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The
Condo News print newspaper is published every Wednesday in
season (November through April), and every other Wednesday from May through October. It is circulated throughout Palm Beach County, from
Delray to North Palm Beach, and from Singer Island, Palm Beach and
South Palm Beach to Royal Palm Beach, in Condominium, Cooperative
and Home Owner Association Communities. For more information, or to
have the Condo News brought to your community, e-mail us or
write to: P.O. Box 109, West Palm Beach, FL 33409. Tel:(561)
471-0329 |
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On
this page:
•
1515 Finally Down
By
Jeanine Heidtman
•
Hotlines
on Happenings
•
HOT
LINKS
Meet
the Condo News' Print Newspaper Correspondents at Right
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1515
Condominium Tower Imploded February 14, 2010
By
Jeanine Heidtman |
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Photo by Jimmy Shirley for Condo
News |
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Background
by Betty Thomas: On Labor Day weekend in 2004, Palm Beach
County was hit by Hurricane Frances, and 3 weeks later by
Hurricane Jeanne. They made landfall very nearly at the same place
in Hutchinson Island, some 35-40 miles north of West Palm Beach.
H. Frances, a category 2 at landfall, had an unusually large
eye, 80 miles across, torrential rains and lingered nearly
stationary, moving only 5 miles an hour, with hurricane force
winds pummeling West Palm Beach for nearly 2 days. H. Jeanne
struck Florida as a category 3, with a 60 mile wide eye and moved
out the same day. The following year, Hurricane Wilma made
her entrance on the west coast of Florida October 24, 2005,
crossed the state in about 6 hours, with the eye passing over West
Palm Beach. Winds were measured at 92 miles per hour with gusts
112-117 mph over Lake Okeechobee. The 1515 Tower on Flagler Drive
in West Palm Beach (pictured above) sustained devastating damage
during Frances and Jeanne, rendering the building uninhabitable,
but not condemned by the City of West Palm Beach. Wilma added to
the damage by blowing more debris through the structure
endangering surrounding buildings. The status of 1515 remained in
flux until February 14 , and residents in nearby condominiums were exasperated
by seemingly endless wrangling between the developer, who bought the property for redevelopment, and the City
Commission. At 30 stories high, the 1515 was the
tallest building in the state of Florida to be imploded, and the
third tallest in the nation. Below are some photos of the
demolition and Jeanine Heidtman's account. Still to come, the
clean-up and eventual construction of The Modern on that site.
................................................................................................
Jeanine
Heidtman reports on the implosion of the 1515 and aftermath to
come.
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Thar
She Blows!
1515
Tower implosion
-
5½ years over in 7 seconds!
Photo
by Andres Garcia,
Rapallo
North Doorman
taken
from the Royal Park Bridge
in
West Palm Beach
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Hundreds
of boats watching the implosion from the Intracoastal made a mad
dash to excape the dust pall.
Photo
by Andres Garcia, Rapallo No. doorman |
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6-year-old
Elyja Kelly, daughter of AED's Kelly family, pushed the button that
triggered the implosion. When asked what happened when she pushed
the button, Elyja answered simply, "It blowed up."
Photo
by Jeanine Heitman |
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View
from the roof of Rapallo North Condominium shows the Viding Arms
(foreground) and the Norton Park Condominiums with the pile of
debris of what was the 1515 Tower.
Photo
by Andres Garcia, Rapallo No. doorman |
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View
of the Royal Park Bridge from the roof of the Rapallo North
Condominium on Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach.
Photo
by Andres Garcia, Rapallo No. doorman |
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Jeanine
Heidtman with West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel following the
implosion.
Photo
submitted by Jeanine Heidtman |
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With
the live broadcast of the 1515 South Flagler Drive Implosion and in
depth stories by our local newspaper, it would appear all ended well.
Because
of the diligent requirements and safety measures in place under the
direction of Doug Wise, Director of Construction Services, we witnessed
the most modern methods of taking down such a tall structure. With the
push of a button by Elyja Kelly, 6 year old daughter of AED’s Kelly
family , the building fell, the wind sent the dust cloud over to Palm
Beach and the hundreds of boats watching made a mad dash to get away.
With
AED Demolition gone from Palm Beach County after their "picture
perfect implosion," there is one Condo who did not fare very well.
I
spoke to Seth Schulman, Manager of the Viking Arms, just south of the
implosion who told me "after further assessment, our roof suffered
significant damage. The bast threw out large chunks of concrete and
steel rebar that penetrated our roof system in over 40 places. We have
been told by City Officials to file with our Insurance Company, but no
person from the BG Group has come over as requested several times. The
roof is only several years old and cost over $200,000 and has to be
professionally repaired so it will remain under warranty in the future.
We are hoping temporary patches will hold till we can get it taken care
of. We also have our screen balconies and windows covered with thick
cement dust and bent aluminum rail damage to be addressed. Despite
additional calls, there has been no one over to the Viking Arms to
evaluate and discuss solutions even though BG Group is working right
next door."
Shortly
after I was allowed to return to the Rapallo, I gathered a large amount
of golf ball and larger cement chunks which had fallen into our parking
lot. The total removal of all our cars surely saved a lot of damage to
deal with.
I
was very pleased overall from the cooperative spirit between condo
residents and the police who were organizing every aspect of safety. A
definite feeling of respect was shown by spectators for the many
necessary rules during the event. Watching from Olive Avenue and the
Norton Museum where VIP and Press were set up, I spoke with one former
resident of 1515, who asked to be nameless, about her home of almost 30
years permanently gone in 8 seconds. She recalled the glorious view each
morning while having her coffee, never imagining it would someday end so
abruptly from the Hurricanes.
The
worst part before today, was the hopes for restoration of the 1515 being
followed by disappointment afterwards. She felt being there in person to
watch would finally give her some ending emotionally. I truly hope it
has.
Mayor
Frankel greeted the crowd assembled with Hershey’s Kisses for
Valentine’s Day, and Bill Moss appeared to be the only City
Commissioner in our viewing area.
Just
before blast, I started speaking with the person next to me who turned
out to be Susan Wise, whose husband was Director for the Implosion. I
commented the enormous responsibility Doug was just completing and he
should take a long needed rest. She and their four children were just
looking forward to getting "Dad and Husband back again."
Still
to come ... the Aftermath ...
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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.
***
MEETINGS
Yddish
Vinkl. West Palm Beach Century Village Clubhouse, 2 Sundays a
Month, 1PM. Talk, poetry, legends,
sing-a-long. Info: Edy, 687-4255.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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..
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
Jewish
War Veterans Post 520 meets at the Elks Lodge (new meeting
place), 6188 Belvedere Rd, 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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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. C. Ransbottom-Roman, 637-0642,
connie2rr@yahoo.com.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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).
***
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.
***
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.
***
SUPPORT
GROUPS
The
Mid Palm Beach County Peripheral Neuropathy support group has
a monthly 4-page newsletter. For information on how to receive the
newsletter by email or regulator mail, 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.
***
Bereavement
Support Groups.:
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Mid County Senior Center, 3680 Lake Worth Road. Lake Worth, FL
33461. Tel: (561) 357-7100, Tuesdays,
10:00-11:00 am.
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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.
***
AAKP
Support Groups for Kidney Patients and Care Givers; Call for
information:
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No. County Sr. Center. Call 561-622-3745, or 561-882-6467.
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Baywinds Clubhouse, Call 561-798-5468 or 561-588-8721.
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Boynton Beach Mall at Picadilly Cafeteria, Call 561-739-9267
or 561-732-7229.
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DOT, Delray Beach, Call 561-879-0368.
***
Alzheimers
Support Groups at Following Locations:
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Boynton Beach Heartland Healthcare Center. Call
1-800-861-7826.
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The Pointe at Newport Place, Call: 561-586-2989.
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Delray Beach Alzheimer's Day Care Center. Call Tricia at
561-265-3667.
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Alzheimer's Day Care Center. Call 561-265-3667.
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Arden Courts. Call 561-498-5552.
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HCR-Manor Care. Call 561-638-0000.
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Alterra Wynwood West. Call 561-738-4777.
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Greenacres - The Villages. Call 800-748-0395.
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Wellington/Royal Palm Beach/ Loxahatchee, West Lake Worth, Lake
Wellington Professional Center. Call 1-800-861-7826.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
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.
***
DONATIONS
NEEDED
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.
***
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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Florida
Home Owner Association Home Pages
Condominium
Business Network, Ltd.
Mounts
Botanical Gardens
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.
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Condo
News
print newspaper correspondents: |
|
Condos of South
Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach |
 |
|
Madelyn Greenberg |
|
Interior
Decorating for Condominiums |
 |
|
Jeanine
Heidtman |
|
Cresthaven
Barkley |
 |
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Agnes
Krill |
|
Cresthaven Dudley |
 |
|
Tony
Senzamici |
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Cresthaven Fernley
4 |
 |
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Fran Luscher |
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Golden Lakes, Phase A |
 |
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Hank
Morris |
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Lakeside
Village |
 |
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Joe
Castellano |
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Buttonwood West |
 |
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Emorfia
Stone
"Murph" |
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Jewish War Veterans
Post
520 |
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Bernard
Weixelbaum |
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Golden
Lakes Village Ph. B |
 |
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Lottie
Robins |
|
Village Royal on
the Green |
|
Rembaum's
Roundup |
 |
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Jeffrey
Rembaum, Esq. |
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Baby
Boomers Club News
Century
Village |
 |
|
Patricia
Speciner |
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