The very active manatee season which coincides with "snowbird" migration begins on November 15 th and ends on March 31 st.

Beginning March 1st, the sea turtle nesting season begins and continues until October 31 st. Sea Turtles are threatened by artificial light visible from the beach which may deter them from nesting or disorient sea turtle hatchlings.

You can help the sea turtle. Be careful when digging on the beach. Most sea turtle eggs are deposited 18 inches below the surface of the sand above the high tide line. To avoid disturbing sea turtle nests, dig holes and sandcastles below the high tide line and place umbrellas with care.

If you live on or near the beach, help to reduce sea turtle disorientation by turning off all unnecessary lights. By replacing bulbs with energy efficient amber LED's, you can save money and sea turtles.

Should you come across an adult turtle on the beach, do not approach her. Turtles can be deterred from nesting by movement, noise, and light (such as light from a flashlight, camera flash, or cell phone ). Stay behind the turtle and out of her line of sight.

You can see a live sea turtle at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton. Call (561)338-1473 for more information.

Photos on the left show the sea turtles of Palm Beach County.

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Florida Power and Light tells us that most residential customers have standard residential service which includes a price incentive to conserve energy. Electricity usage at or below 1,000 Kilowatt Hours (kWh) per month is billed at a lower rate.

Here are the standard service costs, excluding utility taxes and franchise fees:
>Monthly non-fuel price of 5.184 cents per kWh for the first 1,000 kWh used
>Monthly non-fuel price of 6.184 cents per kWh for usage over 1000 kWh
>Fuel price of 3.343 cents per kWh for the first 1,000 kWh used
>Fuel price of 4.343 cents per kWh for usage over 1,000 kWh
>Storm charge of 0.108 cents per kWh used
>Gross receipts tax of 2.5 percent, collected on behalf of the state of Florida
>Customer charge of $5.90 per month

The Florida Public Service Commission allows utilities to charge customers for certain services to recover the related costs.

Here are the current service charges:
>$14.88 to open an account
>$17.66 to reconnect service after disconnection either for non-payment or violation of a rule or regulation
>$23.24 or 5 percent of the payment amount, whichever is greater, for each payment returned by bank
>1.5 percent added to overdue bills, applied on the past-due balance each month
>$5.11 when a field visit is made to collect on an overdue account and payment is made to the FPL representative

Want more information regarding your FPL bill? Go to:
www.FPL.com/yourbill
Are you a Community Leader? Does your COA or HOA receive an electric bill? Your association may be entitled to a refund. Click on the following for information:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=521&subtitle=Check+Your+Association+Electric+Bill

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From routine diagnostic work to advanced examinations in cardiology, neurology, and oncology, the 128 Multi Slice CT Scanner will quickly scan and provide high diagnostic confidence for patients at the Delray Medical Center. This machine is also suited for emergency situations like accidents, strokes, or heart attacks which require speedy diagnosis.

The speed of the scanner is faster than a human heart and it sets a new benchmark in lowering the radiation exposure to the patient. Extreme safety measures built in include the ability to ensure that the only dose applied to the patient is the dose that is clinically relevant with no compromise in image quality.

Pictured at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Siemens 128 Multi Slice CT Scanner are, left to right: Mike Malone, Pres. Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce; Bob Schulbaum, Alliance of Delray Residential Associations President; Mark Bryan, CEO Delray Medical Center; Theresa Griffith, Radiology; Chad Kelman, MD, Radiology

For more information, call (561)495-3179 or go to www.delraymedicalctr.com

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On March 19, 2012 Representative Irv Slosberg will present an informational meeting with Florida Governmental Departments, Palm Beach County Governmental Departments, Palm Tran, DMV, and Federal Departments.

Bring your questions to Temple Emeth located at 5780 W. Atlantic Avenue. Between 9 AM and 12 PM speakers will include Congressman Ted Deutch, Commissioner Burt Aaronson, Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher, County Tax Collector Anne Gannon, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, and Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam. Representatives from the Department of Veteran's Affairs, the Florida Lottery, the Department of Elder Affairs and other State and local officials.

RSVP to (561)470-6644 or email deborah.kwon@myfloridahouse.govFor a printable flyer, click on the following link:
http://allianceofdelray.com/picture/200invitation_march_19.pdf

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From Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
D DeLucia
Palm Beach County, Florida
January 13 th , 2012
It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of former Battalion Chief Larry Manley. Chief Manley suffered a heart attack at his home in Dunnellon, Fl on January 7. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died.

Chief Manley will be cremated and his ashes returned back to Palm Beach County for a memorial service on Saturday January 21 at Palm Beach Memorial Park 3691 Seacrest Bl Lantana, Fl Visitation will be from 11 am until 12 noon.
The memorial service will begin at noon.

Class "A" uniform will be appropriate. Class "B" is acceptable for those who do not have one.

Capt. Bob Eastberg will be acting as the family liaison and can be reached at 561-436-4408 for further information

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Know your legal obligations and rights before signing up at a gym. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently released 10 tips to assist consumers when joining health studios.

1. Research the health studio. Call the department's helpline, 1 800 HELP FLA (435-7352) or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (1-800-352-9832), for information regarding the health studio’s registration, complaint history and whether it has posted a bond for member refunds.
2. Find out what types of memberships the health studio offers. Many health studios offer different memberships at different rates depending on the amenities offered or the length of membership.
3. Know exactly what the membership fee covers. In some cases, amenities, such as racquetball, basketball courts, child care and towels, cost extra.
4. Know the law when signing. Consumers have the right to cancel a contract with a health studio within three days of signing it (exclusive of holidays and weekends), but it must be in writing. After three days, the contract is a binding legal obligation.
5. Know the law if a health studio moves or closes. If a studio closes or moves its facilities more than five miles away, it must designate an alternate facility of equal quality within five miles of its original location at no additional cost to its members. If the studio goes out of business or does not designate an alternate facility within 30 days, members may cancel their membership by notifying the health studio in writing.
6. Ask about the studio's cancellation policies. If a person becomes physically unable to use the facility, a contract can be canceled and/or a refund issued for the unused time. Studios may also have certain policies for consumers who move.
7. Find out what the studio has to offer. Different studios offer different amenities, exercise programs, equipment and hours of operation.
8. Visit the studio during the hours you intend to use it. Doing so will help determine whether the equipment you want will be available at that time.
9. Learn about the staff and their qualifications. There is no state licensing for instructors so ask the health studio about their staff and their qualifications.
10. Shop around. Many health studios will allow prospective members to use the facility on a trial basis. If the health studio offers this option, consumers should consider trying out the health studio to determine whether it is the right health studio to help them meet their fitness goals.

Pamphlet on Health Studios from the Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=498&subtitle=Health+Studio+10+Tips
Website for More Information:
www.freshfromflorida.com

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On Friday December 16, 2011, the Professional Firefighters and Paramedics of Palm Beach County held a local food drive and holiday celebration to benefit Caridad Center, Our Lady Queen of Peace Mission, and Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service.

Community members brought non-perishable food items and while celebrating the season of giving, a truck from Gleneagles Country Club drove up and began unloading cartons of food for the needy. Captain Doug McGlynn of the Firefighters is pictured in above left photo helping to unload the cartons. Below left photo shows Mary Lou Berger (center), co-host of the event and candidate for County Commissioner District 5, donating a check for $500 from the Mary Lou Berger Campaign Account to Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service. Danielle Hartman, President of Jewish Family Service (pictured on the left), accepts the check. Caridad Clinic and Our Lady Queen of Peace Mission each received checks for $500 as well.

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The South County Civic Center auditorium was filled with Palm Beach County community leaders and residents for the December 7, 2011 Alliance of Delray Residential Associations meeting. The public was briefed on Next Generation 911 Technology. Doug McGlynn of the Firefighters and Paramedics of Palm Beach County discussed "What You Need to Know When Dialing 911."

What is E911? Since 1981, when you call from a landline, the 911 call center can ID your name and location. From a cell phone, the nearest cell tower to the emergency call is located. Phase 2 wireless technology which is in place can, within 50 to 300 meters, determine where the emergency phone call originated.

Within the last few weeks, the NG911 (next generation) 911 has been in the installation process. Among other advancements, NG911 technology will bring texting, instant messaging, live stream video, and reverse calls for highway transportation system to the general public. You will hear more about this in the near future.
Photo above Firefighters/Paramedics/Alliance Representatives from left: Captain Doug McGlynn; Alliance Exec VP Margie Walden; Alliance first VP Lori Vinikoor; Battalion Chief Todd Blake; Alliance President Bob Schulbaum; Division Chief Bill Peters

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On the evening of November 30, 2011, the Ocean Breeze Room in the Crest Theatre Building was filled with representatives from the 20 plus city communities that are members of The Alliance of Delray Residential Associations, a community activist group comprised of 82 communities located between the Everglades and the ocean in the Delray Beach area.

President Bob Schulbaum welcomed the group and Executive Vice President Margie Walden presented a history of the Alliance. The topic of the meeting was Vision Delray Beach 2012. A distinguished panel of speakers was presented which included Mayor Woodie McDuffie, Palm Beach County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor, Police Chief Anthony Strianese, and Chamber President Mike Malone.

The Alliance membership meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the South County Civic Center and presents programming designed to improve the community lifestyle and to keep members informed of services available to community associations and individuals of the public. The Alliance leadership assures that this is the first of many more evening programs that will be presented.

For more information on the Alliance of Delray, you can visit www.allianceofdelray.com .

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In an effort to support deployed USA military members during the holiday season, the City of Delray Beach, “You Are Not Alone”, the Church of the Palms Congregational and “One Soldier at a Time” have come together to support the 6th Annual Project Holiday. This important Project collects and ships desperately needed items to our military who will not be able to come home for the holidays. The community is encouraged to experience the true spirit of the holiday by contributing to this worthy cause. Donated items will be accepted at various locations around the City and again at several locations in Boca Raton from October 19 - November 18, 2011.

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The Center for Technology, Enterprise and Development (The TED Center), a 501(c)(3) organization's Executive Director, Board of Directors and staff cordially invite YOU...individuals looking to start a business, businesses looking to expand, need Marketing help, support in developing a business plan, connections for potential funding (from $1,000 to $50,000,000), business cards, website development, small business owners, Business Incubator Members and community leaders are invited to attend this informational Open House. The event will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2011, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, 401 W Atlantic Ave., Ste 9, Delray Beach, Florida.

Staff and board members will be on hand to give informal tours of the office and answer questions about help, support and partnership. You can network (bring your business cards), and learn about the services offered and how the Center can support the growth of your business. Food and drink will be provided. To RSVP for the Open House email Victoria@TEDcenter.org by Tuesday, November 15, 2011.

A note from the TED Center: The TED Center is a provider of services to small businesses. We want to harness our services, skills and the active involvement of our clients to help enrich lives thereby impacting communities. The sharing of information, contacts, clients and resources supports the growth of successful, sustainable businesses which ultimately create jobs.

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Bank of America Banking Centers in Palm Beach & Broward Counties Join Forgotten Soldiers Outreach as part of the "Operation: Honor our Heroes" 60 Days of Recognition to those who serve our country" Campaign.

Bank of America of Palm Beach County joins Forgotten Soldiers Outreach as part of their "Operation: Honor our Heroes" 60 Days of Recognition to those who serve our country" Campaign that began on 9/11. All of their 56 branches in Palm Beach County, as well as locations in Broward, are now Official Drop off locations for “we care” package items through November 30, 2011.

“What a great way to show their support of our troops by bringing awareness to the public and the customers of Bank of America. This will certainly help get the word out of FSO’s mission that began in October of 2003, of sending monthly “we care” packages to our troops serving overseas. We are very excited and grateful to Bank of America for choosing our organization as the charity”, says Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar, Executive Director and Founder of Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc.

“Bank of America recognizes and appreciates the significant sacrifices our military and their families make every day. We are committed to help make opportunity possible for those who serve our country, and we are proud to partner with Forgotten Soldiers to provide support to our troops overseas” – Robin Frost, Bank of America Senior Vice President/Consumer Market Manager of Palm Beach County.

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc. is a South Florida based Nationally recognized organization that has been sending monthly “we care” packages to our troop serving overseas since 2003, covering all world theaters and all branches of service. Many of the recipients are fighting on the frontline. FSO Mission is to simply “send that little bit of home, to assure they are not forgotten”. To date, FSO has benefited close to 250,000 of our military personnel.

For more information on Forgotten Soldiers Outreach or for ways to help, please visit the website at www.forgottensoldiers.org or call 561-369-2933.

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When approaching the traffic light at Atlantic and Jog take care because you are being watched. The cameras (see photos left) have been installed about 25 feet back from the southwest and northeast corners of the intersection.

Why Atlantic and Jog? “These intersections were chosen based on a higher than average number of angle and left-turn accidents,” said Dan Weisberg, director of the Palm Beach County Traffic Division.

On July 25, 2011, the first red light cameras were activated on Lantana Road at the intersection of Jog Road and on Palmetto Park Road at the intersection of Powerline Road.

A fine of $158 will be imposed. If it is not paid within 30 days, the fine goes up to $264. Citations are issued by mail and no points will be assessed.

A private company, American Traffic Solutions (ATS), installs, maintains and monitors the traffic cameras at no cost to taxpayers. The cameras shoot photos and video 24 hours a day of every vehicle that goes through a red light.

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The TED Center's slogan is "Creating Entrepreneurial Innovations" and the acronym TED stands for the center for Technology, Enterprise, and Development.

Business workshops offered by the TED Center Have included resolving debt issues and rebuilding credit. Upcoming classes include "Credit Scores & Managing Your Money" on October 26, 2011. On November 16, 2011 "Organizing Your Financial Life" will be presented. Business workshops take place at the TED Center located at 401 West Atlantic Avenue. Suite 09 in Delray Beach.

On October 20-21, the TED Center is offering a workshop in grant writing, teaching attendees how to find grants and write winning grant proposals. There is a fee for this program.

"Productive Mondays" are held every Monday morning 8:30 Am to 10 AM. Upcoming meeting topics include marketing, insurance, and loans/credit. For details, visit
http://www.tedcenter.org/

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Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations.

Whether you’re a professional, student, stay-at-home parent or retiree, Toastmasters is the best way to improve your communication skills, help you lose the fear of public speaking and learn skills that will make you be a better listener. Even if you already have some or all of these skills, you will enhance them in Toastmasters and be able to easily lead teams and conduct meetings!

West Boca Toastmasters (WBT) is a local club that meets at Olympic Heights High School on Lyons road (see photo above). Guests are welcome at WBT meetings which take place on Wednesday evenings at 7:15 PM. The Club contact phone number is (561)716-6816. The moto of the Club is “Fun With a Purpose.”

Toastmasters clubs are formed every day in a variety of settings. They meet at corporations, churches, community centers and clubhouses — even in restaurants. A community club may opt to include only members who meet certain criteria; in such cases, the community club is considered “closed.”

New clubs must be chartered with a minimum of 20 members. Local Toastmasters representatives are often willing to help you organize a demonstration meeting for your community, or you may contact the New Clubs team at Toastmasters International World Headquarters. They can work with you to assemble a team to help and support the club for up to one year.

You can start a Club in Your Community!

Here is the web address for Toastmasters International:
http://www.toastmasters.org/
And to get an idea of how a terrific local club works, you can visit the West Boca Toastmasters website at:

http://westbocatoastmasters.com/

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Message from Forgotten Soldiers: Our Shelves are bare, funds are low, and we need support now, as we aim to continue our mission of sending monthly “we care” packages to our troops that began in 2003, says Lynelle Zelnar, Executive Director and Founder of Forgotten Soldiers Outreach.

Benefiting thousands of soldiers a month, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach warehouse is extremely low on items, letters of encouragement and the funds needed to ship the monthly “we care” packages. FSO encourages the community to join our efforts and visit our website for a detailed list of items, and drop off locations. FSO office is open 6 days a week, and will also arrange for pick ups.

There are opportunities for everyone to help, whether to volunteer, collect care package items , write a letter or via financial support. In addition to needing the items to place in the “we care” packages this is the time of year we need funds too. Currently, FSO has a Summer Challenge, in which our goal is to have THREE HUNDRED new sponsors this summer to cover the cost of 300 "we care" packages. Our Enrollment Drive is ongoing but we ask that you act quickly. Please join us today with your monthly, annual or one-time financial "TAX DEDUCTIBLE" gift. Sponsor a box today for only $20.00 per month, or donate “we care” package items.

The summer is our most challenging time, as we have to work even harder to bring awareness to our mission. Remember that we are enjoying our summer while our young American servicemen and servicewomen are making sacrifices to protect our freedom in service to our country. We have been told that the emotional support is the most beneficial element of the program. HELP US SEND "THAT LITTLE BIT OF HOME, TO ASSURE THEY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN" .

For a detailed list of items, please visit the website, www.forgottensoldiers.org.

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc., is based out of South Florida and is a 501(c) tax exempt corporation, also registered in the State of Tennessee and State of Georgia. For more information visit www.forgottensoldiers.org or call the National Operation Center at 561-369-2933.
###
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Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar
Executive Director and Founder
Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc.

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This morning I was relaxing in the ocean with a surf temperature of 82 degrees, no waves, and just a chance of some jellyfish as evidenced by the yellow and purple flags being flown at the lifeguard station. A man suddenly came out of the dunes, two policemen following him with what looked like guns drawn. The man entered the water and quickly waded toward my husband and me. We moved out of the way, and I heard one of the policemen say “come out of the water or I will “taze” you!”

That began a scene that could have been in the series NCIS or Bay Watch or a combination of both. No less than a dozen policemen arrived on the scene in uniform and plain clothes as well. Lifeguards were driving on the sand with their ATV’s and diving into the water to retrieve items which might be used as evidence. Coast Guard boats and PBSO boats arrived by sea and fire rescue arrived by land. Finally, the man was removed from the water and normal beach activities resumed.

It was a wondrous site to see a diversity of public protection offices working toward a goal. In speaking with some of the officials on the scene, it was apparent that the security and protection of the public, the officers, and the pursued person were all taken into consideration while performing their duties.

Here is the video of the scene:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t6Gwskj16Q

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Vice President Mort Mazor, representing the Alliance of Delray attended the opening monthly meeting of the season of the Palm Beach County Disaster Recovery Coalition, Inc. at the Red Cross Headquarters building in West Palm Beach on Thursday, July 28. Subsequent meetings will be held on the last Thursday of each month from 3:30 to 4:30 pm.
This coalition is responsible for mobilizing resources and rebuilding after a disaster such as a hurricane, other act of nature or terrorist activity. Members from many of the related departments of the County and resource organizations such as 211, religious organizations, food pantries, etc. attend these meetings.
Training will be given to committee members to teach them how to coordinate activities during a disaster to benefit the public in a timely manner.
Guest speaker at this initial meeting was Captain Dom DeLucia, Public Information Officer of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Department. The Captain, a veteran of close to thirty years in the department spoke of what he observed when he went to Tuscaloosa, AL. after a disastrous tornado ripped a destructive swath through the city on April 27, 2011. He showed pictures of the devastation caused by 200 mph winds which resulted in 1.5 to 2.0 million tons of debris that is now 85% cleared away.
“It didn’t matter what a home or building was made of,” De Lucia said, “they just were blown apart.”
Ms. Jennifer Beckman is in charge of this Coalition. She explained the various aspects of the committee such as Long time Recovery and Case Management. United Way of Palm Beach County is the lead agency involved with this Coalition.
The next meeting takes place Thursday August 25.
For More Hurricane and Disaster Preparedness Information, Click on the following:
http://allianceofdelray.com/sub_category_list.asp?category=66&title=Hurricane+Preparedness

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Delray Medical Center is now offering free membership in its Delray Diplomat V.I.P. (Very Important Patient) Program. Benefits of membership include 20% discount in hospital gift shop (up to $10 per person per visit), 10 % discount in hospital cafeteria (up to $10 per person per visit), waived InQuickER online ER registration fee, advance notice of all screenings and lectures, and personal visit by the administrator when admitted to the hospital.

This program is the most recent addition to the extensive list of community outreach programs offered by the Hospital which includes a recently established emergency room appointment service, a free heart screening program, and the monthly Healthy Conversations schedule of lectures and events. You can go to the following for more information about these programs:
http://allianceofdelray.com/sub_category_list.asp?category=73&title=Delray+Medical+Center
You can join the Delray Diplomat program by calling the Physician Referral and Community Education Phoneline at 561-637-JOIN(5646) or by visiting http://www.delraydiplomat.com

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Alliance president Robert Schulbaum (in far left photo) was among a group of 150 community leaders, including Sheri Scarborough, president of the West Boca Community Council and Ken Lassiter, president of Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA) that were invited to attend a community leaders briefing series by the White House Office of Public Engagement in Washington, D.C. Friday July 15th. President Obama (in left photo) also addressed the group.

“About 98% of the group came from the State of Florida,’ said Schulbaum. “The focus of the Office of Public Engagement (OPE) is to ensure the public is well-informed about government policies and programs and how they can use these resources. The government wants to hear from the public about how government policies and programs can serve them better.

I was concerned this visit would be political and that nothing of consequence would be learned. Instead I was impressed with the people of all races, religions that had been invited to participate from all over the state, as well as the government officials who spoke on their topics without party political references.

Friday morning at 9:15 there were four separate agency briefings which attendees chose one to participate in according to their areas of interest: Education, Small Business Association, Energy and the Environment, Health and Human Services. I attended the Health and Human Services briefing which took place on the second floor of the White House Conference Center at 726 Jackson Place. Lassiter went to the Education session, Scarborough to the Small Business briefing and I went to Health and Human Services session.

About 40 people attended this one hour session conducted by Deputy Director Ann Widger from the Office of External Affairs. Included in the audience were nurses, representatives from health care companies, as well as the community leaders.

Director Widger reviewed many of the aspects of the Health Care legislation that has caused so much controversy. Among these, she highlighted:
a. For the first time the public will be able to comparison shop amongst health care insurance providers. Costs will be made public.
b. The full effect of the program kicks in by 2014.
c. Elimination of gender bias against women. Women will pay the same rate as men for policies.
d. The ‘doughnut hole’ will be reduced to $2500 by the end of 2011. By 2014 it will be 50% lower and by 2020 it will eliminated entirely.
e. Small businesses will be able to buy health insurance for a small number of employees at a more advantageous rate than at present.”

Schulbaum continued: “I brought up the fact that in the State of Florida Medicare fraud adds up to about $60 billion, and asked what they intend to do about it. She said they are going to hire inspectors as a Senior Medical Fraud Patrol to work under the Area for Aging in the State. They will be trained to spot and report fraud. There is also a web site www.fraud.gov that can be accessed by the public to report fraud. Those that cannot access the internet can call 1-800-MEDICARE to report incidents of fraud they discover.
At 10:30 we left the Conference Center and were taken on a tour of the East Wing of the White House. After lunch on our own we attended a White House briefing from 1 to 4 pm at the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building to hear presentations by five government officials, including a brief talk by President Obama. The President told us he wanted people from every part of the nation involved in the workings of the government. That was the purpose of establishing the Office of Public Engagement.

The OPE plan is to insure this group of community leaders stays connected with the White House through a three pronged effort:
1. A monthly update conference call to provide White House officials to discuss the Administration’s recent events and efforts.
2. A weekly newsletter sent every Friday to update community leaders about what the office and White House have done that week. Community leaders are urged to distribute this information to personal and professional networks, helping the White House reach out to more Americans.
3. Leaders are urged to share their personal visit to the White House on their blogs, websites, Facebook pages and twitter accounts. Every step leaders take to share this information connects more Americans directly with the programs and resources of the federal government. Leaders are urged to email their blog posts to the White House at CommunityLeaders@who.eop.gov.
It was one busy day with lots of walking. Overall I felt it was a good beginning, allowing community leaders to interact with government officials and seeking input from the public.”

FOR IMPORTANT WHITE HOUSE LINKS CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=399&subtitle=IMPORTANT+WHITE+HOUSE+LINKS

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Now you can schedule a free heart screening at the prestigious Delray Medical Center, your local "heart Hospital." Already named one of America’s 50 best hospitals and a recipient of the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence by Healthgrades, Delray Medical Center was also recently named one of America’s “Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospitals” by Thomson Reuters. Delray Medical Center was selected from more than 1,000 U.S. hospitals based on its record of providing high-quality and effective cardiovascular care.

Three cardiac catheterization labs provide for efficient diagnostic and minimally invasive procedures to be performed. Special operating rooms and the availability of a multitude of diagnostic procedures contribute to the high quality health care.

The following link will provide access to the heart banner button to “click” and schedule your appointment. You can also review the schedule of lectures “Healthy Conversations” offered this month at the Hospital.

http://allianceofdelray.com/sub_category_list.asp?category=73&title=Delray+Medical+Center

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With iPAD in hand, I performed a solemnization of marriage* for a local couple yesterday. More than 100 guests filled the chapel at the golf and country club. The bride was radiant and the groom was handsome and my ipad shined. Following the wedding ceremony, I attempted to scoot over to the dressing room to remove my robe, don my party dress, and join the festivities but was delayed by several guests asking questions regarding the 7.25 by 9.5 inch electronic wonder. I entertained questions regarding the memory capacity, the program used to store the data, and even the price I paid. A comment was made that I am probably the first person EVER to officiate a marriage using the iPAD; my response was “maybe not the first ever, but certainly the first that everyone here today has seen.”

*The author is a Florida notary public authorized to solemnize matrimony according to Florida Statute 117.045 and Florida Statute 741.07. Since the law was enacted in 1861, Florida notaries have been performing marriage ceremonies.

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Once or twice a year, check for toilet leaks. Add food coloring to the toilet tank. If colored water appears in the bowl within 30 minutes, internal tank parts such as the flapper need to be replaced. Flush the colored water immediately to avoid staining.

Remember, be a part of the solution. Here are 50 Ways to conserve water just click on the following:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=369&subtitle=50+Ways+to+Conserve+Water

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Michael Coleman and Tara Laxer of Forgotten Soldiers Outreach accept a check for $250 donated by the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations at the Memorial Day fundraiser held at the Blue Martini Lounge, Boca Raton.

“This organization sends monthly ‘We Care’ packages to our troops overseas,” said Bob Schulbaum, President of the Alliance of Delray. “As a veteran of both World War II and Korea I know the joy a soldier experiences when he or she receives a ‘little bit of home’. We are proud to help the continued effort of Forgotten Soldiers Outreach. You can help. Log on to www.forgottensoldiers.org.”

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Jewish War Veterans Post 819 and Korean War Veterans hosted a picnic at Lawton Chiles Memorial Park in Delray Beach for half dozen wheelchair bound veterans who were bussed in from the West Palm Beach VA Hospital, on a mid-May Sunday afternoon to celebrate Memorial Day.

Shown in photo: (l. to r.) Bill Katz, Sr. Vice Commander of JWV Post 819, also a Korean War Veteran who served in the U. S. Marine Corps; Bernard Bibicoff, 92, retired Brigadier General, 9th Air Force, pilot of P-51’s in WW II with over 80 enemy planes shot down; Rachel Matthews, Recreation Therapist at the hospital who accompanied the men to the picnic; George Cohen, Commander of Post 819.

Not shown in photo: VA Hospital Nurse Ms. Jackie Chatman who also accompanied the patients.

A generous supply of hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, cole slaw, potato salad, beer and soda satisfied the appetites of the honored guests from the VA Hospital and two dozen veterans and wives that attended this event, cooked and prepared by Mort Koppel and Dr. Peter Fishman of Post 819.

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At the May monthly meeting of the Lake Worth Drainage District, West Delray resident Harry Raucher, was unanimously elected to the Board of Supervisors of the Lake Worth Drainage District to replace Murray Kalish, who resigned this past April citing health reasons. Kalish served on this board for over 11 ¼ years.

Harry Raucher is the current President of the United South County Democratic Club, active in his Valencia Falls community and was President of the Eastern, CT. Chamber of Commerce, based in Norwich, CT. for ten years.

Ronald Crone, Manager of LWDD and secretary to the board lauded Kalish. “Murray Kalish’s greatest attributes were loyalty, dedication and an honorable approach to solving problems,” said Crone. Mr. Kalish has moved LWDD forward in positive ways when dealing with the taxpayers and other government entities. His presence on the board will be missed by myself and staff greatly.” A Proclamation was read honoring Kalish and presented to him.

David Goodlett, (Shown in photo at left, Mr. Kalish in center and Harry Raucher at right) current President of the board said: “We were lucky to have Mr. Kalish on our board. He has always conducted himself like a gentleman. Murray told me there was no higher calling than public service. His leadership ability enabled the community and LWDD to benefit from his efforts.

The Lake Worth Drainage District was created to reclaim the lands within its boundaries and providing water control and water supply for settlement and agriculture. More recently, the District has begun to provide protection for the majority of the Palm Beach County’s well fields.

This year LWDD celebrates its 96th year of service to residents and commercial industries of southeast Palm Beach County. Since its inception in 1915 by the State of Florida, LWDD has strived to meet the growing demands of water management within its estimated 200 square miles of responsibility. LWDD provides various services such as canal construction, canal maintenance and stormwater control and supply, utilizing a budget for the 2011 fiscal year of $12,949,000.

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Friday, May 20 will be the final meeting of the season of HLAA Boynton/Delray/Boca Raton
Chapter at 9:45 AM at the South County Civic Center, Jog Rd., Delray Beach.

President Oscar Segal and board members Merry Rubinstein, Angela Doherty and Anita Morse
will conduct a "Rap" Session inviting members of the audience to talk about their struggle with hearing loss. Here's an excellent opportunity to learn about various ideas that other people
have used to cope with hearing loss.

Coffee "and" served at 9:45. The public is invited.

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More than 150,000 potential jurors, randomly selected from driver’s license records, are summoned each year. This number is more than two times the amount of jurors actually needed and costs the taxpayers $117,000 per year to ensure that there is a large enough jury pool for court cases. An estimated $77,000 could be saved if everyone who received a summons appeared as requested.

There are many conveniences to make serving as a juror easier such as opportunities to reschedule if you have a conflict, free Wi-Fi, computer access, and complimentary parking . Here is the link to the Jury Duty information:
http://www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/juryduty.aspx#Payment

Along with voting, jury duty is essential to our democratic society. The Clerk and Comptroller’s office manages Palm Beach County’s jury system and, during the month of May, honors the citizens who serve as jurors.

Sharon Bock, Clerk and Comptroller for Palm Beach County states that “it is an honor to be your Clerk and Comptroller and to work together in supporting the jury process, the very foundation of a successful justice system.”

Sharon Bock, Clerk and Comptroller meeting with local leadership, Alliance of Delray Residential Associations

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Delray Medical Center announces the end of waiting! Now you can hold your place on line for the Emergency Room with the on-line InQuickER service.

Delray Medical Center has completed an $8.5 million dollar renovation of its Emergency Department. The number of examination rooms has doubled from 17 to 35 and each is a private enclosure with flat screen TV.

The emergency room is equipped with advanced technology and is a state designated Level II pediatric Trauma Center for south Palm Beach County. Other complicated patient needs are addressed as well because of Delray Medical Center’s skilled and experienced physicians and staff and advanced capabilities in surgery, heart and stroke care, orthopedics, and other specialties. The Emergency waiting room has also doubled in size. While waiting, to help reduce patient anxiety, an in-wall fish tank has been constructed.

With the addition of the InQuickER service, you can choose any available time to see a healthcare professional and complete the registration process online. The fee: $9.95. You can then arrive at the Emergency Room at your projected treatment time and will be seen by a healthcare professional within 15 minutes or the online fee will be refunded.

It is important to note that if you have a medical emergency you should call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately. InQuickER should only be used if the patient can safely wait at home with no risk to his or her health.

For more information and the link to InQuickER:
http://allianceofdelray.com/sub_category_list.asp?category=73&title=Delray+Medical+Center

For Delray Medical Center’s Website:
http://www.delraymedicalctr.com/en-US/Pages/default.aspx

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On Sunday May 15, 2011 members of Jewish War Veterans Post 819 together with family members and friends, including members from the Korean War Veterans Chapter 17, are having a picnic at the Gov. Lawton Chiles Park picnic area located next to the South County Civic Center on Jog Road, Delray Beach, between Clint Moore Road and Linton Blvd.

Post 819 is bringing about a dozen guest veteran patients from the West Palm Beach Veteran’s Hospital to join the festivities for the day.

Guests arrive 11:30 a.m. Food serving time 12 noon. Cost is $10 per person. This includes a menu of hotdogs, hamburgers, side dishes, condiments, soft drinks and desserts. In addition, there will be live music for your listening and dancing pleasure.

Make your check payable to Jewish War Veterans Post 819 and mail to:

Mort Koppel
11169 Ihilani Way 740-7155
Boynton Beach, 33437

Any questions, call Bill Katz---561-736-2031 or e-mail sempfi3148@aol.com.

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City of Delray Beach, Florida
Special Event Announcement

The Amazing Mother and Son Race
May 7, 2011
in celebration of Mother's Day!

Teams will "race" around the City of Delray Beach looking for clues and performing challenges to be the first team to cross the finish line.

Registration opens at 8:00 am
Race times start at 9:00 am
Delray Beach City Limits
$45 team of two (one mom & one son)
$70 team of three (one mom & two sons)
(includes team t-shirts and photo, raffle prizes and post-race picnic.)

Age divisions starting at 5 years old.
Limited to first 50 teams to pre-register by April 25. Download the rules and registration packet at MyDelrayBeach.com/Delray/Events.

Mandatory Captain's Meeting
Tuesday, May 3, 7:00p,
Delray Beach Community Center, 50 NW 1st Ave.

Information:
Danielle Beardsley
(561) 243-7277 or beardsleyd@mydelraybeach.com

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For the past three and a half years I have maintained this West Delray website, posting more than 870 items which I thought would be of interest to you.

My Alliance of Delray board member colleague, First Vice President Dr. Lori Vinikoor has done such an excellent job of building viewership on the Alliance website that I felt she could now provide upgraded content to the West Delray blog site.

This will allow me to put more time and effort into writing articles for the Sunday Sun-Sentinel Community News section which I have been doing since August 2008.

Lori says I can pop in with a post anytime. Will do.

Mort Mazor

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We cordially invite you to attend Forgotten Soldiers Outreach 6th Annual "A Day to Remember" Memorial Day Service on May 30th, 2011, hosted by Palm Beach Memorial Park in Lantana. This has grown to be one of the largest in Palm Beach County.

If you haven't attended in the years past, I assure you it will be "a day to remember", and one you don't want to miss. It's a beautiful, heartfelt ceremony, which will include dignitaries, amazing speakers, patriotic music by JD Danner, wreath presentation and a beautiful dove release. Our Keynote Speaker this year, is Major General Wayne Jackson, who is also an Honorary Board Member, and active volunteer for FSO. The Emcee is Bob Nichols, National Chairman of the FSO Board, and long time local "media" icon and personality.

Unlike other years, we will also be honored to have the Project 425 (Huey Copter) on display, by Mike Carroll.

2011 Memorial Day is even more somber and special to me this year, as many of you already know, my nephew and two tour FSO recipient, Spc. Michael L. Stansbery, Jr. was killed in action in Kandahar, Afghanistan on 7/30/10 by an Improvised Explosive Device. He had his internment on 11/22/10 at Arlington National Cemetery with full honors. Let's not forgot those who have paid the ultimate price, along with those who have served our great country and have passed, and those currently serving. Help us make this a Special Day to remember!

Following the service there will be complimentary hamburgers and hot dogs and refreshments.

Please save this date and join us from 11:50am-2pm.

Sincerely,

Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar, Executive Director
Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc.

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CLERK & COMPTROLLER INVESTIGATIVE TEAM RECOUPS MONEY OWED
Sharon R. Bock

Office Also Becomes First Accredited Inspector General in Palm Beach County

As your elected Clerk & Comptroller, I am pleased to bring you this important news affecting the protection and oversight of your tax dollars. Investigations by the Audit Services and Public Integrity units within the Clerk’s Division of Inspector General have identified more than $820,000 in assessments and public service utility taxes not paid to Palm Beach County government in 2010. We’re successfully collecting on those unpaid funds, having already deposited $230,000 into the County’s bank account.

It’s because of this kind of investigative excellence that my office was named an Accredited Office of Inspector General by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation in February. Out of more than 40 IG offices across Florida, the Clerk & Comptroller is one of only 10 to receive accreditation and the first in Palm Beach County.

Having an IG accredited team within the Clerk’s office supporting the Clerk’s constitutional role as financial auditor for Palm Beach County government provides another layer of protection for the public—ensuring your tax dollars and all county revenues are protected. I am honored to serve you, and ensure that the public’s money is responsibly invested, spent and reported.

Learn more about my office’s Division of Inspector General and its recent accreditation.

Sharon R. Bock, Esq.
Clerk & Comptroller, Palm Beach County

Sharon R. Bock, Clerk & Comptroller, Palm Beach County

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Southern Palm Beach County Projects: Powerline Road / S.R. 845 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road--Construction on this 3-mile project began Monday, May 18, 2009. Work consists of repaving the roadway, minor widening and reconstruction, signalization, lighting, drainage, bridge replacement, irrigation and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $9.7 million. The work is being performed by Ranger Construction South and is expected to be completed summer 2011.

Restrictions: Two lanes are closed around-the-clock on the L-47 canal bridge for bridge work. Traffic is shifted to one lane in each direction on the east side of the road through this area. Single travel lanes may also be closed at various locations between the Broward County Line and Glades Road, 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, until the end of April 2011. Turn lanes will be closed temporarily as needed. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Motorists should use caution driving in the project limits. Delays are expected.

US-1 / S.R. 5 from Hillsboro Boulevard to SE 5th Street--Construction on this 1.9-mile project will begin Monday, Apr. 25, 2011, in the City of Deerfield Beach and the City of Boca Raton. Work consists of repaving the roadway, sidewalk and curb replacement at some locations to meet ADA standards, signage, signalization, and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $1.9 million. The work is being performed by Weekley Asphalt, Inc. and is expected to be completed fall 2011.

Restrictions: One lane will be closed in each direction, 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, through May 2011.

Glades Road / S.R. 808 from west of I-95 to NW 7th Avenue--Construction on this 1.2-mile project began Monday, Apr. 18, 2011. Work consists of repaving the roadway, installation of new sidewalks, widening to provide bike lanes, pedestrian and traffic railing upgrades, installation of video detection devices, signage, signalization, and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $3.9 million. The work is being performed by Ranger Construction South and is expected to be completed summer 2012.

Restrictions: One lane will be closed in each direction, 9 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., with two lanes closed, 11:30 p.m. until 6 a.m., Sunday night through Friday morning, through July 2011.

Dixie Highway from Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach over the FEC railroad tracks and the Hillsboro Canal to S.W. 18 Street in Boca Raton--Construction of a four-lane overpass (flyover) began Apr. 16, 2010. The project includes bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides above the railroad tracks, canal, N.E. Second Street, N. River Avenue and N.E. Second Avenue. A pedestrian bridge will be built over Hillsboro Canal east of the overpass. Drainage and landscaping will be added. Construction is expected to be completed summer 2012. Cone & Graham is the prime contractor.

Restrictions: Deerfield Beach—One lane will be closed in each direction, intermittently, at the intersection of Hillsboro Boulevard and Dixie Highway, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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City of Delray Beach, Florida

Special Event Announcement

19th Annual Egg Hunt
Seacrest Soccer Complex, 2505 N. Seacrest Blvd.
April 23, 2011

8:00 a.m.-Visit with the Easter Bunny
8:30 a.m. Sharp! -Hunt Starts

Children, ages 1 to 8 years old, are invited to bring their Easter Baskets and help Delray Beach Parks and Recreation hunt for over 10,000 Easter Eggs filled with candy and special prizes.

Sponsored by:
Delray Citizens for Delray Police/Kids and Cops
Delray Beach Parks and Recreation
Delray Firefighter Benevolent Fund

Prizes Sponsored by:
Barrel O Monkeys; South Florida Science Museum;
Delray Beach Fire Local 2928; Lion Country Safari;
Sandoway House Nature Center; Duffy's Sports Grill and more!

For more information, call Danielle Beardsley at (561) 243-7277 or by email at beardsleyd@mydelraybeach.com.

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Delray Beach Action Center Enhances Citizen Service
The City of Delray Beach, in an effort to meet citizen demands, improve communication and enhance public access to information, has entered into an agreement with WebQA, Inc. to implement the City's new Delray Beach Action Center. This 24/7 online service center will allow citizens to ask a question, submit a request, report a problem and/or track the status of submitted inquiries. The Delray Beach Action Center will be available on the City's website, www.mydelraybeach.com, beginning Monday, April 25, 2011.

The Delray Beach Action Center provides residents, businesses and visitors with the opportunity to submit a service request, such as reporting a street light out, requesting a pothole to be filled, etc. Service requests are captured and routed to the appropriate City department for resolution. Users have the option to create their own account to follow the status of their requests.

In addition, answers to submitted questions will be documented in the Delray Beach Action Center's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) knowledge base. Users may search this knowledge base for valuable information and/or determine if their inquiry has been addressed. The Delray Beach Action Center assists in centralizing public communication and is expected to result in a $2,500 annual savings to the City.

For those who do not have access to a computer or prefer to submit questions and/or requests via telephone, citizens can contact the Delray Beach Action Center Customer Assistant at (561) 243-7012, Monday thru Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Calls made after hours will be recorded and submitted on the following business day.

For more information, please call the Delray Beach Action Center Customer Assistant at (561) 243-7012.

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You're Invited:

Testing, Teaching, and the Future
of Education in America:
A Town Hall Meeting on Education

Hosted by Congressman Ted Deutch

Featuring a Video Conference with
Dr. Diane Ravitch
Former Assistant Secretary of Education, Author, and Policy Expert

Thursday, April 21st
5:30 - 7:00 PM
Safe Schools Institute at Don Estridge Middle School
1790 NW Spanish River Blvd, Boca Raton, FL

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City of Delray Beach, Florida

Special Event Announcement

19th Annual Egg Hunt
Seacrest Soccer Complex, 2505 N. Seacrest Blvd.
April 23, 2011

8:00 a.m.-Visit with the Easter Bunny
8:30 a.m. Sharp! -Hunt Starts

Children, ages 1 to 8 years old, are invited to bring their Easter Baskets and help Delray Beach Parks and Recreation hunt for over 10,000 Easter Eggs filled with candy and special prizes.

Sponsored by:
Delray Citizens for Delray Police/Kids and Cops
Delray Beach Parks and Recreation
Delray Firefighter Benevolent Fund

Prizes Sponsored by:
Barrel O Monkeys; South Florida Science Museum;
Delray Beach Fire Local 2928; Lion Country Safari;
Sandoway House Nature Center; Duffy's Sports Grill and more!

For more information, call Danielle Beardsley at (561) 243-7277 or by email at beardsleyd@mydelraybeach.com.

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This past Friday evening, April 15 at Atlantic Community High School a musical event took place that, in view of the attendance, not many people in Delray Beach paid attention to.

The evening’s show began with the school Band Master Kristopher Ferranti showcasing his student jazz band. The young people did an excellent job displaying their talents, warming the audience for the main performers: The Falconaires, the band of the U. S. Air Force Academy. The spacious auditorium with a seating capacity of over 700 had less than 200 seats filled.

Under the direction of Group Leader and Musical Director Master Sergeant Scott E. Crump, the band clad in natty formal dress blue uniforms presented a program of music made popular during the 40’s and 50’s during the big band era. Outstanding solo performances were delivered by trombonist George Bassman playing the Tommy Dorsey theme song I’m Getting Sentimental Over You, and a vocal rendition of Nat King Cole’s hit Nature Boy sung beautifully by T/Sgt. Krista Joyce.

The Falconaires are staffed by Air Force enlisted men and women, who are professional musicians based in Colorado Spring, CO.

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Southern Palm Beach County Projects: Powerline Road / S.R. 845 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road

Construction on this 3-mile project began Monday, May 18, 2009. Work consists of repaving the roadway, minor widening and reconstruction, signalization, lighting, drainage, bridge replacement, irrigation and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $9.7 million. The work is being performed by Ranger Construction South and is expected to be completed summer 2011.

Restrictions: Two lanes are closed around-the-clock on the L-47 canal bridge for bridge work. Traffic is shifted to one lane in each direction on the east side of the road through this area. Single travel lanes may also be closed at various locations between the Broward County Line and Glades Road, 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, until the end of April 2011. Turn lanes will be closed temporarily as needed. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Motorists should use caution driving in the project limits. Delays are expected.

Glades Road / S.R. 808 from west of I-95 to NW 7th Avenue

Construction on this 1.2-mile project will begin Monday, Apr. 18, 2011. Work consists of repaving the roadway, installation of new sidewalks, widening to provide bike lanes, pedestrian and traffic railing upgrades, installation of video detection devices, signage, signalization, and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $3.9 million. The work is being performed by Ranger Construction South and is expected to be completed summer 2012.

Restrictions: One lane will be closed in each direction, 9 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., with two lanes closed, 11:30 p.m. until 6 a.m., Sunday night through Friday morning, through July 2011.

Dixie Highway from Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach over the FEC railroad tracks and the Hillsboro Canal to S.W. 18 Street in Boca Raton

Construction of a four-lane overpass (flyover) began Apr. 16, 2010. The project includes bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides above the railroad tracks, canal, N.E. Second Street, N. River Avenue and N.E. Second Avenue. A pedestrian bridge will be built over Hillsboro Canal east of the overpass. Drainage and landscaping will be added. Construction is expected to be completed summer 2012. Cone & Graham is the prime contractor.

Restrictions: Deerfield Beach—One lane will be closed in each direction, intermittently, at the intersection of Hillsboro Boulevard and Dixie Highway, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

CITY OF DELRAY BEACH
FDOT Road Work Advisory April 15-22, 2011

April 15, 2011: The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has advised that the following road closures will be in effect from south of Boynton Beach Blvd to south of Linton Blvd due to the I-95 resurfacing project:

I-95 southbound will have three lanes closed, 9:00 pm until 11:00 pm, with four lanes closed 11:00 pm until 5:30 am, Sunday night through Friday morning, through April 2011. I-95 southbound entrance ramps at Linton Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue may undergo intermittent full closures, 9:00 pm until 5:30 am, Sunday night through Friday morning, through April 2011. Temporary intermittent rolling roadblocks may also occur within the work zone for FHP controlled equipment crossing.

For more information, please call (561) 641-6440.

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Due to an earlier accident, I-95 northbound, between 45th Street and Blue Heron Boulevard, has 4 lanes closed, with one lane closed on I-95 southbound.

The lanes are expected to remain closed through the evening while the barrier wall is repaired and debris is removed.

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The final concert of the season tomorrow night at 7:30 features Jimmy Cavallo on sax and his eight piece group lighting up the stage with jump blues and swinging jazz, at the Spanish River Performing Arts Center, 2400 Yamato Rd., corner of St. Andrews Blvd. in Boca Raton.

Member tickets are $18; non-members $26 at the door. Call 499-9976 in Boca Raton
to reserve your seats.

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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 and in other areas throughout Palm Beach County for construction activities.

For around-the-clock, real-time, I-95 traffic information, call 511. To view real-time video of I-95 in Palm Beach County, visit the Florida Department of Transportation’s Palm Beach SMART SunGuide Transportation Management Center (TMC) website at www.smartsunguide.com

. FDOT and the SunGuide™ Partners provide these free services. For updated lane closure information, please refer to www.pbfdot.com

.

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CITY OF DELRAY BEACH: Road Closures, Shuttle Service and Parking Facilities During Delray Affair 2011

The 49th Annual Delray Affair will be held on Friday, April 15th & Saturday, April 16th from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm and Sunday, April 17th from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. This popular arts and crafts street festival stretches along Atlantic Avenue over ten (10) City blocks and side streets.

Information on road closures, parking facilities and Downtown Roundabout Shuttle service is as follows:

ROAD CLOSURES EFFECTIVE FRIDAY, APRIL 15th, 4:00 AM to SUNDAY, APRIL 17th, 8:00 PM

Atlantic Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic from NW/SW 1st Avenue (west of Swinton Avenue) to the west side of Venetian Drive. Traffic will be detoured onto SE 1st Street (eastbound) and NE 1st Street (westbound).
The section of Atlantic Avenue from A1A to Venetian Drive will be open.
Traffic to/from A1A and the beach area will be re-routed onto George Bush Boulevard and Linton Boulevard.
Northbound and southbound traffic will use US 1 Federal Highway (5th and 6th Avenues) that will be police controlled.
Signage will be posted to notify motorists of detours and alternate routes.

NOTE: Vehicles parked within Delray Affair designated boundaries after 4:00 am on Friday, April 15th, will be towed to the Greater Delray Chamber of Commerce parking lot, 64A SE 5th Avenue.

PARKING FACILITIES - During the Delray Affair, a flat fee of $5 per vehicle will be charged. For directions to parking facilities, follow the paid parking directional signs.

Old School Square Parking Garage, 95 NE 1st Avenue:
Friday, April 15th, Saturday, April 16th and Sunday, April 17th, from 9:00 am until closing

City Hall North Parking Area, 100 NW 1st Avenue:
Saturday, April 16th and Sunday, April 17th, from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm

South County Courthouse Parking Garage, 65 SW 2nd Avenue:
Saturday, April 16th and Sunday, April 17th, from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm

Robert Federspiel Parking Garage, 22 SE 1st Avenue:
Friday, April 15th and Saturday, April 16th, from 9:00 am until closing
Sunday, April 17th, from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm

DOWNTOWN ROUNDABOUT SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE DURING THE DELRAY AFFAIR APRIL 15th - 17th - During the event, the Downtown Roundabout will provide free roundtrip shuttle service from the Tri-Rail station and the Delray Beach Public Library to the beach. Normal hours of operation will be in effect using the following alternate routes:

Eastbound: From Atlantic Avenue, the shuttle bus will travel south on Swinton Avenue to SE 1st Street to SE 5th Avenue (US 1 Federal Highway). From SE 5th Avenue (US 1 Federal Highway), service will continue onto Linton Blvd to A1A. The shuttle will proceed north along A1A to George Bush Blvd.

Westbound: From George Bush Blvd, the shuttle will travel west to NE 5th Avenue (US 1 Federal Highway) to NE 1st Street to NW 1st Avenue. From NW 1st Avenue, service will continue onto Atlantic Avenue. The shuttle will proceed west on Atlantic Avenue to the Tri-Rail station before it resumes return service to the downtown and beach areas.

For information on the Delray Affair, visit www.delrayaffair.com

. For information on the Downtown Roundabout hours of operation, visit www.mydelraybeach.com and select Downtown Roundabout Shuttle Bus Service under News. For all other inquiries, please call (561) 243-7190.

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Delray Beach Fire-Rescue is gearing up for a new Community Emergency Response Team "CERT" class. All Delray Beach residents and business owners are welcome to attend this free disaster response team class.

Following a major disaster, first responders who provide fire and medical services will need valuable information to meet the demand for these services. CERT provides Delray citizens and business owners with the tools to effectively report hazardous situations and provide basic first aid in the event of a natural disaster and/or terrorist event until Fire-Rescue can arrive. CERT uses a hands-on approach that teaches disaster response skills and also offers an excellent opportunity for volunteers to meet their neighbors.

The CERT class sessions will be held on June 1st, 8th, 16th, 22nd, 29th, July 13th, 19th, 26th from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Headquarters located at 501 West Atlantic Avenue. There is no charge for this class and Fire-Rescue asks only for a commitment to complete the eight (8) scheduled sessions.

Applications are available at Fire-Rescue headquarters or online at www.mydelraybeach.com by selecting Fire-Rescue under Departments. For additional information, contact Lt. Curtis Jepsen at (561) 243-7456 or E-mail jepsen@mydelraybeach.com.

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AARONSON’S ALERT--Our winter season has come to a close and we are well into spring. No matter where you will be in the coming months, Sheila, Mary Lou, Vivian, Meaghan and I wish all of you a safe, healthy and happy summer.

Spring signals the time of year many decide to clean out, spruce up or possibly renovate your home. If your “spring cleaning” plans include hiring a local company I want to encourage you to utilize the County’s Consumer Affairs Division. In this struggling economy there are many fly-by-night companies that may not have your best interest at heart.

Director of Consumer Affairs, Dennis Moore advises that during this time of year we see an influx of nomadic contractors. Be alert to these types of scams: driveway repair, gutter cleaning, minor roof repairs and door-to-door solicitations that run the gamut from yard clean up to auto dent repairs. Avoid the “it’s your lucky day - I am in the neighborhood so I can give you a good deal” scam. Do your homework instead.

Consumer Affairs assists residents and visitors with advice and information about unfair, fraudulent or deceptive practices of businesses. Before you commit to hiring a company you should contact Consumer Affairs toll free at 1-888-852-7362 to make sure that the company is licensed. You can also check if they have had any prior complaints, and if so, what was done to resolve them.

If you are hiring a contractor they must be certified with the County’s Contractor Certification Division or licensed through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Before you use any contractor you should call our Certification Division at (561)233-5530 to make sure that the contractor is properly licensed. Be wary of any contractor that suggests you will save money by obtaining your own permit. The company you hire should be the one to obtain any required permit(s).

In addition to the helpful ways I have outlined, Consumer Affairs also regulates taxi cab, limousine, local moving companies and non-consent towing companies. Consumer Affairs handles approximately 2,500 written complaints, 4,000 walk-in visitors and 50,000 phone calls each year. If you feel you have been victimized you can call on them. If they cannot help with your specific case they can refer you to the agency that has authority over your issue.

As always, I invite your comments on any issue of interest to you. As your Commissioner, I am here to help you. You may write me at 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, 33401 or call my staff at 276-1310 or toll free at 877-930-2205. My email address is: baaronso@pbcgov.org.

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Consulate General of Israel, Paul Hirschson will be the guest speaker of the Trails Chapter of
Brandeis University National Organization, Tuesday, April 5, 2 pm at the South County Civic Center, Jog Road, Delray Beach.

Deputy Consul Hirschson will speak about "The Future of Israel."

Admission is FREE. Reservations a must. Call Gloria Sheldon, 561-638-0373

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The public is always welcome to the Alliance of Delray meetings at the Civic Center,
Jog Road, (opposite Morikami Gardens).

Featured Guest Speaker this Wednesday, April 6 is Bob Weisman, County Administrator who will speak about the County Budget, taxes and other important issues.

Doors open at 9 am for coffee. Meeting begins at 9:30.

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On Monday April 4 at 11 pm, the Diamond Club that meets at Weisman Senior Center on Atlantic Ave., West Delray Beach will have Oscar Segal address them on important information for the hard of hearing and hearing impaired.

Segal will speak about the hearing impaired protecting themselves in various every day situations: being a patient in the hospital; getting stopped by law enforcement; hearing flight information in an airport and on an airplane; and being alert for fire danger in a hotel or motel.

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Tuesday April 5 event at Civic Center:

Consulate General of Israel, Paul Hirschson will be the guest speaker of the Trails Chapter of
Brandeis University National Organization, Tuesday, April 5, 2 pm at the South County Civic Center, Jog Road, Delray Beach.

Deputy Consul Hirschson will speak about "The Future of Israel."

Admission is FREE. Reservations a must. Call Gloria Sheldon, 561-638-0373

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Join Delray Medical Center and the Alliance of Delray for an extensive
WELLNESS SCREENING EXPO, Thursday, March 31, 2011 from 8am
to 2pm.

Complimentary Screening include:
Balance, Body Mass Index, Body Mechanics and Ergonomics
Bone Density
Complete Heart Health Screening (Call 1-800-897-9789 for appointment for this test.
Fasting is necessary.)
Depression
Eye Exams
Foot Exams
Nutrition/Healthy Cooking Demonstrations
Pulse Oximetry
Skin Cancer
Sleep Disorders
...and many more free tests.

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Southern Palm Beach County Projects: Powerline Road / S.R. 845 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road

Construction on this 3-mile project began Monday, May 18, 2009. Work consists of repaving the roadway, minor widening and reconstruction, signalization, lighting, drainage, bridge replacement, irrigation and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $9.7 million. The work is being performed by Ranger Construction South and is expected to be completed summer 2011.

Restrictions: Two lanes are closed around-the-clock on the L-47 canal bridge for bridge work. Traffic is shifted to one lane in each direction on the east side of the road through this area. Single travel lanes may also be closed at various locations between the Broward County Line and Glades Road, 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, until the end of April 2011. Turn lanes will be closed temporarily as needed. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Motorists should use caution driving in the project limits. Delays are expected.

Dixie Highway from Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach over the FEC railroad tracks and the Hillsboro Canal to S.W. 18 Street in Boca Raton: Construction of a four-lane overpass (flyover) began Ap. 16, 2010. The project includes bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides above the railroad tracks, canal, N.E. Second Street, N. River Avenue and N.E. Second Avenue. A pedestrian bridge will be built over Hillsboro Canal east of the overpass. Drainage and landscaping will be added. Construction is expected to be completed summer 2012. Cone & Graham is the prime contractor.

Restrictions: Deerfield Beach—One lane will be closed in each direction, intermittently, at the intersection of Hillsboro Boulevard and Dixie Highway, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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CITY OF DELRAY BEACH: South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
Declares Regional Water Shortage & Orders Mandatory Water Restrictions

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has declared that a water shortage is in effect for Palm Beach County and has ordered mandatory water restrictions effective Saturday, March 26, 2011. This order limits landscape irrigation to 2 days per week for residential and business properties within the City of Delray Beach and Palm Beach County.

Due to the SFWMD's order to mandate water restrictions beginning Saturday, March 26th, the City's Code (Sec. 52.34. Water Rates.) provides that an automatic surcharge of 15% shall be added to the commodity charge for all potable water used in excess of 15,000 gallons per month when the SFWMD imposes Phase 1 Moderate Water Shortage Restrictions. This automatic 15% surcharge will take effect on Saturday, March 26th and will be included in the City's April 2011 utility billing cycle. The surcharge will continue until the SFWMD Governing Board modifies and/or rescinds the water restrictions order.

Highlights of the SFWMD's water restrictions include:

Restrictions apply to all water from traditional sources including water from public utilities, private wells, canals, ponds and lakes.
Landscape irrigation using reclaimed water is not restricted. However, residents and businesses are encouraged to conserve water voluntarily. Helpful water conservation tips are available at www.savewaterfl.com

Existing landscaping: Watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Residents and businesses with odd-numbered street addresses may water lawns and landscapes on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. and/or from 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Residents and businesses with even-numbered street addresses, no street address or those that irrigate both even and odd address within the same zones, including multi-family units and homeowners associations, may water lawns and landscapes on Thursdays and Sundays from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. and/or from 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
For the most efficient use of water, residents should avoid irrigating during both time periods on the same day.

New landscaping, sod or other plantings: New landscaping can be watered without regard to restrictions on the first day it is installed.
Landscaping that has been in place from 2 days to 30 days can be watered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and/or Sundays during the hours allowed for regular landscape irrigation.
Landscaping that has been in place from 31 days to 90 days can be watered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the hours allowed for regular landscape irrigation.
Additional watering days can only be used to benefit new landscaping. An entire irrigation system zone may only be watered if it contains at least 50 percent new landscaping.

Applying lawn maintenance products: Landscape irrigation for watering-in fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides is allowed for one application unless the need for more than one application is stated in the directions specified by the product manufacturer.
Watering-in is allowed only during established watering days and times unless a professional licensed applicator has posted a temporary sign with the date of the application and the date of needed watering-in.

FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE SFWMD's WATER RESTRICTIONS COULD RESULT IN FINES STARTING AT $100.

For additional information on the water shortage, irrigation restrictions or water conservation, call the SFWMD's toll-free Water Conservation Hotline at (800) 662-8876, E-Mail Jesus Rodriguez, Senior Water Conservation Analyst at jerodrig@sfwmd.gov, visit www.sfwmd.gov and/or view the SFWMD press release http://www.sfwmd.gov/portal/pls/portal/docs/15831081.PDF

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An informational workshop for Veterans and their families will take place Thursday, March 24 from 1 to 4 PM at the new Weisman Senior Center, 7091 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach.

This event is hosted by U. S. Congressman Ted Deutch and The Alliance Of Delray Residential Associations.

Panelists include: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Veterans Justice Outreach; West Palm Beach Medical Center; Lynn University G. I. Bill Outreach; Palm Beach County Veterans Services; South Florida National Cemetery, and others.

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On Thursday, March 24th, at 10:30AM in front of the Memorial Center Chapel at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, 7305 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, Elaine Leas-Manyoki, Founder of Blanket the World With Love, non-profit organization, will be presenting Lynelle Zelnar, Executive Director and Founder of Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, with a hand made crocheted Blanket in Memory of Lynelle’s nephew that was Killed in Action by an IED in Kandahar, Afghanistan. This blanket will in turn be handed off to Mary Phillips, Chief, Voluntary Service of the West Palm Beach VA Hospital, to benefit one of the recovering veterans.

Last year, Elaine contacted Lynelle and said that her group would be honored to make a blanket in memory of Michael. Unfortunately, Elaine herself has been going through some of her own health issues, but she didn’t forget about Michael, and recently contacted Lynelle to present her with this “special crocheted blanket”.

"Since early 2009, the volunteers of Blanket The World With Love have made more than 50 blankets, including providing blankets for breast cancer patients, The March of Dimes, and the VA. When I saw on TV that Michael had been killed in Afghanistan, it saddened me. I knew our volunteers had to work with me to make a blanket to honor both him, and Forgotten Soldier Outreach, and present it to the VA in his memory. His service, and his sacrifice, was important and should never be forgotten. " commented Elaine Leas-Manyoki, Founder, Blanket The World With Love.

“Wow, what an amazing organization! I’m truly honored, as this is so special to me and my family, and I know Michael is smiling from above, that support continues to come in to memorialize a true American Hero, Spc Michael L. Stansbery. Not only because he’s my nephew and a two tour time recipient of FSO, but he is an example of an American Soldier who unselfishly thought of others and was always adding more guys to our list of recipients to benefit from our program. Shortly before he died, he even requested a coffee machine for his guys, and Michael never drank coffee. Michael was not alive when the care package arrived, but his “men” have benefited from one of his last requests. Since his death, FSO volunteers and I are more driven than ever to make sure our mission never fails. Michael, as well as so many others truly appreciated what FSO means. As my nephew, Spc Michael L. Stansbery Jr. unselfishly said before he was killed in Afghanistan on 7/30/2010, “these care packages not only boost our morale, but truly sends that little bit of home we all long for, when we are so many miles away”. He also mentioned that when he requested a pillow case because of the dust, when he received it, he commented that he finally slept "well". Wow, we were able to bring him a little bit of sleep and peace while he was serving our country, and before he paid the ultimate price.

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach has sent over 65,000 “we care” packages, benefiting close to 100,000 of our U.S. troops who are serving on active duty with the U.S. armed forces, many putting their lives in harms way. FSO’s mission is to send support and encouragement via monthly “we care” packages to our United States Servicemen and servicewomen serving overseas for as long as they are deployed, covering all world theaters.

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Inc. is located in Lake Worth, Florida and is a 501(c) tax exempt corporation. They can be reached at 561-369-2933 or at info@forgottensoldiers.org for more information.

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Congressman Ted Deutch

invites you to a. . .

SMALL BUSINESS
WORKSHOP

Featuring Panelists from:
U.S. Small Business Administration
Service Corp of Retired Executives
Export-Import Bank of the U.S.
Local Lenders
International Trade Administration
and others

March 24, 2011
8:30 to 10:30 am
Lynn University Lecture Hall
3601 North Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL

> Discuss this entry

Call-Forwarding Scam Reappears: Don't Be Tricked Into Dialing *72

Officials are warning people to be careful of an old con that's popped up again -- the call forwarding scam.

Victims often think they're doing a kindness to a stranger or for a friend. The phone rings, usually late at night, and callers tell the victim someone has been injured, and to contact an officer at the scene.

How to get the officer? By dialing *72, then a phone number.

But that *72 only activates the call forwarding function -- letting the con artists make collect phone calls and pay-per call services on your dime. Many people don't find out they've been conned until they receive a whopping phone bill.

It's recently been an issue in Michigan, where the Isabella County Sheriff's office issued a warning.

A similar scam involved someone claiming to be an inmate, saying he dialed the wrong number, explaining he has been arrested -- and please dial *72 and the "right number" so he can reach his mother or family.

That's how the scam started in 2004, when Cook County Jail inmates in Chicago used *72 to make hundreds of long-distance calls, all paid for by someone else.

Better Business Bureau officials say consumers who fall for the scam should dial *73 to deactivate the feature and report unauthorized charges to their phone companies.

> Discuss this entry

> Discuss this entry

Southern Palm Beach County Projects: Powerline Road / S.R. 845 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road--Construction on this 3-mile project began Monday, May 18, 2009. Work consists of repaving the roadway, minor widening and reconstruction, signalization, lighting, drainage, bridge replacement, irrigation and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $9.7 million. The work is being performed by Ranger Construction South and is expected to be completed summer 2011.

Restrictions: Two lanes are closed around-the-clock on the L-47 canal bridge for bridge work. Traffic is shifted to one lane in each direction on the east side of the road through this area. Single travel lanes may also be closed at various locations between the Broward County Line and Glades Road, 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, until the end of April 2011. Turn lanes will be closed temporarily as needed. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Motorists should use caution driving in the project limits. Delays are expected.

Dixie Highway from Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach over the FEC railroad tracks and the Hillsboro Canal to S.W. 18 Street in Boca Raton--Construction of a four-lane overpass (flyover) began Ap. 16, 2010. The project includes bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides above the railroad tracks, canal, N.E. Second Street, N. River Avenue and N.E. Second Avenue. A pedestrian bridge will be built over Hillsboro Canal east of the overpass. Drainage and landscaping will be added. Construction is expected to be completed summer 2012. Cone & Graham is the prime contractor.

Restrictions: Deerfield Beach—One lane will be closed in each direction, intermittently, at the intersection of Hillsboro Boulevard and Dixie Highway, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Federal Highway / S.R. 5 / U.S. 1 from Yamato Road to the C-15 Canal--Construction on this 1.944-mile resurfacing project began Thursday, June 17, 2010, in the City of Boca Raton. Work consisted of repaving and restriping the roadway, adding five-foot paved shoulders in both directions, minor storm water drainage, replacing sidewalks and curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and installing a video detection system on existing traffic signals. The estimated construction cost was $1.9 million. Work was performed by Weekly Asphalt Paving, Inc. and was completed on Wednesday, Mar. 16, 2011.

Restrictions: This project was final accepted by the Department of Transportation on Wednesday, Mar. 16, 2011.

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Alliance of Delray conducted their annual Security Seminar, Friday March 18 at the Vizcaya community clubhouse in coordination with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department. The theme was Safety for Seniors.

Attending the meeting were security representatives of the Alliance member communities.

Lt. Pete Ebel of Sheriff's Dept. District 4 (unincorporated area of Delray) served as moderator and also presented a case history of a gang of robbers that were recently apprehended.

Keynote speaker was Chief Deputy Michael Gauger who provided an excellent overview of the department and how its budget was utilized.

Other speakers were Luis Ledbetter, K-9 Deputy who appeared with his bloodhound "Clue," Michelle Damone, Executive Director of Project Lifesaver of Palm Beach County; and Sheriff's Dept. Helicopter Pilot Dave Clark.

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Tinitus consultants Stephen and Ellen Ratner, will discuss ways and means to cope with Tinitus, this Friday, March 18, 9:45AM at the South County Civic Center at this month's meeting of the Delray/Boynton/Boca Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America.

If you have hearing problems this is the one meeting you should attend, the third Friday of each month through May of each year. President Oscar Segal is a knowledgeable, dynamic leader in this field. You can learn at every meeting, not only from guest speakers, but Oscar Segal himself who is hearing impaired prepares audio visual aids that teach you how to
survive in airports, hospitals, when being stopped by law enforcement in your car.

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Rare Fruit Council
A huge selection of mangos, bananas, avocados, citrus, lychees, canistel, jackfruit and many other tropical fruit trees, herb and spice plants will be on sale at the South Florida Fairgrounds Agriplex on Saturday March 19, 9 AM to 2 PM. Free admission and Free Parking.

The sale is sponsored by the Palm Beach Rare Fruit Council, an organization of about 300 local residents interested in growing and propagating tropical fruit trees. The members bring plants which produce many good tasting fruits, usually not available in local supermarkets.

The organization meets for monthly meetings where members share their fruit with each other at a "Tasting Table" and speakers give recommendations for growing plants. Members receive special training on grafting and other forms of propagating trees. Contact: (561)716-6816

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Tinitus consultants Stephen and Ellen Ratner, will discuss ways and means to cope with Tinitus, this Friday, March 18, 9:45AM at the South County Civic Center at this month's meeting of the Delray/Boynton/Boca Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America.

If you have hearing problems this is the one meeting you should attend, the third Friday of each month through May of each year. President Oscar Segal is a knowledgeable, dynamic leader in this field. You can learn at every meeting, not only from guest speakers, but Oscar Segal himself who is hearing impaired prepares audio visual aids that teach you how to
survive in airports, hospitals, when being stopped by law enforcement in your car.

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

Congressman Ted Deutch

invites you to a. . .

SMALL BUSINESS
WORKSHOP

Featuring Panelists from:
U.S. Small Business Administration
Service Corp of Retired Executives
Export-Import Bank of the U.S.
Local Lenders
International Trade Administration
and others

March 24, 2011
8:30 to 10:30 am
Lynn University Lecture Hall
3601 North Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL

> Discuss this entry

THIS MAY MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER: Price of Gas versus Printer Ink

All these examples do NOT imply that gasoline is cheap; it just illustrates how outrageous some prices are....

You will be really shocked by the last one!

Compared with Gasoline......Think a gallon of gas is expensive?

This makes one think, and also puts things in perspective.

Diet Snapple 16 oz $1.29 ... $10.32 per gallon

Lipton Ice Tea 16 oz $1.19 ..........$9.52 per gallon

Gatorade 20 oz $1.59 ..... $10.17 per gallon

Ocean Spray 16 oz $1.25 ......... $10.00 per gallon

Brake Fluid 12 oz $3.15 ...... $33.60 per gallon

Vick's Nyquil 6 oz $8.35 ... $178.13 per gallon

Pepto Bismol 4 oz $3.85 .. $123.20 per gallon

Whiteout 7 oz $1.39 ....... . $25.42 per gallon

Scope 1.5 oz $0.99 .....$84.48 per gallon

And this is the REAL KICKER...Evian water 9 oz $1.49..$21.19 per gallon! $21.19 for WATER and the buyers don't even know the source.(Evian spelled backwards is Naive.)

Ever wonder why printers are so cheap? So they have you hooked for the ink.
Someone calculated the cost of the ink at....(you won't believe it....but it is true...)
$5,200 a gal. (five thousand two hundred dollars)

So, the next time you're at the pump, be glad your car doesn't run on water, Scope, or Whiteout, Pepto Bismol, Nyquil or God forbid, Printer Ink!

Just a little humor to help ease the pain of your next trip to the pump...

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> Discuss this entry

I-95 Southbound Resurfacing from South of Boynton Beach Boulevard to South of Linton Boulevard

This 3.9-mile resurfacing project began Monday, Dec. 6, 2010 in the City of Delray Beach. This project includes milling and resurfacing of the existing roadway, and the restoration of traffic monitoring loops that will be removed during milling operations. Work is being performed by Ranger Construction Industries, Inc. and is expected to be completed summer 2011. The estimated construction cost is $2.4 million. This project is also part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus. For more information, please contact Bergmann Associates at 561-662-4645.

Restrictions: I-95 southbound will have three inside lanes closed, 9 p.m. until 5:30 a.m., Sunday night, Mar. 13, through Friday morning, March 18. Temporary intermittent rolling roadblocks may also occur within the work zone for FHP controlled equipment crossing.

Southern Palm Beach County Projects: Powerline Road / S.R. 845 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road

Construction on this 3-mile project began Monday, May 18, 2009. Work consists of repaving the roadway, minor widening and reconstruction, signalization, lighting, drainage, bridge replacement, irrigation and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $9.7 million. The work is being performed by Ranger Construction South and is expected to be completed summer 2011.

Restrictions: Two lanes are closed around-the-clock on the L-47 canal bridge for bridge work. Traffic is shifted to one lane in each direction on the east side of the road through this area. Single travel lanes may also be closed at various locations between the Broward County Line and Glades Road, 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, until the end of March 2011. Turn lanes will be closed temporarily as needed. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Motorists should use caution driving in the project limits. Delays are expected.

Dixie Highway from Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach over the FEC railroad tracks and the Hillsboro Canal to S.W. 18 Street in Boca Raton

Construction of a four-lane overpass (flyover) began Ap. 16, 2010. The project includes bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides above the railroad tracks, canal, N.E. Second Street, N. River Avenue and N.E. Second Avenue. A pedestrian bridge will be built over Hillsboro Canal east of the overpass. Drainage and landscaping will be added. Construction is expected to be completed summer 2012. Cone & Graham is the prime contractor.

Restrictions: Deerfield Beach—One lane will be closed in each direction, intermittently, at the intersection of Hillsboro Boulevard and Dixie Highway, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Federal Highway / S.R. 5 / U.S. 1 from Yamato Road to the C-15 Canal--Construction on this 1.944-mile resurfacing project began Thursday, June 17, 2010, in the City of Boca Raton. Work consists of repaving and restriping the roadway, adding five-foot paved shoulders in both directions, minor storm water drainage, replacing sidewalks and curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and installing a video detection system on existing traffic signals. The estimated construction cost is $1.9 million. Work is being performed by Weekly Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be completed winter 2011.

Restrictions: One lane of U.S. 1 may be closed in each direction, daily, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., through March 2011.

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The other day when I went to Bank of America branch in my neighborhood on West Atlantic Ave. I received a pleasant surprise when Julie the teller handed me the two customer receipts
for my transactions. On each was rubber stamped a message from her:

One read "Give people a glimpse of your inner beauty. Smile!"

The other said "Kindness is a natural resource that can never be depleted!!!"

I just had to let you know about these personal caring messages from Teller Julie.

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Ira Sax, a retired teacher/administrator in the Chicago Board of Education for 39 years spends part of the winter at Kings Point, Delray Beach. Even though he was a science and math teacher, his true love was history—particularly American Civil War history. He is a member of American Civil War Societies and Civil War reading groups.

The other night, outfitted in a Union soldier’s uniform he spoke about the Civil War and the part played by the Jewish people at the Vizcaya community Forum Group. Included with his talk were copies of maps and photographs of Civil War Generals, displayed behind him on the stage.

For the past few years he has given lectures on different aspects of the Civil War both to organizations and schools. He hopes that by informing the public and students about the history of our great country we will appreciate the glory and sorrow this war brought upon Americans.

His next speaking appearance will be at the Boynton Beach City Library on Seacrest, Wednesday March 16th at 1:30 pm. The subject: “The part played by New York City and State in the Civil War--The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.”

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CITY OF DELRAY BEACH: Public Notice to Water System Customers of the City of Delray Beach

To ensure that the City's drinking water remains safe and compliant with all State and Federal water quality requirements, the City is required to implement preventive measures that are safe and approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). As a result, the City is preparing for its semi-annual water distribution line enhanced disinfection program which will begin on Monday, April 4, 2011, and continue through Monday, May 2, 2011.

The City's routine maintenance program will include a "system burn" which utilizes free chlorine as the primary disinfectant. During this preventive maintenance activity, water customers may notice an increased chlorine odor and taste in their tap water. This is a normal occurrence and will cause no adverse health effects.

During this time period, customers with special needs should be aware of potential problems with their equipment and systems (e.g., kidney dialysis machines). In addition, owners of tropical fish aquariums and holding tanks for fish and shellfish (i.e., stores and restaurants) should be aware that this temporary change in our disinfection process may be toxic to aquatic life if not properly addressed. Any such side effects will diminish when the City reverts to the normal disinfection method on May 3, 2011. Users are encouraged to contact an appropriate professional for guidance on how to use their equipment during this period.

The City will also flush fire hydrants during this period as part of the enhanced disinfection procedure. Customers may notice flowing water in streets and swales, localized lower water pressures and a slight discoloration of their tap water. This is a safe and normal occurrence during this process and will cause no adverse health effects. If you notice flushing activities in your immediate area, please refrain from using laundry machines until activities have ceased.

Please be assured that this is a routine preventive maintenance procedure. The City's public drinking water remains safe and compliant with all State and Federal requirements for primary water quality. If you would like additional information, please contact the Public Utilities Department at (561) 243-7312 between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm - Monday through Friday.

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My dear friends,
As Your State Senator, I am excited to take this opportunity to tell you about how I am fighting for you and our community in Tallahassee this session. I believe we must protect vulnerable citizens such as our children and the elderly, while looking to build a brighter future for Florida. To date I have filed eleven bills in the Florida Senate aimed at reaching these goals.
Haile’s Bill, for example, was filed in honor of little Haile Brockington, a young girl who died at the tragic age of 2 years after being left in a day care van in the hot Florida sun. Haile’s bill requires life-saving alarms be installed in all commercial daycare vehicles transporting children. The alarm system sounds when the vehicle’s ignition is turned off, obliging the driver to go to the back of the vehicle, passing all passenger seats in the process, to deactivate the alarm. This bill represents a simple, elegant solution to prevent other children from dying in vain.

While we protect our citizens, we must also look to the future. Creating new, a high-tech industry in Florida is imperative if our State is to be a world leader in the global economy. As such, I have filed SB1302, which encourages the creation of bioscience research and industry clusters near our State’s many world class universities. By facilitating the interaction between university researchers and new companies, we can grow business in key areas such as biomedical engineering and renewable energy, thus creating thousands of new high paying jobs.

These two bills give you a glimpse of my priorities: our families and our future. Together we can make a difference in Florida. I encourage you to get involved with these legislative efforts and to make your voices here and in the capitol. As always, I will continue to fight for you as Your State Senator!
My best,

Maria L. Sachs

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CITY OF DELRAY BEACH--FDOT Road Work Advisory for March 6-11, 2011

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has advised that the following road closures will be in effect from south of Boynton Beach Blvd to south of Linton Blvd due to the I-95 resurfacing project:

I-95 southbound will have three inside lanes closed, 9:00 pm until 5:30 am, Sunday night, March 6th, through Friday morning, March 11th. Temporary intermittent rolling roadblocks may also occur within the work zone for Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) controlled equipment crossing.

For more information, please call (561) 641-6440.
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CITY OF DELRAY BEACH--St. Patrick's Day Parade Road and Bridge Closures

Celebrate the 43rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 12, 2011, in Downtown Delray Beach. Festivities begin at 11:00 am on the grounds of Old School Square. From 2:00 pm until 3:30 pm, the St. Patrick's Day Parade will travel on Atlantic Avenue from A1A to Swinton Avenue.

For more information on the St. Patrick's Day Parade, please call (561) 279-0907.

Road and Bridge Closures for March 12, 2011:

* Atlantic Avenue will be closed from east to west starting at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 12th from A1A to NW 1st Avenue and will reopen following the parade passing (the parade is scheduled from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm).
* Atlantic Avenue bridge will be closed to vessel traffic on March 12th from 2:00 pm until 3:30 pm.
* Detours to A1A will be via George Bush Boulevard and Linton Boulevard.

> Discuss this entry

We all remember Columbine. We all remember Virginia Tech. Most recently we were horrified by the events that unfolded in Tucson. I cannot help but wonder if in these senseless deaths we lost a future president or a cure for cancer? One thing we know for sure is that a daughter was lost; a young girl who might have grown to be a mother or a wife.

The common underlying factor in these tragedies is the capacity to kill or injure numerous people with one squeeze of a trigger. The weapon used in Tucson had a magazine with at least 30 rounds. It can take only about 10 seconds to fire that many bullets.
I could supply you with statistics in each of these cases of how many times guns were fired or which magazines held however many bullets. But at the end of the day 12 students and one teacher were killed at Columbine, 32 students were killed at Virginia Tech, six were killed at Tucson, not to mention the many injured. People and a nation scarred for life.

Since only the State Legislature can enact a ban on large capacity ammunition feeding devices, I urged my fellow County Commissioners to adopt a resolution enacting such a ban. On March 1st the County Commission adopted the resolution. The logic to me is simple. If a shooter has fewer bullets they will more frequently have to reload. While this would never completely end gun violence, it might afford the opportunity for victims to defend themselves.

In a recent letter of support to my office, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw expressed the following: “We should be able to respect the second amendment while at the same time supporting commonsense regulations. This includes magazines that can hold dozens of rounds of ammunition. The only purpose for the existence of these devices is to be able to shoot as many people as possible as quickly as possible. There is no reason that these devices should be available to the general public.”

I have received both applause and criticism for my position on this issue. For those who have condemned, mostly on the basis that it violates their right to bear arms I say this: criminals will find and use guns. When they do, tragedy can result. Will this resolution call our State Legislators to action? That is my hope. Will that eliminate all gun violence? Of course not. But if it prevents even one death, if it saves a future president or someone’s mother/father/child, then it is worth it and who could argue with that.

As always, I invite your comments on any issue of interest to you. As your Commissioner, I am here to help you. You may write me at 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, 33401 or call my staff at 276-1310 or toll free at 877-930-2205. My email address is: baaronso@pbcgov.org.

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Restrictions: Thursday night, Mar. 3, 2011, I-95 northbound will have a temporary rolling roadblock anytime between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., beginning at Woolbright Road, and ending just north of Forest Hill Boulevard. Florida Highway Patrol will bring I-95 northbound traffic to a slow pace at Woolbright Road, allowing the construction crew to install an overhead dynamic message sign across I-95 northbound, north of Forest Hill Boulevard. During this time, the Florida Highway Patrol will also be prohibiting the use of the I-95 northbound entrance ramps at Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach Boulevard, Gateway Boulevard, Hypoluxo Road, Lantana Road, 6th Avenue South, 10th Avenue North, and Forest Hill Boulevard. This operation is expected to last approximately 30 minutes.

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Gary B. Nikolits, County Property Appraiser is the featured guest speaker at tomorrow morning's Alliance of Delray meeting at the South County Civic Center, Jog Road, opposite Morikami Gardens.

The public is welcome. Coffee "and" at 9 AM.

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IMPORTANT NEWS ABOUT ROADWORK TONIGHT

Restrictions: Tonight, Tuesday, Mar. 1, 2011, I-95 southbound will have a temporary rolling roadblock anytime between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., beginning just north of Northlake Boulevard, and ending just south of Southern Boulevard. Florida Highway Patrol will bring I-95 southbound traffic to a slow pace at Northlake Boulevard, allowing the construction crew to install an overhead dynamic message sign across I-95 southbound, south of Southern Boulevard. During this time, the Florida Highway Patrol will also be prohibiting the use of the I-95 southbound entrance ramps at Northlake Boulevard, 45th Street, Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, Okeechobee Boulevard, Belvedere Road, and Southern Boulevard. This operation is expected to last approximately 30 minutes.

Restrictions: Thursday night, Mar. 3, 2011, I-95 northbound will have a temporary rolling roadblock anytime between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., beginning at Woolbright Road, and ending just north of Forest Hill Boulevard. Florida Highway Patrol will bring I-95 northbound traffic to a slow pace at Woolbright Road, allowing the construction crew to install an overhead dynamic message sign across I-95 northbound, north of Forest Hill Boulevard. During this time, the Florida Highway Patrol will also be prohibiting the use of the I-95 northbound entrance ramps at Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach Boulevard, Gateway Boulevard, Hypoluxo Road, Lantana Road, 6th Avenue South, 10th Avenue North, and Forest Hill Boulevard. This operation is expected to last approximately 30 minutes.

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Southern Palm Beach County Projects: Powerline Road / S.R. 845 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road

Construction on this 3-mile project began Monday, May 18, 2009. Work consists of repaving the roadway, minor widening and reconstruction, signalization, lighting, drainage, bridge replacement, irrigation and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $9.7 million. The work is being performed by Ranger Construction South and is expected to be completed summer 2011.

Restrictions: Two lanes are closed around-the-clock on the L-47 canal bridge for bridge work. Traffic is shifted to one lane in each direction on the east side of the road through this area. Single travel lanes may also be closed at various locations between the Broward County Line and Glades Road, 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, until the end of March 2011. Turn lanes will be closed temporarily as needed. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Motorists should use caution driving in the project limits. Delays are expected.

Dixie Highway from Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach over the FEC railroad tracks and the Hillsboro Canal to S.W. 18 Street in Boca Raton--Construction of a four-lane overpass (flyover) began Ap. 16, 2010. The project includes bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides above the railroad tracks, canal, N.E. Second Street, N. River Avenue and N.E. Second Avenue. A pedestrian bridge will be built over Hillsboro Canal east of the overpass. Drainage and landscaping will be added. Construction is expected to be completed summer 2012. Cone & Graham is the prime contractor.

Restrictions: Deerfield Beach—One lane will be closed in each direction, intermittently, at the intersection of Hillsboro Boulevard and Dixie Highway, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Federal Highway / S.R. 5 / U.S. 1 from Yamato Road to the C-15 Canal--Construction on this 1.944-mile resurfacing project began Thursday, June 17, 2010, in the City of Boca Raton. Work consists of repaving and restriping the roadway, adding five-foot paved shoulders in both directions, minor storm water drainage, replacing sidewalks and curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and installing a video detection system on existing traffic signals. The estimated construction cost is $1.9 million. Work is being performed by Weekly Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be completed winter 2011.

Restrictions: One lane of U.S. 1 may be closed in each direction, daily, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., through March 2011.

The following road closures will be in effect from south of Boynton Beach Blvd to south of Linton Blvd due to the I-95 resurfacing project:

I-95 southbound will have three inside lanes closed, 9:00 pm until 5:30 am, Sunday night, February 27th, through Friday morning, March 4th. Temporary intermittent rolling roadblocks may also occur within the work zone for Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) controlled equipment crossing.

For more information, please call (561) 641-6440.

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Stand Among Friends is conducting the First Annual emb(race) on Sunday, February 27, 2011 on a course located at the Disability Center at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. This is an opportunity for the community to come together to learn about each other and emb(race) our differences as individuals. The day will focus on everyone's abilities and celebrate the uniqueness of us all. Check in time is 6am. 10K run at 7:15am; 5K run, 7:20am and the 1 mile Family Walk 8:30am—rain or shine.

At the Stand Among Friends website, www.standamongfriends.org, whether people want to run, walk, stroll or roll, they can register to participate in the emb(race), or support someone already participating. People can also create or join a team. For those who want to help get the word out and make the emb(race) an amazing experience, they can send emails to friends and family asking them to help you raise money to support the emb(race). Tel. 561-297-4400; Email: events@standamongfriends.org.

For all serious runners, the 10k and 5k are on courses certified by local running icon Gene Witkowski and the scoring will be handled by Accuchip Timing.

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Alliance of Delray Vendor Fair Yesterday Brings Crowds

The Annual Vendor Fair for community HOA and Condo President's, board and committee members as well as management company heads took place Friday, Feb. 25 at the South County Civic Center. Thirty-eight suppliers of goods and services to communities exhibited their wares.

Richard Benjamin, Assistant to the President of the Alliance of Delray has the task of putting this exhibit together each year. "Several hundred people visited the fair yesterday," he said.
Our exhibitors were happy with the action."

Robert Schulbaum, President of the Alliance said: "We had a good mix of suppliers that added interest to the show this year. A company that supplies Wi-Fi had tremendous interest from the attendees, for example. We have a waiting list of interested vendors for next year's exhibit, which takes place February 24, 2012."

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February 2011
FROM COMMISSIONER VANA
Greetings Friends:

You have probably already noticed the brown spots on your lawn, the increasing brown shoreline around the lakes and some distress on the landscaping. We are in the middle of the Florida dry season. Though we are grateful for the lack of tropical storm activity in the summer our water supply resources were not adequately replenished. On January 13, 2011 the National Weather Service in Miami declared that severe drought conditions exist in Palm Beach County. Long term weather forecasts for 2011 predict below average rainfall leading to great strains on water supplies.

Currently Palm Beach County enjoys a three day a week watering schedule for lawns and landscaping this is expected to be reduced to two days a week in the near future and without adequate rain fall could be further reduced. South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is closely monitoring regional water level and Palm Beach County Water Utilities are already preparing by sending out advisories in the water bills. As a member of the Water Resource Advisory Commission, I received regular briefings from SFWMD and also our water utility department on current conditions.

By conserving the water you use on your landscape and in your home or business now, you can help delay mandatory or more severe water restrictions later. Here are some simple things you can do to help:

• Identify and fix leaks from toilets, faucets or irrigation systems this can result in increases in your water bill, damage to your home, as well as thousands of wasted gallons of water. A single leaky faucet can waste 100 gallons in a day!

* Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
* Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
* When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don't throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant.
* For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.
* Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won't run when it's raining.
* Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
* Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street
* Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.

If you would like additional information please visit South Florida Water Management District Water Shortage Watch Web site @ http://www.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/xweb%20-%20release%203%20water%20conservation/water%20restrictions or call the SFWMD Water Conservation Hotline at (800) 662-8876

If I can be of assistance or if you have any comments and/or suggestions you can reach me at svana@pbcgov.org or at my office at 561-355-2203 or visit my website http://pbcgov.com/countycommissioners/district3. It's an honor serving you!

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At 6’ 4” newly appointed Battalion 4 Chief Todd Blake looks down on folks most of the time, but that’s only due to his stature. For many of the 23 years he has served on the Palm Beach Fire Rescue service, he has been a caring, compassionate professional paramedic.
Chief Blake started his career early--real early. Living in a small town outside of Steubenville, Ohio where they allowed young 14 year old volunteers, Blake knew then he would be a fireman.

Moving to Florida, he earned an Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Services at what was then called Palm Beach Community College. His first assignment was at Station 23, Century Village, West Palm Beach as a paramedic. He then did a tour as the Flight Medic on the Trauma Hawk rescue helicopter and was then promoted to Rescue Lt. in January 1993 at Boca Raton’s Station 55. In October 2002 he was appointed District Chief, working throughout the city of Boca Raton for 2 ½ years. He was promoted to Battalion Chief at Battalion 5 in Boca Raton, June 2009 and then moved to West Delray District 4 this past November. At Battalion 4 he is responsible for a staff of 200 in eight fire rescue stations.
“Every day presents different challenges where I get the opportunity to apply critical thinking to solve today’s problems,” said Blake.

He told of one of the most traumatic experiences he went through as a rookie paramedic. “Someone took their own life right in front of our truck as we arrived on the scene. It was a shocking, chaotic situation,” he said.

Married with two children, Blake enjoys golf, hunting, traveling and reading when time allows.

When asked some of the differences between the department when he was a rookie compared to now, he responded: “Today the majority of our calls are medical, and most personnel are Emergency Medical Technician qualified,” he said. “The total calls made for our fiscal year at Palm Beach Fire Rescue which runs from Oct. 1, 2009 to Sept. 30, 2010 were 113,132. Of these, 97,353 were emergency medical calls. The total calls here at Battalion 4 from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010 were 26,215. Of those 23,396 were EMS related.

This reflects the amount of seniors we have in our area and the concern we must have for their overall health.”

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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 and in other areas throughout Palm Beach County for construction activities.

For around-the-clock, real-time, I-95 traffic information, call 511. To view real-time video of I-95 in Palm Beach County, visit the Florida Department of Transportation’s Palm Beach SMART SunGuide Transportation Management Center (TMC) website at www.smartsunguide.com. FDOT and the SunGuide™ Partners provide these free services. For updated lane closure information, please refer to www.pbfdot.com.

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Friday, Feb. 18 at 10 A.M., the Hearing Loss Association of America South Palm Beach County Chapter meets at South County Civic Center for its monthly meeting.
Board members are going to show the latest assisted listening devices that are on the market.

Clear Sounds of Chicago has sent in their latest selection for you to view. You'll want to see what's new that may be of help.

Coffee "and" is available.

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Tuesday evening at the Swing & Jazz Preservation Society monthly concert, at the Spanish River Performing Arts Center in Boca Raton, the Society presented ten brand new musical instruments to the Spanish River High School Jazz Band.

In photo l. to r. Craig White, the school's music director, County Commissioner Steve Abrams and S & J President Rene Zerah listen to words of thanks to the organization from the Commissioner.

The Joe Donato Sextet were the evening's outstanding entertainment. Kathleen Donato provided vocals along with percussion star Daniel McCleod and Joe Donato himself when he wasn't busy playing two different types of soprano saxes, tenor sax and piccolo. They put on a great show. For further information check out http://swingandjazzpreservationsociety.org/outside_home.asp

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The action is at the Hagen Ranch Rd. Library!
Daggerwing Nature Center in Boca brings live animals, skulls, models, skeletons to discuss common reptiles.

Ms. Lori Heath of the Daggerwing Nature Center will be the discussion leader and show a snake, and other reptiles.

I'll be there taking pictures and interviewing folks for an upcoming story in the Sun-Sentinel. Join us.

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Friday, Feb. 18 at 10 A.M., the Hearing Loss Association of America South Palm Beach County Chapter meets at South County Civic Center for its monthly meeting.
Board members are going to show the latest assisted listening devices that are on the market.

Clear Sounds of Chicago has sent in their latest selection for you to view. You'll want to see what's new that may be of help.

Coffee "and" is available.

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CITY OF DELRAY BEACH
Delray Beach ITC Serves Up Roddick & McEnroe Return

Andy Roddick and John McEnroe will be in town to participate in the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships (ITC) on February 18th - 27th at the Delray Beach Tennis Center. Roddick, 2003 US Open champion, made his pro debut at the ITC in 2000 as a 17-year-old and then developed into the top American player of the decade. Also competing will be 2009 US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro, former ITC champions Mardy Fish (2009), Kei Nishikori and Xavier Malisse (2005 & 2007), two-time finalist James Blake (2007 & 2008) and Wimbledon record-setting John Isner.

The ATP World Tour tournament will be held alongside the second-year ATP Champions Tour event, highlighted by McEnroe, Mats Wilander and Mark Philippoussis. In addition to world-class tennis, fans will enjoy great dining, daily live music, interactive activities/displays and a variety of merchandise.

On opening night (Friday, February 18th) from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, "Tennis on the Ave," a grudge match between Grand Slammers McEnroe and Wilander, will be presented by the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). This free event, which started last year as an impromptu exhibition match with McEnroe, transforms Atlantic Avenue into a makeshift tennis court (see road closure information below). Following this exciting event, spectators are encouraged to walk along Atlantic Avenue and experience South Florida's best restaurants, cafes, boutiques and art galleries until the ITC's opening match at 7:00 pm.

Other ITC promotions include: Senior Days - Buy-One-Get-One-Free reserved or box seats (February 21st, 23rd & 24th day sessions) & the Food Drive/Raise A Racket Day - donate 8 non-perishable food items or a usable tennis racquet and receive one (1) free grandstand ticket (February 21st & 22nd day sessions).

On Saturday, February 26th, Kidz Day, a family-friendly event that includes games and activities, a bounce house, face painting and more, will start at 11:00 am. Children 12 and younger are admitted free for the day matches (up to 4 children per one paid adult).

Individual session tickets start at $15 for grandstand seats. Tournament ticket packages are also available. For match schedules, event information and/or tickets, visit www.YellowTennisBall.com, stop by the Tennis Center Box Office, 30 NW 1st Avenue (Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm) or call (561) 330-6000.

Tennis on the Ave Road Closures: On Friday, February 18th, beginning at 2:00 pm, the City will set up road block barricades to restrict vehicular traffic and parking in the section of Atlantic Avenue between NE/SE 1st and 2nd Avenues. This section will remain closed until approximately 8:00 pm.

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Powerline Road / S.R. 845 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road

Construction on this 3-mile project began Monday, May 18, 2009. Work consists of repaving the roadway, minor widening and reconstruction, signalization, lighting, drainage, bridge replacement, irrigation and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $9.7 million. The work is being performed by Ranger Construction South and is expected to be completed summer 2011.

Restrictions: Two lanes are closed around-the-clock on the L-47 canal bridge for bridge work. Traffic is shifted to one lane in each direction on the east side of the road through this area. Single travel lanes may also be closed at various locations between the Broward County Line and Glades Road, 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, until the end of February 2011. Turn lanes will be closed temporarily as needed. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Motorists should use caution driving in the project limits. Delays are expected.

Dixie Highway from Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach over the FEC railroad tracks and the Hillsboro Canal to S.W. 18 Street in Boca Raton--Construction of a four-lane overpass (flyover) began Ap. 16, 2010. The project includes bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides above the railroad tracks, canal, N.E. Second Street, N. River Avenue and N.E. Second Avenue. A pedestrian bridge will be built over Hillsboro Canal east of the overpass. Drainage and landscaping will be added. Construction is expected to be completed summer 2012. Cone & Graham is the prime contractor.

Restrictions: Deerfield Beach—One lane will be closed in each direction, intermittently, at the intersection of Hillsboro Boulevard and Dixie Highway, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Federal Highway / S.R. 5 / U.S. 1 from Yamato Road to the C-15 Canal--Construction on this 1.944-mile resurfacing project began Thursday, June 17, 2010, in the City of Boca Raton. Work consists of repaving and restriping the roadway, adding five-foot paved shoulders in both directions, minor storm water drainage, replacing sidewalks and curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and installing a video detection system on existing traffic signals. The estimated construction cost is $1.9 million. Work is being performed by Weekly Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be completed winter 2011.

Restrictions: One lane of U.S. 1 may be closed in each direction, daily, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., through March 2011.

I-95 Southbound Resurfacing from South of Boynton Beach Boulevard to South of Linton Boulevard--This 3.9-mile resurfacing project began Monday, Dec. 6, 2010 in the City of Delray Beach. This project includes milling and resurfacing of the existing roadway, and the restoration of traffic monitoring loops that will be removed during milling operations. Work is being performed by Ranger Construction Industries, Inc. and is expected to be completed summer 2011. The estimated construction cost is $2.4 million. This project is also part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus. For more information, please contact Bergmann Associates at 561-662-4645.

Restrictions: I-95 southbound will have three outside lanes closed, 9 p.m. until 5:30 a.m., Monday night, Feb. 14, through Friday morning, Feb. 18. The I-95 southbound entrance ramps at Linton Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue may have alternating intermittent full closures during this time. Temporary intermittent rolling roadblocks may also occur within the work zone for FHP controlled equipment crossing.

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Sheriff's District 4 Lt. Pete Ebel requests the public to pay attention to the MOVE OVER LAW.
Click the flyer below to familiarize yourself with the important details. By obeying the
MOVE OVER LAW you can save lives!

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Tuesday, Feb. 8 a ground breaking ceremony took place at the construction site of the West Boynton Urgent Care & Diagnostic Imaging Center, located in Canyon Town Center, corner of Boynton Beach Blvd. and Lyons Road. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2012.

The ceremony was led by Mark Bryan, CEO of Delray Medical Center, (pictured). Among the dignitaries in attendance were Commissioner Burt Aaronson, Alliance of Delray President, Bob Schulbaum; Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations President Ken Lassiter and Kevin Rafferty, Vice Pres. GL Homes.

This will be a two story 20,000 sq. ft. new medical office building. First floor on-site services will include: Urgent Care with dedicated pediatrics exam rooms and dedicated pediatric waiting rooms; full diagnostic imaging offering same day appointments. Second floor dedicated to a diverse tenant mix of primary care physicians and medical specialists.

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CITY OF DELRAY BEACH--Municipal Election Will Not Be Held Due to Candidates Unopposed

Due to candidates Mayor Nelson S. "Woodie" McDuffie, Commissioner Adam Frankel and Tom Carney being unopposed at the end of the February 8, 2011 qualifying period, the City of Delray Beach will not hold an election on March 8, 2011.

According to the City's Charter Article V, Section 5.04(C), all candidates are deemed to have voted for themselves and are therefore elected to the office for which they qualified. The three (3) candidates will be sworn in at the City Commission's Annual Organizational Meeting on Thursday, March 31, 2011, 6:00 pm.

Mr. Carney replaces Commissioner Gary Eliopoulos, who opted not to run for re-election.

Proposed Charter Amendment
Due to the fact that there will not be a contested election for Mayor and/or Commissioner, a special election to consider a proposed Charter Amendment asking voters to consider increasing the Mayor and members of the City Commission's term (number of years before running for election) will be cancelled and will not be held. This action by the City Commission ensures that the City does not incur added election costs associated solely with this Amendment issue.

This proposed Charter Amendment, if approved by a majority of registered voters, would have increased the maximum number of years that an elected official would be able to serve on the City Commission, but would also reduce the total number of consecutive terms that could be served - from three (3) consecutive, two (2) year terms to two (2) consecutive, three (3) year terms. As a result, this proposed Amendment would not have increased the maximum number of consecutive years that could be served on the Commission - total number of consecutive years would remain at 6 years.

This proposed Amendment would be required to be reconsidered by the City Commission at a later date to determine if it will be included within a future election ballot.

For more information, please call the City Clerk's Office at 243-7050.

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Palm Beach County is home to 82 county parks; 23 located in the south county area, 14 in our district and none quite as beautiful as our very own Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.

The Morikami has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida and an enjoyment for County residents and visitors since opening in 1977. The Morikami presents the opportunity for guests to experience traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through world-class exhibits, varied educational programs and seasonal events, bonsai display, pan-Asian cuisine and a distinctive museum store.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the expansion of Morikami’s gardens. The gardens were created to reflect major periods of Japanese garden design, from the eighth to the 20th century, and serve as an outdoor extension of the museum. According to the garden designer, Hoichi Kurisu, each garden is intended to express the character and ideas of a unique counterpart in Japan without attempting to duplicate those gardens, and seamlessly flow together as one. A great opportunity to tour the park is during its summer Sushi & Stroll series beginning May 13 and continuing through September on select Friday evenings from 5:30pm – 8:30pm. The cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-17 and free for museum members and children 3 and under.

Featured this month will be the 32nd annual Hatsume Fair - Morikami’s largest annual event. Hatsume transforms the normally tranquil Morikami Park into a unique Japanese spring festival. The event will include three stages of continuous entertainment featuring taiko drumming performances, martial art and bonsai demonstrations, cosplay contest and more. Avenues of artisan booths, anime dealers, plant sales, Asian and American food vendors, the Kirin Beer Garden, children’s activities, and a Bonsai exploration area will also be featured. Hatsume fair is March 19th & 20th from 11am-6pm. The costs $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 4-17 and free for museum members and children 3 and under.

If you have not been to the Morikami I encourage you to go. The museum and gardens are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-17 and free for museum members and children 5 and under. The Morikami is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach, Florida. For more information about the Morikami, its exhibitions, programs and events, visit www.morikami.org or call 561-495-0233.

As always, I invite your comments on any issue of interest to you. As your Commissioner, I am here to help you. You may write me at 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, 33401 or call my staff at 276-1310 or toll free at 877-930-2205. My email address is: baaronso@pbcgov.org.

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CITY OF DELRAY BEACH
Delray GreenMarket 14th Annual Chili Cook-Off

Chopped onions, chili powder and a generous portion of fun make for a wonderful recipe at this year's Annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, February 19th, at the Delray GreenMarket, located along the street on SE 4th Avenue, just south of Atlantic Avenue. Veteran and novice chefs are invited to take up their ladles from 10:00 am until noon to flaunt their culinary talents. Tasting is always free and chili lovers will delight in the assortment of homemade recipes.

The Chili Cook-Off gains popularity with locals and out-of-towners each year. From Traditional to Vegetarian to New Age, entries are sampled and voted on by judges and market goers. Competition is fierce as cooks vie for the Chef's Choice and the People's Choice awards. Trophies and bragging rights are awarded to winners for their creative concoctions in a variety of categories.

The GreenMarket offers the finest in produce, baked goods, flowers, plants and organic foods every Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Weekly musical entertainment and special events occur at this outdoor market through May 2011.

To find out more about the 14th Annual Chili Cook-Off or how to enter, contact Lori Nolan, Manager of the GreenMarket, at (561) 276-7511 or E-mail greenmarket@delraycra.org.

The GreenMarket is a project of the Community Redevelopment Agency.

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Feb. 4 through Feb. 11, 2011

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 and in other areas throughout Palm Beach County for construction activities.

For around-the-clock, real-time, I-95 traffic information, call 511. To view real-time video of I-95 in Palm Beach County, visit the Florida Department of Transportation’s Palm Beach SMART SunGuide Transportation Management Center (TMC) website at www.smartsunguide.com

. FDOT and the SunGuide™ Partners provide these free services. For updated lane closure information, please refer to www.pbfdot.com

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United States Congressman Ted Deutch spoke to his constituents today at the South County Civic Center, West Delray Beach. More than 400 citizens jammed in this morning to enjoy coffee “and;” hear Commissioner Burt Aaronson praise Congressman Deutch in his introduction and then hear a tour de force speech from Deutch that covered many of the major issues facing the citizens of Florida as well as the U. S.

He spoke about the Health Care bill; creating more jobs; reducing the federal budget the wrong way by cutting police and teacher’s jobs. “We’re battling China for jobs, says President Obama,” related Deutch. “We shouldn’t be battling each other.”

“Medicare and Social Security are at risk,” continued Deutch. “Republicans want to privatize Medicare. It’s true we have to rein in waste. Social Security does not contribute to the deficit. We shouldn’t raise the retirement age. COLA has been abandoned.

On domestic issues, the opposition party wants to strip away women’s right to choose. This is wrong. As to the 2nd Amendment, I have no argument with everyone’s right to bear arms, but we should limit the number of bullets that can be used with a gun. Why does any citizen need a magazine that holds 31 bullets? That is absolutely wrong.”

Deutch expressed himself about foreign affairs. “What is the U.S. role in Egypt? They should have a fair election and we want the new Egyptian government (when it occurs) to recognize the contribution the U. S. makes of $1.3 billion annually to their treasury. Iran will continue to make nuclear weapons. I am proposing a bill which will force companies to declare whether they do business with Iran. We must stop supplying Iran with components that help them in the manufacture of nuclear weapons.”

He concluded by thanking the members of the audience for allowing him to represent them in Congress. "My staff headed by Wendy Lipsich is available to help any citizen. Call if you need help.”

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We
have fire alarms in the ceiling of our home in several rooms. While they are connected to the electrical system in the home, they also use a 9 volt battery. I’m sure you’ve heard that when we change from daylight to standard time and vice versa it is recommended that we put fresh batteries in these alarms. One of our alarms is at the highest point in the house on a 10’ ceiling. When that battery wears out, I have to get a young person to climb up on a high borrowed ladder, because I won’t go that high anymore. That means I don’t switch those batteries on schedule.

I also put in a carbon monoxide alarm in the kitchen which is closest to the garage. The same outfit that makes the ceiling alarms makes the carbon monoxide alarm—First Alert. When the battery starts to run down in any of these alarms it begins to chirp and it's the same chirp, fire or CM.

So the other 2 AM in the morning we hear the chirp beginning. It sounded like the alarm right out the bedroom door, the one 10’ high.

I said to the Mrs., “This will have to wait until tomorrow,” and I closed the bedroom door hoping to shut out the aggravating, high pitched chirp. The readily accessible carbon monoxide alarm in the kitchen never entered my mind.

Sitting down to breakfast in the morning, I hear another chirp and look down at that CM alarm on the wall. Sure enough the red light is out. “That’s the culprit, not any of them in the ceiling,” I say to the wife. Within two minutes I have a new 9 volt battery in place, plug the alarm back
in the wall outlet and blessed silence returns. No more chirps.

If I thought about that at 2 AM, I could have made the repair then and slept soundly through the night, instead of flinching with each chirp all through the night.

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Alliance of Delray Residential Associations, Inc.
Wednesday February 2, 2011
Michael McAuliffe, State Attorney
Office Update ♦ Significant Cases ♦ 2011 Legislation
and
Sheryl Steckler, Inspector General
“The Role of the Inspector General”
Also, status reports from County Administrators, Elected Officials and Current Information
Vital to Your Community

South County Civic Center
Jog Road, Delray Beach
Meeting Begins 9:30 A.M.
Doors Open at 9 A.M.

The Public is Invited to Attend
Robert Schulbaum, President

Visit Website at: www.allianceofdelray.com for important You Tube videos of meetings on subject of Pill Mills and Elder Abuse.

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Southern Palm Beach County Projects: Powerline Road / S.R. 845 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road

Construction on this 3-mile project began Monday, May 18, 2009. Work consists of repaving the roadway, minor widening and reconstruction, signalization, lighting, drainage, bridge replacement, irrigation and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $9.7 million. The work is being performed by Ranger Construction South and is expected to be completed summer 2011.

Restrictions: Two lanes are closed around-the-clock on the L-47 canal bridge for bridge work. Traffic is shifted to one lane in each direction on the east side of the road through this area. Single travel lanes may also be closed at various locations between the Broward County Line and Glades Road, 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, until the end of February 2011. Turn lanes will be closed temporarily as needed. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Motorists should use caution driving in the project limits. Delays are expected.

Dixie Highway from Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach over the FEC railroad tracks and the Hillsboro Canal to S.W. 18 Street in Boca Raton--Construction of a four-lane overpass (flyover) began Ap. 16, 2010. The project includes bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides above the railroad tracks, canal, N.E. Second Street, N. River Avenue and N.E. Second Avenue. A pedestrian bridge will be built over Hillsboro Canal east of the overpass. Drainage and landscaping will be added. Construction is expected to be completed summer 2012. Cone & Graham is the prime contractor.

Restrictions: Deerfield Beach—One lane will be closed in each direction, intermittently, at the intersection of Hillsboro Boulevard and Dixie Highway, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Federal Highway / S.R. 5 / U.S. 1 from Yamato Road to the C-15 Canal--Construction on this 1.944-mile resurfacing project began Thursday, June 17, 2010, in the City of Boca Raton. Work consists of repaving and restriping the roadway, adding five-foot paved shoulders in both directions, minor storm water drainage, replacing sidewalks and curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and installing a video detection system on existing traffic signals. The estimated construction cost is $1.9 million. Work is being performed by Weekly Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be completed winter 2011.

Restrictions: One lane of U.S. 1 may be closed in each direction, daily, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and nightly, 9 p.m. until 8 a.m., Sunday night through Friday, until mid February 2011.

I-95 Southbound Resurfacing from South of Boynton Beach Boulevard to South of Linton Boulevard--This 3.9-mile resurfacing project began Monday, Dec. 6, 2010 in the City of Delray Beach. This project includes milling and resurfacing of the existing roadway, and the restoration of traffic monitoring loops that will be removed during milling operations. Work is being performed by Ranger Construction Industries, Inc. and is expected to be completed summer 2011. The estimated construction cost is $2.4 million. This project is also part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus. For more information, please contact Bergmann Associates at 561-662-4645.

Restrictions: I-95 southbound will have three lanes closed, 9 p.m. until 5:30 a.m., Monday night, Jan. 28, through Friday morning, Feb. 4.

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CITY OF DELRAY BEACH
19th Annual SPRAB Awards Ceremony
The Site Plan Review and Appearance Board (SPRAB) invites the community to its 19th Annual Awards Ceremony at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, February 1, 2011, during the Regular City Commission Meeting in City Hall Commission Chambers, 100 NW 1st Avenue.

Each year, SPRAB presents awards for exceptional projects completed during the previous fiscal year. The awards are given to those property owners and their design teams whose projects have significantly contributed to the beauty of the community through superior design. Honors were awarded based on the following categories: Recreational Facility - New, Commercial - New, Mixed Use - New, Public Facility - New, Residential - Exterior Renovations, Commercial - Exterior Renovations and CBD - Exterior Renovations.

This year's SPRAB Award winners include:

Del-Aire Country Club Clubhouse (Recreational Facility - New)
Midtown Medical Building (Commercial - New)
Worthing Place (Mixed Use - New)
West Atlantic Public Plaza (Public Facility - New)
Tropic Bay Condominiums (Residential - Exterior Renovations)
Wal-Mart Plaza (Commercial - Exterior Renovations)
The Office Restaurant (CBD - Exterior Renovations)
For more information, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department at (561) 243-7040.

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I am particularly interested in the part about the wasp spray...

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..

5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway..

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.

12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at http://www.faketv/ ..com/)

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Subject: Fw: “I never thought about that”…This gives us something to think about with all our new electronic technology.

GPS--A couple of weeks ago a friend told me that someone she knew had their car broken into while they were at a football game. Their car was parked on the green which was adjacent to the football stadium and specially allotted to football fans. Things stolen from the car included a garage door remote control, some money and a GPS which had been prominently mounted on the dashboard.

When the victims got home, they found that their house had been ransacked and just about everything worth anything had been stolen. The thieves had used the GPS to guide them to the house. They then used the garage remote control to open the garage door and gain entry to the house. The thieves knew the owners were at the football game, they knew what time the game was scheduled to finish and so they knew how much time they had to clean out the house. It would appear that they had brought a truck to empty the house of its contents.

Something to consider if you have a GPS - don't put your home address in it. Put a nearby address (like a store or gas station) so you can still find your way home if you need to, but no one else would know where you live if your GPS were stolen.

MOBILE PHONES: I never thought of this...This lady has now changed her habit of how she lists her names on her mobile phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag, which contained her cell phone, credit card, wallet... Etc...was stolen.
20 minutes later when she called her hubby, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says 'I received your text asking about our Pin number and I've replied a little while ago.' When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the
money was already withdrawn. The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text 'hubby' in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.

Moral of the lesson: Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in
your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mom, etc....And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked through texts, CONFIRM by calling back. Also, when you're being text by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you don't reach them, be very careful about going places to meet 'family and friends' who text you.

PLEASE PASS THIS ON. I never thought about the above! As of now, I no longer have 'home' listed on my cell phone.

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Trap: For Evelyn, 2010 was very difficult with the lengthy illness and passing of her husband. She has been doing her best to take care of their two small children. Now, in 2011 she has to face doing the tax return alone, something her husband had always done. Evelyn knows she could figure it out and doesn’t want to pay a tax preparer, but being both the sole bread winner and a single parent leaves her little time to herself. How would she manage getting all the papers together, let alone filling out the forms? Evelyn decided she‘d better get some help…but where?

Tips: The tax preparation industry is not regulated in Florida, but a new federal law requires all paid tax preparers to register with the IRS and get a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Preparers must sign the tax return and include their PTIN. Consumers should not assume the PTIN will guarantee a properly prepared tax return. Here are some tips to make your 2010 tax return preparation a less “taxing” experience:

• Decide if you really need a tax preparer. Many tax returns are not complex and require only a simple filing. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or go online at http://www.irs.gov to locate free or minimum cost assistance programs.

• Look into the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program by contacting the United Way. If you make $49,000 or less, it’s free. Go to: http://www.unitedwaypbc.org or call 561-375-6600.

This is the first year that the IRS will not be mailing tax packages to individuals and businesses. You can get tax software and online “fillable” forms at http://www.irs.gov/freefile. Many libraries and post offices have tax forms. You can also get them from the IRS Tax Assistance Center (561-616-2002) at 1700 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. in West Palm Beach.

• Due to tax law changes in December 2010, the IRS is advising some tax payers to wait until mid to late February to file their returns. Check http://www.irs.gov to see if you are in this group.

• If you need to use a tax preparer, shop around first. Get an estimate of costs up front. Ask about your preparer’s qualifications. Check with national associations for local members: National Association of Tax Professionals, http://www.natptax.com, National Society of Tax Professionals, http://www.nstp.org, National Association of Tax Consultants, http://www.natctax.org.

• Be wary of preparers who promise a big refund or base their fee on the amount of your refund. You, not the preparer, are ultimately responsible for your tax return.

• Be cautious about “refund anticipation loans.” These loans are secured by your anticipated tax refund and may carry hefty fees and interest rates. By using the IRS’s e-file program, tax refunds can be processed in as little as 10 days.

• Good news: The last day for filing your 2010 tax return is Monday, April 18, 2011 due to a District of Columbia holiday on April 15.

For more information, call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer to see if other consumers have complaints against the tax preparer you are considering.

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State Senator Maria Lorts Sachs has assembled a blue ribbon panel
for an Education Summit this Wednesday, January 26 from 3 to 6 PM at
Lynn University, off Military Trail, Boca Raton. Registration begins at 2:30 PM.
The public is invited.

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Alliance board members attended the Open House conducted at her office in
Delray by freshman State Representative Lori Berman last week. Invitees were asked to bring food donations for the Caring Kitchen in Delray.

The Alliance of Delray Residential Associations attending board members (l. to r.)
Dr. Lori Vinikoor, First Vice President; Lori Berman, Barbara Zee, Vice President;
Mort Mazor, Vice President presented a check for $200 to Representative Berman
made out to Caring Kitchen.

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CITY OF DELRAY BEACH
FDOT Road Work Advisory for January 21-28, 2011
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has advised that the following road closures will be in effect due to the I-95 resurfacing project:

I-95 southbound will have three lanes closed, 9:00 pm until 5:30 am, Monday night, January 24th through Friday morning, January 28th.

The I-95 southbound entrance ramps from Linton Boulevard will undergo intermittent closures, 9:00 pm until 5:30 am, Monday night, January 24th and Tuesday night, January 25th. Motorists may detour via Atlantic Boulevard.

For more information, please call (561) 641-6440.

In addition, the George Bush Boulevard Bridge, over the Intracoastal Waterway in the City of Delray Beach, may have intermittent lane closures. For more information about this project, please contact Palm Beach County Construction Services at 561-684-4000.

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Ten years after completing a major garden expansion and renovation, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the opening of Roji-en: Gardens of the Drops of Dew (The George D. and Harriet W. Cornell Japanese Gardens). As part of the celebration, the entire facility, which is normally closed on Mondays, will be open to the public on Monday, January 24 from 10am-5pm.

***ADMISSION TO THIS EVENT IS FREE***

Enjoy special events throughout the day, the Museum Store with membership discounts,
a special $10 Cornell Cafe menu, and much more!

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Southern Palm Beach County Projects: Powerline Road / S.R. 845 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road--Construction on this 3-mile project began Monday, May 18, 2009. Work consists of repaving the roadway, minor widening and reconstruction, signalization, lighting, drainage, bridge replacement, irrigation and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $9.7 million. The work is being performed by Ranger Construction South and is expected to be completed summer 2011.

Restrictions: Two lanes are closed around-the-clock on the L-47 canal bridge for bridge work. Traffic is shifted to one lane in each direction on the east side of the road through this area. Single travel lanes may also be closed at various locations between the Broward County Line and Glades Road, 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. until 6:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, until the end of January 2011. Turn lanes will be closed temporarily as needed. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times. Motorists should use caution driving in the project limits. Delays are expected.

Dixie Highway from Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach over the FEC railroad tracks and the Hillsboro Canal to S.W. 18 Street in Boca Raton--Construction of a four-lane overpass (flyover) began Ap. 16, 2010. The project includes bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides above the railroad tracks, canal, N.E. Second Street, N. River Avenue and N.E. Second Avenue. A pedestrian bridge will be built over Hillsboro Canal east of the overpass. Drainage and landscaping will be added. Construction is expected to be completed summer 2012. Cone & Graham is the prime contractor.

Restrictions: Deerfield Beach—One lane will be closed in each direction, intermittently, at the intersection of Hillsboro Boulevard and Dixie Highway, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Federal Highway / S.R. 5 / U.S. 1 from Yamato Road to the C-15 Canal--Construction on this 1.944-mile resurfacing project began Thursday, June 17, 2010, in the City of Boca Raton. Work consists of repaving and restriping the roadway, adding five-foot paved shoulders in both directions, minor storm water drainage, replacing sidewalks and curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and installing a video detection system on existing traffic signals. The estimated construction cost is $1.9 million. Work is being performed by Weekly Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be completed winter 2011.

Restrictions: One lane of U.S. 1 may be closed in each direction, daily, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and nightly, 9 p.m. until 8 a.m., Sunday night through Friday, until mid February 2011.

I-95 Southbound Resurfacing from South of Boynton Beach Boulevard to South of Linton Boulevard--This 3.9-mile resurfacing project began Monday, Dec. 6, 2010 in the City of Delray Beach. This project includes milling and resurfacing of the existing roadway, and the restoration of traffic monitoring loops that will be removed during milling operations. Work is being performed by Ranger Construction Industries, Inc. and is expected to be completed summer 2011. The estimated construction cost is $2.4 million. This project is also part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus. For more information, please contact Bergmann Associates at 561-662-4645.

Restrictions: I-95 southbound will have three lanes closed, 9 p.m. until 5:30 a.m., Monday night, Jan. 24, through Friday morning, Jan. 28. The I-95 southbound entrance ramps from Linton Boulevard will undergo intermittent closures, 9 p.m. until 5:30 a.m., Monday night, Jan. 24, and Tuesday night, Jan. 25. Motorists may detour via Atlantic Boulevard.

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At a recent meeting of the Jewish Heritage Club at the Vizcaya Community, retired educator
Lois Cohen conducted a program about the history of Jewish immigrants in the United States.
Using members of the audience as impromptu actors, Cohen went back to the history of New Amsterdam governor Peter Stuyvesant banning the landing of Jewish people from other countries.

Cohen handed out cards with the actor's parts printed on them and narrated a fascinating story that spoke about the peddlars in the early nineteenth century, the succes of Levi Straus and other pioneers that followed the gold rush miners and sold them the equipment they needed.
For one portion of the program she donned the stylish chapeau of the late 1800's (shown in acompanying photo).

For additional information visit her website: www.loispresents.com.

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For the latest information on local development update visit the following Alliance of Delray websites:
Alliance Development Update

Villaggio Isles: Retail and Medical Office Corner of Atlantic Avenue and Hagen Ranch Road. For Site Plan and Aerial:

http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=300&subtitle=Villaggio+Isles

Dubois AgPUD Lyons Road. For Update:

http://allianceofdelray.com/item_detail.asp?id=55&itemdesc=UPDATE+DUBOIS+AgPUD
For the record, Official Document from BCC regarding results of vote on Atl 441WLLC/AgOil January 6, 2011:

http://www.pbcgov.com/pzb/Zoning/bcc/2011/jan/results_010611.pdf

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