“SCAMS, SCHEMES and SCOUNDRELS”
Transcription
“SCAMS, SCHEMES and SCOUNDRELS”
Newsletter February 2014 February 27 General Membership Meeting – Everyone Invited! “SCAMS, SCHEMES and SCOUNDRELS” Consumer Protection Agency Tips, Tricks and Advice to Save Money and Avoid Ripoffs Join us Thursday evening February 27 to hear a presentation by Debbie Brown, Investigator II and Community Education Coordinator for the Hillsborough County Consumer Protection Agency. She will tell us about the agency, its mission and the latest information on consumer fraud trends including home solicitations, hiring a contractor, tax return fraud and more. Education and information is considered the first line of defense in the battle to protect consumers from victimization. In addition to a power packed program, she will provide numerous take-home materials to help you avoid common consumer problems. Hillsborough County's Consumer Protection acts as the intake agency for consumer complaints alleging various unfair or deceptive business practices involving the purchase of everyday goods and services. This department also regulates and administers County ordinances and issue licenses for the Pain Management Clinics and Personal Injury Protection Medical Providers. The Consumer Protection Agency has also developed award-winning community outreach and education programs, working actively in the community to provide information and assistance with issues relating to unfair and deceptive business practices. The meeting begins promptly at 7:30 PM, following our popular 7:00 PM social hour featuring FREE pizza, sandwiches, wings, other snacks and soft drinks. Have dinner and enjoy an informative program. Guests are invited and we encourage first-time attendees - new residents or old! Great door prizes at the end of the evening. The meeting will be held at the Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 6100 Memorial Hwy. Please enter from the driveway on the west side and drive to the parking lot adjacent to the Family Life Center building at the rear. Are You More Proud of Your Home Than Your Trash Cans? If you are, please keep your trash containers out of sight on noncollection days. BAY CREST PARK SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT MONTHLY MEETING Monday, February 10, 2014 7:00 PM, Town ‘N Country Regional Library All residents invited Thank You! IN THIS ISSUE Holiday Boat Parade Sheriff’s Crime Report Santa Visits Bay Crest Drive Bay Crest on Your Side Special Events Useful Info for Residents Tax District Report Interesting Facts Gardening Hints Neighborhood Services Cartoons & Humor Important Phone Numbers …and more 1 Published Quarterly by the BAY CREST PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATION Bay Crest Park Civic Association PO Box 261116 Tampa FL 33685 OFFICERS Ken Broome, President …………………….…927-7932 Theresa Shell, Vice-President…………………885-1510 Jann Poulos, Secretary………………….…..…240-3399 Todd Moran, Treasurer……………….…….… 361-4499 Newsletter Editor – Gene Milas Call 884-5511 for copy and ad deadlines. Published in February, May, August and November. DIRECTORS Norm Coffman……………………………….…..885-5090 John Housand …………………………………290-0626 Jay Lovelace ………………………….………..317-4189 David May……………………………………..…299-6448 Gene Milas………………………………………884-5511 Scott Purol………………………………… ...….597-1122 Paul Sullivan……………………………………..765-7297 ADVERTISING RATES (CAMERA-READY) 1/8 Page (Business Card)…$50.00 1/4 Page…$85.00 1/2 Page…$140.00 Full Page…$180.00 10% Discount to Resident Association Members Keep Up With Bay Crest Park On the web – baycrestpark.org Feedback – [email protected] Receive Enews – [email protected] Info for New Advertisers Sizes for Bay Crest Park Newsletter ads are: Business Card – 3.5” wide x 2” deep Quarter Page – 3.5” wide x 5” deep Half Page – 7.5” wide x 5” deep Full Page – 7.5” wide x 9.5” deep BAY CREST PARK TAXING DISTRICT Chris Roberts, President………………....….…323-3761 Damon Shields, Vice-President ………………454-5612 Jan Lentowicz, Secretary/Treasurer..…….. ...290-9535 Mark Mariani ……………………………...…….690-2012 Jerry Miller………………………………………. Mike Perotti………………………………………242-5100 Jeff Dodd……………………………………805-797-7721 Finished copy may vary slightly in size, based on page content, borders, fonts, and other graphics variables. Additional charges for off-size or non-camera ready copy. We cannot insert other materials such as flyers or envelopes. Send comments, concerns or suggestions to the Bay Crest Special Dependent District (the “Taxing District”) at [email protected]. Also use this address for information on boat ramp permits. 2 FROM THE PRESIDENT Ken Broome I welcome all residents both new and old to another fine year of living in the community of Bay Crest Park. We have seen many changes in this neighborhood over time and I am pleased to state that most of them are for the better. While we have our share of issues as in any large neighborhood, we seem to rise above this and continue to improve with each passing year. As an example, our new forced main sewer project is complete and I want to thank all residents for your patience and perseverance. Now we can all benefit from these necessary improvements that we can enjoy for many years to come. We need to stay focused and support the people that make this happen. By this I mean our Association officers and board members and the trustees of our Special Taxing District that work tirelessly behind the scenes to continue to improve the standard of living that we all appreciate. In addition to all the appointed and elected positions, we are always fortunate to have superb volunteers that always step forward to help with our community projects. I urge you to help us make this year the best in obtaining our goal of total membership participation. Last year we achieved a membership total which was a little less than half of our neighborhood population. This is great, but in the past we’ve approached 70 percent of all our families. I ask all of you to meet with your neighbors and urge them to join our combined efforts to continue the activities and functions that set us apart from other communities. As President for the past two years, I’ve met with many other neighborhood organizations and they always wonder how we do the things that we do in Bay Crest. As examples, we have the annual picnic, holiday boat parade, community cleanups, children’s Christmas and July 4 parades, community yard sales and an outstanding newsletter. We do it all because we all want to assure our neighborhood is always safe, secure, desirable and attractive. Please send in your 2014 family dues donation today and help us continue to better our way of living. Best regards to all for a happy and prosperous New Year! Ken TREASURER’S REPORT Todd Moran As we start a new year, our membership and treasury balances are low and we must call on our residents to make dues donations. In December, we ended 2013 with a membership of 422 families, or about 45% of the 935 homes in Bay Crest. With a new year, we request that all Bay Crest residents help in covering costs of community services provided by your Civic Association. Help your Officers, Board and volunteers in keeping Bay Crest a clean, safe and attractive neighborhood. Please renew your membership the easy way, by mailing a check today. The suggested dues donation is $10, or more if you desire. For proper credit, please be sure to include your Bay Crest address on your check. Send to: Bay Crest Park Civic Association PO Box 261116 Tampa FL 33685-1116. 3 SECRETARY’S REPORT Jann Poulos The meeting was called to order by President Ken Broome at 7:37 pm. Ken welcomed all to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church for the General Membership meeting. The board and attending members pledged allegiance to the Flag, led by Gil Lembach. The minutes from the last General Membership Meeting were approved as published in the prior newsletter. Todd Moran reported the association’s latest balance to be $429.94 with 421 paid members as of November 20, 2013. President Ken asked for all new families in Bay Crest to please stand and the membership welcomed the Rex Jawers family of Bay Crest Drive. Norm Coffman welcomed all to Wesley Memorial and reminded everyone that the Church provides a food bank for senior adults with fixed incomes. All contributions are appreciated. Gene Milas introduced the Speaker for the evening, Ms. Sandy Murman, District 1 County Commissioner. After thanking us for our community activism and her attendance at our annual picnic, she provided a “State of the County” program, introducing her newsletter and board meeting notes that she publishes. She brought everyone up to date on the biking/walking trail parallel to the Courtney Campbell Causeway. She also discussed that county revenues were still behind prior years, the county is financially strong with $2 million in reserves. The Commissioner said that Hillsborough County is poised for smart growth with well defined housing and transportation. Next year should be good in the areas of transportation and jobs with all major groups in the county working together. Auto manufacturers were here recently to preview the area for import (port) and export (roads). At the same time, the county also recognizes the need to replace old infrastructure such as stormwater drainage. A majority of the county’s budget (60%) is for the Sheriff’s Department and Fire Safety. Of concern, according to Commissioner Murman, is the Upper Tampa Bay Trail, with plans to navigate through this area being discussed. Due to constituent input, Sandy is trying to slow the project by looking at alternative routes. The project is under further evaluation. On a positive note, she indicated that plans were underway to develop Skyway Park with a wellness trail or dog park to connect with the Causeway Trail. There will be no sports complex there (much applause!). The commission is also working on uniting DOT, SWFWMD and the county to research grants for our much needed canal dredging. Finally, Commissioner Murman informed us that there were several legislative bills addressing the federal issue of flood insurance rate increases for property owners in flood zones. These bills address a proposed affordability study or even a moratorium for two years. Many people are working on a delay in implementation of these increased rates. Questions from the audience included 1) What is the status of the I-4 corridor development? Commissioner Murman said that the infrastructure is not readily available yet but they are working with Plant City in a joint effort, and 2) What about a monorail from Westshore to the Airport? Commissioner Murman said they are working on increase of use of public transportation as well as types of rapid transit like dedicated lanes and other “people mover” types of transportation. Hillsborough County is ready to invest and there is federal money available. Concluding, Commissioner Murman thanked the group and wished us all Happy Holidays! President Ken opened discussion on old business: Norm Coffman said that 39 homes participated in the November community yard sale. Because of rain, it was delayed for a week. Vice President Theresa Shell reported that the Picnic was successful and some Sweetwater and other guests were greatly impressed. There was a great round of applause for Theresa’s efforts and she said she could always use more help for next year! Also noted was the damage to the flagpole on Lopez Drive, probably due to recent road construction. Replacement was estimated at $800, so a member of the Taxing District volunteered to research repair or replacement. (The flagpole has since been straightened by volunteer Board members). Lynette Peel asked if we were interested in continuing Dumpster Day. There was a unanimous yes and she said she would apply for the grant. Moving on to new business, resident Terry Fortino asked for donations for Michelle’s Kids, a toy drive (tax deductible) to provide for children that would not have a Christmas gifts. John Housand reminded everyone of the Bay Crest Boat Parade on December 7. This is the 14th year for the parade with some great prizes. Gene Milas also reminded all that Santa would be visiting Bay Crest on December 15 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Peel Park. Jan Lentowicz, a Trustee of our Taxing District asked that we come to their meetings (second Monday of each month). They decide where our Bay Crest special tax funds will be spent and would like ideas to benefit our community. President Ken said that new Bay Crest is getting new street signs (a Taxing District project) with Middle and Old Bay Crest to follow. The project should be completed by summer. Vice President Theresa drew door prize winners: Jann Poulos - $25.00 – Alyssa Nicole Salon Sheila Erich - $25.00 -Pho Quyen Restaurant Rex Jawers – $25.00 – Alyssa Nicole Salon Betsy Wood - $20.00 – Longbar & Grill With all business concluded, Ken adjourned the meeting at 9:01 PM. 4 November 21 Membership Meeting Commissioner Sandy Murman Updates Residents on County Issues At our November General Membership Meeting, we were honored to have our District 1 County Commissioner, Sandy Murman, present a discussion program on issues and actions in County government. Sandy, our long-time friend and advocate of Bay Crest and other neighborhoods she serves, gave an overview of progress and problems from her County Commission perspective and answered numerous questions from the audience. She provided a “State of the County” program, introducing her newsletter and board meeting notes that she publishes. She brought everyone up to date on the biking/walking trail parallel to the Courtney Campbell Causeway. She also discussed that county revenues were still behind prior years, the county is financially strong with $2 million in reserves. The Commissioner said that Hillsborough County is poised for smart growth with well defined housing and transportation. Next year should be good in the areas of transportation and jobs with all major groups in the county working together. Auto manufacturers were here recently to preview the area for import (port) and export (roads). At the same time, the county also recognizes the need to replace old infrastructure such as stormwater drainage. A majority of the county’s budget (60%) is for the Sheriff’s Department and Fire Safety. Of concern, according to Commissioner Murman, is the Upper Tampa Bay Trail, with plans to navigate through this area being discussed. Due to constituent input, Sandy is trying to slow the project by looking at alternative routes. At this point, the project is under further evaluation. On a positive note, she indicated that plans were underway to develop Skyway Park with a wellness trail or dog park to connect with the Causeway Trail. There will be no sports complex there (much applause!). The commission is also working on uniting DOT, SWFWMD and the county to research grants for our much needed canal dredging. Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing. 5 Sheriff’s Crime Map Report The listing shown is a Sheriff’s summary of reported crime incidents in the Bay Crest Park area during the three month period from October 24, 2013 to January 24, 2014. It does not include traffic accidents or incidents or minor civil actions such as warrant serving. The data on the website are public information and may be accessed by anyone. On the site, you can pick the zip code, area, calendar dates, and types of crime. You can also select an address anywhere in Hillsborough County and track crime occurrences within a specified distance from that point. The web address of the Sheriff’s Crime Mapping database is: gis.hcso.tampa.fl.us/crimemapping/. 6 Some Thoughts on Becoming Old Consider these: Your kids are becoming you......but your grandchildren are perfect! Going out is good.. Coming home is better! You forget names. But it's OK because other people forgot they even knew you! You realize you're never going to be really good at anything.... especially golf. The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to dot hem anymore. You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It's called "pre-sleep". You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch.. You tend to use more four-letter words ...like "what?” or "when?" Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it's not safe to wear it anywhere. You notice everything they sell in stores is "sleeveless" What used to be freckles are now liver spots. Everybody whispers. You have three sizes of clothes in your closet....two of which you will never wear. But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, Old Friends! - contributed by resident Norm Wetzel The Benjamin Macht Mortgage Group I am a Bay Crest Park resident offering special mortgage lending service and discounts to all current and future residents and to servicing Realtors® and brokers. REFINANCE OR NEW HOME PURCHASE FULL-SERVICE LENDING SUPPORT FROM START TO FINISH UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE LOAN PROCESS GREAT UNDERWRITING TURN TIMES WITH IN-HOUSE UNDERWRITING FREE CREDIT ANALYSIS AND COUNSELING, RAPID RESCORING TO IMPROVE CREDIT SCORES A WIDE SELECTION OF LOAN PRODUCTS TO MATCH CLIENTS WITH THE PERFECT LOAN: - CONVENTIONAL - FHA/VA - USDA - JUMBO - HOMEPATH - PRMI CHOICE w/ SPECIAL FINANCING FOR BORROWERS WITH FICO SCORES AS LOW AS 580 CONTACT ME TODAY! Mobile: (502) 523-4594 Email: [email protected] Websites online soon: besttampabaymortgage.com baycrestparkmortgage.com 7 8 Santa Visits Bay Crest Drive Santa Claus (a.k.a. resident Gil Leimbach) arrived on Bay Crest Drive at 2:30 PM on Saturday, December 15. Greeted by a number of expectant children and their parents, the old elf was delivered to the end of Bay Crest Drive with a load of gifts on a golf cart. As shown in the photo, children also crowded into Santa’s cart for a short ride Event Chairperson Lorraine Mathes and assistant “elves” arranged the annual event and assisted Santa with his duties. Snacks and soft drinks were provided for all. Photos contributed by Kim Macht and Gwyn Leimbach Your Neighborhood Real Estate Professional Certified Distressed Property Expert Bay Crest Resident’s discounts on commissions and closing costs! I can sell or rent your home fast! Looking for a home? Let me help you find a great deal!! Do you qualify for a short sale? Call me & I can help you find out! Traci Chadbourne, CDPE Experience Counts! [email protected] Licensed Realtor in Tampa since www.mywaterfrontcommunity.com 1991 Exit Bayshore Realty 813.220.0053 9 TAXING DISTRICT NEWS Damon Shields Happy New Year from the Bay Crest Park Taxing District! As the New Year opens the Taxing District is pressing forward with the initiatives that we have been working through over the course of 2013. I am excited to announce that we are starting the next phase of the street sign project and that the initial phase of the sign project has been completed. Our vendor will be starting with Phase II – Middle Bay Crest in the next few weeks. As in Phase I – New Bay Crest, we will be replacing the county’s signage with new signs on new poles. We are all very thankful to the many people who have provided such positive feedback on the project. The new signs really do improve the appearance of our neighborhood and I know many people have expressed excitement about having the signs on their street replaced. We anticipate that we will begin Phase III – Old Bay Crest in the late spring with an anticipated completion sometime in June. The Taxing District continues to operate and maintain the neighborhood boat ramp and we really appreciate the contributions and efforts of our board member Mark Mariani. Mark has done an outstanding job being responsive to the needs of the users of the ramp, working with residents to keep our records accurate and even spearheading some initiatives to continuously improve our resource. Let’s all please continue helping Mark in his efforts by keeping the area clean, letting us know when you have had a vehicle change, and remembering that the boat ramp is only open during daylight hours. Like all of the common areas in Bay Crest, it is up to each of us to do our part to make our neighborhood the best in town! We continue to maintain the stormwater drains in the neighborhood. We have been adding new baskets each fiscal year since the project started and FY2014 is no different. We have budgeted to add an additional 13 baskets this year and will continue working with our vendor to maintain and clean the drainage baskets. Each year this program literally keeps TONS of garbage from finding its way into our canals and Old Tampa Bay and the Tax District is very committed to continuing this important effort. As always, I would like to remind all residents that the Bay Crest Park Taxing District meets on the second Monday of every month at 7:00 PM at the Town ‘N Country Public Library on Paula Drive. We encourage residents of the neighborhood to attend, share ideas and bring any questions you might have. Finally, I would like to recognize the contributions of two of our Tax District board members. First, I would like to welcome Jerry Miller as our newest district member. Jerry stepped into his role on the board in November of 2013 and has already brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. As with any organization, ours has had an unsung hero and that person, in our case, is Jan Lentowicz. Jan is filling a dual role as both Secretary and Treasurer and, as such, sets up our meetings, handles almost all of our correspondence, oversees most of our projects and is generally a tremendous resource for both the Taxing District and Bay Crest Park as a whole. I am very thankful to all of the Taxing District Members and all of the residents who work with us to make Bay Crest Park the wonderful place to live that it is. Damon Next Taxing District Meeting Monday, February 10 7:00 PM Town ‘N Country Regional Public Library 10 BAY CREST ON YOUR SIDE Current water restrictions. As of December 13, 2013 outdoor water use for irrigation of established lawns and landscaping is restricted to ONE day per week according to a property’s address. Irrigation must be accomplished prior to 8:00 AM or after 6:00 PM. Any one zone of a property may only be watered once during the allowable day, NOT both in the morning and evening. The prescribed days are as follows: 1) Addresses ending in the number 0 or 1: Mondays 2) 2) Addresses ending in the number 2 or 3: Tuesdays 3) Addresses ending in the number 4 or 5: Wednesdays 4) Addresses ending in the number 6 or 7: Thursdays and 5) Addresses ending in the number 8 or 9: Fridays. Out of sight. On non-collection days, Hillsborough County code requires that all garbage and recycling containers be placed out-of-sight on residential properties. For some, this has proven challenging because they still have the old cans and lack space for the new carts. If you no longer use the old bins or trash cans, you may place them inside your GRAY roll cart for disposal. They will be melted and converted into energy at Hillsborough's Solid Waste Energy Recovery Facility. (If your old trash can does not fit inside of the gray cart, place it on the curb on a trash pickup day with a large sign asking for it to be taken away. If the driver misses your can, call Republic Services at 265-0292 and they will send the driver back to your address.) Hand watering of lawns is permitted only on the designated day. Seniors can save some cash. Did you know that the Public Utilities Department offers a 25% senior citizen's discount for solid waste disposal to residential customers? To find out if you qualify for this discount, please complete the application found online at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/461 or call 272-5680. Final needs planning seminar March 11. The Town ‘N Country Senior Center, in concert with Blount & Curry Funeral Home is presenting a complementary seminar event on Tuesday March 11, 2014 at 11:00 AM. The seminar will provide valuable information about final-needs options, financial considerations, planning and more. The seminar is totally free, and will offer a luncheon, door prizes, and a variety of final needs planning information. You must RSVP for the event as soon as possible, to facilitate planning for the luncheon. Call (813) 814-444 to reserve a spot. You may also contact the Senior Center Manager, Lori Radice, at (813) 873-6336 or [email protected]. Advertise in the Bay Crest Newsletter, published in February, May, August and November. See rates and ad sizes on page 2. Bay Crest on the Web Check it Out! Call 884-5511 for more information, or email [email protected] - Keep their lawns mowed and edged, and yards free of trash and debris Keep cars and boats off the lawn Place trash out for collection the night before, not days before Keep the sidewalks clear Keep trash cans out of sight Watch out for their neighbors Are YOU a Good Neighbor? BAY CREST GENERAL STORE car windows – free Good neighbors respect their property and their neighbors. Good neighbors: Decals for home or car -free with paid membership High quality aluminum front license plate – only $5 to members American Flags 3’ x 5’ cotton/polyester, $10 3’ x 5’ embroidered, $20 All items available at membership meetings 11 14th Annual Bay Crest Holiday Boat Parade Sparkles For the 14th consecutive year, brightly decorated boats took to the Bay Crest Park canals Saturday evening, December 7. This year, 14 boats participated, plus a number of residents entered the dock decorating contest. This year’s event also featured a prize pool of over $2000 in merchandise and gift certificates generously donated by local businesses. Overall, about 33 businesses contributed, most of them from our local area. Photos included here represent only a sample of the decorating skill of our boating community, and can’t do justice to the fantastic variety of colors and the enthusiasm of the crews and observers. Prizes were given for First, Second, and Third places plus Honorable Mentions in both boat and dock decorating. John and Barbara Housand’s entry, “Under the Sea with Dolphins and Jellyfish” took First Place for boats, and Rex North took First Place for docks with synchronized lighting and Christmas tree. A complete list of winners for boat and dock decorating is shown below, and a list of prize donors on the next page. This year, the weather was perfect! Special thanks to John and Barbara, Donna Corona, and all the captains and committee members for a great event. As is the tradition, this was a wonderful opportunity for residents to have parade-watching parties and backyard cookouts, with many visitors coming from outside Bay Crest to view the event. Boat Decorating Winners Place Name Description 1st Place John & Barbara Housand Under the Sea Theme with Dolphins and Jellyfish 2nd Place Todd Moran Party Boat with Santa in a Hammock 3rd Place Mike Bayle Rudolph Honorable Memtion Tom & Donna Corona Peacock with Sleigh Dock Decorating Winners Place Name Description 1st Rex North Synchronized Lights with Tree on Boathouse 2nd Al & Sandy Shingle Hawaiian Theme with Volcano and Dancing Santa 3rd Steve Winter Blue Theme with Fireworks Honorable Mention (Tie) Charles & Amy Orial Christmas Story with Animals Honorable Mention (Tie) Patrick & Theresa Shell Dock and Entire Backyard with Lights 12 14th Annual Bay Crest Holiday Boat Parade Thanks to the generosity of the many sponsors and donors listed below, a total of over $2000 in prizes and gift certificates were given to event winners in all categories. Many of these businesses have supported our boat parade over multiple years; please consider them when shopping for a product or service they provide. GOLD SPONSORS 620 WDAE Best Western Bay Harbor Hotel Boaters Republic Florida Aquarium Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay Mix 100.7 Pho Quyen Cuisine Piper’s Marine Safety Harbor Resort and Spa Signature Massage Village Inn Whiskey Joe’s SILVER SPONSORS 2 Square Pizzaistro Alyssa Nicole Salon Carabba’s Charann’s Tavern Chili’s Expressions Nail & Spa Hair Concepts Hungry Howie’s Longbar Pub & Grill Outback Restaurant Pet Sitting by Lorraine Philly Phlava Publix Red Lobster Splitsville Tampa Bay & Company The Family Flower Shoppe The Terrace Café at Bon Appetit Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Westshore Pizza Follow the parade on Facebook at “Bay Crest Holiday Boat Parade.” Send photos or videos to John Housand at [email protected]. Photos by Gene Milas and Kim Macht 13 Town ‘N Country Spring Expo and Plant Sale Saturday, April 5, 2014 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church 6100 Memorial Highway PLANT SALE: Plants grown by Garden Circle members at great prices! EXPO: Gardening-related vendors and other plant societies FOOD TRUCK RALLY: 12 Trucks for a great variety! TOOL SHARPENING: Services by Bill Hebert – Reasonable prices For more information or to reserve a craft table: Sharon T. Cooper (813) 727-2947, (813) 886-2015, or [email protected] 14 Sheriff Installs Permanent Drug Drop-off Boxes At District Offices While maintaining its annual Operation Medicine Cabinet drug collection event, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has installed permanent drug drop-off boxes at its four patrol district offices. The drop-off boxes are available 24 hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. “Citizens are now able to properly dispose of unwanted, unnecessary and expired prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and veterinarian prescriptions,” said HCSO Public Information Officer, Larry McKinnon. Officials said the initiative expands the current prescription and overthe-counter drug take-back program in Hillsborough County. The permanent drug drop-off initiative does not replace the department’s annual Operation Medicine Cabinet campaign. Serving the Brandon and South Shore area communities since its inception in 2006, the annual event has collected more than 6,000 pounds of prescription drugs and medications, as it works in conjunction with Home Instead Senior Care. The new permanent take-back sites will provide multiple options for residents of Hillsborough County to safely dispose of unwanted and unused medications. The four District Office locations are: District 3: 7202 Gunn Hwy. in Tampa (Serving Bay Crest Park) District 1: 14102 North 20th Street in Tampa District 2: 2310 North Falkenburg Road in Tampa District 4: 503 33rd Street SE in Ruskin Information provided from a an HCSO news release. For more about HSCO, visit www.hcso.tampa.fl.us. A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory. 15 Some Good Stuff for Bicycle Riders Thanks to our friends in the Dana Shores/Pelican Island neighborhoods. This information was found in their newsletter, Shore Lines. BICYCLE LIGHTS We recently went on the hunt for a great (but inexpensive) set of bicycle lights. Here are our findings: Our Favorite Headlight: Schwinn 1W Head Light [Best price we found: Walmart.com for $10.89] Super bright LED and easy to install, offering steady and flash modes. Our Favorite Taillights: Bontrager Flare 1 Taillight [Best price we found: www.trekbikes.com for $14.99] OR M-Wave Helios 3.3 S LED Taillight [Best price we found: Walmart.com for $14.99] Both are bright red LED lights. They’re easy to install and use AAA batteries. They offer 3 different flashing patterns. PROTECT YOUR BIKE FROM THEFT Bicycle theft is on the rise in Tampa. To reduce this risk on your outings, lock your bike to a bicycle rack or stand. Place the lock through the frame and both wheels. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office offers a bicycle registration program, which they use to return lost or stolen bicycles to their proper owner. For a copy of the registration form and related information, visit www.hsco.tampa.fl.us, type bicycle registration in the search box, and select Go . WESLEY MEMORIAL IS A PLACE FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FAITH – JOIN US EACH SUNDAY Pastor Ernie invites you to stop by and say Hi! Meet our new Lead Pastor, Ernie Post. Pastor Ernie came to Wesley in July. He was born in Paterson, NJ and attended Frankfurt American High School in Germany. He went on to undergrad and graduate studies at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, and then completed postgraduate studies at Princeton Seminary. He was the founding pastor at West Oaks United Methodist Church and Ocoee UMC. Join Us in December for the Christmas Season Worship Celebration 9:00 AM Traditional Worship - Chancel Choir 10:00 Education Classes – Adult, Youth, Children 11:15 AM Contemporary Worship Band and Praise Team, Childrens’ Church Loving Child Care 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM KidZone Ministry Wednesday Night Live – Preschool to 5th Grade 6:30-8:00 PM Family Dinner 5:30-6:30 PM Sunday Children’s’ Classes – Elementary (1st – 5th), Preschool, Kindergarten 9:00 – 12:15 PM Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church Lead Pastor Ernie Post Your Neighborhood Church 6100 Memorial Highway Phone (813) 886-2536 www.wesleymemorial.net Weekday Child Care at BRIDGES 882-9921 [email protected] 16 17 Mount Rushmore Honors US Presidents As we approach Presidents Day February 17, here are a few facts about one of the country’s most significant monuments: The southeastern face of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota's Black Hills National Forest is the site of four gigantic carved sculptures depicting the faces of U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. Led by the sculptor Gutzon Borglum, work on the project began in 1927 and was finally completed in 1941. Over that time period, some 400 workers erected the sculpture under dangerous conditions, removing a total of 450,000 tons of rock in order to create the enormous carved heads, each of which reached a height of 60 feet (18 meters). In sculptor Borglum’s original design, the four presidents were meant to be represented from the waist up, but lack of funding stopped the carving after completion of the faces. Known as the "Shrine of Democracy," the monument welcomes more than two million visitors every year, and is one of America's most popular tourist attractions. On July 4, 1930, a dedication ceremony was held for the initial sculpture of Washington. After workers found the stone in the original site to be too week, they moved Jefferson's head from the right of Washington's to the left; the head was dedicated in August 1936, in a ceremony attended by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In September 1937, Lincoln's head was dedicated, while the fourth and final head--that of FDR's fifth cousin, Teddy Roosevelt--was dedicated in July 1939. Borglum died in March 1941, and it was left to his son Lincoln to complete the last details of the monument in time for its final dedication ceremony on October 31 of that year. You Are Invited to Join The Friends of the Town 'N Country Regional Library Family membership is only $10 annually, and funds are used to help enhance the appearance and ambience of our regional library. The Friends have supplied the library with a number of amenities that would not have been available to the Library without the Friends assistance of approximately $42,000. Friends funds are derived from membership dues and the sale of gently-used, donated books at the Bargain Street Book Store. In the past, the Library Friends have supplied: The wrap-arounds on the children's check-in desk and in the main library. The hanging mobiles (birds) in the children's section. The end panels of the book shelves in the children's library and in the main library. The round tables and leaf-back chairs in the children's section of the library. An on-going contract for foliage rental and maintenance in the downstairs lobby and main library. An annual contribution of $10,000 for special programs for seniors, adults and children. The Friends also provide Books on Wheels to the Town ‘N Country Hospital and sends books to members of our armed services overseas. All funds raised are used at our own library. 18 “We want a cozy, secluded 20-acre farm surrounded by hills, trees, and streams, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, schools, theaters, and hot night spots.” Neighbors Introduce Bay Crest Organic Food Co-op Interested in local organic produce? Join the new Bay Crest co-op with Tampa Bay Organics! A "co-op" is simply a way for people to come together as a group and buy something in bulk at a savings. Many local farms use the co-op model. Tampa Bay Organics delivers to one stop in the neighborhood for no charge, which eliminates the need for individual residents to make trips to an organic farm or market. You chose the produce from what's in season that you like, in an amount that fits your size household, delivered right to our neighborhood. No membership fee, no delivery fee, no commitment! For more information contact: Julie Santelices (co-op leader), Driftwood Drive, [email protected], (202)641-0935, or Erin Greaser, Bay Crest Lane, [email protected], 813-391-2125. Anyone in the neighborhood can visit the source website www.tampabayorganics.com. They have locally grown organic produce boxes that are priced at $35, $45, and $55 (small, medium, large). With a co-op of at least 4 members each delivery day we get a 10% discount off the top. There is an introductory “say hello” promo code to receive 50% off your first order. You can order every week, every other week, or only when you feel like it. You can receive all fruit, all vegetables, or a combination of both. You select your preferences each week from what is in season, so you only get what your family eats. It’s free to sign up, and you don't get billed until delivery day. Everyone gets billed individually only for what they order and when they order it, so there is no owing neighbors money, no getting billed on weeks you didn't want a box. To try it out, select “Bay Crest Park” on the signup page. The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. 19 Tampa Bay Orchid Society, Inc. SHOW AND SALE ORCHID SAFARI Saturday and Sunday, March 1-2, 2014 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Egypt Shrine Center Activities Bldg. 4050 Dana Shores Drive Tampa, FL 33634 (Adjacent to the A La Carte Event Pavilion) Orchid Repotting Available American Orchid Society Judging Artistic Orchid Displays. Including Arts & Crafts Orchids, Supplies and related items on sale Educational Workshops Hourly Door Prizes Admission $5 Ample FREE Parking tampabayorchidsociety.shutterfly.com/ 20 Goodbye, Terry One of our friends and a long-time newsletter advertiser, Terry Kimball, has closed his automotive repair business and retired to New York State. Terry and his wife Dana owned Auto Care of Town & Country at 6012 Eleanor Drive. They had been in the area and provided quality service for about 30 years! Good health and good fortune to them in their retirement, with thanks for all the quality work and the many friendships made in Bay Crest Park. Do Your Pipelines a Favor: Put Grease Where It Belongs with C.O.R.E You’ve got used cooking oil and grease. The County wants to recycle it. Pick up a cooking oil recycling jug and return it – or bring your own container – to a recycling station at any time. Look for the brightly-colored, free-standing cabinet with the C.O.R.E. identification. All cooking oils – including frying oil, and bacon and hamburger drippings - can cause problems in home plumbing and the sewage collection system. Here’s what to do: Carefully pour cooled cooking oil into a large, sturdy plastic or wax-coated container, such as the original container, a juice carton, or a C.O.R.E. jug (available for free at the C.O.R.E. station listed below). Cap the container. If the container is not the original or a C.O.R.E. jug, label it as holding cooking oil. Store the container in a cool, safe location until it is full. Don’t mix the grease with any other liquids or products. Once the container is full, bring it to a C.O.R.E. station or to a Hillsborough County Household Chemicals and Electronics Collections center. The C.O.R.E. Station nearest to Bay Crest is at the Town ‘N Country Pump Station, 5505 Town ‘N Country Boulevard, Tampa 33615 (east side of Town ‘N Country Boulevard, north of Hillsborough Avenue). Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, you will be a mile away and he won’t have any shoes. 21 NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES P Pets Lost and Found. If you have lost or found a dog or cat in Bay Crest, call Daphne at 967-4777. She will coordinate information with owners and finders to reunite pets with their families. Give her a description of the lost or found animal, location where found, and any other pertinent information. Leave a voice mail message if needed. The residents listed below offer services to their Bay Crest neighbors. If you would like to get your name on this list or have it removed, call 884-5511. The Association does not endorse any person listed or guarantee their service, but only provides names as a convenience. NOTE: Neighborhood Services listings are offered only to those residents who have made a current annual dues donation. A name may be listed in only one services category for any issue of the Newsletter. Service Offered Name Adult Phone Adult Care Notes Sidrah Audifferen Yes 887-5704 Babysitting Grace Moran No 885-7944 Home Repairs & Maintenance Robert Fredley Yes 445-9308 Home Security – CCTV Sales, Service, Repair John Delage Yes 671-1166 Lawn Mowing and/or Landscape Maintenance Parker Moran No 727-4821 Pet Care Lorraine Mathes Yes 885-5384 Plumbing, Electrical, General Home Repair Andy Tom Yes 924-4508 Real Estate Sales / Mortgage Loan Services Rhonda Augustine Mario Larrea Benjamin Macht Yes Yes Yes 928-7723 642-3428 502-523-4594 Discounts to residents Solar Energy/Pool Heating Joel Gray Yes 373-3879 A+ BBB Rating Tutoring Jan Lentowicz Yes 833-6427 Certified Babysitting Program 18 Years Experience Certified Veterinary Tech Realtor® A+ BBB Rating Report Animal Emergencies, Cruelty and Neglect If you are experiencing or witness an animal emergency or animal related crime such as an animal locked in a vehicle, abuse or neglect, a sick or injured animal, dog bites or attack, or a blood sport, such as dog or cockfighting, do not hesitate to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 247-8200, dial 911, or call Animal Safety and Enforcement at 813-744-5660. Common signs of animal neglect include abandonment, clearly visible wounds, protruding bones, skin issues, lack of veterinary medical care, lack of clean water, wholesome food, and proper shelter from the elements, heat stroke symptoms (e.g., animals locked in a vehicle). 22 2014 BAY CREST PARK COMMUNITY EVENT SCHEDULE Board of Directors Meeting – Wesley Memorial - 7:00 PM. …. Last Tues of month (except general meeting months & Dec) General Membership Meetings - Wesley Memorial – 7:00 PM .………...….February 27, May 29, August 28, November 20 Hazardous Household Waste Accepted at Sheldon Road – 8:00 AM -2:00 PM ……...……..... First Saturday of each month Taxing District Board Meetings – Town & Country Library – 7:00 PM…………Second Monday of each month (except July) GOOD TELEPHONE NUMBERS TO KEEP Animal Cruelty Hotline …………………..…….744-5550 Animal Services ………………………………..744-5660 Auto Problems (Lemon Law)…..…………800-321-5366 Bay Area Car Pooling Service ….……. .……..282-8200 Building Permits….…………………………..…272-5600 > Code Compliance…………………………….635-7313 Canals - Permits/Questions …………………..905-7678 Chamber of Commerce……...………………...855-4233 Child Abuse (Emergency)...……………………224-9911 Child Care Licensing………………………….. 272-6487 Child Neglect………………………………800-962-2873 Citizen Action Center ………………………..272-5900 Code & Housing Enforcement………………...274-6600 > Illegal Sign Removal…………………………274-6600 Consumer Protection Agency…………………903-3430 Contractor Problems……………………………272-5600 County Commissioners: Sandy Murman (District 1) ..…..… .272-5470 Ken Hagan (At Large ) .……...…… 272-5725 Kevin Beckner (At Large) ………… 272-5730 Mark Sharpe (At Large) ……..……. 272-5735 Crisis Center ……………………………………..……211 Elder Help Line …………………………………273-3779 Elder Net Services……………………...….…..964-1577 Electronics Equipment Recycling……….…….621-2319 Environmental Protection (County) ……….….627-2600 Environmental Deputy …………………………690-8564 Florida DEP Marine Patrol ………………….…632-7600 HARTline…………………….…………….…….623-5835 Hospitals: St. Joseph's……………...……..870-4000 Shriner’s Children’s…….…888-665-5437 Tampa General …………….….844-7000 Town & Country………………..888-7060 VA Hospital……………………..972-2000 Library (TN’C Regional)………………………..273-3652 Medicaid (State of Florida)……………….....…871-7600 Mosquito Control .........................................635-5400 Parks & Recreation .....................................635-3500 Pets, Lost & Found in Bay Crest ..................967-4777 Poison Control Center………………….800-222-1222 Port Authority (Dock Permits) ......................905-5031 Post Office (Paula Drive) ……………………..888-6839 Price Gouging Hotline………………..…..866-966-7226 Public Service Commission .................. 800-342-3552 Public Works Department (County)…………..635-5400 Rental Property Inspections ……………….…274-6651 Roadway Maintenance (WSU) ..........………554-5006 Roadway Maintenance (State) .……………..744-6038 Roadway Maintenance (City of Tampa) ….....622-1940 R-O-W Mgt. Office (Permits) .......................274-6500 School System ............................................272-4000 Sewer Department (County) ...................... .272-6680 > (Emergency) ............................................744-5600 Sexual Predators (FDLE)……………..…888-226-1140 Sheriff (Main Office Dispatcher) …………..247-8200 >District III Office…………………………..…..247-0330 >Environmental Abuse ............................... .247-8605 >Marine Patrol Unit .....................................276-2608 Small Claims Court .....................................276-8100 Solid Waste (County)………………………….272-5680 State Rep. Dana D. Young ...................... ..835-2270 State Senator John Legg …...………………909-9919 Tampa Electric Co ……………..223-0800 or 228-1111 >Emergency Reporting …...……………..877-588-1010 >Malfunctioning Street Lights…………………223-0800 Traffic Sign Repair (County) ........................635-5400 Trash Pickup (Republic Waste Service) …... 265-0292 Truancy Reporting …………………………..975-2018/9 US Rep. Kathy Castor………………………..871-2817 Veterans Affairs ..........................................975-2181 Water Department (City - Emergency) .........274-7400 Water Resource Services (County)…………..272-6680 West Service Unit ....................................... .554-5006 Zoning Department .…………………………...272-5920 Code Enforcement Issue? Our Bay Crest Code Enforcement Investigator is Mr. William Langford. Bill can be reached at [email protected] or call 813-274-6600. Suspected Code issues can also be reported anonymously online at www.hillsboroughcounty.org. 23 Bay Crest Park Civic Association P.O. Box 261116 Tampa FL 33685 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT #3093 Gardening Tips - from the Hillsborough County Extension Service http://hillsborough.extension.ufl.edu WHAT TO PLANT IN FEBRUARY FLOWERS: Annuals: Ageratum, Alyssum, Arctotis, Asters, Baby's Breath, Balsam, Begonia, Bracteantha, Browallia, Calendula, California Poppy, Carnation, Diascia, Dianthus, Dusty Miller, Foxglove, Gaillardia, Geranium, Lobelia, Marguerite Daisy, Nemesia, Ornamental Cabbage/Kale, Osteospermum, Pansy, Petunia, Snapdragon, Strawflower, Sunflower, Sweet Pea, Vinca, Viola VEGETABLES: Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cantaloupes, Carrots, Celery, Collards, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Endive, Green Onions, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mustard, English Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Radish, Squash, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watermelon. HERBS and SPICES: Anise, Basil, Bay Laurel, Borage, Caraway, Cardamon, Chervil, Chives, Cilantro/Coriander, Dill, Fennel, Ginger, Horehound, Lemon Balm, Lovage, Marjoram, Mexican Tarragon, Mint, Nasturtium, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Savory, Thyme. BULBS: Achimenes, African Lily, Alstroemeria, Amaryllis, Amazon Lily, Aztec Lily, Blackberry Lily, Caladium, Calla, Canna, Crinum, Crocosmia, Dahlia, Gaillardia, Gladiolus, Gloriosa Lily, Hurricane Lily, Kaffir Lily, Lilies, Louisiana Iris, Morea, Rain Lilies, Society Garlic, Tiger Lily, Tritonia, Tuberose, Voodoo Lily, Walking Iris, Watsonia, WHAT TO DO IN FEBRUARY Plant or transplant cold hardy trees and shrubs. Fertilize citrus trees if not done in January. Fertilize annuals and vegetables. Prepare vegetable and flower gardens for spring planting. Till soil and add organic matter such as manure, compost or peat. Test pH of soil (Contact your county Cooperative Extension Service) and add lime or sulfur if necessary. Prune, mulch and fertilize roses. Roses that are older than 1 year require a major pruning each year. Remove one-third to one-half of the top growth and any unproductive growth. Strip all leaves from remaining to rid plant of latent diseases and insects. Control scab disease on citrus. Scab fungus causes light brown, corky areas on fruits and leaves of susceptible citrus varieties. Spray Murcott, Page, and Temple varieties with a copper fungicide when new growth emerges and again when 2/3 of petals have fallen. Fertilize lawn and trees. Shop for a fertilizer that contains slow- or timed-release nitrogen. Broadcast the fertilizer over the soil or mulch and water. The nutrient and water absorbing roots of trees and shrubs are concentrated in the upper 6 to 12 inches of soil so there is no need to punch holes in the soil--simply water in. Apply mulch to all plant beds. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch will discourage weeds and retain moisture in the soil. Apply pre-emergent weed killer to lawn. Pre-emergent herbicides kill weed seeds as they germinate. Some fertilizers contain preemergent herbicide. Do not apply them near trees and shrubs or in areas where any seed will be planted. Fertilize shrubs. A good lawn fertilizer such as 12-4-8 or 15-5-15 or the like is usually adequate. Shop for a product with 30% to 50% of the nitrogen in a water-insoluble or slow-release form. Acid-loving plants (Azaleas, Hollies, Gardenias, Camellias, etc.) will benefit from an acid-forming balanced fertilizer such as 6-6-6 or 8-8-8 . Broadcast the fertilizer on the soil surface and water in. Start vegetable and flowers from seed. Sow seeds in flats or pots in a light, sterile mix. Plant seed no deeper than twice the seed's thickness. Place in a sunny spot; keep warm and moist. Watch new growth for aphid infestation. Aphids feed on the undersides of new, tender leaves causing curled, distorted growth. Most broad-spectrum insecticides control aphids, but soap solutions also effective.