BOOKSTORE and ZED 451 RESTAURANT COMING TO MIZNER PARK

Expanding the former Museum of Cartoon Art, a 25,000 sq ft 2-level bookstore and Brazilian-style eatery will be opened within the year. The restaurant is described as a contemporary, internationally-inspired upscale steakhouse.

DELRAY BEACH CRAFT FAIR DEC 29 & 30

Head downtown to the Delray Beach Tennis Center on Atlantic and Swinton – free admission – and see the beautiful wares of more than 150 crafters, for sale. We all know that some of the best holiday buys are found AFTER the holiday. There will be jewelry, pottery, clothing and other innovative pieces. Fair will be open from 10 am to 5 pm.

Feb. 10th Healthy Living Expo in West Boca seeks vendors

The Levis Jewish Community Center and West Boca Medical Center are holding their 11^th annual Healthy Living Expo from 11 am to 3 pm on February 10^th, catering to those age 55 and over. They are looking for participation from physicians, nutritionists, chiropractors, dentists, vision and hearing specialists, rehabilitation centers, mental health centers and related vendors. Location will be the JCC, 9801 Donna Klein Boulevard, off Glades Road at 95^th Avenue South. Register up to 12-31 and pay $250. Afterwards: $350. Contact Lesley Surfer at LesleyS@levis jcc.org or call 561-852-3212.

OCEAN BREEZES TOWNHOUSES GET BOCA COUNCIL “GO AHEAD”

In 2006, the majority of Boca Teeca residents voted to change the zoning on a section of the golf course land from recreational use to a housing district. 211 Townhouses will be built in the Boca Tecca development on Northwest 2^nd Avenue, on the southwest edge of the property, and the area will be re-vitalized. The Clubhouse will undergo renovations, the Inn will be expanded, and two new golf courses will be created, an 18-hole golf course and a 9-hole executive course. By 2009, mandatory club memberships will expire. Some concerns cited are traffic, increased density and loss of golf course views. The question of the possible presence of arsenic and pesticides accumulating in various areas of the course over the years was raised by an environmental group. Approval is conditional on a study being done before building permits are issued. The developer, in response to concerns from neighbors, moved 9 units from the south end to the north, adding landscaping and increasing setbacks.

LATEST 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, pictured above, 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

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.

CONSIDERING A MOVE WITHIN THE POLO CLUB?

Come and see this tastefully updated easy-to-manage 2000 sq ft lakefront home with 3 bedrooms, 3 baths. Lush tropical landscaping. Walk to community pool. Price lowered to $699,000. Friendly community. Mandatory membership dues and fees. For more details call agent/owner Marilyn Farber Jacobs at 561-302-3388 or email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com for more information. Come and see the lifestyle… you owe it to yourself… see the some of the very best that life has to offer… to live in tasteful surroundings that are easy to manage...

VIRTUAL TOUR: http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=849937

FAU PRESENTS “THE NUTCRACKER” BY BOCA BALLET

The 16^th annual production of “The Nutcracker” will be held November 23-25 at the FAU Theatre. NYC’s American Ballet Theatre dancers Sara Smith and Jared Matthews will be dancing in the production. Smith began her first serious ballet training at Boca Ballet Theatre at age 11, and later attended the Harid Conservatory for four years on full tuition scholarship, and then receiving a scholarship to train at the Joffrey Ballet School in NYC. She next attended Indiana University with a merit scholarship, majoring in ballet performing and nutrition science, and dancing as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker and Odette in Swan Lake. In January 2004 Smith joined the American Ballet Theatre as an apprentice. Jared Mathews studied at the North Carolina School of the Arts summer program and with scholarships attended summer intensives at Joffrey Ballet School and School of the American Ballet. In April 2003 he became a member of the corps de ballet of the American Ballet Theatre and was promoted to solist in July 2007. Performances are scheduled at 7 pm Friday November 23, 2 pm and 8 pm on Saturday, November 24 and 2 pm on Sunday, November 25. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for children and seniors. Call 561-995-0709 or go to www.bocaballet.org. The Boca Ballet Theatre Volunteer Guild is holding a Gingerbread Ball after both matinee performances, including punch and cookies and a change to meet and get autographs from the dancers. Tickets are $6 and must be purchased in advance, with limited availability.

100-YEAR-OLD DELRAY BEACH FARMHOUSE MOVES TO HISTORICAL AREA.

The 52-ton Hunt House, possibly the oldest building in Delray Beach, was built 100 years ago on land owned by George Linton. Hunt House was to be demolished for townhouse construction, but the developer donated it to the historical society. It was moved to the Old School Square Historic Arts District, next to the Delray Beach Historical Society’s 1926 Bungalow and Cason Cottage House Museum. During the move, crews removed traffic signals in the way and Florida Power & Light Co. linemen held up the lines from cherry pickers. The train stopped, police blocked the streets, and small crowds gathered to watch 100 years of history go by. The move was supervised by Keith Kleppinger, president of Russell Building Movers Inc. of Miami. The move cost between $50,000 and $60,000 and was paid for with donations and funds from the city, county and state. Local architects Bridges, Marsh & Associates, whose offices were in Hunt House from 1977 to 2005, and restoration contractor Ken Blair are donating their services to renovate the house as a learning and resource center for the Historical Society, showcasing Delray Beach’s history. Blair will be stripping of dozens of paint layers that accumulated over the years and exposing the original wood inside the house. The exterior will get a fresh coat of paint changing from light yellow to its original white. It is to open in about one year, when Palm Beach County’s Centennial Celebration will begin. A new structure behind Hunt House will become home for the society’s archives.

23-STORY WESTIN HOTEL COMING TO WEST PALM BEACH

Under discussion since 2003 (when the Palm Beach County Convention Center was built), final city approval was given, with final county approval in April, for construction of a world-class Westin Hotel with more than 100 condo units and a 2500+ spaces adjacent city-owned parking garage with 7 levels above ground and one below (bottom and first level reserved for hotel guests and condo residents), construction will being next April. It will be located with fronting on Okeechobee Boulevard and Florida Avenue. 400 rooms and 104 condos will be built. The property is leased from the county for 99 years by Ocean Properties, which must then buy the hotel and land at fair market value after the 99-year lease ends. The County will also build a $2.6-MM tunnel permitting valets to shuttle autos from the convention center’s Okeechobee Blvd entrance to the parking garage and will maintain the tunnel. The County may reserve 75% of the hotel’s inventory 18-months out, and the maximum room rate can be no higher than the hotel’s published corporate rate, plus a maximum 6% annual increase. The Count cannot subsidize another hotel within 5 miles except for an area around the Palm Beach International Airport. IN August 2006 the County approved a one-cent increase in tourism bed tax to fund the County’s majority portion of the garage cost; Ocean Properties will fund the balance.

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.

UNDERSTANDING 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.

TOWN CENTER MALL OFFERS TRICK-OR-TREAT WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31

Costumed youngsters can search for treats from costumed characters at the Town Center Mall where indoor trick-or-treating will be offered from 6-7:30 pm. Children 10 or younger may wear masks and costumes can only be worn during these hours. Photos of the children in costumes can be taken in Center Court, close to the Guest Cervices Booth, one near Macy’s and one in the Nordstrom Wind opposite Pottery Barn. Bring your children or grandchildren for a safe opportunity to enjoy the holiday!

NEW ADVISORY BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES MEETS

The Boca Raton Advisory Board for People with Disabilities holds its regular meeting Thursday, November 1 at 7 pm in City Hall. An additional disabilities awareness day will be held December 6th for which a symposium is proposed, and the board needs help from the public to put it together. Meetings offer opportunities to discuss and correct problems residents may have relating to their disabilities. For more information call Aron Breslow, public relations chairman at 561-483-8093 or board chairman Shawn Friedkin at 561-994-5900.

WEST BOCA GREEN MARKET HELPS GRADUATION PROJECT

The Olympic Heights Community High School’s Green Market and More will run from November 4^th through April at the school, every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm, with community vendors selling goods to area residents. The address is 20101 Lyons Road, north of Glades Road. This project will help support the Class of 2008’s graduation, a drug- and alcohol-free chaperoned event. For vendor applications, email OHPG2008@yahoo.com or call 561-883-8372.

JEWISH MUSIC FESTIVAL AT FAU

A 5-part Kultur series beings at 3 pm Sunday on the 5^th floor of the S.E. Wimberly Library on FAU’s B ca Raton campus which is open to the public and free. Each of the 5 lectures explores the evolution of the Yiddish language and culture I nthe fine and performing arts. This is the series 5^th year. Featured this Sunday will be 22 pieces performed by the Klezmer Company Orchestra, made up of professional musicians. Ten of the pieces will be sing-a-longs and anyone who brings an instrument to the event can play two songs with the orchestra. A question and answer period will also be held at the end of the performance. The next event features Alexandra Bracie presenting a film screening and lecture, “Memories of my Father, the artist Arthur Szyk at 3 pm November 4^th.

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.

NATIONAL TRUST HISTORIC HOTELS WELCOMES BRAZILIAN COURT IN PALM BEACH

Citing its history and ambiance, the Brazilian Court, a condominium-hotel that is a favorite Palm Beach landmark, has joined the National Trust Historic Hotels of America, under the auspices of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. There are 200 hotels and resorts in the US that the organization acknowledges for preserving and maintaining historic integrity, architecture and ambience. Built in 1926, and designed by Rosario Candela (who built luxurious Manhattan apartments) the hotel’s south wing was added by Maurice Fatio and William Treanor in 1936. Multi-million dollar improvements were made, starting in 2002 and are now in the final phase. A central see-through lushly landscaped courtyard links the marbled lobby on Australian Avenue with an arched portico on Brazilian Avenue. A barrel-tile roof is accented with cantilevered wrought-iron balconies. The interior “speaks of Provence,” and complements the hotel’s Tuscan-villa roots. Stars who stayed there include Gary Cooper, Greta Garbo, Tommy Lee Jones and designer Bob Mackie and Marjorie Merriweather Post. Featured in the hotel are Café Boulud and the Frederic Fekkai Salon and Spa.

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 defibrillators 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/.

FIRST BOCADOG WALK – BRING ALONG YOUR POOCH

Do you and your dog look alike? Is yours very small, very large, or very talented? Come to the Canine Carnival and the First BocaDog Walk on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at Mizner Bark, Banyan Trail in Boca Raton and you and your pooch might win a prize! There will be vendors, contests, prizes, and demonstrations. $25 registration fee for you, and the pooch has free admission. Your pooch will get a goodie bag! Registration is at 8:30 am. Walk begins at 9:30 am. Canine Carnival is from 10:30 am to 2 pm. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed, Owner/Dog Look Alike, Best of Show, Biggest, Smallest and Most Talented. For more info call 561-305-3351 or go to http://www.bocadogmagazine.com/CanineCarnival

COLLAGES AND QUILTS TO BE DISPLAYED

Old School Square’s Cornell Museum will have two exhibitions displayed through Sunday, October 28^th. 105 Collages and Assemblages will be featured at the National Collage Society’s 23^rd Annual Juried Exhibit. Also on display will be 21 quilts from the Manhattan Quilters Guild celebrating the “visual feast” of New York City. For more information call 561-243-7972

NARRATED BUS TOUR OF DELRAY BEACH HISTORIC DISTRICT SATURDAY 10-27

Departing from the Delray Beach Public Library, 110 West Atlantic Avenue at 11 am, The Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion History will begin its Narrated Bus Tour of Historic Delray Beach. To prepay and be sure to get a seat call 561-243-2662.

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?

NEW INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITY – PALADIN IN DOWNTOWN BOCA – GETS “GO AHEAD” FROM CITY COUNCIL

Construction will soon begin on a new luxury high rise independent living facility in downtown Boca Raton at the corner of South Federal Highway and 8th Street, across from the Boca Raton Resort & Club and near Mizner Park and Royal Palm Plaza. Included along with homeownership opportunities and health care options will be in-home healthcare, on-site assisted living, a wellness center, rejuvenating spa, temperature- controlled outdoor swimming pool, private Mercedes transportation to local venues, varied dining options, concierge services, lush amenities, memory support and rehabilitative services. 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom and larger loft units are available. “The Paladin” will be operated by Sunrise Senior Living. Marilyn Jacobs (561-988-0070) can give you more information on this project.

BOCA RATON HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE DROPPED BY CITY BUT CORPORATIONS COULD CHIP IN TO SAVE IT

Deep cuts in this year’s budget made to meet state legislative mandates eliminated funding for the Holiday Boat Parade, a traditional and popular local event. The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County has partnered with the city to run this annual event since 2003, when the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce dropped the event, but they cannot pay for the parade without the City’s contribution. However, they have said that if the City funds the Boat Parade next year, they will again participate. The City of Boca Raton has also cancelled funding for this year for the downtown concert series, Halloween Happenings and the Police Athletic League, though the PAL got $50,000. Other area boat parades planned include Parade of the Palm Beaches, and events in Boynton-Delray, Pompano Beach and the Winterfest in Ft. Lauderdale. Participation in the boat parade has dropped, but the association would increase the number of participating water craft to 45. Boats decorated for the holidays took part in the parade that traveled south on the ICW from Delray Beach to the Deerfield Beach border. Best entries received prizes in several categories. Boats would pull up along the shore and people donated items for a holiday “Toys for Tots” drive.

EMINENT DOMAIN USED FOR NEW WEST BOCA SCHOOL TO OPEN IN AUGUST 2009

Due to student growth, the acquisition of a new 20.197-acre site for $10-MM was recently approved by the School Board of Palm Beach County, to build a new West Boca Raton Elementary School. Location is 95^th Avenue South near West Boca Lake and Olympic Heights High School. An environmental audit is now complete, finding no concerns. With the owner unwilling to sell the property, the district has decided to exercise the option of eminent domain. While the process provides a fast taking of the property, negotiations with the owners are not limited in order to reach settlement either before or after the date of the “Order of Taking.” The school is scheduled to open in August 2009. This will provide enrollment relief for neighboring elementary schools including Whispering Pines, Sunrise Park, Sandpiper Shores and Del Prado Elementary schools and will be built to accommodate about 960 students. Traffic and parking concerns will be addressed.

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PARK AROUND BLUE LAKE MOVING FORWARD

Known as de Hoernle Park, in honor of Boca’s generous benefactor, the area around Blue Lake, formerly an IBM headquarters and acquired by Boca Raton, is being developed. A new dog park has opened; the library is back on track with development; plans are in the makings for an ice rink and a botannical gardens, but they won’t be ready any time too soon. With money short, the city will soon publish a request for proposals late this year or early next year (RFP) for developers who are interested in building a skating rink. Construction is planned for eight athletic fields in the southwest area, perhaps covered in artificial turf, using money from a bond issue, and the district will pay off the bond. While the architects are in the design process now, expecting 60% of the drawings to be available in October, the plans may include festooning of flower beds and criss-crossed walkways.

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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.”

MIDTOWN PROJECT OKAYED BY DELRAY BEACH PLANNING BOARD

While fear of too many homes being planned for the Ascot Development with an entrance on Old Germantown Road, a 2-lane road with traffic problems, was expressed, a plan for 116 town homes and an office building proposed to be built on Linton Boulevard and Old Germantown Road has passed pending approval with the condition that the project does not exceed the number of homes approved previously. Thirty of the homes would be priced for workers who earn about $60,000 a year, and these “workforce housing units” would cater to teachers, nurses and police officers who otherwise could not afford to live near their Delray Beach jobs. “Midtown Delray” would sit on 9.56 acres, formerly Blood’s Hammock Groves, once part of a 94-are parcel zoned in 1995 for 600 homes. Several communities have already been built on most of the 94 acres and a question has arisen of whether the new 116 homes would exceed the 680 homes approved previously. City Commissioners will discuss the issue on October 10^th. The State recently gave a $5-MM grant to help offset construction costs of the lower-priced units, which could be sold for $225,000 - $275,000.

TWO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED BY WEST BOCA SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Four hour shifts needing volunteers for assisting with fingerprinting, providing forms and reporting accidents and incidents are available. Walk-in satellite offices for the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office are open 8 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday at 6787 Palmetto Circle North and 9378 South 210^th Street, off Glades Road. Students seeking community service hours and retirees are welcome to apply. On the job one-on-one training is provided. Drivers are needed for mobile patrol units for shopping centers, houses of worship and schools 24/7. To apply call 561-483-4123.

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

How about a BEACH DAY... a little bit north? Bring the kids and grandkids... 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!

MARCH OF DIMES PRESENTS SIGNATURE CHEFS & WINE EXTRAVAGANZA

Don’t miss this fabulous night of gourmet food presented by 20+ local restaurant chefs (Chef Chair is Zack Bell of Café Boulud in Palm Beach), fine wine spirits, exciting entertainment and live and silent auction prizes at the Marriott Boca Raton, 5150 Town Center Circle on Thursday, October 11, 2007 from 6 pm – 9 pm. Advance Purchased Tickets are $100; $125 on event day. Purchase tickets at marchofdimes.com/florida or call 561-276-2001. Valet parking provided. Located one mile north of Palmetto Park Road on Military Trail in Boca Raton.

“WEST DELRAY REGIONAL PARK” IS NEW NAME OF 314-ACRE

More than a year and a half ago, the County approved a lease agreement with the South Florida Water Management District to use portions of the former Palm Beach Downs property to create new recreational facilities for park purposes and improvements are now nearly complete. Three South County homeowner associations were instrumental, including the West Boca Community Council, the Alliance of Delray and the Coalition of Boynton West Residential Association. Included are lake frontage, a non-motorized canoe/kayak launching area, freshwater fishing, hiking/nature trail, mountain bike area, single table picnic areas with grills, modular toilets and parking. Permits are needed for use of the primitive camping area, archery, remote control airplane field, and boat lake. For general park information call 561-966-6600.

$200,000+ RAISED BY BOCA FESTIVAL DAYS 2007

Begun more than 36 years ago to help boost business during the traditionally “slow” month of August and to benefit local non-profit organizations, the festival grows each year and now hosts thousands of participants. It is a month-long event and includes many local business sponsors.