Wednesday January 2, 2008 Meeting
Property Insurance Issues Affecting You & Your Community

South County Civic Center
Meeting Begins 9:30 A.M. Doors Open at 9 A.M.
The Public is Welcome

U. S. Congressman Ron Klein presents his Bill, H.R. 3355:
Homeowners’ Defense Act of 2007/National Catastrophe Insurance Assistance Fund

Tom Lynch, President Plastridge Insurance Co.: Market Now + 2008 & Beyond; Citizens & Private Insurance; Self-Insurance Funds… (Bring written questions or email: ppost@plastridge.com)

Barbara Zee, Alliance VP, with updates on Insurance Laws, Proposed Bills,
My Safe Florida Home & Wind Mitigation, “Glossary of Insurance Terms” Handout.

Also, status reports from County Administrators, Elected Officials and Current Information Vital to Your Community.

Robert Schulbaum, President
Visit Our Website at: www.allianceofdelray.com

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Venus and Alfred Etienne will celebrate the return of their 19 year old son Sam from a tour of duty in Iraq by attending a Welcome Home party sponsored by their community in their Newport Cove Clubhouse this Saturday, December 29. Sam Etienne is an HM3 (FMF) Naval Corpsman assigned to the U. S. Marines.

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Over 250 children, parents and grandparents participated in the “best Vizcaya Holiday kids party yet,” said Barbara Johnson, Clubhouse Director commenting on the party that ran from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Wednesday December 26.

“From the outdoor playground set up with a trackless train that ran around the entire asphalt walking track to the bungee trampoline,

the rock climbing wall and the ‘thunder force’ obstacle course the youngsters were busy, busy, busy having fun every minute,” said Johnson. “In addition we had the face painting clown decorating the kids and afterwards hot dogs and ice cream for everyone.”

After 1:30 it seemed like all the kids migrated to the swimming pool and didn’t leave (exhausted for sure) until after 3:30.

Vizcaya Board 1st Vice President Bob Schulbaum and Board President Mike Zeitlin (pictured right) oversaw the setting up of the temporary giant toys in the play area to make sure everyone would be safe.

Among the community residents volunteering their services this day were: Mauricio Arenzon, Dorothy and Carl Lubitz and Sam Schwartz

Photos by Allen Trauben

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Dr’s. Lori and Joel Vinikoor celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary at their home in West Delray, Saturday Dec. 22, 2007 with a party for forty friends and relatives.

Great fans of local Elvis impersonator, Scott Ringersen, the couple had Scott regale the party goers by conducting a “renewal of vows” ceremony and then singing more than two dozen Elvis classics to the appreciative audience.

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Shallot Asian Bistro--802 S. E. 5th Ave. (U.S.1 Federal Hwy., going South)
Delray Beach, Fl.
Tel. (561) 279-4199

Our friends made a reservation on a recent Saturday night at “Shallot.” This restaurant used to be the very popular “Pietre’s” run by Mike and his red headed wife more than five years ago. It is a fairly large establishment which my wife and I frequented regularly in the past. Since then, they sold the restaurant, Mike passed away and his wife probably returned to France. Going back 15-20 years ago, the couple owned another popular restaurant, The 20th Street Bistro in Boca Raton.

Imagine our surprise when we discovered only two other parties were dining: a party of four and a couple, and no one enjoying a cocktail at their long, well stocked bar. What’s going on here? I know I’m always looking for quiet restaurants, but this was a bit over the top.

When we studied the very large menu with a Japanese Corner, a Special Corner, a Thai Corner and separate sections for Curry, Noodles, Appetizers and Salads, we knew the answer. Every dish is a la carte. Pietre’s used to provide a complete dinner with soup, salad, entrée, coffee and dessert for under $20.

We decided to stay and let the chef demonstrate his prowess. My wife ordered the “Siam Connection,” a large plate with sautéed shrimp, chicken, pork and a medley of ginger, snow peas, mushrooms, baby corns, onions, scallions, bell pepper and authentic ginger sauce. Squid is also included, but she asked that be omitted. The chef accommodated her request. We each ordered a side order of brown rice to accompany our entrées, and salads with peanut sauce dressing.

Our friends tried two different dishes: the Sweet & Sour Chicken, served with onion, tomato, cucumber, red peppers, pineapple and scallions for her; and Cashew Nuts Chicken, served with sauteed onions, bell peppers and cashew nuts with brown sauce for him.

I ordered from the Japanese Corner. My entrée was a combination of Chicken Teriyaki and Shrimp Tempura served with two separate sauces for dipping: Teriyaki sauce for the chicken and a tangy ginger sauce for the Shrimp Tempura. Deep fried vegetables accompanied my dish as well as steamed broccoli and carrots.

We decided not to order from their wide choice of desserts such as Thai Donuts, Fried Bananas, Ice Cream Tempura, or Cheescake Tempura and settled for decaf coffee.

Each person in our party was pleased with their interesting dishes. The food was served hot and promptly by a pleasant waitress who could have been owner Roy’s wife.

When we left at 8:20 P.M. it was too quiet—even for me. There were no other patrons in the restaurant. If you enjoy unusual Thai and Japanese fare try Shallot. The quality of food is excellent and you’ll enjoy quiet conversation with your tablemates.

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Best Wishes to All for a Merry Christmas

and a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year

Mort Mazor

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Duffy Jackson and Damian put on a great evening’s entertainment at the Spanish River Performing Arts Center, Yamato Road, corner of St. Andrews Boulevard, Boca Raton.
This was the second in a series of concerts presented by the organization the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 P.M. through April 2008.

Duffy Jackson, the irrepressible drummer/scat singer and his six talented sidemen: Alex Norris, trumpet; Mike Gold on alto sax, clarinet and flute; Tom Mitchell, tenor sax; Rick Doll, bass; Dolph Castellano, piano and Dante Luciani, trombone contributed impressive solo stints driven by the frenetic pace of Duffy on the drums—each without a note of sheet music in front of them.

Lester Leaps In got the evening off to a rousing start, followed by a sweet rendition of Rose Room. Solo passages by Dante Luciani on trombone and Alex Norris on trumpet on a beautiful old favorite, Polka Dots and Moonbeams was followed by Mike Gold with a clarinet solo on Stardust. Pianist Dolph Castellano played No Greater Love. Count Basie classic Jumpin’ at the Woodside showcased leader Jackson on his drums to conclude the first half of the evening’s concert.

Born and raised in jazz, Duffy has been performing since the age of four when his father, the late legendary jazz bassist, Chubby Jackson gave him his first set of drums. Jackson, Sr. played with the Woody Herman orchestra during the 40’s. Duffy at age 18 was touring the country with Lena Horne; at 20 with Sammy Davis, Jr. Since then he played with big name bands led by Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Lionel Hampton and Illinois Jacquet and worked with jazz legends Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Eckstine, Stan Getz, Buddy Rich and Harry “Sweets” Edison.

Damian, singer/comedian, well known by S & J regular concert goers, took over the second half of the show, singing many great favorites such as The Song is You, From this Moment On, You and the Night and the Music and a comedic spoof of Night and Day. In between songs, he regaled the audience with fresh and timely down to earth comedy.

The January 15, 2008 S & J concert features Ed Polcer and his Jazz All-Stars. Visit website www.swingand jazz preservationsociety.org for detailed information or call 561 499-9976.

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Charles Mackoff, President of the Vizcaya Men’s Club, (shown in gray jacket) and a dedicated group of Vizcaya residents: Steve West, Joan and Morrie Berger, Ken Markowitz and Les Maxik packed more than 400 toys contributed by Vizcaya community residents into two vans, at 8:30 Tuesday morning December 18.

At 10 A.M. the group traveled to Chris Evert Children’s Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Fl. in the toy packed vans and spent the day distributing the playthings to those that need it the most: ailing children in these two hospitals. Shown in photo is Men’s Club member Morrie Berger presenting a toy to a young patient at Chris Evert Children’s Hospital at Broward General Medical Center, Ft. Lauderdale.

Mackoff who has been active in the Free Sons of Israel organization for over 40 years, had their Florida chapters and Foundation add 200 toys which were also given to the children.

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Delray/Boynton Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America monthly meeting will take place Friday, December 21, 2007 from 9:45 A.M. to 12 Noon at the South County Civic Center, 16700 Jog Road, Delray Beach (opposite Morikami Park.)

Guest Speaker: Ed Kissel of Mobile Source will present the latest in cell phone technology designed to aid the hearing impaired.

Special Video: Guidelines on understanding why people with hearing loss have difficulty understanding speech.

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The Swing & Jazz Preservation Society Presents Damian, Singer/Comedian and
Duffy Jackson, Drummer with his Jazz Septet Tuesday December 18, 2007 at 7:30 P.M.

A double header program of great entertainment: the songs and comedy of Damian and the musicianship of that master of the drums (and other instruments) Duffy Jackson, leading a group of versatile jazz musicians who will provide an outstanding evening’s entertainment.

The Swing & Jazz Preservation Society is headed by Rene´ Zerah, President. The Society donates funds to Palm Beach County public schools and colleges, working with the music departments to determine their needs, laying the foundation for future musicians to play American jazz.

All Swing & Jazz Preservation Society performances take place the third Tuesday of each month from November 20, 2007 through April 15, 2008 in the 1500 seat venue at Spanish River Performing Arts Center located at 2400 Yamato Road, corner of St. Andrews Blvd. in Boca Raton beginning at 7:30 P. M. Tickets are $18 for members and $26 for non-members. Membership applications for a full 12-month period are available in the lobby at concert night, or by calling (561) 499-9976 in advance of concerts.

For further information visit their website: www.swingandjazzpreservationsociety.org

The Next General Meeting of the Boca Raton Computer Society takes place Wednesday, December 19, 2007.

Meet the S. I. G. Group Leaders (Special Interest Group class leaders).
At this annual panel discussion the SIG Group leaders will review the specialized subject they cover in their classes. Following this the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions.

BRCS is one of the largest computer groups in the state of Florida and offers more classroom-style learning opportunities on a regularly scheduled basis than any other computer club in the tri-county area.

All meetings begin at 6:15 P.M. at the South County Civic Center, Jog Road, Delray Beach and are open to the public. From 6:15 to 7:30 P.M. question and answer sessions are held on Internet, Paint Shop Pro and Windows XP/Vista.

Since 1983, members of the Boca Raton Computer Society, Inc. have been helping one another use and learn about computers. There are now close to 1,000 members in the society, including computer professionals, business owners, home users and novices.

BRCS has provided its members with these services during the past 24 years: Unlimited internet services; Boca Bits - the monthly magazine; numerous special interest classes; tech support and more.

Visit their website at www.brcs.org.

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This morning at 9 A.M. over 500 citizens participted at Lake Ida Park in a Walk-A-Thon
sponsored by Hadassah to raise funds and awareness for Stem Cell Research.

Grand Marshall was Shawn Firedkin, Founder of Stand Among Friends, a non-profit organization that established the Center for the Study of Neurological Disabilities
(The Center) in the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing on Florida Atlantic University's (FAU) Boca Raton Campus in 2006.
Friedkin gave a stirring and informative talk on the importance of Stem Cell Research in trying to find a cure for neurological disorders including Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's, ALS, Spinal Cord Injury, MS.

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Did you know that everyone in the neighborhood can call the Kings Point box office at 499-3335 Ext. 225 from 9 A.M. to Noon and from 1 to 3 P.M., Monday through Friday and order tickets to their shows?

On Friday evening, December 21 at 8 P.M. Michael Kessler and Melinda Jackson stage the romantic musical comedy “Let’s Dance.” Also appearing will be Mitchell Kahn, singer/pianist. Ticket price $10.

Friday evening December 28 at 8 P.M., “Broadway Babes,” a talented cast of ten will sing and dance through memorable Broadway Show tunes. Price $10.

You can also register for their classes—everything from Arts & Crafts to Yoga, including a class by this Blogger on Creative Writing and How to write the story of your life, given every Monday from 1:30 to 3:00 P.M. beginning January 7, 2008. Call Diana at 499-7751, Ext. 226 for further information about all classes.

December Goings On at Morikami Museum:

The Fundamentals of Sake
Wednesday, December 19, 2007, 7:00 pm

John Gauntner, a world-recognized sake expert from Japan, will present a lecture on the fundamentals of Japan's indigenous beverage. The talk will cover an explanation of what sake is, its basic production, short history, grades, a description of good sake and not so good sake, temperature, vessels, storage and more. The tasting that follows will demonstrate the variety of flavor profiles that the beverage can present, and help solidify the information presented in the lecture.

Mr. Gauntner is an educator, writer of articles and books on sake as well as the only non-Japanese to provide regular sake-related consulting assistance in the form of lectures to the Government of Japan.
For more information, please call 561-495-0233 ext. 235

New Exhibits
Untamed Beauty: Tigers in Japanese Art
December 18, 2007- March 16, 2008

A Pride of Lions: More Untamed Beauty
in Japanese Art
December 18, 2007- March 16, 2008

Sado, The Way of Tea
December 15, 2007
Cost: $5 with paid museum admission
Time: Noon, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm

Observe the Japanese Tea Ceremony in the Seishi-an Tea House, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Your involvement in the true spirit of the ceremony of tea; harmony (wa), reverence(kei), purity (sei), and tranquility (jaku), along with a sip of green tea and a sweet, will help bring a calm perspective into your busy life. This program is usually held the third Saturday of the month from October to June at noon, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm in the Seishin-an Tea House.
Individual reservations are not necessary. Reservations are required for groups of ten or more. For group reservations or more information, call (561) 495-0233, ext. 210.

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Tuesday, December 11 at 1:30 P.M. at the West Delray Beach Library, off Cumberland, Oscar Segal, President of the Delray/Boynton Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America will present a free seminar: "Hearing Loss--the Invisible Disability."

If you have trouble listening to TV; talking on the phone; enjoying a conversation in a busy restaurant; in a crowd or in a theatre this organization can help. Anyone who has a hearing loss
should come and learn how to improve your quality of life.

Nothing will be sold. The chapter provides education and advice so you can hear better.

Tell your friends and neighbors who can't hear everywhere not to miss this seminar. It's free!

For further information about the organization visit website: www.hladelrayboynton.org

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President Robert Schulbaum asked everyone to remain standing for a moment of silence after the Pledge of Allegiance in tribute to the two Palm Beach County Sheriff deputies who died.

Schulbaum continued: The Alliance second Vendors Fair will take place Feb. 29, 2008 here at the Civic Center. Community Presidents, Board Members, delegates, alternates and property managers are invited to attend. Doors will open at 10 A.M. and close at 4 P.M.

Tallahassee Information: A new bill by Sen. Fasano, S400 is named the “Insurance /Unfair Competition/Deceptive Acts. This provides that an insurer’s failure to offer in this state any kind or line of insurance which it offers in another jurisdiction constitutes an unfair method of competition and unfair or deceptive act, etc. Effective date July 1, 2008. Filed in the Senate Oct. 2, 2007.”

Sen. Garcia S306 “Motor Vehicle Insurers/Homeowners’ Insurance (EPCC); expands a prohibition against insurers writing private passenger automobile insurance unless certain circumstances are met related to writing homeowners’ insurance policies in this state, etc. Effective date: July 1, 2008. Filed in Senate September 28, 2007.”

Workshop Panel on the January 29, 2008 Property Tax Amendment (Because of space considerations we cannot reproduce all the remarks made at the meeting. For a detailed report please go to www.allianceofdelray.com website. Click on "Meeting Summaries."

Executive Vice President Larry Zalkin moderated the workshop and introduced each speaker.

State Representative Richard Machek—“I have to leave early to get to the North County Water Management meeting and the funeral for the two slain officers. The amendment is for tax relief, not tax reform. Relief for minorities and seniors was not taken up. We leave it up to you citizens to vote on it. What it does is help those that have homestead exemptions. They will receive up to $200-250 reduction. If you choose to vote against you’ll send us back to Tallahassee for more exploration of the problem.

State Sen. Ted Deutch—Personal property tax exemption will be small savings. None of these things are tax reform. More proposals coming. The Legislature should take a look at tax exemptions. Wants to have fewer cuts in county. Wanted to hold education harmless. Amendment got voted down.

State Representative Kelly Skidmore presented a thorough and detailed history of the tax situation in the state.

State Representative Maria Sachs was out of town. Her aide, Ms. Rebecca Emrick spoke briefly, saying she agreed with what was already stated and brought up an interesting point. “Passing the non-homestead cap part of the amendment will only be good for ten years. What happens then? Another amendment will have to be voted on.”

Commissioner Burt Aaronson—was the only panelist to offer his unequivocal recommendation on whether to vote for or against the amendment on January 29. “Vote No.”

“Is your quality of life important to you? If this amendment gives you back $100 and we have to lay off fire rescue staff is it worth it to you? Raise your hands if that amount of tax savings will be more important than having adequate fire and sheriff coverage.” No one raised their hands.

Alliance Board Member, Jack Miles turned to the panel on the stage above him and said, “I have listened to everyone speak. If the neighbors in my community, Emerald Point ask me how to vote on this January 29 amendment the one thing I will tell them is that Commissioner Aaronson asked us if we have the choice of getting a tax abatement of $100 or losing fire rescue personnel which would you choose—the answer is very clear. The money is inconsequential. We cannot afford to lose the vital services our fire rescue and sheriff’s deputies provide to each of us.”

Meeting was adjourned at 11 A.M. Next meeting will be January 2, 2007 on the topic of insurance.

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On Sunday October 21 my wife and I drove to the new park that had opened Friday, October 19 and we were disappointed to find ourselves locked out of the model airplane area, reported as follows in my October 22 posting: “As we sat in our car and watched this gentlemen lock the gate, I asked him “Is this restricted to members of the Model Airplane club?”

“Yes,” he replied. “Only the members of the club have a key to this lock and can get in.”
We turned around and drove home.

I don’t think that’s right. I thought this was a public park open to all citizens of Palm Beach County. Is it only available to elite club members that fly model airplanes and practice archery? Can Dennis Eshleman or any of his staff offer an explanation?”

Yesterday we received a favorable email from Ms. Deborah Thatcher, Parks and Recreation Department spokesperson. She writes

“I've been told that the gates have been left open for three weeks or so and there haven't been any concerns reported. Our Department liaison with the groups using the park is coordinating a new arrangement with both groups (planes and boats) which allows access by the general public.”

Thanks for the good news, Ms. Thatcher.

Join Walk A Thon Sunday December 16 at Lake Ida Park, Delray BeachTo raise money for stem cell research and advocacy, the Florida Atlantic Region of Hadassah will hold a Walk A Thon, Sunday December 16 at Lake Ida Park in Delray Beach beginning at 9:00 A.M. Registration fee is $18 which includes a free tee shirt and refreshments following the walk.
Call (561) 498-1012 for further information.

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