BOCA RATON FACTS UPDATE

Sperlings Best Places to Live likes Boca Raton, with beautiful weather year round, and great shopping. Population in 2009 is 85,407, a 15.56% growth since 2000. Housing prices are down 23.10%. Median home cost is $383,650.

SUPERBOWL CHAMP ALAN VEINGRAD SPEAKS TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 11:55-1:30

Alan Veingrad is a professional motivational speaker, a member of the national speakers association, and ”just happens to wear a Superbowl ring”. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Boca Jewish Business Network, Chabad of East Boca, and J.A.C.O.B. ( Jewish American Chamber of Business) Investment of $20. at the door is all inclusive for food, beverages, tax, tip, etc...

· Business Introductions

· Card Networking

· Kosher Meal

· Door Prizes

· Celebrity Speaker

Former offensive lineman with the Dallas Cowboys & Green Bay Packers, and a member of the Super Bowl XXVII World Champion Dallas Cowboy Team in 1992, Alan Veingrad uses sports metaphors to characterize his journey, and vividly relates the discipline of being a professional football player to success in life. For information on the even go to http://bocaratonbusinessnetworking-rss.eventbrite.com. For details about Alan, go to http://www.alanveingrad.com. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime business luncheon! Address: 120 NE 1^st Avenue, just south of Mizner Park.

NOT SITTING ON THEIR HANDS, THE HOUSING WORKING GROUP OF BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE HAS PROPOSALS TO STIMULATE THE HOUSING MARKET

The Housing Working Group of Business Roundtable is an association of leading US corporation CEOs and, applauded by the National Association of Realtors, they are concerned about returning stability and growth to the US housing market. Their recommendations include

· Keeping 30-year mortgage rates at historically low levels for the nest 12 months

· Expand current first-time homebuyer tax credit to 10% of the purchase price of the home or $15,000 for all homebuyers and remove current income restrictions and includle all primary residence purchases for the next 12 months

· Thoroughly review current foreclosure mitigation and loan-modification programs which are currently showing rising loan-modification re-default rates

· Make current temporary conforming loan limits permanent

· Review and strengthen government efforts to review and refine mortgage lending practices.

For information about the Housing Working Group and Business Roundtable, go to http://www.businessroundtable.org.

BUDGET CUTS AFFECT FAU… BUT THEY MAY HAVE A SOLUTION

Florida Atlantic University In Boca Raton is hoping to get by with a 13% tuition raise, but will ask for 15% when the board of trustees meets June 10^th. The additional 2% will be dedicated to need-based financial aid and will increased this funding by nearly a half-million dollars.. This increase will generate about $900,000. The state increased base tuition by 8%, and each state university is now allowed to levy an additional 7% differential tuition on top of that. This equates to about $500 more per year for instate students. Thirty employees will be laid off and 45 courses will be discontinued to meet legislative-mandated funding cuts. Many of the deleted positions are in the administration and staff categories. One solution FAU has come up with: additional courses may be added to online and distance learning making it very easy for you to learn-at-home.

NO NEED TO LOSE YOUR SERVERS AND DATA IN A HURRICANE

As hurricane season fast approaches, you may be worried about your office continuing to operate when problems arise as a result of a hurricane. No need to worry; now there is a solution that others are using. Talked with Senior Global Account Manager, Don Sabol recently. His 1Vault Networks (www.1Vault.net) true CAT 5 Rated & SAS 70 type II Data Center in Ft. Lauderdale has created a full suite of Business Continuity Planning. The company offers a Co-location center where data communications and media converge and interconnected, servicing multiple high end IT solutions customers. Each client can locate network, server and storage equipment there and interconnect to a variety of telecommunications and other True Tier 1 network service providers. Co-location is provided on a massive scale for needs ranging from modest-sized racks to custom cages with 22,000 sq ft of raised floor. Hardware and software installation, maintenance, managed and unmanaged servers and IT consulting are offered. If you are a Co-location client at 1 Vault, DR Seats and DR Suites are available, so your entire businesses can temporarily relocate to ensure continuity to customers in spite of outside conditions. They also provide and full range of Managed Security, Managed Backup and Disaster Recovery solutions. Check this out! Contact Don Sabol, Office # 954-736-2725 or dsabol@1vault.net. CALM YOUR WORRIES NOW, folks! Remember that old saying, "AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE."

BEST RESTORED BEACH: BOCA’S NORTH BEACH

Boca Raton acquired three large beachfront properties in the 1970’s which they converted into public parks, now valued at $330MM and Boca’s biggest asset. Residents and visitors did not always have beach, e.g. fronting Spanish River Park, during the winter months but now they do, and the beach is a major attraction that our residents and visitors head to when they want relaxation. Sand is periodically pumped to restore what is blown away or washed into the sea. Most residents and visitors are not aware that the beach is periodically restored. The beach was restored in 1988 and in 1998, and will be restored again later this year. For each dollar spent on beach restoration, studies have shown that $4-5 accrues back to taxpayers in benefits. The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association named Boca Raton’s northern shoreline as winner of the 2008 Best Restored Beach Award. Only 7 beaches received the award, four of them in Florida, but only Boca Raton’s is on the southeast coast

THE HISTORY OF ANNUITIES

• Over 2000 years ago, during Roman times, buyers, in return for a lump sum, received a fixed annual payment for life or a period certain. The first Life Expectancy Table was created by The Roman Domitius Ulpianus
• The wars during the Middle Ages were funded by tontines, annuity pools in which participants purchased a share and received a life annuity. Their survivors received a larger payment with the last survivor receiving the remaining principal, a veritable jackpot.
• European Governments, during the 18^th C., sold annuities that were state-guaranteed for lifetime income. Hundreds of laws were passed by the English Parliament to fund wars and provide a stipend to the Royal Family., the first issued was the State Tontine of 1963 costing 100£ per share with the buyer receiving income during the lifetime of their designated person, often a child. They could be assigned by will or deed or passed on to next of kin at death.
• In the United States annuities were not heavily purchased at first, mostly bought by attorneys or executors of estates to provide income to a beneficiary as describe in a last will and testament. A Pennsylvania company was formed in 1759 to benefit Presbyterian ministers and their families, and in 1912, the Pennsylvania Company for Insurance on Lives and Granting Annuities was the first American company to offer annuities to the general public.
• In the United States as multi-generational households began to fade, and especially during the Depression, investors turned to annuities as reliable investments.
• During the “New Deal” period, when FDR encouraged saving for retirement, group annuities for corporate pension plans developed. Tax deferred status was attractive.
• In 1952, the variable annuity was introduced, with a choice of vehicles to invest in, such as mutual funds.
• During the current difficult economic times annuities have become extremely popular and right now some companies have put a temporary hold on issuing annuities until they catch up with what they have in-house.
• Estimated annual annuity sales amount to over $200BB. Even though annuity contracts may have higher fees and commissions than some other investments, many have found the annuity structure to be beneficial in growing their retirement portfolios.

Blog Manager Marilyn Farber Jacobs is a License Advisor/Independent Insurance Agent and offers FREE Community Service appointments to let you know what others in your position are doing to protect, preserve and grow their retirement portfolios using annuities and/or life insurance.

$8000 NEW HOME BUYER CREDIT: THE RULES OF THE GAME HAVE CHANGED

The most significant change involves the amount of down payment required by qualified first-time homebuyers. FHA mortgages require a 3.5 percent down payment, and the $8,000 tax credit cannot be used to override that requirement. Once the 3.5 percent down payment requirement has been met, however, the tax credit can be applied to additional costs, including a higher down payment, paying points to lower the mortgage rate, and/or closing costs. Lenders will treat the tax credit money as a second lien on the home until it’s paid back. “Stay tuned” for any more changes.

ED W. “TOO TALL FREEMAN”, CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT

When Ed applied to become a pilot after receiving a battlefield commission, he was hoping to fulfill a childhood dream. However, he was told that at 6’4” he was “too tall” for pilot duty, and “Too Tall” became his nickname. In 1955 the height limit was raised, and he was accepted into flying school. Following is an email I received, source is http://www.herobracelets.org/?p=553, and it tells the story: You're a 19-year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam . Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in. You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out.. Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day. Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it. Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come. He's coming anyway. And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board. Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses. And, he kept coming back.... 13 more times... and took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out. Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman, cited for numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity, died last in August 2008 at the age of 80, in Boise , ID... May God rest his soul. Thanks to John Davis, Real Estate Broker in Nebraska and a long-time friend, for sending me this information.

HOW TO CLAIM FUNDS YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE COMING TO YOU

Search www.unclaimed.org and missingmoney.com. Look for savings bonds in your name at publicdebt.treas.gov . For IRAs and pensions search search.pbgc.gov.

FREEBEES

Head over to www.JustFreeStuff.com, and www.TheFreeSite.com . These are sites featuring free products. For groceries, go to www.GetGroceriesFree.com, and www.CoolSavings.com. Take advantage of these offers that fit what you are looking for. We all could use a “free lunch” once in a while! You might want to tell your neighbors about these sites!

ECO-FRIENDLY INDOOR AND OUTDOOR LIGHTING CAN HELP SELL YOUR HOME

Using Eco-Friendly Home Lighting to Sell Your Home

If you're in the process of getting your home ready for market, chances are you're neck-deep in home improvement projects to make your place look as appealing as possible. As stressful as this time might be, you realize that the nicer your home looks the more likely you are to close. One area that you should not skimp on is home lighting.

Good lighting has the ability to accentuate the best parts of your home while drawing attention away from the places that might need a little work. While you don't want to intentionally mislead prospective home buyers, good lighting could potentially buy you some time if some of your home improvement projects are running behind schedule.

When choosing lighting to install in your home, why not consider an eco-friendly option? In tough economic times like we're seeing today, anything that saves money is a Godsend. Eco-friendly lighting has the ability to cut energy costs without sacrificing on style in the slightest. Available in both outdoor and indoor options, going green has never been easier.

Eco-Friendly Outdoor Lighting

While you might not be showing your home at night, having adequate outdoor lighting is absolutely necessary. Not only will the presence of outdoor lighting increase a prospective buyer's sense of security but it has aesthetic value as well. As far as eco-friendly options go, look for Energy Star qualified fixtures and save big. Offering everything from fluorescent wall lanterns, post lanterns and illuminating address lights, to solar LED path lighting and deck lighting - your eco-friendly outdoor lighting options are endless.

Eco-Friendly Indoor Lighting

Consider switching out your incandescent bulbs for eco-friendly compact fluorescent bulbs. Producing a better quality light, CFLs will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. CFLs also use 75% less energy and lasts 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. There's also a vast array of Energy Star qualified indoor light fixtures for you to choose from. Also, don't underestimate the power of natural light. Remove any heavy drapery that you have up and let there be light.

You'll be surprised at the difference that adequate home lighting makes on your home's overall look and feel.

On May 12, 2009 HUD announced permission for lenders to allow first time home buyers to use the $8000 tax credit

as a down payment

If you are a FIRST TIME HOME BUYER
(have not purchased or owned a home in 3 prior years)

And are looking for a Home

This will make it easier to buy

Let us tell you the whole story

And pre-approve you same day

BOMB-DETECTING ROBOT IN BOCA RATON

Perhaps you have a robotic vacuum cleaner or mechanized pool sweeping apparatus in your home. In 2007, Boca Raton submitted a grant application to the Department of Homeland Security to acquire a large bomb robot, which will pick up an diffuse large bombs. A grant was received last September for $192,500, no local match of funds required. Other necessary applications were filed. Police Chief Dan Alexander explained that buildings in Boca are “vulnerable to both IED and vehicle-borne improved explosive devices which would be driven by vehicles and parked adjacent to the building… capable of exploding and defeating the exterior walls of the building, disrupting or destroying the operation of the facility.” This robot provides humans with camera-angle views from above and can enter physically restricted areas, breach light barriers and tear mechanical connections. It can also tow vehicles. The purpose is to develop effective preventative measures that mitigate terrorists from launching attacks targeting critical infrastructure and key assets. WE ARE PREPARED!

LOCAL HOSPITALS LISTED BY AARP AS AMONG THE BEST 125 IN THE US

! Here are sites to check out re hospitals. At Consumers Checkbook you can order books on Guide to Hospitals and Guide to Top Doctors. AARP BEST HOSPITALS; US DEPT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES RANKINGS, CONSUMERS CHECKBOOK ON HOSPITAL SUCCESSES,

FREEBEES

Head over to www.JustFreeStuff.com, and www.TheFreeSite.com . These are sites featuring free products. For groceries, go to www.GetGroceriesFree.com, and www.CoolSavings.com. Take advantage of these offers that fit what you are looking for. We all could use a “free lunch” once in a while! You might want to tell your neighbors about these sites!

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS - HERE'S THE STORY!

CONGRESS HAS APPROVED AN $8,000 TAX CREDIT (or 10% of the purchase price, which ever is less) for any taxpayer who has not owned a house during the 3 years prior to date of purchase. Credit applies to purchases made between January 1 and December 1, 2009. Credit would not have to be repaid (resale stipulations apply). Credit begins to phase out for Individuals with adjusted gross income Over $75,000/single, $150,000/joint.

THE HOME BUYING PROCESS

· Mortgage Pre-Approval: Before showing a home your real estate agent must have this letter in their file - we promise other agents to only show homes to buyers who have proof of ability to pay and they do the same
· Finding a home that you like - Give your real estate agent your criteria so they can find you the home of your dreams (price range, # bedrooms and baths, do you want a house, condo or townhouse, cities you prefer, do you have pets and if yes what are their weights as some communities have
pet restrictions, are you age 55+ as some communities are not "all age" complexes)

· Offer to Purchase and Negotiations: Your agent will help you to understand
contract, and will negotiate for you.
· Inspection, Loan is Processed if not paying cash, your agent goes to the closing with you

After you settle into your new home, your agent can tell you about local groups, events, activities and entertainment, also medical facilities, veterinarians, classes you can take, concerts, theaters and all else that you want to know. If you do not have an agent and would like to “discuss” matters with an agent, call Marilyn Farber Jacobs at 561-988-0070 or email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com. Happy to assist and find you the home of your dreams, the lowest possible mortgage rate, and get you “to the closing table.”

FREE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FOR MEDICARE PATIENTS-DIABETES, MOBILITY, ARTHRITIS

Medicare will pay for your supplies. Delivery will be made directly to your home. Your claims will be filed for you. No waiting in line, no trips to the pharmacy, NO COST TO YOU. For diabetics, we have a brand new state-of-the-art testing meter, virtually pain free – never prick your fingers again! With free blood pressure monitor on first reorder, you get a free cookbook. No cost scooter or power wheelchair, delivered to your home with free in-home setup – choose from a variety of brands. Equipment provided for relief from arthritis, back ache, elbow, ankle or knee pain, swelling, soreness, stiff joints-relieves pain, increases mobility, reduces swelling, long-term wearer comfort, increases circulation, promotes healing. VitalWrap System delivers targeted relief through hot, cold, contrast and compression therapies with precision and comfort. Sizing guide included. Email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com for free Community Service Medical Equipment Brochure or call Marilyn to receive brochure in person or by mail at 561-988-0070. Marilyn is a Licensed Advisor/Independent Insurance Agent and will be happy to discuss with you Medicare Supplements, Life and Health Insurance, Annuities, Long Term Care, and Life Settlements.

TODAYS AWARD: FREE COPYING, FAXING AT OFFICE DEPOT FOR JOB SEEKERS THROUGH MAY 30th

Kudos to Office Depot, for recognizing these are tough times for many, and offering up to 25 single-sided free copies of resumes and free faxing to 5 different domestic numbers for job seekers.

2008 WORLD'S MOST ETHICAL COMPANIES

Names you may recognize on this list include American Express, HSBC, Nike, Honda Motor Company, Sun Microsystems, FPl Group, General Electric, General Mills, Kellog, Pepsi, Caterpillar, AFLAC, International Paper, Allianz, Google, Kiplinger, Marriott, Time Warner, McDonalds, Starbucks, Gap, Ikea, Trader Joes, Vodaphone and United Parcel. For a complete list, and how they were chosen, see http://www.ethisphere.org/wme2009.

MICHAEL THORNTON AWARDED CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR

Michael Edwin Thornton was born in Greenville, South Carolina and raised on the family farm near Spartanburg. Thornton joined the Navy upon graduating from high school in 1967 and completed the rigorous training to join the SEALs, the Navy's elite sea-air-land special operations force. As overall American conventional forces were gradually withdrawn from Vietnam in the early 1970s, the "unconventional warfare" role of Navy SEALs grew. In the spring of 1972, Petty Officer Thornton was assigned to a mission under the command of Lt. Thomas Norris. Thornton and Norris accompanied a three-man South Vietnamese Navy team which included Kiet Nguyen, South Vietnam Navy, LDNN, (Lien Doc Nguoi Nhia, literally "soldiers who fight under the sea") on an intelligence gathering mission in enemy-held territory. Launched from a Vietnamese Navy junk in a rubber boat, the patrol reached land and found themselves farther behind enemy lines than they had planned. Continuing on foot toward their objective, they came under heavy fire from a far larger force and were in danger of being surrounded. While inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, they headed for the shore, in hopes of escaping by sea. On learning that Lt. Norris had been hit by enemy fire and was believed to be dead, Thornton & Kiet Nguyen returned through a hail of fire to the lieutenant's last position and found him severely wounded and unconscious, but alive. The two other members of the LDNN team refused to go to the aid of Lt. Norris. They were never seen again. When Thornton & Nguyen found Lt. Norris his was alive but unconscious from a severe head wound.
Thornton slung Norris over his shoulder and dashed for life over 400 yards of open beach, returning enemy fire as he ran. He carried Norris and wounded comrade, Kiet Nguyen, out to sea, beyond the range of enemy fire. The three men floated for approximately two hours before being retrieved by the same South Vietnamese Navy junk that had brought them into the operation. Michael Thornton was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on October 15, 1973. He is the first person in more than a century to receive that honor for saving the life of another Medal of Honor recipient. Now retired after a distinguished Navy career that continued through Operation Desert Storm, he resides near Houston, Texas. For his gallantry, Kiet Nguyen, Petty Officer, received the Navy Cross, the second highest Navy honor. He was the only Vietnamese to receive the Navy Cross. Kiet now lives in Southern Louisiana. Their story can be seen on the Military and History Channels.

This is the 3^rd and last article in the series on Congressional Medal of Honor Winners. Thank you again to Author Gary Gosnell, Southwest Airlines Pilot (Ret).

LOOKING FOR PARADISE? HERE'S AN EASY WAY IN....

Reduced from $800,000 to $700,000, this short sale is QUITE A BUY... in the very prestigious waterfront community of Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club. With elegant multi-million dollar homes abounding in this community, here is a 1-story home on a corner lot with 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths - 2259 living sq ft and a 28'x14' pool. If you are home shopping under $1MM, this is a MUST SEE. With tropical landscaping, a circular driveway, formal living and dining rooms, it's a great home value. Some items you see in the photos are excluded and it is unfurnished. Ask Marilyn (561-988-0070) to show it to you... come take a look! 12-hour notice needed for showings. No corporate buyers, can lease out with restrictions. Yacht Club membership is optional. More photos available - email marilynfjacobs@gmail.com.

FROM FORBES, “10 THINGS TO BUY BEFORE THE ECONOMY IMPROVES”

Sadly, someday this recession is going to end. After 17 months of steep decline, both the president’s Council of Economic Advisors and the Federal Reserve now believe the conomy will begin to recover sometime in 2009. Great news, to be sure. But it’s also a warning to consumers: The deals you’re seeing on everything from houses and cars to televisions and furniture won’t last forever. Luckily for a host of goods and services, the sale of the century (literally) is still on. The reason is simple: no buyers. Personal savings in 2008 were nearly six times greater than in 2005… For those feeling bold enough to bargain shop, opportunities abound. Some deals, like housing and automobiles, might be obvious, but others, like diamonds, might not be. BIG TICKET ITEMS: At the top of the list: housing. This may be the best time in a generation to buy a home. According to the S&P/Case-Shiller US National Home Price Index, fourth-quarter 2008 prices were down 25% from the fourth quarter of 2006. The stimulus bill Congress passed in February includes an $8000 credit for first-time home buyers. According to bankrate.com, average interest rates are beginning to dip below 5% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

THE GOOD, BAD AND BETTER NEWS ON HOUSING AND MORTGAGES

Neighborhood Stabilization Programs are reaching heavily into foreclosed areas. $4BB of federal monies authorized by Congress in 2008 and another $2BB dollars in the 2009 economic stimulus package are being distributed to dozens of cities, towns and counties in the United States. These are aimed at purchasing blocks of distressed properties to create “land banks” for future redevelopers. Private investors can work jointly with nonprofits to assemble and prepare real estate for government purchase. Sidelined by the recession, now local builders and developers may be able to help reconstruct damaged houses and manage them until they are ready for resale. Contact local housing and community development agencies that are making Neighborhood Stabilization proposals to the federal government. If local officials have not yet prepared proposals for HUD, you may be able to talk to them and get the process started. Tamarac in Broward County, the closest area to Palm Beach County receiving initially distributed funds for this plan, will get almost $5MM. For Further information. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that 2 weeks ago US mortgage applications soared 32% as record low interest rates spurred home refi loans, accounting for 78.5% of all applications. Zillow.com reports that in 2008 the housing market lost an estimated $3.3 trillion in value. Credit Suisse Group AG estimates that a total of 16% of all US households (8.1MM homes) with mortgages could fall into foreclosure by 2012. The Mortgage Bankers Association estimates that at the end of 2008, a little more than 9% of all US home loans were either in arrears or foreclosure. The $75BB incentive plan for lenders applies when they lower interest rates so that a borrowers monthly mortgage payment is no more than 38% of his or her pre-tax income. Then the government program would match the amount reduced by the lender to bring payments down to 31% of their pre-tax income, or to lower the principal owed on the mortgage, according to Market Watch. Part of the initiative provides for servicers to receive $1000 for each loan modification, and government funding for each month the borrower stays current on the loan. Homeowners can also receive $1000 annually for 5 years as long as they stay current on loan payments – this comes from the Trouble Asset Relief Program (TARP) and from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. A plan allowing judges to rewrite mortgage terms for homeowners in bankruptcy court is under consideration so that rather than force people into foreclosure they can make at least some of the payments. There is a fear, however, that this “cram down” law, if passed, would stop investors from buying mortgage-backed securities, fearing judges could unilaterally change the terms of the deal the securities were created around, according to MSNBC, thereby destabilizing the marketplace.