Condo News Online - Local News

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

On this page:

• 1515 Finally Down

By Jeanine Heidtman

• Hotlines on Happenings

• HOT LINKS

Meet the Condo News' Print Newspaper Correspondents at Right

L O C A L N E W S

1515 Condominium Tower Imploded February 14, 2010

By Jeanine Heidtman

Photo by Jimmy Shirley for Condo News

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.

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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

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

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

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

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

Jeanine Heidtman with West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel following the implosion.

Photo submitted by Jeanine Heidtman

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 ...

Hotlines on Happenings

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 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.

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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. C. Ransbottom-Roman, 637-0642, connie2rr@yahoo.com.

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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 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.

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Bereavement Support Groups.:

-- Mid County Senior Center, 3680 Lake Worth Road. Lake Worth, FL 33461. Tel: (561) 357-7100, 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.

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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 - The Villages. 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

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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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.