This Is our Village

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

PALM TRAN HOLIDAY

Hi all,
The following message is from Commissioner Burdick:
Dave Israel
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Dear Friends,

I just wanted to make sure that everyone is aware that there won’t be any Palm Tran service on Labor Day, Monday, September 5th. Tri-Rail will be running on a weekend schedule.

Regards,
Paulette Burdick
County Commissioner
District Two
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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Classic Cartoon


If you have a magnifying glass this is really worth reading. I enlarged the cartoon but it still came out the same size when uploaded. You may even see yourself!

Healthy Frugal Food


I like this site because they say good things about grandmothers**.
click around the site there is lots more – they also have free downloadable shopping list templates for healthy food shopping.
Other food/health favorites discussed in the village this week are: http://www.ultimatefitnesstrainingcenter.com/2011/anti-cancer-gombs-diet
https://www.drfuhrman.com/library/articles.aspx superfoods - G.O.M.B.S. (Greens, Onions, Mushrooms, Beans / Berries, Seeds)
http://engine2diet.com/ very veggie if you can get past the blue eyes.

** Avoid fake food, ask your grandmother. Ask her about Twinkies, Pop Tarts, or those exploding Pizza Pop things. If your grandmother can’t identfy it as food it’s probably a fake. Grandmothers are exceptional resources for learning how to stretch food dollars. My grandmother was very frugal and raised a family of five by baking bread, soaking dried beans, and preparing whole foods into nutritious strews, soups, and dishes. Stick with what grandma knows as food and you should be well on your path to frugalicious eating. 

Property Tax Appeal, Part 2


Relief!  My condo assessed value has gone down instead of up as before! The tax assessor has noticed the trend. No need for me to appeal this year.
However, if you want to appeal your assessment you should begin, Sept 16 is deadline for appeals. You can find your neighbors' assessments on PAPA (Property Appraiser Public Access) http://pbcgov.com/papa/index.htm Record Search. Zillow.com will help find comparables.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Signs of Times




Not my photos.
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SEARCH/NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE MEMO PART 2

This is a reminder for those declaring their intent to be a candidate for the UCO Board. The
following are the conditions that must be adhered to in order to be a candidate for office.

For Officers: Membership in UCO and you must be domiciled and in residence in
Century Village, WPB, for a period of not less than nine months of each year during the
term in which you serve.

For Executive Board: Membership in UCO and you must be domiciled in residence
in Century Village, WPB, for a period of not less than nine months of each year during
the term in which you serve and you must declare your readiness to serve on at least
two committees.

The deadline for submitting your bio was inadvertantly given as Halloween. THE DEADLINE
IS DECEMBER 31, 2011, NEW YEAR'S EVE. We would appreciate it if you do not wait until
then by sending it in earlier, put "UCO bio" in the subject line, include your phone number
and the position for which you are running.

Send your bio to rgwlbf@gmail.com and GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL.

STROLLING LIMPKIN



Let our readers decide if they like the haunting call of the Limpkin!

Dave Israel

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Lonely Bird


Lonely bird with raucous voice. Is it a Limpkin?

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Stolen Speed Bump


No bump unless you hit the gate arm!
One more for the punch list??
Room for new sign!

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Saturday, August 27, 2011

MAIN CLUBHOUSE SWITCHGEAR PROJECT - PHOTOGRAPHS

Hi all,
We have received many questions about the progress of the electrical work in the main clubhouse. The project is proceeding well and for those interested, we have obtained 121 photographs from WPRF.

These Photographs start on August 8 and continue day by day to August 23, 2011. We have scanned the pictures and uploaded them to GOOGLE Docs. They may be viewed at the following URL:

http://goo.gl/uHlTl

This is a big file; 252Mbyte, so please be patient in downloading it. The time required to download the file will depend on your ISP subscription, EG. if you still use Dial-up, don't bother, DSL will work but, be patient. Your best bet is Comcast High Speed INTERNET or faster.

If you intend to view the photos more than once, I would suggest that after the first download, that you save the file to your hard drive or to a flash drive or CD.

Enjoy.

Dave Israel

Friday, August 26, 2011

FRAUD AVOIDANCE - FBI BULLETIN


Intelligence Note

Prepared by the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
March 11, 2011
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Tips On Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes
Recently several natural disasters, including tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes, have devastated lives and property. In the wake of these events that have caused emotional distress and great monetary loss to numerous victims, individuals across the nation often feel a desire to help these victims, frequently through monetary donations.
These disasters prompt individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization or a good cause. Therefore, before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, to include the following:

•Do not respond to unsolicited (SPAM) e-mail.

•Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as officials soliciting via e-mail for donations.

•Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.

•Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.

•To ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.

•Validate the legitimacy of the organization by directly accessing the recognized charity or aid organization's website rather than following an alleged link to the site.

•Attempt to verify the legitimacy of the non-profit status of the organization by using various Internet-based resources, which also may assist in confirming the actual existence of the organization.

•Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions: providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.
To obtain more information on charitable contribution schemes and other types of online schemes, visit http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com/.
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If you believe you have been a victim of a charity related scheme, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud by telephone at (866) 720-5721, or by fax at (225) 334-4707, or by e-mail at disaster@leo.gov

 You can also report suspicious e-mail solicitations or fraudulent websites to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov/.
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 National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) was originally established by the Department of Justice to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or man-made disaster. More than 20 federal agencies, including the FBI, participate in the NCDF, allowing it to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to relief fraud.

Hurricane Preparedness

With Hurricane Irene threatening other parts of the east coast, we thought it would be helpful to remind community leaders of some important hurricane preparation plans. This is especially important for those leaders who have no recent experience in implementing their hurricane plans. Since we are in the heart of hurricane season, this is a good opportunity to take steps which can protect lives and safeguard property.

Please take a few minutes to review the checklist below. Unfortunately, several potentially life-saving steps have been missed by communities in the past. Now is the time to:

Identify residents of your community who have special medical needs and who will require special procedures for evacuation. Failure to identify these individuals before the storm approaches places their lives at risk, as well as the safety of emergency personnel;

Photograph and document the condition of your property so that you can demonstrate to an insurer the condition of your property prior to any damage;

Make sure that your communities’ critical documents are copied and electronically stored in a safe, hurricane-proof location;

Make multiple copies of your insurance carrier's contact information and store in a readily available location for easy access after the storm;

Identify any residences in your community with absentee owners, and secure outdoor belongings that could become projectiles during the storm.

If you do not have a written hurricane preparedness plan, one should be developed specifically for your condominium, which includes:

- Important phone numbers at Century Village, at your condominium and in the community;
- Pre-Hurricane Season checklist;
- Evacuation Procedures;
- Information and check list of steps to be taken during a Hurricane Watch and Hurricane Warning;
- Unit owner responsibilities before evacuating;
- Post Hurricane Damage Assessment checklist

Irene was a close call for our area. However, with proper advance planning your condominium and its residents can be prepared to survive the storm.


Mark D. Friedman is a senior attorney at the Law Firm of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.

Nice new paving



Nice new paving. Even nicer would be if all leaky cars were fixed. Wow, redacted numbers!

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Thursday, August 25, 2011

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

WHERE ARE ALL THE BIOS????

The importance of getting the bios in for our next elections cannot be stressed too
strongly. I'm surprised that they aren't coming in at a quicker pace. Even though
elections are not for another few months, how about it? Work on it and e mail
it to me at rgwlbf@gmail.com. In the subject box, please write "UCO bio".
Include experience you've had as a volunteer in Century Village along with some information about yourself before coming to live in our Village paradise.

Acknowledgment of receiving it will be sent within a few days. If by chance you do not get one, call me at 712 0259 between 9am and 5pm.

President, two vice presidents, treasurer, recording and corresponding secretary, and ten executive board members are up for election.

Wishing you all good luck....Roberta

DELEGATE ASSEMBLY - NOTICE OF MEETING

delegate meeting

what will be the location for the next delegate meeting? My neighbors are asking. Thank you

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Irene



This picture is not a live link. Use http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/
or for more info go to Health & Weather way down on the left sidebar.


Publix's have restocked with Hurricane Survival Guide, now is the time to get a handful for your Association. There's also an WPTV app for that.


Dear Irene, We would like a foot of rain and also please knock some avocados off the high trees.
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Monday, August 22, 2011

Duck / Goose?


The young umm.. mallards are doing well. Who is the other guy, Google similar images did not produce?!
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Egyptian Goose after proper roasting: (Propius Roasticus)


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Sunday, August 21, 2011

Aircraft Noise Complaints to PBIA

Phone Noise Comment Line: 561-683-7242
If you phone during biz hours you can talk with Casandra Davis, Noise Abatement,
or Palm Beach International Airport, Tel: (561) 471-7468
If you want to go to meetings of Citizens Committee on Airport Noise (CCAN) 
See http://www.pbia.org/Airport/Noise/CCAN.aspx scroll down to their schedule.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Hasting Club House AC

I just finished playing cards at the Hasting Club House, and it was very nicely cooled . I want to thank you David for looking after this problem. I am sure it must seem like an endless task to get things taken care of here in the Village. I want to thank you again and anyone else that helped with this. I am sure the other card players and pool players are also happy.

WEST PALM BEACH WEATHER DATA - YEAR OVER YEAR

WEST PALM BEACH TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION 2011
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WEST PALM BEACH TEMPERATURE AND  PRECIPITATION 2010
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We are receiving significantly less precipitation as compared to 2010. This does not bode well for the next dry season, unless weather patterns change.
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For much more data, see:
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Dave Israel
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To measure is to know!


Water Levels



Marc, We have rain, thunder, lightning every day. The weeds grew in the Sheffield lagoon when it was just a sandbar. Water is rising but you can see from the dam weir (at the beginning of this week) we are not to the overflow height. No more pics, its raining hard! Dark at noon.

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UCO REPORTER - SEPTEMBER 2011 - LIVE IN CYBERSPACE

Hi all,
Get a jump on the print version see the UCO Reporter now at the following Link:

http://goo.gl/7NZJo

As always, the UCO Reporter may also be accessed from the sidebar

Dave Israel

Lake Water Level

I read that "Wet August brings drought relief"
How are our lakes water level? Photos please.
Thank You

Thursday, August 18, 2011

PBIA sees Power of the People



Good meeting! Commissioner Paulette Burdick and her aide Payton McArthur were there. Faced with 35 citizens, many presidents of entire developments, mayors, and commissioners, County Airports Director Bruce Pelly took away his suggestion to shut down the Citizens Committee on Airport Noise (CCAN) and removal of noise monitor equipment. CCAN is the only established forum which provides citizens with an opportunity to be advised of activities at PBIA and allow them to voice concerns. Two speakers reminded Mr Pelly that CCAN was put in place after a law suit by order of court judge, it cannot be tossed aside without further recourse to the law.
CCAN does need more communication, publicity, and to fill empty seats. I will get more info later for people who may wish to join. 9a.m. meeting!
CV is on the flight line and we do have noise monitors in our NW corner. Nighttime flights have been reduced over our space but we should be complacent.

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AIRPORT NOISE MEETING

Citizens Committee on Airport Noise (CCAN):

There will be a special meeting of the Citizens Committee on Airport Noise:

9:00 AM
Thursday
August 18, 2011

Dept. of Airports – Main Conference Room Building 846

Palm Beach International Airport

The meeting will address Director Bruce Pelly’s suggestion to eliminate the CCAN committee and transfer its responsibilities to the Aviation and Airports Advisory Board. If you are concerned about airport noise, you should try to attend this meeting.
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Sorry for the late notice
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Dave Israel









Tuesday, August 16, 2011

COMCAST DIGITAL CONVERSION APPROACHES

Hi all,
Did you receive this ad in the mail? Please read the small print about the September 20, 2011 deadline for Digital Conversion.

If you do not have a Set Top Converter or Digital Transport Adaptor on your Televisions, you will be able to view 24 channels, period after the switchover!

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for basic setup information for the DTA box.
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CV Cable Chair Pro-Tem VP Bob Marshall, has advised me recently, that there are close to 1800 units in CV with no digital device on any TV in their apartment.

Please consider posting this notice on your BB to alert those who need to act soon.

Dave Israel
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CV Summer Auto Fashions



The sunflowers are beginning to fade, but maybe it will blow away. The others are nicely tailored.
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Monday, August 15, 2011

Trouble at Hastings Again

We had trouble at the Hastings Club House again tonight. It is really not right what is going on here. The card room still has no ac going. The guard and workers down stairs had it very nice and cool for them self's again. We asked if we could bring some tables and chairs down stairs like we did when the main club house was closed when the hurricane hit it. They said no we could not. This really is bad, they turned away about sixteen of us to do what we asked. The guard said to call Anita P what good did that do us a big zero! I do not think this is right that the ac is out for the lenth of time. We need help to correct this!! We are paying for the use of the Club house to enjoy but we are getting the shaft. All I can say is I am not very happy with this ! Does Anita P. know what happenig here I guess not. Can this be address and takin care of HELP

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Can we get ac in card room at Hastings

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Can we get ac in the card room at Hastings? I was there last night at 6 pm and it was fine. Then it went off around 8 pm and did not come back on. I went down stairs and told them about the problem, they came up stairs and said it was on which was total B.S. They had it on very nicely for themselves down stairs. The same thing was happening at the main club house, so now I believe that this is total B.S. It happens in both club houses? Come on give us a break !! I like to use the club houses as much as everyone but this is to much to sit there an sweat your brains out, while the people that are the guards and other workers down stairs have it very nice and cool for themselves. I hope something can be done about this problem by the powers that be. Please take care of this.
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Ultimate Fluff

Thursday, August 11, 2011

REFLECTION BAY DRO HEARING - VIDEO NOW LIVE IN CYBERSPACE

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Hi all,
For those who could not attend the DRO hearing, follow the link to view the proceedings.

mms://pbcvideo.co.palm-beach.fl.us/pzb/DRO_081011.wmv

Remember, Reflection Bay is item number 20, also note the related item 21 "Southampton PUD". You may fast forward to 31 minutes and 10 seconds to item 20. The relevant cut ends circa 38:05.

Of some concern is the offhand comment circa 35:45 that "in perpetuity is off the table"! This definitely needs to be explored.

If link is not live for you, copy and paste it into your browser.

Dave Israel
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GATE! WHAT GATE!!


Hi all,
I have not posted one of these for some time, but this incident is not to be believed. It would appear that this driver did not even tap the brake before blasting the gate-arm on exit. Please slow down.
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Thanks to Major Jeff for the video.
Click on lower right to go to full screen.
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Dave Israel

REFLECTION BAY - DRO MEETING AUGUST 10, 2011 - COMMENTS

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Hi all,
The list of DRO comments on the proposed development of the erstwhile Golf Course (Reflection Bay) may be seen at the following Site:

http://goo.gl/VYc3k

The Developer must address these items prior to consideration by the BCC (Board of County Commissioners).

These Comments may also be accessed via the link in the sidebar.

Dave Israel
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RECLAIMED WATER REQUIRED ADVISORY

Dave Israel

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

GOLF COURSE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT MEETING - REFLECTION BAY

Hi all,
There will be an important meeting of the Development Review Officer (DRO) of The Planning, Zoning and Building Department of Palm Beach County. Among other issues on the Agenda is the Proposed housing development on our erstwhile golf course; Project Reflection Bay. While public participation will probable not be allowed, the meeting is nontheless very important. The meeting will kick off at the Vista Center at 9:00am as follows, try and be there:
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DEVELOPMENT REVIEW OFFICER AGENDA

AUGUST 10, 2011

9:00 A.M.

Vista Center 1st Floor Hearing Room, VC-1W-47

2300 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach

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Control No: 2011-00245
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Application No: ZV/TDD/R-2011-01203 (Application Name: Reflection Bay)
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application of Fairways LLC by Urban Design Kilday Studios
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20: Title: a Type II Zoning Variance
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Request: to allow a reduction in the minimum acreage for single-family units; to
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allow Neighborhood Centers 1, 2, 3 and 4 to exceed the maximum 50% building coverage; and to allow Neighborhood Centers 1 and 3 to exceed the maximum height
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Title: an Official Zoning Map Amendment to a Traditional Development District
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Request: to allow a rezoning from the Residential Single-family (RS) Zoning District to the Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) Zoning District
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Title: a Requested Use
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Request: to allow a Congregate Living Facility Type III
General Location: Southwest corner of Century Boulevard and Haverhill Road
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Project Manager: Autumn Sorrow, Senior Site Planner BCC District: 2
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Dave Israel

How to Opt-out


How to Opt-out of Databases that Collect Data about YOU

In the Internet age, our lives seems like an open book with so many sources of online information about us available to the curious. Here are 18 such databases with instructions on how you can opt-out of being listed.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Property Tax Appeal

In 2009 I appealed my property taxes, showing how value was falling and that I paid 40% more per sq foot than my neighbors (wacky yes) I was given an Assessed Value reduction to $22,790 from $25K. BUT the next year it was back up to $25K assessed, too late to appeal but you know values were still falling. I had no improvements and no homestead so this made a difference. 
Silly me, I thought they had made a mistake. 
Noooo, they carefully explained to me that the reduction is only good for one year, then you must appeal again, What a waste of their and my time, and not logical or fair value either, but $$ for the county.
Who is my politician for this?

After Storm Recovery Evaluation

I have the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) pink/red form for my Association review after a storm. What are the 6 phone numbers? I see UCO and the Reporter phones, but we do not usually have 6 options to call??

Thanks Jackie and CERT

Sunday, August 7, 2011

DELEGATE ASSEMBLY OF AUGUST 5, 2011 - LIVE IN CYBERSPACE

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Hi all,
The video of the August 5, 2011 Delegate Assembly is now live in Cyberspace. Thanks to the Channel 63 Team for the video, follow the link:

http://goo.gl/4jzCS

Or as usual you may access the video via the link in the sidebar.

Dave Israel
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Saturday, August 6, 2011

What's a Switchgear?




Enough wire to circle the earth and a few parts arrive at the Clubhouse. Last chance to visit the Clubhouse and pool tomorrow, then the gates close.
Click on the panorama for a better view.
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Thursday, August 4, 2011

Free PBC Data

OK Dave, here is something for you to data mine. www.pbccounts.org

I began looking for recent data but I do not know our CV census place number. What is

FIPS code 12-11437 or GNIS feature ID 1867125. Arghh!

A Place in the Sun


Does CV have a song? Please suggest ...

No Curb Appeal



This sign is seen by every visitor at the Haverhill entrance. It must have been missed when the street signs were renewed. Doesn't it make you cringe for CV.
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Seaview Radio Life Syle Show - today FREE - for Seniors & Boomers

Hi Everybody,
There is a wonderful event going on today at the Poincianna Country Club, on Lake Worth Rd, just west of Jog. See the attached link for more details.

It is Seaview Radio's Life Style Show for Seniors and Boomers. It is FREE today from 3:00PM until 7:00PM. They are going to have 60 exhibitors there giving all kinds of wonderful stuff away, health screening, lots of entertainment and much, much more.

I don't work for the station but listen to it every day, all day. It in on 95.9 FM or 96 AM (something like that). They play wonderful music from the 50's, 60's & 70's. Even their advertisements are fun to listen too. It is a local station with all local advertisements. Fabulous station - truly.

So if you're not busy today - and you want something to do that is free and going to be a lot of fun - with singing, all kinds of music, free give-aways and travel and educational information for all of us seniors and boomers - then head over to Poincianna Country Club.
Hope you do - and hope you have fun.

link to Seaview Radio for more information is:
http://www.seaviewam960.com/

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

CENTURY VILLAGE WPB THEATER: 2011-2012 SEASON PREVIEWS

Hi all,
Follow the following link to see the previews of the upcoming entertainment at our Clubhouse Theater for the 2011 - 2012 season.

http://goo.gl/J32iS

Dave Israel

Monday, August 1, 2011