January 12, 2009

IN THIS ISSUE

• Wellington Branch Library Turned into Movie Set
• Consumer Trap and Tip from Consumer Affairs
• Celebrate Arbor Day at Mounts Botanical Garden
• January is Family Fit Lifestyle Month

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Wellington Branch Library Turned into Movie Set

A film crew recently gathered at the Wellington Branch Library to shoot the movie, The Novelist.  

Local director Octavian Onuc selected the branch to film the thriller about a disgruntled writer who takes a successful novelist hostage at a book signing. 

The film crew arrived at 7 a.m. on Nov. 28 to set up for filming, with most of the actors arriving after 8 a.m. to prepare for their roles.  The first scenes were filmed outside the library where a team of extras posing as the author’s fans waited in line to enter the building.  Then the action moved inside where the book signing and subsequent hostage-taking took place.  Filming concluded around 6 p.m., with final clean up by the film crew ending at 7:30 p.m.

With principal photography now complete, The Novelist enters post-production. When the film is completed, the library plans to invite Onuc to come back to the library to screen the film for patrons and take questions from the audience.  For more information on the film and director, please visit: http://www.newbeginningfilms.com.

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Consumer Trap and Tip: Carpet/Tile Cleaning

Trap
Miriam of Delray Beach responded to a colorful ad (with coupons!) for carpet and tile cleaning.  When the workers arrived they rushed through her rooms and told her the basic service would not work on her floors.  She agreed to the extra cleaning without asking what the cost would be.  They handed her a bill for over $1,000.   Miriam never knew the additional charges would bring the bill to ten times the amount she had budgeted.   Alone and intimidated, she wrote a check even though the floors were not done to her satisfaction.
 
Tips
When arranging for carpet or tile cleaning:

·  Be wary of too-good-to-be-true claims.  There may be hidden costs or it may be a “bait and switch” scheme.  Carefully read the small print on coupons.

·  Research the company.  How long have they been in business?   Is there a local address/phone number?  Are there complaints filed with Consumer Affairs?  Do they have insurance, and have they paid a business tax?  Ask for references.

·  Get a written estimate with the specifics in writing before allowing any work to be done.  Will they move furniture?  What machines/chemicals will be used? Are there extra charges for traffic areas?  What warranty does the business offer?

·  Be the boss.  Ask them to leave your house if you feel they are applying too much sales pressure.  Someone should always be there when workers are present. 

·  Never pay cash or write check to “cash.”  Check in advance to determine what forms of payment the company will accept.  Credit card payments can often be disputed with the credit card company.  Do not give credit card/bank account numbers until it is time to pay for the work.

For more information contact Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 1-888-852-7362) or visit the Web site www.pbcgov.com/consumer.

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Celebrate Arbor Day at Mounts Botanical Garden

The public is invited to celebrate Arbor Day, the annual celebration of trees at Mounts Botanical Garden. The free event will be held on January 16 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Arbor Day was first celebrated in Nebraska in 1872. By 1894 every state celebrated Arbor Day, and it has since spread to other countries. Mounts Botanical Garden will celebrate the day of trees and the impact they have in the world.

The festivities will include a proclamation by the Board of County Commissioners, VIP speakers, a tree dedication in the garden and refreshments. The first 200 attendees will receive a seedling to nurture in their own landscape. For more information, call 561-233-1757.

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January is Family Fit Lifestyle Month

Two of the most common resolutions made each year are to be more physically fit and to spend more time with family. Most people can relate to making and/or breaking one or both of these resolutions in the past.

January is Family Fit Lifestyle Month and a perfect time to combine both resolutions. The whole family can work together at achieving both goals. Choose activities you enjoy and can do together. The pleasure of your company is the best gift you can give to your children and family members. Here are a few suggestions from the Cooperative Service Extension’s Family and Consumer Sciences Division:

• Let a different family member pick his/her favorite activity for the whole family to do each week.
• Buy a notebook and use it as a fitness diary. Record the length of time each family member spent on an activity.
• Stick to a schedule. Make regular physical activity a part of your family routine.
• Let family members share in menu planning for the week. Have each family member suggest his/her favorite meal and side dish.
• Help children fix healthy, creative snacks and lunches.
• Take trips to the farmers market, produce stand, and grocery store together.
• Have regular family meetings to revisit your goals and access your progress.

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