"There are a few openings still available," said Detective Sergeant Al Moreno, speaking of the new Citizen's Police Academy course, when I met with him this past Tuesday afternoon at District 6 Headquarters building, 7894 S. Jog Road, Lake Worth.

Detective Sergeant Moreno has put together the curriculum for this course, open to law abiding Palm Beach county citizens. The classes will be given every Thursday evening for 10 weeks, from 6:30 to 9:30 P.M. from August 14 through October 14, 2008 at the District 6 Sheriff’s Headquarters office in Lake Worth.

At each week’s session a different facet of law enforcement will be studied, such as the Bomb Squad Unit, Aviation Unit, K-9 Department overview, SWAT and SWAT equipment demonstration, and much more. Detective Sergeant Moreno will have guest speakers for each session, including Unit Commanders, and specialists in the various departments being reviewed.

I have already enrolled in the course. Deadline for signing up is August 7. If you are interested, call now. For further information and/or to enroll call District 6 headquarters at 561-357-7000, or District 4 headquarters, Delray Beach at 561 274-1075.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Lumosity Brain Games. Try it today. Click here: http://www.lumosity.com - Brain Games

Now available throughout the Hurricane Season a direct link to the National Hurricane Center on the Alliance of Delray Website:

Go to www.allianceofdelray.com and click on "Hurricane Tracking" in the very center of the home page...you will immediately be connected to the National Hurricane Center of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Try it now and check it out often for approaching storms.

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We bought a new queen size mattress Sunday afternoon for our master bedroom.

Sunday morning at breakfast Lucille said (the Mrs.), “I’ve been thinking about this for the past few months. They say you should change your mattress every ten years.”
“Seems like we’re slightly overdue,” I replied. “We’ve only had this one 21 years.”
Where should we look? I asked.
She quickly came up with a few local well known names: “Mattress Giant, Baer’s, Carl’s, City Furniture, City Mattress.”
“I like that City Mattress fella on TV,” I said. “The kid with the dark hair could pass for Rudolph Valentino.”

After lunch we leave our West Delray domicile and tool down to Dixie Highway in Boca to City Mattress. After a few minutes wait, sales lady Roz greets us and asks “How can I help you folks?”

“Believe it or not lady, we’re here to buy a mattress to replace a lumpy 21 year old model,” I’m thinking to myself. But we politely ask her to show us a few models, that we only need a mattress, not a box spring since we have a platform bed—also 21 years old.

“What kind of mattress would you like?” she asks.

Lucille says “Not too soft. We both have bad backs. Has to be firm, but not too hard, and it can’t be too high. I’m short.”

“Here, try this one,” Roz says. So we both lie down and try it.
“How much?” I ask.
“This one is $910,” says Roz.
“Too much,” I tell her.
“Do you have a budget in mind?”
“Yep, as low as we can go.”
“Now, honey be realistic,” chides my better half. “Something around $5-600 would be reasonable, Roz.”
Ten minutes more of lying down and standing up on three more beds, we both agree on a Simmons Beauty Rest model in our price range and buy the mattress.
“Fastest sale you ever made,” I said to Roz. She smiled. “When do you want this delivered? she asked.
“Tomorrow will be fine,” says Lucille.
At 11:30 Monday morning the old mattress (and I do mean old) is put on the truck and the new beauty is plopped down on the platform. By 1:30 that afternoon I gave it a test ride for a 30 minute nap.
Right now it’s 2:30 Tuesday morning. I’m going back to bed and get better acquainted with my new mattress.

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Monday, July 28, 2:00 P.M. Ernest Hemingway at the Movies:
“To Have and Have Not,” starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. (100 minutes.)

A jaded American fisherman risks his life to help a group of French freedom fighters and a sultry young woman with whom he falls in love. Set in Vichy-controlled Martinique during the Second World War. Based on Ernest Hemingway's novel of 1937 with dialogue by William Faulkner.

Thursday, July 31, 2:00 P.M. Book Discussion:
“The House on Mango Street.” Stacie Kiner will discuss “The House on Mango Street,” by Sandra Cisneros. (90 minutes.)

Friday, August 1 2 P.M. Story Telling: "I'll tell you mine if you'll tell me yours"...We all have a story about love, life, laughter and tears. Get together with storyteller Glad McLeod and let's have fun and pleasure in sharing our stories. (60 minutes) Conference Room.

Sunday, August 3, 1:00 P.M. Sunday At the Movies: "That Touch of Mink."
Suave New York playboy Philip Shayne (Cary Grant) propositions a rluctant Cathy Timberlake (Doris Day). Not rated. (99 minutes), Meeting Room.

Lumosity Brain Games. Try it today. Click here: http://www.lumosity.com - Brain Games

Now available throughout the Hurricane Season a direct link to the National Hurricane Center on the Alliance of Delray Website:

Go to www.allianceofdelray.com and click on "Hurricane Tracking" in the very center of the home page...you will immediately be connected to the National Hurricane Center of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Try it now and check it out often for approaching storms.

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County Finances at Your Fingertips

If you wish you knew a little more about what government does with your hard-earned tax dollars, now you can! The Clerk & Comptroller’s office puts County finances at your fingertips with the second edition of Checks & Balances: Your Guide to County Finances available at www.mypalmbeachclerk.com. The guide was released in May following Clerk Bock’s “Fiscal Year 2007 Year-End Financial Review,” an annual presentation to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners that provides important information about the county’s debt, investments and overall financial health.

The easy-to-read Checks & Balances guide is produced annually by the Clerk’s office and highlights current issues impacting County finances. The award-winning guide answers questions about how your property taxes are assessed, how special districts impact your tax bill and how the County incurs and pays debt. On each page you will also find links to additional useful information.

"By educating the public and increasing fiscal awareness, I will continue my commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in County government," said Clerk Bock. As the accountant, treasurer and auditor for the County – the Clerk’s office provides a check and balance on the County’s revenue and spending. The Checks & Balances guide contains condensed and simplified information, mostly from the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), a more detailed report the office produces at the end of each fiscal year containing roughly 200 pages of financial statements and reports. At just about 20 pages, Checks & Balances is much shorter and intended for the general public.
Now Available Online at www.mypalmbeachclerk.com:

New! Checks & Balances: Your Guide to County Finances

New! Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)

New! Annual Investment Guide
New! Annual Debt Guide

In the interest of educating and informing residents about County finances, I’ve also made other publications available online. Visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com to find not only Checks & Balances, but also the FY2007 CAFR and two new publications—the Annual Investment Guide and the Annual Debt Guide. These are YOUR guides. Please use them to better understand your community and the government that serves you.

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As the summer months wind down, we find ourselves facing a familiar time in Florida--hurricane season. While we all hope that this will be another quiet season, it is vital to have hurricane preparedness plans in place, just in case.

Palm Beach County has 17 emergency shelters operated by the Red Cross, and Broward County operates 13 shelters. Identify the closest shelter to you, and the best route to get there. Make sure that you have other evacuation options in case you cannot reach the shelter. In the event of an evacuation, you should designate one family member or friend to be your contact. This person should live out of the affected area, and should be able to be in touch with anyone who may need to know your whereabouts, such as an employer.

If you depend on prescription medications, have an extra supply of any medication and medical supplies with your hurricane supplies. That way, in the event of an emergency, you will have easy access to them. You should also keep important documents together in an easily retrievable place.

A recommended one-week supply of non-perishable foods and 5 gallons of water per person should be kept with your emergency supplies. Other essential supplies include flashlights, batteries, a batter-operated radio, a first aid kid, tools, cleaning and pet supplies.

If you have any questions regarding hurricane preparation or evacuation, please contact my office or call the appropriate number below:

Imporant numbers Palm Beach County:
Public Safety 561.712.6400…Elder Helpline 211…Animal Care and Control 561.233.1200…American Red Cross 561.833.7711…Consumer Affairs 561.712.6600…FEMA 800.621.3362…Fire Rescue 561.712.6550…FPL Power Outages 561.697.8000…Health Department 561.840.4500…Palm Tran 561.841.4200…Price Gouging Hotline 866.966.7227…Solid Waste Authority 561.640.4000…Traffic Signal Repair 561.683.6885

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C. R. O. S. Ministries is an interfaith ministry serving Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast for the past 30 years—recognized as a provider of services to persons in need through The Caring Kitchen, community food pantries, hurricane recovery, mentoring, gleaning and summer camps. This is possible through C.R.O.S.’s partnership with local groups, individuals and congregations.

Thirteen years ago C. R. O. S. began holding an annual fund raising event, the CROS Walk as an additional means of generating funding for their programs. The 5K CROS Walk will be on Sunday, October 12 in West Palm Beach along Flagler Drive.

In preparation they will hold two recruiter rallies on Sunday, August 17, one at 2 P.M. in Delray Beach at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the other at 4 P.M. in West Palm Beach at United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches. You are invited to attend the rally closest to you.

C. R. O. S. is also looking for corporate sponsors. If any businesses are interested in supporting the CROS Walk, please contact Lindsay Zimmerman at (561) 233-9009, Ext. 106.

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Tuesday, July 22 & 29, 10:45 AM, movies for children: 7/22 "Ratatouille." 7/29 "Young Black Stallion."

Wednesday, July 23, 2 PM: "Heart Healthy Nutrition." Dr. Neil Shacter will discuss healthy eating for your cardovascular system and anser your quesitons. (1 hour.)

Thursday, July 24, 2 PM. Book Discussion: "The Alchemist." Stacie Kiner will discuss "The Alchemist," by Paulo Coelho. (90 minutes.)

The Jon Stewart Daily Show will re-run the West Delray-Vizcaya segment tonight at 8 PM on the Comedy Central Channel 73. You may see a neighbor or two!

Lumosity Brain Games. Try it today. Click here: http://www.lumosity.com - Brain Games

Now available throughout the Hurricane Season a direct link to the National Hurricane Center on the Alliance of Delray Website:

Go to www.allianceofdelray.com and click on "Hurricane Tracking" in the very center of the home page...you will immediately be connected to the National Hurricane Center of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Try it now and check it out often for approaching storms.

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The risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke rises along with the temperature and humidity. Heat illnesses occur when the body's cooling mechanism becomes overloaded. When the heat starts to rise - slow down. Regardless of your activity level, drink more fluids - your body needs water to prevent dehydration during warm summer days.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop well after dehydration occurs. Those most prone to heat exhaustion include the elderly, those with high blood pressure, and children. Some symptoms of heat exhaustion include: cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; muscle cramps; heavy perspiring; nausea and sometimes vomiting; weakness; dizziness; dry mouth; and a headache. If you feel you are suffering from heat exhaustion, it is important to get out of the sun and into a cool place; loosen clothing; drink water/fluids (be sure to avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages); take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath; and rest.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. It occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. Heat stroke can occur within 10-15 minutes of the first symptoms. Signs of heat stroke include: very high body temperature (above 103 degrees); hot, dry, red skin; no sweating; nausea; dizziness; confusion, disorientation, hallucinations; or loss of consciousness. Heat Stroke is a medical emergency - have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim.  Get the person to a shaded area; cool him/her rapidly using whatever methods you can (immerse in a tub of cool water, place in a cold shower, spray with cool water from a garden hose); do not give fluids; if convulsions occur, keep the victim from injuring himself; call the hospital emergency room for further instructions if medical assistance is delayed in responding.

(Information Courtesy of State Representative Kelly Skidmore)

Lumosity Brain Games. Try it today. Click here: http://www.lumosity.com - Brain Games

Now available throughout the Hurricane Season a direct link to the National Hurricane Center on the Alliance of Delray Website:

Go to www.allianceofdelray.com and click on "Hurricane Tracking" in the very center of the home page...you will immediately be connected to the National Hurricane Center of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Try it now and check it out often for approaching storms.

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At a Board of Directors meeting of the Alliance of Delray, Wednesday July 16, 2008, members were shown architectural sketches of the Ruth Rales Senior Center planned for construction next to Temple Anshei Shalom off West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach.

Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service not for profit organization seeks to open up to the community with expanded services to those in need of emotional or financial support. It is a financially transparent organization entrusted to administer donated funds to the benefit of those in need.

The Randall Stofft architectural firm describes the project: “This philosophy of open and forthright outreach is inherently the motivating force behind the proposed architectural design. The building intentionally reaches out to the community through the extensive use of glass, a covered drop-off, and architectural overhangs that provide both a sense of pedestrian scale and a feeling of protective, embracing welcome.” (The illustration at left is the front view which will be facing west towards the Temple.)

Percy Mejia, Project Manager for Randall Stofft Architects showed drawings to the board. Pending approval by the various Palm Beach County departments, construction could begin the end of this year or early 2009 and will take twelve to eighteen months to complete, estimates Mejia.

The 22,000 square foot building will feature large, flexible oprogram rooms designed to be quickly configurable to meet the needs of any program.

A warming kitchen with all-new commercial grade appliances will serve as the culinary hub for feeding programs and special events.

Comfortable, quiet, therapy offices will provide clients the privacy they need during their sessions.

The building will also feature a cafe that will serve as a casual gathering place for clients and visitors alike to socialize and share a cup of coffee or other refreshment in an open, relaxed atmosphere.

...Try Lumosity--a fast, fun and effective way to take care of your brain. Did you know that the human brain starts slowing down as early as age 30? The good news is that you can speed it up, and improve even your most basic coganitive abilities at any age. Lumosity, a brain training program consists of engaging brain games and exercises developed by some of the leading neuroscientitsts in the country. Try it today. Click here: http://www.lumosity.com" title="Brain Games

...Now available throughout the Hurricane Season a direct link to the National Hurricane Center on the Alliance of Delray Website:

Go to www.allianceofdelray.com and click on "Hurricane Tracking" in the very center of the home page...you will immediately be connected to the National Hurricane Center of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Try it now and check it out often for approaching storms.

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The first of three sessions by Mr. Tom showing science experiments to youngsters 5 and above took place Wednesday, July 16 from 11 AM to 11:45 AM.

Using an array of balloons, Mr. Tom Scherrer, Library Associate (Aka “The Mad Scientist”) demonstrated how the force of air in balloons propels them; the effects of helium in balloons, and how hot air balloons rise and behave to a rapt audience of youngsters and mothers in this the first of three Summer Science Club dates at Hagen Ranch Road Library, 14350 Hagen Ranch Road. The remaining two dates will be successive Wednesday’s July 23 and July 30 at 11 AM. Mr. Tom will have exciting experiments at these next two Club dates. Registration is recommended for these free programs. Call 561-498-3110 to reserve your place.

Tom Scherrer, age 59, has been a Scoutmaster in the Boys Scouts of America. Since retiring from the Bell System after 30 years of service he has been a librarian/teacher. Originally from Detroit, Mich., Mr. Tom relocated to Florida in 1981. The 5’ 8” slim instructor has five children and eight grandchildren so he’s had plenty of experience entertaining and reading to children which he does at our new library. This work provides him the opportunity to serve as a role model to youngsters.

“When it comes to role models, I remember my 4th grade teacher in the parochial school I attended in Detroit, Ms. Oulette. She was an outstanding lay teacher who taught us the importance of being responsible and disciplined that has benefited me throughout my lifetime.”

Tom is devoutly religious since “I accepted the Lord into my life in 1988 while on a retreat.” He enjoys traveling and outdoor activities like camping, canoeing, hiking. His favorite books are by C. S. Lewis and those about political history. When his children were younger they all enjoyed the first Star-Wars movie.

“Honest, trustworthy and good-natured people make up my cadre of friends,” says Mr. Tom. “I look forward to meeting lots of new friends through my Super Science Club demonstrations. Come on down and join us for educational fun.”

Try Lumosity--a fast, fun and effective way to take care of your brain. Did you know that the human brain starts slowing down as early as age 30? The good news is that you can speed it up, and improve even your most basic coganitive abilities at any age. Lumosity, a brain training program consists of engaging brain games and exercises developed by some of the leading neuroscientitsts in the country.

Try it today. Click here: http://www.lumosity.com" title="Brain Games

Now available throughout the Hurricane Season a direct link to the National Hurricane Center on the Alliance of Delray Website:

Go to www.allianceofdelray.com and click on "Hurricane Tracking" in the very center of the home page...you will immediately be connected to the National Hurricane Center of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Try it now and check it out often for approaching storms.

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Guest Speakers: Bob Balogh, President and Richard Miller, Past President.

Topic: “XP and Vista (Stump the experts) Questions and Answers.”

Bob Balogh, President of BRCS and Richard Miller, twice past President, will team up to make your computing evening both fun and enjoyable. From XP to Vista they will deal with everything you ever wanted to know about these operating systems, and make it uncomplicated at the same time. They may even throw in a few freeware programs, which you will find useful.
Their Q & A's will NOT meet at 6:15 p.m. prior to the General Meeting during July or August.

The Paint Shop Pro Q. & A. by Murray Apfel will meet at 6:30 PM, as usual, prior to the 7:30 presentation.

All meetings take place at the South County Civic Center, Jog Road, Delray Beach and are open to the public.

Brain Games improve Memory and Attention

Try Lumosity--a fast, fun and effective way to take care of your brain. Did you know that the human brain starts slowing down as early as age 30? The good news is that you can speed it up, and improve even your most basic coganitive abilities at any age. Lumosity, a brain training program consists of engaging brain games and exercises developed by some of the leading neuroscientitsts in the country.

Try it today. Click here: http://www.lumosity.com" title="Brain Games

Now available throughout the Hurricane Season a direct link to the National Hurricane Center on the Alliance of Delray Website:

Go to www.allianceofdelray.com and click on "Hurricane Tracking" in the very center of the home page...you will immediately be connected to the National Hurricane Center of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Try it now and check it out often for approaching storms.

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The Grand Opening of our new library in West Delray took place Friday July 11 in front of a standing room only crowd in the beautifully appointed large meeting hall. Over 600 people visited the library on this opening day to admire the facility, it's furnishings, appointments, children's section, computers, and check out DVD's and the spectacular selection of books.

The County Fire Rescue Color Guard and Bagpipe band began the opening ceremonies with a stirring march down the center aisle to the dais area for the presentation of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Aaronson (r. in photo) welcomed the crowd, stating: "Your support, the support of all the communities in COBWRA (Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations led by President Barbara Katz and the Alliance of Delray whose President is Bob Schulbaum, have made this building possible. I promised you a traffic light by October, we have it in place today. I have arranged for the people of Kings Point to have your buses take you to the Oriole Shopping Plaza and there you will be able to get on a bus to take you directly to this library and return you to Oriole Plaza to catch your Kings Point bus back home."

Palm Beach County Library Chief John J. Callahan, Jr. (l. in photo) was the other principal speaker. He presented a detailed explanation of the progress he has made with library new construction and renovations throughout the county. While the Okeechobee branch is undergoing renovations, he has transferred staff to Hagen Ranch branch to serve its patrons.

A formal ribbon cutting ceremony took place after the speeches.

Brain Games improve Memory and Attention

Try Lumosity--a fast, fun and effective way to take care of your brain. Did you know that the human brain starts slowing down as early as age 30? The good news is that you can speed it up, and improve even your most basic coganitive abilities at any age. Lumosity, a brain training program consists of engaging brain games and exercises developed by some of the leading neuroscientitsts in the country.

Try it today. Click here: http://www.lumosity.com" title="Brain Games

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"The financial downturn has affected everyone in the country, especially
in Palm Beach County. Homeownership is a staple of being an American.
Through the efforts of this Task Force, we aim to give HOPE to those in
our community who are in danger of losing their homes. The first
business of government is to protect and to serve. There is no greater
goal now than to protect our homes from foreclosure."

The Governor’s Florida Home Ownership Promotes the Economy (“HOPE”) Task Force is established to develop a state plan of action to address escalating foreclosure rates and to identify effective ways to preserve home ownership for Floridians. Palm Beach County has been suffering from a high rate of foreclosures in the home and condominium markets. The outline of the Governor’s vision will be applied to specific instances of foreclosures here in the real estate market.

HOPE for Palm Beach County is hereby established as an outreach of the statewide task force. Its members shall consist of the following:
-Maria Lorts Sachs, State Representative, District 86
-Burt Aaronson, County Commissioner
-Susan Whelchel, Mayor of Boca Raton
-Rita Ellis, Mayor of Delray Beach
-Jerry Taylor, Mayor of Boynton Beach
-Cyd Spiro, CEO, Regent Bank
-Howard Milchman, Esquire
-Joseph Kaknes, Mortgage Expert
-Brian Lipshy, Esquire, Saraga and Lipshy
-Louis Caplan, Esquire, Sachs and Sax
-Mike Owen, Realtors Association of Palm Beach County

HOPE for Palm Beach County will have the authority to review the following issues:
1. An analysis of those mortgages that are in danger of arrearages
2. An assessment of available financial resources (public and private) to assist Palm Beach County homeowners facing foreclosure
3. Recommendations designed to assist the homeowner in maintaining homeownership
4. Practical solutions to assist the homeowner in working with the bank to maintain their home ownership
The mission of the Task Force is to assist the citizens of Palm Beach County to maintain homeownership by bringing together banking and mortgage industry representatives, lawyers specializing in home and condominium real estate, city officials, and real estate policy advocates to find practical solutions to the growing foreclosure problem.
For further information contact:
Michael Lapidus
The office of Representative Maria Lorts Sachs
Phone: (561)266-6645
Email: maria.sachs@myfloridahouse.gov

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Friday, July 11 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 10:00 a.m.. Refreshments 10:30 a.m.
Hohner’s Heroes Musical Performance 11:00 a.m.
Barbershop Quartet Musical Performance 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 12
Children’s Story Time 10:00 a.m.
Crafts and Activities 11:00 a.m.
Karl Koppertop and the Extreme Balloon Team 11:00 a.m.
Photos with Dewey 11:00 a.m.
Refreshments 11:00 a.m.
Gary Midnight Magician 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 13
Refreshments 2:00 p.m.
Tuna de West Palm Beach Musical Performance 3:00 p.m.

Hagen Ranch Road Branch Library
14350 Hagen Ranch Road, Delray Beach, FL
Phone 561-894-7500

Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners
Addie L. Greene, Chairperson, Jeff Koons, Vice Chair,
Karen T. Marcus, Robert J. Kanjian, Mary McCarty,
Burt Aaronson, Jess R. Santamaria
Throughout the Weekend
• Receive a commemorative bookmark.
• Crafts and activities in the Children’s area.
• Sign up for the adults, teens or children’s
Summer Reading Program.
• Tour the new building.
• Help build the collection. Make a $25
donation, and order a personalized
bookplate to be placed in a book.
• Try the Express Check Out.
• Join the Friends of the Palm Beach
County Library System.
7/src="http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westdelray/HagenLigraryOpening-thumb.jpg" width="250" height="323" />
Attend the Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the new Hagen Ranch Road Library beginning at 10 AM, Friday July 11.

Now available throughout the Hurricane Season a direct link to the National Hurricane Center on the Alliance of Delray Website:

Go to www.allianceofdelray.com and click on "Hurricane Tracking" in the very center of the home page...you will immediately be connected to the National Hurricane Center of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
Try it now and check it out often for approaching storms.

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Summer nights in South Florida are something special, especially when they are augmented with taiko drums and a cultural backdrop that can't be beat! Add a cold drink, a breathtaking sunset and a walking path through a tranquil garden, and you've got Sushi & Stroll Summer Walks! For more information call 561-495-0233.

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Here's an excerpt from an interesting ABC News article about tires.

"The U.S. tire industry is refusing to give American motorists the same warning
given to car owners in Europe and Asia about the possible dangers of tires six
years old or older. More than 100 deaths in the U.S. have been attributed to aged
tires which dried out and lost their treads, even though they appeared to be
safe, according to Sean Kane, who heads a private auto safety firm and
consults with the federal government.

With no warning from the industry or the federal government, safety experts
say the only way for consumers to protect themselves is to learn how to read
the cryptic code embedded on a tire's sidewall which reveals the year and week
a tire was manufactured.

A full report on how to break the code appeared on the ABC News program
"20/20," a few weeks ago.

The code is at the end of a jumble of letters and numbers on the tire and,
until recently, was on the inward side of the tire requiring motorists to climb
under the car to read the number.

For example, the number 418 indicates the tire was manufactured in the 41st
week of 1998 and is 10 years old.

"U.S. consumers are left in the dark on this issue," said Kane.” A tire older than six years old, even if it's never been driven a mile, "is like a ticking time bomb. You don't know what's going on inside. That's what makes it so dangerous," said Kane in an interview for broadcast on "20/20."

(Thanks to my Boynton Beach Blog colleague Tina Korn for this informative article.)

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For a great evening of free entertainment go to Sunset Cove for July 4!

Click on poster to enlarge.

The following information from State Representative Kelly Skidmore:
July 4th Events:
5:30-9:30 p.m. @ Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Call 561-393-7806.
6:30-9:30 p.m. @ Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 12551 Glades Road, west of Boca Raton. Call 561-488-8069

Delray Beach Fourth of July Celebration: 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. @ State Road A1A and Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach. Activities include a sand-sculpting contest, patriotic bike and scooter parade and free concerts. Call 561-279-1380.

Deerfield Beach: All-American Fourth of July: 1-10 p.m. @ Main Parking Lot, Southeast First Street and Ocean Way, one block south of Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach
1-4 p.m. - Children’s' activities and music
6 p.m. - Final Countdown Band
7:30 p.m. - An oceanfront concert by Jay and the Americans
9 p.m. - The Mad Bomber fireworks
Complimentary parking at The Cove Shopping Center, 1500 E. Hillsboro Blvd. with shuttle service from 12-5 p.m. and 11 p.m.-12 a.m. (at the beach, drop off and pick up will be at Ocean Way and Southeast Third Street). Call 954-480-4433
_____________________________________________________________
Sheriff Recommends Listing Emergency (ICE) Contacts in Cell Phones The Levis Jewish Community Center (JCC) and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office recommend listing emergency contacts in your cell phone under the listing “ICE” or “In Case of Emergency” to allow emergency personnel to contact next of kin quickly. Examples of recommended listings are the following:
…ICE-HUSBAND
…ICE-WIFE
…ICE-1 for primary contact
…ICE-2 for secondary contact
The JCC is distributing stickers to be placed on cell phones to signal to rescuers the presence of an ICE contact in the phone. Additional ICE materials are available at the Levis JCC Thrift Shop at 141 NW 20th St. in Boca Raton. For more information call 561-852-3200.

Women in Distress/AmeriCorps Recruitment Open AmeriCorps, a nationwide federal service and volunteering organization, has teamed up with Women in Distress to increase community awareness of domestic violence issues and offer domestic violence prevention programs. They are recruiting 20 candidates for full-time AmeriCorps positions to further the cause of domestic violence prevention. AmeriCorps members receive a $11,100 annual living allowance, housing, health insurance, student loan forbearance, professional training, networking opportunities and an educational stipend of $4,725 upon the completion of service. The program will begin on September 1, 2008. Resumes should be submitted to Elisa Covarrubias at ecovarrubias@womenindistress.org. Contact Elisa at 954-760-9800 ext. 1209 for more information. Candidates must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma.

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Tuesday morning, July 1, at the Office of Emergency Management Building, West Palm Beach, Commissioner Burt Aaronson (left in photo) presented executives of the Emergency Management team to an audience of 41 homeowner and condo association community leaders to hear how the county has prepared for the upcoming hurricane season. The community leaders were urged to spread the word to their communities on the importance of all citizens to be prepared for hurricanes.

Vince Bonvento, Assistant County Administrator/Public Safety Department Director (r. in photo) stated that south county communities were by far the most interested and ready participants in hurricane preparation. Using a power point presentation, he showed the organization chart detailing all the county personnel and departments that have been assigned responsibilities in case of a hurricane or other catastrophic disaster. There are citizen call centers and a residential information center. They have a system capable of making 10,000 emergency phone calls at a time.

“We have divided the 2,500 square miles of Palm Beach County,” continued Bonvento, “in to 6 Emergency Operating Centers which contain emergency supply distribution centers for the public. Special attention will be paid to large communities heavily populated with seniors. FEMA will no longer provide ice. The county has plans to provide ice if needed. Publix has 10 stores in South County equipped with generators. If we have a category 1 or 2 hurricane, people will probably be able to get to stores. In stronger hurricanes people should not go out, but prepare in advance for 5 to 7 days worth of medicines and supplies indoors, either in their homes or in shelters. There are over 300 gas stations in the County that have generators. The County Engineering department has purchased over 100 generators to be used at street intersections for traffic light use in case of power outages.

Over 50 Community Emergency Response Teams (C.E.R.T.) throughout the county are ready to provide help to citizens during emergencies. Those who are invalids, in need of special care must pre-register to be transported to shelters.

Charles Tear, Director of Emergency Management (Photo at right) described the Emergency Management Staff Branch Coordinator System he has put in place, and had each coordinator briefly describe their duties. There are five branches set up: Infrastructure, Human Services, Emergency Services, Recovery and Logistics.

Commissioner Aaronson explained the difference in the geographic areas concerning boiled water orders. Throughout his District which is comprised of unincorporated areas it is normally not necessary to boil water since these people get water from the county. It is usually the folks that live in the cities that have to boil water in emergency situations. The Commissioner reiterated that during past recent hurricanes, his staff were at their desks at work, responding to phone calls from residents and trying to help those in need. Mary Lou Berger, Commissioner Aaronson’s aide assured him his staff would do the same this season.

Sheriff’s Department attendees were Captain’s Matt Eisenberg, Marty Bechtel and Jeff Calise. They emphasized the importance of staying indoors, not going out in automobiles, and if you did to be aware of the difference between a blinking yellow traffic light, where you proceed through with caution; and a blinking red light where you stop then go. Also avoid flooded streets if you must drive during a storm.

Larry Johnson, Assistant Director of Palm Beach County Utilities spoke about Hurricane Wilma experience and what was learned from that. There are 750 lift stations in county serving a population of 480,000. In 2008 the County will have 199 portable generators and 73 skid mounted generators—a total of 272--to pump lift stations.

Fire Rescue Captain Don Delucia stressed the importance of having proper ventilation when using a generator in your home during power outages. He also warned against having candles in the home unattended—a frequent cause of home fires. If you must go out when the eye of the storm passes overhead, be aware when the backside of the storm comes through it is still strong and dangerous. Seek shelter quickly. The Captain urges preparation for 7 days of medications, water, etc.

County TV Channel 20 will provide briefings during hurricane alerts. Local radio and TV stations will also keep the public up to date on storm progress. Access the county website for updated information: www.pbcgov.com
The County has produced a very thorough “Official Hurricane Preparedness 2008 Survival Guide” available at South County Civic Center, Jog Road, Delray Beach as well as within communities. It is chock full of important, life saving information that should be read and utilized by every citizen. Get your copy today and prepare as instructed!

Questions from the audience were responded to by the speakers followed by a tour of this state of art Emergency Center building.

Among those attending this meeting were Presidents and board members of the South County Partnership: West Boca Community Council President Sheri Scarborough; Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations President Barbara Katz and Alliance of Delray Vice President Barbara Zee.

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If you have an account at Bank of America, you will be able to visit over 70
museums across the U.S., on the first weekend of every month. In our area,
participating museums are:
Delray: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
W. Palm: S. Florida Science Museum
Ft. Lauderdale: Museum of Art and Museum of Discovery and Science
Miami: Miami Art Museum.
For more information and a complete list of museums in states across
the nation, go to:
Bankofamerica.com/museums

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