April | Forty-Sixth Issue
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A recent survey was conducted by major U.S. journals asking what is known about the “Happiness Factor”. You, like I, might find that the results of the survey were quite surprising. It found that while the majority of Americans had more wealth and had achieved the American dream (i.e. home ownership and a college education), there remains a disconnect between financial success and happiness. The explanation for this was found in the answers provided to a particular question at the end of the survey. The survey found that those who responded as having more community involvement were more satisfied with their lives. It also found that as an individual’s involvement grew, their “happiness factor” also increased.
Palm Beach County has numerous volunteer opportunities just waiting to be filled by someone like you. No matter your talent, time or treasure, there is an opening for you. In the words of former President Bill Clinton, “Volunteering is an act of heroism on a grand scale. And it matters profoundly. It does more than help people beat the odds; it changes the odds.”
So if you’re ready to volunteer and change the odds, please give my office a call. We need you!
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Bringing Government To You |
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During the last couple of weeks, I have brought County Government to you. The following communities have welcomed me, Vivian, Janet and Ed to address important issues to the residents of Valencia Bay, The Bridges, Valencia Cove, Seven Bridges and Valencia Reserve. |
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The most recent item of discussion concerned construction on Lyons Road. For this topic, the staff from the Palm Beach County Engineering Department were present and answered questions. Included in our team were County Engineer David Ricks, Traffic Division Director Mo Al-Turk, Director of Construction Coordination Albert Hoffman, Roadway Production Assistant Director Kathleen Farrell, Traffic Operations Manager Fadi Nassar, Traffic Engineering Operations Manager Rasem Awwad and Roadway Production Director Morton Rose.
It is important that our County Government deals directly with the people we serve.
If you would like to have a visit from us on any topic feel free to contact our office.
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I had the pleasure of attending and being the guest speaker at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens' ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the rededication of the Yamato–kan on Friday, March 10.
If you have not been there I would highly recommend it. Yamato-kan was named after Yamato, the original colony of Japanese settlers who farmed a large area of land in Boca Raton starting in 1904. The word means, “great peace,” and the early immigrants felt it an appropriate name for their new home.
Guests can explore recently digitized materials from the archive collections associated with the original founders, their families, friends and neighbors, and view local newspaper clips of the time. An important part of the Morikami Museum Collection is the diary of Tamemasu ‘Henry’ Kamiya, which spans from 1914 to 1941. While the diary is too fragile to be displayed, it has now been translated into English and digitized, in order to shed light on the personal and community struggles that the settlers faced while farming in South Florida over a century ago.
During your visit, you will enjoy three new short documentaries. The films highlight the stories of the Yamato colonists who came from Japan, the life of George Morikami, the museum’s namesake, and the philosophy of Hoichi Kurisu, the Japanese landscape designer responsible for the design of Morikami’s beautifully manicured gardens.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call 561-495-0233 or visit morikami.org.
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Health Care District Open House |
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Daggerwing Nature Center Delights in April
ANIMAL FEEDINGS
Daily, 3:15 p.m.
All ages, FREE (Reservations not required)
3:15 p.m. is feeding time! Listen to a short talk about one of Daggerwing’s resident animals and then watch while it’s fed. Wednesday - Owl; Thursday - Snake; Friday - Tortoise; Saturday - Alligator.
ANIMAL KEEPER FOR A DAY
Friday, April 7, 10 a.m.
Ages 8+, $10/participant (Reservations required)
Animal keepers have the coolest job! Work behind the scenes with animal care staff and volunteers to feed, clean exhibits and provide enrichment to the animals at the nature center. Learn what it takes to care for these special animal ambassadors.
SPECIAL EVENT: GOPHER TORTOISE DAY
Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
All ages, FREE (Reservations not required)
Celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day at Daggerwing Nature Center! Learn about these native reptiles and the importance of protecting this keystone species. This special event will feature coloring sheets, informational brochures and special presentations throughout the day with our very own gopher tortoise, Fritz!
DAGGERWING VISITS THE LIBRARY: TURTLES
Tuesday, April 11, 3:30 p.m.
Ages 5+, FREE (Reservations required)
Enjoy a special program about turtles featuring a visit from some of the nature center’s resident animal ambassadors, at the West Boca Branch Library! Call the West Boca Branch Library for details and RSVP at 561-470-1600.
MOTHER NATURE & ME: CLEAN AND GREEN
Tuesday, April 18, 10:30 a.m.
Ages 2-5 (w/guardian), $4/child (Reservations required)
Get ready to jump and shout with Mother Nature through stories, live animals, activities and a craft specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers!
SPECIAL EVENT: EARTH DAY
Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All ages, FREE* (Reservations not required)
Celebrate Earth Day at Daggerwing Nature Center! Bring the family to learn easy ways to help the planet while having fun. This special event will feature live animal encounters, interactive activities, butterfly plant sale, ladybug release, crafts and much more! *Some activities involve minimal cash or check donation to
Friends of Daggerwing Nature Center.
All programs are by reservation only, unless otherwise stated. Please register online at www.pbcparks.com; under “Online Services” click on Register/Pay for Program. All participants are required to sign a Program Participation Form before each program.
Daggerwing Nature Center is operated by the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department and is located in Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park at 11435 Park Access Road, off Cain Boulevard between Glades Road and Yamato Road, west of Boca Raton.
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50th Anniversary of PBC Chapter of NOW |
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At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on March 14, Vice Mayor Sachs presented a proclamation recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Palm Beach Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW).
Since its formation in 1973, the Palm Beach County Chapter of NOW has been fighting for the rights of girls and women, and for basic human rights for everyone. This chapter has become the largest and one of the most active NOW chapters in Florida since its creation by professors at Florida Atlantic University and other community activists. This chapter was instrumental in establishing Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, a permanent injunction against blockading women's health facilities in 1989, and initial steps leading to the 1998 Faragher decision by the U.S. Supreme Court establishing employers' responsibilities regarding sexual harassment. The members and board founded the Feminist Scholarship Fund, Families Against Court Travesties (FACTS) Court Watch and WiN NOW Women's Issues Now.
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Palm Beach County Fire Rescue ALS Team Day |
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At the Board of County Commissioners meeting on March 14, Vice Mayor Maria Sachs presented a proclamation declaring March 14, 2023 as Palm Beach County Advanced Life Support (ALS) Team Day in Palm Beach County.
The team won the Florida ALS Cup by finishing first at the Palm Beach State Panther EMS Challenge, First There First Care, and the Boca Raton Bernie Tilson Memorial EMS Challenge. The team also placed third at ClinCon and the Randy Boaz Memorial ALS Competition. The competition team was started in 2018 and competes against other ALS teams throughout the state of Florida. The team, consisting of Team Captain Lieutenant Daniel McAndrews, Lieutenant Ivonne Garcia, Lieutenant Michael Redmond, Firefighter Paramedic Nick Byrd, and Team Trainer/Coach Glenn Jordan, retired Trauma Hawk RN, created a winning culture amongst their peers while delivering exceptional service to the citizens of Palm Beach County.
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Animal Care & Control Spotlight |
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Meet Jack, Who is Looking for a Friend |
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I was left behind by my previous owner and I don't know why. I keep waiting for him, please come rescue me.
If you are interested in adopting Jack, visit Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Division's SNAP website here and you'll see him.
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Meet Lucy, Our Little Scaredy Cat |
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I am tiny, but still full of affection. I am looking for someone to spend time with. Will you please come and adopt me.
If you are interested in adopting Lucy, visit Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Division's SNAP website here and you'll see her.
Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control Division is waiving adoption fees. Each adoption will ensure your best friend is spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and has a county license tag. 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.
Stay tuned for the next issue, as I will feature another dog and cat in need of a forever home.
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Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control is in Urgent Need of Fosters
Palm Beach County Public Safety Department’s Animal Care and Control Division (PBCACC) is urging the community to foster as the number of dogs in the shelter has risen to over 200. With only 144 kennels, two dogs are now being paired in one kennel space. PBCACC staff is working overtime to ensure quality care, but they need the community’s help.
PBCACC is seeking 15 to 20 Foster Ambassadors. Foster Ambassadors foster a dog with the goal of finding them a forever home. Fostering frees up kennel space for another homeless dog in need. All the supplies (food, leash, collar, crate and preventatives) are provided for those who decide to foster.
The Foster Ambassador program is very convenient for the foster parent. Fostering is flexible, and it provides an amazing companion. It also provides a great opportunity to give back to the community, and all supplies are provided at no cost.
Fostering benefits dogs in many ways. Through fostering, dogs learn one-on-one love, and it reduces their stress levels, helping them stay healthy. Also, the dogs get to experience more about life in a new home. Fostering makes much-needed space for another homeless dog, and it provides the opportunity for the dogs to be showcased to potential adopters.
The animal viewing hours are Monday to Friday, noon to 6 p.m., Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
PBCACC is located at 7100 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach, just west of the Florida Turnpike. For more information, call 561-233-1200 or visit the website, www.pbcgov.com/animal.
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My family and I are new residents of Palm Beach County. Our new house has an in-ground pool and I am afraid for my young children since they do not know how to swim. Does the County have locations where swim lessons are provided at a low cost?
Florida, unfortunately, ranks first in the United States for accidental drowning deaths. Seventy-one percent of pool and spa fatalities occur at a private residence. So you do have a reason to be concerned. Learning how to swim is important. The Drowning Prevention Coalition offers free swim lesson vouchers for qualified children ages 2-12.
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Wishing those who celebrate a |
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Your County Commissioner, |
Maria Sachs
Palm Beach County District 5
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Please feel free to call Our Office with any questions.
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Commissioner Maria Sachs | Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners | District 5
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