JUNE HAPPENINGS TO ENJOY

JUNE HAPPENINGS TO ENJOY

Old School Square members have lots of goodies in store.  You and the family can visit 17 museums, attractions and cultural centers free during June 2010. 

This includes the BAMM program which gives free June entry to 20 organizations including the Boca Raton Children’s Museum, Cornell Museum, Cinema Paradiso, Flamingo Gardens, IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame, International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum, and many other interesting facilities.

The Cornell Museum of Art has developed a reciprocal partnership with the Boca Raton Museum of Art, allowing OSS members complimentary admission from June 22 through August 8, 2010 to the Boca Museum of Art 59^th Annual All Florida Juried Exhibition and the Boca Museum Artist’ Guild Exhibition and permanent collection.

Collectors should head over to the Cornell Museum for their STUFF II: The  Joy of Collecting exhibit.  Treasured items have been loaned by local collectors including glass, vintage household items, comic books, antique tools, women’s accessories, photographs, baseball cards, duck decoys and home décor which have wonderful stories accompanying the collections. 

Old School Square Membership starts at $30 for up to 2 adults and children under 18 in same household.

WALL ST JOURNAL RE FAMILY MANAGERS and MANAGEMENT FIRMS

Focusing on Oprah Winfrey’s starting a family office by hiring a Family Manager who is with a full investment organization, recommended by her law firm, for her estimated $2.4BB net worth holdings, the WSJ states that, “Wealthy investors typically hire mangers at banks and brokerage firms to handle their financial affairs.  A family office is considered a step up from such an arrangement, with a team of advisers working exclusively, and directly, for the client.” 

The article also mentions that Michael Dell, with more than $10BB worth of personal assets, has a team of 80 people working on Money Management for him at a Family Management Firm.  WSJ further states that, “the billionaire Bass brothers in Fort Worth TX created an operation that became a model for family-office investment vehicles around the US.”  

BOCA RATON TO GIVE INCENTIVE DOLLARS TO BUSINESSES

BOCA RATON TO GIVE INCENTIVE DOLLARS TO BUSINESSES

 City Council, recognizing that other local and state governments are giving out funds and other assistance to attract businesses, has approved $1,000,000 to provide local matching dollars to business receiving state money or moving to the city, or to expanding local businesses that are creating jobs.  Some state, city and county grants require a local dollar match. The amount may increase to $5,000,000.  The City Council’s focus is to create jobs and expand the tax base.

Under the plan, a local business could receive between $1000 and $500,000 to create a certain number of jobs, provide a salary level that is 120% of the average county salary, and have the potential to create significant economic growth in the city.  The target is office-based and industrial businesses, not restaurants or retail businesses.

Eleven programs include workforce training assistance and grants, low-interest loans to start up small businesses, façade improvement grants and building renovations that will make energy use more efficient.  Economic development funds have also been created in Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens. 

ROBB & STUCKY’S FAUX PAINTING PRESENTATION REVIEW

If you enjoyed finger painting as a child, you will understand why Tim Ellis has such a good time doing the beautiful faux painting work that he does.   Tim showed us samples of fabulous marble, wood, granite, leather, suede, Venetian plaster and fabric finishes that he made. 

His grandfather started the faux painting business in Florence, Italy, and now a 4^th generation is also involved.   He explained that faux painting is an absorbing business and told us about the process. 

He showed us a marble finish he did that had 9 layers… took several days.  Many finishes can be done in one day in one room.  He uses a water base primer that, vs. oil based, is not toxic and does not smell.  Wipe the surface first with primer, sand, apply finish(es) and then glaze.  He suggested using Old Masters glaze and has experimented with most glazes, if not all.  Tim said that glazes seal the paint and give a nice luster, and best of all they can be scrubbed.  He showed us that you can put a strong color in the back ground, striae (stripe) at random over it in white and the background will be there, but not strong.  Tim described various brushes he uses, and he also uses sponging and other methods.

A leather sample he did went up on a coffered ceiling, matching the furniture in the room.  Wood finishes match actual wood pieces and look exactly like them.  Marbles were beautiful colors and he compared using the same colors with darker or lighter results.  The black granite sample, he said, was okay for formica cabinets but not for counter tops. 

I found myself thinking how closely his work resembled faux work done on pillars and in architectural niches in a listing of mine.  The pillars are painted to match the floor and "fade out," and are not intrusive.  When he showed the crushed tissue paper samples, I got very excited, as the listing's master bathroom had it on the walls.  I raised my hand and asked, “Back in about 2002 did you do a builder’s model in Polo Trace?”  He said he did. I said, “I KNEW IT and want to tell everyone here that it looks as good today as when he did it.  The house looks fabulous because of those touches.” To see more pictures featuring Tim's faux painting, scroll down page to the listing for this property in Polo Trace.

If you want to reach Tim, call Robb and Stucky Design Consultant Ron Hammond at 561-445-7190.

SOME SAY THINGS ARE LOOKING UP....

SOME SAY THINGS ARE LOOKING UP....

Stockholders gathering in Omaha for Annual Meeting were told by Warren Buffet that the economy is showing “significant” and persistent improvement for the first time since the financial crisis broke in 2008.

Other indications to back this up include new loan applications going up 13% in a week according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, and the FHA and VA share of home purchase applications soared above 50%, highest amount in twenty years.   The PMI Risk index (tracks price decline potentials for two years out) found that out of the 50 largest markets in its latest survey, 42 showed less risk.  Jumbo loans are roaring back with one major lender announcing for credit-worthy applicants, rages are dropping on jumbos to 5.7% for 30 years – the best rate ever.

The current jobs recession might take 2-3 years to change, and then it is predicted there will be shortages in labor markets.  Government analysts expect 14.6 new nonfarm payroll jobs by 2018 and 15.3 MM new jobs for self-employeds, family members working in family businesses and farm jobs.   

One field where shortages are expected is health including registered nurses, and home health aides, nursing aides, orderlies and attendants.  Many jobs in the social sector (industries covering health care and social assistance, educational services, nonprofit community and religious organizations, the performing arts, museums, libraries and government) do not require enormous physical exertion, but requiring people with commons sense and experience.  Older workers might “fill the bill.”  Social sector jobs represent 47 percent of total projected nonfarm payroll employment growth, according to the MetLife/Civic Ventures report.

ELEGANT FAUX FINISHES CAN TRANSFORM THE APPEARANCE OF YOUR HOME

Ordinary surfaces can be transformed to look like Venetian plaster, leather, wood, onyx or marble and add drama and new interest to your surroundings, adding a sense of history and artistry.  

Robb & Stucky presents Tim Ellis, faux artisan and painter, speaking on Revisiting Faux Trends on Tuesday, May 8 at 2 pm in the Boca Raton store in Mizner Park.  Faux effects, from faux gold to faux marble, can add fabulous finishing touches to your interiors.  

Come and learn all about it and see beautiful examples.  Reservations requested – call 561-862-5597.  

You can also request a complimentary design consult.

VOTE FOR THE 2010 COLLECTIBLE CAR OF THE YEAR

The New York Times offers pix of 30 finalists with classics from different eras and countries to vote for.   

Pictures and information on each car are available.  Voting ends May 17, 2010.  Winner to be announced July 24, 2010.   

Photos also available on the site for previous winners.

BOCA MUSEUM FEATURES PHOTOS OF ELVIS AT AGE 21

Going back in time to 1956, struggling photographer Alfred Wertheimer was assigned to take photos of a newly signed young singer from Memphis, TN named Elvis Presley.  

The Boca Museum of Art is featuring these photos which remain among the very best candid images of the young man who became the King of Rock’N Roll.  The traveling Smithsonian exhibit, Elvis at 21, opens Tuesday. 

Wertheimer says that Elvis told him, “I don’t just sing with my voice, I sing with my whole body.”  He also commented that Elvis let him get within 3-4 feet of himself, became totally absorbed in what he was doing, and this enabled Wertheimer to get wonderful candid shots, the only ones that exist today.

LIFE IN WISCONSIN as painted by ROBERT DUNCAN

While this is NOT typical Florida life, I think you will enjoy watching this power point show.  If download does not work, click view.  Sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds.

	RobertDuncan'spaintings.pps 5149K   View   Download

South Florida Business Journal: EXISTING HOME, CONDO SALES RISE-in 2010 homes and condos are unlikely to be as cheap to buy or as cheap to finance.

The latest monthly Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home price index came in higher last week. Prices were up in 12 of the 20 major markets that Case Shiller monitors.   Home price indexes increased nationwide in August, including in South Florida where an S&P Case-Shiller report released today showed a 1.1 percent step up.  The index does include all single family homes sold, which may account for any difference between it and National Association of Realtor figures released last week that showed a small dip in local median home prices. The NAR looks at MLS listings only.

The Commerce Department released parallel findings last week - that consumers are finally beginning to loosen up on spending, and are making purchases they deferred during the scary months of 2009.   If that rate of expansion in consumption continues, not only will it begin to whittle away at the unemployment rate, but also stimulate the entire US economy, since consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of the national gross domestic product or GDP.  The housing and mortgage sectors could also begin to show some of that confidence and willingness to spend.

Home sales are expected spike upwards in the coming several months as the two federal housing tax credits head for expiration.  Mortgage Bankers Association reported last week that applications for new loans to buy houses - a bellwether indicator - jumped by seven percent and now stand at their highest level in six months.

ROBB & STUCKY SEMINAR IN BOCA RATON ON WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR TREASURED ITEMS

Find out what to do with your treasured items.  They can be the inspiration for your décor!

Discover what pieces to restore, repaint, recover or relinquish.  On Thursday, March 8^th, come to the Mizner Park Robb & Stucky store, and hear from Designer Rick Veller, ASID and Design Consultant, Sandra Welsch, how to incorporate your personal mementos into a look that works for your current lifestyle.

Reservations are requested, as space is limited.  Please call 561-862-5597.

1000 OCEAN HAS FIRST CLOSING

It's official. After years of often contentious battles with neighbors and under different ownership, One Thousand Ocean, the ultra-luxurious condominium project in Boca Raton, is done.

The city issued the developer LXR Luxury Resort & Hotels, owner of the Boca Raton Resort & Club, a certificate of occupancy last week. The condo sits on the resort's property adjacent to its Boca Beach Club.

The first closing at LXR's One Thousand Ocean, which is owned by New York-based Blackstone Group, took place yesterday, officials said. The units run from $3 million to $15 million.

UPCOMING LOCAL TOURS

Downtown West Palm Beach Historic Trolley Tours: 3, 4 p.m. Fridays; 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, leaves from Richard & Pat Johnson Palm Beach County Museum, North Dixie Highway & Third Street. $5; ages 10 and younger free. RSVP 561-833-8873.

Boca Raton Historical Society Hotel Tour: 2 p.m. Tuesdays at Boca Raton Resort & Club, 501 E. Camino Real. $15; $9 valet fee. RSVP 561-395-6766 ext. 100 or bocahistory.org.

Boca Raton Historical Society Trolley Tour: 10 a.m. second and fourth Thursdays of the month leaving from Boca Raton Historical Society, Town Hall, 71 N. Federal Highway. $20; members $15. RSVP 561-395-6766 ext. 100 or bocahistory.org.

Narrated Bus Tours of Historic Delray Beach: Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History. Registration 10 a.m., departure 11 a.m. Feb. 27 from Delray Beach Library, 100 W. Atlantic Ave. Adults/seniors $15; under 18 free. delraybeachbustours.org, 561-243-2662.

West Palm Beach Antiques Show: Early buyers 9 a.m.-noon March 5 ($25); regular hours: noon-5 p.m. March 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 7 at South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Boulevard. Adults $7, seniors $6, under 16 free. 561-793-0333, wpbaf.com.

Lake Worth Parrot Cove Home and Garden Tour: Includes nine homes/gardens, two bed & breakfasts and St. Andrews Episcopal Church 2-6 p.m. March 7. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 day of event. 561-586-8612, parrotcove.org.

Arts & Crafts Trunk Show: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. March 13, 12-5 p.m. March 14 at Art-Sea Living Gallery, 1628 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach. 561-737-2600, art-sealiving.com.

Spady Museum Ride & Remember Trolley Tour: Leaves 10 a.m. March 13 from Delray Beach Parking Garage, NE First Street & NE First Avenue. Cost $15; $10 children; $12 members. 561-279-8883, spadymuseum.org.

American Orchid Society: 16700 AOS Lane, Delray Beach. "Orchid Design Clinic" 1 p.m. Feb. 27. Members $5, non-members $10. 561-404-2031. Orchid Judging 2 p.m. Feb. 27. Orchid Doctor 1-4 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays; 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. 561-404-2000.

Gardening Classes: "Landscape Design Techniques Used by Professionals" 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays, through March 1; "When Your Garden Misbehaves" 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays, March 15-29 at Community Center, Boca Raton. Residents $38, non-residents $48. 561-338-5436.

Boca Raton Garden Club: Clubhouse, 4281 NW Third Ave. "History of Boca Raton" 1 p.m. March 2 Free. Rummage Treasures ‘N Plants Sale 9 a.m.-2 p.m. March 13. Free. 561-395-9376.

Mounts Botanical Garden: 531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach. "Designing, Creating & Maintaining Your Home Landscape" workshop series 6-9 pm. March 3-27 (Wednesdays). $50 members, $60 non-members. Bonsai Society 7 p.m. March 2. J.harman2006@yahoo.com. PBC Beekeepers Association 7 p.m. March 5. 561-686-6557. Begonia Society 7 p.m. March 8. 561-434-3745. Herb Society of PBC 9:30 a.m. March 9. 561-640-7943. Orchid Society of Palm Beaches 7:30 p.m. March 11. pottedorchid@aol.com. Rare Fruit Coucil 7:30 p.m. March 12. 561-495-4694. Enchanted Garden Spring Benefit/Auction 4:30-7 p.m. March 14. Tickets $75. General info: 561-233-1757, mounts.org.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens: Art of Bonsai classes begin March 7 (9 a.m.-noon Sundays through April 11) at 4000 Morikami Park Road, west of Delray Beach. Members $81, non-members $91; additonal material fee of $35. 561-495-0233 ext. 210, morikami.org.

Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens: 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach. Marino Marini Sculptures, Etchings and Lithographs on view through March 8. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed.-Sun. 561-832-5328, ansg.org.

SEA TURTLE DAY AT GUMBO LIMBO IN BOCA RATON

On March 13^th, Gumbo Limbo will celebrate their 5^th Annual Sea Turtle Day from 10 a m to 4 pm.  Included in the celebration will be marine life, our oceans, terrestrial species and habitats along with a fun-filled day of environmental education.  Learn about conservation to help make our world a better, cleaner place, and how all species and habitats are interconnected.  This year’s focus will be on responsible fishing.  Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

CBS Channel 12 will feature on their morning show on February 21^st a live broadcast from Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, from 6-9 am.  CBS recently showed surgical treatments for 35 green sea turtles affected by fibropapilloma, a virus which manifests in fleshy tumors on the turtles skin.  It is contagious among turtles, but does not affect humans.  Currently, only surgery can remove the tumors.  After surgery and a short recovery period, the turtles will be released to the ocean.  There were 5000 “cold-stunned” turtles rescued during 2 weeks of abnormally cold temperatures in Florida. 

Come to Gumbo Limbo and stroll around the butterfly garden, climb the observation tower on the boardwalk through coastal hammock, sit in a hut, see saltwater tanks brimming with marine life and take photos of the 7 giant turtles in the sea turtle garden. 

Wiggy, the Kemp’s Ridley turtle pictured about was captured as an adult in 1971 and is presumed to be born about 1960. 

The turtle pictured here, FeeBee, a Loggerhead, survived pneumonia and was hatched in July 2002 in Spanish River Park in Boca Raton.

Above is Milton, another Loggerhead, hatched in July 2002 south of the South Beach Pavilion in Boca Raton.  97 out of 102 of Milton’s eggs hatched.

You can adopt a sea turtle, including FeeBee or Milton, to help support their care and feeding.

LATEST FLORIDA HOME SALES NEWS

WHY IS RIGHT NOW THE BEST TIME EVER TO BUY A PROPERTY IN FLORIDA? Florida single family home sales in Florida were up 33% for the month of JANUARY 2010  compared with the prior year, and condo sales gained 91%.  REALTY TIMES reports that Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors which conducts the pending sales survey said the swings from month to month are "masking the underlying trend (in housing) which is a broad improvement over year-ago levels."   Yun also predicts that that the two home purchase tax credits -- the extended $8,000 credit and the new $6,500 credit -- will have a significant impact on closed sales in the coming several months.  He forecasts that the two credits combined will stimulate 2.4 million sales in 2010, and most of that activity will be compressed into the first six months of the year. December's pending sales contracts were 11 percent higher than December 2008's.

19th ANNUAL BIG WINTER SPECTACULAR WEST PALM BEACH ANTIQUES FESTIVAL.

Florida’s largest antique show with more than 1000 dealers hosts the Big Winter Spectacular on February 5-7, 2010.  An Early Buyer pass can be purchased to enter from 9-12 Friday mornings for $25 and is good all weekend.  Daily admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors.  Children under 16 are free.  Discount coupons for admissions are available in the newspapers and at http://www.wpbaf.com.

You will find everything from period furniture from the 1700’s to 1960’s modernism for sale.  Glass and jewelry repair will be onsite, while you wait and shop around your items can be fixed.  Browse and shop inside huge new air conditioned buildings, and outside more than 100 dealers set up in covered areas or tents.  Unlimited free parking, and food and drink concessions are available.

Hours are:
Friday, 2/5: noon to 5 pm

Saturday, 2/6 9 am to 5 pm

Sunday 2/7: 10 am to 4:30 pm

The Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fair is located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach.  From the Florida turnpike go west on Southern Boulevard for 1 ½ miles.  From I-95 go west on Southern Boulevard for 7 miles. 

For more information email info@wpbaf.com or call 941-697-7475.