Bringing you News that Counts
Bringing you News that Counts
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September 14, 2009
For more information about Palm Beach County’s programs and services, visit us online at www.pbcgov.com. During hurricanes or other activation events, Public Affairs will email releases to Count-e-News subscribers. If you have any questions or to provide feedback, you can email us at countenews@pbcgov.com or call (561) 355-2754. To unsubscribe from Count-e-News, click here. |
Kudos to the hard-working and dedicated staff that keeps Peanut Island well maintained and running smoothly! The island is the recipient of South Florida Parenting magazine’s 2009 Kids Crown Award for Best Tropical Island Camping Without Leaving South Florida.
Peanut Island received the award because of its beautiful tropical setting, its convenient respite from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, its camping amenities and its family-friendly affordability.
The awards were announced in the July issue. Peanut Island’s listing was as follows: “Once a kind of no-man’s land, now a managed county park, Peanut Island has become a beautiful and popular getaway for day excursions and overnight camping, with campsites, hot showers, grills, picnic tables and a pavilion. Accessed by boat only – your own or water taxi - the island
provides a real buffer between you and civilization, but a resident park ranger also ensures safety and peace of mind. Nothing is for sale or rent, so bring everything you need to be comfortable, including tents, food, drink, coolers, charcoal, meds, etc… Electric available in pavilion, pets welcome, advance reservations required.” Visit www.pbcgov.com/parks/peanutisland for more information.
Win a One-Year Transit Pass through Tri-Rail
During
September, Tri-Rail is offering commuters a chance to win a one-year transit
pass as part of the “Go Green & Save” campaign promoting the benefits of
riding Tri-Rail while saving money. The campaign is intended to encourage
commuters to ride Tri-Rail to get to work or school by offering passes to three
winners. To register, visit www.tri-rail.com or call 1-800-TRI-RAIL.
According to the American Public Transportation Association, by riding Tri-Rail, it is possible to save more than $8,000 per year on your commute to work or school. In addition, it is an easy way do your part to help preserve the environment by taking one more vehicle off the road to conserve gas and reduce air pollution.
PBC TV Channel 20 Program to be Featured on Rutgers University Web Site
The
Rutgers University School of Public Affairs and Administration is launching a
Web site on behalf of the newly established National Alliance for Public Service.
One of the public service resources being launched is a YouTube channel. The
channel will feature educational videos on individuals and organizations in
service to the public. It will be a resource for university students and
faculty studying public service, public administration and related fields.
The university selected Channel 20’s “Those Who Care” from having viewed it on the county Web site. This program features services provided by many nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County. To view the program, visit http://www.pbcgov.com/publicaffairs/Local_Programs.htm#Those_Who_Care
and click on “Deaf Service Center.”
Parks & Recreation Holding a Punt, Pass and Kick Contest for Kids
Kids can win a trip to the 2010 Super Bowl by participating in the NFL Punt, Pass, and Kick contest held by the Parks and Recreation Department on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Westgate Park and Recreation Center.
This program is a national skills competition that provides children ages 8 to 15 the opportunity to display their skills at punting, passing and kicking. Children who win the local competition advance to regionals and then may compete in the finals at the 2010 Super Bowl.
Participants can register on the day of the event from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Westgate Park and Recreation Center (3691 Oswego Avenue in West Palm Beach). Girls and boys compete separately in four age brackets. The program is free.
For more information, call the Westgate Park and Recreation Center at 694-5455.
Consumer Trap & Tip: The Dry Cleaner Shrank My Suit!
Trap
Sonia from Royal Palm Beach was eager to wear her freshly dry cleaned suit to her business meeting. When she put on the pants, however, she could barely zip and button them. The pant legs didn’t reach her ankles, the jacket was tight, and the sleeves didn’t reach her wrists. The dry cleaner had shrunk her suit!
Tips
Most people have very few problems with dry cleaners, but even one issue can be upsetting. Here are some “before and after” steps you can take:
• Read the care label carefully. An item may be washable and not require dry cleaning. If either method is allowed, make sure your preference is clear to the dry cleaner.
• When dropping off clothing, make sure the claim ticket lists all items. Check the reverse side of the ticket for any store policies.
• When picking up, make sure all items are present before leaving the store. Check for any damaged items or do so as soon as you get home. Promptly notify the store and return any damaged items.
• Speak with the owner or manager about any damages. Good dry cleaners will offer solutions: repeat the cleaning process, reweave a hole, block and reshape a garment, etc.
• If the store assumes liability, the remedy may be limited to monetary compensation based on the age and condition of the garment, a predetermined formula, or a policy that provides store credit only.
• Care labels can be wrong! In such situations, the manufacturer is at fault. Return the item to the retail store for directions on how to contact the manufacturer.
Call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit www.pbcgov.com/consumer to see if other consumers have had complaints against a company you are considering.
Consumer Trap & Tip: Carefree Car Rental
Trap
Ed and Joan from Lake Park were planning on flying to California for a family reunion. They also planned to rent a car for a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. Although both had driven for years, neither had ever rented a car. They called Consumer Affairs with questions about how to avoid problems and save money.
Tips
Renting a car can be a snap. Follow these tips to make your trip carefree:
• First, you must be at least 25 years or older to rent at most agencies.
• Use the Internet to save money. Check at least three car rental agencies for discounts. Read the terms and contract carefully. Print a copy and make sure it includes the confirmation number and the bottom line cost. Members of AARP, AAA and discount clubs can check those respective Web sites for cost savings.
• If you call for reservations, ask the agent about restrictions. Is there a fee for additional drivers? If your arrival is delayed how long will the car be held? Is there a cancellation fee? What are the local taxes or airport surcharges? What are the pick-up and return procedures?
• If you have personal auto insurance or charge the rental to a major credit card, you may be covered for collision damage. Be sure to check with your insurance agent or credit card issuer about coverage.
• Before driving away, inspect the car carefully for body damage. Be sure the door locks, brakes, lights and turn signals work properly. Report any defects at once. Write down the odometer mileage in case there is a dispute.
• Save money by refueling the car before returning it to the car rental agency. Do the fill-up several miles away from the airport, since nearby stations tend to have higher prices.
Call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit www.pbcgov.com/consumer to check if other consumers have filed complaints against a business you are considering.