Boynton Beach schools - nice, new and colorful

This year, several new school buildings were completed to accommodate the
need for newer, updated facilities. In West Boynton, Sunset Palms Elementary School,
at the corner of Boynton Beach Boulevard and Acme Dairy Road opened in
August, 2008. Today, over 700 students and teachers enjoy the 123,000
square-foot technologically advanced building. The building has a Mediterranean
look which is bright and light and very colorful, including beautiful murals.

The old Hagen Ranch Road Elementary School, originally built in 1966 as
a model "open classroom" school, has finally been demolished. In its place
stands a beautiful new 129,656-square-foot, two-story school, sitting on
13 acres. This school can accommodate 889 students. Unfortunately, although
the students and staff have been in the building for a complete school year,
the grounds and fencing are still incomplete.

Forest Park Elementary School, on SW Third Street underwent a $23 million
modernization. The 40+ year-old school, on 11 acres has a new cafeteria,
media center, administrative offices and classrooms. There is a new parking lot,
bus loop, playgrounds and a covered pavilion for P.E. classes. This school offers
the prestigious International Baccalaureate program.

Boynton Beach High School is an $8.9 million project built with students
of the performing arts in mind. There are 23,000-square-feet added to the
school that includes: lobby, green room, costume shop, recording studio,
two dance studios and a chorus suite.

Target and Bethesda Medical facilities.

Forest Paark Elementary School, on SW Third Street underwent a $23 million
modernization. The 40+ year-old school, on 11 acres has a new cafeteria,
media center, administrative offices and classrooms. There is a new parking lot, bus loop, playgrounds and a covered pavilion for P.E. classes. This school offers
the prestigious International Baccalaureate program.

Boynton Beach High School. This $8.9 million project was built with students
of the performing arts in mind. There are 23,000-square-feet added to the school
that includes: lobby, green room, costume shop, recording studio, two dance studios and a chorus suite.

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Notice of First COBWRA meeting in 2009

Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA)

will meet at 9:30 A.M., Wednesday, January 21, 2009,

at the Avalon Estates clubhouse
12206 Oakvista Drive
Boynton Beach

(Avalon Estates is located on the west side of Hagen Ranch Rd.

between Woolbright and Flavor Pict Roads.)

Program:

"Keeping Our Communities Safe".

Open to the public. No tickets or reservations required.

Call 561-789-8140 for more information.

Jack Leicher, COBWRA Program Chair

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MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER AARONSON

2008 is quickly coming to a close. As I reflect back over the year, I realize that you and I were able to work together to accomplish many things. I would like to take a moment to mention some of the most exciting highlights.

In February, Palm Tran launched “The Link”, a route deviation service that serves residential and gated communities where fixed route service is not available. In October, the new Magenta Link route began service. It runs on Mondays from 9:00am to 6:00pm and travels from Atlantic Avenue and Jog Road to Lyons Road and Yamato Road. It includes service to Kings Point and Century Village. Palm Tran Director Chuck Cohen said that this route is proving very popular so far. For additional information, call 561-649-9848 and select option 5.

We held the Grand Opening of South County Regional Park’s Sunset Cove Amphitheater in March. It was the biggest County celebration I’ve attended since becoming your County Commissioner. Many of you were there and enjoyed the live music, food vendors and fantastic fireworks display. It was truly a community event that brought seniors, adults, teens and families together for a wonderful evening of entertainment. There have been movie nights, concerts, live theater and holiday celebrations held since the opening. You can visit the County’s website, www.pbcgov.com for a calendar of events.

April brought the opening of the Sheriff’s Office Park Vista/District 6 substation. We now have Sheriff’s services available to West Boynton, West Delray and West Boca. I will continue to work with Captain Marty Bechtel, Captain Jeff Calise and Captain Matt Eisenberg to insure that we have the highest quality of life possible. We also celebrated Earth Day and the opening of the Daggerwing Nature Center’s expanded facility at South County Regional Park. This is an amazing Center that particularly appeals to the young people. I highly recommend it for your children or grandchildren.

In May, my eight-year crusade to have cameras installed at intersections to help prevent red-light running came to an end. The County Commission adopted an Ordinance that authorizes the use of unmanned camera/monitoring systems and approved a civil enforcement system with penalties and an appeal process for red light violations. We are currently preparing a bid for companies that are interested in providing camera service to the County. I will keep you informed of the progress.

July also brought new facilities to District 5. An overwhelming number of residents attended the grand opening of the new library on Hagen Ranch Road. Attendance has been outstanding. I’m looking forward to joining with you next month as we open the new library on US 441 in West Boca. Many residents joined me at the “Unleashing Ceremony” of the Canine Cove dog park and the opening of the boundless playground and new picnic facilities at South County Regional Park.

Last month, we opened the new Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Station No. 44 on Flavor Pict Road in West Boynton. I am pleased that the County will be able to reduce response times throughout District 5 with the addition of this fire station.

Space prevents me from mentioning everything that happened during this year but I think you will agree that we accomplished a great deal and that together we will accomplish even more in 2009.

Finally, Sheila, my staff - Mary Lou, Vivian and Meaghan, and I would like to wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year. I sincerely hope that the coming year brings only good things to you and your family.

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The next Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA)
meeting will be held at 9:30 A.M. on Wednesday, December 17, 2008,
at the Tuscany Bay Clubhouse, 5087 Palazzo Place...
Located on the west side of Military Trail at Tuscany Bay Blvd., just south
of Pipers Glen Blvd.
PROGRAM
Vote for Members of Nominating Committee
Plus
A Celebration of COBWRA’s Accomplishments
plus
Entertainment by Avi Hoffman
Open to the public. No tickets or reservations required.
Call 561-789-8140 for more information.

Jack Leicher, COBWRA Program Chair

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On Friday, October 31, 2008, the ribbon cutting "Grand Opening Ceremony"
was spectacular! The program began with the Presentation of Colors by
the Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum Corps of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.


To open the ceremony, Chief Herman W. Brice introduced the many
dignitaries in the audience, including County Commissioners Robert Kanjiian,
Burt Aronson, and members of COWBRA and the Alliance. The invocation was
given by Chaplain Jeremy Hurd.

Fire Station #44 will enhance service to the residents of Valencia Lakes,
Coral Lakes, Avalon, the Lakeridge communities, and several other
surrounding areas, with a Rescue truck and an ALS Engine with three
personnel on duty daily.

This new three and a half million dollar facility is a continuation of
the County Commission's promise to enhance Fire Rescue
services by reducing response time.

Commissioner Burt Aronson's speech to the audience included his
long-standing commitment to supporting Fire Rescue, commending
Ted Winsberg for his donation of land for this facility, and praising the
skills, dedication, and knowledge of the Fire Rescue men and women.

Sandy Parker, presented a gift certificate for a basketball hoop to the
Fire Rescue Team, as a welcome gift from the residents of Coral Lakes.

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The Schoolhouse Children's Museum, located at 129 E Ocean Ave,
[at S. Seacrest Blvd], Boynton Beach, held a successful fund-raising
event last week. My grandchildren and hundreds of other children
had a great time! There were pumpkins to buy, faces that were painted,
games played for prizes, pony rides, and a bounce house, too.
After enjoying the museum, we enjoyed the playground swings and
climbing apparatus.

The museum is a great place to take your children, your visiting friends
and family, and your grandchildren.
There is always so much to do and to see. It is an inter-active museum.
Phone: (561) 742-6780
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. (Closed Sun. & Mon.)

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On Tuesday, October 7, 2008, Fire Station #44 finally opened on Flavor Pict
Road, between Jog Road and Hagen Ranch Road, in Boynton Beach.
This three-person Rescue and Engine company began serving our
community by answering 13 calls on the first day! In the first four days,
they had a total of 33 calls. Of that number, 30% of callers were sent to the hospital.

In charge of this station is Lieutenant Kelly Hoffman. He and his crew
came from Stations 41 and 42 in Boynton Beach. Through "up-staffing,"
this station plans to be able to have 3 persons on Rescue and 3 on Fire Engine
detail. When they are called, they provide basic life support. They stabilize the
patient in non-life threatening situations. When an ambulance is needed,
a private transport company brings the patient to the hospital.

Lieutenant Hoffman estimates that they will receive about 2,500 calls
this coming year. Why not stop by to welcome them to our community.
They appreciate community support.

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information below came from State Rep. Kelly Skidmore:

The Boynton Beach Senior Center (1021 S. Federal Highway) will be
offering flu and pneumonia shots to residents on October 15th
and November 5th from 10 a.m. to noon.
Vaccinations are free for those who are covered under Medicare Part B.
In addition, the Area Agency on Aging and the Boynton Beach Fire
Department will provide free flu shots for those without medical
insurance at the same location from 9 a.m. to noon on November 20th.
For more information please call (561) 742-6570.

The Boynton Beach Fire Rescue offers free flu shots on Oct. 25th at Intracoastal
Park, 2240 N. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach. These vaccinations are offered
by the Area Agency on Aging and the Palm Beach County Health Department.
They will only be offered to people 60 and older who have no health insurance
and no medical doctor. There will also be free health screenings for blood
pressure and cholesterol levels. Free hot dogs and hamburgers, too.

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Schoolhouse Children's Museum
129 E Ocean Ave, [at S. Seacrest Blvd]
Boynton Beach ( parking lot on east side)
Directions: 1/4 mile east of Boynton Beach Blvd. South on Seacrest Blvd,
2 Blocks, then East on Ocean Avenue
Phone: (561) 742-6780
Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. (Closed Sun. & Mon.)
Second Annual Spooky Schoolhouse Carnival!

The Spooky Schoolhouse Carnival is back for its second year of fun and prizes!
On October 18th and 19th, from 11 am until 7 pm both days, the Museum on
Ocean Avenue will transform into an old-fashioned carnival, complete with
ponies, music, crafts, games, face painting, concessions, and baked goods.
The Ocean Avenue Green Market will be on-site with their pumpkin patch, and
each evening will feature a special live dance performance by a member of
Hip-notic Dance Company! Admission is $3 per person for ages 2 and up.
Adults: $5 Grandparents: $4 Grandparent and child $6
Activity tickets are available for purchase for .50¢ each for games and rides.
there will be a bounce house and trackless train for the kids. Two free tickets
will be given to every guest in costume.
Group rates are available for 10 or more children with reservations.
If you would like to volunteer to help, call 561 742-6390

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The Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service of South Palm Beach (nonsectarian) is offering FREE e-mail and phone counseling
(by a licensed therapist) for teens. Teens may correspond with a counselor at www.teentalk4u.org OR e-mail: markc@rrjfs.org. phone # 561 / 852-3333
Here is an excerpt from South Florida Hospital News regarding Mark
Cherny, a licensed clinical social worker at Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service, who
for 10 years, talks to 7,500 students annually, via 300 performances, about
addictions, substance abuse and other important issues.

"Acting Troupe Teaches Kids About Addictions"

The classroom at a Boca Raton middle school was in an uproar. The students
were consumed by a rollicking skit about a teenage boy trying to talk his
girlfriend into taking some prescription medication he stole from his mother.
Some of the kids were up in arms. They were shouting at each other,
"Why isn’t it OK to take someone else’s Percocet? A doctor prescribed it!"

Then, "Why is your boyfriend pressuring you to do something that’s wrong?
Why is he trying to talk you into getting high? Dump him!"

Once the skit ended, an eighth grade girl approached the actor, Mark Cherny,
a licensed clinical social worker at RRJS who for 10 years, talks to 7,500
students annually, via 300 performances, about addictions, substance abuse
and other important issues. "You were the best!" she said. "This was just
like watching The Jerry Springer Show!"
Cherny said he performs many skits on drug and alcohol abuse and is creates
new ones.
"Kids don’t necessarily know that a doctor may prescribe something for
one person, that could be harmful to another. They often tell me if it’s
a prescribed medication that can’t get addicted."
Mark and fellow thespian, Marcy Bezark, who directs volunteer services at Ruth
Rales Jewish Family Service, have performed other substance abuse skits, such
as the one about a wife who is leaving her husband because he drinks too
much and a 16-year-old girl who tries to talk her father into buying beer for
her party; an increasingly common occurrence, Cherny says.

For more information on Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service,
visit www.ruthralesjfs.org or call (561) 852-3333.

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The Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service, Boynton Beach
Senior Center, located at 1021 S. Federal Highway , Boynton Beach, is offering
free counseling on Mondays, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Call for an
appointment - 561 742-6570. This counseling service is strictly confidential.
Howard Horowitz is a licensed clinical social worker with
23 years of counseling experience. He provides information, referral and
counseling.

Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service is a non-denominational agency,
serving seniors in south Palm Beach County. In addition to free counseling
to seniors, they also offer free counseling for caregivers.

There are two other locations. The main location is Boca: 21300 Coleman Blvd. ,
Boca Raton , FL 33428 . 852-3333. In Delray, at the Weinberg Center,
14620 S. Military Trail, Delray Beach. 470-2006. (Howard Horowitz’s free
counseling takes place at the Boynton Beach Senior Center.)

More information can be found at: info@rrjfs.org,
or visit: www.ruthralesjfs.org.

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Self-Defense for women or for the women in your life

One Saturday morning, the Boca Raton Police Department conducted a self-defense class for women led by Sgt. Lawrence and Officer Pratt. They warned if the worst happens, chances are you'll have only yourself to depend on. It was excellent and I came away with a few tips in addition to the self-defense techniques they taught us.

Don't make yourself vulnerable by not being aware - prevention is 90 percent awareness and avoiding risk.

1. Look confident and look people in the eyes so they know you are aware of them.
2. If you feel like something's wrong, it probably is. Don't ignore your 6th sense. If you are alone, try to get around others.
3. If you are suspicious about something call 911. Better to be wrong than a victim.
4. If you don't have a cell phone, get one.

At home.

1. Use unbumpable (unbumpable locks can't be picked,) dead bolts locks for your doors; don't open the door to strangers; close your blinds and shades at night so others can't see you or your belongings.

Parking lots.

1. Park under a light at night. If the parking lot is deserted, ask the security guard to escort you.
2. Be mindful. When walking back to your car, day or night, don't talk on your cell phone or be thinking about other things. Concentrate on your surroundings.
3. Look under your car as you approach it and look inside before you get in it.

Driving

1. If someone is following you,in your car don't go to your house. Keep your doors locked, drive to the nearest police station or fire department, call 911 and honk your horn. If you don't know where the police station is, find out.

ATM's

1. Avoid going at night or after dark.

Elevators & stairs

1. Stand near the control panel so if necessary you can push the panic button.
2. When getting on an elevator if someone makes you uncomfortable, don't get on it. Conversely if someone gets on and makes you uncomfortable, get off immediately.
3.Avoid isolated stairs.

Mary's suggestions

1. If you have an SUV, you cannot see in the Cargo area. Glue two mirrors on the ceiling in the cargo area and that will enable you to view the back of your car before you get into it.
2. Avoid public restrooms that are secluded.

Thanks to Delray Beach Blogger, Mary Kay for all of this timely information.

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The next COWBRA general membership meeting is on May 21st ,
9:30 AM at Valencia Isles, which is located on Lyons Road between Boynton
Beach Blvd and Hypoluxo Road. At this meeting, if the legislation session
in Tallahassee is completed, our legislators give the COBWRA members
an update on what has happened.
At the April 16th meeting, Commissioner Kanjian spoke about resident
complaints of strangers knocking on doors and the unfairness of 15% increase
in water use fees,
Commissioner Aaronson disagrees with him on the increase in water bills because during the Hurricanes of 2004 & 2005, Palm Beach County Water Utilities supplied clean water to the unincorporated area. The plant did not go down as in other cities. 80% of the water fees collected goes to maintenance of the water pipes and facilities in order to keep the water clean and healthy.
Capt. Martin Bechtel announced the Grand Opening of the new District 6 Sheriff’s Sub-Station, on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 10 a.m. It is located at 7894 South Jog Road. Everyone is invited.

Scam Warning: Beware of anyone approaching, especially in a home improvement store, and identifying themselves as contractors then offering to install any item. Before you hire any contractor and/or pay any money, check him out through the Better Business Bureau or call The Dept. of Professional Regulators at 1-850-487-1395 or locally call Dept. of Planning, Building and Zoning at 1-561-233-5000.
Chief Mike Wells, PB Fire-Rescue reminded us that hurricane season is approaching. Please cut back all vegetation that hinders entry to a home or development. Because of recent swimming accidents, be sure to have a swim buddy any time you enter the water. Fire Station 44 (Flavor Pict near Jog Road) is on time to open in August.

Comm. Aaronson installed the new officers for 2008-09:
President: Barbara Katz, Valencia Shores
1st Vice President: Ken Lassiter, Pipers Glen Estates
2nd Vice President: Roberta Levitt-Moccia, San Marco
Treasurer: Bruce Gumple, Ponte Vecchio
Secretary: Stuart Caine, Ponte Vecchio West

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NASA Astronaut Duane G. "Digger" Carey Visits
Poinciana Elementary School Students

Monday, April 21st, was a special day for the students at Poinciana
Elementary School, in Boynton Beach. Retired NASA Astronaut Duane G.
"Digger" Carey spoke to the third, fourth, and fifth grade students about
the importance of learning math, science and technology. In his presentation,
Carey emphasized education, as a means of achieving one's goals. He
appealed to the students' interests in fun activities, like his interest in
motorcycles, which gives him the ability to travel and to explore. Students
were treated to "Space Rookie," a home movie, taken by Lieutenant Colonel
Carey aboard Space Ship Columbia. He was selected as an astronaut candidate
by NASA in April, 1996. In 2002, he spent ten days in space on the fourth Hubble
Space Telescope servicing mission. Students were especially interested in how
astronauts ate, slept, and used bathroom facilities while on board the shuttle.

Principal Peter Slack told the audience, including Commissioners Addy
Green and Bob Kanjian, that as a Math/Science/Technology Magnet School,
Poinciana prides itself in being in the fore front of science education. Poinciana,
from kindergarten to fifth grade, builds math, science and technology into
their students' future. Pupils in kindergarten learn chess; all students learn
Sign Language, as a second language; every 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade student
participates in a 5 1/2 hour space simulator flight. 1st- 4th graders learn to
collect stamps as a way to learn geography (part of lunch program with school
volunteers coordinated by Ira Klosk); 4th and 5th graders design, build and
program robots.
Pictured, left to right: Commissioner
Bob Kanjian; Volunteer Coordinator, Ira Klosk; Astronaut Carey; Principal
Peter Slack; Assistant Principal, Joseph Schneider.
The school building has its own planetarium, run by Director, Steve Schiff.
He has built a complete space shuttle simulator for "astronaut trainees,"
and computer programs that broadcast actual Command Post transmissions.
Plans are in the works for space telescopes, to be monitored by computers
at night, to record the movement of stars. His program inspires and
motivates students to learn about future occupations in the space field,
and to stay in school to get a good education. Photo: Director Steve
Schiff developed and runs the Planetarium and Space Shuttle Simulator.

Poinciana Elementary School is located on North Seacrest Boulevard, Boynton Beach.
If you are interested in the volunteer program, contact Ira Klosk at 561-739-5700.

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There's lots of building going on in Boynton Beach! On the east side of town, Congress Avenue between Boynton Beach Boulevard to the south and Gateway Boulevard to the north, new store openings include: Kohl's, in the Catalina Shopping Center on Congress & Gateway. This mega-store sells clothing, housewares, shoes and thousands of items on one street-level floor. Besides providing neighborhood shopping, they also are providing hundreds of new jobs.
Also on the east side, the 400,000 sq. ft. Boynton Town Center is now home to Best Buy, and Super Target; the new Jason's Deli, Jamba Juice, Panda Express provide eateries.
Coming soon in that area are a Rotelli, Moe's Southwest Grill, and Red Lobster.
Burlington Coat Factory has already opened in the former Albertson's space on Military Trail and Boynton Beach Blvd. Chuck E. Cheese will occupy the former movie theater on Boynton Beach Boulevard and Congress Avenue.
Planned 2009 openings on the west side of Boynton include: Valencia Square, Jog Road
and Woolbright Road. This shopping center will house a 45,000 sq. ft. Publix,
Hair Salon, Bagelstein's, Dryclean USA, and two banks.
The Whitworth Farms Shopping Center will be located on the northwest corner of Flavor Pict Road and Hagen Ranch Road. Another Publix, a Japanese restaurant, office space,
dry cleaner, hair salon, bank, cellphone store, and nail salon will begin opening in
the summer of 2008.
The new Fire Station 44 is finally nearing completion on Flavor Pict Road, just west of
Jog Road, which will provide needed coverage for this growing area. It is scheduled to
open in late August, 2008.

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The Center is located at 8645 W. Boynton Beach Blvd. It provides free medical and
dental care to low-income families in Boynton Beach and west of Boynton Beach.
The Executive Director of the Caridad Center, Barbara Vilaseca, was the guest
speaker at the at a recent COWBRA meeting. She highlighted the special services
that the Caridad Center provides to needy families in our area. The Center
has over 500 volunteers: doctors, dentists, nurses and others who
donate their time and skills. All services are FREE. Last year, there were
approximately 25,000 visits by over 7,000 people from 2,000 families.
About 25% of the patients are children, however many senior citizens have
begun to use the free dental servicesl.

In addition, the Outreach Program provides food vouchers, college scholarships,
rent assistance, school supplies and help with FPL bills, if needed.

The after school enrichment program currently serves 53 children grades K-5.
Children who are waiting for their parents to receive free care now have a place to
play. There is a gazebo, playground equipment and an area to safely run around.
If you would like to donate children's books for the indoor waiting area, please drop
them off at the center.

Sandy Parker, COWBRA Delegate, provided this information.

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The Future of Cable

(Courtesy of W. Boca BLOGGER, Alan Kellock)
Imagine every home in your HOA community connected by a fiber optic network that offers a choice of many hundreds, if not thousands, of “channels” from all over the world, with a picture quality superior to anything available now. It would provide access to the Internet with blazing speed compared to Comcast cable or AT&T’s DSL. This same infrastructure could also support provide land phone services.

Your TVs, computers and land phones wouldn’t need all that cable and wire that snakes through your attic and perhaps even along your baseboards. All you have to do is plug in your device to an electrical outlet to get connected anywhere in your home.

A fantasy? Not really. This is where the future of home media is heading. It’s commonly called bundling. The technology to support this vision already exists, and more is on the way.

Newer companies with fresh strategies are mixing it up with aging media conglomerates like Comcast, AT&T and Time Warner. The challengers lean toward the Internet model, enabling consumers to select their own content from unlimited choices a la Google or You Tube. The other side is steeped in a tradition of pre-selecting the content we can access in our homes and is struggling to redefine its mission in response to the challenge posed by these upstart enablers.

The cost? I don’t know. But if you add up what you would pay on your own for cable or satellite TV, broadband Internet and land phone service come 2009, the available evidence indicates that a community-wide bundling alternative will cost less per month and the quality will be superior. Communities with a viable home media program that appeals to a growing number of prospective buyers who value such services will also enhance the property values within such communities.

It may prove necessary to invest in the startup of the new infrastructure. This is the pioneering path that Boca Isles South took a couple of years ago when their then-Adelphia contract expired. They installed their own fiber optic network. In effect, they cut out the middleman and became their own Cable TV and broadband Internet company, buying content directly from content providers or the growing number of resellers who represent them.

A number of other communities in are looking into similar alternatives to Comcast as their contracts also near expiration.
What direction do you think home media should take in your community?

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Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA) meeting
at 9:30 A.M., on Wednesday, February 20, 2008, at
the Palm Chase clubhouse, 10755 Palm Lake Ave.

The entrance is located on the west side of Military Trail between
Boynton Beach Blvd. and Woolbright Road.
PROGRAM:
Terry Verner, Palm Beach County Director of Code Enforcement..
Nominating Committee's slate for COBWRA Officers will be announced.
Nominations from the floor will be accepted.
Elections will be at the March meeting..

Open to the public. No tickets or reservations needed.

Contact COBWRA at 789-8140 or cobwra@yahoo.com for more information.

(This information provided by Jack Leicher, COBWRA Program Chairman)

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The West Boynton Park and Recreation Center is located at 6000 Northtree
Boulevard, Lake Worth - directly behind the Park Vista High School.

Ground Hog Day Celebration 2008 - will be held on Saturday,
February 2nd from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. for pre-school aged children. Program
is free. No pre-registration is required. Parents are invited to bring their children
to enjoy an educational morning with ground hog tales, dancing with their mascot
ground hog and outdoor games and music. Bring your camera!

Spring "Egg"stravaganza 2008 will be held on Friday,
March 21st from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Bring your children and your
camera to record photos with the bunny. Children will enjoy a great egg hunt!
Program is appropriate for children under 11. Rain or shine.

For more programs and information, log on to www.pbcparks.com

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At the West Boynton Branch Library, 9451 Jog Road:
Free tickets are available to see the Folk singers
Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson at 7:00 p.m. Feb. 4,
This group hails from West Townshend, Vt.. They use a range of styles in their
music, from bluegrass and country western to soul and Celtic music.

Sense of Place - Adult Book Discussion Series continues
on the second Tuesday of the month. 2:00 P.M. - 3:30- P.M. with Nora Natke.
The February 12th selection is "Orchid Beach," by Stuart Woods.
Pre-Register at the registration desk, and pick up a copy of this book, so
that you can participate in the discussion.

Tues., Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m. - Socrates Café -
Jack Berger leads a discussion group for amateur philosophers on a variety of topics
such as integrity, tolerance, friendship, happiness, and more. (90 min.) Preregister.

Tues., Feb. 19, 2:00 p.m. Hohner’s Heroes
Enjoy harmonicas and humor performed by this popular local group. Tickets
available beginning Feb. 12. (60 min.)

Sat., Feb. 23, 2:00 p.m. Adult/Child
Celebrate The Chinese New Year of the Rat in this
multicultural program with singing, dancing, and Chinese musical instruments
as performed by the Joy Club of The Chinese Association of Science, Economics,
and Culture. Afterwards, children can make a craft and hear a story. Ages 4 & up.
(30 min.) Preregister.

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Green Cay Wetlands and Nature Center is located at 12800 Hagen Ranch Road,
west of Boynton Beach between Boynton Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue.
The wetlands are open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. Nature center
hours are 1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Tuesday through Friday; 8:15 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Saturdays and 1:00 to 4:30 P.M. on Sundays.

On Tuesdays at 4:00 P.M., and on Saturdays at 9:00 and 11:00 A.M.
and 1:00 and 3:00 P.M., free guided half-mile tours are offered to visitors.
There are no reservations required.

For more information, call 561 966-7000. OR www.pbcparks.com/nature

If you are looking for a lovely morning or afternoon walk with visiting relatives or if you
need a destination to take your grandchildren, Green Cay Nature Center is a great refuge
for the eyes and the soul. Bring your camera and your binoculars. There is a lot to see!

The Nature Center has indoor exhibits, restrooms, and a lovely gift shop. Volunteers
are friendly and knowledgeable.

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More water restrictions will soon be enacted and enforced for our county. Several acquaintances, who had proudly showed-off their colorful gardens, have sought drought-resistant plants for their front yards. Drought-friendly grass and smaller lawns, with more rocks and/or mulch are becoming more prevalent in large communities. Native bushes, succulents and cactus are replacing annuals
and flowers that require large and frequent waterings. These things were on my mind when I
found a magazine in the doctor's office.

I was intrigued by the article I read in SCIENCE NEWS, December 1, 2007, page 340,
entitled "So Sproutish, Anti-aging gene for plants gives drought protection."

Scientists at the University of California, Davis, have been experimenting with the gene IPT,
which can delay the affects of drought on tobacco plants (by staying green after 15 days without water) .IPT gene added to a plant stimulates a surge of enzymes that fool the plant into thinking it's
still young. Aging plants drop their leaves and die. Young plants are strong and can withstand
drought conditions. So, this is like an "anti-aging" gene for plants!

Other plant varieties were treated with IPT, which achieved at least 85% of their usual yield.
Eduardo Blumwald of UC says he hopes that IPT will be tested on crops such as wheat and
tomatoes.

At the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, water-thrifty rice,
corn, and cotton are being engineered to survive drought conditions.

While this research is highly commendable and might provide future solutions to our drought,
we are the solution at the moment. So, neighbors, start looking for more cactus or succulents for your garden, rather than showy annuals, and put away your hoses. Mother Nature is in control, but we have to help by conserving what we receive.

Want to read more about IPT? Go to www.sciencenews.org.
See Sun-Sentinel, December 22, 2007, Local, "Builders May See Landscaping Rules."

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Modified Phase 2 Water Restrictions from South Florida Water Management District now in place are limited to landscape irrigation to two days per week. Beginning January 15, 2008, Modified Phase III Water-Use Restrictions will go into effect.

The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board declared an extreme District-wide water shortage and adopted a Modified Phase III water shortage order, instituting a one-day-a-week watering schedule for residential landscape irrigation.
Additional restrictions regarding multi-family complexes and new landscaping can be
found by visiting: www.sfwmd.gov, or call SFWMD at (561) 686-8800 or (800) 432-2045.
City of Boynton Beach Utilities, (561) 742-6400, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
For additional information: Sun-Sentinel.com/waterrestrictions
(Watch how the levels of Lake Okeechobee change in an interactive graphic.


Information furnished by the South Water Florida Water Management District.

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West Boynton Library has many interesting free programs for
residents of our community:

On the Second Tuesday of every month, from 2:00 to 3:30 P.M.,
there is an adult book discussion group called "Sense of Place,"
led by Nora Natke. Sign up at the reference desk to receive a copy of the book
to check out.
Don't forget to pre-register. This group began in October and will continue
each Tuesday afternoon through March 11, 2008.

The Hearing Loss Association of America (Boynton/DelRay branch)
President, Oscar Segal, will hold a seminar for hearing loss people at the
Boynton Beach Public Library, Friday January 18th at 1:30.

Beginning February 4th and continuing through March 21st, Winter Story times
is accepting registrations. Call 561 734-5556 for information about the hours
and programs.

Chess classes are offered by volunteers on Tuesday afternoons at 3:30 P.M.
Registration must be done in person. Class is limited to the number of chess
sets available. Free to ages 8-12. Call 561 734-5556 for more information.l

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First Sunday Concerts are held on the first Sunday of the month at the Boynton
Woman's Club at 1010 S. Federal Hwy Boynton Beach , FL
Time: 2:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
For more information and to RSVP, call
RoseMarie 731-5882
Cost: $ 15 w/RSVP; $ 20 at the door

Description: An hour of world-class grand piano; Reception to follow at 3:00 P.M.

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Citizens for Social Responsibility is proud to present Pamela Goodman,
President of the South County League of Women Voters, on
Tuesday, January 8, at 1:00 PM , at the South County Civic Center,
16700 Jog Road, in Delray Beach. The topic will be The Proposed
Property Tax Amendment and why the League opposes it.
All are welcome to attend.....Refreshments will be served.......No charge
********************************************************
The Citizens for Social Responsibility address is
P.O. Box # 6065
Delray Beach, FL. 33482

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