FEB. 10th HEALTHY LIVING EXPO IN WEST BOCA SEEKS VENDORS

The Levis Jewish Community Center and West Boca Medical Center are holding their 11^th annual Healthy Living Expo from 11 am to 3 pm on February 10^th, catering to those age 55 and over. They are looking for participation from physicians, nutritionists, chiropractors, dentists, vision and hearing specialists, rehabilitation centers, mental health centers and related vendors. Location will be the JCC, 9801 Donna Klein Boulevard, off Glades Road at 95^th Avenue South. Register up to 12-31 and pay $250. Afterwards: $350. Contact Lesley Surfer at LesleyS@levis jcc.org or call 561-852-3212.

BOOKSTORE and ZED 451 RESTAURANT COMING TO MIZNER PARK

Expanding the former Museum of Cartoon Art, a 25,000 sq ft 2-level bookstore and Brazilian-style eatery will be opened within the year. The restaurant is described as a contemporary, internationally-inspired upscale steakhouse.

DELRAY BEACH CRAFT FAIR DEC 29 & 30

Head downtown to the Delray Beach Tennis Center on Atlantic and Swinton – free admission – and see the beautiful wares of more than 150 crafters, for sale. We all know that some of the best holiday buys are found AFTER the holiday. There will be jewelry, pottery, clothing and other innovative pieces. Fair will be open from 10 am to 5 pm.

A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS GIFT IN HONOR OF YOUR FRIEND OR RELATIVE

Luv-A-Pet is one of the organizations that lost county funding this year, and they need help from the public. There is a very touching story in the current Town-Crier Online (http://www.thecrier.co) of a Chichuahua who needs surgery that they are helping. On Saturdays and Sundays, Debbie Shields, a member of the pet rescue organization, brings Gemma to the Royal Palm Beach PetSmart. Take the kids there and give Gemma some loving attention. And, leave a donation in honor of the kids, your Mom, your spouse, your own pooch or kitty. That is in keeping with the “giving” part of the Christmas holiday. Make it a better year for another creature who is in distress.

OCEAN BREEZES TOWNHOUSES GET BOCA COUNCIL “GO AHEAD”

In 2006, the majority of Boca Teeca residents voted to change the zoning on a section of the golf course land from recreational use to a housing district. 211 Townhouses will be built in the Boca Tecca development on Northwest 2^nd Avenue, on the southwest edge of the property, and the area will be re-vitalized. The Clubhouse will undergo renovations, the Inn will be expanded, and two new golf courses will be created, an 18-hole golf course and a 9-hole executive course. By 2009, mandatory club memberships will expire. Some concerns cited are traffic, increased density and loss of golf course views. The question of the possible presence of arsenic and pesticides accumulating in various areas of the course over the years was raised by an environmental group. Approval is conditional on a study being done before building permits are issued. The developer, in response to concerns from neighbors, moved 9 units from the south end to the north, adding landscaping and increasing setbacks.

ISRAELI SECURITIES APPROVED AS COUNTY INVESTMENT

The County Commissioners amended the county investment policy so that up to 1% of it’s $1.7BB portfolio can be invested in State of Israel securities, or a maximum of $17MM. Included can be bonds, notes or instruments backed by the full faith and credit of the State of Israel, if rated “A” or higher by Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s ratings services. They must also have a maturity of 2 years or less. The Development Corporation for Israel may act as an authorized broker/dealer for securities backed by the State of Israel only. Backed strongly by Commissioner Burt Aronson, whose Commission District 5 is heavily populated by Jewish families, he pointed out that “Israel has not defaulted on a bond in its 50-year history as a nation." The state of Florida holds at least $230MM in securities issued by the State of Israel and has been an investor for a long time. Governor Charlie Crist and Senator Ted Deutch signed legislation earlier this year called, “Protecting Florida’s Investments Act,” so as not to link public investments with “rogue” nations.