Shulamit Hadassah Of The Western Communities Presents . . .
Wellington‘s Own Celebrity Doctor
Maureen Whelihan, M.D.
“The Sex Talk You Never had With Your Mama!”
When: Monday, April 16, 2012
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Wellington Location to be announced
Donation: $5.00 members/$10 non-members
RSVP: Helene (561) 798-1187 or
Frannie Sheridan’s Show at Harold’s
The fabulous Frannie Sheridan performs at Harold’s Cabaret (almost) every 2nd and 4th Saturday at their new venue across the street from their original venue.
Next performance of my comedy show I TRIED TO BE NORMAL but it was Taken!
Saturday April 14th @ 8PM
Remembering Bill Moss
The City of West Palm Beach will be holding a public memorial to honor the life of our long-time Commissioner and friend, Bill Moss. All are welcome to attend.
Time: 9:00 AM
Date: April 3rd
Place: West Palm Beach City Hall Courtyard
A message from Bill’s family:
“As many of you know Bill Moss loved animals and was a pet owner himself. We are asking that in lieu of flowers or gifts that you make donations to the Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary. They are Southeast Florida’s only “no-kill” animal sanctuary. A tax free donation can be made online at www.SafeHarborRescue.com. “
Due to space limitations Bill’s family is asking that his funeral be limited to his family and friends who knew him personally.
Best regards,
Gregg Weiss
For those who would like to send cards or notes of condolence, please send to:
The Family of Bill Moss
West Palm Beach City Hall
401 Clematis Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family suggests donations to The Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary – see information above.
April, 2012
Happy April! This month brings us April Fool’s Day, Easter, Earth Day, beautiful flowers and those “April showers.” Personally I’m ready for some April showers or anything to cool down the temperature, since it’s already feeling like summer. And if you happen to have a fruit tree in your backyard, you might notice that the fruit will be coming very early this year. Our mango tree, strangely enough, is looking like it might be ready to produce full-grown mangoes in about 3-4 weeks.
Our “AW Spotlight” story this month is about US Building Inspectors. I enjoyed interviewing owner Patti Neri and hearing about how the business has grown over the past few years. They are bigger, better and covering more territory than ever before. They can help you save money on your home owner’s insurance by giving you an accurate, up-to-date inspection. Read the story to find out more and see the videos of Patti.
I’m excited to bring you a new restaurant reviewer beginning this month – “Saucy Sarah” – with her monthly article “The Florida Foodie.” In her first restaurant review, she writes about Guanabanas in Jupiter and makes a strong case for “the ladies who lunch.” Don’t miss it!
This month Alan Williamson takes us on an imagined journey where he is a celebrity, appearing on PBS in “As I Was Saying.” And now I’m looking forward to his next fantasy stint, “Alan Williamson: Live at the Greek.”
Here’s a nice quote from Robert Louis Stevenson. “You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us.” Check out this month’s Ask Dr. Z if you want some good advice about dealing with the loss of a pet. It’s something almost everyone goes through and her words are so helpful.
“An Open Letter to George Clooney” is the way our “Cantankerously Yours” writer expresses his feelings this month, after being “snubbed” once again from People Magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful People. Notice the extra large photo of Wendell Abern this month, and please appreciate his finer attributes (as he asks us to do in the article).
Don’t forget that you can find great, local coupons under “AW Coupons” on our site, AroundWellington.com. See new coupons from Joey’s Outback Adventures and Glasses at a Discount!
In “Dog Walkin’ Wellington,” writer Barbara Phillippi takes a closer look at older dogs. She makes a strong case for older folks considering the adoption of older dogs. It’s a very informative article, so check it out if you’re a dog lover!
There are some really wonderful teens in our area, as I have witnessed first-hand in having these terrific interns from Wellington High School! Jessica Small, our current intern and “Teen Talk” writer, is one of them. She interviews another terrific teen this month – Valentina Ferreira, who heads up an organization called “Love Moves” at Wellington High School. On April 21, from 8 am to 1 pm in the Wellington High School bus loop, Love Moves will be holding a yard sale – and the proceeds will go to the prevention of human trafficking. Read “Teen Talk” for more of the story.
The AW Contests continue on our website and also on our AroundWellington.com Facebook page. Check our “Contest” page because we’re having great contests at least twice a month! Last month one happy winner received four VIP tickets to Disney on Ice! THANKS to Massage Envy for providing the monthly prize of a one-hour gift certificate!!
After witnessing my own daughter becoming completely swept away with Taylor Swift, I decided to write about Taylor Swift for “Mommy Moments.” Check out the video clips included in the story and my assessment of Swift as a role model for our daughters. Taylor Swift just won her second consecutive entertainer of the year award at the Academy of Country Music Awards on April 1st, just 24 hours after she was saluted by First Lady Michelle Obama for her charity work on The Kids’ Choice Awards.
You can travel to Delaware this month through the eyes of our travel writer in “Travel with Terri.” “Delaware?” you might ask with some skepticism. But really, it’s a destination full of history and interesting things to do. THANKS, as always, to Terri Marshall for the good travel tips.
For the full menu of our stories, photos and videos, just visit our home page – www.AroundWellington.com!
Best Regards,
Krista Martinelli
Editor
(561) 965-6617
Around Wellington® Magazine
“Tell our advertisers you saw it in Around Wellington”
Subscribe to Around Wellington Online for FREE
April 2012 Events at Whole Foods Market Wellington
Open 8:00am to 10:00pm Mon-Sat. 9:00am-9:00pm on Sundays
2635 State Road 7
Wellington, FL 33414
Events are held at 2635 State Road 7, in the Lifestyle Center and are free of charge unless otherwise noted. Register by phone at 561.904.4000 or at the customer service desk. Refunds, credits, or transfer of classes will not be honored for no-shows or cancellations made fewer than 24 hours before event. All events are subject to change. Classes with low registration may be cancelled. Any classes cancelled by Whole Foods Market will be refunded. Space is limited.
Announcements:
Be an Earth Hero at Whole Foods Market Wellington
Monday, April 16th – Sunday, April 22nd, Free
Calling all Earth Heroes! We need your help!
Fly, swing, or simply stop by the customer service desk Monday April 16th- Sunday April 22nd and pick up an Earth Hero Pledge Card to make your Earth Day pledge. Tell us what you do to help the planet on a daily basis or what you will pledge to do in the future. Feel free to bring home your Earth Hero Pledge Card to decorate it and drop it off at customer service, as we will be displaying all of the cards in the store for the month of April. All participants that drop off or complete their card by Earth Day- April 22nd will get one free reusable lunch bag!
Donate Your Dime January 16th through April 8th 2012
Help Raise Money for Charity by Remembering Your Reusable Bags and reduce the impact on the environment while you support the community. Customers who bring their own shopping bags receive a 10 cent refund per bag or can choose to donate the refund to one of two charities; Autism Speaks or the Whole Planet Foundation. Please ask a cashier for details about the charities or visit: www.autismspeaks.org
and www.WholePlanetFoundation.org.
In Store Events & Classes:
Block Party: From the Garden
Tuesday, April 3rd 5:30-7:00 PM, Free
Join us for a free sampling event around the store as we celebrate foods that can be grown in any Florida home garden in honor of the Wellington Garden Club Garden Tour. Each team around the store will make a dish featuring an ingredient that is easily grown at anyone’s home, weather be in a window sill, backyard garden, or a container garden. Don’t forget to pick up your voting ballot in the produce department to cast your vote for your favorite dish. No registration necessary. The Wellington Garden Club will have an information table at the event to answer any questions about their upcoming event and about gardening in general.
5% Day Benefitting Dress for Success Palm Beach
Women’s Clothing Drive , Free Resume Review Workshop, and Free Drawing for Home Cleaning!
Wednesday, April 4th 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Start your spring cleaning by cleaning out your closet and donating gently worn professional women’s clothing to our Dress for Success Clothing drive! Then, get your grocery shopping done for the upcoming holidays and 5% will go back to Dress for Success! Dress for Success will have FREE resume workshop in the lifestyle center from 12:00-2:00 PM. Please email[email protected] or call 561-249-3898 to register for the workshop. Also, be sure to stop by the Dress for Success information table at the front of the store to enter to win a free house cleaning by The Maids of West Palm Beach . No Purchase Necessary.
Whole Kids Class: Creating Colorful Easter Eggs Naturally
Saturday, April 7th 10:00-11:00 AM, Free
Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
Bring the kids and join Sherri, our Lifestyle Center Specialist, to learn this age old art of natural egg dying. No more chemicals! We will use real food and spices to decorate our eggs and enjoy a healthy snack. Class size is limited.
Engine 2: 28 Day Challenge Introduction
Monday, April 9th 12:00-1:30 PM, Free
Pre-Registration Required@ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
Support your health and wellbeing one forkful at a time! Join our Healthy Eating Specialist, Amanda, as she leads an introductory class on the 28 day challenge that will have you reconfiguring your plate in no time. This revolutionary nutrient-packed action plan was created by Rip Esselstyn, former professional tri-athlete and firefighter, and author of the bestselling book, The Engine 2 Diet.
Health Starts Here Great Grains
Wednesday, April 11th 5:30 – 7:00 PM, Free
Pre-Registration Required@ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
Many of us know the amazing health benefits of eating whole grains. How many grains can you name besides wheat? Whole grains such millet, amaranth, and quinoa are an important part of a healthy diet. In this class we will discuss differences between various whole grains, how to use them to enhance meals, and basic cooking methods.
Glorious Greens Cooking Class
Thursday, April 12th 12:00- 1:30 PM, Free
Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
Greens are so much like antioxidant super hero’s that they should wear a cape! Join our Lifestyle Center Specialist, Sherri as she teaches how to cook with all different greens and make them taste Super great. If you weren’t confident with using dandelion greens, Swiss chard, and kale, you will be after this class. Space is limited.
Health Starts Here Tax Day: Get Your Green On
Sunday, April 15th 2:00-3:30 PM, Free
Pre-Registration Required@ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
Winter is winding down and Tax Day is looming, it is safe to say we could all use a little more green in our lives! Greens are some of the most inexpensive yet nutritionally dense foods on the planet. Join our Healthy Eating Specialist, Amanda, as she shows you how to make nutritious and delicious side dishes sure to give you the biggest bang for your nutritional buck.
Fish Monger Face Off
Tuesday, April 17th at 11:00 AM
Join us as we cheer on our Seafood Team Member, Logan Cid, as he competes against our neighboring stores’ ( Boca Raton , Coral Springs , Plantation , Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach Gardens ) top fish mongers, in a competition to find the top fish cutter in the region. The winner of this face off will continue on to the Florida regional finals in May. The top Fish Monger from Whole Foods Market will win a trip to the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen Colorado !
Better Digestion
Tuesday, April 17th 6:30-7:30 PM, Free
Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
Is your digestive system getting the best of you? Did you know that you should have a bowel movement after every meal? If you are having gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and/or cramping, then this is the class for you. Come learn the 5 keys to a healthy digestive system by Dr. Tim DeCanio, a board certified chiropractic neurologist and renowned speaker.
Whole Kids Class: “Little Chefs” Apron Painting
Wednesday, April 18th 4:00- 5:00 PM, $5 Per Child
Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
Calling all aspiring chefs between the ages of 5 and 12, want to decorate your own chef’s apron? Join Sherri for a fun class of painting and preparing healthy snacks. You will leave with your very own apron and recipes to make healthy snacks at home. Save your recipes and in May we will make recipe boxes to hold your collection. Class size is limited.
Soups, Salad and Sangria!
Thursday, April 19th 6:30- 8:00PM, $5 Per Person
Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
Nothing is better than a pot of flavor packed soup simmering on the stove, a crisp, fresh salad, and thirst quenching pitcher of Sangria to make a perfect meal. Join Sherri to learn a delicious new soup & salad recipe sure to please your whole family’s palate. Recipes include: a spicy chicken soup with avocado paired with family friendly taco salad and a thirst quenching Sangria, made with a featured wine of Spain . Each guest will enjoy a dinner serving of the recipes and one glass of Sangria. Space is limited.
Gluten Free Shopping Tour
Thursday, April 19th 6:30-8:00 PM, Free
Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
Join Chef Joe for an informative tour of our Gluten Free products around the store and enjoy samples of Chef Joe’s top picks! Participants will learn not only where to find these specialty products, but will also have the chance to ask questions about best practices for cooking Gluten Free meals. Please meet at the Customer Service Desk for the tour.
New! Coffee & Tea Club
Saturday, April 21st 10:00 AM -12:00 PM, Free
Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
Every month our coffee bar will feature a unique coffee and tea for you to enjoy. At Whole Foods Market, we strive to find the highest quality products available locally and globally, and we look forward to sharing inspiring coffee & tea stories with you. All club members that attend will be offered a taste of the featured coffee & tea and may choose one sample of either the featured coffee or tea to bring home or to share with a friend. Just be sure to stop by the coffee bar between 10 and noon on the 21st. All you need to do is sign up and show up to join. Reusable mug recommended.
Take Your Sons & Daughters to Work Day: Zero Waste Lunch & Learn
Saturday, April 21th 12:00 – 1:00 PM, Free
Children Ages 6 – 18 years old
Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
As your little ones shadow along throughout the day, be sure to teach them one of the most important aspects of work – the lunch break! Join our Healthy Eating Specialist, Amanda, to learn tips and tricks the whole family can use for healthier, eco-friendly lunches on the go. All children must be accompanied by a parent.
Block Party: Green Mission Milestones
Tuesday, April 24th 5:30-7:00 PM, Free
Join us for a tasty and informative block party! Each team will create a dish that features a local product that has been grown or produced in Florida . We will also have Whole Foods Market green facts and stories at every station that participants can use to fill out a fact finder guide to be entered to win a $50 gift card! Pick up your Block Party Voting Ballot/Fact Finder Guide at the Produce station and be sure to vote for your favorite team’s dish. Please bring your completed ballot and guide to the customer service desk to be entered to win. No Purchase Necessary to Enter.
A Natural Start: Secrets to a Natural Birth
Wednesday, April 25th 7:00- 8:00 PM, Free
Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
Ready to start a family? Pregnancy and birth are amazing, but why do a third end in surgery? Natural birth shouldn’t be chance, it should be expected. Join Dr. Ian Shtulman as he shares the secrets to achieving a safe, natural birth!
Gluten Free Cooking
Thursday, April 26th 6:30-8:00pm, Free
Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
Join Chef Joe as he demonstrates how to prepare a Gluten Free meal that tastes great and is easy for anyone to prepare! Bring your appetite and your Gluten Free questions. Space is limited.
Mom’s Morning Escape & Goddard School Arts & Crafts Corner
Friday, April 27th 9:00-11:00 AM, Free
Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
Moms will receive a free mini-massage, coffee or tea, and muffin from the Coffee Bar, while children of all ages can participate in the Goddard School Arts and Crafts Corner. Please check in at the Customer Service desk to pick up your Mom’s Morning Escape Voucher, then make your way to the Coffee Bar for breakfast. Also, don’t forget to enjoy a relaxing five minute chair massage by My Massage Corner in the Lifestyle Center (first-come, first-served). Massage sign-up sheet is located just outside of the Lifestyle Center ).
*All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Wine Tasting Benefit for Palm Beach Central Project Graduation
Friday, April 27th 6:00-8:00 PM, $10 Donation
Enjoy fine wines, cheeses and music in our specialty department all for a great cause! 100% of the proceeds will benefit Project Graduation for Palm Beach Central graduating seniors to have a safe and fun celebration of this milestone in their lives. For ticket information, please contact: Kimberly Briard at [email protected]
Engine 2: 28 Day Challenge Introduction
Sunday, April 28th 2:00-3:30 PM, Free
Pre-Registration Required@ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
Support your health and wellbeing one forkful at a time! Join our Healthy Eating Specialist, Amanda, as she leads an introductory class on the 28 day challenge that will have you reconfiguring your plate in no time. This revolutionary nutrient-packed action plan was created by Rip Esselstyn, former professional tri-athlete and firefighter, and author of the bestselling book, The Engine 2 Diet.
Cooking on a Budget Class
Sunday, April 29th 1:00- 2:30PM, Free
Pre-Registration Required @ Customer Service or Call 561.904.4000
By picking nutrient dense foods and quick meal planning you can save money and still prepare delicious and healthful meals. Create a simple week’s worth of food with our Lifestyle Center Specialist, Sherri. This informative and fun cooking class will be sure to inspire you and even help you create your own ideas.
Community Events
Secret Gardens of Wellington , A Garden Tour
Saturday, April 14, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM rain or shine
Visit a variety of beautifully planted gardens, all designed with many surprising touches. Pass through a swinging gate to discover unusual plants, fruit trees and vegetable gardens. Unique Plant Sale ~ Intriguing Raffle ~ Tea & Tasting on the Patio ~ Rare Fruit Sampling.
ADVANCE tickets $20 Available beginning March 12 at Whole Foods Market.
DAY OF TOUR tickets $25, sold only at First Baptist Church of Wellington, 2700 W. Forest Hill Blvd. , Wellington . To order tickets by mail, call 561-791-1561 or email [email protected]
Wellington Earth Day Celebration at the Amphitheatre
Sunday, April 22nd 4:00 – 7:00 PM, Free
Join Wellington for a fun filled Earth Day Celebration! There will be seedling giveaways, informative booths from an array of organizations dedicated to preserving our beautiful planet, free reusable bag for the first 250 attendees, and lots of delicious green smoothie samples from Whole Foods Market! For full event details, please visit: www.wellingtonfl.gov
About Whole Foods Market®
Founded in 1980 in Austin , Texas , Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFM), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America ’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named “ America ’s Healthiest Grocery Store” by Health magazine. The company’s motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s more than 64,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 15 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2011, the company had sales of more than $10 billion and currently has more than 315 stores in the United States , Canada and the United Kingdom .
Wellington to Host Veterans Open House
Wellington and the American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 would like to cordially invite all veterans to attend the Veterans Open House at the Wellington Community Center, upper level on Thursday, May 17th, 2012 from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. This event will feature guest speakers to raise awareness about the American Legion and the services offered to veterans.
The Wellington Community Center is located at 12150 Forest Hill Boulevard. For more information about the event or the American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390, contact Tom Clapp at [email protected].
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
(Above) – Members of Morris, Laing, Evans, Brock & Kennedy, Chtd (”Morris Laing”) and European Equine Lawyers (”EEL”) recently entered into a strategic alliance agreement joining forces for the advantage of their clients by expanding representation across the ocean. Both firms held a meet and greet in Wellington with members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce on Friday, March 30, and plan to get involved in upcoming chamber events. For more information the law firm, check out their website at http://www.morrislaing.com/. For more information about events with the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, contact them at (561) 792-6525 or check out their website at www.wellingtonchamber.com. Photo by Carol Porter.
Ask Dr. Z
April, 2012
By Laura Zipris, Psy. D., LMHC
Dear Dr. “Z”,
Last week my dog (my baby), Bosco, died and I am not doing too well. I have had Bosco for over 14 years, which is most of my adult life, and I don’t know what to do without him. Every minute that I am home I am haunted by this deafening silence. When I am not home, I just feel lost, as if I am just going through the motions of my day. I took two days off of work last week because I was so distraught and the people in my life were being supportive. However, now that it is a week later, friends and co-workers think I am just being ridiculous because I am still struggling. I get comments like, “Diane! Enough already, he was just a dog.” I am starting to feel like there is something really wrong with me, aside from just being completely and utterly heartbroken.
Help!
Signed,
Diane M., Lake Worth
***
Dear Diane,
Let me start by saying, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet can be a profound and very deep loss. For many people, it is the equivalent to losing a cherished family member…a family member who has been a constant companion and a source of unconditional love and daily support for us. Therefore, it is less than helpful when well meaning people try to minimize your loss by saying “Bosco was just an animal.”
One of the difficulties in our culture is that we often feel alone when experiencing our grief, “feeling as if there is something wrong with us” ; feeling like we are “losing it” or “going crazy;” “not knowing what to do” or how we “should” be feeling and coping with our loss. It is important that you know a few things about grief. First, there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. All of your feelings are OK. There is no one right way to grieve and there is no specific time frame for it. Second, grief is a very personal journey and it is experienced by people in very different ways. Reactions to grief vary from person to person but often they involve our feelings (i.e. sadness, anger, and loneliness), thoughts (i.e. preoccupation, confusion) behaviors (i.e. changes in our sleeping patterns and appetite) and physical sensations (i.e. hollow feeling in stomach, tightness in chest).
In order to heal from this loss you have to grieve it. Some useful ways to cope with your grief and express your feelings safely include: journaling, playing music; exercising; running; calling a friend; joining a support group; praying and memorializing your pet (i.e. have a funeral, write an obituary, donate his things, create a photo album of your time together, etc.).
Time usually does heal, but if after a few weeks of trying some of these coping strategies, you are still not feeling any better, you may wish to speak with a professional grief counselor.
Signed,
Dr. “Z”
“You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us.”
(Robert Louis Stevenson)
Laura Zipris holds a doctorate in Psychology and is licensed to practice psychotherapy in New York, as well as in Florida. Laura is certified in Imago Relationship Therapy, a transformational approach that has been used successfully with couples around the world to help them to strengthen their partnerships, deepen their connection and reignite their passion for one another. Laura sees individuals of all ages and sexual orientations, couples, families, and groups in her office located in Delray Beach. For more information about Laura, please visit her website at www.drlaurazipris.com or to set up an appointment, contact Laura directly at (561) 558-7815.
Questions for this column should be sent to “Dr. Z” at [email protected].
AW Spotlight
US Building Inspectors
Bringing You Honesty and Accuracy
By Krista Martinelli
Having a home inspection done can be a delicate situation, whether you are the buyer, the seller or the realtor. Thank goodness for people like Patti Neri and her company US Building Inspectors. Just about every single day the USBI professionals hear that their reports are “the most comprehensive inspection reports” that they (the buyers and realtors alike) have ever received. It seems that everyone involved in the process appreciates the extra care and state-of-the-art technology that they bring to each inspection.
Owner Patti Neri explains that she truly has “empathy for the
customer,” knowing that buying a home is usually the biggest financial decision they will make in their lifetime. US Building Inspectors now has four inspectors and covers four counties (Broward, Martin, St. Lucie and Palm Beach – including all of the Glades – Pahokee, Canal Point and Belle Glade). Their reports are delivered the same-day, including photos with captions and arrows inside the pictures which point to any deficiencies. They also have a reputation for honesty and accuracy, which is so important in today’s world of so many inspectors to choose from.
What’s unique about US Building Inspectors? “As the owner, I show up on almost every inspection job that we do,” says Neri. She explains that the majority of inspection companies are sole proprietors – in other words, one-man operations. By having at a minimum, two inspectors, plus Patti, who is a licensed home inspector also, show up on the job, it enables the buyer, seller or realtor to freely ask questions. With many other inspection companies these days, it can feel like the inspector is too busy to answer a prospective buyer’s questions when he is – for example – up in an attic trying to inspect, and their client is “full of questions.”
At US Building Inspectors, they like to provide immediate results to all parties involved at the end of the inspection, known as “the walkthrough.” At a minimum, two of their four inspectors will take photos of any deficiencies or problem areas in the home. Then they will all “huddle” over the digital camera together to review the problems with the buyer and their realtor.
As Neri explains, there are plenty of “truck and ladder guys” in this business. Required by law, they must be State-licensed, but not all inspectors are necessarily the most professional; some lack the software and come without the certification in different areas. “They don’t bring the innovative tools that we bring. We have the greatest software and we use tablets (computers).” There are many people who make the mistake of going for the lowest price when it comes to having a home inspection done. US Building Inspectors usually falls in the mid-range of the pricing. Those who look only for “cheap” usually end up paying, in more ways than one, later on for not getting an accurate and honest inspection in the first place.
Here’s another reason that realtors, buyers and sellers love US Building Inspectors. “We are resourceful. Usually all of my vendors show up with me, so the sellers are inconvenienced to open up their home only one time. This is very uncommon in the industry for the inspectors to come with all of their professionals.” As a side note, a good synergy happens when, for example, various trade professionals and an inspector all show up at one place, at one time.
Customers seem very appreciative of the extra time that Patti Neri spends on the phone with them. “We always go above and beyond,” she says.
Their Chief Inspector, Joel Perez, is licensed to inspect for termites and mold in addition to home inspections. According to Neri, “He has the gift of interacting with realtors, home owners and buyers.” At the end of the inspection, he’s able to deliver the message gracefully, not causing fear, but explaining the issues at hand.
The three other inspectors are also excellent. “They are family-men and well-loved in their community,” says Neri. They also are happy to have two part-time office staff to make operations run smoothly while the inspectors are out in the field. The company, over ten years old, continues to expand in terms of staff and territory.
Patti Neri’s experience within residential and commercial industry began when she was just twelve years old. Her father was in the pest control industry and they visited a lot of pre-construction sites together. Being female in a mainly male-dominated industry never bothered Neri. “I’ve always been curious, studious, friendly and ‘smarter than the average bear,’” says Neri. She combines her marketing and communications background with her grass roots start of knocking on doors with her dad. She also enjoys public speaking and has enjoyed putting networking groups together in the past. Today she’s happy to be inspecting homes, as well as running the office. The diversity of her work keeps it interesting every day.
It’s not uncommon for a business owner to call US Building Inspectors in need of a mold inspection because his employees have complained of not being able to breathe well when coming to work. Business owners have called with the intention of wanting to prove their staff wrong about a mold issue. There are many times when office staff members are complaining about terrible allergies that only affect them Monday thru Friday. When the US Building Inspectors find mold, it might be invisible to the eye; however, if a medium to high level of mold spores, i.e. the most known about toxic black mold (Stachybotrys) is discovered, immediate action is needed. “A lot of people, especially realtors, hate the ‘m’ word,” says Neri. “But if you don’t disclose a problem that you discover exists, you are not doing what you were hired to do.”
As of recently, they have been doing more water quality testing than ever before. Customers are especially concerned with levels of bacteria in Wellington, the Acreage and Loxahatchee. If you are in need of water quality testing, give them a call at 561-784-8811.
US Building Inspectors enjoys being involved in our local community. They support the American Red Cross and Women in Distress, among other non-profits in our area.
Think of US Building Inspectors, next time you are in need of…
· Home Inspections
· Mold Inspections
· Indoor Air Quality Testing
· Windstorm Mitigation Inspections
· Water Quality Testing
They are state-licensed and insured. They are true to their slogan, “Inspected Once, Inspected Right.”
US Building Inspectors
“Inspected Once, Inspected Right!”
Wellington, FL 33414
Palm Beaches (561) 784-8811
Broward (954) 298-1128
Martin/ St. Lucie (772) 335-4259
Se Habla Espanol
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