All About Naples Florida

Well Bobbie Files 5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do Post reminded me of a new tool that I have found useful and it saves you a few charges on your phone bill.   It is  1- 800-Goog - 411 ( 1-800 4664-411)

Cool for Cell Phones because...

If you have text messaging ...

Say  TEXT MESSAGE and Goog 411 will send you a text message about the business you have selected.

If you have internet on your cell....

Say MAP IT  and Goog 411 will send you a Map of the Area around the business.

Want more info....

Visit  www.google.com/goog411

For more information on schools, market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

Ok as I travel along the technology highway I occasionally experience a few bumps.  Every now and then I have a major wipeout... today was one of those days. Huge sigh....

Last night I had the brilliant idea of doing like I occasionally do, and deleting all the old messages off my cell phone.  I got it done and feeling organized and ready to go for the next day went off to sleep.  Herein lies the major source of my troubles...

My email service was changed recently  to an exchange account.  My cell phone email options were not changed.  The little box under options that says "delete mail on the server after deleting from VersaMail " was checked.  SOOOOOOOO.... I lost a lot of rather important data.    Previously when I deleted it would only delete on my phone nowhere else.  Imagine my surprise this morning when I went to print off a couple of efax's I had received and guess what ?  They were gone... SERENITY NOW!

I wish I had a TV brick to throw at something instead I am thinking of Seinfeld.  Life really is a Seinfeld episode. 

Well even though it is going to be in the 40's tonight ( a record in some places for this time of year in Florida) the ICE I'm talking about will be found indoors. I just received an email reminding me that the ICE is on the way. Now the photos give you an idea of what it's like but remember they are all hand carved so don't worry your sure to see something just as spectacular but different!

ICE 2008

The hand carved ICE will be arriving November 17th and will be here in Florida until January 4, 2009.  It is part of the Orlando Gaylord Palms Resort "Best of Florida Christmas Celebration".  There are almost 2 million pounds of carved ice to admire, slide on, skate on, and enjoy.  Bring your mittens, camera, and don't worry the resort supplies a coat! You can buy your tickets online and go for a few hours or stay at te resort for a few nights.  After you come out I highly recommend the slightly spiked adult hot cocoa that you can purchase... 

Inside the Gaylord Palms Resort

Last year my husband and I stayed overnight and had a great time!  We felt like a couple of kids and even made a gingerbread house! Ok so the coats are kind of Willy Wonka but that's part of the charm. 

For more information on schools, market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

 Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. * The Ice is Almost Here in Florida 10/27/2008

Have you heard the story of the Foreclosure Angel?

Last night I couldn't sleep.  My husband was out of town and I was up late watching CNN.  On came the usual horrors, the stock market, the weakening economy and a foreclosure auction.  I was listening half heartedly while I flipped through the Sunday paper flyers.  Suddenly a story caught my attention.  It was a human story.  A story that demonstrates with all the scary things in the world that if we stand together, help each other, have principles of goodness and dignity amazing things can happen.  

The embodiement of human kindness and good this time was Marilyn Mock.  I say this time because I am hopeful that her example will encourage others to do something great, anything. Sometimes the smallest thing can mean so much. Marilyn should be applauded she cared and did something!

Marilyn is a woman who went to a Dallas foreclosure auction probably looking for a deal and ended up meeting a weeping homeowner who had lost it all. Tracy, the homeowner, was there to watch the auction of her home and try to move on, it was the final chapter in her struggle.  So what did Marilyn do?   She used her huge heart and gave her back her home. 

If you are unfamiliar with the story it is worth watching.  Hopefully Fannie Mae will approve the sale ( the final step).  Today I just wanted to say thanks for setting such a great example Marilyn Mock you ROCK!

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/10/26/diaz.tx.foreclosure.angel.wfaa

St. John Neumann High School, a Catholic High School here in Naples Florida will be hosting an OPEN House Sunday November 2nd at 3 p.m. St. John Neumann is located at 3000 53rd St. SW, and they can be reached at 239- 455-3044 ext 207.

St. John Neumann offers financial aid to students and boasts a 100% College Admission Rate.

Click here for a printable Open House Flyer.

Do you know a Florida High School Student who understands the importance of conservation and has an appreciation for our eco systems? 

Check out the Design A Tee CONTEST But hurry entries must be postmarked by OCTOBER 30, 2008! 

Florida High School Students have the opportunity to use their creativity and talents and a design a tee  shirt that promotes conservation.  Not only will their design be sold on BeallsFlorida.com and at all Bealls Stores in March of 2009 but the winning designer will get a grand prize of $1000.  The home school of the winning design will also get $1000 for it's art department. 

One other great prize is that the winner will get to meet with well known marine artist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey.  WOW!  I know there are several Guy Harvey tee- shirts and mugs in my house! What an honor and treat to have the opportunity to meet such a talented and inspiring human!  Hurry don't wait the contest requires entries be postmarked by October 30th!

So what exactly is a Swamp Buggy?

The Swamp Buggy was a vehicle created in Naples Florida in the 1930's and 1940's as a way to get around the wet and marshy areas of the Everglades.  It was used for recreation and hunting.  Around the week before hunting season people would gather to share notes on their buggies and before long friendly competitions were taking place.

In the Beginning.....

According to Wikipedia the official Swamp Buggy Race was held November 12, 1949 with some 50 entrants.  The event gained in popularity and in the 1950's was seen on ABC's Wide World of Sports.  Actor Gary Cooper was even a participant! Photos of The original Swamp Buggies

Racing Ahead

As with any popular event the cash prizes increase as do the modifications on the vehicles and the technology.  Today's Swamp Buggy would be too fast for hunting so they are instead pitted against each other every October, January and March.  The Swamp Buggy Parade kicks off the racing season here in Naples every October. Today's parade was a big success and the rain stayed in North Naples. It was a little humid but most everyone looked like they had a smile on their face!   Races are reportedly sometimes televised on channels like ESPN and the Sunshine Network. 

The Parade

Swamp Buggy Parade 10/25/08

When and Where

Races are held at the Florida Sports Park  off of Rt. 951 aka Collier Blvd. 

10/26 Budweiser Fall Classic  Gates open at 10:30 a.m. Races start at 12:30 p.m  $17 Advanced Tickets or $20 at the Gate for 12 or over.  Tickets are available online at www.swampbuggy.com

Last year Amy Chesser was the first woman driver to stomp all over the competition.  Go Amy!

To add to the fun there is also a crowned Swamp Buggy Queen ;this years being Olivia Culp.

For more information on schools, market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. *  Swamp Buggy Racing 10/25/08

 Naples Pier

This weekend there is so much happening here in town!  Temperatures have cooled a bit and the rain appears to have stopped for this morning. 

Check out  the 59th Annual Swamp Buggy Parade held from 10 -12:30. The Parade is from US 41 at the Coastland Mall - to 3rd Avenue S.

Cambier Park will be host to 2 events the Naples Artcrafters arts & crafts fair from 10 -4 and Outdoor Movie Night at the Bandshell from 8 p.m - 10 p.m.  For the movie call 213- 3058.

For something Spooktacular to do check out the opening of the Naples Jaycees Haunted House at 388 Goodlette Frank Rd. from 6 - 10 p.m 

The Haunted House will be open every night through Halloween from 6 pm - 10 pm. For more information call 269 - 5970. 

For more information on schools, market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. * Naples Swamp Buggy Parade  & More 10/25/08

 John R. Wood Making Strides for Breast Cancer Team

This past Saturday, early in the morning, I joined a gracious group of John R. Wood Realtors and Staff and headed down to the Village on Venetian Bay for the Making Strides 5K Breast Cancer Walk.  Led by Team Captains Lisa Mullins and Heather Wightman our team was decked out in our JRW hats, pink ribbons & shirts, and lots of smiles.

Our original goal for fundraising in these tough times was $1000.  We far exceeded what we thought possible and raised over $3000!  Congratulations to Rose Rothell, from the Bonita office, she raised $1090.00 .

There was a large crowd, lots of activity, speakers, food, survivors, and positive cheer.  If you missed the walk this year I encourage you to grab those Nikes and join us or start your own team next year! For more information visit  http://makingstrides.acsevents.org . 

Another Breast Cancer Fundraising event that is coming up if you want to mark your calendars now is the Susan G. Komen 5k Race for the Cure at Coconut Point March 14, 2009.  The registration is now open at  http://www.komenswfl.org/

For more information on schools, market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. *Naples Making Strides Event Update

Pumpkin Patch at Oakes Farms Store Davis Blvd . t

What you haven't bought a Pumpkin yet? 

Consider ....

Buy local visit Oakes Farms Market on David Blvd ( pictured above) a nice selection, plenty of organic products and local hospitality.

United Methodist Church 6000 Goodlette Rd. N. Naples 9 am - 7 p.m.  ( Pumpkin Patch until Oct 31)

United Methodist Church - East Naples - 2701 Airport Rd. 10 am- 8 p.m ( Pumpkin Patch until Oct 31)

St. Monica's church 7070 Immokalee Rd 10 am - dusk Monday - Saturday  noon - dusk Sundays - Activities,crafts, games etc. ( through Oct 31)

Bow - wow

Saturday 10/25 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Germain BMW 11286 Tamiami Trail N Humane Society pet costume event, prizes, adoptable pets, vendors, admission $10. 

Tween Event

Friday 10/24 Costume Party Veterans Commity Park -1895 Veterans Park Drive  - Open to Middle School Students 6:30 pm - 9 pm $10 admission

Little Guys/Gals Event

Friday 10/24 Max Hasse Community Park 3390 Golden Gate Blvd Halloweeny Pajama craft, and pizza part for ages 4-6 from 6p.m. - 8 :30 p.m. $10 admission

Fall Festivals

Sunday 10/26 2-5 p.m East Naples Methodist Church  2701 Airport Rd.  Games, Crafts, hayride, pumpkin decorating you name it...

Haunted House

Saturday 10/25 7-9 pm. Boy Scout Troop 2001 560 Nursery Ln. More info 777- 8495 Advanced $5 at the door $7 donations.

A Trip to the DENTIST?

Dr. T. Hale of Advanced Dentistry will pay kiddos $1 per pound of Halloween Candy they collected on Monday 11/3 from 4-6 p.m at his office at 9180 Galleria Court.  Only candy still in the wrappers please:-) Hard candy will be shipped to the troops and other candy will be donated to Youth Haven.

I am sure there are more activities so these are just provided as a sample for the Naples area. Please remember safety, supervision, and check all candy prior to eating .  Also here in Florida it is best to carve your pumpkin very close to Halloween so it doesn't rot to quickly.

For more information on schools, market areas, local events and real estate I can be reached here where I am At Home By The Gulf

Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. *Halloween Happenings and Fall Fun, Naples Florida 10/20/08