WOULD EVERYONE PLEASE CALM DOWN??

Would everyone please calm down???

Wow, I’ve had an interesting morning wading through blog posts and E-mails about the upcoming local election. People are really fired up, and I can certainly understand both sides of the issue.

On the one hand, I agree that the Croissant Park Blog, whether or not owned by the Association (which it is not) is not the appropriate forum to endorse a particular candidate or belief, even if it is made clear by the poster that it is his personal opinion. Because it is the blog referenced in our newsletter, whether it is technically the property of the CPCA or not – it does appear that it is and appearances are important. I don’t think that any of the Board members should be publicly endorsing a candidate for office on a blog that is supposed to discuss issues of interest to the community as a whole. One only needs to go through the neighborhood and look at the lawn signs for both Commission District 4 candidates to realize that there are differing opinions, and as a blog that supposedly represents all of the citizens of Croissant Park – we should make every effort to stay neutral so as not to offend any of our members. But I also think everyone may be overreacting a little.

I too got the E-mail from Cal Deal that John found so offensive. I had a different reaction – it was a political cartoon and, like many such cartoons was probably funny to those who do not have strong feelings about either candidates- or who do not support the candidate depicted. If you are interested in checking it out and deciding for yourselves, the link is http://www.fortlauderdaleobserver.com . I also got the “prayer circle” E-mail – which you can check out at Tim@Timsmith.com if you want to read it in its entirety.

I think Romney Rogers had the correct response to the political cartoon
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2009/02/is-god-taking-sides-in-a-fort-lauderdale-race.html saying that he wished his body looked as good as Deal depicted it. That should really have ended the matter. If people want to pray for a candidate- that is certainly their right, and their business. They also have the right to poke fun at a candidate if they wish. I think John’s response was a bit of an overreaction to an E-mail that you sort of have to be a political junkie to have received in the first place, and which was laughed off by the subject himself. I suppose there are people out there who didn’t find Tina Fey’s “I can see Alaska from my house” parody funny either-but again – that is what makes this country great. We can all believe what we want, and express those opinions without fear of retaliation.

But everyone needs to lighten up a little bit. I don’t think that the Croissant Park Blog should be used to endorse a candidate or religious or social belief or agenda. Having said that- neither do I think that we need draw and quarter John, or publicly strip him of his Croissant Park buttons and break his sword or whatever one does to disgrace an officer (my experience in these matters runs to watching re-runs of F-Troop) for expressing his personal religious and political views despite the questionable choice of forum. Next time John, please use one of the political blogs and let’s keep Croissant Park a neutral corner. Both candidates seem more than capable of holding their own in the ring. Lets just calm down – sit back, have an adult beverage (or not) and root for the candidate we support, and see who is standing when the bell rings.

Pat Rathburn

Attack on a Candidate Running for City Commissioner District IV

Hi All,

Last night I received an email from a Cal Deal, not sure how he got my email, but he sent me a slanderous email about Romney Rogers and making fun of him for having people and his church praying for him. That is why he is supporting Romney’s opponent. I saw another article about this from our blog stating the same thing about Religion and Politics.

So I needed to investigate this a little more and give you some of my opinions for what they are worth. First, I am writing this post as John McNamara and not as a member of the Croissant Park board and not representing the croissant park board, so any heat need to come to me, not the board.

I would like to bring up few points, one about God, second about Romeny vs Prewitt.

About God, right now in this age of so-called tolerance, we are supposed to be tolerant of anything, anyone’s lifestyle, his or her beliefs, and so forth. But I get the sense from all these blog notices that no one is really tolerant at all, especially in referencing God or Jesus. We can’t even say Merry Christmas anymore, even though the reason for the season for Christmas is the birth of Christ, “Christ Mas”. So this controversial memo goes around to Church members to pray for Romney, (a church he has been associated with for many years), and becomes blasphemy and made a mockery by the press. Is this really news worthy? I could see if Romney was having an affair, or was a liar, tax cheater, or did something really dishonest. Come on give me something really news worthy!!! Are you really tolerant? Yes, that is a question you have to ask yourself.

Second about Romney vs. Prewitt, from the email that was sent to me, Cal Deal gave me links to show me why he is supporting Prewitt. Here are a few of the links he gave….

Comparing the two candidates resume from the Sun Sentinel.com

Go to:
Sun Sentinel Article 1 Click Here to Read More
When doing your due diligence here are some questions to consider before making your decision: Who has served the Fort Lauderdale Community the longest? Who has a stronger a fiscal resume? Who has dealt with business in Fort Lauderdale? Who has a relationship already with the Fire and Police? Whose Law Firm is located in Fort Lauderdale and Who is Not?

Here is another article from the Sun Sentinel:
Sun Sentinel Article 2 Click Here to Read More

What do they say the Key issue for District 4 is? Which candidate says they want dramatic change? (what does dramatic change mean?) Which candidate is a lifelong resident? (Is that important to you?)

If you went to the debates held in November, we got to meet the candidates and hear them speak. After the debates, no candidate was the clear winner, each candidate did really well. So I had to investigate them some more, after doing my research and reading each candidates websites, I came up with my own conclusion on who the right candidate is for me.

Now, remember to go out and vote for the right candidate for YOU on March 10^th. What’s your opinion?

God Bless,

John

VOTE MARCH 10, 2009

Don't forget to VOTE on March 10th.

If you need an absentee ballot:

log on to

www.browardsoe.org

or call

Supervisor of Elections (954- 357-7055

Missing Child Alert From Ft Lauderdale Police Dept

This Flyer Property of Fort Lauderdale Police Department


NAME: Erneshia Fleming
Age /DOB: 17 yoa 10/08/1991
Race/Sex: B/F
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 180
Hair/Style: Short ponytail
Eye Color: Brown
Build: Large
Tattoos: Chest/Stomach/Legs/Feet
LKA: 1036 NE 3rd Ave/ACTS


B.O.L.O. Ref: (X) MISSING JUVENILE
Information: The above pictured subject was last seen on 02/07/09, at 1036 NE 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL. If anyone has seen Erneshia Fleming, knows her whereabouts, or has any information on this case, please contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department at 954-828-5700. She should ONLY be released to Child Net or ACTS at 1036 NE 3rd Ave.
Contact: Investigator Pati Dube’ Phone: 954-828-5547
Unit: Special Victims/K-102 FLPD# 09-14479

Mayor Jim Naugle's State of the City Address Set for March 4, 2009

Hi All,
I just got this email from the city, so if you want hear what the future holds, then you should be there. I hope to be there.

Please join us for the annual State of the City Address and Advisory Board Reception.

Who/What
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle will deliver the State of the City Address on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at the Lauderdale Marine Center, located at 2001 S.W. 20th Street. There will be a reception immediately following the address.

When
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
6:00 p.m.

Where
Lauderdale Marine Center
2001 S.W. 20th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

Parking
Complimentary parking will be available on site.

God Bless,
John

No General February Meeting

Hi All,

From my understanding, there will be no General Meeting this month.

So look for your newsletter for the next meeting and topic that will be discussed in the Future.

Patrica Rathburn, your new President, and the rest of the members have some great ideas for the up coming year. So keep your eyes out for the next meeting !!!
God Bless,
John

Look for an Auto Mechanic?

Hi All,

My auto mechanic, Sunshine Auto in Pompano, sold his business and its time for me to look for a new mechanic.


I was going to my old mechanic for 10 years and loved his attention to detail and honesty.

So does anyone have a recommendation? It would be nice if it was closer to home than my last mechanic but I willing to travel for great workmanship and honesty.

You can email me but a blog reply would be nice for others to see.

God Bless,
John

Puppies Need a Home. Can You Help?

Hi All,

Here is a note about puppies that need a home.



The note reads:
There are 5 black lab puppies that are looking for homes (pictured below), and they are FREE! They were found on the side of the road, and they only have a few more days until they have to be given to a shelter. PLEASE forward this email on. Even if you don't know anyone who can take one right now, someone else might!

Contact: Kathleen Allen KathleenRAllen@gmail.com

God Bless,
John

TERM LIMITS, CHURCH & STATE

A reminder to all that muncipal elections didn't end in February - the runoff for our District Commissioner is March 10th. This has been a very exciting few months for elections - starting of course with the election of our new President and continuing on a local level. I particularly note that it is the first time in many years on the local level that we haven't seen the same faces running for office, whether re-election to their current office or, faced with term limits, running for a new office. It seems to me that term limits can either be a good or bad thing- good in that name recognition and a big war chest will only keep you in office for so long, and bad, in that, particularly in national office, you need people who have been in office for awhile to get the top chairmanships of committees and understand how laws are made. Locally, it has alway seemed that it doesn't work that well - when someone is term limited out of his or her posisition - they tend to simply move to another (usually higher) position.That is why this election is interesting in that we have two novices running for the position. Both seem to have fresh ideas and new enthusiasm which hopefully will translate into good governance.

Talking about politcs can always be a devisive thing - which is why it is important for us all to remember that no matter what our personal views or party affiliations, that the opinions we express on this Blog are just that- opinions and not endorsements of any candidate on behalf of the Civic Association. We have been very careful in the Newsletter to include a disclaimer that any ads we have accepted for candidates for Mayor or Commissioner are paid advertisements and not endorsements of any candidate, and I wanted to make that clear again - for the Newsletter and for any Blog postings.

I reiterate the importance of separating church and state in light of a recent E-mail that I got endorsing a particular candidate stating that "God had lifted his hand" with respect to the votes that candidate received. I have been very careful in my role as President of the Civic Association not to publicly take sides in this election, no matter what views I may express in a more private setting. I think neutrality is important - whomever wins this Commission race will be someone that we need to work closely with, and I do not want to jeopardize that future relationship by taking sides. Having said that, and freely admitting that I am one of those Easter and Christmas church goer types and therefor might not be totally up to date on the subject, I was sort of surprised to discover, according to the E-mail, that God apparently favors one candidate over another. I have a little bit of a hard time with that concept, but again - that's what makes America great- you are entitled to believe anything you want and if what you want to believe is that God picks sides in municipal elections - that is your right. My personal belief is that God has enough other stuff to worry about and should stay out of elections - it has not worked out too well in the Middle East and other places where separate factions each believe that their candidates have gotten the heavenly endorsement. Is it possible that all sides are right? Maybe so - but way beyond my pay grade to say with any certainty. Vote for whomever you choose based on whatever criteria for leadership you find important. Just vote.

Pet Health Warning

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called ' Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

Additional information can be found at www.Snopes.com

Volunteers Needed for 32nd Annual Waterway Cleanup

The City of Fort Lauderdale is proud to be a Site Sponsor for the 32nd Annual Waterway Cleanup, set for 9am-1pm on Saturday, March 7, 2009, at 35 locations throughout Broward County. The annual event, spearheaded by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF), promotes environmental responsibility. Volunteers help clean up Broward County’s canals and waterways.

People of all ages are invited to participate by boat or on foot to remove debris from the waterways and shorelines.

Becoming a Waterway Cleanup volunteer is simple. Locate a cleanup site near your home or business, arrive at the site, and sign in with a site coordinator. For a list of cleanup sites, visit www.waterwaycleanup.org or call MIASF at 954-524-2733.

Following the clean up, volunteers are invited to attend the Trash Bash volunteer appreciation party for food, drinks, and DJ entertainment. The Trash Bash will be held from 2pm-5pm at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park, 6503 N. Ocean Drive, Dania Beach.

Sign up today to help clean up Broward County’s reefs, waterways and beaches. It’s a great way to meet new people and share in the reward of protecting your environment.

For more information about volunteer and sponsorship opportunities:
Visit www.waterwaycleanup.org
Call 954-524-2733, or
Email waterwaycleanup@miasf.org.

Citizens Crime Alert of Fort Lauderdale

Citizens Crime Alert of Fort Lauderdale Inc.

Meeting
March 2, 2009
7:00 PM
City Hall 8th Floor Cafeteria

Code Department, Mike Maloney, and he has agreed to attend the March 2nd meeting or have his assistant attend.

The topic will be an overview of what the city, and probably more specifically, what Code is doing regarding Foreclosures throughout the city. I think, given the current economic climate, this will be a very interesting and informative presentation.

These properties are all over the City and unfortunately undesirable’s a going in and taking up business. This is making the property values and the safety of the neighborhoods plummet.

Everyone from every neighborhood is welcome. Take valuable information back to your neighborhoods.

YOU REALLY DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS AND BRING QUESTIONS RELATING TO PROBLEMS YOU SEE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, INCLUDING ADDRESSES.

March 10th District 4 Commissioner Election

Hi All,

Romney Rogers was close to winning the commissioner seat but he needed 50% of the votes for our district. Unfortunately he only got 47% of the votes and we have a run off between to the two highest vote getters, which is Romney Rogers and Coleman Prewitt.

Since that is the case, there will be a final election on March 10th, less than 30 days from now. So don't put away your lawn signs and the campaign continues.


Romney Rogers




Coleman Prewitt

For those who voted for the other 2 candidates, now is the time to make up your mind for Romney Rogers or Coleman Prewitt.

God Bless,
John

Ft Lauderdale Free Tree Brochure

Hi All,

We got a call this week asking for the city forester's phone number. I returned the call but thought, why not put the information on the blog.

Here it is

Gene Dempsey, Urban Forester
Parks and Recreation Department
City of Fort Lauderdale
1350 W. Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312

Tel. 954-828-5785
E-mail: GDempsey@fortlauderdale.gov

The website for the FREE Trees <<<<>

There is a brochure on the website which tells you all about the free trees and a form to fill out to request your free tree.

I have a free tree that I put on my swale in 1994 and it is a big Oak tree now. I love it. Unfortunately the trees we tried as a community in 2004 to plant on 14th by my duplex section did not make it. Out of 14 trees we planted only 5 trees have survived. 2 hurricanes came and destroyed.

Maybe I will have the energy and try again this year. I would love to see a tree canopy on my section of the street.

Any other nice free tree stories you can share?
God Bless,
John

Sewer Hook Up Contractor Feed Back

Hi All,

I will be joining the ranks of you all that have been dealing with the sewer hook up recently in Croissant Park.

I will be looking for a contractor and need some feed back on the plumbing contractors you are using or have used.

To help me and others, can you put some of the following information if you comment.
1. How many bids did you get?
2. Which Contractor did you pick?
3. Can you say the price range you paid?
4. How difficult was your Hook Up?
5. How was your contractor? Would you recommend?
6. How was the whole process of the hook up? Painful or pleasant?



Your information will help me and your neighbors. Thank you for your help.
God Bless,
John

Thanking Romney Rogers for his Membership Support

Hi All,

I had a chance to thank Romney Rogers last night for his support in the Croissant Park Membership drive we had in our January 2009 newsletter.

Hopefully you saw it, the membership drive piece, membership application and envelope, was stapled on the Croissant Park newsletter that was delivered to your home. Romney help offset the cost of the drive with his financial support.















We are hoping you took the application off the newsletter, filled it out, wrote your check of $20, and mailed in the application in the return envelope. We made it simple for you. If you did not see the membership piece, you can still write your check and mail to CPCA, PO Box 13117, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.

Remember this month, membership dues are due and the Croissant Park Civic Association needs your support.
God Bless,
John

Photos of Demo of Gore Nursery

Hi All,

Gore Nursery is soon to be leveled. It started today and a park is on it way.

Here are few photos of today.

God Bless,
John