County-e-News • December 21, 2009

Expanded Royal Palm Beach Branch Library Reopens

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Dec. 12 to officially reopen the renovated Royal Palm Beach Branch library.

The improvements have created an attractive environment in a natural setting, with lofty and spacious ceilings, an abundance of natural lighting and comfortable seating.

The expanded branch is more than double the size of the old branch; from 8,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet and includes 36 Internet computers and additional library catalog computers throughout the building, free wireless access, two meeting rooms, new shelving to allow for more DVDs, CDs, and audiobooks, three study rooms, and additional quiet areas including space for young people, two themed areas designed especially for children and teens with ample room for materials and comfortable seating, and more parking spaces.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a Family Fun Day with activities and events including a magic show, balloon making, free pictures with library mascot Dewey the Owl, performances by the Royal Palm Beach High School musicians and violinist Jose Kropp, and crafts and video games.

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Herb Gardening in South Florida

Herbs are traditionally used for culinary and medicinal purposes, fragrance and tea. Extension Agent Debra Levulis recalls how herbs were commonly used in her family. “Growing up, my mother had a dedicated drawer in our kitchen with every variety of canned herbs, and my mother-in-law would always serve iced tea garnished with her home grown peppermint leaves.”

Herbs are wonderful in a patio garden because they are not only beautiful and useful, but they are also fragrant as you brush across them. Winter in South Florida is the best time of the year to grow herbs. Herbs grow well when the weather is sunny, less humid and cooler, which matches their native Mediterranean roots. Select a sunny spot, plant in professional potting soil and fertilize with slow release pelletized osmocote or dynamite containing micro nutrients such as iron. Water herbs thoroughly until the water comes out of the holes at the bottom of the container, repeat, and do not let the water sit in the saucer for very long. Dump excess water out of the saucer to avoid root rot.

There are many easy-to-grow herbs that you can pick fresh whenever you need them. Culinary herbs include basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, mint and sage. Fragrance and potpourri herbs include patchouli, sage, lemon verbena and scented geranium. Teas can be made from chamomile, fennel, lemon balm and mint. Medicinal herbs include echinacea, chamomile, aloe and St. Johns wort.

To see herbs growing in a garden setting, stop by Mounts Botanical Garden located next to the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service, 531 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach. The garden visiting hours are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. If you have any plant questions, call a master gardener volunteer at 233-1750, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Consumer Trap & Tip: Baggage Fees

Trap
Due to a family emergency, Bill and Linda Barker had to get the next flight to Denver. Bill checked the airline’s Web site and booked two seats but failed to review four pages of information regarding baggage fees. Since they were only taking a carry-on and one large suitcase, Bill wasn’t concerned. The next morning, while checking in, their large suitcase weighed 72 pounds. The ticket agent asked them for the normal $20 checked baggage fee plus an additional $50 overweight fee. Seventy dollars for one suitcase?

Tips
Airlines are finding new and creative ways to increase their bottom line. Charging for baggage is just one of them. Before packing your suitcase, consider these tips:

Checked baggage fees vary from airline to airline. European carriers allow up to 45 pounds and North American airlines up to 70 pounds (although many domestic carriers have a 50 pound limit). Take your time before booking your flight to avoid problems at the gate by reading the disclosures carefully.
Use your bathroom scales to weigh your bag before heading to the airport.
If you are told your bag is overweight, offer to quickly repack some items into your carry-on or travel partner’s bag. Take a coat out and carry it over your arm.
Along with the weight of your bag, make sure the suitcase dimensions do not exceed the airline’s limitations. Check with the airline for specifications.
With some airlines, it can actually cost less to check in an additional piece of luggage than to pay for one that is overweight. If this is the case, bring a collapsible “soft bag” or ask the agent for a box.
Plan/Pack carefully and get to the ticket counter one hour before your flight.

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

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Consumer Trap & Tip: Online Shopping

Trap
Roger’s kids were excited about getting iPods this year for Christmas. He searched online and found a company selling iPods for 25 percent off! He purchased two of them. When the packages arrived, Roger was dismayed to find that both iPods looked used. Immediately, he did an Internet search and found numerous complaints about the company. When he called the company, the phone recording said, “mailbox full.”

Tips
Online purchases dramatically increase during the holiday season. Here are some tips for shopping online:

· Buy only from reliable, well-established and well-known businesses. Check out the company BEFORE doing business with them. Search the Internet, including www.pbcgov.com/consumer, to learn about the experiences of others who made online purchases from the company.

· Be sure the company’s physical address and telephone number are displayed on the Web site (look for a local phone number as well as a toll-free number).

· Call the business directly to determine what kind of customer service they have. Are they helpful, courteous and knowledgeable?

· Know exactly what you are buying. Determine if the product is new, used or refurbished. What kind of warranty is provided with your purchase?

· Check and understand the company’s return policy. Some companies have high restocking fees for returned items. Also check for shipping/handling fees.

· Make online payments with a credit card – not a debit card. Credit cards give more protection and can more easily be disputed.

· Print copies of each page where you enter information. Obtain the transaction confirmation. Have your completed order e-mailed to you.

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

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