WEST BOCA GREEN MARKET HELPS GRADUATION PROJECT

The Olympic Heights Community High School’s Green Market and More will run from November 4^th through April at the school, every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm, with community vendors selling goods to area residents. The address is 20101 Lyons Road, north of Glades Road. This project will help support the Class of 2008’s graduation, a drug- and alcohol-free chaperoned event. For vendor applications, email OHPG2008@yahoo.com or call 561-883-8372.

A 5-part Kultur series beings at 3 pm Sunday on the 5^th floor of the S.E. Wimberly Library on FAU’s B ca Raton campus which is open to the public and free. Each of the 5 lectures explores the evolution of the Yiddish language and culture in the fine and performing arts. This is the series 5^th year. Featured this Sunday will be 22 pieces performed by the Klezmer Company Orchestra, made up of professional musicians. Ten of the pieces will be sing-a-longs and anyone who brings an instrument to the event can play two songs with the orchestra. A question and answer period will also be held at the end of the performance. The next event features Alexandra Bracie presenting a film screening and lecture, “Memories of my Father, the artist Arthur Szyk at 3 pm November 4^th.

YOUR RENTAL CAR MAY PAY TURNPIKE & BRIDGE TOLLS WITHOUT USING SUNPASS


Customers of Avis, Budget and Hertz will pay daily fees of $2-$2.50 using “Plate-Pass” with charges billed to credit card of renter. “Rent-A-Tollpass” can be used with Dollar and Thrifty for a flat daily fee of $5.95 per rental day or $27.95 weekly with all toll charges included. These agreements are between Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise and American Traffic Solutions and Rent A Toll, Ltd. License plate information will identify the vehicles and electronically collect the toll. In it’s current newsletter, SunPass states that open road tolling will soon be available in 4 turnpike plazas – Lantana, Cypress Creek, Bird Road and Homestead Toll Plaza with plans to add this feature to other turnpike plaza areas. This will entail removal of the concrete islands (barriers, gates and columns) and adding new toll equipment structures and equipment so that cards with SunPass transducers can keep traveling at speeds of 55 mph instead of the current designated speed limit of 25 mph. Go to http://www.sunpass.com/ to update your license plate, check account balance, replenish your account, update your contact info and answer survey questions. Did you know that Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise invested $7.5-MM for generators for all service plazas giving full power for 72 hours without refueling, for use during hurricanes, and has external defibrillators available? Construction updates and real-time traffic info is available at http://www.floridasturnpike.com/. Another site for traffic info is http://www.traffic.com/.

FIRST BOCADOG WALK – BRING ALONG YOUR POOCH

Do you and your dog look alike? Is yours very small, very large, or very talented? Come to the Canine Carnival and the First BocaDog Walk on Saturday, November 3, 2007 at Mizner Bark, Banyan Trail in Boca Raton and you and your pooch might win a prize! There will be vendors, contests, prizes, and demonstrations. $25 registration fee for you, and the pooch has free admission. Your pooch will get a goodie bag! Registration is at 8:30 am. Walk begins at 9:30 am. Canine Carnival is from 10:30 am to 2 pm. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed, Owner/Dog Look Alike, Best of Show, Biggest, Smallest and Most Talented. For more info call 561-305-3351 or go to http://www.bocadogmagazine.com/CanineCarnival

COLLAGES AND QUILTS TO BE DISPLAYED

Old School Square’s Cornell Museum will have two exhibitions displayed through Sunday, October 28^th. 105 Collages and Assemblages will be featured at the National Collage Society’s 23^rd Annual Juried Exhibit. Also on display will be 21 quilts from the Manhattan Quilters Guild celebrating the “visual feast” of New York City. For more information call 561-243-7972.

NARRATED BUS TOUR OF DELRAY BEACH HISTORIC DISTRICT SATURDAY 10-27

Departing from the Delray Beach Public Library, 110 West Atlantic Avenue at 11 am, The Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion History will begin its Narrated Bus Tour of Historic Delray Beach. To prepay and be sure to get a seat call 561-243-2662.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE…

Alas, all the sand-renourished beach areas in the county have been returned to the ocean by abnormal winds and tides, leaving behind long buried groins, rocks, tree stumps and revetments. Stairs, lifeguard stands and building foundations have also been removed. Nearby parking areas and parks have been flooded. Millions of tons of sand are gone, ensuring death to the off-shore environment. The sand smothers fragile coral reefs and all life that inhabits them, limiting food sources for sports and food fish, interfering with “catches” for the fishermen. According to the NEW YORK TIMES (10-2-07) the world’s polar areas are experiencing and ice melt so vast that predictions are that by 2013 a blue Arctic Ocean will exist. Would you say this is an exercise in futility, and that Mother Nature wins?

NAR: A GOOD DAY FOR HOUSING… September 18, 2007

Along with “the FED” cutting the discount rate by half a percentage point, the House of Representatives passed the Expanding American Homeownership Act of 2007, HR 1852, offering homeowners a safer alternative to risky mortgage products, helping homeowners who may be facing foreclosure, increasing loan limits and eliminating the statutory 3% minimum cash down payment. Mortgage modifications will allow borrowers to change mortgage terms so they can afford to stay in their home. “Partial Claim” programs will cure a loan default with the FHA lending the borrower money with a no-interest loan due when the property is sold or paid off. The National Association of Realtors (NAR), America’s largest trade association, represents 1.3MM+ members involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate and is known as “The Voice for Real Estate.”

KRAVIS UPDATE

November 7: Queen Latifah... December 13: Anita Baker... January 30: Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. Kravis Members can buy tickets prior to this Saturdays Public Ticket Sale to be held in the center's Rinker Playhouse, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach. There will be refreshments available. To become a Kravis Center member, call 561-651-4320. You can choose your seats at www.kravis.org or call 561-832-7469 or 800-572-8471.

BEACH CLEANUP SATURDAY SEPT 15TH

Come to Gulfstream Park, 4489 No. Ocean Blvd, Gulfstream, 8-10:30 am and help cleanup, get free t-shirts, drinks and cookies and be awarded community service hours. Pre-reister with Gary Solomon, TheRecipeExchange@Comcast.net, 561-734-9128. www.Sandsifters.org. Gulfstream Park is a small beach park nestled on a hill behind a mass of Sea Grape bushes and shaded by Australian Pines. There are open picnic benches, a few BBQ grills, a children’s play area, showers and restrooms as well as areas to sit overlooking the ocean. The beach is wide and clean and there is usually a lifeguard on duty. Walk the vegetation-covered boardwalk to the beach. There are 86-parking spaces (free). Activities include fishing, swimming and sunbathing – a great place to take the kids to!

MARCH OF DIMES PRESENTS SIGNATURE CHEFS & WINE EXTRAVAGANZA

Don’t miss this fabulous night of gourmet food presented by 20+ local restaurant chefs (Chef Chair is Zack Bell of Café Boulud in Palm Beach), fine wine spirits, exciting entertainment and live and silent auction prizes at the Marriott Boca Raton, 5150 Town Center Circle on Thursday, October 11, 2007 from 6 pm – 9 pm. Advance Purchased Tickets are $100; $125 on event day. Purchase tickets at marchofdimes.com/florida or call 561-276-2001. Valet parking provided. Located one mile north of Palmetto Park Road on Military Trail in Boca Raton.

DELRAY BEACH HISTORIC HOMES CAN BE VIEWED ON WALKING TOURS

Known world-wide for its charming historic districts and 100+ years of history, a map of walking tour sites is now available form the City of Delray Beach Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall, 100 NW 1^st Avenue, or call 561-243-7284… The Sundy House, listed on the local and national Register of Historic Places, at 106 S. Swinton Avenue, is a popular restaurant and inn with a botanical gardens to roam through and enjoy, former home of John Shaw Sundy, the first Mayor of Delray, when the town was incorporated in 1911… The most expansive historic site in downtown Delray Beach is the Old School Square which includes the Crest Theater, and Cornell Museum of Art and History. Points of interest there include the recently added arcade and band shell… Also included are the fully restored S.D. Spady Cultural Museum at 170 NW 5^th Avenue, former home of locally prominent African American educator, businessman and civic leader Solomon D. Spady – open to the public… Listed on the Local Register of Historic Places, as is the Spady Museum, is the Susan Williams House at 154 NW 5^th Avenue. Susan Williams was a local midwife, often the only one available to provide medical treatment to residents of the “Sands” neighborhood, now known as the West Settler’s Historic District, moved in 2000 to it’s current location with renovation coming for use as a community education corner as part of the Spady Cultural Arts Complex. The building is not currently open to the public… The Cason Cottage Complex at 5 NE 5^th Avenue, is both the first restoration done in the Old School Square District and the first museum in Delray Beach, once home of the Cason family, Delray pioneers, and it reflects the South Florida Lifestyle from 1915 – 1935… Homes in Bankers Row, circa 1930, NE 1^st Avenue between 2^nd and 3^rd Streets, is in the Old School Square Historic District, belonged to many prominent Delray business leaders… The Masonic Building, circa 1924, 40-44 East Atlantic Avenue housed the local post office from the late 1920’s through the 1950’s and is now a home for local Masons… A must-see is the Colony Hotel, circa 1926, 525 E. Atlantic Avenue, designed by Martin L. Hampton, an Addison Mizner associate. It opened in 1926, needed extensive renovation after the 1928 hurricane, and is the last remaining hotel out of eight that existed during the 1920’s boom years… Don’t miss the Atlantic Avenue Bridge, circa 1951, in the Marina District, a gear-driven, Chicago-style, double leaf bascule bridge, built in 1911, which replaced a swing bridge… Sandoway House, circa 1936, currently the home of the Sandoway Nature Center, was originally the home of J.B. Evans, a local produce dealer in Delray Beach. Walk through history on this informative and interesting tour.

COASTAL CLEANUP PROJECT IN DELRAY BEACH

Wanting to preserve environmental resources, the city of Delray Beach joins the Sandoway House Nature Center located at 142 South Ocean Boulevard in celebrating Florida Coastal Cleanup Saturday starting at 9 am at the nature center on September 15^th. Local residents are asked to participate. The annual event is the largest and most successful volunteer effort of this type of project. Thousands of worldwide volunteers from more than 90 countries have, since 1986, cleared more than 100-MM lbs. of trash from 170,000 miles of shorelines, rivers, lakes and wetlands. They are given free commemorative t-shirts, water and snacks for as long as the supplies last and earn community service hours. Pre-registration can be made by calling 561-274-7263, Registration forms can be found in the lobby of Delray Beach City Hall, 100 NW 1^st Avenue, and should be completed and returned to Jennifer Buce, litter prevention coordinator.

FOUR MURALS UNVEILED IN PINEAPPLE GROVE ARTS DISTRICT

With $75,000 in funding from Palm Beach County for their ArtScape Program, four murals will be displayed and sculptured bicycle racks and scooter spaces will be installed, and sidewalk art provided. The first mural is up and others will follow. Pineapple Grove consists of a four-block area bounded on the north by NE 4th Street, on the south by East Atlantic Avenue, the east by NE 3rd Avenue and the west by Swinton Avenue.

FL MASTER NATURALIST COURSE OFFERED Sept 8 through Oct 16

The Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service will provide programs of interest to those with “green thumbs,” who love the great outdoors. Freshwater Wetlands is the first in the series, to promote awareness, understanding an respect of Florida’s natural world among Florida’s citizens. Topics will include concepts of echo-system processes, identification of key plants and wildlife, and how humans can help shape Florida’s environment. There will be both classroom learning and field trips. Cost is $225 per course and will include detailed course manuals with certificate, path and pin upon completion. Participation is limited to 20. The 2nd module, the Uplands Module, begins in October, and the 3rd will be at the Gumbo Limbo Center in Boca Raton on A1A. You can register at http://www.MasterNaturalist.org or call Alyss Dodd at 561-233-1725 or email Adodd@co.palm-beach.fl.us.

FL DOT BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON PARTS OF A1A

Work has begun or 2 ½ miles of Delray roadway from south of Linton on A1A to north of George Bush Boulevard. There will be alternate lane closings between 7 am and 6 pm daily through Friday, August 17th, with flaggers on site.

CITYPLACE EVENTS in WEST PALM BEACH

On August 9th, CityPlace fine restaurants are featuring CityPlaceUncorked at the Harriet Himmel Theater. Over 150 fine wines from all over the world to taste… VIP Receipton 6:30-7:30. General Admission 7:30 – 10 pm. Call 1-866-449-2489 to purchase tickets. Tickets are $100 (reserved for exclusive tastings) and General Admission is $60 in advance, $75 on day of event. Participating restaurants in clued Blue Martini, Il Bellagio, Legal Seafoods, Saito’s Japanese Steakhouse, Starbucks, City Cellar, Brewzzi, Columbia, Continental Catering, Jinja, Mark’s and Taverna OPA.

AUGUST BRINGS BOCA FESTIVAL DAYS

Organized by the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, special activities include:

Saturday, August 4: 22^nd ANNUAL OPEN JURIED ART EXHIBITION. Open Mon/Fri 9 am – 5 pm. The Artist Guild of the Boca Raton Museum of Art has opened this show to all South Florida artists and sales of the artwork will benefit the Museum. Exhibit is open through September 7^th at the Courtyard Building, 5301 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Call 561-738-4842 or 561-487-3362 for more information.

August 4, 11, 18, 25, 2-3:30 pm, GUIDED TOUR OF HISTORIC BOCA RATON RESORT AND CLUB. Here is an opportunity to see a famous area in Boca Raton with historic significance. 90 minute tours of this beautiful historic property built in 1926 by Addison Mizner will be conducted by the Boca Raton Historical Society docents. $12 per person ($10 for BRHS members). $9 for valet parking. See www.bocahistory.org or call 561-395-6766 Ext 100 for more information.

Friday, August 10, 7-9 PM, SUMMER MUSIC IN THE PARK will feature the Hal Roland Band – a free concert at Sanborn Square on Federal Highway, a half-block north of Palmetto Park Road. Bring a blanket or chair. Parking available nearby. For information call 561-393-7827.

Friday, August 24^th, 7-9 PM SUMMER MUSIC IN THE PARK will feature the Applause Band with Joel Lawrence. A featured Las Vegas entertainer and lead singer in a “Doo-Wop” group. See Sanborn Square directions above.

Tuesday, August 14^th, 9 am, BIRD WATCHING BASICS at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 North Ocean Boulevard, Boca Raton – learn about birds in your backyard. Binoculars recommended. All ages – children must be accompanied by adults. $15 each, reservations required. 561-338-1473. Info: 561-338-1483.

FAR “PUTS MONEY WHERE ITS MOUTH IS” RE PROPERTY TAX REFORM BALLOT

The Florida Association of Realtors, the largest trade group in the state, with 150,000 members, has pledged up to $1-MM to support passage of the Save Our Homes Amendment to allow homeowners to continue the 1992 Amendment for a 3% tax cap or to choose a new “super-homestead” exemption, taking up to $195,000 off their home’s taxable value. Passage of this amendment will provide meaningful tax relief for thousands of families including 1^st time homebuyers, and will equalize neighbor’s property taxes, says the FAR President Nancy Riley. She stated that then nurses, police officers, teachers and emergency first responders can afford to live in the communities they serve.

BREAST CANCER SCREENINGS AVAILABLE AT Boca Raton Community Hospital

BRCH has opened a satellite location of the Diagnostic Center of Boca Raton BRCH on the Clint Moore campus, Suite 114, at 1905 Clint Moore Road, offering state-of-the-art digital technology for breast screenings with hours from Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. Other locations are at the Women’s Center at BRCH, 690 Meadows Road and Women’s Center at Deerfield, 1979 W Hillsboro Boulevard, Suite 3, Deerfield Beach.. Screening appointments are now available – call 561-955-5000.

BOCA MUSEUM PLANS EXHIBIT OF DEGAS SCULPTURES

While a Jacksonville art gallery owner claims the 74 sculptures are “fakes,” made after Degas’ death in 1917, the Museum’s Board of Trustees discounts the art gallery owner’s opinion, noting the goal might be “to get his name in the newspaper.” Museums currently displaying all or portions of the Degas bronzes include the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Getty Museum in Los Angeles and the Chicago Institute of Art in Chicago. The National Endowment for the Humanities has underwritten some of the insurance expenses for the upcoming show. The museum’s website says that the exhibit, DEGAS IN BRONZE, “offers an extremely rate opportunity to view 74 sculptures, posthumously cast in bronze from Degas’ original composite and wax models.”

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION…

With reports just in that New York City and Salt Lake City are avoiding “the [real estate] bust,” can Palm Beach County be far behind? Some investors tell me they are “sitting on the sidelines” waiting for prices to keep dropping… other investors want to “sell and get out now,” but in many cases sellers are “standing pat.” Expired listings number near or over 500 properties each day. Some sellers cancel listings after getting low low bids. Remember that June and July are usually “slow months” with so many residents and part-timers out of town. August has been an outstanding month for sales in past years as folks come down to purchase residences for this coming winter… perhaps that will happen in 2007 as well. As a Realtor, I can tell you that every day in this career is exciting… new faces… new properties… no two ever alike. Like the stock market, real estate is cyclical… and what goes down will go up… just a matter of time. Stay cool. Hang in there.

Marilyn Farber Jacobs, Realtor, ePRO

IF YOU "FLIP" HOMES, THIS MAY BE OF INTEREST

A nationwide search is being done for the new cast of characters who will be featured on the upcoming season of Flip This House! The producers are searching for confident, charismatic, motivated and opinionated people who "flip" residential properties for a living. They want real-estate adrenaline junkies who love the high risk, high reward nature of their jobs and who are devoted to doing a great job! If you would like your team featured on the upcoming season send me an email and I’ll have them contact you.
marilynfjacobs@gmail.com

SPANISH RIVER LIBRARY DEBUT SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 2008

After more than a year’s hiatus, construction has restarted. Once completed it will have a café, two terraces, computer lab, teen meeting room and story area for children. Computers have been purchased. The planned downtown library on the NW 2^nd Avenue site is in the pre-design state, and it’s future depends on how tax reform impacts the city. This library will be adjacent to a new development, Library Commons.

IDEAS FOR the 4th of JULY

BOCA RATON:

Wear your red, white and blue outfit and mosey over to FAU, beginning at 6 pm on Wednesday, July 4^th for a musical revue at 4 pm of “An American Songbook: Irving Berlin, at FAU’s University Theater. Tickets are $20. At 5:30, a few blocks away, the outdoor event will begin with games at the carnival midway and family activities. The muxic beings with the “Rumor Has It” band offering music of the 1950’s and 1960’s. At 6 pm family activities are held and at 6:30 pm there will be a stage show, “You’re A Grand Old Flag. At 7:30 the Florida Wind Symphony presents a patriotic musical tribute including vocal selections from the “Irving Berlin Review” and popular family musical, “Bye Bye Birdie, both currently being presented at the University Theatre.

At 9 pm, a fireworks display will take place with traditional patriotic music supplied by Radio station WRMF 97.9 FM.

Other activities include appearances by FAU athletic teams and coaches, clowns amking animal sculptured balloons, face painting, sand art, gift drawings and family games. Special music and activities will be provided by the Childrens Museum and Glass Productions. “Operation Goody Boxes”, coordinated by the Humanitarian Society and othes, will receive monetary donations at their tent by the stage area to prepare and mail “goody boxes” to troops overseas.

Food vendors will provide picnic-type foods. No personal fireworks, open fires, pets or alcoholic beverages allowed. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Closest parking lots to the events are 1, 2, 4 and the parking garage next to parking lot 1. Those with handicapped needs are asked to use the 20^th Street entrance and go to parking lot 1. For information call 561-393-7806, selection 2.

DELRAY BEACH:

Join the day-long celebration on the beach, an ongoing tradition in Delray, starting at 8 am on Wednesday July 4^th. Three days in advance world-class sand sculptors being their work, with a grand unveiling of the large-scale sculpture on July 3^rd. At 10 am there will be a flag raising ceremony of a 30’x60’ American flag near the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue. At 4 pm the traditional Patriotic Bicycle and Scooter Parade will leave from Veterans Park and head for the beach. New bicycles, helmets, gift cards and more will be awarded for the best decorated bicycles, wagons and scooters.

There will be music, entertainment and food available at restaurants on the beach. At 8:45 pm Mayor Rita Ellis will lead the pledge of allegiance and at 9 pm the fireworks begin acoompanied by music.

HOME & CONDO SALES PREDICTED TO MAKE STRIDES

More and more positive mentions of home sales are being seen in the media.

NAR projects that sales will have a gradual upturn becoming more pronounced by the end of 2007. FAR reports that statewide sales of existing single-family homes in Florida totaled 12,607 in May, which is more in line with May 2002 activity, prior to the housing boom years, than May 2006 with 19,072 homes – a 34% decrease in the year-to-year comparison.

The MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) reported that the Boca-West Palm area had 741 homes sold last month compared to 982 a year ago, producing a 25% decrease. Median price was $387,800 whereas in May 2006 it ws $391,000 resulting ina 1% decrease. 613 existing condos changed hands last month, up 11% from the 552 condos sold the previous year. Existing condo medial sales price in May was $217,400; a year ago it was $218,900, for a 1% decrease.

Among the state’s larger markets, the West Palm Beach-Boca Raton Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) reported 741 existing homes sold last month compared to 982 homes sold a year ago for a 25 percent decrease. The market's median sales price for homes was $387,800; it was $391,000 in May 2006 for a 1 percent decrease. A total of 613 existing condos changed hands in the MSA last month, up 11 percent from the 552 condos sold the previous year. The existing condo median sales price in May was $217,400; a year ago, it was $218,900 for a 1 percent decrease.

Those authorized to invest are state agencies, municipal fire and police pension funds and local governments.

Gov. Christ recently returned from a trip to Israel that focused on bilateral trade between Israel and the State of Florida.

The first Israel bond was sold in 1951 and close to $25-billion in investment capital has been secured for the development of every aspect of Israel’s economy including agriculture, commerce and industry, and to absorb Jews from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and elsewhere.

More than $100-million of Israel Bonds are purchased every year within the State of Florida by individuals, corporations, pension plans, universities, hospitals, foundations, unions, banks and insurance companies.

10th Annual Delray Beach International Tennis Championships

10^th Annual Delray Beach International Tennis Championships to be held February 9-17, 2008. The Number 1 Doubles Team, Bob and Mike Bryan, have committed to play in this tournament. Past players have included Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Carlos Moya, Jim Courrier, Patrick Rafter and Marcelo Rios. Tournament activities will include live music shows, DJs and street performances as well as the tryouts.

Ticket packages which include priority reserved chair-back seating for all 13 sessions, start at $250 and the Weekender Series starts at $200 and includes chair-back reserved seating for the quarter-finals through the finals – 5 sessions Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Courtside box seat packages are priced between $1030 and $1200 for two seats or $1730 to $2300 for four seats and include amenities such as preferred parking and invitations to the exclusive Box Holders Party. To purchase tickets go to www.YellowTennisBall.com or call 561-330-6000. Courtside seats can only be purchased by phone.

“PROTECTING FLORIDA’S INVESTMENTS ACT” SIGNED

Florida has now become the first state in the US to link its public investments with the actions of “rogue” nations.

The new law allows Florida to divest some of its $150-BB fund and other public investments from firms that refuse to stop doing business with or otherwise support Iran and Sudan. Genocide and the development of nuclear weapons by Iran, the “world’s leading state sponsor of terror,” will not be sponsored by Florida, said Senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) and he praised Florida Governor Charlie Christ, just back from a trip to Israel, for signing the bill.

Deutch says he is working with other states to accomplish a similar program, and Governor Christ has sent letters to Governors of 49 other states encouraging them to follow suit. Deutch said the use of the law would require three steps: Identify firms with ties described by the law, Engage those firms “in a dialogue that causes them to understand what they are doing, and Ask that those ties be severed. If they are not severed, those stocks will be divested from the pension funds holdings.

This bill was signed by Governor Christ at Temple Beth El in Boca Raton.

CORNELL MUSEUM’s 13th ALL-FLORIDA JURIED FINE ART EXHIBITION OPENS

The Cornell Museum of Art & History at Old School Square Cultural Arts Center is holding this event June 14 through Sept 8. Competition closed in March, open to all Florida artists. There were more than 200 entries. There will be 70 works by 59 artists displayed including watercolors, oils, acrylis, graphites, dollage, pen and ink, mixed media, stone, wood, digital and traditional photography.

On June 21 from 5:30 pm to 8 pm $2500 in cash prizes will be awarded at an awards reception. Prizes will include Best of Show, three Awards of Excellence, Special Recognition Awards and Merit Awards.. No cost to Old School Square members and exhibiting artists, $6 for others.

Museum’s summer hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm. $6 general admission, $4 students and seniors, children 13 and under are free. For more information call 561-243-7922.

FLORIDA’S HERITAGE TO BE SHOWN IN ART SHOW & THEATRE AT SUGAR SANDS PARK

Willow Theatre presents “The Life of Ivy Stranahan: A florida Pioneer, Saturday June 23^rd at 2 pm. Reknowned historical Chautauqa portrayal artist tells tales of old Florida, with Mrs. Stranahan trekking through knee-deep mud, championing the Seminole Indians cause and becoming Ft. Lauderdale’s first teacher, a portrait of achievement and courage. Tickets are $12. Purchase at box office (561-347-3948).

The Boca Historical Society exhibits will include”Herstory: Boca Raton’s Pioneer Women.”

Sugar Sands Park Community Center and the Willow Theatre are located at 300 S. Military Trail, B oca Raton (561-347-3900 or www.sugar-sandpark.org).

DOT EAST ATLANTIC AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS HEARING

On June 6 a meeting will be held to discuss proposed improvements to East Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach between NW and SW 12^th Avenue to A1A. This will include milling and repaving existing roadway, updating curb ramps at intersections and adding cross walks, installing new mast arm traffic signals at some intersections, installing new highway lighting and adding new landscaping and decorative features. No formal presentation will be made; it will be an informal open meeting. It will be held 3-8 pm at the Old School Square Gymnasium at 51 N. Swinton Ave, just north of Atlantic Avenue. Construction is expected to begin in August 2008 and completed in a year and a half. Estimated cost is about $6-MM. For more information call FDOT’s Project Manager John Thmpson at 866-336-8435, Ext 4680 or email: John.Thompson@dot.state.fl.us.

THIS FRIDAY STARTS A 12-DAY TAX FREE HOLIDAY ON STORM ITEMS

Save money on batteries, generators, flashlights, fans, portable radios and other storm-related supplies during this period when you won’t be paying sales tax on these items. Florida residents are expected to save about $25-MM in sales taxes during this period.

DOWNTOWN BOCA SPINE

Plans for Crocker Partners to create a downtown Boca Raton pedestrian “spine which will include stores, shops, a hotel, offices and restaurants to create a pedestrian-friendly area with green space to attract walkers, are moving ahead now. The CEO, Tom Crocker says he has the backing of about 50% of downtown property owners for this Sandborn Square development, and is still working towards accord with one of the city’s largest landlords, who owns the Royal Palm Place shopping plaza at the south end of the city, which is planned to connect with Mizner Park. Two city blocks in downtown Boca will be involved. An architectural firm has been hired. The city, under Crocker Partners’ proposal, could authorize creation of a self-taxing community development district, which would be devoted to the spine road and public parking, then requiring no outlay of city money nor the need for bonds. Estimate from the city for the cost of the spine is about $30-MM.