizona in November, Coral Gables will present its Gables Gallery Night Trolley program and engage in conversation with other cities across the country interested in implementing the program in their own communities. Since May and on the first Friday of the month, a dedicated trolley operates on a fixed route, transporting people from one gallery to another. The program, which was implemented using existing resources, makes galleries more accessible by taking people to the doorsteps of participating galleries. For a map of the Gallery Night Trolley loop, click here.
Free United States Marine Band Tickets
Available For Coral Gables Residents
Free tickets for the performance of the United States Marine Band are being made available to Coral Gables residents, courtesy of a 20-year Development Agreement between the City of Coral Gables and the University of Miami. The concert, part of Festival Miami’s Creative American Music Series, takes place on Friday, October 14, 7:30 p.m. at the BankUnited Center, 1245 Dauer Drive. Established in 1798, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band performs a thrilling blend of traditional concert band and contemporary wind ensemble music at hundreds of events annually for the president of the United States and the commandant of the Marine Corps. A total of 250 tickets will be distributed in person, on a first-come, first-served basis, at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, beginning Monday, September 19. The War Memorial Youth Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 12 noon. Residents must show proof of residential address. Tickets are limited to two per household. For additional information, contact the City of Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Department at 305-460-5600.
The US Marine Band in front of The White House.
Coral Gables Is A Playful City USA
The City of Coral Gables is one of 151 cities and towns earning recognition from national non-profit KaBOOM! as a 2011 Playful City USA. This is the third consecutive year that Coral Gables has received this honor for its efforts to increase play opportunities for children. Today’s children spend less time playing outside than any previous generations. This play deficit is having profound consequences for kids physically as well as mentally and socially because children need a place to play every day in order to be active and healthy. As a three-time honoree, Coral Gables has demonstrated a commitment to making play spaces engaging, exciting, interesting and fun. Among the facilities available in the City of Coral Gables for playful activities are the Venetian Pool, War Memorial Youth Center, William H. Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center, Salvadore Tennis Center, Biltmore Golf Course, Granada Golf Course, along with 30 other neighborhood parks. To view a list of programs and activities offered by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, click here.
Commission Meeting Videos
Now Available For Viewing On City’s Web
In order to advance transparency in local government, the City of Coral Gables is now posting the televised City Commission meetings on its website, www.coralgables.com. The program synchronizes the City Commission Meeting’s published agenda (which will later be replaced with the City Clerk’s minutes upon completion) with the corresponding portion of the video recorded from City Hall Commission Chambers. The City Commission meeting videos are available for viewing online through Granicus Live Manager and Daystar Computer Systems. Users can also view all the legislative documentation related to each agenda item. Scheduled City Commission meetings are aired on Coral Gables Television, Channel 77 for Comcast subscribers, and can be viewed online via streaming at www.coralgables.com. To view City Commission meetings posted online, click here.
Seniors Invited To Health Fair On Sept 21
It’s a morning dedicated to the health of seniors living in Coral Gables: Don’t miss the Senior Health Fair presented by the City of Coral Gables and Baptist Health’s Doctors Hospital. The health fair takes place on Wednesday, September 21, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive. There will be free health lectures about “The Basics of Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery” (10 a.m.), “Movement Therapy and Fall Prevention” (11 a.m.), and “Shopping and Cooking for One” (12 noon). From 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. participants can enjoy free screenings for osteoporosis, blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, while supplies last. From 11 a.m. until 12 noon seniors can also participate in exercise demonstrations by certified yoga and Tai-Chi instructors. Free chair massages will be given from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Also while supplies last, participants can enjoy a delicious free light lunch and giveaways. Free valet parking will be offered during the event. For more information, contact the Senior Services Division at 305-460-5609.
Junior Orange Bowl Is Looking For New Parade Floats
The Junior Orange Bowl Committee is gearing up for its 2011-2012 Festival season and applications are now being accepted to participate in the 63rd annual Junior Orange Bowl Parade. The Parade, which will take place on Monday, January 2, 2012, offers unit applicants the opportunity to continue in the tradition of marching through the streets of beautiful Downtown Coral Gables. This year’s theme for the Junior Orange Bowl Parade is, “Soaring to New Heights!” Applicants can choose to design their own floats, decorate a vehicle, or enter a group to march the parade route. Dance, cheer, cultural, and musical groups are all welcome to show off their spirit as they march the Parade in front of thousands of spectators through Miracle Mile and Ponce de Leon Boulevard. For more information on how to participate, click here.
A float of the Junior Orange Bowl Parade.
Minimize Your Chances Of Being
A Victim Of Vehicle Burglary
It only takes 30 seconds for a thief to break into your car and steal your valuables. Vehicle burglary is most often a crime of opportunity, however, you can minimize your chances of being a victim by taking away the opportunity. The Coral Gables Police Department wants to remind residents and visitors to take simple preventive steps that will limit a thief’s ability to commit this crime. Don’t let your vehicle be the easy target that criminals look for. Here are some tips to remember:
- Always close your windows and lock your vehicle doors, even if it’s a quick errand. An open window or unlocked door is an open invitation to a thief. A common criminal tactic is to casually walk through parking lots simply pulling on car handles to see which ones are unlocked.
- Always remove loose valuables from your vehicle such as purses, wallets, cellular phones, laptop computers, and briefcases. Remember that if it can be seen, it can be stolen!
- Remove your garage door openers from your vehicles. Leaving them inside the vehicle provides the criminal with easy access to your home.
- If you see something that looks suspicious such as persons wandering around in parking lots or looking into cars as they walk by, call 911. You can remain anonymous when reporting suspicious activities.
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EVENTS ROUNDUP For the definitive guide to upcoming events in the City of Coral Gables, click here. |
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TRAFFIC LeJeune Road from US 1 to S.W. 8th Street: FDOT is rebuilding sections of sidewalks and concrete driveways, replacing pedestrian ramps and sections of curb and gutters, as well as repaving the roadway between Vilabella Avenue to San Lorenzo Avenue. The construction is estimated to last about four months. At least one traffic lane will be open in each direction at all time. Watch up for signs with information about work and traffic conditions. Segovia Street from Biltmore Way to Bird Road: The Segovia Streetscape Beautification Project is currently underway. Directional signs have been placed along Segovia Street to alert traffic. Work will take place Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the possibility of crews working a couple of Saturdays. One lane in each direction will remain open. The project is expected to be completed in approximately three months. Andalusia Avenue from Galiano Street to Douglas Road: Due to construction of the future senior community center, The Palace at Coral Gables, Andalusia Avenue will be closed Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for approximately one month. The intersection will remain open, allowing vehicles to turn right or left. Please avoid the area especially during peak traffic times. September 17: Biltmore Way from Coral Way to Hernando Street will be closed from 7:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. for the WildSide Online UPS 5K Run/Walk event. Rolling road blocks will be in effect for North and South Greenway Drives and Segovia Street. September 24: Biltmore Way from Coral Way to Hernando Street will be closed from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. for the Excel Sports Miami Children Hospital 5K Run/Walk event. Rolling road blocks will be in effect for South and North Greenway Drives, Alhambra Circle, Columbus Boulevard and Segovia Street. |
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| CITY OF CORAL GABLES MISSION Dedicated people providing exceptional services to residents, businesses and visitors while preserving our heritage VALUES Accessibility Accountability Competency Dedication Innovation Integrity Loyalty Responsiveness |
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| CITY COMMISSION MAYOR Jim Cason VICE MAYOR William H. Kerdyk Jr. COMMISSIONERS Maria Anderson Rafael “Ralph” Cabrera Jr. Frank C. Quesada CITY MANAGER Patrick G. Salerno CITY ATTORNEY Craig E. Leen CITY CLERK Walter J. Foeman |
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| Visit the City of Coral Gables website: www.coralgables.com |
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| E-NEWS IN SPANISH click here |
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