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October 31, 2008

Fire Station 44 Grand Opening Friday Oct. 31

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County Commissioner Burt Aaronson was among the dignitaries at the official opening of Fire Station 44 at 6670 Flavor Pict Road, between Jog and Hagen Ranch Roads, Friday October 31. This station, on the south side of Flavor Pict Road opposite the Green Cay apartment complex, will cover the area from Woolbright to Flavor Pict going north to south, and from Hagen Ranch Road east to Military Trail.

I stopped by Tuesday, October 28, before the official opening and spoke to Lt. Cliff Mike, a veteran of 13 years in the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Department who was on duty at this new facility. There is one Fire Engine and one Rescue Truck housed in the new 3,000 sq. ft. building at Station 44. Paramedic Jim Glass and Driver Travis Thomas are Lt. Mike’s staff members for the present. The staff works a 24 hour shift and is then off for 48 hours when a new crew of three come on duty. Wednesday, October 29, Lt. Kelly Hoffman was in charge with Evelyn Aguiler, Paramedic and Steve Wilber, Driver as staffers.

The compact, newly constructed building consists of an office for the watch officer; a main bunk room; a living room with a kitchen and a Watch area room with computer for filing reports.

When Lt. Mike, spoke to me Tuesday, he said: “We could use more crew members but because of the tight budget conditions in the County it doesn’t look like we’ll get help anytime soon.”

It is important to know Station 44 is always backed up by other Battalion stations in the area. Station 42 at Hagen Ranch Road near the new library to the south and Fire Station 46 to the north stand ready to rush in and help whenever needed.

We welcome this new asset to our area and wish them well.

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October 29, 2008

Grand Opening Fire Station 44

Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners invites the public to attend the Grand Opening Dedication Ceremony and Open House of Fire Station #44, Friday, October 31, 2008, 9:30 am at 6670 Flavor Pict Road, Boynton Beach, Fl.

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Grand Opening Fire Station 44

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Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners

invites the public to attend the

Grand Opening Dedication Ceremony and Open House of Fire Station #44,

Friday, October 31, 2008, 9:30 am

at 6670 Flavor Pict Road, Boynton Beach, Fl.

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October 28, 2008

Message from State Representative Kelly Skidmore

Dear Friends:
This past week I’ve received hundreds of letters from concerned citizens both here and across the country regarding the need for a secure and accurate election on November 4th. According to recent surveys, up to 50% of Florida’s voters participate in early voting. Because of the anticipated record-high voter turnout, ensuring the accuracy of our elections process is of the utmost importance. As such, I, along with other community leaders, have been coordinating efforts with our Supervisors of Elections to ensure that everything is being done to count every vote correctly.

What to Expect at the Polls for Early Voting & Election Day
Polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. To determine your polling place, check your voter information card or contact your Supervisor of Elections.
You will be asked to show a photo and signature identification when you go to the polls to vote. Acceptable forms of photo identification include:
• Florida Driver’s License
• Florida Identification Card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
• United States Passport
• Debit or Credit Card
• Military Identification
• Student Identification
• Retirement Center Identification
• Neighborhood Association Identification
• Public Assistance Identification

According to the Florida Department of State, if your photo identification does not contain your signature, you will be required to show an additional ID that provides your signature. However, if you are not able to provide adequate identification, you will still be allowed to cast a provisional ballot which will be counted after your eligibility to vote is confirmed. To facilitate the confirmation of your voting rights in this situation, you will be asked to bring proof of your eligibility to vote to your Supervisor of Elections office by no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 6th. Again, this is only if you are required to vote on a provisional ballot.

For additional information, polling locations, early voting hours and wait times, please contact your Supervisor of Elections’ Office at (954) 357-7050 in Broward County, and (561) 682-3124 Palm Beach County.

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Palm Beach County Traffic Information Resources, October 24 through October 31, 2008

Palm Beach County - Palm Beach County traffic will be affected this week by ongoing construction projects and maintenance work, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officials report. Weather permitting; closures will be in effect on I-95, Southern Boulevard (S.R.80) and in other areas throughout Palm Beach County for construction activities.

For around-the-clock, real-time, traffic information within the tri-county area (Palm Beach, Broward and Miami Dade counties), travelers should call 511. For I-95 Palm Beach County traffic reports just say "I-95" or "Interstate 95". Information is also available on-line at www.511southflorida.com .

To view real-time video of I-95 in Palm Beach County, visit the FDOT I-95 Interim Traffic Management System (ITMS) website at www.palmbeachcotraffic.org . These free services are provided by FDOT and the SunGuide(tm) Partners. For updated lane closure information, please refer to www.pbfdot.com .

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October 24, 2008

A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man...

A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably coifed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.

As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window.

'I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.

'Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.'

' That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied.

'Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. 'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.

Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for this time in my life.

Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.

So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories! Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I am still depositing.' Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3 Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less

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October 22, 2008

Halloween Events at South County Regional Park, Boca Raton

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Three exciting events coming up later this month in South County Regional Park, Boca Raton:

October 24 -- Scary movie night and Halloween costume contest for children 11 and under.

October 31 -- BOOardwalk tour of swamp on Halloween night.

November 1 -- NUTTS FOR MUTTS -- an all-day festival for dogs and their human companions.

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October 21, 2008

New Voter Identification Requirements from State Rep. Kelly Skidmore

The recently re-enacted “No Match, No Vote” law, which was originally signed by the governor in 2006, requires voters to present a state issued identification card, such as a Florida Driver’s License, or the last four-digits of their social security number at the polling location where they intend to cast their ballot. The voter’s information is verified through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or the Social Security Administration. This requirement is intended to ensure the identity of the person who is wishing to vote. Community and most other identification cards are not accepted.

For additional information please contact your Supervisor of Elections’ Office at (954) 357-7050 in Broward County, and (561) 682-3124 Palm Beach County.
Early Voting for the Upcoming General Election to Begin Next Week
Early Voting for the November 4th General Election which includes the presidential, congressional, and local races will begin next Monday, October 20th and will last until Sunday, November 2nd. There will be several polling locations across the area.

In Broward County, early voting locations in the area include the North Regional Library in Coconut Creek (1100 Coconut Creek Boulevard), the Northwest Regional Library in Coral Springs (3151 University Drive), and the North Regional Satellite Courthouse in Deerfield Beach (1600 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Room 170). Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

In Palm Beach County, early voting locations in the area include the Hagen Ranch Road Library in Delray Beach (14350 Hagen Ranch Road), the Boca Raton City Hall (201 West Palmetto Park Road), and the Southwest County Regional Library in Boca Raton (20701 95th Avenue South). Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For a complete listing of and directions to early voting locations, please contact your Supervisor of Elections’ Office at (954) 357-7050 in Broward County, and (561) 682-3124 Palm Beach County.

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October 20, 2008

Sheriff's Citizen's Academy Graduation

Thursday evening, October 16 saw the final session (of nine weekly sessions) for the 29 enrollees of the Sheriff's Citizen's Academy at District 6 Headquarters, Jog Road, Boynton Beach.

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In appreciation of the work that went in to putting the course together by Dist. 6 Captain Martin Bechtel and Detective Sgt. Al Moreno, the class, represented by Ralph Moccia,(Center in photo) presented plaques to each of the officers as a token of thanks for their outstanding efforts. Moccia serves as Security Officer of the Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA). In addition a small utility table was purchased by the class for use in the District 6 Conference Room to commemorate this first Citizen's Academy class in the area.

Captain Bechtel presented diplomas to each of the citizen's who completed the course at the end of the evening.

Allen Hamlin, C.O.P Sergeant and Les Berrent, the C.O.P. Captain, both from the Vizcaya community, echoed the opinion of many of the students in the class.

"Each of the Sheriff department spokespersons that presented an explanation of their respective departments to the class each Thursday evening, with one or two exceptions, were credible and interesting. This included the Bomb Squad, Aviation Department, Narcotics, Crime scene Investigation, and others. Berrent is a retired member of New York City's finest.

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"Unequal Benefits: Does Your Medicare Plan Offer Your Neighbor a Better Deal?"

Excerpt from an article by Susan Jaffe in the AARP Bulletin Today, September 26, 2008 issue.

When insurance companies start advertising their 2009 Medicare-subsidized health plans in October, beneficiary Bob Schulbaum will be looking for the small print.

That’s how he learned last year that companies don’t offer the same benefits in his hometown of Delray Beach, a Palm Beach County community, as they do in Miami, only about 50 miles away. He is furious.

“In Miami-Dade County, they are supplying transportation to doctors’ offices. Members get eyeglasses and dental care. These are things that are not offered in Palm Beach County,” says Schulbaum, 81, president of the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations, which represents 72,000 homeowners.

Some of the Miami-Dade plans include free nonprescription drugs this year and as much as $1,157 to cover an enrollee’s Medicare Part B premiums.
Schulbaum says it’s “outrageous” that Alliance members must pay Part B premiums ($96.40 a month in 2009) while his Miami neighbors in the same health plan don’t because they live over the county line. “Where is the equality in this?”

Medicare is supposed to be a universal program, he argues. But for those interested in the extra benefits offered by private health plans, getting the best coverage depends on where they live.

That’s no mistake—it’s the way Congress designed the private plan program, called Medicare Advantage. Medicare contracts with insurance companies to provide medical and drug coverage and pays the companies for each member they enroll. Federal law requires Medicare to set the payment based on the member’s county, and that money typically varies from county to county. The payments also include financial incentives for plans to offer coverage in rural and underserved areas. The more money plans get, the more benefits they usually offer their members.

For example, the plans in Miami-Dade County receive an average of $1,093.78 a month per member from Medicare. That’s $176 more than in neighboring Broward County and $233 more than in nearby Palm Beach County. Next year, the differences will be even higher—Miami-Dade will get $280 a month more per member than Broward and $344 more than Palm Beach.
(To read complete article Click here.

For an interactive map showing the Medicare Advantage payments to plans in every county in the U. S. Click here. (Allow time for this map to upload.)

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October 17, 2008

Your Election Questions Answered beginning Tuesday October 21

Call the League of Women Voters Palm Beach County Hot Line: 561-276-4898RedPhone.jpg

Tuesday, October 21 thru Tuesday, November 4 Election Day to find out:
Where do I vote?
How do I vote?
How do I get an absentee ballot?
What is on my ballot?
How do I get more information on the candidates and constitutional amendments?

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that does not endorse candidates. Its purpose is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation in government.

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October 16, 2008

New from State Representative Kelly Skidmore

Neighborhood Food Charities Seeking AssistanceOver the last year, the need for donations by food charities that work to provide for poor residents has increased by over 50%. At the present time, the South Florida area food banks are desperately seeking donations of non-perishable food items such as canned fruits, vegetables, beans, chili, tuna, dried pasta, juice, water, cereal, rice or a monetary contribution of any amount.
For more information or to locate a food bank in your area, please call (954) 537-0211 in Broward County or (561) 375-6600 in Palm Beach.

Supervisors of Elections in Search of Poll Workers
The Palm Beach and Broward County Supervisor of Elections offices are looking for individuals willing to serve as paid poll workers on Election Day. Workers will be required to attend between 3 and 8 hours of training, depending on the position sought. Individuals must be registered to vote in the county in which they intend to serve as poll workers.
For more information please call (561) 656-6200 in Palm Beach County or (954) 357-7050 in Broward County. You can also visit your Supervisor of Elections office online at http://www.browardsoe.org (Broward) or http://www.pbcelections.org (Palm Beach).

Local Organization Working to Tackle the Issue of Domestic Violence
Women in Distresssm and other organizations in South Florida are holding events this month to bring attention to domestic violence. Included in the schedule are cell phone drives and educational presentations for the community.
For a full list of upcoming events this month, please call (954) 761-1133 or visit http://www.PledgeToEndDomesticViolence.org.

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To read my Sunday October 12 article in Sun-Sentinel Community News Section Click here.

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Vizcaya Men's Club October 13 Meeting

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Vizcaya Men’s Club President Charlie Mackoff conducted a short business meeting, brought in pizza and soft drinks and watched the underdog Cleveland Browns snap the N. Y. Giants four game winning streak, beating New York 35-14 on ESPN Monday Night Football.

A nice idea for other community Men’s Clubs, if they haven’t tried it.

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October 13, 2008

Boca Raton Computer Society Meeting Oct. 15

President of BRCS, Bob Balogh is the featued speaker. His topic: "The Price is Right--All about Freeware: What's Available, What's Useable."

Meeting begins at 6:15 Wednesday, October 15 at South County Civic Center, Jog Road, Delray Beach, opposite Morikami Gardens.

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Palm Beach County Traffic Report October 10
through October 17, 2008

Palm Beach County traffic will be affected this week by ongoing construction projects and maintenance work, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officials report. Weather permitting; closures will be in effect on I-95, Southern Boulevard (S.R.80) and in other areas throughout Palm Beach County for construction activities.

For around-the-clock, real-time, traffic information within the tri-county area (Palm Beach, Broward and Miami Dade counties), travelers should call 511. For I-95 Palm Beach County traffic reports just say "I-95” or “Interstate 95". Information is also available on-line at www.511southflorida.com.

To view real-time video of I-95 in Palm Beach County, visit the FDOT I-95 Interim Traffic Management System (ITMS) website at www.palmbeachcotraffic.org. These free services are provided by FDOT and the SunGuide™ Partners. For updated lane closure information, please refer to www.pbfdot.com.

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To read my Sunday October 12 article in Sun-Sentinel Community News Section Click here.

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October Message from State Senator Ted Deutch

In the wake of this past year’s nearly $6 billion cut to the state budget and the recent economic downtown, the Legislature is anticipating another difficult budget year in 2009.

At its September meeting, the Legislative Budget Commission tapped into $672 million from Florida’s reserves in order to balance this year’s deficit and will meet again this month to look at additional funding. In an effort to avoid depleting our reserves, and in response to this horrendous budget situation, it is imperative that we begin to look at new sources of revenue.

Last year, I sponsored legislation to increase Florida's cigarette tax by $1. This increase would have generated approximately $1 billion in revenue which could have been used to offset the over $800 million cuts to healthcare programs. Florida’s .34 cent cigarette tax has not been increased since 1992 and currently ranks 46th in the nation. Not only would this increase have prevented severe cuts to our healthcare system, it would have provided funding for cancer research and, most importantly, it would have deterred kids from ever starting to smoke.

As we face another $3.5 - 5 billion dollar deficit for next year’s budget, I plan to introduce this legislation again for the 2009 Legislative Session. An increase in the cigarette user fee will not only generate more than one billion dollars to cover the ballooning costs of the state’s Medicaid program, it will stimulate Florida’s economy by making us a leader in cancer research. If we can address pressing health care needs while helping to put our economy on the right track, the Legislature must act now.

I urge you to contact Florida’s legislators and ask them to support a $1 increase in the cigarette user fee. The financial crisis that has gripped our nation affects everyone. We should take this reasonable step to prevent further health care cuts and to help guide our kids to healthy lives.

It is an honor to represent District 30 in Tallahassee.

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To read my Sunday, October 12 Sun-Sentinel Delray Community News article Click here.

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October 10, 2008

Next Week at the Hagen Ranch Road Branch Library

Plan to take advantage of these interesting programs next week. Each program is given in the Meeting Room.

Wed. Oct. 15, 2 PM—Roberta Proctor will lead a discussion of “The Post-Birthday World,” by Lionel Shriver. Sign up and check out the book. One hour.

Thurs. Oct. 16, 1 PM—A discussion of Jon Krakauer’s book, “Into the Wild,” and Sean Penn’s film of the same name. Pick up a copy of the book at the Information Desk. 200 minutes.

Fri., Oct. 17, 10 AM—Basic Computers. Confused by the terms hardware and software? Mystified by your PC? If so, learn the basics about computers at this free presentation that covers hardware, software, files and networks. For beginners. One hour.

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Next Week at the Hagen Ranch Road Branch Library

Plan to take advantage of these interesting programs next week. Each program is given in the Meeting Room.

Wed. Oct. 15, 2 PM—Roberta Proctor will lead a discussion of “The Post-Birthday World,” by Lionel Shriver. Sign up and check out the book. One hour.

Thurs. Oct. 16, 1 PM—A discussion of Jon Krakauer’s book, “Into the Wild,” and Sean Penn’s film of the same name. Pick up a copy of the book at the Information Desk. Three hours and 10 minutes.

Fri., Oct. 17, 10 AM—Basic Computers. Confused by the terms hardware and software? Mystified by your PC? If so, learn the basics about computers at this free presentation that covers hardware, software, files and networks. For beginners. One hour.

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October 9, 2008

Lorraine Krupowies, Treasurer

The Boca Raton Computer Society Mourns the Loss of
Lorraine Krupowies, Treasurer who passed away October 6..


Lorraine was the senior member of the board of directors of BRCS, serving in various capacities since 1989, recently as Treasurer.
Born in Elizabeth, N. J., she and her husband and her youngest son moved to Florida in 1979. Twenty-one years ago, Lorraine was widowed. Left with four young children, she worked as a secretary/office manager until retiring. She enjoyed spending time with her five grandchildren.

Lorraine was an active member of the Boca Raton chapter of the Southern Handicraft Society, exhibiting her excellent knitting and crocheting at craft shows.

Lorraine provided a role model for BRCS members. She enjoyed working with her peers and gave her time and talent to serve on the Board of Directors for over fifteen years. She will be sorely missed.

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October 7, 2008

Message from Anne M. Gannon, Palm Beach County Tax Collector

Property Tax Notices to be Mailed October 31 The Tax Collector’s office will mail 2008 property tax notices on October 31. Property taxes are collectable November 1 - March 31. Discounts for early payment are allowed as follows:
• 4% in November
• 3% in December
• 2% in January
• 1% in February
No discounts are allowed in March. Taxes become delinquent on April 1st. The discount is determined by postmark of payment. The Tax Collector’s website offers a new and improved fast payment system to process property tax payments at www.taxcollectorpbc.com.

Redesigned Property Tax Notice Unveiled Are you a taxpayer who received a refund in 2007 due to overpayment? The Tax Collector’s office discovered nearly 5,000 taxpayers paid their November and December tax bills incorrectly by paying the future delinquent amount. Through the work of one of the employee Knowledge Based Leadership Teams (a fact based decision making process implemented at the Tax Collector’s Office) it was determined taxpayers were misreading the payment line. The project team:
• Analyzed current Tax Notice and payment line;
• Created three prototype notices with varying payment line designs;
• Surveyed employees and taxpayers;
• Petitioned the Department of Revenue to approve the revised bill ; and
• Implemented approved changes to reflect a new tax notice for November 2008.

A sample of the new bill with a description of each section of the bill can be found at http://www.pbcgov.com/tax/pdf/TAX_notice.pdf. Thank you for providing the feedback which allows us to serve you better.

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October 6, 2008

Messages from Representatives Kelly Skidmore and Maria Sachs

Child Safety Seat Check-Ups for Local Families

The Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Office is holding several child safety check-up events across the area over the coming weeks. The program’s intent is to help families ensure the safety of their children on our community’s roadways.

The next scheduled check-ups are on Saturday, October 11th at the Pediatric Associates of Boynton Beach (10301 Hagen Ranch Road) and Saturday, October 25th at the Home Depot (9820 Glades Road) in Boca Raton. Both events will last from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For more information, please call (561) 688-4194.
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Message from Representative Sachs:
The Sachs - Sentinel
Rep. Maria Sachs Newsletter
October 3, 2008

Dear Friends,

I am proud to report that the H.O.P.E for Palm Beach County Task Force’s first workshop was a major success! Now it is time to bring our team of experts to the homeowners of central Palm Beach County. On Saturday, October 18, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m, our team of experts will be at the Odyssey Middle School in Boynton Beach (6161 Woolbright Road; West of I-95 between Military Trail and Jog Road). Our second workshop will available to any homeowner who is need of help.

With over 100 homeowners in attendance at the first workshop, we are looking forward to bringing HOPE to as many who live in the central part of Palm Beach County. The Task Force works like this: distressed homeowners fill out an application and if their home is already in foreclosure, they will have to bring the appropriate legal documents to the workshop. After an initial consultation with a counselor, they are invited to sit down personally with a bank officer, mortgage broker, or attorney to discuss ways to save their home.

The only requirement that the homeowner be a resident of Palm Beach County and the mortgage in question concerns a primary residence. Attorneys from the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County have graciously volunteered to help alongside our bankers, brokers, realtors, and other specialists. All information received at the workshop is completely confidential and all services are free. There is absolutely no cost to anyone.

If you or anyone you know needs help, please refer to www.mariasachs.com. On my website, you can download the application and receive further information about the workshop.

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.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact my office at (561) 266-6645.

--------------------------------
Katerina I. Draganova
Legislative Assistant
Office of Representative Maria Sachs
(561) 266 - 6645 office
(888) 544 - 9121 fax
Katerina.Draganova@myfloridahouse.gov

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October 3, 2008

Sheriff’s Narcotics Department fights uphill battle

Sgt. Melody Gamage of the Palm Beach County Narcotics Squad presented sobering information to our Citizen’s Academy group about the state of the drug trade at present.

Use of crack cocaine is going down. Prescription drug abuse is soaring. Oxycontin, Xanax and Valium are the drugs being used by young, old and mostly white people. Two sources: Some doctors are writing prescriptions illegally, and young people are finding these drugs in their own medicine cabinet from parent’s prescriptions. Deaths from overdosing these drugs are rising. It is imperative these drugs in the home be protected from family members that are not prescribed to use them.

Broward County doctors are writing more prescriptions than those in Palm Beach County. Regulations are a bit less rigid there. Law enforcement personnel are aware that people from Kentucky, Georgia and Tennessee drive down to south Florida counties to pick up prescriptions for these drugs and sell them back in their states.

Narcotics department staff has found boats, and work trucks with hidden compartments used to smuggle cocaine and other drugs into Florida from Jamaica and Mexico. Some semi trailer trucks have been found with a false step up to the cab used as a hidden storage area to smuggle drugs. Drug lords in Mexico send a convoy of 25 cars into the United States loaded with drugs. If one car gets stopped and its load gets confisticated, the rest get through and those drugs are sold for street distribution.

Marijuana grow houses are prevalent in many parts of northern Palm Beach County. In 2007 plants worth $34.6 million were destroyed by the Narcotics Department.

Battling the drug trade is an uphill, never ending war for the Department. For further information go to www.pbso.org.

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October 2, 2008

Hearing Loss Association of America Delray/Boynton Chapter

Board Member Merry Rubinstein will begin her Lip Reading classes for Chapter Members on Tuesday October 7, 1:30 PM at Emmanuel Catholic Church.

Register with Merry at 561-738-5630.

The next monthly meeting of the Chapter will be Friday, October 17 at 10 A.M.
Guest Speakers will be Fred Schott of the Deaf Service Center;
Ed Kissel of Mobile Source
Oscar Segal, President will tell you all you need to know about Telecoils

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October 1, 2008

From the desk of Anne M. Gannon, Tax Collector, Palm Beach County

Our offices are preparing for our property tax season, which launches next month. Please read the information below which will help our office serve you better.

Not Updating Your Address Could Cost You

Florida Statutes place the burden on the taxpayer to know when taxes are collectable, even if a Tax Notice is not received. During the past two years approximately 50,000 Tax Notices were returned undeliverable to the Palm Beach Tax Collector due to incorrect mailing addresses.

Whenever a taxpayer’s mailing address is changed, in addition to notifying the United States Postal Service the taxpayer must also notify the Property Appraiser, in writing with a signature. Contact the Property Appraiser’s Office to update the correct mailing address on record by calling (561) 355-2866 or visit online at http://www.pbcgov.com/papa/AddressChange.htm. If an address change is not submitted to the Property Appraiser’s Office by the first week of October contact the Tax Collector’s Office at www.taxcollectorpbc.com to ensure receipt of a tax notice.

Property Tax Notices to be Mailed October 31

The Tax Collector’s office will mail 2008 property tax notices on October 31. Property taxes are collectable November 1 - March 31. Discounts for early payment are allowed as follows:
• 4% in November
• 3% in December
• 2% in January
• 1% in February
No discounts are allowed in March. Taxes become delinquent on April 1st. The discount is determined by postmark of payment. However, the amount due on a delinquent payment is determined by the date received by our office, not by postmark. The Tax Collector’s website offers a new and improved fast payment system to process property tax payments at www.taxcollectorpbc.com.

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Broward County Offering Low-Cost Rabies Clinics

Message from State Representative Kelly Skidmore: Broward County Offering Low-Cost Rabies Clinic

The Broward County Animal Care and Regulation Division will offer one-year rabies vaccinations and licenses to pets on October 4th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mary Sunders Park (4750 SW 21st Street) in West Park.

For more information, call (954) 358-1010 in Broward County. You can also find information online at http://www.pbcgov.com/pubsafety/animal and http://www.broward.org/animal.

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About This Blog

The Get Local community blogs are written by residents of the community. The Sun-Sentinel does not edit the blogs, nor take responsibility for the contents.

MORT MAZOR
Mazor has been a resident of West Delray since 1987. Since retiring as a marketing executive in New York City, he has...

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