Condo News Online - Local News

As promised, I am winding down this series which has published the views and insights of over twenty nine residents who were happy to share their experiences and insights with you, our Condo News readers. There were many more residents that I have also spoken with who preferred to stay anonymous. In writing these articles I have also shared with you my own experiences living on the ocean in a condominium with my wonderful dad and my sweet and endearing mom who had just passed away prior to the start of this hurricane season. My parents, especially my mama, had health issues that made the prospect of evacuation a nightmare. That being the case: after evacuating in Frances; going to a hotel that lost power and where my sweet mama fell and we could not get help; we stayed at my parents’ insistence in our condo for Jeanne and Wilma. Of course with Wilma, we had a lot of company, being that no one knew in time, and certainly no one expected the damages that befell so many in this area. Hurricane sliding doors and windows or not, I realize how lucky we were, that we were personally spared any damage in all of the hurricanes that hit us. Luck is not a given, and sometimes you can stretch your luck too far. With that in mind, and as a result of all of the things I have learned since, going to hurricane seminars, reading my town’s plan, and the various brochures we get from the television stations, along with the many practical suggestions of those residents in this series, I now am much better prepared and aware. (Of course, that does not mean that I know exactly what I am going to do, if, God forbid, a hurricane rumbles into town.) I may not have my handicapped mom to worry about, and my terrific dad, who is somewhat handicapped and quite frail, is more mobile, but my attachment to our home which was lovingly furnished, has untold mementos, pictures and is also where my parents and I shared wonderful memories of our little loving family, all makes me hesitant at the prospect of leaving. My common sense tells me that my dad’s and my safety is the only priority I should have. I guess I should just pray that my beloved mom, who is hopefully the "Angel on my shoulder" now, will protect our home and us.

Just when I was preparing to begin concluding my series, I spoke with Francesca Engler, Palm Beach resident of Sloan’s Curve at 2000 S. Ocean Blvd., who gave me another interesting and innovative suggestion that I have decided will be the perfect way to begin concluding this series of articles. Francesca told me that her father had told her many years ago, that if you leave a flashlight filled with batteries in your frig., it will always work and you will be able to find it no matter what. Francesca said that, whether it was Frances, Jeanne or Wilma, you could find several flashlights in her refrigerator. When it comes to working flashlights, Francesca is always prepared. Francesca said that in one past hurricane she had not yet moved into her condo in Palm Beach, she was living in a condo along the Intracoastal in West Palm at the time. She said that she was on the 11th floor and it was a scary experience, especially when the building lost power. She could feel the building swaying. (Actually, I remember feeling that very same thing on the third floor of my condo during Wilma. Believe me, it is a spooky feeling. Palm Beach resident Jamie Dorsky of 3360 S. Ocean Blvd. told me that, during Wilma, he set out a glass of water and watched the water sway on the top from one side of the glass to the other. He lives on the 4th floor of his building. It was a disconcerting feeling, I assure you). Since moving to Palm Beach, Francesca evacuates to a hotel. Unfortunately, one of the times when she went to a hotel in Boca, they lost power and water, so Francesca found that rather unpleasant. She now says that she will check out the hotel first and only go to one that has a generator that also powers a dining facility. I have been trying to find one that does that with no luck, so I hope she let’s me know if she tracks one down. I assume it will be a crowded place that will have more than half the population of those residents who come from barrier islands who will attempt to register at the same time. That should be fun.

So let’s start here in Part 8 of this series which will begin to summarize, draw conclusions, gather some of the useful information we should all know, and make a few suggestions that you may be interested in. Some of the things that stuck in my mind and I believe will be helpful for you to have done beforehand are:

• Make sure that, before a hurricane, you take photos or videotape the interior contents of your condo or home for insurance purposes. Be sure to store the photos, along with a complete home inventory, in a water tight premise away from your coastal residence. {Example: in a safe deposit box using a zip-lock bag or a family or friend’s residence out of the state.} It is most definitely worth doing, because it will expedite any claims that may come about.

• Another important thing is that you should check on your insurance policy for adequate hurricane, windstorm, mold and flood coverage, and make sure you understand the exclusions. Be sure to keep a copy of your insurance policy with you and one in your safe deposit box.

• Consider a plan, whether it is to evacuate or to stay, be flexible and maybe think about all the possibilities. There were many residents who said that they might stay if the category of the storm was not more than a two or three. Be prepared with all the alternatives. Don’t procrastinate, because you will become helpless if you have done nothing.

In Part 9, we will deal with some basics that you need to take care of ahead of time, review some self-reliance activities, encompass a few recommendations from The Town of Palm Beach’s Emergency Management Coordinator, and continue winding up this series with some helpful hints and advice that you will find of interest. Stay tuned because we are now into the height of our hurricane season, and as they say "knowledge is power". Be well.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SENIORS vs CRIME: The Florida Attorney General’s Office announces the opening of its West Palm Beach office through its "SENIOR vs CRIME" program. These offices are staffed by volunteers who are part of the crime-fighting initiative which aims to identify unethical businesses and individuals who attempt to prey on seniors. For information call 561-445-9966.

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MEETINGS

Yddish Vinkl. West Palm Beach Century Village Clubhouse, 2 Sundays a Month, 1PM. Talk, poetry, legends, sing-a-long. Info: Edy, 687-4255.

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Royal/Wellington Chpt. of ORT meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at 12 noon in the Cultural Center in Royal Palm Beach. RSVP: Betty Ryen Breinin at 790-4364 or Ray Kerner at 793-1423.

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West Palm Beach Club Alliance for Retired Americans, join us for interesting speakers, informative topics. Call Ruth for location, dates and times of meetings. 561-478-7889.

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Democratic Party of Palm Beach meets the 1st Thursday of each month, 7pm, in the auditorium of the Park Vista community High School, 7900 Jog Rd., corner of Hypoluxo Rd., Lake Worth, FL 33467. Refreshments served. All welcome. Info: 561-833-8936.

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Civil War Round Table of Palm Beach County meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7pm at the American Polish Hall on Lake Worth Rd. The CWRT is a non-partisan study and discussion group of the Civil War embracing all viewpoints. For information, call Gerridine at 967-8911 or Bob 683-5759.

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The Sons of Confederate Veterans, Camp 1599, West Palm Beach, meets every 3rd Tuesday at 6:30 pm. For information, call Cdr. J. Shirley at 561-964-8507.

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Hasting Cue Club meets every day (except Sunday) to play on reserved tables from 9am-12 noon at the Hastings Clubhouse, 2nd Floor, Century Village. The cue club meets the last Thursday of every month. Info: call Billy at 684-1885.

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Combat Infantrymen's Association meets the 1st Thursday of the month at the Golden Corral restaurant, Okeechobee Blvd. and 441 (State Rd 7) at 11:30 am. For information call Cdr. Jimmy Walker at (561) 791-2476 or George Fisher at (561) 585-7086.

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Korean War Veterans Chpt. 17 meets on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 9am in the Hagen Ranch Firehouse. All Korean Veterans are invited and refreshments are served. Call 561-499-4892 for more information.

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National Council of Jewish Women meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:30 pm at Wachovia Bank, 5849 Okeechobee Blvd. Speaker and collation. Info call Madalyn at 684-2835.

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Cypress Lakes, Na'Amat, formerly Pioneer Women Meetings & Fund Raisers, meets at Cypress Lakes off Haverhill Rd., WPB, every 4th Tues. of the month at 12:30pm. Refreshments served, guests welcome. Info: Call Marcia 640-4258 or Rhoda at 478-8559..

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The Jupiter/Tequesta/Juno Beach Lions Club meets at Denny's Restaurant, 716 No. US Hwy One, Tequesta, on the 2nd Tuesday at 11:30am social, 12 noon for lunch; and on the 4th Tuesday at 6pm for social with dinner at 6:30pm. The public is invited but reservations are necessary. Info: Call Bob Hall at 743-4674 or email: papabobtequesta@msn.com.

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Navy Seabee Veterans of America, Island X-12, P.B.Co., meets the 2nd Saturday of each month at the Moose Lodge in Greenacres on Bowman St, Lake Worth. For info, call William Edwards at (561) 881-8245.

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American Legion post #367, 110 Camellia Dr., Royal Palm Beach, meets the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, of each month, non-smoking atmosphere. For info call daytime or early evening: 792-3813 or 795-4854.

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Jewish War Veterans of the USA, Roslyn Moore Post 502, meets the 2nd Sunday of the month. 9am collation, 10am meeting at the V.A. Hospital, Room 1-C 135. Call Cmdr. Eugene L. Moore at 561-638-6435.

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Jewish War Veterans Post 520 meets at Temple B'Nai Jacob, 2177 S. Congress Ave., West Palm Beach, FL, on the 4th Sunday of every month. Collation 9am, meeting at 9:30am. We welcome all veterans of past wars as well as all recently returned veterans from the Gulf Area. For information, call Philip Shapkin 561-686-2086.

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Jewish War Veterans Post Sylvia & Hyman L. Solomon Post 684, Western communities, meets the 1st Sunday of the month at Temple Beth Zion, Royal Palm Beach. Collation 9am, meeting 9:30am. Info: Cdr. Al Weissman (561) 793-1121.

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Jewish War Veterans Post 501 meets at the Jewish Community Center, 3151 N. Military Trail, WPB, 33409, 1st Sunday of every month at 9am. Info: Call Howard Lowenthal, Cdr., at 478-2780.

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The Irwin L. Steinberg Post #321 of the Jewish War Veterans meets the 1st Tuesday at Temple Anshie Shalom, 7099 West Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For information call Harry Heyman (561) 276-2751.

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The Palm Beach Gardens Lions Club meets twice a month - 2nd Tues. luncheon 11:30 am, and 4th Tues. dinner 6:30 pm, at the Waterford Hotel and Conference Center, 11360 US Hwy One in North Palm Beach. Public welcome. Advance reservations required. Call 743-4674 or 630-4866.

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The Marine Corps League of the Palm Beaches, General A.A. Vandegrift Detachment, meets at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd Monday of each month at the VFW Post #9610, 350 Tenth Street, Lake Park. All Marines, retired, and former Marines are welcomed. Call George Viens, Commandant, at 688-1046.

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Alliance for Retired Americans, West Palm Beach, FL meets the 2nd Wed. of each month, at the Wachovia Bank at Okeechobee & Meridian (just outside the West Gate of Century Village) in the Community Rm., 2nd Fl., at 1pm for coffee and 1:30 pm for the meeting. Come, bring friends & neighbors. Interesting speakers & topics. Call Ruth at 478-7889.

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NARFE (National Assn. of Retired Fed. Empl.), Delray Beach Chapter #1979, meets every third Friday at 9:30 am at the First Union Bank in Kings Point shopping area, Atlantic Ave., west of Jog Rd., Delray Beach. Info: call Dave Forest at 561-499-3213.

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NARFE (National Assn. of Retired Fed. Empl.), North Palm Beach Chapter #1088, meets 2nd Tuesdays, 12:30 pm, at the Sugar Cane Island Bistro, 353 US 1, just south of Indiantown Rd, Jupiter Bay Plaza. Info: Call Pres. Ann Murray at (561) 622-6137.

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NARFE (National Association of Current & Retired Fed. Empl.) Chapter 159, meets at 1:00 pm on the 3rd Friday of each month on the 2nd Floor Community Rm. of Wachovia Bank, 5849 Okeechobee Blvd., WPB. All current & retired Fed. Employees are welcome and urged to attend our meetings to protect their rights. Info: Call Sam at (561) 687-0228 or E-mail Don at: DonTootin@wmconnect.com.

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Coure d’Italia order of the Sons of Italy in America, meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:30 pm, Waterford Hotel Conference Ctr., 11360 US 1, No.Palm Bch. Call Leo Lauricella at (561) 630-2766.

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Golda Meir Chapter of Hadassah, Aveda Meir of Boynton Beach meets every 3rd Thursday at the Beth Kadesh Temple at NE 26th Ave., 12 Noon. Info: 734-3593.

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B'nai Brith Century Unit #5367, in Century Village, West Palm Beach. Breakfast meetings are held the 4th Sunday morning at Anshi-Shalom Synagogue. For more information call Sarah Farkas at (561) 478-3067 or Helen Fisherman at (561) 683-1937.

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Miscellaneous

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Jupiter Flotilla 52, is offering FREE Safety Check of recreational boats and personal watercraft to interested boating groups and/or individuals. Any marinas, clubs, individuals or homeowners associations interested in arranging a date to receive a Vessel Safety Check should contact Leonard Lesnik at (561) 842-0925.

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CLASSES

The Lake Worth Senior Citizens Center, 202 No. H St., offers the following classes: Languages (Spanish, French); Exercise, Senior Aerobics, Arts and Crafts, Computer, Tai Chi, Oil Painting, Ballroom Dance, Line Dance and others. Call for information: 586-6102.

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North County Senior Center, 5217 Northlake Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, has classes for seniors: Includes crafts, cards, painting, dancing, exercise, computer, languages, quilting. Info: call 561-627-6470.

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Classes for Peer Counselors and Widowed Support Counselors. Classes are held in South, Central and Northern Palm Beach County and are sponsored by the Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County. Call (561) 832-3755 ext. 13, for more information.

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VOLUNTEERS

The Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park invite you to join our volunteer family by volunteering in our Gift Shop. Volunteers greet customers, assist with purchases and enjoy the beautiful State Park. Training provided, volunteers enjoy free Park admission and free participation in Park activities. Please call Marty at 561 776-7449 to volunteer or with questions.

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Fla. Dept. of Elder Affairs & Area Agency on Aging of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast need volunteers for SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program. Volunteers are fully trained in tops as Medicare, Medicaid, etc., provide information, compare policies, help clients w/ claims and appeals of health care decisions, provide information regarding prescription assistance programs, and more. Services are provided to clients either in person or by telephone. Volunteers are asked to serve a minimum of 10 hours per month. For more information about the programs and requirements of Volunteers, call Jennifer VanderMay at (561) 684-5885 or Moses Baskin at (561) 686-9002.

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Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office is looking for men and women volunteers. Duties include serving citizens of P.B.Co. by providing a place to make inquiries, report non-emergency matters and receive suggestions that will help create a safer community. Call Volunteer Captain, Herb Cornell at (561) 478-6497.

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P.B. County Division of Senior Services needs volunteers: aiding seniors, frail elders and caregivers; volunteer for companionship to the homebound, telephone friend (reassuring someone they are not alone), assist at senior centers, meal sites and day care. Training provided. Contact 561-355-4683.

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Hospice of Palm Beach County needs volunteers: Direct Patient Contact, Clerical & Resale, Special Needs. One-day training programs offered once a month on a Saturday from 9am-4pm. Info: call Sandy Brown at 561-227-5167.

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Mid-County Senior Citizens Center needs volunteers to help instruct Seniors in Basic Computer skills; Classes are for beginners using an approved curriculum. At the Center at 202, No. H Street, Lake Worth, FL. For into call Nat Atkins at 355-4752.

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Make-A-Wish of Southern Florida grants over 450 wishes each year to children who have life-threatening illnesses. Volunteers are needed to help make those dreams come true by meeting with wish children and their families, speaking to community groups or assisting with fund-raising efforts. If you can attend a general orientation session and want to make a difference in the lives of those coping with a child's illness, contact Make-A-Wish at (954) 967-WISH (9474).

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Wellington Regional Auxiliary needs enthusiastic volunteers to join auxiliary staff. Positions exist in most departments. One 4-hour shift once per week. Info: 790-7175.

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P.B. County Mid-County Senior Center, 202 No. H. St., Lake Worth, needs volunteers with word processing experience for computer classes for seniors. Orientation is provided for all vols. Call 561-355-4752.

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SUPPORT GROUPS

The Mid Palm Beach County Peripheral Neuropathy support group meets the 3rd Saturday of each month from 2-4 PM . They meet at the JFK Hosp. in the main floor Conference Rooms (1, 2 or 3) opposite the check in desk at the main entrance. Valet Parking avail. $10. yearly membership fee due at the first meeting. For info: call Samuel Grundfast DDS at 964-0147.

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NEW ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP meets every Thursday, Classroom A, Century Village Clubhouse. No doctors, no sales, no fees. Century Village residents only. Call David 683-9189.

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Bereavement Support Groups.:

-- Mid County Senior Center, 202 N. H St., Lake Worth, Tuesdays, 10:00-11:00 am.

-- JFK Medical Center, 5301 S. Congress Ave., Atlantis: Newly bereaved, Saturdays 10-11am, Main Entrance; Moving on, Saturdays, 10-11am, Rothman Center. For more information call the Mental Health Association at (561) 832-3755.

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AAKP Support Groups for Kidney Patients and Care Givers; Call for information:

-- No. County Sr. Center. Call 561-622-3745, or 561-882-6467.

-- Baywinds Clubhouse, Call 561-798-5468 or 561-588-8721.

-- Boynton Beach Mall at Picadilly Cafeteria, Call 561-739-9267 or 561-732-7229.

-- DOT, Delray Beach, Call 561-879-0368.

-- County wide educational meeting, Sun., Sept. 14, 2003 at 2:00 pm at JFK Hosp., conference Rm. 1. Free to the public. Refreshemnts.

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Alzheimers Support Groups at Following Locations:

-- Boynton Beach Heartland Healthcare Center. Call 1-800-861-7826.

-- The Pointe at Newport Place, Call: 561-586-2989.

-- Delray Beach Alzheimer's Day Care Center. Call Tricia at 561-265-3667.

-- Alzheimer's Day Care Center. Call 561-265-3667.

-- Arden Courts. Call 561-498-5552.

-- HCR-Manor Care. Call 561-638-0000.

-- Alterra Wynwood West. Call 561-738-4777.

-- Greenacres Enclore Senior Village. Call 800-748-0395.

-- Wellington/Royal Palm Beach/ Loxahatchee, West Lake Worth, Lake Wellington Professional Center. Call 1-800-861-7826.

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Trigeminal Neuralgia Assn. of Palm Beach, meets at JFK Hospital, Congress Ave., every other month on the 1st Sunday from 2-4 pm. For info: (561) 641-7903, or (561) 965-4866.

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American Tinnitus Assn. sponsors the Tinnitus Self-Help Group of Palm Beach County.Educational programs 2nd Thurs of each month, Oct. - May, 7:30-9:00pm. South County Civic Center, Jog Rd. South of Linton across from the Morikami, Delray Beach. Free Parking front lot. Sugg. donation $1.00. Info. & Res. Call Ellen Gartner (800) 732-9217.

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Stroke of Hope Club meets 2nd Sunday of Every Month, at 1:45 pm. at the First Presbyterian Church, 717 Prosperity Farms Rd., North Palm Beach. General meeting is open to Stroke Victors and Caregivers. All welcome. Info. call (561) 745-0400.

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Aphasia Group (Speech Therapy) meets every Tuesday 9:30 -11 a.m. at the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center in the Cafeteria, and every Thursday 9:30-11:00 a.m. at their NEW OFFICE: The Gentry Bldg., 860 Hwy. 1, Suite 106, North Palm Beach, 33408. For more info call 745-0400.

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Smoke Free ME! -Am. Lung Assn. - first Mondays, 6:30-8pm, 2701 N. Australian Ave., WPB. Combination support group w/ informational talks. Call Mon.-Fri., 1-800-330-5864 for info.

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SHHH (Delray-Boynton Chapter) Self Help for Hard of Hearing People Membership Meeting, third Friday of the month at the South County Civic Center, 1600 Jog Rd. (Opposite Morikami Park) Delray Beach. Meeting starts 9:45am and ends approx. 11:30 am. Come early for coffee & bagels. Meeting free. Non-members, hearing impaired people, friends & relatives invited to attend. For information or if you need a ride, call George (561) 637-8430.

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DONATIONS NEEDED

Alzheimer's Community Care (ACC) Thrift Depot, located in Juno Beach, seeks donations of clothing, furniture and household items from individuals and local businesses. Hours are M-S, 9am-5pm, Sun., 12pm-5pm. Please call (561) 627-3937 for more information.

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Hospice’s Resale Shops are looking for quality donations of furniture, household items and furniture from residents and businesses. The shops are open Monday thru Friday, 10am-4pm. Shops are located in West Palm Beach, Juno Beach and their newest one in Wellington. For information, Call Pat Bockford at (561) 236-4008.

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Fl. Dept. of Chldrn. & Families looking for toiletries, soap, shampoo, combs, tooth brushes & paste, etc. Call Fred Wein at Volunteer Services 837-5565.

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Mounts Botanical Garden is a component of the Palm Beach County Extension Service and affiliated with the University of Florida. Mounts' gardens and programs can provide a source of valuable horticultural and botanical information for associations to draw on.