TRANSFER YOUR CELLPHONE WITHOUT HIGH FEES BEFORE CONTRACT TERMINATES

Go to www.celltradeusa.com or www.cellswapper.com. You pay about $20 and the person who adopts your phone gets a short contract without an activation fee. Contact your carrier first for approval, and if you want to keep your old number, you’ll have to arrange that as well.

WANT TO PAY OFF YOUR MORTGAGE AND STAY IN YOUR HOME or CONDO?

In response to several questions from couples and individuals about how to stay in your permanent residence AND lower your budget by paying off your mortgage(s) without making additional monthly payouts, you may be eligible for a reverse mortgage even if you still owe money on a first or second mortgage. In fact, many seniors get a reverse mortgage to pay off mortgages. You need to be age 62 or older. There are NO INCOME OR MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY. No change of title, no taxes on proceeds, no repayment for as long as you live and reside in the house, until it is sold. When sold, you or your heirs receive any appreciation up from the value at the time of a reverse mortgage. WITH THE HOUSING MARKET PRICES LOW RIGHT NOW, appreciation is a strong possibility in years to come. If the value of the house declines, you do not have to pay up the difference. In order to qualify for a U.S. Government-insured reverse mortgage, you must receive reverse mortgage counseling from a counseling agency that is approved and certified by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). The counseling is a free safeguard for you and your family, to make sure that you completely understand what a Reverse Mortgage is, and what the process of obtaining a Reverse Mortgage is before you apply for one. Information about reverse mortgages. The Jumbo loans have been discontinued for now. The highest reverse mortgage amount is the lending limit in the county which is $369,700 but soon to be $417,000. Call Marilyn Jacobs, a Lic. Mortgage Broker, for a confidential appointment - 561-988-0070.

FORBES RECOGNIZES PALM BEACH COUNTY IN TOP TEN UP-AND-COMING TECH CITIES

“With Scripps Florida and the Max Planck Society both establishing world-class research facilities here, we are building the foundation for a knowledge-based economy.” Palm Beach County is recognized as a top pick for “Up-and-Coming Tech Cities,” and in scientific growth. Boca Raton is attracting firms, from biopharmaceuticals to stem cell research and storage, due to its solid business environment. Forbes list is called the TOP TEN HOTBEDS OF TOMORROW’S TECHNOLOGY. The survey considered specific pockets of science growth areas with “promising frontiers of innovation.” Forbes.com says that Palm Beach County is “becoming a haven for cutting-edge biotech and life science research.” More than 140 companies in the county are focused on discovery and advancement of drugs and pharmaceuticals, medical devices and equipment, research and testing. With strong collaborations among universities and pro-active assistance programs throughout the county, and philanthropic dollars, the area is thriving. Additional information can be found at www.bdb.org, the official public/private economic development organization for Palm Beach County and Enterprise Florida, a non-profit corporation founded in 1982 to attract and retain new industry, business investment, high quality jobs and workforce development. See Forbes says county number three in US.

NEW IRS RULING FOR VACATION HOME 1031’s

NEW IRS RULING FOR VACATION HOME 1031’s

• 24 month holding period
• for each 12 month period you must have rented vacation home for at least 14 days at fair market rent
• for each 12 month period owner can only use property for the greater of 14 days or 10% of the days rented.
• Days that relatives use the unit will count against you… unless they pay fair market rent
• You are allowed a reasonable number of “maintenance days” to care for the unit (not defined by IRS)

SUGGESTIONS:

· Tighten up record keeping and tax reporting

· Be serious in rental attempts

· Charge family members the going rental rate when they use it

Keep detailed records of dates you used the unit and what you did – and describe maintenance done for “maintenance days”

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL AND MORTGAGE PRE-QUALIFICATION?

Verification and Documentation explain the difference. Pre-Qualification is based on information provided by the buyer whereas Pre-Approval is given after receipt of copies of bank account statements, income proof (pay stubs) and income tax returns; other information may be requested as well. Neither are considered a mortgage commitment, but the more detailed Pre-Approval is preferred by sellers. Pre-Qualification requires the borrowers name, address, phone number, date of birth and social security number with permission to do a credit check. Questions may be asked about annual income and what down payment the borrower can make. A letter is issued with an estimate of the amount of a mortgage for which the borrower can be approved, based on documentation verification, which may be described in the letter. The letter will also include a disclaimer, e.g., “subject to verification of employment (2 years of work history) / assets / credit review / charge card statements / mortgage underwriting guidelines” and the prevailing interest rate, which can be “locked in.” This serves temporarily as confirmation to a seller that a buyer appears to be able to afford to purchase their property. Underwriting criteria may include credit scores, work history, verification of income, qualifying income ratios, verification of where down payment will come from (e.g., brokerage or bank account or gift), cash reserves after closing. There may be information that has a negative impact on mortgage approval, including a borrowed down payment, inconsistent work history, unreported “cash” income, not enough assets for closing costs, and other issues.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING CULTURAL TO DO THIS WEEK?

Renee Fleming… Kathleen Kennedy Townsend… the Russian National Orchestra… Joyce Carol Oates… The 5 Browns, on 5 pianos playing Home Blues from American in Paris… check out the schedule for the Boca Festival of the Arts this week…

ANTIQUE CLOCK EVALUATIONS

Ever wondered about the value of that pretty clock that has been in your shelf for years? Bring your antique clocks to the Cornell Museum, Old School Square, Delray Beach, between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. for an informal evaluation by NAWCC members who are participating in the exhibit, Timekeeping through the Ages. For more information go to www.oldschool.org and see special events.

YOU WALK AWAY... from a mortgage!

The International Herald Tribune’s 2-29-2008 headline “Faced with mortgage default, some U.S. homeowners walk out” will lead you to this site, which results in walking away from a home and mortgage and ceding the home to a bank in foreclosure: http://www.youwalkaway.com/ . The house then becomes the lenders problem, and the former homeowner might be able to rent a property for less than half the cost of their mortgage they left behind. According to the article, while in some states banks have recourse to sue borrowers for their losses, it is usually not done because the process “is costly and “people’s nonhousing wealth tends to be pretty slim”. For a copy of the article, email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com. According to the founder of You Walk Away, which opened for business in January 2008, the company’s services are not for everybody and were meant as a last resort. Those finding themselves having to choose between a car payment and their kids’ health insurance or paying a ballooned mortgage may have an alternative now, and may feel that over the coming years their income will go up and their credit will improve while, in the meantime, they rent instead of owning a home.

INVESTORS: A GREAT TIME TO BUY!

With condo inventory SOARING here in Florida In the last 20 months, you may be able to buy RIGHT NOW at the lowest price you will see in a long time to come -

• $187,000 is median price for a Florida condo (per NAR)
• Median price is down 9% from one year ago
• Number of condos sold down 29% from one year ago
• Florida brings in more than 300,000 new residents per year (2^nd only to Texas)

Investors have started to GRAB GOOD DEALS while they can in this buyer’s market. The bad news for sellers means good news and opportunity for savvy buyers. Builders are making contributions to sweeten deals in the Florida condo market. LET MARILYN SHOW YOU THE BEST DEALS AROUND. To compare recent sales, amenities, restrictions and size of complexes go to http://www.FLWaterfrontCondos.com.

OFFICE HOURS EXTENDED FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, PORTABILITY FILINGS

Gary Nikolits, Palm Beach County Property Appraiser, reminds homeowners that there is less than a month left to file for 2008 homestead exemption and portability benefits and has extended office hours for the next three weeks. Extended hours will be available at the service center on the first floor of the Governmental Center at 301 N. Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach, at 3188 PGA Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens and 501 So. Congress Avenue in Delray Beach, and 200 Civic Center Way in Royal Palm Beach. These offices will be open from 7:30 am to 6 pm weekdays. Filing deadline for exemptions is Monday, March 3^rd. It is suggested to file as early as possible to avoid long lines. You can file online on the Property Appraiser’s website; go to the Exemption E-File link on the home page and follow the prompts. For more information, call 561-355-2866.

HERE is your opportunity for international exposure of your work!

POETRY PROTOCOL, Syndicate is currently accepting poetry for it's International Poetry Quarterly. You also have the opportunity to submit your work for the '10TH ANNUAL MARILYN FARBER JACOBS POETRY AWARD' Contest! Grand prize: ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS!! Second Place: $50; Honorable Mention Certificates Awarded. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Theme: open - any style or genre of poetry; 20 lines or less; typed or printed, double spaced; deadline is March 18, 2008; entry fee: $5 for unlimited poem entries. Please make check out to: North Tulsa Literary Guild, Inc. and mail to North Tulsa Literary Guild, P.O. Box 6221, Tulsa, OK 74148-0221. ANYONE CAN ENTER!

GREAT DECISIONS GIVEN IN BOYNTON

America’s longest-standing global affairs education program, Great Decisions, is held at 2 pm on Thursdays at the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum, 129 East Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach. Discuss world events after reading the weekly excerpt from the Briefing Book which places the thematic or geographic issue in historical context and provides background, current policies and alternative policy options. 2008 Great Books will be available for sale at the Boynton Beach City Library’s reference for $16. One copy is reserved at the reference desk for in-library use only. For more information call Karen Abramason, 561-742-6390 or email abramsonk@ci.boynton-beach.fl.us.

LINK TO LOWEST LOCAL GAS PRICES

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/custom/consumer/sfl-gasprices-htmlpage,0,826131.htmlpage

A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM YOUR BLOG MANAGER

“Buyers are coming out of the woodwork,” is what I’m hearing from other real estate agents, and that is indeed true for me as well. I’m working with many buyers on purchasing primary and second homes. Closings are resulting. Some are from the US, and others from countries including Canada, England, and Singapore. I predicted in the past, and reiterate now: “the best buys will be made between now and the early summer… after that the pickings will be left on the market.” Sale prices are on the low side right now, interest rates are low and may go farther down, and there is huge inventory to pick from – A BUYER’S MARKET. Will keep the readership updated in the coming months… Marilyn Farber Jacobs, Realtor, ePRO – Lang Realty & Lic. Mortgage Broker – Iberia Mortgage Corp., Lic. Correspondent Lender

WHAT THE POLITICIANS ARE WORKING ON…. Maybe

… I did predict there would be big changes what with a national election looming up…

• A one-time $100-BB tax rebate and tax incentives for employers to hire more workers
• Temporary cut in corporate income taxes
• Emergency assistance for owners who need extra money to help with high heating bills this winter
• Proposals to expand loan modifications and payment relief for borrowers heading for serious delinquency or foreclosure
• Widening “rate freeze” mortgage relief programs beyond just sub-prime borrowers to ALL borrowers, including those with prime credit, who find themselves in trouble on their mortgages
• $MM’s for new assistance for local nonprofit counseling groups who reach out and guide mortgage borrowers in danger of losing their homes
• Federal Tax Code amendment allowing state & local housing agencies to issue tax-exempt bonds to refinance loans of troubled homeowners (not just assisting new home purchasers) at low, fixed rates
• Moratorium on foreclosures nationwide and legislative amendment allowing bankruptcy court judges to unilaterally reduce homeowners’ mortgage debts to lenders… BUT there is non-acceptance for these two issues from bankers and the mortgage industry

A WAY TO GET THROUGH AIRPORT SECURITY FAST

“Clear” is the fast pass for airport security. Clear members are pre-screened and provided with a high-tech card that allows them to access designated airport security fast lanes nationwide. Clear members pass through airport security faster, with more predictability and less hassle. Clear's first year price is $99.95. You can lock-in this rate by purchasing a two-year membership for $199.90 or three years for $299.85. For more information, go to http://www.flyclear.com/about/

A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS GIFT IN HONOR OF YOUR FRIEND OR RELATIVE

Luv-A-Pet is one of the organizations that lost county funding this year, and they need help from the public. There is a very touching story in the current Town-Crier Online (http://www.thecrier.co) of a Chichuahua who needs surgery that they are helping. On Saturdays and Sundays, Debbie Shields, a member of the pet rescue organization, brings Gemma to the Royal Palm Beach PetSmart. Take the kids there and give Gemma some loving attention. And, leave a donation in honor of the kids, your Mom, your spouse, your own pooch or kitty. That is in keeping with the “giving” part of the Christmas holiday. Make it a better year for another creature who is in distress.

BIG TIME REAL ESTATE SALES

The Denver Post reports that billionaire hedge fund manager Louis Moore Bacon has purchased Steve Forbes’ 171,000 acre Trinchera Ranch in Colorado for $175,000,000, a new record for housing purchases. AP reports that Forbes ($500 MM net worth)sold the property to 51-year old Bacon ($1.7 BB net worth) because he has a solid conservation record and could be trusted to preserve the ranch. The Aspen Daily News article says the property is the largest privately owned ranch in Colorado and was part of the Sangre de Cristo Spanish land grant made in 1843. Malcolm S. Forbes purchased the property for roughly $20 an acre in 1969 and bought more land contiguous to the property in 1982. A spokesman for Mr. Bacon says he doesn’t have plans for the property “beyond spending part of every year there with his family and friends, enjoying its spectacular vistas, hunting, hiking and the like.” Former highest purchase was made by Ron Baron for his Hamptons’ tear-down. Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan took his $135,000,000 90-acre Hala Ranch off the market after receiving no acceptable bids. There is a helicopter pad at Trinchera, and here is the description from the listing: Colorado's largest ranch. Miles of trout-filled streams and herds of elk, deer and big-horn sheep share the 250 square miles of this private paradise in the Rockies. Acquired by Malcolm Forbes in 1969, it is a place where he would come to savor the tranquil, wide open spaces, to think, reflect and entertain. His children have expanded on this tradition and now make the ranch available for select groups. Headquarters, including the main lodge and state-of-the-art conference facilities are situated in the Trinchera Valley. The lodge itself is a virtual art museum with diverse collections of ships models, toy motorcycles, western paintings and bronzes acquired by Malcolm and his sons. The Forbes Trinchera Ranch offers corporate and business groups beauty, privacy, and luxury. It is a place to think, create, re-charge, and have fun.

ISRAELI SECURITIES APPROVED AS COUNTY INVESTMENT

The County Commissioners amended the county investment policy so that up to 1% of it’s $1.7BB portfolio can be invested in State of Israel securities, or a maximum of $17MM. Included can be bonds, notes or instruments backed by the full faith and credit of the State of Israel, if rated “A” or higher by Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s ratings services. They must also have a maturity of 2 years or less. The Development Corporation for Israel may act as an authorized broker/dealer for securities backed by the State of Israel only. Backed strongly by Commissioner Burt Aronson, whose Commission District 5 is heavily populated by Jewish families, he pointed out that “Israel has not defaulted on a bond in its 50-year history as a nation." The state of Florida holds at least $230MM in securities issued by the State of Israel and has been an investor for a long time. Governor Charlie Crist and Senator Ted Deutch signed legislation earlier this year called, “Protecting Florida’s Investments Act,” so as not to link public investments with “rogue” nations.

AGREEMENT NEAR TO FREEZE MORTGAGE RATES FOR SOME

A new program aimed at homeowners who have steady incomes and relatively clean repayment histories, who can afford the lower introductory mortgage rates they have now, but cannot afford the higher adjusted rates, may freeze their current rates temporarily. While some government regulators are calling for a 5-7 year freeze, investors want 1-2 year freezes. Two million sub prime mortgage holders, offered to borrowers with spotty credit histories, are scheduled to reset to much higher levels by the end of 2008, pushing payments up by $350/month and more. When enacted, this may start to relieve the worst housing slump in many years. Also being discussed is a program to create more affordable loans to homeowners who would like to refinance mortgages with lower payments. Expansion of FHA loan availability and boosting government oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are being discussed as well. One trigger for these moves is fear of a full-blown recession if nothing is done to alleviate the current problems for many homeowners. This news is from the Florida Association of Realtors.

1920's Mizneresque Property for Sale in Lantana

Pecky cypress ceilings… hardwood floors… beams… archways… fireplaces… iron grillework… are typical features found in 1920’s Spanish mansions, including a 1920’s early Mizneresque mission-Mediterranean home, ”Captain’s House,” on a dead end with 75’ of picturesque intracoastal waterway frontage in Lantana. The property is for sale for $2.45-MM. The main house and guest apartment, including five bedrooms, 5 baths and 2 kitchens, can be purchased separately for $1,999-MM and the adjoining properties for $455,000. The 2-story vaulted Great Room features the pecky-cypress ceilings, newly refinished red-oak floors and massive fireplace. The room is flanked on two sides by twin enclosed loggias with arched windows and has French Doors and the original 8” sq tile floors, similar to those manufactured by Addison Mizner, famous society architect. The dining loggia was the original entry; the other loggia, formerly a screened porch, has been closed in and is setup as a music room. “Eyebrow” windows are featured. The main door was milled and shipped in the 1920’s. The kitchen has reconditioned vintage appliances. The fireplace has applied masonry that looks like stone. Original antique sconces and massive metalwork chandeliers, as well as a buggy under the staircase are included. Kitchen cabinets are made of hardwood, but facings are built of cypress beadboard from old storm shutters from a 1926 house across the street. Shower rods are brass, curtain hooks are stainless steel, faucets are high-end reproductions. It includes a separate 1930’s-era duplex with two 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartments, and 1-bedroom, 1-bath 1940’s era cottage with Spanish tile floors and leaded-glass windows and runs along Lake Worth Avenue to South Lake Drive. These units include Dade County pine, Spanish tile and a shared fireplace. Enter the main residence through a walled courtyard. A big cement pond was dug up, landscaped and made into a koi pond with a brass Cupid fountain. Careful restoration has been done to a scrolled metal gate and metalwork on the grounds. Marilyn will be happy to show you this beautifully restored 1920’s Spanish property.

LEARN ABOUT IRAN's THREAT

Mark your calendar page for Sunday, December 2nd, from 12:30 – 5 pm to head for the Marriott Hotel City Place, 1001 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach and learn all about Iran’s threat. An interesting variety of speakers will be featured, including Jim Woolsey, former Director of the CIA and Co-Chair of the US Committee on Present Danger and Congressman Ron Klein (D-Florida), Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Middle East, U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. We will learn about Iran from an insider, Amir Abbas Fakhravar, Iranian Student Leader and former Prisoner of the Iranian regime. We will get other views from Philippe Vinogradoff, Consul General of France in Florida, and Victor Comras, former United Nations Security Council monitor of Anti-Terrorist Sanctions and a leading expert on international law and terrorism financing. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. Sponsors are the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County in conjunction with the World Affairs Council of the Florida Palm Beaches and other local organizations. Please make out checks for $18 (not tax deductible) to Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and mail to 4601 Community Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33417, Attn: JCRC. You can register online at JewishPalmBeach.org, or RSVP to Mary Greco at 561-242-6671 or email jcrc@jewishpalmbeach.org. Co-sponsors include Anti-Defamation League, B’nai B’rith International, Christ Fellowship, Covenant Centre International, Florida Security Council, National Council of Jewish Women and Palm Beach County Board of Rabbis. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to become more aware of Iran’s threat.

ROSES WORKSHOP BEING GIVEN AT MOUNTS

A 2-part workshop designed to take the mystery out of growing roses in South Florida will be held from 9 am to 1 pm on November 10th and 17th at the Mounts Botanical Garden, 559 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. Dubbed "How to Make Everything Come Up Roses", courses will teach about types of roses, selecting proper site, planting, staking, irrigating, fertilizing, spraying and pruning roses. Mounts members pay $45; nonmembers pay $55. Included is the book, Growing Rose in South Florida. Call 233-1757 to register and visit www.Mounts.org.

ROTARIES PLAN ZOO EVENT

Various Palm Beach County, Palm Beach and West Palm Beach Rotaries, along with other Rotary groups, plan a season kickoff November 8^th at 7 pm, “Adventure at the Palm Beach Zoo. Music, dancing and entertainment, a barbecue and beverages are offered for the $45 per person admission price. Reserve by this Thursday and please wear safari and jungle prints. For more information, call 561-653-3973.

WEST DELRAY REGIONAL PARK NOW OPEN

Located off Atlantic Avenue west of US Highway 441, a new 313-acre passive park has opened, featuring lake frontage, non-motorized canoe/kayak launching area, freshwater fishing, hiking/nature trail, mountain bike area, single table picnic areas with grills, modular toilets and parking. By permit only are archery, primitive camping area, remote control airplane field and boat lake. The Delray Alliance of Residential Associations, the West Boca Community Council and the Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations were instrumental in making the new park, formerly known as Palm Beach Downs, a reality. For general park information call 561-966-6600.

YOUR RENTAL CAR MAY PAY TURNPIKE & BRIDGE TOLLS WITHOUT USING SUNPASS


Customers of Avis, Budget and Hertz will pay daily fees of $2-$2.50 using “Plate-Pass” with charges billed to credit card of renter. “Rent-A-Tollpass” can be used with Dollar and Thrifty for a flat daily fee of $5.95 per rental day or $27.95 weekly with all toll charges included. These agreements are between Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise and American Traffic Solutions and Rent A Toll, Ltd. License plate information will identify the vehicles and electronically collect the toll. In it’s current newsletter, SunPass states that open road tolling will soon be available in 4 turnpike plazas – Lantana, Cypress Creek, Bird Road and Homestead Toll Plaza with plans to add this feature to other turnpike plaza areas. This will entail removal of the concrete islands (barriers, gates and columns) and adding new toll equipment structures and equipment so that cards with SunPass transducers can keep traveling at speeds of 55 mph instead of the current designated speed limit of 25 mph. Go to http://www.sunpass.com/ to update your license plate, check account balance, replenish your account, update your contact info and answer survey questions. Did you know that Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise invested $7.5-MM for generators for all service plazas giving full power for 72 hours without refueling, for use during hurricanes, and has external defibrilators available? Construction updates and real-time traffic info is available at http://www.floridasturnpike.com/. Another site for traffic info is http://www.traffic.com/.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE…

Alas, all the sand-renourished beach areas in the county have been returned to the ocean by abnormal winds and tides, leaving behind long buried groins, rocks, tree stumps and revetments. Stairs, lifeguard stands and building foundations have also been removed. Nearby parking areas and parks have been flooded. Millions of tons of sand are gone, ensuring death to the off-shore environment. The sand smothers fragile coral reefs and all life that inhabits them, limiting food sources for sports and food fish, interfering with “catches” for the fishermen. According to the NEW YORK TIMES (10-2-07) the world’s polar areas are experiencing and ice melt so vast that predictions are that by 2013 a blue Arctic Ocean will exist. Would you say this is an exercise in futility, and that Mother Nature wins?

NAR: A GOOD DAY FOR HOUSING… September 18, 2007

Along with “the FED” cutting the discount rate by half a percentage point, the House of Representatives passed the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007, HR 1852, offering homeowners a safer alternative to risky mortgage products, helping homeowners who may be facing foreclosure, increasing loan limits and eliminating the statutory 3% minimum cash down payment. Mortgage modifications will allow borrowers to change mortgage terms so they can afford to stay in their home. “Partial Claim” programs will cure a loan default with the FHA lending the borrower money with a no-interest loan due when the property is sold or paid off. The National Association of Realtors (NAR), America’s largest trade association, represents 1.3MM+ members involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate and is known as “The Voice for Real Estate.”

KRAVIS UPDATE

November 7: Queen Latifah... December 13: Anita Baker... January 30: Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. Kravis Members can buy tickets prior to this Saturdays Public Ticket Sale to be held in the center's Rinker Playhouse, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach. There will be refreshments available. To become a Kravis Center member, call 561-651-4320. You can choose your seats at www.kravis.org or call 561-832-7469 or 800-572-8471.

BEACH CLEANUP SATURDAY SEPT 15TH

Come to Gulfstream Park, 4489 No. Ocean Blvd, Gulfstream, 8-10:30 am and help cleanup, get free t-shirts, drinks and cookies and be awarded community service hours. Pre-reister with Gary Solomon, TheRecipeExchange@Comcast.net, 561-734-9128. www.Sandsifters.org. Gulfstream Park is a small beach park nestled on a hill behind a mass of Sea Grape bushes and shaded by Australian Pines. There are open picnic benches, a few BBQ grills, a children’s play area, showers and restrooms as well as areas to sit overlooking the ocean. The beach is wide and clean and there is usually a lifeguard on duty. Walk the vegetation-covered boardwalk to the beach. There are 86-parking spaces (free). Activities include fishing, swimming and sunbathing – a great place to take the kids to!

COASTAL CLEANUP PROJECT IN DELRAY BEACH

Wanting to preserve environmental resources, the city of Delray Beach joins the Sandoway House Nature Center located at 142 South Ocean Boulevard in celebrating Florida Coastal Cleanup Saturday starting at 9 am at the nature center on September 15^th. Local residents are asked to participate. The annual event is the largest and most successful volunteer effort of this type of project. Thousands of worldwide volunteers from more than 90 countries have, since 1986, cleared more than 100-MM lbs. of trash from 170,000 miles of shorelines, rivers, lakes and wetlands. They are given free commemorative t-shirts, water and snacks for as long as the supplies last and earn community service hours. Pre-registration can be made by calling 561-274-7263, Registration forms can be found in the lobby of Delray Beach City Hall, 100 NW 1^st Avenue, and should be completed and returned to Jennifer Buce, litter prevention coordinator.

HIGH HOLY DAYS TEMPLE ATTENDANCE INCREASED BY YOUNG FAMILIES

Rabbi Sholom Ciment at Chabad-Lubavitch of Great Boynton Beach, which has 500 member families, said they this year the Temple has had a 35% growth of totally unaffiliated families. A preschool was recently opened at the Chabad, and more adjacent land was purchased, doubling the size of its campus. About 1000 people are expected for services. They offer free synagogue membership, including seats for the High Holy Days, to new families who register for the pre-school or Hebrew School. Rabbi Stephen Pinksy of Reform Temple Beth Torah of Wellington said that nonmembers attend their services, but most who come are members. He said that some congregations (but not theirs) believe they will make up their deficits each year through the sale of holiday tickets. In the past 12 years, the Temple has grown from 200 to 500 families of which 60% are younger families and 25% older families. Rabbi Anthony Fratello of Reform Temple Shaarei Shalom, west of Boynto Beach, says their High Holy Day Services are a sell-out each year, including a mix between young and old and some folks who have not yet found a congregational home. Rabbi Menachem M. Muskal of Orthodox Chabad-Lubavitch of Wellington, also called the Wellington Jewish Center, says they won’t turn anyone away for lack of funds, and their young population is growing.

FL MASTER NATURALIST COURSE OFFERED Sept 8 through Oct 16

The Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service will provide programs of interest to those with “green thumbs,” who love the great outdoors. Freshwater Wetlands is the first in the series, to promote awareness, understanding an respect of Florida’s natural world among Florida’s citizens. Topics will include concepts of echo-system processes, identification of key plants and wildlife, and how humans can help shape Florida’s environment. There will be both classroom learning and field trips. Cost is $225 per course and will include detailed course manuals with certificate, path and pin upon completion. Participation is limited to 20. The 2nd module, the Uplands Module, begins in October, and the 3rd will be at the Gumbo Limbo Center in Boca Raton on A1A. You can register at http://www.MasterNaturalist.org or call Alyssa Dodd at 561-233-1725 or email Adodd@co.palm-beach.fl.us.

WANT A HOUSE IN A WALKABLE, HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT?

Buying a house in a walkable neighborhood is good for your health and good for the environment. Homebuyers, renters, and real estate agents can find houses and apartments in great neighborhoods. Walk Score shows you a map of what's nearby and calculates a Walk Score for any property.

OCEAN LAND INVESTMENTS ENDS DEAL TO BUY BRINY BREEZES RESIDENCES

The defining issue was “density.” Ocean Land’s plan would have had a living unit density approaching 60 units per acre, which was deemed unacceptable. Then a meeting was planned for Ocean Land to meet with interested parties from the wealthy nearby communities of Ocean Ridge and Gulfstream, but it could not be done prior to the date when a large portion of Ocean Ridge’s deposit would be non-refundable. The amount would increase from $500,000 to $5-MM. Ocean Land requested more time from the Briny Board (45 days more) to talk with neighbors, and they said “no,” so Ocean Land “pulled out.”

CITYPLACE EVENTS in WEST PALM BEACH

On August 9th, CityPlace fine restaurants are featuring CityPlaceUncorked at the Harriet Himmel Theater. Over 150 fine wines from all over the world to taste… VIP Receipton 6:30-7:30. General Admission 7:30 – 10 pm. Call 1-866-449-2489 to purchase tickets. Tickets are $100 (reserved for exclusive tastings) and General Admission is $60 in advance, $75 on day of event. Participating restaurants in clued Blue Martini, Il Bellagio, Legal Seafoods, Saito’s Japanese Steakhouse, Starbucks, City Cellar, Brewzzi, Columbia, Continental Catering, Jinja, Mark’s and Taverna OPA.

WHERE NOT TO BE WHEN LIGHTENING STRIKES

According to the Palm Beach Post, the advice is to stay inside when lightening strikes. A National Weather Service meteorologist said that during the summer it’s almost a daily occurrence. Thunder is the first warning, and lightening can repeatedly strike in the same place. If you are out on the golf course, the advice is to use “the lightening crouch,” by putting your feet together, squatting low, tucking in your head and covering your ears, if possible in a low spot like a ditch, and not near trees. Tall objects can result in a deadly charge traveling more than 100’ along the ground. If you are in a car, be sure not to touch metal. Metal roofs and sides will protect you; fiberglass or plastic shells offer no protection from lightening. If it’s possible to get to a building with four walls and a roof, you will be safe, but not in open garages or carports. Inside, don’t pick up corded phones, electrical appliances or wires. You can safely give aid to a lightening victim.

STATE OF ISRAEL BOND INVESTMENT ENDORSED BY COUNTY COMMISSIONER BURT AARONSON.

Commissioner Aaronson leads the Commission’s investment policy committee, and wants to incrase the county’s investment income by having Palm Beach County join the State of Florida in State of Israel bond investments. He mentioned that the bonds have an A ra ting and that Israel has not defaulted on a bond in its 50-year history as a nation. The count’s Israel investment represents less than 1% of it’s approximately $2.3-BB portfolio. Boca Raton’s Senator Ted Deutch sponsored legislation that recently was signed by Governor Charlie Crist, “Protecting Florida’s Investments Act,” making Florida the first state to divest its pension fund and other public investments from firms that refuse to stop doing business with, or otherwise support Iran and Sudan.

FAR “PUTS MONEY WHERE ITS MOUTH IS” RE PROPERTY TAX REFORM BALLOT

The Florida Association of Realtors, the largest trade group in the state, with 150,000 members, has pledged up to $1-MM to support passage of the Save Our Homes Amendment to allow homeowners to continue the 1992 Amendment for a 3% tax cap or to choose a new “super-homestead” exemption, taking up to $195,000 off their home’s taxable value. Passage of this amendment will provide meaningful tax relief for thousands of families including 1^st time homebuyers, and will equalize neighbor’s property taxes, says the FAR President Nancy Riley. She stated that then nurses, police officers, teachers and emergency first responders can afford to live in the communities they serve.

SIGNALS COMING TO VALENCIA LAKES AND AVALON ESTATES

VALENCIA LAKES and AVALON ESTATES Homeowners Association each have a $16,000 reimbursement agreement to pay for costs incurred removing brick pavers and re-asphalting so that the county can install signal detection loops in the egress lanes for a signal installation.

BOCA MUSEUM PLANS EXHIBIT OF DEGAS SCULPTURES

While a Jacksonville art gallery owner claims the 74 sculptures are “fakes,” made after Degas’ death in 1917, the Museum’s Board of Trustees discounts the art gallery owner’s opinion, noting the goal might be “to get his name in the newspaper.” Museums currently displaying all or portions of the Degas bronzes include the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Getty Museum in Los Angeles and the Chicago Institute of Art in Chicago. The National Endowment for the Humanities has underwritten some of the insurance expenses for the upcoming show. The museum’s website says that the exhibit, DEGAS IN BRONZE, “offers an extremely rate opportunity to view 74 sculptures, posthumously cast in bronze from Degas’ original composite and wax models.”

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION…

With reports just in that New York City and Salt Lake City are avoiding “the [real estate] bust,” can Palm Beach County be far behind? Some investors tell me they are “sitting on the sidelines” waiting for prices to keep dropping… other investors want to “sell and get out now,” but in many cases sellers are “standing pat.” Expired listings number near or over 500 properties each day. Some sellers cancel listings after getting low low bids. Remember that June and July are usually “slow months” with so many residents and part-timers out of town. August has been an outstanding month for sales in past years as folks come down to purchase residences for this coming winter… perhaps that will happen in 2007 as well. As a Realtor, I can tell you that every day in this career is exciting… new faces… new properties… no two ever alike. Like the stock market, real estate is cyclical… and what goes down will go up… just a matter of time. Stay cool. Hang in there.

Marilyn Farber Jacobs, Realtor, ePRO

GREEN IS THE BUZZWORD TODAY

An Environmentally Certified “Green” $25-MM mansion is being built in Manalapan.

Frank McKinney has been building one-of-a-kind mansions in the area for the last 20 years, and is now creating an oceanfront estate that is approved by the standards of the US Green Building Council and the Florida Green Building Council. The entire project will be the subject of a documentary series. Groundbreaking is being filmed as part of this program. A scale model has been made.

The 15,000 sq ft 3-story mansion will be rooted in nature, and will feature

• thatched roofs
• water gardens
• floating sun terraces
• a waterfall spa with fire feature
• interior acrylic main floor with moving water below
• a 24’ sheer water wall with fog/smoke screen on which moving images are projected
• suspended double-helix main glass staircase
• hand-blown chandelier that mixes electricity with water
• arched aquarium wet bar to be able to walk below and view the fish above
• guesthouse made of palm and bamboo that is partially submerged in a lagoon.

“Green” features will include

• solar panels that could cover a regulation-size basketball court to generate enough energy for two average-size homes
• water system that collects enough “gray” runoff water to fill the average swimming pool every 2 weeks
• reclaimied wood amounting to saving 7 ½ acres of Brazilian rain forest
• renewable woods that regenerate every 3 years vs. every 50 years for other hardwoods
• pools, reflecting ponds, water gardens, misters and more to drop the site temperature 3-5 degrees over neighboring properties
• recycling 340,000 lbs of debris during construction
• air-conditioning and air purification systems four times better than an operating room in the Mayo Clinic.

MacKinney has written two best-selling books, and raises millions of dollars for his Caring House Project Foundation to build housing for the poor in the United States, Haiti, South America, and the Caribbean.

Governor Charlie Crist plans to reenergize the state with a mixture of solar, wind and nuclear fuel. He is expected to emphasize using renewable fuels and include mandates for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Friday afternoon, after two days of workshops and speeches at the Florida Climate Change Summit, Crist will sign executive orders and put his plan into law. Crist has signed California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Theodore Roosevelt IV to the bill along with various Hollywood personalities and scientists, renewable-energy advocates and environmentalists who will talk about how Florida can become more energy-efficient and use alternative fuels.

California Governor Schwarzenegger has committing his state to reducing its carbon emissions by 25% by 2020, calling for 1 million solar roofs by 2018, tightening car-emission standards and creating a multi-state global warming group and it is speculated that this will happen also in Florida.

Florida Power & Light Co., the state's largest utility, maintains that using renewable fuels and more stringent energy-conservation steps won't be able to support all of Florida's future growth.

According to an FPL spokesman, "What you have heard from the environmental movement is that we can get there through renewables or we can get there through offsetting the energy that we are demanding today. And what we're saying is that (it) will not get you there. You will still need to build power plants." Crist has praised FPL for exploring a wind power project in St. Lucie County and is ecstatic about utility regulators denying the utility's plan to build a "clean coal" power plant in Glades County.

GREEN IS THE BUZZWORD TODAY

An Environmentally Certified “Green” $25-MM mansion is being built in Manalapan.

Frank McKinney has been building one-of-a-kind mansions in the area for the last 20 years, and is now creating an oceanfront estate that is approved by the standards of the US Green Building Council and the Florida Green Building Council. The entire project will be the subject of a documentary series. Groundbreaking is being filmed as part of this program. A scale model has been made.

The 15,000 sq ft 3-story mansion will be rooted in nature, and will feature

• thatched roofs
• water gardens
• floating sun terraces
• a waterfall spa with fire feature
• interior acrylic main floor with moving water below
• a 24’ sheer water wall with fog/smoke screen on which moving images are projected
• suspended double-helix main glass staircase
• hand-blown chandelier that mixes electricity with water
• arched aquarium wet bar to be able to walk below and view the fish above
• guesthouse made of palm and bamboo that is partially submerged in a lagoon.

“Green” features will include

• solar panels that could cover a regulation-size basketball court to generate enough energy for two average-size homes
• water system that collects enough “gray” runoff water to fill the average swimming pool every 2 weeks
• reclaimied wood amounting to saving 7 ½ acres of Brazilian rain forest
• renewable woods that regenerate every 3 years vs. every 50 years for other hardwoods
• pools, reflecting ponds, water gardens, misters and more to drop the site temperature 3-5 degrees over neighboring properties
• recycling 340,000 lbs of debris during construction
• air-conditioning and air purification systems four times better than an operating room in the Mayo Clinic.

MacKinney has written two best-selling books, and raises millions of dollars for his Caring House Project Foundation to build housing for the poor in the United States, Haiti, South America, and the Caribbean.

Governor Charlie Crist plans to reenergize the state with a mixture of solar, wind and nuclear fuel. He is expected to emphasize using renewable fuels and include mandates for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Friday afternoon, after two days of workshops and speeches at the Florida Climate Change Summit, Crist will sign executive orders and put his plan into law. Crist has signed California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Theodore Roosevelt IV to the bill along with various Hollywood personalities and scientists, renewable-energy advocates and environmentalists who will talk about how Florida can become more energy-efficient and use alternative fuels.

California Governor Schwarzenegger has committing his state to reducing its carbon emissions by 25% by 2020, calling for 1 million solar roofs by 2018, tightening car-emission standards and creating a multi-state global warming group and it is speculated that this will happen also in Florida.

Florida Power & Light Co., the state's largest utility, maintains that using renewable fuels and more stringent energy-conservation steps won't be able to support all of Florida's future growth.

According to an FPL spokesman, "What you have heard from the environmental movement is that we can get there through renewables or we can get there through offsetting the energy that we are demanding today. And what we're saying is that (it) will not get you there. You will still need to build power plants." Crist has praised FPL for exploring a wind power project in St. Lucie County and is ecstatic about utility regulators denying the utility's plan to build a "clean coal" power plant in Glades County.