Biz Night - Tuesday, Feb 22

2^nd ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS NETWORKING AT OUR FEBRUARY 22nd MEETING

Need a babysitter? A plumber? An electrician? A housepainter? A dogwalker/groomer? A housekeeper? An organizer? A lawyer? A Realtor? An Astrologist? A manicurist? An auto mechanic? Well – in many cases there is no need to look further than your own neighborhood where we have people who do all of these things and more.

We started “Biz” night last year and it was a great success so are doing it again at our February 22nd meeting (next Tuesday night). We are inviting those members of the community with business services an opportunity to tell their neighbors what they do. What a great way to get the word out about your small business- and for people seeking a specific service to find you!

For a fee of $10 for members or $20 for non-members (you can join the Association that night and we will apply $10 of your membership to the fee- so you get to speak AND be a member for $20 – a $10 savings!) or $5 for those under 18- you will have the opportunity to spend 3-5 minutes explaining your business, handing out cards and answering questions. We will have coffee and networking after the official meeting where you will have an opportunity to answer more specific questions and just mingle with your neighbors. It’s a great opportunity for us to support businesses that are local – and for our residents to find someone nearby when they need a specific service.

I’m just one example of making the most of neighborhood contacts and have used a plumber, electrician, housecleaner, computer geek and handyman all within a few block radius. I’ve also been on the receiving end of neighborhood referrals- doing legal work for several people in the community. I really appreciate those referrals and know first hand how word of mouth references can build your business. I’ve found in many cases you don’t know what exactly it is that your neighbors do – you just nod and smile at them in passing- and this is the answer to that curiosity. I recently discovered one of my neighbors is an accomplished artist, another is a terrific potter, and a third is an all round whiz at organizing- you never know until you ask. There will be raffles for some interesting items- if you want to donate anything to the cause – be it a gift certificate for your business or – did you get something for Christmas you don’t know what to do with but can’t bring yourself to toss because it is brand new and in the box? One man’s “I can’t re-gift that because the only person I know who would like it is the person who gave it to me” is another man’s treasure. Bring it with you and we will recycle.

We plan on making this an annual event- and hope that those seeking to advertise their businesses and those seeking services all will attend. Attendees will be featured on our Blog and Facebook page after the event. The meeting is at 7:00 pm Tuesday, February 22 at the Community Center. We hope to see you all there!

Please send us an E-mail to let us know you will be participating.... or just show up (: MyCroissantPark@gmail.com

Pat Rathburn, Vice-President

Croissant Park Civic Association

Meeting your neighbors enhances the security of our neighborhood. Come out and find out who they are.

Ask Lori ....Parrish on Appraisal

“Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal”

Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish Answers Your Questions…

“File Now for the Low-Income Senior’s Additional Homestead Exemption!”

Dear Lori:

Last year I turned 65 and would like some information regarding the Senior’s Tax Exemption. What are the eligibility requirements and how do I apply for this exemption?

R.T., Pompano Beach, FL

Every year many Broward senior citizens become eligible to claim a Low-Income Additional Homestead Exemption – which applies only to the County’s portion of the taxes and city taxes for residents of cities that also adopted the additional exemption. This exemption saves the average Broward senior nearly $300 each year in property taxes. In order to qualify for the Low-Income Senior Exemption for 2011, applicant must be 65 years of age or older as of January 1, 2011 AND have a combined household adjusted gross income for 2010 not exceeding $26,203. If you qualify for this exemption, please follow the easy filing steps listed below:

If You File An Income Tax Return:

1. Complete Part (A), Part (C), and Part (D) of the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household.

2. Submit the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household to the Property Appraiser on or before March 1, 2011.

3. Submit a copy of your 2010 Income Tax Return Form 1040 and W-2 for all persons residing in your home (excluding renters and boarders) to the Property Appraiser no later than June 1.

If You Do Not File An Income Tax Return:

1. Complete Part (A), Part (B), and Part (E) of the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household.

2. Complete Lines 1 – 4 of the IRS Form 4506 and sign the form.

3. Submit the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household, proof of age, and IRS form 4506 to the Property Appraiser by March 1, 2011.

4. Submit a copy of your Social Security Statement (SSA 1099) to the Property Appraiser no later than June 1, 2011.

Our office staff will be happy to help you obtain and complete the necessary forms. For more information about the Low-Income Senior Exemption or to obtain the necessary forms, please visit our website at www.bcpa.net or contact our Customer Service Division at954.357.6830.

Sincerely,

Lori Parrish, CFA

If you have a question for Lori, please email her at lori@bcpa.net or write to her at the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 111, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. (12/10

Robert L. Wolfe, Jr. CFE
Community Outreach Specialist II
954.357.6871 – office
954.357.8474 – fax
954.445.5732 – cell

rwolfe@bcpa.net

Follow our office at: http://www.facebook.com/propertyappraiser and http://twitter.com/loriparrish

January Neighborhood Meeting

Minutes of the Neighborhood Meeting of the Croissant Park Civic Association

January 25, 2011 at the Community Center

This meeting was a Pot Luck Dinner. Everyone enjoyed some great recipes while getting to know some of their neighbors.

There was a crime update from the Police Department and a neighbor from River Oaks offered information on the use of cameras for crime prevention and apprehension of criminals.

Pat Rathburn announced the next meeting (February 22nd @ 7pm) would be "Biz Night" and we will be getting more information to you in a week or so. But if you want to be proactive, email us that you are interested in joining this well attended event - space is limited - so don't be left out. If you are local vendor of some sort, handyman, painter, lawyer, realtor, anything local, this is your event. Our community wants to know about your business and get to know you!

Karen Doyle presented information about the Community Appearance Awards.

Steve Cook updated us on the 4th Avenue bike lanes.

Joe Russell looks happy to win the 50/50 drawing (then donated it back) and we had 3 winners of CPCA t-shirts.

Rhonda Kramer asked how people heard about the pot luck dinner/meeting and most raised their hands saying they received an email from us. If you are not on the list, please email us at mycroissantpark@gmail.com and request to be added to the Croissant Park email distribution list.

The meeting adjourned around 8:45 with everyone feeling fat and happy.