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July, 2010 – The Space Room

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The Space Room

Night Sky Events for July/August 2010

 

by Anna SanclementAnna Sanclement

 

Moon Phases for July 2010

 

The Last Quarter Moon will occur on Sunday the 4th this month, with the New Moon following on Sunday the 11th. The First Quarter Moon happens on Sunday the 18th and the Full Moon comes on Sunday the 25th.

 

Moon Phases for August 2010

 

Last Quarter Moon is coming on Tuesday the 3rd this month, while the New Moon is occurring on Monday the 9th. Then, the First Quarter Moon follows on Monday the 16th and the Full Moon will happen on Tuesday the 24th.

 

 

Planet Lineup for July/August 2010

 

In mid July and August you will find Saturn, Mars and Venus close to each other on the western sky about one hour after sunset. In late July, Mars and Saturn will pass within just a few degrees of one another.

 

Jupiter comes up at midnight in July and as August gets closer it will start rising earlier at around 10:00 or 11:00 p.m. When the gas giant is up high in the night sky, it is an excellent time to look at it through a telescope since less of the Earth’s atmosphere interferes with a clear view.

 

In August Jupiter will start to reach its highest point earlier, so it should be easier to view it for those earlier birds.

 

Around July 15th Mercury will peek out from the low western horizon about an hour after the sun goes down, joining the other three planets on that part of the sky at that time.  The hot planet should be visible to the naked eye against the twilight, if you can’t spot it, then a pair of binoculars should help you find it.

 

By August, however, Mercury will be too dim to see at all without binoculars or a telescope.

 

Stars and Constellations to view on July/August 2010

 

The Aquarius constellation makes its way up from the eastern horizon at the end of July and rises earlier as we get into August. Constellation Andromeda also rises from the low northeastern horizon at around 10:00 p.m. in July and earlier on at about 8:00 p.m. in mid August.

You can also observe the Andromeda Galaxy, which lies on the southernmost end of the constellation. It is best viewed with a telescope, but can also be spotted easily with binoculars and as a fuzzy patch to the naked eye from a very dark location (without light pollution).

 

The Corona Borealis constellation is high in the sky during the summer months and at a good place for viewing. Find it between Hercules and Bootes (both of which we mentioned in last months’ column). The constellation looks like a crown floating in space; somewhat like a wide letter ‘U’.

 

The Big Dipper continues to be seen through July and August towards the low west-northwest, and it dips down to the horizon at around 10:00 p.m. in July and 8:00 p.m. in August.

 

Late July’s Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower

 

On July 28th the Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower will peak, but a nearly Full Moon will be nearby and drown out most of the meteors. But, the brightest meteors may still be seen, especially from a dark location.

 

To find the Delta Aquarid, look for the Aquarius constellation, which at the time of the shower’s peak at 4:00 a.m. will be to the south, a bit below to where the Moon and Jupiter will be.

 

The Perseids Meteor Shower in August

 

On August 12th  and 13th  the Perseids Meteor Shower will be better than July’s shower. There will be an almost New Moon, so skies should be dark enough to see a good amount of meteors.

 

The shower will start at around 9:30 p.m. but will get more spectacular as the night progresses into early morning. To find the Radiant, look towards the northeastern horizon to find the Perseus constellation, which lies to the east of Andromeda.

 

For our S. Florida area, look for it at around 11:00 p.m., which is when Perseus rises from the eastern horizon.

 

Look on up and smile!

 

Read more of Anna’s articles at:

 

The Examiner:

http://www.examiner.com/x-30007-Space-News-Examiner

http://www.examiner.com/x-6503-Ft-Lauderdale-Science-News-Examiner

http://www.examiner.com/x-39025-Celebrity-Headlines-Examiner

 

Suite101:

http://www.suite101.com/profile.cfm/annasanclement

 

And check out the children’s book she co-published with mom:

http://www.ingridsanclement.com/

July, 2010 – When Pets Need Geriatric Care

Pet TalkFrances Goodman

 

When Pets Need Geriatric Care

 

by Frances Goodman

 

 

Pets become seniors when certain changes begin taking place in the body related to the aging process.

Those changes indicate a need for more preventive care and monitoring, i.e., geriatric care.

But how can we tell when our pets reach “seniorhood?”

Although seven is generally the age at which cats and dogs reach that stage, thanks to the American Animal Hospital Association, we have some more specific guidelines, based on size and species.

 

Senior Status

According to the AAHA, here are the guidelines for when geriatric care should begin. Pets become seniors as follows:

  • For cats, 8–10 years old.
  • Small dogs less than 20 pounds at 9 to 13 years old.
  • Medium dogs from 21 to 50 pounds at 9 to 11.5 years old.
  • Large dogs from 51 to 90 pounds at 7.5 to 10.5 years old.
  • Giant dogs weighing more than 90 pounds at 6 to 9 years old.

Signs of aging can be very subtle in pets, but according to the AAHA, 30 percent of senior pets have a hidden disease, 80 percent have dental disease and 62 percent of dogs age 10 years and older have symptoms of cognitive dysfunction.

Geriatric exams usually include a standard physical check, along with a blood chemistry profile; complete blood count; urinalysis, possibly endocrine (glandular) tests, and X-rays.

The AAHA recommends such exams be done twice a year for senior pets, instead of the recommended once a year exam for others.

 

Symptoms

Some symptoms creep up so slowly owners may not notice them. Something as seemingly insignificant as a change in the way a pet chews or sits can signal a problem.

Other signs might include: Does the pet take longer to get up? Are they drinking more water? Are they sleeping more?

The AAHA recommends keeping a record of physical or behavior changes as they occur and sharing them with the veterinarian. Things such as changes in coat and skin; gait; posture; oral health such as bad breath or difficulty in eating hard foods; weight; sleeping patterns; and hearing or sight.

Signs that a pet needs to be seen by a vet immediately include increased water consumption, inability to urinate or excessive or inappropriate urination, staring, and disorientation, to name a few.

Because we know our pet’s daily patterns and behavior best, observation is essential.

 

Preventive Care

How can we help pets have their best health in all stages of life? Here are a few ways:

  • Feed high quality food with no corn, soybean, sugar, artificial color, chemical preservatives, or meat by-products;
  • Brush their teeth with special pet toothpaste from the pet supply store;
  • Be sure to provide them with regular and sufficient exercise;
  • Do not let them become obese.

As pets age, obesity and oral disease are among the greatest causes of medical problems and discomfort. And both are among the few medical problems that can actually be prevented with the proper care and supervision.

 

~

 

Pet Quote for the Month: “Dogs are like kids, cats are like roommates.”–Cat Common Sense.

 

Frances Goodman is a professional dog obedience trainer and pet care writer. Got a question? Email her at fhpettalk@hotmail.com. See her ad this page.

July, 2010 – Barefoot Days

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Barefoot Days

by Rachel Field

In the morning, very early,
That’s the time I love to go
Barefoot where the fern grows curly
And the grass is cool between each toe,
On a summer morning – O!
On a summer morning!

That is when the birds go by
Up the sunny slopes of air,
And each rose has a butterfly
Or a golden bee to wear;
And I am glad in every toe –
Such a summer morning – O!
Such a summer morning!

July, 2010 – Four Websites to Slow Unwanted Mail

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Living GreenChristine Smith

Four Websites to Slow Unwanted Mail

By Christine Smith

Did you know that 100 million trees and 28 billion gallons of water are used each year to produce junk mail?  Chances are that you’re receiving quite a bit of junk mail yourself.  So, why not take some time today to reduce the junk mail arriving in your mailbox daily. 

Here are four websites to help you slow the flow of unwanted mail.

1) www.catalogchoice.com

Catalog Choice contacts catalog providers for the recipient and asks that the recipient be removed from a specific mailing list.  Simply identify the catalogs that you want to continue receiving and those that you would like to stop receiving.  It’s that easy!

2)  www.dmachoice.org

DMA choice is a website that uses an online tool developed by the Direct Marketing Association.  This online tool allows you to choose which businesses you want to contact you.  In addition, the tool provides access to some of the largest direct marketers in the country and is user friendly.

3) www.optouprescreen.com

This online service allows you to opt out of receiving credit card offers for either a period of two years or permanently.  Don’t be alarmed when this service asks for your social security number, full name, address, and telephone number.  This information is secure and is necessary for them to opt you out.  Whether you want to opt out permanently or for just two years, this same service makes it simple for you to opt back in at anytime you with.  If you rather not provide this information online you may also call 1.888.5.OPTOUT (567-8688).

4) www.yellowpagesoptout.com

Yellow Pages Opt Out is a service that allows you to enter your zip code to find the phone book publishers in your area that are participating in the opt out requests.  After locating the phone book publishers in your area, you will need to notify each publisher individually to notify them that you would like delivery stopped.

These are just a few websites that assist with managing your unwanted junk mail.  There are also other non-profit organizations that will opt out of junk mail for you for a nominal fee.  Check out www.myjunktree.com for more information. Still not convinced that you should spend some time managing your junk mail? According to www.myjunktree.com  reducing your junk mail for 5 years, you’ll conserve 1.7 trees and 700 gallons of water, and prevent 460 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere — and you’ll gain about 350 hours of free time!  That’s just one person, imagine the impact if we all did this.  What are you waiting for?  Do this today for a greener environment tomorrow!

Christine Smith is a Principal, as well as the Director of Marketing for Fine Lions, Inc. Fine Lions specializes in a proprietary Eco-friendly wood graining process that is applied to non wood products to give them the appearance of natural wood. This earth conscious application may be done on exterior and interior doors, garage doors, kitchen and bath cabinets, as well as other surfaces.  To learn more, visit http://www.finelions.com.

July, 2010 – Organize Your Electronic Files, Part 2

Ultimate ProductivityClaudine Motto

 

Organize Your Electronic Files and Cut Down on Digital Clutter (Part II)

 

By Claudine Motto

 

If you followed the steps from last month’s article, you now have a streamlined filing system and a nice, clutter-free desktop.  This month’s article is all about keeping it that way.

 

Step 6: Fence in your stragglers.  One of the reasons clutter accumulates is that files don’t have a place to go to – so you put them on the desktop, and before you know it, your desktop is buried.

 

More often than not, the “stragglers” are files that are temporary, or that are waiting on some kind of action from you.  Setting up these 4 types of folders on your desktop will help you house most of these:

 

1. Current or Active (to house all the projects you’re working on that you need to have handy.  You set this folder up in Step 1 – rename it to whatever works for you – I use Temp Project Documents. )

 

2. To Watch, To Read (for stuff you collect that you want to read, watch, or listen to)

 

3. PC Issues (for documenting and taking snapshots of technical issues that you notice with your PC.  You’ll be glad you have this set up when you need to call tech support.)

 

4. Plus shortcuts to the 3-5 folders that you access most often.  Place them as a “group” (near each other) so they’re easy to find.  Or, install Stardock’s Fences, a great (and free) little program, which enables you to draw “fences” around your desktop icons.  Use whatever logic makes sense to you for grouping – below is a partial snapshot of my desktop.

ultimateproductivity-screenshot

 

Step 7: Name your files for finding them later.  The names of your files should reveal their content without you having to open them.  Ask yourself what will help you identify the file when you need to find it months from now.  Some examples:

 

-Pictures:  name_location_date (James_Hawaii_2009)

-Receipts: YYYYMMDD_vendor name (20090310_Staples)

-Contracts or other documents: client name_project_version # (Smith_13RandallSt_v2)

 

You can use different naming conventions for different file types, as in the example above – but once you decide on the format, name all the same file types the same way (i.e., all your pictures will be named name_location_date.)  You can create a notepad document on your desktop to remind you of the naming conventions you’ve chosen.

 

If you’re going to use dates in your file names, use double-digit days, double-digit months and the full year so that files sort properly.  If having your files sort by year will be helpful, put the year up front.

 

Rename files as you go, and name new files to your new standard convention as soon as you create them.

 

Step 8: Maintain.  Pay special attention to the Active folder, since files will accumulate quickly.  Get in the habit of cleaning out files as you’re done with them – delete if you don’t need them, or move them to their permanent location if you do.

 

Keep your programs shortcuts lean and mean, too – delete any that you don’t access all that often.

 

Step 9: Don’t resist change! You may find that after a while, some categories will no longer work, some folders have accumulated too many files (and need to be subcategorized), or that you need to sort documents in a different way (which might mean a whole new naming convention.)  Don’t resist making those changes! Work and life responsibilities are always evolving, and your digital filing system should evolve along with it.  Make the changes you need to make so that the system is effective, efficient, and useful for how you’re working right NOW.

 

Keeping your desktop and electronic files systemized, organized and clutter-free doesn’t just make your computer look neat… knowing that your files have a place to go to, and that you can find what you need lightning fast helps you enjoy working from it.  Getting organized feels good!

2010 Claudine Motto, All Rights Reserved. 

Productivity Coach and Professional Organizer Claudine Motto helps home office geniuses, entrepreneurs, and independent professionals get organized and in control of their workload so they can reach their goals with less struggle and less stress. She offers one-on-one coaching and group training programs – please visit http://www.vistalnorte.com or call 561-641-9500 for more information, to sign up for her monthly newsletter, or to schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation.

July, 2010 – AW in Pictures

Just a few highlights of happenings Around Wellington. For many more photos, visit the link “Photo Galleries” on this site!

Lois Frankel gives her insights at the Palms West Chamber's Women in Business luncheon on June 24th. See "Press Releases" for a summary of this event.
Lois Frankel gives her insights at the Palms West Chamber's Women in Business luncheon on June 24th. See "Press Releases" for a summary of this event.
Scene from the 1st Health & Wellness Festival, which took place on June 19th in Wellington.  See Photo Galleries for more photos.
Scene from the 1st Health & Wellness Festival, which took place on June 19th in Wellington. See Photo Galleries for more photos.
Homeless of the Gulf poster by Kathy Carroll of KL Tile Murals.  See our "Press Releases" or www.KLTileMurals.com for more information. All proceeds go to wildlife rescue organizations.
Homeless of the Gulf poster by Kathy Carroll of KL Tile Murals. See our "Press Releases" or www.KLTileMurals.com for more information. All proceeds go to wildlife rescue organizations.

 

Wellington teen Allison Parssi, pictured here with her mother Jeannette Pomeroy Parssi, now has work at the Boca Raton Museum of Art and in galleries in Geneva, Switzerland. See details under "Press Releases."
Wellington teen Allison Parssi, pictured here with her mother Jeannette Pomeroy Parssi, now has work at the Boca Raton Museum of Art and in galleries in Geneva, Switzerland. See details under "Press Releases."

July, 2010 – Wellington Teen Allison Parssi

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Wellington Teen Adds to List of Accomplishments

 

Allison Parssi now has work at the Boca Raton Museum of Art and in galleries in Geneva, Switzerland

 

 

Wellington, FL (June 23, 2010) – It has been quite a year for Allison Parssi, a rising junior at Wellington High School. 

 

parssi_boca_museum
Allison Parssi with her mom, Jeannette Pomeroy Parssi, at an artists’ reception June 22 at the Boca Raton Museum of Art.

 

Parssi learned recently that one of her photographs was selected as one of three finalists for the top spot in a photo competition in Geneva, Switzerland titled “Diverse Perspectives on the Environment, Citizenship and Volunteering.”  Hers was one of over 375 images entered from 40 countries, and has been on display at venues in and around Geneva.  The photograph, along with those of the other finalists, will be on display at Cite du Temps gallery in Geneva from August 5-30, after which she will learn of the judges’ final decision.  If she finishes first, she will receive a nice prize package, including a new camera.

 

Adding to her list of accomplishments, Parssi learned recently that one of her photographs had been accepted by the Boca Raton Museum of Art for its 59th Annual All Florida Juried Competition and Exhibition, which features work in several media by artists from all across Florida.  A total of 1,398 artworks were submitted by 474 artists, and Parssi was one of 80 who made it into the show. The museum hosted an artists’ reception on Tuesday, June 22, which Parssi attended with friends and family.  The show is open to the public June 23 – August 8.   

 

Parssi also makes a one-of-a-kind fused glass jewelry under the name Bello Vitro, and her work has been offered at galleries in West Palm Beach and Tequesta. She recently opened an online store with retailer Etsy.com, and sales have been brisk thus far.  (www.etsy.com/shop/AllisonParssi)

 

Along with all of these accomplishments, Parssi was a straight ‘A’ student, worked as tutor during the school year, and was inducted into the National Honor Society

 

What’s next for this talented photographer / jewelry maker?  She leaves in two weeks for her third summer at Interlochen Arts Academy in northern Michigan, where she majors in photography and metalsmithing, and she is already working on her next one-woman show, which will open at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center in Belle Glade in March, 2011. She has titled the photo exhibit “Postcards from Paradise: A Journey Through My Mom’s Garden.” 

 

“To say that we are very proud of her would be an understatement,” said her mom, Jeannette Pomeroy Parssi. 

 

-END-

 

 

 

Bill Underwood

Liberty Media Group, Inc.

(561) 267-2632

www.LibertyMediaGroup.net

July, 2010 – Homeless in the Gulf

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For Immediate Release

My name is Kathy Carroll. Aside from running the Awesome Organic Club, I am the owner of KL Tile Murals. Many of my tile murals focus on beaches, coral reefs, and marinelife I treasure, so when I saw the impending disaster looming for the Gulf of Mexico, its wildlife inhabitants, and their habitat, I was devastated and compelled to try to do something. I decided to do a painting to reflect my feelings. I created “Homeless of the Gulf”. I am having my painting replicated on 6″ x 8″ ceramic tiles (8″ x 10″ including wood frame) and I am donating all of the profits to wildlife rescue organizations such as the National Wildlife Federation.  Each tile will come with a signed 5″ x 7″ copy of the attached “Homeless” poster.
homeless-in-the-gulf-poster
Please contact me directly for copies of “Homeless of the Gulf” or for more information.
 
Sincerely,
 
Kathy Carroll
561-793-1549
945-536-9343

Havana – 24/7 Cuban Food that Can’t Be Beat

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AW SpotlightHavana

 

Havana – 24/7 Cuban Food that Can’t Be Beat

 

By Krista Martinelli

 

If you’ve somehow missed the amazing Cuban restaurant that “never sleeps” and makes customers happy 24/7, seven days a week, it’s time to discover Havana. Located at the corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, Havana has been serving their mouth-watering specialties for 17 years. Founded by Roberto Reyes who brought his authentic Cuban recipes to the restaurant, Havana is known for their excellent service, family-run goodness and scrumptious specials.

A good place to start is with a glass of homemade sangria or a cold cerveza. On this typically hot Florida summer evening, my husband Joe and I decided to order the ceviche for an appetizer, which was on their “Specials” board. It was refreshing and delicate in its nice blend of flavors. A chilled glass of shrimp and fish in lime, salsa and fresh cilantro was the perfect appetizer. The only challenge is making sure that no one is looking if you try to drink the juice of it down to the very last drop.  Just do it quickly without spilling any – is my advice.

Surf and Turf
Surf and Turf

If you’re wondering what to order, you cannot go wrong with the Surf and Turf at Havana. Your plate comes with giant shrimp in a wonderful garlic sauce and their “Bistec Especial,” a skirt steak grilled to your taste, prepared with herbs, garlic and olive oil. All of the dinners come with two sides. You can choose from: black beans, white rice, yellow rice, sweet plantains, Yuca con Mojo (cassava with a garlic sauce), white rice and black beans cooked together, french fries or green plantains with Mojo. The yellow rice and black beans are customer favorites. All of the sides are very good.  Here’s the online menu, so you can plan ahead: http://www.havanacubanfood.com/menu.html 

 

 

Another side order, or it can be ordered as an appetizer, that is not to be missed is the Mariquitas con Mojo. These plantain chips are addictive, and you will probably need to avoid kissing anyone after the amount of delicious garlic sauce you will consume. A small price to pay. Seriously, it’s worth it. 

A word about the Mojo (garlic) sauce.  It’s delicious and you’ll find it on several of the things you order. I recommend spreading it around on your plate. The flavors will blend very well. For example, if you spill a little Mojo sauce onto your yellow rice or into your black beans, it’s a happy accident.

The Cuban Combo
The Cuban Combo

Here are a few other popular entrees. The Lechon Asado con Cebolla is a succulent, shredded pork dish with grilled onions and Mojo sauce. The Bistec de Palomilla is a nice thin cutlet of choice top round, very tender. The Bistec de Pollo a la Milanesa is an indulgent breast of chicken, fried and topped with ham and Mozzarella, with a Spanish sauce. If you order the Cuban Combo (not on the menu, but often as a special), you get a sampling of the Lechon Asado con Cebolla, the Bistec de Palomilla, the Bistec de Pollo Empanizado (another nice chicken dish) and a terrific sausage (Chorizo). This a great way to get a taste of four different Havana meats, all prepared beautifully.

 

 

We had the grouper, another entree which is not on the menu but often offered as a special. With a light touch of paprika and parsley, this was a lovely preparation that brings out the buttery taste of the grouper and leaves you wanting more.

Our waiter Luis
Our waiter Luis

 

Our waiter Luis was energetic, attentive and best of all, truly enthusiastic about the food he was serving. I frequently like to ask the waiter for “his favorite” when I cannot decide on something – like dessert.  Thanks to Luis, we narrowed it down to a sampling of three desserts – the Caramel Flan, the Rice Pudding and the Tres Leches cake. All of these are “to die for,” depending on your preference. For me, it was the flan that did the trick.  Paired with a strong Cuban coffee, the caramel flan was a fantastic finish to a delectable evening. You really can’t go wrong with the cinnamon rice pudding or the rich Tres Leches cake either.

Havana, InteriorAs another notable thing to mention, Havana is constantly giving back to our community by participating in festivals, catering luncheons and helping with fundraisers. It’s refreshing to see restaurant owners, who are some of the busiest people around, getting so involved in community events.

Havana also caters parties of any size and offers reasonable prices. Personally, we have had Havana cater our children’s birthday parties, more than once. The feedback from parents was terrific! For example, “Best food we’ve ever had at a child’s birthday party!”

A Happy Customer at the 24-Hour Walk-Up Window
A Happy Customer at the 24-Hour Walk-Up Window

If you’re having a small meeting or party, there’s a separate VIP room upstairs at Havana, just perfect for a party of up to sixteen people. Make sure to reserve this room in advance of your special occasion.

 

Best of all, you can ALWAYS get Havana’s food, thanks to their 24-Hour Walk-Up Window. So check out Havana today or tonight (or in the wee hours of any evening), and you will be in for a real treat!

 

Havana Cuban Food

6801 S. Dixie Highway 
W. Palm Beach, FL 33405
Corner of Forest Hill Blvd
and Dixie Highway 

(561) 547-9799

(See the Havana Coupon at “AW Coupons” on this website)

Visit www.havanacubanfood.com.

Cuban Coffee and Dessert

 

Don’t forget to become a Facebook Fan: http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Palm-Beach-FL/Havana-Restaurant/142614049133

And you can follow Havana on Twitter too:

http://twitter.com/havanacubanfood

July, 2010 – Wellington Amphitheatre and Aquatics Complex

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Come make history with us!
Join the Palms West Chamber
for the Grand Opening of the

Wellington Amphitheatre!

 

Saturday, July 3, 2010
3pm to 10pm

 

 

The Amphitheater is located adjacent to the
Wellington Community Center at 12119 Forest Hill Boulevard.

 

Free admission!

Presented by Schumacher.

 

Activities planned for the opening day include a patriotic laser light show at 9:30pm plus musical acts featuring local area bands including Brainwaves (4pm), Cakalaki (5pm), wehumanz (6pm), and closing act Brass Evolution (7pm – 9:30pm).  Bounce houses will be open from 3pm to 10pm ($5 all access/unlimited bounce housepass); free face painting for the kids will be available from 4:30pm to 8pm; food, beer and refreshment booths will be open from 3pm to 10pm; and fun family contests like hoola hoop competitions, water balloon toss and others will be planned throughout the day.  Scott’s Place, Wellington’s new barrier-free playground created in partnership with The Williamson family, will also be open for guests of the event.

Also on July 3rd, the festivities begin with the grand re-opening of the Wellington Aquatic Complex.  Free admission (on this day only), food and giveaways. 10am to 5pm. 

Bring your family and friends!