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This Saturday is National Kids to Parks Day but did you know our National Parks Service makes our parks available to you and your family all year long?  The National Park Service, formed in 1916, cares for our parks......YES!...our parks!  Working with park partners and volunteers, they help to care for and preserve over 84 million acres of land, over 4.5 million acres of lakes, reservoirs and oceans, over 43,000 miles of coastline, 68,561 archaeological sites and much more.

As part of the U.S. Department of the Interior the National Parks Service has over 20,000 employees and almost 2.5 million volunteers.  

So with summer approaching why not make plans to visit our parks!  There are passes you can get that will save you money!  The Passes are good at over 2,000 Federal Recreation Sites covering entrance fees at the National Parks and Wildlife Refuges and standard amenity fees at National Forests and grasslands.  

The pass covers vehicle fees or up to 4 adults for sites where there is a per person charge. Children under 15 are admitted free.

Annual Pass- $80 annual pass   1-888-275-8747

Free Annual Pass for Military Personnel and dependents.

Senior Pass- $10 Lifetime Pass for US Citizens or Permanent Residents 62+

Access Pass -Free for US Citizens or Permanent Residents with Permanent Disabilities.

Florida has 11 National Parks and in our own backyard of Delray Beach we have the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.  Find one in your State!

Don’t Be a Stranger to Your Parks!  

 

 

 

 

 

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It’s always nice to find something you thought was lost, and that was the case when we re-discovered Tom’ Place on Boynton Beach Blvd.  Larry and I were out the other day and stopped in to Tom’s Place for some Bar-B-Q.   We weren’t sure if this was related to the Tom’s Place that we knew when we first arrived in Boca back in the late 80’s.

And I gladly report that yes... this is the reincarnate of Tom’s Place originally owned by Tom and Helen Wright.  However it is now run by Tom’s son-in- law and daughter, Gerard and Belinda Harris, the Wright’s youngest son, Kenny, and his daughter Kentiana.  

Located east of I-95 on Boynton Beach Blvd,  Tom’s Place still has the famous BBQ sauce, cornbread, pulled pork sandwiches, rib dinners, and homemade sides  liked black eyed peas, collard greens, potato salad, sweet potato pie and corn on the cob.  

Don’t let the bright orange catering truck throw you off.  You can drive up and order BBQ to go or eat inside.  There are plans to expand this location to include an outdoor dining patio as well.  

Tom and Helen Wright were not just about serving good BBQ, they were devoted to their family and their faith.  The original restaurant closed on Sundays so that they could cook meals for those in need in their community.  

The family still makes the famous Tom’s BBQ sauce which they sell at their restaurant.

Tom’s Place
400 East Boynton Beach Blvd
Boynton Beach FL

Wed-Sat

12 noon-9PM

561-843-7487

Catering, Dine-in, Take-Out

 

 

 

 

 

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National Kids to Parks Day- May 19th! Celebrate in Delray Beach!

May 19 is the 2nd Annual National Kids to Park Day created by the National Park Trust.  The goal is encourage our youth to get out and enjoy the outdoors as well as to ensure the future stewardship of our parks.   With the proliferation of electronic games and laptops, it’s important that our youth have the opportunity to experience the outdoors as we did when we were growing up.  

More than 15,000 families participated last year, and they’re hoping for more on Saturday, May 19th.  

There is a fun site (kidstoparks.org) where you can register and show your support of National Kids to Parks Day and learn about programs in your area.  There’s the Buddy Bison program where children can get their own Buddy Bison and send pictures and share their experiences  of their outdoor park travels with Buddy.

Did you know that already 68, 516 have pledged to

go to a park on May 19th!

Delray Beach will be participating with a free event on May 19 from 10 AM to 1 PM at Pompey Park.  There will be field events, arts & crafts,  free pool activities and much more.  

Pompey Park

1101 NW 2nd Street

Delray Beach

561-243-7356

Don’t forget these other area parks:

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Veteran’s Park-Delray Beach
Okeeheelee Park-7715 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach
West Delray Regional Park-10875 Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach
Riverbend Park-9060 Indiantown Road-Jupiter

You can go to the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation

site for a full list of parks.

Let May 19th be just the first of many days that

you and your family get out and explore the outdoors!

 

 

 

 

 

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Room Service! Home Staging
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The TriColored Heron-Green Cay Wetlands

The first bird I had contact with at Green Cay Wetlands in Boynton Beach was the Tricolored Heron.   I was walking along the boardwalk and there was one on the railing.  When I pass a bird that’s hanging out there, I try very hard to give them their space.   It’s not that I’m afraid of them but I feel like this is their home and they deserve not to be disturbed.

That’s what I was doing when I had my first (almost) encounter.  Most birds that “hang out” will either fly away before you approach or will stand around and pay you absolutely no attention.  Tricolored Herons very rarely will stay on the railing as you approach.  And they have no problem flying across your path rather than away from you.  

Have you ever been buzzed by a bird?

I do believe that just a few seconds separated the side of my head and this bird’s beak!

The Tricolored Heron (Ergretta tricolor) is about 22 inches high and has a wingspan of about 3 feet.   The feathers are a beautiful slate blue with a white chest and belly.  Their pointed yellow beak will turn blue during mating season.  

The Tricolored Herons are very modern in their approach to family life.  The male selects the nesting site but both male and female build the nest, sit on the eggs and care for the babies.

 

 

 

 

 

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Green Cay Baby Alligators.... A Follow Up!

About 9 months ago Larry and I were lucky enough to be present when the alligator nest we’d been watching for months at Green Cay  finally came to life.  That was August 23, 2011 and we were in for the treat of our lives.  Standing on the boardwalk for more than 2 hours I was definitely glad I had my camera with me.  

April and May are mating season for alligators; the eggs are laid sometime in June, and then 65-75 days later they hatch.  Mama alligator stays near the nest the whole time and will continue to stay with them for up to 2 years.

We caught up with the babies and while there were at least 2 dozen or more when they hatched, we counted 5 today.    And, while I didn’t see Mama Gator today, I hear she’s often seen just under the boardwalk.  

And what proud parent doesn’t have a video of their alligator babies being hatched!

 

 

 

 

 

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Room Service! Home Staging
Palm Beach County Home Stager

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Earth Day on the Avenue...Delray Beach!

Earth Day 2012 may be this Sunday, April 22, but Delray Beach has declared April 2012 as Earth Month!  Delray Beach hopes to call attention to their continued efforts at being a green and sustainable community as well as raise awareness of the environment and the delicate balance between man and earth.

There are events going on along the Avenue and beach that will allow everyone to participate and celebrate in Earth Day 2012!

SATURDAY APRIL 21-

The Great American CleanUP-Delray Beach- Join others at the Sandoway House, 142 South Ocean Blvd. to help collect trash and debris.   There are communities and groups throughout the nation organizing similar events to celebrate Earth Day.    8-10 A.M.  561- 243-7277

Delray Greenmarket- A Delray favorite, as a special event to celebrate Earth Day on the Avenue, 500 sugar baby watermelon seedlings will be given away and there will be farm animals to educate the public on their roles in the environment.  And while you’re there you can help support our local farmers and vendors.   SE 4th Avenue, just south of Atlantic Avenue.  9-2 P.M.   561-276-7511

Earth Day in the Park-Help the city celebrate Earth Day at Old School Square.  There will be environmental storytelling and music, Buttons the Clown Goes Green, Recycled Art Projects and Activities; Alternative & Eco-friendly transportation rides; Water Resources Preservation; Grow & Go Take Home a Sunflower; Healthy Snacks and prizes and giveaways.   10-NOON   Atlantic Avenue & NE 2nd Avenue.   561- 243-7138

Earth Day Downtown- Visit Atlantic Avenue in Downtown Delray Beach and get an environmentally friendly reusable tote bag with purchase.

Show your Green and help Delray Beach celebrate Earth Day 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

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Great American CleanUp- Delray Beach

As part of Earth Day 2012, which is April 22, communities around the U.S. are taking part in the Great American CleanUp.  This is the nation’s largest community improvement effort, involving 3.8 million volunteers.  

Delray Beach’s Parks and Recreation Department along with the Sandoway House and Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful, Inc. will have their annual Great American CleanUp from 8am-10am this Saturday, April 22.  Volunteers will meet at the Sandoway House, 142 S. Ocean Blvd..

Supplies will be provided and you can earn community service hours!  

More Facts For 2011:
In 2011 3.8 million volunteers donated 5.2 million hours.
There were 20, 100 groups that participated.
177 million pounds of litter and debris were cleaned up
110,000  miles of highway, streets and roads were cleaned.
6.2 million pounds of clothing was collected for reuse.
7.9 million pounds of electronics were recycled.

You don’t have to be in Delray Beach to participate.   There will also be events throughout Palm Beach County in :
Boca Raton
Cason Community Garden in Delray Beach
Boynton Beach-Boat Club park
Lantana
Palm Beach
Greenacres
…..and many more.

Don’t live in Palm Beach County but want to volunteer?  Don’t worry, communities throughout the U.S. will be having The Great American CleanUp too.  All you have to do is go to Keep America Beautiful.

Great America CleanUP

April 21, 2012

Sandoway House

142 S. Ocean Blvd.

Delray Beach, FL

For More Info: Danielle Beardsley

561-243-7277

8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

 

 

 

 

 

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Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Information

Moving to a new area means new licenses and care facilities not only for our cars and ourselves but our pets as well.   If you are new to Palm Beach County or a new pet owner below is information that can help you get started.

The Palm Beach County ordinance requires all dogs and cats 4 months and older to be current on their rabies vaccine and have a  county license tag.

You can go to the Main Pet Shelter facility at:

7100 Belvedere Road
West Palm Beach, 33411

561-233-1200

M-F 11-6
Sat-10-5

Sun-11-4

License Tags are $15 for sterilized pets and $75 for non-sterilized pets.   There is no charge for Guide or Service Dogs.

Microchips- $10 for sterilized/$20 for non-sterilized pets.

Hurricane Information-
Hurricane season begins June 1st.  Don’t forget your pets.  If you need to evacuate to a shelter, you need to know that the Red Cross Shelters do not accept pets.  There are authorized pet friendly shelters who will accept your pets in the event of a hurricane but you’ll need to make reservations and you’ll need to have forms filled out for admittance.

Palm Beach County Dog Parks-  there are 3 Palm Beach County Dog Parks
Canine Cove at South County Regional Park-12551 Glades Road, Boca Raton
Dog Park at Lake Ida-1455 Lake Ida Road, Delray Beach
Pooch Pines at Okeeheelee Park-7715 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach

Pet Food Bank Program- The County has set up 3 Food Banks to assist owners in need so that they can continue to care for their pets.  
Passion for Paws
Kibblez of Love
PBC Animal Care and Control

Spay Neuter Programs- There is no excuse for unwanted pets.  Please spay or neuter your pet.  Palm Beach County has a The Spay Shuttle for its residents.  The cost is $40 for cats and $100 for dogs which includes the surgery, vaccinations, license tag and microchip.  Call 561-233-7729 for more information.

Welcome to Palm Beach County!

 

 

 

 

 

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It’s the Delray Affair 2012... Celebrating It’s 50th Anniversary!

Mark your calendars because you won’t want to miss the Annual Delray Affair.. the most popular Arts and Crafts festival in Palm Beach County.   This grand affair stretches from west of Swinton Avenue east to the Intracoastal and closes Atlantic Avenue for the three days of the event.  

In 1952 the Delray Affair began as the Gladiola Festival and Fair as a way of highlighting our areas many varieties of flowers.  Over the years, the “flower" festival has transformed into the arts and crafts show that it is today, attracting over 800 artists and exhibitors from around the country.  

You can find all varieties of paintings, pottery, crafts, homemade goods, gifts, jewelry,acrylics,apparel and much more.  Old School Square Stage will have entertainment throughout the weekend.   And you can find food from around the area and local restaurants.    

The Delray Affair

April 13-15th

Friday and Saturday

10-6

Sunday

10-5

Admission: Free!

Map

 

 

 

 

 

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Spring Has Sprung in Green Cay!

While I love walking year round at Green Cay Wetlands in Boynton Beach, spring is my favorite time of year there.

WHY?

Take a Look!

It’s not just about the walking..... but about the hunt!   No... no guns or bows and arrows.... the hunt for nests.   The signs have been there for weeks.  Red-Winged Blackbirds have been seen flying with long blades of grass or twigs in their beaks.  To find the nest, all you have to do is follow their path with your eyes.  If you’re lucky, the nest will be close enough to the boardwalk to get a good look.

Common Moorhens build their nests closer to the water.   And some prefer the tops of trees.

And just for Easter... look what this marsh hare was kind enough to do....

As Roy Kelley always says I do have my camera in hand.  

 

 

 

 

 

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Room Service! Home Staging
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