CALUSA VETERINARY CENTER 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. 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.

FROM CALUSA VETERINARY CENTER on May 14, 2009: Unfortunately, due to the current economic climate and costs involved in operating a state of the art, high quality, efficient emergency room, we have had to temporarily discontinue having a doctor on premises 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will continue to provide on-site, 24/7 nursing care for our hospitalized patients and pet resort guests, as well as a doctor on call, and emergency care during office hours. Calusa Veterinary Center will be open for appointments 7 days a week, including Sunday! We will be seeing appointments 8:00am-7:00pm Monday thru Friday and 9:00am-5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. We will continue to provide the highest level of care and service, with our critical care, 24 hour nurse supervised care, holistic and homeopathic center, canine rehabilitation, full surgical suite with ventilators and laser, nutritional counseling, full digital x-rays, endoscopy, ultrasound, in house laboratory, full dental suite with radiology and our pet spa and pet resort. We ask for your understanding at this time, and your continued belief in our commitment to the care of your pets. Our ER doors will open once again, in the near future. In the event of an emergency after hours, please contact our office at (561) 999-3000. One of our emergency room nurses will be here to assist you and can guide you to the closest emergency doctor available.

212-ROOM BOCA RESORT BEACH CLUB OPENS

The redesigned beach club at the luxurious Boca Raton Resort & Club offers a full-service beach resort experience with a variety of world-class restaurants, spa, golf and tennis. There is a new ocean view fitness center with floor to ceiling walls providing water views and offering the latest in cardio and strength training equipment, a kenesis wall, new Camp Boca children’s activity center, 3 restaurants with a variety including seafood, snacks, and café with breakfast, lunch and dessert items prepared daily, three new meeting rooms and ballroom space with pool deck view, three new outdoor pools with lounge areas where WiFi access is available. Forty-six new private poolside cabanas and new in-sand beach loungers are available. Traffic flow is enhanced by the new wide circular driveway. The cabana-style guest rooms include nine suites with Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterway views

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.

BE PROUD OF OUR BOCA RATON POLICE FORCE

The Boca Raton Police received another Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. An independent assessment team from The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) recognized proof of compliance with more than 250 prescribed standards, conducting onsite inspections of facilities, policies, equipment and procedures for proof of compliance with more than 250 prescribed standards. The Boca Raton Police Services Department met or exceeded all applicable standards. The Department has an authorized force of 198 full-time sworn police officers and 99 civilians.

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.

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS

THE GOOD NEWS: A new $50BB Obama plan will soon be revealed to combat foreclosure of owner-occupied middle-class homes. A federal regulator urged more than 800 thrift institutions to suspend all foreclosures. Government-controlled mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac suspended foreclosure sales during the winter holidays and have halted evictions from foreclosed properties until next month. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said the government would provide incentives to “try to induce economically sensible restructuring of mortgages,” but offered no specifics when testifying this week before House lawmakers. THE BAD NEWS: In 2008 more than 2MM American homeowners faced foreclosure proceedings; analysts say that in the coming years, depending on the severity of the recession, as many as 10MM homeowners could face foreclosure proceedings. Florida Economist Hank Fishkind now says that the bottom will come in 2010 and positive growth will not start until 2011 or 2012. However, he says home sales have already hit bottom and are beginning to stabilize.

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!

MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM 2-7, 1 PM AT GUMBO LIMBO’S OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATRE

The Sunflower Creative Arts’ new children’s repertory theatre group, “Shakespeare for Everyone,” will perform a 75-minute adaptation of Shakespeare’s delightful fantastical fairies, romps in the forest and an adorably mischievous sprite wrecking havoc on a group of poor foolish mortals. The forest setting at Gumbo Limbo promises the production to be fun, light and most enjoyable. The 8-14 year old actors have been given an unusual amount of freedom to make choices and explore their character’s quirks. They perform in full costume, with scripts in hand, to concentrate their energy on bringing their characters to life. The performance will include Shakespeare’s original text. Admission is free. Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is on A1A between Spanish River Road and Palmetto Park Drive.

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.

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.

ALWAYS WANTED TO BE AN ACTOR? COME AND LEARN

An intensive 8 week Actors’ Workshop will be held at Sugar Sand Park (off Military Trail south of Palmetto Park Road) from February 2^nd through March 23^rd, Mondays, from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. The instructor for the 8 classes is Jane Kelly. The workshop is for ages 16 and up, those who are interested in tapping into their creative side, improving public speaking and presentation skills, overcoming shyness, having fun, or seeking a career in acting. Cost for a Resident is $150; non-resident is $180. Thursday Movie Time at Sugar Sands will offer a tribute to Paul Newman, 7:30 pm. Here is the schedule: 2/12: Rally ‘Round the Flag, Boys; 3/12: The Hustler; 4-16: Cool Hand Luke; 5-14: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Tickets are $1 each, and include popcorn and a drink. Limited seating. Please call the box office at 561-347-3948 to purchase tickets in advance. Watch Newman’s acting and enjoy it all! He is a good acting example to learn from.

BRING YOUR AGE 5-10 CHILDREN TO GUMBO LIMBO ART WORKSHOP AND CONTEST

From 10 am to noon on Saturday, February 7^th, bring the kids to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center on A1A below Spanish River Drive for an art workshop and contest, “I am drawing with Pascal,” combining art with an environmental education. Sponsoring artist, Pascal Lecocq, will facilitate the workshop, along with staff and volunteers. Lecocq’s passion for the arts and environmental education led to the formation of the Pascal Foundation for the Arts and Environmental Education. The foundation’s goal is to encourage children to express themselves by painting and showing concern for the environment. He has created templates for the children, to which they can add color and designs, and they will answer five questions related to this year’s theme, “Plastic is Forever.” Contest Winners will be announced on Sea Turtle Day, March 7^th. An adult must participate with the child. To reserve space, call 561-338-1473. There is no fee. Founded in 1984 as a cooperative venture between the City of Boca Raton, Palm Beach County School District, Florida Atlantic University and Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, Incorporated, the Gumbo Limbo Environmental Complex is designed to provide marine and coastal environmental education for the community through classes, workshops, field trips and research. Volunteers are welcome. The current Gumbo Limbo volunteers put in over 22,000 hours annually. That is the equivalent of 11 full-time employees!

ALWAYS DREAMED OF WRITING THAT FAMOUS NOVEL?

A non-credit Fiction Workshop will be offered by FAU on the Boca Raton campus from February 10 through April 21, 6-8 pm. Come, bring your writings, get feedback and meet other South Florida writers. Study craft techniques and find publishing opportunities. For fees and more info call 561-297-2974. Limited seating. Registration and payment due by February 2^nd. WE WANT TO READ YOUR NOVEL WHEN IT GETS PUBLISHED!

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

TRI-RAIL RIDERSHIP MAKES RECORD IN 2008

More than 4-million passengers rode the commuter Tri-Rail in 2008, the highest amount in it’s 20-year history, up nearly 23% over 2007 and up 50%+ over 2005. Tri-Rail is the second fastest growing commuter rail system in the United States during the third quarter of 2008, outranked only by a new commuter train in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With gas prices down below $2 a gallon, there has been a slight dip in the number of passengers, but there are still between 15,000 and 16,000 riders a day. Tri-Rails efforts to tax rental cars to help pay for their operations have been rebuffed by the Legislature.

LIFELONG LEARNING BEGINS SEMESTER AT FAU

Florida Atlantic University has announced its Lifelong Learning Society course offerings for the winter 2009 semester, which begins Jan. 5 at the Barry & Florence Friedberg Lifelong Learning Society complex on the Boca Raton campus. Offerings are divided into four categories – special conferences, special performance lectures, performance lectures and lecture series. Taught by FAU professors and guest lecturers, course offerings, presented in one-day, four- and eight-week formats, include such subjects as foreign policy, political science, film, art history, music and literature. To register or to receive a free winter course catalog, contact Virginia Huntzinger at 561-297-2447.

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.

PALM BEACH COUNTY ARTISTS SUBMISSIONS NEEDED

The Palm Beach County Art in Public Places Program asks visual artists who live in the county to submit artwork. Deadline is January 22 at 4 pm. Submissions will be considered for a 4-month Palm Beach International Airport exhibition from February 4^th to June 3^rd. Theme is “Come Out & Play!” Artists are invited to submit works featuring locals and tourists enjoying a variety of sports and lesure activities offered in the county. For more information email esinger@pbcgov.org or see www.pbcgov.com/fdo/art/calls.htm

ANOTHER WAY FOR SOME FUNDING FOR LONG TERM CARE TYPE NEEDS

Statistics tell us that on average, 69% of people age 65 today will need some form of long-term care. While 92% of Americans age 65+ listed poor health as the most serious problem facing older adults, only 43% believe that purchasing a form of long-term care coverage is important for their future. If you do not have a long term care policy, or wish to increase benefits, be aware that some annuities offer Enhanced Rider Benefits which are not long term care benefits, but funds from the annuity can be used for in-home care and other needs or can enhance long term care issues already in place. These require no underwriting or invasive medical questions. Balances left, if the annuitant passes away, go to beneficiaries. For more information, call Marilyn Farber Jacobs, Licensed Advisor/Independent Insurance Agent at 561-988-0070.

32nd ANNUAL BOCA RATON BOAT PARADE

The boat parade will be held Saturday, December 20^th, starting on the Intracoastal Waterway at the Boca/Delray city limits (Canal C-15) and will travel south to the Hillsboro Bridge. There is limited free seating in bleachers at Silver Palm Park and Red Reef Park. Call 561-393-7827 or go to www.ci.boca-raton.fl.us for details. Free entry for boats. Over $10,000 in gifts and monetary awards for Best Decorated Vessels. Don’t miss the fun!

5 OPEN HOUSE TOURS 5 - Sunday 12/14 from 1 to 4 pm - no equity, no HOA... IF YOU MISSED THE TOUR, MARILYN WILL BE HAPPY TO SHOW YOU ANY OF THE HOMES

NEW WEIGHT LOSS TIPS… BOTTOM LINE: I’M NOT GIVING UP CHOCOLATE

The current (January) issue of Reader’s Digest has some newer thoughts on weight gain, including a fat cells discussion about how they got there (genetic or external factors when Mom was pregnant), how they “work,” who might have more of them, and how to work them down (exercise… you’ve heard that one before). Again we read that exercise can change our metabolisms, so maybe we should try that if we don’t do it yet. There is lots of convincing evidence. GET ON THAT TREADMILL more often, go to the health club, or take long walks every day. Stress fattens, they write, because it sparks cravings (we knew that!), so they suggest yoga or quality family time to down tone stress. More sleep could mean more weight loss, meaning seven to eight hours a night. Your spouse’s weight loss could trigger stress, e.g. jealousy, so jump on the bandwagon and lose weight too. An experiment they describe showed that stem cells attacked by a virus can cause weight gain, which calls to mind what Mom used to tell us, “Feed a cold and starve a fever.” Your taste buds can be get a weight gain trigger from an ear infection. Antioxident-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables can keep obesity away. The article reminds us that we CAN be fit AND fat. It’s almost time for New Year’s resolutions, so let’s make some about weight loss, or lack of weight gain right now.

BUYERS ARE LOOKING AND BUYING NOW

Both local residents looking to upsize or downsize and out-of-towners seeking second homes are looking in the market right now. The common theme is, "Find me a bargain." Home owners who are willing to negotiate and are realistic about fair market prices have the best chance of selling, particularly if the homes are upgraded with newer kitchens and baths. When readying your home for show, DO YOUR OWN STAGING - paint the interior and if needed, the exterior, remembering that curb appeal gives the buyer their first impression. Clear out the clutter - either donate it to charity, give it to Goodwill or get a storage room. Buyers need to visualize how large your quarters are.

It may be wise to use your local Realtor who knows your neighborhood, but another Realtor might have new and different ideas, and if your property is their only listing in your neighborhood they might work harder to get it sold than an agent who has many houses to focus on within a small area. When interviewing an agent, ask for their Marketing Plan and where on the internet they will be featuring your property. More and more agents are using the internet to get their listings shown all over the world, internationally as well as nationally.

When you are looking to purchase a property, check with the listing agent about details. If you have pets, check out pet restrictions. Check out age restrictions - is it an age 55+ community and is that what you want? How far is shopping from the neighborhood? What security does the neighborhood offer? What do your Homeowners Association dues cover? Be sure to read the Community Documents as soon as you get them, focusing on Rules and Regulations.

While an agent's responsibility is to get you the most EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE, EXPOSURE they can to get that one buyer over to your property, once the house is under contract, the agent may have various obstacles to overcome on the way to the closing. Ask about their title company, home inspector, if they have a contractor to do any needed fix-up, whether they have a good plumber and electrician and any other kinds of services you might need.

If you want your agent to give you feedback, ask for it...but the reality is that when YOUR BUYER comes to look, they will make an offer, and that is the ultimate feedback you want to hear. Sometimes the feedback is helpful in fixing something you did not know was "in the way of a sale," and that is helpful information your agent will pass back to you.

Best wishes to all buyers and sellers in finding a property that you will love. Remember that home values WILL GO UP in the future, and if you have found a property that you love and the bottom line price is more than you want to pay, the value WILL be going up in due time. BUY WHAT YOU LOVE that is within your price range.

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MARILYN FARBER JACOBS, Realtor, ePRO - Keller Williams Realty Services
Lic. Mortgage Broker - Iberia Mortgage Corporation, Lic. Correspondent Lenders
Lic. Independent Insurance Agent - Health and Life Insurance, Medicare Supplements, Annuities, Long Term Care, Life and Structured Settlements.
December 1, 2008. Marilyn Farber Jacobs is a Realtor and ePRO specializing in listing and selling properties in gated golfing communities and on the waterfront. SEARCH THE MLS and EXPLORE THE AREA at http://www.MarilynJacobs.com. COMPARE waterfront condos at http://www.FLWaterfrontCondos.com. Marilyn's territory includes Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, Ocean Ridge, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth and Lantana in Palm Beach County.

Pictured above: 2006 Palm Beach Farms Estate For Sale, boat dock, 4616 sq ft, beautiful interiors, 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, gourmet kitchen, French Doors, Crown Moldings, Automatic Generator, 3 car garage, solid pour walls, elevator, private Master Bedroom with balcony in established neighborhood with playground. House has boat dock, is on waterfront. $2,500,000.

THIS ARTICLE APPEARS ON SMARTGUY.COM, written by Marilyn Farber Jacobs