Tuesday, September 30, 2008
A RETURN TO THE "PUSH MOWER"
Out of gas?
Not really, just a little bit too close to the water!
Believe it or not the guy pushing actually got the machine up on higher ground. Good job.
Thanks to V.W.Neighbor for donating the picture. It was taken last week.
Monday, September 29, 2008
BIG GAME VS. LITTLE GAME
There were several "Big" games this weekend, but due to budgetary restrictions V.W.Resident could not get to view any of those games personally.
The Gators should be happy that game was not covered. Better luck next week, and maybe send some free tickets this way.
Our roving reporter did attend the "Little" game in NJ. On that front we got a couple of pictures that made our weekend football something special. The scouting report says this kid is going to be a star.
Friday, September 26, 2008
INVESTMENT NEWS
News from the internet. If you invested $1000 in the "wrong companies" a year or so ago you could be almost broke. As an individual don't hold your breath for Uncle Same to bail you out, but on the other hand if you were wise and had purchased $1,000.00 worth of beer one year ago, and if you drank all of the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling REFUND, you would have $214.00 cash.In addition you would not need Uncle Sam to bail you out.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
MORNING REFLECTION
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
FOOTBALL PICKS
Well here they are from the experts both across the street and "up in the woods.
First, from VIKING WARRIOR living in the woods a thousand miles from here:
Western Michigan wins at Temple
and just maybe WallKill Valley will beat someone too;
Second, from the expert here in the Walk, our V.W. Neighbor picks as 'best bet' winners:
Purdue over Notre Dame,
Colorado nails Florida State,
Auburn romps over Tennessee, and, so he says,
Wisconsin over Michigan
First, from VIKING WARRIOR living in the woods a thousand miles from here:
Michigan at home vs. Wisconsin. Wisconsin will lose, or won't cover the spread.
and just maybe WallKill Valley will beat someone too;
Second, from the expert here in the Walk, our V.W. Neighbor picks as 'best bet' winners:
Purdue over Notre Dame,
Colorado nails Florida State,
Auburn romps over Tennessee, and, so he says,
Wisconsin over Michigan
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
FORECLOSURES AND MAINTAINANCE
A few days ago the Naples News had a nice column regarding "Keeping Up Appearances." It focused on homes in foreclosure that have not been properly maintained. Where this condition exists it is of interest to the neighborhood.
Being aware of these situations and keeping ones' eyes open may go along way to protecting your own home. It just makes good sense.
The article from the News is below.
The economy may have us down for now, but it's not going to take our neighboods down with it.
That is the message from Collier County commisioners, who are moving forward with an ordinance setting minimum property upkeep standards for foreclosed properties.
Preliminary plans call for an ordinance to require an annual registration fee of $15.. Vacant properties must be maintained as if they were occupied, including grafiti removal and keeping pools clean and yards trimmed and free of trash.
This strategy is reality-based. It is necessary to keep neighborhood damage to a minimum and guard against blight getting a toe hold.
We trust the ordinance will dovetail with procedures already launched by the Collier County Sheriff's Office to work with county code enforcement and neighborhood property owners associations to identify problem properties and fix the before it's too late.
Being aware of these situations and keeping ones' eyes open may go along way to protecting your own home. It just makes good sense.
The article from the News is below.
The economy may have us down for now, but it's not going to take our neighboods down with it.
That is the message from Collier County commisioners, who are moving forward with an ordinance setting minimum property upkeep standards for foreclosed properties.
Preliminary plans call for an ordinance to require an annual registration fee of $15.. Vacant properties must be maintained as if they were occupied, including grafiti removal and keeping pools clean and yards trimmed and free of trash.
This strategy is reality-based. It is necessary to keep neighborhood damage to a minimum and guard against blight getting a toe hold.
We trust the ordinance will dovetail with procedures already launched by the Collier County Sheriff's Office to work with county code enforcement and neighborhood property owners associations to identify problem properties and fix the before it's too late.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
KARAOKE A HUGE SUCCESS
If only V.W. Resident could sing. He'd be a star. Maybe even get on the Arthur Godfrey Show or some other show with the talent theme.
Well here is how it worked. A couple of snacks and a couple of drinks. That was enough. Residents got up solo, duo, trio, and almost a full platoon. They sung their hearts out. More important they had fun. Neighbors visited other neighbors around the room sharing cake and good vibrations. What a night.
Resident Joe Fusco operated the karaoke machine and used exceptionally fine musical mixing to make everyone a star. Sign him up again.
For our friends we trust you enjoy the pictures.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
C.E.R.T. CLASS MODAY
Thursday, September 18, 2008
ROMEO'S MOVING TO HOOT'S
Please note the VeronaWalk ROMEO’s will meet effective next Tuesday, Sept.23 and every week thereafter at a new location, Hoots Restaurant, 12676 Tamiami Trail East in the Eagle Creek Shopping Center.
Join the group every Tuesday morning at 8:00 A.M
Join the group every Tuesday morning at 8:00 A.M
FOOTBALL PICKS
FOOTBALL seasson is here!
In Verona Walk the interest in the game is alive and well. Everyone has their favorite team and seems to have an idea as to who the big winners will be. Some even know of a pending upset.
A V.W. Neighbor has offered his opinions on games for a couple of years now, and has offered some picks for this weekend. His top three picks are:
Miami over Texas A & M ---------Virginia Tech over North Carolina----------Florida over Tennessee, ------------and his bonus "longshot" U.C.L.A. over Arizona.
In Verona Walk the interest in the game is alive and well. Everyone has their favorite team and seems to have an idea as to who the big winners will be. Some even know of a pending upset.
A V.W. Neighbor has offered his opinions on games for a couple of years now, and has offered some picks for this weekend. His top three picks are:
Miami over Texas A & M ---------Virginia Tech over North Carolina----------Florida over Tennessee, ------------and his bonus "longshot" U.C.L.A. over Arizona.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
LOOK OUT FOR THOSE BUGS
V.W. Neighbor brought her grandson over for a brief visit the other night. She showed off some nasty red welts and spots on his legs. It looks like the insects got him good. He probably will now never become a "fly fisherman" if he's going to be the real bait.
The lady told me that he got hit by a swarm of insects. They came out of the grass near the waterway.
She thinks it was more than mosquito's, but not sure. There are a lot of "critters" in the water, and some enjoy eating bugs so it's fair to say a number of insects may call the grass home.
The lesson to be learned is stay away from the waters edge, unless you are a real fisherman dressed appropriately. If your a kid make sure someone gets some heavy duty spray on your exposed areas. These bugs bite, and us big guys need to stay aware too us we walk around the lake.
The lady told me that he got hit by a swarm of insects. They came out of the grass near the waterway.
She thinks it was more than mosquito's, but not sure. There are a lot of "critters" in the water, and some enjoy eating bugs so it's fair to say a number of insects may call the grass home.
The lesson to be learned is stay away from the waters edge, unless you are a real fisherman dressed appropriately. If your a kid make sure someone gets some heavy duty spray on your exposed areas. These bugs bite, and us big guys need to stay aware too us we walk around the lake.
Monday, September 15, 2008
FLORIDA PANTHER TAKES A BITE OUT OF BUILDING PERMITS
At a seminar at Rookery Bay it was learned that our area is a "Hot Spot" for Florida Panthers. It is estimated that there are 80 - 100 cats alive in the Florida woodlands. One cat was killed in May crossing Collier Blvd. near Prime Outlets.
Many of these animals live not only just beyond our boundaries, but in an area that extends for miles. The area stretches East to I-75, and West across US 41.
The same land is also a site for a large community which originally planned two golf courses. That plan has been changed. The one on the table calls for only one golf course and a doubling of the number of homes to be built.
The Federal Government, not the Panther, stepped in and will be reviewing the building proposal including impact on wetlands and the endangered Panther.
Many of these animals live not only just beyond our boundaries, but in an area that extends for miles. The area stretches East to I-75, and West across US 41.
The same land is also a site for a large community which originally planned two golf courses. That plan has been changed. The one on the table calls for only one golf course and a doubling of the number of homes to be built.
The Federal Government, not the Panther, stepped in and will be reviewing the building proposal including impact on wetlands and the endangered Panther.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
C.E.R.T. CLASS AT 5:00PM
Thursday, September 11, 2008
NEVER FORGET 9-11
The best pictures to use in this article would be that of a large American Flag, or maybe one with The Thirteen Stars, or maybe just an old cannon. They weren't available, but the mental image of those figures, as well as others, comes to mind looking at this simple tower, and remembering today's date - September 11th.
This picture was taken a couple of years ago. The tower is plain, and stands in quiet mountainside setting. It is just crumpled iron wielded together to hold a few simple bells.
The iron work was once part of buildings, that symbolized to the World, what a great Country we are. Those buildings died on SEPTEMBER 11, 2001.
The date should "just jump" at you. It was the day we lost the Twin Towers. This V. W. Resident recalls the day vividly. It was filled with all sorts of emotions: Fear, concern, hate, sadness, love, relief and so on. This year those memories will surface again. Along with the personal reflections, there will also be some nicer thoughts making us proud to be a citizen in this great Country.
Monday, September 8, 2008
CLOSING DATE FOR TAX APPEALS
V.W. Resident got some more information regarding the "tax bill." The last date to file an appeal is September 12.
The County Tax Assessor has forms and instructions at both the office and the web. There is a charge of $15 and the burden of proof is with the homeowner. Only sales figures from the year 2007 may be used when one is looking for an adjustment.
The County Tax Assessor has forms and instructions at both the office and the web. There is a charge of $15 and the burden of proof is with the homeowner. Only sales figures from the year 2007 may be used when one is looking for an adjustment.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
GRAND PARENTS DAY
It is a Special Sunday today. It is "Grand Parents Day" at the "Walk," and some big NFL games are on the tube this afternoon.
This V.W. Resident went with his lady friend to Town Center to 'join in' the fun. The coffee was good as usual. The opportunity to visit and talk with friends and neighbors made the morning a real special time. Friends from "Up North" have returned and we have already started doing more things in and around the community.
The "pic's" not only tell that we had fun; enjoyed the grandson, neighbors, and food; but that there is "one more on the way." That brought out a few smiles. V.W. had a huge smile on his face too, and he is silently praying it is there at " half time."
FLORIDA PANTHER
A small contingent of V W Neighbors attended a seminar at Rookery Bay on Wednesday, September 3, 2008. The room was filled with folks wanting to learn about our "cute" four legged neighbors.
The cats' name was FL 157 (I think). He is a member of the Puma family, and calls home the land just beyond the boundaries of Verona Walk.
Dr. Dave Onorato, a Research Scientist, advised those in attendance, that a few Panthers live in Collier County. One Cat, in particular, has been tracked from I-75 West to Seminole State Park, and up to Keywaydin Island (The Cat has a female acquaintance in that area). Panther kittens have been located in the larger SW Florida area suggesting that they are reproducing. None the less they are still considered an endangered species.
A large map was displayed showing the "electronic fixes" of "Our Panther." Those "fixes"covered the area outside our development. These animals rarely go into developed property, but they do roam in the heavily wooded locations.
While our homes are not an attraction for Panthers, it should be noted that building, in general, displaces land that these cats use. It is possible that one might see one of these animals near the perimeter of our community. If not on the ground, they might be in a tree above.
It was a good experience to learn about the animals, and "Our Panther" in particular. The facility at Rookery Bay is also well worth a visit. One can develop an appreciation for the environment that we live in and all of the species in the preserved areas around us.
Friday, September 5, 2008
A QUIET DAY LAST WEEK
This 'ain't' Verona Lake, but it was a fun day South of our location.
The Neighbor Lady took her "charming grandson" down to Everglades City. V.W. went along too hoping to sign the kid up for alligator wrestling. Two falls, out of three, wins. Well the kid floored this gator, and left it 'dazed' on the floor.
After the stunning victory with the gator the Lady took the child for an Air Boat ride. He not only didn't fall overboard, he enjoyed the ride.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
C.E.R.T. CLASS MONDAY
Well "Fay" is gone so "back to school."
Monday night at Town Center the CERT classes will resume.
The "Bell" rings at 6:oopm.
Monday night at Town Center the CERT classes will resume.
The "Bell" rings at 6:oopm.
MY JERSEY GIRL'S BIRTHDAY
Oh my God. I can't believe it - 29 years ago and V.W.'s little girl is all grown up and having a birthday. I hope it is a great day for her.
It seems like only yesterday when those doctors in Phillipsburg, NJ got yelled at by me: "Hurry up, you got a delivery to make, like NOW !!!"
Well five and a half minutes later the "Doc" said, "You got a cute baby girl, and she is all of five pounds plus." I knew that she would double that weight over the years, and put any extra into her smile. It's 'her day, but V.W. feels pretty good too, and he likes this picture too.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! HAPPY BIRTHDAY !
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
PROPOSED TAX BILLS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED
It Is that time of the year. The end of summer, an increase in tropical storms, and the notice for proposed taxes.
A V.W. Neighbor reports she ran to the post office to get "the letter."
This resident took a while to open it. The belief here is beware of "government letters." They usually give cause to hang on to ones wallet or hide the checkbook. That will help for a few days, but sooner or later that payment has to be made.
The "Notice of Proposed Taxes" contains a lot of numbers, but the one that a couple of neighbors focused on was the doubling of the homestead exemption. The new amount is $50,000. That is twice as much as in previous years. This helps with the amount due.
Also noted was a substantial decrease in "Market Value" on the statement. This is a "sweet - lemon" situation. It helps on the tax front, but at a cost (loss of market value). It is what it is.
A V.W. Neighbor reports she ran to the post office to get "the letter."
This resident took a while to open it. The belief here is beware of "government letters." They usually give cause to hang on to ones wallet or hide the checkbook. That will help for a few days, but sooner or later that payment has to be made.
The "Notice of Proposed Taxes" contains a lot of numbers, but the one that a couple of neighbors focused on was the doubling of the homestead exemption. The new amount is $50,000. That is twice as much as in previous years. This helps with the amount due.
Also noted was a substantial decrease in "Market Value" on the statement. This is a "sweet - lemon" situation. It helps on the tax front, but at a cost (loss of market value). It is what it is.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
CHECKING OUT DISNEY
When V.W.'s Lady returned to the "Walk" here in Naples she brought back the above kid. He had to stay with her for a week because of something he did up in N.J. that warranted a 'short term' exile.
The kid a got trip to the Orlando area and got a surprise visit to EPCOT.
He enjoyed GM's Test Track so much that he did it three times. On the way out he saw a nice convertible on display that he wanted to bring home and race it on Verona Walk Circle. The car could probably hit 125 mph easily. The Lady told me about the kids wish to speed around our 'track' and V.W. counseled the lad on that subject.
He is now back in N.J. and racing on a skate board, and hopefully enjoyed Labor Day.
Monday, September 1, 2008
HAVE A LAUGH
A new client had just come in to see a famous lawyer.
"Can you tell me how much you charge?", said the client.
"Of course", the lawyer replied, "I charge $400 to answer three questions!"
"Well that's a bit steep, isn't it?"
"Yes it is", said the lawyer, "And what's your third question?"
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