ALWAYS WANTED TO WRITE 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 IN 2008 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.

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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 The suspension allows funds that would have been withdrawn to continue to grow tax-deferred for 2009.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.

HOUSE TOURS on Sunday, December 14th from 1-4 pm - if you would like to see any of these houses, call MARILYN at 561-988-0070

ORDER OF PHOTOS: B, A, 1, E, C

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 NOW
AND BUYING

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

TALLER BUILDINGS COMING TO BOCA’S DOWNTOWN AREA

Just approved by City Council: a new 140’ standard for construction with an additional 20’ for decorative and other elements. The building’s density would not increase, so a height increase would require a decrease elsewhere on the structure. The change would allow for more open space, wider sidewalks and more attractive architecture. Downtown is considered between Glades Road and Camino Real, with Palmetto Park Road and Federal Highway. This will give an additional 40’ to the current 100’ maximum. Residents have opposed a “box-like look,” and new designs are expected to offer staggered rooftops to create a more dimensional look, described by Mayor Susan Whelchel as “quality over quantity.” These guidelines will apply to an office building planned for the southeast corner of Palmetto and Federal, scheduled to begin construction in late 2009. This building also would have a boutique hotel with 153 rooms, 105 residential units, a restaurant and retail space.

TECHNOLOGY TO PLAY MAJOR ROLE IN TACKLING GLOBAL DISEASE AND BATTLING CLIMATE CHANGE

Stressing that “ideas, flexibility and entrepreneurship” are even more important than donating money, Larry Brilliant, Executive Director of Google.org, the philanthropic wing of the highly successful and famous search engine, said that their charitable arm has donated about $150MM to charitable organizations since 2004 and allotted about $350MM in online ad space to not-for-profit organizations. Google Maps and News technology are used to track disease outbreaks globally to help avoid epidemics. He also told about Google.org’s tackling climate change, and said, “Global warming is something that happens to all of us. We are in this together. It’s critically important for corporations to step up. Organizations, he said, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Carter Center and Rockefeller Foundation have the potential to do even more.

LYNN REGIONAL CANCER CENTER AT BOCA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL OFFERS NON-INVASIVE TREATMENTS
More than 3000 cancer patients are treated at the Lynn Cancer Institute every year with multimodality care, where a patient has an entire medical team in one location. Departments included are BRCH Outpatient Imaging and Radiation Oncology, The Center for Hematology-Oncology, chemotherapy and infusion center, multimodality clinic, administration offices and high tech conference center. The Radiation Oncology department will offer “Novalis TX” and Rapid Arc Linear Accelerator allowing steretactic radiosurgery treatment at any location in the body, which are not offered anywhere else in Florida. Treatments are offered from outside the body, outpatient imaging, to destroy tumors or ablate targeted abnormalities without an incision, avoiding hospitalization and recovery periods and possible complications. Radiologists reading the results are nationally renowned, board certified and fellowship-trained with sub-specialty expertise. Advanced imaging tools are also available at the Lynn Cancer Center. The building is located on a 4-acre site at NW 13th Street and NW 7th Avenue in Boca Raton. Satellite locations are in operation in West Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach. If you would like information about a Supplemental Cancer Plan, call Marilyn at 561-988-0070. Marilyn Farber Jacobs is a Licensed Advisor, an Independent Insurance Agent selling life and health insurances, annuities, long term care, life settlements, Medicare Supplements.

FIRST BOCA SCHOOLHOUSE PICTURED NOW IN ALL CITY SCHOOLS

Built in 1908, the Schoolhouse is now enjoying a centennial anniversary. The Boca Raton Historical Society and Museum has presented framed photographs to all city schools as part of the observance of Boca Raton’s Centennial School Year. The first students and the teacher are pictured standing in front of the building. In 1920, a new masonry school building was constructed at the site of the present Boca Raton Elementary School. A new DVD, “The History of Boca Raton,” was also presented to all the city’s schools. Information about school programs and Boca Raton history can be found at www.bocahistory.org.

TAKE THE GRANDKIDS TO DELRAY BEACH AND BUY THEM A SOUVENIR POPUP BOOK !

With proceeds earmarked for the Education Endowment Fund to help schools in the Delray Beach area, the City Education Board created a pop-up book about Delray Beach in 2006 and it is available either on line at http://www.delraypopupbook.com/buy.htm or in local stores. The six pop-up spreads are colorful, fact-filled about the rich history and culture of the city, recreational activities and celebrations. The cost is $28.

WONDERING WHAT THAT ANTIQUE IS WORTH?

Bring your treasure to the Boca Museum of Art in Mizner Park for a “Road Show,” on November 17^th from 1:30 to 4:30. Appraisal cost is $50. Appraiser is Dr. Lori is a certified fine art and antiques appraiser who reviews about 20,000 items a year and is a nationally syndicated columnist and RV personality who has appeared on network and cable programs. For more information, email aglgl@bocamuseum.org or call 561-392-2500, extension 208.

POLICE SUBSTATION OPENS AT TOWN CENTER MALL & BOCA POLICE ATTAIN “FLAGSHIP STATUS”

New 1700 sq ft substation and closed-circuit television command post added to Mall for use by Boca Raton police. It will serve as the operational base for the police officers currently assigned to patrol Town Center Mall and will include workspace for four Crime Prevention Unit members. Civilian volunteers and a Community Service Officer will assist patrons with police reports and fingerprinting. A video surveillance monitoring room, separate processing area and conference room are included. More cameras have been added to the 900 cameras already on the property in parking areas, on decks and within the Mall’s interior. These cameras give comprehensive views of the areas, and the area around the property. The Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies has given the Boca Raton police department “flagship status” as a model for other police departments.

READ THEIR LIPS: NO BOCA TAX INCREASE, BUT….

There will be additional fees including $5 per month trash fee, $10 increase in fire assessment fee for homeowners, water and sewer rate increase of 5.8% and 2% water and sewer electricity surcharge. The new library project has been moved to the 2009-2010 fiscal year in the city’s capital improvement budget. Beginning the library now, the city manager said, would cause next year’s tax to go up by 2%, counting debt service and library operations.

NORTON MUSEUM PRESENTS PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
Featuring as many photographers as possible, the Norton continues its longstanding commitment to furthering the visitor’s understanding of photographic history. A recent donation of 162 photographs, The Hunter Gifts, is now on exhibit until September 7^th. The collection includes the work of some of the most important photographers of the 20^th century. Six international photographers are paired together for easy comparisons of their work. The Norton Museum of Art is located at 1451 S Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach. General admission is $8, ages 13-21 is $3, children under 13 and members are admitted with no charge.

FORECLOSURE SEMINAR
EMPOWER YOURSELF! Attend FORECLOSURE SEMINAR, 7-9 pm, Tuesday 8/26 and Thursday 8/28 at the Deerfield Hilton, I-95 and Hillsborough Blvd. FREE pre-registration (561-338-2122 or www.iberiamortgagecorp.com.) or $10 at the door. Who should attend: First Time Buyers, Bargain Shoppers, Investors, Realtors. What you will learn: No credit or Challenged Credit, How to Profit from the Real Estate Mess, How to buy and repair a home with one loan; How the new House Bill benefits you.

DELRAY CULTURAL CENTER OFFERINGS COMING UP – GET OUT YOUR CALENDAR NOW

Songs, lectures and a variety of other special events are planned at Cornell’s Old School Square Crest Theatre, including big and small names with varied talents. “Altar Boyz”, a musical comedy, will open The Crest Theatre Main Stage Series November 14-16. The theatre’s season will conclude with “Romanza, the Art of the Tenor, April 3-5. From December 5-7, Spencer’s Theatre of Illusion will be appearing – maybe disappearing - featuring interesting theatrical elements. December 19-21 the Ballroom World Champion Tour will be held for dance enthusiasts. The latest incarnation of The Kingston Trio will present folk music January 16-18. The American Soul & Rock and Roll Choir will bring us cheer February 6-8. “Footloose,” based on the film, will present their national tour March 6-8. A new Celtic inspired dance production featuring Irish, Ottawa Valley and modern tap dancers, The Stepcrew, will appear March 20-22. The 2009 Lecture Series, held Thursdays at 2 pm, will include Secret Service Director Brian Stafford February 19, Author Michael Gates Gill March 12^th and author/photographer Lorraine Salem Tufts April 2^nd. Other presentations coming up include Tony Award winners Hal Linden, Tommy Tune, and Christine Ebersole with Grammy winner Billy Stritch, For tickets and more information call 561-243-7922, extension 1. The Crest Theater is located at 51 North Swinton Avenue, just north of Atlantic Avenue near the Delray Beach Tennis Center, in Old School Square. Individual tickets prices for Main Stage and Cabaret Series are $40 for matinee and $42 for evening. Individual lecture tickets are $25 for open seating (balcony) and $40 for reserved seating, which includes valet parking and post-lecture reception. Crest Theatre was voted BEST LIVE THEATRE by Forum Publishing Groups, The Best of Delray Beach Magazine, 2007. For seating chart, and more information on performances, see http://www.oldschool.org/crest.asp.

WHO IS BUYING IN FLORIDA?
According to the National Association of Realtors recent study, “2007 Profile of Florida Homebuyers and Sellers”, one in three Florida homebuyers is singe – 21% of 2007 new home purchases were made by single women and 12% by single men. 64% of the buyers had no children under age 18, but the median age of buyers was 43. For first time home buyers, 38% of 2007 home buyers, the median age was 32. 59% of homebuyers were married couples, 6% were unmarried couples. 18% were born outside the US. 27% bought new homes, 58% were detached single-family homes. Typical home had 1700 sq ft and was within 14 miles from their previous home. 98% of buyers ranked honesty and integrity as a “very important factor” when choosing a real estate agent. 90% of homebuyers financed their purchase. The report states that the typical home was on the market for 10 weeks and 33% of sellers did not lower their asking price before selling. Recent sellers typically sold their homes for 96% of the list price. 86% of home sellers reported that their home was listed or advertised on the internet. You can find the report at http://www.floridarealtors.org/LegislativeCenter/Research/index.cfm .

WIDESPREAD US HOME PURCHASES BY INTERNATIONALS

National Association of Realtors has estimated that between 150,000 and 190,000 homes in the US were sold to foreign nationals between May 2007 and May 2008. Florida, California and Texas were the most popular states. With the US dollar weakened compared to foreign currencies, US real estate was recognized as a good investment right now.

FYI: PENDING SALES JUMP UP

The pending home sales index jumped in July by 5.3%, rising in every region of the US. In the South, the index was up by 9.3%. Is a turnaround underway? This index measures signed sale contracts that are on the way to a closing, which is a leading indicator of home sales for the coming two or three months.

PBIA FEATURING PALM BEACH COUNTY ARTISTS EXHIBIT
An Opening Reception will be held at Palm Beach International Airport on Wednesday, September 10^th , 5:30-7 pm in the Airport’s Concession Mall, Level 2 Main Terminal, across from Travelers Lounge for exhibits of local paintings, sculpture, photography and mixed-media works, sometimes depicting the flora, fauna and natural places in the County. To see a virtual tour of the art, go to http://www.pbcgov.com/fdo/art/artworks.htm. The artworks, created by residents of various Palm Beach County cities, are for sale. Parking available in Short Term levels 4-7. The exhibit will be on display through September 24^th, and is sponsored by Palm Beach County’s Art in Public Places through a grant from the Palm Beach County’s Cultural Council. Selected works with are presented for four months and each exhibition features changing cultural and travel themes. Contact information for artists interested in submitting their works is http://www.pbcgov.com/art/FDORegistry.aspx.

MORE ON WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE HOUSE… NOW REPORTED TO HAVE SOLD FOR $750,000,000
Now comes word that the anonymous Russian billionaire who bought the exquisite Villa Leopolda historic estate on the French Cote d’Azur paid a higher price than previously reported. This purchase overtakes the previous highest purchase of a London home by Laksmi Mittal for his son for $236,000,000. (WOW these are all a lot of zeros!). Villa Leopolda is between Monaco and Nice, overlooking Cap Ferrat near Villefranche-su-Mer. It is a cream-colored turreted mansion with two guest houses. King Leopold II of Belgium built the villa in 1902. In 1916, King Leopold’s nephew and heir, King Albert I, turned the villa into a hospital for wounded officers during WW1. The Agnelli family later owned the property (Fiat auto tycoons) and held legendary jet-set parties in the 1960’s, with guests including Frank Sinatra and Ronald Regan (in his acting days). Fifty full-time gardeners are employed to take care of 20 acres of gardens and terraces, with 1200 olive, orange, lemon and cypress trees. The grounds are considered among the most spectacular on the Cote d’Azur. Seller was Lily Safra, widow of murdered banking billionaire, Edmond Safra. A Russian oil oligarch is said to be the new owner. But not Roman, Abramovich, owner of the Chelsea Football Club, who owns a $100,000,000 mansion near Antibes. It is reported that 60 villas and mansions on Cap Ferrat are owned by wealthy Russians.

HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE WILL GO ON
Canceled last year because of budget cuts, private sponsors have made it possible for the thousands who watch the Boat Parade to again do so on December 20^th 2008 starting at 6:30 pm at the C-15 canal (Boca-Delray line) and moving south along the Intracoastal Waterway. The sponsors to thank for allowing this 31-year old event to go on include Summit Brokerage, The Boca Raton Resort & Club, Loggerhead Marina, Florida Inland Navigation District and Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County and The Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District. Other sponsorships are available – email elilly@ci.boca-raton.fl.us or call 561-393-7827. As is the custom, boats will stop along the route at various docks and pick up donations for needy kids.

SOME OF THE “GOOD NEWS”
Affordable house prices combined with attractive exchange rates have resulted in our Canadian neighbors becoming the largest group of foreign buyers of homes in the United States, followed by buyers from the UK, Mexico, China, India and Germany. Since May 2007, foreign nationals have purchased between 150,000 and 190,000 homes in the United States. The most popular purchase was single-family vacation homes with an average price of $297,400. Florida led the way followed by Calfironia, Texas, New York, Washington and Nevada. Four out of Ten foreign buyers paid for their new homes with cash, compared to 7% of domestic buyers. Average stay for international buyers was 2.6 months during the year. 14% of purchases were $750,000 or more. This information is from the 2008 NAR Profile of International Home Buying Activity, a survey based on responses from about 4,000 Realtors who serve foreign buyers.

PLAN NOW: LOOK WHO’S COMING TO THE KRAVIS CENTER!

Carol Burnett (1/17/09)

Barbara Cook (12/16/2008)

Lily Tomlin (2-10-09)

Jackie Mason (2-2-09)

Steven Sondheim (2-4-09)

Marvin Hamlisch (3-8-09)

Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin, original EVITA stars (3-25-09)

Wynton Marsalis (1-28-09)

Dr. John and the Neville Brothers (3-3-09)

Led Zeppelin (1-13-09)

The Pink Floyd Experience (2-14-09)

Blue, a tribute to Joni Mitchell (1/2-4/09)

Kravis Membership is $75 and includes priority seating opportunities based on level of donation. Public tickets go on sale for 2008-2009 at 9 am on September 20^th. For more info call 561-832-7469 or go to http://www.kravis.org. Starting in October, for 11 sessions, “Movies by Moonlight” will be presented in the Gosman Amphitheatre including Grease, Sound of Music and Singin’ In The Rain.

AUGUST ADMISSION FREE FOR PALM BEACH ZOO
Grandkids coming for a visit? Palm Beach Zoo admission fees are waived in August and unlimited carousel rides are offered for kids age 12 and younger. There are over 100 shows a week and 1600 animals to visit. The Zoo is located at Dreher Park in West Palm Beach. Mission of the zoo is to provide an outdoor classroom of living creatures to foster awareness, appreciation and respect for the natural world. More info at www.palmbeachzoo.org.

WEST BOCA LIBRARY COMPLETION EXPECTED BY END OF SEPTEMBER Construction began in August 2007, and opening of the West Boca county library on 441 (State Road 7) near Yamato Road is planned before December. The facility will be 20,000 sq ft, with room to expand to 40,000 sq ft. The adult, children and teen areas will have about 30 internet and word processing computers. Computers with the Library catalog are available throughout the building; free wireless access will also be available throughout the building. Three meeting rooms are available, a large one for 70 people and a 50-seat room for children’s programming are included. There will be three private study rooms and a larger group study room, two express checkout stations and themed areas designed for young adults. There will be a total of 136 parking spaces. Materials can be returned at a drive-up as well as walking up to interior and exterior returns areas.

WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE HOUSE? $500,000,000!

Once owned by Bill Gates, La Leopolda, 10 acres, said to have the best views in Southern France, reportedly built by Belgium’s King Leopold for his mistresses, has been purchased by Russian billionaire Abramovich, reportedly for CASH. A regular 80% mortgage would have monthly payments of over $3,000,000!

MASTERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION TO BE OFFERED AT FAU
Did you know that FAU’s Pine Jog Environmental Education Center in West Palm Beach is one of the nations oldest nature centers and serves annually more than 25,000 students, 750 teachers and 12,500 adults? A 36-credit course resulting in a master’s degree program in environmental education, needing no additional state funding due to funds from a Pine Jog endowment, is being planned by the Florida Department of Education. It is noted that this is one field where there is a critical teacher shortage. There will be a conversion available from a track in the approved master’s degree in curriculum and instruction to a stand-alone degree in environmental education. The student can choose either to complete the track or transfer to the new degree program. The new program will be held in collaboration with FAU’s Pine Jog Environmental Center. The first Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certified “green” elementary school in the state is located on the pine Jog campus. An existing College of Education instructor who focuses on environmental education will be assigned to the program. Funds also come from a continuing contract with the Palm Beach County School Board.