Join the Western Executives on August 7th at 6:30m for their Charity Dinner to benefit the Farmworker Council of Palm Beach County. Call 333-1150 to RSVP.
August, 2010 – Playmobil and Lechuza, Two Great Brands!
AW Spotlight
Playmobil® and Lechuza® – Two Great Brands in One Location
By Krista Martinelli
If you happen to have a young child in your house, you might already know of this amazing indoor fun park, which costs only $1 for all-day admission and delivers hours of imaginative playtime. PLAYMOBIL® FunPark in Palm Beach Gardens, FL has been delighting children for fifteen years, giving them the chance to test out entire “cities” of toys and meet new friends in the process.
Playmobil, an innovative German toy company, has only one
FunPark location in the United States. Luckily for our local residents, it’s in Palm Beach Gardens. Playmobil FunPark in Palm Beach Gardens opened its doors in 1994 and has enjoyed a steady growth in customers ever since. Store Manager Lucy Gutierrez says that they will be celebrating their 16th anniversary this coming November and as always they will have their 25 % Anniversary Sale at the store.
Gutierrez designed the recent remodel of the entire FunPark, which nicely showcases both brands that are now sold at Playmobil FunPark – PLAYMOBIL® toys and LECHUZA® self-watering planters. “We increased the size of our Lechuza store and ungraded the FunPark playing area, also extending its length and adding new playing areas,” explains Gutierrez. The Lechuza part of the FunPark is now streamlined into an inviting area, where a great variety of planters are sold. It’s modeled after the Lechuza displays in Zindorf, Germany. See the Grand Opening day photos in the Photo Galleries on our website.
The inventor of Playmobil toys, Horst Brandstätter, had a clear vision from the start. These toys are ideal for children 18 months old and up. They “force imaginary play,” helping kids to play out entire scenes in a hospital, Roman empire or princess castle, depending on a child’s interests. There are so many “worlds” within the Playmobil toy line. The toys are created with great care, attention to detail and the imagination of a child in mind. Playmobil toys help children develop important school readiness skills in the following areas: cognitive, social, emotional and motor.
When they visit Playmobil FunPark, kids love the open areas, all of the exciting play areas and the many different themes. Parents love the cool, indoor area, especially here in sunny South Florida. They are also quite pleased with the clean atmosphere at Playmobil FunPark. Instead of rushing to clean up at the end of each day, the staff is constantly cleaning different parts of the FunPark throughout the day, closing off one zone at a time for cleaning. As a result, you will find that it’s one of the cleanest children’s facilities you have ever stepped foot in.
Playmobil FunPark also offers field trips and birthday parties. The birthday parties are always a huge hit with kids and parents. Playmobil birthday parties are 90 minutes long and tons of fun. Children can choose from different themes: Construction, Dinosaurs, Firefighter, Police, Knights, Pirates, Soccer, Pony, Princess, Fairytale, Mermaids and Trains. The birthday parties truly make the birthday child feel special, giving the birthday kid the spotlight on stage for a few minutes. The birthday parties include both unstructured time to play and a portion of the party for bringing the group together in song, dance and even a fun, obstacle course. The friendly Playmobil staff members decorate the special birthday area and help serve pizza, birthday cake, etc.
I asked Lucy Gutierrez how it feels to be Store Manager for both Playmobil FunPark and the Lechuza Factory Outlet, two brands that might not naturally fit together under the same roof. “Very well,” she explains. “We have a very positive response from both moms and dads. They can shop and beautify their homes while children play and enjoy the FunPark.”
Playmobil toy owner and founder Horst Brandstätter, created the Lechuza planter when he was looking for an ideal, indoor, self-watering planter to decorate his Playmobil FunParks. When he couldn’t find what he was looking for, he used his knowledge of plastics and resourcefulness to make a terrific planter that can sustain a plant for up to three months without any maintenance.
The Lechuza brand began in Europe about ten years ago and it has been in the United States for about five years. The easy-to-maintain benefits of Lechuza planters made them the planter of choice for many airports, malls and offices around the world. In Europe, it’s the most popular brand of planter. For anyone who might not have a green thumb, the Lechuza planter is good news all around! You can have a plant without killing it, and you can have it in a stylish
container, which comes in almost every color. In most cases you can let the plant go for as long as three months without watering it, and it will live. It’s ideal for those who travel or people with busy lifestyles.
How does the Lechuza self-watering system work?
Just fill up the Lechuza water reservoir and your plant will quickly become self sufficient! The integrated water level indicator will tell you reliably when it is time to refill the reservoir.
It’s this simple.
1. Insert the Lechuza sub-irrigation set (separator, supply shaft and water level indicator) into the planter (or alternatively into the plant liner for the column planters) and place the included Lechuza-Pon drainage material onto the separator (about 1 inch deep).2. Add potting soil to the planter, insert plant with roots, and fill the planter with soil. Compact soil well. 3. For the next three months, continue to water the plants from above through the soil. After that (approximately three months), the plant will supply itself from the reservoir. After three months, your plant’s roots will have grown far enough into the moist area that they will be able to obtain water from the reservoir without your assistance. Refill the water reservoir only after the water level indicator is at the minimum level.
In fact, Lechuza planters give the plants just the right amounts of water and nutrients they need for optimal growth.
Store Manager Lucy Gutierrez truly enjoys her job and seeing the joy that Playmobil toys bring to children every day. She also enjoys seeing the satisfaction of adults who find the perfect Lechuza planter for their home. She is a Wellington resident and mother of an eight-year-old boy and six-year-old girl. “Our children love Playmobil toys,” she says, explaining that both have developed their fine motor skills and handwriting a bit more quickly, thanks to the small parts of Playmobil toys. Gutierrez and her husband are active in our local community and her husband is a busy soccer coach, among other activities. They are also fans of AroundWellington.com and Gutierrez provides a lovely testimonial for how her family uses AroundWellington.com calendar information for finding local activities.
Playmobil FunPark is open to the public Monday through Saturday, from 10:00am to 5:30pm and on Sundays from 12:00pm to 4:30pm. The admission is 0.94 cents plus tax per person (which makes it just $1), for children ages 12 months up to adult. Playmobil FunPark visitors enjoy 25% OFF monthly specials for the Playmobil pick of the month. Visitors are welcome to stay all day and bring a picnic lunch or snacks to eat in the adjoining café. A gift shop of Playmobil toys is also located inside the FunPark building.
So come to the Playmobil castle and enjoy the truly affordable fun that your children will have as they “test drive” the Playmobil toys. And don’t forget to pick up a Lechuza self-watering planter to beautify your home!
Playmobil FunPark
8031 North Military Trail
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Visit the Playmobil FunPark website!
Open Monday thru Sunday.
Phone: (561) 691-9880
Lechuza
8031 North Military Trail
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Visit the Lechuza website!
(877)Lechuza
609-395-5868
August, 2010 – Florida Tax Amnesty
By the Numbers
Florida Tax Amnesty
By Donna Kuebler and Juan Cocuy
With all the budget shortfalls, the State of Florida is looking for ways to increase revenue. As a result, the Florida Department of Revenue is once again offering the “Florida Tax Amnesty Program”. This program allows Florida Taxpayers to take advantage of paying outstanding or late tax liabilities with no penalty, a reduction of interest, no criminal prosecution, and an opportunity for you to become compliant with Florida tax laws.
Florida’s Tax Amnesty Days start July 1st and end September 30, 2010. Amnesty only applies to state and local option taxes that were due before July 1, 2010. You must complete and submit a Tax Amnesty Agreement which can be found on the State’s website, www.dor.myflorida.com/dor. This agreement must be submitted by September 30, 2010.
All taxes that are administered by the Florida Department of Revenue are eligible for the amnesty except for unemployment taxes and Miami-Dade County Lake Belt Fees. The eligibility requirements are:
· You must first complete a tax amnesty agreement.
· The liability is not already covered by a settlement or installment payment agreement.
· You are not under criminal investigation, indictment, information, or persecution regarding a Florida revenue law and of violating a Florida revenue law.
· You are not under a pretrial investigation or diversion program, probation, community control, or in a work camp, jail, state provision, or another correctional system regarding a Florida revenue law.
Many businesses may not be aware they are overlooking tax liability such as, use tax, tax registration requirements, commercial and transient rentals, discretionary sales surtax, corporate income tax, and fuel tax.
One tax in particular that often gets overlooked is use tax. Businesses and citizens who purchase merchandise over the internet or from an out-of-state vendor and don’t pay sales tax must remit the 6% plus any county tax to the state. If a business purchases on a tax exempt basis for resale but later uses it for the business or personal use, they must remit the tax on their return.
The other often overlooked state tax is the corporate income tax. Corporations, unless an S Corp., must file a Florida corporate income tax return unless exempt. Even if you owe no corporate income tax, you must file a corporate income tax return. Failure to file this return can result in a $360 penalty.
If you have any questions and/or would like to take advantage of Florida’s Tax Amnesty Days, please contact me or Donna Kuebler at our office (Cocuy, Burns & Co., P.A.) at (561)-793-1927.
About Cocuy, Burns & Co., P.A. Located at 12400A South Shore Boulevard, Cocuy, Burns & Co., P.A. is the only full-service CPA firm in the western communities. We have been in business for over 20 years and provide a full menu of services to the professionals and businesses in our area including tax compliance and planning, auditing and consulting. We can be reached at 561-793-1927 or by visiting www.cocuyburns.com.
August, 2010 – The Thinking Man’s Breath
Health & Fitness
The Thinking Man’s Breath
by Cheryl Alker
Back in October, 2009 we discussed the cleansing breath and how to change from becoming a chest breather to using your diaphragm correctly to achieve heightened well-being.
As a follow up to this article, I would like to give you information on another wonderful breathing technique: Alternate Nostril Breathing.
The majority of us will not breathe through each nostril equally; right now, you will be favoring either your left or right nostril. By simply practicing a few rounds of alternate nostril breathing for a few minutes each day, you can help restore any imbalances in your brain, improve sleep, encourage a calmer emotional state, boost your thinking power and soothe your nervous system. Interested?
Left Nostril For Calming – Right Nostril For Energy
Your nose is directly linked to your brain and nervous system. Breathing in only through your left nostril will access the right “feeling” hemisphere of your brain, and breathing in only through your right nostril will access the left “thinking” hemisphere of your brain. Consciously alternating you breath between either nostril will allow you to activate and access your whole brain.
Technique
- Close the right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through the left nostril. Do this to the count of four seconds.
- Immediately close the left nostril with your right ring finger and little finger, and at the same time remove your thumb from the right nostril and exhale through this nostril. Do this to the count of eight seconds. This completes a half round.
- Inhale through the right nostril to the count of four seconds. Close the right nostril with your tight thumb and exhale through the left nostril to the count of eight seconds. This completes one full round.
Start by doing three rounds, adding one per week until you are doing seven rounds.
Benefits of Alternate Nostril Breathing
- Improves Energy Levels: A few rounds of alternate nostril breathing are a quick pick-me-up if you are feeling flat, tired or even stressed. It provides your body with a much needed dose of oxygen to the blood, therefore revitalizing you.
- Improves Brain Function: Alternate nostril breathing brings equal amounts of oxygen to both sides of the brain for improved brain function. Five minutes of alternate nostril breathing before an exam or interview is a great way to access your whole brain for improved performance.
- Cleanse Your Lungs: A daily five-minute practice morning and night of alternate nostril breathing is a great way to remove stale air and impurities from the bottom of you lungs. Remember, 70% of our body’s waste products are eliminated via our lungs.
- Improves Sleep: If you can’t sleep at night lie on your right-hand side, gently close your right nostril and breathe through your left nostril. This will allow you to access the right hemisphere of your brain, which is calming.
Alternate nostril breathing should not be practiced if you have a cold or if your nasal passages are blocked in any way.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the publishers of Around Wellington, the author nor the editors take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication that results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
Cheryl Alker specializes in flexibility training, core strength, facial exercises and postural alignment. Her 27-year career began as a group fitness and personal trainer. She has lectured and directed fitness training programs in both Europe and the USA and was an advisor for a British governmental health promotion program. Alker and her company, Stretch Results International, continue to work with a select clientele from a base in Palm Beach County, certifying health professionals in her results-based stretching program, educating consumers through public speaking and offering consultation to clients who wish to lose their muscular pain and gain flexibility to achieve full and active lifestyles. Her program has been accredited with the National Association of Sports Medicine, American Council of Exercise, National Strength and Conditioning Association and Florida Physical Therapy Association. For more information, please call Cheryl at (561) 889 3738 or visit www.stretchresults.com.
August, 2010 – Astrology at Work
ASTROLOGY AT WORK IN YOUR LIFE
August, 2010
By Karola Crawford
Happy Birthday Leo. The heat of the summer is precisely what describes you as you have the energy of fire along with a good deal of patience. This combination makes you unique. You can be counted on as a good friend and are loyal, however, if you become angry then let your opponent beware. You appreciate the admiration that others bestow upon you, and you certainly don’t feel that it matters if no one else notices, so you want to be recognized for all of your accomplishments. You are a force to be reckoned with in the event that others do underestimate you, for the roar of the lion is nothing to be ignored. In a group setting you will always stand out and you will be noticed with your unique dress, your authoritative figure of speech, and your elaborate meals that are meant to get attention. You love to laugh, but you will also stand alongside another and cry empathetic tears with them. Your caring heart reaches out to your friends and family and you can become the mother hen for those in need. Your ruler is the sun, which bestows generosity and puts you in the light. Your roots lie in the home and in your personal independence. You naturally assume that all others have the same integrity as you do and consequently you are frank and outspoken. The caution here is that this can cause interpersonal difficulties and a loss of friends. You do not like repetition and become quite impatient when you have gotten the point and others elaborate. Others should be careful to be tactful around you, as you want others to think well of you and self-approval is most important to you. You have the majesty, power and dignity of the lion, as this is your sign symbol. You express pride in your every movement and a stateliness that does not escape the keen eye. Power will seem to make you glow as you thoroughly relish it, and you function well in a position of authority and responsibility. You will leave no stone unturned in order to justify the confidence that others have placed in you. Women born under this sign tend to dominate their marriages. They are like ferocious lionesses in defending their children, and though you can step on the toes of the Leo mothers, you may never step on her children. Qualities given to you are practical, philosophical and spiritual, as well as enthusiasm and inspiration. Your courage is reckless but you do not fight unfairly.
This month finds you seeking things of a spiritual nature and your yoga classes become a place of searching and learning.
Virgo – Social events are in the forefront for you and you seek the admiration of the family.
Libra – There may some tender issues that cause feelings to get ruffled this month. Try to stay neutral.
Scorpio – This is a good month to rethink the business part of life but wait until next month to act.
Sagittarius – Though you feel the need to make headway, most actions have stopped until next month.
Capricorn – Balance the old with the new and only improve those areas that you have outgrown. This is not the time to throw caution to the wind.
Aquarius – Your happy go lucky attitude is exactly what is needed at this time. Don’t take anything or anyone too serious including yourself.
Pisces – Create a brand new reality for yourself by meditating on your deepest desires and transcending all boundaries.
Aries – Cooperation is required with friends and family though your headstrong approach may cause you to forget. Allow input from others.
Taurus – You love having the family around and this month is no exception. Invite them to dinner and cook a lavish meal or have a potluck. You may be surprised at the outcome.
Gemini – Check out details carefully before you make any big decisions and then only write them down. If you still feel strong about it, act next month.
Cancer – This month get well deserved recognition for the beautiful gifts that you have passed on to family and friends. The family would never be the same without you.
Karola Crawford, MAFA, has been a certified Astrologer for 22 years. She has cast charts for clients all over the world and also practices Holistic medicine, Yoga, Shiatsu, Reiki, Auricular Acupucture and is an accomplished artist. Where does she get all of her energy? A grand trine in fire, of course. Karola can be reached at 561-615-1591 or by visiting the web site at www.karolacrawford.com.
July, 2010 – Wellington Ranks #72
The Wellington Chamber and the Village of Wellington in honor of Wellington being named Money Magazine’s # 72 place to live have joined up and created shirts for our members and friends.
The Shirts are blue/grey in color
The front has a Wellington Chamber Logo
The back has the # 72 and the Village of Wellington logo.
Shirts are $ 10.00 and were sold out at our last luncheon!!!
WE ARE PLACING ORDERS TODAY. ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY END OF BUSINESS DAY TODAY!!!!
PLEASE CALL THE CHAMBER 792-6525 or respond to this email!!!!
Sizes are small- XXXL
July, 2010 – Walgreens and MDA Send Local Kids to Camp
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Stephanie Glavin, Fundraising Coordinator
Muscular Dystrophy Association
2500 Quantum Lakes Drive, Suite 212
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
561.742.3748
561.742.3793 (f)
WALGREENS AND THE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION PARTNER TO SEND LOCAL KIDS TO CAMP
[Boynton Beach, FL], July 23, 2010—Area Walgreens stores will offer Summer Camp Mobiles and coupons to their customers for a $1 or a $5 donation from August 1st through Labor Day. All proceeds from the “Send a Kid to Camp” promotion will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
For a $1 or $5 contribution to the MDA, customers can put their name on a bright and festive Summer Camp mobile that is displayed in the store. The customer will also receive coupons for different Walgreens products with the purchase of the mobile. Walgreens’ District Managers Vily Markovich and Lazar Jones agree, “This is an easy opportunity for every citizen to make a difference in someone’s life.” Jones adds, “It is a simple, inexpensive way for each individual in every town to combine their efforts and make a large contribution as a community.” Walgreens is proactive in the local communities, and their employees will be working hard on the “Send a Kid to Camp” program to send local children living with neuromuscular diseases to MDA Summer Camp.
The funds raised through the summer mobile program directly help local families affected by diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Summer Mobiles also help support the MDA’s worldwide research program, as well as the national network of 225 hospital-affiliated clinics, including the MDA Clinic at the Jupiter Medical Center.
The MDA is grateful to Walgreens for their support of this program and encourages all local citizens to stop by their nearest Walgreens store to purchase a mobile, receive a coupon, and help partner with the community to send local children with neuromuscular diseases to MDA Summer Camp.
The MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services and far-reaching professional and public health education. To learn more about Summer Camp Mobiles and other MDA programs, contact the local MDA office at 561-742-3748.
October, 2010 – Save the Date for Oct. 8th
Save the Date…
October 8th, 2010
The 3rd Annual “Home in One” Classic
At
PGA National Resort
Lisa Archer
Director of Development
Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County
1225 A South Military Trail
West Palm Beach, FL 33415
(Between Summit and Forest Hill)
561-433-3351
Fax – 561-304-0223
www.habitatpbc.org
July, 2010 – Faustino Gonzalez, new VP at Hospice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 19, 2010
Contact: Jennifer Martinez, Communications Manager
Hospice of Palm Beach County
(561) 273-2194 or jmartinez@hpbc.com
Faustino Gonzalez Promoted to Vice President of Medical Affairs
of Hospice of Palm Beach County
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL. – Hospice of Palm Beach County is proud to announce that Faustino Gonzalez, MD, FAAHPM, has been promoted to Vice President of Medical Affairs.
Dr. Gonzalez, whose specialties are Internal and Palliative Medicine, has been with the organization since 2001. He has served as both Associate Medical Director and Access Medical Director. Dr. Gonzalez has been integral in creating access for all races and ethnicities, especially the Hispanic community.
“Dr. Gonzalez is an incredible example of someone who lives and breathes our vision of caring for everyone who needs and wants our services,” said Dave Fielding, President and CEO of Hospice of Palm Beach County. “This new role will provide him an even greater opportunity to share his knowledge, as well as his compassionate care approach with our team of physicians and the thousands of patients and families we serve each year.”
Dr. Gonzalez attended Colgate University in New York; College of the City of New York and the Universidad Central del este in San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic. He is certified by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine; American Board of Internal Medicine; ABIM, Subspecialty in Hospice and Palliative Medicine; and was recently awarded the degree of Fellow by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
To learn more about the programs and services Hospice of Palm Beach County offers to the community, please call (561) 848-5200 or visit www.hpbc.com <http://www.hpbc.com> .
About Hospice of Palm Beach County:
Hospice of Palm Beach County, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization is dedicated to meeting every need of patients and families faced with advanced illness. The organization offers a comprehensive range of programs and services – from nationally recognized hospice care to music therapy, massage and loss-specific healing services. Full bereavement support is offered to hospice families and to anyone in the community in need.
Care is provided wherever the patient is – the home, skilled nursing or assisted living facility, hospital or hospice care center, including the C.W. Gerstenberg Hospice Center in West Palm Beach, the Jay Robert Lauer Hospice and Palliative Care Center at JFK Medical Center, the Bethesda Memorial Hospice and Palliative Care Center at Bethesda Memorial Hospital, and the Hospice and Palliative Care Centers at Delray Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, and Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. Hospice of Palm Beach County’s focus is on quality of life. The organization is sensitive to and respectful of religious, cultural and personal beliefs. For information about Hospice of Palm Beach County, please call (888) 848-5200 or visit www.hpbc.com.
Licensed since 1981
Accredited by The Joint Commission 501(c)(3) Not-for-Profit Organization
Accredited as a Jewish Hospice by the Palm Beach County Board of Rabbis, Inc.
Serving all of Palm Beach County – Boca Raton to Tequesta, the Glades to the Beach
July, 2010 – Kelly Fason Wins Grace Hoadley Dodge Award
From: YWCA of Palm Beach County
Re: Winner of YWCA’s 2010 Grace Hoadley Dodge Award
Date: July 22, 2010
Contact: Allyson Samiljan – 561-640-0050, Ext. 115
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
____________________________________________________________
The YWCA of Palm Beach County is pleased to announce that Kelly Fason is the recipient of its Grace Hoadley Dodge Award for 2010. The award is presented annually to a woman residing in Palm Beach County who has overcome adversity and in the process has not only empowered herself but also created opportunities for and led other women toward their own empowerment.
Kelly Fason is the co-founder and chief executive officer for Dress for Success Palm Beaches, an organization that provides women with free clothing to wear to interviews and in the work place and offers networking and skills classes.
For more information or to nominate someone for the 2011 award, please contact the YWCA at 561-640-0050, Ext. 115.