PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL IN MIZNER PARK

The 13^th annual film festival begins April 10^th and is a week-long celebration of the past, present and future of independent film and cinema. There will be screenings of American and foreign independent features, shorts and documentaries of all genres, stimulating seminars and intensive film discussion groups, parties and informal get-togethers with filmmakers and industry professionals from around the globe, and more. See COMPLETE LIST OF FILMS and SCHEDULE OF EVENTS. The Palm Beach International Film Festival is a not-for-profit organization supporting film programs in local schools and dedicated to making a difference in the lives of future filmmakers. Proceeds generated each year are donated to schools, in the form of grants and scholarships.

SUNDY HOUSE, DELRAY BEACH HISTORIC BOUTIQUE INN

Located in the heart of historic downtown Delray Beach, and one mile from the fabulous beach at the end of Atlantic Avenue, the Sundy House is a boutique inn listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This secluded retreat is nestled within an acre of stunning tropical gardens. The Victorian inn’s 11 luxurious guest accommodations feature sumptuous décor and modern amenities. Sundy House hides within an acre overflowing with 500 tropical plant species. In every corner, you'll discover unique details: a bed suspended in air, a sunset painted on the ceiling, red-cork wallpaper, and blue suede walls. Swim with turtles and angelfish in the naturally filtered swimming pond. Venturing away from this self-contained wonderland only brings more pleasures, like snorkeling or windsurfing in the southern Atlantic, minutes away. Stay for Sundy's Sunday brunch, a lavish affair with everything from eggs Benedict made with Florida lobster to raspberry ham with mango cole slaw. Doubles from $175; 561-272-5678 Experience the award-winning Sundy House Restaurant, the elegant Roux Bamboux Lounge. Just 20 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport and one hour north of Miami, our superb location is easy to reach whether for business or pleasure. The Sundy House is mere steps from shopping, dining and cultural events, in a serene setting in which art, history and culture merge. Complimentary transportation to beach/downtown where life is GOOD and ACTIVE. Other awards include: The New York Post – “Florida’s Top 50 Hotels and Resorts;” Travel + Leisure – “Top 30 Inns in the U.S;” Palm Beach Post – “Best Brunch and Most Romantic Restaurant;” South Florida Parenting – “Best Romantic Getaway.”

SUBMIT YOUR WORKS OF ART INSPIRED BY FLORA, FAUNA AND NATURAL PLACES IN THE COUNTY

“Local Treasures” is the theme for the 2008 summer/fall exhibit being shown from May 7^th to September 24^th with works of art being featured in public buildings, parks and plazas. IF you have talent, submit your works, reflecting the theme. For details – click on “Calls to Artists” or mail a self-addressed stamped envelope to Palm Beach County Art in Public Places, 2633 Vista Parkway, West Palm Beach FL 33422. Deadline for submission of photo of item is April 18^th.

FIRST DONATION OF $1.25MM for FAU STADIUM from SmileXpress

Get ready to cheer for the home team! The proposed 30,000-seat open air Stadium at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton has received its first donation of $1.25MM from supporter SmileXpress, one of the largest teeth whitening dental spas in Florida, located in Boca, Ft Lauderdale, Wellington and Aventura, with plans to expand nationally. The funds will be forthcoming over ten years and are for a sponsorship, scholarship dollars for the athletics department and philanthropy that will assist with the construction of the open-air football stadium, slated to be completed in the fall of 2010. FAU’s plans include an “innovation village” around the Stadium with 5 apartment-style residence halls, 130,000 sq ft of retail and commercial units and a multi-use Convocation Center for the basketball program. Future seating expansion is possible, and a roof can be added. Total cost estimated for the stadium is just under $100-MM, with funding from private donations – no public funds including tax revenues are expected to finance the stadium. It will be located just north of the Breezeway on the main campus, adjacent to the burrowing owl sanctuary. The FAU Owls football team will be using the Stadium.

GRAND OPENING FOR SUNSET COVE AMPHITHEATER IN WEST BOCA

Bring your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the new outdoor theatre! At 6 pm Saturday, three local high school groups will perform during a grand opening celebration. Fireworks and food vendors will be there too. This is the first phase to open in the South County Regional Park expansion. The amphitheater includes a 1700 sq ft stage with state-of-the-art lighting and a grassy area that can accommodate up to 3000 people using lawn chairs and blankets, referred to as “festival seating.” You’ll be able to enjoy live mustic, theatre productions and out door movies at future amphitheater productions. Later picnic shelters, a new dog park, playground, boat ramp and additional restrooms and parking will be added. Located at 12551 Glades Road, about 2.4 miles west of US 441. For further information call 561-488-8069, the Event Hotline. To access calendar click HERE.

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.

ECONOMISTS: REBOUND BY MID-2009

The 2008 fiscal stimulus package, according to Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist, should provide a much needed boost to the real estate market. Yun says that the tax rebate is needed to compensate for very high oil prices and the falling stock market. The former, he says, is caused in part by the US having a higher inflation rate than other countries which causes a weaker dollar. When oil prices rise, that fills the coffers of Russia, Venezuel, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Iran, transferring money from a democratic country to a non-democratic country. A higher loan limit in Los Angeles, Orange and San Franciso counties, from $417,00 to $729,000 will give the housing market a lift in those areas. Inventories go down and home prices strengthen as sales rise. Lawrence Yun received his undergraduate degree from Purdue University and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland at College Park. He is Managing Diretor of Quantitative research at the National Association of Realtors where he manages the Statistics and Forecasting Groups of the Research Division. Yun writes columns on real estate market trends, creates NAR’s forecasts and participates on many economic forecasting panels, including Blue Chip and Harvard University Industrial Economist Council. Though the economy for the entire nation is sluggish now, many economists are expecting a rebound by the second half of next year.

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.

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.

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.

NEW VISTA THEATRE RECEIVES AWARDS FOR TWO 2007 PRODUCTIONS

Now moved to their new location on Palmetto Park Road, a few miles west of 441 in the Shoppes of Logger’s Run, The New Vista Theatre Company in West Boca Raton has been nominated for five Carbonell nominations for two of its 2007 productions, “Funny Girl” and “Jacques Brel”. Performances are held at the West Boca Raton High School Performing Arts Center, 12811 Glades Road. During their Inaugural Season, 2006-2007, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum was nominated for 5 Carbonell Awards. They recently moved to Boca Raton from Davie. Actor Avi Hoffman heads the company. Upcoming productions include “I’m Not Rappaport,” May 1-18, and “The Big Bang,” June 19-July 6. Click here for dates and more information or call 561-482-4144. Group Rates are available, and website sales are 10% off. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm and Sunday at 7 pm. Since 1976 Carbonell Awards have been given to Regional Theatre Productions. The Awards were created by South Florida’s arts critics and columnists.

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…

BOCA RATON 2008 FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

Centering in Mizner Park, for a list of cultural events for all ages including concerts, ballet, wine tastings and auctions, lectures, jazz and more, go to http://www.centre4artsboca.com/events.asp

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 own a home.

FORECLOSURES NOT JUST MAINSTREAM

One of the nation’s priciest residences, Harold Vanderbilt’s Villa di Venezia, the 1929 Italian Renaissance mansion at 1100 South Ocean Boulevard in Manalapan, went on the auction block and was bought by mortgage holder, New Stream Capital, on the steps of the courthouse, for $22-MM. New Stream will put the property back on the market to recoup its investment. The 20,000 sq ft Maurice Fatio home was sold to Randolph Hearst by Mel and Bren Simon for $29.87-MM in 2000, a record sale for Florida at that time. Hearst died 6 months later and his widow, Veronica, was left the house but did not have the money to maintain it. Veronica Hearst paid for property taxes, renovations, etc. by borrowing millions of dollars against the home’ value, selling 150 feet south of the property for $6.2MM.

NEW SPANISH RIVER LIBRARY IN BOCA NOW OPEN… MAKE A VISIT A MUST!

Enter into a huge reading room with volume ceilings and high windows giving off light, and find a serene atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a book or a magazine. The facility is about 40,000 sq feet, a Mizner-inspired design, features decorative arches and faux coral stone columns, a Spanish tile roof, the man-made Blue Lake, coffered ceilings and dark cherry wood trim. Approved by voters, Countess de Hoernle's philanthropic gift greatly reduced our costs. Go visit and be proud to take guests from out-of-town to lunch at the Library Cafe. Check out the thousands of free books, newspapers, magazines, periodicals and more. Wireless computer outlets are available. The upstairs balcony area, as well as the main reading room, is perfect for studying and reading. Ground was broken on April 2, 2004 to start building the Library, and now that construction is complete, the library opened January 26, 2008. There are two Computer Labs each seating a dozen people. There is a Children’s Lab with learning games and application software. A special Teen Room for Tweens and Teens is provided. Rooms and beautiful outdoor areas, some with pretty Blue Lake views, are available for meetings and events. Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library offer a chance to win a $25 gift certificate and other prizes every day you come to one of the libraries from February 1-29. The Library Café fixes fresh salads and foods and has wonderful cookies, cakes and pastries. They can do catering for any kinds of parties. Email torocsikpeter@yahoo.com or call 561-305-8646. You can eat in the café, or go outside to the tables overlooking the pretty lake. Programs are featured and you can join The Friends of the Boca Raton Library for $25 or less. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 9 pm. Friday and Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm. Sunday, 12 noon to 8 pm. For more information go to www.bocalibrary.org.

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!

LINK TO LOWEST LOCAL GAS PRICES

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

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

USED-HOME SALES RISE IN NOVEMBER

Chief Economist for National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, said the market appears to be stabilizing. He noted mortgage interest rates are near historic lows, decelerating price declines, and a modest reduction in the number of homes on the market. NAR President Richard Gaylord said that Congress should expand its efforts to provide affordable finances and suggested raising the limit on conforming loans to help credit-worthy buyers in hard-hit regions such as FL and CA by greatly increasing access to low-interest-rate mortgages. Perhaps now we begin to see a light at the end of the tunnel in the housing market. Editor’s note: Perhaps the best buys will be made between now and early summer, and then “only the pickings” will be left in market inventory. With a national election coming up, perhaps the economy WILL improve and right now the perception is that the economy depends on the rise and fall of home sales across the country.

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/

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.

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.

THINKING ABOUT A NEW LIFESTYLE IN A BOCA RATON GATED COUNTRY CLUB?

Life is GOOD at The Boca Raton Polo Club, a posh, busy, active environment with 2 championship golf courses, active tennis program, swimming, star-studded events, clubs with many interests, special interests including a singles group and children’s activity center and a world-class spa. Come and see this elegantly 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 (original price: $899,000!). 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 16th 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.

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.

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.

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/.