Pinecrest Gardens July Events!

Summer Events are in Full Bloom!In the midst of the hot summer months we have all kinds of cool and refreshing activities for the family!

HORTICULTURE & EDUCATIONBOTANICAL Gardening with Craig Gardens Gallery, Hibiscus Room While exotic plants grow so easily in South Florida, local gardening presents its own set of challenges. At Pinecrest Gardens, we are dedicated to the preservation and conservation of native and exotic plant species in their natural environments. We are also committed to providing support to the community with gardening tips from the experts as well as lectures and workshops on how to keep landscapes healthy and vibrant all year long. Time: 10:00 a.m. Fee: $10/person includes hands-on workshop, supplies and take home project Reservations: 305-669-6990 July 9: Tree Pruning for Homeowners: Get hands-on experience with pruning small trees for shape and structure. Class will be held outdoors on-site so please dress accordingly. Bring gloves, water, and insect repellent, tools will be provided August 13: Landscape Orchid Care: Learn successful tactics on how to mount orchids on trees and take home an orchid to mount in your own garden courtesy of Pinecrest Gardens. There will be a field tour of Pinecrest Gardens along with a hands-on experience, please dress in comfortable shoes and clothing for garden tour. September 10: Basic Flower Arranging: Learn simple tactics used by professional floral designers to make your own flower arrangement. All supplies will be provided. Butterfly in the Sky All Inclusive Children's Art Classes Presented by VSAFL and Pinecrest Gardens Click image to register on-line Kids will discover new creative art techniques & outdoor fun. Art projects include creating a hummingbird collage, flying butterfly, watercolor painting and more. Children will be led on Discovery Walks through the Gardens using binoculars and magnifying glasses. They’ll learn through visual arts, the most wonderful way of learning! And best of all this is an inclusive educational arts program open to students of all abilities, including special needs. As a parent, you are invited to observe and enjoy the Gardens while your child is in class, and after words spend the rest of the day enjoying all the Gardens has to offer including Splash N Play, Petting Zoo and 14 acres of our beautiful botanical gardens When: Every Saturday from July 12th-August 2nd at Pinecrest Gardens Time: 9:30-11am Cost: $60 for 4 classes ($15 per class) all materials included. Limited spots available, please call Teaching Artist Yvette Cotera to register (305) 753-5341 OR register online by clicking here. Tour the Gardens Phone Tours Available Dial-up a Cellular Phone Garden Tour, where you can tour the Gardens at your own pace!For your enjoyment and convenience, Pinecrest Gardens now offers a cellular phone tour. At each stop (commencing at the admissions booth), you'll learn more about the Gardens, its living collection, its history and other special feature. There are 28 stops in total. Enjoy this wonderful tour available everyday all day. Farmers Market: Fresh Produce & More Sundays 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Click on image for information We're still the best Farmer's Market in town, and we are open all summer long. Enjoy the fresh air while selecting your fresh produce, spices, home-baked breads, hand-made pastas, organic products and much more at Pinecrest Gardens' Farmers Market, every Sunday. The market is open from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and admission is Free. Relax, take a stroll, savor the selections and while you are there, enjoy the purchases you have made at one of our many picnic areas in the Gardens, or overlooking the magnificent view on Lakeview Terrace. SUMMERTIME CAMPS Click the picture for information and registration My Little Star Presented by Miami Childrens TheaterMy Little Star is Miami Children’s Theater’s engaging summer camp that introduces 4-6 year olds to the world of performing arts. Located in our idyllic Gardens setting, My Little Star meets Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Historic Entrance. Campers are taught the basics in singing, dancing and acting in fun and educational ways. Miami Childrens Theater's award-winning faculty are theater professionals who have completed the highest level background and security checks and teach theater in a loving and nurturing way. Our campers will have full access to the park including water-park days, picnics and romps through our beautiful trails and paths. This year we are offering six, one-week sessions, now under way, and the final session begins Monday, August 4. A one week session is $200, siblings receive a 10% discount. Robotics Camp Presented by Game Tech Institute Click Here to Register On-Line GameTech Institute in conjunction with Miami's Own celebrated and renowned Funcamps, Inc, is now offering a robotics camp where children build robots, learn about robot engineering and programming, enter into robot competitions, partake in field activities and so much more to round out their days. The second session for our summer Robotics Camp is July 7 - July 18. This fun-filled camp is both challenging, stimulating and a whole lot of fun. Camp hours are 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. and the cost for a two week Robotics Camp session is $530. For further information phone 305-666-2992. SUMMERTIME FUN Gardens Games Chess, Checkers & Dominos Every day is a game day in the Gardens! You are in for some gigantic fun when you play chess or checkers with pieces two feet tall. These larger than life game pieces fascinate players and spectators alike, and you can sharpen your strategic skills right on our meadow or patio. Game rental is FREE (with a valid driver’s license held during the time of reservation). We also provide domino tables and sets for your morning or afternoon entertainment. Bring your friends and family and get a local tournament going! Our Wonderful Amenities Available All Day Every Day Splash-N-Play Enjoy everything this amazing family venue has to offer included in the low price of admissions. Our Splash-N-Play is a refreshing and extremely safe water amusment experience for any child 2-12. And while your kids play among the different water features, you can enjoy peace of mind as you watch knowing that they are in a completely clean and pristine environment. The Splash summer hours are 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. weather permitting. Petting ZooYour child will delight when they come face to face with our goats and sheep and Peggy the Pot Bellied Pig. Zoo hours are daily at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. for 1/2 hour each time.Playground Your child will romp and frolic and swing to their hearts content. Its exercise made fun smack-dab in the heart of South Florida's most beautiful, family friendly botanical garden. Feed the FishWhen you discover our many ponds, streams and waterways (even Turtle Island) you will also discover our extraordinary collection of koi, river mullet, tarpon, tilapia and more. It's a fish-feeding frenzy for our beautiful array of swimmers throughout the Gardens. Purchase your fish food (they are on a diet so only feed them our special food, please!) for $2.00 a cup at the admissions booth.

My Apology to stay at home moms....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-cavender/my-apology-to-stay-at-home-moms_b_5523450.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037

Celebrate Independance Day at the Biltmore Hotel - It's Back!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2014

Celebrate Independence Day
with July 4 Fireworks Spectacular!

Join thousands of your neighbors for Coral Gables’ biggest community celebration when the July 4 fireworks display lights up the skies above of the historic Biltmore Hotel.

Nearly 30,000 gathered last year to celebrate our nation’s independence, and this year’s fourth annual event — free to the general public — promises to be just as memorable.
“In Coral Gables, July 4 has become a celebration not only of our nation’s independence, but of our strong sense of community,” said Mayor Jim Cason. “It is a testament of our civic pride.”
The City of Coral Gables, the Biltmore Hotel, University of Miami, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, the Business Improvement District (BID) of Coral Gables, and corporate citizens have come together to help sponsor this civic and patriotic event.
This year’s celebration will begin at 5 p.m. and will include a special concert by the Greater Miami Symphonic Band at 7 p.m. concessions and patriotic mascots.Local CBS news anchors Irika Sargent and Rick Folbaum will act as Masters of Ceremonies. The fireworks show will begin promptly at 9 p.m.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Event Parking: The City will offer free parking and continuous shuttle service throughout the evening to and from the Biltmore Hotel. Shuttle service begins at 5 p.m. from the following locations. (Please note: The last shuttle will depart for the fireworks at 8:30 p.m.)
Parking Availability:

• BankUnited Center Surface Lot: 1245 Dauer Drive
• University of Miami Ponce Garage: 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
• Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Parking Lot: 405 University Drive
• Coral Gables Parking Garage 4: City Hall Shuttle Stop: 385 Andalusia Avenue

Bike Valet (New!): Trade four wheels for two and ride your bike to the fireworks celebration. The easy, secure, and complimentary Bike Valet Parking service is provided by Green Mobility Network.
Location: 1150 Anastasia Ave., (William H. Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center)
Hours: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
For more information about the event, click here.
BILTMORE HOTEL PROMOTION
Come see why The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables has been at the top of worldwide “Best of the Best” list since 1926. Immerse yourself in luxury with the Biltmore’s Stately Staycation Package, reserved exclusively for Florida residents. This promotion offers 20% off the best available rate with valet parking included. For more information, please call 1-877-489-3429 or click here.

Pinecrest Gardens - January Events!

January Events are in Full Bloom!Featured This MonthSouth Motors 11th Annual Fine Arts Festival; South Motors Jazz Series; Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival at the Gardens; CCT-ART Opening; Family Friday; Cult Flick Friday; Live in Color Hip Hop Dance Company; Horticulture Lecture Series; Krafts-4-Kids; Live Like Bella Nights of Lights SAVE THE DATES FOR FESTIVALS, MOVIES AND PERFORMANCES AT SOUTH FLORIDA'S CULTURAL ARTS PARK

SOUTH MOTORS JAZZ SERIES Click on image for full season information Leon Foster ThomasSteel Pan Virtuoso in a Night of Tropical Splendor Saturday, January 11, 8:00 p.m. "Riveting, his artistry as unrivaled and his stage personality as dominant." -New York Amsterdam News Sammy He is one of the most dynamic talents out of the Caribbean. Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, Leon "Foster" Thomas has already left an indelible mark in the music arena as a performer, recording artist and songwriter. Having performed for audiences worldwide, Leon is a unique force in modern jazz. To purchase tickets, click here! South Motors Gen-Next Jazz Click the image for details FIU Jazz Student ComboJanuary 12, 6:00 p.m. Join us for our newest jazz series celebrating the up and coming stars of tomorrow. FIU has, in recent years, become leaders in performing arts disciplines. Their emphasis on self-expression and experimentation fuels innovation and originality in instrumental performance, composition, and improvisation. The FIU Jazz Combo, Aldo Salvent - saxophone, Hal Roland - piano, Javier Arguello - bass, Jerry Jerome - drums will play original arrangements of original jazz tunes along with American Jazz Standards. This event is FREE to the public. For a full listing of the Gen Next Jazz performances click here. FEATURED FESTIVAL Click image for information South Motors Fine Arts Festival Saturday & Sunday, January 11 & 12 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Come to one of Florida's premiere juried art shows and enjoy an afternoon surrounded by spectacular visual arts in the most lush and luxurious setting. Amongst a generous representation of the best artists and artisans from the US and abroad-you will find the perfect piece of art for your home that includes painting, sculpture, mixed media and photography, or peruse a selection of original handcrafted jewelry or wearable art for yourself or significant other. Additionally there is always a great selection of delicious food, live music, and other activities for the entire family. Join us at the most beautiful art show amongst the winding paths and exotic foliage in this magical botanical garden. FREE ADMISSION--and overflow parking at Palmetto Senior High, Palmetto Middle School and Pinecrest Elementary with free shuttle service to the Gardens. Live Like Bella Nights of Lights Through January 6, 2014 6:00-9:00 p.m. Our second annual holiday light festival is coming to an end on January 6th. If you have not had the opportunity to join us for this brilliant and beautiful festival featuring over 60 different larger than life light installations, only a few days remain to witness the magic. Live Like Bella Nights of Lights runs from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and many of the evenings will be feature entertainment for children including pony rides and more. Celebrate the end of the holiday season in our tropical winter wonderland at Live Like Bella Nights of Lights. General admission is $5, children under 2 years old enter free. Click here for a schedule of activities and performances for the remainder of the event. FEATURED THEATRICAL EVENT Click on image for information. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival Friday, January 24-Sunday, January 26. “Pithier than Monty Python. Irresistible.” -New York Times If you like Shakespeare, you'll love this show. If you hate Shakespeare, you'll love this show!” -The Today Show “ROLLICKING, FAST-MOVING AND HILARIOUS!” -The Guardian Everything you need to know about William Shakespeare's works in one hilarious performance. Three actors take on all 37 plays in 97 minutes with outrageous humor, tons of props and audience participation!! Performances 1/24, 8:00 p.m., 1/25 8:00 p.m., 1/26, 3:00 p.m. Tickets: General Admission $20 Adults, $15 Seniors, $10 Students, Children under age 3 free, Group Rates Available FEATURED DANCE EVENT Live in Color Dance Collective Hip Hop Comes to the Gardens! Friday, January 31, 8:00 p.m. Founded in 1989, Live In Color Dance Collective (LICDC) is a culturally diverse dance company comprised of remarkably talented, captivating and vivacious individuals. The dance ensemble is a true representation of life as it displays a mixture of Caribbean, African, Latin, Urban cultures, as well as a diverse range of ages. Under the direction of Zedric Bembry, this Hip-Hop company has been able to attain well-deserved recognition dazzling the nation with their unique, crowd-pleasing performances. Tickets available at the Box Office on performance night. Price: $10 Adults $5 Students--Call for special student group rates 305-669-6990. MOVIES For information click the image Family Friday at the Gardens Happily N'Ever After Friday, January 10, 8:00 p.m.“…unexpectedly imaginative!” Tom Keogh The Seattle times Cinderella's wicked stepmother has tipped the balance of power toward the dark side in Fairy Tale Land, and now it's up to the put-upon princess to restore order and ensure that good triumphs in an animated adventure featuring the voices of Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr., Sigourney Weaver, and George Carlin. Flashlight Tours begin at 7:00 p.m. and the movie begins about 8:00 p.m., and don't forget to bring your appetite for the best hotdogs and popcorn in town. General admission, $5 and children under 2 enter free Cult Film Friday GoodFellas Friday, January 17, 8:00 p.m. Click image for information "Brutal, stylish, hypnotic and addictive, GoodFellas remains Scorsese's best film."Glenn Abel Hollywood Reporter Martin Scorsese explores the life of organized crime with his gritty, kinetic adaptation of Nicolas Pileggi's best-selling Wiseguy, the true-life account of mobster and FBI informant Henry Hill. Set to a true-to-period rock soundtrack, the story details the rise and fall of Hill, a half-Irish, half-Sicilian New York kid who grows up idolizing the "wise guys" in his impoverished Brooklyn neighborhood. Goodfellas was rewarded with six Academy Award nominations including Best Picture; Pesci would walk away with Best Supporting Actor for his work. General admission $5. This movie is intended for an adult audience and is rated "R". FEATURED BENEFIT CONCERT Community Foundation of Pinecrest Benefit Jazz Concert Saturday, January 18, 7:00 p.m.This year the Community Foundation of Pinecrest's annual winter fundraiser will benefit the Palmetto Elementary School Performing Arts Program. Join us January 18th in the Banyan Bowl when children from the Palmetto Elementary School Chorus and Jazz Combo perform with Professional Musicians. Wine and hors' devours will be served from 7:00 - 8:00 in the Hibiscus Room, and the performance will take place thereafter. Tickets are $45.00 per person, and benefits the jazz music program at Palmetto Elementary. GARDENS GALLERY OPENING Art Through Process A Special Exhibit by CCT-A.R.T . CCT adopted the Artistic Realization Technology (A.R.T.) philosophy in 2005. The technique fulfills the CCT mission by allowing the total liberation of the creative being regardless of the physical limitations. The Gardens Gallery proudly supports and showcases these remarkable young artists in the month of January. Opening Reception is Wednesday, January 8th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Experience this extraordinary exhibit, demonstration and celebrate Enabling Art. Additional demonstrations will be held during our Fine Arts Festival. HORTICULTURE Click on image for information Planting with Craig A Horticulture Workshop Wednesday, January 8, 10:00 a.m. Get in touch with your inner “green thumb” on January 8th when we will host a hands-on and up-close visit with native plants on the Pinecrest Gardens property. Gardens Horticulturist Craig Morell will take guests on a tour of the gardens to see dozens of native plants, see their advantages and shortcomings, and get a feel for the subtleties of native plant landscaping. Craig will cover a lot of territory, so please wear walking shoes and dress comfortably for an hour long tour, some of which will be off the beaten path. Guests will take home plants of selected plant species for their own gardens, armed with real-time knowledge of how to plant them and how the plants will enhance home gardens. The tour begins at 10 a.m. in the Hibiscus Room at Pinecrest Gardens. Fee is $10 per person and includes tour and take home plants. Classes are limited to 10 people so call early for reservation--305-669-6990. Farmers Market: Fresh Produce & More Sundays 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Click on image for information Best Market in South Florida" Miami New Times Pinecrest Gardens Farmers' Market operates Sundays from 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. every week. You'll find the season's best bounty of fruits, vegetables, honey, flowers, meats, cheese and specialty products throughout the year. The market represents a convergence of top local sustainable and organic farmers and food purveyors from the Miami area, Redlands, Homestead, Clewiston and Ft. Pierce. We are committed to the artisan food community and to fostering the values of that community at the Gardens' Farmers' Market. We envision the marketplace as a vibrant gathering of local farmers, artisan producers and independently owned and operated small local food businesses and to the customers they serve. PLEASE NOTE JANUARY 12 THE MARKET WILL RELOCATE TO SUNILAND PARK BECAUSE OF THE FINE ARTS FESTIVAL. Art Education Click image for full schedule Join us on Saturday, January 18th, 2:00-3:30 p.m. for Krafts 4 Kids; our wonderfully creative and educational arts and crafts class. It’s all about learning and it’s all about fun. Children ages 6-11 will journey into “Music & Nature” making joyful noise to celebrate the New Year using calabash and bamboo to create musical instruments. Each child will make a set of wind chimes to take home. Classes are limited to 20 children and the cost is $5 with all materials included in the price. Call for reservations in advance at 305-669-6990. COMING NEXT MONTH Click the image for information Siempre FlamencoPresented by...First Bank Florida Saturday, February 22, 8:00 p.m. "Flamenco Passion...Celia (is) a petite firebrand with flashing eyes and charismatic stage presence...exuberant and full of beautiful rhythmic shadings. Paco's guitar is pristine, unblemished...rendering a classical tour de force." Chicago Sun TimesPinecrest Gardens welcomes back for one night only one of the most coveted Flamenco Companies in the United States, Siempre Flamenco, led by husband and wife team, Paco and Celia Fonta. Now in its seventh year, Siempre Flamenco will take their emotionally charged art to the Banyan Bowl Stage for one night only along with their company of eight talented musicians and dancers. Experience the deepest feeling of Flamenco Song as it blends with the intricate fury of dance in a unique concert that will exhilarate and delight both young and old alike. Tickets $20 and $25, to purchase your seats today, click here.

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City of Coral Gables News!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2014 View, Climb & Explore! At The Big Toy Extravaganza Join the City of Coral Gables to celebrate this year's Big Toy Extrava­ganza taking place in front of City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way, on Saturday, January 11, 2014, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to view, climb and explore all kinds of fun stuff. It's like a petting zoo for cars, trucks, and super-­sized and special­ized vehicles! "We are delighted to host this event again for the second year, continuing this new tradition of offering a free fun-filled time for the entire family," said Mayor Jim Cason. The Big Toy Extrava­ganza also features food trucks, face painting, arts and crafts, and inflatable rides and slides. For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 305-460-5600. • • • Fairchild’s GardenMusic Festival Brings Chamber Music To Life Set amongst the natural beauty of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, the chamber music ensemble Sixth Floor Trio takes up residence from January 9 to 19, 2014 for the second GardenMusic Festival. The festival pairs one of Coral Gables’ most beautiful settings with world-class music, bringing together talented musicians from around the world. The Sixth Floor Trio (Teddy Abrams, Harrison Hollingsworth, and Johnny Teyssier) and the 2014 GardenMusic guest artists will perform programs that range from jazz and classical to traditional folk, Broadway, and Latin jazz. Four evening performances, each creatively programmed around a unique theme, complemented by an evening of Broadway and a children’s concert, will round out this year’s festival. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. For a festival schedule and more information, click here. • • • Solomon’s Fruit Festival Celebrate the Height of Winter Fruit Season As part of the Sundays on the Porch With George series, the historic Coral Gables Merrick House will celebrate the height of Florida’s winter fruit season with delicious family fun. The Solomon’s Fruit Festival, named after George Merrick’s father Solomon, takes place on Sunday, January 12, from 1-4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Join us for a cooking demonstration, tasting and talk by star chef Allen Susser, fruit trees and grafting seminar with Larry Schokman and Steve Pearson, decorating with fruit demonstration by Mario Fernandez plus local food artisans, fruit tree sales, fruit stand, fruit-infused beer and wine tastings, local artists painting en plein air, kids’ activities and games.  There will be Troop 7 flag raising and food trucks by Brother Jimmy’s Barbecue and Fireman Derek’s Key Lime pies. Docent-guided tours of the Merrick House will be available for a nominal fee. The Merrick House is located at 907 Coral Way. For more information, call the Historical Resources Department at 305-460-5093. • • • Free Admission For Seniors For “End of the Rainbow” Play Starting on Saturday, January 4, seniors living in Coral Gables can reserve free tickets, on a first-come, first-served basis, for the funny drama End of the Rainbow based on Judy Garland’s triumphant comeback. The free admission is for the January 22, 2 p.m. matinee performance at the Miracle Theatre, located at 280 Miracle Mile. The free ticket offer is part of the lease agreement between the City of Coral Gables and its tenant, Actors' Playhouse, an idea proposed by City Manager Pat Salerno. Residents ages 60 and over must come in person to the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, to be placed on a reservation list after showing proof of residency and age. Tickets will then be available at the Playhouse's will-call window prior to each performance. There is a limit of 50 free admissions for each performance. Complimentary tickets will be available to an individual or household for only one show per season. If a patron accepts the ticket and does not show the day of the performance, the patron will have forfeited his one-time ticket offer for the season. For more information, call the Youth Center at 305-460-5600. • • • Open Stage Club Wins America’s Chef Competition Congratulations to the Open Stage Club, located at 2325 Galiano Street, for achieving the third place in the VIII America’s Chef Competition which took place recently in Miami Beach as part of the American Food and Beverage Show. In this two-day competition, national and international culinary teams battled for coveted positions of “Best Chef of the Americas.” The Competition was organized by the World Trade Center Miami in cooperation with the American Culinary Federation. Represented by Chef Nitza Mendoza, Open Stage Club was proud to bring home the third place medal for best American cuisine. • • • Bike Tour: It's Elementary, My Dear Martin With Martin Luther King Jr. Day coming up, the role of African-Americans in our local history is on the forefront of our minds. Did you know that Carver Elementary and Coral Gables Elementary were paired during public integration? Find out about our local history at the upcoming Gables Bike Tour “It’s Elementary, My Dear Martin,” scheduled for Sunday, January 19, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. starting at the Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Avenue.  In the Coral Gables Elementary School exhibit, participants will see images of the first local integrated classroom before embarking on a ride to Coconut Grove to learn how the Bahamians of the oldest established community in Miami-Dade County contributed to the development of Coral Gables. The tour ends with a special event at the Peacock Garden Cafe.  Gables Bike Tours are presented by the Coral Gables Museum and Bike Walk Coral Gables. Gables Bike Tours are powered by Voss Water. Bike rentals and helmets (required for children under 16) are available at No Boundaries by calling 305-444-3206. Cost is $10 for general public; $5 for Museum members and children under 12. Space is limited so please RSVP by calling 305-603-8067. Unless otherwise noted, tours are for children over 10 years old, and who are able to ride up to eight miles at 10 mph. ——

City of Coral Gables News!

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2013 City Introduces New 100-ft. Ladder Fire Truck Superheroes can leap over tall buildings, but when you’re stuck in a fire emergency high above the ground, you need the assistance of the right equipment. With safety and service in mind, the City of Coral Gables has purchased a new state-of-the-art fire ladder truck with an aerial platform that can extend up to 100 feet in almost any direction. This vehicle replaces a 1985 model which has been in service for 28 years. Recently, members of the City Commission received a tour of the new fire truck which will be in service soon, ready to assist in any emergencies happening on single family structures or tall buildings in Downtown Coral Gables. Aside from its water-pumping capabilities, the platform features a control panel to monitor critical information and a video camera. Real time data and video can be sent wirelessly to a command center on the ground. The cost of the new truck was $1.1 million. L-R: Interim Fire Chief Marc Stolzenberg and members of the City Commission including Commissioner Frank Quesada, Commissioner Vince Lago, Vice Mayor Bill Kerdyk Jr., and Commissioner Pat Keon look over the new fire truck while receiving a $1,000 donation from the  Coral Gables Firefighters Benevolent Association to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure fund. • • • Coral Gables Is Caring For Our Community This Saturday The City of Coral Gables is joining Baptist Health South Florida in their annual day of service “Caring for Our Community.” On Saturday, November 9, members of the Coral Gables City Commission will join Baptist Health employees and other volunteers to make a difference in our community. On this day from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., this group of volunteers will be doing some hands-on beautification by gardening, painting and putting mulch at the historic St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church located at 136 Frow Avenue in Coral Gables.  Headquartered in Coral Gables, Baptist Health South Florida is one of the largest not-for-profit healthcare providers in the United States, giving more than $279 million annually in charity care and community service. Last year, Baptist Health employees and their families also helped beautify eight elementary schools, a community center, a park, a day care center for ventilator-dependent children and a rehabilitation center for disabled people. To participate this year as a volunteer, contact Baptist Health at 786-527-9161. • • • Great Deal On Football Game Tickets For Miami Hurricanes vs. Virginia Tech This Saturday, November 9, at 7 p.m. the Miami Hurricanes will face off against longtime nemesis Virginia Tech and there’s a great deal being offered only to Coral Gables residents — buy one ticket (per resident) and receive two free tickets. It’s one of the perks of living in the Gables. The game will take place at Sun Life Stadium, 2269 N.W. 199 Street, in Miami Gardens. This offer is made possible thanks to the Development Agreement between the City of Coral Gables and the University of Miami. Coral Gables residents must show proof of residency at the time of purchase. This promotion is good for all available seating excluding suites and club seating. Tickets must be purchased in person at the Hurricane Ticket Office located at the BankUnited Center, 1245 Dauer Drive. The Ticket Office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. This promotion is not available for online or phone ticket purchases. For more information, call 305-284-2263. Canes wide receiver Allen Hurns scoring a touchdown against Georgia Tech. Courtesy Caneshooter/JC Ridley. • • • Public Invited To Community Meeting Regarding Bike Master Plan The City of Coral Gables will be holding a community meeting to discuss the development of a Bike Master Plan.  The meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 19, from 6:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the War Memorial Youth Center Theater located at 405 University Drive. The public is invited to attend. At the meeting, City staff will make a presentation and gather input from residents. For more information, call Public Works Department at 305-460-5000.  • • • Bring Your Hearty Appetite To Burgerliscious Chowdown You have one more day to go on a diet and be real hungry for the third annual Burgerliscious, happening tomorrow Thursday, November 7, from 6-10 p.m. at Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park, 2810 Ponce de Leon Blvd. “We’re absolutely thrilled that the savory scent of Burgerliscious is in the air, celebrating the amazing restaurant community that is Coral Gables!  We encourage everyone to get their tickets online at www.burgerliscious.com for the ultimate burger experience right here in the City Beautiful,” said Mark A. Trowbridge, President and CEO of The Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. Featuring more than 20 of Coral Gables' finest restaurants and their hottest burgers, the festival also kicks-off Miami Live! Month, a premier program of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. You will find the best burgers from The Bar, The Café @ Coral Gables Books & Books, Christy’s Restaurant, Cibo Wine Bar, CRAVE Coral Gables Restaurant, The Eating House, Fritz & Franz Bierhaus, JohnMartin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, La Santina Wine & Tapas, Morton's the Steakhouse, Pincho Factory, Prieto’s Restaurant | Regency Hotel Miami, Roc Kat Ice Cream Co. LLC, Seasons 52, Shake Shack, Shula’s 347 Grill, Sushi Maki, Swine Southern Table & Bar, Tarpon Bend Raw Bar & Grill and The Westin Colonnade Coral Gables. For ticket information, click here. • • • Cine! Chilean Film Festival Makes Its Debut In Coral Gables Cine! A celebration of Chilean Cinema takes place right here in Coral Gables, November 7-10 at the Cosford Cinema at the University of Miami Campus. Brought to you with the generous support of the Consulate General of Chile in Miami, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile, and the Chile-U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the festival will present a wide array of recent full-length Chilean made films, including the U.S. southeast premiere of the acclaimed film “Gloria” by Sebastian Lelio, winner of the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival. For a listing of upcoming films and to get tickets, click here. • • • Free Lecture For Coral Gables Residents At UM As part of the Development Agreement between the City of Coral Gables and the University of Miami, Coral Gables residents are invited to attend a free lecture by Alan M. Dershowitz, one of the most famous and celebrated lawyers in America. The lecture takes place on Friday, November 15 at 6 p.m. at the BankUnited Center Fieldhouse, 1245 Dauer Drive in Coral Gables. A professor at Harvard Law School since the age of 28, Dershowitz has led or been part of the defense team for various storied celebrities, athletes, and political leaders. The author lecture will center on his recently released autobiography, Taking the Stand: My Life in the Law. University of Miami School of Law Dean Patricia D. White will be moderating the lecture. The lecture is part of Books & Books author events. Tickets are required for this event. Only 40 tickets are available and will be distributed at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Saturday, November 9 at 8 a.m. For more information on this event, click here. • • • Sundays On Porch With George Presents Althea’s Garden Party It’s time to dig into an interactive afternoon designed for budding backyard gardeners of every age. The second installment of Sundays on the Porch with George, a series of engaging events showcasing the Merrick House and Gardens, presents Althea’s Garden Party on Sunday, November 17, from 1-4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the City of Coral Gables and the Merrick House Governing Board. Coral Gables Garden Club members will offer a historic perspective on Althea Merrick’s passion for gardening. You’ll learn how to grow your own food and prepare your harvest from South Florida's culinary and agricultural icons. Chef Norman Van Aken of Tuyo will lead farm-fresh cooking demos and will be on hand to sign his newly published cookbook, "No Experience Necessary." Homestead farmer/ambassador Teena Borek of Teena’s Pride will purvey a bounty of freshly harvested produce, herbs and vegetable "starts." Master gardeners will offer sage advice about preparing beds and about what, where and when to plant it. Container, tower and edible garden vendors will showcase their wares and help you choose the right planting venue. Ornamental horticulture enthusiasts will delight in the orchids and bromeliads available from My Family Garden and Nursery.   Local honey will be purveyed by the Tattooed Beekeeper and locally produced jams will be available from Freakin Flamingo Jams.  Featured food trucks will be Health Nut on Wheels and Hip Pops, plus live banjo music, and more. Docent guided tours of the Merrick House will be available for a nominal fee. A special thanks goes to community partners Whole Foods, Coral Gables and Edible South Florida.   The Merrick House is located at 907 Coral Way. For more information, call the Historical Resources Department at 305-460-5093. • • • Go Back In Time For “A Night In Havana” of Art & Fashion A warm tropical breeze is coming to the Coral Gables Museum for “A Night In Havana” contemporary art and fashion exhibition on Thursday, November 14, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by TV personality Mariana Rodriguez, the event features a unique collaboration between renowned artist Humberto Benitez and fashion powerhouse Ella Bella RoZio. Guests will be transported back in time to Cuba in the 1950s to experience the island ̉s sounds, drinks and food, plus cigar rolling, silent auction, dancing and entertainment. Curated by Denise Gerson, former Associate Director of the Lowe Art Museum, the exhibition will consist of seven of Benitez ̉s most famous paintings. RoZio ̉s couture collection of artistic designs will feature intricately tailored silks and imported embellishments. Net proceeds from the event will benefit Fashion for Charity ̉s Scholarship Fund for children who would like to pursue a career in the fashion and art industry. To purchase tickets for the event, click here. ——

Pinecrest Gardens - Nov. Events!

PINECREST GARDENS South Florida's Cultural Arts Park Invites You to a Family Weekend Filled with Music, Monkeys, Movies and our Fabulous Farmers Market! Family Friday Feature... DESPICABLE ME Friday, November 8, 8:00 p.m.

"A consistent stream of chuckles and a lot of convincing heart." Michael Dequina-TheMovieReport.com Our wonderful line-up of Family Fridays continues with the celebrated animated feature film, Despicable Me. This wonderful animated film features the voices of Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Julie Andrews and Kristen Wig. Flashlight Tours begin at 7:00 p.m. and the movie begins about 8:00 p.m. and don't forget to bring your appetite for the best hotdogs and popcorn in town. Oh, BTW, we just got a brand new hot dog machine, and it cooks up more hot dogs even better than before. Yum! General admission, $5 and children under 2 enter free.  GARDENS GALLERY OPENING Center for the Great Apes Saturday, November 9, 6:00 p.m. The Center for Great Apes will celebrate with friends, donors, members, sponsors, special guests and more to commemorate the 20 years that the sanctuary has provided an enriching, cruel-free life for chimpanzees and orangutans. The celebration will take place at the location where founder and director Patti Ragan first came to care for these primates - right here at the Gardens. This special Gallery opening will include a presentation in the Banyan Bowl that will include special guest speakers, live entertainment, the art exhibit and more. Tickets are a donation of $50 per person. Orchestra Miami presents VIVA VERDI Sunday, November 10, 7:00 p.m. Celebrate Giuseppe Verdi’s 200th birthday with Orchestra Miami when they present an evening of opera rarities and popular favorites. Their special guests include the Delray String Quartet, performing Verdi’s only string quartet and young artists from the Florida Grand Opera performing a variety of songs and arias accompanied by Orchestra Miami Artistic Director Elaine Rinaldi. Reserved Seating. Delicious divas, magnificent musicians and one of the best concerts in South Florida this season. Tickets $20 & $30; $20 for seniors, $5 for students, to purchase click here. Pinecrest Gardens Green Market Sundays 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. If you haven't been to our weekly Green Market lately, stop by and meet a bushel of new vendors and have a barrel of fun. Extraordinary growers, top notch produce vendors featuring Tomatoes, Potatoes, Onions, Lettuce, Radishes, Brussels, Cucumbers, Peppers, Zucchini, Squash, Green beans, Eggplant, Beets, Carrots, Corn, Mushrooms, Kale, Parsley, Pineapples, Apples, Blackberries, Strawberries, Bananas, Oranges, Cantaloupes, Melons, Grapes, Plums, Avocados, Artisan Bakers, Fresh Fruits and Nuts, Fresh Flowers and Plants, Spices and Exotic Teas, Homemade Granolas, Organic Foods (are we wetting your whistle yet). Come on down, there’s something for every appetite including fresh prepared food!