Parkland Life Column April 2009

Lately I have chosen not to read the paper so often as I find most of the news to be negative. I do not find many inspiring stories. I completely acknowledge that we are living in challenging times and that we need to establish a new frame of reference. I also believe that we must continue to look forward, focus on what we do have and take as much control over our destiny as possible. While we may be living through a recession, we don't have to dwell on it.

As I speak with business people in our community I am encouraged about the commitment to serve others and provide value. We have quite an entrepreneurial spirit in Coral Springs and our Government has come a long way in enhancing relations with our local business community and providing more opportunities. We have established a great resource for our local businesses with www.csbizassist.org to help meet their needs and yours despite the economic obstacles in our path.

The City is also involved with numerous activities for our families at little or no cost. Please take advantage of a few events coming up. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. as the third annual Worldfest Celebration gets into full swing at the Sportsplex, 2575 Sportsplex Drive. Admission to this outdoor festival is free, but there will be a parking fee of $3 per car. The festival will cover a spectacular array of multi-cultural entertainment, cuisine and culture that salutes the diverse population in the Coral Springs area. Delicious cultural foods, live music, arts and crafts, educational activities, and amusements for children will be featured. The City is seeking vendors for food, arts and crafts, and event sponsors. For more information, please call Joyce Campos at 954-344-1005 .

In celebration of Earth and Arbor Day, the City is hosting EarthFest 2009 on Saturday, April 18 at Sandy Ridge Sanctuary from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. EarthFest features wildlife exhibits, guided tours, plant giveaways and refreshments. Sandy Ridge Sanctuary is located east of University Drive between Sample and Wiles Roads at 8501 N.W. 40 Street. For more information, call 954-344-1117.

Our Family Concert Series this month features Gypsy Lane. This band plays music from the 80s. They will perform on Saturday, April 25 at 7 p.m. at Betti Stradling Park, 10301 Wiles Road. The concert is free, and you're welcome to bring your lawn chairs and coolers. For more information, please call 954-345-2200.

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, April 23 and will assist with Homestead, Senior and other property tax exemption applications, as well as answer questions on property taxes. The deadline for filing for 2009 Homestead, Senior and other exemptions is March 1, 2009. If you have moved in 2009, you can also 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.

As always, please visit www.coralsprings.org for City news and visit our Event Calendar to view the Commission's scheduled office hours. Feel free to email me at sbrook@coralsprings.org if there is anything I can help you with. Thank you Parkland Life for providing great news that educates and inspires and for giving me this monthly opportunity to reach our great citizens!

Posted: Tuesday, Mar 10, 2009