The story of our country is told in many languages, and painted with the diversity of colors of many peoples. Every group brings a certain ingredient that adds to our country’s strength.

This month we recognize the achievements of African Americans who contributed so much to our American culture. We recognize their successes and celebrate their history.
Events for the Community at Our Libraries
This month we honor the many struggles and triumphs in the midst of adversity of the African American community. This month is a month of celebration and in honor of that celebration Palm Beach County Library System is offering events in person and virtually via Zoom.

At the West Boca Branch - 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton 33498
Black History Month Celebration: Jazz Musical Performance
Thursday, February 16th at 6pm

Film Festival: Black History Stories
Wednesday, February 15th at 2pm, "Respect"

Wednesday, February 22rd at 2pm, "Loving"

West Boynton Branch - 9451 Jog Road, Boynton Beach 33437
Fun with African Fabric: Mini Quilt Coaster
Tuesday, February 28th at 6pm

Online - At your local branch (Call/Visit your local branch to preregister)
History's Lost Black Towns
Wednesday, February 15th and 22nd at 3pm (Preregister)

Book Chat: "Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge," by Erica Armstrong
Friday, February 17th at 4pm (Preregister)

Book Discussion:"Jonah's Gourd Vine," by Zora Neale Hurston
Sunday, February 19th at 3:30pm (Preregister)

African American Folktales: A Tale of a Few Tricksters!
Thursday, February 23rd at 11am (Preregister)

The Golden Thirteen
Monday, February 27th at 3pm

Pride & Prose LGBTQ+ Book Discussion: "The Color Purple," by Alice Walker
Tuesday, February 28th at 6pm
Committees Reports
Vice Mayor Sachs, Chair of Solid Waste Authority
The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County (SWA) invites us to join together by resolving to Recycle Right in 2023.

In the last fiscal year, county residents placed more than 95,000 tons of recyclables in their blue and yellow recycle bins. That’s almost 200 million pounds of recyclable waste that would have otherwise been trashed.
The top items by weight sent to mills and factories to be used again were:
  • Mixed paper – more than 32,500 tons
  • Cardboard – more than 16,500 tons
  • Glass – more than 16,000 tons
  • Plastics – more than 5,300 tons
  • Aluminum – more than 950 tons

Let's work together to help reduce our waste and recycle to make our community and our planet a better place to live. If you have any questions regarding recycling and what you need to do to help, please go HERE.
Vice Mayor Sachs, Chair of Tourist Development Council
Fun at the Food Network
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 @ 3:00pm

So what started the "Food as Entertainment" craze on television? Boggs was on camera the night the Food Network launched and through the following decade. He takes us behind the scenes at the difficult birth of Food Network with stories of Emeril, Bobby Flay, Anthony Bourdain, and more. The talk features videos from his show, "Bill Boggs' Corner Table," the first TV show to feature celebrities dining in their favorite restaurants. Guests included Jerry Stiller, Joan Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg, Martha Stewart, and more. Boggs closes with his signature end-of-show question: "Tell us your favorite restaurant in the world and why?" "Boggs' tales of Food Network's early days are revealing and captivating..." Bloomberg. This event is also available virtually. 
19th Annual Palm Beach Fine Craft Show
Friday - Sunday, February 17th - 19th, @ 11am
Palm Beach County Convention Center

This weekend the 19th Annual Palm Beach Fine Craft Show will be held at the Palm Beach Convention Center, featuring many of the most revered contemporary craft artists in the United States. About 100 artists will be exhibiting their finest works, including glass, textiles, clothing, jewelry, metal, ceramics, wood, leather, furniture, and basketry. The show will open at 11:00 am each day and will close at 6:00pm on Sunday, February 19th. The 19th Annual Palm Beach Fine Craft Show is proud to once again present this esteemed annual show in the spacious 2nd floor ballroom indoor at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
For tickets and information visit HERE.
The Agricultural Reserve Workshop
In Preparation for the Agricultural Reserve Workshop
One of the most important missions I have in representing the area of land known as the Agricultural Reserve is to PRESERVE it. For this reason I have reached out to community leaders to hear their ideas on how to best represent the people's interests. I met with delegates from: The Presidents Council, COBWRA, The Alliance, West Boca Community Council, BARC, Sierra Club and representatives from: Valencia Reserve, Valencia Cove, Canyon Lakes, and Canyon Isles.
My office is open to hear from you. If you represent a business, trade, or farm that is affected by what occurs in this pristine area please reach out to my office at our district email district5@pbcgov.org
Palm Beach County Recognizes the Morikami Museum
Recognition of Consul General Kazuhiro Nakai
At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on February 7, 2023, I presented a certificate of recognition to Consul General Kazuhiro Nakai for the many years of support from the Office of the Consul General of Japan in Miami for the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.
Consul General Kazuhiro Nakai, Vice Mayor Maria Sachs and Mayor Gregg Weiss.
The Reopening of the Yamato-Kan at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
On Friday, March 10th at 10am, I am going to speak at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the re-opening of the Yamato-Kan.
Local Heroes
At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on January 10, 2023, I presented a proclamation declaring January 28, 2023 as More Than Pink Day in Palm Beach County.  The More Than Pink Bus is a partnership of Susan G. Komen South Florida, Lamar Transit Advertising and Palm Tran.  The bus will be seen thousands of times a month to help raise awareness of the need for equal access to high-quality care for all breast cancer patients.
Palm Tran Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes, Government Affairs Manager Deborah Posey-Blocker, Vice Mayor Maria Sachs, breast cancer survivor Tanya Burke, Komen South Florida Development Director Jamie Bellamy, Komen South Florida Development Manager Alexa Miranda.
Safety 4 Life Ambassador Day
At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on February 7, 2023, I presented a proclamation declaring March 4, 2023 as Safety 4 Life Ambassador Day in Palm Beach County. Teen safety continues to be a serious concern and is everyone’s responsibility. By connecting more than 500 student ambassadors from public, private and charter schools across Palm Beach County, solutions to safety issues on the road and internet, human trafficking and police interaction with youth have been developed. Student Ambassador Day is an opportunity to encourage all teens and their families to make responsible choices and adopt healthy behaviors. 
Cardinal Newman High School (CNHS) Safety 4 Life Student Ambassador Coordinator and Administrator Jay Lower, CNHS Safety 4 Life Board member Ava Howell, CNHS Safety 4 Life Student President Grayson Honaker, Suncoast High School Safety 4 Life Student President Kayla Baptiste, Wellington High School Safety 4 Life Student President Melany Cerrator, Safety 4 Life Foundation Executive Director Tara Applebaum, Vice Mayor Maria Sachs, Safety 4 Life Foundation CEO Brian LaBovick, G Star High School Student 4 Life Student Co-President Angelina Flores, G Star High School Safety 4 Life Student Co-President Leah Lascano, CNHS Safety 4 Life Board member Kate Rooney and CNHS Safety 4 Life Board member Amelia Walsh.
Events in Our Community for Our Community
The 26th Annual ARTS4ALL Florida Palm Beach County
2023 West Festival: Friday, February 17th
Join us at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center at Palm Beach State College, Glades Campus for workshops and an art exhibit! This event is dedicated to creating an inclusive community where people with disabilities can participate and enjoy both the performing and visual arts.
Horses and Hounds Charitable Foundation: Sunday, February 19th
Come and bring the family, including your doggy, for an afternoon of fun! There will be lots to do with many vendors, a corvette show, motorcycles by The Nobos, a dog show, a silent auction, a Blessing of the Animals by Rabbi Ellen Zuskin, a hay ride through the magnificent Enchanted Garden, and live music. This event will benefit the shelter dogs at Tri-County Animal Rescue!
Animal Care & Control Spotlight
My Name is Gilligan
I am a good boy and I would love to be part of your family. Although very playful, but not too rowdy, I am good with both dogs and people . If you are interested in adopting me, visit Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Division's SNAP website HERE and you'll see me.

Stay tuned for the next issue, as I will feature another dog from ACC in need of a forever home."
My Name is Moon
As an older lady I am in need of a peaceful and quiet home, with someone who will be patient with me as I adjust. I am a very sweet cat looking for a loving home. If you are interested in adopting me, visit Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Division's SNAP website HERE and you'll see me.

Stay tuned for the next issue, as I will feature another cat from ACC in need of a forever home."
The “Paw-fect” Valentine is at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Palm Beach County (PBC) Department of Public Safety Division of Animal Care and Control (ACC) is offering $14 adoptions on all pets in the adoption program for the month of February.
Each adoption will ensure a forever “valentine” is spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and has a county license tag. And to make sure adopters get started off on the right paw, they receive a free follow-up visit to a local veterinarian and bag of Hill’s Science Diet pet food.
For those who are reluctant to adopt, fostering-to-adopt gives the opportunity to spend time with a furry friend before adopting and provides the opportunity for an animal to enjoy time in an enriching environment. Give love to a homeless dog or cat this Valentine’s Day!
Those interested in finding a “valentine,” can visit PBC Animal Care and Control in person or view adoptable pets HERE. 
Adoption Center Hours:
Monday - Friday: Noon - 6pm
Saturday: Noon - 6pm
Sunday: Noon - 6pm
 
PBC Animal Care and Control is located at 7100 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach, just west of the Florida Turnpike. For more information, please call (561) 233-1200.
Your County Commissioner,
Maria Sachs
Palm Beach County District 5
Please feel free to call Our Office with any questions.
Commissioner Maria Sachs | Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners | District 5