Monday, October 27, 2008

2008 Holiday Bazaars

SOURCE: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/ae/content/accent/epaper/2008/10/26/a1d_bazaar_web_1026.html

Holiday Bazaars
Palm Beach Post Staff

Sunday, October 26, 2008

OCTOBER

OCT. 26

Our Lady of Lourdes Church Holiday Boutique, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at the corner of Lyons and Palmetto Park roads, west Boca Raton. (561) 483-6248.

OCT. 31-NOV. 1

Holiday Bazaar, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, St. Joseph's Episcopal Church, 3300 Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. Original creations, antiques, collectibles, hand-sewn baby and children's clothing, books, games, toys, baked goods, silent auction, raffles. Call (561) 732-3060.

First Presbyterian Church Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 31 and 9 a.m.-noon Nov. 1, 235 S.W. Sixth Ave., Boynton Beach. Holiday shop, trees, ornaments, boutique, children's place, electronics, books, jewelry, clothing, white elephant, lunch. Call (561) 732-3774.

OCT. 31-NOV. 2

The 34th Annual Arts & Craft Show at Cathedral of St. Ignatius, 4-7 p.m. Oct. 31, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 1, and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 2, 9999 N. Military Trail at Holly Drive, Palm Beach Gardens. Only homemade items, bake sale fund-raiser for youth ministry program, snack bar, music and decorations. (561) 622-2565.

NOVEMBER

NOV. 1

Fall Fest: A Marketplace of Food, Fun & Fantastic Deals, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Episcopal Church of Good Shepherd, 400 Seabrook Road, Tequesta. Crafts, games for kids, food tent, entertainment, used book fair, jewelry sale, bakery, jams & jellies. (561) 746-4674.

First United Methodist Women of Okeechobee Annual Bazaar, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Fellowship Hall, 200 N.W. Second St., Okeechobee. Crafts, quilted items, knives, nuts, baked goods, white elephant items, silent auction. Lunch and desserts 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Proceeds benefit mission projects. (863) 763-4021.

NOV. 2

The third annual Holiday Attic Treasure & Garage Sale, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Coral Breeze Animal Hospital, 8893 S. Military Trail, Boynton Beach. Furniture, art, accessories, rugs, knick-knacks, clothing, purses, animal items, holiday items, books, children's clothing and toys, bake sale and refreshments, raffles. Benefits animals. (561) 738-9400.

The First Annual El Sol Art Fest, 2-6 p.m., El Sol Center, 106 Military Trail, Jupiter. Decorative glassware, tiles, place mats, Guatemalan textiles, handmade tote bags and apparel, paintings and crafts. Food and entertainment. (561) 745-9860.

NOVEMBER

NOV. 2-3

The Sixth Annual Trunk Show, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 2-3, Schoolhouse Children's Museum and Learning Center, 129 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach. More than 20 vendors. Call (561) 742-6780.

NOV. 6

Wellington Women's Club's Shop 'Til You Drop Holiday Bazaar, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Binks Forest Golf Club, 400 Binks Forest, Wellington. Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Avon, Silpada, Everything Beaded, Global Art, Discovery Toys. (561) 632-5165.

NOV. 7

Bazaar, Bingo & Food, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Boynton Woman's Club, 1010 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach. Vendors, bingo, food. Benefits College Scholarships Fund. (561) 369-2300.

St. Clare School Arts and Crafts Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Parish Hall, 821 Prosperity Farms Road, North Palm Beach. (561) 622-7171.

NOV. 7-8

Boca Raton Garden Club's Holiday House Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the clubhouse, 4281 N.W. Third Ave., Boca Raton. Holiday decorations, gift baskets, a large plant sale, home-baked goods. (561) 395-9376.

NOV. 8

St. Francis of Assisi Church Second Annual Fall Bazaar and Flea Market, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8, St. Francis of Assisi Parish Outreach Center, 100 W. 20th St. and Avenue F, Riviera Beach. Arts and crafts, raffles, baked goods. Lunch. (561) 842-2958 or (561) 758-3061.

Holiday Bazaar, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 9625 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens. Crafts, pancake breakfast and hot dog lunch benefiting the Boy Scouts Troop 132. (561) 626-3535.

Charity Craft Bazaar, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunny South Estates Clubhouse, Gateway Boulevard between Congress and Lawrence avenues, Boynton Beach. Decorations, ceramics, wreaths, coffee bar, baked goods. (561) 738-7117.

Pancake Breakfast and Craft Fair, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Poinciana Elementary School, 1203 N. Seacrest Blvd. Boynton Beach. Silent auction, carnival. Hot dogs and drinks from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Benefits safety patrols trip to Washington, D.C. (561) 739-5700.

North Palm Beach Arts & Crafts Fall Festival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1200 Prosperity Farms Road, North Palm Beach. More than 100 crafters. Benefits local boys and girls basketball teams. (561) 841-3386.

NOV. 8-9

Ascension Council of Catholic Women Annual Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov . 8 and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 9, 7250 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Hand-crafted creations, wreaths, accessories, jewelry, home-baked specialities. Food and lunch. (561) 251-7914 or (561) 241-3342.

The Holiday Craft Festival on the Ocean, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 8-9, Loggerhead Park, 14200 U.S. 1, Juno Beach. More than 150 crafters. www.artfestival.com

NOV. 11

Girls Night Out, 6-10 p.m., Temple Beth David, 4657 Hood Road, Palm Beach Gardens. Clothing, jewelry, home décor, accessories. Free massages. $10 admission includes drink and raffle. (561) 694-2350.

NOV. 14

Courtyard Garden's Holiday Craft & Jewelry Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Courtyard Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 1790 Indian Creek Drive W., Jupiter. Refreshments. (561) 743-5966.

NOV. 14-15

Holly Days Christmas Bazaar, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14-15,, First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, 33 Gleason St., Delray Beach. Decorations, jewelry, baked goods. Lunch by Men's Club from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Call (561) 276-6338.

NOV. 15

Union Congregational Church Christmas Bazaar and Flea Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Union Congregational Church, 5088 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach. Jewelry, collectibles, plants, baked goods. Lunch. (561) 686-0330.

Festival of Nations Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Palm Beach Leisureville Clubhouse #3, 2000 S.W. 13th St., Boynton Beach. Crafts and wood items. Hot dogs and hamburgers. (561) 732-1240 or (561) 364-7752.

Holiday Bazaar, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1801 12th Ave. S., Lake Worth. Bake sale, crafts, holiday decorations, white elephants. Lunch. (561) 585-7519.

Faith's Old Fashioned Country Fair, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church, 555 U.S. 1 and Ebbtide Drive, North Palm Beach. Raffles, midway and children's crafts; teen action games; crafts; chuck wagon and bakery shop; barn dance. (561) 848-4737.

Crystal Lakes Elementary 3rd Annual Fall Carnival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 6050 Gateway Blvd., Boynton Beach. Rides, games, food. (561) 292-6632.

Fall Festival Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 3395 Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens. Silent auction, bears and crafts, baked goods, jewelry, quilts and knitted items. Lunch. Music by Rock My Soul, a Christian rock band. (561) 622-0956.

NOV. 15-16

St. Gregory's Episcopal Church Annual Christmas Bazaar, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Nov. 15 and 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Nov. 16, Harris Hall, 100 N.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. Silent auction, crafts, baked goods, vintage jewelry. Lunch on the veranda. (561) 395-8285.

The Christmas Bazaar, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Nov. 15, 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 16,St. Gregory's Episcopal Church, 100 N.E. Mizner Blvd. Boca Raton. Gft baskets, Christmas crafts and decor, bake table. Lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 15. Lauren at (954) 481-2236.

NOV. 16

Women's Fellowship Holiday Festival Gala, noon to 3 p.m., First Congregational Church, 1415 N. K Street, Lake Worth. Arts, crafts, silent auction. Lunch. (561) 582-6691.

NOV. 20

Independence Middle School's 2nd Annual Holiday Bazaar, 3:30 to 8 p.m., Independence Middle School, 4001 Greenway Drive, Jupiter. Gifts, baked goods, pizza. Choir, guitar club, jazz band perform. (561) 743-8297.

NOV. 20-21

Santa's Florida Workshop, 1-8 p.m. Nov. 20 and 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 21, Old School Square, Northeast First Street at Northeast First Avenue, Delray Beach. Decorations, cards, dolls, quilts, paintings, jewelry. The Delray Beach Chapter of the Southern Handcraft Society. No strollers. (561) 278-6475.

NOV. 21-22

Ceramic League Holiday Show and Sale, 1-8 p.m. Nov. 21 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 22, Craft Gallery, 5911 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. Reception 5-8 p.m. Nov. 21 with music, demonstrations, pottery, mixed media art. (561) 585-7744.

NOV. 22

The 28th Annual DECA Holiday Bazaar at Indian River State College, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., IRSC Main Campus, 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce. Arts and crafts, culinary arts demonstrations, interior design showcase and sale, DECA Grille, hair cut-a-thon. Partially benefits President's Challenge Scholarship Fund. (866) 792-4772.

Holiday Craft and Bake Sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Living Word Lutheran Church, 2116 W. Lantana Road, Lantana. American-made products. Baked goods, lunch. (561) 588-8148.

St. Patrick Catholic Church Women's Holiday Bazaar & Bake Sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Patrick Catholic Church Parish Hall, 13591 Prosperity Farms Road, Palm Beach Gardens. Quality boutique items including Silpada Jewelry, Lady Bug Bows, Kitchen Must Haves, Discovery Toys. Crafts. Refreshments and bake sale. (561) 371-0385.

NOV. 22-23

Holiday Art & Craft Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 22-23, Bluffs Square, 4060 S. U.S. 1, Jupiter. (772) 336-0606.

NOV. 29

Craft and Rummage Sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nativity Lutheran Church, 4075 Holly Drive, Palm Beach Gardens. Handmade crafts, gifts, plants, rummage sale items. (561) 784-4871.

Teddy Bears, Dolls and Collectibles Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., American-Polish Club, 4725 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth. Hand-crafted and manufactured teddy bears, dolls, accessories, antiques, collectibles. (561) 626-1031.

NOV. 29-30

The 14th Annual Art in the Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29-30, Memorial Park, E. Ocean Blvd, Stuart. Fine arts and craft show. Food. (772) 336-0606.

NOV. 30

Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., JCC, 8500 Jog Road, Boynton Beach. Judaics, clothing, handbags, jewelry, toys. (561) 740-9000.

DECEMBER

DEC. 4-6

Southern Christmas Show, 1-9 p.m. Dec. 4, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 5, and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6, Patch Reef Park Community Center, Yamato Road, west of Military Trail, Boca Raton. Holiday items, home decor. (561) 791-3484 or (561) 523-1415.

DEC. 5

LEAH Holiday Boutique Extravaganza, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., BallenIsles Country Club, 100 BallenIsles Circle, Palm Beach Gardens. Designer and estate jewelry, apparel, accessories, baked goods. (561) 775-3366.

Holiday Boutique-Wellington Garden Club, 1-4 p.m., 12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. Purses, gourmet teas, picture frames, crystal, gemstone, soaps and scents, gift wrap. (561) 753-3315.

Alzheimer's Community Care Craft Bazaar, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., Baxter Building Lobby, 800 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach. Crafts made by day care folks. Proceeds benefit field trip fund. (561) 640-8977.

DEC. 5-6

The 25th annual Art and Craft Festival, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6, Burns Road Recreation Center, 4404 Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens. More than 100 booths. Food. (561) 630-1100. www.pbgfl.com.

DEC. 6

Tropical Sands Christian Church's 13th Annual Christmas Cookie Sale, 11 a.m. 'til the cookies run out, 2726 Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens. Purchase a tin for $8 and fill it withhomemade cookies, fudge, bread and candies. (561) 622-2726.

I'll Be Home for Christmas Craft and Gift Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cardinal Newman High School, 512 Spencer Drive, West Palm Beach. Vendors, entertainment, Santa Claus. Lunch and snack bar. (561) 471-0241.

Cason United Methodist Church Holiday Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cason United Methodist Church, 342 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Gently used clothing, household goods, crafts, food, baked goods. Lunch. (561) 276-5302.

DEC. 6-7

The third annual Old Fashion Christmas, noon-5 p.m. Dec. 6 and noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 7, Church of the Palms, 1960 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach. Crafts, food, carolers. (561) 276-6347.

DEC. 7

Holiday Boutique, BBQ and Bake Sale, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Temple Judea, 4311 Hood Road, Palm Beach Gardens. Vendors, raffles, barbecue, bake sale. Benefits the Youth Education Program. (561) 758-4863.

Holiday Boutique at Temple Beth Am, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 2250 Central Blvd., Jupiter. gift items. Lunch, bake sale, raffles. (561) 747-3339.

Want to add your bazaar to the list? E-mail janis_fontaine@pbpost.com.

SOURCE: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/ae/content/accent/epaper/2008/10/26/a1d_bazaar_web_1026.html

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Convert PDF to Word

Convert PDFs to Word Online with Three Clicks [PDF]

via Lifehacker by Jackson West on 10/22/08

Stuck with a PDF file and no application that will let you edit it? PDF UNdo Online is easy, free, works on any computer and there's no registration required. Click to browse your computer for an Adobe PDF document, click to convert it into a Microsoft Word document, then click to download the converted file. Now you can edit it to your heart's content in any application that supports Word documents. A perfect complement for PDF Online, which can convert your edited file right back to PDF. Thanks, PauletteDandoo!

Free Online PDF to Word Conversions [pdfundo.net]

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

2008 Florida Sample ballot in SPANISH

http://www.slcelections.com/Pdf%20Docs/sample%20ballot/combined_spanish.pdf

Richard S. Reilly

Martin County Library System

ACCESS Florida technical problems

Automated Community Connection to Economic Self-Sufficiency

http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/access/infocenter.shtml
Please check the following:

1. Pop Up Blockers - If you have a popup blocker, it MUST be disabled. If you have one of the browsers below you can check the popup blocker information on their websites:

2. JavaScript Settings -

Internet Explorer 6.0, 7.0, and Vista:
1. From the Tools menu, select Internet Options
2. Select the Security tab
3. Click the Custom Level button
4. Scroll to the Scripting section
5. Under Active Scripting, select the Enable option
6. Click OK
7. Click the Yes button
8. Click OK
9. On your toolbar, click the Refresh button
Firefox:
1. Select Options from the Tools menu
2. Click Content
3. Check Enable JavaScript
4. Click OK then click the Reload button
AOL:
1. Click My AOL
2. Click Preferences
3. Click WWW
4. Click the Security tab
5. Click Custom
6. Click Settings
7. Scroll down to locate Scripting
8. Click Enable for Active Scripting
9. Click OK, then click the Reload button
Safari:
1. Go to the Edit menu and choose Preferences
2. Click on the Security tab where you'll see the Enable JavaScript option
3. Check it to turn JavaScript on
4. When you are done just close the window

3. Internet Explorer Settings -

Open an Internet Explorer (IE) browser window. On the top of the open window, click on Tools and select Internet Options.
Make sure 'Days to Keep Pages in History' is set to at least to 1 (not zero).
Clear History- click YES or OK.
Delete cookies- click YES or OK. Delete Files (Temporary Internet files)- check box to delete all offline content- Click YES or OK.
Click on the Settings box to the right of Delete Cookies and Delete Files- verify 'Every Visit to the Page' is selected/bulleted and set amount of Disk Space to 1000 MB- Click YES or OK.
On the Security Tab, make sure Active X Controls designated as 'signed' or 'safe' are set enable; make sure Active X Controls designated and 'unsigned' or 'un-safe' are set to prompt.
Change Microsoft VM JAVA Permissions from High Safety to Medium Safety. Click OK and then click YES, you are sure you wish to reset security settings.
Click on the Privacy Tab and make sure it is set to Medium.
On the Connections Tab, click on LAN Settings box and make sure automatically detect settings' is selected and 'Use Proxy Server' is un-checked. Click OK.
On the Advanced Tab under the Browsing section, make sure 'Reuse windows for launching shortcuts' is un-checked. Also under the Browsing section, make sure 'Display Notification about every Script error' is un-checked. Under the Microsoft VM section, made sure 'JIT compiler for virtual machine' is checked. Also on the Advanced Tab, under the Security section made sure that 'Do not save encrypted pages to disk' is un-checked and that 'Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed' is checked- Click OK.
Close all browser windows and Restart PC or Laptop.

SOURCE: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/access/infocenter.shtml

Richard S. Reilly

Martin County Library System

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Martin County Career Center Services

Job Placement Assistance

Did you know you can complete a job search

on the internet? Once you register online at

www.employflorida.com you can view local

jobs.

If you need assistance with Job Placement

services our Mobile Unit can be

found at the following locations or by calling

772-359-1018:

Morgade Library (Salerno Road)

Mondays and Tuesdays

8:30am - 4:30pm

5851 S. E. Community Drive

Stuart, Florida 34994

Blake Library (Monterey Road)

Wednesdays and Thursdays

8:30am – 4:30pm

2351 S.E. Monterey Road

Stuart, Florida 34994

Employer Services

If you need to post a job opening and need

help finding employees, please contact us at:

1-866-4U2-HIRE

1-866-482-4473

Veteran Job Placement

Assistance

If you are a Veteran and need job

placement assistance, you can register

at www.employflorida.com, or contact

our staff. Staff will be at the following

locations:

Veterans Services Office

Tuesday, Wednesday &Thursday

8:00am – 4:30pm

Martin County Community Services

435 SE Flagler Ave

Office 772-288-5448

Stuart, FL 34994

Welfare Transition

Program

If you are a Welfare Transition

participant, or you would like to apply

for welfare or food stamps, please

visit our new location.

Gertrude Walden Child Care

Center (GWCCC)

Monday – Friday

8:00am – 5:00pm

601 SE Lake St

Stuart, FL 34994

772-283-6321

Training Assistance

If you are currently in training funded by

the center, or you are looking for

assistance with training, contact Vivian

Jarrett at Vjarrett@tcjobs.org or

1-866-482-4473.

_______________________

Partners

AARP is now located at:

First United Methodist Church

1500 Kanner Highway

Stuart, Fl 34994

Phone: 772-781-0223

Kathy Davidson

________________________

Coalition for Independent

Living Options is now located at:

Crexent Business Center

850 NW Federal Highway, Suite 104

Stuart, Fl 34994

Phone: 772-233-4301

If you still have questions and need more

information about our services, please visit our

website.

Need to file for unemployment? That information

is also on our website.

www.yourworkforcesolutions.com

All updates and additional NEW locations can

also be found at the website.

SOURCE: http://www.tcjobs.org/

DCF re-opens office in Martin County

STUART — The Department of Children and Families is re-opening an office in Martin County at The Towers Building, 1111 S. Federal Highway, Suite 108, Stuart, on Wednesday.

The new St. Lucie County location opened earlier this month in partnership with Harvest Food & Outreach Center. The address is 2520 Orange Ave., Fort Pierce.

The DCF offices at 8934 S. Federal Highway in Port St. Lucie will be permanently closed on Wednesday.

Through ACCESS Florida, residents can apply for benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, and Cash Assistance for Needy Families. All benefits can be applied for online by going to www.myflorida.com/ACCESSflorida. Residents without access to a computer can either go to a community partner listed on that Web site or go to the agency's locations where computers will be available.

Richard S. Reilly

Martin County Library System

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Central air conditioner brands and models

Subject: RE: Central air conditioner brands and models

www.ceedirectory.org/ceedirectory/pages/ac/cee/defaultSearch.aspx

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOURCE: http://www.consumersearch.com/www/house_and_home/central-air-conditioners/review.html

Central air conditioner brands and models

The major air conditioner manufacturers make multiple brands, and industry experts say that these brands are not distinct. (With other types of products, manufacturers often have a premium brand and a budget brand.) The logo on a unit or the appearance might be the only things that distinguish different brand products from the same manufacturer. Bryant/Carrier, American Standard/Trane, Lennox/Ducane and Rheem/Ruud are each "twin" brands. Goodman makes the Amana, Goodman, Janitrol and GmC brands.

Without the aid of credible reviews or guidance from contractors, we cannot identify the best models. As described above, the Goodman brands have detractors and defenders. They may be supported by contractors who are trying to sell on price alone. Contractor comments and inferences paint them as a budget alternative.

The models we mention here appear on the lists of Jim Dulley, GreenGuide.com and the few other sources that identify any specific models as worth considering. We emphasize that these are weak recommendations. They are not based on testing or even experience with a brand. Instead, they come from evaluation of product information and perhaps brand reputation. These sources focus on higher-end models.

The 20 SEER Bryant 187 Evolution Series stands out. It's a two-stage model, which means it operates on low speed most of the time. That keeps room temperatures consistent and minimizes electricity use. The Evolution Series uses R-410A (Puron) refrigerant. Bryant includes a ten-year warranty on the compressor and five years on other parts. The Trane XL 19i is a 19.5 SEER model that fits the same description, as does the 21 SEER Carrier Infinity Series.

The Lennox XC21 is a two-stage 20.5 SEER central air conditioner. It has a ten-year limited warranty on all "covered" parts. Lennox engineered this model with a variety of noise reduction technologies; the company claims noise levels as low as 69 decibels, which it says is "13 times quieter than a standard air conditioner."

The American Standard Allegiance 18 could be considered a step down from the above models. This 18.9 SEER air conditioner uses the outgoing R-22 refrigerant. It is a two-stage unit with a 10/5 warranty and is also made to run relatively quietly.

The 15 SEER Carrier Performance Series is another step down. It's also rated to run as quietly as 69 decibels. A 10/5 warranty is included. Some models in the series use R-410A, others use R-22. They are single-stage air conditioners (which means they are either on or off).

The Lennox Merit Series 13ACD is a 14 SEER air conditioner with a scroll compressor, which typically does not require a suction valve. It uses R-410A refrigerant. Those are nice features for a low-efficiency air conditioner. Because it lacks a ten-year warranty on the compressor, we identify it as a lower-end central air conditioner that might be a very good value if you are happy with the price or don't plan to stay in your home long enough to recoup the higher cost of a more efficient unit. A shorter warranty can be an indication of lower quality, but it can also be a marketing tool used to lower the sales price. A shorter warranty is especially worth considering if you don't expect to stay in your home for a long time.

SOURCE: http://www.consumersearch.com/www/house_and_home/central-air-conditioners/review.html

Richard S. Reilly

Martin County Library System

Writers’ Associations

Please call to confirm that group is still active. Edited 6/08/09

Writers’ Associations

AAUW

Dr. Alice O’Keefe, President, 772-287-9878

Maureen Andrews, leader, 772-220-8252

Advanced Writer’s workshop

Spencer Consultants

Robert F. Spencer, writer and editor, office: 772-220-8383; home: 772-286-3629

Borders, Jensen Beach 772-692-0667; 692-8668 (fax)

First and third Monday

Bill Wensel

Children’s Writers & Illustrators Group of the Treasure Coast

Meets 2-4pm the second Saturday of each month at Barnes and Noble in Jensen Beach, 3051 NW Federal Highway. Group is looking for members.

Maria Zobel, cell 772-708-3548

John Davis 772-463-5869

Florida Writers Association 561-966-8488

7:00-8:45 p.m. every first Tuesday

Palm Beach County Public Library, 3650 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach 33406

Robert Mykle – will post notices on FL Writers Assoc. Web page.

Robertmykle@worldnet.att.net

Hobe Sound Library Writers Group

Leslie Stadler

772-545-4979 (4/09: number disconnected—meet seasonally?)

Hutchinson Island Writers Group (as of 6/8/09)

A local online creative writing group Hutchinson_Island_Writers_Group@yahoogroups.com with a biannual online writing journal www.agoldenplace.com . Members participate in an online weekly critique group and attend and share information from writing seminars. We publish members’ writing and vote on outside submissions received from soliciting at a variety of venues. New issues are published online every March and September.

We are accepting new members and request that anyone interested in joining submit a sample of fiction, nonfiction, or two poems for our consideration. Please state in your email that you are interested in membership, and contact Sherri L. Miller, Senior Editor and founder, at editors@agoldenplace.com

Let It Flow Writers Group

Contact: Larry Nadler, 772-463-5389

Lorraine C. Ladish, international author

Workshop presenter

www.lorrainecladish.com

(continued)

Writers’ Associations (continued)

Memoir Writing Group/Writing Class

A memoir-writing group meets from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays. A writing class taught by author Pat Martin meets from 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays. Martin, who writes mostly children's books, said the free classes involve both instruction and critiques by fellow members. The group and classes meet at the Indian River County Main Library, 1600 21st St., Vero Beach 32960. For information, call Sabrina Brown, the library's adult program coordinator, at 772-770-5060. Fax: 772-770-5066

Morningside Writers Critique Group

Meets 9:15 a.m. - noon Thursdays in the conference room (Room 103) of Morningside Branch Library, 2410 S.E. Morningside Blvd., Port St. Lucie 34952. Meetings are open. For information, call Gene Hull at 772-464-6838. Per Mr. Hull, new people of any level are welcome, providing they are serious.

National Association of American Penwomen 772-288-3581

Mary Bacon

e-mail: marybacon@realtor.com

Night Heron Poets Society

Meets at Morningside Library, 2410 Morningside Blvd., Port St. Lucie 34952

Poets of the Palm Beaches 561-625-1464

7:30 p.m. second Wednesdays

Borders Books, Palm Beach Mall, 1801 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach

Treasure Coast Writers Group

Meets from 12:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of each month at the Fort Pierce Branch Library, 101 Melody Lane, Fort Pierce 34950. The group is facilitated by Florence Prusmack, a retired creative writing teacher at Indian River Community College 772-464-6391. For information, call Joan Simplicio, adult program supervisor at the library, 772-462-2787. 772-462-1615; fax: 772-462-2813; email:simplicj@co.st-lucie.fl.us

Treasure Coast Writers Guild

772-489-5811; 772-216-9341

Writers Anonymous Writers Group

Ava Pennington, 772-781-8599

Writers Association of Martin County 772-225-4295

All Saints Episcopal Church, 2303 NE Seaview Dr., Jensen Beach 34957

The Writers Group

Meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at the North County Regional Library, 11303 Campus Drive in Palm Beach Gardens 33410. (Note: The time and date are subject to change because of ongoing renovations at the Jupiter Branch Library.) "We're open to fiction writers of all types who are serious about their work," said Stan Leeds, a group member who writes crime stories. For information, call Leeds afternoons at 561-622-7290 or at the library at 561-626-6133. Mail: Stan Leeds, 727 Windermere Way, Palm Beach Gardens 33418

Writer’s League of the Palm Beaches 561-835-7055

Evelyn Gluckman, Howard Park Community Center, 1302 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach 33401

(continued)

Writers’ Associations (continued)

Writer’s Studio 561-736-8044

10 a.m. Saturdays

Levenger, Oval Room, 420 S. Congress Ave., Delray Beach

Mail: Josh Truxton, 9885 A Watermill Circle, Boynton Beach 33437

Writers Workshop/South Martin County

10 a.m. to noon – Hobe Sound Public Library, 1^st Thursday

10 a.m. to noon – Robert Morgade Library, 3^rd Thursday

Richard Tiernan

Doct01@bellsouth.net, 772-546-3409

Writing Your Memoirs & Non-Fiction workshop 561-689-6663

First and third Tuesdays of each month

Member’s home in West Palm Beach

Buying a central heating, ventilation, air conditioning system

http://www.airconditioning-and-heating.com/

Major Brands of Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment
The following companies are some of the major manufacturers of heating, air conditioning, air filters, and indoor air quality equipment. They are listed in alphabetical order.

AMANA® is a trademark of Maytag Corporation and is used under license to Goodman Global, Inc.
AMERICAN STANDARD ® also owns Trane ® brand
BRYANT® Owned by Carrier/United Technologies
CARRIER® Owned by United Technologies. Previous owners of Scroll Technologies, and sold it to a Danish company.
GOODMAN® Based in Houston with plants in Tennessee. Privately owned.
LENNOX® Owned by Lennox Industries, headquarters in Richardson, Texas.
RHEEM® Manufacturing plant in Arkansas, owned by pace group holdings, New York
RUUD® Related to Rheem. Plant in Arkansas, corporate Office in Atlanta.
TRANE® Owned by American Standard
YORK® Owned by Johnson Controls as of late 2005
http://www.airconditioning-and-heating.com/cost-comparison.php

Buying guide for new air conditioning and heating systems
This section focuses on the main decisions that have to be made when you buy a new air conditioning and heating system.

To work as designed, new A/C and heating equipment must be matched with the circumstances in your home or building and the fuel sources available. Since the installation makes up a large part of the purchase price and overall quality, comparison of brands and shopping for a new HVAC system can get complicated.

Our main goals here are to extract the points that will matter to you the most and provide useful, flexible tools to help you sort through those points.

Regarding Brands of Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment
Over his or her lifetime, a homeowner will not likely buy many air conditioning and heating systems. As customers, unless we have a significant experience that leads us elsewhere, we tend to go for the familiar. For some homeowners, this would hold true with the equipment brand they choose for a new HVAC system.

In our research we purposely took a “brand neutral” approach to the choices in new HVAC systems. We explain why below, but still provide tools to help you include brand in your selection process. If you would like to have a printable grid to help you organize and compare the main efficiency and equipment features by brand including contractor price quotes for installation go here.

Five Factors That Will Influence Your Satisfaction the Most
The following five factors or choices will have the greatest impact on your comfort and overall satisfaction with new air conditioning and heating equipment:

(1) The quality of contractor and their personnel who calculate the load, design your system, and install the new HVAC equipment for your situation.

(2) Having regular maintenance, preferably by the same company. Regardless of who changes them, regular air filter replacements are critical to reliable operation.

(3) Having a reasonably energy efficient house or building (“envelope”) in which the HVAC system operates.

(4) The efficiency rating and (often) related features of the heating and cooling equipment you select.

(5) The manufacturer’s and (if applicable) the installing company’s parts and labor warranties of the following main components: the compressor, evaporator coil, condenser coil, and the heat exchanger/furnace.

Due to consolidations within the industry and global manufacturing, there are fewer manufacturers of major air conditioning and heating components than there are equipment brands. This means some brands have major components in common. A partial list of possible common components within different equipment brands includes: compressors, condenser and evaporator coils, blower motors, and furnaces/heat exchangers.

For those who want to do in depth research, some HVAC industry websites provide a searchable database of equipment. A good example is the CEE Directory of ARI Verified Equipment( http://www.ceedirectory.org ) Remember that the pairing of the equipment, the envelope of your home, and the quality of installation will all affect your satisfaction.

Understanding the Cost of HVAC Equipment and Installation
The cost of the new equipment generally makes up about one-third of the total cost to buy a new air conditioning and heating system. The other two thirds of the cost covers the skilled labor to make the load calculations, installing the system, providing installation warranties, year around overhead costs for the contractor, and profit. Therefore, the total price for a new system is quoted by your local air conditioning and heating contractor, not the equipment manufacturer in the form of a suggested retail price.

For all these reasons, it pays to compare features, benefits and costs of the installed system over its lifetime in your selection process. After you have walked through the steps we suggest, you can still let equipment brand be a key part of your decision.

Due to the technical nature of heating and air conditioning systems and the requirement for electricity, refrigerants, etc., only properly licensed individuals or companies should install them. Installation is clearly not the place to attempt cost cutting on a new HVAC system!

Other factors that affect your decision on when to buy new HVAC equipment

Current promotions offered by the manufacturer or dealer/contractor.

If there are current rebates, tax credits, incentives, etc. offered by utility companies, or third parties on equipment with particular features, such as efficiency.

If there are any rebates or incentives offered by third parties on energy conservation improvements to your home or building

If an extended warranty is offered on the major components or system. (Note: if the manufacturer or a third party will sell additional warranty time, this is a good sign of their confidence in it, whether or not you purchase the warranty.)
http://www.airconditioning-and-heating.com/new-equipment-ac-hvac.php

Richard S. Reilly
Martin County Library System