Sometimes we need to take a breath and realize how truly blessed we are to live in this country. Recently I was complaining about something rather insignificant…..a little embarrassed about this…having to park too far from the entrance to the store I needed to visit. Megan, my daughter, looked at me and said, “That’s such a first-world problem!” That one simple statement really hit me hard and has stuck with me ever since.
We live in a country where clean water, availability (and variety) of food, shelter, medical attention, police and fire protection, etc., etc. are assumed and taken for granted. No other country in history has offered so much to its citizens. And yet, much of the time we complain about what we don’t have instead of being thankful for what we do have.
I admit I am guilty of that, but I think I’m getting better. I plan to remind myself over this Fourth of July—Independence Day—weekend that these freedoms and benefits we have in the USA are gifts that should be cherished and protected. I’d like the next generation of Americans to enjoy these same freedoms!
Happy 4th of July –
Jim McMurry
CEO
jmcmurry@fcapgroup.com
Recommended Reading for the Holiday Weekend
If you are like most of us here in the FCAP offices, you are planning for a long, 3-day weekend and hopefully some of that time will be spent on the beach or by the pool. Should you find yourself with an iPad or iPhone in hand and a few minutes of down time, take a look at the list of recommended reading from the current issue of Florida Community Association Journal. All articles are accessible and readable straight from www.FCAPgroup.com. Follow the FLCAJ tab to the FLCAJ Articles link. A sneak peek of the July issue is available by clicking here.
Here are my top picks from this month’s issue:
“Identifying Unwanted Wildlife in the Landscape” by Lynn Barber (This happens to be my #1 pick since I am trying my hand at growing tomatoes for the first time in years and losing out to the critters who also find them tasty.)
“Building and Protecting a Brand for Your Community Association” by Donna DiMaggio Berger, Esq.
“2014 Communities of the Year: VeronaWalk of Naples and Ocean Village Club in St. Augustine” by Kathy Danforth
“Lien Stripping” by Jeffrey S. Berlowitz
Lisa Whitson
Director of FCAP Operations
lwhitson@fcapgroup.com
