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Rebuilt Glades Airport Opens

Department of Airports officials, Lake Region civic leaders and aviation enthusiasts gathered on Nov. 19 for a ribbon cutting and luncheon at the new Glades Airport in Pahokee. The airport’s main building was destroyed in 2004 by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, and operations were then conducted from a trailer.

The airport features a new 5,000-square-foot main hangar, a 2,300-square-foot lobby/office area with an ADA-accessible wrap-around porch, 800 square feet of rental office space, and a separate building with 10 rental hangars.

Director of Airports Bruce Pelly and Pahokee City Commissioner Keith Babb offered comments then invited the approximately 100 attendees inside for a sponsor-funded barbecue.

Glades Airport is Palm Beach County’s designated recreational airport. The airport is located three miles southwest of Pahokee and 35 miles west of West Palm Beach.

 

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Paws & Claws Shelter Pet Toy Project

Help a shelter dog or cat find a new home for the holidays! Donate a new pet toy for a shelter animal during the Santa Paws & Claws Pet Toy Project at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control.  This year’s project runs from Dec. 1 through Jan. 8, 2010.

People are more likely to adopt a dog or cat that appears happy, active and playful. The best type of pet toy for dogs is the hard indestructible toy, which is safer and sturdier for the larger dogs. Cats and kittens love all types of cat toys which are available at any pet supply or department store. 

Please deliver pet toys to the main shelter at 7100 Belvedere Road, just west of the Florida Turnpike overpass. Donations can be placed in the large toy box in the front lobby or outside bin when the shelter is closed. Lobby hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Toys can also be mailed to Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, attention: Pet Toy Project, 7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411. 

For additional information, contact Elizabeth at 561-233-1222 or e-mail pbcacc@pbcgov.org or visit www.pbcgov.com/animal.

 

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Consumer Trap & Tip: Buying the Perfect Christmas Tree

Trap
Five-year-old Amy was excited about the holidays.  She darted between trees on the lot when she stopped and cried, “This is the one!”  Her parents were happy because it was getting dark, and the search for the perfect Christmas tree had finally ended. While setting the tree in the stand, Amy’s father was shocked by the number of falling needles.  The tree was already dry, and it was weeks until Christmas.

Tips
Here are some steps Amy’s father can take next year when buying a Christmas tree:

• Plan your tree search to allow plenty of time to deal with childhood excitement and still make a thorough inspection of the tree. Daytime is better.
• There are three main sources for live Christmas trees: a) Big-box stores like Home Depot or Publix, b) charity lots for nonprofits and c) for-profit lots (which range from chains to mom and pop lots).  Big-box stores normally have set tree prices, while independent lots may negotiate the price with you.
• Check the return policy.  Some larger retailers will allow dry trees to be returned within a day or so, but in most cases once you leave with the tree it can’t be returned.
• Know ahead of time what tree height and width will fit in your home.
• The needles should be fresh and green.  Pull on several branches all over the tree. If the needles pull off easily, the tree is too dry.  Bend the needles between your fingers.  Fresh needles will bend but not break.  Trees should not shower the ground with needles when the trunk butt is stamped on the ground.
• Have the vendor saw off at least two inches from the trunk butt to allow for more water absorption.  Most experts say not to add sugar, bleach or anything else to the tree stand – but do check the water level frequently. A dry tree can be a fire hazard.  Also, don’t place it near air vents, heaters or fire places.

For more information, call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit www.pbcgov.com/consumer. 

 

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Consumer Trap & Tip: Toy Safety for Holiday Shoppers

Trap
Susan remembers when lawn darts, trampolines, pogo balls and air rifles were popular holiday gifts for kids. Today, she wonders how she survived her childhood! Susan plans to begin shopping for toys and take advantage of the sales. She wants to save money but also wants to buy toys that will be safe for her kids.

Tips
Most older used automobiles do not carry warranties. While the federally required “AS-IS” disclosure is good, there are no guarantees from the dealer whatsoever should the vehicle develop a mechanical problem after it is driven off the lot.  Here are some ways to avoid problems when buying an “AS-IS” vehicle:

Along with being fun, toys should be safe. Here are some tips for a happier holiday:

·         Consider the child’s age, interest and skill level. Look for labels that give age recommendations as a guide.  The Child Safety Protection Act requires choking hazard warning labels on toys containing small parts.  Remember, a toy intended for an older child may be dangerous in the hands of a younger child.  Information on age-appropriate toys can be found at www.usa.safekids.org and www.cpsc.gov.

·         Buy from a reputable retailer, and ask if they have removed all recalled toys from the shelves. Get a receipt for your purchase, and verify the store’s return policy.

·         Be extra cautious when buying second-hand or used toys. Look for signs that state all sales are final. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act also prohibits thrift shops, garage sales, consignment and online stores from selling recalled toys. Toys can be recalled for reasons such as toxic levels of lead in the paint or a strangulation risk (cords) or a choking hazard (small parts).

·         You can see the recalled toys list and sign up for e-mail alerts at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site (www.cpsc.gov).

·         If you decide to buy your child’s first big bicycle, remember it’s not a toy. That big bike is now considered a vehicle, and your next purchase should be a helmet!

Call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit www.pbcgov.com/consumerfor more information.

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How to Have a Pet-Safe Holiday Season

In honor of the joyous holiday, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) poison control experts offer these essential safety tips for your pets:

Avoid Too Much of a Good Thing
While the holidays are a time for giving, there are some foods you should not share with your furry friends.  A special no-no is chocolate which, if ingested, can lead to death. And you may want to skip sharing the turkey — poultry bones can splinter and cause blockages.  Alcoholic beverages, coffee, onions, fatty foods, yeast dough and macadamia nuts can all lead to stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse — an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis.

Put the Meds Away                    
One of the most common holiday-related emergencies is the consumption of human pharmaceuticals. Make sure all your medications are securely locked away, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds secure, too.

That Holiday Glow
When you leave the room, put the candles out! Animals can easily knock candles over, causing a fire, and curious cats are particularly at risk of getting burned by candles.

Decorations Can Be Dangerous
Traditional holiday decorations such as breakable ornaments, string, ribbon and dreidels can cause choking or severe intestinal problems if swallowed. Light strands, loose wires and electric cords can also pose serious dangers to your pet, especially puppies, who may chew on them.

Go Tinsel-less
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery.  It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

Forgo the Flowers
Be careful with holiday floral arrangements. Lilies are commonly used this time of year, and all varieties including Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Stargazer and Casa Blanca can cause kidney failure in cats. In addition, common yuletide plants such as mistletoe and holly berries can be potentially toxic to pets. Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Safe alternatives include artificial flowers made from silk or plastic.

Oh, Christmas Tree
Cats often see trees as fabulous climbing posts. Be sure to securely anchor your tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. Also, tree water may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset if ingested. Stagnant tree water can also contain bacteria, and if ingested, a pet may suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

New Year’s Noise
As you count down to the new year, be alert to any pet hazards such as noise-makers and confetti. Noise-makers can frighten your pets, causing them to bolt out an open door or window. Confetti, if ingested, can wreak havoc on the digestive tract.

Holiday Travel
Before traveling with your pets by car or plane, make sure they have all the required vaccinations and are wearing identification tags or are microchipped. If you’re traveling by car, be sure to secure your pet safely with a seatbelt harness, crate or barrier, and make frequent stops allowing pets time to exercise and relieve themselves.

If your dog or cat accidentally ingests any potentially harmful products and you need emergency advice, consult your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee applies) or www.aspca.org/apcc.

 

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