Have a LUVly Weekend!

Sheesh! This week has both flown by AND been exhausting. I don’t think that’s just me as I’ve heard it from a few others.

Well . . . never fear, it’s TGIF! Yeah, some weeks more than others! Hope everyone has a LUVly weekend!

A few quick things . . . .

I met with a small business owner this morning I’m VERY pumped about working with closely to aid in her Local marketing efforts. She’s checking on some things, but I think just about ready to sign up with LUV My Rate / Nuvo Company to have her credit card processing facilitated by a LOCALly, with all the new benefits which are going to be included in that. Her direct words after our meeting, review of the comparison to what she is paying now was: The savings are BEYOND AMAZING. And she, as yet, hasn’t heard the ideas I have for expanding what she does without changing one thing she does, tailoring a new group of offerings to an enthusiastic customer base with offerings no one else has, or can match. Yep, I’m excited about the possibilities here! Go Local and I’m your new partner in the world’s ultimate incentive program!

ATTENTION, Parkpreneurs! This year’s Denim & Diamonds fundraiser is seeking auction items for the event. The event is scheduled for August 25 this year and benefits the BETA center. BETA Center's mission is to give children and parents the knowledge and support needed for strong and healthy families, with a focus on teen moms and at-risk families. It can be great exposure for a Local business at an upscale charity event. If you are interested, have questions, etc. please contact Julie Matura via e-mail @ [email protected]. Of, if you have something you know you’d like to donate, you can do so at Tuni’s on Park Avenue.

Okay, folks, it’s time to show up to help some of our Locals! This is an EASY way to do it. The Winter Park 12 U Girls team just returned from the South East Regional in Pitt County, NC. Winter Park finished in 5th place. The South East Regional tournament included the best teams from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama and Florida. As you know, we have been qualified to compete at the Babe Ruth 12U World Series, hosted in Alachua, FL. A total of 20 Teams from as far away as Washington State will come to compete in our home state. Our girls will be leaving Winter Park on August 2, 2012 and hopefully return as champs. This is first time in history that a team from Winter Park Babe Ruth, boys and girls, has had an invitation to the World Series. We are 10 days away from the World Series. Our girls are grateful for those who have graciously contributed to our team. We are still welcoming help. Please visit our website at www.indigogo.com/winterpark12U. This weekend they are having a LARGE garage sale fundraiser to help cover expenses! COME OUT AND SHOW THEM SOME SUPPORT on Sunday, 8 to 2!!!!

Two young ladies with a significant Local fan base, Theresa Leigh & Danielle Kristen Smith, have just added two new dates to their "No Subtitles Needed" performance of beautiful English music fusing the best of art song, operatic arias and musical theater, accompanied by Kathy Slage. They previously performed on the Rollins Campus and have just added two new performances in two outlying areas.

As previously reported in this blog and in my column on Rebecca McCamy and her wonderful Sassafras Candy Shoppe, she provided a personal tour of Winter Park to Southern Living for their August issue, now available. The tour includes Thread on Park Avenue and a number of her other Local favorites! Check it out at your Local book or grocery store.

Quick heads up . . . Pet Rescue by Judy always appreciates donations of money, blankets, towels, food and more, but at present has very specific needs, including: liquid laundry detergent, bath/beach towels, dry and canned cat and kitten food, canned ground dog and puppy food, and cat litter (clumping preferred any brand). I have heard that there's an event for Pet Rescue by Judy tomorrow at the Shipyard on Aloma, but have yet to find info about it. If and when I do, it will be posted on my facebook pages.

Today’s Give A Dog A Home pet is Tico! He is sooooooo cute! Tico is an 8 week old Chihuahua boy. He is a tiny baby that is oh so sweet and oh so cute! In typical puppy form, he is playful and mischievous in a good way. He is always figuring out ways to make you laugh with his puppy personality. See more about Tico and other small breed dogs looking for their forever homes on their facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Poodle-and-Pooch-Rescue-of-Florida/327110704755) or website (http://www.poodleandpoochrescue.org/).