ROBB & STUCKY’S FAUX PAINTING PRESENTATION REVIEW

If you enjoyed finger painting as a child, you will understand why Tim Ellis has such a good time doing the beautiful faux painting work that he does.   Tim showed us samples of fabulous marble, wood, granite, leather, suede, Venetian plaster and fabric finishes that he made. 

His grandfather started the faux painting business in Florence, Italy, and now a 4^th generation is also involved.   He explained that faux painting is an absorbing business and told us about the process. 

He showed us a marble finish he did that had 9 layers… took several days.  Many finishes can be done in one day in one room.  He uses a water base primer that, vs. oil based, is not toxic and does not smell.  Wipe the surface first with primer, sand, apply finish(es) and then glaze.  He suggested using Old Masters glaze and has experimented with most glazes, if not all.  Tim said that glazes seal the paint and give a nice luster, and best of all they can be scrubbed.  He showed us that you can put a strong color in the back ground, striae (stripe) at random over it in white and the background will be there, but not strong.  Tim described various brushes he uses, and he also uses sponging and other methods.

A leather sample he did went up on a coffered ceiling, matching the furniture in the room.  Wood finishes match actual wood pieces and look exactly like them.  Marbles were beautiful colors and he compared using the same colors with darker or lighter results.  The black granite sample, he said, was okay for formica cabinets but not for counter tops. 

I found myself thinking how closely his work resembled faux work done on pillars and in architectural niches in a listing of mine.  The pillars are painted to match the floor and "fade out," and are not intrusive.  When he showed the crushed tissue paper samples, I got very excited, as the listing's master bathroom had it on the walls.  I raised my hand and asked, “Back in about 2002 did you do a builder’s model in Polo Trace?”  He said he did. I said, “I KNEW IT and want to tell everyone here that it looks as good today as when he did it.  The house looks fabulous because of those touches.” 

If you want to reach Tim, call Robb and Stucky Design Consultant Ron Hammond at 561-445-7190.

Sunday, May 16th 

at 7:00 pm in the Laurels

 AVATAR

SOME SAY THINGS ARE LOOKING UP....

SOME SAY THINGS ARE LOOKING UP....

Stockholders gathering in Omaha for Annual Meeting were told by Warren Buffet that the economy is showing “significant” and persistent improvement for the first time since the financial crisis broke in 2008.

Other indications to back this up include new loan applications going up 13% in a week according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, and the FHA and VA share of home purchase applications soared above 50%, highest amount in twenty years.   The PMI Risk index (tracks price decline potentials for two years out) found that out of the 50 largest markets in its latest survey, 42 showed less risk.  Jumbo loans are roaring back with one major lender announcing for credit-worthy applicants, rages are dropping on jumbos to 5.7% for 30 years – the best rate ever.

The current jobs recession might take 2-3 years to change, and then it is predicted there will be shortages in labor markets.  Government analysts expect 14.6 new nonfarm payroll jobs by 2018 and 15.3 MM new jobs for self-employeds, family members working in family businesses and farm jobs.   

One field where shortages are expected is health including registered nurses, and home health aides, nursing aides, orderlies and attendants.  Many jobs in the social sector (industries covering health care and social assistance, educational services, nonprofit community and religious organizations, the performing arts, museums, libraries and government) do not require enormous physical exertion, but requiring people with commons sense and experience.  Older workers might “fill the bill.”  Social sector jobs represent 47 percent of total projected nonfarm payroll employment growth, according to the MetLife/Civic Ventures report.

NO MOVIE THIS SUNDAY

 WISHING EVERYONE 

A HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

ELEGANT FAUX FINISHES CAN TRANSFORM THE APPEARANCE OF YOUR HOME

Ordinary surfaces can be transformed to look like Venetian plaster, leather, wood, onyx or marble and add drama and new interest to your surroundings, adding a sense of history and artistry.   

Robb & Stucky presents Tim Ellis, faux artisan and painter, speaking on Revisiting Faux Trends on Tuesday, May 8 at 2 pm in the Boca Raton store in Mizner Park.  Faux effects, from faux gold to faux marble, can add fabulous finishing touches to your interiors.   

Come and learn all about it and see beautiful examples.  Reservations requested – call 561-862-5597.   

You can also request a complimentary design consult.

VOTE FOR THE 2010 COLLECTIBLE CAR OF THE YEAR

The New York Times offers pix of 30 finalists with classics from different eras and countries to vote for.  

Pictures and information on each car are available.  Voting ends May 17, 2010.  

Winner to be announced July 24, 2010.  Photos also available on the site for previous winners.

Sunday, May 2nd 

"Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus"

Laurels at 7:00 pm.

POWER BROKER REPORT… BACK FROM THE BRINK

According to the very encouraging results of RISMedia’s 22nd Annual Power Broker Survey, more than 1,200 real estate firms weighed in on their success in 2009, reporting a total $585,508,645,713 in sales volume. Although this total sales volume is down by more than $163 billion over 2008, overall transactions for 2009 have increased by more than 100,000.  RisMedia is a leader in real estate information systems.

Rismedia also reports that with the advent of higher consumer spending and healthier stock markets, which many Americans feel is evidence that we are out of recession, many people are returning to their old habits of spending.  Their research points to most Americans not changing much after a recession, and likely therefore to end up where they once were.  With shoppers returning, stores have stopped heavily discounting. 

MOVIE NIGHT

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25th

7 PM  in BAMBOO ROOM

THE BROTHERS

 

BOCA MUSEUM FEATURES PHOTOS OF ELVIS AT AGE 21

Going back in time to 1956, struggling photographer Alfred Wertheimer was assigned to take photos of a newly signed young singer from Memphis, TN named Elvis Presley.   

The Boca Museum of Art is featuring these photos which remain among the very best candid images of the young man who became the King of Rock’N Roll.  The traveling Smithsonian exhibit, Elvis at 21, opens Tuesday. 

Wertheimer says that Elvis told him, “I don’t just sing with my voice, I sing with my whole body.”  He also commented that Elvis let him get within 3-4 feet of himself, became totally absorbed in what he was doing, and this enabled Wertheimer to get wonderful candid shots, the only ones that exist today.

POLO CLUB 25th ANNIVERSARY PARTY

Over 470 members attended the “no-stuffy black tie gala” to celebrate the club’s 25^th anniversary.  There were two informal poolside parties with a  “Streets of New York” theme.  Members paid $10 each to have three chances to plunge General Manager and COO Alex Raimondi and Director of Dining Joshua Gilbert into Cdunk tanks, wearing tuxedos and sneakers!

Food and drink were donated by the club’s vendors and proceeds from that part of the evening will outfit a waiting room each in Boca Raton Community Hospital and Delray Medical Center.  Event chairperson was Arnold Brockman, a Board Member and former head of the Social Committee.

Members gathered poolside for dinner, with food stations representing New York neighborhoods including Chinatown, Little Italy, Coney Island and others.  A skyline floated in the pool and the dance floor was renamed Studio 54.  President of the Board, Stan Frank, said, “This is what Florida is all about, being outside and having fun!”

SUNDAY, APRIL 11TH, 2010 

Laurels at 7 pm 

LIFE IN WISCONSIN as painted by ROBERT DUNCAN

While this is NOT typical Florida life, I think you will enjoy watching this power point show.  If download does not work, click view.  Sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds.

	RobertDuncan'spaintings.pps 5149K   View   Download

South Florida Business Journal: EXISTING HOME, CONDO SALES RISE-in 2010 homes and condos are unlikely to be as cheap to buy or as cheap to finance.

The latest monthly Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home price index came in higher last week. Prices were up in 12 of the 20 major markets that Case Shiller monitors.   Home price indexes increased nationwide in August, including in South Florida where an S&P Case-Shiller report released today showed a 1.1 percent step up.  The index does include all single family homes sold, which may account for any difference between it and National Association of Realtor figures released last week that showed a small dip in local median home prices. The NAR looks at MLS listings only.


The Commerce Department released parallel findings last week - that consumers are finally beginning to loosen up on spending, and are making purchases they deferred during the scary months of 2009.   If that rate of expansion in consumption continues, not only will it begin to whittle away at the unemployment rate, but also stimulate the entire US economy, since consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of the national gross domestic product or GDP.  The housing and mortgage sectors could also begin to show some of that confidence and willingness to spend. 



Home sales are expected spike upwards in the coming several months as the two federal housing tax credits head for expiration.  Mortgage Bankers Association reported last week that applications for new loans to buy houses - a bellwether indicator - jumped by seven percent and now stand at their highest level in six months.

NO MOVIE 

SUNDAY, APRIL 4th

ROBB & STUCKY SEMINAR IN BOCA RATON ON WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR TREASURED ITEMS

Find out what to do with your treasured items.  They can be the inspiration for your décor!

Discover what pieces to restore, repaint, recover or relinquish.  On Thursday, March 8^th, come to the Mizner Park Robb & Stucky store, and hear from Designer Rick Veller, ASID and Design Consultant, Sandra Welsch, how to incorporate your personal mementos into a look that works for your current lifestyle.

Reservations are requested, as space is limited.  Please call 561-862-5597.

ARE YOU OR IS SOMEONE YOU KNOW A CAREGIVER FOR AN ELDERLY PARENT?

AARP reports that there are 43-million caregivers taking care of elderly family members in the US.  When illness strikes a parent, it is most often the siblings upon whom the care giving falls.  They can divide up the responsibilities, write up a contract as to who handles finances, daily care, research, and all other immediate and anticipated future needs.  Elder care mediators are available and website or blogs can be set up for each sibling to record daily events so all siblings are “on the same page” and up to date on care provided.

When a caregiver’s own finances are at peril, the family can get together and each compensate the care giving sibling who lives in with or nearby the elderly parent.  Author Francine Russo calls this period in a family’s life, “The Twilight Transition.”  Read the Amazon.com reviews and perhaps you will find this book helpful regarding sibling issues.

There are 16,000 Nursing Homes in the US, with about 1.5-million people living in them.  The US News & World Report article on Best Nursing Homes explains the rankings, with 11 homes that have received perfect ratings for four consecutive quarters.  The article also directs you to Nursing Home Compare, on the Medicare site, to find a local nursing home.  A family can find a Geriatric Care Manager to help.  

The new health care plan includes The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, otherwise known as CLASS.  CLASS provides for a national insurance program to help cover the cost of long-term care -- something 70 percent of people over 65 will need at some point along the way. The premiums will be much lower than those for private plans, and you won't get screened out because you've already had some health problems. Once vested after five years, enrollees unable to care for themselves will be able to claim cash benefits for as long as needed.  Nursing homes will face more transparency requirements.

As the benefits of the CLASS program become clear, you will read about them on this blog in the near future.  Licensed Advisor/Independent Insurance Agent Marilyn Jacobs can provide details about Long Term Care Insurance and explain what Medicare, Medicaid and the newer Long Term Care Partnership (which protects a portion of assets) can and cannot do to help with expenses.

Sunday, March 28th

 7:00 pm in the Laurels

"The Blind Side" 

starring Sandra Bullock

ROBERT L. HOWARD, ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST DECORATED HEROES

It is important for future generations that we remember our military heroes and the great sacrifices they have made for us in the name of Freedom.  Only 3,448 Americans have been awarded Medals of Honor.  Today only 91 of them survive.

Wounded 14 times in 54 months of combat duty in Vietnam, Robert Howard was awarded 8 Purple Hearts and was believed to be the most decorated living American.  He served five tours in Vietnam and is the only soldier in our nation's history to be nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor three times for three separate actions within a 13-month period. Although it can only be awarded once to an individual, men who served with him said he deserved all three. 

President Richard M. Nixon awarded him the Medal of Honor at the White House in 1971.  Other awards included the Distinguished Service Cross - our nation's second highest award, and the Silver Star - the third highest award. He received his decorations for valor for actions while serving as an NCO (Sergeant First Class).

Robert L. Howard grew up in Opelika, Alabama and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1956 at age seventeen. He retired as a full Colonel in 1992 after 36 years service. During Vietnam, he served in the U.S. Army Special Forces (Green Berets) and spent most of his five tours in the super-secret MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command Vietnam Studies and Observations Group) also known as Special Operations Group, which ran classified cross-border operations into Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam. These men carried out some of the most daring and dangerous missions ever conducted by the U.S. military. The under-strength sixty-man recon company at Kontum, in which he served, was the Vietnam War's most highly decorated unit of its size with five Medals of Honor. It was for his actions while serving on a mission to rescue a fellow soldier in Cambodia, that he was submitted for the Medal of Honor the third time for his extraordinary heroism. 

In later years, as a larger-than-life figure on the national military scene, he appeared at many patriotic events, encouraging people to remember our troops.  He was also an advocate for troops missing in action and believed there were more than 100 troops living in captivity in south east Asia.  He died in 2009 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Robert L. Howard is said to be our nation's most decorated soldier from the Vietnam War. He was the last Vietnam Special Forces Medal of Honor recipient still on active duty when he retired on Sept. 29, 1992. His story is told in John Plaster's excellent book, SOG The Secret Wars of America's Commandos in Vietnam.  

Excerpt from John Plaster's recent book SECRET COMMANDOS Behind Enemy Lines with the Elite Warriors of SOG - pg. 303:
"The day that President Nixon draped the Medal of Honor's pale blue ribbon around Howard's neck, I sat before the TV in my parents' living room watching the evening news. Coming on top of his previous decorations - the Distinguished Service Cross and multiple Silver and Bronze Stars, plus eight Purple Hearts - Howard's combat awards exceeded those of Audie Murphy, America's legendary World War II hero, until then our most highly decorated serviceman. At last, Howard would get his due. I flipped station to station, but not one of the networks - not CBS or NBC or ABC - could find ten seconds to mention Captain Robert Howard or his indomitable courage. I found nothing about him in the newspapers. Twisted by the antiwar politics of that era, many in the media believed that to recognize a heroic act was to glorify war. They simply chose not to cover the ceremony. It might as well not have happened." 

Let's pass these stories of valor, bravery and dedication to the United States of America on to our children and grandchildren. 

Sunday, March 14th at 

7:00 pm in the Laurels

 

"Say Anything (1987)"

starring John Cusack.

POLO CLUB Security Committee Update 3/12/2010

We have been advised by the Sheriff’s Dept that in recent weeks there has been a rash of home burglaries throughout Palm Beach County including a number of gated communities. 

During this period of time there have been no burglaries at Polo. Incidents have occurred at Addison Reserve, Broken Sound, Mizner Country Club (2), The Oaks, Kings Point, Cameron Park, Delray Garden Estates, and in Jupiter there were 6 burglaries at Admirals Cove. 

The most common point of entry was through a rear door/slider or window and the common method of entry was to pry or smash open the door/window. In the other incidents, doors were left unlocked. There was no indication that alarms, where present, were actually activated. Most of the incidents occurred after 6pm.
These are professional burglars.. They are in and out of a home in less than 3 minutes. They primarily look for cash and jewelry and small items like cameras, I-pods, etc. They know just where to look for things. 

We all need to be security conscious at all times. If you see anything that looks out of place or suspicious call 911 and then call Polo Security Emergency at 995-1111.

The sheriff urges all Polo residents to make sure they do the following:
1. ALWAYS SET YOUR ALARM. It is the first and most important line of protection Turn it on whenever you leave home. Put it on and by-pass the motion detectors when home at night. If you don’t know how to use your alarm system let Devcon know and they will show you how to use it. 

2. Make sure all doors and windows are locked. This requires criminals to take more time to gain entry, which they don’t like. 

3. You can have a locksmith insert a lock into your back sliders so they cannot be lifted off the track. 

4. Keep the your alarm system chime alert on at all times so it chimes when anyone opens a door or window when you are home. 

5. Keep exterior lights on at night. 

6. Cut back landscaping and shrubbery from windows and doors as landscaping helps criminals avoid detection.

31ST ANNUAL HATSUME FAIR AT MORIKAMI SATURDAY MARCH 20, AND SUNDAY MARCH 21

Morikami’s largest annual event transforms the usually tranquil Morikami Park into a unique  Japanese spring festival.  Featured will be three stages of continuous entertainment ranging from martial arts demos, drumming, children’s activities, presentations of Anime History, Japanese folk tales, artisan booths, plant sales and Asian and American food vendors. 

Ensemble Otodama will present arrangements of Japanese traditional folk music and their original works, blending jazz, classical, Japanese and other world  music.

Tickets can be purchase online before Thursday Mach 18^th, $10 for adults, $$5 for ages 4-17, children 3 and under and museum members free.  Admission at the gate is slightly higher.  Free on-site parking is provided.  The Morikami Cornell Café will be serving an a la carte menu.  

Sunday, March 7th at 7:00 pm 

in the Laurels.  

 

"Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince"

WATCH THE POLO CLUB ON “GOLF AMERICA”

Our Equestrian Course has been selected as "The Course of The Week" and will be featured on national television 14 times over the next few weeks. Not only will you see our golf courses, but our entire community, amenities and Clubhouse. Also, watch the video of our Club Course, which was chosen as the "Online Course of the Week" by Cyber Links Golf, watch it now at www.cyberlinksgolf.com.

Saturday, March 6th 
12:00 PM SUNSHBHD
653 (DirecTV)/ Golf America
(New, Sports)

Monday, March 8th
4:30 PM SSUNSHBHD
653 (DirecTV)/ Golf America