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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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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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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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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At Thursday, September 25 Sheriff’s Citizen Academy Class at District 6 Headquarters off Jog Road in Boynton Beach, we formed an auto caravan behind Captain Martin Bechtel and drove up to Sheriff’s Headquarters off Gun Club Road in West Palm Beach.

Our first lesson occurred in the Communications Department, a large area where there are cubicles with civilian employees manning four computer screen consoles. A young lady and her male supervisor were our guides through this important area where all 911 calls come in throughout the county and action dispatches are made. Each employee in the console area handles a specific bit of geography in the county. Each computer screen shows important information such as location of an accident, location of sheriff’s deputy patrol cars, records of licensed drivers, and much more. These operators work long hours in a very stressful occupation.

Leaving one stressful occupation for another, our group of nineteen Academy classmates followed Capt. Bechtel next door to the second lesson of the evening: The County Jail. Here we were given a tour by a prison guard Sheriff’s Deputy and his Sergeant. At each door we had to go through our guides had to shout the count of how many were in our group to the deputy guard in charge so the doors could be unlocked. By this time two more of our classmates joined us.

We were shown the “intake area” where prisoners are first brought in, frisked and processed. One such event happened before our eyes, as a hapless male went through the process. We walked by the first floor cells the prisoners occupy temporarily when they are first arrested before they are transferred to the upper floors. This jail holds about 1,500 prisoners. We were then whisked upstairs in two large elevators to the sixth floor to see where the prisoners live, eat and take their exercise.

After a fifteen minute break at the open air area on the 12 floor of the building which is the staff break area that offers a splendid view of the surrounding area, and the planes going in and out of PBI, we returned to the exit lobby for a demonstration of the weapons used to maintain order, demonstrated by our host deputies. One was a paintball type of gun, the other a Tommy-gun looking weapon that holds six heavy projectiles that can be shot at an unruly prisoner.

“If someone gets hit in the chest with one of these heavy projectiles,” said the ex-Marine deputy who was demonstrating the gun, “it’s like getting hit with a cinder block.” Their weapon of choice is the stun gun which they carry as a sidearm. They said the other two weapons rarely have to be used.

We ended our three hour visit, leaving this sad, drab building packed with unhappy people. An interesting place to visit once—and never have to see it again.

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September 26 through October 3, 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™ Partners. For updated lane closure information, please refer to www.pbfdot.com.

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Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year for people of my faith, and all mankind.

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Dear Concerned Citizens,

As the declining economy continues to cause reductions in funding for social
service programs, the Partnership for Aging of Palm Beach County (PFA) is
sending you this letter to request your help. PFA has been approached by
several local congressmen who have requested written testimonials regarding
the impact of the reduction in funding for social service programs. This is
an opportunity for your voice to be heard and to join with PFA in its
campaign to ensure continued funding for these vital programs.

This letter is a call for action. PFA is seeking written testimonials from
both seniors who have been wait listed or denied services, and from
organizations who have been impacted by recent budgetary restrictions. A
single page letter citing the impact of reduced funding may be submitted to
PFA via email to: dawnarom@yahoo.com , or by mail to the address listed
below. All letters received will also be included in the PFA Legislative
Binder that will be going to Tallahassee this fall.

Again, we ask that you assist PFA with this important cause.
Deadline for submissions is November 17, 2008.
Mail to:
Steve Delach
Cresthaven East ALF
5100 Cresthaven Blvd
WPB FL 33415

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[From the Community Advocacy Network “CAN”]
Boards will now have additional powers in the event that a "State of Emergency" is declared. These powers include the ability to:
1. Conduct meetings without satisfying typical notice requirements
2. Cancel and reschedule meetings
3. Name assistant directors or officers
4. Relocate the principal office of the association
5. Mitigate further damages
6. Use reserve funds without a membership vote
7. Declare the building and/or units uninhabitable
8. Order a mandatory evacuation
9. Insulate the board from any liability in the event that owners or occupants stay in the building despite an evacuation order
10. Levy special assessments without a vote of the membership if the documents require such a vote; and
11. Borrow money to fund emergency repairs.

More information from CAN (Community Advocacy Network) Regarding Condominiums
New Board Certification form required by Section 718.112(2)(d)3 of the Condominium Act is now available on the DBPR's website at:
http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/lsc/documents/candidate_certification_form.pdf

The new law requires an individual who wishes to run for the board to certify, in advance of the election, that he or she has read and understands to the best of their ability the association's governing documents, the Florida condominium law and the administrative code.

The form must be sent out with the First Notice of Election.

Please make sure to discuss this new form with your association attorney and property manager to ensure that your annual meeting package is correct.

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With the presidential election, the economic woes affecting us all, the news from Wall Street, the Olympics in China, and the tragedy across the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Ike, 2008 is shaping up to be a very engaging and challenging year for many of us. This entire year serves as a reminder for us all that being involved and working to give back to our communities can really make a difference. From participating in the democratic process to volunteering for a local cause, here are some tips on how to stay active in our neighborhoods.

Head Start Program of Palm Beach County in Search of Volunteers
The Palm Beach County Head Start program is in search of individuals willing to participate in the Godparent Volunteer Program. Participants will be asked to interact with children involved with the program through various educational and social activities.
Head Start of Palm Beach County emphasizes education, social services, medical, dental, nutrition, counseling services, and parental involvement to aid in the development of our community’s children.
For information, please call 561-233-1600.

Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for the 2008 Presidential Election
With less than 60 days remaining before November 4th, the Broward and Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections offices are finalizing preparations for the 2008 General Election. Here is some important information residents should be aware of regarding the election.
• All residents who are eligible to vote must be registered prior to the October 6th deadline in order to participate in the 2008 General Election.
• Early voting will begin on October 20th and last until November 2nd. Specific locations and times will be announced in the coming weeks.
• The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 29th. For instructions on how to do so, please contact your supervisor of elections office.
For more information, please call 954-357-7050 in Broward County or 561-656-6200 in Palm Beach County. Additional information is also available online at http://www.BrowardSOE.org and http://www.PBCElections.org.

Health Tip of the Week
With more than 2.2 million people diagnosed with the disease, Glaucoma is one of the most prevalent eye related maladies in the nation. Although the cause of the disease is largely unknown to our scientific community, many things can be done to help reduce your risk of developing Glaucoma as well as other eye-related problems.
1. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially those that are high in beta carotene.
2. If you are a contact lens user, be sure to follow the proper wear and care recommendations by your medical provider.
3. Protect your eyes from Ultra-Violet radiation by wearing polarized lenses to prevent harm to your eyesight.
4. Be sure to balance time watching television and staring at a computer screen with other activities that allow your eyes to focus on objects at a farther distance.
5. Be sure to wear goggles or other protective eye wear when working with chemicals or any place with harmful airborne particulates.
Following these tips will help to reduce your risk for developing Glaucoma and other eye-related problems. However, these recommendations should never be used in place of direct care and treatment from your physician. Be sure to consult your doctor or medical professional before making any changes to your healthcare regimen.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns. Our district office number is (561) 470 6593.
All the best
Kelly Skidmore
State Representative, District 90

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In 1972, the Kings Point Delray Beach Par 3 course designed by famed master golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. was built providing interesting hole by hole challenges for beginner and serious golfer alike. Thousands of rounds have been played since then by young and old, beginner and veteran players.

The sporty 2,094 yard Par 3 Golf Course opens to the public for the new season Monday, September 22, after being closed for renovations since June 16 this year.
Located in the heart of West Delray, just west of Jog Road off W. Atlantic Avenue, you enter through the Kings Point main entrance, bear right to the Par 3 Pro Shop and sign up for a round to improve your short iron game and putting prowess.

This summer all of the Par 3 course 18 greens have been replaced with Champion Ultra Dwarf sprigs. These grow into the finest putting surface available throughout the Southern states. It is used by many of the Tour professional venues, producing a firm and true putting surface.

Shown examining one of the newly grown greens is Bill Guimond, Director of Golf operations at Kings Point.

Champion Turf Farms, Bay City, Texas is unique in the industry in that they are the breeders, producers, and installers of their grasses. This reputation, combined with their decades of experience led them to develop their own support network. No one else in the industry can claim to have a knowledge base developed from 40 years of traveling the country planting and studying grass. All of this experience is available to golf course superintendents who have Champion turf. In addition the company has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on research as a part of developing the best turf management practices for their grasses. They continually revisit courses they have planted every month of the year.

Among the many courses in Palm Beach County that have grown improved greens by installing Champion sprigs are: Boca Raton Country Club, Boca Raton Resort & Club, Emerald Dunes, Gleneagles C. C., Hamlet C. C., Ibis C. C., the five PGA courses in North Palm Beach and the Royal Palm Golf & Yacht Club in Boca Raton.

Guimond stated, “Prior to the Par 3 greens renovation project a state-of-the-art new irrigation system was installed on the course in May. This was a prerequisite to insure the proper growth of the Champion sprigs. We also put in a new drainage system on numerous fairways. The tee boxes which were re-done in 2007 have been fertilized and re-groomed and are in perfect condition.”

Some of the regular patrons have said, “Don’t be fooled into thinking just because it’s a Par 3 course it’s too easy. This course provides a true test for your short iron game and putting skills.”
Kings Point resident Ray Prendergast has been playing the course three times a week for the past twelve years. “I look forward to getting back on the course again. The staff is helpful and friendly. I walk the course, so it’s a great source of exercise for me.”

Gloria Levine, a senior golfer and the unofficial captain of ‘Les Girls,’ her group of two foursomes who play every week says: “I can’t wait to get back on the course. I had a disappointing summer because I couldn’t play golf on the Par 3.”

Reservations for daily golf at the Par 3 or the Kings Point Executive Golf Course can be made by calling Kings Point Tee time number, 561-638-2719. Green fees are attractively moderate.

An assortment of membership plans is available, including morning and afternoon League/Community Group plans and Multi-play tickets. Call 499-3335, Ext. 156 for details.

“We look forward to welcoming back all our players to the newly renovated Par 3 Course,” says Bill Guimond. “And to the folks that never played here, join us. It’s a hidden gem of a course in the heart of West Delray.”

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Monday, September 15 at 2:15 P.M. as part of the Sheriff’s Citizen’s Academy course it was my turn to spend an hour in the car with Road Patrol Deputy in Boynton Beach’s District 6. This District extends from Lantana Rd to Pipers Glen and from the ocean to State Road 7.

I was partnered with a friendly and pleasant Deputy Exzabrion Barton who looked to be about 6’ 2” and weigh 220 pounds. He’s been a deputy for the past four years. He’s married and the proud father of two little girls. His father before him had been in law enforcement for 22 years.

Each day’s shift covers 11½ hours.

We left District 6 Headquarters off Jog Road near Park Vista H.S. Our first stop was a development in East Boynton called “Homes at Lawrence.” This is a mostly African-American community of several hundred homes. In some of the abandoned homes people hang out and use them for drug dealing. Deputy Barton pointed out spots of interest: “The Sheriff’s Department erected this chain link fence in this vacant lot adjacent to a canal to stop stolen cars from being dumped.” A little further on our drive he added, “A guy was shot right here not long ago. From here we’ll go over to the Sandcastle development, which is the toughest area around; lots of drug activity there.”

Sandcastle is the community three deputies spoke to us about at last Thursday night’s academy session. These deputies, including Sergeant Thomas Euell, are part of District 6’s special Community Policing Squad. They work at low-income communities to try and establish a positive relationship with residents by taking a proactive approach establishing a problem solving partnership with community leaders. They attempt to bond with the children by taking them on “Shop with a Cop” ventures occasionally.

On the way, Deputy Barton spots a homeless man near the grounds of Freedom Shores Elementary School. He’s in a canal just outside the school splashing water on his face and arms. “He’s not supposed to be anywhere near the school,” explained the Deputy. “I know who he is. I have to pick him up again and arrest him.” He turns the car around, pulls up to this man who looked to be about 55 years old, puts handcuffs on him and sits him in back of our patrol car. This guy starts an all out cursing war. The deputy had to contact the Safety Officer of the school. It took 30 minutes to fill out paper work. By the time we return with “the prisoner” to District 6 headquarters my tour was over.

“We never got to Sandcastle,” I said to Deputy Barton. He looked at me with a rueful smile as if to say, “You didn’t miss anything, man.”

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Changes to Mobile Unit Service from Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne M. Gannon

The Tax Collector’s Office operates a full-service Mobile Unit office at convenient locations throughout Palm Beach County. After evaluation of service volume at our current locations and increased fuel costs to operate the vehicle, the Mobile Unit will centralize service to south Palm Beach County.

Effective September 26, 2008, our Mobile Unit will cease operations in North County. Clients with business needs in northern Palm Beach County will be served at our Palm Beach Gardens Branch (3188 PGA Boulevard; Palm Beach Gardens FL, 33410).

The Mobile Unit will continue to operate in West Boca on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and in East Boca on Thursdays and Fridays until January 1, 2009. At that time, all operations of the Mobile Unit will cease in its entirety.

West Boca Location
Sandalwood Plaza
23081 S. State Road 7
West side of State Rd. 7, North of Marina Blvd.

East Boca Location
City of Boca Raton, Police Department
100 NW Boca Raton Blvd / NW 2nd Ave
North of W. Palmetto Park Rd, W of North Dixie Highway

Visit our website at www.taxcollectorpbc.com for locator maps and hours.

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Contact Person: Robin Isaacson 561-498-1012
Event: September 14, 2008 from 1-5pm
Zinman Hall of South Palm Beach County Jewish Federation
9901 Donna Klein Blvd, Boca Raton, Fl 33428

In the 2008 Legislative Session, State Senator Ted Deutch sponsored legislation that would have modified the process of determining child custody and visitation arrangements in cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse. The bill, which was supported by the Family Law section of the Florida Bar, was inspired by the story of Palm Beach County resident Jenny Carter. In 2006, Ms. Carter’s ex-husband murdered their two children and himself by setting the home on fire. Although Ms. Carter had a restraining order against her ex-husband, he was still allowed unsupervised visitation with their children. Since the incident, Ms. Carter has been an advocate for women in colleges and throughout the community.

In support of Jenny Carter’s hard work, the Florida Atlantic Region of Hadassah is sponsoring the “Women’s Fighting Chance” program. This FREE event will take place September 14th 2008 at Zinman Hall-Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County campus and will feature a 3 hour instructional course in Krav Maga, a form of Israeli martial arts, taught by local expert Rick Seid. Additional participants at this event will be Jenny Carter and Senator Ted Deutch. In an effort to bring women together and prepare them in case they are ever attacked, the event will also serve as a forum for the sharing of vital information on issues ranging from domestic violence to education.

Around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime, 84% of spouse abuse victims are females, and 86% of victims during partner abuse are female. This event will give women a chance to learn the skills needed to protect themselves from these dangers.

Since it’s beginning in 1912 the 300,000 women of Hadassah have always been pioneers in bringing women together for a cause, and the issue of Domestic Violence is a cause we are passionate about. By sponsoring this event the Florida Atlantic Region of Hadassah hopes to ensure that women will indeed have a “fighting chance”.

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Interesting information from State Representative Kelly Skidmore:

The Interdisciplinary National Science Project Incorporating Research and Education Experience Program (INSPIRE) by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) provides students in 9th to 12th grade an opportunity to learn about science, technology, and mathematics fields of study and careers with the organization.

Selected students will be eligible to compete for various summer experiences in 2009 including a VIP tour and workshop at a NASA facility, a 2-week on-campus residential experience at a participating college or university, and paid internships with NASA.

To apply, a student must be enrolled in high school, be a U.S. citizen, have a 2.5 grade point average, and demonstrate the desire and academic preparation necessary for intensive studies beyond a high school curriculum.

For more information, please visit http://www.NASA.gov and go to the “For Students” section.

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With the fall season upon us, many are already gearing up for the holiday season. From the Jewish High Holy Days through Thanksgiving, many of us will be traveling to see family and friends, but there are several important things to remember when away from home.

TRIM (Truth in Milage) notices were sent out in August to notify homeowners of changes to their property taxes for the upcoming year. Don’t forget your annual property taxes will be discounted if paid in November.

This November 4th is also Election Day. Not only do we have the opportunity to vote in an historic Presidential election, but there are also many state and local races, and several important constitutional amendments. If you have not yet registered to vote, remember the deadline is October 6th. If you cannot make it to the polls on November 4th, you may vote early beginning October 20th, or vote by absentee ballot. For information on voter registration, early voting locations, and instructions on obtaining an absentee ballot call the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office at (561) 656-6200 or visit their website at www.pbcelections.org.

The Florida Legislature will resume committee meetings in the beginning of 2009. With a new Senate President, Speaker of the House and potentially dozens of new members, I am excited to get back to work on the serious issues facing Floridians. Over the next several months, I will be working on legislation for the 2009 Legislative Session. As always, I welcome input from my constituents and would encourage you to call my office with any legislative issues or concerns we may address.

I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. It is an honor to serve you.

Ted Deutch

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For the past several months Vizcaya community residents have been conducting English classes for landscape crew members. The classes are held outdoors in a gazebo in the middle residential section of the community Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during half of the crew's lunch time. Shown in photograph are residents with two of the landscape workers: (l. to r.) Juana Conyngham, landscaper Wilson Reys, Elsa Greenberg, Judy and Steve West, landscaper Jose Saban. Resident Fabio Bruschtein also tutors not present in photo.

The classes are often one-on-one, with role playing of common situations playing a large part. The landscape workers are benefitting from these sessions by learning more of English language useage to apply to their everyday experiences.

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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)

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Joshua Gerstin, Esq. will be the guest speaker at Wednesday's September 3 Meeting of the Alliance of Delray.

Topic: "Bank Foreclosures, Bancruptcy and Community Assoication Collections in a troubled economy."

South County Civic Center, Jog Road, West Delray Beach opposite Morikami Gardens.
Doors open at 9:00 am. Meeting begins at 9:30 am.The public is always welcome.

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http://www.511southflorida.comPalm Beach County to Hold Public Hearings on Proposed 2009 Budget
The Palm Beach Board of County Commissioners will hold two public hearings in the coming weeks for preliminary and final adoption of the 2009 Fiscal Year Budget at the sixth floor commission chambers at the County Government Center (301 North Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach). The hearings will take place at 6 p.m. on September 8th and September 22nd and residents will have an opportunity to comment during both meetings.
For more information, please call the Palm Beach County Administrator’s Office at 561-355-2030.

Information Database on Government Programs and Services
The United States General Services Administration is offering a one-stop source for information about government services and programs. They cover topics such as money management, federal assistance programs, identify theft prevention, government auctions, health, housing, and jobs.
To access the database, please call 1-800-333-4636, or visit http://www.USA.gov. You can also request a printed publication to be sent to your residence by calling 1-800-878-3256, or visiting http://www.pueblo.usa.gov.

Health Tip of the Week
Fresh Blackberries are both high in trace minerals and provide a wide-range of anti-oxidants to help keep your immune system strong and your body healthy. The nutrients found in blackberries include calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Blackberries also help to provide key nutrients to support cardiovascular health and its natural fruit sugars can provide energy for daily activities.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns. Our district office number is 561-470-6593.

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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)

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A 120 bed skilled nursing home is planned at Morkami Park and Jog Roads in West Delray. The complex will consist of three buildings: Two one-story and one three-story, 99,800 sq. ft. of building space. Maximum height of buildings will be 35'. Access and most of the parking will be off Morikami Park Road.

This will be an upscale, skilled nursing facility catering to the needs of area residents in need of ongoing excellent healthcare in a luxurious living environment. The design of the building will be consistent with the natural beauty of the Morikami Park and Gardens as well as the high end single family home communities along Jog Road's "Million Dollar Mile" which surrounds the property.

Once county approval is received, construction will take approximately eighteen months.

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For those of you who want to know more about Robert's Rules of Order and
what it means to be a parliamentarian, the Plantation Unit of
Parlimentarians is holding a four-hour seminar on Saturday, September 20,
2008 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Helen B. Hoffman Library at 501 North
Fig Tree Lane, Plantation, Fl 33317. If you register in advance the fee is
$20.00; for those wishing to register the day of the event the fee is
$30.00. For more information, call 954-791-5957. If you've ever been stumped
by an owner or fellow board member shouting out motions, this might be a
worthwhile seminar to attend.

If you haven't already done so, please take 5 minutes to fill out
a HOA Regulation Survey which can be found at the CAN website at
www.canfl.com. If you live in a homeowners' association, this is your opportunity to let your legislators know what you want before the next
legislative session when substantial HOA changes will be proposed including
the move to regulate members of HOA's and charge each owner a per lot fee to
pay for such state regulation.

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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)

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Traffic Information Now Online for Palm Beach and Broward County Residents
The Florida Department of Transportation has released its newly redesigned traffic information website to assist drivers on Palm Beach and Broward County’s roads and highways before they leave their homes. Users will be able to check traffic delay times, view live pictures from our highways, and look-up travel information for many of our major thoroughfares including Interstate-95, Interstate-595, and Interstate-75.
To take advantage of this free service, please visit http://www.smartsunguide.com. For more information, please call the Florida Department of Transportation - District 4 Office at (954) 847-2785.

Local Food Charities Seeking Donations
Over the last year, the demand for donations by food charities that work to feed needy residents has increased by nearly 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 monetary donation.
For more information or to locate a food bank in your area, please call (954) 537-0211 or visit http://www.irissoft.com/fcfcb.

Health Tip of the Week
Regular weight training does more than just build better muscles; it builds a stronger, healthier body. Several new studies confirm the benefits of mild-to-moderate resistance training, including reduced blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health.
Weight training is also believed to improve the way the body processes sugar, which could reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Another study from the Oregon Health & Science University examined the effects of weight training on Osteoarthritis. This study and others confirm that exercise of any kind improves strength and the ability to perform activities of daily living among older adults that suffer from the disease.
However, remember to consult your physician or medical professional before making any changes to your healthcare regimen.
As always, I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns. Our district office number is (561) 470-6593.
All the best,

Kelly Skidmore
State Representative, District 90

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“Summer” is almost over for those of us with children who will be entering or returning to school as of Monday, August 18th; an exciting time for students and parents. Remember to give yourself some extra time heading out in the morning as school zones will be active and enforced; school buses will be sharing the roadways and children will be walking to school. Be safe out there!

Palm Beach County to Offer Workshop for Business OwnersThe Office of Small Business Assistance will be holding a workshop series for small businesses seeking information on “How to Do Business with Palm Beach County” on September 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 12-Noon at the Palm Beach County Purchasing Conference Room (50 South Military Trail, West Palm Beach, Florida 33415)

During the workshops, county staff will discuss the duties of many local government departments as well as specific issues regarding purchasing, engineering codes, utility providers, operations, and financial risk management.
For more information on how to register, please contact the Office of Small Business Assistance Office at (561) 616-6840.

Palm Beach County Residents Now Able to Request Re-Evaluation of Property Taxes.The Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller’s office is now offering residents the opportunity to file petitions to challenge their property tax assessments for the 2008 tax season. The submitted petitions are reviewed by the Palm Beach County Value Adjustment Board.

The deadline to file a petition is September 15th and carries a cost of $15 for submission. For more information, please visit http://www.mypalmbeachclerk.com, or call (561) 355-2996.

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Friday, August 15, 2008

The Alliance of Delray, The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County and The Palm Beach County Partnership for Aging invite you to listen, question and learn as we
“Meet the Candidates” for the offices of Supervisor of Elections, Property Appraiser, Sheriff, Clerk and Comptroller, State Attorney and State Representative, District 78.

With Primary Election Day on August 26, just 11 days later, this is the perfect venue and time to listen to the challenger’s present their views. Each candidate will make an opening statement, respond to questions from the audience and the co-sponsors, and make a closing statement.
Moderator: Sally Robinson, League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County

The Public is Invited
South County Civic Center
16700 Jog Road
Delray Beach
Doors open at 9:00 A.M.
Meeting begins at 9:30 A.M.

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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

> Discuss this entry

Dear Friends:
The economic situation of our state is precarious at best, and with foreclosures increasing at an alarming rate, the cost of living increasing, gas prices rising, and health care costs skyrocketing, our communities here are having to deal with problems across the board. With that in mind, here are some tips to help ease the pressure on us all.

Emergency Funds Available for Emergency Housing AssistanceThe State of Florida is now able to dispense funds for emergency housing assistance for our residents. Based on eligibility guidelines for the Emergency Financial Assistance for Housing Program (EFAHP), a household can receive up to $400 to assist with housing costs. 
According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, a household must have at least one child or caretaker and must provide proof of the housing emergency (i.e. an eviction notice, etc.) to be eligible for this program.
The program can be used for security deposits for new tenets depending on need. For more information please call the toll free assistance hotline at 1-877-891-6445, or visit http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/homelessness/

Free Legal Counsel for Residents Facing ForeclosuresThe FLASH (Florida Attorneys Saving Homes) program includes more than 10,000 lawyers from across the sunshine state volunteering their time to assist the families of Florida in battling foreclosure of their homes.
 To inquire for assistance, a caller will be asked to answer a few initial questions to help streamline the process, and the attorney will proceed to negotiate with the lende