FROM FORBES, “10 THINGS TO BUY BEFORE THE ECONOMY IMPROVES”

Sadly, someday this recession is going to end. After 17 months of steep decline, both the president’s Council of Economic Advisors and the Federal Reserve now believe the conomy will begin to recover sometime in 2009. Great news, to be sure. But it’s also a warning to consumers: The deals you’re seeing on everything from houses and cars to televisions and furniture won’t last forever. Luckily for a host of goods and services, the sale of the century (literally) is still on. The reason is simple: no buyers. Personal savings in 2008 were nearly six times greater than in 2005… For those feeling bold enough to bargain shop, opportunities abound. Some deals, like housing and automobiles, might be obvious, but others, like diamonds, might not be. BIG TICKET ITEMS: At the top of the list: housing. This may be the best time in a generation to buy a home. According to the S&P/Case-Shiller US National Home Price Index, fourth-quarter 2008 prices were down 25% from the fourth quarter of 2006. The stimulus bill Congress passed in February includes an $8000 credit for first-time home buyers. According to bankrate.com, average interest rates are beginning to dip below 5% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

VISIT YESTERYEAR VILLAGE ON THE SOUTH FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS

Within 10 acres on the north side of Southern Boulevard, west of the Florida Turnpike Exit in West Palm Beach, you will find buildings and artifacts from the 1850’s to the 1950’s including an old school, farm, blacksmith ship, general store and houses. Visit a replica of the 1858 Haile Plantation House, a Classic Cracker House which houses many artifacts. Many belong to Bink Glisson, a pioneer, historian, benefactor, artist, educator, humanitarian and environmentalist who was instrumental in the development of Wellington, Florida. Also featured is the only big band museum in the United States. The museum commemorates the famous Big Bands, Vocalists, Composers and their All-American Popular Music starting in 1912. Collections include period furnishings. Volunteers are dressed in period costumes, perform re-enactments, provide historical information, organize artifacts and assist in preservation of the buildings. Reserve at 561-790-5232 for a tour, which takes 2-2 ½ hours and begin around 10 am. Bring a picnic lunch and purchase candy, gift and drinks at The General Store. Adults, $5, children $3, seniors.

THE GOOD, BAD AND BETTER NEWS ON HOUSING AND MORTGAGES

Neighborhood Stabilization Programs are reaching heavily into foreclosed areas. $4BB of federal monies authorized by Congress in 2008 and another $2BB dollars in the 2009 economic stimulus package are being distributed to dozens of cities, towns and counties in the United States. These are aimed at purchasing blocks of distressed properties to create “land banks” for future redevelopers. Private investors can work jointly with nonprofits to assemble and prepare real estate for government purchase. Sidelined by the recession, now local builders and developers may be able to help reconstruct damaged houses and manage them until they are ready for resale. Contact local housing and community development agencies that are making Neighborhood Stabilization proposals to the federal government. If local officials have not yet prepared proposals for HUD, you may be able to talk to them and get the process started. Tamarac in Broward County, the closest area to Palm Beach County receiving initially distributed funds for this plan, will get almost $5MM. For Further information. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that 2 weeks ago US mortgage applications soared 32% as record low interest rates spurred home refi loans, accounting for 78.5% of all applications. Zillow.com reports that in 2008 the housing market lost an estimated $3.3 trillion in value. Credit Suisse Group AG estimates that a total of 16% of all US households (8.1MM homes) with mortgages could fall into foreclosure by 2012. The Mortgage Bankers Association estimates that at the end of 2008, a little more than 9% of all US home loans were either in arrears or foreclosure. The $75BB incentive plan for lenders applies when they lower interest rates so that a borrowers monthly mortgage payment is no more than 38% of his or her pre-tax income. Then the government program would match the amount reduced by the lender to bring payments down to 31% of their pre-tax income, or to lower the principal owed on the mortgage, according to Market Watch. Part of the initiative provides for servicers to receive $1000 for each loan modification, and government funding for each month the borrower stays current on the loan. Homeowners can also receive $1000 annually for 5 years as long as they stay current on loan payments – this comes from the Trouble Asset Relief Program (TARP) and from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A plan allowing judges to rewrite mortgage terms for homeowners in bankruptcy court is under consideration so that rather than force people into foreclosure they can make at least some of the payments. There is a fear, however, that this “cram down” law, if passed, would stop investors from buying mortgage-backed securities, fearing judges could unilaterally change the terms of the deal the securities were created around, according to MSNBC, thereby destabilizing the marketplace.

SHORT SALES & FORECLOSURES IN EMPTY BUILDINGS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

e mso 9]> Normal 0 Yes, you can get a real good bargain. BUT – if there are a lot of empty units in the building, residents may be getting a hefty HOA raise to cover ongoing costs such as maintaining landscaping, keeping building insurance policy, maintaining air conditioning, pool and other amenities. There are rules for lenders and buyers… a condo building cannot have more than 15% HOA fees delinquencies to qualify a buyer for a Fannie Mae loan.

CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR AWARDED TO THOMAS R. NORRIS (Part 2)

Thomas R. Norris was born in Jacksonville, Florida. His family moved to Wisconsin and later to the Washington, D.C. area, where Norris attended the University of Maryland, intent on pursuing a career in criminology with the FBI. Graduating in 1967, Norris enlisted in the Navy when his student deferment from the draft was not extended. He volunteered for the SEALs -- the Navy's elite special-forces unit -- and after completing the brutally rigorous training program served multiple tours of duty in Vietnam. In the spring of 1973, a RB-66 electronic surveillance plane was shot down over North Vietnam. One crewman, Lt. Col. Gene Hambleton, survived the bailout over North Vietnam and narrowly escaped capture. The Air Force launched an unprecedented rescue effort. In five days, over 14 people were killed, eight aircraft were lost, two rescuers were captured and two more were stranded behind enemy lines. On April 10, 1972, Norris led a five-man patrol deep into enemy territory. Separating temporarily from his patrol, he traveled alone through the jungle and located one of the downed pilots just before dawn. He led his crew safely back to their forward operating base. Later that day, a North Vietnamese rocket attack on the small base inflicted devastating casualties and compelled the medical evacuation of the one other American officer, the remaining Vietnamese officers and all but a remnant of the Vietnamese supporting force. After an unsuccessful attempt to rescue the first missing flier, two of Norris's three remaining Vietnamese commandos proved unwilling to accompany Norris on further missions. On the afternoon of the 12th, a forward air controller located the first pilot and notified Lt. Norris. Dressed as fishermen, Lt. Norris and a Vietnamese comrade, Nguyen Van Kiet, paddled a sampan up the river and found the injured pilot at dawn. Concealing him in the bottom of their vessel, Norris and Kiet headed down river to their base, dodging one North Vietnamese patrol and surviving heavy machine gun fire from a bunker along the river. This extraordinary rescue has been recounted in numerous books and a feature film, BAT-21 (starring Gene Hackman), the Air Force code name for the original reconnaissance mission. The following October he received a near-fatal head wound in action and was rescued by his fellow Navy SEAL, Michael Thornton. At first, Norris's doctors gave him little chance of recovery, but with constant encouragement from his family and from Michael Thornton, Norris fought on. In time, Norris and Thornton enjoyed the unique satisfaction of witnessing each other's Medal of Honor ceremonies at the White House. Thomas Norris ultimately realized his youthful ambition of joining the FBI. After many years of distinguished service in FBI hostage rescue operations, he now enjoys a well-earned retirement in Idaho. This story can be seen on the Military and History Channels... Thank you to Author Gary Gosnell, Southwest Airlines Pilot (Ret.)

CURRENT HOME SALES AND FORECLOSURE STATISTICS

CONSIDER THAT THE HIGH AMOUNT OF FORECLOSURES
DISTORTS THE PRICING COMPARISONS
AND AS THE FORECLOSURES ARE SOLD
THE PRICING COMPARABLES WILL CHANGE
TO REALISTIC NUMBERS

PROPERTY VALUATIONS IN QUESTION

Appraisers complained at a House financial services subcommittee recently that loan officers, Realtors, builders and others made pervasive attempts to interfere with their work, and that sometimes resulted in distorted home valuations. The President of the National Association of Home Builders said that in 2008 and 2009 appraisers “have often used sales of homes in foreclosure or other distressed property sales as comparables for new homes without making the appropriate value adjustments.” He said that depresses the true value of new homes, produces a further downward spiral in new home sales and unfairly devalues entire neighborhoods. All Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans originating after May 1^st may change, but the National Association of Mortgage Brokers has filed a federal lawsuit in US District Court in Washington asking the court to declare the entire process illegal because it bans mortgage brokers from involvement in selecting or hiring appraisers. According to the association (which represents 20,000 brokers nationally) that will directly reduce the ability of mortgage brokers to provide consumers with an efficient and cost-effective means of shopping for a mortgage. Home buyers and refinancers then may need to pay for appraisals from every mortgage company or bank they shop. Currently, a broker can obtain one appraisal at the consumer’s expense and use it to get quotes from multiple wholesale lenders.

CALUSA VETERINARY CENTER, OPEN 24/7 FOR PET EMERGENCIES, OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE HUMAN-LIKE PET CARE

A tour of the Calusa Veterinary Center at 6900 Congress Avenue in Boca Raton, just south of Costco, will reveal an amazing, 10,000 sq ft state-of-the-art full-service veterinary medical facility where pets are treated similarly to humans. When diagnosed and tailored individual treatments are determined, your beloved pet may go to the Aquatic Center and receive hydrotherapy in a heated outdoor exercise pool and/or walk on an underwater treadmill, which provides low-level impact exercise in a reduced gravity environment. Treatments provided in the Rehab Center include deep penetrating low level laser, therapeutic ultrasound, electro-muscle stimulation, land treadmill exercises and stretching, range of motion, gait analysis. Homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractics, nutrition and herbalism are used in the Zen-inspired Holistic Center to get pets on their way to recovery. The Center’s holistic viewpoint includes consideration of their environment, the pet’s relationship with their owner and family, and disease patterns. If your pet is in need of treatment “after hours,” give Calusa Veterinary Center a call, and they will be ready when you walk in the door with your pet. The only veterinary center in the county that is open 24/7 for pet emergencies, along with medical services and rehabilitation, the facility offers grooming, dental care, and boarding. Luxury boarding is available in the Barker Raton Pet Resort within the facility, and you can arrange to go online and see your pet in their boarding quarters. One focus of the Center is to promote responsible pet ownership, good nutrition, enhance the human-animal bond, and practice preventative health care. Pets are considered “seniors” at 7 years of age, and the Center has a Senior Wellness Screening package with a comprehensive physical exam. Gift cards are offered, and there is a 5% discount on the total invoice that can be used the next time, or any time you receive other services. Call 561-999-3000 to arrange for a tour. You may want to bring the kids along! Calusa serves the entire Palm Beach County area.

FIX IT ONLINE FOR FREE

Imagine! Something is not working right, and you can first check it out at www.fixya.com. Volunteer techies provide free fix-it advice for common breakdowns of gadgets, electronics, and other products. Chat online or post a message. Before purchasing an item, you may be able to get a “heads-up” from those who already posted on the item.

DENTAL, VISION AND HEARING INSURANCE OVERVIEW

These insurances are becoming an increasingly important part of your insurance portfolio. Some hearing insurances include $500 each towards a pair of hearing aids. There is a strong correlation between oral health and overall health. About 80% of Americans show symptoms of periodontal disease. Proper oral hygiene practices are essential. Poor oral health care can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Healthy gums play an important role in keeping harmful bacteria that is found in the mouth from entering the blood stream. Routine dental exams can keep your mouth healthy. Your dentist can spot symptoms of some illnesses in the mouth during routine dental exams. Illnesses including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer often cause signs and symptoms to appear first in the mouth. Ask Marilyn for plan details for good coverage.

COMMON SENSE HEALTH AND WELLNESS ADVICE

From every corner these days we are hearing about healthy life choices. There are many things you can do to help practice healthy adult living. Here are a few from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). GET THE SCREENING TEST YOU NEED. Mammograms, Pap smears, colorectal screens, and other tests can find diseases early when they are easier to treat. Talk to your doctor about which of the following tests you should have and when. These recommendations come from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and NIH. Blood pressure: Have your blood pressure checked at least every 2 years. Cholesterol: Women should have their cholesterol checked regularly starting at age 45: men every 5 years beginning at age 35. If you smoke, have diabetes, or if heart disease runs in your family, begin checking cholesterol at age 20. Colorectal cancer: Test for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Your doctor can help decide which test is right for you. Depression: If you have felt "down", sad or hopeless and have taken little interest or pleasure in doing things for 2 weeks straight, ask your doctor about screening for depression. Diabetes: Screen for diabetes if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Breast cancer: Have a mammogram every one two years starting at age 40. Osteoporosis (women): Have a bone density test at age 65 to screen for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). If you are between 60 and 64 and weigh 154 pounds or less, talk to your doctor about being tested. Cervical Cancer (women): Get a Pap smear every one to three years if you have been sexually active or are older than 21. Prostate Cancer (men): Discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal examination (DRE) to screen for prostate cancer. Sexually transmitted diseases: Your doctor can help you decide whether to be screened for sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, and for women, also chlamydia. General: After age 50, people also should have an annual fasting blood sugar check for diabetes, regular colonoscopies for cancer of the colon, PSA tests for prostate cancer, and mammograms for breast cancer. The body is truly fearfully and wonderfully made. God has made us stewards of our bodies and our health. Remember no one knows your body better than you do. Take the time to take care of yourself. Thank you for this advice to Polly Terry, a Parish Nurse, RN, who writes the column monthly for her Church Bulletin. Polly lives in Freeport, Florida.

THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’ IN CALIFORNIA… WILL FLORIDA BE NEXT?

The Santa Barbara Realtors Association President says, “Home sales are picking up across the South Coast… more favorable interest rates are one reason… prospective buyers are more likely to get off the fence when rates are low.” She also says that once the market has hit bottom, it’s too late for buyers to know that, and, “If you wait for the bottom to hit, you’ve waited to long.” As the drive begins to purchase homes, the competition makes prices rise again. According to a local online newsletter, “The South Coast has a chronic shortage of entry-level homes like townhomes, condominiums and smaller single family homes so federal stimulus spending could have a positive effect locally.” If you read the article farther down you will see that home sales in Florida are trending up. Is it time to get on the bandwagon?

COCO AND COOKIE NEED A LOVING HOME

UPDATE: Cookie & Coco found a loving home. See http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cookiecoco.asp

See http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2009/02/paws_effect_finding_cookie_and_coco_a_ho.php

Family losing their home in a week and are desperately trying to find a loving home for them. They are 3 year old females, already housebroken, trained and loves kids. 'They are spayed and up to date with all their shots - these are life long friends that need to stay together. Please pass along to all family, friends, co-workers - spread the word and help find these two adorable labs a home. Contact: Neil & Phyllis Atler - 870-3030 or na222@aol.com

FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS REPORTS FIFTH MONTH OF INCREASED HOME SALES ACTIVITIES IN FLORIDA

With existing home sales up 24% in January, the 5^th month in a row of year-to-year increased sales activity, 2009 FAR President, Cynthia Shelton, says, “Many people are looking at today’s market and seeing opportunities to find the home or business they’ve always wanted. With a range of available housing options, historically low mortgage interest rates and affordable prices, buyers who may have been hesitant before should take a closer look at the current opportunities for homeownership. As real estate professionals who know all aspects of their local market conditions, Florida Realtors are here to help counsel consumers making sound long-term decisions for their homes and their businesses.” Existing condos had a 13% gain in statewide sales. Inventories, nationwide, fell to a 2-year low. NAR Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, says, “It appears some buyers are taking advantage of much lower home prices. The higher monthly sales gain and falling inventory are steps in the right direction, but buyers will continue to have an edge over sellers for the foreseeable future.” Median (midpoint) sales price for existing homes last month was down 33% from a year ago from $206,900 to $139,500, and NAR attributes the significant downward price distortion to discounted sales, including foreclosures.

ART AND CRAFTS FESTIVALS IN BOCA AND DELRAY 2/28 AND 3/1

Mark your calendars and head to Royal Palm Place on February 28^th and March 1^st. Take advantage from 10 am to 5 pm of free admission to view the talents of many of the country’s best artists. Included will be painting, wood-working, sculpting, unique crafts and mixed media in this 2^nd Annual Show. Royal Palm Place is on SE Mizner Boulevard, south of Palmetto Park Road in Boca Raton. You can rest your feet, “grab a bite” or dine at one of the very nice restaurants right there. Window shopping is permitted, so you will have a festival for your eyes. On the same days, also free admission, visit the 12^th Annual Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival, same hours. The streets of downtown Delray become outdoor craft-art showcases. Included will be folk art, pottery, handmade jewelry and paintings, personalized gifts, handmade clothing, scented soaps and you can talk with the crafters about their art. This will take place on 4^th and Atlantic Avenues, in the midst of shoppes to browse, wonderful places to dine, galleries to comb. Enjoy both shows!

FORBES: HEALTHGRADES COMPILES LIST OF AMERICA’S SAFEST HOSPITALS

Stating that you’ll get great care at these hospitals – all provide the best protection against complications and mortality, the hospitals recommend by the hospital rating company HealthGrades within Palm Beach County include Boca Raton Community Hospital, Boca Raton; Cleveland Clinic, Weston; Delray Medical Center, Delray Beach; JFK Medical Center, Atlantis; Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter; and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, Palm Beach Gardens. These hospitals were designated as Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence. Their complications and mortality rates are considered by HealthGrades to be in the top 5% of the country. For more information, and to purchase reports on individual doctors or estimate costs of a procedure and plan for future healthcare expenditures, go to http://www.healthgrades.com/. If you are looking for a health plan, a medicare supplement or advantage plan, call Independent Insurance Agent Marilyn Farber Jacobs at 561-988-0070. Marilyn is appointed by over 70 Florida carriers of various insurances. If you want an Advantage plan, Marilyn can help you pick which plan is most suitable for you and determine whether the physician you will use as your primary doctor will have you in-network or out-of-network with possible extra co-pays.

HOW GOOD IS THIS NEWS?

December showed a surprising 6.5% jump in home sales. The south has a current 13% gain in pending home sales. Total number of homes for sale on the market nationwide dropped nearly 18% last month to the lowest level since May 2007. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said the jump up reflects “buyers responding to lower home prices and interest rates” that have improved the affordability equation to its most favorable level in 39 years. Are we at the “bottom”? It certainly appears we are headed there, if not yet there.

TENNIS CHAMPS REVVING UP

Delray Beach Stadium & Tennis Center will host the highly anticipated Delray Beach International Tennis Championship from February 21 through March 1 with professional tennis players from around the world playing right here in our backyard. In it’s 11^th year in Delray Beach, 3-time French Open quarterfinalist Guillermo Canas of Argentina leads the field. Among the 23 players from 13 countries are Mardy Fish (USA), Tommy Haas (GER), Marcos Baghdatis (CYP), Robby Ginepri (USA), Steve Darcis (BEL) and Vince Spadea (USA-BOCA). Brothers Bob and Mike Bryan wll be playing doubles. This major $500,000 ATP world tour is in its 17^th year. Single session grandstand seats start at $15 at www.YellowTennisBall.com, MySpace and Facebook at “Delray Beach ITC”, or call 561-330-6000. Don’t miss this exciting tournament!

NORTON MUSEUM FEATURING “GEORGIA O’KEEFE and ANSEL ADAMS NATURAL AFFINITIES

Sharing a profound love of nature and interest in conservation, painter/sculptor O’Keefe and photographer Adams met in Taos, Mexico in 1929. Both developed a deep interest in the American West and became icons of 20^th century American art. There are 40 O’Keefe paintings and 54 Adams photographs, and a few, side by side, show the same images captured in paint and on film, providing interesting contracts in each artist’s view and presentation, now featured at the West Palm Beach Norton Museum, internationally known for its permanent collection. Above are pictured Adams “Winter Sunrise, the Sierra Nevada from Lone Pine,California, 1944” (gelatin silver print), and O’Keefe’s “Black Mesa Landscape, New Mexico / Out Back of Marie’s II, 1930 (oil on canvas).The show continues through May 3^rd. How about accepting the challenge of using either one of their paintings or photos as inspiration, and seeing what you can do with your camera or paint brush? Check out this VIDEO LINK for interesting information on both artists. Admission is $8 for adults and $3 for ages 13-21. For more information call 561-832-5196.

1942 CHARMING COTTAGE FOR SALE IN BOYNTON BEACH

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A sense of history seeps through this charming cottage of 1458 living sq ft with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, in historic downtown Boynton Heights in Boynton Beach. Note the pecky cypress dining room ceiling, typically designed wood-burning fireplace for those years, many French Doors. This vintage home is completely restored, with endless charm. No HOA! Low maintenance. Gourmet kitchen with cubby-shelves has granite counter tops and designer hardware. The roof is metal. Floors are beautiful wood and marble. Front path is Chicago brick. New plumbing and electrical wiring. Advanced security system. Beautifully landscaped with small yard. Near historic downdown, the beach, and I-95 access. Pet ok. All on 1-story. Priced well at $200,000... don't miss this one if you are looking for a historic home. Off Boynton Beach Boulevard. Call Marilyn for a showing at 561-988-0070.

WEDNESDAY HOUSE MEETING FLOOR VOTE DETERMINES BIG FLORIDA STIMULUS PLAN GAINS

No, we are NOT dreaming… money could be coming to Florida to help balance its budget, build bridges and highways, expand mass transit, modernize schools and improve other government services. Over $4BB could come to Medicaid, the state federal program providing funds for health care for the pool. There are $120MM in rebuilding projects which are ready to go and will provide immediate jobs. $46MM for water treatment could create 350+ jobs. $21MM for North Flagler Drive improvements could create almost 170 new jobs. Port St. Lucie could restore policing staff to earlier levels, and an energy analysis, resulting in 160 new jobs. Boynton Beach could have a new $31MM police station and 3 00 new jobs, as well as a park that would add 100 more jobs. Unemployment benefits could be extended with health care options for those laid off from jobs. The Senate, though, is working on a separate plan and any differences would have to be worked out before a final version can be sent to President Barack Obama. We will be carefully watching this vote and any changes or revisions.

MOVES IN AND OUT OF FLORIDA BALANCED, SAYS UNITED VAN LINES

According to the Florida Association of Realtors, United Van Lines tracks its moves each year and compares the number of people moving into each state versus the number moving out. In 2008, the company found Florida to be perfectly "balanced," meaning the number of inbound and outbound moves was virtually even. The Mid-Atlantic states saw growth while states to the north saw decreases.

YOU DON’T LIKE THOSE PESKY LITTLE IGUANAS (OR BIG ONES) IN YOUR HOUSE OR ON YOUR PROPERTY?

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has agreed to meet with local government agencies over iguana issues thanks to a request from Boca Raton City Council. Their aim is to reduce the green iguana population. FWC has engaged the US Department of Agriculture/Wildlife Services to work on this issue with them. NO specific methods of reducing or eradicating the overpopulation of this species has evolved yet. Both Boca Raton and Coral Springs petitioned the state to put these iguanas on their “reptiles of concern” list, but the state declined, saying the iguana is not a dangerous animal, merely an obnoxious one. However, the feeling locally is that they are destroying native species of plant life, and Boca Mayor Welchel says they are destroying her plants.

H.R. 7327: Worker, Retiree and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 - MRDs Suspended for 2009

A recent federal law temporarily suspends minimum required distributions (MRDs) from tax-deferred savings for policyholders over age 70½. This suspension is for 2009 only and does not apply to MRDs for 2008. If a policyholder turns 70½ in 2009, no MRD is required. If a policyholder turned age 70½ in 2008, an MRD for 2008 is still required by April 1, 2009.

Although MRDs are not required for 2009, policyholders who need the monies can still take minimum withdrawals. The suspension allows funds that would have been withdrawn to continue to grow tax-deferred for 2009. Impacted plans include IRAs, 401(k)s, and other defined contribution plans. The law also applies to distributions under the five-year rule, where beneficiaries are required to deplete the annuity value within five years of the owner’s death. The new law provides an additional year to meet the depletion requirement. Systematic withdrawals taken by IRA owners or beneficiaries under MRD rules can be suspended. However, these policyholders must notify Policyholder Services to cancel withdrawals for 2009 and then restart them for 2010. For legal, tax or investment advice, please consult a qualified advisor.

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h110-7327

COME SEE THE 2-MONTH OLD BABY JAGUAR AT THE PALM BEACH ZOO

Born October 28^th weighing 2 lbs., female jaguars can grow to 200 lbs. And 7’ in length. The baby jaguar has been named Maya, and is very important to the overall conservation of jaguars. Maya will be part of the Jaguar Species Survival Program.

INTERNATIONAL TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS COMING TO DELRAY

Courts are being readied and tickets are already on sale for the Delray Beach International Tennis Championship competition that will take place in from February 21 to March 1, 2009. Tommy Haas the 2006 Delray ITC champion and one of 12 ATP players featured on the world Tour 2009 calendar, is returning for another shot at the top spot. The Bryan Brothers, top-notch doubles players who lost last year to Max Mirnyi and Jamie Murray will also be back. The 17^th annual court competition will be held at the Delray Beach Stadium and Tennis Center. This will be the 11^th year it will be held there. Tournament Director is Mike Baron.