Bowl-a-thon January 31, 2009  MANOR LANES BOWLING ALLEY

TIME: 2 PM

COST: $20.00 FOR THREE GAMES AND SHOES

ALL CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS ARE INVITED TO CHALLENGE US.

THE WINNING ASSOCIATION WILL GET ALL THE FUNDS RAISED.

FOR MORE IFNO CALL KAREN AT 305-303-2844 OR EMAIL AT KARENKONG@AOL.COM

***please note this calendar of events will be forwarded every Saturday showing events we have been notified for the upcoming week. Please feel free to advise of any upcoming events to be posted for the following week.

anyone not interested in being included in the mailing list please feel free to to advise
Thank you

Besides, the garbage getting cleaned up on NW 3rd Ave yesterday, the most important thing that happened was, we changed attitudes, made new friends and we GAVE. We gave of each other to make a difference. Families and children turned out to clean and the rewards were delicious hot dogs and hamburgers grilled by Chef Sal, gourmet beans by Lorraine. Thanks to Bill, Karen, Donna, Rene, Belle, Ray, Ann and Robert! Excuse me if I leave anyone out, it’s not my intention. Volunteers were too numerous to mention all. Thanks to everyone, including those running for office, Steve, Howard, Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom and Karen from Dania Beach.

I wanted to provide an update to the numerous residents who have expressed concerns regarding the problematic subject properties. As you are probably aware, the Code Enforcement Division had the structure(s) boarded up within the past two weeks. The Nuisance Abatement Board has recommended that the City foreclose on the property located at 1028 NW 3rd Av based on the code violations resulting in fines/liens.

The City at this point in time cannot go forward with foreclosure as US Bank National Assoc. has recorded a lis pendens on this property. Foreclosure action by the City cannot go forward until US Bank resolves this case regarding the foreclosure they filed. There is an upcoming Motion for Summary Judgment Hearing regarding this case according to the attorney for US Bank. Until such time as US Bank resolves this case the City is in a hold pattern regarding foreclosure action.

In the interim, Code Enforcement will continue to monitor the properties and try to keep them as secure as possible. We share your concerns regarding the blighted properties on NW 3rd Av and will do everything we can to assist.

Mike Maloney

Code Enforcement Manager

City of Fort Lauderdale

Click on above “stabilization” word next to the broken window in your neighborhood, for “Neighborhood Saving” news. If there was ever a time to Cry-Out for South Middle River neighborhood, that time is NOW! If you don’t know about the Federal dollars coming into Fort Lauderdale to revitalize our area, inundated with foreclosures and run down properties, then wake up! It will take more than a handful of civic activists to make our voices heard at City Hall. It will take an organized movement.

We need to turn all eyes to our impoverished area. We need 3,000 phone calls, letters and e-mails to our Commissioner, Charlotte Rodstrom and the City Manager, at the Fort Lauderdale City Hall, and voice your support for Federal monies for South Middle River to knock down the run down properties and build affordable townhomes for purchase. The main number is 954-828-5000.

WE CAN’T AFFORD ANY MORE SECTION 8 HOUSING OR RENTALS IN SOUTH MIDDLE RIVER. WE HAVE THE MOST SECTION 8 IN ALL OF FORT LAUDERDALE AND IT’S NOT FAIR!! SPEAK UP! GET EDUCATED AND LEARN ABOUT WHAT’S GOING ON THAT WILL IMPACT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

THE OUTCOME WILL DEPEND ON YOUR ACTION OR LACK THEREOF.

As of Thurs., Nov. 13th the Nuisance Abatement Board recommended foreclosure of the property at 1028 NW 3rd Ave.

Now it goes before the City Commission. Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom will help South Middle River neighborhood on this important issue. Please call Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom and City Manager George Gretsas at 954-828-5000 and voice your support for foreclosure of 1028 NW 3rd Ave. so we can begin clearing this area of drug dealing. Please stay tuned.

Robert Alcock, President

Donna Collins, Vice President

Carmen Smith, Secretary

Marco Magdaluyo, Treasurer

PJ Espinal, Director

Andre Kent, Director

Karen Kong, Director

Rene Madsen, Director

Dolly Robinson, Director

Pam Roloff, Director

THE SOUTH MIDDLE RIVER CIVIC ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER BOARD LOOKS FORWARD TO SERVING SOUTH MIDDLE RIVER NEIGHBORHOOD WITH THEIR TALENTS, ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM IN 2009. PLEASE ANSWER, YES, WHEN YOU ARE ASKED TO HELP. THANK YOU!

As the first African-American Police Chief in the history of Fort Lauderdale, both Chief Adderley and City Manager, George Gretsas changed history with implications and significance to many.   By virtue only of his (Chief Adderley’s) accomplishments and promotions in the Police Department, and individual style of diplomacy and conflict management, Addderley sets a well-deserved precedent.   Many stories were shared about Frank’s unique instincts and style by past partners and many friends in the department. The packed room was clearly proud and moved.  Gretsas, in a respectfully eloquent introductory commentary and testimony to Chief Adderley chose to also recognize, respect and broaden attention to the City’s diversity by also recognizing women, the Gay community and many other “challenged” groups who are also strong and can help lead our City, as Chief Adderley has, on all our behalf.

Many were on hand at this B.P.O.A. (Black Police Officer’s Association) event including Robert Alcock (President, South Middle River Civic Association, S.M.R.C.A.). Donna Collins, Vice-President (S.M.R.C.A.), myself…Rick Gibson (Past-President, S.M.R.CA. ) and others such as Commissioner Hutchison, City Manager George Gretsas, Assistant City Manager David Hebert, etc. The event was an incredible tribute to an honor well deserved by our new Chief Adderley, as well as a tribute in general to diversity in Fort Lauderdale and the milestones we have achieved.

Adderley raised and aware of the challenges in the NW (important to South Middle River) sector has, in a remarkably short time, made noticeable changes.   The increased Police presence is clear, without question.  More visible Police presence, increased Raider’s activity, and a clear change have occurred. 

As the honored Chief Adderley described “We have come a long way since my grandparents were not allowed to drink from a fountain downtown.   Today as Chief of Police, I can drink at that fountain”.   This interpretation of Adderley’s statements, as well the empathetic and kind correlation by Gretsas of other person’s plights including women, Gays, and other minorities during his introduction of Adderley created a powerful and positive message to all.

Father Charles, of the Divine Mercy Catholic Church along with a number of supporters of our New Chief Adderley enjoyed time together.  We were happy to meet with these community supporters of SMRCA.

It was a great night and opportunity for the current SMRCA Board President and Vice-President to have a good time and show appreciation to the positive hands of our new Chief of Police.   Nina Justice, President of B.P.O.A. is thanked for her efforts for coordinating and making this event a memory for all, and for helping us recognize a tremendous step in the history of Fort Lauderdale.

The Citizen Volunteer Corps (CVC) sponsored by the Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations joined South Middle River volunteers to clean the road closures and surround areas at Sunrise Blvd. on October 25. Meeting place was on NW 5th Ave. and Sunrise Blvd. road closure. Volunteers weeded, cleaned and left all areas pristene. It was a fantastic way to meet new people and clean up the neighborhood!

Please click on above and read Charlotte’s invitation to our community. The betterment of South Middle River depends on you. You are the key!

Thank you for your participation and your input.

Click on above link to read part of the Broward Beautiful Grant, that South Middle River Civic Association was granted in 2007, to beautify the street closures along Sunrise Blvd. at NW 2 Ave., 3rd Ave., 4th Ave., 5th Ave., 6th Ave., and 7th Ter. 

Drought tolerant, Florida native species were planted at the request of Broward Beautiful. As a result of this neighborhood project, the community has become alive and volunteers are motivated to care for these “nature” areas.

This is the gateway to the famous Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Please click on following link to see page 24 of the Fort Lauderdale City Commission meeting agenda vivian-dempsey-broken-sidewalks-0908  (pdf file).

She will speak about the problem of broken sidewalks in South Middle River on 17th Street from Powerline to Andrews.  She needs our support so please attend this important meeting and in the process, learn more about how City government works.  For more information please call Vivian Dempsey, 954-763-5084.