Carrollwood, FL

OPERATION SHOEBOX

Web site www.operationshoebox.com

I live in Monaco Gardens in Carrollwood Village and my neighbor, Jo Ann decided to help our troops with Operation Shoebox. Every last Saturday of the Month, we collect donations between 4-6pm. We also welcome monetary donations to help with the cost of postage. Last month was our first collection and we received 5 boxes that were mailed to the soldiers, and we received a wonderful response thanking us for we had a letter indicating the items were from Monaco Gardens. Here is the e-mail:

From:"Teas, Michael A SSG MIL USA FORSCOM" <michael.teas@us.army.mil>
To:joannburkhardt@yahoo.com
Sent: Sat, October 24, 2009 7:28:05 AM
Subject: Thanks

Dear Mrs Burkhardt,

On behalf of myself and my fellow soldiers, I would like to express my thanks to you for giving us one of the better days we've had since arriving in Iraq. We recieved your packages yesterday and it was like Christmas had come early. Your boxes contained a little something for everyone and and put a smile on everyone's face. We appreciate the time and effort you so obviously put into taking care of us.

Our heartfelt gratitude,

SSG Teas

On behalf of the 15th SB Maintenance Management Office.

ACTIVE LISTINGS

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES - 216 -PRICED FROM $ 59000 to $3900000

CONDOS - 107 PRICED FROM $27900 to $423320

TOWNHOMES 65 PRICED FORM $189000 to $489900

PENDING SALES

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES 157 $35000 to$ 459900

CONDOS 66 $19500 TO $139000

TOWNHOMES 26 $39900 TO $199900

SOLDS

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES -35 SOLD

$47000 to $567443 - 5 Cash, 18 New Conventional, 10 New FHA, 2 New VA

CONDOS 15 SOLD $28900 to $183500 12 Cash, 3 New Conventional

TOWNHOMES 15 SOLD

$50000 to $258000 5 Cash, 3 New Conventional, 6 New FHA, 1 New VA

Sharon Richards

Kirsten Realty, Inc.

813-230-4930

srich612@tampabay.rr.com

Carrollwood Apartments

Since we live in Florida, we need to keep our family safe this storm season. Like every other state, Florida is dealing with dire economic realities that already have forced severe cutbacks for all of us. All the more reason for Floridians to prepare to have a plan, to stock away the supplies we will need and to pay careful attention as storms head our way.

First, you should make a family disaster plan. If you need help - go online to www.tampabayprepares.org or www.floridadisaster.org

Second, you need to refer to the hurricane evacuation map to see where you live and your evacuation zone. Determine if and when you would have to evacuate. REMEMBER - ALL MOBILE HOME RESIDENTS MUST EVACUATE REGARDLESS OF LOCATION. If you have to evacuate, decide now where you would go - to a friend, relative, hotel, public shelter or out of the region.

Third, Check your disaster supply kit and add any items you need. Your disaster kit might include: non-perishable foods, drinking water, flashlights, batteries, portable radio, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, coolers for food and ice, clean up supplies, camera, plastic trash bags, toilet paper, paper towels, baby wipes, manual can opener, cash, pillows and blankets. I am sure you can add more items to this list.

Fourth - Inventory your property on paper or video. Store all important papers and inventory in a safe place, maybe with a relative out of state.

You will need to purchase materials such as storm shelters, ply wood, or a battery powered radio. Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down. Also, make sure your car is filled with gas.

Hope the tips keep you and your family safe throughout 2009 season from June 1 through November 30.

As I was reading the Making Tracks newsletter from the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, I am proud to report we were selected as the number 1 cat friendly city in the United States. The article was written by Sherri Silk, Executive Director of Humane Society. Below is a copy of the article

Recently the CATalyst Council announced that Tampa Bay was selected as the #1 Cat Friendly City in the country! Tampa was followed by Phoenix, San Francisco, Portland, Denver, Boston, Seattle, San Diego, Atlanta, and Minneapolis. The list was compiled after reviewing the top 25 standard metropolitan areas for such data as cat ownership per capita, level of veterinary care, micro chipping and cat friendly local ordinances.

According to Dan Kramer, chairman of CATalyst Council, "Our goal is to recognize and celebrate why cats are such popular companions. We applaud the efforts of these major metropolitan areas for providing a wealth of resources for cats and their owners, along with their earned accolade of being one of America's Top 10 Cat Friendly Cities."

At Humane Society Tampa Bay we believe it is a well deserved honor for our area! HSTB, Hillsborough County Animal Services, St. Francis Society, Cat Call, Feline Folks, Kitty City, and other cat rescue groups, work very hard to find homes for as many cats as possible. Each group is dedicated to saving cats lives. Additionally, HSTB, Mission Meow and other groups are committed to the TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return) of feral cats in our community. With TNR, feral cats are sterilized and returned to their colonies. They are then cared for by hundreds of caretakers that love cats. TNR is the only way to prevent the birth of thousands of unwanted kittens each year. The TNR program in our community is one of the more progressive in the country.

SO LET'S WEAR THIS HONOR WITH PRIDE TAMPA BAY! CONGRATULATIONS! MEOW!