June 25, 2008 - Marathon - Provided by Pete Worthington: Marathon Wild Bird Center Newsletter. Welcome to the Marathon Wild Bird Center’s online newsletter!

Eagle soars back home in the Keys
In May, we let our readers know that for the first time in almost eight years the Marathon Wild Bird Center (MWBC) took in a sick eagle. The adventure began on May 11th, Mother’s Day, when volunteer Susie Ward delivered an emaciated juvenile bald eagle to the Bird Center after it was found floating in the waters near her home on Duck Key. We cared for it for 11 days, after which it was transported to the Audubon Bird-of-Prey Center in Maitland, Florida. There it fattened up and got stronger flying in their 100’-long flight cage. On June 13th, Lynda White and her husband, Bill, drove the bird back down to the Keys where Mary Barley, vice chairperson for the Everglades Foundation, released it at Curry Hammock State Park. Researcher Brian Mealey, executive director, Institute of Wildlife Sciences, banded and drew blood for a DNA sample. Brian’s research indicates that South Florida bald eagles and osprey do not migrate far from their wintering grounds during the summer. More than 50 friends and volunteers of the MWBC attended the glorious release!

Marathon Veterinary Hospital (MVH) hosts conference
MWBC’s Executive Director, Kelly Grinter, did double duty at the MVH’s 9th Annual Florida Keys Veterinary Technician & Office Personnel Conference held at The Turtle Hospital on June 8th. In addition to presenting an update about the Marathon facility’s latest activities, she also presented an update about our chapter facility, the Key West Wildlife Center (KWWC). Dr. Doug Mader introduced Kelly, adding that her presentation at last year’s conference was the program that attendees requested the most again this year. MWBC part-time staffer and volunteer Tracy Walraven and two volunteers from the KWWC also attended the conference.

Least Tern project update
As we mentioned last month, the MWBC staff and volunteers were going to participate in a project to monitor Least Tern roof-top colonies. Along with the KWWC, they’ve made it their goal to identify as many roof-top colonies as possible throughout the Florida Keys in an attempt to evaluate the conditions of these gravel-covered roofs. Sites that seem to be faring well are mostly in Key Largo and at the old Sombrero Resort in Marathon. The site that has had the most babies tumble off is at the Sigsbee Elementary School in Key West on the Navy base. The project, in partnership with the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center in Tavernier and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), includes efforts later this summer, after the birds have fledged, to determine if temporary perimeter borders can be installed next season to protect the babies from falling off the roofs. The wee ones do so when they begin to walk around and seek shade while their parents are out fishing. To date, the MWBC has 31 growing babies that eat four pounds of fresh-caught glass minnows per day! We will release the birds in Key Colony Beach after they learn to fly (and fish) in mid-July. A special thanks to Dana, Aydan, and Hannah Child, MWBC volunteers, for netting 60 pounds of fresh minnows when we needed them the most at both the MWBC and the KWWC.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

We can’t offer fireworks for the Fourth of July, but we can promise to continue our own exciting work over the summer. We hope you can help. Because we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your check is tax deductible. Please mail a check of any amount to Marathon Wild Bird Center, P.O. Box 501328, Marathon, FL 33050 or call 305.743.8382 to make a credit card contribution. We will use the money to support our work in Marathon. However, you can specify that we use it in Key West simply by writing a check payable to the Key West Wildlife Center. Remember: if you ever find a sick or injured bird, please give us a call at 305.743.8382. We answer this line 24 hours a day.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Roseate Tern babies banded at the Marathon Government Center
It’s one thing to rescue, raise, and release baby Least Terns, but it’s quite another adventure to band baby Roseate Terns, also a threatened roof-top nesting bird. MWBC Executive Director Kelly Grinter received a call to join Ricardo Zambrano, FWC Southeast Regional Nongame Biologist, and three other volunteers to band the babies on June 16th. The “event” took place after 6:00 p.m. when the sun wouldn’t fry the babies as their parents temporarily abandon them during the process. The team has to work quickly and take breaks in-between sessions to allow the parents to feed their offspring. Babies of all sizes were on the gravel-covered roof. Some were a week old and some were only a day old. Kelly spotted two eggs among the still-unhatched ones that were hatching as they banded. Two eggs even had cracks and you could see the new babies’ egg tooth emerging from the tiny hole in the eggshell. In all, the group was excited to band 87 baby Roseate Terns. They only stopped because of time constraints and because they ran out of bands.

Key West Wildlife Center Update
Our chapter facility in Key West has slowed down with its rooster intakes, but the mother hens with their newly hatched broods keep rolling in. Susan Prince, full-time volunteer facility director, has not only been busy returning baby Least Terns to their roof-top rookeries, but has also been juggling dozens of mama chickens. The aviary, which the City of Key West is building with funding from the Tourist Development Council (TDC) also is making headway. After three years in the works, the first layer of river rock has been painstakingly added to the floor of the concrete aviary. Next, the silica sand will be delivered, an event that soon will be followed by a grand opening! Susan looks forward to the day she won’t have to balance the use of hospital carriers for wildlife and chickens because the new building will have plenty of pens for both types of birds. The wildlife intake in Key West may have slowed down a bit, but the odd migratory bird has still made its way to their door. A Yellow-billed Cuckoo and two Sooty Terns have made unexpected appearances this month.

Spread the word
Enjoyed this newsletter? Please forward it to a friend! And don’t forget to visit our web site at www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org for lots more information.

Marathon Wild Bird Center
P.O. Box 501328
Marathon, FL 33050
MM 50 at Crane Point Hammock
Phone: (305) 743-8382
Fax: (305) 743-8172
Website: www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org

June 30, 2008 - Marathon - Chris Bull: Running for City Council.
Dear friends, relatives, and associates,

I have decided not to run for a third successive term on Marathon City Council.

We have accomplished a tremendous amount in the 4+ years I have served as an elected official. Two years ago I gave up a full time job to be able to serve as best I could as Mayor by working with local, state and federal representatives to solve problems. As Vice Mayor this year, I continued doing my public duty.

However, it is time for me to step down. This does not mean I will be stepping away from community service and am open to future opportunities to run for this or another office again.

I have willingly and enthusiastically given my time to serve my community. I now need to focus on opportunities in the private sector and tend to my familial responsibilities with my remarkable wife and wonderful kids.

It has been a pleasure to serve and I have full confidence our community will elect a competent successor this November. Thanks again to the people of Marathon who trusted me to represent them as their elected official. I have strived for fairness and doing what is best for our community. It has been an enriching and humbling experience.

Yours truly,
Chris

-----------------------------
Chris Bull
Vice Mayor, City of Marathon
President, Marathon Youth Club
Youth Exchange and Public Relations Chairs, Marathon Rotary
Regional Commissioner, AYSO Soccer
Etc., etc.

OPINION: I first met Chris during the 2003 city elections. We were both running against Repetto. He had some rough edges and lacked experience, but he had his heart in the right place. He was passionate about representing the Marathon residents. After about a year on council, he matured and benefitted from the experience. From then on Chris Bull was the utmost professional. He served two terms as the Mayor. He represented Marathon and her residents quite well. Chris brought the council together after some rough times. He certainly will be missed.

July 1, 2008 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Key Colony Beach Fire/EMS Service Fees. The Marathon City Council held a special call meeting on Key Colony Beach Fire/EMS service fees. Mayor Pete Worthington led the discussion. He explained that the meeting was to determine to either continue the current interlocal agreement or renegotiate it. He and others felt that Key Colony Beach’s infrastructure component of the overall fee was not enough. If Key Colony Beach were contracted with Monroe County Fire/EMS, the service fee would be three times higher at $960K.

Arlene Carbon, Ron Sutton, Miss Harrison, Jim Peterina, and Mary Schmitt all spoke in favor of keeping the current interlocal agreement. Jeff Pinkus and Johnny Maddox spoke in favor of renegotiating the agreement. Everyone understood that the city has to improve Fire/EMS operations through infrastructure improvement, both human and equipment/buildings. Paying their fair share was not an issue.

Councilpersons Cinque, Tempest, and Bull agreed that the current interlocal agreement should continue with the proviso that Key Colony Beach should expect extra costs from improvements. Councilpersons Worthington and Vasil still thought that the agreement should be renegotiated. The 3 – 2 vote to continue the current agreement reflected the above sentiments.

July 2, 2008 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Doc's Tattooz New Owners. The long-time business is located at 10935 Overseas Highway right across from Office Depot. They are open Tuesday through Saturdays from 2 PM to whenever everything is finished for the evening. Doc's Tattooz specializes in tattoos, of course. There are a multitude of panels of tattoo samples. If you don't find what you want, they can create exactly what you want.

The shop is ultra clean and has a very welcoming atmosphere. The new owners are going to take the shop well into the future, building upon the foundation of the original owners.

The shop also specializes in piercings of all kind from the ordinary to the outrageous. A certified piercer is on staff and ready to satisfy your imagination. The sanitary conditions are above reproach. There will be more news in the next couple of months, as the business continues to go beyond the original insight.

Doc's Tattooz
10935 Overseas Hwy Marathon FL 33050
1-305-289-4651 USA
In loving memory of D. W. Taylor

July 3, 2008 - Marathon - Provided by Linda Hall: Low vitamin B tied to hip fracture risk
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Older adults who are low in B vitamins or have elevated levels of a blood protein called homocysteine may be at increased risk of suffering a hip fracture, new study findings suggest.

The body's homocysteine levels are known to go up when B vitamin levels are depleted. However, in the new study, researchers found that homocysteine and certain B vitamins were each independently linked to hip fracture risk.

Among more than 1,000 elderly men and women, those who were deficient in vitamin B12 were 60 percent more likely than those with normal levels to sustain a hip fracture over four years. A similar risk was seen among those deficient in vitamin B6.

When the researchers looked at homocysteine levels, they found that men and women with high levels were 50 percent to 70 percent more likely to suffer a hip fracture -- even when their B vitamin levels were taken into account.

"We've seen evidence in the past that high homocysteine is associated with elevated risk of hip fractures," lead investigator Dr. Robert R. McLean said in an interview. However, he added, it has been "hard to disentangle whether low vitamin B status is a causal mechanism or whether high homocysteine is a causal mechanism."

He and his colleagues report these latest findings in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Lab research suggests that B vitamins play a role in maintaining bone density, and studies have linked low blood levels of the vitamins with low bone mass.

Consistent with this, McLean and his colleagues found that as study participants' B6 levels declined, their bone loss accelerated, on average.

In contrast, although homocysteine was related to hip fracture risk, it was not related to bone loss. For now, it's not clear why the protein is linked to hip fractures, the researchers say.

Diet changes and vitamin supplements are "easy and effective methods" for controlling B vitamin and homocysteine levels, McLean and his colleagues note. The current findings, they say, suggest that such measures should be studied as "potential novel measures" for preventing bone fractures.

However, McLean said, "I think that it's still too early to tell people to start taking their B vitamins to prevent fractures. We need clinical trial evidence to give us a better picture of what's really going on."

Vitamin B6 is found in foods like potatoes, bananas, beans and fortified cereals; vitamin B12 is found mainly in meat, fish and poultry.

SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, June 2008.

July 5, 2008 - Marathon - Jeri Sears: Near Shores Water Committee regular meeting. The following are from my notes at the July 3RD NSWC meeting. These are not the official meeting minutes. As usual, I make no claim as the correctness of the information.

1. Election of new chairperson by the committee - Jeri Sears was elected as new chairperson.
2. Updates:
    A. Additional dingy docks - still waiting for final approval from DEP.
    B. Marina Bath Facility - Everything is done on the bath house paperwork. The     commencement of construction is next.
    C. Marina board walk - the sidewalk is complete to the Tiki hut. The footings are complete. The concrete     should be finished by Thursday July 10TH.
    D. Wet storage - George Garrett is still working on the ordinance. Jeri Sears will contact George for a status     report for the August NSWC.
    E. Anchoring outside designated area - DEP & FWC waiting for state ruling.
    F. Boat Ramps-
        a. 33RD street - on hold.
        b. Quay - construction is scheduled.
        c. Knight's Key - Mary Belden will find a contact at Knight's Key to see if they will accept - for pay -         launches and parking at the campground.
    G. Permanent markers in Boot Key - have been approved from Army Corp of Engineers. Still waiting for     approval from FWC.
    H. Water Quality Testing Summary for Boot Key Harbor on the City Web site - will be on the web site the first     of next week.
3. NPDES Permit Law - the proposed new law was discussed. (information is available at: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=350)
4. Recommended Rate Increase for the City Marina - the NSWC recommended the increases be accepted as written.
5. Gray water discussion and "safe" boat cleaning agents - the products that are approved are sold locally as "biodegradable".

Jeri Sears

July 7, 2008 - Monroe County - Marti Brown: To The Editor For Immediate Release: Monroe County Commissioners plan To Abolish County's Trauma Star Air Ambulance Will be hazardous to our health and that of the tourists.

Dear Sir/Madam;
I am a Masters prepared Registered Nurse and have worked at Fishermens’ hospital in Marathon for nine years. Many of these years were in the Emergency Department. I’ve just learned that the County Commissioners will vote on July 14th to do away with the Trauma Star medical helicopter service that is currently servicing Monroe County. It is my opinion that abolishing Trauma Star Services will be hazardous to the health of our community and to the health of our tourists!

Trauma Star is a 24/7 lifesaving air ambulance helicopter service that is based in Marathon and funded by Monroe County. It is staffed with the highest trained flight nurses, flight paramedics and pilots. This vital service is very expensive to provide. However, it is an essential service to our community as are the Police, the Fire department, Paramedics and Teachers. It is an essential service that our unique community cannot do without. How about charging a toll at the beginning of the 18 mile stretch to fund this vital service?

I don’t think that the County Commissioners or even the citizens of this County understand the limitations of the medical care that is available here in the Florida Keys. The hospitals in Monroe County are essentially “MASH” units. They can do some general surgeries and they perform them well. However, there are many specialized services that they do not and cannot provide.

Let me give you some examples of this “specialized care” that is not available in Monroe County. Do you realize that there are no hospitals in Monroe County that can perform cardiac surgery or cardiac catheterization? So, if you’re having a heart attack, it’s imperative that you be medically transported immediately to a hospital that has what is called a Cardiac Catheterization Lab. There, interventional cardiologists are able to open up your blocked heart arteries and allow blood to flow to your heart muscle or, if need be, to get you to the operating room for cardiac bypass surgery. The longer it takes to get you to the Cath lab, the more damage your heart muscle may sustain. We have a saying in the ER that during a heart attack, time is muscle. Heart muscle, once damaged, does not grow back.

Do you realize that there are no hospitals in Monroe County that are classified as trauma centers? From 2000 to 2005, 70-90% of all tourists that visited Monroe County DROVE down to the Florida Keys according to the Monroe County Website. That’s a large number of tourists and a lot of potential for some serious auto accident trauma. On the water there are serious diving and boating accidents as well. The recent two boat collision off of Coco Plum that caused three people to have traumatic injuries required their immediate transport to a trauma center. The gunshot wound in March of this year, had she had a chance, would have been flown out. These patients must be sent to specialized centers like Ryder Trauma Center in Miami. There is a saying called, “The Golden Hour.” This is a well known fact in emergency medicine that getting the trauma patient to the operating room within one hour can and does save lives. Yes we have the operating rooms in our community but we do not have the specialized equipment, the trauma surgeons or the specialized nurses. They are all up in Miami.

Do you realize that the only hospital in the Florida Keys that has a labor and delivery unit to deliver babies is Lower Florida Keys? They deliver and care for normal babies. Should a baby be born prematurely, or have a problem, it will be sent to Miami Children’s Hospital for specialized care.

Trauma Star is a large and fast aircraft. It can transport two patients at an air speed of 175 miles per hour. Trauma Star is accountable to the people of Monroe County and not to corporate shareholders. We’ve all seen the commercial airlines come and go because the profit margins are not to their liking. The same risk applies to the commercial air ambulance company that is currently servicing the Keys. In fact, their corporate headquarters just discontinued services in Leesburg and Kissimmee, leaving those communities high and dry for air ambulance transport.

I urge the County Commissioners to do whatever it takes to keep Trauma Star.

Marti Brown, RN, MSN, ARNP 800 35th Street, Marathon 305-731-7315
http://www.idiyachts.com
Cruising Companion Publications
Creating Books That Cruisers Keep Close At Hand
MMSI#: 366932210

July 8, 2008 – Marathon – L. E. Shaffer: Marathon City Council held its regular meeting at Marathon Government Center EOC Room. Photos are located at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/. Vice Mayor Bull was not present. Links will only last a couple of weeks.

Council approved the agenda and consent agenda. An asterisk marks consent items [*].

Proclamations, Special Recognitions and Awards
1. None.

Citizens' comments at time certain of 6:30 PM:
1. Danny Piedra spoke about the Marathon boat ramp on Harbor Drive. He stated that the traffic is still a problem.
2. Allen Pedersen, a city council candidate, spoke on the boat ramp on Aviation Boulevard.

Special Orders, Awards, and Presentations
1. City Manager Clyde Burnett presented his report.
    a. Staff presented the wastewater update.
    b. Council approved CAMP/ECMC selling alcohol at their event.
    c. Burnett reported on several NSWC action items.
2. City Attorney Jimmy Morales presented the monthly legal report.

City Council Items
1. *Council approved previous meeting minutes. Items marked with an asterisk [*] are consent items approved when the agenda is approved.
2. Kay Graddick led the dog park discussion. Mary Fallon gave a report. Bill Shaw was in favor of a dog park. Linda Gottwald spoke in favor. John Whalton spoke in favor. Councilman Don Vasil cautioned about this project considering the tight budget. He was not in favor. City Manager was directed to study the issue and bring back for the next meeting.
3. Council granted Jon Whitman a building permit extension. Jon Whitman presented his case. Staff presented how this could be accomplished should council approve the request.

Ordinances for Public Hearing
1. Ordinance 2008-13 created City Code Section 36-88 to require property owners to maintain mangroves in a manner preventing the mangrove from impeding the navigability of waterways. Karen Wilkinson spoke in opposition. John Whalton and Frank Green spoke on the issue as well. Vasil opposed and voted no. Passed 3 – 1.
2. Ordinance 2008-14 amended Chapter 26, of the Code, by creating Article IV "Debris Removal from Private Streets, Roads and Private Property". Deputy C. J. Geotis provided a report.
3. Ordinance 2008-15 amended the Zoning Map from Residential Medium (RM) to Mixed Use (MU) for property on 43rd St. Gulf.
4. Ordinance 2008-16 amended the Zoning Map from Residential Medium (RM) to Mixed Use (MU) for property on 106th Street.
5. Ordinance 2008-17 amended the Zoning Map from Conservation-Native Area (C-NA) to Mixed Use (MU) for a portion of property at Banana Road, Oceanside, Grassy Key.
6. Ordinance 2008-18 amended the Zoning Map from Residential Low (RL) to Mixed Use (MU) for property behind the Holiday Inn.
7. Ordinance 2008-19 amended the Zoning Map from Residential Medium-1 (RM-1) to Residential High (RH) for property described as Bonefish Towers.
8. Ordinance 2008-20 amended the Zoning Map from Residential Low (RL) to Residential Medium-1 (RM-1) for property described at the end of Coco Plum Drive, Oceanside. Joel Reed, owner’s agent, made a few brief comments.

Resolutions for Public Hearing
1. WITHDRAWN - Resolution 2008-42 approved abandonment of a public right-of-way on Wester Road in Meads Subdivision, West of 43rd St, nearest mile marker 49 for Ronald J. and Ronald G. Konrath.
2. Resolution 2008-43 approved abandonment of a public right-of-way on North Drive, Grassy Key, nearest mile marker 58 for David & Susana Thomas. Frank Greenman, owner’s agent, made a few comments. Tom Krelik spoke about the neighborhood. John Whalton spoke in opposition. Cinque moved to deny, Tempest second. David Thomas was allowed to speak on his behalf. Vasil voted no. The resolution is denied.
3. Continued to August 26 meeting - Resolution 2008-44 approved abandonment of a public right-of-way on Old State Road 4a between 35th and 39th St., nearest mile marker 49 by Overseas Village HOA, Jigs Investment & estate of Joe Ardolino. Cinque rescued himself.

Resolutions for Adoption
1. *Resolution 2008-103 approved and accepted a lot-density reduction BPAS allocation restrictive covenant from Carlos Pereira.
2. *Resolution 2008-104 approved and accepted a warranty deed for the conveyance of land from Carlos Pereira, recipient of a residential dwelling-unit-allocation award.
3. Resolution 2008-105 approving the contract of Randall G. Tedder Construction, Inc. for re-construction of the Quay Boat Ramp. Community Services Director Susie Thomas made the staff report.

Citizens' comments:
1. Bill Wilkinson spoke on Fire/EMS Department.

Council comments:
1. Vice Mayor Bull was not at the meeting.
2. Mayor Worthington thanked Fire/EMS for July 4th festivities.
3. Councilman Vasil had no comment.
4. Councilwoman Tempest spoke on her upcoming efforts to craft a good budget.
5. Councilman Cinque move adjournment.

Adjournment
1. 8:39 PM

July 8, 2008 - Marathon - Jeri Sears: Save-A-Turtle August President's Letter.
Dear Supporters of Our Marine Turtles:

Our guest speaker for the July 7th meeting was Tom Luebke. Tom is a Save-A-Turtle member and works at the Turtle Hospital. Tom showed a DVD on the release of a large green turtle that has be a patient at the Turtle Hospital since July of 2007. The Coast Guard assisted in transporting the turtle because it weighted about 350 pounds. The Discovery Channel filmed the release.

Our annual tour of the Turtle Hospital will be at the August 4TH meeting. Ryan Butts will be our tour guide and speaker. Ryan is the Administrator at the Turtle Hospital. Ryan was originally from Grand Rapids, Mi. He spent several years vacationing in the Keys and stayed at Hidden Harbor. After seeing the work being done at the Turtle Hospital Ryan decided to return to college where he received his B.S. in Biology at Aquinas College in Mi. In 2006, Ryan did his internship at the Turtle Hospital and soon after was offered the position of Administrator.

At the July meeting, the Save-a-Turtle board approved hosting the Turtle Hospital’s Symposium BBQ in Dec., approved a donation to The Turtle Kraals Museum to assist with summer programs, and approved the use of the SAT logo by the Village of Islamorada on a nesting beach sign.

We had a special treat at the Board Meeting. Julie Guardino served homemade cake for the July Birthdays.

We hope to see all of you at our monthly meetings that are held on the first Monday of each month at the Turtle Hospital in Marathon. The board meeting starts at 6:30 PM followed by our general meeting at 7:30 PM.

Have a safe month!

Jeri Sears
President of Save-A-Turtle
Jermax22@yahoo.com

July 9, 2008 - Marathon - Jeri Sears: Save-A-Turtle June Beach Report. In March of each year Save-A-Turtle trains people to survey the beaches in the Florida Keys.  The beaches are checked each morning for signs that female turtles have come ashore to nest.  The beaches are monitored from April 15^th through November 30th. The turtle nests are recorded and monitored until they hatch.  Once the hatchlings leave the nests the surveyors dig open the nests and record the status – hatched, dead, fertile eggs that did not develop, unfertile eggs, eggs with dead turtles, and eggs with live turtles in the shell.  The data is compiled and the results are used to monitor the health of the turtle population.  

The female turtles nest several times during the season; however the turtles do not usually nest every year.  The turtle may crawl onto the beach, look around, and leave.  The turtles sometimes do this several times before she finds the right conditions. 

Save-A-Turtle Monthly Beach Report for 2008 

Month      Beach        Crawls    Nests    YTD         Eggs/hatchlings
June             Bahia Honda 10            19            37C / 27N       ? / ? 1 nest (6-28)                 
                     Long Key                                        8C /   2N
                     Coco Plum     10             6             19C / 10N
                     Sombrero        7             3             11C /   6N        136/123 1 nest (6-23)
                     Key West        0             0              1C /   1N
                     Sea Oats        12             7            15C / 10N
                     Long Beach                                    1C /   0N
                     Key Colony     0            0               1C /   1N
                  * KWNWR     
                     Loggerhead   40           8
                     Green              8            5 

Salvage
Key West had 3 dead turtles – 2 large loggerheads and 1 small green – shark or prop.
Long Beach had 1 dead large turtle.
Sea oats had 1 dead green.
The Moorings had 1 dead turtle. 

* Key West National Wildlife Refuge

July 12, 2008 - Middle Keys - Chris Bull: AYSO National Games Tournament.
AYSO National Games Tournament – Day One Results

The Under 14 Boys team, Keys United, finally got underway in their bid to improve upon their finish of 3rd place in 2006. The team has had fun in Hawaii, playing beach soccer for their first practice, enjoying the opening ceremonies with its pomp and circumstance, and the fun and fellowship that is created with the Soccer Fest event, but Thursday it was time to get down to business.

Game one: versus Pearl City, HI
This was the local team. We got off to a quick start with Rickky Ceja scoring in the third minute, taking a direct kick from about 20 yards out. The confidence grew and Keys United never looked back.

1-0 3 min Rickky Ceja Direct Kick
2-0 7 min Jonathon Wright Assisted by Ariel Rodriguez Cross from right to middle
3-0 20 min Matt Chelakis Assisted by Rickky Ceja Cross after give and go with Chel on left side
4-0 23 min Aaron Ansell Assisted by AJ Paterson Flick up in goal area
5-0 42 min Matt Chelakis Assisted by Rickky Ceja Converted corner kick

Game two: versus Somers, NY
This team was a smaller team, so we wanted to use our size and aggressiveness to impose ourselves and take charge of the game. We were evenly matched in the speed category, but we moved the ball around much better and spread out their defense. Another quick goal to start set the tone and the team grew with confidence as the game progressed.

1-0 3 min Santi Juarez Assisted by Rickky Ceja Cross after give and go on left side
2-0 22 min AJ Paterson 40 yard shot over goalie-good recognition of situation and a booming kick
3-0 23 min Matt Chelakis Assisted by Ariel Rodriguez Pass from right side. Bullet shot that knuckled as he hit it from 18 yards out
4-0 28 min Jonathon Wright Good pressure by our forwards created opportunity for Jonathon to steal the ball and beat the keeper one on one
5-0 38 min Matt Chelakis Put away a rebound from another shot

Goalie JP Maclaughlin recorded two shutouts with no shots in game one and five shots blocked in game two

The kids, from Marathon, Big Pine Key, Key West, and Key Largo, are becoming true their name, Keys United, on and off the pitch. We have two tough games today. First is Palo Alto, CA and the second game is East Kauai, HI. A win against either team will put us through to the next round. However, the team is going after first place in pool play. Wish us luck!

Other games with teams from the Keys:
U14 Girls
Game one loss 1-0
Game two win 3-2

U16 Girls
Game one win 8-2
Game two win 4-2

Results can be found at http://nationalgames2008.org/page.aspx?id=33. The site is a little clunky, but you can see the results by selecting the division in the dropdown box and clicking on the Go button.

More results and pictures tomorrow!

Mahalo,
Chris

-----------------------------
Chris Bull
Regional Commissioner
Marathon AYSO Soccer

AYSO National Games Tournament – Day Two Results

The Under 14 Boys team, Keys United, had a great day one, but had a tough time finding their scoring touch on day two. However, we are advancing into the knockout stage with a win or tie tomorrow morning. Of course for those of you on the east coast, the game actually occurs at 5:45 pm. In the knockout stage we play a game in the afternoon tomorrow (9:30 pm EST), and then two games on Sunday to determine the top 8 places in our division. Wish us luck!

Game three: versus Palo Alto, CA
This was the game we thought would determine first place in our group. Our team had superior skills overall, and several factors could have swung the game either way. Unfortunately, luck was not with us and we lost 1-2

1-0 5 min Santi Juarez put away ball during a scramble in the box
1-1 13 min they scored
1-2 35 min they scored

Game four: versus East Kauai, HI
This game was a textbook case of grinding out a victory. Today our timing of the last pass and finishing was just out of sync enough to make it tough to score. There were MANY opportunities that we created, but it was tough finding the back of the net. We got what we needed and won 3-1.

1-0 20 min Justin Hamilton converted a Penalty Kick beautifully in the upper right corner
2-0 43 min Santi Juarez assisted by Matt Chelakis two forwards working together to get a goal
2-1 46 min they scored 16 yard shot inside post from goalie’s right side
3-1 48 min

There were several shots that hit off the post or went agonizingly wide. Also, Jonathon had a scare when he had a head-to-head collision with the goalie in the 15th minute. He got checked out by the first aid tent and returned to play the last part of the second half. He has a bruised left cheek, but should be good to play tomorrow.

The boys are sore from so many games in so short a time. To help them recuperate and ebb soreness, many of them took ice baths for the first time. It was a true team bonding experience as each one took their turn in a bathtub full of ice water for seven minutes each. When we move on to the knockout stages, our games go from 25 minute halves to 30 minute halves and we still be playing two games a day. It looks like more ice baths are in these kids’ future…

Other games with teams from the Keys:
U14 Girls
Game three loss 1-3
Game four loss 0-1
These girls were placed in the “group of death.” They should have advanced if there were in most other pools/groups. Tough luck for our girls…

U16 Girls
Game one win 2-0
Game two win 1-0
They are now 4-0 and guaranteed to advance out of the pool play to the knockout rounds. Great job girls!

Results can be found at http://nationalgames2008.org/page.aspx?id=33. The site is a little clunky, but you can see the results by selecting the division in the dropdown box and clicking on the Go button.

More results and pictures tomorrow!

Mahalo,
Chris

-----------------------------
Chris Bull
Regional Commissioner
Marathon AYSO Soccer

AYSO National Games Tournament – Day Three Results

Game five: versus Walnut, CA

The U14 Boys Team, Keys United, did what they had to do to advance out of group play into the knockout round. Again the team created a number of opportunities, but on-target finishes were hard to come by. However, the team stayed stingy defensively and the game ended 1-1. That put us second in the group and advancing.

1-0 25 min Ricky Ceja 8 seconds to halftime, used wind and in-swinging ball to put home a direct kick from the left side
1-1 29 min they scored
1-1 41 min Matt Chelekis got fouled in the box on a breakaway. They changed goalies for the penalty kick and it must have worked. Unfortunately, Justin Hamilton had the penalty kick blocked and play continued

Quarterfinals: versus South Oxnard, CA
Our players had given their all over the past few days, and it caught up to them in this game. We faced a quality side who would give us a lot of trouble under any circumstances. Our boys were somewhat out of gas and their opponent was older, faster, and technically well rounded. We could not keep up and fell 0-3. Under normal circumstances it would have been a much closer game.

0-1 3 min they scored The already tired team’s spirits fell with a flat start and early goal conceded
0-2 12 min they scored header goal. They used their height to their advantage throughout the match
0-3 50 min they scored The players gave a noble effort, but succumbed to a late goal

Other notes
Second day notes had the third goal unattributed. Matt Chelekis scored the third goal in the fourth game.

The quarterfinal lost put the team in the Consolation Finals bracket. Day four has them playing in the four team bracket to decide who earns first through fourth in the CF (fifth and eight spots overall).

Other games with teams from the Keys:
U14 Girls
Game five win 1-0
The girls finished their National Games campaign with a win. They came into the tournament with higher expectations, but they all had a great experience and concluded with a win.

U16 Girls
Game five win 4-2
Quarterfinal win
The defending champs are on their way to another championship run!

Results can be found at http://nationalgames2008.org/page.aspx?id=33. The site is a little clunky, but you can see the results by selecting the division in the dropdown box and clicking on the Go button.

Mahalo,
Chris

-----------------------------
Chris Bull
Regional Commissioner
Marathon AYSO Soccer

AYSO National Games Tournament – Final Day Results

This was the last day. They boys had experienced a little sightseeing, a fantastic opening ceremonies, two soccerfest games, and eight tournament games. It has been quite an experience all around.

CF Semifinal: versus Los Altimos, CA
After a night of much needed rest, the U14 Boys Keys United came out fresh in the morning to face their semifinal foes. Games were extended to 35 minute halves, further testing the players’ endurance. We dominated play for much of the game and came out a victorious 3-1 to advance to the CF Final.

1-0 4 min Matt Chelekis early pressure created a scramble in the box that Chelekis put in the back of the net.
1-1 17 min they scored
2-1 35 min AJ Paterson taking advantage of a tall goalkeeper, AJ hit a low Direct Kick around the wall and off the hands of the keeper for a boost going into halftime
At halftime, the other team put in a smaller keeper for the tall one that played the first half. That proved important…
3-1 46 min Matt Chelekis a 35 yard bullet over the keeper punctuated the Keys United dominance of this semifinal game

CF Final: versus Antelope, CA
It seemed like it was us versus California in this tournament as we now faced our fourth CA team in two days. The boys were pumped after a great victory in the morning, after watching the first half of the U16 girls Championship game and then finding out during their warm-up that the girls had won! Unfortunately, too many missed opportunities with mental and physical fatigue combined to be an explosive combination that lead to a 2-0 defeat in a game that we could have won.

0-1 5 min them
First 15 minutes we had two shots hit the post and crossbar and two other headers right in front of goal that could not find the goal.
Moved AJ Patterson to a more offensive position at halftime and he definitely created a spark for the team. Several good shots gave the team a lift in the second half. Then a controversial call became the beginning of the end of the team’s hopes for a victory. Paterson hit a shot from 20 yards out that appeared to hit the crossbar and in the goal. The Assistant Referee was out of position and did not make a call. Because of the spin of the ball, it hit the ground across the goaline, but spun back out on the bounce which the goalie quickly caught. The growing frustrations came to a boil and the team became unfocused. This resulted in the second goal…
0-2 50 min them
We had several more chances, but were not able to mount a big enough threat to overcome the deficit.

THE RESULTS: 2nd place in the CF bracket (6th place overall). Not bad for a team from the Keys playing in a tournament that had 24 teams from across the country.

The boys and coaches represented the Keys well and gave Miami FC and Keys gifts to every opponent the played. There were friendships forged and long-lasting memories made during the 2008 AYSO National Games. The team started their journey in October and wants to thank everyone for their support, whether it was by sponsorship, attending the fundraising events, or by verbal or e-mailed support.

Results can be found at http://nationalgames2008.org/page.aspx?id=33. The site is a little clunky, but you can see the results by selecting the division in the dropdown box and clicking on the Go button.

Pictures soon!

Mahalo,
Chris

-----------------------------
Chris Bull
Regional Commissioner
Marathon AYSO Soccer

AYSO National Games Tournament

The first installment of pictures has been uploaded. There will be more organization and captions to the pictures in the next day or so, so check back to the site several times to see the updates.

http://picasaweb.google.com/chrisbinparadise/2008AYSONationalGames

Enjoy!

Mahalo,
Chris

-----------------------------
Chris Bull
Regional Commissioner
Marathon AYSO Soccer

July 12, 2008 - Marathon - Mayor Pete Worthington: The American Red Cross is providing CPR classes in the Keys.

It is very important that the general population has the training to provide emergency response should the need arise.

Nearly 300,000 people die from Sudden Cardiac Arrest every year in the United States.

It is estimated that it takes an average of 8-10 minutes to reach a victim after 911 is called. Therefore, it is essential for members of the community to be trained and certified in lifesaving skills in order to feel comfortable performing CPR and using an AED until advanced help arrives.

Accidents and emergencies can happen to anyone - being prepared could make a lifesaving difference.

If your loved one started choking, or had a heart attack -- would you know what to do to save their life?
I'm a licensed boat captain, and we are required to know CPR. But lots of you are out on boats every weekend, and can experience some of the same situations I've had. Such as choking on a sandwich while 6 miles out, and removing a fishhook that created a gash which wouldn't quit bleeding. Being trained and re-certified in CPR techniques gave me the knowledge I needed to respond to the situation. I encourage everyone to get CPR training so that you can respond if necessary in an emergency situation.

Call today to enroll in a class. Talk to your employer about offering a class at your office. Get a First Aid kit for your car, your office, and your house. Don't delay. You could be the one who makes a difference. This is one of many services the Red Cross provides for our community.

Thank you American Red Cross!

Pete Worthington
Mayor - City of Marathon
worthingtonp@ci.marathon.fl.us
Phone: 305-289-0792

July 13, 2008 - Monroe County - Provided by Chris Sante: Voter Information Website Launched. [Ed. We will post items that provide information, but not campaign advertising. You got to pay for that.]

... Monroe County, FL – Chris Sante, candidate for Monroe County property appraiser, has launched a website for Monroe County voters who want to know about the important issues on the Nov. 4th election. [Ed. The address is www.chrissante.org.]

Sante discusses his platform along with other taxpayer information, such as his Frequently Asked Questions page that address recent changes to property tax laws, Save Our Homes benefits, portability, homestead exemptions and other valuable facts.

“My contact information is also on my website, and I encourage voters to call or e-mail me if they have any questions regarding the upcoming race for property appraiser,” Sante said. “In November, we will have the largest ballot ever in Monroe County, and I want voters to make an informed decision about who they elect. Hopefully, my website will serve as a convenient way for people to become familiar with who I am, what I stand for, and why I am the best candidate for the job.”

Sante is an Upper Keys businessman, who owns several business and real estate investments. He was born and raised in Miami and Key Largo, and has lived in the Keys since 1983. Sante has held a mortgage lending license for the last 28 years and is a registered trainee appraiser and has completed over 175 hours of specialty training.
The property appraiser is responsible for identifying, locating and fairly valuing property for tax purposes. The market value of property is based on the current real estate market. Finding the “just market value” of a taxpayer’s property means determining the fair price people would pay for that property. ...

July 15, 2008 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: City of Marathon Sets Proposed Millage Rate, the Roll-Back Rate, and Budget Schedule for Public Hearings. The city council met at the airport fire station.

The proposed millage rate was set at 1.5363 mills that is $1.5363 per $1,000 of assessed value. The roll-back rate was computed to be 1.5363 mills that is $1.5363 per $1,000 of assessed value. The public budget hearings are scheduled for September 4, 5:30 PM, at the Marathon Government Center and September 11, 5:30 PM, at the Marathon Government Center.

The City of Marathon is to be commended. During these tough times for governments, Marathon may be the only one to start their budget process at roll-back. City Manager Clyde Burnett inherited the good financial situation based on former City Manager Mike Puto's management along with the Finance Director Peter Rosasco.

July 16, 2008 - California - Provided by Linda Hall:  Health Highlights: June 29, 2008

* Sexual Violence Rate Among NYC Teens More Than National Average
* Doctor Who Was Target in U.S. Anthrax Probe Wins Multimillion Dollar Settlement
* Working While Tired May Harm Heart
* DNA Repair Capacity Affects Lung Cancer Risk in Non-smokers
* Unsafe Water Causes Many Diseases, Deaths: WHO
* Low-Fat Milk May Benefit Kidney/Heart Health

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:

Sexual Violence Rate Among NYC Teens More Than National Average

As many as 10 percent of American teenagers experience sexual violence at some point, surveys show, but if that adolescent is from New York City, the percentage climbs to more than 16 percent.

This finding is one of many from a three-year research project announced over the weekend from Columbia University researchers and a coalition called the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault.

The entire study will be released in July, according to a news release from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, but the research highlights indicate New York City adolescents face even more exposure to violence related to sexual activity than teens across the country.

"These are alarming statistics any way you look at them," said Harriet Lessel, executive director of the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, in a statement. "We are hopeful that these findings will highlight an issue that has been kept in the shadows for far too long, and encourage more young people to seek help when they are victimized."

Among other findings, based on survey of 1,300 New York City teenagers:

* Almost 90 percent of those who have experienced sexual violence knew their perpetrator.
* Among those who experienced physical dating violence, 27.4 percent reported having been pushed or shoved by a dating partner, and 17 percent reported having been slapped or hit.
* Almost 10 percent of students who reported having a dating partner in the last year said that their partner touched them sexually when they didn't want to be touched, and 6.7 percent said they were forced to have sex against their will.

-----

Doctor Who Was Target in Anthrax Probe Wins Cash Settlement

The physician and bio-researcher who was identified by the U.S. Justice Department as a "person of interest" in the bizarre series of anthrax incidents that killed five people beginning in 2001 has settled his lawsuit against the government.

The New York Times reported that Dr. Steven Hatfill will receive almost $3 million in cash and an additional $150,000 annually for the next 20 years to settle a lawsuit he filed in 2003, charging the FBI and U.S. Justice Department with leaking information to the news media in order to link him to the mailing of letters that contained anthrax spores.

Hatfill has consistently denied having anything to do with the anthrax incidents, in which five people died after inhaling the spore particles and another 17 were hospitalized, in 2001 and 2002.

U.S. Justice Department officials have never explained why Hatfill was such a prominent figure in the investigation, and a government statement said only that the government admitted no liability but decided settlement was "in the best interest of the United States," the newspaper reported.

Mark Grannis, one of Hatfill's attorneys, told the Times that the settlement "means that Steven Hatfill is finally an ex-person of interest."

-----

Working While Tired May Harm Heart

Doing mental or physical work while fatigued may lead to hypertension and heart disease, suggests a U.S. study.

It included 80 volunteers who were told they could win a prize by memorizing, in two minutes, a number of meaningless three-letter sequences. Their blood pressure and heart rate were monitored while they tried to memorize the information. Those with moderate fatigue showed stronger blood pressure increases than those with low fatigue, United Press International reported.

The study appears in the July issue of the International Journal of Psychophysiology.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers said their findings support a theory that a fatigued person's cardiovascular system has to work harder when trying to complete tasks, UPI reported.

"Individuals who experience chronically exaggerated cardiovascular responses are believed to be at greater health risk than individuals who do not. Thus, the implication is that chronic fatigue may pose a health risk under some performance conditions," said study leader Rex Wright.

-----

DNA Repair Capacity Affects Lung Cancer Risk in Non-smokers

A lack of DNA repair capacity may be a cause of lung cancers that occur in non-smokers, say researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. About 15 percent of lung cancers occur in non-smokers.

The researchers found that non-smokers with less efficient DNA repair ability were almost twice as likely to develop lung cancer, compared to non-smokers with normal DNA repair capacity, United Press International reported.

Non-smokers with the lowest DNA repair capacity were more than three times more likely than average to develop lung cancer.

"Our findings demonstrate that suboptimal DNA repair capacity together with secondhand smoke exposure are strong lung cancer risk factors in lifetime never smokers," UPI quoted lead author Olga Gorlova as saying in a prepared statement.

The study appears in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.

-----

Unsafe Water Causes Many Diseases, Deaths: WHO

More than 9 percent of diseases and 6 percent of deaths worldwide are caused by unsafe water, says a World Health Organization report released Thursday. Dengue fever and diarrhea are among the diseases that can be transmitted via water.

Developing countries are disproportionately affected by water-related health problems. For example, unsafe water causes less than 1 percent of deaths in developed countries, compared with an average of 8 percent in developing countries, Agence France Presse reported.

Death rates in certain poor countries can be much higher, such as 24 percent in Angola.

"In the 35 most affected countries, over 15 percent of diseases could easily be prevented by improved water, sanitation, and hygiene," said report author Annette-Pruss-Ustun, AFP reported.

-----

Low-Fat Milk May Benefit Kidney/Heart Health

Low-fat milk may offer protection against poor kidney function linked to heart disease, according to American and Norwegian researchers.

They measured the kidney function of more than 5,000 adults, ages 45 to 84, and found that those who consumed at least one serving of low-fat milk or milk products a day were 37 percent less likely than those who had little or no low-fat milk to have poor kidney function related to heart disease, United Press International reported.

The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The authors noted that previous research suggests that milk protein, vitamin D, and magnesium may contribute to milk's potential heart health benefits, UPI reported.

Last Updated: June 29, 2008

July 18, 2008 - Marathon - L. E. Shaffer: Found Money. If you want me to get right to the point, I found $20! My thoughts about the whole episode requires some meandering, something that I do well.

In my Navy days, I jogged a lot. When I served at a Navy SEAL staff command, I was up to jogging nine miles a day. I really thought highly of myself, until I have to exercise and run with the SEALs. That was no contest. I stopped trying to keep up with them the first minute. The point though is that once I got into my rhythm I usually scanned the ground. It was the most comfortable way for me to run. For years, I found pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and even paper money. Rarely did I find enough to crow about, but I always got money.

Now, years later, I am reduced to walking, but I still look at the ground. I do, however, watch out for the intersections. I was hit once, even though the driver saw me. So I am very careful. I walk to the post office and back. I still find change. I started walking to the post office, because a short trip in town is at least $25 in gas anymore.

I found a $20 on the ground. I looked around to see if someone was searching for their money. You know, $20 is nothing to sneeze at, unless it is buying gas. And, that only gets you less than four gallons. Anyway, no one was in a panic searching for their lost bill. I walked home feeling somewhat lucky. In my family, found money is money you are supposed to spend right away on something frivolous. I am not sure why, but the outcome is always satisfying and particularly fun. If I don’t see an increase of people on the sidewalks looking for money, I might get lucky again. Who knows what life brings you?

July 18, 2008 - California - Provided by Linda Hall: Coffee Beans May Be Newest Stress-Buster

Just inhaling the aroma activated anxiety-relieving genes, rat research shows
By Ed Edelson
HealthDay Reporter

FRIDAY, June 13 (HealthDay News) -- Just sniffing that first hot cup of coffee in the morning may help ease some stresses you might be feeling, a South Korean trial indicates.

When rats inhaled the aroma of roasted coffee beans, a number of genes were activated, including some that produce proteins with healthful antioxidant activity, the researchers reported.

"The meaning of it is not totally clear yet," said Dr. Peter R. Martin, director of the Institute of Coffee Studies at Vanderbilt University. "What it does show is that coffee smells do change the brain to some degree, and it behooves us to understand why that is happening."

The findings, from a team led by Han-Seok Seo at Seoul National University in South Korea, were expected to be published in the June 25 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

The experiment was done with laboratory rats, some of whom were stressed by being deprived of sleep. The researchers did detailed genetic studies that showed the activity of 11 genes was increased and the activity of two genes was decreased in the rats that smelled the coffee, compared to those who did not. In effect, the aroma of the coffee beans helped ease the stress of the sleep-deprived rodents.

The experiment provides "for the first time, clues to the potential antioxidant or stress-relaxation activities of the coffee bean aroma," the researchers wrote.

And they added, "These results indirectly explain why so many people use coffee for staying up all night, although the volatile compounds of coffee beans are not fully consistent with those of the coffee extracts. In other words, the stress caused by sleep loss via caffeine may be alleviated through smelling the coffee aroma."
"They used the latest in technology to see how brain expression of RNA changed," Martin said. RNA is the molecule that carries out the instructions encoded in genes. "This is just the beginning of a very interesting line of investigation," he added.

The aromatic compounds responsible for coffee's odor may be antioxidants, "but they are not the same as the major antioxidants that are in the drink," said Joe A. Vinson, a chemistry professor at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania.

Chemically, the antioxidants in liquid coffee are polyphenols, Vinson said. Those in the aroma are heterocycle compounds containing sulfur or nitrogen atoms.

"There are two ways to get things into your system, and the quickest way is to smell them," Vinson said. "Caffeine gets into the brain via the blood stream. Here, aromatic molecules get into the brain through the olfactory system. The levels in the air are parts per million, so obviously these are minor components in the air. But they are doing something."

Previous studies have shown that coffee consumption can reduce depression and suicide risk, as well as relieve stress, effects generally attributed to the caffeine in coffee, the researchers noted. But while some 900 compounds that float away from the bean have been identified, this is the first study to assay their possible effects, they added.

It's too early to recommend that people feeling stress sniff coffee to ease their way, Martin said. But, he added, "people who don't even drink coffee are fascinated by the odor of it. Ever since my little boy was two years old, he has loved the odor of coffee. I have always thought that coffee has some mystic quality, and there is some deep historical basis for it."

More information
The latest on coffee health research is available from the Coffee Science Information Centre.

SOURCES: Peter R. Martin, M.D., director, Vanderbilt University Institute of Coffee Studies, Nashville, Tenn.; Joe A. Vinson, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, University of Scranton, Pa.; June 25, 2008, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Last Updated: June 13, 2008
Copyright © 2008 ScoutNews, LLC, LLC. All rights reserved.

July 22, 2008 – Marathon – L. E. Shaffer: Marathon City Council held its regular meeting at Marathon Government Center EOC Room. Photos are located at http://MarathonJournal.US/journal/press/. Links will only last a couple of weeks.

Council approved the agenda and consent agenda. An asterisk marks consent items [*].

Proclamations, Special Recognitions and Awards

1.      None.

Citizens' comments at time certain of 6:30 PM:

1.      Joan Nelson complained about the firecrackers from vacation rentals near her.

Special Orders, Awards, and Presentations

1.      City Manager Clyde Burnett presented his report. He covered a number of routine items and requests.

         a.       Council discussed the vacation rental fee. Deputy City Manager C. J. Geotis gave the staff report. Staff wanted to move to a flat fee schedule. Morgan Hill spoke in favor. Vicky Tashjian spoke in favor. City council candidate Joan Nelson addressed a number of concerns, but isn’t necessarily opposed.

        b.      Council discussed the marina expansion plan. Deputy City Manager and Acting Ports Director C. J. Geotis reported several items to expand and improve the marina. Councilman Vasil spoke in favor in terms of more than just the marina. He said that he thought that the future is in the harbor. Vice Mayor was generally in support of such efforts. Mayor Worthington cautioned everyone that this issue needs a close and careful look. Council sent this back to staff to have the Planning Department to look at parking and other issues. Councilwoman Tempest wanted to hear what the public thought.

        c.       Council discussed the affordable component in hotel/motel redevelopment. Planning Director George Garrett gave a staff report. Garrett wanted to cut the 20% requirement for affordable housing. Council directed staff to create a resolution to allow hotel/motel redevelopment without 20% affordable housing requirement provided density remains in the same footprint.

       d.      Burnett reported on the plumbers meeting July 23.

2.      Mayor Worthington presented the Florida Water Professionals Week Proclamation.

City Council Items

1.      *Council approved previous meeting minutes. Items marked with an asterisk [*] are consent items approved when the agenda is approved.

2.      Council appointed Mark Pierson to the Code Board.

3.      Council directed city manager to appoint a qualified person to the Green Building Code Task Force.

4.      Mayor Worthington wanted to discuss beautification projects. Claude Halioua reported on the palm trees.

5.      Vice Mayor Bull wanted to discuss affordable housing reports. He pointed out the TBR ordinance, 104^th Street status, Sea Grape status, and Middle Keys Community Land Trust report. Council directed Planning Department to collect the above the reports for the first August council meeting.

Council suspended the rules to consider Resolution 2008-107. See item below.

Ordinances for Public Hearing

1.      Ordinance 2008-15 amended the Zoning Map from Residential Medium (RM) to Mixed Use (MU) for property on 43rd St. Gulf.

2.      Ordinance 2008-16 amended the Zoning Map from Residential Medium (RM) to Mixed Use (MU) for property on 106th Street.

3.      Ordinance 2008-17 amended the Zoning Map from Conservation-Native Area (C-NA) to Mixed Use (MU) for a portion of property at Banana Road, Oceanside, Grassy Key.

4.      Ordinance 2008-18 amended the Zoning Map from Residential Low (RL) to Mixed Use (MU) for property behind the Holiday Inn.

5.      Ordinance 2008-19 amended the Zoning Map from Residential Medium-1 (RM-1) to Residential High (RH) for property described as Bonefish Towers. Lynda Berrigan spoke in favor.

6.      Ordinance 2008-20 amended the Zoning Map from Residential Low (RL) to Residential Medium-1 (RM-1) for property described at the end of Coco Plum Drive, Oceanside.

Resolutions for Public Hearing

1.      Resolution 2008-107 established the proposed special assessments to fund Marathon wastewater and treatment facilities construction. Community Services Director Susie Thomas and other staff presented the staff report. Mike Atchison spoke about how Keys RV should be assessed. WEC Engineer Ed Castle addressed Keys RV concerns. Fred Endemann spoke on the assessment methodology. Joan Nelson talked about unfunded mandates. Lynda Berrigan expressed a number of concerns.

Resolutions for Adoption

1.      Resolution 2008-108 supported Governor Charlie Crist’s efforts to acquired land south of Lake Okeechobee for the protection and restoration of the Everglades and coastal estuaries. Councilman Vasil was not in support of this resolution, considering the state’s lack of help with the sewer and stormwater requirements. Vasil voted no.

2.      *Resolution 2008-109 approved a Monroe County interlocal agreement for $17,243.30 to reimburse the Marathon for haul-out of vessel wastewater from December of 2007 to March of 2008, and reimbursement for removal of an abandoned vehicle and boat trailer on March 2, 2008.

3.      CONTINUED TO 8/12/08 MEETING - Resolution 2008-110 authorized award of the Lanzo Construction Contract for construction of Service Area 5 collection system for wastewater and stormwater for $19,126,494.

4.      *Resolution 2008-111 authorized award of the Atlantic Civil Construction Contract for the Little Venice Phase II stormwater and paving for $1,685,911.42.

5.      Resolution 2008-112 approved an amendment to the Building Department Fee Schedule to add the sewer lateral connection permit fee of $85.00. WEC Engineer Ed Castle and Community Services Director Susie Thomas answered several council questions.

6.      Resolution 2008-113 directed the City Manager to work with Monroe County to empower and train city-code-enforcement staff to initiate and prosecute city contractor disciplinary proceedings.

7.      *Resolution 2008-114 amended the city and Bishop, Rosasco & Company Agreement for the provision of finance director services.

Citizens' comments:

1.      None.

Council comments:

1.      Vice Mayor Bull had no comments..

2.      Mayor Worthington said that we all live in a great community.

3.      Councilman Vasil said that the future of Marathon is in the harbor. He proposed a committee to provide a vision for the future.

4.      Councilwoman Tempest had no comments.

5.      Councilman Cinque said that they made good progress on sewer system even though the whole project is problematic.

Adjournment

1.      8:00 PM

July 23, 2008 - Marathon - Provided by Marathon Mayor Worthington: Marathon Will Bird Center Newsletter.

Welcome to the Marathon Wild Bird Center’s online newsletter!

It’s our 13th Bird-day!

Having originally set up “a stabilization center” here at Crane Point (MM 50) in 1995 makes this year our 13th Bird-day as the Marathon Wild Bird Center! We continue to be proud to offer our community--both the wildlife and the folks who live and visit here--a much needed service at no charge. It has always been our mission to “reduce the suffering of sick, injured, and orphaned wild birds throughout the Middle Florida Keys and to educate those around us.” Over the years, with the help of other local wildlife rehabilitators, we have become knowledgeable in the triage care of other types of wildlife including bats, snakes, raccoons, and opossums (and who could forget that 30-foot whale shark that stranded itself on Duck Key in 1998!). However, because we specialize in wild birds, we are continually grateful to these other rehabbers for allowing us to transfer animals to them once they are stable. In fact, we’ve treated more than 7,500 (2,500 more if you count our two-year presence in Key West). It is because of generous contributions from individual donors, foundations, local businesses, the City of Marathon, and Monroe County that we can continue to be here to help both the wildlife and people who want to help them.

In honor of our 13th Bird-day, contributions (of any amount) can be made to the Marathon Wild Bird Center either by snail mail, P.O. Box 501328, Marathon, FL 33050, or through our website at www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org. If you’d prefer to give an item as a gift this year, we always need paper towels, Dawn dish soap, isopropyl rubbing alcohol 70%, hydrogen peroxide, 8-10” fish for Oliver our Osprey, fresh bait fish (glass minnows and/or pilchards), printer/copier paper, HP ink cartridges (tri-color 95 and black 96), and gift certificates to local gas stations, K-mart, Publix, Winn Dixie and Whalton’s Pet Shop. You can drop items off at the Crane Point Gift Shop (MM 50) or call the Bird Center at 305.743.8382 for fresh bait drop-off instructions. And thank you for being there for us all these years!

New program launches at Hawks Cay Resort

Thanks to volunteer Karyn Buckley who has initiated a monthly post-breakfast program at Hawks Cay Resort for the Bird Center. Karyn spent two hours on the morning of July 5, 2008 talking to resort guests about how Sweetie, our American Kestrel of Cuban descent, came to live with us and on educating both kids and adults about the wild birds of the Florida Keys. Later that evening, director Kelly Grinter and volunteer Dana Child responded to a 9:00 p.m. rescue call regarding a Laughing Gull that was still hanging out, in the dark, near the lagoon at Hawks Cay. As our rescuers were searching for the bird, inquiring of the resort guests if they had seen it, several mentioned that they had attended that morning’s presentation and had enjoyed it. We soon located the bird, admitted it to our hospital with contaminated feathers, and released it a week later. A bird may lose its ability to fly if it cannot properly groom its feathers. Birds often bathe in parking lot puddles, after heavy rains, but fuels that leach into the puddles can contaminate their feathers. Lots of self-bathing in pools of freshwater can quickly remedy the situation.

A virus is a virus is a virus!

It must be a slow news day around the country when CNN calls director Kelly Grinter to do a recorded telephone interview regarding a dove die-off in the Florida Keys. Not to make light of the topic, but Eurasian Collared Doves have been found dead or dying during the last two months throughout the Florida Keys, from Key Largo to Key West. The culprit? A virus called Paramyxovirus. In an epidemic similar to one in upstate Florida in 2001, this species-specific disease has taken the lives of countless doves. It’s Mother Nature’s way of culling out the weak, kind of like a blizzard, hurricane, or drought. Luckily, our native Mourning Doves, Ground Doves, and White-crowned Pigeons, do not seem to be affected. The virus is only affecting the Eurasian Collared Dove, a bird introduced into the United States in the 70s and now found in every continental state. Although the bird competes with native doves for food and nesting sites, it has also become a staple part of the diet of birds-of-prey. Raptors that once feasted on mice and rats may now hunt doves because of the lack of small mammals humans eliminate for being pests. To help to control the spread of the Paramyxovirus, people who feed doves at feeders and/or offer bird baths in their yards are asked to stop feeding or watering the birds for a period of two weeks. The virus spreads through the birds’ fecal matter. Unfortunately, the success rate for this deadly virus is less than 1%. Because the virus is species-specific, if you own pet birds, don’t panic. However, don’t take any chances either. If doves perch on top of your pet bird’s outdoor cage, put a roof-like cover on it for the time being. Or, if your bird can reach through the floor of its cage and pick up fallen food that may also be a treat for wild doves, raise the cage or cover the floor. Remember, the virus spreads through the birds’ fecal matter and they aren’t exactly careful where they go! If you find a sick bird, call the Bird Center at 305.743.8382. If you find a dead bird, pick it up with a plastic bag covering your hand and dispose of it in the trash. Wash your hands well afterwards, especially if you have a pet bird you may handle. If we all stop feeding the wild doves for a few weeks the virus should run its course and then the outlook for the remainder of the summer will be, what else, sunny!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Make 13 a lucky number for us by acknowledging our contribution with one of your own. Because we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your check is tax deductible. Please mail a check small or large to Marathon Wild Bird Center, P.O. Box 501328, Marathon, FL 33050 or donate online at www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org. We will use the money to support our work in Marathon. However, you can specify that we use it in Key West simply by writing a check payable to the Key West Wildlife Center. Remember: if you ever find a sick or injured bird, please give us a call at 305.743.8382. We answer this line 24 hours a day.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Egg-specially frustrating!

Hortence and Harold are two long-term permanent resident Herring Gulls that have lived at the Bird Center for several years. A few months ago, we segregated them from the rest of our permanent gulls and terns for misbehavior! Apparently the two were trying to acquire a room of their own because soon afterwards they dug a hole in the sand, lined it with feathers, and laid four bluish-green eggs with brown splotches! Though we hoped the eggs would hatch, after four weeks of constant incubation the birds dragged each egg out of the nest, one by one, and smashed them. Although we enjoyed watching the pair maintain their nest and incubate their eggs, we weren’t surprised that the eggs turned out to be infertile because we have long suspected that Hortence and “Harold” (now officially referred to as “Harriet”) were both girls. Male Herring Gulls are supposed to be larger than females and our two are just about identical in size.

Summer Library Program

Every summer, Marathon’s head librarian, Gloria Goodman, calls the Bird Center and requests a presentation as part of their Summer Library Program. We’ve been accommodating this very special Monroe County library program for so many years we’ve lost count. This year director Kelly Grinter was joined by volunteer Amanda Ruano as they talked “mommy bird, daddy bird” to a packed room full of kids. Usually we schedule the program for June, but this year decided to try July. However, our plan backfired just a tad! In June we are inundated with numerous baby birds of several species that we share with the children--touching on topics such as how and why different birds make different types of nests and why some baby birds leave the nest sooner than others. But this year, in July, we had a dilemma: we were just about baby-birdless when the date of the program rolled around. Not to fear, instead of baby birds we presented two species of birds in their “juvenile” stages--a Least Tern and a Rock Dove--and rounded out the program with our ever-present American Kestrel, Sweetie.

Key West Chapter Update

Baby bird season is still hopping along down in Key West at our chapter facility, the Key West Wildlife Center. Seems that site should be called “the little city that never sleeps”! Susan Prince, our fabulous facility director, continues to take in numerous baby doves in addition to more baby Mockingbirds and Least Terns. The City of Key West has completely installed the river rock in the new aviary and the final layer, silica sand, has arrived and is awaiting installation as soon as the separator sheets are in place. With almost 200 chickens in-house at the moment, a run to our safe haven farm in upstate Florida is scheduled this month. Being baby season, dozens of mama chickens are being dropped off every day with their broods. With locals working long hours and snowbirds up north, our volunteer list is running on empty. If you have some time to spare, please call Susan. She needs volunteers to occasionally pick up captured birds and/or supplies, organize fundraisers, and clean cages and habitats.

Spread the word

Enjoyed this newsletter? Please forward it to a friend! And don’t forget to visit our web site at www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org for lots more information.

Marathon Wild Bird Center
P.O. Box 501328
Marathon, FL 33050
MM 50 at Crane Point Hammock
Phone: (305) 743-8382
Fax: (305) 743-8172
Website: www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org

July 23, 2008 - South Dakota - Provided by Kathy Zens: A Blast from the Past!

If any of you have doubt about what kids paid for a coke and a sandwich at Woolworth's in the 1950's, here's proof of the era ....

Sorry, there was no source. It came to me from my elderly aunt in Minnesota. I am assuming one of her friends found it in her Memorabilia and she scanned it. Both women used to work for the Woolworth company as young girls.

I realize this is not much of a source, but it's all I have. My aunt's name is Mildred Ahrendt.

Sure hope this helps.
Kathy

July 23, 2008 - Nashville - Jaci Rae: Updates.
Hi!

I have just a moment. It's been an insane few months (as usual, but this time I really did it to myself)! We had a wonderful time back east and had so much fun with Bruce's family and mine. My Uncle, that is really hard. We still clutch to hope. That's all I am going to say about that.

Summer school started before we took off the ground from the east coast. The flight back was grueling. Because of weather, our flight was held off for a few hours and we literally ran up to the gate of the next connection to home as the gate was closing. I could not miss class again (summer school they cut you out), most important, my kitty was not doing well at the vets and I had to get home.

On top of that, the businesses were going crazy! 5 Meals for $5 hit the No. 1 spot again and stayed there for nearly a month until Amazon accidentally took the buy button down and then messed up receiving books and on and on.

E! Online called yesterday and asked me to comment on things about the music industry:
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/ask_the_answer_bitch/b147317_scarlett_heidi_hayden_have.html

Back to the flight! The flight back was 17 hours needless to say! My first class was 4 hours long, I went home, worked like crazy and then off to my night class from 6-10 PM.

Skip ahead five weeks, and that's how it's been and I only have one more week and three days! I don't know what I was thinking 11 units in the summer! That's double a full-time student in summer school. Luckily, I still have A+'s. Aop publisher in Korea wants to buy the foreign rights for 5 Meals, that's awesome!

The Golf Channel online just featured the sporting goods from Luco Sport.

That's the basics. After school is finished for the summer I have two weeks off before Fall semester calls me to the door and I am going to sleep! Well have fun at the beach and stuff. I hope everyone is well. Miss everyone.

I would love to hear how you are doing. While I might not respond for a few weeks, it doesn't mean I haven't read it or that it's not important to me. I will reply, after finals! Love Me.

Author of the No. 1 best-seller 5 Meals for $5 - How to Feed 5 People 5 Meals for $5 - $8 or less and Shop for a Day with Jaci Rae - How to Get Almost Anything for Free or Next to It. www.pennymeals.com

Share this with a friend:

Chuck Roast

Cost per person $0.97
Total cost five people$4.87
2 lbs chuck roast ($1.92)
1 lb. potatoes, diced ($0.40)
4 carrots, chopped ($0.10)
1 onion, chopped ($0.30)
1 beef bouillon ($0.16)
1 garlic clove, minced ($0.01)
Salt and pepper to taste ($0.02)
Iceberg Lettuce and Cucumber Salad ($1.45)
Basic Vinegar and Oil Salad Dressing ($0.42)
1 lemon, sliced in 5 wedges ($0.09)

Sauté chuck roast in a dash of oil until both sides all dark brown (about 2 minutes on each side on high). Combine all other ingredients into a large stew pot or crock-pot. Once meat is browned, put into pot with other veggies and spices and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until Meat is tender and fully cooked. Make salad and serve with chilled water and lemon wedge.

I long for the day when we are no longer defined by race, color, or class, but by a world that is undivided and unified by compassion, understanding and love.

To a better day in every way! Blessings. Jaci Rae

To find out more about Jaci Rae, please go too: www.jacirae.com or www.pennymeals.com.

Internet Stuff
Here are the latest DVD films from http://www.NetFlix.com:

1. “Smiley Face” is a stoned young lady trying to pay bills, make an audition, and several other zany things. She moves from each scene in a haze of fantasy and fiction, but the truth is a bit more than she can handle. The film was funny, entertaining, and a bit overdrawn.

2. “Honeydripper” is a blues place that has fallen on hard times. To bring in more customers, the owner gets a famous blues guitarist. The artist gets sick and can’t come to the blues bar. Now the owner frantically finds someone to pretend to be Guitar Sam. This good period piece and the music are good.

3. “Mozart’s Magic Flute Diaries” follows one guy’s work at the opera. Meanwhile, a new woman takes the opposite lead. Somehow, the opera and the woman’s plight coexist in a somewhat disjointed attempt at being a good movie.

4. “Caramel” is a Lebanese delight. Four women work in a beauty shop. Their lives intertwine with the neighborhood around them. The loves and tribulations of their lives paint a most precious story. This film is a slice of life at its most fundamental. People loving each other and living their lives make this a beautiful movie. Repeat viewing is encouraged.

5. “Roads to Koktebel” is another fine Russian film. Their movies are paced differently, but that makes the emotion and feeling just right. A father and son trek across Russia to make a new life after wife and mother died. They encounter a number of situations and characters. To understand this story watch the boy carefully. Then you will get it.

6. “Vantage Point” is a thrill ride of action, intrigue, and boldness. From the point of view of several different people, you slowly piece together what is going on. This exceptional movie dared to be different. This isn’t your run of the mill action-thriller. Ripped from today’s headline, a president is killed. The story from there is a headlong rush into the exciting end scenes.

7. “Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns” is another fine movie from TP Studios. There is natural family warmth and realistic portrayal of life and its struggles. A woman trying hard to do right by her children receives news that her father has died. The woman’s family travels to the funeral. They meet their greater family. This is comedy, drama, and romance all rolled into one. Good film!

8. “City of Men” was hard to watch, because the subtitles were difficult to view clearly. Two lifetime friends turn 18 and try to stay alive in neighborhoods dominated by gang violence. Set against the beauty of Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, the fatherless duo try to find one of their fathers. They find the father and find out he killed the other’s father. Against gangland violence, the two try resolve their lives. The film was stark, rude, and direct. Even with the flaws, it was very good.

9. “12 and Holding” is about four best friends who frequent a tree house. A couple of bullies make trouble. This is where it gets weird. This is not a coming of age story. The bullies set fire to the tree house not knowing it is occupied. One of the twins is killed and his friend escapes. The other three handle the situation very differently. One is set on revenge. Another sets out to lose weight. And the only girl has a crush on a construction worker. The stark reality of the film is both what makes this film good and what is so disturbing.

10. “Failure to Launch” is a romantic comedy. The typical stuff like man can’t commit due to a sad past event. Parents are anxious to get him out of their house. They hired someone to get him out of the house and started on relationships again. The only problem is that they fall in love with each other. Man meets woman. Man gets woman.

11. “V for Vendetta” is a stylized English film set in a future after terrorism is state-sponsored. The classic ultra-conservative party remains in power through fear, spying, and intimidation. There is one who survived the horror of that regime’s ugly beginning. For 20 years, vengeance has slowly bubbled up so that no government can stand against the people, when there is no longer the stench of fear.

12. “Michael Clayton” has a classic feel to it, while telling a modern story. There is corporate greed and persons willing to do anything for profit. Clayton is a fixer. He solves embarrassing problems. His old friend seems to have lost his mind in a billion dollar case. He tries to fix this, but doesn’t realize until it is too late the graft and corruption behind the case. This is a thoughtful examination of characters and events larger than they are. This is a good movie.

Interesting websites we visited recently:

Poetry Corner
"Skulled"
July 19, 2008

Sun breaches the sky
Heavenly horizon far
Heat shimmers
Meet the dawning

Cloudless skies
Dry air desiccates
All life along
This lonely path

Filtered cool air
Passes from below
As the portal opens
For a few seconds

Upon a landscape
Skulled and desolate
Second sun rises
Dazzling the eyes

Damaging optics
Before portal closes
Surface becomes molten
And sound muffled

With eyes protected
The view is slowly
Focusing upon that
Dreaded creature

Third sun rises
And white noise bellows
The heat shimmer creature
Wakes upon that new morn

© 2008 L. E. Shaffer

Hockey Puck
NHL: The Florida Panthers are not in the playoffs. The Pittsburgh Penguins lost to the Detroit Redwings for the Stanley Cup championship. The NHL Detroit Redwings held off the Pittsburgh Penguins to win the Stanley Cup 4 games to 2 games. The series was much closer than the outcome would show.

PGA: Tiger Woods had season-ending surgery. We will have to wait till next year for some more Tiger magic.