January 26, 2009

IN THIS ISSUE

• Max Planck Society’s Science Tunnel Exhibit Opens
• Consumer Trap and Tip: Service Contracts
• Explore an Everglades Agricultural Area with Mounts Botanical Garden
• Commit 2B Fit in 2009
• Coconut Cove Recreation Center Hosting Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s Dance

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. 

Max Planck Society’s Science Tunnel Exhibit Opens

Palm Beach County is one of the sponsors of the world-renowned Max Planck Society’s Science Tunnel exhibition that recently opened at the South Florida Science Museum.  The official opening ceremony was held inside a 10,000-square-foot tent housing the interactive multimedia exhibition.  The exhibit has traveled the world and is making its U.S. debut in Palm Beach County.

The Science Tunnel offers visitors a fascinating view into the world of scientific discoveries and includes several video stations and hands-on stations.  The exhibit took 12 days to install and includes 16 video projectors, 13 monitors, 26 DVD units, eight AMX media control units and 14 sound systems. 

You can visit the Science Tunnel until March 29 at the South Florida Science Museum in West Palm Beach.

ˆ Go to the top of this page

Consumer Trap and Tip: Service Contracts

A weekly service of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division

Trap
"I was refunded only $18.32 instead of the full $360." Mrs. C. thought she would save money and aggravation by signing a service contract for the major appliances in her home. Four months later when she requested a service call for her stove, the service technician was rude and provided no real service at all.  She cancelled the contract, expecting to get all her money back. She didn’t realize there was a charge per service call. She also didn’t know that her refund would be pro-rated to a percentage of the unearned part of the contract, which was less the cost of service calls. She was surprised and really upset when she received that small refund check!

Tips
The consumer was unaware of some of the important parts of the contract she signed.  She realized she knew almost nothing about the company even though the salesman was extremely nice.  Most service company contracts include details of what is covered and what is not, and also include terms and conditions with a penalty for early termination of the contract.

·  Research service maintenance companies before signing a contract. Check with neighbors, and contact PBC Consumer Affairs to get a “Business Information Report” about the company. 

·  Be savvy. Get quotes from two or three companies and compare them carefully. 

·  Take the time to read and review all terms, service conditions, refund/ cancellation policies, and warranty information.  Contracts are written for the company’s benefit, not the consumer’s.   

For more information contact Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delay 1-888-852-7362) or go online at www.pbcgov.com/consumer.

ˆ Go to the top of this page

Explore an Everglades Agricultural Area with Mounts Botanical Garden

Join this westward tour of Palm Beach County's "Black Gold" area to learn about the native muck farmlands, which are unlike any other in the nation.

Discover how sugarcane, vegetables and rice are grown, harvested and processed commercially. This tour, including visits to a sugar cane processing plant, vegetable farm and rice mill, is educational and insightful.

A continental breakfast and boxed lunch will also be provided. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting at Mounts Botanical Garden in West Palm Beach. The cost is $40 and $50 for non-members. For more information, call 561-233-1757.

ˆ Go to the top of this page

Commit 2B Fit in 2009

Would you like to increase your energy level, reduce body fat, and improve your overall health?  If so, Westgate Park and Recreation Center is the place for you.

Westgate will be offering free interval drop-in fitness workout sessions for the Westgate Community for ages 18 and up beginning Wednesday, February 4, through Wednesday, May 27, from 10:00 am to noon. To get started each participant must complete a registration form. Space is limited, so don’t delay.

Westgate Park and Recreation Center is operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department and is located at 3691 Oswego Avenue in West Palm Beach.

For more information on this and other programs available through the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.pbcparks.com.

ˆ Go to the top of this page

Coconut Cove Recreation  Center Hosting Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s Dance

Coconut Cove Recreation Center will be hosting the Fourth Annual Daddy/Daughter Valentine’s Dance for ages 6-12 on Saturday, February 7 from 6 to 9 pm. 

The event includes light refreshments, a keepsake, door prizes, and a live DJ playing your favorite music.  Pre-registration is required due to limited seating and is offered January 20 through February 6 at Coconut Cove Recreation Center. 

The cost of the dance is $20 per couple and $5 for each additional daughter.  For more information, please contact Hugo Montenegro at (561) 274-1140 ext. 205.

Coconut Cove Recreation Center is operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department and is located in South County Regional Park, 11200 Park Access Road west of Boca Raton. 

For more information on this and other programs available through the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.pbcparks.com.

ˆ Go to the top of this page