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Merchants of Downtown Lake Worth
The MOD Squad
(215)205-9441<
JClay6@aol.com
For Immediate Release
Date: September 27, 2013
Merchants of Downtown : Lake Worth
The MOD Squad Arrives in Lake Worth
A New Merchant Movement in Lake Worth
October and the Mod Squad
In the early days of September, in the back room of Brogue’s Down Under, a new and vital organization emerged in Downtown Lake Worth. Calling themselves Merchants of Downtown (MOD), this MOD Squad hit the ground running. With freshness and enthusiasm this newly formed group has grown week by week, its members bubbling over with enthusiasm and ideas, all geared towards making Downtown Lake Worth an exciting and memorable place that neighbors and visitors will want to return to again and again. Their activities include dancing in the streets and on the sidewalks, music everywhere, block parties and special event gatherings. Mentored and led by Ella Riggs, Lake Worth Jewelers’ and a veteran of decades in downtown Lake Worth, this group is primed and ready. From a seedling group of eight they have quickly grown to over thirty participants, all eager to work together for the good of the community.
The October calendar is crowded. Each week brings additional events to the downtown. All member shops will be up and running for Evenings on the Avenue with goodies to share, musical events at their doors and sales and promotions for everyone coming through the doors. The 700 Block of Lake Avenue is a particularly active MOD Squad location. The Unknown Boutique is filled with unusual and affordable resort wear and Ramon Reyes has taken on the job of Block Captain, helping to organize the wonderful merchants and entertainment. Stop in to see Trinkets and Treasures and the Bees Knees who will be doing back alley yard sales every first Saturday of the month. The Lake Worth Playhouse and the Stonzek Theater have some of the best entertainment in the region.
The Dixie corridor is represented as well. Studio Dance Lake Worth’s dynamo Michael Puccio has offered to bring his dance and music to block parties held, starting in November, every second Friday of the month. Linda Stabile represents her many business allies on the 400 block South of Dixie.
The 600 Block of Lake has some major MOD Squad activists. Ella Riggs of Lake Worth Jeweler’s is vying for the best decorated Halloween Block with huge input from the folks at Brogue’s Down Under. Chad from the Sequel’s Boutique is single handedly, but with the support of the MOD Squad, organizing Girls’ Night out on Thursday, October 10th from 6-10 PM. This is a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Lucerne has jumped into the mix with some very special MOD Squad members. Maurici has two businesses in town. On Lucerne his Milton’s Grooming Parlor (for pets) has been very actively bringing wonderful events to the 700 block. With Marianne and Bruce Weber Galleries expect lively and high-end entertainment and events on a regular basis. Maurici’s Salon on the Avenue (500 block of Lake) is also awake and raring to go.
South Shores Tavern is an anchor in town with manager Karine Albano sponsoring every community fund-raiser that comes her way. She will be organizing her block with parties, music and great food.
And then we have the MOD Squad on J Street. With the newest shop, Coconut Planet, The Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery, Common Ground, Poutine Dog and Coastars not to mention the extravaganzas produced by Propaganda and Bamboo Room, this street really rocks. Elvie Lerner brings the crafts from her native Philippines to her shop, Coconut Planet. She sits in her quaint little shop sewing garments, making jewelry and interacting with all of the new visitors who have found her and are entranced by her wares.
The 800 Block of Lake is waking up and beginning to stir. New merchant Eddy will be moving his shop from Worth Avenue to the anchor shop at the head of the Avenue. He is revved up and raring to go. Michelle from Carousel Antiques is the new block captain and excited to be working with the new restaurants and shops and galleries coming onto this block. Chelsea Lane juggles school and the Wallpaper and design business she and her mother Wendy so successfully run. We are looking for a re-naming, re-branding ceremony for them later this year.
The month of October is full of activity and surprises. Each block is pulling together to make the city shine. Halloween preparations are already underway. Ghouls and Monsters will be the themes of the month. Starting with Evenings on the Avenue, Have a Bloody Good Time at Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery on Friday, October 4. Girls’ Night out will be celebrated on Thursday, October 10th on L Street. Saturday, October 12 is ARToberFest on J Street. The Full Moon Blood Drive will be held amidst Art, Music and Food at the Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery on Friday, October 18. A Spirited Tour of Downtown Lake Worth will be held on Saturday, October 19th. The month of activities ends on Saturday, October 26 with the ever popular Monster Mash. For additional information on each of these activities contact JClay6@aol.com.
The Merchants of Downtown is a group that meets weekly to make Downtown Lake Worth a welcoming destination for neighbors and visitors alike. The MOD Squad, as they fondly refer to themselves, organizes block by block bringing activity, unity and camaraderie to the Downtown corridor. For additional information contact JClay6@aol.com.
