Keys Animal Hospital is our newest advertiser and heavily committed to community service. There are special adoptions, a great working relationship with our local animal shelter, and, of course, high quality common sense health care for our furry friends.

July 25, 2011 - Key Largo - Robert Stoky: Key Largo Food & Wine Festival 2011.

All Keys Glass can do about anything encompassing glass. I found the all glass walk-in showers very nice. There is something tropical about a shower like that. There appears to be more open area as well in case you should want to shower with other people. Okay, spouse. Goodness.

July 26, 2011 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Pet Life and Death Choices Depending on Money Can Be Agony. I attended a recent Forgotten Felines meeting where I pitched my idea about a pet catastrophe fund to help people in need pay for vet bills instead of putting their pet down. Involving multiple groups, organizations, and vets presents difficulties. That is why I am looking into starting a private fund named in memory of my Ebony BlackCat who died July 10. I will try to put in as much money as I can, but for this to work I will need others to help with the funding. I will visit nearby vets to see if they would be interested as well.

July 28, 2011 - FL Keys - L. E. Shaffer: Son Tommy & Friend James Visit Many Different Businesses & Places. In no particular order, Garcia Cigars 305-293-0215 - good cigars and friendly guy.

Tropical Island Outlet 305-289.0250 gifts, cigars, and stuff for the island life.

Island Ragz & Sunglass 305-879-7759. Good shop and owner.

Casillas Cigars & La fe 786-227-395054 years experience, the best handmade Cassilas Cigars, right here in Marathon.

Kayaks & Bikes 305-289-4279 rentals, sales, repair. Great local Marathon shop.

Paradise Tattoo & Body Piercings since 1992 305-292-9002 right on Duval. Self explanatory.

Wyland Galleries 305-292-4988 on Duval, quality art by local artists. Come in, you might meet an artist on site.

Point Break Dare to be different tee shirts, tobacco accessories, knifes, swords, and more 305-295-6119.

Keys Grafix & Sign 305-743-7725 Town Square Mall. They do everything. They are a Journal advertiser too.

Island Grill 305-664-8400 good food inside or outside by the docks.

Discount Eco-Divers 305-743-2400 all things diving plus come right here in Marathon.

South of Heaven Tattoo 305-451-1200 cool tattoos seriously. Key Largo no less.

Island Smoke Shop huge walk-in humidor 305-453-4014.

Laser Rack for pool balls on the pool table. Interesting. 305-735-9777.

Dolphin Research Center in Marathon on Grassy Key. www.dolphins.org

Key Life Graphix vinyl graphics, decals, t-shirts 305-509-4151.

Catch 53 Marathon's new meeting place, good food, good service behind the new Holiday Inn Express 305-289-0303.

Marathon Gold & Guns 305-735-4552.

Firefighters Local 4396 Union is Marathon's firefighters and paramedics. Monroe County Teacher's Union could learn a lot from Local 4396 regarding press releases about all the good stuff. Marathon's besieged city staffers could learn to finally stand up for themselves by forming their own union. The Rock Coalition is pro-union as well as other similar communities. Request a ride-along. Now that is a lot of fun, and you even get to learn cool stuff.

July 29, 2011 - Middle Keys - L. E. Shaffer: Journal Week in Review. While this is supposed to be the Journal Week in Review, I should change that to weeks. A vacation and general laziness has filled up my week-in-review material. So I will be short and to the point, which should make everyone happier.

Monroe County Board of Education and the upper administrative staff are a budget gone awry. John Dick needs help. The last election promised changes, but here we go again with more of the same. Please cut the upper administrative staff by 50% through attrition. Put the money saved into the classroom with students and teachers. Not all of us voters voted for union busting.

Florida Department of Transportation [FDOT]. FDOT is still a four-letter word. They are a slap in the face waiting to happen. Customer service is alien to them. And now they want to pave our part of US1 and treat them like the second coming.

County Chambers of Commerce take a hit in numbers. The business owners that I have talked to wonder what value they get for their $300 membership. You have ex-members saying the same thing. I think the chambers have a PR problem. Change the dynamic and provide some services to non-members who might become members once the value is demonstrated.

What is the balance between talking about the economy still struggling and speaking about businesses in an encouraging way?

Marathon’s animal shelter is back to community-oriented services for us instead of blatantly killing our animals like FKSPCA.

Seafood Festival keeps on giving as Marathon’s Parks and Recreation Department gets $4,500 contribution.

Happy 95^th birthday to St. Paul A. M. E. Church bordering 41^st and 42^nd Streets. This is likely the location of the Rock Coalition’s upcoming candidate forum prior to the November 8^th election.

Faro Blanco developers are stirring. The long delayed development just might be coming to life soon. The economy needs this and similar actions as well.

Complaining of our local economic woes and saying no to the possibility of a casino is like biting yourself on the hand repeatedly.

Marathon City Councilmen Mike Cinque and Rich Keating are running again. Bicycle Joanie missed the petition method of qualifying and now needs the $750 to register. Don’t count out Joanie and expect an election in the fall.

Fishermen’s Hospital is under new management, but will parking in the emergency room parking lot still cost you $3,000?

Marathon Garbage Service picks up trash, but being rude to customers is epidemic.

TIB Bank is now Capital Bank. Capital Bank? What kind of name is that for a local bank? What part of TIB Bank being unique and popular to bank members does this new company not understand?

Islamorada City Council makes a more intelligent offer to Key Largo Wastewater Board, but then they give themselves raises. WTFO? One step forward, two steps back is typical council behavior.

Keys Disease by John Bartus still delivers after all these years. John, you are getting old.

Candidates should beware of Marathon & Lower Keys Association of Realtors [MLKAR], as they control very little votes and offer little money. The Rock Coalition offers at least 100 bullet votes and many little checks that add up to more than MLKAR can offer.

Note to candidates, local unions offer rock-solid votes to ensure winning. Ignore them at your peril.

Sombrero Country Club, how low will the membership fee go before they get out of the red?

Cutting pay, hours, or laying off public service workers takes money out of our economy. Every dollar saved takes ten dollars out of the local economy. Every dollar spent on public service workers puts ten dollars into the economy. You do the math.

Brian Howard is charged with sexual assault and battery, but is still innocent until proven guilty. Or don’t you believe in the constitution? O, Michael Mearns is innocent until proven guilty too. The circumstances of his case are quite weak. Let us stop convicting people before their day in court. Newspapers have a responsibility to report this, but an equal and more important responsibility to preserve people’s innocence until proven guilty.

A cut in the Guidance Clinic’s budget of $60,000 will cost our property taxpayers nearly $300,000. Mental Healthcare and regular medical services are the same and should be funded the same. Anything cutting safety, health, or environment is a wrong-headed choice of convenience not careful thought.

Marathon puts the burden of the budget on the backs of city staff. Having city staff pay for retirement services that they earned takes money out of the economy and ends up costing property taxpayers tenfold. I recommend city staff unionize. That would be good for Marathon, staff, and property taxpayers. Actually, a small 1 to 2% raise would stimulate the local economy. Finally, let us stop raping the reserve funds. We are one hurricane away from disaster and death.

There are skeeters, skeeters everywhere and taxpayers feeling dollars stolen from their wallets.

Support Stray Haven at www.strayhaveninc.org.

Come one, come all to Forgotten Felines first ever cat adoption event at the Purr-Fect Thrift Store, 3580 Overseas Highway, Marathon across from Marathon City Park. Saturday, August 13, 2011, from 10 am to 3 pm. Visit www.keysforgottenfelines.org or email keysforgottenfelines@live.com.

Sun Motors - Go Carts Watched go-cart racing between a father and son tourist team today at Sun Motors Marathon Florida Keys. I want to go go-carting myself badly, but I need an excuse to invite some member of my unsuspecting family to come with me. I wonder how slow one can go before the person you invite to race you goes ballistic? Yes, I know this is a Journal advertiser, but I like go-cart racing.

July 31, 2011 - Monroe County - Kay Thacker: Dear Editor, Some numbers concerning the 5% tax increase. Do you remember when Tom Willi? He gave raises in 2005 to our Staff of 7%, then in 2006 he gave raises of 13.7% and then again in 2007 he gave an 8.6% increase. Again, let me stress this is not about our County Staff, they are great people, they are property owners and they also pay taxes just like you and I do. This is about our economy and what it costs to live here in Monroe County.

The information above only covers the last four years of which there were no across the board raises. However, some of the Staff members received up to 20% through having their jobs reclassified and some promotions. On the other hand if you look back 10 years ago instead of just 4 years ago, you can see an increase in County wages of 50.5%, where CPI growth was 33.5%. CPI (What is the CPI?) The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services.

I have seen a graph that the Key West Chamber produced (enclosed) $40,000.00 salary growing to $60,000.00 with county raises instead of $53,000.00 plus if only CPI was used. So according to these figures County Employees are still ahead of the CPI index by 17%.

This is what we are facing as a retiree living on Social Security. “The government is projecting a slight cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits next year, the first increase since 2009. But for most beneficiaries, rising Medicare premiums threaten to wipe out any increase in payments, leaving them without a raise for a third straight year”.

Kay Thacker
Key Largo, 451-3929

Advantage Rehab & Fitness is an outstanding wellness center that thrives on community. They treat you like family. Their business hires locals and supports the local economy. Everything is clean, bright, and they manage your rehabilitation and fitness to fit your needs and desires.

August 1, 2011 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: "...cockamamie and destructive idea of zip lines in Crane Point Hammock..." The Journal has received a number of calls and emails about the newest and most thrilling of tourist attractions. I am being sarcastic here. See the title again for a quote that sums up the complaints. Initially, I thought that the zip lines were going to be good for the economy. My opinion has been adjusted.

There is little media coverage of a meeting tomorrow August 2 at 6 pm at the Marathon Community Theatre. I have to cover a City of Marathon budget meeting. Otherwise, I would go to the meeting mentioned above and the two public hearings before Marathon City Council. The first public hearing is August 9. I would presume the second one is August 16. Both will be on the regular agenda as Marathon City Council meets at the Marathon Government Center in the EOC room. It is the same place that Monroe County Commission meets once a month.

Whether you are for the zip lines at Crane Point or against, going to the three meeting listed above would be a good thing in participating in our community as a whole.

Collector's Corner is our one of our newest advertiser, but has been doing business for a very long time. As the company's name shows, anything collectible is offered. They have silk shirts, embroidered hats, and election signs in season. Collector's Corner has a large showroom that invites shopping and browsing and a lot of yaking.

August 3, 2011 - Middle Keys - Jessica Mintz: Forgotten Felines first ever cat adoption event - help needed. Meow: Thank you for everyone who made it to our meeting. We had a great turnout and I was excited to see several new faces. Our next meeting is scheduled for October and once a date has been set I will let everyone know.
 
During our meeting we talked about Forgotten Felines first ever Cat Adoption Event to be held on August 13, 2011, at the Purr-Fect Thrift Store across the Marathon City Park and handed out volunteer opportunity sheets since we are in need of volunteers to help the day of the event as well as the week of the event. Kari Maino will coordinate the volunteers and the volunteer schedule for the event with me and will keep you posted.
 
The Purr-Fect Thrift store has received many wonderful donations over the last couple of months such as small appliances, furniture and home decor. However, we have been short of help at the store and for months have been trying to find some volunteers able to help us re-arrange and set up the store. We plan to have 15-18 cages and carriers at the store for our adoption event and lots of clean up and re-arranging is needed.
 
Looks like our cleaning day is set for Wednesday, August 10, from 11 am - 9 pm. This time frame will give volunteers able to help us with the clean up a better way to work with their busy schedule. We will need 10-12 people to help us at the store that day and if you could donate 2 hours that would already be a big help. Just come whenever you can between 11-9. We will have refreshments! We plan to have all or most cages set up that day as well.
 
Last minute preparations are scheduled for Friday, August 12, and Linda Lidke & Laura Menden will be needing 1-2 volunteers that can help them with the decoration of the store and last minute tasks.
 
We have received a great response in regards to volunteers able to help us the day of the event but we need a few more. We will start setting up between 8:30 - 9:30 the day of the event and have various areas we need help at and have 2 and 4 hours shifts available.
 
In addition, we are in need of:
 
1. 3-4 tables
2. Bottled drinks (water/iced tea/Gatorade) 
3. Cat/small dog cages that collapse etc. 
 
We will make sure you will get your cages and/or tables back the day after the event. Please, let me know by Monday, August 8, if you can let us use one or the other.
 
Please, let me know by Friday, August 5, if you are able to help out with the store clean up and/or the day of the event and the time(s) you are available. I have enclosed a volunteer sheet which will list the areas we will need help with the day of the event (8/13). You can either call me at 305-240-5266 or email keysforgottenfelines@live.com. Please, do not hit the "reply all" button of this email.
 
The Cat Adoption event will be a great opportunity for us to find homes for so many adoptable kittens and cats of which some have been with us for a very long time. It will also relief some foster homes which are currently at their max with the numbers of foster felines they have. Plus, the event will help us to get the word out about Forgotten Felines, to possibly recruite more volunteers and foster homes and to raise money. I have attached a poster we have been distributing at various locations between Key Largo and Marathon.
 
Please, help us to make this event a success and to find home for our wonderful fur-legged babies!
 
Thank you!
 
For the felines of the Florida Keys,

Jessica
305-240-5266 

THE CAT'S MEOW

FORGOTTEN FELINES FIRST EVER CAT ADOPTION EVENT

AT

The Purr-Fect Thrift Store

3580 Overseas Highway, Marathon

Across Marathon City Park

Saturday, August 13, 2011

10 am – 3 pm

Come and meet some of our sweetest felines of the Florida Keys available for adoption. No matter what personality, age or color, we have have the perfect companion(s) for you.

ñ  EEnjoy refreshments, great raffle prizes and a 50/50 Raffle.

ñ  Music by LINDA LEE.

ñ  Get your picture taken with the Cat in the Hat and another surprise character!

ñ  Go on a treasure hunt at our Purr-Fect Thrift Store. We have everything from small furniture to home décor and gift ideas.

Visit us at www.keysforgottenfelines.org or email keysforgottenfelines@live.com for more information.

How to help with Forgotten Felines first ever Cat Adoption Event

Items needed:

1.      Bottled drinks such as water, Gatorade, Iced Tea etc.

2.      Gift baskets to use for our basket raffle or items we can  use for a basket.

3.      Photography services.

4.      Cages and large carriers (will be returned to you after the event).

Help needed:

1.      Set up of cages, tent & tables, organize paperwork (adoption applications, volunteer forms). Shift would be 8 am – 10 am.

2.      Adoption Counselors.

3.      Overseeing table with raffle baskets and selling raffle tickets and refreshments.

4.      Wearing a costume.*

5.      Cover clearance table/area.

6.      Cover store/run register.

7.      Tear down of cages, tent & tables, collecting paperwork/money, making sure cages/carriers will get returned to owners.

8.      Foster/Volunteer Coordinator (helps recruit foster homes/volunteers, makes sure paperwork gets filled out correctly etc.) 

Shifts: (if you would like to work a double shift you can take on 2 shifts for 2 hours each)

  8 – 10        (3-4 volunteers needed)

10 – 12        (5-6 volunteers needed)

12 –   2        (5-6 volunteers needed)

  2 –   4        (4-5 volunteers needed) 

If you know of a business or grocery story, which might be able to help us with some donations and sponsorships, please call Jessica at 305-240-5266 or email keysforgottenfelines@live.com by July 31.

If you would like to help out as event volunteer or able to donate one of the items needed, please respond to Jessica by August 5 at 305-240-5266 or email keysforgottenfelines@live.com.

Diane Chaplin-Colvard: Many of those on your (email) list know of or personally know our own Forgotten Felines, Graycee and Pebbles so I'm hoping you don't mind that I send them this email. Maybe they know of a good family who will love them. They are totally indoor and screened porch cats. It would be great if someone would adopt them before being put in a cage at the event. They really haven't been in a cage other than their visits to get check ups. FYI-They are not great travelers....especially Pebbles.

Should you located someone, we will deliver them personally when we are back from one of our short trips and give FF a generous donation for the efforts.

Our hearts are breaking...

Thanks again for all your kind help in re-homing our precious "kitties." Our best, Diane and Fred

This year has not been a very easy one for Forgotten Felines. We lost several foster homes due to illness, a death or family related emergencies and had more stray, abandoned and owner-surrendered cats coming in than ever before. Forgotten Felines does not have a shelter and therefore, relies on volunteers and foster homes. Right now, we are in desperate need of temporary foster homes. No experience necessary and we will provide our fosters with everything they need such as food, litter, toys, medications etc. We hope to find many wonderful homes for our sweet adoptable felines during our first ever Cat Adoption Event on Saturday, August 13. If you are interested in or able to become a foster home or would like more information, please email keysforgottenfelines@live.com or call 305-743-2520.

Firefighters Local 4396 Union is Marathon's firefighters and paramedics. Monroe County Teacher's Union could learn a lot from Local 4396 regarding press releases about all the good stuff. Marathon's besieged city staffers could learn to finally stand up for themselves by forming their own union. The Rock Coalition is pro-union as well as other similar communities. Request a ride-along. Now that is a lot of fun, and you even get to learn cool stuff.

August 4, 2011 - Marathon - Diane Clavier: City of Marathon City Council Regular Meeting Agenda Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Hwy. Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.

4. Approval of agenda and consent agenda [Approval of Consent Agenda passes all routine items

indicated by asterisk (*). Consent Agenda items are not considered separately unless a council member so requests. In the event of such a request, the item is returned to the Regular Agenda.]

A. City Manager Report

7. Citizens' comments on agenda items not scheduled for public hearing and items other than those appearing on the agenda [Those who have signed in will be given the first opportunity to speak. Time is limited to 2 minutes per speaker and 30 minutes total time for this agenda item.] TIME CERTAIN TO 6:30 PM OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER

8. Public Hearing

*A. Resolution 2011-55 Approving An Amendment To A Conditional Use Permit For SH3 Ltd., Pursuant To Chapter 102, Article 13 Of The City Of Marathon Land Development Regulations (Code) Entitled "Conditional Use Permits", For The Redevelopment Of The Properties Located At 1996 Overseas Highway, 1685 Overseas Highway And 1020 15th Street, Ocean, Which Are Legally Described As Part Of The Amended Plat Of Bayview Subdivision, Part Of Davis Addition, And Part Of Government Lot 2 And Adjacent Bay Bottom Of Section 9,

Township 66 South, Range 32 East, Key Vaca, And Part Of Government Lot 2 Of Section 16, Township 66 South, Range 32 East, And Filled In Boot Key Harbor, Key Vaca, And Part Of Lot

19, Lot 20, And Part Of Lots 21 & 22, Block 1 And Adjacent Bay Bottom, Key Vaca, Having Real

Estate Numbers 00102650-000000, 00326620-000000, 00337880-000000 And 00104050-000000;

And Providing For An Effective Date　

ADA Assistance: Anyone needing special assistance at the City Council hearing due to disability should contact the City of Marathon at

(305) 289-5020 at least two days prior thereto. Please contact the City Clerk at clavierd@ci.marathon.fl.us if you would like to receive any of the items on the agenda by email.

Marathon Cleaners can clean anything, and do the job well. Personable service and welcoming attitude. They even clean silk shirts. How cool is that?

August 8, 2011 - Florida - Brittany Elder: EMILIO ALONSO-MENDOZA APPOINTED AS NEW PRESIDENT/CEO OF TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN

Photo caption: Emilio Alonso-Mendoza, President, Take Stock in Children

Media Contact:
Michael Goodman/Brittany Elder
Bitner Goodman
954-730-7730, ext. 105, 122
michael@bitnergoodman.com

MIAMI, FL (August 8, 2011) – Emilio Alonso-Mendoza has been appointed to serve as President/CEO of Take Stock in Children, a statewide non-profit organization with a solid 16 year history of working to help low-income and at-risk youth break the cycle of poverty by providing scholarships, mentors and hope. The announcement was made by Richard Berkowitz, State Board Chair of Take Stock in Children.

“Emilio joins us at an ideal time when we are reaching new heights with nationally recognized programs and exciting challenges,” says Berkowitz. “His invaluable not-for-profit experience and commitment to succeed is ideal as Take Stock in Children continues to play a vital role in paving the way to ensure a bright future for our next generation of leaders.”

In his new role, Alonso-Mendoza will lead all facets of the organization, which currently serves nearly 17,000 low-income and minority students annually from middle school through college throughout 67 counties across the state. With a competent team of professionals and an active Board of Directors, he will oversee all aspects of the operations including fundraising and development, program services, board governance and strategic partnerships, as well as community and legislative affairs.

Alonso-Mendoza has built an amazing 25-year career working with vital non-profit organizations. He has spent the past five years as President of the Archdiocese of Miami Development Corporation and the Catholic Community Foundation in the Archdiocese of Miami. In this role, he successfully led many to support a vast array of charitable and social services that aim to raise funds to build churches, feed the hungry, house the homeless, and provide spiritual guidance.

“With my passion for advocacy and children’s issues, I am very excited to be joining this vital organization that helps shape the future of our next generation of leaders. Take Stock in Children has already demonstrated unparalleled success to change the lives of Florida’s at-risk youth. I look forward to growing this impactful program,” says Alonso-Mendoza.

Alonso-Mendoza’s professional experience also includes serving as President of the Children’s Home Society Foundation, helping orphaned, abandoned and neglected children throughout Florida and as President of the National Parkinson Foundation for 10 years, traveling the world and establishing 52 centers of excellence for research and treatment.

He is a law graduate of the University of Miami and resides in Miami with his wife Marina.

About Take Stock in Children
Take Stock in Children is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization with a solid 16 year history of providing mentors, educational scholarships and hope for Florida’s low-income and at-risk youth. The organization has provided educational support and college scholarships for over 16,000 children in partnership with more than 800 public schools throughout 67 counties in Florida. It is the only scholarship mentoring program with the mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through education, and has attained a high school graduation rate of 92 percent in Florida (as compared to Florida’s average graduation rate of 76%.) The program’s multi-year commitment to students and their comprehensive program services begin in middle school and continue through high school graduation and into college. Special emphasis is placed on student accountability and specific measurable outcomes. Take Stock in Children students pledge to meet with their assigned mentor once a week, maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5, and remain drug and crime free. Upon successful high school graduation, as a fulfillment of their contractual agreement, students are then awarded a college scholarship to any college, university or vocational school in the state of Florida. To learn more about Take Stock in Children, please call 888-322-4673 or visit www.takestockinchildren.org.

Frank's Grill is our newest advertiser. We conduct our interviews there. Everyone knows how good Frank's Grill is. My favorite is Caesar Salad with grilled chicken. Yummm.

August 9, 2011 - Audrey Moir: Dear Friend of Crane Point Museum and Nature Center: By now you have undoubtedly heard the exciting news of the planned Eco-Adventure Canopy Tour (Zip Line) to be constructed in non-fragile areas of Crane Point is soon to be a reality.

Earlier this month, we made a powerful presentation to the Marathon City Council. Through their unanimous vote, the Council moved the Eco-Adventure Canopy Tour to the next step – public hearings in August and September involving the use of federal job creation funds for the project. Monroe County has never been a big recipient of our tax dollars sent to Washington and finally this will be a big reversal of that reality. With your support, the Eco-Adventure Canopy Tour can receive up to $750,000 in critically needed construction dollars from Washington!

In order to receive this federal award, Crane Point must create a minimum number of permanent jobs. We are proud to say we are projecting 22 new jobs in the first year and nearly 30 in year two. Using the most conservative projections, we expect about 16,500 visitors in year 1 and 23,500 in year 2. Finally, critically needed receipts from the operation of the Eco-Adventure Canopy Tour will provide Crane Point a solid, sustainable revenue stream that will allow for expansion of our educational programs, museum enhancements, and costs related to maintaining and preserving Crane Point.

We need your help. The following link, http://www.cranepoint.net/zipline.html, will take you to a page on Crane Point’s website where you can automatically send a message of support to each of our City Council members. Please enter your name and date and click submit. The time-line is short. I urge you with all respect and gratitude to send your message TODAY!

Most Sincerely,
Audrey Moir
Executive Director

Frank's Grill is our newest advertiser. We conduct our interviews there. Everyone knows how good Frank's Grill is. My favorite is Caesar Salad with grilled chicken. Yummm.

August 10, 2011 - Islamorada - Bonnie Greenberg: MHT Honors Labor Day with Historical Ground Breaking. Islamorada, FL – On September 5, the Matecumbe Historical Trust (MHT) will present a Labor Day memorial service at the hurricane monument in Islamorada, followed by a groundbreaking celebration at the site of the future Irving R. Eyster Museum of Florida Keys History and Conference Center.

The Labor Day service is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at The Florida Keys Memorial located at MM81.5, Oceanside. The memorial is dedicated to local residents and WW1 veterans who lost their lives during the great Labor Day storm of 1935. Hundreds of veterans came to the Keys to build bridges. They were part of the Works Progress Administration, a government-sponsored employment program, a product of the Great Depression. The monument was originally dedicated in 1937. The public Labor Day service has become an Upper Keys tradition. Several years ago, MHT did a restoration of the monument as part of the organizations many preservation activities throughout The Keys.

Immediately following the memorial service, MHT will celebrate the future at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new history museum and conference center. The public is invited to join MHT members, supporters and local luminaries to enjoy the festivities and view artistic representations of the future history museum. The landmark museum will feature a distinctive collection of Keys historical artifacts and information acquired through the years by MHT’s president, Keys historian Irving Eyster. The museum named in his honor will house permanent and traveling exhibits in a new building located alongside the Islander Resort in Islamorada. Exhibits will illustrate the lives of early explorers, pirates, settlers, and native Indians, as well as shipwrecks and lighthouse memorabilia. Historical information on hurricanes, railroads and fishing legends will also be presented. Historical films and documentaries will be shown in a state-of-the art theatre, as well as MHT’s celebrated lecture series on Florida Keys history in the conference center. The groundbreaking is set to begin at 10 AM on the site of the museum’s future home at MM82.1, Oceanside.

The Matecumbe Historical Trust is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Florida Keys residents and visitors by providing them with the region's history, artifacts, photographs, educational and other historically significant resources. The group is launching a fundraising campaign to support museum development. All levels of donations are appreciated. Unique naming opportunities are available for individual donors and corporate sponsors.

“My father has been acquiring Florida Keys artifacts for more than 60 years with the dream of building a museum to present them for public enjoyment and education,” said Mr. Eyster’s daughter, Barbara Edgar. This dream will soon be fulfilled with the opening of the Museum of Florida Keys History in April 2012.

For more information about MHT Labor Day events, volunteering opportunities and how to support the Irving R. Eyster Museum of Florida Keys History visit www.matecumbehistoricaltrust.com or call Barbara at (305) 393-0940.

Matecumbe Historical Trust Labor Day Events, September 5, 2011
9AM, MM81.5, Oceanside: Florida Keys Memorial Labor Day Service
10AM, MM82.1, Oceanside: Groundbreaking for the Museum of Florida Keys History

Contact Information:
Barbara Edgar
The Matecumbe Historical Trust
P.O. Box 1175
Islamorada, Fl. 33036
Phone: 305-393-0940

EdwardJones by Leslie is where I go for my investments in my 12 grandchildren. You get personalized service. You can trust your investments with Leslie Valant's EdwardJones company.

August 11, 2011 - Florida Keys - Barbara Edgar: The Matecumbe Historical Trust will host this month’s lecture on Monday, August 22nd at Island Community Church, MM 83 at 6:30 PM with guest speaker Ron Saunders.

Ron’s subject will be “Politics in the Florida Keys over the past 50 years”.

He’s a humble and self-effacing man whose actions and accomplishments speak for themselves.

Saunders, 56, is an attorney and fifth-generation Key Wester who was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1986 and served through 1994. He was again elected to the House in 2006 and was reelected in 2008 and 2010.

During his 12 years of service in the House, Leader Saunders has been a member of both the majority party caucus and the minority party caucus. He served as the Appropriations Committee Chair in the 1990-1992 term. His father, Jack A. Saunders, served as a member of the House of Representatives from Monroe County in the early 1960s.

“I understand the respective roles of each caucus,” Representative Saunders said in remarks made in the organization session of the Florida House of Representatives. “Where the members of the minority caucus agree with our Republican colleagues, we will work together diligently. Where we disagree, we will also do so diligently but with respect and civility.”

Representative Saunders is married to Melodie Saunders and they have one son, Ryan.

The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information call Irving or Jeane Eyster at
305-664-9504.

UPS Store handles about anything concerning shipping, receiving, mail boxes, copying, and, well, you get the idea. I use the shipping side of the business for returns, exchanges, and environmental returns. This business is run by local for locals and hires and spends money locally. They like other family-owned and operated businesses are the backbone of the local economy.

August 12, 2011 - Middle Keys - L. E. Shaffer: Islamorada and Marathon Fire Chief William Wagner III [good grief, how many of them are there?] and I met at Frank’s Grill for one of the Journal’s famous interviews. Well, I think they are famous. City of Marathon Fire Rescue, 8900 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 or Fire Station #14 at the airport. I am going to visit the Islamorada fire station later at the invite of Chief Wagner. I look forward to the official tour.

He mentioned command and control several times. You need an on-scene leader and a chain of command should the on-scene leader be unable to do that job. I was paying attention, Chief, command and control.

I noticed the rapport with firefighters, paramedics, and staff from both cities. Wagner works well with both unions. He is well respected by those unions as well.

I know Fire Station #14 and Marathon emergency services well, but I want a tour of Islamorada Fire Department Emergency Services. Wagner would show me around anytime he is up there. You can tell he is proud of his men and women and the super jobs that they do.

His success is marked by being surrounded by good people, transparency, communication, leadership, and training. Public respect and support depends on being transparent. Keeping everyone informed and educated is crucial to success. Chief Wagner leads by example. He is no micromanager. Cross training ensures that one person can do many jobs. Of course, training is 24/7. Operational leadership ensures professional on-scene command, critical to saving lives and property.

We talked about the issue of volunteers. Our volunteers are strong, but keeping up the qualifications and training is hard, especially if you are a volunteer.

If there is a difference between the two emergency services providers, Islamorada is a bit more seasoned. You Marathon firefighters, paramedics need not fret. I take it that there is a bunch of old farts up there.

Long term planning saves a ton of more money than shortsighted reactive planning. The Chief would like to get everyone on the same page with long-term thinking. Risk assessment and life cycle management is critical to emergency services. Failure to keep long-term goals and someone dies and/or a house burns down. He favors proactive solutions, as do I.

I asked him if he was having fun. I knew the answer just from talking with him. Wagner is into this fire chief thing. He has good people to watch his back too.

We discussed the USS Forrestal Mishap July 29, 1967 that led to a complete sea change with the Navy and modern firefighting principles. Now everyone on ship must be qualified and experienced as a firefighter. They have schools that are very close to the real thing. See links below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6l1rwQJjYg&NR=1 1/5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MVXRng2VCc 2/5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MVXRng2VCc 3/5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvZH7wtzY_Q 4/5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK7RGpSlJ7Y 5/5

I ask him the biggest issue he’s working on right now. Among other issues, minimal staffing must be made to work safely. S. H. E. is safety, health, and environment. How safe are we due to minimal staffing? Chief Wagner answered that we are relatively safe. Emergency services continually require new crucial equipment, not used or refurbished. This long-term risk assessment and life cycle management is important to our safety.

I know that we are one death, one fire from disaster. I believe minimal staffing is a needless, dangerous choice.

We talked about training again. So that must be doubly important. A good leader continuously hits upon the important points. Repetition and training ensures that you can fight fires and save people’s lives. Training takes over during a crisis.

Firefighters are not getting double pay. Additionally, stress, depression, PTSD certainly comes after a civilian or firefighter/paramedic death, bad fire, or similar events. Both fire departments take this seriously and get firefighters/paramedics immediate debriefing to help prevent long-term distress.

Here is a breakdown of Wagner’s two double-sided cards. It is all about core values.
Mission Statement
1.      Prevent harm
2.      Survive
3.      Be nice

Firefighter Empowerment – Ask yourself:

1.      Is it the right thing for the customer?

2.      Is it the right thing for our department?

3.      Is it legal, ethical, and nice?

4.      Is it safe?

5.      Is it on your organizational level?

6.      Is it something you are willing to be accountable for?

7.      Is it consistent with our department’s values and policies?

… if the answer is yes to all of these questions, don’t ask for permission, just do it!
 

Essentials of Fire Dept. Customer Service

1.      Our essential mission and number priority is to deliver the best possible service to our customers.

2.      Always be nice – treat everyone with respect, kindness, patience, and consideration.

3.      Always attempt to execute a standard problem solving outcome; quick / effective / skillful / safe / caring / managed.

4.      Regard everyone as a customer.

5.      Consider how you and what you are doing looks to others.

6.      Don’t disqualify the customer with your qualifications.

7.      Basic organizational behavior must become customer centered.

8.      We must continually improve our customer service performance.
 

Incident Management System (IMS) Basics
Three Organizational Levels:

1.      Strategic – IC – sitting boss

2.      Tactical – Dive/Grp sup – walking boss

3.      Task – CO’s – working boss.
 

Tactical Priorities marked by function – benchmark

1.      Rescue – “all clear”

2.      Fire Control – “under control”

3.      Property Conservation – “loss stopped”

4.      Customer Stabilization – “customer okay”
 

Risk Management Plan:

1.      Risk a lot to protect savable lives

2.      Risk a little (highly calculated manner) to protect savable property

3.      No risk for life/property already lost
 

Command Sequence “Think – Plan – Act”

1.      Size-up & Declare your Mode of operations: Investigative, Fast Attack or Full Command Mode

2.      If in the Fast Attack Mode: Second in establishes Command.

3.      Establish and locate Staging.

4.      Perform a Risk Benefit Analysis: Value, Time & Size – (Fire Flow).

5.      Identify your Problems – RECEO VS Possible Occ’s. Verified Occ’s, Fire, Smoke, Expo’s, Access, etc…

6.      Declare your Strategy: Offensive, Transitional or Defensive

7.      Determine your Tactical Objectives. S/R, Exp, Confine, F/A, Vent, etc…

8.      Assign your on-site resources (Companies).

9.      Review & Revise Strategy & IAP.

10.  Transfer, Continue or Terminate Command.

Neugent stated something to the effect that he wished good luck for any government entity cooperating to save taxpayer dollars. True. Combined fleet costs across all county taxing entities won’t be saved but squandered.

The year Marathon City Council elections did not happen. This is an end of an era. Joan Nelson did not enter this year's city council election. Cinque and Keating are re-elected by default. Joan Nelson ran for city council in 2000 and was in the election every year until 2011. Love or hate her, her decade as a candidate was her service to the "little people". She ran in the 2000 city council, 2001 city council, and 2002 city council in the spring and county commissioner in the fall. Then she ran each year 2003 through 2005 for city council, 2006 for the skeeter board, 2007 through 2010 for city council. You have to admire such persistence. Come 2011, failing health, her substance abuse crippling her, an era, a decade ends.

What is left for the 2011 election season? Layton has three seats up for election with only one drawing opposition thus far. Seat 1 is John Cromartie versus William Murchie. Unless things have changed since last Friday, Seat 3 William Dilley and Set 5 Philip Porter are unopposed. Stay tuned, as the Journal will cover this exciting election. Sorry, I’m being a bit sarcastic and should be more serious.

Any time you privatize something expecting to save property taxpayer dollars on the back of the workers, you just increase property taxpayer dollars. Every public service worker affected will damage the economy. Locals pay off in the end with a better economy and higher returns. Save a million and lose twice that on the back of property taxpayers.

Firefighter/paramedic unions protect public service workers and save property taxpayers. Safety, Health, and Environment or S.H.E. is still important in that regard. The teacher’s union is standing up to the school board saving by far property taxpayers money. If you depend on the school board, hope you are not laid off. Post Office worker union protects jobs against an onslaught against jobs, local economy, and property taxpayers. Many others should unionize like Marathon City staff.

Gut DCA? This Rick Scott trickery is a wide open outside developer grab. Of course, who would have believed that the county commission is talking about putting measures into effect to preserve DCA-like oversights on possible runaway outside development?

Periodically, I take an unfair pot shot at our local newspapers both online and print. The Weekly Newspapers online and print is an advertiser based community newspaper owned and operated by the Kolers. They do cover politics, but getting an opinion is not their gig. Reporter Ms. Blair has written some about local politics opining within a narrow channel of what is appropriate. She does a fantastic job.

What do I have to say with the weekly newspapers Key West version starring Josie K? I don’t say, but here is a question. How does she show up at all those places within a 24-hour period and always presents the best of the weekly newspapers? I wonder how tired she gets.

Keynoter online and print is getting mellow or my brain has been warped. Markham and Kahn sounds like a Sci-Fi super duo, but they really care and do a fantastic job. The Keynoter covers politics with a slight bias left, center, and right depending on issue. Hey, that is great.

The Marathon Free Press online and print does a bang-up job within the constraints of corporate. When Marc Phelps does write or help write an opinion the bias is slightly left of center.

Citizen is ditto, see free presses, but on a bigger budget.

The Journal is a specialized online only newspaper covering local middle keys politics. I have an eye at being sarcastic with sourced info equaling good articles most of the time. I particularly have fun conducting Larry-Kind feel-good interviews. Forgotten Felines and Last Resort Prison Ministry have regular columns. Public Service Announcements are always welcome. We also have local family owned and operated business specials. The most important is the Charter Advertiser Program. The Journal is a little more left of center than the Free Press.

Did you really think that I would say something negative about my own newspaper?

I’ve left out some newspapers simply due to my lack of info and awareness. Please send the Journal info about your publication and it will be in the next Journal Week in Review. Like the Coconut Telegraph that is right on the mark most times when writing about local politics.

My, my, failed Marlin Bay may get back on track. About time, there are eight workforce townhomes ready for income-qualified working people. They could move in today. So get the deal down. Gulfstream gutted, over 80 people thrown out on the streets, most of them year-around locals, what a waste.

School board balances budget on the backs of custodial service employees. Even if most rehired through GCA Services of Ohio, their salaries will be greatly reduced. So, let me get this right. A bunch of property taxpayer money goes to Ohio and people who can ill afford cuts in pay spend less money in the local economy. If the teacher’s union let’s this stand, the failed school system might as well be shut down in favor of all private schools. How did it come to this?

Finally, the promise of Marathon’s property between 98^th and 99^th Streets is coming to fruition. Kayaking, boardwalks, and picnic pavilions are a great upgrade.

Governor Scott’s attempt at minimalizing President Obama’s constituency hits a roadblock called the Department of Justice. Apparently, you cannot just do as you please in five counties with a history not so nice. Cut early voting? Ridiculous. Making it more difficult to vote is beyond ridiculous.

August 14, 2011 - South Florida - Brittany Elder: TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN LAUNCHES SECOND YEAR OF INNOVATIVE LEADERS 4 LIFE’ FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

Media Contact:
Michael Goodman/Brittany Elder
Bitner Goodman
954-730-7730, ext. 105, 122
michael@bitnergoodman.com

Top Student Scholars to Receive up to $40,000 for All College-Related Expenses and more
MIAMI, FL (August 15, 2011) – Take Stock in Children, a statewide non-profit organization with a 16 year history of breaking the cycle of poverty by providing scholarships, mentors and hope to low-income and at-risk youth, will begin the second year of its innovative Leaders 4 Life Fellowship, a role model program that provides funding of college expenses for top student scholars across Florida. Take Stock in Children’s Leaders 4 Life Fellowship was created in partnership with the Asofsky Family Foundation to provide financial resources, services and support needed to ensure student success throughout college.

The Leaders 4 Life Fellowship awards top Take Stock in Children students with a new laptop computer, leadership training and development, as well as funding up to $10,000 annually to cover the costs of housing, food, textbooks, supplies, transportation and other college-related expenses. The mission of this program is to enable these students to excel in a university environment by giving them the resources that empower them to develop their full potential as “leaders for life.”

“My family knows first-hand that the transition to college is not always an easy one, and that is why we have partnered with Take Stock in Children to provide this very special fellowship,” said Mark Asofsky, Founder of the Asofsky Family Foundation. “We will be assisting with professional development, internship opportunities and more in an effort to ensure that these students achieve their dreams and become the next generation of great leaders.”

Last year, five students across Florida were selected and recognized as the inaugural honorees of the Leaders 4 Life Fellowship, including Angela Alford (Okaloosa County), Michael Burris (Lee County), Valiece Long (Pinellas County), Maria Rincon (Broward County) and Ha Tran (Santa Rosa County). This year, another five of Take Stock in Children’s leading high school seniors will be awarded the Leaders 4 Life Fellowship during the organization’s annual state conference slated for January 10, 2012 in Tallahassee, Florida. The recipients will be highly motivated scholars who will be selected based on their demonstration of strong leadership skills, moral character and academic success.

“The ultimate goal of this fellowship is to eliminate the financial burdens normally associated with a post-secondary education, and allow the students to devote 100% of their attention to their studies and personal development,” said Emilio Alonso-Mendoza, President/CEO of Take Stock in Children. “We are excited to again offer our top-tier scholars across Florida this life-changing award opportunity, and plan to continue to grow this program year after year to support even more of our deserving students.”

Students enrolled with Take Stock in Children are identified in middle and high school, and then sign a contract pledging to remain drug and crime free, as well as maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 or greater. All students that fulfill these obligations and successfully complete the Take Stock in Children program then receive full tuition scholarships to a state college or university upon graduation.

Take Stock in Children currently serves nearly 8,000 low-income and minority students in grades 6-12 annually throughout 67 counties in Florida.

To learn more about Take Stock in Children’s Leaders 4 Life Fellowship program, or becoming a valued mentor or supporter, please call 888-322-4673 or visit www.takestockinchildren.org. 

About Take Stock in Children
Take Stock in Children is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization with a solid 16 year history of providing mentors, educational scholarships and hope for Florida’s low-income and at-risk youth. The organization has provided educational support and college scholarships for over 17,000 children in partnership with more than 800 public schools throughout 67 counties in Florida. It is the only scholarship mentoring program with the mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through education, and has attained a high school graduation rate of 92 percent in Florida as compared to Florida’s average graduation rate of 76%. The program’s multi-year commitment to students and their comprehensive program services begin in middle school and continue through high school graduation and into college. Special emphasis is placed on student accountability and specific measurable outcomes. Take Stock in Children students pledge to meet with their assigned mentor once a week, maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5, and remain drug and crime free. Upon successful high school graduation, as a fulfillment of their contractual agreement, students are then awarded a college scholarship to any college, university or vocational school in the state of Florida. To learn more about Take Stock in Children, please call 888-322-4673 or visit www.takestockinchildren.org. 

# # #

Photo Caption: Inaugural Leaders 4 Life Fellowship honorees Valiece Long, Angela Alford, Ha Tran, Michael Burris and Maria Rincon

Keys Grafix & Sign seemingly can do about anything with signs, A-frames, and magnetic signs. You can always tell a business is rock solid and successful, when Jeff is doing ten things at once. And he is good at too. They are always busy.

August 15, 2011- Middle Keys - Jessica Mintz: Forgotten Felines first ever Cat Adoption event on Saturday, August 13, 2011, at our Purr-Fect Thrift store located at the Marathon City Park was a huge success!! We found wonderful homes for 12 cats and kittens and could have never done this without our wonderful volunteers and supporters who helped us from the beginning to the end to make this event happening and a success. Thank you, Linda Lee for providing the music, Larry (Florida Keys Journal) for providing the tent, table and chairs, Bill Becker & Kim Chesher for letting us come on air to talk about our event, Caring for Cats to let us borrow the Sylvester costume and everyone who helped spreading the word and distributing fliers. A big thank you goes out to our wonderful volunteers the day of the event: LeeAnn, Jerry, Helen, Jessica, Kaye, Laura M., Elizabeth, Carolyn, Adrienne, Kari, Tracie, Amaya, Phyllis, Lisa, Linda & Laura P. A BIG thank you to Chuck with Chuck's furniture who made several small scratching post to give away to our foster homes with goody-bags. Everyone had a great day and lots of fun and the Cat in the Hat and his special guest Sylvester were the highlights of the event in addition to our wonderful adoptable cats. No matter what color, age or personality someone was looking for, we had it all. We had cute kittens between the ages of 11-15 weeks as well as several young and older adults between 2-7 years of age. We also had Nene, a beautiful huge orange Hemingway Kitty who was adopted by one of our volunteers.

Since the event was such a huge success we plan to hold 2-3 adoption events each year - possibly late spring and early fall. However, you don't have to wait until our next adoption event since we still have many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption. You can either check them out on our www.Petfinder.com page, on our Facebook page under "Keys Forgotten Felines Marathon" or by emailing us at keysforgottenfelines@Live.com for a list with available felines. Currently, we also have several adorable kittens between the ages of 11-14 weeks available at our Purr-Fect thrift store.

Not able to adopt at this time? We are still looking for foster homes to care for our adoptable cats and kittens until placed into furr-ever homes. It is lots of fun and very rewarding to be a foster home and we will provide you with everything you need such as food and litter, vet visits etc. No experience necessary, only a home check and the ability to foster anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months.

Thank you again to everyone who helped us made our first ever cat adoption event a success and to our wonderful adopters who will give their newest four-legged family members furr-ever and loving homes.

Publisher: Jessica's emails are a great way to get to know Forgotten Felines. So here is her email, "Thank you for letting us use your tent, chairs and tables. We had a great turnout and adopted 12 cats and kittens. Even if we adopted a couple of the older cats (3-4 years) I have hoped to adopt out more of our older felines especially the ones that have been with FF for a very long time or lost their owners due to death. But on the other side, most of the kittens got adopted which is good because once the kittens start to become teens it will be hard to find a home for them as well.

"I have a few pics and bio I will send you a bit later today and if you could post them in your journal that would be great. Several volunteers told me that you had your eyes set on Lucy, one of the sweet black girls. She has 2 siblings - Ethel and Fred - and all three were adopted together from FF as kittens. However, their owner passed away 6 months ago leaving the siblings behind. Ethel and Fred hang out a lot together and enjoy being indoors/outdoors at their foster's cat house (Nancy Warner). However, Lucy has always been the "single one". She hides in a cabinet or corner in the cat house most of the time and that is one of the reasons I brought her to the adoption event hoping she gets adopted.

"Since our first ever adoption event was such a big success we plan to have adoption events twice per year - late spring and early fall.

"It's International Feral Cat Day on October 16 and Alley Cats is planning to have a huge event by asking rescue groups and organizations dealing with cats/ferals to come up with a fundraiser for that day. Holiday Isle Beach Resort & Marina is a big supporter of Caring for Cats and feral cats and has asked if we might be interested in getting together and plan a fundraiser. So, that would mean more exposure for FF and all the cats in need.

Jess"

Lucy is a very sweet 3 years young lady that came to us with her siblings, Ethel & Fred, after their owner has passed away. They were adopted as kittens and their owner was always worried about what would happen to his babies if he is no longer around. While Ethel and Fred like to hang out together their sister Lucy is more the quiet one and often sticks to herself. Just like her siblings, Lucy loves to chase after toys and when she hears the word "treat" she keeps running to you. We would prefer that the siblings to go the same home together, however, we think that Lucy would not mind to go to a separate home where she will receive lots of TLC. She would not mind if it is a home that already has a cat since we are sure she would like the idea of having a companion. Publisher: Lucy might be adopted soon.

We have seen many cats with great personalities but we think our little Lea beats it. Lea came to us when she was 5 months old and for the last 10 months she was moved around between foster homes. She is very affectionate and playful and if she is around other cats she likes to play the boss. Lea is very petite and looks like a 7-8 months old kitty and not like almost 16 months old. We doubt that she will get much bigger and would make a great companion for someone who likes small cats. WE also believe that Lea has some Burmese in her and would do fine in a home with or without other cats. You really have to meet this sweet girl and her personality. She deserves to go to a furr-ever home.

Pooky is an adorable 7 months old male who came to us with his siblings when he was about 3 months old. His siblings already found furr-ever homes and Pooky now hopes it will be his turn. Pooky loves to cuddle when not busy chasing after toys and is always curious about what is going on around him. We think he would be great in a home with another cat(s) as well as the only kitty. He also would make a great companion for a family with older children.

We have several adorable 3 months old black and white/black kitties available for adoption at our Purr-Fect Thrift store located across the Marathon City Park. They are playful cuddlers curious about their surroundings and cannot wait to go to furr-ever homes. All of our cats and kittens are spayed/neutered and up-to-date with vaccines. The adoption fee is $30 per cat/kitten or $50 for 2 cats/kittens. For more information, please email us at keysforgottenfelines@live.com or stop by our thrift store.

If you are looking for a lady young at heart you will fall in love with our Miss Brownie. Brownie's mom, a long-time Forgotten Felines volunteer, foster and colony caretaker, past away several months ago leaving Brownie, Honey and Slick behind. Brownie is a beautiful 6 years young Tortoiseshell who loves to cuddle up in your nap or keep you companion while you watch TV. She still likes to play and to chase after toys but her favorite thing to do is to cuddle and to shower you with love. Tortoiseshells are to be known as one of the most faithful and loving cats besides black kitties. And Ms. Brownie is the living proof of it.

If there would be a beauty pageant for cats 5 years and older, no doubt would Honey make the first prize. Honey is a gorgeous long-haired Tortoiseshell with lots of class and style. Her owner recently passed away and left Honey behind with Brownie and Slick. You can sometimes catch Honey chase after a ball or admiring herself. She loves to keep you company while you watch TV or to cuddle up in a corner where she can watch what is going on around her.

Watch out....here comes Slick, a funny Tuxedo kitty of character! Slick might be 7 years old but he surely does not act his age and thinks he is still a young chicken. When you see him play you think he is a big kitten and when it comes to show you affection he sure would win a prize for it. His owner recently passed away leaving him behind together with Honey and Brownie. Slick has no problems being around other cats and we think he would like the idea to go to a home where there is another cat he can share the home with.

We desperately need a foster home or furr-ever home for Nino, a beautiful large 3 years young boy with unique tabby markings. You can consider him a dog in a cat body since he loves to follow you around like a puppy dog and is probably bigger than the average small dog. His foster mom says that Nino is a character who makes her laugh and that she has never met such a loving and affectionate kitty like Nino. However, the problem is that his foster home has other cats and dogs and Nino just does not like the idea to share his home with four-legged siblings. He likes to terrorize the "unwanted" siblings and needs to go to a new foster home as soon as possible. Nino is also one of the 4 cats that lived in a garage of a foster home in Miami for 7 months after they were owner-surrendered. Nino's buddies got adopted during our cat adoption event and we hope that we will find a furr-ever home for him as well. But to find at least a foster home is what would make us happy already. Please, call 305-240-5266 if you are interested in fostering this beautiful and loving boy or to adopt.

Saski is a very sweet big 6 years young lady looking for a furr-ever home. Her owner passed away recently asking us to take in Saski until we are able to find a home for her. Even if she is big, she is not a diabetic cat. What Saskia needs is a new furr-ever home that can give her the love and attention she received from her previous owner as well as help her lose weight by making sure she exercises via chasing after toys and eating the right food. Saski is sad about the loss of her previous owner and depressed that she has to share her foster home with several other cats and shows it by constantly eating and sleeping. She is used to have always been the only kitty and to shower her owner with love and affection. Saski is gray with white markings and an adorable face. She would make the great companion for someone who likes big lap kitties and does not have any other cats.

All Keys Computers is your go to place for all things computers, laptops, and peripheral devices. You get high quality work at very reasonable prices.

August 17,2011 - Islamorada - Barbara Edgars: MHT Readies to Build History. Historic Groundbreaking Celebration Set for Labor Day

Matecumbe Historical Trust Labor Day Events, September 5, 2011
9 AM, MM 81.5, Oceanside: Florida Keys Memorial Labor Day Service
10 AM, MM 82.1, Oceanside: Groundbreaking for the Museum of Florida Keys History

The Matecumbe Historical Trust (MHT) will make its own history on Sunday, September 5th at 10:00 am. The public is invited to the groundbreaking ceremony for the future Irving R. Eyster Museum of Florida Keys History and a state-of-the-art conference center, immediately following the traditional Florida Keys Memorial Labor Day service at 9 am at the hurricane monument.

The museum, which is named in honor of Islamorada's resident historian and MHT president, is to be filled with artifacts Eyster collected over six decades. It will be located adjacent to the Islander Resort in Islamorada along with a brand new conference center.

MHT has partnered with Islander Resort owner David Curry to develop the newest landmark destination in the Keys. The resort is constructing the building; MHT is responsible for designing and furnishing the interior museum space. The 15,366 square feet, two-story museum and convention center will showcase historical items, including artifacts from the Florida East Coast railway and cannons from sunken ships found off the Keys. Historical data on hurricanes, railroads, fishing legends and other local history is currently being cataloged and readied by MHT members and volunteers for the museum’s resource center. A unique centerpiece to the museum will be the high-tech Eye of the Storm Theatre, where the museum will present historic films and documentaries.

The construction project is under direction of South Florida contractors Craig Overhholt, of Overholt Construction in Miami and Key Largo, and Brett Ekblom of Native Construction in Tavernier

The exterior of the museum and conference center is designed to reflect Florida Keys architecture, with an inviting traditional two-story building, large porches facing the ocean, and a lush garden area to the side. The museum will occupy nearly half of the new construction and feature different themed rooms designed with an emphasis on accurate representation of Keys History.

The Trust’s Board of Directors invite the public to join them and area personalities to celebrate the groundbreaking for the museum and conference center event, which offers an opportunity for the community to learn more about museum plans, see artist renderings of the conference center and forthcoming historical exhibits, and how they can help MHT.

For more information about MHT Labor Day events, volunteering opportunities and how to support the Irving R. Eyster Museum of Florida Keys History visit www.matecumbehistoricaltrust.com.

Kayaks & Bikes is a versatile, multiple business provider of services and products. I especially like the owner and his perspective of life and politics. Don't get him started. You cannot go wrong stopping by and see for yourself.

August 19, 2011 - Islamorada - L. E. Shaffer: Historians Irving and Jeane Eyster.

Florida Keys Journal interviewed the Eyster family and Councilman Dave Purdo. We met at Island Grill in Islamorada during heavy rain. Members of the Eyster group were Irving & Jeane Eyster, and daughter Barbara Edgar.

In photo above, Jack McCormick owner Island Grill next to Irving and Jeane Eyster in front of photos on the wall behind them. Those photos were donated by the Eysters. This photo from their website at http://www.matecumbehistoricaltrust.com.

I asked David Purdo, “How’s your council work going?”

Dave responded, “Better than I anticipated”. He feels like things are finally starting to be done.

After that mini-short-interview, I was honored to be in the company of great worldwide historians Irving and Jeane Eyster. I try to be a historian in Marathon, but they need a committee like the one Islamorada is putting together.

Recently in Keys history, the museum event dedicating the “Irving Eyster Museum of Florida Keys History” is coming soon. The groundbreaking is slated for September 5.

After that event, the intensive workload starts after permitting. Uh, oh, Islamorada and permitting is not the city’s strong suit. The optimists at the table think the hard word concludes with a grand opening in Spring 2012, permits permitting. I made a funny.

Construction starts first, then inside work after that. The Eysters will be supervising the placement of historical item, all kinds.

I was amazed how packed Irving and Jeane Eysters’ calendar is, full of appointments. I thought my schedule was full. At least there are two people managing the Eysters’ schedule, Irving and Jeane.

Daughter Barbara Edgars along with Irving and Jeane Eyster look good. I was way over guessing their ages. Barbara is the same age as me. Irving and Jeane Eyster are over 90. Wow. And that collection of brains makes them real historians not some wannabes. I salute them.

In talking with Irving, I said real historians go to George Washington’s letters to see how things really were. I read those letters, and George Washington in reality is very different from the legend, both good and not so good.

Then Irving tells his George Washington story. Five generations back his great, great… grandfather on his mother’s side taught George Washington how to survey. Let me see you top that.

Irving is planning on more books. Apparently, he talks to Jeane while she types the prose. Jeane is working on own book too. Impressive.

The story of Indian Key told deftly by Irving closed out our very productive meeting. The most interesting part of the story was as documented as a Keynoter article years back, “In the early ’50s, Eyster thought that he was going to be able to buy Indian Key. On a trip to Key West, he saw that it was advertised for sale at $28,000. When he went to Miami to sign the papers, the agent told him that it had been sold by one of the owners without his knowledge.

“I was real disgusted,” Eyster said. “He told me that if I wanted to fight it, I could beat it. I said to hell with it, and I’ve regretted it ever since.””

Keynoter article was by CLAUDIA MILLER, Keys Sunday contributor, Posted - Sunday, July 13, 2008 03:00 AM EDT.

Duncan Auto Mall has been around for over 60 years. The company is an original family owned and operated business hiring locals and shopping locally. Their business acumen in selling and maintaining cars is unrivaled. Be one of the first to purchase or lease the new 2012 electric/hybrid Prius. Link below is a photo collage; I like the Mustang.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2147974108498.2126124.1520682211&l=d536e999b0

August 22, 2011 - Florida Keys - L. E. Shaffer: Journal Week in Review. The Florida Keys Journal LLC Journal Week in Review is still proving popular. I wish I knew this years back.

Forgotten Felines held a successful event at the Purr-Fect store at the Overseas Motel main building the shop on the east side. Overseas Village is workforce housing that used to be hotel units. Adult black cats are still difficult to be adopted. Kittens are cute, but think about adopting an adult cat that needs a home.

Three thousand workforce families could not make it here in paradise. Their bills exceeded their income. Working two or three jobs just wasn’t working. Something had to give. And, we cannot lose any more valuable workforce families. This is another hit on our fragile local economy.

Now we come to the only laundromat in the Middle Keys. Leasing EDUs helped keep the bill from being outrageous. Hooking up to the wastewater/stormwater system is an exercise in futility. Just to start, you need more than $3,000 for drawings and other engineering work. Can we afford to lose another business? Especially, this one?

Layton seat one is a go for the November 8^th election. Seats three and five win by default, since no one qualified to run against them.

Mr. Marathon Mike Puto still shows up at four places at once wearing a different hat each time. He is an upcoming Florida Keys Journal interviewee. Interviewee, it looks odd and misspelled but it ain’t. Okay, I got a pad of paper ready to capture his extraordinary knowledge.  

Hurricane parking is precious during an emergency. The three high water parking lots are at Gulfside Village, Home Depot, and Publix. In previous years, these parking lots were off limits even to emergency vehicles. When there is a stated emergency, these lots cannot be closed. First are emergency vehicles and other important government vehicles. You will need these vehicles to recover in the aftermath. Then first come, next parked. When the lots are full, there is a small parking lot our side of the Seven Mile Bridge. Let us see if these lots are open to the public on a first come, next parked basis. If not, I have a crusade to run.

Mr. Building Official Ron Wampler is a key member of city staff. I talked to him about several issues. First, he called back. Will wonders ever cease? Then he addressed the issues I was covering. Ron took his time to get it right the first time. While there may be some who rival Wampler, but he is doing his job. I have gotten several suggestions about interviewing our Mr. Building Official. Sounds so important, does it not?

One issue that keeps coming up is he said, she said. Residents get different answers from different people and different times. The poor resident does not know if all line items are complete or not. There is a simple solution. The county uses it. Use check-off lists. Then everything an applicant needs to accomplish is in list. Each action item when completed should be checked off. Once that item is checked off with the city and the resident agreeing that indeed that action item is complete, the applicant can move to the next line. Not everything works well on computers.

Eat my words. Part-timers are costing more money, and you are lucky they stay a half day so that the turnovers cancel any benefit of using part-timers. Looking at the long term, property taxpayers benefit from full-timers who stay here, rent or buy, shop here, and pay property taxes. So my suggestion to use part-timers was wrong borne from actually trying part-timers.

Litterbugs are infesting our fine City of Marathon from Seven Mile Bridge to Duck Key entrance. What happened to the culture of keeping your city, your home neat and trash free? A new generation ignores such issues for the most part, because they might not have been raised correctly. What happened to tar and feathering a miscreant and sending the litterbug down the rail out of our fair city? I call for this effective deterrent to be re-established and used liberally.

Redistricting, what a joke. To the winners go the spoils.

Total students in Monroe County will be around 7,600. Down from last year’s 8,100 approximate, and the year after that was 8,300 approximate. Sorry, Big Pine Students, you have to go to MHS instead Key West High School. Apparently, the Marathon Taj Mahal echoes with empty spaces among metallic echoes. Your property taxes are being vacuumed from your wallets and purses.

Marathon final budget workshop was a yawn. Two public hearings are coming up. Boring, but the rest of the county would like to be that boring. That’s a backhanded compliment, I guess.

TRIM notices tell the tale of each taxing entity percentage. Marathon will be the lowest percentage per capita again this year.

Super majority voting and homeowner associations make for an odd couple. Monroe County would be wasting time and property tax money on a super majority vote that can be overturned at any time by a 3 – 2 vote. Re: Roberts Rules of Order. Duh.

WEYM television right here in the Keys. Go to www.tvchannel19.com. Have we arrived or what?

Have you ever noticed that when it rains here in paradise, the locals are happy optimists?  It makes sense once you think about it. The Keys seems to always need rain trying to bust the drought. Those northerners though get all blue and depressed, God bless them.

Is that it for this week? Wow. Another Journal Week in Review done. Time for a martini. Yuck.

Gemini Printing has 29-cent color copies. Need I say more?

Sun Motors - Go Carts Watched go-cart racing between a father and son tourist team today at Sun Motors Marathon Florida Keys. I want to go go-carting myself badly, but I need an excuse to invite some member of my unsuspecting family to come with me. I wonder how slow one can go before the person you invite to race you goes ballistic? Yes, I know this is a Journal advertiser, but I like go-cart racing.

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