2008 BEST RESTORED BEACH AWARD GOES TO BOCA RATON
One of 5 cities in the nation to win the award, The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association cited North Beach, located between Red Reef Park and Boca’s northern boundary. Successful beach renourishment projects have been completed on the central and south beaches, in 2006 and 2003 respectively. Beaches are restored for storm protection, habitat restoration and recreation. More than 370 beaches in the US have been restored along coastlines in Miami Beach, Coney Island and Venice Beach in Southern California. Three criteria are judged – economic and ecological benefits the beach brings to its community, the short and long term success of the restoration projects and the challenges each community overcame during the project. Judges commented that the North Boca Raton effort “is characterized by its longevity, environmental sensitivity and foresight. The three large Boca Raton beachfront properties are worth over $330-MM, making them the city’s most valuable asset”.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE KIDS OR GRANDKIDS?
Take a wetlands walk at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 South Ocean Boulevard in Boca. Meet at the boardwalk’s entrance on Jog, one mile north of Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach. 9-10:30 AM on Wednesday, 5-28. An adult must sign up and accompany children – open to all agents. Wakodahatchee is a favorite for birders and photographers, a man –made wetland. Call 561-338-1473 to reserve. Watch the sharks, sea turtles and fish feeding frenzy at the tanks from 2:30 pm Sunday-Friday, 11:30 am Saturdays. No fee, no reservations. Walk Red Reed beach looking for ocean treasures and find spectacular shells. First you will hear an introductory talk about seashells and the animals that make them. These will be held in June and July on various Thursdays, and on a Monday in August. Call 561-3381473 for reservation and information. Members pay $4, non-members pay $6.

Boca Raton

10 a.m., Memorial Day ceremony at Boca Raton Cemetery, 449 SW 4th Ave., Boca Raton. Free. Call (561) 393-7806 selection 2.

7 p.m., Memorial Day concert by New Gardens Band, at Mizner Park Amphitheatre at North Federal Highway and North Mizner Boulevard. Free. Call (561) 393-7806 selection 2

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCES
At 9:30 am on Memorial Day, Monday May 26^th, join the Veterans Coalition of South Florida at Veteran’s Park for the annual Memorial Day program honoring armed services veterans. There will be a procession of colors, guest speakers and patriotic music. Bring lawn chairs. Veteran’s Park is located at 900 West Palmetto Park Road between Lyons Road and US Highway 441 in West Boca Raton.

FAU CENTER FOR HOLOCAUST & HUMAN RIGHTS EDUCATION STRAPPED - MAY CLOSE

FAU, working with the Boca Raton-based League for the Educational Awareness of the Holocaust (LEAH) is working to try to save the Center. The budget is about $200,000 a year, with half coming from the state through the university. LEAH picks up the other $100,000. State funding is from general revenue which has now been cut, so other funding sources are being pursued to prevent the Center closing. The Center provides curriculum for seven county school districts in the state, including Palm Beach and Broward. along with a lending library and professional development. According to US Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Boca Raton, the center “has been an invaluable resource for Holocaust survivors… it is essential that FAU keep this prestigious center open at a time when the scourge of genocide as well as anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial continues globally.” Wexler said the area’s congressional delegation is “ready to work…to ensure that this center remains open.” Other representatives signing the letter to FAU President Frank Brogan included Representatives Ron Klein, D-Boca Raton, Alice Hastings, D-Miramar, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Miami and Kendrick Meek D-Miami. Brogan is expected to address a number of budget cuts at the next full meeting of the FAU Board of Trustees.

MORTGAGE CRISES AFFECTS 2-MILLION AMERICAN CHILDREN!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: Analysis shows a negative impact on the health, education, and well-being of children A new report released today reveals that an estimated 2 million children will be directly impacted by the sub-prime mortgage crisis as their families lose their homes due to foreclosures. As the first comprehensive analysis of how the crisis will impact kids, the report explains that this number will rise even higher when accounting for other populations, such as children being evicted from rental units that are going into default and those children whose parents default on conventional loans. These foreclosures will happen primarily during 2008 and 2009. The report, which includes state-by-state estimates of the number of children that are directly impacted by this crisis, indicates that foreclosures often result in disruptions to a child's education, as well as issues relating to their physical and mental health. Moreover, behavioral problems are more likely to arise in children who lose their homes, as positive peer relationships disintegrate when children are forced from their neighborhoods. The report, entitled "The Impact of the Mortgage Crisis on Children" can be found at http://www.firstfocus.net/pages/3401/. In addition, the report finds that the physical and mental health of displaced children can be severely compromised, as families losing their homes are less likely to have money available for items such as health care and health insurance. Children impacted by the mortgage crisis are likely to experience excessive mobility and as a result are only half as likely to be proficient in reading as their peers. And, they are much more likely to be held back and eventually drop out of school. Children forced from their homes experience behavioral problems, such as increases in violence. Due to the increasing number of foreclosures, school districts across the country are experiencing increases in the number of homeless children entering their classrooms, many of which can be attributed to the mortgage crisis.

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS SEMINAR FOR WEST BOCA
A free event sponsored by the West Boca Chamber of Commerce for business people and residents of West Boca will be held from 10 am to noon on Saturday, May 17^th at Lowe’s, located at US 441 and Palmetto Park Road. Free discount coupons will be available to attendees for hurricane supplies. Reservations are a must – limit is 50 people. Email info@westbocachamber.com.

HOUSING PRICES PREDICTED TO GO UP 20-30% IN NEXT 5 YEARS
Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun recently said of an area that was hard hit by the housing downturn, that “the worst conditions in the Tampa market may have already passed… I think the second half of 2008 will be better. But if I look at the long-term perspective, five years from now, comfortably, one can say home prices in this region will be 20-30% higher.” He also said that while sub prime mortgages made up only 9% of all mortgages in the US, they made up 53% of US housing foreclosures, dragging down the housing market. Yun noted, “There’s a change in the mood over the last couple of weeks,” and that mortgage rates are at near historic lows, business spending is strong and corporate profits are up, all good economic signs. No doubt this is good news for Florida’s east coast too. According to an article in Realty Times, Palm Beach County buyers have purchased 30 percent more single-family homes from February to March.