What Do You Recommend ?

Happy Friday, Maitland !

My good friend and neighbor, Dorine, asked a question and I'm hoping someone can help.

Dorine asks...

Does anyone have Embarq Cable for their TV service? Are you happy with it? Do you recommend switching from Bright House?

Embarq is trying to sell me – I’m thinking of switching – they claim more channels and I can order movies directly – can’t do that with the basic Bright House Plan.

Please share your opinions and experiences by using the comments link below...and help a neighbor (or perhaps many neighbors) make an informed decision !

Thanks,

Ann *smiles*
JustAskAnn@aol.com

LAKE LILY ~ Taste of Maitland

It's NOT too late to buy your early-bird-special ticket to the 10th Annual "Taste of Maitland".

Our Maitland Chamber of Commerce has worked diligently in order to bring us this special epicurean event that will be staged around our Lake Lily.

Twenty-eight different food and beverage vendors will be participating this year, including Buca di Beppo, Athena's Chicken, Steak & Ale and, a new business in our neighborhood, The Maitland Wine Market.

All this in the heart of our city...and with live music, too !

Here we go, folks...yet one more great opportunity for our community to meet and mingle and all while munching down some goodies. And we can do it for only 12 bucks a pop (children less).

Will I see YOU there ? ? ?

---> get connected <---

What: Taste of Maitland
When: Monday, May 21, 5:30~8:00PM
Where: Lake Lily Park, SW corner of 17-92 & Maitland Ave.

Learn More:
http://www.maitlandchamber.com/

MAITLAND Symphony Orchestra ~ FREE Concert

"Tall and tan and young and lovely...The girl from Ipanema goes walking...And when she passes, each one she passes says ~ ahhhhhhh."

You can sing along with the memory of one of Frank Sinantra's most popular songs, "Girl From Ipanema" this Sunday while Maitland Symphony Orchestra presents their "MSO Goes Latin" concert.

Cha~cha down memory lane while listening to music from West Side Story along with salsas, tangos, sambas and boleros.

---> get connected <---

What: MSO Goes Latino ~ FREE Concert
When: Sunday, May 20, 7:00 PM
Where: First Presbyterian Church, 341 N. Orlando Ave.

Learn More:
http://www.fpcmaitland.org/news.htm

ART with chART at Maitland Mercedes Tonight

chART your course over to Orlando Mercedes to enjoy live music and more.

The "more" means you'll not only be able to view the art collections and purchase your favorite piece of art, but if you're a chART member ($24/year) you be able to enjoy the edibles and libations.

Either way, it is yet another *happening* where you can ---> get connected <--- while enjoying an evening out in your hometown.

What: chART event ~ Art, Music & More
Where: Orlando Mercedes, 17-92 Maitland
When: Tonight, May 18, 2007

Learn More:
http://www.cut-edge.com/
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/arts/orl-hummel1807may18,0,2162966.column?coll=orl-calartstop

TREVI ~ Meet the Developer

Good Morning Maitland !

Tonight's the night...if you're interested in learning more about the development in your community.

The developers, Vince and Susanne Pellicane, want to make you knowledgeable about community living and are offering free seminars to accomplish this goal (see list and dates below).

While you're there tonight, you may also want to enter their contest to win a kitchen makeover!

Lot's to learn...lot's to see...lot's to do.

Ann Lanier

"Our city is poised on the brinks of a Rebirth; a wonderful nouveau Renaissance period."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

TREVI Seminars:

May 17th ~
Growing Bolder not Older...The upsides of downsizing and strategies for transition living.

June 21st ~
Orlando Real Estate...Orlando, always a good investment.

September 20th ~
Condos Considered...What makes a good investor? Why are some developments better than others? What to look for, what to look out for.

October 18th ~
HOA Basics: The pros and cons of condo living....Where does your money go? HOA expert answers your questions.

All programs begin at 6:30pm, with cocktails starting at 6:00pm.
Venue: 711 North Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751 theTrevi.com 407.622.8885

PLEASE NOTE: Seating is limited, please RSVP at rsvp@trevirealty.com or407.622.8885


TREVI Website:
http://www.thetrevi.com/

SERVING on a City Advisory Board

Greetings Neighbors,

Since I will soon be appointed to serve on the Citizen's Senior Advisory Board for our fine city, I am thinking you just might want to join me in my personal *walk* through the process. I don't know about you, but all this is brand new to the likes of me.

First off, when I finally awakened to the fact that I needed to become an active part of my community ~ I wasn't sure at all how to do it ! Even though I passed my 9th grade Civic's class with a "B" average, I now sorely regret that I was only studying to pass the test instead of to learn.

So I had to find out what I needed to do, therefore I asked both friends and city officials. They all said the same thing, "Attend the City Council Meetings and volunteer to sit on one of the advisory boards.". And that is precisely what I've done.

I'll close for now...but next time will share more insight into the process.

Blessings,

Ann Lanier *smiles*

Maitland...ReBuilding Community, ReDeveloping DownTown, ReNewing Natural Resources

"Our city seems poised on the brinks of a Rebirth; a wonderful nouveau Renaissance period."


City Council Meeting Dates:
http://www.itsmymaitland.com/meeting_notices.aspx

City Council Meeting Minutes from 05-14-07:
http://itsmymaitland.com/meeting_recordings.aspx?a=viewPost&PostID=3011

Citizen Advisory Boards & Committees:
http://www.itsmymaitland.com/admin_citizen.aspx

PUBLIC SAFETY ~ Fire Station Location

"Oh Where, Oh Where, Does Our Little Fire Engine House Go, Oh Where, Oh Where, Should It Be ?"

The people of our community spoke out at our City Council Meeting last night and the overwhelming majority said this:

***Do NOT build it at our Lake Minnehaha Park !

***But DO seriously consider building it on one of the developers sites ~ either the north section of The Trevi just off 17-92 or on the Sun Trust Bank parking lot on West George Avenue property.

Earl Emrick, our CRA Director, will be researching both options and reporting back to our City Council with his findings.

In addition, Rebecca Ritchey implored our council to dream big, do the impossible, think outside the box in order to secure the Packwood Apartments location because she believes it's THE absolute best location bar none. It's large, accommodating, centrally located and for sale.

Mayor Doug Kinson concurred and added that the Packwood properties would make a phenomenal park area since it is located so near a lake and that we do need to give this property very serious considerations.

Unless a viable location can be secured that would allow all Safety Public Buildings to be located on one site, the majority of residents agreed that the best suitable location for our Police Station would be on Fennel Road.

MEETING ~ City Council, Monday Night

Hello Maitland !

It's time again.

You have another opportunity to make your voice and choice known.

Your city needs you.

What: City Council Meeting
When: Monday, May 14, 2007
Where: City Hall Council Chambers
Time: 7:00PM

The agenda includes, but is not limited to, the following decisions:

* Appointments to Advisory Boards will be made for the following boards.

Transportation Advisory Board - 1 appointment, 5 applicants: Elizabeth Peele, Rebecca Ritchey, Terry Montville, Brian Wenhold or Michael Ruddy.

Senior Advisory Board - 2 appointments, 3 applicants: Sue Book, Earl Peterson and/or Ann Lanier.

* Florida League of Cities, Inc., - decision as to whether or not to spend monies for an Annual Convention Advertisement.
NOTE: We are a paying member. To learn more about this agency we belong to and what it does and can do for our city, see link below.

* Youth Programs Administration - decision as to whether or not to authorize third party sub-contractors to provide this service for our TEAM MAC, Maitland Activities Club, before and after school program.

And perhaps the most controversial item on the agenda will be...

* Location of Public Safety Buildings(s) - decision as to where to build. Currently there are 8 different scenarios before the board but Brian Jones, our Assitant City Manager, writes that "staff" recommends the Scenario A7 as the preferred scenario - City Hall to remain on Independence, Fire Station to be built in conjuction with Minnehaha Park and Public Safety (Police Station) to be built and include Fire Administration on Fennel site.
NOTE: At the MPN meeting yet another scenario was presented, that of building the Fire Station in conjunction with The Trevi's east development.

In addition, there has been an email circulating our community that includes a letter addressed to our Mayor and City Council in request of a Town Hall Meeting that was written by one of our community residents, Len Schmidt. Mr. Schmidt has concerns about city finances, especially in regard to the CRA, therefore he's asking for the answers to be presented at a meeting in May. Will this issue be presented during the open session at our next City Council Meeting ? Who's to know...

There's lots going on, neighbors.

Come join me and become a part of our community's SOLUTIONS.

Ann Lanier
JustAskAnn@aol.com

Florida League of Cities, Inc.:
http://www.flcities.com/home.asp

Youth Services/TEAM MAC:
http://www.itsmymaitland.com/pr_youthservices.asp

City Council Agenda:
http://itsmymaitland.com/agenda-citycouncil.aspx?a=viewPost&PostID=2992

CLEAN versus DIRTY...OLD versus NEW

Pollution is a dirty word.

By attending last Wednesday nights MPN (Maitland Progress Now) meeting I learned a little more about our community. Statements made by the various developers (see prior post for comments) caused me to research some information, both on the Internet and by calling our city officials (see links below) and I learned that:

* Storm water is one of the largest sources of pollution of Florida’s waterways.

* We currently have highly polluted and untreated stormwater being dumped directly into our Lake Lily and a similar scenario exists for our Lake Minnehaha.

* Because of new Trevi and Ravinia development we’re getting a 3 ½ acre filtration/retention pond that should directly benefit the health of our Lake Minnehaha

* Because of the new Village of Lake Lily development’s plan, they will be instialling seven separate exfiltration trench systems, a nutrient-separating baffle box and stormwater filtration system in-line with the proposed outfall pipe to provide treatment of runoff collected and conveyed in the roadway stormsewer prior to discharge into our Lake Lily.

* The Brossier Company development plans include a total of 3 acres of “green roof” with the potential benefit’s being: reduced stormwater runoff; filtering pollutants and CO2 out of air; filtering pollutants and heavy metals from water; increase wildlife habitat.

So now I’ve begun to glean a better understanding about why the federal, state and local guidelines that govern new building development, such as the EPA, FDEP & SJRWMD regulations, are requiring much higher standards in order to approve permitting. These ever changing laws and regulations direct new development to provide plans and measures to stop or greatly curtail currently recognized polluted areas from advancing, avert future problems and, preferably, advance the refinement or rehabilitation of already polluted areas.

Therefore it seems extremely logical to me that NEWER development that replaces older development - especially the projects already underway along with the proposed downtown redevelopment project - will actually HELP our environment in many wonderful and innovative ways.

The Problem ~ unfortunately we’re not a pristine and ecologically balanced virgin environment anymore.

The Facts ~ Maitland is already developed but with grossly outdated or non-existent pollution controls.

The Solution ~ redevelopment appears to be THE best answer, perhaps the only answer, for cleaning up our environment.

Let’s work together to make the MOST of what we have by:

Re-Building Our Community

Re-Developing Our DownTown

Re-Newing Our Natural Resources

Maitland, Florida Re-ally can become an extremely unique and progressive niche.

I have the vision...do you ?

Ann Lanier
(407) 622-1165
JustAskAnn@aol.com

"Our city seems poised on the brinks of a Re-birth; a wonderful nouveau Re-naissance period."

The Brossier Co./Bob Reese:
http://www.brossier.us/brossier.us/

The Trevi Development Company/Vince Pellicane:
http://www.thetrevi.com/index.html

Broad Street Partners/The Ravinia:
http://www.maitlanduptownwest.com/

The Morgan Group/The Village of Lake Lily:
http://www.morgangroup.com/florida.html

Green roof information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_roof

Stormwater Woes ~ One of the biggest threats to Florida waterways:
http://sjr.state.fl.us/welcome/index.html

SJRWMD – Local (St. Johns River Water Management District):
http://www.sjrwmd.com/govboard/pdfs/2007/rg0705/rg0705_056.pdf

FDEP – State (Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection):
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/

EPA – Federal (Environmental Protection Agency):
http://www.epa.gov/

City of Maitland Engineer – Joe Oriolo (407) 539-6260
Email: JOriolo@ItsMyMaitland.com

* * * HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY * * *

Good Morning Maitland Mothers !

Not that you're reading this posting right this minute NOR should you be, but I wanted to honor all of "us" today by wishing everyone a most blessed Mother's Day Celebration.

A *way* special "I love you" to you, Mom...because I know you'll be reading this.

Brunch at Brio's ? Ahhhh.....one of my favorite's and that's just where my children will be taking me today. Maybe soon I'll be getting to order this special meal at one of the many new restaurants in my home town.

Blessings !!!

Ann *smiles*

"Mothers love you to the end....."
~ Lenny Kravitz

COMMUNITY Voice ~ HELP

Want to help your community grow more knowledgeable and connected ?

Share your voice by writing then emailing me your editorials to post. Share information that has benefited you and may help your neighbors. Share your thoughts and concerns by posting comments.

I cannot speak for our community....it must speak for it's self !

What information do you want ?
What information is most beneficial to you ?
What information is needed in order to help you become more aware and involved ?

This blog site is my attempt to help YOU stay connected with local news, events and information. But if I don't hear from you I won't know if my efforts are being helpful.

I am open and desirous to learn from your suggestions.

The only piece missing...is you.

Thanks for listening and visiting this site and I hope to hear from you soon.

Your Neighbor...Ann Lanier
(407) 622-1165
JustAskAnn@aol.com

COMMUNITY Meeting ~ City of Maitland

Learn About Your Local Community News As It's Happening ! ! !

TONIGHT...at 7:00PM in our City Hall Council Chambers...there will be a presentation regarding the feasibility of a pedestrian overpass spanning Orlando Ave./17-92 in order to connect Lake Lily Park with Fort Maitland Park.

Mr. Jere Pile, one of our active community residents, and Mr. James Beverly of Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Inc., a transportation engineering consulting firm that has a history of providing public infrastructure engineering and master planning services to local governmental and quasi-governmental agencies, will be making the presentation.

This is yet another opportunity for YOU to begin your journey of becoming involved with your community.

I'll be at this meeting first and then walk over to join the MPN meeting in progress.

Come join me for BOTH meetings !

Questions ? Just give me a call or email me anytime.

Ann Lanier *smiles*
(407) 622-1165
JustAskAnn@aol.com

City of Maitland ~ P & R Meeting:
http://www.itsmymaitland.com/agenda-parks.aspx?a=viewPost&PostID=2965

COMMUNITY Meeting ~ Maitland Progress Now

Good Morning Maitland !

I've just read an email announcement (see below) about a community meeting tonight and wanted to let YOU know about it post-haste (no pun intended *wink*).

If you have questions about our community development...if you have suggestions that you want to be heard...if you realize the need to become active in your community...why not start by attending tonights Maitland Progress Now community wide meeting ?

I'll be there.....and would love for YOU to join me.

Ann Lanier
(407) 622-1165
JustAskAnn@aol.com

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Come hear the latest on the Maitland developments and get your questions answered! Join other curious neighbors to learn about the exciting future of our town. Presentations will be made by representatives of these projects. Afterward, we’ll chat about issues facing Maitland and how we can help make our community the very best place to live and work!

Why is the Winn Dixie for lease? Isn’t a downtown going in?
What is going in next to the Maitland Publix?
What’s happening at the huge lot next to Lake Lily?
Where is the commuter rail development going?

What: Maitland Update
When: Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Old Mail and Package Store in Royal Plaza (next to Winn Dixie)

All Maitland citizens welcome to attend!

See you there!
Linda J. Frosch

Maitland Update brought to you by Maitland Progress Now, a group of enthusiastic Maitland citizens who are eager to see the very best future for our city

COMMUNITY ~ FREE Computer Research Classes

Are you interested in learning more about how to search and locate all kinds of helpful information via the Internet ? Want to become an Internet Sleuth ?

If so - starting in June our wonderful Maitland Public Library will be offering two different classes that you can sign up to take and they're both FREE !

According to Librarian Janet Andrews, who will be teaching both classes, part one will cover such things as how to evaluate a web site, info about Wikipedia, understanding various search engines and how to use Boolean for doing very specific searches.

Part two will cover lesser known search resources - what Janet referred to as The Invisible Internet - governmental data bases, including The Florida Electronic Library which encompasses approximately 23 specialized data bases. This class is designed to show you (and me) how to locate information that we didn't even know existed !

The classes can only accommodate 5-6 people...so call now: (407) 647-7700

I'm already signed up and hoping you'll join me so together we can discover and uncover hidden Internet search secrets.

Ann Lanier
JustAskAnn@aol.com

http://www.maitlandpubliclibrary.org/

COMMUNITY Rail ~ 2010

"I hear the train a comin'...It's rollin' 'round the bend...I'll be able to buy my ticket...In the year two thousand ten."

Unlike Johnny Cash's song about being forever stuck in Folsom Prison, by 2010 instead of being chained to the traffic of I-4, we'll be free as a bird and able to buy a commuter rail ticket to downtown Orlando !!!

"When I hear that whistle blowin'...I'll raise my head up high...With ticket I'll be smilin'...And wavin' traffic bye-bye."

Ann Lanier *smiles*


Orlando Sentinel~State is putting rail line in gear
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/custom/growth/orl-rail0407may04,0,3869116.story?coll=orl-news-growth-headlines

CITY ~ New Fire Station ? New Police Station ?

Good Morning Maitland !

It's time to prepare. According to the Orlando Sentinel, our next City Council meeting will be discussing WHERE to build the new police and fire stations.

Do you have an opinion ? Better yet....do you have any viable suggestions as to WHERE to build these new structures ?

Right now...is always the best time to get involved.

I just spoke with our City Clerk, Maria Waldrop, and she advised me to give her a call next week in order to confirm just exactly what will be on the City Council agenda for May 14.

I'll keep you posted.

Blessings,

Ann Lanier
JustAskAnn@aol.com

Orlando Sentinel~Police, fire stations on radar
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/custom/growth/orl-ormaitland0307may03,0,2826452.story?coll=orl-news-growth-headlines

Community & City Concerns ~ Email Alert

Hello Once Again, Maitland !

According to the Orlando Sentinel, it appears that confidential Maitland Police information was somehow leaked and then circulated in the form of an email to many area residents. The content included identifying information about a man who police consider has performed activities suspicious in nature. Apparently many parents are fearful that he may be a sexual offender or, even worse, become one towards their children .

Don't let your child become a victim. Help your children by educating yourself first and then others. Be pro-active instead of re-active.

Many reports clearly state that the vast majority of children who are sexually abused are the victims of people that they know; parents, step parents, relatives, teachers, etc. The other group of sexual offenders spend a significant period of time infiltrating organisations or orchestrating opportunities to work with children or qualify in professions which afford them easy access to children and young persons in order that they are able to abuse them.

Unfortunately many parents believe that most sex offenders are predatory offenders who will covertly target a victim abduct them and sexually abuse them. Even though this type IS the most dangerous, they are the exception rather rule.

Interpol, the world’s largest international police organization, has information on their web site about crimes against children that includes an excellent article covering sexual abuse (see link below).

Be A Child's Hero Network web site offers a combined list of different suggestions on ways to talk with our children about sexual abuse (see link below). A quote from their site challenges us as parents and reads, "No one wants to have to tell their children about sexual abuse. On the other hand, do you want your child to learn about it from a child molester?"

Today can be a great day for a "wake up call" to parents. We can take affirmative action towards securing the best outcome and success for our children's life and happiness by educating ourselves and then them - right now. Once we have the tools, we are without excuse and must use them.

Ann Lanier
JustAskAnn@aol.com

"Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence..."
~ Yoko Ono

Interpol ~ Sexual Abuse
http://www.interpol.int/Public/Children/SexualAbuse/Default.asp

Talking To Your Children About Sexual Abuse
http://www.beachildshero.com/abusetalk.htm

A Sexual Abuse Prevention Plan
http://www.beachildshero.com/preventingabuse.htm

The Children's Voice ~ A primer on sexual abuse
http://library.thinkquest.org/C0112203/gsexual.html

Florida Sexual Offenders and Predators
http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/pages/neighborhoodSearch/Search_Neighborhood_Advanced.jsp

Orlando Sentinel ~ Maitland e-mail frenzy targets man as predator
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-mboloman0307may03,0,3482308.story?coll=orl-home-headlines