I was delighted to meet Mr. Winston Smith, CEO of the Hummingbird Hotel, here in Downtown Lake Worth yesterday - he bought the hotel about a year ago and has been refurbishing it to meet a variety of traveller's needs - including hostel style rooms (a hostel is a budget style accomodation, often with shared bathrooms, sometimes dormitory stye). I was delighted to learn this - my travels, for business and pleasure, particularly internationally, involve staying at hostels. Hostels draw a unique, dynamic international crowd that fits Lake Worth. Our international tourists have the luxury of staying downtown, renting bikes, walking to the beach, taking yoga classes, taking the tri-rail to Miami and enjoying the uniqueness of Lake Worth. Lake Worth is home of the ONLY hostel style accomodations in Palm Beach county. Well done Winston for identifying this unique niche here in Lake Worth and thank you for choosing Lake Worth.
Here's the link to our new hostel:
http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php/HummingbirdHotel-PalmBeach-25812
Many people use www.hostelworld.com to book hostels and inexpensive international accomodations. Below are a few hostels that I've stayed at to give you an idea of this type of travel if you are not familiar with it:
http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php/Eurohostel-Helsinki-1912 - stayed here for price, location – I was in Helsinki for a conference – hotels were more than 200USD/night. 165 rooms or so in this hostel and BOOKED SOLID – very clean and nice. Great experience there. Free sauna, of course in Helsinki.
http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php/ItacaHostel-Barcelona-1279 - stayed here in Barcelona with my daughter – gothic location – walk to everything – near beach and downtown – no a/c but worth it because of location. 86% customer rating.
http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php/CatsHostel-Madrid-6657 - 81% cust. rating – OLD building – very cool – I didn’t like that they had a bar – but it turned out okay – I would stay there again because the place is so unique. It was a 400 year old Arabic style castle.
Please read today's cover story in the Palm Beach Post titled, New tourism strategy pushes county's diverse diversions - very appropriate to our new niche in Lake Worth's tourism strategy.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
RE: Quote for the Day
"All you have to do is be willing, you don't have to figure anything out."
Marianne Williamson
This is another of my favorite quotes - not having to figure it all out. Sometimes that can be our tendency. I have worked with many clients who have tried to figure out things and the more they tried to figure them out, the more they stayed stuck. I, too, have had to learn to come to a place of willingness. I have learned that willingness is "unlimited", whereas "willfulness" is limited. One key example from my own life was when I was working on my bachelor's degree is social work. My "plan" was to work in the field of social work after I got my degree. So for two years while I was in school, I looked at what kind of social work job I would have when I graduated. I was going to be a social worker, period. I spent many Sunday's reading the help wanted section and circling potential jobs for my future. Well, I never worked a day in the field of social work. I did a 400 hour internship at South County Mental Health and graduated with my bachelor's degree in social work in 1990. That internship was one of the most challenging times in my life. In fact, it changed the direction of my life. I decided to go into the field of business after graduating and have travelled down a path that I didn't even know existed when I was working on my social work degree. I love the mystery of life. Stay open to willingness and to new possibilities in yours.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Marianne Williamson
This is another of my favorite quotes - not having to figure it all out. Sometimes that can be our tendency. I have worked with many clients who have tried to figure out things and the more they tried to figure them out, the more they stayed stuck. I, too, have had to learn to come to a place of willingness. I have learned that willingness is "unlimited", whereas "willfulness" is limited. One key example from my own life was when I was working on my bachelor's degree is social work. My "plan" was to work in the field of social work after I got my degree. So for two years while I was in school, I looked at what kind of social work job I would have when I graduated. I was going to be a social worker, period. I spent many Sunday's reading the help wanted section and circling potential jobs for my future. Well, I never worked a day in the field of social work. I did a 400 hour internship at South County Mental Health and graduated with my bachelor's degree in social work in 1990. That internship was one of the most challenging times in my life. In fact, it changed the direction of my life. I decided to go into the field of business after graduating and have travelled down a path that I didn't even know existed when I was working on my social work degree. I love the mystery of life. Stay open to willingness and to new possibilities in yours.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Sunday, October 19, 2008
RE: Quotes of the Day
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. Henry David Thoreau
Adversity is the first path to truth. Lord Bryon
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.
Abraham Lincoln
And another favorite...by Charles Schwab...A man can suceed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm.
These quotes are starred and highlighted, among many others in one of my favorite books called the Dale Carnegie Scrapbook. This book was very instrumental to help me shift my thinking when I was transitioning into becoming my own boss, but more importantly, these quotes helped free my mind from blocks that were limiting my thinking - such as fear and feelings of insecurity, particularly about money.
The following quote I stumbled on online while preparing this post that I thought was relevant to exemplify the importance of how/what we think.
As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives. Henry David Thoreau
Enjoy your day.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Adversity is the first path to truth. Lord Bryon
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.
Abraham Lincoln
And another favorite...by Charles Schwab...A man can suceed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm.
These quotes are starred and highlighted, among many others in one of my favorite books called the Dale Carnegie Scrapbook. This book was very instrumental to help me shift my thinking when I was transitioning into becoming my own boss, but more importantly, these quotes helped free my mind from blocks that were limiting my thinking - such as fear and feelings of insecurity, particularly about money.
The following quote I stumbled on online while preparing this post that I thought was relevant to exemplify the importance of how/what we think.
As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives. Henry David Thoreau
Enjoy your day.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
RE: Quote for the Day
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
Begin it now!
Johan Von Goethe
What I love about this quote is that it was written hundreds of years ago. Think of it for a minute, no lights, no electricity, no banks and yet a quote to help us take action on our dreams. This is one of my favorite quotes and I have "used" it many times. Be bold today - take an action that you've been wanting to take.
Enjoy your day.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
Begin it now!
Johan Von Goethe
What I love about this quote is that it was written hundreds of years ago. Think of it for a minute, no lights, no electricity, no banks and yet a quote to help us take action on our dreams. This is one of my favorite quotes and I have "used" it many times. Be bold today - take an action that you've been wanting to take.
Enjoy your day.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
RE: Red-light cameras
A resident forwarded me the following link in response to the discussion of the installation of red light camera's here in Lake Worth. In Philadelphia, more than 4,000 people will receive refunds for being inappropriately ticketed by the cameras. I personally, am opposed to the red-light cameras.
http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=viewThis&etMailToID=1899139046&pt=Y
http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=viewThis&etMailToID=1899139046&pt=Y
Monday, October 13, 2008
RE: Crime and Community Health
A resident sent me the following links. I found it to be rather interesting to see how other communities deal with and overcome their crime challenges. Coincidently, this is the same city I wrote about in an earlier post whereas they cut their crime in half when they began to address the immigration challenges in their community.
http://www.itvs.org/NewCopOnTheBeat/story.html
http://www.itvs.org/NewCopOnTheBeat/community.html
Crime stats for New Haven are worth reviewing:
source: http://businessnewhaven.com:443/businessnewhaven/crime/FMPro
Year Population Total Crimes % of crime/population
1995 123656 16123 13%
1998 123189 14020 11.3%
2000 123626 10427 8.4%
I came across the following article titled, Connecting Communities with the Fight against Crime. The following was recommended:
If you have time to do a google search, I would like to suggest that you google crime and community health and see what you find. As we all get educated about the challenges in our community, we can become a part of the solution.
Have a nice day.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
http://www.itvs.org/NewCopOnTheBeat/story.html
http://www.itvs.org/NewCopOnTheBeat/community.html
Crime stats for New Haven are worth reviewing:
source: http://businessnewhaven.com:443/businessnewhaven/crime/FMPro
Year Population Total Crimes % of crime/population
1995 123656 16123 13%
1998 123189 14020 11.3%
2000 123626 10427 8.4%
I came across the following article titled, Connecting Communities with the Fight against Crime. The following was recommended:
- Raise community confidence in local agencies
- Lower the fear of crime
If you have time to do a google search, I would like to suggest that you google crime and community health and see what you find. As we all get educated about the challenges in our community, we can become a part of the solution.
Have a nice day.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Sunday, October 12, 2008
RE: Quote for the Day
"At times the world can seem an unfriendly and sinister place, but believe us when we say there is much more good in it than bad. All you have to do is look hard enough, and what might seem to be a series of unfortunate events, may in fact be the first steps of a journey." Violet Baudelaire.
Friday, October 10, 2008
RE: Regional Advantage
There is a book called "Regional Advantage" that compares East and West US and is supposed to be really good. Below are points highlighted in an article about the book with a few of my own thoughts. Feel free to share your own thoughts and/or comments.
1. Most successful communities are:
a. Locally enriching and global in character. - Is LW global in character? How do we measure/evaluate this?
2. The more international you are, the more you enrich your local community. LW has MANY international citizens. How do we leverage this knowledge base?
3. Open mind to ways different regions operate.
4. Learn to grow together.
5. The choice is to focus or to allow self to be influenced by diverse ideas.
6. Maximize the brain circulation of people - how do we do this?
7. Adopt a resource-based view of the community - meaning to rely on human sources and sourcing from around the world.
8. New models of internationalization - FLOW - and gradually accumulate knowledge.
9. Network approach to internationalization - developing international partnerships. Idea for LW... drawing on our strengths such as our fishing pier and target marketing fishermen from other cities worldwide who also fish on piers.
10. Value creation - how does LW help its citizens create new value and generate ideas and learning? How do we develop our knowledge base? What is LW's vision?
1. Most successful communities are:
a. Locally enriching and global in character. - Is LW global in character? How do we measure/evaluate this?
2. The more international you are, the more you enrich your local community. LW has MANY international citizens. How do we leverage this knowledge base?
3. Open mind to ways different regions operate.
4. Learn to grow together.
5. The choice is to focus or to allow self to be influenced by diverse ideas.
6. Maximize the brain circulation of people - how do we do this?
7. Adopt a resource-based view of the community - meaning to rely on human sources and sourcing from around the world.
8. New models of internationalization - FLOW - and gradually accumulate knowledge.
9. Network approach to internationalization - developing international partnerships. Idea for LW... drawing on our strengths such as our fishing pier and target marketing fishermen from other cities worldwide who also fish on piers.
10. Value creation - how does LW help its citizens create new value and generate ideas and learning? How do we develop our knowledge base? What is LW's vision?
Thursday, October 9, 2008
RE: Cut Crime in Half
New Haven, Connecticut has cut its crime in half. It also struggles with about 10% of its population being illegal immigrants. But instead of just wanting the problem to go away, ignoring the problem or expressing hatred, this community embraced their illegal immigrants. I know, it might sound absurd = but you know, Albert Einstein said, "If at first an idea is not absurd, it is not worth pursuing." This community has stepped out into unknown territory and has made great strides - which includes cutting crime in half.
I often talk in my seminars about stepping out in the unknown. I used to be afraid of the unknown - I stayed in a job way longer than I wanted to simply because of fear of the unknown - fear of not knowing what I would do without the job, fear of not making enough money somewhere else, fear, fear, fear. Fear does not serve us. It didn't serve me - and if we can start taking steps in the unknown, and take calculated risks, we have a great chance for a renewed spirit in Lake Worth. I began my personal venture into the unknown by doing something different every day. Try it - just one thing different per day for say one or two weeks.
Is our community bound by fear? Fear of change? Fear of the unknown? Perhaps. Feelings of apathy and helplessness often come from giving up. Many people I've met during this campaign, and I mean MANY, have said, they are tired of fighting, and have given up. Or they are moving away. Sad. It doesn't have to be this way. Hope inspires hope. We can rekindle our hope and restore our sense of community. We can inspire each other. We can change.
There is a saying that we are either, "Stepping forward in growth, or stepping backwards into safety." We, as a community, have an opportunity to step forward in growth - yes, change is filled with uncertainty and the unknown. But as the saying goes, if we do what we always did, we will get what we always got. Let's change and grow together.
Here are a few links - to what New Haven is doing to change and grow, reduce crime, etc.
http://www.bos.frb.org/commdev/necd/2008/issue1/elmcitycard.pdf
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/16/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/16peoplect.html
Have a nice day.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
I often talk in my seminars about stepping out in the unknown. I used to be afraid of the unknown - I stayed in a job way longer than I wanted to simply because of fear of the unknown - fear of not knowing what I would do without the job, fear of not making enough money somewhere else, fear, fear, fear. Fear does not serve us. It didn't serve me - and if we can start taking steps in the unknown, and take calculated risks, we have a great chance for a renewed spirit in Lake Worth. I began my personal venture into the unknown by doing something different every day. Try it - just one thing different per day for say one or two weeks.
Is our community bound by fear? Fear of change? Fear of the unknown? Perhaps. Feelings of apathy and helplessness often come from giving up. Many people I've met during this campaign, and I mean MANY, have said, they are tired of fighting, and have given up. Or they are moving away. Sad. It doesn't have to be this way. Hope inspires hope. We can rekindle our hope and restore our sense of community. We can inspire each other. We can change.
There is a saying that we are either, "Stepping forward in growth, or stepping backwards into safety." We, as a community, have an opportunity to step forward in growth - yes, change is filled with uncertainty and the unknown. But as the saying goes, if we do what we always did, we will get what we always got. Let's change and grow together.
Here are a few links - to what New Haven is doing to change and grow, reduce crime, etc.
http://www.bos.frb.org/commdev/necd/2008/issue1/elmcitycard.pdf
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/16/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/16peoplect.html
Have a nice day.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
RE: Empowerment for our Community
Many people I am meeting in our community have shared of frustrations and challenges in the city. Some people have even given up or want to give up, please don't. We need to believe again and restore our sense of community. I acknowledge your pain and difficulties. Your challenges are valid.
Below is an excerpt from my book, Empowerment for Entrepreneurs, that I thought you would enjoy. To the gentleman who suggested I share this excerpt in my blog, thank you.
I have made many changes in my life and have found that I've had to break through my own resistance to change. As a professor told me years ago when I was preparing to do a 400 hour internship in my last semester of college, "There is resistance to change, so expect it." This internship was one of the most difficult times in my life. She was right, I wanted to change my major after starting the internship. I learned a very important lesson during that internship - that I could get through difficult times and be happy again. I also learned that resistance will stop us if we let it - and extend our suffering if we let it. The way to break through is to know that change is possible and to just get through the difficult times. Keep going. Push through it. Believe in the good. As Alanis Morrissette says, " The only way out is through."
Breaking through your Wall
When we think of hitting a wall, we relate to the feeling of
frustration, disappointment and even helplessness. Sometimes
we run up against our own wall.
If you have a wall that you cannot get through, envision it
first. See what it looks like and what it is made of. If you can
move it, move it. Discover what is blocking you from going
through it. If you feel like you are being taken advantage of
by a boss, customer or vendor, set a boundary, say no, say yes,
do something different. Make one small change at a time to
break through your wall.
Below is an excerpt from my book, Empowerment for Entrepreneurs, that I thought you would enjoy. To the gentleman who suggested I share this excerpt in my blog, thank you.
I have made many changes in my life and have found that I've had to break through my own resistance to change. As a professor told me years ago when I was preparing to do a 400 hour internship in my last semester of college, "There is resistance to change, so expect it." This internship was one of the most difficult times in my life. She was right, I wanted to change my major after starting the internship. I learned a very important lesson during that internship - that I could get through difficult times and be happy again. I also learned that resistance will stop us if we let it - and extend our suffering if we let it. The way to break through is to know that change is possible and to just get through the difficult times. Keep going. Push through it. Believe in the good. As Alanis Morrissette says, " The only way out is through."
Breaking through your Wall
When we think of hitting a wall, we relate to the feeling of
frustration, disappointment and even helplessness. Sometimes
we run up against our own wall.
If you have a wall that you cannot get through, envision it
first. See what it looks like and what it is made of. If you can
move it, move it. Discover what is blocking you from going
through it. If you feel like you are being taken advantage of
by a boss, customer or vendor, set a boundary, say no, say yes,
do something different. Make one small change at a time to
break through your wall.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
RE: Uniting the Opposites
I have been talking of the polarity in our community and about "closing the gaps" so that we can move forward. I have noticed, and I am sure you have too, that regardless of who is at the dias, we have this polarization that is actually paralyzing our community.
In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang, or two mutually correlated opposites, are combined to create what is called, a unity of opposites. I believe we, in Lake Worth, are called to a higher consciousness to unite the opposites in our community. We have a diverse community and each of us chose to live here, in some way or another, at some time or another. How then can we rise to a higher level, and embrace our diversity, unite our opposites? I hear much hatred and racism in our community. Hatred and racism does not serve any of us and keeps us polarized and paralyzed. How can we treat everyone with respect? Help people who need help? Grow beyond hatred? I believe that as we as a community, accept the uniqueness and diversity of Lake Worth, we can unite the opposites. Respect is an effort, unity is an outcome.
We are all learning and growing.
Thank you for understanding.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang, or two mutually correlated opposites, are combined to create what is called, a unity of opposites. I believe we, in Lake Worth, are called to a higher consciousness to unite the opposites in our community. We have a diverse community and each of us chose to live here, in some way or another, at some time or another. How then can we rise to a higher level, and embrace our diversity, unite our opposites? I hear much hatred and racism in our community. Hatred and racism does not serve any of us and keeps us polarized and paralyzed. How can we treat everyone with respect? Help people who need help? Grow beyond hatred? I believe that as we as a community, accept the uniqueness and diversity of Lake Worth, we can unite the opposites. Respect is an effort, unity is an outcome.
We are all learning and growing.
Thank you for understanding.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Boosting downtown with Wi-Fi
Another idea shared with me - of how some cities are boosting their downtown with Wi-Fi.
Some cities include:
Kissimmee, FL
http://www.prnewsnow.com/Public_Release/Maritime/58674.html
Charlston, SC
http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/columns/article.php/3295951
Escondido, CA
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060917/news_1mi17ewifi.html
Spokane, WA - why they chose to stall their Wi-Fi
http://www.spokanejournal.com/spokane_id=article&sub=3417
Feel free to share other cities - or your experience using a downtown Wi-Fi.
Some cities include:
Kissimmee, FL
http://www.prnewsnow.com/Public_Release/Maritime/58674.html
Charlston, SC
http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/columns/article.php/3295951
Escondido, CA
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060917/news_1mi17ewifi.html
Spokane, WA - why they chose to stall their Wi-Fi
http://www.spokanejournal.com/spokane_id=article&sub=3417
Feel free to share other cities - or your experience using a downtown Wi-Fi.
RE: Florida Incetives for Renewables and Efficiency
The following website was shared with me to show incentives that are offered in Florida for renewables and efficiency.
http://www.dsireusa.org/library/includes/maphomeowner.cfm?State=FL&CurrentPageId=1&RE=1&EE=1
http://www.dsireusa.org/library/includes/maphomeowner.cfm?State=FL&CurrentPageId=1&RE=1&EE=1
RE: Helping our Golf Course and Lagoon Restaurant
Please share your ideas to help our Lake Worth Golf Course and Lagoon Restaurant stay under the management of our city. In three weeks time, our commission will decide on whether or not to outsource the management of our golf course and restaurant or keep it in house. Any marketing and/or business development ideas are appreciated as I believe it is in our best interest to keep our city, OUR CITY.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Artist Reb Han joins our community
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Reb Han, who recently moved to Lake Worth. Mr. Han has been noted by the NY Times as one of the "unorthodox geniuses toiling away in their labs and libaries, bent on changing the world." Mr. Han was living in Paris last year and has spent time in India. His family lives in Wellington and he chose to live in Lake Worth because as he stated, "it has more charm and is not overdeveloped."
To view web's work, visit www.rebfile.com.
Welcome Reb!
Sincerely,
Suzanne
To view web's work, visit www.rebfile.com.
Welcome Reb!
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Friday, September 26, 2008
RE: Saving and Restoring the Lake Worth Casino
The statement below has been posted to the Lake Worth Media webpage at www.lakeworthmedia.com.
I am working with the beach shop owners, with Tom Connick, attorney who was involved with helping Deerfield Beach save its beach, with structural engineer, BP Taurinski, of Boca Raton, and Jeff Hardin, owner of Straticon, who specializes in historical restoration of beach properties to determine the cost and viability of restoring the Lake Worth Casino building back to its orginal decor of the 1922 casino building.
We need a solution that restores the economic vitality of our beach businesses, while valuing the history and uniqueness of Lake Worth. The Greater Bay project will not do that, restoring our Lake Worth Casino will.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Mulvehill
I am working with the beach shop owners, with Tom Connick, attorney who was involved with helping Deerfield Beach save its beach, with structural engineer, BP Taurinski, of Boca Raton, and Jeff Hardin, owner of Straticon, who specializes in historical restoration of beach properties to determine the cost and viability of restoring the Lake Worth Casino building back to its orginal decor of the 1922 casino building.
We need a solution that restores the economic vitality of our beach businesses, while valuing the history and uniqueness of Lake Worth. The Greater Bay project will not do that, restoring our Lake Worth Casino will.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Mulvehill
Thursday, September 25, 2008
RE: A Vehicle, a Method and a Bridge to a Green Future
Shared by Bill Milner:
A Vehicle, a Method and a Bridge to a Green Future
A Passion for People, Profits and a Sustainable Future
What if we could truly improve our Community?
Would you be willing to give the possibility consideration? Real thought and deliberation? The project before you will elicit “Buy In” at all levels, from Business Executives to Hourly Employees, Entrepreneurs to Civil Servants, and Professionals to Craftsmen. It seems safe to say we all see the need for the stake-holders of our community to fix for ourselves that which should to be fixed, to correct that which needs correcting. Now is the time to come together as a body of citizens, community and business leaders and public servants who recognize our responsibility to ourselves and our neighbors.
What is the vehicle to accomplish such a goal? Oddly enough it is founded in one of the most capitalistic and misunderstood ideas, The Direct Sales Industry or, as it is also known, Network Marketing. We all know the phrase of doom, “We’re looking for a few sharp people” at which point we cringe and run for the exits. However this concept isn’t designed solely to benefit the “Upline & Downline” rather, it is to generate capital to create a social venture capital fund that will manage and allocate resources to an Umbrella Organization made up of citizens, business leaders and civic leaders who will allocate the revenue generated to areas of need within our community. Naturally, individual distributors are compensated and a viable product is offered to people who often need this service when they least can afford it. In the best fashion of capitalism it is a win/win for all parties in the process. A product of value is offered, a need is met, individuals have an additional revenue stream, a community has democratic access to additional capital and is better for the effort.
As you will see after your review of the project, this will be accomplished by adding value to companies, employees and the community, value created from the hopes, dreams and efforts of our fellow citizens. This project will allow them each to contribute to the real improvement of the community with a broadly inclusive, city-wide project of beauty, social up-lift and enterprise. I invite you to take a clear-eyed and open-minded look at this innovative project combining the best impulses from our citizenry with the dynamism of the free market to produce a synergy that is greater than the sum total of the parts.
Click on this link for further details: http://imaginegreenfuture.blogspot.com/
A Vehicle, a Method and a Bridge to a Green Future
A Passion for People, Profits and a Sustainable Future
What if we could truly improve our Community?
Would you be willing to give the possibility consideration? Real thought and deliberation? The project before you will elicit “Buy In” at all levels, from Business Executives to Hourly Employees, Entrepreneurs to Civil Servants, and Professionals to Craftsmen. It seems safe to say we all see the need for the stake-holders of our community to fix for ourselves that which should to be fixed, to correct that which needs correcting. Now is the time to come together as a body of citizens, community and business leaders and public servants who recognize our responsibility to ourselves and our neighbors.
What is the vehicle to accomplish such a goal? Oddly enough it is founded in one of the most capitalistic and misunderstood ideas, The Direct Sales Industry or, as it is also known, Network Marketing. We all know the phrase of doom, “We’re looking for a few sharp people” at which point we cringe and run for the exits. However this concept isn’t designed solely to benefit the “Upline & Downline” rather, it is to generate capital to create a social venture capital fund that will manage and allocate resources to an Umbrella Organization made up of citizens, business leaders and civic leaders who will allocate the revenue generated to areas of need within our community. Naturally, individual distributors are compensated and a viable product is offered to people who often need this service when they least can afford it. In the best fashion of capitalism it is a win/win for all parties in the process. A product of value is offered, a need is met, individuals have an additional revenue stream, a community has democratic access to additional capital and is better for the effort.
As you will see after your review of the project, this will be accomplished by adding value to companies, employees and the community, value created from the hopes, dreams and efforts of our fellow citizens. This project will allow them each to contribute to the real improvement of the community with a broadly inclusive, city-wide project of beauty, social up-lift and enterprise. I invite you to take a clear-eyed and open-minded look at this innovative project combining the best impulses from our citizenry with the dynamism of the free market to produce a synergy that is greater than the sum total of the parts.
Click on this link for further details: http://imaginegreenfuture.blogspot.com/
Thursday, September 18, 2008
RE: Emerging Artists Event
Meyerhoefer Gallery presents "One Night Stand Saturday Hangover"
A new series to promote really new artists, artists traveling through town and opportunities that pop up. It is a casual evening held on the third Fridays of the month. Featuring
"Words and Flowers"Graffiti Street art by
Loren Squier
Fri Sept 19th 6 to 9pm Sat Sept 20th 12 to 5pm
Visit: http://www.meyerhoefergallery.com/
A new series to promote really new artists, artists traveling through town and opportunities that pop up. It is a casual evening held on the third Fridays of the month. Featuring
"Words and Flowers"Graffiti Street art by
Loren Squier
Fri Sept 19th 6 to 9pm Sat Sept 20th 12 to 5pm
Visit: http://www.meyerhoefergallery.com/
RE: Green Business Incubation
Below are a few links to green business incubators and information regarding green business incubators. A business incubator incubates new and start up businesses. There are more than 1,000 business incubators in the US alone. Lots of exciting possibilities!
New Incubators will Nurture Green Business
Sustainable Business Incubator - NJ
Green Business Incubator - Chicago, IL
Clean Energy Alliance - AL
New Incubators will Nurture Green Business
Sustainable Business Incubator - NJ
Green Business Incubator - Chicago, IL
Clean Energy Alliance - AL
RE: An Organic Park
A Lake Worth resident shared this link to a large scale organic park in Malaysia:
http://persianoad.wordpress.com/2008/01/04/malysia-organic-park-draws-vsitors/
http://persianoad.wordpress.com/2008/01/04/malysia-organic-park-draws-vsitors/
National Park(ing) Day
Please join me in celebrating National Park(ing) Day, on Friday, September 19, 2008.
National Park(ing) Day is a celebratioin of parks by creating temporary parks in public parking spaces.
When: Friday, September 19, 2008, 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m
Where: The City Parking Lot -North J Street and Lucerne Avenue - across from the Post Office.The 31 parking spaces are 9' x 19' and have extra space between each one so the public can walk between the spaces.
I will have a booth titled, The Organic Park. The theme for our park was shared by Lake Worth resident, Mr. Keith Bell. Our park will include: chemical-free, native plants, use of compost, community garden, and compost.
Join us for this exciting day!
Link with more details are below:
http://www.tpl.org/tier2_kad.cfm?folder_id=3428
National Park(ing) Day is a celebratioin of parks by creating temporary parks in public parking spaces.
When: Friday, September 19, 2008, 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m
Where: The City Parking Lot -North J Street and Lucerne Avenue - across from the Post Office.The 31 parking spaces are 9' x 19' and have extra space between each one so the public can walk between the spaces.
I will have a booth titled, The Organic Park. The theme for our park was shared by Lake Worth resident, Mr. Keith Bell. Our park will include: chemical-free, native plants, use of compost, community garden, and compost.
Join us for this exciting day!
Link with more details are below:
http://www.tpl.org/tier2_kad.cfm?folder_id=3428
RE: Organic Gardening
The following ideas and links were shared by a local resident:
I'm not sure, but I think the city has a mulch pile that can be considered compost and it's free material . . . or SWA does, as well: http://www.swa.org/site/information_and_documents/backyard_composting.htm
The angle most are unaware of with regard to compost is methane avoidance through landfill diversion of organics and how this curbs global warming. Nice overview here: http://www.ecocycle.org/ZeroWaste/climate/index.cfm
There are some Lake Worth residents who are experts in the field of natives and chemical-free gardening, but I just don't have their contact info. I'll bet people at Mounts can help find them: http://palmbeach.fnpschapters.org/
Mounts recently held a workshop about rain collection barrels:* Rain Harvesting: Put it Away for Another Day, 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 23 in Exhibit Hall A. Learn to "harvest" rainwater. A rain barrel how-to presentation will be given and each participant will receive one rain barrel and instructions. A 55-gallon barrel will cost Mounts members $50; nonmembers $60;
Coming up on 9/27 is a workshop about vermiculture, Composting with Worms:http://www.mounts.org/calendar.asp
I'm not sure, but I think the city has a mulch pile that can be considered compost and it's free material . . . or SWA does, as well: http://www.swa.org/site/information_and_documents/backyard_composting.htm
The angle most are unaware of with regard to compost is methane avoidance through landfill diversion of organics and how this curbs global warming. Nice overview here: http://www.ecocycle.org/ZeroWaste/climate/index.cfm
There are some Lake Worth residents who are experts in the field of natives and chemical-free gardening, but I just don't have their contact info. I'll bet people at Mounts can help find them: http://palmbeach.fnpschapters.org/
Mounts recently held a workshop about rain collection barrels:* Rain Harvesting: Put it Away for Another Day, 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 23 in Exhibit Hall A. Learn to "harvest" rainwater. A rain barrel how-to presentation will be given and each participant will receive one rain barrel and instructions. A 55-gallon barrel will cost Mounts members $50; nonmembers $60;
Coming up on 9/27 is a workshop about vermiculture, Composting with Worms:http://www.mounts.org/calendar.asp
RE: An energy-efficient city
BioTown USA is Reynolds, Indiana, a small city in the U.S. that aspires to become an energy self-sufficientcommunity. It’s a small town of about 500. You can access links and a video below.
When was BioTown, USA, founded?
BioTown, USA was founded September 13, 2005.
Why was BioTown, USA, created?
BioTown, USA was created to:
Develop local energy production to become independent from foreign oil sources,
Create a cleaner environment,
Implement solutions to animal waste management issues, and
Develop new markets for Indiana agricultural products and by-products.
http://www.in.gov/biotownusa/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeCR4bfwNdY
When was BioTown, USA, founded?
BioTown, USA was founded September 13, 2005.
Why was BioTown, USA, created?
BioTown, USA was created to:
Develop local energy production to become independent from foreign oil sources,
Create a cleaner environment,
Implement solutions to animal waste management issues, and
Develop new markets for Indiana agricultural products and by-products.
http://www.in.gov/biotownusa/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeCR4bfwNdY
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
RE: Solar Options
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Gregg Sirrine, one of our neighbors here in Lake Worth. He and I had talked briefly about various solar options and he shared a link below of a company in California that he had heard of that has a novel approach to making solar more accessible. Feel free to check out the link below:
http://solarlease.solarcity.com/SolarCityAbout.aspx?referrer=?master-lef
Thank you Gregg for sharing your ideas.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
http://solarlease.solarcity.com/SolarCityAbout.aspx?referrer=?master-lef
Thank you Gregg for sharing your ideas.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Lake Worth: The Organic City
I was delighted to meet Mr. Keith Bell yesterday, a resident here in Lake Worth, who has a message board where we can share information with each other about going green. The message board is called, Lake Worth: The Organic City. It is a colorful, fun and easy to use message board that we can all use to learn more about going green and becoming an Organic City. I had thought of starting a compost a few years ago and then when I went to Mr. Bell's message board, I was reinspired. Please visit http://theorganiccity.forummotion.com
Together we can do more.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Together we can do more.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Saturday, September 13, 2008
RE: Thank you
I would personally like to thank everyone I met this week for sharing your ideas, challenges, concerns and hopes for Lake Worth. I was profoundly touched by your deep caring for our city. Thank you for giving me drinks and inviting me into your homes. As one woman shared with me today, " we need to restore our sense of community". She went on to say, " we build community when we work together towards something in our city." I totally agree and KNOW we have this potential for Lake Worth. Thank you for believing in the possibility.
Sincerely,
Suzanne
Sincerely,
Suzanne
RE: Baseball League Schedule
Mrs. Mulvehill-
Please let the other resident now that we have Youth Baseball registrations taking place right now for the upcoming Fall season. This is a co-ed league. Registration takes place Saturdays and Sundays from the 11:00am-3:00pm at the NW Ball fields on “A” Street just north of Sunset Park. Ages range from 4-16 years old.
Below are the age groups and registration fees:
T-Ball ages 4-6 $75.00
Pinto ages 7-8 $85.00
Mustang ages 9-10 $95.00
Bronco ages 11-12 $95.00
Pony ages 13 -14 $105.00
Colt ages 15 - 16 $105.00
The first game is September 27th. For more information please call Ray Roach at 561-722-8249. If you need any assistance please call me or you can shoot me an e-mail. Thanks Juan
Juan Ruiz, Recreation Manager
City of Lake Worth
Recreation Department
1121 Lucerne Avenue
Lake Worth, FL 33460
Office: (561) 533-7359
Fax: (561) 533-7371
Please let the other resident now that we have Youth Baseball registrations taking place right now for the upcoming Fall season. This is a co-ed league. Registration takes place Saturdays and Sundays from the 11:00am-3:00pm at the NW Ball fields on “A” Street just north of Sunset Park. Ages range from 4-16 years old.
Below are the age groups and registration fees:
T-Ball ages 4-6 $75.00
Pinto ages 7-8 $85.00
Mustang ages 9-10 $95.00
Bronco ages 11-12 $95.00
Pony ages 13 -14 $105.00
Colt ages 15 - 16 $105.00
The first game is September 27th. For more information please call Ray Roach at 561-722-8249. If you need any assistance please call me or you can shoot me an e-mail. Thanks Juan
Juan Ruiz, Recreation Manager
City of Lake Worth
Recreation Department
1121 Lucerne Avenue
Lake Worth, FL 33460
Office: (561) 533-7359
Fax: (561) 533-7371
RE: Tennis Courts resurfing at Sunset Ridge Park
Suzanne,
As of yesterday in a meeting with Purchasing it was determined that, due to year end closing of accounts, this project would not be able to start until after October 1. We have the price quote already and are extremely eager to get the tennis and basketball court resurfaced. We anticipate that work will begin on the courts no later than the end of October and, believe me, we will try to expedite the process in any way we can. As Martin indicated, the Recreation Department is becoming a totally revamped organization with an increased emphasis on programs. I think you will be pleased to see the changes. And because of the close working relationship of all divisions in Public Services, we now have partners to assist us with physical improvements to fields and facilities.
Thank you for your support of our efforts and feel free to call me any time with ideas.
JudyJudy D. Reed
Leisure Services Manager
Lake Worth Public Library15
North M Street
Lake Worth, FL 33460
561-533-7354
FAX 561-586-1651
jreed@lakeworth.org
As of yesterday in a meeting with Purchasing it was determined that, due to year end closing of accounts, this project would not be able to start until after October 1. We have the price quote already and are extremely eager to get the tennis and basketball court resurfaced. We anticipate that work will begin on the courts no later than the end of October and, believe me, we will try to expedite the process in any way we can. As Martin indicated, the Recreation Department is becoming a totally revamped organization with an increased emphasis on programs. I think you will be pleased to see the changes. And because of the close working relationship of all divisions in Public Services, we now have partners to assist us with physical improvements to fields and facilities.
Thank you for your support of our efforts and feel free to call me any time with ideas.
JudyJudy D. Reed
Leisure Services Manager
Lake Worth Public Library15
North M Street
Lake Worth, FL 33460
561-533-7354
FAX 561-586-1651
jreed@lakeworth.org
Monday, September 8, 2008
Conversations Suzanne is engaged with in our City
1. Helping businesses expedite their move to Lake Worth.
One company in particular has been trying to move into Lake Worth since May 1 and has been dealing with permitting challenges. Suzanne contacted the CRA to inform them of this dilemna and help the business owner expedite his move.
2. Forging relationships between Palm Beach Community College and the City of Lake Worth. Suzanne has had meetings that covered the following:
a. Connecting PBCC with our real estate agents to encourage teachers and students to live in Lake Worth.
b. Connecting PBCC with the CRA to help expand the teaching and exposure of green and environmentally friendly courses and expand the city's knowledge and resources to be "green".
3. Working with the CRA to explore a green business incubator operating in Lake Worth.
a. Suzanne has shared ideas of business incubators located in Chicago, Alabama and Tennessee that can help Lake Worth expand its exposure of a green philosophy.
4. Sharing with the Commission ideas to market the golf course and improve revenue opportunities and exposure. Suzanne made the following recommendations to the Commission in an email to the Commission following the budget meeting:
a. Have our golf course listed on the Dick Wilson golf course listing at this address:
http://www.worldgolf.com/golf-architects/dick-wilson.html
b. See how Palm Beach Golf Course markets its course with a separate web address at: http://www.golfontheocean.com/
c. Name the course after Dick Wilson (with permission, of course) - none of the other courses by him are named after him - this would give us a uniqueness and raise the awareness of the course worldwide.
d. Market the golf course on a separate website with its own meta tags and search terms to drive traffic to the site. In the mean time, mention that it is a world renowned course on our golf course page. No mention is made to it being designed by Dick Wilson.
e. Create golf packages with our B&B's - our B&B's are right next to the golf course - Sabal House has a beautiful view of the golf course. Cross-promote these packages on both websites.
One company in particular has been trying to move into Lake Worth since May 1 and has been dealing with permitting challenges. Suzanne contacted the CRA to inform them of this dilemna and help the business owner expedite his move.
2. Forging relationships between Palm Beach Community College and the City of Lake Worth. Suzanne has had meetings that covered the following:
a. Connecting PBCC with our real estate agents to encourage teachers and students to live in Lake Worth.
b. Connecting PBCC with the CRA to help expand the teaching and exposure of green and environmentally friendly courses and expand the city's knowledge and resources to be "green".
3. Working with the CRA to explore a green business incubator operating in Lake Worth.
a. Suzanne has shared ideas of business incubators located in Chicago, Alabama and Tennessee that can help Lake Worth expand its exposure of a green philosophy.
4. Sharing with the Commission ideas to market the golf course and improve revenue opportunities and exposure. Suzanne made the following recommendations to the Commission in an email to the Commission following the budget meeting:
a. Have our golf course listed on the Dick Wilson golf course listing at this address:
http://www.worldgolf.com/golf-architects/dick-wilson.html
b. See how Palm Beach Golf Course markets its course with a separate web address at: http://www.golfontheocean.com/
c. Name the course after Dick Wilson (with permission, of course) - none of the other courses by him are named after him - this would give us a uniqueness and raise the awareness of the course worldwide.
d. Market the golf course on a separate website with its own meta tags and search terms to drive traffic to the site. In the mean time, mention that it is a world renowned course on our golf course page. No mention is made to it being designed by Dick Wilson.
e. Create golf packages with our B&B's - our B&B's are right next to the golf course - Sabal House has a beautiful view of the golf course. Cross-promote these packages on both websites.
RE: Marketing the Golf Course
From: suzanne@emotionalendurance.com [mailto:suzanne@emotionalendurance.com]
Sent: Thu 9/4/2008 11:44 PMTo: Jeff Clemens; Retha Lowe; Cara Jennings; Jo-Ann Golden; David Vespo
Subject: RE: Marketing the golf courseDear Mayor Clemens and Commissioners,
Below are a few additional thoughts and observations to help market our golf course:
1. Have our golf course listed on the Dick Wilson golf course listing at this address: http://www.worldgolf.com/golf-architects/dick-wilson.html
2. See how Palm Beach Golf Course markets its course with a separate web address at: http://www.golfontheocean.com/2. Name the course after Dick Wilson (with permission, of course) - none of the other courses by him are named after him - this would give us a uniqueness and raise the awareness of the course worldwide.
3. Market the golf course on a separate website with its own meta tags and search terms to drive traffic to the site. In the mean time, mention that it is a world renowned course on our golf course page. No mention is made to it being designed by Dick Wilson.
4. Create golf packages with our B&B's - our B&B's are right next to the golf course - Sabal House overlooks it. Cross-promote these packages on both websites.
5. Develop a marketing plan and have someone implement it. It's not difficult - it just needs consistency.
6. Hire a marketing person for promoting Lake Worth - I know it's not in the budget right now - but it is something to think about moving forward - maybe the Chamber can expand its outreach - do we have a marketing plan for promoting Lake Worth?
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