Column for the Parklander
Sometimes I look at my children and I cannot believe how time has flown. My beautiful daughter Tina is a parent herself! Our grandson, Aiden, is almost eight months old and just so precious. What an amazing disposition he has, too. The other day I checked in on our small children as they were sleeping. AJ (10) and Sammi (8) looked so sweet and peaceful. Our son, Patrick (23) is graduating from UCF this month! I can remember so vividly bringing him to school and feeling envious that he was about to have the time of his life. Congratulations Patrick on graduating Cum Laude! I am currently looking at a picture of the whole gang taken about five years ago and cannot get over how big Mathew has gotten. At 17, he is a young man. Wow!
I am sharing this with you because I think it is important that all of us capture as much good as we can despite the challenging times we live in. I think it helps if we focus on the people we love and those that love us. It also helps all of us if we give as much as we can to others in need.
Recently, I hosted a Barbecue at my home to raise money for a family in need. Anthony was unfortunately mugged, severely beaten and lost his eyesight in his right eye. Tragically, he also lost his livelihood. Thanks to Paul Cavanaugh, Kathy Brinkley, Gemma Pressinger, Tanya Manley, Rich Winterstein and so many others for helping this local family. Anthony, my heart continues to go out for you and your family. Anthony exemplifies what I am speaking about in regards to giving to others. Anthony has actually volunteered to assist others in need to give back! Please let me know if you would like to help Anthony and his wife and two boys by calling me at 954-757-8898.
We are currently working with Workforce One to identify summer jobs for youth in the City. If you know of a youth that may be interested (14 to 24 years old), please let our City Commission Assistant, Catia, know at 344-1142 and she will pass you on to the appropriate person. Please also look at our website for details, www.Coralsprings.org.
We are continuing to push BUY CORAL SPRINGS. Have you taken advantage of the coupons to save money at local stores like Whole Foods and Crème Brulee Bakeshop? Please visit City Hall or City hall in the mall or any of the participating retailers to get your coupon and save money while supporting your local businesses! A list of all the retailers is located at www.coralsprings.org - click on Buy Coral Springs on the Home page. If you are a retailer and want more business through our campaign, please visit www.BUYCS.org. It is simple to register.
If you have been affected by the Chinese Drywall issue, we have information on our website's Home page for you that can help. We will also be putting information on our site about how your organization can take part in State Farm's 50 Million Pound challenge as our community focuses on fitness. I will be personally involved with this healthy endeavor along with others. If you are interested in learning more information, please email me at Scottbrook@scottbrook.com. I want to personally thank Gerard Schainuck for his vision for a healthy community, as well! Please join me for the next Walk With the Mayor on Sat. May 23 in front of the Coral Springs Museum of Art at our Peace garden at 9:30 am. While registration is not required, it is helpful. Please do so by emailing me at SBrook@Coralsprings.org. We will walk approximately 3 miles as we get fit together.
With hurricane season just around the corner, it's important for our residents to be prepared. Our Coral Springs magazine is a great source of information and it includes a summary of all the City can do for you before, during and after a hurricane. In the event of a hurricane, residents can reach the City's call center at 954-344-1001. You can also log onto coralsprings.org or watch CityTV Channel 25 for updates. Coral Springs residents will soon be able to tune their radio dials to AM 1670 as the City prepares to launch its own emergency radio station. CityRadio will deliver information about City services, upcoming events, weather updates, and emergency bulletins when necessary. Stay tuned for the official announcement.
The Broward County Property Appraiser's Office will be offering its services at Sartory Senior Center the fourth Thursday of every month. Appraisers will be available from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 28 and will assist with Homestead, Senior and other property tax exemption applications, as well as answer questions on property taxes. If you have moved in 2009, you can file for 2010 at this location. Documents required to file a Homestead Exemption include: A current Florida driver's license or Florida identification card, and a current voter registration card or declaration of domicile. Non-US citizens must also provide proof of permanent residency. Qualified residents 65 years of age or older as of January 1, 2009 may also apply for the additional Senior Exemption. Eligible seniors must have a total household adjusted gross income not to exceed $24,916. Documents required for the Senior Exemption include a 2008 income tax return or, if one does not file income taxes, a copy of the 2008 Social Security 1099 Form. For more information, please visit www.bcpa.net or call the Outreach Department at 954-357-5579 or e-mail kbrown@bcpa.net. Sartory Senior Center is located at 10000 N.W. 29 St. in Mullins Park. City Hall is located at 9551 W. Sample Road, just west of University Drive.
Have a great May and BUY Coral Springs!
Posted: Thursday, Apr 9, 2009