Dear friends and neighbors,
As we embrace the changing seasons, let’s take a moment to acknowledge two important festivals: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, marks a time of reflection and renewal. Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, reminds us of the importance of forgiveness, empathy and moving forward with a renewed purpose.
As we come together to celebrate these holidays, may we be inspired by the lessons they offer and continue to come together as a community.
Wishing you a Shanah Tovah U'Metukah, a year filled with goodness and sweetness.
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On Friday, Sept. 9, Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Maria Sachs hosted a community conversation event, Coffee With Maria, at the South County Civic Center in Delray Beach.
Members of the community were invited to participate in Tai Ji Quan, a martial art that can help improve balance and stability. Vice Mayor Sachs also facilitated a Q&A regarding the construction on Lyons Road with the Palm Beach County Engineering and Public Works Department, contractors and Florida Power & Light. The audience also participated in a discussion about the Indian Trails Grove Agricultural Reserve Exchange.
Among the participants were 1000 Friends of Florida, Alliance of Delray Residential Associations, Audubon Society of Everglades, Boynton Ag Reserve Communities (BARC), Century Village West – Boca Raton, Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA), Equestrian Group of Sunshine Meadows, Health Care District of Palm Beach County, Kings Point Golf and Country Club, Office of Congresswoman Lois Frankel, Palm Beach County Engineering and Public Works Department, Sierra Club Loxahatchee Group and West Boca Community Council.
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- On Sept. 13, 2023, the contractor broke ground and began construction south of the bridge.
- The contractor prepared costs to open both southbound lanes from approximately 153 Road South to Golden Gate Avenue. Palm Beach County staff have reviewed and approved the cost. A traffic control plan is being developed, and once approved, the contractor will begin this work.
- As of Aug. 22, 2023, the contractor has received approval for a change order to begin work south of the newly constructed bridge. New traffic safety equipment has been installed in the area.
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- On Sept. 8, 2023, delineator posts were installed adjacent to Joseph’s Classic Market to help prevent illegal maneuvers by drivers exiting that site. Additional signage will be added adjacent to St. Mary’s Church for clarity.
- The county will install road closure signs at St. Mary’s Coptic driveways and “One Way” signs at driveways like the exit for Joseph’s Classic Market.
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- The contractor has indicated they intend to open both southbound lanes from 153 Road South through the bridge to Sauvignon Pkwy by December 2023.
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Atlantic Avenue & Lyons Road |
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- Working together with Kate Cotner, External Affairs Manager for Florida Power & Light (FPL), county traffic staff met onsite with FPL representatives to discuss the temporary signal at the Atlantic and Lyons Road intersection. County survey crews will be onsite beginning Sept. 18 to lay out the proposed locations of temporary signal poles to not conflict with the proposed mast arm installation and FPL utilities.
- The intersection has many overhead lines running from east to west, which belong to FPL. They estimate it will take them about four weeks to complete their work. After FPL completes its work, county staff from the Traffic Division will install a temporary signal, which is expected to take two additional weeks.
- After the installation of the temporary signal, the existing mast rams can be removed, allowing the roadway contractor to begin work.
- The contractor currently estimates the project to be completed in May 2024.
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- County staff discussed signalization with the developer on Sept.7, 2023.
- They committed to installing a signal at their main entrance onto Lyons Road.
- Design, material procurement, and installation is expected to take one year.
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Escondido/Timbers/Lyons Road |
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- The Palm Beach Sheriff's Office agreed to provide temporary mobile speed feedback signs. These signs were installed on Sept. 8, 2023.
- Solar-powered speed feedback signs have been ordered and are expected to be installed in the next few months.
- Speed Reduction Markers were installed this week.
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Seven Bridges Signal Timing |
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- Palm Beach County updated the timing on Sept. 8, and will continue to monitor this through construction.
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Palm Beach County just entered what is considered the peak of hurricane season. Now is the time to prepare. Get to know your neighbors and neighborhood leaders. Identify frail or elderly residents who may need you to check in on them. Make sure you have a family plan, especially if you plan on staying. If you plan to evacuate, decide where and who will be going with you ahead of time. Plan how to communicate with family so they can contact you post-storm to ensure your safety.
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Water: At least 3-7 gallons per person of drinking water
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Food: Non-perishable items such as peanut butter, tuna fish, canned meats, canned fruits/vegetables, pet food
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Baby Items: Baby food, formula, bottles, diapers, games
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Lights: Flashlights, camping lights, batteries
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Cleaning Supplies: Soap, detergent, paper towels, trash bags, gloves, bleach
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Personal Items: Clothes, toiletries, shampoo, towels
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Medications: Ensure one month of prescriptions, as well as OTC medications, first-aid supplies, bandages
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Communications: Portable power banks, extra charging cables
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Generators: Remember to have these serviced, extra gas cans, extra oil, extension cords, smoke/CO detectors
***NEVER OPERATE A GENERATOR INDOORS***
***NEVER PLUG A GENERATOR DIRECTLY INTO YOUR HOUSE OR AN OUTLET***
Take the time now to prepare your home as well. Remove any loose items in your yard that can be picked up by the wind and turned into missiles. Use bulk trash for bigger items. Familiarize yourself with your home's shutters and awnings. Trees should be trimmed to allow air to pass through them.
Familiarize yourself with the nearest hurricane shelter locations in advance to ensure you're prepared prior to a storm.
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Events Around the Community |
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Glades Road Branch
20701 95th Ave.
Boca Raton 33434
Children:
Monday, Sept. 18, 3-3:45 p.m.
Elevate your card-making skills with a few tips and tricks. Create beautiful and unique card designs for birthdays, holidays and just saying “I love you!”
Tuesday, Sept. 19 & 26, 5-6 p.m.
Get a little extra help with your reading skills by practicing with a teen buddy. Grades K-5. Preregister.
Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2-3 p.m.
Enjoy a musical storytelling experience where words join with the melody of string instruments, followed by arts and crafts. Ages 5 & up. Preregister.
West Boynton Branch
9451 Jog Road
Boynton Beach 33437
Adults:
Thursday, Sept. 21, 2-3 p.m.
Immerse yourself in this ancient art form to comfort your mind. Preregister.
Monday, Sept. 25, 1:30-3 p.m.
Color for fun and relaxation with other enthusiasts. Coloring materials provided or bring your own.
Thursday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
PBC Veteran Services
Meet with accredited Service Officer Jason St. John for a Q&A about services. Bring your DD214.
Children:
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m.
Bouncing Baby
Exposure to language through rhythm, rhyme, stories and songs. Ages 0-13 mos.
Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m.
Wiggling Walkers
Interactive early literacy experience featuring props, songs, fingerplays and stories. Ages 13-36 mos.
Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Chess Club
Get tips to master chess moves. Challenge yourself and other players! Materials provided. Ages 8-12.
West Boca Branch
18685 State Road 7
Boca Raton 33498
Children:
Tuesday, Sept. 19 & 26, 10:30-11 a.m.; Thursday, Sept. 21 & 28, 10:30-11 a.m.
A fun time of stories, fingerplays and songs just for toddlers. Please sign up for one class per week. Ages 1-2. Preregister.
Wednesday, Sept. 20 & 27, 11-11:45 a.m.
A fun time of stories, fingerplays, songs and a craft. Ages 3-6. Preregister.
Sunday, Sept. 17, 12:30- 1 p.m.
Family Storytime
Stories, fingerplays and songs for kids and their families. Ages 2-6.
Hagen Ranch Road Branch
14350 Hagen Ranch Road
Delray Beach 33446
Children:
Saturday, Sept. 23, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Family Storytime
Enjoy stories, music and activities for the whole family to enjoy together.
Wednesday, Sept. 20, 4-4:45 p.m.
In honor of National Honey Month, learn concepts of control, logic and programming using Bee-Bot®. Grades 1-5. Preregister.
Wednesday, Sept. 27, 3-5 p.m.
Read with licensed therapy dogs who can’t wait for you to read them a story. Reserve a 15-minute time slot. Grades K-5. Preregister.
Thursday, Sept. 28, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Drop-in & Play
Socialize and play in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Ages 2-5.
Click here for more information or to register for an event.
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I had the pleasure of joining Congresswoman Lois Frankel at the Health Care District of Palm Beach County regarding federal grant money for a falls prevention program.
The program will begin in September, on weekdays from 8:30-9:30 a.m., at the South County Civic Center, outdoors beneath the pavilion.
If you would like more information about the program, please see the full details on the flyer below or visit preventfallspbc.org.
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I gave a rousing speech at the last Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA) meeting, updating residents with relevant information about what is happening in District 5. Infrastructure must be in place before more housing or mixed-use development is approved.
I strongly encourage everyone to attend the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioner meeting on Oct. 24, 2023, when we will vote on the GL land swap.
The meeting will take place at 9:30 a.m. in the Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers at 301 N. Olive Ave., 6th Floor, West Palm Beach 33401. Let your voices be heard!
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Pictured here (l to r): Msgr. Tom Skindeleski, Cartraill Calderon (Sophia’s son), Darielle Bethel (Sophia’s daughter), Vice Mayor Maria Sachs, Founder Sophia Wisdom, Kayla Wilbur (Sophia’s daughter), and Ret. Det. William Dames.
I presented a proclamation declaring Aug. 22, 2023, as Sophia Wisdom Day in Palm Beach County. In 2009, Sophia Wisdom established the House of Wisdom Restart Center, a nonprofit organization in Palm Beach County dedicated to improving the quality of life for young single mothers and their children.
The center has achieved significant milestones, with an astounding 97% of participating mothers securing employment within the first two weeks, 100% of their children being enrolled in a childcare or school readiness program, 90% of the mothers completing the parenting and financial literacy program and 82% completing the job readiness training.
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Together for Sharon Month |
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At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on Aug. 22, 2023, I presented a proclamation declaring August 2023 as Together for Sharon Month in Palm Beach County. Sharon’s son, Dr. George Ackerman, along with family members, created Together for Sharon in loving memory of Sharon Riff Ackerman, a courageous individual who valiantly battled Parkinson’s disease for 15 years, to preserve her memory, increase awareness of Parkinson’s disease and to foster hope for a cure.
The family, using their funds, designed a wristband to raise Parkinson’s disease awareness, bearing the inscriptions “In memory of Sharon Riff Ackerman,” “Parkinson’s Disease Awareness” and TogetherforSharon®.” The family distributes wristbands, free of charge, to individuals in the Parkinson’s community and those who desire to contribute directly to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Parkinson’s Foundation, or The Michael J. Fox Foundation in memory of Sharon.
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My child just started school and is feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Are there resources to help my child adjust to the new school year?
The Palm Beach County Youth Services Department's Youth and Family Counseling (YFC) section provides a three-month community-based program that includes free therapeutic services for families with children and youth up to age 22. YFC's community-focused services include assessments, family and individual therapy, parent education and school-based behavioral health services.
Therapeutic services are offered in-person or virtually in English, Spanish, French and Creole at office locations in Belle Glade, Delray Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and West Pam Beach.
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Please feel free to call our office with any questions.
561-355-2205
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Vice Mayor Maria Sachs | Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners | District 5
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